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The Church of Jesus Christ
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I83I4-37
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http://www.archive.org/details/latterdaysaintsm01unse
LATTER DAY SAINTS'
]?IESSKIV«Elt AND AI>TO€ATE.
Vol. I. No. {■] KIRTLAND, OHIO, OCTOBER, 1834. " [Whole No. 1.
ADDRESS.
As this No. commences the Latter
Dtiy Saints' ]\Icssengcr and Advocate,
it is necessary for us to make a few
remarks, and also inform our friends
of the course which will be pursued in
its Editorial department.
The closing Vol. of the Star, or the
ten last numbers were published at this
place; and for the matter which they
contain, or at least, the Editorial, we
are responsible. If the principles are
pure, the man who embraces them may
he guided in the way of righteousness;
but if not, and we have not warned our
fellow men of the things of the king-
dom of God, or have cried peace and
safety, when destruction was near, then,
at the great day of retribution, before
an impartial Judge, we must answer
for the blood of souls! Of these things,
no man is more sensible than ourselves.
iJut the reflection is otherwise. To be
sure, our opponants have cried an a-
{arm, and used every exertion to hin-
der the spread of truth; but truth has
continued its steady course, and the
work of the Lord has rolled on: and
.where darkness once held unbounded
sway, and corruption prevailed undis-
turbed, the fruit of righteousness has
sprung up and the children of men been
made to rejoice with a joy unspeakable.
That this may continue to be the
case we shall continue our exertions.
We are aware that the work has just
commenced: four years have been
insuuicient to warn all nations: this,
ill an ancipnt day was a work o^many
years. And though the word has been
preached to thousands, and many obey-
ed, yet many millions ai-e yet in ignor-
ance; yes, many in darkness. The
only marvel is, that God should have
mercy on a corrupt generation, .ajid
condescend to bring light and truth to
light for their salvation. It is no mar-
vel that men should reject it: this was
always the case, because their deeds
were evil.
Men labor for different objects, with
a view to accomplish different purposes
— some ambition, some pride, somo
money, and some power — but the/ew?
to save men. Only the few then have
we had cause to expect, would show
themselves friendly to the truth: only
ihefeio labor for that reward which is
to be brought at the revelation of Jesus
Christ; and of course, from them only
could we expect countenance in the ar-
duous undertaking to instruct men in
those things which are to concern them
hereafter!
In matters of controversy, as we said
in the first No. of the Star published
ui this place, we say now. The saints
anciently were exhorted to contend
earnestly for that faith once delivered
to those before them; but nothing js
there said of controversy. It may be
doubted by some, whether controversy
upon any principle is correct, or ever
resulted in good: be this as it may; but
above all things, if jo;n must contend
upon religious matters, the greatest
decorum and propriety ought to be ob-
served! A heated zeal without knowl-
edge may hurl thousands into a vortex
irretrievable, and lay a foundation for
future generations, the end of which
may bring destruction and death!
With these reflections, then, we can-
not but deem it unsafe for men to enter
the field of controversy against their
opponants in principle, except they are
assured of the correctness of their own
sy."tcm: this would be dangerous; and
to avoid the evil arising from such an
order of things, we shall not attempt
KESSENGBR AND ADVOCATE.
to correct others upon the principles of i not molest or disturb others in theirs, iii
salvation, net knowing first that our j a manner to deprive them of their priv-
foundation is sure. t ileges as freo citizens — or of worship-
That our, 'principles may bo fully ing God as they choose, and that any at-
known we'liere state them briefly:
We believe in God, and his Son Je-
sus Christ We believe that God, from
the beginning, revealed himself to man;
and that whenever he has had a peo-
ple on earth, ho always has revealed
himself to them by the Holy Ghost, the
%ye do not believe that ho ever had a
church on earth without revealing him-
self to that church: consequently, there
wcro apostles, prophets, evangelists,
pastors, and teachers, in the same. —
We believe that God is the same in all
ages; and that it requires tho same ho-
liness, purity, and religion, to save a
man noio, as it did anciently; and that,
as HE is no respecter of persons, always
has, afid always will reveal himself to
pien-whcn they call upon him.
We believe that God has revealed
himself to men in this age, and com-
menced to raise up a church prepara-
tory to his second advent, when he will
come in the clouds of heaven with pow-
er and great glory.
Wc believe that the popular religious
theories of the day are incorrect; that
they are without ^.arallel in the revela-
tions of God, as sanctioned by him;
and that however faithfully they may
be adhered to, or however zealously
and warmly they may be defended,
they will never stand the strict scrutiny
of the word of life.
We believe that all men are born
free and equal; that no man, combina-
tion of men, or government of men,
■have power or authority to compel or
force othei's to embrace any system of
religion, or religious creed, or to use
force or violence to prevent others
tempt to tho contrary is an assumption
unwarrantable in the revelations of heav-
en, and strikes at the root of civil liber-
ty, and is a subvertion of all equitable
principles between man and man.
We believe that God has set his
hand the second time to recover tho
ministering of angels, or his own voice, remnant of his people, Israel; and that
the time is near v/hen he Will bring
them fi'om tho four v/inds, with son^s
of everlasting joy, and reinstate them
upon their own lands which Iro gave
their fathers by covenant.
And further: We believe in embra-
cing good wherever it may be found;
of proving all things, and holding fast
that which is righteous.
This, in short, is our belief, and we
stand ready to defend it upon its own
foundation when ever it is assailed by
men of character and respectability. —
And while we act upon these broad
principles, we trust in God that wc
shall never be confounded!
Neither shall we wait for opposition;
but with a firm reliance upon the jus-
tice of such a course, and the propriety
of disseminating a knowledge of tho .
same, wc shall endeavor to persuade
men to turn from error and vain spec-
ulation; investigate the plan which
heaven has devised for our salvation;
prepare for the year of recompense,
and the day of vengeance which are
near, and thereby be ready to meet the
Bridegroom!
OLIVER COWDERY.
Kirtland, Ohio^ October, 1834.
Spain. — It is said tliat Spain contains elev-
en millions of inhabitants — on snavsra£;e, 27
to a square mile. And when it is recollected
that a considerable part of the kingdom is ren-
dered incapable of cultivation in consequence
that
from enjoying their own opinions, or j «/»** 1°% "fountains, it must be certain tha
>> ■' " ' ] the population is quite dense. It is also said
practicing the same, so long as thev do that there are 58,249 houses appropriated to
MESSENGEn AND ADVOCATR.
3
religious pnrpoaes; the number of clergy 159, ithe regular wharf. Whether this was
322, and that of friars andnuns, 96,878. '"The jcon-ect oriiicorrect I am unable to say;
'''''i^^^TT!■^f'''•fr'^'''nf^'.ll.T'Mn'/ttl^«tin the ap;,areH^ hurry to leave the
dilated to be fifty millions or dollars, !uid the I i i ■ c i_
portion of this sum actually received by them, \ harbor she took a quantity of baggago
is greater than the whole civil revenue of the and put out before giving time for tho
kingdom, by about eight millions!" — if our
information bo correct.
If money and priests were sufficient to con-
rert a people, one would suppose that the
Spaniards lacked notJiing to render their con-
vertion certain, as 2^,249 houses of ordinary
passengers to arrive. So much for tho
j acccmmodation of men employed to
manage Steam Boats upon our Lake.- —
This was the "Daniel Webster!" Af-
ter being hailed several times she put'
Kize would be sufficient to entertain the whole i , „^i _^,^Y i,;„„„,] i,„,. „„^^„„_^>.„ -..-Vii^Vi
,. , , „ 1 iro 'WO „i«w,,- „.„„ui back and shipped her passengers, wnicn
kingdom at once; and ir>y,Ji2 clergv, uould: j • j l r i
give over five to a congregation. Taking this ! seemed to amend, in a degree, the ieel-
iinto consideration, with therc/zV/o!<5 tax an- ing which otherwise must evidently
nually paid, of fifty millions, one might ask, have arisen in the mind of every bo-
"What lack they yet^" ! holder
But Spain is s^fiZ Spain— racked v.'ith dis- i'^^^^^'-
crdcr anid boiling over with contention; the T airport IS an excellent harbor, and
tiin of civil war Btuning the cars of all, while affords a safe moorage for shipping. — •
blood flows in the same channel of the blood | Government has expended a considera-
of brother, to gratifv anibiiion and foliv. — i , , . • * t „ •+ i3,-^-„ „„„
Neither does thi matter of astonishment'end We amount m extenai,ng its Piers .sev-
Lore— with her 23,249 houses for public wor- jeral rods into the Lake, at the end ot
chip, and her 159,322 clergy, professors of the , which a small Light House is now be—
fame faith, and members of the same "Cath- ' - - . ...
eiic" church, are. with weapons of deatli stri-
ving for the same earthly kingdom.
\V'e do not despise the principles of civil
nor religious liberty, 'nor question the propri-
ety of maintaining them, even by force — for
these are dear to all; but we do question the
righteousness and iinion of that people, who,
by their creeds profess to be one; to be built
upon the 5Krc foundation, and to be guided
by the "holy apostolic faith," delivered to
the world by inspired men, and then array
against each ptiier in hostile armies!
Her trouble does not end iiere — The Des-
troyer— that great scourge sent forth to vex
the nations, and lay waste kingdoms — has
summoned thousands of her citizens to ap-
pear before another tribunal!
Query. — Is she not nojo drinking of that
bitter cup which she has so liberally measured
to so many of her citizens, in her great zeal
to e.xtingnish heresy? — Editor.
ing finished to render the ingress of
vessels more easy during the dark gales
to which this Lake is subject. The
main Light House is situated on a com-
manding eminence, and ia some 60 or
70 feet from its base to its suminit.
Richmond is situated up the river
from Fairport about one and a half
miles. These two towns are destined
to become places of considerable busi-
ness. Fairport probably takes the lead
in forwarding, but Richmond is fast on
the increase, and has several extensive
stores which afford most kinds of mer-
chandise consumed in the country, very
cheap. Farmers generally find a cer-
tain market for theif produce, and a
large extent of country south receive
their eastern merchandise at the two
places.
Our progress from Grand River to
Cleveland was slow, baring a strong
head wind, which blew, at times, al-
most a gale. At Clereland we mado
a short stop, leaving several passen-
gers, baggage, and merchandise.
Cleveland is a pleasantly situated town
While waiting for the arrival of a ^^ the mouth of the Cuyahoga River,
Boat from the east, the "Daniel Web- and is improving. The Canal from the
ster" came down from Detroit, and I south has increased iu trade, and it
touched at the outer end of the Pier to "o^" aflbrdj? a market The harbor is
land and receive passengers. This I good, and was built at considerable ex-
suppose was sujicicnt to answer her pense.
advertisement — "To touch at the inter- There is an increase of population,
Poniiac, M. T. Oct. 20, 1834.
Left Kirtland on the 16th in compa-
ny with our brethren J. Smith jr. D.
Whitmer, H. Smith, F. G. ^V^illiams,
and R. & A. Orton. At 9 in the eve-
ning we took passage on board the
Steam Boat Monroe, ( Whitaker Mas-
ter,) at Fairport.
mediate ports" between the former
place and Buffalo. On enquiry, I was
informed, that a previous misunder-
standing between the cifizens and crew
of tho Boat prevented hf^r lourhing at
orui many forcignerr. of late, have ta-
ken residciice in the town and vicinity
— Swiss, and German. Tho.sc, gener-
ally, are eirriini.'=iprTt, pr.KTnblr-, and
industrious.
«?(.
.J
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
We left the harbor in the night,
and were compelled to face a heavy
wind till we arrived at Huron, moutli
of Huron River. This is a small place,
and, if I am not mistaken the harbor
is not the best. At half past one P. M.
we left the harbor and passed more
swiftly, the wind having changed. —
With canvass we soon passed the mouth
of Sandusky Bay, (3 o'clock,) and be-
fore the Sun had set we passed between
those islands which have been so often
mentioned in the history of our last
War with England, which reverberated
with the sound of Cannon on the mem-
orable 10th of September, 181'3, when
Com. Perry captured the British fleet.
At an expense of 300 killed and
wounded. Perry's name is rcndejed
great on the pages of our history. —
However dishonorable in the minds
of some it may be for men to array
against their fellow-men in a hostile
position, I cannot stop to remove, but
one thing is certain, he was acting in
obedience to the requirements of his
country, as well as his antagonist, (Com.
Barkly,) and a regard for each ought
to have stimulated them to act with the
most judgment possible. These shores
^lave been saluted with the sound of the
instruments of death, and those beauti-
jful waters have been stained v/ith the
blood of men' Wlien, it may be asked,
will nations cease to learn war, & when
will men cultivate those feelings of love
which the gospel of our Lord requires?
While passing this evening toward
Monroe, at the mouth of the river Rai-
sin, we held a conversation with a man
calling himself Ellmer, on the subject
of religion. When any thing was
mentioned of the doctrine or belief of
the Latter Day Saints, we could not
but remark the similarity of spirit, and
the uniformity of sentiment apparent
in the actions and arguments of this
man, with otlxers alike ignorant. He
said that he was personally acquainted
with Joe Smith; had heard him preach
his lies, and now, since he was dead, he
was gladl In fact, be seemingly ex-
pressed more joy in thisbelief than any
thing else which he advanced during
the conversation. He said that he had
heard Joe Smith preach in Bainbridge
Chenango CO. N. Y. five years since;
he knew it to be him; that he was a
dark complexioned man, &c. I was
as particular lo enquire his appearance.
size, age, d:c. as decency Avould ad-
mit, and found that the man was guil-
ty of falsehood. This accounted for
the warmth of his assertions when he
pronoimced the name ^^Joe Smith,"
and I conclude that he learned it from-
the popular priests of the day, who,
thro' fear that their craft will be injured
if their systems arc compared with tho
truth, .seek to ridicule those who teach it.
Now, that he lied, I have no hesitancy
in saying, as our brother Josej)h Smith
Jr. had not jominenced to preach live
years since, neither has he ever preach-
ed in Bainbridge; and, as to the cor-
rectness of his description of his cnm-
plexion I leave all wlio are acquainterl
with his person, to judge. But his
bluster, (for he made no little noise,)
excited the curiosity of manv whocrov.-
ded I'ound, eager to ascertain the causq
of this "v.'ar of words." After making
several assertions, and n)any flourishes,
he gave opportunity for an answer. —
He said that the Savior had not been
seen since his ascension, and that any
man contradictins: this was a deceiver.
After obtaining liberty to speak, we
informed the gentleman that, to coni-
mencc, we would correct one assertion
just advanced, which was, that "Christ
had not appeared to any man or men
since Ins a.scension into heaven, after
his resurrection." The company lis-
tened intensely, and we proceeded: —
In John's testimony we read that af-
ter Peter and John, early in the morn-
ing, had left Mary at the sepulcher, she
stood without, weeping, and after she
had conversed with the angels, turned
round and saw Jesus standing by;^ that
when she knew that it was the Lord,
she was forbidden to touch him: "For
I am not yet ascended to my Father,"
were his words. See John, 20:17.
The same day at evening, the Lord
appeared to certain of his disciples, the
doors being shut, and showed them his
hands and his side; but Thomas not
being present, refused to believe. —
Eight days after, when they were as-
sembled, he appeared again, and call-
ed upon Thomas to put his finger into
the prints of the nails, and his hand in-
to his side. See John, 20:26 «fe 27.
From these two items it is evident
that Jesus was seen after his ascension,
because he could not be touched on the
morning of hi.s resurrection, and eight
days after called upon one of his disci-
MKSSENGER AND ADVOCATE,
»)lcs to put his hand into his side. — I "forty days;" and then was seen to
And liis word to Mary to say to /«s| ascend up into heaven, and also, the
brethren, that lie was ahout to ascend 'angels said that lie had gone to that
to his Father and their Father, /</.v God I place. We will recollect also that af-
nnd their God; and that ho could not iter /A/j." ascension the whole number of
be touched until this was accomplished, j the disciples was only one hundred and
the following account shows plainly^ twenty, and that Paul says, that he
that he had, eight days aftr-r, entered j appeared to above five hundred at once,
those mansions of glory where perfec-jand of course, it must have been afU'r
tion dwells, j this ascention here spoken of by Luke.
Upon this item, then, we rest the j After that he was seen of James; then
fact, — that he had fl[SC(?«rffY// because in ; of all the apostles. Paul does not
the morning he could not be touched, | end his testimony here: Stephen
(for this reason,) and eight <lays after, | was certainly stoned before ^/^ (Paul's)
said to one, "Reach hither thy finger jconvertion, and his last words were,
and behold my hands; and reach hith- \ that he saw the Son of Man on the right
or thy liand, and thrust it into my side"! j hand of God, and Paul says afterward,
smd in another place it is said, that soon j thai he (Christ) appeared unto him.
after his rcsiirrection., as the disciples After ending these few remarks upon
were assembled, Jesus stood in tlieir this item, we were prevented from ma-
midst, and they were "terrified and af- I king any furtlier, as our friend Ellmcr
frighted, and supposed that they had j had grown quite uneasy, and also said
seen a spirit;" but were assured that it 1 that they were not to be found in the
was the Lord, having a privilege of i scriptures. He was informed, hov.--
seeing and feeling — and pass to cer- 1 ever, that if he would wait till I coldd
tain items to show that it was no secret go to my trunk he should have a priv-
wilh the saints that /^c was seen after j ih^ge of seeing for himself, as those
lus ascension. See Luke, 24: 39 & 40. ! passages could be found in a few mo-
Luke also says, when wi'iting the i ments, to wliich 'I had referred. He
Acts of the a])ostles, that Christ showed 'said tliat he wanted nothing of my
himself alive by many infallible proofs, ' Mormon bible; that he did not believe
after his resurrection, "being seen of i in it, neither would he hear it.
them forty days, and speaking of the j He was informed tl)at it was the
things pertaining to the kingdom of English version of the bible, 'containing
God." Peter, while preaching t(i the j the Old and New Testaments, transla-
house of Cornelius, says that God did j ted by order of James I, between the
raise him "up the third day, and show- i years 1607 and '10. As he refused to
ed him openly; not to all the people, | "hear our bible, he was told if he would
but unto witnesses chosen before of j produce one on board the Boat, I would
, (iod, even to us» wbo did eat and drink
with him after he rose from the dead.'"
If this is not sufficient, remembering
that he could not be touched till he as-
cended, we will notice a iew sayings of
Paul, and leave our friends to judge for
themselves.
In the I. 5th chapter of his first epis-
produce those items previously named
— but he refused. A gentleman pres-
ent(a methodisi preacher by profession)
said, tliai any man acquainted with his
bible would be ready to admit the cor-
rectness of what had been quoted. —
The poor man soon found that the coni-
pany discovered his ignorance, and al-
tle to the Corinthians, while speaking ' ^'^ ''is anger, as he soon turned from ua
of the resurrection of the Lord, he says, I ^^ith a loud boast and an important
"that he was seen of Cephas, then of -'^^clly as another methodist priest from
the twelve: after that, he was seen of Engkand had done a short time previ-
above five hundred brethren at once; ^^}^y ^^^r being shown the weakness of
of whom the greater part remain unto
this present, but some are fallen asleep.
After that he was seen of James; then
of all the apostles. And last of all he j will be productive of good, I am unable
was seen of me also, as of one born I to say; but by that means numbers
his own argument ^by our brother H.
Smith.
How far this conversation was, or
out of due time."
heard, and no doubt, felt an increased
Now we will recollect, that after his i anxiety to learn something further rel-
resurrection he was seen of the disciples I ative to this "strange work." One in-
MESSE-NGER AND ADVOCATE.
dividual purchased a book of Mormon,
notwithstanding Mr. Elhner's bitter
cry of "Joe Smith," and "false proph-
ets;" and will thus have a privilege of
hearing the truth, though he may be
separated far from those who have au-
thority to administer the ordinances of
the everlasting gospel. May heaven
inspire his heart to seek diligently un-
til he obtains a certain knowledge of
the kingdom of our God in these last
days!
Contention was soon hushed to si-
lence, som.e assembling in little groups
and conversing upon the common oc-
currences of the day, and others were
pacing silently up and down upon the
deck, as we were propelled at a rapid
rate by wind and steam, while the moon,
with the same majesty and beauty
with which it had been adorned near
six thousand years, arose as from a
watery bed, to light the path of the
weary traveller.
The little town of Monroe is said to
be three miles from the mouth of the
Raisin; but the Boat touched at a pier
or dock erected several rods from the
main land, nvj the passengers were
taken from this in small boats to the
shore. Several Irish and German em-
igrants landed at .this place, witb.con-
siderable heavy baggage. Some few
emigrants from the state of N. Y. also
landed at this point; and from appear-
ance one would judge this to be a con-
venient place for those wishing to set-
tle in the south part of tho Territory,
to land.
We passed up the River in the night
& arrived'at Detroit at 4 o'clock on the
morning of the 8th. It is due Capt.
Whitaker that we should here remark,
that with hia present accommodations,
& civil & agreeable hands, he cannot fail
of- giving that satisfaction to every pas-
senger which will ensure their return
to his Boat, if circumstances admit. —
In fact, every civil man cannot but be
pleased with the happy and agreeable
difference between tho regulations of
Boats on these waters and our south-
ern waters. In the South one will see
gamblers employed from the deck to
the cabin, and each group furnished
with their bottle; but on board the
Monroe, I have it in my power to say,
was not the case. Is it that the mor-
als of the North are so far in advance
of the South?- or is it that popular
prejudice has stamped this vile prac-,
tice with disapprobation? Bo this as it
may, I am certain, that the traveller
will pass his time far more agreeable
where such is the regulation, than
in the midst of the cards, bottles, dirks,
and pistols of the South.
Detroit is a small town on the West
bank of the River of tlie same name;
is pleasantly situated, and is improving;
and while the emigration continues to
the middle part of the Territory, must
continue. It is to be remembered that
this little place has been a point of con-
siderable military struggle, as it -iield
the keys of protection for a large por-
tion of our North-western frontier. —
Our war with England to be sure, has
passed over; but the conduct of Gov.
Hull, in surrendering this post, on thd
16th of August, 1812, has placed a
staiu upon his iiistory, in the mind of
every American, winch will not ha '
erased; and it is to be doubted, v/heth^
er those who '■'■havght !dm^^ will now
justify his conduct!
After the battle of the lOtli of Sept.
1813, it fell into the hands of our Gov-
ernment, and was re-taken by Gen.
Harrison on the 29 of the .same month.
It has been severely scourged thii?
season with Cholera; and it is said
that some hu!;dred.s have lallcn victims
to this disease. We were informed
that it contains at the present, no more
than 4000 mhabitant;?. This may be
called a ^5low increase for two con- .
turies; but when it is remembered that
it is ijet on our frontier, and that little,
or no business was done- here, till late,
except a small trafic with the natives;
& that its first inhabitants were French,
it is not a matter of much astonishment
Boats and other crat't generally touch
at this place, on their passage to and
from the upper Lakes.
A stage runs daily from Detroit to
this place, though the mail but once a
week. At 8 A. M. we took passage.
The face of tho country for several
miles is low and wet, and the timber
not the largest; and were one to judge
as' in other places, . he would be led to
conclude it an unhealthy part of our
land.
As you pass farther, the ground is
more elevated, though by no means
high.
The timber on the up land is princi-
pally oak, while the low ground and
MESSENGhIR AND ADVGCATK.
marshes afford a few small Pine with a jper Canada. On my way 1 called oq
mixture of other timber. I am inform-! the church at VilUnovia, N. Y. prcach-
«d, that larger Pine is qnite abundant 'ed a few times, baptized three persona,
a distance from this. jand heard several others confess they
Judging from the size of the timber] were convinced of the truth of the new
end the appearatice of the soil, a stran- { and everlasting covenant. The season
gov will not consider this part of the being truly gloomy, and the §now falling
Territory to be superior, by no means, Ion the 14th about 10 inches, rendered
to many parts of New York and Ohio. — I the weather distressing to both man and
1 am not disposed to judge the whole
Territory frgm the small jjart that I
have seen, because I am informed by
credible men, that it afibrds far better;
but were one to do this, ho would be
left to wonder wh)'^ people leave the
beast.
After a tedious journey I arrived at
brother Nickerson's, Mount Pleasant,
U. Canada, on the 19th of the samo
month, where I was received with ex-
pressions of joy by all the brethren, who
more ferule and mild parts of Ohio, j were truly desirous to be instructed
for a situation here. j more perfectly in the word of the Lord-
Yet this country is not without its po
culiarities — It abounds with Lakes cov-
ering fx'om one to 1000 acros, which
are literally filled v»ith excellent fish.
The water in these I^akes is remarka-
bly transparent. In addition to these,
the rivers emptying into the large Lakes
abound with White-fish of a superior
tjualily, and many with Salmon-trout
Considering the newness of the coun-
try, the improved land is estimated at
a grater value than would, at first, be
supposed — farms of 100 acres being
held at, from -S 800 to *! 1000
I labored in this region about two months
with a good degree of satisfaction —
many believed the word and some turned
unto the Lord; while others were pro-
vented by unbelieving friends; e^nd ma-
ny were etumbling at the vile calum-
nies that satan and his children were
heaping upon the innocent, to stop the-
work of the Lord. Buthisnamcbe prais-
ed.' his word is sown in Canada; it has
taken root in good ground, and it will
grow in spite of all the priests of satan;
for although they have made a league
with death and hell, and are bound with
Notwithstanding the diseases*^ (fori strong cords, their house shall fall: it
withal it must be quite unhealthy to J is divided, and it cannot stand!
I will giro you a little specimen to
prove the last assertion: As I was
STO-
foreigners;) it is improving, and fast
being settled; and the next session of
our Congress will probably grant it a
privilege of lx;ing recorded upon the
annals of history, a "Free, Sovereign,
and Independent State." And with the
fostering care ot Divine Providence, a
few years might drain many of its
swamps, and convert its wilderness in-
to fruitful fields, and these haunts of
wild beasts 'and ^''rcd men''' into the
abodes of civilization and peace
OLIVER COVVDERY.
€ OMMUNICA TIONS.
Brother. O Cowderv,
In conformity to a
request published in the Star, to the el-
ders of the church of the Latter Dfty
Saints, to communicate to you som« of
the more important items contained in I sects of this day with the Corinthian and
their journals, I take the privilege of ^
sending you an abridgment of my last
tour; and though it contains nothing
very intercsting, yet, if you please, you
are at liberty to insert it in the Star.
ing to my appointment one day, I was
Informed that it was on conditions. —
When I came before the people I inqui-
red for ^he *^ conditions,'' when I waa
introduced to Mr. I\IcDorman, a Baptist
elder, who said, the people wished to
hear my faith and principles; but said
he did not- want to hear for the sake of
contention — only for information.- I
informed him that he should be grat-
ified; for I was always blessed when
preaching the principles of the gospel
of Christ. I then proceeded, and show-
ed the gospel as it was in the beginning:
also in the days of the apostles, and in
the present day : being careful to com-
pare the Jews' religion with the apos-
tles', and also the religion of the many
Ephesian churches; and then giving
them the testimony of theJ^Iew and Ev-
er last ijjg Covenant, as established in
these last days: being cofirmed by
many infallible proofs, both human
May, the 7th, I left Kirtland for Up- jand divine — the Lord himself speaking
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
from the heavens unto men who were
now living!
When I had concluded I called on
Mi. McDormanto make such remarks
as he wished. He .said there was not
time, but when brother Nickcrson had
spoken some ten or fifteen minutes,
and had dismissed the people, he desir-
ed them to take their scats, and then
told them that he did not want to con-
trovert, now; but if they would come
there on a week from the next Sab-
Ijath, he would prove to them, with
infallible testimony, that the church of
Christ had existed on the earth, with
all its gifts and graces, ever since the
days of the apostles — also that the
faith of the prophets was a very differ-
ent faith from that of the apostles; and
there were to be no more prophets nor
revelators until the coming of our Lord!
But, as it happened, there was an-
other man of the same fraternity (Bap-
tist elder) present, who also said, that
he felt it to be his duty to bear testi-
mony against such false doctrines as
we had been hearing, about the king-
dom of Christ being set up on the earth
in the" 'last days. ''Why!" said he,
"the kingdom of Christ has not been
on the earth since the apostles! if it is
so, let them raise the- dead, and then
W9 will believe on them-!"^
" Here we see a picture of this, or the
kingdom of this generation. Two breth-
ren of the same church; yea, teachers,
assuming the dignity of ciders, rise
with a zeal heated to that degree, to op-
pose the opinion of another man, that
one said the kingdom of (rod had exist-
ed on the earth, v/ith all its gifts and
graces, ever since the apostles, and the
other said that it had not existed on
earth since that time! Mr. McDor-
man said the kmgdom of God did ex-
ist on the earth, with all its gifts and
graces, but there were neither proph-
ets nor revelators, neither would there
be till the coming of Christ! I am as-
sured that such things as these will
open the eyes of the public to see the
Jruc light: which may the Lord grant.
i labored in Canada about two months,
and preached the gospel to many hun-
dreds of souls whom I must meet at
the bar of God when the secrets of all
liearts are revealed; where those who
flow believe and have faith to become
the ?ons of God, will receive an im-
mortal crown. I baptized two persons
at Mount Pleasant, which, increased thti
church in that place to 48, The coun-,
try is pleasantly situated; the soil fer-
tile, and the people very hospitable to
strangers. May the Lord have mercy
upon them.
Yours in the bonds of the New Cov-
enant.
JOHN P, GREENE.
Freedom, N. Y. Oct. 20, 1834.
De.\r Brothkr Oi.xrER,
I am aware that all coin-
munioations that pass bptwcf-n us, ought to
be characterized witli tlie d^^epest piety and
the most ardent zeal for God and his cause:
of this, you also must be sensible for two rea-
sons. 1st, God is pure and holy and recpiires
all his children to be pure and holy too. 2nd,
it becomes necessary from tJie fact, that our
letters frequently meet the public eye, and
just 60 far as we regard the truth and its di-
vine and heavenly influence, we shall strive
so to frame every sentence, as to have it bear
the strictest scrutiny, and the most rigid
comparison with tlie scriptures of truth. 1
do not teel capable of enlightening; the public
mind with my pen, therefore I write with
less caution than I should, did I suppose eve-
ry sentence was to come before the world ibr
criticism. When I address 3'ou, 1 bring you
before the eye of mind, and my pen puts to
the paper, the matter that the orj^ans of speech
would convey to your understanding were I
to converse with you orally.
My mind has latterly turned upon the ne-
cessity of living pure and holy before Go-J,
and bringing every thought to the oln-dience
of Clmsrt .Tcsu.«, our Lord, A few reflections
on this subject will lead us to enquire wliat in
necessary that we may live pure and holy, oi-
as the apostle expresses it, without blame be-
fore him in love. The first requisite that now
strikes my mind with any force, is, the same
mind should be in us that was in Christ .lesus.
The same principles which actuateil him,
should influence us. If he were holy, harm-
less, undeliled and separate from sinners, so-
should we be. If when he was reviled, he
reviled not again, neither should we. If when-
he was smitten, afflicted and crucified, he-
prayed for his miirderera, so should we. If
when he was rich and possessed all things,
for our sakes became poor, that we through
his poverty might be made rich, so .should we
take joyfiilly the spoiling of our goods, if the
sacrifice become necessary, for t)»e fin-ther-
ance of his cause, for the reason before ad-
duced, "the Fame mind .should be in us that
was in Christ Jesus." His examples should
be imitated and his command.s be obeyed, un-
less it can be made to appear that he has giv-
en unimportant ones. If such can be found,
I pledge myself to show you words without
sense, and sounds without signification. —
Though we are surrounded by a wicked and
perverse generation, we should refrain from
every thing that is not sanctioned by the
word of God, or emanates from that pure
principle of holiness that actuated our divine
Master. That principle which actuates the
children of men to reyile, ridicule, calumni-
ate and destroy the peaee of oi^e another, be-
MKSSENGEll AND ADVOCATE.
9
cansr; they take tlie liberty to tliinkfor tliem-
uelves in niatters of religion, is certainly from
bsni^atli, anil not from above, I care not how
muclj christian zeal such may pretend to have:
1 iiesilate not f o say, and I feel warranted from
the scriptures ot truth, that their relijrion is
vain and their faith is also vain. They are
of their father, the devil, ami his works they
Avill do; and unless they rep^^iit, tlicy juust
inevitably perish in some of the calamities
tliat sliall be poured out upon tlie ungodly. —
Jt is vain in us to pretend to the religion of
Jesus Ciirist, and his apostli\'«, unless we have
the same spirit that was in tliem. It is worse
than in vain — it is worse tlian common plun-
der, it is sacrileife to claim the promises ad-
dressed to his ancient worthies, unless we
have, at least, the same spirit, the ranie mind,
and a decree of the like precious faith. God
never annexed a cheerinjf promise to any but
liis truly faithful followers. He has com-
manded all, not only to believe on him, but to
love and serve him. He has also kindly add-
ed the true test by which we shall know thein
that love him; "Whoso doeth not righteous-
nes.s is not of God, neither he that loveth not
his brother. He that loveth not his brother
whom lie iiath seen, how can he love God
wliom he hath not seen?" says John. Itis cer-
tainly evident tliat if the same mind was in
us that was in our divine Master, wv should
do good unto ail as we had opportunity. —
We should not render evil for evil, nor revil-
ing for reviling, to any man.
Before we undertake to convert the world
to our faith, we ounfht carefully to examine
and see if oiirfaitli is of divine oriuin:
tions, or the crPfde of men, for the pure word
ofthe Most High.
Yours in the best of ,'jonde.
VV. A. rOWDERY,
To Ol.IVF.R ("OWDERY.
Huntington, Ct. Srpt. 2-1, 18.34.
Dear sir, —
Four of us regularly receive the Star
from your office every U'ontli: several other .
subscribers have not taken since the close ol'
the first year. My youngest son took the
I names of said subscribers at the <;o)iiinfrnce-
j inent of the Star publication, but left this
j place for Alissonri in August, \S[>2, in coni-
I pany with liis brother Sidjiey, but alas! he
I was arrested by the cholera in St. Louis, and
died after a few hour's illness. The re-
cent death of my other son, (Sidney.) per- ,
haps you may know more about than I do;
and il'any thing interesting in his late life
and death may occur to your mind, and you
will take the trouble toconnuunicate the same
to us b}' your useful paper, or by letter, you
will confer a great favor on a numerous cir-
cle of connections, and friends wliose aftec-
tions for liim were truly pathetic; for he was
very dear unto us! We have heard of liis
death, it is true, and very little else: and since
we, the late parents of the deceased, liare be-
come old children, you will not so much won-
der at our anxious request. Indeed, every
item since your acquaintance with him, and
more particularly at the close of his life, we
expect might be interesting to us, and would
it' ^^ received with sincere thanks from all your
will be productive of good works: if not, 'we I "^l^nown friends in these parts. _
had better d ■sist, lest it be said of us as said ! ^''^ ^^«^ ^'•'^'^ ^'■°'" ""y, ^°" Sidney, was
the Savior to a certain sect in his time: "Ye i ??°'"*'' i'^^" ^^^'o years past; he then came from
compass s:^a and land to make one proselyte, >ew-York, and left his business in that place,
and when ye have made him, he is two-fold | *» recover his health (being an invalid.) He
more the diild of Jiell than yourselves."— ! ^^.o"^"^"*^"^ ''''"' us about two weeks, and in
Where, dear brother, was the folly of the self- 1 '•^'^^ ^'"^« was pressed by his friends and ac-
righteons Pharisee mora fully exemplified ! ?"'?-'"*^"*^^-'''
tiian in the conduct .■ the majority of the
j)rofessed christian world at the present day?
\Vhen they are requested to listen to truth
which tliey can neither gainsay nor resist,
they turn from it in a fit of anger or contempt
Tlie one general language of such conduct, is
"Lord, I thank thee that I am not as other
men," &c. Ask them to prove your system
untrue, and they will readily salute your ears
with the tamiliar expression of false prophets
and false teachers, witiiout adducing even a
■shadow of proof to convince you of your cr-'
rdr.' Ask them if they expect to bask in the
sunshine of endless beatitude beyond this vale
of tears? the answer is, I hope I shall. Ask
for the evidences, and they are ready to quote
some of the best promises of the immutable
Jehovah, addressed to those who possessed
the spirit, the mind and the like precious
faith with the most favored followers of the
meek and lowly Savior.
Brother, I have thought it an easy thing to
discern between him that serveth God and
him that serveth him not. There are such
as say they love God, but in works they de-
ny him, being proud, boasters, heady, high-
minded, lovers of pleasure more than lovers
of God. They speak evil ofthe tilings whicii
they know not, substituting their own tradi-
to meet them and others, and
inform them concerning tlie people, and book
of Mormon — this he cheerfully did, as often
as his low state of health would permit, and
although threatened, and abused, by some of
our pious persecutors, yet not much hurt nor
interrupted: when a meeting was held, a good-
ly number were brought to serious enquiry
concerning these things, and several would
gladly have received baptism, as they after-
wards told me. And thank God, some retain
that desire and determination yet; and hare
been anxiously expecting an elder or preach-
er ever since, as my son gave us some reason
to expect a brother Hyde, (but has since in-
formed us, why he did not come. ) I have no
doubt but what a society would have been
formed here more than 18 months ago, had
an elder called on us, and spent a short time
with us, as was expected. Nor do I much
believe it ia too late yet — I truly wish the ex-
periment may be tried. And if it is in your
power to direct any good brother preacher to
Lewis Down's, or Isaac Buckingham's, at
Huntington Conn, they would be cordially
received, and kindly entertained.
I was in a Tery singular state of mind,
when I received a letter from my son accom-
panying the book of Mormon, just after its
publication. I gave it a close reading. And
it bore hard upon my favorite notions of uni-
versal salvation. I read it again, and ajain
10
MESSENGEli AND Af)V^aCATE.
with close attention and prayer, I examined
the proof; the witnesses, and all other testi-
mony, and compared it with that of the bible,
(winch book I verily thought! bidieved,) and
found tlie two books mutually and reciprocal-
ly corroborate each other; and if I let go the
book of Mormon, the bible might also go down
by the same rule.
If Moses and the prophets, Christ and liis
apostles, were the real authors of tjie bible,
chiefly revealed and written on the continent
of Asia, was not the book of Mormon also
:hi3 beloved flock. These holy ministers ar<j
I receiving but about ten or eleven hundred dol-
■lars per annum for all their AcriZ eervices: via
I reading one, and some limes two sermons
.per week, whicli they made themselves, (they
I say,) and perhaps read the same to their lirst
congregation years ago — and what then? are
■ they not as good now as ever? yes, ao-e ia
i honorable, and they read them the better I
j think: and this is all the temporal reward
these hard laborers get, except their wood,
marriage bills, fresh bits, and other presents,
written by men who were divniely mspired I which may amount to one or two hundred
by the Holy Spirit, on the continent of Amer- 1 more, perhaps! Yes, these few good things
ica? And did not Jesus Christ as truly ap- 1 and the "praise of men" is all these faithful
pear on the continent of America, afler hi ' '
resurrection, and choose twelve apostles
preach his gospel; and did he not deliver his
stewards get per year for their hard labor in
to i this small pious village, while some of their
holy doctrine, and teach the same to numer-
ous mrVitudes on this American continent?
pious communicants, with our other town
paupers, are fed and clothed at the enormous
. sum of 54 cents per week, whicii was the
I say, did he not as truly do these things here, auction price of those who bid them oiF. 1
alter his resurrection, as he did the same in | must confess for one, I had much rather pit-
Jerusalem before his resurrection? My heart I
and soul replies yes: the proof is full and j
clear, and has recently been confiimedby an- 1
gels from heaven, and what need have we j
of any further witnesses? No sir, I am well I
persuaded of the truth of tliat holy book.— !
I am an old man, almost 73; have read much |
in my day. My reading is now confined \
chiefly to the bible; the book of Mormon, and j
vour papers, (or the Star.) I used to have i
letters often from 1113' son; but his sudden i
death has deprived me of all hope from that I
eource, the loss of which communication we '
greatly lament. j
I know not that we shall ever hear any of
the Mormon preachers but we realh- liope to: \
I have lately heard of a small society in Sails- i
bury in this State; which is the only place I
where they have preached in Connecticut, I
believe, about 70 miles from this place.
I do believe, if truth should prevail among
us, concerning the people, and tJie book of
Mormon, that the prejudice against our doc-
trine and discipline must give way; but while j
one "black coat" cries delusion, another sa)'8 |
it's all the work of the devil, and a third cries j
blaspliemy, and enthusiasm ; and their people '
all settled on their lees, and well convinced of |
the correctness of their own views, viz: mun- ;
grel Calvinism, and crippled arminianism and i
several other isms, and they all very piously I
groan out! "O we quite pitty that poor per- j
eecuted people, the Mormons; but they are a !
deceived people; and while God, man and the i
devil, seem to be engaged against them, who 1
dare be for them with any hope of success?
0 no, they must come down," &c. But not-
withstanding all this apathy, while murder,
robbery, blood and awful persecution, stalks
through our land with such horrid front, still
1 believe all is not yet lost; no, I hear of the
real success of some of our preachers in the
Lord's vineyard, and I truly hope and pray,
that some of our good "Mormon" preachers
may soon visit this town; yes, and every oth-
er place, till Christ's church shall "become
the joy of the whole earth," and the whole
globe "covered with the knowledge of the
Lord, even as the waters cover the sea."
We have two very pious priests in this
small village; (or at least so called;) one of
whom has been <lismissed from his sacred
charge, but once: the other we expect will be
cashiered the third time in a few days from
ty, than persecute such poor ministers.
Yours respectfully.
EU "GILBERT.
To OUVKR COWDERY.
P. S. Dear sir, should you favor us with
a letter, please to direct to Eli Gilbert, Hun-
tington, Fairfield co. Conn. And again,
some of our neighbors, who read your paper
with us, ask why S15 many revelations in tho
papers of 3-our predecessor, Mr. Phelps, and
none in yours? but I cannot tell them, and
you are not obliged to inform us, and there
the query rests.
We hear very little from the prophet lately.
Three times our I'aLe papers have told 1:3 he
was dead, and oilce mortally wounded in bat--
tie. This was his tliird death. The last
news of him, stated that he was fleeing from
the west, and declaring he was unable to raise
the dead, or cure the cholera. Of course,
his followers begin to fear that he maj- be li-
able to mortality. Such stuff" has been filling
the papers of the da}' for a long time.
iVo religion passes h^re, but that which is
popular? and the most stilish gets the mogt
proselytes. Excuse errors: I am old, and have
written as matter came into mind, at several
times, E. G.
Dear Brother, —
Having heard that cer-
tian reports are circulating abroad, prejudi-
cial to the character of bro. Joseph Smith Jr.
and that said reports purport to have conje
from me, I have thought proper to give the
public a plain statement of the fact concern-
ing this matter. It is true, that some diSi.
cultias arose betvv'een bro. J. Smith Jr. and
myself, in our travels the past summer to
Missouri; and that on our return to this
place I laid my grievances before a general
council, where they were investigated in full,
in an examination which lasted several days;
and the result showed to the satisfaction of
all present, I believe; but especially to my-
self, that in all things bro. J. S. jr. had con-
ducted worthily, and adorned his profession
as a man of God, while journeying to and from
Missouri. And it is no more than just that
I should confess my faults by saying unto all
people, BO far as your valuable and instruc-
tive paper has circulation, that llie things
that I accused bro. S. of were without foun-
MESSENGER AiVD ADVOCATE.
11
dation; as was most clearly proven by the
evidence which was called, lomy satisfaction.
And in fact, I have not at any time with-
drawn my confidence, and fellowship from |
bro. J. S. jr. but thought that he liad ir.ad- j
vertantly erred, being but flesh and blood, .
like the" rest of Adam's family. But I am j
now perfectly salisf!?d that the errors ofj
which I accused him, before tlift council, did :
not exist, and were never conmiitted by him; 1
and my contrition has been and still contin- |
lies tobe deep, because I admitted thouglits j
into my heart v.'hich were not right concern- |
ing him, and because that I have been the i
means of givuig rise to reports which have j
5 one abroad, censuring tlie conduct, of bro. j
. S. jr. which reports are without founda- •
tion. And I hope, that this disclosure of th»e |
truth, v;i itten by my own hand, and sent j
abroad into the world, through the medium ;
of the Messenger and Advocate, will put a \
iinal end to all evil reports and censurings, j
whicli have sprung out of any thing that 1 1
liave said or done. j
I wish etill further to state, for the better !
relief of my own feelings, which, you must I
be sensible, are deeply wounded, in conse- ,
quence of what has happened, that I know ',
for myself; because I have received testimo- !
ny from tin; heavens, that the work of the |
Lord, brought forth by means of the book of i
^lormon, in our day, through the instrumen- !
tality of bvo. Joslph Smith jr. is eternal j
irath, and muBt stand, though the heavens |
and the earth pass away-
Please give publicity to the above, aud
cblige a lover of righteousness and truth.
Yours in tJie tf^stimony of Jesus.
SYLVESTER SMITH.
To O. CoWDKRY.
Kiidaiul, October, 23, 1831.
Messenger and Advocate.
KIRTLAND, OHIO, OCTOBER, 1S34.
[Cr -471 Apology. — This No. of the Mes-
senger and Advocate has been delayed beyond
the time we had designed issuing it, in con-
eequence of our necessary abscence to the
West, with a detention on the water of five
daya and nights longer than we had antici-
pated. We therefore excuse ourselves, be-
cause the delay was ordered by him who
"holds'the winds."
O' In consequence of our abscence, and
not being able to finish ou; new office as ear-
ly as we had anticipated, the first No. of the
re-printed Star will not be issued till next
month.
[C We'invite the attention of our readers
to the letter of our aged friend, Mr. E. Gil-
bert, Esq. He has, as appears, been a belie-
ver in Universal salvation. One is not left
to wonder that many have sought for a relief
fiom the former tyranirsl systems of men; and
our hearts respond with gratitude v^isix w»
reflect, that God has brought wilbiu ourreaeh
a plan, in this day, on wnicli all may safely
rely.
ilis deceased son, A. S. Gilbert, was on6
of our intimate friends, though for more than
a year we had been separated. To answer
the request of his aged parent, we shall giva
Ilia biography, as far as we are acquainted, iu
a future No.
Bro. Z. Coltrin writes from Florida Mo.
under date of Oct. 13, that a severe eickness
is prevalent, and many deaths — some wh&le
families are taken away.
ITT Aicord to our patrons. — One No. moro
will close the year's subscription lor the Star,
and those failing to give notice for a discoii-,
tinuance before the commencement of lh»
next, will be heH responsible for another Vol.
We give this early information, that all may
be prepared to give us the proper notice bo-
fore the next \'ol. commences, that we may
make our arrangements accordingly.
It is proper to notice also, that no gnb-
scription for the Messenger and Advocate
will be received for a less term than one year;
and we earnestly solicit our friends to remem-
ber that all communications, to ensure atten-
tion, must come free of postage.
One sample will suffice to show the propri-
ety of this arrangement: We receive a letter
from a distance requesting a paper, unpaid,
and costs 'SG cents. Shortly we receive an-
other from the same individual, expressing
great love, and many pressing solicitations ta
come and preach, as many want to hear,
which costs 25 cents more. Shortly we re-
ceive another requesting the direction to be
altered, marked, '25 cents. And at the clofi?
of the year another for a discontinuance. —
Indeed,' our friends must think iha.t printing'
is a profitable business, remembering tnat their
subscription, all this time, has not been for-
warded.
When subscribers are once obtained, per-
haps some think, that by collecting for a sec-
ond or 3d Vol. &c. they are to be allowed an,
eleventh No. Extra, the same as new subscri-
bers: this is a mistake, and ought to be cor»
reeled.
Those wishing a discontinuance, should ba
particular to inform us the name of the office,
and State, where such paper was directed;
and also if any wish their names transferred,
if they will be particular and inform where
the paper is directed, as well as where to di'
rect, they will often «ave ua trouble. Except
post offices are large the name of the county,
as well as State should be forwarded.
Some few complaints have reached us that
papers are not regularly received; but we at-
sure our patron* that our mails are put up in
the best manner, and if they do not receive
them it is not onr fault. They ought to be
informed, also, that if their papers are used at
the office, or lent by the Post Master, that it
is their duty to report such Post Masters to
the Department. A Post Master has no more
authority to use or loan a paper coming to
his office for another man, than he has to use
hie letters, or his money contained in the
•ame! — Editor.
12
MF.SSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
DEATHS.
Departed tliis life on lhe21st of Aug.
last, at Westficld N. Y. sister Sallv
LouisA Lewis, aged 24 years. Tlie
letter bringing the intelligence of her
decease informs ns of her faith and con-
fidencQ in the merits of a risen Savior,
and her willingness to enter a world the
realities of which she has now gone to
try; but like all others who have gone
before, liaving previously embraced
the everlasting gospel, has left a sweet
consolation to all who knew her, that
though they mourn it is not like those
who have no hope.
In Hollis, Maine, Sept. 3rd. brother
William Andrews, aged 82 years. —
Our aged brother was a soldier of the
Revolution; served 2 years at one time,
and \Vas appointed to guard Gen. Wash-
ington's Baggage Wagons from Mass.
to the South. At the close of the war
he I'eceived an honorable and regular
discharge; and for several years has
drawn a pention. After the peace of
1782 he purchased a situation at Bux-
ton, county of York, (district) now
State of Maine, on which he resided
till his death.
Thus, one after another, of those il-
lustrious individuals, whose history
we seek to perpetuate with an eager-
ness,' we hope, becoming their descend-
ants, are called from the enjoyment of
that government which they bought
with the price of blood. When we look
after them now, but few are remaining;
and it is as the pi-ophet said of Israel:
Like the gleaning of grapes when the
vintage is done — here and there a clus-
ter in the utmost brandies.
In the summer of 1833 he was re-
ceived into the church of the Latter
Day Saints, and has continued, till his
death, to adorn his profession. The
brethren in that place, no doubt, felt the
affliction, and were ready to offer the
consoling hand to the remaining rela-
tives. 'Tis just to weep wuth those who
weep; but when we contemplate the
happy change, and those joys which
await the blessed, we have occasion to
rejoice rather than mourn— and espe-
cially the aged, after having toiled their
three score and ten years, and then
been permitted to add another half, and
fell at last like a ripened sheaf, with
honor and peace — that God has institu-
ted and revealed a system of salvation
which has powc^r to raise all, the young
and the aged, and clothe them with pcr-
I fection and glory.
j Certain it is, that we are all travel-
I ling to that state of existence, whero
our conduct in this will cither ensure
happiness and consolation, or sorrow
and grief. And with this certainty be-
i fore their eyes, men pass on in thought-
! lessness until death here closes their
existence; but they are within the pow-
er of a just God, and so are all, and
there we are willing to leave them; but
in the prospects of the saints we have
consolation and that joy to which tliis
v/orld are strangers.
In Clay county, Missouri, Sep. 1.5th.
sister Sally, wife of brother Nrnrf
Knight. Sister Knight w'as one of the
fii'st who embraced this gospel, in this
day, and was baptized bv our own hand
on the 29th of .Tune, 1830, in Colesville,
Broome county, N. Y. These were
days of trial to those who stepped for-
ward in opposition to the po])ular the-
ories of the age to embi-aco a system
spoken against in every place where it
was proclaimed; and on this occasion,
feelings and anxieties indescribable pos-
sessed the heart of every faithful serv-
ant and w(dl-wisher of the kingdom of
Christ. We well remember that the
world were opposed to this doctrine;
that many threats were made that vio-
lence should be resorted to if any one
attempted to innnerse a citizen of the
place, and that at the time of attendmg^
to this solemn ordinance many began to
assemble with insinuations and low in-
decorous language. But this was not
a time to trifle with sacred things: this
world, with its threats or flatteries was
looked upon with equal feelings of dis-
dain, and this our sister, with twelve
others, bade a final farewell to the van-
ities of this generation, for a promise of
inheritance with the sanctified.
When we consider her worth as a
mother and companion, it is with no or-
dinary feeling that we fulfil this our
last office in recording her decease, &
noticing in a short account her circum-
spect walk in the church of the saints.
Coming into this church at the time
of its first organization, it v/as her lot
to pass through scenes the most trying
to her nature. Forsaken and derided
by the most of her relatives for her re-
ligion's sake, and called to accompany
her husband to the far west with the
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
1.-?
first branch of the church which emi-
grated to that cofiitry, nothing short of
an unshaken confidence in tiie kind in-
terposition of Providence could have
■ heeen sufficient to encourage her to
move forward. But this, we arc pre-
pared to say, she endured without a
murmur.
She was driven, hist fall, from Jack-
son county, by the mob, and was n(5^-
ccssarily compelled to endure, with oth-
ers, further afflictions and privations. —
And when reflecting upon this pancful
•subject, we cannot but believe, that in
that great day of retribution, when the
Lord of Hosts calls men to judgment,
that her prayers, with other like suf-
ferers will be found recorded ygainst
a people thus wantonl}^ depriving the
innocent of the'comforts of this life, and
exposing them to afflictions, diseases,
ttnd death!
She has fled to those mansions pre-
j)arcd in the economy of the Lord, to
dwell till slic comes triumphant to re-
ceive a reward with the sanctilied when
peace shall crown the blessed, and the
wicked cease from troubling! And we
take this opportunity to assure our
brother, and the remaining relatives of
our sympathy, and especially as our
sister was not only among the first in
this last kingdom; has sufiered with
the first, but was immersed in the liquid
grave, in imitation of the Savior's ex-
ample, by our own hands. We only
add, that though her society was agree-
able; her walk circunxspect and virtu-
ous, and her precepts and examples
worthy her profession, we cannot, we
are not willing to indulge a wish for her
return from the blessed state of peace
and perfection which she is now per-
mitted to enjoy, to further experience
the distress and misery of this life; and
we sincerely pray, that when they with
us are called to pass the same narroiv
gate, and realize the certainty of death,
\VG may be prepared to meet her in
glory and enjoy with her eternal rest!
In Florida Mo. on the 5th of Sept.
last, sister Elizabeth W Cord, aged 54
years- She had been a member of the
church of the Latter Day Saints about
one year. — Editor.
conferences and churches abroail, signed hj
tlie clerks of the Council, that it is hereby
decided, for the general good of the church,
as a body, that no individual ordained liere-
afler, to the High Priesthood, will be acknowl-
edged in that office except they are ordained
in this Council: and that those desiring that
office, obtain propor recommends from their
respective churches.
O. COWDERY.
O. HYDE.
Clerks of Council.
[[? The following communication was de-
signed to have been published in the last No.
of the Star; but owing to a press of other mat-
ter it was laid over for this No. of the Mes-
senger and Advocate. Since it was written,
upon further reflection, we have thought that
a full history of the rise of the church of the
Latter Day Saints, and the most interesting
parts of its progress, to the present time,
would be worthy the perusal of the Saints, —
If circumstances admit, an article on this sub-
ject will appear in each subsequent No. of the
Messenger and Advocate, until the time when
tiie church was driven from Jackson Co. Mo.
by a lawless banditti; Si, such other remark*
as may be thought appropriate and interest-
ing-
That our narrative may be correct, and par-
ticularly the introduction, it is proper to in-
form our patrons, that our brother J. Smith
jr. has offered to assist us. Indeed, there are
many items connected with the fore part of
this subject that render his labor indispensible.
With his labor and with authentic documents
now in our possession, we hope to render this
a pleasing and agreeable narrative, well worth
the examination and perusal of the Saints. —
To do justice to this subject will require time
and space: we therefore ask the forbearance
of our readers, assuring them that it shall be
founded ujKin facts.
Extract from the minutes of the High Coun-
ril of the -chHrch of the Latter Day 8aints, he^d
in Kirtland, Sept. 24, 1834.
Resolved, That a notice be published to (he
Norton, Medina eo. Ohio, Sabbath
evening, September 7, 1834.
Dear Brother, —
Before leaving home,
I promised, if I tarried long, to write;
and while a few moments are now al-
lowed me for reflection, aside from
the eares and common conversation of
my friends in this place, I have thought
that were I to communicate them to
you, might, perhaps, if they should not
prove especially beneficial to yourself,
by confirming you in the faith of the
14
MKgSEr^GEII jii^D ADVOCATi:.
gospel, at least bo interesting, since it the eagerness, of the Savago's ferocity,
has pleased our heavenly Father to call
MS both to rejoice in the same hope of
e-ternal life. And by giving them pub-
licity, some thousands who have em-
braced the same covenant, may learn
Bomething more particular upon the rise
of this church, in this last time. And
while the gray evening is fast chang-
ing into a settled darkness, my heart
responds with the happy millions who
are in the presence of the Lamb, and
are past the power of temptation, in
rendering thanks, though feebly, to the
same Parent.
Another day has passed, into that, to
us, boundless ocean, eternity! where
nearly six thousand years have gone
before; and what flits across the mind
like an electric shock is, that it will
uever return! Whether it has been
well improved or not; whether the prin-
ciples emanating, from him who "hal-
lowed" it, have been observed; or
whether, like the common mass of time,
it has been heedlessly spent, is not for
me to say — one thing I can say — It can
never be recalled! — it has rolled in to
assist in filling up the grand space de-
creed in the mind of its Author, till na-
ture shall have ceased her work, and
time its accustomed revolutions — when
its Lord shall have completed the gath-
ering of his elect, and with them enjoy
that Sabbath which shall never end!
On Friday, the 5th, in company with
our brother Joseph Smith jr. I left
Kirtland for this place (New Portage,)
t© attend the conference previously ap-
pointed. To be permitted, once more,
to travel with this brother, occasions
reflections of no ordinary kind. Many
have been the fateagues and privations
which have fallen to my lot to endure,
for the gospel's sake, since 18'28, with
this brother. Our road has frequent-
ly been spread with the '*^fowler's
for innocsnt blood, by men, either hea-
ted to desperation by the insinuations
of those who professed to bo "guides
and way-marks" to the kingdom of glo-
ry, or the individuals themselves! —
This, I confess, is a dark picture to
spread before our patrons, but they will
pardon my plainness when I assuro
them of the truth. In fact, God has
so ordered, that the reflections which I
am permitted to cast upon my past life,
relative to a knowledge -of the way of
salvation, arc rendered "doubly endear-
ing." Not only have I been gracious-
ly preserved from wicked and unrea-
sonable men, with this our brother, but
I have seen the fruit of perseverance
in proclaiming the everlasting gospel,
immediately after it was declared to-
the world in these last days, in a man-
ner not to be forgotten while heaven
gives my common intellect. And what
serves to render the reflection past ex-
pression on this point is, that from his
hand I received baptism, by the direc-
tion of the angel of God — tJie first re-
ceived into this church, in this day.
^ Near the time of the setting of the
Sun, Sabbath evening, April 5th, 1829,
my natural eyes, for the first time be-
held this brother. He then resided in
Harmony, Susquehanna county Penn..
On Monday the 6th, 1 assisted him in
arranging some business of a temporal
nature, and on Tuesday the 7th, com-
menced to write the book of Mormon-
These were days never to be forgot-
ten— to sit under the sound of a voico
dictated by the inspiration of heaven,
awakened the utmost gratitude of this
bosom! Day after day I continued,
uninterrupted, to write from his mouth,^
as he translated, with the Urini and
Thummim, or, as the Nephites whould
have said, "Interpreters," the liistory,
or record, called "The book of Mor-
wnare,'' and our persons sought wilhjmon.*-'
MKSSKNGER AND ADVOCATK. -
15
To notice, in even few words, the in-
teresting account given by Mormon,
and his faithful son Moroni, of a peo-
ple once beloved and favored of heav-
€in, would supercede my present de-
sign: 1 shall therefore defer this to a
future period, and as I said in the in-
troduction, pass more directly to some
few incidents immediately connected
whose craft would have been in dan-
ger, if once permitted to shine in the
faces of men, they were no longer to
us; and w© only waited for the com-
mandment to be given, ''Arise and be
baptized.''
This was not long desired before it
was realized. The Lord, who is rich
in mercy, and ever willing to answer
with the rise of this church, which may | the consistent prayer of the humble, af-
be entertaining to some thousands who! ter we had called upon him m a fervent
have stepped forward, amid the frowns
manner, aside from the abodes of men,
pf bigots and th(^ calumny of Jiypocrites, ^condescended to manifest to us his will,
and embraced the gospel of Christ. ^n a sudden, as from the midst of cter-
j^ No men in their sober senses, could' "ity, the voice of the Redeemer spake
translate and write the directions giv- P^-^^ to us, while the vail was parted
en to the Nephites, from the mouth of
the Savior, of the precise manner in
and the angel of God came down clo-
thed with glorv, and delivered the anx-
which men should build up his church, io^sly looked for message, and the
and especially, when corruption had
Fpread an uncertainty over all forms
and systems practiced among men.
keys of the gospel of repentance! —
What joy: what wonder! what amaze-
ment! While the world were racked and
without desiring a privilege of showing distracted— while millions were group-
the willingness of the heart by being ing as the blind for the wail, and w^hile
buried in the liquid grave, to answer a! all men were resting upon uncertainty,
'•good conscience by the resurrection of i as a general mass, our eyes beheld —
Jesus Christ." • our ears heard. As in the "blaze of
After writing the account given of
the Savior's ministry to the remnant of
the seed of Jacob, upon this continent,
it was easily to be seen, as the proph-
et said would be, that darkness cover-
ed the earth and gross darkness the
minds of the people. On refiecting
further, it Was as easily to be seen,
that amid the great strife and noise
concerning religion, none had author-
ity fi'om God to administer the ordi-
nances of the gospeL For, the qes-
tion might be asked, have men author-
ity to adminisfer in the name of Christ,
who deny revelations? when Ids testi-
mony is no less than the spirit of proph-
ecy? and his religion based, built, and
sustained by immediate revelations in
all ages of the world, when he has had
day;" yes, more — above the glitter of
the May Sun beam, which then shed
its brilliancy over the face of nature!
Then his voice, though mild, pierced
to the center, and his words, "I am
thy fellow-servant," dispelled every
fear. W^e listened — we gazed'— wo
admired! 'Twas the voice of the an-
gel from glory — 'twas a message from
the Most Higli! and as we heard wo
rejoiced, while his love enkindled upon
our souls, and we were rapt in the vis-
ion of the Almighty! Where was
room for doubt? No where: uncer-
tainty had fled, doubt had sunk, no
more to rise, while fiction and decep-
tion had fled forever!
But, dear brother think, further think
for a moment, what joy filled our hearts
a people on earth? If these facts were i and with what surprise we must have
"buried, and carcfully concealed by men' bowed, (for who would not have bowed
*^
^
^»^>
IC>
^MESSEN^Elt AxNCr ADVOCATE.
the knee for such a blessing?) wlien
we received under his hand the holy
priesthoodfas he said, "upon you iny
fellow servants, in the name of Messi-
ah I confer this priesthood and this au-
thority, which shall remain upon earth,
that the sons of Levi may yet oiler an
offering unto the Lord in righteous-
ness!*'
I shall not attempt to paint to you the
feelings of this heart, nor the mt^jcstic
beauty and glory which surrounded us
on this occasion; but you will believe
me when I say, that earth, nor men,
with the eloquence of time, cannot be-
gin to clothe language in as interesting
and sublime a manner as this holy per-
sonage. No; nor has this earth pow-
er to give the joy, to bestow the peace,
or comprehend the wisdom which was
contained in each sentence as they were
delivered by the power of the Holy
Spirit! Man may deceive his fellow
man; deception may follow deception,
and the children of the wicked one may
have power to seduce the foolish and
untaught, till nought but fiction feeds
the nmny, and the fruit of falsehood
carries in its current the giddy to the
grave; but one touch with the finger
of his love, yes, one ray of glory from
the upper world, or one word from the
mouth of the Savior, from the bosom
of eternity, strikes it all into insignifi-
cance, and blots it forever from the
mind! The assurance that we were in
the presence of an angel; the certainty
that we heard the voice of Jesus, and
the truth unsullied as it flowed from a
pure personage, dictated by the will of
God, is to me, past description, and I
shall ever look upon this expression of
the Savior's goodness with wonder and
thanksgiving while 1 am permitted to
tarry, and in those mansions where
perfection dwells and -sin never comes,
I hope to adore in that DAY which
shall never cease!*
To-day the church in this place as-
sembled, and were addressed on the
great and important subject of salva-
tion by brother Jared Carter, follow-
ed by brother Sidney Ricdon. Tho
cheering truths ably and eloquently
advanced by these brothren were like
"apples of gold in baskets of silver."—
The saints listened with attention, after
which brcatl was broken, and we offer-
ed, another memorial to our Lord that
we remembered him.
I rnush^ close for the present: my
candle is quite extinguished, and all na-
ture seems locked in silence, shrouded
in darkness, and enjoying that repose
so necessary to this life. But the pe-
riod is rolling on when 7iighl. will close,
and those who are found worthy will
inlicrit that city where neither the
light of the sun nor n}oon will be neces-
sary! "for the glory of God will light-
en it, and the Lamb will be the light
thereof."
O. COWDERY.
To AV\ W. PuELPS, Esq.
P. S. 1 shall write you again on
the subject of the Conference. 0. C.
•' I will hereafter give you a full history af .
the rise of this church, up to the time stateit
in my introduction; which will necessarily
embrace the life and character of this brothes.
I shall therefore leave the history of baptism,
&c. till its proper plaQp.
The I^atter Day faints'
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE
IS EDITED BY
OLIVER COWDERY,
And published every mmith at Kirt-
land^ Geauga Co. Ohio, hy.
F. G. WILLIAM^'^ CO.
At ^ 1, PKR AN. IN ADVANCK. EvKRY r£Il
SON PROtURINt; TEN NJCW SUBSCRIBKR.'S, ANI»
FORWARDING $ tO, CURRENT MONEY, SHAI.I.
BE ENTITLED lO A PAPJ.R ONE YEAR, GRA-
TIS. All letters to the Ediior, or
Publishers, must be Ulf post paid, j^^
No subscription will be received for a
LESS term than ONE YEAR. NoR NO PAPER
DISCONTINUED TILL ALL ARREARAGE'S ARE.
PAID, EXCEPT AT THE OPTION '->r THE PUB-
LIIHER?.
/e
if^
?^ATTEK BAY ^A1]\T8'
Vol. I. No. 2.] KIIITLAND, OHIO, NOVEMBER, IgiU. [Whole No. 2.
€ossiiii9iiaa€atiosfis.
MILLENILLM,
No. IX.
[y_''ontimuJ from the iitar, Xo.
23. J
There can no (iiffioulty exist in any candid
mind inri.'latiou to the true state of the Gen-
tila world at pr^'sent, having the .Tews for
their pattern. The apostl"^ Paul, in the 11th
chapter to tlic Romans, after he had told the
GentilcK upon what principie.s it was, that the
Jews both stood and fell, warned thejn to take
care; for tiiey, (tJie Geniiles,) like the Jews,
must stand by tiiith; and if they lost their
faith as the .Fews di<l their's, that they like
the Jews, should be cut off, also. See the
10th, 2Uth, and 21st verses: "'Thou wilt say
(hen, the branches were broken off, that I
might be grafted iu. Well; because of unbe-
lief they were broken off, and thou standest
by I'aith. Be not hi^Ii-niinded but fear: for if
Crod spared not the natural branches, take
heed lest he spare not thee." So that the
Gentiles must either stand by faith, or else
tliey must tall; for so the Jews had to stand
by taith, or else they must fall for v>'aut of
faith. And the Gentiles, when they became
lellow-heir.s, and fellow-citizens, with the
Jews, must stand as they stood, or tall as
the}' fell, after the same example of faith, or
of unbeii'-'f. •■Thou staitdcst by faith, he not
high-mind ui but fear." The apostle knew
tha.1 tlie Gentiles were in great danger of
falling, after the sanie example of unbelief,
theretbre he warns them to fear, lest this
should be the case.
Let us enquire whether the Gentiles have
continued in taith, or whether like the Jews
tiiey have fallen into unbelief? for if the Gen-
tiles have continued in faith, theji will the
fruits of fi'.ith be found among them. We
have previously seen what these fruits are;
tha,t they consist in prophesyings, healings,
miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, in all
their various i'orms; in tongues, a.id the in-
terpretation of tongues; that when men were
living under the indnence of faith there were
apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evan-
gelist, &c. &c. that all these %vere nothing
inore than the fruits of faith, and v/ere always
enjoyed in every age of the world, and among
every people who lived by the faith of the
Son of God; and were always enjoyed by
every people whom God acknowledged to be
his. And when any peopl(;, it mattered not
how righteous they miglit have been, ceased
to bring forth these fruits, they stood disap-
proved of in the sight of heaven. On this
Bubject there is no dispute in relation to the
present Gentile world: all agree that the
fruits of the kingdom of heaven, are not found
among them; that the fruits brought forth by
their fathers, when the kingdom was given to
them, have ceased to exist, and are at this
time not to be tound auiong any people. I
eay, on this subject, there is no dispute: there
is a universal agreement — all the difference is
this, that thia w.-neratian of Gcntiks, believe
that both the Jewb and fJentilf-s of thie ac""'.
as the
•'The
can be saved w-ithout these fruit.<5, as well as
the others among whom they were- found,
could be with; but as to the lact of the fruita
having ceased, it is no where disputed; or at
least among the sects.
That the Gentiles have fallen from their
high standing before God, and incurred his
displeasure, cannot be doubted by any man
acquainted with the scriptures: ail the grand
distinguished characteristics of the kingdom
of heaven have disappeared among them; that
faith which I'aul said should abide with hope
and charity, is not known among them; all
the power;^ of the spiritual kingdom have
ceased to e.xist, and all their glory lias faded;
God is no more known among them, and
tiiey are wandering in darkness, and in blind-
ness; lashing against one another likeatroub-
led sea; crying lo here is Christ; and lolie is
there! But in truth, there are none of them,
who know any thing about Jiim. There arc
no apostles among tnem to administer in the
name of the Lord Jesus, nor no prophets to
reveal unto them the things which await
them. In short, every thing which rendered
the kingdom of heaven desirable, has fled
away. And they are in the same situation
Jews were when it was said to them,
kingdom shall be taken from j'ou and
given to a nation bringing forth the fruits
thereof." Let an inspired man make his ap-
pearance among them, and with one consent
they will cry imposture! false prophetl
knave! villain! and every other evil epithet
that malice can invent; so done tlie Jews;
and lor this the Gentiles upbraided them in
the bitterest terms, and ^^et thev themselves,
are doing the same things. Ii God cut off
the Jews because they did not bring forth the
fruits of the kingdom, surely the Gentjlea
must share the same fate, if God is no respec-
ter of persons.
This subject is so clearly set forth in the
11th cJiapter to the Romans, that none need
mistake it. The apostle says that the sever-
ity of God towards the Jews in cutting them
off was goodness towards the Gentiles, if
they [the Gentiles] continued in his good-
ness: if not, they, like tlie Jews, should be
cutoff. See the 22nd verse. "Behold, there-
fore, the goodness and severity of God: on
them which fell, severity; but toward thee,
goodness, if thou continue in his goodness:
otherwise thou shalt also be cut off." Now
let the reader particularly mark the apostle's
expression, "othcncrisc thou shalt be cut off."
That is, unless they "continued" in his good-
ness they should be cut off. Tliere is no al-
lowance made for them, that they might
apostatize, and corrupt the kingdomof heav-
en, and then be reclaimed, and reformed, and
still retain the goodness of God, previously
bestowed on them, in giving to them the
kingdom of heaven: but i^ ihcy co7itinued not
in his goodness they should be cut off. So
the matter stands thus: That if the Gen-
tiles continued in the situation in which God
placed them, when they received the Idng-
dom, they should partake of his goodness; but
if they did not conHnucin that situation, they
«;!iould be cut off, So smvs Pa'ih and who
<r*^<2a^
18
MtSSENGEP- AND ADVOCATE.
will say to the contrary? If wc aak, how
were the Gentiles to continue in his good-
ness! the answer ia at hand, by faith; for
says the apostle, in the 20th vorso, of this
same 11th chapter to the Ronians, (speaking
to the Gentiles.) '-and thou standest bt/faith.'^
Mark reader that the apostle had said in the
5 receding part of this 'iOth verse, that the
ews had fallen because of unbelief; and tlien
told the Gentiles that they yvere to stand by-
faith. For the sake of having the subject
clcc^rly understood even by tlic most careless,
I will here quote both the U)th and 20th ver-
pep at full length. Tlic apostle is speaking
to the Gentiles and says, "Thou wilt say
then, the branches were broken off, tliat I
mj^htbe grafted in. Well, because of unbe-
lief they were broken off, and thou standest
by faith. Be not high mmded but tear." —
Who cannot see that the apostle shows plain-
ly to tlie Gentiles, that their standing brf'ore
God, depended on their faith; and that if
their faith failed, they would lose their stan-
ding before him, and like the Jews, be cut oif ?
Another thing to be particularly noticed is,
that they [the Gentiles] must continue in his
goodness, and if so, must continue ia faith;
tor unless they continued in faith, the}- coukl
not continue in the goodness of God; for the
goodness of God could alone be enjoyed by
faith. So that the apostle Jias made the sub-
ject exceedingly plain, that all may under-
stand, v."ho have the least discernment.
Let us follow the apostle a Utile further,
and sec how he disposes of the whole matter.
Afler he had warned the Gentiles to beware
lest tbey sliould fall after the san;e example
of unbelief by which the Jews had fallen, con-
tinues his discour.se, speaking to the Gen-
tiles concerning thy Jews; in lh>:^ 23 verse ho
says, "Ajid they also, if they abide not still
in unbelief, shall be graO.ed in: for God is
able to grat^thera in again. I'orif thou wert
cut out of the olive-tree v/hich is v.^ikl by na-
ture, and wert grafted contrary to nature in-
to a good olive-tree; how mucli mere shall
these, which be the natural branches, be graft-
ed into their own olive-tree? For I would
3iot, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of
lliis mystery, (lest j-e should be wi.se in your
own conceits,) that blindness in part is hap-
pened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gcn-
iiles be come in. And so all Israel sliail be
saved: as it is written, there shall come out
of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away
ungodliness from Jacob: For this is my cov-
enant unto them, when I shall take away
their sins." See from the 22 to the 28 verse.
In the above quotation, the apostle carries the
subject to its proper issue, and shows how
God will eventually dispose of the whole
concern. He says that blindness in part has
happened unto Israel, until the fulness of the
Gentiles bo come in; then all Israel shall be
saved. IViicn? why; when the fulness of
the Gentiles sl-.dl be come in. Observe that
the apostle had saidiu the 23 verse, that they,
if they continued not in unbelief, should be
grafted in aga^u; for God v/as able to graft
them in. When will the Jews be grafled in
again? the answer is, at the time vrhen they
are dl to be yaved. And when is that time?
''•Vhcn th.'" fill n- S3 of the Gentiles be come in.
But when u.nll the fulnesd of the Gcntilcjt be
^ome in? The answer is again at hand.—
That i?; v.'hen thev all &hall hare ceased to
bring forth the fi-uits of the kingdom of heav-
en, of all parties, sects, and denominations,
and not one of them standing in the situation
in which God had placed them: so that like
the Jews, tliere is none of them doing good,
no not one; for though there be hundreds of
sects, and parties, yet all of th.cm have gone
out of this: '.vay, so that the fruits of the king-
dom of heaven, or of God, have ceased to ex-
ist among them; then is the time tliat the
world may prepare themselves to sec the God
of heaven set his hand the second time to re-
cover the renniant of his people that shall be
left from Assyria, and from Fgypt, and from
Pafhros, and from Cush, and from Elam,
and from filiinar, awi from Hamath, and
from the Islands of the sea. And he shall
set up an ensign for the nations, and shall
as3em];)le the out casts of Israel; and gather
togetlter tlic dispersed of Judahfrom the four
corners of tlie earth. Isa. 11:11, & 12. —
But v.-hy? v/e ask? Shall Lsrael be gathered
from ail t!v; lands whither the Lord God had
scattered them? because, all Israel shall be
saved, says the apostle; and tliis cannot be
done unless they arc gathered together: and
not a small part of them, but all; for all Is-
rael is to be saved. Let it here be observed,
that it was the judgnsents of God which scat-
tered them, and wliilc thry continue in their
pre:ient .scattered condition, the judgment of
God rcr-ls on them; and whenever the mercy
of Ged r.eturns to them, tlioy will also return
from tiu.'ir discer.^ion, and bo gathered frdia
all countries vrlufhersoever they have been
scaf tcred, cr else all Israel Vv'ill never be gaved.
But they will not only return, but the king-
dom which their fithcrs lost, hj reason of
tranygres.sion, v.ull be giv.'-n to thfm; for be-
fore ihlr, time, the Gc.nti'es shall have ren-
dered theniEcives unworthy of it, and it shall
bo talsen from them, and the}- devoted to de-
struction, wiiile all Israel shall be gathered,
and saved in the kingdom of God, or of heav-
en, which is the same thing.
The question is this, have the Gentiles
continued in the goodness of God? for if they
have, they have nothing to fear; for whild
their services are in righteousness before the
Lord, t!ie powers of darkness cannot over-
throw them, neither can the gates of hell pre-
vail again.-t them: hut if on the contrary,
they have departed from the doctrine of
(Jlirist, and are following after fables, as cer-
tain as the testimony of the prophets is true,
so certain they will suffer an overthrow, and
be cut off in the displeasure of tlie Lord; for
so says the spirit of inspiration, and who, '
that believes in the Lord Jesus, dare deny if?
Feter says, in his second epistle 2:1, that if
the false teachers among the Gentiles, should
intfoduce heresies, or sects among Ihein, as
the false prophets did among the Jews, that
it would bring on their heads swift destruc-
tion. Paul says, that if the Gentiles did not
continue in the goodness of God, they should
also be cut off. And in another place he
says,' that when Christ should be revealed
from heaven in flaming fire, he should take
vengeance on them that know not God, and
obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.,
Now, if the Gentiles have departed from the
foundation of the apostles and prophets, they
do not obey the gospel, and must be destroy-
ed when tlip Lord shall be revealed in fire.
Cut to brine this subiect to an immediate
?5ES»ENaEil AND ADVCXJATF..
19
df-cision, when- is thv ^n■ct or party bu t ron-
■f'cisja that th;- rrcntik';^ have not cnnticued
in the goodn^ES of God? 1 answer, tii^rc is
none; no, not so much as onr?. All the
Catholics declare tiiat the protcstnnts hare
departed from tiic fnitli. /^ivinj^' he^^l to simIui-
cinn- spirits, ar.i doctrines ot devils; while
all the protcstonts say, tliat the Catholics
have corrupted tlie kin^jdnm of heaven at the
very root, so that there h no fralts oi' riglit-
©our-ness snionj^ thens. And each sect and
party among the protostenls, charges the
other sects with error, and a want of strict
conformity to tlic truth. Ho that v,-^ liave
got the tes'amony of both Catholics, and
protestants, in ail their various .sects, and
parties, all tcrtifyin^ to the sanie t!iin;<, and
th:it ier, that the Gentiles have not continued
in the j^oadness of God. And what settles
the qut.'stion forever is, that Jesu", and ti>e
apostles, have concluded th':- wiiolein un.-ight-
ODusnerir-. And every man ^vho has eyes to
1)50, or ears to hear, must set to his s 'al and
say amen: for who that has read Itis I'i^de
Jhrousli once, but must re:; that the religion
of thcT whole Gentile wcrld is very diftorent
from the religion of ths new testament, and
the churches very different, from the church-
es mentioned in the now testament so that
all parties agree th.i.t there are no .nueh church*
<^s now as rr.f'nUoncd in the scripture.!, and
the conchiEion isinevitablv. that if thy church-
<i.'8 are not the t-ame, they cannot both he
equally approved of in the sij^ht of heaven:
s.nd if the churciies mentioned in the new
testament wfro in the goodncffs of God, thore
in modern times have not continued in that
goodness: fir if they had they v.^ould have
continued to have hern ar these v.'ere.
To BK COMTMEI).
FAITH OF THE CHUnCTI. No! VIII.
[^Continued from the last. Ao. nf the Star.']
There is no .subj'^ct, I have thought, and
now think, about which the religious world
Boems to be more bewildered, than that of
dpiritual biessmos: and truly it is of the first
importance that v."e should be correct on this
subject above all others; for it was that v/e
might be made partakers of spiritual blessings,
that the Lord ever revealed Inmsclf to man;
it was that we might be mad" [lartakTs of the
Spirit of God, that the gospel was ever prc-
claimed to the world: it is b;^canse of the Ho-
ly Spirit dwelling in us, that we are raised
from the dead, to enjoy tlie glories of the
heavenly kingdom; and indei^J. every thing
we enjoy in relation to eternal life, is through
and by the Holy Spirit, working in uf, and
through us, until by th" powi-r otthat Spirit
we are made meet to be partakers of the m-
hcritance of the saints in light. Let me here
observe, that it is by reason of the Holy Spir-
it vvhich our heaven':;,- "Fatlier sends down
among men, that any j)ortion of t'le world is
made lieirs of God and jeint heirs with J^'sus
Christ: men are dependant on it ior salvation:
without it, the death and sacrifice of Jesus
would have been in vain: tcir no creature
would have been benefitted thereby. All the
wisdom and knowledge that is worth enjov-
ing among men, is by- reason of this gift be-
stowed upon men in the flesh; for it is* the
■province of this Spirit to convince, or reprove
the world of tan, and of rightconsn'>es, and of
judgment: so says the Savior. John, 1G:S. —
So that the knowledge which we have of sin,
of righteousness, and of judgment, is a fruit
of the Holy Spirit, brought forth bv reason
of its infiucnop on men in the flesh. Vot eavs
the Saviot, If I go not away the Comforter
will not come unto yoa, hnt if I df-part I will
send liini unto you. .Tohn, 10:7. In ord'.r that
we may have the subject of .spiritual blet-singfi,
or of the work of tJie Holy .Spirit, in the sal-
vation of men, fully before us. let us examine
tir.st what the Savior said to his disciples at
the last feast of the pas.sover. pre\'id'tis''lo his
crucifixion. The discourse alluded to, is found
in the ]'.i, 14, lb. !(>, A 17 chapters of John's
I yrospel, or testiaion_v. In the It chapter. 15,
10, and 17 verses, the Pavior thus addres.<;e3
his discipl's: "If ye lovi'me, keep my com-
i'Bandments: and I will pray the Father, and
he shall give you another Comforter, that he
may abide with you fnrcver: even the spirit
of truth whom the world cannot receive, be-
raiice it seeth him not. neither knoweth him;
hut ye know him; for he dwellelh with you
and shall he in vjit." In the 2C> verse he
says: "Eut tlie f. omforler. which is the Ho-
ly Ghost, whom the Father v.-ill send in my
name, he shall teach you all thing?, and
bring all th.ings to your remembrance, what-
soever I have said unto you.-" In the 15
chapter and 26 verse we have the following
sayings: "JUit whr-n the Coniforier isriome,
whom I will send unto you, from the Father,
even the tSpirit of truth which procecdeth
from the Father, he fdiall teptify of lae." —
In the IG chapter, from the 6 to the IG h€
said: '-Neverthflcps, I tell you ihe truth; it
is expedient for you (hat I go uway: ibr iTI
go not away, the Comforter will not corr.n
unto you; hut if I depart, i will .'5cnd him un-
to you. And when he is come he will re-
prove the world of sin, ,and of righteousncse.
iind of judgment. Of Gin, hecau-so they be-
lieve not on me: of righteousness; because I
go to my father, and ye sec me no more: of
judgment: bccaa^e the prince of this world is
judged. I have yet many things to say unto
yon, but you cannot bear tliem now. How-
beit, when he. the Spirit of truth is come, ho
will guide you into all truth: for he shall not
speak of himself; but whatsoever he shoM
hear, that shall he speak; and he shall shew
you things to come. He shall glorify me:
tor he shall receive of mine, and shall show
it unto you."
In the preceding quotations the following
things are very clearly set forth.
First, The spirit of truth, which tiie apos-
tles were to receive v.-as to be in them.
Second. It was to abide with th^ m Ibrcvcr.
Third, It was to teach them all things,
and bring all things to their rernembranc;
whatsoever Jesus had said unto them.
Fourth. It wns to testify of Jesus.
Fifth, It was to be a spirit of prophecy ia
them, teaching them tilings to come. And
t^ixtl.'. It was to reprove the v.'orld.
These six things are clearh- manifest in the
above quotations. It may be necessary here
for the sake of clearness, to e.^:ainine some
other things in the course of the address of
the Savior to his disciples, from whence we
have taken the above quotations, in order
that we rv.a.r sec the true light in which the
Savior sets "forth the gift of the Holy Ghost,
and the vaAt importance he attachcA to it.
20
MESSOGER ASl) ^U>VCK:;ATE.
In the 17 chapter, which recorda his prayer
for his disciples, which he offered up unto his
Father, he said, concerning those disciples
to whom lie gave the proinisc of the gift of
llie Holy Spirit, ''I have manitested thy
name unto the men which thou gavest me
out of the world: liiine they were, and thou
gavest them me; and they liave kept thy
word. Now they have liuown, that all tilings
whatsoever thou iiast given jae, are of thee:
for I have given imto them the words which
thou gavest me; and Ihey have received them,
and hayt>,known surely that I have come out
from thee, and they have helioved that thou
didst send me." See (!, 7, and 8 versos. —
Now reader notice particularly, that the Sav-
ior says to his heavenly Father concerning
his disciples, that he had manifested his
name, (theFathei't!,) unto them, »t he says,
tliat they have kept thy vx'ord, and they have
known that alt things whatsoever thou hast
fiven me are of thee. And again, he says,
have given unto iham the ivords which thou
gavest ine; and they have rc-ccired them, and
have known surely that I have come out
from thee, and they have believed that thou
didst send me: and yet with all this, they had
not received the gift of the Holy Ghost: so
tliat a man may believe on Jesus Christ; re-
ceive his words, acknoivledge his testimony,
and heep his words, and yet not have received
the gift of the Holy Spirit, for after all tliis;
the disciples had the promise, that after that
time they should receive tiie gift of the Hoi;/
Spirit, which should be in them, and teach
them and refresh their memories of past
things, and make them acquainted with fu-
ture things, and lead them into all truth; and
make them acquainted with things past, pres-
ent, and tu come; i say reader, is it not
marvelous, that after the disciples had known
surely that the Savior had come out from
God, and had received his word, and kept it,
and had had the name of God manifested un-
to them, that they still needed this gii\ of the
Holy Spirit, distinct from all this, to teach
them ALL things? not some things, but all
things? but so it was, for so says the Savior,
and you and I are not at liberty to deny it.
From these sayings of the Savior, we have
learned this important fact: that the gift of
the Holy Spirit, is separate from believing
the word of God, and receiving it, and keep-
ing it; for after a man does all this, he is
then entitled to receive the gift of the Holy
Spirit. Such was the case with the disci-
ples who lived in the days of the Savior.
Another fact equally as plain is, that not-
withstanding a man may have the name of
God manifested unto him; his word given
unto him, and he believe it, and receive it,
and keep it, ytill, he needs the gift of the
Holy Spirit after all this, to teach him all
things; to take the tilings of Jesus and show
them unto him; or at least, it was the case
with the disciples in the days of the Savior.
A third fact is, that the object of giving the
Holy Spirit, is, tliat it may dwell in a man,
and "teach him all thhigs; "to strengthen his
memory, and bring past things back to his
recollection, and unfold future events to his
. view. In a word, to be in him a spirit of
revelation, and prophecy: or it was so in the
days of the Sa\dor and his apostles.
And the conclusion from all these facts is,
that the knowlo<lge, which is neoes'sary in
order that a person rtiay be saved, is not at-
tainable, only by the Holy Spirit dwelling in
a man, and teaching him the all things neces-
sary to be known: enlightuing his mind into
the knowledge of all truth; extending his ac-
quaintance with futurity, and being in him aH
instructer, a teacher, a revealer of hiddea
tilings; and in this way enricliing his mind
with divine knowledge.
TO BK tONTlNUKD.
THE GOSPEL, No. II.
[Coniinutdfromthehist No. of the Star.']
I conclude that there arc no people on earth
who believe in the plan of salvation, or gos-
pel, as set forth in the scriptures, but tliat
believe also, tliat all that will ever be saved,
will be Boved by virtue oi"thc sacrifice of Je-
sus— fortius is what v.'as taught by prophets,
and apostles, as far, at least, as we havu,
knowledge of their teachings: they all testi-
fied of Jesus, and had knowieilge of his com-
ing into the world, in order tliat lie might
save it. Abraham saw his day and when he
saw it was glad. John's gospel 8 chap.
5(3 verse. The Savior says to the Jews "Had
ye believed JNIoses, ye wovdd have believed
me; for he wrote of rne.' John's gospel 5
chap. 4G verse. And the autlior of the epia-
deto the Hebrews says of Moses "that he es-
teemed the reproach of Christ greater riche*
than the treasures in Egypt." 11 chap,
from the '-^2 to the 27 verse. "By faith Mo-
ses, when he was born, was hid three months
of his parents; because they saw that he was
a proper child; and they were not afraid of
the king's commandment. By faith Moses
when he was come to years, refused to bo
called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; choos-
hig rather to sutler affliction with the people
of God; than to enjoy the pleasures of sin
for a season: cstce?ulng the reproach of Christ
ff renter riches than the treasures in E<rypl\ for
he had respect unto the recompense of re-
ward. ' '
It cannot be a matter of dispute, that these
men were made acquainted with the mission
of Christ into the world, and if so, they were
acquainted with the gospel or plan of eternal
life, which Paul says, was, before the foun-
dation of tJie world. But in order that we
may have a clear view of this matter let us
enquire, wiiat it was that was proclaimed to
the world, which is called the gospel; for be
that what it may, it is God's plan of saving
men: for Paul says that the gospel is the pow-
er of God unto salvation to all them that be-
lieve. See Romans 1 chapter 10 verse "For
I am not ashamed of thejgospel of Christ, for
it is ^e power of God unto salvation, to ev-
ery one that believe th: to the Jew first and
also to the Greek." go, let the proclamation
be Avhat it may that was made to the world,
by divine authority, that the inspired men
called the gospel, that proclamation was the
only thing which could save any person of
the hunjan familj', and that was the thing
which existed before the foundation of the
world, the purpose, or scheme of thinge,
which was devised in eternity, through which
purpose of his own will God" designed to save
them that believe.
This proclamation, is set forth so clearly
in the scriptures, that none need mistake it,
T\ot only in the commission given to the
MESSE^XailK AUD ADVOCATii.
t^relve after the resurrection of JcBua from
the dead; but in diiFerenl oi'tlie epistloe, so
that the cnqairer after truttvon this point.
need not be rnisiakon. It is so mauit'ect. tiia.t
it would require a good deal of ingenuity to
rcnd?r it so obscure that a person could not
fiC3 it at lh& first reading: a person must b?
greatly blinded by tradition, who cannot see
it if he reads his bible once through with any
degree of attention.
NVhen the Savior tra^o commission to the
npostlea afierhis resurrection from the dead,
he said unto them, a,s recorded by Mat-
Uifiw, 2S chapter, ID and 20 verses: -'Go ye
iriieiefore, and teacii all nations baptiziut;
iheni in the name of the Father, and of the
Son. and of the Jloly Ghost: teaching tliein
to observe all tkings, wriatsoever I have com-
manded you: and. lo, T am with vou ahvavs,
wen unto tlie end of the world.
TO JIF. CONTINUED.
.\men.
Freedom, Oct. 28, 1K34.
Deah Brothek; —
When the '.vorld, from tunc to time, has
b«eu deluged with the blood of those who
dissented in their faith and practice from the
it may be
profe.=;3mg
v\'orld around them
thought dilBoult to disccrji between the real
followers of the Lamb of God and the hyp-
ocrite; fVjr the rea'son that all dissenters were
onc3 few in number, compareil witii tlieir op-
posers, and were coniprl'ed to receive the
curaes and reproaches of an unholy liirong.
From such premises, would it nol be an iria-
Monal conclusion, and lax the Almiglity with
ranlability of purpose to say that they rire
,'=,11 alike accepted of him? that ho looks at
their sincerity only, aiid that Jse has respect
lo any and every ordinance, even though
they niay not b3 of divine appointuienl? —
!''>ne believes that baptis.n should be perfor-
med by immersion; a second by pourin.g; a
third by sprinkling; a fourth is satisfied with
iiny method, and a fifth believes that no or-
dinances are now required, but that all are
done away. Some believe that revelations
from God were once received, but that he
lias now for a long time ceased to reveal his
inind and Mdll to ihe children of men. 1
would ask such as are willing to accept any
tiling or nothing, for baptism, if our Savior
has given a nev.' coramisnion since the da}-s
of the apostles, and left out baptism and the
laying on of hands for the reception of the
Holy Ghost, as uonessenti.al? Prove that po-
sition from the scripluro and I yield the ar-
gument. If this point cannot be supported
by scripture arguni.mt, it must be by modern
revelation, or one of two points must be con-
ceded: first, it is untrue, or, it of necessity
follows, that the sincere infidel who believes iia
neither, has as good a hope of endless ielici-
t J' beyond the grave as the most zealous chris-
tian. For it follows of necessity that God is
constantly changing his purposes; varying
his ordinances, even in the same diBpen=^-
tion, and does not, (on the principle believed
by a rnajority of the sectarian world,) conde-
scend to reveal it to the children of men, and
yet requires an implicit obedience to all his
commands, as the ground of their acceptance
with him.
On the subject of revelation there is di-
versity of opinion. Many of those who believe
n
only in ancient revelation: But ehould such
an ont: perchance tell me he was called of
God to preach, I would challenge hinitoshow
me his commission from the high court of
lieavcn, or convince me he was sent of God
on that all imporiant errand, or has even boeii
renewed by divine grace, without a revelation
of God to him. Peihap.s, the objector will
be willing to admit, for his own .safety, and
that of his sectarian friend.s, that he or hie
friends, have liad so nuicii revelation ns to
convince him that his sins are fo.'-given and
that God lias called him to jireach his eospel.
Admit so much, and then see the dilennna in-
to which the objector Jias fallen. If God has
revealed to one in these degenerate days, that
his sins are forgiven; that he has called liini
and committed to him a dispensation of tho
gospel, certainly ho may do eo by anotlier,
ccricris paribus; for he has done so ancientlv,
he has done so in these last days: he may ^o
so again, and more also, for lie is immutable,
and "is no respecter of persons; but in eve-
ry nation lie that fearetli Gnd and workeih
righteousness is accepted with him." Tho
objector may say, that God has for a long
time ceased to reveal himself otluT than as
above admitted. To which I would reply,
tliat in every dispensation from the creation
down to the proaent time lie ha.s revealed
himself by his mercies and his judgments,
and even having the ordinance before them,
and yet disbelieving them, never changes tiie
purposes of the most High, nor de.strovs
one fact. Did the antediluvians believe tlie
preaching of Noah? certainly not. Did the
sectarians heed the admonitions of righteous
Lot? not in the lea."it. Did the company of
Kora, Dathan and Abiram give ear to' the
conniiands of the Most- High by the mouth
of his servant, Moses? By no means. Did
>"aul follow the Lord and hearken to hia
counsels and precepts as did David, the man
after C- d's own heart? He did not. Did
the Jews, as a nation, receive the Messiah?
They did not. Did they then, or do thev
now admit, .as a nation, that he rose from
tho dead? 'I'liey did not, neltlier do they
now: but the bare denying of a fact will nev-
er disprove it. Though 1 hey fabricated, and
perpetuated a most barefaced falsehood to
corroborate their erroneous sentiments, still
if did not obtain universal credence? Hear
them: "Say ye, his disciplts came and stole
him away while we slept: and if this come
to the governor's cars we. will persuade him
and secure you:" From the preceding ad-
missions of the objector two points are in-
controvertibly established: first, That God
has had, in every dispensation, those wlio
feared him and worked righteousness: 2nd
That in every diispensation those %vho dis-
believed, and di«obeycd, were cut otT in and
for their unbelief and rebellion.
Who then, I ask, were they to whom he
ever condescended to reveal himself? certain-
ly not to those who believed he would not;
for their acts have not been characteriz'^d
v/itli that strict regard for all his conimanda
which has always been the prominent fea-
tures in the conduct of all those to whom he
ever condescended to reveal himself. There-
fore, he came out against them m judgment.
If he dealt so with liis people anciently, will
he not deal with them now in the same man-
ner under .similar circumstances, if he be the
ssr
WESSENGER 'A^O ADY-CjCATBI.
eame God? lie has certainly (as adniiltod
by ail) sent a pestilence in our time, thatJiaa
\v;)lkvd in darkness and wasted at noon day.
"Surtdy (says the scripture) ths Lord will
do i!->thing but ho reveak'lh his secrets to tis
f?crva:^ts, the prophets;" and if the prophets
warn the people to repent and they, give no
heei to their warning, you mnst admit that
it is no more evidence that they are not the
prophets, and that the Lord has not revealed
this unto thein, than that the unbelief of the
Jews did away the validity of the mission of
the bksscd Savior inin this lower world. —
But .say.s the objector, your prophets are bad
men, and deceivers, in reply, 1 would sa.y,
80 said they of the ancient prophets: even
the Savior of the world was called a deceiver,
and yet he was no less than the Son of tlie
Living God. Tiie Jews deniLni the new tes-
ta-nent and its divine authorify, hut that
doee not render it nu<Tatorv.
r rom the toregomg- remarks we may infer,
lat, That the more ri^^hteoue, lioly and pi-
ous any people are, the more surothey are
rtf having their narar's east out as evil, by an
unholy throni^: t'nd, That the unbelief of a
v/ickcd world in the testimony of the Lord's
prophets, never averted the calamities that
have, from time to time, been foretold should
eome upon the unrrodly: 3rd, Tjiat the un-
belief and sinfalnca.s of a wicked world i.s
what deslroycs the communications between
God and the children of men: 4th, That
the njibdlcf of the many v.-ill not destroy the
heli/fnoT the intercourse with lieaven of (he
/iMv, whom God has chosen even in tJiese
last days: And Gtli, That his truly faith-
Tul followers are sure of persecution here,
♦i- i crov.'.-is of glury hereafler.
Yours truly.
W. A. COWDERY. .
To Oliver CowDEr.r.
P. S. Our little church, are, a^ a body,
rrowing sirong in faith. V»'e had an cxcel-
ujnt niectiurr on Sabbath and Sabba:h eve-
ning.
I have had t.houghti; of requesting you to
enquire what is the will of the Lord concern-
ing me, and what he would have me to do. —
It appears to me, that I am willing to submit
to any privations, or perform any thing that
I can be nsade fuliy sensible ho requires of me.
Sometimes I think I can he useful in the vine-
yard of the Lord, but if that time ever comes,
I must have more purity of heart, more of tlie
Spirit of tlie living God, and stronger faith.
I must have that wisdom which is from above
which is first peaceable, then pur;; easy to
be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits,
without partiality"- and v/itiiout hypocrisy.
I have read the last Star with a great deal
of interest. Your address to the patrons of
the Star is admirably written. There are a
few orthographical errors; but the sentiments,
I think, arc excellent. In your answer to
mine of the first ultimo, I think you handle
Mr. Beebc of the Baptist Register, rather un-
ceremoniously; but, perhaps no more so than
he deserves. I hope you will soon find time
to review the affidavits published in Mr. B's
Register, and give the world a statement of
what you deem facta on the .subject.
Although I have never seen your lady, I'
feel an interest for her welfare, and hope you
will assure her, and our other relatives in
that plar? that they all share aiDplv in mv
affectiooK.
I reinaiu cordiailv v'ours,
W. A. C.
[.iberty Mo. October 20, 183-1.
LETTKR NO. 1.
Brother; —
Much as I dc.<3irc to be faithful in
the office which the Lord appointed mo, 1
ahall not be able to labor in it till spring:
wherefore, to answer your request, 1 shall
send you a few letters relative to the regioi*
of ^he "far v;est."
My source of learning, and my manner of
life, from my you'll up, will exclude me from
the fassiouable pleasure of staining my com-
munications, with the fancy colors of a fresh-
man of Dartuiouth, a sophomore of Harvard,
or even a graduate of Y'ale; nothing but the
clear stream of truth will answer the purpose*
of men of God. With that they may glid-?
along ainid the tornadoes of persecution, and
anions^ the wrecks of departing tliinjfs, "faith-
ful friends and fearless foes," till "the cities
are wasted without inhabitant and the houses
without man:" yea, they may li-ve in man-
sions of perfection, holilj, when the epitaph
of this world's vanity, may be written in it»
.^she.« !
To begin my subject — I shall give a {cvr
sketches oi'the country often called the Upper
Missouri; sdtuated in the borders of the vast
j)rairies of the Great ^^'cst. N'ery little dif-
ference 13 perceptible, in the upper counties
of Missouri, in soil, production.':, settlement!?,
or society. If there he ;in exception, it must
be in the po.jition and soil of Jacktjon. The
appearance, soil and prodactio)i:j of LafaV-
clte, Saline, Van Euren, Ray, Clinton, and
Clay counties, are so near alike, tJiat I can
only say there may Iw a prcfere-nce, but no
difference. These counties, in general have
a tolerable rich soil, competed of clay, fine
sand, and black mold, especially upon tho
prairies. The cultivated produce consists
chiefly of small quautitie-s of wheat, larga.
quaritities of com, some oats, hemp, cattle,
hor3?s, a few sheep, hogs, in scores, and a
variety of vegitables, but not to any extent. —
Sweet potatoes, cotton, tobacco, jmd perhaps
other plants, grow, in fair seasons, very well.
The fa-cc of the country is .somev/hat roll-
ing, though not hilly, and, owing to the great
dcapth of soil, the branches, or brooks, are
worked out and present ugly ravines from
ten to fifiy feet deep; one of the great causes
why the Missouri is ever riiy. Every rain
starts the mud.
Unlike the martial-like wildernesses of the
timbered States, except upon rivers and wa-
ter courses, which are striped and specked
with a rather small than sturdy growth of
trees, as far as the eye can glance, swell peep.i
cv?r swell, and prairie lies beyond prairie, till
the spectator can almost imagine himself in
the midst of an ocean of meadows.
T!ie timber is mostly a mixture of several
kinds of oak, hickory, black walnut, elm, ash,
cherr}^ honey locust, mulberry, coffee bean,
hackL;:rry, ba?s wood, and box elder, with
the addition upon the bottoms, of cotton wood,
button wood, pscon, soft maple, with now
ME,t<SCNGfc:[l AND AJJVCXJATiL
and then a very small patch of sugar maple.
The ehrubbery, in part, is red bud, dojf wood,
haulhorn, nany bcTry, hazle. goose b?rry,
eiimmorand »vinter grapei;, paupou. porainutn,
crab appl?, &3.
Tha climate is mild and dolightfiil uoarly
three quartera of th.^ year; and, being situa-
ted ,ibout an equal distance from the Atlan-
tit;anJ Paciiic oceans, as well as from llie Al-
legany and R jcky mountains, in near ',V.) de-
grees of north latitnde, and between 16 and
17 degrees of west longitude, it certainly af-
fords the pleasing hope ot becoming as good
a spot .13 there will be on the globe, when the
wolf shall lie down with the lamb. The cold-
est weather comes in December and ,Jaiiuar\-,
with, hardly ever two day'.'; sleighing; ho that
ylsigli.s and bells are among the uninenliona-
bles of this great center of North America. —
February is not unfrequently a mild month,
and March so much so, that potatoes planted
the litter part of it, are sometimes digable the
last of May. April though it has some frost,
is tlie opening sjason for business, for gar-
dens, for corn, and, in fact, for every thing
for summer crojjs, if you wish a good yield.
Tiie spring is oftrn wet. and the summer
warm and dry. The fail beautiful. As the
October frosts change the green streng.ht of
summ'ir into golden age, the Indians begiti
their fall hunt, and fir? the prairins, till the
western world becomes bo full of smolie, tliat,
sLs it eventually spreads by the fall winds, for
all I knew, it makes the -'smoky da3-s," or
"Indian summer," throughout the continent.
The wild game is an- important link to tlie
living of many in the v/cst. In the inhabited
fScuon:;, hov.-cver, it grows '-less plenty;"
arii v.'hrre the liunter could .c nee drop the
huge buffalo,- the aurly bi.ar, 'the stately dk,
ike sly beaver, and tije proud S'.viir,, he can
now -find diiH-ealty in bringing'-^own the desTj
the wolf, the fox, the turkey, the goose, the
brandt, the duck, &c. while the squirrels,
rabbits, raccoons, and many other :;;nall arii-
miis sport as they pieas©;' Of the iish I -will
speak hereaiter.
Besides some csmmon birds to almost eve-
rj' State, the red finch, and the green bodied,
gold headed paraquet, liv'? and die as habitu-
al, settlers. The tuikey buzzard, makes this
clime h is Eum.mer house, and goes to other
warmer quarters before winter. The crow,
the raven, and in mild winters, the robbin,
stay here through cold v.-eaiher, and mostly
emigrate to tlie north with the return of
spring.
The honey bee is a large stockholder in the
flowers of the variegated prairies; so much so,
that when they have not been used up by
swarms of bee hunters, they yet form one
great' staple of the inland commerce of the
west. Haney is frequently sold at 25 cents
per whole sale, & 37 cents at retail, a gallon.
Among the serpents, the rattle snake, and
the copper head are tlie worst, though not
very plenty. That bird, whose image, if not
worshipped, has more adorers in this nation
than the Lord of glory, for it stands alike in
the gold eagle, and silver dollar, and pearch-
es as gracefully on the soldier's cap, as on
the officer's hat, and appears larger upon the
sign of a tavern, than upon the seal of the
United States, — I mean the American Eagle
is a commoner among the great ones ,of the
west.
But, lest I become irK.=onie on too manj'
things at once, let me turn to some of the ad-
vantages and disadvantages, which are nat-
ural to the land as it is. ft is a great advan-
tage to h.ivc land already cleared to your
hands, as the prairies are; and there is no
small disadvantage to lack tim'oer for fencing,
fuel, and buildings., Ni>lwiihstanding lhen»
are many good springs of water, yet there ie
a want upon the prairies in some places: and,
generally, water privileges for grist and suvr
mills, and carding machines and clothier's
works are scarce. That patriotism, which
results in good roads and bridges, labor-saving
machines, a'ld excellent rniils, is yet dorm-
ant. I do not know of a cdothier's worLs in
the Upper or Lower countr}'. It costs one
fourtii or one fifth of our grain ro grind it. —
Hun-round horse mills, or those on the inclin-
ed plane ord.tr, for horses and oxen, are all
the dependence at present. There is a small
steam saw and grist mill, of about ten hor.'^e
jiower engine, in Clay; a steam saw mill at
Lexington and a flouring mill nearly linisliod,
on the Little Blue, in Jackson. It may be
supposed, in those States where negroes do
the work, that the}' can saw boards with a
whip saw, and drive team to grind in an ani-
mal power mill.
Let it be remembered that the moet of the
land is free from stones, even too much siv,
for, excepting linio stone, in some plac/ee,
there are very fcnv if an^for use. But suffir*
it to be, that, with all the lacks and inconvft-
niencies, now extant, grain is raised so ea.=y,
that a man may live as well on three day's
vvork in a week, here, as on six in some oth-
er distant places. It is not uncommon for
wheat, when ripe, to be let to cut and thresh
at the half. Corn at 20 cents per bushel, and
wheat at 40, are, however the lowest selling
prices latterly; and I conclude, that from the
great quantit}' of corn and wheat, or flour, ne-
cessary to sujjply the garrison, it v/ill never be
lovi^er. So much on ll)ings as they nat-
urally are.
IVow M-ith all the country has, and all it
has not, '.vilhout v;itty inventions, let us re-
flect, that God has made and prepared it for
the use of his people, like all the rest of the
world, with good and bad to try them. Here
are wanting many things to expedite ease and
opulence. Here sickness comes, and where
does it not? The ague and fever; the chiU
fever, a kind of cold plague, and other dis-
eases, prey upon emigrants till thej' are thor-
oughly seasoned to tlie climate. Here death
puts an end to life, and so it does all over the
globe. }iere the poor have to labor to pro-
cure a living, and so t.hey do any where els*).
Here the saints sufler trials and tribulations,
while the wicked enjoy the world and rejoice,
and so it has been since Cain built a city for
the ungodly to revel in.
But it is all right, and I thank God that it
is so. The wicked enjoy this world and tha
saints the next. They, exercise their agen-
cy, and the saints theirs, are left to choose
for themselves, and blessed be God that it is
so, for it saves heaven from torment, and
righteousness from blemishes.
The lacks that seem most prominent will
soon sink with the fading glories of periska-
ble things; and then the banks of long con-
tinuance will be thrown doum, and the rough
places made smooth; yea, the glory of Ltba-
!M
.^iEMSE.XaER A.XD ADVOCATK.
nou will come upon the land of the Lord, the
fir tree, the pine tree, and the box together- to
beautify tlie place of his sanctuary, and m&ke
the place of his feet glorious. Tkm, there
will be a river of pure water to gladden the
eoul of the saint. Then, every man will apeak
in the name of God. Then, the righteous
will feed themaelves on the finc3t of wheat. —
Then, the enmity of njan, and the enmity of
beasts will cease. Then, the vail spread over
all nations, will bo taken ofl'aiul the pure in
"heart see God and his glory. Then, for brass
the Lord will bring gold, and for iron silver,
and for wood brass. Then, the tiaints' otRcers
will be peace, and tlieir exactors righteous-
ness: and then the land will be. worth posses-
sing, and the world fit to live in.
VVith all these glories ahead, who would
fail to seek them? Who would idle or revel
away a few yours of fleshly gratification, and
lose a thousand years' happiness, and an eter-
nity of glory? Who would serve the devil to
be a demon in darknc^ss, when, by pleasing
the Sa\'ior, and keeping his commandments,
he may be a son of God, in the celestial world,
where praise, and glory, and power, and do-
minion, have anctciTial nojofor space and du-
ration, and the best from worlds to expand
and beautify their sublimity! O that the
whole empire of God might shout — .noxe! —
But, it will not be so, for satan spreads him-
self and copes with thousands that must wel-
ter in woe unutterable, wliere their worm di-
eth not, and the fir? is not quenched. Alas!
alas! alas! for their fate ! who knows it?
Men of God, from this lei us learn to lake
oil in our lamps from the great Spirit foun-
tain .above, and light them in the blaze of that
noble fire, where a Hancock, a Jefferson, and
a Washington, lit their tapers, that while
there is a Jiope in heaven, or a gleam on earth,
we may not covet this world, nor fear death,
but, as Peter, as Paul, as James, die for the
sake of righteousness, having fought the good
fight, and overcome through grace: .\men.
As ever,
W. W. PHELPS.
To Otn-ER COWDERY, Esq.
Saco, Maine, Oct. 20, 1334-
Bkother O. Cowdery, —
Agreeable to your
request in the Ercyiing and the Morning Star,
I proceed to give you a short account of my
travels since the conference in this place. —
'On the 18tli of June I started in company
with bro. Josiah Butterfield, to visit a small
church in Earmington, about 80 miles from
this place, which consisted of ten members.
We labored a short time with them and the
people round about, and baptized seven: one
of them a Methodist preacher, who is now
£ reaching the whole gospel, .and bids fair to
s a very useful member in this church. —
We tarried with them until the lOtli of July,
when we returned home. I then attended
to my domestic concerns until the 30th of
August, when I start jd for the East again,
and on the 5th of September, arrived in Far-
mington and found the brethren and sisters
strong in the faith, and rejoicing in the Lord.
I then took bro. Kempton with me arid la-
bored in the back towns for the space of six
weeks, occasionally visiting the church: and
where ev?r there was a door opened to us we
preached the gospel according to the abili-
ty given unto us. And I trust ovir labor will
not all be lost. We have met with consid-
erable opposition from the sectarian priests,
and according to the appearance, tliey used
all Iheir infiuence againHt tlic work of the
Lord; but notwithstanding, where we can get
the ears of the people, and havo the privilege
of Hpeaking to them once, they generally
want to hear more — prejudice falls before the
power of truth. There are many investiga-
ting the work of the Lord. I have baptized
one and there arc many more believers who
have not yet obeyed; but expect there will
be some on my return. There appears to be
a considerable field open in this .'.ecticn, and
a great call for preacliing: and if tliere could
some faithful brethren come into these parts
tiiev would find work enough, and would no
doubt do mucli good. We should be glad if
any comes into these parts tliat they rnay l»e
competent workmen.
Yours in the bonds of the new covenant.
8YLVESTER B. STODDARD.
Paris, Tennessee, Oct. 11, 1834.
Dear Bkother: —
In much, ha-ste I set me
<Iov.-n to inform you, that we liavc reach-
ed a Stale in wliich the gospel of Christ, in
its fulness, has not as yet been pr.'^iuhed. —
We started from Missouri on the IStliof Sept.
with reconanendations from the Bishop and
high council, to go out and proclaim the gos-
pel to the sons of men; and being led by the
Spirit to go to the: .south, lik^ Philip of old,
we took a Steam boat'at Lagrange, one hun-
dred and sixty miles above St. l^ouis, anii
landed at the mouth of thy Oiiio Jliver, ou
Kentucky s.'v'e, bending our course toward;*
Nashville. We commenced preaching as v/e
travelled across the south corner of Kentucky;
but have not a-i yet baptized any. ^^'e ait*
now in the flouri.shing town of Paris, wliere
theCampbellites are holding a two days meet-
ing. ^Ve have published an appointment to
preach this evening in the court house in this
place. All kinds ol' religion prevail here,
(the religion of Jesua C'hrist excepted,) even
to the ''Live forevcrs," and ''two eei'ds," or
"Iron sides;" and we sincerely ask the pray-
ers of our brethren in Kirtland, in our behalf,
that God may dispose the hearts of tiiis peo-
ple to receive the ingrafted word that will
save them in the cclesti."}! kingdom; for we
have the power of tyranny tliat exists in
slave States; the power of priest craft; the
power of tradition; the power of t.ho riches
and honors of this world; and in sliort, the
combined powers of darkness, to encounter;
and we say in our hoarts, O Lord, stretch
forth tliine Almighty arm to our relief; for
truly the prophets of baal are numerous, and
this people are joined to their idols, but not-
withstanding all these seeming obstructions,
we know that God is able, with a worm, to
thresh a mountain: and we are determined,
by his grace, to faithfully discharge our duty
in warning this people, that our garments
may be rid of the blood of all men. W'e ex-
pect to come to Kirtland between now and
the first of May, next.
The horn is now sounding for C.ampbeliite
meeting, at 3 P. M, we wish to attend.
Yours in Christ. D. W. PATTEN,
W. PARISIL
To Ol.tVER CoWTERY.
iJL£9»Ii.N"OKIt i^TiX Al/\ (MJ.AT&.
^HeeseiiJ^er and Advocate.
KJRTLAXD, OHIO, NOVEMBER, 1831.
(X?* Communications. — V. e have
received several letters since our last, a
summary of which will be given in our
next The cause of our heavenly Mas-
ter is represented in an unusually inter-
esting attitude — There are numbers
daily embracing the truth, and many
calls ore heard on the right and on the
left, for the elders to fill. Intact, we
know not when the work has been
more prosperous, than at present. —
There is. a general enquiry v/herever
the word is preached. — What a field
for labor! — How important that every
proclaimer conducts with prudence, and
exercises himself with patience — Mow
consistent that vv-e pray the I/ord to send
more laborers into the vineyard!
A commuiucation from our esteemed
brother, Elder John Murdock, dated at
Eugene, Indiana, the 11 insL int'orms
us- of the sitting of a conference of the
ciders of this church in that placo on
. the aOth, and 31st, of Oct.
From the minutes we learn, that the
conference was composed of eleven el-
ders, three of whom presided over three
churches, as follows: Elder Levi
Jones, over the church at Eugene, la.
composed of 55 members, in all. El-
der Charles Ri|h, over the church at
Pekiii 111. composed of 30 members,
in all. Elder Moses Harris, over the
church at Liberty, Park co. la. com-
posed of 6 members, in all. Making
91.
l^^.It is proper that our readers should
be informed, that this conference was
held in a thinlv settled country, when
compared with our populous cities and
villages in the east; and that in conse-
quence of the sliort notice of the con-
ference, churches at a distance were
probably prevented from sending their
representations. We did not receive
the intelligence in season to give it pub-
licity; and if we remember, did not
know of it until after its sitting.
Elder Murdoch informs us that an-
other appointment is given for the as-
sembling of a conference at the same
place, (Eugene la.) on the 29h of Jan-
uary, next.
We have frequently expressed our
opinion upon the utility and propriety
of conforoncos. V^^hat can bo more
^ ^ g&
heart chocrin^ to the weary laboror,
after a long tuno spent in dissorninJt-
ting the principles of tho gospel, than
to sit down in social council with oth-
ers alike weary, and commune with
numbers whose bosoms glow with tho
same ardor for the salvation of tho
world, and who, with him, have to eonr>-
municato the happy intelligence of
numbers having been persuaded,
thi'o' their instrumentality, that tho
sacred truths of heaven thus delivered,
though perhaps in weakness, are of
sufficient importance to awaken tho
mind to investigation? This is not all :
By meeting frequently in confer-
ence, an acquaintance and familiarity
is cultivated, which is so necessary for
the promotion of the cause — Each el-
der is furnished with an account of tho
labors, and success of all; and is thus
prepared, with authentic information,
to carry the joyful intelligence to hi.s
respective cengregation, where those
whose duty require;^ their attendance
on other matters, may be equally bon-
efitted, and so the whole body of th»
saints of the Lord Jesus be refreshod
with the news of the success of hja
cause.
It may be thought suj>erfluoug- in ua,
by our brethren, to add our earnest ex-
hortation that meetings of this kind be
conducted with solemnity, and in or-
der; and it betrays a want of confi-
dence in us,of their ability and wisdom;
but, however we may appreciate their
ability and experience, we feel that this
subject cannot be too often set before
them, and its importance spoken of. — •
Much, they will sec depends upon their
conduct on these occasions, in order to
derive that peculiar benefit designed
in the institution; and while they are
thus toiling, we assure tliem that our
heart is equally devoted, and our fee-
ble petitions frequently put up, that we,
with thorn, may be gathered with fhat
assembly which will never close!
(XT* Our patrons will remember, that
we notified all correspondents, sometime
since, that each article would appear
over its' propor signiture. Up to the
present, we have heard no dissatisfac-
tion expressed, and presume that the
arrangem.ent is such as meets the minds
and judgment of our friends.
For a considerable length of time we
have published pieces on the "Millen-
ium; Faith of the church, and Tlte Gos-
pel.'' As we expect these stibjects will
MfSBLNGKK A.ND >inO<:ATH.
be discussed farther, it is only neces-
sary for us to say, that they are from
the pen of our worthy brother and
frionJ, S. Riodon, one of the Presi-
dents of the church of the Latter Day
Saints.
It is with a degree of pleasure that
wo call the attention of our readers to
those articles, to which we have refer-
red above, and believe, thatevery saint
will read with care and cheerfulness
every matter which may be presented
for their consideration, on the all im-
portant subject of salvation.- — [Editor. 1
TO W. A. COWDERY, Esq.
Dear BnoTHEn:
I have received, of
late, several communications from you,
containingseveral questions. Not long
since, you wished me to express my
mind, either publicly or privately, up-
on a few remarks of the Savior, as re-
corded in Mat. 16:16, 17 & 18—
"And Simou Peter answered and said,
"Thou art the Christ, the Sou of the living
"God. And Jesus answered and said unto
"him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona:
"for flesh and blood hath not revealed it
"unto thee, but my Father which is in
"heaven. And I say also unto thee, that
"thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will
"build my church: and the gates cf hell
"shall not prevail against it.
It is plain that the Savior never did
nor never will build his church upon
any other foundation, or sustain it up-
on any other principle, than he there
represents to Peter, viz: — of revela-
tion from the Father that he was the
Christ. Erect a church upon any oth-
er foundation and when the storm comes
it rmnt fall. And the only reason
why his church was not always on
earth, is, that men ceased to obtain rev-
elations from heaven. And the only
reason why they were deceived in time
past, and will be in the last days, is be-
cause they do not know that Jesus is the
Christ/
that the Father had rei^ealed it to him,
and upon that Rock ho would build his
churcli and the gates of h3ll should not
prevail against it. For if men know
that Jesus is the Christ, it must be by
revelation. To be sure, we may say,
that the apostles testify of him, and that
we believe they tell us the truth; but
will this save a people from destruc-
tion, when the cunning arguJfK-nts of
t'-.e adversary are leveled as a mighty
shaft to shake man from the founda-
tion? No; he must have an assur-
ance. The salvation of man is of that
importance that he is not left to a merv^
belief, founded upon the testimony or
say-so of another man! No; flesh and
blood cannot reveal it — it must be th*--
Father: and query: If the everlasting
Father reveals to men that Jesus is the
Son of God, can they be overthrown!
Can floods or flames, principalities o-r
pov/ers; things present or to come;
heights or debths, swerve them from the
foundation — the rock? No; said our
Lord, the gates of hell cannot prevail!
There is an assurance in the things of
God that cannot be obliterated! There
is a certainty accompanying his divine
communications which enables the mind
to soar sloft, and contemplate — not on-
ly contemplate, but mingle with the bles-
sed in the blessed mansions, where all
things are pure! It is this, then, which
constitutes a certainty.
There can be no doubt but that the
true church did exist after the Lord's
ascension; but the query is, how shall
we reconcile this point, when we say-
that it did not exist on earth for a num-
ber of centuries, and yet say that the
gates of hell did not prevail against
it? To the answer:
You will see above, that I have plain-
ly contended that the gates of hell
could not prevail against a man or so-
. Men say they believe that Jesus is ciely ofmen while they hold commun-
lh« Christ} but the Lord said to Peter i ion and intercourse with heaven.
Mt.STiKNGKH AX1> xVi)V{X;ATF..
*r
I will now suppose 'a case, or pro-
poso a qui'dtion: If Elijah had been
the only inrlividual on earth who kept
the commandments of the Lord, he
would have been all the church thon
upon earth. And you know ihat a.ny
and every people ceasing to kc?ep his
commandments, are disowned by him.
If these points are admitted, I proceed:
When Elijah was tuken up to heaven,
did the gates of hell prevail against the
church of God? Did they overcome
the holy priosthood? No; neither. —
Had Elijah been the last righteous man,
and his enemies prevailed over his
natural body, and put him to death,
v/ou!d the gates of licll have prevailed
against the chureh? No; the hoi}'
priesthood would have been taken Xo
God, and the gates of hell would have
hoen as unsuccessful as in the caso of
his translation.
In the church, said Paul, God has
placed ajostles, prophet^;, evangelists,
pastors, teachers, miracles, gifts of
}i«aling3, helps, governments, and di-
versities of tongues; for the perfectinfr
of the saints, for the work of the min-
istry, for the edifying of the body of
Christ: till we all come in the unity of
thb faith, and of the knowledge of the
Son of God, unto a por.fect man, unto
the measure of the stature of the ful-
ness of Christ. But did that church
exist? Arc the fruits of that priesthood
now to be found, or have they been
among men from the apostles to the
present? Where are the individuals
who will pretend that this has been the
easel And yet they say that Christ's
-church has continued on earth, and that
the gates of hell have not prevailed
against it! Here seems to be a troub-
le — To admit that the authority of ad-
ministering ordinances, on earth, has
been taken away, would admit, at once,
that thoy have no authority. This pla-
ces men under the necessity of saying,
that the church of God has and doeij
exist, in all thuf/j variegated fornjs and
colors, scattered over the world — No
moro ref?embling the ancient church,
than the ancient church docs that v(
the Hindoos.
It is revelation which "constitutes ihfi
church of Christ; for this was the deo-
laration to Peter, that the Father had
revealed to him, and upon that principle
his church should exist. Show roo
any other, and I confess that you will
show me a something, the pattern oi
which I have not found in the holy
scriptures, as coming from heaven!
You will begin to see my mind upctt
tlli.^ matter. It is, that when men ceas-
ed to bring forth the fruits of the king
dom of God on earth, it ceased to ex*
ist on earth; and when it ceased to ex-
ist on earth, he took the authority to-
himself, and with it the holy priesthoc<l
The gates of hell did not prevail a-
gainst the church of God; and the ds-
cr(?€ of our Father is, that they shall
not; but no man v/iU pretend, (if ha
does it is in vain,) that the pure church,
as existed in the days of Paul, and for
a length of time afterward, has contin-
ued. If so, according to his theory,
the gates of hell have prevailed agaiufct
it; for ho cannot trace its existence
here. He may trace a supposed
authority through a succession of Fcp^^s
and bishops; but if the authority wrjs
Ihcre, where is and whore was the irnVd
If we look into the l^th c»!apt3r vi
John^s Revelation CT, Patmos, wf
shall see the church represented' in a
striking figure, so plainly shown' tc" b^
taken from the earth, thafit ia'isifipcss^
bio Ins beautiful vision should ^x- r/^a-'
understood- — Editor.
LETTER II.
To W. W. Phelps, Esq.
Dear Brother: —
In the last Messenger
and Advocate I prbmiscd to CDCirwnoe
a more particular or minute hictorj ryC
St
^JilKiBigfciHa'EH AJip ..ii^'iXJA'm
tli« rise and progres.s of the church of
the Lattor Day Saints; and publish, for
th» benefit of onquivora, and ;iU who
are disposed to learn. Ther(? aro c^^r-
tain facts relative to the woik3 of God
worthy the considcration^^nnd observ-
ance of every individual, and every so-
gietv: — They aro that ho never works
in the dark — his works are always per-
formed in a clear, intelligible manner:
and another point is, that he never
works in vain. This is not the case
with men; but might it not be? When
the Lord works, he accomplishes his
purposes, and the effects^of his power
are to be seen afterward. In view of
this, suifer me to make a few remarks
bv way of introduction. The works
of man may shine for a season with a
degree of brilliancy, but time changes
their complexion; and whether it did or
not, all wonld be the same in a little
space, as nothing except that which
was erected by a hand which never
grows weak, caa remain when corrup-
tion is consumed.
I shall not be required to adorn and
beautify my narrative with a relation of
the faith of Enoch, and those who as-
sisted him to build up Zion, which fled
to God — on the mountains of which
was commanded the blessing, life for-
ever more — to be held in reserve to add
another ray of glory to the grand reti-
nue, when worlds shall rock from their
base to their center; the nations of the
righteous rise from the dust, and the
blessed millions of the church of the
firstborn, shout his triumphant coming,
to receive his kingdom, over v.-Iiich he
is to reign till all enemies are subdued.
Nor shall I write the history of the
Lord's church, raised up according to
his own instruction to Moses and Aaron;
of the perplexities and discouragements
which came upon Israel for their trans-
gressions; their organization upon the
land of Canaan, and their overthrow
and dispersion among all nations, to
reap the reward of ihoir iniquities, to
the appearing of the Great Shepherd, in
the flesh.
But thero is, of necessity, a uniform-
ity so exact; a manner so precise, and
ordinajiccs so minute, in all ages and
generations when ever God has estab-
lished his church among men, that
should I have occasion to recur to ei-
ther age, and particularly to that char-
acterized by the advent of the Messiah,
and the ministry of the apostles of that
church; with , a cursory view of the
same till it lost its visibility on earth;
was driven into darkness, or till God
took the holy priesthood unto himself,
where it has been held in reserve to
the present century, as a matter of right,
in this free country, I may take the
privilege. This may bo doubted by
some — indeed by many — as an admis-
sion of this point would overthrow the
popular s} stems of the day. I cannot
reasonably expect, then, that the large
majority of professors will be v.'illing
to listen to my argument for a moment,
as a careful, impartial, and faithful in-
vestigation of the doctrines which I l>e-
lieve to be correct, and the principles
cherished in my bosom — and believed
by this church — by every honest man
must be admitted as truth. Of this I
may say as Tcrtullian said to the Em-
peror when writing in defence of the
saints in his day: "Whoever looked
well into our religion that did not em-
brace it?"
Common undertakings and plans of
men may be overthrown or destroyed
by opposition. The systems of this
world may be exploded or annihilated
by oppression or falsehood; but it is the
reverse with pure religion. There is
a power attendant on truth that all the
arts and designs of men cannot fath-
om; there is an increasing influence
which rises up in one place the moment
it is covered in another, and the more
it is traduced, and the harsher the
m:sSE500. AXD ADYCK-AT^
td
means empluyed to eifect its extiuctiuu,
the more numerous are its votaries. —
[t is not the vain cry of ''delusion"
from the giddy, multitude; it is not the
snears of bigots; it is not the frowns of
zealots, neither the rage of princes,
kings, nor emperors, that can prevent
its influence. The fact is, asTertulIi-
an said, no man ever looked carefully
into its consistency and propriety -with-
out embracing it. It is impossible:
That light which enlightens man, is al
once enraptured; that intelligence which
existed before the world was, will
unite, and that wisdom in the Divine
economy will be so conspicuous, that
it will be embraced, it will be observed,
and it must be obeyed!
Look at pure religion whenever it
has had a place on earth, and you will
always mark the same characteristics
in all its features. Look at truth (^with-
out which the former could not exist,)
and the same peculiarities are apparent.
Tliose who have been guided by them
have always shown the same princi-
ples; and those who were not, have as
uniformly sought to desti'oy their influ-
ence. Religion has had its friends
and its enemies; its advocates and its
opponants. But the thousands of years
which have come and gone, have left
it unaltered; the millions who have em-
braced it, and are now enjoying that
bliss held forth in its promises, have
left its principles unchanged, and its in-
fluence upon the honest heart, unweak-
ened. The mapy oppositions which
have encountered it; the millions of
calumnies, the numberless reproaches,
and the myriads of falsehoods, have
left its fair form unimpaired, its beauty
untarnished, and its excellence as ex-
cellent; while its certainty is the same,
and its foundation upheld by the hand
of God!
One peculiarity of men I wish to no-
tice in the early part of my narrative. —
So far as my acquaintance andknowl-
edgc of men and their history extends,
it rias been the custom of ©very gener-
ation, to boast of, .or extol the acts of
the former. In this respect I wish it
to be distinctly understood, that I mean
the righteous-ihose to whom God com-
municated iiis Avill. There has ever
been an apparent blindness common in
men, which has hindered their discov
ering the real worth and excellcnco of
individuals while residing with them;
but when once deprived of their socie«
ty, worth, and counsel, they were ready
to exclaim, "how great and inestima-
ble were their qualities, 6c how precioua
is their memory."
The vilest and most corrupt are not
exempted from this charge: even the
Jews, whose former principles had be-
come degenerated, and whose religion
was a mere show, were found among
that class who were ready to build and
garnish the sepulchers of the prophets,
and condemn their fathers for putting
them to death; making important boasts
of their own righteousness, and of their
assurance of salvation, in the midst of
which they rose up with one consent,
and treacherously and shamefully be-
trayed, and crucified the Savior of the
world! No wonder that the enquirer
has turned aside with disgust, nor mar-
vel that God has appointed a day when
he will call the nations before him, and
reward every man according to hi»
v»'orks!
Enoch walked with God, and • was
taken home without tasting death. —
Why were not a/Z converted in his dey
and taken with him to glory? Noah,
it is said, was perfect in his generation:
and it » plain that he had communion
with his Maker, and by his direction
accomplished a work the parallel of
which 19 not to bo found in the annals
of the world! Why were not ihe^ world
converted, that the flood might have
been stayed? Men, from the days of
our father Abraham, hare ta)ke<l, bes*-
!»
MESSEiS'GERAND .UJVOCATE.
ted, anJ e.ttolled his faith: and he is
even represented in the scriptures:- —
"Ih-i father of the -faithful." Mogcs
talked with the Lord face to face; receiv-
ed the great moral lav,-, upon the basis
<ir which those of all civilized govcrn-
rnents are founded; led Israel forty
ycars, and was taken home to receive
the reward of his toils — then Jacob
could realize his worth. Well was the
<juestiou asked by our Lovd, "How
Cin the children of the bridechamber
mourn while the brides^room is with
them?" It is said, that he travelled and
taught the righteous principles of his
kingdom, three years, during which he
chose twelve men, and ordained them
apostles, &c. The people sav/ and
heard — they wore particularly benefit-
ted, many of them, by being healed of
infirmities, and diseases; of plagues,
and devils: they saw him walk upon
the water; they saw the winds and
waves calmed at his command; they
saw thousands fed to the full with a
pittance, and the very powers of dark-
ness tremble in his presence— and like
others before them, considered it as a
dream, or a common occurrence, till
^le time was fulfilled, and he was of-
fered up. Yet while he was with them
he said, you shall desire to see one of
the days of the Son of Man, and shall
not see it. He new that calamity
would fall upon that people, and the
wrath of heaven overtake them to their
overthrow; and when that devoted ci-
ty was surrounded with armies, well
may we conclude that they desired a
pretector possessing sufficient power
to lead them to some safe place aside
from the tumult of a siege.
Siace the apostles fell asleep all men
wha profess a belief in the truth of
tiieir mission, extol ^their virtues and
celebrate their fame. It seems to have
Heea forgotten that they were men of
infirmities and subject to all the feel-
ings, passions, and imperfections coiu-
mon to other men. But it appears,
that they, as others were before them,
are looked upon as men of perfection,
holiness, purity, and goodness, far in
advance of any since. So were the
characters of the prophets held in the
days of tJiese apostles. What can be
the difference in the reward, whether a
man died for righteousness' sake in the
days of Abel, Zacharias, John, the
twelve apostles chosen at Jeiusalenr,
or since? Is not the life of one equal-
ly as precious as the other? and is not
the truth, just as true?
But in reviewing the lives and acts
of men in past generations, whenever
wc find a righteous man among them,
{here always were excuses for not giv-
ins; heed or credence to his testimony.
The people could sec his imperfections;
or, if no imperfections, supposed ones,
and were always ready to frame an
excuse upon that for not believing.—
No matter how pure the principles, nor
how precious the teachings — an ex-
cuse was wanted — and an excuse was
had.
The nest generation, perhaps, was
favored with equally as righteous men«,-
who were condemned upon the same
principles of the former, while the acts
and precepts of the former \vcx.e the
boasts of the multitude; when, in real-
ity, their doctrines were aa more pure,
their exertions to turn men to right-
eousness no greater, neither their walk
any more circumspect- — the grave of
the former is considered to be holy^
and his sepulcher is garnished while
the latter is deprived a dwelling among
men, or even an existence upon earth!
Such is a specimen of the depravity
and inconsistency of men, aad such
has been their conduct toward the
righteous in centuries past
When John the son of Zacharias
came among the Jews, it is said that
MKSt^rJNGEil AND ADVOCATl*.
H
he c^mo neither entlug broad nor
drinking wine. lu another placo it
13 said that his meat was locusts and
wiki honey. The Jews saw him,
heard him preach, and were witnesses
oC the purity of the doctrines advocated
— they wanted an excuse, and they
soon t'oundone — "He hath a devil!" —
And who, among all generations, that
valued his salvation, would be taught
by, or follow one possessed of a devil?
Tlie Savior came in form and tas-
sion of a man; he ate, drank, and
walked about as a man, and they said,
"Behold, a man gluttonous, and a wine-
bibber, a friend of publicans and sin-
nL-jrs!" You see an excuse was wan-
tlr^g, but not long wanting till it was
found — Who would follow a dissipated
leader? or who, among the righteous
Pharisees would acknowledge a man
who would condescend to eat with pub-
licans and sinners? This was too
much — they could not endure iL An
individual teaching the doctrines of the
kingdom of heaven, and declaring that
that kingdom was nigh, or that it had
already come, must appear ditierent
from others, or lie could not be re-
ceived. If he were athirst he must
not drink, if faint he must not eat, and
if weary he must not rest, because ho
had assumed the authority to teach the
world righteousness, and he must be
difTerent in manners, and in constitu-
tion, if not in form, that all might he
attracted by his singular appearance:
that his singular demeanor might gain
the reverence of the people, or he was
an impostor — a false teacher — a wick-
ed man — a sinner — and an accomplice
of Beelzebub, the prince of devils!
If singularity of appearance, or dif-
ference of manners would command
respect, certainly John would have
been reverenced, and heard. To see
one coming from the wilderness, clad
with camels' hair, drinking neither
common food, muat have awakened tito
curiosity of tlie curious, to the ftiUest
extent. But there was one peculiarity
in this man common to every rif^htcoua
man before him, for which the pcoplo
hated him, and fur which he lost hia
life — he taught holiness, proclaimed re-
pentance and baptism for the rcmissioa
of sins, warned the people of the con-
sequences o( iniquity, and declared
that the kingdom of heaven was at
hand — All this was too much! To sco
one dres.sed so ridiculously, eating no
common food, neither drinking wino
like other men; .stepping in advance of
the learned and reverend Pharisees*
wise doctors, and righteous scribes,
and declaring, at the san'ie time, that
the Lord's kingdom would soon appear,
could not be borne — he must not teach
— he must not assume — he must not at-
tempt to lead the people after him —
"He hath a devil!"
The Jews were willing, (professed-
ly so,) to believe the ancient prophets,
and follow the directions of heaven as
delivered to the world by them; but
when one came teaching the same doo-
trinc, and proclahning the same things,
only that they were nearer, they would
not hear. Mon say if they could seo
they would believe; but I have thought
the reverse, in this respect — If.thoy
cannot see they will believe.
One of two reasons may be assigned
as the cause why the messengers of
truth have been rejected — perhaps both.
The multitude saw their imperfections,
or supposed ones, and from that fram-
ed an excuse for rejecting them: or else
in consequence of the corruption of
their own hearts, when reproved, wero
not willing to repent; but sougnt to
make a man an offender for a word: or
for wearing camels' hair, eating lo-
custs, drinking wine, or showing friend-
ship to publicans and sinners!
When looking over the sicred scrrp-
■wmc nor strong drink, nor yet eating ' turcs, we seem to forget that they were
m
ALErSSFL\U£ll AND ADVOCATE.
gitea through men of imj>erfections,
and subject to passions. It is a general
belief that the ancient prophets were
perfect — that no stain, or blemish ever
appeared upon their characters Vhile
on earth, to be brought forward by the
opposcr as an excuse for not beheving.
The same is said of the apostles; but
Jamea said that Elias [Elijah] was a
inan subject to like passions as them-
selves, and yet he had that power with
God that in answer to his prayer it rain-
ed not on the earth by the space of
three years and a half.
There can be no doubt but those to
whom he wrote looked upon the ancient
prophets as a race of beings superior
to any in those days; and in order to
be eonstituted a prophet of God, a man
must be perfect in every respect, —
The idea is, that he must be perfect ac-
cording to their signification of the word.
If a people were blessed with prophets,
they must be the individuals who were
to prescribe the laws by which they
must be governed, even in their private
v/alks. The generation following were
ready to suppose, thr.t those men whobe-
heved the word of C4od were as perfect
as those to whom it was delivered sup-
posed they mu«t be, and were as for-
ward to prescribe the rules by which
they were governed, or rehearse laws
and declare them to I- the governing
principles of tht prophets, as though
they themselr«s held the keys of the
mysteries of heftter., and had searched
the archiron of the venerations of the
world.
You will see that I have made men-
tion of the Messiah, of his mission into
the world, and of his walk and outward
appearance; but do not understand me
as attempting to place him on a level
-with men, or his mission on a parallel
with those of the prophets and apostles
tVr from this. I vifcw his mission
guch as none other could fill ; that he
was offered without spot to God. a pro-
pitiation for our sins; that he rose tri-
umphant and victorious over the grave
and him that has the power of death. —
This, man could not do — It required a
perfect sacrafice — man h imperfect —
It required a spotless otfeiing — man
is not spotless — It required an infinite
atonement — man is mortal!
I have, then, as you will jec, mado
mention of our Lord, to show that in-
dividuals teaching truth, whether per-
fect or imperfect, have been looked up-
on as the worst of men. And that oven
our Savior, the great Shepherd of Is-
rael, was mocked and derided, and
placed on a parallel with the prince of
devils; and the prophets and apostles,
though at this day, looked upon a^
perfect as perfection, weTe considered
the basest of the human family by thoso
among whom they lived. It is not ru"
mor, though it is wafted by every gale,
and reiterated by every zephyr, upon
which we are to found our judgments
of ones merits or demerits: If it. is,
we erect an altar upon which we sao-
raficc the most perfect of men, and es-
tablish a criterion by which the "vilest
of the vile" may escape censure.
But lest I weary you with too many
remai'ks upon the history of the past,
after a few upon the propriety of a
narrative of the description I have pro-
posed, I shall proceed. — Editor.
The I^atter Day Saints^,;,
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE'
IS EDITED BY
OLIVER COWDERY,
And published every month at Kirt-
land, Geauga Co. Ohio, bif
F. G. WILLIAMS ^- CO,
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1.
fm
^8^5F:/:^c,js^:ss. a^^js) ab^v^scate.
Un.. 1. No. ;;.] ^'^'^^_'^jl::^'^'"v^>''^5^. »FX;EMB[^R, IKM. [Whole No. 3.
comimjj^iCATie^^s.
Libirti/, Mu. j^oi\
LETTER NO. 11.
18:54.
c bc-iu with tiiaL section •sLssippi," so tluit the "far \vc«t," or urstcn
between tlic IMisyoiiri riv- wodd of territory, laid down on some oflh<
Di>Ai! Br.oTHKu:
1 am one, but tl;e world li;is
many, and the many so various and extensive
that every mind and body may ijave its por-
tion, and satiBfactioii, even of truth: wliei'C-
foi-c I continue tlie sketches of tlio •,/estern
wilds. And let mc be
of land wiiich lies
or, and the north-western conntiea of this
{State. This fine tract of territory embraces
land enough for two or tliree counties, and
contrary to the obaervation wliicf! I v.Totc
you last August about it, there will be a ful'-
ther effort for annexiitio-n to this State, afi
soon as matters can move.
The appearance of this tract, as far a.s 1
know, is nnich the same, of the other con-
tijruous country, as described in my last: Ex-
tensive prairies, lHn;jed with tiudjer upon the
stroams. The streanis have generally a small
asisortmcnt of fish, such as tarj^e cat, carp,
buflalo-shad, hickery-sliad, gars, and a few
o'.lier small pan li^h. About three or lour
miles west of the boundary line, tlicre is a
beautiful creck of living water, i)ebble bottom,
lunning northwardly and cmplichi into the
Little 'riatt. it is called '-TihI's Creek,"
and is suflicient for light inills. Passing
"jome dry branches, in dry times, the l^ittlv
l'la,tt comes nc:rt, and a tine looking rivef it
is, loO; about eight or ten rods wide, with a
grand fill for mills, of say six or seven feet,
ut the ford and ferr}'. -Like other western
waters, liowcvcr, it sometimes rises very
high, (fifty or sixty feet,) on short notice;
and to use it for mill ;';-ivileges and purposes,
aitent,; more properly, an account of which
will be given hercafU'r. TJiis i)ernhssioi!
wit!; the -faciliticp, without money or price,
gives };im a chance lo amass a fortune v.ith
UUl-t trouble, little competition, and in a little
time..
But to r.iy subject. The liist Congress, if
I am not n}(stakcn, extended the limits, juris-
diction and laws, of the territory of ftlijhi-
gan, to all "the district of country north of
the Bt.ito of IMissouri, and west of the Mis-
n
y, iam clown on some of thd
maps, us tiie Missouri Territory, is n6v>'
bounded, south by the Arkansas Territoryj
and Mexican States; v,-cst by the llocky
-Mountains; north by the British line, as it
shall be cetabiished according to the treaty
of Ghoht, cornering en the north-east, at thd
Lake of the Woods; and east by Michi-
gan Territory, and tlio State of i\Iissonri:
comj)rising n;ore land than did the old "Thir-
teen United States," and may emphatically
be Called //?t licait of North Aincrlra. It is
about nine hmidred miles long and ciglit
Inihdred miles broad, containing, at estiuiatc,
four hundred and sixty millions, and eight
hundred iliotisand acres, spread over thirteen
degfees of north hitilude, and en;bracing all
the beauty nhd variety of L-eason and climate,
ihat may be found from the south line of Vir-
ginia, to tlie gulf of St. Lawrence! It is a
great place, and every thing aboutit is Gkeat.-
The Missouri, than which a larger or more
(Freadful river, (with itj muddy face always
scowling,) is not on earth, rushes rajtidly
from near the 4l)th to about the O'Jth degree
of nortii latitude, hurrying along with itj^ its
numerous relativeiJ-, and tributaries, from the
vast prairies, that lay spread oat like an em-
I)ire, and passes into tlic State of J>.Iissouri,
would retpiire a stamina ai^d cajjital ccjual to as the Prc^sident of rivers
\^4iat brought the grand canal, by an aquo
duct across the Genesee at Rochester, New-
York.
On the groat garrison road, near five miles
wcKterly of the Piatt, is a precious rivulet,
called "Clear Creek," along which the Indi-
ans camp, in hunting seasons, by scores. —
This route to the garrison, from the Piatt
west, is timber land, and has a Mne appear-
ance; in fact, from what I can Icariv, seme of
tliis section looks as rich and fertile as .hick-
sjn. At the distance of sixty or eighty rods
from Clear Creek, as you come down upoii
the Missouri bottom, is a Jordan-like, deen
e!u"-gish stream, bridge J, named "Bee Creek,*'
from the great quantities of bees that have
been found in its woods. The Missouri bot-
tom from tiiis creek to the garrison, about
tiiree miles, is covered with an unparalleled
phalanx of rushes, four or five feet high, pre-
senting one of the ^dff'cst pastures 1 ever be-
held. The cattle live and fatten upon these
rushes, year in and year out, without any
other fxjdder. One Mr. Martin, v.-ho has a
permit from the garrison, has the benefit of
nil this spontaneous feed, together with a
farm and ferry at the Piatt, a farm and ferry
at the Missouri, oliposite the garrison, and
a hording house in the garrison, or canton- '
Notwithstanding, thli; great tountry may
be I'nnked us a part of the realm of the Uni-
ted States, yet, the title to the land, is held
by the Indians that huht upon it; or, at least,
tiie most sf it, is theirs; and as the genera!
government, has already commenced giilher-
ing and settling the various tribes upon thfi
soi.tli-eastern limits of this grand region, I
shall be justified on that point, and because
we have the word of tl.o L.oril, that tl^ese In-
dians are a rrumaut of the seed of .loscph, I
certainly shall write truth, on another point j
when I call it tue land of israki,. Time
will tell whether the United States will be so
humane as to gather all the wandering tribes
of the forest, and extinguish their title to
such lands as tliey do not want. If tlie gov-
ernment sHfeuld succeed in its philantiiropic
oi>eralion to ameliorate the condition of the
Indians, and honorably ])urchase nuicJi of
their land; if the Lord should ])ermit timber
to grov/ upon the prairies, like corn stalks •
upon the cultivated fields, so that towns and
cities might speckle the west as tliey now do
the east, still, when "Jacob takes root," ac-
cording to the prediction of Isaiah, "and
i)lossoms and buds and fills the face of the
world with fruit," this country will then be
Tlic Land nf J:-racL
/O
/"
A
fi.
/^
^.»J3
1
34
MESSENGER AiND ADVOCATE.
I should do injustice to the subject, were I
to omit a notice of the Indians that inhabit
the territory, of which [ am writing. WJien
I was at the garrison, I saw a noble looking,
portly Indian, dressed and harnessed in fine
style for hunting, and for the life of me, I
could not helji composing the following lines
for
THE RED MAN.
O slop iiiirl tell me, Red Man,
Wlio are ye? wiiy you roam?
Ami how you get your livin;?
Have you no Godj^iio home?
With stature straight and portly,
And dei'ked iu native pride,
AVilli feathers, paints, and brcadics.
He willingly replied: —
" I on lo was pleasant Ephraim,
" When Jacob for me pray'd;
" But oh! how blessinifs vanish,
" When man from Uod has stray'd'.
" Before your nation knew us,
" Some thousand moons ago,
•' Our fatlir.rs fell in darkness,
" And wander'd to and fro.
" And long they've liv'd by hunting.
" Instead of work and oris,
"And so our race has dwindled
" To idle Indian liearta-.
" Vet hope within, us lingers.
"As if the Spirit siwjke: —
'He'll come for your redeniiiliuii.
' And break your Gentile yoke:
' And all your captive brothers,
' From every clime shall come,
'And quit their savage eu.stom.s,
'To live with God at home.
" Tlien ^y will fill our bosoms,
" And blessings crown our tfciys,
" To live in piu-e religion,
"And sing our Maker's praise."
Now, to my story again. Besides the Del-
awares, Shawnees, Kickapoos, Wyandots:,
Pottowattomies, Senecas, Osages, Choctaws,
Cherokees, Kaskaskias, Kansas, &«. &c.
which our nation and the missionaries are do-
mesticating as they are gatiiered, upon the
southern limits of the land of Israel, the
Pawnees, the Sioux, the Rickarees. the Man-
(.laiiB, the Nespersees, the Blackfeet, tiie
Sacs, the Foxes, and many other tribes, rove
and hunt from prairie to prairie, from river to
river, from hill to hill, and from mountain to
mountain, and live, and are blessed before
the face of heaven daily as well as their co-
temporary whites; and, perhaps 1 may add,
are as justifiable before God, as any people
on the globe, called heathens. No church
bell from its elevated steeple, rings "Go to
meeting; it is Sunday," while a dozen lesser
ones, lor stages and Steam boats, peal a
ding-dong "for parties of pleasure, as a holi-
dfliy," among these rude sons of the vvetit.—
Atid it is a difficult matter to m»ke one soul
of them believe the Great Spirit ever said,
■^'licmcmbcr the Sabbath day to keep it hohj,"
while they know, that the majority of the
\vhite nation, use it for a holiday. No poli-
ticians boast of freedom and equal rights,
while thousands are imprisoned for debt, or
are in bondage: No; when the tribes are at
peace, the Indian is free; his land is free; his
game is free; his lime is free, and all is free.
But the |;lory of the whole matter is vet
to be told; and_that is, that tlie Isour is near,
when the Lord will gather .his elect, even Is-
rael; that the riglstcou.s may come flocking to
the standard of God like doves to the win-
dows. Tills is the glory of the children "of
the promise. This is the expectation of the
faithful. Thi.s is the joy of the saints, that
they may be gathered and live and reign a
thousand years on earth with Christ. And
who would not be full of hope, faith, and char-
ity, at such a grand prospect. Or in other
■n ords, Is there an heir of thecelestial king-
dom, tliat would take this world as a mite to-
wards tlie glory and blessings, after much
tribulation, that he can receive in the one to
come? No!
The generations generally, except the
seunts, as they have passed by, from tlie be-
ginning, liave had their measure, of glorj'j
tiiine and power, because they have eagerly
sought for it — but wlicre are the mightiest of
them! Numbered with the dead! The Ne-
phites who once had tlie Lord personally
among them, where are thoy? Numiiered
with the dead! And the present generation,
with the knowledge of six tliousand years iu
advance, after a little, where will all its chief-
est be? Numbered with the dead! O grave!
grave! how many mysteries thou hidest! —
l3ut tlie hour of revelation it; nigh, and who
is prepared to hear it? And the time to re-
new the earth is not far off, and who will
then possess it? And the time is soon at
hand, wlien the Lord can be seen, and who
shall see liim.' Yea, wliocau enjoy all these
sublime privileges? The jiurciu heart.
No wonder the Saints endured martyrdom 1
No wonder the Bon of God suffered upon the
cross, it was for the sake of eternal life in a
world of perfection, where the order and the
power, and the realm, are unchangeable, and
the enjoyment unutterable, (in this world.}
Away with crowns and kingdoms; away with
grandeur and gold; away with fame and fas-
s:ions — all are vanity: seek first the kingdom
of heaven and its n<!ht!iousimss, and when the
Lord comes, the riches of eternity will be
given to the saints; and the curse will be ta-
ken oft' of the earth, and the land will yield
its increase, and the whole world will become
the g;»rden of God and his people. The land
of tiie north, the land of the east, the land of*
the south, arwl the land of the "/f'cs/," will
be the land of Israel, the liome of the blessed,
and the seat of the bdored citij: and thougli
oceans shall roll Iiack, and mountains sink
down; though worlds may be created, and
disappear, and ages come and go, yet, amidst
my littleness, and nothingness, compared
with the vastness of God's works, I hope to
enjoy an inheritance in that city.
As ever,
W. W. PHELPS.
To OUVKR CownKRY, Esq.
The library of the late Eearl rrpcncer ;iroiie, e.xclii-
si\e of his pirture;--, is: estimated at 'JOO,00«lbs. This-
m.iy give a notion of the state of literature in Kng-
lund in private life.
Admiral Napier has retired from the Portuguese
.service and returned to Bnplaiid, having rcceix'cd as
his reward 16,000 )bs.—?V. i'. Mercury.
MESSEXGEH AND ADVOCATE.
3S
freedom, Xor. 28 18;J4
Df.VK BkOTHKR Ol.lViJK, —
I Jiave been bles-
sed at all times wlieii my judgment dictated
tiiat I ought to write to you, witii a willing
mind to do it, but I have not aiways been
equally happy in communicating that which
will either please or instruct, stdl 1 venture
to write believing 1 may be instrumental in
stirring up your mind by way of remembrance.
It is no matter of despondency to me that I
;iiu not able to instruct you in the great
things of the kingdom, but, rather, of re-
joicing, that I have a Ijiotlier who can istruct
me, nevertheless all you liave. ajid all I have,
is of God, and ueitlier of us have any thing
whereof loljoast. Ciirist, the lovely, compas-
sionate Savior i;s the happy medium, througii
whom all Ijlessings are received. To him
we owe gratitude and praise continually. —
And 1 beaeve 1 hazard nothing that is con-
trary to trutli, ^vhen I say that a proper con-
templation of this idea will serve to keep the
saints of God humble. Christ being tlie me-
dium through whom all blessings flow, can
tiie consideration of this subject do anything
else than debase the creature in his own eyes
and exalt the character of God? While we
were yet sinners, (says tlie apostle.) "CIn-ist
fiied for the ungodly." i Je has broken down
the middle wall of jiartition between .leAV and
Gentile, and reconciled both in one bod}' by
his cross, and of twain making one new man
and so making peace. So it evidently ap-
Iiears according to the scriptures, that there
is nj otJier name given under iieaven among
men whereby we can be saved. Hence we
may safely infer that Ihitt system of salvation
v.-hich discards the ideti of the all atoning sac-
rifice of Christ must be erroneous. The ve-
ry idea of atonement or reconciliation, wliere
there is so much guilt as there is attached to
the family of man, involves the idea of ex]ii-
ation in- propria persona or vicariously: For
says the apostle, without shedding of blood
is no remission. There is one God and one
Mediator between Gcd and man, the mau
Christ Jesus, who gave himself a ransom for
all to be teslifled in due time. We who were
once far off by reason of sin ai»d rebellion,
are made nigli by the blood of Christ. So
that in every point of ligiit in whicli we can
view the plan of God in the salvation of tlie
sinner, we are bd to admire, to wonder at, and
adore, its benevolent Author. Another idea
corroborative of what I have advanced, is
that salvation ioiplies tiiat we were lost. If
we were not lost, we needed no Savior, and
if iin did not otFjr himself witliout spot to
God for us, to make atonement for our
sins, and bring in everlasting righteousness,
thru he uuist have suffered and died in vain,
for he had no sins of his own for which to
suffer, and the idea of his suffering as a mere
exain])Ie of patience, meekness or forbear-
ance, appears uns<Tiplural and unsound.
Such is not that system of religion that is
calculated to produce humility, and humil-
ity is that grace without which we have no
scriptural claim to tlie appellation of saints of
the Most High God; or to the promises ad-
dressed to the humble followers of the meek
and lowly Savior. Says the prophet, he
was wounded for our transgressions: he was
bruised for our iniquities. The chastisement
of our peace was upon him, and with his
stripe.s we arc liealed. The great apostle of
the Gentiles when he was about to take his
leave of his brethren at Miletus sent to Eph-
esus and called tlie elders of the church and
said unto them, take heed unto yourselves,
and to all the flock over which the Holy
Ghost has made you overseers, to feed the
church of God which he hath purcliased with
his own blood— With these scriptures before
me I know not how I can persuade myself to
believe the sufferings of tlie Savior are not
vicarious. On the principle that they are
not vicarious 1 ask what scriptural argument
can be urged why he should suffer at all.—
It may be said by some that he suftered as a
l)attern of patience and long sufleiing, tliere-
by teaching the children of men a lesson of
forbearance which they ouirht to follow, and
by which they oiigjit at all times to be exer-
cised. Very well, still this question recurs
with equal force to my mind, how does that
save unl and what becomes of the very idea
ol a Savior .' Such expressions as 1 have
quoted, and the following, he bear our sins
in his own body on the tree, must if his suf-
lerings arc not vicarious, be senseless jargon.
VV. A. COWDERY.
FAITH OF THE CHURCH. NO. IX.
C'u at i lined from pairc 19.
So plain and easy of underslouding are
these teachings of the Savior, tlial none need
mistalve them: if there is darkness in our
minds, it is owing to our prejudices, and not
to any obscurity in the teachings of tlie Sav-
ior. Neither would we expect to find a sub-
ject of such vital importance, left in any de-
gree doubtful: indeed all the darkness there
is on the subject of tlie work of the Holy Spir-
it, in the salvation of men, is owing to car-
nal and sensual men, who have not the Spir-
it: taking on themselves tlie office of tetacli-
ing the things of (Jod: and being destitute
of tlie Spirit, tliey are incaj)able of tcacliing
tlie truth, to others: and instead of enlight-
ening the minds of men, they "darken council
with words without knowledge," and lead
the unwary astray, and blind the eyes of the
])eople, so that they are incapable of discern-
ing truth from error.
We have seen in tlie foregoing quola'-
ficns, in the clearest ])ossible light, the way
and manner in which the Savior of the world,
prepared his servants and messengers to teach
the world of mankind, and how lie qualified
them, so that tliey might teach truth, and
not error. But to remove all doubt on this
subject from every mind, so as not to have
even ground for a caviler, we will take a
view of the whole course of the divine ]>ro-
(■eedings witli his messengers, whom he sent
into tiie world to tei'c.li it righteousne.ss. —
We will go bark and examine the manner of
his dealing with them, in order to qualify
them for the work wliereunto he had called
them.
We all know that the first thing to be done,
was to ca'l them, as he did. See Matthew
'1th chapter, from the 17 to the 'J3. Also.
Mark, J chapter, from the 1,', to tlie 21. —
After he called thein, he next ordained them.
See Mark 3 chapter, from the 12 to the 20
36
MESSENGEIt AND ADVOCATE.
verse. 1 Timothy, 3 chapter 7 verse, Paul
Bays of himself that he was ordained a preach-
er and an apostle. In the 14 verse of tlie 3
chapter of Mark, we are told, that he ordain-
ed twelve to be with him, and that he might
Bcnd them forth to preach to ail nations. —
As it is particularly said, that these twelve
whom he sent forth were in the first place to
be witli him, we will have a fair opportunity
of seeing the manner and way by which he
qualified them to go fortii, and preach to all
nations, whither he would, in due time,
send them, and whither he did send them
after his resurrection from the dead. We
have just seen that he first called them, tlien
ordained them; and from that time, till
the time of his crucifixion, he kept them
with him, teaching them, and instructing
them, into the knowledge of the kingdom of
heaven. When he taught by parables, he
explained all things to tliera privately. In
the 10 chapter of Matthew, we have an ac-
count of his sending them out to preach, and
to heal all manner of diseases; to cast out
devils, and to raise the dead; preaching as
they went, that the kingdom of heaven was
at hand. And he continued teaching and in-
jstructing them, into tin; knowledge of the
things pertaining to the kingdom of God,
and expounding all things to them whicli
were written, in the law of Moses, and in
the prophets, and in the Psalms, concern-
ing himself until his death, and for some time
after his resurrection. See Luke 21 chapter,
from the 43, to the 48 verse, "And lie said
unto tliem, these are the words which I spake
unto you, while I was yet with you, that all
things must be fulfilled, which v/ero written
in the law of Moses, and in the prophet;^, and
in the Psalms, concerning me. Then open-
ed he their understanding, that they might
understand the scriptures. And said unto
them. Thus it is written, and thus it behov-
ed Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead
the third day: And that repentance and re-
mission of sins should be preached in his
name araolig all nations, beginning at Jeru-
salem."
What a vast of labor, and pains, he must
have bestowed upon them, during his stay
in the flesh; and then again after his resurrec-
tion from the dead, opening their understand-
ing that thoy might understand the scrip-
tures; and then making known unto them
tlie things pertaining to himself, and to his
kingdom, by similitudes, parables, figures,
allegories and comparisons! teaching, and in-
structing them, into all knowledge and un-
derstanding, of those things which pertain
to eternal life, until the close of his minis-
try, in this life: he then in his prayer to his
Father, as recorded in the 17 chapter of
John's gospel, or testimony, informs his I''a-
tlier what he had done for tliem. He says
thus: "I have manifested thy name unto
the men which thou gavest me out of the
world: thine they were, and thou gavest
them me; and they have kept thy word. —
Now they have known that all things what-
soever thou hast given me are of tliee: For
I have given unto them the words which
thou gavest me; and they have received
them, and have known surely tliat I camo
out from thee, and they have believed that
thou didst send nie. See (J, 7 and S verses.
As I presume that tihcrc are. no persons, who
belicvg in the diviiie mission of Jesua Christ,
who will be chsposed to doubt the truth of
what he said on this occasion to his Father,
respecting liis disciples, it is only necessary
for those who believe in the divine authenti-
city of the new testament, to read the above
quotation once, (for it is exceedingly plain,)
in order to see the great advantages these
messengers had, previous to the deatli of the
Savior: First, they had tlie name of God
manifested to them: 1 have muntfestcA thy
name to the mm ichich thozi gavcrd inc out of
the icorid. Secondly, they knew that all
things whatsoever the Savior had, were of
God.
Tliirdly, they had both received and kept
the wortis which were given unto them of
the Father, tlirougli the Savior. Fourth,
they know that he had come out from God,
and that God had most assuredly sent hiiu
into the world. According to the testimony
of the Savior on all the furegoing points, they
had the greatest confidence, and the stronyr
est assurance: having seen, heard, and known,
for themselves, until they knew most assur-
edly. Tiiere were the best of reasons for the
Savior's Sayiiig as he did to Jiis Father on
that occasion; for on the mount of transfig-
uration, he had let them behold his glory,
and they heard the voice of God out of the
heavens, speaking unto them, and testifying
that Jesus was the Son ef (iod. So that
the apostles did know beyond the power of
contradiction, that he had come out from
God: on this most important of all points,
their minds must have been without doubt.
In addition to this, they had, previous to the
time when tlie Savior addressed his Father,
the power of working miracles, healing the
sick, casting cut devils, and raising thi dead.
Alatthew, 10 cliapter When all these things
are ])roperly considered, they set forth the
advantages of the apostles of the Savior,
which were in Judea, in a very interesting
point of light, and show that they v/ere not
sent forth to preach to the world, until they
had been instructed extensively into the
knowledge of the doctrine of Jesus Christ.
But now reader, mark: After all this, they
had to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit,
before they coutd teach the nations or preach
the gospel to tiie world. Such great im.por-
tanco does the Savior attach to the gi/t of
the Holy Spirit, that nothing can be a sub-
stitute for ii; neither could any learning or
instruction, whicli the apostles iiad received,
or could receive from him, supercede the ne-
cessity of it.
Some very important things suggest them-
selves to the mizid, in rellecting on the whole ■
surface of the divine proceedings, in relation
to the apostles.
The first is: tliat so vastly iniporlant is
the gift o!' the Holy Spirit, in the salvation
oi"men, that nothing can supply its place. —
There is nothing tliat a man can see with
his eyes, or hear with his ears, or handle with
his hands, wiiich can supply the place of the
Holy Spirit; neither can any instruction,
received from prophets, or seers, or even from
the Lord Jesua himself, or yet the voice of
God, out of the heavens: for all this the dis-
ciples had before tliey received the gift of the
Holy Spirit — neither believing, receiving,
nor keeping, the word of God, will do; for
the apoatles had done all this, before they
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
received the ffifi of tlie Holy Spirit. Tliey
Jiad seen tlie Jjord in llie flesh, and ofler liis
i-esiirrection froin the dead; and liad helield
iiini in hia glory, on the mount of transfig-
uration; hut notwithstanding iiU this, they
must receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, or
else tiiey could not ])uild up the kingdom of
.^^ipaven among men.
Anot.her important, concidoration is, tliat
^vilhout the gift of the ]1<>1_V Spirit the grea-
ter ]>art of the lenchingK of the Savior would
have been in vain; for sueh i-.: the weaAne.ss
of the Imman mind, that unless it is strength-
ened 1)}' the Hoi}' Spirit, it would forget the
things which it had been taught; and in con-
.sequence tliereof tiiey would be useless. The
►t'avior told tlie disciples that th? Comforter,
Vv'hich was the Holy S].'irit,ihat lie v.'ould send
into the world, when lie v.'ent awa}', should
J'^ad them into all truth, and sliould bring all
Ihings to- their remembrance, whatsoever he
had said unto tjieni; things wiiich they had
forgotten sliould he re.stored to them again,
by Lhe pov.-er of the Holy Spirit, v/ithout
which gift tliey would be lost to the discijflcs
forever. This leaves the subject without
duuht, that the knowledge which is Jiecessa-
i:y to scivation, cannot be obtained only ^
through tlie gift of the Holy Spirit; for the I
mind of man is not strong enough to retain '
it, onlv as it is strensthened by the power of
the Sp'irit of God.
A third reflection is, lliat unless the Holy
Spirit dwells v.'ith a man, a!id is in him, he
oannot have tiic necessary knowledge of the
tilings of Jesup, in order to liis salvation. It
is only necessary here to remark, that the
apostles iiad seen Jesus in the flesh, and had
heheLl his glory when lie v.'as' transfigured
hefore them: Ihej' were also with, him tortj
dny-.s after he rose from tiio dead, and beheld
liini ascend up into glory, and the angels
■came and administered unto tliem, but not-
withstanding all this, the Savior told them
Suirit came, he should guide
____ ^
From the whole surface of this matter one
tiiingis exceedingly plain, and that is, that
the Spirit of God fills a large place in the
plan of salvation, and that no people can be
saved without the enjoyment of it; that its
place rannot be supplied by any thing else;
that it is essential to aniunderstanding of the
things of God, that no man can be safe to
present hiniBelf before the world, in the at-
titude of a servant of Jesus Christ, unless he
has first received the gift of the Holy Spirit:
it matters not hovi' great his learning or hia
literary attainments, neither what he had
seen, or heard or handled, or read, or believ-
ed, or received, or kept; for all these, with-
out the gift of the Holy Spirit, would be in-
sufficient: for withoTit it he could not un-
derstand the thinga of.Iesus, though the hea-
vens might have been opened to his view,
and the angels have ministered unto him;
and though he had lieard t)ie voice of God
out of the heavens, still without the gift of
tiie Holy Spirit he could not be the servant of
Jesus Christ, nor build up his kingdom in the
world: So important is the gift of the
Holj Spirit in the salvation of men.
landing of all things v/hich
ind heard, and handled: so
that v.-hen th;
them into all truth, and should take of the
things of 'lis and show them unto thcin — [the
disciples.] This is as much as to sav, that
the Holy S])irit, when it came, should give
them an under
Ih^y had seen,
lliat vy-e can see, that seeing, hearing and
handling, u'ould have been of no consequence
to tliem, had not the Spirit of p.romise been
sent down upon them; for they would not
liave had the understanding of them, suffi-
ciently, to have done llicm any eternal
good. For observe, the Spirit was to lead
them into ai.t. truth: and if so, thej' could
■not have imderstood any truth without it, or
«lse it could not lead them into all truth, if
they were in it before they received the
■Spirit.
A fourth reflection is, that if it were neces-
sary for the apo.stles, after all the advantages
they had; and after all they had seen, heard
tind handled, of the word of life, needed the
gift of the Holy Spirit, to enable them to
build up the church of God, or to establish
the kingdom of God in the world, no others
with less advantages can do the work of
God, unless they have also received this
gift to the same extent that the apostles did.
For no less degree of the Spirit than what
they received could have enabled them to
liave established the kingdom of God in the
world.
THE GOSPEL. No. III.
Continued from page 21.
Mark gives the following account oi"
the commission given to the apostles,
10:ir),16,17,18. "And he said unto
them, Go ye into all the world, and
preach the gospel to every creature. —
lie that helicveth and is baptized, shall
be saved: but he that beiieveth not, shall
he damned. And these signs shall fol-
low them that believe: In my name
shall they cast out devils; they shall
speak with new tongues; they shall
lake up serpents; and if they drink
any deadly thing, it shall not hurt
ihem; they shall lay hands on the sick,
and they shall recover.
Luke records thus, 24:45,46,4'7.-
"Then opened he their understanding,
that tliey might understand the scrip-
tures, and said unto them, Thus it is
written, and thus it behoved Christ to
suflor, and to rise from the dead the
third day: and that repentance and re-
mission of sins should be preached in
his name among all nations, beginning
at Jerusalem."
In the second chapter of the acts of
the apostles, we hare account of their
first acting on their commission, and
of their making proclamation at Jeru-
salem: as, according to the Savior's
command, they were to begin at Jeru-
salem, so they did, and the account of
that memorable day is recorded by
Luke, in the second chapter of the acts
of the apostles, 37th, and 38tl» yersesv
38
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
After Peter, who was the speaker on
that occasion, Imd convinced many of
the Jews that they had crucified the
Lord of glory, the people cried out,
and said to him, and the rest of the
apostles, "Men and brethren what shall
we do'i Then Peter said unio them
Repent and be baptized every one of
you in the name of the Lord Jesus for
the remission of sins, and ye shall re-
ceive the gift of the Holy (ji host: for
the promise is unto you and to your
children, and to f^U that are afar oil';
even as nianv as the Lord our God
shall call." Let us put this account
together, and we will have something
exceedingly plain. Matthew says that
they were to go and teach all nations,
baptizing them, with the promise, that
the Lord should be with them until the
<md of the world. Mark tells what the
teaching, mentioned by Matthew con-
sisted in; that is, preaching the gospel,
which he says they were to do to eve-
ry creature in all the world, and to
baptize them that believe, with a prom-
ise that the persons thus baptized
should "be saved: and also that signs
should follow them that believe. Mat-
thew says that tiiey should go and teach
all nations. Mark says that they
should preach the gospel to every crea-
ture in all the world. So that there is
no difference as to the extent of the
commission given to the apostles. —
Matthew says that the Lord should ])c
with them even until the end of the
world, and Mark says that signs should
follow them that believe. This doubt-
less was what Matthew meant by the
Lord being with them till the end of the
world: that is, by confirming the word
with signs following. They both say
that the j)eople were to be baptized;
but neither of them tell us what they
were to be baptized for; only Mark
says that the baptized should be saved.
Luke throws some light on this subject:
that is, that repentance and remission
of sins should be preached among all
nations. This compared with what
Peter said on the day of pentecost,
makes this part of the commission very
plain. He tells them to repent and be
baptized, every one of them, in the
name of the Lord Jesus, for the remis-
sion of sins, and they should receive
the gift of the Holy Spirit. Mark
says, that he that believeth and is bap-
tized shall be saved. Peter says that
he shall receive the gift of the Holy
Spirit. Matthew says that the Savior
promised to be with his disciples al-
ways, cvon unto tiic end of the world.
Mark says tliat signs were to follow
them that believe. These two accounts,
when put togetlier, amount to this: the
Lord i)romised to be with them, in con-
firming the word to the believers by
signs. Let us now put the whole ac-
count together, and see precisely what
it was, that these men proclaimc^l to
the world.
First, they were to go into all the
world and tc^ach the gospel to every
creature, in the world.
Second, those who l)elievcd their
proclnmation, and repented of their
sins, they were to bnj)tize in the
name of the Father and of th(; Son,
and of the Spirit, for the reinisfiion of
their sins, with this promise, that they
should receive the gift of the Holy
Spirit, and j)ro])hesy, .see visions, and
dream dreams, and that in addition to
these, signs should f'ollow them — in
the name of Jesus they should cast out
devils, they should speak with new
tongues, they should take up serpents,
and if they were to diink any deadly
thing, it should not hurt them: they
should lay hands upon the sick .{iid
they should recover: and to finisli the
whole of the promises made to ihem,
the Lord was to be with them, and they
should be saved. Seven thins<s com-
prise the whole of the items of com-
mand and ])romise which they were to
deliver to the world: 1^'irst, faith — Sec-
ond, repentance — Third, baptism —
Fourth, remission — Fiftli, the gift of
the Holy Spirit — Sixth, power — Sev-
enth, salvation and eternal life.
Let the reader compare Matthew 28 :
19,20, with Mark, 16:15,16,17,18.—
Luke 24:45,46,47,48, with the second
chapt. of the acts of the apostles and he
will be enabled to see and understand
the apostolic commission without either
priest or con)mentator.
Let it be particularly understood,
that when the apostles spake of the gos-
pel, tha4: it was this scheme of things
tojwhich they alluded; for this was what
they proclaimed, and this was Avhat all
the ancient saints believed, and receiv-
ed, and by which they were distmguish-
ed from all other people. When Paul
says that if we, or an angel from heav-
en preach any other gospel than that
yvhich we have preached, let him be
accursed; or if any man preach any
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
39
other gospel than that which you liavc
received let him be accursed, it is lo the
above mentioned proclamation, he al-
ludes; for this is wli:it he preached, and
this is what th(^ Clalatians had received
— not a part of it, l)Ut the whole of it —
not one, or two, or three, or four, or
Jive, or even six items, aiid the other
one left; but all seven, or else tlicy
would not recfiive the Jjospel Paul
preached, and wiiich the (.4alatians re-
<'eived, but another, which would not
be another, but a pervcrtionof the gos-
pel of Christ,
IMILLENIUM. No. X.
Con/inttcd fromjjuge 19.
The apostasy of the Gentiles is a
subject, that I believe, is no where dis-
puted in all the pi*ofessing world — It is
acknowledged bv all, that the jjrestsnt
generation o!i jxdigious (ientile.s is in
H state of confusion and distraction:
the cry of heresy, delusion, false
prophet, and false clirist, which is ev-
i'ry where souniK^d in our laud, is tes-
timony to the point, and not only to the
])oint, but is conclusive also, that this
generation liavc departed from the
prittcipJes of the true taith, and are
led by false spirits, and teach one an-
other doctrines which are not accor-
dmg to godliness. There is no fact
plainer in the world, than the fact that
the church of Christ has disappeared:
for if one society had remained as or-
ganized by tl-.e aposr«.\s, there would
have been a living pattern to have form-
ed others by, and the difficulties which
now exist in the religious world, could
n(jt have existed at all. But \n conse-
fiuence of every society, which the
apostles formed, being broken up, liie
woi'ld is left without a pattern: and this
is one of the great reasons of their pres-
ent confusiou and darkness; of their
strife and partyism, because they can-
not agree as to the order of a church,
as originally established by the apostles:
some think it was one way, and some
think it was another; and one attempt
is made after another to restore the
true order of the church, to the world.
But instead of getting it done, the sects
only multiply, part}^ upon party, and
opinion upon opinion; leaving the
world, in relation to the order of the
churc'h of Christ, whei'e they found it.
They have as yet, never been able ei-
ther to restore to the world the church,
or the gospel on which it was founded.
Let them restore to one another what
they will, or what they can, the gospel
and the church, they have not, nay,
they cannot restore! and that for this
reason, because they ai-e in a state of
apo.sta,sy: and God has devoted tl.cm
to destruction, unless they will learn
the things which he has caused to he
written for the salvation of his people,
which are of the house of Israel. See
Jeremiah, 12:14,15,16,17. In vam
will the Gentiles of this generation at-
tempt to reform themselves, or others,
or to obtain what they have lost, so
long as this sentence stands written by
the authority of the Holy Spirit, "If ye
continue in his goodness, otherwise
thou shalt be cut otf.'' Romans, 11:22.
So sure as ever this sentance was pen-
ned by the inspiration of God, so sure
the Gentil(!s will seek to reform them-
selves, and others, in vain, so as to re-
tain the kingdom of God among them:
for as sure as ever the Lord caused
the above sentence to be written, so
certain the present Gentile world, with
all its parties, sects, denominations,
reformations, revivals of religion, so-
cieties, and_associations, are devoted
to destruction; for, "co»//hm('" in the
goodness of God, they have not: and
cut off they must be, as sure as ever
Paul was inspired of the Holy Spirit to
write, and to make known the will of
God to m » 1, and to reveal his purpos-
es to the generations which were to
succeed him on the carih; for he has
declared, and that never to be contro-
verted (though it may be caviled at,)
that the Gentiles should be cut off, if
they ever apostatized from the truth as
the Jews had done before them; and
that, when this time came. (I mean the
time to prcpan; for the cutting olf of the
Gentiles,) that the Lord would set his
hand again to recover his people, which
he had scattered; and that he would
gather them and bring them again to
the land of their fathers, and build
them up a holy people unto himself. —
This is the testimony of all the holy
prophets since the world began: they
all saw it and understood it, and wrote
of it — it was one of the principal top-
ics on which the Savior dwelt while in
the flesh — the apostles considered it of
the first consequence to all-they spoke
of it; they wrote of it; they warned the*
world about it; they comforted the
40
MESSENdKR AND ADVOCATE,
hearts of tlio disciples with it; tlioy re-
joiced in the anticipation of it, and they
gloiified God that he had ever purpos-
ed, in the divine mind, to bring in such
a day of glory and n^joicing, as the
glorious day of redemption, when they
should receive Iheir l)odies glorified
like the glorious body of the Savior,
arid obtain the end of their faith, cveii
the salvation of their souls.
The Millenium is tlmtordcr of things
which will follow the second advent of
the Savior into the world, when ho
shall come to be glorified in his saints,
and admired o{ all them that believe,
But previous to the tiine of the Milten-
■ ium, there must great changes take
place in the world, both political and re-
ligious— great revolutions will take
place among men to prepare the way of
the Sonofjnan; and such revolutions,
and changes, as never took place since
the world began: changes which will
effect the whole iniiabitants of the world,
to the remotest bounds of the universe
— no corner so sequestered as not to
feel their influence — no cave too dcej)
to hoar the sound thereof, and to feel
the influence of the u.nparallolod events
.which will precede the Millenium. —
The way of this day of wonders will
1)0 ])reparcd by a general commotion
of all nature: even eternity itself shall
feel it: tlic lightnings sliall flash, the
thunders shall roar, and earthquakes
bellow, until tlie lower creation trem-
ble?; angels shall fly to and fro through
the midst of heaven, cryii -; to the in-
habitants of tiic earth, and proclaim-
ing the judgments of God against them:
Gentile sectarianism shall fall like a
tittering fabric, the foundation of
which has given way. Such will be
the terrors which will precede the Mil-
lenium that all faces will gather black-
jiess, and nation will lash against na-
tion, kingdom against kingdom, em-
pire against empire, country against
country, and people against people,-^
The saints of God, wliich are scatter-
ed abroad upon the face of the whole
(Carth, shall bo gathered together, both
men and hcavouly messengers will be
employed in gathering them until not
one shall be left of all the saints of the
Most High, but thoy shall all be gath-
ered together, and shall be taught and
instructed until they are prepared for
the reception of their King, and then he
will unvail the heavens, and ail nations,
iongucs, kipdrcds, and languages, shall
see him, and at his presence the wick-
ed, which remain, shall perish, and the
righteous only be left. And then comes
the Millenium, which will last for one
thousand years.
Brother O. Cowdeuv:
Having Icarnof'f
fi'i)m tlie first No. of tho Messenj^er and A(\-.
rocatc, tliat you were, not only about to
"<;ivce a historv of the ri.se and progress of
the clmrcli of llie Latter Day Snints;" hat,
that said "history wouhl necessarily embraee
my life and cliaracter," I have been inducecl
to give you tlie time und place of my birth:
as [ have learned that many of tlie o()]jo.^ers
of those principles which [ have held Ibrth
to tiie wovld, profess a I'ersonal acqinxintjinee,
witii me, tliougli when in my presence, rep-
resent me to be another jjerson ix\ age, eUu-
cation, ivnd sLature, from what I am.
1 was born, (according toihe record offlie
sanie, kejjt b}' my ])aren1s,) in tlie town of
Shjvron, Windsor C'o. Vt, on the 2;>id of
December, IHO."),
At the age often my father's fiunily remo-
ved to Palmyra, N. Y. where, and in the vi-
cinity of whicii, I lived, or, made it my place
of residence, until I was twenty one — the lat-
ter part, in the town of Manchester.
During tJiis time, as is coinnion to most,
or all youths, I fell into many vices and fol-
lies; hut as my accusers are, and Jiave been
forward to accus? inc of being guilty of gross
and outragious violations oi' the peace anil
good order oftJio community, I take the oc-
casion to remtvrk, that, thoug'i, as I Jiave
said above, "as is common to juost, or all
youths, I lell into uiany vices and follies," I
have not, neitlier can it be sustained, in truth,
been guilty of wronging or injuring any nian
or society of men; and those iinperfectiori«
to wiiich I alude, and for wich 1 have often
had occasion to iainenl, we)-e a ligiit, and too
often, vain mind, exiiibiting a foolisli and tri-
fling conversation.
This being all, a'^nd t!ie worst, that my ac-.
cnsers can substantiate against my inorj^l
character, I wish to add, that it is not witli-
out a <leep feeling of regret that I am tlius
call ?d upon in answer to my own conscience,
to fulfill a duty I owe to myself, as well as
to tlie cause of truth, in making this public
confession of mj' foriiior uncircumspect walk,,
and unchaste convcrsalion: and more partic-
ularly, as I ofien acted in violation of those
lioly precepts which I knew camr from God.
But as the "Articles and Covenants" of this
church are plain upon tins particular point,
I do not deem it important to proceed fur-
ther. I oidy add, tliat I do not, nor never
have, pretended to be any other than a man
"subject to passion," and liable, without the
assisting grace of the Savior, to deviate from
that perfect path in whicli all men are com-
manded to w^alk!
By giving the above a place in your valua-
ble paper, you v/ill confer a lasting favor up-
on myself, as an individual, and, ^s I humbly
hops, subserve the cause of righteousness.
I am, with feelings of esteem, your fellow
laborer in the gospel of our Lord.
JOSEPH SMITH jr.
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
.41
llesseiigcr and Adrocaio.
- ■■ ^ ■ ■ ■■■■- - - ■ ■ -- »- P ■
KIllTLAyj), OHIO, DECEMBER, l^M.
.* ^ —
TT Prom the }f'fSl.—Thi> fuUov.'iux i-f uu cxlract-
f.i\ pitr:iRraplj iVom tlio Mcssuce of tin; tiovornor of
lilissouri, to the Lcgislaime of tfirit Stiitn, now in
Kossion. We give it to our leajjirs for tlie purpotie
of sliowin}.', tlinl tlio caiiee of the srtiioted. In tbe
•'■'Far Wi.'st'* <loep not ofjciipe notice. AVc did not ro-
e ivo this ollj':i;i) document until a sliort Ilmi' brfui-o
our piijiiT Ui'iit to prcs?, consj'quently, are liiiu!<'ri.'d
fioin ui.iking lengthy conimcfii*- Six tilings .-jra ccr-
t;iin, liowover, from the fai-e of this p;ir;igiv4pli:
First, TliL' CJovernor has siiid that a portion of the
citizens orsiinized for tin- purpose of cxne||ii)g pther
peareahle citizens from tlieir homes;
Hoi'ond, Thnt in the lollowing November thpy ef-
fected their purpose, "iiul houctcr icithout the loi> of
ncvc.ral lives!.'"
Third, TIi.it nn attempt has been made to bring tlis
mob to justice, but to no eflTijctt
Fourth, That It is believed that none professing
that sysli-m of faith held to liy tiie people called ".Mcr-
inons," CLMi be protected from violence in Jackson
Couttty:
Fifth, That Ihcy are not permitted to take posses-
sion of their homes; and
Sixth, That it is for the Legislature "to determine
what ameiidmenta the laws may require fo as to
guard against such acts of violence for the future!'.!"
One thiuL', and only one, is wanting to put matters
in a train for the restoration of tliis afflicted p.^ople
to their own land— for the Legislature to "amend,"
or make provision in the law, to guard against the
outrage of mobs, hereafter — when this is done, vio-
lence, in that land ceases forever!
With tlie majority of that lA>gisIature we are un-
acquainted, but we knpvv that there are individuals
^n l!i:it body, who fire intelligeiit and patriotic; and
we cannot believe that it will dissolve without inves-
tigating this shameful and disgraceful outrage, and
making that proviiion, so highly needful, fpr the
safety a,nd quietness of that country. — Editor,
"In Jttly, 1?33, a large portion of the citizens of
"Jackson county organized themeeives, and entered
"into rcsolulions to expel from that county, a reli-
"gious sect caJled Mormons, who had become ob-
"noxious to them. In JVovember following they ef-
"fecied their object, not liowever without the loss
"of several lives. lf\ the judicial enquiry into these
"outraiies, the civil a\ithorities who had cognizance
"of tliiin, deemed it proper to have a military guard
"for the purpose of givinc protection during the pro-
"irress of the trials. This was ordered, and th« At-
"torney General was requested to give his attention
■"durinir the investigation, both of which were per-
"forined, but all to no purpose. As yet none hare
"been jiiinisht'd for these outraees, and it is believed
"that under our present laws, conviction for any vi-
"i)Ienc(> committed upon a Mormon, cannot he had
"in Jackson county. These iinfortunati- people are
"now forbidden to take possession of their homes;
"and the principal part of them, I am informed, are
"at this time living in an adjwining county, in «
"great measure, upon the chnrity of its citizens. —
"It is for you to determine wh.tt amendments the
"laws may require so as to guard against sucli acts
"of violence for the future."
Conference notirrs — A cnnfrren''e of the elders of
the church of the Latter Pay Saim.J, will be held at
Freedom, Cattaraucus Co. N. Y. comraencinz, Fri-
day, the Ijrd day of April, l?r!.5. Friday and Hatiir-
day will he occupied by the elders in transactinssuch
business of the church as may be prusented, and on
Sunday tho 5th, public preaching may be cxpocted.
Another conference will be held on Friiav, the 5ih
of June, next, at KIdor Wuislow Fwrr's, iu't'harkai-
ton, Orleans Co. Vt. Fnd.MV and Haturdiiv will bo
• occapied in church business, and the .Sabbath follow
ing, instructions iii the gospel will bu given— AViJyr
DIED
In this town, ryn thu i2th innl. CORN'l'XIia W.
CAMFIKLl), son of -Mr. .^AMIEL CAMP1KJ„D,
aged 0 years.
LETTER III.
To W. W. Phelps, Esq.
Drar Brother: — .
After a siloncy^
of another month, agreeably to mv
promise, I proceed upon the subject I
proposed yi tho first No. of the Advo
cate. Perhaps an apology for brevity
may not be improper, hero, as many
important incidents consequently trans-
piring in the organization and estab-
lishing of a society like the one whose
history I am about to give to tho world,
are overlooked or lost, and .soon buri
ed with those who were the actors, wii;
prevent my giving those minute and
particular reflections which I have s«
often wi.shcQ might have characterized
the "Acts of the apostles," and the an-
cient saints. But such facts as arc
within my knowledge, will be given,
without any reference to inconsiston-
cies, in the minds of ot]ier.s, or impos-
sibilities, in the feelings of such aa do
not give credence to the system of sal-
vation and redemption so clearly set
forth and so plainly written over tho
face of th© sacred scriptures:
Upen the propriety, then, of a nar-^.
ratire of thia kind, I havo briefly t6
remark: It is known to you, that this
ehurch has suffered reproach and perse-
cution, from a majority of mankind who
hare hear<J but a rumor, since its first
orgGBizf.tion. And further, you arc also
convsraant with tho fact, that no soon-
er had the messengers of the fulness
of the gospel, began to proclaim its
heavenly precepts, and call upon men
to embrace the same, than they were
vilified aud slandered by thousands
49
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
who never saw their faces, and much
less know aught derogatory of their
characters, moral or religious — Upon
tliis unfair and unsaint like manner of
procedure they . have been giving in
large sheets their own opinions of the
incorrectness of our system, 'and at-
tested volumes of our lives and char-
acters.
Since, then, our opposcrs have been
thus kind to introduce our cause before
the public, it is no more than just that
a correct account should be given; and
since they have invariably sought to
cast a shade over the truth, and hijider
its influence from gaining ascendency,
it is also proper that it should be vin-
dicated, by laying before the world a
correct statement of events as they
have transpired from time to time.
Whether I shall succeed so far in
my purpose as to convince the public
of the incorrectness of those scurulous
reports which have inundated our land,
or even but a small portion of them,
will fee better ascertained when I close
Ihatt when I commence; and I am
Content to submit it before the candid
for perusal, & before the Judge of all
• for inspection, as I most assuredly be-
lieve that before him I must stand and
answer for the deeds transacted in this
life.
Should I, however, be instrumental
in causing a few to hear before they
judge, and understand both sides of this
matter before they condemn, I shall
have the satisfaction of seeing them
embrace it, as I am certain that one is
the inevitable fhiit of the other. But to
proceed:
You will recollect that I informed
you, in my letter published in the first
No. of the MesiJenger and Advocate,
that this history would necessarily
embrace the life and character of our
esteemed friend and brother, J. Smith
Jr. one ofthe presidents of fhischurch,
and for information on that part of the
subject, I refer you to his communica-
tion ofthe same, published in this pa-
per. I shall, therefore, pass over that,
till 1 come to the 151 h year of his life.
It is necessary to premise this ac-
count by relating the situation of the
public mind relative to roligion, at this
time: One Mr. Lane, a presiding El-
der of the Methodist church, visited
Palmyra, and vicinity. Elder Lane
was a tallented man possessing a good
share of literary endowments, and
apparent humility. There was a
great awakening, or excitement rais-
ed on the subject of religion, and much
enquiry for the word of life. Large
additions were made to the Methodist,
Presbyterian, and Baptist churches. —
Mr. Lane's manner of communica-
tion was peculiarly calculated to awa-
ken the intellect of the hearer, and
arouse the sinner to look about him for
safety — much good instruction was al-
ways drawn from his discourses on
the scriptures, and in common with
others, our brother's mind became
awakened,
For a length o'^timc the reformation
seemed to move in a harmonious man-
ner, but, as the excitement ceased, or
those who had expressed anxieties, had
professed a belief in the pardoning in-
fluence and condescension of the Sav-
ior, a general struggle was made by
the leading characters of the diflTerent
sects, for proselytes. Then strife seem-
ed to take the place of that apparent
union and harnaony which had previ-
ously characterized the moves and ex-
hortations of the old professors, and a
cry — I am right— you are wrong —
was introduced in their stead.
In this general strife for followers,
his mother, one sister, and two of his
natural brothers, were persuaded to
unite with the Presbyterians. This
gave opportunity for further reflection;
and as will be seen in the sequel, laid
a foundation, or was one means of lay-
MEBSKNGER AND ADVOCATE,
43
iiig a foundation for the attestation of
tljo trntht?, or professions of truth, con-
tained in tlmt record called the word of
Goi.
After strong solicitations to unite
\/ith one of those different societies,
nnd seeing the apparent proselyting
disposition manifested with equal
warmth from each, his mind was led
to more seriously contemplate the im-.
portance of a move of this kind. Tu
profess godliness without its benign in-
fluence upon the heart, was a thing so
foreign from his feelings, that his spir-
it was not at rest day nor night. To
unite with a society professing to be
built upon the only sure foundation,
and that profession be a vain one, was
calculated, in its very nature, the more
it was contemplated, the more to arouse
the mind to the serious consequences
of moving hastily, in a course fraught
with eternal realities. To say he was
right, and still be wrong, cotdd not prof-
it; and amid so many, some must be
built upon the sand.
In this situation where could he go?
If lie went to one he was told they
were right, and all others were wrong
— If to another, the same was heard
from those: AU professed to be the
true church; and if not they were cer-
tainly hypocritical, because, if I am
presented with a system of religion, and
enquire of my teacher whether it is
correct, and he informs me that he is
not certain, he acknowledges at once
that he is teaching without authority,
and acting without a commission!
If one professed a degree of authority
or preference in consequence of age
•or right, and that superiority was with-
out evidence, it was insufficient to con-
vince a mind once aroused to that
degree of determination which at that
time operated upon him. And upon
farther reflecting, that the Savior had
"said thai the gate was straight and the
way jiarrow that lead to Ufe eternal,
and that few entered there; and thtrt
the way was bi'oadj and tlie gate wide
which lead to destruction, and that ma-
ny crowded its current, a pfoof from
some source was Wanting to settle the
mind and giVe pbaco" to the agitated
bosom. It is not ffequent that, the
minds of men are e.xCfeised with )>/op-
per determination relative to obtaining
a cer^ainty <j^ the things of God. —
They ai-e too rtj>( to rest short of that
assurance Which the Lord Jesus has so
freely offered irt ^'is word to man, and
which so beaufif«fty characterizes his
whole plan of salvancihf, as revea-led to
us.
A SUMMARY
From the communications of the e?''
ders, and others.
Agreeably to a notice in our last we
give in thus number a summary of the
intelligence received at this office for a
length of time, not inserted heretofore.
Brethren E. Barns and O. Kilborn,
of Troy, Bradford Co. Pa. write un-
der date of Oct 27, of the situation of
the church in that place. There were
38 members formerly in that church,
but they now number only 30, some
previously having gone to the West. —
They inform us that there are enemies
to the cause of truth in that country,
who seek to oppose its mighty influ-
ence; but this is difficult: though they
may so far succeed as to hinder some
from coming into the Messiah's king-
dom, yet the time will roll on when
falsehoods will b» chased away, and
the pure rays of righteousness enlight-
en the hearts of the meek. The saints
have only to walk agreeably to their
own profession, and the chain of the
adversary will be severed. There has
been one of late received by baptism
into that branch of the church. If any
of the travelling ciders are passing that
way they would do well to call. They
close by saying:
44
"Brethren, pray for us, that wc may
como ia full possession of that faith
onoo delivered to the saints, and onjoy,
in perfection, the fulness of the gonpel.
We have heen expecting some of the
elders from tlie West, and do desire
the Lord to send some here to instruct
us in this region in the way of God
moro perfectly."
We acknowlccjgo tho receipt of mo-
jioy sent by thcso brethren fur papers,
with one new subscriber.
Elders D. W. Patten and W. Par-
ish, write from Paris, Ten. imder the
same date, (Oct. 27th,) giving the va-
ry joyful and welcome tidings tliat se-
ye» Jiave boon immersed, and that the
|)rospect for the spread and increase of
ihc work is brightening. They inform
«js that they have large and attentive
congregations, many of whom are
anxiousl searching for truth
But the usual information accom-
}>anies the above, that unceasing exer-
tions are made by men of craft to in-
duce people to turn a deaf car to the
gospel, and that many, in consequence,
are hindered from investigating those
sacred principles so necessary and all
important to tho ealration of the soul.
They send us seforal subscribers
for the Messenger and Advocate, which
gives an opportunity to our brethren in
that place of becoming acquainted with
the increase end repid spread of those
items of truth ^hich they hare embra-
ced.
We belic/e tfeosc C?e the first who
have proclaimed tliis t^ospcl in Ten.
and we look upon Uiis epG.Jng prori-
dence as a peculiar mcnifestation of
divine wisdom, to bring from the Ccjuth
his sons and daughters, tkat when the
word of the prophet ia fulfilled «'To
the South: Keep not back!" they may
also come with the same song of ever-
lasting joy. May heaven's choice bles-
sings abide with them, and the Israel
of God, in diesc regions!
^E.6gt;NGER AND ADVOCATE.
Eider James Blakslee writes us from
:Woodville, N. Y. Nov. 12th that, tho'
the church in that place is surroLmdcd
by imbclterers and wicked men, some
are to be found who arc willing to h^^ar.
Ho says that there has been, of lato «
church organized in tlio village of Sack-
ctl's harbor, and that the reformation i.s
still increasing. Also, on Pillow point,
a short distance from the. above place,
there is a church which now numbers
between 20 and 30 members; and also,
a ^cw miles from tho last,|liimsclf and
another brother have been laboring and
baptizing, and find the peopla, many of
tlicm, enquiring what they UT(U5t 49ii^9
bo saved. ^,...,^ ,(;,,,.;
If it was a source of joy to Peter and
the other apostles, on the day of pen-
tccost, to be favored with a correet
knowledge concerning the plan of sal-
vation, that is, the Lord's only Gchemo
of saving men, it must be equally so
now, with those who preach the same
"good tidings," when they take into
consideration not only tho length of
time men have been deprived of this
knowledge, but tho corruption aUjCJ
darkness which cover the minds of
men
He further adds, that they greatly
need faithful laborers in that region,
there being only two elders beside him-
self, excepting one reeontlv ordained:
and closes, to us, by 8q.ying, in sub-
stance as follows : — ■
"There are, in this county six church-
es, and but four labores for the Lord's
vineyard, in these regions. I hope
you will use your influence to send
faithful laborers, as soon as possible.
The Star has been a means of doing
much good."
May the Lord send by whom ho
will, and save some of this generation
who are perishing for lack of vision! — >
The cause is his own.
A communication from D. Nelson
& M. Wilber, dated Providence, H. L
Messenger and advocate.
4^*
Nov'. 13th jiit'unns us, not of a gr€Sat
iiicreaso of nicnibcr^ to the church,
Ijiit an anxious rt'qucst tor tlic ciders to
call, siiould they be passing. They
say some are looking on to see the ac-
complishment ot'(jod'.s work, while oth-
ers mock and despise. So it was in an-
cient time, and we have nothing less to
expect now.
' Mr. Benj. F. Bird, of Southport,
Tioga Co. N. Y. writes under date of
Nov. 14, and says : "1 have received your
papers almost one year: and because
1 held the book of Mormoix as sacred
as 1 do the bible, the Methodist, (though
1 had been a regular niciubcr almost
37 years,) turned me out; but I bless
that the church continues to progress
in tho way that loads to eternal life.
lie also informs us that an addition
ofabout'20 members has reccnllv been
made to a small church of 13, raised
up in Grove, Allegany Co. by elder J.
Gould: und that the prospects are flat-
tering.
From another dated at Frcedoto the
15th inst. wo learn ihat.ano/Mr has*
been added to tlie church by bapfisniy
of Jatc. Wo are not able to give the
nuriibcr of members attached to that
chui-eh; but from our knowledge he re-
toforO, and learning of the addition of
others since, presume it is quite Iarg6.
Elder Z. Snow writes from Mount
God for it; for though they cast mc out Pleasant, UppCr Canada, Nor. 28th,
Jesus took me in.*'
He further adds, that he does not
know as he shall ever have a privilege
of uniting with this church, as ho nev-
er saw but one elder, whom he solicited
to preach twice; that itcaiiseda great
ytirand noise among the people, «S;c.
If any of tho elders are passing
near, would they not do well to call? —
We circulate some few papers in that
place, the most of which is through the
agency of our aged friend of whom wo
have been speaking, and from whom
we acknowledge the receipt of money
for the same.
Elder Jolm Lawson writes from Kor!-
riglit, N. Y. Nov. 17th, and informs
us that the good work is progressing
in that place. There is a small church,
and more are convinced of the impor-
tance of the everlasting gospel. El-
der J. Murdook, previously baptized
some 6 or more aome time since, and
elder L. informs us of others. We
circulate a few papers in that place,
and have no doubt but the travelling
elders would be joyfully received.
- From our natural brother, W. A.
Cowdery, tho presiding elder of the pel
church at Freedom, N. Y. we are m-
formed by letter, dated the 22nd of Nov.
and informs us that the church in that
place are prospering in tho way of tho
Lord. He informs us of no addition, but
says that the door for preaching is open-
ing in many places — more than he can
fill. Ho has preached to many atteiir-
tivo congregations; but is necessarily
hindered from thework of the ministrvy
in consequence of be hig obliged to labos
during the week for tho maintainance
of himself and family.
We do not remember the number o£
members in that church, but there are
many, and we have no doubt b»t thou-
sands in that country would come into
tho kingdom of Messialv, could faith-
ful men proclaim in those regions.
Another of the same date from Eldes
Z. Coltrin and N. West, written at lib^
crty, la. brings intelligence that a
church has commenced being cistab-
lishcd in that place. They say that a
great door is open for preaching in
that region; that they have been labor-
ing about two weeks; immersed two,
while many others are more and more
knxious to hear, and others have maift-
fested full faith in the everlasting gos-
Elder Seymour Brunson writes us
f rom Bloomfield, Ohio, under date of
^
MKS8ENGER AND ADVOCATE,
Nov. 29th, and says that during the
past summer, the church in Lawrence
Co. in the south part of this State,
liave received some persecution, such
as attempts to injure persons, and des-
troy some property; but as appears,
the saints are not to be frightened out
of their bcUcf, nor scared out of their
privileges. The ?noh in Jackson Co.
Mo. has taught every saint, who wish-
es protection from injury, that he must
step forward himself a^d attend to that
part of the matter,*or he may lose that
which he cannot gain, for years. —
There is no defect in the law if it
could be justly administered; but cer-
tain communities are held by an influ-
ence unhallowed and unsanctified, and
the great fundamental principles of
our Government, are overlooked, in a
blind zeal to please a craft-ridden, or
cva.Ct'mak(7ig, set of men.
We exhort our brethren to be harm-
less, not being the aggressors; but if
lawless men throw down fences, des-
troy crops, or attempt to insult or in-
jure their persons, the sooner they
bring such characters to justice, and
leach them to attend to their own oc-
cupations, by causing them to feel the
•consequences following a broken law,
the better.
Brother Abel AUlon, of Jay, Orleans
Co. Vt. writes the same date, and de-
sires to be remembered, himself and
little church in that place, by the elders,
when passing. There are eleven in
that church, who, he says, are hunger-
ing for the word to be preached to
them. He thinks'they have^been the
most neglected of any branch of the
- church, no elder having called on them
since last Feb. excepting Elder Boyn-
ton, in July, last. "We want," says
he, "some faithful preacher to labor
with us, and stir up our minds by way
of remembrance."
Elders J. Hichcock and S. Chase
write us from Franklin Co. Mo. the
Srdinst. and give the intelligence of an
opening in that country for the spread
of pure principles.
We are aware that the conduct of the
Jackson Co. mob has served to preju-
dice the minds of many against the
pdbple of the State ; but we assure them
that there arc men of principle and prop-
er feeling, and not a few neither, who
look upon that shameful outrage with
as great a degree of abhorrence and re-
gret, as any portion of our Republic;
and we venture to say, that no part of
our land furnishes individuals, and
those in great numbers, who would ex-
tend the liandof bcncvcilencc to the nee-
dy, or exert themselves more freely»
than those. It is a new country, and
as is common to allncv/ States, or Ter-
ritories, infested with more or less out-
laws, who have escaped the hand of
Justice at home, and flad for safety tou
wilderness. — Editor.
THE CLOSING YEAR.
Another year is about to close upon
the living — the dead are gone. Time
flics — eternity is near our doors. —
Good or bad — well or iil — it cannot be
recalled, by man. That personage
who decreed the bounds for the waters,
and gave order to the climents, has
measured its space, and ordained its
duration; and man, thougli he suppo-
ses himself to be of importance, and
that by his nod a jog could be efiected
in the grand eternal purposes of the
Lord, is but grass, and his glory like
the fading flower. Never, while look-
ing upon those scenes which have
transpired since the commencement of
the present year, did we realize the
force of those enrphatic woi'ds, deliv-
ered by inspiration, "Cease ye from
man, whose breath is in his nostrils."
for wherein is he to be accounted of?"
more than at the present Thousands
have come, and thousands have gone,
and yet the world exists, and time con-
tinues in its same uninterrupted course.
But the earth is filling up its measure;
the inhabitants dwelling upon its sur-
face are fast being brought to tliat au-
gust period when it will "reel to and
fro like a drunken man," and thoso
scenes, spoken of by the holy prophets,
are just ready to burst upon an aston-
ished world! — This is not vain specu-
lation, nor idle fancy. That system
which contends that it has always ex-
isted; that it never had beginning, and
that it will endure, without end, is fee-
ble in its structure, and wanting in its
foundation.
While retrospecting our labors du-
ring the present year, we see where,
in many instances, we might have im-
proved; but the time has gone by for
amendments, and we can only profit,
by the past, and endeavor to refornj
from experience, that our labors may
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
47
be more useful, and our talent, though
but small, be oecupied in the manner
which v.ill most beiielit our fellow men,
and promote the interests of the Re-
decmer'a cause — this is our only de-
sire.
To our pati'ons we owe iriany apol-
ojries and acknowledge that liheral en-
couragemcnt, the reflection of which,
is a sweet consolation. In looking
over our "Mail Book," wo sec an in-
crease of names, sent us from ditferent
sections of our country, showing in
what estimation those feeble exertions
to vindicate the truth have been held,
[t is not, we are sensible, because of
superior talent, that our publication
has taken this astonishing spread; but
the force ot truth which it has invaria-
bly carried, has given it a buoyanc)',
notwithstanding the exertions of bigots
to hinder its circulation!
The world is filled with men, all ea-
ger to obtain honor, fame, riches, pow-
er, or salvation — the last, the least. —
However pleasing it may be to the
saint to witness the spread of the gos-
pel, yet we have no reflections to cast
upon those who have been employed
in hindering, or endeavoring to, the
introduction of those principles held
sacred by us, among men. The craft
of Demetrius and others, in the days
of Paul, was in danger, if the gospel
prevailed with the popular class; con-
sequently, an effort must be made to
i hinder its further advance; and in what
manner could he [Demetrius] more ef-
fectually accomplish his purpose, than
to cry, in the ears of the multitude,
that Diana, with all her magnificence
was in danger of being despised?
This was sufficient to raise an alarm,
and cause the city of Ephesus to cry,
for two hours, of the greatness of their
goddess. We do not learn that Paul,
or the church, murmured; and as the
craft of every man is equally dear to
himself, we shall only pass on, and
endeavor to enlighten the world so far
as .we have influence and opportunity
to spread the truth, and leave the re-
sult with God. To be sure, many lead-
ing papers of the sects are lying in
our office, with much scurrility, and
defamation, to which we may have oc-
casion to recur at a future day, if so
disposed. But, as there is no materi-
al diftbrence between the goddess of
the Ephesians, and the one, or ones,
worshiped by thousands now, we arc
persu;ided to Ix-lieve that they nil are
worthy the same notice — silence.
These last remarks are not mado
with an intention to thrmv a slur upon
the characters (^f our fellow men- — fixr
be this from our purpose; but having
seen the violence and aliiniosity of men
exhibited for more tlian six years,
against the system we have embraced,
sufficient has been shown to warrant
us in the belief that the world is in
darkness; that the present theories arc
not founded on truth, and that each
are acting without authority from God,
when they attempt to administer in his
holy name. We M'ould we could find*
exceptions; but no sooner has a slander
been put in circulation, (by no matter
who,) than it has been seized with ea^
gcrness, and trumpeted throughout the
world of Christendom by every sect
and party. No sooner have the elders
of the church of the Latter Day Saints
set foot in any place, among any peo-
ple, than an alarm was sounded, and
every professor, liar, drunkard, false
swearer, infid'el, or atheist, was exert-
ing his influence to Mnder others from
hearing.
If this religion Is vain; if our foun-
dation is on the sand, and our hope a
bubble, why, since it is so easily prov-
en to be such, are men so industrious
to keep it from their society? But it is;
the reverse: if there were not secret
whisperings in the heavt, that the hand
of God was in it, and (hafi siiould it
prevail, it would overthrow some- dar-
ling tenet of their own, they would not
be thus virulent — thus opposed!
There is, however, a peculiarity in
truth that is worthy of remark: If it is
opposed it is sure to rise, and the more
it is calumniated, the more tenaciously
it will be held by those who embrace it,
which always has, and always will,
awaken the curiosity of thousands, and
be a means of their conversion, if
there is no opposition, men slide into
the society of the samts to be popular,
and thus wound the holy cause; "for
when tribulation or persecution ari-
seth for the word's sake, immediately
they are offended," and often turn
round, Judas-like, and seek to destroy
those with whom they once ate and
drank in commemoration of the death
and suflerings of the Lord Jesus; re-
joiced in the assurance of his coming
again, without sin unto salvation, and
held sweet council together. This the
i^
MESBtNOER AND ABVOCATK.
\vorId hu8 alivayn seized upou witii ea-
gerness, hoping to overthrow tho suci-
ety of tho just; and by this, the saints
have often suffered persecution.
B«t to return to tho year: TliU elders
have iravclled into numy parts, with
good^ success, aiid many have been
added to tlie differeht churches, tuid
Inore neiV ones organized. It is iiii-
possible for us to eay liow n-any have
embraced this gospel during tlie pres-
ent year; but suffice it to «av — some
1 11-,- I t ■ ' ' *J*»i'"";
hundreds a not uiousauds. •
As we previously saici, many thou-
sands have gone: this is so, and among
this number some of the saints liave
been also called. The righteous have
hope in their death, said an ancient
pi-ophet, and this is true. They have
been called from the pailts and afflic-
tions of this life, td tho pure enjoy-
ment of the blessed m the paradise of
(4od; aiid in th.e glorious morn when
the righteous will be rewarded, they
will appear in perfection, to take their
place among the sanctified. They
have fled from our embrace, it is true,
but we trust, through the grace of God,
to join them again, where, and when,
the wicked cease from troubling. Our
kcarts v/cre closely united, too much
so, to be dissolved by tho cold hand of
death. That holy principle cannot be-
come extinct, and though they are in
its fullest enjoyment, we trust in the
Lord that our bosom will not be desti-
tute while performing our pilgrimage
here>
Our labor for the present year will
soon be ended — wheh w^e close tliis
short address, it Will be closed forever
•^^We cannot close it for this year, in
another — the labors of the next will be-
long to the next, and those of this, will
lie over for inspection, when every
work is brought "into judgment, with
every secret tiling;" therefore in pre-
senting our friends with this sheet, we
present them our thanks, good will and
best wishes. Some who commenced
this year have gone to eternity; and
we take this opportunity to say to those
remaining. Bo also ready! If our
works have been acceptable in the
eyes of our Master, in any degree, if
is becausK) his hand has supported us,
and his grace beeil sufficient for our
day; and the only reflection remaining
is, that if, in his name, wg have advan- cr po67' paw. jib
cod the interest of his cause, and those I ^o subscription mil be received for a lesi term than one
1 i»_ 1 J 1. L 1 /.^k » I veaTfnor no piwer disr/mlinudtill t/l arrcarai'cs ar^
wlio Have heard, nave been benefitted, ' paid, cxcefi^ac r^tkn c/ m pututhcf.
wo shall carry the same with us when
we enter upon another year, if permit-
ted to tarry, and if not, cherish it in
our heart, in a M'orhl of peace.
Dear friends: permit us, with thcso
closing remarks, to add a few items
for your careful rind serious consid-
eratioii:
Time is on the wing, and the day of
retribution ia near. \Ve have been
spared another year, but, with us it is
uncertain whether we sec another. —
Thousands who were as vigorous as
we the commencement of the present
year, arc now slec[)ing m the dust —
many of our acquaintance — soine very
near haVc left us, and we can say with
an ancient, "They vvill not come to us,
but we shall go to them." Tliis is not
all — our spirits will exist in eternity,
and if we are unprepared, what vviii
be our situation? AVasting and dc?J-
truction are on our right and on our
left — wherever wc turn our eyes we
see their ravages, and can v/e escape'?
Sooner or later wc must go — are \\e
prepared? Why not, tlicn turn aside
from the vain things of this world,
artd seek OUf Lord while he may be
found, and cttll upon him while he iii
near? For you, then, we ask the for-
!jearance and mercy of the Savior, that
whether you are permitted to sec the
close of another year or not, you may
stand when he appears and receive a
fulness of joy. i : ;
With these hdsty reflections, ' and
imperfect lines, we close — For the pro-
tection of the Lord we render oiir
thanks in sincerity, and only pray,
that whether we are permitted to sec
the close of another year or not —
whether we are spared to use our exer-
tion to turn men from darkness to lights
from the influence of evil to God, or
whether it shall best please him that wc
finish our course, his will be done —
only that we may appear with the right-
eous, and be like him when he comes:
Amen. — Editor.
THE LiATTER I»AY SAINTS'
Messenger and Advocate.
/*■ KDITKD JIY
OX.ZVER COWDERT,
And published cvvry month at Klrtlanri, Geauga Co.
Ohio, by
F. G. WII.MAJIIS & Co.
-dt Slipc an. in advance. Every person procuring
ten new subscribers, and forwarding % 10, current
monet/i shall be enlilled to a paper one year, gratis.
All letters to the Editor, or Publisheri, must, be
LATTEM DAY SAINTS'
Vol.. I. No. 4.1
KIRTLAND, OHIO, JANUARY, 1835.
[Whole No. 4.
GOTfimU fSl CATXONS.
LETTER NO. III.
c. , Llierty, Mo. Nov. 13, 1834.
•DEAit. Brother: —
As time is a succes-
F;ion of seconds/so is my letters a con-
tinuation of sketches respecting the
western world. Befure I proceed to
give a description of the garrison, let
me say a low words upon the sublime
sight of .seeing the burning frairies. —
Wiien the grass and weeds are suf-
ficiently dr^v, the Indians lire them,
and generally in a ring, to catch deer;
should the deer attempt to escape at
the opposite course of the wind, they
are instantly shot down: But the
grandest part of the scene, is to see
the fire keep speed or (light, with the
wind, leaping or lapping over six or
eight rods at a bound in frightful ma-
jesty, >vith a terrific roar, not unlike a
whirlwind, while immense columns of
.smoke ri.se and roll off, in festoons and
fk)U!ices, as in(iependent as if the world
was a coal-pit, and the sky a smoke-
house. So the smoke days come. The
northern Lights some times appear
beautifully grand, but never more so,
than does the burning prairies in the
evening, when the sky is hid by clouds,
and the spectator near enough to ob-
serve. I slept one evening v/ithin
iyilf a rnile of a prairie on fire,*^ with
little or no wind. The scene was mag-
nificently grand, especially when the
red coals, glaring all their various im-
ages upon the clouds, as clouds are re-
flected in water, died away into the
deep gloom of mid-night. At about
this timo^, the dampneijs of the night
generally quells the lire, and the scene,
like one after a bloody battle, changes
into solemn gloom. After the fire has
loft the ground black with hoiror, the
Prairie Hens, aspiecies of foul, of the
grouse kind nearly the size of common
iiens, begin to pass from their desolate re-
gions to the woods, or cornfields, where
they and the wild turkies, are not un-
frequently as bad as hogs in destroy-
ing the crop. But I must leave these
for Cantonment Leavenworth.
• Aliout 30 miles westerly from Lib-
erty; 20 from the boundary line;- near
300 fcoiYi St. Louis, and,- say, 1200
from the city of Washington, upon a
very handsome bluff on the west bank
of the Missouri river, a few miles
north of the S9th degree of north lati-
tude, and between 17 and 18 degrees
of west longitude, stands Cantonment
Leavemoorih. It was established by,
and named after brigadier General H.
Leavenworth, of the State of New
York; late a compeer of Gen. Eras-
tus Root, but since the late war with
Britain, one of the moi?t efficient olii-
cers of the army. He died about 180
miles west of Fort Gibison, Arkansas
Territory, last summei", of a fever, and
was buried at Cross Timbers.
This military post is the rendezvous
of the troops that guard the western
frontier of Missouri, and, at present,
is the location of the three year's draor-
■I •
oons who patrol in the neighborhood of
the Rocky Mountains, among the va-
rious tribes, to protect the Indian Fur
trade, so extensively carried on by the
American Fur company, North west
Fur company, and a number of private
companies, and other purpos-es. About
200 dragoons, under the command of
Col. Dodge, a very worthy otficer, as
far as I have learned, especially, so
far as relates to his excursion among
the Camanches, Kioways, Pawnee-
Picks, &:c. last summer, have come
into winter quarters at this garrison.
This town, for such is the appear-
ance of Cantonment Leavenworth, af-
ter you rise the hill, or bluff upon which
it stands, consists of one stone block
for the Colonel and staff; three blocks
for company officers; four for compa-
ny quarters, and a hospital for the
sick, together with other appendages
for other purposes. Though you may
perceive, at first view, a few pieces of
cannon, some sentiy boxes, and senti-
nels, yet Cantonment Leavenworth is
without walls; and while the thought
may come into your mind that "men
of war live here," yet when you see
the fair faoes of some of the officers'
ladies, you will know, that the western
world, even as far off as the garrison,
is not without woman^o share in the
glori(is and troubles of life, and set a
sample for the fair, that regale in ease
at the east, that women can wend their
way to the west, "with all their charmis
(^.
v/!l-/>f- ^ .^''^/C*
50
MKeSilNGER AND ARVOCATP:.
to soothe the Indian" and live and die,
unknown to thousands.
Few places in north America pix-
sent to the eye, grander views than
Cantonment Leavenworth. At from
three to five miles westerly, peer up a
flock of little mountains, Saul-like, a
head and shoulders above the great ar-
my of praii'ies, thatspread themselves,
with here and there a streak or spot of
timber, to the base of the Rocky Moun-
tains. Their bold headed grandeur,
however, is such a strong argument
in favor of age that I am just credulous
enough to believe that they have not
changed their appearance much, since
the crucifixion. Again, as you look
around, the Missouri, old muddy-face,
in power, in might, and in dominion,
not only, as I said in my last, the Pres-
ident of rivers, but the Emperor of
many waters, upon which steam-boats,
may navigate two thousand miles, parts
the great west into two countries, and
passes into the gulf of Mexico, as
speedily as time flies into eternity.
A word or two upon the worth or
growing importance of this garrison,
may not be improper. It is the outer-
most civilized post of note in the west,
and while the United States gathers the
scattered remnants of the Indians, and
locates them in this section, and keeps
this post filled with troops to guard them,
&c. an immense sum of money must
be expended in the upper counties to
furnish the troops, the Indians, and
others, with provisions, fodder and oth-
er necessaries. The bill for the sub-
sistence of the garrison only, as adver-
tized last summer, was as follows, viz:
•'270 barrels of pork; 560 barrels of
fresh superfine flour; 245 bushels of
new white field beans; 3960 pounds of
good hard soap; 1800 pounds of good
hard tallow candles; 900 bushels of
good clean dry salt; 1000 gallons of
good cider vinegar;" and for the 200
horses, in addition," 2800 barrels, or
14,000 bushels, of corn, and 500 tons
of prairie hay:" all of which cost be-
tween 16, and $17,000, besides the
pay of the men; much of which is
expended in this region. I will also
mention the fact that this place has a
post office, which is very consequen-
tial, for the mail being obliged to be
carried weekly, keeps open a, commu-
nication, and a channel whicli will al-
ways distribute money as long as the
0nited States station men, ^ pay them.
One great object of this garrison, is
to keep the various tribes of Indians
in subjection, and to assist the Govern-
ment, in bringing them to terms of
peace, and as far as is practicable,
civilize them. Here can be learned a
solemn lesson of the fallen gi-eatness
of one once jwwerful people, for the
instruction of another that time may
teach to "go and do likewise." Within
four miles of this place, the Kicka-
poos have been located, and here they
and their prophet, are beginning to
"lightupa smile in the aspect of woe,"
Hhat the Son of the Father tcill soon
come and hless the red-man, as well as
the white-man; that the red man's last
days may be his best days, and that
he, instead of being thouf^ht to be the
worst man, will become the best man
of the great Father's family.' About
twenty miles from this post, tlie Dela-
wares, and Shawnecs, sit in darkness
waiting patiently for a light to break
forth out of obscurity, that they maj'
know of their fathers, and of ihe great
things to come. Still further, and
southerly, among what may well be
called the "Biscuit-loaf" hills, are the
Kansas, or as thej^ are generally term-
ed, the haws, included in unbelief, lin-
gering away the time till a nation can
bo born in a day: and so of many
other tribe?.
I pray God, that as the knowledge
of the Savior has come into the world,
that his work may go forth until the
knowledge of his people, the Nephites,
and the Jacobites, and the Josephitcs,
and the Zoramites, shall come to the
knowledge of the Lamanites, and the
Lemuelites, and the Ishmaelites, that
the earth may know, and the heavens
rejoice, that the mouths of the proph-
ets shall not fail. That the saints may
enjoy their glory; and rejoice with the
angels, that God is God; that Christ is
Christ; that Israel is Israel; that Gen-
tile is Gentile, and that wickedness nev-
er was happiness, but that pure reli-
gion, whether it was glorious in the
sacrifice of Abel, or righteous in the
offering of Abraham, or meekness in
the power of Moses, or valor at the
hand of Joshua, or justice in Jepthae
or virtue in John, or obedience and
submission in the apostles, is, and ev-
er will be "DOING Goop!"
As I gave, in my first, ft general de-
scription of the countryi and have
sketched the "Land of Israel" in my
Mm«&
v'X
f^
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
second, I feel as if I had said about
enough in my third I'cspecting the srar-
rison, and will close by saying a little
about doing good: Doing good for God.
without vanity, without sordid selfish
motives, and without the hope of fame,
wealth, or earthly power. Beloved of
the Ivord, and friends that may be rec-
onciled to him, religion, when defined
douig good, fills the Poets description:
/Religion! what treasures untold,
, ♦Reside in that haavenly word;
/More precious than silver or gold,
Or all that this world can allbnl!'"'
The world was made for doing good;
man was made tor doing good, and
woman was made for doing good, and
if they had remained in their first es-
tate, they would still be doing good;
but they have fallen, and though nges
have told many unworthy deeds, and
shov/ed the folly of millions; yet, with
sorrow, be it said, man is still in dark-
ness and transgression : And long will
it be, withoiit repentcnce, and doing-
good, before he will hear that holy sen-
tence spoke liy God, in the garden of
Kdon, amid the '•Morning stars,'' and
all his son-', all is '^ty.ri/ good.''
ilow many are there, that have been
fur centuries where glory never was,
that would give worlds, if they could,
to come iortli and rejoice with jov un-
speakable into the mansions of bliss?
How manv are there, that may yet be
gathered into the fold of the blessed,
and saved from wcejMng, and wailing,
and gnashing of teeth in outer dark-
ness? The records of eternity will
tell! Then, ye servants of God, ad-
vise the great family of this globe, to
do good: That th(-t father's care; the
mother's tenderness; the act of kind-
51
the deed of charitv; the hus-
■: ■>
ness;
band's joy; the wives's virtue; love to
God; yea, our being's end and aim,
should be — doing good! All this, that
some may be convinced by the trurh,
and know that the Spirit of God is an
index to eternal life. To the end of
our lives, let us please God, that we
may be quickened in the resurrection,
and become angels, even Sons of God,
for an eternity of glory, in a universe
of worlds, which have ever taught, and
will forever
Teach mankind, as they shine,
God's done his part, — do thine!
As ever.
W. W. PHELPS.
To ChiivEB. CovTDFRT, Esq.
FAITH OF THE CHURCH. NO. X.
Cont'tnvcdfrom page 37.
As tliere can be no doubt remaining
on the mind of any person who has
made himself acquainted with the reve-
lations of God, respecting the manner
and v,ay by vrhiVh the Savior of the
world prepared his apostles for the ex-
ecution of their high commission, and
the great labor and pains which he had
to bestow upon them, before they could
di.'rchage the high duties which were
incumbent upon them, by virtue of their
relation to him as his mes.sengers to
the v.'orkl, it remains to be examined
whether the)' were tlie only persons
thus favored, or whether it requires a
similar course to prepare all others
who share with them in the blessings
of the heavenly kingdom. One rea-
son why I have been so [^articular in
examining the way by which the for-
mer apostles were prepared for their
mission and work, was that I might
bring to light a subject which seemed
to me to be hid to the most of this
generation; for those who make the
highest pretentions to religion among
the sects, and the greatest professions,
seem to be intirely in the dark on the
subject of the work and office of tho
Holy Spirit. 1'hough they make
a grcatjado about it, and say much, and
preach much about it, but examine
them clo .2ly, and it is easy to discover,
that the}' are strangers to its influence,
and unacquainted v.itli its work in the
salvation of men, and are laboring un-
der mistakes, and errors, of the most
destructive kind; deceiving and being
deceived; knoiving not what they say
nor whereof they aliirm; speaking light-
ly and contemptuously of the very thing
which they profess to believe: for not
knowing what the work of the Holy
Spirit is, and supposing it to be what it
is not, they condemn the work of the
Spirit, as being imposition, deception,
and enthusiasm, and teach and defend
a something that tlie saint has nothing
to do with, and a work which never
was predicted by it. Others seeing, as
they supposed, the errors into which
many had fallen, tryed to avoid it, by
endeavoring to prove that there was
no work of the Spirit since the days of
the apostles, but that the Spirit is the
^ord and the word k Spirit Thus
52
MESaExNOER AND ADVOCATJE:.
they pass along, persuading themselves
that all is well with them; and perhaps
many will do so until it will be too late,
and have to bewail their condition
Avhere peace will flee from them.
It certainly will not be lost time, if we
can by any means, settle this question,
so that the candid may have some thing
on which they can rest with certainty.
As for bigots, and self-suthcient pro-
fessors, we expect that they will per-
sist in their course be it correct or in-
correct; but there doubtless are many,
yea, very many in this generation,
who would be exceedingly glad to have
this question put to rest, that their minds
might not be in darkness, nor confu-
sion, and this is what I shall attempt to
do — praying my heavenly Father, thai
he will enlighten my mind by his Spir-
it, so as to enable me to present the
subject as it is in his own bosom.
The reader will be left to judge for
himself, whether I do or do not accom-
plish my object. I will remark this
befoi'e I begin this investigation, that 1
think I feel no disposition nor feeling
of mind, to have the subject any differ-
ent from what it really is, neither is
there any thing in my religious creed
which would have the least tendency to
excite a feeling in my mind, or a de-
sire in my heart, to have it any differ-
ent from what it is; as my creed is
* 'prove all things and hold fast that
which is good;" believing nothing in
religion for which I have not a thus
saith the Lord : either a thus saith the
Lord by a direct communication from
him to myself, or else a well attested
one given to others.
I wish the reader to understand what
I mean by a well attested revelation,
given to others: I consider a revela-
tion well attested, when the Lord, by a
direct communication to myself, de-
clares that he was the author of it.
In this investigation, however, I will
limit myself to those revelations which
are acknowledged by all who profess
to believe in written revelations — I
mean' the Old and new Testament. —
There are other revelations in my es-
timation, of equal force, which confirm
the same things, and are strong corrob-
orative pi'oofs of the sentiments taught
,in the book we call the bible, and doc-
trines there inculcated; for let us find a
revelation of God, ti matters not to
jwhom it was given, or by whom it
came, it will teach the same doctrines,
inculcate the same principles, and tes-
tify of the same religion — it matters
not where it was given, whether at
.Jerusalem, or in America, to Israel-
ites, Nephites, Jews, or Gentiles; to E-
phraim, or the lost tribes, the gospel
will be the same; for the Lord never
had but one gospel, and that has con-
tinued from age to age, ever since the
time it was said to the serpant, the seed
of the woman shall bruise thy head,
until the angel came down from heaven,
having the everlasting gospel to preach
to the inhabitants of the world, and
committed it to man, for the last time,
in order to prepare the way for the
coming of the Son of Man. Neither
has the Lord any but one Spirit, it mat-
ters not when, or where it operated, or
on whom; its effects were, and are, the
same, and there is no difference, wheth-
er it was upon Abel, or Enoch, Noah,
or Abraham, Moses, or Paul, prophets,
or apostles, it was the Same spirit, if it
were the Spirit of the Lord, and pro-
duced an uniform effect.
I presume it will not be doubted, by
any, at least those who have a particle
of consistency about them, that if the
gift of the Holy Spirit was at all neces-
sary, in order to the salvation of the
person, who received it in former days,
it is equally as necessary in every age
of the world, and for every person, as
it was for one; and that if the Lord ev-
er promised such a gift to those who
obeyed thQ gospel, it was necessary
for the salvation of the person to
whom it was given, otherwise the Lord
would not have given it.
Let me premise one thing more, and
that is, that whatever the blessings of
the gospel were in former days, they
are the same in latter days, without
variation; that it required the same
things to sanctify the human heart at
one age of the world, it did at another,
and the design of the gospel was to
sanctify the heart of man, and make
him fit for the enjoyment of God, in
eternity; that thexe never was, nor is
any promise made in the gospel, only
those which tended to the accomplish-
ment of this object, neither will any
person presume, who has a regard for
the character of Ged, or his revelations,
to say that there were more promises
and blessings contained in the gospel,
and enjoyed by the primitive saints
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
SS
than were necessary to eanctify their
hearts and make them meet to be par-
takers of the inheitance ot' the saints in
light.
Having said so much, I shall pro-
ceed to examine tlie subioct proposed:
MILLENIUM, No. XI.
Vontimu'd from i^oige 40.
Having
ascertained to a certainty
iha situation of the Gentile world at
present, and their condition in rela-
tion to Ihe things of God; and that as
concerning the faith of the saints they
are reprobates, having departed from
the true faith, to follow after fables to
s© great an extent, that there is not one
society left which is standing as the
nposiles left the church, and as they
directed that the church should contin-
ue: but -all the sects, among all the
people of the Gentiles, have departed
froTii the faith and have turned away,
giving heed to seducing spirits and doc-
trines of devils, and have made void
the faith of God by their traditions. —
For we have seen that all sects and
parties, have ceased to bring forth \\\e
fruits of the liingdom of heaven, ac-
cording to the order established by
those who were immediately inspired
of God, to establish his kingdom a-
mong men, and that the Gentiles have
ceased to bring forth tfee fruit wliwli
Ihey brought forth when the kingdom
of heaven was first given unto them,
and that the gospel which the apostles
preached is considered heresy among
them, and that a man who would at-
tempt to contend for the very things for
which the ancient apostles contended,
would be called a heretic, an impostor,
a false prophet, and every other evil
epithet that could be heaped upon him.
The apostasy of the Gentiles is so
great, that they know not the doctrine
of Christ when they hear it; aeither
are they capable of distinguishing the
saints of God from those who follow
after the evil one, nor the gospel of the
blessed God, from fables. In so say-
ing, I wish to be understood, as embra-
cing all the Gerttiles, without regard to
sect, party, or name; for there is no
difference among them: there is not
«ne sect or party, in all the sectarian
world but has departed from the faith,
and is not walking according to the
gospel of Christ: neither is there one
sect which preaches the gospel; but a
part of it only, and the remainder ihey
despise; and not despise only, but those
also who believe and proclaim it. We
deem it therefore unnecessary to pur-
sue this partof our subject any farthei-,
as we have seen beyond the possibility
of u doubt, that the Gentiles are in the
very situation that the prophets and
the apostles said they would be, when
the Lord should set his hand to prepare
a people for his coming, and to gather
his saints together, that he might co»T»e
in and sup with them, according to his
promise, and manifest himself to them,
and unvail the heavens and come down
and reign with them, and over them a
thousand years — that is, icith those who
were raised from the dead and were
glorified, or who had been'translated,
and over those who were in the flesh;
for the former are to reign with him,
but the latter to serve him during his
thousand years' reign on the earth.
Having got our way prepared, w.?'
will now" attend to the first item we
proposed investigating, m the order
which we have laid down, to be pursu-
ed in the investigation of this subject:
that is, Christ's second coming, or in
other words, his reign on the earth.
The subject of Christ's reign on tho
earth, is one of vast importance in the
estimation of the sacred writers, and
one on which they have dwelt witli
great delight, and in which they seem-
ed to feel the greatest interest.
The Psalmist David speaks of it in"
the most enthusiastic terms: "The
Lord reigneth; let the earth rejoice;
let the multitude of isles be glad ihere-
of.^ Ps. 97:1. In Ps. 93:1 he says,
"Tlie Lord reigneth, he is clothed with
majesty; the Lord is clothed with
strength, wherewith he hath girded
himself: the world also is establised,
that it connot be moved."
Again in Ps. 96:10, he says, "Say
among the heathen that the Lord reign-
eth the Avorld also shall be established
that it shall not be moved: he shall
judge the people righteously. Let the
heavens rejoice, and let the earth bo
glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness
thereof. Let the field be joyful, and
all that is therein: then shall all the
trees of the wood rejoice before the
Lord; for he cometh, for he cometh to
judge ihe earth: he shall judge the
v/orld with righteousness, and "the peo-
ple with his truth."
u
MKSSENGLR A>'D ADVOCATI:.
From what we have previously
shown respecting the Savior's second
advent into the world, there can ho no
difficulty in understanding to wliat the
Psalmist had an allusion in the forego-
ing quotations. As there is no reign
of the Lord mentioned which is to be
on the earth, but the thousand years'
reign, or Millenium, the reader has on-
ly to notice that it is the world v/hich
is to rejoice, and the earth is to be
glad, when the Lord reigneth. The
matter therefore is settled, that it is his
reign on the earth on which the Psalm-
ist had his eye fixed, when he wrote
the foregoing Psalms. Two things are
to be noticed in the above quotations.
The first is, that the Lord is to reign
on the earth, and secondly that when
he reigns on the earth, it is to b.e glad
and to rejoice. The fact of the world
being established, .and the earth rejoi-
cing, v.'ill enable us to understand n)a-
ny passages of scripture, tJiat we oth-
erwise could not understand; but with
the aid of these facts v.-iil become very
plain, and vastly interesting to tlie be-
' lievcrs — a few of which we shall quote.
We will begin with Isaiah, 85:1. The
prophet thus expresses himself: "The
wilderness and the solitary place shall
he glad for them, and the desert shall
rejoice and blossom as the rose. It
shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice,
even with joy and singing: the glory
of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the
excellency ofCarmeland Sharon, they
shall sec the glory of the Lord, and
the excellencj'of our God. Strength-
en ye the week hands, and confirm the
feeble knees. Say to them that are of
a fearful heart, be strong fear not: be-
hold, your God will come with ven-
geance, even God with a recompense;
he will com.e and save you. Then the
eyes of the blind shall be opened, and
the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped.
Then shall the lame man leap as an
hart and the tongue of the dumb sing:
for in the wilderness shall waters
break out, and streams in the desert.
And the parched ground shall become
a pool, and the thirsty land springs of
water: in the habitation of dragons,
where each lay, shall be grass with
reeds and rushes." From the 1st to
the 8th verse. A small degree of atten-
tion will enable the reader to sec that
Isaiah and David had their eyes fixed
on the same period. David .^ays, The
Lord reigneth let the earth rejoice, let
the multitude of isles be glad thereof.
Isaiali says, The wilderness and the sol-
itary place shall be glad for tlicm, and
tlie desert shall rejoice and blossom as
the rose. We sec that they both have
said the same thing; that is, the earth
is to rejoice and be glad when the Lord
reigns. Isaiah says, your God will
come with vengeance, oven God with a
i-ecompensc, he will come and sava
you. For what will be come'? to
reign upon the earth, and to make the
wilderness be srlad and the desert to
blossom as the rose. Let any person
read the above quotations with care
and he cannot but see that all refer to
the same period.
THE GOSPEL. No, IV.
Continued from page 39.
There never ought to be a dispute iit
the v%-orld about what the gospel is anv-.ng
those who profess a belief ia the bible-,
for if it is not told in the scriptures
plahily, and without leaving it a matter
of contention, the bible is not a safe
guide, neither could any thinking n:ian
trust his salvation on its teachings, un-
less they were easily understood: I'or if
the gospel is designed for the salvation
of all men- it certainly ought to be very
plain; for there are a great many in
the world who cannot understand
any thing, unless it is very pluiu and
easy of understanding. There is no
subject ever addressed to the midcr-
standing of man, that needs to be so
plain and easy of compreliension as the
gospel, if we may credit the persons
who have prornulged it. They profess
to have had a commission to proclaim
it to cvcri/ creature in (ill the world. —
In taking so wide a range, (here would
be many persons of xevy weak capaci-
ties, who are not able to understand
but very little, and that little must bu
exceedingly plain, or else they Avould
not be able to understand it. There is
no person who will suffer his mind to
reflect on the nature and design of the
gospel, but will be led to see that it
must be the plainest of all messages;
for it was to effect every creature in all
the world; and if so, it must be suited
to their capacities to make it a scheme
of mercy and benevolence; for if they
could not understand it, it would be
wor?e than folly to present it to thegj.
>n.^:ii:NGEK AND ADVOCATE.
b^
This is one reason why so few, cither
believe or irnbrace it. It is too simple
and foolish, according to their estima-
tion, to be of any consequence to them.
It was so considered in the days of the
apostles who immediately followed the
•Savior; and to such an extent did this
feeling prevail, that an apostle said, if
a man would be wise he must become
a fool: that is, to be wise, he must be-
lieve and practice those things which
the world consider the most perfect
foolishness, and too simple and degra-
ding, to be believed, by any rational
being. And yet, notwithstanding its
foolishness and simplicity, it had pow-
er to save them that believed; for says
the apostle, the, or in other words, this
foolishness of God, is wiser than men,
and this weakness of God is stronger
than men: "For when, in the wisdom
of God, the world by wisdom knew nut
God, it pleased God, by the loolishncss
of preaching, to save them that be-
lieve." 1st, Corinthians 1st. chap, or,
by the foolislmessof the gospel which he
proclaimed, to save those that the world
with al! its wisdom, could not save: for
after all the wise men of the world had
said, or could say. and all the wisdom
they had or could get, with it all, they
could not know God. But the apostle,
with the foolishness of his preaching,
could rnakc men acquainted witli God.
Fi'om what is said on this subject in the
new testament, we can see that such
was the contenipt iii which the gospel
v.'as held in that ag(! of the world, that
a man of talents or understnnding to
profcs to believe it and receive it, was to
expose himself to the certain contempt
of the wise ones, so' coiled — to expose
himself to their bitterest feelings and
severest contempt; even to so great an
extent did those feelings prevail, mitil
they that killed them thought they were
doing God service: John 16: 16. doubt-
less thinking that they were knaves and
rascals, and not fit to live. Such were
the feelings which existed in the minds
of the people, in the daj-s of Paul, Pe-
ter, John, and James, in relation to the
gospel which they preached, and such
arc the leelings which prevail now, both
concerning the gospel and those who
receive it
Since the coming forth of the ever-
lasting gospel, contained in the book of
Mormon, the very same feelings pre-
vail among the would be wise ones. —
It is called a "simple and a f(X>lish
mess!" too simple to bo beliei?ed or re-
ceived by any person of sense: And
every man of that description in the es-
timation of the world, must be a knave,
say they; for surely they know better:
for any person of a spark of sense,
must know that it is an imposition. —
But notwithstanding all this tumult of
words and great exertions, the persons
who embrace it in sincerity and truth,
learn, as the saints of former years,
that it has power to save; and that the
foolishness of God is wiser than man,
and the weakness of God stronger than
men: God saves them that believe: —
And as this last proclamation has the
same effect on the enemies of God in
these days, as the former proclimrtion
h.ad in the former days, so this last
proclamation has the same effect on
those who receive it: as the former had
on those who received it; and the same
fruit follows. Tliey receive the same
spirit, and that spirit brings forth the
same fruit, at one age, that it did at an-
otljcr; and the same gospel will always
secure the same blessinsjs to those who
receive it.
Upon this subject there appears to be
something very strange to me, in the
world; it is this: all men who believe,
or who prote.«s to believe, in the gos-
pel, say that as far as the gospel pro-
poses eternal blessings, they will be
enjoyed by all who receive it, but as to
the blessings proposed to be enjoyed by
the saints in the flesh, these are limit-
ed to a few individuals, or a few indi-
vidual churches. The fruits of the spir-
it v/hich v.-ere brought forth in former
days, notwithstanding they were the
elFcctrs of receiving the gospel, were
limited to a small period of the world; for
though men receive the same gospel
now, yet these fruits have ceased; but
still the eternal blessings are the same;
they will all get to the same heaven,
and reioicc in the same fflory. It mat-
ters not how much they may differ in
this world, they will be all alike there.
The great query with me is this, hoM'
can the gospel still have jn'Wcr to save
in the Idngdom of glory, since it has
lost its power on earth? Those who
were saved by it in former days, and
made meet to be partakers of the in-
heritence of the saints in light, were
made partakers of its power on earth;
and we have no account of its saving
any in the heavenly kingdom, only
those who were made partakers vf its
^3
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE'
power on earth. But according to the
opinions of the world, it has lost its
power on earth, hut still retains power
sufficient to save men in the everlasting
kingdom — this may be, but I must con-
fess I have serious doubts about it, and
should not be surprised if it should be
found, that those who never receive its
power on earth, should likewise fail of
its glory in eternity.
Uberty, Clay co. Mo. July 4th, 1634.
Dear sir:
Enclosed is a long lettrr whicli is
addressed to no one in particular, but inten-
dad for the benefit of all my old acquaintan-
ces and friends who desire to read it. I wish
you to read it first and then show it to others,
as you have opportunitj-.
If I should live I expect to return to Paines-
ville on a visit within a year, notwithstanding
I have written in uiy long letter that it was
doubtful whether I ever should return there.
I and my family are well; v.-e have pass-
ed through many trying scenes since I saw
you last, but it does not, in the least, move
me nor shake my faith.
Please to give my respects to all enquiring
friends.
With sentiments of respect I remain
your friend and servant.
EDWARD PARTRIDGE.
DocT. S. Rosa.
Independence, Mo. Aug. 31 st, 1833.
Dear friekds and neighbors.
When I lett Paines-
ville two years ago last .Tune, I expected to
have returned again to that place the same
season, but as things have turned sine.'? then
it is probable to me now, that I shall never
return there. Therefore, feeling that I did
not improve every opportunity that I might
have done, to bear testimony to t!ie things I
believe — and feeling, as I do, the importance
of warning mv fellov/ men to prepare them-
selves for the great day of the'Lcrd, or in (/Ih-
er words, for the second coming of the Son
of Man, has induced mo to endoavo/ by a
letter to show, that that day is noar /t hand;
and that it is necesL-ary to be prepared to
meet the Son of God when he shall appear
in the clouds of heaven, as aboui that iime
will be fulfilled wlu'.t was spoken by iVIoses
the prophet, viz: ail that will not hear or
obey Clirist, will be cut ofT from a-.r.cng the
people.
I will now endeavor to show that Christ
will come a second time without sin unto
salvation. And first, I quote Job, 19:23,27:
"O that my words were now written, O that
they v/ere prirXed in a book, that they v;ere
graven with en iron pen and lead in the
rock forever! For I know that my Redeemer
liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter
day upon the earth: and though afler ray
skin worrfis destroy this body, yet in my
flesh shall I see God: whom i shall eeo for
myself, and m.ine eyes shall behold, and not
another."
It is evident, that Job knew he should
stand on the earth in the latter days and be-
hold CLrist face to face.
Zecliariah, 14:4,5, reads thus: '-And his
feet shall stand in that day upon the mount
of Olives, wliich is before Jerusalem on the
east, and the mount of Olives siiall cleave in
the midst thereof tcv.-ard the east and to-
ward the west, and there shall be a very great
valley; and half of the mountain shall re-
move toward the north, and half of it toward
the south. And ye shall flee to the valley of
the mountains; lor the valley of the moun-
tains shall reach unto Azal: ycii, j^e shall Ik-e
like as ye fled from before the earthquake in
the days of Uzziah kingof Judali: and tlie
Lord my God shall come, and all the sainta
with thee." This quotation not only showii
that Christ is coming, but that all the saint?*
will come with him: and this agrees with
what Paul wrote, let The^F. 4:3.5, ItJ.lT;
"For this we say unto you by the word of
the Lord, that we which are alive and remain
unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent
them \vhich are asleep. For the Lord him-
self shall descend from heaven with a shout,
with t)ie voice of the arch-angel, and with
the trump of God: and the dead in Chriat
shall rise first: then we which are alive and
remain shall be caught up together with them
in the clouds, to meet th.e Lord in the air:
and so shall we ever be with the l^crd."
Thus we see that the Lord is coming in tho
clounds of heaven; agreeing with what is re-
corded in the 1st chap, of Acts; he being on
the mount of Olives was taken up and a
cloud received him out of their sight; and
while they were still gazing up into heaven
the two men dressed in white that stood bj-,.
said this same Jesus which is taken up from
you into heaven, shall so come in like manner
as ye have seen him go into heavtn. Again,'
Jude tells us that Enoch the seventh Ironi
Adam prophesied, saying, "Behold tlie I^ord
Cometh with ten thousand of his saints." —
From the above quotations we di.scover that
the prophets and apostles botii had a view
of the coming of Ciirist in the last da3's bring-
iiif all the saints with him. Tlsose that were
on the earth and in th'.Hr graves having met
him in the ciouds^, descend with iiim whoa
he comes on the earth. Were it necessary I
might add many more passages to prcfve the
coming of Christ. Such as his "coming as
a thief," also "I come quickly," as reeorded
by John the Revclator years after Christ's
a-sceusion, but I deem it unnecessary.
1 will now show, that all w:;o d« not obey
Christ, will be cut off from tlie face of the-
earth when the Lord co^ncs, ^vhile aH tli^j-
meek that are alive, or have lived from the
creation of the world dov,n, will iii.'ierit iii^
ea.rth, according to the promise of Christ. —
See sermon on the mount. By reading the
I Itii chap, to the Hebrews, you will see that'
the ancient worthies all died in faith not ob-
taining the promised possession, God hav-
ing provided some better thing for us that
they without us sliould not bo made perfect,
says tlie writer; showing that all the meek
will iDbtain tiieir posssssioa at one time, and
that will be when the wicked cease from
troubling — which will take place wlien all the
wicked are destroyed from off the face of the
earth — which I will nov/ shov/ must take
place before the Millenium commences. I
quota first, from the 1st chap, of 2nd Thes.?.
"The Lord Jesus shall be revealed from hea-
ven with his mighty angels in flaming fire ta-
j^ing vengeance oh them that know not God,
3ENGER AMD ADVOCATE.
&f
and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Je-
eus Christ: who shall be punished with ever-
lasting destruction from the presence of the
Lord, and the glory of his power." Thus
we see that at his coming all will be cut off
but those that know God, and obey the gos-
pel of our Lord ./esus Christ. If the apos-
tle told the truth the fact is established; but
let UR have the testimony of others. Read
the parable of the wheat and tares 13th cliap.
of Matthew, and see what takes place in the
ond of the world, or end of the wicked: you
will discover fhat the righteous remain. But
Bay you "world" don't mean wicked; but let
us see in what sense the Savior used it in
other places. John 15:18,19, reads thus: "If
the world hate you, ye know that it hated
me befori/ it hated you. If ye were of the
tcorld ti'.e world would love his own: but be-
cause ye are not of the icorld, but I have
chosea you out of the ?oorZ(i, therefore the
tcorld hateth you." — Also 14:17,27, and 31st.
and also 17:14,15,16,21, and 23, contains the
ea.me sentiment. In connexion with the par-
able of the tares, read in the 14th chap, of
Rev. beginning at the 14th verse, to the end
of the chap, also 19th chap. Rev. begin-
ning at the 11th verse to the end of the chap.
Then read in Jer. 49:7,23. And then read
theC first verses of the 63rd chap, of Isaiah.
The above passages referred to, appear to me
to be connected, and certainly convey an
idea of great destruction. The prophet says
"the day of vengeance is in my heart, and the
3'ear of my redeemed is come." The day of
c&ngc-ance is, I think, the same as quoted from
2nd Thess. and is the same as is called in
other places "the day of the Lord," or "great
day of the Lord." By comparing the proph-
ecy of Joud with the foregoing, you will dis-
cover that it is upon the same subject. The
reaping of the harvest and the wine press,
are both spoken of The gathering all na-
tions into the valley of Jehoshaphat which is
S. E. of Jerusalem. Beating their plow-
shares into swords, and their pruning hooks
into spears, is the same gathering spoken of
by Zachariah 2nd verse of the 14lh chap. —
and being so suddenly cut off is probably the
same as represented by the supper of the
great God, Rev. 19th chap, and also the
battle of the great day of God Almighty, Rev.
16th chap. The same subject couched,
in different language, is recorded, Ezekiel
33th 39th chapters. "Behold it is come
and it is done saith the Lord God: this is
the day whereof I have spoken," That is,
it is an account of the greai day of the Lord.
The prophecy of Zephaniah also treats upon
the same subject: you will do well to exam-
ine it in connexion with the foregoing. In-
deed almost all the prophets have spoken of
these same things.
And nov/ to show mor3 conclusively that
what Moses spake concerning the wicked
being all cut off, being fulfilled literally, I
have the positive testimony of three prophets
to add to what has already been quoted. —
And first, David, in the 37th Psalm, says a
jmmber of times, that the wicked will not be
found, but that the meek shall inherit the
earth; says he, "Fret not thyself in any
wise to do evil for evil doers shall be cut off,
hut those that wait upon the Lord they shall
inherit the earth; for yet a little while and
the wicked shall not be; yea, thou shalt dil-
igently consider his place and it shall not be,
but the meek ehjill inherit the earth. Snoh
as be blessed of him shall inherit the earthy
and they that be cursed of him, shall be cut
off. And again, the seed of the wicked shall
be cut off; the righteous shall inherit the
land and dwell therein forever. And Again,
wait on the Lord and keep his way, and ha
shall exalt thee to inherit the land: When
the wicked are cut off thou shalt see it. I
have seen the wicked in great power and
spreading himself like a green bay-tree, yet
he passed away, and lo, he was not; yea I
sought him but he could not be found." —
The Psalmist, we discover, understood per-
fectly well that when tlie meek inherite4
the earth the wicked would be cut off. In
Isaiah, 13th chap, we have tliese word»»
'Behold, the day of the Lord cometh, cruel
both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the
land desolate: and he shall destroy the sin^
ners thereof out of it." Begin at the 6th
verse, and read to the 14th. Perhaps you
may think that the Led is speaking of an-
cient Babylon, but you will perceive that
what will apply to ancient Babylon, is but &
type of mystery Babylon; for in the 26th
verse of the 14th chap, (both chapters being
upon the same subject,) he aayg: "This >■
the purpose that is purposed upon the whole
earth: and this is the hand that is stretched
out upon all the nations."
The 24th chap, is upon the same subject;
I will quote a verse or two; and first, "The
earth shall reel to and fro like a drunkard,
and shall be removed like a cottage; and tlje
transgression thereof shall be heavy upon
it, and it shall fall, and not rise again. And
it shall come to pass in that day, that the
Lord shall punish the host of the high one«
that are on high, and the kings of the earth
upon the earth." This will undoubtedly be
fulfilled at the time of the great earthquake,,
spoken of, Rev. 16th chap. "Such as wa».
not since men were upon the earth so migh-
ty an earthquake and so great." When we
reflect upon the many mighty earthquake*
that have been, and that the earth was nev-
er so shook as it then will be: and especially
when we reflect that in the days of Peleg it
was so shaken as to be divided, probably into
two continents, besides numerous islands — I
say, when we reflect upon this subject and
see what a tremendous shaking the earth
must have, we are not at all surprised that
the earth shall reel to and fro like a drunk-
ard, and be removed like a cottage. Witfe
what majestic feelings the mind that is pre-
pared contemplates this awful, this terrific
scene! Secodly, "The moon shall be con-
founded and the sun ashamed, when the
Lord of hosts shall reign in mount Zion and
in Jeresalem and before his ancients glorious-
ly." Thud we see that the Lord is not only
to reign in Jerusalem, but in mount Zion,
also which »hows that Jerusalem and Zioa
are two places. Thirdly, "The earth also
is defiled under the inhabitants thereof, be-
cause they have transgressed the laws, chan-
ged the ordinance, and broken the everlas-
ting covenant, therefore hath the curse de-
voured the earth, and they that dwell there-
in are desolate; therefore the inhabitants of
the earth are burned and few men left." —
This agrees with what the prophet Malachi
says upon the same subject, in the 4th chap.
' 'For behold, the day cometh that shall bum
as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all
is
ME*>:<HNWEn AND ADVOCATX.
that do wickedly, Bhall be stubble; and the
day that coineth shall burn them up, saith
the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them
neither root nor branch," (take away root
and branch and what will be left?) "But
unto you that fear my name, shall the sun of
righteousness arise with healing in hia wings;
and ye shall go forth, and grownup as calves of
the stall. And yc shall tread down the wicked;
for they shall be ashes under the soles of
your f^et in the day that I do this, saith the
Lord of hosts."
From this we learn that the meek, those
that fear the name of the Lo/d, will be pre-
served and will literally tread upon tlie ashes
of the wicked, after they are destroyed from
off the face of the earth, by fire, which is
probably the last and sweeping judgment, or
destruction, before the Millenium commen-
ces.
Now, I will attempt to show, that the day
of the Lord: the coming of the Son of God,
>■ near at hand: probably he will make his
appearance in the clouds of heaven within
the present generation. Joel, 2nd chap. —
says, "And it shall come to pass afterward
that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh."
In the 2nd chap, of Acts, Peter, in quoting
the above passages, ^ays, "And it shall
come to pass in the last days, saitli God,"
&c. Here we see the word spoken by Joel,
translated *^a/tencard" defined by holy apos-
tles to mean the last days. The days of the
apostles could not be considered the last days,
but there was a sample of the out pourin'i- of
-the Spirit of God, on the day of Fentecost,
6f what will be in the days of the Millenium.
The prophet, in recording what would be in
the last days, says: "And I will shew won-
dsrs in the heavens and in the earth, blood
and fire and pillars of smoke." These
signs have been seen by many in this coun-
try, and we have had accounts that wonder-
ful eights have also been seen in the heavens
by the Chinease. In the 2nd epistle to the
Thess. 2nd chap, we find the apostle show-
ing his brethren, that the day of the Lord
would not come until after the falling away of
the church,and the "Man of sin the son of per-
dition be revealed who opposeth and exalt-
eth himself above all that is called God, or
that is worshiped; so that he as God, sitteth
in the temple of God, showing himself that
he is God." You are undoutbably ready to
agree with me that there has been a falling
away from the purity of the religion of Christ,
which teaches that we should love God with
all our hearts and our neighbor as ourselves.
But perhaps you are not prepared to say,
that the man of sin is revealed; if he has
been, you will readily perceive that the two
items mentioned by the apostle, as preceed-
ing Christ's coming, being accomplished, we
might then look for the Lord who shall con-
sume that wicked with the Spirit of his
mouth, whom he shall destroy wiJi the
brightness of his coming.
To understand where the man of sin sets,
and who he is, we must understand what, or
where, is the temple of God; and who per-
dition is. The same apostle shows us in a
number of places, what we are to understand
»y the temple of God. He wrote to his dis-
liples like this; "Ye are the temple of the
3viog God." Thus we discover that the
Iban of sin ia that mystery of iniquity that
got into the church; e^en began to be ther»
in the apostles' days, and which has exalted
itself above ail that is called God, showing
himself that he is God. But the man of sin
has been revealed to the elders of thi& church,
and God has given them power to delect him
whenever he shows himself. I will now ex^
amine what the kSavior said, as recorded by
Luke, 21st chap, speaking of the destruction
of Jerusalem, and the scattering of the Jews:
commencing at the24lh verse; "They shall
be led away captive into all nations: and Je-
rusalem sh.'Jl be trodden down of the Gen-
tiles, until the times of the Geatiles be ful-
filled. And there shall be signs in the sun,
and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon
the earth distress of nations," And in the
28th verse he says, "And when these things
begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift
up your heads: for your [the Jews] redemp-
tion draweth nigh."
We all know that there has been signs seen
in the sun for a number of years past. And
the Jews were to be apprized of the near ap-
proach of their redemption, when these signs
began to come to pass. And I can assure
you that the distress of nations spoken of, is
not far distant; for be assured that the time
spoken of by the Revelator, that peace should
be taken from the earth, is near at hand.—
Our Savior speaks of his coming in a cloud
with power and great glory, which we are
sure lias never taken place as yet: and after
speaking of the signs that would precede his
coming, says, "When ye shall see these
things come to pass, know ye that the
kingdom of God" [or coming of the Son of
Man] "is nigh at hand. Vcrilv I say unto
you, this generation shall not pass away till
all be fullilled." There has been many at-
tempts to show that what was meant in this
whole connexion, was fulfilled in the days of
th-: apostles, because it reads "this genera-
tion;" but it is evident that it has reference
to the generation that should live when the
signs spoken of should appear. And this
idea I think is confirmed in the 34,35, and
36th verses; for he says, "Take heed to
yourselves lest that day come upon you un-
awares; for as a snare shall it come on all
them that dwell on the face of the whole
earth." Hence we see that that day spoken
of, is no less than the great day of the Lord,
and cannot be confined to the Jewish nation,
for it was to come on all them that dwell on
the face of the whole earth. "Watch ye
therefore (said he) and pray always that ye
may be accounted worthy to escape all these
things;" [that is, the judgments that were
to come on the wicked of that generation, as
he had before described,] "and to stand be-
fore the Son of Man." From this it is evi-
dent, that none but tiie meek and the pure in
heart would be able to stand in that day.-—
This being admitted shows that tliat day has
never arrived as yet, and the signs that have
been seen, show that this is the very genera-
tion spoken of. The Savior said, -'Behold
the Figtree and all the trees: when they
shoot forth you see and know that the sum-
mer is now nigh at hand." If the figtree
has reference to the true church, and as some
suppose, all the trees represent the other
churches, any one can discover that this is
the generation. But let this be as it may,
whoever observes strictly the signs of the
MilSSENC'CR AJSty ADVOCATE.
id
times, will discover that this age is big with
events.
The book of Mormon, containing the iu'i-
ness of the gospel of Christ, has mailt; its ap-
pearance, and men are once more called to
>the holy ordsr of God, to build up the
church of Christ, and gatlier the house of Is-
rael, preparatory to the coming of the Son of
Man. But say you, how am I to kno\v that
the book of Morioon contains the fulness of
the gospel 1 In answer, I say, you liave the
testimony of men tliat cannot bij impeached,
that the book of Mormon is true, and was
translated by the giil and power of God. —
Tiiose that receive the book of Mnrnion, and
obey it, have this rurther testimony; they
receive the gifl of the lioly Ghost. Hy com-
paring the book of Moriuon with tiie gos-
pel preached by the apostles, (wJiich I now
intend to s';t before you,) you will be able to
judge for yourselves?. But before I proceed
to set before you the gospel, let me quote
Acts: 13:40,41, '-Beware thareibre, lest
tliatcome upon you which is spoken of in the
prophets; beiiold, ye despisers, and wondrr,
and perish: for I work a work in your days,
a. work which ye shall in no v.'ise believe,
though a man declare it unto you."
I will now proceed to shov/ you the gospel
as it is recorded in the bible, and if you take
the trouble to coin])are the book of Mormon
with it, you will find that it contains the ful-
«tOss thereof. And first, I shall commence at
the loicmlssion given by our Lord and Sav-
ior Jesus Ch'ist to his discipl-s after his res-
urrection from tiie dead. One tiling very re-
markable respecting this commission is, that
ao one of tlie lour that recorvievi the history
of our Savior has it entire, btit each on? has
a part, and tiie whole put together shows us,
biyond a doubt, what that comuiission was.
The portion recorded by -Vlatthew is found
in the three last verses of his testimony, thus,
"And Jesus came and spake unto them say-
ing, all power is given unto me in heaven and
in earth go ye therefore, and teach all na-
tions, baptizing them in tie name of the Fa-
ther, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost,
teaching them to observe all things whatsoev-
er I have commanded you; and, lo, I am with
jou always even unto the enl of the world."
The IGth chap, from the 14th to the 19th
verse of the testimony of Mark contains a
portion of the commission, and reads thus:
•'And he said unto them, go ye into all the
world, and preach the gospel to every crea-
ture. He that believeth, and is baptized
shall be saved; but he that believeth not,
shall be damned. And these signs shall fol-
low them that believe: in my name sliall they
cast out devils; they shall 'sp::ak with new
tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if
they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt
them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and
they shall reeov. r." In these quotations,
from Matthew and Mark, we fiiid that the
apostles were to teach all nations, and preach
the gospel to every creature; yet they do
not till us what the gospel is, and without
the help of Luke and John we might be much,
puzzled to know from the bible what that
thing called the gospel was or is; but the
Lord did not leave the world in the dark, for
in Luke ^nd John, together with what is re-
corded in the Acts of the apostles, the sub-
ject ia in»de plain.
Luke 24: 44,50 reads thus, "Then opens*
he their understanding, that they might un-
derstand the scriptures, and said unto them,
thus it is written, and thus it bchoveth Christ
to suffer, and rise from the dead the third
day: and that repentance and remission of
sins should be preached in his name among
all nations, beginning at Jerusalem, and ye
are v.-itnesses of these things, and behold,
I send the promise of my Father upon you;
but tarry ye in Jerusalem, until ye be endow-
ed with power from on high." Hence we
discover that they were to preach repentance
and remission of sins, and he that believed
their testimony and was baptized should be
saved. But tley were to tarry at Jerusalem
until they wore endowed with power from on
high.
Acts first chapt. and eight first verses, cor-
roborates the foregoing. Christ, "Being as-
sembled together with them, commanded them
that they should not depart from Jerusalem,
but wait for the promise of theFatb.er, which,
saith he, ye have heard of me. For John tru-
ly baptized with water; but ye shall be bapti-
zed with the Holy Ghost not many days
hence." And further. "Ye shall receive
power, after that the Holy Ghost is como
upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me
both in Jerusalem, and in Judea, and in Sa-
niaria, and unto the uttermost part of the
earth." The poioer spoken of above, we find
explained in the 20th chapt. of John's testi-
mony, 22nd and 23rd verses in these words:
"And wiien he had said this, he [Christ}
breathed on them, and saith unto them Re-
ceive ye the Holy Ghost; whosesoever sins
ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and
whosesoever sins ye retain, they are retained.
Thus we see that besides the signs that were
to follow th^m that believed, they [the apoa-
tles] had this power g.*-anted to them also,
even the power to remit and to retain sins, up-
on such conditions as the Holy Ghost should
direct, when they should receive it. Agree-
ably to the instructions of their Lord, the
disciples waited at Jerusalem; and as is r«-
cotded in the 2nd chapt. of Acts on the "day
of pentecost they were all with one accord in
one place," when, as was promised, the Ho-
ly Ghost was poured out upon them, and they
began to speak with new tongues — and then
they be^an their ministr)', according to the
directions given them. It may be proper be-
fore going further to notice, that the kingdom
of God was now to be preached to all nations,
and that Peter had the keys of the kingdom
of heaven, conferred upon him, as recorded in
Mat. 18:19. "And I v.'ill give unto'thee [Pe-
ter] the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and
whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be
bound in heaven." Hence we discover that
Peter had great power given into his hands,
& so had all the apostles, according to John's
testimony, as above' quoted. Consequently,
when they were endowed with power froni on
high, and were to commence their mission,
Peter standing up, with the eleven, began to
declare unto them the things of God; show-
ing that Jesus w^s the Christ, and tHat they
had taken, and with wicked hands had cruci-
fied and slain the Lord of glory; and that he
had risen from the dead— in proof of which
he quoted the prophecies which they dared
not dispute, and thus convinced them tliat
Jesus was the Christ; and being convinced
i»
«BBSE.tG£it AND ADVOCAffi.
of the fact, truth brought with it conviction,
Ha itjalways will when received: they saw at
once that theyhad committed sin that had
no sacrifice for in the U v of Moses, conse-
quently they, with one accord, cried out,
"Men and brethren, wliat shall we do?" Pe-
ter having the keys of the kingdom, was
reidy lo tell them what they must do: he
aaiii ttnto them: "Repent and be baptized ev-
*ry one of you in the name of Jesus Christ,
f^r the remission of sins, and ye shall receive
the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise
ifl unto you, and to your children, and to all
that are afar off, even as many as the Lord
our God shall call." And according to the
account, about three thousand were received
into the kingdom the same day — having re-
ceived the remission of their sins, as well as
the gift of the Holy Ghost, they were made
to rejoice and praise God.
Thus we see the happj* effect produced by
receiving the gospel in its purity. I wish
you now to candidly examine the different
•ermons recorded as preached by the apostles,
and you will find that the sum of their preach-
ing was Jesus a risen Savior; and that when
they got the people to believe that, they then
immediately baptized them: in one instance
eren the same hour of tiie night. But say
you, what good will it do one to be baptized
without repentance? I answer, no good: But
where is the rational man that believes that
Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that all
power both in heaven and on earth is given
unto him, that is not only willing to be bap-
tized, but also to repent of all his sins, and
BCrve God with full purpose of heart? I find
I am digressing, therefore I will return to the
subject.
Paul wrote to his Galatian brethrsrt thus:
♦'Though we, or an anjcl iVom heaven preach
nny other gospel unto you, than that which
we have preached unto you, let him be accur-
sed. As we said before, to say I now again,
if any man preach any other gospel unto you
than that ye have received, let him be accur-
.«ed." Now pause, and ask yourselves this
"question, did the apostles preach more than
one gospel? I think you must answer "but
one. Well, Paul says the gospel is the
gHt.wer of God unto salvation. What does
Ahciresult, on the day of pentecost show, but
(the power of God unto salvation? Surely
jthe gospel that the apostles preached, and
that the people received, was the power of
God unto salvation.
i want you now to set down in the fear of
God, and carefully and prayerfully compare
the book of Mormon with the gospel, as
preached on the day of pentecost, and see if
the sentiment is not the same; if it is the
same, it must be the gospel, and if the gos-
pel, it must be the power of God unto salva-
tion. For if you admit John's declaration
that the gospel is everlasting, or in other
■words, that he saw in the last days an angel
flying through the midst of heaven, having
the everlasting gospel to preach to all nations,
kindreds, tongues and people, it will prove
that .there is such a thing as the everlasting
5ospel, and if bo, is it not the gospel of God?
ind does not what John says, about the ev-
erlasting gospel's being preached to all na-
tions, kmdreds, tongues and people, just be-
fore the downfall of mystery Babylon, convey
an idea that something more than the bible is
to make its appearance, about that time? It
certainly does to me.
Now^ if the book of Mormon contains the
same gospel tliat the apostles preached,
which it certainly does?, and that its whole
drift appears to be to make men righteous and
happy; and if the men who attest to the truth
of the book are men of piety, and men who
have sacrificed their property, and even their
good name for this cause, which certainly i»
the case, what does it argue? Does it not
argue that this work is true; that the book
of Mormon is the fulness of the gospel, sent
forth to this generation, that a people may
be prepared for the^cominsc of the bridegroom?
surely it doss; and I know that if you will
be honest before God, these things will carry
some conviction to your hearts.
I have one testimony further to add, which
is the one that was promised by our Savior
himself, which is the signs that were to fol-
low them that believe. Now,' if the same
signs follow in these days that followed in
the days of the apostles, it argues that the
gospel is the same.
I assure you that the signs do follow in
this, the church of Christ, who receive the
book of Mormon as the fulness of the gospel of
Christ, In many instances the sick have been
healed by the laying on of the elders' hands,
and also devils cast out. Many speak with
new tongues, or in other languages; some
speak in a number of different languaj;<-»
shortly after they receive the gift; others
are confined to one or two — These are not
idle assertions; I know that these things are
so. Some hive the gift of interpretation and
some ha.ve not, as yet. But say you these
jfitts are strange things! Well strange as
they may appear, they are the gift of the
Holy Ghost: many of the world even re-
ceive the Holy Ghost in a greater or less de-
gree, but few in comparison receive the gift
of the Holy Ghost, the gifts being peculiar to
the true church. What the Lord promised
by the mouth of Zephaniah is beginning to
be fulfilled. "For then (saith he) will I turn
to the people a pure language, that they may
all call upon the name of the Lord, to servo
him with one consent," 3:9. Some speak
the pure language already. Songs are sung
in unknown tongues. Well say you in the
days of the apostles they spake with touguea
and prophesied, immediately after having
hands laid on them for the reception of the
Holy Ghost, and now it is more than three
years since this church has been organized,
and yet we have not till of late seen or heard
much about these gifts being manifested. Why
should there be this difference? In answer
I sny, that the apostles were three years
with Christ, in which time we have no ac-
count of their speaking with tongues. In
the days of the apostles the church started
in perfection and purity, having the gifts
conferred upon them at the commencement of
their ministry, to all nations: the churcli
was of one heart and one mind; but after a
while we find that the church began to be
corrupt and fall from its pristine purity: the
declension continued until the church was
lost in the wilderness, and the gifts all lost
with it. Since the days of Luther and Zu-
ingle, the reformers, light has been
bursting forth in the religious world. Many
reformers have rose up one after another, till
61
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATK.
at length the Lord saw fit to raise up a stcind-
ard, even the fulness of iiis gospel, aud give
unto his people a prophet, through wlioni
they can liave the word of the Lord from
lime to time, to lead them along from the
wilderness in which they Iiavebeen lost, that
they may see eve to eye and be of one heart
and one mind, -as in the days of tlie apostles.
And although the time has not yet arrived
that we see eye to eye in all thmgs, yet it
has pleased the heavenly Father to begin to
set his gifts in order in his church, which
causes me to rejoice; yea, I will rejoice and
praise my Father in heaven, that he has per-
mitted me to live in this day and age. When
I can see the work of the Lord and know it
for myself— that is, 1 know it, or have no
more doubt of it, than I have that there is
6uch places as London, Paris, or Jerusalem.
The Lord has given us in relation to the
book of Mormon as much testimony, and of
the same kind, that we exact to establish any
fact among us at the present day, consequent-
ly would it not be wisdom for us, before we
condemn the work, (having this testimony
before us,) to examine and become acquaint-
ed with .the men that testify. For one of
two things must be true, that is, they have
either held forth, i<i the most solemn mari-
ner to the world, the truth or a falsehood: if
a falsehood they certainly must have been
most base and corrupt characters. This
is for you to assertain for yourselves, and it
is of great consequence that you be not de-
ceived, that you make a correct decision. —
Let not vague reports blind, or satisfy you,
while you may know these things for your-
selves. For be assured, that if the testimo-
ny borne in favor of this work be the truth,
your disbelieving it will never make it an un-
truth: remember that the truth will stand
while the heavens and the earth pass away.
I feel that I have written sufficient to con-
vince any candid enquirer after truth. And
now let me entreat you to sit down and care-
fully and prayerfully examine the whole sub-
ject through: pay attention to all the pas-
sages referred to, and see if these things are
not so.
O, that you may be wise. O, that all
men were willing to be as righteous as God
would have them be, that they might be pre-
pared to meet him in peace. I do know that
in keeping the commandments of the Lord
there is great reward. The Savior said he
that was not willing to forsake houses and
lands, father and mother, &c. was not wor-
thy to be his disciple.
I want you to realize these things: think
what it is to give up all for Christ. All the
sacrifices that I have made I count as naught,
when compared with the hope that I have of
one day being enabled to exclaim with Paul,
"I have fought a good fight, I have finished
my course, I have kept the faith; henceforth
there is laid up for me a crown of reghteous-
ness, which the Lord, the righteous judge,
shall give me at that day: and not to me on-
ly, but unto all them also that love his ap-
pearing." I now ask, do you love his ap-
pearing? is it your prayer that he may come
in this generation? O, think on these things,
and not suffer the god of this world to blmd
your eyes.
Since I have torn my affections from this
world's goodt«; from the vanities and toys of
time and sense, and been willing to love and
serve God with all my heart, and be Jed by
his holy Spirit, my mind has been as it werd
continually expanding — receiving the things
of God, until glories ihdescribable present
themselves before me, and I am frequently
led to exclaim in my mind, why. is it. that
men! rational men I will suffer tliemselvea
to be led in darkness down to the gulf of de-
spair by the enemy of all righteousness, while
such glories lamp up the path-way of the
saints t
My dear friends, need I say more to con-
vince you of the truth and reality of thi«
work. I think if you believe me, enough i»
written to carry conviction to your heartg;
but if I tliought that more would be of ecr-
vice to you at this lime, I would freely write
on: the subject is not exhausted, neither am
I tired of writing; for I feel willing to spend
and be spent, in the causie of my bleated
Master.
The testimony that I have borne and now
bear to you in favor of the book of Marmon^
and the great things that are to take plaoe
in these last days, is such that I feel clear in
i> y mind that I have discharged my duty,
and whether you are benefitted by this com-
munication or not, I feel that your blood will
not be required at niy hands; but without
this communication 1 could not say that I
felt altogether clear, as having discharged
ray duty. I desire that this letter may ba
read by all my old friends and acquaintancei,
and also all those into whose hands it may
come, hoping that all may be benefitted by
the same.
O take the advice of one that wishes you
well and would rejoice to meet you in the
celestial kingdom of God: that is this, hum-
ble yourselves before God and embrace the
everlasting gospel before the judgments of
God sweep you from the face of the earth;
for rest assured judgments will increase in
tlie earth until wickedness is not known up-
on the face thereof. Therefore I say be wise,
while you have the opportunity, and not be
of that number who will have to take up this
lamentation, "The summer is past, the har»
vest is ended, and we are not saved."
With sentiments of
respect I remain your well wisher.
EDWARD PARTRIDGE.
Brother O. Cowdert:
Believing that a short
history of that branch of the church of
the Latter Day Saints at New Por-
tage, may be interesting to those
who read your paper, I here give you
a sketch of the same :
In the year 1831, Ezra Booth preach-
ed at the "Bates Corners" in Norton,
to a numerous assembly, where I, for
the first time, saw the book of Mormon,
and was taught from it. Not long af-
ter, we read Booth's letters as publish-
ed in the Ohio Star; and although he
did not prove that the book of Mormon,
was not true, yet he gavo the whole
rt$
MKssTiNGER aUh advocate.
Work such a coloring, or appearance
of falsehood, that the public feeling
was, that "mormonism" was over-
throvr'n.- However sxe afterward re-
ceived preaching from brolhcr R. Ca-
hoon, David Whituier, and Lynjan
Johnson, and after that, also by broth-
er Thomas Marsh and others, which
left an impression on the minds of ma-
ny, that was not easily eradicated; and
the Vi'ay being thus prepared, the Lord
in his providence, sent brother Milton
Stow among usj who baptized a num-
ber of persons, some of whom belonged
t{J the Methodist Church — which crea-
ted much excitement in that church,
und caused the preachers, which had
charge of the circuit, to stand forth with
great exertions to prevent its influence
spreading further; and with the strong-
est expression of their exasperated fe «
lings, thundered out anathamies and
divine vengeance on the heads of those
•'wolves in sheeps clothing," as they
called the "mormon preachers." But
this abuse, from men who professed to
be the ministers of Christ, upon those
men who had not injured them, and
who appeared to be sincere, and were
preaching much more glorious things
than were heard from them, made
many anxious to know more of "mor
monism," as it was called.
At this time, being April, 1833, God,
who is ever ready to bless men i^ ith the
knowledge of the truth, if they will
hearken and receive it, sent us brother
Sidney Rigdon, who opened the scrip-
tures to our understanding in that clear
light in which we had never before un-
derstood them, even by showing us the
fruits which the gospel produced in
former ages, as also the gifts that were
in the church — such as visions, revela-
tion, the ministration of angels, the gift
of the holy spirit, and prophecy — ai d
that these were again restored to the
world and were found in the "mormon
church." Many now obeyed the gos-
pel and were baptized, at which time
myself also, received baptism.
This little branch continued to in-
crease rapidly for some time, rejoicing
in the blessings and gifts of God, till
the number, in the beginning of 1834,
amounted to something more than six-
ty. For a few months the work of
gathering seemed almost to cease, but
our heavenly Father seems again to
smile in blessings upon us, ana there
ha« been additions to the church time '
after time, till the number now remain-
ing, according to our church record, is
ninety three: one has died; six have
moved away, and two have been cut off
from the church.
Our heavenly Father seems to be
shedding forth a divine influence upon
the people, that many are giving heed
to the word };reached about us, and al-
so in a niimber of other townships, peo-
ple are opening houses for our preach-
ing, though .some refuse to hear, and
shut their eyes and ears against the
truth.
Yours in the bonds of the gospel of
Jesus Christ.
AMBROSE PALMER.
Jan. 28, 1835. • '; ,
]ne«sens?t' and Advocate.
KIUTLAXD, OHIO, JANUARY, 1S35.
O* The first No. of "The Eveniko a^d
THE RIoiiNiNG Star," re-printed, is issued. —
For the accommodation of our friends, we
liave struck ofl' a large edition, and individuals
can be supplied with any number by transmit-
ting immediately, sucli orders, free of postage,
enclosins cash. The whole 24 numbers will
be furnished at tlie office, or by mail at $ 2,00,
No subscription will be received for any less
than the two Volums.
Covference Notice. — The elders of the
church of the Latter Day Saints are hereby
notified, that a conference will be held at New-
Portage, Ohio, commencing Saturday, the
6th of June next. The Sabbath following will
be occupied in public teaching.
BISHOP PARTRIDGE'S LETTER,
Time and space forbid lengthy comments
on this production. It was forwarded us last
August, with a request to either publish it, or
forward the manuscript to the Hon. S. Rosa,
of PainesviUe. On examination, we thought
that it was an article frought with so much
necessary intelligence, that it could not fail
to interest our patrons. With this letter we
received another, requesting us, (should we
publish it, ) to give it entire in one number. —
Till now we could not devote the space. And
though it has been long written, it has not lost
any of its important truths, nor will it fail, if
carefully examined, to impress the reader with
a reverence toward God, and an anxiety to be
prepared for his coming.
Bishop Partridge is well known to the indi-
vidual addressed, and to the citizen* of Paine«^
MK3SJ-k\'Oi:R AND ADro^'ATti.
6d
rilFe, among whom he formerly reeided; and
Tva cannot but believd, that that intelligent
community will treat with due respect, and
appropriate credence, this plain, easy, consis-
tent, and unvarnished relation]of truth, from
th«ir former iellow-citiien. — ^Editor.']
DIED.
In this town on Friday, the IGth inst. Sam-
CEL Carvel, infant son of elder S. Rigdoni
aged two weeks and four days.
On the 4th inst. Mr. Zis\ Rkpfield, aged
fifty six years, h? was a member of this church.
On the 23rd iust. v.'idow Sally Bingham,
daughter of Thomjs Gates, aged o5 years.
In Amherst, Ohio, on the first of August,
last, >!rs. IIarkiet Jackso.v, aged 23 years.
Mrs. Jackson was a member of the church of
the saints.
In Benson, Vt. on the 28th Dec. last,
Caroline, late consort of elder Harlow Red-
field, aged 30 years.
Sne was among the first who embraced the
fulness of the gospel in that country, and has
ever maintained a steady, circumspect and vir-
tuous walk. She bore with becoming forti-
tude, her last illness, and only longed for the
anxious hour when her spirit should take its
welcome exit to be with Jesus. — Editor.
A SUMMARY.
In the last Messenger we gave a
short summary of the intelligence re-
ceived from abroad, relative to the sit-
uation of the churches and the prosper-
ity of the cause of truth. From a gen-
eral mass we can only select a few
items, and in so doing shall endeavor
to take that part which will 5e the most
interesting. To inform the elders of
the many and pressing calls which are
continually saluting us, and the church
of the increase of numbers to its body,
will satisfy the whole, if our concep-
tion of the matter be correct. This,
then, in general, will be our object in
giving summaries.
The world is full of confusion, and
corruption holds unbounded sway over
millions, and were we to forbear giv-
ing our patrons, at least, a small part
of the facts relative to the same, we
might subject ourselves to censure.
The cause is a precious one, and a
union of hearts and of faith is highly
important: and how can the hearts of
thousands, who are unknown to each
other by face, be united; and in what
n»anncr can their faith be t)rought to
-A a*- J.*——
bear more directly upon the object,
than te be instructed alike, and also b«
furnished with the same intellig«neo
relative to the same holy cause?
The elders are travelling into many
parts, as may be seen from It'ttcrs pub-
lished from time to time, and H-hat adds
to the reflection, and gives joy to the
heart, is that wherever thdy go, and
labor but a short season, are instiu-
ments in thi; economy of heaven, of
convincing kundrcris of the truth and
propriety of the faith of the everlasting
gospel. Wc are indebted to them fof
the more part *f the informatioti of this
kind which wft publish, and feel our*
selves under obligation to tender thenj
the unfeigned gratitude of our fcosotrt,
and hope that by a joint co-operation
we may be instruments in moving on
this heavenly work to perfection aad
glory, that the nations of the earth
may see the salvation of God!
From the ciders we receive many
subscriptions, and hope we may be fa-
vored with many thousand more op
porlunities to thus circulate the intelli
gence with which we are favored, until
there shall not be a town, no, nor a
neighborhood in the union, into which
numbers of our publication do not cir-
culate. But to proceed:
Brother E. Owen jr. of Green co.
Pa. writes the 19th of Nov. last, in-
forming us that there are a ?c\v saints
yet in that place. There was once a
large church in Green co. but they
have mostly removed to Mo. The kw
remaining should not be neglected, nor
suffered to perish for want of instruc-
tion, or be devoured by the enemy.—
He closes by saying: "0 brother, pray
for us, that we may continue in the ho-
ly calling whereunto we are called,
that we may be worthy to receive an
inheritance in the city of cities, which
shall be called Zion: and we on our
part, will humbly ask the Lord to pre-
serve you and enable you to continue
to fight valiantly in the cause of the
Redeemer's kingdom!"
From elder G. Bishop's journal,
written from Salisbury, Ct. Dec. 4th
we take a few extracts:
*'I arrived in Norfolk, Nov. 183.3,
and spent the winter in this State,
preaching in different towns; the result
of my labor here, was the baptism of
10 persons in the spring — Norfolk is
said to be one of the most populous and
wealthy tgwps in the State. • • • Ijj
u
MESSE.IOER AND ABVOCATE.
June I nttended the Maine conference;
ttopped in Boston and baptized one. —
* # • From thence to Dover, N. H.
where I baptized 7. From Dover to
Bradford, Ms. where I baptized one.
* * After visiting 'Dighton Writing
Rock' in Dighton, Bristol co. Ms, 1
went to Wendell where I baptized 9.
* * When 1 arrived at this place, 1
learned that 0 others had been added
to the church during my tibsccnce, by
elders Smith and Carter. vSince my
arrival I have baptized 5. The church
now numbers 20 in this place.''
Mr. Wm. Johnson, of Lewistown,
.Fulton CO. 111. informs us by letter da-
led Dec. 8th, that there are a few be-
lievers in that place. Will the travel-
ling elders remember them?
Elder E. H. Groves writes us an inter-
esting letter from Gilead, Calhoon co.
111. Dec. 16th. By which we are in-
formed that he has lately immersed 12
in that county, and that more are anx-
iously enquiring. He thinks the pros-
pect is very favorable, as there are
many standing at the door just ready
to enter.
Elder Charles Rich of Pleasant
Grove, 111. writes, Dec. 22, and says
the church in that place is prospering
in the good way.
Elders G. M. Hinkle and H. Green,
write us from Washington CO. III. Dec.
*23rd, as follows: "The Lord is car-
rying on his work extensively in this
region; we have calls to preach on the
right hand and on the left, from five to
twenty miles. We have baptized twen-
ty in this section of country, and elder
S. Carter and S. Brown arrived here
the first inst. and baptized one — they
went to the south, and we have since
been informed that they are about ten
miles off, preaching and baptizing."
"We shall not leave this place while
there is a prospect that the work will
go on. We have at this time an invi-
tation to preach in Belleville, and an-
other appointment at Lebanon. The
prospect at present, is that there will
be a great work done in this section of
country."
Mr. J. Crosby jr. of Wendell, Ms.
writes Dec. 23rd, informing us that the
church there numbers 14; 9 having
been added not long since. He says:
"We few, who are engaged in this glo-
, rious work, are firm in the belief, and
we hope that by the grace of God we
shall be enabled to fight the good figVjj;
of faith, and to come off conquerors
and more than conquerors, through
him who loved us,"
Elder Win, \V. Spencer writes from
Tompkins, N, Y, Jan. 7th, and says,
that there is iin enquiry among many,.
to know whether these things are so —
there is a prospect of doing good, and
all that seems to be wanting, is faith-
fid laborers, endowed with the Holy
Spirit,
Our natural brother, the presiding
elder of the church at Freedom, N. Y.
writes us the 13th inst. and says: "Our
church, I believe, prospers tolerably
well: 10 have beoi dismissed with letters
of commendation, and \/e have seven-
ty three in regular standing. One of
ihat number was added to us last Sab-
bath, There arc many enquirers from
five to ten or fifteen miles to attend
our meetings; and notwithstanding wo
are every Avhere spoken against, I be-
lieve there are more fears that our sys-
tem is true, than there are doubts that
it is not."
In addition to the foregoing we add,
that elder D. W, Patten has lately re-
turned from the south where he has
been laboring a few months in compa-
ny with elder W. Parish. They had,
when he left, baptized about twenty in
the State of Tennessee. He further
informs us, that multitudes listened with
attention, and manifested deep anxiety
to ascertain, for themselves whether
these things were of God. Of the
vast population of the south, but few
have ever heard the gospel in its ful-
ness, and it is to be expected, that
amid a xoorld of calumny and reproach,
heaped upon a society whose only aim
is to do good, and whose only intent is
salvation, that it must have fallen in the
south in a greater or less degree.- —
But they are like the rest of mankind,
when the truth is presented before
them, such as are honest "gladly re-
ceived the word." — Editor
THE LATTER DAY SAINTS'
messenger and Advocate,
IS EDITED BY
OliZVBR COWDEH'S',
And puWished every month .it KirtlamI, Geauga Co.
Ohio, by
F. O. YTII^tlAiaS & Co.
Al % 1, per- an. in advance. Every person procuring-
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iRokey^ shall be entitled to a paper one year, gratis.
All letters to the Editor, or Publishers, must be
^ POST PAID. .ai
No subscription mill be received for a icss term than^ene
year, and no paper discontinud lilt all arrearage* art
paid, exfcpt at iMe option of tk?' publishers.
ME§Sl^MI,iF.I^ A'^B A1>T®€ATE.
Vol.. I. No. 5-3 KIRTLAND. OHIO, FEBRUARY, ]835. [Whole No. 5.
CSBlimJS^CJATSQI^S.
LETTER No. 4.
Liber ly, Mo. Christmas, 1834.
Dear Brother: —
Your letter from Nor-
ton (O.) dated Sept. 7, 1834, catne to
ine by mail, last v/eek, through the me-
dium of the Messenger and Advocate.
I am glad you "have thought that a full
history of the vise of the church of Lat-
ter Day Saints, and the most interesting
part of its progress, to tlie present time,
would be worthjr the perusal of the
saints." The history of the saints, ac-
cording to sacred writ, is the oiily rec-
ord which has stood the test and ravages
of time from the beginning ;"and a true
account of the revival of the Lord's
church, so near the great Sabbath of
creation, must be a source and subject
of holy joy to the pure in heart; and an
interesting preface of things to come,
that might arrest the attention of the
world, before the Lord shows his na-
ked arm to the nations, if the children
of men'vv'ould read and understand.
I pray our heavenly Father to assist
5^ou, so that you ma,y be enabled to
spread the truth before the eyes of this
generation, ere destruction comes as a
whirl-wind upon the ungodl}^ Strive,
with your might, to be simple, plain,
easy and uuaficcted in your style, show-
ing the shining world, that though ma-
ny may continue to run after one that
is able to give gold to his friends, and
lead to his enemies, you, v/ith the Israel
of God. v,i!l rejoice in having light
enough to follow FIIM who has power
to give eternal life to his friends, and
will overcome his enemies.
There are some items in your letter
Avhich are great, and revive old tlioughts
that, long since, v/cre left to float down
the gulf of departed things, into the
inaze of forsjetfulness. The first one
is where you sat day after day and
"wrote the history of the second race
that inhabited this continent, as the
>s"ord3 were repeated to you by the
Lord's prophet, through the aid of the
"Urim and Thumini," "Nephito Inter-
preters," or Divine Spectacles. I mean
"W'hen you wrote the book of i^formon,
containing the fulness of the gospel to
the world, and the covenant to gather
Israel, for the last time, as well as the
history of the Indians, v/ho, till then,
had neither origin among men, nor
records amid the light and knowledo-o
of the great 19th century.
Fresh comes a story into my mind,
that, in 1823, before the book of Pvlor-
mon was knov\^n among us, a sacred
record, or, as I had it, another bible,
written or engraved '.'pon thin gold
leaves, containing more plainness than
the one we had, but agreeing vv^ith it,
had been found near Canundaigua,
N. Y. The characters in which it was
written, were of a language once used
upon the eastern continent, but obsolete
and unknown then. I was somewhat
surprised at the remarkable discovery,
or nevNS, though I never knew to this
day, ho'- I came by it. Like Paul,
who did not know whether he v/as in
the bodj/, or out of it, at a certain time,
I cannot tell whether I dreamed; or
whether eome person told me; or wheth-
er an angel whispered such strange
tiding?. I mentioned it a few times,
but was rather laughed at, and so I said
no more about it, till after I had remov-
ed to Canandaigua, v.'hcn the book of
Mormon was publislied.
At that da)', or, in fact, I ahvays be-
lieved the scriptures, and believed that
iliere was such a sacred thing as jmre
religionj but 1 never believed that any
of the sects of the day, had if, and so I
was ever ready to argue up, or down,
any church; and that, too, by evidence
from the good old book, an intimacy
with which I had formed in infancy
and cherished in age. When the story-
related above, first found a resting-place
in my tabernacle, I rejoiced that there
was something coming /oporni the right
icay to heaven. So it was, and, thank
God, so it is.
In the history you arc writing, you
cannot be too plain and minute in par-
ticulars. There is majesty from man
to Messiah; from the angels to the Al-
mighty, and from simplicity to sublimi-
'y. Out of small things proceed great
ones, and the mind, or memory, retains
a shadow of greatness on earth, or a
glimpse of glory from heaven, when a
volume of nonsense may be forgo«tten
M
MESSKlN^EK AUB ADVOCATE.-
in a day, or a nation dropped into obliv-
ion and remembered no more. When
tlie book of Mormon came forth, those
that received it, and embraced its truths,
saw new light upon the scriptures, and
a true beauty in holiness; and they be-
gan to have confidence in the promises
of God; faith in prayer; faith in mira-
cles, and a holy anxiety to share in the
glory that should follow, after much
tribulation: and the Lord, being merci-
ful to them, in their infancy and weak-
ness, performed and said many things
to aid and strengthen their faith, and
fortify their minds against the wiles of
the evil one, which, like many other
good things may have again been shut
up in heaven for a day of righteousness.
A memento of them, in tTie work under
consideration, m,ay be a day-star to
thousands, yet groping in the regions
of mental darkness; yea, may I not
say, that a sketch of some of the reve-
lations to the church of Christ of Latter
Day Snints, might answer as hands to
pomt to the ligTit-house of the skies,
tvhich will only be seen by the pure in
Jieart, when tLe "black-coat" fog of
many centuries, has been driven back
to its own place, by the refreshing bree-
zes of the gospel in its purity. O wel-
come day! would thou wast here, that
the saints might see the towers of Zion
in precious beauty and golden splendor,
cheering their native land, with the
music of heaven, and the glory of God!
V/hile I think of it, let me ask you
to explain, or state what the angel said
when he informed brother J. S. jr.. that
a treasure was about to come forth to
fliis generation.
The next item I shall notice, is, (a
glorious one,) when the angel confer-
red the "priesthood upon you, his fel-
low servants." That was an august
meeting of men and angels, and brought
again, upon earth, the keys of the mys-
teries of the kingdom of God. I am
aware that our language lacks, terms,
and we fail in power to set forth the
sublimity of such a holy scene, but we
can remember the glory and tell the ap-
pearance in such words as we have,
and let God add the majesty and om-
nipotence to the sacred interview. Our
ancient brethren were careful to notice
angel's visits, and note what they said,
and how careful ought we to be? Let
church history tell. The impressionfj
made upon our minds by the inhabitants
of hcetven, remain long to^ remind us
virgin'
glimmer
that there is an eternity in the next
world, where matter or spirit, and du-
ration and life are equal.
I am not often in the habit of telling
drea.ms and visions, and rarely writio
them, but on the 16th of last November,
after I rehired to rest, it appeared that
1 was standing in the door of a house,
wherein were a« number of brethren
and sisters lamenting the situation of
the church, when, of a sudden, 1 saw
a whitish cloud in the clear sky of the
south east, gently coming towards mo^
and something, which, at first sight,
resembled tho portrait of a man's head?.
but", in a moment, as it came nearer, it
looked like the full image of a man. —
When nc/irest it raade a graceful botn
to me, t>ien receded till out of sight. — ■
I cried with a loud voice. The Lord pre-
serve; us for an angel is here! The
Lord is with us, for his angel has come!.''
Flis appearance and countenance were
beautiful; and his robe was white. Flis
skin was a touch nicer than
snow, tinged with a crimson
©f sun-set. The whole scene was sim-
ply grand, though nothing but a dream^
Now my natural eyes beheld not this,,
yet every thing of it, is so strongly im-
pressed upon my mand, that it seems
like a reality. From this I judge, that
a scene of heavenly things, seen with'
the naked eye, is so perfectly retaitied^
tluit you can give every particular.
The knowledge which has come fronir
God to man, by this last establishment
of the true church, is, at once, very
glorious and very great, making plain'
the reward of all men in the world to--
come, and showing the saints that they
must come into the presence of God,,
by perfection, being one in baptism, ono'
in faith and one in the Lord Jesus.- —
The vision points out the degrees of
happiness and misery, so agreeably to*
scripture, and so plain, that all of the
commonest understanding, may learn'
for themselves what kingdom the Lord
will give them an inheritance in, accor-
ding to their works and ways in this
life.. After the fallman inherited three
desires, which, if indulged beyond a:
given latitude, vitally destroys his pleas-
ure, his prosperity and his peace. —
They are a lust to generate his species;
a love for money, and a thirst for great-
ness. To check these passions, so that
ono can overcome the world, requires
fortitude and faith sufficient, like Moses,
tf) choose cathcr to suffer affliction with
EVENING AND MOItKil^G '^f Aft.
6?'
the people of God, than to enjoy the
pleasures of sin for a season.
But lest I tire your patience with too
long a letter, let me briefly close. If
there was joy on earth, when Adam re-
ceived and obeyed the gospel, at the
mouth of the angel, and became the firs|
hi'gh priest after the holy order of God;
if there was joy on earth, as there was
in Eden when the morning stars sang
together, when Enoch established Zion
in the first thousand years; if there was
joy on earth, when the flood abated, be-
cause the world was cleansed of iniqui-
ty; if there was joy on earth, when Mo-
ses led the children of Israel out of
bondage, and had a grand view of the
slory of God; if there was joy on earth,
lo^x years ago, (to-day) because Jesus
came m u,e flesh for the redemption of
fallen man; u^d if there was joy on
earth, when the lu^xu^gg of the gospel
and the holy priest-hooa r/r^xe commit-
ted to you for the last time: hoAv much
more joy will there be on earth when
the iniquity of man shall cease, and the
knots of nations, and the cordons of
kingdoms, and the chains of empires,
shall have parted forever, and with
Elabylon-the great, shall have fallen in-
to their own place; when the kingdom
of God shall have dominion and power
under the whole heaven; and when the
voice of the triumphant Redeemer, shall
not only ring round this globe to the
rightecus, but shall .sound throughout
the vast empire of God,Jo the just of
worlds, — ^'Corne ye Messed of my Fa-
thi:r, inharit the kingdom prepared for
you from before the foundation of the
iQorid.'' W. W. PHELPS.
MILLENIUM. No. XII.
(^nt inued from page 54.
In the 144 Ps. we have a most glo-
rious description given of the reign of
Christ on the earth, from the 4th verse
to the close of the chapter.
*'Bow tho heavens, O Lord, and
come down: touch Ihc'mounlains, and
they shall smoke. Cast forth liglit-
nmg, and ^ scatter them: shoot out
thine arrows, and destroy them. Send
thy hand from above, rid me, and de-
liver me out of great waters, from the
hand of strange children; whose
mouth^spcaketh,, vanity, and their right
liand is a right hand of falsehood, I
v.'ill skig a new &cng unto thee, 0
God: upon ■a\psalti'y and ari instru"
mcnt often strings will I sing praise'^
unto thee.- It is he that giveth salva-
tion unto kings: who dclivereth David
his servant from the hurtful swoi*d. —
Rid me, and deliver me from the hand
of strange children, whose mouth
speakcth "vanity, and their right hand
is a right hand of falsehood: That
our sons may be as plants grown up
in their youth; that our daughters may
be as corner-stones, polished after tho
simlitudeof apalace: that our garners
may be full, afibrding all manner of
store; that our sheep may bring forth
thousands and ten thousands in our
streets: that our oxen may be strong to
labor; that there be no breaking in,
nor going out; that there be no com-
plaining in our streets. Happy is that
people, that is in such a case: yea,
happy is that people, whose God is the
Lord.'' (or whose God the Lord Je-
hovah is.) "''Ir'
A more blessed state -bl earthly so-
ciety, than is here described by the
Psalmist, is not easily conceived of;
an order of things when complaining
shall have ceased, and be heard in the
streets no more. We can readily con-
ceive that when all complaining shall
cease, there will be a very different
order of society, from what there is at
present, or ever v/as since the world
began; for there never has been a
time up to the present state, but there
has been complaining in the streets.
This account, however agrees with
what John says, in the Revelations,
21:3,4: "And I heard a great voice
out of heaven, saying, Behold, the
tabernacle of God is v/ith men, and he
v/iil dwell with them, and they shall be
his people, and God himself shall be
with thorn, and be their God. And
God shall wipe away all tears fi-om
their eyes; and there shall be no more
death, neither sorrow, nor crying,
neither shall their be any more pain:
for theformor things are passed away."
David and John, both seem to have
hdd their eyes fixed on a state of so-
ciety very ditTerent from any which
had existed up till their day, or from
theirs to the present; but one that will .
come when the Lord shall bow the
heavens and come down, and touch
the mountains, and they shall smoke,
and tho tabernacls of God be with men,
and when the Lord r,hail have vid Da-
vid (or Israel) frcm the hand cf
€8,
MESSENCxER^ND ADVOCATE.
strange children, whose mouth spenk-
eth vanity, and their right hand is a
right hand of falsehood. In the above
quotation the Psalmist gives us the
whole order of things which tend to
the establishing of this glory on earth,
when complaining will be iieard no more.
And first it is to begin with the Lord's
bowing the heavens and coming down.
Sec 5 verse. Secondly, after he comes
he is to deliver his people out of great
watez-s, and from the hand of strange
children, whose mouth speaketh vanity,
and their right hand is u right hand of
falsehood, verses 7,8 and 11. The
consequences following from the Lord's
coming down, and delivering his.people
from the hand of strange children arc,
first, that their sons will grow up as
plants in their youth, and secondly,
their daughters will be as corner-stones,
polished after the simlitude of a palace,
verse 12, Thirdly, their garners will
be full afibrding all manner of store. —
verse. 13, Fourthly, their sheep'' shall
bring forth their thousands and tens of
thousands in their streets. 13, Fifthh",
their oxen will be strong to laboi*. 14,
And lastly, there will neither be break-
ing in nor going out.
A society of the above description,
will doubtless suit John's description
in every respect, as before Quoted,
nor could the mind conceive of a peo-
ple in circumstances more agreeable,
nor yet more desirable, than to enjoy
the high priviledges above mentioned:
a people where their sons should be as
plants grown in their youth, whose
conduct should never wound the feel-
ings of their parents, nor bring a stain
on tiieir characters, nor yet cause the
tear of sorrow to roll down their cheek;
their daughters also, as corner-stones,
])olished after the simlitude of a palace:
without spot, without blemish, the com-
fort of their parents. 'J'his is .securino-
to a person, one of the greatest sour-
ces of human happiness, to have his
family without reproach, without
shame, without contempt, and his house
a house of peace, and his lamily a fam-
ily of righteousness, and his habitation
a habitation of holiness: add to this the
abundance of the good things of the
world, his garners full ofallwrn/mer of
store: that is, every thing which his
nature Could enjoy, while his Hocks are
bringing forth their thousands and their
tens of thousands, in his streets, and
we, have before us a societv or aencr-'
ation of persons whose earthly lot,
above all others, is desirable, and an
order of things to be longed for by ev-
ery lover, of : mankind: but this iieveri
will take place, until the Loyd bows-
the heavens and comes down, and his
tabernacle is with men; then all tears
vvill be wiped from the /eyes ; pf .hisf
saints; then all sorrowing and sighing,
will cease; then will. Israel sing a new
songupona psaltry and an instrument
often strings; then ;shall their sons be
as plants grown in their youth, and
their daughters, as corner-stones, pol-
ished after .the. simlitude Qfa, |)ala.cc!4
then will the earth bring forth in ils
strength, so that their garners shall be
full, aftbrding all manner of store; ihen
shall their sheep bring forth their ti'MOtr-
sands and tens of thousands in their
streets; then shall the vi'illderness and
the solitary place be glad for them, and
the desert Llosom as the rose; then
shall the blind see, nrtd the lame man
leap as an heart, and the tongue of the
dumb sing. Well might the Psalmist
say, "The Lord reigneth, let the eartl^
rejoice, let the multitude o-f the islands
be glad thereof: the world also is es-^
tablish that it cannot be moved. Let
tlie heavens rejoice, and let the earth be
glad: let the sea roar, and the fulness
thereof; let the field be joyful, and all.
that is therein: then shall all the trees
of the wood rejoice. Before the Lord
for hecomVA,'' &c. . )'>lrf?>
Let the reader notice particularly,
that all this is to take place when the
Lord comes, -v'^ '"'•• ' ''
The 11 and 12 chapters of isttiah,
give an additional account of the glo-
ry of the Lord's reign on the earth:
they are too lengthy for insertion here,
but let the reader turn to them, and
read them; for they will throw a great
light upon the subject, and ho will
there see' the glory which is' to follow
the second advent of the Savior, and
the eilect which his reign is to have on
the brutal creation, as well as the nat-
ural.
FAITH OF THE CHURCH. No. XI;
Continued from page 53.
In prosecuting the investigation of
the work of the Holy Spirit in the sal-
vation of men, it will be necessary to
go back and begin where the subject
begiiisT m order that wc may have
MESSENiSER AND ADVOCATE.
69
d'cioarimdgrsMMIi^^^^^^ ' Wc have
previously seen what pait the Spirit
foott in preparing the apostles for their
respective callings and mission — how
necessary it was lor them to receive it;
fur unless they had received it they
ilever could have built up the kingdom
of heaven, or church of Christ; and
that without it all the knowledge and
information whiclvthey had received
from others, not bven that received
from the Lord himself personally, both
while in the flesh, and after his resui-
rection from the dead excepted, would
iiot have availed to enable them to ex-
ecute their high commission; for in
addition to all that they had seen, and
heard, and handled, of the word of life,
they must receive this gift, or work
for the Lord they could not. • You
must tai'ry at Jerusalem, says the Sav-
ior, until yoii are endowed with power
frotn on high, that is, until you receive
the Holy Spirit, and then, and not till
then, you shall go forth and proclaim
the gospel to all nations.
. From the, course which was pursued
with tlie.fipostles in preparing them for
their high calling, th^^y must have had
great Icnowledge of the situation of
others, and a correct understanding of
what was necessary to prepare and
quaUfy , them for the enjoyment of fu-
ture felicity; ,and in their teaching wc
iTfliiy expect to fmd the subject plainly
set forth; for if it is not plainly set
ibrth in their writings, they cannot be
trusted as safe guides in things per-
taining to eternal life. - Let us look,
therefore, in what point of light they
have set forth the subject^ under con-
sidemtiofl. {j.'j5.,|jV );• f..,^ irliv/ ■
, In the commission which the' apos-
tles received from the Savior, after his
resurrection from the dead, as recor-
ded by Mark, wo can obtain some in-
foiTnation which will serve as a key to
unlock to the enquiring mind in a de-
gree, the office" which the Holy Sprit
was to perform in the salvation of those
who werQ to believe on their word! it
rQads thus, "And he said unto them,
go yc into all the world, and preach the
gospel to every creature: he that be-
lieveth and is baptized, shall be saved;
but he that believeth not shall be dam-
ned, and these signs shall follow them
that believe: in my name shall they
cast out devils; they shall speak with
new tongues, they shall take up ser-
pents, and if they drink any deadly
thing it shall not hurt them; they shall
lay hands upon the sick, and they shall
recover. Mark 16:L5,I6,17,18. In
the 12 chapter of the first epistle to the
Corinthians, the apostle says that the
promises here made to those who
should believe the report of the apos-
tles, were gifts of the Holy Spirit, or
spiritual gifts. Let it be particularly
noticed, that in the commission given
to the apostles, that it was not the apos-
tles themselves who were to show the
signs but it was the persons who were
to believe on the apostles' word — the
signs were to follow them, "These
signs shall follow them that believe —
they shall cast out devils; they shall
speak with new tongues, they shall
take up serpents, and if tliey shall
drink any deadly thing it shall not
hurt them." Not the apostles, but
those who believe their word. Such is
the point of light in which the promise
made to those who believe on the word
of the apostles, was presented by the
Savior, and in the excution of this com-
mission, by the apostles, we will not
expect to find any thing different from
this, for if wc should, we would be left
in a great difficulty, not knowing^what
to believe nor whom to obey. ''jr...
Having seen in what point of light
the commission stands, which was giv-
en to the apostles at the first by the
Savior himself, to authorize them to go
forth and call upon the nations to re-
pent and be baptized in the name of
the Lord Jesus, and if they done as
they were required by the apostles,
they should receive certain things, or
power to do certain things, which
were called afterwards by the apostles
spiritual gifts, and being spiritual gifts
were part of the work of the Spirit in
saving men; for they arc numbered
among the things which pertain to the
kingdom of God, and to the scheme of
eternal life; and an attempt to set forth
the work of the Spirit in the salvation
of men, and leave this out would be a
vain attempt. When we propose to
investigate the work of the Holy Spirit
in the salvation of men we mean to in-
clude the whole of the work of the Spir-
it When we speak of the work of
God the Father in the salvation of men,
we mean all the work which he per-
forms for their salvation. In like plan-
ner when we speak of the work of the
Son we mean all the work which the
Son performs in the salvation of the
70.
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
world; So in like manner when vye
speak of the work of the Spirit we
moan ali-that the Spirit does in this
work. , ;, ,, ;, -.
In order that we hfiay have the sub-
ject' plainly before us, wc will follow
the apostles in their journcyings and
preachings, and hear them explain the
gift of the Holy Spirit. We will no-
tice its effects on those who received
it, and then draw the contrast between
thoge who received it, and those who
W(3re full of religion without it.
We shall begin v/ith the 2 chapter of
the Acts of the apostles and first verso.
The gift of tiie Holy Spirit is described
thus: "And when the day of pentecost
was fully come, ihcy were all with one
accord in one place. And suddenly
there came a sound from heaven, as
of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled
all the house where they were sitting.
And there appeared unto them cloven
tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon
each of them. And they were all fill-
ed with the Holy Ghost, and began to
speak with other tongues, as the Spirit
gave them utterance," 1,2,3 and 4
verses. The historian informs us that
in consequence of this out pouring of
the Spirit, being noised abroad, the
multitude came together which was
very great because it was the time of
the feast of pentecost, and there were
devout Jews from all nations under
heaven dwelling at Jerusalem at that
time, and the consequence was that
they were all amazed, and said to one
another Behold are not all these Gali-
leans which speak? and how hear we
every man in our own tongue whersin
we were born? these expressions of
astonishment and amazement, togeth-
er with some conjectures among the
multitude, such as the disciples were
filled with new wine, 6zc. excited the
apostle Peter to arise and address them,
and explain this marvelous phenome-
na, "But Peter, standing up with the
eleven, lifted up his voiee, and said un-
to them, Ye men of Judea, and all ye
that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known
unto you, and hearken to my words:
for these are not drunken, as ye sup-
pose, seeing it is but the third hour of
the day. But this is that which was
spoken by the prophet Joel. And it
shall come to pass in the last days,
saith God, I will pour out my Spirit
upon all flesh: and your sons and your
'-'i^ghters shall prophesy^ and your
young men shall see visions, and your
old men shall dream dreams: and on
my servants, and on my handmaidens,
in those days I will pour out my Spiritj
and they shall prophesy."
In tho 23 verse, after the apostle had
proven the resurrection of the Savior,
he says. Therefore being by tho right
hand of God, exalted, or being exal-
^ted to the right hand of God, and hav-
ing received of the Father the promise
of the Holy Spirit, he hath shed forth
this which you now see and hear.
In the 37 verse we arc told that Xhe
multitude who had come together on
that occasion were pricked in their
hearts and enquired of Peter and the
rest of the apostles what they should
do — and Peter made the following an-
swer, *'Repent and be baptized every
one of you in the name of Jesus Christ,
for the remission of sins, and ye shall
receive tho gift of the Holy Spirit.—
For the promise is unto you, and to
your children, and to all that are afar
off, eveh as many as the Lord our God
shall call."
From the baovc quotations, we learn
some very important things respecting
the office of the Holy Spirit in the sal-
vation of men. In the first instance
the apostle describes the gift; he tells
what it was, and what its effects were.
In the 33 verse, speaking of Christ's
being raised from the dead, and having
ascended up on high, and having re-
ceived the gift of the Holy Spirit — "PTe
hath shed forth tliis which you now sec
and hear." We are told, in the 2 and
3 verses what it was that they saw and
heard: "And suddenly there came a
sound from heaven as of a rushing
mighty wind, and it filled all the house
where they were sitting. And there
appeared unto them cloven tongues as
of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
And they were all filled with the Holy
Spirit, and began to speak with other
tongues, as the Spirit gave them utter-
ance." Let the reader notice particular-
ly, that the thing which the multitude
saw, and heard was the gift of the Ho-
ly Spirit, and this is the only thing
which is called the gift of the Holy
Spirit in tho bible.
But we have not only the gift de-
scribed but its effects also. The apos-
tles quoting from the prephet Joel,
^ays, verses 17,18: "And it shall come
to pass in the last days, (saith God) I
will pour out of my Spirit upon all
MESSENCiilR AND ADVOCATE.'
Tt
flesh: and your sons and your daugh-
ters shall prophesy, and your young
men shall see visions, and your old
men shall dream dreams and on my
scr't'ants and on my handmaidens I
will pour out in those days of my
Spirit; and they shall prophesy:"
From these descriptions and expla-
nations of the apostle, in relation to
the gift of the Holy Spirit, the subject
begins to get plain and easy of under-
standing. First, the gift of the Holy
Spirit was a visable thing, for tlic mul-
titude did not only hear it, but they saw
it also; and secondly when it was pour-
ed out it produced a particular effect,
that is, the person on whom it was
poured spake with other tongues — they
were to prophesy, to dream dreams,
and to see visions, and to put the mat-
er at rest, these were the effects which
it was to produce when in the last daj'^s,
God would pour it out on all flesh.
THE GOSPEL. No. V.
Continued from page .36.
There is one thing necessary to
know in order to have a correct knowl-
edge of the gospel; it is, that it was,
is, and ever will bo the same; that it
is as immutible as God himself, or Je-
sus the Savior, and that the gospel is
the scheme of Hfo and salvation; and
there was not nor will not be any oth-
er, it is that scheme of things by which
all that are saved, will be saved, and
all who are now saved were saved by
it. The apostle Paul, in his epistle to
the Ephesians, 1 chapter from the 3
to the 11 verse, gives us the following
account of the scheme of life and salva-
tion, which he promulged in his day to
the generation among whom ho lived,
and to whom the Lord sent him. —
"Blessed bq the God and Father of our
Lord Jesus Christ, wh© hath blessed
us with all spiritual blessings in heav-
enly places in Christ: according as
he hath chosen us in him, before the
foundation of the world, that we should
be holy and without blame before him
in love: having predestinated us unto
the adoption of children by Jesus Christ
to himself, according to the good pleas-
ure of his will, to the praise of the
glory of his grace, wherein he has
made us accepted in the beloved. — In
whom we have redemption through his
blood, the forgiveness of sins, accor-
ding to the riches of his grace; where-
in he hath abounded toward us in all
wisdom and prudence; having made
known unto us the mystery of his will,
according to his good pleasure, which
he has purposed in himself: that m
the dispensation of the fulness of times ■
he might gather together in one all
things in Christ, both which are in;-
heaven, and which are on earth; even
in him:''
In the foregoing quotation the apos-
tle gives us an outline of the order of
things, which ho proclaimed to the peo-
ple of his day, which he said he had
not received of man, nor by man; but
by revelation of Jesus Christ. Gala-
tians 1:11,12 "But I certify you, breth-
ren, that the gospel which was preach-
ed of me is not after man: for 1 neith-
er received it of man, neither was 1
taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus ■
Christ." . uoitj
The account then wlilch the apostle
gives of the proclamation which he
proclaimed to the world is, that the
same thing which he received by im-
mediate revelation from Jesus Christ,
was a scheme of things which had
originated in eternity, before the world
was "Blessed be the God and Father
of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath
blessed us with all spiritual blessings
in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: ■
according as he hath chosen us in him
before the foundation of the world." —
Ephesians 1:3,4. Having predestin-
ated us unto the adoption of children
by Jesus Christ, to himself. 5 verse.
That is, before the fouudatin of the
world. No langauge need be plainer
than this, that is, that God before he
framed the world, had laid the scheme
of life and salvation, and before he
formed Adam's dust into man, he had
predestinated that the human family
should be made children to hinvself,^
through Jesus Christ, and all this was
fixed before the foundation of the
world; and this is what Paid had re-
vealed unto him to proclaim to the un-
circumcision, as Well as Peter to the
circumcision. But it was in Jesus
Christ that men were to be made chil-
dren to God, or that God made children
to himself out of the apostate race of
man. "He hath chosen us in him,
in whom we have redemtion through
his blood, the forgiveness of sins
wherein he hath abounded toward us,
or in him he hath abounded towards
n
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
us in^all wisdojii and prudence." In
all the^e instances it.is in Mm, not
out of him, that men are to receive
blessings, and to become sons of God.
This is in perfect accordaixic with
what this same apostle says in the epis-
tle to the Galatians, Avhcn speaking of
Abraham, and the gospel proclaimed
to him 3 chapter and 8 verse: *'And
the scripture, foreseeing that God
would justify the heathen through faith,
preached before the gospel unto Abra-
ham, saying, in thee shall all nations
be blessed." The premise to which
the apostle alludes is found in the boek
of Geneses 12:1,2,3. "Now the Lord
had said unto Abraham, get the out of
thy country, and from thy kindred,
and from thy father's house, unto a
land that I shall shew thee of: and I
will make of thee a great nation, and
1 will bless thee and make thy name
great; and thou shalt be a blessing:
and I will bless them that bless thee,
and curse them that curse thee: and in
thee shall all families of the earth be
blessed. In the 22 chapter 15,16,17
and 18 verses: the promise reads thus:
"And the angel of the Lord called un-
to Abraham out of heaven the second
lime, and said, by myself I have sworn,
saith the Lord, for because thou hast
done this thing, and hast not withheld
thy son, thine only son, that in bles-
sing I will bless thee, and in multiply-
ing I will multiply thy seed as the stars
of heaven, and as the sand which is
upon the sea-shore, and thy seed shall
possess the gate of his enemies; and
in thy seed shall all the nations of the
earth be blessed; because thou hast
done this thing."
In the former of these quotations it
is said, that in theo shall all families of
the earth be blessed. And in the lat-
ter that in thy seed shall all nations be
Messed.
In the 28 chapter we have an ac-
count of the same promise being con-
firmed unto Jacob; for according to
the declarations of the Psalmist David
this promise was made unto Abraham,
and by oath unto Isaac, and confirmed
unto Jacob. See 105 Psalm, 8,9 & 10
verses: "He hath remembered bis cov-
enant forever, the word which he com-
manded unto a thousand generations,
[or the generations of the thousand
years.] Which covenant he made
with Abraham, and his oath unto Isaac,
and confirmed the same unto Ja ib for
a law, and to Israel for an everlasting'
covenant, The account of this confer-
mation we have in the 28 of Genesis,
and the 10,11,12,13 and 14 verses.
"And Jacob went out from Beer-sheba
and went toward Haran. And he light-
ed upon a certain place, and tarried
there all night, because the sun was
set; and he took of the stones of that
place, and put them for his i)illow^i
and lay down in that place to sleep. — ■■
And he dreamed, and behold a ladder
set upon the. earth, and the top of it
reached to heaven : and behold the an-
gels of God ascending and descending
on it. And behold the Lord stood
above it, and said I am the Lord God
of Abraham thy" father, and the God
of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest,
to thee will I give it and to thy seed. — -
And thy seed shall be' as the dust of
the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad
to the west, and to the east, and to the
north, and to the south: and in thee
and in thy seed shall all the families
of the earth be blessed." Here it is
said to Jacob that in him and in his^
seed all families of the earth should be
blessed, and putting both the former
quotations together and it would read
the same way to Abrahain; for one
says in thee, and the other says in thy
seed, so that the promise to Abraham,
Isaac, and Jacob, was, that in them,
and in their seed, should all the famii,-,
lies: or nations of the earth be blessed^!.;
and this is Avhat is called the gospel^, •.
which Paul says was preached before
to Abraham: Galatians 3:8. It is
necessary that the reader should no-
tice particularly that it is in Abraham,
and in his seed that all the families of
the earth should be blessed, and not
out of them; for here lays the mistake
with many; they do not notice that lit-
tle preposition in, and they fancy to
themselves that they will be blessed,
whether they are in Abraham and his
seed, or out of them; not thinking that
there is a diflerejiGe;, between iu-^ and
out. ' :u ■■■•- ■■ >frr<< '.t
Concerning this promise made to
Abraham the new testament writersM
have said many things. In the 3 chap-:;
ter of the epistle to the Galatians, the
apostle Paul settles the question, who
the seed was, concerning whom it was
said, that in thy seed shall all the
families of the earth be blessed. He>j
says thus, in the 16 verse: "Now t6«
Abraham and his seed were the prorn*^''
MES?;EN(;i'.lx A.M> AU\UCA1I_
:;j
ises made. , He saith not, and.lo. seeds,
as of many; but as of one, and to thy
seed, wliich is Christ.'' According to
this explanation, tho promise to Abra-
ham and his seed stands thus. That
in thee, and in Christ thy seed, shall
all the families of the earth bo hlcs-
sed. We can sec by this that it was
not enough that a person should be a
regular descendant from Abraham to
entitle them to the blessmgs of iieav-
en, but they must he in his seed also,
which is Christ, so that to obtain eter-
nal life, a person must be both in Abra-
liam and in Christ.
What is here said about Abraham
and his seed, so directly corresponds
with what the apostle has said in the
epistle to tlie Ephesians, as betore quo-
ted, concerning the scheme of things
which he proclaimed to the world, or
the plan of life and salvation, which is
called the gospel, that even a careless
reader cannot avoid seeing how com-
pletely they harmonize. Mark reader
that the ajwstle said that God had eho-
•seH us in Christ Jesus before the foun-
dation of the world. Eph. 1:4. Again
in whom we have redemption through
his blood, the forgiveness of sins where-
in [or in whom] he hath aboimded to-
wards us in ail wisdom and prudence.
So then we are chosen to be sons of
Ood in Christ and it is in him we have
redemption, the forgiveness of sins,
and it is in him that God abounds unto
us in all wisdom and prudence. And
the promise to Abraham was, that in
his seed all the nations of the earth
should be blessed, or that in Christ all
the nations of the earth should be bles-
sed, and that says the apostle, is what
God purposed in himself before the
foundation of the world, and agreeably
to that plan, men should be blessed: in
Christ Jesus they should get the remis-
sion of sins: in Christ Jesus they should
get redemption: and in Christ Jesus
God would abound towards them in all
wisdom and prudence; and says the
promise to Abraham, (or the gospel as
before preached to Abraham) in thee
and in thy seed sliall all the families of
the earth be blessed; whether they are
descendants of Shem, Ham, orSJapheth,
in Christ they should be blessed; for
God will abound lo all who are in Christ
Jesus, in wisdom and prudence: they
will have redemption, the fargiveness
of sins.
It is in view of this promise made to
Abrahan» and his seed, that the Updstlo
^^^Z'., Rom. 9:G,7. "For they are Hot
all Israel which arc of Israel: neither,
because they aie the seed of Abrahain,
are they children: but, in Isaac shall
thy seed be railed." And in Rom. 4:
11,12,13, the a'postle says, "And he
[Abraham] received the sign of circum-
cision a seal of the righteousness of
the faith Avhich he had, yet beincr un-
circumciscd: tiiathe might be the father
of all them that believe, though they be
not circumcised, that righteousness
might be imputed to them also; and the
father of circumcision to them who arc
not of the circumcision only, but who
also walk in the steps of that faith of
ourfatlicr Abraham, which he had, be-
ing yet uncircumcised." For the prom-
ise that he should "be the heir of the
\vorld, v.-as not to Abraham, or to his
seed through the law, but through the
righteousness of faith.;"'"
The careful reader of tlie new testa-
ment will find that the allusions to the
promise made to Abraham and his seed
are very numerous, but would not be to
our purpose to quote a,t present.
It is necessary to remark here, that
the apostle has pronounced a curse oh
any person, or even on an angel from
heaven, if they preach any other gos-
pel, than the one which he had proclaim-
ed. See Gal. 1:8,9. And he says as
quoted above, that, tho gospel which
he proclaimed, had been before preach-
ed to Abraham, telling him, that in his
seed, that is, in Christ Jesus, all the
families ot the earth should be blessed,
and from what he said to the Romans
it is evident that the apostle excludes
the fleshly seed of Abraham from being
the children of Abraham according to
this promise, only such as had faith like
faithful Abraham, and that all others
who had this faith, were equally enti-
tled to the b lessingsof Abraham, wheth
er they were his fleshly seed or not; it
mattered not from whom they descend-
ed; for if through faith they wei'c ena-
bled to get into Christ Jesus, they would
be considered Abraham's ciiildren and
heirs according to the promise.
In the third chapter to the Galatiaris
the mystery is solved, how it is that we
are put into Christ, and become Abra-*
ham's seed and heirs according to the
promise. Verses 26,27,28. "For ye
are all the children of God by faith in
Christ Jesus. For as many of you as
have been baptized into Chxi»t, have
TT
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
put on Christ. There is neither Jew
nor Greek, there is neither bond nor
free, there is neither male nor female:
for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. —
And if ye be Christ'athen are ye Abra-
hani's seed and heirs according to the
promise. This carries the promise
made to Abraham to its legitimate issue,
and shows what it was that was preacli-
cd to Abraham: that it was not only in
his seed that all the families of the earth
were to be blessed, but that they wore
to be put in his seed, that is, Christ, by
baptism; for as many of you as have
been baptized into Christ, have put on
Christ. We could hardly admit the
thought that the Lord had told Abraham
that in him and in his seed all the fam-
ilies of the earth should be blessed, and
yet not tell him how it was that they
were to become his children, or in oth
er words, how they were to be put into
Christ, Abraham's seed. No doubt
therefore, can exist, but that Abraham
knew all about it; for if he did not,
could it be said that he had the gospel
preached unto him? It could not, un-
less he had that thing preached unto
him which Paul afterwards preached,
and concerning which he said that any
man, or an angel from heaven should
be accursed if he preached any other.
Neither can we with safety admit it,
having the testimony which we have
on this subject before us, that God had
at any period of the world any other
way of making sons and daughters but
the one;, for Paul says that the gospel
was before the world was, and the
thing which he received by revelation,
was the same vyhich had existed from
eternity.
But to have the wliole subject fairly
before us, we will attend to the procla-
mation of him in whom God had
wrought effectually to the apostleship
of the circumcision, we mean Peter. —
We have his proclamation, to the cir-
cumcision in the 2 chapter of the Acts
of the apostles, 37,38, and 39 verses,
it reads thus. "Now when the Jews
heard this, they were pricked in their
hearts, and said unto Peter and the
rest of the apostles, men and brethren
what shall we do? Then Peter said
unto them, repent, and be baptized ev-
ery one of you in the name of Jesus
Christ, for the remission of sins, and
ye shall receive the gift of the Holy
Spirit. For the promise is unto you,
and to your children, and to all that
are afar off, even as many as the Lord
our God shall call."
The reader may sec very easily, that
all these men understood the subcct a-
like; for the specimens which we have
of their preaching are alike. Paul
says as quoted above, that in Christ we
have the forgiveness of sins, and re-
demption through his blood, and tiiat
in him, we are made partakers of the
blessings of Abraham, and he also
says, that it is by baptissi that we are
put into Christ. Peter says, repent,
and be baptized every one of you, in
the name of Jesus Christ for the remis-
sion of sins, and you shall receive the
gift of the Holy Spirit. Why be ba])-
tized in the name of Jesus Christ for
the remission of sins? because, that by
baptism Paul says that you put on
Christ, *^asmany of you as -dre baptized
into Christ have put on Christ,'' and
being in Christ you have remission of
sins, and redemption through his blood;
and in him God will abound to you in
all wisdom and prudence. Therefore,
repent, and be baptized every one of
you in the name of Jesus Christ, and
you shall receive the' gift of the Holy
Spirit, or in other words God will
abound toAvards you in all wisdom and
prudence, through the gift of the Holy
Spirit. These two apostles then sure-
ly, had the same views on the subject
of the gospel; and let it not be forgot-
ten, that Paul says, that this gospel was
preaehed to Abraham, and not only to
Abraham, but that it originated in eter-
nity, before the world was, and that it
Was not some new thing which had
sprang into exist'^nce with him and his
cotemporaries, and was not known till
then. But more on this point here-{ j
after.
Obituary.
DIED in this place on the evening of the
19th inst. elder Seth Johnson, aged 30 yeare.,^
Elder J. was a young man of promising tal-
ents, and of strict religious principles; ever
manifesting, by his acts, the warm affection
of a heart devoted to the cause of God, and
to that most dear to him of all things, the reli-
gion of the Lord Jesus; but his Master has
accepted his work and taken him home, where
he can receive that reward promised to the
pure m heart.
Though dust returns to dust, and his spirit
has fled to Christ, we drop this as a tribute
to his worth— HE was a saint.— [£<iitor.] •
MESSENGER AND AI^VviCATfi.
10
ij,;
■JTSesscisgci' Jilad A«Svoeat<j.
KIJP.TLJNT), OHIO, FEBRUAUY, 15-35. '
From a file of )clter3ion hdnd,.,froni|'t:iS
(lilferent parls of the country, we inako the
following extracts fir tlie aati;?fa,clipn of tlie
churches and elders ^vJio are seattered abroad.
As many false alarras are rai-sed by desi<iiii}ig-
men, that the church is breaking up ar.cl will
Hoon be dissolved, and to make their lalf-ielioods
mors current with tiie people, JiaTO, added to
it, lately, that our stone meeting house is giv-
ing way at tiie foundation, and will soon fall,
and that in conseauence of ita disposition to
give way, we had ceased to work on it. It is
a fact, liowever marvellous^it may appear,
that we have had men come to see if this
v/ere not the case; some from a hundred to
one hundred and fifty miles distant, decliring
that persons directly frojn Xirtland, who pro-
fess to have seen it, said it was falling down.
We can say to our friends, tliat tiiid morning
as we were coming to tlie office, we passed
by it, and not a stone was out of place, every
one filling the place assigned it, presenting a
majestic appearance to the eye of the behol-
der, with the top of its base fifty feet above
the surface of the ground, and its elevated
steeple pointing to heaven, as much as to say,
"I stand here in honor of that God who crea-
ted the heavens and the earth, and who framed
the materials of which I am composed:" but
lo our letters.
Elder W. A. Cowdery of Freedom, Cata-
raugus county, N. Y. writes under date of
January 28, as follows:
"I take the liberty to send you the proceed-
ings of the conference of elders and delegates
from the different branches of the church of
the Latter Day Saints, assembled in this place
on Saturday and Sunday, the 24th and 25th
instants.
At about 10 o'clock, brother John Gould
was called to the chair, and brother H. Hyde
duly appointed Secretary. Prayer by broth-
er Gould. Called on the elders £ind delegates
to report the situation of their respective
branches, the delegates from the church at
Westfield, Chautauque county, reported,
from which report it appears that there are
72 members in that church in good standing.
In the church of Mendon and Lima, Monroe
and Livingston counties, report 8 members
in good standing. Prom this last mentioned
church, the greater part have moved away;
some to Kirtland, and some to Missouri, and
the eight here mentioned, is the remnant
which is left. The church was once large. —
Java and Weathersfield, Greneesee county, re-
ported 18 in good standing: this is also the
remainder of a church: many have moved to
the places of gathering. ''^ ' '•
A church recently built up throiigh thfe in-
etrumentality of Elder A. J. Squires, in Por-
tage, Allegany county, was reported, having
19 members in good standing.
'■ There was a church reported which resides
in Grove — this is in Allegany county — said to
be a firm little band, IG in number. Also in
Barns in the same county, is a church of 17
members.' ''l','" >' "'"'Jii ■
^The church ii||^errysburgh' was iiot' repre-
sented,,..,but there are, 35 ijiembers in good
standing in fhe church! As there have beeii
some additions lately, it is probable that there
are, at prosent, more ll^ian thirty five in th^
clmrch. ...
In I.aoni Village, Ponifret, Chautau<}ue
county, tlicre i-s a church which wa;s repre-
sented at .ilie coufereucc — 20 members in good
stTiuding.
The church at Freedom, where the confor-
enee was held, has 74 inembera ,in good Btatt,-
'ling- , . .".". ',, '■ ■
There was aliltleclu.rchin Hanover, Chau-
tauque county, consisting of l\ membeis
wliich was represented by elder Hadlock:
they l)avc much persecution, but count it all
joy, being deeply rooted in the faith.
The church at Ccncseo was represented:
it contains 21 mcniberg in good standing."
It will be seen by the above, that there are
11 clinrclics in tlie part of tlie country where
tiie coitK-rence was held. From- many of
tlicse churches a large number have moved to
die places of gathering; but the door is still
open in that part of the country, and many
are an.xieusly inquiiip.g after truth, and no
doubt numerous additions will be made to ma-
ny of thQse churches in a short time, for the
prospects are flattering accordicg to the ac-
counts which we receive by letters from those
who have an opportunity of knowing. '•': ■ '!
Elder John Badger writes at North Dan-
ville, Vt. dated Jan. 26.
"I have baptized a few in this region. The
Stonk continues rolling: the glorious work
though slow, but unshaken, continues progres-
sing; many enquiring souls are among the
multitude; but a multitude of priests, profes-
sors, and people of eveij order, sect, party,
denomination, and grade, are striving with
all the combined powers of darkness to stop
the progressive work of the King of kings,
yet, I realize, amid all this flood of persecu-
tion and commotion, that the God of heaven
will turn and overturn, combinations, powers,
and kipgdoms, until the kingdoms . of this
world, become the kingdom of our Crod and
his Christ. To all appearances there is a
great field open for labor in this region, and
as we have had some encouragement that
some of the first elders are coming this way,
we shall look for them in the spring." ' -
Elder Sylvester B. Stoddard writev under
date of Jan. 26, from Farmington, Kenebec
county. Me. .:.>.!•■:.':, ,r 51^
<'Fhe Lord has been with nie iand Jblessed
me with a few more sheaves, for which I re-
joice in God my Savior; the caiuBe of our
heavenly Father is prospering exceedingly in
this section of the country, and there are calls
for preaching on the right hand and on the
left, and I am not able to attend to them all.
The church in this place has 28 members.—
We have lost one of our number — ^sjster Han-
nah Corbet, a worthy member: she departed
this life on the 16th of Dec. last. She died
in the triumphs of faith, and without doubt
has gone to the Paradise of rest.
The church in this place requests a confer-
ence to be appointed here; no doubt this would
prove beneficial — it is a very central place
and thick settled: there are three considerable
villages, in the town, and the towns around
are thick settled: it ie.50 miles from Letter B
church, 60 from Errol, 80 from Sacb, a little
over 100 from Dalton, N. Hi and 180' or 9^
y«1
Messenger and aovocat£.
from Boston. They also request, if possible,
sonie able brethren from the west — some who
are acquainted with the rise of the church. —
We wiah to have as many traveliing brethren
come as can, as there are none that i know
of any where near this place — say two hun-
dree miles. If you think proper to appoint
a conference, we wish to have li noticed in
the Messenger, and notify the brethren to
meet at Nallian Pinkaiu's in Farniington. —
We desire it to commence on Friday the lOtli
of June next, and we will have u place for
public preaching the two days following."
Elder Carvel Rigdbn writes from Allegha-
ny county, Pa. Jan. 23.
"The people in our own neighborhood con-
tinue to believe the evil reports which are cir-
culating through the country, and will not lot
us have an oppurtiiiilty of telling them what
we do believe; and they prijvent evGry person
they can from hearing for themselves; so that
we have not had an opportunity of saying any
thing here, only to some, whom we hare vis-
ited in their own hpiisesj which has raised
considerable excitement among the people,
lest they should be led away. Brother Sam-
uel James and my.«clf, visited a village on the
Monongahela river, about 20 miles from this
place, and succeeded in getting a meeting ap-
pointed. I addressed a considerable congre-
gation on the all-important subject of religion;
showing what it was in the Patriarchal, Jew-
ish, and apostolic ages, and that if we ever
are in possession of the religion of heaven we
must be in possession of the same things —
which raised a very great excitement among
the people; some saying one thing and some
another, some declaring that it was true, and
othera that it was false. We have paid them
two visits since and have found a very atten-
tive and enquiring people. But with all the
opposition which is raised against us, we
■will be able, if I am not greatly mistaken, to
build up a church in this place shortly, and
that of the more respectable and intelligent
part of the inhabitants. Brother Samuel
James is going, in about three weeks, to take
K tour in Virginia, and will visit, Greenfield
again."
Elders G- M, Hinkel and H. Green, who
were laboring at the time they wrote, in Leb-
anon, St. Clair county, Illinois, give us the
following account of their success in that re-
gion, dated Jan. 19.
"Again we have the privilege of informing
you of our health, which is good, and also of
sending you an account of our mission in the
world.'
We are yet preaching in the vicinity of St-
Clair, and Washington counties, and the Lord
has blessed our labors in proclaiming his word,
and prejudice in many places is giving way,
and truth has penetrated the hearts of many:
we have baptized 27 in this place, and the
work is still progressing. Brethren S. Carter
and Brown are about twelve miles from here;
they had baptized four the last account we
had, and the prospect in that place was flat-
tering, although the high-minded Pharisees,
and priests, are uniting together to overthrow
the truth, yet, the Lord has turned their coun-
sels into foolishness, in all their efforts to de-
ceive the people: they have been confounded
and put to shame, so that their only alterna-
tive is, to prohibit their members from going
to hear."
The following extract is taken from alettef
written by elder Levi B. Wilder, dated Dal-
ton, N. il. Feb. 15.
'•1 have been a member of the church of the
Latter Day Saints more than one year. A
small church was formed in this place in the
July of 1633, coiLsisting of 15 members;
broiher Sthephen Burnet was the firyt one
that sounded the glad tidings' of the everlas-
ting gospel in this place; afterwards brotii-
er Lyman Johnson came; it was by these
two that the church was commenced in ih'i»
place: there have been twenty two baptized,
and added to this branch of the church, some
have moved away so tliat at present the
church has about as many as at first. Wp
have had but little preaching in this place;
but there seems to be a considerable number
of persi»ns who wish to hear the gospel pro-
clahnud; we are in want of some able brotli-
er to instruct us in the way of righteousness-
We have been in rather a cold state througlf
the summer, but we have renewed our cov-
enant, and find the Lord is ready and wil-
ling to bless us when we do our duty."
Elder W. Parish writes from Paris Henry
county, Tcncsee, February 1st. "In our'
last communication to you, under date of Oc-
tober 27, we informed you, that we had plan-
ted a church in this vicinity, consisting of
seven members: we extended our labors into
an adjoining county, viz: Humphreys, and
from that time up till December 1st, through
the blessing of the Lord, 17 more have been
added to the church. In justice to the peo-
ple of this district among whom we have la-
bored, I must say, that with some exceptions,
we have been treated with respect. The
march of truth is onward, its progress is not
to be arrested by the impotent arm of man,
whose infatuated zeal, causes them to lose
sight of the sacred principles of the gospel,
the truths of which are irresistable as the
gathering tempest, and whose benign influ-
ence will ere long sweep over the face of the
universal world, and fill it with the knowl-
edge of God as the waters cover the sea. —
In all, there have been 35 baptized, and uni-
ted with this church, and I expect to bap'
tize more shortly; for many are inquiring af-
ter the old paths, and have expressed their
determination to walk therein. Many are
calling on every side, 'Come and preach for
us.' Ol join with me in prayer to God that
he may send more laborers into the vineyard !
for truly, there is a famine in the land for th^
word of the Lord as the prophet said would
be. O use your influence, my dear brother,
to send some laborers into the south part of
the vineyard of the Lord — I mean into Ten-
nessee."
From the foregoing extracts it may be
seen, how much truth there is in the reports
which are circulated by many of all parties
and sects. We are confident that there nev-
er has been a time since the church commen-
ced, that the prospects have been more flat-
tering than they are at present. In all parts
of our country, multitudes are enquiring af-
ter truth. So numerous are the calls, that if
the number of elders were three to every one,
they could not supply them. These facts
are opening the eyes of some of the worst of
our enemies, among whom is A. Campbell,
of "Millenial Harbinger" memory. He has
recently began to howl most prodigiously,
Mi:eBEL\GER AND ADVOCATE.
77
calling upon the people in great a<rony to
ivad Mr. How's book, as a sure axitidote
against delusion. As this is all that Mr. C.
can do, or d;ire do, we do not wish to de-
prive him of this privilege. Ho V\'e say con-
cerning Alexander, .Dudley and co. let tiieni
exert themselves with ail their power, for
thoy v.'iil find it a harder task to "kick a-
gain.st the pricks," than to reform; arj thej'
call it, masons "and sectarians, — they have un-
dertaken a task to great for them: tlie arm
vi' Omnipotence is too potent for "school
boys," and this ihey will find after they
liave exaasted all their power. The "black
speck" v.'iil still "stain the American charac-
ter," for the people will receive the everlas-
ting gospel, nor can men nor devils prevent
it. The people may rage and the heathen
imagine a vain thing; but he who sits in
the heavens v.'iil laugh, the Lord will have
them in derision, and ere long, he will speak
to them in his wraLh and ve.x them in his
sore disj)!easure.
I\Ir. Campbell has been invited to show
himselfa man of principle — after repeated in-
sults to the church of the "Latter Day
Saints," and to exchange papers and cut a
fjuill like a man; but seeing he dare not do it,
(for notwithstanding the confidence which
his satallites Isave in him, he knows the weak-
ness ofhis cause too well to hazard an inves-
tigation with an Elder of the church of the
"Latter Day Saints,") we consider this ef-
fort of his in the same point of light which
we do a whipped spannel, when he is afraid
to face his enemy, he turns his hind parts and
barks — so bark on Alexander.
The following is taken from the
Brookviile (la.) Enquirer; and we
copy it into the Advocate to show our
friend.s the different feeling with which
the elders of this church are received.
All we have to say ugw on the extract,
is that the Editor coidd not have been
a sectarian — We judge him to be a
Republican, and a gentleman.
[Edilor.]
*'The Latter day Saijits, or Mor7nons.
On last Saturday evening, for the first
time, iu this place, a gentleman, and minis-
ter belonging to this new sect, preached in
the court house, to a very respectable au-
dience; and discoursed briefly on the various
subjects connected with his creed; explained
his faith and gave a brief history of the book
of Mormon — united it with the Holy Bi-
ble, &c.
By request, he tarried over Sahbath, and
at 2 o'clock again opened public worship by
an able address to the Throne of the Most
High. He spoke for about an hour and a
half to a very large audience, during which
time he explained many important passages
of the prophecies contained in the Old &
New Testaments, and applied them accord-
ing to their litrrnl meaning. He was not
lame in the attempt, and in a succinct and
lucid manner imparted his belief to the au-
dience.
He believesthe btok of Mormon to be a
series of revelations, and other matters ap-
p?rtaining to the Ephraimites, Lamanites,
Sic I whom he faelievee to have baen ths ori-
ginal settlers of this continent; and that an
ancient Prophet caused the plates from which
the book of Mormon was tr.mslated to ba
buried nearly two thousand years ago, in
what is now called Ontario count}^, New-
York. He is also of the belief that Joseph
Smith was cited to the plates by an angel
from Heaven, and endowed with the ^itl to
translate th.e engraving upon them into the
known language of the country.
This book, he is of opinion, is an event'
intended to prepare for the great work, f'licf
second appearance of Christ, wheir he shall
stand en the Mount of Olives, attended
by Abraham and all tl;e Saints, to reign-
on the Earth for the space of a thousand
years.
After he had closed his discourse, on
Sabbath afternoon, he remarked that if "no
one liad any thing to say, the meeting'
would be corisidered as closed." P>,ev. Daniel
St. John, a clergyman of the universal
order, ascended the pulpit and in his usual
eloquent strain held forth for a considerable
time; taking exceptions to some of the
positions of the preceding speaker — more
particularly as regarded his belief as to the
second appearance of Christ, and his doctrine
of future rewards and punislunents. An
interesting debate of about three hours en-
sued in which each had four hearings, and
at the request of the audience, a division of
the house was called for on the merits of the
argument, and carried in favor of the Latter
Day Saint by an overv/helming vote.
Though in some things he characterised
the fanatic; ye\., in the main, his doctrines
v/ere sound and his positions tenable. We
would do injustic to the gentleman were wo
to omit stating, that in all the discourses,
of the like character, that we have ever heard
it has never fallen to our lot to hccir so much
harmony in the arrangement of quotations
from the sacred book. No passage could be
referred to that would in the least produce dis-
cord in his arguments. The whole ofhis dis
courses vrere delivered in a very clear and
concise manner, rendering it obvious that
he was thoroughly acquainted with the
course he believed he was called upon to pu-
sue, in obedience to his Master's will.
If a man may be called eloquent who.
transfers his own views and feelings into the
breasts of others — if a knowledge of the
subject, and to speak without fear — are a
part of the more elevated rules of elo(juenc,
we have no hesitancy in saying Orson Pratt
was eloquent; and tiuly verified the language
of Boileau: "What we clearly conceive, wa
can clearly express."
LETTER IV.
To W. W. Phelps, Esq.
Dear Brother: —
In my last, publish'
ed in the 3d No. of the Advocate I
apologized for the brief manner in
which I should be obliged to give, in
many instances, the history of this
church. Since then yours of Christmas
has been received. It was not riiy
f8
Mieaaiii^OEH A.TD ADVOCATE.
wLah to be uoderstcKxI that I could not
givo the leading itcma of every irnpor-
lant occuncnco, at least so far as
would effjct my duty to my fellovvincn,
in such as contained important infor-
mation upon the sabjcct of doctrine,
and as would render it intelligibly
plain; but as there are, in a great
house, ma'iy vessels, so in the history
of a work of this nmgnitude, many
items which would be interesting to
those who follow, are forgotten. In
fact, I deem every manifestation of the
Holy Spirit, dictating the hearts of the
saints in the way of righteousness, to
1)6 of importance, and this is one rea-
son why I plead art apology.
You will recollect that I mentioned
the time of a religious excitement, in
Palmyra and vicinity to have been in
the 15ih year of our brother J. Smith
Jr's, age — that was an error in the type
— it should have been in the 17th. —
You v;ili please remember this coriec-
ti,sn, as it will be necessary for the full
understanding of what will follow in
time. This would bring the date down
to the >car 1823.
I do not deem it to be necessary to
•write further on the subject of this ex-
citement. It is doubted bv mariv
whether any real or essential good
ever resulted from such excitements,
while others advocate their propriety
with warmth.
The mind is easily called up to re-
flection upon a matter of such deep im-
portance, and it is just that it should
be; but there is a regret occupying
tlie heart when we consider the deep
anxiety of thousands, who arc lead
away with a vain imagination, or a
groundless hope, no better than the
idle wind or the spider's web.
But if others were not benefited,
our brother was urged forward and
strengthened in the determination to
know for himself of the certainty and
reality of pure and holy religion. —
And it is only necessary for me to say,
that while this excitement continued,
he continued to call upon the Lord in
secret for a full manifestation of di-
vine approbation, and for, to him, the
all important information, if a Su-
preme being did exist, to have an as-
surance that he was accepted of him.
This, most assuredly, was correct —
it was right. The Lord has said,
long since, and his word remains stecd-
faot, that to him who knocks it shall
be opened, & whosoever will, may come
arid partake of the waters of life freu-
ly.
To deny a humble penitent sinner a
refreshing draught from this most pure
of all fountains, and most desirable of
a!! refreshments, to a thirsty soul, is ri
matter for the full performance of
which the sacred record stands pledg-
ed. The Lord never .said — "Conio
unto me, all ye that labor, and ara
hetlvy ladeii, and I will give you rest,"
to turn a doaf ear to those who wcro
weary, when they cull upon him. flo
never said, by the mouth of tlic prop)»-
et — "Ho, every one that thirsts,
come yo to the waters," without pas-
sing it as a firm decree, at the sama
time, that he that should after come,
should be filled with a joy unspeaka-'
ble. Neither did ho manifest by tho
Spirit to John upon the isle — "Let
him that is athirst, come," and com-
mand him to send the same abroad,
undei' any other consideration, than
that "whosoever would, might tako
the water of life freely," to the remo-
test ages of time, or v/hile there was a
intier upon his footstool.
These sacrad and important promi-
ses are looked upon in our day as be-
ing given, either to another people,
or in a figurative form, arid cou&o-
qUcntly require spiritUalizifig, not-
withstanding they are as conspicuous-
ly plain, anddre meant to be understood
according to their liieral reading, as
those passages which teach us of tho
creation of the world, .and of the de-
cree of its Maker to bring its inhabi-
tants to judgment. But to proceed
with my narrative. —
On the evening of tho 21st of Sep-
tember, 1823, previous to retiring to
rest, our brother's mind was unusual-
ly wrought up on the subject which
had so long agitated his mind — his
heart was drawn out in fervent prayer,
and his whole soul was so lost to eve-
ry thing of a temporal nature, that
earth, to him, had lost its charms, and
all he desired was to be prepared in
heart to commune with some kind
messenger who could communicate to
him the desired information of his ac-
ceptance with God.
At length the family retired, and he,
as usual, bent his way, though in si-
lence, whore others might have rested
their wearj'' frames "locked fast in
sleep's enibrace;" but repose had fled,
MKSSK'XOKR A.N'U ADVOCATE,
75
pod accustomed Blumber had spread
her refreshing hand over others be-
eide hSm — he continued still to pray —
his heart, though onco h.ard nnd ob-
durate, was soi'tened, and that mind
which had often flitted, like the "wild
bird of passage," had scttied Upon a
determined basis not to be decoyed or
tiriven from its purpose.
In this situation hours passed un-
numbered— how many or how few I
know not, neither is hs able to inform
me; but supposes it must have been
eleven or twelve, and peihaps later,
as the noiso and bustle of the family,
in retiring, had long since ceased. —
While continuing in prayer for a man-
ilestation in some vray that h^s sins
were forgiven; endeavoring to exer-
cise faith in the scriptures, on a sud-
den a light like that of day, only of a
purer and far more glorious appearance
and brightness, burst into the room. —
Indeed, to use his own description,
the first sight was as though the house
"was filled with consuming and un-
quenchable fire. This sudden ap-
pearance of a light so bright, as must
naturally be expected, occasioned a
shock or sensation, visible tu> the ex-
tremities of the body. It was, how-
ever, followed with a calmness and se-
renity of mind, and an overAvhelming
rapture of joy that surpassed under-
standing, and in a moment a person-
age stood before him.
Notwithstanding the room was pre-
viously filled with light above the
brightness of the sun, as I have before
descri'ied, yet there seemed to be an
additional gbry surroundiug or accom-
panying this personage, whicli shone
with an increased degree of brilliancy,
of which ho was in the midst; and
though his countenanc was as lighten-
ing, yet it was of a pleasing, innocent
and glorious appearance, so much so,
that every fear was banished from the
heart, and nothing but calmness perva-
ded the soul.
It is no easy task to describe the ap-
pearance of a messenger from the
skies — indeed, I doubt thero being an
individual clothed with perishable clay,
who is capable to do this work. To be
sure, the Lord appeared to his apos-
tles after his resurrection, and we do
not learn as they were in the least dif-
ticulticd to look upon him; but from
John's description upon Patmos, we
leam that he is there represented as
most glorious in appearance; aiid
from other items in the sacred scrip-
tures we have the fact recorded where
ange/s appeared and conversed with
men, and there was no difficulty on the
part of the individuals, to endure their
presence; and others where their glory-
was so conspicuous that they could
not endure. The last description or
appearance is the one to which I refer,
when I say that it is no easy task to
describe their glory.
But it may be well to relate the par-
ticulars as far as'given— The stJ^ture of
this personage was a little above tho
common size of men in this age; his
garment was perfectly white, and had
the appearance of being without
seam.
Though fear was banished from hi*
heart, yet his surprise was no less
when he heard him dedlare himself to
be a messenger sent by commandment
of the Lord, to deliver a special mes-
sage, and to witness to him that his
sins wore forgiven, and that his prayers
were heard; and that the scriptures
might be fulfilled, which say— "God
has chosen the foolish things of the
world to confound the things which ara
mighty; and base things of the world,
and things wich are despised, has God
chosen; yea, and things which are
not, to bring to nought things which
are, that no flesh should glory in his
presence. Theretbre, says tho Lord,
I will proceed to do a marvelous work
among this people, even a marvelous
work and a wonder; the wisdom of
their wise shall perish, and the under-
standing of their prudent shall be hid;
for according to his covenant which
iie made with his ancient saint,'5, his
people, the house of Israel, must como
to a knowledge of the gospel, and own
that Messiah whom their fathers reject-
ed, and with them the fulness of tho
Gentiles be gathered in, to rejoice ia
one fold under one Shepherd."
"This cannot bo brought about un-
til first certain preparatory things are
accomplished, for so has the Lord puf>'
posed in his own mind. He has there-
fore chosen you as an instrument in
his hand to bring to light that which
shall'perform his act, his strange act,
and bring to pass a mar\'elous work
and a wonder. Wherever tho sound
shall go it shall cause the ears of men
to tingle, and wherever it shall be pro-
claimed, the pare in heart thall rejcnco,
MESSEiN(iER AND ADVOCATE
while those who draw near ta God
with their mouths, and honor him with
their lips, while their hearts arc far
from him, v/ill seek its overthrow, and
Ihc destruction of thorfe by s-.ho^e
hands it is carried. Therefore, mar-
vel not if your name is made a deri-
sion, and had as a by-word among
such, if you are the instrument in
bringing it, by the gift of God, to the
knovvledge of the people."'
He then proceeded and gave a gen-
eral account of the promises made to
the fathers, and also gave a history of
the aborigines of this country, and
said they were literal descendants of
Abraham. He represented them as
once being an enlightened and intelli-
gent people, possessing a cerrect knowl-
edge of the gospel, and the plan of res-
toration and redemption. He said
this history was written and deposited
not far from that place, and that it was
our brother's privilege, if obedient to
the commandments of the Lord, to
obtain, and translate the same by the
means of the Urim and Thunmiim,
which v/ere deposited for tliat purpose
with the record.
"Yet," said he, "the scripture
must be fulfdled before it is translated,
which says that the words of a book,
which were sealed, were presented to
the learned; for thus has God deter-
mined to leave men without e:icusc,
and show to the meek that his arm is
not shortened that it cannot save."
A part of the book was sealed, and
was not to be opened yet. The seal-
ed part, said he, contains the same
revelation which was given to John
upon the isle of Patmos, and v/hen
the people of the Lord are prepared,
and found wr.rthy, then it will be un-
folded unto them.
On the subject of bringing to light
the unsealed part of this record, it
may be proper to say, that our broth-
er was expressly informed, that it
must be done with an eye single to
the glory of God; if this considera-
tion did not wholly characterize all
his proceedings in relation to it, the
adversary of truth would overcome
him, or at least prevent his making
that proficiency in this glorious work
which he otherwise would.
While describing the place where
the record was deposited, he gave a
minuto relation qi it, and the vision of
his mind being <^ened at the same
time, ho v/as permitted to view it crit-
ically; and previously being acquain-
ted with the place, he was able to fol-
low the direction of the vision, after-
ward, according to the voice of the an-
gel, and obtain the book.
I close for the present by subscrib-*
ing myself as ever, your brother in
CUriot.
OLIVER COWDERY.
K^rtlnr.d, Ohio, Feb. '27, 1833.
Huvi'.ij lieon vcT,;e;tel 1),- the Trusties o!" t!ie
'•IvirtTLA?','!) SCUOOIV' '<> gi^c a siiiiiU sketch of
the numb r ot'stu'ifuts who have atfrriufd this ii;sti-
IJiiJou, ;;n.! ol'their progressin the dilf^rer.l sciences,
T vhv. ri'ully comply with the re(iu<sl, havinc heoi ;;i!
ihsliuctor therein iVom its coniniciicemcnt, in Dec. —
las'..
The Echool hns'becn conducted under the immedi-
ate caie and insiicction of
J'iSKPII S_inTIi jr. . s
F. G. '.Vli.LIAMS, ( 5
O. COWDF.UV. -" 3
When the school first commcn^-ed, we received in-
to it both large and small, but in about three weeks
the classes became so h;rge, and the house so cro\\d-
c'i, that it was thought advisable to dismiss al! ihn
small students, and continue those only wlio wished
t^o study the sciences of penmanship, arithaietic,
Knglish grammar and geosraphy. Before we dismis-
sed the small s.'hoiars, there were in all about 1L<0
who attended. Since that time there have been, up-
on an average, about 100, the n^.ost of whom have re-
ceived lectures upon English graniraEr; and for tho
last lour weeks about 70 have "been studyinff geogra-
phy one half the day, and grammar and wriuii2''tho
other part.
T. Buruick's arithnictic, S. Kirkham's grammar
and J. OIney's geography have been used, v%llh N.
AVebstcr's (iii:tionary, as standard.
Pince the year IS'27 I have taught school in fivn
diff^ront States, and I liave visilad n:any schools in
which hvas not engaged, as teacher; but in none, I
can say with certainty, have I seen students mako
more rapid progress, than in this. I e.xpect myself
lo leave the iustitution, but yef, I have a great desire
to see it flourish. I therefore most cheerfully rc:om-
niend it to all those whose circumstances and situa-
tion v.'il! allov/ them to attend, as being a place wliere
strict attention is paid to good morals as well as to
1ho sciences.
^V. E. M'LELLIN.
Notice. — The spring term of the "Kirtland
Schoof ' Avill commence on the 20th of April
next. Younc genlleinen and ladies from a
distance can obtain board, m respectable fam-
ilies for $ 1,00 to $ 1,25 per week.
Tho Trustees of this institution design in-
troducing the higher branches of English lit-
erature, at as early a period as possible.
[EfZitor.]
THE LATTER DAY SAIZ^TS'
B2essengsr and Advocate,
IS EDITED nr
j^nd puhlishcd every month at Kirtland, Geauga Co.
Ohio, by '■ .
F. Ci, ^VI]LI.IAM§ & Co.
At S 1, per an. in advance. Every person procuring'
ten new subscribers, and forwarding S 10, current
msiicy, shall be entitled to a paper one year, gratis.
All letters to the Editor, or Publishers, must be
rr POST PAID. jOi
No subsaription will be received for a less term than one
year, and no paper discontinud tiJl all arrearages are
■puid, except tU t' - rption of the publishers.
^1^ ^9
MI2SS15Wf^FJIt AI¥1> ABVOCATE.
V<JL. 1. iNu. b.]
KIllTLAND, OHIO, MARCH, 1885.
d©SSMt?IfSCATS0?^3.
[Whole No. 6.
LETTER No. V.
Liberttj 3Io. Feb. 0, 1835.
Di;.iR BnoTiiEK:
Your second letter in the ''Mes-
KCiiger and Advocate," of Nov. last, directed
to me, 1 shtvll now fjroceed to answer as tlie
i■^pi^it gives me knowledge. The letter is
lonsr Jind I am aware tliat my littleness in the
jiresence of God, want of perfection in lioii-
nsss, and narrow limits of learning', will great-
ly lessen my ability to do it that justice that
the Kiibject meritw, and tJje churcli might
iiaturallj' expect, but I shall do all I can,
and confide in God for an honorable result. —
Time is wanting for me to take up many
things therein contained, and a personal inter-
view for man}' important iuterogatories. I
■will touch a tew items to stir up your mind
by way of remembrance, and awaken the
eaints to diligence, and may I hope, call some
of the children of men from darkness to light;
«n-i then, according to my manner, finish
with my Jiand, writing tuthe, heart.
The first thing that attracts my attention,
is, "That God never works in vain. This is
not the case vvilh men; but might it not be?"
I anwer 7/(5, — but, in order, tJiat men work
irot in vain, they must turn from Satan to
(.rod, by repentance, and become what thev
once were: THE lifAGE OF GOD. So'-
loiuojj once said: Lo, this on! j'' have I found,
that God hath mad.v man upright; but they
have sought out many inventions. This is
l.iue, and no invention tends to drive man
farther from God, and niake Lis works more
vain, than their new vicihodA nficorahiji, \vhen
there is but en- Lord, or.e fiith, on? baptit-m.
After new inventions, and fame, and wealth,
many of the GeiKilo world liaviprun so far in-
to novelty, dai-ing end danger, that the moyt
of them now are so-eager for something neic,
Or something great, or something rich, that
millions have, forgotten the truth, and all their
works are vain.
On looking around the world as it now is, I
have to exclaim witii the wise man: ,\!1 is
va!iity. V/hat is man, that Crod sliould no-
lice him? Or, what is life? Surely,
V/hat is life? 'lis'to exist
In a v/orid of wealtli an J woes,
Where the wickedness and death
Mik3j ouc shudder as he goes.
'Tis to lear:-: how little that.
Even man on earth has knov/n;
And to watch all other's faults
Then, in weak:;c£.-!, judge his ov.n.
'Tis to come like mornmg ^ix'w;
Rise and rove like ocean wave.
Fall ;ind fade like shooting stars,
Leaving nothing but — « gravel
Without being too'ininate, }'our letter goes
to show that every generation, :md mostly al!
jiations, have been more ready, lo garnish the
;iepulchreH cri'llie dvari i;rf>phct::. ll;nn to obci/
the words of the li^-itig, though God and re*
ligion were, are, and always will be the same.
Your foundation is so broad, that when j'ou
rear up the edifice, 'tew eyes, insight, will go
by without looking at the place v.-here the
Lord lay, and thinking what they suffer, who
follow hira!
But lest I get into your tracks, I will ask A
few tjucstiona; and such as are already an-
swered in revelation, may act more immedi--
atsly upon the mind; and those needing an-
swers, will be for your disposal as the h-pirit
directs.
Has it, or has it not so happened from the
beginning till now, that the people most fa-
vored of God; they that have last had the
true light of heaven, have been first to ttone,
or put to death the Lord's prophets and saints?
And have, or have not the oasne people, or
those in tlie same situation, rejected the truth,
and become two-fold worse than they that
have luade no profession of religion? Did or
did not Cain murder Abel because of righte-
ousness? Did or did not God take Enoch and
Zion up to heaven, because the wcrld was \qo
wicked to live Vvith the pure in heart?
In all ages, iiave or not the various sects,
which prelsnded to be of God, persecuted and
l)ut more ^aiuts to death, than all the heath-
ens in the world? I mean that sort of people
that make a great noise about Iheir religion,
wear rich robes, have great meeting houses,
and maire long jirajcrs. Was or was not Je-
sus crucified, Isy the very people thnt had a
knowledge of his coiriing, and wlio were ac-
tually expecting him? Is it or is it not gene-
rally the case, that when the light of heaven
happiiies tlie soul of the saint, the darkticss
of iieli mystifies the mind of the wicked? —
^Vas or vras it not so before the Hood; and
has continued so siiice? Did or did not the
undoubted .•'•priest^" ^of T)ui, '-the fSons of
God," that yiarried alf they ■wanted, reject
Noa!i and the' truth of God? Were cr were
not F]iaraoh's^-*'prieftE,"' (the real "black
coats" of Egyi>t, whose landt; wire jaivileged
even in a seven years' fan;ine,) the leaders of
the great Gentile ciiurch in that day, and
liad doubtless slipped down from JMelchise-
dek's priest-hood to the magicians that were
ready to work Uiiraclcs v.-ithin uue of MqsGs?
And if so, vvore or v; jre iliey not as ready to
litand beliiiid the Kc:;ne, while Israel's "tale
of brick," vraa daubed without strav.-, and
laugh at the persecution of the chilcfren of
God, as their /;si;-.') o.pparcnt are, to secretly ap-
plaud the outrages against tJ;s taints v/ho are
now sutFeriiig jjersecution and afdiction? And
is or is not the present Gentile church in the
same pretlicament, as to the second coming
of Christ, tjiat the Jev/s were in at h.is first
coming! I mean, if the v^ews, as the green
tree, crucified the Lord of giory, what will
the Gentiles, us t!ie dry tree, do?
Wlien the Spirit of God is withdrawn, does or
does notliiat generation suj^pose itself lobe
coupiderably wiser than the jiast one, and, to
sliow its veneration for tiie coiuinandments of
God, wliicii t^ays thou shalt love thy neighbor
a.3 thvsjinthoushaltnct kill, Ac.t;arnif:]! tlieec-
^-^-<^-^^ ( ^^^-^^
o4
sd
MESriENGEIl AND ADVOC'Am,
pulchres of the prophets; raise monuments to
departed great men, and build churches in
the haraes of the apostles, but if a prophet
comes truly in the name of the Lord, they
reject him, or stone him, or kill him, for fear
he may deceive somebody, as if God was un-
able to preserve his sacred law from the van-
ishing touch of mer-j mortal man? Has or has
it not always been the case, that the farther
the church or sects, receded from the truth
and the right v/ay, the greater v.-ere the pre-
tensions to light and sanctincation?
Is or is it not apparent from reason and
analogy as drawn from a careful reading of
the Scriptures, that God causes the saints, or
people that fall av.-ay from Ids church to he
eursed in time, with a hlMck skinl AVas or wo.s
hot Cain, being marked, obliged to inherit
the curse, he and his children, forever? And
if so, as Ham, like other sons of God, might
br?ak the rule of God, by marrying out of
the church, did or did he not, have a Canaan-
ite v/ife, whereby some of the hlack seed was
preserved through the flood, and his son, Ca-
naan, after he laughed at his grand father's
nakedness, heired three curses; one from Cain
for killing Abel; one from Ham for marrying
a black Avife, and one from Noah for ridicu-
ling what God had respect for? Are or are not
the Indians a sample of marking with black-
ness for rebellion against God's holy word
hnd holy order? And can or can we not ob-
serve in the countenances of almost all na-
tions, except the Gentile, a dark, sallow hue,
which tells the sons of God, without a line of
liistory, that they have fallen or changed from
the original beauty and grace of father Ad-
am?
So many questions for this letter. Now
there are other important facts, and doings
of God, which might lead all men to repent
before judgment, if they were willing to be
guided by truth and escape calamity. I mean
such facts as would produce conviction in any
heart but such as Satan has really case-hard-
ened for a tour in that region where the smolic
of their torment asceufls up forever and ever.
That God punishes the nations Ihat forget
him, and those that, do Rot fear him, is evi-
dent from _common history, but especially
from Scripture.
From Cain's officiating at the altar, I liave
no doubt but he was a high priest after the
holy order of God, and he, for being over-
come by Satan, when he had such great light,
was marked and sent to a land of out-casts,
to live by his own inventions, and tlie assis-
tance of the evil one, v.'ho might have trans-
lated him and his city down to more gloomy
regions, for all I know, as an honor for being
the first convert, in this world, to endless
misery and punishment. Wb}- he has a his-
tory in the bible remains to be told.
Perhaps all the nations befofe the flood,
except Cain and his posterity, were enlight-
ened by the preaching of the gospel, for they
were destroyed by the deluge, and God rare-
ly destroys a people until they are made ac-
quainted with their situation, and they sin
beyond law. The Babelites were dispersed
throughout the face of t'-.e Avhole world for
their presumption and folly. The Egyptians
found a watery grave for undertaking to cope
with God, when enlightened by his messen-
gers and miracles. Israel was dispersed among
all nations for disobeying the commandments:
and 1 greatly fwir, Ihat the Gentilpfi will
"wax fat find kick" at the fulness of the gos-
pel and "fill the measure of their glory"
with iniquity, and be turned into hell with "all
tlieir great prototypes, that have singed the
locks of their beauty, with the blaze of their
own glory, by denying the gift of the Holy
Ghost.
While penning your history you will find
the two great spirits by which men escape to
heaven, or sink to hell, often so nearly alike
that, you can only judge which is which, by
the power which the pure in heart have in;
store to overcome the world with. The evil
one in a great counterfeiter. He imitates al-
most every tiling but perfection. Having
onco b;-?!) in Iieaven, lie knows nearly all, but-
telling the truth; and he practises arts, scien-
ces, and virtues, besides cunning and cloak-
ing. -Go to the family fireside, and his spirit
is there, ready to catch a crumb; go to any
meeting where the Holy Ghost is not admit-
ted; and it is there ioi a morsel; go to the
court house where even Jianded justice is not
administered to the beggar as well as the ban-
ker, and ft is there for a share; go to the legis-
lative hall where all men's rights are not held
equal, and it is there for a "pound of flesh;"
go to the cabinet of kingdoms, where onef
man swayn the sceptre, and if aught swerve*
him from (lie course of moral rectitude, it i»
there for a few "golden opinions" to rule
with; go to the holy alliance of emperors^
where more power is sought for, and it is
there for another link to the chain that holds
its millions; yea, where on earth is it not? go
to the lover's chamber and it is there; go tw
the ball-room and it is there; go to the dram-
shop and it is there; go to the Lnsiness places
and it is there; go to prison &. it is there; go'
to sea and it is there; go to the banquet of
festing' and it is there; go to the house of
pleasure and it is there; go to the house of
mourning and it is there, watching its prey,:
seeking in every place a soul for destruction,-
or a body for sport; yea, go to hell, after its
course shall have been stayed on earth, and
there it will be, making horrid revelry with
tlie damned, where "tiieir worm diethnot and
tht fire is not quenched." * On earth it is^
tiie essence of (rouble and contention, sour-
ing happiness and poisoning joy; in hell it i#
the life of endless venom, unutterable; and if,
it is in all these places, and so terrible, blast-
ing the happiness of millions in this world,
and elernaUy tormenting the sons of perdi-
tion, in the regions of wo, in the nether world
to come, where is it not, and who can escape
its dreadful ravages! It ir not in the celestial
city and (he pure in heart are beyond its sca-
thing touch: yea, notwithstanding its great
fountain head, Lucifer, has drawn away it
third part of heaveyi; has his millions of the
children of this world, and, may be, the worst
from worlds, yet, Jesus Christ, the only be-
gotton Son of God, by the power of his Spir-
it, will overcome all the enemies of grace and
glory, and even death and happiness, and joy,i
and perfection, aftd eternal life will roll on in
eternity an und'irided one: even as a never-
ending blessing, before God, to them that
have held out faithfully to the end, whether
in life or in death: and they arc they, the
blessed one». Amen. As ever,
W. W. PHELPS.
MKHSKXliKR AND ADVOCATK.
83
FAITH OF THE CHURCH. No. XII.
Continued from page 71.
After ihe apostle had described the
gift of the. Holy Spirit so as not to be
misunderstood by his audience, and
having set forth its effects so clearly
that any person even those of the weak-
est capacities could not mistake his
meaning, he issues forth the pi'oniisc of
tjod to those who would repent and
bo baptized that they should receive this
gift, yes, fhis gift and not another. —
we have been thus particular, that our
readers may sec that the promise here
imade w.is not made to the apostles
themselves, but those who heard and
believed their report, and repented ac-
cordinar to the commandment of God it
was they who were to receive the gift
of the Holy Spirit; for the apostle had.
it previous to this, and those persons
who would repent aiid be baptized in
the name of the Lord Jesus for the re-
mission of sins should i-eceive the thing
which the apostles had at that time re-
ceived, for sayg the apostle in the 33
verso as before quoted speaking of
Christ's ascension, and having received
the gift of the Holy Spirit he has shed
forth that which you see and hear, ahd
then says to the multitude repent and be
baptized every one of you in the name
of .Te.?us Christ for the remisson of
sins and you shall receive the gift of
the Holy Spirit, does not the gift of the
Holy Spirit in both theso places niean
the same thing, if so, the prohiise made
to the baptized saints was precisely the
thing which the apostles had just that
rlay received. And if it did not mean
'the same thing the apostle deceived his
audience. But the apostle did not stop
b}' making this jiromise to the audience
which were present on that occasion,
but says verse 39 that it was to them
nnd their children and all that were
afar off, even as many as the Lord
our God shall call. Notice reader,
that it was the promise of the gift of
the Holy Spirit on conditions of repen-
tance arid baptism that was here prom-
ised their children and to all that were
afar off as well as to themselves.
Whatever the gift of the Holy Spirit
was, it was to be given not only to the
persons who were present on the nota-
ble day of pcntecost, but it was to be
given to their children, and to their
<-hildrons' children, as lone; ns the Lord
sons; for it was to this gift he was t^
call them — "Repent and be baptizied
every one of you in the name 0f the
Lord Jesus, for the remissioii of sins,
and you shall redeive the gift of the.
Holy Spirit; for the promise is unto
you, and unto your children, and to all
that are afar off, even as many as tho
Lord our God shall call.'' mark rea-
der: he says you shall receive the gift
of the Holy Spirit; for the promise is
unto vou and to your children, and to
all that arc aOar off. V.'hat promise?
Why; the gift of the Holy Spirit. —
What is the gift of the Holy Spirit? It
is the thing which you both see and
hear. And what are its effects? it is
prophesying, dreaming dreams, seeing
visions, and working mighty works;
and this is what is ^promised to you, if
you repent and are baptized in tho
name of the Lord Jesus for the remis-
sion of sins: and not only you, but
your children, and not yo7ir children
only, but all that are afar off, cv5n as
many as the Lord our God shall calL
These teachings surely correspond
with the apostles' commission, which
the)" received after the resurrection of
the Savior from the de;^.d. For they
were to go into all the V/orld, and
preach the gospel to every creature,
he that bclievetli and is baptized shall
be saved: that is, every creature in alt
the world who believes and is baptized,
shall be saved. And Peter says, that
the promise is to you, and to your chil-
dren, and to all that are atar off, even
as many as the Lord our God shall
call. This is as extensive as to say,
to every creature in all the world. So
that the commission, and the apostles'
teaching arc; in all respects, consist-
ent with each other.
Here we might stou our invcstitra-
tion, and that with great confidence too,
because the subject of the work of the
Spirit of God, in the salvation of men,
is so clearly set forth in the foregoing
quotations, and remarks which are
made on the quotations, that he that
runs may read, and not only read, but
understand: for the way is so plain,
that a fool need not err therein. But
as there is no want of document on
this subject, we feel disposed to pursue
the apostles a little farther, and hear
tho account which those who were
with them have given about the effects
of the Spirit of God as received Iry the
i'hcir God should cg.ll mm to be his i cfn<;iontr- throucrh the ministry of the
84
MESSEPfGfEK AND A&VaCATE.
apostles, and see if those promises
wore verified to those who believed on
their word.
The account which we have noticed
above took place at Jerusalem. Ac-
cording to Luke's testimony they were
to begin at Jerusalem, vt-hen they sljculd
first commence to execute their com-
mission, and says the Savior You shall
' preach repentance and remissions of
sins in my name, among all nations,
beginning at JeriT^alcm. Luke 24:47,
from thence they were to go to Sama-
ria, and from thence to the utmost
parts of the earth. Acts of the apos-
tles 1 :8, we shall now follow the apos-
tles to Samaria and see vrhat effects the
Holy Spirit had on the Samaritans, as
the messengers of the Lord Jesus pro-
ceeded in the execusion of their con>-
mission. Some time after the success
of the gospel (which was very great)
there arose a great persecution against
the saints which, v/as so severe that
they v/ere all scattered abroad, and
the enemies stoned Stephen to death. —
The account of vihich we have in the
€,7 and 8 chapters of the Acts of the
apostles. In consequence of the great
persecution, the saints fled in evei-y di-
rection, and they wcn.t every v/here
preaching the gospel, and Philip went
down to the city of Samaria and
preached the gospel unto them; and
when they believed Philip's preaching
the things concerning the kingdom of
God and the name of the Lord Jesus,
they were baptized both men and wo-
men. After the apostles at Jerusalem
heard that Samaria had received tlie
word of the Lord, they sent dov/n Pe-
ter and Joim, v.ho when Ihev were
come, laid tlieir hands upon them and
they received the Holy Spirit. Acts
.8 chapter. So that here the promise
was verified, that aU others as well as
those at Jerusalem should receive the
gift of the Holy Spirit, if they would
repent and be baptized in the name of
the Lord Jesus, for the remission of
sins, as v.'e have before shown what
the gift of the Holy Spirit was, Avhich
Avas promised, for the gift of the Holy
Spirit, which the Savior promised to
give to his saints was not a vain ima-
gination, but an eternal reality; a
something of consequence toman; a
something by which he should be great-
ly profited, and without which he could
not be saved. }3ut leaving Samaria,
we will follow the apostles m the
journeyings as they went to the utmost
parts of the earth.
The next place noticed by Lvd-:c \n
his history of the apostles, is Peter
v^'ent to the house of Cornelius, a Ro-
man centurian of the band called the
Italian band. The account of the
whole transaction will be found in the
10 chapter of the Acts of the apostles.
Let the reader turn and read it, for his
satisfaction so that he may have the
subject clearly before him.
After Peter went there he preached
Jesus unto them, the Holy Spirit sat
on them as it did on the Jews at the
beginning, and the same clfect follow-
ed; for the Jev/s that wcv.t with Peter
wcrC astonished, because that on the
Gentiles was poured out the gift of the
Holy Spirit; for they heard tlicm speak
with other tongues and magnify God.
So that in this instance the promise was
also fulfilled and they of the house of
Cornelius received the Holy Spirit ac-
cording to promise. But we v/ill now
go and hear another messenger pro-
claim the gospel, who was called at a
difierent time from that of Peter, but
v.ho had rccei^'cd a dispensation of the
gospel us well as the other apostles-
who v.'cre called before him. we mean
Paul: an account of his travels I/uke
gives us in the Acts of the apostles;
for part of the time Luke travelled
with him as appears from his account.
In the 19 chapter of the Acts of the
apostles we have an account of Paul's
visiting Ephesus, and finding certain
disciples there who knew nothing but
the baptism of John but when Paul
taught them they v/ere baptized, and
then he laid his hands on them and
they received the Holy Spirit and
spake with tongues and ])roi)hesied.
MILLENIUM. No. XIII.
Continued from i>age t'8.
The sacred writers abound in des-
rriptions of Christ's reign on the earth,
for a thousand -years — scarcely one of
the ancient prophets but cither directly
or indirectly notices it, and out of the
many allusions to it, in the Scriptures,
I shall quote a few, in addition to those
already quoted. In the ])rophecy of
Isaiah, 4th chap. *2, 3, 4, 5, 6, the pro-
phet thus describes that day, (the day
of Christ's reis;n: for one dav is with
the Lord as a thousand years, and a
thousand years as one day.) "In that
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
71
day shall tho bvnnch of the Lord be
-beautiful and glorious, and the iVuit of
the earth shall be oxcellont and comely,
for them that are escaped of Israel. —
And it shall come to pass, ihat he that
is left in Zion, and he that remaincth
in Jerusalem, shall be called holy, even
even every one that is written among
tthe living in Jerusalem: when the liord
shall have washed away the filth of tlie
daughters of Zion, and shall have pur-
iicd the blood of Jerusalem from the
inidst thereof, by the spirit of judgment,
and by the spirit of burning. And the
Lord will create upon every dwelling
place of luount Zion, and upon her as-
semblies, a cloud and smoke by day,
nnd th3 shining of a flaming fire by
night: lo! upon all the glory shall be
n defence- And there shall be a tab-
ernacle for a shadow in the day time
from the heat, and for a place of re-
fuge, and lor a covert from storm and
rain." Ail this is necessary to observe
here, as this quotation is, that what
the prophet here de;:;eribes is to take
place when the tabernacle of God is
with men; and vvc have already seen
that the tabernacle of God is to be with
men when Christ reigns on earth a
thousand years, or one day Avith the
Lord.
Ezekiel, in the 24th chapter of his
prophecy, gives the folIov»^ing account
of this da)', or thousand years: 22, 23,
24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, and 3L
^•Therefore I will save my flock, and
t.hey shall no more be a prey, and I
will judge betvv'eea cattle and caltle. And
I will sot up one shepherd over them,
and he shall feed them, even my sor-
* vant David, he shall feed them; and he
shall be their shepherd. And I the
Lord v/iil be their God, ,i)iid my ser-
vant David a prince among them; I the
Lord have spoken it. And I will make
with them a covenant of peace, and
will cause the evil beast to cease out of
the^ land: and tiioy shall dwell safely in
the wilderness, and sleep in the woods.
And I will make them and the places
round about my hill a blessing; and I
will cause the shower to come down in
his season; there shall be showers of
blessings. And the tree of the field
shall yield her fruit, and the earth shall
yield her increase, and they shall be
safe in their land, and shall know that
I am the Lord, when I have broken
the bonds of their yoke, and deliver-
ed them out of the hands of those that
served themselves of them. And they
shall no more be a prey to tlio heath-
en, neither shall the beast of the land
devour them: but they shall dwell safe-
ly, and none shall make them afraid.
And I will raise up for them a plant of
renown, and they shall be no more
consumed with hunger in the land, nei-
ther bear the shame of the heathen any
more. Thus shall they know that I,
the Lord their God am with thein, and
that they, even the house of Israel, are
my people, saith the Lord God. And
ye my flock, the flock of m.y pasture,
arc men, and I am your God, saith the
Lord God. And in the ?~th ch.apter
of this same prophecy, 21, 22, 23, 24,
25, 26, 27 and 28 verses, the prophet
thus describes the glory of Christ's
reign on the earth. "And say unto
them, thus saith the Lord God; behold,
I Vr'ill take the children of Israel from
among the heathen, whither they be
gone, and I will gather them on every
side, and bring them into their own
land: and I will make one nation in tho
land upon the mountains of Israel, and
one king shall be king' to them all: and
tlioy shall be no more two nations, nei-
ther shall they be divided into two king-
doms any more at all: neither shall
they defile themselves any more with
their idols, nor v/ith other detestable
things, nor with any of their trans-
gressions: but 1 will save them out of
all their dv/elling places, wlicrein they
have sinned, and will cleanse them. So
shall they be my people, and I v/ill be
their God. And David my servant
shall be king over them; aud they shall
have one shepherd: they shall also
walk in my judgments, and observe
my statutes, and do them. And they
shall dwell in the land that I have ffiven
o
unto Jacob my servant, v/herein your
fathers dwelt, and they shall dwell
therein, even they, and' their children,
and their children's children forever. —
Moreover I will make a covenant of
peace with them; it shall be an everlas-
ting covenant with them; and I will
place them, and multiply them, and
v/ill set my sanctuary in the midst of
them for evermore. My tabernacle
also shall be with them: yea, I will be
their God, and they shall be myj^people.
And the heathen shall know that I the
Lord do sanctify Israel, when my sanc-
tuary shall be in the midst of them for
ever more." These quotations need
'no comment. They speak for them
86
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
selves. Every reader with the least
degree of intelligence, knows that what
is here said has yet to take place, and
he also knows, that it will take place
when the Lord restores the kingdom to
Israel, tind not tiH then, and that will
take place when he comes to reign on
the earth.
The prophet Hosea gives us a simi-
lar account in his prophecy, 14th chap.
5, 6, 7, 8 and 9th verses.' "I will be
as the dew unto Israel: he shall grow
as the lily, and cast forth his rocits as
Lebanon. His branches shall spread,
and his beauty shall be as the olive-tree,
and his smell as Lebanon. They that
dwell under his shadow shall return;
they shall revive as the corn, and giow
as the vine: the scent thereof shall be
as the wine of Lebanon. Ephra.im
shall say. What have I to do any more
^ith idols'? I have heard him, and ob-
served him: I am like a green fir tree.
From me is thy fruit found. Who is
wise, and he ehall understand these
' things? prudent, and he shall know
them? for the ways of the Lord are
right, and the just shall walk in them:
but the transgressors shall fall therein."
The prophet Joel says of the coming
of the Lord, and of his reign on the
earth, 3d chapter, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20
and 21st verses, "The Lord shall roar
out of Zion, and utter his voice from
Jerusalem; and the heavens and the
earth shall shake: but the Lord will be
the hope of his people, and the strength
of the children of Israel. So shall ye
know that I am the Lord your God
dwelling in Zion my holy mountain: —
then shall Jerusalem be holy, and there
shall be no strangers pass through her
any more. And it shall come to pass in
that day, that the mountains shall drop
down new wine, and the hills shall flow
with milk, & all the rivers of Judah shall
flow v{it.\\ waters, and a fountain shall
copie forth of the house of the Lord,
end shall water the valley of Shittim.
Egypt shall be a desolation; and Edom
shall be a desolate wilderness, for the
violence against the children of Judah,
because they have shed innocent blood
in their land. But Judah shall dwell
forever, and Jerusalem from generation
to generation. For I will cleanse their
blood that I have not cleansed: for the
|-«ord dwelleth in Zipn.*'
The prophet Amos says in the 9th
chapter of his prqphecy, 11, 12, 13,
^4 and 15th versesj; "In that day >vill
I raise up the tabernacle of Dayid that
is fallen, and close up the breaches
thereof; and I will raise \ip \\is ruins,
and I willbuild it as in the d^iysof old:
That they may possess the remnant of
Edom, and of all the heathen which arc
called by my name, saith the Lord that
doeth this. Behold, the days come,
sahh the Lord, that the ploughman shall
overtaj^e the reaper, and the treader of
grapes him that soweth seed; and tlio
mountains shall drop sweet wine, and
the hills shall melt. And I will bring
again the captivity of my people Israel
and they shall build the waste cities,
and inhabit them; and they shall plant
vineyards, and drink the wine thereof;
they shall also make gardens, and eat
the fruit of them. And I 'will plant
them upon their land, and they shall no
more be pulled up out of their land
which I have given them, saith the
Lord thy God."
The above quotations, with a great
many others which might be brought,
set forth that order of society which
will exist when the Savior reigns, that
dai/, or the thousand years. We ha\o
a most splendid description of it given
in the Psalms, beginning with the ona
hundred and tbrty fourth, to the end of
the book; but we deem it unnecessary
to quote any more, as the candid read-
er will be enabled, when the subject is,
laid before him so plain as is done i^
the above quotations, to see and under-
stand for himself, so as to deliver his
mind from darkness on this point,
when reading the prophecies. Who,
cannot easily discover, that the order,
of things set forth in the above quota-
tions, tVom the prophets, has never yet
been on the earth, neither indeed can
be, until the^Lord comes? For it is at that
time that Jerusalem is to be built and
never to be thrown down, and it is at
that time that the earth is to bring tbrth
in her strength, and when the moun-
tains arc to drop down new wine, and
all nature to rejoice before the Lord;
for he comes to judge the earth in right-
eousness. It is also at that time, that
the ploughman shall overtake the reap-
er, and the treader of grapes him that
soweth seed. And it is at ihat time,
that the tabernacle of David shall he
built, and Israel become the praise and
glory of the whole earth.
In a former part of this treatise, I
noticed the change which was to be.
wrought upon the heast at that day, or
ML:SSE-\0ER AxND AUVOCAfK.
$7
thousand years; but not only the beast
but the \'^getablc kingdom is also to be
greatly changed — the trees Eind the
vines — the one is to bring forth iheir
fruit in al)undance, the other to lop.d it-
self to such a degree that the mountains
will literally drop down new wine. So
that a great change is to be wrought on
nil the lower creation — the very earth
jis to become more fruitful than ever it
lias been since it was cursed; and the
Spirit of God is to be poured out on all
flesh, and his power to be exalted in
changing all things, so as to make them
conduce to tht; happuiess of men in the
highest degree their nature is capable
of. This is the Millenium, and this
only. If the power of God is net ex-
erted onl)otIi man and beast, as well as
on ail other parts of the lower creation,
the idea of Milleniuu) is worse than
foll3\ All the above quotatioiis, taken
from the prophets, must be fulfdled,
with a multitude of others V/hich might
be quoted, all to the same effijct. The
fulfdlment of these prophecies v.'ill
make a Millenium, and nothinEc else
will; for these arc the things which God
!ias promised to do for the world, and
which he has said will take nlace. —
'Whatever power therefore is necessary
to change the nature of the lion, the
ieopard, the bear, the ass, the cocka-
trice, together with all other animals,
■which hurt and destroy, is necessary
to be exerted to bring about the Mille-
nium, and nothing else will do it. And
not only the power necessary to effect
jthis, but also to change the earth so as
to r.iake it more fruitful, and the sea-
sons so that the ploughman can over-
take the reaper, and the treader of
grapes him that soweth seed; for our
present seasons will not admit such .a
thing — so that a great change must be
wrought on all things, miracle or no
miracle. If all this can be done with-
out miracle, so be it, and if not, the
days of miracles are not past, or else
the idea of the Millenium is worse than
follv.
GOSPEL. No. Vr.
(continued from page 74.)
Inasmuch then, as the gospel was
preached to Abraham, would it betho'L
hazarding much to say that baptisin
was -pjeached to him for the remission
of sins, or could the gospel be prea-
ehed ^Q Abraham and this not be prea-
ched? Perhaps some might say, that
it was told to Abraham that in his seed
all the families of the earth should be
blessed, 6c that was all, could it be said
that the gospel was preached to Abra-
ham. And yet it was not preached to
him, or was Abraham left to guess the
rest and find out what was meant by
being in his seed. But let us go back
and look a little at this subject. Paul
as before quoted, has told us that it was
a fixed principle in the economy of God
and that before the foundation of the
world, that men were to be saved by
being in Christ. And ho also tells us
that Christ was Abraham's seed. Ib
this testimony correct? If it is, ever
since man was in existen?;e there has
been but one way of being saved; for
God, according to the apostle's slats-
nient, liad fixed it by an irrevocable
decree and that before the world was,
that men should be saved in this way
and none other. The question now
arises, was this scheme of things kept
hid from the early ages of the world,
so that they did not understand it, and
were saved by it? If so, there never
was any need of understanding it from
that day to this; for if they could bs
saved by it without understanding it,
so could we and so could all others,
and Paul's assertions to the Ephcsians
be worse than vain. "That by grace
are ye saved through faith," and for
Avhen there v/as no understanding thero
could be no faith. And there is noth-
ing more certain, than this, that if the
ancients were not made acquainted with
the scheme of life, they must have
been saved without it, or else they were
destroyed for want of knowing it. The
latter cannot be admitted, and it is very
hard to admit- the former, that is, that
anv people were ever saved without
understanding how it was done, that
tiiey were saved, or that any persons
could be washed from all sin by the
Lamb, ahd yet know nothing of Jesus,
the Lamb of God, and be taken into
heaven by a scheme of things of which
they had no knowledge? We are told
that without faith it is impossible to
please God, and where could faith bo
in all this matter; or had the ancients
the happy faculty of believing on him
of whom they had not heard, and of
hearing, without a preacher? Mark,
reader, that Paul has fixed this matter
forever; that it is in Christ Jesus that
men were to be saved, since the foun-
85
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
dalion of t'ne world, and in rio other
way; so that the ancients va\^t either
have known that they were in Christ,
(we mean those among th-ni vr.ho were
saved,) or else they did not: it' ihey
did not they were saved in ignorance;
and the old ma.xirn v.ith them holds
good, that ignorance is the mother of
devotion. But on this point there can
be no ditTcrence of opinion among the
candid; for to admit that any portion
of the human family, were saved, at
any tim.e, or in any period of the v.orld,
without knowing hov/ they were saved
or by what means they were made
partakers of the grace of life, is to
suppose an improbability: that is, it is
to suppose that they were saved, and
were not saved nt the same time; for
the revelation of the plan of ralvation
was essential to the salvation of any of
the human family, ft mattered not
how good the Echcmc of it was, which
was devised in eternity, nor iiou- well
suited to the eituaticn of man; nor how
well calculated to save men; nor yet,
how competent it was to save, still it
Vvould never b.avo saved one individu-
al since the world began, unless it
had been revealed to him. Lot it have
remained secreted in the bosom of eter-
nity, without its being made known to
man, and the world would have been
nothing the better of it; but would all
have gone to destruction together.
Another thing which would appear
very strange, is that there should be an
Abel, an Enoch, and others, who had
great power with God, who got many
revelations from God, and had great
faith, so as to obtain testimony that
they were accepted of him, and that
they pleased him; and yet with all that
they knew, they did not know, nor un-
derstand the scheme of things, by
which they had this power with God,
and through which they obtained it. —
Enoch prophesied of the coming of
the Lord with ten thousand of his saints
. to judge the world; Jude 14th verse; —
which judgment came by reason of tiie
atonement of the anointed Savior, and
' it would be very strange indeed if
Ejioch should not have known any thing
oi tho sacrifice of the Savior, and yet
, knew of his coming to judge the v.orld,
because they reje'cted tho salvation
which was offered to them by leason
of that atonement, and not only knew
of the sacrifice of the Savior; but of the
way, by which the world iofMimankind
was made partakers of tho benchi.s of
that atonement; that is by being put in-
to Christ Jesus, and that work of put-
ting in by baptism, in v.atler, accor-
ding to wliat Paul has said, "That as
many of you as have been baptised info
Christ, have put on Christ;" and I may
add, that none others, but those who
were baptised into Christ did put bin)
on, or could put him on; for there wa.s
no other v/ay of putting on Christ.
Vv'ho can doubt but that man who
had faith sufiicient to get revelations-,
and to obtain knowledge of the great
day of judgment, when the Lord should
cotne with ten thousand of his saints.,
who walked v.'ith him three hundred
years, and had faith sufficient to be
translated, who can doubt 1 say? but
this man was acquainted with tho
whole scheme of life and salvation, or
the gospel. No person can doubt it,
but one who is incapable of judging any
matters.
But the Scriptures arc pointed on
this subject, and so clear that a cavaler
has no room left, only to show his un-
fairness and want of candor. Paul says
to Timothy, in his second epistle, 1:9,
10, "Who hath saved us, and called
us with a holy calling, not according
to our works, but according to his own
purpose and grace, which was given us
in Christ Jesus before the world began;
but is now made manifest by the olTer-
ing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who
hath abolished death, and hatii brought
life and immortality to light, through
the gospel." If this statement be cor-
rect, life and immortality came to light
by the gospel, the same as to say,,
that unless the gospel had come, life and
immortality v/ould not have eornc to
light. Let us ask, when did life and
immortality come to light? Before an-
swering this question, let me ask, what
is meant by life and immortality? I
answer, the knov.dedgc of a futuro ex-
istence, or an existence after the pre-
sent state, in a state of superior glory;
and this is the knowledge which came
to light by the gospel. When did it
come to light? Enoch had knowledge
of lile and immortality, or else he
would not have had faith to have been
translated; for could he have faith a-
bout a thing of which he never heard?
And Paul says that this knowledge
came to light by the gospel. If so,
Enoch had knowledge of tho gospel,
and if he had knowledge of the gospel,
o.'
ilESS'RNGKH AND ADVOCATE.
80
•hs knew that men must be in Christ
Jcsr.s, or else the}' could not be blessed,
and ho mu;t have known that men
were put in Christ by baptism, or else
there was another gospel, for this was
the one which Paul preached, and
which he said was beiore the founda-
tion of the world, and by which v.-e had
grace in Christ, before the world was,
and it was through this gospel that life
and immortality came to light, and
Enoch must have been put into Christ,
according to the law of this gospel, or
else he would not have walked with God
three hundred years; for no man can
walk 'Crith God unless he has obeyed
the gospel; and Enoch must htive been
baptised for the remission of sins, and
have received the gift of the Holy Spir-
it, by the laying on of the hands of some
one v/ho had authority from God so to
do, or else he would not have known
of life and immortality.
This matter will appear exceedingly
plain, if we attend a little to the prom-
ises made to those who believe and o-
bey the gospel. They were to those
v/ho were baptised for tho remission of
jsins, that they should receive the gift
of the Holy Spirit, and through this
gift they should sec visions, dream
dreams and prophesy, see Acts of the
Apostles, 2d chap. Let us look at
Enoch then, and see what great knowl-
edge he had of things of God, and ask
him, how did you come to have this
knowledge? The answer: By seeing
visions. And how did you obtain pow-
er vvilh God to see visions'? The an-
swer would be, I obeyed the gospel,
received the Holy Spirit, and thereby
saw visions, and through this means I
obtained all my knowledge.
Cincinnati, 0. Feb. 16, 1835.
JBUOTIISE. O. COWDERY.
I have had the
opportunity of perusing, from time to
time, your interesting paper, as I have
been travelling from church to church,
from country to country, and from
State to State, holding forth the words
of etorncd life — the glorious light of
heaven among a people who sit in
darkness and in the dominion of death,
and it is with great satisfaction that I
jead of the success of my brethren in
the ministry, in spreading light and
truth, notwithstanding the opposition
%vhich they have to encounter: for not-
withstanding the earth has been veiled
with a thick veil of darkness for cen-
turies and error has spread muck divi-
ded "and operated unspent,-' till na-
tions and kingdoms have been inunda-
ted by its overwhelming influence, yet
the days have come v/hcn a light has
broken forth in darkness; truth again
is beginning to shine, and they who
are honest in heart will behold its
heavenly light and rejoice; yea, many
have beheld it, and not only beheld,
but embraced, and are greatly rejoicing
that God is unchangeable, that his
Spirit is the same to day as yesterday
and forever, and that the voice of in-
spiration is again heard in the land as
in olden times. Who could have sup-
posed five years ago that truth would
have spread so rapid? for whether wo
look to the east, or to the west, to tho
north or to the south, we perceive its
mighty progress, upheld by the hand
of Omnipotence — it moves in majesty
and power, and continues its steady
course, pulling down the strong holds
of Babylon, and leaving her mighty
towei's, exposing the creeds, systems
and inventions of men, exhibiting the
extreme ignorance, follies and errors
of all sects, which causes their priests
to rage and their nn'ghty ones to trem-
ble.
I left Clay co. Mo. the last of Aug.
Since that time I have preached to ma
ny congregations, mostly in villages;
however I have baptized but few — I
v/as unable to travel and preach for
several weeks last fall in consequence
of sickness.
I baptized three at Sugar Creek la*
— the church in that place numbers
nineteen. Two in the village of Ter-
rehaut la. and seven in Campbell co.
Kentucky, eight miles from Cincinnati;
the church in that place now numbers
eighteen.
Give my respects to all enquiring
brethren and especially to my aged pa-
rents, if they are living in that place.
I remain your brother
in the gospel.
O. PRATT '
P. S. March 4tb.
Since writing the above we
have preached three times in Cincinnati,
tliree times in Fulton, and three times in the
village of Commingsville, 6 miles from the
city. We have had large congregations and
many are astonished at the doctrine — some
believe, many disbelieve, and others obey. —
We have this day baptized two who reside
in Cincinnati.
m
MRi^irilSCVAi AND ADVOCATE.
There are now '22 or 21^ meinbers of this
church in Fulton and Cincinnati. We ex-
pect to leave tliis place soon for the village of
Batavia about 20 miles distant.
Brother Barns and myself preached twice
in the court house at Brookville, Indiana —
v;e were kindly received by the people of that
village, and were solicited to tarry longer,
but we could not conveniently: it was the
first time the people in that place had heard
concerninir the principles of our faith, and ii
was somewhat marvellau* to them, perhaps
rendered more so in consequence of a short
debate which lasted about three or four hours,
principally upon the second coming of Christ.
The debate of which I spenl; was between
myself and a preacher of the Universalist or-
der, (Mr. St, Johns,) the people were very
Well satisfied and were desirous to know
more concerning the doctrine. We obtained
one subscriber for the Advocate and lell the
Appeal of our brethren with the Editors of
Brookville Inquirer, who said they would
print it — since we have been in Cincinnati
we have received the above named paper and
also a short letter from its Editors, request-
ing me to return and givs them another
hearing, but as it will be out of my power or
at least very inconvenient for'ine to visit that
place for some length of time, il' ever, I will
insert their letter in this and you may pub-
lisii it in the Advocate if you please that if
it should happen that any of the elders of
this church were passing through that vil-
lage, they might call and preach — and no
doulvt they would be kindly received.
" Brookville Feb. 1,1835.
Mr. Orson Pratt —
Sir: there is a general wish
through this country, that you would call
and give us another hearing when opportuni-
ty will permit — send us a letter and we will
give public notice when you will attend; and
we have no hesitation in saying, that you
will be heard by the largest congregation ev-
#r assembled in this county. Your expenses
during your stay, v/ill be defrayed."
Yours respectfully.
(Signed)
f'Edit'^. of Brook villeInqcirer."
'.'Kirtland, March Bth, 1835.
Bro. O. Cowdert:
A council being called this evening to take
into consideration the many pressing requests
from the eastern churches, for conferences to
be held among them during the present year:
it was unanimously resolved tlsat conferences
should be held in the following places to be
attended by the travelling Elders from Kirt-
land, viz: In Westfield, Chautauque Co. N.
Y. May 9th, 1835. In Freedom, Cateraugus
Co. N. Y. May 22d; In Lyonstown, Wayne
Co. N. Y. June 5th; At Pillow Point, Jef-
ferson Co. N. Y. June 19th; In West Lobo-
rough, near Kingston, Upper Canada, June
29th; In Johnsbury, Vt. July 17th; In Brad-
ford, Mass. August 7th; In Dover, N. H.
Sept. 4th; In Saco, Maine, Sept. 18th; and
in Farmington, Maine, Oct. 2d, 1835, &c.
&c.
The brethren in various churches and
places mentioned above, may expect public
preaching on the two days following each
eonference, and they are requested to see
that the appointijienls are made at the most
convenient houaes. This we leave for them
to do for their own convenience. All the
Elders within reasonable bounds of these con-
ferences are requested to attend' tjiem, and it
will be tlieir duty so to do.
ORSON HYDE, ) „, ,
W. E. M'LELEIN, ^ ^^""'•
Messeisger end AdvocaCe.
KlRTLJFfD, OHIO, MARCH, 1?35.
UT/" Conferences. The elders wil» notic?
appointments for several conferences, to 1^
holden by the brethren from Kirtland. Fre-
quent and pressing" calls have induced the el-
ders here to send these notices, and all otlura
heretofore appointed, except one at Freedom,
N. Y. the first next month., w,ill be recalled.
[Editor. '\
lET We are requested to inform Elder*
Thomas B. Marsh and Orson Pratt, that they
are desired to attend a meeting of the elders
in this place on the 26tii of April next. Wo
hope that circumstances may render it con-
venient for them \q attend, as their presence
is ver}' desirable. [Editor. '\
"DELUSION,"
Said Mr. A. Campbell, in 1881, soon
after the church of the Saints began to
be established in this place; but unfor-
tunately for his purpose, if a purposo
he had, his cry was unheard, thecauso
still progressed, and continues to pro-
gress. As this gentlemen makes high
professions as a Reformer, and is
some tenacious that his sentiments
are to pervade the earth before the fi-
nal end of darkness, we think, or at
least hope, our readers will pardon o«r
digress from ordinary matters, to give
this modern apostle a passing notice.
In his [not] far-famed pamphlet, of
Feb. 10, 1831, this grave Reformev,.
while examining the book of Mormon^
says:
"INTERNAL EVIDENCES.
It admits the Old and New Testaments to
contain the revelations, institutions, and
commandments of God to Patriarchs, Jews
and Gentiles, down to the year 1830 — and
always, as such, speaks of them and quotes
them. This admission at once blasts its pre-
tensions to credibility. For no man with hiu
eyes open can admit both books to have come
from God. Admitting the Bible ppw receiv-
ed to have come from God, it is impossible
that the Book of Mormon came from the
same Author. For the following reasons: —
1. Smith, its i:eal author, as ignorant and
impudent a knave as ever wrote a book, be-
trays the cloven, foot in basing his whole book
upon a false fa(;^t, or a pretendexj fact, which
MESSENGER ANO ADVOt'ATi:^
91
makes God a liar. It is this— Willi the Jews [^^cd whiclj wtis conferred upon him bv
<Tod made a covL^nant at Mount SjiKii, and ,1 , 1 ■•^ -vi ♦ *u \i r 'i-
instituted a priesthood, and a high pVir.t- tie hand oi Moses, at the dfrection ot
hood. The prif sthood he gave to the tribe (he Lord.
of Levi, and the high priesthood to Aaron i How did it hairpen that Moses had
and hi.s sons for an i3verlast;ng priesthood.— authoritv to consecrate Aaron a prie.st?
He separated Levi^ and covenanted to give - '■
him this office irrevocably while ever the
temple stood, or till the Messiah came."
Mr. Campbell attem[>t.s by a single
stroke, to overthrow the validity of the
hook of Mormon, by bringing forward
the in.stitution of the priesthood, con-
ferred upon Aaron and his .sons, but
>ve are willing to go the whole length
in this matter of priesthood, and say
that it was conferred upoii Aaron and
his seed throughout their generations.
Ex. 40:15. And thou shalt anoint them,
as thou didst anoint tlieir father, that
they minister unto n:c in the priest's
pffice: for their anointing shall surely
be an everlasting priesthood through-
out their generations. We quote this
passage because Mr. C. saj^s, that it
was only "while ever the temple stood,
pr till the Messiah came." Israel's
Ood takes a longer .strqtch than this
Rev. gentleman. He says "through-
put their generations.'* If the literal
descendants of Aaron are no more,
then this priesthood is lost from Israel,
unless God bestov/s it upon another fa-
pfiily; but if not, not.
But Mr. C. says "while ever the tem-
ple stood, or till the Messiah came."' —
By-the-by the temple was not reared
when this covenant was made, neither
does the Lord mention it, nor the Mes-
siah at the time: it is only one of this
Reformer's new fashioned spiritualiz-
ing systems — we have not vet les^rned
it.
This is not all: He says that tho
pcripture teaches, that a person of ano-
ther family who should come near,
\vhen this holy ordinance [sacrifice]
was being performed, should be put to
death. We know that, "the stranger,
who Cometh nigh, shall be put to death,"
and that the heathens v/ere called stran-
gers, but not the children of Israel.
Again: Lehi and his sons, who were
descendants of Joseph, offered sacri-
fice, and this is enough to "blast the
pretensions of the book of Mormon, to
credibility."
Now, as it is, and very correctly too,
Lehi and his sons were blessed with
the high priesthood — the Melchesedek
priesthood. They never made any
pretence that they were descendants of
Aciron, or ever received that priest-
Where did he get his authority to ar-
range the tabernacle, ark, &c.? Who
laid hands upon him? Had he authori-
ty to "come near" when the Lord was
entreated by sacrifice? He was Aaron's
brother, to be sure, but Aaron was the
high priest.
Should -Mr. C. finally learn, that
Moses received the holy priesthood, af-
ter the order of Melchesedek, under
the hand of Jethro, his father-in-law,
that clothed with this authority ho set
Israel in order, and by commandment
ordained Aaron to a priesthood less
than that, and that Lehi was a priest
after this same order, perhaps he will
not raise so flimsey an assertion, as he
does when he says the validity of tho
book of Mormon is destroyed because
Lehi offered sacrifice; and perhaps, al-
so, he may not be quite so lavish with
his familiar titles as he was when ho
called brother Smith "as impudent a
knave as ever wrote a book!!"
This is a mere specimen: "This ig-
norant and impudent har, [bro. Smith]
in the next place, makes the God of
Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, violate his
covenants with Israel and Judah con-
cerning the land of Canaan, by pro-
mising a new land to a pious Jew."
We know that God promised to give
the land of Canaan to Abraham and
his seed, but we have yet to learn
where he said that he would not give
them any more. Mr. C. will find, in
the 49th of Genesis, where Jacob de-
clj^red that his blessings had prevailed
above those of his pi-ogenitors unto the
utmost bounds of the everlasting hillSy
and that he confers them upon the
head of his son Joseph, of whom Lehi
was a descendant.
If the reader will also look into the
33d chap, of Deut. he will find that
Moses promises Joseph a land; for he
says, "Blessed of the Lord be his land,
for the precious things of heaven, for
the dew, and the deep that couches be-
neath, and for the precious fruits bro't
forth by the sun, »nd for the precious
things put iorth by the moon, and for
the chief things of the ancient moun-
tains, and for the precious things of
the lasting hills."
Why all this parade about the blcsa-
93
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE
ing of Joseph, if ho were only to in-
herit an equa.1 proportion of the land of
Canaan? Surely the Messiah was nev-
er promised through his lineage, or de-
scendants: then why say so much a-
bout Joseph? But we quote another
verse from the same chap, which makes
the subject sufficiently plain only to a
man who has been crying Millenium!
Mellenium!! some four or five years,
without ever giving his hearers one so-
litary scroll to point them to the word
of God for a preparatory guide to be
prepared for that august period!
'•Hi-; [Joseph's] glory is like, the
firstling of his bullock, and his horns
are like the horns of unicorns: with
them he shall push the people together
to the ends of the earth: and they are
the ten thousands of Ephraim, and they
are the thousands of Manasseh."
Now, if some friend of ours, or even
the editor of the Millenial Harbinger,
will be so kind as to solve one mystery
on the subject of Joseph's blessing, he
will do us a favor. Place Joseph in
the land of Canaan and never suffer his
descendants to go out, and then sethim
to push the people together to ^roni]
the ends of the earth, and if you do not
see a new thing under the sun, it will
be because the Millenial Harbinger has
gathered Israel from the four winds,
and left them all standing where they
now are!
If the Lord promised, (which he
did,) the land of Canaan to Abraham,
and Jacob's blessing had prevailed
above that, to the utmost bounds of the
everlasting hills, where could he find
it? Not in the landof Canaan, merely,
though Mr. C. has the daring etfronte-
ry to say that if God should take any
of the seed of Jacob to any other part
of the earth, he would violate his cove-
nant which he had previously made! —
How does he know it?
With his boasted knowledge he will
not be disturbed if we give our readers
another specimen:
"The pious Jews in the captivity
turned their faces to Jerusalem and the
holy place, and remembered God's
promises concerning the place where
he recorded his name. They hung
their harps upon the willow trees, and
could not sing the songs of Zion in a
foreign land; but the Nephites have not
a single wish for Jerusalem, for they
can, in their wig warn temple, in the
wilderness of America, enjoy more of
God's presence than the most righteous
Jew could enjoy in that house of which
David had rather be a door-keeper
than to dwell in the tabernacles of men.
And all this too, when God's only
house of prayer, accordinsrto his cove-
nant with Israel, stooa m Jerusalem. .
Here arc further secrets unloldcd. —
We remember to have read, in the.
137th Ps. either a history of v.hat had
taken place, or a prophecy concerning
something to come, and v.-hich, in the
days of David was yet to transpire;- —
but the lamentation was uJteredby those
who were in distress and mocked by
the heathen. The reader will also re-
member that Solomon, the son of Da-
vid, built the Temple, and how, we ask,
could David be a door-keeper in the
same, when it was not reared until his
earthly tabernacle was crumbling to
dust? But it does very well for Mi*. C.
— he can get him up there with songs
of thankogiving, waiting before God,
and keeping the doors of his sacred
Temple, and not a stone of it yet laid!!
We remember also to have read a
sublime sentence uttered by the mouth
of a prophet, in the name of the Lord<,
something like this: "Thus saith the
Lord, the heaven is my throne, and the
earth is my footstool: Where is the
house that ye build unto me? And
where is the place of my rest? For all
those things that my hand has made."
Solomon, who built the Temple, of
which Mr. C. says David desired to be
a door-keeper, after he was gathered
to his fathers, says: "But will God in-
deed dwell on the earth? Behold, tho
heaven, and heavens of heavens can-
not contain thee."
Now, if God's presence and glory
fill the heavens, is he not sufficient to
fill more than one small house like that
built at Jerusalem? and has not a man,
endowed with the holy priesthood, af-
ter the order of Melchisedek, authori-
ty to build a house to the honor of his
name, and especially, when the wor-
ship of that at Jerusalem was corrup-
ted, or it thrown down? We have yet
to be informed ivhcn the Lord said that
he would 7iot fill another house with
his glory, as he did that at Jerusalem,
or when he ever said that the descend-
ants of Joseph should be cursed, if they
should build another like that, when en-
joying the promised blessing, made to
them by the mouth of God, through
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
d3
Moscs, llmt they should possess the
ends of the earth.
Our readers will understand tliat
Ihnsc extracts are taken from Mr. C.'s
Nvritings of 1831, and if oceasion re-
quires, we shall give them a specimen
of his writings since, in a future num-
■ber, and then close with this gentle-
man forever. — l^Edilor.^
We have just been favored with the
•perusal of a letter from Elder S. Car-
ter, to his brother, J. Carter, of this
place, which gives the pleasing intelli-
gence of the spread of truth in the
western part of Illinois. ^Ve have
previously received letters from the
same neighborhood from elders G. M.
Ilinkle and H. Green, from which ex-
tracts have hei'etofore been given; but
it appears that our brethren are con-
stantly administei'ing the word of life
to the people, many of whom are dis-
posed to hear. The letter says, that
there are now one hundred or more
M'ho have recently been baptised.
So spreads the mighty work! That
atone which was taken from the moun-
tain without hands, in the last davs,
loill roll on till the knowledge and glo-
ry of our God fill the earth; for the
same power which could take it from
the mountain without hands, can speed
it onward, though the powers of dark-
ness attempt to oppose it!
Elder Carter wu'ites tliat he has met
with some persecution, and that v.'e
liave reason to expect. He says that not
long before, a gang of about 20 men,
armed, came to escort him before a
court; but after a hearing he was dis-
charged, though not without being
threatened by the rabble that if he did
not leave the country immediately, he
Avould be dealt with in a different man-
ner. He however appointed meetings,
and continued to proclaim the gospel
of our Lord, and hold up the t-uth to
a dying people with as much zeal as
before. This was honorable, it was
commendaUe. The more wicked a
people, the more need they have of the
gospel; for even our Lord came to call
such to repentance.
Elder C. is a man with whom we hove
formed an intimate acquaintance, and
know that he is a peaceable, circum-
spect, devout man of God; and that
wherever he may travel and proclaim
the gospel, he will do it without infring-
ing upon the lawful privileges of any,
and that such men are sure to rouse the
indignation of Satan, and his emissa-
ries who labor for hire and make
merchandise of souls!
AVe have not received our usual
number of letters from the elders and
churches, and shall not in consequence,
be able to give our usual lengthy sum-
mary. Since the late conference in
Freedom, N. Y. we are informed, that
1 1 more have been baptised in Allega-
ny Co. The work in that region seems
to be prosperous, and we may say, as
we have frequently had occasion to
say, we are reminded of Paul's vision,
when he saw a man who said, "Com©
over into Macedonia and help us!" — >
We seldom hear from any part of our
own country, without the same cry be-
ing reiterated m our ears; and we of-
ten ask, when will the time arrive, or
will it ever, that the number of labor-
ers shall be equal to the harvest?
The people in Freedom and vicinity,
have long desired some of the faithful
ciders to visit them, whether they v/iil
be accommodated or not, we cannot
say, but we bope that the approaching
conference will be beneficial to the
good cause. It is true they have suf-
fered some persecutions; but God's
grace must not be wanting, for they are
now a strong hand, and more are be-
ing added to them and the churches in
their vicinity, daily.
Since writing the foregoing, we have
received another letter from our broth-
er at Freedom, in which he speaks as
follows;
bi
MESSKNGKK AND ADVOCATls:,
*'We are looking forward to the time
appointed for our conference, when we
hope to see some elders from your
place. I can truly say, I think the
cause rather gaining friends in this re-
gion, but we hope and trust that it may
then have a new impulse. Yesterdttv
brother A. J. Squires baptized cleveji
in the town of Rushford, in the county
of Allegany, the place''of meeting is
about 10 or 11 miles from here."
If wo mistake not, it is something
more than a year since the first were
baptized in that place, and when Me
reflect on what God has truly done for
that people, our heart is mimb to re-
joice.
We know that the prejudice is so
great in many places, that the people
will not come out to hear, but wherev-
er this gospel is preached in plainness,
and a hearing is once had, the truth al-
most invariably finds more or less who
love its heavenly influence and are wil-
ling to follow its teachings.
No man acquainted with the Spirit
of the Lord, who has, by the same,
been instructed in the great things men-
tioned by the prophets which are to be
fulfilled in the last days, can reflect one
moment upon the subject of the gospel's
being proclaimed to the world, without
feeling an animating, cheering anxie-
ty, and a holy zeal, kindling into inex-
pressible desire for those who are en-
trusted with this healing balm to pour
upon the nations, to be faithful to their
calling. A man putting his hand to the
plough, and looking back, is not fit for
the kingdom, said our Lord. This was
uttered by the Lamb just after one had
volunteered to preach the gospel, but
wanted the privilege of going to bid his
friends farewell, and is truly an impor-
tant item. If, in the days of our Lord
on earth, men were called unfit for the
kingdom because they desired to spend
a few hours, or days, to take leave of
ll>eir friends, after being- tailed, or vol-
unteering to proclaim salvation, what
shall we say, in the last days, when
the world is perishing for lack of vis-
ion, and every thing declares the near
approach of the great day, when we
sec sonic possessed of a large share of
mental endovrmcnts, and abundance of
the riches of this world, seating them-
selves quietly, and fairing sumptuolisly
everyday? Will such men's garulGnts
be spotless in the presence cf the Judge,
when the nations are assembled before
him?
We are aware of the sayihg of Paul,
on the subject of providing for one's
own house, in hirs first letter to Timo-
ihy, but this does not say that those
whose houses are proA-idcd for, in the
providence 6{ our Lord, with all the
luxuries of tliis world, arc to come for-
ward Avilh this plea, and flatter thern-
selves that they al'e doing the will of
God. Wg think (if our humble opin-
ion is vvorth any thing) that men ought
to be certain that they are called to the
work of the ministry and then go for-
ward with the zeal and perseverence
becoming the importance of this high
profession.
We are acquainted Avith many mcui
whose earthly income is very small^
who have wives and children, and all
as dear as the dearest in this life, and
they are found in the field almost con-"
stantly. W* ill such men reap a reward?
Ask our Master — "There is no man
that has left house, or brethren, or sis-
ters, or father, or mother, or wife, or
children, or lands for my sake, or the
gospel's but he shall receive a hundred-
told now iii this time, houses brethren,
and sisters, and mothers, and children,
and lands, with persecutions; and in
the world to come, eternal life." Sec
Mat. 19:29; Mark 10:29,30; Luke 18:
29,30.
Will such receive a reward? vcs;
they will receive a crown in the man-
sions of gloi}-, Jind no pon-ev of earth
MEtfSE.NGKil. AND ADVOCATE.
or hell can keep it from theni. Tlic
servants of the Lord will do well to
look at these promises — such as leave
houses and lands, for Christ's sake,
nnd not such as ledve hbUses and lands
When they have none!
Since the perusal of eider S. Carter's
letter to his brother in this place, we
have received one from eldi-is G. M.
Hinkleand H. Green, which says, tuaj
themselves, in company with elders S.
C'arter and S. Brown, have baptized,
in that region 117, and that elders
Groves and Lyman, a little to the north
have baptized '21 more. Thus the
mighty woork intives forward, and thus
it will, when it is preached in plainness.
May God put forth his own hand!
From these brethren v/e have receiv-
t-d a number of subscribers for the Mes-
senger and Advocate, and some few
for the re-printed Star. We feel our-
selves indebted to such as use th^'ir ex-
ertions to obtain subscribers, as we
know through this medium much good
may I'esult.
The People'8 Magazine, liy Samuel Coleman, (sue-
c'eisor to Lilly, Wait and co. Uoston Ms.) is receiv-
ed— It is a neatly executed viork, with a diversity of
cuts— in all, it is a beautiful work, well worth the at-
tention of a young man to put carefully away, for
lifter life.
Parley's Magazine, by the same, is also received'
and is well calculated to encourage the young to in-
dustry in science— It is particularly calculated for
sebools;
Pront the Peoples' Mag-azin^
Water drinkers.
"Mr. 15u:kingham, the celebrated oriental traveller,
bow a ir.'-!Jiber"of the British r.'trliament, states that
the stroni'~st race of men he has ever seen were na-
tives of the Himmalch mountains, and came to Cal-
cutta as wrestlers; one of whom was a match for three
IJritons. Vet these mer., Mr. B. says, had never
drank any thing stranger than milk;"
This same work, some time since, advocated the
principle of water drinking, by endeavoring tb prove
that Tea and (Joff.ie never afforded any ntitriiilcnt to
the human system. So far very good. They are of
our principles in this respect, precisely. AVhat do
you say reader, on the sulijcct of Tabacco? Do you
think that there is much real nutriment to be gained
from that pleasant weed? Besides it adds so graceful-
ly to one's appearance, to have a large piece in one's
mouth, or to emit toee fjunntiHe* of •moke from a
pipeer cigar:
SABBATH EVKM.\G.
How pleasant and how heart cheering to sit^iuiet-
ly bj, one's (ire side, surrounded by a lovely family,
and converse upon the hopes and assurances of eter-
nal life, cff^red in the gospel, after a day's enjoyment
of social intercourse in tlie hnuso of prayer, during a
Sal)bath-it is heavenly. It givesancw'spnng to the
mind, and calls forth the deepest gratitu^lc.to fJod for
intelligenceof heavenly things which proniiscs a Sab-
bath winch will never close. We liow look forward to
tlK.t i^criod with longing anxiety, .nnd seize upon tho
thought with eagerness, by f ath; hut then we shall
rsslize its eternal blessedness, when corruption, tcn:-
ptaiioii end death, arc 1:0 ttrr.,r! O Kodein><.r, wnrt.
v>aft, tiie joyi'j: hour whenihy siintsmay s«e ^sthuy
are seen and know as they an; knownl
l-F,TTEll V.-TO W. \y. rnKLVii, KSQ.
JJedr llrolhrr:
Vours of Cth ult. is received and pnblishid in tliia Sa.
It contains so many qvestiuvf, tli;.t I have tlioucht I
would IVt every mun answer for himself; : s it vvouM
0 -ciipy a larger space to answer all of Iheni than
would be i)roper to devote at this time. When 1 look
at tlie world as it is, iliid view men as thev are I am
not much surprised that they oppose the truth as ma-
ny, jierhaps, ajid indeed, the more I see the less I mar-
vel onthissuhjeut. To talk of heavenh conmiuni-
cations, .-aigels' visits, and the inspiration"of the Holy
Spirit, note, since the apostles have fallen asleep, and
meninter[iret the word of God wiihoiit the aid of ei-
ther the Spirit Or angels, is a novel thing among tho
wise, anil a piece of blasphemy among the craft-men.
jiut so it is, and it is wisdom that it should be so, be-
cause the Holy Spirit does not dwell in unholy tem-
ples, nor angels reveal the great woik of God to livp-
ocrites.
You will notice in my last, on rchcarsinir the words
of the angel, where he comuiunicatod to bur brother
—that his sins were forgiven, and that he was called
oftiic Lord to brineto light, by the aift of inspiration,
this iirsportant intelligcn.c, an item like the follow-
ins— "Godhas chosen the foolish things of the world,
and thinss which are desjiised, God has chosen;" &c.
This, I conceive to be ;-n important item— Not many
mighty raid noble, were called in ancient times, be-
cause they always knew so much that God could not
teach them, and a man that would listen to the voico
of the Lord and follow the teachings of heaven, al-
ways was despised, and considered to be of the fool-
ish class — Paul proves this fact, when he says, "Wc
are made as the tilth of the world — the off-scouring of
all things unto this day."
1 am aware, that a rehearsal of visions of angels at
this day, is as inconsistent with a portion of mankind
as it formerly was, after all the boast of this wise
generation in the knowledge of the truth; but there is
a uniformity so complete, that on the reflection, one
is led to rejoice that it is so.
In my last I gave an imperfect description of theani
gel, nnd was obliged to do so, for the reason, that iny
pen would fail tb describe an angel in his glory, or
the glory of God. I also gave a few sentences wliieh
he uttered on the subject of the gathering of Israel^
•tc. Since writing the former, I have thought it
would, perhaps, be interesting to give something
more full on this important suhject, as well as a reve-
lation of the gospel. That these holy personages
should feel a deep interest in the accomplishment of
the glorious purposes of the I^ord, in his work in the
last days, is consistent, v/hcn we view critically,
what is recorded of their saj ings in the holy Scrip-
tures.
You will remember to have read in Daniel— "And
at that time, [the last days] shall Michael stand, np.
the great prince, who stands"for the children bf thy
people;" and also in Revelations— "I am thy fellbw-
servant, and of thy brethren the prophets." Please
compare these savings with that singular e.xpression
in Ileb. "Are thev [ansels] not all ministering Spir-
its, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs
of salvation?" And then let me ask nine questions;
Aretha angels now in glory, the former prophets
and servants of God? Secondly: Are they brethren
of those who keep his commandments on earth? and
thirdly, have brethren & fleshly kindred, in the king-
dom of God, feelings of respect and condescension
enough to speak to each other, though one may be lu
heaven nnd the other on the earth?
Fourthh-. If angeTj arc mimstcnng spirits, sent
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
fonh to niiniiter for thoso who eivdU be l.oir? of sal-
vaiion, wiil tliey not minister for tlioae heirs? and
fifthly, if they do, will any one h::o-.v in
Sixthly: Will Michael, the archangel, the great
prince, st.:n(i lij* in the last days for Israel? y.^vtnth-
ly: will lie i<,'fcnilthem from their enemies? Kightly
"Will he le ;d them, aS they tvcre om:e leu.i; and ninth-
ly, If so, will Ke be »een? These questions I leave
without answeringjbecausc tliercjisoning is so plain,
raid so many ijiigfit be Ijronght, that, they must be at
liand in the "heait and mind of every saint. Dut to
the gospel, and then to the gathering.
The great plaiiof redenipliow bein^t prepared before
the fall of man, and the salvation of the liuman fami-
ly biing as precious in the sight of the Lofd at oik-
time as at another, before the Messiah came in Hit
flssh and wag crucified, as after the gospel w^;,-
nrea-.'hed, and mauy wore found obedient to thcsaui''.
This gospel being the same from the beginning, its or-
dinan-tiB were also unchangeable. Men Were com-
manded to repent and be baptized by water in the
name of the Lord: and were then blessed with the
Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit being thus given, men
were enabled to look forward to the time of the con;-
ing of the Son of Man, and to rejoise in that day, be-
cause through that sacrifice they looked for a reinis-
uiou of their sins, and for th«ir redemption.
Had it not been for this plan of salvation, which
God devised befoie'tfto falf, man must have remained
miserable fo^'evet, after transgressing the first com-
mandntent, becaiTse in consequence of tiiat traiigres-
Bion he had rendered himself unworthy the presence
of liis Maker. He being therefore cast out, the gos-
pel was preached, and this hope of eternal life was
set before him, by the ministering of angels who de-
lirered it as they were commanded.
Not only did the an-isnt-' look forward tctKe time
of the coming of the Messiaft in the flesh, \VitIi de-
light, but there was another day for which they sough,
and tor which they prayed. Knwving, as they did,
that the fall had brought upon them death, and that
man was sensual and evil, they Fonged for a day when
the earth might again rest, and appear as in tlie be-
ginning— when evil might he unknown upon its face,
«nd all creation enjoy one undisturbed peace for a
thousand years.
This being sought for in faith, it pleased the Lord
to covenant with them to roll on his purposes until
he should bring it to pass — and though many genera-
tions were to be gathered to their fathers, yet the
righteous, those wlio should, in their lives, embra'-e
the gospel, and live obedient to its requirements, rise
an'l inherit it during this reign of peace.
From time to time the faithful servants of the Lord
have endeavored to raise up a people who should be
found worthy to inherit this rest, (for it was called
the rest of the righteous or the day of the Lord's rest,
prepared for the righteous-,) Init were not able to sanc-
tify them that they could endure the presence of the
Lord, excepting Enoch, who, with Jiis people, for
their righteousness, were taken into lieaven, with
ii promise that they should yet see that day when the
whole earth should be covered with glory.
Moses labored diligently to effect this object, but in
consequence of the transgressions and rebellions of
the children of Israel, God swore in his wrath that
they should not enter into hi-s rest; and in conse-
quence of this decree, and their transgressions since,
they have been scattered to the four winds, and are
thus to remain till the Lord gathers them in by his
own power.
To a remnant of them the gospel was preached by
the Messiah in person, but they rejected his voi'e,
though it was raised daily nmo.ig them. Tl:.? apostb^s
continued to hold forth "the same; after the crucifix-
ion & resurrection of the Lord Jesus, until they would
liear it no longer; and then thoy were command-
ed to turn to the Gentiles.
They however labored faithfully to turn that peo-
ple from error; that they might be the happy parta-
kers of mercy, and save themselves from theinipend-
ing storm that hung over them. They were comman-
ded to preach Jesus Christ night and day— to>preach
through him the resurrection from the dead— to de-
clare that all who would embrace the gospel, repent,
and be baptized for the remission oftheir sins, should
be saved— to declare that this was the only sure foun-
dation on which they could bujli and be safe— that
God had again visited hrs people in consequence of
his covenant with their fathers, and that if they would
they might be the first who should receive these glad
tidings, and have the unspeakable joy of carrvin"
the same to all people; for before the day of "rest
comes, it must go to all nations, kindreds and
tongues.
Biit in consequenc(* of their rejecting the gospel,
the Lord suffered them to be again scattered; their
land to W Uaned and their beautiful city lo be trodden
do\rn of the Gentiles, until their time should be ful-'
iilicd.
Jn the last days, to fulfill the promi-ses to the ancicKt
prophets, v.iu;n the J^ord'is to por.r out his Spirit up--
on ail fleiii, he Ji.isd.tcrir.iiKUo iiringto hghthis gos-^
pel, to the Cioiti'iCrf, t)iat it may jjo to the licuse of In--
rael. This gos| ei h;:s bton pi.-rverted Mid men havu
wandered in darkness. That conimission -uveii to the
apostles at Jeriisalem, so c^sy to he laiiicrstood, has.
been hid from the world, bccaiise of evii, and the hon-
est have been lead by t;;e dc^igniiia, till there aru
none to be found who arc practising the ordinancta
of the gospel, as they wore anciently delivered.
But the time luis now arrived, in wliich, accord-
ing to his covenants, the Lord will manifest to t!;e
faithful that he is the same to-day and forever, ar.'i
iliat the cuj) of sufi'jriiii; of l,is pi^oplo, the house of
Israel, is nciirly IViliilled; and lh;;t th-j v/ny may be
iirei!iircLl before their face lie v,-ill !:riiig to the knowl-
edge of the people the gospel as it was (;reached by his'
servants on this land, and manifest to the obedient the
truth of the same, by the power of the Hoiy Spirit; for
t letimcis near when hissoKs and daughters willpro'-
phesy, old men dream dreams, and young men sec vi-
sions, and those who are thus favored will be such ;;8
embrace the -rospel as i I ^vas delivered in old times,
and they siiaii be blessed \\ i;h yigns foliuiving.
Farther on the subject of tlie gathering of Israel. —
This v.-a» perfectly understood by all the'i.nc.ieiit pro-
phets. Moses prophesied of "the afiliction whicli^
should come upon that p.ciSple even after the i oniinj^
of the Messiah, where he mdl: iind evil will lefalS
you in the latter ihixs: because ye will do evil in the
sight of the Lord,to provoke him to anger through the
work of your hcinds. Connecting this with a pro-
phecy in the song which follows; which was given to
Moses in the tabcrnacic — remembering tlie expres-
sion— "in the latter days" — where the Lord foretel*
all their evil, and their being received to iin-rcy, to
such as seek the peace of Israel much instruction may
be gained. Iris as follovys; —
"I win heap mischieCs upon them;- I will spend mf
arrows upon them. They shall be burnt with hun-
ger, and devoured with burning heat: 1 will als® seir.l
the teeth of beasts upon them, with the poison of ser-
pents of the dust. The sv,ord without, and terror
within, sh.^VY destroy both the young man and the
virgin, the suckling with the man of gray hairs."
But after al! this, he will judge their enemies ais-d
avenge Ihem of theirs; for he says:
"If I whet my glittering sword, and my hand take
hold on judgment, I will render vengeance to my ene-
mies, and will reward them tliat hate me. I will
make my arrows drunk with bloo J, and my svord steall
devour flesh."
After all this— after Israel has been restored, and
afflictedand his enemies have also been chastised, tlie.
Lord says: "Rejoice, O ye nations, viith his people: for
he will avenge the blood of his servants, and will ren
dcr vengeance to his adversaries, and will be merci
ful unto his land and to his people."
I will give a further detail of the promises to Israel,
hereafter, as rehearsed by the ; ngcl. Accept cssur-
ance of my esteem as ever.
[CTlie -if eatlier begins to look like spring-
cur feathered songsters have greeted us witli
the sound of their voices once more, and na-
ture is about to put on her summer dress. —
Our winter has not been as severe as in some
places to the south, an-:! -ivithall, we think
that the never changing goodness of our God
ought to inspire our liearts with increased de-
votion tower J him.
THE LATTKIl DAY SAINTS'
ESessenger and Advocate,
IS KIJITICD BY
And published every month at Kirtland, tieauga Co
Ohio, by
F. G. 1VI1LI.IAMS & Co.
Al, % 1, per an. in advance. Every person prucanng'
ten new subscribers, and foriBardinff % 10, current
moneii, shall he entitled lo a paper one year, gratil.
All letters to the Editor, ur Pubtitkers, must be
ISD- POST PAID. .CD
jVo subscription will be rceciccdfor a less term than ore
liear, and no paper diftonlivud till all arrearage: art
pnid, ctcepl at f't apt^n of the publiihcn.
?r^^M€:^l']ie AY^iB AI>¥€I€ATE.
■'oL. I. No. 7.]
LETTKR NO. «.
Liberty, Mu. Feb. 21, 1S25.
f)ear Bro. in the Lard: — I take a iittle time to an-
swer your 3r'l letter, addressed to me ia the Hecem-
her inii:il)er ot'Uie Messenger and Adjiocate. IVssiiig
your ajjolosy, I coine at once to ttie great poiiil, in
((ueslioii, that tiiis eliurcli li;is suircred i):;rsecution
from its coauiienccinent-, and tliat, too, iii iiiost caaes,
without the least provocation. }le5e sutier uie to
say, as you an.! I are ItUow nieuibera, and liave been
to-aervauts nearly from ilie iK^sriniiin!;-, that we have
known by example, what thousands are prearliiim in
lirt^cept, that "lliey that will live Godly in Christ
Jesus, iiuist sutler persecuiion."
Now, •lotwilhstandiua uiy body vas not baptized in-
to this fhur.'h till Thursday the IGth of June, lySl,
yet n)y heart was there iVoni the time i beo:nne ac-
<juai!ited with the bouk ot' Moniiouj a!id niy i!Oi:-e,
steadfast like an anchor, and my faitli imTeased like
the jrass aller a rel'cesliiii'j; siiowei', ^^ heii I for the
tjrtn timi;, hel i a conversation with our beloved bro-
tiie-r Joseph, (December ^th, I'^OO,) who I was v. i!-
lin.; to ackuowledtte as a jjrophet of Ihe l<or(l, and ir,
whom, and to whose go lly account of iiimself anil
the work hs was eniiaged in, 1 owe my lirst deteriai-
uation to (juit the lolly of my v/ay, aud the faiicy and
f line of this world, and seek the Lord aud his right-
cousnef!H,in order to ejiler abetter world, where the i.'u-
— itlon, and glory, and honor, and pov.er. and space,
are equal and cuilcss; And let nie add that thuuijh
all old churches, asid some disciples, like Orpah may
kiss their mother -in-law, and go back to tAiir people,
nnd Iheir gods, yet, as Kuth, 1 am fixed in my ])urpose
to "entreat me not to leave thee, or to return from
following after thee: I'or whither Ihouiioesl 1 will <;-o;
and where thou lodirvsl 1 will lodjie: thy people aiiall
be m\' people, and Lliij G:id my Gud."
Well may you say that it is known unto mo, '••hat
tliis cliurch has sutJ'ered reproach and persecution
from a majority of mankind who have heard
b'lt a rumor, since its first organiz-ation, ^^l•. —
Bo it is. Oiitho30ih of April, 1^30, I wa.'. thrown
into prison at liVons,' N. V. by a couple of Presbj-
tetiau traders, for a sm-tll debi, for ti)e i)urpose, as t
waH informed, of "kcinmr me from jcdiiin-;; the Tnor-
nions." How many iiair-brea Ith es npes ;, on and
brother Jose;d! passed, for wrilina ;:u\ publishing tile
truth in the bosik of Mormou, as the .-onstitution and
law allowed, 1 knov.' not, liut ihear i rhur;;h mendjer."
and others de dare in laiisua^e similar to the; fidlow-
iii^: that every believer in tlie '(iuiden Uible,' (as tiie
book of Hiormon was called by man;. ) oai.dit to t'c
sued an i S'aitor driven t>ut of so ;ieiy. The Uo hes-
ter Observer, oiie of the prin^-tpal Presbyi;uian or-
t'anJof the day, introdu'-ed the book of Mormon to
»!ie world witii'atiasliy artbde lieaded JV asphc my ' and
■to cap the climax of sruilildlity, a.'^ainst wbi ii liie
■*men of the nn eting !ioii.-es' showed an ardent zeai
to euard their flo.'ks^it was carefully c;r.;uiated, th;-;
'a .fesui!* Ii-nl eiiiplnyed " youii'; niun by llie iroae oi
Oowden'.to wrii'', and thro u'^h tlie aid of one Smith,
ivas lirin^-ins; forth a book to break rtov.-i; ail rrliojoii^.
,\nd when it cantj; fiirili, some actually said that they
bdieved it was written to destroy the pri.'Sent reii-
i-ions, because it ca; ried religion to a iii;sr, or hi^'h-
»'rpit<d! (Iiauthe. old Bih|.\
One thin;; ia re.r-irkidile, thut of all lever heard
i*aid about the work or boyk, in thai, day of gross
darkness, not one prctcinle I, iii trulii, to have the
1e:ist particle of pogitlvp. profif, that a mnn ov woman
ioiiiod the church for sinlal purjioacs, or that the
book contained one prc.-ept ofeo'triue lliat was con-
Irarv to pure relij;ion; 'mt the idea of a clnirch with, a
prophet ill ii, in this eniiahtenc I a'j,y ;uil land of lili-
crty, was so exactly like old times; so agreeably to
rlie' oriJ-'r of th" 8 aiplur.-s, and so perfe-l a way of
knowing the will of Uie J Aud, and of whit rdi^ion
consisted, that the >vi.*e mi'U of the wur! i, a.nd tlnr
tnarij who watched diligaully over their !lo k-, tliat
their fleeces mi'.(bt be lofia, vi hite and "lean, a>;.-iiisi
the shearing, whif-p'Tcd, an f sometime-; talked^ abiud
something viuy like or approarliing thi": What is
■Iherea^'on, if Ood has any lliin;!lo levcu! foriheben-
etil of his people or his numerous ihurches, us he is
no respei;tpr of pcrsuns, thai he doi--; not lio il, or re-
veal it to Dr. Clarke, Ik. fiill or \)r. r5>.olt, the com-
mmitattus, or lo some great minister, su'di as the
.Afi-hbiihop of Hniland, or Dr. l.ly, or even llie prc-
>?iaeul of the United Elates, or some great man that
.^ElHIi^SB^'-l^O' APRIL, 18%.
[Whole No. 7-
could be believed? Then every body would know it
-> '" rue, and the diflerent churches would be bound
to accejil of it as they have the Bibl
ho ' ■ ■ ■ -
„.,, , , , , - , , , and our priesta
t-ho are brought up and educated for Ihe pUfpoae.
could explain it, and every body would have to obey
u. But God has done his work, and we don't need
any more prophets. \Ve have Bible societies, mis-
sionary societies, abolition of slavery societies, end
temperance societies, to convert the world with and
"ring jti the Millenium, and away with jour decep-
tion! i'alse prophets, false prophets, beware! Blas-
pneniy! W'ii have plenty ot churches, and plentv of
pneslsto regulate them, and don't you know that
God, man and the Uevil will oppose you? Ifyou start
a clnir. h with a prophet in it, every body will ha
a_gaiiist yo i, as they were against Ann Lee, Joanna
tonthcoale, imd old Jemima Wilkinson.
But I will not jiursuc this subject further at pre-
sent, hiHving it for your addition of facta. Instead
ol staniiing in the way, and asking for the old paths,
they ii-.wr.tsluod in ilie waii, and put ilarkness for light,
audhgiitfor darlDiess, till not only 'large shccls oT
hiesr ojiiniiiivs, and rdtcsicd volumns of our lives and
charact'MS,' have 'iiitindnled our land with scurrilous
rejiorts,' but the blood of the tiaiats has curdled upon
llie sacred soil of freedom, and now smokes up to hea-
ven as a testimony that they are martvrs to that reli-
gion which has ever been despised aiid rcicctetl, by
every church and people that have fallen a'way from
lis true primdplea, and lost [he giftof the Holv Ghost.
Our trilmlalion, our sulferiug' for Ihe truth's sake,
and our blood, (slied in defence of holiness) are testi-
mony that says: yrrjir religion »« irjic— and holdout
faithful to the end and you will earn a crown, and a
i'ulness of joy v. hvrc the wicked cannot coniQ—f<er-
ral with God.
As ever, w. W. PHELrS.
My family sick at my rcsi.dcn-" in Cfinanduigua
Freedom, Mtircli IWi, 1S3.1
JJKJR .V/.'J. — I ;uu about to a-J Iress vouonasub-
JsMii! which 1 feel most deeply interested, a siibjecl
w.iich aifitates the minds and feelings of the Chris-
tian conuniiniiy in which we live, more than any
other now extant. I mean that of the gathering out.
or separ:iting of the saints from Babylon, agreeably to
a command of God, that they may escape the calami-
ties that are now impcmiing over the nations, and
are about lo be poured (uit upon this generation.—
And here permit me to premise a few remarks by
way of inlro.lu-tion, th It wo may come at our sub-
jet understan iingly and find its force commensurate
with its import nee. Let us in the first place, to set-
tle, ihe minds ofth" doilbtfu!, and silence the cavils of
the skeptb-ii! relative to tlie being of God, e.xamina
the evidi'n-es by which we ctin sati?factorilv arrivu
at the con-lusion that there i.f such a being. Wo
shall then lie iiiije, if we take up tlie subject stop by
sf.ep and reason f.iirly tin I logically, to come to defin-
ite tml corre-t couc'ie-ious, therefore, need not bo
do -.-Mvei nor dccei\-o others.
1 '^t. There nuist i;e -i great first cati.se to create, ar-
ranie, an! set in motion the planet on which w«
d^vc•ll. and otler,-) bebmrrini.' lo this system. We be-
lieve so from the fact, that il is composed of particle*
of intoiiiimte matt r, whiib are utterly in'-apable of
PMtliMg ihemsel'. es in motion, much leas of creating
tiiems^lv"^',
'2d. This planet is fiirnishiad with myriads of liv-
ing creatures, whii h roul 1 not create themselves;
there irnist be a great lirst or moving cause or princi-
ple to brin<i tInMii Into existence. From the ord<;r
an I reuul.nity that a])ppiir in the arrt.ngement wo
think it evin: i ve of superior intelliaence in the prima
mover, iien-e we concluiie if their be intclligenee..
tliere nv.i-t bo =ipirit or mind, for matter is inert end
abstract from mind, has neilhi-r intelligence nor
i!iin'!. j'\);!iter lit.soiiiy one pov.-cr, tlnit is the power
of res' or lyiii'.'sljll, henei' we argue ami come tothi?
irresistible i-miclusion, that there is a great priran
mover or a first cause, « hi ^'i We call God. That h'^
is goo I, ami tlie.riource of all uoodness, we infer from
the order, h-irtnony and divine impress that maiiife«t
them!;;lv"s in all the v.-orkmanship of his bands. —
IO\-.'ry lliini that ein.inatea from him partakes of thre
impress or image of its Author, and is good. We
hold these to be .•5elf evident facts ivhich can neither
be weakened by argument nor evaded by sophistry
or skepticism. We have seen from the foregoins'
premise?, fhnt he is the Creator, Prinic Mover nnd
Author of all, therefore, he made mtm, and made him
rational .ind i>itelligcnt. .^Ithouirb he is by no meani
the stronjc.".* of crititod brings, yet the fear of hin\ i«
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE,
a greater or less degree rests upou all animated na-
ture. He ha3 power to render nature both animate
and inanimate gubservjent toliim: and from our own
experience of this fact, we daily see one oflUe first
(ruths recorded in holy writ verified, viz. That God
gave him [man] dominion over every living thing
which he had made, (see Gen. ist 29th,) We every
day see animals that vre in point of physical strength
superior to man, subject to him. Hence by a parity
of reason we conclude that if creatures below man
are subject to him, and yet are not endowed with i easo-
ning powers, man who is endowed with those powers,
is not only subject and dependent but justly so, on hhn
Who created both him and them. Now as man is ration-
al and dependent, another argument may be adduced
of his accountability, and his accountability rests on
his knowledge of another fact also, viz. That he is so.
This k'lowledge must in the first instance be com-
municated to him, or to use a familiar expression, a
law must be promulgated before it becomes binding,
and a command must precede obedience. Hence all
our system of obedience to the will and commands of
God rests on a revelation of his will tons. Now if it
tan be made to appear that he lias made known his
Will coucernniug us, it is our duty to obey him. If
we have a revelation of the will of God concerning us
It must be of the nature of its Author, good. You are
now prepared to ask for the evidences, and where they
are to be found. I answer their wisdom and perspi-
cuity of arrangement, their sublimity and depth of
thought, and in some instances their clearness and
force ofexpression are evincive of their divine origin.
Another argument may be drawn from them of tlieir
Divine authority, viz: The principles they inculcate,^
the precepts they lay down, and the commands there-
in given, are all coudueive to the greatest possible
happiness and best conceivable good of man. There-
fore, we infer they are the flictates of a superior, be-
nevolent and intelligent God. We therefore come to
the irresistible conclusion, that what we call the
Scriptures or Revelation of the will of God to us, is
liot only true and binding on us, but that tliey were
given by inspiration of Go J, or as is expressed 2d Pe-
ter 1st, "21 St. Holy men of old spake ns they were
moved by the Holy Ghost. We have ;ii:r/.hrr argu-
ment that tlicy arc of Divine origin. Eiad or wicked
men would never framed such a set of te!f-denying
principles, so much against the natural propensities
of their unsanctified natures, and publish them to the
world, rendering themselves, as far as they should be
believed, guilty, ridiculous and contemptible. We
are sure they would not do so. Good jnen uninspir-
ed would not write and publish such a system for two
reasons, and first: It would be above their compre-
iiension, therefore, they could not. Secondly, They
(the inspired penmen) say they were divinely inspir-
ed, therefore, good men uninspired did not write
them; for good uninspired men will never assert that
they did write them, when they knew in the very as-
sertion, they would be palming an untruth intentiui;-
nlly upon the world.
Hence we come to this rational and logical conclu-
Bjon, that what we call the Scriptures were written
by inspired meUj or as is expressed, 2 ! Timothy, 3d,
J6th, All Scripture is given by inspiration of God,
(fee. Let then these three points be considered as set-
tled in our minds. Firsts That there is a great
First Cause or source of intelligence, whom we call
(.lOd. Secondly, That man is dependeM on him and
justly amenable to him. Thirdly, That what we call
the Scriptures are true, because as we have seen they
are an emanation from God the fountain and source of
truth. We learn from perusing the Scriptures they
are full of promises of good to the willing and obedi-
fcnt, and of evil to the unbelieving and disobediunl. —
When God was about to send any jtulgment or sore
calamity upon the children of men, he always fore-
warned them of it, and gave them time and space for
repentance. Witness the preaching of Noah to the
antediluvian world. He was a preacher of righteous-
ness, as says 2d Peter 2d, 5lh; God said by hiiii that
he would inundate the earth r.nd destroy its inhabi-
tants. And Noah prepared an ark for the salvation
of himself and family. But the world of mankind at
that time disbelieved that any calamity of that kind
would overtake them. We, however, notice this
fact, that the unbelief o*"" wicked world did not make
void the promises of Gou. And further he said, and
performed what he said, and it Was performed so lite-
rally that all might be left without excuse, or ns the
sacred penman more beautifully expresses it, that
thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and
clear when thou judgest. [Psalm 51st, 4th.] We
come next to noctice the destruction of the cities of So-
dom and Gomorrah, that they were cut off in
and for their wickedness. Notwithstanding they were
admonished by righteous I^ot not to do so wickedly,
[Gen. 10th] yet even his relatives disbelieved, for as
we learn in the Mth verso of the same chapter, he
seemed to his iions-in-law ag one that mocked. Al-
though he was delivering the Divine mandates of Al-
mighty God. They heeded not. Lot was obedient
aiul fled out, and the cities were destroyed. We next
notice the promises ofCiod to the Patriarchs Abra^
ham, Isaac and Jacob, [Gen. 17th, Sth, 26th, 3d. and
4th and 28th, 4th,] that their ae^d should possess tho
land of Canaan. Pas.sing over the events that leif
them down into Kgypt, after a sojourn of 430 years
they left Kgypt, to go up and possess the land of pro-
mise. With all the striking instances of Divine
Manifestation during the 10 years they were travel-
ling from Egypt to Canaan, we notice the revelatioih
of God's will to them through Moses, and the oculat
demonstration to alb, of the pillar of a cloud by day,
and the pillar of fire by night. Ex. 13th, 21st, 22;!,
the destruction of Korah Datban and Abiram, the
fiery flying serjienls sent to afflict the rebellious and
unbelieving. And still with all the revelations to
Moses, together with all the tokens of God's displeas-
ure, how many there were who murmured against
Moses and against Aaron and their carcases ftll iu
the wilderness. W^e again notice this idea as v^e pass
over these events. The promises and threatenings
were plain to be understood and unbelief and rebel-
lion did not nullify them, nor exempt the wicked from
punishment. We notice one idea more as we pass
they [the children of Israel] fought with and drovt
out these possessors of the land of Canaan, not only by
permission but by command of God himself without
paying an equivalent for it as we believe to be cor-
rect at the prcssnt day. Passing over many impor-
tant events recori.fe.1 in the sacred volume wc come to
notice the command of God to his saints to flee out of
Jerusalem when they shall see it compassed about
with armies, that they might not perish with the wic-
ked who believed not the w.ords of the Savior, whqa
he foretold their dire calamity. "We see that every
prediction w^as literally fulfilled, and when we lake a
scrutinizing retrospect, wc discover that every com-
mand, every promise and every threatening, have
been so plainly set forth by the inspiration of Hea-
ven, that all thos"e whff heard, evidently understood
at the time, so that ignorance can never be plead by
thorn in bar of Justice. W^e, on a review of what
has bi>cn said, notioe one idea more, viz. The iinniu-*
tability of God, that he is the same yesterday, to-day
and forever. He said he would scatter Israel for
their sins, and disperse them for their iniquities: that
they should become a hissing and a by-word among
all nations whither he would scatter them, and he
has done so to the letter. He has said he ivould ga-
ther them again, or a remnant that should remain
when the times of the Gentiles should be fulfilled, as
spoken by our Savior recorded in the 21st chapter of
Luke's gosjiel. See Isaiah 11th, 14th. And it shall
come to pass in that day that the Lord shall set his
hand again the second time to recover the remnant
of his people, ifcc. see also Jeremiali 16, 15, and nu-
mefouB others that point forward to the same happy
era. We notice as before remarked the literal ful-
fillment of every promise and every threatening, and
think it not wresting the Scriptures or a mark of cre-
dulity in us to believe and say to our fellow clay,
beware of those who cry peace and safety when God
has said, in substance, tribulation, wrath and anguish
abide you. He is about to bring this dispensation to
a close. The signs of the fimes prei>age the near ap-
proach of that day when the Savior is to set his feel
upon the Mount of Ohvcs, [Zech. 14,] when all the
ungodly, the fearful and the unbelieving shall wail
because of him. The saints are to be gathered lite-
rally, as the Jews have been dispersed, [See Jl. 2d,
32d.] They are to come out of Babylon and be not
partaker of her sins that they receive not of her
plagues. Rev. IStli, 4. The question now arises
who is Babylon, irom whom we are to come out? —
The Scripture definition of the word Babylon is con-
fusion orn)ixture. Let us further examine this sub.
je:-t in the light of truth, and with a spirit of candcr-
\Ve i'.re aware that the Roman Catholic Church is
fixed upon by all Protestants as the Babylon spoken
of by the Revelator. But let us examine the subject
a little further. Is there any more disorder or con-
fusion in her movements, than in the rest of the pro-
fessing world? She professes to be the only true
church and treats all dissenters as heretics. Protes-
tants have done the same, with the same opportuni-
ty. She gives her money with no stinted hand for
purposes of education, and the promulgation of lier
sentiments and so do Protestants. She uses all her
arts to persuade, and when she has the power, to
compel others to submit to her creed and her authori-
ty. AVitness the inquisition of Spain and Portugal.
So have Protestants done wHh all their professed lib-
erality. W' itncss the conduct oi the Puritans of New
England, even white the persecutions of the Church
ill their mother country must be fresh in their re<oI-
lectioji. All these claimed to be descendants of the-
true Church, and all failed then and do still, in two
essential points of coming up to the Apostolic stand-
MESSENGKii AND ADVOCATE:
m
;ird. 3. I'liey bad ri h.'ird, bitter, rcvi;ngerul spirjt to-
wards those who diiVereiU f. o;n thi-ni in upinion. They
inair; tested this iiitoleniiit spirit, liy inflii.'liiig stripes,
liiiCi and iniprisomneiit. '2. Altl:ough lliey iiad Dn;
zeid, they liuJ not tiien, neillier have Ihey now, liie
spiritual '^ii'is ol'uii apostolic ciiurch. Hence we con-
clude it' viiey hud not the Spirit of Christ, nor the
spiritual ,!jit'is they were none of his. Therefore, we
leul that we are not doing violence to the trutli, or
ijijusii'e to Ihese doi.omlnations, to raniv tham as a
part or a bran-'-h of inystei-ieus Babylon. Now let us
oxamine the coiulucl of all Protestant <;issenters and
coiapare it with that meek aiul quiet spirit «liiih we
;..re iiifornied is in tl'.e sight of God of great price, and
we lind thsy have it not. Let any one of theai be-
come sufficiently uuaierous, and she assumes the
same haughty, dictatorial spirit towards those less
•lumeroes, w"lii"h has been ever manifested by the
Mother of harlots. Speak to them of the ancient
s-piiitural :;ift?, O, say they, tlicy were once in the
Church, but they wev.; plated in it to establish it and
jjrovc its Divine i.Uvhi ray. At the san.e tim >, .'oL-rip
lure says, they >>-iTe placed in it by God himsolf, for
the edifyini,' oVthe body, and perfecting the saints, and
no time' pointed out by the same authority where
They should cease, only when Die object for whiih
tiioy were piaceil there sliould be accomi)lish(^d, viz:
wh-cn the saints are perf:;jted in glory. \Vv. respect-
fdliy B.«k, has that obi:3Ct bHei; effected? Certainly not.
Thin it follows, if they were nccetsary tlien for Ihe
accoii'.plisinnent of any purpose, and that purpose
not yet eiFucted, they afe still necessary. Bo we not
see a fjreat falling away from tile priinilive order of
thingsV! Has not Paul's prophecy in his Cnd epistle to
his T'hess.'ilonian brc.hren, been iijerally fulrdled? —
There sU.iil be a fallinir away first before that day
f ouie, alludinif to the f;e-;ond coming of Christ. We
look in vain for the ri^ht spirit or the true order of
ihin.'iis among tliem as a body. t''jnfusioa ajid every
evil work aro among llicai. They siio'.v theniselves
by their spirit and the fruits of it, to be tlis legitimate
(Wiscendciiii of that persona>;e, desiTilfodby the Reve-
lator as sitting upo!i many waters. ^Ve come now
to what will be admitted, even by our opposers, via.
That it is nearly the last or close of the dispensation,
or as the S 'ripture expression is, the Isst d;-,ys. This
being an admitted fact, we need not labor to prove
it. Aside from any recent revelLition on this subject,
we hj.ve seen that God when about to visit his peo-
ple with judgments, reveirlcd it to his servants, the
jTophets. [Ajnot! 3d, 7tii.] IVo believe he is the
isjiue God. We have admitted that it is near the
close ofthe dispensation; and if so, we m-e assured if
the Scriptures be true, that th?re are about to appear,
[rcrplexities and distress of nations; and that n:eif s
ifearts Mill fail them for f :ar of those tilings that are
to come Oil thee.artii, see Luke ^Jst, Soth and 23th. —
Grjat judgnii'nts or ; ffli tive )iroviduncc3 of God are
;i1l manifest tokens of hi's dis:;pprobatinn of th.e con-
duct of hisintelhjcTit creatures. And further, he ne-
ver sfiit any great -nationd calamity, v.ithoui. v>'arn-
iu^ those to be efl'-ctedby it, of its necir approacl;, as
before noticed. Another fact we notice as wo pa"s,
viz: That severe judi^mentspresuiipose jrrenf, wi Vln.d-
nes.s in tiie siylil of Gol, for lie vv ill not punish the
rjshteous with the wi:kjd. lie said lo Aliraham he
Would spare the cities of !^o lotn and Gomorrah if tn;
li-ihtcoiis were to be found in them (see Gen. ISth,
u3.] New from a view of ;dl these circumstances. —
Does the idea of convrrtiiiii the world to tiie prevoil-
Jn;X reliaious sects ofthe liuy, with all the emulation,
vnriante .• iid strife exist amonj them, look like the
Millenium, the peaceable reign of our I^ord and !?a-
wioiir Jesus Chris:? Yours in gospel I onus,
W. A. COWDERY.
{To he Cmtinued.]
rerrijsuarg, N. Y. Jan.. 30, 1835.
Dearly and well beloved brother in tlie
Lord, it is v/ith no .■small dej^ree of satiafliction
that I take my pen to inform yoii of my pres-
ent state of mind, and the dealings of God
with me since I loft you last sutniuer, and
shall notice some things relating to this churL-!i
and the branch in Canada. A.s our heavenly
Father has been plea.^ed to call us to rejoice
in the sam^j hope of our calling, for which 1
desire to be very thankful, and teeling as I do
a great anxiety for the prosperity of my Mas-
ter's cause, and believing that any informa-
tion relating to the advancement of hie cause
and kingdom Vv'ill be gratefully received by
every true believer, I shall proceed to give
you a short sketcli of all that I consider wor-
thy of note since I left Kirtland, and likewise
my views oii certain passages of scripture that
are particularly interesting to believers in the
gosijel ofoiu' Lord Jesus Christ. The scrip-
tures alluded to are those giving a description
of the spiritual gifts as set fortii by the apos-
tles, which gifts were given "that we hence-
forth be no more children, tossed to and fro,
and carried about by every wind of doctrine,
by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness,
whereby they lie in wait to deceive: but speak-
ing the truth in love, may grow up into him
in oil things, wnich is the head, even Christ:
Eph. 4:1445.
After leaving Cleveland on board the brig
Illinois, which is a fine craft, v/e arrived at
Luffalo afler three days' sail, and was obliged
to wait for llie Canada Steam Beat two days.
While there, the scourge, orjudgrnent cfGod,
known by the name of the Cholera, was ra-
ging greatly, calling from time to eternity ve-
ry many v.-i'th a few hour's warning: how scrb-
ibly did I realize the necessity of being pre-
pared for tht' change that awaits all flesh.
After a fateaguing journey we reached home
in good licaltli" and found tlie little branch of
Latter Day Saints much as when we left. —
There have been some added this summer and
I think tliey are growing in grace, and the
knowledge ofthe tiuth as it is in Christ Jesus
our Lord. We have the gifts as exercised an-
ciently by the r.pestles; that is, the gift of
tongues, and in many instances the interpre-
tation—and the gift of healing has been exer-
cised in several instances.
I shall here make a few remarks on the gifts.
As it is a su'oject which interests every true
believer, and but little understood by the ma-
jority of professors, and altogether denied by
many, I shtlll call your at';eniion to the 14th
chap, of John, v.^here the Holy Ghost was
particularly promised to beliover.'s. John 14:
12. Verily, verily I say un,to you, he that
believeth, en me, tlie v/orks that I do shall ho
do also; and greater works than these shall,
he do; Iseca-iLse I go unto my Father. In the'
14th chap, the promise v/as made ofthe Holy
Ghcst, and in Mark',5iGtli chap, from tlie 1.5th
to the 18th verse. The commission was there
given I'o tlie apostles to ''go into all the world,
and prearh the gospel to every creature. He,
th.at believeth and iL baptized, shall be saved;
but he that b-elievethnot, shall be damned. —
And these signs .'^hall follow them that believe:
in my name shall they cast cut devils; they
shall speak with new tongues; they shall take
up serpents; and if they drink any deadly
tiling, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay
hands on the sick, and they shall recover. "^^
"What was this but a promise of the Holy
G-host? You will discover that the command
was lo the apostles, but the promise to those
that believed. Let us follow the apostks for
a short time, and see if it did produce the ef-
fect which was promised. The first appear-
ance of the Iloly Gliost wa;3 on the day of
Pentecost. Ads 'Jnd chap. f.Vom the 1st to
t!ie .5th verse. Did not the Holy Ghost pro-
duce the eft'ect that v.'as promised? Peter
quotes the prophecy of Joel, Acts 2:17. And
it shtlll come to pass in the last days, saith
God, I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh:
and your sons and your daughters shall proph-
esy, "&.C. If their sons and daughters should
prophesy, would they not be prophets and
prophetesses? And if we have got beyond
tiie Last days, it will not apply to us. Peter
^avs in tlie foregoing chapter, when thay
JOO
IVIESSENGER AND ADVOCATE,
were convinced of the truth, and made the en-
quiry, "men and brethren, what shall we do ■
Then Peter said unto them. Repent, and be
baptized every one of you in the name of Je-
sus Christ, for the remiasion of sins, and ye
shall receive the git\ of the Holy Ghost. —
For the promise is to you, and to your chil-
dren, and to all that are afar off, even as ma-
ny as the Lord our God sliall call." You
will discover that the promise was made to
all that should comply with the tenns of the
gospel. Let us trace it a little further and
see if it produced the same effect at all times.
The effect that it produced on the day of Pen-
tecost was to speak in tongues. "And they
were all amazed, and marvelled, saying one
to another, Behold, are not all these that
speak, Galileans'! and how hear we every
man in our own torrgue, v/hereiji we were
born?" and so goes on to enumerate 14 differ-
ent languages in which they spoke: and this
%vas wisely given to prove to the understari-
fJing of man, that the tongues that the lioiy
Gost moved men to speak with, were the
tongues of men. It does not follow that this
should always he tlie case, that the nation
whose tongue it is that the Holy Ghost should
move men to speak with, should be present,
for, says Paul while treating on the subject,
1st Cor. 14:2, For he that speaketli in an un-
known tongue, speaketh not unto men, but
unto God: for no man understandeth him;
howbeit in the Spirit he speaketh mysteries.
Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of
«pirltul gifts, seek that ye may excel to the
edifying of the church. Wherefore, let him
that speaketh in an unknown tongue, pray
that he may interpret. For if I pray in an
"unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my
understanding is unfruitful. How is it possi-
ble for his understanding to be unfraitfal, if
he understood the language that he spoke?
end where would be the necessity of praying
for the interpretation, if the person spealdng
understood it already?
Let us follow the apostles a short time and
see if the Holy Ghost always produced the
same effect. Acts 10:46. For the}' heard
them speak with tongues, and magnify God.
Acts, 19:6. And when Paul had laid his
hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on
them; and they spake with toagues and proph-
esied. Was not this the efiect that Mark
said should follow? Was not this wiiat .Toel
«aid should follow in the last days, which
commenced at the day of Pentecost? Let us
turn to the 1st Cor. 1:1,2, and there we shall
(hscover that tlxat epistle wa.'5 not addresse<l
to the Corrinthiaiis exclusively, but to all
that in every place call upon the name of Je-
sus Christ our Lord — both their' s and our's.
So tliat if we are of the number tijat call up-
on the name of the Lord, it is addressed to us;
if so, let us see what use we have for the r2th,
13th, and 14J.h chapter of this e])istlo, unless
we have the gifts. But, sa3's one, the gifts
were to be taken away. I would ask when?
and give you Paul's answer. Cor. 18:8,9,10.
Charity never faileth: but whether there be
prophecies, they shall fail; whether tliere be
tongues, they shall cease; whether there be
knowledge, it shall vanish away. Fqj we
know in part, and we prophesy in part. But
v.:hen that which is perfect is come, then that
which is in part shall l>e done away. But,
says one, they have been lost or taken .away:
so say I, and so says John the revelator, lllth
chap, for he saw the beast arise, that had
power over every nation, kindred, tongue and
people. In the 12th chap, of Rev. the church
is beautifully set forth in the person of the
woman. In the 12th chap, of Cor. Paul calls
or compai-es the church to a perfect body,
and John the revelator, to a woman clothed
with the sun, and the moon under her feet,
and upon her head a crown of 12 stars, which
woman brought forth a man child, who was
to rule all nations with a rod of iron. Can
any person of any discernment, read the 12tli
chap, of Rev. and say that it does not mean
the church of Christ as established by the
apostles, adorned with the glory and power of
God? This once established, we shall dis-
cover that the church goes into the wilderness
where she was to continue a thousand two
hundred and three score days, or a time, times
and a half time; which is a representation of
the same thing, 1260 years, iiow would it be
possible for the woman to be in the wilderness,
and the beast represented in the 13th chap,
of Rev. to have pov/er over every nation, kin-
dred, tongue and people, and the churcl*
still to retain her order with ail her gifts and
graces? Take a view of the woman set forth
in the I7th chap, of Rev. clothed or arrayed
in purple and scarlet color, and decked with
gold and precious stones, and pearls, liaA'ing
a golden cup in her hand, full of abominations
and filthiness of her fornication. What a
desparity there is, v/hen compared with the
fonner woman. Rev. 12. If one was a figure
of the first, or perfect church, as eanctioned
by God, is not the other the church stripped
of all her spiritual gifts and graces, and ador-
ned with the works of men? It is plain to
my mind that it is. If in the days of the
apostles it took first apostles, secondly pro-
phets, thirdly teachers, then helps, govern-
ments, gifls of healings, tongues and inter-
pretations of tongues, to consitute a church
of Christ, and we are believers in the doctrine
they held forth, which we ought to be, for
Paul says, Gal. 1:8, But though we or an
angel from heaven preach any other gospel
unto you than that which we have preached
unto you, let liim be accursed. As we said
before, so say ] nov/ again, If any man preach
any other gospel unto you than that we have
received, let him be accursed. If we will but
tui'ii our attention to the 3rd chap, of 1st
Cor. And I, brethren, could not speak unto
you a^ unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even
as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with
milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were
not al)le to bear it, neither yet now are ye
able. For ye are yet carnal: for vv'hereas
there is among you envying, and strife, and
divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as
men? for while one saith, I am of Paul; and
another, I am of Apollos; ai-e ye not carnal?
Wjio then is Paul, and v\'ho is Apollos, but
moiisters by whom ye believed, even as the
Lord gave to every man? If divisions show
carnality, there is an abundance of it in this
generation.
I feel that I cannot be thankful enough for
what the Lord has^done for me and my fa-
ther's family. There were two members add-
ed to the church since I came home, which
makes 22 since July, and there are many
enquiring — may the Lord still carry on his
Work; for the harvest is truly great, Broth- ,
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
er Snow was laboring in the church in Cana-
da.
I remain in the best of bonds,
your brother, antl well wislier
to the cause of my Maeter.
i\I. C. NICKERSON.
Freedom, April 3, 1835.
Brethren members of the Church of
Latter Day Saints met in conferenee
agreeably to previous appointment.
1st. Order being restored, brother
Sidney Rigdon was called to the chair,
and W. A. Cowdery was chosen Secre-
tary.
2d. Opened conference by a few
preliminary remar'ks from the chair,
and a concert of prayer by the Elders
present.
3d. Itinerant Elders gave a short
relation of their travels and success in
delivering the testimony of Jesus, the
great head of the Church.
4th. Heard an address and instruc-
tions from the chair relative to the gov-
ernment, progress and prospects of the
Church.
5th. Adjourned till to-morrow, 10
o'clock, A, M.
Saturday, April 4th, met agreeably
to adjournment, and the conference
was opened by prayer by the Chair-
man.
Proceeded 1st. to business. Heard
reports from the different churches re-
pi-esented.
2d. The church, in Westficld, Chau-
tauque county, is not represented, but
from a source of information entitled
to our entire credence, we learn that
the members are the same as repre-
sented at the last conference. And
the church in Laoni in the same coun-
ty in point of numbers, is the same as
at last conference, with the exception
of one member removed.
The church in Orangeville and .Ja-
va, Genesee county, now numbers but
fourteen; three having been excluded
since last conference. Represented
by Elder Otis Shumway, Delegate. —
The church in Burns, Allegany coun-
ty, now numbers twenty three members,
raised up and established almost whol-
ly by the instrunrentality of Elder A.
J. Squires. It is represented as being
in good standing — A. J. Squires, El-
der. The church in Portage Allega-
ny county, raised principally by broth-
er Squires consists of twenty six mem-
bers represented ]>y Wm. Marks, priest.
IjThe church in Rushford, Allegany
county, organized and established
101
March 23d, 1835, consists of twenty-
six members represented by Elder A.
T. Squires, who has been the instru-
ment in the hands of the Lord in es-
tablishing it.
)|In Kortright, Delaware county,
there are eight members, two of them
Elders, represented bv John Lawson,
Elder.
|]In Tompkins, Delaware County,
there are eight members, two of them
Elders, represented bv Eleazar Willes,
Elder.
II A new church has been recently
raised up by the instrumentality of El-
ders Gould and Babcock in VVoodhuH,
in Steuben co. consisting of six mem-
bers, represented by J. Gould, Elder.
The church in Grove, Allegany
CO. consists of eighteen members, two
of whom have been added since last
conference, reported by J. Gould, El-
der.
The church in Avon and Geneseo,
Livingston county, consists of twenty-
three members, one having removed,
and two been excluded since la^t con-
ference, Reuben Iladlock, Elder and
Delegate.
Tiic number of brethren in Munson,
Monroe county and Lima, Livingston
county, is eight in good standing, re-
ported by R. Hadlock, Elder.
The church in Perrysburgh, Cattar-
augus county, consists of forty mem-
bers in good standing, reported by
Freeman Nickerson, Elder.
iJBrother Nickerson also reports two
members that have not been numbered
with any church,- one residing in Day-
ton Cattaraugus county, and one in
Collins, Erie county.
The church of Freedom consists of
70 reported by II. Hyde, priest.
• 3d. After receiving the above re-
ports, there was a call from the chair,
on all Filders and Delegates present
who had matters of difficulty to adjust
in their respective Churches, to present
them for the consideration of this con-
ference.'
Whereupon, brother Reuben Had-
lock, presented a charge against Ches-^
ter L. Heath, an Elder in the Avon
and Geneseo church for breach of co-
venant and not observing the word of
wisdom.
4th. Moved by Elder J. Murdock,
that C. L. Heath be expelled from the
cliurch. The motion was duly second-
ed. The evidence heard, and the ques
m MESSENGER AND ADVOCATt;
tion distinctly put and carried without
a dissenting voice, that the said C. L.
Heath be expelled.
5th. Pvloved an-d seconded that the
Eiders now present have their licences
renewed and signed by the inoderator
and clerk of this conference.
6th. Resolved, That this conference
adjourn sine die.
P. S. This character || on the mar-
gin is set oppssito the returns of such
churches or branches, as have not be-
fore been represented in any confer-
ence.
W. A. CoWDERY, Sec'ary.
Hunfsburgh, O. April IGth, 1S35.
BrO. O. Co',V!>.RY,
Having just re-
turned from a most interesting meet-
ing, where baptizing was attended to,
and while the curtains of night aye
drawn around me and I am seated in
the friendly family circle with some
beloved brethren, although it is snow-
ing quite fast and is very cold, esper
cialiy considering the season of the
year, while musing and meditating on
the paet, a thought suggested itself,
that, probably, a ie\Y lines from me
would not be uninteresting to the rea-
ders of your morit valuable paper. —
During last summer and fall elders
Joel Johnson and Oliver Granger vis-
ited this neighborhood and preached a
number of times. They baptized none
in this town, but elder J. preached al-
so, in the town north of this and bap-
tized three or four.
I first visited this place in December
last, and staj-ed one v/eek, during
which \ preached sometimes, twice a
da}', and the truth took hold on the
hearts of many, and six of the number
came out and declared it openly by
obedience. Since that time I have oc-
casionly been here and declared to
them the things which I most assured-
ly belicvee, and I always found that
there were some who v/ere honest in
heart and ready to obey the truth. —
Thfe,'._ church or the number oC saint?
here at present is twenty seven, and
there are a number more believing and
others seriously inquiring. May the
Lord grant great prosperity to the cause
of truth.
:''On the 21st of March I attended an
appointment at the center of this town,
in the midst of a society commonly
called Campbellites, and the truth come
ing so near them k roused up 'th'os.
whose craft was in danger, and I re-
ceived a challeno-e to hold a public dis-
cussion with a Mr. J. M. Tracy, whor
in his note tome, pledged himself to
prove that "the book of Mormon was
not a divine revelation," I have been
informed that Mr. T. was formerly ft
Universalist preacher, but becoming
tired of their principles or society, I
know not which, latterly some of tlio
Campbellites in Huntsburgh have hired
him to preach for them. I accepted
his offer, and on the 27th of March we
met and the debate continued two days,
about eight hours each, the parties
speaking alternately thirty minutes.
When the interview closed a majority
of the congregation aldose, by an anx-
ious urgency on the part of Mr. T. to
testify thereby that they did not be-
lieve in the divinity of the book of
Mormon. But when I asked them if
they had been convinced that it was
false by Mr. Tracy's arguments, (i.f
I might call them such,) there vvas not
one to answer — "Yes."
Whether good has resulted from that
discusion can only be known by theef*
fects produced. A$ soon as the de-
bate closed I went imm.ediately to the
water and baptized two — -it being Sat-
urday. On Sunday President J. —
Smith Jr. delivered a discourse in th«
same house of about three hour's
length, and on Monday morning four
more came forward and, "were buried
with Christ by baptism;" and were
confirmed by the laying on of hands^
in order that, "they might put off the
old man with his deeds and arise and
walk in newness of life."^
Since I have been here this time,
more have been received into the
church. Thus you see that truth is
powerful and will prevail.
I have for some time past been thor-
oughly convinced, that all that is wan-
ting, is, to have the principles in which
we believe, fairly, plainly and simply
laid open to the minds of the honest in
heart of this generation, in order to
have the mild kingdom of the Redeem-
er spread and prevail over the com-
mandments of men and the doctrines
of devils. For many, even in this re-
gion, so near to Klrtland, I found
when I first came to this town, knew
but little of our principles. They had
heard much from rumor, 'tis true, but
they seemed astonished when they
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
lOS
Come to hear our principles as we hold
ihem, without exaggeration or misrep-
resentation. Said they, "these things
are according to the scriptures, we be-
lieve they are true, and we want to
obey them." When I see people thus
willing to obey the truth as soon as
they learn it, my heart cries, O! that
the vineyard of the Lord was filled
■with "the publishers of peace," that
all the honest in heart might be pre-
pared for the coming of the Lord, in
power and great glory, and be ready
to sa}'^, "even so come, Lord Jesus."
Then peace as in the garden of
Eden will be restored to the earth, and
then for a thousand years all king-
doms, nations and people from one
end of heaven to the other, from the
least to the greatest, will echo the
sound "I know the Lord" For as Isa-
iah says, "all the people will be right-
eous.
?7
W. E. M'LELIN.
Perry, April 19th, 1835.
Dear Brother; —
As many reports have
gone out about tlie downfall of this
church, and that it is decreasing in
place of increasing, I have thouglit it
would be encouraging to our brethren
to hear from us; therefore, 1 write to
you these few lines: the church,
where I reside, in the township of Per-
ry, Richland co. numbers at this time
36 members, in good standing; five of
whom have been baptized within seven
days, and 4 about tv/o months before,
and some others that appear to be be-
lieving, v/hich we trust and pray may
come in. Pray for us, that the work
of the Lord may continue to prosper
with us, as well as all other places. —
This from yours, &c.
DAVID EVANS.
Bro.
COWDRY,
Sir:
From satisfactory
evidence received from Connecticut
concerning the conduct of elder Glad-
den Bishop, we say that he is suspen-
ded as a preacher of the gospel until
such timer, as an investigation can be
had before the travelling elders from
Kirtland at some one of the conferen-
ces noticed in the preceding Number
of the Advocate. We are not fond of
having the church of the Latter Day
i^aints represented by men whose con-
duct and teaciu'ng will not stand the
test of the most rigid investigation.
O. HYDE, }
W. E. M'LELIN, \ Clerks of
fconference.
Kirtland, Ohio, April 27, 1835.
Messenger aud Advocate.
KIRTLAND, OHIO, APRIL, 1S35.
A SUMMARY.
Our brethren residing in Providence
R. I, besides business of a temporal na-
ture, request some of the elders to call
on them if passing. Brother M. —
Willber writes as follows:
"April 5th, I baptized 2 persons,
and there are more who expect to go
forward soon: things appear more en-
couraging than heretofore — will you
invite some of the first elders this
way, to see us this season? as we un-
derstand they arc coming to the east.
Direct them, to '■Providence R. L No.
286 North Maine St.' We will try
to have a place for them, where they
may instruct the people, if possible — '
we want to be instructed more perfect-
ly in the things of God."
On the perusal of this letter, the-
mind recurs back to the history of the
individual v/ho founded the Rhodels-
land colony — Mr. Roger Williams. —
Much has been said of- his character^
talents and personal worth; but on re-
viewing a short extract of his Me-
moirs, by Professor Knowls, we were
delighted to find two remarkable itemsr,
said to be connected with his religious
belief: One was, "that the true church
and ministry, had been lost in the Ro-
mish apostasy, and could be again re-
stored, only by a special Apostle rais-
ed up for that purpose." To escape
the force cf tnis thought, the Rev. —
Professor says that, "the laws of in-
terpretation were at that day, but im-
perfectly known." What a pity that
Mr. Williams, who is represented as
being a man of deep piety, and under-
standing the original languages, in
104
MESvSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
which the scriptures were written,
«ould not have been favored with some
modern Professor to teach liim the
"laws of interpretation!"
The other item was, after learning
the Indian tongue, and laboring faith-
fully to teach them Christianity, that
the time for the conversion of Pagans
was "postponed until another apostle
should be sent with a special conmnis-
sion, and that with the restoration of
the ministr3% the gift of tongues would
be bestowed for the purpose.''
We only add, that our sincere pray-
er is, that many may be found in that
place, entertaining the same belief,
and looking forward for the same work
of God; for mostassiiredly these views
were correct, and according to divine
teaching; and as the elders of this
church are called upon from every
part of the country, we leave that mat-
ter for the Lord to direct by his Holy
Spirit.
Elder W. Parish writes from Paris
Ten. March lOllj, to older D. Patten
of this place, and among other good
things says, since his last he has bap-
tized 9 more, making a church, now,
of 40 members, if we rightly remem-
ber. Thus the good cause is stili pro-
gre.s.sing, and ^hc word of truth gain-
ing influence. It has opposei's though,
as is to be expected, but among a peo-
ple so highly blessed v/ith light, when
the truth is laid beforc them, it is easi-
ly to conclude which course they will
choose. The conimon complaint is
heard— a want of more preachers to
fdl calls.
., Elder Nathaniel Millikcn writes
from Saco, Maine, March 25, and says
that the church in that place numbers
57, though they greatly desire a faith-
ful elder to administer to them the word
of life — Four have lately baen excom-
municated— one an official member
(Samuel Lowell) wlio refused to give
\^\s license to the church. It is a matter
of regret, that individuals, after step-
ping aside from tlie right way, are un-~
willing to give satisfactory evidence
that they have repented, when a frank
and humble confession is an evidence
of reformation, and restores them to
the fellowship of those wlw strive for
salvation.
TROUBLE IN THE WEST.
Our readers are aware, no doubt,
that the Baptists, Presbyterians, and
others, have been troubled for a long
time, because "the Beast," a& they
are pleased to call the Catholic church,
has so much power in the Valley of
the Mississippi. We not unfrequently
see lengthy letters, said to have beeii
written by persons resident in, or trav-
elling in the Valley. These letters al-
ways urge the great necessity of send-
ing more Missionaries to convert the
inhabitants of that country, to establish
Sabbath schools. Tract societies, cS^c.
Since some few of the elders of the
church of the saints have been labor-
ing in Illinois, these very pious people,
seem to be greatly alarmed again, or
anew. "The Pioneer," a small semi
monthly paper, devoted to the Baptist
cause, and printed at "Rock Spring,"
contains an article, from which, and a
few remarks from the Editor, v.'e learn
that the cause of truth and the discem-
ination of correct principles, causes a
deep feeling of, not only religious an-
imosity, but a disposition to tread in
the foot steps of some others who have
been forward in raising an alarm
vv^hen ever the gospel was inti'oducod
in their vicinities.
It is said that the article was written
"by a friend of truth," and we design
occupying a few lines to show our
friends the just claim the author has to
this appellation.
He has, no doubt, made himself ac-
quainted %vith Mr. Campbell's phamph-
let of 18.U, as his arguments are the
same, in general, or similar; with a
little addition in somei respects.
The writer says: "The probability
is that Smith, who had been a book-
peddler, and was frcquendy about prin-
ting establishments, had procured
some old copper plates for engravings,
which he showed for golden plates."
This is a new one. We have heard
our worthy brother Joseph Sm ith jr
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
?;
<;alled almost every thing but a book-
^leddler. Now, as it is, v/o can prove,
by those who have been personally ac~
^quainted with brother Smith from his
infancy that this is an absolute false-
hood! Will the Editor of the Pioneer
inform his "friend of truth" of the
fact.
The Pioneer's "friend of truth" has
certainly got ahead of Mr. Campbell:
He says that the "true origin" of the
writing composing the book of Mcr-
men, is from the pen of an eccentric
Spauldin^, who carried the same to
Pittsburgh, but died soon, and that
since they have been altered a little,
and now appear as the book of Mormon.
Air. Campbell says, tliat "Smith is its
real author, and as ignorant and impu
dent a knave as ever wrote a book
Will these two gentlemen settle this
dispute; for it truly looks pittiful to
see this wide disagreement, since they
both express so much anxiety.
This "friend of truth" says: "The
book states that Christ was born in Je-
rusalem (p. 240,) whereas every child
that has read the testament, knows
that Christ was born in Bethlehem."
Since this writer has been so kind as
to note the page we will look at it: it
says, "For behold, the kingdom of
heaven is at hand, and the Son of God
Cometh upon the face of the earth. —
And behold, he shall be born of Mary
AT Jerusalem, which is the land of
our forcfathei's."
So much for this "friend of truth"
on this subject: instead of its saying
in Jerusalem, as this man would be
glad to make his readers believe, it
says "at Jerusalem, the land of
their forefathers." And any man of
■common sense, canxiot but see that
this v/riter had a perfect understanding
of the, matter, for ho says the land of,
&c. wiiich is sufficient to show that he
meant to be understood, as he said,
"at" or in the region of Jerusalem. —
This is enough, however, to show the
desi^ of this "friend of truth."
Again, this writer says: "The name
of Jesus Christ, was declared to Nephi,
545 years before it was announced to
Mary, and she, in true Roman phrase-
ology, is called Hhe mother of God.'
Two Items suggest themselves upon
the face of this last, quotation. The
writer makes a great blow that the
name of Jesus Christ should be known
before the days of the virgin Mary. —
We only ask a tew questions on this,
and pass on. Was Abel's sacrinco
accepted? was life and immortalitv
brought to light through the gospels-
see 2 Tim, 1:10. VV^ere Enoch and
Elijah wafted to the regioiis of ever-
lasting li^e and g'oi'y, without tasting
death? 'and as life and immortality
vv'ere b,^pught to light througli the gos-
pel, wa.s.dt Jbj the power, or knovvledge
pf the gosptSl through which they ob-
tained ])ower over the grave? and if
so, could they liave understood thc
gospel and not know in what name it
was preached? Did Abraliam" see the
day of Christ, and if so, did he kj3ow
his name? And finally, wore not all
the ancients, who were saved, saved
through faith on tlie Lamb, slain from
the foundation of the world? and is
not the Lamb Jesus Christ? But to
the other item.
This "friend of truth'' says that Ma-
ry was "called tlie mother of God."' —
The reader will please turn to the 25th
page of , the book of Mormon, and
read: "And ho [the angel] said unto
me, behold, the virgin which thou secst
is the moiker of God, after the manner
of the flesh."
Now, every' man knows, who has
read the New Testament, that Marj-
was called the Lord's mother; aad be-
side we remember to have read a word
or two of Paul's writings, where iie
says: "But other of the apostles saw
I none, save James the hordes brother.
Now, the things which I write unto
you, behold, before God, I lie not." —
See Gal. 1. Here we have it — the
Lord Jesus was born of a woman, had
a brother, and yet had no mother ac-
cording to the flesh!!
Will our readers suffer us to make
another quotation from this "friend of
truth?
"Christ is represented as having descended
and spent some time on the western conti-
nent, afiter having ascended to heaven from'
Mount Olivet in Judea! This fabulous Mor-
mon story, to say nothing of its impious char-
acter is in opposition to the declayations of
God, in the Nevv^ Teatament, and places
Mormonism in direct hostility with the word
of God. See the following scriptures. —
Mark, 16: 19 — John chapter 14: verses' 2,3,
19; — chapter 16: verses 7,10,17,28: — chan-
ter 17: verses 4, 11, and 24, Acts 3:20,21.—
(This passage alone overthrows the whole
Mormon scheme.) See also Heb. 1:3, 5;
chapter 4:14, 6: 20 also chapter 9:27 and
26. In this last passage it is affirmed that
Clirist will come at the day of Jundgment,
"the SECOND time;" whereas Mormonism
affirms that he appeared the seeorul time en
10(3
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
the continent of America, and that he will
soon come the third time to the Mormons."
For the benefit of our readers we
will give the foregoing quotations, en-
tire, as the writer attempts to over-
throw the book of Mormon, because it
is said that the Savior descended upon
this continent, after his crucifixion. —
The first is Mark 16:19. «'i^"o then,
after the Lord had spoken mito them,
he was received up into heaven, and
sat on the right hand of God." This
does not say that he should not eome
again, neither does the book of Mor-
mon say that he did ?iot ascend up on
high, but that he did.
The next is John 14:2,3,19. "In
my Father's house are many man-
sions; if it were not so, I would have
told you. 1 go to prepare a place for
you. And if I go, and prepare a place
for you, I will come again, and re-
ceive you unto myself; tlmt where I
am, ye may be also. Yet a little
while, and the world seeth me no more;
but ye see me: because I live, ye shall
live also."
What, in all this? the reader will be
ready to ask. The Pioneer's "friend
of truth" must explain it; for we con-
fess we find nothing to disprove the
fact that Christ did not show himself to
the people upon this continent: beside,
there is a promise contained in the
above, that if he (Christ) did go and
prepare a place for his apostles, he
tvould come again, and received them
unto himself.!! To be sure, it says
that the world should see him no more,
but his apostles should? And what
does that prove? It does not prove
that others should not also see. And
we remember to have read in the 14th
chap, of this same book: "Neither
pray I for these alone, but for them
also which shall believe on me through
their word; that they all may be ot^e;
as thou, Father, art in me, and I in
thee, that they also may be one in in
us; that the world may believe that
thou hast sent me." If those who be-
lieved on Christ through the apostles,
were to be one with them, and the
apostles were to see him — that he was
to come to them again, of course, they
had the same claim, and the same
right to claim a view of him.
The next is John 10: 7, 10, 17, 28.
'''Nevertheless, I tell 'you the truth;
it is expedient for you that I go away:
for if I go not away, the Comforter
will not come unto you, but if I depart,
I will send him unto you. Of right-
eousness; because I go to my Father
and ye see me no more." Concern-
ing this last we merely say that we see,
nothing but what is easy of explana-
tion, when v.'e notice the fact that ho^
did show himself to his apostles after
his resurrection, "and was seen .of
them forty days." But to go on. ^-
"Thcn said some of his disciples
among themselves, what is this that he
saith unto us, a little while, and ye-
shall not see me: and becouse I go to
the Father.^' This makes it plain that,
he would be seen again. "I came
forth from the Father, and am como
into the world; again, I leave the
world, and go to the Father." No-
thing objectionable in this.
But not to occupy to much space,,
we will give the remainder, and make
but one comment upon the whole.
John 17:4,11,24. "I have glorified
thee on the earth: I have finished the
work which thou gavest me to do. —
And now I am no more in the world,
but. Father, keep^ through thine own
name, those whom thou hast given
me, that they may be one, as we are.
Father, I will tliat those also, whom
thou hast given me, be with me where
I am; that they may behold my glory,
which thou hast given me: for thou
lovedst me before the foundation of the
world." Acts 3:20,21. "And he
shall send Jesus Christ, which before
was preached unto you: whom the
heaven must receive until the time of
restitution of all things, which God
hath spoken by the mouth of all his
holy prophets since the world began."
Heb. 1:3,5. Also, 4:14.-6:20.-9:-
27,28.
"Who, being the brightness of his glory,
and the express image of his person, and up-
holding all things by the word of his power,
wheh he had by himself purged our sins,
sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on
high; For unto which of the angels said be
at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have
I begotten thee? And again, I will be to
him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?
Seeing then that we have a great High Priest,
that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the
Sou of God, let us hold fast our profession. —
Whither the forerunner is for us entered,
even Jesus, made an high priest forever, af-
ter the order of Melchisedec. And as it is
appointed unto men o»ce to die, but after
this the judgment; So Christ was once of-
fered to bear the sins of many: and unto
them that look for- him shalV he appear the
second time, without sin, unto salvation."
The times of restitution, spoken of^
in Acts, the reader will notice is to be
MESSENGiCR ANL> ADVOCATE.
107
applied to the very persons to whom
it was spoken, for at the time their sins
were to be blotted out. On the re-
mainder we merely say. Christ was
seen 40 days after his resurrection. —
See Acts 1:3. 10,40,41. Him God
raised up the third day, and showed
him openly; not to all the people, but
linto witnesses chosen before of God,
even to us who did eat and drink with
him, after he rose from the dead. —
The query is, did the apostles see him,
or does the historian tell an untruth?
1 Cor. 15: commence with the 3rd
and end with the 8th — we only quote
the 6th here. "After that (his resur-
rection) he ivas seal of ahove Jive hun-
dred href hr en at once/" Paul was per-
sonally knowing to this fact.
This "friend of truth" would have
us believe that Messiah is not to come
till the final judgment — this is a subject
so plainly written in the bible that we
deem it unnecessary to add any thing
on it.
The foregoing remarks are not
made because we possess a spirit of
hatred against the Pioneer, or his
friend of truth — we only regret that
they are unwilling to embrace the truth.
We do not admire the spirit by which
our opponents' article is written, nei-
ther do we deem it to^be necessary to
expose his simple arguments — we
merely say, that all he has said, and
all he can say, against the truth of the
book of Mormon, or the gospel preach-
cd by the elders of the church of the
Latter Day Saints, will be as perfectly
unavailing against its progress, as that
of the Jews formerly.
As much as our blood chills on the
reflection that that church has perse-
cuted those who were unwilling to bo
governed by its principles, we sincere-
ly hope that no extravigant nor un-
founded report may have influence over
the public mind against our Catholic
community.
We not only hope this, but we hoti-
estly pray, that our happy country
may never be brought to bow to the
mandates of no religioiis society what-
ever. The late shameful persecution
against the church of the saints in
Missouri, has taught us that others be-
side the Catholics, would, if they had
the power exterminate all who refuse
to worship the same way!
Inquisition in (he United States. — The Prot^
estant Vindicator, a very respectable reli-
gious paper, printed at Baltimore, Maryland,
states that large excavations have lately been
made under the Catholic Cathedral of that ci-
ty, in which dungeons are constructed for
the confinement and punishment of those of
the catholic faith, who may denounce or re-
nounce that religion.— It is also stated, on
the authority of the same paper, that John
England, present Bishop of Charleston, (S.
C.) has received from the pope of Some an
appointment of '^Inquisitor General of the
United States of America!" which commis-
sion he now holds as a proper authority,
with the addition of Legate aud Nuncio of
the pope. That a Roman Inquisition shouli
have existence in this country, at this time,
altho' necessarily unaccompanied by its usuzd
train of cruelties and abominations, will we
think, surprise most of our citizens who pre-
fer to see it a land of liberty. Of the cor-
rectness of the Vindicator, singular as it may
sound to the uninformed we entertain no
doubt. — Poughkeepsie Eagle.
We extract the following from "the
Columbia (S. C.) Hive," of March 14.
To its truth or incredibility we say
nothing — our readers are left to draw
their own conclusion. It is a fact,
which no reader will pretend to deny,
that the Catholic church has cruelly
tortured many of its dissenters, and
we have no doubt, but that in a com-
ming day, the innocent blood of thou-
sands will be brought up as a charge
against some of its former members.
It might be thought a novel thing
that the Pope should undertake to in-
troduce the inquisition into this Repub-
lic, and we have no doubt but there
are many who are watching his moves
with great vigilance, and the least
show on his part, to enforce the Cath-
olic faith will be noticed.
Some of our public prints are trying
to '■'■kick up a fuss" between the Prot-
estants and Catholics. We have not
yet learned token the Catholics violated
the Constitution, and since the Protest-
ants can no more than keep it honora-
bly, we advise each party to C^^ read
IT
I I
We are requested to inform the eas-
tern churches, that elders Hyrum Smith
and Jared Carter have been appointed
by the church in Kirtland to visit them
this season, for the purpose of solici-
ting donations to finish the stone meet-
ing house now erected in this place.
Elder Carter visited many church*
es last season, and was successful in
obtaining sufficient, with the aid of
other donations, to erect the walls, but
much remains to be done yet, and the
further prosecution of the work 4e-
103
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
pends, in a.iTieasure, uixm the liberali-
ty of the saints.
Where these elders .arc known, a
recommend would ' be ' superfluous, but
as ■ they will probably , visit many
churches where they are unknown by
face, it is proper 'to say that they are
men of unblemished Characters, and
arc duly authorized to make collec-
tions, as above, known to bo strictly
honest and i-esponsible.
We drop those few remarks lest our
worthy brethren might labox under
embarrassments, where they are not
known, and we cheerfully recommend
them as men capable of giving every
nccessarj information concerning their
mission.
7Vs it is expected that elder Smith
and Cafter will l^ave for the east the
first of May, they will be able to visit
many churches, but should they be un-
able to visit them all, wc hope that we.
may not come under censure. -.
The churches will also receive
much benefit from the instruction
which they will receive in the gospel,
from these brethren and withall we
tvish them success, and much grace
upon the saints.
The last Conference O-t Freedom,
we are informed, was an interesting
one. There were 18 elders present,
who gave cheering accounts of the
prospects of the work in the different
parts of the country where they reside,
and v/here they have been laboring. —
It was but a short time since thfe elders
held a conference in that place, and
we may conclude from the minutes of
the last, that the work has. taken effect
since the former, to a considerable ex-
tent, when we see six branches repre-
sented which have never been repre-
sented in a conference before.
From all we can learn, we come to
the conclusion, that there is a vast re-
gion anxious to receive instruction con-
cerning the faith and belief of this
church, being excited to enquiry by
the few elders who have providentially
preached in that country. ^Y^ look
with anxiety and delight to the time of
the next conference to be held in that
place (Freedom) when we hope the
people may generally hear.
J; Vy hen we bring our mind to reflect
howt many there are kept back from
kea^irig this gospel, because ;SaBqe un-
pririQipled person hp,]^ ,rag. forward of
the elders with a foolish false report,
and that those whose profession saysr
to the world, that they are the friends
and advocates of truth, not unfrequent-
ly bringing forward these reports as.
arguments against the gospel, we are
filled with a deep feeling of sympathy
for those who are under their influence.
If a former opinion of ours is incor-
rect, if we have, through the influence
of those whom we thought possessed
understanding, embraced a system
which we afterward fear is incorrect,
what do we lose, if, after investigation,,
it proves to be so? The answer is at
hand — we lose a bad principle, are
convinced of a false system, and atv
thus prepared to embrace the truth
whenever it shall be presented: and to
be able to make this exchango will re
joice the heart of every individual who
rightly considers the value of eternal'
life. We often reflect upon this, most
of all points important, and are not un-
frequently left to wonder why men are
unwilling to attend to it. If our future-
state were to be like the prespnt, if a
few days, measured by this present
sun, were to terminate that existence,
then perhaps an excuse might be urged
for neglecting to int''o_rm ourselves con-
cerning its consequences and ends; but
as it is, beyond this vale of sorrow lies,
to us, an unbounded eteknity, where,
when we inherit it, we must remain,
how important above all things, that
we be prepared for its consequences!
And that men may receive an assu-
rance in this life, of a crown of giory,
we humbly ask our God, the great
Head of the church, to give his feeble-
instruments sufficient grace to present
tiie beauties of the gospel to mankind,
that they may be persuaded to embrace,
it.
LETTER VI.
TO W. W. PHELPS, ESQ.,
Dear Sir:—
Yours of the 24th Febi-uary is re-
ceived and inserted in this No. of
the Advocate. When reviewing my
letter No. 3, I am lead to conclude,
that some expressions contained in it
are calculated to call up past scenes,
and perhaps, paint them to the mind,
in a manner differently than otherwise
were it not that you can speak from.
experience of their correctness.
I have not space you know, to gs>
into evei-y pai^icular item noticed.- in
MESSENOEfl AiSD ADVOCATp:
. im
yours, as that wouid call ni}^ attention
too far, or too mucli, from the great
object lying before me, — the history of
this church; — but one expression, Or
quotation contained in your last strikes
the mind, (and I may add — the heart,)
with so much force, that I cannot pass
without noticing it: It is a lino or two
from that little book contained in the Old
Testament, called "Ruth.'' It says:
''Entreat me not to leave thee, or to
return from followincr after tliec: for
whither thou gocst, I will go; and
where thou lodgest, I will lodge, thy
people shall be my people, and thy God
my God."
There is a something breathed in
this, not known to the world. The
great, as many are called, may pro-
fess friendship, and covenant to share
in each other's toils, for the honors and
riches of this life, but it is not like the
sacrifice offered l)y Ruth. She for-
sook her friends, she left her nation,
she longed not for the altars of her foi--
mer gods, and why! because Israel's
God was God indeed'? and by joining
herself to him a reward was offered,
and an inheritance pi'omised with him
when the earth was sanctified, and
peoples, nations and tongues serve him
acceptably? And the same covenant of
Ruth's, whispers the same assurance
in the same promises, and the same
knowledge of the same God.
I gave, in my last, a few words, on
the subject of a few items, as spo-
ken by the angel at the time the know-
ledge of the i-ecord of the Nephites
was communicated to our brother, and
in consequence of the subject of the
gospel and that of the gathering of
Israel's being so connected, I found it
difficult to speak of the one without
mentioning the other; and this may
not be improper, as it is evident, that
the Lord has decreed to bring forth
the fulness of the gospel in the last
days, previous to gathering Jacob, but
a preparatory work, and the other
is to follow in quick succession.
This being of so much importance,
and of so deep interest to the saints, I
have thought best to give a farther de-
tail of the heavenly message, and if I
do not give it in the precise words,
shall strictly confine myself to the facts
in substance.
David said, (P 3. C.) make a joyful
Tioise unto the Lord, all ye lands, that is,
all tlte earth. Serve the Lord with
gladness: Come before his presence'
with singing. This he said in view of
the glorious period for which he often
prayed, and was anxious to behold,
wl'.ich he knew could not take place
until the knov/ledge ef the glory of
God covered all lands, or all the earth.
Again he says, [Ps. 107] O give-
thanks unto the Lord, for ho is good:
For his mercy endureth forcyer. Let
the reedeemdd of the Lord sa'y so,',
whom' he has redeemed from the hand'
of the enemy; and gathered out of the^
lands from the east, and from the west;
from the north and from the south.'-^
They wandered in the wilderness in a_
solitary way; they found no city to
dwell in. Hungry and thirsty, their
soul fainted in them. Then they cri-
ed unto the Lord in their trouble, and
he delivered, them out their distresses;
and led them in the right way that they
might go to the city of habitation.
Most clearly was it shown to the pro-
phet, that the righteous should be ga-
thered from all the earth: He knev/
that the children of Israel were led
from Egypt, by the right hand of the
Lord, and permitted to possess the land
of Canaan, though they were rebelli-
ous in the , desert, but he farther knew,
tliatthey were liot gathered from the
east, the west, the north and the south,
at that time; for it was clearly manifes-
ted that the Lord himself would pre-
pare a habitation, eyeri .-a^ ' he said,
when he would lead them "to a city of
refuge. In that, Pavid saw a promise
for the righteous, [see 144 Ps] when
they should be delivered from those
who oppressed them, and from the
hand of strange children, or the ene-
mies of the Lord; that their sons should
be like plants grown up in their yotith,
and their daughters like corner-stones,
polished after the similitude of a beau-
tiful palace. It is' then that the sons
and dai^ghters shall prophesy, old men
dream dreams, and yoting men see vi •
sions. At that time the garners of the
righteous will be full, afTording all
manner of store. It was while con-
templating this time, and viewing this
happy state of the righteous, that he
further says: The Lord shall reign'
forever, even thy God, O Zion, unto
all generations — ^Praise ye the Lord!
Isaiah who was on the earth at the
time fhfc ten tribes of Israel were led
away captive from the land of Canaan,
was shown, not only their calamity and
\q\
Messenger and AtJVOC'ATE.
affliction, but the time when they were
to be delivered. After reproving them
for their corruption and blindness, he
prophesies of their dispersion. He
says, Y©ur country is desolate, your
dties are burnt with fire: Your land,
sti'angers devour it in your presence,
and it is thus made desolate, being
overthrown by strangers. He further
says, while speaking of the iniquity of
that people. Thy princes are rebel-
lious, and companions of thieves: eve-
ry one loves gifts, and follows after
rewards: They judge not the father-
less, neither does the cause of the wi-
dow come unto them. Therefore, says
the Lord, the Lord of hosts, the migh-
ty One of Israel, Ah, I will ease me
of my adversaries, and avenge me of
my enemies. But after this calamity
has befallen Israel, and the Lord has
poured upon them his afflicting judg-
ments, as he said by the mouth of Mo-
ses— I will heap mischiefs upon them;
I v/ill spend my arrows upon them. —
They shall be afflicted with hunger,
and devoured with burning heat, and
with bitter destruction: I will also send
the teeth of beasts upon them, with the
poison of serpents of the earth — he will
also fulfill this further prediction utter-
ed by the mouth of Isaiah. I will turn
my hand upon thee, and purely purge
away thy dross, and take away all thy
tin: and I will restore thy judges as at
the first, and thy counsellors as at the
t>eginning: afterward you shall be cal-
led, the city of righteousness, the faith-
ful city. Then will be fulfilled, also,
the saying of David: And he led them
forth by the right way, that they m.ight
go to a city of habitation.
Isaiah continues his prophecy con-
cerning Israel, and tells them what
would be done for them in the last days;
for thus it is written: The word that Isai-
ah the son of Amos saw concerning
Judah and Jerusalem. And it shall
come to pass in the last days, that the
mountain of the Lord's house shall be
established in the top of the mountains,
and shall be exalted above the hills; —
and all nations shall flow unto it. And
many people shall go and say, Come
ye, and let us go up to the mountain of
the Lord, to the house of the God of
Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways
and we will walk in his paths: for out
of Zian shall go forth the law, and the
word of the Lord from Jerusalem. —
And he shall judge among the nations,
and shall rebuke many people: and
they shall beat their swords into plough
shares, and their spears into pruning
hooks: nations shall not lift up the
sword against nation, neither shall
they learn war any more. And the
Lord will create upon every dwelling
place of his people in Zion, and upon
their assemblies, a cloud and smoke by
day, and the shining of a flaming fire
by night: for upon all the glory shall
be a defence, or above, shall be a cov-
ering and a defence. And there shall
be a tabernacle for a shadow in the
day-time from the heat, and for a place
of refuge, and for a covert from storn>
and from rain. And his people shall
dwell safely, they shall possess the
land forever, even the land which was
promised to their fathers for an ever-
lasting inheritance: for behold, says
the Lord by the mouth of the prophet:
The da}' will come that I v/ill sow the
house of Israel with the seed of man,
and with the seed of beast. And it
shall come to pass, that like as I have
watched over them, to pluck up, and
to break down, and to throw down, and
to destro}'-, and to afflict; so will I watch
over them, to build and to plant, says
the Lord.
For this happy situation and blessed
state of Israel, did the prophets look,'
and obtained a promise, that, though
the house of Israel and Judah, should
violate the covenant, the Lord, in the
last days would make with them a new
one: not according to the one which he
made with their fathers in the day that
he took them by the hand to lead them
out of the land of Egypt; which, said
the Lord, my covenant they broke, al-
though I was a husband and a father
unto them: but this shall be the cove-
nant that I will make with the house of
Israel: After those days, says the Lord,
I will put my law in their inward
parts, and will write it in their hearts;
and I will be their God, and they shall
be my people.
For thus says the Lord, I will bring'
again the captivity of Jacob's tents,
and have mercy on his dsveiling places;
and the city shall be builded upon her
own heap, and the palace shall remain
after the manner thereof And out of
them shall proceed thanksgiving, and
the voice of them that make merry: —
and I will multiply them and they shall
not be few; I will also glorify them
and they shall not be small. Tlxeir
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
Ill
•children also shall be as aforetime, and
their congregation shall be established
before me, and I will punish all that op-
press them. Their nobles shall be of
themselves, and their governor shall
proceed from the midst of them.
At the same time, says the Lord,
will I be the God of all the families of
Israel, and they shall be my people; I
will bring them from the north coun-
try, and gather them from the coasts of
the earth; I will say to the north, Give
up, and to the south, keep not back: —
tring my sons from far, and my daugh-
ters from the ends of the earth. And
in those days, and at that time, says
the Lord, though Israel and Judah
have been driven and scattered, they
shall come together, they shall even
come weeping: for with supplications
will I lead them: they shall go and seek
the Lord their God. They shall ask
the way to Zion, with their faces thith-
erward, and say. Come, and let us join
ourselves to the Lord in a perpetual
covenant that shall not be forgotten;
and watchmen upon Mount Ephraim
shall say. Arise, and let us go up to
Zion, unto the holy Mount ot the Lord
our God; for he will teach us of his
■ways, and instruct us to walk in his
.paths. That the way for this to be ful-
ly accomplished, may be prepared, the
Lord will utterly destroy the tongue of
the Egyptian sea, and with his mighty
wind shake his hand over the river and
smite it in its seven streams, and make
men go over dry-shod- And there
shall be a high way for the remnant of
his people, which shall be left, from
Assyria; like as it was to Israel when
they came up out of the land of E-
gypt-
And thus shall Israel come: not a
dark corner of the earth shall remain
unexplored, nor an island of the seas
be left without being visited; for as the
Lord has removed them into all cor-
ners of the earth, he will cause his mer-
cy to be as abundantly manifested in
their gathering as his wrath in their
dispersion, until they are gathered ac-
cording to the covenant. He will, as
he said by the prophet, s^aid for many
fishers and they shall fish them; and
after send for many hunters, who shall
■hunt them; not as their enemies have
to afflict, but with glad tidings of great
■joy, with a message of peace, and a
call for their return.
And it will come to pass, that though
the house of Israel has forsaken the
Lord, and bowed down and worship-
ping other gods, v.iiich were no gods,
and been cast out before the faee of the
world, they will know the voice of the
Shepherd when he calls upon them this
lime; for soon his day of power comes,
and in it his people will be willing to
harken to his counsel; and even now*
are they already beginning to be stir-
red up in their hearts to search for
these things, and arc daily reading the
ancient prophets, and are marking the'
times, and seasons of their fulfilment,
Thus God is preparing the way foi'
their return.
But it is necessary that you sholilcl
understand, that what is to be fulfilled
in the last days, Is not only for the
benefit of Israel, but the Gentiles, if
they will repent and embrace the gos-
pel, for they are to be remembered al-
so in the same covenant, and are to be
fellow heirs with the seed of Abraham,
inasmuch as they are so by faith — for
God is no respecter of persons. This
was shown to Moses, when he wrote —
Rejoice, O ye nations, with his peo-
ple!
In consequence of the transgression
of the Jews at the coming of the Lord,
the Gentiles were called into the king-
dom, and for this obedience, are to be
favored with the gospel in its fulness
first, in the last days; for it is written.
The first shall be last, and the last first.
Therefore, when the fulness of the gos-
pel, as was preached by the righteous,
upon this land, shall come forth, it shall
be declared to the Gentiles first, and
whoso will repent shall be delivered,
for they shall understand the plan of
salvation and restoration for Israel, as
the Lord manifested to the ancients. —
They shall be baptized with water and
with the Spirit — they shall lift up their
hearts with joy and gladness, for the
time of their redemption shall also roll
on, and for their obedience to the faith
they shall see the house of Jacob come
with great glory, even with songs of
everlasting joy, and with him partake
of salvation.
Therefore, as the time draws near
when the sun is to be darkened, the
moon turn to blood, and the stars fall
from heaven, the Lord will bring to the
knowledge of his people his command-
ments and statutes, tliat they may be
prepared to stand when the earth shall
reel to and fro as a drunken man, earth-
J12
MESSEiNGER AND ADVOCATE.
qurikoe. ctiuse the nations to tremble,
and. the dc-troying angel goes forth to
wa,3to the inhabitants at noon-day: lor
so ,rfreat are to be the calamities whicli
are to come upon the inhabitants of the
earth,, before the coming of the Son of
Man the Kecond timv;, that v/hoso is not
prepared eaunbt abide; but such as are
found faithful, and rensain, shall be
gathered with his people and caught up
to meet the Lord in the cloud, and so
shall they inherit eternal life.
I have no'.v given you a rehearsal of
y/hat was communicated to our brother,
when he was directed to go and obtain
the Nephites.
the record of the Nephites. I may
have missed in arrangement in some
instances, but tlie principle is preser-
ved, and you wiil be able to bring for-
ward abundance of corroborating scripr
ture upon the subject of the gospel and
of the .'Talhsrincr, You are aware of
the fact, that to give a minute rehear-
sal of a lengthy interview .with a hea-
venly messenger, is very difficult, un-
less one is assisted immc-'diately with
the gift of inspiration. There is ano-
thor item I wish to notice on the sub-
ject .of visions. The Spirit you know,
searches all things, even the deep
things of God. When God manifests
to his servants those things that are to
come, or those which have been, he
does it by unfolding them by the pow-
er of that Spirit which comprehends all
thino-s, always: and so much mav be
sliown and rnado perfectly plain to tne
understanding in a short time, that to
the world, who are occupied all their
life to learn a little, look at the relation
of it, and are disposqdto call it false. You
Villi understand then, by this, that while
'traii spire from that day to the enll of
die earth, as well as those which bad-
taken place. I believe that Moses was
pormitted to see the same, as the Lord
caused thenr to pass, in vision before
!)im as he stood upon the mount ; I be-
lieve that the Lord Jesus told many
things to his apostles which are not!
written, and after his ascension unfol-
ded all things unto them ; I believe that
Nephi, the son of Lehi, whom the' Lord
brought out of Jerusalem, saw the
same ; I believe that the twelve upon
tliis continent, whom the Lord chos<i
to preach his gospel, when he came
down to manifest to this branch of the
house of Israel, that he had other sheep
who should hear his voice, were also'
permitted to behold the same mighty
things transpire in vision before their
eyes; and I believe that the angel Mo-
roni, v/hose words I have been rehears-
ing, who communicated the knowledge
of the record of the Nephites, in this
age, sav/ also, before he hid up the same
unto the Lord, great and marvellous
things, which were to transpire when
the same. should come forth ; and I al-
so believe, that God will give line upon
line, precept upon precept, ta his saints,
until all these things will be unfolded
to them, and they finally sanctiiied and
brought into the Celestial glory, Where
tears will be wiped from all faces, and
sighing and sorrowing flee away !
May the Lord preserve you from
evil and reward you richly for all your
afflictions, and crown you in his king-
dom. Amen.
Accept, as ever, assurances of the
fellowship and esteem of your unwor-
thy brother in the gospel.
ma.v thtiik that Vak one ;il Ne-w Por-ta,gp, Oliio, is wiDi^-
liraMii! — whith is not llie case. Tlieve are n'.any el-
ders and brethren in the south ami west, who woiil'i
uotlefeivo the l)i,'nefits of a Conference were this to
bo (liaeoiitiuued: we hope, therefore, that they will
attenJ. ■
those glorious things were being re-
hearsed, the vision was also opened, in oonsequence of the notices of the several Oon-
' .' , tereni'es to be holden in the east, this season, some
so that our brother was permitted to . ^- ^ . ^, - .
see and understand much more full and
perfect than I am able to communicate
in writing. ; I know much may be con.-
veyed to the understanding in writing,
and nvany ; marvellous truths set forth
with the pen, but after all it is but a
shadow, compared to an open vision of
seeing, hearing and realizing eternal
thing's. And if the fact was known, it
would be found, that of all the heaven-
ly communications to the ancients, we
have no more .in comparison than the
alphabet to a quarto vocabulary. It is
said, and Ibelieve the account, that the
Lord showed the brother of JarcdJlVfo^
riancumer] all things which were to
THE LATTER DAY SAINTS'
SISessenger and Advocate,
IS EDITED II r
OEilVlSR COWSSHIT,
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I.ATTEH 1>A¥ S
Vol. I. No. &]
KIRTLAND, OHIO, MAY, 1835.
[Whole No. 6.
LETTER NO. 2.
Freedom, March Xlth, ISSj.
DEAF SIR— It may be thought tliat I owe you an
apoloy;y lor taxing your tiiiK; ami patience to tJie ex-
tent tliat I iKivein mine of tlie 10th ins-ant. and now
again belbrcyou havcl].irdly had time to repose from
tluit tasls, to lay upon you another burilen an oner-
ous as the lirst. But I'trust you will sec the propri-
ety of iKivin;,' a view of the whole subject at once.—
I have not the vanity to think I have .tone it ample
justice as the importance of it demands. But astroii-
y;er mind, from the few hints that have Ijeen given,
may elicit more facts, and by u more masterly
Jirrangemeiit product conviction in somi'. minds
where the productions of my pen cannot. The cause
of truth, and that alone would I advo.ate. If my
I)remisc3 are good, I think my inferences and dethx-
tions are loijical, and if I have contrilmted in but a
small decree to subserve or advance th.:l caune, my
luo.st sanguine hopes will be realized, l sliall ever
feel to console, myself with this pleasing reflection
tiial I sliall never be hcM accountable for the misim-
I)rovemcnt of five talents when only one or two
flvere bestowed.
At the close of mine of the ICth Inst., a question
\yas Esl^ed relative to the present or prevailins reli-
gious sects of the day converting the world itad
thereby brinj,'ing about the Millenium or peacealiJu
reii;n of our Lord and Saviour Jesus CJari^t. We
wifl examine Ih'J subject a little further,— and Fifst,
Our God is a God of order and not of confusion as
in all the churches of the Saints (sec. Cor, 11—33)
Do we not see them as eager in tbe pursuit of u'orbl-
ly gain, using every art and every stiatagem to cir-
cumvent their fellow mortals, and hoard up this
world's goods as the non-professor? Most surely. —
First John 2d, 15, reads thui?: "Love not the woih^
nor tile things that are in the world. If any man
love the world the love of the Father is not in hi.'ii."
When; then, we ask, is their suprcjue love for their
Master? Where is their self denial? 'Where is their
rt^aard for what the .Suvhjur said, when he^ommand-
ediiis Oiiiovs er, to "seek first the kiiiL'dom of Heaven
«)ui its riiilueousnoss and all these things shall be ad-
ded unto you." Mat. Oth, 3-3. Where nre the spirit-
" Kif's thai Gud placed in his c/iurch for perfecting
ual
the saints and edifying the body"; Where do we see
the peaceable fruits of thnt heaven-born principle,
CV/«)-(Yy; that meek and quiet spirit which is in the
sight of God ofgreat price? (1st i'eter 3—4) Doss
not the present order of things look like having u
>anie to livt and ho dead? (ilev. 3d, 1.) Does it
not look like having a form of godliness but denying
the power thereof! ('21 Tim. 3—5.) Does it i o:
iiearly res'-nible what the Apostle Paul ilestribes in
his ejdstle to Titus, 1st, 16, says? "Tiiey profess
that they know God, but in works deny him, being
Jibominable, disobedient, and to every good work re-
pro!)ate." This is the character of those who shall
profess the Religion of Heaven in the last days, ainl
the prophetic declaration of the great Apostle of the
■<^ienti!es in his second letter to Timothy and third
chapter — fully supports us in this assertion. If it be
said to us that we iiave looketlonly on the dark si(!e
iof the picture, that we are too censorius, that there
are many honorable e.\ccptiftns; we readily grant
4|iere are, and woul I to Heaveji there were more. —
We would the more earnestly cry, come out o? her
niy people and be not partaki-r<! of her sins Ih; ' ye
receive not of her placues. Both scripture and c.\-
pem.nice go to prove the fact, Uial evil communica-
tions corrupt goo I manners. We have before se^en,
that God commands the righteous to separate thcm-
.8! Ives from the wicked, and purify themtelves before
him. It will doubtless be said in reply, that great ef-
fforts and great sacrifices nru made by churchesat the
present day to spread the gospel, to convert the hea-
then, to disseminate the truth. Grant it, nnd we
would say tolhem as didltie Saviour. ".Ttlese things
onaht ye to do, and not omit or leave tbo more im-
portant things undone." If we have given a true,
character of tliem as a whole, and we trust we have,
"they are like white<l sepulclires, fair and beautiful
without, but within are full of all planner of unclean-
ness." And if ye rompaps sea and land to make one
proselyte is it not likely ho will be just such an one
as yourselves? And we now scuiously ask^ Is the
kingdom of Heaven made up pf such rfiaractera as
>lbc great mass of the professing? christian world at
thT present d.iy! Tn answer thl.s question corrfictly
it is only netcggnry to learn wiiut the kingdom of
God is. for which sec Romans (11. 17.) "The King-
dom of God is not meats and drinks, but righteous-
ness and pea e and joy in the Holy Ghost.'-' This
derinition will exclude those who obey not the com-
mands of God. It will exclude those who are haugh-
ty, high-minded, lovers of plea.surcs more than h)vera
of God. It will exclude those who have a form of
godliness, but deny the power thereof. It will e.x-
cUide nil those who say they love God, but in works
deny him. It will exclude those who preach iV.r
gain and divine for money. It will exclude those who
jireacli for doctrine the comrauiidnients of men for
the Gospel of the Son of Goil. It v.ill ex elude tliosu
who rejoice in iiuqi'ity, are puffed up, easily i)rovo-
ked, possessing and "inar.ifesting to the world by
their condu-.-t, a spirit of inalicc, revenge, and evil
speaking which emjuiates only from the rejiions of
darkness. These we beliove must be excluded or the
kingdom of Heaven is iw desirable place. Such we
believe will be exclud-ad by the great head of tlio
church, although they may have eaten and drunken
m his iiiuue, and in his iiamu and fur his name and
professedly for his cause (if you please) done many
v.ojirierful works. Yet we believe if the v.ord of
Gofi be true, he will say to them in the great day,
"Depart from me yc workers of iniquity, I know you
not." — A few reflections shall close this epistle.
1st. We trust we have proven to the satisfaction
of every ifitelligent being, that there is a great fust
cause, prime mover, eell'-axistenl, independent and
all-w^e being whom we call God.
2d. That tlic Universe with all its attCRJant fur-
niture is the workmanship of his hand.
."d. That m-ait is the more noble and intel'igeht part
of this lovv'er creation, to wliom the other grades in
the scale of being are subject, yet, that max, is depen-
dent on the greal first cause tuid is constantly uvhdd
bj- liim, therefore ;«^.-t/!^ amer,able to him.
4th. We trust it may justly be inferred from tha
foregoing premises,, tliat man's iiccountability rest»
on his knowledge of th£ will of him lo whom he is
accountable, and that he cannot be considered crimi-
nnlly guilty for the non-fulfilment (u" a law or com-
mand until he has a knowlwlge of such law or com-
mand and tliephys;cal ability to obey.
.5th. We trust we have proven to tho sntisfa( lion
of every unprcjudic'd mini, that wh;it we call tln;
benevoleuce, the
scrfptiirc^ the Old BiidNew Tc;>luu:ents, are the re-
vealed will of C.oil to man.
Gth. We trust idso, thiit ve have siitisfactorily
proven that they Vf e're V. ritten by men divinely in ■
spfied, coiisequciitly must be trw, and ti;;.t tb.t? ,^
tiirealeiiinps deirouaced agidnst the wiiked Bnd Ih9d|j9£
promises addreasetl to the rigiteous, will tdl be ful-»i^'
'filled.
7th, We argue the lltern! fui.'ilment of s"ripUire
predictions, from the foregoing premises laid down,
which res', on two preiiicatcs. Anil 1st. All scrip-
ture predictions whiih have bf'en fill filled and record-
ed for our benefit, have boeii saliUraHy f, 'filled,
that any one unlerstnnding tlis language in v.liich
they are written need nui be irifstaken. 2d. Because
it would savor of tyranny, oppression and cruelty, .
to infli^'t punifthment, without clearly revealing the
cause, for which the punishmca} was to be inflicted,
atid would tH> at war with love and ben-
attributes of Cod.
eth. We infer also thaf God is immutable in his
purposes and unchangeable in his nature.
Oth. We believe if justly deducible from the fore-
going premises; that God warned the Antedeluvians,
the .Sodomites, and others, previeusly to their over-
throw, and that their destructjon came upon them in
consequence of their great wickedness end disobe-
dience.
lOlh. V/p have aleo inferred, from plain scripture
testimony, tliat God reve;d3 his s€crets respecting his
dealings with the diildrenof men, to his servants tlm
Pro|)hets, and v.'e deem it equally logical and scriptu-
ral, that the prophets h^vf. time to warn the people,
and the people time to repent before judgements are
sent or punishments inflicted.
11th. AVeiufer from the vvordof God andthe fore-
going premis.es, that great nnd heavy jodgemcuis or
sore cabimifics, presuppose great wickedness and dis-
obedience to God.
1-iih. We have received It as an admitted fact,
that thepresrni, are what are denominatejl in the
scriptures of truth, th" last days, consequently neiir
thccbiHPof the present dispensation, and that the
JMillcninm i=i soon loTie uslifKcd in.
13. th Wo have seen from the word of God that
^^ - - ^^
^A.
114
MESSEx\GER AND ADVOCATE.
great and sorejudgoments are coining upon this geu-
tra'ion.
i4tli. We ]iave seen that it illy comports with the
', haracter of God to puiiisli the rigliteous with tlie
wicked; therefore, that the present religious orders
of the day do not constitute the true church, conse-
(lueiitly, tlieir endeavors to convert the world to
their faith, and thereby bring about or usher In the
Millenium, is not what God requires of tlieni, and
will be unavailing.
15th. We, tlierefore, infer from the confusion,
disorder and iniquity that reigns among them, they
are the legitimate descendants of Mystical Babylon,
that, personage described in the scripiures as setting
upon many waters.
^ 16th. We therefore come to the irresistible con-
clusion, that it is our indispensable duty to come out
of her and be separate, be not partaker of her sins
that we receive not of her plagues.
17th. "We argue from the immutability of God, his
goodness and benevolence, from analogy, and from
revelation of his will to his servants, that it is our
duty in obedience to the commanil of God to liter;.lly
separate ourselves from this wicked and untoward
generation.
IS. We also argue from the same premises, that
the place of safety, the city of refuge is pointed out
and that we shall b<3 justly culpalilc if v,-e do not obey
the commands of God, and that if we do refuse w'c
must inevitably perish with, the unaodlv.
W. A. COWDERY.
To Oliver Cowdery, Esq.
I^etter Mo. 7,
KiRTLAND, Mat 19, 1835.
Dear Brother in the Lord: — Your
letter in the 5th number of the Messen-
ger and Advocate, addressed to me,
would have been answered before now,
had not my lime been occupied in jour-
neying from the State of Missouri to
Ohio. I now proceed to answer it. —
The letter before me relates to one of
the most sublime scenes that has trans-
pired from the days of the Savior, till
its own august period, and, I am happy
to perceive, is a full answer to the
question asked in my 4th letter. I hope
the saints v/ill duly appreciate its mer-
its, and rejoice that God was so mind-
ful of, and merciful to the children of
men, as to send an angel, in these last
da}'?., to light^e candle of truth again
upon earth, that the meek among men
might v/alk in the light of it and be sa-
ved in the everlasting kingdom of our
Lord by faith and works, as in other
gospel days.
In this dark day of "gospel purity,"
though thousands may continue to sup-
pose, that God is not the same that he
was in days of old — of the prophets —
of the apostles, and others, still tlic .sa-
cred scriptures teach us that he is the
same unchangeable, holy and alwise
Jehovah, yesterday, to day, and forev-
er, and I rejoice that too much cannot
be written- in praise of, nor too much
said in thanksgiving to him for his
merciful kindness towards us. Though
angel's visits are few and short, the
memory of them is great and everlast
ng. This holy visit of the ang.-^l to
.._V :>
open the way for the fulness of the gos-
pel, and gather Israel from all the coun-
tries whither they had been scattered
for transgression, has been followed by
such miraculous movements for the
salvation of mankind, and such strange
events as a token of coming perils,
that I am unable to give even a sketch,
of the mighty works of God, and his
great doings in these latter times.
The book of Mormon, the rise of the
church of Christ of Latter Day Saints,
whose history you are now touching in
your communications to me, the book
of commandmeuts, &c. are such promi-
nent matters of fact, that all the un-
wearied pains taken by sects, sectari-
ans, hypocrites, and scoffers, to stop
the spread of these "glad tidings"
dwindle into nothings compared to the
joy of gathering souls for God, and
preparing for the glory that will tbl-
low when the earth is purified.
I may be thouglit too ardent on this
point, but gratify me a little;— These
books and the Bible contain the words
and promises of eternal life, the great-
est gift of God, and while I live, the
Lord assisting, I mean to labor, (and
all honest men will go and do likewise,)
to obtain souls for the first kingdom;
yea, even the last kingdom, which
re-commenced after the book of Mor-
mon came forth; and must continue,
till, as the stone cut out of the moun-
tains, as the prophetic Daniel foretold,
it shall have filled the whole world;
till, as the waters cover the sea, it shall
have covered the face of the earth;
-till, by the power of God, it shall have
become terrible as an army with ban-
ners; and, till, by the glory of God, it
shall have shone, clear as tlie moon
and fair as the sun.
What a glorious prospect appeared
after the angel delivered his message!
The heavens had been opened; the
gospel again committed to men, and a
period as great as when the Lord said
unto Abram, "Get thee out of thy coun-
try, and from thy kindred, and froii>
thy fathers house, unto a land that I
will shev/ thee. And 1 will make thee
a great nation, and' I will bless thee
and make thy name great; and thou
shalt be a blessing: And I will bless
them that bless thee, and curse them
that curse thee; and in thee shall all
the families of the earth he Messed,''^
welcomed the beginning of better days
in the midst of this crooked and money
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
115
seeking £rciieration. For, as the angel
inforined our brother Joseph, tliat tiie
Lord was about to proceed to do a mar-
vellous work amojig this people, that
Israel might be gathered and saved, so
also vi'as that gloiious day shown when
the Lord should come the second time
to dwell on earth; yea, even come in
tlie clouds of heaven, with all h's holy
angels with him, to execute judgment
upon all, that the earth may rest; that
righteousness raa-y abound; that all
flesh that is justified, may glorify God
and enjoy his presence a thousand
years.
Though, at the time the heavenly
mcf^senger came down to open the un-
<!orstan{!ing of a few, and prepare the
v.-ay for the true church to arise, and
come forth as it were from the wilder-
{■e:i.s; yea, though at this time, the fa
triers had fallen asleep, and all things,
seemingly but the gospel, remained as
they were in other ages, and men that
pretended to worship, did it as a mere
matter of form, v/ithout authority or
power, yet the "strange news" was
believed by some, and hailed as the
harbinger to prepare to gather the
Lord's elect; and in fact it was the
day-break of a day of glory.
. I was not a professor at the time,
nor a believer in sectarian religion,
but a believer in God, and the Son of
God, as two distinct characters, and a
believer in sacred scripture. I had
long been searching for the "old paths,"
that I migiit find the right way and
walk in it, and after a suitable time to
investigate the work, and prove its
truth by corresponding evidence from
tiic old bible, and by the internal wit-
ness of the spirit, accoi'ding to the rules
of holiness, I embraced it for the truth's
sake, and all honest men who seek a
better world, will "go and do like-
wise."
. As soon as the "glad tidings" that
an angel had visited the earth to pre-
pare the way for greater light, &c.
was whispered abroad, every impedi-
ment that Satan could lay in the way,
and every foolish thing that a giddy
headed generation cauld invent, were
thrown out to hinder the spread of the
truth, and discourage the saints; not
entirely by the thoughtless and wicked,
but by such as draw near to God with
their mouths, and honor him with their
lips. There scci»ed to be a continual
dripping of skvng, if 1 may use a figure,
besides lawsuits, so that the saints have
had to walk under scalding drops, and
upon hurning coals.
Here let us reficct, that vvhen God
graciously condescends to send an an-
gel from heaven to earth, it augurs that
a day of retribution is nigh; that a day
of vengeance is coming, for so it has
been in many ages of the world; at
least, it has happened so times enough,
for men to prepare to meet their God,
when asgels visit this world: Where-
fore I can say as a humble follov.'cr of
the meek and adorable Jesus, tliat be-
fore the fulness of the (Gentiles is gath-
ered in, calamities and tribulation m.ay
be expected: For when men will not
reform by entreaty, they must be chas-
tised with judgments. If the voice of
the servants of JesusChrisi;if the voice
of calamities; if the voice of angels; if
the voice of reason and the voice of
mercy will not call the children of men
to repentance, I greatly fear, that the
voice of God will bring them to judg-
ment, when reformation is beyond their
power, and, sorit.wful to state, they
will have to pay the uttermost farthing
to a hard master, whose burden is hea-
vy, and whoso yoke is galling; and
which must learn them by experience,
that the wages of sin is death.
Tender my love to the faithful, be-
seeching ihoin to continue Godly mind-
ed and work righteousness till death,
or till the Lord comes.
As ever.
W. W. PHELPS.
To Oliver Cowderv, Esq.
Fur the Messetioxr and Advocate.
Our meeting, or conference, camo
to a close this day and we feel disrjo-
sed to give you a brief account of our
proceedings that you may lay them be-
tore your readers.
On Saturday lastv/e met the Elders
of this branch of the church, and also
those of the little branch at Laona, v.ho
were called upon by Elder Marsh, our
presiding Elder, to represent to us thi"*
standing of these branches. The num-
ber @f members in this branch was 75
in regular standing, in the branch at
Laona, were 20 Those two branches
were rather low in spirits in conse-
quence of rjomc dilHculties that were
existing aijiong them; which, however,
we succeeded in settling. One travel-
ling Filder had been guilty of teaching
erroneous doctrine and perverting the
'116
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
word of God. Such, for instance, as
the following. Christ said, the sun
fehall be darkened, and the moon turn-
ed to blood, and the stars fall from hea-
ven, &c. He stated that the Jewish
ohurch was the sun, and when it was
scattered the sun was darkened. The
moon was the Gentile church, which
would be cut off and then it should
turn to blood, &c. &c. besides, some-
thing about the Apocalyptic beast with
seven heads and ten horns. He was
shown his error and reproved sharply.
He saw it and confessed his fault and
made an humble acknowledgement and
covenanted to be more careful, and wc
think he will be. We gave the church
and Elders much instruction relative to
the great points of our eternal interest,
and wc endeavored to do our work ef-
fectually and leave not a command-
ment unenforced.
Our public meeting, on Sunday, was
attended by nearly five hundred people,
who gave good attention, while Elder
Marsh gave them a very interesting
discourse upon the covenants, followed
by Elder Patten upon tlie corruptions
of the Gentile church. At the close
of the meeting this day, five came for-
ward for baptism, whfeh was adminis-
tered by Elder W. E. McLellin. Con-
firmation attended in the evening. —
Monday morning, the church came to-
gether and after some consultation it
was motioned, seconded and carried by
a unanimous vote, that the limits of the
Westfield Conference extend as far
east as Lodi, south and west to Penn-
sylvania Line, and north to Lake Erie,
embracing the branches at Westfield,
Silver Creek, Perrysburgh, or Villa-
novia and Laona, to be called the
"Westfield Conference."
The conference continued until about
2 o'clock P. M. and then adjourned
until 3 o'clock, when public preaching
commenced by Elder B. Young, and
followed by the farewell exhortation of
the twelve: after Avhich seven came
forward for baptism, which was admin-
istered by Elder O. Hyde, and confir-
mation in the evening, when the Lord
blessed us with his holy spirit, and ma-
ny that were infirm received the lay-
ing on of hands, and prayer. Meeting
continued until nearly 12 o'clock. This
morning nine of the brethren left for
the east, to attend some previous ap-
pointments between this and Freedom:
our conference and record them, &c. ^
While the nine were taking their leave
one man came 1o us and said he could
not rest nor be satisfied, until he had
obeyed the everlasting Gospel. The
church was called together soon and
we prayed unto the Lord our Heaven-
ly Father, in the name of Christ and
the Holy Spirit was shed forth upon us,
and all were melted into humility and
tsars before the Lord. Elder O. Hyde
administered baptism unto him and con-
firmed him by the water's edge. —
Praise the Lord for his goodness:
Praise him for his wonderful works
amonij the children of men.
One little circumstance we will brief-
ly notice: We were told that Messrs.
How, Hulbert & Ce's. Mormonism '
Unveiled sold for eighteen and three
quarter cents, wnile the Book of Mor-
mon sold for two dollars. It is true
that two dollars is above the selling
price of tlie Book of Mormon, but the
anxiety of the gentleman to purchase
it, and the owner having but one, and
not wishing to pait with it, is an ex-
planation of this matter. Tell every
body to buy^ and read "Mormonism
Unveiled" if they wish, for we are
convinced of Paul's statement, where
he says, "Ye can do nothing against
the truth but for the truth."
ORSON HYDE, ;
W. E. McLELLIN, <
Westfield, May 12, 1835. '
Clerks
of Con,
We tarried to
MILLENIUM NO. XIV.
Continued from Page 87.
Every thing said in the scriptures
about the thousand years of Christ's
reign on the earth, called by the scrip-
tures ^Hhat day:'' as one day with the
Lord is as a thousand years, and a
thousand years as one day, and that
day in particular is noticed above all
others, as the day in which the Lord
will do the greatest things for his peo-
ple, that ever were done for them since
the world began, — most clearly sets
forth that it is to be a time of miracles,
and a day of power, such as has not
been since man was on the earth; nor
could it be possible for the Millenium
to exist without; in truth it is the "res-
titution of all things" which constitutes
the glory of the latter day of which all
the holy prophets have spoken since
the world began; take "the restitution
of all things'^ from tlie latter day glo-
arrange
the minutes of Iry and what is left — nothing — there
MESSENGER A^D ADVOCATE.
117
would be nothing of any consequence
to take place, no material change; na-
ture would continue the same; the sea-
sons the same; animals and vegetables
the same; nothing to talk about nor
to sing about. The curse would still
rest on the earth and upon all things
which are on it: the trees would never
clap their hands; nor would the earth
bring forth in her strength, nor the
mountains drop down new wine, nor
would the ploughman overtake the rea-
per, nor the treader of grapes him that
soweth seed. Jerusalem would never
be built, so as never to be thrown down;
nor would the tabernacle of David ever
be built. In a word, where would the
Millenfum be? No where but in the
imagination of man. Those, then, who
say that the days of miracles are past,
literally say that there is to be no mil-
lenium, and that Christ is not to reign
a thousand years on earth; for if ever
Christ reigns a thousand years on earth,
there will be a time of miracles, or if
ever there is a "restitution of all things"
there will be a time of miracles, for
what is a restitution but restoring or
making good — that is getting that which
was lost, and possessing that which
iiad been previously enjoyed. And
when the apostle Peter says that the
heavens must receive the Savior until
the times of the restitution of all things,
he meant we presume, what he said;
that when all things (not some things)
which the Lord had at any time be-
stowed on the world by way of bless-
ing should be restored to the earth, the
Savior also should return or be resto-
red with the all things; See Acts of the
Apostles, chap. 3: ver. 19, 20, 21.
Let me ask, what will the Lord do
when he restores all thinQS? The an-
swer IS, that he will restore to the
world every blessing which had ever
been enjoyed among men from the first
to the last; not even the Savior hiiriself
• excepted. "And he shall send Jesus
Christ who was before preached unto
you:" Acts 3; 20. And nothing short
of this can be a restitution of all things;
and it is this of which all the holy pro-
phets have spoken since the world be-
gan;— it has been the great burden of
their teaching that there was to be a
time of "the restitution of all things."
Surely the vision of these prophets
must have been peculiarly delightful,
to gazG upon the various scenes which
took place before their day and which
was passing before their eyes, and
should take place until the times of the
restitution of all things^ Thoso pro-
phets who lived before the days of the
Savior's humiliation, beheld him iirst
with his Father before he was veiled
in the flesh, and then in the flesh; af-
ter that crucified; then beheld him rise
from the dead and ascend up into hea-
ven and sit down on the right hand of
power. And after that look through a
lapse of nearly two thousand years,
and then behold him descend to the
earth again in all the glory of the hea-
vens, and all the saints with him, and
reign with him a thousand years on the
earth. Surely a scene like this must
have been astonishing beyond descrip-
tion.
But not only to gaze upon thisscene,
but also to behold the dealings of God
among men in connection with the se-
ries of events relating to the Savior. —
Behold all the spiritual gifts bestowed
in the v\'orld at one time and another,
with all the pow-ers and blessings ever
enjoyed at any period of the world
among men, while those possessing
them were persecuted, reviled, hated,
scourged, buffeted, smitten, put to death,
chased from place to place, to caves
and dens of the earth; being afllicted
and tormented, without any clothing
but sheep skins and goat skins, until
they were wasted and destroyed, and
the whole church disajipeared; and all
the spiritual gifts ceased, and revela-
tions were obtained no longer among
men. And they looked until darkness
covered the earth, and gross darkness
the people; and until the vision of all
had become as the words of a book
which was sealed; and the people gro-
ped their way in darkness having no
light; and party arose after party; sect
after sect multiplied until tlie earth be-
come a scene of confusion; sentiment
warring v/ith sentiment, and opinion
lashing agamst opinion; and the true
light of heaven was lost. But in the
midst of this confusion the prophets
beheld the God of heaven settinff his
hand the second time to recover his
people, and to restore to the world
what they had lost. Beginning as a
grain of mustard planted in the earth;
and from this small beginning the work
began to roll; the spiritual gifts began
to return one after one, until the blind
began to see, the lame to walk, the
deaf to hear, and all manner of disea-
US
MESSENGER AND AIWOCATE '
scs and sicknesses pass away from
among the people of God. And the
power become so great that the waters
were a^ain smitten and the founda-
lions of rivers and seas were discover-
ed; and people went over dry shod, as
they did in the day when the children
of Israel came out of the land of Egypt.
The very heavens themselves were
shaken, and all things were rebuked
by their Creator. The spirit of God
began to be poured out as in days of
old, until it fell upon all flesh. The
lion becom.e peaceable; the leopard and
the bear ceased to devour the asp; and
the cockatrices lost their venom; & all
the spiritual gifts that were ever enjoy-
ed on earth among men at any period
of the world returned and was posses-
sed by men again: even all that wci'e
numbered among the living. And re-
velation followed revelation; vision
came after vision; men and women be-
came prophets and propheteses, until
the knov/ledge of God covered the earth
as the waters covered the sea. The
earth put on a new aspect; the curse
was taken away, and it yielded in its
strength, and all creation smiled. The
trees clapped their hands, while ani-
mal and vegetable life united together
to praise their Maker, with the moun-
tains, the floods, and the flames. The
Savior also come down from heaven
and all the saints with him, who recei-
ved their bodies glorified like his glo-
rious body. The people of God they
beheld gathered from all nations,
tongues, languages and kindreds under
heaven, unto the mountain of the Lord
to rejoice before him. And when they
beheld all this glory returning to the
earth they sang of the latter day glo-
ry, and of that which was to come. —
And from these visions came our ideas
of a Millenium.
€i©§pel M©. ¥11.
fcONTINUED FRO:.I PAGE 89.]
There is nothing which gives great-
er peace and satisfaction to the mind,
than clear views on the gospel; to un-
derstand it correctly is to understand
t!ic will of God to men, and to put a
person in possession of truths which
will guard him against the various
impositions which have been impo-
sed on the world, at one period of it
and another; and to give him power
But it is necessary in order to a clear
iniderstanding of the gospel, that we
should have a correct understanding of
its origin, and of its progress among
men; for without this knowledge, wo
are liable to be led into darkness, and
all tlic glory of the gospel Le hid from
our eyes.
Let me here observe, that whatever
the gospel was, it now is, and everwill
be, that it has. not nor will it change:
its laws are the same; its ordinances
arc the same; its institutions are the
same; its commands are the same, and
its regulations are the same: whatever
it required of one man in order to ob-
tain eternal life, it required of all men,
and that in every age of the world, and
will require the same until all shall be
gathered that will be gathered, and
those who have obeyed its requisitios
enter into the rest, which God has pre-
pared for them. And it is not only the
same yesterday, to-day, and forever,
and changes not: but it is the only
scheme of things by which any por-
tion of the human family has been, or
will be saved; for it is only by virtue
of the gospel that salvation v/as ever
proclaimed
among
men, from first to
last; for by it life and immortality came
to light; so says Pau^'id, Timothy 1:
15, and as the knov/ledge of life and
immortality is essential to salvation, it
is easily seen, that there could be no
salvation without the gospel, and not
only wit'iout the gospel, but without
the knowledge of it also; for how could
a man have faith in that of which he
never heard.
Seeing then, that life and immortali-
ty came to light by the gospel, and
without the knowledge of life and iiri-
mortality no person could be saved;
there can no difiiculty exist on the
minds of any of tlie human family, un-
less they create one where none really
exists as to the time the gospel was
promulgated to man; it must have been
promulgated as early as life and im-
mortality was known, and they were
known ever since the time that salva-
tion was proclaimed among the family
of man; for salvation is a matter of
faith, and faith cannot exist in relation
to it without hearing the word of the
Lord, for it is by hearing the word of
the Lord, that faith in relation to sal-
vation comes. As far back then as we
date salvation, so far back we date the
to become extensively acquainted with
God, as well as the heavenly v/orlds. | proclamation of the gospel to man; and
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
119
it must be so unless it can be proven
that God had moi-c v/ays than one of
saving mankind, and to do this Paul must
be refuted, for he says that the plan
which he proclaimed was before the
foundation of the world, and that no
other foundation could any man lay
than that which is laid, which is Christ
Jesus, and Peter says that there is no
other name given under heaven amiOng
men, by which they can be saved but
in the name of Christ Jesus.
May v>-e not reason a little upon this
subject. Let us ask then, what was
the most important thing which God
could communicate to his creature man?
The answer is, the thing which would
save him; if God ever at any time con-
descfinded to speak to man, there can
no good reason be shewn why he did
not communicate to him the things
which were of the greatest consequence
to him, and as God always acts accor-
ding to reason and never against it
we may conclude tliat h^ did declare
unto man the gospel or the way by
which he was to be saved; but what
would be very strange would be that
there should be a great number of per-
sons saved in the earlier ages of tlie
world, and yet not know how they
were saved, be saved in ignorance! It
would be equally as strange that proph-
ets, such as Enoch for instance, the
seventh from Adam, could prophecy
of the second coming of CJirist ana of
his judging the world, and yet not know
of his first coming and of his dying
for the world. And v.'hat would be
stranger still v/ouid be, thai men could
bo saved by faith, and yet never hear,
nor know, of the way of salvation tliro'
the blood of the Lamb. This would
be believing without hearing, and be-
ing saved without understanding, and
having faith without hearing tlie v/ord
of God, or in other words it vvou'd be
believing on him of v/hom they had
not heard, or else it would be hearing
without a preacher, and if it were any
of these things, it would put the shame
on all the sacred writers, and expose
them to just ridicule. But while it is
written in the pages ot the divine ora-
cles, that salvation is of faith, and men
cannot have faith in a being of whom
they have not heard, nor hear without
one to tell them, or a preacher, and
that life and immortality came to light
by the gospel, and that Abel was a
prophet, and that Enoch the seventh
from Adam was translated, and that
God saves men by the gospel and no-
thing else, for whatever will save men
is gospel; so long it will be believed by
every thinking man that, the gospel
v/as made known to the ancients as
well as to us. But what seems to put
the matter at rest as relates to the an-
tiquity of the gospel proclamation is,
that the apostle Paul says that the gos-
pel which he proclaim.ed, or what was
to the same effect, that the scheme of
things which he taught, was devised
before the foundation of the world, and
that it was God's fixed purpose to save
men in that way or by that plan and
none other; so that if there was salva-
tion at all among the ancients, it was
because thej had tlie gospel among
them.
There are are some other consider-
ations which force the conclusion on
the mind, that the ancients had the
gospel among them, and that is, that
according to the sacred record the
fruits of it abounded among them as
far back as to the days of AbeL If
we inquire what are the things which
attend the gospel? we v/ill find that
prophecying v/as one thing, and we
are told that Abel was a prophet, for
the Savior said to the Jews, that the
blood of all the prophets should be re-
quired at their hands, from the blood
of righteous Abel to the blood of Zach-
arias. Matthev/ 23: 34, 35 verses,
Enoch Vvas also a prophet; for he fore-
told of the second advent as recorded
by J ude. W ho does not knov/, that when
the apostles proclaimed the gospel,
tliey promised to those who received
it that they should prophesy, seeing
then that prophesying was u fruit of
the gospel who can help seeing that it
was by virtue of it that men prophoci-
cd, we cannot see where there can be
a risk in believing that v/herever there
arc or were prophets there the gospel
is, or was, and one strong reason
v/hich confirms this belief is that when-
ever the gospel is lost prophecying is
lost also; this generation is all the
proof we need on this subject; for if
we ask why has prophecying ceased
in this generation? the answer is, be-
cause they have lost the gospel. And
not having the gospel, they cannot
have the fruits of it; but we see the
ancients had the fruits of it, and how
could they have the fruits of it and yet
not have the gospel? is a question we
120
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
will leave fov those more learned tlian
ourselves to answer.
Messenger aiad Advocate.
KIJITLA.VD, OHIO, MAY, 1S35.
To the Patrons of the Latter Dai}
f^aints^ Messenger ^ Advocate.
It is proper for mo to inforh'i you,
that in consequence of" other business
hnd other duties, in tvhich my services
arc requisite, my editorial labors on
this paper will close with the present
number; and as this is the case, I hope
to be indulged in a few remarks, as I
take leave of this responsibility. And
I will take the occasion to add, here,
that for a liberal patronage, so gratui-
tously bestowed upon unmerited tal-
ents, you have my heart-felt gratitude,
and still ho^x>, that though the Advo-
cate is to be transferred into other
hands, that it may continue to receive
its present support, and aa rapid an in-
crease to its subscripticfti lis as has
been its gop,d fortune to rcce-'c, since
•its commencement.
The JEvening and the Morning Stur
was commenced at Independence^
Jackson Oounty, Missouri, June, 1832,
by W. W. Phelps, who edited fourteen
numbers of that paper. It is known
that in July, i8S3, that office was de-
molished by a mab, hnd that the Star
was resuscitated in this place in De-
cember of the same year. After clo-
vsing the two first volumes it was deem-
ed advisable to discontinue it and issue
the present paper. For eight numbers
I have to aokEowledgo a rapid increase
of subscriptions, which has shown, in
.some degree, the estimation others
made of its worth. It will be conduct-
ed hereafter by Elder John Whitmer,
late from the State of Missouri. It is
proper for me to say, that wherever
Elder Whitmer is personally known,
a commendation from me would be un-
called tor and superfluous; and I hard-
ly need to add, that those to wliom her
is unknown will find him to be a man
of piety, uprightness and virtue, such
as adorns the walk of the professor of
the religion of the Lord Jesus, and one
bearing testimony to the truth of thd
great work of God.
It is with no ordiriary feeling that I
take leave of the editorial department
of this paper. There is such a com-
plicated mass of reflection crowding
itself upon the mind that no common
phraseology can express. To realize
that one year and eight months' labor
is now before the public; that whether
truth or untruth has been disseminated
in the same, it must remain, calls for
the serious consideration of a candid
heart, full with the expectation and
assurance, that before the Judge of all,
and an assembled universe I must an-
swer for the same. Some may say
that these reflections ought to have
been pondered previously — before step-
ping forward to give my views to the
public — to which 1 conscientiously re-
ply, that they were; and were I nowsen-
sible that I had erred from the strict
principles of righteousness, in the main,
it should be my first object, and busi-
ness, to retract.
Men, at times, depend upon the say
of othC'^s, and are influenced by their
persuasions to embrace different sys-
tems; and though weak may havebaen
my arguments and feeble my exertions
to persuade others to believe as rriyself,
some may have been disposed to listen;
and I will now repeat the reflections
which from the beginning have occu-
pied my heart, and which I have en-
deavored to have before my mind con-
tinually.— Hbw can I meet a fellow-
being before the throne of that God
who has framed the heavens and the
earth, and there, if not till then, learn,
that through my influence or persuasion
he had been led into error and was
doome«l to suffer the wrath of the same?
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
Ul
li is no trifling matter to sport with the
souls of men! — they must exist eternal-
ly, and where is the being wiio can
&"dve them from sufle ring? On certain
principles, and certain ones only can
"they escape, whatever others may sup-
pose, or conjecture, to the contrary
notwithstanding. Agreeably to those
principles, I may say in conscience, I
have endeavored to have my work cor-
respond, and if there is a .lack it is a
want of that J3cr/cc/ meekness which
adorned the walk of the Savior and is
left as a pattern for those who profess
his gospel; and wherein 1 may have er-
red in this respect, I look for forgive-
ness dirough the 'merits of Isim who
knows the integrity of my heart.
I have given extracts of letters, from
time to time, showing the increase and
spread of this gospel, and it is unne-
cessary to re-insert them, or say that
the work is still progressing. The nu-
merous obstacles which have opposed
the truth have hitherto been unable to
overthrow it; the mighty machinery,
so artfully managed, has endeavored
in vain to prevent men from obeying
the gospel, and the contaminating in-
fluence of vice and folly have failed,
in their attemps, to darken the minds
•of the honest, and turn them aside from
the path of salvation; and on closing
my editorial labors, it is with an in-
■<;reased joy as the satisfaction is re-
'doubled, that that which was as a "grain
of mustard seed" a few years since, is
iiow beginning to enlarge its branches
that the "fowls of heaven are lodging
in its boughs;" and witli a proportiona-
\)\e increase the mild rays of peace and
love wHl soon enlighten the dark cor-
ners of the globe, and Israel's sons
will be seen wending their way to their
promised home. With these prospects
before me, I take this, and perhaps my
last leave of my friends, as an editor
of any paper whatever. In this, liow-
ever, I give no pledge, as I know not
what circumstances time may bring
forth.
As my principles are fully known,*
it is unnecessary to repeat them liere:
I shall only add a ^ow reflections and
then close.
There is an eternity, and you, with
myself, reader, are fast approaching
it. There is no stay with time — it flies
— it hastens — it will soon close. The
sound of that trump which will awake
the sleeping millions, will ere long
be heard, and all nations, kindreds and
tongues be brought to stand before the
judgment seat of Christ — The wise and
the foolish, the righteous and the v.'ick-
ed — no excuse can be oflered to pro-
long the summons, or a show of right-
eousness, clothed with deception, es-
cape the scrutinizing eye of "him with
Avhom we have to do." These are re-
alities without the least shadew of fic-
tion.
To those who have contributed to
the columns of the Advocate, I tender
my thanks, and hope, that, at least, a
consciousness that they have done their
Master's will, and set truth before the
world, will continue to cheer their hearts
as they advance dov/n the stream of
time to the day of the reward of the-
just.
To the elders of this church who
have distinguished themselves in cir-
culating this paper, by obtainina- sub-
scribers, I also owe a thankful acknow-
ledgement, and the reflection of their
kindness shall ever occupy a conspicu-
ous portion of my gratitude. Their
labors, I know, are many and fati-
guing, but while they are, in many in-
stances, considered the "off'-scourings"
of the earth, they may know that their
reward is sure, and that he whom they
have served will yet give them a place
in his kingdom where the glory and
the power is eternal.
And that holiness may prevail until
122
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
the knowledge of the I>ord covers the
earth as the waters cover the sea, and-
that we may have an inheritance among
the sanctified in that day, is the pray-
er of your unworthy servant and
friend,
OLIVER COWDKRY.
Ijl^ Those who are in arrears for
the Messenger and Advocate, can for-
ward the amount, as usual, to the late
editor, or to F. G. Williams & Co. It
is necessary that our friends should be
informed, that the printing business re-
quires cash, paper, ink, and labor,
and if the arrearages could be forward-
ed, they would be gratetuliy received.
^ — In Clay county, Missouri,
on the 21st of October, 1834, Wji.
Whiting, aged 27 years.
In Richland, Oswego co. N.
Y. the 5th of January last, Ephraim
FisK, aged 47 years.
In Hamden, Ohio, on the
28th ult. Dexter, an infant son of D.
S, Wells, aged 15 months.
The following are two short lectures
which were delivered before a Theo-
logical class, in this place last win-
ter. These lectures are being compi-
led and arranged with other documents
of instruction and regulation for the
church, titled "Doctrine and Covenants
of the church of the Latter Day Saints,"
&c. It may be well, for the informa-
tion of the churches abroad, to say,
that this book will contain the impor-
tant revelations on doctrine and church
government now extant, and will, we
trust, give them a perfect understand-
ing of the do ctrine believed by this so-
ciety. Such a work has long been
called for, and if we are prospered a
few weeks, shall have this volume ready
for distribution. A full detail of its
contents will be given hereafter.
In giving the foilowing lectures we
have thought best to insert the cate-
chism, that tlie reader may fully un-
derstand the manner in which this sci-
ence was taught. It was found, that
by annexing a catechism to the lec-
tures as they were presented, the class
made greater progress than otherwise;
and in consequence of the additional
scripture proofs,- it was preserved in
comoiljnp;-.
Ix'e€t?ir€ i'Mftla. '
1 In our former lectures we treated
of the being, character, perfections and
attributes of God. What we mean by
perfections, is, the perfections which
belong to all the attributes of his na-
ture. We shall, in this lecture speak
of the Godhead: we mean the Father,.
Son and Holy Spirit.
2 There arc two personages who con-
stitute the great, matchless, governing
and supreme power over all things —
by whom all things were created and
made, that are created and made, whe-
ther visible or invisible: whether in
heaven, on earth, or in the earth,^ un-
der the earth, or throughout the im-
mensity of space — They are the Fa-
ther and the Son: The Father being
a personage of spirit, glory and pow-
er: possessing all perfection and^ ful-
ness: The Son, who was in the bosom
of the Father, a personage of taberna-
cle, made, or fashioned like unto man,
or being in the foi'm and likeness of
man, or, rather, man was formed after
his likeness, and in his image; — he is
also the express image and likeness of
the personage of the Father: possess-
ing all the fulness of the Father, or,
the same fulness with the Father; be-
ing begotten of him, and was ordained
from before the foundation of the world
to be a propitiation for the sins of all
those who should believe on his name,
and is called the Son because of the
flesh — and descended in suffering be-
low that which man can sufler, or, in
other words, suffered greater suffer-
ings, and was exposed to more power-
ful contradictions than any man can
be. But notwithstanding all this, he
kept the law of God, and remained
without sin: Showing thereby that it is
in the power of man to keep the law
and remain also without sin. And al-
so, that by him a righteous judgment
might come upon all flesh, & that all who
walk not in the law of God, may justly
be condemned by the law, and have no
MESSENGER. AND ADVOCAtE.
l5>3
excuse lor their sins. And ho being
the only begotten of the Father, full of
grace and truth, and having overcome,
received a fulness of the glory of the
Father — possessing the same mind with
the Father, which mind is the Holy
Spirit, that bears recoi^d of the Father
•and the Son, and these ixlree are one,
or in other words, those three consti-
stute the great, matchless, governing
tind supreme power over all th.ings: by
nvhoni all things were created and made,
that were created and made: and these
three constitute the Godhead, and are
one: The Father and the Son posses-
sing the same mind, the san^.e wisdom,
glor)s power and fulness: Filling all
in all — the Son being filled with the
falness of the Mind, glory and power,
or, in otlicr words, the Spirit, glory and
power of the Father — possessing all
knowledge and glory, and the same
kinsrdom: sittin<>; at the right hand of
O CJ CJ _
powQr, in the express image and like-
ness of the Father — a I^Iediator for
man — being fdled with the fulness of
the mind of the Father, or, in other
words, the Spirit of the Father: which
Spirit is shed forth upon all who be-
lieve on his name and keep his com-
}nandments: and iiil those who keep his
commandments shall grow up from
grace to grace, and become heirs of
the heavenly kingdom, and joint heirs
with Jesus Christ; possessing the same
mind, being transformed into the same
image or likeness, even the express
image of him v/lio fills all in all: being
filled with the fulness of his glory, and
become one in him, even as the Father,
Son and Holy Spirit are one.
3 From the foregoing account of the
Godhead, which is given in his revela-
tions, the Saints have a sure founda-
tion laid for the exercise of faith unto
life and salvation, through the atone-
ment and mediation of Jesus Christ, by
Avhose blood they have a forgiveness
of sins, and also, a sure reward laid
uo for them in heaven, even that of
partaking of the fulness of the Father
and the Son, through the Spirit. As
the Son partakes of the fulness of the
Father through the Sjiirit, so the saints
are, by the same Spirit, to be partakers
of the same fulness, to enjoy the same
glory; for as the Father and the Son
are one, so in like manner the saints
are to be one in them, through the love
of the Father, the mediation of Jesus
Christ, and the gift of the Holy Spirit,
they are to be heirs of God and joint
heirs with Jesus Christ.
Question. Of what do the foregoing lec-
tures treat?
Ansicer. Of the being, perfections and at-
tributes of the Deily.
Q. What are we to understand by the per-
fections of the Deity?
A. The perfections w'iicl: belong to his
attributes. ^
Q. How many personages arc there in the
Godlieadi
A. Two: the Father and tlxe Son.
Q. How do j'^ou prove that ihere are two
personages in the Goaheed?
A. By til J Scriptures. Gen. 1: 26. And
the Lord God said unto the Only Begotten,
who was Vi^itii him from tlie beginning, Let
us make man in our image, at'tcr our like-
ness:— and it was done. Gon. 15: 22. And
the Lord God said unto the Only Begotten,
Behold, the man is berome as one of us: to
kuov/ good and evil. . > .n, 17: 5. And now,
O Father, glorify thou me with thine own
self with the glory which I had with thcc be-
fore the world was.
Q. What is the Father?
A. He is a personage of glory and of
power.
Q. How do you prove that the Father is
a personage of glory and of power?
A. Isaiah 60 : 19. The Sun shall be no
more thy light by day, neither for brightness
shall the moon give light uulo thee: but the
Lord shall ba unto thee an everlasting light,
and thy God thy glory. 1 Chron. 29: il.
Tliine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the pow-
er, and the glory. Ps. 29: 3. The voice of
the Lord is upon the waters: t'le God of glory
thunders. Ps. 79: 9. Help us, O God of
our salvation, for the glory of thy name. —
Romans 1: 23. And changed the glory, of-
the incorruptible God into an image madt
like to corruptibh men.
Secondly, of power. 1 Chron. 29: 4.
Thine, O Lord, is the greatness and the pow-
er, and the glory. Jer. 32: 17. Ah! Lord
God, behold thou hast made the earth and
the heavens by thy great power, and strirtcii-
ed-out arm; and there is nothing too haru
for thee. Deut. 4: 37. And uecause he
loved thy fathers therefore he chose Iheii
seed after them, and brought them out in his
sigiit with his mighty power. 2 Samuel 22:
33. God is my strength and power. Job
26, commencing with the 7 vers£, to vhe end
of the chapter. He stretches out tlie north
over the ornpty place, a.id hangs the earth
upon nothing. He binds up the waters in
his thick clouds; and the cloud is not rent
under them. He holds back the tace of his
throne, and spreads his cloud upon it. He has
compassed the waters with bounds, until the
day and night come to an end. The pillars
of heaven tremble, and are astonished at his
reproof. He divid2s the sea v.ith his power,
and by his understanding he smites through
the proud. By his Spirit he has garnished
the heavens; his liand has formed die crooked
s-Tpent. Lo, these are parts of his ways:
but how little a portion is heard of him? Bui
the thunder of his ppv/er who can under
stand''
■ Q. What ie the Son?
124
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
A. First, he is a personage of tabernacle.
Q. How do you prove it?
A. John 14: 9, 10, 11, Jesus says unto
him, Have I been so long time wilh you, and
yet have you not kno-wn me, Philip? He
that has seen me has seen the Father; and
how do you say then. Show us the Father?
Do vou not believe, that I am in the Father,
and' the Father in rae? The words that I
speak unto you, I speak not of myself: but
the Father that dwells in me, he does the
works. Believe me Ih.at I am in the Father,
and the Father in me.
Secondly, and beinp; a personage of taber-
nacle, was made or fashioned like unta man,
or being in the form and likeness of inan.
Philip, 2. Let this mind be in you, which
was also in Christ Jesus; who being in the
form of God, thought iff not robbery to be
equal with God; but made himself of no re-
putation, and took upon him the form of a
servant, and was made in tlie likeness of
man, and, being found in fashion as a man,
lie humbled lumself, and became obedient un-
to death, even the d'^ath of the cros>. Heb.
2: 14, 16. Forasrm-''. then as the children
are partakers of flesh and blood, he also him-
eelf likewise took part of the same. For
verily he took not on him the nature of an-
gels: but he took on him the seed of Abra-
ham. >
Thirdly, he is also in the likeness of the
personage of the Father.
Heb. 1: 1, 2, 3. God, who at sundry times,
and in divers manners, spake in time past to
the fathers, by the prophets, has in these last
days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he
has appointed heir of all things, by whom al-
so he made the worlds; who, being the bright-
ness of his glory, and the express image of
his person. Again, Philip, 2: 5, 6. Let
this mind be in you, which was also in Christ
Jesus; who being in the form of God, thought
it not robbery to be equal with God.
Q. Was it by the Father anc? the Son
that all things were created and made, that
were created and made?
A. It was. Col. 1: 15, 16, 17. Who is
the image of the invisible God, the first born
of every creature; for by him were all things
created that are in heaven, and that are in
earth, visible and invisible, whether they be
thrones or dominions, principalities or pow-
ers; all things were created by him and for
him; and he is before all things, and by him
all things consist. Gen. 1: 1. In the begin-
ning God creatod the lieavens and the earth.
Heb. 1: 2. [God] Has in these last days spo-
iien unto us by his Son, whom he has ap-
pointed heir of all things, by whom also he
made the worlds.
Q. Does he possess the fulness of the Fa-
ther?
A. He does. Coh 1:19. 2: 9. For it
pleased the Father that in him should all ful-
ness dwell. For in him dwells all the fulness
of the Godhead bodily. Eph. 1: 23. Which
is his [Christ's] body, the fulness of him that
fills all in all.
Q. Why was he called the Son?
A. Because of the fleph. Luke 1: 33.
That holy thing which shall be born of thee,
shall be called the Son of God. Math. 3: 16,
17. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went
up straitway out of the water: and lo, the
heavens were opened unto him, and he [.John]
saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove
and lighting upon him: and lo, a voice from-
heaven, saying. This ie my bd'oved Son, in
whom I am well pleased.
Q. Was he ordained of the Father, from
before the foundation of the world, to be a
propitiation for the sins of all those who
esjiould believe on his nafiie?
A. He ^yas. 1 Peter, 1; 18, 19, 20. For
as much rs you know that you were not re-
deemed with corruptible thinga, as silver gjid
gold, from your vain sonversatiou, received
by tradition fiom your fathers; but with the
precious blood of Clirist, as of a lamb with-
out blemish and without spot: who verily
was foreordamed before the foundation of the
world, but wa«; manill'sted in these last times
for you. Rev. 13: 8. And^all that dwell
upon the earth shall worship him, [the beast]
whose names are not written in the book oi"
life of the Lamb slain firom the foundation of
the vi^orld. 1 Cop. 2; t. But we speak the
wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden
my.stery, which God ordained before the
Vvforld unto our glory.
Q. Do the Father and the Son possees the
same mind?
A. They do. John 5: 30. I [Christ]
can of my own self do nothing: as I hear, I
judge, and my judgment is just; because I
seek not my own will, but the will of the Fa-
ther who sent me. John 6: 38. For I [Christ]
came dov/n from heaven, not to do my own
will, but the will of him that sent me. John
10: 30. I [Christ] and my Father are one.
Q. What is this mind?
A. The Holy Spirit. John 15: 26. But
when the comforter is come, whom I will
send unto you from the Father, even the
Spirit of truth, which proceeds from the Fa-
ther, he shall testify of me. [Christ.] Gal.
4: 6. And because you are eons, God has
sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your
hearts.
Q. Do the Father, Son and Holy Spirit
constitute the Godhead?
A. They do.
Let the student commit this paragraph to
memory. [§5. ^2.]
Q. Does the believer in Christ Jesus^
through the gift of the Spirit, become one
with the Father and the Son, as the Father
and the Son are one?
A. They do. John 17: 20, 21. Neither
pray I for these (the apostles) alone; but for
them also who shall believe on me through
their word,; that they all may be one; as
thou. Father, art in me, and I in thee, that
they also may be one \\\ us, that the world
may believe that thou hast sent me.
Q. Does the foregoing account of the
Godhead lay a sure foundation for the exer-
cise of faith in him unto life and salvation?
A. It does.
Q. How do you prove it?
A. B}' the third paragraph of this lecture.
Let the student commit this also.
liCctMfe Sixth.
1 Having treated, in the preceding
lectures, of the ideas of the character,
perfections and attributes of God, we
next proceed to treat of the knoNvledge
which persons must have, that the
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
125
-course of life which they pursue is ac-
■cording to the will of God, in order
that they fnay be enabled to exercise
..faith in him unto life and salvation.
2 This knowledge supi)lics an impor-
tant place in revealed religion; for it
was by rcas<;)n of it that the ancients
were enabled to endure as seeing him
who is invisible. An actual knowledge
to any person that the course of life
which he pursues is according to the
will of God, is essentially necessary to
enable him to have that confidence in
•God, without which no person can ob-
tain eternal life. It was this that ena-
bled the ancient saints to endure all
. their afflictions and persecutions, and
* to take joyfully the spoiling of their
goods, knowing, (not believing merely,)
that they had a more enduring sub-
stance. Heb. 10: 34.
3 Having the assurance that they
were pursuing a course which was
agreeable to the will of God, they were
■enabled to take, not only the spoiling
of their goods, and the wasting of their
substance, joyfully, but also to suffer
death in its most horrid forms; know-
ing, (not merely believing,) that when
,this earthly house of their tabernacle
was dissolved, they had a building of
God, a house not made with hands,
eternal in the heavens. Second Cor.
-5: 1
4 Such was and alwavs will be the
situation of the saints of God, that un-
less they have an actual knov/ledge
that the course they are pursuing is
according to the will of God, they will
grow weary in their minds and faint;
for such has been and always will be
the opposition in the hearts of unbeliev-
'Crs and those that know not God, against
the pure and unadulterated religion of
heaven, (the only thing which ensures
•eternal life,) that they will persecute
•to the utermost, all that worship God
according to his revelations, receive
the truth in the love of it, and submit
themselves to be guided and directed
by his will, and drive them to such ex-
tremities that Hothing short of an actu-
al knowledge of their being the favor-
ites of heaven, and of their having em-
braced that order of things which God
has established for tlic redemption of
man, will enable them to exercise that
confidence in him necessary for them
to overcome the world, and obtJiin that
cix)wn of glory which is laid up for
ihem that (ear God.
5 For a man to lay down his all, his
character and.reputation, his honor and
applause, his good name among men,
his houses, his lands, his brothers and
sisters, his ^\ife and children, and even
his own life also, counting all things
but filth and dross for the excellency
of the knowledge of Jesus Christ, re-
quires more than mere belief, or sup-
position that he is doing the will of
God, but actual knowledge: realizing,
that v/hen these sufferings are ended
he will enter into eternal rest, and bo
a partaker of the glory of God.
6 For unless a person does know that
he is walking according to the will of
God, it would be oflering an insult to
the dignity of the Creator, were he to
say that he would be a partaker of his
glory when he should be done with the
things of this hfe. But when he has
this knowledge, and most assuredly
knows that he is doing the will of God,
his confidence can be equally strong
that he will be a partaker of the glory
of God.
7 Let us here observe, that a religion
that does not require the sacrifice of all
things, never has power suflicient to
produce the faith necessary unto life
and salvation; for from the first exist-
ence of man, the faith necessary unto
the enjoyment of life and salvation ne-
ver could be obtained without the sa-
crifice of all earthly things: it was
through this sacrifice, and this only,
that God has ordained that men should
enjoy eternal life; and it is through the
medium of the sacrifice of all earthly
things, that men do actually know that
they are doing the things that are well
pleasing in the sight of God. When a
man has ofi'ered in sacrifice all that he
has, for the truth's sake, not even with-
holding his life, and believing before
God that he has been called to make
this sacrifice, because he seeks to do
his will, he does know most assuredly,
that God does and will accept his sa-
crifice and olfering, and that he has not
nor will not seek his face in vain. —
Under these circumstances, then, he
can obtain the faith necessary for him
to lay hold on eternal life.
8 It is in vain for persons to fancy
to themselves that they are heirs with
those, or can be heirs with them, who
■ have offered their all in sacrifice, and
by this means obtained faith in God
and favor with him so as to obtain eter-
nal life, unless they in like manner of-
126
MESMEN«ER AND ADVOCATE.
fer unto him the same sacrifice, nna
through that ofTering obtain the know-
ledge that they are accepted of him.
9 It was in offering sacrifices that
Abel, the first martyr, obtained know-
ledge that lie was accepted of God. —
And fi*om the days of righteous Abel
to the present time, the knowledge that
men have that they are accepted in the
sight of God, is obtained by offering
sacrifice: and in the last days, before
the Lord comes, he is to gather together
his saints who have made a covenant
with him ')y sacrifice. Ps. 50: 3, 4, 5.
Our God shall com.e, and shall not keep
silence: a fire shall devour before him,
and it shall be very tcm.pestuous round
about him. He shall call to the hea-
vens from above, and to the earth, that
he may judge his people. Gather ray
saints together unto me; those that have
made a covenant unto me by sacrifice.
10 Those, then, who make the sacri-
fice will have the testimony that their
course is pleasing in the sight of God,
and those who have this testimony will
have faith to lay hold on eternal life,
and will be enabled, through faith, to
endure unto iho end, and receive the
crown that' is laid up for them that love
the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ.
But those who do not make the sacri-
fice cannot enjoy this faith, because
men arc dependent upon this sacrifice
in order to ol)tain this faith; therefore
they cannot lay hold upon eternal life,
because the revelations of God do not
guarantee unto them the authority so
to do; and without this guarantee faith
could not exist.
11 All the saints of whom we liave
accourit in all the revelations of God
which are extant, obtained the know-
ledge which they had of their accept-
ance in his sight, through the sacrifice
which they offered unto him: and thro'
the knowledge thus obtained, their faith
became sufficiently strong to lay hold
upon the promise of eternal life, and
to endure as seeing him who is invisi-
ble; and were enabled, through faith,
to combat the powers of darkness, con-
tend against the wiles of the adversar}'',
overcome the world, and obtain the
end of their faith, even the salvation
of their souls.
12 But those who have not made this
sacrifice to God, do not know that the
course which they pui-sue is well plea-
ding in his sight; for whatever may be
their belief or their opinion, it is a mat-
ter of doubt and uncertainty in their
mind; and where dovibt and uncertain-
ty arc, there faith is not, nor can it be.
For doubt and faith do not exist in the
same person at the same time. So
that persons whose minds are under
doubts and fears cannot have unsha-
ken confidence, and v/here unshaken
confidence is not, there faith. is weak,
and where f^iith is weak, the persons
v/iil not be able to contend against all
the opposition, tribulations and afflic-
tions which they will have to encoun-
ter in order to be heirs of God, and
joint heirs with Christ Jesus; and they
will grov/ weary in their minds, and
the adversary will have pov.'cr over ,
them and destroy them.
Noic. This lecture is so plain, and
the facts set forth so seli'-evident, that
it is deemed unnecessary to form a
catechism upon it: the student is there-
fore instructed to commit the whole to
memorv.
Ilaving seen what the gift of ths
Holy Spirit and its effects are, it is wor-
thy of notice, that this gift was the thing
which v.'as promised by the Savior to
those Vv-ho would hear and obey the
proclamation which he had sent into
the v/orld, and had authorized the apos-
tles to proclaim. to all the world, and
that to the latest ages; even as long as
the Lord shall call any of the human
family to obey his commandments. —
For when the apostle made the procla-
snation first at Jerusalem, he tokl them
that the .promise was to them and their
children, and to all [not part] them
that are afar off, even as many as the
Lord our God shall call.
We shall descend to some particu-
lars respecting this promise. It was
said of those who received it, that they
should dream dreams, see visions, aud
prophesy; ; speak with other tongues,
and interpret tongues, »Scc. &c. Let
us ask, vrhat are we to understand by
seeing visions? This question can on-
ly be answered by having recourse to
the revelations of God, and there sec
what the former day saints saw when
they saw visions; for^if we can ascer-
tain what they saw when they saw
visions, we will know v\'hat the "Latter
Day Saints" must see if they receive
the gift of the Holy Spirit, as promised
in the gospel.
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
127
In the 6th chapter of Isaiah's prophe-
cy, 1, 2, 0, & 4th verses, he gives us
an account of a vision which he had
in the vear that kinor Uzziah died: 1
saw also the Lord sitting upon his
throne, high and lifted up; and his train
filled the temple. Above it stood the
s:!raphims^ each one had six wings:
v/ith twain he covered his face, and
with tv/aia he covered his feet, vind
with twain he did fly. And one cried
"vmto another, and said, hoh% holy, ho-
ly, is the Lord of hosts: the whole
earth is full of his glor}^ And the posts
of the door moved at the voice of him
that cried, and the house was filled
v/ith smoke.
In this vision the prophet both saw
xmd heard: he saw the Lord, as well as
those who attended him; and be3'ond
nil controversy must have obtained
great knowledge of future things and
of the eternal world, so as to be a great
support to him through the great aSic-
tions which he had afterwards to en-
dure for righteousness' sake; for after
this time he could say in truth, what
few could say; and that was, that he
knew there was a, God and another
state of existence beside this, admit-
ting what he said to be true. The
prophet Ezekiel gives us an account of
a : vision which he had. Ke begins
with the beginning of his prophecy,
and gives us a marvelous account of
what he saw and heard of the glory of
the Lord, and of his seeing it; and of
a marvelous something which is not
easily understood. But the whole vi-
sion shews us that, in that vision —
Avhich he savs was on the banks, or
rather, began on the banks of the river
Cheber, while he was among the cap-
tives in Babylon — he had a very ex-
tensive view of the eternal v/orld; the
hand of the Lord was upon him, and
the Spirit of the Lord fell on him also;
and he beheld the glory of the Lord,
and he heard his voice, for the Lord
talked with him. In addition to these
he saw and heard many things respect-
ing the house of Israel; their great
wickedness and corruption at that time,
with wliat should befall them in after
times: and to sum up the substance of
his vision, he saw, and heard, and un-
aerstood many, yea, very many things
about both time and eternity; the inhab-
itants of this world as well as that
which is to come. Let the reader take
the trouble, if It should be considered
such, beginning at the first chapter of
his prophecy and reading carefullv,-
and noticing particularly, what a vast
of knowledge he must have obtained irt
that vision of things not seen in any
other way but in vision; and he call-
not avoid seeing the great advantages
which flow from visions, and the un-
bounded knowledge obtained by them;
such as cannot be obtained on any oth-
er principle nor by any other means.
Daniel gives us an account of a num-
ber of visions which he had, and verv
similar to those seen by Isaiah and
Ezekiel, or sufficientiy so to give us a
coriect idea of the character of a vis-
ion. It was in a vision that he had the
dream of Nebuchadnezer manifested
to him, v^'ith the interpretation thereof:
he doubtless saw in the vision what
Nebuchadnezer dreamed of, that is the
great image: see the 2d chapter of his
prophecy, from the 19th verse and on-
ward. In this vision the Lord gave
Daniel a great knowledge of future
things: he shewed him all the kingdoms
of the world, from the days of Nebuch-
adnezer dov/n, until the stone cut out
of the mountains without hands, which
began at the feet of the nnage and beat
it to pieces and destroyed it. Surely,
then, this vision must have enlightened
his mind greatly; he must have in a
very short space of time, found out
that which could not have been unfold-
ed for hundreds of years; yea, more
than hundreds — thousands. VVhat a
great blessing, then, this vision must
have been to Daniel.
From this short notice of visions, the
heart of the saint niust begin to fall
greatly in love with visions, and desire
them above ail things, as a peculiar
means of obtaining, not only know-
ledge, but knowledge of hidden things.
And what a most happy effect it had on
Daniel: he praised and glorified the
God of heaven, v/ho was a God of
Gods, and a king of kings, and a re-
vcaler of secrets, and who had so
greatly enlightened his mind as to fill
him with wisdom and understanding to
comprehend hidden things.
Daniel favors us with the account
of another vision, in the 7th chapter of
his prophecy: let the reader turn to it
and read for himself. It is a vision of
four beasts, which were a description
of the kings of the earth, very similar
to the former one; and he beheld, he
informs us, until thrones wera cast
13S
^MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
down, and the ancient of days did sit,
and till the boasts were cast down, and
one of them slain. And the situation
of the world v/as shewn unto him until
the son of man came in the clouds of
heaven v/ith power and great glory,
and got a kingdom in which all people,
nation;? and languages should serve
him. Reader, reflect! and see what a
vast of knowledge this man Daniel must
have obtained in these visions, which
no man could com.municatc to his fel-
low man: his ideas must have been
much clearer on all the scenes which
passed before him in vision, than the
mind of any person could be to v/hom
he only told it, o"r who had no idea of
those things only what he had rteeiv-
ed fro'm others. Must not the vision
itself have had greater influence upon
the mind than the relation of it could
have? Every rational being would
answer, that it would; and Daniel must
have known many things which he
«ould not communicate.
In the 10th chapter of the Acts of
the Apostles, we have an account of a
■vision of Cornelius of Cesarea, a Ro-
man centurion, in which he saw an
.angel of God coming in to him and
talking with him, and giving direction
to him how to proceed in order to be
saved. Peter, the apostle, also had a
vision in order to prepare him to re-
ceive favorably the messengers sent
from Cornelius, to him, in which vis-
ion he saw heaven opened and a ves-
sel let dowli unto him as it had been a
great sheet knit at the four corners,
wherein were all manner of four foot-
ed beasts, and wild beasts, and creep-
ing things, and fowls of the air, and
he heard a voice saying unto him,
Arise, Peter, slay and cat, &c. Let
the reader peruse. the 10th chapter of
the Acts of the Apostles, where he will
find the account alluded to above. In
the 26th chapter of the Acts of the
Apostles, Paul gives us an account of
a vision which he had: read from the
12th verse and onward. He says that
he saw, at mid-day a light from heaven
above the brightness of the sun shining
round about him, and he also heard a
voice speaking to him in the Hebrew
tongue. In the 12th chapter of 2d
Corinthians, he gives an account of
another vision in which a man was
caught up to the third heavens, and
heard things which were unlawful to
ultei;, or were unutterable, whether in"
the body or out of the body he could
not tell; but from the description which
he gives of it ho must have obtained
great knowledge, and certainty about
future things.
From all these accounts we are not
left in the dark respecting the true
character of a vision: those who had
them, both saw and heard them; they
beheld the Lord himself with the hea-
venly hosts; they saw the heavens
opened, and looked into the eternal
world; they heard the voice of God-
and of angels; they had explanation af-
ter explanation; they behold all future
time, the rising and falling of nations
and kingdoms, so as to give them the
clearest understanding of these things^
they v/ere made familiar with both
time and eternity, angels and men, the
Father and the Son, and the glory of
God stood before them, his hand was
upon them and his spirit in them, so
as to get knowledge that could not be "^
obtained in any other wa}'; for they
saw the things as they will actually
take place, even the events of time un-
til the Son of man shall come in the
clouds of heaven with power and
great glory. And who cannot see that
this was an extent of knowledge, whiclj
cannot be obtained in any other way?
Indeed, beyond this, they saw the fu-
ture glory of the saints, and through
this medium they obtained a certainty
about eternal things which could not
be obtained in any other way. They
had an understanding of things which
they never could give lo others: they
were unutterable „things, and things
which were unlawful to utter; but the
account given of them greatly stirs up
the mind of the saint to seek after and
obtain the same things, if it is their
privilege.
The elders in the soutli and west will re-
member, that a Conference is to be held at
New Portage, on the 6th of next month.
THK LATTER DAY SAINTS'
IKIessenger and Advocate,
IS EDITED BY
02.IVBR COWDBR"Sr,
And published every montli at Kirtlancl, Geauga Co
Ohio, by
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ten new subscribers, and forwarding- §10, current
money, shall be entitled to a paper one year, gratis.
All letters to the Editor, or Publishers, must be
nor POST PAID.JZS
No subscription will be received for a less term than one
uear, and no paper discontinue^ >M nil arrearages arc
paid, ezcepljit the option of tha publishers.
I.4TTEM DAY SAINTS'
I.
N
o. 9.]
KIRTLAND, OHIO. JUNE, ld35.
[Whole No. 9.].
iiCtfer No. 8.
KiRTLAND, O., June, 1835.
Dear Brother in the Lord: — Yours
of February last, in the 6th number of
the Messenger and Advocate, is before
me, and, as the spirit directs, f shall pro-
ceed to answer. The most important
item which presents itself first lor con-
sideration, is, that God chooses the u-eak
things of the world to confound the wis-
dom of the wise. Such has been the
case in all ages which have preceded
■fes, and such is the case as regards the
men who have been instruments in the
rise and progress of the church of
Christ of Latter Day Saints. The great
prophets and seers, whose sepulchres
were garnished by the Jewish sects,
when they lacked pure religion, and
whose names have been honored v<-ith
lofty chapels, or churches, by the Gen-
tile sects, when they lacked the "one
thing needful," were considered in
their day, by many of their own kin,
and especially by the world as the off-
scourings of the earth. The fact is,
the carnal mind is opposed to holiness,
and hates nure religion. The reason
13, men have little tuith and lack the
spirit of God. !
if the present generation had had
faith when the plates were found, from
which the book of Mormon was trans-
lated, every honest man would have
searched the scriptures daily to see if
the glorious news it contained, was so;
and with a' little faith and the spirit to
guide to all truth, how many thousands
would have rejoiced in' the' holy one of
Israel, and obeyed it's sacred require-
ments. With but little discernment,
Ihey might have discovered that Isaiah
had his eyes on the last days, when he
spoke of what should happen at a fu-
ture period. For instance:
4. And thou shall be brought down, and
ahalt speak out of the ground, and thy speech
shall be low out of the dust, and thy voice
shall be, as one that hath a familiar spirit,
out of the ground, and thy speech shall whis-
per out of the dust.
5. Moreover the multitude of thy stran-
<^ers shall be like small dust, and the multi-
tude: of tlie terrible on^-s shall be as chaff that
passeth away: yea, it shall be at an instant
suddenly.
G Thou shalt be visited of the Lorb of
hog Is with thunder, and with earthquake, and
gr?:a» noise, witli storm and tempest, arid the
^9 me ot" devouring fire.
7 And the multitude of all the nations that
fight against Ariel, even all that fight against
her and her munition, and that distress her,-
s lall be as a dream of a night vision.
8 It shall even be as when an hungry man
dreameth, and, behold, he eateth; but he
awaketh, and his soul is empty; or as when
a thirsty man dreameth, and, behold, he
drinketh; but he awaketh, and, behold, he is
faint, and his soul hath appetite: so shall the
multitude of all the nations be that fighl
against mount Zion.
9 Stay yourselves, and wonder; cry ye
out, and cry: tliey are drunken, but not with
wine; they stagger, but not with strong
drink.
10 For the Lord hath poured out upon you
the spirit of deep sleep, and hath closed your
-ij.es: the prophets and your rulers, the seers
hath he covered.
11 And the vision of all is become unto
you as the words of a book that is sealed,'
which mcji deliver to one that is learned, say-
ing. Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I
cannot; for it is sealed.
12 And tlie book is delivered to him that
is not learned, saying. Redd this, I pray
thee: and he saitli, I am not learned.
It seems very evident that Isaiah saw
the book delivered to him' that was un-
learned, that the Lord might proieeed
to do a marvelous work among this
people; and in that day shall the deaf
hear the woi'ds of the book, and the
eves of the blind shall see out of obscu-
rity, and our of darkness. By uniting
the term this people with that day^
we have an appearance so near the be-
ings and tirxies of the nineteenth centu-
ry, that a person must be wilfully igno-
rant, or priesthj blinded, not lo see it.
lie that runs might read it. It is al-
most as plain as if the prophet had said:
It shall come to pass, in the nineteenth,
century, before the second coming of
Christ, that the people shallbe ingress,
darkness: their seers and prophets shall
be covered; to be sure, they shall draw
near to me with their mouths, and hon-
or me with their lips, but their hearts
sbiall be far from nae: they shall be
proud and high minded, despising all
revelation but the bible; and that too,
unless it be spiritualized according to
the wisdom of men. They will follow
the precepts of men. .The most of that
generation will embrace any doctrine
but that of "one Lord, one faith, one
baptism, one Gbd and Father of all,
who is above all, and through all,' and
in you all."
Who can mistake the time when the
130
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
vision of all has become unto this peo'
pie as the words of a book? No can-
did person, if he has nothing to judge
from but the testimony of such as hate
the truth, and will believe a lie that
they may be condemned.
It is a happy circumstance for the
saints, that God brings to pass all his
works after the counsel of his own will.
For, if it were otherwise, if the con-
tending sectarians failed to drive men
to worship with them, Tom Payne's
Ago of Reason, or Volney's Ruins
might as well be considered the stand-
ard of religious worship as tire bible. —
No one, according to the present pre-
cepts of men, and their belief; could
get faith enough to ask God for any
thing, or receive any more revelations;
and consequently the truth would fail;
the godly man perish, and wickedness
prevail tenfold worse than it did before
the flood.
Such an unhallowed age and circum-
stances of men and things, teing among
the possible impossibilities, let us re-
joice, that the work of God, though at
first almost imperceptible, continues to
roll on, conquering and to conquer,
and will continue its progression, till
every knee shall bow and every tongue
confess that the truth is mighty and
will prevail; yea, till the earth shall
rest from the convulsions of wicked-
ness, and aa[ain become the garden of
Eden.
The Lord is not in a hurry, neither
is he slack: His work goes on, and
though his way is past finding out,
while a time for repentance to man is
granted, and any are spared from the
consumption decreed, some will turn to
the words of etereal life, for life and
salvation, whether they are found in
the old bible, book of Mormon, lost
book of Jasher, or the book of Enoch,
mentioned by Jude. Though men are
afraid of the books of God, or afraid
that God will suffer any more to be in
the world, I expect that when the dead,
small and great, stand before him, that
the books will be opened; even the
books of Jehovah, and men will be
judged according to what is written in
the books.
I am truly glad you have mentioned
Michael, the prince, who, I understand,
is our great father Adam. New light
is occasionally bursting in to our minds,
of the sacred scriptures, for which I
am truly thankful. We shall by and
bye learn that we were with God in
another world, before the foundation
of the world, and had our agency: tha^
we came into this world and have our
agency, in order that we may preparG
ourselves for a kingdom of glory; be-
come archangels, even the sons of God
where the man is neither without the
woman, nor the woman without the
man in the Lord: A consummation of
glory, and happiness, and perfection so
greatly to be wished, that I would not
miss of it for the fame of ten worlds.
Notwithstanding your nine questions
may be in the breasts of many saints;
yet thousands of your readers may not
understand them: therefore let me re
peat them and give such answers as
may be drawn from scripture.
Firstly, "Are the angels in glory the
former prophets and servants of God?''
Yes, or how could Elijah come before
the great and terrible day of the Lord,
to turn the hearts of the fathers to the
children, &c. Peter, James and Joho
saw Elias, along with Moses, in th©
mount.
Secondly, "Are they brethren of
those who keep his comjaandments on
earth?" Certainly: for, if Michael,
Moses, Elias, and others through whom
the commandments came, are joint
heirs with Christ they are brethren,
and so also, will they be, who by keep-
ing his commandments, obtain the like
precious faith: The angel said to John
— "for I am thy fellow servant, and of
thy brethren the prophets, which keep
the sayings of this book "
Thirdly, "Have brethren and flesh-
ly kindred, in the kingdom of God,
feelings of respect and condescension
enough to speak to each other, though
one may be in heaven and the other on
earth?" Yes, for they are ministering
spirits sent forth from God to minister
to the heirs of salvation. Enoch and
Elijah are fleshly kindred in heaven,^
and every time they or others have
visited the earth to speak to their fel-
low servants, if it was no more than to
warn Joseph in a dream to flee into
Egypt with the young child Jesus, it
shows they have condescension enough
to speak to each other.
Fourthly, "If angels are ministering-
spirits sent forth to minister to those
who shall be heirs of salvation, will
they not minister to those heirs?" Most
certainly: Every angel's visit from
Abraham till the last, proves this ques-
MESSENGER ANI3 ADVOCvVTE.
131
lion, besides the Lord says he will send
his angels with the great sound of a
trumpet and they shall gather his elect
together, from the four winds, from
one end of heaven to the other.
Fifthly, "If they do will any one
know it?" From the record of those
that have come in times past, we should
judge that the saints would know it,
and Cornelius knew it before he was
born into the kingdom.
Sixthly, "Will Michael, the archan-
gel, the great prince, stand up in the
last days for Israel]"
Seventhly, "Will he defend them
from their enemies?"
Eighthly, "Will he lead them as
they were once led?"
And, ninthly, "Will he be seen?"
I shall proceed to answer these four
last together. Daniel says: — "And at
that time shall Michael, stand up, the
great prince, which standeth for thy
people: and there shall be a time of
trouble, such as never was since there
was a nation, to that same time; and at
that time shall thy people be delivered:
and if they are delivered they will un-
doubtedly be defended from their ene-
mies. If Joshua saw the captain of
the Lord's hosts; or, if Nebuchadnez-
zer, in his astonishment, exclaimed,
seeing with his own eyes in the day-
lime, "Lo, I see four men, [three on-
ly were cast into fire] loose, walking
in the midst of the fire, and they have
no hurt: and the form of the fourth is
like the Son of God!" then in very
deed shall the saints see father Adam,
the ancient of days, even Michael the
archangel, on the earth.
But lest I should go too far on this
sublime subject, I must stop for the
present, and leave many things in your
letter not even hinted at.
I greatly rejoice at the light of the
last days, and sincerely wish all men
were fit and willing to receive it, thai
the glorious day might roll on when
we might not only find sacred records
by the ministering of angels, but might
have the presence of Jesus again on
earth; & be living witnesses of that day,
when the knowledge of the Lord shall
cover the earth as the water covers the
sea; when all shall know him, from the
least even to the greatest; and all the
redeemed multitude speak a pure lan-
guage, aiccording to the promise. Such
a glorious prospect of holiness is worth
living for, or worth dying for, and I
beseech the saints to strive to continuo
to Avalk in the way and obtain their
crown. As ever.
W. W. PHELPS.
To O. CowDERY, Esq.
P. S. I am apprised of the fact that
you have resigned the editorial chair.
I hope you will, however, continuo
your history of the rise and progress
of the church. This, because you aro
as well, and perhaps I may say, better
acquainted with the circumstances and
facts relative to the subject, than al-
most any other member, that I am ac-
quainted with. Again, it will be im-
portant in order to assist Elder Whit-
mer in keeping the Messenger and Ad-
vocate in its present interesting chan-
nel, as a messenger of truth, and ad-
vocate of the fulness of the gospel of
Jesus Christ.
Gospel j\o. YIII.
[CONTINUKD FROM PAGE 120.]
From reflection, we have been for-
ced into the conclusion that the gospel
was as well known among the ancients
as among any other people, not even
the ante-deluvians or the people before
the flood excepted. Wc are satisfied,
that wherever the fruits of the gospel
are or were found, there the gospel
was also; for nothing else could pro-
duce the etfccts of the gospel, but the
gospel itself, or else the gospel was un-
necessary; for men could have enjoyed
all the blessings which it confers, with-
out its existence. And if any thing
besides the gospel could praduce tho
same etfccts of the gospel, then it was
vain, and worse than vain, for the Sa-
vior to say concerning it, "That ho
that believed it not, should be damned;"
for they could have been saved, if it
were admitted, that something else
could produce the same effect of the
gospel. For instance if men could
have the spirit of prophecying, and pro-
phecy without obeying the gospel, then
it was in vain for the Savior to say,
"That he that believeth not shall be
damned;" for who does not know that
a prophet could be saved. But the
truth is, all the prophets from right-
eous Abel down until the present time
had obeyed the gospel, and had their
communion with God by virtue of their
obedience to it.
We have evidence, I think, extant
in the scriptures, which is not easily-
set aside, though cavilers ntmy cavil a$
iss
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE
it. thai X'.'rahiim ha^ a perfect know-
lelge of the gospel.. We want it dis-
tinctly understood, that when we speak
of the g.ispel, we mean the whole sys-
tem with all its ordinances and laws as
proclaimed on "the day of pentecoTt;"
for-we know nothing of the gospel dis-
tinct from baptism for the remission of
sins, and the gift of the Holy Spirit by
the laying on of the hands of those
tvho are called and ordained unto this
power. Take these things; away and
where is the gospel? Wo answer no
where — there is no such thing. For
distinct from those things, there is no
salvation; if there is salvation without
baptism for the remission of sins, and
the gift of the Holv Spirit, by the Ijiv-
ing on of the hands, we know nothing
oi it; for God our heavenly lather does
not work at random; but by the strict-
est rule, even one established by him-
self for the rule of his conduct in re-
lation to his creature man, before the
world was; by that rule he has worked,
and will work, until time is no more.
In a former part of this treatise, ..e
examined the ground on which our opin-
ion was founded that Abraham had a
knowledge of the gospel. We shall
I ow notice some things said" in the scrip-
tures about Moses.
The Savior, in the 5th chap, of John's
gospel and 46th verse, says to the Jews,
*'Had ye believed Moses, ye would
have believed me, for he wrote of me."
And in the 11th chapter of the epistle
to the Hebrews and 26th v., "Paul says
that Moses esteemod the reproaches of
Christ greater riches than the treasures
of Egypt." From both of these quo-
tations we learn this fact that Moses
had a knowledge of Christ, to some
extent at least; and we think if exam
ined a little, it will be found that his
knowledge was pretty extensive; prob-
ably as much so as any other man; Cor
says the Savior, he wrote of me. We
think that it is not probahle that Moses
wrote of Christ without understanding
•what he wrote, neither is it likely that
he began to write on a subject which
he did not understand most perfectly,
•particularly when we consider who Mo-
ses was, that he had both seen and
conversed with God, and received re-
velations from him, and was in a situ-
ation to have both correct and exten-
sive knowledge of all things which he
desired to know: it appears also that
in consequence of the knowledge'
which he had of Christ he had to suffer"
reproach; for he esteemed the rer>roa-
ches of Christ, greater riches than tne;
treasures of Egypt; but why the re-
proaches of Christ? Because he had
knowledge of him and wrote of him,
and for this knowledge, or for writmg
it, he had to sulfer reproach. This is
sufficient to shew to any person wh'> is'
willing to be instructed, that Moses
must have understood the nature of
Christ's office, as Savior of the world,
or why suffer I'eproach for his sake? —
Every man of any understanding niust"
know, that nothing could have cuused
Moses to have suffered reproach for'
Christ's s-'.ke. unless he had knowledge*
of him: and all the knowledge that any
being can have of Christ, is, a-^ Sci\ior'
of the world, and if Moses suffered re-,
proach for Christ's sake, he must have-
done so because he proclaimed haii as^
Savior of the world, & must have knov/n
as did Abraham, that it was in Christ
that all the families of the earth sho'.iid
be blessed, for if he did not know this^
he did not know any thing about him;-
for it was in consequence of this, that-
he was known to the world. Had it
not been for this the name of Christ
would not have been known in (he
world. A.nd if Moses knew any thisig
of Ch-rist,, he could have known no-
thing of him but what was known of
him as the Savior of the world. So that
from all the light we can get on this
subject, Moses must have had the same
knowledge which Abraham had: in-
deed there was no other knowledge to
be had of Christ, but this; take tJiis
away and the knowledge of Christ cea-
ses;"-and so far as the knowledge of
Christ extended, so far did the know-
ledge of the gospel extend; and so far
as the knowledge of the gospel extend-
ed, so far did or does the knowledge of
Christ extend; for they go together and
-neither of them is found alone. But
what settles this question, in the mind
of every candid person forever is, that
the fruits which are peculiar to the
gospel are found no where but in obe-
dience to it, were found with Mosi^s. —
He had the spirit of prophecy and of
revelation, he also had visions, and the
power of miracles attended him; all
these are fruits of the gospel, and found
among those who are baptized for the
remission of sins, and who receive
the gift of the Holy Spirit by the lay-
ing on of hands. If any should ob-
I
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
m
ject, and .sa-y that the scriptures never
mention the [)a[jtism of Moses, we re-
piy, neither do they mention his wri-
ting ot' Christ, they only say he did
write of him; and wc have no doubt if
these writings were once obtained, we
will in thera tind the account of his
baptism; for every circumstance in re-
lation tu him tends to estabhsh this fact
on the mind, that he openly acknow-
ledged Christ, and this can only be
done by being baptized in his name for
the remission of sins, and by receiving
the Holy Spi-rit by the laying on of
hands in his name; -and having thus
Openly acknowledged him, he had to
su;Fer reproach for his name! for it
would be very sinijular indeed if Mo-
■ses had to suffer the reproaches of
Christ, when he hnd never acknow-
ledged him; and lot me repeat itngiin,
thit no person did, or ever will acknow-
ledge Christ only those who do it by be-
ing immersed in vvater for tlie remis-
sion of sins; this is the way and the on-
ly way by which any person ever has
or ever will acknowledge Christ. Thev
may acknowledge men, or some other
beings in doing other things, but they
can acknowledge Christ in no other
way, and that for the best of all rea-
sens, because there is no other way of
acknowledging him; for do all other
things that any human creature coidd
do, and leave this undone, and Christ
would not be aiknf»wledged. Seeing
*ben, that Moses suftered the reproach-
es of Christ, it follows of neccssit, that
he must have been baptized for the I'e-
■missiou of sins in his name, or he could
#ot have been repronched for his sake.
Faitii of the Ch'ss'clt.
That part of the work of the Floly
Spirit in the salvaiion of men, which
consists in giving them visions, forms
one of the most important parts (of the
Spirit's work) in the salvation of men,
and it is one that was always pertorm-
ed by the Spirit, as far as wc have any
account of the people of, God in his re-
velations. There is nosociet.' of which
we have an account in the revelations
of God, that he acknowledged as his
own, except they had visions among
them, and that as long as they contin-
ued to walk according to the directions
of the Holy Spirit: indeed it was essen-
tial to their character as saints; it would
be a marvelous thing to find a bod-/ of
.■«aints on earth and yet there would be
no visi;nis among them; we will ven-
ture to assert that such a thing was
never seen since the world began. We
readily admit that a corrupt religion
can exist, and Ails.e prophecies exist,
and sectarian d(,,gmas abound; men-
made woishi'iers increase, and the
world abound in a religion that the Lord
was not the author of, and yet no vis-
ions be among them; but wherever the
truth of heaven abounds, there will
visions abound also; for it is a part of
heaven's scheme to save men, and with-
out it, we are not authorized to say there
is salvation; for all the people who
were saved of whom we have aa ac-
count, were of the number who saw
visions; and such was the importance
which the sacred writers attached to
the seeirig of visions, that .Solomon says,
in Proverbs, chap. 29: ver. 18, that
where no vision is, the people perish.
But in direct opposition to this, the peo-
ple of this generation say, that where
no vision is. tliere truth reigns and pre-
vails; and where vision is there error
and delusion abounds; but whether we
should believe God or man, judge ye.
It requires but a limited acquaintance
with the Bible to see that, the highest
degree of knov/ledge which was among
the former day saints was by reason of
their seeing visions. It was by visions
by which they were made acquainted
with the deep things of God, and vis-
ions was a part of the work of that
spirit which searched all things — "j^ea,"
as says Paul, "th.^ deep things of God,"
1st Corinthians, 2d chapter. 10th verse.
No person can reflect on the great pri-
viliges which the saints enjoved in re-
ceiving visions without being filled with
desire: there wns no end to the know-
ledge which they acquired; there was
no bounds to their discoveries; they
reached far into futurity and compre-
hended the things of both God and man
for manv' generations; the, looked to
the things within the veil, and saw
the things of God, of angels, and of
men in the unseen world. It was vis-
ions whicli gave them the greatest con-
fidence \n their religion, and which en-
abled them t ) endure as seeing him
who i- invisible. They knew their re-
ligion to be trui"; for, through visirms
they had seen with their eves, heard
with their ears, and understood with
their hearts. In their visions they con-
versed with ang'ls the spirits of .just
men made perfect; were made acquaint^
134
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
ed with the glories of the eternal world,
and obtained the most perfect know-
ledge of future things. By reason of
this they became exceedingly bold and
testified of the things of God without
fear; seeing, hearing, and handling of
the word of life, and became swift wit-
nesses against the generation in which
they lived; for no man can be a witness
for God until he can bear testimony of
what he has seen and heard; no man
can bear witness of what another has
seen and heard; but of what he has seen
and heard himself. So that all the wit-
nesses that God has ever had on earth
were those who had obtained visions;
for without them, they could not be
witnesses for God. Nor did the an-
cients ever pretend to be witnesses of
any thing but of what they saw and
heard themselves. When God went to
raise up witnesses for himself, he did
so by giving them visions.
There is something in relation to
the revelation of Jesus Christ when
understood, which sets this subject in
a very forcible point of light, and es-
tablishes beyond a doubt the necessity
of visions; indeed one of the great ob-
jects to be obtained by raising up a
church would be lost, and the Lord
could not have a great object in view
in so doing. The apostle Paul said
concerning the apostles, "that they
were a savor of life unto life or of death
unto death," 2d Corinthians, 2: 16.—
The reason of this is, because they
(the apostles) were God's witnesses un-
to all men, and as such they were a
savor of life unto life or of death unto
death; for those who received their tes-
timony concerning Jesus and obeyed
their teachings would be saved, but all
others would not be saved; and the rea-
son that they were a savor of life unto
life or of death unto death, was because
they had the testimony of Jesus; and
no people ever had or ever will have,
the testimony of Jesus, but those who
receive visions. For unless they actu-
ally have visions, they cannot sec the
Lord; and if they cannot see him they
cannot bear testimony of him. For, a
man to be a fitness tor either God or
man, he must have something to which
he can testify; and no man can testify
to what another sees and hears; but to
what he sees and hears himself. In
order, therefore, for a man to be a wit-
ness for Jesus Christ, or for God the
Father, he must have more testimony
than any man or all the men of the
world combined could give; he must
have it for himself from God, that he
can say like Paul, the things which I
declare unto you I have not of man,
neither received I them of man, bu- by
the revelation of Jesus Christ. On this
piunciple, and on this only, can a man
be a witness for Jesus Christ.
When the Savior began to raise up
a church, it was to get witnesses for
himself: those who could testify of him,
and declare that he lived. Such was
the case with the former day saints as
far as our account of them extends,
and we are told by their historian Luke,
that they gave forth their testimony
with great power, and they declared
that they had seen Jesus after he arose
from the dead, and Paul among the
rest said, that last of all he appeared
unto me, as one born out of due time.
They went from place to place, and
from land to land declaring as they
went that, that same Jesus who was
crucified on Calvary by the Jews; God
had raised from the dead; had exalted
at his own right hand and made Prince
and Saviour; and even in the very arti-
cle of death they would bear the same
testimony as did Stephen, who said at
the time the Jews stoned him to death:
"I see the heavens opened and the son
of man sitting at the right hand of pow-
er.
}}
These men bore this witness, because
they had the testimony of Jesus, and
were by virtue of their obedience to
him made acquainted with the truth and
actually knew the truth, as Jesus had
said those should, who would continue
in his doctrine, and the truth had made
them free. See John's gospel, 8: 31, 33.
The object in raising up these wit-
nesses was, that through their testimo-
ny, the world might be judged. Henco
it was that they were a savor of life
unto life or of death unto death to all
men, because they were to be witnesses
either for or against all men, and this
is the reason that it was necessary that
they should have visions; for without
visions they could not see any of the
things of the eternal world, and could
not have any thing to testify of; but
receiving heavenly visions they beheld
the things of heaven, and beheld and
understood the things of eternity, and
went forth and testified of what they
saw and heard; and by this means God
would judge the world. When they
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
185
■had this great witness of the things of
God iV would 150I believe it, they were to
be damned, because they had the testi-
mony of living witnesses that the things
of which they testified were realities;
for these men had both seen and heard
them for themselves, and hence it was
that those who would believe on Jesus
through their word would be saved; and
those who would not would be damned.
Take visions away therefore, from
the scheme of heaven, and God must
cease to judge the world, because he
would have no witnesses, and he could
not condemn a people for not believing
when they had not testimony in which
they were justified in believing; but
when they had as strong testimony as
they had to prove other things which
they believed and then would not be-
lieve, they stood justly condemned, and
there is no candid being in the world
but would condemn them, for their in-
consistency; because they required
greater evidence to believe one thing
than they would require to believe ano-
ther.
And thus by reason of visions the
world will be judged, and by them con-
demned; for it is visions which makes
a man a witness for God, and without
them he cannot be a witness; for there
is not any thing of which he could tes-
tify; I'Jt having visions he can testify
of what he both sees and hears, and
thereby condemn those who will not
believe.
EXTRACT OF A LETTER, DATED
Paris, May 16, 1835.
Br. 0. Coicdery,
Dear. Sir: — We sit down to inform
you of the prospects for the advance-
ment of the kingdom of Christ in this
southern country, which are flattering.
"We have baptized 29 since we wrote
you last, making the several branches
that we have planted in this vicinity,
64 But do not understand, that we are
gliding smoothly along without any
persecution: this promise of the Savior
is abundantly verified. Scoufgings,
imprisonment and death are threatened;
but none of these things move us. It is
as near from Tennessee to the Paradise
of God, as from any other place: And
while we are receiving persecution, the
Savior is giving us more than a hun-
dred fold, brethren and sisters, houses
and lands, and the assurance of eternal
life in the world to come.
May God make us instrumental in
his hands of rending the shackles of
priestcraft and superstition from many
— to this end give us the assurance of
your prayers.
Yours in Christ.
WARREN PARISH,
WILFORD WOODRUFF.
Messenger and Advocate.
KIRTLAND, OHIO, JUKE, 1833.
TO THE PATRONS OF THE LAT-
TER DAY SAINTS' MESSEN-
GER AND ADVOCATE.
On assuming the editorship of this
paper, its patrons, no doub*, will ex-
pect me to give them an outline of the
course I intend to pursue while con-
ducting its columns in future.
The labors of this station, to those
acquainted with them, are known to be
many and complicated; the responsi-
bility resting upon an individual who
steps forward in our religious country,
at this day, and assumes to teach oth-
ers the gospel of the Lord Jesus, and
point the path to holiness, is fraught
with so many reflections of importance,
that one would scarce venture forward
without faltering, were it not for the
fact, that good may be done, the field
being wide, the harvest great and the
laborers few. Not that all men are
pursuing the right way, and are walk-
ing before God according to his holy
commandments, do I say religious
world — far from this. Were I sensi-
ble that all religions were one religion,
and that one the true, it would be for-
eign from my heart to think that my
feeble exertions could benefit mankind:
for if it were thus, my labors would be
uncalled for. But while we discover
so many, one is led to enquire, "^vhich
is right? Has the Lo^d ordained so
many ways for the salvation of his peo-
ple? Does this, almost numberless
train of professions, comport with the
scriptures^ Docs it show one Lord
and one faith? And amid so many
professed gospels, where is the one
ISO-
MESSENGER ANjD ADVOCATE.
which is correct, and where is that or-
der of things which the Lord appro-
bates and acknowledges his? If all
are not one^ and if these, or a part
are incorrect, to convince men of the
correct one, needs labor — and that mine
may bear the strict scrutmy of my
Master, in the great day approaching,
I shajl endeavor to have it correspond
with the strictest principles of virtue
^nd holiness.
Yet, another reflection, that one is
destineij to labor for some thousands,
and suit matter for all, would be a suf-
ficient excuse to urge on my own part,
Jo my friend and brother, — who has
conducted this paper since its com-
mencement with so much talent «nd
ability, for him to select another person,
were it not that every man is to be re-
warded for his diligence and perseye.-
rance in attempting to do good, by one
who knows the thoughts and intents of
the hearts of all.
In this introduction, then, I take the
occasion to say, that I shall not labor to
please men, any farther than a rela-
tion of sacred principles v/ill be satis-
factory. The applause of this world
may be courted by whom it may, aqd
enjoyed, (if enjoyment it can be called)
by whoever possesses it, but with me
it will be regarded as worthless as the
idle wind or the vainly attempted allure-
ments of fabled vision. So with the
frowns and scoffs of men — their worth-
lessness alike shall be considered as a
parallel of the beating waves against
the rocks in the distant ocean, and the
rushing tornado in the trackless wilder-
ness— one may foam its anger in per-
petual solitude, and the other discharge
its fury and its wrath ithout injury —
they los t fo • e an sp- nd their
violence in fruitless attempts to harm
in vain.
to escape the evil and enjoy the 'good.
One way, and only one has the Lord
pointed out for men to pursue in order
to obtain eternal life, and it shall be my
duty to 3et forth such facts as are cal'
c'llated to inform the mind on those
principles. That they are plainly writ-
ten, will not be doubted by those who
have made themselves acquainted with
all the revelations extant, notwithstand-:
ing a majority of the professing inhabi-
tants of our country, doubt there being
any other than the one given to th^
Jews, and a few churches among the
Gentiles, by a part of the apostles.
The last item is one Ihat has been,
and still is a matter of much controvert
sy. Such as profess to be in the right
way and enjoy the true light, are dis-
turbed, while those who fear for the
safety and profits of their craft, are
trembling lest the world will be dissua-
ded from following them.
No man, possessing his common fac-
ulties of understanding, unconnectei^
with, or influenced by sectarian pre-
judice, will hesitate to say that some-
thing is wrong; and how is the evil to
be remedied? Men act for themselves,
choose for themselves, and if saved are
saved for themselves, and not for ano-
ther— they cannot be driven into salva-
tion, as compulsion would at once de-
stroy their agency; and if that is taken
away, why was it ever spoken *'WhO-
soever will may take of the water of
life freely?" Correct reasoning, plain
facts, and undeniable assertions, on the
plan ;»f redemption, when presented to
the mind, will, if any thing, call up
that serious enquiry which is requisite
in all. How often do we see men of
first moral characters, bountiful to the
poor, and filled with compassion toward
the afflicted, enquiring for the "old
paths" wherein Israel used to walk,
Thsre is a way of salvation, — a path { standing with deep anxiety and concern
to heaven— a crown for the pure in ! for their souls, and say, "If I could but
heart, and principles teaching men how [see th^ consistent order of which the
MESSENCxER AND ADVOCATE.
137
revelations of the Lord teach, how
gladly would I embrace it." How fre-
quently do we also hear those whose
names are registered with a church, say
they are dissatisfied? and only con-
tinue because they have been made to
believe it important that they should be-
long to some church'?
The great point at issue , is, wheth-
„er the Lord ever promised to bring
back an order, in the last days, like
-the one in former timeSj and set free
ihoss who are in bondage to tlie sys-
tems and crafts of men; and from this
another would necessarily arise, whe-
ther the situation of the world in this
day requires it? And if so, has it been
ushered in? These cannot be consid-
rOred any other than items of deep mo-
ment to the human family, and worthy
the careful investigation of all. If our
opinion is based upon the rock, it is
worth believing, and if it is a fable, it
is unworthy the notice of the intelligent
.and the concern of the sure; but till
these facts are settled, it may be well,
to investigate.
The principles of my predecessor
have been faithfully written and ably
defended; and it is only necessary to
add, that the patrons of this paper will
And mine to correspond with his.
The former correspondents of the
.Messenger and Advocate, are respect-
fully solicited to continue to write for
its columns; and the elders abroad and
travelling brethren, earnestly desired to
give us accounts of their prosperity
and travels.
With its former, and increasing cor-
respondents, it is hoped that this paper
will continue to be worthy of patron-
■age; and as it continues to circulate
and receive accounts of the increase
subscribers, who will be entitled to thi:!ir
numbers gratis according to the condi-
tions on the last page.
One reflection more, and only one —
If, in the performance of the duties
which now devolve upon me, I so dis-
charge them as to meet the approba-
tion of the puie in heart, and still
maintain the present respectability of
this paper, and above all to have my
work correspond with the prmciples of
holiness, that at the great day of the
Lord Jesus, I may but receive the re-
ward of the just and the approbatioa
of the same, that a crown of righteous-
ness may be placed upon mj head, I
shall be satislied and give the praise
and glory to the exalted name of the
Most Hi^h.
JOMN WHITMER.
TO THE SAINTS SCATTERED
ABROAD.
Dear Brethren:—h js a duty which
every saint ought to render to his bre-
thren freely — to always love them, and
ever succor them. To be justified be-
fore God we must love one another:
we must overcome evil; we must visit
the fatherless and the widow in their
affliction, and we must keep ourselves
unspotted from the world: for such vir-
tues flow from the great fountain of
pure religion. Strengthening our faith,
by adding every good quality that adorns
the children of the blessed Jesus, we
can pray in the season of prayer; we
can love our neighbor as ourselves, &
be faithful in tribulation, knowing that
the reward of such is greater in the
kingdom of heaven. What a consola-
tion! What a joy! Let me live the
life of the righteous, and let my reward
be like his!
According to the order of the king-
dom begun in the last days, to prepai'e
men for the rest of the Lord, the elders
in Zion, or m her immediate region,
have no autlioriry or right, to meddle
with her spiritual affairs, to regulate
and sprea.l of truth, to be interesting ! her concerns, or hold councils for the
to every family wherever it may ap-
pear.
The elders and brethren generally
expulsion of members, in her unorgan-
ized condition. The high council has
been expressly organized to administer
in all her spiritual aifairs; and the bish-
fkYG requested to obtain and forward | op and his council, are set over her
133
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATfi.
temporal matters: so that the elders'
acts are Hull and void. Now the Lord
wants the tares and wheat to grow to-
gether: for Zion must be redeemed with
judgments, and her converts with right-
eousness.
Every elder that can, after providing
for his family (if he has any) and pay-
ing his debts, must go forth and clear
liis skirts from the blood of this gener-
ation. While they are in that region
instead of trying members for trans-
gressions, or offences, let every one
labor to prepare himself for the vine-
yard, sparing a little time to comfort
the mourners; to bind up the broken-
hearted; to reclaim the backslider; to
bring back the wanderer; to re-invite
into the kingdom such as have been
cut off, by encouraging them to lay to
while the day lasts, and work righteous-
ness, and, with one heart and one
mind, prepare to help redeem Zion,
that goodly land of promise, where the
willing and the obedient shrJl be bles-
sed. Souls are as precious in the sight
of God, as they ever were; and the el-
ders were never called to drive any
down to hell, but to persuade and in-
vite all men every where to repent,
tliat they may become the heirs of sal-
vation. It is the .acceptable year of
the Lord: liberate the captives that they
may sing hosanna.
The priests, too, should not be idle:
their duties are plain, and unless they
do them diligently, they cannot expect
to be approved. Righteousness must
be the aim of the saints in all things,
and when the covenants aire published,
they will learn that great things must
be expected from them. Do good and
work righteousness with an eye single
to the glory of God, and you shall reap
your reward when the Lord recompen-
ses every one according to his work.
The teachers and deacons are the
standing ministers of the church, and
in the absence of other officers, great
things, and a holy walk, are required
of them. They must strengthen the
members' faith; persuade such as are
out of the way to repent, and turn to
God and live; meekly persuade and
urge every one to forgive one another
all their trespasses, offences and sins,
that they may work out their own sal-
vation with fear and trembling. Breth-
ren, bear and forbear one with another,
for so the Lord does with us: Pray for
yovir enemies in the chdrch, and curs '
not your foes without: for vengeance
is mine, saith the Lord, and I will re-
pay.
To every ordained member and to
all we say, be merciful and you shall
find mercy. Seek to help save souls,
not to destroy them: for verily you
know, that "there is more joy in heaven,
over one sinner that repents, than there
IS over ninety and nine just ])ersons
that need no repentance." Strive not
about tlie mysteries of the kingdom;
cast not your pearls before swine, give
not the bread of the children to dogs,
lest you and the children should suffer,
and you thereby offend your righteous
Judge.
Your brethren, who leave their fam-
ilies, with whom they have enjoyed an
earthly measure of peace and joy, ta
carry glad tidings round the world, ex-
pect great things of you, while you ar&
privileged to enjoy the blessings of the
saints' society. They pray our heaven-
ly Father, that you may be very pray-
erful, very humble, and very charitable;
working diligently, spiritually and tem-
porally for the redemption of Zion, thiit
the pure in heart may return with
songs of everlasting joy to build up her
waste places, and meet the Lord when
he comes in his gfory. Brethren, in
the name of Jesus, we entreat you to
live worthy of the. blessings that shall
follow, after much tribulation, to sa-
tiate the souls of them that hold out faitli-
ful to the end. P.
BISHOP PARTRIDGE.
Many of the saints are acquainted
with this individual, and none, I pre-
sume, will hesitate to say, that the lon^-
ger the acquaintance the more desira-
ble the society. If this world produces
a plain man, it is bishop Partridge. I
do not mean particular plainness of
dress, though he is truly an cnsample
of prudence and economy in all his
temporal avocations, — but of speech,
precept, example and doctrine. Neither
do I suppose that a commendation from
my pen will have the effect to alter one
hair "from black to white;" but from
the knowledge of the persecution and
personal abuse which has been heaped
upon him, I am prepared to say, that
if a man was ever persecuted for right-
-ousness' sake, without casting an anx-
ious look back to the applause of the
world and the flattery of the great, it is,
bishop Partridge.
WESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
139
I perfectly remember the 20th of Ju-
ly, 1833, when the Jackson county
tnoh demolished the office of the Star,
and vented their vile mania still further
by dragging this worthy citizen from
^his residence, and the peaceful enjoy-
ment of his family, and exposed him
almost naked upon the public square,
and defiled his body with tar and fea-
ihers.
No Ainerican citizen can read the
account of that shameful violation of
the laws, without blushi *g for the de-
pravity of the human heart. But what
stuns the ear still more, is that this per-
secution did not end here. Lawless
inarauders always fear justice and
tremble at the approach of retribution
■ — and to avoid either, this banditti,
like a gang of infernals, prosecuted
iheir purpose until twelve hundred
individuals were deprived of their homes
in the inclement season of winter!
The question immediately arises,
where are they now? Some in one
county and some in another — literally
scattered to the four winds! but the
greatest body have made their escape
among a more hospitable community —
a community who love the name and
essence of liberty, and are willing that
.all should enjoy it
It should be borne in mind, that these
inhabitants could not carry their land
-with them, and being driven from their
Jiard reared and hard earned crops,
were driven to extremes to procure
food and raiment. But a relation of
this occurrence would transcend my
limits for the present. It may be ask-
4id, 'where are those people now, and
•what are their circumstances? The
answer is at hand — they are still de-
prived of their homes, needy and des-
ititute.
Bishop Partridge, in company with
Elder Isaac Morley, who is known to
anany saints, is now on his way to the
east. It is to be hoped that the benev-
olent and philanthropic will open their
Jiearts and donate liberally for the ben-
efit of those who have been so inhu-
manly dispossessed of their homes. —
Surely, I know not of more responsi-
ble men than these two, into whose
hands relief may be placed. May
those who have abundance, remember
the important declaration of the Lord,
"inasmuch as you have done it unto
the least of these, you hive done it un-
to me." C.
Freedom, Cater augus Co. N. Y^
Mav 18, 1835.
Elder O. Cowderw —
In perusing the jour-
nal of my travels an<3 preaching during
the past winter and present spring, I
noticed some conversation which pas-
sed between myself and L. H. Jame-
son, a Campbellite preacher. Some of
the particulars of which; I will com-
municate to you in this letter, and if
you consider it worthy of a place in the
Advocate, you may publish it. It is
well known to some, if not many, that
the Campbellites profess to be the re-
formers of modern times; the restorers
of the ancient order of things, and the
Harbingers of the Millenium. It is al-
so well known that their advocates are
very forward in protesting against the
improprieties of all the sects of the pre-
sent day, (which they can do with all
propriety;) they are very anxious to
meet them in public debate; very fa-
mous for their controversies, and some-
times quite expert in their arguments,
and come off shouting victory: but no
sooner do they come in contact with
the elders of the church of the Latter
Day Saints, than they set up a most
prodigious cry o^ Delusion! false Pro-
phet/ Imposture/ and almost every oth-
er evil epithet which they can invent
— and if perchance they are requested
to take the scriptures and from them
bring forward some testimony and
show to the people wherein consists the
great delusion and thus satisfy the minds
of the public, they will immediately fly
off in a tangent, and refer the people
to some bundle of falsehoods or non-
sense, published in some newspaper,
or pamphlet, or Millenium Harbinger
— endeavoring thereby to make the
people think it must be a delusion! — •
But as it happens, many of the inhabi-
tants of our country are of more noble
principles, and men of too good sense
to believe a system to be true or false,
upon no other testimony than mere as-
sertion, or a slanderous report.
I now proceed to give you a short
relation of the conversation which I
had with Mr. Jameson in a public con-
gregation, in the village of Commings-
ville, six miles from the city of Cincin-
nati, and four from the village of Car-
thage, Ohio, on the 1st of March, 1835.
After delivering three discourses to
the people in Commingsville, upon the
subject of the doctrine believed by tho
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
140
church of the Latter Day Saints, I was
requested to have some conversation
with Mr. Jameson, who was expected
to preach that evening in the village.
I was informed that he was a very tal-
ented man, almost if not quite equal to
Mr. Walter Scott, the Editor of. the
Evangelist: I answered that 1 was wil-
ling to converse with any reasonable
man upon the subject of religion. I al-
so understood that he was generally
open and free to investigate the same
with any of the sects. Therefore, I at-
tended his meeting with a determina-
tion, if necessary, to converse with
him at the close of the same. After
the dismission of the meeting most part
of the congregation tarried, and 1 was
requested by some one to speak for
myself; I replied before the congrega-
tion, that I was willing to meet him, or
Mr. Scott, or any other man of char-
acter and respectability, in the village
of Carthage, or any other place in that
vicinity, and investigate, publicly, the
subject of Spiritual Gifts; and I would
pledge myself to prove from the scrip-
tures that miracles, gifts of healing,
prophecies, revelations, and all the
spiritual gifts which were in the church,
in the days of the Savior and Apostles,
were necessary for the church of Christ
now; and that there never was nor ne-
ver would be a true church on the earth,
in a state of mortality without them. —
Mr. Jameson said that he would find a
man to meet me; and as I had some ap
pointments in Cincinnati, he agreed to
inform me by letter, more concerning
ithe meeting and the day on which we
.■should meet, &c. The congregation
then broke up and returned to their
jiomes; — while on their way some said
one thing, and some another : some said
that he "would get Mr. Scott, or Dr.
Wright to meet me; others said that he
would meet me himself, while others
said they believed he would back out,
4e,c. Two or three days after this, 1
called at the post-office in Cincinnati,
and took out a letter which reads as
follows:
Carthage, Ohio, March% 1835.
Mb. Pratt: — When the Apostles
bore testimony to the resurrection of
Jesus Christ, God confirmed their tes-
timony by miracles; your impudent sto-
ry lacks this confirmation. Indeed you
have nothing new to tell us, unless it
be the lately engendered falsehoods of
Joseph Smith — and it would bQ as far
impossible for God to confirm them as
it would be for him to lie. Do yoa
know what a miracle is? I am bold to
say you do not, nor would I believe
that a person guilty of such wilful slan-
der of the religion that I profess, does
know what a miracle is, even it he
were to seem to perform one. You
may come to Carthage, or you may go
to Missouri, or where you please, I
have nothing to do with Joseph Smith,
the Imposter who palmed this imposi-
tion on you;-T-l have nothing to do
with you who are imposed upon— I
would not believe the book of Mormon,
though you should apparently perform
am firmly persua-
©ther man living,,
which I
nor any
a miracle,
ded you,
can do.
L. H. JAMESON.
I must confess that I was somewhat
surprised on reading this letter, that
Mr. Jameson, after saying publicly that
he would find a man who would inves-
tigate the aforementioned subject with
me, should then creep out so dishonor-
ably, without producing in his letter,
so much as one reason for so doing —
but filling it up with the cry of imposi-
tion and Imposter, &c. But this is no-
thing very marvellous, for doubtless he
learned the cry from Mr. Campbell's
Millenial Harbinger, which is famous
for crying false prophet.
I remain your brother in testimony
of the word of God.
ORSON PRATT.
To O. CowDERY, Esq.
!)
It is said, that '•^knoioledge is power,
and from the facts which are constant-
ly filling up the measure of our coun*-
try's disgrace as well as glory, we
believe the saying: And we believe
that a nation is fast hastening to ruin
where no preference is made to vice or
virtue. The Americans have had the
honor abroad of being a brave, noble
people; a generous, victorious compa-
ny; an industrious, intelligent commu-
nity; a humane Spartan band; and a
free governed Republic, but we are
sorry to say that scenes have transpi-
red, in several places, during the last
two years, which, if they have not sha-
ded the light of liberty, have greatly
f/mmed the rays which had begun to
warm the hearts of the oppressed, in a
thousand countries.
Let us hope for better things in fiJ-
ture: let us not dishonor the fame of
MESSEJVGER AND ADVOCATE.
141
our departed sires, at whose high bla-
zing flame of patriotism, our tapers
have been lighted. Let us not stain
the fertile soil of America with human
gore to blush at our sins, after we have
gone down to the grave, because a
Paul escaped by faith to God, or a
Rogers ascended thro' fire to heaven!
We have been led to these remarks
upon reading in the New York Courier
and Enquirer, some seasonable and
well aimed reflections against "bigotry
and fanatacism." The closing para-
graph has so much truth in it, that oth-
er nations, if they read, may exclaim
with us like David: They are all gone
out of the way, they are together become
nnprofdable; there is none that doeth
good, no not one.
The paragraph alluded to reads:—
"When we revert to Anti-Masonry;
to Mormonism; to the detestable doc-
trines of the Abolitionists; to the con-
duct of the people of Charlcstown and
Lowell, and to the Cayenne pepper re-
formers, we blush for our countrv. —
Let us no longer indulge ourselves in
anathematising the old lady of Babylon
for her persecutions; let us be silent
about the Spanish inquisition, and the
Auto de Fe; let us sit with closed lips
when we hear of poor John Rodg-^rs
and his ten small children; and above
all, let us exhibit a little more modesty,
in proclaiming, that this is the only
country on earth where all mankind
may worship as they please. Assump-
tions of superiority are somewhat of-
fensive even when well founded, but
when contradicted by facts, become ut-
terly ridiculous and contemptible." P,
EXTRACT OF A LETTER, DATED
Columbiana Co. May 24, 1835.
Dear Brother: — [ take this oppor-
tunity of writing to you, to inform you
where I am, and what I am pursuing.
I left Kirtland on the 3d of May,
and came to Georgetown, Columbiana
County, before I commenced to pro-
claim the gladsome news of the ever-
lasting gospel. I endeavored to have
a congregation convene to preach to,
but could not get one in this place. I
was sent by a landlord to a Methodist
Preacher, who, he said, managed the
preaching in that place. I desired of
him to let me preach. He replied, he
would not, at the same time making
many objections — such as deceivers,
false prophets, &c. Howevelr, he chal-
lenged me for a debate: and finding that
1 could not get any otljer way to preach
to the people of that place — I thought
proper to accept the cliallenge — feeling
confident that after the debate I would
get an invitation.
We met on the 11th inst. and held
the debate upon the principles, of reli-
gion. After the debate was over, I was
invited to [)reiich, and made an appoint-
ment the same evening — and compared
the Methodist Episcopal discipline with
the sacred scriptures. Since then I
have been informed, that all the citi-
zens of that place decided in my favor,
with the exception of two individuals.
From this place I pursued my jour-
ney; came to Hanover, and preached
several times. Here I found two that
I had baptized last spring, who were
strong in the faith. From thence, I
journeyed and came to Manervy, pro-
claimed on Sabbath on the Sandy planes
and was opposed by some of the Camp-
bellites, and was challenged for another
debate, which I again accepted: which
debate lasted one day. We had our
Moderators chosen. The decision was
in favor of the Latter Day Saints. A
few days after, I preached again in'the
same place; and after I was through,
a Campbellite preacher stood up to op-
pose my sentiments. After he was
through, another of his brother preach-
ers arose and declared, that if there
could be no better arguments raised
against Mormonism, it would sweep
the land. And spoke in favor of many
points relative to the fair principles of
Mr. Evans' arguments.
' I then came to a three days' meeting
in Hanover, held by the Campbellites,
and on Sabbath the 23d inst. desired
the privilege of making a reply to
Campbellism, but was refused by the
leaders. Notwithstanding this, some
of the people requested me to go to the
woods (a short distance from this place)
which I accepted, and about two-thirds
of the assembly followed. After the
discourse was ended, I gave an invita^
tion for bantsm, and one came for-
ward— and many were affected, and
the Spirit of the. Lord fell upon the
people, and some were convinced. We
have a great range of country to
preach in, and large congregations at-
tend our meetings.
DAVID EVANS.
To O. Coiodery, Esq.
i-e
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
Extract of a Letter, dated, Clinton Co.
{111.) May 15, 1835.
Dkar Btother — I again resume my
pen to inform you of my mission, and
the prospects of the great cause of God
in this region. Since elder G. M.
Hinkel and myself wrote last, we have
baptized twenty-six, making in all one
hundred and thirteen since we first
came into this part of the country.
At a conference held here on the
25th of April, there were eight branch-
es of the church represented, number-
ing one hundred and fifty-seven firm
in the faith of the everlasting gospel.
All the travelling elders from Missouri,
left here socn after conference. El-
ders A. Lyman, E. Higbee, I. Higher,
and E. H. Groves, left here the 28th
of April, and G. M. Hinklc and G.
Dykes, the 4th of May.
I have just visited the church that
elder S. Carter built up, and found
them rejoicing in the bonds of the new
covenants: Four have been added since
he left there. The prospect for the
work to increase, is brightening. I have
just received information from Green
county, with a request to go there and
preach;— also a request to preach in
the vicinity of Troy— both of which I
shall comply with. There are calls on
the right hand and left, and I intend to
labor with my might, for truly the Lord
has crowned our labors in this section
with success, and has preserved our
health. Elder A. Giftbrd and W. Har-
ris have just arrived, and are laboring,
but will leave soon. I send you three
new subscribers.
Your brother in Christ.
HARVEY GREEN.
To Oliver Cowdery, Esq.
Elder J. Blakeslee, of Ellisburgh, N.
Y., writes under date of May 18, as
follows:
"The work of our great Redeemer is
progressing in this place and in the re-
gions round about The number of
disciples in the church at Sackett's
Harbor is fifteen. The cadse is gain-
ing friends in this part of the land."
We greatly rejoice to hear from the
Elders abroad, wherever they have
been permitted in diviae Providence to
journey, and proclaim glad tidings of
great joy; that so many are willing to
hear and receive the truth, and obey it,
notwithstanding the adversary of all
righteousness is spreading his influ-
ence to retard the progress of the cause
of God,- and to prejudice the hearts of
the children of men, that they inves-
tigate it not, lest tbey should embrace
it, and enjoy the smiles of their Bene-
factor: For it is evident, accoring to-
divine writ, that he seeks to make mei*
miserable; that he- desires to overthrow
the designs of Deity, and make men
believe that he has the kingdoms of this
world at his disposal, and can give them
to whom he pleases, on condition that
they worship him: But we discover
that his propositions to the Savior were
rejected, and he reproved him with
sharpness. Why not we, when tho
same things are presented to us, who
are rational and intelligent beings, fol-
low the example of the meek and low-
ly Jesus; especially those who have
put on Christ, and profess to walk in
the ordinances of the gospel; and more
especially those who are set apart to
promulgate the truth? Shall we have
our hands defiled with the mammon of
unrio-hteoTts^ess, and our hearts and
tongues with unhallowed principles and
doctrines, such as are not contained in
the scriptures, and declare things that
we ourselves know not, and set them
forth for truths? Some who have not
come to a knowledge of the true prin-
ciples of the Latter Day Saints, as be-
lieved by the leaders and held forth in
the revelations of God, think it their
privilege to unfold the prophecies and
mysteries of the kingdom, when in fact
they are unacquainted with the firs*
principles of the gospel, and in conse^
qiience of these things the church \%
often made to sutfcr the calumniating
influence of Satan, to our grief a^nd
mortification.
But when the honest in heart are-
made acquainted with the truth, they
will embrace it; and in these things we
do rejoice, for truth will stand and will
prevail until the knowledge of the Lord
shall cover the earth — and when this
period arrives surely wickedness must
cease and righteousness abound, and
joy and gladness fill the hearts of those
who dwe I on the earth.
NEW PORTAGE CONFERENCE.
This meeting of the elders and breth-
ren was a joyous one— the number of
elders I do not recollect, but there were
some eighteen or twenty, representing
several; little branches of the church.
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
i^
The brethren from a distance were in
good spirits, and manifested an unsha-
ken confidence in the gospel which
they had embraced. The church at
New Portage numbers one hundred and
more, many, or the most of whom,
were present at the meeting on the
Sabbath. The history of this church
has previously been given, and it is not
necessary to go into a lengthy detail on
that subject here, but it is sufficient to
say, th4t the glorious work of our Lord
lias been carried on by his own merci-
ful hand, until its influence has served
to allay the blind and evil prejudice of
many, who have heretofore believed it
to be a phantom and a folly.
On Saturday the 6th, the elders as-
sembled in conference, in a large and
convenient room, furnished by elder
A. Palmer, the presiding elder of that
church. Elder O. Cowdery wns unan-
imously called to preside, and elder W.
A. Cowdery, from Freedom, N. Y.
chosen Secretary. After a solemn con-
cert of prayer by all present, the chair
called for the business before the con-
ference. Several matters of difficulty
were presented by elder Palmer, and
discussed. The conference continued
its sitting until twelve at night, when a
motion was made to adjourn, which was
carried.
At an early hour on Sunday the con-
gregation commenced assembling, and
by the usual hour for the commence-
ment of public service, the house was
filled to overflowing. Though the room
was very commodious yet many were
unable to obtain seats; and it was said,
that there were as many who could not
hear as there were who could. It was
thought that the congregation number-
•ed from six hundred to one thousand
persons, and from close observation, I
am inclined to think that this was not
■exagge ration.
The meeting was an interesting one,
and those present listened with marked
attention to the dispensation of the word
of life. The brethren regretted that
they had not made preparations in
some grove, when they saw the great
Anxiety of some hundreds who could
not be convened: had this been the
case, undoubtedly more apparent good
would have been the result of the inter-
view.
After an able and fervent address to
the throne of grace, elder O. Cowdery
delivered an interesting discourse upon
the plan and order of heaven in the sal-
vation of the human family, followe4
by elders P. H. Young, Z, Coltrin, dj
A. J. Squiers; after which Elder Palm-
er gave an invitation to those who desi-
red, to be baptized, when three camo
forward and were buried in the liquid
grave. This was an interesting sea-
son, and many of theby-standers were, '
apparently, touched with a sense of
the importance cf that moment when
an individual steps forward, in the pre-
sence of this world and the heavenly
hosts, and covenants To follow the Lamb'
of God who takes away his sins.
Elder John Whitmer took the lead'
in the services of the aftei-noon, and
gave a short relation of the facts con-
nected with the translation of the book
of Mormon. On reflecting how many
foolish reports are in circulation on
this subject, and how many there are
who are vain enough to believe them,
I could not but wish that such were
present, while Elder Whitmer was de-
livering his address. A thousand things
may be conjectured, but when a man
declares openly, condidly, and serious-
ly, of what he has seen, hefted and
handled with his own hands, and that in
the presence of a God who sees and
knows the secrets of the heart, no man
possessed of common reason and com-
mon sense, can doubt, or will be so
vain as to dispute. Such is the fact
that a record of that description does
exist, for it has been seen, and such is
the fact, that the Lord himself bears
witness of it, for thousands testify of
the same — there is neither lack of hu-
man or divine testimony: Then who
so blind as not to see? And who so
deaf as not to hear?
Elder Whitmer was followed by se-
veral elders, and the meeting closed
with a few remarks from elder O. Cow-
dery upon the further truth of the book
of Mormon. The meeting was contin-
ued till quite late, after which one more
came forward and was baptized.
After evening the elders were called
together again in conference, and fin-
ished the business before them. This
was a solemn time, and the hearts of
the servants of the Lord were filled
with a joy and consolation, to which
those who are unacquainted with the
influence of the Holy Spirit, are stran-
gers.
Thus closed one of the most interest-
ing conferences and meetings I have
.\44
MESSENC4ER AND ADVOCATE.
lately attended, and I am inclined to
jthink, that the good vesults will long be
/ isxperienoed by many hundreds. 1 am
satisfied, that the church received ad-
ditional strength, (tnough they were by
•j no means weak in the faith before,)
! and many others received a degree of
j testimony of the great work of the Lord
in the la'st days, that will be as good
seed sowri upon good ground. May it
be even so, till the knowledge of the
j glory of our Redeemer shall filf the
earth, and all his chosen onys, shout
hosannah! Amen.
C.
John's definition of God is the nearest to
perfection of any that we iinow of. It is like
the "pearl of great price, or the diamond of
all worth." By begiiining. at the letter ftr, in
the middle of the table below, the reader may
road till he is satisfied, up, down, and each
side, and continually learn that God is love,
e; .
EVE
EVOVE
; EVOLOVE
EVOLSLOVE
EVOLSISLOVE
EVOLSIDISLOVE
EVOLSIDODISLOVE
EVOLSIDOfi:ODISLOVE
EVOLSIDODISLOVE
EVOLSIDISLOVE
EVOLSISLOVE
EVOLSLOVE
EVOLOVE
EVOVE
EVE
E
P.
BV W. W. PHELPS.
This world was once a garden place,
With all her glories common;
And men did live a holy race,
And worship Jesus face to face.
In AdaTi-ondi-Ahman.
We read that Enoch walk'd with God,
Above the power of Mammon:
While Zion spread herself obroad,
And saints and angels sung aloud
In Adam-ondi- Ahman.
Her land was good and greatly blest,
Beyond old Israel's Canaan;
Her fame was known from east to west;
Her peace was great, and pure the rest —
Of Adam-ondi- Ahman.
Hosanna to such days to come —
The Savior's second comin' —
When all the world in glorious bloom,
Affords the saints a holy home
.Like Adam-ondi-Ahman.
Sabbath Hymn.
BY THE SAME.
Gently raise the sacred strain,
For the Sabbath's come again.
That man may r^st,
And return his thanks to God,
For his blessings to the blest.
Blessed day, devoid of strife.
For to seek eternal life,
That great reward,
And partake the sacrament.
In remembrance of the Lord.
Sweetly swell the solemn sound,
While we bring our gifts around,
Of broken hearts.
As a willing sacrifice.
Showing what his grace imparts.
Happy type of things to come,
When- the saints are gather'd homej-
To praise the Lord,
In eternity of bliss,
All as one, with one accord.
Holy, holy i, the Lord,
Precious, precious is his word,
Repont and live;
Though your Svins are crimson reS.
O repent and he'll forgive.
Softly sing the joyful lay
For the saints to fast and pray,
As God ordains.
For his goodness and his love
While the Sabbath day remains.
en^i:
S>I^D"In Clay county, Missouri,
May 1, Adalaide, daughter of Johxr
E. and Betsey Page» aged two years,
eight months and twenty days.
In Grovei Allegany county,
N. Y. Aprils, Mrs. Cyntkia Alvord,
wife of Elias Alvcytd, aged. ■
THE latter day SAINTS'
]KEessens:er and Advocate,
IS KDITED BY
John Whitiiier,
And published every month at Kirtland, Geauga Co.
Ohio, by
F. O. 1VII.I.IAMS & Co.
At S 1, per an. in advance. Every person procuring
ten new subscribers, and forwarding % 10, current
money, shall be entitled tu a paper one year, gratis.
All letters to the Editor, or Publishers, miut be
trr POST PAID. X3)
Jfo subscription leilJ be received for a less term than one
year, and no paper discontinued till all arrearages are
paid, except at ths vptian of the publiahen.
i
A¥ ^AIMT^
ME^SfJP^^^wl^R AiVB ABTOCATE.
Vol. I. Xo. 10.]
KIRTLAND, OHIO, JULY, 1835.
[V/hole No. 10.]
Dsar Brother in the Lord: — I have
perused your sixth letter, addressed to
me in the April number of the Messen-
gef and Advocate, and, besides 5^our
own matter, it contains many valuable
quotations for the edification and in-
struction of the saints of God, and the
world of mankind. For me, however,
to go into all the particulars of your
letter, would be a matter of supereroga-
tion; I therefore shall only touch such
items as the spirit of the Lord shall di-
rect, and pray bim to guide my pen to
good things and great conclusions. —
And first — 'your quotation from the su-
blime song of Moses: "Rejoice, O ye
nations, with his people!'' — is so full of
meaning, and breathes such an invi-
ting command, that I feel impressed to
observe its important import.
On reading the song of Moses one
is led to marvel; to wonder; to hope;
to glory; to rejoice, and bless, — for
what was, and is, and is to come. Why
did Moses command the nations to re-
joice with the Lord's people? Because
the children of Israel, his chosen, his
elect, were to be- gathered from all the
countries whither they had been scat-
tered and driven for their transgres-
sions, that they might come home to
Zion, in the last days, with songs of
everlasting joy, and live with Christen
earth, a thousand years, in pertect
peace and holiness. And as we read
that some out of every nation, kindred,
tongue and people will be gathered,
well might Moses command the nations
to rejoice with the Lord's people!
Though thousands may wonder, and
even doubt how Moses came to know
what should take place in the last days,
let us, beiner enliaihtened bv the revela-
tions of God from the beginning till
now, rejoice! — firstly for that glorious
messenger of truth which sprung up
out of the earth, the book of Mormon,
to light up a smile in this world, in the
aspect of woe; and secondly that our
lives were hid with Christ in God to
come forth in this august era, to labor
in the vineyard for the last time, before
the earA rests from wickedness. We
need ni»x wonder that Moses knew what
would come to pass in the last days: —
he held the keys of the mysterie.s of
the kingdom of God, and could unlock
the door that led to heavenly places in
Christ Jesus, and gaze upon what was,
and is, and is to come, as well as see
the Lord face to face and talk with him,
as man with man. Again, the Urim
and Thummim was in the church of
Moses, and he could read great things
as they w:ere rolled down from heaven
upon the holy parchment, and written
for the benefit of coming generations-
Time must be filled and the earth puri-
fied. The Lord is light. When Peter,
and James, and John went up into the
mount with the Savior, Moses and Eli-
as were there; and the keys of the mys-
teries of the kingdom were conferred
upon them, Peter being at the head.— <
It is written in the first chapter of tho
Acts of the Apostles, that after he
(Jesusj ascended into heaven, he gave
commandments, thro' the Holy Ghost,
unto the apostles whom he had chosen,
that is, to Peter, James and John, they
forming the first presidency of the
church of Christ, after the meridian of
time: hence we have a sample of the
way and manner which God uses to
give the scriptures to man: — The Urim
and Thummim and the Holy Ghost,—
The word of the Lord could come to
our foret"athers of the church, through
the Urim and Thummim, as well as by
vision, but then the word of the Lord
was read upon the parchment let down
from heaven. When the word came
by open vision, it was through the Holy
Ghost, which is the mind of God, and
never dwells in unholy temples.
Having said so much by way of
elucidation, let me turn to the subject
again. The song of Moses is replete
with heavenly and earthly knowledge.
When Moses commenced the song, he
exclaimed: — Give ear 0 ye heavens,
and I will speak, and hear, O earth,
the words of my mouth. Now why did
Moses call upon the heavens to give
EAR, when he was about to drop his
doctrine as the rain, and distil his speech
as the dew? Was it because he held
certain keys, and spoke the mind of the
Lord? because he had open visions, and
knew the first and last of Israel? He
had viewed the kingdoms of God spread
through the regions of space; he had
looked upon Israel driven and scatter-
m
MESSENGER ANDADVOCATE.
ed over the face of the whole earth,
ftnd he had gazed upon the gathering
and glory that should follow after much
tribulation, and by commandment from
the Great I AM — it is no wonder that
he could exclaim, Rejoice, 0 ye na-
tions, with his people!
While on the subject of church his-
tory let me remark, that our venerable
fathers in the church of Christ of for-
mer day saints, being chosen and or-
dained to offices,
pains to preserve
took no ordinary
and hand down to
their posterity, the blessings which they
conferred upon their children: and who
is not desirous of receiving a father's
or an evangelist's blessing? Who can
read ihe ancient patriarchal blessings,
recorded in the bible, for the benefit of
the church, without a heart filled with
joy, and the eyes flowing with tears of
gratitude, to God for his merciful kind-
ness towards his children?
A blessing, in its general accepta-
tion is favor from God — happiness from
heaven — joy from Jesus — prosperity
from Providence — peace from the
Prince of glory — or a boon from above.
From the earliest age a rule was known
to obtain blessings: Please the Lord by
works of righteousness; offer an ac-
ceptable offering, or do all you do with
an eye single to the glory of God. —
Cain brought of the fruit of the ground
an offering unto the Lord; and Abel,
he also brought of the firstlings of his
flock, and of the fat thereof: and the
Lord had respect unto Abel, and to his
offering: — It was done in righteousness,
and the Lord smiled upon him: But he
had no respect unto Cain nor his offer-
ing because it came from an impure
heart, and from the ground which had
been cursed.
But to come nearer to the point, let
me refer to the blessings of God — and
man — for man being created in his
likeness and image, had a claim for
blessings — and a right to bless, so long
as he was in the right way. After
Adam and Eve were created — the holy
language is, — and God blessed them,
and he said unto them. Be fruitful, and
multiply, and replenish the earth, and
subdue it; and have dominion over the
fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the
air, and over every living thing that
moveth upon the earth. Surely man
and woman came from the hand of
God, in his own image, for lords and
h^km cX creation, — hlef^sed — for pos-
terity— for virtue — for industry — for
peace and glory: and notwithstanding
they fell, the decree of God continued,
that, where there was righteousness,
there should be blessings: and this is
brought to pass through the plan of sal-
vation: which requires belief, repent-
ance, faith, prayer, good works, and
endurance to the end, to be in favor
with God in this world, and enjoy his
presence in the world to come.
After the earth had been baptized by
a flood, for a remission of her sins, and
Noah had besoughc the Lord for her
while she remained, that seed-time and
harvest, and cold and heat, and sum-
mer and winter, and day and night,
might continue without cessation, ho
blessed Noah and his sons, with a com-
mand like that given to father Adam,
saying, the fear of you, and the dread
of you, shall be upon every beast, &c.
adding— Jlesfi with the life thereof,
which is the blood thereof, shall ye not
eat. And surely your blood of your
lives will I require: at the hand of ev-
ery beast will 1 require it, and at the
hand of man; at the hand of every
man's brother will I require the life of
man. Whoso sheds man's blood, by
man shall "his blood be shed: for in the
image of God made he man. From
this scripture it is made clear, that tho
Lord blesses upon conditions, fulfils his
promises, requires the conditions, and
punishes every transgression. Tho
Judge of all the earth does right.
But I must not pursue this subject
too far; the great object I had in view,
in quoting the blessing bestowed upon
Adam and Noah, was tosliow that God,
the Father and Author of all good, es-
tablished an order of blessing in kis
c/mrc/t upon earth, in all ages: which
order had been lost for centuries, even
from the flight of blessmga and glory in
the apostolic days, till the book of Mor-
mon spoke from the dust to cheer tho
heart of the humble with the fulness of
the everlasting gospel — with all its re-
quisitions— with all its promises — with
ail its glories — with all its plainness,
and with all its blessings/ No wonder
that God blessed Abraham, Isaac, and
Jacob; no wonder that Melchizedec met
Abraham returning from the slaughter
and blessed him; no wonder that Jacob
called his sons around him, in his old
age and blessed them; no wonder he
blessed the children of Joseph; no; all
these blessings are no wonder— for i
Messenger and advocatk.
ur
was fulfilling a joyful, solemn ordinance
of the everlasting gospel! It was act-
ing in one of the sacred functions of
the high priesthood for the good of man:
It was acting according to the order of
God — the order of heaven, in the beau-
ty of holiness, for the beneiit, the com-
fort, the joy and the salvation of man.
Moses, who was a man of God, a
prophet, a revelator, and a seer, bles-
sed the tribes of Israel, and who can
turn over the sacred pages and read
the blessing which he bestowed upon
the heads of that chosen, though rebel-
liaus nation, without rejoicing? With
holy aspirations he commands: — Let
Reuben live; hear, Lord the voice of
judah; let the Urim and Thummim be
with Levi; Benjamin, the beloved of
the Lord shall dwell in safety with thee;
Joseph, blessed of the Lord be his land
for the precious things of heaven; (how
I rejoice for the book of Mormon when
I read this) rejoice Zebulun, in thy go-
ing out; blessed be him that enlargeth
Gad; O Napthali satisfied with favor!
Dan shall leap from Bashan; and let
Asher dip his foot in oil. Who can
read the blessing from which these
items are taken, and not rejoice millt
his people? and not long to suck of
the abundance of the seas, and of the
treasures hid in the sand? Yea, vv'ho
would not rejoice to be among the fa-
vored of the Lord to receive the chief
things of the ancient mounlains; and
to know of the precious things of the
lastinfT hills? Shall I sav there is not
an honest person in the world but wil!
give all he has, and even salTer much
tribulation for such a multitude of bles-
sings'? Yes.
i shall not be able in this letter, to
set forth the ancient order and manner
of blessing as full as I could wish, not-
withstanding, I think I have opened
tiie subject, as connected with the histo-
ry of the church from the beginning,
so plainly that the saints, if not many
who as yet are without the kingdom,
will see and know that, God has al-
ways had, in his church, among his
people, men endowed with power and
authority to bless the fatherless and the
widow, besides the power which was
given to the fathers to bless their chil-
dren, that might be bi'ought up in the
way of holiness before the Lord.
The bible and the book of Mormon
are plain on this subject. The word
of th« Lord i" plain: the more I read
it the more I learn: This is the way,
walk ye in it, and the Lord will bless
you — which I pray may be the happy
lot of the faithful, in time and eternity.
As ever.
\V. W. PHELPS.
To OLIVEa CoWDERY. EsQ.
"The Moiase of €Jod.^'
It will not be deemed improper ^or
us to give the saints and friends of tha
everlasting gospel, a few words relativo
to the house of worship now erecting
in Kirtland, Ohio. The first stone was
laid on tlie twenty-third of July, 1833,
when, without faith, yea precious faith
in the promises of the Lord, the appear-
ances of the church would have indi-
cated any thing but a speedy conifjle-'
tion. Let it be remembered that th©
unparalleled outrages of the mob of
Jackson county, were committed about
this time, and the church in its infan-
cy, had to weep over this cruel trage-
dy as a sore affliction upon the children
of Zion.
Trusting, however, in the God of
Enoch, who succors the needy^ and
exalts the humble, a 'iew commenced
the work; and though other important
matters rolled round, which, to many^
would have seemed insurmountable,
and calculated to retard the progress
of the building, still, the walls and tho
timbers of the roof were finished, bC'
ing raised late last fall: and the roof
is now covered.
This edifice is stone, to be comple-
ted on the outside with a "hard finish
of cem3nt.'^ Its length is eighty feet;
its width, sixty; its height, from the
ground to the top of the eaves, about
fifty; from the basement forty-four,
fivino: two stories of twenty-two feet
each, besides an attic story m the roof
for school rooms. It v/i!l be lighted
with thirty-two Gothic, three Venitianj
ten dormur, one circular and two square
gable -windows. The dome of the stee-
ple will bfi not far from 110 feet high,
and the bell about ninety.
The sum expended, thus far, to-
wards its erection, may be computed at
about tea thousand dollars, and the
whole cost, when finished, M'ill proba*
biy be from twenty to thirty thousand.
Like many houses for public worship,
this house has been, so far, reared,
and must be finished, by donationi
from the saints, and all that feel an in-
terest iathe salvation of the hum^n far**
1«
MESSEIVGER AND ADVOCATE.
ilv. As a sample of the liberality and
faith of the saints at Kirtland, we have
the pleasure of saying, that on Thurs-
day the 18th of June last, #950 were
subscribed for the work; and, that on
Thursday the 25th of the same month,
$6,2?.2, were subscribed for the same
glorious purpose, making seven thou-
sand one hundred and eighty two dollars.
So much for the laudable object of pre-
paring a house where the incomings
and the outgoings of the saints may be
in the name of the Lord, as in old times.
This noble example is a good pattern,
and must be imitated by every well
wishei' of the cause of Zion. The
churches abroad will not, they cannot
honestly withhold their abundance or
little, — no; they will contribute till the
spirit of the Lord will bear witness,
and write upon their hearts — "well
done thou good and faithful servants"
— you shall receive your rewards, —
When the saints bless, they may expect
to be blessed; be with God and God
will be with you.
The honest, who may not as yet
have come into the kingdom, and em-
braced the everlasting gospel, it is to
be hoped, will not scruple to lend to
the Lord, for he is good to reward;
mighty to save, and ever to be honor-
ed. Nothing uncommon is solicited of
the children of men, when donations
are asked: House after house has been
reared by subscription; want after
want has been supplied by alms; and
heart after heart has been feasted and
comforted by charity — and surely when
our object is good and our motives
pure, we shall not be less happy in
finding faithful friends for the benefit
of fallen man!
We rejoice, when we reflect what
the Lord of glory has said on this sub-
ject. After giving line upon line ac-
cording to promise, he has said: —
"Therefore, verily 1 say unto you, my
friends, call your solemn assembly, as
I have commanded you; and as all
have not faith, seek ye diligently and
teach one another words of wisdom;
yea, seek ye out of the best books words
of wisdom: seek learning even by
study, and also by faith. Organize
yourselves; prepare every needful thing,
and establish a house, even a house of
prayer, a house of fasting, a house of
faith, a house of learning, a house of
glory, a house of order, a house of
Grod; that your incomings may b© in
the name of the Loid; that your out-
goings may be in the name of the Lord;
that all your salutations may be in the
name of the Lord, with uplifted hands
unto the Most High."
Brethren and friends! the command-
ments of the Lord are sure; the pros-
pect of the saints is cheering; the har-
vest is great; the laborers are few; the
work is glorious; the cause is righteous,
and the reward eternal: Be ready, then,
to tithe yourselves, and prepare your-
selves, that you may be among the
happy number who shall be invited to
the supi er of the great Bridegroom,
because you have added virtue to your
faith; and knoM'ledge to your virtue;
and temperance to your knowledge;
and patience to your temperance; and
godliness to your patience; and broth-
erly kindness to your godliness; and
and charity to your brotherly kind-
ness:— for "///e house of the Lord, built
by the Latter Day Saints.^' — IP.
SLANDEROUS.
The following slanderous slip is
cut from the New- York Mercury, of
June, 25:
"Jn Angel Caught.. — The Magazine
and Advocate says, that while the Mor-
mon Prophet, Jo. Smith, was in Ohio,
engaged in proselyting the people to
the faith of the "Golden Bible," he
sought to give additional solemnity to
the baptismal rite, by affirming that
on each occasion an angel would ap-
pear on the opposite side of the stream,
and there remain till the conclusion of
the ceremony. The rite was adminis--
tered in the evening in ©rand River,
near Painesville, not by the Prophet
in person, but by his disciples. In
agreement with the prediction of the
Prophet, on each occasion a figure in
white was seen on the opposite bank,
and the faith of the faithful was there-
by greatly increased. Suspicions, as to
the incorporeal nature of the reputed
angel, at length induced a company of
young men (unbelievers of course) to
exa>ri;ne thf^ ov.nlity of the ghost, and
having secreted themselves, they await-
ed its arrival. Their expectations were
soon realized, by its appearance in its
customary position, and rushing from
their lair, they succeeded in forcing it
into the stream, and although its ef-
forts at escape were powerful, they
succeeded in bearing it in triumph to«
MESSENGEft AND ADVOCATE
14f
Xhe opposite side of the stream, when
who should this supposed iahabitanf of
the upper world be, but the Mormon
Prophet himself! — Rochester JRep."
There are, in our day, many kinds of
craft; some have but a small, while
others have a large support. Some
have many advocates while others have
few; but among them all, one would
suppose that the great Babylon, spoken
oi in the Apocalypse, might be found
— that notable city, which is to fall in
one hour, while the inhabitants of the
earth lament and mourn.
I do not suppose that the Messenger
and Advocate will fall into the hands
of but a few, if any, of those who sev-
erally read this ridiculous falsehood in
the "Magazine and Advocate," which
appears was the first to give it publici-
ty; neither the patrons of the "Roches-
ter Republican," (which I did believe
possessed too much patriotism and lib-
erality to give any attention to such a
tale without proof,) and the "Mercu-
ry" which eagerly follows; but that a
few thousand, among the many, may
know that it adds another to the nu-
merous catalogue, framed by design-
ing men, and put in circulation by
them and their dupes, and that it is no-
ticed enough to be contradicted.
It may be distinctly understood that
Joseph Smith, jr. the translator of the
book of Mormon, has, since the winter
of 1831, resided in the State of Ohio,
and for the most part of the time, with-
in nine miles of Painesville; and had
any occurrence of the kind ever trans-
pired, it would have been proclaimed,
through this region, upon the house
tops; — and further, that he never bap-
tized any one, neither were he present
when an. individual was baptized, into
this church, near Painesville. It car-
ries the stamp of its author upon the
face of it.
Every well-wisher of his fellow-men
will say at once, that such reports are
only put forth v/ith a design to calum-
niate the innocent and abuse the pub-
lic, by forestalling their opinion before
a man can be heUrd, or his character
and principles known. Are the edi-
tors of either of those papers acquaint-
ed with the character of Joseph Smith,
jr.? Whether they are or are not, I
venture to say, that it is as good in the
sight of either God or man as theirs.
Did they ever see him? Were they pre-
sent on the occasion of which they
have mentioned? Or have they seen
a person who says he was? I ventur©
to say, again, that if they are acquiant-
ed with the one who reported the lie,
he Is among that class who think scan-
dal no harm, nor falsehoods upon tho
innocent, a crime; and if they have
seen the man who says he were pre-
sent when such an occurrence trans-
pired, or ever heard Mr. Smith make
or give such a promise to any one,
they have given publicity to the false-
hood of an individual who was ready to
laugh them in their face for their cre-
dulity, and blush at their folly. — €).
IS THE END NEAR?
It is with no ordinary feeling that I
reflect upon the fact, that there are
now upon the earth, say, one thousand
million of inhabitants, and that all this
vast multitude are bound to the bar of
their Creator! Let the man, if one
can be found upon the foot-stool, who
feels himself to be great, think, wheth-
er, in this assemblage, he would be
considered of much consequence; and
then ask, if his significance will not
dwindle into insignificance when all
generations are brought together?
But let the reflecting mind once pe-
ruse the accounts of distress and af-
flictions, which are going the rounds;
and can he, will he doubt, that the end
IS near?
A riot lately occurred in New York,
another in Hartford, Ct. and another
in Philadelphia. It appears that disaf-
fections arise between the white and
black population, and in some instances
serious injuries have been sustained.
An alarming tornado lately passed
over the towns of New Brunswick and
Piscataway, with which many houses
were literally swept away, and several
lives lost.
Another awful eruption of Mount
Vesuvius has taken place, attended
with earthquake, and the emitting of
lava to the height of twelve or fifteen
thousand feet. The grand crater wa8
said to be two thousand feet across,
from which ascended a column of fire
and heated rocks. This i3 the second
eruption which has occurred this year.
A tornado lately passed over Wil«
liamsport. Pa. one at Little Falls, N.
Y. and another in Warren county, N,
J. on the same day that the fatal on»
passed over New Brunswick. Several
shocks of an earthquake hava lateljr
ise
MEfe^SENGER A!^D ADYOCATE..
been felt in Maryland. No particular
damage has been experienced.
Besides the destruction of a large
district of country in Chili, of late, with
the loss of many lives, it is said, that
the island of Juan Fernandes is sunk.
If this is the fact, one would be sensi-
bly reminded of the saying in the pro-
phet, "Behold he taketh up the isles as
a verv little thinsj.''
The cholera has again began its ra-
vages in the South. The waters of the
Mississippi Valley are troubled, and
m^ny who rise in ihe morning in heaith,
close their eyes on time before the set-
tinsfof the sun.
A destructive plague "has broken nut
in Egypt, and hundreds and thousands
are falling victims to its alarming pro-
gress. Te following extract is the last
intelligence received:
"The plague in Egypt. — Vv'^ehave
accounts from x\lexandria to the 28th
of March, at which time the plague was
still raging in that city with unabated
violence. The daaths were on an av-
erage 200 daily. Several Europen
and many Greek houses wei'e infected.
Most of the foreign vessels in the har-
bor had the pestilence on board — sev-
eral had been obFiged to re-land their
cargoes after losing part of their crew.
The disorder had been very fatal to the
crews of an Egyptian ship of the line
and a frigate, which were in the roads.
The disorder at Cairo was still more
destructive than at Alexandria. There
it was thought not to have yet reached
its height, and yet the deaths were from
SOO to 400 daily. But it v/as at Fua,
a town containing about 25,000 to 30,-
000 inhabitants, & situate on the banks
of the Nile, directly opposite to the ca-
nal of Mahmedie, that the visitation of
this dreadful scourge had been most fa-
tal. It is stated that in that place, out
of 19,000 persons attacked, scarcely
500 survived! So that by the sweep-
iT»g extermination of the great bulk of
the population, and the flight of the
remnant, the town was wholly depopu-
lated. It is added that all the villages
on both banks of the Nile suffer severe-
ly, &; that the disease gradually reach-
es those parts of Egypt which had hith-
erto been spared. All the Foreign
Consuls had left Cairo and Alexandria.
A report prevailed at Leghorn that
Mehemet Ali was again ill, and had
been given over by his physicians. It
has been said ho had fallen a victim to
the pestilence, but the report did not
rest upon any authority."
Our political horizon is also agitated.
Trouble seems to be brooding over our
fair and happy land: Brother seems to
be arrayed against brother in politics
— strife follows strife, and threat suc-
ceeds threat — all seem to be waiting
for the voice of the Lord: "To war!"
when with a tumultuous rushing men
and elements will combine to wind up
the last scene of wo!" The New Gov-
ernments to the South West are in
commotion: one ambitious chief strives
for the mastery over his fellow, and
war, desolating war, follows c.s a con-
sequence.
Nor is the New World alone in trou-
ble— Euroce's fair shores are drenched
with blood, to gratify the pride and mal-
ice of princes. With wars and rumors
of wars, earthquakes and calamities,
afflictions and distress, the sea and tho
waves roaring, and men's hearts fail-
ing them for I'ear, who can doubt but
the end is nigh? And where, within a
short space, will be this boasting gen-
eration, with their pride, popularity,
wealth, grandeur and millions? Con-
sumed by the wrath of the Most High,
if they repent not! C
Not Irmg since the people of Kirt-
land were favored with a discourse
from a Mr. Bradley, a preacher of the
Universal doctrine. I was not present
during the entire lecture, therefore can-
not speak upon the merits or demerits
of the whole. It may be said, that it
is unjust to judge an}^ matter without
hearing the whole of it; but as that
part which I did hear seemed to be a
detached, or an entire subject (though
short) of itself, I shall take the liberty
to say a few words.
The speaker labored very hard to
make his audience believe that they re-
ceived no punishment after death; but
that in common with all men would en-
joy eternal life and bliss, whatever
were their conduct here. To prove
this position he quoted the following.
Proverbs, 11:31. "Behold, the right-
eous shall be recompensed in the earth:
much more the wicked and the sinner."
On this item from Solomon I only
remark, that to give it the interpreta-
tion the gentleman would have us re-;
ceive, concerning the wicked and the
sinner, we may say that the righteous
have no joy after death, with as mucH
!vJE»SENGER AND ADVOCATE.
in
propriety as we can that the wicked
and sinner have no affliction or mise-
ry, because if they are to be recom-
pensed in the earth, or in this life, as
Mr. Bradley carried ihe idea, the riglit-
eous i-eceive their reward, also, and
thus end their hopes and expectations.
While speaking of the gospel, (for
he professed a great love and venera-
tion for it,) he said that the Lord sent
forth his apostles to preach the gospel
of peace, good will, glad tidings, &c.
to every creature; to bind up the bro-
ken hearted, proclaim liberty to the
captive, and the opening of prisons to
those who were bound.
I do not say that the gospel is not
glad tidings: I know it is, and of great
joy, but this leap from the commission
(not half told) given to the apostles, to
Isaiah, is worthy of notice. Isaiah
says, 01:1,2,3: "The Spirit of the
Lord God is upon me to preach good
tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me
to bind up the broken-hearted, to pro-
claim liberty to the captives, and the
opening of the prison to them that are
bound; to proclaim the acceptable year
of the Lord, and the day of vengeance
of our God; to comfort all that mourn;
to appoint unto them that mourn in Zi-
on, to give unto them beauty for ash-
es, the oil of joy for mourning, the gar-
ment of praise for the spirit of heavi-
ness; that they might be called trees of
righteousness, the planting of the Lord,
that he might be glorified."
This short quotation is of some im-
portance, as it talks of a day of venge-
ance as well as a proclamation of lib-
erty to the captive. But, that this will
refer to the just, and not the unjust, is
evident from the fact, that these good
tidings were to be preached to the
meek, and the comfort to be adminis-
tered to those in Zion. Now, if the
sinner and the wicked are the meek,
they may claim this language, but if
not, they cannot in justice.
Luke, in the 4th chapt. of his testi-
mony, has given a relation of the Sav-
ior's saying that that scripture was ful-
filled in the ears of the Jews — that is,
he was the person referred to, by the
prophet, who was to proclaim this good
news: that fact is not controverted, but
in the commission of the apostles, there
is an item worth our attention, as it is
as positively the condition on which
all men may get into the kingdom of
God, (and if men can be saved out of
it I have yet to learn the fact,) as there
is such a kingdom or men, whose con-
dition required it for their salvation. —
It reads thus: Mark, 16:15,16: »'And
he [Christ] said unto them, GO YE
[vou apostles] INTO ALL THE
WORLD, AND PREACH THE
GOSPEL TO EVERY CREATURE.
HE THAT BELIEVETH AND 13
BAPTIZED, SHALL BE SAVED;
BUT HE THAT BELIEVETH
NOT, SHALL BE DAMNED." Haa
Mr. Bradly a diploma like this?
It may be said by some, that the
word "damned," in this place only
means condemnation or reproof, and
that no principle like this exists in tho
law of the Lord. Mark, 3:29th, says:
"But he that shall blaspheme against
the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness,
but is in danger of eternal damnation."
Now, if there were no possibility of
blaspheming against the Holy Ghost,
the Lord of glory never would have
warned us against doing this act; and
if no such principle exists as damna-
tion, and that eternal, to be inflicted
upon such as do blaspheme, he certaia-
ly has spoken nonsense and folly.
On the subject of the wicked's be-
ing rewarded as well as the righteous,
in this life, I give a few words from
John, and leave this part of the lecture.
John, 5:28,29: "Marvel not at this:
for the hour is coming, in the which
all that are in the graves shall hear
his [Christ's] voice, and shall come
lorth; the)' that have done good, unto
the resurrection of life; and they that
have done evil, unto the re&urrectioa
of damnation!"
Another item I wish to notice. Mr
Bradly instructed his audience, that it
was unnecessary for the followers ot*
Christ to receive persecution. As this
puts at defiance the actual experience
of the world from the earliest period to
the present, I add only a few remarks.
Was Abel a saint, a righteous man?
and was he, or was he not slain by tha
hand of his brother? and for what? —
Says John, 1st epistle, 3:12: "Not aa
Cain, who was of that wicked one, and
slew his brother. And wherefore slew
he him? Because his own works were
evil, and his brother's righteous." —
What course could Abel have pursued
in order to escape persecution? The
answer may be, to have done as Gain
wished. Query, then, would ho h*T»
M»
__ . - ... - . ■ -. ■ ■■ — . -■ ^ -.. — .-1. I - ■ — "
been a saint, since we learn that Cain
was of the devil?
Paul said to Timothy, 2 ep. 3:10,
11,12: But thou hast fully known my
doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith,
long suffering, charity, patience, per-
secutions, afflictions, which came un-
to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lys-
tra; what persecutions I endured: but
out of them all the Lord delivered me.
You, and all that will live godly in
Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution."
Were James, Peter, Paul and thou-
sands of the righteous, slain for the
testimony of Christ, or were they not?
and if so, why did they not pursue
a course in life differently, so as to
avoid those painful afflictions, miseries
and death? But to decide this matter
I add the word of the Lord himself,
.and let Mr. Bradly, and his followers
reconcile it with their creed: John 15:
iS, 19, 20: also 16:2:
"If the world hate you, ye know that it
hated me before it hated you. If ye v/ere of
the world, the world v/ould love his own;
but because ye are not ©f the world, but I
have chosen you out of the world, therefore
the w^orld hateth you. Remember the word
that I said unto you, the servant is not great-
er than his lord. If they have persecuted
me, they will also persecute you: if they have
kept my saying, they v/iil keep 3'ours also.
They shall put you out of the synagogues,
yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth
jou, will think that he doeth God service."
1 do not say that those who perse-
cute the saints are justified — far from
this; but I do say, ttiat the man that
preaches that the saints could live, in
past ages, and keep the command-
ments and ordinances of the Lord Je-
sus, without suffering persecutions, af-
flictions, and death, says at once, that
the i-eligion of heaven is a farce, and
the word of Christ a lie. And that if
a people can live, in obedience to the
gospel, amid a corrupt and sinful gen-
eration, without receiving scoffs and
reproaches, is sporting with the com-
mon sense and experience of every
man of God. The disgraceful scenes
of the Missouri moh are too fresh in my
mind to be imposed upon by Mr. Brad-
ly, or any other man who thus perverts
the word of life, and insults the good
feelings of those who have been dis-
possessed of their homes and houses
by lawless marauders, for their reli-
gion's sake! Yes, the groans of the
dying, the cry of innocent mothers and
virgins, the shrieks of helpless infants,
have ascended up into the ears of Je-
iKiAoh, aJB a testimony of the truth of
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
the religion of the Lord Jesus, and will
ever stand as a memorial, on the rec-
ords of heaven, against those who af-
flicted them without cause, and slew
without law. And it may be under-
stood, that no man can offer a higher
insult to the feelings and dignity of the
people in this place, than to sa)- that
he that lives godly, in an ungodly gen-
eration, will not be persecuted, saying
nothing of the pervertion of the word
of truth, and the attempt to prove that
"he that entereth not by the door in-
to the sheep-fold, but climbeth up
some other way is not a thief and a
robber!" C.
Virtue is succeded by vice in the ex-
treme, and all parade and pomp at-
tached to religion is sound without sub-
stance— solemn mockery before the
Lord, and an offering of vanity which
never raises a soul to heaven. It is
in vain to buy eternal hfe with money;
it is in vain to please God, if we neg-
lect the poor; it is vain to serve the
Lord with fashions, and it is in vain to
expect corrupt trees to bring forth
good fruit. If we ever enter a world
of happiness it will be because vfv have
obeyed the commandments of the Lord;
visited the fatherless and the widow
and administered to their afflictions and
necessities; because we have visited
the saints in prison and comforted
them; because we have never looked
upon sin with any degree of allowance,
and because we have fought the good
fight of faith and been ' faithful to the
end — yea, our ears will hear the
word of the Lord, behind us, saying;
'■'■This is the way, walk ye in it."
Our nation is certainly receding
from virtue; from many places there
might be reason to say the people know
how to act better than they do. We
subjoin the following from the Albany
Mercury as one evidence in support of
the premises we have entered: —
"Missionaries. — It is a lamentable
truth, that, notwithstanding the pre-
eminent advantages the Americans en-
joy, notwithstanding the great diffusion
of education among them, there is a
degree of religious fanaticism existing
in the United States, that, if permitted
to come to maturity, will sweep away,
in one common ruin, liberty, happi-
ness, and the rights of man. Do bat
examine one single feature of this fa-
naticism, and then Jadge what princi-
MKSSEiXGER AND ADVOCATE.
l^-^
pies the WHOLE must be composed of.
Look at the thousands of dollars that
are sentout of the country, day after
day, to support a Legion called 'Mis-
sionaries.' Look to individuals that
will subscribe tens of thousands of dol-
lars to the support of this fund, who
would not give a single cent to the re-
lief of his fellow creature on a bed of
sickness, with his weeping and half
naked children around him; — and then
take a view of the solitary captive, the
American Artisan and Mechanic, with
a trifling debt on his shoulders, looking
through the bars of a prison on the
blessed Sabbath day, and, in our own
city, depending for a morsel to eat on
the charity of their fellow citizens."
P.
It affords us no small consolation to
witness the slow but steady increase of
the church of Christ of Latter Day
-Saints. The fulfilment of the prophe-
cies, and the natural evidence of the
fruit of riaihteousness — are sufficient
siarns for those that believe — and we
rejoice that it is yet to-day — praying
that many may hearken to the everlas-
ting gospel. We hope, knowing that
great things await us in this generation;
we have faith because the promises of
God are sure, and we pray for the
faithful laborers in the Lord's vineyard:
they send us good tidings and we glo-
ry with them at the prospect before us.
"The twelve" have been blest: at
their conference in Freedom, N. Y.
May 22, they "Resolved that the lim-
its of that conference should extend
&om Lodi, so far east as to include
the branch of the church in Avon; south
to the Pennsylvania line, and north to
lake Ontario — to be called Freedom
Conference " The representations of
the numbers of the churches, were,
Freedom 65 members; Rushford 28:
Portage 26; Burns 30; Niagara 4; Hol-
land and Aurora 18, who had suffered
some, from the false insinuations of
the enemy of righteousness. They es-
tablished a conference at Lyons, N. Y.
In one month they had baptized 36.
At Pillow-point, N. Y. eleven bran-
ches of the church were represented,
-containing in all 109 members, who,
with the others above, are said to be
in good standing. The conference or
council at this place, tried a brother
"John Elmer (who had lately joined
the church) for holding doctrines and
views opposed to the principles of the
church of the Latter Day "Saints. —
When called upon, he stated that he
had had many visions and revelations,
and he said that the Lord had reveal--
ed to him of a certainty that he would
make his second appearance within fif-
teen years; also that the Spirit of God
often came upon him and threw him
down and caused him (as he expressed
it) to disfigure himself, or die the death
of the righteous, and also of the wick-
ed, and then come to life again, in th©
pi'esence of others in order to convince
them that he was a man of God, and
had great power. He also stated that
in one of his visions the Lord Jesus
appeared to him personally and laid his
hand upon him, and sanctified him
both soul and body; and that he was
now mamortal, or changed, so that he
would never die. He stated many oth-
er curiou3 notions and vagaries ascri-
bing them all to the power of God, and
that he never would deny them altho'
the council and the whole church should
decide against them. The council en-
deavored to show him that he was de-
ceived by the adversary, but to no ef-
fect. He said he had rather be exclu-
ded from the church than to give up
any of his views or say they were not
of God: consequently the church lified
their hands against him."
During their ministering at this
place, eleven were added to the church.
They held a conference at Loborough,
Upper Canada, the 29th of June; the
branch of the church there consists of
25 members in good standing, but
much in want of the pure knowledge
and doctrine of the kingdom: they
think, with us, that the Messenger and
Advocate is of great consequence, in
giving the saints strength to maintain
the cause of the Lord. Elders Henry
and Jacob Wood, who had been sus-
pended for some time, were excluded,
and the church lifted their hands
against them. After the conference
closed they baptized three. We shall
continue to pray for the twelve, that
they may be with God and God with
them. P.
By request, a conference will bo
held at New Portage on Friday, ths
4th of Sept. next On 3aturdii3' pub-
lic preaching may be expected, com-
mencing at 9 o'clock^ A. M. C;
JM
MESSENGER AXD ADVOCATE.
Messenger and Advocate.
KIRTLAXD, OHIO JULY,A?Z5.
Ckildrcn.
In the most friendly manner, but
with some feelings of regret, we shall
endeavor to lay before the saints the
absolute necessity of training up their
children in the way they should go,
that they may be saved while it is call-
ed to day, for to morrow cometh the
burning. V/e look to parents and guar-
dians, in the church of Latter Day
Saints, with intense interest, and anx-
ious desire, for the welfare of the chil-
dien under their care and direction. —
The Lord now, as in days of old, has
given express commandments for the
benefit of children; and where parents
or guardians, suffer children to grow
up without observing these command-
ments strictly; without instructing them
in the laws, covenants, and holy pre-
cepts, which have been given for their
guidance, to lead them into the king-
dom of the Lord, the sin will rest upon
their heads and not upon the children.
This is not all: any unlawful indul-
gence; every unholy license; every un-
sanctified principle, and every foolish
practice, allowed to children, is an
abomination in the sight of God. Shall
the disciples of the living God walk in
the paths of vice and folly, with impu-
nity, and claim the name and blessings
of saints'?
Many things are wrong: not only
children bring a reproach upon the
glorious cause of our Redeemer, but
even some elders stoop from the respon-
sible and holy office to which they
have been exalted by the voice of the
Spirit, to the frivolous practice of play-
ing ball, and other vain amuzenients.
"Who is he that disrespects the ordinan-
ces of the house of the Lord? who but
he that disgraces his own reputation?
*'He that receiveth my law," saith the
Lord, "and doeth it, the same is my
disciple: and he that saith he receiv-
eth it, and doeth it not, the same is not
my disciple, and shall be cast out from
among you."
The practice of suffering boys and
girls to be strolling about the streets
without any business, is unrighteous,
and leads to vice; to vicious habits; to
laziness; to profanity and disobedience,
and, without speedy repentance, will
leave many souls taroap the reward of
their folly in outer darkness, wher©
there is weeping and wailing and gnash-
ing of teeth.
But how much more is the heart of
a saint pained to witness such unhal-
lowed conduct on the holy Sabbathj
especially if the house of worship is
made the place of such abomination,
and public worship disturbed by the
running and yelling of a parcel of un-
gained children before the Lord?
Are the children entirely to blame
for such insults upon our holy religion?
Are they to be iheir own reformers?
let those interested answer: for already,
like an uncultivated field, full of sturdy
weeds, we behold such follies. How
vain! How transient! How degra-
ding! How destrurtive to the peace
and happines of the Latter Day Saints!
Alas! it is, like the pestilence, walk-
ing in darknes and v/asting at noon
day! Beware lest the Lord chastise in
his hot displeasure!
The saints' children should bo
brought up as ensamples of virtue, of
piety, of modesty, and good brjeeding,
for others, — that they, seeing every
action well seasoned with godliness,
righteousness and decorum, may bo
constrained to exclaim :- — How good
and pleasant it is to see brethren dwell
together in unity, and children brought
up in holiness! We will go and do like-'
wise.
It is a vain
living without
speculation to think of
manners, politeness, or
iearnmg as may have been taught by
some of the untaught elders of the
church. The Lord has had respect
unto us, and do let us have virtue
enough to respect each other, for this
is right and acceptable unto him. —
Moses, who was a man of God, was a
pattei'n of meekness and manners: It
reads in Exodus: "And Moses went
out to meet his father-in-law, a7id did
obedience^ and kissed him, and they
asked each other of their welfare; and
they came into the tent." So much
for a sample thai our forefathers did
obedience, to each other, (not however
wishing to introduce the custom of kis-
sing for a salutation,) honor to whom
whom honor is due.
While on such an important subject,
the words of Paul to his Corinthian
brethren may not be amiss: "Be ye not
unequally yoked together with unbe-
lievers: for what fellowship hath right-
e<?iisness with unrighteousness? and
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
tss
what communion hath light with dark-
ness? And what concord hath Christ
with Belial? or what part hath he thai
believeth with an infidel?" It is hon-
orable and just to trt;at all with decen-
C}^ respect and politeness, but to see a
young biother or sister, associating, or
more properly making bosom comp<in-
ions of those who believe not, but spurn
the everlasting gospel of Jesus Christ,
is so far from patterning after the or-
der of heaven, that we wonder how-
such members can expect to be in fel-
lowship with those that mean to be
saved by walking in all the ordinances
of the Lord blameless, and keeping his
commandments continually. Treat
those without the kingdom with tender-
ness and res{>ect: train up yourchildren
to serve the Lord and not satan, that
they may shun the cunn'ngly devised
fables of this perishing generation. —
Save yourselves.
C^To save any improper feelings
among the servants of the Lord, we
have to say, that want of space and
time, have caused us to abridge & con-
dense the letters which corns , in from
the travelling elders, &c. And we
take this opportunity of suggesting the
propriety of brevity: short letters, con-
taining matters of fact, are what we
want, and what the saints need to build
them up in righteousness. To wor-
ship God in spirit and truth, can be
done without much speaking; and facts
may be told in few words.
F.
05=- Brother Pliny Foot, of Norfolk,
Litchfield County, Con. now in this
place, wishes us to inform Bishop Par-.
tridge, through the Messenger, that he
is desired to call on him at his resi-
dence during his tour to the east. In
consequence of Br. Foot's not know-
ing where he can address a line to
meet Bishop Partridge, we admit his
request.
liciter Vfl.
TO W. W. PHELPS, ESQ.
Dear Brother: — Circumstances ha-
ving heretofore intervened to prevent
my addressing you previously upon the
history of this church, you will not at-
tribute the negloct to any want on my
part, of a disposition to prosecute a sub-
ject so dear to me and so important to
every saint, living as we do in the day
when the Lord has began to fulfil his
covenants to his long-dispersed and af-
flicted people.
Since my last yours of May and Juno
have been received. It will not be ex-
pected that I shall digress so far from
my object, as to go into particular ex-
planations on different items contained
in yours; but as all men are deeply in-
terested on th'^ great matter of revela-
tion, I indulge a hope that you will pre-
sent such i'acts as are plain and uncon-
trovertible, both from our formerscrip-
lures and the book of Mormo.i, to show
that such is not only consistent with
tlie character of the Lord, but absolute-
ly necessary to the fulfillment of that
sacred volume, so tenaciously admired
by professors of religion — 1 mean that
called the bible.
You have, no doubt, as well as my-
self, frequently heard those who do not
pretend to an '■^experimenlar' belief in
the Lord Jesus, say, with those who do,
that, (to use a familiar phrase,) '^any
tune can be played upon the bible:" —
What is here meant to be conveyed, I
suppose, is, that proof can be adduced
from that volume, to support as many
different systems as men please to
choose: one saying this is the way, and
the other, this is the way, while the
third says, that it is a\\ false, and that
he can "play this tune upon it." If
this is so, alas for our condition: admit
this to be the case, and either wicked
and designing men have taken from it
those plain and easy items, or it never
came from Deity, if that Being is per-
fect and consistent in his ways.
But although I am ready to admit
that men, in previous generations, have,
with polluted hands and corrupt hearts,
taken from the sacred oracles many
precious items which were plain of
comprehension, for the main purpose
of building themselves up in the tri-.
fluig things of this worid, yet, when it
is carefully examined, a straight for-
ward consistency will be found, suffi-
cient to check the vicious heart of man
and teach him to revere a word so pre-
cious, handed down to us from our fa-
thers, teaching us that by faith we can
approach the same benevolent Being,
and receive for ourselves a sure wor<J
of prophecy, which will serve as «
light m a dark place, to lead to thoM
m
Al«SSEJ<aElt AND ADVOCAtii.
things within the vail, where peace,
righteousness and harmony, in one un-
interrupted round, feast the inhabitants
of those blissful regions in endless day.
Scarce can the reflecting mind be
brought to contemplate these scenes,
without asking, for whom are they held
in reserve, and by whom are they to
be enjoyed? Have we an interest
there? Do our fathers, who have wa-
ded through affliction and adver.-ity,
who have been cast out from the soci-
ety -^f this world, whose tears have,
times without number, watered their
furrowed face, while mourning over
the corruption of their fellow-nien, an
inheritance in those mansions? If so,
can they without us be made perfect?
Will their joy be full till we rest with
them? And is their efficacy and vir-
tue sufficient, in the blood of a Savior,
who groaned upon Calvary's summit,
to expiate our sins and cleanse us from
all unrighteousness? I trust, that as
individuals acquainted with the gospel,
thi'ough repentance, baptism and keep-
ing the commandments of that same
Lord, we shall eventually, be brought
to partake in the fulness of that which
we now ^nly participate — the full en-
joyment of the presence of our Lord.
Happy indeed, will be that hour to all
-the saints, and above all to be desired,
(for it never ends,) when men will
ittgain mingle praise with those who do
:always behold the face of our Father
who is in iieaven.
You will remember that in my last
I brought my subject down to the even-
ing, or night of the 21st of September,
1823, and gave an outline of the con-
versation of the angel upon the impor-
tant fact of the blessings, promises and
covenants to Israel, and the great man-
ifestations of favor to the world, in the
ushering in of the fulness of the gos-
pel, to prepare the way for the second
adv«=>nt of the iVIegsiah, when he comes
in the glory of the Father with the holy
angels.
A renriarkable fact is to be noticed
with regard to this vision. In ancient
time the Lord warned some of his ser-
vants in dreams: for instance, Joseph,
the husband of Mary, w< i warned in a
dream to take the young c lild and his
naother, and flee into Egypt: also, the
WISE men were wa,rned of the Lord in
a dream not to return tb Herod; and
'Prtidtj *'out of Egy^t th^ Son ^\r&s•cll^
erii" thtf angcjl of the Lord aJ)pelBired in
a dream to Joseph again: also he was
warned in a dream to turn aside into
the parts of Galilee. Such were the
manifestations to Joseph, the favored
descendant of the father of the faithful
in dreams, and in them the Lord ful-
filled his purposes: But the one of
which I have been speaking is what
would have been called an open vision.
And though it was in the night, yet it
was not a dream. There is no room
for conjecture in this matter, and to
talk of deception svould be to sport
v/ith the common sense of every man
who knows when he is awake, when he
sees and when he does not see.
He could not have been deceived in
the fact that a being of some kind ap-
peared to him; and that it was an hea-
venly one, the fulfillment of his words,
so minutely, up to this time, in addi-
tion to the truth and word of salvation
which has been developed to this gen-
eration, in the book of Mormon, ought
to be conclusive evidence to the mind
of every man who is privileged to hear
of the same. He was awake, and in
solemn prayer, as you will bear in
mind, when the angel made his appear-
ance; from that glory which sun-ound-
ed him the room was lit up to a perfect
brilliancy, so that darkness wholly dis-
appeared: he heard his words with his
ears, and received a joy and happiness
indescribable by hearing that his own
sins were forgiven, and his former
transgressions to be remembered against
him no more, if he then continued to
walk before the Lord according to his
holy commandments. He also saw
him depart, the light and glory with-
draw, leaving a calmness and peace of
soul past the language of man to paint
— Was he deceived?
Far from this; for the vision was re-
newed twice before morning, unfold-
ing farther and still farther the mys-
teries of godliness and those things to
come. In the morning he went to his
labor as usual, but soon the vision of
the heavenly messenger was renewed,
instructing him to go immediately and
view those things of which he had
been informed, with a promise that he
should obtain them if he followed the
directions and went with an eye single
to the glory of God.
Accordingly he rei^'aired to the place
which had thus been described. But it
is necessary to give you more fully thd
eXproas ihstructions of the angfel, with
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
m
regard to the object of this work in
which our brother had now engnged —
He was to remember that it was the
work of the Lord, to fulfii certfiin prom-
ises previously made to a branch of the
house of Israel, of the tribe of Joseph,
tind when it should be brought fo 1 1
must be done expressly with an eye, as
I said before, single to the glory of
God, and the welfare and restoration
of the house of Israel.
Yoa will understand, then, that no
motive of a pecuniary, or earthly na-
ture, was to be suffered to take the lead
of the heart of the man thus favored.
The allurements of vice, the contami-
nating influence of wealth, without the
direct guidance of the Holy Spirit, mast
have no place in the heart nor be suf-
fered to take from it that warm desire
for the glory and kingdom of the Lord,
or, instead of obtaining, disappointment
and reproof would most assuredly fol-
low. Such was the instruction and
this the caution.
Alternately, as we could naturally
expect, the thought of the previous vis-
ion was ruminating in his mind, with
a reflection of the brightness and glory
of the heavenly messenger; but again
a thought would start across the mind
on the prospects of obtaining so desira-
ble a treasure — one in all human prob-
ability sufficient to raise him above
a level with the common earthly for-
tunes of his fellow men, and relieve
his family from want, in which, by mis-
fortune and sickness they were placed.
It is very natural to suppose that the
mind would revolve upon those scenes
which had passed, when those who had
acquired a little o'' this world's goods,
by industry and economy, with the
blessings of health or friends, or by art
and intrigue, from the pockets of the
-day-laborer, or the widow and the fath-
erless, had passed by with a stiff neck
and a cold heart, scorning the virtu-
ous because they were poor, and lord-
ing over those who were subjected to
suffer the miseries of this life.
Alternately did these, with a swift
reflection of the words of the holy mes-
senger.— "Remember, that ho who
docis this work, who is thus favored of
the Lord, must do it with nis eye single
to the glory of the same, and the wel-
fare and restoration of the scattered
remnants of the house of Israel" — rush
upon his mind with the quickness of
electricity. Here was a strugle indeed;
for when he calmly reflected upon his
errand, he knew that if God did not
give, he couid not obtain; and agp.in,
with the iho :g!\t or hope of obtaining,
his mind would be carried back to its
former reflection of poverty, abuse, —
wealth, grandeur and ease, untd before
arriving at the place described, this
wholly occupied his desire; and when
he thought upon the fact of^ what was
previously shown hiAi, it was only with
an assurance that he should obtain,
and accomplish his desire in relieving
himself and friends from want.
A history of the inhabitants who
peopled this continent, previous to its
being discovered to Europians by Co-
lumbus, must be interesting to every
man; and as it would develope the im-
portant fact, that the present race were
descendants of Abraham, and were to
be remembered in the immutable cov-
enant of the Most High to that man,
and be restored to a knowledge of the
gospel, that they, with all nations might
rejoice, seemed to inspire further
thoughts of gain and income from such
a valuable history. Surely, thought
he, every man will sieze with eager-
ness, this knowledge, and this incalcu-
lable income will be mine. Enough
to raise the expectations of any one of
like inexperience, placed in similar
circumstances. But the important point
in this matter is, that man does not see
as the Lord, neither are his purposes
like his. The small things of this
life are but dust in comparison with
salvation and eternal life.
It is sufficient to say that such were
his reflections during his walk of from
two to three miles: the distance from--
his father's house to the place pointed,
out. And to use his own words it
seemed as though two invisible powers
were influencing, or striving to influ-
ence his mind — one with the reflection,
that if he obtained the object of his pur-
suit, it would be through the mercy
and condescension of the Lord, and.
that every act or performance in rela-
tion to it, must be in strict accordance
with the instruction of that personage
who communicated the intelligence to
him first; and the other with the tho'ts
and reflections like those previously
mentioned — contrasting his former and
present circumstances in life with those
to come. That precious instruction
recorded on the sacred page- — pray al-
ways-— which was expresly impressed
498
MESSENGER ASiD Ai)VO€ATS.
upon him, was at length entirely for-
gotten, and as I previously remarked,
a fixed determination to obtain and
agrandize himself, occupied his mind
when he arrived at the place where
the record was found.
I must now give you some descrip-
tion of the place where, and the man-
ner in which these records were depos-
ited.
You are acquainted with the mail
road from Palmyra, Wayne Co. to
Canandaigua, Ontario Co. N. Y. and
also, as you pass from the former to
the latter place, before arriving at the
little village of Manchester, say from
three to four, or about four miles from
^ Palmyra, you pass a large hill on the
east side of the road. Why 1 say
large, is, because it is as large perhaps,
as any in that country, *I o a person
acquainted with this road, a descrip-
tion would be unnecessary, as it is the
largest and rises the highest of any on
that route. The north end rises quite
sudden until it assumes a level with the
more southerly extremity, and I think
I may say an elevation higher than
at the south a short distance, say hali
or three fourths of a mile. As you
pass toward Canandaigua it lessens
gradually until the surface assumes its
common level, or is broken by other
smaller hills or ridges, water courses
and ravines. I think I am justified in
saying that this is the highest hill for
some distance round, and 1 am certain
that its appearance, as it rises so sud-
denly from a plain on the north, must
attract the notice of the traveller as he
passes by.
At about one mile west rises another
ridge of less, height, running parallel
with the former, leaving a beautiful
vale between. The soil is of the first
quality for the countr}', and under a
state of cultivation, which gives a pros-
pect at once imposing, when one re-
flects on the fact, that here, between
these hills, the entire power and na
tional strength of both the Jaredite? and
t^y. Nephites were destroyed.
By turning to the 529tli and 530th
pages of the book of Mormon you wiV,
read Mormon's account of the last
great struggle of his people, as the}
were encamped round this hill Cumo
rah. [It is prinCed Camorah, which
is an error.] In this valley fell the
remaining strength and pride of a once
powerful people, the Nephites — once
so highly favored of the Lord, but at
that time in darkness, doomed to suffer
extermination by the hand of their bar-
barous and uncivilized brethren. From
the top of this hill, Mormon, with a few
others, after the battle, gazed with
horror upon the mangled remains of
those who, the day before, were filled
with anxiety, hope, or doubt. A few
had fled to the South, who were hunted
down by the victo'ioUs party, and all
who would not deny the Savior and his
religion, were put to death. Mormon
himself, according to the record of hi»
son Moroni, was also slain.
But a long time previous to this na*
tional disaster it appears from his own
account, he foresaw approaching de-
struction. In fact, if he perused the
records of his fathers, which were in
his possession, he could have learned
that such would be the case. Alma,
who lived before the coming of the
Messiah, prophesies this. He howev-
er, by divine appointment, abridged
from those records, in his own style
and language, a short account of the
more important and prominent items,
from the days of Lehi to his own time,
after which he deposited, as he says,
on. the 52yth page, all the records in
this same hill, Cumorah, and after gave
his small record to his son Moroni, who,
as appears from the same, finished, af-
ter witnessing the extinction of his peo-
ple as a nation.
It was not the wicked who overcame
the righteous; far from this: it was the
wicked ag irist the wicked, and by the
wicked the wicked were punished. —
The Nephites who were once enlight-
ened, had fallen from a more elevated
standing as to favor and privilege be-
lore the Lord, in consequence of the
righteousness of their fathers, and now
Tailing below, for such was actually
the case, were suflered to be overcome,
and the land was left to the possession
of the red ir.en, who were without in-
telligence, only in the affairs of their
wars; and having no records, only pre-
serving their history by tradition from
father to son, lost the account of their
true origin, and wandered from river
to river, from hill to hill, from moun-
tain to mountain, and from sea t»sea,
tdl the land was again peopled, in a
measure, by a rude, wild, revengeful,
warlike and barbarous race. — Such are
our Indians.
This hill, by the Jaredites, was call-
MESSEtfGKR AND ADVOCATE.
fl>:>
ed Ramah: by it, or around it, pitch-
ed the famous army of Coriantumr
their tents. Coriantumr was the last
king of the Jaredites. The opposing
army were to the west, and in this
same valley, and near by, from day to
day, did that mighty race spill their
blood, in wrath, contending, as it were,
brother against brother, and father,
against son. In this same spot, in full
view from the top of this same hill,
one may gaze with astonishment upon
the ground which was twice covered
with the dead and dying of our fellow-
men. Here may be seen where once
sunk to nought the pride and strength
of two mighty nations; and here may
be contemplated, in solitude, while no-
thing but the faithful record of Mor-
mon and Moroni is now extant to in-
form us of the fact, scenes of misery
and distress — the aged, whose silver
locks in other places and at other times
would command reverence; the moth-
er, who in other circumstances would
be spared from violence; the infant,
whose tender cries would be regard-
ed and listened to with a feeling
of compassion and tenderness; and the
virgin, whose grace, beauty and mod-
esty, would be esteemed and held in-
violate by all good men and enlighten-
ed and civilized nations, alike disregar
ded and treated with scoi-n!
did the hoary haad and man of
hairs ask for mercy; in vain did the
mother plead for compassion; in vain
did the helpless and harmless infant
weep for very anguish, and in vain did
the virgin seek to escape the ruthless
hand of revengeful foes and demons in
human form — all alike were trampled
down by the feet of the strong, and
crushed beneath the rage of battle and
war! Alas, who can reflect upon the
last struggles of great and populous
nations, sinking to dust beneath the
hand of justice and retribution, without
weeping over the corruption of the
human heart, and sighing for the hour
when the clangor of arms shall no more
be heard, nor the calamities of conten-
ding armies no more experienced for a
thousand years? Alas, the calamity
of war, the extinction of nations, the
ruin of kingdoms, the fall of empires
and the disolution of governments! O
the misery, distress and evil attendant
on these! Who can contemplate like
scenes without sorrowing, and who so
destitute of commiseration a^ not to bo
-la
D
vain
crray
pained that man has fallen so low, so
far beneath the station in which he was
created]
In this vale lie commingled, in one
mass of ruin, the ashes of thousands,
and in this vale was destined to con-
sume the fair forms and vigorous sys-
tems of tens of thousands of the human
race — blood mixed v/ith blood, flesh
with flesh, bones with bones, and dust
with dust! When the vital spark
which animated their clay had fled,
each lifeless lump lay on one common
level — cold and inanimate. Those bos--
oms which hdd burned with rage a-
gainst each other for real or supposed
injury, had now ceased to heave with
malice; those arms which were, a few
moments before nerved with strength,
had alike become paralyzed, and those
hearts which had been fired with re-
venge, had now ceased to beat, and
the head to think — in silence, in soli-
tude, and in disgrace alike, they have
long since turned to earth, to their
mother dust, to await the august, and
to millions, awful hour, when the trump
of the Son of God shall echo and re-
echo from the skies, and they come
forth, quickened and immortalized, to
not only stand in each other's pres-
ence, but before the bar of him who is
Eternal!
With sentiments of pure respect,
I conclude by subscribing myself your
brother in the gospel.
OLIVER COWDERY.
Hymn.
TuNK — Chinese Chant.
Awake! for the morning is come:
Rejoice in the Lord, and trust in his mercy,
And pray unto liim, in meekness and love,
For knowledge and health, and all his good
blessings,
To comfort and happify home.
O Lord, thou good Shepherd and King—.
We want, through the day, to feed in thy
pastures,
And feast on thy bounteous goodness and
grace:
O lead us along the banks of still wateri,
To gladden our hearts and to sing.
Lord turn all our hearts unto thee,
To walk in the paths of virtue and wisdom.
To live in the bonds of union and peace,
And glorify thee on earth as in heaven;
O keep us unspotted and free!
O thou art the staff and the rod.
On which we can lean in ev'ry condition;
In youth and in age, or the valley of death
For raiment and food, for joy and for comfort^,
60 praiec ye the Lord, who n God, P*
im
Messenger and advocats.
From the letters of the elders abroad,
we make the followmg extracts:—
Elder L. Jackman, and his fellow
laborer write from Flatbush III. June
2, that they have baptized 2 since
May 4.
William Berry writes from Canton
111. June 16, and desires the Elders, if
they pass that way, to call and help
them onward in the cause of truth.
Elder D. Evans writes from Stark
CO. Ohio, June 30: He has baptized 3
since he wrote last. And desires to
have some errors corrected in an ex-
tract of his letter, published in the June
No. of Messenger and Advocate. —
Page 141, second column, first par-
agraph 6 line, instead of Methodist E-
piscopal discipline: read " Radical, "
&c. and second paragraph 7th line, in-
stead of Sabbath read ' Thursday."
Elder J. Blakesly writes from Sack-
ett's Harbor, N. Y. June 12, and says,
that he, in company with Elder F,
Dutcher, has baptized 10 since May
22.
Elder J. Emett writes at this place,
July 2, and says that he in company
with Elder P. Dustin has baptized 22
since December last.
Elder L. Jackman writes from Pa-
ris, 111. June 19, and says that he in
company with C. Baldwin, has baptized
five more since he wrote last. — Editor.
Letters to the Editor, or publishers,
of the Messenger and Advocate, must
be post paid, or they will not be taken
out of the office. Every honest man
must see the propriety of our requiring
the postage on letters, paid. If we
were to pay the postage on a hundred
letters, each letter containing a subscri-
ber, the sum might be twenty Jive or
ffty dollars, and where is the profits'?
Sacrament Hyiisn.
XuNE — From Gi-eenland's Icy Mountains.
O God th' eternal Father,
Who dwells amid the sky,
In Jesus' name we ask thee
To bless and sanctify,.
(If we are pure before thee,)
This bread and cup of wine,
That we may all remember,
That ofTring so divine.
That sacred, holy oft'ring,
By man least understood,
To have our sins remitted,
And 'take his flesh and blooxi.
That we may ever witness.
The sufi" rings of thy Son,
And always have his sjarit
To make our hearts as one.
When Jesus, the anointed, °
Descended from above,
And gave himself a ranbom
To win our souls with love;
With no apparent beauty.
That men should him desive-^'
He was the promis'd Savior,
To purify with fire.
How infinite that wisdom,
The plan of hoiiness.
That marde salvation perfect,
And vail' d the Lord in flesh,
To walk upon his footstool,
And be like man, (almost,)
In his exalted station, '
And die — or all was lostl
'Twas done — all nature trembled!'
Yet, by the power of faith,
He rose as God triumphant,
And br. ke the bands of death;
And, rising conq'rer, "captive
He led captivity,"
And sat down with the Father
To fill eternity.
He is the true Messiah,
That died and lives again;
We look not for another;
He is the Lamb 'twas slain;
He is the Stone and Shepherd
Of Israel — scat ter'd far; y;
The glorious Branch from Jesse:
The bright and Morning Star.
Again, he is that Prophet,
That Moses said should come,
Being rais'd among his brethren,
To call the righteous home,
And all that will not hear him,
Shall feel his chast'ing rod,
Till wickedness is ended.
As saith the Lord our God,
He comes, he comes in glory,
(The vail has vanish'd too,)
With angels, yea our fathers,
To drink this cup anew —
And sing the songs of Zi6n,
And shout — 'Tis done, 'tis done!
While every son and daughter
Rejoices — we are one. P,
THE LATTER DAY SAINTS'
SSessenger and Advocate,
IS EDITED BY
JOHN WHITiaSR,
And published every month at Kirtland, Geauga Co-
Ohio, by
F. G. WII^IilAMS & Co.
At * 1. per an. in advance. Every persm procuring
ten new subscribers, and forwarding % 10, current
money, shall be entitled to a paper one year, gratia.
All letters to the Editor, or Publishers, must be
\!a-POST PAID.£Ji
iVo subscription will be received for a less term than one
year, and no paper discontinued tUl all arr»arage» e*t
pmii, cxccyt ai thi vption aftkt jmhfrshrrt.
[>A¥ SAIM
^.^Si:MC^i3M AMI> ABTOCATE.
.Vo. 11.] KIRTLAND, OHIO, AUGUST, le35. [Whole Mu. 11.]
GSiNERAL ASfc>EMBLY.
At a General Assembly nfthe Church
of the Latter. Day Saints, according
to prevmis notice, hdd on the nth of
August, 1S35, to take in consideration
the labors of a certain commiliee which
had been appointed ly a General As-
sembly of neptemocr 24, 1834, asfol-
lotos:
)J>T'he Assembi}/- being duly organi-
zed, and after transacting certain bu-
siness of the churcli, proceeded to ap-
point a- committee to arrange the items
of doctrine of Jesus Christ, for the ; ov-
c nmont of his church of the Latter
Day Saints, which" church was organi-
zed and conimenced its rise on the 6lh
day of April, 1830. These items are to
be t:iken from the bible, book of Rlor-
inon, and the revelations which have
been given to said church up to this date,
or shall be until such ait-incremcnt is
' mada.
'■^'•^*Et<Isr Samuel il. SiViith, for the
■asseiijbly, moved that presiding elders,
Joseph ' Smith, jr. Oliver Cowdery,
vSidney Rigdon and Frederick G. Wifi-
iams compose said cc;T!mittee. The
nominatirai was seconded by elder
Hvrum Smith, whereupon it received
the unanimous vote of the Assembly.
(SiGN-ED.)
OLIVER COWDERY, > ^, . „
ORSON HYDE, \ t^/erhs.
Wherefore O. Cowdery and S. Rig-
don, Presidents of the first presidency,
ajjpointed Thomas Eurdick, V/anen
Parrish and Silvester Smith, Clerks,
<xnd proceeded to organize tiie whole
assembly, as t"oHows: 'they organized
the high council of the church at Eirt-
iand, and Preh^idcnts W. VV. Phelps
and Jt Whitrner proceeded and organi-
sed the hi^h council of the church rru
Missouri. Bishop Nev.-el K. Whitney
proceeded and organized his counsel-
lors of the church in Kirtland, and act-
ing Bishop John Corrill, organized the
counsellors of the church in ?.Iissouri:
and also presidents Leonard Rich, Le-
vi W. Hancock, Sylvester Smith and
Lyman Sherman, organized the coun-
cil of the seventy; and also. Elder
John Gould, acting President, organi-
zed the travelling Elders; and also
Ira Ames, acting President, organized
tiie Priests; and also Erastus Eabbit,
acting President, organized the Teacri-
ers; and also William Burges, acting
President, organized the Deacons; and
they also, as the assembly was large,
appointed Thomas Gates, John Young,
William Cowder}', Andrew H. Al-
drich. Job L. Lewis and Oliver Hig-
ley, as assistant Presidents of the day,
to assist in preserving order, &c. in tha
whole asseinbly. Elder Levi W.
Hancock beincr anoointed chorister, a
hymn was then suno-'aild the services
of the dsV opened bv the.praver of
President O. Cowderv, and the solcm-
nities of eternity rested upon the audi-
ence. Another hymn was sung: after
transacting some business for the
church the audience adjourned for
one hour. ' ■ '
Afterxoon.'— After a''^.ymn was
sung, Pr»sident Cowdery as'd^e, and in-
troduced the "Rook of doctrine and
covenants of the' church of the Latter
I)aj :Sfikriis,.j" in bfjnalf ptthiScc.njgLiiiee:
he' wa^ f::>liOwed'by"'PT'd'g-foent "" Rigdon,
who explained the manner by which
they intended to obtain the voice of the
assembly An' or against said book: the
other two conmiittee, named above,
were absent. jVccordmi? to said ar-
vangement W. W. Phelps bord record
that the book presented to the assembly,
was true. P resident John Whitrner,
also arose, and testified that it was true.
Eldei- John Smith, -taking the lead of
the high council in Kirtland, ' bore re-
cord that the revelations in said book
wore true, and that the lectures Vi'ere
judiciously arranged and compiled, and
were profitable tor doctrine; whereupon
the high council o^ Kirtland accepted
and acknowledged them as the doctrine
and covenants of their {"aith, by a unan-
imous vote. .Elder lie viJackman, tA*
king the lead of the high, council of the
church in Missouri, Isore testimony thai
the revelations in said book were true,
and the said high council of Missouri
accepted and acknowledged them as
the doctrine and covenints of their faith,
by a unanimous Vote.
President W. W." Phelps then read
the written testimony of the Twelve,
as follows. "The testimony of the
witnesses to the book of the Lord's
commandments, which he gave to his
church through Joseph Smith, jr. who
im
MKSSENGEjR At^D ADVOCATE,
was appointed by the voice of the
church for this purpose: we therefore
feel willing to bear testimony to all the
world of mankind, to every creature
upon the face of all the earth, and up-
on the islands of the sea, that the Lord
<4ias borne record to our souls, through
the Holy Ghost shed forth upon us,
that these commandments were given
by inspiration of God, and are profita-
ble for all men, and are verily true. —
We give this testimony unto the world,
the Lord being our helper: and it is
through the grace of God, the Father,
and his Son Jesus Christ, that we are
permitted to have this privilege of bear-
ing this testimony unto the world, in
the which we rejoice exceedingly,
praying the Lord always, that the
children of men may be profited there-
by. Elder Leonard Rich bore record
of the truth of the book and the coun-
cil of the Seventy accepted and acknowl-
edged it as .tiie doctrine and covenants
of their faith, by a unanim.ous vote.
Bishop N. K. Whitney bore record
of the truth of the book, and with his
counsellors, accepted and acknowledg-
ed it as the doctrine and covenants of
their faith, by a unanimous vote.
Acting Bishop, John Corrill, bore
record of the truth of the book, and
with his counsellors, accepted and ac-
knowledged it as the doctrine and cov-
enants of their faith, by a unanimous
vote. Acting President, John Gould,
gave his testimon}^ in favor of the book,
and with the travelling Elders, accept-
ed and acknowledged it as the doctrine
and covenants of their faith, by a u-
nanimous vote.
Ira Ames, acting President of the
Priests, gave his testimony in favor of
the book, and with the Priests, accept-
ed and acknowledged it as the doctrine
and covenants of their faith, by a unan-
imous vote.
Erastus Babbit, acting President of
the Teachers, gave his testimony in
favor of the book, and they accepted
and acknowledfijed it as the doctrine
and covenants of their faith, by a unan-
imous vote.
Wm. Burges acting President of the
Deacons, bore record of the truth of
the book, and they accepted and ac-
knowledged it as the doctrme and cov-
enants of their faith, by a unanimous
vote.
The venerable assistant President
Thomas Gates, then bore record of the
truth of the book, and with his five silver'
headed assistants, and the whole con-
gregation, accepted and acknowledged
it as the doctrine and covenants of
their faith, by a unanimous vote. The
several authorities, and the general as-
sembly, by a unanimous vote accepted
of the labors of the committee.
President W. W. Phelps then read
the follov/ing article on Marriage,
which was accepted and adopted, and
ordered to be pruited in said book, by
a unanimous vote, namely: —
"According to the custom of all civ-
ilized nations, marriage is regulated
by laws and ceremonies: therefowf we
believe, that all marriages in this
church of Christ of Latter Day Saints,
should be solemnized in a public meet-
ing, or feast, prepared for that pur-
pose: and that the solemnization should
be performed by a presiding high
priest, f^high priest, bishop, elder, or
priest, not even prohibiting those per-
sons who are desirous to get married,
of being married by other authority. —
We believe that [it is not right td pro-
hibit members of this church from
marrying out of the church, if it bo
their determination so to do, but such
persons will be considered weak in the
taith of our Lord and Savior Jesus
Christ.
Marriage should be celebrated with
prayer and thanksgiving; and at the
solemnization, the persons to be mar-
ried, standing together, the man oni the
right, and the v/oman on the left, shall
be addressed, by the person officiating,
as he shall be directed by the Holy
Spirit: and if there be no legal objec-
tions, he shall say, calling each by
their names: "You both mutually a-
gree to be each other's companion,
husband and wife, observing the legal
rights belonging to this condition; tliat
is, keeping yourselves wholly ibr each
other, and from all others, during your
lives." And when they have answer-
ed "Yes," he shall pronounce them-
"husbandand wife" in the name of the
Lord Jesus Christ, and by virtue of the
laws of the country and authority vest-
ed in him: "may God add his bless-
ings and keep you to fulfil your cove-
nants from hence forth and forever.
Amen."
The clerk of every church should
keep a record of all marriages, sol-
emnized in his branch.
All legal contracts of marriage mad»
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE
1^
-before a person is baptized into this
church, should be held sacred and ful-
ftVled. Inasmuch as this church of
Chri.-3t has been reproached with the
crime of fornication, and polygamy:
v/e declare that we believe, that one
man should have one wife: and one
woman, but one husband, except in
case of death, when either is at liberty
to marry again. It is not right to per-
suade a woman to be baptised contrary
to the will of her husband, neither is it
lav/ful to iniluencG her to leave her
husband. AH children are bound by
law to obey their parents; and to influ-
ence them to embrace any religious
-faith, or be baptised, or leave their pa-
rents without their consent, is unlaw-
ful and unjust. We believe that hus-
bands, parents and masters who exer-
cise control over their wives, children
nnd servants, and prevent tbem from
embracing the truth, will have to answer
for that sin.
President O. Cowdery then read the
follov/ing article on "governments and
iav/3 in general," which was accepted
and adopted, and ordered to be printed
in said book, by a unanimous vote.
*'That our belief, with regard to earthly
governments and laws in general,
may not be misinterpreted nor mis-
Tuiderstood, we have thought proper
to present, at the close of this volume,
•our opinion concerning the same.
We believe that governments were
instituted of God for the benefit of man,
and that he holds men accountable for
"their acts in relation to them, either in
making laws or administering them, for
ihe good and safety of society.
We believe that no government can
exist, in peace, except such laws are
framed and held inviolate as will se-
cure to each individual the free exer-
cise of conscience, the right and con-
trol of pi'operty and the protection of
life.
We believe that all governments
necessarily require civil officers and
magistrates to enforce the laws of the
same, and that such as will administer
the law in equity and justice should be
sought for and upheld by the voice of
the people, (if a Republic,) or the will
x)f the Sovereign,
We believe that religion is instituted
of God, and that men are amenable to
him and to him only for the exercise of
it, unless their religious opinion prompts
them to infringe upon the rights end
liberties of others; but Vv'e do not be-
lieve that human law has a right to in-
terfere in prescribing rules of v/orship
to bind the consciences of men, nor
dictate forms for public or priyato de-
votion; that the civil magistrate should
restrain crime, but never control con-
science; should punish guilt, but never
suppress the freedom of the soul.
\Ve believe that all men are bound
to sustain and uphold the respective
governments in which they reside,
while protected in their inherent and
inalienable rights by the laws of such
governments, and that sedition and re-
hellion are unbecoming every citizen
thus protected, and should be punished
accordingly; and that all governments
have a right to enact such lav/s as m
their own judgments are best calcula-
ted to secure the public interest, at the
same time, however, holding sacred
the freedom of conscience.
We believe that every man should
be honored in his station: rulers and
magistrates as such — being placed for
the protection of the innocent and the
punishment of the guilty: and that to
the laws all men ov.'e respect and de-
ference, as v/ithout them peace and
harmony would be supplanted by anar-
chy and terror: human laws being in-
stituted for the express purpose of reg-
ulating our interests as individuals and
nations, between man and man,
and divine laws given of heav-
en, prescribing rules on spiritual
concerns, for faith and worship, both
to be answered by man to his Maker.
We believe that rulers, states and
governments have a right, and are
bound to enact laws for the protection
of all citizens in the free exercise of
their religious belief; but we do not be-
lieve that they have a right, in justice,
to deprive citizens of this privilege, ot'
proscribe them in their opinions, so
long as a regard and reverence ig
shown to the laws, and such religious
opinions do not justify sedition nor
conspiracy.
We believe that the commission of
crime should be punished according to
the nature of the offence: that murder,
treason, robbery, theft and the breach
of the general peace, in all respects,
should be punished according to their
criminality and their tendency to evil
among men, by the laws of that gov-
ernment in which the ofienco L? com*
164
MESSENGER AKD ADVOCATE*
mitted: and for the public peace and
tranquility, all men should stepforr/ard
and use their ability in bringing offen-
ders, against good lav/s, to punish-
ment.
We do not believe it just to mingle
religious influence with civil govern-
ment, \yhereby one religious society is
fostered and another proscribed in its
spiritual privileges, and the individual
rights of its members, as citizens, deni-
ed.
We believe that all religious, socie-
ties have a right to deal vi'ith their
members for disorderly conduct ac-
cording to the rules and regulations of
Euch societies, provided that such deal-
ing be for fellowship and good stand-
ing; but we do not believe that any re-
ligious society has authority to try
men on the right of pro])erty or life, to
take from them this world's goods, or
put them in jeopardy, eillier life or limb,
neither to inflict any physical punish-
ment upon them, — ihey can only ex-
communicate them from their society
and withdra'vu from their fellowship.
'We believe that men should appeal
to the civil law for redress of all
wrongs and grievances, where person-
al abuse is inflicted, or the right of prop-
erty or character infrin<^ed, where
such la vv's exist as will protect the same;
but we believe that all n:en arejustified
in defendinc: themselves, their friends
and propeity, and the government,
from the unlav.ful assaults and encroach-
ments of all perhons, in times of ex-
igencies, where immediate appeal cannot
be made to the laws, and relief afibrd-
ed.
We believe it just to preach the gos-
pel to the nations of the earth, and
warn the righteous to save themselves
from the corruption of the v/orld; but
we do not believe it right to interfere
with bond-servants, neither preach the
gospel to, not baptize them, contrary to
the wiM and wish of their masters, nor
to meddle with, or influence tliern in the
least to cause them to be dissatisfied
with their situations in this life, there-
by jeopardizing the lives of men: such
interference we believe to be unlawful
and unjust, and dangerous to the peace
of every government allowing human
beings to be held in servitude.
A hymn was then sung. President
S. Rigdon returned thanks, after whi i
the assembly was blessed by tha Prejt-
dency, with uplifted hands, & dismissed..
OLIVER
SIDNEY
OLIVER COVVDERY, '( p ,.
EY RIGDON, X^'-^^^s-
Thomas Bur DICK, ")
Warren Parrish, > Clerks.
Sylvester Sjuth,
We deem it unnecessarv t(j eursue
the subject of visions very lengthily, as
the bible is so full and clear on it, as
to render it only necessary to excite
the mind of the inquirer after truth to
it, and he will see for himself, the of-
fice which is assigned unto visions in
the salvation of men.
It will not, I presume, be allowed,
by those v;ho profess to believe in rev-
elations, that the apostles could not
have taught the world the things of
righteousness, unless they had obtained
visions through v/hich they could h.ave
the knowledge necessary to perform
this great work, and that without vis-
ions they could not have obtained this
knowledge.
The degree of knowledge, which is
proposed in the bible to those who em-
brace the go?pel cannot be obtained by
any person or person^, without visions,
and more [.aiticulariyin the iastdays,as
they were to be the days of light and
knowledge; to an unparalleled degree,
even so great was to be the knowledge
of the last days as to dry up all the
tears of sorrow, and drain ail the foun-
tains of sickness, and leave the inhab-
itants of the world in peace and health.
If we aj-k, how are these gremt bles-
sings to be attained? The answer is,
through an increase of knov/ledge and
intelijgence, and if we ask by what
means the people are to obtain this
knowledge? The answer is, through
visions; for it is by visions, that
the knowledge of (tocI shall cover the
earth, as the waters cover the face of
the great deep.
When this day of knowledge and in-
telliarence comes, all the causes of
o ^
sickness, disease and sorrow, will be
found out, and removed, so that through
the intelligence and knowledge obtained
by means of visions, all the blessings
of heaven proposed to the subjects of
the gospel in the last days shall be re-
alized. If sickness and diseases ever
ccfise among men, there r.uist be more
knowledge on earth than there is now;
and if there is an end to sorrow and
crying, there must be a great increase
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
m
of intelliojonce, from what there ever
has been; for to talk about the earth
resting from all her affliction, v/ithout
obtaining a knowledge of the cause of
all the evils which afflict her, is to
think and talk most unreasonably;
for the reason that the heavens are
not afflicted is because of the great in-
telligence, and perfect knowledge
which abounds there. And if the earth
ceases to be afflicted, it will be because
of the mcreased inteiligence which will
abound on her surface; knowledge
sutFicient to understand the causes of
all evils, and through this knowledge,
power to remove them.
It would be enthusiasm to perfection
to even think of the removal of all the
evils which afflict the world, without
the oeoule in the first instance under-
1 t
standing t!ie cause of those evils, and
through this understanding, obtain the
removal of them; for it to be other-
wise, would be to save the world in
blindness, and make isrno ranee the
mother of devotion; and who does not
know that this knowledge is alone at-
tainable by visions and revelatioiis; far
the world has experimented on the evils
which afflict her for the space of near-
ly sis thousand years, Vv'ithout being
able to make these discoveries, and we
have no reason to expect that six'lhou-
sand years to come will make it any
better, unless the (4oJ of heaven takes
it in hand himself arid accomplishes
the work, by giving to the people vis-
ions and revelations sufficient to under-
stand all these things and remove them;
for notwithstanding ail thinirs are to be
done by faith, yet, it v.'ould be impos-
sible for a man to have faith without
intelligence, as it would be, for him to
have this natural life without blood,
and intelligence produces faith, and
faith produces intelligence, and faiili
and intelligence produce knowledge,
and knowledge perfects faith, and thus
they nlutually assist and advance each
other until they are all perfected, and
visions and revelations, are their con-
stant companiitns, and without them,
intelligence, faith, or knowledge could
not be perfected.
From the whole surface of the sub-
ject as it now lays before us, the con-
clusion is inevitable, that without vis-
ions, the blessings proposed in the
scriptures to the saints of the last days
can never be enjoyed.
It is necessary to observe in this
place that, if there are visions, there
must of necessity be manifestations
also; for if angels did not manifest them-
selves, there would be no seeing of an«
gels in visions, and if there were no
maifestations of the Son, the Saviour of
of the world, there would be no seeing
of him in visions, and if there were no
maifestations of the Father there would
be no seeing of him in visions, so tliat
without manifestations, visions would
loose all their glory. If the Lord the
king of glory had never manifested
himself, the eyes of Isaiah would never
have beheld him, neither v/ould he
have seen him high and lifted up, and
his Icain filling the temple: and if the
Sa\^ff had never maniiCoted himself
after his ascension, Paul would never
have seen him so as to be a witness
for him, neither would Stephen have
said in the very article of death, "That
I see the heavens open and the Son of
man sitting ori the right hand of power,'
neither would it ever have been said
by the prophet Joel and confirmed and
re-promulgated by Peter, that in the
last davs God would pour out his spir-
it on all fiesh, and sons and daughters
would prophecy, old men ch'eam dreams
and young ones see visions.
From the faregoing we learn that
the offlcs v/hich is assigned to the saints
in the s-ilvation of tlicir fellow men,
does not consist alone .in their going
forth durinsr the davs of their fiesh to
preach, and testify to their fellow m.eji
of the things of God; but also after
they leave this v.'orld to enjoy another
state of being, to manifest themselves
to their brethren, who are in the flesh,
and who have the testimony of Jesus,
and to administer unto them, and to
make them acquainted with those things
which pertain to the kingdom of God,
and to be ministering spirits unto them
who are the heirs of salvation. This
ministration of the angels or messen-
gers, who Vv'ere once in the fiesh, is to
those who are heirs of salvation, and
who are approved of in the sight of
(jod: the rea-.jon that they do not ap-
pear to the sectarian world i"j, because
they are not approbated in the sight of
heaven, not heirs of savation, for they
are miru'stering spirits sent forth to
minister to them who are heirs of sal-
vation, not to them who are not the
heirs of salvation; but to them who are.
When a society of people denies tho
miaistering of angels, they declare vir*'
ie0
MESSENGER AND- ADVOCATE,
tuallv that they are not heirs of salvation.
It also belongs to the work of the
Savior to manifest himself to the saints,
in order that they may be %yitnesses
for him to those v/ho believe not that
they may be made acquainted with his
glory also. Thus says Paul in the 1st
epistle to the Corinthians 15: 1,2,354,5,
6,7 and 8th verses. Therefore, breth-
ren,! declare unto you the gospel which
I preached unto you, which also ye have
received, and wherein ye stand; by
which also ye are saved, if ye keep
in memory v/hat I preached unto you,
unless you have belived in vain. For
I declare unto you first of all, that
which I also received, how that Christ
died for our sins, according W^the
scriptures: and that he was buried, and
that he rose again the third day, ac-
cording to the scriptures: and that he
was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:
after that he was seen of above five
hundred brethren at once, of whom the
greater part remain unto this present;
but some are fallen asleep. After that
be was seen of James; then of cU the
apostles. And last of all he was seen
of me also as one born out of due time.
This quotation puts the matter be-
yond a doubt, that part of the Savior's
work in the salvation of men was, to
manifest himself to them after his res-
urrection and ascension, and to shew
hinaself after his passion, not to all the
world; but to v/itnesses chosen of God,
who appear to have been very numer-
ous among the former day saints, for
not only the apostles, but the multitude
of brethren, even five hundred at once,
and how many more at other times it
is not our province t© say at present;
but no doubt vast multitudes; for as he
was without respect of persons, he
could doubtless deal with all alike, and
if so, he manifested himself to the saints
according' to their faith and holiness be-
fore him. — (concluoeb.)
LO, THE DAYS COME, &c.
The appearance of our country is
truly alarming. Every mail brings
new accounts of mobs and riots; great
fires, and other destructions, of life and
property. Particulars are unnecessary.
Repentance, deep repentance must
take place in this nation, or the Lord
will continue to scourge our once de-
lightful country, and vex her exalted
inhabitants with sore vexation. A land
af liberty; a community of law; a re-
gion of light; a people that profess tq-
be christian, must maintain the dignity
they have assumed and proclaimed to
the world, by righteous acts, or else-
they must fall and fester in their owa
infamy. As men, as citizens, as saints^
let us hope for the best''^nd prepare for
the worst, ever mindful of the wise
man's saying: "Virtue exalteth a na-
tion but sin is a reproach to any peo-
ple." ' F.
Messeasger esid A«lvocate.
KIRTLAND, OHIO, AUGUST, 1S35.
Frovi the letters of the Elders abroad
7ve make the folloioing extracts: —
Elder C. Rich writes from Tazwell
CO. III. "I have just returned from
the north pait of this state, where I
have been laboring in company with.
Elder M. Phelps for a few weeks past.
Vv'^e were opposed by the missionaries:
but succeeded in establishing a churcii
in Cook CO. comprising nine members.
I have baptized one since my arrival
at home; and there are more enquir-
ing, and are friendly to the cause of
truth."
Elders L, Rich' and R. Orton, write
from Cambria, N. Y.. July 22. "It is
about five weeks since we left Kirtland,
O. and have baptized ten, since w&
have come to this place. We expect
to baptize a number next Loid's day,
v.'ho have maniiested their determina-
tions in public: Thus grows and
spreads the mighty work of God. We
feel as men but in the strength of the.
Lord, we are resolved to blow the gos-
pel trumpet. ,, Elder L. Rich has re-
turned to this place and says he and
R. Orton have baptized nine since they
last wrote."
Elder J. Blake slcy writes from
Woodville, N. Y. That four have
been baptized in that place since the
15th of June. The elders of that place
have held a conference: and have
selected and appointed v^'jse men to pur-
chase lands for their inheritances ac-
cording to a revelation given Kirtland,,
Ohio, December 1834.
Elder A. Babbit writes from Aurora^
Erie co. N. Y. July 22. "I have
been preaching in this place and in Ni-
agara, and last Sabbath at Rushford,
and baptized five in all.
Elder E. H. Groves writes from
Carmi, IlL July 4. "I left the church
in Chariton co. III. in cornpany with
xME.SSENGER, AND ADVOCATE.
IST
Elder I. Higbee, on the liOth of Apvil,
and arrived at McLeansburgh on the
4th of May. We have been preaching
in this region of country and the Lord
has blessed our labors: We have bap-
tized 45 in the counties of Hamilton
and White: all were strong in the
faith."
Elder G. M. Ilinkle writes from
Green co. la. July 20. "I would in-
form you that I have travelled and
preached some time in the vicinity of
Sullivan and Green counties, and have
baptized seven."
Elders C. W. Patten and G. P.
Dykes, write from Edwards co. 111.
Aug, 3d. "Saying that they have bap-
tized 45 in that co.
Elder S. Wixom writes from Lew-
iston, 111. Aug. 4. He says, "that he
has been laboring in that place and vi-
cinity about three weeks, and has bap-
tized one — many are convinced of the
truth, and are enquiring after the old
paths; some are hindered by those who
have authority over them. Brethren,
pray that the Lord may loose the sha-
kles of priestcraft and let the cavtives
go free: that he that will may come
and partake of the waters of life free-
ly."
Elder J. P. Green writes from Hun-
tington, Con. Aug. 12. He has trav-
elled and preached and baptized 10,
since May last.
The twelve write from Bradford,
Mass. Aug. 7. "Our conference in
St. Johnsbury, Vt. was attended by a
goodly number of brethren and sisters
from different parts. The limits of
this conference extends throughout the
State, and the number belonging to it,
as near! 3'' as we could ascertain, was
one hundred and fifty members, in
good standing and fellowship.
"On Saturday our meeting was at-
tended by a respectable number of peo-
ple. After a sermon was delivered by
Elder O. Hyde and exhortation by El-
der Lyman Johnson, six came forward
to obey the everlasting gospel. Sun-
day, we had, as was judged, fi:om one
thousand to fifteen hundred people, to
hear the toord preached by Elders Mc-
Lellin and P. P. Pratt; after which
two came forward for baptism, which
was administered by Elder L. John-
son. A great and effectual door is o-
pen for proclaiming the gospel in the
East. Where intelligence dwells,
there truth is received, but where ig-
reigns.
truth is an unwelcome
things
noranc
guest.
"Elder G. Bishop has been tried be-
fore us, and was acquitted; the charge
on which he was suspended, not bemf
sustained. But there were some things
in his t-eaching conduct, &c. for which
the council chastised him, and he in-
stead of confessing his faults, arose and
justified himself. We saw that he was
likely to cleave to the same
still; therefore, we took his iisence,
O. Hyde, Clk."
Br. A. C Graves writes from Lib-
erty, Mo. July 29. "and says, thft
church is reviving, 22 have been bap
tized mostly children.
"Elder William Legg died on the
24th inst., strong in the faith of the
Latter Day Saints." We understand
that Elder Legg was about 30 years of
age; was born in England, and had, in
his earlier days, followed a sea fareing
life. He was a man of piety and vir-
tue, ever ready to reach out the hand
of charity to the needy and distressed,
showing the reality of his profession
by his faith: by his decease the church
has been deprived of a most exampla-
ry elder, and society a worthy citizen
— he has left a young widow to lament
his departure. We hope, that like tho
mantle of Elijah upon EHsha. his gifts
and qualifications may fall upon oth-
erp.
Elder W, Parish writes: Kirtland,
Aug. 13, 1835. "Dear Brother in
Christ: — I am happy to inform you,
that through the blessmg of God, I
have returned from my mission'in the
South, in company with Seth Utley, a.
visiting brother from the church in
West Tenn. and in the enjoyment of
common health. The Lord in his good-
ness has smiled upon us and crowned
our labors beyond our anticipation. —
On the 23d of July last, after deliver-
ing a lecture on the subject of the gos-
pel, to a large and respectable congre-
gation, assembled on the banks of the
Tennessee River, I opened the door
for baptism and received one member;
I then took the pa rting Jiand with my
brethren and sisters, (who were over-
whelmed in tears,) commending thena
to God in the name of Jesus Christ —
The church in that vicinity consists of
86 members, organized into six branch-
es which I left under the superintend-
ance of Elder VV. Woodruff. Brother
D. W. Patten and myself, I believe,
JC8
MESSENGER AN'D ADVOCATE.
were the first that opened the gospel
kingdom in the western district of
Tennessee, in the month of October
last; the adversary and his votaries
wei'e immediately disturbed; the hea-
then raged, and the people imagined
many vain things;. but the honest in
heart have, and v/iil believe, and obey;
and mighty truth will triumph, and roll
on until Christ's kingdom becomes uni-
versal. I expect when God calls upon
the South to give up, that many will
come with songs of everlasting joy to
rejoice with rne, and all the saints in
the kingdom of our heavenly Father.
Even so let it be. Amen."
TIME.
It becomes the saints in these last
days, to be prudent, for time is pre-
.cious, and should be used with discre-
tion, that we may shov/ ourselves ap-
proved in all tilings. But according to
the management o'l the affairs of the
church of Latter Day Saints, there is
much evil done, and many difficulties
presenting themselves before the hifjh
council and bishoi)'3 council, iti conse-
quence of the neglect of the laws of
God. Who is to binme? Are the
Elders, because they do not properly
instruct those v.'ho are looking to them
for inff::iation? Or is it for want of
perusing the scriptures and becoming
familiar with them? Or is it to grati-
fy ssKish motives'? These que^:,tions
are left to ue sfilved by those who are
concsi'ned.
But to avoid difnculties for the future;
we will endeavor to give a few instruc-
tions, for the go'id of all, who desire to
become wise and save themselves from
utter destruction; not only temporal but
spiritual. Thereiore, "if thy brother
ofTend thee, thou sh ilt take him be-
iVv-'een him and thee alone; and if he
confess thou shalt be reconciled and if
he confess not, thou shalt take another
v/ith thee; and then if he confess not,
thou shalt deliver him up unto the
churcl), not to the members but lo the
Elders." This is in case of ofience;
and should this pattern be followed
strictly, many serious difficulties would
'be avoided; and much time saved.
But in case a man becomes an offen-
der of the law, he must be dealt with
according to law: "Thus if a man
shall rob, he shall be delivered up
unto the law. And if he shall steal he
shall be delivered up unto the law. —
And if he lie, he sliall be delivered up
unto the law. And if he do any man-
ner of iniquity, he shall be delivered up
Linto the law, even th-it of God." Not
only so, but if a disciple becomes an of-
fender of the law of the land, let him
suffer the penalty of the same. For
this church is not intended to cloak sins,
and misdemeanor, but to make them
manifest, and bring offenders to pun-
ishment.
What more need be said, concerning
offences or transgressions'? Search the
scriptures which you have before you;
and practice upon them — and pray for
miore wisdom and undei standing.
That you may be prepared, to receive
and practice upon the revelations and
conim'^.ndmcnts, that will soon be pub-
lished and sent forth to this genera-
tion: which will prove a savor of life
unto life, or of death unto death: ac
cording to the use made o! them into
whose hands tliey may fall. There-
fore be ware how you esteem the things
of God: ''Lay up for yourselves
treasures in heaven, where moth and
rust doth not corrupt and thieves do
not break through and steal, remem-
ber where your trea>;ures are your
hearts will be also." You cannot swerve
God and mammon. Time is alluttL-d to
man to prepare for eternitv.
it matters not h;'W much time we
employ in obtaining a knowledge of
the commandments and precepts of
God; if wo do not uractico tiseni, they
v/ili avail us n :thin? in the dav of ac-
o
counts: but will serve to bring upon us
greater misery. And surely this would
not be making a wise, improvement of
lime. The mind of man is continual-
ly emploved on some subject, and time
properly dcvotad tog-tiitr with truth, can
alone unt'old things as the}- were, as
they are, and as they are to come.
PRAYER.
Prayer to the Lord is one of the
most pleasing and necessary acts of
worship. To enter into the closs^t and
shut tb.e door, and pray to the Father
of all good, in secret, and then be re-
warded openly, is so joyous, so hea-
venly, and so saintly — that we can on-
ly marvel at the goodness and mercy
of Him who sees, and knows; and was,
and is, eternally. Religion is no-
thing without prayer, worship is no-
hing without prayer, and man is no-
hing without prayer. In ail ages, the
MESSENg:-ER and At?VOCATi!.
!<5f
saints, that v/ere humble before the
Lord, liavc prayed, openly and io se-
cret. In the book of Mornion, we learn
'The
ere lore
that Alma taught thus:
m.Tv God grant unto you, my bretiiren,
without being burned; or stop the mouths
of iions; or [)ut the armies of the aliens
to tiiglit; Of ctist out d*.'viis, it v/i;l ba
because we preiy, in spirit and in truth,
acceptably — and our prayers are re-
Ihat ye might begin to exercise your gistered in heaven; then the Lord will
faith unto repentance, that ye begin to
call upon his holy name, that he would
have mercy upoii' you; yea, cry unlo
him form^-rcy, for he is mighty to save;
yea, humble yourselves, and continue
in [.>rayer urito him; cry unto him when
you are in your fields; yea, over all
your flocks; cry unto him in your ileu-
ses; yea, over all your household, both
morning, mid-day and evening; yea,
cry unto him against the power of your
enemies; yea, cry unto him against the
^jevil which is an enemy to ail right-
eousness." Without quoting farther
from this pure Example, let us remark,
that few men have left a belter speci-
men for the saint to foilow, as a sam-
ple of daily worship. It is simple; it is
<!asy; it is holy, and it is necessary, in
order to be forgiven of our sins; to be
justified before the Lord; to I e humble;
to be virtuous; lo be faithiul; to be dili-
gent; to be tern, erate; to be charitable;
to be holy — that we may become pirre
in heart. The just shall live by failh.
and the prayers of the righteous avail
much. "Now when Daniel knew that
the writing was signed, he went into
his house, and his windo\ys being open
in his chamber, toward Jerusalem, he
kneeled upon his knees TKr.EETi.MES a
DAY, and prayed and gave thanks be-
fore his (iod, as he did aforetime:" and
the lionb' mouths were shut, so that
Daniel received no harm.
Now what saint ever thought of be-
ing heard in heaven and an>:v.ered on
earth, unless he prayed in faith? Who
expects miracles without the prayer of
fiiith? Who can heal the sick without
the prayer of faith? Who can obtain
b!e-)sings without asking for them? —
Yea, did the Lord ever bless unless he
was sought unto, in huinility, with clean
hands, and p>ure heart^'? No; nor will
he: He knows what we stand in need
of before we ask, and wh;'n our humil-
ity, our contrition, our works, our
hearts, oui' thoughts, and our failh,
come up to God as a sweet savor, he
grant ; our requests, and the angels and
all the hjavenly hosts rejoice. If we
ever come up to the privileges of the
ancient saints; or, if we ever find favor
with God, so as to walk in the fire
be as free to bless, as the sninfs are
humble to pray; and the land will flow
with miik and honey; peace will be ex-
tended as a river, and no good thing
will be withiield.
All disci'ples are commanded to re-
iDember their prayers in the scasoir
thereot";and if they do not, they are to
be called to an account for their ne-
glect before the proper authorities of
the chuich. In St. John's gospel we
learn, that when the Savior sees his
saints again, in that day, he will pray
the Father for them, because the Fa-
ther loves them.
When the love of God fills the heart
of a saint, he will pray, — and God will
hear, and the blessings of heaven will
come to him as softly and as sweetly
as the zephyrs of even. Where there
is humiiit}, and faith, and prayer, the
Lord delights to bless. Mark the fam-
ily where the father prays in public and
in private; v»here the mother prays in
public and in piivate; where the chil-
dren pray in public and in private;
where the words of God are held in sa-
cred reverence; where the sweet in-
cense of all hearts in the house, in pray-
er and praise, go up to heaven morn-.
ing, noon and night, and there peace
reigns; and there joy reigns; and there
conter.tment reigns; and there Jesus
reignsi
How much like heaven it seems to
see little children kneeling and praying:
yea, how sweet is the sound, and how
pure the accents of a babe, calling on
the maker of his frame, for the bless-
ing of health, peace, and protection,
betorc it is old enough to be tempted by
t-atanl Parents! teach your little ones
to pray; that they may remain in the
kingdom fii'the Lord, and grow in gra^o
and glory, fill a day of righteousness
shall come, when children can be bro't
up before their parents, and their Sa-
vior, without sin unto salvation.
In one of the revelations to the church
of Latter Day Saints, is found this im-
portant instruction:
"Inasmuch as paronts have children in Zi-
on, or in any of hc?r stakes which are organi-
z ;d, that teacli them not to understand tha
doctrine of repentance; faith in Christ tha
Son of Lb3 living God; cjid of *M^'-i&ai sad
s?o
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE,
"^egift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on
of the hands, when eight years old, tliesni be
upon the head of the parents, for this shall
fee a law unto th« inhabitants of Zion, or in
any of her stakes which are organized: and
their children shall be baptized for the remis-
sion of their sins when eight years old, and
(deceive the laying on of tiie hands: and they
ehall also teach their children to pray, and to
walk uprightly before the Lord. And the in-
habitants of Zion shall also observe the Sab-
bath day to keep it holy. And the inhabi-
tants of Zion, also, shaii remember their la-
bors, inasmuch as they are appointed to la-
bor, in all faithfulness, for the idler shall be
had in remembrance before the Lord. Now
I the Lord am not well pleased with the in-
habitants of Zion, for there are idlers among
them; and their children are also growing up
in wickedness: They also seek not earnestly
the riches of eternity, but their eyes are full
of greediness."
This is good instruction, and let us
profit by it; let us bring up our children
to pray; and praise the Lord. If we
seta good example before our children,
the world may follow it, for no one is
so lost to a sense of glory, and things
to come, that he would think that pray-
er would do any hurt, if he even had
no faith in its doing any good, and so
the love of prayer might win a soul to
God. Says the apostle, "Continue in
prayer, and watch in the same with
thanksgiving;" yea, brethren, watch
and pray always, that ye fall not into
temptation. Tongue is unable to express
the consolation derived from prayer.
We profess to worship a God that
hears and answers prayer. We call
upon a God nigh at hand, and not afar
off, and how necessary is it, that all
should pray in faith, and in spirit, and
in truth? We say in spirit, as the
apostle, because "the spirit helps our
infirmities:" for we know not what we
should pray for at all times, but the
spirit makes intercession.
But beware of making long prayers,
and of thanking God that you are not
like other men, like the pretending
Pharisee, lest you offend your benefac-
tor. Remember the humble Publican:
'■^God be merciful to me a sinner!^'' —
Give the Lord your heart, and he will
give you a treasure in heaven — where
your heart may be also. P,
DOCTRINE AND COVENANTS.
By an article entitled "General As-
sembly," in this month's paper, it will
be seen that the Doc'rine and Cove-
nants o.f the Chnrch of Latter Day
Saiats, is nearly ready for sale. At
any rate it may be expected in the
bourse of b month, a<5 one thousand
copies have already been delivered to
the binder.
Since the commencement of this
work, even in Missouri, where, just
before it was ready to come out, it fell
into the hands of a mob, our anxiety
and exertions have been unabated, to
put in the possession of the Saints, and
all who feel a desire to be saved. We
have greatly desired that this little sa-
cred volume might go into the world,
that the inhabitants thereof might
know what the Lord was about to do in
the last days. We know that the word
of the Lord is sure, and never fails,
and, as faithful servants to him, living
in the hope of a glorious resurrection
with the justwhen the righteous arise
to meet him in the cloud, we bear testi-
mony that the revelations therein con-
tained are true and faithful.
We hope and pray that the Saints
may be as anxious to keep the com-
mandments, and be governed by the
Doctrine and Covenants, contained in
said book, as they have been for its
publication: if they do observe all the
requirements towards perfecting them-
selves in holiness, that they may serve
the Lord acceptably with "clean hands
and pure hearts," it will be well with
(hem: but if they neglect to walk in all
the ordinances of the Covenants and
law of the Lord blameless, they must
be chastened. The righteous shall be
had in everlasting remembrance before
the Lord, but the ungodly shall be cut
off and forgotten; and their end no
man knoweth, save he that is ordained
to such condemnation. IP.
• PERSECUTION.
Few men in our day know of the
extreme persecution the ancient saints
endured for the sake of the gospel of the
Lord Jesus. Paul, who also suffered
death for the testimony v.'hich he bore,
has given us to understand that those v.'ho
live godly in Christ Jnsus shall sufier
persecution, and the author of the epis-
tle to the Flebrev/s has mentioned tho
fact, that those who lived before him,
were under the necessity of excluding
themselves from society, and wander
in dens and caves of the earth.
The following from "Fox's history
of the Martyrs," may not be uninter-
esting to the readers of the Messenger
and Advocate, as it will give us an
idea of the unanimity of the enemies
of truth, and tho eagerness to deprive
MESSENGER ANDAbVOOATE.
Hi
the saints of theirprivileges and rights.
C.
Clisip. "¥1.
FROM THE BEGGINNTNG OF
THE FOURTH CENTURY TO
THE DEATH OF GALE-
RIUS.
We have been in some measure pre-
pared for the awful scene which began
to display itself at the commencement
of the next century. The conflict was
dreadful, but the conquest was glori-
ous. For the human powers being
first subdued by the influence of the
christian doctrines, <vere at last com-
pelled to become its protectors. But
the furious wind of persecution was
first to be once more raised, to purge
away the remaining rubbish from the
church, and winnow the chaff, by driv-
ing it to a distance from the genuine
grain. It was declared impossible to
describe particularly "the vast assem-
blies, the numerous congregations, and
the multitudes, that thronged in every
city to embrace the faith of Christ. —
Spacious churches vi'ere erected from
the very foundations, throughout all
cities of the empire." But impieties
and jealousies intruded themselves to
the annoyance of the church, and
schisms and divisions were productive
of mischiefs, which were the occasion
of great disturbances. The depriva-
tion of Meletius, bishop of Lycopolis,
of Thebais in Egypt, for sacrificing to
idols and other crimes, disdoining to
recant to cover his disgrace, dissemin-
ated many calumnies against Peter,
bishop of Alexandria, and the other
•bishops assembled in a synod, as shew-
ing too great indulgence in the restora-
,tion of apostates. But Hierocles the
philosopher, now governor of Alexan-
dria, who wrote against certain preten-
ded inconcistencies of the Christian re-
ligion, and Galerius IMaximian, who
liad been nominated Cresai-, by the em-
peror, a most zealous and superstitious
Pagan and hostile to the Christians,
instigated thereunto by his mother,
prevailed upon Dioclesian to form a
system of persecution against them, to
which the emperor was greatly adverse,
but at last consulted his judges, and
likewise the oracles of AppoUo. Yet
still his advice was to exercise modera-
tion, whilst Galerius maintained the
necessity of burning them alive. The
day was at last fixed when the bloody
scene was to commence.
The church of the Christians was
the first place visited by the prefect
and his officers in the morning of the
day, when the doors were forced, and
the first search was to find the irnacre
of their god. When they could find
none, the sacred books and other things*
were cast into the fire, so that every
place was at once filled with force and
violence. Dioclesian overruled the
proposal for burning the church; but
it was soon levelled with the ground.
By an edict of the following day all
churches were ordered to be demolish-
ed, and the scriptures to be burned; and
all Christians were interdicted from
honors and officers, put out of the pro-
tection of the law, deprived of right by
means of any suit, and no rank or dig-
nity should exempt them from torture.
This was immediately torn down by a
Christian, for which he was seized and
cruelly tormented, and afterwards
burned alive. Another edict ordered
all the bishops to be imprisoned, and
every means to be used to compel them
to sacrifice. All this did not satisfy
the bloody-minded Galerius. The im-
perial palace, by his direction, was se-
cretly set on fire, and charged upon the
Christians. It was repeated, and a re-
port was propagated, that the Christians
had conspired with the eunuchs to mur-
der the emperors; which had the de-
signed effect, and Dioclesian in his fu-
ry resolved to compel every person to
sacrifice, beginning with his daughter
and empress. Many of the eunuchs
and first-rate courtiers were put to
death: amongst whom were Dorotheus,
Gorgonius, and Peter, this last endur-
ing courageously all their tortures,
scourgings, gridirons, and fires. Ma-
ny presbyters and deacons were seized,
and, without requiring any manner of
proof, condemned and executed. An-
thimus, bishop of Nicomedia, was be-
headed, with whom a great number of
martyrs were joined. Mr. Echard re-
lates, that "no regard was had to age,
sex, or order; not contented with sin-
gle executions, whole houses full were
burned at once, and droves tied togeth-
er with ropes, thrown into the sea,
with milstones about their necks. The
persecution was not confined to Njco-
media; for tfie judges were sent to all
temples to force people to sacrifice, and
prisons were every where crowded,
and unheard of torments invented, —
That none but Pagans should have tb»
benefit of the law, they placed altars in
tiie very courts of judicature, where
every person was obliged to sacrifice
before he could plead. New edicts
were dally sent into cities and provin-
ces; so that in a short time the perse-
cution spread through most of the em-
pire, and became almost universal. —
Multitudes of martyrs were made in all
parts of the empire. The deaths were
iiinumcrable, far exceeding all former
relations. Some were beheaded, as in
Arabia; some devoured by wild beasts,
as in Phoenicia; others slain by break-
ing their legs, as in Cappadocia; some
Were hung up with their heads down-
wards, and suffocated by slow fires, as
in Mesopotamia; and others were
broiled upon gridirons, as in Syria. —
In Pontus,some had sharp reeds thrust
up under all their naiis; others had
melted lead poured upon their naked
skin, which ran down and burned the
most necessary parts of their bodies;
while others, without any commisera-
tion, endured such obscene tortures as
are unfit to be related, which the im-
pious judges used as a demonstration
of the acuteness of their wit, as if the
greatness of that consisted in the most
unnatural inventions."
Add to these the torments which the
persecuted Christians endured in Egypt,
where "infinite numbers of men, wo-
men, and chile ren, suffered various
kinds of deaths; some of whom, after
their flesh had been torn off with tor-
turing irons, after they had been rack-
ed, and most cruelly scourged, and sus-
tained the most horrible torments, were
committed to the fire, and others drown-
ed inlhe sea. Othersome cheerfullyot-
fered their necks to the executioners;
some died under their tortures, others
perished with hunger. Again, others
were crucified, some according to the
ordinary manner of malefactors, and
others were nailed with their heads
downwards, and left to die by famine.
In the province of Thebais, the tor-
ments and indignities surpass all rela-
tion; instead of torturing irons, being
torn with sharp shell's all over their
bodies till they ex[)ired. VVomen v/ere
tied by one oftheir feet, and by engines
hoisted up into thn air with their heads
downwards, and their bodies, being
entirely naked, were made a most de-
testable and inhuman spectacle. 0th-
ers< were tied up by the feet to great
boughs and trees, violently forced to-
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
gether by machines, which, being let
go, in a moment rent the bodies of
the martyres all in pieces. This con-
tinued for the space of whole years;
sometimes no more than ten, at other
times above twenty, were destroyed;
sometimes not less than thirty, at oth-
ers near sixty; and agam at another
time a hundred men together, with very
small children and women, were exe-
cuted in one day, being condemned to
various and mterchanj^eable kinds of
punishments. In Phr\gia,the soldiers
invested a populous city, consisting all
of Christians; and setting fire tu it,
rnen, women, and chidren, while calling
upon God were all consumed in the
flames."
When the governors of provinces
were weary with slaughter, and glut-
ted, as it were, with the blood of the
Christians, an affectation of clemency
and humanity was ostentatiously dis-
played by some of them. We have
not alluded to the vast numbers of pre-
lates, bishops, and clergy, who suffered
in this persecution, far too many to be
distinctly named. But they afterwards
contented themselves witii discourag-
ing the Christians, and making them
miserable in life by "setting marks of
iniamy upon them. Accordingly some
had their ears, noses, or hands cut off,
oihers their eyes put out, and one of
their legs dissabled." The noted ec-
clesiastical historian of that period
says, "it is impossible to reckon up the
innumerable niultitudes of the Chris-
tians, who had their rigiit eyes put out,
and seared v.^ith a hot iron, and of those
who had their leit legj made useless by
torturing instruments; after which they
were condemned to the mines, not so
much for the service they could do, as
for the miseries they should endure. —
All kinds of arts were made use of to
eradicate Christianity, and the greatest
care was taken, but in vain, to destroy
the holy scriptures. But the Chris-
tians thronrjed to the tribunals ot their
judges, freeiy declaring their opinions
and religion, despising the barbarity
of their enp.mies, and receiving their
last sentences with a smile. Yet as
some pressed too forwards to death
and torments, so others leaped from
the tops oi" houses to avoid the malice
of their enemies. Some ladies of An-
tioch drowned themselves to escape
ravishment by tho soldiers. Yet some
from fear, culpably delivered up their
AfESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
iff
bibles; and too many, to avoid tor-
ments, apostatized. But far the great-
est part behaved themselves so man-
fiilly. that neither I'ears nor charms'
had any influence to prevent thein from
giving undeniable evidences of their
fortitude. Donatus, in particular, must
be mentioned by name, who endured
torments nine several times from three
different governors. Maximian, also,
willingly joined with Dioclesian and
Galerius in these cuelties; and these
three wild beasts exercised their bar-
barities on ail the provinces from east
to west, Gaul alone escaping, where
the mild Constantius governed, being
one of the Csesars, whose mother Clau-
dia was niece to the renowned empe-
ror Claudius 11. who signalized him-
self in the wars against the Goths. —
To satisfy his superiors, he made a
shew of pulling down some of the
Christian churches, without farther
damage; and he once politicly preten-
ded to persecute the Chistians, com-
manding those of his household to do
sacrificw, or quit th(!ir situation. But
those who did so were di^char^Ted in
the greatest di-;grace, declaring gener-
ously, that "men, who were false to
their God, would never be true to their
prince."
To pass over the celebration of the
emperor Dioclesian's Vicennalia, or
twentieth year of his reign, and his
triumphs for his victories, which are
fo'eign from our purpose, we need on-
ly mention that in the first year of the
persecution we meet as martyrs with
the names of Procopius, Alpha?us. and
ZaccheuH in Casarea, and of Roma-
nus in Antioch, who gloriously with-
stood the malice of their perseciutors;
and the second year was raem.oriable
not only for the triumphant death of
Timolaus, Dionysius, Romulus, Aga-
pius, and several others also at Ca:sa-
rea, but of Timothous at Gaza. Mar-
cellinus, bishop of Rome, also suffered
towards the latter end of this year. —
The emperor was now so much reduced
by sickness, on his arrival at Niccme-
dia, where Galerius visited hira, after
being a little recovered, to compel him
to resign the empire; which was ef-
fected, notwithstanding many objec-
tions, when the old emperor declared
this determination to his soldiers with
tears in his eyes, and named lv;o of
the creatures of Galerius, Severus, and
Maiiminus, who were, as wicked and
barbarous as himself. He had before
compelled Maximian to resign tl.e
government of the East, as the only
nieans of preventing a civil war; after
which (he empiie devolved upon Con-*
stantius and Galerius. Their opposite
tempers and dispositions did not pre-
vent thcrn from agreeing to a division
of it; by which Constantius, in addi-
tion to Britian and Gaul, which he be-
fore possessed, had Spain and <.^erma-
ny, with Italy, Sicily, and the greatest
part of Africa; and Galerius had Illyr-
icum, Pannonia, Macedonia, Thrace,
with the provinces of Greece, the les-
ser Asia, with Egypt. Syria, Palestine,
and all the East. Though the share
of Constantius was least, he gave up
Africa and Italy to Galerius; and Ga-
lerius also surrendered these to Seve«
rus, one of his Ca:;sars, and gave up
Egypt, Palestine, and the East, to Max*
imin.
Whilst Constantius reigned in the
hearts of his subjects, and every one
was happy, Galerius treated even his
Pagan subjects with the utmost tyranny"
cinu oppression, exacting his extortions
by the mott violent means; but the
Christians were condemned to tortures,
and in slow fires most inhumanly con-
sumed. "They were first chamed to
a post, then a gentle tire set to the soles
of their feet, which contracted the foot
so that it separated from the bones; thea
(lamleaux just extinguished were appli-
ed to all parts of their bodies, that they
might be tortuted all over; and cruel
care was taken to keep them alive,.
by throwing cold water in tneir faces^
and giving them some to wash their
mouths, lest the extremity of the an-
guish should dry up their throats and
choak them. Thus their miseries were
lengthened out whole da} s, until their
skin was quite consumed, and they
were just ready to expire, when they
were thrown into a great fire, thatlheir
hones might be burned to ashes; after
which the remains were gi'ound to pow-
der-, and thrown into some j*iver.—
With fi-esh rage and cruelty also v/as
the persecution carried on in the East
by the bloody Maximin, who hnd is-
sued out edicts to the governors of
provinces to put in execution the laws
against those who refused to comply
with the public ceremonies of the em-
pire. At Ca^sarea, during the procln-
mation and summons from a public roll
of names, Appbiaai.is, a young gei^tlo-
IH
Messenger and advocate.
man of Lycia, then a scholar of Euse-
bius, pressed through the crowd, and
cau!?ht hold of the hand of Urbanus the
governor, so that he dropped his sac-
rifice, gravely reproving him at the
same time for these impieties." He
was immediately apprehended, and put
to the severest tortures, and thrown
half dead into the sea. His brother
jEdesius, for a similar fact, "suffered
the same kind of martydom at Alexan-
dria, and almost at the same time; not
to mention innumerable others who
gloriously ended their lives."
Yet the resignation of Maximian oc-
casioned a cessation of the persecution
in Italy, Spain, Africa, and their vi-
cinity; after two years continuance. —
This encouraged the bishops and
clergy to assemble ta consider the
measures most advisable to be adopted
for receiving those who had shrunk
irom their profession in the day of tri-
al, and those who had surrendered
their bibles and the consecrated or ap-
propriated vessels of the church. But
the persecution continued to rage in
Egypt, and Peter, . bishop of Alexan-
dria, pubh'shed an excellent canonical
€pist!e, containing many temperate and
charitable rules for 'penance on the one
tiand, and indulgence on the other, as
relating to the various classes of
those who had lapsed. How the young
Constantine, the son of Conslantius,
escaped from the court of Galerius,
where he was kept as a hostage for
his father's fidelity, is foreign to our
history; he happily arrived at York,
in the island of Britain, where his fath-
er lay in a weak and feeble condition,
beyond all recovery. Debilitated as
he was, he received the young Con-
stantine with raptures, to which his
weakness little corresponded, and de-
clared him emperor, particularly re-
commending the poor Christians to his
pity and compassion. His first public
act, after being joyfully received as
emperor of the VVest, was to give the
free liberty of religion to the Chris-
tians. Maximian, who had been forc-
ed to abdicate the government under
Dioclesian, to avoid a civil war, avail-
ed himself of the usurpation of Maxen-
tius, at Rome, who had caused him-
self to be declared emperor, in opposi-
tion to Constantine; an act, which was
not less hostile to the disposition of
Galerius. He soon reduced Maxen-
§«a, but «tili had reason to dread Ga-
lerius, especially if he should unito
with Maximin. Having fortified Rome,
he visited Gaul, and, to strengthen his iti
terest nave his youngest daughter Faus-
ta in raarriaoe to Constantine. Galerius
came against them, as Maximian had
foreseen; but his soldiers, disliking this
urinaiunil war, as they approached
Rome, began to desert, and to convince
him of his danger. He was, there-
fore, compelled to retreat; and Max-
entius, who had before manifested
some signs of compassion for the Chris-
tians, upon this success became inso-
lent both to them and his other sub-
jects, which soon increased to an Intol-
erable tyranny. Severus raised an ar-
my against Maximian also, but v/as
soon defeated and reduced to submis-
sion, though he was afterwards bled to
death; but Maxintius maintained his
usurpation in Rome and Italy, by
means of his army, for six years,
though he soon lost Africa to another
usurper of the name of Alexander.
Though Maximian had a share of
the empire with Maxentius, that did
not satisfy his restless mind. By his
maneeuvres he caused great mischiefs
among the Prretorian soldiers, and he
was ignominiously compelled to leave
Rome. The artifices of his visit to
Galerius, the appointment of a new
Ctesar in the place of Severus, and
the resolute opposition of Maximin
in the East against the appointment of
Liciniusj are somewhat beside our pui'-
pose; but the result was, that Galeri-
us first abolished the title of Ccesar,
and declared himself and Licinius the
proper emperors, that Maxentius and
Constantine had first the title of sons
of the emperors, that Maximin boldlv
assumed the title of Augustus, and
that Constantine and Maxentius soon
after received the same title.
JMaximin speedily discovered his tyrannj^
after this nianitestation of his ambition, fol-
lowing the steps of Maxentius, at Rome, but
surpassing him in impieties. From his ex-
cessive superstition, he more severely perse-
cuted, than even his predecessors. In the cel-
ebration of his birth-day at Cffisarea, the
Christians were made to share in the triunjphs
of the day: and therefore, "Agapias, who had
before been sentenced to the v/ild beasts, was
brought into the ampitheatre, and, being in-
vincible to all persuasions, was delivered to
the mercy of a she-bear, which only left him
so much life, as to be able to survive till the
next day, when, with stones tied to liis feet,
he was thrown into the sea. Not long after,
Eusebius' dear friend, Pamphiius, was appre-
hended & brought before Urbanus, thepres't.
who endavored to turn him by all the arts of
MESSENGER AxND ADVOCATE.
m
insinuation and terror, but in vain; for the
martyr was immovable, and resolutely des-
pised his threatenings. This so enraged the
governor, that lie commanded him to be put
to the acutest tortures; and when they had
mora tlian once raked his sides, and torn otr
his flesh v.'ith iron pincers, he was sent to
keep company with the other confessors in
prison, tlie governor himself being immedi-
ately after .disgracefully displaced, and con-
demned to death by the emperoi." During
an imprisonment of two yeary, he was con-
stantly visited by his friend Eusebius, and
they employed their time to the most usefnl
purposes. They had before published the
Greek translation of tiio Septuagint, from
Origen's Hexaplas, for the usj of the Pal-
estine churches: and they now composed an
elaborate apology, to vindi3ate Origen irom
those rude censures and reflections, which
the indiscreet zeal of some had cast upon his
memory.
The persecution still continued in the East,
where Maximin issued new edicts in every
province, ordering the idol temples to be re-
paired, compelling all persons to do sacrifice,
and forcing them to eat part of the flesh which
was offered. It was likewise directed, that
all provisions exposed for sale in the markets
should be defiled with things which had been
sacrificed; and by these means the miseries
of the Christians became so prodigious, that
many of the Pasrans tlieniselves condemned
the emperor's barbarities, and the cruelties of
liis officers. Eusebius lias given a particular
account of the intolerable cruelties practiced
in Palestine by Firmiiian, the successor of
Urbanus, and of the martyrdom of two vir-
gins and many others; for which the stones
and senseless matter miraculously wept, to
reprove the barbarous disposition of men. In
the following year Pamphilius, afcer two
years' imprisonment, was brought forward,
and, still persevering, was condemned, to-
gether with his companions. His servant
Porphyrins requested that the boaies might
be decently buried; but the tormentors were
directed to tort'ire him by every device. —
They raked ofi:' his flesh, until they had laid
open the inward recesses of his body, which
he bore with invincible patience, t'lough no
more than eighteen years of age, being a
youth of good parts and learning. He was
afterwards --ordered to be burnt in a slow
fire, and sucked in the flames at a distance,
entertaining his friends in the midst of his
torments with a most s?r?ne undisturbed
mind," till his soul departed from his body;
and such was the ragi and malice of their
persecutors, that their dead bodies were ex-
posed as a prey to wild beasts, under a mili-
tary guard. Yet neither birds nor beasts
would come near them; and their friends
were at length permitted decently to inter
them.
It was no longer advisable for Eusebius to
remain, and therefore he prudently retired
srom Csesarea into Egypt. Yet the persecu-
tion th°re, especially about Thebais, raged
with increased violence. The most deplora-
ble spectacles were there daily exhibited; the
numbers executed blunted the very edg^s of
the Pagan swords. The tormentors were
tired out, though they relieved one another.
The constancy of the martyrs, however, was
unshaken; and the sentence of one only had
lh« effect of the advance of others to contest
theipselves Christians at the tribunal. He
was at length cast into prison; but how long
he remained there, or by what means he was
delivered, is no where related. Even Rome
was not exempt from persecution, though the
western parts were generally peaceable.^ The
tyrant IVIaxentius not only oppressed the
CJiristians, but condemned Marcellus, bish-
op of that city, to keej) beastsf,in a stable, and
then banished him. Eusebius, son of a Gre-
cian physician, was appointed about seven
months after, and in about four or five montijs
also suffered under this tyrani. Soon after
this the persecution abated in the middle parts
of the empire, as well as in the west; and
Providence at length began to manifest ven-
geance on the persecutor. Maxiniian en-
deavored to coriupt his daughter Fausta to
murder Constantine her husband; which she
discovered, and Constantine forced him to
choose his own death, when he preferred tlie
ignominious death of hanging, after being
an emperor near twenty years.
Galerius was visited by an incurable and in-
tolerable disease, which began with an ulcer
in his secret parts and a fistula m ano, that
spread progressively to his inmost bowels,
and baffled all the skill of physicians and sur-
geons. Untried medicines of some daring
professors drove the evil through his bones to
the very marrow, and worms began to breed
in his entrails; and the stench was so prepon-
derant as to be perceived in the city, all the
passages separating the passages of the urine
and excrements being corroded and destroyed.
The whole mass of his body was turned into
universal rottenness; and, though living crea-
tures, and boiled animals, were applied with
tlie design of drawing out the vermin by the
heat, by which a vast hive was opened, a sec-
ond imposthume discovered a most prodigious
swarm, as if his whole body was resolved into
worms. By a dropsy also his body was gross-
ly disfigured: for although his upper parts
were exhausted, and dried to a skeleton, cov-
ered only with dead skin, the lower parts were
swelled up like bladders, and the shape of his
feet could scarcely be perceived. Torments
and pains insupportable, greater than those
he had inflicted upon the Christians, accom-
panied these visitations, and he bellowed out
like a wounded bull, often endeavoring to kill
himself, and destroying several physicians
for the inefficiency of their medicines. These
torments kept him iu a languishing state a full
year; and his conscience was awakened, at
length, so that he was compelled to acknowl-
edge the God of the Christians, and to prom-
ise, in the intervals of his parojfisms, that he
would rebuild the churches, and repair the
mischiefs done to them. An edict, in his last
agonies, was published in his name, and the
joint names of Constantine and Licinius, to
permit the Christians to have the free use of
their religion, and to supplicate their God for
his health and the good of the empire; on
which many prisoners in Nicomedia were lib-
erated, and amongst others Donatus. He
soon after committsd his wife and son to the
care of Licinius; and at his death appointed
Constantine emperor of Caul, Spain, Britain,
and Germany; Licinius his successor in 111-
yricum, Greece, and Asia Minor; Maximin
had been named Csesar, and since that empe-
ror of Egypt and the East; and Maxentius,
though an usurper, but eince called emperor
ofltaly and Agice., Q(it\»iUi«t«l4u»g tke- po«- ^
17«
Messenger an-d advocate.
session of the latter by Alexandei',. another
usurper.
The high council in Kirtland have
withdrawn their fellowship from Elder
P/uneas H. Yoitvg, until he returns to
this place and makes ample satisfaction
for a public offence. By order of the
council.
• W. PARRISH. } Clerk.
Kirtland, A^igu^t 17, 1835.
*^* This number of the Messenger
and Advocate has been delayed beyond
the ordinnry time of publication, on ac-
count of finishing the printing of the
Doctrine and Covenants. The next
number we hope to issue in season, —
The re-printed Star will now coriluiue
till the whole nrc published. Vv^e are
not in the habit of making excuses,
but consider it our duty to inform the
saints why things, were as they are:
■ — that they might know our labors were
unabated towards building up the great
cauRC of our Savior, that Zion may be
redeemed, and all Israel saved.
DIED in this town on Tuesday,
(the lyt of Sept.) after a lingering ill-
ness of over two years, Mary, consort
of Isaac Hill, aged 29 years and
six months.
IN Clay Co. Mo. Sept. last, Solo-
mon Humphrey, aged about 56 years.
He was an elder in the church of flat-
ter day Saints, and had done much good
in the cause of our Lord.
*'*]PA'a.Rse ye the I,<@r€l."
BY MISS. ELIZA S.
Great is the Lord: 'tis good to praise
His high and holy name:
Well may the saints in latter days
His wondrous love proclaim.
To praise him let us all engage,
That unto us is giv'n:
To live in this momentous age,
And share the light of heav'n.
We'll praise him for our happy lot,
On this much favored land;
V/here truth, and righteousness are taught,
By his divine command.
We'll praise hira for more glorious thino-s.
Than language can express,
The ''everlasting gospel" brings,
The humble rovJs ♦o bless.
Tlie Comforter ig sent again,
His pow'r the church attends;
And with the faithful will remain
Tiil Jesus Christ descenclg.
We'll praise hira for a prophet's voi«e,
His people's steps to guide:
In this, we do and v/ill rejoice,
Tho' all the world deride.
Praise him, the lime, the chosen time,
To fuvor Zion's corns:
And all the saints, from ev'ry clime,
V/iil soon be gathered home.
The op'ning ssals ani.ounce the day,.
By prophets long deeiar'd;
When all, in-one triumphant lay,
Will join to praise the Lord.
BY w. w. p.
Come let us sing an evening hymn
To calm our minds for rest,
And each one try, with single eye,
To praise the Savior best.
Yea, let us sing a sacred song
To close the passing day:
With one accord, call on the Lord,
And ever Watch and Fray.
O tliank the Lord for grace and gifts
Renew'd in latter days;
For truth and light, to guide us right,
In wisdom's pleasant ways.
For ev'ry line we have receiv'd
To turn our hearls above;
For ev'ry word, and ev'ry good,
That's fill'd our souls v/ith love.
O let us raise a holier strain,
For blessings great as ours,
And be prepar'd, while angels guard
Us through our slumb'ring hours.
O may we sleep and wake in joy,
TS'hile life witii us remains;
And then go home, beyotid the tomb,
Where peace forever reigns.
THE LATTER DAY SAINTS'
IHessenger and Advocate,
IS EDITED BY
And published every month at K;nl;.iid, Geauga Co
Ohio, by
F. ©. 1VSLI.3AMS & Co.
Al %l,per an. in advaucc. Evcr^ person prccurijig
te.H new subscriheis, and furwardi7;g ^ 10, current
money, shall he eidiiled lo a paper ere year, gratis.
All letters to the Editor, or Fiiblishers, must be
'W POST FAID.SISI
Ifo subscription icUl be received fur a less term than on
year, and no paper discontinued till all arrearage* or*
paid, except at the option of the puUisher$.
LAT'^fE
T
HAI
if
Vol.. I. >^o. 12.] KIRTLAND, OIJIO, SEPTEMBKR, 1,S35. [Whole No. Jt>.
liCtter No. I ©.
Deak Brother in the Lord:
Other important
business has Jirevented me from an-
swering your Tth letter, addressed to
ine, through the columns of the Mes-
senger and Advocate of July 1-ast, until
now. Upon reading that lettei-, I per-
ceive, that the subject, to which it
mainly relates, is so well set loilh,
and the description of Cumorah so faith-
•ftiUv given, that an attempt for me to
add any thing, would appear somewhat
superfluous. I, therefore, in this com-
munication, shall do little more than
■glance at the book of Mormon. That
book is one of the most valuable treas-
ures of the last days, and at once con-
nected with the angel's visit to Br. J.
•:Smith jr. In fact,it may,in one sense,
be called the foundation, or starting
point of the church of Christ, or church
-of latter day saints.
It is a good book a«d no honest per-
son can read it, without feeling grate-
ful to God, for the knowledge it con-
tains: if humble, any one that reads
and receives it, will rejoice for the ful-
ness of the gospel, which i-t so simply
.sets' forth to the undcrstandins: and
comprehension of the commonest ca-
pacity. Such who read and ask in
faith, are veiy apt to embrace its truth
for the truth's sake, because the truth
makes them free, and they know the
Tight way to be saved in the kingdom
of God. '
From the first lime I read this-.;j\'ol-
ume of volumes, even till now, I have
been struck with a kind of sacred joy
at its title page. One like it I have
never seen; it seems like a history of
itself: it shows to a disciple of the
Lord Jesus, like 4;he face and eyes of
the body of matter that follows: I will
■let it .shov/ for itselfl
The Book of Mormon: An account
written hy the hand of Mormon, upon
plates taken from the plates of Nephi.
Wherefore it is an abridgement of
the Record of the People of Nephi; and
also of the Lamanitcs; written to tjie
Lamanites, which are a remnant of
^he House of Israel; and also to Jew
and Gentile; written by Avay of com-
mandment, and also by the spirit of
Prophecy and of Revelation. Written,
and sealed up, and hid up unto the
Lord, that tliey might not be destroyed;
to come forth by the gift and power of
God, unto the interpretation thereof;
sealed by the hand of Moroni, and hid
up unto the Lord, to come forth in due
time by the way of Gentile; the inter-
pretation thereof by the gift of God.
An abridgment taken from the book
of Ether, also, which is a record of the
Peoi)le of Jared, which were scattered
at the time the Lord confounded the
language of the people when they were
building a tower to get to Heaven:
which is to shew unto the remnant ot
the house of Israel how great things
the Lord hath done for their fathers;
and that they may know the covenants
of the Lord, that they are not cast off
forever; and also to the convincing of
the Jew and Gentile that Jesus is the
Christ, the Eternal God, manifesting
Himself unto all nations. And now if
there be fault, it be the mistake of men;
wherefore condemn not the things of
God, that ye may be found spotless at
the judgement seat ef Christ.
Here is no dark insinuation; no ref-
erence io sgn^:,pthef.,feuthor for a mot-
to; no ex^ietnatioil._wanted; no; all is
clear: '^ Condemn iwt the things of God,
that ye may he fmind spoti'fis at the
jwigrnent seat if Christ.^' How pleas-
ant and happy v/ould have been the
situation of millions of mankind, if they
had followed such good instruction as
this? Alas! whenever I hear a man
judge the book of Mormon before lye-
has read it, I fear be will be found
spotted at the judgment scat of his
holy Judge!
Whenever I have meditated upon
the book of Mormon, and looked ahead
at the glory which vrill be brought to
pass by lliat, and the servants of God,
I have been filled with hope; filled
with light; filled with joy, and filled
with satisfaction. ^yhat a wonderful
volume! what a glorious treasure! By
that book I learned the tight way to
God; by that book I received the- ful-
ness of the everlasting gospel; by that
book i found the nev/ covenant; 4)5*
that book 1 learned when the Lord
would gather scattered Israel; by that
book I saw that the Lord had set his
hand the second time to gather his
J75 <
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
people, and place them in their oWn
land; by that book I learned that the
poor Indians of Amei'ica were some
of the remnants of Israel ; by that book
I learned that the new Jerusalem, even
Zion was to be built up on this conti-
nent; by that book I found a key to
the holy prophets; and by that book
began to unfold the mysteries of God,
and I was made glad. Who can tell
his goodness, or estimate the worth of
such a book? He only who is directed
by the Holy Ghost in all things, and
has kept all his Lord's commandments
blameless through life.
I think the saints — all honest men,
who read the book of Mormon for the
truth's sake, will agree with me in say-
ing, that it is one of the best books in
the world. I care nothing about the
folly of the slanderer, bawling "Jo
Smith!" "false prophet!" "mormon-
ites!" &c. For all any charge or law
suit, they have prefered against Jo-
seph Smith jr. he remains unharmed,
and like one of the children cast into
the fiery furnace, his garments have not
the smell of fire. False prophet seems
to stick to them that cried it so vehe-
mently, and the saints gain as the
spring verdure after a goodly shower.
The book of Mormon, is just what it
was when it first came forth — a reve-
lation from the Lord. The knowledge
it contains is desirable; the doctrine it
teaches is from the blessed Savior; its
precepts are good; its principles right-
eous; its judgments just; its style sim-
ple, and its language plain: so that a
way-faring man, though a fool, need
. not err therein.
-* I am sensible that many err as to the
great value of this book, for want of
proper knowledge concerning it; or,
through a lack of faith in the power
and goodness of God. If men would
reflect a moment, then humble them-
selves before the Lord, and ask in faith,
they might be satisfied that the Book
of Mormon is a "heavenly treasure,"
and as estimable in its holy precepts
and examples for salvation, as the ho-
ly bible. A comparison of the two will
prove this. If the majority of mankind
(^, would give as much credit to the state-
'ments of their fellow beings who certi-
fy to the truth of this book, as they do
to the foolish lies that are put in cir-
culation by wretches of no character,
they would believe it upon testimony.
Not a few, then, but thousands, would
rejoice and say, truth is light, and ligh*
comes from God.
The revelation to the "Three Wit-
nesses," is one of great importance; it
simply shows how the Lord gave them
a view of the plates, and other sacred
things. It is as follows:
"Behold I say unto you, [Oliver Cowdery,
David Whitmer andMaitin Harris,] that you
must rely upon my word, which if you do,
with full purpose of heart, you shall have a
view of the plates, and also the breastplate,
the sword of Laban, the Urim and Thummim,
which were given to the brother of Jared up-
on the mount, when he talked with the Lord
face to face, and the miraculous directors
which were given to Lehi while in the wilder-
ness, on the borders of the red sea; and it is
by your faith that you shall obtain a view of
them, even by that faith which was had by
the prophets of old.
And afrer that you have obtained faith, and
have seen them with your eyes, you thall tes-
tify of them, by the power of God; and this
you shall do that my servant Joseph Smith,
jr. may not be destroyed, that I may bring
about my righteous purposes imto the chil-
dren of men, in this work. And ye shall tes-
tify that you have seen them, even as m.y
servant Joseph Smith, ji*. has seen them, for
it is by my power that he has seen them, and
it is because he had faith: and he has transla-
ted the book, even that part which I have
commanded him, and as your Lord and your
God liveth, it is true.
Wherefore you have received the same-
power, and the same faith, and the same gift
like unto him; and if you do these last com-
mandments of mine, which I have given you,,
the gates of hell shall not prevail against you;
for my grace is sufficient for you: and you
shall be lifted up at the last day. And I,
Jesus Christ, your Lord and your God, have
spoken it unto you. that I might bring about
my righteous purposes unto the children of
men. Amen."
This revelation is complete: The
testimony it bears of the book of Mor-
mon— "ii is true'' — is enough; it is
eternal, and the rivers, andinountains;
yea, the earth and the heavens are wit-
ness. When this novelous, and adul-
terous generation is lost among its a-
bominations, as an evil mass, unfit for
the glory of God, the book of Mormon
will be one of the precious things which
will continue among the righteous from
generation to generation forever and
ever. The freedom of soul should be
enjoyed by all on earth, as well as the
freedom of speech. This life is short,
but the next is eternal: wherefore I am
anxious that all that will may come to
the knowledge of the truth, as it is in
Christ Jesus, and be saved from the ca-
lamities which await the wicked in this
life; and the torment they must endure
in a kingdom of no glory.
I need not bring line upon line; pre-
MESSENGER AiND ADVOCATE.
17Sr
cept upon precept; truth upon truth;
letter upon letter; argument upon argu-
ment; and witness upon witness, to
prove the book of Mormon a revelation
from God: It is a witness of itself: the
light of heaven is manifest fn it. One
w-ord atout heaven : The Gentile world
supposes heaven to be a great way off;
• — a p!ac&^||;f spirits; — but I allow hea-
ven, to be nefar, and that it v/ill be on
'land: In support of this, I shall quote
.the 85th P^lm:
"•■- "Lord, thou hast been favorable unto thy
'•land; thou hast brought back the captivity of
Jacob. Thou hast forgiven the iniquity of
thy people, thou hast covered all their sin.
Selah. Thou hast taken away all thy wrath;
thou hast turned thyself from the fierceness of
thine anger. Turn us, O God of our salva-
tion, and cause thine anger towards us to
cease. Wilt thou be angry with us forever?
Wilt thou draw out thine anger to all genera-
tions? Wilt thou not revive us again; that
thy people may rejoice in thee? Shew us thy
mercy, O Lord, and grant us thy salvation.
I will hear what God the Lord will speak;
forlhe will speak peace unto his people, and
to his saints: but let them not turn again to
folly. Surely his salvation is nigh them that
fear him; that glory may dwell in our land.
Mercy and truth are met together; righteous-
ness and peace have kissed each other. Truth
shall spring out of the earth; and righteous-
ness shall look down from hraven. Yea. the
Lord shall give that ichich is good: and our
land shtdl yield her increase. Righteousness
shall go before him; and shall set us in the
^ray of his steps."
From this Psalm, I -draw a conclu-
sion, that the Lord will bless the Jfand,
and bless the saints upon it, with all
the good things that will gladder the
heart, delight the eye, please the taste,
and happify the soul; yea it will be the
garden of Eden — a paradise on earth.
For* tidings so glorious: a system so
expansive; a plan so noble; arid a
prospect so congenial with m^ feelings,
I am willing to acknowledge myself
indebted to the revelations of God, con-
tained in the bible, the book of Mor-
mon, the book of commandments and
aU other good books, which alike have
(jpme and will come unto the world, by
me gift and power of the Holy Ghost.
I glory in revelations from the Lord,
and think when the prophecy of good
old Jeremiah is fulfilled, the cartli will
be filled with knowledge which will be
revealed. It reads:
"Behold, I will bring it liealth and cure,
and I will cure them, and will reveal unto
them the abundance of peace and truth. And
I will cause the captivity of Judah and the
captivity of Israel to return, and will build
Uiem as at the first. And I v.ill cleanse them
from all their iniquity, whereby they have
tinned against me; Hnd I will pnrdon rII their
iniquities, whereby they have sinned, and
whereby they have trangressed against me."
But 1 will close my quotations for , -^
the present. The vexations and per-
plexities which seem to be the lot of
this generation, are tolerable strong-
evidence of what is at hand; and as. in
tron!)le, and tribulation, and calamities;
and glory, and honor, and power, 'ev-
ery part strengthens a part, as signs to
them that believe, so do all these things
foretell that the coming of the Lord is
nigh.
' As ever,
W. W. PHELPS.
To Oljvkr Cowdery.
To the elders of the church of Lat-
ter Day Sainff!.
After so long a time, and after so
manv thinofs bavins: been said. I feel it
my»duty to drop a few hints, that, per-
haps, the ciders, traveling through the
v/orld to warn .the inhal)itants of the
earth to flee the wrath to come, and
save themselves from this untoward
generation, may be aided in a measure,
in doctrine, and in the way of their du-
ty. I have been labormg in this cause
for eight years, during which time I
have traveled r;:uch, and have had
much experience. I removed from
Seneca county, N. Y. to Geauga coun-
ty, Ohio, in February, 1831.
Having received, by an heavenhr
vision, a CDrnmandinent, in June fol-
lowing, to take my journey to the wes-
tern boundaries of the State of Slissou-
ri, and there designate the very spot,
which was to be the central spot, for
the commencement of the gathering
together of those who embrace the ful-
ness of the everlasting gospel — I accor-
dingly undertook the journey with cer-
tain ones of my brethren, and, after a
long and tedious journey, suffering
many privations and hardships, I ar-
rived in Jackson county Missouri; and,
after viewing the country, seeking dil-
igently at the hand of God, he mani-
fested himself unto me, and designa-
ted to me and others, the very spot up-
on tvhich he designed to commence the
work of the gathering, and the upbuild-
ing of an holy city, which should be
called Zion: — Zion because it is to be
a place of righteousness, and all who
build ther<Sbn, are to worship the true
and li|feig God — and all believe in one
doctrine even the doctrine of nur Lord
and Savior Ifsur^ Christ.
180
xMESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
"Thy watchmen sliall lift up tlie voice;
with the voice together shall they sing: for
they shall see eye to eye, when the Lord siiall
bring again Zion."— Isaiah 52:8.
Here we pause for a moment, to
malte a few remarks upon the idea of
gathering to this place. It is well
known that there were lands belong-
ing to the government, to be sold to in-
dividuals; and it was understood by all,
at least we believed so, that we lived in
a free country, a land of liberty and of
laws, guaranteeing to every man, or
any company of men, the right of pur-
chasing lands, and settling, and living
upon them: therefore we thought no
harm in advising the Latter Day
Saints, or Mormons, as they are re-
proachfully called, to gather to this
place, inasmuch as it was their duty,
(and it was well understood so to be,)
to purchase, with money, lands, and
live upon them — not infringing upon
the civil rights of any individual, or
community of people: always keeping
in view the saying, "Do unto others as
you would wish to have others do unto
you." Following also the good in-
junction: "Deal justly, love mercy,
and walk humbly with thy God."
These were our motives in teaching
the people, or Latter Day Saints, to
gather together, begmning at this place.
And inasmuch as there are those who
have had different views from this, we
feel, that it is a cause of deep regret:
For, be it known unto all men, that
our principles concerning this thing,
have not been such as have been repre-
sented by those who, we have every rea-
son to believe, are designing and wick-
ed men, that have said that this w^as
our doctrine: — to infringe upon the
rights of a people who inhabit our civil
and free country: such as to drive the
inhabitants of Jackson county from
their lands, and take possession thereof
unlav/fully. Far, yea, far be such a
principle from our hearts: it never en-
tered into our mind, and we only say,
that God shall reward such in that day
when he shall come to make up hisjewels.
But to return to my subject: after
having ascertained the very spot, and
having the happiness of seeing quite a
number of the families of mv brethren,
comfortably situated upon the land, I
took leave of them, and journeyed back
to Ohio, and used every iftfluence and
argument, that lay in my powdP, to get
those who believe in the everlasting
covenant, wliose circumstances wouln
admit, and whose families were willing
to remove to the place which I now de-
signated to be the land of Zion: And
thus the sound of the gathering, and of
the doctrine, went abroad into the world;
and many we have reason to fear, hav-
ing a zeal not according to knowledge,
not understanding the pure principles
of the doctrin'^ of the chuitch, have no
doubt, in the heat of enthusiasm, taught
and said many things which are derog-
atory to the genuine character and
principles of the church, and for these
things we are heartily sorry, and would
apologize if an apology would do any
good.
But we pause here and offer a re-
mark upon the saying which we learn
has gone abroad, and has been handled
in a manner detrimental to the cause
of truth, by saying, "that in preaching
the doctrine of gathering, we break up
families, and give license for men to-
leave their families; women their hus-
bands; children their 'parents, and slaves
their masters, thereby deranging the
order, and breaking up the harmony
and peace of society." We shall here
shoAv our faith, and thereby, as we
humbly trust, put an end to these faults,
and wicked misrepresentations, which
have caused, we have every reason ta
believe, thousands to think they were
doing God's service, when they were
persecuting the children of God: where-
as, if they could have enjoyed the true
light, and had a just understanding of
our principles, they would have embra-
ced them with all their hearts, and been
rejoicing in the love of the truth.
And now to show our doctrine on
this subject, we shall commence with
the firstYrinciples of the gospel, which
are repentance, and baptism for the re-
mission of sins, and the gift of the Ho-
ly Ghost by the laying on of the hands.
This we believe to be our duty, to teach
to all mankind the doctrine of repent-
ance, which we shall endeavor to show
from the following quotations:
"Then opened he their understanding, that
they might understand the scriptures, and
said unto them, thus it is written, and thus it
behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the
dead, the third day; and that repentance and
remission of sins should be preached in his
name among all nations, beginning at Jerusa-
lem."—Luke 24:45,46,47.
By this we learn, that it behoved
Christ to suffer, and to be crucified,
and rise again on the third day, for the
express purpose that repentance and
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
181
remission of sing should be preached
unto all nations.
"Then Peter said unto them, repent, and
be baptized every one of you, in the name of
Jesus Christ, for the remission of sins, and ye
shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For
the promise is unto you, and to your children,
and to all that are afar off, even as many as
the Lord our God shall call."— Acts 2:38,39.
By this we learn, that the promise
of the Holy Ghost, is unto as many as
the doctrine of repentance was to be
preached, which was unto all nations.
And we discover also, that the promise
was to extend by lineage: for Peter
says, "not only unto you, but unto
your children, and unto all that are afar
otF." From this we infer that it was
to continue unto their children's chil-
dren, and even unto as many genera-
tion.? as should come after, even as ma-
ny as the Lord their God should call. —
We discover here that we are blending
two' principles together, in these quota-
tions. The first 4s the principle of re-
pentance, and the second is the princi-
ple of remission of sins. And we learn
from Peter, that i-emission of sins is
obtained by baptism in the name of the
Loi'd Jesus Christ; and the gift of the
Holy Ghost follows inevitably: for,
says Peter, "you shall receive the gift
of the Holy Ghost." Therefore we
believe in preaching the doctrine of re-
pentance in ail the world, both to old
and young, richiand poor, bond and
free, as we shall endeavor to show
hereafter — how and in what mann.:!;r,
and how far it is binding upon the con-
sciences of mankind, making proper
distinctions between old and young men,
women and children, and servants.
But we discover, in order to be ben-
efitted by the doctrine of repentance, we
must believe in obtaining the I'emission
of sins. And in order to obtain th", re-
mission of sins, we must believe in the
doctrine of baptism, in the name of the
Lord Jesus Christ. And if we believe
in baptism for the remission of sins,
we may e.xpect a fulfilment of the prom-
ise of the Holy Ghost: for the promise
extends to all whom the Lord our God
shall call. And hath he not surely
said, as you will find in the last chap-
ter of Revelations:
"And the Spirit and the bride say, Come.
And let him tliat heareth, say. Come. And
let him that is athirst, come. And whosoev-
er will, let him take the water of life freely."
Rev. 22:17.
Again the Savior says:
"Come unto me, all ye that labor, and are
lieavy laden, and I will give 3'ou rest. T:(k(!
my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am
meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find
rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy,
and my burden is light."— Math. ll:28,29,3u!
Again Isaiah says:
"Look unto me, and bo ye saved, all tiie
ends of the earth; for 1 am God, and there is
none else. I have sworn by myself, the word
is gone out of my mouth in righteousness,
and shall not return, that unto me every knee
shall bow^, every tongue shall swear. Surely,
shall one say, in the Lord have I righteous-
ness and strengtli: even to him shall men
come; and all that are incensed against him
shall be ashamed." — Isaiah 45:22,23,24.
And to show further connections in
proof of the doctrine above named, we
quote the following .scriptures:
"Him hath God exalted witli his right
hand, to be a Prince and a Savior, for to give
repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.
And we are his witnesses of these things; and
so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath
given to'thein that obey him." — Acts 5:31,32.
"But when they believed Philip, preaching
the things concerning the kingdom of God,
and the name of Jesus Christ, they were bap-
tized, both men and women. Then Simon
hiaiself believed also; and when he was bap-
tized, he continued with Philip, and wonder-
ed, beholding thcj miracles and signs which
were done. Now when the apostles, which
were at Jerusalem, heard tliat Samaria had
received the word of God, they sent unto
them Peter and John; who, when they were
come down, prayed for them, that they might
receive the Holy Ghost. (For as yet he was
fallen upon none of them: only they were
baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) —
Then laid they their hands on them, and they
received the Holy Ghost. * * * And as they
went on their vvay, they came unto a cevtaia
water; and the eunuch said. See, here is wa-
ter; what dotli hinder me to be baptized? —
And Philip said. If thou believest with all
thine heart thou mayest. And he ansv^erod
and said, I believe that Jesus Clirist is the
Son of God. And he commanded the chari-
ot to stand still: and they went dov\'n both
into the water, both Philip and the eunuch;
and he baptized him. And, when they were
come up out of the water, the Spirit of the
Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch
saw him no more: and he went on his way
rejoicing. But Philip was found at Azotus:
and, passing through, he preaclied in all the
cities, tillhecame toCesarea." — Acts 8: 12, 13,
14,15,16,17, 36, to the end.
"While Peter yet spake these'words, the
Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the
word. And the}' of the circumcision, wliich
believed, were astonished, as many as came
with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also
was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost:
for they heard them speak with tongues, and
magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can
any man forbid water, that these should not
be baptized, which have received the Holv
Ghost as well as we? And he commanded
them to be baptized in the name of the Lord.
Then prayed they him to tarry certain davs."
—Acts 10:44,45,46,47,48.
"And on the Sabbath, we went out'of the
city, by a river side, where prayer was wont
to be made; and we sat down, and spake un-
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
to ihe women that resorted tliither. And a
certain '.voman, named L^'dia, a seller of pur-
ple, of the city of Thyatira, wiiich worship-
ped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord
opened, that she attended unto the things
which were spoken of Paul. And when she
was baptized, and her household, she besought
us, saying. If ye have judged me to be faith-
ful to the Lord, come into my house, and
abide there. And she constrained us. * *
* * And at midnight Paul and Silas pray-
ed, and sang praises unto God: and the pris-
oners heard them. And suddenly there was
a great earthquake, so that the foundations of
the prison were shaken; and immediately all
the doors were opened, and every one's bands
were loosed. And the keeper of the prison
awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the pris-
on doors open, he drew out his sword, and
would have killed himself, supposing that the
prisoners had been fled. But Paul cried with
a loud voice, saying. Do thyself no harm; for
we are all here. Then he called for a light,
and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell
down before Paul and Silas; and brought them
out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be sa-
ved? And they said believe on the Lord Je-
sus Christ, and thou shalt be saved and thy
house. And they spake unto him the word
of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.
And he took them the same hour of the night,
and washed their stripes, and was baptized,
he and all his, straightway. And when he
had brought them into his house, he set meat
before them, and rejoiced, believing in God
with all his house." — Acts 16:13,14,15.
25, to 35.
"And it came to pass, that, while Apollos
was at Corinth, Paul, having passed through
the upper cossts, came to Ephesus; and find-
.ing certain disciples, he said unto them. Have
ye received the Ifoly Ghost since ye believed?
And they said unto him, We have not so
much as heard whether there be any Holy
Ghost. And he said unto them. Unto what
then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto
John's baptism. Then said Paul, John veri-
ly baptized with the baptism of rei)entance,
saying unto the people, that they should be-
lieve on him which should come after him,
that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard
this, they were baptized in tiie name of the
Lord Jesus. And, when Paul had laid his
hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on
them; and they spake with tongues, and
prophesied."— Acts 19:1,2,3,4,5,6.
And one Ananias, a devout man, according
to the law, having a good report of all the
Jews which dwelt there, Came unto me, and
stood, and said unto me. Brother Saul, re-
coiv.? thy sight. And the same hour I looked
up upon him. And he said, tiie God oi' our
lathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldst
know his will, and see, that Just One, and
ejtiouldst hear the voice of his mouth. For
thou shalt bo his witness unto all ny.:n, of
what thou hast seen and heard. And now
xvhy tarriest thou? arise, and be b;iptized,
and wash away thy sins, calling on the name
of the Lord."— Acts 2i<;; 12,13,14, 15,10.
"For, when for the time ye ought to be
teachers, ye liave need that one teach you
again which be the first principles of the or-
acles of God; anrl are become such as have
need of milk, and not of strong meat. For
every one that useth milk, i.=i unskilful in the
-word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But
strong meat belongeth to them that are of full
age, even those who by reason of use, have
their senses exercised to discern both good
andeviL"—Heb. 5:12,13,14.
"Therefore, leaving the principles of the
doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfec-
tion; not laying again the foundation of re-
pentance from dead works, and of faith to-
wards'God, of the doctrine of baptisms, and
of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of
the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this
will we do, if God permit. For it is impossi-
ble for those who were once enlightened, and
have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were
made partakers of the Holy Ghost, and have
tasted the good word of God, and the powers
of the world to come, if they shall fall away ,
to renew them again unto repentance; seeing
they crucify to themselves the Son of God
afresh, and put him to an open shame. —
Heb. 6:1,2,3,4,5,6.
These quotations are so plain, m
proving the doctrine of repentance and'
baptism for the remission of sins, I
deem it unnecessary to enlarge this let-
ter with comments upon them — but I
shall continue the subject in my next.
In the bonds of the new and
everlasting covenant,
JOSEPH SMITH, jr.
John Whitmer, Esq.
THE ANCIENT ORDER OF THINGS.
The ancient order of things has en-
grossed the attention of the religious
public to some extent in modern times,
and has given rise to many parties and
sects in the so calle'd christian w^orld;
each one in their turn supposing that
they had the ancient order of things
among them, and bad come to the stan-
dard of righteousness set up in the scrip-
tures, and representing other religious
denominations as having come short of
the glory of God, and as not having
come to the standard of truth, or else
they had departed from it.
On this subject I am disposed to offer
a few reflections, through the medium
of the Latter Day Saints' Messenger
and Advocate, by permission of the Ed-
itor.
What I understand by the ancient or-
der of things, as used in modern dialect,
is the order of things revealed in the
bible, and taught to mankind by the ho-
ly prophets and apostles, v/ho were di-
vinely inspired to teach them the way
of life and salvation. If I am correct
in this conclusion the only way to set-
tle the question about this order of things
is to have recourse to the book, and let
it speak for itself, and set forth the. an-
cient order of things, as the holy p.ro-
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
183
phets and apestles declared it, by he
spirit of inspiration.
I conclude, and I think correctly too,
that it requires the entire order of things
established by the Savior of the world,
to constitute the ancient order of things,
and not a part of it only.
The cause of the greatest difficulty
among the religious sects seems to be
this: that some take one part of this
order, and add to it some things of
their own invention; others take ano-
ther part of it and add to that, and some
content themselves with taking part of
the order without adding any thing to
it; and then the difficulty arises among
them, who it is that is correct: if they
would all stop, and consider, and view
the ground on which they stand, I think
that they would be enabled with but
little reflection, to determine that there
are none of them on tenable ground;
neither can they be ^vithout taking the
entire order of things laid down in the
scriptures.
In attempting to set forth this order
of things, we must begin where it be-
gins; for if we commence right, we can
end right, and if not, it will be impos-
sible for us to understand the subject.
We ask then what was the first thing
that our heavenly Father done, when
he began to establish this order among
men? Answer: He inspiried a man,
or some men, and called them from
among the rest of the world, to be his
messengers to the world, and to pro-
claim his will to their fellow-raen: to
whom he revealed himself, and to whom
he made known his will concerning the
generation among whom they lived. —
To them he gave revelations and com-
mandments, not only for the regulation
of their own conduct, but for the con-
duct of those who would receive their
testimony. After they were sufficient-
ly instructed, whether it took a longer
or shorter period, they were sent forth
to call upon their fellow men, and to
administer to them in the name of the
Lord Jesus accoi'ding tothe willofGod,
with certain promises which should
be fulfilled on their own heads, as well
as on the heads of those who should
receive their testimony, and obey the
commandments which should be deli-
vered to them through these men; and
the fulfillment of these promises was to
be a testimony that the Lord had sent
the men who had administered unto
them.
In establishing his kingdom, church,
or order, in the world the Savior seems
to have pursued a certain system, if we
can credit the account given by the
apostle Paul in his epistles to the Co-
rinthians and Ephesians. In his first
epistle to the Corinthians, chap. 12: v.
28, he says: "And Godsetsome in the
church; first, apostles; secondarily, pro-
phets; thirdly, teachers; after that mir-
acles; then gifts of healings, helps,
governments, diversities of tongues
?j
In tha Ephesians, chap. 4: v. 11, "And
he gave some, apostles; and some, pro-
phets; and some, evangelists; and some,
pastors and teachers."
From these quotations it appears, the
first thing the Savior done in order to
establish his kingdom, was to choose
and call apostles, or witnesses for him-
self; for apostles are witnesses; and
these men after using the office of apos-
tles or witnesses, became prophets, and
after they were prophets, they became
evangelists, and then came pastors, and
teachers, and after that miracles, heal-
ings, diversities of tongues, and inter-
pretation of tongues, &c. Such then
was the ancient order of things, and in
this manner did the Son of God build
his church on earth, and establish his
order among men.
If this matter is kept in view, that is,
what Christ done first and what he
done secondly and thirdly, the ancient
order of things as set forth in the scrip-
tures, will be easily understood; for if
this account be true, the ancient order
of things can never exist unless there
are apostles first to begin this order
with; for where apostles are not, there
the ancient order is lio'.; for the ancient
order of things commenced with apos-
tles, then came prophets; so that both
apostles and prophets are necessary for
the ancient order of things; for where
prophets are not, there the ancient or-
der of things is not; for the second thing
which the Savior of the world done to
establish this order, was to give some,
prophets; and after this comes evange-
lists; and where evangelists are not,
there the ancient order of things is not;
for the third thing which the Savior
done to establish the ancient order of
things was to give some, evengelists. —
And having these three orders estab-
lished: namely, apostles, prophets, and
evangelists; then followed on other
things in their order, such as pastors,
tpachors, helps, governments, &c.; and
184
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
then comes miracles, healings, diversi-
ties of tongues, and interpretation of
tongues. This fills up the account
which the apostle gives us of the an-
cient order of things, in the above quo-
tations.
Now where these things are found,
there the ancient order of things is
found, and where they are not found,
the ancient order of things is not found;
or where any one of them is lacking,
there the ancient order of things is not;
and that for the best of all reasons, be-
cause it takes them all to make the an-
cient order of things. It would not bo
a perfect human body if there was an
arm or leg taken off, and the reason
would be that, without the arm or
or leg the body could not be jjcrfect, for
it required every member which belongs
to the body, to make it a perfect body;
so in like manner, if any one of the
above things are wanting, the remain-
der would not make the ancient order
of things, no more than where an arm
or a leg was wanting, the remaining
members could make a perfect human
body.
There is this peculiarity about the
works of God, that to add to them is to
injure them: and so it is to take from
them. All the ingenuity of the world
combined could not ■add any thing to
the structure of the human body v/ith-
out injuring it; neither could they take
any thing from it without doing it an
injury; it is best just as it is; so is all
the other works of God, in the spiritu-
al as well as the natural kingdom; they
lire best as God formed them; to alter
them any way is to make them worse
instead of better.
The order of things which God es-
tablished for the salvation of man,
which is called in modern dialect, the
ancient order of things, is in every re-
spect calculated to produce the effect
for which it was intended, that is to
,save men, and in order that men might
be saved, it was necessary that an or-
der of things shoula be established, be-
ginning with apostles, and then to have
prophets, and tlien evangelists, and af-
ter that pastors, teachers, &c. with gifts
healings, miracles, tongues, interpre-
tation of tongues, as an established or-
der to continue as long as the Lord our
God should call men to be his sons,
and women to be his daughters.
When any man sets himself for to
search out the ancient order of things.
this is what ho will find, if he succeeds
in his design, and if he does notj obtain
this, he will not get the ancient order of
things. No church need say to their
fellow men, lo here is the ancient order
of things, or lo it is there, unless they
have the order before mentioned; for it
matters not what order they may have,
if they have not the order before men-
tioned, they have not the ancient order.
But let us descend to particulars; for
there are v.-ays and means which lead
to the full developement of this order.
If there were apostles, it was because
there were ways and means ordained
of God to make them such, and ways
and means too, which were calculated
to produce this effect, to make men
apostles. In order then to be an apos-
tle a man must in the first instance be-
lieve on the Lord Jesus Christ, and in
the next place he must repent of all
his sins, and then must be baptized for
the remission of his sins, and must re-
ceive the gift of the Holy Spirit; after
that he must continue in faith and obe-
dience until he has obtained a manifes-
tation of the Savior; for it was not suf-
ficient to make apostles, that they saw
Jesus Christ while he was in the flesh;
but it was necessary that they should
have a manifestation of him after he
rose from the dead, that they might tes-
tify to the world, that he lives, and that
he is on the right hand of the Majesty
in the heavens; this made men apostles,
or witnesses for Jesus Christ.
Such was the ancient order of things
in laying the foundation to establish the
order of God, and out of this all the
rest of the order grew.
These men thus qualified for their ofr
fice, went forth, and called upon the
rest of tbeir fellow men to believe, re-
pent of their sins, be baptized for the
remission of them, and receive the Ho-
ly Spirit, which they ministered unto
tbem by the laying on of their hands,
and the people thus receiving the Holy
Ghost were enabled by this gift, to pro-
phecy, to see visions, and to dream
dreams, and by these means grow up
to be witnesses for Jesus Christ also,
and become apostles, and obtain all the
powers of the first; and as the first
apostles grew up to be prophets, so
those who wore brought to a knowledge
of the truth by their testimony, would
grow up to apostles; and as the first
would advance to be evangelists, those
who came after them would be advan-
amsSENGER AND ADVOCATE,
cing to be prophets, and, until they al-
so would become evangelists, — which
seems to be the same as Patriach, whose
office it was to administer blessings and
cursings m the name of Jesus Christ,
according to the wiH of God. So each
one in his turn as he passed along in
his course, partook of all the powers
of the spiritual kingdom, or the world
.to come, exactly according to the com-
mission given to the apostles, that those
who believed them [the apostles] should
■liave signs following them. They were
to cast out devils, speak with new
tongues, lay hands on the sick and
they should recover, take up serpents,
and if they were to drink any deadly
thing it should not hurt them, &c.
In the whole history of tliis religion
as set forth in the scriptures, its order
was the same; it produced tha same ef-
fect among all people, whether they
were Scythian, Barbarian, bonder free,
Jew or Gentile, Greek or Roman, it
mattered not what they were; for in
this respect, there was neither Greek
aior Jew, bond nor free, male nor fe-
male; but they were all one in Christ
Jesus, and the same blessing belonged
to all, and the same fruits followed all,
and the order was the same, whether
it was in Africa, Asia, or Europe, and
that so perfectly so as to establish this
fact forever, tliat the Lord has hut one
order of things, and that all other or-
ders are not of him, and where this or-
<ler of things is not found, there the
Lord's order is not. This then is the an-
cient order of things, if we mean by
the ancient order of things, the order of
things laid down in the scriptures.
Men may invent order after order,
and scheme after scheme, but as long
as their order or orders of thine;s do not
consist in having apostles, prophets,
evangelists, pastors, teachers, gifts,
healings, miracles, divers kinds of
tongues, the interpretation of tongues,
&c. their order is adverse to the order
of heaven, and is not the ancient order
of things as revealed in the scriptures.
All other oider of things beside this
are human orders, and not divine or-
ders, and all other teachers are human
teachers; for no teacher can be found
in the world, of wiiom God approves
hut one who has obtained his office by
reason of an apostle, whom God first
called, and through him others were
called, — we do not mean a dead apos-
tle but a living one; for whenever there
, . 185
ceases to be apostles on earth, then the
order of God has ceased, and the order
of men, or devils, or of both has got
its place. |f .
Clear Creek, 111, July 7, 183.5.
Alter laboring for a season, we em-'
brace another opportunity, to inforrrr
you of our prosperity in the cnirse of
our Redeemer. Through the provi-
dence of our God, we are yet with our
brethren in this place. And by the
assistance of our heavenly Father thro"
the merits of Jesus Christ, M-e have suc-
ceeded in establishing a church here,
which is composed of twenty members
in good standing, faith and fellowship.
However, they are young and inexpe-
rienced in the work of the Lord, and
are unacquainted with the devices of
the adversary of the souls of the chil-
dren of men; and that wicked one would
feign make them miserable like him.-
self. Therefore, pray for them, that
they may stand, and not be moved,
when the hour of temptation comes: —
For it is evident that all men must be
tried like gold seven times purified be-
fore they are fit for the Master's use:
and are capable to endure the glories of
the celestial world. But here, as in all
other places, as soon as the people be-
gan to listen to the voice of the Savior,
the enemy began to rage and send forth
his floods of unhallowed persecution,
and circulated slanderous stories to keep
the people from embracing the truth.
But in this the sayings of the Savior
must be fulfilled; for says he: "My
sheep hear my voice and will follow
me." Notwithstanding persecutions,
slanderous reports, and the weakness of
human nature, and the proneness of the
wandering of the hearts of the children
of men, these few disciples meet all the
enemy heaps upon them with Christian
fortitude, in humility as becomes the
saints of the ftlost High.
We held a meeting yesterday, and
baptized three; and for the first time Mr.
Dudley (the championof this place) ap-
peared to speak face to face; he has bow-
er taken much pains to work behind
our backs. By working in this way he
is no worse than others of his profes-
sion. In this short investigation the
saints received much strength: for they
beheld the spirit that Mr. Dudly was oi',
was not that meek and lowly spirit
which reigns in the bosom of the meek
and humble fqllnwer of Jesus. He
1^
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
spent his time In spiritualizing the scrip-
ture and darkening the word of God, in
such a manner, that it was evident he
was ablind guide; and after he had suf-
ficient time to harangue the people in
this way, he was exhorted to repent and
turn from his evil ways and seek the
Lord while he may be found.
We have endeavored to avoid contro-
versies with all men as much as possi-
ble; but in the name of the Lord Jesus,
"we have defended his cause in all pla-
ces, and circumstances, according to
the ability which God has given us: —
And we bear this record to our brethren
and the world, that in not one instance,
has God suffered that we should be con-
founded.
We have been in this place about
.four weeks, and have labored night and
day for the salvation of this people, with
all diligence and patience, seeking the
face of the Lord always. We frequent-
ly mourn and weep before the Lord for
this generation: But we are men and
all that we can do is to set the truth be-
fore the people, and then they are left
agents unto themselves and are at lib-
erty to choose life or deatK: and in this
thing there is joy to that servant who
has the dispensation of the gospel com-
mitted to him in these last days: that
the servants of God are not compelled
to safe all mankind, (as some of the
sectarians would have it;) but preach
■the truth that such as will come may
^ome and partake of the tree of life. —
And they will have to save themselves,
by obeying the truth in all things.
We have baptized nineteen in this
place, and fourteen of that number we
have baptized since we last wrote. May
the Lord have mercy on us all, even
^o: Amen. L. JACKMAN.
C. BALDWIN.
To John Whifmer, Esq.
KiRTLAND, Sept. 17, 1835.
After a short illness, of which I am
recovering, I would inform you, that
since I wrote from Green county, la.
I have labored about six weeks in that
place, for the good of my fellow men.
When I camo to Eel River church in
said county, I found a small band of
Latter Day Saints, say ten in number,
somewhat weak in the faith. There
had been once a large church here, but
the greater part of the members had re-
-moved to Missouri; so that the remain-
ing few were like f=iheep without a shep-
herd. During my short stay here I
baptized 18, and ordained one teacher.
The brethren desire if any travelling
elder passes that way he would call and
tarry a season. I have been engaged
in my mission, since I left home last
fall, nearly ten months.
G. M. HINKEL.
To John Whiimer.
Extracts of Conference Minutes.
Council met in Kirtland, Sept. 28:
and took into consideration the case of
Elder G. Bishop, who had previously
been suspended by the travelling coun-
cil, for interpreting some passages of
Scripture in an improper manner; and
in said erroneous
made a humble
confession and asked the forgiveness
of the councils and the church; and
promised to do better for the future. —
He was forgiven, restored and received
into fellowship.*
also for persisting
opinions, &c. He
* The points on v/hicli Elder Bishop was
suspended, were not points on the gospel, as
we know of; but of some other mysterious
passages: for instance one respecting the two
witnesses: Rev. chap. XI. He stated that
J. Smith, jr. and O. Cowdery were the two
persons alluded to, &c. which is incorrect.
Also, Elder P. H. Young, who had
been disfellowshiped by the High Coun-
cil, for alledged improper conduct, per-
sonally appeared before said council;
and the charge not being sustained, he
was honorably acquitted, and restored
to his former standing and fellowship.
WARREN PARRISH, Clerk.
Minutes of a Conference held at Black
River, Sept. 19, 1835,/^? vv >
After being organized according to
order, the conference proceeded to bus-
iness. Six small branches were re-
presented as composing this conference.
There have been 28 members added
to these several branches since our last
conference of .Tune J^-
Resolved, — That the next confer-
ence of this district, be held in the vil-
lage of Lerayville, Jefferson co. on the
second Tuesday of January 1836; com-
mencing at 10 o'clock, A. M. And al-
so public preaching .the Sabbath follow-
ing, at 10 o'clock, A. M.
D. Vy. PATTON,
J. Bi. A;^KS;^v„lC/^^. _ , ; J, I, ,.";• 'u
2? )'
MEr^SENGER AND ADVOCATE.
}87
IT5es§esBger aud Advocaie.
KIRTLAND, OHIO, SEPTEMBER, 18:W.
CLEANLINESS NECESSARY
FOR SALVATION.
Cleanliness is one of the adornments
' of the human family which. is required
of our heavenly Fathor. It is reason-
able to suppose that, decency, good
manners, sobriety and cleanliness are
necessary appendages to qualify a per-
son for a disciple of Jesus.
When we look abroad amons^ the
human family, and see filthiness, we
know at once that laziness is one of
the inmates of that family, and if this
is the case, can God dwell there? the
answer is no. The reason is obvious,
God does not dwell in unholy temples.
Uncleanness does not qualify a person
for any exalted station; it does not
prepare him for the kingdom of heaven.
Isaiah chap. I: v. 16,17; "Wash you,
make you clean; put away the evil of
•your doings from before mine eyes;
cease to do evil; learn to do well; seek
judgement; relieve the oppressed;
judge the fatherless; plead for the
widow." Here the prophet Isaiah gives
■a beautiful exhortation: "Wash you,
make you clean." No doubt the proph-
et had reference to sin, but this would
not hinder us from quoting the passage,
for we find in various places, that he
that is filthy shall remain filthy still. —
And if the immortal part of man must
be washed and be made clean, why
Jiot the mortal also? we have sam-
ples enough to prove this fact: while
the children of Israel were journeying
through the wilderness, Deut
XXIIi: V. 12,13,14
It does
<}uire proof to the mind of an
, s^nap.
not re-
intelli-
gent man, that cleanliness is necessa-
ry to qualifiy a person for the kingdom
«of God. It is evident that there i-, no
■filthy or unclean thing in his pres-
ence.
We will bring our subject to bear
with our own situation, and the gener-
whom we live; and see
ation among ..nuin .»^ iivv_,
how far we can indulge ourselves in
) justified. In the
md Covenant
the practices and
■book of Doctrine ana uovenants we
read, Page 123, par. 12: "Let all
things be done in cleanliness before
me." This sentence says all things,
and no doubt it means just what it says.
Let us inquire a little concerning this
matter. It seems that it is a good thing
to be prepared to meet the worst and
qualified to receive the best. When
in these conditions we are never taken
on sui prise, nor caught in snares that
we cannot extricate ourselves.
This church of Latter Day Saints,
seems to be composed of all sorts and
classes of people; if it were not so, we
would have good reason to suppose that
it was not the church it purports to be.
For the prophet says there shall be
gathered to Zion from all nations, kind-
reds, tongues and people, and, as far
as our knowledge extends, we know
that there are some from various kind-
reds, tongues pnd people, already a-
mong us; and no doubt, this saying
will be verified to the fulest extent. —
To be clean in all things is a broad say-
ing, and it must mean that a person that
is filthy comes short of fulfilling it,
and if so, they do not live by every
word which proceeds out of the mouth
of God; and therefore, are unclean in
his sight. Isaiah says, "Be ye clean
that bear the vessels of the Lord." —
Now if a man is clean, according to
the word of the Lord he will not be
unclean in his person; he will be neat
and cleanly in his apparrel; yea, he
will keep all the commandments oi God,
and then he will come into the pres-
ence of God, and "Lift up clean hands,
and a pure heart without wrath and
doubting." It is in vain for the disci-
ples of Jesus to tell us that they can
have the spirit of God, when we can
see nothing but filth and uncleanness
about their dwellings : God has declared
that he did not dwell in unholy tem-
ples. Surely if we are unholy we
expect to come short of the celestial
kingdom, unless we reform and become
as we should.
Frequently we see a person walking
humble and meek before the Lord, ac-
cording to outward appearance, but
no doubt that there are many as the
sepulchres were in the days of the
Savior, v/hich appeared beautiful out-
wardly, but within were full of dead
men's bones; so with this generation:
But as great a curiosity as can be found
in the world abounds in religion, which
consists in a coat or hat, and were
they to lay them aside would be as
barren of I'eligion as the generation of
vipers was in the days when the Son
of Man was upon earth. But says one
it is the heart that God looks at and not
the outward appearance. We grant
that Crod looks upon the heart, and
138 ... ,
judges man accordingly: But hark!
the Savior says from the abundance of
the heart the mouth speaketh, it is im-
possible for a bitter fountain to bring
forth sweet water. Neither is it con-
sistent to suppose that when the heart
' of man is right before God, that it will
be full of prejudice, or religion in a
coat or dress, or any thing that would
be an outward adorning. Matthew VI:
V. 16,17,18; "Moreover, when ye fast
be not as the hypocrites, of a sad coun-
tenance; for thev disfigure their faces,
that they may appear to men to fast.
Verily I say unto you, they have their
reward. But thou, when thou fastest,
annoint thine head, and wash thy face;
That thou appear not unto men to fast,
but unto thy Father which is in secret;
and thy Father, which seeth in secret,
shall reward thee openly.''
From the above quotation, we natu-
rally draw the conclusion, that a disci-
ple should be clean, and appear *in his
natural position without disfiguring
himself in any respect whatever; either
in person, manner or dress. This is
speaking to disciples, and we would of
necessity infer, that they had been
cleansed from sin, and washed and
made clean; But this is not all that is
wanting, to qualify a person for salva-
tion; after a person has received the
first ordinance of the gospel; then they,
are in a situation to walk in the way
towards perfection: Then they are
prepared to lay hold of the promises of
God, for they have already proved that
his word is true; Therefore, they are
prepared to rely on the remainder of
the promises of God, until they are
sanctified in truth, and cleansed from
nil impurity.
Ezekiel when speaking of the gath-
ering of Israel, says: Chap. XXXVI:
*'Then will I sprmkle clean water upon
you, and ye shall be clean: from all
your filthiness, and from all your id®ls,
v/ill I cleanse you." It seems that
when God in his providence, has gath-
ered the house of Israel from their long
dispersion, he will sprinkle clean wa-
ter upon them & cleanse them, from all
their filthiness; we would presume to
say, that there will be a general time of
cleansing: both spiritual and temporal.
According to the word of God, water
is used to cleanse men from sin, and
will do it effectually too, if applied in a
legal manner. All ordinances, that
are instituted of Jehovah, will avail no-
MiiSSENGEK ANiJ AbVOCATK.
thing unless they are administered by
one who has been authorized of thei
Lord himself. The earth no doubt has
been cleansed once by water; But there
remaineth another cleansing even by
fire: and thus by water and by fire all
things that remain will be cleansed in
the own due time of the Lord. But
wo, to that m.an, or woman, , that does
not cleanse and purify themselves by
obeying the truth in all things. For
the Lord will arise in his anger and
shake terribly the earth, and consume
the wicktsd and filthy with unquencha-"
ble fire. Therefore, cleanse and puri-'
fy yourselves ye workers of iniquity.
We are happy to say that the time
to favor Zion is at hand; surely, the
prophets in days of old looked with
deep anxiety to see the day in which
we live; and they beheld it and re-
joiced; because the restoration of tho
children of Israel, was a theme that
occupied much of their time in medit-
ation, that they might know concern-
ing this matter: and they were exceed-
ing glad, that the day should come, ia.
which the children of Issael should b&
gathered, from their dispersion. —
Moroni while speaking of the gather-
ing of Israel, and building up of the
New Jerusalem asys: —
"For behold they rejected all Hbe »vords o^
Ether: for he truly told them of all things,,
from the beginning of man ; and how that af-
ter the wat.^-s had receeded from oS'the face
of this land, it became a choice land above-
all other lands, a chosen land of the Lord;;
wherefore the Lord would have that all mem
should serve him, which dweUeth upon the-
face thereof; and that it was the place of the
New Jerusalem, which should come down,
out of heaven, and the holy sanctuary af the-
Lord. Behold, Ether saw the days of Christ,
and he spake concerning a New Jerusalent..
upon this land; and he spake also concern-
ing the house of Israel, and the Jeruaalemi
from whence Lehi should come; after that it
should b3 destroyed, it should be buill up
again a holy city unto the Lord; whereftreit
could not be a New Jerusalem, for it had:
been in a, time of old, but it should be built
up again, and become a holy city of the Lord;
and it should be built up unto the house of
Israel; and that a New Jerusalem shoulu* be
built up upon this land, unto the remnant of '
the seed of Joseph, for the which things thwre
has been a type: for as Joseph brought his-
father down into the land of Egypt, even xo
he died there; wherefore the Lord brought a.
remnant of the seed of Joseph out of the land
of Jerusalem, that he might be merciful unt*
the seed of Joseph, that they should perish
not, even as he was merciful unto the faLlie;.!'
of Joseph, that he should jjcrish not; where-
fore the remnant of the house of Joseph shall 1
be built upon this land; and it shall be a land 'i
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
ley
of their inkeritance; and they shall build up
a holy city unto the Lord, like unto the Jeru-
salem of old; and they shall no more be con-
founded, until the end come, when the earth
shall pass away." — Book of Mormon jjage 566.
The Lord has said that he would
hold no one guilt}, that should go with
an open heart, up to the land of" Zion;
after five years from September, 1831.
And the Lord has said that he would
gather his people and specified the place
where: —
"A revelation of Jesus Christ unto his ser-
vant Joseph Smith, jr. and six elders, as
they united their hearts and lifled their voi-
ces on high; yea, the word of the Lord con-
cerning his church established in the last
days for the restoration of his people as he
has spoken by the mouth of his prophets, and
for the gathering of his saints to stand upon
mount Zion, which shall be built, beginning
at the Temple Lot, which is appointed by the
finger of the Lord, in the western boundaries
of the State of Missouri, and dedicated by the
hand of Joseph Smith, jr. and others, with
whom the Lord was well pleased.
Verily, this is the word of the Lord, that
the city New Jerusalem shall be built by the
gathering of the saints, beginning at this
plac3, even the place of the temple, which
temple shall be reared in this generation; for
verily this generation shall not all pass away
until an house shall be built unto the Lord and
a cloud shall rest upon it, which cloud shall
be even the glory of the Lord, which shall
fill the house."— Cov. Sec. IV. Par. 1.
Isaiah 66:18, "Fori know their works, and
tlieir thoughts: it shall come, that I will
gather all nations and tongues; and they
shall come, and see my glory."
According to this quotation the glo-
ry of the Lord shall appear; but they
must come to a certain place in odrer
that they can see it. Our former quo-
tation deterniines the place, and who
dare dispute it^ The Lord has said
by the mouth of Tsaiah; that he would
perform his work, his strange work;
and bring to pass his act, his strange
act. We have before said, that the
place of the gathering of the saints was
specified: and to prove that men have
authority to bring this work to pass:
we will endeavor to show. The Lord
while speaking to some of the Latter
Day Elders says: —
"Verily I say unto you, that ye are chosen
out of the world to declare my gospel with
the sound of rejoicing, as with the voice of
a trump: lift up your liearts and be glad for
I am in your midst, and am your advocate
with the Father; and it is his good will to
give you the kingdom; and as it is written.
Whatsoever ye shall ask in faith, being uni-
ted in prayer according to my command, ye
shall receive; and ye are called to bring to
pass the gathering of mine elect, for mine
elect hear my voice and harden not their
hearts: wherefore the decree hath gone fortli
from th? Father, thnt they shfill be gathered
in unto one place, upon the face of tliis land,
to prepare their hearts, and be prepared in all
things, against the day when tribulation and
desolation are sent forth upon the wicked:
for the hour is nigh, and the day soon at hand,
when the earth is ripe: and all the proud,
and they that do wickedly, shall be as stub-
ble, and I will burn them up, saitli the Lord
of hosts, that wickedness shall not be upon
the earth: for the hour is nigh, and that
which was spoken by mine apostles must be
fulfilled; for as they spoke so shall it come to
pass; for I will reveal myself from heaven
with power and great glory, with all the hosts
thereof, and dwell in righteousness with men
on eartii a thousand years, and the wicked
shall not stand." — Cov. Sec. X. Par. 2.
This plainly specifies the work, that
they have to perform; before the great
day of the Lord comes; when "the sun
shall be darkened and the moon turn in-
to blood, and tlie stars shall fall from
heaven; and there shall be greater signs
in heaven above and in the earth be-
neath; and there shall be weeping and
wailing among the hosts of men; and
there shall be a great hailstorm sent
forth to destroy the crops of the earth:
and it shall come to pass, because of
the wickedness of the world, that I will
take vengeance upon the wicked, for
they will not repent: for behold my
blood shall not cleanse them if they
hear me not."
It is evident that great things will
be shown forth; but who will believe
them? The answer is conclusive, those
who are looking for them to take place.
We may become acquainted with all
these things; and know them: but
what does it avail us if we are not pre-
pared to meet the consequences. —
The Savior says; "I have called upon
the weak things of the world, those
who are unlearned and despised, to
thresh the nations by the power of mv
Spirit."
Moses while talkinj? to the children
of Israel, says "Secret things belong
unto the Lord our God; but these things
which are revealed, vbelong unto us,
and to our children forever." It is
evident that we are accountable to God
for the things which we have in our
possession; and that we will be justifi-
ed or condemned by the same. After
Moses had received the law, he fore-
told the children of Israel, what should
befall them:
"And it shall come to pass, when all these
things are come upon thee, tlie blessing and
the curse, which I have set before thee, and
thou shalt call t/iciii to mind among all the
nations whither the Lord thy God hath driv-
en thee, And shalt return unto the Lord tliy
God, and shalt oboy his voice, according to
IfX)
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE
c
c
t(
tl
So
cL
A(
is
wi
leg
are
all that I command thee this day, thou, and
thy children, with all thine heart, and with
all thy soul; That then the Lord thy God
will turn thy Gaptivity, and have compassion
upon thee, and will return, and gather thee
from all the nations whither the Lord thy
God hath scattered thee.
if any of thine be driven out unto the ut-
most parts of heaven, from thence will the
Lord thy God gather thee, and from thence
will he fetch thee. And the Lord thy God
•will bring thee into the land which thy fath-
CTS Dossessed, and thou shalt possess it; and
-he will do thee good, and multiply thee above
ilhy fathers. And the Lord thy God will cir-
;x;mncise thine heart, and the heart of thy seed,
to love the Lord thy God with all thine heart
and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live.
And the Lord " thy God will put all these
curses upon thine enemies, and on them that
hate thee, which persecuted thee." — Deut.
XXX: 51,2,3,4,5,6,7.
Paul while talking to the Ephesians,
says:
Having made known unto us the mystery
of his will according to his good pleasure
v/hich he hath purposed in himself: That in
the dispensation of the fulness of times, he
might gather together in one all things in
Christ, both which are in heaven, and which
are on eartli, even in him. In whom also we
have obtained an inheritance, being predes-
tinated according to the purpose of him who
worketh all things after the counsel of his
own will: That we should be the praise of
his glory who first trusted in Christ, In
whom ye also trusted after that ye heard the
word of truth, the gospel of your salvation:
in whom also after that ye believed, ye were
sealed with that holy Spirit of promise. —
Which is the earnest of our inheritance until
the redemption of the purchased possession,
unto the praise of his glory. — Eph. I: 9,10,
11,12,13,14.
While we are on this subject we will
further show that God has a fixed pe-
riod to accomplish his work. We have
shown that there will be a place of
gathering on this continent; and also
at Palestine; for Moses says: "the
Lord thy God will bring thee into the
land which thy fathers possessed, and
thou shalf possess it; and he will do
thee good, and multiply thee above thy
fathers." ^
We have also shown, that this land
was a place for the gathering of a
remnant of the housd of Israel: and
that they should have it in the due
time of the Lord: according to the
book of Mormon, all that will embrace
the fulness of the gospel of Jetius
Christ, and endure in faith to the end,
shall become partakers of the cove-
nants of the Lord which he made to
our fathers, whose blessings are very
numerous; and if we will obtain them,
we shall be blessed while the throne of
God shall stand. To show what the
Lord has revealed we will make a few
more quotations.
"And now I show unto you a mystery, a
thing which is had in secret chambers, to
bring to pass even your destruction, in pro-
cess of time, and ye knew it not, but now I
tell it unto you, and ye are blessed, not be-
cause of your eniquity, neither your hearts of
unbelief, for verily some of you are guilty be-
fore me; but I \yill be merciful unto your
weakness. Therefore, be ye strong from"
henceforth; fear not for the kingdom is yours:
and for your salvation I give unto you a com-
mandment, for I have heard your prayers,
and the poor have complained before me, an^
the rich have I made, and all flesh is mine,
and I am no respecter of persons. And I have
made the earth rich, and behold it is my foot-
stool: wherefore, again I will stand upon it:
and I hold forth and deign to give unto you
greater riches, even a land of promise; aland
flowing with milk and honey, upon which
there shall be no curse when the Lord com-
eth: and I will give it unto you for the land
of your inheritance, if you seek it with all
your hearts: and this shall be my covenant
with you, ye shall have it for the land of your
inheritance, and for the inheritance of your
children forever while the earth shall stand,
and ye shall possess it again jn eternity, no
more to pass away." — Cov. XII. Par. ,4.
Jeremiah spake concerning the re-
demption of Israel:
"In those days, and in that time, saith the
Lord, the children of Israel shall come, they
and the children of Judah together, going and
weeping: they shall go, and seek the Lord'
their God. They shall ask the way to Zion
with their faces thitherward, saying, Come,
and let us join ourselves to the Lord in a per-
petual covenant that shall not be forgotten."
— Jer. L. 4,5.
We have plainly demonstrated to the
mind of any person, that believes the
Bible and the book of Mormon, that Is-
rael shall be gathered: and where and
how. And the following quotation,
will demonstrate when.
"Hearken, O ye people of my church, saith,
the Lord your God, and hear the word of the
Lord concerning "you; the Lord who sh^ll
suddenly come to his temple: the Lord who
shall come down upon the world with a curse
to judgement; yea, upon all the nations that
forget God, and upon all the ungodly among
you. For he shall make bare his holj' arm
in the eyes of all the nations, and all the ends
of the earth shall see the salvation of their
God. Wherefore, prepare ye, prepare ye, O
my people; sanctify yourselves; gather ye
together, O ye people of my church, upon,
the land of Zion, all you that have not been
commanded to tarry. Go ye out from Baby- •
Ion. Be ve clean that bear the vessels of the
Lord. Call your solemn assemblies, and
speak often- one to another. And let every
man call upon the name of the Lord; yea, ,
verily I say unto you, again, the time has
come when the voice of the Lord is unto you.
Go ye out of Babylon; gather ye out from
among the nations, from the four winds, from
one end of heaven to the other. ■ "X,^
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
191
Send forth the elders of my church unto
the nations which are afar off; unto the isl-
ands of the sea; send forth unto foreign
lands; call upon all nations; firstly, upon the
Gentiles, and then upon the Jews. And be-
hold and lo, this shall be their cry, and the
voice of the Lord unto all people: Go ye forth
unto the land of Zion, that the borders of
my people may be enlarged, and that her
stakes may be strengthened, and that Zion
may go forth unto the regions round about:
yea, let the cry go forth among all people;
Awake and arise and go forth to meet the
Bridegroom: behold and lo, the Bridegroom
cometh, go ye out to meet him. • Prepare
yourselves for the great day of the Lord. —
Watch, therefore, for ye know neither the
day nor the hour. Let them, therefore, who
are among the Gentiles, flee unto Zion. And
let them who be of Judah, flee unto Jerusa-
lem, unto the mountains of the Lord's house.
Go ye out from among the nations, even
from Babylon, from the midst of wickedness,
which is spiritual Babylon. But verily thus
eaith the Lord, let not your flight be in haste,
but let all things be prepared before you: and
he that goeth, let him not look back, lest sud-
den destruction shall come upon him." — Gov.
Sec. C: Par. 1,2.
The time is at hand for the saints to
assemble as fast as is consistent with
their circumstances; so that all things
may be done in order without distrac-
tion or confusion or any thing that
would bring pestilence and misery up-
on the afflicted saints. Remember to
have all things ready, go ye out from
Babylon even as the Lord hath said. —
He that readeth let him understand. —
That the Lord is God, Therefore keep
his commandments, even so. Amen.
THE ELDERS ABROAD.
The elders are informed that the
school will commence on Monday the
2nd of November. Those wishing to
attend will do well to arrange their bu-
siness so as to commence with the com-
mencement of the school.
DIED — In Clay county, Mo. August
24, Alma, son of Elder Isaac Higbee,
(now in this place,) aged 21 months
and 15 days.
The twelve returned from their
mission in the east, on the 26 inst. in
good health and spirits. Our friends
and patrons, may look for a commu-
nication from them in our next. — Editor.
Extract of a Letter dated Paris, Henry Co.
Ten. Sept. 21, 1835.
I have continued my labors, principally
among the churches, since the departure of
Elder W. Parrish: and have baptized four. —
There are many sick in tliis part of the land,
and some are dying. The saints in the south
wish to be remembered before the Lord by the
saints in the north; whom we love for the
truth's sake, «fcc. W. WOODRUFF.
CONTENTS OF THE
MSSSZaNTGEIt AND ADVOCATE.
Voiuiue i, AO. 1. Fag-e.
Address,
Foreign News,
Communication written bv O. Cowdery, Pon-
tiac, IM. T. Oct. -21). 1834,
Communication from J. P. Green,
Communication from \V. A. Covvderv, Free-
dom, N. Y. Oct. 20, 1S34,
Communication from Eli Giluert, Huntington,
Ct. Sept. 23, 1S34,
P. S.
Communication from Sylvester Smitb,
An apology, lor delay,
for not publishing the re-printed
Star as soon as anticipated,
An invitation to read Mr. E. Gilbert's Letter,
Death of A. S. Gilbert,
Communication from Elder Z. Coltrin, Florida,
Mo. Oct. 13, 1934, ^ ,
A word to our patrons, &.c. r-^
Obtaining subscriptions,
Persons wising to discontinue subscriptions; Si-c,
Complaints, &c.
Deaths,
remarks upon,
0
10
to
11
11
11
11
11
IX
11
11
11
1-2
la
Extracts of the minutes of the High Council of
the church of the Latter Day Saints, held in
Kirtland, Sept. 24, 1S34, 13-
Remarks on the subject of the rise of the church, 13
First communication on the rise of the church of
Christ, of Latter Day Saints, (fee. 13
P. S. 16
Terms of Messenger and Advocate, 16
No. 2.
31illeneun), No. IX, 17
Faith of the church. No. VIII, 19
The Gospel, No. II, 20
Communication from W. A. Cowdery, Free-
dom, Oct. 23, 1834, 21
p. S. Do. 22
Communication from W. W. Phelps, Liberty,
Mo, Oct. 20, 1S34, 22
Communication from S. B. Stoddard, Saco, Me.
Oct. 20, 1S34, 21
Communication from D. W. Patten and W.
Parrish, Paris, Ten. Oct. 11, 1834, 24
Communication from Elder John Murdock, Eu-
gene, la. Oct. 11, 1834, and remarks by the
Editor, 25
On signitures, &.c. 25
Communication from O. Cowdery, to W. A.
Cowdery, 26
Rise of the church, 27
No. 3.
Communication from W. W. Phelps, Liberty,
Mo. Nov. e, 1S34, ■ 33
Library of the Earl Spencer, &z. 34
Communication from W. A. Cowdery, Free-
dom, Nov. 28, 1834, 33
Faith of the church, No. IX, . 35
The Gospel, No. Ill, 37
Millenium, No. X, 39
Communication from Joseph Smith jr. 40
Remarks, 41
An extract from the Message of the Governor of
Mo. on the affdirs of the Mob in July, 1S33, 41
Conference notices, 41
Death, 41
Rise of the church, 41
Summary, 43
Close of another year, 46.
No. 4.
Communication from W. W. Phelps, Liberty,
Mo. Nov. 13, 1834, 49
Faith of the church, No. X, 31
Millenium, No. XI, 53
Gospel, No. IV", 54
Communication from Edward Partridge, Inde-
pendence, Mo. Aug. 31, 1933, 56
Communication from Ambrose Palmer, New
Portage, O. January 2S, 1835, ;61
Conditions of re-printed Star, 62
Conference Notice, 62
Bishop Partridge's letter, 62
Deaths, 63
Summary of letters from Elders, &c. 63
No. 5.
Communication from W. W. Phelps, Liberty.
Mo. Christmas, 1834, 65
Millenium, No. XII, 67
Faith of the church. No. XI, 63
Gospel, No. V, li
Obituary, ^4
Summary of li'tters. "3
lt)3
MESSENGER AND ADVOc'ATE.
<Jominuiii::'.tioii from the Brookville, la. Eii-
<|uirer, 77
Kise of the church, 77
No. of students, &c. SO
•Terms of sclioul, Kirtlaiul, Fe!). 27, 1835, 80
Wo. G.
Comnuiiiicatiori trpiu W. W. Phelps, Lilicfty,
Mo. Feb. (i, 'ie.35, SI
Faith oflhc churcli, No. XII, S3
jMilleniuiii, No. XII i, , 81
«josi)«1. No. V'i, ' S7
CoiiimiiTiication from EMer O. Tratt, Ciiiciiina'a,
O. Febuarv 10, 1S35, m
P. S. .' SO
Conference notices, KirtlaiirJ, JIarcli B. 1S35, DO
recalled, 00
-Request to T. B. Marsh and .O. Pratt, 90
KemarUs on delusions, cfce. 90
Communication from Klder S. Carter; and re-
marks by the Editor, 93
Reception of People's and Parley's 3Iagazinc, So
WM(jri|fc-inkers, ifce. !!.5
.Uis<»of the church, 9.5
Spring nionihs, 98
No. 7.
Communication from AV. W. Phelps, liibcrtv,
Mo. Fel>uary24, 1S35, '97
Connnuniratioii from W. A. Cowdery, Free-
dom, March 10, 1S35, 9?
Communication from M. C. Nickerson, Perrvs-
bmgh, N. Y. January 30, 1835, ' 99
31inutes of a conference, held at Freedom, N. V.
April 3, 1S35, 101
Communication from AV. E. M'Lellin, Hunts-
burgh, O. April 16, IS3o, 102
Communication from D. Evans, Perry, April 19,
1835, ' •" •- JQ3
Extract of conference minutes Kirtland, O.
April 27, 1S35, 103
Summary of jjetters, 103
Trou'^ip in tlie West, 104
Inquisition in the United States; and remarks, on
the same, 107
Read the Constitution of the U. S. A. 107
Request of Hirum Smith and Jared Carter, 107
Rise of the church, lOS
Invitation to attend conference at New Portage,
Ohio, 112
No. 8.
Communication from W. A. Cowdery, Free-
dom, March 17, 1835, 113
Communication from AV^ AV. Phelps, Kirtland,
May 19, 1835, ' 114
Conference minutes of the travelling high coun-
sel, AA'estfield, May 12, 1835, 115
Millenium, No. XIA^, 116
tiospel, No. VII, 118
Address to the patrons of the Mes. and Adv. 120
Call for arrearages, &c. 122
Deaths, 122
Remarks on Theological lectures, 122
Lecture V. 192
-— VI, 12.1
Faith of church. 126
Conference at New Portage. Ohio, 123
No. 9.
Communication from AA''. AV. Phelps, Kirtland,
Ohio, June 1, 1S35, ] 2!)
P. S. 131
Gospel, No. ATII, 131
Faith of the church. No. XIII, 133
t.'ommifnication from AV. Parish and AA^. AA'ood-
ruff, Paris, Ten. May 16, 1835, 135
Address, 135
To the Saints scattered abroad, x.37
Recommend of Bishop Partridge, 133
Communication from Elder O. Pratt, Freedom,
N. Y. May 18, 1835, I39
Selected from tlie N. \ . Courier and Enquirer,
with remarks. &c. I40
Communication from D. Evans, Columbiana co.
Ohio, May 24, 1835, I4I
Coriinunication froai H. Green, Clinton co. 111.
May 15, 1835, 1J2
Communication from Elder J. Blakeslee, Ellis-
Imreh, N. Y. May 18, 183,5, 142
Conference minutes held at New Portage Ohio, 142
I John's detlinition of love, I44
Hymn, Adam-ondi-Ahmcn, ]14
Sabbath Hymn, 1 44
Deaths, I44
No. 10.
Commnnication from AA'^.
Ohio, Julv, 1835,
The hout^c of Ciod,
Sl;!ni!erni!s, S:r,
W. Phelps, Kirtland,
145
147
348
Is the end near^
Remarks on Mr. Bradley's discouifse.
Conference minutes of the travelling high coun-
cil held at Freedom. N. Y. and remarKs,
Confereme at New Portage, by request,
Lecture on children.
Apology for abridging letters,
Phny Foot's request,
Rise of the church;
Morning Hymn,
Extracts of letters from the Eiders aliroad.
Letters must be post paid.
Sacrament Hymn,
No. 11.
General Assembly,
Faith of the Church, No. XIV,
Lo the days ceme, fcc,
lietters from the Elders abroad.
Time,
Prayer,
Doctrine and Covenants,
Persecution, •,
form the beeinniug of the fourth
14»
150^
153
1.53
154
IS*'
l55
155-
139i
160^
160
160'
161
164
100
106
168
168
170
170
171
176
176
176
176
176
century to the death of Galerius,
AA''ithdrawing fellowship from P. H. Young,
Delay of this Number,
Obituary,
Praise ye the Lord,
Evening Hymn,
No. 12.
Communication ftom AA''. AA"". Phelps, 177
from J. Smith jr. to J. AA'hitmer, 179
Ancient order of things by Elder S. Kigdon, 182
Communication from Elder L. JackmSn and C.
Baldwin, Clear Creek, Illinois,
Communication from Elder G. M. Hinkle,
Extract of Conference minutes, Kirtland, Ohio,
Extract of minutes of Conference held at Black
River, New York,
Cleanliness,
On the gathering of Israel,
To the Elders abroad,
Death,
Return of the twelve.
Extract of W. AA'oodrutPs letter,
485
1S6
1S6
186
tS7
188
191
191
191
191
HOME.
Hou' sweet is the mem'ry of all that we love,
The saints wlio have laid up their treasures
above,
And have waited in faith for the Savior to
come,
With a fulness of glory to crawn them his
own
At home, blessed home —
Where the weary can rest, and the wicked
ne'er come:
How sweet is the prospect when saints shall
be blest,
And Zion extend from the east to the west;
And heaven shall echo 'tis done, it is done!
And parents atid children, united as one.
Praise God face to face.
As clear as the moon, and as fair as the sun.
THE LATTER DAY SAINTS'
Messenger and Advocate,
IS EDITED BY
And iiubli^hed every month at Kirtland, Geauga Co
Ohio, by
F. &. ^WII.I.IAMS & Co.
M S 1, per an. i?i advance. Every person procurini;
ten new subscribers, and foricardlnff % 10, current
money, shall be entitled lo a paper one year, gratia'
All letters to the Editor, or Publishers, viust be
^1' POST PAID. x:Si .'
No subscription will be received for a less term than on
year, and no paper discontinued till all arrmriri^cs are
paid, except at the option nf the piibliihcrs.
A¥ SAI
MF.^-^§S:i^^l^I^l^ AWI> A1IT@€ATF..
V(
II.
No. 1.] KIRTLAND, OHIO, OCTOBER, 183,^. [Wholg No. 13.
I the saints preparing to meet the Lord,
when he cornes in his glory. I rejoico
while the United States' army is pene-
trating into the western wilds to make
treaties with the rude sons of the for-
est. I am gratliicd to hear that the
frontier Drnyoonsare riding fromprai*
rie topiairie; yea, even to the Uocky
Mountains, to keep and make peace,
with the Carnanchees, tlsc Kios, tho
Picks, the Pav/nees, the Siandans, the
Rickarees, the Nepersees, the Black-
feet, and the host of other tribes. It
enlivens my soul, and I am ready to
exclaim like Lehi: "Great and mar-
velous are thy v.orks, O Lord God
Almighty! Thy throne is high in the
heavens, and thy power, and goodiies.>^»
md mercy is over all the hihabitaiits
fustier 1^^' Si*
Dear. Brotukr in the Lord: — My
Jast letter was mainly connncd to the
Look of Mormon, which rarely iaiis to
bring to my mind something about tlic
Indians, whose history and doings, un-
t>n this western continent, it unfolds as
plainly, as the bible does those of the
Israelites en the eastern continent. —
Having .such a viev/.before me, I have
concluded to add a second part to my
Jast letter, and give a few ideas con-
■cerning the Indians and Jsraclitcs.
Tlic Indians occupy a large portion
of the land of America, and, as they
sre a part of the creation of God, and
are a remnant of the children of Isra-
el, they must necessarily hear the gos-
pel, and have a chance to be gathered
into the fold of the Lord. Oar gov-
■ernment has already gathered many
of the scattered remnants of trib-S, and
located them west of the Missouri, to
\>e nalionalized and cicii>.zcd\ and feel-
ing, as every 2,aict must, a deep inter-
est in their salvation, 1 rejoice to see
the great v.'ork prosper. -The Indians
are the people of the Lord; they are
of the tribes oi' Israel; the blood of Jo-
seph, v.'ilh a small mi.xture of the roy-
al blood of Judali, and the hour is nigh
when they will come flocking into the
kingdom of God, like doves to tlieir
v/indovv's; yea, as the book of Mormon
foretells — they will soon become a
"vvhite and tlelightsome pcop<le.
When I read the book of Mormon
and reflect upon the mercy and good-
ness of God, in sparing some of the
s*:ed of Joseph upon this choice land of
America: and consider his wisdom and
lOve in preserving a record of the pro-
genitors or fathers of this now smitten
and dejected people, I cannot find the
requisite terms to convey my thanlis
to such.an all v/ise Being! — ! am lost
in v/onder — I shrink at my nothingness
and his greatness! — Joy to the v.orld
for the salvation which is free to ai!
that will embrace it! — Light to evrr/
soul that wishes it! Yea, eternal life
to fallen man has been made plain in
these last days, so that all that will,
may come into the celestial kingdom:
into the presence of God! I love to , j „ .
behold the seed of Joseph gathering! such noble days; such an earth of blias
home (t>r bettor dars;, «nd T love to STO ' should wiuso the saints to sine:— ^
of the earth!"
No man that possesses a spark of
love for his fellow-beings — a mite of
righteousness, or a grain of faith as
large as a mustard seed, but will re-
joice to see Israel's latter dtiy at hand;
yea, v*'ho can refrain from joy, when*
phcenix-like, he beholds the Indians be*
£cin to raise out of their fwurtecn hun*
dred years of darkness and error, to
prepcrj for glory — for robes of right-
eousness— tor thecomingof the Savior*
when they can shine on this choica
land, in the kindgom of God, like the
stars of heaven, and bud and blossom
as the rose; yea, becorre the joy of
the whole earth? And how much is
tlie joy of our hearts enlarged, when it
is known the "poor Indians," are to be
rai.sed from their low estate, and- mis-
erable condition, by the everhisthig
gospel; even the fuiincss of the gospel
contained in tlie book of Mormon, and
other books of God. No v/onder tho
pure in heart v/ili return to Zion, sing-
ing songs of everlasting joy — no won-
der there is joy in heaven over repent-
ing sinners, and no wonder the proph-
et CAciaimed: — "How beautiful upon
the mountains are the feet of him that
bringeth good tidings, that publisheth
peace; that bringeth good tidings of
good, that publisheth salvation; that
saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!"—
Isaiah Chap. 52:7.
The prospect of such a grand scene;
>^,,/;?f
194
MESSENGEa AND ADVOCATE.
Ye watchmen lift your voices,
While heaven and earth rejoices,
In strains of holy praise,
For bliss that crowns our days.
So gloriously.
See eye to eye, in Zion,
While Jesus, Judah's Lion,
Rebukes the world of sin,
And makes his church begin
To fill the earth.
Ye blessed of the Father,
From ev'ry region gather.
Upon the proniis'd land.
In holy places stand.
While judgement works.
The plagues will soon be over—
The Lord his face uncover.
And all the pure in heart,
Beyond the power of art,
Be blest in heaven.
The earth shall then be holy.
And saints and cngels boldly,
Without a vail between,
Will see as they are seen,
And walk with God.
When I contrast the end of the Ne-
phites, at the great battle of Cumorah,
when the ten thousand led by Mormon;
the ten thousand led by Moroni; Gid-
giddonah and his ten thousand; Lamah
and his ten thousand; Giigal and his
ten thousand; Linihah and his ten
thousand; Joneani and his ten thou-
sand; Camenihah and his ten thou-
sand; Moronihah and his ten thousand;
Antonium and his ten thousand; Shib-
lum and his ten thousand; Shein and
his ten thousand; Josh and his ten
thousand; and ten more with their ten
■ thousand each — were slam; yea, 1
say when I contrast this dreadful scene
of the Nepliites and Lamanites, with
the glorious hegmning of the rem-
nants' return to serve the Lord, I fail
for language to express my joy — I
-jvaht the earth deluged in prayer; the
heavens lit with songs; and eternity
filled with praise.
The commissioners on Indian af-
fairs, in their report to Congress, last
spring, stated, that there were '■'■seventy
nine tribes west of the Mississippi riv-
er, comprising a population ot 312,-
610." These tribes I suppose, must
reside this side of the Rocky Moun-
tains— because common report says
that as many tribes embracing certain-
ly as much population, must live west
of the mountains. There are fine riv-
ers, beautiful valleys, extensive plains,
as well as fertile shores on the Pacific,
for a vast number of inhabitants. —
Again the Commissioners stated tha
"thirty tribes, containing a population
of 156,310, have held treaties with the
United States, and that there is an In-
dian population east of the Mississippi,
of 92,676,"— making a total of 405,-
286. Now allowing the same number
west of the Mountains, and suppose
800,000, in the northern regions of
the Canadas, and 500,000 in South
America, there will be 2,110,562 of
the sons of Joseph, and of the remnants
of the Jews. A goodly number to be
willing in the day of the Lord's power,
to help build up the waste places of Zi-
on. A blessed band to be restored to
mercy and enjoy the chief things of
ancient mountains; even the deep things
that couch beneath.
The parts of the globe that are
known piobably contain 700 niH lions
of inhabitants, and those parts which
are unknown may be supposed to con-
tain more than four times as many
more, making an estimated total of a-
bout three thousand, Jive hundred and
eighty millions of souls: Let no man
marvel at this statement, because there
may be a contment at the north pole,
of more than 1300 square miles, con-
taining thousands of millions of Israel-
ites, who, after a high way is cast up
in the great deep, may come to Zion,
singing songs of everlasting joy. The
Lord must bring to pass the words of
Isaiah, which say to the NORTH,
"Give up; and to the South; keep not
back: bring my sons from far, and my
daughters from the ends of the eaith."
From the north and south end, I pre-
sume, as no one has ever pretended,
that there was an end to the globe any
where else.
This idea is greatly strengthened by
reading Zenos' account of the tame ol-
ive tree in the book of Mormon, page
131. The branches planted in the
nethermost parts of the earth, "brought
forth much fruit," and no man that
pretends to have pure religion, can
find "much fruit" among the Gentiles,
or heathen of this generation.
The reason 1 have for the above
statement, in accordance with the book
of Mormon, is, because, in this age of
the world, with all its missionaraies,
and missionary societies, bible socie-
ties, tract societies, sunday school un-
ions, and printing establishments, —
counting all the inhabitants of the
christian governments, believers and
unbelievers, the closest calculations ol-
MESSENGER ANt) ADVOCATE.
19^>
lo\V only 200 millions to be christians!
Thus, instead of "much fruit." (and
there is probably as much now as there
has been since the flood,) the earth
contains more than 500 millions of
heathens! And I feel constrained to
say, that those who profess to be chris-
tians act more heathenish amons; them-
selves, and more savage to others, of
late, than the rude Arabs, — the un-
taught Hottentots, or the wild Indians.
Go through all the sects in Christen-
dom, which have been striving for
power, during the last fifty years, like
so many t'erocious beasts, and where
'ivill you tind a man of God? Where
will you find a servant of the Lord,
who can prevail by prayer and faitli,
and unstop the bottles of heaven in a
drouth? Where wiil you find a mighty
man that can chase a thousand — or
two put ten thousand to flightl Where
will you find a man that can say to a
Dorcas, "In the name of Jesus of Naz-
areth, arise," — and have her spirit re-
turn— and she again live? Not among
the catholics; not among the episco-
palians; not among the presl)} terians;
not among the quakers; not among the
baptists; not among the methodists;
not among the christians; not among
the campbellites; not among the uni-
versalists: no; not among any sect,
for they have only a form of godliness,
and deny the power thereof. In fact,
ihe faith of the church of Christ of
latter day saints, has not been suffi-
cient, amid such a world of unbelief,
to perform many great miracles. The
sick have been healed; and speaking
and interpreting other tongues are com-
mon: but thanks be to God, if the
church continues to go from grace to
grace, and from faith to faith, it will
soon lack no good gift.
I can only turn, then, to the infant
church of Christ of latter day saints,
and pray the Lord to keep it in the
;right way, and all things for the edifi-
cation, and for the salvation of men,
and for the glorification of God, will
be in the |)ossession of the saints. —
The Lord has not changed, his gospel
is the same from the beginning to the
end; neither is lie slack; his promises
and gifts to men never fail, if they con-
tinue faithful in all his commandments:
The Lord is the same in time and in
eternity, yesterday, to-day and forev-
er. If we, as saints, are pure before
him, what Enoch saw we can see; —
what Moses did we can do; what Pe'
ter had we can have; what the saints
endured v.e can endure; and what the
righteous receive we shall receive. — •
Glorious prospect! What j'^y to come!
O I want a world of words — a universe
of praise, and an eternity of gratitude,-
to thank the Lord forv/hat he has done,-
and will do for those that love and
serve him faithfully to the end. Not
that the saints expect to labor for the
corruptible treasures of the world,
or honors such as the Gentiles seek:
As the church of Christ we plough not
the ocean for wealth; we visit not for-*
eign climes for gold; we risk not our
lives among all manner of men for
t'ame: — no; the servants of Jesus
Christ go whither:oever he commands
them to carry glad tidings — to proclaim
salvation to all that v.'ill accept of it,
according to the conditions of the gos-
pel— that the kingdom of heaven may
come: — yea, the joyful day be ushered
in, when Israel shall be gathered from
the four quarters of the earth, to meet
their Redeemer, and have their ungod-
liness turned away.
Glory to God in the highest: let
peace reign among his children, and
let good will and mercy become a
sweet invitation to the poor Indians,
that they may come into the kingdorri
prepared t>om the foundation of the
world, and receive their fenny, with
songs of everlasting joy.
As ever,
W. W. PHELPS.
To Oliver Cowdery.
LETTER YIII.
Dear Brother, —
In my last I said I should
give, partially, a "description of the
place where, and the manner in whipli
these records were deposited:" the first
promise I have fulfilled, and n)ust pio-
ceed to the latter:
The hill of which I have been speak-
ing, at the time mentioned, presented
a varied appearance: the north end
rose suddenly from the plain, forming
a promontory without timber, but cov-
ered with grass. As you passed to the
south vou soon came to scatterinor tim-
ber, the surface having been cleared by
art or by wind; and a short distance
further left, you are surrounded with
the common forest of the country. It
is necessary to observe, that even the
part cleared was only occupied for pa«-
108
MESSENGER AJfD ADVOCATE.
*urage, its steep ascent and narrow
■ummit not admitting the plow of the
husbandman, with any degree of ease
or profit. It was at the second men-
tioned place where the record was found
to be deposited, on the west side of the
hill, not far from the top down its side;
and when myself visited the place in
the year 1830, there were several trees
standing: enough to cause a shade in
summer, but not so much as to prevent
the surface being covered with grass '—
which was also the case when the rec-
ord was first found.
Whatever may be the feeling of men
on the reflection of past acts which
have been performed on certain por-
tions or spots of this earth, I know not,
neither does it add or diminish to nor
from the reality of my subject. When
Moses heard the voice of God, at the
foot of Horeb, out of the burning bush,
he was commanded to take his shoes
off his feet, for the ground on which he
stood was holy. The same may be ob-
served when Joshua beheld the "Cap-
tain of the Lord's host" by Jerico. —
And 1 confess that my mind was filled
with many reflections; and though I did
not then loose ray shoe, yet with grati-
tude to God did I offer up the sacrifice
of my heart.
How far below the surface these rec-
ords were placed by Moroni, I am un-
able to say; but from the fact that thoy
had been some fourteen hundi-ed years
buried, and that too on the side of a
hill so steep, one is ready to conclude
that they were some feet below, as the
earth would naturally wear more or
less in that length of time. But they
being placed toward the top of the hill,
the ground would not remove as much
as at two-thirds, perhaps. Another
circumstance would prevent a wearing
of the earth: in all probability, as soon
as timber had time to grow, the hill
was covered, after the Nephites were
destroyed, and the roots of the same
would hold the surface. However, on
this point I shall leave every man to
draw his own conclusion, and form his
own speculation, as I only promised to
give a description of the place at the
time the records were found in 1823. —
It is sufficient for my present purpose,
to know, that such is the fact: that in
1823, yes, 1823, a man with whom I
have had the most intimate and person-
al acquaintance, for almost seven
ycfarsv actually disebt^red by tho vis-
ion of God, the plates from which the
book of Mormon, as much as it is dis^-
believed, was translated! Such is the
case, though men rack their Tery brains
to invent falsehoods, and then waft
them upon every breeze, to the contra^
ry notwithstanding.
I have now given sufficient on the
subject of the hill Cumorah — it has a
singular and imposing appearance for
that country, and must excite the curi-
ous enquiry of every lover of the book
of ?.1ormon: though I hope never like
Jerusalem, and the sepulchre of our
Lord, the pilgrims. In my estimation,
certain places are "dearer to me for
what they now contain than for what
they have contained. For the satisfac-
tion of such as believe 1 have been thus
particular, and to avoid the question
being a thousand times asked, more
than any other cause, shall proceed and
be as particular as heretofore. The
manner in which the plates were de-
posited:
First, a hole of sufficient depth, (how-
deep I know not,) was dug. At the
bottom of this was laid a stone of suita-
ble size, the upper surface being smoothv
At each edge was placed a large quan-
tity of cement, and into this cement, at
the four edges of this stone, were pla-
ced, erect, four others, tlieir bottom
edges resting in the cement at the out-
er edges of the first stone. The four
last named, when placed erect, formed
a box, the corners, or where the edges
of the four came in contact, were also
cemented so firmly that the moisture
from without was prevented from en-
tering.- It is to be observed, also, that
the inner surface of the four erect, or
side stones was smooth. This box was
sufficiently large to admit a breast-plate,
such as was used by the ancients to de-
fend the chest, &c. from the arrows
and weapons of their enemy. From
the bottom of tbe box, or from the
bi*east-plate, arose three small pillars
composed of the same description of
cement used on the edges; and upon
these three pillars was placed the rec-
ord of the children of Joseph, and of a
people who left the tower far, far be-
fore the days of Joseph, or a sketch of
each, which had it not ben for this, and
the never failing goodness of God, wc
might have perished in our sins, hav-
ing been left to bow down before the
altars of the Gentiles and to have paid
homage to the priests of Paal! I mnsi
MESSEi^GER AND ADVOCATE,
19T
not forgot to say that this box, contain-
inc the record was covered with anoth-
■CT stone, the bottom surface being flat
and the upper, crowning. But those
three pittars were not so lengthy as to
ciuse the plates and the crowning stone
to come in contact. I have now given
yon, according to my promise, the
manner in which this record was de-
posited; though when it was first visi-
ted by our brother, in 1823, a part of
the crowning stone was visible above
'the surface while the edges were con-
'<;ealed by the soil and grass, from
which circumstance you will see, that
however deep this box might have been
placed by Moroni at first, the time had
been suflicient to wear the earth so
ihat it was easily discovered, when
K>nce directed, and yet not enough to
make a perceivable difference to the
passerby. So v/ondertul are the v/orks
of the Almighty, and so far from our
finding out are his ways, that one v.'ho
trembles to take his holy name into his
lips, is left to wonder at his exact prov-
idences, and the fulfilment of his pur-
poses in the event of times and seasons.
A few years sooner might have found
even the top stone concealed, and dis-
couraged our brother from attempting
to make a further trial to obtain this
rich treasure, for fear of discovery;
and a few later might have left the
small box uncovered, and exposed its
valuable cortents to tlie rude calcula-
tioris and vain speculations of those
who neither understand common lan-
guage nor fear God. But such would
iiive been contrary to the words of the
ancients and t!ie promises made to
them: and this is why 1 am left to ad-
mire the works and see the wisdom in
the designs of the Lord in all things
manifested to the eyes of the world:
they show that ail human inventions
are like the vapors, while his word en-
dures forever and his promises to the
last generation.
Having thus digressed from my main
subject to give a few items for the spe-
cial benefit of all, it will be necessary
to return, and proceed as formerly. —
And if any suppose I have indulged too
freely in reflections, I will only say,
that it is my opinion, were one to have
a view of the glory of God which is to
cover {srael in the last days, and know
that these, though they may be thought
smiU things, were the beginning
to efiuct the same, thoy would be at a
loss where to close, should they give a
moment's vent to the imaginations of
the heart.
You will have wondered, perhaps,
that the mind of our brother should bo
so occupied with the thoughts of the
goods of this world, at the time of ar-
riving at Cumorah, on the morning of
the 22nd of September, 1823, after
having been rapt in the visions of heav-
en during the night, and also seeing
and hearing in open day; but the mind
of man is easily turned, if it is not held
by the power of God thiough the pray-
er of faith, and you will remember
that I have said that two invisible pow-
ers were operating upon his mind du-
ring his walk from his residence to Cu-
morah, and that the one urging the cer-
tainty of wealth and ease in this life,
had so powerfully wrought upon him,
that the great object so carefully and
impressively named by the angel, had
entirely gone from his recollection
that only a fixed determination to ob-
tain now urged him forward. In this,
which occasioned a failure to obtain, at
that time, the record, do not understand
me to attach blame to our brother: ho
was young, and his mind easily turned
from correct principles, unless he could
be favored with a certain round of ex-
perience. And yet, while young, un-
traditionated and untaught in the sys-
t'^ms of the world, he was in a situa-
tion to be lead into the great work of
(lod, and be qualified to perform it iu
due time.
After arriving at the repository, a
little exertion in removing the soil from
the edges of the top of the box, a^nd a
light pry, brought to his natural vision
its contents. No sooner did he behold
this sacred treasure than his hopes
were renewed, and he supposed his
success certain; and without first at-
temptinii to take it from its long placa
of deposit, he thought, perhaps, thero
might be something more equally as
valuable, and to take only the plates,
might give others anopportunity of ob-
tainmg the remainder, which could he
secure, would still add to his store of
wealth. These, in short, were his re-
ftections, without once thinking of the
solemn instruction of the heavenly mes-
senger, that all must be done wilh''an
express view of glorifying God.
Oa attempting to take possession of
the record a shock was produced upoa
b is syst^nij by an invisibla power*
/
i/
1^
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
which deprived him, in a measure, of
his natural strength. He desisted for
an instant, and then made another at-
tempt, but was more sensibly shocked
than before. What was the occasion
of this he knew not — there was the
pure unsuUied record, as had been des-
cribed— he had heard of the power of
enchantment, and a thousand like sto-
ries, which held the hidden treasures
of the earth, and supposed that physi-
cal exertion and personal strength was
only necessary to enable him to yet ob-
tain the object of his wish. He there-
fore made the third attempt with an
increased exertion, when his strength
failed him more than at either of the
former times, and without premedita-
ting he exclaimed, "Why can I not ob-
tain this book?" "Because you 'have
not kept the commandments of the
Lord,'"' answered a voice, within a
seeming short distance. He looked,
and to his astonishment, there stood the
angel who had previously given him
the directions concerning this matter.
In an instant, all the former instruc-
tions, the great intelligence concerning
Israel and the last days, were brought
to his mind: he thought of the time
when his heart was fervently engaged
in prayer to the Lord, when his spirit
was contrite, and when his holy mes-
senger from the skies unfolded the
wonderful things connected with this
record. He had come, to be sure, and
found the word of the angel fulfilled
concerning the reality of the record,
but he had failed to remember the
great end for which they had been
kept, and in consequence could not
have power to take them into his pos-
session and bear them away.
At that instant he looked to the Lord
in prayer, and as he prayed darkness
began to disperse from his mind and
his soul was lit up as it was the eve-
ning before, and he was filled with the
Holy Spirit; and again did the Lord
manifest his condescension and mercy:
the heavens were opened and the glory
of the Lord shone round about and rest-
ed upon him. While he thus stood ga-
zing and admiring, the angel said,
"Look!" and as he thus spake he be-
T^eld the prince of darkness, surrounded
_by his innumerable train of associates.
All this passed before him, and the
lieavenly messenger said, "All this is
shown, the good and the evil, the holy
and impure, the'glory of God and the
power of darkness, that j^u may know
hereafter the two powers and never be
influenced or overcome hy that wicked
one. Behold, whatever entices and
leads to good and to do good, is of God,
and whatever does not is of that wick-
ed one: It is he that fills the hearts nf
men with evil, to walk in darkness and
blaspheme God; and you may learn
from henceforth, that his ways are to
destruction, but the way of holiness is
peace and rest. You now see why
you could not obtain this record; that
the commandment was strict, and that ~
if ever these sacred things are obtained
they must be by prayer and faithful-
ness in obeying the Lord. They are
not deposited here for the sake of ac-
cumulating gain and wealth for the
glory of this world: they were sealed
by the prayer of faith, and because of
the knowledge which they contain they
are of no worth among the children of
men, only for their knowledge. On
them is contained the fulness of the
gospel of Jesus Christ, as ii was given
to his people on this land, and when it
shall be brought forth by the power of
God it shall be carried to the Gentiles,
of whom many will receive it, and af-
ter will the seed of Israel be brought
into the fold of their Redeemer by
obeying it also. Those who kept the
commandments of the Lord on this
land, desired this at his hand, and
through the prayer of faith obtained
the promise, that if their descendants
should transgress and fall away, that
a record might be kept and in the last
days come to their children. These
things are sacred, and must be kept so,
for the promise of the Lard concerning
them, must be fulfilled. No man can
obtain them if his heart is impure, be-
cause they contain that which is sacred;
and besides, should they be entrusted
in unholy hands the knowledge could
not come to the world, because ihey
cannot be interpreted by the learning
of this generation; consequently, they
would be considered of no worth, only
as precious metal. Therefore, remem-
ber, that they are to be translated by
the gift and power of God. By them
will the Lord work a great and a mar-
velous work: the wisdom of the wise
shall become as nought, and the under-
standing of the prudent shall be hid,
and because the power of God shall be
displayed those who profess to kno\y
the truth but walk in deceit, shall tyenj
MIESSENGER AND ADVOCATE
19«^
ble with anger; but with signs and
with wonders, with gifts and with heal-
ings, with the manifestations of the
powerofGod, and with the Holy Ghost,
shall the hearts of the faithful be conn-
forted. You have now beheld the pow-
er of God manifested and the power of
satan: you see that there is nothing
that is desirable in the works of dark-
ness; that they cannot bring happiness;
that those who ai^ overcome therewith
are miserable, while on the other hand
the righteous are blessed whh a place
in the kingdom of God where joy un-
speakable surrounds them. There they
rest beyond the power of the enemy
of truth, where no evil can disturb
them. The glory of God crowns them,
and they continually feast upon his
goodness and enjoy his smiles. Behold,
notwithstanding you have seen this
great display of power, by which you
may ever be able to detect the evil one,
yet I give unto you another sign, and
whan it comes to pass then know that
the Lord is God and that he will fulfil
his purposes, and that the knowledge
which this record contains will go to
every nation, and kindred, and tongue,
and people under the whole heaven. —
This is the sign: When these things,
begin to be known, that is, when it is
known that the Lord has shown you
these things, the workers of iniquity
will seek your overthrow: they will
circulate falsehoods to destroy your
reputation, and also will seek to take
your life; but remember this, if you
are faithful, and shall hereafter contin-
ue to keep the commandments of the
Lord, you shall be ])veserved to bring
•these thinors forth; for in due time he
will again give you a commandment to
eome and take them. When they are
interpreted the Lord will give the holy
priesthood to some, and they shall be-
gin to proclaim this gospel and baptize
by water, and after that they shall have
power to give the Holy Ghost by the
laying on of their hands. Then will
persecution rage more and more; for
the iniquities of men shall be revealed,
and those who are not built upon the
Rock will seek tooverthrowthischui'ch;
but it will increase the more opposed,
and spread farther and farther, increas-
ing in knowledge till they shall be
sanctified and receive an inheritance
where the glory of God will rest upon
them; and when this takes place, and
all things are prepared, the ten tribes
of Israel will be revealed in the north
country, whither they have been for a
long season; and when this is fulfilled
will be brought to pass that saying of
the prophet — 'And the Redeemer shall
come to Zion, and unto them that turn
from transgression in Jacob, saith the
Lord' — But, notwithstanding the work-
ers of iniquity shall seek your destruc- .
tion the arm of the Lord will be exten-
ded, and you will be borne off conquer-
or, if you keep all his commandments.
Your name shall be known among the
n;Uio:is, for the work which the Lord
will perform by your hands shall cause
the righteous to rejoice and the wicked
to rage: with the one it shall be had in
honor, and with the other in reproach;
yet, with these it shall be a terror be-
cause of the greal and ir.arvelous work
which shall follow the coming forth of
this fulness of the gospel. Now, go thy
way, remembering what the Lord has
done for thee, and be diligent in keep-
ing his commandments, and he will de-
liver thee from temptations and all the
arts and devices of the wicked one. —
Forget not to pray, that thy mind may
become strong, that when he shall
manifest unto thee, thou mayest have
power to escape the evil, and obtain
these precious things."
Though I am unable to paint before
the mind, a perfect description of the
scenery which passed before our broth-
er, I "think I have said enough to give
\'ou a field for reflection which may
not be unprofitable. You seethe great
wisdom in God in leading him thus far,
that his mind might begin to be more
matured, and thereby be able to judge
correctly, the spirits. I do not say
that he would not have obtained the
record had he went according to the
direction of the angel — I say that he
would; but God knowing all things
from the beginning, began thus to in-
struct his servant. An<i in this it is
plainly to be seen that the adversary
of truth is not sufficient to overthrow
the work of God. You will remember
that I said, two invisible powers were
operating upon the mind of our brother
while going to Cumorah. In this, then,
I discover wisdom in the dealings of
the Lord: it was impossible for any
man to translate the book of Mormon
by the gift of God, and endure the af-
flictions, and temptations, and devices
of satan, v/ithout being overthrown,
unless he had been previously benefit-
9m
li31JSSS:<JGER A!n> ADTOCATfi.
ted with a certain round of experience:
and had our brother obtained the record
the first time, not knowing bow to de-
tect the works of darkness, he might
have been deprived of the blessing of
sending forth the woi-d of truth to this
generation. Therefore, God knowing
tiiat satan would thus lead liis mind as-
tray, began at that early hour, that
when the full tim.e should arrive,':he
might have a servant prepared to fulfil
his purpose. So, however afflicting to
his feelings this repulse might have
been, he had reason to rejoice before
the Lord and be thankful for the favors
and mercies shown; that whatever oth-
er instruction was necessary to the ac-
complishing this great work, he had
learned, by experience, how to discern
between the spirit of Christ and the
spirit of the devil.
From this time to September, 1827,
few occurrences worthy of note, trans-
pired. As a f \ct to be expected, noth-
ing of importance could be recorded
concerning a generation in darkness.—
In the mean time our brother of whom
I have been speaking, passed the time
Es others, in laboring for his support.
But in consequence of certain false and
slanderous reports which have boon
circulated, jjstice would require me to
say something upon the private lite of
one whose character has been so shame-
fully traduced. By some he is said to
have been a lazy, idle, vicious, profli-
gate fellow. These I am prepared to
contradict, and that too by the testimo-
ny of many persons with whom i have
been intimately acquairtcd, and know
lo be individuals of the strictest veraoi-
tv, and unquestionable integrity. All
these strictly and viitually agree in say-
ing, that he was an honest, upright,
virtuous, and failhruliy industrious
young man. And those who say to
the contrary can be icfiuenced by no
other" motive than to destroy the repu-
tation of one v.'ho never injured any
man in either property or person.
While young, I have been informed
he wd'j afflicted v.'
ith
'kuess: bat I
slander ever bemg employed against
him. It is no more than to be expect-
ed, I admit, that men of corrupt hearts
will try to traduce his character and
put a spot upon his name: indeed, this
is according to. the word of tlie angel;
but this does not prohibit me from
speaking fmely of his merits, aud con-
tfadictmg those falsehoods — I feel my-
self bound so to do, aud I know that
my testimony, on this matter, will bo
received and believed while those who
testify to the contrary are crumbled to
dust, and their words swept away in
ihe general mass of lies v.hea God
shall purify the earth!
Connected with this, is the charac-
ter of the family: and on this I say aa
I said-concerning the character of our
brother — I feel myself bound to defend
the innocent always when opportunity
oflers. Had not those who are notori-
ous for lies and dishonesty, also assail-
ed the character of the family 1 should
pass over them here in silence; but
now I shall not forbear. It has been
industriously circulated that they were
dishonest, deceitful and vile. On thia
1 have the testimony of responsible
persons, who have said and will say,
that this is basely false; and besides,
a personal acquaintance for seven
years, has demonstrated that all the dif-
liculty is, they were once poor, (yet
industrious,) and have nov/, by the help
of God, arisen to note, and their
names arc like to, (indeed they will,) be
handed down to posterity, and had
among tiic righteous. — They are indus-
trious, honest, virtuous and liberal to
all. This is their character: and
though many take advantage of their
iibei'ality, God will reward .-Ae???; but
this is the fact, and this testimony shall
shine upon the records of the saints,
and be recorded on the archives of
heaven to be read in the day of eter-
nity, when the Vvicked and perverse,
who have vilely slandered them with-
out cause or provocation, reap their re-
ward vv'ith the unjust, whore there ia
have been told by those for whom he
has labored, that he was a young man
of truth and induatrious habits. And I
will add further that it is my conviction,
if he never had been called to the ex-
alted station in winch he now occupies,
he might have passed down tlie stream
of time with ease and in respectability,
weeping. vvaUmg a
nd
nashing of
teeth! — if they do not repent.
Soon after this visit to Cumorah, a
."■entlcman from the south part of the
State, (Chenango County,) employed
cur brother as a common laborer, and
accordingly he visited that section of
the country; and had he not been ac-
cused of digging down all, or nearly
without the foul and hellish tongue of, so, the mountains of Susquehannah, oj:
kSSSENGKK ASI5 a5v<JCAVK.
causing others to do it by some art of
nicromancy, I should len^m this, for the
present, unnoticed. You wiil remem-
Ler, in the mean time, that those who
seek to vilify his character, say that iie
has always been notorious for his idle-
ness. This gentleman, whoso name
is Stowcl, resided in the town of Bain-
bridge, on or near the head waters of
the Susquehanaah river. Some forty
tniles south, or down the ■'•iver, in the
lown of Harmony, Susquehannah
county, Pa. is said to be a cave or sab-
terraneous recess, whether entirely
formed by art or not 1 am unimformed,
neither does this matter; but such is
said to be the case, — where a company
of Spaniards, a long time since, when
the country was uninhabited by white
settlers, excavated from the bowels of
the earth ore, and coined a large quan-
tity of money; after which they secm*-
ed the cavity and evacuated, leaving a
part still in the eave, purposing to re-
turn at some distant period. A long
time elapsed and this account came
from one of tiie individuals who v/as
first engaged in this mining business.
The country was pointed out and the
•spot minutely described. This, I be-
iieve, is the substance, so far as my
memory serves, though I shall not
pledge my veracity for the correctness
of the account as I have given. —
Enough however, was credited of the
Spaniard's storv, to excite the belief
■of many that there was a fine sum of
the precious metal lying coined in this
subterraneous vault, among whom v/as
our employer; and accordingly our
brother was required to spend a few
months v/ith some others in excavatinsr
ihe earth, in pursuit of this treasure.
While employed here he became ac-
quainted with the family of Isaac Hale,
of whom you read in several of the
productions of tho.-:e who have sought
to destroy the validity of the book of
Mormon. It may be necessary here-
after, to refer vou rnore narticularlv to
tiie conduct of this family, as their in-
fluence has been considerably exerted
to destroy the reputation of our broth-
er, probabiv because he nrarried a
dau hterofthe same, contrary to some
of their wishe,-;, and in connection v^'ith
this, to certain statements of some others
of the inhabitants of that section of
^ _t^
Haie'i) She has most certainly evin-
ced 5 decidedly correct mind and un-
common ability of talent and judge-
ment, in a manifest willingness to ful-
fil, on her part, that passage in sacred
writ,— "and they twain shall be ono
flesh," — by accompanying her hus-
band, against the wishes and advice of
her relatives, to a land of stranger&r
and however I may deprecate their ac-
tions, can say in justice, her character
stands as fair for morality, piety and
virtue, as any in the world. Though
you may say, this is a digression from
the subject proposed, I trust I shall be
indulged, for the purpose of satisfying
many, who have heard so many slan-
derous reports that they aie lead to be-
lieve them true because they are not
contradicted; and besides, tfiis gener-
ation are determined to oppose every
item in the form or under the pretence
of revelation, unless it comes through
a man who has always been more pure
than Michael the great prince; and as
this is the fact, and my opposers have
put me to the necesity, I shall be more
prolix, and have no doubt, before I
give up the point, shaU prove to your
satisfaction, and to that of every man,
that the translator of the book of Mor-
mon is worthy the appellation of a seer
and a prophet of the Lord. In this I
do not pretend that he i.s not a man sub-
ject to passion like other men, b-^set
with infirmities and encompassed with
Vv-eaknesses; but if he is, all men were
so before him, and a pretence to the
contrarv would argue a more than mor-
tal, which would at once destroy the
whole system of the religion of the Lord
Jesus; for he anciently chose the
weak to overcome the strong, the fool-
ish to confound the wise. (I mean con-
sidered so by this world,) and by the
foolishness of preaching to save those
who believe.
On the private * character of our
brother I need add nothing further, at
present, previous to his obtaining the
records of the Nepiiites, only that
while in that countr\% some very offi-
cious person complained of him aa a
disorderly person, and brought him be-
fore the authorities of the county; but
there being no cause of action he wa»
honorably acquited. From this time
forward he continued to receive instruc
country. But m saying this I do not tions concerning the coming forth of
wish to be understood as uttering au'^rht I the fulness of the gospel, from the
against Mrs. Smith, (formerly Emma j mouth of the heavenly me.osenger, ua-
HUi
til he was directed to visit again the
place where the records was depos-
ited.
For the present I close, whith a
thankful heart that I am permitted to
see thousands rejoicjng in the assu-
rance of the promises of the Lord,
confirmed unto them through the obe-
dience of the evei'lasting covenant.
As ever your brother in the Lord
Jesus.
OLIVER COWDERY.
To VV. W. Phelps.
MESSEI^GER AND ADVOCATE.
Messesiger and Advocate.
KIRTLAND, OHIO, OCTOBER, 1835.
i^o. 1. Vol. a.
As man is not always heard for his
much speaking, we shall only say in
this article, that our intentions are to
labor faithfully in the great cause of
our blessed Savior, that many souls
may be brought to the knowledge of
the truth and saved in the celestial
kingdom; that the saints may have a
portion of meet in due season, and be
enabled to overcome the world, and its
vanities, and prepare themselves for
the blessings which shall come after
much tribulation.
It is very desirable that the official
members of the churches abroad, should
forward all the information they may
have, relative to the spread of the truth;
the number of members in each branch;
the additions from time to time; their
growth in grace; their daily walk, and
standing, and whatever else that may
be of service to the cause: tliat we may
all be edified of all, till we all come in
the unity of the faith, and of the knowl-
edge of the Son of God, unto a perfect
man, unto the measure of the statui'e
of the fulness of Christ.
SECRET PRAYER.
We have long looked upon this sub-
ject with feelings of pleasure, while in
secret musing upon the things of God,
und contemplating upon his marvel-
lous works. When the influences of
his Spirit were shed forth and quicken-
ed our understanding and enlightened
our minds, like the dew drops of the
morning quickens and enlivens the
herb of the field; or as the rays of the
sun when he appears at the approach
of the day spreads his lucid rays over
the creation of God.
We read Mathew VI chapt. 6 verse^
which says: "Thou, when thou prayest
enter into thy closet, and when thou
hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father
which is in secret; and thy Father
which seeth in secret shall reward ihee
openly."
When we take into consideration
this subject, it brings many ideas to
our minds that cannot be penned. We
look at the teachings of the Savior of
mankind, and find that he gave very
interesting instruction; when speaking
of secret prayer he says: "When thou
prayest enter thou into thy closet," &c.
This passage gives us an idea that we
should go to some secluded place, and
pray to our Father who seeth in secret,
and he will reward us openly. We
understand by this that God seeth in
secret, and what we ask in secret, if
we ask according to his will, we shall
realize openly.
We are at a loss to conjecture how
the idea got into the hearts of men, and
more especeally those who call them-
selves saints; to suppose'that they were
in secret, and prayed in secret, when
the hills and vallies, "jar woods and
plains; were ringing with the reverbe-
ration of their voices. They would
not need Elijah the prophet to tell them
to call louder: for if their god had gone
a journey; he could not help but hear
them. In these matters we are not mis-
taken: for what we have seen with our
eyes and heard with our ears, that we
know of a surety.
W^e would advise the -aints to read
and practice the sixth chapter of Mat"
thew, it is so full of instruction, that
wo cannot pass over it without inviting
Ml^ggENGEU AND ADVOCATE.
203
our friends and patrons to read it, at
some of their leisure hours. And if
they will, and pay strict attention to it'
we are inclined to think that we shall
not hereafter lay a subject of this kind
before them.
The Savior says: "When thou pray-
■€St thou shalt ■ iiot be as the hypocrites
are: for they love to pray standing in
the synagogues, and in the corners of
the streets, that they may be seen of
•men. Verily I say unto you, they
have their reward."
Duty calls upon us again, to state to
our brethren and friends, (notwith-
standing it is a painful task,) to say
that a multiplicity of business, ab-
scence of some of our hands and the
illness of others, are some of the causes
why the Messenger and Advocate is
again delayed beyond its usual time of
publication. We hope that in time to
come, we shall be able to issue each
number in the lime and season thereof:
Notwithstanding our many embaris-
ments, we are laboring day and night
to bring about and accomplish the work
which is committed to us, through the
dispensation of the now and everlast-
ing covenant, which has come forth in
these last days through the merits and
mercies of our Lord and Savior Jesus
Christ: and the prayers of the saints
from Adam to Enoch, from Enoch to
Noah, from Noah to Abraham, from
Abraham to Isaac, from Isaac to Jacob,
from Jacob to Elijah, from Elijah to
John, and from him until the church
fled into the wilderness: and also tVom
Lehi to Nephi, from Nephi to Alma,
from Alma to Lehigh, from Lehi"";h to
Mormon and from Mormon to Maroni,
who have all prayed that the time might
come, that Israel should be gathered
and dwell on the earth for a season,
when "Righteousness should cover the
earth, as the waters do the great deep.''
They prayed in faith too, and proplie-
sied of it, and sang praises to tiod and
■the Lamb, for his goodness and mercy
vvhifh endureth forever.
V.
see; to it.
(l^' All persons indebted for the
Mes3e''i^';er and Advocate, are reques-
jed to make PAYMENT.
THE RECORD OF THE NEPHITES.
Tuesday morning, )
September 22, 1835. 3
On the morning of the 22d of Sept-
ember, 1827, the angel of the Lord de-
livered the record of the Nephites to
Joseph Smith, jr. This opening a new
era, as it were, the mind runs, with
the rapidity of lightning, over the his-
tory of the eight past years, and views
v/ith wonder the hand of God in it?
dealings with men, in that thousands
and tens of thousands have since heard
the contents of that volume which then
remained locked up from the eyes and
knowledge of th-e nations of the earth.
The book has been translated, tho^
its translator was driven from his na-
tive land, to do the same, b}^ the hand
of wicked and designing men, and those
too who professed the religion of hea-
ven, or were instigated so to do, by
such; it has been printed, though many
sought to keep it from the public eye,
and actually stole a part, which was,
hrjvvever, supplied irom the writings of
another; a few embraced its truths,
yielded obedience to the gospel, and
tasted the good word of God and the
powers of the world to come; many of
the elders of Christ's church have since
been commissioned and sent forth over
this vast Republic, from river to river,
and from valley to valley, till the vast '
sunny plains of Missouri, the frozen
regions of Canada, and the eabtern
Maine, with the summer States of the
South, have been saluted with the sound
of the voice of those who go fortii for
the last time to say to Israel, Prepare
for the coming of thy King!
Wonderful to tell! Amid the frowns
of bigots, the sneers of hypocrites, the
scolls of the foolish, the calumny of
slanderers, the ridicule of the vain and
the popular prejudice of a people es-
tranged from God, urged on to deeds
of villain)^ by the priests of Baal, the
word has been proclaimed with success,
and thousands are now enjoying the be-
nign influence of th.'e love of God shed
forth by the Comforter upon the pure
in heart!
Nor has the sound been confined
alone to our shores: Europe has heard
that the great King was doing wonders
for us, and the eves of manv are now
anxiously turned to behold the rising
spreading glory of the church of the
Latter Day Saints, in the tiew world:
in that world, though vest its forest*
«M
MirSSENGEIl AHfD ADVOCATE.
and tiroad its rivers, v/here but a lew
centuries ago the roaming red man
chased the buffalo, the elk & the bound-
ing- deer unmolested and alone, now
subdued, the Father of mercies lias
lifted to the nations of the earth a stand-
ard, has raised up, to the gaze of tne
^orld, an ensign, has caused his Toice
to be heard, has shown to his faithful
ones that Israel is about to be gathered,
the indignation toward the Jews is also
to cease, and that he will soon bring
the house of Jacob from the north coun-
try, and gather them from the cor'S'.sof
the earth, the blind, the lame, the aged
and the suckling, that they may sing
in the height of Zion, and flow together
to the goodness of the Lord!
Prepare your hearts, O ye saints of
the Most High, for great things await
you! Hasten ye, hasten ye, to the
places of gathering, for after a little
the indignation of the Lord will cease
toward those who are called by his
name, and then his arm must fall upon
the wicked. His sword is bathed in
heaven, and must fall upon Idumea, and
who can stand amid the crash and fall
of empires'?
Sanctify yourselves, O ye servants
of the Lord, for much is required at
your hands: the blood of souls will cry
against you except you hasten on your
mission: yes, let ail raise their warning
voice, in meekness and in mildness, for
Boon v/ill there be a famine for the v.ord
of God. Listen, O ye elders, for soon
the voice from distant lands will salute
you, — Come over and help us! Think,
for a moment, on the millions in yoL'.r
own land wI:o are destitute of the word
of life; think also on the vast njultitndes
whose thoughts never reached our
shores, who are now perishing for
lack of vision, and bowing to idols;
think of the numberless islands where
darkness and the shadow of death pre-
vail, whose waters never covered a
soul for the remission of sins, & whose
groves, though spicy, were never salu-
ted with the voice of one who proclai-
med life and immortality through the
power of a risen Savior!
Should one ask, what has been done
during these eight years, of which you
speak? I would say, the first two and
a half only translated and printed the
yecord, and organized the chu'-ch with
tix members! and the fruit of the labor
of five and a half are so great that the
hearts of thousands are astonbhed; tho
vail of superstition has been rent from
the minds of many; the church increa-
sed to thousands; the list of eiders mul-
tiplied to hundreds; the deaf have heard
the words of the book; the eyes of the
blind hare seen out of obscurity and
out of darkness; the meek have increa-
sed, (for their jay is in the Lord,) the
poor among men rejoice in the Holy
One of Israel; m.any that erred in spirit
have come to understanding, while oth-
ers that murmured have learned doc-
trine. C»
Kirfland, Ohio, Oetoher, 1835.
Dear Brother,
Through the Medium
of the Ptlessenger and Ae'vocate, we
wish to lay before your readers, our
friends and brethren, certain items rel-
ative to our mission the past summer.
We v/cro chosen pursuant to a com-
mandment of the Lord, which was re-
ceived through him whom he had ap-
pointed by the voice of the angel of
God, and acknowledged by the Latter
Day Saints, in that appointment, given
June 1829, which may be found on
page 173, in the book of covenants,
published in Kirtland, Ohio — whic^h
reads as follows: —
"And now behold, there are others who
are called to declara my gospel, both unto
Gentile and unto Jew. yea, even twelve: and
the tv.'olve shall be iny disciples, and they
snail take upon them my name: and the
twelve are they who shall desire to take upon
them m}' name, viitli full purpose of })eart:
and if ihey desire to take upon them niy
3>anie with fuil purpose of heart, they are
called to go into all the world to preach ray
gospel unto every creature: aiid they are ihay
vAio are ordained of nie to baptize in my
name, according to that wJiich is v^ritten;
and you have that which is written before
you: wherefore you must perform it according
to the words which are written. And now I
spe:)k unto tl:e twelve: Behold my grace is
su^cicnt for you: you must v.'alk uprightly
before me and sin not. And behold you are
they v.'ho art; ordained of me to ordain priests
and teachers to declare my gospel, according
to the power of the Holy Ghost which is in
you, and according to tiie callings and gifts
of God unto men: and I Jesus Ch.rist, your
I ord and your Go J, have spoken it. The?e
w'ords are not of men, nor of man, but of me:
wherefore you siiall testify Ihey are of me,
and not of man; for it is my voice which
speaketh them unto you: for they ?ire givert
by my Spirit un'.o you: and by my pow.er
you can read them one to another; and p- We
it were by my power, you could noi uave
them: wherefore you can testify thait you
iiave iieaid lay voice, and iiuow ir^y \: urds.
And now behold I give unto yc u, Oliret
Cowderv, and also unto David WlrAmer, that
you shall search out the tweVe '.vto ahaJl
JffiSSENdSJl AfTl) ADVOCA*r«.
S05>
have the deeires of which I have epoken; and
by their desires and their works, you shall
know them: and when you have found them
you shall show tliese things unLo them. And
you shall fall down and worship the Father
in my namo: and you must preacli unto the
world, saying, you must repent and be bap-
tized in the name of Jesus Ci.rist: for all
men must repent and be baptized; artd not
only men, but v.'omen and children, wiio iiave
arriven to the years of accountability.
And now, alter that you have received this,
you must keep my coinmandtnents in all
tilings: and by your hands I will work a mar-
velous work among the children of men, un-
to the convincing of many of tlieir sins, that
they may come unto repentance; and that
they may come unto the kingdom of my Fath-
er: wlierefore the blessings which 1 give un-
to you, are above all things. And after that
you have received this, if you keep not mj'
commandments, you cannot be saved in the
kingdom of my Father. Behold I Jesus
Christ, 3'our Lord and your God, and your
Redeem ^r, by the pov/er of my Spirit, have
spoken it. Amen."
After being set apart to thisb.oly and
responsible office by those whom God
had appointed for that purpose, it wns
thought advisable that we should take
our first tour from this place easterly;
consequently we made appointments
for conferences in the vicinity of the
sevej'al branches of the church between
this and the Atlantic, as was publish-
ed in the Maich No. of your paper.
In order to fulfill these appointments,
we, on the 4th of May, left the pleas-
ant and agreeable society of our breth-
ren in Kirtland with whom v^'e had
enjoyed many cheering and interesting
seasons, and proceeded to fill our mis-
sion. Your readers will perceive from
the preceding quotation, from the book
of Covenants, the important relation
which we sustain to this generation. —
Feeling as we did the importance of
the great cause of cur Redeemer, the
wellfare of the human family, and the
salvation of our own souls, we could
say v/ith one of old, "We conferred
not with flesh and blood," but counted
all earthly things as dross, so that we
might do the vAU of God, & thro' Christ
sa-ve the souls of the children of men.
Our first labors, were in the State
of New York, in which we continued
^bout two months, and attended foui-
ccriierences. O.ir exertions were
crcw^.ed with as good success as we
could re:.sonahly expect, considering
the preju(^icos of the people, created by
fal.se and fidiculous statements, put in
circulation bv 'hose who were first fa
▼ored with th«; proclamation of the ful-
Bfssp of th(5 erorlapting gofrpol, contain-
ed in the book of Mormons we hatf good
reason to believe, that all the candid
enquirers after truth, realized the forcft
of the Savior's expression "A prophet
is not without honor save in his own
country." By our teaching and e."?:-
hortations, the several branches of the
church were strengthened and mem-
bers were added; and of such, too, we
hope, as will be saved.
Thence we passed into Upper Cana-
da and attended a conference on the
29th of June, not far from the source
of the majestic St Lawrence. Not-
withstanding we had passed from the
happy institution of our free republic
into another realm, yet we could with
propriety adopt the vvords of the pre-
siding apostle and say, "God is no re-
specter of persons, but in every nation
he that feareth God and worketh right-
eousness, is accepted of him:" for
here we found a branch of the Saints
who not only received us cordially, but
also received our teachings with joy of
heart. Some vv-erc added here also, by
baptism, whom wc expect to meet on
the glorious morn of that day, when
the dead ia Christ shall rise and live, —
May God grant that they may all be
preserved, gathered to Zion and saved
in the celestial kingdom.
After testifying to many people in
thc^e regions, of those things which we
know and most assuredly believe, v/e
left the brethren much encouraged and
pursued our course easterly, calling
upon the inhabitants publicly, and from
house to house, to repent and prepare
for the day of wrath, which will over-
take this generation as a thief in the
night; and for the comang of the Lord
Jesus Christ, which is nigh at hand.
Our next conference was held in St.
Johnsbury, the north eastern part of
Vermont, where we t'bund man}' of
the Saints, with whom we had a pleas-
ant season of rejoicing, and whose
memory is fixed indelibly upon our
heait-, because of their firm faith, and
also their liberality in the support of
the gospel. Our public meet'ng was
attended by a multitude of various
classes, and orders, who generally
gave good attention to the proclama-
tion of the everlasting gospel of the
Son of God. Intense anxiety seemed
to sieze the minds of all the candid and
honest in heart, and the Lord gave U3
souls who were adde<l to the number
of tho fJainta, as seal* of onr ministry.
208
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
Before the benig^n influence of the
principles, held by the Latter Day
: Saints, prejudice, prepossessed opin-
ions, and priestcraft seemed to vanish-
like the inisty vapors of the morning
fog before the refulgent beams of the
meridian sun. We are well aware
that we as a people have been much
misrepresented, the vile tongue of ca-
lumny has been busily employed in
pouring out her filth upon us, ever
since we have had an existence; from
east to west the sound has gone forth,
^'delusion/'' '•'■delusion f and here, wo-
ful to adopt the language, in part, of
a writer of Illinois, and say, "that
even New England with all the flood
of light, pouring from the schools, and
numerous literary institutions, is not
a bulwark sufficient to withstand the
predominating influence of the power
of truth, when tl^e Lord himself sends
forth his servants at the eleventh hour,
to prune his vineyard for the last
. time." Nay, verily New England has
produced her scores of Latter Day
Saints, — the work is still progressing,
and shall continue until her wheat is all
secured in the granary and store-house
of the Lord, while the tares are left to
be bound in bundles, by priestcraft and
superstition, to await that gloomy eve-
ning, when the Lord shall call to all
the t'owls of heaven, and all the beasts
of the earth, to gather together to par-
take of the great supper of God Al-
mighty.
At the close of our meeting here,
the twelve separated, traveling in vari-
ous directions, lifting up the standard
of truth, and proclaiming salvation to
both old and young, rich and poor, un-
til we arrived in Bradford, Mss. where
we held our next conference. There
were but few brethren in this region,
yet we found them seekmg to become
liberated from their temporal encum-
brances, that when the Lord shall say,
'■Ho your tents 0 Israel/" they might
have nothing to impede their course in
gathering with the Sdints to the place
of deliverance, which has been pointed
out by the finger^f God. We also
found some in thii place, who had not
united themselves to the church, who
entertained us very kindly, and "bade
us God speed." And we assure
them that they are not forgotten by us,
and may the Lord, who is rich in mer-
cy, bestow his choisest blessings upon
this little society, on account of their
generosity towards his servants.
From this place some of our num-
ber visited the city of Boston, and held
forth to that people this important truth,
that the Son of Man will appear in this
generation, calling upon them to re-
pent and prepare for the day, when the
Lord shall cause the foundations of the
earth to shake, and his glory eclipse
all the bright luminaries of day and
night. Here we found a few disciples
whose hearts were noble mdeed, and
who were not ashamed to own the
truth in the midst of the opulence and
splendor of that city — the queen of the
east.
Our next was beld in Saco, Me. — -
where we found many Saints striving
to live according to the law of the ce-
lestial kingdom, and this they manifest-
ed by their works, which are had in
remembrance before the Lord and by .
those who visited them.
Our last conference was held in Far-
mington, Maine. In this place, as well
as in all others, where we had labored,
we failed not to instruct the Saints in
plainness, in all those m.atters relative
to their present and eternal well-being.
Mav the Lord enable them to remem-
ber our words and forget them not, and
not only remember them, but hasten
to put them in practice, and may the
L«rd richly rev/ard those who assisted
us with means to return to the west;
and also the saints and friends in whose
hospitality we have shared so freely. —
We say brethren, you have our great-
ful acknov/ledgemenls with the assur-
ance that vou are remembered m our
prayers, at the throne of grace.
The nature of our mission to the
east was peculiar, and required us to
spend most of our time among the va-
rious branches of the church; howev-
er, as we had opportunity we proclaim-
ed the gospel in every place where there
was an opening, and truly there is an
effectual door opened for good and
faithful laborers among the intelligent
and liberal people of the east.
To close, we would say to our breth-
ren and friends that our journey to '.zl:
place was prosperous, we arrived in
health and found general h-- -Ith pre-
vailing in this section, a'.i'd ,^.so found
that the house of the Lord, trow in buil-
ding here, had prosperei beyond our
expectation, for all which blessings be-
fore named, we render to our heavenly
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
eor
Father, in the name of Jesus, our sin-
cere and hearty thanks, earnestly pray-
ing that we may all meet, if not before,
in that glorious morning of the resur-
rection of the just.
By order of the twelve.
ORSON HYDE,
Wm. E. McLELLlN,
To J. Whitmer Esq.
Clerks.
THE HOUSE OF THE LORD.
We are glad to learn, that the build-
ing Committee have determined, if pos-
sible, to finish the house of the Lord
this winter. The lower story is already
in such a state of forwardness, as to
induce us to say, that it can soon be
completed for meetings. In order,
however, to finish so large an house, in
so short a time, it is necessary that the
churches abroad, as Paul says in his
vision, should '■'■come over into Macedo-
nia, and help us'' with their substance,
and prayers.
The Committee have instructed us
to call upon the saints abroad, such as
mean to assist, and such especially as
have promised to subscribe, and assist
in building the house, and say to them.
Now is the time to do good, and fulfil
your promises. Those who have sub-
scribed are earnestly requested to pay
the amount of their subscriptions as
soon as they reasonably can. '^hus
the Committee may do unto others, as
they wish others to do unto them.
Every one that wishes to spread the
everlasting gospel; every one that wish-
es well to his fellow-beings; every one
that wishes to have the elders instructed
more perfectly in theory, doctrine and
principle; and every one that wishes
an house built where the Latter Day
Saints can worship the Lord in spirit
and in truth, have now an invitation to
cast in their mites, for that purpose,
and receive their reward hereafter, in
that house not made with hands, eternal
in the heavens. "P.
^ Kirtland, Oct. 21, 1835.
si left this place the 11th of June, to
fill P <nission in the province of Upper
Canadu-'^y way of Buffalo, from thence
to Moi'n''^ Pleasant, and from thence to
Malahide^ TT. c. I have succeeded in
establishir'^ a church there, which is
composed o^ 32 menibers. They are
young and u.M''-^^"^''^^^^ ^'\i\\ the devi-
ces of the adv'Vsary, whose aim and
business is, if dcI^^^^^^' ^° tn^ke them
miserable. Brethren, pray for them,
that they may continue and not be mov-
ed in the hour of temptation. It is ev-
ident that all must be tried and purified
before they are fit for the Master's
use.
There, as in all other places, when
the people or the meek began to em-
brace the truth, the enemy raged and
the meek rejoiced in the midst of all
the slanderous reports. I stayed there
about two months: one month bapti-
zing and laboring publicly, and from
house to house, and the remainder of
thp time I spent in teaching them the
pure daily walk, with a strict compli-
ance with the commandments, and the
necessity of keeping them that they
might be disciples of Jesus in very deed.
I held up the truth, and defended its
cause in all places and circumstances,
according to the ability which my heav-
enly Father gave me.
Yours in the bonds of
the new covenant.
PETER DUSTIN.
To J. Whitmer, Esq.
Kirtland, Nov. 6, 1835.
I embrace this opportunity, of infor-
ming you of the success which 1 had in
establishing a few branches in addition
to this church.
I left Kirtland the 16th of July in
company with elder T. Burdick. "We
journied together as far as Jamestown,
N. Y. and proclaimed glad tidings of
great joy to the inhabitants, whenever
we could get a congregation convened.
From this place I journied alone as far
east as Smyrna, Chenango Co. N. Y.
where I preached about three weeks;
and baptized three, and left many more
believing. From thence I pursued my
journey to Amity, Alleghany Co. N. Y.
Here I labored eleven days and bapti-
zed fifteen. They are firm believers
in the new and everlasting covenant. —
Brethren pray for them. They desire
that the elders should call on them
whenever it is convenient, and assist
them in the way to perfection.
L. T. COONS.
To J. Whitmer, Esq.
DIED— In Liberty, Clay Co. Mo.
on the 6th ult. br. Garret H. Schenk,
after a protracted and painful illness of
fifteen months.
In Clay Co. Mo. on the 6th of Sep-
tember last, Mrs. Mary Wkst, consort
I
■S08
MES9Kf?GEIi A-^D AlJVOCATE.
of Elder Nathan We,st, afttM- an illness
of about eight da^'s, aged " -.
Sister West embraced the new and ev-
erlasting covenant in 1831, and has
been a firm believer in the work of the
Lord ever since; she died having obtain-
ed a bright hope of a glorious resurrec-
tion— her death was sweet unto her.
Kh-ihmd, Nov. 7, 1835.
I left Kirtland on the 27th of May
last, and after a quick passage arriv-
ed at Buffalo. 1 travelled preaching
occasionally by the way, visiting the
church of Genesee. From thence to
McDonough, Chenango county; this
church has never been represented in
conference. There have been about
30 baptized in this place. Some have
moved away, and three or four have
fallen off; and twelve or fourteen re-
main. They stand in need of having
the word of life dispensed to them.
From this place I proceeded to Deven-
port, Scoharrie co. where I labored
some and baptized one. From thence
to Dutches CO. N. Y. And from thence
to Hampshire co. Mss. I labored in
Cummington and Plainfield about six
weeks; aLo visited the church at Wen-
dall, Frankhn co. and found them
strong in the faith.
Whilst addressing a public congrega-
tion at Plainfield, on the subject of the
gospel, violent hands were laid upon
mc by wicked and ungodly men, and
this for the truth's sake. I however
succeeded in establishing the standard
of the everlasting gospel, in that -place.
I baptized three, and left many inclin-
ed to receive the truth. I hereby inform
the elders who are journeying in the
east, that they are invited to visit those
places, if consistent with their time and
circumstances. Yours &c.
NOAH PACKARD.
John Whitmer Esq.
~ M YITIIV S.
Now we'll sing with one accord,
For a prophet of the Lord,
Bringing foith his precious word,
Cheers the saints as anciently.
When the world in darkness lay,
Lo, he sought the better way,
And he heard the Savior say,
"Go and prune my vineyard, soit!"
And an angel surely, then,
For & blessing unto men,
Brought the priesthood back again,
In its aarisnt p^iritT.
Even Joseph he inspires:
Yea, his heart he truly fires.
With the light that lie desires
For the work of righteousness.
And the book of Mormon true.
With its cov'nanl ever no.\y,
For the Genlile and tiie Jew,
He translated sacredly.
The commanciments to the church,
"Which the saints will always search,
(Where the joys of heaven percli,)
Came tlu-ough him from Jesus Christ.
Precious are his years to come,
While the righteous gather home,
For the groat Millenium,
W'here he'll rest in blessedness*
Prudent, in this world of woes^,
Ke wiil lriun)ph o'er liis foes,
While the realm of Zion grows
rarer for eternity.
F-
Composed on the going doicn of the sun or»
the last dcdij of summer, 1635.
The sun that declines in the far western sky, •
Has roiled o'er our heads till the summer's
gone by;
And husli'd are the notes of the warblers of
spring
That in the green bow'r did e:5;ultingly sing.
Tiie clianges for autumn already appear;
A harvest of plenty hascrown'd the glad year;
W'lile soft smiling zephyr:s, our fancies to
please,
Bring odors of joy from the laden fruit tr^es.
As the summer of youth passes swiftly along.
And silvery locks soon our temples adorn:
So the fair smiling landscape and tlowerj
lawn,
Though lost is their beauty — their glory has
come:
O when the sweet summer of life sliall have
fied,
Her joys and her sorrows entomb'd with the.
dead, _ ■■'''<">'^
Then may we by faith like good Enoch arise.
And be crown'd with the just in the midst of
the skies.
Descend with the Savior in glory profound,
And reign in perfection v/hen sa";.an is bound;
While L-ve and sweet union together shall
blend
And peace, gentle peace, like a river extend^
(O* Ehler Pdilton Holmes is requested to coiMe to
Ivirtlanil.
TKK LATTER DAY SAIXTt'
Messenger and Advocate'
IS KDITED BY
JOHN WUlTIil'^;^,
And published every month at KinU.i^,j^ Geauga Co
Oliio, by "■ „ .
F. G. WII.I.IAMS:^ Co.
Al % 1, per an. in advance. Ever ' ^gfgon procvring
ten. new subscribers, and Ji-^Karj^j ^ j^^ current
vwney, shall be enlitled lo a pa y„g ygar, ffratif
All Utters to Ike Editor,er I'vlJ ^^^i j,e
SJr POST ^.-^if)^^
Ifo tnbtcription will be recsiv:^^j-g^ ^ ^^^ fg^^ ikan on
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@
Mf:!^^F:T¥-^il^::it AW® AIl'TOCATl
m
¥T
a^
Vo!.. IT.
2.] KIRTLAND. OI:!]0, NOVLMCER, ]^:^5. [Whole x-lo. J4.
[Continual from p:;yt; li2.]
To //(c elders of the church of fhe
Latter Day Saints.
At the close of my letter
in the September Ko. owti c "Messcngrr
an<i AdvGCiUe," I prcinised to continue
the sutiject there commenced: 1 do so
^vith a iiope that it may be a benefit
ana it means of assistance to the cldef's
in thc^ir labors, while tliey are combat-
ting- the ■prcjiidices of a crooked and
perverse generation, by !;aving in their
possession, the facts of my leiigious
principles, which are misrepresented
1)V altnost ail tliose whose crafts are in
'i'anger by the i^ame; and also to aid
tllosc wiio are anxidusiyinquiring, and
have been excited to" do so. from run;or,
in acccrtaining correctly,' what my
principles are.
been drawn into this course
^Seeding, by' perse cjtion, that is
broaglit upon us from false riunor, and
hiisrepresehtations concerning rny sen-
timents.
But to proceed, in the letter alluded
to, the' principles of repent \ncc and
vfc-t[>lism ibr the remission of sins, are
not only set forth, but many p'P.ssages
of scrinture, were quolcd, clearly i;!u-
cidating the i:,ubiect; let nrc add, that I
do positively rely upon the truth and
veracity of those principles incnicated
in the new testament; and then pass I
from the above named items, on to the j
item or sulijcct of the gathfjring, nnd
show my views upon this jioint: which
is an item v.hich I esteem to l;e of the
greatest itnportancc to , th.osc who are
looking for salvation in this generation,
.or in. these what may be called "the
latter times,'' as all tlie prophets th;;t
liave wrhten, from the days of right-
etms Abel down to the last man, that
lias left any testimony oq record, for
our consideration, in^ gpoaking of the
salvation of Israel in the lavt days, Srocs
directly to sriipvy,, lhat.it doiislsts jm the
yvork of the githering.
Firstly, ! shall begin by quoting from
the prophecy of Enoch, speaking of
the . last days^ "Righteousness will I
send down out of heaven, and truth
will I send forth out of the earth, to
bear testim.ony of nfmeOnly Begotten,
bis resurrection from the dead, [this
rr.BijrrRction T nndorsfand t^ V»f\ the cor-
poieal b( dyj 'yea, and also the resur-
rection of ail men, righteousness and
truth will I cause to sweep the eaith as
vvith a ficod, to gather out mine own
elect from the fcur quarters of the
earth, unto a place which I shall pie-
pare; a lioly city, that my people may
gird up their loins, and l;e looking forlh
ibr the liiViC ot' my coming: for ti;ero
shall be my tabernacle; and it .-hall bo
called Zion, a New Jerusalem.*'
Nov/ I ujidevstand by this quotaticn^
.that God clearly maniicsted to Enoch,
'the redemption v. !;ich lie prepared, by
offeritig the Messiah as a L;:mb slain
from beibre the foundation of thcwoild:
by viitue of the same, the glorious res-
urrecti(;n of the Savior, and the jcsur-
reciidn of all the human family, —even
a 'xesuriectioj'i of their eorp.ofea.l bod-
ies: and jiLso righteousness 4nd trtilh to
sweep iTi'a earth as with a flood. Now
I ask how righteousness and truth are
agoing to svyeep the earth a.s withsa
food? I will answer: — Men azid angels
are to be co-workers in bringing to
f-nss tiiis grea.t jv'''J-'J< «■ -'-"d a Zion is to
be" prepared,' even a New Jerusalem^
for the elect that aie to be gatlieied
from the four quautersof the earth, and
to be established an liolycity: for the
tabernacle of the Lord shall be with
I hem. ^^
Now Enoch was. in good company
in his views upon tliis subject. See
Revelations, 23:.3.— "And 1 heard a
great voice out of heaven saying, Eu-
liold the tabern;icle of God is with men,
and he will dwell with them, and they
shall be his pcojjle, and God himself
shall bcwith them, and be their God."'
I discover by this quotation, that Ji.hn
ui>on the isle of Patmi-iS, saw the same
things concerning the last days, which
Enoch saw. But before the taberna-
cle can be with men,-. the elect must bo
gathered fron^jhe four quarters of the
ca-rih.
And to show further upon this sub-
ject of the gathering: Moses, after hav-
ing pronounced the blessing and the
cursing. up<)n the childrenof Israel, tor
their obedience or disobedience, says
thus: — "And it shall come to pas.s,
when all these things arc come upon
thee, the blessing end the curse which
i have Rf^t before theo; and thr>u shalt
§[0
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
call them to mind, among all the na-
tions whither the Lord thy God hath
driven thee, and shalt return unto the
Lord thy God, and shalt obey his voice,
according to all that 1 command thee,
this day, thou and thy children, with
all thine heart, and with all thy soul,
that then the Lord thy God, will turn
thy captivity, and have compassion up-
on thee, and will return and gather thee
from all the nations whither the Lord
thy God hath scattered thee; and if any
of thine be driven out unto the utmost
parts of heaven; from thence will the
Lord thy God gather thee; and from
thence will he fetch thee."
It has been said by many of the lear-
ned, and wise men, or historians, that
the Indians, or aboriginees of this con-
tinent, are of the scattered tribes of Is-
rael, It has been conjectured by many
others, that the aboriginees of this con-
tinent, are not of the tribes of Israel;
but the ten tribes have been led away
into some unknown regions of the
north. Let this be as it may, the
prophesy I have just quoted, "will fetch
them" in the last days, and place
them, in the land which their fathers
possessed: and you will find in the 7th
verse of the 30rh chapt. quoted: — "And
the Lord thy God will put all these
curses upon thine enemies and on them
that hate thee, which persecuted thee."
Many may say that this scripture is
fulfilled, but let them mark care full v
what the prophet says: "If any are
driven out unto the utmost parts of
heaven;" (which must mean the
breadths of the earth.) Noav this prom-
ise is good to any, if there should be
such, that are driven out, even in the
last days: therefore, the children of the
fathers have claim unto this day: and
if these curses are to be laid over on
the heads of their enemies, wo be unto
the Gentiles: See book of Mormon,
page 487, Wo unto the unbelieving of
the Gentiles, saith the Father. Again
see book of Mormon, page 497, v/hich
says: "Behold this people will 1 estab-
lish in this land, unto the fulfilling of
the covenant which I made with your
father Jacob: and it shall be a New Je-
rusalem." Now we learn from the book
of Mormon, the very identical continent
and spot of land upon which the New
Jerusalem is to stand, and it must be
John upon the isle of Patmos. Now
many wii! be disposed to say, that this
New Jerusalem spoken of, is the Jeru-
salem that was built by the Jews on
the eastern continent: but you will see
from Revelations, 21:2, there was a
New Jerusalem coming down from
God out of heaven, adorned as a bride
for her husband. That after this the
Revelator was caught away in the Spir-
it to a great and high nrountain, and
saw the great and holy city descending
out of heaven from God. Noav there
are two cities spoken of here, and as
every thing cannot be had in so r.arrow
a compass as a letter, I shall say with
brevity, that there is a New Jerusalem
to be established on this continent.—'
And also the .Terusalem shall be re-
built on the eastern continent. See
book of Morrr.on, page 566. Behold,
Ether saw the days of Christ, and he
spake also concerning the house of Is-
rael, and the Jerusalem from whence
Lehi should come: after it should be
destroyed it should be built up again, a
holy city unto the Lord: wherefore, it
could not be a New Jerusalem, for it
had been in a time of old. This may
suffice upon the subject of gatherings
until my next.
I now proceed, at the close of my
letter, to make a few remarks on the
duty of elders with regard to their
teaching parents and children, husbands
and wives, masters and slaves, or ser-
vants, &c. as I said I would in my for-
mer letter. And firstly, it becomes an
elder when he is travelling through the
world, warning the inhabitants of the
earth to gather together, that they may
be built up an holy city unto the Lord,
instead of commencing with children,
or those who look up to parents or guar-
dians, to influence their minds, thereby
drawing them from their duties, which
they rightfully ov/e to such, they should
com/mence their labors with parents, or
guaidians, and their teachings should
be such as are calculated to turn the
hearts of the fathers to the chiloren,
and the hearts of the children to the
fathers. And no influence should be
used, with children contrary to the con-
sent of their parents or guardians. —
But all such as can be persuaded in a
lawful and righteous manner, and with
common consent, we should feel it our
duty to influence them to gather with
the' people of God. But otherwise let
caught up according to the vision of I the responsibility rest upon the heads
of parents or guardians, and all con-
dcnmation or consequences, be upon
MEBSENGElt AND ADVOCATE.
m
their heads, according to the dispensn-
tion which he hath committed unto us:
for God has so ordained, that his work
shall be cut short in righteousness, in
the last days: therefore, first teach the
parents, and then, v/ith their consent,
let him persuade the children to em-
brace the gospel also. And if children
embrace the gospel, and their parents
or guardians are unbelievers, teach
them to stay at home and be obedient
to their parents or guardians, if they
require it; but if they consent to let
them gather with the people of God let
them do so and there shall be no wrong
and let all things be done carefully, and
righteously, and God will extend his
guardian care to all such.
And secondly, it should be the duty
of elders, when they enter int© any
house, to let their labors and warning
voice, be unto the master of that house:
and if he receive the gospel, then he
may extend his influence to his wife al-
so, with consent, tliat peradventure she
may receive the gospel; but if a man
receive not the gospel, but gives his
consent that his wife may receive it,
and slie believes, then let her receive it.
But if Ihe man forbid his wife, or his
children before they are of age, to re-
ceive the gospel, then it should be the
duty of the elder to go his way and use
no influence against i:im: and let the
responsibility be upon his head — shake
off the dust of thy feet as a testimony
against him, and thy skirts shall then
be clear of their souls. Their sins are
not to be answered upon such as God
hath sent to warn them to flee the wrath
to come, and save themselves from
this untovv'ard generation. The serv-
ants of God will not have gone over
the nations of the Gentiles, with a war-
ning voice, until the destroying angel
will commence to v,'aste the inhabitants
of the earth; and as the prophet hath
said, "It shall be a vexation to hear
the report." I speak because I feel
for my fellow-men: I do it in the name
of the Lord, being moved upon by the
Holy Spirit. O that I could snatch
them from the vortex of misery, into
which I behold them plunging them-
selves, by their sins, that I may be en-
abled, by the warning voice, to be an
instrument of bringing them to unfeign-
ed repentance, that they may have
faith to stand in the evil day.
Thirdly, it should be the\U;ty of an
elder, when he enters into a hou-ic to
salute the master of that house, and if
he gain his consent, then he may
preach to all that arc in that house, but
if he gain not his consent, let him go
not unto his slaves or servants, but let
the responsibility be upon the head of
the master of that house, and the con-
sequences thereof; and the guilt of thtit
house is no longer upon thy skirts:
Tliou art free; therefore, shake oiT liic
du^t of thy feet, and go Ihy way. But
if the master of that house give consent,
that thou mayest preach to his family,
his wite, his children, and his servants,
his man-servants, or his maid-servants,
or his slaves, then it should be the du-
ty of the elder to stand up boldly for
the cause of Christ, and warn that peo-
ple with one accord, to repent and be
baptized for the remission of sins, and
for the Holy Ghost, always command-
ing ihem in the name of the Lord, in
the spirit of meekness to be kindly af-
fected one towards another; that the
fathers should be kind to their children,
husbands to their wives; masters to
their slaves or servants; children obe-
dient to their parents, wives to their
husbands, and slaves or servants to
their masters:
"Wives submit yourselves unto your o'^'n
husband.?, as unto tiie Lord. For the liiisband
is the head of the wife, even as Christ is tlie
head of the cliiuch: and he is the Savior of
tiie body. Tlxerefore as the church is subject
unto Christ, so let the v/ives be to their own
husbands in every thing. Husbands, love
your wives even as Christ also loved the
churclr and gave himself for it; that he might
sanctify and cleanse it v.-ith tlie v/ashing of
water by the word, that he mirht present it
to himself a glorious church, not having spot,
or wrinkle, or any such thing; but tiiat it
should be holy and witliout blemish. So
ouglit men to love their v.'ives as llieir own
bodies. Ke that loveth his v.ife loveth him-
self, for no man ever 3-ot hated his own
flesh; but nsurislieth and clierislieth it, even
as tiie Lord the ciiurch: for we are members
of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. —
For this cause shall a man leave his father
and mother, and shnll be joined unto his wife,
and they two shall be one flesh." — Ephe-
sians, Chapt. V. from the ri2d to the end of
the 21st verse.
"Wives submit yourselves unto your own
husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. Plusbands,
love your wives, and be not bitter against
them. Children, obey your parents in all
things: for this is well pleasing unto the
Lord. Fathers, provoke not your children
to anger, lest they be discouraged. Servants,
obey in all things your masters according to
tlie flesh; not with eye service as menpleas-
ers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God."
— Colociaus, Chapt. IIL from (he !8th to the
end of the ""^u verse.
SIS
MESSENGER APTD ADVOCATE.
But I must close this letter and re-
sume the subject in another number.
In the bonds of the new and
e V e r I ivsti n g cove na n t
JOSEPH SMITH, jr.
To J. Whitmer, Esq.
ORDER OF THE NEW TESTA-
MENT CHURCH. No. I.
Brother J. Vv'hitincr: —
1 feel at this time-
like writing a leticr for the Messenger
and Advocate, on a subject which I
shall call (he order of the new testa-
ment church. A subject I conclude
which is not very well understood, if
I may have the privilege of judging
from v/hat passes before ni}^ eyes, and
wliat is sounded in my cars.
The many persons who are travd-
ling through every part of the country,
jjassing to preach vvhat they call tiie
gospel, and to cali men in'o the king-
dom of God; saying that they have the
right to do so, not only the right to do
so; but are under the strongest obliga-
tion to do it, both as a duty to Gcd and
man, that they may gioiify the for-
mer, and save the latter; and this duty
and obligation, grows out of the com-
mandment of the Savior, found recor-
ded in the new testament, and reads
thus. "Go ye into all the world, and
preach the gospel to every creature. —
He that ])elieveth, and is baptized, shall
be saved: but he that believeth not,
shall be damned."
I feel a little disposed to inquire into
the nature of this commission, and the
circumstances attending its promulga-
tion, to see how far they are bound by
it, and are in danger of beina: cursed if
they do not obey it, or in other words,
who is able to obey it; for my part I
think there is less danger of a curse
by not attempting to act under ii, than
there is by attempting (o act under it.
I should think that I was in greater
danger of being condemned, to go
forth into the world to preach the
gospel, by virtue of that cr.mmission,
than I would be to follow iho plough,
to shove the plain, to use the hammer
or to pursue any other lionest calling
in life, and would benefit mankind
more, and glorify God better. And so
would any other man al>;o.
It is a very common thing for men
who are unlearned in the truth, to be
very consciencious in advocating er-
ror* and excrvcdingly zr^aloufi in propa-
gating, and teaching for doctrines the
commandments of men, and doing
what the Lord never required at their
hand, and leaving undone the things-
which he has required; this seems es-
pecially to be the case in relation to
preaching the gcsoel, (as the people
call it,) for while the order of things
which the Lord established for the re-
den- ption of the werld is left untouched,
the order of things Avhich men have in-
vented for themselves, is propagated
with the most untiring perse verence,.
and with a zeai worthy of the best
cause in the world.
Men encompass sea and land to es-
tablish their opinions, and to give forco-
and pov/er to their doctrines, and to all
appeararice are as conscientious as if
the Lord had called and commissioned^
them, and had sent them forth to do so,
under the [;euaity of the perdition of
ungodly men if they did it not. A
looker on would be ready to conckide,^
that they were ordained, from days of
old to this ignorance. But notwith-
standing all the zeal, and perseverance,
and apparent cosisciousness ef th.e ma-
ny teachers of religion, still, when a-
man takes the new testament into his
hands and begiiis to hunt for their au-
thority, he is greatly dificulted to iind
it, to be sure, we cantliere find it writ-
ten "Go ye into all the world, and
preach the gospel to every creature,
he tliat believeth, and is baptized., shall'
be saved: but he that believeth not
shall be damned.'" But to whom was
this said, to every man of every gener-
ation, who might start out of hmiself,
or be sent out by other.'-? no, but very
far from this, to men who were called'
and chosen of God for this purpose,
and called by name too, so that there
could be no mistake about the matter.-
These men in this commission, were
required to go into all the world, and
preach the gospel to every creature;
but none others: it was they and they
only, whose names were there men-
tioned, who had to perform this duty,
or see that it was performed, and none
others were bound by it.
Let us suppose for instance that soma
of the other Jews, or Gentiles, or even
somic of the saints, had taken it into
their heads in the days of the apostles
to have acted on this commission; could
they have done it? I answer they
could not; there would not one solita-
rv sign have folln-<;^'od them, it M'ould
WESSENGElt AND ADVOCATE.
m
have been in vain for those who believ-
ed thcni lo have undertaken to cast out
•tleviis, or to have spoken in other
tongues, or to lay hands on the sick,
with the idea ei eifecting any thing;
and the reason would be that the per-
sons who had administered unto them,
were without power themselves, and a
stream could not rise higher than its
fountain; therefore, of necessity the
persons administered to, would be with-
out power also.
It was more than a windy business
to execute this commission, it required
power as well as wind; it required
i'nore:than to go forth and be very in-
genious, in proving to the people that
they must be immersed for the remis-
sion of sins: the person who done that
according to this commission, if he ef-
• fected any good by it must have power,
also to administer in the name of the
Lord Jesus, not baptism only, but the
:Holy Spirit also.
The truth is, there were no persons
■on earth in the da3''3 of these apostles,
nor have there been any since their
■day, who could act upon their commis-
sion, it was peculiar to themselves; for
instance, there were in tne primitive
church, not only apostles; but proph-
ets, and evangelists, |)astors, and
.teachers, and each of these orders had
.oilier respective works assigned unto
-them, and each one must have a com-
.icission suited to his calling.
Out of these orders, it fell to the or-
der of apostles, to go into all the world
and preach the gospel to every crea-
ture: suppose the pastors, or teachers,
had taken it into their heads to go and
act upon the commission given to the
apostles. Co>>!ld they have done it? —
m^st assuredly they could not, and that
because God had not called them to
the work of apostles, and having not
called them, he did not endow them
v/ith pr)wer, sufficient, and their at-
tempt would have been vain; indeed it
would have been v/orse than vain; for
lo apostles alone, God had given the
power to act on a commission given to
apostles.
To every candid reader of the new
testament, it is very plain, that it re-
quired a power ad ipted to the nature
of the commission, to enable any per-
son, to act on a commission received
from the most High, whether that
commission required them to travel in-
to ali tbo world, or whatbar it did not;
the power given would be according to
the work required. If a man or a
number of men, v/ero required to act
in the office of evangelists, they would
receive power, accordingly: or if to
act in the office of apostles; their pov/-
fc-r would be proportionate to the work
assigned to them. So that each ono
might be able to perform the duties of
his own office.
In the commission given immediate-
ly after the resurrection of the Savior,
we have tlie work set forth wlrich be-
longed to the office of apostles, and ev-
ery person who acted under that com-
mission, acted in the office of an apos-
tle. Now to prepare men to act under
this commission, requiied a great deal
of teachmg, as well as divine manifes-
tation. It v/as iiiipopsd:iie for the apos-
tles to act under this commission, witli-
out revelations being given unto them
directly from heaven, for their own di-
rection, as well as the direction of
those who believed on the Savior
through their word.
Let us inquire how it was that the
aposiles were enabled to fulfill this
commission; ennHed we say, for it ha3
been the lot of [ew men to be able to
perform the duties of the commission
given to the twelve apostles, who were
commissioned immediately after the
resurrection of the Savior.
Let us inquire, what preparation
was necessary to enable the apostles
themselves to fulfill the duties of their
office, and how it was that they became
qualified to be apostles, agreeable to
the commission -given to them.
We are told that at a certain timo
the Savior inquired ot the apostles to
know what m^n said about him. —
"Whom say men that I the son of man
am?" They answered some say that
you are Elias, others Jeremias, or on«
of the ancient prophets. By this we
understand most clearly, that the mir-
acles which he had wrought among
the people, had failed to give them a
true; understanding of his character.
The highest notions which they en-"
tertained of him was, that he was a
prophet, such as had been on earth bo-
ibre, with this exception probably, that
some might have thoughts that he was
one of the prophets who was raised
from the dead. But it does not appear
that there was any other thought of
his being the Son of God: so that all
his miracles had failed to give the peo-
244
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
p!e a
tor.
correct idea of his true charac
Neither do we think, that miracles
could produce this effect aioiie: there
must be something else: indeed if we
are left to draw our inference from
what follows, it will be seen, that there
was but one thing that could give the
idea that he was the Son of God, and
that was a revelation from God. For
the Savior again says to th.e apostles.
*'But whom do ye say that I the Son
of man am." Peter answered and
said, "thou art Christ the son of the
living God." What was the answer
the Savior made to his declaration? It
was this. "Blessed art thou Simon
Barjonah; for flesh and blood have not
revealed this unto thee; but my Father
which is in heaven:" as much as to
say: it is not the miracles which I have
wrought in your presence, neither the
casting out devils, nor yet healing the
sick; but a revelation from my Fath-
er who is in heaven.
If we arc left to draw a conclusion
from these premises, what would that
conclusion be? v/ould it not be that a
knowledge of the Son of God, was not
to be denied from the working of mir-
acles? for if this could have been done,
the disciples would have found it out,
and it would not have been said as it
was to Peter. "Flesh and blood have
not revealed this to thee; but my Fath-
er which IS in heaven." But on the con-
trary, it would have been said. "Bles-
sed art thou Simon Barjonah for thou
liast discovered my true character from
the miracles which I have wrought in
your presence." M.
PERSECUTION OF OLD TIP^ES.
One great blessing the church of the
Latter Day Saints enjoy above those of
former ages, is, a knowledge of the
persecution of olden times; For the
which purpose we extract the 2d chap-
ter from Fox's Martyrs.
€l£ap. II.
FROM THE DEATH OF ST.
JOHN, AND THE CON-
CLUSION OF THE
APOSTOLIC
AGE.
The malignant spirit of the Jews
was ever predominant, and the apos-
tles, cis iJicir Master before them, vvei-e
on all occasions, and in every place
where that spirit could shev/ itself, vio-
lently persecuted. The aposlle Paul
was by this means, driven from Anti-
och to Iconium; yet there were the
apostles opposed by Jews and Gentiles,
until they found it expedient to escape
to Lycaonia. At Lystra, notv/ithstand-
ing the partiality of the Gentiles for
them, on account of curing the impo-
tent man, the Jews to such a degree
prevailed, that Paul was even stoned
by them. This induced them for a
time to remove to Derbe, though thev
afterwards visited both Lystra and An-
tioch, to confirm the disciples of Christ
in the profession of '.he gospel. Though
the apostle Paul received a divine inti-
mation to extend his labors, in propa-
gating the gospel into Macedonia, an
insurrection was here stirred up, and
both Paul and his adopted companion,
Silas, were cast into prison. Here
we have a very different account of
this Gentile apostle's deliverance to
that of Peter. The prison-doors and
the gates were not thrown open, as on
that occasion, at least, though the
doors were opened as an effect of the
earthquake, they were not commanded
to go out, and conducted thence by an
angel, as in the other case. The prov-
idence of God had other ends to serve
on the present occasion. Here was no
escape, as on the former interposition.
"We are all here; do thyself no harm,"
says Paul to the terrified jailor. Con-
version followed this extraordinary
scene. The jailor was convinced of
their innocency, made profession of
their faith, and "was baptized, he and
all his straightvv'ay." This advantage
to the cause of the gospel was obtained ■
by this short imprisonment, though the
rulers, ashamed of their conduct, sent
orders the next morning for their re-
lease; and at last, on Paul's asserting
that they had grossly violated their
privileges, he being a Roman citizen,
with much submission they persuaded
him to accept of a discharge.
Going to Lydda, and from thence to
Thessalonica, the Jews, as usual, stir-
red up a commotion against them, so
that Jason and others were obliged to
enter into a recognizance to keep the
peace. Escaping by night to Berea,
the Jews of Thessalonica pursued him,
and he was compelled to take a circuit-
ous route to Athens. His dispute at
Atliens, and his being brought before thc^
iiJESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
Hit
the Areopagus, or chief court of Jus-
tice, is beside our purpose; but, pro-
-ceeding to Corinth, the Jews manifest-
ed there their violence, and he hence-
forth associated with the Gentiles. —
During his stay here, for a year and
six months, St. Philip is supposed to
have suffered martyrdom in Phrygia.
A change of deputy at Corinth encour-
aged the Jews to foment a disturbance
against the Christians; but though Gal-
lio did not punish their violence, he
would not hearken to their idle accusa-
tions. The ruler of the synagogue,
whose name was Sosthenes, perhaps
the successor of Crispus, who had been
baptized, and therefore removed, was
equally favorable to the apostles, not-
"Nvithstanding the spleen of the Gentiles;
and the new deputy was equally re-
gardless of their proceedings. A res-
pite from persecution was thereby ob-
tained, which enabled Paul to remain
there for some time longer.
From Corinth he passed to Cesarea,
and thence to Antioch. At Ephesus,
to which he came afterwards, a strong
party, as in other places, opposed him;
yet it only obliged him to change the
scene of his labors, and in the public
lecture-room of Tyrannus, to secure
free admission of the Gentiles. The
sons of a cei'tain Jewish priest attempt-
ed indeed to imitate St. Paul's miracles
there; but he paid rather dearly for
his rash adventure, and this proved an
occasion of many converts, and the
destruction of great numbers of im-
proper books. Yet a violent opposi-
tion was there raised on account of the
goddess Diana, instigated by the silver-
*rath Demetrius, which, with much
difficulty the town-clerk appeased. In
his passage through Macedonia and
Greece, the Jews were there intent up-
on his destruction; but he left them and
came to Troas, where he performed
upon a young man
a signal miracle
named Eutychus, by restoring him to
life. When he came to Jerusalem,
some of those who had opposed him at
Ephesus, and other places, occasioned
liis being apprehended in the temple,
and dragged violently out of it, until he
was rescued by the Roman governor;
though detained in custody for the pur-
pose of identifying his person and
character. The clamor of the Jev/s
had nearly succeeded to occasion his
bping scourged; but "he demanded th©
privilege ol a free-born Roman citizen.
whom the laws protected against such
a degrading punishment," [See the
Author's Ilistory and Life of our Bles-
sed Savior, Book VIIL Chap. III. p.
399.] Though this powerful appeal
stopped their present violence, on the
following day he was brought forth to
be examined; and, whilst he was de-
fending himself in a way which must
evidently criminate the Jews, the high-
priest, with a view to silence lum,
commanded those who stood near him
to strike him on the mouth. "At such
conduct he turns indignant. Ho
calls him a whited wall, which, like -a
whited sepulchre, was fair without, but
full of corruption within.'' Though,
by an ingenious address, he divided his
clamorous accusers, he vv^as "retained
in custody, with a guard of soldiers, to
preserve him from the mischiefs of a
tumult." Then the Jews conspired to
kill him, on being brought to farther
examination; but the chief captain
caused him to be safely escorted by
night on his way to Cesarea, and thus
defeated their iniquitous design. Yet
their persecution still continued. In
five days after, the high-pviest and el-
ders followed him thither to Felix the
governor, bringing with them a ful-
some advocate to blacken Paul, and
cajole the governor by flattery and dis-
simulation; whilst Paul, in his reply,
despised the arts of this hireling syco-
phant, and defied them, to prove a sin-
gle article of their glaring accusation.
The governor was fully aware of the
nature of the case, but wanted honesty
to release him, and humanity to pro-
vide I'br his personal safety, pretending
that he was desirous of the arrival of
the chief captain, to bo more fully ac-
quainted with the true nature of his ac-
cusation. Yet evci-y liberty was ])er-
mitted which could possibly consist
with safety and protection.
Curiosity was not then a stranger,
as on many occasions in our own times,
to persons who sought only a momenta-
ry gratification. The governor's wife
was a Jewess, and Paul was to be
brought forward to be re-examined
merely to satisfy and indulge this un-
meaning propensity; and, on this oc-
casion, Paul used a language which
was far from being welcome or accept-
able to the ears of the governor. He
was nevertheless detained a prisoner,
hough not very strictly, for two years,
until a new governor had been appoint'
«16
MESSENGEJl AND ADVOCATt.
C'd, merely as a gratiliccition to the ma- j that Matthew suiiered martyrdom in
'icious Jews. On his going to Jernsa- I Ethiopia, being slain with a halbert. —
lem.he hnd informafion of Paul's being
a prisoner at Cesarea; and, on the
governor's comin? thither, he called
Paul to an examination, to hear his de-
fence against the insinuations of the
Jews, and with a design
of meeting
their wishes. F^stus had imbibed the
poison of Paul's accusers, and proposed
I'emitling him to the ecclesiastical pow-
ers at Jerusalem. Against this propo-
sition Paul protested. He claimed the
privilege of a Roman citizen, and was
ready to submit to the civil aythorities.
He appealed from Cros-ir's tribunal to
Csesar himself; and to this appeal the
governor himself, however anxious to
please the Jews, was obliged to- pay
obedience. In the lone interval which
followed before Paul could be sent to
Rome, at least before he was sent, as
a distinguished prisoner, ho was e.^i;-
hibited as a spectacle to "Agi'ippa,
"■who succeeded liis father Herod Agi'ip-
pa, who was grandson to Herod the
Great, and had caused the martyrdom
of James, and had come down to com-
pliment Festus on his accession to- the
government of Judea." The king was
convinced, by Paul's energetic lan-
guage, of his innocence; but this seem-
ingly unlucky appeal, though it jiad
rescued him from the Jews, now mili-
tated sgainst his discharge. The ap-
peal was recorded, and must be heard;
but it effectually delivered him from
the machinations of the Jews.
We have nothing to do with the un-
towardness of the voyage, after means
had been adopted to send Paul to
Rome; for this may be considered as
incidental, ratlier than the effects of
persecution, though it certainly was
occasioned by persecution. Ivlany
providential acts, iiowever, appear
manifest in it; but w© know very little
of the result of this appeal and this
voyage, only that he was detained at
riom.e, in the character of a prisoner
of honor, for "two whole 3'ears in his
own hired house, and received all that
came in unto him," after which, he
was liberated from his confinement. —
About the time of Paul's voyage, Mark
.''.'as dragged to pieces by the people ot
Alexandria, at their great solemnity of
Serapis their idpl, ending his life un-
der their merciless hands; and near
the time of|flMPaurs being shipwreck-
g^ at Mclita^^is generally supposed
But we have to notice the death oi' the
apostle James, at Jerusalem, in the
year proceeding Paul's discharge ou:
of custody, by a violent insurrection
of the Jews, through v/hich jneans he
closed his life by martyrdom, in the
interval between the death of the gov-^
ernor Festus and the succession of AU
binus. About this time, also, the death
of Matthias is generail" placed by
means of stoning, li:ough we have less
hccount of him than of most of the oth-
er apostles. On Paul's permissirn to
depart from Rome, he is sa)d to have
travelled into Spain, and,a> some think,
though the reasons are not fully de-
monstrative, into Britain. He return-!
Cfl to Crete, and there fixed Titus as
their bishop; and from that island he
is supposed to have passed into Judea,
and thence to Ephesus and Colosse,
and back to Ephesus, before he passed
into Macedonia to Philippi, to Nicopo-
lis in Epirus, Corinth, Troas, Antioch,
and leonium, during which he appears
to have endured many conflicts. [2
Tim 111. il.) Of his last visit tu
Rome, where he suffered martyrdom,
we shall presently take notice; and in
the mean time we have to remark th.at
St. Peter did not settle at Rome till
about four }ears before his death, and
the time that St. Paul had returned to
Crete from Spain. At this time he
found Simon Magus, whom he had be-
t"o re defeated in Samaria, exercising his
infernal arts, and bewitching nieirs
minds, so as to be had in great vrmer-^
ation by the Romans, and much in fa-
vor with the emperor. Defeated and
opposed by Peter, the emperor was
disgusted, and miditated his destruc-
tion; and on that account^ principally
the FIRST GENERAL TERSECUtlON COlll-
raenccd, during which, the apostle St,
7\ndrew, "alter preaching in Scythia
and Asia, and afterwards in Greece,
was martyred in Acjiaia," by crucifix-
ion, by command of the pro>-consuI.
In this persecution it is observed
from Tacitus, that persons, v.ho "made
proiession of this new religion were
treated with all the instances of scorn
and cruelty; that some were wrapp'cd
up in the skins of wild beasts, to be
worried and devoured by dogs ; others
were crucified; others burnt alive, clad
in paper- coats smeared with pitch or
wax, or sopie combustible mat.ter; that
Messenger and advocate.
iit
when day-liglit failed they might serve
•ior' 'torches and illuminations in the
iii^tit."' Even these spectacles were
■exhibited in the emperor's own gar-
dens. • Thus barbarously were the
Christians treated at Rome; besides
;\vhich,siinilaredicts were i. s ledairainst
of their Magi, beii^g shot to jrfeath with
arrovrs: and Barthtjlomewalsd is now-
said To have been crucified^ n't AIb;inia,
on the Cas()ian sea, fur opposing their
idolatry, by order of the governor of
the city. It was also remarkable for
the death of Barnabas, wlio is also
them through most of the provinces of I generally considered to have termina-
the empire. In the list af martyrs of ted his life at Salamis, in his own
that period, we find the iiamcs of country of Cyprus, at the instifation
Tocla, Tor 1U3 -jTorquatus.and Maicc*- of the Jews, by stoning.
Ins, and many othei's; and th^rc wore
martyrs also at Milan, and other [ilafes.
Though Peter was more immetiialeiy
the object of the r>mperor's rancour, he
seems to have escaped the fir^t violence
It was not until the following year
that St. Thomas is commonly under-
stood to have suflered martyrdom, from
the opposition of the Bramins of Par-
thia, in revenge for his havinnr con-
■of the storm. Baton Paul's coming i verted th<i j)rince of the country ar d
to Rome in the following year, both
these apo-;tles were cast into prison;
the former on account of the empe-
ror's hatred for Ids oppositi(»n to Si-
mm Magus, and the latter fuv having
converted one of his concubines. — -
They were confined in prison for eight
or nine months; but they were at
length condemned, and Peter as a Jew
and a foreigner was ordered t? be cru-
citied, with his head downwards, at his
own desire, and Paul as a Roman was
iOn the same day beheaded about three
miles without the city, but a few
months betore the death of the monster
Noio.
The bishop of Antioch, Euodius,
suffered martyrdom during the same
year, as we are informed; but whether
under Galba, Nero's successor, or the
wicked Olho, whose two reigns scarce-
I3 exceeded ten months, is not alto-
gether certain. But the miseries of
the Jews, provoked by their rebellions,
were productive of a breathing time
ibr the Christians, who had ' escaped
from Jerusalem at the commencement
of the seige; but it af?trded leisure to
-disatTected and ambitious spirits to
hatch new opinions, anfi to propagate
stranrre and heretical doctrines to the
many others. Accustr)med to nnire to
a certain tomb nc.'a-- the city for devo-
tion, they poured in upon him a show-
er of stones and darts, and one of hia
assailants afterwards advanced and ran
him through with a lance. In the next
year, or the fourth from the destruc-
tion of Jerusalem, "it is generally sup-
posed, the evangelist Luke died'; and
the prevailing opinion is, that he was
crucified in Gieece on an olive-tree for
want of a cross, by a party of infidels."
Simon also is said to have been cruci-.
fiei by infidels in this year in Britain,
after making many converts in various
places. The reign of Titus, which
followed that of '/espasian, unfortu-
nately Avas but short; but his death was
not without suspicion of poison from
his brother and successor, Domitian,
He was a good prince; yet, during his
short reign of little more than two
years, Linus, Bishop of Rome, suo-
cessor to St. Peter or St. Paul, as
bishops of the Jewish or Gentile con-
verts, is now said to have suffered
martyrdom, about five years at''ter the
death of St. Luke. The professors of
the gospel lived peaceably for several
years afterwards, excepting the dis-
turbances which were fomented or oc-
disturbance of thoso who professed the j c.sioned by heretics, of whom indeed
true Christian faith. It is foreign there was but too prolific a produce,
from our purpose here to state them; 'though they were in some degree kept
and that in the second year after the u.ider by the vioila.nce of the apostlo
destruction of Jerusalem, the Chris
lians, who had lei't it about six years
before, returned thither with their bish-
St.
Johr.
When Domitian had riegned about
nine or ten years, it has been general-
op Simeon, the succesr^or of James. — | ly considered that he began to look
In this year, however, it is g norally j with an unfavorable eye on the Chris-
supposed, that St. Jude was put to 1 tians, perhaps from a. suspicion that
death in Persia, where he had success-
fully preached Christ's gospel, for his
free reproofs of the superstiitious rites
they might be secretljIHisposed to sup-
port the insurrection of Lucius Anto-
nius against him and hia unpopular
sie ^___
^ernment. But the second general
persecution did not break out till the
fourteenth or fifteenth year of that em-
peror's reign, when the bloody edicts
were issued for that purpose, and nu-
merous martyrdoms followed At Rome
and other places. Antipas, in Perga-
mus, one of the seven churches of St.
John's foundation, Rev. II. 13. and
Dlonysius, first Bishop of Athens, Acts
XVII. 34. suffered many torments,
and death; and the emperor executed
Flavius Clemens, the consul and his
cousin-gei'man, for embracing Christi-
anity, and banished his wife and niece
to different islands. In this persecu-
tion St. John was sent for to Rome,
and was there put into a cauldron of
oil set on fire, from the effects of
which he was miraculously preserved,
and had the honor of martyrdom with-
out the torments, or putting it in the
power of man to deprive him of life. —
Yet the stubborn emperor persevered
in his enmity to this faithful servant of
Christ, though his first design was de-
feated by a miracle, and banished him
"to the desolate isle of Patmos, one of
the islands of the modern Grecian arch-
ipelago, to dig in the mines," being the
usual labor of persons banished thither
for any crime against the state of its
economy.
It was here that this aged apostle, in-
stead of being compelled to the usual
slavery, for which the advanced peri-
od of his life was so little adopted, was
favored with various visions and reve-
lations, by which he had a sufficient
prospect of the future condition of the
Christian religion. Of these we have
an account in the comprehensive and im-
portant Book of Revelation, which he af-
terwards committed to writing; contain-
ing many truths,by which the humblest
Chx'istians may profit, without concern-
ing themselves in the explanation of
prophecies, to which their capacities or
uncultivated faculties cannot possibly
be commensurate. The accomplish-
ment of some of them was then, as it
were, commencing, especially those of
the second and third chapters, describ-
ing the state of the 7 Asian churches;
for these would shortly come to pass,
or begin to be fulfilled, but their pro-
gress and final completion, those of the
subsequent visiMa^specially, in which
many dreadful ^rsecutions v/ere pre-
dicted, would be protracted to far dis-
tant periods, as the long continuance
MESSENOEIt AK£> advocate.
o{ many of them so frequently repeat-
ed most fully demonstrates. Though
St. .J^ohn despaired of life in this bar-
ren and desolate spot, hk o\vn libera-;
tion is first assured to liim, that, aged
as he was, he should "prophesy before
many people, and nations, and tongues,
and kings." (Rev. X. T\.) In this
year we have an account of the mar-
tyrdom of Mark, the first Bishop of
Atina in Latium, who is said to have
been struck in the head with tenter-
hooks, of Felicula, an illustrious wo-
man of Rome, whose body was cast
into a common sewer, and of Nicode-
mus, a presbyter of the same city, who
was beaten to death. The emperor
became intolerably jealous of every
one; and Jews, as well as Christians,,
were persecuted as atheists and dis-
owners of the gods. All the posterity
of David were assiduously sought out,
as marked for slaughter; which occa-
sioned the apprehension of two grand-
children of the apostle St. Jude, the
kinsman of our Lord, who, after inter-
rogation and examination, were dis-
missed, on account of their meanness,
and simplicity, as beneath his jealousy.
From this period he issued an edict for
terminating the persecution, which had
raged so violently.
The violent death which the empe-
ror soon after suffered, by means of
conspirators whom he himself had
marked for destruction, gave a new
face to the affairs of the Christians. —
Both they and the dispersed Jews, who
had either been banished from Rome
and other cities during the last reign^
oi become voluntary exiles to escape
his fury, were immediately recalled by
his successor; and their confiscated,
property, as far as practicable, restor-
ed to them. Yet even in this mild
reio-n, we are informed, that Timothy,
Bishop of Ephesus, fell a martyr to
the fury of the votaries of Diana, be-
ing so cruelly beaten with stones and
clubs for opposing them in a festivaK
procession, that he expired in two days
after. This is the same whom St.
John (Rev. II. 1.) calls the angel of
the church of Ephesus. Soon after
tWis, St. John, no longer considering
his continuance in Patmos to be neces-
sary, from this happy change of the
times, removed to Ephesus to his most
intimate friends, and was prevailed
upon, since they had lost Timotliy, to
take upon him the government of
MESSENGER AND ADVOCAtE.
813
church. In this situation lie continued
about three years, and at last "died in
peace at tlie close of the centur)^, be-
ing then little more or less than one
hundred years of age." Daring this
interval he had written his General
Epistle, and the two shorter ones to
individuals; and in a little time he un-
dertook the task of writing his gospel,
at the request of the Asian churches. —
In his gospel he had a special eye to
the heresies of Ebion and Corinthus,
following the argument, but more con-
cisely, of his General Epistle. Ner-
va's mild reign was, nevertheless, a
short one, little more than sixteen
months; but his successor Trajan,
though otherwise a good prince, Vas
excessively zealous for Paganism and
all its superstitions, insomuch that St.
Clement, if we are to credit Metaph-
rastes, was banished from Rome in the
iirst year of his reign to the mines in
Taurica Chersonesus, for having con-
verted Theodora, a noble Roman lady,
and others, to the profession of the
gospel. The rigidness of Trajan for
Paganism gave occasion to his subjects
to persecute Christians, though no edict
was issued against them. Under the
pretence of illega:! societies, they were
severally persecuted by governors and
other officers; and great numbers of
them suffered by means of popular tu-
mults, and by laws and processes, un-
der the notion of malefactors and trai-
tors, and under an emperor famed
through the world for justice and mod-
eration. This has been usually called
the third general persecution-, in which
many martyrs suffered. Amongst
these, we have an account of Cesarius,
a deacon of Terracina, in Italy, and
2osimus, of Pisidia, in Asia; but par-
ticularly we must notice St. Clement,
as just related, who made many con-
verts in his exile, who was condemned
to be thrown into the sea, with an an-
chor about his neck. But this storm
of persecution happily never reached
Ephesus, so that the venerable apostle
St. John remained there until his death
quietly and unmolested. And our ac-
count'^'f his death, already stated, as
it closes the first century of the Chris-
tian era, terminates what may be call-
ed the apostolic age, and introduces us
to their successors.
Died— In Clay Co. Mo. on the 21 st of Oc-
tober last, Rachel Ranch, aged about 48 years.
TO THE SAINTS.
Beloved brethren and sisters: You.
undoubtedly are well assured that this
is the day and generation in which the
prophecies are to be fulfilled, concern-
ing the upbuilding of Zion, in which
men are to be made partakers of the
fulfilling of the covenants made with
the fathers; consequently, of the glories
that are to be brought unto the saints
at the revelation of Jesus Christ. But
remember that it is written, "After
much tribulation, cometh the blessing,"
and that it is no where said, that we
shall attain unto the unutterable bles-
sings of the celestial kingdom, but
through great tribulation. You who
have and do keep the commandments
of the Lord, (for it is to such that I
now address myself) have great reason
to rejoice, seeing you have already
been brought to pass through many
tribulations because of your faith in the
words of the Lord Jesus Christ. There-
fore, be not discouraged, neither cast
down because of your distresses and
great afflictions which you have to pass
through, but rather count it a blessing,
seeing that "we must, through great
tribulation, enter the kingdom." Acts,
14:22. Again, "knowing that tribula-
tion worketh patience, and patience
experience, and experience hope, and
hope luaketh not ashamed, because the
love of God is shed abroad in our
hearts." Rom. 5:3,4. And we have
been begotten again unto a lively hope
which is sure and stedfast, through the
m.anifestaiion of the truth shed forth
upon us by the opening of the heavens,
the ministering of angels, and by the
raising up a prophet m these last days,
by whom the word of God cometh un-
to us, which word maketh our hope the
more lively because it teacheth us plain-
ly that the time draweth nigh, when
the things spoken of and hoped, by the
former day saints, are to be made man-
ifest in very deed; of which things we
shall be made partakers, if we faint
not.
I well remember the time when the
first little branch of the church of Lat-
ter Day Saints removed from this pla^-e
to the land of Zion; the place of the
city of the living God, which was at
that time pointed out by revelation. —
And from that day to this, these, to-
gether with other branches which have
since moved to the same place, have
been suffering tribulations and afllic-
m ^
tions of various kinds
messengfth and advocate.
And wliV a!i I come v/ith vengonnce, even God with
thi.s? You will answer me, because of j Q recompense: he v/iii come and save
iniquities'
And you ans»ver '.veil, for
so it is: you did not live perfect before
God. But stiii, !iad you not believed
in tlie woids of the Lord, as given to
us, you would not have been persecu-
t'.'d;' there lore, you have been persecu-
ted fi-<r righteousness' sake, or for
Christ's sake. For, notwithstanding all
your imperfections, you would not, in
the midst of the mos: perilous circum-
stances, give up your hope, nor deny
the revelations of Jesus Christ, lou
are well aware, that according to the
prophets, perilous times await mankind,
and great persecutions the saints that
are not gathered. Therefore, much
prayer is necessary, with great fiiith
and diligence, that Zion may be redeem-
ed and the way prepared for the salva-
tion of the children of men, both spirit-
ual and temporal: for it is written in
the last chapter of Isaiah, "by lire and
by sword will the Lord plead v/ith ail
flesh, and the slain of the Lord shall
be many.'' But before all this, Zion
must arise and become an ensign to the
nations; and Gentiles shall come to her
lip-ht, and kings to the brightness of
her rising:" for it Js again said by the
same prophet, "For Zion's sake I wiU
not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem's
sake I will not rest, until the righteous-
ness thereof go forth as brightnes., and
the salvation thereof as a lamp that
• burneth.-' Agiin, "Come near ye na-
tions to hear; hearken, ye people; let
the earth hear, and all that is ttievein;
the world, arnl ail things that come
forth of it: for the indignation of the
Lord is upon all nations; for it is the
dav of the Lord's vengeance, and tlie
vear of recompense for the controver-
sy of Zion."— Isaiah a4:l&8. This,
the world of mankind are not aware of;
neither will they be made sensible of
it, tiiou^h we warn them: for, while
we behold the approaching storm, and
distant thunders roll, and make prepa-
rations to stand in that evil day, m^n.
you.
shall
sonffs
And the ransdnsed of Xhe Lord
return and come to Zion. with
of everlasting joy upon their
heads: they s'lall obtain joy and glad-
ness, and sorrow and sigijing shall flee
away.*' — isaiah 35:4&.i0,
THOMAS B. MARSH.
Kirtland Nov. 10, 1835.
Dear brother in the Lord:
On the 2d day
of last June, we left this place on a mis-
sion to visit the churches in the eastern
states. We passed through a orner
of Pennsylvania, into the state of New
York; through New York into Massa-
chusetts; I'rom thence through a cor-
ner of New I-Iami)shirc into Maine. —
We journeyed in thai state as far east
and north as Farmington, i>om thence
we passed through the north part of
New Ham| shire into Vermont: thence
south, the whole length of the state;
thence throuo;h ?»Iass. intoCennecticut;
and from thence througli the state of
New York back to this place. We
travelled about two thousand miles:
visited 2 churches in Pennsylvania; 11
in New York; 2 in Mass. S in N. H.
four in Maine; five in Vermont; and
one in Connecticut; (besides leaving
others on the right hand and on the
left unvisited,) These twenty si.x
churches number about seven hundred
lively members, besides some few that
have in a measure lost their faith by
not being diligent in the c luse of God.
We can safely say, that we found the
churches doing as well as we expected
to find them. V\''c held about fifty
meetings and baptized three: although
we baptized but tew, yet we have rea-
son to believe, that others were prick-
(id to the heart, while hearing the word,
although spoken in weakness, and had
it been consistent for us to have tarried
any considerable length of time, in
some places, we might, in all probabili-
ty, have baptized a number more. We
mockin- sav, None of these things' trust that our brethren were strength.
ened by our labors among them. We
are confident that many of them will
overcome through faith; and inlierit
the blessings pnnnised to the faithful:
even those blessings which eye hath
not seen, nor ear heard, nor yet enter-
ed into the heart of man, which God
hath prepared for them that love him
and keop his commandments.
await us. Thus,- blind deaf man will
be overtaken as a thief in the night,
and ia an hour when he least expects
it
But I will adopt the words of the
"prophet who saith to the saints, "Be
Htrong; fear not; behold your Goi will
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
ftl
In the bonds of the new covenant
We R'm'iin vnur brethren,
EDWARD PARTRIDGE,
ISAAC MORLEY.
Dear Bsothkr in the Lord:- Yours
of Octobei- last is bolore me. ;ind, nc-
cording a^? tlie Spirit of ihc Lord di-
rects, yo will I endeavor to answer. —
I ask for wi.-dora, Ijecause I need it,
and i hoj)e you will pai"don wiiatevcr I
Write amiss. Your last letter is very
interesting, because vou have begun to
unfold a tiistory which is not only
hicrhlv important to the saints, but to the
V. o Id. B ; b -e 1 be^in 'o sh w my -• ie '■ s
U| on the "preci:>us things," of Vv-hich
you write, and which the Lord has
sent forth for the salvation of man — for
the gathering of Israel — and to pre-
pare the earth for the glorious rest of
a thousand years, 1 want to drop an
idea or two about Cumorah. Yes, Cu-
moiah which must become as famous
among the If tter day saints, as Sinai
was among the former day saints. —
The law of the Lord, by the Iiand of
Moses, was received upon Sinai, for
the benefit of Israel, before they enter-
ed the goodly land of Canaan, and be-
fore they were scattered and driven
among all nations; and the fulness of
the everlasting gospel, the history of
the first setders of America; even the
book of Mormon, preparatory to gath-
ering Israel from their long dispersion,
came from Cumorah: Glorious spot! —
sacrei depisito-.y! o it of thee came
the glad tidings which will rejoice thou-
sands! Israel must be restored to me--
cy; a holy people raised up unto God
to possess the promised land, to bring
the present unto the Lord of hosts, even
to Mount Zion, as Isaiah foretold more
than three thousand vears ago.
Cumorah, the artificial lull of north
America, is well calculated to stand in
this generation, as a monument of mar-
velous works and wonders. Around
that mount died miliions of the Ja red-
its; yea, thee ended one of the ureat-
est n:i.li ms of this earth. In that day,
her inhabitants spread from sea to sea.
and enjoyed national greatness and
glory, nearly fifteen l.uadred years. —
That people t'orsook the Lord and died
in' wickedness. There, too, fell the
Nephites, after they had forgotten the
Loni that bought them. There slept
the records of age after ago, for hun-
dreds of years, even until the tiuie of
llie Lord:"—
"An angel came tlown from tho regions of
jrlnry.
"And told tbat.-a record was hid in Cureorah;
"Containintf the fulness of J.?svs's gos^pel,
'•And als') the cov'nantto gatiier his people."
There bi'SiHi the church of Chr s: in'
16".}0; yea, there the stone cut out of
the mountain wi»hout 1 ands,as foretold
bv Dai.iel, commenced rolling to fill
the earth, and may it continue, in a
moral sense, in dreadful splendor, till
it fills the whole, and wickedness is
ended. So much for the liill Cumo-
rah.
Now to the second part of my sub-
ject. I said your letter was very in! er-
esi'ino, and I conclude th.e saints will
sav so, too, when they read it. The
instruction to Joseph, (one of the great
men of God, inspired to move the
cause of Zion with mighty power, and
who is only persecuted by men who
are not as good as he is, nor never can
be unless ihey repent,) I mean the
words of the angel to him, is great,
when he exclaimed, "WMiy can I not
obtain this book?" — and the angel an-
swered, "Because you have not kept
the commandment of the Lord." — I
t'link a specimen of heavenly reason
was given, that will answer for the
case of all men that fail to please God
on earth, or that may lack the one
thing ncp-dftd to enter into the king-
dom of heaven. The contrast between
the powers of darkness, and the glories
of light, is so plain that anv person
may see his own image/ The allure-
ments of the world — the inticements of
wealth, and the hope of honor and
fiime, for our short age, without the
Spirit of God to enlighten the mind,-
seems to overbalance the great pros-
ppctof eternal life, but when reasorf
takes her place, wisdom directs, and
tlie Lord cimmird-, — all is right,
all is fair, all is glorious, all is heaven,
and all is for them that love and serve
him faithfully to the end.
The message of the ang'-l to our
worthy brother in the Lord, .Toseph
Smith, jr. is of the greatest importance
to mankind, not only in opening to their
view an intercourse v/ith the upper
world.*, hut in enabling ihem to under-
stand the difference between the pow-
er of good, and the power of evil, in
all cases, and in all places:
"And again, I will gi-e unto you a
pattern in all things, that yo may not
929
MESSENGER A^D ADVOCATK.
be deceived, for satan is abroad in the
land, and he goeth forth deceiving the
nations: wherefore he that prayeth
whose spirit is contrite, the same is ac-
cepted of me, if he obey mine ordin-
ances: he that speaketh, whose spirit
is contrite, whose language is meek,
and edifieth, the same is of God, if he
obey mine ordinances. And again, he
that tremble th under my power, ahall
be made strong, and shall bring forth
fruits of praise, and wisdom, according
to the revelations, and truths which I
have given you. And again, he that
is overcome and bringeth not forth
fruits, even according to this pattern,
is not of mo: wheretore by this pattern
ye shall know the spirits in all cases,
under the whole heavens,"
This pattern, given since the book
of Mormon was translated, is in accord-
ance with the doctrine, or advice, of
the angel as set forth in your letter. —
I, think much of this pattern; it gives
the meek a chance to work out their
own salvation with fear and trembling:
It gives the servants of the Lord a clue
to the mind of men; yea, it is a scale
that measures professions, and gives a
rule to find out the solid contents of the
heart. I hope the saints will practice
and improve by it.
All the mighty acts of the Lord,from
the beginning till the last days, seem
to rush into one's mind upon reading
what the angel said at Cumorah : The
blessing of father Jacob, when he said,
"Gather yourselves together" my sons,
and I will tell what "shall befall you in
the last days" — I need not relate the
whole of it, because it is presumed ev-
ery one knows it, if he has read his
bible half as much as many do their
almanacks: but in the prophetic lan-
guage of Balaam, "Who can count
the dust of Jacob, and the number of
the fourth part of Israel? Let me die
the death of the righteous, and let my
last end be like his!"
The moment the book of Mormon
came forth, I mean the plates of which
the angel was speaking, at Cumorah:
the world began to be in commotion:
and the lords upon whose arms the
kings leaned for support, began to cry
out "if the Lord would make windows
in heaven," the thing might be so —
but WE believe it is an imposition —
blasphemy! — But the Lord has already
made the wicked hosts of the world to
"hear a noise of chariots, and a noise
of horses, even the noise of a gredt
host: and they said one to another,
Lo, the king of Israel hath hired
against us the kings of the Hit-
tites, and the kings of the Egyptians,
to come upo-n us." — 2 Kings, VII. 6.
The finding of the plates, puts one
in mind of the book of the law that
Kilkiah found in the temple, while re-
pairing it m the days of king Josiah —
and would fo God that the rulers of
ournation; yea,the rulers of all nations
would do as that righteous man did,
and go and inquire of the Lord, con-
cerning the words of the, book, — for
great is the wrath of the Lord against
them, and ail people that repent not.
In those days the word of the Lord
came through Shallum's wife, Huldah,
the prophetess, who dwelt in the col-
lege at Jerusalem. Josiah sent five
men; yea, principae men, of whom
Hilkiah the priest was one, and they
informed her v/hat had happened, an<^
communed with her on the subject, and
she said unto them, "Thus saith the
Lord God ofJltsrael, tell the man that
sent 5^ou untd'rne:"
"Thus saith the Lord, Behold, I will
bring evil upon this place, and upon
the inhabitants thereof, even all the
words of the book which the king of
Judah hath read: Because they have
forsaken me, and have burnt incense
unto other gods, that they might pro-
voke me to anger with all the works of
their hand?; therefore my wrath shall
be kindled against this place, and shall
not be quenched.
"But to the king of Judah, which
sent you to enquire of the LorcT, thus
shall ye say to him. Thus saith the
Lord God of Israel, As toncJiing the
words which thou hast heard; Because
thine heart was tender, and thou hast
humbled thyself before the Lord, when
thou heardest what I spake against
this place, and against the inhabitants
thereof, that they should become a des-
olation, and a curse, and hast rent thy
clothes, and wept before nie; I also
have heard thee, saith the Lord. Be-
hold therefore, I will gather thee unto
thy fathers, anJ thou shall be gathered
into thy grave in peace; and thine
eyes shall not see all the evil which I
will bring upon this place."
As soon as Josiah received the word
of the Lord through Muldah, he sent
and gathered the elders of Judah and
Jerusalem; and the people of both
MESSEN<5ER AND ADVOCATE,
223
places — and priests, and prophets, and
read to them the words of the book:
He did not do like the chief men of the
last days — cry a bible, a bible! false
prophet! — no; no such language came
from the wise man's m-outh; he honor-
■ed the book, and respected the proplie-
cv of the woman, for the truth's sake:
He feared the Lord and loved him, and
immediately destroyed every appear-
ance of evil. He broke down the
houses of the Sodomites; he put down
the idolatrous priests, and the priests
that burnt incense to Baal, or, in oth-
er words, to the sun, and moon, and
planets: Then he made a feast to the
Lord, sucli as has not been made on
so great an occasion since.
O that there was a ruler like him to
honor God in these last days! To
brake the altars of Baal! To purge the
Avorld of its adulterous priests, and
false religion, that all men might come
to the knowledge of the truth, as it
came to Adam; as it came to Noah;
as it came to Abraham; as it came to
Jacob; as it came to Joseph ; as it came
to Moses; as it came to all the proph-
ets before the Savior came in the flesh;
as it came to his apostles on the east-
ern and western continents; as it came
to Joseph Smith, jr. and it will come
to inspired men while the world stands:
for no one will ever get too much
knowledge, too much grace, too much
faith, or too much charity to save his
soul in the celestial kingdom. No one
can be too good to be saved, but many
may bo too bad. It is almost laugha-
ble to see how fraid some are of good-
ness. That book of Mormon seems to
be so good, beware of it, — but when
a lying novel, that is calculated to lead
the mind to lightness and lechery,
comes out — O never mind it, it cannot
hurt any one. Wo unto that nation
where no preference is made to virtue
more than vice!
Our (iays seem as old times; After
the servants of the Lord, hear his word,
they can pray like Habakkuk: "Lord
a-evive thy work in the midst of the
years:" they can exclaim; in the midst
of the years of this generation, make
known: but O J-^ord, "in wrath re-
member mercy."
To look back to September, 1827,
it may be likened unto the time when
Elijah prayed for rain, and at the
seventh time "Behold there arose a
cloud out of the sea, like a man's
hand," — and tliere followed much
rain: so likewise since then, the
church of Latter Day Saints, in com-
parison no bigger than "a man's hand,"
has spread over a large country, and
by the power of the Lord, is beginning
to sprinkle in token of a plentiful rain
of grace for the salvation of all that
are thirsty.
Any one that reflects u])on the scene,
described in your letter, may imagine
how Elijah felt when he stood on the
mount before the Lord, and the Lord
passed by — and a great and strong;
wind rent the mountains, and broke to
pieces the rocks; but the Lord was not
in the wind; and after the wind there
was an earthquake, but the Lord was
not in the earthquake; and after the
earthquake a fire, but the Lord was
not in the fire; and after the fire, a still
small voice, and when Elijah heard it
he wrapped his face in his mantle, and
went and stood in the door of the cave,
for the Lord had spoken: so can the
candid reason, that in the wind of doc-
trines that have prevailed for some
time; behold the Lord is not^ there;
that in the earthquakes of I eloquence
that have made the pulpits ring for
years back, the Lord is not there; that
in the firey zeal of one sect against an-
other, the Lord is not there, but when
the angel spake at Cumorah Behold
the Lord was nigh, even the Lord with
a recompense: and he will soon come
with burning coals at his feet, and scat-
ter the everlasting mountains; and
walk through the heap of great waters,
to the joy and deliverance of all his
saints. But I must close for the pres-
ent.
As ever,
W. W. PHELPS.
To Oliver Cowbery.
Kiriland, Ohio, Nov. 18, 1835.
Dear Brother:
Sometime the last of Oct.
I left Kirtland, and travelled about 100
miles south east until I came to Bea-
ver Co. Pa. There I held 16 meet-
ings, two in the village of Fallston,
3 in the village of Beaver, 4 in the vil-
lage of Bridgewater, and 7 in the vil-
lage of Freedom: in these villages I
found many who were willing to listen
to the word of life, and also many who
were exceedingly opposed, but more
especially the priests of Baal, and their
followers. 1 was encountered bv two
mi
MTSSENGEli AND ADVOCATE
Methodist priests, and one of their class
leaders, and also by Doct. Winters,
■who had been a Baptist priest, but his
character and standing in yociets-, I,
was informed, was considerably be-
Jow par; but their opposition only
showed the weal^ness of their system
— established the faith of some, ^thile
others were stirred up to investigate.
Thus truth loses nothing by opposition.
for notwithstanding the tongue of the
slanderer is loosed, falsehoods cirr-ula--
ted to the four winds, the cry of blas-
phemy heard among all the sects, yet,
truth, remains truth still, though the
pritjce of darkness may rage; his sub-
jects use all their crafty inventions,
yet all their eftbrts will be in vain, for
truth is from heaven; its glory is unsid-
Ijed: its light is eternal, and will shine
thoLK^h all their engi'ies of v/icked-
ness may he put in operation against
ir. Its light cannot be quenched; its
(i|r)gi'ess cannot be stayed, while it is
'apparently smothered in One place, it
will sbine'forth v/ith increased brillian-
cy in another. I baptized three in
Freedom, one of which (Sampson A-
vard) I ordained an elder, he formerly
had belonged to the Campbeliites, and
h^d preached among th.^n. After
parting with two books-tif Mormon;
four books of Revelation^," and obtain-
ing 14 subscribers for the Me senger
and Ad'/ocate, I left them with eider
Avard to continue tiie work. Tlu re
is a prosi>ect of many em!)racing the
jr.)=spel in those parts: May the Lord
bless elder Avard and send someone
of his servants to assist him.
I remain your friend and Brother,
O,
John Whitjiek Esq.
Fulton, Scuyler, and Adams countiea>
I baptized one in Fulton: and in com-
pany with elder C. Rich 1-have bapti-
zed five on Crooked Creek. In Adams
;!nd f?cuy!er counties there is an cfftc-
tual door open for preaching.
SOLOMON WIXOM.
Exfract of a letter, dated Farviing-
ion Cev er. Me. Nov. 2, 1835.
Br- J. Wi;iT:.:Kii,
My bbofs iiafve hecen
blessed in some measure, the past sea-
son. I have baptized six, and have
been a partner in baptizing seven oth-
ers, since the ISth of July. In many
olaces, wheie I have l.-'bored. the v.'O'. k
seems to be progressing. There is a
prospect of more being added to the
chureb.
S.
B. STODDARD.
L'Kuu«n.'iJjmMJi-i»3iia-*Jmj'g'L-*j
PRATT.
Wc -ftertby notify our- patrons, that
we desl^je them to be particular, in giv-
ing us information respecting subscrip-
tio'ns being changed from place to place,
as many are moving: and give us their
former residence, or name of the of-
fice, to which their papers were direc-
ted, as well as the place to which they
desire them directed. A failure of at-
tending to this notice m.ust be at your
expense, and not ours.
Extract of a letter, dated Lewiston,
m. Nov. 2, 183.5.
, Br. J. Whitmer, I^- .,-.
I have been la-
kjrin^ for tho three last months, in
M T iVil N .
Coiiie ail ye soi:s oi'Zion,
And \'l us praise tlie Lord:
His random' t! are returning,
According to his word.
In sacred son>rs, and gladness,
They walk the narjow way,
And thank ti;e Lcr J wlio blot them-
To see the latter day.
Come, ye r^ispers'd of Juc'ah,
Join in the thenio, and sirg
With harmony unceasing,
The praisrs of your King
Whose arm is now extended
(On whicli tiie v.-orld n ay gaze)
To gather up the r ghleocs,
In these, the latter days-
E,cioice, rjoioe, O Israel!
And l°t your joys abound:
The voice of God shall reach ycu,
Wherever ycu are loi:nd;
And call you" back from bondage,
That you n ay sing his ptaise
In Zioii and Jerusalem
In thes3, the latter days.
Then gather up for Zion,
Ye saints, tliroughoiit the land,
And cl?ar I e way before you.
As God shall give coinii and:
Tivo' wicked men and devils
E'xert their pow'r, 'tis vain,
Since him who is eternal
Has .--aid you sliall obtain. ^
TliF, r.ATTT'.U n.W SAl^'r^^•
JHessenger and Advocate,
IS Krirrji «y
JOHN W1S2TSISR,
A!v' pub'.Uhed every i);onth at^ KiitUuul, Geauga Co
^*"'''Fi G. WILI.IAMS & Co.
Al % 1 per nil. i7i advance. Every person proninvg
U.H new subsrrihers, and furvardiii!,' "i lU, current
monev, shall be entitled tu a pnptr one year, ffiatis.
All letters to tfie Editor, or Puhlishtrs, must, be
■SZ^ POi,T PAID.Xl
No subscription will be received fur a less term than one
year, and no paper discontinued till all arrearage art
pa^A, KxfJtpt ai tM optirm. ^ the pvhhakera.
I.ATTER DAY SAINT
Vol. Ti.
3.] KIRTLAND, OHIO, DECEMBER, 1835. [Whole No. J.5.
[continued from f.'ge 212.]
To the Elders of the Church of the
Latter Day Saints.
I have shown unto you, in my last,
that there are two Jerusalems spoken
of in holy writ, in a manner I think
satisfactorily to your minds: At any
.ate T have given my views upon the
subject. I shall now proceed to make
some remarks from the sayings of the
Savior, recorded in the 13th chapter
of his gospel according to St Matthew,
vi'hich in my mind affords us as clear
an understanding, upon the important
subject of the gathering, as any thing
recorded in the bible. At the time the
Savior spoke these beautiful sayings
Tind parables, contained in the chapter
abo.e quoted, we find him seated in a
ship, on the account of the multitude
that pressed upon him to hear his words,
and he commenced teaching them by
saying: "Behold a sower went forth to
sow, and when he sowed, some seeds
fell by the way side, and the fowls
came and devoured them up; some fell
upon stony places, where they had not
much'earth, and forthwith they s[)rang
up because they had no deepness of
earth, and when the sun was up, they
wore scorched, and because they had
not root they withered away; and some
fell among thorns and the thorns
sprang up and choked them; but other,
fell into good ground and brought forth
fruit, r-ome an hundred fold, some six-
ty fold, some thirty fold: who hath ears
to hear let him hear. And the disci-
ples came ard said unto him, wh7
s[)eakest tnuu unto ihem ':•. ^larables,
(I would remark here, that the ^Hhem"
made use of, in this interrogation,
is a personal pronoun and refers to the
multitude,) he answered and said unto
them, (that is the disciples,) it is given
unto you to know the mysteries of the
kingdom of heaven, but nniothcm (that
is unbelievers) it is not given, for who-
soever hath, to him shall be given, and
he shall have more abundance; but
■\yho5oever hath not, shall be taken
away, even that he hath."
We understand from this saying, that
those who had previously been looking
for a Messiah to come, accordingto the
testimony of th? Prophets, and were
then, at that time, looking for a Mes-
siah, but had not sufficient light on the
account of their unbelief, to discern
him to be their Savjor; and he being
the true Messiah, consequently they
must be disappointed and lose even all
the knowledge, or have taken away
from them, all the light, understanding
and faith, which they had upon this
subject; therefore ho that will not re-
ceive the greater light, must have ta-
ken away from him, all the light which
he hath. And if the licrht which is in
you, become darkness, behold how
great is that darkness? Therefore says
the Savior, speak I unto them in para-
bles, because they, seeing, see not; and
hearing, they hear not; neither do they
understand: and in them is fulfilled the
prophecy of Esaias, which saith: by
hearing ye shall hear and shall not un-
derstand; and seeing ye shall see and
not perceive.
Nov/ we discover, that the very rea-
sons assigned by this prophet, why they
would not receive the Messiah, was,
because they did or would not under-
stand; and seeing they did not perceive:
lor this people's heart is waxed gross;
their ears are dull of hearing; their eyes
they have closed, lest at any time, they
should see with their eyes, and hear
with their ears, and understand with
their hearts, and should be converted
and I should heal them.
But what saith he to his disciples:
Blessed are your eyes, for they see,
and your cars, for they hear; for veri-
ly I say nnto you, that many prophets
and righteous men h-ive desired to see
those things which ye see, and have not
seen them; and to hear those things
which ye hear, and have not heard
them.
We af^ain make a remark here, for
we find that the very principles upon
which the disciples were accounted bles-
sed, was because they were permitted
to see with their eyes, and hear with
their ears, and the condemnation which
rested upon the multitude, which re-
ceived not his saying, was because they
were not willing to see with their eyes
and hear with their enrs; not because
they could not and were not privileged
to see, and hear, but because their
hearts were full of iniquity and abomi-
283
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
nation: as your lathers did so do ye. —
The prophet foreseeing that they would
thus harden their hearts plainly decla-
red it; and herein is the condemnation
of the world, that light hath come into
the world, and men choose darkness ra-
ther than light hccause their deeds are
evil: This is so plainly taught by the
Savior, that a wayfaring man need not
mistake it.
And again hear ye the parable of
the sower: Men are in the habit, when
the truth is exhibited by the servants of
God, of saying, all is mystery, they
are spoken in parables, and, therefore,
are not to be understood, it is true they
have eyes to see, and see not; but none
are so blind as those who will not see:
And although the Savior spoke this
parable to such characters, yet unto
his disciples he expounded it plainly;
and we have reason to be truly humble
betore the God of our fathers, that he
hath left these things^on record for us,
so plain, that, notwithstanding the ex-
ertions and combined influence of the
priests of Baal, they have not power to
blind our eyes and darken our under-
standing, if we will but open our eyes
and read with candor, for a moment.
But listen to the explanation of the
parable.' when any one heareth the
word of the kingdom, and understand-
eth it not, then cometh the wicked one
and catcheth away that which was
sown in his heart. Now mark the ex-
pression; that which was before sown
in his heart; this is he which received
seed by the way side; men who have
no principle of righteousness in them-
selves, and whose hearts are full of in-
iquity, and who have no desire for the
principles of truth, do not understand
the word of truth, when they hear it. —
The devil taketh away the word of
truth out of their he?rts, because there
is no desire for righteousness in them.
But he that received the seed into stony
places the same is he that heareth the
word and, anon, with joy receiveth it,
yet hath he not root in himself, but du-
reth for awhile; for when tribulation or
persecution ariseth because of the word,
by and by he is offended. He also that
.received seed among the thorns is he
that receiveth the word, and the cares
of this world, and the deceitfulness of
riches choke the word, and he becom-
eth unfruitful: but he that received
seed into the good ground, is he that
heareth the word and understandcth it
which also beareth fruit and bringeth
forth some an hundred fold, some six-
ty, some thirty. Thus the Savior him-
self explains unto his disciples the par-
able, which he put forth and left no
mystery or darkness upon the minds
of those who firmly believe on his
words.
We draw the conclusion then, that
the very reason why the multitude, or
the world, as they were designated by
tlie Savior, did not receive an explana-
tion upon his parables, was, because
of unbelief. To you, he says, (speak-
ing to his disciples) it is given to know
the mysteries of the kingdom of God:
and vvhy? because of the faith and con-
fidence which they had in him. This
parable was spoken to demonstrate the
effects that are produced by the preach-
ing of the word; and we believe that it
has an allusion directly, to the com-
mencement, or the setting up of the
kingdom in that age: therefore, we
shall continue to trace his sayings con-
cerning this kingdom from that time
forth, even unto the end of the world.
Another parable put he forth unto
them, saying, (which parable has an
allusion to the setting up of the king-
dom, in that age of the world also) the
kingdom of Heaven is likened unto a
man which sowed good seed in his field,
but while men slept an enemy came
and sowed tares among the wheat and
went his way; but when the blade was
sprung up, and brought forth fruit,
then appeared the tares also; so the
servants of the householder came and
said unto him, sir, didst not thou sow
good seed in thy field? from whence
then hath it tares? He said unto them,
:in enemy hath done this. The ser-
vants said unto him wilt thou then that
we go and gather them up; but he said
nay, lest while ye gather up the tares,
ye root up also the wheat with them. —
Let both grow together until the har-
vest, and in the time of the harvest, I
will say to the reapers, gather ye to-
gether first the tares, and bind them in
bundles, to burn them; but gather the
wheat into my barn.
Now we learn by this parable, not
only the setting up of the kingdom in
the days of the Savior, which is repre-
sented by the good seed, which pro-
duced fruit, but also the corruptions of
the church, which is represented by
the tares, which were sown by the en-
emy, which his disciples would fain
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
have plucked up, or cleansed the chuvch
of, if their views had been tav'ored by
the Savior; but he, knowing all things,
says not so; as much as to say, your
views are not correct, the church is in
its infancy, and if you take this rash
step, you will destroy the wheat or the
church with the tares: therefore it is
better to let them grow together until
the harvest, or the end of the world,
'which means the destruction of the
%vicked; which is not yet fultiUed; as
we shall show hereafter, in the Savior's
■explanation of the parable, which is so
j)lain, that there is no room left for du-
biety upon the mind, notwithstanding
the cry of the priests, parables, para-
bles! figures, figures! mystery, myste-
ry! all is mystery! but we find no room
for doubt here, as the parables were
all plainly elucidated.
And again, another parable put he
forth unto them, havmg an allusion to
the kingdom which should be set up,
just previous or at the time of harvest,
which reads as follovv's: — The kingdom
of heaven is like to a grain of mustard
seed, which a man took and sowed in
his field, which indeed is the least of
all seeds, but when It is grown it is the
greatest among herbs, and bccometh a
tree, so that the birds of the air come
and lodge in tlie branches thereof. Now
we can discover plainly, that this figure
is given to represent the church as it
shall come forth in the last days. Be-
hold the kingdom of heaven is likened
unto it. Now what is like unto it?
Let us take the book of Mormon,
which a man took and hid in his field;
securing it by his faith, to spring up in
the last days, or in due time: let us be-
iiold it coming forth out of the ground,
which is indeed accounted the least of
all seeds, but behold it branching forth;
yea, even towering, with lofty branch-
es, and God-like majesty, until it be-
comes the greatest of all herbs: and it
is truth, and it has sprouted and come
forth out of the earth; and righteous-
ness begins to look down from heaven;
and God is sending down his powers,
gifts and angels, to lodge in the branch-
es thereof: The kingdom of heaven is
like unto a mustard seed. Behold, then,
is not this the kingdom of heaven that
is raising its head in the last days, in
the majesty of its God; even the church
of the Latter day saints, — like an im-
penetrable, immovable rock in the
inidst of the mighty deep, exposed to!
SS7
storms and tempests of satan, but has,
thus far, remained steadfast and is still
braving the mountain waves of opposi
tion, which are driven by the tempes-
tuous winds of sinking crafts, have and
are still dashing with tremendous foam,
across its triumphing brow, urged on-
ward with redoubled fury by the ene-
my of righteousness, with his pitchfork
of lies, as you will see fairly repre-
sented in a cut, contained in Mr. Howe's
*'Mormonism Unveiled]-'
And we hope that this adversary of
truth will continue to stir up the sink
of iniquity, that people may the more
readily discern between the righteous
and wicked. We also would notice one
of the modern sons of Sccva, who
would fain have made people believe
lh;it he could cast out devils, by a cer-
tain pamplilet ; viz. the "Millnnial Har-
binger,") that went the rounds through
our country, wlio felt so fully authori-
zed to brand Jo Smith, with the appella-
tion of Elymus the sorcerer, and to say
with Paul, O full of all subtilty and all
mischief, thou child of the deVil, thou
enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou
not cease to pervert the right ways of
the JiOrd! We would reply to this
gentleman — Paul we know, and Christ
we know, but who are ye? And with
the best of feelings, we would say to
him, in the language of Paul to those
who said they were John's disciples,
but had not so much as heard there
was a IIo?y Ghost, to repent and be
baptised for the remission of sins by
those who have legal authority, and
under their hands you shall receive the
Holy Ghost, according to the scrip-
tures.
Then laid they ihcir hands on them, and
they received the Holy Ghost. — Acts: eh. b,
v. 17.
And, when Paul had laid his hands upon
tliem, the Holy Ghost came on them; and
they spake with tongues, and prophesied. —
Acts: ch. 18, v. 6,
Of the doctrine of Ijaptisms, and of laying;
on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead,
and of eternal judgment. — Heb. ch. 6, v. 2.
How then shall tliey call on him in whom
they have not hdieved? and how shall thev
believe in him of whom they have not henrd"?
and how shall they hear without a preacher?
And how shall they i)reach except they be
sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the
feet of them that preach the gospel of peace>
and bring glad tidings of good things! — Ronf.
ch. 10, V. 14-15.
But if this man will not take our ad-
monition, but will persist in his wicked
course, we hope that he will continue
trying to cast out devils, that wc mav
228
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
have the clearer proof that the king-
dom of satan is divided against itself,
and consequently cannot stand: for a
kingdom divided agamst itself, speedily
hath an end. If we were disposed to
take this gentleman upon his own
ground ' and justly heap upon him
that which he so readily and unjustly
heaps upon others, we might go far-
ther; we might say that he has wick-
edly and maliciously lied about, vilified
and traduced the characters of inno-
cent men. We might invite the gen-
tleman to a public investigation of these
matters; yea, and we do challenre him
to anin vestigatio n upon any or all
principles wherein he feels opposed to
us, in public or in private.
We might farther say that, we could
introduce him to "Mormonism Unveil-
ed." Also to the right honorable Doct.
P. Hurlburt, who is the legitimate au-
thor of the same, who is not so much
a doctor of physic, as of falsehood, or
by name. We could also give him an
introduction to the reverend Mr. Howe,
the illegitimate author of "Mormonism
Unveiled," in order to give currency to
the publication, as Mr. Hurlburt, about
this time, was bound over to court, for
threatening life. He is also an asso-
ciate of the celebrated Mr. Clapp, who
has of late immortalised his name by
swearing that he would not believe a
Mormon under oath; and by his polite
introduction to said Hurlburt's wife,
which cost him (as we haife been in-
formed) a round sum. Also his son
Mathew testified that, the book of Mor-
mon had been proved false an hundred
limes, by How's book: and also, that he
would not believe a Mormon under oath.
And also v/e could mention the rever-
end Mr. Bentley, who, we believe, has
been actively engaged in injuring the
character of his brother-in-law, viz:
Elder S. Rigdon.
Now, the above statements are ac-
cording to our best information: and
we believe them to be true; and this is
as fair a sample of the doctrine of
Campbellism, as we ask, taking the
statements of these gentlemen, and
judging them by their Iruits. And we
might add many more to the black cat-
alogue; even the ringleaders, not of
the Nazarenes, for how can any good
thing come out of Nazareth, but of the
far-famed Mentor mob: all sons and le-
gitimate heirs to the same spirit of
Alexander Campbell, and "Mormonism
Unveiled," according to the represen-
tation in the cut spoken of above.
The above cloud ofdarkness has long
been beating with mountain waves up-
on the immovable rock of the church of
the Latter Day Saints, and notwith-
standing all this, the mustard seed is
still towering its lofty branches, higher
and higher, and extending itself wider
and wider, and the charriot wheels of
the kingdom are stili rolling on, impelled
by the mighty arm of Jehovah; and in
sjr.ite of all opposition will still roll on
until his words are all fulfilled.
Our readers will excuse us for devi-
ating from the subject, when they take
into consideration the abuse;i, that have
been heaped upon us heretofore, which
we have tamely submitted to, until for-
bearance is no longer required at our
hands, having frequently turned both
the right and left cheek, v/e believe it
our duty now to stand up in our own
defence. With these remarks we shall
proceed with the subject of the gath-
ering.
And another parable spake he unto
them: The kingdom of heaven is like
unto leaven which a woman took and
hid in three measures of meal, until the
whole was leavened. It may be under-
stood that the church of the Latter Day
Saints, has taken its rise from a little
leaven that was put into three witness-
es. Behold, how much this is like the
parable: it is fast leavening the lump,
and will soon leaven the whole. But
let us pass on.
Ail these things spake Jesus unto the
multitudes, in parables, and without a
parable spake he not unto them, that it
might be fulfdled which was spoken
by the prophet, saying: I will open my
mouth in parables: I will utter things
which have been kept secret from the
foundation of the world: Then Jesus
sent the multitude away and went into
the house, and his disciples came unto
him, saying, declare unto us the para-
ble of the tares of the field. He an-
swered and said unto them, he that sow-
eth the good seed is the sov of ruai:;;
the field is the world; the good seed are
the children of the kingdom, but the
tares are the children of the wicked
one. Now let our readers mark the
expression, the field is the world; the
tares are the children of the wicked
one: the enemy that sowed them is the
devil; the harvest is the end of the
world. Let thena carefully mark this
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
929
expression also, the end of the world,
and the reapers are the angels. Now
men cannot have any possible grounds
to say that this is figurative, or that it
does not mean what it says; for he is
now explaining what he had previously
spoken in parables; and according to
this language, the end of the world is
*he destruction of the wicked; the har-
vest and the end of the world have an
allusion directly to the human family
m the last days, instead of the earth,
as many have imagined, and that which
shall precede the coming of the Son of
man, and the restitution of all things
spoken of by the mouth of all the holy
prophets since the world began; and
the angels are to have something to do
in this great work, for they are the
reapers: as therefore the tares are gath-
ered and burned in the fire, so shall it
be in the end of this world; that is, as
the servants of God go forth warning
the nations, both priects and people,
and as they harden their hearts and re-
ject the light of the truth, these first be-
ing delivered over unto the bufFetingsof
satan, and the law and the testimony
being closed up, as it was with the
Jews, they are left in darkness, and
delivered over unto the day of burning:
thus being bound up by their creeds and
their bands made strong by their priests,
are prepared for the fulfilment of the
saying of the Savior: the Son of man
shall send forth his angels, and gather
out of his kingdom all things that of-
fend, and them which do iniquity, and
shall cast them into a furnace of fire
and there shall bewailing and gnashing
of teeth.
We understand; that the work of the
gathering together of the wheat into
barns, or garners, is to take place
while the tares are being bound over,
and preparing for the day of burning:
that after the day of burnings, the
righteous shall shine forth like the sun,
in the kingdom of their Father: who
hath ears to hear let him hear.
But to illustrate more clearly upon
this gathering, we have another para-
ble. Again the kingdom of heaven is
like a treasure hid in a field, the which
when a man hath found, he hideth and
for joy thereof, goeth and selleth all
that he hath and buyeth that field: for
the work after this pattern, see the
church of the Latter Day Saints, sel-
ling all that they have and gathering
themselves together unto a place tha
they may purchase for an inheritance,
that they may be together and bear
each other's afflictions in the day of
calamity.
Again the kingdom of heaven is like
unto a merchant man seeking goodly
pearls, who when he had found one
pearl of great price, went and sold all
that he had, and bought it. For the
work of this example, see men travel-
ling to find places for Zion, and her
stakes or remnants, who when they
find the place for Zion, or the pearl of
great price; straitvvay sell all that they
have and buy it.
Again the kingdom of heaven is like
unto a net that was cast into the sea,
and gathered of every kind, which
when it was full they drew to shore,
and sat down and gathered the good
into vessels, and cast the bad away. —
For the work of this pattern, behold
the seed of Joseph, spreading forth the
gospel net, upon the face of the earth,
gathering of every kind, that the good
may be saved in vessels prepared for
that purpose, and the angels will take
care of the bad: so shall it be at the
end of the world, the angels shall coms
forth, and sever the wicked from a-
mong the just, and cast them into the
furnace of fire, and there shall be wail-
ing and gnashing of teeth.
Jesus saith unto them, have you un-
derstood all these things'? they say un-
to him yea Lord: and we say yea
Lord, and well might they say yea
Lord, for these things are so plain and
so glorious, that every Saint in the kist
days must respond with a hearty cnuen
to them.
Then said ho unto them, therefore
every scribe wliich is instructed into
the kingdom of heaven, is like unto a
man that is an house holder; which
brinnreth forth out of his treasure things
that are new and old.
For the work of this example, see
the book of Mormon, coming forth out
of the treasure of the heart; also the
covenants given to the Latter Day
Saints: also the translation of the bible:
thus bringing forth out of the heart,
things new and old: thus answering to
three measures of meaU undergoing
the purifying touch by a revelation of
Jesus Christ, and the ministering of an-
gels, who have already commenced
this work in the last days, which will
answer to the leaven which leavened
the whole lump. Amen.
'iSJ
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE,
So I close but shall continue the sub-
ject in another number.
In the bonds of the new and ever-
lasting covenant.
JOSEPH SMITH, jr.
To J. Whitmer Esq.
THOU SHALT NOT LIE.— Moses.
Woe unto the world because of of-
fences! for it must needs be that oflen-
ces come, but woe unto that man by
whom the offence cometh!— Jesus
Christ.
Dear brother ix the new cove-
nant:— Presuming thattheSaints wish
to hear what the world says about them
as the disciples of our blessed Lord
and Savior, I take a little time to give
you some published opinions: — to which
I shall add such comments as the Spir-
it may suggest. With my brethren
who have labored in furthering the
gospel, since this church was establish-
ed by revelation, I have been employ-
ed in my small capacity to assist, and
I am well aware, that an opinion is had
abroad by many, that, as this church
claims to be the genuine church of
Christ, so the members of it aught to
submit to persecution, and abuse, and
slander, and any thing else that the
wicked think best to inflict, without re-
dress or mercy: and also, that the el-
ders ought to preach and give a book
of Mormon when requested, because
the cliurch is a common stock concern.
Now, to give the truth on this mat-
tor, let me say, that when a person
has struck me on both cheeks, a repe-
tition looks so foreign from the laws of
God and man, so contrary to the rules
of humanity and justice, that I know of
nothing spiritual or tomporal that
would debar me from self-defence. —
As to giving and "common stock'' if
any candid man or woman, will read
tiie book of Doctrine an;'. Covenants^
he or she may undeceive themselves,
and learn that the church practices
charity for the glory of it: not be-
cause some one praises it, and another
wants honor by it.
Touching lying and slandering, I
hardly know what to say; the poet has
said:^—
"He tluit steals my purse steals trash;
»'Twas mine, — tis his, and has been
slave to thousands;
*' — But he that robs me of my good
name,
Takes what cannot enrich him,
"But makes me poor indeed!"
Ever since the book of Mormon was
published, as a people and societ}'^, the
church of Latter Day Saints, has been
wilfully and maliciously slandered and
belied. The Rochester Observer, in
1830, came out with an obnoxious bit-
ter article against the book of Mormon,.
&c. headed "Blasphemy; Blasphe-
my!" In meekness and humility, why
was this savage thrust made at a few
innocent persons? Methinks that ed-
itor would be considerably troubled to
give one good reason why he thus wan-
tonly, rashly, profanely and savagely
published evil against his neighbors,
when they had done him no wrong:
nor had he any proof that one of them
had transgressed the law of God, or
man. \Voe unto that people that hon-
ors cash and cloth more than character
and truth!
This church has had to bear insults
and injuries, as our fathers did taxa-
tion and bondaf^e from s^reat Britan,
before they were able to claim and
maintain their rights, but they that do
good and they that do evil, have their
rewards, for the judge of all the earth
will do right.
Now to my purpose: the next state-
ment I select to follow the Rochester
"Blasphemy"' has already had a place
in the 19th number of the Evening and
the Morning Star, and was copied
from the Philadelphia Saturday Couri-
er. It reads thus:
"Tragicat. Event. — The following tragical
story of a Mormon preacher is given by tlie
Independent Messenger on the authority of
a gentleman from tlie western part of tJie
state of New York. We shall expect to see
it authenticated by the western papers if it be
true."
'•In a town where the delusion had made
numerous converts the disciples were sum-
moned to assemble in a wild place, circum-
jacent to a pond, on the water of which, a
gifted elder announced that he should walk
and preach. The believers notified their
doubting friends, and great things were anti-
cipated. But it seems there were a few
wicked Lamanites, who .secretly set them-
selves to make mischief Choosing their op-
portunity, just before the pointed day of mir-
acles, they ascertained, by means of a raft,
that the pond to be traversed was extremely
shallow; a thin sheet of water covering a
common swamp mire. — This mire was found
to be of a consistency neaily strong enough,
except within a small central space, to sus-
tain the weight of a man. They soon dis-
covered a: line of plank laid in a particular
direction completely across the pond, sunk
about four inches under the surface of the
water. Theee were so fastened down, and
locked together, and so daubed with mud, as
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
931
to be quite imperceptible from the neiglibor-
ing declivities. Tliey resolved on prevent-
ing the miracle by sawing the concealed
bridge in pieces, just where it crossed the
deepest and most dangerous part of the pond.
This was done, and left seemingly as they
found it."
"The expected day arrived, the congrega-
tion placed themselves as in an amphitheatre
on the surrounding slopes and the preacher
appeared at tlie edge of the water. Present-
ly he raised his stentorian voice and as h^
paced his invisible bridge with a step appa-
rent unearthly taught and warned the people.
All ears were open, and every eye strained
from its socket with astonishment. But
alas! just as the miracle-worker seemed to
have wrought conviction of his divine power
in the wond.iring hearts of the multitude, lo!
he stepped upon one of the detached pieces of
plank sallied side-ways, and-instantly plun-
ged, floundering and sinking in the deep wa-
ter mire: mingling shrieks, screams and
shouts of the spectators, all in a rush of com-
motion were appalling. The scene was in-
discribable. Even those who had spoiled
the miracle, were filled witli horror when
they actually saw the unfortunate impos-
tor disappear. They had not dreamed tiiat
iheir trick would cost him more than the
fright, discomfort and disgrace of being sub-
mersed and afterwards struggling ashore; all
along taking it for granted that his plank
would enable him to swim, however it might
treacherously fail him to walk. But the tale
closes with the close of his life and the con-
sequent close of Mormonism in that vicinity.
— He sunk, and long before the confounded
assembly were in a condition to afford him
relief, perished a victim to his imposture."
It may be said that the Star handled
this matter enough to brand it with its
just doom, but let me ask its makers
and publisers a few questions. As
they live in what is called a christi-dii
community, I should like to learn what
reason they had, without the aid of
law, to lay a plan publicly — to kill? —
and, again, whether it comports with
sacred or common rules, to ridicule,
and hear fahe wilnest a^ain,st their
neighbors? There is evidently a lying
spirit abroad among the people, and
one cannot do better, seeing their is
manifestly such a pretention to some-
thing great, than to e.xclaim in the lan-
guage of Paul, "O foolish Galatians,
who hath bewitched you, that ye should
not obey the truth, before whose eyes
.fesus Christ has evidenlly been set
forth, crucified among you?"
My next article appeared in the N.
Y. Daily Advertiser of July 18, 1834:
^^Mormon War — It is stated on the au-
thority of a letter received at Chardon, Oiiio,
direct from Missouri, that a body of well arm-
ed Mormons, under their chief or prophet,
.Toe Smith, on attempting to cross the river
into Jackson county; that a battle ensued,
in which the Mormons were worsted & driv-
en back, and their leader was wounded in t li
leg. It is added that he died three days af-
ter of the wound, or of amputation."
1 presume the Advertiser, has nev-
er corrected this statement, — though
one of the commandments says '■'■Thou
shall not lie.^^
Again the Philadelphia Saturday
Courier of Aug. 2, 1834, treats its
readers and the world, with the follow-
ing:
"The Mormomtes. — These egregious fan-
atics have produced quite an e-T.:;itement in
Missouri, and several of the western papers
speak of them and their n:overaents, as if Joe
Smith, the Mormonite leader, were a mod-
ern Mahomet. The Tappanites have not ex-
cited more attention in the eastern cities. A
letter from Lexington, [Mo.] under date of
June 20th, says:"
"In a former letter, I wrote at some
length about the Mormons, and promised to
write again on the subject. They have just
received a large reinforcement from the East,
which makes their numbers amount toSr'OO or
1000 men; all armed with guns, tomahawks,
knives, and from two to four braces of pistols
each. They went through the county on tliQ
north of the river yesterday. We understood
tli-ai. the people of that county intended to
stop them; and for tlie purpose of assisting
them we raised about forty men, but could
not overtake them, [the Mormons,] as they
raised a dog trot, and kept it up most of the
day."
A letter of a later date says:
"From my last letter, you may possibly ha
expecting of a severe battle between the Mor-
mons and Jacksonians — but you will not. —
We went up to Jacksox county, armed with
guns, knives, &c. in full expectation of meet-
ing an enemy determined on victory or death.
Nothing less could have been anticipated ; for
Smitii, their prophet, had promised to raise
all of them that should be slain in fighting
tlie Lord's battles.
"The Jackson people offered them twice
the valuation of their possessions, v/hich was
refused. " The}' had collected in Clay count}',
and built a number of boats, to cross their
forces over. Last Monday was, no doubt,
the time they intended to cross and would,
most probably have done so, had it not been
for the numbers who went from tiiis county
to oppose them. Jackson county could raise
about 900 men, and 400 went from Lafa3'ette;
about 3'-)0 more would have marched in a
day or two, if they had been required. I
know we had neither law nor gospel on our
.side, but self-preservation urged us to pursue
that course, for we knew that our county
would be the next to suiter from their pres-
ence. If they had crossed the river, I very
much questioq if any would have been left to
tell Uie tale. No quarter would have been
given. We could have killed most of them
before they got across the river.
"Smith now tells them, [the mormons,]
that it does not matter about building the
temple yet — that they may wait 50 or 100
years longer. Meanwhile, they will locate
somewhere else. I am told there are a good-
ly number about to leave the country."
There is no need of any comments
on this account, for it declares that it
232
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE
has neither laio nor gospel on its side,
but meant to murder men, women and
children, so thai there should not one
be left to tell the tale, notwithdtanding
the decalogue says Thou shalt not
KILL. This article brings Mr. Smith
to life again without ceremony.
^I shall next present you with a
short article that recently appeared in
M. M. Noah's N. Y. Evening Star:
^^ Heathen Temple on Lake Erie. — That
bold-faced "i/iposler, Joe Smith, of Gold Bi-
ble and Mormon memory, has caused his
poor fanatic followers to erect on the shores
of Lake Erie; near Painesville, (Ohio) a stone
building 58 by 78 feet with dormer v/indows,
denominating the same the "Temple of the
l^ord." We should ihink this work of ini-
quity extorted out of the pockets of his dupes,
us it reficctsits shadows over the blue lalie,
would make the waters crimson with shame
at tlie prostitution of its beautifiil banks to
such unliallov/ed purposes."
We can hardly believe that an hon-
est man would write such a foolish,
figurative statement: but when a man
has failed to dupe his fellow Jews, with
a New Jerusalem on Grand Island, I
suppose that you cannot "crimson"
[his face] with shame, at the prostitu-
tion of his lite and character, to vices,
that are forbidden by the law of Mo-
ses, by the law of the land, and by
every honest judge in Israel. Let me
ask, who made Noah an umpire to
say whether the church of the Latter
Day Saints, has not as good a right to
build a house at Kirtland, for worship-
ping the Lord, as he had to lay a stone
on Grand Islami, to wheedle money
from the Jews to fill his own pockets?
again, let me ask what any of the
Saints have done to injure Noah, or
any other man, that he should wilfully
ridicule tlicm, and reproach them with
iniquity? &c. &c. Woe to thee that
spoilest, and thou wast not spoiled; and
dealest treacherously, and they dealt
not treacherously with thee! when
thou shalt cease to spoil, thou shalt be
spoiled; and when thou shalt make an
end to deal treacherously, they shall
deal treacherously with thee. — Isaiah
33:1.
One more example of folly, and I
will cease quo^ng for the present: It
is from the Sunday Morning News, of
Nov. 15, and reads thus:
'^Good. — Abner Kneeland, the notorious
leader of the infidels in Boston, has been
convicted of blasphesny before tlie supreme
court of Mass. On three previous trials the
jury could not agree upon a verdict. We
cannot suggest a better course for the gray
headed scoundrel than that he forthwith take
up his line of march for the land of the il/or-
mons, and rssociate himself with his brother
imposter, Matthias; and to strengthen their
proselytes in the faith, Fanny Wright, per-
haps, may be induced to take up her resi-
dence with them. What a pretty little fam-
ily the trio would make, with the addition of
the X Dey of Algiers, X Charles, and with a
few others which we cannot readily call to
mind; we will toss into the caldron another
Frenchman, Louis Fhillippi, whc or.n, in the
course of a few months, be spared without
any trouble."
The editor of this Sabbath paper, is
Mr. S. J. Smith, and what evil have
the Saints, (^Mormons, as he stiles
them,) done to him or his reputed city?
what reason can he offer for endeavor-
ing to reproach and ridicule a society
of people, by tossing into ilicir faces,
the despised among men. Kis holy
day paper poorly comports with Ihe
Savior's golden rule; ^'^ All things ic hat-
soever ye ivould that men should do un-
to you, DO VE EVEN SO TO them; for
this is the law and the prophets.^'
It is a matter of astonishment to me,
that intelligent men, are so a[;t to slan-
der and belie their fellow beings! It
must arise from the fact, that Satan is
an enemy to pure religion: for Cain
slew his brother because the Lord had
respect to the purity of Abel's heart:
Religion though based upon eternal
truth, and always flourishing in the re-
gions of glory, is treated strangely in
this world. On accomit of abusing its
light and knowledge, Cain became "a
fugitive and a vagabond in the earth."
For striving against the Spirit of God,
and being full of violence, the inhabit-
ants of the old world, except Noah
and his family, v/ere destroyed by the
flood.
Pharaoh and his host vv'erc sunk in
the Red Sea, for insulting the Saints
of God : and I might go on from Mo-
ses till the final dispersion of the Jews,
and the destruction of Jerusalem, after
the Lord of glory was crucified, but i
pause.
Tha hour of judgment is near, "And
all the proud, yea, and all that do wick-
edly, shall be stubble; and the day that
Cometh shall burn them up, saith the
Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them
neither root nor branch." Why is it
that such men as Noah, Dvvight,
Woodward, S. J. Smith and a phal-
anx of others, should be striving to put
down the church of the Latter Day
Saints, vhen they have received no
injury from them? Is it because they
have inhaled the cankering air, tha
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
233
has been tainted by the stenching
breath of such men as Mr. Campbell,
Mr, Avery, Mr. Clapp, Mr. Hurlburt,
and least of all the persecutors — the
dark colored man with a pitchfork? If
this is the case i am sorry for them: —
for a wise man ought always to hear
both sides of a matter before he judges
it. I shall bring no railing accusa-
lions against them: I have merely
drawn a picture of what they have has-
tily done, that they may look upon it
and consider hov/ many innocent men,
women, and children have to suffer
persecution, hunger, tliirst, and other
p.fflictions, for such rash words, and
foolish deeds. No wondei Lynch law
■is murdering throughout our once hap-
py country; no wonder mob after mob
is breaking the tender thread of law,
nnd burstin<T the stroni? bands of socie-
ty, to spread anarchy, confusion, de-
struction and death: no preference is
made to virtue more than vice, bv
men in high places; and when a
scourge sweeps off its thousands, the
survivors, seem to ha\e been spared
only to mock at the calamity; I do
sincerely hope that all that have slan-
dered the church of Latter Day Saints
will repent of their sins and folly:
"For behold and lo vengeance cometh
speedily upon the ungodly, as the whirlwind,
a,nd who sliall escape it: the Lord's scourge
shall pass over by night and by day; and
the report thereof shall vex all people; yet,
it shall not be stayed until the Lord come:
for the indignation of the Lord is kindled a-
gainst their abominations, and all their wick-
ed v^orks."
For the love of liberty: venerating
the memory of our worthy forefathers
who bled that we might live free; for
the benefit of the oppressed; for the
continuance of virtue, and in the bles-
sed name of Jesus Christ, it is devout-
ly to he hoped that every man that has
injured, or spoken evil of the church
of Latter Day Saints, will be as free to
make reparation, as he was to give
currency to reports without foundation:
that they may not remain among that
class of beings, to whom the Savior's
language to the Scribes, Pharisees and
hypocrites, will apply: for there is a
woe to such as make clean the out side
of tho platter; that praise virtue but
never practice it; that pay tithes, for
the sake of honor, and esteem men and
money more than truth and meekness,
and omit the "weightier matters of
the law,judgment, mercy and faith."
In the love of God, and -n the hope
of the pros:perity of tlie pure in heart,
praying that the Lord will have mercy
upon all that turn from the evil of their
ways; having virtue for my aim; truth
for my standard, and seeking eternity
for an everlasting inheritance, I shall
continue to defend the cause of good-
ness and humanity.
As ever
W. W. PHELPS.
To John Wuitmer Esq.
EGYPTIAN MUMMIES-
ANCIENT RECORDS.
The public mind has been excited,
of late, by reports which have been
circulated concei'ning certain Egyptian
Mummies, and a quantity of ancient
records, which were purchased by cer-
tain gentlemen in this place, last sum-
mer.
It has been said, that the purchasers
of these antiquities pretend they have
the body of Abraham, Abimelech, the
king of the Philistines, Joseph, who
was sold into Egypt, &c. &c. for the
purpose of attracting the aitention of
the multitude, and gulling the unwary
— which is utterly false.
For the purpose of correcting these,
and other erroneous statements, con-
cerning both the mummies and also
the records, we give an extract of a
letter written by a friend in this place,
who possesses correct knowledge con-
cerning this matter, to a gentleman who
resides at a distance.
Who these ancient inhabitants of
Egypt are, we do not pretend to say, —
neither does it matter to us. We have
no idea or expectation, that cither of
them are Abraham, Abimelech, or
Joseph. Abraham v, as buried on his
own possession, "in the cave of Mach-
pelah, in the field of Ephron, the son
of Zohar the Hittite, which is before
Mamre," which he purchased of the
sons of Heth; Abmielech lived in the
same country, and for aught we know,
died there, and the children of Israel
carried Joseph's bones from Egypt
234
MESSENGER AND Al3VOC'ATE.
vyhen they went out under Moses, Con-
sequently, could not have been found
in Egypt in the 19th centiiry. But
the recordsare the most important, con-
cerning which, we refer our readers
to the extract for information.
"KiRTLAND, Geauga Co. O., )
December 22, 1835." ^
*****
Yours of the 8th Oct. furnishes mat-
ter of importance. You say truly
when you say, "Verily, this is a great
and marvelous work, indeed." Others
may be endowed with a superior abil-
ity to myself, and thereby be the bet-
ter qualified to appreciate the great
condescension of our God in lighting
up this earth once more with such in-
telligence from his presence, by the
ministering of his holy angels and by
his own voice. Be this as it may,
with the ability i have I endeavor to be
thankful.
That the Lord should again mani-
fest something for the benctit of man
in the last days, is pcfectly consistent,
and so exactly accords with that writ-
ten by the holy prophets and apostles,
that it is apparent to me, that none can
reject the fulness of the gospel, except
such as are led by an influence other
than heavenly, or wilful blindness. —
But so it is, and yet the work spreads
and prospers. And considering the
weak instruments engaged to spread it,
it cannot but be acknowledged that the
hand of our God is put forth, to roll
on his woi*k, his strange work, in the
eyes of the nations. My sincere pray-
er is, that I may be fully qualified, by
his grace, to do the part assigned me,
that I may stand when he appeareth.
Upon the subject of the Egyptian
records, or rather the writings of
Abraham and Joseph, I may sa.y a few
words. This record is beautifully
written on papyrus with black, and a
small part, red ink or paint, in perfect
preservation. The characters are such
as you find upon the coffins of mum-
mies, hieroglyphics, &c. with many
characters or letters exactly like the
present, (though probably not quite so
square,) form of the Hebrew without
points.
These records were obtained from
one of the catacombs in Egypt, near
the place where once stood the renown-
ed city of Thebes, by the celebrated
French traveller Antonio Lebolo, in I
the year 1831. He procured license
from Mchemet Ali, then Viceroy of
Egypt, under the protection of Ciieva-
lier Drovetti, the French Consul, in the
year 1828; employed 433 men four
months and two days, (if I understood
correctly, Egyptian or Turkish sol-
diers,) at from four to six cents per
diem, each man; entered the catacomb
June 7th, 1831, and obtained eleven
Mummies. There were several hun-
dred Mummies in the same catacomb:
about one hundred embalmed after the
first order, and deposited and placed in
niches, and two or three hundred after
the second and third order, and laid
upon the floor or bottom of the grand
cavity, the t.vo last orders of embalmed
were so decayed that they could not be
removed, and only eleven of the first,
found in the niches. On his way from
Alexandria to Paris he put in at Tri-
este, and after ten days illness, expired.
This was in the year 1832. Previous
to his decease, he made a will of the
whole to Mr. Michael H. Chandler,
then in Philadelphia, Pa. his nephew,
whom he supposed to have been in
Ireland. Accordingly the whole were
sent to Dublin, addressed according,
and Mr. Chandler's friends ordered
them sent to New York, where they
were'received at the custom house, in
the winter or spring of 1833. In A-
pril of the same year Mr. Chandler
paid the duties upon his Mummies, and
took possession of the same. Up to
this time they had not been taken out
of the coffins nor the coffins opened.
On opening the coffins he discovered
that in connection with two of the bo-
dies, were something rolled up wi.h
the same kind of linnen, saturated with
the same bitumen, which, when exam-
ined, proved to be two rolls of papyrus,
previously mentioned. I may add that
two or three other small pieces of pa-
pyrus, with astronomical calculations,
epitaphs, &c. were found with others
of the Mummies.
When Mr. Chandler discovered that
there was something with the Mum-
mies, he supposed, or hoped it might
be some diamonds or other valuable
metal, and was no little chagrined
when he saw his disappointment. He
was immediately told, while yet in the
Custom House, that there was no man
in that city, who could translate his
roll; but was referred 6y the samegen-
tleman, (a stranger,) to Mr. Joseph
MRSSKNGF.R AND ADVOCATE.
235
Smith, jr, who, continued he, posses-
ses some kind of power or gitts by
which he had previously translated
similar characters. Bro. Smith was
then unknown to Mr. Chandler, nei-
ther did he know that such a book or
work as the record of the Nephites had
been brought before the public. From
New York he took his collection to
Philadelphia, where he exhibited them
for a compensation. The following is
a certificate put into my hands by Mr.
Chandler, which he obtained while in
Philadelphia and will show the opinion
of the scientific of tliat city:
"Having examined with considera-
ble attention and deep interest, a num-
ber of Mummies from the Catacombs,
near Thebes, in Egypt, and now ex-
hibiting in the Arcade, we beg leave to
recommend 'them to the observation of
the curious inquirer on subjects of a
jKriod so long elapsed; probably not
less than three thousand years ago. —
The features of some of these Mum-
mies are in perfect expression. The
papyrus, covered with black or red
ink, or paint, in excellent preservation,
are very interesting. The undersign-
ed, unsolicited by any person connect-
ed by interest with this exhibition, have
voluntarily s-t their names hereunto,
for the simple purpose of calling the
attention of the public, to an interesting
collection, not sufficiently known in this
city."
JOHN REDMAN OOXE, M. D.
RICHARD HARLAN, M. D.
.T. PANCOAST, M, D.
WILLIAM P. C. BARTON, M. D.
E. F. RIVINUS, M. D.
SAMUEL G. MORGAN, M. D.
I concur in the above sentiments,
co»eerning the collection of Mummies
in the Philadelphia Ai'cade, and con-
sider them highly deserving the atten-
tion of the curious.
W. E. HORNER, M. D.
While Mr. Chandler was in Phila-
delphia, he used every exertion to find
some one who could give him the trans-
lation of his papyrus, 'but could not.
satisfactorily,
though
from
some few
men of the first eminence, he obtain-
ed in a small degree, the translation of
a few characters. Here he was refer-
red to bro. Smith. From Philadelphia
he visited Harrisburgh, and other pla-
ces east of the mountains, and was fre-
quently referred to bro. Smith for a
translation of his Egyptian Relic.
I: would be beyond my purpose to
follow this gentleman in his different
circuits to the time he visited this place
the last of June, or first of July, at
which time he presented bro. Smith
with his papyrus. Till tlien neither
myself nor brother Smith knew of such
relics being in America. Mr. Chan-
dler was told that his writings could be
deciphered, and very politely gave me-
a privilege of copying some four ©r'
five different sentences or separate
pieces, stating, at the same time, that
unless he found some one who could
give him a translation soon, he would
carry them to London.
I am a little in advance of my nar-
ration; The morning Mr. Chandler
first presented his papyrus to bro. —
Smith, he was shown, b) he latter, a
number of characters like those upon
the writings of Mr. C. w. 'ch were pre-
viously copied from the plates, contain-
ing the history of the Nephites, or
book of Mormon.
Being solicited by Mr. Chandler to
give an opinion concerning his anti-
quities, or a translation of some of the'
characters, bro. S. gave him the in-
terpretation of seme few for his satis-
faction. For your g\. cification I will
here annex a certificate which I hold,
from under the hand of Mr. Chandler,
unsolicited, however, by any person in
this place, which will show how far he
believed bro. Smith able to unfold from
these long obscured rolls the wonders
contained therein:
''Kirtland, July 6th, 1835."
"This is to make known to t '1 who
may be desirous, concerning the knowl-
edge of Mr. Joseph Smith, jr. in de-
ciphering the ancient Egyptian hiero-
glyphic characters, in my possession,
which I have, in many eminent cities,
shown to the most learned: And, from
the information that I could even learn,
or meet with, I find that of Mr. Joseph
Smith, jr. to correspond in the most
minute matters."
(signed)
"MICHAEL H. CHANDLER."
"Travelling with, and proprietor of
Egyptian Mummies."
The foregoing is verbatim as given
by Mr. C. excepting the addition of
punctuation, and speaks sufficiently
plain without requiring comment from
me. It was given previous to the pur-
chase of the antiquities, by any person
here.
136
The language in which this record
is written is very comprehensive, and
many of the hieroglyphics exceeding-
ly striking. The evidence is apparent
upon the face, that they were written
by persons acquainted with the history
•of the creation, the fall of man, and
more or less of the correct ideas of no-
tions of the Deity. The representa-
tion of the god-head — three, yet in one,
is curiously drawn to give simply,
though impressively, the writers views
of that exalted personage. The ser-
pent, represented as walking, or
formed in a manner to be able to walk,
standing in front of, and near a female
figure, is to me, one of the greatest
Representations I have ever seen upon
paper, or a writing substance; and
must go so far towards convincing the
rational mind of the correctness and
divine authority of the holy scriptures,
and especially that part which has ev-
er been assailed by the infidel commu-
nity, as being a fiction, as to carry a-
way, with one mighty sweep, the whole
atheistical fabric, without leaving a
vestage sufficient for a foundation
stone. Enoch's Pillar, as mentioned
by Josephus, is upon the same roll. —
True, our present version of the bible
does not mention this fact, though it
speaks of the I'ighteousness of Abel
tind the holiness of Enoch, — one slain
because his ofTcring was acce[>ted of
the Lord, and the other taken to the
regions of everlastmg day without be-
ing confined to the narrow limits of the
tomb,or tasting death; but Josephus says
that the descendants of Seth were vir-
tuous, and possessed a great knowledge
of the heavenly bodies, and, that, in
consequence of the prophecy of Adam,
that the world should be destroyed once
by water and again by fire, Enoch
■wrote a history or an account of the
same, and put into two pillars one of
brick and the other of stone; and that
the same were in being at his (Jose-
phus') day. The inner end of the
same roll, (Joseph's record,) presents
a representation of the judgment: At
one view you behold the Savior seated
upon his throne, crowned, and hola'ng
the sceptres of righteousness and pow-
er, before whom also, are assembled
the twelve tribes of Israel, the nations,
languages and tongues of the earth,
the kingdoms of the world over which
satan is represented as reigning, Mi-
chael the archangel, holding the key
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
of the bottomless pit, and at the same"
time the devil as being chained and
shut up in the bottomless pit. But up-
on this last scene, I am able only to
give you a shadow, to the real picture.
I am certain it cannot be viewed with-
out filling the mind with awe, unless
the mind is far estranged from God:
and I 'sincerely hope, that mine may
never go so far estray, nor wander
from those rational principles of the
doctrine of our Savior, so much, as to
become darkened in the least, and
thereby fail to have that, to us, the
greatest of all days, and the most sub-
lime of all transactions, so impressive-
ly fixed upon the heart, that I become
not like the beast, not knowing whith-
er I am going, nor what shall be my
final end!
I might continue my communica-
tion to a great length upon the difl^er-
ent figures and characters represented
upon the two rolls, but I have no doubt
my subject has already become suffi-
ciently prolix for your patience: I will
therefore soon cease fir the present. —
When the translation of these valuable
documents will be completed, I am un-
able to say; neither can I give you a
probable idea how large volumes they
will make; but judging frc n their size,
and the comprehensivenesss of the
language, one might reasonably expect
to see a sufficient to develop much up-
on the mighty acts of the ancient men
of God, and of his dealing with the
children of n>.en when they saw him
face to face. Be there little or much,
it must be an inestimable acquisition
to our preselit scriptures, fulfilling, in
a small degree, the word of the i roph-
et: For the earth shall be full of the
knowledge of the Lord as the waters
cover the sea.
p. S. You will have understood
from the foregoing, that eleven Mum-
mies were taken from the catacomb,
at the time of which I have been speak-
ing, and nothing definite having been
said as to their disposal, I may, with
propriety add a few words. Seven of
the said eleven were purchased by gen-
tlemen for private museums, -previous
to Mr. Chandler's visit to this place,
with a small quantity of papyrus, sim-
ilar, (as he says,) to the astronomical
representation, contained with the pres-
ent two rolls, of which I previously
spoke, and the remaining four by gen-
tlemen resident here.
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
S37
Though the Mummies themselves
are a curiosity, and an astonishment,
well calculated to arouse the niind to a
reflection of past ages, when men
strove, as at this day, to immortalize
their names, though in another man-
ner, yet I do not consider them of much
value compared with those records
which were deposited with them.
If Providence permits, I will, ere
long, write you again upon the propri-
ety of looking for additions to our
present scriptures, according to their
own literal reading.
Believe' me to he, sir, sincerely and
truly, your hrother in the bonds of the
new and everlasting covenant.
OLIVER COWDERY.
To Wm. Frye, Esq. Gilead,
Calhoun CO. 111.
Faris, Henry co. Tenn.
Dear Brother in the LoRD:-Sincc
the 21st of Sept. I have extended the
limits of my travels to Clark River
Ky. Here I proclaimed the gospel, on
Sabbath and Monday, and was public-
ly opposed by a Campbellite Priest;
although weak, in and of myself, yet 1
wielded the sword in the name of the
Lord Jesus, and prevailed.
I delivered three discourses; which
included, the gospel of Jesus Christ,
the authenticity of the Book of Mor-
mon, and the scattering and gathering
of the house of Israel: after which
three came forward for baptism: I con-
firmed them, by the water side, and
left them strong in the faith of the new
and everlastmg covenant. There are
some more in this place, who will fol-
low the example of the three which I
have been speaking of. I took my
leave of these my new brethren and
friends, and journeyed to Taropea,
where we had baptized some before. —
I held two meetings in this place; af-
ter which eight presented themselves
as candidates for baptism: We imme-
diately repaired to the water, the so-
lemnities of eternity, and the the Spirit
of the Lord rested upon the congrega-
tion. I baptized 14 since the 21st of
Sept.
Yours in the new covenant,
W. WOODRUFF.
To J. Whitmer.
NOTICE.
We the 70, hereby inform Hiram
Strattan, that we have withdrawn our
fellowship from him, until he returns
to Kirtland and makes satisfaction.
SYLVESTER SMITH— Clerk.
Extract of a letter, dated, Kirtland,
Dec. 6, 1S35.
Deo.f brother:
Almost three years have
passed away since I embraced the ful-
ness of the gospel of Christ. During
the above mentioned time, I have
travelled probably not less than eight
thousand miles, and can say of a truth,
that I have been receiving additional
evidences continually, that the v/ork
in which I have been engaged, is of
the Lord. Since the first of Decem-
ber, I have seen the addition of about
130, to the church. Within a few
months past I have baptized six, and
in company with other elders fifteen
more.
The churches in which I have labor-
ed, generally are increasing in num-
bers, faith, and righteousness.
Yours in the bond of the new cov-
enant.
SAMUEL BROWN.
To J. Wkitmer.
Kirtland, Dec, 12, 1835.
I embrace this opportunity to give
you a brief account of my labors the
past season. I left Kirtland the 8th oT
June, after a pleasant passage to Buf-
falo I went into Genessee county N. —
Y. where I held a number of meetings
and proclaimed the gospel without re-
serve. I then went to Freedom, was
joined by elder Darwin Richardson,
we tarried a little in Wayne county, in
and near a place called Cruso Island,
in this place elders Grant and Stanley
had been laboring and did magnify
their calling; they sowed the seed, for
it has sprang up and borne fruit.
We journied on eastward having
neither purse nor scrip, and was fed
and lodged by the kind inhabitants,
who were patrons of the truth, unto
whom we proclaimed the gospel, not
only in public but in private: we were
kindly treated by the people in Alphra-
tha Montgomery county. Dr. Drake
was solicitous to have another inter-
view, but with us it was not convenient:
we held a few meetings in the towa of
Pawlet, Vt. Here at the close of one of
our meetings a Campbellite, after in-
terogating us, used the words of Aquil-
la and Priscilla to ApoUus, for said he,
§38
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
I agree with you m
will so home with me, I wil
if
most ooints, and
vou will go nome with me, I wil! in-
.sti-uct you more pertbctly, we thanked
him and accepted tho oiFer: we spent a
cumber of hours in debating, (and he
acted the part of a gentleman,) but in
the end he acknowleged that he was
not able to instruct, as he had anticipa-
ted. We crossed the Green mountains
at mount Tabor, visited the brethren at
Andovcr, I parted with brother Rich-
ardson the last of July, in N. H. he
went to his friends in Franconia, la-
bored in that vicinity, and when I last
sa'.r him, he had baptized one. 1 con-
tinued preaching almost daily for three
weeks in Vermont, and the south jiart
of Grafton county, N. H. I baptized
three in Enfield, and have reason to
believe there are others that will em-
lirace the new and everlasting cove-
nant. Since the last of August, my
labors have been in the north part of
N. H. I held a few meetings in
Whitefield, baptized three and visited a
number of the branches of the Latter
Day Saints in the (5ast.
I have through the mercies of my
heavenly Father, been permitted to re-
turn to my brethren and friends in
Kirtland, having preached above forty
times, baptized • ix and obtained four
subscribers for th • Messenger and Ad-
vocate. In the bonds of the new cov-
enant I remain your brother.
HAZEN ALDRICH.
To John WhitmePw Esq.
*^Good understanding giveth favor,
but the way of the transgressor is hard.
Solomon.^'
Solomon was called a wise man, and
he has left mu:.i good instruction on
record. Our text informs us that:
'*The way of the transgressor is hard."
This is a fact, we have many samples
to demonstrate it to the understanding
of any intelligent person. We look
over the pages of sacred writ and be-
hold, we see that Adam and Eve trans-
gressed, and what followed? in conse-
quence of the trasgression of our an-
cestors, the land was cursed: "The
Jjord said unto Adam, because thou
hast hearkened unto the voice of thy
wife, and hast eaten of the tree of
which I commanded thee, saying, thou
shalt not eat of it; cursed is the ground
for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat
of it all the days of thy life."
Here followed a heavy curse not on- [of Noah; and in the days of Mosos.—
ly upon man but the serpent did not es-
cape it. In consequence of this tranf?-
gression the whole human family was
excluded from the presence of God : and
there is but one way for fallen man to
get back again, and this is by being
obedient to the commandments which
wore promulgated for that purpose. —
We do not deem it necessary to" treat
upon that point at present. We will
refer you to some more instances:
"For in the mouth of two or three wit-
nesses every word shall be establish-
ed." It came to pass in the processor
time, that Cain and Abel brought of-
ferings unto the Lord: but God had
no respect unto Cain's offering; and
for a very good reason, he did not of-
fer the sacrifice required, in conse-
quence of which he was a transgres-
sor. Now when Cain saw that his of-
fering was not accepted, he was v/roth
and slew his brother. Hear what fol-
lows: "Now art thou cursed from the
earth, which hath opened her mouth
to receive thy brother's blood from thy
hand. When thou tillest the ground it
shall not henceforth yield unto thee
her strength. A fugitive and a vaga-
bond shalt thou be in the earth." And
all this because of transgression. We
might bring many mora instances to
show, that "The way of the transgres-
sor is hard." We will select Judas for
our next. After Judas had ate and
drank with the Savior about three years,
he turned agamst him and betrayed
him. And in consequence of his trans-
gression he went and hanged himself,
and his bowels gushed out.
It seems that transgressors always
come to some bad end. We read that:
"Some men's sins are open before hand
going before to judgment and some
men they follow after." This is very
evident from this fact: some men pass
smoothly along without any trouble or
affliction; and live upon the luxuries of
this world:, at the same time they are
full of all manner of abominations;
While others of equal judgment and ad-
vantage, have nothing but sickness,
misfortunes, and distress: and yet thp.
Lord hath said: that he will judge eV-
ery man according to his works.
We will come down to this genera-
tion and see how the Lord deals, with
us. God has again condescended to
give laws and precepts to the inhabit-
ants af the earth: as he did in the davs
Ol
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
um
And when ever he had a people on the
^earth, he -gave them revelations and
commandments, that were adapted to
their circumstances and situation. —
Because, what was calculated for sal-
vation in the days of Adam, would not
have saved Noah and his family; and
what would save Noah and his family;
would not save Moses and the children
of Israel. The revelations that were
:giveti to Moses wculd not save Elijah,
jior Elisha, nor Isaiah, nor Ezekiel
iieither any of the prophets until John
and from John until now^
We learn that the Lord is the same
yesterday to day and forever. If the
Lord is the same to day us yesterday,
■why not give revelation to us? the fact
is he is more willing to give than we
iire to receive, if it were not so, would
not the inhabitants of the earth be wil-
ling to receive what lie has already
given, and is giving in these last days?
Notwithstanding the way of the trans-
gressors is hard, the children of men
hearken not to the commandments of
the Lord. The Lord has given com-
mandments in these last days and inas-
much as they are transgressed, their
specified penalties must be inflicted:
and thus the ways of transgressors be-
come hard. There are many that be-
long to this church of Christ of Latter
Day Saints who know this fact, that the
way of the transgressor is hard.
It is evident that some are endeavor-
ing to hide their faults; and when they
are made manifest they ai'e not willing
to confess them. To. such we say:
Beware for the way of the transgres-
sors is hard: "He that knoweth his
masters will and docth it not, must be
beaten with many stripes." We firm-
ly believe that every man will receive
according to his works; and that some
men's sins go to judgment before hand
and other's follow at'ter. This is true:
for how could God be a just and mer-
ciful being, if he would suffer one man
to live his life in pleasures and luxu-
ries, and another in poverty and mise-
ry, for the truth's sake, and then
bring them together in one kingdom to
enjoy like felicities; and not bring the
man that lived in transgression and in
splendor, to judgment in the world to
come?
We know that the wicked and
rebellious glide smoothly along, not-
withstanding they deny the God that
bought them — and tramplo upon his
commandments and precepts, and yet
they are prospered m all that they un-
dertake: to all such we will say with
Solomon: Tlie waj/ of the transgres-
sor is' hard." Although this may
sound as an idle tale, yet we would
have nil men know, they are forming;
characters in this world, for the next^
For any person to suppose that it
will be his privilege to sit down in the
kingdom of God, in peace, with Peter
and the rest of the apostles, who has
not obeyed the gospel, and kept the
faith of the same, unto the end of his
days, will eventually find that the way
of the transgressor is hard.
"I would that ye should learn that
it is he only who is saved, that cndu-
reth unto the end." According to
scripture, those who are not faithful
cannot be saved in the kingdom of God^
much less those who have never obey--
ed the first ordinance, for an admission;
into the kingdom. We may talk of
being saved in the kingdom of God, un-
til the day of our death, if we obey not
the ordinances of the gospel we can.
claim no promise; — We know of no
promise in holy writ that would give us
the most distant hope of being saved in
the 'celestial kingdom of God, save it
be by keeping the commandments of
the blessed Redeemer, and this to the
end of our days. The promises of God
are conditional, and if we comply not
with the conditions which are made
plain to our understanding, we have no
claim to the promises made to the adop-
ted famdy of God: for the promises
were made to those who were and are
adopted through obeying the plan o£
salvation laid from before the founda-
tion of the world. If it is the good
will of our heavenly Father, to bestow
salvation upon any part of his creation,
that he has not told us of, we will adore
him for that gift, as well as those which
he has made known: but at the same
time we will remember that: "The way
of the transgressor is hard." Inasmuch
as, we keep all the commandments of
God, we shall be made the partakers of
the blessings prefixed to his promises:
Deut. V:16 to 21 verse inclusive.
If thou lovestme,thoushalt'serve me,
and keep all my commandments.
Thou shalt remember the poor, and
consecrate of thy properties for their
support.
He that sinneth and repenteth not,
shall.be cast out of the church. .
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
24&
ThoushiiU not he proud in thy heart,
let al! tltv garments be plain, and their
lieaury tbebcaiity of the work of thine
own hands, and let all things be done
in cleanliness b'::^ore mo.
Thou shalt not be idle: lov he that is
idle shall not eat the bread, nor wear
the garments of the laborers.
Thou shalt live together in love, in-
somuch that thou shalt weep for the
loss of them that die, and more espe-
cially for those who have not hope of a
glorious resurrection.
Thou shalt pay for that v/hich thou
shalt receive of thy brother.
If thy brother or sister otfenci many,
he or she shall be chastised before ma-
ny. If anyone offend- openly he or
she shall be rebuked openly, that he
or she may be ashamed.
Thou shalt take the things which
thou hast received which have been
given imto thee in my scriptures for a
law, to govern my church; and he <hat
doeth according to these things, shall
be saved, and he that doeth them not
shall be damned if he continues.
Here we learn that we are to be gov-
erned by the laws of God, and not by
the gifts of tongues, or whims and ca-
prices of men. "The Lord trieth the
righteous, but the wicked and him that
loveth violence his soul hateth. Upon
ihe wicked he will rain snares, fire and
brimstone, and an horrible tempest:
this shall be the portion of their cup."
"Good understanding gaineth favor:
but the way of the transgressor is hard."
To the Editor of the Messenger and
Advocate:
Dear Brother — I wish to inform my
frierads and all others, abroad, that
whenever they wish to address me thro'
the Post Office, they will be kind enough
to pay the postage on the same.
My friends will excuse me in this
matter, as 1 am willing to pay postage
on letters to hear from them; but am
unwilling to pay for insults and mena-
ces,— consequently, must refuse all,
unpaid.
Yours in the gospel,
JOSEPH SMITH, jr.
Kirtland, Dec. 5, 1835.
*** We hereby inform our frinds,
that they labor under some disadvan-
tage in consequence of letters being ad-
dressed to some of their brethren, in-
stead of the Editor or Publishers, which
contain subscribers for the Messenger
and Advocate, &c. because the-y are
not handed to us in season: — They
would therefore do well, to direct their
letters relative to subscriptions, &c. ta
the E'lJitor or Pu'.jlishers, if they desire
immediate attendance, — remember at
the same time that all communications
to the Editor
post-paid.
or Publishers must be
EDITOR.
dC/^ Elder John Murdock is request-
ed to come to Kirtland, as soon as he
observes this notice.
?prin-
0° Six Nos. of the Star have been re
ted; the residue will be published soon.
The Messenger and Advocate has been de-
layed ibr want of paper.
NOTICE.— The hix;h coun.il of tlie church of Lat-
ter Day .Saints, in Missouri, have \iith;lrciwii their
fellowship from elder J. I). Fosilick, for uuchristiau-
like conduct, till he makes satisfaction.
By order of the i ouncil.
ELIJAH FORDHAM,-C7erA
DIED. — In Lafayette county. Mo.
on the 25 of August, Joseph Johnson,
ar^ed about 45 years.
In Clay county Mo. on the
28 of October, Joshua Lewis, aged a-
bout 40 years.
In this town, on Monday,
30, Nov. last, Lucy Gates, daughter
of Thomas and Patty Gates, in the
23d year of her age. She formerly
resided in St. Johnsbury, Vt.
Of whoopingcough, in Kirt-
land, Ohio. Sylvester M. Smith; Son
of Sylvester and Elizabeth Smith, aged
eleven weeks and four days, after a
short illness of two weeks.
: In Clay CO. Mo. the27th of No-
vember last, Christain Whll7ner, one o^
the first elders of the church of Latter
Day Saints, aged about 38 years. He
died of severe affliction upon one of hs
legs, which he bore for j. long tiniu
with great patience. He has gone
home to his Creator rejoicing in the
new and everlasting covenant. "Bles-
sed are the dead that die in the Lord."
THE LATTER DAY SAINTS'
SSessenger and Advocate,
IS EDITED BY
aOEH WHZTIKISIH,
And published every month at KiijUand, Geauga Co
Ohio, by ■
F. G. IVIL-IilAMS & Co.
Al % 1, per an. in advance. Every person procuring
ten new subscribers, and forwarding' $10, current
money, shall be entitled to a paper one year, gratia.
All lUters to the Editor,or Publishers, must be
'ICrPOST PAip.JZXi
No subscription will be received for a less term than on
year, and no paper discontinued till all arrearages m»&
paid, except tU the option of the jmblishera.
T§'
VOL. II. No. 4.]
KIRTLAND, OHIO, JANUARY, 1836.
[Whole No. J 6.
For the Messenger and Advocate.
Brother Whitmer; —
A short time since
I got the 12lh No. of the 4th volume
of the Evangelist (as the editor calls
it) my attention vv^as particularly ar-
rested with some quotations taken
from some paper which by the by is
not mentioned; but it appears from the
editor's i-emarks on tiiem, that they
were written by somebody whom the
editor c»lls "our respected brother
Stone;" and he is spoken of as holding
a very grave rank among the breth-
ren of that faith. How ■the brethren
of that faith are divided into ranks I
am not able to sa", but it appears that
there is one rask which they call the
grave rank, whether it ascends from
this into graver gravest, or whether it
descends into less grave least grave or
some other way, is not for me to say,
neither is it a matter of any conse-
quence.
It would seem However lliat Mr.
Scott thinks he [Mr. Stone] has acted
injudiciously in publishing his senti-
ments to the world in the manner m
which he did, as it has given great oc-
casion to the M.ormons whom Mr.
Scott represents as making a great a-
do about it. How true or false this is,
I do not know; — for my own part, all
the ado I have heard about it, is in the
Evangelist, and from the pen of the
grave Mr. Scott its editor; for of
course 1 conclude that he belongs to
the grave rank of that brotherhood as
well as Mr. Stone; for from his writ-
ings I conclude he thinks himself grav-
er than Mr. Stone; indeed Mr. Scott
seems to be too grave to either utter
the sentiments of the bible, or to be-
lieve them when they ar^^MBUby
others. It is the very peffl^^^Hf a
false religion, to make its suTOcfe so
grave that they ^jj^ not uttei^e sen-
timents of ihe l^Birnor at all believe
them,^h||||||<Uhei? gravity should be
greatlfl^^P^J.
M'lulgT^^ng) the remarks of Mr.
^||tt (SjMprStone'f^iece, I was led
JfTask fflyself. What is the diffiiculty
with Mr. Scott? What has Mr. Stone
said which is calculated to so much dis-
turbJus feelings as to call forth his
publirclisapprobation? I%annot see tliat
Mr. Stone has done any thing more
or less, than to profess belief in the
things which are written in the New
Testament. Now if he had quoted
from the Book of Mormon, it would
certainly have been but right to give
Mr. Scott the privilege of objecting,
though it should be the very words
which are written in the old and new
testament; for transcribing them into
the book of IMormon would surety
make them untrue; but the words quo-
ted by Mr. Stone arc found in the new
testament, yes, the new testament, the
very book about which Mr. Scott has
said so much and written so much and
professed ta believe with all his heart,
aad called upon others to believe al-
so.
Mr. Stone has asked, "can we in
these last days claim the promise of
the gift of the Holy Spirit? and an-
swers unhesitatingly yes,'' and quotes
the second chapter of the acts of the
aposilcs as proof. Now thai, l\Iv. Scott
should take exceptions at this is mar-
velous, marvelous we say, because who
in all the world has said so much about
the gospel as preached by Peter on the
day of pentecost as Mr. Scott? not one
man in this g^'neration: the second
chapter of the acts of the apostles has
been his theme, and the pentecostean
gospel the topic of his conversation,
and the substance of his public minis-
try: and Mr. Stone has done no more,
and said no more, than to profess his
belief most unhesitatingly in it.
That Mr. Scott should take excep-
tions at this is marvelous, that he should
have the atTrontery to assert, that ho
did not believe the ancient gospel, is
placing himself in the most aukward
^ttitude in which any human being can
De placed; after preaching it with the
most untiring perseverance, and inde-
fatigable exertion, and now after all his
toil, and labor, openly declare he doe?
not believe it. Mr. Scott has filled the
country with his proclaiming to the
people and his great zeal to get them
baptized for the remissian of their sins,
assuring them, if they did so, they
should receive the git't of the Holy
Ghost, as set forth by the apostle Peter
on the day of pentecost; but no sooner
does Mr. Stot? declare his firm belief
543
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
that those who are baptized for the re-
mission of sins have a right to claim
the gift of the Holy Spirit, and that be-
cause the apostle said so on the day of
pentecost, then Mr. Scoit demurrs, and
declares his unbelief and undertakes to
prove, or rather says that Mr. Stone's
opinion is founded on mistake. And
who does not know that if Mr. Stone's
opinion is founded on mistake, he is in
good company, for the apostle Peter's
was so before; for Mr. Stone founds
his belief on the apostle's declaration
and that on the notable day of pente-
cost, that the promise of the gift of
the Holy Spirit, on condition of repen-
tence and baptism for remission of sins,
was to them, and their children, and
to all that are afar oft', even as many
as the Lord our God shall call.
That Mr. Scoft should feel disposed
to charge Mr. Stone with a want of
gravity, because he has thus freely ex-
pressed the honest convictions of his
mind is rather sui*prising, more partic-
ularly, as he h.'^s been such a champi-
on for free investigJ^tion, and open and
frank declaration. I'Mr. Scott never
found fault with a baptist preacher, or
a methodist preacher, for expressing
his feelings in the most public man-
ner, particularly, when he was aboi7/
to leave his former connection and
join the one with which he is associat-
ed; but change the scale, and it is soon
found that Mr. Scott is as unfriendly
to free investigation as any other. It
is a fact that "as face answereth to
face in water so does the heart of man
to man." Mr. Scott could cry free
investigation; free expression of senti-
ment; but as soon as he got a few flat-
terers around himself, he begins to
plead thoir grave station, and manifests
grief at such freedom in writmg; thus
shewing that he is of the same spirit as
those whom he condemns.
The conduct of Mr. Scott in this in-
stance reminds of Mr. Campbell, oft
of the same brotherhood in relation to
Mr. Bcsworth, also a preacher of the
same order. Mr. Bosworth like Mr.
Stone was led to inquire, seriously,
whether* or no, we were authorized to
claim the promise of the gift of the Ho-
ly Spirit as promised by Peter on the
day of pentecost. At the tmie his
mind was called up to investigate this
subject, Mr. Campbell had one of his
big meetings in the town of VVadsworth
-Medina county Ohio, — as Mr. Bos
worth resided in an adjoining town, he
concluded that he had a fair opportuni^
ty of getting his mind satisfied on the
subject, and not being willing to take a
hasty step, he goes to the meeting and
calls on Mr. Campbell, telling hun in
a frank manner the honest feelings of
his heart, and the difficulties which ex-
isted on his mind in relation to the gift
of the Holy Spirit; but what was his
astonishment, instead of receiving from
Mr. Campbell that kind reception
which honesty and candor demands, he
was told (whether gravely of not grave-
ly I am at present not able to say.)
that he ought not to have condescend-
ed for one minute to have mvestigated
the subject, and that it was not surpris-
ing at all that the brethren should feel
hurt at him for attempting to investigate
it. So much for the honesty of these
gentlemen when they call upon others
lo investigate the subject of religion.
Investigation is very commendable
when it tends to advance their cause,
but when it does not, silence is
much better. The weakness of their
cause is begining to be discovered, and
they soon raise the cry do not investigate^
you hold too grave a rank among the
brethren, you ought not to do it. And
in order to avoid investigation, this
brotherhood will condescend to meari
low fa-ubterfuges, to which a noble mind-
ed man would never condescend; no,
he would suffer martyrdom first. Wit-
ness Mr. Campbell's recommendation
of Howe's book, w'Me he knews, as
well as every person \rho yeads it, that
it is a batch "of falsehoods. Mr. Booth,
the author of a series of letters (which
have found their way into thaJ book
and forms a principle part of it,) has
long since proven to the world that his'
letters were a bundle of falsehoods; for
though he declared that he was willing
to appear before any tribmial either
hu^^^^ divine in vindication of the
tr^^^Hftem, yet when called upon to>
dPHPIt dare not appear in their de-
fenc'^decause he ^^w his letters were
false, and would jjp bear the test^.gf
investigation ..any more ,tV.<S^e reli-
gion of the Campbellites, wlia| has to
be hid under a refu^dB misR)resen-
tation to conce^it lrain|gttpRia|Mof
truth. ^^^ ^^^
Mr. Bentley's bombast in Wethere-
field in Trumbull county in this State,
will not be soon forgotten, where he
cursed the aofthor of this piec^Phs the
vnere
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
243
Indian did the king on the other side
of the hill, and decalred that he dare
not meet him [Mr. Bentley] and in-
vestigate the subject of religion; but
when he was called upon to support
liis challenge, and show as much bold-
ness in my presence as he had done
■when he v/as fifty miles off, dare not
venture, and to hide his shame, indulg-
ed himself in slandering my character,
because he uai\3 p.oI expose his religion
to invest! D-ation.
Let me here mention Simonds Rider
xis another instance of the same kind,
he could blow like a porpoise when
there was no person to oppose him; —
but when called npon to be as bold in
the presence of those whom he envied,
as in their absence, he had recourse to
the same means of slander and abnse:
but to the credit of Simonds, we will
say that since that time he has been
silent on the subject, in this he has dis-
played more honesty thaia some others
•of his brethren.
No society lias been more clearly
laid before the public within a short
time than the Campbell ites, and they
have proven themselves to be destitute
■of candor and honesty in their preten-
tions, they will cry to other sects in-
vestigate, it is through investigation that
♦truth is brought to light say they, atid
then in the most bold manner declare
we are ready to receive trutli as soon
•Rs we can discover it, yet, in the face
of all these pretention?, when they are
^called upon to investigate an item of
the religion of the new testament,which
they never have reached, that instant
■they have recourse to all kinds of strat-
agem to aviod it, and for no other rea-
son, than they are sensible that their
■system will not bearc lose examination,
and there is no way to keep it in exist-
ence, but hide it under falsehood.
We venture to make the following
declaration without fear, and that is,
there is not a CampbeJJfcp preacher
possessing the common intelligence
which belongs to men, who dare haz-
zard an investigation before the public,
onJl^uject of the Holy Spirit as set
fo^HHfJ^e nev/ testament, and all the
wS^pey have to keep their followers,
is to h'uMi it into silence. But to return
to Mr. Scott and Mr. Stone.
Mr. Scott's pretentions to belief in
the ancient gospel is fairly put to the
test, he is weighed in the balances and
found wanting; Mr. Scolt hap come
out and fairly denied the gilt ot the
Holy Spirit as proclaimed on tlie day
of pentccost, evidently proving that af-
te -call his pretentions he is an unbe-
liever in the ancient gospel; for it is
in vain for him to hide himself under
the vain subterfuge of modifying tlie
promise of the gift of the Holy Spirit
into something difTerent from what the
apostle did on the day of pentecost, the
promise that was made by Peter was
one which consisted in prophesying,
seeing visions, dreaming dreams &c.
and he who does not believe in this pro-
mise, is an unbeliever in the ancicft
gospel, he might as well say that men
were not to be baptized until they had
received the remission of their sins, and
then say that was what was published
on the day of ])entecost., as to say that
the gift of the Spirit did not consist in
the power of prophesying, seeing vis-
ions, and dreaming dreams, and then
say that was what Peter proclaimed on
the day of pentecost.
Mr. Scott's observations on Pi'Ir.
Stone's piece, are too pitiful to come
from a man of understanding, and if
Mr. Scott were net such, he might be
excusable; but being the nian he is, he
has no cloak for his sin.
He thus i-eplies to Mr. Stone's que-
ries. "The answers to the above ex-
tract (refering to the questions he had
quoted from Mr. Stone's piece j are all
founded upon misapprehension that ev-
ery one who receives the Holv Spirit
must needs be able to work miracles."''
Why should Mr. Scott have recourse
to this vain subterfuge to escape from be-
lieving the bible? Is it not plain to th^
least discerning, that if all did not work
miracles who received the Holy Spirit,
that some did, and that the Spirit was
so distributed in the body, that all the
gifts were in it, some had one and
some another, no man ever pretended
that all must work miracles, or that all
did work miracles, and there is nothinsr
said in the quotations wl
made from Mr. Stone's
,,!■
Ii he
in vol
piece,
nas
which
vcs suchu conclusion, tn;s attempt
of Mr. Scolt is a mere stratagem to
keep his followers asleep.
To prove that all the saints who re-
ceived the Holy Spirit did not work
mirai'les, he brings up the case of John
the Baptist, a verv imhappy case for
him; for in shuning Silly he is wreck-
ed on Charybdes.
What a hue and cry, himself, Mr
244
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE,
Campbell, and others, have made abou
false prophets, and all this, because say
they, "God never sent a messenger in-
to the world but he enabled him to
prove his mission to be divine by mir-
acles;" but now the case is changed, it
answers the purpose of Mr. Scott better
to deny this; for if he confesses it, then
indeed, his brother^ Stone involves him
in a difficulty out of which he cannot
extricate himself, therefore, he is rea-
dy to assert or deny, as the case may
require, and yet he is an honest man,
seeking after truth. Who can believe
it?
One would think that from this time
forth, Messrs. Campbell, Scott, and
company, would be in silence, as they
have been driven to the necessity of
confessing that he, of whom it was
said there was no greater born of a
woman, never worked a miracle to
prove his mission to be divine.
Mr. Scott could not have found a
case in all the books, which more ef-
fectually silences him on the subject of
the messengers of the Most High prov-
ing their mission by miracles, and I
hope for time to come, he will act ac-
cordingly. No man ever had a more
important mission than John the Bap-
tist: it was he who put a period to the
Jewish polity: it was he who changed
the services of the priesthood from sac-
rificing to baptizing: he was Mesiah's
harbinger to announce his advent, on
which depended tlie fate of the Jewish
nation, and yet, notwithstanding the
vast importance of his mission; for so
important was it, that those who re-
jected his baptism rejected the council
of God against themselves, still not
one miracle was wrought to prove him
to be a messenger of the Most High.
Why then have these men said so
much about all the messengers sent of
God having proved themselves such by
working miracles, when they knew all
the time it was not the fact, and at last
their brother Stone has compelled them
to acknowledge it, and that to their
shame too.
Mr. Scott asks again: "Do all chris-
tians work miracles? they do not, what
is the reason? The writer of the ex-
tract who is our beloved brother Stone,
is inclined to suspect their faith. But
rather than suspect the faith of all the
saints who have lived since the days of
miracles, and all who now live and es-
pecially his own faith, 1 would much
prefer suspecting his reasoning, yes,
I do not suspect his faith but his reas-
onings."
Now, never did any sayings come
from any person with a worse grace
than these from the pen o{ Mr. Scott.
This is the man who laid the platform
of his preaching on the broad heresy
of the world, read his proclamation to
the people of New Lisbon in 1827 — but
now he has discovered that all is well
in Zion; it is offering indignity to the
grave rank of the Campbellites to sus-
pect the faith of all christians since the
days of miracles; but is this worse
than to do what he has done? he has
denounced them all as heretics, and yet
now he says he would not call in ques-
tion the faith of those whom he has
called heretics, and called on them to
repent. Why should Mr, Scott, call
on them to repent if their faith is not to
be suspected? surely he cannot make
them any safer than they are; for all
things are possible to them who have
faith was one of the Savior's maxims,
and who will say it is not a true one,
and if true, Mr. Scott may leave them
where they are, for he can never place
them in a better situation, for he can-
not do more than make all things possi-
ble to them, and that is the case with
them now if their faith is not to be sus-
pected.. So strangely inconsistent does
a false religion make even men of
sense.
Supposing Mr. Scott should prove
that there were thousands of saints who
never worked miracles. Would this
prove that the apostle Peter did not tell
the truth on the day of pentecost, when
he promised ihe gift of the Holy Spirit.
Did he mean to deceive, as Mr. Scott is
inclined to do?
Mr. Stone, if 1 understand him, is
not asking how many or how few
worked miracles; but are we author-
thorized in these last days to claim the
gift of thaiJoly Spirit as promised in
connectioK^ith the gospel, or rather as
a part of the gospel published on the
day of pentecost, or are we not, he
thinks we are, Mr. Scott thinl^p^.
Mr. Scott seems willing |0believe
the ancient gospel, providin^he^an
have the liberty of leaving ouHvliat he
pleases and explaining the rest to suit
himself: as to baptizing for the remis-
sion of sins, he has no doubt about that;
but then the gift of the Holy Spirit,that
must be modified, and explained. Why
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
must that be donel because if he lets it
stand, as the apostle proclaimed it,
down goes his religion, and ail his pre-
tended reformation with it, therefore,
it must be explained, not for the truth's
sake, but to save his religion from ruin,
and Lis pretended authority to adminis-
ter in the name of the Lord Jesus from
contempt; for let him admit the fact,
that the gift of the Holy Spirit is our
right as much to-day as it ever was,
and it will try every man's authority
whether it is of God or not; for that
gift was never enjoyed, only as it was
administered by those who had author-
ity to do so by direct communication
from God and by his calling to them-
selves.
Let Mr. Scott or Mr. Stone either
of them believe as firmly as they be-
lieve any other item of their religion,
that it is our privilege in these last days
to have the gift of the Holy Spirit as in
days of old, but they will n-ever see it
enjoyed until it is administered by the
laying on of the hands of those whom
God has caused to be ordained unto
this power, and let them once try to
administer this unto them whom they
baptize, and they will find that their
ministry is vain; It is indeed adminis-
tering this gift to the children of men,
wliich puts to the proof who has aright
to preach and who has not; but keep
this gift out of view, and make it any
thing Bnd every thing but what it is,
and nothing, and the world is all alike,
one man has as much authority as an-
other, and the disciples of one man, are
as good as the disciples of another, and
one religion as good as another.
The disciples of Ann Lee, Joanah
Southcoat, the French Prophets, Jemi-
raah Willkeson, Hull Barton, Matthias,
Alexander Campbell, Walter Scott, or
Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian or
any other, are all alike, as far as their
salvation is concerned one is just as
near eternal life as the other. It is the
gift of the Holy Ghost as administered
by the apostles, by tiie laying on of
hands, which makes the difl^erence, and
it is thiv^lone, and the society which
has this piwer are the people of God
and those who have not are not.
SIDNEY RIGDON.
DIED — In this place, after a short
illness, on the 28th Jan. Electa, daugh-
ter of Elder Salmon Gee, aged two
years six months and fifteen days.
THE INDIANS.
One of the most important points in
the faith of the church of the Latter
Day Saints, is, through the fulness of
the everlasting gospel, the gathering of
Israel; — the happy time when Jacob
shall go up to the house of the Lord,
to worship him in spirit and in truth;
to live in holiness, when the Lord will
restore his judges as at the first, and
his councellors as at the beginning;
when evei-y man may sit under his own
vine and fig-tree, and there will be
none to molest or make afraid; when
he will turn to them a pure language,
and the earth will be filled with sacred
knowledge as the waters cover the
great deep; when it shall no longer be
said, The Lord lives that brought up
the chiWren of Israel out of the Land of
Egypt, but the Lord lives that brought
up the children of Israel from the land
of the North, and from all the lands
whither he had driven them; yea, that
day is one all-important to all men! —
And in view of it, with all the prophets
have said, before us, wo feel like drop-
ping a few ideas, in connexion with
the official statements concerning the
Indians, from the general Government.
In speaking of the gathering, we
mean to be undei'stood, according to
scripture, the gathering of the elect of
the Lord, out of every nation on earth;
and bringing them to the place of the
Lord of hosts, where the city of right-
eousness shall be built, and where the
people shall be of one heart and one
mind when the Savior comes; yea,
where the people shall walk with God
like Enoch, and be free from sin.
The word of the Lord is precious,
and when we read that the vail spread
over all nations, will be destroyed, and
the pure in heart see God, and live
with him a thousand years on earth,
we want all honest men, should have
a chance to gather, and build up a city
of righteousness, where even the bells
on the horses, shall be holiness to the
Lord.
The book of Mormon has made
known who Israel is, upon this conti-
nent, and while we behold the govern-
ment of the United States gathering
the Indians and locating them upon
lands to be their own, how sweet it is
to think that, they may one day, be
gathered by the gospel. Our venera-
ble President of these United States,
speaks of the Indians as follows: —
240
MI^SSENGER AND ADVOCATE
"The plan of removing the Abori-
ginal People who j'et remain within the
settled portions of the United States, to
the country west of the Mississippi riv-
er, approaches its consummation. It
was ado}. ^ed on the most mature con-
sideration of the condition of this race,
and ought to be persisted in till the ob-
ject is accomplished, and prosecuted
with as much vigor as a just regard to
their circumstances will permit, and as
fast as their consent can be obtained.
All preceeding experiments for the im-
provement of the Indians have failed.
It seems now to be an established fact,
that they cannot live in contact v/ith a
civilized community and prosper. Ages
of fruitless endeavors have, at length,
brought us to a knowledsre of this nrin-
ciple of intercommunication with them.
The past we cannot recall, but the fu-
ture we can provide tor. Independ-
ently of the treaty stipulations into
which we have entered with the vari-
ous ti'ibes, for the usufructuary rights
they have ceded to us, no one can doubt
the moral duty of the Government of
the United States to protect, and if pos-
sible, to preserve and perpetuate, the
scattered remnants of this race, which
are left within our borders. In the
discharge of tiiis duty, an extensive re-
gion in the West has been assigned for
their pern^ianent residence. It has been
divided into districts, and allotted a-
mong them. Many have already re-
moved, and others ars preparing to go;
and with the exception of two small
bands, living in Ohio and Indiana, not
exceeding fifteen hundred persons, and
of the Cherokees, all the tribes on the
east side of the Mississippi, and extend-
ing from Lake Michigan to Florida,
have entered into engagements which
will lead to their transplantation.
The plan for their removal and i"e-
establishmsnt is founded upon the
knowledge we have gained of their
character and habits, and has been dic-
tated by a spirit of enlarged liberality.
A territory exceeding in extent that re-
linquished has been granted to each
tribe. Of its climate, fertility, and ca-
pacity to support a:i Indian population,
the representations are highly favora-
ble. To these districts the Indians are
removed at the expense of the United
States; and, with certain supplies of
clothing, arms, ammunition, and other
indispensable articles, they are also
furnished gratuitously mth provision
for the period of a year after their ar
rival at their new homes. In that time'
from the nature of the country, and of
the products raised by them, they can
subsist themselves by agricultural la-
bor,if they chcose to resort to that mode
of life; If they do not, they are upon
the skirts of the great ])raries, where
countless herds of Buffalo roam, and a
short time suffices to adapt their own
habits to the changes which a change
of the animals destined for their food
may require. Ample arrangements
have also been made for the support of
schools: in some inbtances council
houses and churches are to be erected^
dwellings constructed for the chiefs, and
mills for common use. Funds have
been set apart for the maintenance of
the poor; the most necessary mechani-
cal arts have been introduced, and
blacksmiths, gunsmiths, wheefwrights,
millwrights, &c. are supported among
them. Steel and iron, and sometimes
salt, are purchased for them; and
ploughs, and other farming utensils,
domestic animals, looms, spinning
wheels, cards, &c, are presented to
them. And besides these beneficial ar-
rangments, annuities are, in all cases,
paid, anwunting, in some instances, to
more than thirty dollars for each indi-
vidual of the tribe, and in all cases suf-
ficiently great, if justly divided and
prudently expended, to enable them, in
addition to their own exertions, to live
comfortably. And as a stimulus for
exertion, it is now provided by law that
"in all cases of the appointment of in-
terpreters, or other persons employed
for the benefit of the Indians, a prefer-
ence shall be given to persons of Indi-
an descent, if such can be found who
are properly qualified for the discharge
of the duties."
Such are the arrangements for the
physical comfort, and for the moral im-
provement of the Indians. The neces-
sary measures for t.heir political ad-
vancement, and for their separation
from our citizens, have not been neg-
lected. The pledge of the U. States
has been given by Congres^Aat the
country destined for the r^Hence of
this people, shall be forever "secured
and guarantied to them." A country,
west of Missouri and Arkansas, has
been assigned to them, into which the
white settlements are not to be pushed.
No political communities can be form-
ed in that extensive region, excep-
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
?42
those which are established by the In-
dians themselves, or by the United
Stales for them, and with their concur-
rence, A barrier has thus been rais-
ed, for their protecti«n against the en-
croachments of our Gitizens,and guard-
ing the Indians as far as possible, from
those evils which have brought them to
their present condition. Summary
authority has been given, by law, to
destroy all ardent spirits found in their
-country, without waiting the doubtful
result and slow process of a legal seiz-
ure. I consider the absolute and un-
conditional interdiction of this article,
among these people, as the first and
great step in their melioration. Half-
way measures will answer no purpose.
These cannot successfully contend 5.-
-gainst the cupidity of the seller, and the
overpowering appetite of the buyer. —
And the destructive effects of the trafic
are marked in every page of the histo-
ry of our Indian intercourse.
Some general legislation seems neces-
sary for the regulation of the relations
which will exist m this new state of thmgs
between the Government and people of
the United States and these transplant-
ed Indian tribes; and for the establish-
inent among the latter, and with their
own consent, of some principles of in-
tercommunication, which their juxtapo-
sition will call for; that moral may be
substituted for physical force; the au-
thority of a few and simple laws for
the tomahawk; and that an end may
be put to those bloody wars, whose
prosecution seems to have made part of
iheir social system.
After the further details of this ai*-
rangement are completed, with a very
general supervision over them, they
ought to be left to the px-ogress of events.
These, I indulge the hope, will secure
their prosperity and improvement; and
a large portion of the moral debt we
owe them will then be paid."
In addition to the above we extract
the following from the Report on In-
dian affairs, made to Congress at the
present session: — we add and arrange
according to circumstances, &c.
The united nation of Chippewas,
Ottowas and Pottawatamies, about 1000
in number removed since September,
1834, possess five millions of acres of
land, on the east side of the Missouri,
and lying northwest of the northwest
corner of the State of Missouri. [All
these tribes may be rated at about 7000.]
The Choctaws, about 19,000 in
number, have fifteen millions of acres
lying between Red river and the Can-
adian.
A small band of Quapav/s, two or
three hundred perhaps, near 95,000
acres between the western boundary
of the State of Missouri, and the east-
ern boundary of the Osages.
The Creeks, about 3 or 4000, have
thirteen millions, one hundred and for-
ty thousand acres, on Arkansas, and
Canadian rivers.
The Seminoles and other Florida In-
dians to the number of say 25,000, in-
cluded as the owners of the above, 13,-
140,000 acres.,
Tho Cherokees, amounting to, say
16,000, have thirteen millions of acres
near the 36th degree of North Lati-
tude.
The Kickapoos, something less than
1000, have 160,000, north of Fort
Leavenworth.
The Delawares, nearly 1000, have
2,200,000 acres west and south of the
Kickapoos.
The Shawnees, 12 or 1400 have 1,
600,000 acres, south side of Kanzas
river.
The Ottowas, about 200, have 30,-
000 acres, south of the Shawnees.
The Weas, Piankeshaws, Peoria,
and Kaskaskias, say 500, in all, have
260,000 acres, south of the Shaw-
nees.
The Senecas, and Shawnees, say
500, have 100,000 acres, on the west-
ern boundaries of the State of Missou-
ri.
Of the native tribes west of the Mis-
sissippi, the report is as follows: —
Sioux . 27,500
loways 1,200
Sacs of the Missouri 500
Omahas 1,400
Ottoes and Missourias 1,600
Pawnees 10,000
Camanches 7,000
Mandans 15,000
Minatares 15,000
Assinaboins 6,000
Crees 3,000
Gros Ventres 3,000
Crows 4,500
Quapawn 450
Caddoes *2,000
Poncas 800
Osages 5,120
Kanzas 1,471
Sac$ 4,800
248
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
3,000
2,000
30,000
1,600
1,400
Arickarees
C hove lines
Blackfeet
Foxes
Arrepahas, 1
Kioways, &c. ^
*The agent has reported these In-
dians at upwards of two thousand.
In giving the above sketch of the
Red men of the United States, many
important items concernmg their re-
moval, location, rations, mechanics,
expenses, religion, &c. &c. have been
deterred till a more convenient season.
The joy that we shall feel, in common
with every honest American; and the
joy that will eventually fill their bosoms,
on account of nationalizing them — will
be glory enough, when it comes, to
shov/, that gathering them to them-
selves, and for themselves,to be associ-
ated with themselves, is a wise meas-
ure, and reflects the highest honor upon
our Government. May they all be
gathered in peace, and form a happy
union among themselves. To which
thousands may shout, Esto perpetua.-p.
Ijet every smum leaFit his
We freqtiently hear the disciples of
Christ say, if we knew our duty we
should be willing to observe it. It is
an easy matter to obtain a knowledge
of our duties, for God deals with us up-
on rational and intelligent principles,
he condemns us not for what we know
not, but for what we know and observe
not.
It is not reasonable to suppose, that
we shall be judged by a law, that we
have not, Init inasmuch as we have a
law given to us, and we do not seek ev-
ery just and lawful opportunity to
make ourselves acquainted with said
law, we must not think to escape the
penalties annexed to it, because we
were not acquainted with it, when it
Avas in our power to obtain a knowl-
edge thereof.
Any person who is in possession of
the Bible, Book of Mormon, and Book
of Covenants, need not go through the
streets and inquire what he must do to
be saved: for these three Books con-
tain the precepts and commandments
of our blessed Redeemer: and inas-
much as any individual, who is in pos-
session of these Books desires to know
what to do to be saved. We answer
study and practice the precepts con-
tained in them, and peace and happi-
ness, joy and satisfaction in the Holy
Ghost, will be the consequence in this
world, and eternal life in the world to
come.
We frequently see individuals con-
ducting in such a manner, that they
themselves know will exclude them
from the kingdom of heaven if they
persist in their ways, but because of
willfulness and bigotry, they would
rather be excluded from the church of
Christ than acknowledge facts and
make amendments, and restitution to
those whom thej have injured. Stub-
bornness, willfulness and tradition is
what excludes or hinders men from
coming into the kingdom of God and
not ignorance. Know ye not, that he
who has no understanding it remaineth
with God to do with them as seemeth
him good. If God has created a being
and has not given it intelligence would
he be just to condemn it upon the same
principle, that he would one whom he
had endowed with intelligence? no; for
an individual, or nation that has no law
given to them, become a law unto them-
selves. But the law by which God
judges idiots he has not revealed to us:
we can only judge from the principle
upon which he has said that he would
judge the world, and that is upon the
principle of testimony; for God never
condemned a nation until he had warn-
ed them of what should come upon
them, for instance he sent Noah a
preacher of righteousness, to warn the
generation in which he lived, that they
should repent of their sms, or he would
send the floods upon them, and destroy
them. And for a proof of that fact,
God gave commandment to Noah to
build an ark: but that generation
laughed Noah to scorn, and gave no
heed to the testimony which God was
pleased to give them: They still en-
deavored to justify themselves, and per-
siste(J in their own ways & did as seem-
ed them good: but after God had warn-
ed them sufficiently, he brought the
floods upon them as he had declared to
them, by the mouth of Noah.
In the days of Moses, we have an-
other beautiful sample of the dealings
of God with the human family. God
raised up Moses to deliver his jjeople
out of bondage, for the cry of oppres-
sion came up into the ears of the Lord
of Sabbaoth, and he remembered the
MKSSENGKR AND ADVOCATI
'SA9
covenant whicli he had
braham, that ho wouli
out of the land of E
made with A-
Id bruTg him up
^ypt. Therefore
he sent IMoses, and showed forth his
power to Pharioh of Egypt, by small
means, but he would not let the chil-
dren of Israel go, until the first-borii
of Egypt were slain: notwithstanding
he had shown testimony after testimo-
ny, and the power of God exerted,
time after time, in the deliverance of
his people, yet Pharioh could not be-
lieve the testimonies that were sent
from tiie Lord, but followed the chil-
dren of Israel until he found himself
and army, overwhelmed in the midst of
the Red Sea: and thus God triumphed
gloriously: and his people v/ere deliv-
ered from bondage.
And again, look at Mordicai, for a
sample if you please of the interposi-
tion of the power of God in the deliver-
ance of the poor, meek, and qppressed.
The Lord has always interposed when
his people had suffered enough, and
will he not do so again? yes verily, in-
asmuch as his saints became sufficient-
ly meek.
After God had wrought so great a
deliverance for the children of Israel,
it was not long before they rebelled a-
gainst him, and murmured against Mo-
ses, until he (God) was angry with
them and slew many of them in the
wilderness. Because of wickedness,
hardness of heart, and unbelief the
children of Israel were scattered to the
four winds of heaven: no doubt but
many would say in those days, as in
our day, if I knew the will of God, I
would observe it? This presupposes
that a man does not believe what is
written. Now if the Protestants, can
be saved, when they have the Bible on-
ly, do you not suppose that a Latter
Day Saint can be saved with the Bible,
Book of Mormon, and Book of Cove-
nants. Yes verily, the only difficul-
ties are in observing the precepts con-
tained in them, and believing that they
are what they purport to be.
The Book of Covenants, shows what
a man must do, to become a fit subject
for baptism; and after he is baptized,
it shows him how he is to receive the
Holy Ghost, and what he is to do on
the Sabbath day, to please his heaven-
ly Father, &c. &c.
We have sample after sample, in
holy writ giving line upon line, and
precept upon precept, and knowledge
upon knowledge, until God in his provi-
dence has again established his church,
and has commenced to fulfil his promis-
es whicli he has made to our forefath-
ers. To bring about this great work,
it behooved the Creator of all good, to
make known to his children the plan
of salvation: and while he did this, he
also commenced to tulfill what he had
caused to be spoken by the mouths of
his holy prophe.s, we read: And 1 saw
another angel fly in the midst of hea:v--
en, having the everlasting gospel to
preach unto them that dwell on the
earth, and to every nation, and kind-
red, and tongue, and people. If John
saw an angel fly through the midst of
heaven, &c. when at the same time
the gosp(>l was committed to himself
and others, why could they not pro-
mulgate it as well as the angel. The
lact is, John saw things past, present,
and to come, and after so many gen-
erations have passed away, the time at
length arrived, when the angel should
commit the gospel to be preached to
the child.ien of men. If not so let the
world begin to look for an angel to fly
through the midst of heaven — commis-
sioned to preach the gospel, a stranger
sight than the Book of Mo/mon: and
we presume would have no more fpl-
lowers or believers; for if the inhabit-
ants of the earth would not believe the
Savior, no marvel that they will not
believe the Book of Mormon.
The work of the Lord has been des-
pised in all ages and generations; and
wickedness, rebellion, and unbelief is
a predominant evil among the inhabit-
ants of the earth. We might ask why
did not the Jews believe that Jesus was
the Christ? One reason is, he did not
come in the atitude of a Ki7ig or Mon-
arch, through the royal blood, but he
came in a humiliciting manner, and
was cradled in a manger, and this was
beneath the dignity of the highminded
pharisees; they could not receive a
Messiah, who came in so humble a
posture. Because of their selfright-
eousness they mistook his first coming
and supposed that he was then coming
to restore the house of Israel according
to the prediction of the prophets. This
is brought to our undei'standing when
we read some of the questions asked
by his disciples: "When they there-
fore were come together, they asked
of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this
time restore again the kingdom to Isra--
250
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
el? And he said unto them, it is not
for you to know the times, or the sea-
sons which the Father hath put in his
own power." The disciples knew
that the kingdom of Israel must be res-
tored, therefore, they asked whether
the time had arrived, but he gave no
descisive answer.
It is marvelous in our eyes, to look
on this generation and behold them
with all their knowledge and sagacious
minds, ready to say, if the Eook of
Mormon had come forth by Andrew
Jackson, Henry Clay, John Q. Adams,
or some of the Reverend D. D's. in
our generation, then it would be re-
ceived with all faith and patience in
humble submission to these men, but
of the Lord it cannot be received with
a hgart of gratitude, because he is not
so much esteem.ed by them. However
this proves the sayings of the Savior
to be true: Not many noble, not many
wise are chosen.
But to become sanctified by truth,
we must learn what it is, and after we
have learned it, we must obey it. And
here is the difficulty: every man seeks
his own convenience, for this reason
the ordinances are changed, the law is
broken, and the inhabitants of the
earth have become corrupt. But the
Lord informs us by the mouth of Isaiah,
when speaking of the restoration of
the house of Israel: And I will turn
my hand upon thee, and purely purge
away thy dross, and take away all thy
tin: And I will restore thy judges as
at the first and thy counsellors as at
the beginning: Afterward thou shalt
be called the City of righteousness, the
faithful City. Zion shall be redeemed
with judgment, [that is with wisdom,
prudence, descretion &c.] and her
converts with righteousness; [that is
by sanctifying themselves and obeying
the truth &c.]
As we have before said, so say we
again, any individual with the Bible,
Book of Mormon, and Book of Cove-
nants in his hand need not be asking
what he shall do to be saved, for it is
plamly written in them; that every
man shall receive according as his
work shall be. Now if a man or wo-
man, lies, swears, steals, commits adul-
tery, or delights in the vain things of
this world, such as pride, lust of the
eye or flesh, do they not know that
this is derogatory to the precepts con-
tained in these Books; and if they per-
sist in those things, they need not mar-
vel if they find themselves shut out
from the presence of God in a day to
come. VVe can only say, inasmuch
as you will keep the commandments of
God, '( will be well with you, and in-
asmuch as you keep them not you must
suffer the consequence; every man
must be his own judge, in matters of
religion: deny a man this privilege,
and his agency is destroyed, and he is
miserable at once: For the freedom of
the soul and liberty of conscience, are
two principles that are dear to everv
man, and when taken from him, will
sink him in despondency.
Therefore for this purpose the all
Wise Creator put forth his hand and
caused the constitution of these United
States to be formed in such a manner,
that his work might commence and
flourish, without infringing upon other
men's rights, or his children being mo-
lested in theirs, inasmuch as these laws
are observed: for God rules in the
heavens above and in the earth be-
neath.
BEWARE OF DELUSION!
It is somewhat diverting, to see men
of understanding afraid of being delud-
ed. Our ears are frequently saluted
with the cry, beware of Mormon delu-
sion. We are inclined to think that
the Mormons, so called, must be in,
possession of some instinct that is cot
common to man: or why so much fear
expressed of delusion? Let us exam~
ine this matter for a few moments: per-
haps, we may find some resons.
First, we are sensible that the pro-
testants have built upon a foundatioa
which is very dubious. They say, we
hope, we believe, we are built upon the-
rock of eternal ages: but their hopes'
and their faith are intermingled, with
fear. And for the best of reasons, the
fact is, they have not been built upon
that rock which the Savior said: "tjp-
on this rock I will build my church;
and the gates of hell shall not prevail
against it." Why? because it is built
upon a rock. One party or sect takes
one portion of the word of God, and
another takes another portion, and
thus they build: and one saith, I am
built upon the rock, and another saith,
I am built upon the rock: They are
all built upon holy writ. How shal
we know whether they are built upoi
the rock or not? If there is no sigt
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
251
given, then one man's say so, is as good
us another's; provided kis reasons are
as good. Let us examine the scrip-
tures. Mark, XVI: 15,10,17 and 18.
And he said unto them, [his apostles,]
Here is a sign given; "These signs
shall follow them that believe, They
shall heal the sick-,cast out devils," &c.
&c. ^V"e ask for these signs. We
look among the Presbyterians: no such
signs there. We look among the Meth-
odist, Ei>iscopa]ians, Baptists, Univer-
salists, &c. &;c. &c. : but, we find none
of these signs.
Now we ask, are they bUilt upon the
rock, upon which the ancients buijt?
no. If they arc, they are built of diiF-
erent materials, consequently they
must be hay wood, or stubble.
But here comes a sect called "Mor-
mons." They lay hands on the sick
and they recover: Beware, least
you are captivated by these poor,
deluded Mormons, and your property
is confiscated. No matter if the
soul is lost. But if the property is con-
fiscated; their God is confiscated; and
their all is confiscated: And surely
they are deluded. You touch a protes-
tant's property, and you touch his god;
for he it is whom he worships. — [Gov.
page 75, §1, p.]
As soon as any of the signs, spoken
of by the Savior, follow a sect of peo-
ple; and the work of God begins to
rise out of darkness and obscurity, the
adversary sends forth all the lies, and
calumny, that he can invent,by the aid
of a wicked and adulterous generation:
to impede the piogress of the work of
the Lord. And then cry delusion, false
prophets, &c.
The Savior, while speaking to some
of his servants, says: "Contend against
no church save it be the church of the
devil." Now the question would arise.
How many churches are there? We
shall consult some of Nephi's writ-
ing; And he saith unto me. Behold,
there is, save it be two churches: the
one is the church of the Lamb of God,
and the other is the church of the de-
vil," [Book of Mormon, page 33,]
But here is that piece of deception,
the book of Mormon, that choice treas-
ure, away mark to happiness, a step-
stone to the kingdom of God; yes, the
diploma of the elders of the church of
Christ of Latter Day Saints: A mes-
senger sent forth to prepare the way
for the return of the house o( Israel; it
has caused thousands to rejoice alrea-
dy in the prospects tliataro laying be-
ibie thorn. But the vanity, the unbe-
lief, the darkness, and w'ickedness of
this generation; has caused many to
fulfill the predictions of Nephi, He
saith: "Many will say in that d<\\; a
Bible, a Bible, we have got a Bible &c."
These things are fulfilling in the eyes
of a wicked and gainsaying generation.
And yet they^say: Lo, here is Christ
and lo there:" But the Savior saith be-
lieve them not: for they arc blind lead-
ing the blind. We a^k "again where are
the signs spoken of by Mark. [Mark
XVI: 15,16,17, & 18.] O! ye inhab-
itants of the earth, judge ye a right-
eous judgement. "By your fruits' ye
shall be known,"
In ancient days they that believed,
healed the sick, cast 'out devils, and
spoke with new tongues, &;c. Where
are the fruits of the believer in this
generation. We know that none of
the signs spoken of by Mark, are man-
ifest in the world.
The Latter Day Saints are, progres-
sing slowly: and as they advance in
grace and righteousness, they obtain
the gifts set forth, in their proper or-
der. Here is a mystery: Why do not
all these gifts follow the Latter Day
Saints, if they are budt upon the rock?
We will also ask a question. Why
cannot an infant vv^alk alone?
All the slangs, falsehoods, and per-
secutions, that are flooding this contin-
ent, against the book of Mormon and
the work of the Lord in our days; re-
mind us of the following saying: "If
we let him thus alone, all men will be-
lieve on him; and the Romans shall
come and take away our place and na-
tion. And one of them being named
Caiphas, being the high priest that same
year, said unto them, ye know nothing
at all."
It is evident that the great godess of
this generation is in danger of being
exposed, in consequence of the forth-
coming of the book of Mormon: which
book speaks aganist priestcraft. The
Lord has said: "And it shall come to
pass, that there shall be a great work
in the land even among the Gentiles:
for their folly and their abominations
shall be made manifest, in the eyes of
all people: for I am God and mine arm
is not shortened and I will show mira-
cles, signs and wonders, unto all thos«
^v2
MSSSeXGER .\ND ADVOCATE.
who believe on my name." But we
expect to see in tliis generation, as
they saw in the days of the Savior,
men who would not believe even the
things that they saw with their own
■eyes.. Look at the apostles if you
please for an example: The Savior
told them before his death, that he
should rise the third day; but after his
resurrection, what said Thomas, he
did not believe until after he had thrust
his hand in his side, &c. he was how-
ever persuaded to believe in the fulfil-
ment of the words of the Savior: "My
^"heep hear my voice and follow mo."
We have no doubt, but the elect will
-hearken; hear, understand, receive,
nnd obey the truth, no matter how ma-
ny cry false prophet, deception, gold
Bible, delusion! delusion!! We are
sensible, thai every person must stand
or fall for himself, and we are confi-
dent that every one will receive ac-
cording to his works. If a person has
been lying, will he not receive the re-
ward of a liar; or evil speaking of his
neighbor; or false swearing, or any
other abomination; will he not receive
the reward of his works? We know
that the most vile, most base, most
wicked, and most unprincipled heathen,
■cries delusion, false prophet, Jo Smith,
,gold Bible. But what astonishes us,
is, that those who call themselves the
disciples of Jesus, will cry the same
things: and why? we conclude it is
.because they are of the same spirit.
"A good man out of the good treas-
ure of his heart, bringeth forth that
which is good; andean evil man, out of
the evil treasure of his heart, bringeth
forth that which is evil; for out of the
abundance of the heart the mouth
speaketh."
The following is an extract from a
private letter written by an intimate ae-
quo intance and friend of ours, to his
brother, resident in the state of N. Y.
The deep interest felt for the scattered
remnants of Judah, is such, that every
item touching this afflicted people, must
be received with eagerness. We
have not room for the whole letter, but
it will appear in our next.
Kirtland Ohio, February 1, 1836.
Dear Brother: —
Those who are favored
with light are bound, more or less, to
communicate, at least a portion to
their fellow men; and as we are re-
quired to respect our own flesh, the
kindred ties which bind the human
heart are inseparable, in the bosoms of
men of God, and have the first claim
in all cases where their salvation is
concerned. This fact is so evident
from scripture and analogy, that I need
not occupy th's sheet with arguments
upon the subject.
I am not however, under the neces-
sity of saying to you, that duty to the
Lord requires you to believe this par-
ticular form of doctrine, neither to dis-
believe the other; but have reason to
be thankful that it has pleased God to
give us both hearts and minds which
were willing to forsake that which was
old and ready to vanish away, or rath-
er, to exchange it for that which is new
and everlasting.
In one of my private letters to you,
some time smce, 1 promised a short de-
tail of a conversation I held in the city
of New York, last fall, with a very
learned and intelligent Jew, upon the
subject of the Messiah, and of the re-
turn and glories of Israel, in the last
days; and owing to a constant press
of business, since my return, up to this
hour, I have been prevented from re-
deeming my pledge.
For your better understanding, I
will just say, that a part of my busi-
ness in the city, was to purchase a
quantity of Hebrew books, — Bibles,
Lexicons, &c. and was refered, par-
ticularly, to the gentleman, of whom t
am about to write, for information and
advise as to such as were genuine and
correct, as myself was unacquainted
with that language, and in consequence
of my frequent interviews during my
purchase, and the kindness and warmth
with which I was as frequently receiv-
ed, I iTiust say, for a stranger I had
become quite intimate, so much so
that I conversed upon whatever sub-
ject I wished, with freedom.
After finishing my business I had
designed taking the ten o'clock (A. M.)
boat, which intersected with the rail
road and stage line, to Philadelphia;
but owing to some little delay was pre-
vented. 1 had previously engaged by
promise to call on my aged friend, the
Jew, at 8 o'clock the same morning,
and carry some letters to relatives of
his resident in Ohio; and at the time,
informed him that I might providential-
ly be disappointed in my wish to return
home via Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
He said — "For ijour sake, 1 hope you
may not be disappointed; but for mine,
I hope you may, and if you are, you
will return via the Lake, in which case
you will not leave the city till 5 o'clock
P. M. LMid if you are destined to take
the latter rouie I feel Xo press upon you
to give me a promise of calling on me
again, when, 5'ou will be rcleaved
from concern and perplexity attendant
on purchasing books of so much im-
portance, and we can the more freely
converse upon subjects of moment and'
interest."
I must confess, that though I expect-
ed to leave at 7 o'clock, yet, the feel-
ing manner with which this aged and
learned Rabbi addressed me, excited
in my bosom a desire greater than ev-
er, to visit him again, and I according-
ly gave him my word upon those con-
ditions, without any hesitancy.
After finishing the remain'ng part
of my business, I returned to fulfil my
engagements with my aged friend; and
after tne usual salutations, seated our-
selves for further conversation. I list-
ened with intense interest to his rela-
tion of the prophets, and of the ar-
rangement of the several books of the
holy scriptures. Finally, it came my
turn to speak, and I addressed him
more particularly upon the literal ful-
filment of certain of the prophets, in
substance, as follows:
You being a Jew by faith, and
brought up in the Jews' religion, of
course do not believe that that person-
age, who by many was called the
Messiah, who was on earth some eigh-
teen hundred years since, was the one
spoken of b}^ the prophets, for whom
the house of Israel looked, and through
whom, or by whose power, they ex-
pected redemption?
Jew. — "I do not."
Certainly, we are not to be held ac-
countable for disbelieving without evi-
dence; but as an individual, /have a
testimony, which with myself, amounts
to a certainty, Indeed, I can say, in
truth, that I knoxo him to have been
and to be, the true Messiah.
Jew: — Very well, I do not say you
have not, — I cannot say you have not;
but I can say, /have not; and I pre-
sume there is no question or item
which can be agitated upon that all-im-
portant subject that I have not careful-
ly examined; and from a close and
candid perusal of the prophets, have
j53
come to the tirm conclusion, that I am
justifiable in my belief. Yet, in sayino-
this, do not understand me to have the
least objection to your believing as vou
wish— mos-t certainly I have noiie.''
Then you still look for a Messiah to
come that has not yet come?
Jew:— I do— I believe the prophets "
My aged friend, although as I said,
that I have an infallible evidence that
the Messiah has already come, and ia
the precise manner which the prophets
preso,ribe, yet, since you have affirmed
that on them rests your evidence that
he has not come, certainly I will ap-
peal to them with pleasure. l-!ut first,
will you be so kind as to answer this
query?
Admit, for a moment, your belief to
be correct— say the Messiah has not
made his appearance — that all the
heavenly hosts are waiting with that
anxiety and reverence becoming supe-
rior beings, to shout the fulfilment of
the word of Jehovah long since given
to his holy prophets, that the Deliverer
of Israel, the King of Jacob, has now
come: admit this, and when he comes
will he suffer afflictions of bodv or
death? •^'
Jew: — "I conclude not."
At a meeting of the seventy Elders
held in Kirtland on the 27th of Dec,
we were informed of the spread which
the mighty work of God has taken by
their means the past season. Thev
have traveled, through the assisting-
grace of God, and preached the fulness
of the everlasting gospel in various
States and generally with good suc-
cess; many have been convinced, and
175 baptized into the Kingdom of Je-
sus, notwithstanding many treat the
proclamation of the last days with neg-
lect, yet others seem disposed for eter-
nal life, and receive it with a joy
which none but the faithful can realize;
and when the Lord in accordance with
his word pours out the gift of the Ho-
ly Gh©st upon those who believe and
are baptized for the remission of sins
they are enabled to bear a testimo-
ny to their neighbors in favor of the
work and so the mighty wheel rolls on
like a bright cloud in the heavens un-
checked by the efforts ol men.
The seventy Elders bear testimony
of the goodness of God in the outpour-
ing of his Spirit upon them, which has
enabled them to wax exceedingly bold
254
MESSENGER Ai^D ADVOCATE.
in proclaiming the trutli and in prepar-
ing l!ie way be to re them, bearing them
up b}' his mighty arm, giving them
wisdom to stand against th.e wisdom of
this world and filling their hearts with
joy unspeakable, so that they have been
made to rejoice in tribulation and not
count their lives dear or any loss or
suffering which they endure for Christ's
sake: having put their trust in Jesus
who endured the contradiction of sin-
ners before them, dispised shame, ac-
complished the work which was given
him to do, overcome the grave, and is
set down on the right hand of God wait-
ing for his foes to be made his foot-
stool; in short, the relation of the sev-
enty reminds us of that given by the
seventy disciples whom the Saviour
sent out, two by two, into all the cities
and villages whither he himself would
come. They went forth by his com-
mandment, preached according to his
directions, and when they had filled
their mission, returned rejoicing in the
power which had been given unto them;
but the Saviour advised them not to re-
joice in this but rather that their names
were written in heaven; of this, we
would remind the Latter Day Seventy
that they may not rejoice on the ac-
count of the power which Go9 has giv-
en them but because their names are
written in the Lamb's book of life,
never to be blotted out; and remember
always that the Kingdom of heaven in
the last days is likened unto a grain of
mustard seed, which is first concealed
in the earth from the sight of nwn,then
springing up a tender blade, but in the
end towering aloft a mighty plant, and
fjHing the whole earth. So Ave hope,
and more than hope, for we have the
word and promise of the Lord, that
these seventy Elders will arise by the
grace of God, go forth among the na-
tions of the earth and preach the gos-
pel in its fnlness and power to every
creature under heaven, and gather up
the elect of God out of every nation,
and bring them to Zion with songs; yea
from the ends of the earth shall be
heard songs, even glory to the right-
eous; that Israel may be brought back
from their dispersion to their own
lands in multitudes like doves to their
windov/s before a gathering tempest
which threatens destruction to all that
are unhapily left in the field: that Zi-
on may be builded, a holy city, and be-
come a rejoicing as nt the first: that
it be built to be thrown down no more
forever, for the Lord shall watch over
her, *o build up and net to throw down
saith the Lord and the saints shall long
enjoy the work of their hands; but the
wicked with all their expectations must
be cut off, for the consumption deter-
mined upon the whole earth, must be
accomplished, and these seventy eldery
seem to be well fitted to act a conspicu-
ous part in this great and last work of
God on earth. They are worthy
young men, strong, active, energetic,
determined in the name of the Lord to
go forvvard and persevere to the end;
relying on the mighty arm of Jehovah,
praying always to the God of Daniel,
for wisdom, understanding, strength,
power, and all things, that they may
war a good warfare, overcome enemies,
wax valiant in the truth, thrust in the
gospel sickle by the power of God, and
gather a rich harvest of the sanctified
from the field of destruction which must
soon be burned.
May the Lord speed them on their
mighty errand, that the work may be
done and well done, the righteous gath-
ered, sanctified, and made meet for
their Father's kingdom; and be looking
forth unto the coming of the Son of
Man in the clouds of heaven with pow-
er and great glory. When the king-
doms of this world will be shaken, the
man of sin destro3'ed, everlasting right-
eousness brought in, the knowledge and
glory of God cover the earth; Saints
be exalted and rejoice; earth purified
by fire which shall burn like an oven:
wickedness consumed; satan bound;
Christ reign; and all the redeemed, out
of every nation, with him forever and
ever: and all the fulness of celestial
glory be enjoyed by the Saints in the
presence of God and the Lamb: Even
so: Amen. Come Lord Jesus.
SYLVESTER SMITH, Clerk.
Extracts of Utters reccivecl since
Ifecemhcv 1.
Eldrr J. Blakesley and G. Dutcher,
write from Woodville, N. Y. "The
cause of our Redeemer in these re-
gions, is gaining frinds: ^Ve have bap-
tized 3 since we last wrote."
Elders Curtis and Bracken write
from Charlestown, la. "We labored
in Clark Co. and baptized 11, and or-
dained one Elder: also baptized 3 in
Scott CO. Many are believing in these
regions."
555
OD
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
Elder David Evans writes from
Richland co. O. and says: "Tiie
Lord is moving on his work in this
section of country. Since the 28th of
Oct. last, I baptized 18 in Knox co.
5 in the church at Perry, 2 near New
Portage, and 1 at Newville."
Elder W. WpodruiT writes from
Tennessee, Jan. 2, 1836. "During the
last year, I travelled 3,248 miles, held
170 meetings, baptized 43 persons;
procured 22 subscribers for the Mes-
senger and Advocate; also 73 on the
petition to the Governor of Missouri;
wrote 18 letters, and ordained two
Teachers and one Deacon. Held three
debates &c."
Kiriland Dec. 22, 1835.
Dear brother in the Lord:
I left Clay co.
Mo. Sept. 11, 1834, in company with
elder M. Phelps, on a mission to pub-
lish glad tidings of great joy to the in-
habitants of the earth: we journeyed
and preached for the space of four
months and four days, held forty one
meetings, baptized 16 and ordnined
one elder, and one teacher in Calhoon
. .^. III.' From this place travelled in
company with elder A Lyman, held
thirty eight meetings, and baptized 6 in
Madison co. 111. Travelled alone,
held twenty five meetings, baptized 10,
and ordained one elder and one priest
in Madison co. III.
Met elder Higbee in Clinton co. III.
on the first of May, 1835. We trav-
elled and proclaimed the gospel fifty
six times, baptized 46, and ordained
three elders m Hamilton co. 111. Ariv-
ed in Kirtland the 11 day of August,
1835. W"ent to work on the house of
the Lord, worked 51 days.
^'^Left Kirtland on the 15 day of Oct.
in company witheldu.-G. M. Hinkle,
to publish salvation to the inhabitants
of the earth. Travelled about two
hundred miles, preached sixty times,
and built up a small church in the towns
of Bedford and Independence, Cuyaho-
ga CO. Ohio, consisting of 12 members,
Thus through the grace of God, I have
labored for better than a year, in com-
pany with the above named elders, and
I hope that the Lord will remember in
mercy, the inhabitants among whom
we have Ifibored, and bring many of
them, to i' 'l^.-.he error of'their ways;
and obey the gospel of our Lord and
Savior Jesus Christ. Mav the Lord
keep and preserve those, who havo
been born into the kingdom of our
God, blameless unto his kingdom and
commg.
Yours in the bonds of love,
ELISHA H. GROVES.
To John Whitmer Esq.
Hamilton co. Illinois, Nov. 2, 1835.
Dear Brother:
I left Clay co. Mo.—
on the 23 of December, 1834 — in
company with elder J. Holbrook, wc
travelled and preached until we arrived
at Salt River church. From this place
I journeyed with Elder W. Ivy, we
journeyed as far as Montgomery co. —
III. preached by the wa}^ and baptized
two. From thence we journeyed to
Bedford co. Tennessee: we tarried in
this State about two months. The peo-
ple flocked from every quarter, to hear
preaching, many were convinced of the
truth, but few obeyed the gospel. We
baptized five in this State; we left Bed-
ford co. the first day of June; arrived
at Hamilton co. III. the 8th day of
same month, here we tarried, and la-
bored in company with elders E. H. —
Groves and I. Higbee about three
weeks, and baptized 33. After this
Groves and Higbee left for Kirtland,
elder Ivy and myself baptized seven,
after the afore mentioned brethren left
us. Elder Ivy left here the 29 of Sep-
tember, since he left, I baptized two
more, I expect to baptize a number
more in this place, who believe the
work of the Lord. The Lord is bles-
sing his children here with some of the
gifts of the gospel.
I remain vour brother \fx the new
covenant, "MILTON HOLMES.
To J. Whitmer Esq.
Kirtland, Dec. 6, 1835.
Dear brother:
We left Kirtland the 21
of May last, and proceeded to Buffalo
by water; from, thence journeyed east,
preaching as often as we could get a
congregation convened. Tarried two
weeks in Savanna, Wayne co. N. Y.
held 14 ^meetings, found the people
anxious to hear, and many believing:
from thence we went to Butternuts,
Otsego CO. preached in that region
about two months, found considerable
opposition, baptized seven, whom v/e
left rejoicing in the truth, besides ma-
ny believing,
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
We then returned to Savanna,
where we baptized live more, stayed
about two weeks, and went to green-
wood, Stuben co. N. Y. where we
found a little branch of about 30 mem-
bers, we preached twice and baptized
one: and from this place we returned
to Kirtlaud, arrived the 1.3 day of Oct.
H. STANLEY,
J. GRANT.
To J. AVhitmer.
J. Whither, Esq. Sir: —
I must ask par-
don of the portion of your readers
whom it may concern for a neglect to
present to you the following circum-
stance for publication before this time.
At our Conference in Bradford Mass.
it was proved that the character and
conduct of Elder James Paten,of North
Providence R. I. rendered him unwor-
thy of a place in the church of the
'Latter Day Saints.' His licence had
been called for before this by some of-
ficial member of the church in that
quarter, but he refused to deliver it up
The conference therefore voted that he
should be published.
1 am. Sir, Yours
in the Bonds of
the New Covenant.
ORSON HYDE,
Clerk of Conference.
Kirtland Jan. 12, 1835.
Extract of G. Burkefs letter, dated,
Wood river, 111.
Dear hrother:
After laboring for a
season in the branch of the church of
Latter Day Saints, through the provi-
■ dence of our God, I have baptized four,
in Madison co 111.
Yours &c.
G. BURKET.
To J. W HITMER.
HOSANNA TO GOD AND THE LAMB.
TUNE — American Star.
The Spirit of Go J like afire is burning;
Tlie l;:Uer day alory besins to come forUr,
The visions and blessings of old are returning;
Th-^ ungels are coming to visit tlie earth.
We'll sin" & we'll shout with the armies of heaven:
Ho=<inna, hosanua to God an the Lambl
Let ciory to them in the highest be given,
Henceforth and forever: amen and amen!
The Lord is extending the saints' understanding-
Restoring their judges and all as at lirst;
The knowledgennd power of God are expanding:
The vail o'er the earlh is beginning to burst.
AVe'U sing and we'll shout &c.
We cnii in our solemn assemblies, in spirit,
To spread forth Ihe kin;;:!o!n of heaven abroad,
TiKit \"e tlirough our faitli niuy begin to inherit
Tlie visions, and ! lessings, and glories of God.
We'h sing and we'll shout &c.
AVe'U wesh.andbe wash'd, and with oil be anointed
AVithal not omitting the washing of feet:
For he that receiveth'his penny api-ointeit,
Must surely becle.'n at the hai-vest of wheat.
We'll sing and we'll shout &c.
Old Israel that fled from the world for liis freedom,.
Must come with the cloud and the piliur, amaiii:,
A Moses, and Aaron, and Joshua lead him,
And feed him on manna from heaven again.
We'll sing and we'll shout &c.
How blessed the day when the laiib and the lien
Shall lie down together without any ire;
And F-phraim be crown'U with his blessing in Zion,
As Jesus desce'iiis with his chariots of tire!
We'll sing &. we'll shout with /r<S:!iiiiies of heaven;
Hosanna, hosanna to God and the Lambl
Let glory to them in the highest be given.
Henceforth and forever: amen and .'.men.
The glorious day is rolling on —
All glory to the Lord!
When fair as at creation's dawn
The earth will be restor'd.
m\. perfec ''Iiarvest then will crown
The renovated soil;
And rich abundance drop around,
Without corroding toil;
For in its own primeval bloom, ^
Will nature smile again; *>
And blossoms strearahig with perfume,
Adorn the verdant plain. . _ _j^, w^
The saints will then, with pure delight,
Possess the holy land;
And walk with Jesus Christ in white,
And in his presence stand.
What glorious prospects! can we claim
These hopes, and call them our's?
Yes, if through faith in Jesus' name,
We conquer satan's pow'rs.
If we, like Jesus bear the cross —
Like him despise the shame;
And count all earthly things but dross,
For his most holy name.
Then while the pow'rs of darkness rage,
With glory in our view,
In Joijus' strength let us engage,
To press to Zion too.
For Zion will like Eden bloom;
And Jesus come to reign —
The Saints immortal from the tomb
With angels meet again.
THE LATTER DaY SAINTS'
messenger and Advocate,
/S EDITED B\'
JOHN WHITMESS,
And published every month at Kirtland, Geruga Co
Ohio, by
F. €5. ^VliiErlAMS & Co.
Al S 1, per an. in advance. Every pers m procuring
ten new subscribers, and foricarding ^ 10, atrrent
money, shall be entitkd to a^pap"'"^,te year, gratis.
Ail letters to llnEditar,or Pwil-fiytlZfiV"/ be
\i_rPOST PJlD.j_ii_
JVb subscription will be received for a less term than on
year and no paper discoulinued till all arrearages wet
paid] except al the option of the publUhcrs.
I. A T 1
A¥ §A
@*
MI3@§13I^^C^f:M AM® Ali>V©€ATF..
Vol.. I!. No. 5.]
KIRTLANU, OHIO, FEBRUARY, I'^So, [Whole No. 17.
The foUowing communications have
leen handed to us for publicalion, we
hove given ihem entire. Truth can
loose nothing bij i.nve.sHgafion^ end er-
ror cannot ga<.n any thing.
■Dear Brother:
It was with much pleas-
ure that I read yours of the 16th Au-
gust, and shall now, with equal pleas-
ure, examine some of its most impor-
tant features.
I. You say "the plan of salvation
was devised in Heaven," I say so too;
II. You sa^v "that that plan was on the
principle of revelations, miracles," &c.
And that plan you say ^'1 utterly deny,"
I :presume you think so, but you are
mistaken.
Now ray Brother, 1 say to you, tha-t
that plan of salvation which was devis-
ed in heaven, \vould always have re-
tnaiRCd in heaven had it not been
made known to men by revelation. —
There v/as no other way they could
learn it. Human wisdom 'could never
have sought it out, and the book of na-
ture could never have tauj^ht it.
The design of revelation was, then,
1.. To make known the.Jssing of God,'
2. To make known his v/ill, and 3. To
make known the consequence of doing,
or not doing his will. Two queries now
arise, 1. How was this revelation made
to men? 2. How can vv'g know that it
IS a revelation from God?
I. How was the revelation made to
men? Was it made directly to every
individual for whose benefit it v/as de-
signed? Or was it made to individuals,
who v/ere chosen and comr,ii.ssi(yi:^d to
instruct the rest of mankind? That it
y>'as not made to every individual it
need^ no argument to prove. It fol-
lows then that it was made hy individ-
\m|s chosen and commissioned to in-
struct the rest of th? human family, —
On ih(- ir veracity then are we depend-
ant, for our knowledge of the v/ay of
salvation.
IL How can we know that their
communication is a revelation from
God? Will their bare assertion satisfy
us that God speaks by them? I say no.
We nv.].-t have evidence or we cannot,
belie- ;. But what evidence wiirsatlo-
fy? Nothing short of a miracio can. —
If a person ahouldsay that ho had ti
communication from God, and then
to convince us that God did speak by
him — should say to a dead man, arise!
and h:; should ri?e up. Or he shouhi,
command the elements,and they should ■
obey him, the winds should cease to
blow, and the waters to flow; thes»
miracles done, would be sutficient evi-
dence that God spoke by him. But
these miracles would need to be dono
publicly, ' in the presence of friends
and foes, that there might be no ground
for cavil. And these rmracles would
need to be continued until the revela-
tion was completed, and no long" r.
Now my Brother I believe in a plan
of salvation, devised in heaven, and re-
vealed to the world, by individuals
chosen and commissioned for that pur-
pose,— x\nd those individuals were,
Moses and the Prophets, Jesus Christ
and the Apostles, — And those individu-
als sustained their pretensions by ma-
ny, and splendid miracles.
Moses delivered his dispensation and
sustained it by miracles to the satisfac-
tion of the Hebrew-^, and to the confu-
siOAjjOfih^i^! .^"iciriies. Jesus Christ
and his Apostles revealed the Gospel,
and the whole Gospel; and backed it
up by the most splendid miracles ever
wrought. The winds and the sea; the
dead, and the devils, all obeyed ihem.
And Avhen their revelation was com-
pleted, the Gospel ^\x'i\y revealed, their
miracles ceased, they were no longer
needed. The Gospel having been I'ul-
ly made known, by the holy Apostles
and Prophets. Paul denounces a curse
on those who should presi;mo to preach
any other. And I awfully fear fo)'
these false Prophets, and false tea",h-
ers, who are pub!i.shing to the world
for gospel, that which Mc^>GS and ths
prophets, Christ and the Apostles never
taught, may -God pity them and save
them fro«n-tho delusion. >
Again you say "that visions, dreara§,
miracles &c. were given for the per-
fecting of the saints" — "and that they
cannot be perfect without them" la
v/hat Book, Chap, and ve-rr,s ia ir, n-a'-j
that vision.^i, dreams, rniracies, vzo. arc;
the saiiita?
given for tho perfectitig
You say that vou ace wilTi'A'^ t^at tfe'
Bible should l^ the Wst: '1^fhs\Sioia"
i appeal. Now' Brother,, tig] I ads .vviaefc
268
MfiSSfiNOEfl AN15 ADVOCAl^
it is written — Paul aays that "Apostles,
Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and
Teachers" were given for that pur-
pose, Eph. IV. 11, 12. But he says
nothing about dreams and visions be-
ing given for the perfecting of the
saints.
1. Did not Jesus Christ, and his
Apostles deliver the Gosoel, and the
whole Gospel to the wcrld? 2, And did
they not receive it by revelation from
God? 3. Were not the miracles they
wrought, expressly to convince the
world, that they were divinely author-
ised teachers, and that what they taught
was from God? 4. And were not the
miracles which they wrought, abund-
antly sufficient to confirm the fact that,
God spoke by them? 1. If they deliv-
ered the whole Gospel. What more is
there to be revealed-^Or what reasons
have we to expect more revelations?
2. And if no New revelation is to be
made, Why should miracles be contin-
ued? Now my Brother I am candid in
these queries, and that you may know
where I am, I say to you, that I answer
the first four queries all in the affirma-
tion, and in reference to the last two,
I say, I have no reason to expect any
more revelation, consequently no more
miracles. These are my honest con-
victions, after much prayerful investi-
gation of the subject.
Now, so sure as that I have answer-
ed the first four questions correctly, so
sure, we find the whole Gospel in the
writings of the Apostles and evangel-
ists,—And if we find the whole there,
any after revelation, can be no part of
the Gospel, because a whole can re-
ceive no additions to it of the same, —
The ichole Constitution of the United
States was given, at the organization of
tho General Government, — Hence it
admits of no after additions. So the
whole Gospel was given in the days of
tlie Apostles, and it admits of no addi-
tions, or diminution. Hence, when a
man teaches the same that Christ and
the apostles taught, he reveals nothing,
he only publishes that which was be-
fore revealed, and if he teaches any
thing which they did not, he teaches
no part of the Gospel of Christ, for
that was all taught before. It must be
then, "another Gospel," And any
v.'ho presume to teach another has
reason to fear Paul's curse.
Now my Brother, I wi;jh you and
some of the wisest of your Mormon
teachers to make out my errors, and
teach me a better way if you can. I
wish 3^ou, and them also, to give a
candid answer to my queries. Come
now, do not shun a fair invesfigatio&y
truth will suffer nothing by it. Yoii
think I am in error,^— That 1 am noi
in the kingdom of God, — And that t
must coHT-) into that new work in or-
der to be saved. Now Bioiher, if I
am wrong I am Worth rigiiting, and I
am willing to be righted. If 1 am not
safe, I am v/orih sf^ving, and willing io
be saved. And I thi'^k that you are
deceived, and many others, and I want
a chance to show you wherein. — And
I am *villing '.o sp,3nd some time, and
some paper and ink to do it, whether
I succeed, or not. And on my part I
say, if you, or any of yoar people ca»,
and will answer my honest objections
to your theory, I shall be a Mormon.
I am as ever, Your
Affectionate Brother,
O. BARR-
E. Barr.
Conneaut, Sept. 22nd, 1835.
Kirlland, November 15, 1835.
Elder O. Barr,
Dear Sir: — A letter
written by you to your brother of this
place, was put into my hands by him
some time since, with a request that I
should answer it. A press of business
prevented me from doing it until now.
I can say that it is with a degree of
pleasure, that I avail myself of the op-
portunity of forming an acquaintance
with a stranger, by investigating an
item of our holy religion, believing that
there is nothing in this world, which
could profit us more, than a fair and
candid investigation of the subject of
revealed religion: being myself a firm
believer in revelation.
Before I proceed to answer your
four principal queries, I will notice
some things said in the preceeding part
of your letter. You say, "The de-
sign of revelation, was, then, 1st To
make known the being of God." To
this I must object, and my reasons for
so doing are the following. Revela-
tions from God were at all times the
result of the faith of those who receiv-
ed them; for without faith it is impos-
sible to please him." [God] Now if
revelations were the result of ihe faith
of those who received them, this faith
could not exist, without the persona
'iiZLitySstJiy OrX:-i» A^\ t^, i\.U i ijy^Ai. £^,
W>
having it, had personally an idea of
the being of God. "For how can they
believe on him of whom they have not
heard" is an apostolic maxim, founded
both in reason and revelation. This
beinjj the fact, no revelation could
come only through those who previ-
ously had the idea of the being of God.
With regard to the idea of the being
of God, it has doubtless been a matter
of tradition, since the creation of Ad-
«m our common parent, who at his
•creation stood in the presence of his
God, and beheld him face to face, and
had {]•"}, most perfect knowledge of his
€xisience; and having this knowledge,:
he communicated it to his posterity,
«,nd thus the idea of the being of God
•came among men. And this idea be-
ing among men, some of them sought
unto God by reason of the faith they
had in the being of God, and obtained
the revelation of his will.
You ask, "How was the revelation
made to man? Was it made directly
to every individual for whose benefit it
was designed, or was it made to indi-
viduals, who were chosen and commis-
sioned to instruct the rest of mankind?
That it was not made to every individ-
ual it needs no argument to prove. It
follows then that it was made by indi-
viduals chosen and commissioned to in-
struct the rest of the human family. —
On their veracity then we aie depend-
ant for our knoNviedge of the wav of
Galvation."
If 1 understand you in th^^se last ex-
pressions "That we are dependant on
the veracity of some men for our
knowledge of the way of salvation" 1
must object to it with every feeling of
my heart. Indeed sir, I consider the
assertion a contradiction in terms. It
is impossible for one man to be depend-
ant on another for his knowledge of the
way of salvation. The first idea that a
man has of the way of salvation, ht;
may have, by reason of the credence
he gives to the word of others; but
his knorvledge of the way of salvation
depends on something very differen*.
from this. Nothing less than a reve-
lation from God directly to ourselves
can give us knov/ledge of the way of
salvation; however strong our taith
may be in it, still, it is a very ditTerent
thing to have knowledge of it.
While I am on the subject of revela-
tions, and by way of reply to 5'our ob-
earratioa* oa that subject, — Let me
observe, that though there were men
chosen of God through whom he gave
revelations to the world, yet it does
not follow of necessity, that those for
whose use the revelations were given,
had no other way of testing their truth,
but the veracity of those through whom
they came. This would to all intents
be staying ourselves on man, and mak-
ing flesh our arm; which is stricUy for-
bidden in the word of the Lord.
I conceive Sir, that the heavens
have alv^ays been accessible to the
saints of God, and that God who gave
revelations vvould also give testimony
to the truth of them by his spirit, to
those who sought it in sincerity and
truth. So that the saints at no period
of the world, were indebted to the ve-
racity of inspired men alone for their
firm reliance on revelations.
You ask again, "How can we know
that their communication is a revela-
tion from God? Will their bare asser-
tion satisfy us that God speaks by
them? I say no. W^e must have evi-
dence or we cannot believe. But what
evidence will satisfy? Nothing short of
a miracle can."
To the idea of our being confined to
a miracle, to know that a communica-
tion was or is a revelation, I must ob-
ject; for it would justify the Jews ia
rejecting the prophecies of Isaiah, Jer-
emiah and others; for we have no ac-
count of their ever working a miracle
to prove to the Jews that their commu-
nications were a revelation from God.
The Jews must have found it out some,
other way, and if they could not have
done it, they were justified in rejecting
them as impostors, and not sent of
God. I think Sir, if you were to con-
sider this subject again, j^ou would find
that according to the faith of all believ-
ers in the old and new testament, you
have espoused an untenable ground,
in saying that a miracle is the only
way by which we can determine that a
communication is a revelation from
God; for there are a great many things
in the scriptures, that the persons de-
livering them never confirmed them by
a miracle.
The Jews on this principle, were
surely justifiable in refusing to acknow-
ledge Jeremiah as a prophet of God,
and his communication, as revelation;
for he never pretended to confirm them
by a miracle; though he was greatly
abused by lh« Jews and insulted^ (at.
?S60
m-ESSENGER AND ADrOCATT^
one time cast into a pit, at another in-
carcerated,) but no miracle was
wrought to prove to the Jews that they
were persecuting a prophet of the liv-
ing God, and that he was delivering to
them the word of the Lord; and if man-
kind are justifiable in rejecting every-
thing as a revrlation only what is con-
firmed by miracles, they were surely
justified also-
This is a conclusion Sir which I
conclude is at war with both your faith
and practice, yet, it is fairly deducible
from your premises, and the only one
that can be deduced from th^m. So
that your own faith and practice are at
war with your assertion contained in
your letter.
On the subject of confirming revela-
tions by miracles, you descend to par-
ticulars. You say, "f f a person should
say that he had a communication from
God, and then to convince us that God
did speak by him, should say to a dead
man, arise! and he should rise up. —
Or should command the elements, and
they should obey him, the wind should
cease to blow, and tlie waters to flow,
these miracles done, would be sufficient
evidence that God spoke by him. But
these miracles would need to be done
publicly, in the presence of friends and
foes, that there might be no ground for
cavil. And these miracles would need
to be continued until the revelation was
completed, and no longer."
All the reply I wish to make to this
lengthy quotation is this. V/here is
it recorded, that the prophecies of
Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Hosea, A-
mos, Zachariah, Zephaniah, Joel,
Ilaggai, Micha, with a number of oth-
ers were ever established as you have
said a revetstioa must be confirmed, in
order to receive credence. I think
.Sir, you would be perplexed to find it,
indeed there is no such thing written,
and yet, you believe these prophejies
to be a revelation, and consider the
Jews to have been bound by them, at
the time they were written, notwith-
standing they were unattended with
the evidence necessary to give them
the character of revelations, if your
assertions in the above quotations are
correct.
i must confess Sir, believing as you
do, I cannot see the cosisistency of
your course. It does seem to me, that
in order for you to be consistent with
yourself, you must exclude from the
canaonical books all those which htive
not the evidence above required, and if
you do this, you will certainly lessen
the quantum of our ^revelation very
much.
A3 to Moses and some of the proph-
ets performing splendid miracles there
is no dispute. Neither as to Christ
and his apostles: but to use the proph-
ets indiscriminately, it cannot be done
in truth; for there are some of them
of whose miracles we have no account,
neither have we evidence that they
wrought any. But the most objec .ion-
able part of this assertion is the conclu-
sion which you draw from them, and
that is, because Moses and some of the
prophets wrought miracles, and Jesus
Christ and his apostles did so also, that
from these facts you draw the sweep-
ing conclusion, that we are not author-
ized to receive a communication as n.
revelation, unless it is confirmed by
such miracles as you are pleased to
mention. But to pass on to your four
queries.
They stand thu?. "1. Did not Jesvs
Christ and his apostles declare the gop-
pel. and the ii'liole gospel to the v.orld?
2. And did they not receive it by ref-
elation from God? 3. Will net the
miracles they wrought expressly to
convince the icor'ld that they were di-
vinely authorized teachers, and that
what they taught was from God? —
4. And were not the miracles which
they wrought abundantly sufliicient
to confirm the fact that God spoke by
them?" On these four principle que-
ries you ask the following questions. —
1. "If they delivered the ickcle gospel^
What mors is there to be revealed? —
Or what reasons have we to expect
more revelations? 2. And if no new
revelation is to bo made. Why should
miracles be continued?"
In order to reply to these queries, I
will in the first place correct a singular
mistake, which runs through your
whole letter upon the subject of mira-
cles. You seem to think that the ob-
ject of miracles was to confirm revela-
tion, at least take this thought away
from your letter and what you havo
said would be v/ithout meaning. Now
a greater mistake than this, could not
exist in the mind of man. You talk
about Moses and the prophets, Jesus
and the apostles working miracles, to
confirm the scriptures as though there
were no other characters in the world
MESSED* GER AND ADTOCATS.
set
who had wrought miracles but them.
I should think from j'our writine^.s
thr.t yon had never duly considered
the commission given to the twelve
apostles. Which reads thus. "Go ve
into all the world, and preach the <?;03-
pel to every creature. He that beiiav-
eth, and is baptized shall be saved, and
he that bclieveth not shall bo damned.
And these si^ns shall follow ihcui that
beheve, not the avostles^ but those that
■believed on their word. They v/cre to
lay hands on the sick. They were to
take up serpents. If they wcjre to
apostles
<Jrink any deadly thing it should not
hurt them. Mark then dear Sir r.ar-
ticularly, that the signs were not to
follow the apostles themselves; but
those who should believe on their vvord^
there is no exception, here boili men
and won:!Gn were alike included. —
These signs shall follow them that be-
liovo, making no exceptions.
Now if Jesus and the
wrought miracles tn prove that they
were Messengers sent of God, and
that God spoke by them; for what
purpose do you think those wrought
miracles, who believed on their word?
was it to prove to themselves that the
apostles were men of God? Not so
sriost assureJiy, but something else,
and what v/as that something'? AVhy
to prove to the world, that they were
the churches of Jesus Christ. Now
Sir as you argue that there can be no
apostles and revelators unless they
can prove their mission to be divine by
miracles, so, upon the same principle
I argue that there can be no Church of
Chri.::!: unless they can prove them-
selves to be so by miracles; and the
very same evidence which is brought
lo prove one of these things will prove
th-j other. And there is no reasonable
min, who is conscientiously convinced
that there can be no apostles unless
they can prove tlieir mission by mira-
cles, but must also be convinced that
there are no Churches of Chriiit unless
they prove it by miracles also. For
argue t'lat tlie ancient apostles did so,
and the argument is equally as strong
that the aneient churches did so also,
and the rule will quadrate: it will meet
at every corner.
I have been no little surprised to
to hear men conieading v/ith all the
zeal of their nvature to guard the world
agiinit receiving any man as a mes-
enger of heaven ualess ha can prove
his mission by miracles; and yet call
any thing and every thing the church
of Christ, miiacles or no miracles. —
There is nothing in the world more
pleasing than consistency (1 mean to
the candid mind) and no man can be
consistent with himself, who says that
he is forbidden to receive any man as an
apostle unless he can work miracles,
and yet say that he is authorized lo
acknowledge a society as the church
of Christ, without that society having
the gifts which v/ere in the ancient
churche?.
After saying so much upon the sub-
ject of miracles, I shall return to your
queriv'S.
Having seen then, that the power of
miracles as it existed among the for-
mer day saints was of such a nature
as to put it as much out of our power
to claim the right of being churches of
Christ as for us to claim apostieshipt
your queries will be very easily ac.~
swered.
Let it be observed then, that there is
no dispute, as fo the apostles having
fully preached the gospel, and of their
having proved themselves to be mes-
sengers sent of Goc'; but the point of
diflerence, if any, is this, that ti'io
whole religious world have departed
from the gospel as preached by Christ
and his apostles; and what the world
now preaches is not the gospel, which
was preached by ihe Savior and his
apostles; and that the whole religion :*
v.'orld without excepting one sect, is in
danger of the curse which Paul pro-
nounced on the head of those who
preach another gospel, as there is not
one single sect of all the sects who
preach the gospel that Paul preached*
and the Galatians received, and as
you said, so say I, "i awfully fear for
those false Prophets and false teach-
ers, who are publishing to the world
for gospel what Moses and the proph-
ets, Christ and the apostles never
taught, may God pity them and aava
them from the delusion."
I Y/ish you to understand distinctly
that I believe as much as you can be-
lieve, that Christ and his apostles
preached tiie gospel, and the tcfiolc
gospel; but I also believe that it was
a very diflerent thing from what i.-i
now preached for gospel in the world.
Let me invito your attention to some
of the difFerences between the gospel
of Christ and v/hat is now proclaimed
9dV
MESSENGEft AlfD ADTOCAT^.
in the world.
The first difference that I shall men-
tion, is that of the priesthood. That
gospel had a priesthood attached to it,
which had the power of getting revela-
tions, and obtaining visions, as well as
the ministering of angels. They had
power to administer in the name of the
Lord Jesus to the sick, and in his name
to rebuke diseases of all kinds; they
had also power to give the Holy Spirit
by the laying on of the hand?; they
obtained revelations, not only for their
own direction in the world, but for
that of the churches also that they had
raised up. So that they were truly min-
isters of Chi'ist sent forth to minister
in his name to all who would believe,
and by means of this ministry, and
power, they could build up the king-
dom of Christ among men, and estab-
lish his cause in the world. The gos-
pel that men pi'each in these days have
no such ministry or priesthood: the
priesthood of modern times has no
such power or authority. No revela-
tions; no ministring of angels; no
heavenly visions; no ministering of
the Holy Spirit by the laying on of
the hands; and yet, claim to be the min-
isters of Chrisf, acting under the same
commission, and the same authorit}^ as
they did. Surely the disparity is
too gi'eat not to be seen by the least
discerning. Will you be so kind as to
show me how this great difference
can exist, and yet the two priesthoods
be the same priesthood, acting under
the same commission, and the priest-
hood of the same gospel? For take the
priesthood away by which the gospel
was administered, and of what avail
is the gospel? the answer is, it is of
none; for the gospel is only of use to
men, when there is somebody to ad-
minister it to them.
The second grand difference is the
different effects which are produced by
the two. The gospel preached by the
Savior and his apostles produced the
most marvelous effects, the persons
who were administered to by the priest-
hood of that gospel, found themselves
in possession of something very differ-
ent from the rest of mankind. They
too could lay hands on the sick and
they would recover, they could take
up serpents and they could not hurt
them, they could drink any deadly
thing and yet be unhurt. They also
had the power of getting re»velations.
of seeing visions, of prophesying of
enjoying the ministering of angels as
well as many other marvelous things,
which are no where found among
those who embrace the gospel of Mod-
ern times, but enjoyed by all those
who received the gospel administered
by the apostles.
Now Sir, I should be glad to know
how it is that the same gospel can be
preached by the- same authority, and
the effects be in every respect differ-
ent? The gospels which are nov*
preached possess not one single chai'-
acteristic which distinguished the gos-
pel preached by the Savior and his a-
postles. Neither is there the least re
semblance bftween the effects of tho
two. One was attended by power, and
by the gifts of the Holy Spnrit. The
other is unattended by power, or by
the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Both
those who preach them, and those who
receive them, reason as you have done
in your letter, to prove that both the
power and gifts of the Holy Spirit
which always attended the gospef, are
done away; but still contend for the
same gospeHhey say, and for the same
commission, and yet declare that the
effects of both have c^^ased'. This
surely is marvelous, a great deal more
so, than that there should be revela-
tions in the last days.
If 1 should ask by what power did
the former day saints heal the sick,
cast out devils, raise the dead, take up
serpents, drink deadly things and yet
not be hurt, work miracles, speak with
tongues, interpret tongues^, prophesy,
dream dreams, see visions, &c. (fcc. —
The answer would be, that it was by
the power of the gospel by which they
did such things, as administered by
the Savjor and his apostles. And this
is what is proposed in the gospel as
proclaimed by the former day saints,
and if those who received it did not en-
joy these blessings, they did not re-
ceive the blessings proposed to them
in the gospeK
This then, is what I contend for;
that the gospel as proclaimed by the
Savior and his apostles, and as writ-
ten in tl^ new testament has disap-
peared with the ministry thereof; and
this is the reason why revelation has
ceased, and the power of tho Holy-
Spirit known no more. If the gospel
of the new testament was proQjaimed,
all the effectis of it would foU&nr tho^
M3E«SENG*R AND ADTOCATEL
663
who received it, — So that the same or-
der of things would be on the earth
iow, as was then.
You ask "If they revealed the
"whole gospel, what reason have we to
expect any more revelation."
Let me ask a question in connection
with this If thfe world has departed
from the gospel revealed by the Savior
land his apostles so as to lose both its
ministry and its effects, how will the
God of heaven restore it to them again,
but by revealing unto them that they
^re wrong, and showing to them and
that by revelation too, wherein they
are wrong, that they nvay repent and
turn to him and obtain forgiveness? —
Or can you show me when it was,
that a generation of | eople had apos-
tatized from the truth, and ever turned
back to it again without revelation be-
incf given unto them?
_.
When you aiiswer these questions I
will answer 3'ours.
Now Sir, having noticed every thing
in your letter which I consider of im-
portance I submit it to your inspection,
desiring that you would reply as fully
as the case requires, hoping that this
communication will be received in as
good feelings as it was written.
In consideration of high respect, I
subscribe myself vour friend and well
wisher, SIDNEY RIGDON.
EXTRACTS OF LETTERS.
Elder Wilford Woodruff writes
from Eagle Creek Benton Co. Tenn.
I have baptized 8 persons since De-
cember 18.
The following is a list of the differ-
ent Branches in my circuit, which ex-
tends about 200 miles.
Eagle Creek, branch,
in good standing.
Chalklevel branch,
Cyprus do
Acadamy do
Blood River do
Taropen branch in
members in good standing.
Dayn\ons Creek do
15
members
21
do
10
do
8
11
do
do
fe mucky
31
8
Elder C. Rich writes from Eugene,
ia. I have preached some in the we^i't
part of 111. in comi)any with Elder
Wixam. We baptized five and mmy
were convinced of the truth of the
;gospel.
Elder J. Blakeslv writes from Mex-
ico, N. Y. I am now in the County
of Oswego, laboring in the towns of
Mexico and Palermo, where I first
preached the word on the evening of
the first day of January 1836. I have
baptized 13 since I last wrote. The
greatest door is opened for preaching
in these regions that I ever saw.
Elder Solomon Wi am rites from
Crooked Creek, Schuyler Co. III.
The work of the Lord is 'still gaining
influence in this place, i have bapti-
zed 9 since I last wrote. The church
in this place numbers 18 in good stand-
ing-
i
NOTICE
Is hereby given to all whom it may
'"-oncern, that Messrs. T. B. Marsh and
■. ...<5 ^ - -■^natp-l t'f "Tvvcl ,
while on their mission to the East, last
season, received a letter from the Pres-
idency of the church in which they
were censured for neglecting to teach
the Church in Freed. ;m vJattarnrii-us
County N. Y., the necessity of con-
tributing of their earthly substance for
ihc building of the House of the Lord
in this place. The rebuke from the
Presidency, (as the undersigned has
been informed) was nredicat- j lv on a
letter addrei?sed by him, to the Presi-
dents or some one of them, statmg that
they, the Twelve taught no such thing
The undersigned, although actuated by
the purest motives at the, time he v/rote ,.
trith, has since becojiio s.vtisficd fron> "^
lar item in their instructions was not
omitted as he had representf^ti, he,
therefore, most deeply regrets it, being
sensible as he now id, lii.tL m.j .v,,,, j,ue
cause (although ircnor-.Tut^ of •vomit'imo;
tlie best of feelings, and depressing
spirits buoyant with hope, while in a
field of useful labor at a lii.^tanco iVom
home. W. A. CO WDiiiY.
Ivirtland, March 7th 1S38.
CONFERENCE NOTICE.
Notice is hereb}'' given, that a con-
ference will be held at the house of
i^r. S. Utley Chalklevc(, Benton Co
Ttn. on the 28 and 29 of Mp,y
next'.
S64
Messenger Aifi) AorocATg.
KIRTLAND, OHIO, FEBRUARY, 1836.
/ arr. the may, tlie truth, and ths life.
— Jesus.
When we read the New Testament,
and compare the life of the Savior
with those who profo^^s to be his fol-
lowers, and see the great contrast be-
tween them; we are led to cxclaiin,
they have all gone out of the v/ay, and
none doeth good; no not one.
We look abroad and behold, the ex-
ertions of men to promulg;\te v/hat
they are disposed to call the gospel. —
We see Blissionaries going forth cloth-
ed with the power oi' a diploma from
eome Acedemy to disseminate glad
tidings of great joy. Such authorities
are wood as far as men are concerned
in a temporal point of view. Query,
fvi'e sucii commissions ratified in heav-
en? and if not, can men with these
authorities be instrumental in the bands
of God in-prepaiing men to dwell in
his presence; or does it merely serve
to moralize men? We leave this to be
determined by our readers.
Again, suppose a tentleman from
France, would come forward and pro-
duce a license for Judge signed in
Francn, according to the regular au-
thority; and would step forward and
dc-'ermine a case in the State of Ohio,
having no authority save that which
he had obtained in France, would his
decision be valid? No. Suppose we
take the New Testament, and read: —
♦'Go ye therefore, and teach all na-
tions, baptizing them in the name of
the Fatht: r, and of tiie Son, and of the
Holy Ghost; teaching them to ob-
serve all things whatsoever I have
commanded you: and lo, I am with
you ahvays, even unto the end of the
world."— Matthew 28: 19,20. Were
these sayings to us in this generation
(or were they to the apostles only? No
doubt they were to the Apostles, and
to none else. All will admit that the
Apostolic church has fled into the wil-
derness, and if so, has their authority
|iOt iied with thernJ
Where siiall we go to get authority
to proclaim the gospel? one would
readily exclaim go to God; but here is
a Gifhculty, God does not reveal him-
self to us. How then can we know
whether we are accepted of him or
sot? how can we knov/ whether it
■would be pleasing to God to preach
the gos|X;l that the apostles preached,
and built up churches in the name of
Jesus, and did many mighty miraclesy
such as healing the sick, casting out
devils? &c< Paul saith, '-He tba«
preacheth any other gospel than thaJ
which we havo preached let him be ac"
cursed."
Let us examineTor a moment what it
was that Paul preached, & how he came
by his authority. Nov/ the things that
Paul preached agreed with the things
that Peter and the rest of the apostles
preached; Notwithstanding he (Paul)
declares that the things that he preach-
ed he received not of man, neither of
men; but of God through Jesus Christ:
he declares that he saw none of the
apostles for three years save Jame§i
the Lord's brother. Notwithstanding
the Savior himself had been on e'avthy
and had taught twelve men all things
concerning his kingdom, and the}/-
were at the same time on the earth m
full authority to preach the gospel, and
build up the kingdom of God; yet, he
revealed himself to this man, when at
the same time all things were prepared
and he had arisen, and ascended on
high, and sat dov/n on the right hand
of the Father. Strange to say that
God in the days of the aj)ostles, should
reveal himself personally to Paul,
when he had given to Peter the keys-
of the kingdom, and had instructed nim
and the rest of the apostles, respecting
his church and kingdom: but so it was.
These circumstances demonstrate to
us that God Vv'orks as seometh him
good, and revealeth himself to whom
he Vv'ill, and commissioneth his serv-
ants, in a manner that dubiety can
have no place in their bosoms; but
like the apostles can with all boldness
declare the truth, because they have a
perfect knowledge of it. Paul had
not received his commission of man,
therefore, he had no fear of man, but
he feared God; he says, "Woe is me
if 1 preach not the gospel." Where
is the woe for a man of this generation,
if he preach not the gospel? show us
a man that has a woe pronounced up-
on him if he preach not the gospel, and
we will show you a man that is com-
missioned of the Lord of glory, and he
like Paul, will preach the gospel with
oower and demonstration of the Holy
Ghost; with signs following. For he
will follow him who saith, "/cw the
MESSENGER AND ADVOC'ATfi.
«8&
tcay, the trulh, cind Ike life.'^
To become a foil' vver of any per-
con, we must become as he is, or do
whut iip. h.is left for us to do, the Sav-
ior saj's: ''And this is life eternal, that
they might know thcc the only true
God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou
hast sent. I have glorified thee on the
earth; I have finished the work which
thou gavest m.e to do.'' Here we
would ask a question, where is the
man that understands or can knou"
wliether he has finished the work tl^.nt
was given him to do, v/ithobt a revcia-
tion from God? Any man that has a
knowledge of this thing mu.st have a
revelation.
A,gain the Savior saj's; "The work
that I see my Father do that I do." —
We have heard many men say, if a
person is good and pious they will be
saved in the kingdom of God. The
Savicr "'as baptized in Jordan by the
hands of John; if iiC had been sprink-
led by hi -n, v.'ould he have done the
will of him who h.ath sent him? Judge
ye. I am the way and the irulh and
the life. If we follow the v.'ay the
Messiah went we conclude it ^yo'Jld
not answer the purpose when we are
called to account for our deeds, if
we had stepped aside nom the way by
having a few drops of v^'ater sprinkled
an us, instead of going down into Jor-
dan and cominiT strais^htway v.vt out of
the wate'\ Neither do vi-e believe
that it v.'ould be our privilege to claim
a seat in the celestial kingdom of God
with the ajwstles and those v/ho have
come up through much tribulation,
when we have feasted upon the nchcb
of the earth, and spent our days in
idleness and vanity, by worshiping a
God of imagination withorU body or
parts, or any substance, of our own
form.ation. It is a fact, that there are
as many gods worsiiipped as there are
denominations, for instancG, the Uni-
versalistn worship a god that embraces
all the workmaniihij) of his hfinds in
mercy, cons^eoucntlv saves all in liis
kingdom, good bad or indilferent. The
Presbyterians worship a god that has
created some for happiness and others
for misery. The Methodists v/orship
a god without body or parts: and thus
one differs from another. V/e should
have but little or no hesitancy in sav-
ing, that we believe all those who are
true and fu'thful to their creeds and
covenants, and practice theniwith hon-
esty of heart, will in due time, more
than realize their expectations.
The God that the Latter Day Saints
worship, dineis from all oiher gods,
that are worehip-j^cd in thvsc last days,
in man}- respects, he is impartial, he 19
iu::t, be is merciful, he is longsuffcring
and of tenc'sr mcry, he judges all
men according to their works, he givea
all ihinjrs tlsat arc calculated to do his
O
children good as far as it serves to
promote their happine:-s and gorify
himself. When he is called upon he
answers, when counsel is asked of him
he gives freely, as it is written in his
word. He is that God who spoke to
Abraham, to IssriC, to Jacob, to ?.foses,
to Isaiah, to PeiC'', James and John,
and in these last days he has spoken,
to Joseph. It is that God who never
changes, who is the same to-day as
yesterday and forever, it is that God
who has created the heavens and the
earth, and docs liis work by faith as
Paul saith to his Hebrew brethren: —
^'Tiirough faith v/e understand that the
worlds were framed by the word of
God; so that things whicti are seen
were not made of things which do ap-
pear. In short, he is the great I AM,
that was, and is, and is to come. —
Without faith it is impossible to please
God. Therefore by faith v/e can as-
certain to a certainty that there is a
Gc;!, by faith in his word we can ob-
tain a perfect knowledge of it: "Ask
and ye shall receive, knock and it
shnll be opened unto you." If these
promises cannot be fulfilled to us v.'hen
we ask, wh.-.i benefit are they to us?
If these promises are for us, why not
claim them? and be benefited by them.
Is it possible for God to lie? and if it
is not, wmH he not give us Avhen we
ask aright? and if he will answer our
prayers, can we not ask him. to show
us the way that he would delight to
have us walk in; if so, then no doubt
he will show us the way his Son walk-
ed in, for he saitii: "/ avi ike tcay.. and
tha truUi avd the life.''' For us to ca-
vil about our belief, when we have the
word of God before us, is folly in the
highest degree; yea, it is worse than
folly, for it serves to make us niisera-
ble rather than happy, it serves to con-
demn us rather thr.n justify. The
fact is plain, if God will judge us by a
law that we cannot understand, he
cannot justify himself: but if the law
is plain and we ourEdvos haT(j perrert-
SOfl
ItrESSENGER AICD ADVOCATS
ed it, then God will be justified and
we condemned. This generation
seems to act, in matters of religion
just as if this life were aneternity,and.
the life to come probationary. It
seems so inconsistent for a man to dis-
regard truth, and embrace error; to
believe a lie, and reject the tru'h; to
spread falsehoods and suppress facts;
to scieen the guilty, and disregard the
cries of the innocent. Can it be pos-
sible that a man can be a disciple of
Jesus, who assists to break the laws of
a free and republican government? —
The Savior saith; "I am- not come to
destroy but to build up." If we build
up righteousness we must set our faces
like flints againts wickedness. The
Savior taught all, and expounded all
things to his disciples, and lebuked evil
doers with sharpness. Supposing
God should call a man and commission
him from on high and send him forth
to preach his gospel and build up his
kingdom, and the said servant should
use the 'anguage of the Savior; and
begin to say to this generation as the
>Savior did to the Scribes, Pharisees
and Lawyers: what would be said of
him? we presume that some of our
good and pious men, would do as did
the Jews, they would seek his life.
By tracing ;he history of the different
ages, we find ikat when God sent
servants to warn the people, the first
thing that was proposed was away
with such a fellow. The church of
God was built up on the earth from
time to time, but never remained on
the earth long at a time.
The selfrighteous combined with the
wicked and ungodly sought the des-
truction of the saints of God, and have
heretofore accomplished their object. —
All will acknowledge that the church
of the Lamb of God has fled into the
wilderness: Now if the church is in
the wilderness; we ask, where aie the
disciples of Christ? We judge, if the
church has gone into the wilderness,
and remains there, the disciples are
there also; consequently this genera-
tion musl be in an siwful dilemma. If
the church comes forth out of the wil-
derness, then may we not look fr.r its
primitive oi'der? If it should change
from its primitive order, how shall we
know it when it comes? May we not
look with propriety for the predictions
of the Savior to be fulfilled, in this
our day and generation; "Lo her© je
Christ or there; believe it not. For
there shall arise false christs and falso
prophets, and shall show great signs
and wonders; insomuch, that if it wero
possible, they shall deceive the very
elect." But it is n >t possible for tbenl
to be deceived. The elect of God will
ask and receive, they will knock and
it will be opened unto them; they will'
inquire and know of a surety; they will
build upon the Rock even Jes^s;' they
will seek until they find the good old
way and walk therein: And when they
get in it, they will know of a surety,
that thev are Christ's and Christ is
God's: when this is accomplished,
there is not much danger of being de-
ceived by Lo here and Lo there. In-
asmuch as we seek with all our hearts,
might, mind, and strength, we will
have but little difficulty in finding the
way that leads to eternal bliss: "/am
the ttayy and the truth, and the life."
Kirtland, Feb. 26, 1836.
The several quorums rnet in thd
House of the Lord, to conclude the bu-
siness concerning the ordination of of-
ficial members in the church of Christ,,
of Latter Daj Saints.
Q^ Cewdery Orsou Hyde and Sy.V
vester Smith were nomi^ated and sec-
onded to draft rules, and regulations
concerning licenses. Vote called, and
unanimously passed.
Thomas Burdick was nominated and
seeond€>d to officiate as Clerk, to record'
licenses. Vote called and unaniraoua
ly passed.
Kirtland, Ohio, March. 3, 1836".
The following authorities of the
church of Latter Day Saints assembled
in ihe House of the Lord according to
adjournment for the purpose of trans-
acting busmess for the church Viz. the
Pi;esidencyof the church. The Twelve
apostles of the Laaib, the twelve High
Counsel'ors of the Church in Kirtland,
The twelve High Counsellors of the
church in Zion. The Bishop and his
counselors of Kirtland, The Bishop
arni counsellors of Zion, The seven
Presidents of the Seventies, the Presi-
dent and counsellors of the High Priests
the President r.nd counsellors of the
Elders, The President and counsellors
of Priests: The President and counsel-,
lors of the Teachers, and the Presi-
dent and counsellors of the DeaconS*
Opened by sinking and Prayor.
MESSEJCQT.R AlfD ADrOGATff.
fW
The committee appointed on the 24
of February to draft resolutions for the
better regulation of Licensing the ofli-
cial members of said church, made
their report, which was read three
times by the chairman of said commit-
tee, after which an addition was made
to the 6th articles, extending the power
of the chairman and clerk pro-tern pore
to act in the absence of the standing
chairman and clerk. The following is
a copy of the report of a committee
appointed by the authorities of the
church of Latter Day Saints, assem-
bled in the House of the Lord in Kirt-
land, Feb. 24th 1836, for the purpose
of drafting resolutions to regulate the
manner of licenses to the official mem-
bers of said church which were to be
presented to said authorities for their
consideration.
Whereas the records of the several
conferences, held by the Elders of the
church, and the ordination of many of
the official members of the same, in
many cases, have been imperfectly
kept since the organization, to avoid
ever after, any inconvenience, difficul-
ty or injury in consequence of such
neglect your committee recommend.
1 That all licenses hereafter granted
by these authorities assembled as a
quorum, or by general conferences
held for the purpose of transacting the
business of the church, to be recorded
at full length by a clerk, appointed for
that purpose in a book to be kept in this
branch of the church until it shall be
thought advisable by the heads of the
church, to order other '.'ooks and ap-
point other clerks to record li-
censes as above. And that said recor-
ding elerk be required to endorse a cer-
tificate, under his own hand and signa-
ture on the back of said licenses, spe-
cifying the time when, and place where
such licenses were recorded, and also
a reference to the letter and page of
the book containing the same.
2 That this quorum appoint two per-
sons to sign Licenses given as afore-
said, one as chairman, and the other as
clerk of conference, and that it shall be
ih duty of said person appointed to
sign licenses as clerk of Conferences,
immediately thereafter, to deliver the
same into the hands of the recording
clerk.
3 That all general conferences abroad
give each individual, whom they or-
aaiW, a ciertificata signed by the chair-
man and clerk of said conference, sta-
ting the time and place of such confer-
ence, and the office to which the indi-
vidual has been ordained; and that
when such certificate has been forwar-
ded to the person hereafter authorized
to sign licenses as clerk of conference,
such person shall, together with tho
chairman of conference, immediately
sign a license, and said clerk of con-
ference shall, after the same has been
recorded, forward it to the proper per-
son.
4 That all official members in good
standing and fellowship in the vaiious
branches of this church, be requ' sted
to forward their present licenses ac-
companied by a certificate of their vir-
tuous walk before the Lord, signed by
the chairman and clerk of the gener-
al conference, or by the clerk of the
branch of the church, in which such
official member resides, by the advice
and direction of such church to the
clerk of conference, whose duty it shall
be to fill a new license as directed in
the 3d article: And that all licenses
signed recorded and endorsed, as spe-
cified in the first article, shall be con-
sidered good and valid to all intents and
purposes in the business, and spiritual
affairs of this church as a religious so-
ciety, or before any court of record of
this or any other country wherein
preachers of the Gospel are entitled to
special privileges, answering in ^all re-
spects as an original record without the
necessity of refering to any other
document.
5 That the recording clerk be requ''ed
to publish quarterly in a paper publish-
ed by some member or members of tho
church, a list of names of the several
persons for whom he has recorded li-
censes within the last quarter.
6 That this quorum appoint two per-
sons to sign as chairman and clerk of
conferences. Pro tempore licenses for
the standing chairman and clerk, who
shall be appointed as n-'med in the 2d
article and also to act in their absence
in signing other licenses, as specified
in the foregoing article.
Kir t land Feb. 27 1836.
O. COWDERY. ;
O. HYDE. y Committee.
S. SMITH- )
The several bodies were then called
upon for their decision upon the fore-
going report. The Deacons being first
called upon gave a unanimous vote, in
2^
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
favor of the same. The Teachers vverrj
thea called upon and voted unanimous-
ly in favor of the I'eport. The quorum
of Priests received it by a unanimous
vote. The Bishop and council of Kirt-
land received it unanimously. The
Bishop and council of Zion received
it without a dissenting voice. The
Eldera passed it unanimously. The
High Priests also. The P.-esidents of
the seventies, The High counsellars
of Zion, The High counsellors of
Kirtland, The Twelve Apostles and
the Presidencies, all concurred in the
reception of said report.
Joseph Smith Jr. was nominated as
chairman and Frederick G. Williams as
clerk.
Sidney Rigdcn as chairman and Ol-
iver Covv'dery as clerk pro tempore. —
The several bodies were then called
to vote upon the above nominations
v/hich passed by unanimous votes.
The resolutions offered to the quo-
rums on the 12th of February regula-
ting ordinations were then read, when
a decision was had after wliich they
passed unanimously. Counci. closed
l>y rjiT-'er oi Bish'>i> Pafr'd<?e
Ol'.ver Cowdery, Clerk
Kirtland, Ohio. Feb. 1, 1836.
Dear. Bkothek:
Those who are fa-
vored with light arc bound, more or
less, to conimimicate, at least a por-
tion to their fellowmen; and as we are
required to respect cur own flesh, the
kindred ties which bind the human
heart are inseparable, in the bosoms of
men of God, and have the first claim
in all cases where their salvation is
concerned. This fact is so evident
from scriptui'e and analogy, that I
need not occupy this sheet with argu-
ments upon the subject.
1 am not, however, under the ne-
cesshy of saying to you, that duty to
the Lord requires you to believe this
particular form of doctrine, neither to
disbelieve the other, but ha-ve reason to
be thankful th^t it has pleased Cod to
give us Z»o//i hearts and minds v/hich
were v/isiito^ to for.sake that which
was old and ready to vajtaLsJi away, or
rather, to exchange it for that which
h new and everlasting.
In one of rny private letters to you,
some time since, I promised a short de-
tail of a conversation I held in the ci-
ty of Nev/-York, last fall, with a ve-
ry learned and intelligent Jew, upon
the subject of the Messiah, and of the
return and glories of Israel, in the
last days: and owing to a constant
press of business, since my return-, up
to this hour, I have been prevented
from redeeming my pledge.
For your better understanding, I
v/illjust say, that a part of my busi-
ness in the city, was to purchase a
quantity of Hebrew books, — bibles,
lexicans, &c. and was referred, par-
ticularly, to the gentleman, of whom
I am about to write, for information
and advice as to such as v/ere gen-
uine and correct, as myself was unac-
quainted with that language; and in
consequence of my frequent interviews
during my purchase, and the kindness
and warmth v/ith which I v/as as fre-
quently received, I must say, for a
strange?- 1 had become quite intimate,
so much so that I conversed upon
whatever subject I wished, with free-
dom.
After finishing my business I had
designed taking the ten o'clock A. M.
boat, vhicl! irste.sected '"ith the r"il
road a-ud stage line, to Philadelphiaj. ,
but owing to some little delay was pre-
vented. 1 had previously engaged
bv promise, to call on my aged friend,
the Jew, at 8 o'clock the same mor-
ning, and carry som.e letters to rela-
tives of his resident in Ohio; and at the
time, informed him that I might
providenlidlii/ be disappointed in my
wish to return home via Fhil'a. and
Pittsburgh. He said — ^'For your
sake, I bc'pe you may not be disap-
pointed; but formme, I hope you may
and if you are, you will return via
the Lake, in which case 3-ou will not
leave the city till 5 o'clock P. M. and
if you arc destined to take ihe latter
route, I feel to press upon you to give
me a promise of calling on me again,
w!ien, you will be relieved from cou-
cern and perplexity attendant on pur-
chasing books of s J much iir.povtance,
and we can more freely converse upon
subjects of moment and interest."
I must confess, though I expected to
leave at 10, yet the feeling manner
with v.'hich this agf-d and learned Rab-
1)1 addressed me, excited in rny bosom
a desire greater than ever, to visit
MESSENaER AND ADVOCATE.
him ngain, and I accordingly gave
him my word upon those conditions,
without any licsitancy.
After finishing the remaining part
of my business, 1 relumed to fulfil m_\
enojagemriits with m}^ aged friend; and
after the nsr.al salutations, seated our-
selves u-r further conversaiion. I
listened with intense interest to his re-
lation cf the prophets, and of the at-
ranjrement of the several bo<iks of the
holy scriptures. Finally, ft came my
turn to speak, and 1 addressed him
more particularly upon the literal
fulfilment of certain of the prophets, in
substance, as follows:
Vou being a Jew by birih, and
brought up in the Jewish religion, of
course do not believe that that person-
age, who by many is called the Mes-
siah, who was on earth some eighteen
hundred years since, was the one spo-
ken of by the prophets, for whom, the
house of Israel looked, and through
whom, or by v/hose power, they ex-
pected redemption?
Jew; — "I do not."
Certainly, we arc not to be held ac-
countable for disbelieving without evi-
dence; but as an individual,' I have a
testimony, which with myself, amounts
to a certainty. Indeed, I can say, in
truth, that I /cnoio huTi to have been and
to be, the true Messiah.
Jew: — "Very well, I do not say
you have not; I cannot say you have not;
but 1 can say, I have not; and I pre-
sumsc there is no question or item which
can be agitated upon that all important
subject that I have not carefullv' exam-
ined; and from a close and candid pe-
rusal of the prophets, have come to the
firm conclusion, that I am justifiable in
my belief. Yet, in saying this, do not
understand mo to have the least objec-
tion to your believing as yea wish —
most certainly I have none."
Then you still look for a Messiah to
come that has not yet come.
Jew: — I do — I believe the prophets."
My aged friend, although as I said,
that [ have an infallible evidence that
the Messiah hns already come, and in
the piecise manner which the prophets
prescribe, yet, since you have affirmed
that on them rests your evidence that
he has not corns, cerlain!}^ I will appeal
to them with pleasure. Eut first, v/ill
you be so kind as to answer this que-
ry.
Admit, for a aoment, your belief to
be correct — say the Messiah has not
made his appearance — that all the
heavenly hosts are v,';iiti)U; with that
an^ietv and reverence beco.ninii sune-
nor l.eings, to shout the fulfilment of
I lie word of Jehovah long since given
to his holy prophets, that the Deliverer
of Israel, the King of Jacob, has not
come: admit this, and when r.e comes
will he suffer afflictions of body, or
death?
Jew: — "I conclude not."
Then be so kind as to tell me tho
meaning of the following language of
the prophet Zechariah? "And i will
pour upon the house of David, and up-
on the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the
spirit of grace, and of supplications:
and they shall look upon him whom they
have pierced, and they shall mourn for
him, as one mourneth for his only son,
and shall be in bitterness for him, as
one that is in bitterny^s frr his first-
born."
Jew: — "That is an incorrect trans-
lation: here is the impor'ance of un-
derstanding the Hebrew Scriptures."
[ am not particularly tenacious upon
this short text, neitlier have I time to
give you my reasons for believing it in
its present form: I am wiling to pass
over this; but you will be kmd enough
to remove a greater difficulty out of
my path. Isaiah says: "Who hath
believed our report? And to whom is
the arm of the Lord revealed? For ho
shall grow up before him as a tender
plant, and as a root out of dry ground:
he hath no form nor comeliness; and
when we shall see him, there is no beau-
ty that we should desire him. He is
despised and rejected of men; a m.an of
sorrows and acquainted with grief: and
we hid as it were our faces fro-.n him;
he was despised, and we esteemed him
not. Surely he hath bourne our griefs,
and carried our sorrows: yet we did
esteem him .stricken of God and af-
flicted.
Jew: — You must take this chapter
in connexion with the one which pre-
cedes it, and without particular refer-
ence to the one we cannot come at the
prophets meaning, as he v/ished to
be understood, in the other."
/am not unwilling to connect the tv/o
chapters; and must 'jrther confess my-
self to be immersed in mystery, unless
I interpret them as I have been accus-
to n.;d; for certainly the visage of some
person was to be marred raorn
r«
MBSSKjtGEH AND ADVOCATE*
than any man, and his form more than
the sons of men.
It appears to me, and ever has, that
the prophet Was not speaking this of
himself; for he continues in the chap-
ter first commenced, and says. "But
he was wounded forour transgressions,
he was bruised for our iniquities: the
chastisement of out peace was upcin
him; and by his stripes We are heal-
ed.
No one, possessing mere humanity
could be required to beur such afflic-
tion. Indeed, it would be altogether
useless, as the language is so broad that
it at least includes a natian=^"All wc
like sheep, have gone astray; we have
turned every one to his own way; and
the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity
of us all. He was oppressed and he
was afflicted; yet he opened not his
mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the
slaughter, and as a sheep bdfore her
shearers is dumb, so he openeth not
his mouth."
The figure is a plain one, as will ap-
pear in the chapter, of an offering like a
lamb that an atonement must be made
for men; and to suppose the person here
spoken of to be a mere man, would be
saying at once, that one man can atone,
by his blood, for the sins of another,
and possess also the power to come
forth from the dead; for this character
was to be "cut off out of the land of
the living, he was to n^.ake his grave
with the wicked, and with the rich in
his death;" and after this he was to see
of the travail of his soul and be satis-
fied; because he had poured out his sou!
unto death, — he was to divide the
spoil with the strong."
If I am to admit that this individual
was a man, then perhaps the great que-
ry in my mind is in part solved, at
least, so far as this chapter is concern-
ed; but, there are still serious obstacles,
and I shall be under the necessity of
soliciting your aid in removing them.
We read, Isa. 7:14, "Behold, a vir-
gin shall conceive, and bear a son, and
shall call his name Immanuel." This,
all will agree, in short, means God. —
It is also said Isa. 9:6, "For unto us
a child is born, unto us a Son is given;
and the government shall be upon his
shoulder; and his name shall be called
Wonderful, Counsellor, The migh-
ty God, The everlasting Father,
The Prince of Peace." Again it is
Baid, P*. 2:7, "Thou art my bonj this
day have I begotten thee." Micah tiho
says, 5.-2, "But thou, Bethlehem Ephra-
tah, though thou art little among the thou-
sands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he
come forth unto me that is to be Ruler
in Israel; whose goings forth have
been from of old, from everlasting."
From those ancient inspired men we
learn the fact, that, not only a Son was
to be sent; but that that Son was to be
no less than an everlasting Father, a
mighty God, a Prince of peace/ that
from Bethlehem this illustrious person-
age was to come forth, and when he
should come forth, was to be lead as a
sheep to the slaughter, be numbered
with transgressors, bear the sins of
many, and be smitten for the children of
men; but suffer this affliction to make
intercession for the transgressors.
Now, if I am to believe all spoken
by these holy men, consider myself
amenable before the bar of Jehovah
for every jot artd tittle of the same, and
then say that the Son of God, (for such
I must call hmi, according to the Psalm-
ist,) was not to suffer afflictions of bo-
dy, to make intercession for his peo-
ple, I do most sincerely hope, that somo
one, more wise than myself, will in-
struct me in the way of truth and con-
vert me from the error of my way. —
For I do believe in the literal fulfilment
of the prophets, to a word: — For aa
certainly as I believe that God lead Isra-
el from Egypt, by his outstretched arm,
with power and majesty, and placed
him in the land of Canaan, so do I
believe that he will bring him from the
land of the north, from the midst of
the earth, and from the islands of the
seas, and give them that country which
he promisedto their father Abraham. Or
I believe he will say to the north. Give
up. and to the south, Keep not back!
bring my sons from afar, and my
daughters from the ends of the earth.
I believe, that so great will be the favor
manifest to that long afflicted people,
that ten men will take hold of the
skirt of a .Tew, in all nations where
they have been driven, and say, "Wo
will go with you; for we have learned
that God is with you." And that so
eager will be many to assist that peo-
ple, that they will cairy them upon
horses, in chariots, in litters, upon
mules and swift beasts. I believe also,
that great glory will be shown when
the return of the house of Jacob is be-
ing completed — a cloud will go before
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE,
m
them by day, and a pillar of fire by
night — God will utterly destrdy the
tongue of the Egyptian sea, and shake
his hand over the river and catis5 men to
go over on dry ground. And I further
believe, that all nations will be, assem-
bled against Jerusalem to battle, and at
that critical and distressing moment,
the Lord God will make his appear-
ance,-— when his feet will stand upon
the mount of Olives;^.nd that mount
be separated, and a^'alley be left. —
After which I also believe, that he
will show himself to his people, of the
iiouse of Israel; they look on him
rwhom they have piefccu, see the
wounds -in his hands end in "h^is side,
iind acknowledge him to be their 'Lord
and their Messiah! i
You st-e, then i ::y beUef concerning
the Messiah. — thixt he has o/tce come,
aj|(l that he wi#confie tvgai«; that Isra-
elhas once been gathered, and that
he will be gathered again, and that all
who will not turn from the plain dec-
laration of the prophets^ (as the great
day of God's power is near,) will be
^vatching for Ihe glorious time long
since shown to the fathers. ";
The time haymg nearly expired, I
gave my aged Triend the pe.fting hand
when with tears he bad me farewell
and God speed, saying, that if we dif-
fered relative to the first coming of the
Messiah, we agreed concerning his
second coming and the return of Isra-
el, which last two items were his hope
nnd his all.
Excuse haste and imperfections, and
believe me to be as es'er, — most sin-
cerely, your brother, — ^ — - — C.
Elder F. Nickerson writes from
Yarmouth Mass. I left Cataraugus Co.
the last of November, and journeyed
as far east as Cape Cod, and taught all
by the way of the glorious things of the
kingdom, which God has been pleased
to reveal in these last days. Held sev-
eral meetings by the way, and many
seemed to be convinced of the truth,
this I judge from the inquiries that
were made. Had many opportunities
with those who profess to be the great
men of the earth; and many ministers
so called. I can freely say the Spirit
of the Lord has been with me.
Since I arrived at Cape Cod, I
have held 24 public meetings; the peo-
ble have been very attentive. I have
held two meetings in a Methodist housa
one in the courthouse, two in a hall
and the remainder in a school and pri-
vate houses.
I have baptized 6 in this place, and
there are many more convinced, and
seemingly ready to obey the command-
ments with their whole hearts. My
brethren according to the fiesh are ve-
ry rich as to this world's goods, and
have built a very elegant meeting
house in the Orthodox order, a few
of the members have a form of God-
liness, but all deny the power thereof:
and the ntiinister over them is very
hard.
I have taken much pains in all my
movements, and 2 of the 3 have conde-
scended to ask me to pray with them;
I have great anxiety for them and all
people. After I arrived here the
Metliodist and Orthodox opened pro-
tracted tneetings which continue yet,
and the first men in the place cam©
wilTl their carriages and carried the
people 4 or 5 miles, so as to have them
hear. Cape Cod is much stirred up,
there is more use for bibles, than be-
fore I came.
I was at one of their protracted
meetings by agreement, that I should
have an opportunity of addressini? the
people: But after they got together,
they said I should not. —
After this, two came forward and of-
fered themselves as candidates for
baptism, one was a Methodist in high
standing. I requested one hour to
set fo'th the gospel, but was utterly
refusedi I made an appointment, on
the shores of Bogs River where we re-
paired with a cloud of witnesses, here
I administered the ordinance of bap-
tism, the solemnities of eternity seem-
ed to rest on the congregation and tho
Spirit of God on the candidates. The
letters that have been in circulation
against br. Smith and the church,
are now in every paper in this quarter;
but I think they will do no harm, for
honest men will look in the bible for
truth in preference to a News Paper.
We the high council of Kirtland,
hereby inform Jacob Shibley, Daniel
Brovvnwell, Peter Brownwell and Cor-
nelius P. Lett, that we have withdrawn
our fellowship from them for disobey-
ing the commandments of the Lord,
until they make satisfaction.
JOHN SMITH, CA'rt.
Cyrus Smalling, Clerk.
2T3
JVIESSEWCm MD At>VO€ATR.
OBITUARY.
DIED—In Clay co. Mo. Jan. 81,
Alta Fl ancock, consort of Elder Sol-
omon Hancock,-— disease Chills and
Fever — Aged 40 years. She has been
a member of the Church of Latter Day
Saints for 5 years-^shc has ever been
Btronsr in the faiths- and remained so
until her last moments,— when the
time of her departure had come, she
rejoiced in the Lord; She has left a
testimony that she will come forth in
the morning of the first resurrection,
and will be clothed upon with glory
and immortality: "The Lt rd hath giv-
en and the Lord hath taken away, and
blessed be the name of the Loi'd."
At Eagle Creek, Benton co.
Ten. Pec. 24, Deacon Caswell Mat-
lock, Aged 27 years. He was a wor-
thy member, and died in the hope of a
glorious immortality. "Blessed are the
dead that die in the Lord."
In Wayne township, Wayne
CO. Ohio, Jan. 11, Elisabeth Hough
consort of David Hough, aged 52 years
11 months and 21 days.
Sister Fiough has been a worthy mem-
ber of the church of the Latter Day
Saints about 4 } ears, and died in the
faith of the new and everlasting Cov-
enant, and in hope of a blessed immor-
tal itv.
In Springfield, Pa. Feb. 21,
David Thompson, aged 6S years.
■ In Norton, Medina co. Ohio,
Feb. 6, Curtis Stoddard jr. son of
Curtis and Pamela Stoddard, ofa
:short illness — aged twenty one years.
Our circumstances were such that it
was out of our power, to publish the
February number sooner. We deep-
ly regret that our readers have been
obliged to look and look again, and then
he disappointed in their anticipations.
The great presure of business, the
preparation and attendance ofihe sol-
emn assembly dedication ofihe house of
the Lord; and want of paper are the
reasons of the delay beyond our usual
time: butwebope we shall be enabled
to issue our numbers more timely for
the future.
Kirtland, Dec. 12, 1835.
Dear brother:
I, left Clay cq. Mo. on
the C da^ o|' Japwary, in compaay,
v/itheic'ejr; €: W. Psrtitep. V/e have
been tho noeans fa the iiands^eHtthc
Lord of establishing a branch of ths:
churcfh, of Latter I)ay Saints, in Ed-
wards county lilini.'s, runtathing 25
members: In Laurence county, same
state, we baptized three. From that
place I joumsyed and arrived at Kirt-
i.ind, O. April 25. An J since this
tim.n I have been in the State of N. Yi
and baptized 15.
As ever,
SOLmiON HANCOCK;
To J. I^'^iiitIBi.
How good it is to singr,
And praise our hsav'nly King, ]
For all ins blessingG to thejust^ ^ /I0
Let Saints adore his name,
And spread abroad his fanfe, ■■'■■>!,
And always in his mercy trust. "'^
0 may tk^ day soon come,
When Israel gathori^home, "
Shall v/orship God with.one conscntj
And dwell again in p|ace,
Their seed like stars;increase^
That glitter in the firmament.
Rejoice, rejoice, O ej^rth! . „ ...
In songs of sacred bwth,.
And heaven raise the^Athem higher;
Yes, let the angels sfng,
And make the hea-^ns ring,
With music from the holy choir.
Until the reil shall'rend,
And Christ the I|^d descend.
To reign on earth aTnour,and years.-
The saints shall then be blest,
And safe in Zion rest,
While none molests or makes them
fear.
Then none shall need to say,
"Know thou the perfect way"
For men shall knov/ both great find
small.
Att'i righteousness extend,
To earth's remotest end,
And God be God, and Lord of all]
THE LATTEll DAY SAINTS'
3^esseng:er and Advocate,
IS EDITED By
And published every month at Kirtland, Geauga Co
oiiio, by
M%l,per an. in advance. Every person vrocurinff
t.'.ti '.cio s-n'iscri'in's, (I'ld furirardbig % 16, ciirriKt
■n'.'Jisy, s:iaLi be. crJ <hd to a jMiper tme year, grciis.
Ail letters to tkc Ed:lor,ar I'uHiisktrs, m-usl be
irrposr i'ajd.x:x'
iVo suhicripHonwiU be mceivtid for alei3 tenatlia-i one
year, aralno paVir iif-U-MlniUdtUlclt cirf^atage* (iri
m-
^
r
]^ESSEW«i?F.ll Ai¥B ABTOCATH.
Voir"li. No. 6]'
KiRTLAND. OHIO, MARCH, J8:)i;
[Whole No. 18.
Coneaut Feb. 29lh 1836.
Mr. Sidney Rigdon,
Sir, yours of
Dec, 1835 was duly received, and has
been candidly, and 1 think impartially
examined, and as the subject of reli-
gion is one of infinit importance, so it
Q'SSTKmds our most serious and prayer-
fuil consideration. To err on son^e
minor noints, is buf^^pe fruits of our
impeff'ict judgments, but to bs mista-
ken in some of the car^Z/no? points of
religion, mav involve us in a dilemma
...
awful in its nature, & eternal in its
consequences. Hence, to know God's
■will, demands our most tserious enqui-
ry, and to do it, calls for the most dili-
gent application of all our powers —
While 1 acknowledge the kind spir-
it in wliich you have been pleased to
notice my letter to my brother Ebene-
•zer, I indulge the fond hope, that in
the same spirit of christian kindness,
you will answer two or three more of
my interrogatoi-ies, founded on some
remarks in your letter, remarks, which
to me are new, and containing ideas
of vast importance, — Ideas, on which,
I fcave not been in the habit of reflect-
ing, yet, ideas which I wish not to re-
ceive, or reject, without candidly exam-
ining. J/iy queries. Sir, were origin-
ated by your remark *'that the Gos-
pel as prochimed by the Savior and
his Apostles, and as written in the
new testament has disappeared/^ —
You will therefore confer a signal fa-
■vor on mc;, aiid satisfy my inquiring
mind, by giving a deffinile answer to
the following interogatories. 1. What
is-the Gospel? Is what i* nov/ written
in the New Testament the Gospel?
Is it the whole Gos'pel? 2. Where is
the Gospel? 3. Have the Mormons
^ot the Gospel? Have they got (he
whole Gospel?
Dear Sir, as those queries engross
my whole thoughts on this interestmg
topic, I hope you will indulge me with
an explicit answer to each, when I
pledge myself to notice candidly,^ your
whole communication.
Hoping that this correspondence
may result in God's glory, and our
t>e8t interest, 1 subscribe myself,
Yours in Christiau kindness,
^ Bygtom. O. BARR.
Kixiland, March, 1836.
Mr. O. Bark,
Sia: — Yours of Fecrua*
ry has come to hand, by which you
request me to ans^Yer a number of
question''; this is something which I
did not expect, as I intended in mine
to you to be so explicit as to have ren*
dered your interrogatories unnece.'isa-
ry, particularly, o'n the points on which
you have required information, in thia,
it appears by yours, 1 have failed.
You ask ine, "What is the gospel?"
In answering this question I think I
will render it unnecessary to give &
formal answer to th.e rest of your x^u©-
ries, as I shallausv/er them ail by an-
swering this one.
I answer then in tht languaj^e of the
New Testament Romans 1: 16, "Tlio
gospel is the power oi' Gc>d unto salva*
tion, to all that believe:" or in other
words, it is God's selicme of saving
men, and this scheme is made knowa
in the New Testament, which scheme
of things (or gospel) consists in put-
tmg men in possession of the power -of
God; for it is God's potver to sa\^
men, and how is it God's power
unto salvation? Answer by puttirg
those who receive it into posses-
sion of the power of God. Henc©
says the Savior when he commission-
ed the apostles at Jerusalem to preach
the gospel. These signs shall follow
them that believe, that is the power of
God shall rest upon tiiem. \Vhen Pe-
ter proclaimed the gospel on the day of
penteco-st; after he teid the Jews that
they must repent and be baptised for
the remission of sins, he lo!d Ihera
that they should receive the gift of th»
Holy Spirit, antl by that, they were to
prophecy, dream dreams, see vistona
czc. piamly
siiowmg
that they wero
to be made partakes of the potcer of
God unto salvation.
And when the uposiies went fortk
from Jerusalem to proclaim the gos-
pel, those wlio received it attheir hand,
or from their mouth spake with
tongues, and prophesied, shewing to
all that they had received of the power
of God.
In the 12th chapter of tho Istopistls-
to the Corithians tho apostla Paul s<?t»
this »o plainly before th« coiad, tKat
174
MTSSJENGEB A5D ADVOCATE.
none need mistake, he says in the 26th
verse "And God hath set some ir the
church, first apostles, secondly proph-
ets, thir<iiy teachers; after that mira-
cles, then girts of healings, helps, gov-
ernments, diversities of tongues."
Such then was the way by which
God administered his power to the
chi.dien of meti as set forth in the
New Testament, and such was the gos-
pel proclaimed by those commissioned
by the Savior himself, and this, and
this onhj is the order of things set
forth in tire New Testament. When I
eay that this order of things has disap-
peared from among men, I say no
more than you and all the protests nt
woild says also; and if this is not the
gospel ordei? pray what is it? and if
it is the gospel order, you agree with
me that it has disapp,eartd.
The ^Viio'e sri??!.1er th-en cctTiCS to
th:£; '.hat the gospei as set forth in the
New Testan-.f nt, is an order of things
through which men were made par-
takers of the power of God while in
the flesh, and that by one man admin-
istering to another by the authority of
God in the name of Jesus Christ, this
is what is called the gospel in the Now
Testament. It was enjoyed by the
ministery of Apostles, Prophets, Evan-
gehsts &c. and through the ministry
of these men the power of God was
received; they administered to the be-
lievers by the laying on of the hands,
end the power of God attended, and
thus men in days of old received the
power of God unto sal\ avion, and
it was because of this, that the gospel
is called the power of God unto salva-
tion.
You ask if Ave have the gospel, and
where is the gospel!
I answer that the power of admin-
istering in the name of the Lord Jesus
to men through which they were made
partakers of the power of God, was
never enjoyed by any of the human
family but by the revelation of Jesus
Chriit as Paul get it, if v/e have got
the gospel that is the way we have got
it, nnd this power we profess to have,
and we obtained it by the ministering
of Holy P^essengers.
Thus I have answered your queries
in as few words as possible in order to
€ut the vork short in righteousneps.
I shall await your reply to my whole
communication, hoping 1 shall not havo
to wait long.
Believo me. Yours in
the best of feelings,
S. RiGDON,
Kirtland, Chin, March 21ih, 1836.
Previous notice having bten given,
the Church of the Latter Day Saints
met this day in tlie House of the Lord
to dedicate it to him. The congrega-
tion began to nspcrrfcle before 8 o'clock
A. M. and thronged tl>e doors until 9,
when 4he Presidents of the church who
assisted in seating the congregation,
were reluctantly comi;elled to oider
the door-kecj ers to close the dcors;
every seat ai.d aisle were ciowdcd. —
One thousand j ers(tn; were now silent-
Iv antl F-nlrwplv wHitir.u to hear the
word of iiiO i.ord from the n cuth of
his bci vanis in the sRcred desk. Pres-
ident S. Rigdon began the services of
ihe day, by leiidirig the 66th and 24th
Pv^alms. An excellent choir of sing-
ers, led by M. C. Davis sung the fol-
lowing Hymn:
TUNZ — Sterling.
Ere long the vail will rend in tTiain,
The King dcscrnd with all his train;
The earth shall shake with awful Iright,
And all creation feel his nriifjht.
The trump of God, it long shall sound,
And raise llie nations underground;
Throughout the vatt Con ain of heav'n
The voice echoes, tlie scund is given.
Lift up your heads ye paints in peace,
The Savior comes icr your release;
The day ofthe redeeni'd has come,
The saints shall hll be welcom'd heme.
behold the church, it. soars on high,
To meet the sa nts amid the sky;
To hail the Kii g in clouds of fire.
And strike and lune th' immortal Ijre.
Hoeani a now the trump shall sound,
Proclaim the jcys of heav'n around,
When all the «aints together join,
In songs of love, and all divine.
With Enoch here we all shall meet,
And worship at Messiali's feet,
Umte our hands and hearts in Icve,
And reign on thrones with Chrit.t aboTe.
The city t*iat was seen of old
Whose walls were jasper, and streets gold
We'll now inherit tiiron'd in might:
The Father and the Son's^eji^ht.
Celestial crowns we shall receive.
And glories great our God shall g'ivt,
While loud hosannas we'll proclaim,
And sound aloud the Saviors name.
MtSSrKGE^R AND ADVOCATE.
m
Our heirti and tongues all joined m one,
A loutl hosanna to proclaim,
While all the hBaV'ns shall shoot &g*in,
And all creation say, Amen.
President Rigdon then in an able,
devout and appropriate manner, ad-
dressed the throne of Grace. The
following Hymn was then sung:
Tuif i:«=* 11'eymoutk.
O happy souls who pray
Where God appoints to hetJ?
O h*ppy saints w. o pajr
Their constant service th»re!
V/e prane liim still;
AnJ happy vfs;
We lovf tlje way
ToZion'shill.
Ho burning hcata by ^ay>
Nor blasts of evening air,
Shall take our healtli away.
If God ba with us there:
He is our sun,
And he our shade,
To guard the head
By Tiight or noon.
Cod is the only Lord,
Our shield and our defence;
Wi)h gifts his hand is stor'd:
We draw our blessings theaee.
He Will bestow
On Jacobs race,
Pecuiar grace,
And glory^too-
The speaker (S. Rigdon,) selected
the 8th]ciiapteT of Matthew, the 18, 19
nnd 20th verses from which, he pro-
posed to address the congregation, con-
fining himself more closely to the 20th
verse — He spoke two hoars and a half
in 'his usual, forcible and logical man-
ner. At one time in the course of his
remarks he was rather pathetic, than
otherwise, which drew tears from ma-
ny eyes. He was then taking a re-
trospective view of the toils, privations
and anxieties of those who had labor-
ed upon the walls ol the house to erect
them. And added, there were those
who had wet them with their tears, in
the sileni shades of night, while they
were praying to the God of Heaven, to
protect them, and stay the unhaJlowcd
hands of ruthless spoilers, who had ut-
tered a prophecy when the (oundaiion
was laid, that the walls would never
be reared. This was only a short di-
gression from the main tlrread of his
discourse, which he soon resumed.
Hure it may not be improper to give
a synopsis of the discourse lor the sat-
isfaction of our readers who were not
privileged as we wcro wjth hearing it.
The speaker assumed as a postulate*
what we presume no one was disposed
to deny, (viz:) that in tlie days of the
Savior there were Synagogues, where
the Jews worshipped God, and in ad-
dition to them, the splendid Temple at
Jerusalem. Y-et, when on a certain
occasion, one proposed to follow him
whithersoever he went, He though
heir of all things cried out like one in
the bitterness of his soul in abject pov-
erty, The Foxes have holes, &c. —
This, said the speaker, was evidence
to his mind, that the Most Hig^ did
not put his name there, and that he
did not accept the worship of those
who paved their vows and adorations
there. This was evident from the fact
that they would not receive him, but
thrust him from them, saying, away
with him, crucify him! crucify him!
It was therefore abundantly evident
that his spirit did not dwell in them.
They were the degenerate sons of no-
ble sires: but they had long since slain
the Prophets and S<;ers through whom
the Lord revealed himself to the child-
ren of men. They were not led by
revelation, Thta, said the speaker,
was the grand difficulty among them.
Their unbelief in present revelation.
He further remarked, that, their unbe-
lief in present revelation was the
means of dividing that generation into
the various sects and parties that exist-
ed. Tl>ey were sincere worshipers,
feu-t their v/orship was not required of
them, nor was it acceptable to God. —
The Redeemer himself who knew th«
hearts of all men, called them a gen-
eration of vipers. It was proof posi-
tive to his mind, that there being Phar-
isees, Sadducees, Herodians and Es-
sens, and all diffeing from each oth-
er, that tiiey were led by the precepts
aed commandments of men. Each
had something peculiar to himself, but
all agreed in one point, (viz:) to op-
pose the Jiedeemer. So that wo dis-
<;over he -could with the utmost .propri-
ety, exclaim, notwithstanding their
synagogue a«d Temple worship, Tha
foxes have holes, the birds of the air
have Beats, but the Son of man hath
not where to lay his bead. He took
occasion here to remark that such di-
versity of sentmientever had, and ever
wouJd obtain when people were not
led by present revelation. This
brought him to the inevitable conclu-
sion tliat the various sects of the pr©*-
iKg
MESSENGER AI?D ADVOCATE.
€nt day, from their manifesUug liie
«ame spirit, rested under tl-.e same
condemnation with those who were co-
eval with the Savior. He admiued
there were iTsany huuses: many sufil-
ciently great, built ior the worship of
God, "but not one exccj-t this, on the
face of the whole earth, that was built
bv divine revelation, and Were it not
for this, the dear Redeemer might in
this drsy of science, this day of intelli-
gence, this day of rehgion, pay to
those who wouid foiiov/ him, The fox-
es have holes, the birds of the r.ir have
netts, but thg Son of man hath not
Tvi'.ere to lay his head.
Here his whole soul appeared to be
fired with his subject. Arguments,
stFot!g and conclusive seemed ahnost
to vie v/ith each other for utterance.
Indeed, there was no sopliistrv in his
reasoning, no plausible hypothesis on
which the v/hole rested, but on the
__€ontrary plain scripture facts. There-
fore his deductions and inferences
■were logical and conclusive.
The comparison drawn between the
ditfevent religious :;ects of ancient and
modern time;3, was perfectly natural,
and simple yet it vvas done in that con-
fident, masterly manner, accompanied
with those incontrovertable proofs of
his position, that was directly calcula-
ted to cheer and gladden the hf^arts of
the Saints, but to draw do-«'n the indig-
nation of the sectarian world upon hiiv,
and we have no do:yet, had our speak-
er uttered the same sentiments, v/ith
the same proof of their correctness,
had there been those present that ue
might name, his voice would douhtlsss
have been drowned as was that of the
ancient apostle in the Athenir.n Tem-
ple, when his a'.iditors cried incessant-
ly for about t.vo hours '^Gi-eat is Di-
ana of the Ephesians."
But to conclude, vve can truly say
no one unacquainted with the manner
of delivery and style of onr speaker
can, from reading form any adequate
idea of the powerful effect he is capa-
ble of producing in the minds of his
hearers,: And to say on thi? occasion
be showed himself master of his sub-
ject and did well, would bo cloing him
injustice; to say ha acquitted himself
with honor or did very well, wouid bo
cetracting from his real merit; and to
say that he did exceeding well; would
tfcieonly halting praise.
- Aftet doKin^ hia dri)Cdtt«wi^ jwaB*.
sented Joseph Smith jr. to the church
as a Prophet and Seer. The Presi-
dents of the church then all in their
seats, acknowledged him as stfch by
rising. The vote v/as unanimous in
the aiSrmativo.
The question was then put, and car-
ried without a manifest dissenting seE*
timent to each of the different grades
or quorums of church officers respect-
ively and then to the congregation.-—
The following hymn v/as then sung:
TCNK — Hosanna.
Nov/ let 113 rejoice in the day of salvation,
No longer as strangers on eatUineed we roam;
Good tidings are sounding to us and each na-
And shortly the hour of reden^ption will
When all that was promis'd the caints will
'-•s n'ivsn.
And none will molest them from morn until
ever.,
And earth will appear as the garden of Eden,
And Jesus v/ili gay to all Israel: Come homel
We'll love one another and never dissemble^
But cease to do evil and ever be one;
And v/hjlo the ungodly are fearing and trem-
ble.
We'll watch for the day v/hen the Savior
shall come:
When all that v/as promis'd the saints wiU
be given,
And none will molest them from morn until
even,
And earth wii! appear as the garden of Eden,
And Jesus will say Vj all Israel: Come homel
In faith we'll rely on the arm of Jehovah^
To guide through these last days oi Iroulii*
and gloom;
And after tlie ecourgca and harvest are over,
We'll rise with the just, when the Savior
dolli co;r.s:
Then all that was promis'd the saints will
be given,
And ihey will be crov>*n'd as the angel of
h?aven:
And earth will r.ppear as the garden cf Edea,
And Ciirist and his people will ever be one.
Services closed for the forenoon.
Intermission was about 15 minutes
during which none left their seats ex-
cept a few females, who from having
left their infants with their friends,
were compelled to do so to take care of
them. The P. M. services comm.eo.c-
od by singing the follov/ing hymn:
7UME — Adam-ondi-Jlkman,
This eajth was once a garden pl&oes
Wi h all her glories common;
And men did live a holy race,
And worship Jesus face to face^
(« A4»(Of<;>«<jyi'Aiuaao»
it
ilrSSENGEft AND ADVcyjATfc.
^L-:.
T?s read that Enoch waik'd Tvith God,
Above li:o pov/cr ol'Ivlann.ncn:
While Zion spread Jiersjit' abroad,
And saiiits and angels fang aloud,
in Adam-Gndi-Ahman.
Ker land was good and greatly bleat,
Beyond old Israel's Canaan:
II sr ikmrj was known from -east to west:
•Hst'lJeace v/as great, and pure the rc-St
Oi'Adani-ondi-Ahman.
liosanna to such c'a-'s to coins —
Vh
3 Siiv;or s sc'coiid conun —
V/hen all the earth in glorious bloos)',
Affords the saints a holy bome
.Like Adani-ondi-Ah!:;£n.
President J. Smith jr. then rose,
and after a few preliminary rcn^.aii:;^,
presented the several Prcsidente of the
church, then present, to the several
■quorums respectively, and then to the
thurch as being equal witii himself,
acknnvv'edginpj them to be Prophets
nnd Seers. The vote was unanimous
Tin Vaa afhrmativc in every instance. —
Each of the ditYerentquGrums was pre-
sented in its turn to ail the rest, and
then to the cliurch, and received and
acknowledged by ail ttie rest, in their
several stations without a niaaifet dis-
senting sentimer^t.
i*resident J. Srnilh jr, tiicn addres-
sed the congregation :n a manner cal-
Gulated to instruct the understandinig,
-T.-.ther than piesse the ear, and at or
ah
out tne close of
his
rernars'j,
he
.prophesied to a'!, that inasmuch as
they v/ould upiiold ti^ese men in their
several stations, alluding to the difTcr-
•ent quoums in the chijrch. the Lord
would bless th^^m; yea, in the nan:!e of
'Christ, the blessings of Heaven shall j g
The aacred gospel's joyful sound.
Tl>e.rs David's grenter Son
Ka?; fix'd his royal throne;
lie !;ils for grace and judgment thorsK
He bids the saint be glad,
lie ir-ekcs the sinner sad.
And humble souls rejoice with fear.
Mr-y peace attsnd thy grite,
And joy v;iiiiin thoe v;ait,
To bicEs tii.-; eoul of every guest:
The man that seeks thy pe-^ce,
And vt'ibises thine increase,
A thousand bietsin^is on hinirestl
My toj-sgue repeals her vov.-s,
'•ir'eacL' to iIuh sacred hoi;sc!
For here my frienJs and kindred dwell;'*
And sincc; my glorious God
J.Iakf'E thee i;is blest abode-,
Ivly soul shall ever love thee v;cll.
He then oilcrod the dedication pray-
er, which v.'as as foliows:
Thanks be to thy name, O Lord
God of Israel, wLiO keepest covenant
and shcwest mercy unto thy servants^,
who walk uprightly before thee wjtli
all their hearts: tliou v/ho hast com-
manded thy servants to build an houfo
to thy name in this place. (Kirtiand.)
And now thou bcholdest, O Lord, that
so thy servants have done, according
to thy commandment. A.nd now wo
LX O iV
jei!
thee, holy Father, in the name of
Qhri:-:t, the Son of thy bosom, in
whose name alone salvation can bo ad-^
ministered to the children of men: wo
ask thee, O Lord, to accept of tids
house, the v/orkmanship of the hatida
of us, thy servants, wihcli fliou didst
command us to build; for thou know-
est that we have dons tliis work through
o;rcat tribulation : and cut of our po\=er-
be
A I
d. when the Lord's an-! ^y we have given of our substance to
build a house to tiiy name, that ths
f Man raicrht have a uiace to man-
m the woru,
ffsacraiiun.
Iiointcd go forth to proclai
bearing testimony to this
ii they receive it, they siiali be biessed,
but if not, the judgments of God vvil!
follov/ close upon them, until ihat city
or ihai house, that rejects them, shall
bo left desolate
•was liien 51:0-?
The folio win orb'
mn
TJHT. — Dabton.
Kow pleasd and blest was I,
To hear the people ery,
-"Come, let us seek our God to-day I"
Yea, with a cheerful zeal,
We'll haste to Zion's hill,
And there our vows and honors pay.
Zion thrice happy place,
Adoni'd with v/bndrou6 grace,
And walls of strength embrace tho» round!
la Uiea our tribes appear,
To pray, and prabe, aa;i h&ax
jon o
11 est himsei
A-nd a
to his
peopic.
thou hast
aid, "in a revela-
tion given unto us, calling us thy
nciids, saying — "Uai: your solemn ns-
Kembly,as I have commanded you; and
us all have not faith, seek }e diligent-
ly and teacii one another v.oid.s oi'*
vrisdom; yea, seek ye out of ibe besft
books words of wisdom: Seek leara-
iur=::, even by study, and al-jO by faith.
""Organize yourselves; prepare eve-
ry needful thing.'and establish a house,
even a house of prayer, a hou?G pf
fasting, a house of faith, a houso cf
learning, s. hou3S ot glory, a lict:sc nf
order, a house of God: that your ii>
comings may ho in ths najMO of tlie
BTCSSENGEll AND ADVOCATIT.
Lord; that your out goings maybe in
the name of the Lord: that all your sal-
utations may be in the name of the
Lord, with uplifted hands to the Most
High."
And now, holy Father, we ask thee
to assist us, thy people with thy grace
in calling our solemn assembly, tliat
it may be done to thy honor, and to thy
divine acceptance, and in a manner
that we may be found worthy, in thy
sight, to secure a fulfilment of the
promises which thou hast made unto
us thy people, in the revelations given
unto us: that thy glory may rest down
upon thy people, and upon this thy
house, which v/e now dedicate to thee,
that it may be sanctified and consecra-
ted to be holy, and that thy holy pres-
ence may be continually in this house;
and that all people who shall enter up-
on the threshhold of the Lord's house
may feci thy power and be constrain-
ed to acknowladge that thou hast sanc-
tified it, and that it is thy house, a place
of thy holiness.
And do thou grant, holy Father,
that all those who shall worship m this
hourfe, may be taught words of wisdom
out of the best books, and that they
may seek learning, even by study, and
also by faith; as thou hast said; and
that they may grow up in thee and re-
ceive a fulness of the Holy Ghost, and
be organized according to thy laws, and
be prepared to obtain every needful
thing: and that this house may be a
house of pr.iyer, a hotise of fasting,
n house of faitn, a bouse of glory, and
of God, even thy house: that all the
incomings of thy people, into this
house, may be in the name of the
Lord; that all their outgoings, frmn
this house, may he in the nf».me of th-e
Lord; that all their salutations may he
in the nnme of the Lord, with holy
hands, uplifted to the Most High; and
that no unclean thing shall be permitted
to come into thy house to pollute it.
And when thy people transgress,
any of them, they may speedily repent
and return unto thee, anu find favor in
thy sight, and be restored to the bless-
ings which thou hast ordained, to be
poured out upon those who shall rev-
erence thee in this thy house.
And we ask thee, holy Father, that
thy servants may go forth from this
house, armed with thy power, and that
thy name may bo upon them and thy
glory He rotind ahotrt them^ and thin
angels have charge over them; &n4
from this place they may bear exceed-
ing great and glorious tidings, in truth,
unto the ends of the earth, that they
may know that thi>oi i» thy work, and
that thou hast [lUt forth thy hand, to
fulfil that which thou has spoken by
the mouths of thy prophets concerning
the last dtvys.
We ask thee, holy Father, to estab-
lish the peofde that shall worship and
honorably hold a name and standing
in this thy hoase, to all generations,
and far eternity, that no weapon form-
ed against them shall prosper; jhat he
who dsggeth a pit for them shall fall
into the same hifrrself; that no combi-
nation of wickeuness f.hall have pow-
er to rise up and prevail over thy peo^
pie, upon whom thy name shall be puC
ia tliis house: and if any people shall
rise against this peiple, that thine an-
gerbe kindled agains.t them: and if
they shall smite this people, thou will
smite them — thou wilt fight for thy
{leople as thou didst in the day of bat-
tle, that they may be delivered froin
the hands of all their enemies.
We ask thee, holy Father, to con-i
found, and a>itonish,, and bring ta
shame, and coniusion, all lljose who
have spread lying reports abroad over
the world against thy servant, or ser-
vants, if they will not repent when the
everlasting gospel shall be proclaimed
ia their eas&y and that all their worka
may bo brought to nou ht, and be
swept away by the hail, and by the
judgmenSs, which thou wilt send uponi
them in thine anger, that there may be
an end to lyings and slanders againsS
thy people: for jhou knowest, 0 i^ord*
tltot thy servants, hp.ve been innoceSit
b-ctbnj thee in hearing rccard of thy
name for which they have suffered
irhese thing.s; therefore we plead belbra
thee for a rull andconiplete deliverance
from^ under this yoke. Break it off
OLord: br^ak it ©if from the necks of
thy servaRts, by thy power, that we
may rise up in the midst of this gener-
ation and do thy work!
O Jehovah, have nicrcy upon th»«
people, and as all men sin, forgive iho
transgressions of ihy people, and let
them be blotted out forever. Let the
annointing of thy ministers be sealed
upon them with power from on high:
let it be fulfilled upon them as upon
those on the day of Pentacost: let the
gift of tongues be pourod out upon thf
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
frt
people, even cloven tongues as of fire,
and the interpretation' thereof. And
let thy hou-ic bo filled, as with a rush-
ing mighty wind, with thy glory.
Pi5t upon t-hv servants the testimanv
cfthe C!-venant, that when they go out
and proclaim thy word, they may seal
Tip the law, and prepare tlie hearts of
thy saints for ail those judgemenis
thou art abnut to send, in thy Wrath,
upon the inhabitants of the earth, be-
cause or" their transgressions, that thy
people may not faint in the day of troii-
Vie,
And whatever city thy serVatits
shall emter, and the people of that city
receive their testimony, let thy peace
and thy salvation bo upon that city,
that tlioy may gather out of that city
ttie righteous, that they may come
forth to Zion, or to her stakes, the
places of thine appointment, with songs
of everlasting joy, — and until this bo
accomplished lei not thy judgments fall
upon that city.
And whatever city thy servants shall
enter, and the peojiie of that city re-
ceive not the testimony of th\/ serv-
ants, and thy servants Avarn them to
6:ive theraselv-es from this untoward
generation, let it be upon that city ac-
cording to that which thou hast sprtk-
en, by the mouths of thy prophets; but
deliver thou, O Jehovah, we beseech
thnc, thy servants from thoir hand^-,
and cleanse them from their blood. U
Lord, we deiit'ht not in the desiruction
of our fellow men: tlieir souls are pre-
cious befere thee; but thy word must
3)3 JuTSllcd: — -help thy servants to say,
with thy grace assisting them, thy will
be done, O Lord, and not ours.
We know that thou hast spoKen bv
the mouth of thy prophets, terrible
things concerning the wicked, in the
la-st days, that thou wilt pour cat thy
judgmmts, without raoasare: thnre-
fore, O Lord, de^.iver thy people f'rom
the ealai-fiity ot the wicked; enable thv
.servants to seal up the law and bind
Tip the testimony, t1l-it they may be
prepared against the day of burning.
We ask thee, hi?iy Ivuher, to re-
member those who have been driven
by the inhabitants of Jackson county,
Missouri, from the lands of their inher-
itance, and break off. O Lord, this
yoke of atfliction, that has been put
upon thorn. Thou knowest, O Lord,
Ihat thoy have boen ercatly oppressed,
«n<f affljrf^H, Hy ■virkerJ men, and our
hearts flow out in sorrow because o
their grievous burdens. O Lord, ho\r
long wilt thou suffer this people to boar
this afijiclion, and the cries of their
mflocent ou-es to ascend up in thino
ear's, and their blood to c6me up in tes-
timony before th-ee, and not make a
disjilaj of thy power in their behalf?
Have mercy, O Lord, upon fhat
wicked mob, who Isavc driven thy peo-
ple, that they may cease to spoil, thai
they may repent of their sins, if ro-
pe itance is to be found; but if they
will not, make beartb.ine arm O Lord,
and redeem that which thou didst ap-
point a Zion unto lliy people!
And if it can not be otherwise, that
tiie cause of thy people may not fail
before thee, may thine anger be kin-
dled and thine indignation fall upon
them, that they may be wasted away,
both root and branch from under heav-
en; but in as much as they will repent,
thou art gracious and merciful, and
v.'ill turn away thy wrath, when thou
lookeat upon the face of thine anaoint-
ed.
Rave mercy, O Lord, upon all thft
nations of the eartii: have mercy upon
the i-ulers of our
land:
may tliosc?
prifi-fiiples which were so honorably
and nobly defended: viz, t;:e constitu-
tion of our land, by our fathers, be es-
tablished forever. Remember th<s
ki.igs, the princes, the nobles, and tha
grout ones of the earth, Dnd a'! bco-
pic; and ths churches: all the poor,
th<! needy and the afilicted ones of tho
earth, that their hearts rnay be soften-
ed when thy servant-s shall go out
from thy house, O Jehovah, to bear
■testimony of thy name, that their prej-
udices may give way before the truth,
and thy people may obtain favor in
the sight of all, tltat all the ends of
the earth may know that we thy serv-
ants have heard thy voice, and that
thou hast sent us, that from among nli
these thy servants, the sons of Jacob,
may gather out the righteous to build
a holy city to thy name, as thou hast
commanded theiu.
We ask thee to appoint unto Zion
other stakes besides this one, wliich
thou hast appointed, that the gathering
of thy people may rv.;! on in great
power and majesty, that thy work may
be cut short in righteousness.
Now these words, O Lord, wo hav<»
spoken beforo thee, coaccrnin^ tK<?,
evrtlation* nnH <tomm."»rk(in:H»i'!t^ j^HIHii;
m>6
umsuyiGzn anb AorotAft,
thou hast given unto ua, who are iden-
lified with the Gentiles; — But thou
knowest that we have a sxreat love for
the children oi'" Jacob who have been
scattered upon the mountains; for a
long time in a cloudy and dark day,
VVe therefore ask thee to have mer-
cy upon the children of Jacob, that
Jerusaiem, from this hour, may begin
to be ledeemed; and the yoke of bond-
age may begin to be broken off from
the house of David, and the children
cf Judah may begin to return to the
Jands which thou didst give to Abra-
ham, tlicir tatiicr, and cause that the
remnants of Jacob, v/ho have been
cursed and smitten, because of liieir
fransgrcssion, to be converted from
their wild and savage condition, to the
fulness of the everlasting gospel, that
they may lay down their weapons cf
bloodsijed and cease their rebellions.
And may ail the scattered remnants of
Israel, v/ho have been driven to the
ends of the earth, come to a knowl-
edge of the truth, believe in the Mcs-
siah. and be redeemed from oppves-
«ion, and rejoice before thee.
O Lord, remember th.y servant Jo-
seph Smith, jr. and all his afflictions
and persecutions, how he has covenan-
ted with Jehovah and vovved to thee, O
mighty God of Jacob, and the com-
mandments wliich thou hasl given un-
to him, atid that he hath sincerely
strove to do thy will. — Have mercy, O
Lord, upon his wife and children, that
they may be exalted in thy presence,
and preserved by thy fostering hand.
Have mercy upon all their immediate
connexions, that their prejudices may
be broken up, and swept av/ay as with
a flood, that they may be converged
and redeemed with Israel and know
that thou art God. Remember, O
Lord, the presidents, even all ti.e pres-
idents of thy church, that thy right
hand may exalt them with all their
families, and their immediate connex-
ions, that their names may be perpetu-
ated and had m everlasting rememb-
rance from generation to generation.
Remember all thy church, O Lord,
with all their families, and all their
immediate connexions, with all their
sick and afflicted ones, with all the
poor and meek of the earth, that the
kingdom which thou hast set up Avith-
out hand^, may become a groat moun-
i»Ln and fill tho whole earth, that thy
f^qr«b may cc«ff forth mii of th*
wilderuQss of darkness, and shrne
forth fair as tho moon, clear as the
sun, and terrible as an army with ban-
ners, and be addorrjed as a bride for
that day when thou shalt unveil tho
heavens, and cause the motiniains ti>
flow down at thy presence, and iha
valleys to be exalted, the rough places
made smooth, that thy glory may fiU
the earth.
That when the trump shall sound
for the dead, we shall be caught np in
the cloud to meet thee, that we may
ever be with the Lord, that oar gar-
ments ma)' bo pure, that we ma}' b©
clothed upon with robes of riglileoua-
aess, with palms in ci;r hrir.ds, and
crowns of giory upon our heads, and
reap eternal joy for all cur suffer-
ngs. O Lord, God Almighty, hear us
in these our petitions, and answer u»
from heaven, thy holy habitation,
where thou siltest enthroned, with
glory, honor, power, majesty, might,
dominion, truth, justice, judgement,
mercy and an infinity of fulticss, frora
everlasting to everlastinj;.
O hear, O hear, O hear us, O Lord,
and answer these petitions, and accopfc
the dedication of this house, uato thee,
the v/ork of our hands, which we
liave built unto thy name; and also this
church to put upon it thy name. And
help us by the power of thy Spirit, that
we may n-ingle our voices with those
bright shining seraphs, around thy
throne with acc!ama;:ons of praise,
sinsfins hosanna to God and the Lamb: ,
and let these thine annointed ones bo
clothed with salvation, and thy saints
shout aioud for joy. Amen and A5.iei:<
The choir then sung a hymn.
The Spirit of Gori like a lire is burning;
Ths latti^r day glory bepins to conic forth;
The viaions .in.l blfl^8.!:^s af old are retiiniirg",
T^o ;i:-!;e.!s are comma; ;o -/isit tho e2.rth.
We'll sing & we'll siioui wiUi use armies of boaruu.
liosann?., hosaniia to Gocl and the Ljinilil
Lot g!ory tu them in the higncst be givcu,
HeocefartU and for-evcr; unien ana ameu!
Ti!o Loni is extcn-iins; the saints' URiJerstanding—
Restoring their judges and all as at first;
Tile kiio-Aledge and power of God are expimtlinsj
Tiie vail o'er the eanh is beginning to burst.
AVe'U sing and we'll ahcat &(;.
V/e oai! in our solemn asseniHies, in spirit.
To spread forth tlic kinsdom of heaven abroad,.
That ve through our faith niav begin to inherit
Tho viaians, and llessinzs, and giories of Goi
We"-!! sing nnd we'll shout &c.
We'll wr.sh,a»d be wash'd, and Trlth oil be caHnted
Withal not omitting the w»obicig of feet:
For ho that rsceiveth his varsxr appointad, "
Mvs) nurely b«cle.-.D cttbo 'barrert of w^wat'. •
SkTESSEr^OER Am> ADYOCATS.
iA.
f&i
01.1 Isra*l that flaJ fVoia the worU lor liie freedom,
M'J-ii cu^a Witii ;Ua cluu 1 «u J Itju pilltr, uuiuiu:
A ^la^sf, an 1 A.'.rou, i.ii i Jcishua !?ad biiu,
Afil t'liiiJ Qiiis ua iiiE;ii!ia tVoia heiiveu a^j&iii.
We'ii aii'.g ;.iiu we'll s;;cal &o.
How blessc.J the riivvrlinn IhL- 'nmh an I the lion
Siiali iii Sown :oi:th;r vviliioiil :;iiy ir ;
An.i Bphraiin btt;To\v?!' i ^viih his b! -.isiiii in Zion,
As Jjsiia i)-j3 'Hii is with his ii.irnita o."' li; p!
%V(i'!i sii;^ A. \vt;'iisiio It v/i'.h 7i'«ani!ii*s of lieavei :
Ho3.;n!i I, iios.isiii.i to G'^ I ^v, i tiie La.iiiil
Let s'o'.v t'> tlMiii in the hii^heat lie given,
Heiueibrtli aj>--i forevor: amen aiiJ unicn.
testified oi
President Smith then asked the spv-
cral quorums sepai-ateiy and then the
congregation, if th'-->y accoptcd tho
prayer. The voUi was, in every in-
stance, una::im;)a.s in t':"^ afn:n.itive.
Thf Euch^irist was aiiniinistereci. —
T). C Smith bia3'3eti thu bread and
win:; an.i ihsy wsre distribmeii hy st;v-
cra! Elders present, to the church.
President J* Smith jr. then arose
and bore record of his mission. D. C.
Smith bore rscord u? the truth of the
work of the Lor J in which we are
cng iged.
President O. Cowdory spoke txud
the truth of the book of
?Tioriiion, and of the work of the Lord
in these last days.
President F. G. Williams bore re-
cord th:it a Holy Angel of God, came
and s;n between him and J. Smith sen.
while the hoiise was being dedicated.
P resilient Hyrum Smith, (one of
the building committee) made some
appropriate remarks concerning the
]!ou.-3e, congratuiatin<4 tiiosc who had
endured so m my toili and privations
to erect it. That it was the Lord's
house built by his commandment and
he wouid bless them.
President S. Rigdm then made a
few appropriate clo.sing remarks; and
a short prayer which was ended with
loud acclamritions of Hosanna! Ho-
sannai Hosani-ia to God and the Lamb,
Amen, Amen Jind Amen! Threajfoy-u, in \vh
time). Ekisr B. Young, one of the ''"■""-
Twelve, irave a short addres=? in
tongues; Eider D. W. Patten inter-
preted and give a short exhortation in
tongue's hiinself; after which, Presi-
dent J. Smith jr. blessed the congre-
gation in the name of the Lord, and at
a little past foui P. M. tlie v/hole ex-
ercise closed and the congregation
dij'persed.
due; not only for their quiet doma-iuor
during tha wtioie exercise, which last-
ed more than eight iiours, but for their
great liberality in contributing of their
eartiily substance for tlie relief of the
building committee, wlio were vet
somewhat involved. As this was' to
be a day of sr.crificc, as v/ell as of
fasting, — There was a man placed at
each door in the morning to receivQ
the voluntary donations of those who
en'ered. On counting the colieclion it
amounted to nine hundred and sixty
three dollars.
Kir f land, Ohio, March, 1333.
DiCAa Parents:
Although I have writ-
ten you several times upon the sub-
ject of religion, since I bid you adieu,
to go at the command of God and pro-
claim the gospel; and perhaps, havo
wearied your patience, yet you will
excuse mc when I dcciare to you, that
it is fiom a sense of duty I owe to my
Heavenly Fither, and to you my
earthly parents, that I m.anifest euc!i
deep interest upon this subject. In
my former comsnunications to you I
have not failed to speak of the gospel,
and invite you to lay aside your prej-
udice and investigate it. And know-
ing that it is of the first importiince,
that the fundamental principles of tho
doctrine of Christ, should be well un-
derstood, and that your opportunities
for obtaining this kiiowlcdge are linnt-
cd, I shall confine my remarks moro
particularly to that subject: you no
doubt will marvel that such an expres-
si">n should drop from my pen; know-
ing that you have been professors of
religion, (at least) from my child-
hood. Although I stand in that relation
! the Savior says a
her is witivout honor, being of your
own household. Yet do not consider
me assuming, for my de-:ire is your
salvation and the giory of God; and
the things which 1 shall declare are
those which I knov/ and most assured-
ly believe. But I pray you in the namo
of Christ to dismiss your surprise, and
mind
divest your mind of prejudice, and
prepossession, and every oiher con-
Wo further add that we should do ' sideration wliich is unconnected with
violonco to our ow^n feelings and in- 1 the subject of the gospel of Christ, and
justice to tho real merit of our broth-
ran and fnends who attended the mcet-
this once hear mo patiently.
I would observe then ia the com-
i^, were wo here to vrithhold a meed { inencemont of my remarks upon this
cfpra^sa, which *?v think is tWeJr tnst!pn3bi(«-t, th;** rhe gospel fif; a«ch?w<? «yf
sdt
MESSENGm AND ADVOCATI.
things which was devised in eternity.
« For the Lamb (Christ) was slain
from the foundation of the world," to
effect the redemption of the same. —
Rev. 13: 8;— And the salvation of the
human family has been conducted by
the undeviating hand of God upon the
same principle precisely, in all ages of
the world; ar'd ever will be, so long
as He remains an unchangablc Being,
and manages the salvation of his crea-
tures himself. The apostle Paul m
his 2nd Epistle to Timothy 1: 10, in-
forms us that "Life and immortality
was brought to light through the gos-
pel." If Enoch, who walked with ins
Maker 300 years and was not found,
because God had translated him, is en-
joying immortality, it was in conse-
quence of his extensive knowledge of
the gospel. If Noah, who was in-
structed of God to prepare an ark to
the saving of himself and house; and
by his testimony alone, condemned
the whole self-righteous antedeluvian
world; and became heir of the right-
eousness which is by faith, and is
now in the enjoyment of life and im-
mortality; he riiost assuredly under-
stood the gospd. If Elijah, who smote
the rolling floods of Jordan, and caus-
ed its waters to stand upright on either
hand, while he passed over on dry
ground; was wafted to the fair climes
of immortality, and eternal life, by the
fiery chariots of Israel and the horse-
men thereof; it was because of the
atonement of Christ, and his knowl-
edge of, and obedience to the Gospel.
And again, "The scriptures foresee-
ing that God would justify the heathen
through faith, preached before the gos-
pel unto Abraham." Gal. 3: 8. But
enough has already been said to es-
tablish the antiquity of the gospel, and
do away the contracted idea which
many entertain, that the first and only
dispensation of the gospel that ever
was, or ever will be committed to man,
was introduced in the days of the Sav-
ior.
You can but see, that this idea is at
issue with the testimony of the Apos-
tle, who declares. "That life antl im-
mortality were brought to light
through the gospel." Consequently if
these samts whose names are written
above, with a multitude of others, who
through faith on the Son of God, and
in obedience to the gospel, have sub-
dood kingdoms, Wrought rightoousnos**.
obtained promises, stopped the n.ouths
of lions quenched the violence of fire,
escaped the e(jge of the sword, out of
weakness were made strong, waxed
valiant in fight, turned to flight the ar-
mies of the aliens, are no»v enjoying
"life and immortality," it is on account
of the atonement of Christ, and the
power of his redemption. And this
same Apostle, who was not converted
to the cliristian religion, until years
after the death of the Savior, says,
that a dispensation of the gospel was
committed unto him. 1st Corinthians
9: 17.
The fact is, the gospel is the same
in all ages of iho world, and when
God calls a man, either by his voice
from the heavens, by the revelation
of angels, or by the spirit of prophecy;
(o warn the inhabitants of the earth of
approaching danger, and cry repent-
ance unto them; a dispensation of the
gospel is committed to his charge, in-
dependant of any commission or dis-
pensation committed to others. He
alone can act under that commission:
his successors cannot take it up, and
legally act under it. If they attain to
this high calling, it must be in the
same way, and from the same nurhorf-
ty, and the same benefits will result to
those who obey their teachings: be-
cause if God sends a messenger, it
will be by the power of the Holy
Ghost, and that spirit will testify to
the same plan of salvation, whether it
dwell in the heart of Enoch, Noah,
Abraham, Isaiah, St. Paul, Joseph; or
even in the heart of your unworthy
son who is now inditing these lines to
you, with his heart raised in prayer to
God, that it mny be done accoraing to
his will, and find access to the hearts
of his dear parents, and be a means of
bringing them to a knowledge of the
truth. But whether \ shall succeed in
this or not, God only knows; be this as
it may, a dispensation of the gospel
has been committed unto me; not by
the will' of man, but by the revelation
of Jesus Christ: and 1 am determmed
by the grace of God, to rid my gar-
ments of the blood of all men, whether
parents, brethren, sisters. Kings, ru-
lers, priests or people, and leave tho
event in the hand of Him, who holds
the destinies of all mankind. And I
pray my Heavenly Father, that it may
be recorded in the archives of heaven
for an «rt5rla8tinjf momorial, tiiat I
MESSENGER AIVD ADVOCATB.
.S?3
have endetivored in this letter to dis-
charge my duty to my parents in
preaching tlie gospel to them; and ii
I never am permitted to meet them un-
til we meet at tie judgment seat of
Christ, where the secrets of all hearts
will be made manifest; then, if not be-
fore, you will know, that pure charity
dictated in my heart, what I am now
communicating to you. But to re-
turn.
It is evident then, that all those who
do not believe in direct communication
from heaven, by t!ie voice of God, by
the revelation of ansels, nor by the
spirit of prophecy; and at the same
time claim to be the servants of Christ;
have run before they were sent, are
acting without authority, are going in
the ways of Cain, and nmning greed-
ily after the errors of Balaam for re-
ward; and if they repent not, will per-
ish in the gainsayings of Babylon.
Therefore, having spok<in in gener
al terms of the power, and glorious ef-
fects of the gospel, [ will now endeav-
or to show what it was in the days oi
the Savior, which will settle the ques-
tion; what it ever has been, and ever
will be. 7\.nd I have an iuexhaustable
fountain, from which to abduee testi
mony upon this subject, viz. the Bible,
book of Mormim, aad the l)ook of Cov-
enants, contamins: the revelations o
contamuig
Jesus Christ, given to us in thi
gen
©ration; which all harmmize most
perfectly: but being well aware oi
your unbelief in the two latter: I shall
only call in question the former foi
testimony on which you say, to predi
cate your faith; and if yoa do in real-
nlity believe in its doctrines, thr^re wil'
be no difficulty la your beiieviog ui
the record of the Nephites, and all th<
revelations that God is disposed to con
fer upon ua in the latter days, am:
their will be no dilference in our faith:
but you also, will be what the world
calls a mormon.
Now to the law and the testimony;
if any man speak not accordmg ti^
these, it is because there is no ligh
tn him. In John 3: 5, we find these
word*, "Jesus answered, Verily, Ver-
ily, I say unto thee, except a man be
born of water, and of the spirit, h'
cannot enter into the kingdom of (rod.'"
It appears that a learned Pharisee, a
ruler of the Jews; who had come to
Jesus by night, (probably because his
<hetriQQ wag W«ld ia di^reputfl,) and
expressed to him his conviction, thai
he was a teacher come from God. Th*
blessed Jesus proceeded immediately
to instruct him what was indispcnsibly
necessary for him to do, to mherit
that kingdom; which was to be born
of water, and the spirit. Mark the ex-
pression; "Except a man be born of
water and the spirit," not of the spir-
it first and then of the water, if you
please. See how broad ihe declara-
tion, a man, that is, any man among
all the ranks of men, that would inher-
it the kingdom God, must submit to
this order of things.
It is evident that Nicodemus believ-
ed, from the frank confession he made
on that occasion, which was the first
step, and Jesus informed him that wa-
ter baptism was the second, and the
Holy Spirit the third. You may say
that repentance is left out of the ques-
tion; not so, repentance is nothing
more nor less than a reformation,
svhich is to break off from our sins. —
Kow break off Irom our sins? by turn-
ing unto God. How turn unto God I
oy obeying his commandments, and
manliest our faith and repentance by
)bedience. "For why call ye mo
Lord, Lord, and do not the things
which I say!" Luke 6: 46. As far
\s it was exhibited on that occasion,
i-his plan of salvation corresponds pre-
cisely with the proclamation which the
oavior commanded the Apostles to de-
clare in all the world to every cren-
lure; viz: "He that believeth, and is
japtizod, shall be saved; but he that
bslieveth not, shall be damned. And
these sigfis shall follow them that be-
ive: &.C. Mark 16: 16,17,18. This
--•xp-ression of the Savior is just as
)road as the other, that is, that any
creature under the whole heaven that
IS capable of understanding this sim-
ple declaration, (which is adopted to
the weakest ca :)acity,) who will obey
tt, shall be saved "and ho that believ-
eth not shall be damned.
Perhaps you are ready to infer
from this expression that baptism is
not a saving ordinance; because the
.Savior did not repeat it, but only said,
"He that believeth not shall be damn-
ed." If this be the case he might bet-
ter have let't it out of the commission
to his Apostles, it wa>^ making use of
words without meaning: and indeed,
if it be a fact, that the baptism of wa-
ter fs not noc**uiry the Bavior fnvali-
4^
SiESSENGER ASD ADVOCATE,
dates hia own testimony and that of iiis
servants, for he (ieclnrcd t© Nicode-
nius, that he could not enter the king-
dom of Heaven without it. But v/e
shall contend, thnt no such inference
can be drawn from this expression, for
he declared that not only belief was
necessary for salvation but baptism a!-
Bo: and it follows of course, that, if
belief and baptism are required of
those that would be saved a neglect to
attend to these duties vt'ould damn them.
Ar.d henrcj a repetition of the v/ord
baptism, would have been altctgelher
eunerfluous: for instance, if an indi-
vidual was requested to go to a certian
place; if he could not be induced to
take the first step; he would not take
the second. So a man who does not
believe, will not be baptized, and if the
word of the Lord be true he will be
damned.
Let us now see wliether the. Apos-
tles followed the instruction given
them in the commission, we will call
«n Peter, for he held the keys of the
kingdom. "And when the day of
Pentecost was fully come; lie opened
the door for th6. reception of candid-
ates; the gloi'ioiis occurrences of that
day are recorded in the 2nd chapter
of Acts. And when his powerful
reasoning caused many to cry out, and
enquire v/hat they should do. What
did he reply to them] Did he instruct
them to weep and lament before God
until they obtained religion, and tell
them that baptism was unessential, (as
our orthodox divines do at the present
d'd'f.) Did he cile them to the aaxnus
seats, to the secret chambers, or wil-
derness, and say, lo, there is Christ?
Did he tell them that they could obtain
salvation by crying. Lord, Lord, v.-ilh-
out doing the things v.-hich the Savior
had sent him to declare to them? No,
none of tliese things; for Peter vjil*? in
possession of that s[)irit, that l^rings all
things to our remembrance; and he
had not forgotten the Savior's instruc-
tions, but unhesitatingly cried out,
*'Repent and be baptized every one of
you in the name of Jesus Christ, not
because your sins are remitted; but
for the remission of sins, and ye shall
receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. —
For tm promise is unto you, and your
children, and to all that are afar off;
even as many as the Lord our God
Bhail call."
The (^wrstimi iww i!sj vr}mt did this
thing called repentance consist inl th4
answer is at hand. "Then they that
gladly received his word were baptiz-
ed.-' This then is repentance or re-
formation, to giadiy receive the word
wiien it is declared by the servant of
God, and straifwEiy manifest our belief
and reformation, for corresponding
good works, v/hich is obedience. And
Peter says, as many as God has call-
ed that will do these things, shall re-
ceive the gift of the Holy Gljost. If
we do not extend our limits beyond
Peter's, afar off, 1 think wc can with
confidence declare the same things. — •
Our n-'-xt object is to ascertain, liow if
was, that this gift, tiie Holy Ghost,
was confered upon the saints, after
having been bujitized by water.
We iearn from the 6th chapter of
Acts, that Philip v.-ent down to Sama-
ria, and preached Christ unto them;
and the p.cople with one accord gavo
heed to his teachings and were bap-
tized, both men and women, Tbut no
children, for they were whole* pna
cosequentiy need no Physician, and
Philip did noi feel dispoi--pd to oiler aa
indignity to the attonenient of Christ
by baptizing them.) The news of
Philip's success soon reached Jerusa-
lem, and the Apostles immediately dis"
patched Peter jind John, v/ho when
they were come down prayed for them,
and laid thetr hands on them, that
they might receive the Holy Ghost. —
'"For as yet, he had fallen on none of
tliem, only they had bten baptized in
the name. of the Lord Jesus. When
they had receive.! ti)i3 oi'dinance, tlio
Holy Spirit fell upon them; and tht>
pre^uniption is, t'iiat they spoke with
tongues and pTophesied. For Simon,
on seeing thai the Holy Ghost wis
given through the laying en of handa^
proposed to" purchase it.
Itappearsthat Phihpdid not have au-
thority to administer this ordinance;
and if those disciples could have re-
ceived the gilt of tiiC Holy Ghost,
without the ordinmce of laying on of
hands; the Lord sent Peter and John
from Jerusalem to Samaria on a fool-
ish errand. Attain, Acts 19, we aro
informed that Paul found at Ephesua
certain disciples who had been bap-
tized, yet had not lieard of the Holy
Ghost; he prayed for them, and hud
hands on them, and they received tW
HoJy Ghost, and spoke with tongue*
and propWi?sted. Ono more testimony
ML^SE^QEK APTP AEtVQCATflL
SSi
from St. Paul, we fuvi recorded in his! the saints then; cem-thei'^ P«f"recteJ
epistle to th.» Hebruws 6; 12, wiiere now without IheniT '¥r-\^ i-.^.^-'T'
ho informs us tiiat baj)tisni, and laying * i^ •>-^x- .-
on of hands arc some of the first prin-
cii)ies of the doctrine of Christ.
We might adduce much corrobora-
ting testimony to cstabh"sh the first
principles oi' the gospel; b:.it it is e-
nough, if (toJ ever inspired St. Pnui
and Peter to teach these things he
never did. nor never v/ili inspire an-
other man to contradict them; they
followed the instructions given thera
by the Savior, and carried out his plan
of salvation in all the ordinances of
his kingdom' and he that will not be-
lieve their tesiimony, would not believe
though one should rise from the dead.
But I hasten.
The effects that the Holy Ghost
produced upon those who received it,
tire laid down in the first epistle to the
Corinthians, 12, 13 and 14th chapters.
And the Apostle tells us that they are
the body of Christ, in which there
ehould he no schism; take away any
of these, and there is a schism. Look
at all the churches in Christendom;
(the church of thtf Latter Day Saints
excepted,) and see the contention that
exists among them. Ask yourself the
reason; is not this the only answer?
they ail deny some of these gifts which
constitute the body of Christ: Can we
deny these, without djnying Christ?
Surely not; it is in vain for us to say
they are not needed, neither Christ
nor his servants ever declared any
Will
euch thin?, it cannot be
found.
Scrip-
ture, reason, and common sense teach
ys, that the like cause will produce the
like effect; the Holy Ghost is the same
that it was before the. world began. —
To be sure St. Paul says that prophe-
cy shall fail, tongues shaii cease, and
knowledge vanish away; for they are
all enjoyed oiily in part: but when that
day of perfection is ushered in, when"
we shall see as wo arQ seen, and
know as v/o are known; then there
will be no need of an imperfect know^
edge. Pie also declares, Epb. 4th,'
"When Christ ascended upon high, he
gave gifts unto men;' Prophet?, A[)os-.-
ties, Pastors, Evangelists, &c. for the.
perfecting of the saints, and work of
t^ie ministry, until v/e all come in the
unity of the faith." No rational per-
son will pretend to Si.y that, that day
has arrived; and if these gifts of the
Holy GhoPt wer<i necessary to perfect
any now defi^-'^Tl*^^!;'^^'^ '"
possession of the Holy.;lX*bt)ft T^ ^2'
swer in ihe negative; nq ^^anljfl^'
ing by the spirit of Go^', can
CR
and wiihofi^ the Ti'T
Ghost there is no salvation; 4hi.i is"n,
doctrine that Paul preached, who sal
an angel ffom
sus accursec
If any man or even
Pleaven preach any other gospel,' let
him be accursed: And so say i; ^^
the heart of every servant of God -vrHJ-
respond. Amen.
With peculiar feelings I conelud^
these remarks, realizing the groat res-
ponsibility that I am under to God, for
the manner in which I teach mankind
those things which involve eternal con-
sequences: And this responsibility
seems to bo ai.'gmentcd when I taka
into consideration, that I am address-
ing those of my own flesh and blood.
But I feel that God approbates v/hat I
have written, and I entreat of you to
peruse the foregoing lines as for eter-
nity, and may the J^ord sanctify them
to your salvation, mid ultimately bring
us to an everlasting inheritance in his
celestial Ki*i|^om for ChrL-it's sake,.
Amen.
W. PARRISH.
Messei&gca* and Advocate.
KJRTLAND, OHIO, MARCH, 1836.
ADURESS ^.
To the patrons of the Latter Day
Saints' Messenger and Advocate.
It becomes my duty to inform you,
that in consequence of otner business,
and other duties which call my immedi-
ate attention, my labors in the editorial
department of this paper must cease for
the present; and as this is the case, I
inustbeg leave to make some remarks,
as 1 .811(1 yibout being freed from this
-great responsibility. I will here say
that for the increase of patronage fof
nine months past, so gratuitously bo-
stowed upon unmerited talents, you have
'necessarily obliged me to tender yoQ
my deepest heart-felt gratitude. I etill
indulge a hope, notwithstanding th^
Advocate is about being transferred in-
k» other hands, that it Will contimje to
«89
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
receive its pir
■ '■ ^ ^ssent support, and a rapidt
increase tq , . . ,.
. Its present subscription list,
intiTsmucl J \, . ,
i MS the prospects are flounsh-
^nff, ar , _ ,■ . ,
,d the future editor s talents art-
Ving of patronage; I indulge a
J, that great good may be done by
■ ■ iiiiiji'
llOr'
th
"^ i means: and more especially in
,nese last days, while "Darkness cov-
{ex9. the earth and gro»« darkness the
pe^le."
Almost six years have passed, since
the church of Christ has been establish-
ed: many and various are the scenes,
that have passed bofore my eyc3, since
its commencement, during which time,
we have been favored with^ the privi-
lege, of making known to the world
«ur belief in regard to salvation.
I take occasion here to add, that I
tfejoice exceedingly that this Herald of
truth is in being, and 1 enjoy the privi-
Jege of jcesigniiig it into so good and
able hands as Pres. O. Cowdery whose
^character and standing in society need
no commendation from me wh-jre he is
personally known: for he is known to
be a man offpiqty, of candor,'of truth,
of integrity, of feeling for the welfare
of che huaaan family, and in short, he
is a man of God: God acknowled pe
him as such in his revealed will: and
should we not do soioo?
While I reflect on leaving the edito-
rial department, such a complicated
mass of ideas burst upon my mind,
that it is not possible to conamunicate
them all. The great and responsible
relation which a man sustains in occu-
pying this statbn, to his fellow man,
will have a tendency to humble, rather
than exalt him in his own eyes; for he
truly becomes a servant of all; and his
words are left on record for present
and future generations to scrutinize.
However there is consolation attach-
ed to these responsibilities, that glad-
dens the heart of an honest and hum-
ble saint) even a servant of servants:
For after that in the wisdom of God
he world by Wisdom knew not God, it
pleased God by the foolishness of
preaching to save them that believe.—*
It is those things, which the world by
their wisdom count foolishness, which
converts the soul, and will prepare it tc
dwell in the presence of (Sod, in ther
day of the Lord Jesus. "God has cho-
sen the foolish things of the world fo
confound the things whicli are mig:hty;
and base things of the world, and
jhings which are despised, hath God
chosen, yea; and things whieh are not,
to bring to nought things that are."
While I reflect on the above sayings
of the holy writer, it gladdens my hea-rt,
that I enjoy the privilege of living in
this age of the worJd, when God in hia
kind providence, has began to woik for
the good of his long dispersed covenant
people; when he has again made mani-
fest his will, and has called servants by
his own voice out of the heavens, an d
by the ministering of angc^ls, and by
his Holy Spirit; and has chosen tho
weak and simple to confound the wis-
dom of the wise: and to raise up ancF
bring the church of the Lamb up out of
the wilderness of wickedness, fair a*
the sun and clear as the moon. Which'
church took its rise April 6, 1830; and
has thus far come up through much-
persecution and great tribulation.
It may not be amiss in this place, ta
give a statement to the world concern-
ing the v,'ork of the Lord, as 1 have
been a member of this church of Lat-
ter Day Saints from its beginning; to
say that the book of Mormon is a reve-
lation from God, I have no hesitancy;
but with all confidence have signed my
name to rt as such; and I hope, that my
patrons will indulge me in speaking
freely on this subject, as 1 am about
leaving the editorial department —
Therefore I desire to testify to all that
will come to the knowledge of this ad-
dress; that I have most assuredly seca
tli« plates from whence <ho book c(
MESSENGER AND ADVO
'^t.
fSf
Mormon is translated, and that I have
handled these plates, and know of a su-
rety that Joseph Smith, jr. has transla-
ted the book of Mormon by the gift and
power of God, and in this thing the wis-
dom of the wise most assuredly has
perished: therefore, know ye, O ye in-
habitants of the earth, wherever this
address may come, that I have in this
thing freed my garments of your blood,
whether you belie v« or disbelieve the
statements of your unworthy friend and
well-wishef.
It is no trifling matter to sport with
the souls of men, and make fnerchan-
disc of them; I can say, with a clear
conscience before God and man, that 1
have sought no man's goods, houses ,or
lands, gold or sHirerj but had in view
for my chief object, the welfare of the
children of men, because 1 know that I
have been called of God, to assist in
bringing forth his work m ihese ]aA
days, and to holp to establish it, that as
mmy souls as would believe, and obey
the truth, might be saved in his king-
dom; and also assist in bringing about
the restoration of the house of Israel,
that they might magnify his name, for
what he has done and is doing for the
fulfilment of the prophecies of all the
holy prophets that have written on this
great and importont subject, since the
days of Adam, to this present time:
and while I have been in the editoria^
department, I have endeavored to write,
obtain and select suc% matter as was
calculated to promote the cause of God,
as far as my jtidginent was capable of
discerning: and wherein I may have
erred, I am conscientious and innocent;
but do cheerfully and humbly ask par-
don of those whose leelings in any wise
I may have injured; by digressing in
the least, from the strictest path of rec-
t itude.
I would do injustice to my own feel-
ings, if I did not here notice, still fur-
thsr th« work of ths Lord in these last
days: Thp re\)j^^i^ns and command-
ments given to u ,j-^, m rny estima-
tion, equally true .|th the book of
Mormon, and equa!!) necessary for
salvation, it is necessary o live by ev-
ery word that proceedotii from the
mouth of God: ariVlT.know lliat the
Bible, book of Mornv>n and lboK of
Doctrine and Covenants of the clivrcp.
of Christ of Latter Day Saints, rdO-
tain the revealed will of heaven, f,
further kaow tljat God v ill continue to
reveal himself to his church and peo-
ple, until he has gathered Lis elect into
his fnid, and prepared them to dwell
in his presence.
Men at times depend upon the say
of others, and are influenced by their
persuasions to embrace diflerent .sys-
tems. This is correct, inasmuch as
the principle is a just one: God always
commissioned certain men, to proclaim
his precepts to the remainder of the
generation in which they lived; and if
they heeded not their sayings, they
were under condemnation.
Though weak may have been my
arguments and feeble my exertions,
to j.ersuade others to believe as my-
self, the few months I have labored in
this department, 1 trust, I have been
the means of doing some good to my
fellow men. If I were not sensibia
that I have been doing the will of my
heavenly Father, I should regret, that
I had ever suffered my name to become
public; I could not endure the idea of
having been the means of persuading
men to detract from truth, and em-
brace error: it has been a principle in
my heart to embiace truth, and re-
ject error; and I trust it will remain in
my heart forever.
I leel it my duty to say, to the El-
ders M'ho have been laboring in the
cause of our blessed Reedeemer, and
have taken the trouble, to procure sub-
scribers for the Meseenger and Adro-
cate, t^cy have my sinoer* thankar.
S8$
MZSBKT^GZK ANO ADVOCATE.
J
and shall ever odci^y * cQnspicuous
portion of my gm^ude. "There are
others who have '-en somewhat negli-
gent in this thir,, which is owing per-
haps, ill part, ibr want of projier in-
struction upm '^his point; not realizing
that this friodical is opening and pre-
.sparing ciany places, for such as arc
ti^veir.'n !■ to',proclaiin the gospel of our
bfeiTed Redeemer; whereas, if it had
i?'!3^t been 'for this means, would have
been closed and impenitrable. ! desire
therefore, that the Elders of the church
of 'Latter Day Saints will avail theo)-
sctvs of every opportiinity that pre-
sents itself of procuring subscribers
for this paper, not for pecuniary inter-
ests, but for the welfare of the child-
ren of men. I h(-po that the Elders
will do all the good in their power, as
this is a day of "Warning and not of
many words." Therefore, I trust you
will have the spirit of God in your
hearts to guide you into all truth, until
the knowledge of God shall cover the
earth fis the waters cover the great
deep, and the saints of God are gath-
ered together, and Zion becomes the
joy of thy whole earth.
JOHN WKITMER.
of a church of Latter Day Saints, con-
sisting of sixtfton members. This
little branch of our Heavenly Father's
Kingdom has never bet'ore been rep^
resented. You will notice them in the
Messenger and Advocate as you eeo
proper.
Yours truly
^ A. J. SQUIRES.
J. Whitmcr Ef-;o.
(l/^ Those who are in arrears for
the Messenger and A^dvoeate, will
please forward the amount to Oliver
Cowdcrv: with the exception of those
-who reside in Missouri, they will
please settle their arrears with John
Whitmer. We hope that our friends
will bear in mind, that paper, ink, and
labor, cannot be obtained without the
money; therefore, we are under the
necessity to call on those who are in-
debted to us for assistance, which will
be thankfully received.
»i.; oj Euclid, February, — 18S6.
■ I, would respectfully represent to you,
that through my instrumentality, and
the grace of our God, there has been
Arise ye eaints of Latter Days,
And sing your great Redeemers praisej
With joyful hearts arise:
Let ev'ry voice in accents tower,
Till heav'nly blessings on us poar
Down through the parting skies!
Hosanna! let the echo spring,
Triumphant on exulting v.'ing.
Above the pnw'rs of he!;;
Until with God we copievni!,
And view the things within the vailr
And in his presence dwelt.
Ho.sanna! let the angels say,
Who dwell in realms of endless day»
With Enoch's perfect banal
Amen, amen, let earth resound,
And all the saints where e'er they'r»
found.
Repair to Zion's land.
Go forth ye heralds of our God,
Proclaim his gospel fav abroad,
In ev'ry fon^ign clime:
Go visit lands and i.slcs unknown,
In ev'ry realm, in ev'ry zone,
Till time with you shall end.
Then rise and join the haliow'd
throng,
Who sing the everlasting song,
In an eternal strain.
Of "Holy hoi}'. King ofkinga,
Who v/ast, and art," while hoavea
rings.
And seraphs shout Amen!
TiiB LATTER DAY SAINTS'
Messenger and Advocate,
IS F.VITED BV
JOHN WnSTi^SK,
And pu'liUslied erory rr.oiith at ivirtlund, GeEuga C©
Obio, by
F. ©. 1-VII>I^IAMS & €o. .-.
Al S 1, Jiv-r an. in adtanre. Every peritcn. procuring
ttji new mbicrihcrt, and forvardivg % 10, currevt
money, ehall be cntiUtd to a pcpcr um year, greUs.
All UUtrs to IliC F.diior,or Pfibiiskcrt, must if
^j-POST PAlD.£Xi
Jfo mbsfriptioH wiU bf. rceeivedfor a less ttm tken gr*
lUe glHCO u. uui v:.uu, .w^.^ .... "^^'^,y;ar:;rdno paper dtsr^ntinu^lilUUerre<^^s^ tt«
raised np m this piaeo, a small branch j^a, c«^ m- <*« «?««« »/'** f««<».^*»
rg% rm W w^ "^
^1^ ^^J
Vol. II. J^;r~7.] KIRTLAND, OHI07~APirrLr~l83
[Who
bi No. 19.
For Ihc Messenger and Advocate,
Brother O. C<?w©£ry:
Dear Sir— This
place having i-eccntly beea visited by
a gentleman who advocated the prin-
oipies or doctrines of those who are
called abolitionists; it' you decrn the
foIlowJRg ix^flections of any ssrvice,
or thiuk they will have a tendency to
correct the opinions of the soiithern
public, relative to the views and senti-
ments I believe, as an individual, and
am able to sajs from personal knov/1-
■edge, arc the teelings of others, you
are at liberty to give them publicity in
ihc -Golnn-ins of t.he Advocate, i am
prompted to tliis course in conse-
^S^ence, in one respect, of many el-
ders having gone into the Southern
.States, besides, there now being many
in that country who have already em-
braced the fulness of the gospel, as re-
vealed through the book of Mormon, —
having learned, by experience, thai
the enemy of trutb does not slumber,
nor cease his exertions to bias the
rninds of commumties against the ser-
vants of the Lord, by stiring up the in-
dignation of men upotu all matters of
im[X)rtance or interest.
Thinking, perhaps, that the sound
might go out, that ''an abolitionist''
had held forth several times to this
■community, and that the public feciingi
was not amused to create mobs or dis-
turbances, leaving the impression thst
all he said was concurred in, and re-
ceived as gospel and the word of sal-
vation, i am happy to say, that no
violence or bre^xh of the public peace-
was attempted, so far from this, that
all except a ver}'' few, attended to their
own avocitions and left the gentleman
to hold forth his own argumenls to
nearly naked v/aiis.,
^ I r.rn aware, that many Vr-bo profess
to previcli the gospel, complain riFainst
Ihelr brethren of th^ sairie faiili, whu
reside in tlie south, and are rc.tdy to
withdraw the liand of feliowsiiip be-
cause they will not renounce the nrin-'
ciu'e of slavery and raise tiieir voice
again'^t every thing of the kind. This
mu.st be a tender point, and one whici)
■Fihould CillhTith the cairlid wd'-cli^m
i.'f nil men, ai\d cspeciallv before Ihov
aavance m an opi>03iti-ou calc^iiated to
lay waste the fair States of the Soulh,
and set loose, upon the world a cotn*
munity of people Avho might peradven-
ture, overrun our country and violate
the most sacrad principles ef humaR
society, — chastity snd virtue.
No one will prctend to t^ay, that th-s
people of the free states are as capa*
ble of knowing the evils of slavery as
those vvho hold them, if slavery is an
evil, who, c\5u!d we expect, weuld first
learn it? Would the people of the
free states, or would the slave states?
All must readily admif, th:;t the latter
would first learn this tact. If the fact
was lenreed firat by those iem^'diateh'
concerned, who wou-ld be more capa-
ble than they of prescribing a remedy?
A lid besides, are not those v.-iio hold
slaves, persons of ability, disc-erKmcnt
and candor? Do they not expect Ic^
give an account at the bar of Ood for
their conduct in this life? It may, no
doubt, with pi'opriety be said, tiiat ma-
wy who hold slaves live without the
fear of God before their eyes, and,
the same may be said of many in th«
•free states. Then who is to bo th«
ju.dg3 m this matter?
So long, then, as those of the fraa
states tire n<5t interested in the free-
dom of the slaves, any other than upon
tl;e mere principles of equal rights and
of the gospel, and are ready to admit
that there are men of piety v/lu. re-
side in the South, v- ho are immov! late-
ly concerned, aud until ihey complain,
aiid ca : for assistance, wh}^ not cease
their clamor, and no further urge tha
slave to acts of murder, and the master
to vigorous discipline, rendering both
miserable, and unprepared to pursue
that course which misrht otlierwise
lead them b;ith to better their condi-
tion? i do nf)t belit^ve that the poopk
of the North hvive anv more rigiil tt»
say tiiat tue
8c
uth shal! not hol-i
slaves^ than the South have to say ih*;
iVcrch ihall. -f-
And further, what benefit wiii it ov-
er be to the slave for p-eriions to run
over the l>ce st;ite,^, ard -s-xcil? indig-
nation ag^utist their masters in tlie
vnind;! of thousands and tcis of thou-
sanij'.s who uadi'rstanJ iMthinff rcivitiyi.^
'4^^
MESSENGER AND ADVCCATil.
^ their circumstances or conditions'?
^ mean particularly those who have
never travelled m the South, and
Scarcely seen a negro in all their life.
How any community can ever be ex-
cited with the chatter of such persons
— boys and others who are too indo-
lent to obtain their living bv honest in-
dustry, and are inca^ able of pursuing-
any occupation of a professional na-
ure, is unaccountabte to me. And
when I see persons in the free states
signing documents against slavery, it
is no less, in my mind, than an array
of influence, and a declaration of hos-
tilities against the people of the South!
What can divide our Union soonc-r,
God only knows l'
After having expressed myself so
freely upon this subject, I do not doubt
but those who have been forv»ard in
raising their voice against the .South,
will cry o«t against mo as being un-
charitable, unfeeling and unkind —
wliolly unacquainted with the gospel
of Christ It ia my privilege then, to
name certain passages from the bible,
and examine the teachings of the an-
cients upon this matter, as the fact is
uncontrovex'tablc, that the first mention
wre have of slavery is found in tl\e !•«>-
ly bible, pronounced by a man who
was perfect in his generation and
walked with God. And so far from
that prediction's being averse from the
mind of God it remains as a lasting
monument of the decree of Jehovah,
to the shame and confusion of all who
have cried out against tlie South, in
consequence of their holding the sons
of Ham iri servitude!
•^Andhe said cursed Zfe Canaan; a servant
«f servants sliail he be unto his brethren.
And he said, Blessed fe the Lord God of
Shem; and Canaaji shall be his servant. —
trod shall enlarge Japheth, aiKt he shall dwell
in the tents of Shem; and Canaan shall be
hj3 sorvant."--Gen, 8: 25,,26,27.
Trace the history of the work! fi'om'
this notable event down to this day,
and you will find the fulP^kirient of this
singular prophecy. "What could have
been the design of the Almighty in
this wonderful occurrence is not for
me to say; but 1 can say, that the
eurse is not yet taken ofl' the sons of
Canaan, neither will be until it is af-
fected by as great power as caused it
to come; and the people who interfere
the least with the decrees and purposes
of God in this matter, will como under
lihQ least coadomnation before him;
and those who are determined to pur-
sue a course which shows an opposi-
tion and a feverish restlessness against
the designs of the Lord, will learn^
when perhaps i! is too late for their
own good, that God caa do his own
work without the aid of those who are
not dictated by his counseh
1 must not pass over a notice of the?
history of Abraham, of whom so much
is spoken in the scriptures. If we can
credit the account, God convei'setiS
with him from time to time, and direct-
ed him in the way he should v-'alk,
saying, "I am the Almighty God;
walk before me and be thou perfect."
Paul' says that the gospel wn\s preach-
ed to this man. And it is further said,
that he had sheep and oxen, nxjn-ser-
vauts and maid-servants„ <k.e: Frons
this I conelude, that if the principle
had been an evil one, in the midst of
the communications made to this holy
man, he would have been instructed
differently. And if ho was instructed
against holding men-servants and
maid-servants, he never ceased to do
it; consequently must have incurred
the displeasure of the Lord and there-
by lost his Wcssings — \vhich; was uo|
the fact.
Some may urge, that the names*,
man-servant and maid-servant, only
mean hired persons who were at liber-
ty to leave their masters or employ e-rs
at any time. But we can easily settle
this point by turning to the history of
Abraham's descendants, when gO;\>
ernod by a law given froin the- moivtht
of the Lord himself. I know tha£
when an Israelite had been brought in-
to servitude in consecjuence of debt, or
otherwise, at the seventh year he wenJ
from the task of his former master or
employer; but to no other people or
nation was this granted in the lavv to
Israel. And if, after a man had serv-
ed six years, he did not wish to be
free, then the master was to bring him
unto the judges, boar his ear with an
tiw\ and that man was "to serve him
forever."' The conclusion I draw
from this, is that this people were led
and governed by revelation, and if
such a law v/as wrong God only is to
be blamed, and abolitionists are not
^sponsible.
Now, before proceeding any farther,
I wish to ask one or two questions: —
Were the apostles men of God, and did
they proaf^h the gospel'? I have no
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
SM>\
■doubt but those who believe the bible
will admit these facts, and that thev
also linevv the mind and will of Go<:l
<;oncerni-ng what they wrote to the
'churches which they wero instrumeji-
lal in building up.
This being admitted, the matter can
he put to rest without mu-ch argument,
sf we look at a few items in the New
Testament. Paul says:
"Servants, be obedient to them that are
your masters accordiBg to tiie flesh, with tear
and trembhng, in singleness of your iieart, us
j;nle Christ; Not with eye sorvic, as men-
,pleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing
the will of God from the heart: With good
"^vill doing service, as to the Lo^d, and not to
men; Knowing that v/hatsoever good thing
any man doeth, the same shall he receive of
the Lord, whether ie be bond or free. And,
je masters, do the same things unto them,
forbearing threatening: knowing that your
Master also is in heaven; neither is l.here
respect of persons with him." Eph. 64 5,6,-
7,8,9.
Hero is a lesson which might be
profitable for all to learn, and the prin-
ciple upon which the churc-h was an-
ciently governed, is so plainly set
forth, that any eye of truth might see
and understand. Here, certainly are
represented the master and servant;
and so far from instructions to the ser-
vant to leave his master, he is com-
inauded to be in obedience, as unto
the Lord: the master in turn is Te-
=quired. to treat them with kindness be-
fore God, understanding, at the same
an
time that he is to give an account. —
The hand of fellowsnip is not v/ith-
'drawn from him in consequence of
having servants.
The same v/riter, in his first epistle
to Timothy, the sixth chapter, and the
five first verses, says:
"Let as many servants as a,re under the
yoke count their own masters worthy of all
honor, that t!i3 name cf God and his doctrine
be not blasphemed. And they that have be-
iieving masterB, let them not despise (hi'm,
iecause they are brethren; but rather do t/ietu
fisrvice, because they are faithful a'.id belov-
ed, partakers of the benefit These things
teach and eKhort. If any man teach other-
ivise, and consent not to Vi/holesoino words,
^^cn the word:j cf our Lord Jesus Christ, and
to the doetrine ^wbich is according to godli-
ness; he is proud, sn&wiug nothing but dot-
ing about questions and strifes of words,
v/hereof cometii envy, strife, railings, evil
surinisiiigs, Perverse disputings of men of
corrupt minds, aud destitute of the truth.,
i3uppo.sing Ijiat gain is godliness: from such
withdraw thyeelf."
This is so perfectly piain, that I see
no need of comment. The scripture
stands for itself, and I believe that
these men were better qualified to
teach the will of God, tiian all the ab-
olitionists in the world.
Before closing this communication,
I beg leavB to drop a word to the traV=-
oiling etders: You know, brethren,
that great responsibility rests upon you,
and that you are accountable to God
for all you teach th.e world. In my
opinion, you will do well to search the
book of Covenants, in which you will
.•bce the belief of the courch conccrnin!?
masters and servants. All men are to
be taught to repent; but we have no
right to interfere with slaves contrary
to the mind aiid will of their masters.
In fact, it v,'oald be much better ar.d
more prudent, not to preach at all to
slaves, until after their masters are
converted: and then, teach the master
to use them with kindness, remember-
ing that they are accountable to God,
and that servants arc bound to servo
their masters, with singleness of heart,
v/ithout murmuring. I do, most sin-
cerely hope, that no one who is au-
thorized from this church to preach
the gospel, will so far depart from the
scripture as to be found stirring up
strife and sedition against our breth-
ren of the South. Having spoken
frankly and freely, I leave ail in the
hands of God, v,^ho will direct all things
for his glory and the accomp!i:3hm.ent
of his wcrk.
Praying that God may spare you to
do much good in this lile, I subscriba
mvself vour brother in the Lord.
JOSEPH, SMITH, jr.
Mr.
EcirojR:
The following extract of
a letter written to a friend in the StaJe
of N. Y. may be of some consequence
to the numerous readers of the Mes-
sjnger and advocate: if you think so
you are at liberty to insert it in its col-
umns.
Dear. Bui: — Yours of a recent date
has been received and read, I trust,
with tha:t attention H'hieh the n;iture of
the subject requires. Every man iias
his peculiirities, his pecidiar feelings,
his peculiar taste, and his mode of
reasoning or arriving at conclusions
f''om any premises, — You have yours
and 1 have mine; and without pretend
ing to tell yours, suffice it to say, that
I arrive at mine in th.e following man-
ner. If I am requested to solve a
m
MESSEXGER A:?1> ADVOCATE.
question ia arithmetic, I know there idaced tbv a figure, ami s->j IT {^^>f«F''« be
are certain rules, by which, if I [)ro- not some who, through prejudice or
ceecl, lam sure of a correel resiiit, ] wilful bliiulncss are not, to say the
least, as- niuch in error with regaid tu
tiic go.-:pel as i have made myself iir
relaticni to- ti>o suhject o-f figures. —
When God said ixi his koly wo-rdr
nnd inasmuch as I love ami vcrlue tiic
!ruti>, and with just so much intensiiy
of thought and iixedncss of purpose I
shall pursue that co!ir:se, that will en
hhlo rnc in the conclusion to arrive at "these si.r^rs? shall fo-llov/ Ihcm that be
tlvo o!/J8Ct of iny desire, — it I have no
confidence in the rule 1 shall luo^t as-
snrcdiv take n)V own way and when I
have irone thvoiifrh with my process
and tir.d 1 have faileil, ought 1 to
blaiTie the correct rule, or the author
fif it, or say that either or both are
changed? Certuiniy not; Again, ii I,
with all the zeal and energy of ivj
sol:!, should labor v/ith vou to urove
. that six and four make tv/clve, how do
you think I should succeed? Poorly I
trust, poorly you would respoRd truly.
Why, i ask, have 1 not been sir.cere
«,nd unv/earled in rny eRorts to con-
vince youl Certainly 1 have, Why
then are you not hound to believe me?
Your answer will no doubt be read}-.
My dear friend, I am bound to respect
your feelings and treat you with be-
eonning reverence, but I cannot con-
cede to yoi'.r spinion or your judgment
with regard to your operation with the
figures. The rcsuU of your process
was incorrect, for the reason, that you
applied the wrong rules. Although
you labored unremittingly, and socrn
to be positive in yo'ir own mind that
you are correct, stiil, you will say, I
do know and can fully prove, by a cor-
rect process, and strict application of
known rule?, that six and tour, make
but just ton, that they do not make
twelve nor never did. What then is
;h8 difficulty v/ith mel I pretend to be-
iievG in just priacxiolcs and correct
rules as much as you do, I certamly
have as much anxiety and ;:3 much
geall Your answer will ao-ain be roa-
dy, My friend, you neither believe me
nor the rule i take to arrive at my
conclusions, if you did, we t.hoLd.d
draw like inferences from the same
premises, and it would Ije a clearly
lieve,'' 1 receive it as proof positive'
that he mear>t just wirat he- saiJ. Nov,'
Sir, any operation or any proi;ess yuir
may take to bring out a conciusion, if
you do not come at the one shown us
by inspira'iion, you will permit me to
say to you, it will be as hard for yow
to convince mo that your religion is
a;>pvobated by tlic God of heaven, as
it was for rne to pers'.iado you into thft
boliof that &ix and four make twelve.
You may show mo some of the cha-r-
acteristics: So I showed you a part of
what vv'as necessary to make up tlio
number twelve, but they actitally feEl
short of it. Just so you must allow
me to look upon your religion, in the
light cf divine truth, the only covrec>
rule, it is a base counterfeit. If the-
scriptures be our guide such must be-
the fart; and it is ja,st as useless ir>
my opinion, to blend some good thing,
that obtain at the present day among
tiie different sects with their errors \n
principle and oractice, and call the
compound the religion of the bible, n»
v.'ouid be the vain aUen>nfe to v-ield iroa
and clay. Thus you see people do-
col believe the rule that God has giv*
en, all their boasted pretensions to the-
contrary notwithstanding. It is often
boastingly said that, God, our heaven-
ly Father has ceased to reveal himself
to the children of men, that the day of
miracles has gone by, that the canoJi
of scripture is t\ii!. Can you point me
to that passage in his word where he
has made any such declaration'? Can
you tell me how the scriptures of ihe-
old and new testament arc to be ful-
filled without miracles and without
revelation from heaven. Do enlighten
my mind on this subject, I read that
it shall corns to pass in the last days
demonstrable fact in your mind as it is | that God shall pourotit bis spirit upon
in mino that six and four make justi all flesh, some v/iil see visions, others
ten. drc"<m dreams, and others stiil will
prophesy. These, you know, were
anciently the efiects of the true gospel*
vou v/iil recollect there v;as a littlo
You will examine tho forcsoiniT; re-
marks and say they are correct and
that you never doubted Them. Lotus
look at anofher subject although equal- 'specimen of it on the day Oi pentecost,
ly plp.in with ihe simple cnc 1 have ad- j which virtually continued while iUq
^itss^r^ciKk flK:y AbrocAtE.
%n
'church was led by reyokition. Do j nvnits, and if thev keci.. his command^
you think if the Lord should lead a I nienis ihev know' it and thev kno\r
people as he led his churcii in the days | they please him. You know the scri;:-
^r the apostles, there woold be more j tare sa> s he [the Lord] is no respec't-
ihan one faith or nno mode of baptism. •
Certainly nol, — rnen is it nU an ar-
g-anient, strnug ,itid conclusive, that
Ood has no rcsricct Ibr the doctrines,
■coramandnients r^.nd precepts oi the
profcssinfr christian world. ThisjieneY
TiiOR
it is Clear as
, th:it in order t'>
of persons
the noon dny sun
please h\n\ wc niust obi-y him in all
tiiing-s, and if we obev liirn we ccr-
taiiiiy embrace tlie gospel, p.nd if w«
have that in its lulnesa, we have th-.5
titionisnotbhimeabtebecause their tilth- Ipnwer of God unto s?;lvalion. Anv
tM-s lost the poVerand authority to hold Ithino- short of this cannot bo the trus
'TM,
conic
)lher c'lurch
liao anv au-
int'jircourco with h
'onder coudeinnaiioa for re.srstir.g' au
thority (the nviesthcnd) now thr.t he
has given it again. It is vrorse l!)an
useless for thf; different religious sects
of this gcjicriiiion to pretend 'to the
least vestige of authority to administer
in holy things, that is not mere as-
Kinnption or come down to them
through the mother of abominations.
You must be aware, Sir, frcin but
!?ven a cursory vicv,' of t'.i.'s subject,
that if the n-.
"tbori'ty that v.-as ct
Avas sure to divest her dissenting mem-
Lers of anv. Nr/t otilv so, bar thev
were treated as heretics and outlaws.
Now you know they were anciently
?r.ade ministers and clothed with au-
thority to act in that high and holy
Tjalling, in a certain v/ay; they v.ero
Ti'itnesscs of Jesus and required to bear
testimony in his name. They could
truly say that flesh and blood had not
revealed it to tl'iem. The religion they
preached, and urged upon their audi-
lors, uas truly the pov/cr of Ged unto
I gospel hov.'evc:
bis it^
'ri.
neariv it niav rcsem
01'.
ino origin, she
Lijiiil tiie railed you plciso and
fiix niiJ four wid never make twelve,
no4- will soi-en cightiis of a*2 integer,
even of the tviis fzvti, constitute th-ft
v.'hcle. The v/hoie is equal to all the
parts, aM aii the par!^ are hut jusl
equivalent to the whole. Yt u have
too much good sense not to see, Sir,
that the sectarian world have lest all
their authorit;,' to administer in any o-f
the ordinances of his house, ail they
iiave is assumed, find you hav3 as;
much divirie right to Gvncirae in any of
them as thoy havo. Tell me nothing
ubout their goodi>ess, their piety or
" " " "~ 1. '
their p
ir ■♦■•
saivation !(nto every one t:i:;t
,1'
nnu oDeved its mandal;
levcd
Just so I
o _ ^ .
was and always will be. It is vain to
toil me this power was conhned to the
i:postIes, unless you convince !iio tlie
gospel was ccnuned to t'.em, for it is
i.bundantly evident th.at those v/ho em-
braced the gospel from their preaching
T-articipated in the same pov/er, tlio
},ower of (iod. Any thing short of
this, is not the power of God unto sal-
vation con,fccpicntly it is not then the
gospel, and if it be not gospel, v.-i 1 it
Do you think thev are
really any better than Cornelius was
befuve Peter baptized him? He had
that power with God, and so far pleas-
ed hini tiiat an aniul was scr.t to con-
verse V, ith him and instruct him. —
U hat v.as the subject of communica-
tion to him? Here mark the direction
givsn ]>y t-:;is messenger ot b.e.-ivcn. '—
"4Scnd men to Joppa and call for Si-
mon whose surname i::i Peter, he iod^?'-
eth wlih one Simon, a tanner, who.oo
house is by the sea-side; he sh.aU
tell thcc \vh:it thou outhtest to do."
Now, Sir, for a moment cxamin<5
this subject iii the light of I'easoH and
revelation. If Cornelius could have
been saved with.out complying with tho
requisitions of the gospel as preached
by Peter, then the Lord required
something unnecessary. And again
if Cornelius could be saved v^ithout
those things required in the gospel an-
sa ve men?
? I
USf
[or a rc;
11
1".'
am aware you wiii s:". v
T>,,. 1 other man can bo, and if another nian
that the re'i-!^^^ be, all .men can be. I! all men can
jrion of liie professing christian world. '^«' ^^-» " necessarily n>llows that thf»
saves men from vice, and makes them
love God and one another: to which I
reply, I fear niany arc avvfuily deceiv-
ed, even in those two poin!'. If thoy
lO'.T (.Jod thev V, i;] h'-'^-p id* -"'imimnd-
gospel, is unnecessary, and if it be un-
noce'^sarv l!ie wisdom of the- author of
5t stand
\'-dd it.
:!Ti=i'
roAQ WG cannot s-
1 !->:!"? trtTlV,
5y4
MSSSEx^GER AND ADYOCAfjE'.
To the Editor of the Messenger,
Dear Brother — Happening a fcv/
days since to lake up the "Ohio Atlas"
6\ the 20lh if)si my eye caught nn ar-
ticle in the shape of an anoDynious
Jecter to the Editor, dated PainesviUe,
March 16, — from which, if you please,
I beg leave to make some extracts, ae-
Gompanied with such remarks as I may
deem proper
The writer, in speaking of the
church of "Latter Dav Saints" vul-
garly styled "Mormons," at this place,
coramenccs his tirade, by saying: — "I
have been to Kirtland, and v/itnessed
tlk; operations of that most deluded set
of visionaries, that our land, or any
other enlightened land has ever wit-
nessed." Ycu vv'ill sec, that he is 'pos-
itive in his assertion, and docs not rest
T7it'h giving a conjecture, or a may-be-
so, that we are a '■'■deluded set of vis-
ionaries." Noah "Webster says, that
the v/ord "deluded" means deceived,
misled, disappointed': — Rott, if, to be-
lieve in the existence of a God, and
that that same God gave his only be-
gotten Son, to be sacrificed as a propi-
tiation or atonement for the sins of the
whole world, even as many as believed
on him; to follow the precepts and
commandments of the Almighty, as
laid down in the old and new testa-
ment, for the government of his crea-
tures; to throw aside the creeds and
dogmas of men; to follow the preach-
ings of the Apostles of our Lord and
Savior; going as the Apostles did, in-
to all the world, warning our fellow
men, to. "repent and be baptized for
the remission of their sins;" to live
uprightly, v.'alk humbly before God,
and to deal justly, love mercy, exer-
cise faith tovrard our heavenly Father,
and ciarity to man, visitirig the fathcr-
tcsa and the widows, and in short "do-
ing to others as you would be done
by," constitutes a deluded people, then
am I, for one, ready to plead guilty,
and suffer myself to be made a hiss
and a by-word for this generation, but
until I am convinced of this, I must
beg leave to differ with tkc gentleman,
if such lie can be called.
Again he says: — "I have no doubt
that Jo Smith's character is axi equal
compound of the impostor and faaatic,
and that Rigdon has but a small spice
of the latter, Avith an extraordinary
portion of the former:" — I am aware
ihat any thins; I <;"in say in vindicafion
of the characters of these brethren,
will be entirely superfluous where they
are personally known, but to those
who have not the pleasure of a person--
at acquaintance with them, I would-
say, that the above quoted assertion is
false from beginning to end, and could
not have come from a heart instigated
by any other than an evil spirit. And
in support of this position I would be
willing, for the sake of truth, to com-
pare their private and public charac-
ter with that of the PainesviUe writer,,
or any of his brethren of lying, back-
biting, and villification notoriety.
Again he says: — "None of them ap-
pear to be within the reach of argu-
ment on the subject of religion." This
the writer knew, (if he. knew any
thing about the church,) was not true
— so far from it, that wherever our
Elders have travelled abroad they have
at all times, been ready, God giving
them his Spirit, to stand up boldly, iii
deftiHce of the religion they profess 5
and even "beardless boys," among
them, have been able to confound the
Priests of this gcnerat'on, who were
considered by their followers, well
versed in the scriptures, and filled with
all the wisdom and learning of the
world; for the servants of Heaven put
their trust in Him, who has said, that,
no weapon raised against his gospel
should prosper. And so it always will
be in spile of men or devils.
Again; — "They, [the "Mormons"]
sa}^ and they are probably not far
from the truth, that their numbers in
the United States amount to 45,000."
This is but equal to the rest of the
writer's assertions; — I do not believe
: ihat ever any member of the churci'i
of Latter Day Saints gave him such
information: — It is true, we are as
yet but few in numbers; but the Lord
has set his hand to work in these last
days, and he has said that his work
should roll forth, until he would gatli-
er in all the honest in heart, and they
should become a great and mighty na-
tion, until all the righteous should be
separated from the? wicked, and they
that fear not God and keep his com-
mandments, should be cut down and
burn-t as stubble;— -and when did God
ever lie?
We would warn the PainesviUe
writer and alt others who do like him,
lo speedily repent and obey the evcr-
liptiug grvspel, ore it be too late; fur
UZHBllSGER AXD ADVOCATi-.
God has said, 1 the Lord am not to be
niocked in these last days: For the
ilay speedily cometh when I will send
my angels to pluck out the wicked and
cast them into unquencliablo fire.
I might foliow this redoubtable scrib-
l)}er in the Atlas throuffh his entire
o
communication, but the whole of it be-
ing about on a par with that already
squoted, I will close with the ibllowing:
*'Their temple, at Kirtlandis a huge
tTiis-shapen editice.'" — The writer's
judgment in regard to this biiiiding
must have been warped as much as
his views in rofetion to all ether mat-
ters connected with the society. For
ft has been acknowledged by men of
skill and taste in the science of archi-
tecture to be a
building
superior
in
structure and finish to almost any otli-
cr in the Union And to all who do
not wish to taive my word for it, I
would say, visit Kirtland and view not
only the "House of the Lord," but be-
come acquainted with the society hero,
as well as the doctrines ana principles
held to and taught; and if they do not
go from us divested of that rancor and
prejudice so much entertained against
us, then I will acknowledge that I am
■no judge of human nature, nor of the
feelings that should actuate high-mind--
led and honorable men.
Brother, I have done, — and if you
thinlc the foregoing worthy or" an in-
sertion in your useful and widely cir-
culated paper, you will confer a favor
i)Y eivinij it a place in the same.
Hoping that the Lord will be merci-
ful to us all, and at last sru-c Ut! in his
Celestial Kingdom, I siihscriibe ?^^-3'self
as ever, your brother in the Lct^rd,
T 7\f
Par the Messenger and Adroculc.
Not long since a gentleman of the
Presbyterian faith came to this town
(Kirtland) and proposed to lecture up-
on the abolition questio*-. Knowing
that there was a large branch of the
church of Latter Day Saints in this
place, who, as a people, are liberal in
our sentiments; he no doa'jt anticipa-
ted great success in establishiiig his
doctrine among us. Hut in th s he
was mistaken. The doctrine of
i'hrist and the systems of men are at
issiue and consequently will not har-
snonize together.
However, with the assis'anci of
some few others, u ho no^5:c?>'ed con-
genial spirits, ho succeeded in getting
a hearing, and after holding several
meetings vre are inforrred that he es-
tablished an abolition society in this
vicinity. V,'e indeed profess to bei
liberal, not only in a religious, but in
a political point of view; and for this
reason v/e stand aloof from abolition
societifs. We arc liberal in our reli-
gious sentiments as far as truth and
righteousness will warrant, and no
farther. ^Vo believe in cultivating
tiie pure principles of the gospel to
the extent; and that every man has
an undoubted right to Vv-orship God ac-
cording to the dictates of his own con-
science however erroneous his princi-
ples may be, and that none should mo-
lest or make him afraid.
We also believe that the constitution
of 'these United States, is the best form
of gov-ernment that exists upon the
foot-stool of Gud. Our wise legisW
tors who framed it were elected by the
voice of the people, and after taking
jriLO consideration tlie general good of
this republic have deemed it expedient
to guarantee to the Southern States the
right of holding slaves; — x\nd we do
not feel disposed to rise up in opposi-
tion to it. It is tlieir right, and wo ex-
pect they will be as tenacious of their
privileges as we are of ours, and v/e
believe that it is tije duty of every in*
dividual to submit to the governm.ent
of that State or Kingdom in v.-hich he
resides, so long as that government
affords him the protection of its laws;
and he that will not is an enemy to his
country; aa enemv to mankind, and
an enemy to that God who teaches us
to pay due deffereHce aad respect to
magistrates, and rulere, atid to te ia
subjeciio'n to the powers that be.
And allhongh ]TOntical demagogues,
and religious fanatics, in their bliad
zeal, mTybu-stle nnd rago, and com-
pass sea and laud with the pretention
to meliorate the condition of Ham's
descendant>:, yet God's curse pro-
nounced by his servant Noah will re-
main upon them; and Canaan must
dwell in the tents of Shem and be his
servant until He, who pronounced it
shall order it otherwise. And all the
abolition societies that now are or ever
will be, cannot cause one jot or tittle
of the prophecy to fail- The curse
that was pronoimced upon that people
v.a^ bv the spirit of prophecy, anfl
vviien the L'^nl luni^ awav Iii*^ \\r;itk
'Wi
MESSENGER AICD ADVOCATE.
and pronouricea a blessing upon them
he will announce to his servants the
prophets that the time has arrived that
T-hove i-3 to be no more the Canaanite
■ ia tire land; and when that time comes
all the devils on earth or in he!!, can-
not prevent it. Here then- we rest the
matter: — This is the ground on v/hich
\ve stand, thrs is the position we take
in regard to this question. We v/ould
tliertore be distinctly understood, that
we do not countenance the abolition
aystem, nor fellowship those v/ho ad-
vocate its principles; and he that v.ould
stir up rebellion among the blacks, is
an enemy to the well being oi" society,
and instead of betteiing their cor.dition
them
is heaping
upon tacm innumeraDie
evils that they would otherwise' be
Ftrangers to, and is indirectly sr.^,ddiE-g
the blood of his fellow-men.
Vv. PARRISH.
To^lki
:-r of the Messenger and
Ed
Adaocaie,
J7i: A n. D h ovjzn:
just rcturnetl from a short
gay about three w-eka, in the county
of Portage Ohio, I feel disposed to
drop you a- few lines that yc« may
-iiavm't?
o
mission,
know something
truth
now
the
cause or
has prospered in my hands dur-
ing this short period.
p reaching in tne town-
cur
object,
it shall
"No
pros-
The writings
persons
i conimenctd prenr-b-i
ship of Hiram, the plact; v/kers-
boiovcd brethren, .Foseph Smith jr.
Sidney Rigdon were most shanisfuUy
beaten, t-arred afrJ fcat-iiereu some
three or lor.r years since by the inhab-
itants of tiiat place and vicinity. Let
it here be noted fhat Ilirara stands first
en tlte list of, heroes xf'no have waged
war asainst the servants of God vrith
the honorable weapons of clubs, tar
an.d teathcrs, and you may well sup-
pose tliat chai'actors thus depraved
v/ere not very vriTling to embrace the
truth — yet there are some precious
souls in liiram v.'ho ha' e and vv'il! oy*'n
tlie Savior before men.
After baptizing one in the above
place, I went into Mantu;i and Sha-
lersvillc v/here I bavnized seven more,
also attended meeting in Middlebury,
and two more came forward for bap-
tism which was administered by Eider
Eoosinger.
There is an opportunity of doing
much good in those regions;, if some
faithful laboier would go into that pirt
of th® vinevnrd.
I expect to leave town to-morrow for
the purpose of sounding the ram's
horn again around Jericho, that her
walls may be broken dov/n, but may
God bless and spare those who enter-
tain the spies, (or the servants of fh»
Most High.)
The cause of God will roll on in tha
face of an- opposing v/orld, and 1 can-
not but make the expression of the
Prophet, saying, "no- weapon fon-ned
against thee shall prosper." The first
weapon raised against the spread of
truth, of any c;;nstderatio'n 'in this
country, was the wicked and scurril-
ous pamphlet published by A. Camp-
bell. Next, perhaps, were the letters
of E. Booth, and thirdly, Morrnonisn>
unveiled written by Mr. E. I>. Howe^
alias. Doct. P. Hulbert.
These were designecr severally in
their turn for the exposure and over-
throv,- of '*.vIormonism" as^they term-
ed it: l;ut it ar-nears that heaven has
not blessed t'he means which they em-
ployed to effect their
vvea|?on rai-sed against
per. '
of the above named
o, \ find have no influence in
the wo-rld at vA\i for thev are arof evers
quoted by oppose rs, and I believe for'
no other reason than — that they are-
ashauicd of them-.-
The servants of G-od are declarMig
boldly the counsel of "iha ]\icst High,
as contained ii> the book of Morn-ion,
the Seriptures and t-he book of Cove-
nants— Many are repenting ai?d' eom-
ing to baptism that they may obtain
tiie reniisaie-n of tlisir sins through
faith in the nan«3 of Christ.
P.lay the Lord pou7 cat bis- Sp-irit
upon the Elders abroad, and may tht?
angel of thy presence go beforf> them,
— may they be endowed with wisdom
and power from on high, to sto-p ths
mouths of guinsayere, and to heal tho
sick, and ca^t out devils in the name of
the L-3rd.
i am, Bfr, Yours
in the Bonds of
the new Covenant,
OPvSON HYDE
Kirthnd, May 4, 183G.
MESSENGER AJCD ADVOCAT-E,
For the Messenger and Advocale.
Br. O. CowDERy
Sir: — It appears that
the notice which I took of Simons Ri-
der in the Messeiiaer and Advocate ot
January last, has given come ofience
to hin), as according to his iisi'ial way
of correcting my errors, he has been
leveling his shafts at me, at the dis-
tance of thirty or forty miles; where
he thinks I suppose that he can vent
his feelings with safety, as there wiii
he no person to call him to an account
for it.
Ho complains it appears, that I have
injured his character in publishii^g his
conduct to the world in your periodi-
m
liijw fiu the charge of dishonesty,
can be prefered in truth against Si-
mons Rider, as well as ethers, of the
smaller animals of this species (I moan
the Campbeilites) remains yet to ba
made manifest; as they, at nrcsdnl,
are under tu.ors and governoi-s, amJ
not at liberty to think for themselves
For instance, there are A. Bentley S.
Rider as well as others, who at pres-
ent are not at liberty to think for
themselves; but must think as A.
Campbell, and W. Scott think. They
are not at liberty to believe what tho
bible says, unless they first find it in
the Evangelist, or Harbinger, and
then, and not tiil then dare ihev be-
cal. Now, that he should be ashamed j lieve it; but if they find it in the Evan
to have his conduct made a public
thing is not at all surprising to me;
for I should think tliat would of iieces-
sitv be the case; for while ♦here are
any people v/ho acknowledge him as
a public tencher, his conduct is not
very creditable to him. But what sur-
prises me is, that he should charge me
with injuring his character, as he
knows that there was nothing 5 aid in
your paper concerning him l>ut what
was strictly true; for he docs know
most assuredly, that without cause Or
provocation, he made an unmanly at-
tack as well as an unrighteous one, up-
on myself, as well as others of the
church of the Latter Day Saints.
He atlackcd both our characters and
public
gelist, or Harbinger, it matters not
whether it is m the bible or whether it
is not in it, of course, in their estima-
tion it is true; because brother Camp-
bell, or brother Scott, has said it, that
is enough: bible or no bible.
We feel in the mean time at liberty
to say, that we have all the evidence
necessary to satisfy our mind, that
Messrs. Campbell, and Scott, the lea-
ders of that b.othcrhood, are not hon-
est in their religion: they are men who
think and act for themselves, indepen-
dently, and they do know, that tho
same Jesus who said to his disciples
'-Go ye into all the world, and preach
the gospel to every creature: he that
believeth and is baptized shall be saved.
rei;giOD, in
his public ];roclaimiugs; anti liiai at a
time, v.hcn we had no way of expos-
ing his wi dcedness: we had no paper
through which v.'e could communicate
to the world. He availed himself of
this our defensless situation, to do ali
the injury he could, and if possible, to
assemblies, and in ! and he that bcHevfth not i:hnl! be dim-
ned." jiiso iiaid "That signs shall
follow them that believe &c.
Now that Messrs. Bently, Rider and
others, should not know this is not sur-
prising, because they never saw it, in
either tlie harbcnger, or evangelist and
not having seen it there, of coursa
stop the spread of truili; but in this I could not say whether it was in any
he failed, and when called upon to | other ])Iace or not. But ?rlessr3.
support his assertions in my presence, I Campbell and Scott, arc not thus tram-
he had recourse to slander and abuse: i elf'd; they know it is there, and they
these things Simons knows to be true, j do knovv- l;1so. that they have the same
V/hy then complain that I have injured j authority for saying -Hhcse signs shall
fallow them that be/icve^^ that they 1 a "'O
to say uulo the people believe :;nd ba
baptized, that is, thc-y have the author-
ity of Jesus Christ for both; delivered
at the same time, to the same people,
and on the same occasion; and of
equal truth, and duration. We are not
afraid of a contradiction in truth,
when we say, we know that Messrs.
Cajnpbell and Scott know these things;
i Rnd tho gror.tpr shamiJ for thtMr, tiy
Ir.s character, by publisliing them to
the world? it is tli° same as to say,
that his character cannot stand wlunc
truth prevails, and I have no reason
that I know of, to doubt it. I am sure
his religion cannot stand the test of
truth, and he knows it as well as I do,
and 1 expect ho thinks his characfnr is
equally as weak, and would fall as
easy a proy to the truth as hia roli-
gicn.
S9S
MES3LNGER AND ADVOCATE.
keep such men as Sirnorus Rider, and A-
Bcntly, held in bondage, whose minds
arc too limited to exercise one indepen-
dent t!iongl;t for themselves, an:! only
think f!s they arc permitted by their
ni-isters.
Thev do know too, tliat the same
Peter wlio said "Repent and be bap-
tized every one of you m the name of
Jesus Christ for the remission of sins,
and you shall receive the gift of the
Holy Ghost-' also described that gift of
ihc iloly Spirit, and said, it consisted
in dreaming dreams, and seeing vis-
ions, prophesying, d:c, and that Peter
made that promise to all that were n-
far off, even as many as the Lord our
God shall call.
These things they do know, because
they read for themselves, and think
for themselves, and are not under bon-
dage to any man, therefore, they have
no excuse for their sin, neither cloak
for it: all the excuse which can be pled
for them is, that tb.c God oi' this world
has blinded their minds, so that when
they see a thing, and know it, they
will not confess it; for such there is a
day of judgment, when their injustice
will come up in remembrance before
the Lord, and if their is one place in
liell hotter than another, or where the
torment is greater than another, it
is surely had in reserve for such
men.
Some excuse can be pled for Pres-
byterians, Methodist, Baptist, Episco-
palians, &c. for they profess to be gov-
erned not by the bible, but by their re-
spective creeds and confessions;
against which Messrs, Campbell and
Scott have spoken with great freedom,
denouncing them as heretical in the
extreme, and otfering in the most pos-
itive manner, that the bible, and the
bible only, should be our creed, and
by that alone we should bo governed,
and yet in the face of all these decla-
rations, deny that which is written as
v.'ith a sun-beam on almost every page
of it, and profess to believe and try to
establish an order of thing'=(which b}'
the by he will nevci* accomplish) that
is no where found in it.
After generations will rise up and
instead of calling them blessed, will
view all their labors, and toils, in a
light less favorable, than they do the
crusaders, the missionary prophets of
the day: yes, worse than the veriest
Inllics of nnv aire.
The schen;e of Messrs. Campbell
and Scott is tlse niost barefaced and
impudent impcs'tion ever attempt-
ed to bo pawned on any generation,
and tliosc who are stupid enough to
continue to follow tlioin, will cast a
sliade upon the character of this gen-
eration as loner as the name of it is
o
known among the living.
These gentlemen surely have the
right to investirate the re!i2;ion of the
bible, but after tlie principles of it have
all been fairly brought to light, to call
them the basest of impositions, and
those servants of God whom he called
to this vrork for ihc v/orld, fanatics,
and impostors, when they do know
that those who they thus denounce are
contending for the pure principles of
the bible, and for that only; and all
this because God understood the base
corruption of their hearts, did not
choose them to be among the honored
ones into whose hands the kingdom
should bo delivered in the last days;
but saw proper to choose those whom
he knew to be more righteous than
they. If it were to be asked why did
not the Lord choose Messrs. Campbell
and Scott, to lay the foundation of his
work in the last days? the answer
wouhl be, that God v/ho knows the
hearts of all living, knew that they
were corrupt to the very core-, and
destitute of that nobleness of soul
which would entitle them to this hon-
or, and because God saw proper thus
to reject their sacrifice, as he did
Cain's they thought to destroy those
on whom God confered this high hon-
or, (for their honor is truly of man,
but not of God) thus proving that they
were of the same spirit of Cain, and
only lacked in power or else they
would have done as he did.
I would call on them now to reflect
for a moment on the situation in which
they have placed themselves, by reason
of their great desire to destroy the
saints. Let them look at him who ca-
tered lies for them, I mean old Clapp
of Mentor, who has sunk into everlast-
ingdisgrace, and dragged his family
with 1 im, because it is a just judgment
of God on them for their iniquity. —
Would God have suflered a right-
eous family to have been thus disgra-
ced. I answer nav. their verv shame
rises up and cries against them, and
will tell their iniquities to all genera-
tions; and why? because they sought
MESSENGER AN DAD VoCAT-*.'.
199
to disgrace the saints, and God has
disgraced them, or he has permitted
them to be disgraced to their latest
generations; for the scandal of their
progenitor wi.l be entailed upon them
for a patrimony until tlic race is blot-
ted out from under heaven.
This man Clapp, was the coadjutor
of Messrs. Campbell and Scot:, he was
there fellow labourer in the persecu-
tion, and as such they are justly enti-
tled to a share in his disgrace, and that
of his family, which is a token of the
righteous judgment of God. "For it
is a righteous thing with God to rec-
ompence tribulation to them that troub-
le you" 2 Thessalonians 1: 6, says
Paul to the saints.
.If Messrs Campbell and Scott were
to consider for but a moment, they
could not avoid seeing, that they had
espoused a bad cause, and v/ere
leagued v/ith adulterers, and of the same
spirit. Were they not of the same
spirit of old Clapp? let them ask them-
selves and sec?
Did Old Clapp persecute the saints'?
so did they. Did he slander them] —
SO did they. Did he exert himself to
give credibility to a book of falsehoods?
So did they. Arc not they then of the
same spirit with him? Surely, as face
answereth to face in water, so does
their conduct and his correspond with
each other.
But all their attempts have been
vain: their shame is rolling back on
their own heads, while the word of
God grov.'s and multiplies, and the mul-
titude of the saints increase greatlv,
and are edified together. And well
may the saints rejoice; for the Lord
he is their God, and their maker is
their husband: and their Rf^deemerjthe
holy one of Israel.
SIDNEY RIGDON.
MegsciEjrer and Advocate.
KIRTLAND, OHIO, APRIL, IR36.
This may certify that Elder Iliram
Stratten, from whom fellowship was
withdrawn by the first Seventy, in
December last, has returned and
made full satisfaction to the Presidents
of the Seventies, and is restored to
fellowship.
Kirtland, I\Iay 2, 1836.
SYLVESTER SMIT[I,
Clerk for the Prcr?. of the w^oventv.
THE ABOLITIONISTS.
We particularly invite the attention
of our readers to those communications
upon the subject of Slavery. We
have long looked upon this as a matter
of deep moment, involving the dearest
interests of a powerful, a wealthy, a
free and happy republic. No one can
appreciate more highly than ourself the
freedom of speech, the liberty of con-
science, and the liberty rf the press. — ■
Most sincerely do we believe ours to be
one of the most happy forms of gov-
ernment ever established by men. But
to see it distracted and rent to the cen-
ter with local questions — qustions
which cannot be discussed without the
sacrifice of human blood, calls forth
the feelings and sympathy of every
Christian heart.
There is no disposition in us to a-
bridge the privilege of free discussion —
far fiom this; but we wonder at the
folly of men who push this important
subject before communities, who are
wholly unprepared to judge of its mer-
its, or demerits, and call for public
sentiment before the opposite side of
the matter has been touched.
If those who run through the free
states, exciting their indignation a-
gainst our brothers of the South, feet
so much sympathy and kindness to-
v.-ards the blacks, were to go to the
southern states, wncre the alleged evil
exists, and icarn those who are guilty
of these enormous crimes, to repent
and turn from their wickedness, or
would f i-rchase the slaves and then
set them at liberty, we should have no
ol^iections to this provided they wu-ald
place them upon some other continent
than ours. Then we should begin to
believe they were acting honestly; but
till something of this is manifested, W3
shall think otherwise.
What benefit can the slave derive
from the long harrangues and
discussions held in the north? Certain-
ly the people of the north have no le
gal right to interfere with the property
of the south, neither have they a right
to say thny sha'.l, or shall not, hold
slaves. These states were admitted in-
to the Union with the privilege of for-
ming their own state governments; bo-
sidos if they wore now disponed, thoy
''mt>
1
no ill ii.) i^iiuiiii'-;;; U> Ir'i tii^-ir sluvet
Kn»3e. If I'lr; evil is on lh;.'!!i ii \v;<>^
liro'jj^iit ov. tliriin by tho r;r;-; of tix'ir
f;!.t!ic;r.s, find cDdurc i. i'r.c.y niur-t. J-ul
fli.> not c. ;!"!!;)'.; :n, Avhv
iiliOuUl \VC; if WC
k; from i: aiv
.vr;'.
di-Jik-
;:rc in
si'tvo;
MiyOI
bci:!:^ iilHic;
)
wiiii-ii. it i;irv urc
t !;; tluMi- ri^.;ht ns f;ov-
intcrA^rcnc!^ \vit:)
lij-rm 0:1 ili'j subjact, so us to endange)-
their lives, can havo its oricfin frcm
ernnicuts, and aiiy
no oli
oiucc th
from
■h
sc;ek ihc; ovcrlhio^v aiiu !jiisi.;ii!':on o; (itir
govcriiment.
\Vh-re C3.:i be iho coiTiiiion scnso o!"
iiiiy wishing to seotle slaves of tiie soi'.tii
set at iibei'ty, is jiast our compreheu-
iioiion of naialr'ani-ttion is develish!-"
And iii'r-;n.-<ii)!c to feeling muKt !)e ths
iic;'.rr, c'.t-d low indeed must be tho
miiid. 1:-nl w.-.u'u (!on?cnt for a moment,
! ) ?;<'e U\!i fv.lv daughter, his sister, or
:;r;r]v>ps, his bosom companion, in the
;!;?!!; 'iu:;; of a NEG5;o:
'^^Vc cmrctil our brethren of tho
iiasi^^in, the 'dvc. ctates, the CanadaB,
••indfdl, VN'hcrevcr they may be found,
t ) iiot t'.i be !^;urpri:'5cd or astonished at
ihid slep, Wiiich \vc have thas publicly
U'ere lh?n" a<'quainted v.ith tlio
.s:on.
Kuch a thinj:^ coald not take plac
v/ithoLit corrupting al! civil and v/liolc-
Kome society, of both the north and
the south! Let the blacks of tlio sonth
be free, and our community is overrun
with paupers, and a reckless mass of
human beings, uncultivated, untaugiit
and unaccustomed to provide for them-
selves the necessaries of life— endan-
gering the chastity of every female
who might by chance be found in ou;-
streets — our pri.sons lllicd wl»h con-
victs, and the hang-man v/caried with
executing the functions of lAz ciTice!
This must unavoidably be the case,
every rational man must ad;-!;iit, who
has ever travelled in the slave str;t>;s,
or we must open our hou-es, unfold
our arms, and bid these degraded and
degrading sons of Canaan, a hearty
welcome and a ivce admiitance to ali
we possess! A society of tiiis nature,
to us, is so intolerably degrading, that
the bare reflection causes our feelings
to recoil, and our hearts to revolt.
We repeat, that v/e iiave Jong look-
ed upon this subject v.ith deep feeling,
and till nov,- have remained siierit; but
for this once Ave wash our hands of the
matter.
We have travelled in the south, and
have seen the condition of both niasier
and servant; and without the l(?ast dis-
position to deprive oth.ers of their lib-
eriy of thinking, we unhesitatingly say
that if ever the condition of the slave
is bettered, under our present form of
government, it must be by converting
the master to the faith of the gospel.
and then teaching liim to l>c kind to his
slave. The idea of transportation is
folly, the project of emansipation is des
taker
presc!;' condltif'n of the slave, they
^vould see that they could not be freed,
and v/c enjoy our present, civil and so-
cial societies. And further, that this
matter cannot bo discussed without ex-
citing the feelings of th.e black popula-
tion, and cause them to rise, sooner or
later, and lay v/aste and desolate m-any
parts of the Southern country.
This cannot be done without con-
signing to the dust thousands of human
beings. And th.e bare reflection of be-
ing instrumental in causing unprovo-
ked blood to flow, must shock the heart
of every saint.
Heretofore we have confined our
co;nmcnts to the principles of the gos-
pel, the restoration of Israel, and mat-
ters connected v.dth them, when ever
attempting to write for tlio public eye;
but ov/in;^ to the crc^^t increase of the
church, as it respects numbers, and tlie
deep anxiety felt by our southern Li eth-
ren on this subject, v,'c have now sim-
p!}-- stated our belief. It is a fact, and
one v.'lvlch appeals to our heart with
areat force, that members of this
church resident in the South, have long
looked for something from th.is press,
calculated to do away that bitter feel-
ing existing against them, through un-
founded jealoussy, on th.e subject of
slavery. And vvc have asked tho
qiiesticn, can they look to us and plead
for assistance in vain? V/e ansv.'cr
TM
hey have our fellowsliip, they
have our prayers, they havo our host
desires, and if wo can give them infiu-
i-nce by expressing our scnlivnents,
and thereby enable them to be moro
beneficial and successful in proclaim-
ing the gospel, v.o will not v/ithhold. —
And if our brethren of the free States
differ from us, on these priiiciples, we
beseech them, in the name of Jesus
Christ to withhold, and consldder that
every step they take to encourage that
tractive IxT our government, and the ' factious i^pirif^.e. prcva'ei^t in our land.
% 1 £ ti ;-j eI 1\ 'J LP. AyTj A iZ / 0 C Al e. .
sni
Oi
js not only Ci(;3ii5g up tp.t;
gor-ipel in the inc'Jths of the tu'cs's, I
IS, most certainly, er;ci"ngcring t
Hfo oT every man wl.tj cinbiiicca
tlso south.
Wo snoak as tin indi: :;"!u;.! and
man in this matter. Oui- b
ing tor liberty, and pn^judif
th'-I
in
thetoitb, in conseqiscnce of educ^ition
at a ibru:er period, v/ould !: ivo lirgc^^
lis, pGrh;:ip^, to persne a.liot";:^r CvUrsui
but ai'tcr cxan>ining this riiatto;' scncur,-
ly, and looking ai it^ pri:;c'i>"es fro;:;
the scripture, as woVl a:i l-eing
vhat prepared tojuvigr; from an
exnerianco in the sool
.some
1.
;-i:;i rv-
convc;-
peat, fliat tiie condiiion
not be bettered other 1:
ting the master to the [aith of the gos-
pel.
1 L >• I'.l >->.i\
tear a
peopie oi iinotncr co.or irom tneir
friends and Tiomes, and bring them to
fistran.S"e land, and cars:; tliCm to en-
dure the toils
whjch was done
of sc
by a fc
iiU'-iC
■.V ;
and
li^ip's
tnat
Dads
by our fathers, has now invoived us,
their children, in troubic and difiiculty;
but, [ am more inclined to take the
garment upon my shoulders and walk
backward, and cover their folly, than
eripose them further to sliame, or laugh
at their conauct.
They
nave ftu
one as
thev have — v.'e arc not accountable
for their conduct — thcv have I
,1
since fled to be here no more: an
v/hy disgrace ourselves by contending
about that that we cannot better by
contention, at the same time involving
ourselves in everlasting ruin?
There is a strange mysteriousncss
over the face of the scripture with re-
gard to servitude. The fourth son of
Ham was cursed by Noah, and to tills
day we may look upon the fulnlment
of that singular thing. When it will
be removed we knov»- not, and where
he now remains in bondage, remain he
must till the hand of God interposes.
As to this nation his fate is inevitably
scaled, so lonj as this form of govern-
ment exists.
From what wc have said, let no one
charge us with inhumanity — it is for the
cause of humanity v.'c have thus freely
written. It is tiie good of al! men we
desire, and for tlieir salvation wohibor,
and for a long time have labored, night
and d;\y; and v/hat further remains in
our power to do, shili as freely and
laithfullv bo done.
J..ct i:,ose who njit\' be dispobed to
dirter iVom us tal^n the trouble to cx-
am:i\c; the gesprl, as fiught bv the i,n-
oient, npoj^tifs; kt tlicm follow their
instructions t^; t!:o dhH^ront churches,
t b, e i r i nst r u me n ta i i-
itlxa " '■
t!:iVii;s^h
-Tij i:.>C)i\ V
iceyng eye to
-ur t!rcn;v-e;i oi tno souu), snci coi.tcni
pirAt;; thi' ^.Ki'x oT iiunun blood, occa
^.'^ !.ii:jy?;t; sxcitemei
s:on'-.l hv \•.'^ !.ii:_fq?;t; sxciremeii,; let
:heni i-ik 'hat (Jod. boIbiC wliom tlicy
:;;ur,t Ji^afidin judirivent, if thcv are jus-
tiinjd :n u'aiiJr.^ on a dis:3olu!ioa of this
Uni'^^t. a?;d pi-rcdng the hearl;.; of niiil-
ions with t!;e u-';:ponsof dciUh, 'o grat-
ify a vjiia u:r;b:::on; let them c;:am;no
the prophviv, and tee if tiic children
of Israel \v:li not, when they return,
"lay their hand upon Edom and Mo-
ab, and cause the children of Ammon
to obey t]:e;r.;"' if tliey will not "tako
thcnl captives whose captives they
v/oi-e, and rule over their oppressors,"
and then let t!-.orn look into that law
which was thundered from Sinai, the
fundamental p/rinciples of which gov-
ern the civilized nations of the earth,
and if after this, they differ from us,
it ma} be a matter between them and
Jeliovah, — our governments are un-
snotted!
In iliis ma'tor we consider we have spo
ken in behalf of the slave, as well as
the slave holder. It has not been a thing
of hasty conclusion; but deliberately
and careiuriy examined, anl we are
sentsible, if their are any who believo
the gospcd as v%'c, and differ I'rom us
in point of national government, and
would take tiic pains to intbrm them-
selvcp, not only by searching the holy
scrij ta;es, b;:t by visiting the south,
they ^vouid soon commend us for the
course we have now taken.
I'hose who feel disposed, may easi-
ly asccrtnin the feelingsof this church,
as published in the book of doctrine
and covenants; and from that, and
what has already been said, those who
are laboring in the south, \\\\\ be ablo
to set the m.atter in a fair light, and wo
truyt, escape persecution and do^.th:
v.'hich we h.opc God v.'il! order, for his
Son'.':; sake.
THE "ATLAS" ARTICL12.
Kvi!ry day discloses more and moro
of tb.e weakness, the foiiy, tlio preju-
dic:;, and the wic!«fdne&s of this gen-
eration. Though for more than six
1 veara thi.s church has b=?pn abusod and
SdS
MESSEXGER AND ADVOCATE,
insulttid by slander and falsehood, it is
not yet sutficient — men who hijpocrili-
cailij shudder at the thought of evil,
are the most forward in blasting our
character before an uninformed
community; and those too, who pro-
iessedly stand up to warn mankind to
flee the wrath to come. In conse-
quence of our having admitted the ar-
ticle signed J. M. into our columns, we
have thought proper to make a more
lonijthv extract i:om the article in Uie
•'Ohio Atlas," printed at Elyria, in
this state.
We are not exactly prepared to call
names, though we may hereafter be,
but, on reflection, if our memory
serves, about the date of this scanda-
lous, unhallowed piece, (March 16,)
a gentleman from Elyria was intro-
duced into our Hebrew school, by the
title of the Rev. Mr. and the
circumstances alluded to bearinij date
with the article, and it being the only
one of the kind during the term of the
Hebrew class, it is thought by many
that our conjectures are well founded,
and we only regret that we are not
positive. But to the extract. The
writer says:
"You would naturally suppose that the
Monnons were the most iijnorant, degraded,
ani stupid set of beings on the face of the
earth. This is true of some of tiiem; but
there are not wanting men of sagacity and
information, and some men of strong powers
of ramd.— From wJiat 1 saw, I siiould sup-
posi that they were generally real believers m
the doctrine of their proplxet. They are quite
polite and affable to strangers, and ready to
unfold the whole system, so far as they know
it, until you press them with an argument,
and then their wrath rises, or they assume
an heir of awful superiority, and dogmati-
cally pronounce you blind and ignorant, and
in the way to destruction; whereas, ^'•thay
know the certainty of all these things
whereof they affirm." — They are now study-
ing Hebrew with great zeal, under the in-
struction of Mr. Seizas. — They profess to
believe the common bible firmly, but they
have "received additional revelations,"
which contain "the fulness ofthe Gospel."
They all have Revelations, in proportion to
their faith. I was introduced to the Im-
mortal Prophet, Jo Smith, and his renov.-ned
coadjutor, Sidney Rigdon, and a host of the
inferior satellites: and could scarcely sup-
press a laugh, during the formali.y of making
acq;iaintance of shakmg iiands with the ex-
alted dignitaries, high priests, &c. of Mor-
monism. I have no doubt that Jo Smith's
character is an equal co.npound of tlie impos-
tor and fanatic, and that Rigdon has but a
email spiece ofthe latter, witn an extraordi-
nary portion of tlie former; while the mass
ofthe disciples are men of perverted intellect,
and disordered piety, with no sound princi-
ples of religion, with minds unbalanced and
unfurnished, but active and deVout; inclined
to the mystical and dreary, and ready to be-
lieve any extraordinary announcement as a
Revelation from God. — None of them ap-
pear to be within reach of argument on the
subject of religion. They profess to have
the gift of tongues; and one individual, after
becoming very much excited in conversation,
offered to give me a specimen, and began to
close his throat for the pur^^ose. But I shud-
dered at the proposal to exhibit such blas-
phemy and mockery of a miraculous gift, and
ho desisted."
A few v/ords only by v/ay of com-
ment, and this we do more to show
from whence a great, and the great-
est share of the slanders against this
church originate — from those who are
tr.-ated v/ith affability and politeness,
as the writer admits. On the subject
of argument, we have only to say,
that if the writer v.'ill disclose his name,
and produce a gentlemen of standing,
reputation, ability and talents, one
who at least, possesses a good moral
character, he can be accommodated
with men who will converse or reason
upon the subject of the religion we
profess, and leave for candid unprej-
udiced persons to judge, v/hether or
not, when we '-are pressed," we have
not the whole scope of the word of
God, common sense and all trutn, to
sustain us in our faith touching the
gospel. Why \WQ say, that if he will
produce another person, possessing
those virtues of which we nam.ed, is,
because they are so foreig'i from his
own heart.
His abuse and scurrility upon brs.
Smith and Rigdon, is but another
proof of the corruption of his own
bosom. Docs he pretend that these
men illy treated him when here? No!
Does he say he conversed - with them
sufficiently to learn their belief with
regard I) religion'? No! neither does
he say that he conversed with them at-
all. Then why seek to destroy the
reputation, and blast the character of
men who have never injured him? It
shows upon v/hat principle he formed
his opinion — upon rumor! Rumor,
that bane of social society, that fiend
of h'ji', that destroyer of virtuous rep-
utation, the monster which has deluged
the earth with the blood of millions of
the saints f>f God; that great, dear and
darling companion of those who trem-
ble for their own craft, must rear its
hideous liead, and set into operation
its thousand tongue:!, for the purpose
of closing the cars of a sinking gener-
-ME.SdCNGER AND ADVOCATE.
ation aE!\"iin3t the woi'c
of etern
This is but another Hiir sj^ccimen of
the way and manner llie community
judge of us as a people: A worthless
villain, destitute of credit or character
at home, calls by our place, rnd runs
off with a lie in his mo;ith, and the'
public believe him: anollior does the
same, ])crhap3 a disappointed priest,
who has failed to oltiin as large a sala-
ry for reproaching his Connecticut man-
ufactered sermons as he had anticipa-
ted, and puts a scurilous article into
some church end state paper, and oth-
ers as mean as themselves, paper, ed-
itor and all, are ready to stccur that the
statements are correct. But this run-
egado, this redoubtable tom-fool cor-
respondent of the Elyvia Atlas, has
aimed a blow at the characters of men
who have withstood the shafts of per-
secution for many years, and are yet
above the reach of such low bred can-
ting insinuating imposters. If the}'
arc "immortal," they have rendered
themselves so from a Ions; tried and
virtuous walk, and nov/ live, and wdi
live, when they have gone hence, in
the bosoms of men where intcgraty
and virtue arc unimpeachable!
This writer further says: '-They
assure you, with the utmost confi-
dence, that they shall soon be able to
raise the dead, to heal the sick, the
deef, the dumb, and the blind, ^'c."
That this churjh professes to believe,
that by faith the pure in heart can heal
the sick, cast out devils, &c. we do
not deny; in fact, it is an item in our
articles of faith, and one we find in the
apostles': but, that we profess to be a-
ble to raise the dead, or ever expect to
be, or in fact, have a wish to call
back, to this scene of suffering, those
who are freed from it, is utterly and
unequivocally false. Having been in
the church from its organization, we
have never heard this item preached;
and that a man, a stranger, who was
here a few hours, to have heard any
thing of the kind, is not very unac-
countable to us, v/hen we considder
what else he has v/ritten.
Relative to what the writer has slid,
touching ihc general intelligence of the
members of this church, we have
nothing to say — their every day ap-
pearance, their common conversation,
their free, frank and famiUiar deport-
ment, are sufficient; but when he says
that "tile great mass of the disjiples
are men of perverted intellect and
disordered piety, vvdtli no sound
principles of reiigion, with minds un-
balanced and unfurnished,'' lie oughf.
to be infornicJ, that the least among us
values more highly his i)rofession, and
holds too sacredly that hcavenlv C(;ni-
munication be.^t tued by the laving on
of the hands of those who were cloth(;d
wit'i authority, than all that frail,
worse tlian thi-ead-bare hypocritical
pretention, which came down tlirouirh
the mother of abominations, of which
himself and all others of like profes-
sion can boa§l. We only add, that ho
is to be pitied for his folly and blind-
ness, notwithstanding his boasted supe-
riority and wisdom, and the world war-
ned against the delusions, fanatacisms,
and perverseness of such men.
IVlay the Lord have mercy upon the
world, and hasten the day when wick-
edness shall be known no more upon
its face, is our sincere prayer.
From ouii Eldes abroad.
Elder Caleb Baldwin '.v-rites froni
Clear Creek 111. March 14th 1836.
After giving a succinct account of his
travels from this place, he says tho
Luid is pourujg out his' spirit in an as-
tonishing manner. To use his expres-
sion ti e power of God has been dis-
played here in the eyes of all people
to their great astonishment It appeared
to attend their preaching and manifest
itself not only in gi\ing his servants
a message to deliver to the people,
adapted to their wants, but in a good
degree accompaning it, with the in-
fluence of his holy spirit. Truth wc
know is mighty and will prevail when
that is urged in plainness and honest
simplicity Satan's minions ahvays quail
under its influence. Elder Baldwin
sums up his communication by saying,
that the Lord had blessed him and his
companion in travel in a wonderful
manner since they were in Kirtland
last. That they had held thirty three
meetings and baptized in all since they
lelt home 26. Vv'^e sav to our breth-
ren in that region, go on, be faithful
an.i the blessings of heaven shall at-
tend you.
Elder Daniel Stevens writes from
Killingworth Ct. under date of April
14th 1335, stating that many are fa-
vorably disposed in that region, and
that a fellow-laborer in the vineyard
%H
MESSZNGEJl A?fD ADVOCAT?.
would be very acceptable. We men-
tion this fact for tlie reason that, as
our Elders are travellinnr in almost all
directions the presant season, the
the eyes of some of them may catch
this ariicle and bo induced to unite
their strangth with that of be. Stevens
in the land of steady habits.
Elder Libbeus T. Coons writes from
Coneaught, Crawford Co. Penr. un-
der date of April 25, 1836, in substance
as follows, I left Kirtland on the 12th
and arrived in this place on the 19th
have labored diliigently, and the Lord
has blessed me attending the word
spoken in his name, v/ith his spirit and
power. Elder Coons had baptised
three at the date of his last, and adds
that many listen with attention to the
word when it is preaciied, thereby in-
dicating to us, that prejudice, is giving
way before the light of reason and
truth.
Eider John Knapp writes from
Milford, Ashtabula co. Ohio, stating
that the Lord was pouring out his spir-
it in that place, that Elder Samuel
Phelps had recently visited them and
during his stay he baptized five, and
since Elder Phelps left he had baptized
four more. He further adds that more
are convinced of the truth and the
present prospect flattering.
To our elders one and all wo have
to say, be circumspect in all your de-
portment, be watchful and prayerful,
and the God of heaven shall be with
you and crown your labors with abun-
dant success. You may always rest
assured that you have the prayers and
good wishes of your brethren in this
place, for your prosperity in the cause
of our Redeemer. We trust therefore
that you will see your duty and the
advancement of the Redeemers kingdom
inseparably connected and t'eel the im-
portance of being diiiigent in business,
fervent in spirit serving the Lord.
Kirtland, March 26.
DcAR Brother:
I take this opertu-
nity to inform you of a short mission,
1 have recently taken, to thj wesi. —
Having be:n invited by soniD o{ iho
most respectable citizens of Newbargh
Cuyahoga Co. O. to visit them, v.nci
set forth the gospel of Jesrts our media- 1
tor, in its original simplicity and purity.
lifchsd by Elder E. H. Groves and
m-yseif, (the forepart of last winter,)
numbering twenty one.
Accoidinsriv I left Kirtland, to visit-
tlie befor:; mentioned place, trusting in
God for help, v.'ho has said: "The
laborer is v/orthy of his hire." I ar-
rived at the V^illage of Newburgh on
the 8th inst. and found that the Metho-
dist had been
holding
a protracted
meeting for sevon or eight days in suc-
cession. I found it was to continue
until next Sunday. I deliverd a dis-
course at 10 V-'. Clock the next day:
and concluded to leave the place until
they got through with their meeting,—
I left an appointment t'or the next mon-
day evening; and went to visit the
before mentioned town. I found the
disciples rejoiceing in the new and
everlasting covenant, and growing in
the knowledge of the truth. I preach-
ed 5 times and added one more to their
number, and many invitations to preach
in the adjacent counties, but my time
being limited, I was obliged to return
to Newburgh. I was informed that
the Methodist had closed their meeting
some two or three days sooner in con-
sequence of not having hearers. I
v/as informed that notwithstanding
their meeting held for near two weeks,
tlie re was but two added to their num-
ber.
I attended to my appointment on the
evening of the 14th 1 preached to a
large and respectable congregation,
and they gave great attention. I preach-
ed twice afterwards in the vicinity,
God blessed my labors, I babtized 9
whom 1 left rejoicing in the Lord: and
others reading their bibles, to see if
these things were so.
The inhabitants of Newburgh, are
intelligent and genteel, andl hope the
Lord will bless and save as many of
them as will
01 salvation.
comply with the conditions
G. M. K INKLE.
And also to visit a small branch of iho\^-'^''^-^';^P''^''^^j!J;:;^;^f/'J,;^^^^^ T
church in Bc'^ford, which was ostab i itindl e.i^^'sfi di t:^. optr^'^^ ~f ^■■■- ,''^-i^^-"-^"»-
■i^llV: LATTKa DAY SAINTS'
SSesseagsr and Advocate,
!S KDiTKD By
Anil jiul-'iisoia yri.i-y woi.th at Kinli'.nt!, tietujit C'«»
A' ?. 1, ^ytr n.T.. i'l a,'f,:aice. ELH-ry pcrs'ni prccnrir.^
ten n'cis 3iL''SCrioi:y$, (i:'d forn'ardiii:^' § lu, current
vio;:<-^,\ s.'tailbc c:it:iUdton ;.-;i,v.'.- o.vs i'.-.-jr, ,^i,tiii.
Ail 'itU.'s to thf. EdU'H-.or PiUiiishen, inurl ic
dfor n !it3 tzrm iiiTii one
I
L.ATTER DAY SAINTS'
Vol. II. No. 8.]
KIRTLAND, OHIO, MAY, 1836.
Whole No. [20
^^But'tlvae/nd ofmM tldngs is at fiand, be ye
therefore sober and watch iinto prayer," — \st
Peter, 4: 7.
He who had companied with the
Savior after he commenced his public
teachings till the censumation of that
bloody tragedy that removed hitu from
the ken of an ungrateful, ruthless
world, or rather as if he would make
the injunction more emphatic, and
have it laid up or preserved among the
archives of the church, he wrote the
epistle, of which our text forms a part.
In his exordium, we learn the charac-
ters he addressed, without the shadow
of a doubt: the subject matter of the
epistk; is also replete with useful in-
struction to his brethren respecting the
o-reat ihinss that pertained to their sal-
vation.
He was qualifted to teach from the
fact, that he had superior advantages
to gain instruction, not only from jour-
neying with the Savior, and participat-
ing largely in all the trials and priva-
tions, through which he passed while
propagating a religion so diverse from
any then -embraced.
He was qisalified to teach from an-
other consideration. God, our heav-
enly Father, had revealed to him that
Jesus was the Christ the Son of the
living God. We might here go on and
say, that to him also were committed
the keys of the kingdom, but without
laboriiig to prove a point so little con-
^ troverted, we will come to that part of
our text which lies with most weight
upon our mind, (viz.) "be sober and
watch unto prayer." The reasons for
this injunction seem to be couched m
the former part of the verse we have
under consideration, "seeing the end of
all tnings was at hand." The reader
will here pause for a moment and con-
sider, that the author of our text pos-
sessed the spirit o't prophecy, although
the event to which he alluded did not
transpire then, neither yet has it trans-
pired, but, we believe he looked down
through the vista of opening years,
and beheld what is still in Cuunty, that
the end of all things was at hand.
Here let us reflect a moment, it
the apostle with any degree of _ pro-
priety could urge such a course ot con-
duct upon the Saints in his day, with
how much greater propriety, and great-
er force may the same sentiments be
urged upon the Saints now, that eigh-
teen hundred years have passed away.
Thp ti!T>'^ to which he alluded must in-
evitably be nearer at hand than it was
then. We, tlierefore, take the liberty
to recommend, to our young brethren
and sisters, more particularly, be so-
ber and watch unto prayer. We do
not S'Uppose, the Lord requires any
more strict «i»bedience to his commands
df you, than he does of your aged
brethren, but you will permit us, who
have passed the meridian and are now
on the declivity of life, to spscak from
experience in this matter: "we speak
of the things we do know, and testify
of those we have seen." We are well
acquainted with the follies and vanities
incident to youth, and we do know
they are directly calculated to corrupt
the taste for mental improvement, vi-
tiate the habits, and not only so, but
to grieve the Spirit of God and cause
it to withdraw its vivifying influences
from our souls. These, my young
brethren and sisters, are appalling
facts. If the Holy Spirit of God
reign in you, and rule over you. it will
be your meat and your drink to do the
will of your heavenly Father. You
will therefore, consider this, not a-
mong the least of his commands, -'be
sober and watch unto prayer." It will
make you, that you shall be neither
barren nor unfruitful in the work of
the Lord. We expect, notwithstand-
ing the great calamities that shall pre-
cede the appearance of the Savior, the
wicked who shall survive those calam-
if-es, will be full of folly, full of vani-
ty, full of laughter and every evil pro-
pensity, and that day will come in a
time when they least expect it; indeed
it will overtake them as a thief in the
night. Think not because you have
been baptized for the remission ot
your sins, that you are now perfectly
safe, that you are sealed up unto eter-
nal life, that God will save you in his
celestial kingdom, when you are de-
moralizing yourselves, exerting a
baneful influence around you, setting
at nought his counsels and his com-
^
MESSSrCGEii Ai^:-!*.
mands, and grieving his Holy Spirit jiir^r :u.d %7atc:i urrlo pva\er, is to niake
by )'our foolish laughter and utter j you morose, or destroy those fine feei-
contempt of his just requisition, "be so- logs of your nature that
ber and watch unto prayer."
render you
cheerlui and amiable. You are not to
understand that it is to rob you of any
rational enjoyment. But remember
tl>at no enjoyment can be rational, that
unfits the mind and destroys the tasto
for pure devotional exercises toward
God.
"The end of all things, the apostle
said was at hand".
As we have before hinted, if ho
could with any propriety urge this so-
briety and this watchfulness upon the
saints from the consideration that tho
end of all things was then at hand. — ■
with how much greater force do they
n-ot press upon us now. The time of
tho consumation ot all things is certaia-
ly nearer at hand than it was then.
There is another idea couched in
our text, of which perhaps you seldom
think, S'ne time is fast approaching,
when the saints aie to be all taught of
God, and when he has now said to vou
through the apostle, bo sober and
watch unto prayer, is not this revolting
to your feelings and the commands
irksome, and disagreeable? Does not
the idea forcibly strike the mind, that
as the end approaches, such a course of
conduct becomes more and more ne-
cessary, that wc may be prepared to go
out and meet the Bride Groom when
he comes? That we may not be found
in the unpleasant dilemma of the fool-
Remember, my young brethren and
Bisters, that God is not mocked with
impunity. His all-seeing eye beholds
you at all times, and for ail your folly,
your vanity, arid your wicked indul-
gence in evil, as well as your uiter
contempt of his authority, he will look
down with contemjjt upon you, and ere
you are aware, you will be brought in-
to judgment, — Be assured we tell you
no fiction, we inculcate no wild chime-
ra of a disordered imagination, when
we solemnly declare both from our
own experience and the dictates of the
Spirit of God that presisting in such a
course of pcrverseness, will ere long
destroy your confidence in prayer, o-
verspread your mind with gloom, and
darken all your prospects of heaven
and celestial glory. You may once
have been washed, you may have been
cleansed, but you are turned again
like the dog to his vom.it, or like the
swine that was washed to her wallow-
ing in the mire.
Think not that we would enjoin on
you a Monkish sadness or hypocritical
gravity: not so, but we would have
you forsake all your loud laughter
which is always indicative of an emp-
ty mind, and as we have before re-
marked, is calculated to grieve the
Holy Spirit and make it withdraw,
leaving you to the influence of that ish virgins with no oil in our lamps? —
spirit which lures but to destroy.
Remember that God is not n)'jcked
We ask you to examine yourselves, i Dor his commands to be treated with
irreverence or disrespect: his pres-
ence fills immensity, and hisall-see-ing
eye surveys the whole of his vast
creation.
Altliough the wise man said rejoice
O young man in thy youth and let thy
heart cheer thee in thy vouth, in the
brethren & sisters, after j'ou have pas-
sed through a scene of folly and vanity
and see if your taste for intellectual
attainments has not become more ob-
tuse, and your anxiety to become ac-
quainted with the things of God, and
our holy religion, far less acute. See if
the low expressions and vulgar cants ! same verse, the same wise man has
of the Bar-room and other haunts ofl said, but remember that for all these
folly and wickedness, are not fast su-j things God will bring thee into judge-
perceding all the traces of moral re-jmen^ Thereby plainly intimating
linement in your minds. See if the ad- i that our enjoyments ought to be ration-
vcrsary has not already obtained the lal, and not inconsistant with our mo-
ascendency over you, remember thai
no one can inhale the pestiferous at-
mosphere of vice or folly and go away
uncontaminated. Evil communications
ral improvement, not inconsistant with
the highest intellcrtua! attainments,
not inconsistant with that state of mind
which ought to actuate us from the
you know, the apostle said, corrupt j consideration that "the end ofall things
good manners, and he might with equal j is at hand"
propriety hive added and good morals.. From a review of what we have
You ai-e not to understand that to be so- 1 said we learn 1st. That immoderate
Ar?t> AfifYO€Ai-£i
itiughter E^pd I'lHUish jusiuig are ;U war j
vviih Gvory pcinciijia uj" mnraiity or ho-"
iirietis of hf'ari t^'ithout w-hicih. no oai
uiii see trjvj Lord: and l}\At we caano!
by any forced construction of ours,
make them accord with the sentiment
couched in our text; "be sober and
watch unto prayer".
2nd. We infer from the fact, that
God oar heavenly Father has pointed
oat the way by revelation ancient and
modern, that his creatures should per-
sue to glorify and enjoy him, and that we
are acting the irrational part towards
ourselves as well as that of base in-
gratitude to him, to let the adversary
get the ascendancy over us and decoy
us, till folly, vaaity, and sin ultimately
preponderate and satan literally ,,takc
us captive at his will."
3d. Again whatever course of con-
duct we persue that is not in strict ac.
cordanco with that growth in grace,
and that increase in the knowledge of
our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ re-
quired of his saints, we may justly
conclude is not pleasing in the sight
of our Heavenly Father and the un-
pleasant reflection that will ere long
force itself upon us like an unbidden
unwelcome guest, will gnasv, like p
worm, the root of our felicity, We
shall then be com'>e!led from necessity,
to viesv the great contrast there is be-
tween virtue and vice, and many, very
many, we have reason tofear, will when
too late, have to make this bitter lam-
entation "the summer is ended, tlic
harvest past and our souls are not sa-
ved".
4th From a view all we have said,
and especially from a view of v/hat the
apostle has said, "that the end of all
things is at hand." we would fain hope
you would in kindness sufiar a word of
exhortation and be wise;
"Be wise to day tis madness to defer,
N"jxt day the fata! precedent will plead.
Thus on till wisdom is pushed out of life."
5th. In con diision .ve say if you would
enjoy ttie approbation of a good con
.science, if vou would have your spirit
ual strength renev/ed, if you would be
i'ro.a from thr- contfiminating infiuenc
of vice an 1 folly, and be preijared tv,
meet the Savior in peace, when h^
THE SAINTS OF "Ti^£
^A ST DAYS..
comes to (ake vcnga!!cc on all th.os-
that obey not th'^ g-ispel. wc say der.
your--"'-'-c ■ of ail ^^.^'ly, vanity and ove
rv woi'.d.v 'ust. .^.nci/'ije sober
Nothiiiff can be more plea
sin
g and
delightful than to contemplate the situ-
ation of the Latter Day Saints; placed
as it were on an eminence and bring-
ing within the compass of their obser-
vation, all the kingdoms of the world,
not only those which now are, but
those which are past as well as those
to come; favored with the light of
heaven by which they can contem-
plate the history of the world in its true
light, understanding the situation of all-
who have preceded them: the light
in which the great Jehovah viewed
them, and their relation to the salvation
of Jesus Christ.
Having before them the history of
nearly six thousand years, where is
written the names, the mighty works,
and great faith of the former day
■saints, their God-like nobility of soul,
their splended achievements among the
nations in their day and generation,
their undaunted courage in the cause of
truth, their holy boldness in defence of
their master's honor; their toils, their
perils, their sacrafices, their indefatiga-
ble zeal, their firmness, and their sted-
;a^tnes3 in the truth, not regarding
their life unto death, their abiding tes-
rimony by which they condemned the
generation which then lived, and will
be had amongst men until time is no
more: their great faith by which they
ascended into the hieghts, and descend-
ed into the depths, and searched out all
things, yea, even the deep things of God,
seeing the end from the beginning, and
the beginning from, the end.
Being dilligent and faithflu, while
the v/oiM was stumbling in darkness and
the nations were strangers to the
knowledge of God, and knew not him
v.'ho created them nor him who saved
them; they in the midst of darkness
burst forth into light, and among those
who set in the valley and shadow of
IcJtth they caused light to spring up;
their voices were heard among nations
\far olf. and their power was felt in the
islcinds of thf sea. The messengers of
heaven watched them by the way and
rejoiced over them in righteousness.
Wide is the field of contemplation
\'hich opens to the view of the saints
if th^ Initerdays, while they read the
iislor) and mi'diiato upon the events
peculiar t-i tno saints, as set fort!', in
vf.itch unto iite-yt^i.^' amen- W. } ►he accouul whicfewo huvo oTthosc of
308
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
former day?, not only the knowledge
they 1 ad of the things which then ex-
isted; but also of the things which
should take place until time should end.
It might be said of them in truth, that in
them there was light and no darkness
at all; for their knowledge extended
down the stream of time until they be-
held the -winding up scene of this world,
and reached forth into eternity to gaze
upon things eternal, immortal, and in-
visible.
Truly their religion was a religion of
intelligence, and their minds in conse-
quence of their religion was richly la-
den with wisdom from on high. When
we contemplate the height of their de-
votion, the depth of their humility, the
extent of their knowledge, the great-
ness of their sufferings, the fervor of
their zeal, the boldness of their enter-
prizes, the dexterity of their stratagems,
the splendor of their works, the grand-
eur of their conceptions, the richness
of their communications, the purity of
their affections, the holiness of their
desires, the briliance of their course, the
the nobleness of their minds, the benev-
olence of their hearts, the sincerity of
their intentions, the correctness of
their motives, the power of their faith,
and their incessant communion with
the heavens and the heavenly hosts,
being full of the Floly Spirit, and a-
bounding in love and good works,
while visions, dreams, revelations and
prophesyings enlarged their minds,
and prepared them for the society of
the blessed.
In meditating upon these things the
mind of the latter day saint struggles
with the powers of darkness like Ja-
cob with the angel, until he prevails,
bursts the vail which conceals futurity
from his view, and lanches forth into
the light of heaven to contemplate the
scenes of unborn time, and to mingle
his lays with the heavenly hosts and
shout hosanna in the midst of the
throngs which surround the throne of
God.
Again the mind of the latter day
saint rolls over the face
phetic vision which
of the
inspired
pro-
the
hearts of the prophets, and caused them
to sing their sweetest notes, gathers up
the history of all generations, by which
he can compare the present with the
past, and the past with the future, and
bring the two ends of men's earthly ex-
istance togetbert Inspired by the same
spirit which inspired the prophets, he
can behold glories lying over the face
of revelation that the eye of an unin-
spired man never saw nor can see; by
this spirit he discovers the iniquities,
and apostacy of his own days, his mind
being strengthened by the spirit of in-
spiration so as to enable him to under-
stand the religion of Jesus Christ and
believe it, he looks over the world
with feelings peculiar to the saints, and
through the light of revelation gazes up-
on the follies and wickedness of this
generation: his ears are saluted
with the Lo! heres and the Lo! theres,
attended with ceremonies and forms
not only without power, but without the
belief in it, so that indeed he sees a
form of godliness, while those who have
the form, deny the power thereof. —
What a great contrast he beholds be-
tween the new testament church and
the churches of modern times. He
views the former with its apostles, its
prophets, its evangelists, its pastors and
teachers,allof them men inspiredof Go J
men full of the Holy Spirit and wisdonr
as wellas its gifts, its power of healing its
miracles, its tongues, its interpreters
of tongues, with the power of getting
revelations, the ministering of angels
the power of God which attended it. —
The latter without apostles, or prophets,
or evangelists, or inspiration or gifts or
healings, or miracles, or tongues or in-
terpreters of tongues, and yet the reli-
gious world will contend that they are
both the same church, equally parta-
kers of eternal life and the blessings of
the Most High.
Such is the great contrast between
the saints of the last days, and thoFC
who are strangers both to God and his
ways,
joices
new testament church, while the other
tries to evade the force of the plainest
facts set forth in it, defaces the glory
of the church of Christ, neither under-
standing its nature, nor its beauty, nor
yet comprehending its glory; but con-
tents himself with a form of
denying the power thereof.
In reviewing the history of his own
times as written by the prophets the
saint of the latter days sees fulfilling
on the heads of this generation, all that
God has spoken by the mouth of the
holy prophets, while they are ins ensi-
ble of it, and in consequence of their
great apostacy, he beholds the day of
one sees understands and re-
in the glory and order of the
godliness
MESSEx\GER A-ND ADVOCATE.
30d
'ho Lord so coming upon them as a
^hief in the nictht, and sudden distruc-
non coming upon them and they know
't not; because they know not God.—
He sees them eating, and drinkmg,
marrying, and giving in marriage,
crying all is well in Zion; fear not all
thin ;S are c:)ntinuing as they were
since the creation of the world: trulv
he sees that the generation among
whom he lives are just such a people
as there were in the days of Noah. —
While he beholds the heavens and the
earth big with events of an awful char-
acter, every nation preparing itself
for th-: day of bittle and the
sacralicc of the great God.
He often fancies to himself that he
is like one of the ancient, prophets
"who incessantly lifted his voice to back-
sliding Israel, warning them of the
judgments of almighty God which were
coming upon them, but they would not
hero, he saw them haste to distruction
and no power could prevent it. So
the saint of the latter days sees this
generation hastening to distruction,
*'while their judgment of a long time
slecpheth not and their damnation
slurnbereth not;" but their eyes arc clo-
sed in sleep and their eye lids in slum-
ber, and they see not neither do thoy
know. Therefore he docs know that all
that God has spoken by the mouth of
the holy prophets concerning them
will be fulfilled; for the day of the
Lord will most assuredly overtake them
as a thief in the night, and at the time
when they are crying peace and safety,
sudden destruction will come upon them
and they shall not escape.
Whose feelings can be like the lat-
ter day saints? I answer none; because
there are no persons who do know the
situation of this generation except
those who ai'e inspired of God to un-
derstand it, neither can any of them un-
derstand the signs of the times: there
may be signs in the sun, in the moon,
and in the stars, perplexity of nations,
men's hearts failing them for looking
after those diings which are coming
upon the earth, while the uninspired
in the midst of these thing? understand
them not, neither do they know them,
but like the ox fatted for the slaughter
they haste to distruction and knovv it
not, neither will they know till they
lift up their eyes in hell being in tor-
ment; for in. the midst of the calami-
ties which willcome upon thorn, they will
curse their King and their God and
die. And yet with all their abominatioa
have a form of godliness; but it is only
a form, for they deny, and will deny
the power thereof, in consequence of
which they will go down to hell and
their eyes will be shut until they aro
opened in torment.
How marvelous, cries the saint of
God, it is, that men have a bible and
read it, and preach about it day after
day, and night after night, and yet not
belie V9 one item of it: reject the entire
religion thereof and go down to hell
holding the light of God in their hands:
run fi-om neighborhood to neighbor-
hood, preach, proclaim, admonish, and
warn, make prosolytes in hundreds and
thousands, and when they have made
thorn only make their damnation more
certain than it was before. Such is
the light in which the latter day saint
beholds all the works of the men of
this generation; knowing by the spirit
of inspiration that their religion is
nothing more than a cunningly devised
fable, a device of satan to hold the
world more firm in his chains until he
drags them down to perdition, and
through this means obtains to himself a
rich harvest of souls, who shall suffer
the vengencc of eternal fire.
But there is something in the midst
of this scene of darkness which cheers
the heart of the saints, exceedingly, it
is, that the truth has once more made
its appearance, and light has began to
shine in darkness, and the spirit of in-
spiration is returning to the earth, the
voice of the prophets is heard again in
the land, and communion is again open-
ed with the heavens, and babes begin
to understand that which is hid from
the eyes of the wise and the prudent,
and tlic weak things of the earth begin
to confound the mighty, and the foolish
things of the earth, put to shame those
whoare wise, and men are begininga-
gainto follow after God, and multitudes
are finding him to the everlasting
joy and gratitude of their hearts, and
God is again, saying to men, build mc
places as 1 shall direct you, where I
can manifest myself to you, and send
my angels to minister to you as in days
of old. Judges are returning as at the
first, aud consellors as at the begining.
And the sainis may well look for the
time when the "wilderness and the sol-
itary place shall be glad for them and
the (iescrt shall blosom as the rose "
$fQ
.?-*T-?SFN'^F
.Oi^.
vl!
r,K,'r>-r- I. i
P'lrisl'o'" n,-r*>;?icn, so c^.iUnJ, »■•< a
subject which has engro'^ed the atier-
Uoi! oi' the vei.gious j.-ubiic in tiie dif-
ferent age-^ of the world in no small
degree It was, if we may credit ihc '
eacred writers, a subject which was
called forth as early as we have any
account of the revelations of God: and
from that to the present, whether the
world has been in a state of apostacy.
or whether it has not, the subject o:
christian perfection has been one
which has called forth a pretty large
share of public discussion.
There can be little doubt, but those
who were under the immediate influ-
ence of divine revela*ii.n, and received
constant communication from the Deity
en all subjects in any degree aflJ'Cting
their salvation, understood this subject
much better than those who were in a
state of apostacy; as they had all the
opportunities that any mortals could
have to settle all questions in relation
to their religion; indeed the sacred
writers speak of it as a subject which
was well understood among the saints
of their day; as at no time have they
proposed it as a subject of discussion,
and given us a formal investigation of
it, as they have other subjects which
were matters of controversy among the
samts; but spake, and wrote, of it as of
a matter wnich was weil understood
amonw them all.
In speaking of perfection, the Sa-
vior and his apostles have said some
things which seem to be hard to under-
stand by the present religious world:
not that the sayings cannot be under-
Stood or are not sutBcientiy plain; but the
conciousness there is among all the reli-
gious professors, of their coining far
short of perfection, and taking it for
granted that they arc in the right way,
and are as righteous as persons can be
in this age of the world; they have
considerable misgivings about what the
sacred writers meant. For instance,
when the Savior says "be yc therefore
perfect, even as your father which h
in heaven is perfect". Matthew 5:
48,th a deep conciousness at once says
to all the professing world, that they
are not thus perfect: but they are not
only sensible that they are not perfect
as their father in heaven is pert'ect;
bat they do most assuredly believe that
i.h<iy cannot be so, and a deep inquir'--
J.SSIW59 vtkx\t did the Savior Kjy&a
^^___ ^T'''*i_ — ~
wh-:; ;u: i^;v:J^ te, ^"' ' • -'^^' ■ ', ■ -. •.; .
father in t^e&vea i
Did he really meas A-, t r:,< n shnnld
be jeiiect as God is? Mid if s-o, js
such perfection necessary to salvation,
or cannot a pcr:>on be saved without it?
are queries which often arif^e in the
minds of many, indeed we may say all
the religious world.
When people are in a state of apos-
tacy, it seen. s hard to underst-iiid the
fcavings which were delivered to those
who were in a state of acceptance with
God, and fully able to bear his saying--:
but it is not as hard for them to under-
stand them, as it is to believe them
when they do understand them, for to
believe them with all their heart, would
be virtviall\, to deny their religion, and,
to tacitly to acknowledge that it was not
of God.
How hard must it be for a person
who denies christian perfection, to un-
c'erstand what the S'avior meant, when
he said bo ye perfect &c? When he
firmly believes that it is impossible
for any person to be so: he cannot
think that the Savior said any thing
wrong; but comes to the conclusion that
he cannot understand him, there is
some mystery about his sayings, some
how or other. The man never seems
to reflect for a moment that the error
may be in his sentiments, and the diffi-
culty arises from his having embraced
sentiments which are not accort i ig to
godliness; but perfectiy satisfied with
his religion, he comes to the conclusion
that there is sorno thing wrapped up in
ihese very plain sayings, which can-
not be easily understood, and there he,
leaves the matter.
And those who profess to believe in
perfection among the saints, find
some difficulty also; for the Savior
seems to push the subject a little far-
ther than they can go. To require
of the saints to be perfect, is what they
believe in; but for him to say that they
must be perfect, as their father m
heaven is perfect, is a little beyond the
faith of those who believe in perfec-
tion, and they also come to the conclu-
sion that there is some little mystery
some where about the savior's say-
ing.
So certain it is, that there are no
people who can believe what was said
to thoso who got revelations for them-
selves; but these who got immediate
r^Tckric-a f?o3BG bca^^a.
^.ijii-;i»&iKV.*iri'«» ,JH??- i, ■rnvr...-:* .•» -.(vsj
m,
\
If
■■-*' X-Vr-v^. :-;^.qt?-J Kics- t^
thiiig-i. tlio ni inv mysteries wliich tiiey
find in t!)(:
awav, and
scriptures wouk
soon |)ass
the app:u"ent darkness
'tvhich is over tiiG lace of revelation
on many subjects, wou'd beco ne light.
Let ihcm once admit that their reiiirion
niight be wrong, and search with can-
dor tor trul!i, and believe v/hat the bible
says, and iiirht woul'^ speedily shine
round abojl them. But to return to
our subject again.
When we speak of perfection, we
mean to be undefstood that a perfect
thing cannot be improved. There is
perfection in mechanics, when a nia-
chine is so constructed, that it cannot
be iinproved, or made belter, wc call
it a perfect machi.ie. We say efthe
human system it is perfect; because
we canuot su^'ijest an improvement in
any part of it, it is brought to as high
n state as it can, being the contrivance
of mlinite wisdom, anil if we were to
say that the great Jehovah could not
improve it, we think we sh uld not in-
sult him.
We say of God. he is perfect. And
why? because his nature cannot be
inTprovod; and because he possesses
all things of v/hich his nature is capa-
ble When we speak of a per-
fect rcligiim, we mean that the religio.i
adapted to the
I:'
m every ri
ispect
to
wants, and necessitic?;, of t'lo.se
whom it is designed. It expands
hum la mind uiilii it can exoand
more, and then supplies it with all it is
capable of enjoying. So that the en-
joyment is in every Vv'ay suited to Jhe
capacity of the persons who possess
it; insomuch, that even G( d himself
could not expand the liuman mind any
more, nor give it one enjoyment
which it does not possess. This done,
the religion is perfect; but without
this, it is not.
Fo.' a person to bo perfect before
God, is for him to have his mind ex-
panded untd it can be exi)anded no
more, and then to enjoy all things
which it is capable of enjoying. This
v/ould be perfection, ami thus a man
would be perfect as his father in heav-
en is perfect. And until this takes
place, in vain may the religious world
talk about perfection.
In the scriptures we are told that
there were perfect men. It was
- -^OiiL- pe!":eot ■:■;, ...i
' iff i.' • -efj.'s.'s' 6: '^;' iikiiij Abra-
Ihesn \n m;i , naui. ua.- c MUiiiauded to walk before
God and be pertect Genesis IT: 1. A
great many scriptures might be quoted
to the same effect; but let these suffice,
which clearly establishes the fact,
that the religion of heaven was de-
signed to make men perfect before
God; for if it were not. why say to
Abraham walk before me and be thou
perfect"; if the system which was
taught to Abraham was not perfect,
and if it were perfect, he that obeyed
it would be perfect also. Or why say
of Noah he was pefect in his generation?
when there was no such thing as rnen
being perfect, before God, Or why
command the disciples to be perfect,
as their father in heaven was perfect?
when then; was no such thing as being
thus perfect.
All these sayings must be very
unmeaning, unless theie is such a
thing as being perfect before God;
and unless those who obev the scheme
of heaven are thereby made perfect.
We think this sul)ject is easy of un-
derstanding, if we are v.'illing to let
our religion fall a prey to it; for such
v/ill be the case with the whole secta«
rian world, if the bible is t.j be our
ouide. Perfection then, is perfection,
and nothing else but perfection, is per-
fection. VVhen a person or thing is
perfect, it is perfect, and when it is
not perfect, it is not perfect. W'hea
anv thing can be improved, it is not
perfect. When any scheme which is
designed for the benefit of men can ba
bettf'i-ed, it is not perfect, perfection
reaches beyond improvement.
Let us premise a little, suppose
some person should take a start in in-
telligence in these days, and reach be-
yond any others v/ho had lived before
"his day.' Would that not prove to a
demonstration, that all those who had
lived before him were not perfect?
surely it would; and for this reasoru
because the very fact of his doing so,
would prove that the human mind was
capable of such an improvement, and
if others had not come up to it, .they
could be improved, and of course wcro
not perfect. If there are any attain-
ments for the human mind which it
has not reached, the mind that has
not attained to them is not perfect;
for the human mind to be perfect, i«
aid I for it to h«vo atuined to all to which it
for
the
n )
*l2f
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
can attain, and if it has not, the person
is not perfect. Paul in writing to the
Philippians 3: 12, says of himself. —
"Not as though I had already attained,
either were already perfect". So that
Paul did not consider himself perfect,
until he had attamed that, for which he
was apprehended of Christ.
Having now the premises fairly he-
fore us, the subject of perfection among
saints vvill be ve?y easy of understand-
ing. When the scriptures speak of men
being perfect we see plainly by the
quotatiou taken from Paul, that it
mean^ bavin-g attained all o^f which their
natures are capable, otherwise they are
not perfect.
Let us enquire a little after the capa-
cities of the human mind, and of its
capabilities. This ?s set forth in the
bible in a point of light different from
all other books, its powers are clearly
exhibited, and what it is capable of, is
manifested so strikingly as not to be
easily misunderstood; but great doubts
exist in the minds of some of the truth
of what is there said about it.
The history of the former day saints
affords us abundance of light ou this
subject, so that "be that runs may read"
and not only read but understand. —
The whole bible is one series of accounts
in relation to what the human mind is
capable of doing when under divine in-
fluence, and the great powers which
men possess when they are put into ac-
tion, and how God like they can be-
come when they submit themselves to
be guided by the most High.
When I read the bible I have fre-
quently to stop and ask myself, is hu-
man nature capable of such high at-
tainments as those set forth in the scrip-
tures'? I am bound to answer in the
affirmative, for if they are not, then,
the account is not true, for whatever a
man has done, it matters not how great,
nor how marvelous, it proves that hu-
man nature is capable of doing that
thing, or else no man would have cone
it. The very fact of any man having
done it, proves that human nature was
capable of so doing.
To Be Continued.
Our readers may be surprised, per-
haps, to see a piece in this number of
the Advocate, upon the subject of the
Elyria article, mentioned in our last.
Many, no doubt, have been of opinion,
that some articles have heretofore ap- j
pearcd in this paper censuring too se-
verely, the conduct and course pur-
sued by, not only the different sects^
as societies, but by individuals, who
profess to proclaim the system which
was devised and prepared iu the bo-
som of eternity before the foundation
of the world, for the good, joy, com-
fort, peace and salvation of a race of
beings who have far departed froiTk
tlieir God. In looking into that sys-
tem, aad taking into consideration the
manner in which the Lord anciently
called and authorized men to preach
his gospel, which these men pretend to.
have authority to proclaim, we feel
lully justified in raising our voice,
and sounding an alarm, that all who
value the worth of their souls may, at
least, stop and consider their way be-
fore they plunge themselves into that
abyss from whence there is no es-
cape. And considering the worth of
souls, the apostacy of the Gentile
church, and the cunning craftiness of
men who make merchandize of that
which must continue to exist, our feel-
ings are for the moment, excited to in-
dignation, and then we are read} to
weep over their corruption.
Men are responsible for their conduct
in proportion to their standing in com-
munity, and that weight of influence
which they exercise over the sanae;
and of course, when they deviate frona
the path of truth, if much reliance is
pieced upon their decision, so much
the greater the injury, because others-
may be led astray. No one will
charge us with injustice, then, if we
speak severely of such men s faults
and expose them to the gaze of the
surrounding crowd; for we pledge our
honor and veracity, that when leading
men, men of influence and standing in
society, will cease to vilify our chni-
acter, defame our reputation, excite
the indignation and contempt of ouv
fellow-men against us, thereby depri-
ving us of the privilege of teaching them
the gospel, and no longer pervert the
right ways of God themselves, wo
will lay down our pen and close our
mouth against them forever; but till
such is the case, our course is onward,
and we shall undeviatingly pursue it,
so long as our conscience is void of
offence before God.
The following was handed in by a
friend who obtained it of the writer,
and wished it might be inserted m the
MKSSKNGER AND ADVOCATE.
3JJJ
Advocate: \vc cheerfully comply with
the request, and hope it ma}^ not be
the last, if similar circumstances trans-
pire. Editor.
Friend
Kirtland, May, 1836.
: — I have taken the lib-
erty at this time of sending you a num-
ber of the April Messenger, which is
now being printed. My reasons for so
doing, are simply these: I know
your goodness of heart, your liberality
of sentiment m regard to religion, as
well as to politics. And am satisfied
that where your exertions or your in-
fluence can be brought to bear, in re-
moving the mists of prejudice; casting
aside error, and bringing truth to light;
and also in doing justice.;to an injured
and persecuted people, thev will be
cheerfully extended.
You are well aware, sir, that this
society has travelled through floods of
villification and misrepresentation from
its first organization to the present
time. And it has been but seldom that
it was deemed necessary to conde-
scend to notice the thousand and one
lies that have been circulated concern-
ing it. But, latterly, circumstances have
transpired which would render longer
torbearance, on our part, a "/Sm". —
1 mean the efforts that have been, and
are now making, by that band of dis-
organizers, those enemies to all that is
dear to us as a people, especially to
our Southern brethren, — the "Aboli-
tionists". With the rest of the Re-
serve, one of their number, not long
since, gave Kirtland the honor of his
gracious presence; in order I presume,
that he might teach us poor "deluded",
"benighted" ^^Mormons'^ that we were
certainly out of the way, and would
have no chance of gaining our salva-
tion* except we joined in and threw up
our caps for his glorious doctrine of
AMALGAMATION! But when the
time come to count noses, he found he
had ^^waked up lac lorong passengers,"
and instead of having the "Mormons,"
he had gathered together a little squad
of Presbyterians, — those, who you
know, are always foremost in every
thing that would tend to subvert our
blood-bought liberties. For we as a
* One of their number is said to have sta-
ted not long since that they did not believe
a person could enjoy religion without being
an abolitionist
society, do not hold to any srtch doc-
trines— neither do we fellowship those
who do, — that is if they endeavor to
put their sentiments into practice. —
And furthermore, being aware that our
brethren arc numerous in the South — •
as also many moving from the east, to
that country — it was thought advisable
to come out decidedly in relation to
this matter, that our brethren might
not be subjected to persecution on this
account — and the lives of our trav-
eling elders put in jeopardy. For you
will see, in a moment, that if madam
rumor, with her thousand poisoned
tongues, was once to set afloat the
storv that this society had come out in
favor of the doctrines of Abolitionism,
there would be no safety for one of us
in the South; for our enemies would
grasp at it as a precious morsel, where-
on to feed the guUibles of this genera-
tion.
But thanks to an all-wise Provi-
dence we have men among us who are
able, and willing, to take up their pens
in defence of their civil and religious
rights; and who, if necessity require,
can and will make the priests of this,
our day, tremble for their ci-aft, and
make them quake with very fear, for
the safety of their ^^dearly beloved
flocks," whose pockets they are pick-
ing— and by the losing of which, all
their fat living would flee from them
as chafT before the wind. These
articles on the subject of Abolitionism,
in the Messenger were written by no
hireling scriblers, but have emanated
from men who are actuated by no oth-
er motive than a desire to benefit their
fellow creatures, and to do all they do
with an eye single to the glory of God.
You will also see that the rod has
not been spared in relation to some
other matters. I refer to two articles in
reply to a letter written some time since
from Painsville, to the Editor of the
Elyria "Atlas." One under the edi-
toriol head, by our mutual friend, O.
Cowdery, Escj. (who you will be glad
to hear has again taken the conduct of
Messenger,) lashes the villain in a
somewhat severe manner — but not so
much as he deserves — as he is suppo-
sed to be a Reverend of the Presby-
terian order, and one of whom we
ought to expect better things than slan-
dering those who have never injured him
and whose only crime consists in wor-
shiping God according to the dictates
tnd
^^
of their own coiicier.ces, rcg
the sneers ar.ii icuus oi a p,
illhred, good-for-not hivg [
scoundrels, whose God is go
whose only employment is decc ivuig
the people, and taking the bread from
the mouths of the fatherless and the
widows — and whose only reward will
be eternal punishment, unless they
speedily repent and turn from ti^eir
abominations.
In relation to matters in g':'neral,
here, 1 have nothing very special. —
The work of the Lord continues to roll
forth, and souls are almost daily
brought into the kingdom. The tem-
poral as woil as tne spiritual concerns
of the church are in as prosperous a
condition as could be expected, con-
sidering the disadvantages under wi^ich
we labor. Families are daily moving
in from the East, While others are de-
parting for the West.
] have now given you about all that
I have to impart at this time; and will
concluL^e, by subscribing myself, with
sentiments of respect and esteem, as
ever, y^sur friend.
MSESEr7i>KJ^ ANp A?''^OCAT»,
To
]?lcs§eMg"er asid Adv«>€sJ€.
KIRTLAND, OHIO, MAY, IS36.
The following, which we copy from
the "Ohio Free Press," printed at Me-
dina, the county seat of Medina coun-
ty, in this state, we lay before our rea-
ders, that they may have an idea of the
influence which truth has Uj)on those
who are r.ot trammeled v ith sectarian
prejudices; but whose minds are open
to receive truth when it makes its ap-
pearance. It was written by a lawyer
of high respectability, and a gentlemen
of both learning and talents, of the first
order.
He has no doubt given *he impres-
eionof his own mind, in relation to the
fiubjecton which he has written; as
well as that of many others of the citi-
zens of that place; for if it were not
the case, he could be detected.
It must DO peculiarly gratifying and
encouraging, to the saints, to see thj
dfiect which truth will Have on the
p4;efcurrie to ^c;_\, U.aj, iikftQii 'other ipia-
cc's, aiif-mpts have been n.ade to preju-
dice the minds of the people, against
the truth in Medina: indeed, the won-
derful Alexander Cympbeil, in this in-
stance, had his desire gratified: How's
wonderful book, had pioneered tho
waj", and the people had sufficient time
to examine its contentvs; and do more
than this, to consign it to the father of
lies from whence it came; as every
man under htaven believes who reads
it, except a religious bigot. But the
people had greater opportunities than
these to get their minds enlightened;
for two of Mr. Campbell's fraternity
had been there, and had a fair oppor-
tunity to display all their talents. Tho
one was the very wise and knowing
Mathew Clappof Mentor, (a name that
ought always to be mentioned with rev-
erence, not more on accountof his own
great wisdam, than on account of
the dignity of his parentage.) Tht?
other the Rev. Ebenezar WMIiams,
who in the greatness of their wisdom
made an attack on a Mr. Tiffany,
who is an unbeliever in revelation; but
found themselves greatly mistaken,
and did not happen to be as great
men as they supposed themselves to
be; for the deist was too much for both,
and put them to shame and confu-
sion.
In addition to these things, the dif-
ferent religious sects in Medina, used
all their influence to keep the people
from hearing— or at least some of
them; for we will say to the credit of
the peo,)le, that many professors of re-
ligion in that place, shewed a spirit
worthy of lovers of truth — but they
tried in vain: there was too much iu-
dependence of soul in the people of
Medina, to be deprived of their just
rights, because priests said they should
not enjoy them, ond religious bigot*
*fii
1-. Oiiil »-■ ■
a:':d adv
go, anu Uid go, and thsj icsult is d-ju
beoro thc3 pahiic — Here follows the
extract:
For the Ohio Free Press.
flatter Day Salsa t§.
Agreeably to appointment, Elder
Sidney Rkjdon, a pieadrT, of the
new sect styling ihem.-elves "Latter
Day S;iints," arrived in this Village,
on Wednesday the Gth inst, and be-
tween that time and the succeeding
Tuesday, delivered an interesting se-
ries of Lectures, on the suhject of
the Prophecies, the accomplishment
of which is supposed to appertain to
the present period of th>D world. The
audiences were verv full, and pro-
foundly attentive. The following may
be g<.thered from the Elder's lectures,
as a brief synopsis of the leading te-
nets of the new sect, presenting, in
many respects, a striking similarity to
those of Eilhanan Winchester.
1st. 'i'hat all the prophecies, which
are knmon and admitted to have been
fullilled, have been lilcra/ly accom
plished, we have the strongest analo-
gical reasons to believe, that those
which rein:iin unfulfilled, v/iU be also
literally acc;)mplished. Nor have we
,".ny reason to b-'lieve. //-om Scn'prlue,
in'any other diiferent mode of accom-
plishment.
2d. That agreeably to this analogy,
and the whole scope dvd tenor of thf
prophecies yet to bf; tuitilled. the time
is near at hand, even at the doors,
when Christ v.ill come in the clouds c
heaven, with groat power and glory,
and uU the holy ang?U with him! to
live and reign on the earth a thousand
years; and that the generation which
is now on the earth will not all pass
away, before this tremendous event
will be literally accomplished.
3d. That previous to this second ad-
vent of the Savior, great revolutions
will t ike place on our globe, and great
dijstruction of mankind will accrue,
from earthquakes, pestilences, wars.
and other causes, by means of which
ail those who do not em.brace the faith,
will be utterly cut off and destroyed,
and a remnant only, consisting of true
believers, will be preserved or saved.
And they maintain this work of de-
atruclion has already comtnenced.
4th. That immedifitely preceding
this second advent, certain signs, as
w( uit' ' prophecied in Scripture, wiii tofikA
' ;i;o:i ajiperi,.ii;L- ; .-i-o;' as 'iiUKi.es:. uJ
the sun and moon. ia,;ii;g tta;^;, ro.u*-
ing of tliC K(-a; — ...nd iliey say that
these will appear soon.
£th. That at the time of tho advent,
a surprising revolution v/ill take place
in the naiure of most if not all terres-
tiiul thing;?: wild beasts will become
tame; nicn immortal; the earth yield
her fruits and liarvests spontaneoue-
ly,&;c.
Gih. That the Jews will, at or be-
fore the lime, by a series of surprising
miracles, clearly slated in the prophe-
cies, be gathered from all parts of tho
world, into the ancient hind of prom-
ise, where Christ again will rule and
reign among his ancient people. There
will be a great, if not a general resur-
rection oft le ancie/it Jews and Chris-
tian:-;. And that all obstacles to these
great events will be previously removed
by the destruction of the enemies of
truth, &c.
7th. That the direct communications
with the Almighty, which have been
long lost or suspended, ia consequence
of the grneral apostac, and the teach-
ing of the t'alsc prophets, liave been
again resumed by a New Dispensation,
clearly predicted in the Prophecies.
That the Latter Day Saints have now,
frequent intercourse of this kind, with
the Creator, uy means of visions, reve-
lutiouo, &c., which the Elder confirm-
ed by some strikuig narratives from
his own personal experience. He al-
so stated, that tiio various projects and
operations of tiie new sect, were all
derived and guided by communications
of this kind, and that any believer may
have the same experience, by asking
for it in faith; that there is tho same
and as much encouragement for this
exercise of faith, as there ever has
been at any period of the world; and
that it is the high privilege and sacred
duty of all persons, to seek for the con-
firmation of all tliese glorious trut'-s,
by the light of this experience. In
onfirmation of the new doctrmes, t'..o
lilder quoted numerous pro[)hecie3,
from Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Dan-
ifd, Hosea Malachi, and from tho
Evangelists and the Epistles of Paul
and Peter; and argued with great elo-
quence, and force, that the new dis-
pensation must ncctsmrily be true,
or many of the prophetical parts of th»
Bible necessarily false.
316
MessExN'Ger and advocate.
These tremendous doctrines, pro-
mulgated by the Elder with a closeness
of reasoning and eloquence of decla-
mation seldom surpassed, were calcu-
lated to make as they have made, a
powerful and no doubt a lasting im-
pression on most of his hearers. And
however strange, mysterious and mar-
vellous, the thing nicknamed Mormon-
ism may yet a]:)pear to most of the
community, it is certain, that the be-
lief in it as a solemn reality, has be-
come fivmly established in this place.
One convert only, (a young lady who
had adopted the new f-iith) was bap-
tized by the Eider and his associate
Elder Williams; but several others
will probably ivltimately pursue the
same course.
CHARLES OLCOTT.
Medina, April, 1836.
The following is the copy of a let-
ter from certain members of the Irvin-
ite church, (so called,) in England,
presented to certain elders of the church
of Latter Day Saints, on the evening
of the 10th of June, 1835, by a gen-
tleman named in the same, at the time,
calling himself a communicant and
preacher of that church.
*'To the Saints of the Most High:
Dear brethren in the Lord —
At a council of the pas-
tors of our church, held March 28,
1835, upon the propriety of the Rev.
John Hewitt visiting you, it was resol-
ved and approved, that as ho had an
anxious desire to go to America to see
the things that are spoken of in one of
your papers, brought here by a mer-
chant from New-York, he should have,
as he desired, the sanction of the coun-
cil, and if it pleased the Lord, his ap-
proval.
"The Lord hath seen our joy and
gladness to hear that He was raising
up a people for himself in that part of
the New World, as well as here — O
may our faith increase that he may
have evangelists, apostles and prophets
filled with the power of the Spirit, and
performing his will in destroying the
works of darkness."
"The Rev. Mr. Hewitt was pro-
fessor of mathematics in Rother'm In-
dependent Seminary, and four years
pastor of Barnesly Independent church.
He commenced preaching the doctrines
we taught about two years since, and
was exeomraunicated — many of his
flock followed him, so that eventually
he was installed in the same church,
and the Lord's work prospered. As
he is a living epistle you will have, if
all be well, a full explanation. Many
will follow should he approve of the
countr5^ &c. who will help the cause,
because the Jjofd hath favored them
with this world's goods."
We had an utterance during our
meeting, which caused us to sing for
joy. The Lord was pleased with our
Brother's holy determination to see
you, and we understand that persecu-
tion had been great among you, or
v,'oi;ld be; but we were conunanded not
to fear, for he would be with us —
Praise the Lord."
"The time is at hand when distance
shall be no barrier between us, but
when, on the wings of love, Jehovah's
messages shall be communicated by
his saints. The Lord bless our broth-
er and may he prove a blessing to
you. Be not afraid of our enemies,
they shall, unless they repent, be cast
down by the Lord of hosts. The wor-
kers of iniquity have been used by the
Prince of darkness to play the coun-
terfeit, but discernment has been given
tons that they were immediately put to
shame by being detected, so that the
flock never suffered as yet by them."
"Grace, mercy and peace be unto
you from God our Father and from the
Spirit, Jesus Christ our Lord, — Amen.
"I am,
Dear Sirs,
Your brother in the gospel."
(signed) "THOMAS SHAW."
''Barnesly, April 21sf, 1835."
One object, and only one, has in-
duced us to lay the foregoing letter
from England, before our readers —
and that is, the good of the cause of
God. It might have remained in our
possession perhaps for years m silence
had it not been for circumstances
which we will briefly mention:
After the arrival of Mr. Hewitt in
this country, he held an interview with
certain elders of this church, at which
time our belief in the gospel was free-
ly and frankly laid before him — from
which, in general ,he did not dissent, on-
ly that he did not believe the book of Mor-
mon. He professed to be a member
of the "Irvinite', church, (so called)
and said that church believed in the
gift of tongues, visions, &c. and that
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
317
himself had been favored with commu-
nications from heavc-i.'.
Some time since we saw a r.sitice in
the Painesville Telegraph, signed bv
the said Hewitt, den} ing ever having
been a member of the "Irvinite''
church, or of having brought a letter
to this. We confess our astonish-
ment at the sight of such an article,
and feel to deplore the corruption of
men who can so bare-facedly deviate
from the truth, when he must have
known that his visit here could not
have Ijeen torgotten so soon.
Having this sample of the man's
character, we knew not how soon he
might leave the countiy and per-
hapd still pretend to fellowsip with the
church which he represented here.
And having given bro. Pratt's letter a
place in the Advocate, he might also
be induced to make his way to that so-
ciety in Toronto, and do the cause of
Christ an injury. Brother Pratt will
now be prepared, in tne event Hewitt
should attempt any thing of thai na-
ture, to set the mattrr in a proper
shape, and his brethren know in what
manner they have been represented
in this country by a man who no
doubt, left England with the confiLience
and esteem of a people who have been
vilified and traduced. Editor.
The following letter is from our es-
teemed friend and br. Parley P. Pratt-
Elder Pratt not knowing of the change
in the editorial department of this pa-
per, addressed br. Whiimer, which
will explain a sentence in the last
clause. We are not forward in giv-
ing news in advance, neither do we
think proper to entertain our readers
with accounts from travelling elders,
unless they have been successful in
baptizing more or less, but the pecul-
iar situation of br. P ratt, and the great
stir which has been made about that
people called Irvinites, has induced
us to publish his letter entire. If the
Lord continues to give elder Pratt
access to that people, (which he will
if they are honest before him,) then
we may expect soon to hear of his
success in that place; but if not, he
will have the satisfactory reflection,
that he has performed his duty in
warning them to flee from the awai-
ting destruction, so plainly set forth in
the prophets of God. And we hope
not only that br. Pratt may meet with
great success where he is now labor-
•ing, but that all others, who are pro-
claiming the gospel, may be instru-
mental m gathering out the elect of
t1ie Lord from the midst of a perverse
generation. We say, may they be
blessed with much wisdom, may "they
abound in all prudence, may the au-
thority of the holy ministry attend
them, may great'grace be upon them,-
and may the Lord our God preserve
them from the wicked devices ai.d cor-
rupting snares of a race of men whose
hearts are far from the truth.
Editor.
City of Toronto U. C. May 9, 18Se.
To THE Editor of the Latter
Day Saints Messenger and Advo-
cate:
Dear Brother, I am now in Toron-
to, the seat * f government for the
province of Upper Canada, a large
town on the northern shores of Lake
Ontario, consisting of from 12 to 20
thousand inhabitants. I landed here
about 10 days since, a stranger and
alone. Every place was closed against
me as I applied for an opportunity to
preach, until I was almost discour-
aged. I cried unto the Lord to open
my way, and as I was on the point of
leaving the city, the Lord sent a poor
widow to me, who opened her house,
and I spake the word of the Lord to
her and to her household and friends,
who believed, and have offered them-
selves for bapti.m.
The next day I visited another poor
widow, who was nearly blind with
inflamation: the Lord healed and
oj ened her eyes, which has made her
business enough, as many go to learn
of her how her eyes were opened.
1 preached to a f^w individuals, and
still cried unto God to o[)en my way.
I applied to two chapels, to the court
house, and to the infidels in vain. But
the spirit of the Lord was upon me,
and I said: In the name of Jesus
Christ, in the strength of the God of
Elijah, this city shall be warned, till
every ear shall tingle and every heart
be penetrated; their iniquities be
brought to light, and the Lord's people
gathered to the standard of truth which
shall be raised in this city, and shine
forth to all the regions round about.
Sunday I went to meeting first to a
chapel, where the preacher preached
the power of faith in its true light, and
then prayed for the whole face of
glfs
V *''t-.< '••%f '*i ■- f' ^^ '#■■ '
W'>^
ihidg* to bu ci-uag!Hj. , .-.,w.;, .laiti,. ,
After mee'iing, while diuing with bia>!
and some of his heeirers, 1 toid .them
vvhi'.t liie Lord had did for us.- and thsy
began to believe. ;
AftPrnoon i went to a Mr. Patrick's
house to meeting, where mnny had
been wont to assemble to search the
scriptures: they had discovered the
corruptions of Christendom, and were
dih'gcatly searching fo truth. A few
hours wore spent in searching into the
nature of the baptism of the Holy
Ghost, with its several gifts. Th^^ re-
sult of the investigation was, they fell
the need of projihets and apostles to
organize them, and minister the ordi-
nances and spirit to them. Son^e said,
"Let us be agreed and ask for God to
commission us by lerelaiion." Others
said, "it might be that the Lord had
already commissioned apostles in some
parts of the world; and if he had, it
must come from f hem."
During this time I had listened in
silence: some-tin,es crying and some-
times smiling — my heart burning
within me. Some one at length ob-
served, th.at a stranger was in the
room, who might wish to speak. I said 1
should be glad to speak on the subject in
the evening: liberty was granted, and
appointment made: after which thev
kneeled down and in tears confessed
their naked, destitute, situation; pray-
ed God to pity and relieve ihem.
In the evening they heard me; and
from that time, doors have been opened
wider and wider: priests and people
flock to hear. Last Sunday I preach-
ed in the heart of the city, in the open
air: hundreds flocked to hear, and so-
lemnity and good order were seen
through all the crowd. God gave me
a voice like a trump, so that many
from all the surrounding houses and
streets were enabled to hear distinct-
ly. Multitudes were thronging the
streets for other meetings, who were
also warned as they past. I am invi-
ted to many places in the city and in
the country.
1 preach, read and converse to peo-
ple all day ^nd all nicht: sometimes
the morning stm is dawning upon us
before we hive lluiH'.(ht of rest; and
generally the clock strikes twelve be-
fore we r tire None oppose openly,
but the hn -lipg pri-sts. and th^v are
. > n.:i^ -gu- •>, \-.:.\.v. Ui\.\ >VUii^ ici>/)^
(bey are secure, from, ,llif >;4iy!ii^tt5U
darts of truth, at [ijesw-^lj. Uui^oo,^ st^aU
they be thr<'wn down-, and ihey stundt
naked and exposed to the piercing eye
of Jehovah.
These are multituaes who are ex-
pecting to be baptized, and some are
only waiting an opportunity.
I expect to tarry here some time: I
wish you to sendme the Messenger and
Advocate, back ndmbers and all, as 1
get no news from any saint in any di-
rection.
I have gotten access to the writings
and publications of the people called
"Irvinites," in Scotland and England,
and I find they have searched deep into
the gathering of Israel; the coming of
Christ to reign on the earth; the apos-
tacy of the Gentile church, and tho
need of an organization by authority
from God, and of the restitution of tne
gifts of the Spirit. Tens of thousands
are awakened in that land to these
subjects, and are sending swift mes-
sengers to the nations around them,
to teach these things, insomuch that
the excitement seems to have become
general among kings and nobles,
priests and people.
I have addressed a letter of eleven
pages to that land, giving a sketch of
the work of the Lord among us. Ma-
ny believers here are late from Eng-
land, so we may have access to many-
names in ihat co ntry: these are al-
ready beginning to express desires for
their friends in that country to hear
these things.
Now brother Whitmer, I have one
request — let this 6e read in your public
meeting, in the house of the Lord, and
let the prayers of the church come up
with a hearty amen, for me and the
people her(»; for never did I feel to say.
How grcTt is the work required of
me, with a more realizing sense than
now — 1 cry unto God day and niaht.
Yours in the Lord.
P. P. PRATT.
Kiifland, May23, 1S??6.
Dear brotlierCowdery:
Sir, having
just returned from a short mission in
Upper Citnada, I tfike the l'l>erty ot
addressing a \c\'v lines to vou forinser-
glad to retire in sha>ne and con "■Hiou, \ tion in the M -s^enger and Advocate,
aEtd seek ua
i^H-lhi,
v;^ithiii their own \ i>rayitjg that.i^pjay be edif\ing to tho
ir^.':^yi!.^f 'ftj^^iS^iij, .^■.■rO'i^A'i'ii.
3ia
reiidot'iUi" Uiat ysoluijuaci iyteif^jsting
paper. •
1 left Kirtiand April 5th, in compa-
ny with elders, O. Pratt und F. Nick-
erson; and after a long and t'jdiuus
journey, through mud and rain, we ar-
rived ill Upper Canada, wijere I took
leave of the other two brethren, and
persued my course for Toronto, the
capital of the Province, at which place
I arrived on the 19lh of April. I
sought in vain for a chapei, court-house
or other public building, in v/hich to
preach, all being closed against me. —
At length one or two private dwellings
were opened freely, where I commen-
ced, and continued preaching, until it
"was no longer practicable for want of
sufficient room to accom.moda:e the
multitude, when I commenced preach-
ing on the steps of a private dweihng:
two rooms of the house were first filled,
and then a large door-yard, 'i'his
place was situated in the midst of the
city so tiiat many thousands could hoar.
I continued several sabbath days to
hold forth the word of life to multitudes.
I also continued pre iching both in the
city and country daily: in the coun-
try, we were under the necessity of
opening large barns in order to accom-
modate the people. Many who were
greatly rejoiced at first, soon began to
search for truth with all diligence, by
night and day, insomuch that sleep dis-
parted for a season from our eyes, and
sometimes, daylight dawned in the
East before we retired to rest. Oar
mectinscs were sometimes disturbed bv
Rev. gentlemen of the clergy; among
them was the Rev. i\Ir. Evens, Editor
of the Christian Guardian, and others
who attended with a design to prove the
Book of Mormon an imposition and
myself an impostor, 1 refused to hear
them at ten, or eleven o'clock at night,
in a crowded private dwelling, withiiut
order or moderators; but 1 otfered to
meet any, or all of them on fair
grounds, if they would open any pub-
lic building, appoint moderators to keep
order and give me half of the tim<', 1
pledged my^^elf under these circumstan
ces, to sustain the Bo,)k of Morov);*
with all the evidence they could the
Bible, but they very prudently refused.
One circumstance I will m.^ntion to
show the weakness and falsehood, to
which the clergy resort in their exer-
tions igninsi the truth.
The Rev. Mr. Milkins g?ive an ap-
poiiHirieat for preaching in a chapel in
the country, ngainst Mormonism, on
Friday evening, May 20th, I att^m.ied}
the house was thronged with auditors,
and aftar an introduction, with a
lengthy preface on the subject of false
christs, false prophets, barkers, jum-
pers &c. (as found in the preface of
Mr. Campbell's pamphlet, and other
libelous publications) he, at length
made a quotation fiom the 12ih page
of the Book of Mormon, concerning
Laban's sword of steel, staling that ho
was fully prepared to reject any book
as a Reve/aiion, which gave an ac-
count of steel, so early as six hundred
years before Christ.
It being contrary to all history, ho
probably supposed, we were ignorant
of the Bible and had never read Job
20th chap. 24th verse and Jeremiah
15th: 12th verse. Psalm. IS chap. 34
v. 2 Sam. 22 chap. 35 v. all these speak
ofstee' earlier than Nephi. His next
exertion was against Nephi for killing
Laban F.nd getting the brass plates by
iraud and dfcce[)iion, saying, away
with prophets of that description, as he
nevtir would acknowledge a prophet of
that character, forgetting, that in so
doing, he rejected Moses, who killed
an Egyptian, hid him in the sand and
run his country to esc:ipe the penalty
of the law, and Samuel, who hewed
down Agag a helpless, unarmed pris-
oner, in cool blood. He doubtless,
forgat that Nephi's life had been sought
by Laban, and that Laban had rob-
b( d him of all his property which was
exceeding groat, and that he killed La-
ban in obedience to express command-
mont of the Lord.
His next objection was raised against
page 46th where it is stated that Ne-
phi's brethren rebelled against him for
attempting to build a ship. They
sought to put him into the sea, but htj
commanded them not to touch hmi,
saying it they did, they should wither
as a dried reed. The Rev. gentleman
represented them as taking him, and
binding him and they did not wither as
he prophesied. He probably suppo-
sed we should not read for ourselves,
th;it they did not touch him at that
time, but they repented of their wick-
edness, and assisted him to build a
ship, and after they had built the ship,
and been many days at sea, they took
him aud bound him, but not before. —
Evea tben» they were immediately
m
MESSl'^NGER AND ADVOCATE.
chastized by judgments insomuch, that
they soon loosed Nephi.
Another mighty effoit was against
page 189. Abinadi speaking of things
to come as if they i)ad already come,
spake of the resurrection of Christ in
the past tCHse, long before Christ was
born. This was a great objection to
the book, but equally so, the candid
reader will discover against the book of
Isaiah, who exclaimed (several hun-
dred years before Christs' birth) in the
pa^t tense. He was oppressed, and
he was afflicted, yet he opened not his
mouth,, 53: 7th, also in the 8th verse
it is stated that he was taken from pris-
on and from judgment &c. He must
have supposed we would take for grant-
ed what the preacher said, and never
read the Bible or the bodk of Mormon,
either impartially for ourselves. An-
other objection was on page 232.
where we find the account of Nehors,
slaying Gideon and was taken before
judge Alma, judged and hung for priest-
crrft instead of murder: nevertheless,
these are the words of Alma on the
same page, "thou hast shed the blood of
a righteous man, who has done much
good among this people, and were w^e
to spare thee, his blood would come
upon us for vengence, therefore, thou
art condemned to die." Another ob.
jection was three days
this land, and only three
neas in Asia. But I
division more close than that, where
the Lord severed between the land of
Goshen and the rest of Egypt, so that
the Egyptians saw not one another for
three days,"but the Hebrews had light
in their dwellings". Another objection
was that the book of Ether gave the
genealogy from the Tower of Babel
back to Adam, 29 generations: The
other scriptures made but 10 genera-
tions. He also stated that Ether did
not trace it through the flood, conse-
quently, how could the people be sa-
ved, whose genealogy Ether gave.
Now who has ever looked at the
book of Ether and does not know, that no
genealogy is given from the Tower
back to Adam, but from the tower
down through after generations to
Ether? (see book of Mormon page 539)
Another objection was, the witnesses
to the book of Mormon, were interest-
ed witnesses consequently not to be be-
lieved Probably, not recollecting that
in so saying, he was rejecting the New
darkness on
hours dark-
remember a
Testament, as the first chosen witness-
es of the resurrection of Christ, were
all interested witnesses: their time,
their character, their property and
their lives were at stake, and all would
be lost if Christ were an impostor.
After exerting alibis powers of speech,
until near eleven o'clock, he at length
dismissed, when I entered the pulpit
and pledged myself to prove, misrep-
resentation and falsehood, throughout
his entire discourse upon this subject.
Some of tne assembly began to clam-
or so loud, I could not be heard, al-
though many wished to hear. There-
lore, 1 was obliged to defer my reply
to his several objections till the next
day at 4 o'clock in the afternoon, at
which time I had an appointment to
preach in a barn in the same vicinity.
I had an interview with the Rev. gen-
tlemen in the morning, which lasted
some hours. I showed him wherein
he had stated falsehoods, or misrepre-
sented many things in his argument:
ihis I did before many witnesses. I
then requested him to go before the
public and make a humble confession
of the wrong he had done, and the
falsehoods he had been guilty of sta-
ting, but he utterly refused. At 4 o'
clock P. M. a multitude assembled a
the barn, I then replied publicly to the
Rev. gentlemen's arguments of the
preceding evening. After I closed
my discourse, we went to the water
and I baptized nine persons, who, ap-
parently, came with contrite spirits,
believing with all their hearts; expres-
sing a full determination to serve the
Lord to the end. — The next day being
Sunday, May 22d, the numbers of
those who had been bai)tized having
increased to twenty five, and brethren
O. Pratt and F. Nickerson being pres-
ent and assisting, we laid our hands up-
on them and confirmed them in the
name of the Lord Jesus, for the gift of
the Holy Ghost. In the ordinances of
the day, we were blessed with joy and
peace and with the powers of the Ho-
ly Ghost. Thus grew the word of
God and prevailed mightily. May
the Lord bless them and add to their
numbers, daily, such as shall be saved.
Yours in the bonds of the everlast-
ing covenant.
To the Editor of the
Messenger ^ advocate. ^ P. P. Pratt.
u
y^
f^^
T
I
MWj^^mNG'Ell ANB ABTOCATE,
Vol,. I(.
9.]
KlRTLAiVO, OHIO, JUNE, Ih:j6.
Whole No. [21
Coa'fespsis-iiesice.
President Riodox:
Dear Sir, As the investi-
gation in which you are now participa-
ting, first commenced with my brother
Eebnezer, I consider it proper to state
to you the origin of this controversy;
that you may seethe nature and design
of the remarks, and hence the better
•understand them. What gave rise to
my remarks on revelation and mira-
cles, was, my brother charged me of
■"utterly denN'ing that plan of salvation
founded on revelation, miracles," &c.
To convince him of his mistake, 1 af-
firmed to be a believer in both, and at-
tempted to show him the design of both
revelation and miracles. I attempted
to show him that we weie dependent on
revelation for the knowledge of God,
and the plan of salvation — that the de-
sign of miracles waste confirm revela-
tion— end that the plan of salvation
(or gospel) having been fully revealed,
confirmed by miracles, and recorded
in the New Testament; we were to ex-
T)ect no more revelation, and conse-
quently needed no more miracles.
I ha^ attentively examined your
-communication, and as I do not wish
to multiply v/ords, I have endeavored
to mark onh the prominent features of
difference; and shall now, candidly ex-
ami-ne them.
The principal points of difference
are, 1. The design of revelation. 2.
The design of miracles. 3. In refer-
ence to what the gospel is. And 4. Re-
lation to the necessity of revelation and
miracles at the present day.
In my letter to my brother I stated,
the design of revelation was, first, "to
inake known the being of God. 2. To
make known his will. 3. To make
known the consequences of doing, or
not doing his will" To those propo-
sitions you make no objections, except-
ing to the first. To that you say you
"must object," because, "revelations
from God were the result of the faith
of those who received them." To sus-
tain which, you quote, "For without
faitii it is impossible to please him."
£God.] I think, sir, you can but dis-
cover that this text is altog^ether irrele-
vant, and utterly fails to prove your
position. It does not say, "without
faith it is impossible to get revelation;
but impossible to please him."
Again you say, "That Adam had
the most perfect knowledge of his
[God's] existence." True, he had,
but how did he obtain this knowledo-e?
Did his "standing in the presence of
God" give him this information? Or
his seeing his face tell him, it was God
in whose presence he stood — and whosa
face he beheld? No! surely you will
say no!! He might know indeed that
he saw some being — But how could he
have faith that that being was his God?
There is but one answer to this ques-
tion, and that is "faith cometh by hear-
ing, and hearing by the vvord of God."
Now if hearing comes by the word of
God, God must have spoken befors
Adam heard; and if faith comes b}"-
hearing, Adam mjst have heard before
he he had faith, consequently, God
must have revealed himself as God to
Adam, or he had not believed it. Ad-
mit "the apostolic maxim," "that faith
comes by hearing," and you must ad-
mit that revelation was necessary, in
order to faith in God.
You seem to admire consistency,,
come then and look at your own. You
say, "it is impossible for one man to
be dependant on another for his know-
ledge of the way of salvation;" and yet
you make us dependent on the "tradi-
tion of men for the idea or knowledge
of God. Why object with so much
feeling, to our dependence on the ve-
racity of men for our knowledge of the
way of salvation — and yet make U3
dependent on tradition for our know
ledge of the author of salvation? Is not
revelation as necessary to make knov/u
the author, as the way of salvation? —
But to conclude this point, we must re-
ject the "Apostolic maxim," or admit
that faith in thebeingof God, came bj
hearing; and hearing by God's word,
or revelation. "For how can we be-
lieve on him of whom we have not
heard?" Impossible!!
One idea more before we pass. Af-
ter making mankind dependent on tra-
dition for his ideas of God. You say,
"some of them sought unto God by r^-
:m
MES«E?CGER AifD ADyOCAT&.
Kon of the iaith thcv had in the bciiig
of God, and obtained the revelation ol'
bis will.'' My dear sir, I should have
thought your good sense would hrve
caused "every feeling of your heart to
object'' to such an idea. What! a mor-
al Governor of infinite wisdom, good-
ness and mercy hold liis creatures —
his subjects accountable, and subject to
an awful penalty, for the non-perrorm-
ance of his will; and yet not reveal tlsat
will to them — till some of his subjects
through "tradition, liad got faith in his
being" — and by reason of that faith,
sought unto hmi and obtained a revela-
tion of his will! This, sir, involves us
in the conclusion, that, had not some
men have sought unto the Lord, for to
obtain a revelation of his will, that he
never would have revealed it!! My
views of the moral Governor, sir, are
very difterent from those. Very dif-
ferent indeed, are the views given of
him in the bible. That holy book re-
presents Adam as the first man. But
it does not leave him ignorant of the
divine will, till as a suppliant he in-
quires what he must do. No! But as
is reasonable to suppose he makes him-
self known unto Adam, (undoubtedly
as his God) then fixes for him his res-
idence, and commands him what to do,
and makes known the penalty of diso-
bedience.
Noah did not seek unto God for a
revelation of his will, but was v.arncd
of God to prepare an ark. Abraham
was called of God to go out. Nor did
Moses seek to God for a revelation of
his V. ill concerning Israel; but God ap-
peared unto liim, and declared it unto
him. This, sir, is as we should expect
from a wise and good Governor; and
think, sir, if you were duly to consider
this subject, you would acknowledge
that the design of revelation was, 1.
To make known the being of God, 2.
To make known his v/ill, and, 3. The
consequences of doing or not doing it.
I think, sir, your good sense will ena-
ble you to see, that God must first liave
declared himself as God, or Adam had
not believed it, "for faith comes by
hearing*' — and that as a wise Gover-
nor, he would not leave him destitute of
a knowledge of his M'iil; but declare it
to him, as the rule of his life.
The next point of difference I shall
notice, is, the design of miracles. That
Moses, and the prophets, Christ, and
the apostles, wrought miracles, is evi-
dent; and tliat those miracles are as-
cribed to God is evident. But what de-
sign had God in the working of those
miracles — is now the inquiry.
To point out the purpose for which
miracli.\s were wrought, we must sup-
pose the Lord liad some important pur-
pose to answer, in thus controlling the
laws of nature from their ordinary'
course. And if we look into the bible,
we shall find that the great design was,
to attest the divine mission ol those
whom he authorizeu to bear his messa-
ges to mankind. Then, "to the law
and to the testimony," and let us see,
if a "greater mistake than this cannot
exist in the mind of any man." Or lei
us see if it be a mistake at all.
From the force of bible testimony
wliich I shall liow adduce, I hopx- to
make the design of miracles manifest,
even to the most sceptical. Notice,
The desieu ol miracles wasexnresslv
declared, at the time they were wrouglif.
When God sent Moses to the He-
brews, to tell them that God liad n-cui
him to deliver them, Moses said, Ex.
iv. 1,2,3,4,5, "They will not believe
miC — for they will say the Lord hath
not appeared unto thee." Now, God
told him fo "cast nis rod upon the
ground; and he cast it on the ground,
and it became a serpent." And tho
Lord said unto Moses, put forth thy
hand and take it b}'' the tail, (and ho
put forth hiri hand and cauglitit, and it
became a rod in his hand,) that they
may believe that the Lord God of their
fathers hath appeared unto thee." V.
8. "If thcv will not believe thee, neith-
er hearken unto the voice of the first
sign, that they will believe the voice of
the latter sign." Nothing can be more
explicit than this avowal of the design of
those miracles. And to convince you
that they accomplished their design, read
v. 39: "And Aaron spake all tiie words
which the Lord had spoken unto Mo-
ses, and did all the signs, and the ].co-
ple believed." Can you read those ex-
plicit declayations, sir, and sa}', that
the design of those miracles was not
to confirm tho mission of Moses and
Aaron? Once more and I have done
witii Moses. When God appeared un-
to Israel on Sinai in the fire and cloud,
he said unto Moses, "1 come unto thee
in a thick cloud, that the people may
hear when I speak with thee, and be-
lieve thee forever." Ex. 19: 9. There
the avowed object of this sublime mil--
MESSENGER AND MjVOCAI'E.
ftcle is to confirm tlic mission of ]\Io-
ses. Some of the prophets wrought
iTiiracIcs to confirm their mission^ or
Ood wrotiglit miracles by them for that
purpose. While vvc find the avowed
object of miracles to be, to confirm the
testimony of God's messengers, and
ulso tliat the miracles of some of the
prophets are recorded, I think we have
no just reason to suppose that they did
flot all work miracles for the same pur-
pose. Elijah was ansv/ered in his re-
fjuest, when he pra^'cd that it might
not rain — again when lie prayed for
rain — He continued the oil and the
meal of the v\ idov/ ci Zarcphath — he
raised the widov/"s son — he brought
down fire on the fifties who camo to
take him, that it might be known he
was a man of God — he brought fire to
consume the sacrifice — ^tho wood — the
Vv'ater and the altar, that the people
mi2;ht know that the Lord was God. —
Elisha caused the iron to swim — raised
the dead child, and cleansed the leper;
and from attending circumstances,
there is no doubt but the prophets were
all in the habit of working miracles. —
Tiie captive maid said, she v/ould to
God Naman was with th j prophet of
Israel, for he v/ould lieal him. And
v/hcn Naman came to the king of Is-
rael to be healed, Elisha said, scn<l
him to me, "and he shall know there
is a propliet in Israel.'"' Thus plainh^
intimating that a prophet was known
by his miracles.
But in reference to Isaiah and oth-
ers you seem to be elated with your
imaginary triumph, and enquire
when the prophecies of Isaiah and
others were confirmed by miracles,
and then say, "I think sir you would
be difficulted to find it, indeed there is
no such thing- written." Hold! my
good sir, not qiv ts so fast, do not say
it is not written . hat Isaiah wrought
a miracle "to give credence" to his
testimony. See 2, Kings 20, 9, and
I-saiah said, "this sign shall thou have
of the Lord," "that the Lord will do
the thing he halh spoken," v. 11, and
he brought the shadow [ofthe sun] ten
degrees backward." It is not con-
venient sir, for me to find language to
express my astonishment, that a teach-
er in Israel" should make statements
so opposite to bible truth, as you have
made, sir, in this case, and in some
others. Indeed I hardly expected to
be under lh;e necessity of saying }o
you, "ye do err not knowing the
scriptures."
I do not pretend thai we have
positive testimony that each one ofthe
prophets wrought miracles, but we
have positive evidence that m.any did,
and circumstantial in favor of all. —
that
miracles was
"if I do not the
believe m.e not,
Neither have I said
the only testimony. But I have said
and proved, that Moses and some of
the prophets wrought miracles, and
that to attest their mission.
Tliat Christ and the apostles wrought
miracles, I need p.ot prove, becaus'e
you do not deny; but you deny the
des'gn to bo, to attest their mission,
once more then I must call your atten-
t;on to the bible, where yoj will find
the Son of God appealing to his mira-
cles to jirove the propriety of his
claims. lie says.
v.orks of my father
but if 1 do, though ye believe not mo,
believe the v/orks;'' again, "believe
me for the very works sake." Once
more he vindicates his divine authori-
ty b}- an appeal to the testimony of
John, and then to his miracles, "But I
have greater v/itncss than that of John,
for the v/orks which the father liatb
given me to finish, the same works
that I do, bear v.'itness of me, that the
Father hath sent me." "And many
other signs trulv did Jesus in the pres-
ence of his disciples, which are not
written in this Book, but these are
written that ye might fcelicve that Je-
sus is the Christ the Son of God." —
Can you say sir in view of all this tes-
timony, and more too, that the design
01 miracles was not to confirm the mis-
sion of God's messengers?
In reference to the Apostles yoU
make this wonderful remark, "mark
then dear sir, pxirticularly, that these
signs were not to follow the apostles
themselves. Bear with ine sir, while
I call your attention once more to the
bible, which you have the misfortune
to differ so much from. Paul appeals
again, and again to his miracles as the
infallible evidence of his apostlcship. —
To the Romans, he appeals to the
"mighty signs and wonders" which
Christ wrought by him. To the Cor-
linthians he says, "truly the signs of
an apostle were wrought among you,
what were the signs ot an apostle?
Paul says "they were signs & wonders
and mighty deeds," the same followed
all the apostles. "God also bearing
nj
them witness both v/ith signs and won'
ders, and with divers miracleF." But
what were the signs which were to fol-
low the apostles? Look at the com-
mission, "these signs shall follow them
[apostles] who believe, in my name
shall they cast out devils" &c; and
this they did, the devils bear witness,
Baying "Paul v/e know" &c. I hard-
ly know what to think of you sir, for
almost every stv"p I advance, I find
your remarks clashing with the bible.
But 1 am inclined to think it is because
you have not "duly considered the
subject." You say these signs "shall
not follow the apostles." The bible
says they shall, and says they did. —
You say again, "these signs should
follow them who believed the apostles,
word, both men & women, no excep-
tion. But Paul says "are all workers
of miracles'?" Paul denies that all had
this power of miracles. When speak-
ing of the spiritual gifts, where he
says is given by the same spirit, to one
the word of wisdom, to another knowl-
edge, to another miracles, thus affirm-
ing that all had not this gift, making
very particular "exceptions."
Having thus showH beyond all suc-
cessful controversy, that Moses and
the prophets, Christ and the apostles,
all wrought miracles, and that to attest
their mission, I shall notice one idea
moie and then pass to, what is the
gospel?
You say, "that there can be no
churches of Christ, uiiless they can
prove themselves so by miracles". —
I think then sir, that you are prepared
to say, Christ has no church; nor ever
had: if to be his church every member,
"men and women" "without exception"
must work miracles; For surely you
•'would be difficulted" to find one in
the apostles days, every member of
which " without exception" wrought
miracles. Indeed we have no record
of such a Churcih. I should not devi-
ate from the truth, to say, there is no
such church amonw all the sects of the
present day. And you sir, will not be
so presuming, I think, as to say you
belong with such a church. If you
should, I can prove to the contrary by
more than 500 witnesses.
The third point of difference I shall
notice, is. What the gospel is. That
Christ & his apostles preached the gos-
pel, and the whole gospel, we both a-
uree, and that the "world has depar-
MSSSENQ^ER AND ADY&QATE.
ted from the gospel," I shall not deny ;
but believe it has been made void by
the traditions of men," and is in some
measure to this day; r;ot excepting
yourself sir.
You say, "this then, is what I con-
tend for, that the gospel as preached
by the Savior and his apostles, and as
written in the new testament has disap-
peared"
This question will be determined by
ascertaining what the gospel is.
I have asked you, "is that which is
now written in the New Testament the
gospel." You say the gospel is the
power of God. Well, what is the
power of God? You say it is "God's
scheme of saving men." VvHiat then
is God's schome of saving men? You
say "it is putting men into possession
of the power of God." Now look at
it. The gospel is the power! The
power is the scheme!! and the scheme
is the putting men into possession of
the power!!! This is like theboy'san-
swer to his father, whm he asked him,
where is the chain, he said the chain
is with the plow. Where is the plow?
He said, it is with the drag. Now
when the father can find out where
the drag is, he can find where the
chain is also: So with me, when I cau
learn the last, I shall know the first.
But sir, leaving your vague and in-
definite answer; in revieving your
whole communication, I conclude that
what you call the gospel is that power
by which the sick are healed — mira-
cles wrought &c. And that this pow-
er to work miracles — confer the Holy
Spirit, speak with tongues &c. has dis-
appeared, I agree with you. But sir,
I hope to show you that that power is
one thing, and the gospel another.
The gospel then, is the glad tidings
of a Savior, and of salvation to all na-
tions. This is the gospel which was
"preached before unto Abraham, say-
ing in thee sha'l all nations be bles-sed,"
see Gal. iii. 8. This gospel is called
"the word of truth" Eph. i. 13. "ye
heard the v/ord ot truth, the gospel of
your salvation." When Christ says,
"go ye into all the world and preach
the gospel," he means the same as,
"go teach all nations and in teaching
(or preaching) the gospel they were to
"preach the word," "the word which
God sent by Jesus Christ," this word
is called the New Testament, or gos-
pel, and is written in the Bible. This
MESSENGER AN© ADVOCATE.
SSS
is the gospel which Paul preached —
which "he received by revelation
of Jesus Christ," hence every man that
has got a Bible, has got the gospel, and
the v/hole gospel. Hence the go.^pel
has not disappeared.
He then, who preaches that word
which is v/ritfen in the New Testa-
ment, preaches the gospel; and I can
but say sir, "I marvel that ye are so
soon removed unto another gospel,"
■"which is not another."
On'i of two conclusions sir, you
must come to. You must say that
what is v.-ritten in the Nev/ Testament
IS not the gospel, or the whole gospel;
or you must say that your visions,
revelations and prophecies are no part
of the gospel. If the whole gospel was
revealed by Christ and his apostles —
and that gospel is written in the New
Testament, then sir, no after revela-
tion can be any part of the gospel; and
if you, or I, or an "angel from heaven,
preach auy other gospel,'* than that
the primitive saints received, Paul
says, ''let him be accursed'" If you
preach what Christ and the apostles
preached, you preach the gospel; but
if you preach any thing they did not,
you do not preach the gospel, or you
preach ''another gospel." And if you
preach only what they did, you re-
veal nothing, you onl^y proclaim what
was before revealed.
But perhaps you will wish to plead,
that, as the gospel is "power," th:)t
the word is not the gosj)e!; but sir,
*'where the word of a king is, there is
power." "The word of God is quick
and powerful." "The scriptures are
able lO make vou wise unto salvation
throucrh faith." But *'lhc word did
not profit, when not mixed v;ith faith.
See 1. Thes. ii. 13. "Tlio word of
God which efTectually worketh also in
you that believe." Thus you see,
"the gospel (or word) is the power of
God unto salvation to every one that
believeth."
i"ou say "the gospel is only of use
I, hence
It fol-
faught; he said, "it should come to
pass that whosoever called on the name
of the Lord should be saved."
I think I have proved to the satisfac
tioa of the candid, that the whole gos-
pel has been revealed, and is now re-
corded in the New Testament;
not lost, but in our possession,
lows then, that if we have got the gos-
pel, there is no need of further revela-
tion. We do not want another gospel;
If the gospel was in the apostles' days
able to save sinners, it now is. If it
was then a sufficient rule of life, it now
is. If it was then perfect, it is now.
And if the primitive disciples needed
no more to make them wise unto sal-
vation; neither do we. Why then dear
sir, do we need more revelations? —
Surely we do not: then we need not
expect it.
As I have abundantly shown that
miracles were to attest the mission
of God's messengers — and that their
mission has been thus abundantly test-
(:d; it follows then, that as we need no
more revelations, neither do we need
any more miracles: an. I this is the rea-
son why we do not have them.
Now sir, if you say the gospel is
now written in the New Testament,
then you must say it has not disap-
peared But if the goLspel has disap-
peared, then that which is now written
is not the gos^pel — 'and if not the gos-
pel, what is it?
to men, v hen there is somebody to
administer it to them." To this sir, "i
must object with every feeling of my
heart:" for to all intents it makes us
dependent on men for salvatirtn. I pi-
ty the world if they are dependent on
the capiice of men for their salvation.
1 think sir, there would be "but few
saved."
This is not the gospel the npostle
While I thus plead that we have the
gospel, I admit that the sects, (not ex
costing your own) have departed from
its order. You ask, "if the world has
departed from the gospel, how is it to
be restored but by revelation?" I an-
swer, the gospel does not need to be
restored to the world. Let the world
return back to the gospel, and its or-
der, and all will be well.
I will now conclude this letter, by
requesting you to reflect what further
light you can on this subject.
And subscribe myself
Yours in Christian kindness,
OLIVER BARR.
President S. Rigdon,
Kirtland-
Conneaut, May 24th, 1836.
P. S. As you have published our
correspondence thus far, I shall expect
you will publish this also, and entire.
O. B.
m
MESSENGER AUX) ADYOCATE.
■^
Kiriland, June^ 1836.
Mr. O. Barb:
Sir — I have received your
last, and I think that it will not be
strange to you, that I should be surpri-
zed at receiving such a production from
your pen.
When a gentleman, gratuitously,
gives a challenge to a whole society,
and any one of them sees proper to
accept it, and replies to him in a re-
spectful manner, it will surely be ex-
pected that he will be treated with com-
mon courtesy. This, sir, was my ex-
pectation; but you must know if it were,
that in reading your letter I must have
been greatly disappointed; for surely
you know, that so far from its being
respectful, it is scurrilous. Your plow
and drag story, savors of any thing but
christian propriety and decorum; but
perhaps you designed it to be as the
shade in the picture, to make the other
parts of your letter appear more bril-
liant. If this were the case, I think
you acted wisely; for it would certain-
ly require the very dregs uf vulgarity
to have that effect upon your letter.
You, sir, have certainly forgotten
that you had written a letter, previous-
ly, or if you had not forgotten it, you
neglected to read it before vou wrote
your last; otherwise you never would
have written as you have; for you seem
tD have written about almost every
thing, but the subject which you intro-
C3d in your fir-st letter, and to which 1
replied.
Let me invite you to go back and
look a little at your first letter. In
the second paragraph 1 read as fol-
lows: "How can v^-e know that their
communication is a revelation from
God?; Will their bare assertion satis-
fy us that God speaks by them? I sa)'
no. We must have evidence or we
cannot believe. But Vv-hat evidence
will satisfy? Nothing short of a mir-
acle^^ — [mark this last sentence particu-
larly]— If a person should say that he
had a communication from God, and
then to convince us that God did speak
by him — should say to a dead man
arise — and he should rise up. Or he
should command the elements, and they
should obey him — the winds should
cease to blow, aud the waters to flow;
these miracles done, would bo suffi-
cient evidence that God spoke by him.
But these miracles would need to be
done publicly, in the presence of friends
and foes, that there might be no ground
for cavil. And these miracles would
need to be continued until the revela-
tion was completed, and no longer.*' — -
This is sufficiently plain to show that
you make the entire design of miraclcft
to be for the purpose of establishin;»
revelationf5.
But if rhere is need of any more proof
as to the light in which your first- let-
ter presents the subject ()f miracles, it-
is found in the following expression.
"And if no new revelation is to bo
made, whv should miraxjies be contin-
ued?''
The foregoing leaves the subject
without doubt, and it amounts to this:
That nothing is to be iTccived as a re-
velation but what is confirmed by mir-
acles; and those miracles must contin-
ue all the time the revelation is giving^
and that the desia;n of miracles was to
establish revelations and nothing else;
for when yoa say "And if no new re-
velation is to be given, why should
miracles be continued?" You virtual-
ly say, that niiracl-es had this alone for
its object. To this then in our letter
to you, we objected, and said "that a
D-rcater mistake could not exist in the
mind of man." We say so still; and
if we needed any thing to convince uy
of it, your last letter is sufficient to do'
it, most cfFsctuaHy.
These assertions of yours we met
with fair art. ument and scripture facts,
and we conclude from your last letter
thatour arguments were unanswerable;
r>esins:"vou have not been able to touch
them.
The first argument was, that God
sent messengers into the world who
gave revelations to mankind, and by
whom God spake, that never confirm-
ed their mission, nor their revelations
by miracles. And the second was, that
persons wrought miracles who never
gave revelations to the world. These
facts being established, your whole the-
ory A^anishes; for if there were revela-
tions given, and the persons who gave
them never established tl;eir revela-
tions, nor yet their own mission by
miracles, the question is forever set-
tled, that your theory is fabe. And if
there are persons mentioned in the
scriptures, who wrought miracles that
never gave revelations to the world;
then it is a question never to be con-
troverted by honest men, that miracles
had some other object besides csijiblish'^
IIESEEI^GER AND ADVOCAtE.
ing revehitioiv.;; even if it could bs pro-
ved, that in some instances they were
wrought exnrossly for the purpose of
establishing rcyeiations. This is all
we ever tried to prove, or wanted to
prove; for this done, it was enou.gh for
our purpose; for it left your theory for-
ever wori^e thaa a bubble; cither the
result of the most consummate igno-
rance, or foulest corruption.
Now, Sir, you may labor and labor,
nE^ainand ac(a'n; von may brin;^ up all
the persons mentioned in the bible from
Genesis to Kcvelations, who wrought
rairaclcs; and though you sh-ould prove
that a hundred, or a tliousand of them
wrought miracles to prove that they
J^
and shameful manner to establish it by
drawing an inference in open defiance
of the i-lainest declarations of the bible.
But, sir, this is not all the foul at
teinpt made in your last letter; there is
another of equally as bad, if not worse
cliaracter. I allude to the attempt to
make it appear, that the Savior when
he said to his apostles, "Go ye into all
the world and preach the gospel to ev-
ry creature. He that belie vcth and is
baptized shall bo saved, and he that
believcth not shall be damned: and
these sisrns shall follow them that be-
licv>e." That Xhoibein in that instance,
alluded to th.e apo-tles themselves, in
this attempt, you have put at defiance
v/ero messengers sent of God, and th-'tiail grammatical rides, and surely made
the revelations which they gave were
from God, and when you h'ive done,
ast, is as false as sa-
vour tiieory at
and tJiat for the best of all reasons,
messengers
Ian;
because there were other
sent of God who gave revelations to
men, and through whom God spake to
tf);^ world, v/ho never wrought miracles
for any purpose of which wo have any
account; and a theory wdiich requires
us to believe that they did, wlien we
have no such account, is founded upon
faloC principles, and is without founda-
tion in truth.
This, sir, you seemed to be apj rized
■of, and thought to obviate the difficulty
by drawing an inference that they all
-cfid so. This you did iu defiance of
the bible, and with an afi'rontery sure-
ly peculiar to yourself; because it is
positively said of John the Baptist that
he wrought no miracle; see John's gos-
pel, chap. 10, vev. 41; and yet he was
a prophet, yea, more than a prophet,
and God spake through liira, and he
was tlie messenger of the I^Iast Hia;h,
and yet he wrought no miracle toprove
that he was a messenger of God, and
that God spake through him; and yet,
sir, in the tace of this positive declara-
tion you have had the atfrontery to say
in your letter (drawmg your conclu-
sion from premises which you had laid
down) that all the messengers of God
did work miracles to prove their rais-
.sion; and their revelations to be of God.
And why, I ask, was this foul inference
drawn? Because, sir, you saw that un-
less you could establish it to be so,
your whole theory fell to the ground;
and rather sir, than renounce a f Use
system after all your pretensions to
honesty, you would endeavor in n >ly
common sense asliamctl. The school
boy of ten years old can detect you in
this senseless attempt. And \et you
are an honest man willing to learn the
truth!!! 0 te.mporal O mores'! Here
we need ba.tnlionsofexclamation points
and interjecdons wi hout number.
Di-d you think, sir, that any gentle-
man who regarded the laws of riglit-
eousnc.ss and the rules of propriety,
would ever condescend to investigate
any subject with a man who could de-
scend to such shameful means to sup-
port any cause. If you did, sir, you
have as lit.le acquaintance with human
nature, as you have with the rules of
propriety.
Once more upon this subject. Yuii
speak of my being elated with my ima-
ginary triumph. This is as foolish and
as wicked as some other attempts in
your letter. Was there any such ap-
pearance in my letter as my being ela-
ted with any thing? I say there is not
the appearance of such a thing; it is an
attempt on yourjKutto misrepresett as
shauiefully as you have done in other
cases; no sir, so far t>om this, j^oa
confess in your second letter th it mine
to you was written in a kind spirit*
Who of common sense does not know
that there is a great dilFerence between
v/riting in a kind spirit and being ela-
ted with an imaginary triumph. But
now to the case of Isaiah, about which
you made the above false assertion.
You knev/ most assured!}', if n^ou
read my letter with any degree of at-
tention, that I had before me when I
wrote, your theory, which requireil
that revelations had to be established
by miracles which were wrought in
ihf presence of bcth friends and foes,
WKSSENOEil .^0 ADVOCATE.
I again:
and that these miracles must continue
tintil the revelation was closed.
Now, sir, I say hold — not quite so
fast, sir. How is your theory estab-
lished by the case of Isaiah? Isaiah
commenced prophccying in the reign
of Uzziah, and terminated in the reign
of Hezekiah — a space occupying a
little over an hundred years.
You have shown that in the days of
Hezekiah, the sun went back on his
dial fifteen degrees; but, sir, where is
your theory in ail this, that the mira-
cles must needs- continue all the time
the revelation is given. Was this the
case with Isaiah, judge ye? And here
let me remark, that it is you, sir, who
have been elated with an imaginary tri-
umph; an imaginary one, sure enough.
As I said m my first to you, so say
Where is it written that the
prophecies of Isaiah, Jeremiah, Hosea,
Amos, Malachi, and others, were con-
firmed, as you say. I say, sir, there
is no such thing v/ritten; and if you be-
lieved your own theory, you would de-
ny that those writings were revelations
from God. But, sir, your conduct
manifests clearly that you do not be-
lieve your own theory.
Now, sir, all that you have said and
quoted, or can say and quote, about the
messengers of God working miracles
to prove their mission, or revelations,
or both to be of God, leaves your theo-
ry to be one of the most senseless things
that was ever put on paper by a ra-
tional being.
As I have had a peep into your gram-
mar, I will look a little into your logic
I find the following sayings in your let-
ter.
Again: "You seem to admire con-
sistency, com.e then and look at your
own. You say "it is impossible for
one man to be de[)endent on another
for his knowledge of the way of salva
tion," and yet you make us dependent
on the tradition of men for the idea or
knowledge ot God." Now sir, this is
about on a par with the rest of your
letter. I am now looking on the first
paper, where I ever saw it written by
the pen of a man who pretended to be
a man of letters, that our first idea, and
our knowledge of a thing was the same
thing.
Did I make any person dependent
on tradition for his knowledge of God?
Most assuredly, sir, I did not. I said
W9 were depeadont on man for the firs
idea we had of the way of salvation"
and of the existence of a God; but our
kno\vIedge was a very different thing,
and I must confess that I am no little
surprised at you. Is it possible, sir,
that you came forward with such great
boldness to challenge a whole society
to an investigation of the subject of re-
ligion, and yet you do not know t1 e
difference between a man's first ideas
and his actual knowledge of a thing?
How do you think, sir, a man is to
reason with such a being?
Your ideas of God as a moral gov-
ernor are about on a par with the rest
of your letter, the direct opposite of
the bible. What does a man pray for
but to obtain the will of God. "Seek
and you shall find. Ask and you shall
receive. Knock and it shall be opened
unto you. If any man lack wisdom,
let him'ask of God who giveth liberal-
ly to all men, and upbraideth not." —
What! amoral governor thus^requirmg
his subjects to seek alter his-'^will, and
more particularly, when he wants them
to serve and oleyjiim; how strange
this is! Why not have told them with-
out asking, and have commanded thera
to obeyl Strange or not strange, how-
ever, God is just such a moral gover-
nor, it matters not how much any per- •
son mav differ from it.
Once more and I am done — you take
quite exceptions at the apostles defini-
tion of the gospel: that it is the power
of God unto salvation; but I am not to
be accountable for this; for after all
you have said it still stands written that
the gospel is the power of God unto
salvation, to all them, that believe. — •
The apostle did not say that it was the
power of God to them who did not be-
lieve: and this is the reason why it is
not the power of Gorl unto ^ om' salvi;-
lion; you do not believe, and the late
of the unbeliever i'; ])lainl' told by the
sacred writers, your works are sufK-
cient evidence thnt you do not believe.
Those who believed what the apostles
taught, received the power of God un-
to salvation. Those who did not be-
lieve did not receive that power, and
was of course damned.
And seeing you have declared that
you are among the number of unbe-
lievers. I warn you in the name of
Jesus Christ, and by virtue of the Ho-
ly Priesthood con fe red on me by the
revelation of Jesus- Christ, to repent
of your sinsj and be baptized for the
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
39*
remission ot them, and receive the
gift of the Holy Spirit by laying on of
the hands of those who are ordained in
these last days unto that power, or you
shall be damned; for your great igno-
rance of the things of God, clearly
manifests that 3'ou are in the gall of
bitterness, and bonds of iniquity, and
an entire stranger to the gospel of
Christ: having a form of Godliness
but denying the power thereof, from
such my master commands me to
turn away, as I do from you; believing
that if I were to indulge you in writing
any more to be published in the papers
in this place, I should offend the rea-
ders thereof. Seeing that the least
discerning cannot help but see, that
you are capable of any violation of the
rules of investia[ation and of the most
unwarrantable affrontery; and that
the fear of God is not befere your eyes,
for if it were, you would not put at de-
fiance all scripture, all reason, alUan-
guage, all common sense; for surely
your letter is shocking to all.
Before you ever present yourself
again as a braggadocio challenging
with a high hand, people to investigate
with you the subject of religion, I
would seriously recommend to you to
get sfjme Yankee Fchool master to give
you some lessons on english grammar,
that you may know that them apos-
tles is not quite according to the rules
of grammar, and also get some coun-
try girl to give you a few lessons on
l@gic, so that you may be enabled to
tell the difference, between a man's
first ideas and his knowledge.
By way of conclusion 1 say sir that
I feel myself insulted by being brought
into contact with such a man and the
correspondence between you and I
closes. Farewell.
SIDNEY RIGDON.
DIED — In this place, on the 15th
inst. Naomi Harmon, daughter of
Oliver and Sarah Harmon; aged 11
years, 11 months and 12 days. She
was a member of the church of the
Latter Day Saints, and died in the
triumph of faith, often saying to her
parents, and to her brothers and sis-
ters, not to weep for her; or in other
words, not to feel bad, for she said
that it was better for her to go than to
stay! for she knew that she should be
happy, she wanted to go and be with
Christ and her brothers that had died
and gone before her.
KIliTLAXD, OHIO, JUNE. 1^,36.
The undersigned inform- all whom
it may concern, that the firm of F. G.
Williams & Co., is this day, by mu-
tual consent, dissolved; and that all
debts due ihe said firm must be paid
immediately to Mr. Cowdery, who has
purchr.sed theentire establishment, and
will be responsible for all debts due
from the same.
F. G. WILLIAMS,
OLIV'R COWDKRY,
Kirtland, Ohio, June 7, 1886.
N. B. Printing, in its various
hranches toil I be executed by I he sub-
scriber, at the late stand ofF. G.
Williams & Co. on short notice and
reasonable terms.
OLIVER COWDERY.
June 7, 1836.
In consequence of the dissolution,
n niced above, the entire charge, re-
sponsibility and burden of an infant,
yet expensive establishment, rests for
its fuluru oi oration?, on one individu-
al. A poiiion ofour time, our talents,
and our temporal n:ieans, have hereto-
fore been devoted to the building of
the house of the Lord, that the Elders
mischt be endowed, the saints be edifi-
fied and the church of God be built up
according to his commandment. There-
fore, of necessity pecuniary embar-
rassments are pressing upon us like a
fatal incubui and we say that remit-
tances must be made; for they are in-
dispensable to the continuance of our
oar buoMiess.
Our friends and patrons are fully
sensible, that all temporal business,
however infin^ately it may be connect-
ed with eternal things, requires tempo-
ral iiaans to piose' ute that business.
Our terms for the Messenger and
Advocate have been one dollar a year
payable in advance. Many have re-
ceived our paper almost, or quite, from
its commencement, and are yet in ar-
rears. We wish it now to be distinct-
mb
M£ssen(:;er a^^d advocate.
ly understood, thf\t all our subscribers,
who shall not have paid us our dues
and manifested their wish to continue,
on or before the first of Oct. next vviil
be stricken from our subscription iist,
except at our discretion.
We here take occasion to remark,
that a goodly number of our fri' n Is
and brethren have been prompt in pay-
ment, and a few have been libera] in
forwarding us money. To all such,
we tender our heartfelt gratitude, and
pray the Loid to bless them abundant-
Our readers at a distance may not
exactly relish the acerbity of some ar-
ticles that we have admitted into our
columns in this month's paper. If so,
we refer them for some of our rea-
sons, to our editorial article in the
May number of the Advocate where a
few of them, at least, are briefly sta-
ted. We now say it is as unpleasant
to us to be under the necessity of ma-
king such severe strictures on the
character and conduct of any of our
fellow-mortals, as it can be revcltinsc
to their feelings to read them. But
when men say all manner of evil of
us falsely, and we tamely submit,
when we may lawfully repel their
wicked assaults: we tacitly admit the
justice of their course. Therefore,
in our own defence wo are soractimos,
reluctantly compelled to answer fools
according to their own folly.
FROM OUR ELDERS ABROAD.
Doubtless our patrons, and more par
ticularly the brethren, will marvel that
they through our columns, hear no
more from our travelling Elders this
season; we say, in answer to such an
inquiry, should one arise, that we have
two resons to offer, on our part; and
first. Our elders have not been as
free as usual in their communications
to us; thos^ few that ha^'B been out on
short missions and returned, and those
who have favored us, with but a short
sketch of their travels and labors, give
us to understand that their most san-
guine expectations, have been realiz-
ed, and in some instances more than
realized. 2d. Wc have had a press of
other matter that wo deemed necessa-
ry to insert, therefore, that subject has
been deferred.
We have now determined to select
and lay before our readers a few items
from the accounts we have, both oral
and epistolary.
Elder Luke Johnson write:9 from
Sackets harbor May 24t}i a.^ follows —
I have labored about two weeks in this
county, and the Lord has blesrscd m.y
labors. There is the mrst ca Ij for
preaching that [ have ever known. I
have baptized nine, and there are
more who calculate to come forward
when I return. I am now going to
Orange county, and calculate to return
in about a v.'eek.
The Lord has blessed me beyond
any thing that I had realized before. —
1 can say like one of old, the half has
not been told me.
Elders A. Lyman and N. Tanner
write us from Portage, N. Y. under
date of May lOth, that between that
time and April 7th, they had travelled
three hund.ed and fifty miles, held
twenty meetings, and baptized six; we
use their expression when \ve say the
"sick are healed, und the promises of
the Lord are fulfilled unto us."
Br, John Harvey writes us from
Canada, under date of May 30th, sta-
ting that Eld. O. Pratt had been preach-
ing in Bran ford. Mount Pleasant, and
Mallahide, Upper Canada, and that he
had baptized six in the former place,
and two in Mallahide. He further
adds, that there were many more be-
lieving. We kncv/ Elder Pratt had
not at that time been long in that place,
for he had been but a little time absent
from this.
Elder Leonard Rich states to us ver-
bally, that he left Kirtland about the
12th of April, travelled into the county
of Niagara, in the state of New York,
preached seven discourses and bapti-
^lEysENGEil AN^p ALJVQCATE,
:^od 9. The Elder assures us that he
had full congregations of attentive hear-
ers; some v.-ho had formerly been bit-
ter opposers to him and the doctrine
he inculcated, yielded to the force of
truth and reason, and to mU human
view, became iiis friends. The elder,
from a previous agreement, felt under
an obligation to his family and fiiends
at home, to return in a short time. —
He therefore, teels deeply to regret,
being under the necessity of leaving a
field of useful labor so soon. Jlay the
good seed which he lias sown, take
root dowir.vard and bear fruit upward,
to the glory of God the Father.
Elders Grano;er and Millet left Kirt-
land in May, travelled south as far as
Richland county in this State, held
eleven public meetings and baptized 29
in that county and two in Portage coun-
ty on their return home. It will not,
we trust, be improper here to remark,
that these elders were absent from
here but 8 days, and in one of the
most busy seasons of the j-ear, yet un-
der all circumstances, say they, many
followed us from place to place, and
listened attentively while we held forth
the words of lit'e and salvation. A good-
ly number, as we have seen, were con-
vinced of the truth and willing to obey
the commandments of the Lord. So
"grows the word of God and multi-
plies."
The venerable Patriarch of our church
Joseph Smith, sen. and Elder John
Smith set out on a mission from this
place. May 10th, to visit some of the
branches of the church south of this,
to regulate them and set in order the
things that were wanting; they return-
ed again on the 18tn, being absent but
eight days, during which time they
either baptized, or witnessed the bap-
tism of 16, and 95 received their patri-
archal blessing. Although their stay
was necessarily short, yet the Lord of
the harvest appeared to crown their
labors with abundant success, and a
number, from a thorough conviction of
the error of their former ways, follow-
ed them home and were baptized in
this place, on the next Sabbath after
their return. Thus we see, that when
men, (and the}' are but men) go forth
clothed with authority from on high,
and the ancient order of things is be,
ing established according to the word
of God, the honest in heart see it, and
M
know it, and prejudice and error give
way before the light of truth and rea-
son. While we are penning this arti-
cle, these aged fathers are about to set
out on a n ission to the East. We most
devoutly pray the Lord to be with them
and bless them. We also entreat our
brethren in the Eastern churches to
receive them cordially, entertain them
hospitably, and above all, to appreci-
ate their instructions. The Lord, for
his Son's sake preserve them in health
and strength and return them to the
bosom of their families and the church
■n this place in peace.
For the Messenger and, AdvocaU.
At a conference convened at iho
house of br. S. Utley, Chalk-level, Ben-
ton county, Tennessee, agreeably to
previous notice, on the 28th and 29th
days of May, 1836: the congregation
being called to order. Elder D. W. Pat-
ton was called to the Chair, and Elder
Warren Parrish appointed Secretary;
the conference was then opened by
singing and prayer and proceeded to
business.
The chairman arose and made somo
preliminary remarks touching the ob-
ject and order of the meeting; and
called upon the official members to in-
form the conference of the manner in
which they had taught; also their pre-
sent faith in the fulness of the gospel
as contained in the bible, book of Mor-
mon and book of doctrine and cove-
nants.
Elder W. Woodruff arose and ex-
pressed his feelings upon the subject,,
to our entire satisfaction. The chair-
man then called upon all the official
members present to rise if they concur-
red in the sentiments which Elder
WoodruiF expressed: the vote was i!-
nanimous; also the church gave their
asser.t to the same by raising their
hands.
Renj. L. Clap, priest, was then cal-
led upon to represent the Taropen
branch, which consists of 28 members
in good standing.
Daniel S. Thomas, priest, represent-
ed the Clarks river branch consisting
of 10 members in good standing.
Elder Abram O. Smoot represented
the,.Blood river branch consisting of
10 members in good standing.
Elder Woodruff represented the Ac-
caderay branch consisting of 10 menv
^
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
bers in good standing, with the excep-
tion of their not observing ai^ogethcr
the word of wisdom.
Deacon A. B. Willson repesented
the Chalk-level branch, consisting of
27 members in good standing with the
exception of some few who h; ve been
shaken of late, in comenv.exu e of the
ungodly conduct and teaching of J. Jack-
soii. i cacliur.
Elder Woodruff represented the F^
gle creek branch, consisting of 15
members in good standing. He als<
reprei^ented Cyprus branch consisting
of 10 members, 3 ol whom had aposta
tized, 3 are disaffected, and 4 in gooi'
staading; this branch has been uncer
the care of John Jackson, teachei,
who has apostatized — but__are now with-
out any official member. ' Eld. Wood
ruff also represented 7 members scat-
tered abroad not recognized whh any
branch.
Elder Benj. F. Boydston, prefVned
a charge against*John Jackson, teach-
er, in Cyprus branch, for unchiistinn
conduct and heresy in denying the
book of Mormon and reveialions c
God, and using hisjnfluence to disaf-
fect others, by saying that he belie veu
them to be a deception, and tyranical
in their nature. He manifested much
anger.
Said Jackson was notified to attend
this conference and answer to the char-
ges prefered against him! he did not
appear, the charges were sustained by
many witneses and we cut him off, by
raising our hands against him. Sister
Jackson was also dropped, and a broth-
er bv the name of Howard H. W^il-
liams, was also cut off.
Mr. Jackson held a licerse as a
Teacher: he did not altend our con-
ference and from the disposition which
he has manifested we conclude that we
could not obtain his ciedentials if v\e
were to call on him.
By the unanimous voice of the
Chaik-Level branch, Deacon A. B.
Willson was ordained a priest. By
the recommendation of the same bra nch
of the church, Br. Albert Petty Esq.
rec^'ived the ordination of a Teacher.
Mr, Jesse Tarpiii was recommended
as a fit subject, to receive an ordina-
tion as the spirit should dictate, v»'hich
Wets that of a priest.
Those were ordained by orders of
the chairman, under the hands of El-
der W. Parrish.
A charge having been prefered
against Elder Daniel Cathcart, for un-
christian conduct and erronoeus teach-
ing, we convened a council of Elders
on the evening of the same day, and
took his case into consideration. The
charges were sustained by many wit-
nesses; Elder Cathcart was then cal-
led upon; he frankly confessed and
heartily rej.eiiied of his sins and was
restored to full fellowship
D. W.
W. Parish,
Secretary.
PATTEN,
Chairman
To the Editor of the Messenger and
Advocate.
Dear SiR:-^Forthe purpose of ma-
king a few remarks on the following
"xtract from a paper published at Lib-
rty, Missouri, 1 ask the indidgence of
■.our columns.
"Independence, Mo. ')
May 3d, 1830. S
"Letters from Kirtland Ohio have
i)een received here by the last mail
from persons of undoubted veracity
giving in!'o;mation that, tlie Mormons
in that place and its vicinity, to the
number of 1500, or 2000 aie arming
and coming on to the upper Missouri.
This imbiniation is confirmed by our
merchants returninp-, nnd other travel-
ers coming from the East, who say
that every brat ascending the River
contains more or less of Ihcm; some
20, and one as \\\^\\ as 2C5. Those
who did not shew guns openly, had
bo.xes of the size us.ua lly made to con-
tain guns. At the last advices from
Kirtland all the County Officers were
filled wilh Latter day saints. H. C."
The whole of the above extract, I
pronounce to be a base and wicked
fabrication; one that is known to be so,
by every m;in that has had any oppor-
tunity of viewing for himself the con-
duct and character of the churcli of
Latter Day Saints, in this town. In-
stead of boats being crowded with pas-
sengers to the number of 205, or even
20, from this place, wilhin the last
year, there has not over ticcnly per-
sons, in all, gone from Kirtland to Mis-
souri, by water, within a twelve-month,
to my own certain knowledge. The
writer's statement in regard to all the
oficers in this county being filled with
Latter Day Saints, is too barefaced to
MESSEMOER AND ADYOCATE.
odm
need any comment. Nor should the has ever yet been brcuglit, are dragged
e';tract have been noticed at all, but i from their phimbers at the hourof mid-
for the purpose ot' exhibiting to a can-
did public, the means resorted to by
the enemies oi^ re/fgious freedom, to in-
jure a people whose only crime, if so
they choose to call it, is a desire to en-
joy the privileges guaranteed to them
by the C!.institution oftheUniled States,
and a willingnus-i thiit ali -ithers should
have the same, to the utmost, of what-
ever persuasion or name, religious or
poliiical.
No respectable man has ever yet, to
my knowledge, pretended to say that
the LattCi' Day. Saints, as a society,
have been guilty of any infringement
of the laws of their country; or that
they have refused to comply with any
of the requisitions of the government
under which they live. On the con-
trary, they are admitted, by all men of
candor, to be peaceable, upright and
honest in thoir dealings with the world;
kind, benevolent and charitable to the
poor and distressed in every situaiion,
whether of their own belief or not; mo-
lesting none others in their mode of
worship; and in fact, in all things, do-
ing to others as they would wisli to be
done by.
Thun why all this hue and cry a-
gainst theml Not only are their char-
acters vihfie'l and slandered by every
little two-penny filthy sheet from Maine
to Georgia, opposed to the rigiits of
conscience, and especially by those
(and with sorrow and mortification do
I say it,) who profess to be followers
of the Savior of the world, though their
actions bespeak them to be perfect anti-
podes to every characteristic that should
mark the conduct of christians — but
time and again, are they perplexed and
harassed with suits at law, brought bv
their enemies on trivial pretences, and
often for no cause at all; men dragged
or driven from their homes at the point
of the bayonet; their wives and chil-
dren cast headlong into the pitiless
storm, to endure all the privations of
hunger and cold, without a shelter, or
yet scarcely clothing sufficient to cover
"them from the insults of an infuriated
mob; while their goods ara destroyed
at sisht, or thrown to the four-winds,
to be left to the mercy of men as re-
gardlessof honor or humane feehngs as
the mob!)ers themselves. At othertirnes,
members of the society, against whose
charactero not a shade of suspicion
night, by bemg;. wi)o uea liii.: loinis,
yei deserving of any other than ihe
appellntion of me:", and treated Tn a
manner, to think of wt^ich, \.ould cause
the most ruthless savage of tho foiest
to biush.
And all this, too, in our boasted land
of liberty; iMir,tr a government where
iVeedom of conscience, of speech, and
of the press, are considered to be
among the most exalted privileges en-
joyed— and for which our fathers left
the shores of Europe, and afterwards
freely shed their blood in its maintain-
ance on proud Columbia's soil.
Have the Latter Day Saints infrin-
ged any of the provisions of the con-
stitution in the exercise of their reli-
gious belief? I say they have not. —
For that constitution itself says, that
"Congress shall make no law respect-
ing an establishmeht ot religion, or
prohibiting the free exercise thereof."
From which it must be inferred, that
the frameis of that instrument did not
consider themselves clothed with the
right to make any regulations in re-
gard to this matter; nor yet of granting
uch powjr to the Congress oi the na-
tion.
What does the constitution of Ohio
say on the same subject, (to which, if
I recollect right, that of Missouri, is
nearly similar in regard to religion.) — ■
It says, "That all men have a natu-
ral and indefeasible right to worship
Almighty God, according to^ the dic-
tates of conscience; that no human au-
thority can in any case whatever, con-
trol or interfere with the rights of con-
science; that no man shall be compel-
led to attend, erect or support any place
of woiship, or to maintain any minis-
try against his consent; and that no
preference shall ever be given, by law,
to any religious society or mode of
worship, and no religious test shall be
required as a qualification to any office
of trust or profit."
This extract from the constitution of
Ohio, is made for the special benefit
of those who have been, and are yet,
foremost in persecuting the saints, ill
this section of country; and it should,
I think, be taken as a t^xt-book by those
of the different sects in our own neigh-
borhood, between whose professions
and works, on the subject of religious
liberty, there is so great a contrjist.—
M.
?»iESS£NGEK AND A&VOCATK.
Justice, liowever, requires me to say
that honorable exceptions have been
found among men of every denomina-
tion; men whose consciences are not
bound by the chains of priestcraft; who
are not compelled to bow their heads
at the beck and call of every man who
arrogates to himself the sole right and
tide to the patent of saving or damning
s>ju1s, at his own good will and pleas-
ure; and who will exercise their own
opinions, regardless of the friendship
or enmity of this crooked and perverse
generation: and to those my remarks
are not intended to apply. But these
exceptions are kw^ and seldom to be
found. I wish to be understood as
speaking to that class, who, to save
their own craft, and to gratify a bigot-
ed and malignant heart, do not hesitate,
in their opposition to the saints, to go
beyond the bounds of truth and com-
mon decency. And as all men will
have to give an account, at the bar of
Gad, for their deeds, I would advise
those who make, as well as those who
publish falsehoods against the church
of Christ, to beware, lest in endeavor-
ing to injure an innocent society, they
heap up to themselves everlasting con-
demnation; for the scriptures say that
without CHARITY all else is vain; and
if the abuse and persecution of the
saints evinces a charitable feeling,
then I must confess that I am en-
tirely ignorant of the true definition of
the term.
Having said thus much, I now as^c,
in candor and in the soberness of truth,
the honorable portion of my fellow-
citizens, why the church of Latter Day
Saints should be deprived of a privi-
lege which the constitution of Ohio
says "no human authority can in any
case whatever, control or interfere
with." For if the pnnciple is good in
regard to one society, it must be so to
all, so long as they do not interfere
with the rights of others. If this soci-
ety is to be persecuted and mobbed on
every occasion that may suit the fancy
or interests of men who disregard all
law, human and divine, the same may
be done to others in like circumstances
— and where, I ask, would it be likely
to end? To contemplate the conse-
quences of such a course, is enough to
chill the blood of every patriot and
christian in our land. If this spirit of
intolerance is not discountenanced and
frowned at by every virtuous man in
community, hut a fev/ more suns may
shine upon tiie heads of this genera-
tion, till we may Sby farewell to our
boasted liberty; till every man's hand
will be raised against his brother; till
the measure of unrighteousness will bo
filled up, when God, in his, wrath, v^'ill
come forth from his liiding's place, to
cut the wicked from the face of the
earth, and cast them as stubble, n::to
unquenchable fire; and the righteous
be gathered to that haven of rest, even
the mount Zion, whero the weary will
find rest, and the wicked cease from
troubling.
I have but a word to say to'^lhe r,u-
thor and {)ubiisher of the extract in
question, that is to repent, speedily,
and turn from their service of satan,
lest-ventfcance as a whirhvind overtake
them; for the Lord has said that all li-
ars shall kave their part in the lake
that hums icHhJ.re and hrnnslGnc!
J. II.
Br. O. Cov.'dery:
Sir — I have just received the
desperate information, that Simons Ri-
der, in consequence of the notice which
I have taken of him, is going to prose-
cute me; and I greatly desire, through
the medium of your paper, to plead
with him for quarters. For O! I do
not want to be sued for tlie terrible
crime of telling^the truth about a m^an.
I know that the truth is a tight fit
upon Simons, and I think it is likely
that it hurts him some too; as no chas-
tisement for the present is joyous but
grieves, nevertheless afterwards it
yields the peaceable fruits of righteous-
ness to them who a re": exercised there-
with. And could Simons avoid sueing
me, for a litle season, perhaps it might
have that effect upon him. O Sim.ons!
do not sue me if you can any way
avoid it!
But if Simons cannot in his patience
possess his soul, I think I can put him
on a better scheme to ally his feelings,
and I think gratify them perhaps naore.
I have an old uncle in the stats of
Maryland, that was never married, an<
IViT.
ViEBSENGEU AND AOVOCATS.
560
iiG possesses a large property. I would
say to lum, get his brother Adamson
Bentlcy (for he is an animal of his
own kidney) and go there; he is now
about eighty years of age, & of course
it is will-making time, and about the
light age for Bcntlevto prevail on him
to make a will that will disinherit a
monstrous heretic. I think it is prob-
able there will be no difficulty in enga-
ging Bentley in his service; seeing he
has been so successful in his former
attem[>t with old Mr. Crooks, my wife's
father, and got his own wife so well
fattened on other people's property. —
He can, no doubt, be engaged again
for the same service. Eesure my un-
cle is not a Campbellite in religion, but
a regular Baptist; but that will not
make any difference; for Bentlcy can
become all things to all men, that he
may gain some.
This course 1 think may satisfy Si-
mons until his chastisement works out
the j)caceable fruits of righteousness,
and I will escape being sued; and if
ray family should lose a few thousand
dollars, if Bentley's wife only gets it,
it is as well; it is all in the family.
Simons would do well also to say to
his brother Darwin Atwater, as he has
a great deal of labor to carry about and
read Howe's book, that he can be fa-
vored with the history of old Clapn, his
wife's father, to carry with him; so
that he can shev.' the people Campbcll-
ism unveiled also.
Yours in great haste, and you may
well think, not without some anxiety
too. Sn)NEY RICDON.
CONFERENCE.
We are requested by our Elders now
in Tennessee and Kentucky, to notify
our brethren and friends, that a confer-
ence of elders and brethren of the
church of I^atter Day Saints will be
lield on the first Friday, Saturday, and
Sabbath, in September next, at Day-
mons creek, Calloway co. Kentucky.
Kirtland, Ohio, June 3, 1836.
The following is a List containing
the names of Ministers of the Gospel,
belonging to the church of the Latter
Day Saints, whose Licenses were re-
corded, the prececding Quartei, in the
License Records, in Kirtland, Ohio.
THOxMAS BURDICK,
Recording Clerk
First, names of the Elders:
ililo Andrus
Elijah Able
liazen Aldricli
Stejjhen Burnet
Elias Uenner
llenr}' Uenner
Hiram Blackinan
Josepli B Bosworth
George W Brooks
Alva Beinan
R.eubon Barlou
James Braden
Beujaniin Brown
George Boosinger
Jam OS Eurnhanj
Seymour Branson
Lorenzo Barnes
Harrison Burgess
Ahnon Babbit
Oliver Cowilery
Simeon Carter
Jacob K Chapman
Williain Carpenter
John Carrill
Lebbeus T Coons
Elijah Cheney
Zebedee Coltrin
Warren A Cowdery
Osuiyn lA Deuel
MasesDaily
Peter. Dustin
James Daily
Chapman Duncan
Solomon W Denton
Hiram Dayton
James Emett
Frazier Eaton
KingFollet
Noalr M Faunce
Elijah Fordhani
Edmond Fisher
Elisha H Groves
William Gould
John Gould
Michael Griffith
Moses I Gardner
Sahnon Gee
Selah J Griffin
Thomas Grover
Thomas Gorden
Joshua S Holman
Elias Higbee
Joel Haskins
Nelson Higgins
Elias Hutchings
Jesse Huntsman
Richard Howard
George M Hinlde
Samuel James
Henry Jacobs
Mich<iel Jacobs
Arvin A Avery
San;pson Avard
Martin C Allred
Ijoren Babbit
William Boeley
Nathan B Baldwin
Francis G Bishop
Israel Barlow
Albert Brown
Peter Buchanan
Josiah Buttertield
Thomas Burdick
George Burket
John F Boynton
Lorenzo Booth
Joh.nP Barnard
Michael BarkduH
Peletiuh Brown
Alden Burdick
Jared Carter
William O Clark
Lyman Curtis
Alpheus Cutler
Anthony Cooper
David Clough
Reynolds Cahoon
William F Cahoon
Perry Durfee
Jabez Durfee
Edmond Durfee
Isaac Decker
Israel Duty
George W Dunham
William Draper Sen
David Evans
David Elliot
Solon Foster
Rufus Fisher
Hezekiah Fisk
James Foster
WUliam A Fry
Alpheus GifFord
Jedediah M Grant
Sherman Gilbert
Hervey Green
John P Greene
John Galord
Levi Gilford
Oliver Granger
Jonathan H Holme*
Levi W Hancock
Solomon Hancock
Milton Holmes
Reuben Hadlock
Orson Hyde
John Herret
William Harri*
Heman Hyde
John Johnson
Truman Jackson
Luke Johnson
ME««rBN&ER A^X® ADVOCATE.
Daniel S Jackaon
Joel H Johnson
Vinson Knight
Newel Knight
Joseph A Kelting
Ashbel A Lathrop
Benjamin Lewis
Amasa Lyman
Moses Lindsley
Thomas B Marsh
Reuben McBiide
John Murdock
William E McLellin
Moses Martin
Joel McWethey
Joseph B Noble
Levi S Nickerson
E F Nickerson
Samuel Newcomb
Roger Ort ju
Gideon O • nsby
Amos R Orton
W W Phelps
Orson Pratt
Warren Pairlsh
Morris Phelps
Sidney Rigdon
Robert Rathbun
George Rose
Harlow Rrdfield
Leonard Rich
David H Redfield
Joseph Rose
Joseph Smith Jun
Joseph Smith Sen
A Jackson Squiers
Ezra Strong
Almon W Sherman
Cyrus Smalling
Zerubbable Snow
Jaazaniah B" Smith
Hyrum Smith
Dexter Stillman
Hiram Stratton
Lyman Stevens
William Tenny Jr
Nathan Tanner
Charles Thompson
Ezra Thornton
F G Williams
Peter Whitmer
Michael BWelton
Lorenzo Wells
Lyman Johnson
Levi Jackman
Heber C Kimball
Joseph Keeler
Joseph C Kingsbury
Lyman Leonard
Aaron C Lyon
Nelson Lyon
Isaac Morley
Artemus Millet
George Morey
John Mackley
Samuel Miles
Jeremiali Mackley
William Marks
William Parkes
Uriah B Powell
William Perry
Edward Partridge
Stephen Post
John E Page
David W Pdtten
Parley P Pratt
Ambrose Palmer er
Dexter Palmer
Noah Packard
Lewis Bobbins
Shadrach Roundy
Charles C Rich
B.irr Riggs
George Robinson
Ebenezar Robinson
Sylvester Smitli
Jonathan Stevens
Uzzial Stevens
Henry G Slierwood
Erastus Snow
Samuel H Smith
Stephen Starks
Don C Santh
William Smith
John Smith
Milton Stow
Peter Shirts
John Tanner
Sam.uel Tliompson
James L Thompson
Julius Thompson
Jonathan' Taylor
Coerge Willson
Stephen Winchester
Benjamin Winchester
Henry Willcox
Harvey G Whitlock Willford Woodruff
John Whitmer Daniel Wood
David Whitmer Levi Way
Edward M Webb William Wightman
Chancey G Webb Alexander Whiieside
James Webb Hiram Winter
Brigham Young Joseph Young
Lorenzo Young PJiineas H Young
Secondly, names of the Priests
Ira Ames Julian Moses
William Cowdery Uriah Roundy
Joseph Cooper John Robinson
John Daily Samuel Rolfe
William Draper Jr Daniel Tyler
John Herrington
JTiirdly, yitmAs of the Teachers
Slial Broa5»d Ransom Va.'.I'uven
Am«a Taylor
Fourthly, rMfnes of the De^irons
William Burgean Andrews Tyler
awJjert W Bsovrell Diderick Westfai]
NOTICE
Agreeable to the decision of the High
Council;; of Kirtland, held March 8th,
1836: wlierein Cornelius P. Lott and
others were put on suspense; this is to
all whom it may concern, that I con-
fess the decision of the Council to be
just and righteous; and that we were
in a wrong spirit and were led to say-
many things that were wrong concern-
ing brother Cyrus Smalling and the
church, for which I ask the forgivness
of those who, in so doing, I have in-
jured; and I will endeavor to live here-
after by every word that proceeds
from the mouth of the Lord.
CORNELIUS P. LOTT.
Kirtland, T^Iav 23d, 1836.
Died in this town on the 27th ultimo.
Miss Mary S-aiith, in the 35th year
of her age. 1 lie deceased was a mem-
ber of the Church of the Latter Dav
Saints and died in the triumphs of faitii.
The ruthless hand of the destroyer
is among the works of God. This af-
flictive stroke of God's providence
s])eaks to all in terms too plainly to be
misunderstood, "be ye also ready."
Let us all profit by this dispensation,
realizing, that it is truly "better to go
to the house of mourning than to the
house of feasting: for that is the end
of all men, and the living will lay it to
his heart.
In this town, on the 27th
ult. Mrs. Mary Smith, widow of Asa-
hel Smit'', aged 93 years.
THE LATTER DAY SAINTS'
SSttessenger and Advocate, .'
la printed and published every month at Kirtland,
Geuuga Co. Ohio, by
O S* 2 V 11 H C O W D B H Y , ,
BDITOR _S,.' y-;0--n.l'T. =-,
Jt ';. 5, per an. in advance., Epcnj person procuring'
tc'i iiew siil'srrihtrs, aud ftincardhig * !<!, mrre7it
novey^ »l,all be. t-.utitled to a paper one year, ^raiia.
AlUetlersto the L'diUtr, must ie
(O- POST PAW. Ci
rio subscription tcill t>e, receizid fur a less ttrm than one
year, and nope per dUe(mlir.ued till all arrearaget art
pnidi etxtfpt ot the option ttf the pvhUsher.
A¥ SAIMT^'*
Vol.. li. v<,. 10.
KlR'l'LANiJ. OtiU). JULY, IhH6.
Wtioie i\o. [•■i-<i.
1 a^iwti, Aerijore that, Jiiat iif ull av/iplica.-
iioTts, prayers, hvte/rcerisions -and giving of
thanks, be made for all men; For idii^y, anJfir
•all tha.t arc in arahorityi that we mai/ Itad a
■quiet and peaceaUe Ufa in all godliness end
honest^.— I. Timothy 2: 1,2.
It t-s aconccdod point tiiat (ho scrip-
tures of truth, the old and new tesla-
rnc-iits, are replete with instruction to
the children of men, tor whose beiTefit
alone thr-y wer'^ writte«. it is also ad-
snitled that as they a;-e the dictates of
KiS|)ii-a:tioi5, they are consistent with
themselves and worthy of their Authoi-.
VvMint Mosos recorded in tlie Penta-
teuch, the prophets who succeeded hi m
never condenimd; that which the pro-
phets taufrht, was api/robated by our
great Redeemer; a\id ins apostle^, w!io
were under his instruction during the
three years of his ^iblic miuistry, af-
ter their Mastc/ wa.s removed from the
k-en of ax? ungodly world, continued to
urge and enfor-ce cpan thai generation,
the same heaven-born principles, taught
by the Redeemer of the world. These
tsH'me pri«cip'-es, have formed the basis
of a!] law, where their brilliancy has
been reflected upon the understanding,
or their benign inflaence opeiated up-
on the hearts, of the children of men.
Uprn Ihesc principles, in all countries
denominated christian., are predicated
the civil laws and the penal code. The
christian world have, therefore, affi.x-
■cd to tiiem their seal of approbation,
and as did the God of the Universe
v.'hcn he beheld tlic world emerge from
chaos in obedience to his behest, un-
3559
hesitatingly, they have pronounced
them good. Therefore, while we pur-
t5ue a course stamped with the appro-
bation of heaven, we are not like the
mariner who has lost his rudder and
compass and is left exposed to all the
dangers incidentto winds, rocks, quick-
sands and waves: But the assuranf-e,
that we have the polar star of truth to
guide us, heaven's own laws to regu-
iate our conduct, lights upa smile even
in the aspect of woe, and makes the
man imbued with, and acUiati'd by those
principles of which we have been speak-
ing;
"Thanl heaven, that ere he drew his breath,
A»d triumpb in the tboughtB of death."
We are prepared now to receive this
as an axiom that cannot be "weakened
by argument or evaded by sophistry'-:
That, God is the same imm .table be-
ing he ever was, atid requires the samo
implicit obedience to his commands ho
ever did: And we think v.'c shall not
do violence to tljo truth if we say that
j'fiaij, frail man, is much the sa«ie now
as h-e has been in every age since the
fall of Adam We find on looking over
lustoric pages both .sacred and profane,
that man lelt to hireself invariably vio-
lated tiiose sacred principles, of which
the whole christian world professes to
think so highly, aud that it has been a
part at least, of the business of inspire^
rnen in ail ages, when there were any,
to ur£:c and en force upon mankind an
adherence to these principles. I'he
great apostle of the Gentiles, who is
the ostensible author of the epistle of
which our te.\t forms a part, charges
his son,; Timothy, with all the feelings
of a man of God and the pathos cf u.
legate of the skies, That, prayers, in-
tercessions and giving of thanks bs-
made for all men, and then as if lie
would not only not be misunderstood,.,
but emphatically impress the idea upon
his mind, he adds, "for kings, and for
all that arc in authority that we may
lead a quiet and' peaceable life in all
godliness and honesty." In this idea
is included either directly or indirectly,
nearly the whole relative duty of man.
It presupposes that he is a, social being,
not a solitary, misanthropic recluse^
but that from inclination or necessity,
or both, men will become members of
civil society and have certain rights in^
common, one with another, "among
which are, life, liberty and the pursuit
of happiness." It presupposes laws b}''
which the conduct of men is to be re-
g..lated. It presupposes rulers and
governors to administer laws. The
idea of rulers and governors, prcsup-
[>c.scs that man, from necessity and the •
better security of some of those rights-
he holds most dear, gives up, or yields
a part of tiiose he holds less sacred, for
the better security of the more import-
ant ones. Thus our readers will see,
without going farther into* detail, tlieir
duty as saiiita of God, toward* all me^,
m
MESSEiXGER A^D ADYOCATE.
especially toward our rulers. The sa-
cred penman does not say we shall
think or act as do our rulers, but plain-
ly says we shall pray for them, that
they may rule in righteousness and
govern in equity; The apostle whose
Words we are contemplating, was well
acquainted with the history of man,
having been brought up at the feet of
Gamaliel, a Doctor of the Law, and
from the warnings, rebukes, admoni-
tions and exhortations he gives the
churches, we are fully sensible he had
the same restless disposition in his fel-
low man with which to contend, that
now manifests itself in the day and age
of the world in which we live. Tlie
churches built up by him and his com-
peers, were composed of frail mortals
like ourselves.
Sometimes we find him reasoning
with them as if they were the most pro-
found philosophers and logicians, some-
times pleading with them in language
the most pathetic, at other times he
comes out in censure the most severe,
calculated to impress the reader with
the idea that "he taught as one having
authority," and the force of his expres-
sions, the very power &f the Most High
that accompanied them, were directly
calculated to fill him with awe and ven-
eration, and make the heart of the
wicked or hypocritical, quail before
their withering influence.
As we have had occasion to speak
of man's surrendering a j)art of his
natural rights for the better security of
the remainder, we will here take the
liberty to remark, that he never, with-
out compulsion, surrenders the right of
self preservation, and the defence of
bis own household. It is clearly as-
serted in so many words, that he that
provide^i not for his own household has
denied the faith and is worse than an
infidel. Let us here quere; — Is it rea-
sonable to suppose, that to pvocarefood
alone for one's household, covers the
whole ground intended to be covered
by the sacred writer when he penned
this sentence? Certainly not. If he
provide food and clothmg, has he yet
answered the demand of the divine
law? We think such an idea would
be preposterous? It will be readily ad-
mitted that he is under an obligation
almost or quite, equally imperative, to
shelter them from the peltings of the
pitiless storm. These are relative du-
ti^ and are not in ostensible opposition
to any principle sanctioned by divine
authority. These ideas are certainly
in accordance with that of praying for
all men, for Rulers and ruled. They
are not contradictory to those urged by
the Savior in his sermon on the mount.
Here then is no controversy. Wo
have yet no opposition, for we have
come in contact with no man's princi-
ples. We will here take the liberty ta
digress a little for the sake of illustra-
ting and enforcing our own ideas. And
1st. By way of query we ask, if
when our Eastern, Western, Northern
or Southern border, has been invaded
by nrerciless savages, laying waste the
fair portions of our country, if even
the most lastidious, does not feel justi-
fied in the sight of God and man in
meeting force with force and repelling
the invading foe? We think you will.
Certainly, then, when the footsteps of
the foe are marked with the innocent
blood of our women and children, it
would be an imperative duty. Apathy
would Ijecome a drime, indifference
would be infamous, and every bosom
that did not swell with indignation when
contemplating such scenes, covers ai
heart too black with treachery and
crime, to deserve our sympathy, or is
too cowardly and effeminate to dwell
in the breast of a man. Remember
that prayers, intercessions and giving
of thanks are to be made (or all men;
for rulers and ruled. There may seem,
on a superficial view, to be sorae col-
lision in the sentiments we have ad-
vanced relative to national defence,
and the ideas embraced in our text. —
But we think there is none. There is
a perfect harmony existing between
the idea of deprecating the wrath of an
enemy and in repelling his ruthless as-
saults. There is no discrepancy in prin-
ciple and practice, in that case; our
faith and our works harmonize. We
evince our implicit belief in the Lord of
Sabbaoth, therefore, we pray, and our
willingness to provide for our own
households, therefore, we protect and
defend them. Consider for once that
God is the same, and we have not dis-
puted the immutability of his laws or
his right to govern his subjects. Abra-
ham, the patriarch Abraham — whose
very name we venerate as the father
of the faithful, and whose praises we
sinff, armed his domestics and went
himself to the slaughter of the kings
who had not even set set foot upon his
MES9ENOER AND ADrOGAT^
^
soil, but they had invaded the territory
«>f some of liis neighbors, taken his
nephew a prisoner and confiscated his
goods. And on his return from the
bloody contest, and for aught we know,
while his garments were yet stained
with gore, Melchisedec the priest of
the most high God, met him and bles-
sed him in the name of the Lord. Let
not your feekngs revolt at this idea,
kind reader, God is God and i>e is the
same and changes not, therefore what
he approbated in Abraham he appro-
bates «GW,
This same Abraham, apppeared 'o
owe allegiance to no human governor
or ruler; the government to which he
submitted, v/as a Theocracy, and he
acknowledged no authority but the
King of heaven and earth. He com-
muned with the Most High and had in-
tercourse with the upper world. God
revealed himself to him, and made ma-
ny great and precious promises to htm,
before this event, of which we have
been speaking, he revealed himself to
him aftencards, renews^d the smne pro-
mises, and eventually confirmed, rati-
fied and fidfiUed them and never, no
never, of which we have any account,
did he express or manifest any disap-
probation of that act. We see nothing
in this transaction inconsistent with the
idea of praying to God for all men,
that he would restrain their anger to-
wards us, and turn tneir bitter hatred
into tender love.
We have abundant testimony to prove
that God commanded his servants, an-
ciently to fight their enemies and des-
troy them. He even commanded Saul,
the king of Israel, to go and utterly de-
stroy Amalek, spare him not; but slay
both man and woman, infant and suck-
ling, ox and sheep, camel and ass. —
And this for no alledged crime of which
that generation had been guilty, but
four hundred and twelve years before,
when Israel was journeying from Egypt
to Canaan, Amalek came out against
Israel in Rephadim to battle, and be-
cause Saul disobeyed the command-
ments of the Lord, in sparing Agag
and the best of the spoil, he rejected
him from being king, and Samuel, that
prophet of the Most High, took Agag
the king of the Amalekites, a helpless,
defenceless, unarmed prisoner & hew-
ud him in pieces in cool blood. And
yet he was a prophet, and the Lord
spake through him to the children of
Israel, and we have no account that
the Lord ever maniiested any displea-
sure toward him, for thai transaction^
The grand query now arises how are
we to reconciJe the precedents given
and the principles inculcated by the
Savior in his sermon on the mount,
and those couched in our text. There
can be no discrepancy in the teachings
of the ancient prophets of the Lord and
the Redeemer of mankind; both, under
similar circumstances would doubtless
have given the same instructions. The
difficulty then is not yet solved — We
must view the Almighty as the moral
Governor of the Universe, and consid-
er that his ways are higher than our
ways & his thoughts than our thoughts,
that we have not yet been able to
consprehend all his ways or find him
out to perfection. Hence, to our limit-
ed view the apparent contradiction be-
tween the old and neto testament wri-
ters. Another idea, the Savior was
teaching his disciples alone, and pre-
paring them to propagate a religion di-
verse in many respects from any then
extant among Jews or Gentiles. He
was preparing them to go among their
brethren like sheep among wolves, and
if the Jews as a nation rejected them,
as he knew they v/ould, he had pre-
pared a scourge for them and apprised
his disciples of it. Their devoted city
was to be taken and sacked, their beau-
tiful temple be throv/n down, and such
calamities come on them as never come
upon any people. Thus we see altho'
the disciolcs were not suffered to be
the avengers of their own wrongs,
even-handed justice ere long overtook
that wicked generation. They would
not receive those that were sent unto
them, and to cap the climax of crime,
and fill up the n>easure of their iniqui-
ty, they crucified the Lord of life and
glory. They, the disciples, had their
peculiar instructions as individuals. —
They were to preach the gospel and
testify of the things they'had seen, and
speak of those they knew. They were
to suffer without resistance, and at last
lay down their lives without reserve
for the cause of their Master. But
God had informed them of his just re-
tribution of their crimes which he liad
in reserve.
The Lord probably allowed Lot to
fight in his owndefence,|butthedisciple8
of the blessed Savior were not thu*
privileged The circumstances 7»ers
4m
»K!iSWE.XG'EIt- MSU AJjYOCATn
different. Abralmm was permitted to
slay the enemies of Lot and release him
s'rom bondage, while death only reloa-
ded the disciples ol" the Redeemer, but
mark the tragical end, the miserable
overthrow of their enemies which came
upon them in about forty years after
fiie crucillxion of the Savior. They
experienced the judgments of God ac-
cording to the prediction of the Savior
while he tabernacled with man in the
flesh, and according to the declaration
cessariiy resign into the hands of hif»
rulers for the better security of thosf.T
he iiolds more sacred.
4th. We have said the right to defend
his wife, his children & his own person
from the murderous assaults of a rutii-
!ess foe, were among his reserved
rights, and are never given up to mast
but by compulsion, nor to God but by
express command,
5th. We have expressed our disap-
probation, in strong terms of the apa-
of the holy prophets who preceded him. thy or cowardice or that wretch v/ho
No discrepancy then, nothing very 1 should look c-.mplacentiy on the law-
mysterious in either of these occurren- ! less marauder, or tlie merciless viola-
ces; he had prepared punishment f r
the guilty in both cases which suited
his own purpose.
Nothing transpired in either case,
militating against the idea of praying
to God for all men, for kings an J for
all that arc in authority, nothing con-
trary to the idea of praying tor our
rulers and obeying them, nothing con-
trary to the idea of defending our conn- views of the. governmant of God
tor of his domestic riglits.
6th, Wo have said, and we dsCy
contradiction, that what God has com-
manded one man to do, he will appro-
bate in another under similar ciicum-
stances, and the only apparent discrc-
jiancy in the teachings of the old and
new testament writers, arises from our
limited underbtundiri'Ts and contracted
try from the wicked attacks of a ruth
less foe, nothing contrary to the idea
of individually defending our innocent
wives and helpless otrspring from the
rude assaults of any who invade our
rights. This is a natural and inalien-
able right, and let me add, it is never
voluntarily surrendered, therefore it is
reserved. The principle that will al-
low of naiional defence will justify a
smaller community cceteras paribus in
acting on the same principle. And ha
wdio objects to the idea that a man has
a right to defend his wife, his property
7lh We have said that tiie idea of
self defence, was not incompatible with
that of praying for all men, praying
thot God would turn away the anger
of our enemies auu dii them with love.
Our readers, from a view of ail wo
have said, will now suifer a word of
exhortation and we have done.
Nothing we have said should bo con-
strued into a justification of crime o*'
the violation of the rules of civilized
society. In all cases are you to be
good and peaceable subjects af that
government that protects thoso rights
Fear God, love the brethren,, and re-
spect those in authority over you. Itv
short pray for them and for all that are
in authority, that you may lead quiet
and peaceable lives in all Godliness,
even so amen.
and his offspring, will find iiimself atjyouhtu'e surrendered for its protection
war vv'lth the best feelings of his own
heart, v/ith the established rules of all
civilized nations, of ail communit es,
and with very few exceptions, the whole
professing christian world.
A few reflections by way of improve-
Dient and we close. And
1st. We have said, and we believe
truly, that God is the same moral Itov-
ernor of the Universe he was ancient-
2d. Wc have said, and we think
Irnly, that man is the sam.e rnthless
rebellious being against the govern-
ment of God that he ever v/as.
3d. We have seen, tluit in conse-
quence of his restlessness and rebel-
Uon, whenever he was associated in
community with his fellow man, a part
of what would be his right without re.
90,rvttliDD, wero he alone, he noust ne.
2d SERIES— LETTER Nu. I.
Liherty, (^Mo.) June 2, 1S38.
Dear Brother: — Since I returned
home to Missouri, I have been so con-
stantly engaged in viewing the coun-
try, or employed at business of impor-
tance, that I could not spare time tO'
Vvrite. 1 have been out on two expedi-
tions examining the regions of the "far
west" — and notwithstanding my letters^
heretofore published, contain almost,
all that need be said for or against a
prairie country, yet, permit me to add
iiESSZNGEll A>a) yUDVOCATS.
JS
li little more as a kind of appendix, for
tsuch as wifcii inlbrnration from thit.
r^u after.
Soor. after our return, bishop Part-
ridge and n5y3elf >;tarted on a lour -of
iand looking. Wc j>as>*.'d from Libt^r-
ly to the liojthuest corner ot Clay
county, and eAaniined the mil is find
streams, and country arouiid Mv.
•Smith's — geiieraily denominated ''y(i?>
kee Smith." It is customary, you
know, i'ov the sake of provtvctahsm
among nations, kindreds^ and people,
to nick-naine b}' thtMV religion, or pro-
vit;ion, or ancestry — so that one can
he distinguished, by being an Israelite,
ri Canaanite, a Christian, a Mormon, a
Methodist, &c. or a corn-cracker, or a
mighty hunter, &c. according to fancy
or favor. From Mr. Smith's we pro-
ceeded northeasterly throiifrh some tim-
luture wants, for a thick population,
according to tiw; natural reasoning of
m<?n.
l)er ana some [iranio
'■'5
the county seat for Clinton county; and
although this place may not como near-
er in rescm'/lancf to P!attsl)urg thccnp-
ital of Clinton county (N. Y.) on L.ake
Champlain, than a cabin does to Con-
gross hall, yet it seems to be quite "a
ti-mavt little town,'" — -containing from
15 to 20 hewed log cabins, and the
brick body of a two story court house,
ii'Z feet squaie. This town is located living have, to provide for them in all
<5.- '
What the design of our heaverJy Fa-
ther was or is, as to these vast prairies
of tiic far west, I know no farther than
we have revelation. The bonk of Mor-
mon terms them tiie land ofdesolation,
and when I get into a prairie so large
that I am oui of sight of timber, just a<»
a searnafi is "out of sight of land in
the ocean,"' 1 have to eJvClaim, \vhtrt is
man and his works, compared to tho
Almighty and his creations'? Vvhohft'th
viewed his everlasting iieldsl Who hath
counted his bufiaioes; — w!io hath seen
all his deer, on a thousand prairies?
AVell may his sacred word declare: — •
The cattle upon a thousand hills are
mine. All are God's.
The pinks \-arieg;)te those "tv'ida
spread lawtis without the hand of man
to aid them, and the bees of a thousand
groves, kmquet on the flowers unob-
served, and sip the honey dews of heji-
vcn, far beyond the busv bustlini' scenes
of aspiring man. O what a scene for
contemplation! What a good Gcd ali
snd water privileges may answer a | Nearly every skirt of timber to the
very small popuhvtion, but for ? largo j State line, on the north, 1 am inform
There are now '
it would be nothing.
led, ti
som.e one in it, if it has range
t^irec stores and wii! soon be four. —
Clinton county is mostly prairie ^vith j =-"^ ^^^"^ enough f^r their common
here and there a few frin ires or spots ! custom. Some peonlc reouire moro
O L 111
It is astr;nishing to wit-
of limber on the creeks that run into
ihc Little Piatt and Oirand River.
From this tov/n we rnado tlie best
course we could to the writers of Granc
river. We h.ad a "sort ol a road for
a little bit" towardo Brushy foik, then
wo had to be content with nakr:d prai-
rie, patches of scrubby timber, deep
banked creeks and branches, together
with a rainy morning and no compass:
but, with the blessing of tiie Lord, we
came to "some house" in the afternoon,
passed into Ray county. On Shoal
creek, when there is water, there are
some tolerable mill seats, but the prai-
ries,— those "old clearings" — peering
one over another, as far as the eye
can glance, flatten all connnon calcula-
t'lon as tn tirab-^r for Mard-, i-ail^, nr
than others
ness how eager thousands arc to be pi-
oneers into a new country; to be fron-
tiers; to be on the outside; yea, to be,
as one man s:iid, in speaking ol head
men, "what he was a mind to;" or,
crcnj man carry his own head. Thft
back settlers are generally very hon-
orable; and more hospitable than any
people I ever saw. You are, in most
instances, wciccme to tho best tiie/
have.
As ever.
W. W. niKLPS.
To 0. CowDr,r,T, V/iCt.
MESSENGER AJ?D ADVOCATE.
A Prophetic learning:
2^0 all the (Churches, of every sect and
denomination, and tn every individual
into whose hands it may falL
BY O. HYDE,
JPREACHER OF THE GOSPEL.
Forasmuch as niaoy have taken in
Jiaod to set foitli in order a declara-
tion of those things which are most as-
suredly believed among us, and which
must shortly come to paa-s: It seemeth
good unto me, and also unto the Holy
Spirit, to write unto you, that you may
know of a certainty, your standing and
relation to God; and also of the times
and seasons of the fulfilment of the
words of his servants, the Prophets.
After our Lord had completed the
work which hi3 Father had given him
to do, he led forth his disciples as far
«s Bethany, and lifted up his hands to-
wards heaven and blessed them. While
in the act of performing this kind of-
fice upon his disciples; he was received
up to heaven in a cloud. As the disci-
ples stood gazing upon his exit, two
men f'angels) stood by them, clad in
white apparel, and said; "Ye men of
Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into
heaven? This same Jesus who is ta-
ken up from you into heaven, shall so
come in like manner, as you have seen
him go into heaven."
Some have labored to show that this
promise of Christ's second coming was
fulfilled at the destruction of Jerusa-
lem; but such was not the fact. Jeru-
salem was destroyed during the reign
of Vespasian, the Roman Empei-or, by
Titus, his son. Vespasian began to
reign in the 70th year of the Christian
era, and reigned nine years. He was
then succeeded by his son, Titus, who
reigned two years; and Titus was suc-
ceeded by his younger brother, Domi-
tian, in whose reign, and by whose or-
der, the Apostle John, was banished
upon the Isle of Patmos, in the 95th
year of the Christian era; being some-
where between sixteen and twenty-five
years after the destruction of that city.
The Savior, who appeared to John
while in banishment, said unto him:
*'Behold I come quickl) and my re-
ward is with me to give unto every
man according as his works shall be."
-It is plain, therefore, that Christ repre-
sented to John, that his coming was
yet in the future, even sixteen or twen-
ty-fi.v© yea.rs after Jerusalem was de-
stroyed. Therefore, so far from that
promise being fulfilled at that time, it
yet remaifis to be falfilled. And we
may l<x)k with certainfy for ihe Son jf
God yet to appear in the clouds of hea-
ven with great power and glory. The
question now arises; is the Christian
world now prepared to behold the day
©f the coming of the Lord from heav-
en? The day that shall burn as an
oven, when all the proud and th^y that
do wickedly shall be as stubble. This
is a qoeslion of no ordinary moment.
I shall examine it through the glass of
the holy scriptures.
The Jews rejected the Messiah whea
he came to thenfj, and the Gentites re-
ceived him; bat when he comes the se-
cond time, the Gentiles will be entirely
unprepared to enjoy his glory; but the
Jews wilt be brought in by virtue of
the promise and covenant which God
made with their fathers, which I shati
attempt to prove from the scriptures.
There was a cause of the Jews re-
jecting the Redeemer: And whnt was
that eaase? It was their previous de-
parture from the law which God gave
to them by Moses. The hv/ was giv-
en them as a school master to bring
them to Christ; and had they not made
St void through the tradition of their
Elders they would not have disowned
their King. The Lord said to them,
himself; "If you had believed Moses
you would have believed me, for Moses
wrote of me. But if ye believed not
his v/ritings, how can you believe my
words?" The fate which this pesple
met some thirty years after they re-
jected the counsel of God, is entirely
without a parallel in the history o( the
world. The wretched few that esca-
ped destruction at that time, only seem
to have been spared to perpetuate theiir
shame and misery until the day of
their redemption, which now, is near
at hand.
The Gospel was committed to the
Gentiles for the express purpose of
preparing them for the second coming-
of Christ, as the law was given to the
Jews to prepare them for his first com-
ing. But the Gentiles have made void
the gospel through the tradition of their
Elders, which now becomes my pain-
ful duty to show: and may the great
Shepherd of Israel inspire my heart
with a clear view of the fallen state of
the christian world at this period, and
enable me ta declare it with all that
IfiESSiEItGER A?fD ADVOCATE.
m
sympathy, plainness and christian love,
which ever were the characteristics of
a servant of the Most High.
In the first place, let me ask: Have
the founders of the christian system
foretold an apostacy of the church
from the true order of worship? They
certainly have. Paul says, 2 Thcss.
2,3. "Let no man deceive you by any
means; for thai, day shall not come ex-
cept there come a falling away first,
and that man of sin be revealed, the
son of perdition, &c," Again 1 Tim.
4,1. "Now the Spirit speakelh ex-
pressly, that in the latter times some
shall depart from the faith, giving heed
to seducing spirits and doctrines of
devils." Also 2 Tim. 4, 3 and 4. "For
the time will come when they will not
endure sound doctrine, but after their
tywn lusts shall they heap to themselves
teachers having itching ears; and they
shall turn away their cars from the
truth, and be turned unto fables." —
These passages clearly show what the
churches would do when Jeft to act up-
on their agency, viz: that they would
forsake the truths of God and be turn-
ed unto fables and traditions of men.
I will nov/ present the Gentile church-
es before the glass of the holy scrip-
tures, and see if they possess the same
form and beauty now, that they did
Eighteen Hundred years ago. When
Jesus gave his disciples their last com-
mission to go forth into all the world
to preach the gospel, he said unto them:
^'These signs shall follow them that
believe. In my name shall they cast
out devils; they shall speak with new
tongues; they shall take up serpents:
and if they drink any deadly thing, it
shall not hurt thsrn; they shall lay their
hands upon the sick, and they shall re-
cover." It appears that this miracu-
lous power did, and ever will continue
with true bcliecers: for the same Being
who said, "These signs shall follow
them that believe," also said, "Though
the heavens and the earth pass away,
yet my words shall not fail." It is
very readily discovered why the above
signs do not follow pretended believers;
because Jesus never said they should.
There is a difJerence between the spu-
rious and true coin; although the spuri-
ous contains some genuine silver, yet
it will not lawfully pass, and is, com-
paratively speaking, of no real value.
By a chemical process, wc can very
eadily discover thediftercnce between
the pure ixud the base: so, by an ap
plication of the word of God to any
religious body, we may soon determine
whether they arc believers in the scrip-
tural sense of the word; or according
to the notions and opinions of uninspi-
red men. Some pretend to say that
the promise of Christ to his disciples,
that miraculous signs should follow
them that believe, was limited to tho
apostles. But I ihink that no honest
man, who understands enough of En-
glish Grammar to tell the differenco
between the second and third persons,
will contend for any such thing. For
Jesus did not say: these signs shall fol-
low you, Apostles; but he said: "These
signs shall follow thetn that believe."
Again: Paul said, God set some in
the church, first apostles; secondly,
prophets, thirdly, teachers; after that
miracles; then gifts of healing, helps,
governments, diversities of tongues. —
To one is given by the spirit, the word
of wisdom; to another, faith by the
same spirit; to another, the word of
knowledge by the same spirit: to an-
other the gifts of healing; to another
the working of miracles; to another
prophecy; to another discerning of
spirits; to another divers kinds of
tongues; and to another the interpreta-
tion of tonfTues." This seems to have
been the gospel and order ot worship
which Paul advocated and established:
and said; "Though we, or an angel
from heaven, preach any other gospel
unto you than that which we have
preached unto you, let him be accur-
sed." Do the gentile churches, of
this day, preach and practice the above
order? or havc^they lost!il? They cer-
tainly have lo.st it. And have they not
great reason to'fear that a curse in-
stead of a blessing will rest upon them.
If the Jews were broken off' because
.'-"f unbelief, whatr.j^must. t!'e Gentiles
expect, who have not continued in the
goodness of the Lord? It really ap-
pears to me that every person who ia
not biassed by^'most unhallowed preju-
dice, can see that the churches of this
day bear but a faint resemblance to
those which existed in the days of the
Apostles. Whence arises this differ-
ence? Do we live under a different
dispensation from what they did? If
wo do, when was the dispensation
cliopged, and by whose authority? If
wc do not, why not preach and prac-
tice the TSanie things which they did?
U4
MESSENaEK AND .lin'CCATB.
\
Because those who are detf^rmineti to
eupport their peculiar creeds at the ex-
pense of truth, and the most plain dec-
larations of holy writ, which are found
written, as v,'ith a sunbeam upon al-
most every page, will deny the possi-
bility of these precious and heaverjly
blessings being ehjoyed by mortals
now. But let me ask: Has God chan-
ged so much during the last Eighteen
Hundred years'? The language of the
Bible is, "I am the Lord, I change
not: Therefore ye sons of Jacob are
not consnmed."
If am aware that there are maRV
who preach for hire, and love t6> be
called of men, Rabbi, &c. who ^^■ill
seek refuge l>om the arrows'of truth
behiti'Hhe buhvarks of afilcted sanc-
lity, and put the unhaiicwed infiueiiCe
in operation which they exercise over
the hearts and consciences of their de-
luded foilovvers, to prevent them from
hearing, investigating or receiving the
truth. Such hiding places may screen
iniquity for a time. But when the
trurtip of God shall sound, such bul-
warks shall fall to the earth like the
walls of Jericho, leaving those who
have taken shelter behind them, ex-
posed to the swosd of God's indigna-
tion which wi! proceed out of his
moufh, saying: Depart ye cursed, &c.
How plain it is, therefore, that a
great apostacy, from the true apostol-
ic order of worship, has taken place:
and it now becomes my duty to show
the awful consequences of this aposta-
cy, however painful may be the task.
But
Shall I behold the nations doomed
To sword and fainine blood and (ire?
And not tlie least exoriion make
Sul fro?Ti the scene in pcp.ce rftire?
No. Wliile kind heaven sliall lend me
[tJieathJ
ill sound repcntnnca far abroad;
And tell the nations to prejiare
For Jesus Christ, tlieir coming Lord.
The Jews were the natural branches
of the good olive tree; but were bro-
ken off in consequence of unbelief.—
The Gentiles were the branches of a
wild Olive; but were grafted in, where
the natural branches had been broken
off; and roccivedof the root and fatness
of the pure stock. I'he apostle, Paul,
gave the Gentiles a very solemn warn-
ing after they had been grafted into the
good olive. See Romans 11, and 22.
''Behold the goodness and severity of
God^ on them which fell, severity: But
towards thee, goodness; if thou contin-
ue in his goodness: otherwise thoii
shalt he cut off," Nothing is morts
plain than, that the Gentiles have not
continued in the goodness of God; buS
have departed from the faith and pu-
rity of the gospeL Query: Must they
now be cut oft? Jer. 4, 7, will answer
this qnestion. "Tlie lion is come up
from his thicket, and the destroyer of
the Gentiles is en his v/ay; he is gone
forth from his place to make thy lanti
desolate; and thy cities shall be laid
waste without an inhabitant.^ Also,
Isa. 24th, chap, is a striking exhibi-
tion of the fate of the Gentiles in the
last days. Eut the Jews will be graft-
ed back into their own olive tree. — ■
Read Rom. 11, 2:}-2Sth.
Many are flattering themselves-
with the expectation that all the world
is going to be converted and bronglif
into the ark of safety. Thus tho
great milennium, in theii opinion, is
to be established. Vain, delusive ex-
pectation! The Savior said to his dis-
ciples; that, "As it was in the days of
Noah, so shall it be also, in the days
of the coming of the Son of iMnn."—
Again he said: "As it was in the days,
of Lot; so t-hall it Lc in the days of tho
coming of the Son of Man." Query,.
Were all people converted in the days
of Noah, or mostly dcj^troyed? Were
the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah sa-
ved or destroyed in the days of Lot? —
The answers to to these questions aro
famdiar to ahnost every person, and
further comment is necessary.
God will soon begin to manifest hi»
sore displeasure to this generation^
and ;o our own country, by vexation
and desolating v.ars: bioodv! bloody in
tlie extrnne! The war clond will
ari.-re from an unexptetcd quaiter.
The heaits of many, in authority,
shall faint, because they shall not know
vv'hat measure to adopt to avert the
calamities of war; so comjdicated and
rerploxing shall be the state of affairs
at that crisis. Thus vi'ill the wicked
shortly slay the wicked, except they
tike the ]>cople of Nineveh, speedily
repent of their sins which have aFcen-
ded up, with ofTence, before the Most
High. Wo! wo! unto them, saith th;;
Lord, who preach for hire, and pervert
the ways of truth. Wo! to them who
suffer themselves to be led by the pre-
cepts of men, contrary to that which
they know to be written in the oracles
IfLSST^GER AJ^-D .SDVOCVTS,.
m
-t)f truth; they for shall peribh! Wo
licunto him who dn'nketh strong drink,
nnd taketh the name of God in vaini
Wo be unto all the wicked ones of the
Earth, for the tiro of God's jealou-y
s-hal! consuine thern, root and branch,
except they speedily turn to the Lord.
Pestilence and famine will soon show
to this generation that the hour of
God's judgment hath come. Rarth-
qukes will be more frequent, and de-
structive in their elTects than former-
ly. Many strange things shall occur
which cannot be accounted for. The
waves of the sea will soon heave them-
Bclves beyond their bounds, laying
waste; tov/jis and cities; "and truly
men's hearts shall fail them for fear."
This is the Lord^s recmpense for the
controversy of Zion, whose innocent
blood, unavenged, cries to him from
the ground. A sort of flies shall go
forih among the people, and bite them,
and cause worms to come in their flesh,
and ihcir flesh shall fall from their
bones; and their eyes shall fall out of
their sockets; and ihey shall desire to
die; but their desire shall not be gran-
ted. Serious losses will soon be sus-
tamed both bv sea and land; because
of whirlwinds and tempests, and de-
vouring ^.le. The seasons, w'll hence-
forth, be more irregular and uncertain
in causing the earth to yield her boun-
ty, for the sustenance of her inhabi-
tants- The multiplicity of thefts, rob-
beries and murders, are legitimate
fruits of the increasing depravity of
man; and shew to us that the world is
fust ripening for the judgements of
God.
The prime cause of all these calam-
ities comiiig on the earth, i-; the. apos-
tacy of the church. If ihe church was
all righteous, they could save the na-
tions from destruction. But the salt
has lost its savor; and all men seem
determined to pursue their own course.
The eyes of Jehovah have not been
closed upon the scenes of most aban-
doned wickedness which have been
committed by the world: (The church
not being free from the charges.) He
has looked down and beheld all vour
scenes of revelling and drunkenness.
He has seen all your frauds — all your
evil desiorns, and all the snares you
have laid to take the advantage of your
neighbors. He has, also, seen the ster-
ling virtues of many of the fairest por-
tion of his creation, secrificed ujwn the
vengeance.
work of destruction until
altar of infamy and prostitution. All
of which have a tendenc}' to increase)
the displeasure of the Almighty, and
draw down upon the world, the storm
of his indignation. The wicked will
behold these judgments; and knov/ not
v/iiat ihey mean: yet the servants of
God will view them as tokens of the
coming of the Son of Man, as messcrv
gers sent before his face to executff
They will continue th©
the Savior
comes; for,
Lo! bs comes vrith truth and vengeance*
With his garments died in blood;
To redeem his ciicsen people.
Favor' d childreu, sona of God.
When Jesus ap|jears in the clouds
of heaven, the saints who have slept,
vvill arise from their graves; and thoso
who are living will be changed speedi-
ly, and all be caught up to meet tho
Lord in the air. Then shall all tho
v/icked, who have escaped the former
judgments, bo consumed, root and
brancli. Then shall the earth be clean-
sed from polluiion: and the Lord de-
scend upon it, and all the saints with
him, to reign a thousand years while
satan is bound. Then will the saints
inherit this promise: "Blessed are the
meek, for they shall inherit the earth."
Then one need not say to the other.
Know ye the Lord. For they shall
all know liim, from the least to tho
greatest. Then the earth shall be full
of the knov/ledge of God, as the wa-
ters cover the great deep. Then shall
the saints unite in singing this co'*
song: saying,
"The Lord hath brought again Zion:
Tlje Lord hath redeemed liis people, Israel,
According to tlie election of grace,
Which was brought to pass by the faith
And covenant ot their fathers.
The Lord haih redeemed his people;
And Satan is bor.nd, and time is no longer.
The Lord halli gathered all things in one:
The Lord hath brought down Zion from
above;
The Lord hath brought up Zion from beneath?
The earth hath travailed and bro't forth he*
strength,
And truth is established in her bowels;
And the Heavens have smiled upon her;
And siie is clothed with the glory of her God;
For he stands in the midst of iiis people.
Glory, and honor, and power, and might.
Be ascribed to our God, for he is full of mere/.
Justice, grace, and truth and peace,
Forever and ever Amen."
I am unwilling to dismiss this sub-
ject, without telling you your duty, in
plain terms, that my garments may be
clean from your blood in a cominf day.
^4§
StffiSSENGER AND ADTOCATS.
The great body of the clergy are act-
"-jng without authority from God at this
• time* My reasons for saying so, are
■ these, 1st. The sick are not healed
ander their hands. 2. They do not
• eo Infirm those whom they baptize by
the laying on of their hands tor the
. gift of the Holy Spirit: and why? be-
cause they are not authorized so to do:
. Yet it appears, that they rather im-
peach the system of heaven, than their
own course in relation to it. But I say,
"let God be true, and every man a liar.
Christ's doctrine was a doctrine of mir-
acles, and healing the sick; and John,
the Apostle, says: "Whosoever trans-
gresseth and abideth not in the doctrine
ef Christ, hath not God. He that abi-
deth in the doctrine of Christ; he hath
both the Father and the Son." Again:
Christ said unto the Jews, "He that is
of God, heareth God's words. Ye,
therefore, hear them not because ye
are not of God." How, 1 ask, can
the clergy of this day, be of God; and
yet deny all miraculous powers'? How
can God bs with them when they have
not abode in the doctrine of Christ?
Now, therefore, the word o^ the
Lord is unto all people: Repent! Re-
pent! and be baptized in water for the
remisston of sins; in the name and by
the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ;
and you shall receive the gift of the
Holy Ghost, by the laying on of the
hands of him who is ordained and seal-
ed unto that power. There is no class
of people exempt from the requirement;
but it is in force upon all alike; who have
not already obeyed it. Then miracu-
lous signs shall follow you. Pray,
therefore, that God may send unto you
some servant of his, who is authorized
from on high, to administer to you the
ordinances of the gospel. Except you
do this, you cannot enjoy the celestial
glory : But must fall victims to the mes-
sengers of destruction, which God will
soon send upon the earth.
Now to conclude: I am sensible that
I have written in great plainness; and
some may consider me quite presump-
tuous. But I have nothing to retract.
"What I have written, I have written;"
and that too, under a sense of dutj'
which has been impressed upon me,
from the highest authority of which I
have any knowledge. The fulfilment
of the foregoing predictions, will con-
vince this generation that I have not
%ecn presumptuous.
May the great Creator of the Uivi-
verse, have mercy upon a fallen and
perishing world!
N. B. The object of the writer of
the ^bove, in pursuing this course, is,
that many may be put in possession of
this information whose circumstancf?s
are such that they do not obtain it by
public preaching. Also, it is the pre-
sent intention of the Author to publish,
as soon as circumstances will permit,
his Exposition of the Ancient Prophe-
cies, in book form, showing their ap-
plication to the times in which we live,
together with such other matter as he
shall tnink most beneficial to mankind
at this period, under the same iiile
which this bears.
June 16, 1836.
Messenger aed Advocate.
KIRTLAND, OHIO, JULY, 1833.
We give in this month's paper, an
extract from the writings of Elder Or-
son Hyde, on the prophecies. We
consider it truly an admirable article,
well arranged, evincive of close bibli-
cal reading, and deserving of a wider
circulation than our brother's modesty,
or the perversity of this generation
would be likely to obtain for it. Wo
obtained it through the kindness of a
friend, and in justice to the author, we
have to sav it was a real mei:tal treat
to us. We trust it will do the saints
good, and if perchance, it shall be read
by those "ziViO have a form of godliness
hut. deny the power thereof,''^ wc hope,
if it do not persuade them to give up
their unjust prejudices & prepossessions
and obey the commandments of ^God,
it will leave them without excuse. No
one, unless he look through a jaundiced
eye, can but say, that, our brother has
done himself honor, as a biblical com-
mentator, and the subject justice, as
far as he has gone. We have under-
stood that he designs pursuing it more
extensively; and eventually publishing
a volume on the subject. We earnest-
ly hope he will, and that the specimen
given, will be only a prelude to what
is more lucid and convincing.
MESSENGER AND ADTOCATE.
Although strictly speaking, we have
to acknowledge ourselves trespassers,
still we hope, that considering the im-
portance of the truths selected, concen-
trated ;ai5id^made to bear upon the minds
of all who read them, and how deeply
interesting they are to all, we have
ventured to violate, if not the law, the
modern rules of etiquette, to give them
publicity.
One^^more reason and we have done.
We consider the subject-isne that never
becomes irksome and palls' upon the
ssnses, therefore, what we have given
wiU'Snly make the samts thc^moi-e an-
xious to obtain a volume when it shall
be announced that itJis forthcoming. —
May that spirit which leads into all
•truth guide the pen of our brother, and
assist him to become more useful to
the church of which he . , p ; - -,
and more useful in dispelling the mists
of ignorance and moral darkness thn.
have long brooded over the human
mind.
TO THE SAINTS ABROAD.
We have thought it a duty devolv-
ing on us to address you on the subject
of your removal to this place, or to the
far West. We suppose that it became
one item in your faith, when you em
braced the gospel, that it was your du-
ty to prepare to leave the society of
your friends, and relatives, and gather
with the saints, in one of the places
ihat the Lord has pointed out for that
pur[)0se. Permit us here, to speak of
things we know and testify of those we
have seen. As soon as the rays of
truth were reflected upon your under-
standing, with sufficient brilliancy, you
became convinced of the errors and
follies of the professing christian world,
and in the simplicity of a child, began
to express your conviction to those
around you, whose minds were yet
traraeled with tradition or mantled with
the sable vail of prejudice and super-
stition; your ears were stunned, and
your sensibility shocked from all points
of the compass around you, with Mor-
mvnism, delusion and Jo. Smith- In
all the soberness and simplicity of
truth, you be^n "to produce your
W
' -^~ ri I - L. I , ,11
cause and bring forth your strong rea-
sons" for your belief, and instead of
meeting you with scripture and i«ir
argument, the stale cry was reiterated,
and your opponents have done about
as much to convince you of your er-
rors, as the Athenians did on a similar
occasion, to convince Paul and Silas,
when Ihey cried out about two hours,
"great is Diana of the Ephesians." —
This is one specimen of argument usRd
to convince you of your errors. Ano-
ther, but no uncommon one is, for
some one who has converged with you
to misrepresent some item of your faith*
and relate the pretended {scX to tha
deacon or priest of his parish in all the
glaring deformity his disordered and
distorted imagination can paint. The
deacon, the ©l^ler or priest as the case
may have been, seized upon it as a pre-
cious morsel, and the most merciful
treatment you received, or in fact had
any right to expect from him, was poor
man! he is deluded! All your former
friends were solemnly warned in pub-
lic and in private, to beware of you as
of the fatal Sirocco or deadly Upas,
have no conversation with you on the
subject of religion, for you are certain-
ly deluded. This, however, is more
mildness than you had any just reasoa
to expect at their hands. The English
vocabulary may have been exhausted,
(if you were a man of talents and influ-
ence) to find epithets opprobrious e-
nouffh to fix
Your most
^.. .^ „.» upon you.
commendable virtues, were transform-
ed into vices of the lowest grade, and
your crimes, whether they were few'
or many, great or small, real or ima-
ginary, were all ])ublished tothe world,
and your accusers were witnesses,
judges, jurors and exocutioneis. Your
character was thus destroyed, your
property stolen, secreted, or injured,
and if you have still persisted in your
opinion, and have endeavored by for-
cible argument, to urge it upon others,
mobs, tar and feathers, may have been
your fate; and if you paid the forfeit
of your former good name, with the
total loss of all your worldly substance,
it is no marvel. The preaching you
may have heard till then, may havo
been chiefly on the first principles of
the gospel. You may not have inves-
tigated the subject of the gathering of
Israel in the Ust days, till your earthly
hopes have all fled; you then began to
examine it, in the light of divine truth,
-n^l
in:ssENai:a anio advocate.
end fovini it pialul> p-:irited out m tao
Bacred Vvolurne. You iookeJ. into tho
reveiatioris of recent date, and they
corroborated the samo idea. You then
began Nvith all due diiigence to prepare
to icavn the land ol your boyhood. —
Every insult you received, served to
confirm you in the principles you had
embraced, and wenn you froM! the
dIocc that pave vou birth. Your for-
mer frieuds may have been strong ad-
vocates of civil and religious liberty,
great republicans! They would now
if in their power, deprive you of tlie
liberty of speech, and consider you,
notwithstanding religious sentiaient
cannot constitutionally be made a test
for uiFice, wholly unworthy of any of
trust or profit, and your very name,
righteousness.
Butift'ie withering frosts of ago,
or wasting hand of disea>^e have im-
paired your bodily strength, and left
you on the declivity of life, too enerva-
ted to endure the fatigues and priva-
tions incident to a long journey and the
settlement of a nev/ country, and this
utidcr circumstances so unj)ropitiou3;
you nirdvc up your mind to join the
Saints at this place, which God has
appointed for a stake of Zion, and the
g'atlierinf'- of some of his saints in tht^
la?t days. Notwithstanding, the grout
struggle with our enemies may be past,
and the long airony meas'.irably over,
in this place, yet your e:;nectat!on:?
may be raised too high, ana youranti-
ctpations too great to be realized.
made a hiss and a bye-word, in almost j Therefore, we have, thought it might
all ranks, from the "man in black, to j not he improper, here to pourtray in
the lowest debauchee of the brothrl, or! bold relief the advantages and disad-
the mendicant upon the dunginll. In
all the soberness of truth, you have
now become weaned from your former
friends, and are, as v.^e will suppose,
prepared to leave them You have
heard of Zion: you have heard tliat the
w'ckcd tho'-e bear rule, that your bre-
thren, if not in bondage, have, many
of them, to roam from place to place;
have no slsndard erected and are kard-
ly allowed the privileges of citizens. —
They are mere tenants at will, and
some of them have not a place to lay
their heads; having been driven from
their houses and homes by men pro-
fessing republicanism, yea, aiid Chris-
tianity ioo, v\ defiaiice cif constitution,
in defiance of law, in defiance of ail
the fine feelings that twine around the
heart of the saints of the Most High;
and this too in the broad blaze of day,
and they can obtain no legal redress.
All this in a republican government
holding out the delusive, fallacious pro-
fession of equal rights. The arch fiend
seems to have maishalled ail his forces;
every art is tried, every stratagem in-
vented, every weapon put in requisi-
tion to destroy the influence of the
samts, and if it were possible to blot
out their name from under heaven. —
By this lime, if you are filled with the
fire and ardor of youth, you take up
your line of march to join your breth-
ren in the far West.
You resolve to commiserate their
misfortunes and participate in their
sorrows, j^ntil, Zion shall be redeemed
Tsith judgments and her couverts with
vantages, real and imaginary, you will
have ju'^t reason to expect when you
arrive.
Here are at present, seated some
of our first elders of the church; strong
men in point of native intellect and moral
courage, v.-ho have truly conie up thus
far, through great tribulation. Some
of them have tasted, yea more, they
have drank the bitter cup of atlliction
and sorrows, and have been taugh' in
the severe sch joI of adversity, till the
Lord has looked on their affection, as
we trust, and said it is enough. Here
are brethren assembled from the E. V/.
N. and South, with the habits, man-
ners and customs ot each, that are to
be assimilated. The liousc of the
Lord is hero, and a congregation of
between 600 and 1000 assemble in it
to hear the words of life and salvation
dispensed, every Lord's day. Here,
notv/itlistanding the bigotry and super-
stition of this generation, fearfuuiess
often surprises the hypocrite and sin-
ners in Zion tremble.
The situation in point of location, is
tolerably pleasant. The country pre-
sents to the eye, an undulating surface,
diversified with hills and valiies. The
former, but moderate in their height
and arable, and generally fertile from
their base to their summit; the latter,
consequently, can only be of corre-
spondent depth, except where the large
stratum j)ass, or where the strea-ns of
rocks, which ap|)ears to form the whole
bed of the country, lies very low. The
face of the country in this region, looks
5rt:-S:il.SGER AND AlA'DCATd.
tl^
to Ihe North, gradua!l\r rising as you ! tlio river to the Lord's House and south,
recede fioai the Lake Shore toward tiio i for the ciistance of a mile or more.
South. The priacii;Ie streams of \va- j We have one pubUc inn or tavern,
ter in or near this place are, grand | three stores of dry goods kept by our
river, which passes by the east of the j brethren, and two'by other peoulc', ma-
nourishing hltie vilhige of Painesviiie, king five in ali, and'quiie a nu'mher of
0 rnlles East of this, and discharges 'us
waters into t'le Lake, at Fairport ;5
miles North of Painesviile, and a very
considerable branch of Ciiagrin river
qu
mechanics oi ditrarent occupations, all
of which find conslanl employ. There
are no anrsiies or ponds of stagnant
Vr-ater in the vicioity, but the air is
runsm a diagonal direction through ways a.s pure and exhiieratinij as in
the North part of this town, making
some beaiitifui alluvia! land on its mar-
gin of greater or less width, till it loses J etllnvia' or 7)1.' as ma,' a to contaminat
Itself in the mainstream boforc it pass-
es the village of Wiliontrhbv tv/o and
a half miles from this place.
any p-art of the world v/itii which we
are acquainted. \Vo have no .March
ho
atmosi)here and engender disease.
We had almost I'orgolten to mention
has been laid out in
that oar viiia,";
O
I'his brancn 01 tno river turnisiies a regular i>!oi, and calculated for streets
to cross each other at ri^ht auiries.— -
The lots now contain one half acre
good mill sites in its course tiirouyh
this town, som3 of which arc occupied
There are two SRw-miils, one grist | each, and are selling from one to two
mill, one fuiling-mii!, and one carding} hundred dollars.
m ichine in the short distance of two | We cume now to the more unpleas-
miles. A steam saw-mili ;55 by 00, j ant part of our duty, to ]>oint out our
designed for tv/o saws is being erect.nl \ own follies and fr.ults and expose them
It is caicLdated that the ' to the world, but justice reouires
in this
engine will have sufncient power to
warrant the attacinnent of other machi-
nery to it, as the circumstances una
necessi:ies of the inhabitants shall re-
quire. As you approac: tlie place from
the North you come to the brow of a
liili the top of which, in a st iteof nature
was coveri^d u-ith oak, chesnut, v/hite-
wa'nut, white wood, and some few su-
gar maples, with littie underwood. —
Here the eye fails upon the fertile vale
beiovy', and the stream of which we
have spoken, meandering through it.
Almost instinctivtdy it catches the
Lord's House on a beautilul eminence
or table Ian 1 on the south side of the
stream, at an altitude of from SO to 100
feet from its bed, and at a distance of
one-fourlh of a mile in a direct line. —
The intermediate space, between the
river and the Lord's House, is occupi-
ed with dwellings, generally small and
ineLgant, evincive of any thing but
wealth, standing in no regular order,
but built at a period wiien the saints
had little control, and but feeble means
to execute any plan with elegance or
taste. Therefore, instead of a regular
town, village or city, laid out and or-
namented with rows of fruit or forest
trees, selected for the beauty and luxu-
riance of their foliage or shade, or for
their utility as furnishing articles of
food; the eye rests upon rude dwel-
linjjs scattered in all directions from
It ai
our hands, we have before said that
our society was made up of ensigrants
fn)m pA\ the dillerent points of the
compass, v/ith t!ie dif/erent manners,
customs and habits of the place from
whence they emigrated, to ali of v/hich,
tliey rf'spectivelv adhere with greater
or less pertinacity. They are not yet
so assimilated as to become one in
any peculiar characterestic, except in
matters of re!is;ion. All are anxious
for the improvement of the place, and
each., for individually betteri:.g his
condition: Thorefoie traits of char-
acter evinsive of selfishness bordering
upon covetousness, are often disciv-
erable in their dealings with the world
or with each other, if they are not
more industrious then their neighbors,
tliey are surely as much so; aud their
steady perseverance, to overcome ev-
ery obstacle of an earthly nature, to-
gether with that strong propenisity that
dwells in the hearts of all, to accumu-
late, would make the world and many
of our brethren think, that houses, lands
and money were their ultimate ob-
jects and this world our everlasting
dwelling place. The brethren who
have been long permanent residents
here, have been oppressed in ll eir
feelings by their numerous influential
and wealthy neighbors, and have not
lill recently been allowed the consiitu*
al right of citizens of the same govera-
'350
Mbssenge-r anb adyocate.
ment, late occurrences auger more fa.
vorable for them m points of numeri-
cal force and proportionably less so
for their opposed.
Many of our brethren we think, are
too much elated with our growing
numbers and future prospect of eom-
plete ascendency in this town. Some
of them are not wise, they are not
prudent, their deportment towards
their enemies is not fraught with that
wisdom, that dignity, that nobleness
of soul that is calculated to gain them
or convince them that we are at all
times actuated by that "meek and qui-
et spirit which is in the sight of God
®f -great price," but, notwithstanding,
we have nothing to plead in justifica-
tion, yet we wish to say a few things
ia extenuation, but we forbear, God
will judge; we will now say, that the
parable of the Savior, that the king-
dom of heaven was likened unto a
net that was east into the sea and
gathered of every kind, was never
fully verified in our minds than at
beholding the church in this place. If
our brethren expect to see a church,
the moddle of perfection andharmon)^
when they arrive here; they will be
disappointed. If they expect to see a
church all the members of which are
actuated by the pure principles of be-
nevolence and love they will be disap-
pointed. In short if they expect to
find a church where members are not
as men and women of like passions as
themselves, they will then be disap-
pointed, for from looking over the pa-
ges of inspiration we judge it not un-
charitable to say, that the ancient
churches were made up of poor frail
Mortals like ourselves; that they need-
en rebukes, warnings and exhortations.
So brethren does the church in this
place. Therefore we say look for,
and expect to meet all these unpleas-
ant scenes. But we say in the sober-
ness of truth let none of these things
move you. Let not your confidence
be betmyed in the religion you have
embraced. Remember that a Peter
cursed and swore, and many turned
away from the faith who had great
manifestations or had been under the
instruction of the Redeemer of man-
kind. These and other instances of
aberation or complete apostacy, were
no evidence that they were deceived
in the outset, or that the Devil had the
paeendcncy in the hoarts of all the
church. We hope and earnestly pray
that it will be your end and aim as
you come among us, to correct our
evil habits, reform our abuses and evil
manners, by well ordered lives, and
godly conversations, and so demean
yourselves as truly to be a terror to
evildoers and a praise of them that
do wlII. even so amen. W.
CONFERENCE.
A conference was held in Portage,
Allegheny county, N. Y. commencing
on the 18th of June, 1836. The meet-
ing was opened by Eld. Z. Coltrin; af-
ter which Eld. Wm, Redfield delivered
a discourse upon the subject of the gos-
pel, and was followed by Eld. Coltrin.
The business of the conference was
then transacted. • Eld. Coltrin was^ du-
ly called to the Chair and A. J. Squiers
chosen Clerk; prayer by the President.
Several persons were presented for
ordination; they were ably addressed
by the Chair upon the subject of being
ordained to the holy priesthood of God.
The candidates then came forward,
and John F. OIney, Hiram K'^llogg^
and Samuel Jaques were ordained to
the office of Elders. Moses R. Norris
was ordained Priest, & Russel Thomp-
son, Teacher.
Many received the laying on of hands
for the recovery of their health, and
the Spirit of the Lord was greatly
poured out upon all the Elders present.
Meeting commenced on the Sabbath at
half past nine o'clock, A. M. Preach-
ing by Elds. C. Thompson, Z. Coltrin,
and A. J. Squiers; after which many
witnessed to the truth of the work of
God.
Z. COLTRIN, Chairman.
A. J. Squiers, Clerk.
P. S. The work of the Lord is great-
ly prospering in this part of the coun-
try, and many are becoming convinced
of the truth of the everlasting gospel.
A number of the Seventies are preach-
ing in this region with success.
FROM THE ELDERS ABROAD.
Elder G. M. Hinkle writes us un-
der date of June 10 from Columbus,
Indiana; stating that he set out from
Kirtland about the first of April, in
company with Elder Groves; that they
traveled together as far as Richland
county in this State, where he was ta-
ken unwell, and Elder Groves here
left him and went on. Previously to
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
%i
their separating they had baptized ten.
Elder Hinkle, however, soon so far re-
cove led that he was able to preach,
and at the date of his letter to us, he
had baptized twelve more.
We hear nothing from Elder Groves
himself since he separated from broth-
er Hiiikie, bat we know br. Groves'
zeal for the cause of truth, and trust
ere long we shall learn directly from
his own pen, and hear that the pleas-
ure of the Lord has been in his
hand.
Since the date of the above. Elder
Hinkle writes us again, under date of
July Hi], informing us of his success in
the ministry, that he has baptized forty
four in that place, and that it appeared
to him as if the work was but just be-
gun. He also adds, that there is the
greatest call for preaching in that place,
that he ever witnessed. The elder ex-
presses his anxiety to go on to the far
west as he designed when he left here;
but from the pressing calls he has, to
prea-ch, and the blessing which has
thus far attended his ministry, it ap-
pears he is yet induced to stay.
In addition to what we have related,
he gives us a short sketch of some con-
troversies he has had with some of the
Rev. gentlemen in that section of coun-
try who had thought pi'oper to oppose
liim. We inter from the elder's com-
munication to us, that it was neither
difficult nor unpleasant to him to sus-
tain his positions; although a contro-
versy was rather urged upon him than
coveted by him. Such we hope were
the facts. We sincerely hope our el-
ders will not go round the country,
challenging others to debate the sub-
ject of religion with them. If they are
attacked, as they invariably will be,
we commend them for defending thern-
eelves with the sword of the spirit,
which is the word of God. Provided
always, that their opponents are men
of respectable standing in society, and
not otherwise. W^e consider that a
victoiy over a man of no character is
not only a loss of time, but a loss of
reputation to the victor.
Elder Seymour Brunson has been
on a mission toward the south part of
this State and since his return, he has
favored us with an extract from his
journal, from which we give a synop-
sis. The Eider traveled about two
hundred and fifty miles, going from
and returning to this place and the
first account that he gives us of his
baptizing any is about thirteen miles
from Zanesville where he preached
some, baptized three and organized a
little branch of a church consisting of
thirteen members: from thence he
traveled into Lick Township where tie
baptized two, visited the church iii
Bloomfield, baptized one, and then visit-
ed the church in Lawrence, where hd
preached several times and baj.tized
twelve. Here he set their church in
order by ordaining the necessary offi-
cers, and then left them. The Elder .
also called on another little branch of
a church in the town of Windsor where
he baptized one, making nineteen in
all while he was a bsent. In short the
Elder gives us to understand that
there is yet a great field for labor in
that region. That the brethren in
some places very much regretted his
leaving them, so soon, but a combina-
tion of causes not in his power to con-
trol made it necessary that he should
do so. May the Lord dispose other
faithful laborers to visit that part of his
moral vineyard.
We have also recently received ano-
ther communication from Elder Parley
P. Pratt, informing us of the steady
march of truth and the powerful effects
of the principles of our holy religion
on the hearts of the people in the c'ty
of Toronto, U. C. and in the region
around it where he labors. Our rea-
ders will recollect a detailed account of
our brother's labors in that section, in
our May number of this paper. We
novv say, from his communication bear-
ing the Toronto post-mark of the 25th
ult. that he labors almost constantly,
or to use his own expression, "I preach
by aight and by day," and yet he could
not answer but a small share of the
calls for preaching. He further states
that the saints are rejoicing and increa-
sing in number almost daily. W'ill
some four or six of the first or second
seventy go over and assist our brother
in dispensing the words of life, and sal-
vation, and gathering souls mto the
kingdom of our God* A rich harvest
m
itESSlL!SGi^K AM> ADVUCATJE.
«if souls a«vait the faithful laborer, and
the consciousness of doing the will of
»-»ur heavenly Father, cheers and glad-
dens his heart: allhou.CTh tyrants may
frown or bigots howl, his purpose is
fixed, his course is onward, and his re-
ward is trill, privation, suffering and
opposition from this crooked and per-
verse generation, but joy, peace 'and
inefFabb glory shall be his unfading,
enduring inheritance beyond this die-
cjuercd scene of time.
Elders A. J.. Squicrs and Z. Collrin
have recently came in from the field of
their labors in the state of New York,
and say that they together with Elder
Wm. Boslcy, have baptized 14; and
that there were more calls for preach-
ing than they could supply. Oui read-
ers will notice a postscri{>t to the pro-
oeedings of a conference hold by them
and others which we have published in
this month's paper. They will there
discover the ojiinion these meri have of
the progress of truth and correct prin-
ciples in that region.
Elder Jonathan Dunham, writes us
from Hamilton, Madison county, N.Y.
under date of May 9th: stating, that
notwithstanding the great and power-
ful opposition to the truth, through the
goodness and mercy of God, he had
succeeded in raising up a small branch
of a church of Latter Day Saints in
that place, consisting of 18 members.
The Elder adds, that there are many
more believing, and urges the necessity
of the Elders who travel eastward cal-
ling upon those brethren and strength-
ening them. "
Elder E. Robinson has just returned
from a mission to the South, having
been absent from this place but five
weeks. He states to us verbally that
he has traveled about three hundred
miles, held twenty meetings, and bap-
tized four during his absence. It may
not be improper, here to remark, that
our brother brought us the names of
nine new subscribers for our paper. —
May others who are interested in the
march of truth and correct principles
go and do likewise. Many have alrea-
dy done so, to them and to all who
take an interest in the cause of truth
and the dissemination of light & know-
ledge, we tender our heartfelt gratitude.
Elder Lyman E. Johnson writes
VI8 from Saco, Me. under date of June
26th stating that he left Kirtland on
tha Cth of April, in company with El-
der Milton lloirnes and J. Heriit, trav-
eled East as far as \\hitestown Onei-
da county N. Yo k, where he prachcd
twice, then he wont to Eosto'i Mass.
where he preachL'd tvvico and baptiz-"d
one, From thence he M-enl to liacc,
Me. where he preached thice times
and baptized one. lit} has since been
[o St. Johrrs the capital of New Bruns-
wick, and has traveled and preached
in various directions, and to crowded
assemblies. The Elder gives us to
understand tlsat he has met with little
opposition, except from tu0:"!0 whoso
craft Vv-as in danger; but that God had in
every instance thus far given him wis-
dom that his adversaries had not been
able to gainsay nor resist. Ho iarther
adds, although this mission has not
i)een as successful as seme others in
bringing souls into tlie kingdom, yet
through the assistance of God lie had
been ir^strumcntal in establishing a
small branch of a church of eighteen
members in the tov.'n of Sackvillo
Westmoreland county. The elder
traveled and preached in various direc-
tions in that province, he then left for
Mo. where he was at the date of his
letter to us. May the Lord bless and
prosper our brother, till in his own due
time he shall return, to the bosom of
his family and friends in this plaoc.
Elder A. Bobbit . states to us vor-
bally, that he has been on a Mission
into Canada New York, and Pennsyl-
vania, in company with Elder Eenja.
min Brown; that they held seventy one
meetings, baptized about thirty, and
had calls for preaching more than they
could supply. The Elder is about to
set out again, may the Lord crown his
labors with abundant success.
THE LATTER DAY SAINTS'
JSessengror and Advocate,
Is print'';! ami piil)lii-lied eviry month at Kirtland,
Geauga Co. Ohio, by
OZ.ZVERCOWSSiK'Sr,
EDITOR AND PROPRIETOR,
At.%'l,per an. in advance. Every person procuring
ten new suhscrihers, avd forirnrdhiff % 10, current
movcn, sliall be entitted to a paper one year, gratis.
All letters lu the Editor, must be
\XZr POST PAIV.XSi
M subscription will be received for a less term than one
year, and no paper discontinued till all arreurage» art
paid, except al the. option of the publislttr.
LATTER DA¥ SAIN
MESSF.NC^ER AI^D ABT®CATE.
VoT.. U. No. 11.
KIRTLAND, OHIO, AUGUS F, IdiW
Whole No. [-23.
MESSENGER AND ADVCCxVTE.
We have no doubt but our brethren
expect, when they receive our peiper,
to have it a feast to the soul, an intel-
Iictual treat, something animating and
instructing to the understanding rn the
great principles of our holy rehgion.
tJnder these impressions, solely, they
may suffer some disappointment on re-
ceiving this month's number, and think
we owe them an apology. To such
ive say, that we deem it a matter of
primary importance that correct intel-
ligence be conveyed to all, in all mat-
ters relating to the %vclfare of our bre-
thren in the West. It is not only due
«ur brethren to wipe away the foul
and calumnious aspersions cast upon
them by their enemies; but it is due to
the hospitable and humane, in the coun-
ty of Clay, to thus publicly acknow-
ledge the debt of gratitude due them.
T^hese arc some of the reason^ that
have induced us to admit into our col-
umns this month, what may be thought
by some to belong only in a paper of a
political cast. We have no other cor-
rect, expeditious mode of conveying
intelligence; therefore, we feel that we
are justified, and rely on the good sense
of our brethren to approbate our
course.
From the "Far Wect."
PUBLIC MEETING.
A respectable number of our fellow-
citizens met, being previously notified
of the same, at the court house, in the
Town of Liberty, Juno 29th, 1833.
On motion of Doct. Woodson J.
Moss, JOHN BIRD, was called to the
Chair.
And, On motion of Col. Wm. T.
Wood, JOHN F.DOHERTY, appoint-
ed Secretary:
The object of the meting was, by
request of the Ghair, explained in a
few appropriate remurks, ty Col.
Wood; when
On motion of Col. Wm. T. Wood,
a Committee of nine wae appointed to
draft resolutions expressive of the sense
of tins meeting:
Whereupon the following gentlemen
were chosen, viz:
John Thornton, Esq. Peter Rogers,
Esq. Andrew Robertson, Esq. James
T. V. Thompson, Esq. Col. Wm. T.
Wood, Doct. WojHson J. Moss, James
M. Hughes, Esq, David R. Atchison,
Esq. and A. W. Doniphan, Esq. Who
letired, and in a short time returned
and made through their Chairman,
(Col. John Thornton,) the following
unanimous report, which was read.
It is apparent, to every reflecting
mind, that a crisis bus arrived in this
county, that requires the deep, cool,
dispassionate consideration, and imme=
diate action oi" every lover of peace,
harmony and good order. W^e cannot
conceal from ourselves, the fact that,
at this moment, the cloiids of civil war
are rolling up their fearful masses and
hanging over our devoted county, sol-
emn, dark and terrible. This painful
state of things has been produced main-
ly, by the mpid and increasing emigra-
tion, of that people, commonly called
Mormons, during the last few months.
It is knov/n to all, that in November,
1833, these people were expelled trom
their homes in Jackson county, with-
out money, without property, without
the means of subsistence for them-
selves, their wives and their children;
and like Noah's dove without even a
resting place for their feet They
came to our county, thus friendlessand
pennyless, seeking (as they L.aid) but
a temporary asylum, from the storms
of persecution by which they were then
buffeted. Their destitute and misera-
ble condition, at that mclement season
of the year, excited the deep sympa-
thies of the philanthropic and hospita-
ble citizens of this county; and notwith-
standing the thousand reports, that
were borne ob the wings of the wind,
charging them with almost every crime
known to the laws of our country: yet
our feelings of kindness, and sympa-
tliy for human suffering prevailed over
^ _
lA'v.ry obstacle and they were received
with friendship and treated with toler-
ation, and often with nriaiks of pecu-
liar kindness. They always declared
that tliey looked not upon ihis county
as their home, but as a temporary asy-
lum, and that whenever a respectable
portion of tl-.e citizens of this county,
should request it, they would promptly
leave us in peace as they found us. —
That period has now arrived. Duty
to ourselves, to our families, and to the
best interests of our county, require at
our liands, tcJ dcrtiand the fulfilment of
That plrdgo. They are charged by
those who are opposed to them, with
an unfriendly determination to violate
that pledge. Their rapid emigration,
iheir large purchatcs and offers to pur-
chase lands, the remarks of the igno-
rant and imprudent portion of them,
that tins country is destined by heaven
to be theirs, are received and h oked
upon, by a large portion of this com
munitv, as strong & convincing proofs
that they intend to make this county
their permanent home, the centre and
j!;encral rendezvous of their people. —
These are ecme of the reasons, why
these people have become objects of
ihe deepest hatred and detestation to
tnany of our citizens. They arc East-
ern men, whose manners, habits^ cus-
toms and even dialect, are essentially
dilTerent from our own; they are non-
slave holders, and opposed to slavery;
which, in this peculiar period, when
abolition has reared its deformed and
hagard vi?age in our land, is well cal-
culated to e.xcite deep and abiding pre-
judices in any communit}', where sla-
very is tolerated and practiced. In
addition to all this, they are charged,
as they have heretofore been, with
keeping up a constant communication
with the Indian tribes on our frontier,
■with declaring, even from the puipit,
ihat the Indians are a part of God's
chosen people, and are destined, by
heaven, to inherit this land, in common
with them.selvcs. We do not vouch
for the correctness of these statements;
but v/hcther they are true or (also,
iheir effect has been the sam.e in^exci-
ling our community. In times of great-
er tranquility, such ridiculous remarks
might well be regarded as the offspring
of phrenzied fanaticism. But at this
time our defenceless situation on the
i'routier, the b]i>ody disasters of our
follow citizens iii j^'^lorida uud other
VL-:i^siK5;<ii::rt and ADvcjcatk,
parts of iho south, all tend to make a
portion of our citizens regard such sen-
timents with horror, if not alarm.- —
These and many other causes, have
combined to rais<j a prejudice against
them; and a feeling of hostdity, that tbo
first spark may, and we deeply fear,
will ignite into all' the horrors and des-
olations of a civil v/ar: the worst evi-l
that can befall any country. We,
thcrefure, feel it our duty to come for-
ward, as mediators, and use every
means in our power, to prevent the oc-
currence of so great an evil. As the
most efficient means to arrest the evil,
we urge on the Mormons, to use every
means, to put an immediate stop io tho
cniigration of their people, to this coun-
ty. We earnestly urge them to seek
some other abiding place, v/here the
manners, the habits and custoiiis of the
people wmII be more consonaut with
their own. For this purpose we would
advise them to explore the territory of
Wisconsin. This country is peculiarly
suited to their condition & their wants.
It is almost entirely unsettled; they can
there procure large bodies of Tand to-
gether, where there are no settlements,
and none to interfere with them. It is
a territory ia which slavery is prohib-
ited, and it is settled entirely with em-
igrants from the North and East. The
religious tenets of this people are so
different from the present churches of
the age, that they always have and al-
ways will, excite deep prejudices against
them, in any populous country where
ihey may locate. We therefore, in a
spirit of frank and friendly kindness,
do advise them to se{'k a home where
they may obtain large and .scperate
bodies of land, and have a community
of their own. We further say to them,
if they regard their own safety and
welfare — if thoy regard the welfare of
•heir (amilies, their wives and children,
th.ey vt ill ponder with deep and solemn
n;flcction on this friendly admonition.
If they have one spark of gratitude,
they will not willingly plunge a people
into civil war, who held out to them
the friendly hand of assistance in that
hour of dark distre.'=s, when there v/as
^vw to say, God save them. Wo can
only say to them that if they still per-
sist in the blind course, they have here-
tofore followed, in flooding the county
v/ith their people, that we fear and
firmly believe that an immediate civil
war is tho iaevilftbie conse-quence. —
IvJEStStXOER AND AirvOCATT;.
^
Wo know that there is not one among
•us/who thirsts for the blood of that
-people. We do not contend that \vc
have the least riglvt, under the consti-
tution and laws of the country, to ex-
pel them by force. But we would in-
■<Ieed be blind, if we did not foresee that
the first blow, that is struck at this mo-
ment of deep excitement, must and will
«pccdiJy invoivc every individual in a
war, bearing ruin, woe, and desolation
in its course. It mattors hut littie how,
where, or by whom the war may be-
,gin, whea the work of destruction com -
iTsences, tvs mttst all be borne onward
^y the storm, or crushed beneath its
fury. In a civil war when our homes
is the theatre, on which it is fought,
there con be no neutrals; let our opin-
ions be what they may, wc must fight
in self-defence. We want nothing, wo
^sk nothing, we would have nothing
•from this people. We only ask them,
for their own safety, and for eurs, to
take the least of the two evils. Most
-of them are dostit':ite of land, have but
little property, are late emiifrants to
t^is country, without relations, friends,
or endearing ties, to bind them to tins
land at the risk of such imminent peril
to them and to us. We request them
■to leave us, when their crops are gath-
ered, their business settled, and they
have made every suitable preparation
to remove. Those who have 40 acres
of land, we are willing, shall remain
until they can dispose of it without loss
i( it should require years. But we
wrge, most strongly urge, that emigra-
tion cease, and cease immediately, .is
Kothing else can or will allay for a mo-
ment, the deep excitement that is now
unhapily agitating this community. If
the Mormons will comply with these
friendly requisitions, wc will use every
■exertion, among our own citizens, to
arrest this evil before it is forever too
late; but if they are disregarded, wc
can promise neither them or ourselves,
a long continuation of the blessinga of
peace and harmony.
IsL Therefore, be it rceolved by this
meeting, that they view, with feelings
of the deepest regret, tiie present un-
happy situation of our country.
2n'dc That it is the fixed and settled
conviction of this meeting, that unless
ihe people commonly called Mormons,
will agree to stop immediately the emi-
fijration of their people to this county,
and take measures to remove tbe:*:i-
selves from it, a civil war is inevitable.
Sd. That a committee of ten be ap-
pointed, to make known to the leaders
of that people, the views of this meet-
ing, and to urge upon them the pro-
priety of acceding to these proposi-
tions.
4th. That said committee consist of
Andrew Roberts-on, Michael Arthur,
Liitleberrv vSublet, John Baxter, Jas,
M. Hughes, W. J. Moss, John Bird,
Peter Rogers, Vv. T Wood and J. T.
jV. Thompson, who shall meet on to-
morrow at the house of Mr. Cowen and
confer v.-ith tlie Mormons and report
to this meeting as soon thereafter as
convenient, the reply o^ the Mormons
to these requisitions.
5t!i. That if the Mormons Jigrce tcs
tliese propositions wc will use ever}'
means in our povver to a'lay the ex-
citement among our own citizens and
to get them to await the result of tlies©
things.
6th. 1 hat it is the opinion of this
meeting that the recent emigrants a-
mnng the Mormons sh )uld take meas-
ures to leave this county immediately
as they have no crops on hand and no-
thing to lose by continuing their jour-
ney to some more friendly land.
On motion cf CoL VVm. T. Wood,
the Preamble and Res iutions were
unanimously adopted.
Be it resolved that this meeting ad-
journ until Saturday next.
JOHN BIRD, Chair.
John F. Dohkrtv, Sec.
Klrtlund, Geanga Ccunty, Oltio, )
JuLV 26, 1836. 5
To John Thorntov., Esq., Peter Rogers^
Esq.^ Andretv Robertson, Esq., Jame^
T: V. Thompson, Esq,, Col. Viilliam.
T. V/ood, Dnct Woodson J. Moss.,
James M. Hughs,, Esq., David i?.
Atchison, Esq. end A. W. DarJ-
■phan, Esq,
G«NTLEMBN,
We have just perused, with feel-
ings of deep interest, an article in tha
"Far West," printed at Liberty, Clay
County, h'o. containing tho proceed-
ings of a public meeting of the citizens
of said county, upon the subject of an
excitement now prevailing among you
occasioned, either from false raporta
against the church of Latter D-iy Saints,
or from the fact, that said »hurch i.s
.156
ML'SSEiXGER AND ADSOCATt!!
dangerous to the welfare of ydiir coun-
try, and will, if suffered among you,
cause the ties of peace and friendship,
so desirable among all men, to be burst
asunder, and bring war and desolation
upon your now pleasant homes.
Under existing circumstances, while
rumor is afloat with her accustomed
cunning, and \vhile public opinion is
fast setting, like a flood-tide against the
members of said church, we cannot
but admire the candor with which your
preamble and resolutions vvci'c clothed,
as presented to the meeting of the citi-
zens of Clay county, on tile 29th of
June last. Thougli, as you expressed
in your report to said meeting — "We
do not contend that we have the least
right, under the constitution and laws
of the country, to expel them by force,"
— yet communities may be, at times,
unexpectedly thrown into a situation,
when wisdom, prudence, and that first
item in nature's law, self-defence,
would dictate that the responsible and
influential part should step forward and
guide the public mind in a course to
save difficulty, preserve rights, and
spare the innocent blood from staining
that soil so dearly purchased with the
fortunes and lives of our fathers. And
as you have come forward as "media-
tors," to prevent the eflusion of blood,
and save disasters consequent upon
civil war, we take this opportunity to
j'resent to you, though strangers, and
through 5'ou, if you wish, to the people
of Clay county, our heart-felt gratitude
for every kindness rendered our friends
in affliction, when driven from their
peaceful homes, and to yourselves, al-
so, for the prudent course in the pre-
sent excited state of your community.
But, in doing this, justice to ourselves,
as communicants of that church to
which our friends belong, and duty to-
wards ihem as acquaintances and for-
mer fellow citizens, require us to say
Something to exonerate them from the
foul charges brought against them, to
deprive them of their constitutional pri-
vileges, and drive them from the face
of society:
They have been charged, in conse-
quence ot the whims and vain notions
of some few uninformed, with claiming
that upper country, and th^t ere long
they were to possess it, at all hazards,
and in defiance of all consequences. —
This is unjust and far from a founda-
tion, in triitli. A thing not expf^'^tcd.
not looked for, not desired by this so-
ciet}', as a people, and where the idea
could have originated is unknown to
us — We do not, neither did we ever
insini^nte a thing of this kiiid, or hear
it from the leading men of the society,
r,ov, in your country. There is no-
thing in all our religious failL to war-
rant it, but on the contrary, the most
strict injunctions to live in obedience
to the laws, and follow peace with all
men. And we doubt not, but a recur-
rence to the Jackson county difficulties,
with our friends, will fully satisfy jou^
that at least, heretofore, such has been
the course followed by them. That
instead of fighting for their own rights,
they have sacrificed them for a season,
to wait the redress guaranteed in the
law, and so anxiously looked for at a
time distant from this. We ha\ e been,
& are still, clearly under the conviction*
that had tur friends been disposed,
they might have maintained their pos-
sessions in Jackson county. They
might have resorted to the same bar-
barous means with their neighbors,
:t browing down dwellings, threatening
lives, driving innocent women and
ci'ildren from their homes, and there-
by have annoyed their enemies equal-
ly, at least — But, this to their credit,
and which must ever remain upon the
pages of time, to their honor, they did
not. They had possessions, they had
homes, they had sacied rights, rnd
more still, they had helpless harmless
innocence, with an approving con-
^cience that they had violated no hiw
of their country or their God, to urge
them forward — But, to show to all that
they were willing to forego these for
the peace of their country, they tamely
submitted, and have since been wan-
derers among strangers, (though hos-
pitable,) without homes. W^e think
these sufficient reasons, to show to
your patriotic minds, that our friends,
instead of having a wish to expel a
community by force of arms, would
suffer their rights to be taken from
them before sheddin^r blood.
Another charge brought against our
friends is that of being dangerous in
societies "where slavery is tolerated
and practiced." AV^ithout occupying
time here, we refer you to the April
(1836) No. of the "Latter Day Saints'
Messenger and Advocate," printed at
this place, a copy of which wo forward
to c'dch of you. From the length of
MEBSENGDR AND ADVOCA'Bli:.
'57
,time which has transpired since its pub-
lication, you can easily see, that it was
put forth for no other reason than to
correct the public mind generally, with-
out a reference or expectation of an
excitement of the nature of the one
now in your country. Why we refer
you to this publication, ptirticularly, is
because many of our friends who are
now at the west, were in this place
when tins paper made its appearance,
and from personal observation gave it
their decided approbation, and expres-
sed those sentiments to be their own,
in the fullest particular.
Another charge of great magnitude is
brought against our friends in the wesi
— of ''keeping up a constant communi-
cation with the Indian tribes on our fron-
tier, with declaring, even from the pul-
pit, that the Indians are a part of God's
chosen people, and are destined, by
heaven, to inherit this land, in coni-
. mon with themselves.''' We know of
nothing, under the present aspect of
our Indian relations, calculated to rouse
the fears of the people of the Uprer
Missouri, more than a combination or
influence ot this natuie; and we can-
not look upon it other than one of the
most subtle purposes of those whose
feelings arc embittered against our
friends, to turn the eye of suspicion up-
on them from every man who is ac-
quainted with the barbarous cruelty of
.rude savages. Since a rumor v.as
afloa' that the Western Indians were
sho'vving signs of war, v/e have receiv-
ed frequent private letters from our
;friends, who have not only expressed
fears for their own safety, in case
the
Indians should break out, but a decided
determination to be anions the first to
repel any invasion, and defend the
frontier from all hostililies. We men-
tion the last fact, because it v/as wholly
uncalled for on our part, and came
previous to any excitement on the part
of the people of Clay county, against
our friends, and must definitively show,
that this charge is also untrue.
Another charge against our friends,
and one that is urged as a reason why
they must immediately leave the oun-
,ty of Clay, is, that thej' are making or
are like to, the same ''their perma-
nent home, the center and general ren-
dezvous of their people." We have
never understood such to be the pur-
pose, wish or design of this society;
but on the contrary, have ever suppo-
sed, that those who resided in Clay
county, only designed it as a tempora-
ry residence, until the law and author-
ity of our country should put them in
the quiet possession of their homes in
Jackson county. And such as had not
possessions there, could purchase to
the entire satisfaction and interest of
the people of Jackson county.
Having partially mentioned the lead-
ing objections urged against our friends,
we would here add, that it has not been
done with a view on our part, to dis-
suade you from acting in strict con-
formity with your preamble and reso-
lutions, oiTered to the people of Clay
county, on the 29th ult. but from a
sense of duty to a people embarrassed,
persecuted and ufHicted. For you arc
aware, gentlemen, that in times of ex-
citement, virtues are transformed into
vices, acts, which in other cases, and
under other circumstances, would be
considered upright and honorable, in-
terpreted contraiy from their real in-
tent, and made objectional and crimi-
nal; and from whom could we look for
forbearance and compassion with con-
fidence and assurance, more than from
those whose bosoms are wartred with
those pure principles of patriotism with
which you have been guided in the
present instance, to secure the peace
of your county, and save a persecuted
people from further violence, and des-
truclion?-
It is said that our friends are poor^
that they have but little or nothing to
bind their feelings or wishes to Clay
county, and that in consequence, have
a less claim upon that county. We
do noi deny the fact, that our friends
are poor; but their persecutions have
helped to render them so. AVhile oth-
er men were peacefully toUowing their
avocations, and extending their inter-
est, they have been deprived of the
right of citizenship, prevented from en-
joying their own, charged with viola-
lating the sacred principles of our
constitution and laws; made to feel
the keenest aspersions of the tongue
of slander, waded through all but
death, and, are now sulFering under
calumnies calculated to excite the in-
dignation and hatred of every people
among whom they may dwell, thereby
f^xposing ihem to destruction and inev-
itable ^'uin!
If a people, a community, or a soci-
etv, can acciunula'c wealth, incr«asi?
36S'
il^^SKXCiim AXB- Al>YaCA'rE.
n worldly fortune, improve in science
and arts, rise to eminence in the ejres
of the pirblic, surmount thi^se difficult-
ties, so much as to bid dc»lance to pov-
erty find wretche:lnes3, it must be anew
creation, a race of beings super-hu-
man. But in all their poverty and
want, we have yet to learn, for the
first time, that our friencU are not in-
dustrious, and temperate, and whereis
they nave not eiways been the last to
relaliat-e or resent an injury, and the
^rst to overlook and forgive. We do
not urge that there are not exceptions
to be found: all ccmniunities, all soci-
eties and associations, are cumbered
with disorderly and less virtuous mem-
bers— members who violate in a (?reat-
er or less degree tlie principles of the
same. But this can be no just critrri-
on by wl-iich to judge a wlsole society.
And further still, where a people are
laboring under constant fear of being
dispossessed, very little inducement is
held out to excite them to be industri-
ous.
We think, gentlemen, that we have
pursued this subject far enough, and
vv'6 here express to you, as we have in
a letter nccompar\ying this, to our
friends, our decided disapprobation to
the idea of shedding blood, if any oth-
er course can be followed to avoid it;
in which case, and which alone, we
have urged upon our friends to desibt,
only in extreme cases of self-defence;
and in this case not to give the offence
or provoke their fellow men to acts of
violence, — which we have no doubt
they will observe, as they ever have.
For you may rest assured, gentlemen,
that we v/ould be the last to advise our
friends to shed the blood of men, or
com.mitone act to endanger tlie public
peace.
We have no doubt but our friends
will leave your county, sooner or later,
— they have not only signified the same
to us, but we have advised them so to
do, as fast as they can without incur-
ring too much loss. It may be said
that they iiave but little to lose if they
lose the whole. But if they have but
little, that Utile is their all, and the
imperious demands of the helpless, urge
them to make a prudent disposal of the
same. And we are highly pleased
with a proposition in your preamble,
sutfering them to remain peaceably till
a disposition can be made of their fand,
&c. which it suffered, our fears ar« st
once h'lshed, and we have every rea-
son to believe, that during the remain-
ing part of the residence of our friend»
in your county, the same feelings of
friendship and kindness will continue
to exist, tlvat have heretofore, and that
when they leave you, you; will Iiave do<
reflection of sorrow to cast, that they
have been sojourners among you.
To w^iat distance or place they willr
remove, we are unable to say: in this-
they must be dictated with judgment
and prudence. They may explore tho
Territorv of Wisconsin — lliey may re-
move there, or they may stop on the-
other side — of this we are unable to
say; but be they where they will, w©
havf^ this gratifying reflection., that they
have never been thg first, in an unjust
manner, to violate the laws, injure tholr
fellow men, or disturb the tranquility
and peace under which asy part of our
country has heretofore reposed. And
we caPiUot but believe, thatere long tho-
public mind must undergo a change,
when it v/ill appear to the satisfaction
of all that this people have been illy
treated and ;; bused without cause, and
when, as justice W'ould demand, those
whri have been the instigators of their
sufferings will be regarded as their true
characters demand.
Though our religious principles are
before the world, ready for the inves-
tigation of all m.en, yet we are awaro-
that the sole foundation of all the per-
secution against our friends, has ari-
sen in consequence of the calumnies
and misconstructions, without founda-
tiou in truth, or righteousness, in com.-
m.on with all other religious societies,
at their first commencement; and should
Providence order that we rise not as
others before us, to reppectability and
esteem, but be trodden down by the
ruthless hand of extermination, ■poster'
it!j wiii do us the justice, when our per-
secutors are equally low in the dust,
with ourselves, to hand down to suc-
ceeding generations, the virtuous acta
and forbearance of a people, who sa-
crificed their reputation for their reli-
gion, and their earthly fortunes and
happiness, to preserve peacj, and savo
this land from being further drenched
in blood.
We have no doubt but your very
seasonable mediaiion, in the time of so
great an exiitcmcnt, will accumplisli
your most sanguine desire, in prevent-
ing further disorder; and we hope^
MESSr.KGEJl AXD ATyVOCATR.
S^
genJemen, that v.hilo you reflect upon tilings as ihey transpire. If wo
tlie fact, that the citizens of Clay coun-
ty are urgent for our friends to leave
YOU, that you will also bear in mind,
that by their com; lying with your re-
fjui^st to leave, is surrendering some of
aro
persecuted ar.d drivon men shall knov*
it!
Be wise, let prudence dictate all
yf/ur counsels, preserve peace with ail
ir.ee, if possible, stand by tiie constitu-
the dearest rights and first, aiTiong those j rion of your country, observe its prin
inherent principles, guaranteed in thejciples. end nbove ail, show jourseiveH
constitution of our country; and th^t j iv.en of God, worthy citizens, and we
human uature can bo driven to a cer-
tain extent, when it will vield no far-
ther. Therefore, v.hiie our fi lends
suffer so much, and forego so many
ssaored rights, we sincerely hope, ai^d
wc have every reason to expect it, that
a Kuitablo forbearance mny be shown
by the j;eopIc of Clay, which if done,
fiie cloud that has ■b:;cn ohsc'.i ring your
horizon, will disperse, and you be deft
to enjoy peace, harmony and prospcr-
rty.
With scnt'snents of Oiteoin and pro-
found rcypeet, we arc, gentiomen, your
tjbedienl servants.
SIDNEY RIG DON,
JOSEPH S:\IITrI, Jr.
■0. COWDERY,
F.. a. WILLIAMS,
HYRUM SMITtL
Kirthmd, Ohio, July 25, 1938.
Dkar Brethrkn: — Yours of the 1st
id'ini
srist. accompanymg the procee
a. public meeting, he'd by tiie people of
Clay, was duly receivuiL We are
sorry that this disturbance has broken
out — we do not consider it our fault.
You are better acquainted with circum-
stances than wo arc, and of course
have been directed in wisdom in youi
moves, relative to leaving the county.
We forward you our letter to Mr.
Thornton and others, tliat you may
know all we have s;iid. We advise
that you be not the first aggressors —
give no occasion, and ii'tlie people wdl
lot you dispose of your property, set-
tle your afiuirs. and go in peace, go.
You have thus iar had an asylum, and
now seek another as God may direct.
Relative to your going to Wiscc-nsin,
we cannot say, we should think if you
could stop short, iu p/caca you had bet-
ter. You know our feelings relative
to not giving the first oifence, and also
of protecting your wives and little
ones in case a mob should seek iheir
lives. We shall publish the proceed-
ings of the public mo<;ting, with your
answer, as well aj our letter. Wo
d^ubt not, communitv ere lonsr. will do
you justice, and rise in indignation
againi't ihosc who arelli'.
iustigators 01
your suHeriiig and alHiction.
In the bonds of brotherly love ^"9
subscribe ourselves, as ever.
SIDNEY HIGDON,
JOSEPH SMITH, J.
OLIVER COWDERY,
P. G. WILLIAMS.
HYRUM SMITH.
To "^V. W. Phklps and others.
PUBLIC MEETING.
The citizens of Clay County met*
persuant to adjournment. The Chaii'--
man and secretary, resumed their sta-
tions, when the committee appointed
by a public meeting held at the Court
House in the tov/n of Liberty on Wed-
nesday J;in? 27 to confer with the Mor-
t7)on Leaders and to present to them
the Pieainble and Resolutions passed
by said meeting, Met according to
the appointment at tno House of Mr.
Cowan and through the Chairman oi"
the Gommittec Woodson
ported to ti^.-o
Moss ra-
■neefmu the
response
Oi
tiiC Mormons to the Prenrnble and res*
olutions passed at the ailbre^aid Jdeet-
ins on Wednesday, the 29ih.,
is as follows.
which
At a respectable meeting of the HI*
ders of the church of Latter Day Saints.
held in Clay county, Mo. on Fridav, the
L-t day of July, 1836: W. W. P'hclpa
was called to the Clsrur, and John Cor-
rill ap;poin;ed Secretary. The prean;-
b!e and rcsoiutions i'rorn a meeting of
citizens was read and a committee of
twelve, VIZ. E. Partridge, I. Morley,
L-. Wight, T. B. Marsh, E. Higbey,
C. Bet-be, J. Hitchcock, I. Higbey, S,.
Dent, T. Billings, J. Emett and R. Ev-
ans, were a'ppointed who retired, and
after a short time reported the follow-
ing preamble and resolutions:
"That we (the Mormons so called,)
are grateful for the kindness which has
been shown to us by the citizens of
»)ran that the world shall know ail ' Clav, fcincc we have resided with therri,
360
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
end being desirous fox* peace and wish-
ing the good rather than the ill-wii! of
mankind, will use all honorable means
to allay the excitement, and so far as
we can, remove any foundation for
jealousies against iss as a people. We
are aware that many rumors prejudi-
cial to us as a society are afloat, and
also exert ourselves to stop the tide of
emigration of our people to this county,
2d Resolved, That we accept of
the friendly offer verbally tendered to
us, by the committee yesterday, to as-
sist us in selecting a locution and re-
moving to it.
3d'. Resolved, unanimously, that this
ti'^p '>nh cnn prove ft^°ir falsiiy to the meeting accept and adopt ihe above
world
I 'T ro-o.
W
f> ncT)-
h;iviii5r chiirn I nrf!nm
.1
la ^
zei • part for or
a^-!';,^;. uiav-v-y. b-t An oi'iposed to
the abolitioiiists, and consider that men
have a right to hold slaves or not ac-
cording to law. We believo it just to
pr^ ci. top gospel t) the nations of the
earth, and warn the righteous to save
them.selves from the corruptions of the
world, but we do not believe it right to
interfere with brnd servants nor preach
the gospel to, nor meddle with,, or in-
fluence them in the least to cause them
to be dissatisfied with their situation in
this life, thereby jeopardizing the lives
of men. Such interference we believe
to be unlawful and unjust, and danger-
ous to the peace of eveiy government
allowing human beings to be held in
servitude. We deny holding any com-
munications with the Indian'^, & mean
to hold oursf-lves as ready to defend
our country acjainsttheir barbarcus ra-
vagos as any other people. We be-
lieve that all men are bound to sustain
and uphold the respective governments
in which they reside, while protected
in their inherent and unalienable rights
by the laws of such governments; and
thatsediti'^n and rebellion are unbecom-
ing every citizen thus protec'cd, and
should be punishe:] accordingly. It io
needless to enter into a further detail of
our faith or mention our sufferings: —
Therefore,
1st, Resolved, For the sake of friend-
ship, and to be in a covenant of peace
with the citizens of Clay county, and
the citizens of Clay county to be in a
covenant of peace with us, notwith-
standing the necessary loss of proper-
ty and expense we incur in moving,
we comply with the refjuisitions of their
resolutions in leaving the county of
Clay, as explained by the preamble
accompanying the same; and that we
will use our exertions to'have the
«kurch do the same; and that we will
In nno resolutions v;hich are
t .r^ Cfin^rnilteo.
B. Marsh,
. I .ift a committee
•'<-]', nrr^tc; the meet-
" "'■-':■ : •' be held
.iicinimously a'dopt-
irig of the citizen
!o- morrow, a;
Thp -hove .,■ ..,
ed by the meeting,
VV. W. PHELPS,
Chairmianw,
JofTN Gorki LL, Soeretary,
Jiesohecl, That this meeting do ac-
cept and receive the reply of the Mor-
mons to the resolution passed on VVed-
nesday the 29th June as perfectly sat-
isfactory.
Be It Furl her Resolved by this meet-
ins; that we will use our utmost en-
deavors to carry into effect the object
contained in the preamble and resolu-
tions passed' on Wednesday the 29th
and as ajj-reed to bv the Mormons.
Be it furt.'irr Rpsolved, That we
urge it on our fellow citizens to keep
the peace towards the Mormons as
good faith Justice, Morality and Reli-
gion require us.
Be it further Resolved, That a
Committee often persons, two tn each
township be appointed to raise money
by subscription to aid those of the Mor-
mons who may from necessity require
it to leave this county.
RpsoJved,T\\yil Samuel Tillery, Jer-
e:-oiah M;gner, and Abraham Shafer,
be ap})ointed a committee to receive
the jiecuniary aid by subscription for
the purpose of aiding the poor persons
that may belong to the Mormons in
removing from this county to their
place of abode and that the Elders of
tl.e church bo requested to report the
ah )ve named persons to the aforesaid
committee who will judge of the proofs
and lacts entitling the mormons to pe-
cunkry aid and appropriate tb.^ funds
accordingly.
R^sofved, That said committee be
authorised to employ some suitable
person. to accompany those that raaj.
MESSENGER AXD ADVOCATE.
set
wish to examine a new country, it is
also understood that if the money which
may be received by the committee is
not appropriated for the purpose above
named it shall be refundec back in pro-
portion to the amount subscribed.
Resolved., That the chair appoint
five persons in each towship to carry
-the object of the above resolutions in-
to effect.
The following gentlemen were then
appointed in the different Townships.
For Liherty Toionship. John Thorn-
-fon, Joel Turnham, Peter Rogers,
John Bird, David Atchison,
For Fish big River Toionship. E!i-
sha Cameron, E. Price. G. Withers
M. Welton, James Kazev,
For Plafte Townsk.p. T. C. Gor-
don, S. Harris, W. Owens, L Rollins
J. Marsh,
For W-Ashina(on Toionship. B. Ri-
ley, S. Crawford, T. Findlev, G. Mc
Ilvaine, P. Y. G. Bartee,
For Gallalin Toionship. D. Dale,
-.W. Nash, Wm. Todd, B. Ricketts,
J. Forbion.
Be it further Resolved. That this
meeting recommend the Mormons to
the good treatment of the citizens of
Messeiig^er and Advocate.
' KIRTLAND, OHIO, AUGUST, 1836.
the adjoining counties. We also rec-
ommend the inhabitants of tiie neigh-
boring counties to assist the Mormons
in selecting some abiding place for
their people where they will be in a
measure the only occupants and when
none will be anxious to molest them.
Resolved, That the proceedmgs of
this meeeting be handed over to the
publishers of the Far VVest with a re-
quest that it be printed.
Which was severally read, and u-
nanimously adopted,
On motion the meeting adjourned.
JOHN BIRD, Chair.
JOHN F. DOHERTY, Sec.
Liberty, July 2d, 1836.
(^By request.)
Married — In Hickman Co. Tenn
on the 23d of June last, by Elder War-
ren Parrish, Mr. E. Matlock to Miss
Susan K. Fry.
DIED — In this tow i on Sunday,
the 17th ult. of an inflamation on the
brain, George, son ofbr. Jacob Bump,
aged 12 years.
We have recently perused with in-
tense interest and deep feeling, the re-
port of a committee of vigilance ap-
pointed on the seventh of May last at
a meeting of .the citizens of Jackson
county, Missouri, relative to the course
they recommend to their constituents
to be pursued towards our brethren, in
case they attempt to come into that
county to form a settlement, or to pos-
sess their own property.
It will Se recollected that our breth-
ren went into that county, purchased
land, formed a settlement, established
a printing press and a store of Mer-
chant goods, and were proceeding
peaceably and quietly in the lawful en-
joyment of their rights as citizens of
these United States. It will also be
recollected that they were forcibly dri-
ven from their purchased possessions
by a ruthless mob in the inclement sea-
son of the year, November, 1833, and
left without any covering but the open
canopy of heaven. It will also be borne
in mind, that many of their dwellings
were thrown down — much, and Jn
some instances all their property de-
stroyed; and they driven from the coun-
ty to perish with cold or famine, or to
seek relief as mendicants among the
hospitable of the county of Clay.—
These acts, though thrilling to the
heart of the philanthropist, and black
as the character of their projectors are,
light in comparison with the sable shade
that yet remains to fill up the intersti-
ces of the great outline, and complete
the picture! Yes, reader, they pro-
ceeded further. They not only de-
stroyed property, and drove off peace=
able citizens from their own dwellings,
but they threatened life! Aye would
to h-'aven they had done no more!—
They unmercifully beat some, and de-
liberately killed others! (a few only.)
%f&
nK.B&L:<GZK AND ADVOCATE.
We say our brethren v/er« guilty oi
no breach of the peace, hnd violated r?.-;
/au', and resisted no legal authority;
we sav so without the fear of contra
diction; for if they had been guilty,
the law, the oflionrg to administer it,
and ail the I'orce nccf^ssary to back
them, 'vvere in the hands, nnd ut il'.e
i\x\l and entire conti\.I oftlioir c/x-rnie?.
"VV'o say tney had no law either human
or divine to afford the least pretext, no
nor the shadov.- of a pretext for s-uch
conducL If they had would they not
have executed that lav,-, ratlier than
have the opprobrious epithets of perju-
ry and murder affixed to their names
recorded on the page of history and
handed down la posterity. Certainly
we think they would. You will ask,
kind reader, how were they guilty of
perjury. The answer is a plain one.
The ofncers both civil and military are
bound by oath or afRrmation to support
the constitution of the United States and
the laws and constitution of the state
of IMissouri. This act, this direful
deed, this diabolical crime was com-
mitted in open and palpable violation
of all these. Is it not perjury then? is
it not wilful and corrupt perjury? a
clear case beyond the power of contra-:
diction.
We have read a copy of their mani-
festo, and it is not even there asserted,
though teeming with falsehoods as
black as the hearts of their fabricators
or the father of lies himself, that they
had either law or constitution to war-
rant them in their hellish procedure.
What then, you will ask, was the cause?
We soy simply because our brethren
took the liberty guaranteed to all citi-
zens -of these United States to think
differently from the professing chris-
tian world in matters of religion. This
was not avowed as the cause in theii
manifesto, because it was matter of
fact, and with this they had but little
to do. But that it was the real cause
you will believe when wc say that
when six of our brethren were in tho
iiands of this lawless banditti, as a con-
dition of peace and friendship oflercd
them, they must renounce their reli-
gii. us belief, and all would be well. —
This they peremptorily refused. Tho
only alternatives they had then left,
were deatii, immediate death, or lea-io
the county.
No legal process could be had to
bring offending citizens to justice, their
crimes pass v/itli impunity and int:o-
cent blood yet cries from the ground
for vengeance. All this in an cnlight-
ned land, a free government, where
Qxcvj free man at least has a natural,
not only a natural but a constitutional
riglit, to life, liberty and the pursuit of
happiness. This is not all, he has the
same right to embrace one religious be-
lief as another; the same right to be an
infidel as he has to be a Baptist, a
Presbyterian or a Methodist. He may
be a Mahomedan, a Jew or a Pagan,
and he is equally safe; the constitution
covers the whole ground; it promises
him protection, however heretical or
ridiculous his religious belief may be,
provided he submit to the laws that
procure him this protection.
If our brethren had been guilty of
some ofTcnce or misdemeanor, prejudi-
cial to the feelings or best interests of
their supercilious neighbors, what
should be done? The case is a plain
one: if it were a breach of the law,
the law was open and as said one an-
ciently, there were deputies let them
implead one another; and as we have
before said, the law, the officers and
the power were in the hands of our en-
emies.
Has the liberty of speech, the liber-
ty ofthe press, the liberty of conscie.ice,
become odious to this religious genera-
tion? Is the foundation of all liberty,
civil and religious to be sapped and the
beautifa) superstructure errcted there-
ViC35i':NG:.:a astd advocaTk.
355
on by our fathers io be-; razed to the
graynd to gratify whom? the v/hole
comiriitnity besido ou.- brt-thronl no, a
idv.-ie.ss, rtithles.°, perjured bandiUi and
their accomplices in hij^otry, guilt nnd
crime. These same tnonstt'rs in hu-
r!"ian shape not content with the blood of
n part of our brethn-n and '^■ith indict-
ing one \ithl stab to iho constitution
and laws of our country, seem eager to
rook tiieir hands in the heart's blood of
the rtMnainder, and end their satanic
career only ^vith their final extermina-
tion. Thoy have said they would not
stop while a single Mormon''3 foot pres-
sed their soil. Have our brethren I'.t-
tempted to drive them from their hou-
ses or their lands? have they attempted
to urge their claim to any except that
to which they had been seized by hon-
est right of fair purchase? We fear-
lessly say no. Their manifesto is but
a bundle of falsehoods perfectly in ac-
cordance with their subsequent conduct
— and the same gang stand unrcbuked,
unpunished, breathing out thrcatonings
and slaughter and death! Their pro-
ceedings to which we now allude are
spread upon paper over their signa-
tures, and will pass down to succeed-
ing generations as matter of history,
to the everlasting disgrace of all re-
publics or ail governments that promise
protection to their citizens and then
Buffer them to be disfranchised; their
•property destroyed, confiscated or ta-
ken without the consent o^ its ri htful
owners, and even thetr lives threaten-
ed and taken, with impunity. Has it
come to this! Are we irresistibly com-
pelled to sing a funeral dirge over the
grave of departed liberty, and bid a
long and lasting farewell to what our
hearts once held dear. Is this the way
to euro people of folly or delusion? —
Did the mother of abominations with
her implements of cruelty and death
ever succeed in curing people of here-
sy and delusion with all their refine-
ment in bloodshed and murder? Let
the bot.k of sr.artyis tell! Let the his-
tory of the bluody inquisition apeak!
Let the lecorc-s ofal! past ages testify!
And will not like causes produc^j liko
cficcfs? Certainly then let reason and
common sense sit in judgment and wo
join jssuo and abide the award.
Vs e look at the case negatively also?
what have vvq not done? We have not
claimed any man's silver, gold, houses
or lands, man-servants or maid-sorv-
ants, camels or ayses, without his con-
sent and a fair equivalent. We havo
net violated any knov/n law of our coun-
try. We have not molested any man
in the peaceable enjoyment of any of
his vested rights, and wc say afnrmc-
tively that wo neither claim nor ask
any rights or privilege other than th«
constitution and laws guarantee to all
its peaceable citizens. What then is
the cause? Wc have taken the libertv
to think differently from the professing
christian world and have preached and
proclaimed our sentiments; and not on-
ly so, we have spread them on paper
and invited investigation; and when we
have been met in the field with scrip-
ture, reason and fair argument, our
opposers retire with sham.e from the
unequal contest. Here; then is one
cause and perhaps the head and front
of our offending. Did m.en enciently
suffer because they testified that they
had seen angels and held intercouse
wilii the upper world?
Did men anciently who received the
lively oracles of truth and recorded
them for our instruction, live in peace
and die regretted by their cotempora-
ries? Let history, sacred and pro-
fane, answer these queries.
Is satan's empire divided and he
contending against his own subjects,
his own loyal subjects.? Are our bre-
thren persecuted, oppressed, smitten
and afHictod by the saints of the most
high God? We say they are not; if
JIESSENGER AXD ADVOCATE.
.-364 __^
so, we have yet to learn for the first
time, that the spirit which actuates our
pers-^cutors at the West and elsewhere
is the spirit of our blessed Redeemer.
We must blush and hang our head for
our ignorance now that the frost of so
many winters has gone over our head,
and left us uninstructcd in the funda-
mental principles oi' our holy religion.
We had thought that the religion of
Jesus filled the soul with love 1o God
and man, nnd that lovo worked no ill
to his neighbor. . We had thought the
true disciple of our Lord and Savior,
would not knowingly and wantonly di-
vest any man of his constituted rights,
that he would not destro) his goods,
and above all that he had not a heart
black enough to drive females and in-
nocent children from their own abode
in the cold of November, and to cap
the climax of iniquity and crime, shed
-the blood of some which yet cries from
the ground unavenged. That the saints
do wrong acts, and sometimes bring
..down the judgments of God upon them-
selves we are sorry, }et free to admit.
But will they for a series ot days,
...Tnonths, yea, and years too persist in
breathing out threatnings and slaugh-
ter, against a people whose only crime
for which they are now sufTeiing con-
sists in believing the scriptures of di-
vince origm and all that is the'e record-
ed by the prophets and not fulfilled,
will be fulfilled in these last days. We
say not, we unequivocally say not. —
May the Lord deliver us from the pow-
er of such men and the malevolent in-
fluence of their religion.
We say further, that all such as are
the aidors, abettors or ajiologists for
such conduct or such characters as
have signed the first or last manifesto
of the Jackson county mob, are parti-
cipators in their guilt and crime.
We can hardly dismiss the subject
of our enemies in the West and their
wicked designs which have drawn from
us the preceding remarks, without al-
most involuntarily touching the subject
of our Elders, Patten, Parrish and
Woodruff, in the South. We know
their perseverance and zeal in the
cause (f truth. Even the conduct of
their enemies towards them speaks voir-
umes in favor of their talents, as pub-
lic declaimers. We feel that they have
done their duty in Benton county, Ten.
and that their exertions in the cause of
truth in that region, have been such,
that ill the great day of accounts their
skirts will be clear, and that wicked
and perverse people be left wiihout ex-
cuse, when the Lord shall judge the
world in righteousness.
CONFERENCE.
A few days since we had the min-
utes of a Conference put into our hands
which our friends may expect we will
publish entire. But we hope they will
excuse us if we condense their min-
utes and give only the substance. The
conference was ;held on the 2d dav of
June last, in Lawrence, Lawrence Co.
Ohio. Elder Seymour Brunson of
this town presided, and Jesse T. B^ily
acted as Secretary. One elder, one
priest and one teacher were ordajnqd
at said conference.
NOTICE.
Our readers will recollect that a dis-
solution of the Firm of F. G. Williams
& Co. was published in the June No.
of our paper, that Oliver Cowdery had
purchased the entire establishment and
all debts due said firm were to be paid
to. -him. We also urged the necessity
of prompt payments by all those who
are in arrears, and that their names
would be stricken from our subscrip-
tion !i''t unless payment should be made
and they manifest their desire to con-
tinue, on or before the first of October
next, except at our d-scretion.
We feel to repeat what we then said,
and also to add, that the next number
of our paper closes the present volume,
and although our present subscription
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
Stjw
list is large and still increasing, yet
without payment it lathe more onerous
for us to bear.
Our Elders abroad, who have pro-
cured for us many of our patrons, will
accept our grateful acUno\vledgments>
for the mterest they have taken for us,
and still remember, that it is in their
j)ower to do us good by making collec-
tions of such subscribers as they may
iiave procured for us and become re-
f^ponsible at the office for the amount
of their subscription.
We hope that where there is no el-
der or other responsible person by
whom remittances can be made to us,
some individual in each branch of the
church, where our paper is now sent,
will have the goodness to collect and
forward to us the amount due in each
branch, one letter can bring all the mo-
ney, and all the names, with but a tri-
fling expense. Let the old adage, '*out
of siglit, out of mind," be for once re-
versed, and our pecuniary embarrass-
ments cease.
We feel that it is due to many of
our patrons, to say thus publicly, that
they have paid us promptly; and some
of them have rendered us essential
service in times gone by when they
were under no legal obligations to us;
and consequently we infer they were
actuated by a desire to do good and
disseminate the truth. Therefore, we
say, if the git't of a cup of cold water
to a disciple entitle the donor to a bles-
sing, certainly some of our patrons are
entitled to our warmest thanks for past
favors and most fervent prayers that
the best of heaven's blessings may rest
upon them.
We acknowledge that in some in-
stances our paper during the past year,
has not been issued as regularly as we
or our frieads could wish; a combina-
tion of causes not exactly in our power
to control, prevented our doing so; but
we trust that those causes have now
measurably ceased to exist, that such
arrangements are made in the editorial
department as shall still make its col-
umns both pleasing and instructing,
and in the mechanical, as shall make
it not only a workmanlike, but punctu-
al periodical.
For the Messenger and Advocrte.
Hickman coiintij, Tenn. June 28, 1836.
This evening, while meditating upon
the variegated scenes of human exist-
ence, tiie ever fluctuatini/; current of
mortal life, v.hich sometimes threatens
to overwhelm the way-wandering sons
of men like an irresistible torrent, and
hurry them to an untimely grave, v.hile
far separated irom those v/ho are bound
bv the dearest ties of consanguinity,
my mind flits back to those happy sea-
sons 1 have enjoyed in Kirtland, in the
society of my brethren and friends. — -
The loss of this society js more than
usually impressed on my mind from a
combination of circumstances which
have transpired since I last wrote.
On the return of brother Patten and
myself from Clarks river, to brother
Utley's, we were informed that many
of the citizens of that county (Benton)
and some of the citizens of Carroll
county, had met in convention, headed
by a Methodist priest, who was called
to the chair, and the County Clerk ap-
[)ointed Secretary. They drew up re-
solutions to drive all the "Mormon"
(Latter Day Saint) preachers from
their coast. These resolutions v/ere
signed by the Sberitf and many who
are sworn to be civil peace officers, to
suppress all riots and unlawful assem-
blies and support and defend the con-
stitution of the United States and of the
state of Tennessee; also military offi-
cers who are sv/orn to do the same. —
From Colonels and Majors down thro*
all the grades of officers, enrolled their
names, with this lawless banditti, to
abuse the servants of the living God,
by abridging their privileges and tramp-=
ling upon their rights.
We enjoyed our meeting unmolest-
ed at br. Utley's, on Saturday the 19tb
inst. although almost 6very breeze
brought us news that the mob intended
to curry their resolutions into effect,
and that some hundreds had entered
into this conspiracy. In the afternoon,
a little before sunset, a company of
some forty or fifty men made their ap-
pearance, some on foot, others mount-
ed two on a horse, with guns, sticks,
clubs, dic; they were led by a Sheriff,
Colonel, first and second Major, with
some other officers, and a Methodist
priest, with a gun on his shoulder.
The Sheriff informed us that he had
a State's warrant for D. W. Patten,
W. Parrish and W. Woodruff: issued
;s66
MlSS^jLNGLn ANt/ AUV-A:aTL
on Gcmplaint of Mathew Wiliiame, the
Methodist priest and chairman spoken
of above, Vrho svvare that we had put
forth the following false and pretended
prophecy, viz. That Christ v/ou!d come
the second time before this generation
passed away, nlso that four individuals
should receive the Holy Ghost within
lour and twenty honrs.
We were ciedibiy infcrrncd, that the
company that v.'ere under the control
of ihvTsG nobie chieftain;?, consisted of
Baptists, Mefhodists, Presbyterians,
liar-, drunkards, hog and horse thieves.
And so determined were they to force
us off at that hto hour, that it was with
much difficulty we could prevail on
them to show us any lenity. Howev-
er they protracted the time of our ap-
pearance before the court until Tues-
day following, by our giving a bond of
two thousand dollars, signed by our-
selves and tv.-o of our brethren.
They intended to have led us into
the woodd under the dark curtain of
night, (the emblemof their conuptand
wicked hearts,) with the pretension of
taking us' before the magistrate, that
they might the belter execute their di-
abolical designs upon us.
On Tuesday in company with about
twenty brethren and' warm friends,
who were ready and willing to lay
down their lives for us, we went before
our rulers. We found about one hun-
dred perj^ons assembled whose counte-
uances too plainly indicated the black
designs of their hearts. They were
armed with guus, dirks, pistols, clubs,
sticks, &c. At a late hour, we pre-
vailed on the Sheriff to have the court
called, which consisted of three magic-
trates, one of whom was rejected from
ihe judgment seat because some of his
family were miembers of our church.
The Sheriff then asked of the court the
privilege of divesting us of our arms,
if any we had; it was granted. Elder
Patten had a pistol which he had taken
that morning in consequence of our
having heard that the mob did not ex-
pect to sustain a lawful charge against
us; but intended to rise up and over-
{>ower us by their cumbers; he also
had a walking stick. I had a cane and
common pocket knife; these were ta-
ken from us.
A man by the name of Perkins (who
report says, had run his country for
bog stealing and also had been guilty
cf concealing a stolen horse for which
he had lost a part of his nose,) was ap-
pointed by the court to act as State's
Attorney, or in other v/ords, mob soli-
citor general, to abuse the innocent
and screen the guilty. V/c were abu-
sed by any and every scoundrel that
saw fit to do so, and the court allowed
them this privilege. After .hoy had
hiought many of those who had eotered
into a conspiracy to witness against us;
we called on our witnesses, but the
court refused to hear any testimsny ov,
our part, because the mob objected and
they dare not do otherwise, hut were
controlled by the lawless banditti thnt
surrounded them and us, who were de-
termined on our destruction. Said Per-
kins made a plea ag<».i;i;.t us, and we
were not permitted to reply or speak
in our own defence. Thus ended this
mock trial, and the court after retiring
a few minutes, returned with this ver-
dict; That they concluded that the
charges preferred agumst us had been
sustained, and that we were bound over
to court for trial.
Our accusers did not attempt to prove
that those individuals who were prom-
ised the Holy Ghost on condition of
obedience to the gospel did not receive
it, for they if called upon would have
testified otherwise; and let the candid
judge, whether any man can in truth
testify, that he who prophecies, that
Christ will come the second time in this
generation, is a false prophet. And
furthermore our complainant testified
that the above named crimes were com-
mitted in October, 1834. It is a well
known fact that Elder Woodruff, whose
name is included in the warrant (tho'
not arrested) was not in this state until
the spring of 1835, So much for tho
oath of a Methodist priest.
While the court was preparing our
bonds, nnother warrant was served on
Elder Patten; the mob without and the
mob within, whose intoxicating zeal
had risen to its zenith were threatening
our lives, and eeemodonly waiting the
dark shades of night, which were fast
gathering round, to cover them while
thev should wreak their hands in our
blood; the influence of our friends as
instruments in the hands of God kept
this gathering storm from bursting up-
on our heads. About this time the
Sheriff proposed to us that if we would
leave the county in ten days and pay
the cost, they would set us at liberty;
at the same time informing U8 that it
fe^SENGEH AXt> advocate:.
was the only way for us to escape the
hands of the mob, who were hardly re-
strained from acts of violence. One
of the brethren present oi?dred to pay
the cost and all advised us to accept
the offer, although in its nature m;)st
insulting, tor if we were really guilty
of a violation of the laws of this state,
their oath of office obi'gat;;;d them to
bind us over to trial bol'orc the circuit
court. But this was not the fact; we
were not guilty, and this last stop jiroves
to a demonstration that ihey (the court)
did not consider us so; and shows that
oaths, obligations and the rights ot
man were disregarded, and the whole
scenery from bejjinnins to end was
» CO
controlled and governed by a set of
ruthless ruffians, who are .sunk in the
lowest depths of degradation and infa-
my, of whom the devil himself ought
to be ashamed.
WARREN PARRISII.
MORNING.
The stillness of the scc?ne, and the
•serenity of the air, invite the mind to
contemplation. When nothing is heard
around but the warbling notes ff na-
ture's songsters and the lowing of the
kino, that seem waiting to impart their
nutritious aliment in their possession,
for the benefit of man, receive their
morning meal from the ki'chcn, and
then depart; the mind that loves con-
templation, that is fond of retirement
and courts reflection, will delight to
commune, on such a morning, with his
own heart, and with that God who has
prepared such a variety in the scenery
that surrounds him.
While thus soliloquizing, I was led
to wonder at mv fellow man for ne-
glecting to improve the but of the time
that God has given him, for the best of i*^^^'^^'^ ^a. where he has labored ihe
^ 5^7
such resolutions relative to his inter-
course with his fellow mortals, as shall
eventuate in ihe greatest quantum of
human happiness, than at any other
period.
If it be his sole employ to store the
mind with useful knowledge, most as-
suredly there is no time^ v.hen the
mind can he brought to bear niore in-
tensely and with greater accuracy v.ry-
on any point than in the sober stillness
of the morning. If h-. „-ou!d invoke
the blessings of heaven, when can ho
come_ more boldly to a throne of grace
than in the morning before hi.^ passions
have been disturbed, or his mind dis-
tracted v/ilh a thousand cares? When
can he come v,'itn a heart more full of
gratitude than in tlic morning, whoii a
ccnsciousness that Ihat God,
"Who eees with equal eye as Lord of all
A hero perish or a sparrow fall,"
has by his guardian angels, protected
and defended hirn duritie; his defence-
less hours? When can he come with
more boldness to a throne of orace? —
When can he have greater conlidence
that he shall have access to a throne
of grace? When can he more rea-
sonably hope the heavens will be pro-
pitious to his v/ishes, and grant him that
grace and that wisdom that are indis
jiensably necessary to keep him from
all the snares oi the evil one, through
the day?
From the Elders Abroad.
Since our last months, paper was
put to press v.'e have received- another
letter from Elder G. W, Hinkle post
marked Fairplay, la. July 15th The
elder informs us that he is nov/ about
purposes. A little reflection v/iil some-
times supersede bitter repentance, and
when can a man reflect with more in-
tensity of thought, and bring all the
powers of the mind to bear, with great-
er force upon any point, than in the
stillness of the morning when rest and
sleep have each contributed their full
share to su|)ply the waste of bodily
strength and invigorate a mind that
may have been distracted with a thou-
sand cares the preceding day. If he
have been guilty of follies or faults,
be can at this season, weigh their crim-
inality more accurately, and put in re-
most of the eeasou thus far since he
left here. We trust he has beeh use-
fully employed, and that the Lord has
blessed his labors. We think few-
are more successful in proclaiming the
truths of the Gospel then elder Hinkle,
He writes us that he has baptized ia
that region 57 and 14 in other places
making 71 in all since he left Kirtland.
He gives us to understand that he
leaves a field of useful labor, and that
there are more call? for preaching
quiaitlon more power of mind, to pass I than he had ever witnessed before.-
363
MEiSStNCER AND ADVOCATE,
He intreats elders that are traveling
through that section of country, (Co-
lumbus Bartlioloincw Co. la. to call
and teach them the way of life and
.-jilvation more perfectly, to which we
respond, Amen.
Elders D. C. Smith & S. W. Den-
ton returned a few weaks since from
a mission to the Eas^ They state to
V13 that they went as far as Waterloo
SenocaCo. N. Y. and then returned
to Naples Ontario Co. where they la-
bored a while in company with Elder
Jedediah Grant, whom they found
there. They all labored there a short
time, established a small branch of a
church consisting of seven members,
and then Messrs. Smith and Denton
returned home, leaving Elder Jededi-
ah and Joshua Grant still in charge,
to instruct the saints more perfectly.
We have other elders whose places
of residence are distant; they are situ-
ated in the various branches of fhe
church abroad; some of them in Illi-
nois, some in Indiana, some in the
south and west part of this State, some
in Pennsylvania, some in New York
and others in all, orv nearly all the N.
England States. "We frequently re-
ceive letters from them that are deeply
interesting to us and to th.e cause ol
truth, and although we do not often
mention their names in our paper, we
owo it to ourselves to say we appreci-
ate their services in the good cause,
and tender them our grateful acknow-
ledgements for the course many of
them have taken to reward our humble
talents and enhance our individual in-
terest. We say they are useful in the
branches until the time of the gather-
ing, and we pray the Lord of the har-
vest to keep them humble, faithful, pa-
tient,, wise, and consequently, useful,
till in his own due time, he shall com-
mand them to come and bring their
sheaves with them.
CONFERENCE.
We are requested to notify a confer-
ence of the church of Latter Day
Saints to be held in the town of Mils-
f<>rd A^ita33*ala. CJounfcy OMa, at the
hoube of Brother John Knapp on Sat-
urday the 20th inst. at 10 o clock A.
M. Eiders brethren and others who'
can make it convenient, are respectful-
ly invited to attend. Saturday will be
a day of business with the church and
on the following day there will hs
public preaching.
MORONI'S LAMENTATION.
I have no home, where sliall I go,
While I am left to weep below?
My heart is pain'd, my friends are gone-
And here I'm left ou earth to mourn.
I see my people lying round,
All lifeless here upon the ground:
Young men and maidens in their gore;
Which doss increase my sorrow more!
My father look'd upon this scene,
And in his writings has u ade plain,
How ey'r^"^ Nephite's heart did fear,
When he beheld his foe draw near.
With axe and bow they fell upon
Our men and women, sparing none,
And left them prostrate on the ground,
Lol here they now are bleeding round 1
Ten thousand that were led by me'
Lie round this hill called Cumorah;
Their spirits from their bodies fled,
And they are number'd with the dcadf
Well might my father in despair.
Cry, O ye fair ones! once how fair
Hcvv is it that you've fallen! Oh!
Mj soul is fill'd with pain for you.
My life is sought! where shall I flee?
Lord take me home to dwell with thee',
Where all my sorrow will be o'er,
And I shall sigh and weep no more.
Thus* sang the son of Mormon when
He gaz'd upon his Nephite men,
And women too, which had been-slain,
And left to moulder on the plain!
THE LATTER DAY SAINTS'
Messeng;er and Advocate,
Is printed and publislied every month at Kirtlacd,
Geauga Co. Ohio, by
OX.IVSRCO'WDSH?,
EDITOR AhO PROPRIETOB,
At^l.per an. in advance. Every person procuring^
ten new subscribers, and forwarding S 10, current
money, shall be eiUUUd to a paper one year, gratis.
All letters to the Editor, must be
^^ POST PAID. £31
No subscription wOl be received for a less term than ont
vear and no paper discontintted tiU aU arrtaragea or*
aU^ except at the option of the publisher.
LATTER DAY ^AIi
8'
il
12 I KTRTLAVIJ. OHIO. Sb:PTli:MBER. h:^^. — Whol^
No. ry4.
COMMUNICATIONS.
The subject of the gathering of Is-
rael i'roii^ his long dispersion in the
last days, has become a fruitful theme
of theological disquisition among all be-
lievers in divine revelation. The pul-
pit and the press have teemed with ar-
guments on the subject drawn from the
sacred writings to elucidate different
doctrines and support entirely different
opinions. Perhaps, there is no one
great and important event treated with
that clearness and precision by all the
ancient prophets, that we find on the
subject of the gathering of Israel, and
yet so much diversity of sentiment ob-
tain, as now obtains on that subject.
Some, from a superficial view of it
have coa.sidere.d the prophecies fulfilled
on the return of Judah and Benjamin
from the Babylonish captivity; otheis
have looked at it differently and stren-
uously supported the idea, that the
scriptures relating to that subject had
not yet been fulfilled, nor ever would
be, only spiritually. Another class
still, have been willing to admit that the
Jews would be gathered as the prophets
have said, but utterly dissent from the
idea that the promised gathering has
any reference to the Gentiles.
In humble diffidence I will now ad-
vance my own ideas, drawn from rea-
son, from analogy, and from divine re-
velation.
I believe that the subject of the gath-
ering not only affects the Jews, or di-
rect lineal descendants of Abraham,
but every nation, kindred, tongue and
people under the whole heaven, and
that the prophets meant as they have
said, that there is no private interpre-
tation to their expressions, but when
speaking on that subject, they are to
be understood litorallj'.
One prophecy concerning Isra^:! has
most assuredly been literally fulfilled'.
Viz: Deuteronomy 4: 27, And the
Lord shall scatte r you among the na-
tions, and ye shall be left few in nun>-
ber among the heathen, whither the
Lord shall lead you. I might adduce
much scripture testimony on this point,
but a fact occularly and historically
established as is this one, can hardly
bo stroi\gth.oned by any tostimoay, oitn-
er human or divine; therefore, 1 will
proceed to bring forward the testimony
for the gathering of Israel literally in
the last days. Isatah 11: 11,12',13:
And it shall come to pass in that day,
the Lord shall set his hand the sei^ond
time to recover the remnant of his pep-
ple, which shall be left from Assyria,
and from Egypt and from Pathros,
and from Cusl), and from Elam, and
from Shinar, and from Hamath, and
from the islands of the sea. And he
shall set up an ensign for the nations,
and shall assemble the outcasts of Isra-
el, and gather together the dispersed of
Judah from the four corners of the
earth. The envy also ofEphraim shall
depart, and the adversaries of Judah
shall be cut off*. Ephraim shall not
envy Judah and Judah shall not vex
Ephraim. The i4th chap. 1 & 2 ver.
read thus; For the Lord will have
mercy i n Jacob, and will yet choose
Israel and set them in their own lands;
and the strangers shall yet be joined
with them and they shall cleave to the
house of Jacob, and the people shall
take thera a^d hringthem to their place;
and the house of Israel shall possess
them in the land of the Lord for ser-
vants and for handmaids: and they
shall take them captives whose captives
they were; and they shall rule over
their oppressors.
As we pass it may not be improper
to remark that these scriptures have ne-
ver yet been fulfilled. They were
written a few years before the organ
through whom they were given to man
was sawn asunder by order of Manas-
sah, one of the kings of Judah, and af-
ter the ten tribes were carried into cap-
tivity by Salmanassar, king of Assyria,
and that was an event which took place
about 721 years before the advent of
the Savior mtoour world. The Baby-
lonish captivity took place about 115
years afterwards, and aff*ected only
the tribes ot Judah and Benjamin, and
surely the return of the Babylonish
captivity which took place 70 years af-
ter (536 b. C.) could not be a fulfil-
ment of the scriptures for it never af-
fected the captivity of the other tribes;
they have never yet been gathered. —
The outcasts of Ephraim and the dis-
parsod of Judcsh. have tieveir been
370
MJiSSliNGKJR. ANi* ADVOCATE,
brought together acording to the pre-
diction of the prophets.
Jeremiah who prophesied 028 years
before the coming of Christ, records
the word of the Lord through l)im in
the 23d chap, and 3d rer. of his pro-
phecy, thus: I will gather the remnant
of my flock out of all countries whither
I have driven them; and will bring
them again to their folds and they shall
be fruitful and increase. Chap. 31st,
0,7,8 and 9 verses read thus: Forthere
shall be a day that the watchman upon
mount Ephraim shall cry arise ye and
let us go up to Zion, unto the Lord our
God. For thus saith the Lord; sing
with gladness for Jacob, and shout
among the chief of the nations; publish
ye, praise ye, say O Lord gave thy
people the remnant of Israel. Behold
I will bring them from the north coun-
try and gather them from the coasts of
the earth, and with them the blind and
the lame, the woman with child, & her
that travaileth with child together :-r-
They shall come with weeping and
with sqpplication will i lead them, 1
will cause them to walk by the rivers
of waters in a straight way, wlierein
they shall not stumble, for 1 ama father
to Israel and Ephraim is my first born.
Also look at the 32d chap, from the
36th to the 40th ver. inclusive: And
now therefore thus saith the Lord the
God of Israel concerning ihis city
■whereof ye say it shall be delivered in-
to the hand of the king of Babylon, by
the sword, and by the famine and by
the pestilence. Behold I will gather
them out of all countries, whither I
have driven them in mine anger and in
my fury and in great wrath, and I will
bring them again unto this place, and I
will cause them to dwell safely; and
they shall be my people and I will be
iheir God; and I will give them one
way, that they may fear me forever:
for the good of them and of their chil-
dren after them: and I will make an
everlasting covenant with them, that 1
will not turn away from them to do
Ihem good; but I will put my fear in
iheir hearts, that they shall not depart
from me. Chap. 33d, 7th and 8lh ver.
read qs follows: I will cause the capti-
vity of Judah and the captivity of Isra-
el to return, and I will build them as at
the first. I will cleanse them from all
their iniquities whereby they have sin-
ned against me; and I will pardon all
their iniquities whereby they have sin-
ned, and whereby they have transgres-
sed against mo.
The prophecy of Ezekiel chap. 20,
33,34,35,36 ver. seems equally pointed
on the same subject. It reads as fol-
lows: As I live saith the Lord God,
surely with a mighty hand, with a
stretched out arn? and with fury poured
out will I rule over you: Apd I will
bring you out frorn the people, and I
will gather ye out of the countries
wherein ye are scattered, with a migh-
ty hand and with a stretched out arjn»
and with fury poured out. And I will
brins vou into the wildhrness of the
people, nnd there will I plead with )ou
face to face like as I pleaded with your
fathers in the wilderness so will I plead
with yru saith the Lord God. We no-
tice that Ezekiel prophecyed elcve^i
years or between eleven and thirty?
one years after the Babylonish capti-
vity. I will adduce one more passage
from EzekieFs prophecy, chap. 38, be-
ginning at the21st verse: And say un-
to them, thus saith the Lord God, be-
hold I will take the children of Israel
from among the heathen, whither they
be gone, and will gather them on every
side and bring them into their own land:
and I will make them one nation in
the land upon the mountains of Israel,
and one king shall be king to them all,
and they shall be no more two nations;
neither shall they be divided into twq
kingdoms anv more at all.
We will next notice Zechariah'a
prophecy which was delivered at least
sixteen years afier the return of Judah
from the Babylonish captivity. At the
10th chap, beginning at the 5th versp,
And they shall be as mighty men which
tread down their enemies in the mire
of the streets in battle; and they shall
fight because the Lord is with them,
and the riders on horses shall be con-
founded. And I will strengthen the
house of Judah, and I will save the
house of Joseph; and I will bring \he^i
again to place them, for I have mercy
upon them; and they shall be as though
I had not cast them off: for I arn tho
Lord their God, and will hear t^ein-.
And they of Ephraim shall be like a
mighty man, and their heart shall re-
joice as through wine: yea their chil-
dren shall see it and be glad: their heart
shall rejoice in the Lorfj. I will do
this for tliem and gather them, for I
have redeemed them; and they shal^
in«reaso as they have increased^
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
tn
Two ideas strike the mind as mat-
ters of tact on ca&iing tho eye over the
above quotatiens from the sacred wri-
tings. And first, the 13abylonish cap-
tivity affected only the two tril)€s of
Judah and Benjamin- Th.e other ten
tribes having been carried into captivi-
ty by Saimanassar, king of Assyria,
115 years before the Babylonish cap-
tivity by Nebuchadiiezzar tho king of
rBabylon. Second: On looking at thepc
scriptures, it is plainly discoverable,
Ihat i\tQ prophet mentions the whole
house of Israel; and sometimes Epli-
,raim and Judah are particularized as
heads o.f tribes. Now wo will mention
■one fact more for tho consideration cf
all. Ephraim coiistituted ono of the
len tribes, who have iKivor yet been re-
>turned, therefore the return of Judah
and Benjamin from the Babylonish
■captivity could not be n fulfilmont of
rthe prophecies quoted. I will still ad-
rcuce another proof to those in any de-
gree acquainted with history ; viz. The
prophets in those passages, have prom-
iised more I'eal happiness than Judah
rand Benjamin have ever realized, con-
sequently wo conclude it follov/s, that
from these considerntions, Israel is not
yet gathered, but will bo gathered ac-
rcording to the predictions of those ho-
ly men whose words we have quoted.
We will notice mie evidence more;
io wit: Zechariah whose prophecy was
rdelivercd as before noticed, sixteen
years, at least, after the return of Ju-
,<lah and Benjamin from their captivity,
and in ad-^ition to the fact that Judah
and Benjaman had returned but had
fHot then, nor even now have they, ever
realized what was there promised; nor
ihave the other tribes ever yet returned.
We therefore, feel confident that ifthe
prophets meant any thing, they meant
what they said and that they looked
down through the vista of years, to a
period yet in futurity; when those pro-
-mised blessings should be bestowed
with a liberal hand upon God's chosen
people.
A word to those who believe that the
gathering means only spiritually. The
captivity and dispersion you believe
were literal do you not? certainly you
must admit it. Did not the Lord bring
a literal flood on the antcdeluvian world
rs he said he wonld by his servant
Noah? True he did. Did not the Lord
\ y the hand of Moses and Aaron liter-
lly bring the children of Israel out of
Egypt into the land of Canaan as he
promised tho patriarch Jacob he would?
Most assuredly he did. Is there not
an abundance of testimony that Israel
the literal descendants of Jacob have
been scattered among the nations of
the earth? Most certainly there is,—
Now on looking ot the subject, is it not
worthy of remark, that all these impor-
tant events mentioned in the scriptures,
were predicted long before the events
themselves transpired? And not only
were they foretold, but they were put
down in plain simple language, and a
way- fa ring man though a fool need
hardlv be mistsiken. The God wo wor-
ship is a God of truth: When he has
said he would scatter a people he has
done so; when he has said ho would
build up a people, establish them or ga-
ther them, he has done so. And since
•'in him is neither variableness nor
shadow of turning,"' we infer from a
view of the analogy of the events ful-
filled, and the evidences viewed in tho
light of reason and truth, and wo ar-
rive at this delimte conclusion that tho
Lord will yet gather Israel in the last
days as he has so often promised by tho
mouth of the prophets.
To those who are willing to admit
that the Jews or children of Israel are
to be gathered as tho Lord has said,
but deny that this gathering affects the
Gentiles, we will suggest a few que-
ries. And first, In what part of the
volume of inspiration is to be found a
covenant, or the copy of a covenant,
that the Lord made with the Gentiles
as II party abstract from the Jews, or
the seed of Abraham: We wait for a
reply. None can be given, because
none can be found. Then have tho
Gentiles no promise left them. Seper-
ate from Israel they have none. The
Lord said to Abraham, in thee and in
thy seed shall all the families of the
earth be blessed. This St. Paul said
was preaching the gospel to him, and
it will readily be acknowledged, that it
always requires a belief in, and an obe-
dience to that gospel, before either
Jew or Gentile could be benefitted by
it. Is it not plain that both must com-
ply with all the requirements of it in
order to be benefitted by it? JS'wt cer-
tainly you will admit it. Then we fur-
ther ask, has the Lord any other schene
of saving men but by tho gospel? Car*-
lainly not an^y..
S?2
MEaSKNGER AND ADVOC'ATi:.
We are now prepared to ask a few
more questions. Since it has been
proven that Israel was to be gathered
literally in the last days or in some
time yet to come, is not this agreea-
ble to a prediction' or a command and
for their temporal salvation? undoubt-
edly it is. Tiien their temporal sal-
vation could not be effected vvitbout it.
The Savior himself gave the signs that
were to precede the destruction of Je-
rusalem, the saints m that day saw
them, believed the predictions con-
cerning the city would be fulfilled and
fled out previous to its destruction. —
He has also condescended to give us
some of the signs of iiis second advent
into our world, but he has no where
given any promise to the Gentilvs on-
ly in consequence of the unbelief of
the Jews they were represented as be-
ing grafted into the true vine and the
Jews broken off. Now they are rep-
resented as beirtg grafted in and stand-
ing by faith but liable to fall after the
same example of unbelief that the Jews
had set before them. "Now he that is
faithful is blessed with faithful Abra-
ham," and is an heir with him to the
same promise. The apostle Paul in ad-
dressing the Gentile church says: for
as many of you as have been baptized
into Christ, have put on Christ There
is neither Jew nor Greek, there is nei-
ther bond nor free, there is neither
male nor female; for ye are all one in
Christ Jesus, and heirs according to
the promise. It will readily be ac-
knowledged that the promise to Israel
affected the temporal as well as eter-
nal salvation of that people. It will
also be conceded that every promise
implies the necessity of obedience on
part of him or tliem, to whom such
promise is made. Therefore, since
God has made no covenant for the
temporal salvation of the Gentiles, only
suffered them to be grafted into the one
made with the Jews, and as thn Jews
are to be gathered, and cannot be s^-
ved temporally in the last days unless
they are, so we infer the Gentiles
must be, unless it can be made to ap-
pear that men can be gathered without
a change of locality.
We might adduce much valid testi-
mony of a positive command of God
by revelation to gather in these last
days, but, to the saints it would be un-
necessary; for the reason that ihey
are not only taught it by revelation
but by the spirit and living instruction.
So that to them any farther argument
would be superfluous.
It is humbly hoped that those who
deny any revelation in this day and
ago of the world, vvill carefully exam-
ine the testimony and arguments drawn
from the ancient scriptures, diveat
themselves of all tradition, and pre-
conceived opinion and then judge of
tne plain matter o-f fact before them.
The following is from the Editor,
now on a tour to the East, for the pur-
pose of spending a few weeks on the
sea-board, to his brother in this place.
Those acquainted with our brother",
know of his indefatigable labors in the
cause of Christ since the organization
of the church. We hope his journey
may be pleasant, and that his former
degree of health may be restored.
On board thk steamer Boston, }
Long Island Sound, August 3, 1836. ^
Dear. Brother: —
1 have often thought, that
were all the ills and wo6s, perplexities
and cares of this life faitnfuUy portray-
ed before the mind ot anxious, expect-
ing youth, he would sink down dis-
heartened, and wish to be absent, ra-
ther than venture upon the stage ofllffe
v/here so many hazards are seen, and
so little rest/, sxihsfanfial Rudlastirigen-
joyment obtained. But, it is, no doubt,
for the best, that the curtain which
hides him from the next moment's
opening scene, should carefully enclose
its troubles and its joys, lest by the
one he should be held back from duty,
or by the other propelled to folly and
exultation. A wise Creator has so fix-
ed our state, that by disappointments
and crosses, if not by prosperity and
success, we may be admonished of our
approaching end, and that this life is
not our abiding place. I think, though
yet young, that were it no* ^ov friends
and near relatives, whom I so highly
esteem, and whot^e society and happi-
ness I so much value, I would eveil
now choose rather totake my exit, that
I might be at rest, than longer tarry
where woes surround and afflictions
overwhelm the human heart. This is
not the hasty reflection of the moment,
nor is it the last sad resort of the cul-
pritj whose fate is sealed, and whose
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
273
days are numbered, to his certain
knowledge. For the fond prospects of
youth, may be said, in fact, to be yet
before rnc. And though despised rind
ridiculed by thoustinds, 1 have a cer-
tain reflection, that. God h;>.s so far
been my tViend, that many, very ma-
ny, entertain a fellowship, at least, i'or
the religion I proftjss-, if not for me.
when a short time since, but few were
found, who did not only consider those
principles heretical, but the promulga-
tors, unfit for human society. And
knowing, as 1 do, it is the work of the
great God, with confidence may I look
to see it prosper and prevail. Mo&t
certainly, these last reflections ure
joyous and very satisfactory, yet that
anchor to the soul, sure and steadfast,
which is cast within the vail, outweighs
all these. O, eternal rest, my spirit
longs for thee! Beyond, far beyond
these resti'-ss climes my hopes are cen-
tered and my treasures dwell! There,
there! where the pure ra\'s of glory,
tlie never-fading beauties of our Crea-
tor, and the peaceful enjoyments of
the redeemed, all conspire to render
happiness complete indeed! Who so
vain as not to c]lo^^sc thee rather than
affliction? Who so inconsiderate as
not to value thee above those things
that change? And whoso vile as not
to cast otfthe sins of this life, to ensure
an inheritance in those blessed man-
sions, where each inhabitant beholds
the Savior's face?
But, if I employ all rny time on this
subject, I shall find no space to tell
you of my journey. On Monday, the
25th of July, at 7 o'clock, P. M. I took
passage on board the steamer Charles
Townsend, S. Fox, Master, at Fairport,
for Buffalo. The Townsend is a mis-
erably slow boat, with but indifierent
accommodations. The least swell
seems to have power to toss her to and
fro "//Are a drunken man.'^ Brother
R'sand my own health, were far from
being good: his, from sea, ovlake, sick-
ness, and mine, f om chills and fevei:
increased, no doubt, by the cold, damp
winds from the north east. Our other
brethren were well, and found oppor-
tunity to "contend lor the faith oncu
delivered to the saints." In fact, they
were rather drawn into conversation,
in consequence of some on board, who
sought to stir up animosity and bitter
feeling, hy vile insinuations and slan-
derou^i;, ungent!,emanly assertions.
It is certainly strange how vain man-
kind are; it would seem, that some are
so much out of their element, if they
are not slandering their neighbors, that
thoy must necessarily employ their
whole time in this vile, hellish business,
in order to live. However, the good
sense, iho better judgment, and the
maniy understanding of the passen-
gers, were not to be swerved by ruffi-
an lies, put forth to injure the inno-
cent. And the loud talk, boisterous
assertions and exulting pride, of a few,
ceased to be heard long ere we arri-
ved at our destined port. I am satis-
fied that our apprarance, if nothing had
been said, would have been productive
of good — men sav/ that we did not wear
horns, or any other monstrous thing,
to distinguish ourselves fromothers.
The next evening, about 10 o'clock,
wc arrived at Buffalo, and took lodg-
ings at the "Farmers' Hotel." I be-
lieve that the constant and unceasing
emigration to the west, and the return
oi land speculators, serve, with other
business, to keep the Inns, in Buffalo,
constantly full. From the extortionate
price of board, &c. fine would suppose,
that Inn-keeping would be an object of
enough importance to warrant a suffi-
ciency of public houses — but this is
hardly so. The population and trade
of this town are fast increasing. Such
being the fact, of course, wickedness
keeps an even pace.
Here wo very unexpectedly fell in
company with our highly e teemed
friends aod brethren, elders O. Hyde
and iM. C. Nickerson: the former on
his way to Canada, and the latter from
that province. Elder Hyde soon le t
us, but elder Nickerson tarried in town
imtil we left in a boat for :Rochester.
I confess, that to meet a friend, a tried
friend in a distant place, is like meet-
ing an angel while wandering alone in
the wilderness.
We had anticipated taking a packet
at Buffalo, but my ill health, together
with crowded boats, withal so much
fisting and fighting, racing and rioting,
the brethren, for my comibrt, as well
as their own peace, concluded to take
a line boat. This rendered our pas-
sage slow, but more agreeable.
A short time previous to our passing
Albion, a man had been robbed of
some nine or ten hundred dollars, by
a couple of ruffians, who decoyed him
alone, under pretence of showing him
374
ifestJENGKR AND AI>Vt)CAfi::.
a farm. They shot him, robbed him,
and then threw him into tiio canal, and
fled. Fortunately, he was not killed,
but crawled out and made an alarm.
Report said he was like to recover. It
is to be hoped, that the robbers may be
found, and suffer the penalty of the
law.
Not far from this place we saw ano-
ther dead body, which had just been
taken out of the canal, over which a
jury of inquest was soon to have been
held. Fiesh blood was then issuing
from one of his temples. He was pro-
bably a man of about middle age. If
wickedness and robbery do not walk
the banks of the Firie canal, 1 confess
myself unable to judge from the best
of evidence!
Rochester continues to flourish;
while the Genessee River affords wa-
ter, and the adjacent country, wheat,
Rochester must be a place of business.
Like most of our western towns, it is
blessed, or cursed, with all kinds of
people. Our stay here wr.s short, I
observed while passing, that many of
the little towns on the canal, seemed to
resemble Jonah's gourd — they liave
grown up in about the space of a night,
and perished as soon, h will require
a number of 5 ears to make the banks
of the canal one continued city, as ma-
fly have supposed — the adjacent coun-
try will not support it.
At nearly eight o'clock, A. M. the
29th, we arrived at Utica — ^just in time
to take the rail road car for Schenecta-
dy: the first passengers' car on the
new road. It being the first trip for
the purpose of carr} ing passengers, 1
suppose prudence dictated a slow mo-
tion, to save accident; and including
time occupied in receiving and unload-
ing passengers, taking on new supplies
of water and wood, v/evvere more than
six hours travelling , eighty - niiles. 1
suppose the distance may be run m four
hours with ease.
The locomotive had hardh stopped
before the cry was — "Albany bag-
gage— the car starts in five minutes-"
Such a scene of confusion, bustle and
crowding, was not very pleasant. —
However, there was no great outrage
-^-no broken heads, arms or legs, but
a good deal of complaining and manv
wry faces. We succeeded, after a
good share of scuffling and pulling, in
getting our trunks on board the bag-
gage car for Albany. The engine is
attached to the cars about one mih;
from the town, (at the top of a. long
hill, which you ascend on an incliaeci'
plain,) and propell« you at a good
speed, say one mile in two and a half
minutes. It might not be safe to go-
faster, but frofn an^y inGonvenienccf
one would suffer from fast ridiag, yotr
might as well go a mile per mhaute. —
Three miles from the termination of
the track, the engine is disengaged and'
the ears drawn by horses — it cads ons
State street, a little below the State
House.
Albany is an old town, said to con^
tain near forty thousand inhabitants: it&
streets are very irregular, narrow and
crooked: the widest is State street, gra-
ced with a large, splendid State House,
State Houses, you know, are very fine
buildings — here, office holders and of-
fice seekers, meet for debate, wise meni
to enact good laws, which many of the
people, by-the-by, take special care net
to observe.
I had long wished to descend the Hud-
son by day-light, but was always so-
hnrried with business, that I coold not
delay twelve hoars to see a dozen such
streams, with all the cities and hills
upon their banks. At seven o^'clock,.
A. M. we went on board the steamer
Erie, or rather, the John Mason, which
took us io the Eirie, lying over the bar.
The Erre is a fine, spacious boat, fitted^^
for day passengers, with two engines,
and a vei'y decent lookirg captain.' —
Just as the passengers were steppmg'
off the John Mason, the Rochester, a
nev/ boat, passed us. "Now for a race
— nov/ for trying speed," was tho sound"
from difff'-rent parts; and a race and
trying of speed, it was — each boat's
crew seemed to be eager to effect ai
landing of passengers, -it the different'
points, with the least time. However,
as fate, steam, or power of engine,
would have it, the Erie, after touching
at Catskiil and Westpoint, where the
Rochester did not, went into New York
a few miles "ahead." Every one on
board seemed to be glad, hut few to re-
alize, that by such an. extra pressure
of speed, the lives of hundreds had
been made to hang as by a single hair.
For one, 1 thanked God that myself
and friends were safely landed.
New York is a large town — I have
no doubt but it is as rich, and as. poor
— as proud, and as humble — as lofty,
and as low — as virtuous, and as vilef-
MESS£.\Gi.R AND .UiVOCA'IE.
»fc
—and, it being the largest, no one will Igationa, m'/i/? And if they are not
right, th«y must be wrong! and if
wrong, oau t,iey be saved? There may
bo found a few righteous enough to
save it; but, with all its religion, and
its righteousness. New York seems'to
pretend it is not — the most wicked, of
any other in the Union. Curiosity had
brought me to the conclusion of visit-
ing, at this time, the different parts of
this great emporium of fashion and
foolery; but the ill state of my health nie like a congregated massof heedlesa
iictually forbade. I wiilked down and
took a view of the ''burntdirftrict," and
saw how easily the wealth and pride of
Jiien can be mide to vanish before the
devouring, consuming clement, wi:cn
the great God so orders in liis [)urposo.
Fifteen millions is a large sum to van-
ish in a night. The great exchange,
■once the pride and boast of the sellers
nrid buyers of cash, is a heap. There
is money yet in Wall street, and *'Dra-
Tier, Underwood," arid others, ready
to help incorporated bodies to plates and
dyes, to mdkc injre
mortals, a sink of corruption, a road
to misery — a gate to hell!
But I must close for the present, ho-
ping that the glorious gospel of our
Lord, which is so little known at this
day, may be carried forth to the ends
of the earth, and be proclaimed with
demonstration and power, till every
nation hoars and every soul obeys —
and the glory shall be his.
You may hear from me again.
'^Kiioto lie not Chat the unrighteous shall not
Our Govern- I i>i^'-^Tit the kingdom of God.- lie not dccdced:
ajsjit is erecting a large Custuru IIousu
on the corner of ??assau and Wall
streets, which, when completed, will
be very grand. The huge marble pil-
lars, already look like the work of a
nation. Strangers find it a difficult
task to pass the business streets in New
York: on the side walks you come in
constant collision with balloon sleeves,
and ofT, your life is in danger, in con-
sequence ot oinniouses and drays. —
The New Yorkers, with all their other
inventions to muke, and get money,
have coritrived an admirable plan —
{hey throng the streets with gigs, hacks,
coaches and omnibuses, to that degree
that no one can pass on foot, and of
course, necessity compelLs one to ride.
A man with one eye. can see that an
omnibus with four horses, occupies
,\,:i:.i<.rJjrfi;,ca'ors nor idulaiors, -nor adulter-
ers, nor cffcitdiiate, nor abusers of thonsclces
with mankind, nor t'daccs, nor covetous, nor
drunkards, nor reciters, nor extortioners, shall
inh'rlt fh- '■'•ngd'jni of God." — 1 Cokintiu-
ANS 6th, 9,10.
It is al.un lantly evident from the
words we have selected, which weie
addressed to the ancient saints at Ct"
rintli — that wickedness in the extreme,
and every species of evil and abomina-
tion in the sight of God, had begun to
manifest itself, and show its deformed
head cmong those who were received
into the church, i';uilt up under the in-
struction and superintendence of the
great apostle of the Gentiles. In the
context the apostle rebukes his bretL=
ren sharply for going to law before the
unjust and not before the saints: he
plainly stamps it with reprobation as
iTiOre room than the number of passen-j an unrighteous act' The manner of
gers it can carry. But this belongs to his rebuke is directly calculated to ex-
the march of improvement peculiar to i alt the character of God, and the ines-
tliis age, and so long as people rather timable privilege of the saints; when
ride than walk, I presume but few will j he says know ye not that ye shall judge
complain, even if now and then a man
gets his neck broken.
You may think strange if I remain
silent upon the subject of the religion
of this city; ^ov of course, as large a
angels. Truly this must be an exalted
station, and yet the Corinthian church
had become so corrupt, and so far de-
parted from the holy commandments
ufiven unto them, as to lose their confi-
dence in their brethren, and go to law
before the unjust and not before the
saints.
O tno great contrast .between.
town as this must abound with religion
of sortie k.ind, if not with all kinds. —
Here are chapcis, churches, and meet-
ing houses, people to fill iliem, ftllftf* those who keep the commandments of
priests to hold forth and tell them what God and tliosc who do not!
they must believe; and withal, it might j This rebuke, which we find so severe
be considered uncharitable for mc toi m those to whom the epistle >vas ad-
say there were none sincere in this j I rcssed, of which our text forms a parv
;;reat body; but the important question was not giv ni merely to warn the bre-
Ts, are thev, as sjocicticrs and
congrc
thren at Coririth th:U thev must avoid
2t«
MESSENGER .-OD ADVOCATE.
those great sins in the sight of God,
which he had, and was about to enu-
merate, but we have incontestible proof
that they, or some of them at least,
were verily guilty. Here, let us re-
mark, xvas a church built up in the days
of the apostles of the Son of God. —
The combined powers of darkness had
quenched, or grieved the Holy Spirit,
till it had withdrawn its vivifying in-
fluences, and left the members of this
church to become guilty, verily guilty,
of some of the blackest of crimes that
disgraced the annals of any age, any
nation, or any people. If they were
not the blackest that the arch fiend
himself could invent; they were of tnat
enormity in the sight of God, that he
said by the mouth of his servant acting
tinder the influence of immediate in-
spiration, that the perpetrators of such
crimes should not inherit the kingdom
of God,
Although this was a church built up
among the Gentiles, among those who
were "aliens from the commonwealth
of Israel and sti angers to the cove-
na-nts of promise," we may, without
doing the least violence to the truth,
conclude, that many of those abomina-
tions were practiced by them, without
reprehension or censure before they
became members of the church; but
this was no mitigation of their crime
or palliatitm of their guilt. They had
solemnly vowed in presence of God,
angels and men, to keep all the com-
-ir.andments of the Most High and walk
m his ordinances. Therefore, the apos-
tle comes out against their wickedness
and abomination, not in mild sycophan-
tic court-bred flattery, lest he should of-
fend them, but in the bold daring lan-
guage of keen rebuke, and at the same
time portraying the inevitable conse-
quences of such enormous crimes. In
general terms he says, "Know ye n(4
that the unrighteous shall not inherit
the kingdom of God?" Now that his
brethren need not be ignorant of what
was righteous and what was unright-
eous, he particularizes thus, be not de-
ceived; neither fornicators, nor idola-
tors, nor adulterers, no- effeminate,
nor abusers of themselves with man-
kind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor
drunkards, nor revilers, nor extor-
tioners shall inherit the kingdom of
God. This is language altogt-ther too
plain to need comment. Any argu-
ment, to either evade or enforce it, i?
entirely superfluous. Wecannorrore
evade it than we can do away a self-
evident fact by sophistry: it still tells
against the perpetrators of all such
crimes, and sounds tne knell of depart-
ed peace incessantly in their ears. Al-
though such characters may be sur-
rounded with the temporal blessings of
a bountiful providence, and riot in vo-
luptuous ease, they are destitute ot'
that p^ace, that comforter, that leads
into all truth, and if we are destitute
of that, we have not tlie spirit of Christ,
and if have not the spirit of Christ, it
is plainly said, we are none of his.
Perhaps, some of our brethren may
attempt to evade the force of this re-
buke because it was not addressed to a
church or people, in this day nor age
of the world, but to a people of another
country, another kingdom, another
clime, another continent and livitug
eighteen hundred years ago. We will
look at the objection or excuse. Wi<b-
out making any bold assertions, let ua
ask a few plain questions and see what
answers the scriptures and the Holy
Spirit will suggest to our minds. Was
the church of Corinth considered a gos-
pel church] True it wa^. The apos-
tle sa^s in Christ Jesus, I have begot-
ten vou through the o-osneh and he fur-
ther said he thanked God they came
behind in no gifts; he also enumerates
the necessary gifts, their uses, and
their necessity, and not only that but
how long they would be necessary. —
He beautifully illustrates his ideas and
enforces his teachings by the apt but
striking similitude of a human figure.
Showing that as every limb and all the
senses were necessary to complete the
human figure and that it would be in-
complete and imperfect without all the
members. So all the spiritual gifts-
were necessary to constitute a true
church. He, as we before remarked,
not only gave the Corinthians to un-
derstand how long these gifts would be
useful, and why they would be useful,
but he more fully and clearly establish-
ed the same points when writing to his
Ephesian brethren as will appear when
we look at the 4th chapter, 12th and
13th verses. Was it not the power of
God in tl e gospel that produced these
things] Certainly. The same apostle
says to his Roman brethren that he was
not ashamed of the gospel of Chrisfc
for it was the power of God unto sal-
vatioHj <SrCv
MESSENGER Ax\D ADVOCATE.
I3 God the same being he then was,
and his gospel the same He has said
by the mouth of his servant Malichi,
"I am the Lord. I change not." Have
we any inlimation that he has ever re-
vealed any other plan of saving men
but by the gospel as preached by the
apostle Paul avid his colleagues at the
commencenjent of the christian era? —
We have none. Do we not then learn
by the sacred writings thiit this same
gospel of which so aaich is said, is no
less than the plan of God for saving
mankind? Surelv we do. Do we sup-
pose that any thing short of mfinite
wisdom could have devised this plan?
We do not. V\ou!d a different plan re-
quire different meansor different agents
to effect that plan? It certainly would.
Then the plan being different, the a-
gents operating on that plan must of
necessity produce a different effect. —
Well, as we have seen that God is the
same, his gospel the same, is it unrea-
sonable, is it unscriptural, is it unchris-
tian, is it a mark of delusion, to con-
clude the effects of the same gnspel
must be the same?. Can a rational be-
ing be blamed for his incredulity who
puts noconfidence in any plan or cours ■
of procedure, the effect of which is
entirely different in manv of its n •cm-
^ ^ I
inent features from that which God
devised for man's salvation? Certain-
ly he could not. Do we not then come
to the irresistible conclusion that the
protessing christian world with all their
zeal, and apparent sanctity, are preach-
ing and inculcating another gospel? —
The scriptures have told us what the
true gospel is, and the effects of it, and
when we compare the modern with the
ancient we find it suffer in the compar-
ison, therefore, we strongly suspect it
is not the same. If it be not the same it is
another, and if it be another, a woe is
pronounced against those who proclaim
it.
We have almost inadvertandy di-
gressed from the subject under consid-
eration, at the commencement of this
article, but we trust it will not be deem-
ed wholly unprofitable. We are warn-
ed by the apostle not to he deceived
and he names the characters that should
not inherit the kingdom of God. And
most certainly a deception would be as
fatal, from an erroneous principle, a
spurious gospel, a false religion, as
from the wicked practices of those who
,i&mbraced u correct principle. Now
37^
that we have been able to arrlve~at
some definite conclusions respecting
the true gospel, let us beware, lest from
a consciousness, that we have obeyed
the commands of God in complyino'
with some ot the first principles of the
plan of salvation, we lose sight of that
mark of the prize, that high attainment
in wisdom and knowledge which is the
imperious duty and inestimable privi-
lege of every saint of the Most Migh,
to obtain. Therefore, let us not de-
ceive ourselves nor deceive others. —
Men, do not gather grapes of thorns
nor figs of thistles. No unrighteous
act can be approbated by the Judge of
heaven and earth, for the reason that
all unrighteousness is sin, and he can-
not look upon sin with any allowanco
or approbation. He has said that tho
soul that sins it shall die.
Can the subject be made any plain-
er to the understanding of the children
of men? Will any deceive themselves
wi*h the vain hope, that while they are
guilty of any of those sins, against
which the apostle has spoken in such
strong unequivocal terms, they shall be
5--aved in the celestial kingdom?
Surely, as rational beings they will
not, they cannol. The wicked idola-
trous, covetous or drunken believer or
professor of the true gospel, will fare
no better than he that embraces a.Ja/se
system and vainly strives to climb up
some other way. The best, and all ho
can reasonably expect at the hand of
his Judge, is, depart ye cursed, ye
worksiaof iniquity, I know you not.
Rather, then let us be wise, let us bring
our bodies into subjection to the will of
God, by yielding ibedience to all his
commands, that we may have right to
the tree of life — and be admitted thro'
the gate into the city to go no more out
forever: which may the Lord grant for
his Son's sake. Amen. 'W*
NOTICE.
A conference of the Elders and bre-
thren of the church of Latter Day
Saints, will be held in New Portage,
Ohio, on the 24th and 25th inst. The
meeting will commence at 10 o'clock,
A. M. on the 24th, and the business of
the church will claim the first attention
of the official members. Public preach-
ing may be expected on the Sabbath.
Elders, brethren and friends are re-
spectfully invited to attend.
MLSSENGER A>"D ABVOCAf£.
Me8.«eii§"er aiati AdToezatc.
KIRTLAND, OHIO, SEPT. IS3C;.
This number of the Messenger and
Advocate clo.sas the 2d volume, and
we hope our numerous frien.ls and
patrons, who have not already forwar-
ded their names and subscription mon-
ey, for the next Volume, or made a
Epecial contract to that effect, wiil do
so, on or before the first week in Oct.
St which time we intend to issue our
first number of the 3d Volume. Such
as are in arrears fo'us for papers and
do not cancel our present demand, nor
comply with the above notice, by letter
(post paid) or through the medium of
friends here, may reasonably expect
their names to be stricken t'rora our
Subscription List.
By a letter recently received from
the west, we learn that our brethren
are still in trouble. Our enemies, and
even brethren who are weak in the
faith, may be ready to conclude God
^ould never call people to suffer such
persecution and privations in his cause.
Wc say he always chastizes his saints
for their disobedience to his will when
ihoy know what it is. We have in
this month's papbr pubiishedan extract
from a revelation given on the subject
of the gathering of the saints: those,
^vho are disposed, may read it and
then they will be able to judge how far
short, those moving to the west have
fallen of keeping the commandments
given them.
We have preceded the extract above
named with such remarks as then has-
tily occurred to our minds, which will
be found in another column, but we
hardly feel to dismiss the subject, with-
out once and again urging upon our
brethren who are about to remove to
the west, to strictly keep the com-
mandments which have been given
Do not leave the homes you have un
til you can send or carry means ttr
purchase othens, or have friends to
procure them for you.
The excitemcut is still great among
our enemies and nothing but, the re-
straining power of God hinders them
fromextermiuatin'g the whole of our
brethren at a blow. They are denied
the privileges of con)mon citizens, and
are continually at tlie me rev of a law-
l3ss mob, who are as ruthless, to say
the least as the Savage of the Rocky
Mountains. Some of our enemies are
doubtless desparate in their hostility
through fear, of the great nr.mbcrs
that emigrate to tbtit country, and the
faite rumors that circulate concerning
them. These things are natural, and
to be expected while so much wicked-
ness and perversity of sentiment pre-
vails as now actuates the hearts of the
children of men. We hope the saints
will be wise and prudent and know of
a surety that the hand of God is in all
these things. He suffers the wicked
to afflict vou for vuur benefit, while
they are oppressing and tyranizing
over you, they are filling up the mead"-"
ure of their iniquity and ripeniiig for
destruction. One word more and we
have done; if you are suffering for
yoUr transgressions, it should excite'
humility and reformation; but if you
suffer for righteousness' sake, youf
very sufferings "shall work out for you-
a far more exceeding and eternal
weight of glory."
Several deaths have occurred in
our town since we issued our last num-
ber of the Pvlessenger and Advocate.
Some of them have been in families
that patronize our paper, and survi-
ving friends may expect we shall give
an obituary notice. But we think they
can have no claim on us, unless they
make their request to us, and furnish-
the particulars relative to the decea*©
of their friends.
MEBStNQOl AjSD ADVOCATt.
Wc have published belo-.v the 9th
and lOtl) paragraphs of a revelation
given in Dec. 1833 and now pubiishod
in tne 233 and 230 pages of the book of
doctrine and covenants. Vve have
published said paragraphs, for the in-
struction and understanding of those
who have never read said revelation.
Many are ready to cry out against the
Saints, and rtrHrrnnur against the deal-
ings of God with his people. But from
only once reading of those para-
grajihs, it will Le seen, that in scarcely
u single instance has the commands of
God bten heeded. The Samts have
neglected the necessary preparation be-
forehand; they have not sent up tneir
wise men with money to purchase
land, but the rich have generally staid
back and with held their money, while
the poor h;ive gone first and without
money. Under these circumstances
what could be expected but the appall-
ing scene that now presents itself?
The Lord always chastizes his people,
the people to whom he gives immedi-
ate revelation, more quickly, and ap-
parently more severely for their trans-
gressions, than he does those who dis-
regard all revelation. We do 1
lope
the saints here and elsewhere; will
learn humility, wisdom and obedience
by the things which their brethren in
the West now have to suffer.
Again, venly I say unto a ou, 1 will
show unto you wisdom in me concern-
ing all the churclws, inasmuch as they
are willing to be guided in a right and
proper way for their salvation, that
the work of the gathering together of
my saints may continue, that I may
build them up unto my name upon ho-
ly places; for the time of harvest has
corne, and my word must needs be ful-
filled. Therefore, I must gather to-
gether my people according to the par-
able of the wheat and the tares, that
the wheat may be secured in the gar-
ners to possess eternal life, and be
crowned with celestial glory when I
shall come iu the kingdom of my Fa-
ther, to reward every man according
_^9
as his works shall bo, v.hillo the tares
shall be bound in bundles, and their
bands made strong, that thev may bo
burned v/ith unquenchable fire. There-
fore, r. commandment I give unto all
the churches, that they shall continue
to gather together unto the place wliich
I have appointed; nevertheless, as 1
have said unto you in a former com-
mandment, let not your gathering be
in haste, nor by flight;" but let all
things, be prepared before you,* and in
order that all things be piepared be-
fore you, observe tdu commandments
which I have given concerning these
things, which saith, or teacheth, to-
purcl asc all the lands by money, which'
can be purchased for money, in the re-
gions round about the land which I
have appointed to be the land of Zion,
for the beginning of the gathering of
my saints: all the land which can be
purchased in Jackson county, and the
counties round about, and leave tho
residue in min-? hand.
No'.v verily I say unto you, let all
the churches gather together all their
moneys; let these things be done in
their time, be not in haste and observe
to have all things prepared before you.
And let honorable men be appointed,-
even wise men, and send them to pur-
chase these lands; and every church
in the eastern countries when they are
built up, if they will hearken unto
this counsel, they may buy lands and
gather together upon them, and in this
way they may establish Zion. There
rs even now already in store a suffi-
cient; yea, even abundance to redeem
Zion, and establish her waste places
no more to be thrown down, were the"
churches, who call themselves after
my name willing to hearken to my
voice. And, again I say unto you,
those who have been scattared by their
enemies, it is my will that they should
continac to importune for redress, and
red'^mption, by the hands of those who
are placed as rulers, and are in au-
thority over you, according to the laws
and constitution of the people which I
have suffered to be established, and
should be maintained for the rights
and protection of all flesh, according
to just and holy principles, that every
man may act in doctrine, and princi-
ple pertaining to futurity, according to
the moral agency which I have given
unto them, that every man may be ac
countable for his own sing in the day
o66
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
of judgment. Therefore it is not right
that any man should be in bondage
one to another. And for this purpose
have i established the Constitution of
this land, by the hands of wise men
whom I raised up unto this very tiir-
pose, and redeemed the land by the
sheddine of blood."'
'g
We are under the painful necessity
of saymg to the branches of the church
of Latter Day Saints abroad, as well
as to all good people to whom this no-
tice may come, that Havlsl M, CII-
lieFt s. Botanic practititioner rf medi-
cine, was regvilarl}'' received into the
ehurch in this place, and after obtain-
ing the almost unlimited confidence of
honest, and sincere as other profe-s-
sincr christians — and while persecution
follows the profession of an honest
faiih [ am its defender — It is no less
strange, than true, and no less true
thnn EtrangQ, that the persecutions ;Gf
anv vi.vc, since the establisPiment of
chri.-tianity in America at least, have
been believers in some creed, who
have persecuted those who did not be-
lieve as they did, or who might believe
a little too much for the orthodox stan-
dard— Christians persecuting chris-
tians have been the strange comment
on that text 'see how these Christians
Ifvr one another" — Your sect is now
taking its turn — I hope in God it may
never be the persecutor. —
I am what the Christian world calls
an Infidel; — because I am tolerant to
said church through the influence of all sects, and embrace none, but op
some of the official members, he has in
a shameful, and wicked manner, for-
feited all confidence, by involving him-
self in debt deeply, borrowing money,
and it is more than suspected, that he
has stolen some and has now abscond-
ed to parts unknown. Said Gilbert is
about five feet eight inches high, slim
built, ruddy complexion, dark eyes;
and walks rather slow for a man of his
years, being, as we judge, about 28.
One hundred dol'ars reward is offered
for his apprehension and return to this
place. We have withdrawn all fellow-
ship from him, and hope such base in-
gratitude and consummate villany will
ere long be overtaken by even-handed
justice, and be brought to condign pun-
ishment.
pose the persecuting, and defend the
perecuted let their faith be what it
may. —
Such are my feehngs, and views on
this subiect-^and, of course, am the
friend of the persecuted Mormon — Yota
will therefore accept the enclosed, and
contmue to send me your paper, and
let me know when my second year clo-
ses.—
Respectt''u!ly Yours."
We insert below an extract of a let-
ter from one of our numerous patrons
in this State, that our readers may see
the difference there is in the minds of
men that are actuated by principles of
humanity and common sense, divested
of prejudice and the minds of those who
believe in a particular creed and virtu-
ally deny the bible.
♦'Although I am not a believer in
the Book of Mormon, I have charity
to believe the followers of your faith
From thf- Elders abroad.
We continue to receive intelligence
from our much esteemed friend and
brother in the Lord, Elder Parley P.
Pratt; the work of the Lord truly ap-
pears to prosper in his hands. Our
readers are aware that Elder Pratt's
labors have been confined to the city
of Torf>nto, Upper Canada, and the re-
gion in its vicinity, since last spring.
He has had much and powerful oppo-
sition to encounter from the priests of
other denominations since his arrival
in that place, but we have recently seen
our brother, and he informs us verbal-
ly that personal abuse and controver-
sy seem to have ceased for the pre-
sent. The principles of our religion
(the religion of the bible) are attacked
in the public prints by innuendoes. A
specitneii of cowardice, cant hypocrisy
and falsity, may be found below, which
was publ'shed in the Christian Guard-
ian (so called.) a Methodist publication
in Toronto. We copy it into our col-
umns thot our readers may see the
weakness of the arguments used against
us, as well as the cowardice of the at-
MKSSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
Bftl
tack. The piece to which we allude,
after a lengthy communication, closes
in substance as follovs:
"The good old way taught by the
Apo?tles and Prophe s and afterwards
by the reformers, such as Knox, Lu-
ther, Wesley, VVhitefield, and many
others, will finally reap an abundant
harvest from the field ( f missionaiy
exertion; while the doctrine of modern
ins[iiration will soon fall to the ground
and sink to rise no more."
We here give the substance of Elder
Pratt's remarks on the above, as di-
rected to us in a letter from Canada.
"Both the original writer of the ar-
ticle and the editor of the paper must
have supposed we are ver_v ignorant
here in Canada, for vvhoever has read
the prophets and apnst'e =, knows full
well, that they taught the doctrine of
ancient & modern ins]Mration, through-
out their entire teachings and warned
us to beware of^'U such as would teach
any other doctrine.
"Again who that has read church
history does not kn<jw that Knox was
a strong Calvinist, Wesley a strong A r-
minian, Whitefield a strong Calvinist,
and that the doctrine taught by each
f)f these men dirFered as widely as the
East from the West. Tlmij were sen-
sible of the difference, and Mr. Wes-
ley observed that he would sooner be
a Turk, a Deist, or a CJniversalist than
to be a Calvinist. Now to sum up so
miny contradictory and ooooxite doc
trines, and call them all the good old
way, in order to oppose modern mspi-
ration, i'--^ surely presuming too much
upon our ignorance.
"Has it come to this? Must all the
conflicting systems of the world com-
bine in one to oppose the doctrine of
inspiration, the only true doctrine of
salvation? Must the public be called
on to believe that five hundred dirferent
systems are all the one good old way?
Ma}' the Lord pity the ignorance of
the people of ihis generation, and de-
liver them from such barefaced impo-
sition
>j
Elder Harrison Burgess informs us
verbally, that he left Kirtland on a
mission to the East, on the 18th of
April last; and travelled through the
States of New Vork and Vermont, dis-
tance in all about loOO miles and
preached fourteen times. He says the
congregatioas were large and very at-
tentive; and that from all he learne<t
he is satisfied that the prejudice of the
people in the regions throuh which ho
travelled is tast giving way before the
force of truth and evidence; and is of
opinion that ail that is wanting is faith-
fulness on the part of the elders to en-
sure attention to the subject of the Ev-
erlasting Gospel, and a degree of suc-
cess hitherto unparalleled. The El-
der baptized but two, yet had his busi-
ness permitted his tarrying longer in
the places through which he passed, \\»
doubts not but many more would have
come forward. We pray our heaven-
ly Father that our brother's most in-
tense desires may bo fully x'ealizod,
and that not only he, but every ((thcr
Elder in the church of Christ may be
prospered in the glorious calling
whereunto they have been called.
Elder A. Babbit states that he has
been laboring for a little season past in
the town of Madison Geauga Co. O.
He has baptized 9 and there are Iarg3
congregations and apparently favora-
ble impressions on the minds of the
|)eopie, and to all human view a church
can or will be built up in that place
and vicinity.
Elder Lyman E. John«»on has recent-
ly returned from his mission to the pro«
vince of New Brunswick, and other
places on our Eastern sea-board. We
have had occasion to speak of the el-
der's success in the cause of truth from
letters received tVom him, during his
absence in a former number of our pa-
per. The eider now states to us ver-
bally, that he was well received by ths
brethren where there were any, and
that it is due to all where he travelled
to say, that he was kindly received and
hospitably entertained. Truth and rea-
son are the best weapons to combat
prejudice and error. Time, patience
and perseverance on the part of the
saints are necessary to overcome these,
and all other opposing barriers to the
truth. The elder has had full con-
gregations of hearers, has preached in
a great many places, and baptized five
since he wrote us, making 27 in all
since he left home in April last.
A conference of elders and members
of the church of Latter Day Saint*
was held in Newry, Oxford Co M©.
on the 12th llUh 14th of August last,
agreeable to prsvioiw notice by lettert
?>&2
>n;sSENGER ANIJ ADVOCATE.
missive to the diiTerent brnnchcs of
the church represented.
Elders, Brigham Young &, Lyman
E. Johnson (two of the twelve) were
present. Elder Johnson made some
preliminary remarks, previous to the
bcgining of the conference; Elder
Brigham Young was called to the
chair and Daniel Bean was duly elcct-
od clerk. Meeting was then oi)enedby
singing. The throne of grace was ad-
dressed by elder Young. The elders
present were then called on to express
their faith and manner of teaching
the principles of the gospel, which was
.done to the satisfaction of the councji.
The priests and the deacons were then
.called upon each in their respective or-
der, to give a relation of their faith
and manner of teaching. There
were six ciders, five priests and one
deacon present. The Book of Doc
trine and covenants was received and
acknowledged junanimously. The
council thenrnade appropriate remarks
and adjourned one hour.
Couneii convened at 1 o'clock accord-
ing to adjournment, Eld. Johnson open-
ted by prayer.
Official members then proceeded to
give a relation of such particulars con-
cerning the branches they respectively
lepresented as seemed agreeable to the
mind of the Spirit.
Eldfjr Bean represented 3 branches,
(viz.) one of 26 members, Errol branch
17, and Newry branch 29, making 72
Elder S. B. Stoddard, Farmington
t)ranch 33
Eld. R. M. Lord, Saco branch 52
Eld Jonathan Holmes, Bradford
branch 12
Eld. James Snow, St Johnsbury, Vt.
branch
13
*♦ do.
do.
Linden 10
?' do.
do.
Charleston 14
•* do-
do.
Irasburgh 11
«« do.
do.
Jay 14
♦* do.
do.
Danville 12
" do.
do.
Lyman 14
Brother Fisher
represented Dalton
l^ranch
20
Elder Young represented Boston &
Rhode Island branches: the former 12
and the latter 9 21
Eld. L. E. Johnson represented a
branch in Sackville, N. Briinsmck 19
Brother Joshua Small was then re-
commended, received unanimously and
ordained to the ofTice of an Elder.
It \vas decided by the council that
Eld. James Snow should go to New
Brunswick. Such instruction v/as then
given by the council, as seemed to be
wisdom. Two candidates came foi'-
ward and after due examination,
were baptized by elder Johnson. On
the 2 foilowincr days (13 & 14) there
v/as public preaching at Middleinter-
vale meetinghouse, in Bethel. The
congregation particularly on the sab-
liath, was large, solemn and attentive;
a good spirit appeared to prevail. The
speakers faithfully warned the wicked,
spoke comfortably, yet faithfully to
the saints, and good, we trust, was
done in the name of the Lord Jesus.
BRIGHAM YOUNG, Chair,
Da MEL Bean. Clerk.
817
A conference was held agreeable to
notice on the 20th inst, at the house of
Elder J Knapp in Millsford Ashtabula
Co. Ohio, for the purpose of doing
some business for tlio benefit of the
church a number of elders and priests
v/ere present, after the meeting was
opened by prayer, by a unanimous
vote, Elder S. Phelps, was called to
the chair, and G. Robison, choseij
clerk. An address was delivered bv
President Phelps, before proceeding
to business, the spirit of the lord was
among us and we believe every secret
was brought to light, the difficulty was-
amicably settled and satisfaction given
to all present, there is a church in this
place consisting of 32 members and
we believe are now, in prosperous
circumstances. Great praise is due
Elder J. Knapp for his zeal for the
cause of Christ, labouring by night «Sc
day, presiding over this church.
SAMUEL PHELPS Chair.
GroRGE Robinson Clerk.
Millsford, August 20, 1836.
OBITUARY.
Died, at Independence, Cuyahoga
Co. Ohio August 9th 1836, sister
Chlor rudd aged 78 years and 8
months. She had been a member of
the church of Lattpr Day Saints, more
than three years. She has "gone down
to the grave in a good old age like a
shock of corn fully ripe."
Of a pulmonic affection, in this
town, on the 19th of August, brofhef
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
3*.-.
Jabez Cartkr, aged 80 years; he em-
braced the faith of the gospel througii
inuch oppositiiin atid persecution some-
what over three years since. This areil
brother was born in Kilh'ngs'.vorth in
the State of Connecticut, whore the
early part of his life v/as spent; he
emigrated from tlience to Rutland co.,
town of Benson and state of Vermont,
where the fulness of the gospel first sa-
luted his ears; he, like a true child of
(iod embraced it with all his heart, and
often expressed his anxiety to come to
this place before he died, saying that
he should then be satisfied. Suffice it
to say, that he came here in good
health, walked our streets with a iirm
Btep, viewed the house of the Lord, &
then felt to express his satisfaction as
did old Simeon when he saw the Sa-
vior, "now lettcst thou thy servant de-
part m peace lor mine eyes have seen
thy salvation." He was taken sudden-
iy and violently ill, lingered about 12
days and God called his happy spirit
home,
REFLECTIONS.
Sic gloria mundi. When the world
seems to be rising new around the aged
saints, a generation flushed with hope
and full of expectation presses upon
their rare, the companions oftheiryouth
are called abroad, or have already
fallen a prey to the king of terrors;
the Tecoilections and reminiscences of
by-g'''ne days cease to entertain or
jamuse those who are bouyant with hope
and anticipation. Therefore, God
kindly calls away the aged from the
society where they are becoming stran-
gers and pilgrims. He removes them
from the evils to come, and the bodies
of the Saints shall rest in hope and,
their happy spirits dwell in the para-
dise of God.
Died, In this town on the 29th of Ju-
y, an infant son of Daniel Carter, a-
ged one j'car and four months.
^ ' - — — ■ — . . "-i
Kirtland, Ohio, SepL 3, 1836.
The following is a list of the names
of Ministers of the Gospel belonging
to the church of the Latter Day Saints,
whtae licenses were recorded, the last
quarter, in the License Records, in
Kirtland, Ohio:
by THOMAS BURDICK,
Recording Clerk.
ELDERS: Samuel Phelps
William H Presley
^amcfl Blil»loa Zera Pulsipher
Phineas Brov/nson jr
Isaac H Bishop
Alexati'ier Badlam
Harry Ero-.vn
Samuel S Curdick
EJson Barnev
Royal Barney jr
Calvin B Clulds
Israel Calkins
Jacob Chamberlain
William P Card
Stephen Chase
Ja/nes Durfee
John Daily
Edmund Durfe? jr
Zenas Gibbs
Joshua Grant jr
Truman Gillet jr
Thomas Gates jr
Ilarpin Rifyfs
Darius H.acc
George A Smith
Gardner Snow
Wiilard Snow
William Snow
Lyman Sherman
Eraetus B Wightman
Charles Wightman
Samuel Warner jr
Elias F Wells
Melvin Wilbur
Whitford G Wilson
Henry H Wilson
Franklin Youngs
PRIESTS
Charles Brown
Moses R Norns
William Huntington jr Jonas Putnam
James Houghton Andrews Tyler
^I ihew Hillman ■ ■ - - ■
Nathan Haskin'j
Jonathan Hampton
Samuel Jaques
•\braham Palmer
W'iiliam Tcnney
Hiram Kellogg
John Kiliian
John Knapp
Cornelius P Lott
William Miller
Garland W Meeks
John F Olney
Oliver Olney
TEACHERS:
Russel Thompson
Rechias Djstin
Orson G Beach
DEACONS:
Moses Tracy
Isaiah Williams
IMHUX TO Vol. 2nd.
Page.
219
285
299
301
20.3
Address to the saints
A Valedictory of J. Whitmer,
Abolitionists,
Atlas article,
Apology editorial,
C.
CharchofCiirist. ordc- of, 212
Comment on IMatthew 18: 7, 230
Comment on Proverbs 13: 15, 238
Communication from the 70, 253
Communication from O. Hyde, 256
Comments on John 14: 6, 264
Communication from F. Nickeraon 270
do do Solomon Hancock 272
do do A. J. Squiers 288
do do J. Smith Jr. on Abolition 28&
do do W. ParriBh do 295
do do O. Hyde 296
do do S. Kigdon 297
Clerk of 70 notice concerning H. Straiten 299
Comment on let Peter 4: 7 305
Communication from P. P. Pratt 318
Conference Minutes Chalk Level Ten. 331
Communication from J. M. 332
do do S. Rigdon do
Comment on 1st Tim. 2: 1, 2
Conference Minutes Portage N. Y. 350
do do Lawrence, Ohio 364
Communication from Messrs Patten &,
Parrish 865
Communication from W 37i
Conference Notice 377
Conference Minutes, Newry Me. 381
do, MiUsford, Ohio, S3Si
D.
Delusion beware of 250
Dedication of the House of the Lord J74
do Prayer E77
D B Gilbert Notice of ISO
3«4
MESSENGER AJXD ADVOCATE.
E.
Egyptian Mummies
Extract of W.Tarrish's letter to his
parents
Extract of W. A. Cowdry's letter
Elders abroad
Extract of a letter of J. M.
Eiders abroad
Eldrrs Licencee
Elders abrond
do do
Elders Licensed
Elders abroad
Editorial
Extract from Book of Covenants
H.
House of the Lord
Hymns
do
do Hosanna
do "How good it is to sing"
do "Arise ye saints of Latt«r days"'
ladians
Interview with a Jew
Israel Gathering of
L.
Letter of Wm. W. Phelps No. 11
do ofO. Cowdery do 8
do of the ''Twelve"
do of P. Dustin
do do L. T- Coons
do do Noah Packard
do do J. Smith Junr. to the elders
do do E. Partridge «& I. Morely
do do Wm. W. Phelps No. 12
do do O. Pratt
do do S. Wixom
do do J. Smith Jr. to the elders
abroad
do do W. WoodrufF
do Extract of S. Browns
do of H- Aldrich
do of J. Smith Jr.
do do S. Rigdon
Lei every man learn his duty
Letter extraet of
do from G. Burket
do do Oliver Barr
do do S. Rigdoa
Letter extracts
LstterofJ. M.
do do O. Barr
do do S. Rigdon
liitter Day Saints from "Ohio Free
Press"
Letter commendatory of J. He wet
do of P. P. Pratt
do do O, Barr to S. Rigdon
do do 8. Rigdon in Reply
do do Wm. W. Phelps No. 1 2d
series
Letters of Presidency to J. Thornton &
others
Letters of Presidency to Wm. W. Phelp
& others
Letter Extract of
Letter from Editor
M.
Meeting of quorums
Meeting public of citisens of Clay, co.
M<k<
do do do
do of Elders of church L. D. S. in
Clay Cof Mo.
H of cttisens ofCl^y Co. Ma
233
281
291
303
313
330
335
?5Q
3G7
ib
ib
378
379
270
208
224
256
272
288
245
263
369
193
195
204
207
ib
203
209
220
221
223
224
225
237
ib.
ib.
240
241
248
2 i
256
257
258
263
294
273
ib
315
316
317
321
226
340
359
I
355
ib
372
266
353
359
ib
360
Marriape notice of . 331
Morning 367
Moroni's Lamentation 368
N,
Notije editorial 224
do Clerk of 70 concerning H. Strai-
ten 237
do J. Smith Jr. 238
do editorial 240
do W. A. Cowdery 263
do of Conference ib
do do High Council 271
do do Editorial 27Sf
do do do 288
do do do 329
do of conference in Ky. 335
do do Cornelious P. Loti 336
do do Editorial 364
do do Conference Milsford, Ohio. 368
O.
Obituary, notice of G. H. Schenk 207
do ,do Mrs. Mary West ib
Old times persecution of from Fox Book
of Martyrs 214
Obituary of Rachel Rank SlQi
do Joseph Johnson 340
do Joshua Davis ib
do Lucy Gates ib
do Sylvester M. Smith ib
do Christian Whitmcr ife
do Electa Gee ' = 245
do Alta Hancock 273
do Caswell Matlock ib
do Elizabeth Hough 273
do David Thompson ib
do Curtis Stoddard Jr. ib
do Naomi Harmon 329
do Mrs. Mary Smith 336
do Misd Mary Smith d®
do George Bump 36J
Obituary of ChloeRudd 382
do. Jabez Carter ib
do. son of Daniel Carter 38S
P.
Perf3ction 310
Prophetic Warning 542
Prayer Secret 302
do Dedication 277
R,
Request editorial 202
Resolutions of quorums 267
Remarks editorial on the Elyria article 313
do on Ohio Free Press article 314
do J. Hewets letter 316
do P. P. PratU letter 317
do Editorial 346
do do 355
do do 360
Reflections ib
S,
Saints of the Last days 3(W"
do abroad 347
THE LATTER DAY SAINTS'
ItXessengfer and Advocate*
Is printed and published every month at Kirtland
Geauga Co. Ohio, by
OX.XVBRCOWDBSY,
EDITllR AND PROPRIETOR,
At % 1, per an. in advance. Every person protxtring
Uh neto eubscribers, and fonoardinff % 10, current
rKonty, ikall he entitled to a paper one year, grati«.
Ml letters to tJte Editor, must be
rcr POST PAID, jrt
No subscription will be received for a less term them one
year, and no paper discontinued till all arrcara^te art'
pai4t except at tlu option of the pttbiieher'
r.
y& 2
MSSSEi¥f^I3Ii ANB A1>T@€ATE.
Vor,. Ilf. No. 1.1 KIRTLAND, OHIO, OCTOBER, 183Ci. Whole No. TSo.
PROSPECTUS
For the third volume of the
Latter Day Samis'
Messenger and Advocate.
At the frequent solicitation of El
dsrs, who obtain the principal part of
the subscribers for this paper, we have
thought proper to strike off a short
prospectus on a g(^paratfj sheet, for
their special convenience. It frequent-
ly happens that when brethren are a-
broad proclaiming the gospel, they
have neither a prospectus nor a speci-
men sheet, to exhibit before the public,
nnd being strangers their agency is
doubted.
The present (Sept.) No. closes this
volume; and considering the weight of
influence and determined opposition,
Jigainst which it has been compelled to
contend, its circulation has become ex-
iensivo'— towns, counties and states,
have, through the medium of this littlo
sheet, learned our views and princi-
ples on the subject of the gospel of the
Son of God; and we humbly trudt, ma-
ny have found it a w^jlcoma visitant in
the hour of despouiency and doubt,
wiiiio surrou.uded by .contending reli-
gionists who scryo^ to-dividrj the v/orid
into parlies, and set the hand of man
acjainst his fellow. And whenever it
has found a reader, to such, a recapitu-
lation of the doctrines it has carried to
a perisliiug world, would, be superflu-
ous, as on almost every p^^go may be
he gve>'- ■
found some pnint leading io th^j,. „..,,
and essential plan of saiviition. j '■^"^^'^ nci.iing ol
A3 those principles are t-^und writ- '"^^^^ ^'" rehgious.
ten over the face of scripture, to give,
even a synopsis, in a short prospectus,
f'ould not be expected: It cannot be
doubted, however, by a discerning
mind, that the end draws near, and
that the time is not far distant when a
breaking up of corrupt systems will
commence, and discordant factions, at
present so mysteriously interwoven,
will be severed, preparatory to to the
universal deluge of misery which must
envelop the wicked.
We do not say how long before the
zompletion of the purposes of God in
the salvation of Israel, nor the over-
throw of false religions; but this we
>?ity", that thi» words of the proph«?t9
must be fulfilled; the arm of the Lord
will be made bare; the afflicted of Ja-
cob lind their Ancient Rock true to his
promises — and the earth will rest.
It said we differ from the prevailing
sects in matters of religion — we do not
deny it; but that difTeronce is an hon-
est one. From a careful reading of
the word of God, and a candid research
into those things which concern the
world 'n the last days. — gazing upon
tnc foundation, scrutaniznig the order,
contrasting the example of the apos-
tles with those sects, as an honest
man,' we are bound, by every feeling
of our hearts, to dissent from thoso
systems, v.'hich, although they have
continued to grasp the earth, deny the
gift of inspiration, set at nought the
gospel of Jesus Christ, and spread
darkness and corruption over the face
o^ the world.
As it is frequently reported that we
disbelieve the bible and contend against
its precepts, it may be well to correct
that report in this short article, as it
may, by chance, fail into the hands of
some who might otherwise go unde-
ceived:— it is false, unequivocally false/
We believG that sacred record from the
evidence we have of its divine authen-
ticity, atsd because we boliave it a con-
sistent book, when taken iu its true
meaning — xohich is at it reads, our
ch'iraler is vilified, and we compelled
to bear the scandal of ^ -false teacher
and ir^ivrn'or" from thousands who
ur character, either
And we are bold
to say, that we can draw proof and ar-
guments to justify our belief in the sys-
tem we profess, from this holy word,
and from its hallowed pages can we
reud a direct declaration from the
mouth of its Author, against the crafts
and plans of men.
The Messenger will contain subh
notices of the spread of the gospel, and
the preaching of the elders, as will be
interesting, from time to time, besides
such articles upon the subject of reli-
gion, as may be furnished by them; by-
means of which we hope t9 justify a
liberal support. It will be as former-
ly, once a month on a Super Royal
sheet, duodecimo, once a month, at
r*36
MRSSE?tGER AND ADVOCATE.
one dollar per rxnnun?, puyablc always
in advance. We had designed publish-
ing it semi-montiily, but owing to the
fact that a great portion of our foy-
-mer subscriptions are unpaid, and some
owe for the Star, publi&licd four years
since, we cannot carry our wishes in-
to effect.
We wish our corrcspon-donts, one
and all, to reniemi>er, that all commu-
nications addressed to us, to ensure at-
tention, must conife fr«!e of postage.
Any person forwarding us ten dol-
lars shall be entitled to eleven copies
for one year.
O. COWDERY.
Kirtldnd Geauga Co. Ohio, Sept. 1836.
P. S. Persons forwarding us sub-
scribers' names will be particular to
.give the name of the post office, coun-
ty, and State, where papers are to be
addressed, in a plain and intelligible
manner.
The following is a second Icttter
from the editor, to his brother here,
written in accordance with a promise
contained in one published in the last
Messenger it will be perused with in.
lerest. W.
Boston, Ms. Aug 24, 1838.
Dear Brother: —
Since 1 wrote you on the 3d. (should
have been dated the fourth) I have vis-
ited a short o^itent of our eastern sea-
board, conversed with many people,and
had other opportunities of witnessing
the degraded and darkened State of the
human mind, even in those places
where this day's science holds her
seat, and modern religion boasts per-
fection— a land so pure that in olden
time, the whip, the fagot, and the hal-
ier, were the mUd remedies ap.plicd to
sober the rational mind and teach them
•^he true way; and where, in modern,
Jhe lawless banditti has laid desolate
and in a heap, the property of the
%veak to reconcile their feelings and
bend thoir consciences to the precepts
of the strong!
I closed my last by telling you some-
thing about New-York. This city re-
minds mo of Ezekiel's description of Ty-
r«s, "situated at the entry of the sea,
a mernljant for many isle's." See Eze*
kiel 27 chapter. While passing from
the foot of Chambers st. from which
the boat took its passengers, one has »
tolerably fai" prosect of the shipping
iu the Hudson, though it lies thickly
crowded far above. New-York Bay
forms a fine harbor, immediately pro-
tectee} by the fortifications on Gove-
nor's island, sufficient to batter down
the city. East River is- lined with
craft from th-c Oyster-man's skifi' to
the lofty and majeslfc ship which rideg
the waves of the giant Pacific. Here
the wealth of the world and merchan-
dize of the eaith, have been wafted
to fill up tte blessings of a people, the-
most favored of any now on earth.
What Spirit cf prophecy or fore-
thought influenced the mind of the hon-
est GermaD. two hundred and twenty
two years since, to erect his humble
log cabin, is not for me to say; but ditl
we not positively know this to be the
fact, when we consider the size and
extent of New-York, we might doubt,
thata little over two centuries had rear-
ed such a noble city.
Brooklyn, on Long Island, is a grow-
ing town, opposite New-York, and
from appearance, I should judge, pos-
sessed considerable wealth. The U.
S. Navy Yard is at this place, not far
from which is the celebrated Hare.
gate. I suppose, from the name, I
had formed an idea, like many others,
ihbt something strange was to havo
been seen. But the secret was soor»
disclosed — the river being narrow at
this place, with racks in the centre,
when the tide ebbs- and flows, a strong
current is formed which creates edies
and whirls, simular to those frequent-
ly seen on the surface of the Missourf
River.
A little farther you pass'Blockwella
island, celebrated for the large prison
and numerous convicts it contains —
we saw them scattared about at lobor,
m small companies, each under the in-
spector of its overseer. Society is de-
prived of a large number of persons
who are generally very busy week-days
for their board and incomes, or rather
lO^ ihdv keeping. It is to be hoped
that a large number of them may make
a lengthy visit to this little spot of
earth, so delightfully situated in the
middle of East Rivci*, and to be regret-
ted that, mapy others have not been
favored with a pass to that Castle long
ago — it would have saved much troub-
le no doubt.
BESSE^NOER ANl> ADVOCATE.
3^
Supper was soon announced. Per-
3iaps I rany be a'tkwed to give you a
^spccjmetj ©f'the order, ©r rather confu-
sion, which prevails at eating times on
oRcof'Osr lo^ng steam boats. True in
TOajsy res|>eots, they reseiFii>3e a large
floatiing hoted b^t the -bustle and crowd-
ing for t*he first seats at fiie table, or
in fact, for one a* all, defies descrip-
tion. Tbc mraiteGt the be-H rings, a
genoi-al ridsti is made for the Cabin
•door — "first come first served" — but
wo be Jo the man who is so feeble
that he cannot crow<1 his part. If ev-
er a greater rush, anciently and bustle
aDCcurs.'ed'w.kcn prisoners were released
from incarceration, or freightened fu-
gitives fled from devouring flan>es, tlic
individual unable to have a dozen oth-
ers on his back, ought certainly to have
ijeen pitied — one is a fail' -saraple for
the other.
Night soon hid from oar ev'Cs the
land -oa ekthor side, except faintly, wa-
3y now and then the bright gliOTnle^• of
31 light house, on some iraportant [>oint,
would change the scc«^ In a short
time all was still, but thejnrring and
the thrashing of tlie wheels, a«d the
trembling of the boat, as it was pro-
■pelled iiArough tlic water by two migh-
ty engines, soon the crooking and
■crowing of son*e young bucks, who
■sivere so unfortunate as to get no
■births.
Early in the -niorning the waiter's
bell awaked the passengers, to give
room for adjusting beds and preparing
for breakfast — neither of which agreed
"very well with my appetite — first, I
lacked •coiisiderable of my usual pro-
portion of sleep, and furtlier, 1 Jread-
cd another pushing and crowding, as
I had hardly recovered from my for-
mer ones. This in fasluonahle coxn-
pany thought I, as I slowly put on my
clothes: gentlemen, riding fijr LeaUii —
travelling forjpleasure somewherc/Jown
oast to see naen and mountains. But
as each is a stranger to each, and no
one knows as he may meet with any
■of his conapany again, it matters not
whether he is a man or a brute. If
rncn were as egar to press themselves
into the Kingdom of heaven, surely
they would "tate it by force."
At about 7, A. M, we entered the
mouth of Providence River, on the
oast bank of which our Government i«
erecting or preparing a large fortifiea-
4ion, if I mistake not, called Fort Ad-
ams. Itis largo, well bifik, and Strong:
it may be cal'ied one of the ."Strong
holds of the nation. This, with othei*
ferts on islands irtimediately within the
mouth of the river, is sufficient to de-
fend its Oi^trance against a formidable
fleet. Near to, and on the same si<le
of the river with Fort Adams, staniis
the o/d town of New Port. What
may constitute the wealth or enterprise
of the place, I know not, but suppose
they "go down to the sea in ships'*
from which they reap their principal
support.
Thirty miles from this stands tho:
city of Pravidenccs The name of tho
founder of this place, as well as this
little State, is familiar with every mart
acquainted with the history of New-
England, as well as the cause of his
early leaving the colony of Plym-
month, and seeking refuge amid bar*
bai'ians in a dense, trackless forest — it
was because he had religion, and his
neighhors had not, except suchas-deals
■death to its dissenters ai>d those wh&
absent from their commuBion^ Ro-
ger Williiants was a man of soul — ^ho
cliose ratherlheiiardsh=ip of a new un-'
cultivated homo, rather than sacrifice
his lights of conscience; and by his
saving himself and family from mas-
sacre, by the hands of his persecutors,
God thus opened a way, or prepared a
place, to which others fled in time of
similar difficulties. This good maa
saw the fallen state of the church, and',
the want of authority to administering
tlie holy priesthood; and after various
unsuccessful attempts to convert the
nations to Christianity, hesitated not to
declare, that when they should be con-
verted, God would endow men with
the gift of tongues, and thus by hi«
power turn them from darkness to
light. This I confess is a great puz-
zle to the priestri of the day — They
own that Mr. Williame was a learned
man well acquainted with the ori-
ginal languages; and a good, pious
christian, strange to tell, "he did not
understand the rules of interpreting the
scr/ptures:" He thought the clause
found in the Apocalypse,, relative to
tho Savior's second coming, meant as.
tlve great revelator penned it, while'
these modern men — revelators say oth-
erwise
Providence, this day, was literally
alive: it was the aniversary of their
town and State — two hundred years
3S8
JIES^ENQSK:' ANy AUVOCATil.
>iad elapsed six^ce Us setilemcnt. We
Bad on board a company of artilierv
from New Port, and before we reach-
ed the town, were saluted by cannoD
placed on the high blufi", the smoke of
which we saw rolling up from the mouth
of the dischare;ed ordinance, iocg be-
were very righteous, to hang poopie
for tlie a'lcged crime of witchcraft — it
gtiH bears the name of "witch hill,'^
and looks down upon this ancient town
like a monument set up to remind after
generations of the folly of their ffithers.
This witch busiae-^s began in 1691, and
was so clTectuaHv carried on- for about'
fore we heard the reporL
Strange, thought 1, as we nppro-ich- two years* that the innocent blood of
ed the cify, where so manv h.earts were hundreds moistened tHb earth to grnti-
fy the vi!o ambition of jealous rhorlais.
It may not be wholly uninterestii^g
to the readers of the Me??senger, to
give a short account of this disgrace-
light with animation, and changed the
scene, from the one two hundred year;?
since: — Now lofty spirc^! rear their
heads among the cinud?;, and costly
dwellings spread their bror5d hearths,
and render peace and comfort to their
occupants, while the canvass of a thou-
sand ships float in the gentle breeze
over these sti'l and peaceful watore,
and wealth and cs!:e flow down the
streets of a city blessed of heaven! —
Then the sturdy oak vv?s only made
to bend beneath the force of the whirl-
wind, the kindred boughs uniting to
keep from the face of earth the enliv-
ening influence of the sun, that it might
not blush to shine on unconsocrated
ground — soil not dedicated by a chris-
lian's prayer, but polluted by the blood
ol victims, slain by savage hands, to
satiate the desire of an imaginary dei-
ty, whose power was in the sun, and
whose habitation was in the wind; a co-
ble river only streaked with the native's
bark canoe, on the bank of which ttaad •
a father and a husband, forsaken by
his friends, persecuted for his religion,
and driven from ihe face of civiliza-
tion, to seek an asylum among prowl-
ing beast? and wild men bccawse he he-
Heved in God.'
ful affair, as found in some of the an-
cient writings on that subject. I am
aware th!\t the facf is familiar with u?
ai!, but the matter of fact is not. The
first appearance of nny tning of this
Rature, was in the D-imily of a priest,
by the name of Pa rris, who, it is said,
could not make money faet enough by
merchandizing, tberefore undertook
the traffic in nien^s souls — ho lived in
Salem. After preaching about two
years, he contrived to get "a grant
t'rorri a part of the town, that the house
and land occupied, and which had been
allotted by the whole people to the
ministry, should be and remain to him,
d'C. a-a his own cs'ato in fee simple."
At this many of the good people re-
volted, upon which strife and conten-
tion were stirred up. Soon a number
of Wi7. Parris' children were sorely
tormented — bewitched — thrown down
— ircrntched— -pinched— bitte'i'i--..squeez-
cd, and many ether grievous things, by
some of the neighbors. The result
wss, prosCTCutioii, imprisonment and
death. Remember, by the way, that
The boat soon ianded, sad wo were i ^^^,^^^ ^,f .^j-.^g^ were afRicted bv corpore--
quickly seated m the car for Eo&ton. { p_i ^n.^jg^ but could see the persons'
The cars on this rad road are suj-enn spirits or appearances coming to, and"
or, for the ease and convenience of | |,j;.mentinfr them— sometimes in the
passengers, to any I have yet seen. A r^^^ ^.^^ ^^'j^^ j^^g^ j^og^^ ^^^
few hours brought us to this citv, the . , ? -j i r .u
i * • p T^- T^ ' . J A Geoijcr laid pian for the purpose
queen and emporium ol New Lngiand. -• .• .• i. •
^ T. M u '♦ -v. • , 4- ^- satiatmg revenge, upon such a pnn-
It would be aitog-eiher uninterestme -, t.'-it ^'^ .^ ^'
^ 1 J n .u "' 1 " * . cip-e, 1 tijink 1 nevur read of. In the
to lead vou all the round oi scoutmg to, ^' , r .i • t> - -j i t v
■; , ^1 • . ^, , , .'^ iamilv oi this rams, resided an Indi-
and bathing in tnc sea, and how eene- -, , • .,• u i ..
x: • , , * r I- .. " an and his wue: the latter, as appears,
fecial a chanee ot climate, as we:i as a .i c ^ ■ t r i. A ■ i
r Y . r ^ , was the fir8t complained of bv Parns
recess from business, has so lar been , •, s oi -.^ j .
. , 1 ^ uu I ii .1 c chikiren. bhe was committed to pns-
to my health. 1 wiil therefore pass j u . fn\ c • .
over these, and leave them till Isee o"' ^"^ her mas er(P) refusing to pay
you face to faee. ^^^ fees, suffered her to be sold for the
During my tarry in this cnuntrv, I ^^'^^: 1 he account is not a little as-
have visited Saiem,'l5 miles from this | f^^"-' ''^""^ '^ aiscloses the grand
city. I viewed the hill, imraediatelv to i #t .i ^ -i <irQi »n <i • .*- •
^, -^ ^, ^ ,, . ^ /. , *In the Apr;l of 1G93, all then in tfje pn«-
the north-west Ot the town, on whicn | ons for the allctrp<i crime of witdicraft, wer*
they vjsed, in nlden ttmcs when thev ' liheratorf.
secret o
'-'MESSENGER A.M) ADVOCATF..
l! fi.d
J::3.;)0iiKuigoi nar
3i$
liiP inatter. S.;)Oii'f
.being sold for tho fees, tho hniorlan
■says:
"The accouiit bhe Bince i^hcs cf it in, tlir.t
her aiaster did boat li2r, sud etlierwise abiis^
lier, to make her coniess (such aa he cR.iic'd) .
/iior sister- witches; atici th.il vrhatever sh.-; said
by way of confessing, or accusing others, was
the ctFict of such uaage: her master refussd
Jo pay her fees, unh^ss tihc would elirsd to
n'hat she had said."
'Thi:?, I consider the main l-n-r.h. — the
:fi,!f:-brand, hy wliich the whole \va?
made to igarto, unti! the g<X)d people
of nlas^achu.soits colony, wet'e made
/to lament that the nnm'r^ cf "when,"
or even i'arris, was evor knov>n.
A'i a fair .sample of tho c turao pur-,
sued in ihoir courts, I will give you a
■short paragraph: "A child of Sarah
Cornra was iikovviso Rpprehendod, be-
ins; between four and live years old.
Tha accusers said this cliild bit thorn,
and wpuid shew such like iXiarks ns
those offi small sot of teeth, upon their
arms: as many of tho alHicted as th.e
child c;ist it:j eyes upon, would com-
plain they were in tornient: \vhi::h cliild
..Jhey also committed."
Look at the picture! comments on it
from me aro uaneces.sarv. ' Notlunj-:
i>i wanting to hliow llio subtle and pve-
_deternriuod plan of I'ik: accuser^, to
:take life, nor argurnen's to prove tho
total want of righteousness, on the part
of judges, to receive such bare-fuced
iah^shoodh- against a helpless, harruless
,habe, vvfjo had never eumniitted a sin
in us ill
.1
I
confer
GL-ar brotlier.
that my bosom burns v/ith indignation
ut the very thought.
But siaco I have reaiiv caga.'f-.'d in
i,'nve<l ilial Vac aiuicted wcni two girls of
about ten yccrs oid, at;d about two or three
nhers, of about eighteen; or.e of the girls
tp.ikodmcst, and could discern more than the
.--c-st. Tho prisorsGrn Wfre called in one hy
one, arid as they came in were cried out of,
&c. The prisoners wtir? [>laced about seven
or ci'.ri,t feet fro;n tiie justices, and the accu-
gera b,-tween tlie justices! and tlieni; the pris-
oners were ordered to stand right before the
justices, with an offjeer appointed to hold
each h;l5id, iesl they should therer/ith afihct
them; and the prisoners' eyes mustpe con-
etanily oil the juslicea; for if they looked on
he ainictei!, they svould either f&l! into their
Stf?, or try out of being hurt by th^m. After
an e.^iaininjition of the prisoners, who it was
aiilieied tijoae girls, &c. they were put upon
sayi.-ig tlie Lord's prayer, as a trial of their
guilt. Aft:-i- tha alliicted Kscmcd to be o;it
of tlu.-ir fits, (hey would look steadfastly Ori
s^iiii'i one person, and frequently not speuk;
and then the jui<ticeg said tlisy were struck
dumb, and ufier a iituL- tin.e they v;ould speak
a.vfaia; lh«ii the juslices said to the sccusers,
Which of you will go and touch the prison-
er at the bar'? Then the most courageous
would adventur*";, but before the\- had made
three steps VTOuld ordinarily fall down as ia
a fit. 'rhejastioes ordered that they should
hi taken up and carried to t!:e prisoner, that
ehs njight touch thoni; and as soon as they
were touched by the accused, the justices
would 8j.y, they aro well, before 1 could di*-
oern zny alte.'ation; by which I observed that
t'le juslicea understooii the manner of it. —
Thus fir I Wiig oijJy as a spectator; ray wife
also v/ag i'lere part of the tune, but no notice
taken of her by iije aillicitd, except once or
twice they cams to her and asked her name.
'•But i having an opportunity to discourse
Mr. Hale (with whoin I had formerly acquain-
Uinee) I ioak his .advice what I iiad best to
do, and df sired of him that I uiight liave an
Gppurtuniiy to speak with her that accused
my Wife; vviuch he promised should be, I ac-
quainting hi:n that I reposed my :trust in
liiiu. Accordiufrly he came to nie aftei the
eiainiiialion was over, and tola me I had now
an opportunity to speak with the said accu-
ser, viz. Abigail Vviiliams, a girl of 11 or 12
. yea.'s old; but tL'at we could not be in privaBi
giving a detail ot this inieat>oaal ovil, | at Mr. Turris' house, an he had promieed bic;
i cannot do it bette;' than by quutiog I we went thfrelore into the alehouse, where
the pi-oceedinjis of certain firals, en- 1 £" l^^^-^ J"";} attended us, who it seems waa
1 c ... J 1 ,1 : one oi tlie aHiicted; to tum we <jave some ci-
lire, as 1 find tbeni n'corued. or the u^^,^ j^^ ^^^^^^ 3^,^.^.^„j ^,^,^\.^^, ^^.,^^^^
account Oi certain indtviuuahs taem- | as if they had been lojig there, and showed
Rclvea, who were imm-jdiately interest- j them as done by wiichci-an, and acquainted
f,A ' 1 as tliai his wife, wlio also was a slave, was
I impriyon^'d for witchcraft. And now, iu-
•'Ma? 24. — Mrs, Cary, of Charlestown, sti-ad of one accust.-, tLey all came in, andbe-
was examined and cor^miitcd. Her husband, ; |r.an to turi-liie down like Ewine; &. then ihrea
Jdr. Jonarhan Cary, haB given aocoiaU there- ; women were called in to attend them. -We
til, as also of her escape, to this eiieci: in the rucm were ail at a stand, to see who
"I hat-'P" hf-ard, some davs, that u)y wile ; ^'^"-j would cry out of: but in a short time
wa-! accused of wllchcrau," being- much dia- I 'h\y crsed out, Cary; und immediately after
larbcd at it, by advice vre went to Salem Vil- ^ warr.-trit was sent Irom the justices to bring
la^e, to see if the afilicted knew her; wc ar- ''^y ^'"^e before them, who were sitting in a
Jived there 24th May; ii happened to be a
day appointsd for examination; accordin<,dy,
soon after our arrival, Mr. ilawtliornand Mr.
Curwin, t&c. went to tha meeting house,
which was the place apj-ointed for that work:
the minister began with prayer; and having
lalicn rare tt g*"t a conveni^'n! p'.ir':>. 1 a'a-
chamber near by, waiting for this.
"Beinf;- brought before the justices, her
chiefaccusers were two girls, ^y wife de-
clared to tlie justices, that she never had any
knowledge of them before that day. She
Avas farced to stand with her arms streichwl
out. 1 requs.'-l'id that I rrii-rlu hoM one erf
sao
SrCSrsENGER Am- ADVOCATE.
her hands, but it was denied me; tlien slie de-
sired me to wipe the tears from her eyes, and
the sweat from her face, which I did; then
siie desired she miglit lean herself oh me,
saying she should faint,
"Justice Hþ replied, she had strength
enough to tofment those persoHs, and she
should haA'e strength enougli to stand. 1
speaking something against their cruel pro-
ceedings, they commanded rae to be silent, or
else I should be turned out of the room. The
Indian before mentioned was also brought in,
to be one of her accusers: being eome in, he
now (when pefore tlie justices) fell down and
tumbled about like a hog, but said nothing.
The justices asked the girls who afflicted tlie
Indian; they answered, ishe, (meaning my
Xvife) and that she now lay upon liini; the
justices ordered her to touch him, in order to
his cure, but her head must be turned another
way, lest, instead of curing, she should make
him worse, by her looking on him, her hand
beitrg guided to take hold of his; but the In-
dian took hold of her hand, and pulled her
down on the floof, in a barbarous manner;
then his liand was taken off, and her hand
put on his, &, the cure was quickly wrought,
I, being extremely troubled at their inhumaA
dealings, uttered a hasty speech, That &od
iDOuld take vengeance oil them, and desired
that God would ddwer tts out of the hands of
unmcrcifkl meri. Then Jier mittimus was
Writ. I did with difficulty and charge obtain
ihe liberty of a room, but no beds in it; if
there had been, could have taken but little
rest that night. She was committed to Bos-
ton prison; but I obtained a habeas corpus
to remove her to Cambridge prison, which is
in our county of Middlesex. Having been
there one night, next morning the jailer put
irons on her kgs (having received such a
Gonunaad;) the weight of them was afeout
eight pounds: these irons and Jier other af-
flictions soon brought her into convulsion
fits, so that I thought she would have died
tliat night. I sent to entreat that the irons
might be taken off; but all entreaties were in
vain, if it would have saved her life, so that
in this condition she must eontinae. The
trials at Salem coming on, I went thither, to
see how things weie maraged; and finding
tliat the spectre evidence was theie received,
together with idle, if not malicious stories,
against people's lives, I did easily perceive
which way the rest would go; for tlie same
evidence that served for one, wonld serve for
all tlie restr I acquainted her with her dan-
ger; and that if she were carried to Salem to
be tried, I feared she would never return. I
did my utmost that she might have her trial
in our own county, I with several others pe-
titioning the judge for it, and were pvit in
hopes of itr but I soon saw so much, that I
understood thereby it was not intended, which
put me upon consulting the means of her es-
cape; which through the goodness of God
was effected, and ebe got to Rhode Island,
but soon found herself not safe when there,
by reason of the pursuit after her; from
thence she went to New York, along with
some others that had escaped their cruel
ha,nds; where we found his excellency Benja-
min Fletcher, esq. governor, who was very
courteous to us. After this, some of my
goods were eeized in a friend's hands, with
whom 1 had left them, and myself imprisoned
by the sheriff; and kept in custody lialf a dav
and then dismissed; but to speak of their us'
age of the jirisoners, and the inhumanity
si ewn to them at the time of their execu-
tiory, ns sober christian could bear. They
had also trials of cruel meckings; which is the
more, considering what a people for religion,
I mean the profession of it, we iia-re been.r-
those that sulfered being n:any of them church
memberg. mul inset of «hem un?po1ted in
their convertation, till their adversary the
devil took up this method for accusing thems'
"Pek Jonathan Cary."
May 31. — Capt. John Aldin was examin-
ed in Salem, and committed to Boston piis-
on. The prison-keeper, seeing such a maa
committed, of whom he had a good esteem,.
was after this the more compassionate to-
these that were in prison on the like account';
and refrained from such hard things to the
prisoners, as before he had used. Mr. Aldia
liim.selfhas given an account of his examina-
tisn, in these Words:
An account how John Aldln, senio, r wss^
dealt with at Salem Village.
John Aldth, senior, of IJoston, in the coun-
ty of Suffolk^ mariner, on the 28th day of
May, 1692, was sent for by the magistrate*
of Salem, in the county of Essex, upon the
accusation of a company of poor distractetJ
or possessed creatures or witches; and bein^
sent by Mr. Stoaghton, arrived there the
31st of May, and appealed at Salem Villa ge^
before Mr. Gidney, Mr. Hathorn and Mr,
• Curwin.
Those wenches lieiflg present, wha played
their jugghng tricks, falling down, cryJK^
out, and staring in people's faces: the magis-
trates demanded of them several times, who
it was of all the people in the room thathurtJ
them: one of these accusers poisited several
times at one Captv H3i, there present, but
spake nothing;, the same accuser had a man
standing at her back to hold her-up; ?le stoop-
ed down to her ear, then she cried out, Aldin,.
Aldin afflicted her: one of the magistrates
asked her if she had ever seen Aldin, she an*-
swered ho; he asked how she khew it waa
-Aldin; she said the man told her so.
Then all were ordered to go down into the
street, where a ring was made; and the same
• accuser cried out, There stands Aldin, a bold
fellow with his hat on before the Judges; he
sells powder and shot to the Indians and>
French, and lies with the Indian squaws, and
has Indian papooses. Then was Aldin com-
mitted to the Marshal's custody, and h'\»
sword taken from him; for tkey said he af-
flicted tliem with his sword. After some
hours Aldin was sent for to the meeting;
house in the Village, before the magistratea-r
who required Aldin to stand upon a chair, to
the open view of all the people.
The accusers cried out that Aldin pinched
them, then, when he stood upon the chair;;
in the sight of all the people, a good way-
distant from them. One of the magistrates
bid the maishall to hold open Aidin's hands,
that he might not pinch those creatures. —
Aidin asked them why they should think thafs
he should come to that Village to afflict those
persons that he never knew or saw before. —
Mr. Gidney bid Aldin confess, and give glo-
ry to God. Aldin said, he hoped he should:
give glory to God, and hoped he should never
gratify the devil; but appealed to all that ever
knew him, if they ever suspected him to be
.NrrSSEXGER AND ADVOf AIT..
39i
*uch a person, and cliallengod any ono, tliat
conld bring in any thing upon their own
knowledge, that miglit give suspicion of his
being such an one. Mr. Gidney said he liad
known Aidin Riany years, and had beep, at
sea with liim, and always looked upon Jiini
to be an lionesl man, but aiow he s w causc
to alter his judgment. Aldin answered, lie
was sorry for that, but he hoped God would
c-lear up his innoceKcy, that he would recaii
tiiat judgment again; and added, that he ho-
ped that he should with Job maintain his in-
tegrity till he died. They bid Aldin look
upon the accuseis, which he did, and then
they fell down. Aldin asked Mr. Gidney
what reason there could be given, why Al-
din's looking upon htm did not strike liii/i
<Iown as well; but no reason was given that
i heard. But the accusers v^ere brought to
Aldin to touch them, and tliis touch tliey
said made them well. Aldin began to speak
.,of the providence of God, in sutlering tliese
creatures to accuse innocent jiersons. Mr.
Noyes asked Aldin why he would offer to
speak of the providence of God; Grod by his
providence (said Mr. Ntsyes) governs the
world, and keeps it in peace; and so went on
with discourse, and stopt Aldin's mouth as
to that. A?din told Mr. Gidney, that l?e
could assure him that there was a 13'ing spir-
it in them, for I can assure you that there is
not a word of truth in all these say of me. —
But Aldin was again committed to the mar-
shal, and his mittimus written, which was as"
follows:
To Mr. John Arnold, keeper of the prison
in Boston, in the county of Suffolk.
Whereas captain John Aldin, of Boston,
mariner, and Sarah Rice, wife of Niciiolas
Rice, of Reading, husbandman, have been
this ^\a.y broaght before us, Jolm Ha thorn <t
Jonathan Curwin, esquires; being accused
and suspected of perpetrating diver.s acts of
witchcraft, contrary to the form of the stat-
ute, in that case Jilade and provided; thecs
ape therefore, hi their majesties king Wil-
liam anp queen Mar3''s names, to will and re-
ijuire you to take into your custody the bod-
ies of the said John Aldin and Sarah Rice,
and them safely keep, until they siiall be de-
iived by due course of law, as you will ans-
wer the contrary at your peril: and tiiis ahall
be your sufficient warrant. Given under our
hands at Salem Village, the 31st of May, in
the foarthyeaf ef the reiga of our sovereign
Jord and lady, Willitum and Mary, now king
and queen over England, &c. Anno Domini
John Hathorn, }
Jona. Curwin, ^
To Boston, Aldin was carried by a consta-
ble; no bail w&uld be taken for Jiim; but was
delivered to the prison-keep?r, where he re-
mained fifteen weeks; and then, observing
the manner of trials, and evidence tlien ta-
ken, was at length prevailed witli to make
his escape, and being returned, wa.? bound
over to answer at the superior court at Bos-
ton, the last Tuesday in April, anno 1693;
and was there cleared by proclamation, none
appearing against him.
Per John Aldin.
At the examination, and at other times, it
was usual for the accusers to tell of the black
man, or of a spectre, as being then on the
table, &\;. The people about would strike
assistants.
with swords, or sticks, at those places. One
justice broke his cane at this exercise; and
sometimes the accusers would say, they struck
the spectre, and it is reported sevsral of the
accused were hurt and wounded thereby,-
though at home at the same time."
I presume your patience is exhaust-
ed \i\ reading tlii.s horrid affair, — one
which spreads, and must, while the
account remains upon Ihe page of his'-
tory, or in the minds of men, a dark
gloom over Salem, with all its modern
politeness, refinement and relrgion. —
In this place and in Boston, you kriow,
the poor Baptists and Quakers, sufFcf-
ed, flso, because their religion was
better than their neighbors', of the gdetl
slcadij habits order. Undoubtedly yoQ
have reatl of their sufferings and aro
prepared to decide upon the injustice
of their persecutors as well as the
cause. And having been much more
Icncfthv on these matters than I desijjn"
ed, I will dismiss thcni, and close, by
saying sometliing of this country as it
is now. Ttiough we must not forget,
while looking at the imperfections of
our fathers, that this was the cradle of
liberty — whore the first germ of Amer-
ican independence was seen to sprout.
The celebrated Gen. Putnam was born
in Salem, and in Boston did the pure
spirit of patriotism kindle to a blaze.-"
But 14 miles from this, was the cele--
brated battle of Lexington, where dis-
ciplined british troops gave way before
Aniorican yeomanry! and in full view,
across a narrow neck of water, on
Bunker (or Breeds) hill, Avas spilled
the life-blood of oppressed and abused
citizens, to secure to posteritv that
which is dearer still— LIBERTY!
Salem is a pleasantly situated town,
with fifteen thousand inhabitants; its
streets, though narrow, are remarkably
still, and the people very civil. In
fact, 1 may say in truth, that I never
visited a [)lace of its size where so lit-
tle bustle and noise were to be seen
and heard. The inhabitants as I lear-
ned arc generally wealthy and the al-
most entire business of the place is
commercial. I\Iarblehead, Beverly &
Danvcrs, in the immediate vicinity,
and in sight, are said to contain as ma-
ny more inhabitants. Between Boston
and Salem, say eight miles from the
former, is Lynn, an industrious manu-
facturing town, fast increasing in
wealth and population.
Boston, you k;iow, takes the lead in
those parts. A large state house on
?92
MEvSBENGER A:s9 ADYOCATI:.
the highest ground of the city, over-
looks the same, and the country adja-
cent— this is a place of considerable
business, and a great deal of ready
wealth, fast improving. Chariestov/n,
Roxbury, Cambridge and South Bos-
ton, are so near, and the spirit of btiil-
ding so prevalent, that, undoubtedly,
in a few years, no other name will lie
known but Boston. Cambridge, you
know, is the place where they make
'* Doctors.'^
Having just returned i'rom a vi^h to'
the navy yard. Bunker hiii monument
and the burnt convent, in company
with bro. R. I must ssy a v/ord on
these :
The navy yard is situated at Charles
town: we entered through a narrow
gate-way, at the side of which was a
wide one, with a chain drawn across,
and close by an American Marine, in
full uniforna, with a musket—bayonet
lixed, and a polite lov*^ bow, w^ith- —
^^Pass in genllemenJ' The yard con-
tains a number of acres of ground en-
tirely occupied with U. S. property,
sailors, marines, workmen, officers, drc.
with a park several rods long, with ev-
er and anon, painted on the fence —
"No admittance inside the Park." —
And for one J had no deture to. for it
was so iilterally filled with cannon and
morters, that 1 thought their weight,
superceding the necessity of throwing
balls, would sink a number of ships —
Tiie fine frigate Independence, lying
at the wha-f, is fast being rigged, and
fitted for sea — if I mistake not, she
will carry 64 guns. We saw men at
work about her from the bottom to the
top of the masts — with the shrill voice
of the sailors — *,He'o— hea'vo." A
short distance from this, at another
wharf, lies the Cclamlu>, a first line of
battle ship, 120 guns, and the Vermont,
now on the stocks, with four decks,
pierced for 160 guns looks like a cas-
tle. The Columbus is undergoing a
state of repair — she has neither rig-
ging nor masts. We saw 4 eighteen
pounders, wiih the English crown, and
G. R. Ill — when or how they got on-
to brother Johnathan's ship 1 know not.
The government has recently given
orders for the construction of some
two or three vessels to bo built at this
yard for the South Sea expedition.
From this we went to Bunker hill,
viewed the ground which, on the 17th
•f J^mf-; 177??, was dreilf bed with blood
for the liberty 1 enjoy, and the mom:-
m-ent now erecting, by the liberal con-
tributions of the sons of patriots, it is
now SO fed high, and is to be, when
completed, 220 — built of large granite.
The history of this battle is so familiar
in the minds of the readei-s of the Mes-
senger, thf.t it would be occupying^
space unnecossarih'i to g'vs even a do-
tail: hut judge o^ the feelings of my
Iveart. when ! viewed, from the top of
itfee ■tnoR-ntnpvjtv the entire theater 00!'
which was fhnght one of the most im-
po:tant battles ever recorded in history.
It was no laborious task to portray be-
fore the mind the 3000 british troops,
led on by Gen. Kowe, to attack a little
group of American farmers, environed
by a little redoubt 3 rodij acrass with
one wing of the same |;atriotiG Rrmy,
(encouraged by Prescott, St uk, War-
ren, Putnam, & others,) reaching into
Ch;irieslQwn,now inhumanly set on fire»
with flames ascending to the clouds,
women and children running from des-
olation and destruction, the spires of
churches, roofs of houses, and every
prominent point at Dostoia, thronged
with spectators, eager to, not only see
the first blow struck, but to learn the
result, and this ground, hallowed by
the best blood of fatliers and brothers^
strewed with the mangled limlxj of out
ancestors, to secure to us the blessing
of freedom! I confess the refiectioa
was too much for nature..
From this place, we visited the ruins
of the burnt convent, 2^ of 3 miles dis-
tant, situated on a beautiful hill, over-
looking Charlestown, Boston, Roxbu-
ry & Cambridge, besides an extent of
country. The premises contain, as
was told us, 30 acres, awned by one of
the bidhops of the Catholic church. —
We saw, upon the corner of a small
newl}' erected house, "All persons are
forbid trespassing on these premises,''''
Accordingly we enquired if we were
at liberty to look about, without incur-
ring damage, and were told wo could
look '-'about here," — by a coarse look-
ing son of the Emerald Isle, who ap-
peared to have the authority of saying
"how far, and no father we might go,"
pointing in front of the ruins, where
were the remains, as we supposed, of a
circular flower garden. Not satisfied
yet we enquired the fee for admittance
within the highly enclosed ground iii
which were the rains. "A ninepence,
fr2S centp] a piece,'' said an urchin
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
-ol' about twelve yoa^s of ago. What
great curiosities are there, we enquired?
"O //,ac''s the garden." So we passed
into iha garden, walked about. *'stiM'
the lengtii thereof and l.he bread'.h
thereof." The building, as was occu-
pied before destroyed, nrat-A have been
c^uv&nieiitly and tasteiully arranged —
of brick, three stories high. The gar-
den, fat iha back side of 'which is the
.cemetry,) v.lvsn occupied by the nuns,
n^isst huv Q been do! ightfui — Riioys, "fruit
and flov/crs, enclosed with a high fence
over vv'hich Miss Reed leaped when she
made her escape, as she sayji, and
sprained her ancle. Thought 1, this
building was reared, and iliese grounds
laid oiF, by a certain religious society,
now e.xtant, in consequence of certain
priiicinles in their itiith. They pur-
chased this land with tlieir money —
they built this house with their money
— they laid off and cultivated these
grounds v/ith their money, at least,
they have not been convicted of rob-
bing other churches to obtain this mon-
ey— and why were they not permitted
lo enjoy it? x\h! tluit's the question:
Why? It Vv-as said that a nun was mis-
teriously missing, and besides, Aiss
Reed had just escaped who told some
very "6/^" stories, and the good peo-
ple of Boston, or at least, about as ma-
ny as once knocked open the tea chests,
sallied out, and in the presence of an
armed military force, drove out the in-
mates and demolished this fine building!
Was Ihis religion? To be sure, we read
many horrifying accounts of the Ro-
man inquisition, of the seduction of in-
.nocent females, by a priesthood, who
live in celibacy, — much may bo true
and much untrue — if any part is true,
so much to be deplored, and so much
more can we see the corruption of the
■liuman heart, and the need of the gos-
j)el. But, in our country, where all
these stories are afloat, the public fore-
warned of the previous conduct of
Catholics, if accounts are true, I can-
■not see why, if young ladies in the face
of all this, are so minded, cannot be
permitted to absent themselves from
the society of this v.ickcd world, and
live secluded, if they are disposed. —
I own, as an individual, the idea is un-
pleasant; but different people think dif-
ferently, and of course, women may be
lead to do that which men esteem folly
— in the mean time, however, if they
were permitted to come out when they
wished.
M-
Re«d'a
i'iut allowing iviips
story to be correct, and besides anoth-
er nun mislcriouslymi.ssing, certainly,
the set of dot^troying the conv.-nt, wa«
unluwrul, and must reHeci dishonor,
and disgrace upon the'pjiopie of Boston.
It was a religious persecution — a dis-
gracofid, shameful religious r-^-rseca-
tion — one, or :"nol■^•. hj' — , : •ji^tieg
rii;!ng up against another. U thiri reli-
gion? 7'he good people here^', being
very tenacious of' right, as well a« >h»
tradition ol their ancestors, thought ;t
doing God service to burn a Catholic
convent, because tlie Catholic religion
was difibront from their ovvq. The
Author of jny existence knows tlte sor-
lowingpf my heart, on the reflection
that our country has come to this, that
the weak must be trodden dow.n by the
strong, and disorder, confusion and
terror, must distract our land and sow
the discordant seeds of party strife and
party animosity in the hearts of igno-
rant men, led on by infatuated priests,
to overwhelm the continent with blood,
and spread destruction and devastation
throughout our happy asylum, 2nd ex-
pose us to the fire, the sword, the rack
and to death! I confess I retired from
this scene of mobbery with a heavier
heart tlian iVom the far-famed Bunker
hill, rendered doubly so, by the patriot-
ism, virtue, integrity, connected with
the righteousness of the cause in which
our fathers died! Sincerely, as ever,
your brother,
O COWDERY.
Died on the 2Gth of July, about 60
miles from Liberty, Clay co. Mo.
Andrew li. Alurich, aged 68 years.
Brother Alduich was a memoer in
good stonding in the church of Latter
Day Saints and died in full faith of the
everlasting gospel.
Died; in Holland Erie Co. N. Y. May
lath 1896, Benjamin F. Baldwin,
son of JOHN D. and ABIGAIL
BALDWIN, aged 19 years and two
months. On the first of May he obey-
ed the commandments of the Lord, be-
came a member of the church, and
from that time, until death closed the
scene, he manifested an unshaken con-
I'idencG iii the gospel of our Lord and
Savior Jesus Christ.
Died, in this town, on the 17th ulti-
mo an infant son of John E. & Lo-
BAiN Page.
ilo4
Mf:SSEN*OER AND AUVOC'AlfE.
Mes.^csig'cr and Adv!»catc.
KIRTLASD, OHIO, OCT. IS3u.
Wc have frequently had occasion to
Tietice the vast difference there was be-
iiveen men of liberal minds, and the
fiarrow minded scctariaii bigots of this
Very religious grheration in w^ich we
live. All, or nearly all, profess to be
republicans in princi|)le, to allow eve-
ry man to think as he pleases in mat-
ters of religion, and to worship God
ngrccabiy to the dictates of his own
conscience, but no sooner than one
comes forward and pleads for the reli-
gion of the bible, the plain unvarnish-
ed truth as taught by the Savior and
liis apostles, than those whose crafts
arc in danger, whose systems are^
schemes devised by men, and cannot
bear investigation, set up the stale cry
of false prophet, false teacher, away
with him. A little sober reflection, we
should suppose, livould teach them two
things: first that their jrreat uncasi-
ness when any system tliffering from
their own is brought to view, is a good
witness to the world of their conscious-
ness of the falsity of their own. And,
secondly of the wickedness and cor-
ruption of their hearts in continuing
to embrace it.
A maa, who knows his religion is
4he religion of heaven has nothing to
^ear from all the arts or crafts of men
or even devils themselves. Truth cer-
tainly can lose nothing by investigation,
and, we have always thought that that
scheme of things devised by the great
God for the salvation ot men, shone
brighter and brighter the more it was
developed, and reflected greater honor
and the most glory upon its divine Au-
thor, when it is the best understood.
Our friend, the extract of whose
letter we have inserted below, may be
a Jew, a Mahomedan, a pagan or an
iofiilel, that is a matter between him
and his God, and we have no disposi-
tion to controvert his legal claim to
the right of thinking as he pleases. — '
One thing we can say, in the sinceri-
ty of our hearts, that we admir6 his
kindness and liberality of feeling to-
wards us, and would have him assured
that wc reciprocate them most hearti-
ly. If all men would be willing to
hear our cause, and then judge from
tiie force of evidence we can adduce,
instead of judging before they hea;r the"
whole matter, we should have little lo
fear, and every thing to hope in the
progress of truth and correct princi-
ples. But as it was anciently scy it is
now, "evil men and seducers wax
worse and worse, deceiving and being
deceived."
******
"Permit me to give you a mere
glance at my opinions, or rather views-
of that base spirit of persecution now
stalking abroad, sapping the vitals of
our government; and which will shake
it to its very foundation before the
present generation shall have passed
from the stage of action. This aiiti-
rhristian spirit is now levelling all its
batteries of evil speaking and defam.a-
tion, against the society of Latter Day
Saints, vulgarly called "Mormons,''
exhibiting the straming of the strings
ot every scheme to exterminate the so-
ciety, and, if possible, drive its mem-
bers from the land, without leaving
them an abiding place any \vherc. To
establ'sh this fact the public eye need
only be cited to the awful and alarm-
ing treatment they have received in
Missouri. There, to prepare the illit-
erate fanatics and superstitious dolts,
for scenes of rapine and blood, we see
publicaM'ons, in relation to their emi-
gration, of the most barefaced and ma-
lignant falsehoods ever set before auv
people — falsehoods, tho writers evi-
dently knew to be such! If we toler-
ate or squint at this evil, base and ca-
vious spirit, where will it stop or who
will be safe? Our boasted liberties
and blood-bought inheritance will be at
an end, and no society or person will
be safe.
"I have read nearly all the publica-
tions of this society, as well as those
againtit them, and have formed, I think,.
flrn impartial opinion: — 1 have cultiva
•ted a liinited personal acqiiiuntancc
with many of their leading men, and
I do ossure you, that I have Inrmcd a
high estimate oft'.icm, as christians and
as men. They possess all those shin-
ing virtues and ennobHng traits cW phi-
lanthropy and goner iis bwiring that
endears man to his fellow, and swooth
our passage through tl'is unfriendly
world. I have not been altogether con-
vinced of the truth of their religious
faith, but am certain that their charity
and liberality far exceed that of many
others. And as to their temperate ha-
bits and moral conduct none can, in
truth, find fault.
"Jt would be a He culean task to
point out the innumerable falsehoods
and misrepresentations, sent out detri-
mental to this society. The tales of
those days in which Wilchts were
burnt, and the ridiculous inconsisten-
cies of those who directed the building
of the funeral pire, could be no more
absurd than the every-day tales, rela-
tive to the conduct and professions of
the "Mormons."
MKSSENGER A.\b ADVof ATf:.
JUDGE AFTER HEARING.
Liberty is a |irinciple, though per-
haps, but little cultivated in its true
sense, which serves to soften the feel-
ings of t'le human heart, and instead
ot widening the breach, already exist-
ing between men of different views
and sentiments, will, if njt bring them
to see alike, do away many prejudices,
and thereby better hum^n society. —
By liberality we do not merely mean
giving to the poor, and alleviating the
distressed, but a willingness to give
each a candid hearing upon matters
where a difference of opinion arise.
It has appeared to us, that but tew
were to be founcl' who really and truly
understood, or sought to understmd,
the purpose of the great author of our
being in placing us here. Some say,
to prepare for a latter state. True,
we grant; but how widely they differ
iVom us on the point of preperation. —
They say religion is necessary — so
say we: "pure and undefiled before
God and the Father." But, are no
feelings ot friendship, sociality and in-
terchange of sentiments, to pe cultiva-
ted. Are not these an important link
in the purpose for which God placed
us here? We are aware of the, say-
ing "keep themselves unspotted from
_________ m
the world:" buUhisTTnoT'sav ing~i^'
arc not to show ourselves social and
tamiliar, (in soberness and propriety,)
uponthe i)nnciples of truth,- with our
fellow men.
It not unfrequontly happens, that
when a man is what many en!! con-
verted, a spirit of strife, animosity,
liatrod, and intolerance^ mingled with
bitter feeling against all such as differ
from his particular dogmas, sprln'g up
in his bosom; as though, after sorrow--
ing and mourning, for several months,
and perhaps years, and having, as he
soys, his "soul set at liberty," he is to
disiinguish lumself, from the rest of
the world, in his party, by being very
orthodox, precise and tenacious. Such
is the love that common religion cre-
ates, that it is a matter of difficulty
that any of the elders of the church of
Latter Day Saints, can obtain Itberty
to deliver a lecture upon the principles
of their faith in a building owned, or
occupied, by the different sects, or one
over which they hold influence. True,
in many cases we have no claim other
than the great admonition of Paul to
the Thessalonians — "Prove all things;
hold fast that which is good."
It may be urged, that the principles
advanced by this church are go perfect-
ly known, that they arc already
proven. VV^e ask hov>' have they been
made knov/n, that they might be pro-
ven'? Tne answer must be — "From
rumor!" This, we declare to be ve--
ry incorrect. In all our experience in
this matter, hardly in any instance,
have we known rumor to speak the
truth, especially, when it touched up-
on the principles of our faith. Such
being the case, the public are uninfor-
med relative to what we approve or
disapprove, touching religion* If
then, they are uninformed, how
shall tl cy be informed, except they
heai us'\
Aside, however, from the general
course pursued by the different reli-
gionists toward us, we are happy to
say, there are many honorable excep-
tions, as we are informed by elders
from the east. Many houses, owned
or occupied by other denominations,
have been gratuitously furnished our
brethren while travelling among stran-
gers to proclaim the gospel; and so far
as we have been able to learn, when
ever such has been the case, a general
'iii
JiE&SENGER AND Al>VC*CATE.
expression of good feeling has bcei)
manifeeted.
Our readers may say, that we ought
not lO es|>ect favors from oihcs's, thtit
we will
not ffrant oursehe^.
2?!
To
which we answer: since our meetmg
house has be«n finished suitable to con-
vene a congregfition, but two persons
have made application to occupy it, to
our knnw'Kjdgo, — one a GamplKiUite,
(«rn called,) and the other a Mi^thobist.
And we beiieve, that it vr.<i5 ryjore from
the solicitation of *)irjn mcmbepd of th-e'
church to preach in our house, than
from a request from them, first Tho
Campbellits did not preach the other
did. Provioufiiy to the finishing the
hou30, a Univcrsalcan; made applica-
tion, and attained a hearing — we
know of no others. But for any
preacher of respectable character, und
in fellowship.] with ..his society, or of
respectability if he is joined to no
sect, almost'^auy day of the week, ex-
cept the Sabbath, our doors will \iO.
opened, and he or they may preach
whatever they call or think to be the
gospel. There may be times or sea-
sons when our house will be occupied
by the society here; but generally,
not. So far as regfirds propriety and
decency; wo do not intend there shall
be rudeness or improper conduct in the
house on^any occasion. j
We have made these remarks, and
■given this genera! invitation to all or
any professed teacher of religion, at
the request and suggestions of several
,of tho brethren, and proprietor:* in our
hou?io; and also in perfect accordance
with our own feelings.
Burville, Jefferson Co. N. Y. Sept.
5, 1836.
Be. O. Cowdery,
Sir, I left Kirtland
•on tho 6th day of April after a few
day's travel through the mud and rain
arrived in the province of U. C. here I
commenced lifting a warning voice,
testifying againzt their iniquities, expo-
.singtheir religious systems by contras-
ting them with the system of the bible
which not unfrequently produced no
small stir, for the craftsmen, not of the
great goddess Diana, but of great Bab-
ylon, brought no small gain unto them-
selves by making not silver shrines but
religious systems by which through
covetousness and feigned words they
And when thy saw their doctiines ex-
posed by the ali-poweriul word oi" God
und uncovered in the sight of men,
they were ready to cry out in their
hcartcj as their works manifest, saying
we know by this our craft we obtain
our wealth moreover we see and hear
that not alone in Canada but almost
throughout all the United States, these
Moinion elders have persuaded and
furned away much peop'ie, saying,
that our systo-^is and docirines v\hioh
uninspired iv.en^ have invented, ar®
t>.lse and that we ought to bciicve in
tho doctrine of the New Testanicnt
which teaches that the chiTch (or body)
of Christ, is composed of the i'oilowhig
members, viz: aposties,prophRt3, teach-
ers, workers of miracles, disceraers of
spirits, speakers with tongues, inter-
preter? of tongues, &c. so thtit not on-
ly this our cral't is in imiaent danger,
but tho great mystery Babylon will be
ruined and come to nought whom the
whole world worshipeth.
I will now give you an example of
their exceeding great zeal in opposing
the doctrine of the New Testament
which the\ call Mormonism.
On tho 27th of April last elder F.
Nickerson and myself v/cnt to tho vil-
lage of BranSford, U. C. and obtained
the privilege from one of the trustees
of the school house of leaving an ap-
pointment for the next evening, which
was circulated through the town. Tho
next evening I went dowji alone to
Mount Pleasant to fill the appointment;
went to the school house I'ound it crow-
ded with men but no females, I wen^
into the pulpit and was about to open
the meeting by reading a chapter in
the bible when a man by the name of
LeVfis Burwell a Methodist by profes-
sion arose and requested me to ansvver
a few questions previous to preaching.
He then proceeded as follows. To
what church do you belong? Answer,
To iho church of Latter Day Saiivis
slanderously called Mormens. Do you
believe in the book of Mormon? Yes
sir, with ai! my heart. He then said
he had read the book and made some
very harsh expressions, desiring to
know of me if 1 could speak with
tongues prophesy, &,c. I replied that
I had not come to boast of what I or
the church to which I belonfjed could
do, but to hold forth the gospel and the
promises and blessings which it propo-
i^ild make merchandise of the people. | ses to all the faithful and obedient, bu
JIfe.SSENGER AND ADVOCATK.
-■^87
he insisted on my answering him yes
or no, 1 replied that I did not consider
mvself under the least oblijjatlnn to
answer any of his questions till after
course gave libf-rty 4 arose,, one at &
time nnd brought forth their obiections
till ihoy run themselves out of argu-
ments and some 01 the aseemblj began
my discourse, in which I would set to hiss nt them, the meeting was clo8<^d
forth our sentiments as a society in
plainness, after which he or any gen-
tleman present should have the privi-
Jogo of taking exceptions find exposing
pul)iicly everyerroneous principle, but
he insisted on knowing what our church
believed before preaching. About liiis
time the congregation began to stamp
with their feet and hiss, they also be-
gan to be divided the more part were
dctermif^eQ fo hear, while the remain-
der said that I should not preach, and
the whole hous
and tije people departed without any
disturbance.
Thus wo can. see the zeal of the re-
ligious denominations of our land in
©pposing what they call Mormonism.
1 tarried in the province not far
from two months held 34 meetings, bap-
tized 12 and then took my journey to
Jefferson CO. N. Y. in which vicinity 1
have held fifty six moeticgs baptized
14 attended one conference in the same
coi.nty at which there were 13 more
was in an uproar I that came forward in- baptism two el-
ders and two teachers were ordained.
The truth seems to b<; progressing ia
thcso p«TtS.
ORSON PRATT.
some crying one thing and some an-
other, some crying liberty of con-
fjcience as loud as the}' could hallow;;
?f-hile others were veiling delusion, im-
postor &c. and they began to contend
one with another very sharply, becom-
ing angry thc3/ proceeded to biov/?,
two or three wore knocked down in
the school house, the noise was such
for one or two hours that it might have
been hoard some distance, but I s-tood
in the pulpit very much composed lift
Kirlland, Sept. 1836.
Dear Sir:
The following objections to
the book of Mormon wore proposed by
a gentleman of Toronto, U. C, the an-
swers were furnished for the use of a
friend, and are now offersd for pabli-
ing my heart in silent prayer that the cation, with prayer to God that he will
Lord would deliver me out of their ! make them subserve the cause of truth
hands unhurt; some threatened to lay j and righteousness.
I am your brother in the bonds ot
the gospel.
J. GOODSON.
Oliver Cowdcry, Esq.
1st "How is it that the same style is=
observed throughout the whole, though
given in different agos and to different
people." From this I infer the object-
t;>ok mo bv i'lie hand and we passed ! ors opinion to be, that the word of God,
through iheir rnidst. The wiiole con- j if given in different ages and to differ-
gregation however followed us thiough jent persons must discover diversity of
the main et. of the village and seeing j stUe. So that the word of the Lord,
myself surrounded by a multitude part (^^^ far as style is concerned) is sub-^
violent hands upon me while others
said I was a stranger and they would
protect me, but one man laid hands up-
on me v/ho rcach.ed over the pulpit and
gave me a sudden pull against the side
of the same; at length some gentlem.en
pvesent kindly assisted me in escaping
they op'erred one of the pulpit doors
friends and part foes I concluded the
better way of escape would be to go
into a tavern and pass out the back
door, which I accordingly did, being
accompanied with two men as guides.
I travelled that night to Mount Pleas-
ant on toot and alone pondering npon
the scene through which 1 had passed
and the corruptions of this genertion,
the next day the people in Brantford
sent an express requesting me to come
the next evening and preach with an
assurance that I should be protected. —
I accordingly went had a crowded
housw? and good attention, after my dis-
ject to the conditions of a certain age
and a certain person. But John says
"In the beginning was the word, and
the word was with God and the word
was God." Therefore the converse is
the truth — that ages and persons are
subject to his word.
2d "How comes it that the quotations
from scripture are given in the same
language, in the same words as we
have them in the bible?" This objec-
tion is made without comparing the two
word for word, or else the objector has
knowingly suppressed the truth: for he
coidd not ha\^ so compared them witli
■•.ft
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
out discovering, not merely thrst words
lire occasionally expunged, but that
words sentences and sometimes whole
Verses are introduced whicli beautify
the st}'le, and render the bcnse full and
complete. If completeness of sense,
and perspicuity of style, pertain to
good writing, the querist shall see
those advantages enjoyed by the book
of Mormon, by comparinjr the sixth
chapt. of the first book of Nephi with
the 48th and 49th of Isaiah. The add-
ed sentences and verses found in the
book of Mormon were surely indited
by the Spirit which indited the whole:
they arc equally beautiful ond sublime:
and the querist thought so to when he
read them, if not, I must conclude that
be was unable to discern, between
what was indited by the Spirit of proph-
Hecy &. what is not. For I cannot but be-
lieve that ho discovered the difference
but forbore making mention of it. —
For remember that he says the quoia-
tionsfrom scripture are in the same
words
3d "Is it not rather singular that
these scriptures going through the
channels of the Hebrew and Greek
languages into the coptic or Egyptian,
should finally appear in our own tongue
in the exact words of our own trans-
l^ors of the scriptures?" In another
place the objector says (without proof)
that up to the time of Lehi the proph-
ets prophesied in Hebrew only. —
Therefore he contradicts himself by
saying that the scriptures came through
the channels of the Hebrew and Greek.
History supports this view, referring
the fii^st translation of the Pentateuch
into Greek to about 285 years before
Christ.
4th "There are several words used
as taken from this reformed Egyptian
prophecy, which are no more Egyptian
than Chippewa, for instance the words
Jesus and Christ." I may now safely
denounce this objector, ignorant pre-
sumptuous and incompetent to handle
the matter he has undertaken. The
book of MorxTion is an English transla-
tion of a prophecy delivered in refor-
med Egyptian, and this sapient critic
wishes to know why it should contain
words which are not Egyptian: or
words which are current in the Eng-
lish language. Is it not the duty of
a translator to use those words which
are be?t understood by the people for
whom he translates So as the words
arc understood. It matters not the least
their etymology. Take notice that
this querist objects to an English trans-
lation of an Egyplinn writing, because
it contains wonls which are not Egyp-
tian, o according to him, a transla-
tion from reformed Egyptian should
consist of reformed Egyptian words:
nnd on the same principle a translation
from Greek should consist of Gveek
words, a translation from French of
French words: in short there could be
no such thing as a translation. The
Hebrew word "Jehoshua" or "Joshua"
when translated into Greek is "josus,"
both words sgnifying "He who shall
save." The Hebrew word "Messiah"
when translated into Greek is "Christ"
both words signifying "Annointed of
God." Lactantius an ancient author
observes "Christ is not a proper name,
but denotes power: for the Jews used
to give this appellation to their kings^
calling them Christ ov annointed by
reason of their socred unction." 'J'hc
words Jesus and Christ therefore aro-
radically neither English nor Greek,
for lx)th have Hebrew roots.
5th "How came Ezra who compiled
the scriptures to his own time, to over-
look the prophecy of Lehi." 1 will
now ask a question or rallier nine ques-
tions which are valid or invalid accor-
ding to that of the querist. He shall
take any one of them, and if he can
answer I promise to do so likewise. —
How came Ezra who compiled the
scriptures up to his own time to over-
look "the prophesy of Enoch, the book
of the Wars of the Lord — The book of
Nathan the prophet — The book of Gad
the Seer — The prophecy of Ahijah —
The vision of Iddo — The book of the
prophet Shemaiah — The book of Jehu
— The book of the prophet Isaiah
which he wrote of the acts of Uzziah
first and last."
6th "Why was not Lehi's prophecy
referred to b} our Savior or the evan-
gelists, as being fulfilled in different
incidents of his life, seeing the proph-
ecy was so very clear, that there could
have been no mistake about it." Lehi
prophesied of no incidents in the life of
our Savior; at least none are recorded
in the book of Mormon. Therefore O
Querist, dont be surprised that prophe-
cies are not referred to, which for any
thinjr we know were never recorded.—
Supposing that Lehi had prophesied of
certain incidents in the life of our Lord,
Mf.SSENGER AND AD\0('ATE.
Sd9
it would not be safe to reject him as a
false provhct because ;the new testa-
ment writers have not referred to hitn:
(hey do not refer to Isaiali's propliecy
concerning the rich man's making the
tomb, but merely record tlie event
.which fulfills the prophecy,
•"It does not appear to me that the
Church is in need of a revelation of
the above stamp." This mam turns
away from the only churcii upon earth
which was founded upon and is gov-
erned by revelation (the rock upon
ivhich Christ said he would found it)
and says she has no need of it. But
perhaps he means that the church
which is not founded upon that rock
has no need of it, in which I concur.
For the Mother of harlots witii all her
daughters of harlotry, will never ob-
tain revelations, though they will ob-
tain power of the Devil to work mira-
cles. Here the objector turns a cer-
tain writing revelation, and says the
church has no need of it. Forbear to
call it revelation, or speak out and say,
that Tiod has revealed what the church
does not want. The words "of the a-
bove stamp" are surely excessively
stupid when applied to a revelation.
The whole of these objections I con-
sider an imbecile display of self-suffi-
ciency. The Book of Mormon was
translated by the gift and power of God,
and that is the full and complete an-
swer to all the objections against the
style. And it is strong proof of this,
that its style is entirely dissimilar to
that of any other book. The only
book that bears any resemblance is the
Bible: but the simplicity of the Book
of Mormon far exceeds that. Every
person who has cultivated in writ/ng,
knows that true simplicity is of the
most difficult attainment. Those au-
thors who are remarkable for sublim-
ity are also remarkable for simplicity.
In the Book of Mormon we find such
great subject as atonement justice good
and evil Resurection et cetora treated
with childlike simplicity. The most
educated man in existence, is incapa-
ble of writing a single page like that
book. Talk no more about delusiom.
The man v/ho can believe that a
person uninspired could discourse of
such profound subjects with more ease
and simplicity than Isaiah Paul or Pe-
ter— I say the man who can believe
this, is the subject of deep and awful
delusion.
Minutes of Conference.
At a conference of Elders of the
church of Latter Day Saints, convened
in the town of Amity, Allegany county,
N. Y, on the 17th of September, 1836:
on motion of Elder L. T. Coons, Elder
Cyrus Smalling was called to the chair,
and Elder Joseph M. Cole appointed
Clerk. The conference was then open-
ed by prayer by the chairman; after
which the clerk presented Benjamin
S. Wilbur, Amos Babcock, and Abram
Rose to the conference foe ordination,
as recommended by ihe branch of tho
church of Latter Day Saints in How-
ard, Steuben county. Richard Mann,
of the branch in Amity, was also pre-
sented by Eld. L. T. Coons, for ordi-
nation: After which the conference
proceeded to ordain the above named
brethren to the office of Elders in the
church of Latter Day Sainta. Those
ordained were then particularly ad-
dressed by the chairman and Elder Ij,
T. Coons, who set forth in a plain but
impressive manner some of the duties
belonging to the office of an Elder.
The conference was closed by pray-
er by Eld. Hiram Kellog.
CYRUS SMALLING,
Chairman.
Joseph M. Cole, Clerk.
The minutes of a confercnc werOt
recently put into our hands purporting,
to have been held on the 19th of April
last, in the town of Dresden county,
of Muskingum and State of Ohio.
Elder Seymour Brunson was pres-.
ent and officiated as Chairman and'
Richard C. Wetherbee, as clerk. Si.\.
elders of the church were present and;
after prayer and due examination, the
council thought proper to ordain broh-,
er James Reeves to the office of an el-.
der.
Elder Libeus T. Coons states to ua
verbally that he left Kirtland on the
12th of April travelled and preached
mostly in the State of New-York where,
notwithstanding the prejudice and pre-
possession of men, he proclaimed the
word as opportunity offered and doors
opened, and as he trusts, left a favora-
ble impression upon the minds of ma-
ny that were before darkened by big-
otry and superstition. The Elder tar-
ried at no time long in any place, hav-
ing travelled about one thousand cix
hundred miles by land and wattr, du-
ring his absceace and ruturned on
the fifteenth of last tnonth! Yet not-
withstanding the Elder ri short stay in
any one section of country, the testimo-
ny he was able to bear, was such, that
ha baptized thirteen, and many more
yc-ere willing So hear aud investigate
the things of which ho spoke.
Elder tJrriah Stevens htft Kirtiand
in May last, travelled inio the State of
N. Y. and prenched in diiTferent pla-
ces as opportunity orTcred, but confined
bis labors more particularly to a re-
gion of Tompkins County where
through his instrutnentality a small
branch of the church was raised up,
consisting of eight members* The
elder returned here the first of Sept.
after having but barely sown the good
seed, but, wo hope it may grow ='and
multiply.
AFFLICTING CASSUAL^'Y.
Died on the 27th of August, Lucy
tha daughter of Lorenzo and Persi?
Young's aged three years and ten
months. Ilcr sufTeringg were short
but excrutiating. Her clothes took
fire in the abscenco of the family, and
notwithstanding her shrieks, no one
"alrrived in time to extinguish the flames
and save the child! So the morning flow-
er, which but yesterday bloomed in all
its native loveliness, was cut down and
withered in an hour.
Our brethren and friends wh.o recent-
ly held a conference in New Portage,
will excuse us for omitting the inser-
tion of their minutes in t^iis month's
paper. We had not time, owing to a
press of other business, to condense
them or even make a synopsis, and
they were too lengthy to be given en-
tire in our columns. We hope to be
able to notice them in our ne:it. V/e
have also an article from the pen of
aa able and intelligent correspondont,
that has to be excluded from this num-
ber, which shall have a place in our
next
>^ADyo.cA;rE.
~" NOTICE.
Elder Hiram Siratlen is requested
by the Presideots of the Seventies, to
come to Kirtiand v.ithout del;iy.
MARIUED— In Norton, Medina co:
O. on the 28d ult. by Elder Salmon
Warner, jr. Mv^Joseph R. Hurlberl to
Miss Deborah Spencer; both of that
place.
THE. GATfJERlXG.
Whr.t W0!i.'?rnu9 thir.^s wc now behoUl,
Vvhic-h ivore declr.r'il front days of olJ
By prophsls, who in visions eloar
Ceiwli those glories fiosi Offar.
The visioag whi:i) ^^s Go3,
ConQrmM h5- his an '.hanging word;
Th;it to ihs .'(ges tiicn unhorn
His grcat.-stK'ork ho -n-caid penorci.
The. ss.^ond tirae he'd sat his hand
To g/iilisr Jsr;iel to Ihoir land,
Fulfil tiis rcr'nants ho had m:i''o,
And pour his bieSsings on their herd.
When Moab'fi reninant, lorig opnrfso'd,
Should gatbcr'd be nnd greatly biept;
And Aiiimon's children, scatisred wide.
Upturn with joy, in peace abide.
While Eiam's race a feeble ban I,
Receive a sh iro itl the Mest land;
And Gcnntilss, all thoir power display
To hnsten on the g'.orious day.
Then Ephraim's sera, a vi-ariik'£ race,
ShrJi huste in pence and see their rest,
And earth'3 romotrtit parts abound,
With joys of eVerlE.sting sound.
AsejTia'r. ffnptivcs, long since Io<;!,
In spicnr'or come a nutn'rous host;
Egyptia'swsters fiU'd with fenr,
Vhoir power fool and disappear.
Yes?, Abram's children now shal! be
Like ssad in ftnmbcr by the sea;
Whilp kindr.^ds, tongues, and nations all '
Corabip.e. to miike their nuci'.H.-i f^;;!.
The dawning: of that day has come,
S-.>e! Abram's sons are gath'riug homo,
And daughters too, with joyfa! lays.
Are hast'nin- hcie to Join in praiisc:
O God, oar Father, .and our King,
Prepare our voices and our theme;
Let all our po'v'rs in one combine
To sing thy praise in songs divine.
THE LATTER DAY SAI^"TS'
I^essenger and Advocate,
1= printr^d and published every month at Kirtiand
GeEugH (III. Ohio, by
EDIT<R AN'y PROPRIETOR,
Jt % 1, per an. in advance. Every person procuring-
ten new eubscrihcrs, and forwardinff % 10, current
money, shall be entitled to a paper one ysur, ffraiit.
All letters to the Editor, miist be
trrPOST PAID.£:Ti
No subsmption will be received for a less term than one
year. okA no paper discorUiniied till all arr&aragts «rf
paid. cr4Xfl at tki- option erf tke pvhMskef.
T^^Tr7>7T*9^
I.ATTER DAY SAII^TS'
MESSEI^«ER ArVD ADVOCATE.
Vol.. in. No. 2.1 KTRTLAND. OHIO. NOVEMBER, 1r!36. Whoh No. PSP.
THE LATTER DAY GLORY.
The subject of the latter r'ay glory,
his produced as much speculation
nmong professed believers in the bible,
perhips. as any other which is sup[ o-
f^ed tj have been a subject of revela-
tion. Every new sect in religion
which has imde its appearance, has
been supposed by its founders, to be
ihe sp'ct which is to lead the w)rld tc
Ihe full blazi of the latter day glory:
and every sect in all seelaiiandorn sup-
poses, that when the latter day glory
comes they will be the principal or
prevailing (arty. The never ending
variety of clashing opinions upon this
subject, is a clear manifestation of the
great darkness whicij exists in the
world, together with the unsettled state
of the public mind in relation to it. —
ksome think it wiil be ushered in in one
way, and some in another. Some by
one means, and some by another: but
one widely diffirent from the other;
nod a careful reader k>{ the scriptures
would sxir.'>ly say„ that tlvey all widely
differ from the bible.
The subject Tiowever seems to have
gained pretty general belief, that the
latter days are to bring forth something
different from what has been in the
former periods of the world; and the
belief in that fact has no doubt been
the cause of multitudes of new parties
in religion springing up in the different
sges of the world, and has been the
caus''^ as people of modern times say,
of much enthusiasm in fermer times.
We, in mod ;rn timea, speak of the
exertions of the ancients to usher in
this day, as t!*c greatest folly, and even
wickeuEess, For it is a fact of gieat
notoriety, that the generations back
for many centuries, felt as much zeal
in the ushering in of the latter day
glory, and as much interest in that d<iy,
us we in modern times feel; and used
as great e.vortions to bring it about:
but ihey differed widely with us as to
the means by which it was to be ac-
complished. For instance, Peter the
hermit thought that the only w;iy by
which lhi3 day was to bo ushered in,
was* by taking the holy land (as it was
called) and dispossessing the infidels
who then held it, and thereby prepare
be way for the coming of the Son of
man. And in the greatness of his
zeal to accomplish so laudable an ob-
ject, he went through all Europe pro-
claiming the coming of the Son o; man,
and the liccessity for nllch^I^t!an hings
to arouse, and prepare iiis way, by
rescuing the holy land out of th) hands
of the barbarian.s, that the Son of man
miglt come again to his own inheri-
tuice.
And such was the effect of his zeiil,
that all Europe was litterally electrifi-
ed: the kings were aroused to put their
armies into requisition; and army after
army marched off into Asia, to redeem
the tioly land. In history, thsir armies
are known by the name of crusaders.
And after much fighting and biood
shed, the) finally succeedtd in getting
possession of thv holy laud; but the
Son of man not coming according to
their expectati-ns, the land finally
rolled back again into the hands of un-
believers, and remams so to tliis day
Bjt though the crusaders failed to
bring about the latter da\ glorv, and
this great waste of human lije was na
unavailing effort, still, the belief in the
coming of thy Son of tp'an. and the lat-
ter day glory, did not perish with this
fanaticism, (as we are pleased to call
it,) but continues an article in the fa th
of a largfe majority of the professing
world to this day.
it is the belief in the coming of tha
Son of man and in tlie glory which
shall follow that is the spur to all the
efforts of the religious communities of
the present day. The great exertions
which are made to e.xcite revivals of
religion, and bring mankind under tha
d tminioa of some religious party or
other, is in view of the near approach
of the latter day glory, and the com-«
ing of the Son of man. All the niti-
sionary schemes of the ag*j ace found*
ed on the belief of it. Xhe attempt*
which are making to convert the hea-
then on every CQiitinent, and in the
islands of the s^, grow out of this be-
lief. The cry of Millenium is hoard
all over the land, and men are requi-
red to Use all their exertions to usher
in the glory of ihe !a»t days, by con-
verting tha world, ai they call it, eo
that the knowledge of God may cover
the earii\» as the water* do the eea,
4«3
>i6S»BiN'GBR ANB ADVGlCAXE.
and th« teetimony of the prophets not
fail.
It is the same faith and the same
}ichl that excite the religious societies
of this day, that excited Peter the her-
mit in former days: it is the faith
which both have in the coming of the
Son of man, and the glory which shall'
follow. Both agree as to the fact of
such a time, and that it will be; but
tljey disagr'ee as toihe' means by which
h'"is to be brought about. Peter the
hermit thought tlial it was to be intro-
duced by I'aising armies, and taking
tha land of i^alestine or Canaan, (or
the holy land as it was called,) so that
■whantbe Son of man came, he might
lecting the outcasts of Israel from all
lands whithersoever they have beeii
driven fii the time of their aflliction,
and returning them again to the land
of their fathers. And their entire
course of conduct is in view of this ad-
vent; all their worldly circumstances
are regulatfc^f by it in all countries as
far as wo have account of them, so,
that it is their polar star to direct aVi
their movements, aad they are enlireW
under the influence of this belief.
Any person who has made liimse!f
in any good degree acquainted with
thft movements of those who believe*'
in the bible, whether Jew or Gentile,
must see, that the belief in the coniini*
find his own discijtles dwelling on the of the Son of man; and the latter day
land where he was tohiake his appear- i glory, are, a'ter all that fiien n'lny sa\^
ance, and'in accordance with his belief to the contrary, holding the iniluencei
he acted; nnd actually succeeded' in over their minds; and their movements
raising the armies, and in taking the | aVe al^ in a greater or lesser degree.
land, but could not hold it, but it fel
back into the hands of barbarians again,
and so ail ^his efforts were fruitless.—^
And la. m.odern times we look at them,
made in view ot it. And it is in rela-
tion to this subject that those ditlereht'
parties are constantly upbraiding each
oth'er with the appelations of fanatic.
and call them the heighth of enthusi- ' enthusiasts, imposters, and not because
asm; and we' sky so, b'ecad'se we ditTer j they do not b^^ieve the facts of tho
from him, r^ot in the fact of the coming coming of the Son of man, and tho
of the Son "of man; but in the proper ! t'oUowing glory, after they all believe
means to be used in order to prepare in this; but they disagree about what
the way of his coming. that glory shall be, and in what it is to
We believe in the coming of tho consist, and by what means the way is
Son of man, as mu<-h as he did, and in to be prepared for it. Some think it
'ihei- glory thnt shall foHow; but we
think that the means wiiich ho used
wero no way calculated to obtain the
object for which they were intetalocl,
but the very reverse; and suppose that
we have fallen upon tho only means
which can be used in relation to it, that
will be of any avail,, and that is, to
convert the woi'ld t'othie" belief iW Gft'd,
and in Christ; and believing this to be
not only probable, bxit an indispensable
■ duty, the religious world has etitered
; into if, with all the z^-al of their nature,
•firmly believing, that in so' doing, they
ar« preparing the way of the t5on' of
man, uiid also the glory thai shall fol-
low.
The Jews who also have a belief in
the glory of the last days, as well as in
the comin'g of fh'e Son of man, or their
Messiah, differ from both Peter the
h«rmit, and the preseh'^ sfec'farian world;
not ia the fact of such a day coming;
but in the means by which it is to be
brought.about They say that it is to
be done by gathering the scattered
reraHanU of Jacob tog*^ther, and col-
will come one way, and some anoihei!?'
And some think it will consist in one'
thing, and KOfne in jinother, and thus
it is that they are calling each other
fanatics, impost's^rs, &c.
For instance all the'feligl'ou's \Vorld
.Jews and Orentik^s say ot Peter tho
hermit that he was a fanatic, and that
the crusaders were tf^'o veriest enthusi-
asts in the world; and tho Jews say of
the present Gontile churches that they
are fanatics, and enthusiasts, to believe
as they do about the latter day glory.' —
And the Gentile churchee say of the
Jews t'liVit' fbey are .fanatics for their
belief in relation to it: and it is no un-
common thing to hear the Gishfilo
churches denouncing each other as fa-
natics, and enthusiasts, because they
Ifold different opinions about it.
Now, tbese all believe in the second
coming .of the Savior, and that a great
g?ory will follow; but they dift'er a'botit
the events which will pfeCede 'that
advent, and about what the glory wiU
be when it comes. And on the.se points
ihey frequently grow wrathy, deaouuc*
iiB6S£iXfiSR ANB ACYOCATE.
4M
each other as heretics, lanatics, enthu-
siasts, 6cc. &c. and deal out their an-
^itheiTias against ono another with a lib-
-cral (hand.
It is in relation to these things that
ihe church of- the Latter Pay Saints
?las been so shansefelly abused and
belled, by all these parties both Jews
and gentiles, reformers and non-refor-
rpers, (not ■even exceptiivg the pious A.
Campbell and old Clap_p, iiis ^jinco
Fanza, and the will-making A. Betitly,
one of his flunkies.:) not that they do
Tjot believe in the second, conning of
ilhc Savior, and ,m the glory that shall
feHow; but because they differ from nil
she other parties about the means by
which the Savior will prepare the way
,-q{ h33 second coming, and what the
glory will be which will follow.
The Latter Day Sainta believe that
Christ will prepare the way of his
coming by raising up and inspiring
apostles, prophets* ^vaogeiists, pas-
•tcrs and teachers, and under their min-
istry restore again to his saints all the
gifts of the church ssin days of old. —
And the ^lery which shall follow, will
coB.^;st in the increase of faith on the
earth, by which men shall obtain reve-
lations, visions, the ministering ef an-
gels, and the manifcstatioas of the
iSarisr himself; so that the saints shall
know that he lives, and shall each one
§:now it for himself, and not for anoth-
-er; and these blessings will gradually
multiply and increase, until they will
have power to behold the Father of
glory; and spiritual gifts through faith
will so greatly increase, until every
JEiitvldual saint shall have power to
behold the face of God in the flesh, as
did Moses and others in days of old,
until the propheey^of Isaiah shall be Ut-
^rally fulfilled, that the knov/ledse of
Goa will cover the earth as tl^e waters
do the sea.
The Latter Day Saints also believe
that God has began this work, by rais-
ing up and inspiring me.n to bring forth
revelations, and to direct his saints as
in days of old, that the church may
<?QiT5e out of obscarity, and out of
darkness, and begin to shew forth her
light, and her glory, so that the way
of the Son of man maybe prepared.
And for this their belief, the saints
of the last days have been made to par-
take of the sufferings and afflictions of
those of former days. Priests and
drunkards, deacoas and scoundrels,
professors and thieves, hare all shawn
themselves to be of one spirit, and of
one clan, and of one mind.
The Latter Day Saints further be-
lieve that previous to Christ's coming,
sjad at the time of his coming, he will
cut off and consign lo the perdition of
ungodly men, the before mentioueJ
motley gang of professors, and non-
professers, priests and drunkards, dea-
cons and scoundrels, professers and
thieves, as being of their father the
devil, and materials suitable for his
kingdom, and there will none be able
to stand in this great and notable day
of the Lord, <;xccpt such as have ob-
tiined like precious faith with the apos-
tles, and have power over all thinga
this side the celestial world; among
whom all the spiritual gifts are found
that ever were known among men, and
if these gifts never return to the world,
God will come and smite the whole
earth with a curse, and jiot one will
escape.
Such is the faith of the Latter Day
Saints, and for this their belief, earth
and hel! have con^bined for their over-
throw: the devil and his emisaries on
earth, the priests of all denominations,
have used their utmost exertions, but
their exertions have been vain for tha
truth prevails exceedingly., far beyond
the expectations of any of the saints.
Atiother item of thsir faith is, that
before the coming of Christ, and tho
general destruction of the wicked, God
will gather his saints together from ev-
ery nation, tongue, language and kin-
dred, under the whole heaven, unto
places before appointed, and will try
his saints in those places, and try them
until there is not one left but those
who are puro and holy in his sight:
that ansQBg those who are left after
the bad are gathered out, he will shew
forth his glory: they shall be the ones,
of rrhom it is said, they shall know the
Lord from the least to the greatest of
them; among them the knowledge of
God shall cover the earth, as the waters
cover the sea; and all the rest of the
world will without exception be cut off;
and when this js done, and all the rest
of the wprlc} cift off but the saints which
are gathered, then the earth will be of
one heart, and one mind: then men
will beat their swords into plough-
shares, and their spears into pruning-
hooks, and learn war no more: the/i
shall the cow and the liear feed, tuid
4«4
MKSSE^OEJl AND ADVOCATE.
their young ones lie down together:
then shall the lion eat strav/ like the
ox: then shall the \hv.s come when th3y
shaii neither hurt nor destroy in all
the Lord's holy mountain, which h>>iy
mountain is thi" place wht^rc the saints
vr.W Le gotherrd.
For believing these things, and act-
ing accordingly, the saints have been
mads to feel the hand of pernecution
fr^m this ungodly generation v/hich is
fast fiperiing for the damnation of liell;
for the saints have began to gather tf)-
getiser, in sjjite of all the lying pricstis
there nre this side the perditic n of un-
gO'lly men, (and this is only such as
are in the fiesh) until they shall all
have come froni one end of heaven to
the other, and not one left in till nations,
tongtjes, languages and kindreds, un-
der hf^aven, and then, and not till then
will Christ come and the glory will
follow. S. R.
MISSION IN THE SOUTH.
1 le t this place (Kirtland) on the
3rd day of May last, and bent niy
course to the south, with the intention
of vis tng the churches in Kentucky
and Tennessee which I had been in-
strumental in building up on a previ-
ous mission to that country.
I went on board a Steamer at Wells-
ville, a small tovvn on the Ohio river,
tsituated 450 miles above the city of
Cincinnati, and fravelleddown it aboi t
lOOU miles, touching at a great variety
of towns on its banks, in Ohio, Vir-
ginia, Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky,
either to discharge or 'cceive freight
and passengers, and up the Tennessee
liver 80 miles. While pcrforrriing
this journey, I obtained permission &
preached Keveral times to the passen-
gers on board wIkj listened with atten-
n'on and tjeated me with respect, and
fts there >rere many persons traveling
to different pnrls. I cheerfully embra-
ced t'le opporJuriity of saluting their
cars w'nh the sijUijd of that gospel that
cur Savior has corhn^unded his ser-
vants to proclaim jn all the world to
every creature. J also witri<3ssed sev-
eral of those distressing occurvences,
that arc so common on our southern
waters, cxicasioned by steam boats run-
ning against each other, boilers burst-
ing, &c. in consequence of the unskill-
ful manage'ment of captains and piicls.
and indeed when I reflect upon the
' »«bon3inc.t{(JEJ» thst are pr&cticed on
board the^e floating sinkj of iniquity,
I marvel that God does not execute
more speedy vengeance upon them. —
At about midnight having just dismiss*
ed the congregation on board, to whon>
I had been preaching the word, I found
myself landed in Henry county, Ten-
nessee, on the very spot where I stood
upon the banks of the river something
less than one year before, and lifted
up my voice to a multitude, and pro-
claimed salvation to them Ujjon the
terms of obedience to the gospel of the
Son of Gud as revealed to ua in tho
new and everlasting covenant: ai.d I
no* only stood upon its banks, but
troubled its waters by administering
the ordinance of baptism, and while!
took the parting hand with them and
bid them farewell, they were over-
whelmed in tears. I was now in the
neighborhood of the churches to which
I hastened with gi eat anxiety and was
received bv them with every expres-
sion of joy. Bu-t among those who
were not of the fold of Christ I niet
with a very diflerent receptisn. I
f uiid nnnv of t'lo^e whose minds had
been en ightentrd^ who had witnessed
ih; liU:tsof the ancient gospt I, and had
been believing, were not unlike the in-
habitants of Lystra, when Paul and
Barnaijas ministered to ihem; tho
preaching of these servants (f God so-
far exceeded the nreaching of their
it o'.itrous priests, they crii'd, that tho
gods had come down in the likeness f
men, and rushed to the tem| le of Jupi-
ter which stood wiihout the gates of
the city, aud sought to crown them
with garlands, and sacritise even to
their worship, and it was with diflicul-
ty that the apostles persuaded iheni to
desist fro*^ their unhtllowed offering,
and rent their clothes as a mark (-f de-
testation and abhorence of their Con-
djct. But not long after certain of the
unbelieving Jews and idolaters of Au'
ti jch and leonium, fcJ lowed Paul to
Lystra, and persuaded the people that
he was a wicked majician, and they
rose with one consent aud stoned him.
and dragged him out of the city; and
left him unburied in the high way be-
lieving him to be dead. 1 have said
that our enemies in the south were not
uuiikc the inliabitants of Lystra. Per-
haps they would not have sacrifised
their oxen to us, upon the altar of
burnt offerings, but they cheerfully sa-
cn'uj'ed of their substance to feed and
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
m
clothe u?, and their meetings and
priHsts to att3nd, to our ministration,
and acknowledge the force of truth
while sitting under its influence, and
Cried o«t from whence have these men
this great wisdom of the things of God
and appeared willing to lay down thrir
lives for us. On the othr hand they
were not unlike them. Soon after 1
returned to the south, I fell in compa-
ny with elder Patten, my fellow h hir-
er in this part of the Lord's vineyard;
M'ith whom I have endured many per-
ils, afflictions and persecutions, in our
own native land, and in distant coun-
tries, by land and by water, among
congr:'g?itcd multitudes, and in the sol-
itary wilderness. We visited the chur-
ches, and again suffered persecution
together; wicked men and idolatrous
worshipers led by priests and peace of-
ficers enlisted their combined influence
against us, and s tught our lives and
again th«y were like the unbelieving
Jews of Thesalonica, when Paul enter-
ed into their synag gu.s, and reasot-
ed with them out of the scriptures;
moved with envy thev took unto them
certain lewd fellows of the be ser sort
■and set all the rcgiors round about in
«n uproar and assaulted the house of
one Utley, and brought us out unto
the people crying, these that have
turned the v/orld upside down, have
come again to Benton county ml
teach doctrines contrary to sectit nan-
ism, saying, that tl.e:e is another
prophet, one Joseph Smith hke unto
i*ioses, whom the Lord hath chosen »o
lead his ( eiple out of the \viidernf ss in
these last days, and by ivhose 1 and ise
hath brought forth the record of Ephra-
im; nnd tlu^/ v/ere min''ed to take us
belore the magistrates; but when they
had takei! large security thev let us go
till a! o.her day. Ou; lives w vre throat
■ened and souj^ht vor. in public and in
private, like tiie hunted roe in the for-
rest; at length we were taken before
the rulers, and examined not by scour-
Ajing, but by threatning, and .strictly
charged to teach no more in their mi.'.st
the fulness of the gospel in thy name
of Jesus and banished from ihcir soc'e-
ty, and the brciliron immediately sent
us away to .Middle Tennessee'; and
we entered into their synagogues and
preached the word. These were more
noble than those of Denton county, for
they searched the scriptures daily
whether the.-w things ware so; but cer-
tain philosophers, ciergymen of ths
presbyterian and methodist faith slid
What is it that these bablers sayl —
"They seem to be setters forth of
strange gods," because they preach
unto us the doctrine contained in tho
bible and book of Mormon, saying,
these are the fulness of the gospel;
"Others spent their time in nothing
but to hear or to tell some new thing."
However there seemed to be many be-
lieving, and a vast field open fc labor-
ers in the vineyard of the Lord in tha
south.
On our return from Middle, to V/est
Tennessee we passed through Benton
county. As soon as we arrived with-
m its boundaries we were hunted by
our persecutors who followed us like
blood-hounds through the county, tho
distance of about twenty miles, but out
of their hands the Lord delivered us. —
I took the parting hand with elder Pat-
ten and set out by stage f.'-om Ten-
nessee for home I passed through
many towns in this state and Kentucky,
and gave the warning voice to many
of them; in some towns 1 spent ihrco
days and others six. And I feel it a
duty I owe to the southern peo,,'.e in
general, to ackn{.v/iedge the h')sp:taU-
ty and politeness with which I have
been treated while travelling among
them as a minister of the gospel: and!
v< rdy believe that God has much peo-
ple in that country, that will c.'>me like
doves to the wmJows when He ealis
to the north to give up, and the south
to keep not back, his sens tube broi'ght
f.-om afar and his daughters from t.ho
ends of the earth. And aithoujih in
my m's ion of foijr .Tonthg., during
which time I traveiled upw^.rd? of thr^e
thousand miles and pr^-achea aboLit 70
discourses, arid baptized Itut few, yet I
trust that my labors will be like tiivead
(>a5\t upon tho watcrj, the fiuiis of
which, is sjcn m^iny divs ni'rcr. —
Wheii i j^Dund rnyself safely restored
agam. to the society of my companion
R.ijd friends, and o.a rctrospecting the
past goodness of God, my soul breaks
forth in adoration and praise to my
heavenly Father, fur his tender mer-
cies are tiuly over mo coijtii>i',^lly, his
gre; t liberality suppiiija uM my wants,
and his protecting; and fosteris'ig hand,
shields me from all harm, Tiiou 0
Lord art oxsited above all c'Jier gods,
— there [fi non/* in heaven, or on earth,
like unto Cisrc,— thou dcst hold the ik-i>h-
4m
ME»«SNGER N» ABATOCATft'.
tinies of all nations in thine almighty
hand, — thou art the giver of all good,
and perfect gifts, — -in the deepest
wounds of affliction thou hast comfort-
ed me, — when wicked men have sought
to ensnare my feet, thou hast deliver-
ed me, — when I have been surrounded
virith the turmoils, and miseries^ irrci-
dent to human liie, thou hast calmed
my stormy fe-elings and quelled ray
rising fears, — when pestilence has
walked in darkness and destruction
wasted at noon day, thou hast tranquil-
ized my mind, and said, "Be still and
know that I am God, — Therefore will
I magnify the name of the lidrd of
liosta forever, more.
W. PARRISH.
PERFECTION.— No. IT.
On examining the subject ot perfec-
tion closely, it will be found that the
ancients, such wfe mean as were under
divine influence, h.id views quite ditTer-
ent from those entertained by the men
of our day; they set it forth as some-
thing of a very God-like naturs. Paul
says, when speaking of the privileges
of the saints, that they were to be heirs
Gi God, and joint heirs with Christ
Jt.'sus. This, most mnnifestiy, sets
forth the nature of perfection as it per-
tains to the saints.
For a person to be an hf^ir of God,
and a joint heir with Christ Jesus^
would be to endow him with the [low-
ers of the great God; for how can any
person be an heir of God, and yet ne-
ver partake ofeilher his power or glo-
ry; where would his heirs hip be? — a
mere fiction, as bad as a Methodist
God, without either body or parts. If
a person is ever tin heir of God, he will
partake of his glory; aad this hf can-
not do, unless he first piirtakes of bis
power. Or if a person is ever a joint
heir with Christ Jesus, he will be so
by reason of his partaking of the same
power and glory: And th:) Savior said
el himself that, "all power is given
unto me, in heaven and on earth." —
Now may I not ask, wirh propriety, can
a person be a jjint heir with him who
has (dl power ia hoaven and on earth,
aud yet have na power in heaven 'nor
on earth. This would be too paradox-
ical for any rational being to pretend
to helievtj. For any rational being
must know, that for a person to be a
joint heir v,'ith another, requires no-
thing loss thuQ to equally partake of
the power, by which that other person
partook ©f, and enjoyed his heirship?
for if he did not he ne^-er could be heir
with him.
A great inany persons, for want of
proper reflection, have supposed, thai
an instrument of writing, such' as a
will, or deed, or some such thing, could
make one person another's herr; bats
minute's reflection would coiTect the
error; for it is not more the instrument
of wnting which makes the licir, than
it is the power to husband the heirshipv
for if the legatee has not power to ma-
nage the legacy-, his heirship is moro
nominal tliapj' real.
We have a most striking initance of
this set forth in the scriptures-, in th6'
eSSe of Solomon and his son Rehobo-
am, whom Solomon undertook to make
heir of his kingdom- There was no-
thing wanting in instruments of wri-^^
ting, or in' formalities; for every thing
was don'e, that either wind or ink could
do; but with all, they could not mako
Rehoboam Solomon's heir: Could they
have given him a few ounties of com-
mon sense, it would have tended more
to have made him his father's heir,
than ali*the soundings of trumpets, the
riding on mules, and the passing of de-
crees, and the sealing of covenants,
did, or could do: and as it was not in
their power to give him common un»
derstanding; ■ So it was not in their
power to make him Solbmon's heii*.-^
The very first act of his life, rent his
father's kingdom in twain, and the cry
throughout the camp of Israel was,
"To YOUR TESTS, O Israel!" and the
ten tribes- revolted from the house of
David, and served them nb more to>
this day. - ,.
So much then, for instruments of
writing, covenants, deeds and decrees,
making one man another's heir. It-
requires the power, the wisdom, and
the sagacity of the predeeessoi*,' ' to '
make the successor his heir, ,&nd no-
thing short of that could-^d© if.'"
When the scriptiii^fe^ speak of ma-'
Ic?Kg tliesaint^ "heirs of God, and joint
heirs with Christ 'Jes.ii:s;" tliey surely
take into consideration what will be
necessary to do it, and if so, the thing
proposed to men in the religion of hea-
ven is, to put them in possession of the
power, the wisdom and the kno^rledge^
suflicient to make them heirs of God^
and joint hoirs Mith Christ Jesus. If a
person 13 to partake of only part of tk»
Mfi»liMiNI6i«l AJNB AftVOCAT^.^
4«r
;jjjoirship of Clirist, then, part of his
qualifications, will be siifllcieiit; but if
he is to bo a joint heir, and be an equal
.^.litaker with Christ, then, notiiing
abort of the same ppyrers whicJ! Christ
possesses, wiil ess-'ible iiim to/io it.
,. The, query which now arises to the
tuind, is this, Is tlie human mind ca-
pable of possessing ^.^p.cii pfi.wt-.i:, .and
.'kich authority? If it is, perfection, as
far as it relates to man, consists in ob-
taining it; torwitheut it, no person can
be perfect, for where there is one at-
tainment wanting that person Is not
4'^e,rfect. And if the human mind is
not capable of enjoying and exercising
such powers, why say that we are to
•iwi heirs of God, and joint heirs with
Christ? Surely it would be an insult
upon our good feelings thus to trifle
with us,
iJ.From this view of the subject, which
is -b,Qth scriptural and reasonable, it
can be easily seen why the Savi,(>r sijid
to his disciples, "Be ye perfect even as
your I-'ather in heaven is perfect-,^' Be-
cause that, and that only, vv'ouW cr^wn
them with glory, honor, and immor-
,4al,ity, and without it, tlieir religion
would be vain, yea, worse than v?.in;
'for in.-^tead of its adding to their happi-
ness, it would make them of all men
".jfBost- miserable. , •-
When perfection, as relates to the
faints, is once understood, it throws
.great light on the whole scheme of
• things revealed in the bible; and enables
us to see the consistency, and propri-
ety of the whole. The object propo-
.•<ed to men in embracing the schciiie of
yrheaven, is to muke them perfect, and
that perfection consists in putting them
in possession of tlie powers pi, Ittcpc-
ity, by which they heir, and ol course
.govern all things: making them equal
sharers in all power, in heaven and on
earth. Hence, says tiie Savioi,
**Thou hast been faithful in a few-
things; I will uiake thee ruler over
Miany things': enter thou into the jov
of thy Lord." ,, ' "
•Let us keep this in mind, and then
nee the consistency of the scheme of
the heavens by which they propose to
save men.
It was said to the apostles, "Go ye
into all the world, and preach the gos-
,,pel. to every creature; He that believ-
eth and is baptized shall be saved, and
he that believcth not shall be damned.
And the^o sigus shall follow th»m th«t
believe," d:c.
By this commission, it will be saah
by tbo candid reader, that it was pro-
posed to those who believed the testi-
mony of the apostles, that they should,
be put in possession of a power ditrer-
ent from that v/liich was , enjoyed by
the rest of the world, and n power
tending directly towards perfection,
even, towards the power enjoyed by
4he Deity, by which they were heir«
of all things, and o{ wliich heirship
the saints were to be made partakers.
Read carefully the account given In
tlie bible, and it will be seen th.at as
soon as the gospel was received, tha
power which was aceordjiig to the na-
ture, of their heirship, began to be ox-
ereised by them, and kept increasing,
and increasing, until tiiey had power
over water, and over fire* find could
command the very elemeuts, the sun,
.ipop^i, (Sec. and they would obey them,
exercising a power which tended di-
rectly to make them partakers of ail
power, in heaven and on earth; and
to make them heirs of God, and joint
heirs wjth Christ Jesus; whose heir-
ship consisted in an identity with ths
Faiher= . "A'Ail mine are thine, and
thine are mine ; ja.t?d;l am gloriiied in
theai," say.s the Savior to his Father,
John, 17: 18. So the saints heirship
was to consist in an identity with the
Father and the Son „ .;-.That they all
may be one; as thou, Father, art in
me, and. Ijih. thee, that they also may.
be one in us: that the v.'orld may be-
lieve that thou host sent me." John
17: 21. So then, with the greatest
propriety, the apostle jjromised to th»
saiuts of his day, that they should be
heirs of God, and joint lieirs with
Christ Jesus. And if so, must be par-
takers of both their power and glory.
, It is, therefore, easily seen, that a
religion which does not .iinthediately
tend to put men in possession of pow-
er, power supcr^flturai, (so called,)
does TiOt in any degree tend to perfec-
tion; and if it does not tend to perfec-
tion, it docs not towards salvation: and
all the labor, and pains, which men
may spend to establish, and to build it
up, is only building a house on th»
sand, which , will fall with awful ruins,
in the day when the winds blow, and
the i-ains detcend.
I^et it here be observed, that when
mon in davs of old had "sbtaincd this
4^
j^SMSENGER AK© ADVOCATtL
power with God, that they could exer-
cise power over the earth, and over
the elements, they were stiid to be per-
fect: as was the case of Noabf of
Abrahsm &c. And those who had
not this power, were never said to be
perfect, no, nor nover will be by the
God of heaven.
Thus it was. thai all the saints of
former days, made their way towards
psrfection, in the exercise, and in the
increase of power; and as they ap-
proached toward the power which Je-
sus had, when he said. "All power in
heaven and on earth is given nnto me"
in like proportion thav approximated
pertection; but inasmuch as ll ey did
not approximate towards that power,
they did not advance towards perfec-
tion; for this and this only constitutes
perfection before God: and when he
speaks of men being perfect he means
the perfection which belongs to him-
self.
There can be nothing more ridicu-
lous to the ear of a correct biblical stu-
dent, than to hear the men of this gen-
eration talking about perfection, and
about men's getting perfect, while they
deny the very existance of such a
th ng; for they openly declare t'lat all
4he powers of the spiritual kmgdom
j^^Hve ceased, and are to be exercised
„n y^ore. Lot it be so; but wc ask,
no ll- - . , \
.yL^-P '« perfection then? we answer
no where; ^^^.^ake the powers of the
sj.i ritual k.\n^''^?^ ^way, the enjoyment
of which con^t./'^^es P«''<^^-^t.on among
„ ,1 oMH«Kr , r.'vfection ceases witl;
nrin, and surely I.e. '■ .
them, and there is «.n end to ,t, both m
heaven and on earth, s.' ^^' ^' ^^"
are concerned. .^ former
A few more words about th. ^^^er-
day saintH, and ihe sects of this ^ ^^^
ation, and I have done for the prest. "
It is this, either the saints uf form.cM
days were more than jferfect (and that
is impossible) or else the sects of this
day are infinitely short of it. The for-
mer diy saints could by th. ir faith stop
the mouths of lions, quench the vio-
lence of fire, escape the edge of the
sword, put the armies of the aliens to
flight, receive their dead children to
life again, heal the sick, cast out devil?,
speak with tongues, interpret tongues,
prophecy, dream dreams, see visions,
&c, &c. I say then either the exer-
cise of these powers among the former
day saints was more than perfection,
or else the aects of these days aro no
where near to perfection neither aro
they making the least advances to-
wards it, and which of the two it is, I
will leave a candid public to judge.
S.- Rrf
Kifiland, Sept. 15, 1836^
Brother O. Cowdery:
I started from Kirt-
land on the 17th of May last, in com-
pany with brothers Joseph Young and
Elijah Reed, and traveled east as far
as Whitesborough, On"ida co. N. Y.
there J separated from them and trav-
eled into Washington co, N. Y.;
there I laboied for a shoit time, and
in the edge of Vt. and baptized two.-—
I then left the place and falling in
company with brother J. Young we
continued our course to the east for the
express purpose of visiting our friends,
which we had anticipated doing with
deep interest. We called m Canaan
Conn, where we preached and bajitiz-
ed four: from thence pursued our jour-
ney to Providence and Boston where
we preached several times; and in the
latter place baptized two. I there left
bro. J. Y. and went as far as Newry,
Oxford CO. Me. attended a conference
iii company with elder Lyman E-
Johnson, there we baptized two; the
Spirit of *he Lord attended our confer-
enci^; at our public preachmgs we had
large and very attentive congregations.
I then returned to Boston, in company
with elder Lyman E. Johnson and oth-
ers v ho were coming to Kirfhiud, there
I tarried over the Sabath preached and
baptized two more.
Brother J. Y. and I then started for
home. via. Providence where we call-
ed a eonferencp and f)rdai«ed brother
Bennington to bo an eider: we also
culled in Contr. nt Canaan ffnd baptiz-
ed one: from thence we continued our
^urney home, and arrived in Kirtlund
■'*" He'evening of the 9th of beptern-
k h' ''^8 labored much to apread-
, *"' ' , '%tin2 eospef, and baptized
the everlu ■°i°\^- i
,' 7 • *^a our ir lends as we an-
thirteen, visi. ^^^^^ ^^ conversed
ticipated, with ^^^^^ gospel as
freely on the sub c ^^ ^. P
brought f°^^hinthe^ J ^^^^^ /^
of ihem seemed to realize • >« to it
it and none rose in oppositu> -^
May the Lord bless those ^^f'^^'^^f
visited, and gather them into the J^v-
enantofhis grace, and save them*
through Jesus Christ in hta presence.
Amen. •*>' YO-^i>^^
I^SSENSER A>m ADVOCATE.
401
For whatever thinga wera wntten afore. | jng them with the Color* of nature, has
time, were written for our learning, that we I fxhibited a coilei tion of striking por-
through patience and comfort of the scrip- ^ traits, tor e.itertainnient and in t uc-
tares inig:it hav3 hop >. — Romans 15: 4. | tion. In coutrmplating ihese, we seem
Various meth ds li:\ve been employ- *> expatiate in a vast gallery of family
ed, at dide rent periods and by ditfer- pictures, and take; deiiglit in comparing
ent persons, to convey useful know! the various features of tho cxtt-n&i\L:
edgj to mankind. The knowledge kindred as they resemble or diflar
f.om each other, and through the
most useful and most iniportaiit to man
IS ihnt of morals and religion. These
sciences afptrd not only the most picas-
ant and elevated subjects o" meditation, \
but evidently possess a Aery powerf 1
infj Jence over human happiness, lo h
in the life that now is, and that which
is to come
The princi[)les of morality and reli-
gion, have by some, been delivered in
short plain significant sentencess and
have been left to produce their effect
\>,' their own weight and evidence. —
Public teachers huve at other times t il-
en pains to explain and entbrco these
principles; have demonstrated their
reasonableness and utility; and have
exhibited the crimin:dity, th-j dangiu*
and the misery of neglecting or trans-
gressing them. The cliarnjs and
graces of pot-try have bcf n employed
t) set off the native modest biautics of
truth and virtue, and allegory his
spread her veil over them, in order to
stimulate our ard'ir m t!uj pursuit, and
to heighten our pleasure in th;' discov-
ery, 'i'iie penetration of gpsiius, the
<?nchantmen. of eloquence, andthecie-
ative energs of fancy, hive successive-
ly lent their aid to those geiitie p-uides
physiognomy piercing into the heart,
we fiJid them tiiough dead, yet sneak-
ing and pleasing comimnit^ns.
I'he hoiy scriptures possess an ac-
knowledged ; upcrioiity overall other
writings in all th.; different kiisds of
literary conij;( s.ii.>n which is called
Biography or a delineation of the for-
tunes, ciiaractiT and conduct of par-
ticular persons; and whetiicr tlic liis-
torians be th.cmseives the men they
dciicriue and record, or whether from
I r ij>er .'O ircrsof information, they re-
cord the lives and destinies .f oth«>rs.
Now the professed purpose of all
history is without fear or favor, with-
out partiality or prejudice to repieseiit
men and thmgs as they really are» —
that goodness may receive its just tri-
bute of praise and vice meet its deserv-
ed censure and condemnation. It is
evident this end is most easily and
mo-t certainly attained whon our at-
tention is confined to one particular
object, or to a few at most; this may
be jiidg'itl of by the feelings and opera-
t.on-^ o." ih3 mind in the contemplation
of other oi j -cts.
When fu>m the summit of sorna lof-
ot human Ide, those coodescending ty moun ain wy survey the wide ex-
minuners to human comfort. tended landscape; though hi4hly ds-
Eui in the !aj>se of timt;. and wa'::te lighted we ieel ourselves bcwilde'-ed
of vears, thousands of their presended
and overvvh:'Imed, by the profusion
.„-!,-
'U
advocates have run before they were and variety of beauties which naluro
sent, multiplied worus wirhoui -hat !-<(>! -ads around us. But when we cn»
ter into the detail of nature; v/hcn wo
a t'lid the footste[)s of a tViend through
s )my favored beautitul spot, which tl.o
eye and the n^ind can take in at once;
feeling ourselves at ease with undivid-
ed, undistracted attention we contem-
plate the whole, wo examine and ar-
range the parts; the imagination in-
de:jd is less expanded but the heart is
more gratified; our pleasure is less vi-
olent and tumultuous, but it is more in-
tense, more complete and continues
much longer; what is lost in respect of
sublimity? is gained in perspicuity,
force and duration.
Take another instance:— The star-
wisdom vviiich c-;r?'in:- trorn above, an;l
darkened ciuns"! without c inveying
thit knowledge that is nex;ess.ary to sal-
vation.
The historian's pnge has been unfold-
ed, ages and generations elapsed and
gone, have been made to pass in re-
view; the lessons of religion and virtus
have been forcibly inculcated, by a fair
and impartial disclosure of the effects,
which the observance or neglect of
them, have produced on tne affairs of
men. And the pencil of history has
enriched the canvass, not only with
men m groups, but sf^^iecting disiin
guished individuals, delineating them
in their jyat proportions, and enliven- 1 ry heaveRs present a prospect equally
410
^igs^»:.\'^BR ^^^ Apy-^CA^-^;
jtk'reeablo !•'• every eve
ThtJ (leliglits
if.,
ot a calm scrtMie cvenfflig,jirG as^iJ!i;
relished by the simple a'nn .unle-ftered',
:ia by ihf- jihilosopliei;. Bi:^J,.\v,bQ will
conip'afethu vague admiraiion of tho
child/'"'!'- the clown with the scientific
.;oy of the nstronomor, who can reduce
ir>ta order, what to the untutored eve is
j.ivolveKi in confusion; wlio , can trace
the patii of each little star; y:^d from
their past experiences can ciKoulate to
ua instant of time their future opn^^oi-
tions and coniunctions? • •
Once niorniV-'it-is hijfiily Erralifvine
to find ourselves iu^the midst uf a pub-
lic assembly of agreefible pepfde of
both sexes and to jiartaUe of the gen-
<M"aI cheerfulness ana benevolence. —
But wliat are the chee^f.ulness aiiid..be-
.pevffiiiniie.of a pul)lic assenibly com-
jrared with the endeawn ^nts of friend-
ship and the meltings of love?-
To enjoy these, wo inu'st reti.e from
[tbe crowd a^iii have recourse to l}ie in-
dividual. In like mariiier whatever
satisfaetion and improvement may bo
deij^ved from general hiytories of man-
kind, which we would not bo thought
-l^y^iany means to depreciate; yqi .the
Jiistory of particular persons, .if cxecu-
'ted with fidelity and skill while it ex-
ercises the judgement niovc tievercly,
so it fixes down the attention .liioro
-closely and makes its way more direct-
ly and more forcibly to ihe heaj^t.' jTo
those who are acquainted with this
kind of writing, much need not bo
-said, to convince the superior excel-
lence of the sacred penmen. Biogra-
^phers merely human, uninspired, neces-
sarily lie under many disadvantages
; ^nd are liable to many mistakes. 7^he
lapse of time is incessantly thickning
♦■the veil which is spread over remote
persons and events. 'J he male rials of
'history lie buried, confounded, and dis-
persed among the ruins of aptiqj-iity;
and cannot be easily distinguished and
separated, even by the eye of discern-
ment and the hand of dishonesty, from
the rubbish of ficfion. And as they
are not always furnished by truth and
nature, so neither are they always se-
lected with judgement, nor employed
with taste and discernment.
Besides, every man sits down to
write, whether of ages pastor the pres-
ent, of characters near or remote, with
a bias upon his mind, and this he nat-
urally endeavors to communicate to
Jiis reader. All men have their favor-
ite periods, causes, characters, which
9,^xour^sej, f^^iey strive, at any rate, t(3 j
pmoelli--n, to ^^Upport, to recommend..^
They are equally subject to antipithies -
on the Qfiberiband, under the influence
of which, ^jthey as naturally, striv;p ,to,
dep.j^ei^s, t9 expose, tip -censure, what
they idisUke, and as men write Sufl
spejik, so they read and hear under
the tj^i^lviqt^co ^^f ])rejudice and passion.
Where tiie historian's opinions coiu-
aic^^e ,\vith our own, we cheerfully -al-
low lum to be ifi the right; wiien they
fliffer, without hesitation wo pronouncw
him te be mistaken.
Most of the ..nyriters of profane an-
cientiiistorv are oharireable with an
absurdity, which greatly discredits -the
tacts they relate, and reduces their
works almost to a level with fable. —
They attempt too much, they must
.precis .u.ccouijt for every thing; they
conjecture when light fc\ils thqpi, an^^
because \t is probable or certain that
eminent mc^i emj^ioyed eloquence on
im|)oiiant public occasions, their his-
torians at the distance of many centur
ries.iyrt+ibut record or written docu-
ment of any kind whatever, have from
the an"i[>le store of a fertile imagina-
tion, furnished posterity with the olar
borate harangues of generals, states-
men and, kings. Tliese it is acknow-
ledged are among the most ingenious,
beautiful and interesting of the trace's
of antiquity which they have transn:>itr
ted to us: What man of taste could
bear to think pf,strippitlg;t:|iQ$o. elegant
perforrnanceSiOf one of their chief e.'?-
cellencies? But truth , is always inj'-ir- •
ed by the slightest connexion with fa-
ble. ,TJ;ie moment I begin to read one
of the animated speeches of a hero or
a senator, which were never composed,
delivered or written, till itbe historian
aros,e, I .feel myself instantly trans-
ported from. the rp;^J^ tl):e,aire of human
life into ,a fairy region. , J-AniPgreea,-
Dly am,used, nay de.lighted; but the sa-
cred impress of truth is rendered faint-'
er and feebler on my rpind; and when
I lay down the book it is not the firo
and address of the speaker, but the
skill and ingenuity of the writer, I ad-
mire. Modern history more correct
and faithful than ancient, has fallen
however into an absurdity not much
less censurable. 1 mean that fanciful
delineation of character, with which
the accounts of certain periods, and
the lives of distinguished personages,
'MESSENGHR AND A'iiVOCATE.
m
eommonly conclude; in which we often
find a bold hypothesis hazarded for the
sake of a point; and a strong feature
added to, or taken away from a cha--
acter, merely to help the author to
round his jicriod.
Finally a great part of profane his-
■torv is altogether uninterestiitg ;to the
bulk of mankind. The events record-
ed arc removed to a vast distance and
live, if we do not nhun the vices and
foiiicf, imitate the examples, and emu.'
late the virtues of those characters our
better judgment teaches us tu admire. —
Our fathers were, we are. The cur-
iam has dropped, and has hid ages and'
generotions ]'ast from our eves. Our
scene is going on, and nvuHt likcwis«
speedily close. \V e are not perlmps
the vail of oblivion over us, but let it
be reitjenibered that every man's life
is of importance to himself, his family,
his fiiends and in the sight of^Gud his
heavenly Father. They are by no
mean's th^c best men v. ho have mado
most noise in the world, neither
the
furnishing materials for history. —
l:'ave entirely spsiti their force. The i When we die. obscurity may spread
actors exhibited arc cither too lofty to
admit of our approach with any inter-
est or satisfaction to ourselves; too
'fctu.tal to be consider(?d. without di.5^giist
or too low to be worlhycf our. regard-.'
The very scenes of action are become'
rinaccessible or unknown; are altered,
-obTiterated or disregirded. \Vhi;re
Alexander conquered and how Ctcsar
fell, are to us mere nothin-^rs.
Rut on opening the sacred volume,
^all these obstructions in the way (jf
Knowledge, of truth, cf pleccure, dis-
appear; lei:'cth of duration can op-
pose no cloud to that iiiljliigence wiih
which "-a thousand years are as cne
day, and a day as a thousand vear^.''
-The h
vci heart is there unfcjloCGtc
our view by hnn that kn iw-s what is in
men, and whose eyes are in every
place beholding the evil and the good.
The men -xni the events therein repre-
sented a:e universally and perpetually
interesting, for they are blended with
the "things which accompany salva-
'ti;on,"and affect our everlasting peace.
There the v/riters, v,'hether they speak
of themselves or of other men are con-
tinually under the direetion of the spir-
rit of all truth and wisdom. These ven-
erable men, though subject to like pas-
,sion3 with others, there speak not of
fhemselves, but from God, '-for the
prophecy came not in old time by the
xwill of man, but holy nien of God spake
iiis they were moved by the Holy Ghost,
and all scripture given by inspiration
of God is i)rofitable for doctrine, for
Reproof, for correction, for instruction
in righteousness; that the man of God
may be thoroughly furnished unto all
good works."
When we study the lives, the char-
acters of men, we are almost impercep-
tibly led to contemplate our own. —
Lost to ourselves, lost to our friends,
'lost to the society in which we live and
lost to the world, will be our time spent
in reading the history of other men
and other times than these in which we
are thoy the worst against v.isom the
shafta of calumny and bitter reproach
have^sneni their force. Actions that
have obtamed the greutet*t celebrity
have not always been the most com-
mendable in the sight of God. Whila
those sjijinging from a heart actuale^i
by a consciouaness of the approbation
of heaven, have nx)rc frx^quently been"
the i'rult of inodest innocenc'j and r»-
tirement, and will remain in oblivion
till the searcher of hearts "shall try
every man's work of what sort it is.'*
Scenes of violence and blood; tho
workings of ambition pride and re-
venge, compose the annals of men. —
But piety and purity, temperance and
humility, which are little noticed and
socn forgotten of the world; ure held
in everlasting remembrance before
God. And happy, (we believe) had
it been lor many of those, whose
names and deeds have been transmit-
ted to us with renown, if they had nev-
er been born. Our corruption sMbuti-
ed, is a victory infinitely more desira-
ble and more truly honorable, than a
triumph gained amidst the confused
noise of ten thousand warriors and as
many garments rolled in blood; 'for he
that is slow to anger is better than the
mighty, and he that ruleth his spirit
than he thattaketh a city.' Let us all
remember that to be a child of God is
far more honorable than to be descen-
ded from kings, and to bo a saint is a
much higher title than hero.
The period is fast approaching when
time itself shall be swallowed up or as
the revelator expresses it, should be
no longer, when Adam and his young-
est son will be contemporaries, when
(he mystery of providence shall be
412
MESSENCiER ANS ADVOCAT2.
clf>se<J up, the uiystery of grace finish-
ed, anrl ikf. ways of God j'ully viaJi-
Cited Ui men.
Though wickeiincss nov/ nhounds
and the love ol'many wnxoacold, how-
ever we mav dej)iec;it8 i?, sitch is yet
the fact. f\iid such uii! bi^ thr; tact till
the arch decci-.er is lK>und and his
Works swe[)t tVom the earlh.
N (twith.tsnding iniquity abounds
an i will abound as we have before re-
marked, yet that does not lessen the
orjig.-.tifin of every individual of the
hurr;nn family.
To ^ iv?rri liis pasHirtns with ahsolute s-Tvay,
All 1 grow wJ8t:r& beitorirlife wears sway.
vv.
-f^?»^€5S3^rr and Advocate.
KJ'.VLAND, OHIO, ;VOr. I-<3).
T> Tnz CiiuiicHKs OF Latter Day
Saints,
A=? "AC hnva t'requont applications by
■ ■ .andotiierwise, for advice respec-
ting oiTiCiiil members of this church
-•■ •' V-! to their observance of the word
: f./.n, wo have thought proper,
t c'i ir hij.i no-'d not be deceived
Vs. i oiTiji d members think of living in
tr-m-g c-s^ion .-ind hold their pt t'ons in
Slid ch irch. t » pu!>lish below tlie decis-
ion c,\ the Mi^b Council on that impor-
t I' item of our faith, given Feb. 4th,
1 3. '54.
'Th-^f no (.fficial member in this
c' ir di i; worthy to hold an office af-
tir h viiig the words of wisdom prop-
erly t uig'it to him, and he, the official
rn» !)')'-, n g'ecting to comply with, or
fi'K'v ih :'o ift'T which the counsellors
V.jtf
■xc.c
r.':i;g to the same
j>
An ' - V? a;! th-si ti:ings piit on charity
w ich is tho hor.i of pirfsrtnoss, and lot the
p ac3 o'G .d rulo in your h?ar;s, to the w'^ich
a'soy .^ ir ciliedinonsboJy; and be ye thank-
ful.—Collossi ass 3. 15,10.
That we m\,' h-ive a clear idea of
the force and moaning of the apostle's
expression couched in the words we
haveq'ioted; it may be oroper to no
tico some of his reasoning in tl e con-
text. And first, it is evident that he
addressed his epistle to the saints, to
the members of that church which was
built up and established uponthoso pure j he live in this wor'id, to live above it.
principles of the gospel which v/ere in-
culcated b^v Jesus Christ himself and
preached and promidgnted by all the
holy apostles to that time, so that he
niight with equal propriety as to the
church at Ephesus, say, ' Ye are built
upon the ibundation ol'the prophets and
apos Ics Jesus Christ himself being the
chief corner stone.'' The apo.->t!e enu-
m-rates a catalogue of crimes (;f which
probably many of tlie Collossians had
been guilty, and warns and exhovt-i
thorn with all his warmth of feeling and
holy zeal for his Master's caisi, to
forsake them, and '-deny themselves
o-f all ungodliness and every worldly
lust." Hs knev/ the power of hal-rt,
the strength of prejudice and the influ-
ence of surrounding examples; he,
therefore, urges them with the greater
vehemence to ''put oil concerning the
foTmerconve'-sation, the old man which
is corrupt and put on the new man
which alter God iscreat* d in righteous-
ness and true holiness." Alter re-
hearsing those sins of which they had
been guilty, and mto which he well
knew they were yet liable to fall, if
they did not watch and pray, he now
introduces the words we have cnosen,
as if he would propose something to
them of more importance, of greater
moment than the instructions he had
before given them. *'Above all th'-se
th ngssaid he, put on charity which is
the b >nd of perfectness." Bv the term
charity he doubt'ess would be under-
stood to mean that commendable grace
of which he speaks in ti.e 1st epistlo
to the Corinthians I3th: l,4,t,6,7 &8
verses.
It was not only necessary that Ihey
should abstain from evil, but that they
should to exercised with love to God
and one another, for the good reason
that charity, or love, was the bond of
perfectness. !t was that wlrich (if in
exercise) secured them not only from
every evil, but from every appearance
of evil. It was tl at which rendered
them acceptable to God; it was that
which inspired them with confidence in
th'ir heavenly Father. It was the
found ition of ever springing hope in
their breasts, and promjJied every act
ot pure devotion that they or any oth-
er saints ever exercised towards the
King of heaven. It necessarily opens
up that intercourse with the upper
world, that enables the stint, though
M1-:S3£??QEH AKD ADVOCATE.
413
Under the iiifiuence ol tr.isi grace, ticC
{>eace of Gnd wiii iest with ihoni, lu'e
in iind n^ign over iliem, to which th'^
cpostle snys to !ii^ brothren they v/erc
railed, in one body: and from a con-
sideration that the peRf-e, tliC joy and
Conpolation, that the saints enjoy, &nd
that they flow from hira, from whom
fmana rs light nnd life, he exhorts
them to b'^ ihankfuK It i.^, thrrt fore,
but ju>t that we render thank>giving
and praise to God i'or uU his mercies,
"for e\ery good gift and every j.eriect
gift Cometh from aboxe, from the Fa-
ther oi^ lights in whom is neither vari-
ableness nor shadow of turning." —
What heart so black with infamy and
crime as not to be touched with feeiings
of gratitude to a disinterested benefac-
tor? We should be ready to conclude
there was none, were we not from ex-
perience, compelled to think otherwise.
Our own observation in our intercoiirse
with the worid hos verified what the
s^me apoUle said in his ej)istle to Tim-
othy should be in the last days. Men
shall be unthankful, unholy, without
natural afiection, truce-breakers, itc.
with ail tlte train of vices and evil pro-
pensities, incident to a heart void of
that charitv whici^ he commends so
highly, calling il the bond of [wsfect-
nf ss.
We cug'it to be very carrfj] that
we uo not mistake mere symp-alhy for
the grace of v»hich we have s[)oken —
We shall find sympathy to dwell in a
greater or less degree in the bosom of
every n eliigent being in the univ<M'se
— even the brute creation evidently
posse s a share of it, but aro as desti-
tute of that f.harity, that love to God
our heavenly Father, of which the
apostle speaks, as the vi!p6t wretch that
the L' rl ever suftijred to live. That
distress and anxiety to relieve a fellow
creature in [an which we often sjee
manifested is by no means charity —
therefore, can no person claim the pe-
culiar favor of heaven for the exercise
or innu:^nce of it. And neither can
any one e.xjject the approbation of hea-
ven without it. Destitute of it we should
be unfit to asiCinble together, and for
all society here below, where calami-
ties., casuaUic.-, cind all the mifceries
incident to frail mortality beset the
traveler in his pilgrimage through this
unfriend'y, inconstant v.'orld.
Thoi" ^i^pears in be no obscurity in
the apostle's meaning when he writes
to his brethren on this fxihyict; be waa
not only plain and conckisivc in his
addresses to thciii, but ho seemed Ij
have de'sigr.ed the Name i:)s'.iuelio!J.-- to
benefit other churclies, fuf j::iys he,
when this episiie is read umina s-'O,
csupe that it be lead also i'j !ii'.- Lbiavn
at Laodicea. If it wi'.rc projjer for the
church td Laodicea,:! was bceisus.- th -y
were prone to the saitte.vicis, and hfiii
need of the same adrnoniti'in, ttie i-.nnin
rebuke and the sau.e :-ieif-(.ei)i;(l on thvir
pah to entitle them to ih-j rewards vof
the righteous.
Once more in cnnciusjon ue .-r;;. , .
we are the .saintsof the m >st higi'
tiie same n-maiks apply witii i-o. .. 1
ar.d unabated ibrce to u-. (io(! -s lisf
same, his gosjiel the SMne Jsni i rt'»
quires the same obediencci t ■ li';-; com
niand». Vv .
TO FRIKNDS IN THE !• AST.
Dear brethren, according lo sour eo-
licitations I now drop a t. w i.nv-i «';.
you in the name of the Lord I'c r
information as also Ibr my sati.^i^i -
tion. After leaving Kirfiand, May '.iC,
1835, according to previous arran«?'-
ments I united with eld-r Loi< :■. o
Barns at New Portage, and |)roceed d
eastward through the State of IVnns\ i-
vania to Susquehannah Co. raid t'li m
thence to Elmira, N. Y. ?n(l atV-r sr t-
lins forth in sim'dicitv the fulness of
the everlasting gosp«;l, 1 had th':* pleas-
ure of baptizing four persons, three of
them were relatives; and you mu>t
think I had a time of gicat joy in the
Lord, notwithstanding the multitude of
lies, and slanderous reports, which were
circulated concerning me, and the ■ eo-
pie to whom I belong in the b«>t of
blessing with jiersecutions. Afl'-r leav-
ing elder Barns, the ns xt place of par-
ticular labor, was Mc'Donough, where
there is a small chuich of the saint^:
here one went forth in the waters of
baiitism for a remission of sins accor-
( inj to the gospel. Many were atten-
tive to the word, declaring it to be the
gospel according to the bibie, but, as I
was in great haste, I left them and pur-
sued my journey into Canaan, Ct
where I found a email branch of iha
church, determined to prcea forward
unto the coming of the Lord. After
paying them a short visit, I went into
New Haven Co, where I labored for
some time; and notwithstanding veiy
many nt»tonly acknowledged the things
^414
Mii^^ET^&I.R .^Jit) ABYOGATE.
declared, to be trun, but bore witness
of it. 1 may say tl,i^re wcro hundreds
^■ho\bor'» tP3timony 'o thrse thing"?, but
tJid not' oho V them as only tiirce went
Torwnrd in bnptism. After this I visi-
ted tho church at Killinj^s worth, nnd
so parsed on to Hndnm, wlitiVc I labor-
ed fi i'cw wfekf^, !ind being assistecf bj^
.aiders M. Redfield, and W m.- S)i&m>fi!-,
I e;^tnbli.shed a church of saints con-
mining a dozen mcnibet's, who were
determined not on!v to keep tho word
of wi.sdom, ?j?ci!ring to them.selves
health and fi'trengih; yea, cy!\t gre.-'t
treasures of knowledge, hut were de-
tprrmined to keep the comniandmeRts,
that thereby thf'y might have' an inh'&r-
ilHnc^ in the eelestiai kingdom of God;
I would not sa_v that satan camo in hu-
man sh'ipe, but human beings cani'? iv.
flevii's shapes, (if our traditions be
rorrect) for they were blacked, and
trHnsfomied; and of nil the yells of
savages in war, 1 think tiiai the^c
could not he outdone. iJeside.s distur-
bing thr> peaeeablo inhabitants, thev
threw lafgo stones nt peri;ons who had }
shall, by the permission of the Lord,
write you a gam.
Aa ever, yoi<!r brother and friend ii|.
tlie new <ibV6nant to Israel.
DAXIEL STEPHENS,
th
nr.'ofn'i:*.i' tf. Go\^dert— Since I baya
^ bein£j numbered with
e privilege oi „w...j,
the saints in these Last days, I feel wil
ling to mourn with those that rnourn
and delight to rejoice with those that
rejoice. The teachings of the Savio?
on the mount, "All things whatsoever
ye \vou;J that men should do to you
lib yc even so to them."' Therefore I
take up my pen that others may know
that tho cause of our great Redceme?
is ro!iis7 ^"
never ofTend'^d them onlv by obeying
thfl goKpcl, they knocked others down,
and brok"" in wmJows and the like. —
In fact, for me to describe the scene
wouTd be impossible; bnt tiie elders P'''^'""'"g ^'"^^ce; bending mj
who nave seen the like, need no de.-.- ^aRf to Chittenden co. Vt. In
eription. From this scene. I travelf^d of Underbill, seven obeyed tl
ipt
through tho States of Rliode Island,
Massachusetts, Maine, Nrtw Hamp-
shire, Vermont, New York, Pennsyl-
tania and Ohio, preaching by the way,
and arrived at Kirtland (3ct. ?,l, 1330,
where I found, instead of the few
friends, thinly scattered around the
bare frame ot the Lord's house, multi-
tudes of brethren, laboring through the
week, and when the sabbath arrives,
aKScmblo to hear the doctrine of heav-
en distil from tho lips of the Lord's
servants, while thoy stand in the con-
secrated pulpits of the temple of the
Lord, a monument for this ;;encration
to gazoat, while the}' marvel and won-
der and perish, because they will not
believe though it bo declared unto them
not only by ancient prophets and apos-
tles, but by living witnesses, and a
wonderful cloud of them to, who set
forth tho gospel as plain as plain can
be, so' plain that oven they themselves
acknowledge that they cannot deny it.
For want of time I at this time make
;an end, hut when J get more leisure, T
lorth amifl this crooked and
perverse generation. 1 do feel to rcP-
joice and thank the Lord for his good-
ness and the blessings that he has be-
stowed upon me, the fulness* of
I which I shall not bo able to ^ive vou
j m this bTK;i sJietck of my labora thi'*
Isearor:. In lao opening of the spring
I started froiW Kirtland, on a missiont
Kast; went by Vvater as far as St.
Lawienco county, N. Y. and in the
Uy:/n ni Decalb I commenced lifting n
bendins: my course
the towE
tho Ever-
lasting Go.-;nei by going down in the
waters of baptisn: — many more were
convinced of the truth' of the work,
lor elder jjuttei-field in a few days came
along and baptized eighteen. Fvotti
Underhill I went nito the province of
Lower L'anada: took mo up a circuit
in the towns of Stanstead, Hatley,
Compton, and Bamstoiv, where I spent'
the most of my time for three months.
School-houses were opened in almost
every district, and I improved the
time as the Lord gave me strength. 1
baptized eleven, and maEy more were
searching the scriptures to se'ef if ihe
things preached were so. I left them
in tho care of elder Winslow Farr to
carry on tlie work — for I believe that
it has but just begun. I am now bend-
ing my course west. The saints hers
are very anxious that I Hhould tarry
with them a little.
I remain your brother m testimony
of the word of God.
IIAZEN ALDRICH,
Ogdrnshnrg, N. Y. CM, 10, 1836.
— J- — iA-
MESftEN^fift Mfi AfiVOCATE.'
4L5-
coHlereiico . was held in Perrv
church, Ricliland Co. O. Sept. 3 & 4,
1936. In organizing to trnnsact busi-
ness elder H. G. Sherwood was duly
crjjled to the chair, and. Geoj-gc.C.'
Wilson was chosen clerk. Meeting
opened by prn'yer an'(;l f'eir-a .'•];: s from
the chair on the nature and design of
Xhe meeting. The business was then
called for, ^k hen Daniel Cam, a piiesf,
represented Perry church as having
lf7 members, ncarlv ail in good stand-
ing. Lewis Wilson representea Per-
rysville church with 29 mr-mbeis all in
'^■jo'J standing. Jacob Myers, presi-
ding elder in Worlhington branch, rep-
resented that with 2-4 n'.ombers ni'arly
all in good standing. Cephus xMc'Vay
p'fesiding elder of Wayne church,
Knox Co. represented that church with
k'i members in good standing. Elder
Sherwood re|)resentcd 7 members in
Licking Co. near Granville, all in good
Standing; making h^l I'n all. Several
persons were prese"nted for ordination.
After being addressed from the chair
upon the subject of being- ordaii}c,(j to
the holy priesthood of God, the follow-
ing persons came forward, and Daniel
Ccim, Wdliam Rood, Lewis D. Wil-
son, and George C. Wilson were or-
dained to the office of elders. It was
yoled that JanTcs Huntsman, a priest
?n Perrv church, then off on a mission,
be," rtrckiined an elder. William Wer-
ick, John Mc'Vay, and John Jenkins
were ordained priests. Nathan Pack-
er, a teacher, and Jacob We rick a dea-
con. After much instruction to priest
and people present, the meeting of the
first day closed with much love to God
and man.
Sabbath at ten o'clock the meeting
opened by elder Myers who addressed
us on the sugject of the depravity of
man, and followed by elder George A.
Smith, on the gospel; and closed by
elder Sherwood with an address appro-
priate to the situation of the members,
their privileges duties &c. after which
two came forward for baptism After
the administration, we convened for a
sacramental and confirmation meeting,
when two others came forward for
baptism, \*'ho after the administration
were confirmed at the water edge and
the meeting closed, when many were
greatly encouraged to strive for the
crown.
IL G. Sherwooo, Clin.
GEonnE C. WiisoN, CCL
BaOTHHIl O. CowuKRv: —
1 left Kirtlnnif
July 21st, travelled as far east as Au-
lelius, Cayuga co. N. Y. tarried thare
a shprt time and held foitl. to the in-
habitants the principles ot salvation f
proi^?cded from thence to Onieda co.,
lati'ored principally in the towns of
Boonville and Vienna, baptized H in
the former, and one in tho latter placp.-
Hnd large and very attentive congro-'
gations; found mnny enquiring aftor
■?rmtiv together with others who weru
ready and willing to oppose the princi-
ples of the everlasting gosps^l, by o],en-
Iv declaring against it, before the^
'iVi'affn fhemselves acquainted wjtli it«
tenets, and slandering the character
of 'those they knew not; tliereby plain-
ly demonstrating to the world that tbey
are the false prophets and t'aise teacli-
ers, Hpokeh of by Pcier in his S'-Cond
epistle to the nncifMit saints, who
*'*speak evil of the things that they un-
derstand not." The brethren and
friends in the above places, are desi-
rous to have the Elders call on them
when convenient.
E. ROBINSON.
Kirllandy Oel. 9, 1836.
DIED in Tompkins, Delaware Co.
N. Y. on the 22nd of May last, Thom-
as L. Willes, aged twenty six yearr,
and ten months. Brother Willes em-
braced and obeyed the fulness of the
gospel Nov. 11, 1832; he was a young
man of an unimpeaciiablc character,
his heart ever rejoiced in tho prosperi-
ty of the cause of truth, and the spread
of the fulness of the everlasting gos-
pel; and while his friends and brethre»>
mourn his loss, how consoling is the
thought that he kept the faith and died
in hopes of a glorious resurrection.
OF the same familv on the 14th of
August last, Polly W.'Willes, aged 22
years and 4 months. Sister Willes
obeyed the fulness of the gospel Sept.
23, 1832; she was a worthy member
of society, and adorned her profession
by a well ordered life, trul)' becoming
a saint of God.
IN Perry, Richland Co. O. on tho
26th day ol Sept. last, Elder Jesse
Huntsman, after an illness of eighteen
days. He had been a member of the
church about three years; went to Zina
with tho saints in 1834, and was or-
daiued at Kirtlandonc of the first s*?-
4;e
)^EB!ii'J^LiEK AXi> AD\CK:ATtL
«-n!y, iri the Hf-ring of 1835. Although !
he ha^ not been nbroad iviuch [-reach- I
ing, yet, lils example as a rmmber of
the church has been such that his loss
ii nc-plored by nil v.'ho were acqunint-
td with him, and more esppcially by
the church over which ha prcsidjo'. —
^Communicated.]
!N Bral'ord, ]Mi=?<;. on t'ls 2:-^t'i o"
Sept. list. P-iarinda Johns<in, c.iu^liter
ofThorrnsand Hannah Bu.bnnk. ; gol i
thirleifn months and seventeen days, i
IN this to-vn, Ott. 1, I'.Inrnni. rim
at O'.'a^ ds Sailv ShuTiwnv, nq'"] one
year three months and <>ight d lys.
IS Lebanon, St. Cliir Co. III. on
the 15th of Sept. last, Tb.o-Da^ U. Pea,
son of John nv.d Elizabeth Pf;t. ago 1
20 years seven months and ten dayf--.
In this to'.vn, o.i th-^Sith ult Eltz<,
diughter of br. Renjaram K. Ilali;
aged seven %'ears.
SELECTED.
In fc-nn-ng estimitej of human
greatness, it is n:iiural f >r mon to con-
snlt th^ir sen^?3, n tt th:!ir reason. —
Withtho idea of royal mijesty we con-
nect thope of a chair of state, a nu-
merous rct'nu ', an ermine robe, a
scepter and a crown. But wis'^OTi
asd goodaesa are the qualitie3 which
confer leal dignity and command just
horn ige and r-spect. Our preconcep-
tions of earthly mignifice.iee much
exceed the truth, and knowledge speed-
ily levels the fabri?^ which imagination
had raised. F>ut the wanders of na-
ture, the mighty works of God grow
upon ui as we contemplate them. No
iati.Tiiiv of acqu lint mce reduces their
m^gaituds or tarnishes their lustre. —
And if the very frame of nature, the
vasiness, the variety, the harmony and
tho >piendnrofthe visible crcat'on, is fo
Calculated to fill us with astonishment
and delight, how must the plan of prov-
idence, the work of redemption, the
great mystery of godliness excel in
glory!
la ths discoveries v.hich it has
■p-l«eaBed God, at sundry times and in
diverse manners to make of himself to
mankind, he has at one time addressed
him-iclf directly to the understanding;
at another made his wa'y to the heart
and conseiencetlirnigh the channel of
the sense. The !a>v was given in ev-
ery circumstance of extjrnal pomp; it
was accom,,aaic'd v/iih t:verv thing
th\t cauld dazziQ.ihe eye, fill the earv
and rouse the imigination. 'I'he king-
djiii of God. in the gospel of i.us Soiu
'•cun-j! n )t With observation.'' 1'iie.
grnt A !t'i 'r af the disprnsarion of
;rrac;', acjording as it was predicted
OMCorniitg hlrn, ''did not st;i\e ujr
cry, nor cause lii-i voi?c to he heard m
the streets/' lie had iii. the es es "f
an u idiscerning wrriVf, "-n j term nor
comeliness, no beauty why lie sliou'd
1 e desired." And therefore "he v.ns
despise<j and rfdected of men." Bui
we are taught to, think very d.fterently
o'hisseconjj appcncance. "lie sha I
c )me in the clouds of heaven, with
po vcr and great glory;— In his Fa-
tier's gloiy, and all his holy angels; —
With the voce of the arch angel and
the trump of God."
SHORT senti:nces.
(jy^ Love the I^ord and keep hrs
commandment-i without being rem!n<i-
pti of it every day.
Love vour nei"h!)oras vourself, and
make his welfare vour welfare, and
the Lord will reward you for it.
Love labor, and whatever you do,
remember the poor and needy.
Thank the Lord tor the blessings
you daily enjoy fmm his holy hand.
Thank the Lord lor all things for
his goodness is endless.
THE LATTIR OAV H IN PS'
1IXe8seug:er and Advocate,
lapriDteland (lUtitislidu eccry monUi at KirUaud
Geauga Cf>. Ohio, by
KUTUR AND FHOKSIEIUR,
Jt S t, ptr an. in adoanee. Every peraon prceurinf
Itii >i*ii eucicrikcs, and Joruo.rdt.-.j 5»i.j, i.urrtxt
>i»-"!ey, stall b» c\iiiUi to a japtr UKtyear, ^raUt.
JUUUtrttotkt £.d,luT, MMt •>«
jVj tu^eripUm toil' '« nceictdJoT a Uu ttrm that) om
usar. and no j-tiijer d 4^x«<.'*/;>' £ii ti'l ali arrta^aiftf art
r^
MESSEW€>Ji:il AMI5 A1>T@CATE.
Vor,. Hi. )Vo. :=,.-] KIRTLAND. OHIO, DECEMBER, 18Sn. Whole No. [27.
THE SAINTS AND THE
WORLD.
Ths opinions entertained by the
worid respecting the sainis, are such
as to excite feelings ot' no ordinary
kind, in the mind of those who are en-
lightened in any degree to understand
tha nature of thtir religion, and the ex-
tent of their privileges as saints of the
last days; concerning whom so much
has been said by the prophets of for-
mer times.
The world being ignorant of what
the Lord was to do, after the Gentiles
had corrupted the religion of the new
testament so as to deprive themselves
of the kingdom of heaven, have com-
pouncie.i together a little of the religion
of Abraliam, and of Moses, and of the
new testament, seasoning it pretty well
with heathenism, and making to them-
selves thereby both a religion, and a
god, which is neither the religion nor
tho God of Abraham, nor Moses, nor
the apostles, but something widely dif-
ferent from thorn ail.
And such has bricn, and now is the
influence of t'nis strantjo commixture
of unamalgamatod materials, that all
people have been confused, and dark-
ened by it; and the very wisest of them
iiave been thrown inti difTi^alty, and
derangemeat,on the subject of their i"u-
turs interest; so much so, that when the
saints them:5elves receive the everlas-
ting gispei, it takes th'im a long time
to ged rid of thoir prejudices, so as to
understand their priviieg.;-., and enter
into that course of life which is plainly
nvirkod out by the prophjts, as the
course which alone can accomplish the
object for whicli they are called.
For instead of their immediately pur-
suing the course intended by the God
of heaven to build them up and cstab-
lisli thp^m in honor, and power, they
are difncultied by an attempt to subject
them tosom^ antiquited law, cither of
revelation or tradition, which is not at
all suited to fneir condition of life, nor
to their situatloa as the saints of the
last days.
Th'j Lord aKvays has an order of
things or a dispenaation of thing.^ suit-
ed to the times and seasons, and the
same dispensation or order of things,
v/iil not suit at all periods of the world.
Hence the order of things introduced
in the days of Abraham, would not
suit in the days of Moses, and the or-
der of things in the days of Moses, had
to give way in the diiys of the apostles.
And the order of things established by
the apostles, must cease when the dis-
pensation of the fulness of times comes
m. See Eph, 1st chapt. 10th verse. —
For the dispensation in the days o( Mo-
ses, was intended for regulating the
saints in circumstances ditferent from
that in the days of Abraham, and that
in the days of the apostles, different
from that of Moses, and the dispensa-
tion of tha fulness of times different
from ail, '*
So that every dispensation must have
laws differing from each other,and the
laws which would be good and whole-
some under one dispensation, would be
injurious and destructive under anoth-
er; and instead of their tending to good
they v/ouid tend to evil. Because they
would not at all tend to accomplish the
object tor which the dispensation was
introduced.
The purposes of God in relation fo
this worlf', must bo accomplished, and
the different dispensations nscessary
must b? introduced, in order that t'aey
may be accomplished, otherwi.se the
testi;nany of the prophets must fail,
and the glory of God bo tarnished for-
ever.
It is not my intention in writing this
treatise, to occupy the attention ot my
readcrs,with remarks on the di.-^ptnsa-
tioas pro^iejding my own day, only as
()Cca:iion m ly require, but to invite
tho'ir attention to the one under which
wo live.
And the first item, is the fact that
a dispensation was to l>e i jtroduoed ia
the la.st day3,diffeient from all that had
cjone before; that vv-as neither the dis-
peusati^n of Abraham, of Moses nor
yet of the apo tlis of tl e new tosta-
msnt (so called.) For proof of tills
we quote Eph. 1:10. "That in the
dispensation of the fulness of times, he
might gather together in one all things
in Christ, both which are in heaven
and which are on earth, even m him."
Here, then, there is not only a dia
pensation mentioned,but the featUjcesof
it so clearly set forth, a» to [vteclude
418
>IfiSSEN©B:R AND ADVOCATE.
the necessity of mistake. For we are
told in so many words that it was to be
a dispensation of gathering together all
things which are in Christ Jesus wheth-
er the things to be gathered, were on
earth or in heaven, they were all to be
gathered together. It wants but a mo-
ment's reflection to see that the dispen-
sation mentioned in this verse, is nei-
ther the dispensation of Abraham, of
Moses, nor yet of the apostles; for
neither of those dispensations nor the
laws and regulations pertaining there-
to, had power neither were they de-
signed to gather together all things in
Christ. This mnst be the work of the
last dispensation which will be intro-
duced in the woild.
The apostle Peter calls this dispen-
sation by another name, in the 3rd
chapter of the Acts of the apostles and
1st verse. He there calls it the times
of the restitution of all things. Every
observer of the ways of men and
things knowji ttiat the present order of
things in the world is not the restitu-
tion of all things. The apostle fur-
ther says cf this restitution of atl
things, that it has been spoken of by
the mouth of all the holy prophets since
the world began. So that it has been
a matter of public notoriety among the
saints of all ages and of all generations.
It is with this dispensation of things
with which we have to do in the days
in which we live.
Let mo here remark, that the reli-
gion of Abraham, of Moses and of the
apostles, have all ceased to exist; fhey
are no where found in the world, nei-
ther do man believe that they will ever
return to the earth. Ask any of the
professors of religion of the different
denominations, if that rehgion wnich
consisted in inspiring apostles, proph-
ets, evangelists, and also in mighty
works, such as healing the sick, cast-
ing out devils, raising the dead, &c. is
now in the world, and they will answer
you in the negative, and wilL further
assure you, that it will never return
again.
3o, when I say that the religion of
the former dispensations is no more, I
have the concurrence of all the pro-
fessing w,orld, of all parties and of all
religions. And that any of them will
return to the world in the form in
which they once existed has yet to be
proven to mj mind, for as yet I do not
so understand the scriptures. That
they may yet return to the world, in
part, or in whole, as forming a part of
the dispensation of the fulness of times,
I ?m now not disposed to dispute, but
shall leave it for fuith^r investigation.
But as the apostle has told us that the
dispensation of the ful.iess of limes or
the times of the restitution of all things,
has been spoken of by the mouth of all
the holy prophets since the world be-
gan; to them we shall look for its fea-
tures. And this becomes the more ne-
cessary, as it is with this dispensation
we of the last days have to do.
There will be no dispute among cor-
rect biblical students, that under this
dispensation our heavenly Father will
bring ebout the deliverance of his jieo-
j)le, fulfil his covenants which he made
with the fathers since the world began,
and bring about rest and peace on the
earth: so that songs of everlasting joy
will crown the heads of the righteous,
and peace reign within their borders.
And I presume that it will also be
admitted, that the saints of the last
days must be a people of a character
on whose heads such blessings can de-
scend. In all investigations of this
kind, we should remember that we are
speaking or writing of men, not of
heavenly messengers; and we must,
therefore, enquire, what kind of people
they must be in order that they may
inherit the blessings of the last days?
and through whom the Lord can ac-
complish what he has designed to :',c-
complish by ihem..
The prophet Jeremiah in speaking of
tlie dispensation of the fulness of times,
in which all things in Christ were to
be gathered in one; says, "Therefore
behold, the days come, saith the Lord,
that it shall no more be said, the Lord
liveth that brought up the children of
Is'ael out of the land of Egypt; but
the Lord liveth that brought up the
children of Israel out of the land of the
north, and from all the lands whither
he had driven them: and I will bring
them again into their land that I gave
to thoir fathers. Behold, I will .send
for many fishers, saith the Lord, and
they shall fish them; and nfter will I
send for many hunters, and they shall
hunt them from every mountain, and
from overv hill, and out of the holes of
the rocks." Jer. 16:14,15,16.
These expressions of the prophet,
give us an idea of what kind of people
the people of the Lord will be in the
MESSi£f*GBR AAD ABVOCAfE.
419
times of tha restitution, or gathering.
That they will be a people of most
daring courage, and of untiring perse-
verence, otherwise they will never fish
I-srael, and hunt him from every moun-
tain, and every hill, and out of the
holes of the rocks. It is a well known
ftict, that Israel is widely scattered,
and that they help to people almost ev-
-ery division of the earth with which
we are acquainted, and must people
some parts with which, we are not ac-
t|uainted, or else the ten tribes are not
in existence on the earth, and if that
is the case, the testimony of the proph-
ets is surely false; and they will be
found false witnesses for Israel; for
Jeremiah has declared in the third
chapter of his prophecy that Judah and
Israel shall w^alk together: and Ezeki-
ol has said they shall be one nation on
the mountains of Israel, and shall be
two nations no more. Jer. 3:18. Ez.
S7:20,'21,22,
Sj then it comes to this, that the
Lord's fishers and hunters, have to vis-
it the mountains, the hills, and the
rocks, of all nations, in order that the
word of the Lord noed not be spoken
in vain. This surely will require en-
terprise and perseverence and patience
ioo, will need have her peifect work
in order that they may do the will of
their Lord and master, and gather Is-
rael according to his decree^
And rt will not require much reflec-
tion to see that previous to the time of
gathering the scattered remnants of
Jacob, and the outcasts of Israel, that
the saints will have to use a vast of ex-
ertion, in order that they maybe able
to beir up under the heavy burden
which is placed upon them: for ii will
require great wealth to visit every na-
tion, and g.ither up, in many instances,
a poor and ignorant people, as those
must be who arc found in holes of the
rocks, and in the mountains, and boar
all the expense of taking them to their
own land, that which was given to their
lathers; and there build thorn up. Who
does not know that all this will be at-
tended vvilh great expense, and who is
to bear this expense, the answer is ihz
fishers, and the hunters; if so th3n,
how great must be their exertion and
their enterprise? to obtain all the wealth
necessary to accomplish so great an
undertaking: And how liberal loo must
they be, when iiftcr so great exertion
to obtain so great wealth, they will be
willi ng to spend it in thousands; yea,
in millions to gather together, and to
build Israel in order that the word of
the Lord fail not.
In those days, the words of Isaiah'
will most assuredly be fulfilled, that*
"The vile person shall no more be '
called liberal, nor the churl said to be '
bountiful," Isaiah 22: 5. They will
try every man's work of what kind it
is. No man can live among a people ■
whose souls are sufficiently enlarged/
to undertake an enterprise of so daring
a character as this, and yet be a churl:
depend upon it, in those days the vile
person will not be called liberal, nor
the churl bountiful, for liberality and
enterprise must be the motto of every
saint, or so gigantic a work will never-
be accomplished.
But in addition to the gathering to-
gether of Israel, we have many things
said of the Zion of the last days, which
shew unto us what kind of a people
the saints of the last days must be;
for who does not know that the Zion of
the last days mentioned by the proph-
ets, is the place where the people are
to be gathered, when the fishers and
the hunters fish and hunt them, from
every mountain, and every hill, and
out of the holes of the rocks.
The Psalmist David says of Zion,
in 48th Ps. and 2d ver. that she is
bfiautiful, the joy of the whole earth.
The prophet Isaiah has the following
interesting sayings in the 62d chapter
of his prophecy: comm3ncing with tha
first verse we read as follows: *'For
Zion's sake I will not hold my peace,
and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest,
until the righteousness thereof go forth
as brightness, and the salvation thereof
as a lamp that burnetii. And the Gen-
tiles shall see thy righteousness, and
all kings thy glory, and thou shalt bo
called by a newnams, which the mouth
of the Lord shall name. 1 hou shalt
also be a crown of g'tory in the hand
of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the
hand of th^' God."
Ko further says, in 6th and 7th vcr.
of the same chapter.^} have set watch-_
men upon thy walls, O Jerusalem,,
which shall never hold their peace day
nor night: ye that make mention of the'
Lord, keep not silence. And give him
no rest till he establish, and till he
make Jerusalem a praise in the earth.
In the 60th chapter of Isaiah, we
have one of the most beautiful descrip-
4^
MESSENGER AND ADTOCATX
tiona given of the Zionof the last days,
that can be given of any place by the
pen of mm. Any person v»'ho will
give himself the trouble to read this
chajjter, must see that the Zion here
spoken of, is one which is built up by
the gathering togethf r of the righteous
from the difF rent parts of ihe world
where they are found. As the chapter
in too long to quote, we shall make
some extracts from it; though we would
solicit our readers to tike their bibles
and lead the -^hole chapter carefully
through, as it contains matter of great
consequence to the saints.
In the 6th vers(5, in speaking of Zi-
on, he says: "The multitude of camels
shall cover thee, the dromedaries of
Midian and Epha, all they from She-
ba shall come: they shall bring gold
and incense; they siiall shew fonh the
praises of the Lord" — 7th verse, *'A11
the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered
together unto thee; the rams of Nabai-
oth shall minister unto thee, they ahali
come up with acceptance on mine al-
tar, and I will glorify the house of my
glory" — 9th verse, "Surely the isles
shall wait for me, and the ships of Tar-
8hi«h, first to bring thy sons from afar,
their silver and their gold with them,
unto the name of the Liord thy God,
and to the Holy One of Israel, because
ho hath glorified thee — 13th and 14th
verses, "The giory of Lebanon shall
come unto thee, the fir tree, the pine
tree, and the box tree together, to beau-
tify the place of my sanctuary; and I
will make the place of my t'eet glori-
ous. The sons of them also that af-
flicted thee, shall come bending unto
thee: and all they that despise thee
shall bow themselves uown at tbo soles
of thy feet; and they shall call thee, the
city of the Lord, the Zion of the holy
one of Israel."
We have made these quotations in
order to find out what kind of people
the people of the Lord shall be in the
last days. This v/e proposed to do in
our own minds, by aicertaining what
they had to do, and out of hundreds of
quotations which we might make out of
the prophets to the same eiTccf, we
shall be content with the few which we
have made, as being sufficient to give
an idea of what sort of people the
JLord will have in the last days.
For though greet things are to be
BCCompllshod, still those tbingi; are to
be 8dcomplisha4 by the agency of raea.
It will be t'lund to be a fact, thai if tho
the {jord ever does fulfil the testimony
of the prophets, it will be ly the faith
and agency of his saints.
But to return to the sayings of thfl
pr 'phets, as quoted above.
From these shavings we learn some
ve.v important things. We learn first,
that the Zion of the Lord is to be built
up by gathering his saints together,
from all places, even from the islands
of the sea. Let us quote two more
verses from this eOth chapter of Isaiah,
the 3rd and 4th which reads thus:
"And the Gentiles shall come to thy
light, and Kings to tho brightness of
thy rising. Lift up thine e\es round
libout, and see, all they gather theui
selves together, they come:
shall come from far, and thy
ters shall b3 narfed nt thy tide." in
the 43rd chapter of this same prophe-
cy of Isaiah and the Glh verse, tho
prophet thus expresses himself, speak-
ing of this samc3 gathering together of
the people, "I will siy to the north,
give up; and to the .«;outh, hold nut
back, bring my sons fiom far, and my
daughters from the ends oi' tho earth."
This quotation gives us a pretty clear
idea of the nature and extent of the
gathering spoken of in tho 60th chap-
ter '^rd and 4ih verses, that it is to bs
from the ends of the eaith. And the
prophet says that they shall be gather-
ed unto thf.p^ what the". I ask is this?
This question is answe.sjd in the 14th
thy son.-?
dai
verse, and th?
thing or
tM.ice which is
called thee in the 3rd and 4t!i verse-, is
called the city of the Lord, the Zioa of
the Holy one of Israel. 8-j there can
be no doubt that the place where the
saints are to be gathered, is the Zion of
the last days mentioned by the prophet.s.
Concerning this Zion, v\e have the
followmg .sayings:
First. She is beantiful for situati(\n,
tho joy nf the whole earlli. Ps. 48: 2.
Second. That the forces of the Gen-
tiles shall come unto her, and the n-
bundance of the sea shall be converted
unlo her.
Third. The multitude of camels
shall cover her, the dromedaries of
Midian and Ephah. Ail they of She-
ba shall come with their gold and ia-
C3nse,
Fourthly, The isles shall wait for
her, nnd the ships of Tarshish, to
bring h*"r sons from far, tl eir silver
and their gold with them.
l^lMSENGER AND ADVOCATE-
±i
Fifthly, The glory of Lebanon shall
come untfj thco; tho fir tree, the pine
tree nud the bos tree together, to bsau-
tify tho place of the Lord's sanctuary,
nnd to make the place of his feet glo-
rious.
Now let me ask the saints of the
last days, what kind of people must
rou be, in order that you may accom-
plish so great a work! — That you miy
bring to tho Zion of your (^od (the
f.>'jndation of which is now laid, in
f5;,ite of the powers of earth and hell
co;nbined; for Purely tlicir utmost ex
ci'lion has been used to prevent it, but
it has been used in vain) the forces of
the Gentiles, to outain lor to eniichen
her, he abundance nfihe sea; the cam-
-els iusufficient abundance to cover her;
tlse dri-medaries of Midian, nnd of
Epp.ah; the gold and silver of Sheba.
To |)Ut into requis. .>. » the ships of
T'arshish, or m other words, great
ships, that the Lord's sons may come
from far, and his daughters from the
ends of the earth; to bring unto her
the fir tree, the pine tree, and the box
tre€ together, in order that you may
ber.utify tho Lord's sanctuary, and
make the place of his feet glorious.
nnd by ail kinds of refinenv.'nt, and
learning, make Zion the jov and praise
of the wh'de earth, until the kings of
the earth shall come to the briglunesg
of ihy rising. Will not the accom-
plishment of so great a work as this,
require exertion and enterprise? Sury-
]/ it will.
May I not again ask, how is Zion
to become the joy and the praise of the
whole eartn, so that kings shall come
to the brightness of her rising? Sure-
ly, it will bo by her becoming more
wise, more learned, more refined, and
more noble,thdn the cities o' the world,
Ko that she becomes tho admiration of
the great ones of the earth. And bv
earth, and kings will never come to
the brightness of her rising.
Neither are we to leave out of th«
question, the drees of the saint?, fur
this suppliea a pla^e also in effecting
this greut object; the beauty and neat-
ness of their dress is characteristic of
the degree of refinement, and decenc7
of a soci'fty. The nobles of the earth
would not be likely to admire disgrace-
ful apparel, untastefully arranged;
but the very reverse: indeed, if ever
Zion becomes the joy and praise of
the whole earth, the saying of the
Psalmist must he literally fulfilled.—
That our sons must be as plants grown
up in their youth; our daughters as
corner stones, polished after the simili-
tude of a palace. Psalms 144:12.
If these things should not take place,
then surely the voice of the pr-phets
is of no avail, and the purposes which
God hath proposed in himself will cowe
to nought.
From this the saints may have some-
thing of an idea unto what they arc
called; that they are called unto glory,
and virtue, o.' in other words, to enter-
prise and coura e; that in ordc* to ful-
fil their calling, there must not be an
idler in all their ranks, but that they
must cultivate the habits of industry,
and of enterprise, so that they can be
prepared to visit all land.--, and acquit
themselves like men, in the presence
of all people; the wise, and tho learn-
ed, and even the nobles, and the kings
of the earth not excepted.
Let not any of the saints be deceiv-
ed by the ignorant of this age, neither
let them be led astray by design, to
have their minds confused by an at-
tempt to subject them to laws, cither of
revelation or tradition, which are not in
accordance with their calling, and the
d'spensation under which we live; it
matters not what might have been the
what means is this to be obtained? — ; jaws which regulatad the saints under
ihs answer is, by the superiority of
her literary institution^, and by a gen-
eral effort of all the saints to patronize
literature in our midst, so that the
manners of the saints may be proper-
ly cultivated, and their habits correct-
ly {"ormed.
in addition to this, herbuiidinga will
have to be more elegant, her palaces
mDre splendid, and her public houses
more magnificent; other«*'ise, she will
not be the joy and praise of the whole
other dispensaticms, it beiongi to us, to
be regulated by tha order of things
which has been Introduced for our ben-
efit and salvation, and though it could
be shew a that there were regulationa
amo.ig the former day saints , which
were opposed to tho order which regu-
lates us, it v/ould only prove that at
difierent ttm.es and ages, God had difier-
ent things to accomplish, and that it
required different orders of things to
accomplish them.
I arn veil aware of the wild chime-
40e
MBSSKVGKR AND ADVOCATE.
rasofthe human brain. There has
been a notion prevailing amongst a
great many people, that the nearer a
man got to his God the less enterprise
he should exert, that he should show
forth his righteousness by his rags, and
his holiness by an utter contempt of
the rules of decency: Indeed among
some that would be called wise, to this
day, they think that the cut of their
coat and the sha| e of their hat is of
^ro»t importancfj and has a considera-
ble to do with their salvation; hence
we have to this day the broad brimed
hat and the long tailed coat, and the
vest with skirts, worn as a badge of
righteousness; but let the saints know
assuredly that their righteousness does
not consist in putting on some old anti-
quated dress: but in enterprise in ac-
complishing the will of God and build-
ing up a city to his name, in beautify-
ing his sanctuary and making the place
of his feet glorious.
Let the saints, therefore, aquit the-m-
selves like men. Let them seek learn-
ing and wisdom, refinement and ele-
gance. Let industry and enterprise
be encouraged, not merely as apend-
agesof our religion; but as an identity
with it, as part of it, without which the
other parts would be of little eon«e^
quence; yea, may I not say, let them
get riches; however some might be
ready to say in opposition to- this, that
it is impossible for a rich man to enter
into the kingdom of heaven; admit it, .
but does this argue that those who have
sacrificed their all for the kingdom of
heaven's sake and entered in, should
not get rich after they got there, no
veriiy; for the Savior has said in lan-
guage not to be misunderstood, "That
he that forsaketh father or mother,
wife or children, houses or lands, for
my sake and the gospel's shall have in
this world an hundred fold, and in that
which is to come eternal life.
So then the saints who have first
sought the kingdom of heaven and the
righteousness thereof, may calculate
the addition of all things; yea, even an
hundred fold. And may I not say if
we fail of getting the earthly promise,
what hope can there be of our getting
the heavenly? for it is as assured!}
said we shall have an hundred fold in
this life, as it is said we shall have eter-
nal life in the world to come.
Again let us observe in order tha^
'/Aon may })ccome the joy and pra
of the whole earth, it is necessary that
the saints should cultivate the principles
of honesty and integrity in all their in-
tercourse with the world, so much so
that those who have dealings with them,
will have to say, that their intercourse
is honorable above all others. The
saints must become notorious for this,
so that all men wiil be willing to deal
with them, and rather do it than with
any others, for this is one of the ways
by which they will obtain wealth, with-
out which they will never bo able ta
fulfill the end of their calling.
Once more, in order that Zion may
become the joy of the whole earth, — ^
the saints must practice holiness m
the fear of the Lordf for without this»
no man can see the Lo-rd, neither will
he prosper them unless they do it. —
They must attend punctually to the or-
ders of his house, every head of a fam-
ily must see that his or her house is
kept in order before the Lord, so that
in their midst the name of the Lord
may be had in reverence, and his com-
mandments regarded with veneration,.
ai>d his worship respected us of the
first importance.
In so doing, the saints may antici-
pate the blessings af heaveia to attend
them more abundantly, and with every
increase of wealth and honor an in-
crease of blessings, until as the proph-
et Malichi has said, "The earth will
not be able to contain it."
Let the saints then consider the na-
ture of their high calling, lest any man
deceive them with fair pretences and
with vain tradition after the rudiments
of the world and not after Christ.- Let
them remember that God has called
them, that they may distinguish them-
selves by the boldness of their enter-
prises; by the magnificence of their
schemes, and by the greatness of their
industry, and by their untiring perse-
verance, and by their patience and in-
defatigable zeal. Let them be patient
in all things till they overcome the
world, the devil and the flesh, and Zi-
on becomes the joy and the praise of
the whole earth.
The apostle Paul has a valuable say-
ing in his epistle to the Hebrews, 10:38,
"For ye have need of patience, that,
o.fter ye have done the will of God, ye-
;-night receive the promise." The saints
A-ould do well to give heed to this say-
ing, that they may never got weary in
•■^•ell doing. Let them recollect that
Mkssenger and advucatk.
48^
after they heve douo the will of God
they have need of patience in order to
inherit'the promise. How many may
have done the will of God, and yet for
want of patience to wait upon the Lord
have lost the, promise altogether; when
if they had had patience to wait on the
Lord, they might have received it to
the joy and gratitude of their hearts.
Remember th°n ye saints of the last
days!! that j'ou are called upon by the
great God to be ministers of righteous-
ness tn the last days to all people, lan-
guages and kindreds of the earth; ye
are called upon to visit every nation
under heaven; to waft yoursc'.ves over
every sea and every ocean: to stand in
th-"; presence of kings and of princes
and of the nobles of the earth; to gath-
er up of ail nations, tongues and lan-
guages und.T heaven, and of them to
build up the'Zion of the last days to
the Most High. And nothing of all
this can fail if you are faithful in y®ur
calling and consider the nature and the
end thereof; for great is he who has
called you, and none of his promises
can be broken, neither can his faithful-
ness fail,
Ann yourselves, therefore, like men,
ye elders of Israel; store your heads
with knowledge and your hearts with
grace, and as the heads of the Israel
of the last days go forth without fear;
for strong is he who hath called you;
and omnipotent is the arm of him who
sustains you; fear not and your peace
shall be like a river and your righteous-
fjcss as an overflowing stream. Re-
joice upon the hills and shout hosannah
upon the mountains; until you shall
bring the last stone of the buildine: of
your God with the shout of
grace, unto it
o
grace,
SIDNEY RIGDON.
We extract the following chapter
from "Dick's philosophy of a future
slate." There are reasonings suffi-
cient, we think, to commend it to the
attention of the reader. — Ed. Mes.
SECTION X.
ON THE ABSUPvDITr OF 3UPl>0SI.\0 THAT
THE THINKING PRINCU'LE IN MAN
WILL EVER BE ANNIHILATED.
It IS highl}' unreasonable, if not ab-
purd, to suppose that the thinking prin-
ciple in man vvill ever be annihilated.
In r.o far as our kmjwlodgc of tin uni-
verse extends, there do&s not appear ti
single instance of annihilation through-
out the material system. There is no
reason to believe, that, throughout all
the worlds which are dispersed through
the immensity of space, a single atom
has ever yet been, or ever will bo an-
nihilated. From a variety of observa-
tions, it appears highly probable, that
the work of creation is still going for-
ward in the distant regions oi the uni-
verse, and that the Creator is replenish-
ing the voids of space with new worlds
and new orders of intelligent beings;
and it is reasonable to believe, from the
incessant agency of Divine Omnipo-
tence, that new systems will be con-
tinually emerging into existence while
eternal ages are rolling on. But no in-
stance has yet occu rred of any system
or portion of matter either in heaven
or earth having been reduced to anni-
hilation. Changes are indeed inces-
santly taking place, in countless varie-
ty, throughout every department of na-
ture. The spots of the sun, the belts
of Jupiter, the surface of the moon, the
rings of Saturn, and several portions
of the starry heavens, are frequently
changing or varying their aspects. On
the earth, mountains are crumbling
down, the caverns of the ocean filling
up, islands are emerging from the bot-
tom of the sea, and again sinking into
the abyss; the ocean is frequently shift-
ing its boundaries, and trees, plants,
and waving grain now adorn many-
tracts which were once overwhelmed
with the toaming billows. Earthquakes
have produced frequent devastations,
volcanoes have overwhelmed fruitful
fields with torrents of burning lava, and
even the solid strata within the bowels
of the earth have been bent and dis-
rupted by the operation of some tre-
mendous power. The invisible atmos-
phere is likewise the scene of perpetual
changes and revolutions, by the mix-
ture and decomposition of gases, the
respiration of animals, the process of
evaporation, the action of winds, and
the agencies of light, heat, and the
electric and magnetic fluids. The veg-*
etable kingdom is either progressively
advancing to maturity or falling into
decay. Between the plants and the
seeds of vegetables there is not the
most distant siniilarity. A small seed,
only ono-tenth of an inch in diameter,
after rotting for a while io the earth,
.-'hoots forth a stem ten thousand times
«M
MEBSEKaEH AKD ABTOCATSL
greater in size than the germ from which
it sprung, the branches of which aftbrd
an ample shell" r for the fowls of heav-
en. The tribes of animated nature are
likewise in a state of progressive
change, either from infancy to maturi-
ty and old age, or' from one state of ex-
istence to anotiicr. The catei pillar is
first an egg, next, a crawling worm,
then a nymph or chrysalis, and after-
wards a bullerfly adorned with the most
gaudy colors. The may-bug beetle
burrows in the eaith .where it drops its
egg, from which its young creeps out
in the shape of a maggot, whicii cast
its skin every year, .and, in the fouiih
year, it bursts from the earth, imfolds
its wings, and sails in rapture "through
the 8oft air." The animal and vege-
table tribes are blended, by a variety of
wonderful and incessant changes. Ani-
mal productions afford food and nour-
ishment to the vegetable tribes, and the
various parts of animals are compound-
ed of matter derived from the vegeta-
ble kingdom. The wool of the sheep,
the horns of the cow, the teeth of the
lion, the feathers of the peacock, and
the skin of the deer — nay, even our
hands and feet, our eyes andears, with
which we handle and v/alk, see and
hear, and the crimson fluid that circu-
lates in our veins — arc derived from
the plants and herbs which once grew
in the fields, which demonstrates the
literal truth of the ancient saying, "All
flesh is grass."
Still, however, amidst these various
and unceasing changes and transform-
ations, no example of annihilation has
yet occurred to the eye of the most
penetrating observer. When a piece
of coal undergoes the process of com-
bustion, its previous form disappears,
and its component parts are dissolved,
but the elementary particles of which
it was composed still remain in exist-
ence. Part of it is changed into caloric,
part into gass, and part into tar, smoke,
and ashes, which are soon formed into
other combinations. When vegetables
die, or are decomposed by heat or cold,
they are resolved into their primitive
elements, caloric, light, hydrogen, oxy-
gen, and carbon, — which immediately
enter into new combinations, and assist
in carrying forward the designs of
Providence in other departments of na-
ture But such incessant changes, so
far from militL"<ting against the idea of
the future existence of naan, are, m
reality, presumptive proofs ot his im-
mortal destination. For, if amid tho
perpetual transformations, changes,
and revolutions that are going forward
throughout universal nature in all its
departments, no particle of mutier is
e\er lost, or reduced to nothing, it is
in the highest degree improbable, that
the thinking princiule in man will be
destroyed, by tlie change which takes
place at the moment of his dissolution.
That change, however great and inter-
esting t"> ttie individual, may ifjt Lc
moio wonderful, nor more mysterious
than the changes which take place in
the different states of existence to which
a caterpfilar is destined. This anim.al,
as already stated, is first an egg, and
how different does its form appear
when it comes forth a crawling worm?
After living some time tn the catierpiL-
lar state, it begins to languish, and ap-
parcntly dies; it is encased in a tomb,
and appears devoid of life and enjoy-
ment. After a certain period it ac-
quires new life and vigor, bursts it3
confinement, apj)ears in a more glori-
ous form, mounts upward on expanded
wingj, and traverses the regions of the
air. And, is it not reasonable, from
analogy, to. believe, that man, in his
present state, is only the rudiments of
what he shall be hereafter in a more
expansive sphere of existence? and
that, when the body is dissolved in
death, the soul takes its ethereal flight
into a celestial region, puts on immor-
tality, and becomes "all eye, all ear»
all ethereal and divine feeling?"
Since, then, it appears that annihi-
lation forms no part of the plan of
the Creator in the material world, is it
reasonable to suppose, that a system of
annihilation is in incessant operation
in the world of mind? that God a eve-
ry day creating thousands of minds,
endued with the most capacious pow-
ers, and, at the same time, reducing to
eternal destruction thousands of those
which he had formerly created? Sliall
the material universe exist amid all its
variety o( changes, and shall that no-
ble creature, for whose sake (he uni-
verse was created, be cut off' forever in
the infancy of its being, and doomed to
eternal forgetfulness? Is it consistent
with the common dictates of reason to
admit, that matter shall have a longer
dumtion than mind, which gives mo-
tion and beauty to every material scene?
Bhali the noble structures of St. Paul
vcd
4f>k
find St. rc'ar survsve tlu^ rfivages oi
tiinfi, and diap'hsy their beauiiful prn-
portiona to successive generaliorri,
vvhile Wren and Ar.gelo, the architects
that planned them, are reduced to the
conuhion of the clods of (lie valley 1 —
Sh.ili the "Novum Organum" o{ Bacouy
nnd the ""Optics" D!5d -'Principifi" of
Neiclori, descend to future nges, to un-
fold their sublintifj conceptions, whilo
the illustrious niinJg wiiich gave birth
to these produetions, are enveloped in
the darkness of eternal night? There
appears a palpable absurdity end inccn-
Bistency in admitting such conclusions.
We m'ght ahnost fis soon believe thftt
the universe v/ould continue in its pre-
sent harmony and order, were its Cre-
ator ceasing to exist. ♦'Suppose that
the Deity, through all the lapse of past
ages, has supported the universe by
such miracles of power and wisdom as
have already been displayed-— merely
that he might please himself with let-
ting it fall to pieces, and enjoy the spec-
tacle of the fabric lying in ruins"—
would such a d<^sign be worthy of infi-
nite Wisdom, or confi.rmablo to the
ideas we ought to entertain of a Being
eternal and immutable in his nature, and
possessed of boundless perfection'? But
suppose, farther, that he will ann?A«7fl/e
that rational nature for whose sake he
created the universe, while the materi-
al fabric was still permitted to remain
in existence, would it not appear stili
more incompatible with the attributes of
a Being of unbounded goodness nnd
intelligence? To blot out from exist-
ence the rational part of his creation,
and to cherish desolation and a heap of
rubbisli. is such an act of inconsiaten-
cy, that the mind shrinks back with
horror at the thought of attributing it
to the All-wise and Benevolent Creator.
We are, therefore, necessarily led
to the following conclusion: "That,
when the human body is dissolved, the
immaterial principle by which it wss
animated, continues to think and act,
either in a state of separation from all
body, or in some material vehicle to
which it is intimately united, and which
goes off with it at ilealh; or else, that
it is preserved by the Father of spirits
for the purpose of animating a body in
some future state." The soul contains
no principle of dissolution within itself,
since it is an immaterial uncompound-
ed substance; and, therefore, although
the material creation were to be diesol-
nnd fai! Inlo nHn&, ite t>»er5c-!»a
might stJH renifim unimpairwl, &rwi it*
faculties "fiourish in Irn.Tiortal youth,
"Unhurt, fctr.jc'Bt the war o| eletaanKi,
The wresJie oficatur & the crush of wonca.' '
And the Creator is under no nectesiis'
to annihilate the soul for want of pow-
er to support its facuUifs, for want i^f
objects un nhich to exorcist them, or
{'or want of space to contain the innv,-
merabio intelligences tir,n arc ince?
santly emerging intoexistcnci?: for t'o
range of immensity is the ihcalreofLijJ
Omtiipotence, and that powerful Ener-
gy, which has already brought niillius3
of systems intoexisitonce, can as ea-iiiy
replenish the uciverse with tr^n thou-
sand millions more. If room weva
wanted t'or new creations, ten thousand
additional v/orlds could be compiisad
within the limits of the solar system,
while a void spnce of more than a hun-
dred and eighty thousand miles would
still intervene between the orbits of the
respective globes, and the immeasura-
ble spaces which intervene between
our planetary system and the nearest
stars, would afford an ample range for
the revolutions of millions of worlds.
And, therefore, although every soul,
on quitting its mortal frame, were clo-
thed v/ith a new material vehicle, thera
is ample scope in the sprees of the uni*
verse, and in the omnipotent energies
of the Creator, for the full exercise of
all its powers, and for every enjoy-
ment requisite to its happiness. So
that in every point of view in which
we can contemplate the soul of man
and the perfections of its Creator, ft
appears nut only improbable, but eren
absurd in the highest degree, to fiiip-
pose that the spark of intelligeiK» in
man will ever be extinguished.
Hessenger and AdTocate.
KIR TLAND, OHIO, DEC. Hm.
TEE CLOSING YEAR
The moments fly— our days ar«
numbering— and yet we live!
That, to us, important word, tim»;
from the Saxon tim^ tima^ or Danish,
tim'', which simply means a part or
portion of duration, in performing his
accustomed march has found us nere,
at the close of another twelve-month,
thouj?h strange it is, that we are spared
while others have fle<L
.4-26
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATJ^.
.. At the closo of the year 1334, it
was our privilege to address the pat-
rons of the Messenger, as its editor,
in a few lines, and recur to sucli inci-
ck'nts us were thought to be of the most
importance, and which would serve to
swaken the mind to that sober reflec-
tion that would carry it beycjnd those
fleeting, iniaginary fancies which leave
it barren and unKruitfui. The close
of this year ha:5 unexpectedly fcmnd
H3 in the same situation in life, toiling
at the same occupation and striving to
acctimplish tl e same end.
Though the Messenger was conduct-
ed by bro. John \Vhitmer for ten
months wince the publication of the ai--
ticlc referred to above, and constantly'
filled with important admonitions to
nrepaie for another world, yet it m-iv
iKJt be amiss to say something of the
paiit, even back to that time wlicn the
/ivifi^ were earncBtly entreated to see
whether all were well, in point of as-
surance from above, of an adm.ision
when called from the earth.
We did not complain, in our re-
marks of 1834, that the Lord had dealt
unkindly with us, in taking from our
embrace many 7iear and intimate
friends, though we mourned their loss.
And we now only express our aston-
ishment, that so many others have
since gene, and we survive — it cannot
be boeansc we are better than they —
if any thing, we are inclined to think
it because we arc not prepared to en-
ter those fair mansions with them, and
are mercifully spared to become sanc-
tified, that by-and-by we may enjoy
that rest so much desired by all who
have once been permitted to gaze for
a moment into the society where the
wicked never come, and where one
eteraal round of perfection occupies
the attention of the inhabitants.
Among those who have gone home
to rest, we mention the names of our
two brothers-in-law. Christian and Pe-
ter Whitmer, jr. the former died on
the 27th of November 1835, and the
other the 22nd of September last, in
Clay county, Missouri. By many in
thia'church, our brothers were person-
ally known: they wore the first to em-
brace the new covenant, on hearing it,
and during a constant scene of perse-
cution and perplexity, to their last mo-
ments, maintained its truth — they were
both included in the list of the eight
wknesses in the book of Mormon, and
though they have) departed, it is with
great satisfaction that we reflect, that
they proclaimed to their last moments,
the certainty of their former testimo-
ny: The testnrnent is ia force after the
djath of tho testator. May all who
read remember the fact, that the Lord
has given men u witness of himself in
the last day.s, and that thoy, have faitb.-
tuUy declared it till CMlled away.
It is an astonishing thought, and wo
venture to say, that it passes through
the mind of no sober man without pro-
ducing anxiety, that we must go hence!
Amid all our other concerns, and even
in tiie heat of the most absorbing earth-
ly,' coiisiderations, that reflection nevei*
steals acros3 i'je mind v/ilhout making
a deep impression. Such is the cer-
tainty of death, notwithKtandinp- the
pride of the fiuniitn heart, and such the
importance attached to that solemn
hour, that intidelity, with all its boasted
assurance, never fails to tremble be-
fore its all powerful arm. Neither is
it without its importance to the believ-
er and ])rof>.ssnr. It is hailed and
cherished as the day of release, or a
dark uncertainty hangs over the heart,
and stings the best enjoyment. Men
do, they must, they cannot avoid, think-
ing of their approaching dissolution,
however they seek to "put far away
the evil day," and laugh at death!
It is impossible to give an accurate
account of the increase of members to
this cl'urch during the last year; but
we feel authorized to say, that during
no preceeding year since the same was
organized have their numbers been no
great. That bitter animosity which
was so formidable during the few first
years of its progress, has gradually
passed off, and the great flood of false-
hoods so artfully put in circulation
have began to recoil with the speed of
thought, upon the heads of their in-
venters; and we proudly anticipate the
day when there shall be p reclaimers
sufficient to carry the glad news of the
gospel of peace, into the remote regions
of the earth. True it is. that no place
has witnessed the sound as yet, with-
out producing an abundance of fearful,
falsG religionists, who have never fail-
ed to raise thvi voice till put to shamo
in the eyes of all intelligence — and of
this class, the priests have constituted
the greatest portion, who have always
been overpo\rered, confused and con-
MESSENGER AM) ADVOCATE.
427
founded, when they have hazzarded an
invesligati(jn,
Tho affairs of the cliufch in the west
have been very distressing: Men, wo-
men and children, have been so much
and so lung exposed to tho inckmency
ot' the weatlier, that sickness, with a
number of deaths, have followed. Our
enemies here, and the enemies of truth,
righteousness and justice, have acted
their part in this tragedy. From time
to time has the country, where our
brethren have lived, been flooded witli
false statements concerning our situa-
tion and acts; and the people of the
west, not suspecting the design, have
been thrown into commotion, and ready
to believe it their duty to raise the op-
pressing hand of persecution, and
drive our friends from the face of soci-
ety. And even during the past sum-
mer, our friends were obliged to forego
some of the most sacred rights guaran-
teed in the constitution and laws of
our country; to save the effusion of
blood. Though we highly commend
them for the course they took in that
critical moment, and approve, with sat-
isfaction the part acted by the leading
men of Clay county, yet, we candidly
believe, that had it not been far the
vile slanders and opprobrious false-
hoods, circulated by our enemies here,
and sent to the ears of men in the west,
concerning us, and our friends in that
country, they would now have been
enjoying all their former blessings of
prosperity and happiness. On this
point we have only one opinion: When
the Lord judees the secrets of men's
hearts, those miserable beings will be
cast ofl' as the shedders of innocent
blood and the destroyers of peace and
human happiness. Be this as it may,
we would they might repent, and there-
by escape the wrath and indignation of
God.
We are happy to have it in our pow-
er to say, now, that from the la-t ac-
counts, health was restoring to that af-
flicted people. They have made pur-
chases in a new place, and many fam-
ilies are already prepared for the win-
ter: in all probability, they have made
such an arrangement, and have culti-
vated that friendly understanding with
their neighbors, that they will now be
permitted to gather by themselves and
form a community of their own This
we are willing for, and would rather
choose than they should live in the
midst of confusion and war; but we
regret that men are so destitute of
righteous principloa that thev wi!l vjii-
\y the innocent, and cause st'rangor.-j t...
L-come alarmed for their own aufet,-
so much as to wish our friend;i t'roiu
among them. VVo repeat wh;-,t wo
have already said, that it is a!l in con-
sequence of the lies put forth by per-
sons in fh>.s country: Men whoso
moral responsibility, v.here known,
weighs no heavier in point of veracity
than the acts of Judas in the ecalc-e Jf
righteousness.
By christians it is contended ih^!t
there is a heaven, and by infidels, th)U
such is a vain theory, got up to scaio
men into communities to .support tho
defenders of particular croeds.
That religion is made a trails, and
the souls of men merchandize, wc shall
not deny; but, as cacli generation aru
to make their own ch«ice, and the pres-
ent quickly foliowiog in the footateps
of the last, it is honorable in all to ex-
amine for ihemseivej, as the pasi can-
not laugh at our follies, nor tho one /(>
come, relieve us from t'ormer diieajmaa
— the things of life, and tbo thoughts of
deathy being sufficient for all mon.
There is a system which says thero
is no God, and many pretend to beiie^•*s
it. There is another which admits the
being of a God, but contends that wo
know nothing of him or his attributes.
Another system that thero is a God,
and that he has revealed himself to
man, but long since cased, cither be-
cause he has changed, or man has fail-
ed to approach him in a suitable man-
ner. And another, that there is a God,
that he once revealed himself to men,
that now, and in all ages to come, as
in former times, when men call upon
him with pure hearts and holy desires,
he will invariably and unceasingly open
the heavens and communicate unto
them, and that the least variation from
this principle would show a change in
a being who is unchangable.
AVhere then, can the mind of man
rest with certainty or hope? Is it in
that system wh'ch contends there is
no God — that the doctrine of annihila
tion is true? Let us see: First, w©
are here- — we exist — we are beinffs —
bodies — intelligences: capable of mov-
ing, acting, walking, feeling and think-
ing: we eat, we drink, we sleep and
we rise up; yet we did not create our-
selves, nor can save oursselvea frora
4-^
MH?SENGEia AS'D APVOCATS:.
think that our fathers could once lock
into lieaven, seo and cor: verse wiih
those blessed uihabifnnts, an;i that we
Fsrc their chiidrcn, yet cannot ott.-iin
(ino view to assure us of our accept-
ance with hisn, or a pent at hi;,- right
! foreign fro!:-! that justice
hand, ia
find cqr.itv'
must exist,
grverng and
^hich
^uc
i,
}\
being
and by which alone ho
uplif-sidj ;he world, that
no :r,nn, onc>^ set fr^^e iVoni thohC cijnins
. I,'
Vve
$.-!> far oir th-it
eak, but vviil
arnvps to that
to put his
cannot se;?, h-;!;ir nor f.
continue to seek till ho
cerf:;it)ty vv'jich will ennlle hini to sav,
ov7 that my Rciiecmer hvcs.''
next, and gieat point is that
hich bsiiovcs in a Voj who is eternal;
' cno
To attach to his
■1
X no
to cons!it:.itL' zucA a Lciiig mufrt
that ncvor chn;)gps.
attribute.-^ chirrgr''at:rnrss at once ar-
gues finitude; and hov/ any valiunal man
can spread out his iKwuis tovvard.s
heave!), and worship, (in his mind,)
such a being, is past our comprehen-
sion— such is not the God wo adore —
it ia not the btdng we serve. The One
We
diftso^utiiTiJ »!>d f)^at]j, bayonu a fixed {di-'p.iir ove-rwhehn the mind. And t->
ffinodi an<] thst pyriod is 90 near thiii
aU msy soe it.
No^.7, tha qtsej?*!?):! is, whether when
wrf hiy ski^^n these lx>dies, we exitt in
urwlhsr etata or not? It h certain that
v,-« }>Qd no more r.gency in forming c-r
creating tha inteiiigenco, without whio!)
thsi-e brKiies ato n iifeiesa iurnp, than
Vi-D had in forming the body. And so
Jong FxS the b*)dy is inactive and gense-
lej^Twithont tho Ksu!. or intelligence,
w<3 are ready to consider it of the least j which birsd him down and causes him
vaUis. Then, Kince the body, though
?t decays, is not cnriihilatcd, where is
Iho progumption that the wise and in-
i^Kigcnt part, which could ho longer
bts confjn'^d within this tabernacle, har^
V-Ky>me estinct? Not to be lengthy on
this p^iint, but \vc confess, from a care-
ful examination of its consistency end
claims for belief, it falls far short of a
nitional syHtenr), consequently, gives
neither hope nor consolation. Reason
may bs Cftllad what it may, and be urg-
ed upon us by whom it may, btit when
it oppo&es itself to fads it ceases to
ba reason, and is only to be set down
Jn ftn even column with thousands of
essertions \vhich have neither reason
Eor con>mon sense for a foundation.
Equally vain, the ugh not as appa
re.fjtly vile, is that systenn which admits
the being of a God, but denies his in-
tercourse with men, as the one which
consends for annihilation; for of what
consequence is it to us whether he e."?-
ite or net, since we know nothing of
himi Wc cannot aay whether he is a
merciful being or a tyrant, and if ho
haa any agency or power over us,
wby not keep us from death, or tell us
of our siate after?
Not to occupy time on the absurdity
of that system which confesses that the
gT«at Author of our being once con-
versed with men, but has now ceased,
we pass directly to the last subject of
faith or belief. For, after having
ranged through the wide field of mat-
ter^ and seen the great chang.-;s in na-
ture, and the consistency, and in fact,
the certainty of the continuance of the
e#ul, T/e confess we have but little faith
in ft person who may bo called our
Creator, who once spake to man, but
^111 do BO no morel It is a fact, that
•*e shall exist hereafter, and that a
God goveroR the universe, but when
■we approach tlie thought of death, with
worship comprehends
ail things,
from the extent of eternity to the rip-
ling crimson that flows and throbs
through our hearts. No power so
high that he does not surp.aus it; no
depth .?o low that he docs not cumpre-
h.end it. and no extent so great that it
is not circumscribed by iiis omnicicnt
Vi'isdom: and yet, great as he ie, he po
abounds in goodness that, as a shep-
herd watches over his flock, carrying
the feeble in his arms, so does our God
condescend to notice our wants and
ansv/er the petitions of the orphan and
outcast!
To acknowledge this being is mora
than fine gold — to serve him with a
pure heart is more than all burnt offer-
ings and sacrifices, and whether we
have succeeded or failed, such haa
been the intention of our labors in the
Messenger, to draw the mmds of me.i
to look into the perfection of that sys-
tern which has charms sufficient to
sustain it m a trying hour, and free
our fellow-men from the grasp of hell.
It is common with all, and especial-
ly with editors, that they promise them-
selves and friends a great many new
things for the new year; but we shall
not venture to promise our friends any
a oartaiBty no furtbex^) darkness and thing extra, on untried ground. Wo
MS®SSNSE<ll AND ADVCCATfi.
490
ainia' y o^'e so ma.jy aj-ciogies ibi- tr.R
past, tliat if our friends will overlook
our imperieutions and forgive our
fauUs we sliali be giaci: and wo now
taks the oppor lUnily to ask of n!i whom
we may have injured or ofieaded, cith-
er p;iL'i;cly or privately, ii fi)r^iveness.
Much has been written and much pul
-it must ail be tried in a per-
hshc
feet la!anco, and v/a receive a reward
accovdins to our actii.
In Closing thia address, our heart is
full — '.ye ciuse for the 3yt;ar, and we
know not for lifo, he this as Gad will
have it. One thing we feel as»u rod
of, that m:iny who read this, will have
g^ne iienca ero the end of another
year. Kow in!i>ort;int then, O hiw
importanr, thiit v/e ail live to God, that
With the pure in heart w;^ may be gatii-
evt'd nUo his everlasting king ion: —
may it be even so, ior (Jhri.st's sake.
Aniea. EDITOR,
The following from the "Medina
F.*?e Press," was writiaii by elders
Pali.Tjr and G .rdon, with whom we
nre person";! ly and intimately acquaint-
ted. Oar friends abroad may not only
piaco implicit confidenoe in their staie-
menla, b.'t ;eiy upon iha faci, that not-
withstanding our enemies have used
th.flir utmost exertion to vi'ii'y and slao'
der our friends !n th:j west as well as
the church here, that prosperity and
peace seem to be once more restored
lo that long abused and afiiicted };eople.
Wo repeal, what wc Isavo so often
said, that were it not for uneasy reli-
gionists, who hatch up tho greatest
number o^ the lies flo.itins: about a-
gainst lis, we shviuld long ere this have
been at peace with the citizens of Mh-
soari, and in fact, with ail men. Yes,
we may add, had it not been/or them,
CO trouble would have occuired.
There has been some sickness, and
several deaths among our brethren in
the west this season. But wheu we
consider the fatigues and distress occa-
sioned by being driven from home, it
IS only a wonder that so many survive.
We are aware of the fact, that many
rocoived the seeds cf ckath wujlo ex-
posed to ths colds of winter, ami lb©
wants of {ood, whiifl fleeing froro a
merciless mobL And Wi^ ordy dAri^
that at the day of God'a rcng&ancts
such as afnicttid the innocent and per-
secuted the hidplesa without Ciu&o, wiW
receive their reward. Elders Palnje>r
and Gordon wer.l from J-he New Por-
tage church. — I'Iditor Measengi^r.
INTERESTING LSTTSS-
[We have thought proper to publish
the ibrovving LT'ttcr, from a belief that
the contcnJs thereof wiii prove more
or less pleasing and ictaree.ting to tJ>e
readers of ib.is paper, as weji as from
the consideration that, {"rom the well
known candor and veracity of the gen-
tlemen who have eigned tlda comnsu-
nication, great confidence may be
placed in its general correctness, ea-
peciuLy in the neighborhoods in this,
and other counties, in vvhich tlicy wore
acquainted. We ought, probably to
add, that the authors cf this letter b«-
long to the reiigicua body generally
dtnomir.ated Mormons. j — Editor Ohio
Free Press,
Mr. Joseph W. V/nrra:,
Sib,
Believing it will be a K.tk
faction to you, and many ©f our a.-:!
quaintance in Medina county, to hear
from U9 and know the situation of our
people since we have arrives] in Mis-
souri, we will give you a short account
of our journey and present sitnation,
and some general description of tha
country so tar as vre have becccno ac
qua in ted.
vVe started on our journey from
New Portage, five families in number,
on the 14th day of June last, and after
a pleasant and prosperous journey oi
nine weeks we arrived at our heave in
the state of Missouri on the ITtb dny
of August, 18S6. Length of roa^ SOO
miles. We took our journey by the
way of ColumbusL In passing through
the state of Ohio wo admired the ricii-
ness of soil of the land about Mount
Vernon on the branches of Owl creek,
as also land on Walnut and Whetstone
creeks near Columbus; and also the
country about Dayton, which is of a
richer quality of land than that with
which we were acquainted in the north-
ern coUBtie« W© nHiM sey that th«
4^
MilSSENGKR AND ADVOCATE.
Western Reserve far exceeds any oth-
er part of the State through which we
jxassed, for the industry of the farmers,
tha convenience of roads, beauty of
situation and buildings, and present
flourishing situation and future pros-
pegts oi' improvements. The state of
Indiana, on the road which we passed,
IS generally new and uncultivated, of
a daep rieh black soil, heavy timbered,
rather level, more suitable for grass
tiian gaain; rather subject to intermit-
tent fcveri?, particularly in a wet sea-
son; however when the country is ini-
]jroved, and proper sluices and drains
«>j»encd for the water to pass otF, it will
be a rich and beautiful country. As
wo passed through Indiauopolis,, the
Caj.'ital of the State, the new Slate
House attracted our attentioa, aad we
called to take a view of so. ele2;ant a
structure, which exceeds any building
wo have ever seen for seize and beau-
ty. Vv'e were now nine families aad
55 persons in number. We were po-
litely waited upon by the keeper, and
after vicv/ing the assembly room and
eonate chamber, with the other ])arts
of that elegant building, we sang a
part of the following hymn:
•'Ihe ssiril of God like a fire is burning,
ihe latter day glory begins to come foirlh;
The visions and bleBsinjs of old are return-
The an?ela are coming to visit the earth.
We'll sing and we'll shout with the armies of
hearen,
riogannah, hosannah to God aud the Lamb;
Lit glory to them in the hiffheat be given,
Henceforth and forever — Amen and amen."
The singing, with the echo which
followed !ind repeated the sounds, pro-
duced tho moat pleasing sensations.
The stat'2 of Illinois is mostly a prai-
rie country, consisting of open prairies
fiom 10 to 15 miles wide, covered
with grass. We would then pass
through a strip of timbered land from
on? to two miles wide, with scattering
house-9 aroufid the edge o,f the prairie.
However Sangamon and Morgan coun-
ties are exc-ellent counties of land, the
best, we presume, in the State. As we
arosaed the Mississippi, a large and
beautiful river we arrived in the state
of Missouri. We passed through a
hilly rsugh country for a few miles;
we then entered into a beautiful rich
prairie country — the prairies smaller,
and the groves of timber more suitably
proportioned for the use and conven-
ience of the farmer. These prairies
exi^nd. v/ilh cln«t(?r5! of timhor, ("or
some hundred miles to the north and
v.'Gst, and offer the greatest encourage-
ment to the industrious farmer of anv
ncv,- country v.o have overseen. This
part of the state of Missouri, in which
v/e have .'^^ettlcd, is preferable to the;
state of Illinois, or any other country
th;U we have ever seen, for richness of
soil, good v/atcr, and a healthy climate.
y*' e have not seen a swamp or piece
of marshy ground, within one hundred
miles that we recollect.
We- will give you a sample of what
every indu^tiious farmer may arrive
tu in a fe'Vv' years. We called upon a
man by tlie name of Jones, in Sanga-
mon county in the state of Illinois to-
bu}' a little corn to feed our teams: ho
haa corn enough in his cribs for two
thousand bushels: he had sold the day
before GOO bushels: lie said he raised
7.000 bushels last year, and ho had^
then growing 200 acres of corn: he
liad great numbers of cattle, horses
and hogs. We put up _ for ^the night
near one Smith's, who also lives on
the edge of a prairie. He had then
growing 119 acres of corn, 300, head
of cattle, and a great liumber of hogs
and horses. After we passed through.
Jacksonville the county seat of Mor-
gan county, v.e came into a- prairie a-
bout 5 miles square, v hich was in the
best slate of cultivation of an_v prairie
we had seen, W^e stood on the top of
a hill, and viev.ed the beautii^ul pros-
pect: about two-thirds of this 5 miles
square was waving with growing corn,
and the remainder with wheat and
meadow. The place which we have
selcctpd for our settlement is a tract
of country lying in the north part of
the slate of Missouri, betvveen the Mis-
souri and Grand rivers, and is now at-
tached to Ray county, but is soon to
be organized into a county by itself. —
Our settlement is increasing very fast.
There arc now several hundred fami-
lies here. Wo arc now laying out a
town ono mile square, and several
houses arc already on the place, al-
though the town is not yet surveyed
and recorded. The most perfect
friendship exists between us and the
inhabitants of ?iIiiSouri; and wo laave
the rao.^t encouraging prospects bofore
us.
Yours, with esteem.
AMBROSE PALMER^ .i
THOMAS GORDON.aW
I?ai/ couriffj, (isin.^ 0,-t i«:i^5.
M^«»SBNGER AN8 AF>\'(X"ATT:.
m
gion; yet I trust our labors were n«t
in vain: thi=; minds of many were awa-
kened to enquire into tho work, preju-
dico reniovpd, and the way opened for
those who m^iy visit that country in
future. In placpa where our stay was
short, some would take us by the h;ind
and with tears in their eyes bid us
God's speed. Elder Brown led two
into tho waters of baptism, at tho Pet-
ty John creek in the Arkansas; these
were the only two we bnptised while
together. '"'
Froin tliis y\r\rc. wo proceeded to the
Dardnnell, where we dug U3 out a cn-
noe, iind proceeded down the Arkan-
sas river to the Little Rock, a distancr^
of 170 mile.^. From thence wr took
the military road leading from Little
[lock to Memphis; passed' tji rough tho
Mississippi swamp rising oi 100 miles
which road at that time was almost
impassable for man or beast in conse-
quence of mud and water. Hero about
GO miles east of the Mississippi, 1 took
the parting hand with elder Brown, af-
ter we had commended each other to
God. He started for Kirtland, and I
bent my ccurse tor Benton ei:)unty,
Tennessee; and as others before us
had foiind it good to trust in the Lord,
so (lid we; for, although our travels
together were rising 1,000 miles, with-
out nur.-se or scrip, in a thinly sett'fKl
couiitry, yet 1 can say with gratitude
to God, and those that entertained us,
that in not one instance were we refu-
sed in any of our requests for the ne-
cessaries of life.
I reached Benton county Tenn. in
April, 1835, where I was privileged
with a happy interview witli eld^r W.
Parrish, and a society of saints, raised
up through his and elder Patten's in-
strumentality.
I traveled tor several months with
elder Parish; the Lord blessed onr la-
bors while together, the work of God
rolled on, and we had soula given iia
as seals to our ministrjV Elder Par-
rish was called to Kirtland, and after
setting in order the churches and or-
daining me to the office of an elder, he
left them in my care and returned to
this place. I felt my weakness but
was much blessed in my labors, and
continued to preach the gospel; and
although priests and people raged, yet
truth prevailed among tho honest in
heart, many received the word with
joy and gladness, and were baptiscM
Kirliand, Nov.. 26, 1S36.
President O. Cowdery,
Dear brother,
Perhaps it
would not be altogeth^ir uninteresting
to our friends abroad, to give them a
brief sketch of my travels in the min-
istry, and travels since I leit Kirtland,
in May, 1S34; at which time 1 joined
the saints to go up to Zion, for the pur-
pose of visiting our brethren in their
alHictions. 1 deem it unncccssar}'' to
give an account of my travels while
journeying to that place; sutTice it to
say, that after 1 arrived in Missouri, I
spent the summer and fall in laboring
with my hands. On the 5tii of Nov.
1834, 1 was ordained to tho office of a
priest, under tha hand of elder S, Car-
ter, and sent forth in my weakness to
proclaim the first priiiciples of the gos-
pel. After receiving some advice from
bishop Partridge, 1 lelt Clay county,
Missouri, on the 13th of January, 1835,
in company with elder Henry Drown,
for the purpose of preaching the gos-
pel in the south country. VVe first
visited Jackson county, the only suc-
cess we met with, v/as to procure a
few signers to the petition to the Gov-
ernor of Missouvr, for redress of
wrongs done to the saints, v/ho ijihabi-
ted that count v: and we felt to reioicc
in the privilege of bowing the knee on
that land, to worship the God of Israel,
although, at the same time it was pol-
luted by wicked and ungodly men.
From thence we passed into the ter-
ritory of the Arkansas, and traveled
through an extent of country where
the fulness ot the gospel had never
been proclaimed by the Latter Day
Saints. Many parts of the country
we visited was but thinly inhabited, as
we found in it places from 20 to 50
miles between dwelling houses, in
which places was frequently tho wide
prairies, inhabited only by the bound-
ing deer, and prouling wolf which arc
very numerous. Some parts of the
Arkansas was considerably populous;
and wherever we found inhabitants,
wc did not shun to preach the word
unto them as we had opportunity, ei-
ther in the family circle or in tne pub-
lic assembly. Elder Brown, having
been absent from his family for some
length of time, felt it his dutv to re-
turn; we travelled with speed through
the country, consequently we had not
time to establish churches in that re-
>t?.aSBr7SSTl ANa ADVOCATS
(rtr like remission of their sins, nnd re
ceivtKl the Holy Ghost by ihe laying
oD of hands, cod signs followed them
that believed. I was frequently oppo-
im<l in public, by tho>e r/hose crp.ft
was in danger, but when this was the
enae, and the subject investigated, it
J:.Act a tendency to rend the garb ivjth
v.hich they were covered, and lay
tlKjir chaiaclers open and naked to
the eyes !^r ovory unprejadiood mi fid.
It is tri'Q, wo have had persecution
to ensure in the s;outh, but notwith-
standing this, there are many repub-
hcanK and geatlctr.sn in that country,
who would scorn the idea of lendir^g a
|»elpiRg hand lo deprive their feiiow
citizens of those righ.ts sxisd liberfies
they enjoy, and which our iawa guar-
snte-o to every American citizen. The
eaints in the south are strong in tho
faith of the Latter Day Sainfs, nnd
will maintain their integrity unto the
ead; this is their right and nono can
take it from ihem
Kirtland, Nov. 25, I have been ab-
sent from this place tv/o years and a
half, in which time i have traveled be-
tween eigiit, and nine thdUBand miles,
principally in the south, and led 70 in-
to tho v/nters of baptism; and i feel to
say, that v/heiever my lot may be cast,
if I should live t.ll my head blossoms
with age, I »ha\l remember the scenes
of my spirituc'i youth, and the first
inihs <»r iny ministry; they are bound
to me closer than the ties of consan-
guinity; yea, even by the ties of the
bioofi ,»f Chiisf: and while tin;e may
sever the ties of consanguinity, eterni-
ty cannot break the ties of celestial
love that disembogues from the fount
ofetarnal life.
W. WOODRUFF.
Tho following is a list of the names
of Mip.ister^ of the Gospel, belonging
to the church of the Latter Day Saints,
whoce Licences were recorded the last
We have had the privilege the eg?,- | Quarter, in the Licence Records, in
son past ot hearmg the gospel pro«L-. , ,
claimed by some of the able servants
ot" God from Kirtland and jMisscuri,
Tiz. ciders Marsh, Patten, Parrisii and
Groves, who have faithfully set forth
tbo oracles of God to this people. On
tho 19th of Sept. I had the privilege of
Qssembling in company with the saints
at Tarapan, Ky. upon the banks of a
stream where prayer was offered unto
God. Eider Marsh led a young wo-
man into the waters of baptism. 1 here
took tho parting hand with elders
Marsh, Patten and Groves, also sister
Patten, and they started for Zion with
cheerful hearts. I spent a few days
in visiting aome oi^ the branches of the
church, and found them growing in
trace; I also baptized 9 and procured
new subscribers for the Messenger
aod Advocate. Among the number
baptized, was Mr. James Beaty who
haa been a preacher of the Christian
order for years; but on hearing the
fulness of the go^spel, he believed, re-
ceived aed obeyed it: I also baptized
bis wife and daughter. I ordained
bro<i»er Beaty a priest, and took pas-
eag9 nt Paducnh on the 26th of Oct.
m company witjj elder A- O. Smoot,
and J. Turpin, priest. On our jour-
ney we passed two boats that had sunk,
wo also saw the dead and wounded
isarried from the third, caused hy the
b».^ rating of h^r pipf^. md «rrtv<!d ia
Kif.laad, Ohio.
By THOMAS EURDICK,
Recording Clerk.
Kirtland, Dec. 2, 1839.
Elder^s names,
Truman O Angel Solomon Ajigel
Asa Anson
Ezeikel Barnes?
Amos Babcock
Jeremy Bartlett
Gideon H. Carter
Austin Cowls
Silas Da^'is
Amos B. Fuller
Thomas Hayes
Dana Jacobs
Daniel Kent
John Lawson
Orin Perty
Benjamine F. Bird
Noah Buikey
Samuel Brown
John Badger
Samuel Conklin
Joseph W< Coic
Jonathan Dunham
Jonathan H. Halo
Nathaniel Holaios
Ozias Kilbourn
John Kcmpton
Richard Mann
Philip Packard
Gustavus A. Perry Abram Rose
Carvii Rigdon Stephen Shumway
Otis Shumway James C. Snow
Sylvester B Stoddard Charles Smith
William W Spencer C. W. Stilwell
Alvah L. Tippits Alvah Tippits
William Wilbcy Ecnj. a Wilbcr
Levi B. Wilder Ira J. Willes
Priests,
Jacob K Butterlield H. N. Byingtoa
Elijah B Gaylord Samuel Parker
Jeroiniab Wilby
Teacher,
Joi?eph t^icWing.
T T II-'.
ifiK>^^i:i^'C^F.it Ai¥i> Ai> Vacate:.
T
VoT.. IK. No. 4.1 KTRTLAND. OHIO, JANUARY, 1837. Whole No. [28.
EVIDENCES OF
tlic llool£ or Moriiioii.
^^0 fools, and sloio of heart to believe
all that the prophets have sijoken."
Jesus.
It will readily bo discovered, by ev-
ery correct theologian, who has made
himself in any good degree acquainted
with the mission and proceedings of his
divine Master while travelling on earth
to proclaim that gospel for which he
was made a hiss and a hy-word among
the bigoted and unbelieving of that
generation, as delincaied and set forth
by the inspired penmen; that, although
the above declaration was made some
eighteen hundred years since, and that
too, "to individuals who had followed
him with unvarying fidelity tli rough
the various stages of his afllictions and
persecutions, even to the death of the
cross, the same epithet would apply
with much greater force, not only to the
unbelieving Jews, who, rejecting his
sacred precepts and spurning his ex-
amples of holiness, perpetrated their
last scheme of cruelty towards liim by
taking his life, but also to the people of
the present age. Indeed, were we to
compare the prevailing belief in the
professing world at the present day,
with iho unbelief entertained by the
Jev/s, anciently, so near a similarity
would be found to exist as would silence
all controversy upon the subject.
It appears to have made no part of
the numerous com.plaints uUered by the
Savior against the Jews that they en-
tertained no fixed principles of belief,
neither that they were destitute of faith
in some things that the prophets had
spoken; but, it seems to have been, as
in the case of the two disciples, a lack
of confidence iu '■'■all things,'\){ which
Jesus so frequently complained, and in
consequence of which he pronounced
the heaviest woes and curses upon that
generation. That the Jews verily
thought they believed all that the pro-
phets had spoken, there is no manner
of doubt; hut when the Son of God
plainly declared, "If ye had believed
Moses ye would have believed me, for
he wrote of me," all their pretensions
to faith in the writings of that prophet,
seemed to vanish. They well knew to
acknowledge all, would have been to
abjure their religion, renounce their
own pretensions lo holiness, ]ay- aoido
the traditions of their elders, and em-
brace the babe of Bethlehem as their
Messiah and King.
That the present generation has fal-
len after the same example of unbelief,
will not, as we before said, be doubted
by those who arc acquainted wiih the
"all that the prophets have spoken." —
In order to illustrate this, we shall
quote, not those sayings from the wri-
tings of the prophets, which, from their
liability to misconstruction have been
made, by the world, to mean any thing
or nothing as the case might be (for
now, as anciently, many have a pecu-
liar faculty for manufacturing faitl'iS,
religions and gods to suit their own
fancy) but to show, by an exhibition of
some of the most meaning, prominent
and unequivocal prophecies transmitted
to us in the sacred record, tliat our po-
sition is entirely tenable, viz: that this
generation is deeply implicated by the
Ian2;uaa;c of our text.
Without calling the attention of the
reader to prophecies, the fulfillment of
which, belonged to former ages, we
shall proceed to quote a fev/ of those
whose fulfillment evidently relates to
the last days. The prophet Isaiah has
sa d, in the 11th chapter of his proph-
ecy, 11th and 12th verses: "And it
shall come to pass in that day, that the
Lord shall set his hand again the second
time to recover the remnants of his
people, which shall be left, from Assy-
ria, and from Egypt, and from Path-
ros, and from Cush, and from Elam,
and from Shinor, and from Homath,
and from the islands of the sea. And
he shall set up an ensign for the na-
tions, and shall assemble the outcasts
of Israel, and gather together the dis-
persed of Judah from the four corners
of the earth." Again, the same pro-
nliet declares, chap. 2. ver. 2: "And it
shall come to pass in the last days that
the mountain of the Lord's house shall
be establ.shcd in the tops of the moun-
tains, and shall be exalted above tlie
hills, and all nations shall flow unto it."
Now, that the people of this generation
434
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE
do not believe in these important say-
ings of the prophet, is evident from
like testimony as that upon which the
Jews were convicted: they did not be-
lieve in the manner of tl e fulfillment of
the prophecies of Moses, neither do the
world in this day believe in the means
ordained of God for the fulfillment of
those just quoted. We mean the ush-
ering in of a new and entirely diverse
order of things from any before exist-
ing on eaith; or, as the apostle Paul
expresses it, in Eph. 1: 10: "The dis-
pensation of the fulness of times," in
which God should, literally, not only
gather together the remnants of Israel
and all nations, as represented by the
above quotations, in one, but also all
things in him, both which were in hea-
ven, and which were on earth.
This era, dispensation, or order of
things, has been brilliantly signalized
in its commencement by the coming
forth of the book of Mormon, that pro-
digy of modern discovery, about which
so little is known, yet so much excite-
ment prevails in the religious world. —
We would think mankind quite justified
in rejecting this wondeiful pioduciion,
were it not supported, and proven to
their understandings by as numerous
and unequivocal prophetic references
as was the divine mission of Jesus to
the Jews. As the opening key to the
dispensation above referred to, the
book of Mormon may be well authenti-
cated to the satisfaction of every honest
believer in divine revelation, by testi-
mony both ancient and modern- To
refer the reader to a very few of the
scripture declarations relative to this
subject, must now occupy our attention
for a few moments, with such remarks
as may serve to illustrate their force
and meaning.
We commence with Genesis, chap.
17, ver. 8, where the Lord in his cov
enant with Abraham, says: "And I will
give unto thee, and to thy seed after
thee, the land wherein thou art a stran-
ger: all the land of Canaan, for an ev-
erlasting possession; and I will be their
God." In the 48th chap. 16th and 19th
verses, the reader will see according
to the blessing pronounced by Jacob
upon his grandsons Ephraim and Ma-
nassah, that they were to grow to a
"multitude of nations in the midst of
the earth." Again, the same subject
is alluded to in the 49th chapter, from
the 22d to the 26th verse inclusive. —
Let the reader turn to, and examine
this quotation carelully, for it is very
important to our purpose, but is too
lengt'fly for insertion in full. In the
last verse of this quotation, the patri-
arch Jacob says, "The blessings of thy
[Joseph's] father, have prevailed above
the blessings of thy p'^ogenitors, [Abra-
ham and Isaac] unto the utmost bounds
of the everlasting hills." Now, we
have before seen, that the blessing of
Joseph's progenitors was "all the land
of Canaan for an everlasting posses-
sion;" and, as Jacob expressly declares
that his, Jacob's blessing upon Joseph,
had prevailed above theirs, we must
conclude that he, Joseph, had a land
given him, not included in the blessing
of his progenitors: and the expression
"unto the utmost bound of the everlast-
ing hills," fully warrants us in draw-
mg that conclusion. Again, in the first
verse of the above quotation, we have
evidence in substantiation of this fact.
Jacob says, "Joseph is a fruitful bough,
even a fruitful bough by a well, whose
branches run over the wall," or sea,
lor this the reader will perceive is the
real meaning by examining the 8th ver.
of the 16th chapter of Isaiah. Now,
the beauty of this simile or figure can
only be discovered by those who take
the pains to contrast it with the literal
/ac/ as it occurred; the relation of which
may be found in the book of Mormon,
first book of Nephi, where a remnant
of the branches or seed of Joseph are
represented as crossing the sea, and
settling this continent of North and
South America. Yes, the concurrence
or identity of the prophetic allusion,
with Xhefact as set forth in the book
of Mormon, demonstrates the truth of
the latter as fully as the works and char-
acter of Jesus did the declarations of
Moses and the prophets relative to
himsel f.
FTavingnovv, by unimpeachable bible
testimonj, and as we believe, sound
logical reasoning, followed the rem-
nants of Joseph tn their landing upon
this continent, our next business must
be to inquire whether their history and
location, if capable of speaking, would
emphatically prononnce them "a multi-
tude of nations in the midst of the
earth." So much of the hisiory of the
aborigines of America is known to the
world, as would render any attempt to
show that they have not been, and are
not even still "a multitude of nations,'
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
435
^ierfectly vain and futile. Such was
ostensibly the fact at the first settle-
n^ent of the country by Europeans, and
Wusl» according to all human calcula-
tions, have fexisted to a greater extent
previous to that time, iVom the well
known coincidence that no social com-
pact, existed among the different tribes,
by which their national individuality
icould be perpetuated; and from a suc-
cession of intestine wars to which they
w-ere peculiarly addicted, tbey must
have been dimiraisfeed and commingled
with other clans. As to their location,
we leave k for tihe learned to say whe-
ther tfiey actually occupy those deerees
(9f3atitu<ie which with propriety may
be said to comprehend "the midst of
She t;artli."
Having now gone through with a
tursory examination of some of the
bible testimonies as to the origin and
history of the American Indians, we
she'll come to S| eak more particularly
of the record kept by themselves, a
translation of which, through the pro-
vidence of Gk)d, has been laid before
the world. Nor are its advocates, as
many have supposed, destitute of the
necessary evidence to establish the
fact. Besides the unimpeachable tes-i
timony of many good men, whose char-
acters for truth and probity rank high
in the eifcles of their acquaintance,
they liave the sacred word of God, and
the fruits and gifts of his divine Spirit
to bear testimony to its authenticity. —
David says, Ps, 85: 11, (and let the
reader mark the expression,) "Truth
shall spring out of the earth; and right-
eousness look down from heaven." —
Again,' Ps. 119: 142, *'Thy righteous-
ness is an everlasting righteousness,
and thy la%c is truth.'' Verse 151,
Thou art near, O Lord, and all thy
commandments are truth." Again,
John 17: 17, "Sanctify them through
thy truth: thy word is truthJ' The
Lord says by the prophet Hosea, in
speaking of Ephraim, chap. 8, ver. 12,
*'I have written unto him the great
things of my law, but they are counted
as a strange thing." Again, Ezekiel,
in the 37th chapter of his prophecy,
makes mention of the same "great
things" of the law of God, and calls it
the ^^siick of Ephraim." Isaiah also
comes in for a considerable share in
the testimony upon this subject. He
goes so far in the 29th chap, of his
prophecy aa to relate several very im-
portant particulars concerning this
"truth" that should spring out of the
earth=^— says "the words of the book''
should be delivered to him that was
learned, "saying, read this, I pray
thee,** and he should say, 1 cannot —
that the book should then be delivered
to him that was unlearned, &c. Let
the reader turn to and examine the
whole chapter. Now, from the fore-
going quotations and references, we
learn the following facts: —
First, That truth was to spring out
of the earth.
Secondly, That truth is the hw,
commandments or word of God.
Thirdly, That the great things of
that/flti', loordov commandments oi God
were written unto Ephraim, or the de-
scendants of Joseph, and
Fourthly, That the book of Mormon
is that record.
Now, if the world will know wheth-
er truth has sprung out of the earth,
let them candidly consider and accredit
the foregoing evidences, as well as the
internal testimony of the record itself.
If they would understand what "the
great things" of the law of God written
unto Ephraim, are, we point them to
the book of Mormon. Should dubiety
exist in the minds of any as to the re-
al meaning of the prophecies of Eze-
kiel and Isaiah, above referred to, we
confidently assert, read the book of
Mormon — learn its history — study and
obey its precepts, and the light of hea-
ven will abundantly illuminate your
understandings.
In conclusion we would observe, that
vain are the pretensions and profes-
sions of a bewildered world, to faith in
the divine oracles of God, so long as
they array themselves against his work
and purposes by opposing the book of
Mormon; and, until they cease their
unholy and heaven-offending warfare,
break off their sins by righteousness,
and "believe all that the prophets have
spoken," v/e may with propriety adapt
towards them the language of the Sa-
vior: "0 fools and slow of heart."
WM. SMITH.
430
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
PERSECUTION.
The spirit of persecution has prevail-
ed in every age of the world, to t'le
great disgrnce of the human race, and
if there is justice in heaven, to the con-
demnation of millions; for if the great
Goc proves at last to be the being the
bible represents him to be, millions and
tens of millions of the human race will
make their bed in hell for persecuting
a'ld reviling men on account of their
religion. It will be said to them, who
required at your hand to judge another
man's servant; to his own master he
stands or falls.
God has made it the prerogative of
every individual under heaven, to have,
to believe, and to practice any religion
which may seem good unto himself,
and to stand not accountable to man,
but to God, when such religion does
not infringe upon the rights of others.
Or, it is his privilege to have no reli-
gion at all; and it is not the preroga-
tive of man to call him to an account
therefor, nor yet to slander and perse-
cute him for it. If he v.orship fifty
gods, or if he worship none, wiiat is
that t© his neighbor, so long as he
grants to him the privih^ge of v»'orship-
ing according to the dictates of his own
conscience, or of not worshiping at all,
if he choses.
But notwithstanding this just and un-
alienable right, which the Creator has
granted, in common, to all his intelli-
gent creatures, there ha.s not as yet
been found a nation, or a pe(jple, in any
generation which would grant this right
to the saints of God, of worshiping as
the great God required. Let the na-
tion boast as she mio-ht, of lier liber-
ties, the excellenciesof her institutions,
and the perfection of her constitution:
the very instant that God began to re-
veal himself to any portion of t'.e peo-
ple, that very instant persecution would
begin to rage, and those who made t!ie
greatest boast of their liberties, would
use all their exertions to take away the
jutit rights of others.
All the means that could be resorted
to, would be used to prevent men from
worshiping according to the dictates of
their own conscience, and from serv-
ing God accoi'ding to his law, and his
requirements, and yet would boast of
their liberties and of their Ireedom, and
how blessed were their privileges. Let-
ting all the world see that if men had
privileges, they were not obtained thro'
their means.
There is no country, perhaps, in the
world, which boasts more of its liber-
ties, than our own; and no people who
extol the excellencies of their institu-
tions, as we do. We tell it to the ends
of the earth, we proclaim it on the
house tops, and we reveal it in the se-
cret places, and send it to the nations
afar off, and bid them to come and tasfte'
of our liberties; and yet, wonderful to
tell, after ail our pretensions, a man is
not at liberty to worship according to
tlie dictates of his own conscience.
This, the saints of the last days Lave
been made to know, in all places where
they have made their appearance. It
is demonstrated to a certainty, that
there is not a wState in this Union, where
a man is at liberty to worship God ac-
cording to the dictates of his consc ence;
neither is there a society in this na-
tion, that will suffer the saints of God
to enjoy their rights undisturbed, not
even to escape violence and death,
after all our boast of llbert} and free-
dom, and the rights of onsciei^ce,
which, instead of being protected, are
infringed. Governors and rulers will
refuse to discharge the duties of their
offices, "notwithstanding they aie bound
by fhe solemnities of an oath to d'^ so;
but oaths nor any thing else can bind
men to do their duty, vvhen the ri-gists
of the saints are concerned.
In our own vicinity we have a most
striking proof of the spirit ot persecu-
tion in a religious society which made
as great a boast of liberty and the bles-
sinc's of freedom, as anv other, I
mean the Campbellites. But the very
instant tlie truth made its appearance,
they soon let the v>'orld see the extent
of their liberal feelings, and have left
an everlasting testimony, that however
they m.ay claim the right of thinking
and acting for themselves, they are as
unwilling as Catholics, or any others,
to grant to others the rights which they
claim to themselves
The shameful and disgraceful house
kent by old Ciapp, of Mentor, where
all men and women were at liberty to
come and slander the saints, not even
prostitutes excepted, as late revelations-
have shown: Let it be remembered,
that this said old Clapp is a Campbel-
lite deacon, whose house was devoted
to defamation, slander, and to crown
the whole, adultery! How far the
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
457
priests, who frequented hisliouse, have
criminated themselves in tliis last act of
impropriety, remains yet to be disclo-
sed; but people have a just light to
draw their own conclusion, respecting
the character of the priests, from the
company they keep, and the character
of the house they frequent.
Adamson Bentley, of will-making
memory, was one of the loungers about
the pious old deacon's house. Now
had he have gone there to have repro-
ved his Av,!ckedness, and to have purg-
ed his house of harlots, thrn, indeed,
his visits miab.t have done him honor;
but when it was to be a partner m his
slanders, he is entitled to a full share
of the disgrace of his liousc. Indeed,
Mary, the wife of Adamson, has been
trying to palliate the old man's crimes,
by tolling how he was tempted, and
that the temptatton was too sfmng for
him to bear. O ]\Iary!! You liad
better found some better excuse for
your good old deacon, at whose house
you have had the blessed pri\ ilege of
slandering the saints so shamefully,
than this; for it does not tell very well,
for a pious, good old soul to have, and
to keep, females about Ills house, whose
characters are so loose. This is that
Mary who has been so well dealt by in
old Mr. Brooks' will, as to get a do ible
portion of the estate: one portion left
directly to herscli, and another to come
to her through her mother, Mrs.
Holmes, now of Indiana; while the
old man's children are left, some of
them, wiihout; and others, a small
portion, to be given them when their
companions die: in the mean time, the
e.\e-CUtors, with Eentley at liieir head,
to have the use of the property until
then.
One of the executors is abo, like
old Clapi:', a Campbellite deacon. I
mean Richard Brooks, who, with his
wife Rachel, united with the before
mentioned kidney in slandering and
vilifying the saints of the last days, and
kept a house devoted to slander, for
years; notwithstanding the very per-
sons whom they were slandering, were
at that very time, and at this, hiding
the shame of their family, which if ex-
posed, must bring them to open dis-
grace.
One of the great cries of this horde
of iniquity against the saints, was, that
they were trying to get people's prop-
erty into their hands, and to cheat them
out of their just rights. Now, for the
sincerity of this plea, as made by this
band of persecutors, it is onlj necessa-
ry to let the public know, that this Ad-
amson Bentley used his priestly influ-
ence, to help old Mr. Brooks make his
will, by which the old man's children
were cheated out of their just rights,
and his wife (vvho is an illegitimate
child in the family, and of course her
very existence a disgrace to them)
either directly, or indirectly, got as
much of the estate as two of them, yea,
a great deal moie.
Tills shews how much this man
Bentley cared about other people's
rights If there were any difficulty,
it v.as because he could not have the
ilngeriRg of the property himself. —
Another proof of his high regard for
justice is, that he has, by a piece of le-
gerdemain, kept his property out of
his creditors' hands, by getting it put
put into the hands of his son, thereby
ciepriving his creditors of their just
dues.
Of course, then, gentle reader, after
this man Eentley has given such high
proTf of his deep anxiety for the rights
of others, ho would, certainly, use his
greatest intluence to guard the world
against being cheated by the saints.
It v.'ill be hard to persuade us, or
any other persons who are acquainted
with the circumstances, thatnine-tenths
of all the lies put in circulation against
the saints, did not originate with the
before mentioned gang-.
That the [jublic mjay have some faint
idea of what the saints have had to bear
from them, it will only be necessary to
tell them that when this brood could do
nothing else to injure the saints, they
actually sent their children, from thir-
teen years old and upwards, to their
houses, to sauce and scandalize them,
I speak this from experience: never
Vv'as my house so abused and scandali-
zed, by any human beings, since 1 kept
a house, as it was by a gang of these
creatures' children, sent from Richard
Brooks', in Warren, and Adamson
Benllcy's. I am now convinced, and
always shall be, tlsat (here are no chil-
dren on earth who would act as basely
as they did, unless they were put up to
it, and encouraged in it, by their pa-
rents. And then to finish the matter,
after they went away, they hatched up
and told some of the basest lies, that
could be invented by human beings;
438
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
and when I complained to Adamson
Bently of their conduct, he tantalized
me, and justified the children in what
they did; though he knew that they had
told base lies. And what adds to this
whole matter is, that these children
were members in the Campbell ite
church; Adamson Bentley was their
preacher, and Richard Brooks deacon:
truly as priest, so people. Not onl}
this once, but at different times, I have
been insulted, and so has my house, by
children from these hordes of impu-
dence and ill-breeding, and dens of
slander.
Had this band of persecuting Camp-
bellites, came out like men, and attack-
ed the religion of the saints, and eon-
ducted themselves with common decen-
cy, then there would have been no i-ea-
son to say why do you so"? nor would
any have found fault; but instead of
this, to think to put down the truth by
shamefully slandering, villifying and
abusing the saints of the Most High,
is so great an outrage upon all com-
mon decency, as to subject them to the
scorn of every well wisher to society;
more particularly, since they have fal-
len in the pit which they had dug for
others.
It is a fact, kind reader, whether
you can believe it or not, that the said
old Clapp, with his two pious sons, one
of ihem a Campbellite prii^st, the other
the most pious man of the whole kid-
ney, did actually go and swear, before
a justice of the peace, that they would
not believe any of the saints under
oath; when there was not one out oi
fifty of them, whose names they had
ever heard, nor of whom they had the
most distant knowledge; and knew no-
thing about them, still they were rea-
dy to swear, without the most distant
knowledge of them, that they would
not believe them under oath. If this
does not amount to false svvearing, in
the sight of the great Jehovah, I must
confess I do not know what does.
There is perhaps no people now liv-
ing, who have said more about the
rights of conscience, than this brood
of persecuting Campbellites: it has
formed a part of all their public per-
formances; they have called upon peo-
ple every where, to think and act for
themselves, as their just right, to call
no man master on earth, nor any fa-
ther; but take the bible and think and
act for themselves. But, gentle reader,
pause, and marvel!!! It is one thing
for a people to pretend to liberality,
and it is quite a different thing for them
to be so in feelings Have we not all
the evidence that can be given, that
these pretensions are the basest hypoc-
risy] What have the saints done to
enrage the malice, and excite the wrath
of this gang of persecuting Campbell-
its'? O! they have taken the liberty of
thinking and acting for themselves,
they have chosen to worship according
to the dictates of their own consciences.
This is their great crime, this is
what has set the bristles of Campbellisns
all on end; this indeed, yes, this, has?
armed their piety with vengeance, and
their tongues with lies: indeed, gentle
reader, it is this and nothing else but
this, that has made Campbell ism shew
its teeth. This is the great crime of
which the saints have been guilty, and
for which Campbellism has poured out
its acrimony.
One thing has heen done by the
coining forth of the book of Mormon;
it has puked the Campbellites effectual-
ly, no emetic eould do half so well. —
Lobelia is not a cirGumstance to it — it
has searched f oi the nethermost corncT
of their stomachs, aisd found it, an^
exposed the secret feelings of their
heart. Never more, then, let Camp-
bellism boast of liberty of conscience,
no more let it boast of freedom or
thought, or of hiiman righte.-
Let the advocates of that faith, frorcs
henceforth' tell the truth. Let them de-
clare to the world, that they can haver
full liberty to think and act for them!-
selves, providing they do not think ansl
act in opposition to Campbellism; for i^
they do, they will destroy them if they
can, and then they will tell the truth.
The book of Mormon, then, has re-
vealed the secrets of Campbellism, and
unfolded the end of tlie system. Eve-
ry eye may see, and every heart x\n-
derstand; for the public may depend
upon it, that the vomit which it has re-
ceived, is too severe fot it; it has spew-
ed itself to death, and in a very short
time it will have fled the Lake shore, to
appear no more forever.
While we thus ponder upon the pas-
sing events, we are forcibly reminded
of what the historian Luke tells us, in
the Acts of the Apostles, about Herod;
he says, "God smote him, the worms
eat him; but the word of God grew and
multiplied." So say wc of Campbell-
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
43d
ism: God has smitten it, lying and har-
lots have wasted it; but the word of
God grows and multiplies.
We are well aware that we have
written in great plainness; but we are
also satisfied that we were called upon
to do so, il is a duty we owe to our-
selves and family, as well as to the
saints in general, and also to the pub-
lic, to let them know the source from
whence such infernal lies as have been
put in circulation, have emanated and
also what kind of characters were em-
ployed in putting them in circulation.
We have hinted atsome things which
are brutal in the extreme, and found
no where but among the most beeslly
of the human race; yet it is a fact, that
they are found among the ClappCamp-
bellites, (for such we will call th'=m, to
distinguish them from others of the
same society, who are not identified
with their iniquities.) And we know
that the most distant allusion to them,
is calculated to offend the delicate ear;
rotwithstanding this, we feel ourselves
bound to bring them to view, as we
want other generations to read the his-
tory of our persecutions, and our chil-
dren, and our children's children to
know of our persecutions, and of the
characters by whom their fathers were
persecuted.
And as our periodical is intended for
a book, to be bound, and handed down
from generation to generation, among
our children, it is the proper place to
publish such things.
Having said so much, we take our
leave for the present.
SIDNEY RIGDON.
KiRTLAXD, Dec 8th, 1836.
To the Editor of the Messenger and
Advocate,
Dear Sir:
I have thought fit
to write a short summary of my labors
in the vineyard for the season past.
1 left this place on the 10th nf May
last; and at 11 o'clock A. M. the same
day I left Fairport in a steam boat
bound for Buffalo, where I arrived the
next mornmg.
From that place I passed on to the
east preaching where their doors were
open; and baptizing for the remission
of sins, such as believed with all the
heart.
June I'ith I arrived at Sackclts Har-
bor, where I found brethren Luke
Johnson and Orson Pratt, laboring
with their mights, for the cause of
God.
Those Elders who have been travel-
ing among strangers, in dislant lands,
well know the strength and joy it gives
to meet with our brethren, who are
fellow laborers with us. From that
place I went on the steamer United
States to Ogdensburgh, where leaving
the river, I passed about three miles
out of the town, and being stopped by
a shower of rain, I made known my
profession and calling; the people im-
mediately desired a meeting, and I
told them to call in their neighbors, and
[ would preach to them, which they
did, and after preaching one hour, I
dismissed the congregation; but many
staid until about 12 o'clock; and be-
fore I was up in the morning they call-
ed upon me, and requested that I should
preach again that day in a school
house, which I did; and this night I
was again thronged with those who
were eager to hear the sound of the gos-
pel The second morning ihey like-
wise called on me, and said they vould
not let me go until they knew the truth
of my testimony; and on the fourth
morning, they came and called me out
of the bed to baptize three.
Here I remained seven days preach-
ing the gospel of the kingdom of heav-
en; and baptized seven lor the remis-
sion of their sins, and laia on the
hands for the reception of the Holy
Ghost, and truly the promise was ful-
filled, for those who believed spake
with tongues, the sick were healed,
and devils were cast out. Mark, 16:
16,17,18.
From thence I passed on to the city
of Plattsburgh, where I staid all i.ight
with a Mr. Mansfield, they were very
friendly, and entertained me; may the
Lord reward them for their kindness.
From there I went in a steam boat into
Vermont, and landing at St. Albions, I
passed on to Bakersfield to visit my
friends.
I was absent from Ogdensburgh a-
bout five weeks, travelling through va-
rious parts of Vermont; and in my
tour I visited a settlement on the top of
the mountain called Wright's settle-
ment, and some were quite believino-.
On my return to Ogdensburgh, I stop-
cd at Potsdam, where I found Elder S.
Foster. I preached there once, and
440
xMESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
eight or nine bore testimony to the
truth of the gospel which I declared:
From there I went to Ogdensburgh and
met the brethren whom I baptized
when I went down, and they rejoiced
at my return.
I tarried several days in those re-
gions, preaching and baptizing. On
the 25th of August, while we were as-
sembled for a meeting, our hearts were
filled with joy by the arrival of fathers
Joseph and John Smith, who were on
a mission to bless the churches.
On the 27th the church came togeth-
er and received joyful und patriarchal
blessings under the hands of President
Joseph Smith, sen. On Sunday the
28th, fa'her John Smith preached at
10 A. M. and four of us bore tsstimo-
ny to the Cook of Mormon. In the af-
ternoon we administered the sacrament,
confirmed three who had been ba[ili-
zed, and blessed tlie children. Mon-
day 29th, we having ordained Alvin
Symons an Elder, and Levi Chapins a
Teacher, to watch over the church;
fathers Smith left us. I then went to
Black Lake, preached once and bapti-
zed one; and thence I went to Pots-
dam, preached again and baptized an-
other. I then returned to Ogdensburgh
called the church together, which then
numbered 16, and bid them larcwell.
I left the church rejoicing in tl>e Lord;
and many around them believing the
testimony which had been borne. May
the Lord bless the church there, and
assist them to keep all his command-
ments.
From thence I bent my way home-
ward, and arrived in this place about
the first of Oct. having been gono
nearly five months, visited many of
my friends, preached much and bapti-
zed twenty. The Lord was with me
and blessed me, and conlirmed the
word with signs following. Amen.
Yours, as ever.
H. C. KLMBALL.
Kiri/and, Dec. 30, 1836.
Prus. O. Cowdery:
Sir,— I left Kirtland on the 16th
day of April last, and returned again
last evenii.g, (Dec. 29) having been
absent a period of eight months and
fourteen days. During this time I
have been laboring entirely alone, in
the western part of Pennsylvania. —
But my heavenly Father has been
with me, ?ind given me power over
much and heavy opposition; for I have
often met with it, especially among the
priests, that wear long faces. I have
travelled about 1600 miles, back and
forth; preached 220 sermons; obtained
20 subscribers for your interesting pa-
per, and baptized 50 persons. 1, thro'
the grace of God, started one branch
in Brush Valley township, Indiana
county; one in Plumb Creek township,
Armstrong county, and a third on the
corners of Venango, Mercer and But-
ler counties. The work seems to be
gai.iing ground fast wherever I have
travelled; and 1 have often hadcalls for
preaching 20 and 30 miles ofT, in every
direction; and had about six to where I
could fill one. 1 wish the Elders trav-
elling east, would call and visit my bre-
thren, and sjiread the word of liie stili
more thoroughly through that countr}'.
Yours in the bonds of the everlast-
m" covenant.
ERASTUS SNOW.
Extract frvm the proceedings of a
general confer e?ice held on JJamorid^s
creek, CaUmcay County, Kentucky,
Sept. 2, 1836.
Elders Present.
President T. B. Marsh,
President D. W. Patten,
Councellor Groves,
Elder M^iLFORD Woodruff,
Elder A. O. Smoot,
Elder Daniel Cathcart.
President Marsh was duly called to
ihe chair, and R. Alexander was chos-
en clerk.
The conference was opened by sing-
ing and prayer; after which, the sev-
eral branches belonging to the Tennes-
see conference were represented, and
it was found that they were all in a
thriving condition. Thirteen had been
added since the last conference, and
but one expelled.
It wns motioned, seconded and car-
ried, that Presidents Mavsh and Patten
write to the Presidents of the seventies,
requesting 6 faithful laborers to he
sent from their Quorums into this part
of the country to fill the pressing calls
for preaching in these regions.
It was further resolved, that Presi-
dents Marsh and Patten prepare and
send a petition to the Editor & Propri-
etor of the Latter Day Saints' Messen-
ger and Advocate, requesting him to
publish in addition to the Messenger,
MESSENGER AND ADVOCA'n^:.
441
a monthly periodical large enough to
i".s a-
contain the letters from the Elclt
broad at fidl length.
The conference adjourned and met
pursuant to adjournment at 10 o'clock
A. M. Saturday, 3rd, and opened by
singing and prayer, it was fuithor
resolved, that whereas, Elders Patten,
AVoodruff and others, are about to leave
this region of country, Presidents Pat-
ten and Marsh write also, to the Pres-
idency of the Highpriesthood at Kirt-
land, requesting them to send forth to
this region of country, an high priest
from their
quorum to
watch over and
keep in order this church in its
•branches.
:verc
A short address v/as delivered from
the chair, showing the necessity of
there being kept by the Tennessee
conference, a chuch record of all
names belonging to the several branch-
es of said conference, and also a re-
cord of all the proceedings of all courts
and cont'erences held within the bounds
of said conference. And that a clerk
should be chosen, or appointed, by
this conference, to keep the records,
and be a standing clerk while the
church should remain m this region.
And also, that the priests and teachers
bring from their several branches, the
names of such as had been added since
the last conference &c. agreable to the
articles and covenants.
Wherefore, J. F. Lane was ap-
pointed clerk and ordained to the office
of elder. Br. Alexander relinquished
the clerk's seat and Br. Lane took it.
Also, Benjamin Clapp and Randolph
Alexander were ordained to the office
of Elder, all under the hands of D. W.
Patten. Also Lindsey Brady was or-
dained to the office of deacon under
the hands of priest Isaiah Benton.
In the after part of the day, coun-
cellor Groves delivered an address on
the dispensation cf the fidnessof times,
who was followed by President Marsh
on the same subject On tiie next day,
which was the Sabbath, President Pat-
ten preached to a very large and at-
tentive congregation, and during the
intermission 5 were baj)tized under his
hands. In the after part of the day,
President Marsh delivered an address,
and councellor Groves administered
the sacrament, and confirmed the per-
after which tlie conference adjourned
■sine die.
THOMAS B. MARSM, C/i'n.
Johnston F. Lane, Clerk.
We would inform the public that for
certain reasons, v/hich will hereafter
be satisfactorily explained, the Kirtland
Safety Society have seen fit to annul
the old constitution, and adopt the fol-
lowing
ARTICLES OF AGREEMENT.
XAlniUcs pf i& mestlng of the nienihcrs
of the ^''Kirtland Safely 8ocich/,^'
held Gil the 2d day cf January, 1837.
At a special meeting of the Kirtland
Safety Society, two thirds of the mem-
bers being present, S. Rigdon was call-
ed to the Chair, and W. Parrish cho-
sen Secretary.
The house was called to order, and
the object of the meeting explained by
the chairman; which was:
1st. To annul the old constitution,
which was adopted by the society, on
the 2d day of November, 1836: which
was, on motion, by the unanimous voice
of the meeting, annulled.
2nd. To adopt Articles of Agree-
m.ent, b}^ which the Kirtland Safety
Society are to be governed.
After much discussion and investi-
gation, the following Preamble and Ar-
ticles of Agreem.ent v/ere adopted, by
the unanimous voice of the meeting.
We, the undersigned subscribers, for
the promotion of our temporal interests,
and for the better management of our
diffi5rent occupations, which consist in
agriculture, mechanical arts, and mer-
chandising; do hereby form ourselves
into a firm or comj^any for the before
mentioned objects, by the name of tne
"Kirtland Safety Society Anti-Banking
Company," and for the proper man-
agement of said firm, we individually
and jointly enter into, and adopt, the
foliov/ing Articles of Agreement.
Art. 1st. The capital stock of said
society or firm shall not be less than
four millions of dollars; to be divided
into shares of fifty dollars each; and
may be increased to any amount, at
the discretion of the managers.
Art. 2d. The management of said
company shall be under the superin-
tendence of thirty-two managers, to be
chosen annually by, and from among
the members of the same; each mem-
sons baptized, v.-ho received the spirit, \ bcr being entitled to one vote for each
442
MESSENGER AND ADV0CATE.
share, which he, she, or they may hold
in said company; and said votes may
be given by proxy, or in propria per-
sona.
Art. 3d. It shall be the duty of said
managers, when chosen, to elect from
their number, a Treasurer and Secre-
tary. It shall be the further duty of
said
managers
to meet in the upper
room of the office of said company, on
the first Mondays of November and
May of each year, at nine o'clock, A.
M. to inspect the books of said compa-
ny anH transact such other business as
may be deemed necessary.
Art 4th. It shall be the duty of
said managers to choose from among
their number, seven men, who shall
meet in the upper room of said office,
on Tuesday of each week, at 4.o'clock,
P. M. to inquire into and assist in all
matters pertaining to said company.
Art. 5th. Each manager shall re-
ceive from the company one dollar per
day for his services when called to-
gether at the annual and semi-annual
meetings. The Treasurer and Secre-
tary, and the seven, the committee of
the managers, shall receive a compen-
sation for their services as shall be
agreed by the managers at their semi-
annual meetings.
Art. 6th. The first election of man-
agers, as set forth in the second arti-
cle, shall take place at the meeting of
the members to adopt this agreement,
who shall hold their office until the
first Monday of November, 1837, un-
less removed by death or misdemeanor,
and until others are duly elected. Ev-
ery annual election of managers shall
take place on the first Monday of No-
vember, of each year. It shall be the
duty of the Treasurer and Secretary of
said company, to receive the votes of
the members by ballot, and declare the
election.
Art. 7th. The books of the compa-
ny shall be always open for the in-
spection of the members.
Art. 8th. It shall be the duty of
the managers of the company, to de-
clare a dividend once in six months;
which dividend shall be apportioned
among the members, according to the
installments by them paid in.
Art. 9. All persons subscribing stock
m said firm, shall pay their first in-
stallment at the time of subscribing;
and other installments from time to
time, as shall be required by the man-
agers.
Art. 10. The managers shall give
thirty days notice in some public paper,
printed in this county, previous to an
installment being paid in. All subscri-
bers residing out of the State, shall be
required to pay in half the amount of
their subscriptions at the time of sub-
scribing, and the remainder, or such
part thereof, as shall be required at
any time by the managers, after thirty
days notice.
Art. 11th. The Treasurer shall be
empowered to call special meetings of
the managers, whenever be shall deem
it necessary; separate and aside from
the annual and semi-annual meetings.
Art. 12. Two thirds of the mana-
gers shall form a quorum to act at the
semi-annual meetings, and any number
of the seven, the committee of the man-
agers, with the Treasurer and Secreta-
ry, or either of them, may form a quo-
rum to transact business at the weekly
meetings; and in case none of the sev-
en are present at the weekly meetings,
the Treasurer and Secretary must trans-
act the business.
Art. 13lb. The managers shall have
power to enact such by-laws as they
may deem necessary, from time to
time, providing they do not infringe
upon these Articles of Agreement.
Art. 14th. All notes given by said
society, shall be signed by the Treas-
urer and Secretary thereof, and we the
individual members of said firm, here-
by hold ourselves bound for the redemp-
tion of all such notes.
Art. 15. The notes given for the
benefit of said society, shall be given
to the Treasurer, in the following form:
"Ninety days after date, we jointly
and severally promise to pay A. B. or
order dollars and cents, value
received."
A record of which shall be made in
the books at the time, of the amount,
and by whom given, and when due —
and deposited with the files and papers
of said society.
Art. 16. Any article in this agree-
ment may be altered at any time, an-
nulled, added unto or expunged, by the
vote of two-thirds of the members of
said society; except the fourteenth ar-
ticle, that shall remain unaltered dur-
ing the existence ofsaid company. For
the true and faithful fulfilment of the
above covenant and agreement, we in-
MESSENSER AND ADVOCATE.
443
dividually bind ourselves to each other
under the penal sum of one hundred
thousand dollars. In vvilncss whereof
we have hereunto set our hands and
seals the day and date first written
above.
In connexion with the above Articles
of Agreement of the Kirtland Safety
Society, I beg leave to make a few re-
marks to all those who are preparing
themselves, and appointing their wise
men, for the purpose of budding up
Zion and her Stakes. It is wisdom and
according to the mind of the Holy Spir-
it, that you should call at Kirtland, and
receive counsel and instruction upon
those principles that are necessary to
further the great work of the Lord, and
to establish the children of the King-
dom, according to the oracles of God,
as they are had among us. And fur-
ther, we invite the brethren from a-
broad, to call on us, and take stock in
our Safety Society. And we would
remind them also of the sayings of the
prophet Isaiah, contained in the 60th
chapter, and more particularly the 9th
and 17th verses, which are as follows:
"Surely the isles shall wait for me,
and the ships of Tarshish first, and to
bring thy sons from far, their silver
and their gold (not their bank notes)
with them, unto the name of the Lord
thy God, and to the holy one of Israel,
because he hath glorified thee.
For brass I will bring gold, and for
iron I will bring silver, and wood brass
and for stones iron: I will also make
thy officers peace, and thine exactors
righteousness." Also 62 ch. 1st vrs.
"For Zion's sake will I not hold my
peace, and for Jerusalem's sake I will
not rest, until the righteousness thereof
go forth as brightness, and the salvation
thereof as a lamp that burneth.
J. SMITH jr.
Minutes of a Conference, held in
THE House of the Lord, on the
22d DAY OP December, 1836.
The authorities of the church being
present; viz: the first Presidency, the
High Council of Kirtland, the quorum
of the Twelve, the Presidents of the
Seventies, the President of the Elders
and his counsellors, and many other
official members, such as Priests,
Teachers, Deacons, &c. : — The house
was called to order, and the following
motions were made, seconded, and
carried by the unanimous voice of the
Assembly.
1st, That it has been the case, that
a very improper and unchristian-liko
course of conduct, by the Elders of this
church, and the churches abroad, in
sending their poor from among them,
and moving to this place, without the
necessary means of subsistence: where-
as the church in this place being poor
from the beginning, having had to pay
an extortionary price for their lands»
provisions, &c. ; and having a serious
burthen imposed upon them by comers
and goers from most parts of the world,
and in assisting the travelling Elders
and their families, while they them-
selves have been laboring in the vine-
yard of the Lord, to preach the gospel;
and also having suffered great loss in
endeavoring to benefit Zion: it has be-
come a serious matter, which ought
well to be considered by us —
Therefore, after deliberate discus-
sion upon the subject, it was motioned,
seconded and unanimously carried, that
we have borne our part of this bur-
then, and that it becomes the duty,
henceforth, of all the churches abroad,
to provide for those who are objects of
charity, that are not able to provide
for themselves; and not send them from
their midst, to burthen the church in
this place, unless they come and pre-
pare a place for them, and means for
their support.
2nd. That there be a stop put to
churches or families gathering or mo-
ving to this place, without their first
coming or sending their wise men, to
prepare a place for them, as our houses
are all full, and our lands mostly occu-
pied, except those houses and lands
that do not belong to the church, which
cannot be obtained without great sacri-
fice, especially when brethren with
their families, are crowding in upon
us, and are compelled to purchase at
any rate; and consequently are thrown
into the hands of speculators, and ex-
tortioners, with which the Lord is not
well pleased. Also, that the churches
abroad do according to the revelation
contained in the Book of Command-
ments, page 238, commencing at sec-
tion 10, which is as follows:
"Now verily I say unto you, let all
the churches gather together all their
moneys; let these things be done in
their time, be not in haste; and observe
to have all these things prepai'ed before
441
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
you. And let honoraule men be ap-
pointed, even wise men, and send them
to purchase these lands; and every
diurch in the eastern countries when
they are built up, if they will hearken
unto this counsel, they moy buy lands
and gather together upon them, and in
this way they may establish Zion."
■pres't JOSFPH SxMITH,
Chainnan.
Wav^v.f.:^ P ataxic. w, Clerk.
i?It*ssc22S'er s^Esd A«
.v'^esie.
KIRTLAND, OHIO, JAN. 1837.
OIJR VILLAGE.
Nothing can be more gratiiVing to
the saints in this place and their t'ricnds
and brethren abroad tiian to contem-
plate the scene now before them. Ev-
ery Lords day our house of worship is
filled to the overflowing; with attentiv-
hearers, mostly communicants.
In the evening following the singers
meet under the direction of Brother
L. Carter and J. Crosby Jr. who give
instructions in the principles of vocal
music.
On monday evening the quorum of
high priests meets in the v>'est room of
the attic story where they transact the
buisiness of their particular quorum.
speali, sing, pray, and so worship the
God of heaven. On Tuesday evenings
the Seventies, meet in the same room
occupied by the high priests the prece-
ding night. They then and there listen
to the advice and instructions given
them by their president, as well as
speak, sing, pray and talk of the good-
ness and power of God.
On Wednesday evening the rooms
are occupied b)'- the quorum of Ehiers,
where they receive instruction and ad-
vice from their venerable pi'esidentand
his able councellors.
On Thursday P. M. a prayer meeting
is held in the lower part of the house
where any and all persons may assem-
ble and pray and praise the Lord. This
meeting, though free for all, is conduct-
ed more particularly by J. Smith sen-
ior, the patriarch of the church.
The members of the high council,
and also "the twelve" meet but we be-
lieve not statedly in each week as do
others, of the difterent quorums men-
tioned.
Dring the week a school is taught in
the attic story of the house, denomina-
ted the "Kirtland High School" con-
ing of about 13.3 or 40 students under
the superintendence of H. M. Hawes
Esq. professor of the Greek & Latin
languages. The-school is properly divi-
ded into three departments, (viz.) The
classical, where the languages only are
taught, the English department where
mathematics, common Arithmetic, Ge-
ography, English grammar, writing and
reading are taught, and the Juvenile
department the first principles and ru-
diments (jf an education are taught.
TlicsG tvv'o departments have each an
instructor assigned them. The whole
IS under the supervision of Mr. Hawes
as principal.
The school commenced in Nov. and
on the first Wednesday in January the
several classes passed a public exami-
nation in presence of the trustees of the
School and the parents and guardians
of the Scholars. We think the result
of the examination, dia honor to both
teachers and scholar^. Never did we
witness greater progress in study in the
same length of time and in so greart
a number of scholars.
Our streets are continually thronged
with teams loaded with wood, materials
for building the ensuing seas<!jn, provis-
ians for the market, people to trade, or
parties of pleasure to view our stately
and magnificent temple. Although our
population is by no means as dense as
in many villages, yet the number of new
buildinfjs erected the last season, those
now in contem[)lation and under con-
ract to be built next season, together
with our everv day occurrences, are
evincive of more united exertion, more
industry and more enterprise than we
ever witnessed in so sparse a poulation,
so far from any navigable water and
in this season of the year.
Reflections on the past, and the pros-
pects of the 'present year.
If we would not live in vain, but pro-
fit by every day^s experience, we are
as necessarily l"d to the conclusion,
that our duty to ourselves, to our
friends, to the community in which we
live, and to our God, require that we
occasionally take a retrospective view
of what has passed, as well as to look
forward with pleasing anticipations to
coming events.
Every man may learn something of
true philosophy, by his own observa-
tion. Causes inevitably produce ef-
fects, and the same causes arc sure to
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
44'
be followed by the same effects. Idle-
ness, extravagance and folly arc pro-
ductive of poverty, wretchedness and
shame; whde on the contrary, indus-
try, nrudence and economy tend direct-
ly to wealth and honorable distinction.
In short, all the vices, however popu-
lar, degrade their votaries, and sink
them in the scale of beings, even in
their own estimation. Time moves on
with a steady pace, while events trans-
pire that discover the secrets of hearts
black with infamy and crime. Events
also transpire that immortalize others
and render them famous on the page
of history: their deeds are celebrated,
their names live long after tlieir bodies
have mouldcted back to dusr.
A round of dutico, a succession of
events, of causes and efiects, have fil-
led up the history of the past year and
left the contemplative mind to i)rofit
by experience, or the one of no reflec-
tion to rush forward m uncertainty, as
much as if philosophy were never the
study of man, or etrect never followed
a cause. Heuce the wretchedness and
\voe incident to the human faniil}^ —
Man does not reflect, he heeds not the
teachings of experience; his hopes, al-
though fallacious, are, that the order
of nature, in his case, at least, will be
reversed, that he shall find favor in the
sight of God and man, while he pur-
sues the same course towards those
pround him that has always resulted in
entire defeat and blasted all his former
prospects. Surely reflection is neces-
sary; and well has the poet comm,end-
ed in the following lines:
A soul without reflection,
Like a pile without inhabitants, to ruin
runs.
It will not only be necessary to re-
flect on what is past, on the failure of
our former plans and operations to
produce that favorable result, that hap-
py issue that our fond hopes had anti-
cipated; but we should study the cause
of such failure or we are in no wiso
benefitted. If a man cast him down
from a precipice, contrary to the dic-
tates of a sound mind and the best ad-
vice of bis friends, he has no just
cause of complaint, if he fracture his
skull or dislocate his limbs.
If he be idle and vicious, poverty,
wretchedness and guilt will bo his com-
panions. If he be ignorant he is at
the mercy of every knave. If he be
tyrannical, obstinate and w'lful, he
may be rich, but his friends will be
few, and those few, will be as far from
being real friends, as they are frtm
being honest men or men of sense.
Men may give to tyrants, and there-
by purchase their inlluence or their
silence, which is sometimes better, but
men of worth, of candor, of intelli-
gence, despise an avaricious tyrant and
the fawning sycophants that surround
him.
A noble, independent mind, v.-eighs
evidences and calculntv^s consequen-
ces; refiects on the past and judges of
the t\it'are with a philosophic accuracy.
Elder Erastus Snow writes us along
article, embracing the most important
events v.'hich occurred in his observa-
tion and travels, during an absence of
several months from this place. The
elder wrote us from Butler Co. Pa.
Sept. 2, '36, but the letter never reached
us, nevertheless he favored us with a
copy, which we shall not be- able to pub-
lish entire, we only give our rcadrs a
synopsis.
It would seem that the elder had la-
bored in the townshin of Plumb-Creek
1
Armstrong Co. Pa. and had established a
small branch of a church in that place:
he had made an appointment to preach
there on the 22d of iVuijust last at 2 o'-
clock P. M. The elder was informed
by his friends that most of the inhabi-
tants of the little village of Elderton &
its vicinity combined together to prevent
his filling his appointment, indeed, such
were the threats of insult and violence,
that even some of his friends urged
him to desist: but he was not to be de-
tered from his purpose, notwithstanding
as he drew near the place, a company
of 30 or 40 made their appearance,
armed with whips clubs &c. This
company consisted (as says the elder)
of Roman Catholicks, Seceders, Pres-
byterians, pedlars, liars, drunkards,
thieves, &c. Thus we see the materi-
als of which this heroick, or rather
demoniac band were composed, yet not-
withstanding their hostility to each oth-
er, they could like Flerod and Pilate
(for the tim.e being at least,) unite to
oppose the delivery of the elders mes-
sage to the people, according to his ap-
pointment, but, l\e persevered, preached
to those who were willing to hear, and
ultimately escaped personal injury all
their threats to the contrary notwith-
standing.
446
AigSSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
The elder travelled, after the sctne
we have described, in Pennsylvania and
some in Ohio and returned here, in
December, having preached in many
places & baptized fifty persons.
Dear brother in Christ Jesus of Naz-
areth, of the Latter day saints, and all
readers of the Messenger and Advocate;
and particularly the authorities, and of-
ficial members of said church: this is
for you joy, comfort, encouragement,
to be faithful in the discharge of all
your several duties, to roll forth the
kingdom, gather Israel and build up Zi-
on, and prepare for the coming of the
son of God, who shall reign in Mount
Zion and Jerusalem and before his an-
cients gloriously. Isaiah, 24-23: Rev.
14-1: also Rev. 7-9.
Having for years since obtained an
absolute knowledge of the gospel which
I preach, I took leave of wife and chil-
dren in the land of Kirtand, on the last
day of May, last, to preach the ever-
lasting gospel in the upper province of
Canada, in company with elder Wm.
Harris. We commenced our ministe-
rial labours in township of Loughbor-
ough, some 18 or 20 miles north of
Kingston, where we added 14 members
to the Loughborough branch. From
thence we traveled to Lced's Church,
distance 20 miles, and baptised 3, —
From thence we traveled 25 miles to
Bedford, and North Crosby, where we
planted a church that now numbers 68
members. Elder Wm. Harris gave
me the parting hand, and left for Mis-
souri on the 5th of Sept. and then I
took the field alone, without a brother
or an assistant, to comfort or cheer
my heart, in the moments of ragings
of wicked persecutors, who seemed to
double their force when I was alone:
and yet, thanks be to the most high
God, I was not without the presence of
him whom Nebuchadnezzar saw walk-
ing with the three Hebrew children in
the fiery furnace, whose (orm was like
the Son of God; and that to fulfil all
he had promised me under the hands
of the servants of God in my ordina-
tion, and annointing, washing feet, and
patriarchal blessings.
At the time elder Harris left me, we
had baptised in all, about 40. From
Bedford I went to South Crosby, and
Bastard townships, and labored alone,
preaching and opposing wicked perse-
cutors, until the 25th of Sept. at which
time Elder James Blakesley, to my
great joy, came to my assistance. Eld.
Blakesly is an able and worthy broth-
er in the ministry. We continued our
labors together until the 17th of Nov.
in which time we baptized 97; elder
Blakesley then took leave of me and
went home to his family: I was then
left alone without any assistance ex-
cept some whom we had just ordained,
but still the Lord gave me strength ac-
cording to my day. I continued my
labors incessantly until the 1st of Jan.
last, on which day I baptized 5, the
last I baptized in Canada. However,
previous to this time, from the period
when elder Blakesly left me till the
1st of January, I baptized 41; of this
number 19 belong in and about the vil-
lage of Perth, U. C. 20 miles or more
from Bastard and South Crosby branch-
es. Besides all this the elders and
priests who have been ordained at the
conferences I have held have swelled
the number of those baptized to 267 in
all added to the church in the bounds
of the territory where I have labored
over seven months, it being my first
mission in the gospel of Christ.
At a Conference held in North Cros-
by branch of the church of Latter day
saints, the following brethren were or-
dained: John Houghton, Elder; Thos.
Judd, Priest; C. D, Barnum, Teacher;
Oliver Houghton, Deacon. Joel Judd
was appointed Clerk of said branch.
JOHN E. PAGE, Chair.
Joel Judd, Clerk.
Sept. 11, 1836.
At a Conference held according to
appointment, Nov. 16, 1836, composed
of the following elders: viz.
John E. Page, President.
Joel Judd, ^ p,, ,
Wm. M. Weston, 5 '-lents.
James Blakesley.
Conference was opened by prayer by
the President. By revelation of God
and vote of the church, John Landers,
Arnold Stevens, and Lyman Stoddard
were ordained to the office of Elders.
Mi'rray Seamons, Artemus Judd, Jo-
el Judd, Arza Judd, jr. and John Rob-
erts were ordained Priests.
Benjamin Ellsworth, Billa Dixon and
Ebenezer Landers, ordained Teachers.
Arza Judd, sen. Lodawick Ferry,
Stephen Chipman, Zenus Lee and Da-
vid Dixon were ordained Deacons.
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
447
After an adjournment for half an
hour, the Conference was re-opened by
prayer by elder James Blakesley; and
follo^v<ed by an able address from the
President, from the 2d Gen. Epis. of
Peter, chap. 1, ver. 20: "Know this
first that no prophecy of the scriptures
is of any private interpretation." The
address led to elucidate and prove the
saying of the ancient prophets respect-
ing the gathering of the saints, and by
what means. Conference adjourned.
Met agam at 11 o'clock, on the 18th;
prayer by elder James Blakesley, after
which Eber Blakesly and Benjamin
Gwright were ordained Elders. The
Presidvent then addressed the confer-
ence from 20th chap. 28-29th ver. of
Acts: "Take heed therefore unto your-
selves and to all the flock over the
which the Holy Ghost hath made you
overseers, to feed the church of God
which he hath purchased with his own
blood. For 1 know this that after my
departing shall grievous wolves enter
in among you, not sparing the flock."
From which he expressed great sym-
pathy for the flock, in warning the dif-
ferent oflScers ordained to be attentive
to their duty, the fear of God, in their
several callings, that the church may
be built up in the most holy faith; eluci-
dating the nature and duty of each of-
ficer in the church; and solemnly warn
ing the trkembers to be faithful and to
live in the fear of God in order to be
prepared to meet him on mount Zion.
At a conference held in Loughbo-
rough, on the 6th of Jan. 1837: John
E. Page presiding; and Wm. Boice
actmg as Clerk; Martin Boice and John
Vanlouven were ordained Teachers,
aad Wm. Boice, Deacon.
I arrived in Kirtland on the 20th of
the present month, and purpose to re-
turn to Canada in the course of two
weeks, to enter again upon my minis-
terial labors. A wide door is opening
in that country for preaching; and I
humbly trust that my brethren in the
ministry will not be slothful in impro-
ving the opportunity to promulgate the
truth, that the blood of souls may not
be found in their garments. Truth is
triumphmg; error is falling; saints are
rejoicing, and Babylon is howling, be-
cause of her losses. And for the same
let thanksgiving and praise be ascribed
to God and the Lamb.
Brethren pray for me.
Christ.
JOHNJE.
Kirtland, Jan. 24,
You
rs m
)HNJE.
I, is/fr.
PAGE.
IS
TO THE CHURCHES ABROAD.
From information, both written and
oral, we feel warranted in saying that
our brethren in the far West, who have
so long been afflicted and driven with-
out a peaceable dwelling place, are
now permitted to live quietly as other
citizens: We hope they are grateful
to God for all the benefits he bestows
upon them or permits them to enjoy.- —
We also hope, they have that self re-
spect, which will commend them to the
favor and respect of all worthy citizens*
and evince to intelligent men that the
blessings of peace and the peaceable
privileges of citizenship, are not recei-
ved by them as a boon from their neigh-
bors, but as a constitutional right. A
salubrious climate, good water, cheap
land, and a fertile soil, are among the
inducements to the husbandman to em-
igrate to that delightful country.
TO ALL CONCERNED.
Owing to the multiplicity of Letters
with which I am crowded, I am again
under the necessity of saying, through
the medium of the Messenger, that I
will not, hereafter, take an]/ letters from
the Post-office, unless they are fost-
paid.
JOSEPH SMITH, Jr.
Kirtland, Jan. 24, 1837.
Died in this town, on Monday Oct.
24th 1836, after a short illness, Hazen
M. Sweat aged two years & fourteen
days, and on Saturday the 30th follow-
ing, Benjamin W. Sweat aged five
years six months and six days.. These
were the only children of Benjamin and
Ede Sweat, who had then but recently
arrived in this place.
Died at Shoal Creek Mo. on the 23
of August last Roxana, consort of A.
C. Lyon formerly a resident of Wil-
loughby, Cuyahoga, Co. O. Sister Lyon
was far on the declivity of life and has
left the partner of her youthful days,
a family of children and a circle of
44-3
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
friends to deplore her loss. Surely the
destroyer executes his office reckless of
consequences
\
TO OUR PATRONS.
Our readers need not be told that the
publication of our paper has been de-
layed this month, longer than is usual
for us; — longer by far than we could
have wished. Yet it has not been for
want of paper, it was not for want of
compositors, nor for v/ant of a press-
man; but, still, there were a combina-
tion of causes not in our power to con-
trol, which operated to prevent our
humble selves from seasonably prepa-
rina: ths articles to fill its columns.
We have sometimes prided ourselves
on our punctuality the past year, and
hope our brethren will not find this, in
point of time, an exact specimen of the
current year. We hope to be more
prompt in future, and on the ground of
repentance and reformation, we claim
pardon. We are neither angling for
praise nor meanly crouching as vassals,
but we consider ourselves men; and en-
titled to an equal rank among our < fel-
low beings, — entitled to censure for
our wilfully evil deeds, praise for our
good ones, sympathy for our sufferings,
and to forgiveness, as we forgive those
who trespass against us. With these
few remarks, wc close what we have to
say by way of apology, and greet our
friends and patrons with our good wish-
es aad a happy nevv^ year. W .
THE LATTER BAY SAINTS'
Messenger and Advocate,
Is piinteil and published every month at Kirtland
Geauga Co. Ohio, by
OImIVSH COW2S^Rir &. CO.
EDITORS AND rRomiETons,
M ft 1, per an. in cih-ance. Erery person procuring
ten. ntw subscribers, and forwarding % In, curre.ii
money, shall he cntitle.d to a paper one >jsfif, ^'ralU.
All letters to the Editors viu^t h:
^U-POST PAID.jra
J^o suhtcription will be reecivcdfor a less term then one
year, and no paper discontinued till all arrniragrs are
pmd, except at the option of the puhli»Urs.
A NEW YEARS' SONG,
KY
r. PRATT.
This morning in si'.cncc I ponder and rr.ourn,
C'cr the scenes tiiat liavc p;;ssed no more to return.
Mow v.-.st arc l!io labors, tlie troubles and fears.
Of eight liundred millions, who've toil'd through the
Kovv many ten thousands were slain by their foes,
While widows and orphans have mourned o'er their
woes,
While pestilence, famine and earthtiuakes appear.
And signs in the heavens, throughout the past year.
How many been nnirdcr'd and plnnder'd and robb'd,
IIo',v many oppressed and driven by mobs,
Kov,- oft have the Jieaven's bedewed with their tears
The earth, o'er the scenes they beheld tlie past year..
But the day-star lias dawn'd o'er thcland of the bless'd.
The first beams ofmorning, the morning of rest;
When cleans'd from pollution, the earth shall appear
As the garden of Edep, and peace crown the year.
Then welcome the new year, T hail with delight.
The se.'son approatliing with time's rapid flight;
while each fleeting moment brings near and n ore
near,
The day, long expected, the great Uiousand years.
I praise and adore the eternal I Am;
Hosanna, hosanna to Cod and the Lamb,
Who order the seasons that glide o'er the spheres.
And crown with such b!i'9«ir.gs,ea.'h happy nev.-year_
'C
m
"S^
AND
ii^i
i:^
^^WBI^RY & CO.
DEALERS IN
AND WRAPPING PAPER.
CARDS, BLANKS, ] HAND-EILLS,
CliECKS, NOTES, j SHOW-CILLS,
DRAFTS, I LABELS,
Together roilh Book, and every other
dcscriptwn of Printing; as also Blank
Books cf all kinds executed in a supe-
rior stifle, on short notice.
MESSENGER AND STAR,
Bound together, or in separate volumes,
can be had at this office.
LiATTEIS DAY ^AINT
mb^§e:iv^^i:r a]\i» aovocate.
Vor^Iir^ ;Jo. .5] KIRTLAND. OHIO, FEBRUARY, 1837. ^Yhole No. [29.
For the Messenger and Advocate,
^'■For we walk by faith, not by stght.'^
2d COR. 5 — 7.
Who can peruse the sacred records,
containing an account of the travels,
precepts c^nd lives of the ancient saints,
— with an honest heart before God, —
without having their minds impressed
with the sacred truth that they "walk-
ed by i'itith, not by sight." When the
inspired penman presented the above
declaration to his Corinthian brethren,
his soul was tilled v/ith a subject that
had engrossed the pttention of all inspi-
red men from the days of Adam until
the present time; and will continue to
be a the:.,j; on -^.'hich the saints will de-
light to dwell, until "mortal puts on
immortslity and death is swallowed up
of life."
Perhaps there
is no saymg m
the
bible, that will more universally apply
to the saints of God in every age of
Ihs T/orld, than the one above quoted:
St. Paul, the author of these words,
possessed the same principle, and was
dictated by the same spirit, while call-
ing upon his Hebrew brethren, and set-
ting before them the evidences of faith
and the history of the ancients, the
victories the)' v.on, and the blessings
received while "walking by faith, not
by sight," See Hebrews, chap. 11.
There is a joy not easily expressed;
bursts into the soul of the sincere hon-
est believer in the writings of the Pro-
phet; and Apostles, while perusing their
lives and viewing their integrity before
God, in obeying his commandments,
maintaining his cause, keeping his cov-
enants, and "walking by faith, not by
sight," while at the same time, it often
brought them into the most narrow
paths, the greatest difficulties and the
most appalling dangers, that could pos-
sibl}' be presented to the natural view;
notwithstanding this, they walked by
faith, maintained their integrity, proved
t'^.eir God, and found deliverance. Was,
or will there ever be an age of the
world, when there are saints on the
earth that are fit subjects for the celes-
tial kingdom, whose faith has not been
tried to the utmost, even trials that
would fall nothing short of sacrificing
their
good
names, their houses and
lands, wives and children, and even
their own lives, for the cause and king-
dom of God? If so, we should be un-
der the necessity of coming to the con-
clusion, that the Lord was a respecter
of persons: but sooner than to charge
God foolishly, we would believe that
God did and would have a tried people,
and equally tried too, in the days of
Adam, Enoch, Noah, Elijah, Daniel,
Lehi, Alma, Moroni, Jesus, Paul and
Joseph, and until "He reigned, whoso
right it is to reign."
To the reflecting mind it is at onca
instructive and interesting, and teaches
an important lesson, to peruse and con-
template the scenery of an Abraham
offering up an only son without regard
to outward appearance or consequen-
ces, because God had commanded him;
he did not stop to speculate on faith,
or judge by outward appearance; but
he walked by faith, believing him trua
that had promised. What was the
fruits of this faith and confidence that
Abraham had in the true and living
God? Was it not an everlasting cov-
enant bestowed upon him and his seed
after him, as immutable as the throne
of Jehovah? What encouragement
then have the Latter Day Saints to
follow the examples of those who have
lived in earlier ages, by obeying every
word of God, fearless of consequences,
even to the laying down of their lives,
if it should become necessary, to main-
tain the gospel and cause of God, and
to secure their blessings and rights,
and support and honor the holy Priest-
hood; uphold each other, and keep
their birth-rights, and not become pro-
fane, by selling them, as did Esau.
Could St. Paul encourage his Cor-
inthian and Hebrew brethren to "walk
by faith, not by sight," by setting be-
fore them the long catalogue of the an-
cients for an example; cannot the bre-
thren in Zion and Kirtland, and all
who have embraced the new and ever-
lasting covenant in these days, be en-
couraged by the same cloud of witness-
es? It is possible we may have more
testimony than was presented to them:
Did they have the privilege of perusing
the account of an Enoch and Elijah
being translated by faith, or a Noah
450
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
building. an ark to save himself and
family; or Lot leaving the cities of
wickedness, for his deliverance; or an
Elisha smiting the floods of Jordan with
a mantle, crying, where is the Lord
God of Elijah, when the waters y ielded
to his faith; or a Daniel thrust into the
den of lions for praying; or the three
Hebrews walking in the fiery furnace,
for worshiping a God of revelations?
all of whom found a Savior in the time
of trouble. Did they have a great cloud
of witnesses presented before them for
their encouragement? So have we.
We have not only the examples that
are recorded in the bible (the stick of
Judah) for our encouragement, but we
have the book of Mormon (the stick of
Joseph in the hands of Ephraim) Avhich
contains facts of equal interest for our
benefit. There is no man that search-
es the book of Mormon, with a mmd
filled with prejudice, with no other mo-
tive in view than searching for iniquity,
that is capable of knowing its value or
judging of its worth. But let an indi-
vidual, seeking for light and truth, read
those sacred pages, with humble pray-
er to God through' Jesus Christ, for
wisdom and truth, and he will have no
difficulty in finding a multiplicity of
precepts, that do honor to the character
of God, and if obeyed, will prove a sa-
vor of life unto life.
We have now taken a brief view of
some of the ancients who have acted a
conspicuous part in the cnuse of God,
in their day and generation, by oppo-
sing sin and error in the sight of an un-
believing people; overcoming the world;
making sure their crowns; dying in
faith, and will rest in peace, and be
blessed with the privilege of beholding
God in the flesh in the latter day. Let
us for a moment turn our thoughts to
that scenery that presents itself to our
view in this last dispensation and ful-
ness of times; and am I not justified in
saying, that there never was a day
when it became more necessary for a
people to "walk by faith, not by sight,"
than for the church of Christ of Latter
Day Saints at the present time. Trace
the history of the church, that has been
travelling out of the wilderness for the
last few years, and what have been
the outward appearance and prospects?
as dark as any other ever left on re-
cord. Had not the first elders of the
church of Latter Day Saints walked
by faith, lived by faith, and stood by
faith, all their exertions to the present
day would have been in vain; yea,
they would ere this have been forgot-
ten; but this is not the case. The day
has arrived for the God of Israel to set
his hand the second time to gather his
people from their long dispersion, and
do them good, and reveal unto them the
abundance of peace and truth, in ful-
filment of his covenant with Abraham,
Isaac and Jacob, according to the testi-
mony of all the holy prophets since the
world began. Consequently, Joseph
entered his room in faith, and offered
up his petitions to God in a manner
that caused the heavens to be propi-
tious, and those prayers, by faith, pre-
vailed before God, and that vail that
had long been closed gave way, and an
holy messenger descended to comfort
the servant of the Lord and lay a foun
dation that could not be moved. Was
this all that was effected? No: The
powers of error, of darkness, of priest-
craft, the earth and even hell itself felt
the blow; and every engine of falsehood
was put in operation, because a man of
God had prevailed with the heavens. —
Notwithstanding the stone at this time
was as small as the mustard seed, it
was not too small to roll; and the sound
of its march hath already echoed be-
yond the bounds of America. What
if honest poverty has had in this case
to contend with wealth, or even public
opinion, popularity, custom, fashion,
persecution, ridicule, slander, base
falsehood, and every epithet that could
be invented, whirled in its path, to
block its wheels and stop its progress?
Have all these inhuman weapons had
their desired effect? No: Truth de-
clares they have «ot; and in the pres-
ence of every beholder, these weapons
have been ground to dust beneath the
rolling of the kingdom, and driven like
chaff before the wind. What glorious
contemplations must feed the souls
and form the richest treasures in the
minds of the first elders of Israel who
have by faith acted so conspicuous a
part in laying an everlasting foundation
for the gathering of Israel, and lifting
a standard for the Gentiles to seek un-
to. The feelings of such men cannot
be of an ordinary kind, while medita-
ting upon the scenes that have transpi
red for a few years past, and realising
that they have stood together, as a
handful of corn in the earth; and walk
ed together through all straight places
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
451
where they have been called, not de-
serting each other in the hour of dan-
ger; but willing to lay down their lives
for Christ's sake and their brethren;
and all this in the midst of a professed
religious, enlightened, and wise gener-
atien, with their eyes turned upon them,
considering them to be overwhelmed
in error, darkness and delusion; and of-
fering them no consolation but Aha,
Aha, while tliey themselves had a beam
in their own eye, and were unwise, not
knowing the scriptures, neither God,
neither understood they his counsel. —
But how changed the scene; now those
faithful servants of God who have been
firm, unshaken, and unmoved, riveted
together by the holy covenant, by vir-
tue, confidence, friendship, and broth-
erly love, in every tried circumstance
in life; not murmuring, complaining,
or deserting each other, or the cause in
which they were engaged; such can
now lift up their heads and rejoice, to
behold the fruits of their labors, as they
tread the courts of the Lord's House,
and behold the church traveling out of
the wilderness, with a perfect body,
each member in its place, and still con-
template the day when the Oox, the pine
and the^r tree shall stand to beautify
the place of God's sanctuaiy, and to
make the place of his feet glorious,
which will be perfected through the in-
strumentality of the faithful saints "by
faith and not by sight."
May the elders of Israel never lose
their crowns by dishonoring the priest-
hood, selling their birth-right, or de-
serting, or rejecting the authorities that
are ordained of God. Israel rejected
Moses and fell. We have every rea-
son to believe that all the inhabitants of
ZioH and her stakes, and those scatter-
ed abioad, who will obey the com-
mands of God they have received from
the bible, book of Mormon, and Doc-
trines and Covenants, will find a shield
in the day of God's wrath, and a cover-
ing from his indignation upon the wick-
ed; for the truths of these books will
stand, while pestilence, famine, sword
and fire will carry woe in their march.
W WOODRUFF.
One Lord, one faith, one baptism. —
Ephesians, 4th: 5.
The epistle, of which our text forms
a part, as well as all others that were
dictated by that eminently useful man,
the apostle Paul, were replete with that
instruction, which the saints in his day,
needed to guide and direqt them. We
may form some idea of the peculiar
fitness of such instruction at that time,
when we consider, that there were va-
rious orders of religionists then in the
world; and it is but just to conclude
they were as tenacious of their belief
and the principles of their faith, as
people in our day and age of the world.
We know there were Pharisees, Saddu-
cees, Essens, and others among the
Jews; among the Gentiles or heathen
as they were called by the Jews, were
various sects of philosophers, differing
in their sentiments; some were Stoics,
some were Epicureans, some believed
in the inamortality of the soul, some
doubted it, and others denied it wholly.
Now when we consider that the church
of God at that time was made up of
such discordant materials, men among
whom such a diversity of sentiment
prevailed, previously to their conver-
sion to the christian faith, we shall see
the propriety of the sentiment couched
in the words at the head of this para-
graph. Not only shall we see the pro-
priety, but the absolute necessity of
such instruction. Such instructions
became necessary from the fact that
the gospel, the scheme of things which
God had devised, was so diverse from
the principles and practices of that
generation, that there was no similari-
ty, no resemblance between them. —
Every item of 1 he christian faith was
important, and was necessary, in ma-
king up, or constituting that which the
apostle said, was the "power of God
unto salvation." Nothing short of that,
nay nothing but that, would save men;
no, only so, he that inculcated any oth-
er plan, or as the apostle declares to his
Galatian brethren, "Though we or an
angel from heaven preach any other
gospel than we have preached, let him
be accursed."
Now we may justly conclude that as
the church was made up of such as had
embraced the various sentiments of
that day, and none other than the one
taught by him was acceptable in the
sight of God, that he should urge upon
the churches with peculiar force, that
there was one Lord, one faith, one bap-
tism. It is a well known fact to every
reader of ancient history, that in that
day and age of the world, as well as in
all subsequent periods to the present
time, there were, and are still, Ihosi
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
who worship other beings than the
God of heaven. The apostle knew
full well that such worship was not ac-
ceptable in the sight of God. He also
kaew as well that if they essajed to
worship the true and living God, but
did not comply with the requisitions of
heaven as he had borne testimony, it
would be of no avail. Bear in mind
what the apostle said of himself while
persecuting the saints: I did it, said he,
in all good conscience; he did it in the
sincerity of his heart, from a firm con-
viction that it was right. But his sin-
cerity did not justify his acts in the
sight ol God, nor in the least palliate
his crime.
We shall here notice that Paul, pre-
vious to his conversion to the christian
faith, was no idolatrous worshiper; he
was of the sect called Pharisees, be-
lieved in God, made long prayers, and
as he said, lived in all good conscience
to that day. But the Lord showed him
the error of his way, and that with all
his zeal, and all his prayers, he was
fighting against God. I am Jesus (says
the voice) whom thou persecutest; it
is hard for thee to kick against the
pricks.
We might here notice the heathens
and their worship, but we deem it more
instructing to confine our remarks to
incidents recorded in the scriptures; we
tlierefore, notice the case of Cornelius
as recorded in the tenth chanter of the
acts of the apostles. Now this "Cor-
nelius was a devout man, and (the sa-
cred penman says,) feared God with
all his house; he gave much alms to
the people and prayed to God alway."
Let us mark the expressions, "he was
a devout nian, feared God with all his
house, gave much alms to the people
and prayed to God alway." Surelj^ he
must have been a good man, his pray-
ers, his alms and devotion must have
rendered him acceptable to God, for
what could he do more? Let us hear
the sequel. He saw in a vision an an-
gel, who commanded him to send men
to Joppa for Simon Petc^r, who was
lodged in the house of one Simon, a
tanner, whose house was by the sea
side. This same Peter told him what
heoughttodo: Had Cornelius ought
to do any thing different or more than
he had done? He had prayed smcere-
ly and devoutly; he had feared God
with all his house, had doubtless been
liberal in alms to the poor, and more
than all these, the Lord himself sent
an angel to tell him what he must do.
This legate of the skies directed him
to send tor Peter, vt'ho when he came,
preached unto him Jesus, and baptized
him. Why, we ask, did it become ne-
cessary to be baptized? he had prayed
devoutly and sincerely, given alms to
the poor, feared God wiih all his house?
and the Lord had sent a heavenly mes-
senger to visit him; could any thing
moie be necessary? If not, the angel
came in vain, Peter came in vain,
preached in vam, Cornelius believed in
vain and was baptized in vain. But not
so, we would not be thus presumptu-
ous. Hence, with the greatest propri-
ety might the apostle urge the words of
our text, there is one Lord, one faith,
one bapt'ism, because these were con-
stituent parts of that scheme of things
which God had devised in the counsels
of e.ernity for the salvation of man. —
We have noticed these men because of
their sincerity and zeal, and because
the facts recorded concerning them are
with us beyond cavil or controversy.
From tlie hisiory of these men we
learn, first, that sincerity, zeal, pray-
ers and alms, would not ingratiate a
man into favor v/ith the King of heav-
en, while he lived in the omission of
the duties God had pointed out for him
to do. This was no trifling business,
the salvation of the soul was concern-
ed; and more than all, the character of
God was concerned. If any other plan
were fit, oi sufficient, then it follows,
that the gospel ])lan was not the best,
or at least, no better than some other,
which at once impeaches the M'isdom
of Omnipotence, and destroys all con-
fidence in his word. Secondly, we
learn, that there were only certain ones
authorized to administer the ordinances
which God ordained in his church, and
that when those ordinances were ad-
mmistered by those he had chosen and
set aside for that pur])ose, and in the
way he had pointed out, certain effects
followed. These effects served to in-
crease the faith of the apostles and in-
spire them with greater confidence in
their divine Master, because they saw
the power of God demonstrated, and
knew of a truth that the word of their
Master, while he tabernacled with them
in the flesh, was fully verified. He
had sent them his spirit, the comforter,
which lead them into all truth, and we
have no doubt they spake and wrote
MESSENGER ANB ADVOCAT-E.
4e«
from its inHuences, for the scriptures pious individuals we have mentioned,
say, that holy men spake as they were could be saved without a strict comph-
moved by the Iloly Ghost; and that all
scripture given by inspiration of God
is profitable for doctrine, for reproof,
for correction and for instruction in
righteousness, that men of God may
be thoroughly furnished unto every
good work. As much as if the scrip-
ture had said, God is God, he is infi-
nite, he has devised the best and only
possible plan for man to obtain admis-
sion into the celestial kingdom of liis
maker. Therefore, the plan must be
implicitlv followed to the exclusion oi
any, and all others, (or the reason that
there wns but one Lord, one faith, and
one baptism, that were acceptable with
him.
We also learn, thirdly, that there is
Jio other giispel, no other God, no other
Savior than the ones Paul preached. —
What then shall we say to those who
teach differently from the apostles, ma-
king some things essential and others
which were once enforced with eoual
1
authority upon the churches, non-essen-
tial? VVill they contend that it is the
same gospel, or that God himself has
changed? Certainly both cannot be
true. Can they contend that they have
that spirit which leads into all truth,
when they differ so widely from each
other? How do the various modes of
baptism, the different sentiments and
the ditfercnt practices, nov/ extant,
comport with the words of our text,
one Lord, one faith, and one baptism?
Surel}' they are a feareful comment
upon the commands of God! We there-
fore come irresistibly to the conclusion,
that the sectarian world may ail be
wrong, and that it is absolutely certain
they cannot all be right. We are sen-
sible the scriptures and the light we
have received, lead to unpopular con-
clusions, but God forbid that we should
seek to please men, or court the ap-
plause of the world; we had rather tell
the truth, and be pi-eachers of that gos-
pel, which the apostle preached, which
was approbated by the author of our
existence. No other will save men, no
other will do them good, and no other
will have the same effects. Say not to
us that it is the same gospel when God
is the same, for most assuredly the
same cause would produce the same ef-
fects. Tell us not of your piety, your
alms, your sincerity, your zeal or your
prayers. Neither of those illustrious
ancc with the requisitions of the gospel.
Therefore, as there is but one Lord,
one faith and one baptism, may we all
learn wisdom, embrace the truth, obey
God, and ultimately be saved in his ce-
lestial kingdom. Amen. Ed.
For the Messenger.
^'•Sarely the Lord God will do no-
thing bat he. revealeth his secrets unto
his servants the prophets.'''
Amos, 3: 7.
The author of these words is one
whose sayings have been handed down
to us upon the pages of sacred history,
as a prophet of the Most High: his
name is enrolled with those inspired
penmen v/ho spake and wrote as they
were moved upon by the Holy Ghost.
And alfhough his style is not marked
with that flowing eloquence, that char-
acterizes the writings of some of his
cotemporarics, yet they are clear, spe-
cific '.nd sublime. He was found among
the herdmenof Tekoah in the days of
Uzziah king of Judah, about seven
hundred and eighty-seven years before
Christ; in this humble occupation he
did not possess the advantages of an
Isaiah, who was brought up in the
school of the prophets, and learned in
all the wisdom of the world, and had
at his command whatever language he
chose to select; and when wrapped in
prophetic vision seemed to comprehend
the present, past and the future, with
that profound sublimity, that is charac-
teristic of Him, who touched his lips
with hallowed fire. But however, when
we carefully examine the v/ritings of
the holy prophets, and compare them
with each other, a perfect harmony will
be found to exist; they were all anima-
ted by the same spirtt, using their ut-
most exertions not only to reform and
christianize the world in their genera-
tions, but to benefit those that should
follow.
From the unbounded field of prophe-
cy and revelation lying before me, I
have thought that it might not be alto-
gether unprofitable to enter into an in-
quiry upon the subject contained in tha
words of the prophet before quoted;
and see whether God has varied from
the rule by him laid down, and if the
fact can be ascertained that he has, we
shall of necessity be compelled to strike
Amos from the list of God's prophets,
454
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
and rank him among the prophets of
Baal, On the other hand, if the Lord
lias universally revealed his secrets to
his servants the prophets, and positive-
ly declared that he will do nothing with-
out first taking this course, that the
world may be apprised of what he de-
signs to do, that all men may be with-
out excuse when they come before him
in judgment; why should it be thought
a thmg incredible that he should reveal
himself in the latter times, to prepare
the way for the gathering of Israel, the
destruction of the wicked, and the
bringing in of that day of universal
peace and happiness that is so much
desired by all the saints.
When we review the pages of sacred
writ, trom the day of our common pro-
genitor, whom God formed of the dust
of the ground and breathed into his
nostrils the breath of life, we find that
he immediately presented before him
the beasts of the field, and the fowls of
heaven to be named by him; he also
exhibited to his view the trees of the
forest, the vegetable king^^om and the
vast workmanship of his hands, that
he had created and made to render him
happy. But for his particular location
the Lord had prepared a garden east-
ward in Eden, delightfully situated and
beautified with every tree, plant and
flower, that was pleasant to the sight
and good for food. When he opened
his eyes upon his Creator and the vast
scenery that surrounded him, the Lord
immediately revealed to him his se-
crets by giving him this information,
that it was not good for him to be alone,
that he would provide a help-meet for
him, that they might freely partake of
all the fruits of the garden, the tree of
the knowledge of good and evil except-
ed, and the consequences that would
follow disobedience. When Abel, who
had obtained testimony that he had
pleased God, had fallen a victim to the
dire ambition of his brother, the Lord
revealed the awful secret to Cain that
in consequence of this high handed re-
bellion against him he should be a fugi-
tive and a vagabond on the earth.
But not to dwell particularly upon the
frequent correspondence that the Lord
held with Adam, Cain, Abel, Seth,
Enoch, Methuselah, Lamech and ma-
ny others in that early period, to whom
he revealed himself in judgments and
in mercies; we will come to the final
overthrow and desolation of the ante-
diluvian world: and here permit me to
ask a question; did, or could, the Lord
in justice sweep the earth A'ith the be-
som of destruction without first warn-
ing the inhabitants thereof of the im-
pending ruin that awaited them, because
their wickedness was great and the im-
aginations of the thoughts of their
hearts were only evil continually? 1
answer no; he will do nothing without *
revealing his secrets to his servants the
prophets.
Little more than sixteen hundred
years had rolled away since God had
caused his spirit to move upon the face
of the waters, and the light to flash
athwart the dark abyss; the liquid ele-
ment to be gathered into one place and
the dry land to appear, and placed
lights in the firmament of heaven to
rule the day and night, and spoke into
existence a being in his own image and
likeness, with power to rule at his
pleasure the beasts of the field, the
fowls of heaven, the fishes of the sea,
and every creeping thing that moveth
upon the face of the earth, with fruit
trees, herbs and vegetables bearing seed
after their kind to perpetuate their ex-
istence and render all the creations that
he had made perfectly happy. Con-
templating them in this situation, no
marvel that God should pronounce them
all very good. But how different the
language of the great Jehovah at this
time to his servant Noah; all flesh, said
he, have corrupted their way betore
me, the earth is filled with violence,
therefore I will destroy man whom I
have created, from the face thereof;
yea, both man and beast,' and the creep-
ing things and the fowls of the air, for
it repenteth me that I have made them.
Noah was a man of God, a preacher
of righteousness, and found grace in
the eyes of his Maker, and had power
with him through faith, to obtain a rev-
elation of his will, by which he was en-
abled to save himself and those that
believed. Are we not warranted in
saying that the destruction of the old
world come upon them because of their
unbelief, not in past but in present rev-
elations. Hear the language of the
apostle Paul upon this subject — "By
faith, Noah being warned of God, of
things not seen as yet, moved with fear,
prepared an ark to the saving of his
house, by the which he condemned the
world and became heir of the righteous-
ness which is by faith." Who cannot
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
455
see that it was not for want of faith in
the revelations of their progenitors that
they were destroyed, but for disregard-
ing the testimony of him who stood in
their midst, to whom God hud revealed
the secrets of their abominations and
the judgments that awaited them. The
apostle says that Noah was warned of
things not seen as yet; as much as to
say that all the prophets and men of
God that have gone before me have not
seen the things that the Lord has now
shown to me. Is it not evident, then,
that however implicitly they might
have believed and obeyed all the for-
mer revelations of God, an unbelief in
the testimony of Noah was sufficient to
overthrow and destroy them, for he con-
demned the world and became heir of
the righteousness which is by faith.
[to be continued.]
ANCIENT HISTORY.
We understand by history a record
of events that are past, and that it em-
braces ctirooology, biography, manners
and customs, statistics, governments,
and the rise and fall of kingdoms, na-
tions and empires. It is divided and
subdivided into as many different heads
as we have mentioned, but the two
grand divisions are into ancient and
modern.
Ancient history embraces that period
of time which elapsed from the crea-
tion to the fall of the western empire of
the Romans, and the final subjugation
of Italy by the Lombards, a period of
4480 years. Little authentic accounts
can be had of the antediluvians other
than what we gather from the Penta-
teuch. All seems left to conjecture or
imagination. What the state of socie^
ty was, what its improvemants were be-
fore the flood, we know not, but near-
ly all we do know is that it embraced
a period of about 1656 years. The
most authentic history we have of
events that transpired immediately sub-
sequent to the deluge is also that re-
corded by Moses. That gives us the
manners, customs, laws and regula-
tions distinctly, of but one nation. —
Others are mentioned incidentally or
introduced partially and collaterally as
seemed necessary to delineate the char-
acter, describe the manners and cus-
toms and portray the events that oc-
curred among the Hebrews, as they
were called.
About 150 years after the deluge,
Nimrod (Belus of profane history) built
Babylon, which became the capital of
the Babylonish empire; and Assur built
Ninevah, which became the capital of
the Assyrian empire.
Ninus the son of Belus and his queen,
Semiramis are said to have raised the
Assyrian empire to a high degree of
splendor. But there is a chasm in the
history of this empire from the death
of Ninias, the son of Ninus, of about
800 years. The history of this empire
during this period can only be supplied
by conjecture. The governments of
these nations were monarchies, but
that of the Hebrews in the earliest pe-
riods of their history, was patriarchal.
The idea of conquest appears to have
grown out of the conflicting interests
of the shepherd kings: and from what
we learn of them, we ought not to as-
sociate in our minds with any of them
an extent of territory beyond that of a
large plantation or a few thousand
acres. The occupants and residents
upon this were the subjects of the king
and constituted his defence in war and
his property in peace. These kings
may have been elective, but ihe great-
er probability is, their government was
more or less absolute according to the
temper and disposition of the reigning
monai'ch, and was hereditary. Poly-
gamy and concubinage were allowable,
but adultery was discountenanced.
The arts and sciences flourished in
but a limited degree; the knowledge of
building was more or less perfect, from
necessity, even before the flood, and
Tubal-Cain, the great grandson of Ad-
am was an instructor of artificers ia
brass and iron.
We shall now notice some of the
larger kingdoms; governments and na-
tions as we pass, and as their history
is more or less interwoven and identi-
fied with that of the Hebrews, to whom
God gave revelations, laws and rulers.
Egypt being the first considerable
and powerful government will deserve
a passing notice in our next. Ed.
YOUNG MEN OF KIRTLAND,
Permit me, through the medium of
the Messenger and Advocate, to address
you in a familiar and friendly manner,
upon a subject, which, — however much
you may think to the contrary, — de-
mands your most serious, candid and
4S0
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
uHditided attention; I mean the culti-
vntion of the mind.
That ignorance is the foundation or
source of much, if not all misery, the
history of past ages most clearly evin-
ees. Indeed, were each individual to
consult his own experience, or extend
his researches through the vast expanse
ef human intelligence for proof in point,
he would only learn, that a knowledge
of every fact possible, whether relating
to occorrences in the moral or physical
world, is essentially necessary to the
happiness and enjoyment of mankind,
and that in proportion as ignorance
abounds, vice and wretchedness must
increase also.
It is an error which perhaps may
take years to eradicate from the minds
of many that our present school sys-
tems are the only mediums through
which instruction or education may be
obtained; whereas it ought to be gen-
erally understocKl, that, though com-
mon schools are oi vast utility, the man
who would be loiae, must be in a great-
er or less degree essentially and posi-
tively his own preceptor. There nev-
er yet existed a learned man who was
not a prodigy of industry and economy
in time saving.
You would esteem him a dull schol-
ar indeed, who, although he might be
capable of repeating every rule in
arithmetic, should be unable to reduce
them to practice in the common trans-
actions of life; for you would say, and
that, correctly, that the senseless parrot
might be taught as much: and yet,
strange as it may appear, learning, in
the present day, is made to consist of
much the same materials-
Young men of Kirtland, this will not
do. We must put in requisition our
own powers of perception and reflec-
tion. We must improve our leisure
moments m perusing good books, in
calculating and extending the opera-
tions of our own minds, and in acqui-
ring that intelligence which can alone
fit us for acting with honor to ourselves
and usefulness to our country, that our
names may be hailed by posterity among
those of the benefactors of mankind,
where we now recognize that of a
Franklin, a Jefferson, and a Fulton.
But perhaps some will say they have
no time to devote to reading. I would
Tecommend to such a careful inquiry
iato the various ways and means by
whifth their tinae, — than whiek nothing
can be more valuable, — is made to slip
from them. Let them examine and
see if hours, days, and even r.'hole
weeks are not consumed in worse than
idleness — in parading the streets, or
perhaps in lounging about the shop of
some honest mechanic, pejplexing the
industrious, and deranging business. —
Let them devote the time thus nrodi-
gaily squandered, in poring over some
valuable history or trea^.ise on the natu-
ral sciences, and past experience proves
that in a very few years they might be
climbing the highest hills of Tame,
while those whose days have been spent
in idleness, would be grovelling their
way through the changing scenes of
life, destitute ofcharacter to themselves
or usefulness to their fellow men; and
when death, the common leveller of
all, has overtaken them, they will go
down to the tomb "unhonored and un-
wept."
Young men of Kirtland, awake to
intelligence, and slumber not. And as
you expect to become useful to the
world, arouse and brush away the cob-
webs of slothful and degrading igno-
rance, improve your intellectual {"acui-
ties by untiring research and mvesti-
gation, and by so doing your light will
ere long become extended like the
spreading rays of the morning sun up-
on the mountains, and give guidance to
the foot-steps of thousands of our race.
Anon, by permission, you may hear
from me again upon this subject. Till
then, I am, as I shall ever be,
S. W. DENTON*
EDUCATION.
The education of the present race of
females is not very favorable to domes-
tic happiness. For my own part I csll
education not that which smothers a
woman with ornaments, but that which
tends to consolidate a firm and regular
system of character — that which tends
to form a friend, a companion and a
wife. I call education not that which
is made up of the shreds and paiches of
useless art, but that which inculcates
principles, polishes taste, regulates tem-
per, cultivates reason, subdues the pas-
sions, directs the feelings, habituates to
reflection, trains to self-denial, and
more especially that which refers all
actions, feelings, sentiment, tastes, and
passions, to common sense.
A certain class do not esteem things
by their uw but by their show. Thoy
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
445
esteem the value of their children's ed-
ucation by the money it costs, and not
by the knowledge and goodness it be-
stows. People of this stamp often take
a pride in the expenses of learning, in-
stead of taking pleasure in the advan-
tage of it — Hannah Moore.
§s€'i2g'er «ii€l AclToeate.
KIUTLAND, OHIO, FEB. 1837.
Although mutability seems stamped
on all sublunary things, the world
around us undergoes various changes,
and we are so frequently presented
with nevr' scenes, new plays, and new
actors on the stage, that one might nat-
urally be led to the conclusion, that no-
thing can take place in the material, or
moral world, to produce astonishment
or create surprise: but such is not the
fact. Men are often left to wonder at
that which occurs around them, with-
out reflecting on the ca ises that pre-
cede the efTects that so much excite
their admiration. A few short months
since, yea, even a few days since, we
hardly dreamed of assuming the re-
sponsible charge we have now taken
upon ourselves. When we reflect that
it has been in more able hands; hands
from whom the public (or the saints at
least — for whom we are to cater,) had
a just right to look for more instruction
in the great things of the kingdom of
our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, than
from our pen; but relying on the bles-
sing of God, the prayers of the saints,
and our exertions, we venture forward.
Freedom of speech and freedom of
the press are among the blessings of a
free government, and notwithstanding
we may differ in sentiment from many
of our fellow men, still a free govern-
ment and a consciousness of the recti-
tude of our own views many times con-
sole us under trials not pleasing to be
borne or congenial with the pride of the
kuman heart. We have sometimes
been not a liitle astonished or amused
that so many have cried delusion so
long, yet no one has been successful
enough to find out wherein the delusion
consists.
We believe with the immortal Jef-
ferson, that there is little danger trom
the propagation of error while reason
is left free to combat it. Our senti-
ments have now been more than six
years before the world; professors of
all denominations where they were an-
nounced, denounced, ridiculed and de-
spised, but the Lord, by his Spirit, sent
home the truth with power to the hearts
of many, and caused them to rejoice in
the brilliancy of the light reflected up-
on their understandings. Others have
manifested, by their conduct, the same
spirit which actuated the cotemporaries
of the Savior, and they cried out in all
the bitterness of their hearts, away with
him! away with him!
The word of the Lord has gone forth,
and has not returned void; and there is
no marvel that it should not, for the
Lord himself has said it should not; we
have also an evidence, that the word of
the Lord will continue to grow and
multiply, for so it did anciently when
propagated in its purity, and so we may
reasonably expect it will now. "Truth
is mighty and will prevail." Demons
in hell may howl and their emissaries
on earth may rage, the still small voica
of truth will find its way to the hearts
of the children of men, and convince
them of the puerile efforts of this crook-
ed and perverse generation, to stop the
spread of truth.
It shall be our endeavor to instruct
rather than amuse, and if light is re-
flected on our understandings, we shall
cheerfully and fearlessly disseminate
it. If in our editorial labors we shall
at any time be led astray and be in-
strumental in propagating error, w©
hope our brethren, wili have that confi-
459
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
dence in us, that they are errors of the
head and not of the heart.
I!, as we have remarked, errors of
principle or practice shall grow out of
what comes from our pen, it will not
only be ourbounden duty, but our high-
est privilege to retract when we are
made sensible ®f our faults. We shall
rely, therefore, on the good sense and
friendship of our brethren to correct
our errors and inform our judgment.
From our enemies we neither look
for sympathy nor kind feelings, and if
we should be so fortunate as to discov-
er either, we shall be free to extend
the hand of peace, and own we have
been for once, disappointed.
Our periodical is intended to be a
faithful chronicle of events that trans-
pire in building up and establishing the
kingdom of God in these last days. —
For an accurate knowledge of those
that transpire in our own vicinity, we
shall generally rely on the evidence of
our own senses. For what we record,
as having transpired beyond our own
ken, we shall rely on the veracity of
our brethren and friends for an accu-
rate knowledge of facts, and we hope
for the truth's sake, they will never,
intentionally, lead us astray. We
pledge ourselves "not to exaggerate,
or set down aught in malice."
We still solicit communications from
our elders who are traveling and labor-
ing to promote the same good cause
with us, and as our periodical is not
large, we shall expect them to be con-
fined to a brief, but simple narration of
facts as they exist.
We will here remark, that all com-
munications intended for insertion must
be accompanied with a responsible
name, that every man may have that
just meed of praise from a generous
public which his talents merit.
To our elders we would again re-
mark, that we hope they will confine
themselves in their communications de-
signed for publication, to what will be
most interesting to the saints, and tend
most to edify and build them up in the
most holy faith, lest we shall be under
the necessity of condensing their arti-
cles and giving only a sj nopsis.
A word to those who differ with us
in sentiment. Your opposition in prin-
ciple, if you are men and gentlemen,
will never make you enemies to us, or
create animosity in our bosom towards
you; although we are not theological
gladiators, and therefore, thiow down
the gauntlet to no man, but we shall
pursue the even tenor of our way,
fearless of all consequences. If we
are assailed by the presses of our ene-
mies, we shall take the liberty of re-
plying or not, as we judge proper. If
we neglect or refuse to notice every
vile epithet that may be lavished upon
us, our friends and our enemies may
understand that it is not from a con-
sciousness that our ground is not tena-
ble, but from a knowledge of our own
temper, we are sensible, that if we dip
our pen in gall, bitter and grievous
words will flow from it, and the wise
man said that "grievous words stir up
strife." We may, therefore, let them
alone till they have wasted their own
strength, or conquered themselves. —
While their shafts fall short of us for
want of strength in their bows, or pass
by from not having been aimed aright,
we shall be passing boldly and fearless-
ly on to the haven of repose.
NOTICE.
The late firm of O. Cowdery & Co.
js this day dissolved by mutual consent.
The entire establishment is now own-
ed by Joseph SiMith, Jr. and Sidney
RiGDON.
W. A. Cowdery takes the editorial
chair, and in matters of business rela-
tive to the Messenger and Advocate, or
any other pertaining to their printing
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
4r9
office or book bindery, acts as their
agent.
AH letters by mail; relating to the
business of the office must be addressed
to W. A. CowDERY, postage paid; none
others will receive attention, except at
his discretion.
(t/^ Editor's Ofice in (lie loxoer room.
The mechanical department of the
office will hereafter be under the im-
mediate superintendance of a faithful
Foreman, whose long practical ex-
perience in the business, together with
the employment of none but finished
workmen, warrants us in saying to
those who wish printing executed, that
all work committed to his care will be
done in as workmanlike a manner, and
on as reasonable terms as at any other'
establishment on the Western Reserve.
- OC?" Printing Office up stairs.
February 1st. 1837.
To the Presidents and Counsellors of
all the quorums of the church of Jiat-
ter Day Saints.
Dear bretejren: — We are continu-
ally receiving intelligence by letter and
otherwise, from the East, West, and
South, of the progress of truth an i cor-
rect principles concerning the religion
we profess. The eas'ern, western and
middle States have reiterated the cry,
come and help us. Doors are open,
.viy our correspondents, in various di-
nctions, and great and pressing calls
are heard for preaching on all sides. —
* Send some good fatthful elders among
U3 and we think good might be done."
This, brethren, is a specimen of what
we hear every week. We think this
should excite in us greater energy and
dilligence in our Master's cause. God,
you know, has designed "by the fool-
ishness of preaching to save them that
believe." How then shall they believe
without they hear? "and how shall they
hear without a preacher?"
These questions address themselves
forcibly to the hearts of all the genuine
lovers of truth. But we must say in
behalf of the officers and elders of this
church, that they are now fulfilling a
peremptory command, which is nearly
in these words, viz. "Seek learning by |ceptTons and vile abominations" have
faith, by study, and by the best books."
They are therefore qualifying them-
selves to go forth and proclaim the
words of life (as we trust) with energy
in demonstration of the Spirit andpo«-
er. Our brethren abroad will there-
fore be patient, be faithful; pray much
and often and "the pleasure of the
Lord will prosper in their hands." — -
Great success has usually attended the
labors of all faithful elders who went
out last season. This you will have
learned by the preceding numbers of
our periodical: Yet we are deeply sen-
sible that much more remains to be
done, and we pray God to hasten the
time and prepare the way and means
for its accomplishment. E».
In the course of our readincr we found
the following remarks on the influence
of knowledge in promoting enlarged
conceptions of the character and per-
fections of the Deity. They appeared
to us so just, so appropriate, and withall
so instructing, we made the extract.
"All the works of God speak of their
Author, in silent but emphatic language,
and declare the glory of his perfections
to all the inhabitants of the earth. Buty
although "there is no speech nor lan-
guage" where the voice of Deity is not
heard, how gross are the conceptions
generally entertained of the character
of Him "in whom we live and move,"^
and by whose superintending provi-
dence all events are directed! Among
the greater number of pagan nations,
the most absurd and grovelling notions
are entertained respecting the Supreme:
Intelligence, and the nature of that wor-
ship which his perfections demand
They have formed the most foolish and
degrading representations of this august
Bemg, and have "changed the glox'y of
the incorruptible God into an image
made like to corruptible man, and to
four-footed beasts and creeping things.
Temples have been erected and filled
with idols the most hideous and ob-
scene; bulls and crocodiles, dogs and
serpents, goats and lions have been ex-
hibited to adumbrate the character of
the Ruler of the universe. The most
cruel and unhallowed rites have been
performed to procure his favor, and
human victims sacrificed to appease his
indisnation. All such grovelling con-
46d
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE
their origin in the darkness which over-
spreads the human understanding, and
the dejjraved passions which ignorance
has a tendency to produce. Even in
those countries where Revelation sheds
its influence, and the knowledge of the
true God is promulgated, how mean
and contracted are the conceptions
which the great bulk of the population
tintertain of the attributes of that in-
comprehensible Being whose presence
pervades the immensity of space, who
"metes out the heavens with a span,"
and superintends the affliirs of ten
tliousand worlds! The views which
many have acquired of the perfections
of the Deity, do not rise much higher
than those which we ought to entertaia
of the powers of an archangel, or of
one of the seraphim; and some have
been known, even in our own country,
whose conceptions have been so abject
and grovelling, as to represent to them-
.selves "the King eternal, itnmortal, and
invisible," under the idea of a "vener-
abJe old man." Even the more intelli-
genf class of the community fall far
short of the ideis they ought to form
■of the God of heaven, owing to the
limited views they have been accustom-
ed to take of thedisplaysof his wisv'om
■ and benevolence, and the boundless
j-ange of his operations."
The following short but comprehen-
sive sentiments being so congenial with
our feelings, and so exactly in accord-
ance with our views of republicanism,
and a good government, that notv.'ith-
standing our paper is intended to be a
vehicle of religious, but not of political
knowledge or instruction; yet as neith-
er political nor religious intolerance
are supportable among freemen, where
ifreedo'm of thought, freedom of speech,
nnd freedom of the press, are incorpo-
3-ated into the constitution of our coun-
t ry, and are the basis on which the fab-
r ie rests; we have, therefore, copied
t hem, and made such remarks upon
t hem as occurred to our mind.
"Every man has a right, in this re-
publican government, and every one
ought to have independence of mind
enough, to express his religious and
political opinions freely, and no one
has a right to frown upon him for so
doing. But it is the mark of a gentle-
man to treat those who differ from him
in sentiment with forbearance and re-
spect"
In a despotic government, where ths
will of the sovereign is the only law,
and men have no right to speak or act
unless their s|)eech and their acts are
in accordance with ihe will and good
wishes of the pov/ers that be, "the
more ignorance the more | eace." —
Knovvledge expands the mind, extends
the views, and in a free government,
increases the usefulness of its possess-
or; it enables him to speak boldly^
freely, understandingly, and definitely,
on all subjects pertaining to his reli-
gious or political rights, and is a source
of joy to him that he knows for him-
self that the sentiments he has embra-
ced are the result of research, the re-
sult of logical reasoning, the result of
experience, and that it is his rVlit, and
his privilege to advance and support
them with reason and argument. And
further, he congratulates himself with
the reflection, that this right is guaran-
teed to him by the constitution and aov-
ernmeiit under which he lives. He
knows he is amenable to no law, for
the exercise of this right. Ty.-ants
may frown, monarchs may complain,
and despots in vam try to abridge the
right of an enlightened freeman; still
his mind is as free as the air he in-
hales,— and he looks with mingled
emotions of pity and contempt, upon
the puny efTjrts of frail mortality to
bring him into bondage. The fawn-
ing syco])hants that surround the ty-
rant, that come at his nod and go at
his will, whether he be a religious bigot
or a political despot, are truly objects
of pity to him. They are allowed to
speak, to think, and to act, provided
they speak, think and act as their ty-
rant masters dictate.
We do not wish to inculcate disobe-
dience to legal authority, far from it;
but we do mean to be distinctly under-
stood, that we believe that "all mankind
are by nature free and equal, and have
a right to life, liberty, and the pursuit
of happiness," and we also believe that
that happiness of which we speak, con-
sists in canvassing freely the senti-
ments of rulers and ruled, weighing all
in the scale of justice, bringing them
to the test of truth, reason and philos-
ophy.
We hold this to be not only our pri-
vilege, but our unalienable right, both
as regards our civil and religious rulers,
and neither in a republican government
have just cause of complaint. But ty^
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
4m.
rants and religious bigots will always
frown upon those who are not ortho-
dox by their standard. They are en-
emies to all whose principles or prac-
tices come in contact with theirs, and
are always unhappy when any one
calls in question the sentiments they
have embraced, or "the little brief au-
thority" with which they may be clo-
thed. Their restless mind is never at
ease, until there is a tacit submission
to their will, in all that surround them.
But the man of truth, of candor, of
an enlightened understanding, and cor-
rect taste, is not one of the wise man's
fools who judges and condemns upon
exparte evidence, but he patiently hears
the whole matter, and then approbates
or disapprobates as the light of truth is
reflected upon his understanding. If
he must difter from others, he does it
modestly, yet decidedly, always leaving
room by his suavity of deportment and
urbanity of manners, for those who
are his enemies, to become his friends,
and those who difter from him in sen-
timent to become converts to his faith.
Ed.
THE PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION.
The objects of human knowledge
rnay be reduced to two classes — the re-
lations of mailer and the relations of
mind; or, in other words, the material
and the inlelleclual universe. Of these
two departments of science, the intel-
lectual universe is, in many respects,
the most interesting and important. —
For, in so far as our knowledge and
researches extend, it appears highly
probable, if not absolutely certain, that
the material universe exists solely for
the sake of sentient and intelligent be-
ings— in order to afford a sensible man-
ifestation of the great First Cause, and
to serve as a veliicle of thouo-ht and a
medium of enjoyment to sul)ordinate
intelligences. So intimately related,
however, are these two oljjpcts of hu-
man investigation, that a knowledge of
ihe one cannot be obtained but through
the medium of the other. The opera-
tions of mind cannot be carried on with-
out the intervention of external objects;
for if the material universe had never
existed, we could never have prosecu-
ted a train of thought; and the beauties
and sublimities of external nature can
he perceived only by thinking beings,
without the existence of wliich, the ma-
terial universe would remain like a
mighty blank, and might be aaid to
have been created in vain. Hence it
appears, that, previous to our inquiries
into the nature and relations of mind^.
it is necessary, in the first place, to
study the phenomena of the material
world, and the e.^ternal actions of all
those precipient beings with which it is
peopled; for the knowledge of the facts
we acquire in relation to those objects
must form the ground-v ork of all our
investigations.
Vv^e are surrounded, on every hand,
with minds of various descriptions,
which evince the faculties of which
they ore possessed, by the various sen-
ses and active powers with v/hich they
are furnished. These minds are va-
rious, in point of intellectual capacity
and acumen, from man downwards
through all the animated tribes which
traverse the regions of earth, air, and
sea. We have the strongest reason to
believe, that the distant regions of the
material world are also replenished with
intellectual beings, of various orders,
in which there may be a gradation up-
v.-ards. in the scale of intellect above
that of a man, as diversified as that
which we perceive in the descending
scale, i'rom man downwards to the im-
material principle which animates a
muscle, a snail, or a microscopic ani-
malcula. When we consider the vari-
ety of original forms and of intellectual
capacities which abounds in our terres-
trial system, and that there is an infi-
nite gap in the scale of being between
the human mind and the Supreme In-
telligence, it appears quite conformable
to the magnificent harmony of the uni-
verse, and to the wisdom and benevo-
lence of its Almighty Author, to sup-
pose that there are beings within the
rfnge of his dominions as far superior
to man in the comprehension and ex-
tent of mental and corporeal powers, as
man is, in these respects, superior to
the most despicable insect: and that
these beings, in point of number, may
exceed all human calculation and com-
prehension This idea is corroborated
by several intimations contained in the
records of revelation, where we have
presented to our view a class of intelli-
gences endowed with physical energies,
powers of rapid motion, and a grasp of
intellect, incomparably superior to those
which arc possessed by any of the be-
ings which belong to our sublunary
system.
462
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
To contemplate the various ordei's of
intelligences which {)eople the niatcriul
universe, and the relations which sub-
sist among them — the arrangements of
the different worlds to which they re-
spectively belonL — the corporeal vehi-
cles by which they hold a correspond-
ence with the material system— the re-
lation in which they stand to other
worlds and beings, from which they
are separated by the voids of space —
and the excursions they occasionally
make to different re£;ions of that vast
empire of which they form a part — to
trace the superior intellectual faculties
and the sensitive organs with which
they are endowed — the profound investi-
gations they have made into the econo-
my of the universe-— the trains of
thought which they pursue, and the
magnificent objects on which their fac-
ulties are employed — the emotions with
which they view the scenes and trans-
actions of such a world as ours — the
means by which they have been carried
in the career of moral and intellectual
improvement — the history of their trans-
actions smce the period at which they
were brought into existence — the pecu-
liar dispensations of the Creator, and
the revolutions that may have taken
place among them — 'the progressions
they have made from one state of im-
provement to another — the views they
have acquired of the perfections and
the plans of their Almighty Sovereign
— the transporting emotions of delight
which pervade all their faculties — and
the sublime adorations they offer up to
the Fountain of all their felicity — would
constitute a source of the most exqui-
site gratification to every holy, intelli-
gent, and inquiring mind. Put, since
we are at pres<^nt confined to a small
corner of the universe of God, and sur-
rounded by immeasurable voids of
space, which intervene between our
habitation and the celestial worlds,
through which no human power can en-
able us to penetrate, we must remain
ignorant of the nature and economy of
those intellectual beings, till our souls
take their flight from these "tabernacles
of clay,-' to join their kindred spirits
in the invisible world. While we re-
main in our sublunary mansion, our
investigations into the world of mind,
must, therefore, of necessity, be con-
fined to the nature and attributes of the
Uncreated Spirit, and to the faculties
of our own minds and those of the sen-
sitive beings with which we are sur-
rounded. These faculties, as they
constitute the instruments by which all
our knowledge, both human and divine,
is acquired, have employed the atten-
tien of philosophers in every age, and
have been the theme of many subtle
and ingenuous speculations; and they,
doubtless, form an interesting subject
of invescigation to the student of intel-
lectual science.
But, of all the views we can take of
the world of mind, the moral relations
of intelligent beings, and the laws foun-
ded on these relations, are topics by far
the most interesting and important. —
This subject may be treated in a more
definite and tangible manner than the
theories which have been formed re-
specting the nature and operations of
the intellectual powers. Illustrations
level to every capacity, and which
come home to every one's bosom, may
be derived both from reason and expe-
rience, from the annals of history, and
tlae records of revelation. It is not in-
volved in the same difficulties and ob-
scurity which have perplexed the phi-
losophy of the intellect; and there are
certain principles which may be traced
in relation to this subject, which apply
to all the rational intelligences that God
has formed, however diversified in re-
spect of the regions of the universe
which they occupy, and in the extent
of their intellectual powers. Above all,
the subject is more intmiately connect-
ed with the present and future happi-
ness of man than any other which
comes within the range of human in-
vestigation; and therefore, forms a
prominent and legitimate branch of
what may be termed "The Philosophy
of Religion."
That the moral relations of intelli-
gent minds, and the temper and conduct
corresponding with these relations, are
essentially connected with the happi-
ness of every rational agent, might be
made to appear from a variety of cases,
in which the reversing of certain mor-
al laws or principles would inevitably
lead to disorder and misery. I shall
content myself with stating the follow-
ing illustration: — We dwell in an ob-
scure corner of God's empire; but the
light of modern science has shown us,
that worlds, a thousand times larger
than ours, and adorned with more re-
fulgent splendors, exist within the range
of that system of which we form a part.
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
463
It has also unfolded to our view other
systems dispersed throughout the voids
of space, at immeasurable distances,
and in such vast profusion, that our
minds are unable to grasp their number
and their magnitude. Reason and re-
velation lead us to conclude, that all
these worlds and systems are adorned
with displays of divine wisdom, and
peopled with myriads of rational inl ab-
itants. The human mind, after it has
received notices of such stupendous
scenes, naturally longs for a nearer
and more intimate inspection of the
grandeur and economy of those distant
provinces of the Creator's empire; and
is apt to imagine, that it would never
weary, but would feel unmingled en-
joyment, while it winged its flight from
one magnificent scene of creation to
another. But although an inhabitant
of our world were divested of the quali-
ty of gravitation, endowed with powers
of rapid motion adequate to carry him
along "to the suburbs of creation," and
permttted by his Creator to survey all
the wonders of the universe, if a prin-
ciple of love and kindly affection to-
wards fellow -intelligences did not ani-
mate his mind, if rage and revenge,
pride and ambition, hatred and envy,
were incessantly rankling in his breast,
he could feel no transporting emotions,
nor taste the sweets of true enjoyment.
The vast universe, through which he
roamed, would be transformed into a
spacious hell; it beauties and sublimities
could not prevent misery from takmg
possession of his soul; and, at every
stage of his excursion, he could not
fail to meet with the iirlications of his
Creator's frown. Po'- tliere appears,
from reason and exper-^nce, as well as
from the dictates of revelation, an ab-
solute impossibility of enjoying happi-
ness so long as malevolent affections
retain their ascendancy in the heart of
a moral intelligence, in whatever re-
gion of universal nature his residence
may be found.
Hence we may learn, that the high-
est attainments in science to which any
one can arrive, though they may ex-
pand the range of his intellectual views,
will not ensure to their possessor sub-
stantial and unmingled enjoyment, while
his heart is devoid of benevolent affec-
tions, and he is subjected to the influ-
ence of degrading and immoral pas-
sions. If it be possible that any one
now exists in the literary world, who
has devoted his life to the sublimest in-
vestigations of science, and has taken
the mostextensive views of the arrange-
ments of the material world, and yet
who remains doubtful as to the exist-
ence of a Supreme Intelligence, and of
an eternal state of destination; who '
elated with pride at the splendor of hi:
scientific acquirements; who treats hi;
equals with a spirit of arrogance; who
looks down with a haughty and sullen
scowl on the int''erior ranks of his fel-
low men; who is haughty, overbearing,
and revengeful in his general deport-
ment, and who is altogether indifferent
as to the moral principles he displays, —
I would envy neither his happiness nor
his intellectual attainments. He can
enjoy none of those delightful emotions
which flow from the exercise of Chris-
tian benevolence, nor any of tliose con-
solations which the good man feels
amidst the various ills of life; and, be-
yond the short span of mortal exist-
ence, he can look forward to no bri^-ht-
er displays of the grandeur of the ma-
terial and intellectual universe, but to
an eternal deprivation of his powers of
intelligence in the shades of annihila-
tion.
[concluded in our, next.]
MANNERS.
I make it a point of morality never
to find fault with another lor his man-
ners. They may be awkward or grace-
ful, blunt or polite, polished or rustic,
I care not what they are if the man
means well and acts from honest inten-
tions, without eccentricity or affecta-
tion. All men have not the advantage
of good society, as it is called, to school
them in all its fantastic rules and cer-
emonies, and if there is any standard
of manners, it is founded on reason and
good sense, and not upon those artifi-
cial regulations. Manners, like con-
versation, should be extemporaneous,
and not studied. I always suspect a
man who meets me with the same per-
petual smile on his face, the same con-
geeing of the body and the same pre-
meditated shake of the band. Give me
the hearty — it may be rough — grip of
the hand, the careless nod of recoffni-
tion, and when occasion requires, the
homely but welcome salutation, "How
are you my old friend!"
464
MESSExNGER AND ADVOCATE.
HOMB AND EARLY FEELINGS.
The love of our native home increas-
es with time and distance; and those
only who have left it to wander over
foreign lands, can conceive the soft-
ness of sou! with which we entertain
and indulge every thought that recalls
it to our memory, or awakens in us
those associations which form part ol
our being. I know no idea thnt has
greater power over the mmd, or that
possesses a stronger spell to
Wake it all to subtlest feeling,
Bid the tear of transport flow.
But when we analyze it, what is it? —
Strictly speaking, one's country may
be circumscribed between the house
where we were born, and the church-
yard of our parish. It can be measured
by ah infant's swaddling-clothes sewed
to a waiding-sheet. It is the spot where
our bodily and mental faculties were
developed; where we grew up under
our mother's eyes; it is the place where
we have accompanied the, coffins ofour
family to the grave which devours them.
In a wider point of view, it is the scene
where grew the early (lowers I gather-
ed; where moved the animals, where
warbled the birds, where buzzed the
insects which were familiar to me;
where the aspect of the scenes of na-
ture is the same as that which delight-
ed my childish eyes. When I, a north-
ern man, see the orange-tree growing
naturally in its native clime, when I
gaze upon a smoking volcano, or see
another standard than the star-spangled
banner waving over a fortress, then I
have changed my country. The idea
of country'is a notion springing from
early association, engrafted by custom,
and strengthened by habit. To me
that spot is my country which my Kate
hallows by her beauty — where my
child is growing in innocence and love-
liness, and where love consecrates
each hour.
MARRIED— On Sunday evening,
the 5th inst. in this village, by Elder
Zebedee Coltrin, Mr. George W. Gee
to Miss Mary Jane Smith.
DIED— In Liberty, Clay co. Mo.,
Sept. 2d, 1836, Sally At^n, consort of
Hervey Green, aged 25 years 4 months
and 12 days.
In Groveland, Tazewell co.
111. Dec. 19th, 1836, Ann Rich, in the
7Gth year of her age. She had been a
member of the church of Latter Day
Saints about eighteen months. Truly
she has "come to the grave in a good
old age like a shock of corn fully ripe."
KIRTLAND
PBrNTtNQ OFFISE
AND
BOOKBir^BEMY.
SMITH &. HiaBOS^
DEALERS IN
CAP, E-ETTEH,
AND WRAPPING PAPER.
Ignorance is of a peculiar nature,
once dispelled, it is impossible to re-
establish, it is not originally a thing of
itself, but it is. only the absence of
knowledge; and though man may be
kept ignorant, he cannot be m.ade so
when once informed.
Itis'hard to' be civil to an unthank-
ful person; it is like feeding an ill na-
tured dog, that snarles while he takes
food from your own haada.
a^latn antr ^ntamcntal
JOBFKIJ^TIMG.
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MESSENGER AND STAR,
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can he had at this office.
THE LATTER DAY SAINTS'
]VIesseng:er and Advocate,
Is publislied every month at Kiitlancl, Geauga
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liATTER DAY FAINTS'
]TIE!§SE]\«,JEIt AND ABVOCATE.
Vor.. lit. No. .(i1 KIRTLAND, OHIO, MARCH, 1837. [Whole No. 30.
Wisdom is belter than weapons of tear, [standing, but wisdom in the practical;
— Ec. 9: 18.
Facts and arguments, whether point-
ed and conclusive or obscure and far-
fetched, are alilve useless to sustain any
position laid down by the inspired pen-
men, not only from the credit they
have obtained in the christian world,
that "they spake and wrote as they
were moved upon by the Holy Ghost,"
but from the proverbs and sayings of
this kind which flowed from their pens,
being axioms or self-evident facts,
* 'facts that can neither be weakened by
argument or entangled by sophistry."
Therefore, in whatever point of light
we view the import of the words at the
head of this paragraph, whe'her in the
light of inspiration or as the dictates of
a sound understanding and a correct
taste, enlightened by experience and
philosophy, we come to the same inevi-
table conclusion, it is a fact that no one
can gainsay nor resist. The writer
who left on record this saying, had the
reputation of being the wisest of men.
And it is recorded of him that he pray-
ed to the King of heaven for wisdom
and understanding that he might be
able to rule his people, Israel, in right-
eousness and execute justice and judg-
ment among his subjects.
We are aware that the sentiment
couched in the text is directly at war
with the practice and principle of many
at the present dav, but notwithstanding
this discrepancy the principle is no less
heavenly, no less divine. In order
that we may be distinctly understood,
and have no one mistake our moaning,
we will state simply the words that are
often used for wisdom, but as we think
incorrectly. Knowledge and under-
standing are generally considered as
bemg synonymous wi;h wisdom, or
words of the same import, but we think
no two words in our language are e.\-
actly synonymous, therefore that such
are most accurate in their conception
of the term knowledge who consider it
as consisting in a stock of judicious and
proper ideas and notions of things; and
that wisdom consists in reducinij these
to practice or in conducting any affair
with ingenuity and skill. Knowledge
has its seat in the speculative under-
or we may say that knowledge is an
understanding of general rules, wisdom
is, drawing conclusions from those
rules in order to particular cases. — •
Therefore, we see that a man may have
the knowledge of the whole scriptures,
and have all learning in the treasury of
his memory, and yet be destitute of skill
to make use of it on particular occa-
sions.
Although the author of our text is
rather antiquated and some of his prac-
tical observations and proverbs have
become rather obsolete, still, from the
definition we have given of the term
wisdom, we think the genuine moral
philosopher, although he may be a
sceptic as it respects divine revelation,
much less the believer in the christian
religion, will call in question the truth
or practical utility of the sentiment in
our te.xt
Our text contemplates two diametri-
cally opposite ideas, and when we look
at them mentally, the associations pro-
duced in the mind are so widely differ-
ent, and the practical results when fol-
lowed out in detail, so diverse from
each other, that we think the philoso-
pher, the philanthropist, the christian
and even the infidel can but arrive at
the same conclusion; viz. "that wisdom
is better than weapons of war." We,
therefore, in justice to the position we
have taken, can but speak of the two
sentiments or ideas, in the light which
we view them. And fiist, weapons of
war are always associated with the bat-
tle-field; with blood and carnage. Not
only so, but with the angry passions,
and not untVequently with all that mal-
ice, hatred and revenge that character- '
ize the most depraved and barbarous of
;he human race, even the demons of
the lower regions "grin horribly a
ghastly smile" at their use, when
"death deputes ambition to do the work
of age and toss him twice ten thousand
at a meal." Are weapons of war cal-
culated in their nature to produce true
converts to the christian faith? Let
the history of the crusades of the elev-
enth, twelfth, and thirteenth centuries
answer. Let the bloody inquisition
disclose the weakness, the blackness.
466
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
and worse than puerile imbecility of
her arguments. Let all the bloody tra-
gedies ihat have been acted, be chroni-
cled in one black catalogue, and what
arguments do they confirm or establish,
in favor of that pugnacious disposition
which delights in revenge, and deals
out liberally "fire-brands, arrows and
death?" Can any one be so void of
reason as not to consider "wisdom the
better part of valor?" I wisdom dwell
with prudence, says the inspired pen-
man. The scripture has no where spo-
ken of weapons of war in those strong
commendatory terms, that characterize
"that wisdom which is first peaceable,
then pure, gentle, easy to be entreated,
full of corr.passion and good fruits with-
out partiality and with )Ut hypocricy,"
The very idea of war and weapons of
war, are always revolting to the best
feelings of a philanthropic besom, and
when contrasted with wisdom and that
meek, and quiet spirit, which is in the
sight of God of great price, how aston-
ishing that any but carniverous ani-
mals, cannibals, or beasts of prey,
should for one moment think they did
not suffer in comparison with that v/is-
dom which the inspired writers have
commended so highly?
We are not now writing a political
essay, upon the science of our own or
any other government, and we do not
say a resort to weapons of war in na-
tions or individuals may not be tolera-
ted under certain circumstances. We
are certainly friendly to that liberty ot
speech and of the press which we en-
joy, under the government that pro-
tects us. We are not sure the time will
never come that weapons of war will
not have to be used in their defence; but
of one thing we are certain, as we have
before remarked, wisdom is surely the
better part of valor. Let that wisdom
actuate our rulers and ruled that ought
to guide them in their counsels, and
conduct, and the sanguinary accounts
of the battle-field and of "garments
rolled inblnod," will never blacken the
page of our future history, nor make
the heart of the wise and the good sick-
en at the revolting sight. Beasts of
prey may be met with weapons of war,
and men as wild and uncultivated as
they, are sometimes to be brought to
-yield to the only argument that can be
adduced, the last resort of kings. But
these few exceptions are far, very far,
from weakening the force of the senti-
ment in our text. In fact we feel t>iat
it rather confirms it. It is most assu-
redly a mark of wisdom to act with
that prudence and circumspection that
will secure the approbation of a good
conscience, and the smiles of approv-
ing heaven.
Says the scripture, see that none re-
turn reviling for reviling, but contrari-
wise reward evil with good. The Sa-
vior of mankind said to his disciples, be
ye wise as serpents and harmless bs
doves. We might lie re go on and par-
ticularize; but we deem It unnecessary,
for who does not know that the same
sentiment is included, thq, same spirit
breathed in all the divine teachings? —
Not only did the Savior teach by pre-
cept and by example what we would
fain persuace the saints is their duty
and their interest, but his disciples and
their followers, while actuated bv that
spirit which their divine Master said
should come, and should lead them into
all truth, taugh.t the sanie sound doc-
trine.
We are not now aware that we are
giving new lessons in ethics; not so,
but we would stir up the puie minds of
the saints by way of rem.embrance of
those pure and holy principles that are
so interwoven and identified with their
happiness here and their well-being
hereafter.
The great Author of our exisfence
has so diversified the human character,
that perhaps, it would be morally im-
possible to find two individuals who are
exactly and in all respects alike; and
at the same time there is a striking re-
semblance. Indeed, the temper and
disposition of mankind are so nearly
alike, that we have but one course to
pursue with our fellow men to convert
them from the error of their ways, and
that certainly is a plain one, for it is
the same our heavenly Father has pur-
sued wuh us. By a course of conduct
fraught with wisdom and love, convince
them that we are their real friends but
not their enemies.
Mildness and dignity of deportment
disarms an enemy of his bitterness and
asperity towards us. Why will it? —
because a soft answer turns away
wrath, and is evincive of a cultivated
mind, and a correct taste, while on the
other hand, grievous words stir up
strife, and engender all she evil pas-
sions that dwell in a corrupt heart actu-
ated by motives most foul and impure.
MESSENGER AND ALWOCATE.
4C7
We would now make some practical
application of the subject on which we
have been writing. And first, of that
class q[' people who know not God nor
liave ever heard his gospel preached,
we say, may the Lord have mercy on
them and bring them to a knowledge of
the truth. We have less fears for them
than for the self-righteous professor
who has a form of godliness but denies
the power thereof. The Judge of all
the earth will do right and those who
never heard his gospel, cannot be just-
ly condemned for a non-compliance
with its requirements. Thus said the
Savior to the Je'.vs, "If I had not come
among you and did the work that none
other man did, ye had not had sin but
now ye have no cloak for your sins."
if they never heard, they cei'tdmly
could never believe an-;', obey. The
g;reat apostle of t'ne Gentiles makes the
subject Very plain by a fev/ interroga-
tories which he puts. He says, how
shall they hear without a preacher, and
how shall they preach except they be
sent? But we have inadvertantly di-
gressed from the main thread of our
subject. Therefore, we say in calling
to mind what the wise man endeavored
to impress on the heart, that wisdom
was better than weapons of war, thn.t
all the saints will believe and be gov-
erned by that wisdom which is first
peaceable, then pure, &c.; but we are
sure the fearful, the abominable, the
unbelieving, the contentious, the whore-
monger, the adulterer, the tatler and
whosoever loveth and maketh a lie, are
disobedient to the divine mandate: they
obey not God nor are they actuated by
the principles of the gospel of his dear
Son. But biethren, who are saints,
we are persuaded better things of you,
than to suppose you would knowinglv
violate any of the injunctions of holy
writ, or by your conduct set at nought
any precept of inspiration. Though
we have thus written, we would fain
draw a vail of charity over the follies
and faults, and wickedness and igno-
rance of poor human nature, and we
here further say, that we feel it our du-
ty and our p'-ivilege to forgive all that
the Lord has, or will forgive, ''but if
they sin wilfully after they have come
to a knowledo:e of the truth, have tasted
the good word of God and the powers
of the world to come, there remaineth
no more sacrifice for sins, but a certain
looking for of judgment and fiery in-
dignation, which shall devour the ad-
??
versary.^' If the saint, or the minister
of Jesus Christ differ in opinion from
his fellow clay, he will always bear in
mind that wisdom is better than weap-
ons of war; he will never resort to vi-
olence to produce conviction or pro-
cure converts to his faith. He will ne-
ver violate the laws of his countiy, by
trespassing on the feelings, the rights,
the privileges or persons of others.
He knows and he feels, tho.t wi.-:uom is
better than weapons of war. He knows
that reason and argument are the wea-
pons, the rightful, vhe legal weapons,
to combat the errors and follies of this
generation. He "is not easily provok-
ed, tmp/iceth no evil, rejoiceth not in
in.L^^uity;" in himself or others; "but
rejoiceth in the trutiv' and in works of
righteousness. He flatters no man's
vanity by indiscriminate, wicked and
foolish adulation, nor does he hastily
impugn the motives or censure the acts
of those who have the misfortune to
difier from him in principle or practice.
He has his friends, and they are among
men of sense, of truth, and stern integ-
rity. The wicked fear him, the vain
shun him, for he commends no man'^
evu deeds, iior loves his friends for un-
righteous acts. H^e advises with can-
dor, repj-ovcs whh mildness, and re-
bukes with a steady, decided, inflexi-
ble purpose of heart, that clearly evince
his love to his friends and his unshak-
en confidence in God and his cause.
Our readers will reflect on what we
have penned for their perusal, and we
hope profit by the remarks we have
made. The hints are such as were
suggested to our mind from the reading
of the text, and we trust the saints will
receive them, and compare them with
their own experience and the main
scope of the divine teachings and find
them correct. To our enemies we say,
our only object is to do good, that we
trust we have not wilfully misrepre-
sented, exaggerated, or "set down
aught in malice," and we still say, it is
our firm conviction that in all our inter-
course with our fellow-men, wisdom is
better than force, than violence, or wea-
pons of war. Ed.
DIED— In Lyman, Grafton-co. N.
II. on the 21st of January last, Susan-
nah, wife of Solomon Parker, aged
seventy years.
489
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
THE PHILOSOPHY OP RELIGION.
[Concluded from our last.]
We have an abundance of ponderous
volumes on the subject of moral philos-
ophy; but the difierent theories vviiich
have been proposed and discussed, and
the metaphyseal mode in which the sub-
ject has been generally treated, have
seldom led to any beneficial practical
results. To attempt to treat the sub-
ject of morals without a reference to
divine revelation, as most of our cele-
brated moral writers have done, seems
to be little short of egregious trifling. —
It cannot serve the purpose of an ex-
feriment, to ascertain how far the un-
assisted faculties of man can go in ac-
quiring a knowledge of the foundation
and the rules of moral action; for the
prominent principles of Christian mor-
ality are so interwoven into the opin-
ions, intercourses, and practices of
modern civilized society, and so famil-
iar to the mind of every man who has
been educated in a Christian land, that
it is impossible to eradicate the idea of
them from the mind, when it attempts
to trace the duties of man solely on the
principles of reason. When the true
principles of morality are once commu-
nicated through the medium of revela-
tion, reason can demonstrate their utili-
ty, and their conformity to the chaiac-
ter of God, to the order of the universe,
and to the relations which subsist
among intelligent agents. But v/e are
b)' no means in a situation to determine
whether they could ever have been dis-
covered by the investigations and efforts
of the unassisted powers of the human
mind. The only persons who could
fairly try such an experiment were the
Greeks and Romans, and other civili-
zed nations, in ancient limes, to whom
the light of revelation was not impart-
ed. And what was the result of all their
researches on this most important of
all subjects? What were the practical
efTects of all the fine-spun theories and
subtle speculations which originated in
the schools of ancient philosophy, un-
der the tuition of Plato and Socrates, of
Aristotle and Zeno? The result is re-
corded in the annals of history, and in
the writings of the apostles. -'They
became vain in their imaginations, and
their foolish hearts were darkened —
They were filled with all unrighteous-
ness, fornication, wickedness, covet-
ousness, maliciousness, envy, murder
deceit, malignity; they were backbiters
haters of God, despiteful, proud, in-
ventors of evil things, disobedience to
parents, without natural affection, im-
placable and unmerciful." Their gen-
eral conduct wes characterized by pride,
lasciviousness and revenge; they in-
dulged in the commission of unnatural
crimes; they were actuated by restless
ambition; and they gloried in covering
the earth with devastation and carnage.
It is true, indeed, that some oi the
sects of philosophers propounded sev-
eral maxims and moral precepts, the
propriety of which cannot be question-
ed; but none of them could agree re-
specting either the foundation of virtue,
or the ultimate object toward which it
should be directed, or that in which the
chief happiness of man consists; and
hence it happened, that the precepts de-
livered by the teachers of philosophy
had little influence on their own con-
duct, and far less on that of the un-
thinking multitude. W here do we find,
in any of the philosophical schools of
Greece and Rome, a recommendation
of such precepts as these, "Love your
enemies; do good to them who hate you;
and pray for them who despitefully use
you and persecute you?" In opposi-
tion to such divine injunctions, we can
trace in the maxims and conduct of the
ancient sages, a principle of pride in-
sinuating itself into the train of their
most virtuous actions. It has been rec-
koned by some a wise and a witty an-
swer which one of the philosophers re-
turned to his friend, who had advised
him to revenge an injury he had suffer-
ed; "What, (says he) if an ass kicks
me, must I needs kick him a
gam
l^' ,
Some may be disposed to consider such
a reply as indicating a manly spirit, and
true greatness of soul; but it carries in
it a proud and supercilious contempt of
human nature, and a haughtiness of
mind, which are altogether inconsistent
with the mild and benevolent precepts
of Him, who, in the midst of his seve-
rest sufferings from men, exclaimed,
"Father, forgive them, for they know
not what they do."
It appears somewhat preposterous to
waste our time, and the energies of our
minds, in labored metaphysical disqui-
sitions, to ascertain the foundations of
virtue, and the motives from which it
IS to be pursued; whether it consists in
utility, in the fitness cf things, or in the
regulations of states and political asso-
ciations, and whether it is to bo prose-
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
469
cuted from aprinciplu of self-love or of
benevolence, when every useful ques-
tion that can be started on this subject
may be immediately solved by a direct
application to the revelations of heaven,
and an infallible rule derived for the
direction of our conduct in all the cir-
cumstances and relations in which we
may be placed. Even although tlie
moral philosopher were to reject the
Bible, as a revelation from God, it
would form no reason why its annunci-
ations should bo altogether overlooked
or rejected. As an impartial investi-
gator of the history of man, of the mor-
al constitution of the human mind, and
of the circumstances of our present con-
ditio.!, he is bou«d to take into vicv/
every fact and every circumstance
which mav have a bearin"; on the im-
portant question which he undertakes
to decide. Now, it is a fact, that such
a book as the Bible actually exists —
that amidst the wreck of thousands of
volumes which the stream of time has
carried into oblivion, it has survived
for several thousands of years — that its
announcements have directed the opin-
ions and the conduct of myriads of
mankind — that many of the most illus-
trious characters that have adorned our
race have submitted to its dictates, and
governed their tempers and their ac-
tions by its moral precepts — that those
who have been governed by its maxims
have been distinguished by uprightness
of conduct, and been most earnest and
successful in promoting the happiness
of mankind — that this book declares,
that a moral revulsion has taken place
in the constitution of man since he was
placed upon this globe — and thai the
whole train of its moral precepts pro-
ceeds on the ground of his being con-
sidered as a depraved intelligence. —
These are facts which even the infidel
philosopher must admit; and instead of
throwing them into the shade, or keep-
ing them entirely out of view, he is
bound, as an unbiassed inquirer, to take
them all into account in his researches
into the moral economy of the human
race. In particular, he is bound to in-
quire into the probability of the alleged
fact of the depravity of man, and to
consider, whether the general train of
human actions, tha leading facts of his-
tory in reference to all ages and na-
tions, and the destructive effects of sev-
eral operations in the system of nature,
have not a tendency to corroborate this
important point. For the fact, that
man is a fallen intelligence, must ma-
terially modify every system of ethics
that takes it into account. Should this
fact be entirely overlooked, and yet ul-
timately be found to rest on a solid
foundation, then, all the speculations
and. theories of those moralists who
profess to be guided solely by the dic-
tates of unassisted reason, may prove
to be nothing more than the reveries of
a vain imagination, and to be built on
"the baseless fabric of a vision."
Thomas Dick.
LOVE TO GOD.
Love, considered in reference to the
Supreme Being, may be viewed as di-
viding itself into a variety of streams
or kindred emotions, all flowing from
one source. The most prominent of
these emotions are the following — Ad-
miraiion, which consists in a delightful
emotion, arising from a contemplation
of the wonderful works of God, and of
the wisdom and goodness which they
unfold — Rev^rencCy which is nearly al-
lied to admiration, is a solemn emotion,
mingled with awe and delight, excited
in the mind, when it contemplates the
perlections, and the grand operations
of the Eternal Mind, — Qr at dude.,
which consists in affection to the Su-
preme Being, on account of the vari-
ous benefits he has conferred upon us
—Humility, which consists in a just
sense of our own character and condi-
tion, especially when we compare our-
selves with the purity and perfection of
the divine oharacter. To these emo-
tions may bs added Complacency and
i^elight in the character and operations
of God — Kdoration of his excellencies,
and an unlimited Dependence upon him
in reference to our present concerns,
and to our future destination.
Love is that noble affection which is
excited by amiable objects; and there-
fore, in order to its being rational, per-
manent, and delightful, it must be foun-
ded on the perception of certain amia-
ble qualities or attributes connected with
its object. In order to demonstrate the
reasrnableness of this affection in refer-
ence to God, it is only requisite to con-
sider his character and perceptions,
and the relation in which he stands to
us as the Author of our existence and
enjoyments.
470
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
For, for this cause tvas the gospel
preached to them that are dead, that
they might be judged according to vien
in the flesh, bnt live according to God
in the spirit. — first peter, 4th: 6th.
To the apostle who penned these
words for our instruction; wore com-
mitted the keys of the kingdom, altho'
he was a fisherman by occupation pre-
viously to his being chosen and ordain-
ed by his divine Master to proclaim that
gospel for which he eventually suffered
martyrdom. He accompanied the Sa-
vior during his travels and public min-
istry, almost constantly. He witness-
ed his transfiguration on the mount,
saw and heard him converse with I\Io-
ses an^i Elias. He had seen the migh-
ty works which he did while he taber-
nacled with men in the fiesh. He had
heard him converse with the Pharisees,
Sadducees, and lawyers, and knew that
the wisdom and the power of the living
God were manifest in all his words and
deeds, therefore, he could testify bold-
ly of what he had seen and heard.
There was another consideration
which gave boldness and confidence to
the apostle whose words we have quo-
ted as a foundation to the remarks we
intend to make.
Betore he suffered, he said to his dis-
ciples, If I go away I will send the com-
forter, and he shall lead you into all
truth, and bring all things .o your re-
membrance, whatsoever I have told
you; and from this promise being so
fully verified, Peter taught, boldly and
understandingly, that gospel, a dispen-
sation of which had been committed to
him. He taught the things he knew
and spake of those he had seen. He
not only taught those who listened
to his instructions, the principles of the
gospel by precept but by example, en-
forcing the whole with the most pointed
arguments drawn from the scriptures,
in which the Jews as a body most im-
nlicitly believed, but the whole course
of' his instruction after the ascension of
the fe.iviour seemed fraught with that
wisdom, that power and that authority,
that most cJearly evincev.( the divine au-
thenticity of i?is mission, and enabled
him to teach "ab one having authority
and not as the serines."
In the words we have quoted he ap-
pears to magnify his office by exalting
and honoring the character of God,
ivhen he judges men, and if he did .no
firiswer queries *^"* ^"'^ nv,-on» nn<9
been agitated in his day, he seems
clearly to have? anticipated v/hat^Vould'
arise in ours; therefore, ^^for this cause
(said he) zcas the gospel preached to
them that are dead, that they might he
judged according to men in the flesh.''
This course of instruction seemed to
be the more important from the fact
that the inventive facultiesj of man,
backed by all the suggestions of the ad-
versary, are ever watching for an op-
portunity to bring the word of God and
his cause into disrepute. But our heav-
enly Father so^ordered it, that all will
be left without excuse at the great as-
size, so that "he will be justified when
he speaks and clear when he judges."
He has done so upon the principles of
reason and of justice. He has not act-
ed the part of a tyrant and doomed
men to perdition who never had an op-
portunity of learning his will concern-
ing them. Some of our readers may
think this an unwarrantable assertion,
but we think such a sentiment is the le-
gitimate influence of the primises laid
down by the Savior himself in his ad-
dress to his disciples as given us in
John's testimony 15th chapter 22, 23
and 24th verses. We come now more
directly to an interrogatory [that has
ot'ten been reiterated in our ears; what
has become of those who have died
since the prophets and apostles fell
asleep, till the conferring of the priest-
hood and the coming forth of the gos-
pel in these la>t days? Are they all
iost? We answer no, we unhesitat-
ingly and unequivocally answer no. —
Was the gospel preached to them? —
No. Were they baptized for the re-
that had arisen and
mission of their sins? again we answer
no, for the very good reason that since
that period, till the renewal of the cov-
enant and the restoration of the priest-
hood, no one was authorized to do it.
Then are not thousands of souls lost,
who have come into the world and died
since the days of the apostles? Here
we would ask in our turn if the inhab-
itants living on the earth in the 18th
century, were blameable because there
was not an inspired man upon it, one
who had the authority of the Holy
priesthood? certainlj'^ not, then it fol-
lows of necessity they could not be just-
ly condemned, "for not yielding obedi-
ence to that authority. How then are
they to be made happy, having not the
true gospel? Let the word of God de-
cide. We now ask is God impartial?
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
471
Most assuredly'? If he have no other
scheme of saving mankind but the gos-
pel, and there are myriads of them who
have never heard it preaciied, v/ill a
just, wise, impartial and benevolent be
in^ condemn them? He will be justified
when he speaks and clear when he
judges. Here would seem to be a dis-
crepancy, the word of God has not
been generally understood or he must
be perfectly holy, just and good to all
the workmanship of his hands.
Here, then, lies the main difficulty
If it be a point sustained by the word
of God, th'^t all who do not have, or
have not had, the j)rivilege of embra-
cing or rejecting the gospel here in the
fledi, have that privilege in God's ov.'n
time before the judgment day; then will
the character of God be vindicated. —
What says our text, for, for this cause
was the gospel preached to them that
are dead, that they might be judged ac-
cording to men in the flesh.
Again, we find this idea more full}'
supported in the preceding chapter of
the same epistle from which our text is
taken, at the 18lh, 19ih and 20th ver^
ses: "For Christ hath once suffered
for sins, the just for the unjust, that he
might bring us to God, being put to
death in the flesh, but quickened by the
spirit; by which also he went and
preached to the spirits in prison, v.'hich
sometime were disobedient when once
the long; suflerins; of God waited in the
days of Noah while the ark was a pre-
paring, &c.'" Here are the words of
inspiration that the antediluvians had
the offer of life, eternal life and salva-
tion, and that too, some thousands of
years since they had fallen asleep.
But we have no evidence that the
Lord will be thus compassionate to
those who have the gospel preached to
them here in the flesh, and reject it. —
Hence said the Savior, if I had not
come among you and done the work
that none other ever did do, ye had not
had sin, but now ye have no cloak for
your sins; ttius plainly intimating that
they would be left without excuse in
the day' of judgment. We may also
justly infer that they would have ex-
cuse, and that, too, founded upon rea-
son and justice, if they were to be con-
demned for non-compliance with a law,
rule or commandment, when such law,
rule or commandment, never was made
known to them. Wc believe in the
justice, meicy and goodness of God,
and in the harmony of all his attri-
butes, that not a soul will be saved in
the celestial kingdom of God except up-
on the gospel plan which he has devi-
sed. We feel also assured, that he
will condemn no one until he hears,
and refuses to obey the mandates of
heaven. We believe that at the grand
assizes, all will be left without excuse,
and that "God will be justified when
he speaks and clear when he judges."
We are assured from our own ob-
servation and experience that the God
of the universe is not a man, that he
should lie, or the son of man that he
should repent; we feel that he is the
same yesterday, to-day and forever,
and changes not; that those who love
and obey him, will be received with
this pleasing plaudit, well done good
and faithful servant, &c. ; while the un-
thankful, unholy, and disobedient shall
be excluded from the presence and the
joys of the righteous. Ed.
ANCIENT HISTORY.— No. 2.
EGYPT.
"A great portion of the knovv'lcdge
and attainments of the ancient nations,
and by consequence, of those of the
moderns is to be traced to Egypt. The
Eoyptians instructed the Greeks; the
Greeks performed the same office to
the Romans; and the Romans have
transmitted much of that knowledge to
the world of which we are in possess-
ion at the present day."
The antiquity of this empire is sup-
posed to be very great. The Mosaic
writings represent it as a great and
flourishing kingdom four hundred and
thirty years after the flood. Indeed,
from the nature of the country the pre-
sumption is, that it was settled and be-
came a flourishing kingdom or empire
soon after the deluge.
The periodical inundations of the
Nile supply all the bottoms, bordering
upon it, with that fertilizing alluvion
that has rendered them the most pro-
ductive of alnust any otherof equal ex-
tent in that country.
We are assured of that fact from the
Mosaic writings, if from no other
source, and that notwithstanding the
dense population, Egypt furnished a.
surplus of corn to feed foreigners ia
ttmc of famine.
The government of Egypt was a
hereditary monarchy. The king and
the priests, who were his deputies whq .
47*
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE!.
filled the offices and exercised all the
authority both civil and ecclesiastical.
The administration of justice was de-
frayed by the sovereign, and litigants
were their own advocates. The penal
laws of Egypt were uncommonly se-
vere. Female chastity was most rigid-
ly protected.
There was an extraordinary regula-
tion in Egypt regarding the borrowing
of money. The borrower gave in pledge
the body of his father, and it was de-
prived of funeral rites if he failed to
redeem it. Population was encouraged
by law, and every man was bound to
mamtain and educate the children born
to him of his slaves. The Egyptians
were tenacious of their own manners,
customs and ancient usages, and had a
great abhorrence to strangers and to
innovation.
Thoy preceded most of the ancient
nations in the knowledge of the useful
arts, and in the cultivation o( the sci-
ences.
Their pyramids and obelisks, are
monuments, evincive of their skill in
building and architecture as well as of
their industry and perseverance to ac-
complish such great undertakings. In-
deed the whole country abounds with
the remains of ancient grandeur, sur-
passing almost any other. Thebes in
upper Egypt was one of the most splen-
did cities in the world. Modern trav-
ellers describe the stones that were used
in some of its walls or lowers as being
of curious workmanship, and of im-
mense size. The Egyptians possessed
considerable knowledge of geometry,
mechanics and astronomy.
The morality taught by the priests
was said to be pure and refined, altho'
it had little influence on the manners of
the people.
The theology and secret doctrines of
the priests were rational and sublime,
yet the worship of the people was de-
based by the most contemptible super-
stition.
The Egyptians sequestered them-
selves from all strangers as much as
was possible. They were not known
to other nations by conquest, or much
commerce. They had a great antipa-
thy to strangers, consequently never
imitated them in their custonis or man-
ners,
There was another circumstance that
rendered their manners degrading in
th« ©yw of other pationa AH profes-
sions were hereditary, and the rank of
each was exactly settled; the objects of
religious worship were different in dif-
ferent parts of the kingdom, which was
a fruitful source of division and con-
troversy. Their peculiar superstitions
were absurd and debasing, and their
manners loose and profligate.
We shall in our next give some ac-
count oi the Phoenicians. Ed.
KiRTLAND, March 3, 1837.
The following is a list of the names
of Ministers of the Gospel, belonging
to the church of Latter Day Saints,
whose Licences were recorded the last
quarter in the Licence Records, in Kirt-
land, Ohio, by
THOMAS BURDICK,
Rexording Cleric.
ELDERS.
Matthew Allen Wm E M'Lellin
Wm Aldrich B njamin Mitchell
Dennis M BarmoreJacob Mjers
Richard Brazier Isaac Perry
Ephraim Badger Alex. Richardson
Asaph Blanchard Stephen Reed
Nathan Cheney Luman A Shirtliff
Robert Culbertson Abram O Smoot
Anthony Combs
David Dort
David Fullmer
David Garnet
Levi Graybill
James Huntsman
John Kelso
John Lyons
Wm Stevens
Ellas Smith*
Masten Tindal
C G Vanburen
John Williams
Wm Wirick
Charles Wood
Jacob Zundel
PRIESTS.
Daniel Allen Anthony Fisher
Austin Butler Wm Felshaw
Daniel Carter Elisha Hoops jr
David K Dustin
TEACHERS.
Chauncy I Calkins Martin H Peck
Thomas Carr!co
DEACONS.
Josiah Miller John Pulsipher
* Published Charles, in December
paper, through mistake.
CAUSES OF HUMAN MISERY.
The natural causes of human misery
may be reduced to two: ignorance and
immorality. Both are great. Philoso-
phers are right in reeomending the cul-
tivation of intellect, and by doing so,
many disorders will be removed, but
the aim will not be attained without at-
tending with the same care to the mor-
al nature of man. — Sjpurzheim,
MESSENGER AND ADVOCAl':
473
IfIesseBi§"er and A«lvocat€.
IV. A. C01VBEKT, Editor.
KIRTLAND, OHIO, MARCH, IS37.
Some years since we were struck
with the force and propriety of some
remarks which we read in the writings
of Mrs. Barbauld. We think they are
evincive of a contemplative mind, a
sound understanding and a correct
taste. We Iiave extracted them from
the People's Magazine, under the Iicad
ol Philosophy and Consistency.
Philosophy and Consislency. — A-
mong all the excellent things which
Mrs. Barbauld has written, she never
penned any thing better than her es-
say on the inconsistency of human ex'
pectations; it is full of sound phil-
osophy. Every thing, says she, is mark-
ed at a settled price. Our time, our labor
our ingenuity, is so much ready money,
which we are to lay out to the best ad-
vantage. Examine, compare, choose
reject; but stand to your judgment, and
do not, like children, when you have
purchased one thing, repme that you do
not possess another, which you would
not purchase. Would you be rich"? Do
you think that the single point worth
sacrificing every thing else to? You
may, then, be rich. Thousands have be-
come so from the lowest beginnings by
toil and diligence, and attention to the
minutest articles of expense and profit.
But you must give up the pleasures of
leisure, of an unembarrassed mind, and
of a free unsuspicious temper. You
must learn to do hard if not unjust
things; and as for the embarrassment
of a delicate and ingenuous spirit, it is
necessary for you to get rid of it as fast
as possible. You must not stop to en-
large your mind, polish your taste, or
refine your sentiments; but must keep
on in one unbeaten track, without turn-
ing aside to the right or to the left. —
♦'But," you say, "I cannot submit to
drudgery like this; I feel a spiiit above
it" 'T is well; be above it, then; only
do not repine because you are not rich.
Is knowledge the pearl of price in
your estimation? That too may be
purchased by steady application, and
long solitary hours of study and re-
flection. "But," says the man of let-
ters, **whal a hardship is it that many
an illiterate feilow, who cannot construe
the motto on his coach, shall raise a for-
tune, and make a figure, while I possess
not the common necessaries of life!"
Was it for fortune, then, that you grew
pale over the midnight lamp, and gave
the sprightly years to study and re-
flection? You, then.
have
)y(
mistaken
vour path, ar.d ill employed your in-
dustry. "What reward have I, then,
foraii my labor?" What reward! alarge
comprehensive soul, purged from vul-
gar fears and prejudices, able to inter-
pret the works of man and God — a per-
petual spring of fresh ideas, and the
conscious dignity of superior intel-
lio-ence. Good Heavens! what other
reward can you ask? "But is it not a
reproach upon the economy of Prov-
idence that such a one, who is a mean,
dirty fellow, should have amassed wealth
eno igh to buy half a nation?" Not the
least. He made himself a mean, dirty
fellow for that very end. He has paid
his health, his conscience, and his lib-
erty for it. Do you envy him his bar-
gain? Will you hang your head in his
presence because he outshines you in
equipage and show? Lift up your brow
v/ith a noble confidence, and say to
yourself, "I have not these things, itis
true; but it is because I have not de-
sired them nor sought them; it is be-
cause 1 possess something better. I have
chosen my lot; I am content and sat-
isfied." The most characteristic mark
of a great mind is to choose some one
object, which it considers important,
and pursue that object through life. If
we expect the purchase, we must pay
the price.
A GOOD LEGACY.
He that at any rate procures his
child a good mind, well-principled, tem-
pered to virtue and usefulness, and ador-
ned with civility and good breeding,
makes a better purchase for him, than
if he had laid out the money for an ad-
dition of more earth to his former acres.
— Spare it in toys and play-games, in
silk and ribbons, laces and other useless
expences, as much as you please; bui
be not sparing in so necessary a part
as this. It \i not good husbandry to
make his fortune rich and his mind
poor. I have olten with great indig-
nation, seen people lavish it profusely
in tricking up their children in fine
clothes, and feeding them sumptuoulsy,
allowing them more than enough of use-
474
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
less servants; and yet at the same time
starve their minds, and not take suffi-
cient care to cover that which is the
most shameful nakedness, viz. their nat-
ural wrong inclinations and ignorance.
This I can look on as no other than sac-
rificing to their own vanity; it showing
more their pride than true care of the
good of their children. V/hatsoevcr you
employ to tiie advantage of your son's
mind will show your true kindness
though It be the lessoning of his estate.
A wise and good man can hardly want
either the opinion or reality of being
great and happy. But he that is foolish
or vicious, can be neither great nor hap-
py, what estate soever you leave him:
and I ask you whether there be not
men in the world whom you had rather
have your son be, with five hundred
pounds per annum, than some others
you know, vvith five thousand pounds'?
— Locke on education
DUTIES OP BIASTERS TO APPUENTICES.
The following capital remarks on this
subject are from a late charge to the
Grand Jury of his Court by the Re-
corder of Philadelphia. The neglect
of the manners and morals among ap-
prentices, is undoubtedly among the
leading causes of the increase of vice
and crime in our day and the subject is
here well presented:
•'Apprenticeship is a term of proba-
tion; and should be made the scene of
vigorous exertion & moral study. When
therefore, we see the corners of our
streets beset after the night fall of each
evening by crowds of idlers, we cannot
but regret the carelessness of the mas-
ter, and the danger of the apprentice.
When every moment that is exempt
from labor is devoted to studied idleness,
among ignorant and depraved compani-
ons, we cannot wonder that worthless
habits should ensue. The gathered
bands remove, in process of time, to the
door of the tavern. The jests are soon
pointed with ribald obscenity, and their
language swelled with boasting pi'ofan-
ity, until citizens shrink and shudder as
they pass. The beer house or the bro-
thel next becomes the scene of their mis-
pent hours. The Sabbaths and eve-
nings are passed amid debauchery and
vice; they return each morning enfeeb-
led and disgusted to their labor. Thus
they wear out tiieir term of service.
Their minds are left to ignorance, and
their manners to debasement. They
become men with minds and bodies dis-
eased— without industry, ambition, or
character — and sink into that class
from which the dockets of our courts
and the cells of our prisons, are filled.
The causes of these evils are no doubt
manifold. There are, and necessarily
must be, in a crowded city, many re-
sources of demoralization. But as the
law* gives the master the poiver to pro-
tect the morals of his apprentice it makes
it also his duly — a duty from which noth-
ing can excuse him. The man who takes
an apprentice, voluntarily assumes to-
wards him the relation of a father.
Such is the light in which the law re-
gards the master and apprentice. Hu-
manity also dictates that in ren;ioving a
child from his parental roof, the master
should supply the place of a parent; in-
struct anc! guide his inexperience, and
watch and prot( ct him as a child. Such
a course would not only render the ap-
prentice an ornament to society but
would fill his bosom with gratitude to
his master, and naturally inspire him
with a desire to repay the kindness of
his benefactor. No master should take
an apprentice unless prepared to dis-
charge these duties."''
"ABOUT TO DO IT."
An agent writes us that he was "a
bout getting" some subscribers, but in
the mean time an agent for another pa-
per visited the place, arid got them all .
away. How many failures are there
in this world, of ihings which were ab-
out to be done. The merchant was a-
bout to go to his store — but the custom-
er has come and made his purchase
elsewhere. The farmer was about to
mend his fence but the cattle have got
in and destroyed his corn. The house
was about to be insured but in the
mean time it took fire and burnt up.
The debter was about to discharge his
honest dues, but in the mean time he
suffars his money slip away for
some other use. The head of a family
was about to attend family worship but
the proper hour had passed, and
the call of a friend, or pressure of busi-
ness, has laid it aside for ihe pi'csent.
The good man was about to make
a donation for benevolent purposes, but
he died suddenly. The sinner was
about to repent, but sudden death pre-
vented.
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
475
Minutes of a mseting of the members of
the "■Kiri/and Safclij Society,'' held
on the 2d day of January, 1837.
At a special meeting of the Kirtland
Safety Society, two thirds of the mem-
bers being present, S. RIGDON was
called to the Chair, and W. Parrish
chosen Secretary.
The house was called to order, and
the object of the meeting explained by
the chairman: which was,
1st. To annul the old constitution,
which was adopted by the society, on
the 2d day of November, 1836; which
was, on motion, by the unanimous
voice of the meeting, annulled.
2d. To adopt Articles of Agreement,
by which the Kirtland Safety Society
are to be governed.
After much discussion and investiga-
tion, the following Preamble and Arti-
cles of Agreement were adopted, by
the unanimous voice of the meeting.
We, the undersigned subscribers, for
the promotion of our temporal interests,
and for the better management of our
dillerent occupations, which consist in
agriculture, mechanical arts, and mer-
chandising; do hereby form ourselves
into a firm or company for the before
mentioned objects, by the name of the
"Kirtland Safety Society Banking
Company," and for the proper man-
agement of said firm, we individually
and jointly enter into, and adopt, the
following Articles of Agreement.
Art. 1st. The capital stock of said
society or firm shall not be less than
four millions of dollars; to be divided
into shares of fifty dollars each; and
may be increased to any amount, at the
discretion of the Dii'ectors.
Art. 2d. The management of said
company shall be under tl c superin-
tendence of thirty-two Directors, to be
chosen annually by, and from among
the members of the same; each mem-
ber being entitled to one vote for each
share, which he, she, or they may
hold in said company; and said votes
may be given by proxy, or in propria
PERSONA.
Art. 3d. It shall be the duty of said
Directors, when chosen, to elect from
their number, a President and Cash-
ier. It shall be the further duty of
said Directors to meet in the upper
room of the office of said company, on
tho first Mondays of November and
May of each year, at 9 o'clock, A. M.
tn inspect the books of said company
and transact such other business as
may be deemed necessary.
Art. 4th. It shall be the'"duty of said
Directors to choose from among their
number, seven men, who sliall meet in
the upper room of said office, on Tues-
day ot each week, at 4 o'clock, P. M.
to inquire into and assist in all matters
pertaining to said company.
Art. 5th. Each Director shall re-
ceive from the company onejyollar per
dav for his services when called tog-eth-
er at the annual and semi-annual meet-
ings. The President and Cashier,
and the seven, the committee of the
Directors, shall receive a compensa-
tion for their services as shall be agreed
by the directors at their semi-annual
meetinccs.
Art. 6th. The first election of Di-
rectors, as set forth in the second arti-
cle, shall take place at the meeting of
the members to adopt this agreement,
who shall hold their office until the first
Monday of November, 1837, unless re-
moved by death or misdemeanor, and
until others arc duly elected. Every
annual election of Directors shall take
place on the first Monday of November,
of each year. It shall be the duty of
the President atid Cashier of said
company, to receive the votes of the
members by ballot, and declare the
election.
Art. 7th. The books of the compa-
ny shall be always open for the in-
spection of the members.
Art. 8th. It shall be the duty ofth©
Directoi-s of the company, to declare a
dividend once in six months; which di-
vidend shall be apportioned among the
members, according to the installments
by them paid in.
Art. 9th. All per'^ons subscribing
stock in said firm, shall pay their first
installment at the UnnQ of subscribing;
and other installments from time to
time, as shall be required by the Di-
rectors.
Art. 10th. The Directors shall give
thirty days notice in some public paper,
printed in this county, previous to an
installment being paid in. All subscri-
bers residing out of the State, shall be
required to pay in half the amount of
their subscriptions at the time of sub-
scribing, and the remainder, or such
part thereof,' as/shall be required at
any time by the Directors, after thirty
days notice.
<78
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
Art. 11th. The Cashier shall be
empowered to call special meetings of
the Directors, whenever he shall deem
it necessar}'; separate and aside from
the annual and semi-annual meetings.
Art. 12th. Two thirds of the Direc-
tors shall form a quorum to act at the
semi-annual meetings, and any number
of the seven, the committee of the Di-
rectors, with the President (Ss Cash-
ier, or either of them, may form a
quorum to transact business at the
v/eekly meetings; and in case none of
the seven are present at the weekly
mcr tings, the President and Cashier
must transact the business.
Art. 13th. The Directors shall have
power to enact such by-laws as they
may deem necessary, from time to
time, providing they do not infringe up-
on these Articles of Agreement.
Art. 14th. All notes given by said
Society, shall be signed by the Presi-
dent and Cashier thereof, aud we the
individual members of said firm, here-
by hold ourselves bound for the redemp-
tion of all such notes.
Art 15th. The notes given for the
benefit of said society, shall be given to
the Cashier, in the following form:
"Ninety days after date, we jointly
and severally promise to pay A. B. or
order dollars and cents, value
received."
A record of which shall be made in
the books at the time, of the amount,
and by whom given, and when due —
and deposited with the files and papers
of said society.
Art. 16th Any article in this agree-
ment may be altered at any time, an-
nulled, added unto or expunged, by the
vote of two-thirds of the members of
said society; except the fourteenth arti-
cle, that shall remain unaltered during
the existence of said company. For
the true and faithful fulfilment of the
above covenant and agreement, we in-
dividually bind ourselves to each other
under the penal sum of one hundred
thousand dollars. In witness whereof
we have hereunto set our hands and
seals the day and date first written
above.
Sidney Rigdon Leonard Rich
N K Whitney Artemus Millet
Reynolds Cahoon Peter Shirts
Joseph Smith jr VVm D Pratt'
Warren Parrish Jerusha Smith
Sylvester Smith Martha Knight
Hyrum Smith Josiah Butterfield
Edwin P Merriam John Smith
Eiijah Cheney Hiram Coi-ey
Eliphalet Boynton Jared Carter
Vinson Knight C P Lett
Solon Foster F,lijah Able
Daniel Bnwen Nathan Haskins
Loren Babbit Geo W Robinson
Joel Mc Withy Noah Packard
Zcmira Draper Daniel Alien jr
Wm Draper sen Edson Barney
Wm Draper jr Erastus Babbit
Asa Lyman Reuben McBride
Laban Morrill Russell Potter
Bcchias Dustin Harvey Stanley
Jesse Turpin Uzziel Stevens
Alexander Badlam John Johnson
Wm Smith Ezekiel Rider
Luke Johnson Elisha C CoUrin
A Pettingall Luman Carter
Isaac H Bishop Wm Woodstock
Harrison Burgess Jonathan Hampton
Joseph Smith sen Sterny Tripp
Lucy Smith Amasa Bonncy
Jonas Putnam P P Pratt
Edmund Bosley John Gajlora
Hyrum Stratton Daniel S Jackson
Samuel Parker Edwin D Webb
David Whitmer Edward M Webb
Roger Orton Wm F Cahoon
Erastus Snow Horace Burgess
Lyman Sherman Wm Miller
Isaac Rogers Orson Pratt
Salmon Gee Brigham Young
Andrew Brim J B Smith
Jonathan HHolmesS B Stoddard
Wm C Rolfe Ebenezer Barr
Warren Smith Lyman E Johnson
Simeon Andrews Heber C Kimball
Nath. M.lliken Lorenzo Young
John F Boynton Zebedee Coltrin
Reuben Hedlock Gardner Snow
J B Noble Amasa Lyman
Smith Humphrey Nathan Tanner
Francis G Bishop Jeremiah Willey
Ephraim Badger Nathan Cheney
Ira Bond L H Franks
George W Gee Lewis Eager
George A Smith Silas Smith
Mahew Millman Jesse Baker
Chauncey G Webb Gideon H Carter
Thos Butterfield David Clough
Lebbeus T Coons Astin Butler
Samuel Newcomb Benj And.ews
Sabra Granger Wm Foster 1st
Benj Winchester L M Davis
Samuel Hale W Huntington jr
Israel Barlow Zima Huntington
Nathaniel Carr Lorenzo Wells
Reuben Field James M Carrel
Dorcas Brooks Truman O Angell
Phebe Rigdon Graham Coltrin
MESSENGEft AND ADVOCATE.
47t
A E Robinson
Elijah B Gay lord
Samuel H Smitli
Amos R Orton
VViUrord Woodruff
Ira Ames
LorenZo Booth
Henry D Garret
Benj S Wilber
Benjamin Kempton
Hiram Clark
Hiram B Booth
Isaac Hubbard
Wesley Knight
Benj H Stall
Claik L Whitney
Russell Pemberton
J D Parker
Martin H Peck
Hiram Dayton
Oliver Olney
William Aldrich
Joseph Young
John B Carpenter
David Dort
Temperance Mack
Thomas Carrico
Levi Gifford
Joel H Johnson
Heman T Hyde
Haratio N Parks
Amos B Fuller
Hugh Coltrin
George Strope
John P Greene
Samuel Phelps
Canfield & Spencer
M C Davis
J Coodson
H A Sharp
John Coltrin
Hezekiah Fisk
Lucy Ives
Liester Gaylord
Thomas Gates jr
Isaac Cleaveland
Wm Gould
Wm Barker
Andrew L Allen
John W Duty
S Hanchett
and others.
PERSECUTION.
Persecution has been the lot of the
righteous since the days of righteous
Abel; no righteous people have escap-
ed, Of ever will: for the nearer that a
person draws to the living God, the
farther off the world thinks he gets. —
Hence says the Savior, "They that
kill you, think they do God service;
and they do this, because they know
neither the Father nor me."
For this very cause the saints may
expect nothing but persecution at the
hand of any people; because no other
people but thern know the Father nor
the Son, and for want of this know-
ledge, they are always ready to perse-
cute, and not only persecute; but to
persecute unto death; for "they that
kill you think they do God service."
A persecuting spirit always arises
from ignorance of the Father and the
Son, and this ignorance leads men to
seek the lives of the saints; and there is
nothing wanting but power lo fulfil
their designs.
The Savior says, in speaking of his
mission into the world, "Think not that
I am come to send peace on the earth:
I come not to send peace but a sword.
For I am come to set man at variance
against his father, and the daughter a-
gainst her mother, and the daughter-in-
law against her raother-in-law. And a
man's foes shall be they of his own
household."— Matthew 10: 32,35,36.
When the Sevior savs "I come to
set a man at variance against his fath-
er," &c. the very expression, "set
against" supposes that the persons were
not at variance before, but on terms of
peace and friendship; for he could not
set a man at variance with his father,
when he was so before.
We are necessarily called upon to
view the persons thus set at variance,
as being on terms of friendship; having
so conducted themselves as to be enti-
tled to each other's friendship and es-
teem, until they were put at variance
by the teaching of the Savior; one or
the other of them receiving the Savior
in his true character, or any of his dis-
ciples whom he had authorized to
teach, was sufficient cause to excite the
bitterest feelings of the others, not on-
ly to object to their religion, but also to
justify them in attacking their charac-
ters, and destroying them if possible;
yea, more than this, their lives also. —
No doubt it was in that day as in this;
the very instant an individual or indi-
viduals received the gospel, though
their characters were without blemish,
yet their former associates had their re-
collections greatly brightened; they
could call to remembrance a great ma-
ny things which they had said, and a
gieai many things which they had
done, which were very exceptionable;
they could look back for years and call
to remembrance blemishes in their
character, improprieties in their beha-
vior, and they noio recollect that, at
that time it rnade a bad impression on
their minds, though they had entirely
forgotten it until their recollections had
been enlivened. They could also now
call to mind that the persons thus trans-
gressing, had always been enthusiastic,
versatile, and unsteady minded, and
withal weak minded, with an indescri-
bable multitude of evils that were very
gross indeed.
There is perhaps in the whole brood
of persecutors not one single one who
is honest enough to confess that they
persecute a man purely on account of
his religion; they will hatch up some
cause to justify themselves in their
wickedness, though they know that it
is alone on account of the man's reli-
gion; but being unwilling to confess
this, they will invent and circulate the
basest lies that human naturo is capa-
'478 MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE. ,
ble of, for the purpose of blinding the reason of this the Savior gives in a for-
feyes of the people, or rather of giving mcr quotation. "This they will do, be-
a handle to those base v/retches who cause they know neither the Father nor
arc capable of persecuting a man on
account of his religion. For I will ven-
ture an assertion which will be found
true in the day of God Almighty, if it
should not before, that is, that there is
not a man nor a woman under heaven
who v/ill persecute any people for their
religion, that is not a base har, be they
priest or people.
It is most remarkable to see how some
people's recollection can be improved
when their supposed interest, ambition,
or pride, dictates to them the necessity
of persecuting some person or persons;
their whole ingenuity is put into requi-
sition to find out a justifiaule cause lor
their railing and abuse; and they soon
begin to recollect of most marvelous
things: they can call to mind with the
greatest ease of hearing things (which
things by the by were never heard by
themselves nor any body else,) which
were of an alarming character, and
called immediately for their exertion to
Drevent some great evil. They could
also recollect of having seen things (it
happened, however, that there v ere no
such things to be seen,) which a sense
of duty required them to expose. You
would suppose, to hear them talk, that
their recollection having been so ereat-
Jy refreshed, it, by gathering up past
things, and the great discoveries they
were making at the present time, of
things as they actually existed, had
transformed them into a bundle of pure
consciousness; for they were so con-
scientious, that they could not rest day
nor night, until they discharged the
duty they were bound to discharge, for
the benefit of both God and man.
However, when the matter comes to
be examined, and the great bustle a lit-
tle allayed, it is found out that some
people found, as they supposed, that it
was their interest to persecute some
body on account of their religion, and
because they had no truth with which
they could injure them, they found it
very convenient to hatch up a good
bundle of lies; and that is all there is
of it.
In every age the Savior's words
have been verified, that wherever his
religion is embraced, it "sets the fath-
er against the son, and the son against
the father, and a man's enemies will
be they of his own household." The
me.
There is no truth plainer than this,
that all false religionists, in the world,
are unable to tell when a people are
doing the will of God: there never was
but one religion which had the power
to give this understanding to men, and
that is the religion of Jesus Christ; this
alone is able to do this. All other re-
ligions have the direct difierent tenden-
cy; instead of making men acquainted
with the will of God, they tend to be-
wilder the mind, and prevent men from
understanding his will, or knowmg
what he requires of them.
In attending to the history of the for-
mer day saints, as written in the scrip-
tures, there seems to be one thing writ-
ten as with a sunbeam, that is, that in
every age when any people began to
listen to the voice of God, and give heed
to his teachings, and were thereby in
some good degree conformed to his im-
age; all the religionists of that day
would begin to proclaim against them
with great energy, pronouncing it the
works of the adversary, and the persons
who were thus taught, as being in the
very likeness of satan.
This strange tact was so clearly ex-
emplified in the days of the Savior,
that the most blind might see, that the
nearer any person or persons approach-
ed to the likeness of the Deity, the
nearer the false religionists thought
that they resembled the prince of dark-
ness, and if a person were to be trans-
formed into the very likeness of the
Deity, then the false religionists would
say that they were the very image of
the prince of devils himself.
The Savior of the v>-orld, of whom it
was said, that he was the brightness of
the Father's glory, and the express im-
age of his person, was called by all oth-
er sects in religion in his day, the beel-
zebub, the very prince of devils. So
little did they know of either the Fa-
iher or the Son, that when the express
image of the Father was before them,
in the person of the Son, they supposed
that it v/as the prince of devils himself.
Those sects and parties knew as
much of God, as do the sects of this
day. The Presbyterians, the Me-
thodists, the Episcopalians, the Baptist,
and the Cami)bellites, know as little of
the Father and the Son, as did the Phar-
MESSENGER Ax\D ADVOCATE.
473
isees and Saducees of the Savior's day,
and the Savior has said, that, "If they
have called the Master beelzebub, so
will they call the servant also."
The saints of the last days may cal-
culate on being scandalized by every
evil epithet which malice and ignorance
combined can mvent, and the nearer
they approach to the image of the Sa-
vior, the nearer these ignoramuses will
tliink, they will aproximate the likeness
of satan, and if they should so purify
their hearts, as to be in the express im-
age of the person of the Savior, then
they may confidently expect to be call-
ed beelzebub the prince of devils.
There have been some things truly
amusing, if wickedness could be said
to be amusing, among those who have
persecuted the saints of the last days.
Take, lor instance, Matthew Ciapp,the
Carapbellite beloved disciple. At one
time, io have heard him talk, you would
have supposed that his whole breast
was a mass of recollection, so that he
could recollect from the waistband of
his breeches, to the crown of his head.
At another, you wouid have thought his
whole carcass to have been a monstrous
pair of eyes, with which he could see
out of his back, or the calves of his
legs, as easily as he could look out of
his -face. At another, to hear him
spout, and see him stride through the
streets, you would necessarily have
supposed, that he was nothing but an
outlandish pair of ears, with which he
could hear out of the ends of his fin-
gers, or the end of his toes, or from be-
tween his shoulders or any part of his
body as easily as his head.
It wanted only, however, for a per-
son of the least discernment, to see him
once, to discover that he was nothing
more nor less, than thp veriest folly,
wrapped up in.a, mantle of the most
perfect pride, ihii*^.the?'e was any where
on this side the gates of perdition.
The scandalous conduct of the per-
secutors of the saints of the last days,
the base lies which they have made and
circulated in order to stop the progress
of the truth, are another comment up-
on the Savior's words, "If they call
the Master beelzebub, so will they call
the servant also." This is what the
Master of the house has forewarned us
of, and of which he has testified; there-
fore, we may expect to receive it at
the hand of this persecuting, though ve-
ry religious generation. And when it
comes we have another testimonv of
the truth of the Savior's saying, and
an additional j roof that we are his dis-
ciples.
Let us then do as he did before us;
let us endure with i;:uch long suffering,
the contradiction of sinners arrainst
o
ourselves, until he who is our life shall
appear, and then shall we appear with
him in glory, and v.'here he is, there
shall we his servants be also.
An eminent instance of true Fortitude.
All who have been distinguished as
servants of God, or benefactors of men;
all who, in perilous situations, have
acted their part with such honor as to
render their names illustrious through
succeeding ages, have been eminent
for fortitude of mind. Oi this we have
one conspicuous example in the apostle
Paul, whom it will be instructive for us
to view in a remarkable occurrence of
his life.
After having long acted as the apos-
tle of the Gentiles, his mission called
him to go to Jerusalem, where he knew
that he was to encounter the utmost vi-
olence of his enemies. Just before he
set sail, he called together the elders of
his iavorite church at Ephesus; and,
in a pathetic speech, which does great
honor to his character, gave them his
last farewell. Deeply affected by their
knowledge of the certain dangers to
which he was exposing himself, all the
assembly were filled with distress, and
melted into tears.
The circumstances were such, as
might have conveyed dejection even in-
to a resolute mind; and would have to-
tally overwhelmed the feeble. "They
all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck,
and kissed him; sorrowing most of all
for the words which he spoke, that
they should see his face no more." —
What were then the sentiments, what
was the language, of this great and
good man? Hear the words which
spoke his firm and undaunted mind.
"Behold, I go bound in the spirit to
Jerusalem, not knowing the things that
shall befall me there; save that the
Holy Spirit witnosseth in every city,
saying, that bonds and ufHictions abide
me. But none of these things move
me; neither count I my life dear to
myself, so that I might finish my
course with joy, and the ministry which
I have re reived of the Lord Jesus, to
4$»
iaESSENGER ANfi ADVOCA'l^
testify the gospel of the grace of God.''
Attend now to the sentiments of the
same excellent man, when the time of
his last sufiering approached; and re-
mark the majesty, and the ease, with
which he looked on death. "I am now
ready to be offered, and the time of my
departure is at hand. I have fought
the good fight. 1 have finished my
course. I have kept the faith. Hence-
forth there is laid up for me a crown of
righteousness."
How many years of life does such a
dying moment overbalance! V/ho
would not choose, in this manner, to
go off the stage, with such a song of
triumph in his mouth, ratiier than pra-
lonar his existence throush a wretched
old age, stained with sin and shame?
ENCOURAGEMEiNT.
If at one time, and in one place, cer-
tain individuals become belter, why
should not the whole mass improve?
If partial societies become perfect, why
should it not happen whh society at
large?
We see neighborhoods, districts and
towns becoming, almost instantaneous-
ly, more inquiring, more intelligent and
more respectable and influential; and
we also see certain individuals in almost
every circle, however adverse the cir-
cumstances, suddenly starting from the
stupidity of their associates, and rising
into knowledge, influence and respec*.
What one neighborhood or individual
has done, every neighborhood or indi-
vidual may do. Cato remarked, "I
can do whatever man has done."
Preventive Check. — It is the custom
m Germany and Moravia, to make
two distinct ceremonies necessary to
constitute marriage; the betrothal and
final rite. The latter precedes the fart-,i-
er from one to four years, according to
circummstances, and is the best Mal-
thusian plan that could be devised as
Miss Martineau would acknowledge,
being founded on prudence.
"It interposes a seasonable pause be-
fore young parties enter into the ex-
penses of a family and house. It gives
an opportunity of discovering any cause,
such as drunken or idle habits or pov-
erty which might make the marriage
unsuitable; and perhaps, as a probation-
ary period, is not without its good effect
.on the character and temper of both sex-
.«s. If we reckon the prolific age of a fe-
male at twentyUwo years, ar from eight-
een to forty; tlse interval ot a year, (&
in less opulent classes it is often sever-
al) alone reduces to iiie anjount oT be-
tween four & five per cent the increase
of population"
THE EVENING CLOUD.
A cloud lay cradled near the setting sun,
A gleam of crimson tinged its braided snow;
Long had I watthud (he glory moving on
O'er the soft radiance of the laka below.
Tranquil its spirit seemed, and floated slow:
E'en in its very motion there was rest;
While every breath of eve that chanced to blow
Wafted the traveller to the beauteous west.
Emblem, methought, of the departed soul,
To whose white robe the gleam of bliss is gireu;
Anr!, by llic breath of mercy, made to roll
Right onward to the golden gates of heaven,
Where to the eye of fuith it peaceful lies,
And tells to man his glorious destinies.
WiLBOK.
KIRTLAND
nm OFFICE
AND
SMITH &. HIGDON
DEALERS IN
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THE LATTER DAY SAINTS'
KXessenger and Advocate,
la published every month at Kirtland, Geauga
Co. Ohio, by
J. SMITH, Jr. & S. RIG^DO^r,
PROPRIETORS.
TERMS.
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I.ATTEM 1>AY SAINTS'
Mi:^;^Ei^^wEK ANB ADVOCATE.
Vol. III. No. 7.] KIRTLAND, OHIO, APRIL, 1837. [Whole No. 31. ~"
For I knojo that my Redeemer livelk qiiently are still looking for him. They
and that he shall stand at the latter day profess to believe what the prophets
upon the earth And though after my said concerning him, and his reign on
skin worms destroy this body, yet in my the earth, but they contemjilate the glo-
flesh shall I see God: lohom I shall see ries attendant on his second advent,
for myself and mine eyes shall behold,
and not another; thougli my reins be
consumed icithin ??ie.-JoB 19: 25,28,27.
Great distress of body and deep do-
mestic affliction weighed Jown this ser-
vant of the Mo'st High, at the time he
gave vent to the words we have chosen
to place at the head of this article. He,
by a series of afflictive providences,
not in his power to control, had been
recently and suddenly reduced from
affluence to extreme indigence. His
children had just been cut off by an af-
flictive stroke, a sore disease preyed
upon his own body, his companion, his
bosom friend reproached him for what
she considered obstinacy instead of in-
tegrity, and to crown the whole, his
friends from whom he doubtless expect-
ed some commiseration, some sympa-
thy at least, reproached him severely,
assuring him that these heavy judg-
ments had fallen upon him in conse-
quence of his great wickedness.
In the midst of all these sore calam-
ities he expressed his confidence in the
resurrection, and that in the latter day
he should see his Redeemer stand up-
on the earth.. Hence says he, though
after my skin worms destroy this body,
yet in my flesh shall 1 see God: whom
I shall see for myself and mine eyes
shall behold and not another.
God had shown this eminent man that
there was a glorious hereafter, a period
in futurity when sighing and sorrow
shall have fled away, when the Redeem-
er should stand upon the earth. All
the inspired penmen who have spoken
or left any thing on record upon this
subject, appear to have associated in
their minds an idea of joy unspeakable
and full of glory; a period when the
knowledge of the Lord should cover the
earth, when there should be no more
death, nor sorrow nor crying.
We are aware that there is a diver-
sity of opinion on the sul)ject of the
coming of Christ, and the nature of his
reign. The Jews, as a body reject the
idea that he ever did come, and conse-
and knowing as they do, that those joys
that were to be realized, spoken of by
the ancient p-ophets, have never yet
been realized. That personage that
did come whom their fathers crucified
and slew, did not deliver them from un-
der the Roman yoke, did not reign as
a temporal prince, therefore they do
not acknowledge him as the Messiah.
They look for the literal fulfilment of
what is written and what we believe
will all take place when he shall ap-
pear the second time without sin unto
salvation. It is abundantly evident
that that time spoken of by Isaiah in
the 24th chapter and 23d verse, has
never yet come; for he says, in that
day the moon shall be confounded and
the sun ashamed, when the Lord of
hosts shall reign m mount Zion, and in
Jerusalem, and before his anciepts glo-
riously. The prophect in the 32d chap-
ter from the first to the 9th verse inclu-
sive, speaks of the blessings of a king-
dom that have never been realized by
saint or sinner in any kingdom, there-
fore the predictions remain to be fulfil-
ed or there is no truth in revelation. —
Luke's testimony 1 : 32 and 33. as deliv-
ered bv the angel concerning the Sa-
vior, is as follows: he shall be great
and shall be called the son of the High-
est; and the Lord God shall give unto
him the throne of his father David,
and he shall reign over Ahe house of
Israel forever, and of his kingdom
there shall be no end.
Asa further pvoof of our position,
the Lord says by the mouth of the pro-
phet M^cah, 4: 6 and 7. In thit day
saith the Lord will I assemble her that
halteth, and I will gather her that is
driven out, and her that I h"ive afflict-
rd; at-id I will make her that halted a
remnant; and her that was cast far off
a strong nation; and the Lord shall
reign over them in mount Zion from
henceforth, even forever. From the
reading of these predictions how abun-
dantly evident it is that they were never
fulfilled while the Savior tal>ernccM
43d
aiESSENGER AND ADVOCATI!
with men on the earth, and if he were
not to make his appearance again on
the earth, the veracity of the piophet
■would be impeached, the saints in an-
cient as well as in modern times, have
believed in vain, they have hoped in
vam, they have suffered in vain, and
the scripture is no reveuitiou to us.
Paul, in his epistle to Timothy, 2:
11,12, says, It is "a foithful saymg that
if we be dead with him we shall also
live w.th him, if we suffer with him
we shall also reign with him, if wc de-
ny him he will also deny us. On look-
ing at these remarks, who does not
know from the best sources of informa-
tion now exta-it, that not only the apos-
tle who caused thisepistle to be written,
but most of the saints who were coeval
with him suffered? and who does not
also know that they have never yet
reigned with him? Lest a query might
arise in the mmds of some relative to
the place where the saints are to reign
with him, we unhesitatingly say it is
on the earth, and as proof of this we
will add the testimony of John the Re-
velator, 5: 10; and thou hast made us
unto our God, kings and priests and
we shall reign on the earth.
Here we notice as we pass who these
cha''acters were that John saw. They
were such as were pmmitted to parti-
cipate in the joys of the redeemed, had
been made, or were to be made kings
and priests unto God and were to reign
on the earth, thus we find a plain sim-
ple, yet impor.anl declaration, without
any obscurity, leaving the saints and
all unprejudiced persons without a sha-
dow of doubt resting upon their minds,
as to the place where they were to
reign.
We have seen where certain
characters are to reign, and with whom
they are to reign, and we will see if we
have any evidence to prove how long
they shall reign, and when their reign
shall commence. John says, Rev. 20:
4, and I saw thrones, and they sat up-
on them and judgment was given unto
them; aad I saw the souls o( them that
were beheaded for the witness of Jesus,
and for the word of God, and which
had not worshiped the beast, neither
his image, neither had received his
mark upon their foreaeads. or in thier
hands, and they lived and reigned with
Christ a thousand years. During this
period the saints anticipate joys unin-
terrupted and bliss without alloy. They
infer this from the fact that satan is to
bo bound during this period and not
suffered to go out and deceive the na-
tions until it shall have expired. Then
will be the time when the promise of
the Savior to his desciples shall be lit-
erally fulfilled, that the meek shall in-
herit the earth. Then shall he whose
right it is to reign, reign on the earth;
he shall veciiy sit upon the throne of
his father David agreeably to the pre-
diction of the angel before he made his
first advent into the v.orld.
On reilection we think there is so
much scripture testimony on this im-
portant point, we are astonished that
tb.ere should be a solitary doubt, resting
on the minds of any, capable of reading
and understanding the language in
which these corroborating facts are re-
corded. The characters who, the time
when, how long, and place where, are
so y)lain!y to be understood, that it
would seem to us so intelligible "that
the way-fairng man, though a fool,
need not err ■'''
This sen li men I, we see is exactly in
accordance with that we have chosen
as the foundation of the remarks we
have already made. Fori know, says
Job, that my Redeemer livcth, and
that he shall stand at the latter day up-
on the earth, that 1 shall see him, that
mine eyes shall behold him, and that I
shall see him in the flesh.
Thus it would seem, if it had been
the sole object of inspiration to make
this (by some so much controverted
subject) plain, more simple and definite
terms could not well be found; and di-
vested of prejudice or pre|)ossession,
no {)erson can mistake the language of
inspiration on this pleasing theme.
The sure promise of such ravishing
bliss, enabled the saints anciently lo
endure such great tribulations as they
were doomed to pass through, with
more than manly fortitude. "They
truly endured great contradictions of
sinners against themselves. They en-
dured as seeing him who is invisible."
And v.'hy, wo ask? They had respect
unto the recompenccof reward. They
were assured there were crowns laid
up for them, and not for them only but
for all those that loved or should love
his appearing. This was their sheet
anchor, the foundation of their hope,
and buoyed them above every tribula-
tion through which they were called to
pass, here in this vale of tears. Hence,
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
483
says one of the ancients, "neither count
I my life dear to myself, so that [
might finish my course with joy, and
the ministry which I have received of
the Lord Jesus to testify the gospel of
the graceof God." To live, said the
same eminent personage on another oc-
casion, is Christ, but to die is gain.
So we find all the inspired penmen
to be equally fearless of death, yet they
dill not like cowards steal out of time
because they had not courage to nieet
the afflictions unavoidably connected
with a coarse of obedience to the di-
vine mandates, but looking forward to
that eventful period, that happy era be-
yond the grave, "they ennured, as see-
ing him who is invisible." Hence says
the authoi of our text, although labor-
ing under the most deep and painful
afflictions, "I know that my Redeemer
liveth, and that in the latter day he shall
stand upon the earth. Though after
my skin worms destroy this body, vet
in my fiesh shall I see God, whom 1
shall see for myself and mine eves
shall behold him."
Hence it would appear, from all the
testimony that we have adduced on this
subject, together with what may be
drawn from holy v.-rit, that one must be
wilfully blind or obstinate!}' wicked, to
deny facts so plainly proven by so ma-
ny v/itnesses. Truly they have not
all used the same words, to express
what we believe to be the same ideas;
but there is an identity of idea, a pecu-
liar animation of soul, even in rehear-
sing; their words, aithouffh thcv were
spoken or written long since, by dilTer-
ent prophets, b}' the Savior, or his apos-
tles, they produce the same fiow of
thought, the same glow of feeling, that
ever springing hope, that animates and
cheers the saints, in their darkest hours
of domestic affliction, and enables them
to meet the pale monster, death, with
a smile of resignation.
How oft have the servants of God,
in the midst of tortures most cruel, ex-
claimed, almost Vv'ith an air of triumph
over their tormentors, O death where
is thy sting? And why? From the
evidences which they had of a glorious
resurrection, a happy immortality be-
yond the grave. Hence says the apos-
tle, if we suffer with him, we shall
reign with him.
That joy extatic, that thrills through
the soul and animates with a holy hope,
the real children of promise, the serv-
ants of the most high God, when they
have about finished their course and the
time of their departure is at hand,
makes them exclaim, in viev/ of what
lies before them, come welcome death,
thou end of fears, we are prepared to
die. We are here reminded of the lan-
guage of the poet in reference to death.
Tills patli llie best ofmenliave trod;
And wlio'd decline the road to God!
O! 'tis a glorious boon to die,
Tiiis favor cant be prized too high.
Job, exclaimed, in view of the pros-
pect that lay before him, I knov/ that
mj' Redeemer liveth, and that in the
latter day he shall stand upon the earth.
What gave buoyancy to this prospect,
the hope which then animated them,
under such appalling calamities was,
the surety that their afflictions and their
sufferings, however painful and severe,
were soon to end, soon the glorious
morn of an eternal day, would dawn
upon their ravished vision. Ed.
Continued from February Number.
PAGE 455.
Let us contemplate for a moment
the sublime scenery that transpired on
that august morn previous lo the flood-
e;:,ite3 of heaven beinsr opened and the
fountains of the might}' deep broken
up. W^e behold among the vast crea-
tions of God one man, and one only,
that was esteemed worthy by the
searciier ol all hearts, of receiving a
revelation of his will. Let us imagine
lor a moment the contempt and ridicule
ti) vv'hich Noah, the man of God, was
exposed on this occasion; long had
tiiat bigoted and self-righteous genera-
tion looked upon this prophet of the
Most High as a fanatic, a fool, or a
mad-man: when they beheld him en-
gaged in building the ponderous ark,
hundreds of miles from any considera-
ble waters through fear of being drown-
ed, and at the same time declaring that
God had commanded him to do so, they
no doubt, laughed him to scorn. But
yet we see the good man steady to his
purpose, until he had accomplished the
might}' fabric. Then said the Lord
unto him, "Yet seven days, and I will
cause it to rain upon the earth forty
davs and forty nights, come thou and
all thy house into the ark: for thee
have I seen righteous before me." —
And while the giddy multitude gather-
ed themselves together to mock and
484 ^
deride the good man, and witness as
ihey vainly supposed the consumation
of his folly, we see the clean beasts
coming to him by sevens, and those
that were not clean by two, the male
and his female; not only domestic ani-
mals, but the roaring- lion, ferocious ti-
ger and prowling wolf of the forest,
and other beasts of prey tamely sub-
mitting to his control, each betaking
himself to his separate apartment; also
the great variety of poisonous serpents
and other reptiles that creep upon the
face of the earth, with the numerous
feathered tribes of all denominations,
kinds and sizes, from the huge stork
of the wilderness anH rapacious vulture
of the heavens, down through all the
different grades and variety of plu-
mage, to the small humming bird that
sips the morning dew from the open-
ing flowers; — see the beasts of the
field, the reptiles, creeping things and
fowls of the air, swarming round him
as harmless and iiioffensive, as when
God called them together, and caused
them to pass in general review before
Adam to be named by him, as if con-
scious of the impending ruin that await-
ed all the creation of God In the
mean time, the tranquil elements begin
to show signs of an approaching storm;
clouds thicken around the horizon; the
lightnings flash and thunders roar as
if all the artillery of heaven were at
once put into requcsition; the solid
mass of nature groans and trembles
beneath their feet; the winds howl in
the distant wood, the stately forest trees
are uprooted, quick the astonished
beasts forsake their coverts, and the
fowls of heaven their shady bowers, all
rushing with fearful haste before the
fierce tornado of the wrath of God. —
The windows of heaven are opened,
and all the fountains of the great deep
broken up, and while torrents of rain
descend, Noah enters the steadfast
ark, which remains unmoved amidst
the conflicting elements; and the invis-
ible hand of his Creator closes the door
behind him. All faces now gather
blackness, while they behold inevitable
destruction approaching them as a
whirlwind, and surrounding them on
all sides and no way to escape. Ah,
too late had they learned that God's
servant had been in their midst to
whom he had revealed his secrets. In
vain do they fly for safety; in vain do
^hey leave the plains already covered
5n:fe'SEi\GER AND ADVOCATE.
with water and contend with the beaste
of the mountains for the highest emin-
ence, to protract *heir sure and certain
doom, while they behold the broken
fragments of their desolate habitations
floating upon the rippling surface of
the wide inundation. "And the waters
increased and bear up the ark, and it
was lifted up above the earth. And
the waters prevailed exceedingly upon
the earth: and all the high hills and
mountains that were under the whole
heaven were covered. Fifteen cubits
upwards did the waters prevail, and all
flesh died that moved upon the earthy
both of fowl, and of cattie,and of beast,
and ot every creeping thing that creep-
eth upon the earth, and every man: all
in whose nostrils was the breath of
life. And every living substance was
destroyed which was uoon the face of
the ground, both man, and cattle, and
creeping thing, and the fowls of heav-
en were destroyed, and Noah only re-
mained alive and they that were with
him in the ark." Who can contem-
plate this scenery with feelings of an
ordinary nature! In the picture we
have presented before us; we behold
the earth swept with the besom of des-
truction, every thing under the whole
heaven blotted out of existence because
of the wickedness of man. The high
and low, rich and poor, bond and free,
both male and female, noble and igno-
ble, embracing every cast, shade and
variety of religion that existed among
the antedeluvians, with their priests,
temples, synagogues, and places of
worship, were fit subjects only to be
r'estroyed and cast down with the beast
that perisheth; and tos'ether with ih^m
to be overwhelmed in the dark abyss.
Let us imagine ourselves seated in the
ark by the side of Noah where we can
survey the dreary waste, and securely
glide over the bosom of this universal
world of waters.
Let us call to mind the words of the
Apostle, as follows: "Whereby the
world that then was being overflowed
with water perished. But the heavens
and the earth which are now, by the
same word are kept in store reserved
unto fire against the day of judgement
and perdition of ungodly men." Peter.
"And 1 saw as it were a sea of glass
mingled with fire, and them that had
gotten the victory over the beast, and
over his image, and over his mark,
and over the number of his name.
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
485
stand on the sea of glass, having the
harps of God. And they sing the
song of Moses the servant of God, and
the song of the Lamb, saying, Great
and marvelous are thy works Lord
God Almighty, just and true are thy
ways thou King of Saints." John. —
There we see floating upon the liquid
element (which is a beautiful represent-
ation of a sea of glass,) all the right-
eous that inhabited the old world. —
These, by reason of their faitli obtained
the victory over the beast his image &;c.
and were able to stand, while all the
rest of mankind for want of faith were
involved in one general ruin.
Here was a cleansing of the world
bv water; but the Lord said unto Noah,
1 will not cut off all flesh any more by
the waters of a flood; neither shall
there any more be a flood to destroy
the earth. My bow in the cloud shall
be for a token of a covenant between
me and the earth for perpetual genera-
tions.
But the heavens and the earth (says
Peter,) which are now, by the same
word kept in store reserved unto fire,
where it will again be cleansed, and be-
come like a sea of glass; a fit dwellin -
place for all the pure in heart, who be-
lieve m that God, who has done, and
who will do nothing, save he reveals
his secrets and marvellous works to his
servants the prophets.
When the waters were abated and
dried up, this common progenitor of .he
new world, was commanded to go forth
out of the ark; and as a testimony ot
hie gratitude to God for his deliverance,
he built an alter unto him: in conse-
quence of which he obtained a promise,
that while the earth remained, seed
time and harvest, cold and heat, sum-
mer and winter, and day and night
should not cease. Has not the Lord
jpver been true and faithful to perform
on his part the oath and covenant made
with Noah, and every living creature
in all generations, from that until the
present time? Did you ever think, knd
reader, that when the gentle heavens
distil their refreshing showers, to revive
the drooping vegetation, and water the
thirsty ground; and the azure bow dis-
plays its beauteous arch on the retiring
cloud, that God had said unto Noah
more than four thousend years since —
♦' 1 will look upon it and remember the
everlasting covenant betwen me and
every living creatyre?"
How unlike their creator is man in
thisaespect? Their covenants with the
Lord and with each-other are treated
lightly, broken and forgotten in conse-
quence of the wickedness and instabil-
ity of the human heart — but as the
Psalmist has said, good and upright ia
the Lord, thou rememberest thy cove-
nants to all generations. Did you ever
realize that previous to the deluge, no
such covenant existed between man
an dhis Creator, that the Antideluviana
never saw a rainbow in the heavens,
that God had never at any time given
them a promise that the earth should
not be destroyed by the waters of a
flood! As we have spoken largely up-
on the dealiugs of God with Noah &:
hiscotemporaries,vve shall pass on to the
history of his more immediate descend-
ants, and proceed to take into consider-
ation the character and standing of his
servant Abraham in relation to the
subject before us. viz. That God re-
veals all his secret acts to his servants
the prophets so far as they are con-
nected with lus happiness or well
being in this world, or that which is to
come.
We behold Abraham acting a con-
spicuous part in the great theatre of
supernatural events. The first partic-
ular account we have of him is that he
journied from the plains of Shinah in
the land of Chaldea, to the land of Ca
naan in company with Sarah his wife
and Lot his brothers son with all their
substance: because of the wickedness
of that idolatrous people among whom
he dwelt, God commanded him to go
out tVom their midst unto aland that he
would show unto them.
When he had built an altar and of-
fered sacrifice unto the Lord, he ap
peared unto him and revealed great and
glorious secrets, not only instructing
him how to escape the famine which
was in the land; but gave him promises
that involved the interest of all snc-
ceeding generations. At another time
we fiind him in company with two of
his servants, with his wood clave for
the altar and his ass saddled journey-
ing to mount Moriah early in the morn-
ing to sacrifice his only begotten son,
in whom the Lord had said, all the na-
tions of the earth shall be blessed — but
he did not stagger at this command-
ment, because he considered him faith-
ful who had promised, and went for-v
WBrd with unlimited confidence, with
486
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE
the lad to worship as God had com-
nianded him. And when he had placed
the wood upon the altar and bound
Isaac and laid him thereon, he diew
the deadly knife to shed the precious
blood of the son of his own bosom,
knowing as the Savior said that (.iod
was able of these stones to raise up seed
unto Abraham.
When the Lord saw his faith was
perfect, he called to him out of the
heavens, saymg now I know that thou
lovest me: wJiy did the Lord know
this? Because he had not v/ithheld his
only son, but cheerfully offered him up
in sacrifice at the shrine of the Almigh-
ty.
Often have I contemplated upon the
great contrast that exists between the
faith of Abraham and the faith of those
of this generation that expect to inher-
it the same blessii5g with him, and be
seated by his side in the kingdom of
God: so far from being willing to
make a sacrifice that would be tanta-
mount to this, they are not willing to
sacrifice their good name am.ong the
fashionable circles of society, nor yet
are they willing to divest themselves
of the vain trappings, georgeous appar-
el & suratLious fare nf the licentious
multitude, vv^bich are so prejudiced to
the health & happiness of .mankind,
for the sake of obtaining that pearl of
great price, which clothes a man with
humility and meekness, and enriches
his mind, with that intelligence and
wisdom which comes from God alone,
and stamps upon his heart with indelli-
ble traces, those starting qualities that
characterize the humble follower of
the meek and lowly Jesus. Vain
hope! Impossible for such to enjoy
the society of Abraham; the like faith
they do not possess, a revelation from
God they never obtained, the spirit of
prophesy has long since departed from
them, the Lords servants are not found
in their ranks to whom he can reveal
his secrets; superstition, priestcraft,
bigotry & self-righteousness, with all
their deformities reign triumphant in
their midst; intolerance & persecution
are the banner under which they enlist
their influence and the saints of God
are trampled in the dust beneath their
feet. — But the day is fast apprLachino-
fearfulness will surprise the hypocrite
and the wickedness of the wicked,
will be exposed for the Lord in his
auger will arise and come forth like
a lion from the thicket; and the fearful
& unbelieving will be sifted out, and
driven away, before the rough wind
of his indignation as the chaff of the
summer threshing floor, while all the
faithful will not only be permitted to
enjoy the society of Abraham, but with
all the sanctified will inherit the fair
realms of everlasting felicity & happi-
ness in the celestial kingdom of God.
VV. PARISH
\_To he Continued]
Anni/ersary of the church of
Latter Day saints.
A short notice only was given that
a solemn assembly would be called of
the otficial members of this church on
the 6th Inst, tor the purpose of wash-
ing, anointing, washing of feet, receiv-
ing instruction and the further organi-
zation of the ministry. We gave no-
tice to a i'ew churches by mail, and
more would have been apprized had we
been notified in due season to do so our
selves.
We proceed to give a synopsis of the
proceedings. IVIeetings were held by
the difierent quorums, on Monday,
Tuesday and Wednesday evenings,
to wash and an-^in such of their respec-
tive members as had not been washed
and anointed, that all might be pre-
pared for the meeting on the sixth.
At an early hour ()n Thursday, the
the sixth, the official members assem-
bled in the house of the Lord, where the
time, lor the first two or three hours
was spent by the different quorums in
washing of feet, singing, praying and
preparing to receive instruction from
the Presidents of the church. The
Presidents together with the Seventies
and their presidents repaired to the west
room in the attic story, where, for
want of time the preceding evening, it
became necessary to seal the anointing
of those who had recently been anoint-
ed and not sealeo.
Another subject of vital importance
to the church, was the establshing of
the grades of the different quorums. —
It was ascertained that all but one, of
the presidents of the seventies, were
high priests and when they had ordain-
ed and set apart from the quorum of el-
ders, into the quorum of seventies, they
had confered upon them the high-priest-
hood also: this was declared to be*
wrong, and not according to the order
of heaven. New presidents of the sev-
MESSENGEU AND ADVOCATE.
m
enties were accordingly ordained to [ill over that particular branch of church af-
ihe place of such of them as were high fairs that are denominated the lessor
priests, and the ea; oj/icvio presidents and priesthood, and because we have no di-
such of the seventies as had been legal- rect lineal descendant of Aaron to
ly ordained to tlie high priesthood, whom it would of right belong. He
were directed to unite with the quorum
of high [)riests. After eluding the par-
ticular business in the quorum of the
seventies to which we ha\e jus. alluded,
all the quorums assembled in the lower
room of the Lords house where they
were addressed by ihe presidents from
the stand.
Joseph Smith jr. rose and spoke on
the subject of the Pri(!sthood. The
Melchisadec High priesthood, he saic!
was no other than the priesthood of th'
son of God. There are certain ordi
nances which belong to the priesthood,
and certain results liovv from it.
The presidents, or presidency are
over the church, and revelations of the
mind and will of (iod to the church are
to come through the presidency. This
is the order of heaven and the powe.
and privilege of this p.iesthood. it i^
also the privilege of any ofd;:er in thi.'-
church, to obtain revelations so t^ar as
relates to his particular calling or duty
in the church. All are bound by the
principles of virtue and happiss, but one
great privilege of this [Jiiesthood is to
obtain revelauons, as bet^ore observed,
of the mind and will of God. It is also
the privilege of the Melchisedec priest-
hood, to reprove, rebuke and admonish,
as well as to receive revelations.
He here remarked something- con-
concerning the will of God, and said,
that what God commanded, th.e one
half of the church would condemn. —
A high Priest, is a member of tne same
Melchesidec priesthood, with the presi
dency, but not of the same pow«r or
authority in the church. The seven-
ties are also members of the same
priesthood, are a sort of travelling coun-
cil, or priesthood, and may preside
over a church or churches until a hiy-h
priest can be had. The seventies are
to be taken from the quorum of elders
and are not to be high priests. They
are subject to the direction and dictaton
of, the twelve, who have the keys of
the ministry. All are to preach the
gospel, by the power and influtnce of
the Holy Ghost, and no man, said he,
can preach the gospel v/ithout the Holy
Ghost.
The Bishop was a high priest, and
necessarily so, because he is to preside
remarked that this was the same, or a
branch of the same priesthood; and il-
lustrated his position by the figure of
the human body, which has ditierent
members, which have ditferent offices
to perform: all are necessary in their
place, and the body is not complete
without all the members. From a
view of the requirements of the ser-
vants of God to preach the gospel, he
remarked that few were qualified even
to be priests, and if a priest understood
his duty, his calling and ministry and
;)reached by the Holy Ghost, his en-
joyment is as great as if he were one
.)f the presidency; and his services are
necessary in the body, as are also those
of teachers and deacons. Therefore
in viewing the church as whole, we may
strictly denominate it one priesthood.
He remarked that he rebuked and
idmonished his brethren frequently,
ind that bt cause he loved them; not
oecause he wished to incur their dis-
pleasure or mar their happiness.
Such a course of conduct was not
calculated to gain the good will of all,
but rather the ill v/ill of many, and
thereby the situation in which he stood
was an important one. So you see,
jrethren the higher the authority, the
greater the difficulty of the station.
But these rebukes and admonitions be-
came nccssary from the perverseness
of brethren, for their temnoral as well
as spiritual welfare. They actually
constituted a part of the duties of his
station and calling.
Others had other duties to perform
that were important and far less envi-
able, and might be just as good, like the
feet or hands in their relation to the
human body, neither could claim prior-
ity, or say to the other I have no need
of you. After all that has been said
the greatest duty and the most impor-
tant is, to preach the gospel.
He then alluded to the temporal aff-
airs of the church in this place, stating
the causes of the embarrassments of a
pecuniary nature that wore now press-
ing upon the heads of the church. He
observed they began poor, were needy
destitute, and were truly afflicted by
their enemies; yet the Lord command-
ed them to go forth and preach the
4S8
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
gospel, to sacirfice their time, their tal-
ents, their good name and jeopardize
their lives, and in addition to this, they
were to build a house for the Lord,
and prepare for the gathering of the
saints.
Thus it Was easy to see this must in-
volve them. They had no temporal
means in the begiunmg commensurate
with such an undertaking, but this
work must be done, this place had to
be built up. He further remarked that
it must yet be built up, that more hous-
es must be built. He observed that
large contracts had been entered into
for land on all sides where our enemies
had signed away their right. We are
indebted to them to be sure, but our
brethren abroad have only to crme
with their money, take these contracts,
relieve their brethren of the pecuniary
embarrassments under which they now
labor, and procure for themselves a
peaceable place of rest among us. He
then closed at about 4 P. M. by utter-
ing a prophesy saying this place must
be built up, and would be built up, and
that every brother th^it would take hold
and help secure and discharge those
contracts that had been made, should
be rich.
President, Hyrum Smith then rose
and addressed the audience.- The
main drift of his remarks alluded to the
temporal affairs of the church. He
censured those who counselled such
brethren as moved to this place, when
they were not authorized to give
advice.
He also alluded in terms of disap-
probation, to the practice of some indi-
viduals in getting money from breth-
ren that come in, when it ought to be
appropriated to the discharge of heavy
debts that are now hanging over the
heads of the church, or the payments
of the land contracts which had been
made for the benefit of the saints in
this place. He closed his remarks by
plain practical advice and exhortation,
at 2.5 mmutes before 5 P. M.
President Oliver Cowdery rose im-
mediately and made a few brief and
pertinent remarks relative to the
preaching of the gospel and teaching
the people.
He opposed the idea of elders attemp-
ting to preach or teach that which they
did not know, saying that this genera-
tion could bear no more than is already
revealed, therefore, elders, to any that
attempt to teach, or preach the gospel,
ought to stnd} diligently & attentively
the things that God has revealed and
commanded and press the necessity of
obedience to them. He made but few
other remarks and then closed.
President Sidney Rigdon rose a
little before five P. M. and said that
the object of this mission & ministry,
was the gathering together of the saints.
The preaching of the gospel was the first
thing. Nothing can effect the gather-
ing of the saints but that. A place to
gather them is also important and both
are to be had in view, when we preach.
He then alluded to the debt that had
been contracted by the committee for
building the Lord's house, and further
said that the elders must go forth and
do their duty. Others, he said had a
duty to do and they must do theirs, or
trouble would, most assuredly come
upon them. It was the will of God he
said that all should be industrious, m
extricating themselves from debt.
In the course of his remarks he sta-
ted three principle items, that constitu-
ted nearly the aggregate of debt that
now remained unfiquidated. The first
he said was a charge ol six thousand
dollars of which he was able to speak
definitely from correct data, which was
appropriated and expended in conse-
quence of the brethren being driven by
a lawless mob from their possessions in
Jackson county Mo.
Another was building this house.
The nature of this debt had been chan-
ged, and was now a merchant debt.
(Id,) the committee had purchased
goods, and these ^oods had been sold to
workmen, and for materials for the
building, consequently the committee
were curtailed in their available means
to make remittances for them, and a
D-reat share of that debt remained unli-
quidated. He stated from minutes
that were furnished him during the
lime he was remarking upon this item,
that the unliquidated debt for the build-
ing was rising of thirteen thousand dol-
lars.
This, he said, was to lay a foundation
for the gathering of Israel. Another
item of debt was for the purchase of
land, that there might be a place of
rest, a place of safety, a place that the
saint^. might lawfully call their own.
The elders that now go abroad to
preach, have a duty to do that they
can do understandingly.
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
Wtken they speak upon the subject
of the gathering, they can urge the
necessity and propriety of the measure
from the facts that we have a place for
them, and not only so, it is the will of
God that they should come.
He then stated the sum in roun^^
numbers that he thou2;ht would be suf-
ficient t" meet the whole debt, which
must be met that we might dwell in
peace. This, said he, will make this
stake of Zion safe. This is no fiction,
but a solemn (act, a reality. He felt
assured the object might be accomplish-
ed if all will exert themselves.
All cannot go out from home to labor
in preaching and proclaiming the gos-
pel, but such as cannot go can contrib-
ute, or in some way assist, the families
of those who can go.
He then uttered a prediction, that if
all would exert themselves as they
might, three months should not pass
away before we can shout victory over
the adversary.
He exhorted all not to prey upon each
other, for the time being, and say
pay me what thou owest, but contribute
all ill their power to discharge the
great debts that now hang over the
church. He exhorted to diligence, to
faithfulness, and on these, promised
deliverance; and thus closed his address
at half past five P. M.
Bread and water were then distribu-
ted liberally among all the quorums,
and it was truly a refreshing season to
soul and body. — The meetmg was then
dismissed by a benediction.
1 Many breth-ren and sisters assembled
n the evening for prayer and exhorta-
tion, and some few tarried nearly all
night.
Thus ended our anniversary, and
we hopo and trust good was done.
Important instructions were certainly
given and enforced with an energy
of expression and a clearness of thought
and perception, not to be mistaken:
and believing as we do, that a general
good feeling pervaded the whole audi-
ence, we trust that it will be a time long
to be remembered from important items
of instructions being treasured up into
good and honest hearts.
Ed.
i89
l?Iessen§^er and Advocate.
Great care must be taken that we as-
cribe not to God, what would be deem-
ed weakness, duplicity, or cruel in the
human character.
W. A. COWKERY, Editor.
KIRTLAND, OHIO, APRIL, 1837.
We have inserted below an article
from the pen of S. A. Davis, Editor of
"The Glad Tidings, and Ohio Chnst
ian Telescope," a Universalist publica-
tion printed at Pittsburgh, Pa.
We have done so, not because we
were honored with a visit from him and
his associates, not because they gave
us any new light on the gospel, for as
he very carefully observed he was as
far from believing our religion as he
ever was, we can truly reiterate the
same sentiment with regard to his, but
because we consider him a gentleman,
and pays that respect to our feelings,
our character and our religion that en-
titles him to acts of kindness and reci-
procity from us.
We believe the gentleman must be
mistaken if he has imbibed an idea that
we consider the kingdom of heaven will
be composed of real estate, houses or
lands, flocks or herds. There may
be, and indeed we fully believe there
is, an undue attachment in some of the
saints to amass wealth and heap up
nerishable treasure. We have only to
say, we deprecate such a propensity,
and most heartily wish we were the
only order of professors, who by their
conduct exhibit any thingof that nature.
In short we disclaim and disavow any
and all definitions of the kingdom of
God, except as Paul explained it to his
Roman brethren, saying it consisted in
righteousness and peace and joy in the
Holy Ghost.
Finally, we consider it due to Mr.
Davis, to his associates, and to our-
selves, to say that we consider them
gentlemen, of liberal minds, of correct
republican principles, evincing by iheir
conduct here, and the article we have
copied from their paper, their willing-
490
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
ness that we, and all others, should be-
lieve as we please, and worship God
agreeabl}' to the dictates ot our own
consciences. Kd-
From the Glad Tidings, of March 14.
KIRTLAND,— MORMONISM, &c.
In the last No. of this paper, I i-rorn-
ised an account of my visit to Kirt-
land, Geauga co., Ohio, a place of con-
siderable notoriety, as being the princi-
pal seat of that class of people denomi-
nated by themselves 'Latter Day Saints'
but more familiarly known abroad by
the name of Mormons. I v/ill now fulfil
my promise, though my limits will not
permit me to be very particular.
Kirtland is situated nine miles from
Chardon, the county seat, and four
miles from the lake, on (I believe) the
main branch of Chagrine river. The
land, like the Western Reserve in gen-
eral, is rich and fertile. Six years a-
go, there were but a handful of build-
ings in the town, farming being the
principle employment of the inhabitants
in that I'egion. It was about this time,
if I mistake not," that the leaders of
this sect commenced operations in
this place, and m.ade a considerable
purchase of land, and have since that
time increased to the number of about
4000. They now own most of the
4and on two square miles, which is laid
out into lots and streets in the style of
modern cities, and most of the lots sold.
Hundreds of dwellings are erected,
mostly small frames, but some of them
large and, quite elegant.
Four years ago, by the command-
ment of God through the prophet Jo-
seph (as they believe) they commenced
the building of a temple of worship,
the outside of which is now entirely
completed, and also the mterior, with
the exception of one apartment. It is a
splendid edifice, (the dimensions 1 have
forgotten) built of rough stone and
handsomely stuccoed, which gives it a
very rich appeal ance. The temple has
two principal apartments for meetings,
either of which will hold more than a
thousand persons. Each of these a-
partments are capable of being divided
into four separate rooms, by menns of
curtains which are let down from the
ceiling above by the help of windlasses.
Each apartment contains six pulpits,
three at each end, arranged like a flight
of stair!?. Those at one end. of the
temple are for the Aaronic Priesthood,
and those at the other for the Melchis-
edec Priesthood. The slips and seats
are so constructed that the audience
can face either way, as the occasion
may require.
The third, or attic story of the tem-
ple is divided into 5 rooms for schools,
where the various branches of En-
glish, Latin, Greek and Hebrew lan-
guages are now taught to a large num-
ber of students. The actual expense
of this building, I believe, is not
known, as much of the labor was per-
formed by themselves, without any ac-
curate account. But, v/hen completed,
it cannot amount to less than sixty
thousand dollars.
The people wnuld undoubtedly be
considered superstitious, and, in some
respects, I think they are so; yet I have
seldom, if ever, been treated with great-
er kindness by any denomination of
Christians, or seen manifested more
liberality of sentiment and Christian
charity, than b) the Latter Day Saints,
during my visit among them. They
seem to place implicit confidence in
the prophesies of Joseph Smith, and
the new revelation, and to depend
much upon visions, &c., m which I
have not the least particle of faith; yet
I have the charity to believe that many
of them, at least, are sincere in their
prol'essions, and I hope that all of them
are. I have no doubt that many of them
verily believe that this is the com-
mencement of the gathering of the
saints of God on the earth, and that
the glorious millenium is at hand. It
may be so — but there is one circum-
stance that augurs rather unfavorably
for such a conclusion. That is, they
seem to have too much worldly wisdom
connected with their religion — too
great a desire for the perishable riches
of this world — holding out the idea
that the kingdom of Christ is to be
composed of"real estate, herds, flocks,
silver, gold," &c. as well as of human
things. But let this pass.
I must not omit to notice that Br. Ed-
son Beals of Cherry Valley, and Dr.
James McKelvey of Paris, Ohio, ac-
companed me to this, somewhat inter-
esting city, looked upon by the citizens
as one of the "Stakes of Zion," not the
Zion or Holy City itself, for that, the
reader should know is to be built at In-
dependence, Mo. at some future day,
when the Lord shall enable them to
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
491
I'stretch forth the curtain of their hab-
itations— to lengthen their cords and
strengthen their stakes."
We had not the pleasure of seeing
Joseph Smith Jr. Sidney Rigdon, or O,
Cowdery, three leading men of this
sect, as they had gone to Michigan on
business for their Banking Institution,
of which I will not speak at the pres-
ent. But we were hospitably enter-
tained and kindly treated by Elder
Pratt and others, who spent most of
their time while we were there, in
showing us the "buildings of the tem-
ple," and giving us instiuction of their
new religion and 1 assure you, dear
reader, we so fa>- imitated the Atheni-
ans of old, as to spend most of the
time in nothing else, but to "hear
some new thing." They kindly offer-
ed us the use of their Church for an
evening meeting, and took it upon
themselves to give the information
through the town — and, though the
night was dark and rainy, and the
mud very deep, a congregation of four
or five hundred assembled and gave de-
vout attention to two discourses from
Br. McKelvey and myself, which
were followed by some remarks from
Br. Beales, Elder Pratt taking part in
the services.
On the whole, our visit to Kirtland,
was a pleasant one, and notwihstanding
I am as far from believing their doc-
trine as any person can be, yet I
must say that they manifested a spirit
of liberality, and Christianity, which
many of their bitterest persecutors
would do well to imitate.
S A. D.
We have often thought on the subject
of knowledge and the best means of
communicating it to others. Two things
we have ever considered indispensably
necessary to do so with facility and
certainty: the first, is a clear, consist-
ent idea of what we want to communi-
cate; and the second is to clothe our
ide'js in plain, simple, unvarnished lan-
guage as we would use, were we wri-
ting to, or conversing with an intimate
friend. Writers often fail in one, or
both, of these two points.
In the course of our reading, we
found the following extract from the
pen of Theodore Sedgewick, v/hich so
exactly coincided with our own views,
we thought best to insert it for the ben-
efit of our numerous readers. It is
short, and we Lope it will be read with
attention and profit. Ed.
"Common people are more puzzled
about woids than things; they are often
acquainted with the things, but they do
not understand the signs; they do not
understand the words, If learned wri-
ters would use the words, or any thing
like tliem, that the common man em-
ploys to express his ideas upon these
subjects, the mystery would disappear
like the fog of the morning. It is very
easy to puzzle a plain, common miiid
with definitions, and a multitude of
words, and learned explanations, when
men of education write only for each
other, or for a few hundreds or thou-
sands. This is one of the reasons why
the common people have been so long
kept in ignorance. There is aristocracy
in governments, in manners, modes
of living, laws; there is also the aris-
tocracy of learning. But, surely, if
there be any benefaction which one
poor, suffering fellow-creature is en-
titled to from another, it is knowledge.
Franklin wrote for all mankind, and so
may other men upon most subjects; and
if this were the case, learning would be
diffused every where, and, like the dew
fertilize the field of the poor as well as
the rich man."
A faithful man shall abound with
blessings: but he that makeih haste to
be rich shall not be innocent.
PRov. 28: 20.
The wise man was fullv sensible of
the avaricious disposition of his fellow
men; of their propensity to get gain,
and excuse themselves and justify their
conduct when the whole tenor of their
lives was one continued scene of world-
ly mindedness, if not of fraud and de-
ception. He appears to have had the
faithful virtuous man in his mind al-
most at the same time, and in a happy
manner peculiar to himself, contrasts
two characters or classes of men in the
same sentence.
Good and evil, virtue and vice, are
exhibited by way of contrast, that the
former may appear m all its intrinsic
loveliness, and the latter in its odious
and naked deformity. It is evident,
Am
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
also, that the sacred writer had in
view, when he expressed himself thus
emphatically, the consequences or final
result of tl^e two courses of conduct of
which he speaks in the words we have
chosen as the foundation of the remarks
we intend to make. One grand object
the sacred writers seem to have had in
view, was by showing the ultimate con-
sequences of virtue and vice, to induce
mankind to embrace the former and
reject the latter. The evils attendant
on a course of extravagance and pride,
are portrayed in language too plain to
be misunderstood. While that course
which is fraught with wisdom, virtue
and prudence is so highly commended,
that in reference to bliss and joy un-
sullied beyond the grave, sufficient in-
ducements are offered for mankind to
choose the good and refuse the evil, to
embrace virtue and reject vice.
The author of our text contemplates
man with ail his avarice, pride and fol-
ly. He expresses himself in no doubt-
ful or conditional manner, but plainly
says, he that maketh haste to be rich
shall not be innocent. This is a nega-
tive expression truly, but is equivalent
to an affirmative one, he that maketh
haste to be rich shall be guilty.
Is this saying a man shall not be in-
dustrious? By no means. Is it forbid-
ding him the privileges of honorable
reciprocity in deal? Certainly not. —
Equivalents and fair exchanges are not
only honorable but innocent, and con-
tribute to the welfare and happiness of
mankind. One article is exchanged
for another, and one commodity for
another, at a certain price for each,
varying only as quality and quantity
vary. And the difference mav be ex-
pressed in a word known among writers
on political economy and financiers, by
"rate of exchange."
We might here remark at length on
this subject, but it is foreign from our
purpose; such an article might be use-
ful and proper, in the c dumns of a pa-
per of any political character; but ours
is designed to instruct the saints in the
great things of the kingdom; therefore,
we but incidentally hint at those things,
which are the theme and delightof oth-
er men, and then only for the reason
that the saints should be instructed, and
a]l their conduct and their intercourse
with the world, and with each other,
should be regulated in righteousness
and equity.
In contcmpiatmg the avaricious dis-
position of man, the sacred writer does
not particularly point out any course of
conduct or deal and fix his seal of dis-
approbation upon it to the entire exclu-
sion of all others, not so; but he takes
a wide and comprehensive view, he
covers the whole ground. He that
maketh haste to be rich shall not be
innocent.
All kinds of barter and exchange,
where it is not the intention of the par-
ties to give a fair equivalent, are mark-
ed with fraud and deception and evince
their dishonesty and disposition to cheat
and defraud. Everv species of trade
where it is the intention of either party
to obtain money or goods or any ai ti-
de that has an exchangeable value, for
that which has none, truly is making
haste to be rich, therefore he shall not
be innocent. The innocent and unsus-
pecting are often made the dupes of
the wily and the artful, and left in in-
digence or mendicity, while those long
practiced in deception and dissimula-
tion, are rioting, perhaps, in luxury
and debasing worldly pleasure, upon
their ill-gotten gain. These are no
uncommon occurrences among us. —
The cries of the widow and fatherless
have come up into the ears of the Lord
of Sabbaoth for vengeance, and he
will repay. He will recompense evil
upon the heads of the guilty who by
their fraud, deception or vile oppress-
ion have extorted the substance of the
innocent and reduced them to beggary
or the charity and alms-giving of a
cold and unfriendly world. Surely if
he who gives to the poor, lends to the
Lord, then he who takes from them
their living without a fair and righteous
equivalent, not only distrusts the word
of God and the security he has given to
fulfil it, but gratifies his own avarice
and serves the devil. We care not
what pretext a man may use to get
gain or worldly goods, without a fair
equivalent, he thereby deprives the in-
nocent and unwary of whatever they
may have of marketable or exchange-
able value. We have no hesitation in
saying we believe such conduct is re-
prehensible in the eye of Jehovah;
that he considers it making haste to be
rich, therefore they shall not be inno-
cent. Such persons, whatever may-
be their pretensions to a belief in the
word of God, evince a total disregard
of divine revelation, and all the denun-
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
493
cialions of his wrath upon the head of
the guilty. They truly "set at naught
his counsels and his prec-epts," and
say "depart from us for we desire not
the knowledge of his ways." Such
appear to make gold thei • trust and
place their confidence in uncertain rich-
es.
They appear to have forgotten, that
the scrutinizing eye of Jehovah is ever
upon them; that the time is fast ap-
proaching when God in his wrath shall
convince them that they have trusted
in uncertain riches: when with the
greatest propriety it shall be said unto
them, "go to now ye rich men, weep
and howl for your miseries that shall
come upon you* Your wishes are cor-
rupted and your garments are moth-
eaten, your gold and silver is canker-
ed; and the rust of them shall be a wit-
ness against you, and shall eat your
flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped
treasure together for the last days.
Behold the hire of the laborers who
have reaped down your fields which is
of you kept back by fraud, crieth; and
the cries of them that have reaped,
have entered into the ears of the Lord
of Sabbaoth." You have heaped treas-
ure together for the last days, you have
extorted from the poor, \ou have with-
held from the hireling his wages, you
have made haste to be rich. The Lord
has suffered you to accomplish your de-
sire, but you are not, you cannot be in-
nocent. Your riches may take to them-
selves wings and fly away, bitter re-
morse shall sting you and that worm
that never dies shall eat as doth a can-
ker, and prey upon the root of your
felicity. Your name cannot be enrol-
led with the innfjcent or registeied
among the just. Remember the Savior
said, blessed are the meek, for they
shall inherit the earth. Though vou
may have lived in this world in want-
onness and pleasure, and rioted in lux-
ury and ease, for all this, God wdl
bring you into judgment, and you shall
lie down in sorrow. While, as the
wise man said, the faithful shall be
crownec with blessings and the meek
shall inherit the earth, in the morning
of the resurrection. You, for your
portion shall lie down in sorrow, and
have your part with hypocrites and un-
believers where the wormdieth not and
the fire is not quenched. You shall
leave the world in which you now
dwell, unmourncd and unwept, and fu-
ture gene-ations shall rise up and call
you cursed. Ed.
ANCIENT HISTORY.— No. 3.
We shall now proceed, agreeably to
our promise, to give some account of
the Phoenicians.
We find, from a careful perusal of
ancient history, that the Phoenicians
were among the most early civilized
nations of the east; that we are indebt-
ed to them for the first invention of
writing, and for the first attempt at
commercial navigation. This, we
know, presupposes a knowledge of ship
building more or less perfect, as well
as an idea of an exchange of commod-
ities with a view of profit.
We know not how perfect were their
specimens of writing, nor what im-
provements they made in ship-building
— but are sure they could have but a
limited knowledge of navigation. They
might perform some voyages coast-
wise, but could never venture safely
beyond the sight of land, for the reason,
that they had no compass, and there-
fore, nothing in cloudy weather, by
which to regulate their course. The
mariners compass was not invented un-
til the beginning of the fourteenth cen-
tury of the Christian era.
Their writings were, doubtless, rude
and imperfect at first in point of me-
chanical execution. The fragments of
Sanchoniatho are said to be the most
ancient monuments of writing after the
books of Moses. Sanchoniatho was
cotemporary with Joshua about 1440
years before the advent of the Savior,
and 500 before the cities of Attica were
united by Theseus.
The PhcEnicians, (Canaanites of
scripture,) were a commercial people
in the days of Abraham. In the time
of the Hebrew Judges they had begun
to colonize. Their first settlements
were Cyprus and Rhodes, thence they
passed into Greece, Sicily and Spain;
and they formed establishments also on
the western coast of Africa.
The Sidonians carried on an exten-
sive commerce in the time of the Tro-
jan war. The Phcenicianswere] called
Sidonians, from Sidon their chief city.
In our next we shall give some ac-
count of Greece. Ed.
4<)4
MESSENGER AND ADVOCAIT':.
For whatsoever things were icritten
aforetime, were lorittenfor our learn-
ing, that we through •patience and com-
fort of the scriptures might have hope. — •
RoMA^'s XV. 4.
Various methods have been employ-
ed, at diiTerent periods and by different
persons, to convey usefnl knowledge
to mankind. The knovvledire most
useful and important to man, is that of
morals and religion. These sciences
not only afford the most pleasant and
elevatinsj subjects of meditation, but ev-
idently possess a very povverful influ-
ence over human happiness, both in
the life which now is, and that which
is to come.
The principles of morality and reli-
gion have, by some, been delivered in
short, plain, and significant sentences;
and have been left to produce their ef-
fect, by their own v/eight and evidence.
Publick teachers have, at other times,
taken pains to explain and enforce these
principles: have demonstrated their rea-
sonableness and utility; and have exhib-
ited the criminality, the danger, and
misery, of neglecting- or traassrressinsr
them. The charms and graces of po-
etry have been employed to set off the
native, modest beauties of truth and vir-
tue, and allegory has spread her veil
over them, in order to stimulate our ar-
dour in the pursuit, and to heighten
our pleasure in the discovery. The
penetration of genius, the enchantment
of eloquence, and the creative energy
of fancy, have successively lent their
aid to those gentle guides of human life,
those condescending ministers of hu-
man comfort.
The historic page, that faithful and
true witness, has been unfolded. Ages
and generations elapsed and gone, have
been made to pass in review; and the
lessons of religion and virtue have
been forcibly inculcated, by a fair and
impartial disclosure of the effects,
which the observance or neglect of
them have produced on the affairs of
men. And the pencil of historj has
enriched the canvas, not only with
men in groups, but selecting distin-
guished individuals, delineating them
in their just proportions, and enlivening
them with the colours of nature, has
exhibited a collection of striking por-
traits, for our entertainment and in-
struction. In contemplating these, we
family pictures, and take delight in ob-
serving and comparing the various fea-
tures of the extensive kindred, as thev
resemble or differ from each other; and
through the physiognomy piercing into
the heart, we find them, though dead,
yet speaking and pleasing companions.
The holy scriptures possess an ac-
knowledged superiority over all other
writings, in all the different kinds of
literary compositions; and in none
more than in that species of historical
composition which is called Biography,
or a delineation of fortunes, character,
and a conduct of particular persons:
and that, whether the historians be
themselves the men whom they de-
scribe and record; or whether, from
proper sources of information, they re-
cord the lives and actions of others.
TI-IE EFFECTS OF EDUCATION.
In foUov/ing the history of mankind,
we observe, that, in proportion as na-
tions cultivate their moral and intelle-
ctual powers, atrocious actions diminish
in number; the manners and pleasures
become" more refined, the legislation
milder, the religious purified from super-
stition, and the arts address themselves
to the finer emotions of the mind.
By observing, also, the different
classes of society, and the inhabitants
of different provinces, we learn, that
ignorance is the greatest enemy of mor-
ality. Wherever education is neglect-
ed, depravity and every kind of actions
which degr-ade mankind, are the most
frequent. Among ignorant persons,
other things being equal, rapacity, cheat-
ing and thieving, drunkenness and sens-
ual pleasures are prominent features in
the chaiactc.
Thosie, then, who object to the in-
struction of the lower orders, can mere-
ly act from selfish motives. Being
aware of their superiority, they may
wish the inferior classes to be obedient
to their arbitrary regulations; for, un-
questionably, it is much easier to lead
the ignorant and uncultivated, than
the instructed and reasoning people.
Knowledge, too, and the habit of re-
flection, detect abuses and errors, which
selfishness and pride may wish to keep
concealed. But whoever thinks it right
to cultivate his own mind cannot, with
justice, desire others to remain in ig-
norance. He therefore, who is versed
in history, or understands the law of
seem to expatiate in a vast gallery of Christian charity, will join those who
It
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
495
contend for the benefits of an education
adapted to every class of societ}'; this,
then, will not be confined to reading
and writing, but particularly extended
over the moral conduct, and all duties
and rights in practical life. — Spurzheim
on Education.
Bread is not more necessary to tho
support of human life, than religion is
to the happines of a rational being.
Man, in hi- better, his immortal part,
"lives by every word that proceedeth
out of the mouth of God." In more
than one instance the miracle has been
exhibited, of sustaining the bodv with-
out food, and yet no pain nor inconve-
niency felt; but for the soul to exist, and
to exist in comfort, undirected by the
precepts, unenlightened by the discov-
eries, unsupported by the consolations
of religion is a miracle not to be per-
formed. It is the more to be lamented
that the attempt is so often fatally made,
of living "without God in the world;"
of pursuing a happiness that is inde-
pendent of the great Source of light
and joy; of seekmg peace, rest and en-
joyment in the neglect or violation of
his commandments. Happy it is for
men, if after having made the fruitless
experiment of "seeking the living a-
mong the dead," and after having at
length discovered that success is van-
ity, and that disappointment is vexation
of spirit, have been persuaded, before
it was too late, to draw their felicity
from the pure and never-faling sources
of faith and a good conscience; happy
they, who; reconciled to God through
Chrsit Jesus their Lord, enjoy real
tranquility in life,
hope in death.
and well-grounded
From the elders & others abroad.
Elder G. M. Hinkle writes us from
Illenois, stating that he has labored in
that state and in the region West of it;
that he did not leave home for the ex-
press purpose of going on a mission to
preach, having another object in view,
but he had preached in various places,
and that the calls for more were numer-
ous and pressing.
Elder James Emmet is nowhere from
the Far West having travelled ;ind built
up churches in Illenois, Indicina, Ken-
tucky, Ohio & Missouri. The Elder
has recently been laboring in Portage
County Town of Suffield in this State
where he has baptized some 7 or 8 and
organized them into a church, or rather
a branch of the church, left them and is
now going to return to the bosom of
his family and friends in the West. —
We mention this litde branch that el-
ders & brethren, travelling near, may
call, instruct and strengthen them.
We have letters from various parts
of the United States and from Canada,
stating that doors are opened and calls
for faithful elders are mado more than
can be supplied by any, or all the quo-
rums, the Tv/clve,t he High Priasts, the
three Seventies and quorum of Elders.
— We should be pleased, could all be
satisfied, but we are sure they cannot.
We are happy to say, however, for the
satisfaction of our brethren and friends
abroad, that we have, since the solemn
assembly, seen in many of our elers,
a zeal for the cause seldom surpassed,
in getting i-eady to go out and proclaim
the word of life and salvation. — We
hope and pray that good may be done
in the name of the Lord Jesus.
'^ Kirtland O. April 11th 1837.
Brother W. A. Cov/dery; Dear Sir.
I v/ould inform you that I have been
absent from this place eleven months,
during which time I have been pro-
claiming the everlasting gospel in Erie,
Genesee, Ontario; Steuben, Wayne,
Cayuga, Otsego, Sullivan & Ulster
Counties, State of New York- In Na-
ples, Ontario Co, I baptized seven, &
in the towns of Neversink & Fallsburgh
Sullivan Co. I baptized twenty three.
It is to be bhoped that elders, travelling
through those parts, will call and im-
part such instructions as may be neces-
sary to build them up in the most holy
faith. Doors for preaching in those
sections v.'ere opened on every hand,
even many more than I could possibly
fill, & the people were generally hos-
pitable & kind.
It gives me pleasure to be able to
say that truth has so far triumphed in
those parts where the gospel has been
held forth in plainness that the shack-
lei of bigotry & superstition which
have so long bound the world in men-
tal darkness and error, which are
bursting asunder and many are arri-
ving to freedom, and the light of truth
is spreading its glorious and benign
rays, to the joy and satisfaction of ev-
ery benevolent heart. O may it pro-
gress until its sacred influence shall be
felt by all, and the knowledge of God
cover the earth as the waters do the
495
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE,
fiea.
W.
I am as ever vours,
J. M. GRANTS.
A. COWDERY.
Hymenial.
Married in this town on the 13th
inst. by F. G. WilUiams Esq. Elder
Jonathan H. Holmes to Miss Marietta
Carter, Elder Willford Woodruff to
Miss Phebe W. Carter, and Elder
George W. Robinson to Miss Athalia
Rigdon all of this town.
Should the propriety of our elders
entering into matrimonial contracts be
questioned, we just say in the language
of Paul, "have we not power to lead
about a sister, a wife as well as other
apostles, and as the brethren of the
Lord & Cephas?"
DIED — In Ray County Mo. after
a lingering illness, Brother Ezra Har-
rington, aged forty seven years.
Communicated.
DIED— In this town on the 28th of
January last Mary Ann Boynton, aged
twenty seven years.
Notice.
A comference of Elders and members of
the church of Latter Day Sahits will be held
in Rutland Hollow Jefferson Co. N. Y. on
the first Saturday in .June next at 10 o clock
A. M.
OBITUARY.
DIED — In this town on the 24 ultimo
o^ puerperal convulsions Sister T. con-
sort of Elder Parley P. Pratt, aged 40
years. _ -^
From the sudden and afflictive man-
ner of her exit, the sensation produced
in the minds of her acquaintance and
friends, was peculiarly shocking, but
it was doubly so to her surviving part-
ner, who is thus called to part with the
companion ot his youth at a time when
the maternal hand seemed of all peri-
ods to be most needed in rearing a ten-
der offspring, the mutual pledge of his
union with the deceased.
We trust the Lord has kindly relieved
her from the evils to come, and that
from her obedience to the truth and the
love of it, she will have a part in the
first resurrection.
Sister Pratt, had for years been in a
feeble state of health, yet she has en-
dured, with her husband, the slanderous
calumny and abuse of this present gen-
eration, and once been driven by a
ruthless mob from a peaceable dwelling
in Jackson County Mx in consequence
of her religion. She shared with her
partaer in the loss and abuse incident
to that unhallowed and disgraceful
scene, and returned wilh him to this
state. She has been deprived of his
society much of the time since her
marriage, having ill health, and her pe-
culiar anxieties for him in his absence,
to prey upon & depress her spirit. But
she is now released from her clayey
tenement — The Lord has kindly invited
lior home.
DEALER IN
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AND WRAPPING PAPER.
JOBFKII%TII\G*
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Messenger and Advocate,
Is published every month at KirtlantI, Geauga
Co. Ohio, by
^VltililAfl MAKKS,
PROPRIETOR.
Notice.
The Messenger & Advocate Office and
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Messrs. Smith &. Rigdon, by power of at-
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Mi:§§l)I^€^^lS AMI> ABYOCATE.
Vol. in. y^o. 8.] KIRTLAND, OHIO, MAY, 1837. [Whole No. 32.
Comnrunftatfons.
THE GOSPEL.
"I marvel that ye are so soon removed from
him that called you into the grace of Christ,
unto anotlier gospel which is not another:
but there be some that trouble you, and would
pervert the gospel of Christ; but tliougji we,
or an angel from heaven, preach any other
gospel unto you, than that which we have
preached unto you, let him be accursed. As
we said before so say I now again, if any
man preach any otlier gospel unto you, than
that ye have received, let him be accursed."
Gallatians 1: 6,9
This SLibject, rightly considered and
duly weigiied, is one of great impor-
tance, and concerns every individual
upon the face of the whole earth, that
has come to years of understanding
and reflection; for that gospel that is
here spoken of, is that, which if rightly
understood, adhered to, and lived up to,
wiil prove a savor of life unto life, even
the everlasting immortal soul's salva-
tion, to all those who live accordins: to
that gospel. And it is highly impor-
tant and obligatory upon us, that we
know and understand what tins gospel,
which Paul cautioned his Gallatian
brethren about not receiving any other
gospel was, and now is; for in the
above passage of scripture we are pos-
itively, explicitly, and definitely told,
that there is no other gospel. I mar-
vel, says the author of these words,
that ve are so soon removed to another
gospel, which is not another gospel.
The gospel is the same now, that it
was when Christ and his apostles
preached it; we will now go back and
see what it was then: we will take
Paul's definition of it, which may be
found in Romans 1: 16. "For 1 am
not ashamed of the gospel of Ch.-ist,
for it is the power of God unto salva-
tion to every one ihat believeth, to the
Jew first and also to the (Trcek." Why
did Paul say he was not ashamed of
the gospel of Christ? Because it (the
cjospel) is the power of God unto sal-
vation, to every one that believeth: It
may be that some have imbibed an idea
that the b ble is the gospel, but let us
weigh this idea, and see whether it will
bear its own weight; we will suppose
that the wickedest person there is upon
the earth, has a bible and believes it,
yet he dees not practice one single gocrd
principle that is there laid down: has
that person got the gospel* If he has,
he has got the power of God unto sal-
vation, and will of course, be saved; if
no other way, he will save himself, if
the bible itself is the gospel. There-
fore we see that the bible itself cannot
be the gospel: the bible is the word of
God, and contains many rules and
principles that may teach us how we
may be initiated into the gospel, or
how we may be adopted into the family
of God; but we will bear in mind, that
nothing short of what is the power of
God unto salvation, unto all them that
believe, is the gospel. Let us also see
if the gospel had not revelation attach-
ed to it; and in the first place, let us
see what the meaning of the word re-
velation is. All words deri\ed from a
word which signifies to dc something,
ending in lion, signify the act of doing
that thing, from which the woid is de-
rived, and as revelation is deiived from
reveal, which signifies to make known,
so revelation means the act of mak'ng
known. Having thus explained the
meaning of the wt»rd revelation let us
turn to the 15th chap, of the 1st Cor.
and read, commencing at the 3d ver.
"For I delivered unto you first of all
that which I also received, how that
Christ died for our sins according to the
scriptures, and that he was buried, and
that he rose again the third day accord-
ing to the scriptu.'-es, and that he was
seen of Cephas, then of the twelve;
alter that he was seen of above five
hundred brethren at once, of whom the
greater part remain unto this present,
but some are fallen asleep; after that
he was seen of James, then of all the
apostles, and last of all he was seen of
me also as of one born out of due time."
How, did not Cephas, the twelve, the
five hundred brethren, and Paul have
a revelation that Christ had risen from
the dead? Surely they had. "1 de-
livered unto you, first of all that which
1 also received," viz: a revelation, that
Christ was risen from death unto life.
See this ancient apostle, the chosen
vessel to bear the gospel unto the Gen-
tiles, before he was converted, with
letters and authority in his pocket, to
bind and cast into jn-ison all who be-
lieved in this goGp«!| ?ea hira on his
m
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
way to Damascus, for that intent! and
all at once see a light brighter than the
sun at noon-day shine around, and hear
the voice saying to him: "Saul, Saul!
wh) persecutest thou me?" See him
confounded and pricked to his heart,
fallen to the ground; and hear him ex-
claiming, "who art thou. Lord?" Lis-
ten to the answer — "I am Jesus, whom
thou persecutest!" Judge ye, whether
this was a revelation or no, and judge
ye whether this was not what he had
reference to when he said, "I delivered
unto you first of all that which I also
received."
Again, at another time, when Jesus
came into the coast of Cesarea Phillippi,
he took occasion to ask his disciples
what the multitude said abou', him, he
asked, saying. Math, xvi: 13,18 —
*'Whom do men say that I the Son of
man am?" And they said, "Some say-
that thou art John the baptist; some
Elias; others Jeremias, or one of the
prophets." He sailh unto them, "But
whom say ye, thst I am?" Simon Pe-
ter answered and said, "thou art the
Christ, the Son of the living God." —
Jesus answered and said unto him,
"Blessed art thou Simon Barjona, for
flesh and blood hath not revealed it un-
to thee, but my Father which is jn
heaven, and I say also unto thee that
thou art Peter, and upon this rock I
will build my church, and the gales of
hell shall not prevail against it."
Let us here inquire what it was that
Christ said he would build !iis church
upon, and the gates of hell should not
prevail against it. "Blessed art thou
Peter." Why did Christ say, blessed
art thou Peter? because my Father
which is in heaven hath revealed this
thing unto tiiee. A revelation fom
heaven to Peter, and this is the thing
that Christ said he would build his
church upon and the gates of hell shall
not prevail against it: the rock of rev-
elation, the sure foundation; and not as
some have supposed, or essayed to
show, that the church was to be built
upon Peter. Now inasmuch as the
gospel church was founded upon the
rock of revelation, let us see if the
gospel is the same now that it was an-
ciently; if the Lord God was as much
of a. changeable being as we are, wc
rnight well inquin- if the gospel is the
same now that it was in the days of the
apostles; but he is unchangeable, and
popsequently his gospel is unchange-
able. See Malachi iii: 6, "Fori am
the Lord, I change not, therefore ye
sons of Jacob are not consumed." —
Heb. VIII : 8, "Jesus Christ, the same
yesterday, to-day and forever." And
also James 1: 17, "Every good gift
and every perfect gift is from above
and Cometh down from the Father of
lights, with whom is no variableness
nor shadow of turning." Shall we say
the gospel is changed now from what
it was anciently? No, verily no; for
we have an abundance of testimony to
the contrary, and "by the mouth of
two witnesses, or at the mouth of three
witnesses shall the matter be establish-
ed." We have cited 3 unimpeach-
able witnesses, all of which testify to
the nnchangeablenessof the Lord God,
and their testimony agrees one with
another; therefore we take it for grant-
ed that he is unchangeable, and no man
can gainsay it; and we know tiiat if
God is unchangeable, his gospel, or
scheme, whereby he saves souls in the
kingdom of heaven, must be unchange-
able.
Now lei us see what the apostles
preached, for the words are, "though
we, (in the plural number) or an angel
from heaven, preach any other gospel
unto you than that which we have
preached, or than that ye have receiv-
ed, let him be accursed." We shaD
find, by a careful examination of the
word of God, that they preached, first,
faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second,
repentance, or a sorrow for, and a for-
saking of sin; third, baptism, or an im-
mersion in the water; fourth, remissii.n
of sin, that they may be pure in heart;
and fifth, the laying on of hands forthe
reception of the Holy Ghost, five steps
or principles, in their regular order,
are indispensably necessary in order to
be initiated into the gospel or into the
kingdom of heaven, or to be adopted
into the family of God, and made an
heir and a joint heir with Jesus Christ;
faith, repentance, b.iptism, remission
of sin, and the laying on of hands for
for the reception of the Holy Ghost. —
"Now to the law and to the testimony:"
if we have not declared according to
their teaching, it is because there is
no light in us In the 8th chapter of
the acts of the apostles, we have a lit-
tle story that gives us a clue to know
that they taught the principles of faith,
"Then Philip opened his moutla, and
began at the same scripture & preach*-
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
4dd
ed unto him (the Eunuch) Jesus;" and
doubtless he explained these five prin-
ciples unto him, for "as they went on
their way they came unto a certain
water, and the Eunuch said, "see, here
is water, what doth hinder me to be
baptized?" Mark the answer— and
Pliilip said, "if thou believest with all
thine heart, thou uiayest:" and he an-
swered and said, "I believe that Jesus
Christ is the Son of God." After he
had thus declared his faith, "they went
down both into the water, both Philip
and the Eunuch, and he baptized him."
Here we find that Philip taught and
required faith, before he would baptize
for the remission of sins; and we find
that when Christ gave his apostles his
last and important commission, he said
to them, "he that believeth and is bap-
tized shall be saved, but he that believ-
eth not shall be damned:" Mark xvi: 16;
here the Savior taught also that faith
was necessary before baptism. After
a person has faith, there is still anoth-
er step or pi inciple before baptism, and
that is repentance.
In the 2d chapter of the acts of the
apostles, we find that on the day of
pentacost when the dls:;iples of our
Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, were all
assembled together in one place, the
spirit of God was poured out upon them
in copiousness, and thev were filled
with the Holy Ghost, and spoke in oth-
er tongues as the Spirit gave them ut-
terance, insomuch that it was noised
abroad, and the multitude (there being
a great concourse of people assembled
at Jerusalem) came to the place where
the disciples were, and when they
heard them speak in their own tongue,
they were convicted and pricked in
their hearts, on account of their sins
being made manifest unto them; and
they with one accord, said unto Peter
and the rest of the apostles, men and
bi'ethren what shall wo do, seeing we
have crucified the Lord? Observe the
answer: Then Peter said unto theni,
repent and be baptized every one of
you in the name of Jesus Christ, f.r
the I'emission of your sins, and ye shall
receive the gift of the Holy Ghost; for
the promise is unto you, and to your
children, and to all that are afar off,
even as many as the Lord our God
shall call. Repent, says Peter, repent
and then be baptized, and not be bap-
tized and then repent; but repent first,
I'or this is according to the order of the
gospel. And after a person has faitfi,
or believes in the atonement made by
Jesus Christ the Son of God, and has
repented of sin with a godly sorrow,
then that person is a fit subject to go
down into the water and be buried in
the liquid grave for the remission of
sin, and he is not only a fit subject, but
it is an indispensable duty that ho
should, if he would enter into the king-
dom of heaven, for Christ said to Ni-
codemus, "Verily, verily, I say unto
thee, except a man be born of water
and of the spirit, he cannot enter into
the kingdom of heaven." John in: 5.
How can a man be born of water un-
less he is first in the water, that he may
be brought forth out of the water? I
cannot answer this question otherwise
than to say, as our Savior said, except
a man be born of water and of the
spirit, he cannot enter into the king-
dom of heaven.
Having thus briefly touched upon
the three first principles of the gospel,
we will pass to the fourth principle,
which is the remission of sin. After
the Savior had risen from the dead, he
appeared unto his disciples and expoun-
ded the scriptures unto them. Luke
xxiv: 45,47: "Then opened he their
understanding, that they might under-
stand the scriptures, and said unto
them, thus it is written, and thus it be-
hoved Christ to suffer and to rise from
the dead the third day; and that re-
pentance and remission of sins should
be preached in his name, among all
nations, beginning at Jerusalem." —
And who shall say he did not teach his
disciples aright? "Shall little haughty
ignorance pronounce his works un-
wise, of which the smallest part ex-
ceeds the narrow visions of hsr mind?"
No. Then we say he taught Ids dis-
ciples to preach repentance and remis-
sion of sins in his name; and St. John,
in his gospel, xx: 21,23, speaking of
the same transaction, says, "Then
said Jesus unto them again, peace be
unto you: as my Father hath sent me,
even so send I you. And when he
had said this, he breathed on them,
and saith unto them, receive ye the
Holy Ghost: Whosesoever sins ye re^
mit, they are remitted unto them, and
whosesoever sins ye retain, they are
retained." Nothing can be clearer
than that Christ taught his disciples to
preach repentance and remission of
sins in his name, for none but the purg
500
5IESSENGER AND ADVOCAtE.
in heart have any promise of ever see-
ing God; and no person can be pure in
heart, except their sins are forgiven or
remitted unto them.
We will now pass to the fifth princi-
ple: the laying on of hands for the re-
ception of the Holy Ghost; this being
a principle that the priests and teachers
of the protestant churches have not
been much accustomed to teach their
hearers any thing about; and so much
the better, for error has to be unlearn-
ed before that which is right can bo
learned; that is, if an honest hearted
person, who has been taught wrong
principles, wishes to learn right or cor-
rect principles, that person has a great-
er task to do, than one who has never
imbibed an incorrect principle or idea.
We will now turn and read a part
of the 19th chapter of the Acts. "And
it came to pass that while ApoUos was
at Corinth, Paul having passed through
the upper coast, came to Ephesus, and
finding certain disciples, he said unto
them, have ye received the Holy Ghost
since ye believed? Andthey said unto
him, we have not so much as heard
whether there be any Holy Ghost. —
And he said unto them, unto what then
were ye baptized? And they said, un-
to John's baptism." Unto John's bap-
tism, and have not heard whether there
be any Holy Ghost! John did not bap-
tize you then? O no, John himself
did not baptize us; but we were baptiz-
ed by John's disciples, unto John's
baptism. Ah! says Paul, I knew that
John did not baptize you, for "John
verily baptized with the baptism of re-
pentance, saying unto the people that
they should believe on him which should
come after him; that is, on Christ Je-
sus. And when they heard this, they
were baptized (unto the Lord's baptism)
in the name of the Father, Son, and
Holy Ghost." You see that they had
now heard something about the Holy
Ghost; "and when Paul had laid his
hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came
on them; and they spake with tongues
and prophesied." And now if any
more testimony is wanted to prove that
the apostle taught the principle of lay-
ing on of hands for the reception of
the Holy Ghost, we will again refer to
the 8th chapter of the Acts, commen-
cmgat the 14ih verse: "Now when
the apostles which were at Jerusalem,
heard that Samaria had received the
word ot G-od, th«v 9©nt unto them Pe
ter and John; who, when they were
come down, prayed for them, that they
might receive the Holy Ghost; for as
yet he had fallen upon none of them;
only they were baptized in the name
of the Lord Jesus. Then laid they
their hands on them, and they received
the Holy Ghost."
Here it was self-evident that the Ho-
ly Ghost came upon the disciples in
consequence of the apostles laying their
hands upon them; and it was plain to be
seen that Simon the sorcerer, saw that
they h"id power to give the Holy Ghost
by the laying on of their hands, and he
offered them money to confer that pow-
er upon him. But they taught him
that the gift and power of God was not
to be bought with money. And Paul
in an exhortation to his weak Hebrew
brethren, who he thought had not made
so great progress in the gospel as thej
ought, says to them, "For when for the
time ye ought to be teachers, ye have
need that one teach you again, which
be the first principles of the oracles of
God." He exhorted them to leave the
first "principles of the doctrine of
Christ, and go on to perfection; not
leying again the foundation of repent-
ance." And he goes on to enumerate
some of the first pnnciples, such as
repentance, the doctrine of baptism, and
the laying on of hands, &c. Now if
this point is not clearly made out, that
the apostles taught the doctrine or prin-
ciple of laying on hands for the recep-
tion of the Holy Ghost, it would not be
made out, if a heavenly host of angels
should declare it; for we have adduced
testimony enough to convince any per-
son who will be convinced, of this point,
and yet the.'"e is more testimony, but
enough is as good as a least.
Brethren, it maybe you will say you
knew all this before. I would say, it
is not the primary object of this article
to teach you, for I am yet young in the
kingdom of heaven; it is not yet six
months since I was born of the water.
However, I am strong in the faith, and
would compare what the apostles taught
with what the protestant priests and
teachers at the present day teach; there-
fore you will please let your protestant
neighbors read this article, and ask
them to compare it with the bible; tell
them that truth is an eternal principle,
and will remain so, even if every mai>
upon the face of the whole earth shoMJid
try to ^insay it.
kL
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
m
given
Where do we find the preacher a-
Diong the protestant churches who
preaches or teaches the gospel as the
apostles taught it? Where is the man a litt!
among them who believes in present
divine revelation? O, say they, no
more revelation; we have the bible,
and we do not want any more revela-
tion; we have got what God revealed
to his prophets and apostles, and we do
not want any more revelation. Are
you sure you have got all that God ev-
er revealed to his prophets and apos-
tles? If you a-e, 1 am quite as sure
you have not got a hundredth part of
what was revealed to them, for we
read in ihe last verse of John's gospel.
"And there are also many other things
which Jesus did, the which if they
should be written every one, I suppose
that even the world itself could not con-
tain the books that should be written;''
that is, if everj thing should be writ-
ten that Christ did, a man in his natu-
ral life in this world, could not read and
contain them; and it may be, that what
we have, has been robbed of much
of its intrinsic value. Yet we bless
God that it j^et contains many land and
way marks, as it were, to point us to
the haven of rest, the eternal realms
of bliss, even to the abode of Abraham,
Isaac, Jacob, and our God. And we
also rejoice, that it was said in olden
time, that God hath given his proph-
ets "precept upon precept, precept up-
on precept, line upon line, line upon
line, here a little and there a little,"
knowing that God is an unchangeable
being. We find in the 8th chapter )f
Isaiah, the question asked, "Whom
shall he teach knowledge, and whom
shall he make to understand doc-
trine?" to "them that are weaned from
milk, and drawn from the breast, for
precept must be upon precept, line up-
on line, here a little and there a little."
For what reason shall we not nov,? have
precept upon precept, line upon line, as
well as in the days of the prophets? —
The only reason that can be assigned,
is unbelief.
We will now give Butte rworth's defi-
nition of unbelief: He says it "is a
want of credit of, and a want of confi-
dence in the word and truth of God,
arising, not from a want of evidence
of divme truth, but from a rooted en-
mity of the heart against it, and is a
criminal disobedience." Unbelief br-
ing the only reason that can be given,
why we shall not hare revela-
tion now, and precept upon precept,
line upon line, here a little and there
a little, as well as in the days of the
ancient prophets; let us see if this is
a good reason, or a valid objection.
See Romans, in: 3,4 ~~
some did not believe?
belief make the faith
effect? God forbid: vea let
true, but every man a liar,
"For what if
Shall their un-
of God without
God be
Qs it is
written, that thou mightest be justified
in thy sayings, and mightest overcome
when thou art judged."
Where is the man among the pro-
testant churches, who teaches these
five principles in their regular order to
his proselytes? I must confess I have
not been acquainted with the man a-
rnong them who has taught these prin-
ciples in their regular order: 1 must
admit that they hold to some of these
principles, some one way and some
nnother; but suppose we were go-
ing into a harvest field to labor, and
should in the first place begin by thresh-
ing the wheat, then reaping it and then
binding up the straw to gather into the
garner? Would that be the right way
to harvest a crop? Would it be more
absurd than to baptize for the remission
of sins, and then repent afterwards?
Or suppose a person should go to work
the ri'iht way in a harvest field, and
should go so far as to get his wheat
cut and bound up, and should never do
any thing more, would his wheat do
him any good? Would not his wheat
do him about as much good, as a man's
religion, who has obeyed a part of the
principles of the gospel; and never
done any thing more for his soul's sal-
vation? Why not place ourselves in
the attitude that we may claim the pro-
mise that Peter made? "And ye shall
receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, for
the promise is unto you, and to your
children, and to all that are afar off,
even as many as the Lord our God
shall call." Is it asked what use would
the Holy Ghost be to us? the answer
may be found in the 14th chapter of
John's gospel, at the 26th ver: "But
the comforter, which is the Holy Ghost,
whom the Father will send in my name,
he ^hall teach you all things, and bring
all things to your remembrance what-
soever I have said unto you." And
as Christ said, "peace I leave with
you, my peace I give unto you:" and
would say, all unforseen casualties ex-
C9S
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE
cepted, you may expect to hear from
the gospel again by my pen.
A. CHENEY.
(Continued from April No. — page 486.)
While we proceed down the stream
of time from our father Abraham, who
was such an ilkistrious pattern of piety,
whose brilliant light shone so conspic-
uous upon the generation in which he
lived, and is transmitted down through
succeeding generations to us, without
losing its benign influence; and in all
probability will be perpetuated from
generation to generation, so long as
time shall endure; his virtues imitated,
his holiness admired and diligently
sought after by all the faithful — as we
pass along we find thrown into the cur-
rent, many patriarchs, prophets and
saints, who, if not the literal descend-
ants of Abraham, were made such by
partaking of the like precious fai:h
with him. We lind a Jacob wrestling
with an angel of God at Pcniel all
night; and when the day began to dawn
in the east, this holy messenger said
unto Jacob, let me go, for the day
breaketh. He replied, I will not let
thee go,except thou bless me. And he
said, thy name shall no more be called
Jacob, but Israel; for as a prince thou
hast power with God and with men,
and hast prevailed.
Have we not in this man, an exam-
ple of unabatingzeal and untiring per-
severance? Verily we have. And
though he halted the remainder of his
days, the promises of God unto Abra-
ham and his seed were verified and
confirmed upon his head. The testi-
mony of his progenitors was not suffi-
cient for him, he toUovved their exam-
ple, sought forand obtained for himself
a revelation of the secret acts and fu-
ture designs ot the Almighty, that his
seed should be as the sand of the sea,
or the stars of heaven which cannot be
numbered for multitude. Among the
twelve patriarchs that proceeded from
his loins, was Joseph, on whom Israel
had placed his affections more partic-
ularly, because he was the son of his
old age. On account of this, his bre-
thren cordially hated him and would
not speak peaceably unto him. His
dreams and visions from God, which
indicated and plainly foretold his fu-
ture greatness, only served to augment
the indignation of his brethren, and
they sought his overthrow. But Israel I rider hath he thrown into the sea. Ths
pondered the sayings of his beloved
son in his heart.
While he was wandering in the field
in search of his brethren, who were
watching their flocks and herds, he
came to Shechem and from thence he
proceeded to Dothan, and when they
saw him afar off, they conspired against
him to destroy him. He was cast into
a pit, taken out and sold to the wan-
dering son of Ishmael whose hand, the
Lord had said, should be against every
man. He was carried into Egypt, sold
to a wicked prince, his coat of many
colors dipped in the blood of a kid, and
returned to his afflicted father, who
supposed that an evil beast had rent
him in pieces and devoured him. But
how unavailing are the attempts of the
workers of iniquity to thwart the de-
signs of the God of Israeli These
wicked and unnatural transactions were
all overruled by Him who comprehends
the end from the beginning, to bring
about and fulfill his great and eternal
purposes, that his covenants and prom-
ises to his servants, might be effectually
demonstrated. By this means Israel
was preserved from falling a prey to
the famine that pervaded the land —
by this means the word of Cod to Abra-
ham was fulfilled: ''Thou shalt sojourn
in Egypt four hundred years." Ano-
ther man was raised up to lead him
cut in the own due time of the Lord.
Sore plagues were executed upon that
people by this messenger to whom God
had revealed the secret, that the time
had arrived for Israel to spoil the Egyp-
tians and depart from the yoke of bon-
dage under which they had so long
ijroaned. Fie called him from Horeb,
where he was feeding the flocks of his
father-in-law, Jethro, under whose
hands he had received the priesthood
of Melchisedec; by which he had pow-
er with God, and was enabled to come
up into his presence. Under this au-
thority he went forth and delivered a
message to Pharaoh and his court, and
brought ten successive plagues upon
Egypt. By this authority he assem-
bled the camp of Israel, which con-
sisted of six Hundred thousand, and led
them through the midst of the sea,
while the floods were stayed on either
hand.
Well might they sing unto the Lord
ihis song, saying, "The Lord hath tri-
umphed gloriously: the horse and his
Messenger and advocate.
ad
Lord ii a man of war. Pharaoh's
chariots and his hosts hath he cast into
the seti: his chosen captains also are
drowned in the Red sea. The deptlis
have covered them: they sank into the
bottom as a stone. In the greatness of
their excellency thou hast overthrown
them that rose up against thee: thou
sentest forth thy wrath which consum-
ed them as stubble. And with the blast
of thy nostrils the waters were gather-
ed together, the floods stood upright as
an heap, and the depths were congealed
in the heart of the sea. Who is like
unto thee, O Lord, among the godj?
who is like thee, glorious in holiness,
fearful in praise, doing wonders?"
Moses so perfectly understood the
principles of faith, that the walls of Jer-
icho, when encompassed round about
by the armies of Israel, were razed to
their foundations; the wickedness of
an Achin, who had concealed the gold-
en wedge and babylonish garment, was
brought to light. When Israel mur-
mured against Moses in the wilderness,
because of their extreme hunger, and
their souls lusted alter the flesh-pots of
Egypt, this servant of the living God
had power with him to bring quails into
the camp, manna from heaven, and
water from the flinty rock.
While thunder and lightnings shook
the mount of God, and indicated his
presence, he was able to enter into the
cloud of his glory; while the light of it
was like devouring fire on the tup of
the mount, in the eyes of the children
of Israel, yet Moses could enter into it
and converse with God himself, and
obtain the tables of his law. Here the
secrets of God's will were given unto
Israel; the curses they had endured,
and that would befall them because of
their wickedness and evil hearts of un-
belief; and the blessings that would be
multiplied on their heads and the heads
of their posterity, if they would forsake
their idols, and cleave unto the living
God — "And it shall come to pass when
all these things are come upon thee,
the blessings and the curses which I
have set before thee, and thou shall
call them to mind among all the na-
tions whither the Lord thy God hath
driven thee, and shalt return unto him,
and shalt obey his voice according to
all that I command thee this day, thou
and thy children, with all thine heart,
and with all thy soul: That then the
Lord thy God will turn thy captivity,
and have compassion upon thee, and
wdl return and gather thee from all the
nations whither he hath scattered thee.
If any of thine be driven out unto the
uttermost parts of heaven, from thencft
will the Lord thy God gather thee, and
from thence will he fetch thee: For
this commandment which I command
thee this day, is not hidden from thee,
neither is it afar off. It is not in heav-
en, that thou shouldst sa5% who shall
go up for us to heaven, and bring it un-
to us, that we may hear it and do it?
Neither is it beyond the sea, that thou
shouldst say, who shall go over the sea
for us. and bring it unto us, that we
may hear it and do it? I call heaven
and earth to record this day against
you, that I have set before you life and
death, blessing and cursing: therefore
choose life that both thou and thy seed
may live."
We behold also an Elijah, who lived
in what is denominated by this wise
generation of religionists, an age of
darkness, (would to God that the pro-
fessed disciples of the Lord Jesus in
this age, were overwhelmed in the like
darkness, me thinks they would be
more like their Maker,) having such
confidence in God, that he stood forth
in the presence of Israel, and the nu-
merous prophets of B^ial, who sur-
rounded him, and declared that there
should not be dew nor rain those years
but according to his word. He was
the only surviving prophet of the Lord,
that remained. But in his hand he pre-
served him and ied him out into the
wilderness and hid him by the brook
Cherith, and gave commandments and
revelations to the ravens of the valley
to feed him; accordmgly they brought
him bread and flesh in the morning, and
bread and flesh in the evening: and he
drank of the waters of the brook. But
at length the brook dried up, and the
Lord had occasion to reveal another
secret to him; viz. that a certain widow
would sustain him, whom he found
gathering two sticks to kindle a fire to
dress the last remains of her barrel of
meal, and cruse of oil; which failed
not nor diminished, wliile this prophet
shared her humble pittance. But this
was not her only reward — her son who
had slumbered in death, was restored
to life again. He came forth filled
with indignation at the wickedness of
ihe prophets of baal, and tested the va-
lidity of their religion and their gods,
S#4
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
with that of the God of Israel. The'
their prayers were long and loud from
the morning until the time of the even-
ing sacrifice, the offering was not con-
sumed. But when Elijah put up his
petition, fire from heaven not only con-
sumed the sacrifice, wood and stones
of the altar, but licked up the water in
the trench round about. While the
famine was yet sore in the land, be-
cause there was no rain, he got himself
up to the top of mount Carrael, and
prostrated himself upon the thirsty
earth, and when his servant had looked
seven times toward the sea for rain,
the heavens began to be propitious; a
little cloud like a man's han'^l rose out
of the sea. And while Ahab prepared
his chariots to get himself down that
the rain stop him not, the hand of the
Lord was upon Elijah, & he girded up
his loins, and flew as it were upon the
wings of the wind, and outstripped the
chariots of Ahab, and went before him
to the entrance of Jezreel.
Is this a religion of dark types and
shadows which the ancient saints en-
joyed, that enabled them to enter with-
in the veil and fathom the secrets and
deep designs which lay in the bosom of
the Almighty? Is this religion which
conferred such special favors upon Ja-
cob, David, Samuel, Joshua, Job, Eze-
kiel, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and many oth-
ers, inaccessible by us, and yet God
remain an unchangeable being? Did
they enjoy more holiness than was in-
dispensably necessary to save them in
the kingdom of God? If so, the fact
IS yet to be revealed, for it is not so
written in the volume of God's inspira-
tion. Is it not rather a day of dark-
ness and unbelief? Is there not a fear-
ful odds between the religion of this
generation and that of the ancients? —
Yes, verily the darkness of Egypt,
when compared with the moral dark-
ness that now pervades the religious
world, would be meridian sunshine
O ye self-righteous, unbelieving gen-
erat.on of vipers and hypocrites, who
have perverted the right ways of the
Lord, how can you escape the damna-
tion of hell? How long will ye resist
the Holy Ghost, and treat lightly the
revelations of Jesus Christ? How long
will you cry peace, peace, when sud-
den destruction cometh like a whirl-
wind and will fall like a storm upon
the fearful and unbelieving? Your
faith will not compare with that of the
dumb ass who rebuked the madness of
the prophet, or the raven of the valley
who fed the servant of the Lord in the
wilderness. W. PARRISH.
(to be continued.)
ANCIENT HISTORY.— No. 4.
GREECE.
This country being incebted for the
first rudiments of the arts and sciences.,
and the dawnings of civilization, if we
may so speak, to the Phoenicians and
Egyptians, its history is properly in-
troduced after, and connected with, the
history of those nations. The ancient
inhabitants of thi:^■ country were barba-
rous, but a dawning of civilization
arose under the Titans, a Phcenician
or Egyptian colony, who were cotem-
porary with Moses. The Titans gave
the Greeks the first ideas of religion,
and introduced the worship of their
own gods, Saturn, Jupiter, Ceres, &c.
among them.
Inachus, the last of the Titans,
founded Argos 1856 before Christ. —
There was not that steady march of
mind, that improvement from the com-
mencement, in the arts and sciences,
that under other, and more propitious
circumstances we might have looked
for. In the following ccmtury hnppen-
ed the deluge of Ogyges 1796 before
Christ. Then folknved a period of
barbarism of more than two hundred
years.
Cecrops, the leader of another colo-
ny from Egypt, landed in Attica 1582
before Christ, and connecting himself
with the last king, succeeded, on his
death, to the sovereignty. He built a
number of cities, and was eminent as
a lawgiver and a politician. He intro-
duced the court of A reopagus at Athens.
The number of the judges of said court
varied at different periods from 9 to 51,
Amphyction was the founder of the
celebrated council called the amphyc-
tionic council. This mnn, no doubt,
had extensive views of policy and gov-
ernment. This council, Iroma league
of twelve cities, became a representa-
tive assembly of the states of Greece,
and had a most admirable effect in uni-
ting the nation and giving it a com-
mon inierest.
Cadmus, about 1519 years before
Christ, introduced alphabetic writing
into Greece from Phoenicia. The al-
phabet had then only sixteen letters;
MESSENGER AXD ADVOCATE.
565-
and the method of Wiiting was from
right to left and from left to right al-
ternately. From this period the Greeks
made rapid advances in civilization.
It may be a matter of astonishment
to many that the progress of civiliza-
tion was not more rapid, but when we
consider the low state of barbarism
from which they emerged, their imper-
fect knowledge of letters, together with
their rude and superstitious notions of
religion, we cannot v/onder. Where
the lisht of revelation has never been
reflected upon the human mind, all no-
tions of the Deity or of religion, must
necessarily be vague and imperfect;
consequently the lav/s, customs and
usage of the people are more or less
barbarous. Time would fail us to ad-
duce all the reasons of the slow pro-
gress of civilization among the Greeks,
and the full bearing each had in retard-
ing its progress; but suffice it to say,
that the same causes have produced
similar effects in all places. Ed.
(to be continued.)
JTffesseng^er and Advocate.
"W. A. C©lVI>EIfS% Editor.
KIRTLAND, OHIO, 31 AY, 1837.
We, some ^e\v months since, had
occasion to remark that the parable of
the Savior concerning the net that was
cast into the sea and gathered of every
kind, was never more fully verified
than in the gathering of the church in
Kirtland. From a careful observation
since we penned that article, we can
truly say that the every day occurren-
ces have tended to corroborate the as-
sertion, rather than convince us that
we were then mistaken.
Our elders go out and preach the
gospel to all, convincing and persuad-
ing them to embrace the truth: some
believe and embrace it, and others re-
ject it. The object of those who em-
brace the gospel, is to sell their posses-
sions where they are, and come to this
place or join our brethren in the "Far-
West." Some come here with hearts
filled with love and good will to their
brethren and a trulj laudable ze^l for
the cause of our Redeemer, willing to
hearken to their brethren and impart
of their substance, where God requires
it for the advancement of his cause and
the glory of his kingdom. Indeed, no
sacrifice appears too great for them to
make, that can in righteousness be re-
required. Others appear to come
with far different vifws and motives,
apparently to live on the labor or alms
of their friends or brethren, and com-
plain if they do not receive a support.
They appear to have forgotten that it
has been said that the idler shall not eat
the bread nor wear the clothing of the
laborer.
They disobey or disregard the reve-
lations and all words of wisdom which
the Lord has given for the benefit of
his saints; they join affinity with the
adversary, strike hands with the world,
sigh for the flesh pots of Egypt, and
finally fall away and become apostates.
There is still another class, who are
honest, confiding, unsuspecting souls,
who yield to the entreaties and persua-
sions of the idle and avaricious, who,
i-eckless of al [consequences, are ready
to make any promises, however incon-
sistent with truth or reason, to obtain
all the money they have. Why do
they give up their all in this way? Is
it because they are insane and have lost
their reason? Certamly not; but they
have come here to live with their breth-
ren, members of the same church, who
have suffered persecution as well as
they. Here also are the heads of the
church, the church of God, led by re-
velation given for the government and
guidance of the saints at the present
day and age, not for ancient ages; and
in addition to all these, the prophet and
first elders of the church reside here,
and they will not uphold lying and de-
ceiving; therefore, say they, we will
confide in our brethren, they cannot,
they toil I not deceive us.
Thus, it is easy to see that such a
course of conduct must inevitably bring
ruin and distress upon the individuals
concerned. Not only so, but more or
less, mar the peace of community. A
system of fraud or deception to obtain
their money and rob them of their means
of subsistence, leads them to doubt, to
complain, to grieve, and frequently to
apostatize and turn away from the faith.
Under these circumstances what is
to be done? We will susra-est a i*eme-
dy for the consideration of our breth-
ren abroad. Wnen you arrive here,
if you have confidential friends in
whom you can repose confidence rela-
tive to temporal matters, ask their ad-
vice about a location and the price, &c.
Confer also with the Bishop, whose of-
50«
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
fice it is to administei- to the poor, and
if you have money or other property to
bestow for their relief or building up
the cause of God, put it into his hands,
and the proper counsellors will see that
a righteous disposition is made of it. —
But we do caution you, not to be jeal-
ous or suspicious of 5'our brethren, but
to beware of such as attack you as soon
as you enter this place, and begin to in-
terrogate you about the amount of mo-
ney you have, and to importune you
for it, with assurances that you shall
have it refunded with interest, and that
the Lord shall bless you abundantly;
yea, and multiply blessings upon you.
Of such we say beware. They take
Tidvantage of your honest simplicity,
obtain your available means, and then
desert you.
If vou ask for it, or a part of it, when
you think your circumstances require
it, you wtU be likely to be put off with,
perhaps, a renewal of the promise, an
assurance that at some future period
you shall have It: when thai period ar-
rives, you may make another applica-
tion, and you will be less warmly re-
ceived, and have still lessAssurances of
obtaining any relief.
The third application you make, you
may portray your own situation and
that of your family, 1n all the colors
ihat imagination can invent, or that
truth and native eloquence can paini;
tell them in soul-stirring, pathetic lan-
guage, with your eyes suffused with
/tears, that your family are destitute of
the necessary means of subsistence,
that your companion and tender off-
spring are crying for bread; you may
then be turned away with a severe re-
buke, and be taxed with a want of faith,
and a want of suitable exertions to ob-
tain what you need, without troubling
them. We ni)w say to you again, be-
ware of such. They will deceive you,
ruin your worldly prospects, blast all
your hopes of a living from what you
once possessed, and leave you a mis-
erable outcast, dependent on your daily
labor for your daily bread, or the stint-
ed charity of an unfriendly, ungrateful
world.
Furthermore we say, if ^^ou have
faith in God and his cause, have it, we
truly rejoice at it; we bid you God speed;
may you increase in it, and grow in
grace. But if you are young men and
maidens who have had neither the ben-
«fit of age or experience to teach ) ou,
we say rememberyour duty to God and
his cause as a paramount obligation,
remember the obligation you owe to
yourself and your friends, and look for
no divine or miraculous interposition
of Providence in your behalf in your
temjioral pursuits.
In short, remember that the saints
cannot live on wind, on sycophancy or
false promises, their temporal bodies
require temporal food to nourish them,
in lliis place, as well as all others,
while they dwell in the flesh. You
must also remember that you have no
just cause to expect, that God will sus-
tain you here without calculation and
without exertion, nor that you can lull
in the lap of luxury and ease, without
money or other means. You will bear
in mind that you are endowed with
powers and faculties of mind that are to
be put in requisition for your own ben-
efit and the benefit of the saints.
You may also remember that in cal-
culating your temporal business, there
are certain known rules, and long tried
principles, which if pursued, will lead
to a successful issue and leave you no
cause to redress errors or mourn over
your wild speculations. Those prin-
ciples are to be pursued here, as well
as elsewhere, and no one need expect
success if he vary from them. Yain
theory, idle fancy, and visionary spec-
ulation, will but end in ruin and dis-
grace. Such are the consequences,
the inevitable consequences in other
places, and such they will be here, and
permit us to add, that no human power
can prevent them. But for the sake of
argument, we will barely admit that we
may be wrong, that we have shown you
the dark side of the picture, that you
may pledge your faith, beyond your
means, and make your thousands or
tens of thousands by so doing. But
hark ye: if you have made it here,
have you not made it out of your poor
brethren? Have they not become the
sufferers tliereby? or have you created
so much property and no one been the
loser? You can hardly say it, unless
you have labored industriously at some
employment, that has converted a raw
material or a commodity of a less mar-
ketable value into that of a greater. If
you have, this is commendable and use-
ful, this we need, what society needs,
and what we most cordially approbate.
This is not injuring our neighbors, or
reducing the sum total of availabl*
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
507
means or human felicity, but enhan-
cing both.
Causes, you know, produce effects,
and like causes produce like effects in
all places, and among all people, whe-
ther they be saints or sinners. Men do
not gather grapes of thorns nor figs of
thistles, neither can the vine bear olive
berries of the grape figs. And the
trees are no better known by their fruit
than certain effects, known and estab-
lished, follow the causes that have pro-
duced them.
Ruin, shame, misery and disgrace,
follow a course of evil doing, but right-
eous pursuits and upright measures are
crowned with success. You possibly
may, by launching into an unknown
sea without chart or compass, arrive
safely in your desired haven. But it
is a hundred to one, that you will be
dashed upon rocks or quicksands and
be lost. You will bear in mind that
the wise man said, "the prudent man
foreseeth the evil and hideth himself,
but the wicked pass on and are punish-
ed." If vou are successful in wild en-
terprises or visionary calculations, rest
assured, that somebody is the poorer;
and that same wise man has said, "he
that maketh haste to be rich, shall not
be innocent."
But to return a little to the point from
where we started. The net has trul}
gathered of every kind, and there are
some of all classes of people in this
place. There are those who conduct
as if there were no God, nor any here-
after; and there are those who appa-
rently fear God, love and revere him,
love their brethren and walk uprightly.
The former class have assented to all
the truths of the gospel, obeyed its out-
ward ordinances, but their fruits are
evincive of corrupt hearts and debased
principles. Such things occurred an-
ciently, and they may be expected in
modern times. Lying and deceiving
are truly sinful practices, and sin is a
reproach to any person or any people,
and the wise and the good will always
deprecate it.
You are not to understand that we
uphold evil or countenance evil doers,
but here is collected a large body of
people, whose customs and manners
are not assimilated; and there are some
jealousies, that would not exist in the
small branches abroad. These, breth-
ren, you see are to us, unavoidable. —
OfTences must come, but we can say
wo be to him from whom the offence
cometh. We know there is a right and
a wrong in human actions, and that the
wicked will not go unpunished or the-
righteous unrewarded. God is no re-
specter of persons. He only that fear-
eth him and worketh righteousness is
accepted with him.
While there arc those who disobey
and disregard the principles of our re-
ligion, that is no proof of their falsity,
or that they are not of divine origin. —
If you come here to see perfection in
the church aud all living like saints of
God; you will be disappointed, sadly
disappointed. If you neglect your own
duty to God, yourself, your brethren,
your families, cither or all, God will not
hold you guiltless nor suffer you to pass
smoothly down the current of time; con-
scious guilt and pale remorse, will
gnaw like a worm the root of your fe-
licity. One duty omitted, mevitably
leads to the omission of more, and those
omissions press on in rapid succession,
till the once fair pTOfessor fastens upon
infidelity or ends his raiseiable career
in the vortex of ruin.
If you watch for the failings and
imperfections of others, and^endeavor
to correct their follies and faults, let us
say to vou, that you have undertaken
too much, even more than you can
perform. Remember that by others'
faults wise men correct their own, and
your duties to God and your own soul,
are paramount to all others. By these
remarks, you are not to understand
that you have nothing to do in bringing
those who violate the laws of God, to
condign punishment; by no means, but
beware, lest in prosecuting to obtain
justice, you imbibe a wrong spirit and
become a persecutor.
You are doubtless aware that a med-
ical man may have a correct knowledge
of the human system, and acorrect the-
ory of medicine, but an erroneous prac-
tice may destroy his patients. So with
regard to religious theory, he may have
been baptized for the remission of his
sins, he may have eaten and drunken
in the name of the Lord Jesus, in his
name prophesied, cast out devils and
done many wonderful works, yet if
you were to cut off his head, his soul
would land in hell. Such, you know,
have only head religion, while the heart
is full of all manner of wickedness and
abominable idolatries. They are an
offence to God and his people, and a«
c^
MESSExXQER AND ADVOCATE.
we have before remarked, wo to them
from whom offences come. We have
often thought virtue and pure religion
shone more conspicuously by being
contrasted with vice and hypocrisy,
and the innocent and uncontaminated
would see the vast dispaiiiy, choose
the good and refuse the evil.
Yr>". will not conclude as ratienal
beings, that God has not a people here
of his own choice, that he loves and
will eventually save in his celestial
kingdom, because there are workers ot
iniquity amongst them, nor that he has
not renewed his covenant, set up a
standard to the nations and revealed
himself to the children of men in this
our day, because you do not see great
miracles performed, or because he has
not condescended to reveal himself to
you, or speak to you with an audible
voice. In the days of the Savior it
was said by pretty good authority, that
there had not arisen a greater than
John the baptist, and yet he did no
miracles. So we see by a recurrence
to scripture testimony, that the absence
of miracles is no infallible evidence of
imposture. By the same authority also
we are warranted in the conclusion
thai prophecying and doing many won-
derful works in the name of the Lord,
not only will not of themselves, ensure
them a seat in the celestial kingdom,
but will not prove that the Lord has
-ever spoken to them or revealed his
will to the children of men, through
them. In short, God's ways are high-
er than our ways, and his thoughts
Ihan our thoughts. Doing miracles did
not convince the unbelieving Jews that
Jesus was the true Messiah, neither
would men be convinced in our day
were they to witness them, any inore
than were the Jews. The devil asked
for a sign, and was repulsed; the Phar-
isees asked for a sign and were re-
proached for their incredulity. And if
the Lord himself refused to give a sign
to gratify the Jews, his covenant peo-
ple, do you believe he would suffer one
of his servants in these days, to give a
sign or work a great miracle to gratify
the unbelieving Gentiles? a race of be-
ings who believe there will be no more
miracles, no more revelations'? The
Savior said to the Jews, you have Mo-
ses and the prophets, let them hear
them, and if they will not hear them,
they will not believe though one rose
from the dead: So we say in these
days, if you do not believe what the
scriptures say concerning the signs of
the times, that the Lord is to renew
his covenant, set up an ensign to the
nations and assemble the outcasts of
Israel in the last days, when it is so
plainly and positively pointed out there-
in, you had better act the honest part
at once, deny the whole volume of re-
velation and play the hypocrite no
longer.
It is a moral (act that discussion and
investigation elicit truths that have long
been buried in oblivion ortiadition, and
light has come into the world and been
reflected upon the children of men in
that brilliancy that many can see the
utter fallacy of all the prevailing sys-
tems of religion. They can see that
their belief is vain, their hope falla-
cious, their priests without authority
from God, and their God never to speak
to the children of men again; conse-
quently their faith in him must be vain
and worse than vain. Notwithstanding
licrht has come into the world, men still
"love darkness rather than light be-
cause their deeds are evil." Evils, we
have before said, exist, and they exist
among us, among the saints of God in
this place, and we are sorry to say,
they are multifarious and grievous to
be borne. Our heart is often pained
within us and our feelings tried to the
centre on beholding the conduct, the
wicked conduct of some of those who
have named the name of Christ. But
when we reflect that anciently many
were called but few chosen, and the
Savior himself likened the kingdom of
heaven to a net that was cast into the
sea and gathered of every kind, we
console ourselves with the reflection
that what was then truth is now truth,
what was then proven is fully exempli-
fied in our day, and we should not mur-
mur on that account as if "some strange
thing had happened unto us." But,
brethren, iniquity in others will never
justify an evil act in us, he that sinneth
shall not be held guiltless, and "he
that scorneth alone shall bear it." To
our own master we stand or fall. The
hypocrites profess to love God, but in
works they deny him, being abomina-
ble, disobedient, and to every good
work reprobate. They appear to be
lovers of gain, lovers of filthy lucre,
more than lovers of God. Justice,
even-handed justice, will ere long over-
MESSENGER ANB ADVOCATE.
SOS
take the guilty and fearfulnoss surprise
the hypocrite.
But the saints of Goci, brethren,
have a heart right towards him, and
have a conscience void of offence to-
wards him and towards man. They
live among hypocrites and unbelievers
truly, surrounded with snares & temp-
tations; without are iightings, within
are fears, audall the nameless ills that
flesh is heir to; still -.^'e trust many will
hold on their way and will evcntuall}'
be welcomed witli l!ie pleasing plaudit,
"well done; good and and faithful ser-
vants, enter into the joys of vourL'^rd.
And we believe the Lord the rigliteous
Judge, will crown them his, in his ce-
lestial kingdom. They truly have to
"come up through great tribulation,"
and when they shall have finished their
probationary season, and crossed this
tempestuous sea of life, can then lake
a retrospect on past life and say, "We
have fought a good fight, we have fin-
ished our course, we have kept the
faith," Lord Jesus now receive our spir-
its. We think "the Lord, the righteous
Judge has crowns of glory laid up for
all such as love his appearing." Al-
though they have tribulation, pain and
anguish here, (if they are not on ac-
count of their own sins) "they shall on-
ly make them richer there, when they
arrive at home." But the abominable,
the disobedient, and whosoever loveth
and maketh a lie, shall have their part
where the worm dieth not and the fire
is not quenched
Once more we say to our brethren
abroad, be not discouraged, be faithful,
we have endeavored in the integrity of
our heart, to deal faithfully with you,
to warn you of the evils, the snares and
temptations that beset and surround
the saints here. We have spoken of
things which we know, and testified of
those which we have seen. Although
we have drawn rather a gloomy picture
and cast the body of the saints here,
into the back ground or rather portray-
ed them in a sable shade, still we be-
lieve we have dealt faithfully with
them, and with you, that we have "no-
thing exaggerated or set down aught in
malice." If we had hid our own faults,
and wickedly deceived you. by paint-
ing to your imagination, joys of which
yon would not participate when you
shall arrive here, we should blush with
shame when we shall behold your fa-
ces. W© have been accustomed to
speak the truth from our youth up, and
we off;r it to you, to the saints here,
and to the world, with fearless honesty.
We expect to give an account at the
bar of God for all our thonghts, words
and actions, and v.g rather meet the
truth, and our numerous readers who
shall testify that we have told it plain-
ly, than to have our own conscience
accuse us of duplicity, and the Judge
of all the earth condemn us for deceiv-
ing liis people. We know that truth is
mighty and will prevail, and that any
atiempt to suppress or conceal it, will
be vain and worse than vain. Saints,
real saints of God who have served
him wi^h pure hearts, we hope will still
continue to love & serve him, & let not
the conduct of some of those who are
called saints in this place, whether they
be in high or low stations, stagger their
faith in the pure principles of the gos-
pel; bearing in mind at all times, that
such only as endure faithful to thi; er.d,
have the promise of endless ielicity.
Once more, and in conclusion, we
say that there is a great distress and
perplexity of this nation. The Lord
appears to be vexing the people, or
suffering them to be vexed, for their
past imprudence, their folly or their
wickedness. Were we penning a com-
mon newspaper article, we would point
you to some of the physical causes,,
but we are not; therefore, we forbear;
suffice it to say for our purpose, that
trouble is upon this nation, this state,
and even this place, and the saints here
feel and know that it is so: Why, we
ask, are the saints thus afflicted with
the wicked? Because they have been
guilty of the same things, they have in
too many instances pursued the same
course, been accessory to a train of
circumstances that have produced the
same legitimate effects. Others have
been guilty of wild speculation and vis-
ionary dreams of wealth and worldly
grandeur, as if gold and silver were
their gods, and houses, farms and mer-
chandize their only bliss or their pass-
port to it: so have we. Others have
managed their temporal concerns as if
they had no precedents upon which to
act, or beacons on the page of history
or in the annals of by-gone years, to
light their path. So have we in too
many instances. Others appear to
have neglected, or forgotten, that cau-
ses produce effects, and that the same
causes, ccefrris varihus, produce ths
510
MESSENGER, AND ADVOCATE.
same effects. So have the saints here.
These, you see, are natural philosophi-
cal principles, and inasmuch as others
have lost sight of them, jmd plunged
themselves into a vortex of ruin, so far
as we have followed them or departed
from those principles, perplexity and
ruin-attend us. God is a God of jus-
tice and no respecter of persons. He
will not visit his people that know his
will and do it not, with {e\v stripes. —
He will not pass lightly over iniquity,
or let the unjust go unpunished. The
pulpit and the press should vvith one ac-
cord speak boldly against iniquity, in
hiph places and in low ones. And if
judgments are to begin at the house of
God, reformation must necessarily be-
gin there also. If we have failh in
God, let us in all meekness and humil-
ity implore his pardon for our past sins,
that his judgments may be ave''ted and
his anger be turned awa}^ In our tem-
poral pursuits let us consider that hon-
esty, prudence, economy and industry,
are the only sure passports to wealth
or competence. That all the faith we
may pledge to accomplish temporal
business, will avail us nothing aside
from correspondent good works or the
regular application of those principles
that have long since been proven and
the results definitely known.
TO OUR READERS.
We publish below some resolutions
drawn up and approved by the quorum
of Seventies and their Presidents. We
are pleased with them, because we ad-
mire strict discipline, and because we
believe them in strict accordance with
the letter and spirit of the revelations
given for the direction of the saints.
We certainly have no fellowship for
those who live in the daily violation of
the plain, written commands of God;
and we are sure the Lord wdl withhold
entirely or withdraw his spirit, from all
such as disobey or disregard his pre-
cepts. We care not whether such
members are in high stations or low
ones, whether they are officers or lay
members; we are sure God is no re-
specter of persons, but he that feareth
him and worketh righteousness only is
accepted with him. God has made no
proviso in any thing that has yet come
to our knowledge, for a President, a
Counsellor, one of the Twelve, a High
Priest, an Elder, a Priest, Teacher or
Deacon to violate any of the commands
he has given. And most assuredly, as
the Lord liveth and reigneth, we da
know, that he* who lives in daily ne-
glect of the solemn acts of devotion, he
who knowingly violates the words of
wisdom which the Lord has given, sets
at nought the counsels of the Most High,
disregards the commands which he has
given for the benefit and government
of his saints, becomes weak in the faith
once delivered to them, and unless
he speedily repent and reform, he wilt
apostatize and fall away.
We speak definitely and pointedly
on this subject, because we feel the
weight and importance of it. If, as the
Lord has said, strong drinks are not to
be taken internally, can those who use
them thus be held guiltless? We ask,
if hot drinks are not to be used, if those
wlio make use of them do not trans-
gress his commands, or at least set at
nought his counsel? Most assuredly
they do.
Have not the authorities of the church
in council assembled in this place, de-
cided deliberately and positively that if
any official member of this church shall
violate or in any wise disregard the
words of wisdom which the Lord has
ffiven for the benefit of his saints, he
shall lose his office? What official
member does not know this? Breth-
ren, either v\'e believe this to be a reve-
lation from God, or we do not. If we
do not, we are acting the part of liars
and hypocrites in the sight of God to
say we are in the faith of the revela-
tions and commandments of God which
we have received. If we do, why dis-
obey them and disregard them, and so
live in open, avowed and acknowledg-
ed transgression, to our own soul's in-
jury and the grief of our brethren?
MESSENGEH A.ND ADVOCATE.
&n
struct in righteousness, the saints of
God. We tJo so, that our brethren
abroad may learn the names of the of-
ficers of said quorum, and consequent-
ly, know to whom they ought to apply
for assistance in the discharge of any
of the duties pertaining to High Priests-
Tliis certifies that is a
member of the quorum of High Priests,
organized in Kirtland according to the
order of the church of Latter Day
Saints, is in good standing, is fully au-
thorized to set in orderchurchcs abroad
and preside in all councils to adjust dif-
ferences and settle difficulties in the
same, where God in his providence
may call him.
Done by order and in behalf of the
quorum.
DON C. SMITH, Pres't.
W. A. COWDERY,
G. H. CARTER,
Counsellors
Harlow Redpteld, Sec.
You may plead former habits, as an
extenuation of your guilt, but we ask
if the Almighty did not know your hab-
its and the propensities of your nature?
Certainly he did. Has he made any
exceptions in your case, or are you wi-
ser than he? judge ye.
These, to many, may appear like
small items; but to us, any transgres-
sion of the commands of God, or a dis-
regard of what he has said, is evincive
of a determination to gratify our own
corrupt vitiated taste, the word of the
Lord to the contrary notwithstanding.
The Presidents of the Seventies met in
council in the House of the Lord, ot:
the 29th of April, 1837, and after open-
ing the meeting by prayer, they pro-
ceeded to take into consideration some
difficulties, either real or im.aginar)',
existing among the Seventies; aud be-
lieving that every elder who is called
to proclaim the gospel to the nations of
the earth, should in all things conduct
himself like a man of God, adopted,
among otJiers, the following resolu-
tions:
1st. — That we will have no fellow-
ship whatever with any Elder belong-
ing to the quorums of thQ Seventies
who is guilty of polygamy or any of-
fence of the kind, and who does not in
all things conform to the laws of the
church contained in the Bible and in
the Book of Doctrine and Covenants.
2d. — That we discard the practice of
ball-playing, wrestling, jumping and all
such low and degrading amusements,
and above all the use of ardent spirits
of any kind; and will have no fellow-
ship with any member of our quorum
who indulges himself in the practice of
such things.
3d. — That these resolutions be sign-
ed by the chairman and clerk, publicly
read on the next Sabbath for the ap-
proval of the Seventies, and published
in the Messenger and Advocate.
DANIEL S. MILES, Chair.
Elias Smith, Clerk.
We have inserted below the form of
a certificate to be given to the members
of the quorum of High Priests who shall
or may be called on to preside over
churches and settle difficulties, and in-
For the comfort and consolation of
our brethren abroad, we say that we
have cheering reports from the differ-
ent branches of the churches. They
appear to be anxious to hear and know
the truth. Elders are called in all di-
rections, and doors are opened for
preaching the word. Some of the el-
ders have already gone out on missions
for the season, and some yet remain
here. We have not yet heard from
those who have already gone, but from
their energ}^, zeal and experience, we
trust we shall shall shortly have a good
report from them.
The Lord be with them and bless
them, and prosper them abundantly. —
May he dispose the hearts of the peo-
ple to hear, to understand and to em-
brace the truths they inculcate
Churchville, April 24, 1837.
At a conference held in the above
place, the following official members
being present: Elders P. P. P/att, J.
Taylor, J. Russell; John Snider, Priest;
Joseph Fielding, Teacher. Eld. Pratt
was called to preside, and the following
persons were ordained: Wm. Law to
m^
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
the office of on elder, Theodore Tur-
ley, priesl and Jacob Scovt, teacher.
The number of members in good
standing is twenty.
The presence of the Lord was wiih
us; the manifestation of the Spirit was
clear and the votes of the members
unanimous — and we were led lo praise
God that he was pleased to call new la-
borers into his vineyard, and thus fa-
cilitate tha progress of his work in the
coming forth of his kingdom and pre-
pare a people lor the glorious advent of
our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, to
whom be glory forever. Amen.
[yfiiieEiesi
MARRIED— On the 8th of March
last, by Elder Hyrum Stratton, Mr.
Charles Adams to Miss Alice Pat-
tison: both of Portage, Allegheny co.
N. Y.'
In this town, on S'.mday
evening the 14th inst, by F. G. Wil-
liams, Esq. Elder Parley P. Pratt to
Mrs. Mauv Ann Stearns.
On the same evening, by
— Alien, Mr. Hezekiah Fisk
Elder -
to Miss LoDiciA Sly.
©BITUAMl^.
DIED — In this town, on the 9th inst.
Elizabeth Ann, daughter of Oliver
and Elizabeth Ann Cowdery, aged five
months and twenty-five days.
In Brownhelm, Ohio, on the
3d inst. Francis Weedon, who had
been a member of the church of Latter
Day Saints about five years. He ap-
peared sensible that the time of his de-
parture was at hand, and manifested a
willingness to go. [Com.
In Fallsburgh, Sullivan co.
N. Y. on the 12th March last, Thedy
Gillet, widow of Austin Gillet, aged
fifty-six years. The deceased was a
member of the church of Latter Day
Saints, and died in hopes of a glorious
resurrection. [Com.
DROWNED, in Wolf creek, in the
town of Copley, Medina county, Ohio,
CoRYDON, son of David Taylor, aged
five years. [Com.
NOTICE.
There will be a general conference
of elders of the church of Latter Day
next, at or near Artemus Judd's, in
the township of Bastard, Leetis county.
Upper Canada. The elders abroad are
solicited to attend, particularly any of
the '-Twelve." The conference will
coutinue from day to day, until the bus-
iness thereof shall be finished.
There will undoubtedly be every ne-
cessary accommodation and conveni-
ence, that is possible for the brethren
to make to
comfortable.
JOHN E. PAGE.
Perth, U. C. April 10, 1837.
render visiting brethren
Notice.
The Messenger & Advocate Office and
contents, rcently owned by Smith and Rig-
don, Lave bsen transfered to Wm. Marks of
Poitage, Allegany County N. Y.
Messrs. Smith »& Rigdon, by power of at-
torney from said Marks, will act as his agents
for the time being.
W. A. Covvdery will still continue in
charge of the editorial department, to whom
all communications, by mail relative lo the
tiie business of the ofRce, should be ad-
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LATTER DAY SAINTS'
mESSEIVGER AI¥D ADVOCATE.
Vol. III. No. 9.] KIRTLAND, OHIO, JUNE, 1837. [Whole No. 33.
®:ommuniCttticins.
The following communication was
designed, originally, as a private letter
by brother Taylor, of Toronto, U. C.
to a clergyman, a friend of his, in En-
gland. We were shown the rough draft,
and from a hasty perusal, we deemed
it worthy a place in our periodical.
We come to this conclusion from the
fact that the plain principles of the
gospel as taught by the apostles, aie
so clearly set forth and elucidated in a
style at once simple, scriptural, and
yet logical and conclusive, that it may
strengthen and cheer the hearts of
many, while it dispels the clouds of
mystery and superstition that brood
over the minds of others. We have
thought it might serve one other valua-
ble purpose, viz: that of showing the
whole professing Christian world that
they have no authority to administer
the ordinances of the church, unless
they have received it as there pointed
out.
The Catholic church having become
corrupted, and been emphatically term-
ed the the mother of harlots, no Prot-
estant church feels proud to claim any
relationship with her, or that any au-
thority derived from, or coming thro'
her would be good, or acceptable to
God. If it would, her authority would
be equally good to excommunicate, and
in this situation stands the whole Chris-
tian world, unless the Lord has renew-
ed the covenant, and revealed himself,
as brother Tailor contends he has, in
these last days.
Toronto, U. C. May 3, 1837.
Rev. and Dear, Sir: — The anxious
care and solicitude manifested by you
to know the will of our heavenly Fa-
ther concerning the accomplishment of
his designs, and the coming forth of
his kingdon in these last days, together
with the readiness of purpose manifest-
ed by you to do that will when known,
render it an important duty in me to
unfold those things as far as the limit-
ed space of a letter will admit.
You express great fear in conse-
quence of having been, as you observe,
so nearly caught by Irvingism, and re-
mark that you could not endure any
thing which was in any respect like
that. 1 do not fully understand you.
If you mean any thing like their ab-
surdities in doctrine and practice — their
great assumptions, and yet their ex-
treme unwillingness to have their prin-
ciples investigated their exclusive
meetings, &c., I would say push it from
you as far as you can. If you refer to
the apostles, prophets, &c. the gifts
which they profess to have, I would ob-
serve, that if ever we have a true
church organized by the spirit, such
officers we may expect in the church.
If apostles, prophets, teachers, &c.
were given for the perfecting of the
saints, &c. it will take the same to per-
fect them in these days. Because they
may be governed by a false spirit, shall
we say there is no true one? Because
their prophets have proved themselves
false, shall we say that the word of the
Lord will not again be spoken? No ;
it rather proves that Satan is transform-
ing himself into an angel of light and
is coming, as is spoken of by Paul,
" with all deceivableness."
I shall now commence with the ques-
tions that you have proposed, concern-
ing our church. The first that you
mention, is a desire to know something
of its origin. As you have a copy of
a letter which Elder P. P. Pratt wrote
to England, it will give you full satis-
faction on this point, as he is better ac-
quainted with the origin of the church
than I am. I would however observe,
that an holy angel appeared to Joseph
Smith, Jr. and revealed those plates to
him ; and that he translated them by
the gift of God imparted for that pur-
pose, and he was told to choose other
three men to whom God would reveal
the same things. These three men
were together, making prayer to the
Lord on the subject, and the angel of
the Lord appeared to them, unfolded
God's purposes, showed them the plates,
and told them the interpretation was
correct Since that time angels havo
appeared to a great number of others,
who bear testimonj^ to the same things.
I have conversed with three who have
travelled through this part, that have
had communion with angels — men
whose lives adorn the doctrine of God
514
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
our Saviour. One of thpse observed
that it was easy for him to conceive of
how the Lord could teach a man more
ia five minutes than volumes would
contain. The remembrance of which^
in every subsequent trial, dispelled his
fears and caused his heart to sing with
joy. Another of these men, about 8
months ago, left a wife and three chil-
dren, two of which were twins and on-
ly six weeks old, and the other onlj 20
months. His wife felt so much about
the importance of the work, that she
urged him to go and labor in the vine-
yard of the Lord. He did so. And
has since been the means in the hands
of the Lord of bringing near 300 to the
glorious liberty of the gospel.
You ask about healing the sick. I
feive seen I may scores of instances of
it. The power of the Lord is indeed
manifest in the church. When any
are sick among u&, we do not send for
a doctor, but for the elders of the
church, who, according to the admoni-
tion of James, pray for the sick, and
anoint them with oil in the name of the
Lord: and the prayer of faith heals
the sick and the Lord raises him up.
They are not always healed but gen-
erally according to their faith.
You ask how the apostles were cho-
sen. As they were in days of old, by
the voice of God and by the ministra-
tion of angels, and by the Holy Ghost
sent down from heaven. You ask
what is the number of the apostles.
There are twelve that are ordamed to
go to the nations, and there are many
others, no definite number. You ask
next how they are appointed. They
have got to introduce the gospel to all
the nations of the earth, and then the
seventies that are or may be chosen,
win unite with them in the great work
that the Lord has to accomplish in these
last days. You next ask how the E-
vangelists, Elders, &c. are chosen. J
would observe, just as the word of the
Lord points out — by prophesy and by
the laying on of hands, by those in au-
thority. In answer to your question
about an elder, I would take the same
rule and give you a scriptural definition
of it, which is what we hold. 1 Peter
5: 1. The elders which are among
you I exhort, which am also an elder.
Peter here shows that there were el-
ders in the church that were not apos-
tles, and yet the apostles were elders.
Those elders that Peter exhorts I con-
ceive are such as are mentioned, Acts
14; 22, whom they ordained in every
church, who could confer With the
apostles in the church affairs, as in'
Acts, 15: 4. Ycu ask who the gospel
is to be preached to.^ I would answer,,
according to John ia the Revelations,to
every nation, and people, and kindred
and tongue — to people and priests,
saints and sinners. As far as the af-
fairs of the church are concerned, that
you have mentioned, the spirit is unre-
strained. It is the privilege of all the
saints to enjoy it if they are faithful-
male and female — all are allowed to=
pray, speak, &c. as they may be led
by the spirit; and there is no privacy
about any of our meetings as in Mro-
Irving's, nor is there any thing unnat-
ural in the gifts of the spirit among usr
as in their utterances ; nor are we-
afraidof investigation, as they are; the
more the principles are investigated irs
honesty, the better. Paul cared not
about having his principles investigated
in the school of Tyrannus, and Paul's^
principles will not lose any thing by
investigation at the present day.
You ask are sinners converted. I
would observe that nearly one-half of
those brought in, that I have seen, are-
from the world, and are young in the
glorious liberty of the children of God,
and by a consistent walk, adorn the
doctrine of God our Saviour.
I have now answered most of your
questions. Those that are not answer-
ed will be embraced in what I have an-
swered, and in what few remarks I
may yet make. One thing I would
mention, before I proceed, concerning
what we preach. Faith, we consider,,
the first principle of the gospel; rer
pentance, the second; baptism, for the
remission of sins, the third; and lay-
ing on of hands, for the gift of the
Holy Ghost, the fourth. You seem t&
startle at the idea of being baptized
over again. At this I am not surprised*
Seeing the error has so widely spread,
I will make a few remarks on this sub-
ject ; and as I shall be plam, you will
have to bear with me.
The whole Christian church have
apostatized from God, and have, as in
Isa. 24; Transgressed the laws, chang-
ed the ordinances, and broken the ever-
lasting covenant. The glory of that dis-
pensation, which is emphatically called
the dispensation of the spirit has long
since faded away. The gift of proph-
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
M
esy, tongues, healing, miracles, &;c. '
has ceased to exist, and the power of
the spirit is not manifested in what is
now called the church (the sects of the
day.) The absence of the spirit ne-
cessarily implies a want of a&thority in
themmistry of said church to officiate ;
which renders those ministers incapa-
ble of teaching the things of the spirit,
which accounts for the present disor-
der and conflict of opinion that now
exist; for if they were governed by
the spirit of God they would be led to
speak the same things, as the spirit of
" God is not the author of confusion."
If the Methodists are governed by the
spirit of God, the Presbyterians are
not. If the Baptists are, neither of the
former have it. The spirit of God can-
not teach two, much less 5 or 600 diff-
erent doctrines. Turn to the 4th of
Ephesians, and you will there find
what Christ gave the gifts for — the per-
fecting of the saints, the work ol the
ministry, the edifying of the body of
Christ — that we be no more children
tossed to and fro, and carried about
with every wind of doctrine. If you
say apostles, prophets, &c. are not
among the gifts of the spirit, I would
observe that Paul speaks of Christ as-
cending to heaven, and gave gifts to
men, and he gave some apostles, &c.
And you will find the same body and
the completeness of the body referred
to there, as in the 12th of Cor. In
Ephe. he says, 4: 16, *' From whom
the whole body fitly joined together
and compacted by that which every
joint supplieth," &c., &c., and in Cor.
11: 14 — 28, he describes the complete-
ness of the body as not bemg one mem-
ber but many, and that the eye can't
say to the ear, I have no need of thee;
nor the head to the foot, I have no need
of thee. I would here observe that it
is as necessary to have ministers cho-
sen of God, apostles, prophets, &c. to
perfect the saints, as it is to have the
gift oftongues, interpretation of tongues,
discerning of spirits, &c., to complete
the body. One especial purpose for
which they are given is " the work of
the ministry." Many will tell us they
are called of God, but where do they
get their commission, unless God has
spoken to them? for the spirit, as in
the apostles' days, does not now exist in
the church. Let us notice the import-
anceattach'd to the authorityof theprest-
hood in the apostles' days. The apostles
were with our Lord and Saviour during
his personal ministry. They convers-
ed with him forty days after the res-
urrection. Had an opportunity of see-
ing all his miracles, and were taught by
our Lord himself. If any were prepar-
ed to preach without the spirit, they
were; but they were not then prepared.
They had to tarry at Jerusalem until
they should receive power from on high.
They did tarry for that, and received
it. How did Paul get his? The Lord
spoke to him from heaven, and after-
wards Annanias was sent to him to lay
hands on him. How did Timothy ob-
tain his authority? Paul says, neglect
not the GIFT that is within thee, which
was given thee by prophesy and by
laying on of the hands of the Presbyte-
ry; and to exclude all possibility of ob-
taining it in any other way, Paul has
told us, that no man taketh his ministry
upon himself, but such as are called of
God, as was Aaron. Paul speaks of
a time when ^^men would heap to them-
selves tejichers loving itching ears, who
would turn away our ears from the
truth, and turn them to fables," &c.
Men have no business to heap to them-
selves teachers. This is God's work.
God provided means, but men have
spurned at his way, and made cisterns
of their own; but do they perfect the
saints with them? do they keep them
from being carried about with divers
"winds of doctrine?" Some that are
in the Church of England, profess to
have this authority, and to trace it thro*
from the apostles' time. But what chan-
nel did it run through? The mother of
harlots. You may say she might re-
tain her power though she had lost her
virtue. If so, she had power to excom-
municate, which of course would nulli-
fy all that had been done. We see
then, that at the present time, nothing
but direct revelation from God could
set in order the church, place them in
that state of dignity from which they
fell, and prepare them for the glorious
appearing of God our Savior.
I would here observe, sir, that reve-
lation is the only principle upon which
God has ever dealt with his people, and
that wherever the kingdom of God ex-
isted, there existed the fruits of the
kingdom also. In the patriarchal dis-
pensation, God revealed himself to A-
braham, Isaac, Jacob, &c., under the
gospel, for "Abraham had the gospel
preached to him," &c. Under the Mo'
5ie
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
saical dispensation, the Lord manifest-
ed himself to his people by his proph-
ets, visions, and the ministration of an-
gels, and when the Milchezadek priest-
hood was again introduced by our Sa-
viour, he had communion with his Fa-
ther and " whatsoever his Father re-
vealed unto him he made known unto
them (his disciples.) — It was expedient
for them that he went away in order
that the comforter might come." He
did ascend upon high,, and gave gifts to
men, and thus the power of the spirit
then rested upon them and they then
were immediately governed by revela-
tion. By this power were the church
affairs governed. Hence, on the ques-
tion of circumcision, it seemeth good
unto the Holy Ghost and to us, &c.
The Holy Ghost saith separate now
Paul and Barnabas for the work, &c.
It was given for the work of the minis-
try also as before alluded to.
I would here observe, sir, that when
the kingdom was taken away, the fruits
of the kingdom ceased to exist. Our
Savior observes that he would take the
kingdom from the Jews, and give it to
a people that should bring forth the
fruits of the kingdom, and why they
tilled the prophets and stoned them that
were sent unto them, and if they would
not receive the word of the Lord by his
prophets, and last of all, by his Son,
they could not be God's people, for the
simple reason that they would not be
governed by revelation, and God could
not deal with then upon any other prin-
ciple. You will observe here, sir, that
as soon as the kingdom of God was ta-
ken from the Jews, the fruits of the
kingdom ceased to exist among them.
Since that time they have been without
prophets, revelations, visions, &c. &c.
and have been groping in the dark,
knowing nothing of the dispensation in
which they live. When the kingdom
was given to the Gentiles, they then
had visions, received the ministration of
angels, the gift of prophesy, &c,, &c.
Hence Paul, Peter, James, Jude,John,
&c. all prophesied, and could look thro'
the dark vista of future ages, and un-
fold circumstances that should trans-
pire through every subsequent period
of time, until the final windmg scene
of all things. And why? Because they
had got the kingdom, and, consequent-
ly, revelation.
Now, sir, let me ask, what is our
condition at the present day? Where
are our prophets, visions, revelations,,
ministration of angels, &c? They do
not exist among any of the sects of the*
day. By what then are we governed?
As I have before mentioned, m the
Patriarchal, Mosaical, and the Chris-
tian dispensation, they had their pro-
phets and the word of the Lord through
them; we may trace them all through
the scriptures until the apostles' time^
The loss of it we have in John's Rev-
elation. But there is a dreadful chaos
from that time to the present. And
now what have we for our guide? Oh^
the opinion of the Fathers — the opinion^
of Commentators — the opinion of Di-
vines, bodies of divinity — and cart loads^
of Theology 1 — all the opinions ofmen^
and those opinions differing as much)
from one another as light from dark-
ness. Thousands of opinions, but none
to sdij fThus saith the Lord. Hence we
find the doctrines, ordinances, organi-
zation, &c, are all clianged, and we
have yet another state of things to that,
which existed in the apostles' day; and
why ? Because we have got the opinions,
of men instead of the word of the Lord-
I am, Rev. Sir, yours, respectfully^
JOHN TAYLOR.
WHERE IS THE GOSPEL ?
The Gospel is the plan which God has
devised from eternity for the salvation
of mankind. A scheme which was evi-
dently understood by Ahel, Enochs
Noah, Abraham, Moses, Elijah, Jesus,
and the Apostles. Some of them hadi
written about it; a part of which wri-
tings we have in our possession, namely,
that of the Old and New Testaments-
In examining these scriptures we learn
that By faith Abel offered up unto God
a more excellent sacrifice than Cain,
by which he obtained witness that he
was righteous, God testifying of his
gifts, &c. Heb. 11: 4. Query: how
did Abel obtain this faith, &c., and
what had he faith in? I answer, he
obtained it by hearing the word of God j
for it is written that faith cometh by
hearing the word of God. If so,
then this word must have contained
certain instructions to him, which ena-
bled him to look forward to the great
atoning Sacrifice, of which the sacri-
fice that he offered was a type. Then,
be had faith in the great fflan of salva-
tion to be brought about by the Father
through Jesus Christ, the Mediator of
the new covenant. And, having faiths
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
517
lie was obedient to all his instructions
and obtained a witness that he pleased
God.
Enoch obtained life and immortality,
which was evidently brought to light
through the gospel. 2 Tim. 1: 10. He
was a prophet, could foresee and fore-
tel the coming of the Saviour, with ten
thousands of his saints, to execute judge-
ment upon all, and to convince all that
are ungodly among them, &c. Jude
14th and 15th verses. By faith he was
translated, that he should not see <leath,
and before his translation he had this
testimony, that he pleased God. Query.
His faith in what? For his faith came
by hearing the v/ord of God, spoken
tinto him, teaching him the gospel or
plan of salvation, through which life
and immortality were brought to his
knowledge : he pursued the directions,
or commandments, contained in that
plan, until he triumphed over the pow-
er of the elements, and ascended up on
high; consequently through having faith
in the gospel, he was translated that he
should not see death. But where are
the writings containing these instruc-
tions to Enoch? Behold, the world
icnows of none such!
Noah was perfect in his generation,
and Noah walked with God. Gen. 6: 9.
And he became heir of the righteous-
ness which is by faith. Hebrews 11: 7.
How could he become perfect but by
keeping the commandments of God?
How could he walk with God but by
having the mind of Christ?
And how could he become heir of
the righteousness which is by faith, but
by first becoming acquainted with the
plan of salvation, and then by being
obedient to all the requirements of God
contained in that plan?
But where are all the instructions
which were given to this great man, this
perfect man of God, during the long
period of 950 years, concerning his
numberless posterity, their righteous-
ness and their wickedness, their wars,
contentions, divisions, dissensions, and
the great plan of salvation by which
they might be saved in the kingdom of
God? I answer, such writings are not
extant, and I must conclude that it is
because of the wickedness of the chil-
dren of men that they are hid from our
eyes.
Abraham was the friend of God.
" And the scriptures foreseeing that
God would justify the heathen through
faith, preached before the gospel unto
Abraham, saying, *' In thee shall all
nations be blessed." Gal. 3: 8. Mark,
"The scriptures foreseeing."
Notwithstanding the world of man-
kind suppose that Moses was the first
writer of scriptures, we learn from the
above quotation, together with the one
which Jude makes use of, (14th verse)
that scriptures existed hundreds of
years before his day, and that these
scriptures contained prophesyings and
the gospel of Christ, which foretold un-
to Abraham that God would justify the
heathen through faith.
Again, we find by all that is written
of the covenants made with Abraham
and his seed, and by his faith spoken
of, that he understood ihe plan by
which he and his seed should find an
eternal inheritance in the city of their
God. All his hopes of life and im-
mortality were wrought in him by his
knowledge of the scheme of redemp-
tion; for in this scheme of things he
firmly believed, looking forward to the
day of redemption and glory ; and in
this faith he died.
By faith Moses esteemed the re-
proaches of Christ greater riches than
the treasures of Egypt, &c. By this
it appears that he had a knowledge of
Christ before he fled from Egypt. And
what had he faith in, if it was not in
the plan of redemption, to be brought
about through Jesus Christ? This ap-
pears plain from his having preached
the gospel to the children of Israel in
the wilderness, (Heb, 4: 2,) and from
their having been all baptized unto him
in the waters of the Red Sea, and by
the Holy Ghost when they were over-
shadowed by the cloud.
When we consider Elijah, of whom
so little is said, we find he also obtain-
ed life and immortality, for he was
translated. And it was undoubtedly
through faith in the gospel that he came
by this power.
But where is the man in all Christen-
dom, who can disclose or lay before us
this scheme with which Ahel, Enochs
Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Elijah
were so well acquainted? I answer,
there is none, unless it has been reveal-
ed from above in these last days. It is
asserted by most of professors of reli-
gion that it is recorded in the New
Testament. But what man is there
among all the children of men who
teaches it from that Book ? If the Ro-
8JL
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE
man Catholics do, the Presbyterians
do not; if the Episcopalians do, the
Methodists do not; and if the Baptists
do, the Campbellites do not. I grant
that they all pretend to declare it, and
that each one is ready to say, " We
understand the Gospel." But when we
examine the matter a little we find that
it is only their notions and opinions,
which they have imbibed concerning
the meaning of that which is written.
This, and this alone, is all the gospel
which is now preached among the chil-
dren of men, by the above named sects
of the day.
All deny at the present day, inspira-
tion and revelation. All deny the spir-
it of Jesus, which is the spirit of proph-
ecy. Consequently all are ignorant of
God the Father, and the Son, and know
them not; for it is written that no man
knoweth the Father but the Son, and
he to whom the Son will reveal him.
And again, no man can know the Son
but by revelation, if it be true that flesh
and blood did not reveal him unto Peter;
for it is written, " Upon this rock [rev-
elation] I will build my church, and the
gates of hell shall not prevail against
it" Who does not see then, that he
who has no revelation, has no knowl-
edge of God, nor, that Jesus is the
Christ; and he who does not know
that Jesus is the Lord, does not know
the Gospel? Although he may have ten
thousand New Testaments before him,
he will remain ignorant still — for all
will be to him parables and mysteries!
Jesus said unto his disciples that he
would send the comforter, which was
the Holy Ghost, or spirit of truth; and
that when it should come, it should re-
prove the world of sin, of righteous-
ness and of Judgment, and that it
should shew them things to come. And
after they had received it on the day
of pentacost, Peter arose and said that
the promise of this Holy Ghost was
unto them, and their childi-en, to all
that were afar off, even as many as the
Lord should call; amd that it was the
same spirit which Joel, the prophet,
said should be poured out upon all flesh
in the last days, which should enable
their sons and daughters to prophesy,
their old men to dream dreams, and
their young men to see revelations.
Do we not see, then, that the promise
was not confined to the apostles, but it
^extended to all people, and whosoever
h without it, is ignorant of God and
Christ, and of his plan of salvation.
Whosoever is in possession of this
promised blessing, hath the testimony
of Jesus which is the spirit of prophecy 1
it becometh record ot the Father and
the Son, and showeth them things to
come: it bringeth all things necessary,
to his remembrance: giveth him clear-
ly to understand the mysteries of the
kingdom of Heaven; and, in a word,
it leadeth him into all truth. We know
that there is much in the world which
passes for Holy Ghost religion; but
away with every spirit which denies
inspiration and revelation, or will not
answer the description given by Jesus,
Joel and all the holy apostles.
Although hireling priests and learn-
ed doctors, have labored for centuries
to unfold the scriptures and make
known the prophecies, yet the people
are as ignorant as ever as to the gos-
pel: nothing is unfolded ; nething is
made plain; and upon the very frontis-
piece of all their boasted gospel is writ-
ten, " MYSTERY— BABYLON !"
Wherefore, the Gospel is no where
found, known, nor understood, but in
the Church of the God of Israel, —
which church is built and standeth up-
on the Revelations of Jesus Christ,
through his prophets and apostles.
THOMAS B. MARSH.
FROM OUR ELDERS AND COR-
RESPONDENTS ABROAD,
From Blain, Lawrence Co. Ky., Bi'.
Jesse T. Bailey writes, that he and
his wife are the only persons in that
immediate vicinity who belong to the
Church, that he is surrounded by op-
posers to our religion. He states that
he has but recently removed to the
place from Ohio, that he is now seated
among his relations and has held two
meetings. Some of his congregation
witnessed to the truth of what he said
and some, or the greater part, as is the
case in all places, opposed him. He
earnestly solicts the assistance of El-
ders who are travelling, to instruct him
and others in that place, more perfect-
ly in the principles of our holy religion.
May the Lord bless our brother and
send him such assistance, and that por-
tion of his spirit which are necessary
for the edification of his own soul and
the instruction of others in the way of
truth and righteousness.
A brother Moses Smith writes us
under date of May 28, from Foxville,
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
5id
Eacine County, Wisconsin Territory,
stating that there are six only with
himself in that place of the church of
Latter Day Saints, that they want in-
struction in the gospel, and information
relative to the situation of our brethren
in the west, of whom they have not
heard since last September.
For the information of our brethren
generally we say, from the latest intelli-
gence we have received; that our breth-
ren are fast settling in a new county set
off from the North part of Ray, that
they have 2 county Judges 14 justices
of the peace and one Post Master ap-
pointed from among their number. They
have apointed a building committee and
are making their arrangement to build
a house of worship. Subscriptions are
collecting for the building. Their
•county is called Caldwell, and their
<;ity or centre and the name of their
Post Office are called "Far West."
It is said to be fertile, with a salubrious
climate and that the brethren are rap-
idly gathering in from all parts of the
<;ountry. Our brethren and the Mis-
sourians are at peace for ought we
Icnow. Indeed wc hope better things
than to hear of any disturbance, since
they settled in their present location by
the mutualconsentof a committee, rep-
resenting some of the people of Clay
County, and a majority of our brethren
in the same place.
Brother Aaron Holden writes us
from Carthage, Illinois, under date of
May 21, expressing his anxiety to have
the papers sent him, and to have El-
ders call and give him and others such
instruction as they need to advance and
build up the kingdom. He assures us
that in his belief, much good can be
done in that region by such as are qual-
ified to preach the word in truth and
soberness, in spirit and power. We
hope for our brother's sake, and for
righteousness' sake, that elders or oth-
er official members travelling to and
from the ' Far West,' will call, set in
order the things in that region that are
wanting, and instruct our brother and
others "in the way of God more per-
fectly,"
Elder Joseph Rose writes us from
Huntersville, Indiana, under date of
May 22, giving us a little sketch of his
travels and success in the ministry since
he left Kirtland, in 1836. He gives us
to understand that he has travelled and
preached some in this state, been to
Missouri, and on the 29th of January
left there and came to Illinois, where
he has preached in various places,aQd
been always well received, with but one
exception.
He assures us that doors have been
open, and a pressing invitation given
to tarry longer in most places where he
has preached. It would seem that he
is nov/ in Tippacaaoe Co. Indiana,
where he purposes tarrying till he hears
from this place. We trust our broth-
er will tarry while the Lord disposes
the children of men to listen to the
words of life and salvation.
Many of our Elders have gone out,
and others are going on missions this
season. There is no school for the in-
struction of elders now in this place.
It is expected that a course of instruc-
tion in Hebrew will be given, to coa-
tinue 12 weeks, commencing as soonaa
a sufficient number have signed to war-
rant the undertaking.
Elder F. G. Bishop writes under date
of June 4. from Uniontown, Pa., sta-
ting some of the particulars of his trav-
els and mission since he left here in
April, till the date of his letter. The
Elder tarried about ten days in Beaver,
Pa. where during that time he preach-
ed, and baptized eight persons. Thence
he went to Pittsburgh, where he preach-
ed or lectured six times. Brother Bish-
op acknowledges himself indebted to
the Rev. S. A, Davis for the use of his
church, while in Pittsburgh, and for a
letter of introduction to a clerical gen-
tlemen, a friend of his in Baltimore,
whither he expects to travel. Elder
Bishop has associated himself with El-
der James, with whom he intends to
travel this season. Their calculations
are to travel and preach in Pa., Md.,
and Va., where they can be useful ia
dispensing the words of life, and bring-
ing people to the knowledge of the
gospel.
Elders Daniel M. Crandall, and
Moses Martin, write frora Alabama,
Genesee County, N. Y., June 12,1837,
stating the particulars of their travels
and success since they left this place
on the 22d of ApriL They inform us
that they have travelled and labored in
Napoli, Conewango, and Rutledge, in
Cattaraugus County, about three weeks,
baptized six persons ; held one debate
with a Methodist, and others associated
with him; and make a request that El-
ders travelling that way shall call on
520
MESSENGER AND ADVOCAf E.
them, and set in order the things that
are wanting and strengthen those that
remain.
Brother , of Provi-
dence, R. I., writes us under date of
June 20, expressive of his approbation
of our humble services in stating the
truth in plainness, and asks us to an-
swer some queries, which may be ne-
cessary and proper hereafter.
Messenger and Advocate.
^W, A. COWDERY, Editor.
KIRTLAND, OHIO, JUNE, 1837.
A train of causes, and a combination
of circumstances, not in our power to
control, have operated to prevent our
issuing our paper in the month of June.
We admire punctuality in all business,
but in a periodical like ours, we are as
deeply sensible as any one can be, of
the character and importance that are
given to a regularly issued periodical,
whether it be weekly or monthly, reli-
gious or political. We know from our
own experience, that the human sys-
tem no more craves food after a suita-
ble time, than the political demagogue
his newspaper or the saint his period-
ical when he has reason to expect it.
He anticipates a mental treat; he ex-
pects his spirits will be refreshed, his
understanding be enlightened, his judg-
ment be corrected, his hopes brighten-
ed, his soul be edified, and his spiritu-
al strength increased. And we are not
■ insensible of the depression of spirits
occasioned by a tardy mail, or a total
failure of the paper when the mail ar-
rives. Being fully aware of all these
facts, we have labored assiduously on
our part, to obviate all difficulties and
remove all obstacles that would retard
the forthcoming of the paper in due
season. But so it is — we with our nu-
merous patrons are doomed to bear
a disappointment. We have no com-
positor. We have till recently, had
laborers enough at our control, but now
we are destitute, or nearly so. Let
but our readers be as patient with us,
as we are with many of them relative
to remittances, and we pledge our-
selves there will be no falling off, but
every reasonable allowance be made
for the great and severe pressure in
the moneyed institutions of our coun-
try, and the consequent effect which
that has upon all business, and upon
every occupation in community.
We claim no indulgence for idleness
nor any excuse for sheer neglect of
known duty, but simply for that chari-
ty to be extended to us " that endureth
long and is kind, thinketh no evil, re-
joiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in
the truth."
The change of times, and circum-
stances, and the almost entire revolu-
tion in the monetary affairs of our
country, have sensibly affected this
our community as well as all others.
With few exceptions, a sullen, we can
almost say, a desponding gloom hangs
over us, sufficient at least to show a
striking contrast between this and last
year. One year since and our village
was all activity, all animation — the
noise and bustle of teams with lum-
ber, brick, stone, lime or merchan-
dise,were heard from the early dawn of
morning till the grey twilight of eve-
ning. The sound of the mechanic's
hammer saluted the ear of the sluggard
before the rising sun had fairly dispel-
led the sable shades of night, and the
starting up, as if by magic, of buildings
in every direction around us, were
evincive to us of buoyant hope, lively
anticipation, and a firm confidence that
our days of pinching adversity had
passed by, that the set time of the Lord
to favor Zion had come, that we might
almost rejoice when the world around
us mourn, laught at its calamity and
mock when its fear comes; but we too
feel the pressure, occasioned by the de-
rangement of the currency, the loss of
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
521
credit, the want of confidence, or by
overtrading; either the whole combin-
ed, or a part of these causes, have con-
tributed to produce the state of things
that now exist. So far as prophylac-
tics are concerned, it may be well to
look to causes, remote and proximate.
But the great desideratum is how shall
we extricate ourselves, now that we
have fallen into the dilemma. And
first, with the wisdom of a Socrates or
a Phocion, A^e must necessarily expe-
rience more or less of the evils inci-
dent to a deranged state of the curren-
cy, an inflated paper circulation, and
from our intercourse with neighboring
communities, the want of sound capital
to purchase the necessaries of life, and
materials for building up and enlarging
our place in proportion to our numbers
and wants. Although our religion dif-
fers from that of our fellow citizens
aiound us, as much as that taught by
the apostles differed from that of their
cotemporaries, yet we must of neces-
sity have intercourse with them, in a
commercial point of view, and suffer
more or less as they suffer, taking into
consideration the frequency and amount
of that intercourse. With all the pre-
caution we could possibly have exer-
cised, as other adjacent places have
been made to feel a reverse of fortune,
so have we. But as we write for pos-
terity as well as for our cotemporaries,
we feel bound to notice some of the
remote and proximate causes, and leave
our readers to suggest the remedy.
We ure all sensible that one year ago
our village was lively, and every coun-
tenance was lit up with a smile. The
laborer found employ and fair wages.
The farmer living near found a ready
market for all his surplus produce.
The mechanic constant employ for all
the hands he could engage. A great
amount of merchandise was purchased
on credit, and sold in this town during
the summer, fall, and winter past.
Lumber and every kind of building ma-
terial bore a high price; and much of
it, as there was much used, was neces-
sarily bought on a credit. Real estate
rose from one to eight hundred per
cent, and in many cases more. Men
who were not thought worth fifty or an
hundred dollars became purchasers to
the amount of thousands. Notes, (some
cash,) deeds, and mortgages passed
and repassed, till all, or nearly all,
vainly supposed they had become weal-
thy, or at least had acquired a compe-
tence. With the consciousness of hav-
ing suddenly and without much effort
enhanced the amount of his worldly
fortune, every one thought he must
clothe himself and family according to
his circumstances & present prospects,
he therefore made large bills with the
merchants, and promised to pay in a
few short months, or when the bank
should open and begin to discount.
Time rolled on with its usual rapidi-
ty. All the necessaries of life rose in
value, v/hile the demand continued the
same or rather increased, and the sup-
ply rather diminished. The time of
payment on many large contracts had
already come. The merchant, the me-
chanic,and the wholesale dealer began
to call ; the laborer who is ever worthy
of his hire, began to feel the pressure.
The effects of overtrading were visible,
daily. Almost every man had given
his notes for more than he could raise;
contracts were expiring, where hun-
dreds, yea, thousands were at stake.
Some made exertions to extricate them-
selves by their own economy or the
assistance of friends. Some sacrificed
what they had paid, and gave up their
contract. Some appeared to almost
sink in despair, on viewing the pros-
pect before them. While there were
still another class, who reckless of all
consequences, rushed blindly on, till
ruin stared them full in the face.
This being a simple statement of
m
facts, it is easy to see that overtrading
is one of the principal remote causes
of distress in our community. 2d. An
inordinate desire to become suddenly
and vastly rich. 3d. The deranged
state of the money market abroad, and
an inflated paper circulation at home,
together with every article of food ris-
ing nearly one hundred per cent, above
the prices of last year. The laborer
found less employ and still less pay,
than formerly. The influx of inhab-
itants from abroad, in consequence of
the general pressure, was less, and the
few who did arrive felt little inclined
to part with their disposable means.
The day of speculation, we mean lo-
cal speculation in real estate, appears to
have gone by for the present, and the
hour of adversity — the time of trial —
has come; payments are due, money
scarce, credit impaired, and confidence
gone! We speak not of these, as ca-
lamities peculiar to our little town. We
mention them because they are com-
mon to our whole country, and because
causes of a similar nature have com-
bined to produce nearly the same effect
throughout our whole eountry-
We are now, after having hinted at
what we deemed the remote and proxi-
jtnate causes, to propose the remedies.
And, first, let every man live within
his income, and contract no debts, ex-
cept such as he is able, willing, and
expects to pay himself; let him indulge
in no visionary schemes of worldly
greatness, or be puffed up with vanity
as if the world was made for Casar
and all mankind beside his vassals.
Let every man study to know his duty
to himself, his family, his friends, his
neighbors, his country, and his God.
Let him assert his rights as a free in-
telligent citizen of the government that
protects him, but let him never abuse
those lights. Let him not aggravate
the distresses of his fellow men by pan-
dering to the passion, the prejudice, ^he
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
tyranny,or pride of any. If in his judge-
ment his rulers are good, and their
government good, let him uphold, pro-
tect, and constitutionally defend them.
But let him beware lest a blind zeal for
party throws him off his balance, and
he imbibe the idea, that man, frail man
like himself, has claims to infallibility!
Remember that the greatCreator never
made an independent man, and with
equal propriety we might add he never
made an infallible one.
Industry and good economy will
overcome all the imaginary, and many
of the real evils with which we are
afflicted. Let all the constitutional
remedies be put in requisition and our
great affliction if not soon removed
will soon be mitigated.
" Now, no chastening for the present seem-
eth to be joyous, but grievous; nevertheless,
afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruits of
righteousness to them that are exercised
thereby. — Heb. xii. 11.
It would seem almost superfluous to
adduce any proof or raise any argu-
ment to convince even the most scep-
tical of the truth of this naked, broad
assertion. Whether afflictions come
and are viewed as the well-intended
chastisements of a merciful Father, or
are the concomitants of vice and crime,
the apostle was right in saying they
are not joyous,but grievous to be borne.
Afflictions come not from the dust, nei-
ther do troubles spring out of the
ground, but come they when they will,
or from what cause they may, they are
unwelcome, and are never joyfully re-
ceived. Whether they are necessary
to our enjoyment or not, it is morally
certain they produce a sense of our de-
pendence on Him who is the giver of
every good and perfect gift. Man is
prone to forget his Maker, and to turn
a deaf ear to the requirements of heav-
en. But chastisements bring him to
feel what the word of God teaches
him to believe. Under his affliction
he reflects on the beneficence of his
Creator, and pours out his soul in grat-
itude to him from whom all blessings
flow. He realizes that it is not in his
power, while pursuing a course contra-
ry to the will of heaven, to taste joys
unsullied, or bliss without alloy. The
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
523
transgressor is sure to be visited with
stripes; the reward of his iniquities
will be given him, and none can de-
liver. Such is the efFect of chastening
on that soul that feels the importance
of complying with what God requires
of him. He bows in humble submis-
sion to the mandates of heaven. He
sees, he feels, he knoios, that his ' heav-
enly Father chastens every son whom
he receiveth.' He also knows that
chastisements are directed by a merci-
ful hand, and that for the present they
are not joyous but grievous; and he
has an assurance that they will yield
the peaceable fruits of righteousness to
such as are exercised thereby.
God, as we have before remarked,
chasteneth every son whom he receiv-
eth. He truly dealeth with his own as
a parent; and those who are without
chastisement and without rebuke from
him, may well conclude " that they are
bastards and not sons," that he has
withdrawn his Spirit, and given them
over to heardness of heart and blind-
ness of mind. They are left to believe
lies that they may be damned, because
they love not the truth, and have pleas
ure in unrighteousness.
Why, it may be asked, should God
deal thus with his creatures ? Are they
not all his? Did he not create all? and
does he not sustain all? Truly. And
he deals with all as rational, accounta-
ble beings to him. If he had peopled
the whole world with idiots, he certain-
ly would not condemn them for a non-
compliance with a law given for the
government of wise, intelligent men.
Why? because they could not under-
stand it; therefore, since he is a just
God and requires much only where
much is given, it is easy to see that it
could not be obligatory upon them.
God has made millions of the human
family and placed them upon the planet
on which we dwell, and they are not
favored with the light of revelation as
we are. They know nothing of the
written revealed will of God, his laws,
or his gospel. Ujjder these circum-
stancesjwill a just God condemn them?
We are sensible that our answer must
come in direct contact with the opin-
ion of a great mass of the professing
Christian werld, but we unequivocally
say no: we say so for two reasons.
And, first, because we believe it to
be a plain dictate of common sense to
say it; and, second, because the scrip-
tures warrant us in such a conclusion.
The apostle Paul, who is supposed to
have written the epistle of which the
words at the head of this article forms
a part, when addressing his Roman
brethren, says, " how shall they be-
lieve without they hear? and how shall
they hear without a preacher," 6sc.
The plain, legitimate inference from
which is, that if they did not hear and
understand they would not be bound to
obey. The God of heaven will never
condemn men who have not known his
will, for not complying with what he
requires of those to whom he has re-
vealed himself, and those among whom
his will has been promulgated. We are
aware that in making this assertion, we
come in contact with the creed of such
of our professing Christian brethren as
believe that God sends all to hell who
do not believe the scriptures — the Old
and New Testament — when they have
never seen, read or heard them. We
think we are warranted in this belief
from what the Saviour said to the un-
believing Jews: John 15: 22, "If I had
not come and spoken unto them they
had not had sin : but now they have no
cloak for their sin." Where the word
of God is not known, where it is not
understood, mankind cannot be expect-
ed to comply with it. This imposes an
obligation on those who have received
and obeyed the truth, to proclaim it to
others, and urge the necessity of a
compliance with it. But it cannot at-
tach blame, or render that part of the
human family liable to punishment,
who have never been favored with the
light of revelation.
But to return again to the subject
from which we have inadvertently di-
gressed. Chastisements are designed
by our heavenly Father to bring us to
him, to show our dependence on him,
to excite humility in us, and thereby
yield those peaceable Iruits of right-
eousness which are so desirable to the
saints of God. Therefore they seem
to be necessary to bring the saint to
God, our heavenly Father. Before I
was afflicted I went astray (says the
Psalmist) but now have I kept thy
word. If they (the saints') go astray,
they will be afflicted, they will be chas-
tised; nevertheless "The Lord does
not afflict willingly, nor grieve the
children of men." He has given us a
law for our government, and affixed a
penalty if we depart from it He is
S24
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
no respecter of persons, the high, the
low, the rich, the poor, the bondman,
the freeman, are alike to him. Such
only as " fear him and work righteous-
ness are accepted with him." No one
can claim exemption from punishment
or chastisment, who is a wilful trans-
gressor ; he can only plead in the name
of Jesus for pardon, he can deprecate
the evils consequent upon a course of
transgression, and humbly implore for-
givness for all his sins. "Tf we con-
fess our sins, God is faithful and \ust
to forgive us our sins and to cleanse
us from all unrighteousness." 1st John
1: 9.
We presume no one feels to contro-
vert the ideas advanced by the sacred
penman, from which we have made
these few desultory remarks. We did
not select it because it was a point of
doctrine or principle about which we
supposed the saints had any doubt. —
But we are aware after all, there are
some nice distinctions respecting it.
There are consequential evils, and
there are penal evils. The saints who
are truly such, are surrounded with a
crooked and perverse generation, who
are continually persecuting, vexing or
grieving them. These are among the
evils or chastisements which we are
doomed to endure, which are conse-
quent upon our situation here, and will
yield the peaceable fruits of righteous-
ness to such as are exercised thereby.
We might here enlarge upon our
subject, and say much on humility or
self-denial; we might plead for it, and
urge reasons and arguments drawn
from scripture in support of it, but we
need not. Of penal evils we have on-
ly to say, they are the just retribution
of heaven for our crimes, and when
we suffer for them, what thank have
we, even if we bear them patiently?
God has given us intelligence, he has
required of us obedience, and justly
made us accountable, " and if we sin
wilfully after we have come to the
knowledge of the truth, there remain-
eth no more sacrifice for sin, but a
certain fearful looking for of judge-
ment and fiery indignation which shall
devour the adversaries." We are to
deprecate such chastisements as shall
come on the ungodly, who know their
Master's will and do it not. We are
to deplore the evils that flow from
transgression, and humble ourselves
under the mighty hand of God. The
blessings even, of a temporal nature,
with which we are surrounded, and of
which we are permitted to participate,
ought to excite humility in us, and grat-
itude to Him from whom all blessings
flow. How ungrateful then are we to
rebel against the government of Heav-
en! or practically say, mine own hand
has gotten me all these things; when
we are taught, that " every good gift,
and every perfect gjft, cometh down
from above, from the father of light,
in whom is neither variableness nor
shadow of turning"? Ed.
«' Behold how good and how pleasant it is
for brethren to dwell together in unity I It
is like the precious ointment upon the head,
that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's
beard that went down to the skirts of his
garments: as the dew of Hermon, and as the
dew that descended upon the mountains of
Zion; for there the Lord commanded the
blessing,even life forever more." — Ps. 133.
The Psalmist was no doubt well ac-
quainted with all the vicissitudes ot
human life; — with peace and with war,
with prosperity and with adversity.
The high encomium which he passes
upon the union of brethren, and the
figure which he brings to illustrate his
ideas and portray his feelings, are of
themselves evidence of his experience
in the mutability of sublunary things,
and the thrice happy situation of such
a society as enjoys that union of which
he speaks so highly. Man learns some-
what of the motives of his fellow man
by the experience of others, but he is
never so sensibly affected by what he
is taught to believe, as by what he is
brought to feel. We are far, very far,
from inculcating the idea that we
should embark in a war, that we may
be able to appreciate the blessings of
peace; or that we ought to do evil that
good may come. But we do say that
good and evil, virtue and vice, are so
contrasted, or commingled, that, al-
though we are not willing to subscribe
to the doctrine, that they both flow
from the same fountain, still that order
of things is permitted by the great Ru-
ler of the universe, which allows both
to exist. We do not say that vice and
crime are allowable by the laws of God,
but we do know that good & evil, vice
and crime exist, or are suffered to be ;
and that too among rational, intelligent,
accountable beings, who have repeat-
edly read the law of God, and under-
stood all its obligatory moral precepts.
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
555
Therefore, we say, although God docs
not approbate, yet be suffers or per-
mits them to exist.
Here, in this chequered scene, we
almost necessarily pass through enough
of the varieties of fortune to know
how to contrast union with disunion,
to appreciate the former and deprecate
the latter.
We look at this subject with deeper
and more intense interest the longer
it dwells upon our mind. Not that it
is any greater or better than formerly.
Not because it has become a controver-
ted subject in divmity and we recently
become a convert to the sentiment we
now advocate; not that we suppose
God has changed or his purpose varied.
But because our own experience has
proved ^he truth of what God by the
mouthof the Psalmist has said. It en-
ables us to say we know the truth of so
much scripture most perfectly.
It appears that the character of God
and the society of the blessed are de-
lineated, although but faintly, by any
human beings, yet we, by the union
described in our text, can, at least,
have some faint conception of such so-
ciety as we shall all be pleased to enjoy,
where the toscin of alarm, the din of
arms and the noise of war, shall have
no place, only in the reminiscences of
of bye-gone days.
While the adversary is not bound,
sin is in the world, and so long as sin
has any place in any society, so long
that society, whether it be composed
of saints or sinners, must suffer the
evils that flow from it. In vain do they
attempt to evade the evils consequent
thereon. In vain do they attempt to
hide from the scrutinizing eye of Je-
hovah, deeds of evil or works of dark-
ness.
Man may plot iniquity with gravity
the most sanctimonious ; he may rear
fabricks in his imagination the most
splendid, for a while fortune may at-
tend him, still if his works are not
works of righteousness, however plau-
sible in the outset, the issue will be un-
favorable, the smile of heaven will not
rest upon his labors, prosperity will
not crown his efforts. That which is
evil, that which is sin, will never pro-
duce union or harmony in any society:
it will not bring order out of chaos nor
restore peace to the troubled soul.
Truth must prevail, righteousness must
be pursued or no people can dwell to-
gether in unity. We are not uttering
prophesies, or speaking of things that
have recently passed before our eyes,
but of things which have long since be-
come matters of history, and recorded
for our instruction. Man, we know is
an imitative animal; with the purest of
motives and the best intentions, he fol-
lows almost imperceptibly the footsteps
of those around him. If he respect
and revere his rulers, he copies their
manners, he imbibes their habits, and
if they have vices, he will hardly es-
cape contamination by thevin. So that
the sacred penman hath well said,
" when the wicked bear rule the land
mourns," — when the wicked bear rule,
there is discord, disunion and every evil
work. But not so when the righteous
bear rule. " The works of righteous-
ness are peace, and the effect of right-
eousnes, quietness and assurance for-
ever,
55
Ed.
MINUTES
Of a Conference of Elders held in
West TownsMp, Columbiana Co. O.
commencing Friday, June 16, 1837.
The Conference assembled at 6 o'^-
clock, P. M. Eld. S. B. Stoddard was
chosen to preside during the sitting of
the Conference, and M. F. Cowdery
was appointed Clerk.
After opening by prayer. President
Stoddard stated the Conference was
ready to transact such business as
might be thought important.
The conference then proceed to try
the case of Eld, John Kelso, who was
charged with teaching and preaching
erroneous doctrine, of defying the
High Council at Kirtland, and of go-
ing to law with his brethren, contrary
to the laws of the church.
After hearing the testimony, and the
remarks of Elder Kelso in his own be-
half, President Stoddard decided that
the charges were sustained against him
and that he ought to make a public con-
fession, in order to maintain his stand-
ing in the church.
The question was then put to the
Elders, and Members present, whether
they concurred in the decision; and
they unanimously decided in the af-
firmative.
Elder Kelso refused to comply with
the requirements, and the hand of fel-
lowship was consequently withdrawa
from him.
626
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
The conference then adjourned till
10 o'clock on Monday mornuig.
On Saturday and Sunday there was
preaching to a respectable and attentive
audience, by Elders. S. B. Stoddard,
G. W. Meeks, L. Barnes, and G. A
Smith. On Sunday, three were ad-
ded to the church by baptism, and
many others seemed to be enquiring
after truth. The prospect at present
is, that many others will yet embrace
the truths of the gospel in this region
of country.
On Monday morning the Conference
again convened to inquire into the af-
fairs of the church and to transact
such business as might be thought ne-
cessary.
It appeared from the statements of
the officers of the church that there
were in all 30 members; that there had
been but little faithful teaching and
preaching among them for some time
past, and that but very few among
them observed the word of wisdom.
After some remarks from the Elders,
and also from President Stoddard on
the importance of observmg the word
of wisdom, and also of keeping all the
commandments of God, the church al-
most or quite unanimously covenanted
to keep the word of wisdom in future
and to perform such duties as were
binding upon them.
Eld. L. Barnes, from Portage, sta-
ted that the church in that place con-
sisted of about 100 members, and that
he believed they generally kept the
word of wisdom.
Eld. G. A. Smith, from Kirtland,
stated that he had been about two weeks
from home, that on his way to this
place he passed through the town of
Suffield, found a small church of eight
members, who, he believes, were obey-
ing the word of wisdom; also, that they
had an Elder residing m the town who
seemed to be anxious to know and do
his duty.
After hearing from the members in-
dividually, and partaking of the Sacra-
ment, the Conference adjourned.
S. B. STODDARD, Pres.
M. F. CowDERY, Clerk.
*'The life of almost every good man
exhibits virtue for a season struggling
with difficulty, overwhelmed with dis-
tress, but emerging, rising, triumphing
at lepgth." — Hunter.
ANCIENT HISTORY.— No. 5.
GREECE , CONTINUED.
Superstition, in the early periods,
was a predominant characteristic of
the Greeks.
The institution of the public games,
and the origin of the Grecian oracles,
may be referred to this period. It may
here be remarked, that in this early
age of the world, among a people who
were but few removes from barbarism,
where the light of revelation had not
been reflected upon their understand-
mg, had that strong desire that we have
seen manifested in all subsequent time,
to look into futurity — to learn the fate
of man beyond this mode of existence.
Hence the practice of consulting their
oracles.
The resoit of strangers to these or-
acles gave rise to a festival and to tho
public games in honor of their gods.
The four solemn games of the Greeks,
particularly termed icpot, were the
Olympic, the Pythuan, the Nemean
and the Isthmian. These games con-
sisted in athletic exercises, and the
prizes of the victors were honorary
marks of distinction. They had an ex-
cellent efl^ect in a political point of view,
they promoted a kind of national union,
a love of militarj' glory, and measura-
bly fitted youth for soldiers, by thus
early training them to martial exercis-
es. They cherished, at the same time,
a heroicaland superstitious spirit, which
led to the formation of extraordinary
and hazardous enterprises.
The history of Greece for a period
of three hundred years preceding the
Trojan war, is intermixed with fables;
but contains, notwithstanding, many
facts entitled to credit.
Erutheus, who cutivated the plains
of Eleusis, instituted the Eleusinian
mysteries. These mysteries were of
a religious and moral nature,conveying
the doctrines of the unity of God, the
immortality of tVie soul, and a future
state of reward and punishment. Cicero
speaks of them in terms of high com-
mendation. But the ceremonies con-
nected with them, were childish and ri-
diculous.
Theseus laid the foundation for the
grandeur of Attica by uniting its 12
cities, and giving them a common con-
stitution, 1257 before the Christian era.
The first great enterprize of the
Greeks, was the Argonautic expedition,
according to Ushsr, 1263; or according.
MEggENGER AND ADVOCATE.
52f
to Sir I. Newton, 937, A. C. This ex-
pedition is supposed to be both a milita-
ry and a mercantile adventure* It was
bold for the time it was undertaken.
The object was to open the commerce
of the Euxine and to secure some es-
tablishments on its coasts.
The astronomer, Chiron directed the
plan of the voyage, and formed for the
mariners a scheme of the constellations,
fixing with accuracy, the solstitial and
equinoxial points.
Sir Isaac Newton, has founded his
emendation of the ancient chronology
on a calculation of the regular pro-
cession of the equinoxes, from this pe-
riod to the present, as well as a medi-
um length of human generations.
The military art of the Greeks at
this period may be estimated by the
sieges of Thebes and Troy.
The modes of attack and defence
were rude and imperfect. The mode
of attack nearly resembled a blockade,
and was almost necessarily of long du-
ration.
A dispute about the divided sove-
reignt) of Thebes between two broth-
ers, gave rise to a war, and finally re-
sulted in a single combat in which both
were killed.
The detail of the war of Troy rests
chiefly on the authority of Homer, and
ought not, in spite of the cavils of mod-
ern scepticism, to be refused, in its
principal facts, the credit of true histo-
ry. The blockade or siege of Troy
lasted ten years, when it was taken by
surprise or by storm, 1184, A. C. and
being set on fire in the night was burnt
to the ground, and not a vestige of it
remains at the present day. The
Greeks settled a colony near the spot.
Military expeditions were carried on
only in the summer. Every battle
was but a multitude of single combats.
The soldier had no pay but his share
of the booty. Their weapons were
the sword, bow, hatchet and sling.
SUMMARY OF THE NEWS OF THE
DAY.
Relative to our intercourse with the
eastern nations, it is on an amicable
footing and of a friendly, reciprocal na-
ture. Our government is envied by
despots, loved by the friends of liberty,
and its citizens and its flag respected
in almost every clime.
The great pressure in the money
market has been felt in England as
well as in America, but the latest ad.
vices, bring accounts more favorable to
returning prosperity.
Bread stuffs are every where high,
throughout our whole country. The
season has been cool, wet, and conse-
quently backward, and the prospect of
the husbandman, gloomy and forebod-
ing; but present prospects here, and
recent accounts from abroad, are far
more cheering than they were but a
few short weeks since. We now hope
for a good harvest and good crops.
Fruit ti'ees are heavily laden as far as
we have travelled or learned by others.
The Indians in and about our ex-
treme southern borders, continue at in-
tervals a kind of cowardly, predatory
warfare, upon the sparse population of
that country, rather than open, manly
hostilities.
Mexico, our southern neighbor, by
no means acknowledges the indepen-
dence of Texas, but considers her in-
habitants as rebellious subjects.
Spain is divided against herself and
is exhausting her blood and treasure
in her own destruction.
Portugal has long been wasting her
own resources to pamper her princes,
or gratify the different competitors for
the crown, till she hardly holds a re-
spectable rank among nations.
Russia is powerful in men and
means, holds the balance of power in,
Europe, and at home in her high north-*,
ern latitude and severe climate may-
defy the combined attack of all her
neighbors.
Poor Poland has lost her rank a-
mong the nations and become extinct,
to gratify the ambition of Nicholas,
the Autocrat of Russia.
China is nearly in statu quo, while
the Turkish or Mohamedan power is
rather on the wane.
Of Africa we can say but little, only
that it was once the home of the black
man. Liberia is situated on its coast
and is famous for the colony of eman-
cipated negroes established there, by
the munificence of citizens of our own
government.
But to return again to our own con-
tinent, our own country, the land that
gave us birth — we look around and
see men reckless of consequences abuse
one another, to gratify prejudice, envy
or party rancor, and we blush at their
folly ; we then reflect that we have a
government of laws, with balances and
checks — and the acts of all are subjects
of ([GQ discussion.
636
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
GOD.
O, Thou Eternal One! whose presence bright,
All space doth occupy — all motions guide ;
Unchanged through time's all devastating flight,
Thou only God ! There is no God beside.
Being above all beings! 3Iiglity One!
Whom none can comprehend, and none explore,
Who finest existence with thyself alone ;
Embracing all — supporting — ruling o'er —
Being whom we call God — and know no more !
In its sublime research, Philosophy
May measure out the ocean deep — may count
The sands or the sun's rays — but God ! for thee
There is no weight nor measure; none can mount
Up to thy mysteries : Reason's brightest spark.
Though kindled by thy light, in vain would try
To trace thy councils, infinite and dark ;
And thought is lost ere thought can soar so high,
Even like past moments in eternity.
Thou from primeval elements, didst call
First chaos, then existence — Lord on thee
Eternity had its foundation ; all
Sprung forth from thee; of light, joy, harmony,
Sole origin — all life, all beauty, thine.
Thy word created all, and doth create;
Thy splendor fills all space with rays divine.
Thou art, and wert, and shall be, glorious! great!
Life giving, life sustaining Potentate.
Thy chains the unmeasured universe surround ;
Upheld by thee, by thee inspired with breath !
Thou the beginning with the end hast bound,
And beautifully mingled life and death !
As sparks mount upward from the fiery blaze
So suns are born — so worlds spring forth from thee!
And as the spangles in the sunny rays
Shine round the silver snow, the pageantry
Of Heaven's bright army glitters in thy praise.
A million torches lighted by thy hand
Wander unwearied through the blue abyss ;
They own thy power; accomplish thy command,
All gay with life, all eloquent witli bliss :
What shall we call them ? Piles of crystal light ?
A glorious company of golden streams?
Lamps of celestial ether burning blight?
Suns lighting systems with their joyous beams ?
But thou to these art as the noon to night.
Yes, as a drop of water in the sea
All this magnificence is lost in thee :
What are ten thousand worlds compar'd to thee?
And what am I, then? Heaven's unnumber'd host,
Though multiplied by myriads, and arrayed
In all the glory of sublimest thought.
Is but an atom in the balance weighed
Against thy greatness — is a cypher brought
Against infinity ! What am I, then ? Nought !
Nought! — but the effluance of thy light divine.
Pervading worlds, hath reached my bosom too ;
Yes, in my spirit doth thy spirit shine
As shines the sun-beam in a drop of dew.
Nought! — but I live, and on hope's pinions fly,
Eager toward thy presence ; for in thee
I live, and breathe, and dwell ; aspiring high;
Even to the throne of thy Divinity.
I am, O God, and surely thou must be!
Thou art directing, guiding all. Thou art!
Direct my understanding then to thee ;
Control my spirit, guide my wandering heart;
Tl-ough but an atom 'midst immensity.
Still I am something, fashioned by thy handi
I hold a middle rank, 'twixt heaven and earth.
On the last verge of being stand.
Close to the realm where Angels have their birth.
Just on the boundary of the spirit land 1
The chain of being is complete in me ;
In me is matter's last gradations lost.
And the next step is spirit — Deity !
I can command the lightning, and am dust,
A monarch, and a slave, a worm, a God !
Whence came I here, and how? so marvellously
Constructed and conceived unknown ! This clod
Lives surely through some higher energy.
For from itself alone it could not be.
MARRIED— On Wednesday even-
ing, the 24th inst. by Elder Nathan
Haskins, Mr. Uriah Hawkins, to Mrs.
Lydia Ann Hawkins.
Kirtland, Ohio, June 3, 1837.
A list of the names of Ministers of
the Gospel, belonging to the Church
of the Latter Day Saints, whose Licen-
ses were recorded, the last quarter in
the License Records, in Kirtland,OhiOy
by Thomas Burdtck,
Recording Clerk.
£LDERS.
Briggs Alden, James Locke,
James M. Adams, William Law,
Walter M. Blanchard, Samuel M'Clanathanv
Leister Brooks, Laban Morrill,
Caleb Baldwin, Russell Potter,
John B. Carpenter, George Rose,
Samuel Crawford, Isaac Russell,
Dominicus Carter, John Stiles,
Daniel M. Crandal, Lorenzo Snow,
Alexander Cheney, Benjamin Sweat,
Hiram Clark, Archibald M. Wilsey,,
Giles Cook, Bradley B. Wilson,
John Goodson, George C. Wilson,
John P. Green, Lewis D. Wilson,
Emer Harris, Bushrod W. Wilson^
Henry H erriman, Willard Woodstock,
Heman T. Hyde, John Wilson.
Chester S. Judd,
PRIESTS.
Lewis Eager, John McVay.
Jesse Turpin,
TEACHERS.
Cyrus P. Dunton, George Pack.
DEACONS.
Abram Cheney, Ebenezer Scott,
DIED— On the 6th day of June,
Deborah H. Hurlbut, wife of Joseph
P. Hurlbut, of Norton, Medina County,
Ohio. She was a member of the Church
of Latter Day Saints, and died in the
faith of the everlasting gospel.
In Euclid, July 6, Mrs. Fan-
ny Parks, wife of Col. William Parks,
aged 47. She had been a member of
the Church of Latter Day Saints, three
years, and died in full faith of the new
and everlasting Covenant, and in hope
of a blessed immortality.
MESSENGER AND STAR,
Bound together, or in separate volumes
can be had at this office.
THE LATTER DAY SAINTS'
messenger and Advocate,
Is published every month at Kirtland, Geauga
Co. Ohio, by
i;viiii.iA]fi :mark^,
PROPRIETOR.
TERMS.
%\,per an. in advance. Every person procuring
ten new subscribers, and forwarding % 10, current
money, shall be entitled to a paper one year, gratis.
All letters to the Editor must be
]!;y POST PAID. JZSi
No subscription will be received for a less term than ont
year, and no paper discontinued till all arrearages art
paid, except at the option of the publishers.
LATTER DAY SAINTS'
MESSEI^fcJER AND ADVOCATE.
Vol. III. No. 10.] KIRTLAND, OHIO, JULY, 1837. [Whole No. 34.
Communications.
The following letter we publish, be-
cause we deem it of importonce to the
Saints, not only here but elsewhere,
that they should be possessed of accu-
rati^ information relative to any, and
all points concerning the location and
the improvements our brethren are
making in the west.
We might give a flattering descrip-
tion of the country, but we deem it un-
necessary. Most of our reader'^ are
acquainted with the geography of the
country from reading, or from the
oral accounts of travellers of their own
private acquaintance. We therefore
give the letter entire, except a clause
of a private nature and (^ur readers can
judge for themselves. '7«/t
Far West, "^fej/?, 1837.
Dear brother in the Lord,
Permi; me to drop
you a few lines to show you our prog-
ress temporally and spiritually. A
multiplicity of business has prevented
me from writing much the year past,
but the greatness of our doings and the
importance of the occasion require a
recital to you for your consolation. —
Monday the 3d of July, was a great
and glorious day in Far West; more
than fifteen hundred saints assembled
in this place, and, at i past 8 in the
morning, after a prayer, singing, and
an address, proceeded to break ihe
ground for the Lord's House; the day
was beautiful, the Spirit of the Lord
was with us, a cellar for this great ed-
ifice, 110 long by 80 broad was nearly
finished: on Tuesday the fourth, we
had a large meeting and several of the
Missourians were baptized: Our meet-
ings, held in the open prairie, or, in
fact larger than they were in Kirtland
when I was there. We have more or
iess to bless, confirm and, baptize ev-
ery Sabath.
This same day our school section
was sold at auction, and although en-
tirely a prairie, it brought, on a years
credit, from 3 J to $10,20 an acre,
making our first school fund $'50701!
Land can not be had round town
now much less tlaan $10 per acre.
Our numbers increase daily, and,
notwithstanding the season has been
cold and backward, no one has lacked
a meal, or went hungry. Provisions
to be sure have risen, but not as high
as our accounts say they are abroad.
Public notice has been given by the
7nob in Davis county, north of us, for
the Mormons to leave that county by
the first of August, and go into Cnld-
well. Our enemies will not slumber,
till Satan knows the bigness of his lot
Our town gains some, we have a-
bout one hundred buildings, 8 of which
are stores. If the brethren abroad are
wise, and will come on with means,
and help enter th^- land and populate
the Co. and build the Lord's House, we
shall soon have one ot the most pre-
cious spots on the Globe. God grant
that it may be so. Of late we receive
but little news from you: and we think
much of that is exaggerateu.
As ever,
W. W. PHELPS.
N. B. Please say in your Messen-
ger: "A Post ofiice has been estab-
lished at Far West, Caldwell County,
Missouri. Our brethren will now
have a chance to write to their
friends."
The following extract which we
have taken from Milner's Church his-
tory, will show, the propensity of man-
kind to deviate, from that course which
the God of heaven has pointed out for
his servants to pursue, if they would
secure his approbation. Our heaven-
ly Father has revealed his will to the
children of men so repeatedly, that no
one, who has attentively read those
divine communications can plead ig-
norance of his will, or of the gospel
which he has caused to be promulgated
for the salvation of mankind. He so
loved the world, that he gave his only
begotten Son, that the world through
him might be saved. Our Savior mads
his appearance in the flesh, ordained
his apostles, and after preaching and
instructing them in the principles of
his religion during three years, suflor-
ed crucifixion, and ascended to heaven.
His ppostles zealously propagated the
religion they had embraced, notwith-
standing the opposition they met and
the sufferings they endured, wer* all
m
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATfi.
pointed out to them by their Master
before he was tnkcn from fhcni. —
Their lives were bat a continuad uar-
fare, and what the aposc'c of the Gen-
tiles said near the elOsSe of his e:trlhly
career, might with little or no varia
tion be said by all the otbcs. I am
now about to be offered and the time of
my departure is at hand. I have
fought a good fight, I havo finished my
course, I have kept the firith. — But
what we particularly notice iti the his-
tory of which the following is ;in ex-
tract, is that even in the first ci;ntury.
while those eminent n>en were yet liv-
ing who received llieir instructions
from the great head of the church, and
held communion with the unseen world
through the medium of that Spirit
which was promised them, to lead
them into truth, the great p»-oneness in
mankind to apostatize, or substitute
something for religion, or soine of its
ordinances which the God of heaven
never accepted. The great apostle of
the Gentiles when he came to Miletus
before he went to Rome called the el-
ders of the church of Ephe^-.us anri
charged them as follows. '-Take heed
therefore, to yourselves and to all the
flock, over the which the Holy (4host
Rath made you overseers to feed the
church of God which he hath purchns
ed with his own blood. For 1 know
this, that after my departing shall
grievous wolves enter in amoii: you,
not sparing the flock. Also of your
ownselves shall men arise speakino-
I • I o
perverse things to draw away disci[)les
after them." The history of the
church subsequent to that period fully
verifies that prediction. We there'ore
recommend the candid perusal of this
extract, and hope our readers may
profit by the instruction contained in it.
Such were the perversions of the
doctrine of the incarnation and atone-
ment of the Son of God. Nor did the
doctrine of justificntion by faith only,
which St. Paul had so streneously sup-
ported, escape a simular treatment.—
In all ages this doctrine has been eith-
er fiercely opposed, or basely abused.
The epistle to the Galations "descrribos
the former treataienf: The epistle of
Jude the latter. The memoirs of those
heretics, short and imperfect as tbev
are, inform us of some, who professed
from the ftesh, and to live in excessive
;ib.>trm;ojsnoss. We find also that
thcic were otliers, who, as if to sup*
|-ortth:'ir Christian liberty, lived in
sin with giCLidiness, and indulged
themselv(;s in all the gratifications of
sensuality. Nothing short of a spirit-
ual illumination and direction can in-
deed secuic the improvement of the
grace of the gospel to the real interests
of holiness. At this day there are
peisn,«ho think that the renuncia"
tion of all our own works in point of
dependence; must be the destruction of
practical religion; and they are thence
led 'o seek salvation "by the works of
the law:" while others, admitting in
words the grace of Jesus Christ, en-
courage ihemselve in actual sin. A
truly humbled frame, and a clear in-
sight into the beauty of holiness,
through the effectual influence of the
divine Spirit, will teach men to live a
sanctified lifa.by the faith of Jesus. —
The Gentile- eoflverts by the Gnostic-
heresy, and the Jewish by that of Eb--
ion, were consideral)ly corrupted to-^
ward the close ol the century. The
latter indeed of these heresies had beer*
gradually making progress for some
time. We have seen, that the object
of the first council of Jerusalem was to-
guard men against the imposition of
Mosaic observances, and to teach them
to rely on the grace of Christ alone for
salvation. But self-righteousness is a
weed of too quick a growth to be easi-
ly eradicated. The Pharisaic Chris-
tians, we may apprehend, were not im^-
mediately advanced to the full size of
heresy. But when they proceeded to
reject St. Paul's writings we may fair-
ly conclude, that they fully rejected
the article of justification, — A separa-
tion was made; and the Ebionites, as a
distinct body of men, deserved the
name of heritics.
St. Paul indeed, who, with an ea-
gle's eye, had explored the grewing
evil, was now no more in the world. —
But the Head of the Church prolonged
the life of his favorite John to the ex-
treme age of a hundred: and his au-
thority checked the progress of hereti-
cal pravity. He resided much at Eph-
esus, where Paul luid declared, that
grevious wolves would make their ap-
pear.'inco. Jerome says, that he wrote
his gospel, at the desire of the bishops
an extraordinary degree of sanctitv. T c \° '^ ' ■' \W-Vu - ~—""f
and affected to be abstracted ultogethe ?^ f''^' ^T • T"^ ^^.T
5^/inci I ijifjeeH cnch exoressions as thesfi. <<tlv
Indeed such expressions as these, "the
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
631
passover, a feast ot the Jews," — and
*'lhat sabbath day was ati \u<rh dav,"
seem to indicate, that the Jewish polity
was now no mure, it not being niturai
to give such exph'cations ol cusionis,
except to those wlio had no oportunity
of" ocular inspection. I cannot but
think, that Dr. Lardner, who is no
friend to the vital doctrines ol Chris-
tianity, has betrayed, iu his attempts
to shew that St. John in his gospel did
not intend to oppose any particular
heresies, his own predilection for So-
cinianism. In truth, there are vari-
ous internal proofs which corroborate
the testimony of Jerome. The very
beginning of his jrospel is an authori-
tive dec] I ration of the proper Deity of
Jesus Christ: The attentive reader
cannot but reccollect various discours-
es to the same purport: The confession
of Thomis, after his resurrection,
stands single in St. John's gospel:
The particular pains, whi:h betakes,
to assure us of the real death of his
master, and of the issuing of real blood
and water from his wounded side, are
delivered with an air of one, zealous
to obviate the error of the Doactee:
Nor can I understand his laying so
grhata stress on Jesus Ciirist's coming
in the flesh in any other manner.
While this apostle lived, t<ie heretics
were much discountenancKd. And it
is certain that Gnostics and Ebionites
were always looked on as perfectly
"distinct from the Christian church. —
There needs no more evidence to prove
this, than their arrangenjcut by Ire-
neeus and Eusebius under heretical par-
ties. Doubtless they called themselves
Christians; and so did all heretics, for
obvious reasons: and, for reasons
equally obvious, all, who are tender of
the fundamentals of Christ's religion,
should not own their right to the appel-
lation. Before we dismiss them I
would remark,
1. That it does not appear by any
evidence which I can find, that these
men were persecuted for their religion.
Retaining the Christian name; and yet
glorifying man's righteousness, wis-
dom and strength, "they spake of the
world, and the world heard ihem." —
The apostle John in saying this, had
his eye, I believe, on the Docstae pir-
ticularly. In ourown times oersons of
a similar stamp would willingly ini:ra-
tiate themselves with real Christians;
and yet at the same time avoid the
cross of Christ, and whatever would ex-
po.si; tJKMii to the enmity of the world.
Wc li.nc the testimony of Justin Mar-
tyr, thatSminn was Imnurod in the Pa-
gan world, even to idolatry. What
^ticss is laid on this circumstance in
the New Testaniiiit, as an evidence of
the ci;;.raciers of men in religious con-
cerns, is Will known.
2. if it be made an objection against .
evangelical principles, that numbers,
who profess them, have run into a va-
riety of abuses, perversions and con-
tentions, we have seen enough, even
in the first century, of the same kind
of evils to convince us, that such ob-
jections militate not against divine
trnih, i)ut might have been made with
equal fo ce ag.iinst the apostolic age.
3. A singular change in one respect
has taken place in the Christian world.
The two heretical parti I'S above descri-
bed, wiM-e not much unlike the Arians
and Socitii.ms at this day. The former
iiHvo, ladicailv, the same ideas as the
Docetai, though it would be unjust to
accusi; them of the Antinomian abom-
inations which defiled the followers of
Simon: The latter arc the very coun-
t«rpar. of the Ehiiinites. The Trinita-
lians were then the body of the
Church; and so much superior was
their influ-jnce and numbers, that the
other two were treated as heritics. At
present the two parties, who agree in
lessening the dignity of Christ, though
m an unequal manner, are carrying on
a vigorous controversy agiinsl one an-
other, while the Trinitarians a'C de-
s,)is')d by both as unworthy the notice
of men of reason and letters. Serious
and humble minds will, however, in-
sist on tlie necessity of our understand-
ing that certain fundamedtal principles
are necessary fo constitute the real
gospel. The divinity of Christ, — his
atonement, — ^justification by faith, — re-
generation— these they will have ob-
served to be the principles of the prim-
itive Church: and within this inclosure,
the whole of that piety which produced
such gloric us effects has been confin-
ed: and it is worthy the attention of
learned m.^n to consider whether the
same remark may not be made in all
ages.
IV. Thus have we seen a more as-
tonished revolution in the human mind
and in human iranners, than ever took
p ace in any age, effected without any
human power, legal or illegal, aed
fi32
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
even against the united opposition of
all the powers then in the world: and
this too not in countries rude or unciv-
ilized, but in the most humanized, the
mast learned, and the most polishod
part of the Globe, — within the Roman
Empirf, — no part of which was ex-
empted from a sensible share in its ef-
fects.— This empire, within the first
century at least, seems to have been
the proper limit of Christian conquests.
If an infidel or sceptic can produce
any thing like this effected by Mahom-
etiinism, or by any other icligion of
human invention, he may then with
some plausibility compare those reli
gions with Christianity: But, as the
gospel stands unrivalled in its manner
of subduing the minds of men, — the
argument for its divinity from its prop
agation in the world, will remain in-
vincible.
And, surely, every dispassionate
observer must confess, that the chunge
was from bad to good. No man will
venture to say, that the religious and
moral principles of Jews and Gentiles.
before their conversion to Christianity,
were good. The idolatries, abomina-
tions, and ferocity of the Gentile world
will be allowed to have been not less
than they are described in the first
chapter to the Romans: and the wri-
tings of Horace and Juvenal will prove,
that the picture is not exaggerated. —
The extreme wickednes of the Jews is
giaphically delineated by their own
historian, and is neither denierl nor
doubted by any one. What but the m-
fluence of God, and swi effusion of his
Holy Spirit, — the first of the kind
since the coming of Christ, and the
measure and standard for regulating
our views of all succeeJinw ones,- — can
account for such a change? From
the Acts of the Apostles and their
Epistles, I have drawn the greater
part of the narative; but the little that
has been added from other sources is
heterogeneous. — Here are thousands
of men turned from the practice of ev
ery wickedness to the practice of every
virtue: many, very suddenly, or at
least in a short space of time, reformed
in understanding, in mclination, in af-
fection; knowing, loving, and confi-
ding in God; from a state of mere
selfishness converted into the purest
philanthropists; living only to please
God and to exercise kindness toward
•ne another; and all of them, recover-
ing really, what philosophy only pre-
tended to, — the dominion of reason
over jiassion; unfeignedly subject to
their maker; rejoicing in his favor a-
midst the severest sufierings; and se-
renely waiting for their dismission in-
to a land of blissful immortality. — That
all this Must be of God is demonstra-
tive:— but the important inference,
which teaches the divine authority of
Christ, and the wickedness and danger
of dispising, or even neglecting him, ia
not always attended to by those wha
are most concerned in it.
But the Christian Church was not
yet in possession of any external digni-
ty or political importance. No one
NATION as yet was Christian, though
thousands of individuals were so; —
but those chiefly of the midling
and lower ranks. The modern im-
provements of civil society have taught
men. however, that these are the
strength of a nation; and that whatev-
er is praise-worthy is far more com-
monly difiused among them, than a-
mong the noble and great. In the
present age it should be no disparage-
ment to the character of the first Chris-
tians, that the Church was chiefly
composed of persons too low in life, to
be of any weight in the despotic sys-
tems of government which then pre-
vailed. VVe have seen one person of
uncomon genius and endowments, and
two belonging to the Imp( rial family,
but scarce any more, either of rank or
learning, connected with Christianity..
VVe ought not then to be surprised,
that Christians are so little noticed by
Tacitus and Josephus: These histo-
rians are only intent on sublunarji
and general politics: they give no at-
tention even to the eternal welfare of
individuals. — Nor is this itself a slight
exemplification of the genius of that
reliiiion. which is destined to form mea
for the next life, and not for this.
In doctrini^s the primitive Christians,
agreed: They all worshiped the one
living and true God, who made him-
self known to them in three persons^
Father, Son, and Holy Ghost: Each
of these they were taught to worship
by the very office of baptism perform-
ed in the name of the Father, the Son,
and the Holy Ghost:— And the whole
economy of grace so constantly remin-
ded them of their obligations to the
Father wo chose them to salvation, to
the Savior who died for them, and to
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
533
the Comforter who supported and
sanctified them; and was so closely
connected with their experience and
practice, that they were perpetually
incited to worship the Divme Three in
One. They all concurred in feeling
conviction of sin, of helplessness, of a
state of perdition: in relying on the
atoning blood, perfect righteousness,
and prevalent intercession of Jesus, as
their only hope of heaven. Regener-
ation by the Holy Ghost was their com-
mon privilege, and without his con-
stant influence they owned themselves
obnoxious only to sin and vanity. —
Their community of goods, and their
love-feasts, though discontinued at
length, probably because found imprac-
ticable,— demonstrated their superla-
tive charity and heavenly-minded ness.
Yet a gloomy cloud hung over the con-
clusion of the first century.
The first impressions made by the
effusion of the Spirit are generally the
strongest and the most decisively dis-
tinct from the spirit of the world. But
human depravity, overborne for a time,
rises a Iresh, particularly in the next
generation. Hence the disorders of
schism and heresy. Their tendency
is to destroy ths pure work of God. —
The first Christians, with the purest
chctrity to the persons of heretics,
gave their errors no quarter; but dis-
countenanced them by every reasona
bUi method.
The heretics, on the contrary, en-
deavored to unite themselves with
Christians. If the same methods be at
this day continued; — if the heretic en-
deavor to promote his false religion by
pretended charity, and the Christian
stand aloof from him, without dread.ng
the charge of bigotry, each act in char-
acter, as their predecessors did. Th'i
heretics by weakening men's attach-
ment to Christ, and the schismatics by
promoting a worldly and uncharitable
spirit, each did considerable mischief;
but it was the less, because Christians
carefully kept themselves distinct from
the heretical, and thus set limits to the
infection.
It has been of unspeakable detri-
ment to the Christian religion, to con-
ceive that all who profess it, are believ-
ers of it, properly speaking. Where-
as very many are Christians in najie
only, never attending to the nature of
the gospel at all. Not a few glory in
aeritiments subversive of its genius and
spirit. And there are still more who
go not so far in opposition to godliness;
yet, by making light of the whole work
of grace on the heart, they are as
plainly void of Christianity. We have
seen the first Christians individually
converted: and, as human nature needs
the same change still, the particular
instances of conversion described in the
Acts, are models forusat this day. Na-
tional conversions were then unknown;
nor has the term any proper meaning.
Rut when whole countries are suppos-
ed to become Christians merely because
they are so termed; when conversion
of heart is kept out of sight; and when
no spiritual fruits are expected to ap-
pear in [)ractice; — when such ideas
grow t'ashionable, opposite characters
are blended; the form of the gospel
stands, and its power is denied. But
let us not anticipate: — These scenes
appeared not in the first century.
The perpetual vicissitude that pre-
vails in the system of the universe, and
in the conduct of Providence, is adapt-
ed to the nature, and conducive to the
happiness of man. The succession,
of day and night, alternate labor and
repose, the variations of the changing
seasons lend to each other, as it re-
turns, its peculiar beauty and fitness.
We are kept still looking forward, we
are ever hovering on the wing of ex-
pectation rising from attainment to at-
tainment, pressing on to some future
mark, pursuing some yet unpossessed
prize. The hireling, supported by the
prospect of receiving the evening's re-
ward, cheerfully fulfills the work of
the day The husbandman, witliout
regret, perceives the glory of summer
passing away, because he lifts up iiis
eyes and -'beholds the fields white un-
to the harvest;" and he submits jo) ful-
ly to the painful loil of autumn, in con-
templation of the rest and comfort he
shall enjoy, when these same fields
shall be white with snow. It is hun-
ger that gives a relish to food; it is
pain that recommends ease. The val-
ue of abundance is known only by those
who have suffered want, and we are
little sensible what we owe to God, for
the blessing of health, till it is inter-
rupted by sickness.
The very plagues which mortality is
heir to, have" undoubtedly their uses
and their ends: and the sword may be
534
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE
as necessary to draw off the gross hu- exercise of female excellence, occupy
mors of the moral world, as storm and a smaller space in the annals of hu-
tempest are to disturb tho imm.orral man nature than the noisy, bustling
stagnation, and to chasa away inc? poi-
sonous vapours of the natural. Weak
shortsighted man is assuredly unquiil-
ified to der^ide concerning the ways and
works of infinite wisdom; but weak, la-
boring, wretched man, may surely re-
pose unlimited confidence in infinite
goodness.
Durimj the dreadful time when llierc
was no king in Israel, tho whole head
was so sick, the whole heart so faint,
the whole mass so corrupted, that an
ocean of blood must b > drained otT, be-
fore It can be restored to soundness a
gain. Not only one rotten limb, bui
the whole body is in dange'- of perish
ing, and nothing but a painful opera-
tion can save it. The skillful, firm.
but gentle hand of Providence takes up
the instrument, cuts out the disease.
and then tenderly binds up the bleed-
ing wounds. Ridieved from the dis-
tress of beholding brother lifting up the
spear against brother, from hearing
the shout.4 of the victor, and the groans
of the dying, we retire to contemplate
and to nartake of the noiseless scenes
of domestic life; to observe the whole-
some sorrows and guiltless joys of
calmness an<i obscurity; to join in the
triumphs of sensibility, and to solace
in the soft effusions of nature; to
"smile with the simple, and feed with
the poor."
The calm, untumultuous, unglaring
«cenes of private life, afford less abun-
dant matter for the pen of the histori-
an, than intrigues of <t.ate, senatoi-ial
contention, or tho tremendous opera-
tions of the tented field, (iUt those su|)-
ply the moralist and the teacher of re-
ligion with more pleasing, more am-
ple, and more generally interesting
topics of useful iufoi m itioii, and salu-
tary itjstruclion. What princes are,
what statesmen meditate, what heroes
achieve, is rather an object of curiosi-
ty than of utility. They never c:ifi be-
come examples to the bulk of mankind.
It is when they liave descended from
forensic pursuits and employments of
the other tex. But when feminine
worth is gently drawn out of the ob-
scurity which it loves, and advantage-
ously placed in the light which it nat-
urally shuns, O how amiable, how ir-
resistible, how attractive it is! A wise
and good woman shines, by not seek-
ing to shine; is most eloquent when
she is silent, and chains all her will,
by yielding, by submission, by pa-
tience, bv self-denial. — Hunter.
SUMMARY OF THE NEWS OF THE
DAY.
Accounts from foreign prints an-
nounce the death of Wm. IV the King
of England: and give particulars of
ihe splendid funeral arrangements. —
Arrangements are making for the new
Govertmient under the reigning Queen.
Auother strugle will ensue at the
election for the ascendancy in power;
indeed so important is considered tho
election that on its event depends, the
particular cast of the Government for
a series of years to come.
Spain still r(;mains in a state of in-
testine warfare. 'J'he armies of Don
Carlos are mostly successful, and it
would be no matter of surprise if he
should get seated upon the throne, al-
though there is no probability he would
long remain in quiet possession of it.
The Government ot Buenosayres
has declared war against Peru, for the
nl.'eged crime of promoting anarchy in
the argentine confederation by con-
senting to and aiding the military ex-
|)edi ion, which armed in the territory
of Bolivia, have invaded the Republic;
All the Republicsof South America,
except the Banda Oriental and the old
Re|iublic of Columbia, are mingled in
the strife.
Our relations with foreign powers,
remain unchanged sin'.e our last, we
believe they are nil of a friendly na-
ture. Mexico has manifested some lit-
^ tie uneasiness in consequence of the
their public eniinencc, when they have I part some r)f our citizens have taken
retired to their pri.ateand domestic in behalf of Texas, which Mexico con-
station, when the potentate is lost in j sider.s in the light of revolted subjects.
man, that tlujy boeome objects worthy of I VVe believe tinman ly speaking, we
attention, patterns for imitation, or bca- have nothing to lear from Mexico, but
cons set up foradm;)iiition and caution. ! we hope and trust our Government
Fo" the same reason the m.:ek, the, will be as ready and as willing to meto
je5©dest^ the noiseless exhibition and ' out justice to Mexico as to England
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
France or Russia, Texas appears con-
fident she shall maintain her Indc
pendence, and is prepared and picpar
ingfo resist any and cvory aggression
of her rights.
Our domestic concerns do not csson-
tiallv diffbr from what thi v wave one
month since. trouble and distress are
the topics of conversation among-;: pol-
iticians, merchants, mechanics and
demagogues; money, banks at)d baidi-
ruptcies are reiterated by some, while
others contend there is no disiress oth-
er than that caused by overtrading.
Our travels and observations war-
rent us in saying that crops are very
good almost universally through our
own country. The public prints for
Ihe most part go to establish the same
fact.
Crimes misdemeanors and casuali-
ties, continue to occupy a space in all
public jourii.ils.
Transgression is prevalent, sin a.
bounds, time rolls on, with its accus-
tomed velocity, the world is in commo-
tion, and every circumstance, with ev-
ery evidence to our senses, show that
the adversay of all righteousness is
not yet bound.
FROM ELDERS ABROAD.
Since the publication of our last we
liave received very few communica-
tionf? from the travelling elders.
Brother Joseph Rose writes us un-
der date of July 27th from Huntersville,
Tippacanoe Co. la. where he has been
laboring some time. He writes us that
tie has baptszed 13 in that place, or its
vicinity. Brother R. complains of
some ill health, and says that he has
more calls for preaching than he can
fill, and expresses an earnest wish fhat
some good foithful elder from thisplactj
or elsewhere, would come to his assist-
ance.
Elders who have travelled alone,
and preached the gospel among friends
and loes, aed have labored under any
bodily infirmity, know, at least, how to
sympathize with brother Rose.
VVe earnestly wish the Lord would
inspire some elder with courage and
confidence to go and assist him. It
would be a relief to him, and we trust,
would subserve the cause of truth and
righteousness.
We have also recently received a
communication from a member of our
church in Medfield, Massachusetts,
wishing an elder to call in that town
and preach, giving the opinion decided-
ly that good might be done ia that
[)lace; adding iii:it r,o oneof ourel-
diTs had ev( 1- preached there.
El lor ■Geo. A, Smith and M. F.
Cowdery havt; written us from West
Cirrol Co. Oino, expressive of their
faith and perseverance in the cause. —
They express their gratitude for the
kinchiess shown them in many instan-
ces, as well as the abuse they have re-
ceived in others. Mav the Lord assist
our young brethren by his Spirit, con-
tinually.
JTIessesigea' and Advocate.
\V. A. COWJPERY, Editor.
KIRVLAND, OHIO, JULY, I>^37.
It IS a well known and established
fact, that in the latter part of the year
1333 a bank, or monied institution,
was established in this place denomi*
nated the i'Kiitland Safety Society
Bank." Plates were engraved in Phil-
adelphia, paper struck, and the bank
commenced discounting in the early
part of the present year. It was con-
sidt red a kind of joint stock associa-
tion, and that the private property of
the stockholders was holden in propor-
tion to the amount of their subscription,
for the redemption of the paper issued
by the ban.':. No charter was obtained
for the institution, which operated as
one cause to limit the circulation of the
bills, destroy public confiden2e in them,
and stimulate the holders of them to
return them again to the bank and de-
mand the specie for ihem. Other
banks which had been at the expense
of procuring charters, refused the bills
of this bank in payment of any debts
du3 their respective institutions. This
stand taken by other banks operated
as might be reasonably supposed, to
destroy the currency of these bills with
men of business who had deal with
♦he banks already chartered and estab"
lished by law.
By a clause in an act of the lejfisla
906
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
tute of the State of Ohio passed Janu-
ary 28th, 1834 no bills issued by an
unincorporated bank can be collected
by law, neither can the bank, banker
or bankers collect any note bond or
bill taken for the payment of bills of
such unincorporated or unchartered
bank. We will here insert the clause
for the benefit of our readers who have
not ready access to the Statute,
It can be fouml on the 460th page Ohio Statute;
and reads as follows:
"That no action sliall be brought upon any
notes or bills, hereafter issued by any bank,
banker or bankers, and intended for circula-
tion, or upon any note, bill bond or other
security given and made payable to any such,
bank, banker or bankers, unless such bank
banker or bankers, shall be incorporated and
authorized by the laws of this State, to issue
such bills and notes: but that all such notes
and bills, bonds and other securities, shall be
held and taken in all courts as absolutely
void."
Under these unpropitious circum-
Btances the managers of the bank be-
gan its operation. There was a fair
amount of specie in the vault to com-
mence business, and friends enough
who were ready to take the bills, carry
them at a distance, and make ex-
changes for paper of other banks or
specie, and return them to th;s place.
But the unpopularity of our religion,
together with the institution being an
unchartered one, tended to render the
circulation, as we before remarked,
limited. At that time and a i:ew weeks
aftorward, specie was promtly paid for
the redemption of the bills when they
were presented at the bank. It may
here be proper to remark, that nearly
all the specie had been drawn out of
circulation, and most of the bills of
specie paying banks to fill the vault,
and make a safe basis for the redemp-
tion of the paper of this bank. When
we say this, we mean, in this vicinity.
We can also remark, that the banks
generally had been limiting their issues
for several months and the goneral cry
was, that money was scarce. But real
estate began gradually to decline, and
•y»ry article of food to rise in price.
The great scarcity of money opera-
ted upon community to make every
one anxious to have the new bills in
circulation. There were two classes of
people and both appeared equally anx-
ious, but they were actuated by dia-
matricaliy opposite motives. The one
part were anxious to pay their debts,
supply themselves with food, and build
up the place: the other being enemies,
had our ruin in view, and were willing
to receive the bills, come and demand
the specie on them, and when the notes
become due that were given for bills at
the bank, avail themselves of that
clause of the statute which we have
quoted to avoid pa^^ment, still the offi-
cers of the bank continued to redeem,
their paper when presented. Previous-
ly to the commencement of discount-
ing by the bank, large debts had been
contracted for merchandize in New
York and other cities, and large con-
tracts entered into for real estate in this
town, and adjoining towns, some of
them had fallen due and must be met
or incur forfeitures of large sums. —
These causes, we are bound to believe,
operated to induce the officers of the
bank to let out larger sums than their
better judgements dictated, which al-
most invariably fell into, or passed
through the hands of those who sought
our ruin. Our enemies foresaw, and
every man might foresee without the
gift of prophecy, the down fall of the
institution, as plainly as Belshazzar
saw the hand that wrote his doom on
the wall of his palace. The bills, as
might be expected, were at this time
rather rising in the estimation of un-
prejudiced men abroad, having assur-
ances when they received them that
they were good, and should be made
good to the holders. Hundreds who
were enemies, either came or sent their
agents and demanded specie till the of-
ficers thought best to refuse payment.
This fact was soon rumored abroad «
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
&?,r
upon the wings of the wind; some re-
turned their bills with curses, and some
with entreaties for their redemption
according to the character, temper and
disposition of the holders. Some con-
tended that the bank was down and re-
fused to take its paper, others conten
ded that it was yet good or would soon
be made good, and continued to use it
and buy land and all kinds of proper-
ty with it. Holders of the bills from
abroad came and pnrchased property
of people, in this place and paid in bills
of our own bank, while others residing
here were actively engaged in recom-
mending the paper, and purchasing
property abroad. Speculators and oth-
ers continued to trade in the bills with-
out any fixed marketable value, some-
times at one rate of discount and some-
times at another, till there was no rea-
reasonable hope that it would ever be
all returned to the bank.
About this time the two first officers
of the bank resigned, sold out their in-
terest and withdrew from the institu-
tion. All banks throughout the coun-
try, one after another suspended specie
payment. Some of them were as illy
able to continue when they stopped as
was ours, but they had charters, were
popular and waited till it was popular
to suspend payment, and then they
could do so with impunity whether they
had five dollars or five thousand to re-
deem their paper. It is unnecessary
to say that confidence has failed in all
paper money, though we would not be
understood to say that it has failed e-
qually with all. Gold and silver has
risen in value in a direct ratio with the
depreciation of paper. Many of the
monied institutions are thought to be
unsound, and from the best evidences
that can not be obtained, will never be
able to redeem their bills. The public
begin to look upon them as privileged
monopilies, whose sole object has been
to amass wealth at the expence of the
best interests of the honest and indus-
trious part of community. They have
expanded their circulation, and flooded
the country with their paper, while the
public was impressed with the belief
that it was good, and convertible into
the precious metals at the will of the
holders. Confidence in them is now
impaired just in proportion to the cur-
rent price of Gold and silver above the
nominal value of paper.
The marketable value of all articles
of trade is unsetled and fluctuating in
consequence of the deranged state of
the currency: credit is destroyed, con-
fidence impaired, an-d every human
appearance of a worse state of things
instead of better, until a nev/ syetcm of
trade or a complete revolution takos
place.
Such must inevitably be the effect of
all monopolies sooner or later, they
give privileges to some, withhold them
from others, make the rich richer and
the poor poorer. We care not what
the Government of a country may be,
whether it be a monarchy or represea-
tative democracy: give one class of
citizens in it facilties for making mon-
ey faster than others and on a fictitious
capital, and it is but indirectly giving
them power to oppress the other class.
Here we will remark, that all past
history goes to assure us that privileg-
ed orders and institutions, with all the
checks aud balances that can, or we
will sa) have ever been imposed on
them by the wisest legislatures, have
always found means to transcend the
bounds marked out to them by their
creators and abridge the real liberty
and vital privileges and interests of the
citizens.
Privilege is but a legal right, to one
class of citizens to make money faster,
and in a way that others may not take.
It in fact gives many of them more than
compound interest on, not only their
real capital, but on a fictitious capital,
and converts the fictitious into a real
m
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
capital at the expencc of the non priv-
ileged class of citizens. The two grand
objects are wealth and power. Money
\ve all know is po»ver, and he who pos-
sesses most of it, has the most men in
his power. If we give all our privi-
leges to one mun, we virtually give
him our money and our liberties, and
tnake him a monarch, absolute and
despotic, and ourselves abject slaves
or fawning sycophants. If wo grant
privileges and monopolies to a {'gw,
they always continue to undermine the
fundamental principles of freedom, and
sooner or later, convert, the purest and
most liberal form of Government, into
the rankest aristocracy. These we
conceive, are matters of history, mat-
ters of fact that cannot be controverted.
Well may it be said, if we thus barter
away our liberties, we are unworthy
of them. The syren song of liberty
land independece, is but an empty
name, and he who does not allow him-
self to think, to speak, to reason and
act only as his wealthy landlord shall
dictate, has virtually resigned the dig-
nity of an independant citizen and is as
much a slave, as if the manacles were
upon his hands. His boasted liberty
is a deception, and his independance a
phantom. We will here remark, (al-
though a little digressing from the sub-
ject under discussion and the particu-
lar object we had in view when we
commenced this article,) that whenev-
■er a people have unlimited confidence
in a civil or eclesiastical ruler or rulers,
who are but men like themselves, and
t)egin to think they can do no wrong,
they increase their tyrany, and op-
pression, establish a principle that
man, poor frail lum_» of mortality like
themselves, is infallible. Who f'oes
not see a principle of popery and reli-
gious tyrany involved in such and or-
der of things? Who is worthy tht;
name of a freeman, who thus tamely
surrenders, the rights the privileges,
and immunities of an indepebdant citi-
zen? lie who barters liberty for gold
exchanges the auihorities of man for
that which is but glittering dust or a
shining toy v/ithnut them. He who
vainly supposes man infallible, may as
well admit him independant and not
accountable to the God that made him,
for one is as consistent as the other,
and if we would go ihus far we can
hardly conceive that we would violate
any command in the decalogue to wor-
ship such an one: for most assuredly,
there is nothing in the heavens above
or earth beneath like unto him, of
which we have any account. But to
.••eturn from our digression.
Intelligence of the people 's the only
gua-antee against encroachments upon
their liberties, whether ihose encroach-
ments are from the civil or eclesiasti-
cal power. All chartered companies
privileged orders, or monopolies are
more or less dangerous to liberty, and
distructive to a free Government. In-
telligence then, that such is the fact is
necessary, that the people may appre-
ciate their rights and guard them with
that vigilence that prudence dictates
to prevent any infraction of them. The
great object of all privileged classes is
money and power, and the universal
undeviating course of all who possess
both, is to add to both at the expense
of the liberties and best interests of
their fellow citizens.
From a review of what we have
written we remark.
1st Relative to the paper, purporting
to be bank bills issued in this place, wo
say there is much of it in circulation,
but not much in this place. It has
been bought up here and else vhere,
sometimes at one rate of discount and
sometimes at another, and carried to a
distance: we have frequent rumors
from ditierent places respectieg its cur-
rency; in some places reports say it is
good and current as other bank paper.
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
6:a
but here and in other places it is not.
Wc are aware that the currency of any
paper circulating as money, depends
on one simple fact, to maiie it so. —
The public mind -iiust be impressed with
the behef that it can be converted into
the precious metals, to the same amount
that is stamped on the bill or bills; so
long as the current of public opinion
goes to establish that poinl, just so long
and so far, any paper will be current
and no farther. If there are but five
dollars in the vault of tlie bank that is-
sued the paper, while the public mind
is satisfied that it is perfectly solvent
and good, the currency would be no
better were the same vault the deposi-
tory of half a million. What then is
our duty under existing circumstances'?
Shall we all unite as one man, say it
is good and make it so by taking it on
a par with gold and silver? We will
answer no, for the simple reason that
we are few in number, compared with
the world of mankind by whom we are
surrounded and with whom we must
necessarily have intercourse, though
we may give and receive it, still it must
be confined in its circulation and par
value currency, to the limits of our
own society, and that society small, de-
pendent, comparitively speaking, and
of consequence subjected daily to the
imperious necessity of a dead loss, or
a total failure in prosecuting the neces-
sary avocations of life or procuring the
bare means of subsistence. Shall we
then take it at its marked price for our
property? We answer no. Our ene-
mies far out number us, and as we
have before hinted, we are measurably
dependant on them, and if they receive
any of our paper they receive it at a
discount, and return it upon us again
as soon as may be, and if we received
it at par we give them, voluntarily and
with our eyes open, just that advantage
over us, to oppress, degrade and de-
pres U3, that our paper differs in par
value from other current paper, or gold
and silver. 7"'hus we see it is abund-
antly evident to the most obtuse intel-
lect, that all the wealth, and industry
of this people, would soon be wasted
and exausted in building up our enemies
and we be left in a state of complete
mendicity.
Our brethen ought so far to inform
themselves on this subject and the sub-
ject of the curr«?ncy generally a» not
to become the willing dupes of their
enemies. It is a duty they owe to
themselves, and their families to pro
vide for, and sustain them, and it is di-
rectly in accordance with the laws of
God and man, to do so by industry and
good economy, and good economy must
consist in a fair reciprocity in trade.—
The principles of trade and commerce
have lonji since been settled in the
main, and will be pursued, and the zeal
for our religion, or our bank should
not be suffered to eat us up and destroy
us; and we believe, the God we wor-
ship, the God who made us, and our
little ones, requires no such thing of us.
2 Respecting the mangement of our
bankincr institution, much has been
said, and various opinions and conject-
uies offered by friends and foes. W^e
are not bankeis, bank stock holders,
or financiers. We believe that banking
or financiering is as much a regular
science, trade or business, as those of
law, physic or divinity, and that a man
may be an eminent civilian, and know
nothing of consequence of the princi-
ples of medicine. He may be a cele-
brated divine, and be no mechanic no
financier, and be as liabh to fail in the
management of a bank as he would in
constructing a balloon or the mechan-
ism of a watch if he had never seen
either.
We arc not prepared in our feelings
to cen'^uro any man, we wish to extend
that charity to others, which under
similar circumstances we should claim
540
MESSKNCER AND ADVOCATE.
at their hands. We belir^ve in that
"charity that sufiereth \r,ng and is
kind" and we further add, "which
thinketh no evil." Permit us also fur-
ther to remark, that it i» no more con-
sistent with our feelings and our wish-
es, than our duty, to say 2'"/io under the
then existing circumstances would have
done any beiler. Other men under far
more propitious circumstances, pos-
sessing knowledge, skill and experi-
ence, and backed by the strong arm of
the law, have failed. Thousands and
lens of thousands have failed, and it is
easy to see, when the deed is done, the
die cast and the time gone by, where
there were errors, but we are not now
to judge any man. They may have
been errors of the head and not of the
heart: we should impugn no one's mo-
tives, but as far as truth and reason can
go, exercise that grace, "that thinketh
no evil."
3 Relative to currency generally,
■we have kw remarks to make. We
all know that the paper circulation, is
unsound, fluctuating and precarious. —
We believe that, from present appear-
ances it will be more so, a.id that our
bi'ethren as prudent men, should not
exchange real estate or any other
property for it, other than according to
their currency, in market, and then
only so far as is to be laid out and ex-
pended for immediate use and present
benefit. Although bank bills, nominal-
ly may pass for the price stamped up-
on them, still it is a notorious fact, that
they have in reality fallen in value, and
that brokers and bankers will pay a
premium on gold and silver above its
marked or estimated value, while the
best of paper is below it. We have
made these remarks because we have
considered all monied institutions at the
present time unsound and precaiious.
4 Relative to manopolies generally
w« are unfriendly to them, any farther
than their privileges tend to foster a
spirit of improvement, in labor saving,
in the facilities of procuring means of
subsistence for a greater number of in
habitants, and are identified with the
best interests of the people. But to
those monopolies or companies with
exclusive privileges of making money
and oppressing the people, and that too,
vvith a fictitious foundation, we are op-
posed as they are generally conducted,
toto ccclo. They arm one class of
people with the legal power of oppres-
sing the other. They are in fact, arm-
ed vvith power, as we have heretofore
said, to make the rich, richer, and the
poor poorer: and we will further add,
vvith all the checks and balances that
have ever been imposed on them, it is
contrary to experience and past histo-
ry to say, the power has not been ex-
exercised, transcended and abused, the
poor, been oppressed and made poorer,
the line of distinction between rich and
poor, become more and more visible,
the poor sinking into a state of depend-
ence and vassalage, while in a direct
ratio, the rich were rising into a proqd
haughty, bloated aristocracy.
5 We had intended to point out in
a distinct section of this article, the ef-
fects of monopolies on trade, and com-
merce, but our circumscribed limits, and
what we have already anticipated in
the preceeding section must suffice. —
We therefore j-ecommend to our breth-
ren to be good and peaceful citizens of
that Government which protects them
and guard all their present rights, and
privileges vvith a vigilant eye. We
ask you, we entreat you, to continue,
in a sound, righteous and constitution-
al manner, to exercise the right of bold,
free, and independent citizens, in the
fear of God.
Respecting what we have said rela-
tive to the independence of this or any
people, we will here remark, that the
perpetuity of it, depends on two points,
(viz:) virtue and intelligence. Virtue
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
541
is power, and so is intelligence, and
without these no government can be
good, nor can rulers or rule-i be hap-
py- The faithful pages of history are
full on these points and they are now
held up as beacons and way marks to
light us through the chequered scene
that surrounds us.
It would be folly in the extreme to
supposethat that cause which once exist-
ed and produced certain effects, will not
produce the same effects now, under
similar circumstances; so in like man-
ner will men abuse power when cloth-
ed with it, and we should as soon look
for the whole order of nature to be re-
versed, as for the effect to be other-
wise. All our reading, all our expe-
rience, yea and almost fifty years,
close obsei'vation as we were caj)able
of making, are all vain and worse than
vain. If we are not now prepared to
say we know these things to be true.
7 We therefore, in conclusion, say
to our brethren, let your time be all
judiciously employed. Set a part a
suitable portion for the service of God,
acts of devotion and the study of his
word, a portion for the study of the
science of our own governwent and
the current news of the day, that we
may be able understandingly to exer-
cise our rights as free citizens, and a
portion for refreshment and sleep. —
No man or set of men are worthy of
liberty unless they so appreciate it as
to endeavor to perpetuete it Neither
are we worthy, nor can we enjoy the
peaceable fruits of righteousness, un-
less we are exercised thereby.
"Behold therefore, the goodness and sever-
ity of God: on them that fell severity; but
toward thee goodness, if thou continue in his
goodness; otherwise thou shalt be cut off. —
And they also, if they abide not still in unbe-
lief shall be grafted in: for God is able to
graft them in again." — Romans 11: '22,23.
It is loo plain to become a matter of
controversy among men of sense, both
from our text and context, that the wri-
ter alluded to the two classes of man-
Idnd, under whicli he ranked all at that
period, (viz:) Jew and Gentile,
The Jews, in contradistinction from
the Gentiles, were in their own estima-
tion, at least the favorites of heaven.
To them the King of heaven had re-
vealed himself, and unto them he had
sent prophets and wise men rising up
early, and sending them, and last of
all the Savior himself, made his ap-
pearance among them, and plainly
savs that he was sent to the "lost
sheep of the house of Israel;" and,
when he sent out his disciples they
were expressly directed not to go into
any "cities or villages of the Samari-
tans, no not so much as to eat bread,
but to go rather to the lost sheep of the
house of Israel." Unto them was the
law given, and with them were the
covenants made. No people, no na-
tion can claim any written revelation
from God, with any authority compar-
ed with that which was received by the
Jews or their ancestors. The Savior
as we before remarked came to them,
"he came to his own and his own re-
ceived him not." The apostle after
being endowed with power from on
high, went forth and preached and rea-
soned with his brethren the Jews, out
of the scriptures, showing them that
Jesus was the very Christ, the true
Messiah, and they had suffered all man-
ner of evil and persecution falsely, for
the name of Christ. One among then*
observed, "seeing ye judge yourselves
unworthy of eternal life lo we turn to-
the Gentiles." Notwithstanding the
apostles had turned to the Gentiles,
and the Gentiles believed their testimo-
ny and many of them embraced the
gospel, yet from reading the chapter,
of which our text forms a part, we see
there was then, and is still a hope that
they (ihe Jews,) would be persuaded of
their error and embrace the gospel. —
They were broken off by reason of
their unbelief and the Gentiles were
grafted in, in consequence of their be-
lief, but were admonished not to be
high minded but fear, and were plainly
told that the Jews or literal descend-
ants of Israei, if they abode not still in
unbelief, should be grafted in again. —
Here we learn, notwithstanding, the
law, covenants and all the revelations
were given to that people which the
Lord was pleased to call his chosen
people, yet he has plainly said he was
no respecter of persons. So then we
^4&
Messenger and advocate.
see the propriety of the expression. —
Behold the goodness and severity of
God, on them that fell (or di.shelievci)
severity, but on thee, (the Gentiles)
goodness if thou continue in his goo I-
ness otherwise thoj also shult be cut
off. It is also evident thfit the time
will come, when they shall believe,
though ihey are now cut off, but (rod
is able to graft them in again. Paul
reasons upon the subject in the follow
ing manner. If the casting of them a-
way be the reconciling of the world,
what shall the receiving; of them be but
life from the dead? Has he cast them
away ihat they should finally be lost?
or have they stumbled that they should
fall? God forbid: We see that in ad-
dressing his Ruman brethren, he has
made the matter plain. I would not,
brethien, that ye should be ignorant of
this mystery, lest ye should be wise in
your own conceits; that blindness m
part has hapened to Israel until the ful-
ness of the Gentiles be come in, AnJ
so all Israel shall be saved: as it is
wrifen. There shall come out of Sion
the Deliverer, and shall turn away un-
godliness from Jacob: For this is my
covenant unto them, when 1 shall take
awav iheir sins.
Those parts of the apostles' predic-
tions that have not yet been fulfilled re-
main :o be fulfilled, and will no doubt
be accomplished as literally as any
prophecy penned by the sacred writer.
But we again remark that the law, the
covenants and promises, were to Israel,
■and the Gentiles as such, had no claim
in any promise that had been made. —
Our readers may ask what promise,
hope or encouragement have we, who
do not claim our descent through the
loins of Abraham. VVeanswe-, First
because God has said that he has made
of one blood all nations of men to dwell
on all the face of the earth. Second,
because he has said that he is no re-
specter of persons but he that feareth
God and worketh righteousness is ac-
cepted with him. Third, because he
also said, shewing the claim the Gen-
tiles could have: "For ye are all the
children of God by faith in Christ Je-
sus. For as tnanv of you as have
been baptized into Christ, have put on
Christ. There is neither Jew nor
Greek, there is neither bond nor free,
there is neither male nor female: for
ye are all oi;e in Christ Jesus. And
if ye be Christs* then are ye Abrahams'
seed and heirs according to promise.''
Here then we rest our claim and our
hope.. On these assertions and these
promises we depend, although they
were not made to us or to our forefath-
ers accordingr to the flesh, for we can-
not trace our pedigree back through
the loins of Abraham; yet we do rely
on the word of God, having the testi-
mony of that, and his Spirit, and hav-
ing, as we trust, obeyed his commands,
by being baptized into Christ we put on
Christ, become entitled to all the privi-
leges of Abrahams' seed and, in fact,
heis according to promise.
VVc will now examine the claims of
Israel aside from any compliance with
the requisitions of the gospel. Paul
asks the question; "What advantage
halh the Jews? or what profit is there
in circumcision? Much every way,
chiefly because unto them were com-
mitted the oracles of God." Unto them
were committed thn law, the revelations
w(!re given unto them: Their ances-
tors were e\e witnesses of the miracles
that were vv.ought in the earlier ages
of the world. The prophets were of
their own brethren, raised up among
them, and among them the Savior
made his appearance: still they were
not ready to receive him or his gospel.
Were they then benefitted by their su-
perior advantage: certainly not, unless
they yielded obedience to the require-
ments of heaven. Here says the apos-
tle they are not all Israel, which are of
Israel, nor are they all heirs according
to promise. Only such then as are of
faith, are blessed with faithful Abra-
ham.
We here remark that nothing but
strict justice ever characterizes the
dealings of God with the human fami-
ly: with the utmost propriety his ser-
vants might say he was no respecter of
persons, and that he only "that feared
liim and worked righteousness would
be accepted with him."
Agam in revewing the subject, we
remaik, that all the signs, wonders and'
miracles that were wrought among the
children of Israel and in presence of
the Jewish nation, did not produce that
conviction, that lasting conviction on
their minds, that was necessary to in-
duce a belief, a universal belief, that
they were of divine authority. As a
nation we know they were far from be-
lieving any such thing.
Again, how often do we hear it said,.
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
54S
do this or that miracle and we will be-
lieve: but we arc sure if they could
ba gratified, they wojld be n > more
ready to bel'cve and ob;y ll)an they
now are. They would be as re.idy as
were the Pharisees, to a-cribe iho pow-
er ofdoins what the/ c.iuld not do, to
Beelzebub, or to any other poWcr but
that of (.Tod. No man's declaration
on that subject can be taken as proof
that he would obey the gospel were he
to see a miracle, since thousands have
been wrought ancie.itly among learned
Jews, Graeks and Romans, and yet
few, comparatively speaking, who saw
them embraced the truth or nven ascri-
bed the power to God. Can we then
suppose that if men were to witness
the same things now they would be
any more readv to believe than they
were anciently? certainly not. Then
we see the propriety of the Savior's
conduct when he refused to give a sign
or work a miracle to giatit'y his ene-
mies. Surely he knew it would not
make them believe, or induce them to
become: his friends. \^'hf;n any thing
was done which they were obliged to
acknowledge was miraculous, they ei-
ther ascribed the power to the Devil or
tried to suppress the publicity of the
fact.
Again, on reviewing our subject we
notice xhe great goodness and mercy of
God, in pointing out to mankind the
way of life and salvation, not only to
the Jews but to the Gentiles. History
both sacred and profane are full of
facts duly authenticated, that mankind
always treated the messen'Tcrs of God
who were sent to expostulate with
them, with disres[)ect, they always re-
jected them. Notwithstanding tlic}'^ ur-
ged upon them t.ie commands of the
Omnipotent Jehovah and the absolute
necessity of a compliance with them,
to secure their own salvation. But
"he so loved the world that he gave
his only beg )tten Son, that the world
through him, might believe and be
saved.
We also learn that he is no respect-
er of persons but even his covenant or
chosen people were rejected when they
rejected him, his servants and his gos-
pel.
Again, we learn, that the Gentiles
were received only on condition of their
compliance with his requirements, be-
coming heiis with him, and joint heirs
>vith Jesus Christ, to an inheritance
which is tncorruptible, undefiled and
fadeth not away. They were caution^
cd not to be high minded but to fear;-
they were admonished that they stood
only by faiih: That if thev were bap-
t zed iiito Christ and had put on Christf
they should so walk in him, that they
should be entitled to the benefit of the
promises to Abrahams' seed.
When we review the dealings of
God with both Jew and Centile we can
but cxcliiim with the authorof our text,
"Behold the goodness and severity of
God, on them that fell severity, but on
thee goodness, if thou continue in his
o-oodness, otherwise thou also shalt be
cut oft".
ANCIENT HISTORY.— No. 6.
GREECE —CONTINUED.
About eighty years after the taking
of Troy began the war of the Heracli-
dae. Herecules the son of Amphitry-
rn, soveieign of Mycenae was banish-
ed from his nat'vc country with all his
family, while the crown was possessed
by a usurper. His descendants alter a
period of a century, returned to Pelopen-
nesus, and subduing all their enemies,
took possession of the States of Myce-
nae, Argos and Lacedamon.
A long period of civil war and blood-
shed succeeded, and Greece was rent
in factions and divided among a num--
ber of petty tyrants, who were equally
oppressive and cruel.
The government of Greece for a
long time was monarchical, but the
Athenians at lei'gth becoming weary
of monarchy, determined to try the ef-
fect of a popular constitution. Medon^
the son of Codrus was elected first
chief magistrate with the title of Arch-
on. This was the commencement of
the Athenian Republic, about 1068
years before the advent of our Savior..
About this time the Greeks began to
colonize. The; tyranny and oppression
which many of them suffered at home
forced them to leave their native land &
seek a refuge elsewhere. Twelve ci-
ties were formed in the Lesser Asia, of
which Smyrna was the most consider-
able. A troop of Armenian exiles
built Ephesus, Colophon, Clazomene
and other towns, giving to their new
settlements, the name of their native
country, Ionia. The Dorians set oft*
colonies to Italy and Scicily founding,
in the former Tarentum and Locri»
S44
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
and in the latter, Syracuse and Arigen-
tum. The mother country considered
the colonies as her emancipated chil-
dren. These speedily attained to emi-
nence and splendor, rivalhng, and ever
surpassing their parent States: The
example of their prosperity was attri-
buted to their more liberal Government
and incited the States of Greece gen-
erally,-to abandon the regal form by
which they were oppressed by a num-
ber of petty tyrants, and try the effect
of a popular Constitution. Athens and
Thebes set the example in these revo-
lutionary movements, and v "^ soon
followed b)^ all the rest.
A new scene arose in iQurr
of a chan ge ftom a x%gf(l jpiak
Government; a new code ws ap-
peared to be necessary, anc ' ■ entire
new system of legislation adapted to
their wants and their new form of
Government. It was necessary that
some one or more in each State, who
had sufficient learning, ability and
popularity, not only to devise but to
introduce and carry into effect the sys-
tem which he should recommend, should
undertake the task. Such were the
Spartan Lycurgus and the Athenian
Solon.
"The most serious businesses of hu-
man life make but a sorry figure when
Ihey come to be recorded. Interesting
to the individual, and for a moment,
they awaken no general concern, and
become to the parties themselves,
when the moment is past, 'triflles light
as air.' The avidity with which fresh
journals are read, is a perfect contrast
to the indifference with which they are
treated on the second or the third day.
Let a man sit down to write the histo-
ry of his own life; let him be the best
and most imporant of personages, and
%v"hat has he got to relat^?? A meagre
account of the miles he taavelled, of
the bargains he drove, of the spectacles
he behold, of the via ids which covered
his table, and of the guests who sur-
rounded it Into this little measure
shrink the achievements of the great,
the splendor, pomp, and pride of kings,
as well as the short and 'simple annals
of the poor.' When the pageant has
passed by, it is a vision of the night,
it vanishes into air, it leaves no track
behind. The hand of time eraces the
inscription, shakes the fabric, crum-
bloes it into dust. In vain does histo-
ry promise to save from oblivion, and
to confer immortality. The author,
his work, his subject, the very lan-
guage in which he wrote, all perish."
©BITUARY.
DIED, on the 20th of June last Eliz-
abeth Orton, consort of Amos R. Or-
ton aged 43 years.
The deceased was a member of the
church of Latter Day Saints, a tender
parent, an affectionate companion, but
she is gone, "to that undiscovered
country i'roni whose bourn no traveller
returns." She has left a husband, five
'"hildr^n, n^l a circle of friends and
!s.t. jurn her loss.
DIr 1 the 15th of this present
month ydon Olney of Portage Alle-
gany County, N. Y. aged
He was a youth of considerable
promise; ende'ired to his parents and
relatives by acts of kindness and reci-
procity, anil to all his aquaintance by
the urbanity of his manors.
His faith in the truth of the gospel
which he had embraced remained un-
shaken, while life lasted.
NOTICE.
A Conference of elders and mem-
bers of the church of Latter Day Saints
will.be held in West township Columbi-
ana Co. Ohio, on the first Friday, Sat-
urday and Sabbath of October next,
commencing at 10 o'clock A. M. on
Frid<.iy the 6th, elders and members
from the branches of our church being
in the vscinity are respectfully invited
to attend.
MESSENGER AND STAR,
Bound together, or in separate volumes
can be had at this office.
THE LATTER DAY SAINTS'
Messenger and Advocate',
Is publislietl every month at Kirtland, Geuuga
Co. Ohio, hy
^^ILiIilAM MARKS,
PROPRIETOR.
TERMS.
%l,per an. in advance. Every person procttrin^
ten new swhscrihers, and forwarding % 10, current
moveij, shall be entitled to a paper one year, gratis.
All letters tu the Editor must be
'SyPOST PAID.XSi
No subscription will be received for a less term than on€
year, and no paper discontinued till all arrearages an
paid, except at the option o/ the publishers.
L.ATT
AY FAINTS'
illEg^EMfeJl^Il- ANB AI^Y^CATm.
Vol. III. No. 11.] KIRTLAND, OHIO, AUGUST, 1837. [Whole No. 35.
PROSP ECTUS
For a neio paper, to be publish eel at
Kirtland, Geauga co. Ohio, called the
ELDERS' JOURNAL
OP THE CHURCH OP LaTTER
Day Saints.
As the Latter Day Saints Messen-
ger and Advocate, p iblished at the
above place, is to be closed with the
present volume which closes in the
month of September, and as the pub-
lishers of that paper have declined pub-
lishing any more for the present, at
least. A large body of the elders of
the church of Latter Day Saints have
united and rented the printing establish-
ment, for the purpose of publishing a
paper with the above title.
This paper is intended to be a vehi-
cle of communication for all the elders
of the church of Latter Day Saints,
through which they can communicate
to others, all things pertaining to their
mission, and calling as servants of the
living God, and messengers of right-
eousness to the nations among whom
they are sent. As there have been
many desires expressed by the elders
of said church, to have a periodical of
this kind published; it is hoped that
the present proposals will meet with
their most unqualified approbation, and
will find a patron and a (riend in all
those into whose hands it comes.
This paper is intended to occupy va-
cant ground, as there is no other peri-
odical with which we are acquainted,
that presents itself in the attitude to the
public, that this does. The church of
the Latter Day Saints is increasing
very rapidly, perhaps more so at this
time considering its circumstances,
than any other society in our country.
The number of elders amounts to many
hundreds, and are constantly increas-
incr: and out of the number there are
many who are respectable in point of
both learning and talents, and some of
the first order.
The great excitement which has
been produced by the coming forth of
this church; the unparalleled rapidity
of its growth; the excessive rage of
persecution against it by all sects and
parties, together with the wide range
it is destined to take among the nations,
form at once a source of interest pe-
culiar to itself. And every thing per-
taining to either its prosperity or ad-
versity, its advance or decline, its fa- '
vorabie or unfavorable reception a-
mong the nations, where its doctrines
are promulgated, and v/here it is des-
tined to present the majesty of its truth
in formidable array against the errors
and false doctrine of the age, is now,
and will be more abundantly hereafter,
sought with an eagerness by both
friends and foes, in this country, and
elsewhere, unknown, since the days
that the former apostles proclaimed the
same doctrine among all the nations of
the world.
Already has the sound gone forth
into every State of the Union,
and messengers sent by the church
have safely (as appears by letters,) ar-
rived at Liverpool, [England,] from
whom accounts are expected continual-
ly, making known the progress of the
work in the old v/orld.
What proposals then, could be made
to an inquiring public better calculated
to gratifiy their desires than a period-
ical of this kind; designed to give in-
formation on the very points where in-
formation is desired, and to satisfy the
unceasing anxiety excited by reason of
the progress of the church.
It may be confidently expected, that
this paper will be enriched with impor-
tant intelligence from the eastern as
well as the western continent, and at no
very remote period we may anticipate
with great assurance, to see its col-
umns abounding with matter of deep
interest, from all nations in the civil-
ized world. It will be a rich repast, to
ladies and gentlemen, of all religions,
or to those who professed none; inas^
much as the contributors to this papet :
will be in every part of the v/orld, and
thereby afford facilities to obtain infor-
mation through its columns, equal, if
not superior to any in the union. The
great e^'ents of nations, tending to that
point of consumation spoken of by all
the holy prophets since the world be-
gan, v/iU be diligently sought for, and
' correctly presented.
546
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE
This paper is therefore intended to
be a counter part to this lying mania,
wfiich seems to pervade all ranks of
men, when engaged to try to stop the
progress of truth, and prevent the king-
dom of God from spreading, by afford-
ing the traveling elders an opportunity
of presenting the truth to the public, in
relation to the events, and occurrences
which transpire within the reach of
their observation, and which occur
with, and by themselves, while they are
traveling and proclaiming the gospel,
in obedience to the high and holy call-
ing wherewith God has called them.
It becomes a duty not to be dispens-
ed with, that the saints of the last days
owe. to themselves, and their children,
as well as the public in general, to use
all lawful endeavors to disabuse the pub-
lic mind in relation to the affairs of the
kingdom of God, which has been com-
mitted 10 them; so that as far as in
them, lies, they will guard the public
against the abuses which are heaped
upon them, by reason of a spirit of per-
secution which rages most unhallowed-
\y against the truth.
It has been the usage of all saints in
every age as far as our knowledge ex-
tends, to transmit to succeeding gener-
ations an account of their religion, and
a h'istory of th'eir travels, and of the
reception which they met with in the na-
tions, among whom they executed their
divine commission. With an account
of their travels, both by sea and land,
among strangers and acquaintances;
and these accounts stand as an armed
man, guarding both their characters,
a-ad religion, against the aspersions of
foul calumniaters, and base siandereis.
May we not ask. What saved the
name of the Waldenses, from being
handed down to all generations with in-
famy and contempt? The answer is
their own writings. Had it not have
been for the exertions which they used,
to transmit to posterity, a true account
of themselves; their enemies would
have left the world in" perfect ignor-
nnee, of both their character and reli-
gion; and stamped their name with as
much infamy, as they exercised cruel-
ty upon their persons: and the name
of Peter Waldo, would have been as-
sociated with every thing that was base
and abominable. But the course which
they took to be their own historians,
has turned this infamy upon the heads
pf (heir eneniies, and most effectually
redeeiTfied themselves from under the
power of their slanderers; until their
memory is had with reverence among
all men, whose approbation is worth,
having.
It is equally as possible for the saints
of these days, to guard themselves a-
gainst the abuses of a corrupt people^
and" the rage of an unrighteous priest-'
hood, against whonn they have to con-
tend; as it was for those to do so, who
have gone before them.
In view then to obtain objects so
laubable, and so desirable, this paper is
offered to the public. In its success
and prosperity, we presume all the el-
ders will feel suitable interest; for it is^
through this medium, that they have-
an opportunity offered them, of hand-
ing down to their children,' and their
childrens childrn, as well as to all oth'-
ers who are disposed to read, an ac-
count of their labors and sufferings, the-
success and discouragements they may
meet, through the course of their minis-
try in the world, and be able to give
and receive int"ormation from every
part of the world, and thereby enrich-
en their own minds with much useful"
knowledge, as well as bestow great
light on the world.
In proportion as the church increas-
es, and the knowledge of the gospel
spreads abroad upon the face of the
earth; in the same proportion our de-
sires are increased to know how it I'ares
with the servants of God who are em-
ployed in this good work of gathering
the saints together, out of all tongues,
languages, and kindreds, under heaven.
For instance, since our missionaries
started for England, how many deep
anxieties are felt in the minds of many,
that they never felt before, to know
how they will be received, and what
will be the success of their mission?
and this by persons who never saw
any of the individuals who have gone-.
How grateful then would a letter be
from any of them, making its appear-
ance in the Journal, by this means sat-
isfying the desires of all at once, which
could not be done in any other way, but
by great expense and great waste of
time.
How indispensible then is a periodi-
cal of this kind to the saints. It is es-
sential to their pease and happiness as
saints. It will always be hailed as a
welcome messenger to the habitation of
the truly pious. It will be cherished
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
547
by the saint of God as a kind friend
come to allay his anxieties, and to
open a new field for contemplation and
prayer: to heighten his devotion by
making him acquainted more exten-
sively with the works of God; and to
calm his mind in the hour of affliction,
by making him acquainted with the
sufFe-rings, and yet the patience and
perseverance, of others of his brethren
in tribulation.
How many that would be otherwise
slothful, will be provoked to good
works, by hearing of tlie zeal, and of
the great exertions of others, in exten-
ding the work of God.
In a word then, let every saint lay
to a helping hand, use his or her influ-
ence to get subscribers, and obtain as
extensive a circulation for the paper as
possible, so that it may be sustained,
and there by the cause of God be ad-
vanced.
It is expected that all the saints into
whose hands this prospectus comes,
will feel themselves authorized to get
all the subscribers they can, and every
person getting ten new subscribers and
forwarding the money shall have the
eleventh gratis.
The JOURNAL will be edited by
Joseph Smith Jun. and printed once a
month on a superroyal sheet, and fol-
ded in form for binding, at one doUar
a year in advance: and should the
subscription list justif}, it will soon be
published semi-monthly at two dollars
a year.
The first number will be issued in
October next, and will be forwarded
to the subscribers of the Messenger and
Advocate, unless they say to the con-
trary.
All letters mliether for ■puhlication
or other purposes, sent to the office must
be directed to DON C. SMITH, and
th'i postage 05^ PAID, .^ or
they will not he attended loo.
t)one by the request and in behalf
of the elders.
SIDNEY RIGDON.
N. B. Tho elders sendin-z letters for
publication, will prepare them for the
press so as to save expense.
A combination of circumstances not
in our power to control, prevented our
inserting our brothers valedictory in
the fifth number of the current volume
of the Messenger and Advocate. 1 1
was written, as it purports to be, from
the date, at Monroe Michigan, while
he was absent from here on business
in that place.
We consider it due to him and to our
numerous friends who have been edi-
fied, enlightened or amused by his
pen, to let them hear directly from
h'm; and we only regret, deeply re-
gret, that the little passing compliment
he bestows on our humble efforts,
which, truly were then but in anticipa-
tion, could not have been realized. He
has retired from a responsible charge,
and with more hopes and good wishes
for his happiness and future welfare
than we can reasonably expect for ours
when we resign the same charge. —
Mav the Lord bless and preserve him.
Ed.
VALEDICTORY.
In the 8th number, Vol. first of the
Messenger and Advocate, I addressed
its readers, as I then supposed, for the
last time as its Editor. From consid-
erations of duty, on the departure of
brother Whitmer to the west, I again
assumed the conduct of its columns,
during which interval pecuniary cir-
cumstances have compelled me almost
wholly from home, and when there,
a feeble state of health prevented that
stiict attention, after fulfilling para-
mount duties, necessary to render such
a periodical interesting, instructing and
useful. How far under those circum-
stances, my labors have been approved
by my heavenly Master, remains to be
revealed when all things are openly
proclaimed: and to what extent I have
answered the expectations of my
friends, I do not stop hero to ask, as I
presume they are quite willing to ex-
change my labors for the labors of an-
other, and in that change expect a
more faithful servant, without ventur-
ing any hazzard.
But, lest these remarks should cre-
ate an unreasonable expecta'ion, and
an unwarranted call for labor on the
part of my brother who succeeds me.
I will here add, that were he tnumer-
ous readers of the Messenger aware,
while perusing its columns, how many,
very many constitutions are impaired,
ruined, — worn out, by writing matter
for others to read, they would be rea-
dy to excuse, when a number appeared
not quite as full of editorial matter a^
548
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
their fancies could wish.. It may be
thought a small task to fill a small
monthly sheet; to such I only recom-
mend that they engage in it foi* one
year. And besides, a man is respon-
sible to God for all he writes. If his
communications are not according to
the truths of heaven, men may follow
incorrect principles, and digress, step
after step from the straight path, till
arguments, persuasions and facts, are
as unheeded as the idle vision, when
darkness and death rivet their de-
structive chains to be beaten off no
more»
When this last reflection rises in the
mind, the heart almost sinks within
this bosom, lest in consequence of some
darkness over the intellect, or some
deep anxiety and concern, occasioned
by inevitable and irresistable pecunia-
ry embarrassment, I may have drop-
ped an item, or left unintelligible some
important fact, which has occasioned
an incorrect understanding on matters
of eternal life. Those who are yet
here, if such should be the case, rela-
tive to the principles which I have pro-
mulgated, may retrace and correct, but
what adds keenly to the reflection is
the fact, that many have gone no more
to. return till the purposes of God are
accomplished in the restoration of all
things. These are beyond my admo-
nition, and a few more seasons round,
at most, will release me from this bur-
thensome tenament and I be permitted
to fly away to receive my own reward.
Those whose feelings I may have
unjustly injured; if any, I now ask
their forgiveness and hope, through the
mediation of the Son of God to find al-
so, in his blood, a propitiation for all
my sins, that I may retire with a con-
scious heart that he who died for me is
yet my friend and advocate, and that
through all my future life I may live to
his glory, walk in his paths, adorn his
doctrine, and meet him in peace.
I have not time, neither is it necessa-
ry to go into detail on the subject of the
gospel or prophets: these have been
leading topics during the entire course
of both Star and Messenger, and will
of necessity continue so to be while
unrighteousness has dominion on the
earth. It is only requisite for me to
add that the doctrines which I commen-
ced to preach some seven years since
are as firmly believed by me as ever;
nd though persecutions have attended,
and the rage and malice of men been
heaped upon me, I feel equally as firm
in the great and glorious cause as when
first I received my mission from the
holy messenger. And such has been
the opposition generally manifest a-
gainst the progress and influence of this>
gospel, that it amounts to a miracle
that any should distrust its divine au-
thenticity, with these facts daily pre-
sented before them.
One sentence more, my friends, and
I have done — I need not prolong the
time. Range through all the revela-
tions of God, search them from begin-
ning to end, and if j^ou do not find that
the Lord would do marvelous things iu
the last days — reveal his glorious arH>,
set up his kmgdom, scatter light, send
forth intelligence and gather Israel, the
literal descendants of Jacob from the
four winds, endow and prepare hasty
messengers and talk with his people
face to face, I say adieu to that record,.
it is worse than a falle, it has not the
intelligence of a common, news-paper?
Alas! how disa[)pointed will be the
man who turns from these in unbelief-
The day is near when all will be vert
fied — the day is near when all eyes
will see and every heart be penetrated,
and the day is near when you and I
shall meet in the presence of God.
Farewell.
OLIVER COWDERY.
Monroe, Michigan, Feb. 1837.
Hanover Columliana Co. Ohia,
August Srcl, 1837.
Bro. W. a. Cowdert: —
Having a few
leasure moments I gladly improve them
in giving you a shoit account of my
labors the present season, which you
are at liberty to make use of as you
may think proper.
I left New Portage church Medina
Co. O. May, 17th in company with
brother J. Roberson (a priest) for
Harison Co. Va. where, last fall, el-
der S. James and myself, built up a
small church of 15 members.
We arived at Hanover a small vil-
lage on the Sandy nnd Bover canal near
the last of May, and found a number
of brethren scattered thiough this re-
gion of country — Doors were opened
and we commenced laboring with our
mights in the vineyard of the Lord. —
Many appeared very attentive to hear
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
549
the word and were stired up to an en-
quiry into these things. Some said
they never heard the truth before; some
said one thing and some another, and
the honest in heart rejoiced to hear the
fulness of the gospel proclaimed.
But here as in other places, as is to
be expected, seeing our country has
feeen flooded with such a multitude of
faise reports and foolish stories put in
circulation by men of corrupt mmds,
who do not desire the truth; much prej-
udice existed, and those who were not
willing to receive the truth because
they ioved it, felt disposed to arise in
xjpposition to it.
Soon after ariving in this region I
received a challenge and accepted it
for a public discussion ot the spiritual
§ifts. with a principle leader of the
Campbellite order in this section of
country. The debate was held at
what is called the Planes meeting
house, and lasted from 10 A. M. to
,■4 or 5 P. M. Many were enabled to
discern between truth and error, and
«oon after three went forward into the
waters of baptism. I continued preach-
ing in the neighborhood until the con-
. ference here on the 16th of June when
three more obeyed the gospel. It was
the descision of the conference that i
should remain in this section a while
Jonger, I have done so, and have con-
tinued to preach and to baptize.
Not long since I had an invitation to
compare the tesitimony for the book of
Mormon with the testimony of the Old
<&Nev/ Testament, by one of the teach-
ers of the Campbellite order; (by the
name of Patherson,) I accepted the in-
vitation and the investigation was held
in Hanover, but before I was half
through with the testimony for the
book of Mermon he wished to close the
debate, and notwithstanding my remon-
strances and that of many of the people
to the contrary, he finally utterly re-
fused to investigate the subject any fai--
ther in this place, although when he
first made the proposition to me he
said, information was all he wanted,
and if the testimony was good for the
book of Mormon he would be glad to
receive it. Although I had not the op-
portunity of laying the subject fully
; before the people, yet the cause of truth
was promoted, the people saw that the
same objections that were raised against
the book of Mormon, might be raised
against the Old and New Testament,
and the arguments that would destroy
one would destroy the other on the
same principle. Some that were op-
posed before became our friends and I
baptized six persons soon after. So
grows the word of God aad prevails,
for truth is mighty and what can stand
before it? "Morrnonism unvailed"
has been circulated in this part of the
country, but that has but little influ-
ence on the minds of those who are
seeking after truth: What is the chaff
to the wneat? The truth is, the honest
in heart will and do rejoice when they
hear the truth proclaimed.
Since I came here I have held near
forty meetings and baptized twelve.
The church in this place now numbers
thirty seven, there are also many oth-
ers in this part of the country who are
very friendly and believing, many of
whom 1 think will yet embrace the
new and everlasting covenant. For
my part, I feel much encouraged and
do rejoice to see the kingdom of God
rolling onward in'spitcof all opposition.
The prospect here is good, but I expect
t® leave now immediately for Va. I
hope the elders traveling South from
Kirtland, will give the brethren a call
in this place.
Yours in the bonds of the
new and everlasting covenant.
LORENZO BARNS.
Kirdand August 1, 1837.
Dear Brother in the Lord:
I think it proper
for me to report to you, that I have re-
cently returned to this place from the
mission; that in Nov. last our quorum
voted for me to take in compliance
with a request made on us by the Ten-
nessee conference. In that month I
left here to journey thence via. Wells-
ville, Cincinati and Louisville, landing
at Paducah the first of Dec From
thence, I took a land route, and soon
after arrived at some of the churches
of that conference, and found them lo-
cated at no little distance from each
other, in a wild range of country, situ-
ated between the rivers Tennessee and
Mississippi, whose numbers were about
114 in all, and nearly all in good stand-
ing. They had previously numbered
about that, but some of their fornier
numbers had last year moved to Zion
Mo.: to them had the first principles of
the gospel been taught(as also received)
issb
TiESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
through the efforts of elders Patten,
Parish, Woodruff and others, who had
all left there previous to my arrival.
My stay at that place was about five
months; in which time I travelled a-
mong the several branches, endeavor-
ing with my best ability to set in order
the things then wanting, and to teach
the ways of God more perfectly to a
people that cordially received and kind-
ly entertained me — m^ny of whom
gladly received the worii through me,
and did as far as they were adequate
to it, liberally administer to my neces-
sities— and would have rejoiced in re-
munerating for the sacrifice that I had
made in compliance wiih the re-
quest of that conference, many of
whom were the very people who had
the promise of having the gospel
preached to them; and might 1 not say
the ones that are most calculated to un
derstand, receive, and keep it.
As was to be expected of me, my la-
bors were mostly applied to benefit the
church — yet it is proper to say that the
blessings of God were so far attendant
that 25 others were added to the afore-
said number 114, making in all 139 —
out of which bnt one was expelled.
A conference was held in April,
when it was voted to ordain three el-
ders viz. A. B. Wilson to take charge
of that part of the conference that re-
in Tennesse, James Beaty for the
same in Kentucky, and Alfred Loy,
who soon after in company with others
faom that place at whose requst I led
from thence to Far West Mo.; for that
is the name of the place where the
church has located in Caldwell Co. at
a distance of about thirty miles in near-
ly a northerly direction from Liberty
Clay Co. My stay in that region was
not over three weeks, as it became du-
ty for me to leave there for this place:
I journied by water from Liberty via.
St. Louis and other intermediate places
to Wellsville, occupying sixteen days
from Liberty to Kirtland, being absent
near eight months and travelled in all
by land and water over five thousand
miles, preaching the word 1o thou-
sands— many of whom had a desire to
learn about the strange truth contained
in the gospel of the Son of God. May
their honest requests be satisfied in a
good degree, while I may for a time
be permitted to enjoy the seciety of an
affectionate family and m^ny Worthy
Iriends in this place.
I am in the bonds of the gospel, yours
&c.
H. G. SHERWOOD.
Elder D. C. Sbiith.
We have published entire, the letter
of elder Orson Hyde, written from
Liverpool, England. The reader will
discover that it was? designed as a pri-
vate epistle to his wife, but, by consent
we have published it for the informa-
tion of the Saints here and elsewhere.
Ed.
Ltverpool, July 18, 1837.
My dear Wife: —
After a passage of 18
days, we have all safely arrived at this
place. We sailed from New York on
the 1st inst. I am truly happy to say
to you, that a more pleasant and speedy
passage from New York to this place
has not been performed at this season
of the year, in my opinion, for years.
We were not becalmed ouce; neither
had we any heavy storms; but a strong
Southwardly and Westerly wind pre-
vailed almost during the whole passage.
The ship "Soath America" sailed from
New York at the same time we did
for this port; and there was a wager
laid of ten thousand dollars by the
owners of the two ships that each
would arrive in Liverpool first: This
day decided the contest: The two ships
came saihng up the channel before a
fair wind, under a full press of can-
vass: the "South America" about ten
times her length astern of the Garrick,
each ship carrying canvass enough to
cover not much less than an acre of
ground; and truly a more splendid
sight is not often seen. Sometimes,
during our passage, the ocean looked
something like the hills and valhes
round about Kirtland: and would roll
out large whale once in a while. We
saw four or five of them and other
la.'-ge fish without number. We were
very civilly treated on board the ship.
The officers and crew were very kind
to us. I preached on board the ship
on Sunday last to between two and
three hundred hearers. I commenced
by prayer, and never had greater lib-
erty in calling on the Lord than on this
occasion. I had but about forty min-
utes to speak and consequently could
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
&S1
tiot investigate any subject to any very
great extent. Yesterday the cabin
passengers deputed one of their num-
ber to come to uie to express their
gratitude to me for the very excellent
prayer which I made, saying, that there
were gentlemen and ladies from three
•or four different nations; and were all
^unanimous in the opinion that the like
they never heard before. One learn-
'ed physician said that the prayers of
the church of England were all "^/m^"
he being a member of that church not-
withstanding, and wept like a child. —
The messenger who came to me wept
while he related to me his message. I
replied to him saying. i am quite
'obliged to you. Sir, for the good and
friendly feelings which you manifest
towards me; but, Sir, if there was any
'thing good in the prayer which I offer-
ed, remember that it was from God;
therefore thanks and praise are, alone,
<Jue to him and not me I am sensible
that instead of such things exalting me,
it made me uiraost abhor myself.
I have not been unwell an hour since
I left home, neither have had the least
symtoms of sea sickness during the
voyage. All tlie company have been
well except bro. Fieldmg who has been
a little sea sick one or two days: and
Doct. Richards, has had a cold by
which he was a little afflicted one or
two days. After the ship anchored at
Liverpool there came a small boat a-
long side and a number left the ship to
go on shore, among whom were my-
self. Elder Kimball, Eider Goodson
and Doct. Richards. As soon as the
t)oat struck the dock, Elder Kimball
•and myself, (as if moved by one spir-
'it) first leaped from the boat and gained
the top of the quay. We then went
and got a room for a few days; and
then returned thanks to Almighty God
for his great blessings towards us; and
•dedicated ourselves to the Most High,
■earnestly praying for you and for all
our friends, that you may be prosper-
ed and preserved till we meet you ell
again — Let me assure you, my dear
wife, that the Lord God Omniptent is
with us, therefore fear not concerning
us, but pray for us that we may ever
keep humble at the feet of our master,
that righteousness and truth may be our
motto, grace our support and eternal
glory our reward.
There was a very sick child on
board and the Doctors gave it up to I tell hini that I remember hiniT Giv^
die: But Elder Kimball laid his hands
on the child without being perceived
and prayed for the child and it recov-
ered soon and got entirely well; and
the parents acknowledged that it was
the power of God that healed it.
By the letter I wrote you from New
York, you learned that we were detain-
ed there some time: but while we
were there, we prayed night and day
that the Lord would give us a prosper-
ous voyage, and send us with speed
across the Atlantic. We also prayed
that we might have favor in the sight
of the officers on board the ship, and
truly they granted us every indulgence
which we could ask of them. In short
we were as well treated as the circunti-
stances would permit.
When we came in sight of Liver-
pool, the Spirit of God rested down up-
on us to a very great degree, and also
when we landed. We shall remain
here for a few days until we can de-
teiTnine what course to pursue, and ia
what directions to travel. I feel high-
ly gratified with the situation of things
here and with the prospects before us.
We all ieel highly pleased with our
situation and we are determined to raise
the standard of truth in this country
and we are confident that we can do it
in the name of the Lord — I want to see
you and the little babe very much; I
have seen you a number of times in
dreams, but when I awoke it was not a
reality — May the Lord bless you and
all that pertains to you; and when the
voyages of life shall be over, may he
bring us into that port of everlasting
rest where storms and tempests will
assail us no more, and where separa-
tion will not be known,
I shall look for a letter from you in
two or three weeks, after which, I do
not expect to hear from you for a long
time perhaps not before I see you, fox
I know not where I shall be and can-
not tell 3'ou where to direct a letter.. —
Bro. Kimball wishes me to say for hirrj
that he is we\l and that he wishes to be
remembered to his wife, and say to
her that he is well pleased with his
journey and mission thus far. The
Lord is with him, and he enjoys hia
mind well. That his face is Zion ward
at Jernsalem — that he desires to knoiy
nothing but Jesus Christ and him cru-
cified; and how his wife and children
do'. My respects to father Magin; and
652
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE,
my love to Father and Mother, Emily
and Justin, and to all the friends who
way enquire after me— If you have an
opportunity, send to sister Snider, that
her husband is well and enjoys himself
well. I must close for the present:
But I would ask you to write to me soon
after you receive this, and direct it to
London, England — most likely I shall
go to that placQ before I go to America,
and shall be exceedingly happy to re-
ceive a letter from you at that place;
and if I should not go to London, it
would be no crime to write if I should
not receive it. Pay the postage to N.
Y. and then it will come safely — tell
me of all the prmciple transactions that
have taken place in the church since I
left.
I am, as ever, your
affectionate husband.
ORSON HYDE.
ANCIENT HISTORY.— No. 1-.
The Republic of Sparta.
The origin of this political system
has given rise to much ingenious dis-
quisition among the moderns, and af-
fords a remarkable instance of the pas-
sion ior systematizing.
It is a prevailing propensity among
modern philosophers to reduce every
thing to general principles. Man, say
they, is always the same, and when
placed in similar situations will exhibit
a similar appearance. His manners,
his improvements, the government and
laws under which he lives, arise neces-
sarily from the situation in which we
find him; and all is the result of a fev/
general laws of nature which operate
universally on the human species. But
in the order of passion for generalizing,
men forget that it is a knowledge of
facts alone, which can lead to the dis-
covery of general laws. The knowl-
edge of one fact leads to the knowl-
edge of more from its association and
connexion with others. Facts lead to
a knowledge of general laws, and gen-
eral laws analyzed, lead back to facts
or first piinciples.
We will notice a iew facts that rise
from the constitution of Sparta. The
army of the Heraclidse, when they
came to recover the dominion of their
ancestors, was composed of Dorians
from Thessally, the most barbarious of
all the Greek tribes. The Acheans,
lUe ancient inhabitants of Laconia
were confined to such new habitations^
while the barbarians of Thessaly look
possession of their country. Of all the
nations of which we have any record,
these bare the nearest resemblance to
the rude Americans or Aborigines of
our own country. Where a chief pre-
sides, where the aged deliberate, and
the assembly of the people gives its
voice, is a form of government nearly
resembling that which emanated from
the Spartan constitution. The Dori-
ans and Thessalians settled in Lacedc
mon and were barbarians. Lycurgus,
rendered himself famous by forming
their usuages into laws. All ancient
authors agree that Lycurgus brought
about a total change in the Spartan
manners and on the constitution of his
country. He was a brother to Poly-
dectes, one of the kings of Sparta, was
eminent for his virtues and abilities,
and was elected by the concurring voice
of the sovereigns and people with the
important duty of reforming and neW-
moddling the constitution of his coun"
try
Lycurgus instituted a Senate with
twenty eight members, whose office
was to preserve a just balance between
the Kings and the people. Lycurgus
bent his attention to the regulation of
manners: he considered luxury the
bane of society &took the mostjefFectual
measures his ingenuity could invent to
suppress it. He substituted Iron mon-
ey for gold and silver, prohibited the
practice of commerce and abolished all
useless arts.
The citizens made their repast at
the public tables. Their meals were
course and parsimonious.
The Spartan education rejected all
embellishments of the understanding*
It taught the duties of religion, obedi*
ence to the laws, respect for parents,
reverence for old age, inflexible honor,
undaunted courage, contempt of dan-
ger and of death; above all the love of
glory and of their country.
The general excellence of the Spar*
tan constitution was impaired by many
blemishes. The manners of the fe-
males were loose: they frequented the
public baths and frequently fought na-
ked with men. Theft was said to be
a part of Spartan education. The
youth were taught to subdue the feel*
ings of humanity: and the slaves were
treated with the most barbarious rigor.
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
and often massacred for sport. In
short we can say the institutions of
Lycurgus had no other object than to
form a nation of soldiers.
"And ye have forgotten the exhortation
which spealceth unto you as unto children,
My son, dispise not thou the chastning of the
Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of
him."— Hebrews, 12:5.
In the chapter preceeding the one
from which we have selected those
words at the head of this article, the
sacred penman enumerated or in a
condensed form, brought to view in
few words the various instances of the
miraculous power of faith as recorded
in the word of God. He has not only
related the principle facts in few words,
but placed them in that order in his a-
rangement which is admirable to the
biblical reader, and shown himself
master of the subject of which he was
writing, consequently well qualified to
give all the advice, all the instruction
, that the saints needed respecting this
principle of faith in the plan of salva-
tion.
As we have before remarked, he
cites a variety of instances where great
faith was exercised, and that too in a
miraculous manner: He is also full on
the point, of the importance of faith,
and its necessity in the economy of
heaven to save mankind. Without
faith says the scripture, it is impossible
to please God. We must believe that
he is, and that he is the rewarder of
all them that diligently seek him. We
find it to have been that principle which
attracted the divine mind, in creating,
and we were going to say. to create
the world in which we live.
It would appear from the brief re-
capitulation of those remarkable occur-
rences recorded in the chapter to
which we have already alluded, and
the introduction of the one from which
the verse at the head of this article
was taken, that there was a kind of
fainting, falling away, or want of con-
fidence, at least, in what the apostle
had instructed the saints, before this
period. We also should bear in mind
that this epistle was writen m the 65th
year of the christian era, five years be-
fore the destruction of Jerusalem, and
was addressed to the Hebrews. It may
also be noticed that this epistle was
written in the 2nd year of the great
persecution of Christians under the
S53
Empero;, Nero, (that prince who af-
terwards played his violin when his
proud city, Rome was burning,) pre-
vious to this time the churches, or
some of them, had witnessed the death
of some of the apostles, and the great
cruelty exercised towards many of their
brethren, and it is no wonder under
these circumstances, which were fear-
fully foreboding, if even the stoutest
hearts, should ot sometimes quake,
through fear. The Savior had told the
apostles what should take place before
the destruction of Jerusalem. The a-
postles from memory, & the holy Spirit
which they received to lead them into
all truth, had diligently instructed all
the churches, built up under their min-
istry and supervision, that, persecution
would arise, and that many of them
must suffer. He therefore, properly
passes an encomium on those who suf-
fered without any dereliction in their
faith, and exhorts tnem to constancy,
assuring them that God is faithful that
promised.
We learn from the text and context,
that they had become weak in faith and
fearful concerning the events which
were then to transpire. Hence the
propriety of the language of our text:
"And ye have forgotten the exhortation
which speaketh unto you as unto chil-
dren. My son, despise not the chasten-
ing of the Lord nor faint when thou art
rebuked of him." Now we may here
observe, that the very idea of a rebuke
presupposes that they had sin.ied, or
in a greater or less degree incurred
guilt and consequently deserved cen-
sure, rebuke or chastisement. Al-
though God loves and respects those
who put their trust in him, he only re-
spects them because they fear him and
walk uprightly. The same sentiment
we find in the expression of Peter
when he had arrived at the house of
Cornelius, and the same idea: his words
are these, or nearly these, "of a truth
I perceive that God is no respecter of
persons, but in every nation, he that
feareth him, and worketh rightuous-
ness is accepted with him." So we
learn the truth of this sentiment by sa-
cred and profane history; it being a-
bundantly evident from both, that {ew
nations or few people, have passed
through more sufferings and privations
than the Jews, the children of Israel,
and still, they were called the chosen
people of God.
&S4
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
From this idea we learn two facts,
First, that God is unchangeable. —
Second, that the idea of rebuke or
chastening is no eviden-e of anger, re-
venge, hatred or envy in him, as we
understand those terir.s, but is most
beautifully illu:5t rated by the leeh'ngs
of a tender, yet futhful parent as they
are manifest in the treatment of his
beloved but wayward, and refractory
offspring.
While on this subject we must be
permitted to take a little corroborating
testimony from St. James. He says,
"My brethren have not the faith of our
Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory,
with respect of persons." And again,
the same writer says, "But if ye have
respect to persons, ye commit sin and
are convinced of the law as trans-
gressors."— Most assuredly then, these
are lessons for us, for all the instruc-
tions of inspired men, tend to woo, and
beseech man to be Christ, like, to be
God-like.
We have it in our heart to enlarge
more on this point, but we are aware
we have already digressed from the
thread of our discourse, or the chain of
ideas naturally associated and connect-
ed with the text. We only say it is a
subject replete with instructions to us,
and hope our mind may hereafter be
suitably led to take it up and speak
particnlarly upon it; for the present
we only crave pardon for the digres-
sion and resume our first train of
thought.
It appears perfectly natural, under
circumstances that we have learn-
ed from the text context and history,
existed at the time the apostle wrote
the epistle to the Hebrews, that many
should grow week and faint in their
minds; that they should ever forget
what great things God had done for
their forefathers. It appears that the
saints of that day were too much like
those of the present, willing to admit
that God had done signs and wrought
miracles in the deliverance of the
saints anciently, but they could have
no faith that he would do so among
them.
The apostle, Paul having that
knowledge of the holy scriptures and
that experience, together with that gift
of faith by the Spirit which enabled
him to do many miracles, was eminent-
ly qualified to urge with more force of
argument a resuscitation of that faith
which was necessary in the hours of
trial which were then irrpending. The
apostle was aware that without faith it
was impossible to please God: he was
also aware that without faith they
could have no real enjoyment in their
then present situation. It was that
which buoyed them, above the trials &
troubles of a vain and wicked genera-
tion with which they were surrounded.
It was truly to them, "the assurance
of things hoped for the evidence of
things not seen."
Let then, this principle but become
inactive or extinct, and all their hopes
of heaven and happiness are vanished
like a night vision or the morning dews
before the meridian sun. They had
been guilty of many aberrations and
the Lord was suflering the wicked to
affect them. "For though he cause
grief yet will he have compassion ac-
cording to the multitude of his mercies.
For he doth not afflict willingly nor
grieve the children of men." But they
had gone astray. Before men are af-
flicted they do go astray, but afflictions
and delivercnce or subsequent mercies
sometimes, show men their depend-
ence, excite gratitude to their benefac-
tors, and make them more watchful
over themselves in futuie. The
Psalmist says, "before I was afflicted
I went astray but now have I kept thy
word."
We therefore, from a review of our
subject, learn. —
First, That no circumstances, how-
ever, adverse, should lead us in the
least, to distrust the goodness and mer-
cy of God. We may rest assured that
'his faithfulness is great his years fail
not. That his loving kindness is new
every morning and manifest every
evening." We may also assure our
selves that if he was onece jealous of
his law and his character, he is so now.
It was said by the Psalmist that God,
(speaking of Israel,) "had not dealt so
with any nation." The giving of the
law and the covenants were unto Is-
rael. The prophets were of their own
brethren, raised up among them. The
miracles which were wrought by the
power of God, were manifest in their
repeated deliverance from the power
of their enemies, and to close the
whole, God sent his only Son, whom
they slew and hanged on a tree. —
Should they then distrust his goodness?
should they then suffer their faith to
Messenger and advocate.
555
Nvane, or their hope to die, within
them? should they despond when he
had delivered them out of six troubles
and in the seventh had not forsaken
them?
Second, We learn that he respects
no man's person nor looks upon sin with
any allowance or approbation: If he
suffered the wicked to afflict his saints
anciently for their disobedience, he will
doubtless do so now, alike to him are
the king on his throne and the beggar
on the dunghill.
Third, We are led to admire the
purpose of God in suffering his saints
to be afflicted, showing them their da-
pendence on him.* Notwithstanding
his ways at times are mysterious, ia-
scrutable and past finding out, yet he
will over rule all for his own glory
and the greatest good of the univose.
Ed.
''And thou shalt remember all the way
which the Lord thy God led thee these forty
years, in the wilderness to humble thee, to
know what was in thine heart, whether thou
wouldest keep his commandments or no. —
And he humbled thee and suffered thee to
hunger, and fed thee with manna which thou
knewest not, neither did thy fathers know,
that he might make thee know that man doth
not live by bread only, but by every word
that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord
doth man live." — Deut. 8:2,3.
The Pentateuch contains a brief his-
tory of important events that occurred
duiing a period of two thousand five
hundred fifty three years, and is the
only authentic source of information
we have now extant, touching the his-
tory of the creation, the deluge, the call
of Abraham, the history of his descend-
ants, Isaac and Jacob, the twelve pa-
triarchs, the bondage of Israel to the
Egyptians, and their journeyings thro'
the wilderness to the promised land or
land of Palestine. Other writers have
favored the world with their views of
the events above eneumerated, but
those who believe the scriptures given
by inspiration, depend on them, as the
oldest and only canonical record now
extant, touching events therein record-
ed. The writer of the Pentateuch had
one advantage over profane historians
though they might be his cotempora-
ries and possess a knowledge of all
events that had then transpired. But,
God inspired him, with a prophetic
Spirit, a Spirit to look down through
time, and point out the events of suc-
eeding years, and portray, in glowing
colors, the fate of the children of Is-
rael, whether obedient or disobedient
till the Savior should come.
With equal fidelity also, he recounts
the principal events "that mark that in-
teresting period in the morning of time,
down to the period when the Lord cal-
led him to deliver Israel from under
the Egyptian yoke. Moses had repeat-
edly witnessed the aberrations of the
children of Israel, and notwithstanding
their miraculous deliverance from bon-
dage, their remarkable preservation in
the wilderness through which they had
passed, he knew they were prone to
forget God. He knew all the miracles
that had been wrought, would either be
attributed to natural causes, or pass
out of their minds like a morning
drean) or a night vision. Hence the
propriety of enforcing the exhortation,
"Thou shalt remember all the way
which the Lord thy God led thee, these
forty years, to humble thee to know
what was in thine heart, whether thou
wouldest keep his commandments or
no." In fact, their whole history is
but a series of rebellions against God
and his government, and peculiarly
striking manifestations of God's mercy
toward them, when under the most ap-
palling circumstances; circumstances
under which no arm but his could save
them. We can but admire the pathos
with which he recounts, in the hearing
of the children of Israel, those miracu-
lous occurrences which would but serve
to teach them humility and a firm reli-
ance on their great and bountiful Ben-
factor for their future support and pro-
tection.
We also admire the goodness of God
in humbling them and teaching them
their dependence on him. Whenever
they rebelled against him he afflicted
or suffered the enemy to afflict them,
until they as a nation were suitably
humbled and taught their dependence.
Although the sacred penman has said
that he humbled Israel to prove him, to
know what was in his heart, yet we
are not to understand from this expres-
sion, that he himself did not know,
that he did not understand what was
in man. These several trials of his
fidelity were the exhibitions of the de-
pravity of the human heart, and were
evincive, to themselves when they re-
flected on their own conduct, of any
thing but gratitude for favors received.
When under chastisements, Israel re-
fe56
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATJS.
fleeted and repented, and God forgave
him, but the great God vvus not en-
lightened by the experisr.-nt; although
he says he did what he did to prove
him, whether ho wouui Iceep his com-
mandments or no. Y\ >.• Believe him to
be the author oi" man's existence, that
he is infinite iii wisdom, knowledge
and understanding, and that with him,
there exists no doubt or contingency
relative to the future ni.we than with
us relative to the occurreuCwb of yes-
terday that passed under our own ob-
servation. Why then this form of eX'
pression as if it were doubtful in the
mind of Jehovah whether Israel would
obey or disobey? From the nature of
the case we infer that he has proved
Israel to show hmi his own folly and
weakness, that he might learn obedi-
ence by the things which he snftered,
and humility and gratitude by the fre-
quent miraculous interpositions of his
providence in their temporal salvation.
Nothing but a miracle could sustain
such a concourse of people in a wilder-
ness forty years. Nothing but a mir-
acle could deliver them from the pow-
er of their enemies as they passed
through, to the promised land. It
would appear, in that, as if the God
of heaven determined to show his peo-
ple the necessity of obeying all his
commands and walking uprightly be-
fore him: that all their trials, all their
afflictions were to prove to them, not
to him, that they were weak, irresolute
and inconstant in their faith and prac-
tice of obedience. Hence says the in-
spired writer, "he humbled thee and
suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee
with manna which thou knewest not,
neither did thy fathers know, that he
might make thee know that man doth
not live by bread only, but by every
word that proceedeth out of the mouth
of the Lord doth man live." Here
mark the expression, that he might
make thee know that man doth not live
by bread only, but by every word that
proceedeth out of the mouth of the
Lord, &c.
By this form of expression two
prominent or leading ideas strike the
mind nearly at the same time: and first,
we justly infer that the God of heaven
had spoken to that people or that na-
tion, and that there was no doubt on
the mind of the writer of the truth of
what he was penning, and that he con-
sidered the fact equally well establish-
ed in the minds of his brethren. For
we do not find him entering into a la»-
bored train of reasoning to prove the
position but, rather assumes it as a
postulate, or an admitted fact, then la*
bors with them and exhorts them ac-
cordingly.
Hence, he says, in reference to theif
miraculous sustentation in the wilder-
ness and during their journeyings from
Egypt, "that he might make th^ic know
that man doth not live by bread only
but by every v/ord that proceedeth out
of the mouth of the Lord." They
needed not this poini fortified or estab-
lished by proof ijpore conclusive than
they had already witnessed. They
needed but a word to remind them of
his terible magesty at Sinai's mount
when he spake to them out of the cloud,
giving them the law by which they
should be governed, and also the dire-
ful consequences of disobedience and
deriliction of duty. They were to live
by his word, by every word that pro-
ceeded out of his mouth. Here we
remark that he caused Moses to make
his words a matter of record, that they
might be known and understood by
succeeding ages and generations. — '
They were to be the rule and guide of
their faith and practice. They were
to ieJieve them; they were to under-
stand them as they were communica-
ted, they were to live by them. But,
negatively, we are not to understand
that the word of God alone, satisfies
the demand of a ci'aving appetite for
temporal food, imparts animal nutri-
ment to the body or well oxygenated
air to the lungs; yet we do understand
that the words of God are truly (as
said the Savior,) Spirit and life, and
that a cordial belief and hearty recep-
tion of them, prepare the mind of man
for the rational enjoyment of the life
that now is, and the only sure hope of
that which is to come. Again nega-
tively, we are not to understand that
the words of the Lord are to be lightly
esteemed, to be treated with neglect,
disrespect or levity, but to be received
as the man of our counsel, the rule and
guide of our faith and practice. —
Again we are not to understand that
any of the plans or purposes of Jeho-
vah fail, but are all stamped with per-
manency and durability as with the
finger of their divine Author. Not on-
ly are they given or spoken for our in-
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
557
struction in righteousness at the time
they are given or spoken, but they
permanently and positively, secure the
greatest quantum of human happiness
to all, so far and so long as they give
heed to them.
The history of Israel's rebellions,*
is but a history of his sufFeri.igs in
consequence of his refusing to live by
every word that proceeded out of the
mouth of the Lord. It ought to serve
as a beacon and way mark to light us
through the chequered scene that sur-
rounds us: and this it will never do,
unless we give heed to it. The Lord
has spoken in vain, the history of Is-
raels, rebellion is recorded in vain, ex-
perience is vain, preaching is vain,
hope is illusory and faith the mere fic-
tion of a disordered imagination, if the
word of the Lord be not sure, and all
the promises of God yea and Amen. —
Here we remark that the Lord never
spake to man, or revealed himself to
the sons of men, except for their ben-
efit, and his own glory. The frequent
departure of the children of Israel from
the law and the testimony given them
shows, fii'st, the great ingratitude of
man to his Maker and his proneness
to forget God, his Benefactor.
That the greatest miracles the most
sublime truths, the most interesting
scenes, and most soul stiring exhibi-
tions of God's mercy, never made
that deep and abiding impression upon
the mind of man, which was necessa-
ry, to permanently and constantly en-
sure obedience to his word. All past
history goes to prove this one fact rela-
tive to the compliance of mankind as a
whole to the word of the Lord, they
are prone to go astray and substitute
their own, for the word of the Lord. —
In fact we are ready when we reflect
on our own past life, as well as on the
life of others, to exclaim — how little
have we to reproach each other with
inconstancy, and who is prepared,
from being "without sin, to cast the
first stone!" How appropriate the sen-
timent of the poet to mankind,
"How weak and irresolute is man,
The purpose of to day,
Woven with pains into his plans,
Which to morrow rends away."
The second and all important idea
which strikes our minds as growing
out of our text is that, of living to God,
living for God, livmg by laith on the
Son of God, and living in the rational,
lawful hnjnyment of all the temporal
blessings with which we are surround-
ed. Temporal food is necessary to
nourisli and support the mortal body,
give it licalth and vigor; so is the
word of the Lord to mxe health and
vigor to the soul, to animate and cheer
it, to mitigate the sufferings and sor-
rows that "flesh is heir to" and double
the joys of human life.
Again if the word of the Lord were
constantly changing, who would rely
upon it; v/here would be its security?
Who v.'ould say in him is no variable-
nessor shadow of turning? Although his
ways are inscrutable and past finding
out, and his purposes known to him-
self, yet his word to the children of men
is truth and can be knoion and under-
stood, or he has spoken in vain.
Again he, the great God is called
our father, as well as our preserver
and bountiful benefactor: what fond
endearments, what tender ties are not
associated with the expression our
Father? What then, shall we not hope
in the sincerity, and permanency of
the word and promises of God? Shall
we not love him, shall we not serve
him with perfect hearts and willing
minds?
We do know that the word of the
Lord is a savor of life unto life, or of
death unto death; that it enhances the
happiness of all who truly believe in
it and live by it, and aggravates the
misery of all who disobey and disregard
it. Therefore, the sacred penman
could say, destmction and misery are
in the way of the ungodly; but "great
peace have they that love thy law and
nothins: shall offend them." — Ed.
SYNOPSIS OF THE CURRENT
NEWS.
From our latest advice from Eng-
land we learn, that there was dissatis-
faction among some of the members of
parliament, relative to some of the past
acts of government concerning the
pressure in the money market, the
repeated failures among commercial
men, attributing much of the distress
to the bad faith, and vaccilating course
taken by the constituted authorities.
One failure after another takes place,
and when a large house stops payment
for some two five or ten millions, nu-
merous othher houses are affected by
it, besides thousands and tens of thoU'
558
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
sands of individuals that are involved
in the consequences. But money mat-
ters, from the latest sources of informa-
/ tion, we are led to the belief, are a little
more easy in England than they were,
particularly, as far as the great Amer-
ican houses are concerned; owing per-
haps to the shipments of specie that
have been made from this country by
the American Merchants within the
few months past. Much of that article
has certainly left our shores within a
little time. Much has bean received
by merchants in New Orleans from
the south, and much been brought from
Europe by passengers into our eastern
cities; so that we may not have suffered
so great a diminution in the sum total,
as from a cursory view appeared.
The internal and external affairs of
France remain about as they wore at
our last advices.
Spain is yet in a state of intestine
war and wasting her own men and
means.
From the Pacifiic, we learn, that the
Chilian Government is preparing an
expedition, consisting of land and na-
val forces, to go aginst Peru. We in-
fer from the accounts we have read, that
there is much disaffection with the Pe-
ruvians, and the invading army calcu-
late they shall be joined by a great por-
tion of the Peruvian troops.
We have no news from Texas of an
interesting nature since our last. Our
southern border war, is not yet closed,
nor is it very formidable to any but
our more extreme southern frontier set
tlements.
Politicians are busily engaged in de-
vising plans for the relief of the pres-
sure iu the money market of our coun-
try and thereby secure, or soon gain
the best offices in the gift of the people.
One party appear to have taxed or be
taxing all their powers, to devise, in-
vent or bring forward some system, bv
shifts or temporizing expedients, to
maintain their consistency, in their
crusade against banks, relieve the
country, and retain their power with
the people. The minority contend
that the course of experiments the cur-
rency has undergone, has brought the
present distress upon the country: that
past history reflects suffiicient light on
this subject, and should rather be con-
sulted than what they are pleased to
term visionary theory. We are not
pleased with distress when it may be a- 1
voided or remedied, but we are pleased,
since it does exist, that there is a free
discussion on the subject, and trust,
that truth will be elicited. We do hope
that the sentiment of Mr. Jefferson will
in this case be verified, that error
could or would do little injury if reason
were left free to combat it.
We have two full columns of a
mammoth sheet of August tenth, con-
taining extracts from papers or other
authentic sources of information from
23 of the 26 United States, and all a-
gree that crops were never so univer-
sally good as at present. The early
crops are nearly secured, and the
weather never more favorable, to ma-
ture the later crops.
Well may we exclaim, the Lord is
kind, merciful and benevolent notwith-
standing the weakness and ingratitude
of the child''en of men.
Crimes of all grades, from those of
the most trifling nature, to those of the
deepest die, as well as casualties of all
kinds, continue as usual, to occupy a
very considerable space in all public
journals.
We believe our own cities and coun-
try, are generally as healthy as at any
time before since their settlement, at
the same season of the year.
We learn from the extract of a let-
ter from Guatamala (Central America)
that the Cholera was raging in that
city and country in its most malignant
form. Three thousand three hundred
had fallen victims to it. In San Salva-
dor 4600 had fallen. Surely tha de-
stroyer is among the works of God.
Ed.
Proceedings of a Conference of the
Church of Latter Day Saints, con-
vened by special apointmenl, at Port-
land, District of Johnstown, U. C.
June 10, 1837.
The number of official members
present were thirteen elders, five
priests, eight teachers and six deacons.
The Conference opened by prayer by
elder Woodruff. On motion of elder
Blakeslee, seconded by elder Woodruft*,
elder John E. Page was elected Presi-
dent, Willia'm A. Weston Secretary,
and John Hughs assistant, when an
appeal was presented by William B.
Simmons and from the acknowledge-
ment of certain items in said appeal,
It was conclusive in the minds of the
MESSENGER Ax^D ADVOCATE.
559
presiding elders, and from an exhor-
tation given by the president of the
facts, it was accordingly voted that he
had no cause of action. Tlie minutes
of the Bedford, and Bathurst branches
were presented, read and approved: —
On the evidence of three witnesses of
the Bedford branch, it was declared
that Johnathan Houghton had denied
the faith, he was accordingly voted out
of the church of Latter Day Saints. —
Conference adjourned for one hour.
Met according to adjournment and
opened by prayer by elder Arza Ad-
ams. The president addressed the
congregation from 3rd J3remiah, from
which was delivered an appropriate
address on the gathering of the saints,
and by what means. Motioned and
carried that elders, Draper and Wood-
ruff be the officiating elders to ordain
the different officers in the different
branches of the church of Latter Day
Saints. There were ordained at this
conference seven elders, nine priests,
eleven teachers and five deacons. —
11th June, Lords day A. M. service,
elder Wilford Woodruff spoke from 2
Corinthians 4th chapt. 3d and 4th ver-
ses, P. M. service by elder Page,
Hebrews 5th chapter 4th verse.
Conference adjourned this 11 June,
1837, sine die.
JOHN E. PAGE Pres't.
Wm. A. WESTON, ^
JOHN HUGHS, S Clerks.
There are 73 members in good
standing iu West Bastord branch, 50
in the Bedford branch, 58 m the Bath-
urst branch. Total of the three
branches _ - - 180.
North Ba'hurst branch, East Bastord
branch, Wiliiamsbury branch, Luds
branch and South Crosby branch,
there remains in all in good standing,
120, total, - - 300.
The Lord truly crowned the above
conference with his holy Spirit, pour-
ed out upon the brethren and sisters to
the great joy and comfort of all the
saints: There were five baptized on
this conference occasion, miking in all
305 being the fruits of the labors of el-
der James Blakeslee and myself in the
last thirteen months.
JOHN E. PAGE.
W. A. COWDERY Editor.
A prospectus for a new paper, to be
issued from this office, is inserted in
this, and will also appear in our next,
which closes the present volume of the
Messenger and Advocate, and will also
close our editorial labors, perhaps for-
ever. Our numcous patrons will con-
sider the necessity and importance of
forwarding all arrearages, if any be
due us, and their money and address,
for the new paper.
P. S. The new paper will be sent
to the subscribers of the M. 61 A. who
have paid in advance, unless other di-
rections shall be given. — Ed.
Miiiules of a Confer enee of the el-
ders of the church of Latter Day
Saints, held in: Lyman, Grafton Co. —
N. H. on the 26 and 27 of Aug. 1837.
Agreeable to previous appointment
the elders and church assembled at i
past 10 A. M. at the house of broth-
er Za.dock Parker, and proceeded to
organize said confernnce which was
as follows, elder A. B. Fuller was
called to the Chair, elder James C. —
Snow was duly elected Clerk by the
unanimous voice of the conference. —
The meeting was opened by singing,
the throne of grace was then addressed
by the Chairman, and after a few pre-
liminary remarks the elders were cal-
led upon to express their faith and their
manner of teaching which was done to-
the etire satisfaction of the council.
Elder Butler was then called upon
to represent the branch of the church
at Underbill, Vt. which consists of 18-
members in good standing; also repre-
sented a branch in Jay, Vt. whichi
consists of 12 members in good stand-
ing. Elder W. Farr represented a
branch of 12 members in Charlestoo,
Vt. Elder D. Richardson represented
a branch in Franconia, N. H. consis-
ting of 5 members. Brother Zadock
Parker represented the Lyman branch
in N. H. containing 16 members. El-
der J. C. Snow represents a branch in
the town of Campton, L. Canada con-
taining 10 members. Also St. Johns-
bury branch, Vt. containing 9 mem-
bers. Artimus W. Loc]cling priest,
represented Lyndon branch Vt. con-
taining 15 members, the above named
branches are all in good standing.
Conference then adjourned one hour.
Met again pursuant to adjournment;
conference opened by singing. The
throne of grace was addressed by the
Chairman, who then proceeded to give
such instrnctionas the holy Spirit man-
ifested. The subject of the word of
5G9
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.'
wisdom was introduced and after many
able remarks from the Chair, a>id el-
ders J. C. Snow, W. Farr and A. —
Butler the conference unanimously vo-
ted to abide by the word of wisdom ex-
cepting two, and they felt determined
to try. Many important instructioxis
were given concerning the gathering
by the chairman and elders present.^ —
Brother Zadock Parker was then chos-
en by the unanimous vote of the con-
ference to preside over the branch of
the church in Lyman, Grafton county,
N. H. Brolher Artimus W. Lockling
priest was duly elected to preside over
the bi-anch in Lyndon, Vt. Caldonia
county, by the unanimous voice of the
conference.
Elder J. C. Snow then explained
the nature and order of the Priesthood.
Broths. Parker & Lockling were then
set apart by the laying on of hands by
the Chairman and Clerk of the confer-
ence. Good order and much union
prevailed throughout the conference;
sung a hymn and the Spirit of the Lord
rested down upon the congregation. —
The conference was then dismissed by
pronouncing the Saviors benediction,
Sunday at half past ten met at the
meeting house in the east part of Ly-
rnan ipr public preaching; a large con-
gregation assembled who was address-
ed by elder Fuller and followed by el-
der W. Farr who gave a short exhor-
tation; intermission of half an hour,
congregation again assembled and were
addressed by elder J. C. Snow from
the subject.of the book of Mormon, the
Spirit of the Lord rested down upon
the elders, and a good Spirit seemed to
prevail througout the congregation.
AMOS B. FULLER, Ch'n
JvMES C. Snow, Clerk.
CAIJTION. ^
To the brethren and friends of the
church of Latter Day Saints, I am dis-
posed to say a word relative to the bills
of the Kirtland Safety Society Bank.
I hereby warn them to beware of spec-
ulators, renegadoes and gamblers, who
are duping the unsuspecting and the
unwarj^ by palming upon them, those
bills, which are ot no worth, here. I
discountenance and disapprove of anj^
and all such practices. I know them
to be detrimental to the best interests of
society, as well as to the principles of
religion.
JOSEPH SMITH Jun,
Married, in this town on the 20th
Instant, by Elder Brigham Youngs,
Elder Wm. Parks of Euclid Cayahoga
Co. O. to Mrs. MiLISSENT OSBORN,
of this place.
Also on the 23rd Inst, by Oliver
Cowdery Esq. Amos R. Orton to
Miss. Dorcas Seekins both of this
place.
Wise and good men have attempted
to present an artificial arrangement of
the several events recorded in the his-
tory of our Lord and Savior Jesus
Christ, or what they call a Harmony
of the Gospel. It is both a pleasing
and an useful amusement to ascertain
the dates and to settle the order of e-
vents; and labors of this kind merit
hiffh commendation. But the native
majesty and simplicity of scripture
stand in no need of artificial arrange-
ment. The whole spiritual building is
august and venerable, and each partic-
ular part has its peculiar beauty and
excellency. To be assured that such
things were done, is of infinitely high-
er importance than to determine the ex-
act series of succession. Every line
of the history of Christ is a radiant dis-
play of divine perfection; every step
he takes leaves an impress of benigni-
ty behind it. It was predicted conscern-
ing him, that he should be "a man of
sorrows and acquainted with grief."
But it was likewise predicted that he
should "see of the travail of his soul
and be satisfied." The words which
have been read contain the accomplish-
ment of this last prophecy. In all our
affliction he was afflicted; let us weep
with him: and when he "rejoices in
spirit," let us also "rejoice with joy un-
speakable and full of glory; receiving
the end of our faith, even the salvation
of our souls." — Hunter.
ERR A TUM.
Our readers will please correct a
mistake, made in the date of a letter
inserted in the July paper from Presi-
dent W. W. Phelps. It now bares
date Miij 7th, whereas it should be Ju-
ly 7th.
MESSENGER AND STAR,
Bound together, or in separate volumes
can be had at this office.
A¥ FAINTS*
Vol. in. No. 12.] KIRTLAND, OHIO, SEPTEMBER, 1837. [Whole No. 36.
CommunCcatfons.
We have thought best, in order to
give general and extensive circulation,
to the Bishop's appeal to the churches
and the benevolence of individuals a-
broad, to give it a conspicuous place in
our paper. We; might comment upon
it lengthily ourselves, but, we deemed
such a course unnecessary, and rather
offering an insult to the judgement and
good sense of our readers, so long as
the memorial itself can be presented
before them entire for their perusal.
Our readers will notice it particular-
ly and, no doubt, compare the object
therein set forth with the requisitions
of scripture, the duty of the saints, as
such, and act with reference, to the ob-
ject of the memorial or appeal, as their
own better judgement shall dictate.
Although we had thought not best to
hazard an opinion of our own on
this subject, but we will so far deviate
from the course we intended to pursue,
as to say, that it is a subject intimately
connected with religion, and it is admit-
ted by almost all, if religion be what
its votaries and the scriptures say it is,
all important, and worthy your sincere
and prayerful attention, then give heed
to the appeal, and suffer it not to be
made in vain. — Ed.
Kir Hand, Sept. 18,1837.
To the Saints scattered a-
broacl, the Bishop and his
Counselors of Kirtland send
greeting.
Whereas the church in
Kirtland has taken into consid-
eration the affairs of the Lat-
ter Day Saints in general, hav-
ing opportunities of making
thenQselves acquainted with
the situation of the Saints
throughout the continent, to-
gether, with the very flattering
prospects of the prosperity of
the cause of God in our land.
And also of the peculiar con-
dition of the city of Kirtland,
which is a kind of first fruits
of the cities, which the Lord
has began to build unto him-
self in these last days. It has
been deemed of great impor-
tance to the prosperity of the
cause of truth in general, that
the Bishop and his counselors
send abroad this their memori-
al to all the saints throughout
the land, as well as to all well-
wishers to the cause of Zion,
in this our most happy coun-
try.
It is a fact well known, that
the saints in the city of Kirt-
land have been called to en-
dure a great fight of affliction
for the truth's sake-, and to
bear a heavy burden in order
that the foundation of the
kingdom of God might be laid
on a sure and certain bases, so
that the prophetic vision of
Daniel might most certainly
be fulfilled. That this king-
dom might break in pieces all
other kingdoms, and stand for-
ever.
The exertions of the enemy
to prevent this have been very
great, and through their great
exertions, they have given to
the saints great trouble, and
caused them much expense. —
In addition to this, they have
had to pullish the word of the
Lord, which has been attended
v/ith great expense: these to-
gether with building the house
of the Lord, have embarrassed
them very muchj for when sub-
scriptions failed, they went on
and accomplished the work of
building the house theip.selves,
plighting all that they had,
563
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
property, credit, and charac-
ter, and bv these means accooi-
plished this great work which
is the wonder and admiration
of the world, >ft
This they have done in faith
believing that as the multitude
of saints increased, that their
liberality would abound to-
wards those who regarding
nothing but the salvation of
the world, have thus exposed
themselves to rtiin, in order
that the work of the gather-
ing might not fail.
And besides all this, there
have been a large number of
poor who have had to receive
assistance from the donations
of the church, which have ten-
ded to increase its embarrass-
ments. And now so numer-
ous are the saints grown, that
it is impracticable for them all
to gather to the places which
are now appointed for this
purpose.
The church of Kirtland has,
therefore, required at the hand
of our beloved brethren Joseph
Smith jun. and Sidney Rig-
don-, (men who have not
thought their lives dear unto
them, in order that the cause
of God might be established,)
Presidents, whom God has ap-
pointed to preside over Uie
whole church, and the persons
to whom this work belongs,
that they should go forth, and
lay off other stakes of Zion or
places of gathering, so that the
poor may have a place of ref-
uge, or places of refuge, in the
day of tribulation which is
coming swiftly on the earth.
AU these things will be at
tended with expense.
Feeling ourselves under
great responsipility by virtue
of our office and calling in the
church of God, we present this
our memorial to all the saints,
making a most solemn appeal
to the feelings, benevolence,
and philanthropy, of all the
saints into whose hands this
our memorial comes, in faith
and confidence, that this ap-
peal Yvill not be made m vain.
It is the fixed purpose of our
God, and has been so from the
beginning, as appears by the
testimony of the ancient proph-
ets, that the great work of the
last days was to be accom-
plished by the tithing of his
saints. The saints M^ere re-
quired to bring their tithes in-
toi;he store house, and after
that, not before, they were to
look for a blessino- that there
should not be room enough to
receive it. See Malachi 3rd
chapter 10th verse.
Our appeal then to the saints
is founded on the best of testi-
mony, that which no saint will
feel to gainsay, but rejoice to
obey. The saint of God will
rejoice in ail that the Lord
does, and in doing all that the
Lord requres.
The sacrafice of righteous-
ness which the Lord requires
will be offered with a willing
heart, and ready mind, and
with great joy, because they
are counted worthy to offer up
cacrifice for his name.
In making this appeal to the
benevolence o^ the saints of
God, we do not only take into
consideration the situation of
the poor, the embarrassments
of the stake of Kirtland; but
also their own interest; for ev-
ry saint has an equal interest
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
BGt
in building up of the Zion of
our God; for it is after the
Lord has built up Zion, tliat
he will appear in his glory. —
Psalms 102:16. We all look
for the appearing of the great
God, and our Savior Jesus
Christj but we shall look in
vain, until Zion is built; for Zi-
on is to be the dwelling place
of our God when he comes, —
Joel 3:21. Any one who will
read this chapter with atten-
tion, will see that it treats of
the last days, and of the Zion
of the last days.
How then is the Lord to
dwell in Zion, if Zion is not
built up? This question we
leave the saints to answer. —
The salvation of the saints one
and all depends on the build-
ing up of Zion; for without
this there is no salvation; for
deliverance in the last days is
found in Zion, and in Jerusa-
lem, and in the remnant whom
the Lord our God shall call, or
in other words, in the stakes
which he shall appoint. — Joel
2:32.
It is in Zion where the Lord
is to create upon every dwell-
ing place, and upon her assem-
blies, a cloud and a smoke by
day, and the shining of a flam-
ing fire by night. It is upon
the glory of Zion, that there
will be a defense. It is in Zi-
on that there sha,ll be a taber-
nacle for a shadow in the day
time from the heat, an- 1 for a
plaee of refuge, and for a cov-
ert from storm and froni rain,
Isaiah 4:5,6. It is upon the
walls of Zion, where the
watchman shall see eye to eye
Isaiah 52:8.
Whatever is glorious. —
Whatever is desirable — What-
ever pertains to salvation, eith-
er temporal or spiritual. Our
hopes, our expectations, cur
glory and our reward, all de-
pend on our building up Zion
accordinof to the testimony of
the prophets. For unless Zi-
on is built: our hopes perish,
our expectations fail, our pros-
pects are blasted, our salvation
withers, and God will come
and smite the whole earth
with a curse.
Hear then O ye saints of the
last days! and let this our ap-
peal have a favorable recep-
tion among you. Let every
saint consider well the nature
of his calling in the last days,
and the great responsibility
which rests upon him or her,
as one to whom God has re-
vealed his will, and make haste
not only to the relief of Kirt-
land, but also to the building
up of Zion.
Let every man, and every
woman, give heed the very in-
stant that they embrace the
gospel, and exert themselves
with energy to send on means
to build up Zion: for our God
bids us to haste the building of
the city, saying, the time has
come when the city must be
pushed forward with unceasing
exertions; for, behold, the day
of calamity draweth nigh, and
unless the saints speed the
building of the city, they will
not escape. Be admonished
then O ye saints! and let not
covetousness, which is idol-
itry, nor worldly ambition hin-
der you; but gather up your
gold and your silver, and all
the means you have, and send
on to the saints who are 'en-
564
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
gaged in this great work of
buildioij the zion of our God
that there may be a place of
refuge for you, and for your
children in the day of God's
ven<jeance, when he shall
come down on Idumea, or the
world, in his fury, and stamp
them down in his wrath, and
none shall escape, but the in-
habitants of zioD.
What we say unto one, we
say unto all, haste — haste —
and delay not; for the hour of
desolation does not linoer, a.nd
with all the power that the
saints have, and with all the
diligence they can use, they
w:ll scarcely escape.
The time is not iar distant,
when some of those who now
deride and mock the saints for
devoting their all to build up
the zion of God, will bless
their name, for having pro-
vided a city of refuge, for them
and their children, resfardless
of the ravings of ungodly
priests, and the mockings of a
stupid and ignorant people.
In the confidence which
we have in the good sense and
righteous principles of the
multitude of the saints, we
send this our memorial ia the
name of our master Jesus-, be-
lieving that this appeal will be
received v^dtk great kindness,
and -will be attended to with
mitiring perse verence, until
the object for which it has
been sent shall be accomplish-
ed.
And may the
grace, pour out
blessings on your
crown you with
the righteousness thereof shall
go forth as the light, and the
salvation thereof as a lamp
which burneth, is the
God of all
his richest
heads, and
abundance,
that the zion of our God may
flourish, and cease not, until
of your
Jesus.
N.
brethren in
prayer
Christ
K. WHITNEY,
CAHOON.
y. KNIGHT,
Palmyra Portage Co. Ohio, Sepf.*
14th, 1837.
Bro. W, a. Cowdery:
I improve a few
moments to communicate to you some
Ivnowledge of my travels, together with,
a sketch of my labors the present sea-
son. 1 left Kirtland in company with
elder G. W. Meeks to go to the Sou^hy
we bent our course to West Township^
Coluipbiana Co. in order to attend a
conferenc3 previously appointed: where
we arrived at that place we found eldei'
L. Barns and several other traveling
elders. Elder Barns had been preach-
ing some ^e\v days previous and bap-
tized several. On Friday, the first day
of the conference, we attended to set-
ling some difficulty in the church, and
on Saturday and Sunday we preached
to the people. On Su.uday three came
forward and wore baptized by elder
Barns; On Monday we again met to^
finish our cojiference, after which the
several elders went into different part&
iu the adjoiiiing towns to preach where
the door v/as already opened. There
were at, and near the conference some-
where, I believe, not far from twelve
baptized in the vicinity of this place,
Elder Mecksand myself continued to-
gether sometime and preached in the
towns round about where there were
calls, but more especially in the town-
ship of Salem, v.'here we cor^tinued sev-
eral weeks and laid before the people,,
the gospel of Jesus Christ according ta
our several abilities: and we reasoned
with them in plainness, both in public
and ill private, and showed them the-
work the Lord had set his hand to dt>
in this age of the world. We found
some friendly and believing, yea al-
most persuaded to be saints, but the
cross being so great, together with the
many false reports that were put incir'-
culation (for we met with no small,
opposition from priests and people)
MESSENGEil AiND ADVOCATE.
665
hindered them from obeying tlie trutii.
We after having discharged our duty
faithfully, left the place and returned
as far as Milton township, TrumbuU
Co. We found a door opened for
preaching and left an appointment at
the Christian meeting house near by
Mr. James Winans'. It happened now
that I was left destitute of a fellow la-
boier and had to stem the current of
opposition alone, however, I went forth
alone trusting in God and proclaimed
the glorious gospel of the Son of God to
a large congregation, in the fore part
of the day, and after having dismissed
the congregation and appointed tlie
hour for preaching to commence ag'iin,
one Joseph Pierce, a Christian preach-
er, arose and clain:K3d the house. So 1
thought it was best not to have any
further difliculty with the man — there-
fore I told the people rather than be
disappointed as I had come something
like fifty miles to preach to them, we
would go a short distance to the grove,
accordingly I went to the place appoint-
ed and the people followed e.\ce[)t a
few who tarried with the preacher, but
they did not continue their meeting
long but broke and joined ours. After
having got through v/ith my subject 1
gave an appointment for the nest day
at 4 o'clock, & then dismissed the con-
gregation. The next day met v/ith the
people and was blest with a good de-
gree of liberty in addressing the con-
gregation after which, v.'e repaired to
the water where I had the privilege of
leading two willing souls into the wa-
ters of baptism. I thenleft an appoint-
ment to preach again in two weeks
and returned home, I have since con-
tinued preaching in other towns, and in
the fore mentioned place till the pres-
ent time, and have baptized in all seven,
there has been eight others baptized in
this section bv elder Snow.
■' S. B. STODDARD.
ANCIENT HISTORY.— No. 8.
The Republic op Athens
On the abolition of the regal officer
at Athens, the change of the constitu-
tion was more nominal than real.. —
The archonshi|) was, during three cen-
turies a perpetual and hereditary mag-
istrac}'. In the year 754 A. C. it be-
come decennial, or elective once in
ten years. In 648 the archons were
anually elected, were nine in number
and were of equal power. These
changes convulsed the people, and
helped to render their condition, mis-
erable.
Draco, an archon, in the 724 A. C.
projected a reibrm in the constitution
of his country, and thought to repress
disorders by the extreme severity of
penal laws. But his talents and popu-
larity were unequal to ibe task he had
undertaken.
Solon, an illustrious Athenian, was
elevated to the dignity of archon in
594 A. C. and was entrusted by his
coantrymen with the important task of
forming a new form of government. —
He possessed extensive knowledge, but
wanted thft intrepidity of mind that
was necessary to characterize a great
statesman.
The people claimed the sovereign
power, and they received it. The
rich demanded offices and' dignities. —
The citizens were divided into four
classes according to the measure of
their wealth. To the three first clas-
ses belonged the offices, but the fourth
class wei-e m.ore numerous than all the
others, had an equal right of sufferage,
and consequently decided every ques-
tion.
Solon introduced a Senate consisting
of 400, M'hichwas afterwards increas-
ed to five, and even to 600, iu which
body all measures must originate and
undergo a diecussion before they could
be brought bclbre the people.
He had a court called the court of
Areopagus to whom he connnitted the
guardianship of the L\ws and the pow-
er of enforcing them. This may prop-
erly be styled their judicary. This
court and the senate operated as a
check on tlie popular assemblies. But
notwithstanding, these checks, dema-
gogues never failed to corrupt the pop-
ular v.'ill, to whom the ultimate decision
v/as referred, and turn it to their own
advantage.
The Athenian laws relating to debt-
ors were mild and equitable, and so
were those regulating the treatment of
slaves.
One most iniquitous and absurd pe-
culiarity of the Athenian government
wa;s the practice of ostracism as it was
called which consisted, in a ballot of
all tliG citizens, on which each wrote
down the name of such individual, as
he thoujibt most obnoxious to censure;
the person thus marked out by the
greatest number Oi voices, though ac-
S<5f
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE
cused of no crime, was banished for
ten years.
This law, as may readily be suppos-
ed, gave every factious demagogue an
opportunity to inflame the public mind
against some of the most virtuous citi-
zens, who stood, or whom they fancied
stood in their way, and their treatment
towards them looked like base ingrati-
tude.
The manners of the Athenians form-
ed a striking contrast with the Lacede-
monians. The Athenians cultivated
the arts, but the Lacedemonians despis-
ed the arts and all who cultivated them.
The Athenians cultivated peace, and
aimed at the refined enjojment of civ-
ilized life. Sparta was strictly a mili-
tary establishment. Luxury was the
character of the Athenian, and frugali-
ty of the Spartan. Both were zealous
of their liberties and both were equally
brave in war The courage of the
Spartan sprang from constitutional fe-
rocity; that of the Athenian from a
principle of honor.
The Spartan government acquired
solidity, while the rest of Greece was
torn by domestic factions.
Athens passed through the vicissi-
tudes of war and peace monarchy and
democracy, till it was involved in a
war with Persia. — This will enJ our
extracts from hisiory, passing over
many important events, wo intended to
bring our notes down through ancient,
to the commencement of modern histo-
ry, the fall of the Western empire of
the Romans and the subjugrtion of It-
aly by the Lombards, but we close.
nd
To the inhabitants of Tvlilton
Palmyra, Portage county Ohio:
Having learned
from a respectable source that rumors
were afloat and had gained some cre-
dence in your towns, that were derog-
atory to ihe characters of Joseph Smith
Jr. and the family of Sidney Rigdon
We therefore deemed it our duty to say
in defence of injured innocence, that
we have the best of I'easons for saying,
that the reports to which we have al-
luded, are without any foundation in
truth. Since our acquaintance with J.
Smith Jr. there has been the strongest
ties of friendship existmg between hun-
self and S. Rigdon. And we hazard
nothing in saying, were those reports
true that must have originated in your
ricinity, the bonds of friendship would
have been severed forever, between
them. We are fully sensible, and are
v/illing, as far as the character of J.—
Smith Jr. is concerned, (his enemies
themselves in this place being judges)
to pronounce the whole a sheer fabri-
cation.
Relative to the family of Sidney Rig-
don, we have to say, that it is large,
consisting m.ostly of females, young in-
nocent, unsuspecting, without reproach
and for ought we know, above suspi-
cion.— Ed.
SYNOPSIS OF THE CURRENT NEWS
OF THE DAY.
FOREIGN.
The foreign money market is get*
ting a little more easy than it has been,
and it is to be hoped the relief will be
permane.1t. Some fears are entertain.
ed, however, that the present presure
in the money affairs of this country
will prevent the American Merchants
from ordering as heavy bills of goods
as usual, and thereby indirectly throw
some of their operatives out of employ.
It is expected that the cotton grow-
ers in the Southern States will be able to
take up the drafts drawn on the Ameri-
can houses in England and in so doing
prevent so great a draw of the precious
metals as was anticipated. The cotton
crop it is satd, looks promising.
DOMESTIC.
The sentiments in the Presidents
-Message relative to the relief that may
be afforded by congress its present ses.
sion, have cast a gloom over some of
the fond anticipations of many com-
mercial men, while there are others
who receive it with a smile, of appro-
bation.
From the returns of elections recent-
ly held, it appears that the popularity
of the present ruling party in the na-
tional legislature, is rather on the wane.
If something be done at the present
session of Congress, that will afford
relief or even promise it, (we mean that
which is sound judicious & permanent)
to the money market of our country,
the administration party will very soon
retrieve all that it has lost, and become
diservedly popular.
Bread stuffs of all kinds are a shade
lower than they were a few weeks
since, but are yet high considering the
quantity raised and the scarcity of mo-
ney to purchase them.
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
^
The crops throughout the States are
generally good as far as we have cor-
rectly ascertained. Vegetation iias not
yet suffersd by frost in this section,
and present ap|)earances warrant us in
the belief that, {be corn crops as well
as all others, that depend on a long sea-
son,to bring thein to maturity, will not
suffer.
Surely the lord is bountiful notwith-
standing man's ingratitude.
We had almost (bri2;otten to mention
that i-ecent accounts from Sicily and
Naples, warrant us in saying that the
cholera ra^es there to an alarming de-
gree.
War rages in some paris of our world
so that the destroyer is still among the
works of God, "Ambition an4 pesti-
lence seem deputed by death to do the
xvork of age and toss him twice ten
thousand at a meal"
Messeiiffer sied 7i.«l¥ocat.«.
^W. A. C^'^VSJl^lST, EtIiUGr.
KIRTLAND, OHIO, SEPT. 1-^37.
A book has recently bi;en put into
our hands by elder P. P. Pratt, per-
porting to be a voice of warning and
rast ruction to all people. We have
read his preface, aiid about one hun-
dred and forty pages of his book. We
find it wiitten in'ii style peculiar to the
author, not eloquent but without ambi-
guity, strong, bold, and expressive.
From readinc: the work now before
as, one would readily conclude the au-
thor to be much more accustomed to
extemporaneous, than written discour-
ses.
We can discover an evident improve-
ment in style as we proceed in the re-
view of the work.
The book is divided into chapters on
different subjects, and yet so connected
as to present, at once a concatenation
of reasoning, on the one, all important
subject, religion, evincive at the same
time, of a mind laboring for the truth,
elosly trained to biblical reading, dis-
criminating, retentive, making deduc-
tions, and conclusions from premises,
which, few, perhaps, can gainsay or
successfully resist.
The first chapter occupies nearly fif-
ty pages, and is on the subject of proph-
ecy already fulfilled.
The author in this chapter, brings
forward the outlines or leadina: fea-
tures of nearly all the prophetic wri-
tings, penned in what are commonly
denominated the old testament scrip-
tures, that are already fulfilled, prov-
ing the literal fulfilment from scripture
testimony. He shows very conclusive-
ly, not only the literal fulfilment of
scripture prophesy, from scripture tes
timony, but from profane history,
which is read and received without con-
troversy.
Our author reasons from analogy
drawing inferences and conclusions
from the nature and character of God,
his manifest good will to man, as
shov/n in all the divine communica.
tions; that the sole, or at least, appa-
rent object of all .evelatinn, all prophe-
cy, is the benefit; the salvation of man.
Speaking of prophec3s that lie may be
suitably impressed with the nature and
character of God, and of the great and
grand events that are to transpire in
unborn lime, and the efiect, a belief or
disbelief of the truth, these prophecies
will have on the human family: he
shows their entire uselessnoss, unless
they express what they purport to ex-
press, and that they are no revela-
tions unless tliey can be understood lit-
erally in the language in which they
are written.
The second chapter, is on the sub-
ject of prophecy 5'et to be fulfilled. —
Our author has occupied about forty
pages in this chapter, bringing to view
sometimes, in a, condensed form, some
of the important events spoken of by
the ancient prophets, and sometimes
they are brought forv>'ard singlv. In
bringing to view these sublime ac-
counts, our autlior has not shunned to
dec'.are his own sentiments, but at suit-
able periods has introduced them and
enforced them, drawing inferences
from just premises, and arriving at
conclusions from a logical train of rea,
soning, that few, very few, will be
able to satisfactorially disprove.
Fie speaks of the modern mode of in-
terpreting the prophecies, by spiritual-
izing, in a style not to say vulgar,
rude, or ridiculous, but clear, conclu-
sive and in some instances, bordering
on severity. He attributes the diver-
sity of sentiments that obtain, on reli-
gious subjects, to an entire lack of the
Holy Ghost, that spirit, that leads into
all truth, and full scope being given to
spiritualizing, or each sect and party
putting such a construction upon the
prophecies and upon the scriptures gen-
erally, as suits his own purposes or
feelings, without refrence to tlie mpan-
ing of words, or the construction of the
language in which the scriptures arc
written.
He has not attempted to fortify any
of his positions against the attacks of
infidelity, but has addressed his reason-
ings, and arguments, to the moral
sense of a professing christian commu-
munity. He admits that most men
protess to believe the bible, and yet as-
serts, that no man ever yet believed it-
without believeing and expecting that
great and glorious events are to trans-
pire in the last days. On the same
page where we find this idea, he haz-
ards an opinion that a believer in the
bible, would be something, which very
few men have ever seen, in this gener-
ation with all its boasted religion. We
presume our anthor, in this last asser-
tion, means, to speak comparitively,
for we have no doubt, he believes in
the literal fulfilment of the prophecies
as much as in the events that have al-
ready transpired, and are numbered
amonw thin2;s that have been. It is
truly, as he has said, a great disgrace
not to believe the bible, but it is surely
a greater one, to believe in its literal
fulfilment, or that the great things ther-
in recorded as predictions, will surely
come to pass. He attributes the per-
secution he has received, and still re-
ceives, to his firm belief and diligent
teaching, the plain legitimate meaning
of the script'ires.
In the second chapter, of which we
are now speaking, he treats of the
gathering of Israel, and cites some of
the more prominent passages, on the
subject, from among the different an-
cient prophets, in a way that it would
seem that one must be deaf to the voice
of reason and common sense, not to
conclude, that Israel is yet to be gath-
ered. Connected with this subject, is
that of revelation, miracles and the
gifts of the gospel, under the renewal
of the covenant; and the conferiog of
the priesthood, the only proper authori-
ty, through which spiritual gifts are re-
ceived and conferred- He treats the
idea as a preposterous one, that the
great events that are to transpire, will
ever transpire, without miracles, signs
and wonders, therefore, the creeds,
crafts, and doctrines of men will utter-
ly fail.
The third chapter comprizes about
MESSENGER. AND ADVOCATE.
twenty five pages and is on the subject
of the kingdom of God. It speaks of
the powers, blessings and privileges of
the kingdom of God, as being peculiar
to itselt", and diverse from all other
kingdoms, not only so, but such as no
other kingdom or people except the
people of that kingdom, ever can, or
ever will, enjoy. VVnen speaking of
the kingdom of God, he wishes it dis-
tinctly understood, that he means his
organized kingdom on the earth.
He mentions four things as indispen-
sible to constitute a kingdom, either in
heaven or on the earth. First there
must be a king: second, officers com-
missioned and duly qualified, to exe-
cute the laws of the king: third, a code
of laws by which the citizens are gov-
erned; and fourthly subjects who are
o-overned. He takes a cursory view of
the setting up of the kingdom of God
on earth in the apostle's days, and
then speaks of the efflects produced by
it, as well on those who embraced it,
as on those among whom they dwelt. —
It is plain from the transactions of the
apostles, during that eventful period,
that the principles, ordinances and pre-
cepts of those eminent servants of the
Most High, were their rulingmolivesof
action, and swelled the tide of enmi-
ty and hatred that existed, and eventu-
ally produced their martyrdom.
The fourth chapther contains some-
thing less than twenty pages, and is on
the subject of the book of Mormon, and
the origin of the American Indians. —
Our author gives a succinct account of
the place where, and the lime when,
the Book of Mormon was introduced to
the world and urged upon it as a sacred
record. He speaks ol the testimony of
the witnesses to its divine authenticity,
and its perfect agreement in principle,
with the leading features of the old and
new testament.
Speaking of the Aborigines of Amer-
ica, he makes it appear pretty plausi-
bly, that they are no less than the liter-
al deacendants of Ephraim, and will
eventually believe and embrace the
gospel. The children of Ephraim and
Judah will unite in the gathering of Is-
rael. He speaks also of the effects of
the coming forth of the Book of Mor-
mon on those who believe and embrace
it as a sacred record, making it appear
very conclusively that they are in no
wise dissimilar to the effects of the gos-
pel, in the days of the apostles.
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
M9
• In this chapter he incidentally touch-
es upon the power and authorty of the
priesthood; showing plainly without
this power and tliis authority, none arc
authorized to preach, and none need
expect the gifts of the gospel as an-
ciently enjoyed witL-out tlie same priest-
hood.
The fifth chapter, purporJs to be a
proclamation and covers some seven or
eight pages onlv. but we ha\e not yet
read it through, therefore we aic not
prepared to speak of its merits or de-
merits.
The sixth chapter purports, from the
heading of it, to speak of the resurrec-
tion of the saints, and the resloraiion of
all things spoken by the prophets.
The seventh chapter speaks of the
dealings of God with all nations in re-
gard to revelation.
The eighth, and closing chapter pur-
ports to exhibit a contrast between the
doctrine of' Christ, and the false doc-
trines of the nineteenth century.
These four last mentioned chapters
we have not read, therefore, we could
not speak positively or definitely, con-
cerning them, but, as we remarked in
the first part of our review, their was
an evident improvement both in matter
and manner, as our author progressed
in the task. We think, therefore, we
hazard nothing in saying that the book
is richly worth its cost, and that the au-
thor has manifested a taste and a judge-
ment in scripture reading, which few
possess. The book, we believe to be
worthy of a candid peiusal and the tal-
ent of the author to the patronage of a
generous public.
valedIctory.
Every period of man's existence is
marked with some event difiering from
others of his life, and peculiar to itself
and to the time and circnmstance un-
der which it occurred. The little min-
ulioe, of a man's life, however unimpor
tant to others, constitute links in the
chain of events, that in the divine mind,
stamp him with infamy, or fix on him
the seal of apdrobation. Man in tb.e
private walks of life may pursue the
paths of virtue and peace, worship the
God who made him in sincerity and
truth, go down to the grave in peace,
and almost unknown, and his posteri-
ty rise up and call him blessed. But
not so the man that takes upon him
the conducting of a public periodicaL
however innocent, however pure he
may be. tlis motives are scanned, his
inientions sometimes perverted and his
virtues assailed, but in the main he has
little cause of complaint. He will be
censured, perhaps, when he least de-
serves It in his own estimation, and
jiraised when he merits rebuke: but
there is one other consideration that
detracts from the sympathy which at
first view he seems to merit: He, by
hij voluntary consent has placed him-
self before the public and submitted his
happiness to the caprice of a multitude
of individuals, each and every one of
whom, he could never hope to please.
The editorial charge of the Messen-
ger and Advocate has rested more or
less on us for a period of sixteen
months past, but nominally it has rest-
ed solely on us, but eight months. It
is useless to say we entered with diffi-
dence and distrust of our own abilities,
upon the duties of the station we now
resign.
Although our head began to be sil-
vered o'er with age, we had not the
benefit of experience like some of our
pocdecessors, in this employment. —
The little talent we possessed, had
been cultivated for one of the liberal
professions, to know the vis medica trix
naturcc, and learn the modus o-perandl
o^ maieria medica on the liuman sys-
tem. Therefore under circumstances
thus unpropitious, we now resign our
charge with as little censure, and less
regret, than we could have reasonably
hoped we should when we assumed the
important trust.
^V^e had one hope on which we re-
lied when we entered upon the duties
of our new calling: (viz.) that by dili-
gence and perseverance we should
overcome many of the minor obstacles
that presented themselves before us,
a.-.d contribute our shaie in promoting
the great cause for which this periodi-
cal was established. How far we have
succeeded, and our hopes been real-
ized, is not lor us to say? time only
will determine it.
We have not at all times seduously,
pursued the plan we first marked out
for ourselves, in point of diligence and
assiduity, biit we feel that we have, at
no time shrunk with sluggish indifTer-
cnce, from the responsibility or duty of
our station. Our time and talents have
been put in requisition, and our most
ardent desires are, that the saints and
others, should derive a benefit commen-
mo
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
surate at least, v. itii the exertions we
have made tod» ihem good.
The lapse of time since v/e com-
menceiJ, has t;;;n"!ed almost impercepti-
ble, j'ct when we reflect, we know of
a truth, montlis and seasons have rolled
away into that vast ocean of eternity
from v.'h^ nee there is no return. We
are daily and hourly admonished of
this fact, nut '.nly from the increas-
ing dimness of our «ight, the grow-
ing flaccidity of our mucsles', the totter-
ing weakness of our limbs, but the
yellow autumnal hue of all surrounding
nature.
A i'ew short months, sometimes pro-
duce radical changes in the history of
human affairs, and form epochs in the
annals of time which are never to be
forgotten. The time recently passed
and now passing, is marked vv'ith no
peculiarity in the religious world, only
that sects and parties a.e divided and
dividing, with the hate and animosity
peculiar to religious bigots and the
blinded devotees of patty zeal. A
combination of causes has contributed
to increase the strife, and fan tiie flame
of discord and disunion among them.
The infidel has doubtless laughed at
the folly of snch religionists as, through
party rage and discontent, have been
biting and devouring each other. Not-
withstanding all the fears of the pious
worshiper, the forebodings of the ig-
norant ones, or the slow-moving finger
of scorn pointed by the infir'el; truth is
mighty and will prevail. The faithful
servants of the Most High in the East,
West, North and South are proclaim-
ing the words of life and salvation, and
the honest and unprejudiced, lend a
listening ear, so that we can truly say
"the word of God ffrows&; multiplies."
"TXT" *
We are aware there are honest dif-
ferences of opinion in religion as well
as politics; and there are conflicting
interests in all communit'Ci, and every
consideration that ought to actuate an
individual occupying the station we are
now about to resign, urges him to use
all he may have of talent, all he may
have of influence, all he may have of
weight of character, to calm unruly
passions, ally dissensions and restore
peace, at the same time, he should not
compromise the dignity and honor of a
man of God, nor sacrifice the cause of
truth. Peace is desireable, but should
never be sought at the expense of truth.
The peacemaker shall be called the
child of God, but no peace will be dur-
able, nor any happiness lasting, that is
not based upon truth and ri2;hteous-
ness. He \vho caters for the public
should be doubly guarded in all he
spreads before the eye of his readers.
He should realize that extemporane-
ous praise or censure, salute the ear,
tney are words, and woidsare wind
which soon passes away and is forgot-
ten. But not so with his productions,
they are spread out before the public,
they remain to be seen when the sen-
sorium that matured them, has ceased
to combine and compare. They are
become matter of history, and number-
ed among things which have been; and
s ill we can look on them luid they, as
if by the power of magic, are present
with all the train of reflections that pro-
duced them. With these vieios and
under these circumstances, with our
humble taleht, we had no just right to
expect we should escape censure.
We are well aware that the wise and
good, as well as the crafty sycophant,
in psssing the ordeal of public opinion,
feel the lash of censure or the stroke
of keen rebuke. If vice, immorality
and crime, are -passed over with impu-
nity, virtue stands aghast and abashed,
hiding her head with shame. If religion,
truth and virtue occupy the foreground,
then all the votaries of vice and crime
are ready to cry out away with him! —
crucify him! We can truly say then,
that our object has been to do the
greatest possible good, v/ith the least
possible evil, reckless of consequences
to ourselves. How far we have suc-
ceeded, God only knows, time alone
can disclose the secret to us, and to
our fellow mortals. He who knows
our lieart, knows that we entered upon
our charge with (as we have before
remarked,) diffidence and distrust of
our own abilities, and now as we are to
resign it, if we could flatter ourselves
that we had done well, if our heavenly
Father approbated our labors, we
should rejoice that we had done some
good, that we had intensely pursued the
object at which we aimed in the begin-
ing, and that the world would be the
better that vve have lived in it. But if
we have done but indifferently well,
and pleased but few, it is all with our
weak capacity, we had any just right
to expect; and if we have failed entire-
ly, we mourn not that our lot is hard,
for It is no harder, and we had no right
MESSENGER AND VDVOCATE.
571
to expect any thing better, in tlie issue
than frequently happens to better men
than ourselves
To our readears who differ from us
in matters of religion we say, we have
at no time since the commencement of
our editorial career, dipped our pen in
gall to wound your feelings or mar
your peace, although we differ fi'om
you, it does not necessarily follow that
we are vour enemies. Vv'e have en-
deavored to advocate the truth as we
understood it and to persuade others to
believe and embrace it.
"We have endeavored, nothing to
exagerate, or to set down ought in
malice."
But if at any time we have done so
either intentionally or inadvertantly,
we sincerely ask [)ardon.
If in the course of our editorial
charge, we have unjustly impaired the
confidence of our b''ethren, in the
saints in this place, so that the poor
and innocent have suffered and the
progress of the work of the Lord been
retarded, we most sincerely and deep-
y deplore it. But if on the contrary
the warnings we have given, have
prevented more ruin, i-egret and mis-
ery, than a natural, unsuspecting or
unjust confidenee would have produ-
ced, so that more good than evil has
been the result, and the good shall final-
ly preponderate in eternity, we trust
the wise, the good, the philrnthropic
here and elsewhere, (partial evil to the
contrary notwithstanding,) will duly
appreciate our labors and approbate
our course.
Of God and our brethren we sincere
ly ask pardon for all errors of princi-
ple, we may have in inculcated: and
we most sincerely hope, they with our-
selves will in future be blessed with a
greater portion of that Spirit which
leads into all truth, and be disposed in
our hearts to embrace it and reject er-
ror. But we crave no pardon, we ask
no forgiveness, for having promulga-
ted the truth, however reprehensible it
may have been to the wicked and un-
believing. Truth we believe, can nev-
er operate to the injury of a good cause,
for the simple reason, that such a
cause must have truth for its basis, and
truth for its superstructure. We will
further add, what we deem an axiom
that truth, however inconsistent or ir-
reconcilable it may appear, to oiher
truth, will never counteract, but run
parallel with other truth on which a
proposition rests or a principle is based.
Tlierefore, should be eagerly sought
by al! who cater for the public, regard-
less of consequences to themselves.
We consider the conductor of a re-
ligious periodical under as much strong-
er obligations to seek after and publish
the truth, as eternity is longer than
any portion of time of which we have
any conception, or as the soul is more
valuable than the mortal tenement in
which it now dwells.
Once more and we have done, per-
haps forever: We ask pardon of all
we have unjustly injured and pray God
to forgive us. We think we are will-
ing to forgive as we hope to be forgiv-
en. We are willing that time or eter-
nity should disclose the motives from
which we have acted, and to leave the
result of our labors, to him who over-
rules all for his own glory. May ihe
Lord add his blessing to our feeble la-
bors; may they yet do the samts good,
may the wicked forsake his way and
embrace the truth, and we all meet in
the presence of our God in peace.
To our successor in the editorial
chair we say, though he may have
more of talent, more of popularity than
we possess, more will justly be requir-
ed of him, all his talents, all his popu-
larity, will have to be put in requisition
to manage the ship across the tempestu-
ous sea ihat lies before him. We most
ardently wish him a prosperous voyage
and safe mooring in the haven of ev-
erlasting rest.
To his readers we say show your
faith by your works? pray for him in
secre], and pay him in public, and then
shall your works prove your faith and
both be made perfect and be counted to
you for righteousness. Farewell.
W. A. COWDERY.
Kir Hand, Sept. 1837.
PROSPECTUS
For a neto paper, to be published at
Kirtland, Geauga co. Ohio, called the
ELDERS' JOURNAL
OF THE CHURCH OP LaTTER
Day Saints.
As the Latter Day Samts Messen-
ger and Advocate, piblished at the
above place, is to be closed with the
present volume which closes in the
month of September, and as the pub-
STS
MESSEiNGER AND ADVOCATE.
lisheis oflhat paoei' !: ive declined pub-
. lishing any more lor .thn present, at
least. A large body of the elders of
the chuioh of L;tter Day Saints have
united a!ilrenti;d the printing establish-
ment, foi' the p-.irpose of publishing a
paper wiili the above title.
This jj •;''-r is intended to be a vehi-
cle of comiiiu.'Tication for all the elders
of the church of Latter Day Saints,
through which th.;y c:i:) communicate
to others, all things pertaining to their
mission, and calling as servants of the
living God, and messengers of right-
eousness to the nations among whom
they arc sent. As there have been
many desires expressed by the ciders
of said church, to have a periodical of
this kind published; it is hoped tliat
the present proposals will meet with
their most unqualified approbation, and
will And a patron and a friend in all
those into whose hands it comes.
This paper is intended to occupy va-
cant ground, as there is no other peri-
odical with which we are acquainted,
that presents itself in the attitude to the
public, that this does. The church of
the Latter Day Saints is increasing
very rapidly, perhaps more so at this
time considermg its circumstances,
than any other society in our country.
The number of elders amounts to many
hundreds, and are constantly increas-
ing: and out of the number there are
many who are respectable in point of
both learning and talents, and some of
the first order.
The great excitement which has
been produced by the coming forth of
this church; the unparalleled rapidit}'
of its growth; the excessive rage of
persecution against it by all sects and
parties, together with the wide range
it is destined to take among the nations,
form at once a source of interest pe-
culiar to itself. And every thing per-
taining to either its prosperity or ad-
versity, its advance or decline, its fa-
vorable or unfavorable reception a-
mong the nations, where its doctrines
are promulgated, and where it is des-
tined to present the majesty of its truth
in formidable array against the errors
and false doctrine of the age, is now,
and will be more abundantly hereafter,
sought with an eagerness by both
friends and foes, in this country, and
elsewhere, unknown, since the days
that the former apostles proclaimed the
same doctrine among all the nations of
the world.
Already has the sound gone forth
into every State of the Union,
and messengers -sent by the church
have sat"ely (as appears by letters,) ar-
rived at Liverpool, [England,] from
whom accounts are expected continual-
ly, making known the progress of the
work in tiie old world.
What proposals then, could be made
to an inquiring public better calculated
to gratiny their desires than a period-
ical of this kind; designed to give in-
formation on the very points where in-
formation is desired, and to satisfy the
unceasing anxiety excited by reason of
the progress of the church.
It may be confidently expected, that
this paper will be enriched with impor-
tant intelligence fiom the eastern as
well as the western continent, and at no
very remote period we may anticipate
with great assurance, to see its col-
umns abounding with matter of deep
interest, from all nations in the civil-
ized world. It will be a rich repast, to
ladies and gentlemen, of all religions,
or to those who profess none; inas-
much as the contributors to this paper
will be in every part of the world, and
thereby afford facilities to obtain infer-
mation through its columns, equal, if
not superior to any in the union. The-
great events of nations, tending to thai
point of consuinatlon spoken of by all
ihe holy prophets since the w6rld be-
gan, will be diligently sought for, and
correctly presented.
This paper is therefore intended to
be a counter part to this lying mania,
which seems to pervade all ranks of
men, when engaged to try to stop the
progress of truth, and prevent the king-
dom of God from spreading, by afford-
ing the traveling elders an opportunity
of presenting the truth to the public, in
relation to the events, and occurrences
which transpire within the reach of
their observation, and which occur
with, and by themselves, while they are-
traveling and proclaiming the gospel,
in obedience to the high and holy call-
ing wherewith God has called them.
It becomes a duty not to be dispens-
ed with, that the saints of the last days
owe to themselves, and their children,
as well as the public in general, to use
all lawful endeavors to disabuse the pub-
lic mind in relation to the affairs of the
kingdom of God, which has been com-
mitted to them; so that as far as in
them lies, they will guard the public
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
srs
against the abuses which are heaped
Upon them, by reason of a spirit of per
secLition which rages most unhallowed-
ly against the truth.
It has been the usage of all saints in
every age as far as our knowledge ex-
tends, to transmit to succeeding gener-
ations an account of their religioi;, and
a history of their travels, and of the
reception which they mot with in the na-
tions, among whom they executed their
divine commission. With an account
of their travels, both by sea and land,
among strangers and acquaintances;
and these accounts stand as an armsd
man, guarding both their characters,
and religion, against the aspersions of
foul caluraniaters, and base slanderers.
May we not ask, What saved the
name of thra Waldcnses, from being
handed down to ail generations with in-
famy and contempt? The answer is
their own writings. Had it not have
been for the exertions which they used,
to transmit to posterity, a true account
of themselves; their enemies would
have left the world in perfect ignor-
ance, of both their character and reli-
gion; and stamped their name with as
much infamy, as they exercised cruel-
ty upon their persons: and the name
of Peter Waldo, would have been as-
sociated with every thing that v/as base
and abominable. But the course which
they took to be their own historians,
has turned this infamy upon the heads
of their enemies, and most etTectually
redeemed themselves from under the
power of tlieir slanderers; until their
memory is had with reverence among
all men, whose approbation is worth
having.
It is equally as possible for the saints
of these days, to guard themselves a-
gainst the abuses of a corrupt people,
and the rage of an unrighteous priest-
hood, against whom they have to con-
tend; as it was for those to do so, who
have gone before them.
la view then to obtain objects so
laubable, and so desirable, this paper is
offered to the public. In its success
and prosperity, we presume all the el-
ders will feel suitable interest; for it is
through this medium, that they have
an opportunity offered them, of hand-
ing down to their children, and their
childrens children, as well as to all oth-
ers who are disposed to read, an ac-
count of their labors and sufferings, the
success and discouragements they may
meet, through the course of their minis-
try in the world, and be able to give
and receive information from every
l^art of the world, and thereby enrich-
en their ov.n minds with much useful
knowledge, ns well as bestow great
liglit on the world.
In proportion as the church increas-
es, and the knowledge of the gospel
spreads abroad upon the face of the
earth; in the same proportion our de-
sires are increased to know how it fares
with the servants of God who are em-
ploj'cd in this "good work of gathering
the saints together, out of all tongues,
languages, and kindreds, under heaven.
For instance, since our. missionaries
started for England, how many deep
anxieties are felt in the minds of many,
that they never felt before, to know
how they will be received, and what
will be the success of their mission;
and this by persons who never saw
an}' of the individuals who have gone.
How grateful then would a letter be
from any of them, making its appear-
ance in the Journal, by this means sat-
isfying the desires of all at once, which
cnuld not be done in an}' other way, but
by great expense and great waste of
time.
How indispensible then is a periodi--
cal of this kind to the saints. It is es-.
sential to their pease and happiness as
saints. It will always be hailed as a
welcome messenger to the habitation of
the truly pious. It will be cherished
by the saint of God as a kind friend
come to allay his anxieties, and ta
open a new field for contemplation and
prayer: to heighten his devotion by
making him acquainted more exten-.
sively with the v/orks of God; and to.
calm his mind in the hour of affliction,
by making him acquainted with th&
sufferings, and yet the patience and
perseverance, of others of his brethren
in tribulation.
Hov/ many that would be otherwise
slothful, will be provoked to good
works, bv hearing of the zeal, and of
the great exertions of others, in exten-
ding the work of God.
In a word then, let every saint lay
to a helping hand, use his or her influ-
ence to get subscribers, and obtain as
extensive a circulation for the paper as
possible, so that it may be sustained,
and there by the cause of God be ad-
vanced.
It is expected that all the saints into
^74
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
whose hands this prospectus comes,
will feel themselves authorized to get
all the subscribers they can, and every
person getting ten neio subscribers and
forwarding the money shall have the
eleventh gratis.
The JOURNAL v/iU be euitcd by
Joseph Smith Jun. and printed once a
month on a superroyal sheet, and fol-
ded in form for binding, at one dollar
a year in advance: and should the
subscription list justif} , it will soon be
published semi-monthly at two dollars
a j^ear.
The first number will be issued in
October next, and will be forwarded
to the subscribers of the Messenger and
Advocate, unless they say to the con-
trary.
All letters whether for puilication
or other j^if-rposes, sent to the ojjice jnust
he directed to DOxN C. SMiTFI, and
the postage i^J^ FAIU, ,^ or
they will not he attended too.
Done by the request and in behalf
of the elders.
SIDNEY RIGDON.
N. B. The elders sending letters for
publication, will prepare them for the
press so as to save expense.
Minutes of a conference of elders
and mvmbers of the church of Latter
Day Saints, held in Shinston, Harri-
son Co. Va. commencing Friday,
August 18, 1837.
The elders met at 10 o'clock on
Friday morning at the house of Bro.
J. Harvey and organized the confer-
ence. Eld. John Lyon was chosen
President, Pro Tem, and iVL F. Cow-
dery was appointed Clerk.
It was thought proper that the busi-
ness of the conference, and the enquir-
ing into the affairs of the church be
delayed until Monday, August 21st, and
a motion was carried to that effect.
At 12 o'clock the elders assembled
at a free meetinof house in Shinston,
where they were met by elder Samuel
James, whose official standing in the
chnrch made it necessary for him to
act as President of the Conference.
At 2 o'clock P. M. a discourse was
delivered by elder G. A. Smith.
On Saturday discourses were deliv-
ered by elders, L. Barns and F. G.
Bishop.
On the Sabbath, elders, S. James, F.
G. Bishop and L. Barns addressed tne
people; and elders, Elias Smith, S.
Foster, M. F. Cowdery and Jesse
Turuin, Priest, bora tertimony to the
truths of the gospel as they have come
forth in this day and generation.
A congregation of 10 or 12 hundred
persons, assembled who seemed to be
anxious to hear something concerning
the doctrines and principles of the gos-
pel, as they are veriiy believed by us.
On Monday morning the elders and
members met at the house of Bro. A.
Boggess to transact the business of the
conferece.
After prayer the case of Bro. Allen
.Martin was laid before the council. —
Bro. Martin had requested to with-
draw from the church aud the council
granted his request.
It -appeared from the statements of
elder John Lyon — Presiding elder of
the church, that there had been 29 per-
sons baptized into the church previous
to the conference, two having before
removed from the place.
It was thought proper by some of the
elders present that Bro. W. Hoopes
from Ohio, should be ordained a
Priest, and after considering the mat-
ter, the council voted that he should be
ordained.
Elder F. G. Bishop then stated that
in his travels this season he passed
tlirough the town of Beaver, Pa. found
a small church of about 20 members,
also an elder residing among them,
preached several sermons and baptized
8 persons.
Elder S. James stated that there
were 5 members in Washington Co.
Pa. in good standing.
Elder L. Barns stated that he had
been laboring mostly in Columbiana
Co. O. through the season, ihat there
was a church in that county of 37
members, 7 having been added since
the last conference. Also that on his
way here, he found 3 members in Al-
legany Town,- Pa. in good standing
for ought he knew.
The remainder of the day, and most
of the day Tuesday was spent in hear-
ing exhortations and receivtng advice
and instruction from one another, and
also in hearing concerning the faith
and determinations of the elders and
members present. The Sacrament
was also administered. Se\en were
added to the church by baptism be-
tween the opening and close of the
conference.
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
5^5
On Tuseday evening the conferenc
adiourned.
SAMUEL .TAMKS Prest.
M. F. COWDKRY Clerk.
Klrtland Sept. m, 1837.
Pursuant to previous notice, certain
of the Presidents and high priests of
the church of Latter Day Saints in this
place, met in the house of the Lord,
and proceeded to ordain and organize
the high conncil recently chosen.
Elder Jared Carter was cho^^en to
be president of the council and Phin-
eas Richards scribe.
The following persons were ordain-
ed to the office of high counselors,
(viz:) Asahel Smith, Mahew Hlllman,
David Dort, Harlow Redfield, William
A-Iarks and Phineas Richards.
The numbers and order of the coun-
selors, are as follows — (viz;)
JOHN P. GREEN 1
ASAHEL SiMITH 2
SAMUEL H. SMITH 3
MAHEW HILLMAN 4
WILLIAM MARKS 5
NOAH PACKARD 6
OLIVER GRANCER 7
DAVID DORT 8
JARED CARTER 9
PHINEAS RICHARDS 10
HENRY G. SHERV/OOD 11
HARLOW REDFIELD 12
A charge was prefcred by elder N.
Haskins before the council while yet
in session, against a male and female
member of this church for unlawful
matrimony, for deceiving, and for un-
christian-like conduct. — The contents
in the charge were considered as sus-
tained by testimony andthe hand of
fellowship was withdrawn from them.
NOTICE.
A Conference will be held in the
town of Howard, Steuben Co. N. Y.
commencing on the first Friday of De-
cember, for the benefit of the elders
traveling East; the elders will do well
to call.
N. B. Will the brethren of PIow-
ard, Stc"L'i":en, please make some ar-
rangemea:s for the above appointment.
Whereas there was a small mistake
in the form of the certificate for the
High Priests in the May Messenger
and Advocate, we have inserted the en-
tire Form below, as it should be.
This certifies that-
IS a
memberoftlie quorum of High Priests,
organized in Kirtland accordmg to the
order of the church of the LaUer Day
Saints, i.s in good standing, is fully au-
thorized to set in order churches abroad
and preside in all Councils according
to the law regulating the High Priest
Hood, to adjust difFercnces and settle
difficulties in the same, where God in
his Providence may call him.
Done by order and in behalf of
the quorum.
DON C. SMITH Pres't.
GIDEON H. CARTER,
WARRN A. COWDERY,
Counselors.
THOMAS BURDICK,
Secretary.
3d
INDEX TO VOL
No. 1st Page.
Prospectus, 385
Letter from O. Cowdery 386
Obituary notice, Andrew H. Aldrich, Benj.
T. Biildwin. 393
Joiin E. Page Jun. do.
Editorial, VV. A. Cowdery, 394
Extract of Letter do.
Judge after Hearing 395
Letter ofO. Pratt, 396
Communication J. GooJson, 397
Conference in Amity N. Y. 399
Conference in Dresden O. do.
Communication from Elder Coons, do.
do do do Stevens 400
Obituary of Lucy Youngs do.
H^nneneal do.
Hymn on Gatliering do.
No 2
Latter day Glory S. Rigdon 401
Mission to the South W. Parrish 404
Perfection No, 2 S. Rigdon 406
Mission to the East, B. Youngs 408
Comments on Romans 15; W. A. C. 409
To the Churches abroad do 312
Letter from D. Stevens 413
Letter from Kazen Aldrich 414
Conference in Perry O. 415
Obituary of Tho. L. Willis, Polly W. Willis,
Jesse Huntsman, 41.5
Obituary of Marinda Johnson, 416
do. Moroni Shumway Tho. H. Pea do.
do. Eliza Hall do.
Selected do.
No. 3.
The Saints and the World S. Rigdon 417
Extract from Dick's Piiilosophy 423
The closing Year Ed. 425
Letters Extract from 429
do from W. Woodruff 431
No. 4.
Book of Mormon evidences W. Smith 433
Persecution Sidney Rigdon 436
Communication from H. C. Kimball 439
do. do E. S*io\v 440
Conferance Min. Damond's Crick Ky. do
Articles of agreement of Safety Society 441
Advice, J. Smith Jun. 443
Conference in Kirtland do
Our Vilage W. A. Cowdery 444
57^
IMESSENGER AND ADVOCATE.
Reflections on the past year &c. do
From Elders abroad 445
Conference in N. Crosby U. C. 446
To churches abroad 447
Obituary of H. xM. Sweat, Benj. W. Sweat do
do Roxana C. hyon do
To o'lr patrons 448
New Years Song do
r^o. 5.
Comment 2d Cor. 5: 7 449
do Ephesians 4: 5 451
do Amos 3: 7 W. Parrish 453
Ancient History . 455
Address to the Young men of Kirtland
S. W. Denton do
Education, Hannah More 456
Editorial 457
Notice, Editorial 458
'Address to Counselors &c. 459
Extract do
Editorial, 460
Philosophy of Religion T. Dick 461
Manners 483
Hymeneal G. W. Gio M. J. Smith 464
Obituary Sally Allen, Ann Rish do
No. 6
Comments on Ecksiastcs 9: 18 465
Obituary Sissannah Parker 467
Philosophy of Religion 468
Love to God do.
Comment on first Peter 4: 6 470
Ancient History 471
Elders and others Licensed 472
Causes of human misery do.
Philosobhy & consistency Mrs. Barbauld 473
A good legacy do.
Duties of Masters to apprentices 476
About to do it do.
Constitution onJ members of Kirtland S.
Society 475
Persecution S. Rigdon 477
■ True fortituie of r.iind Extract 479
Encouragements, Extract 480
Preventive Check do.
Evening cloud do.
No. ".
Comment on Job. 19: 25, 26, 27, 4S1
do do Amos 1, 7 483
Aniversary of the Church Ed. 486
Editorial 489
Mormonism, by S. A. Davis 490
Editorial 491
Comments on Prov. 28, 20. Ed. do.
Ancient History 493
Selections 494
From Elders abroad 495
Hymeneal, Messrs. Holmes, WoodrufF
& Robinson, ■ 498
Obituary T. Pratt, E. Harrington &
M. A. Boynton do
Conference notice, Rutland Hallow N. Y. do
No. 8.
Comment Gal. 1: 6, 9 A. Cheney 497
do Amos 3: 7, 502
Ancient History 504
Editorial 505
do 510
Communication from Seventies 511
do do High Priests do.
Conference in Clinrchville U. C. do.
Hymeneal, CharlsAdams, P. P. Pratt, 512
do. Hezekiali Fisk do.
Obituary, E. A. Cowdery, F. Weeden do.
do tliedy Gillet, & C. Taylor do.
Notice Editorial do.
No. 9.
Comraunigation from J. Taylor 351
Where is the Gospel? T. B. Marsh 510
From elders abroad 518
Editorial 520
CoaimentouHeb. 12, 11, Ed 522
do Psalms 183: Ed 524
{ onference minutes, West Township O. 525
Ancient History . 526
Summary of Current news 527
Poetry Extract 528
Elders & others Licenced " do.
Hymeneal, U. Hawkins do.
Obituary, Deborah H. Hvrlburt, do.
do. Fanny Parks do.
No. 10.
Letter W. W^ Phelps 529
Extract from Church Flistory 530
Editorial 533
Summary of news 534
From elders abroad 535
Editorial do.
Comment on Rom, 11: 22, 23, Ed. 541
Ancient History 543
Extract 544
Obituary, E. Orton, C. Olney do.
Conference Notice do.
No. 11.
Prospectus 545
Editorial 547
Valadictory of O. Cowdery do.
Communication from L. Barns 549
do. do. H. G. Sherwood do.
do. do, O. Hyde 550
Ancient History 552
Comment on Heb. 12: 5 553
do do Dut. 8: 2, 3, 555
Synopsis of current News 557
Conference, Portland, U. C. 558
do. Lyman N. H. 559
Caution, J. Smith Jun. 560
Hymeneal, W. Parks, A. B. Orton do.
Extract do.
No. 12,
Editorial 561
Memorial do.
Communication — S. B. Stoddard 564
Ancient history 565
Letter to Milton and Palmyra 566
Synopsis of the current news do.
Editorial 567
Valedictory 569
Prospectus 571
Conference Va. 574
High Council Kirtland - 575
High priest certificate do.
Index do.
Myaneiieal.
Married, on the first inst. by El-
der Nathan Haskins, Mr. William
Hawkes to Miss Drusilla Phelps,
both of this town.
Also on the 10th Inst, by O. Cow-
dery Esq. Mr. Truman Jackson to
Miss. Ann Brown, both of this place.
MESSENGER AND STAR,
Bound together, or in separate volumes
can be had at this office.
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