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SAMUEL  WARDWELL, 

BOOK-BINDER, 

Pittsfield,  Mast 


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LATTER    DAY    SAINTS' 
:yiEsiSEXGER  a:\d  advocate. 


Vol.  I.     No.  1.]  KIRTLAND,  OHIO,  OCTOBER,    1834.  [Whole  No.  1. 


ADDRE>'^S. 


.'ondescend  to  bring  light  and  truth  to 
As  this  No.  commences  the  Latter  jlig'i^  for  their  salvation.  It  is  no  mar- 
Day  Saints'  .Messenger  and  Advocate,  I  ^<^'  ^^°-^  '"«"  should  reject  it:  this  was 
.it  is  necessary  for  us  to  make  a  tewh'^^*^ys  ^^^^  case,  because  their  deeds 
remarks,  and  also  inform  our  t'riends  i "^re  evil 
of  the  course  which  will  l>e  pursued  in ! 
its  Editorial  department.  j 

The  closing  Vol.  of  the  Star,  or  the  i  ... 

ten  last  numbers  were  published  at  this  j '""^"^y'  ^""^  some  power — but  the  few 
place;  and  for  the  matter  which  theyj^^  ^^^'^  "^^"-     ^^h'  ^^^^^  few  then  have 


Men  labor  for  different  objects,  with 
a  view  to  accomplish  ditfercnt  purposes 
— some   ambition,    some   pride,   some 


contain,  or  at  least,   the  Editorial,  we 
arc  responsible.     If  the  principles  are 


we  had  cause  to  expect,  would  show 
themselves  friendly  to  the  truth:  only- 


pure,  the  man  who  embraces  them  may  h^*^/'-''^  labor  for  that  reward  which  is 


be  guided  in  the  way  of  righteousness; 
but  if  not,  and  we  have  not  warned  our 


to  be  brought  at  the  revelation  of  Jesus 
Christ;  and  of  course,  from  them  only 


fellow  men  of  the  things  of  the  king- j  could  we  expect  countenance  in  the  ar 
dom  of  God,  or  have  cried  peace  and  di-»ous  undertaking  to  instruct  men  in 
safety,  when  destruction  was  near,  then,  j  those  things  which  are  to  concern  them 
iU  the  great-day  of  retribution,  before  hereafter! 

an  impartial  Judge,  we  must  answer  ^'^  "^'^trers  of  controversy,  as  we  said 
for  the  blood  of  souls!  Of  these  things,  j  in  the  first  No.  of  the  Star  published 
no  man  is  more  sensible  than  ourselves,  i  i"  this  place,  we  say  now.  The  saints 
But  the  reflection  is  otherwise.  To  be  j  anciently  were  exhorted  to  contend 
sure,  our  opponants  have  cried  an  a-  earnestly  for  that  faith  once  delivered 
larm,  and  used  every  exertion  to  hin- 
der tlie  spread  of  truth:  but  truth  has 
continued   it.-<  steady   course,  and    the 


to  those  before  them;  but  nothing  j3 
there  said  of  controrersy.  It  may  be 
doubted  by  some,  whether  controversy . 
work  of  the  Lord  has  rolled  on:  and  [upon  any  principle  is  correct,  or  ever 
where  darkness  once  held  unbounded 
8wav,  and  corruption  prevailed  undis- 
turbed, the  fruit  of  righteousness  has 


resulted  in  good:  t^  this  as  it  may;  but 
above  all  things,  if  meii  must  contend 
upon    religious    matters,    the    greatest 


Sprung  up  and  the  children  of  men  been  ,  d«'^oium  and  propriety  ought  to  be  ob- 
made  to  rojoice  with  a  joy  unspeakable,  j  served!  A  heated  zeal  without  knowl- 
edge may  hurl  thousands  into  a  vort.*x 
irretrievable,  and  lay  a  foundation  for 
future  generations,  the  end  of  which 
may  bring  destruction  and  death! 

With  these  reflections,  then,  wc  can- 
not but  deem  it  unsafe  for  men  to  entnr 
the  field  of  controversy  against  thoir 
opponants  in  principle,  except  they  are 
nj?.wred  of  the  correctness  of  their  own 
systom:  this  Avould  be  dangeroue;  and 
to  avoid  the  evil  arising  from  such  an 


'i'hat  this  may  continue  to  be  the 
case  we  shall  continue  our  exertions. 
Wc  are  aware  that  the  work  has  just 
commenced:  four  years  have  been 
insufficient  to  warn  all  nations:  this, 
in  an  ancient  day  was  a  work  of  many 
years.  And  though  the  word  has  been 
preached  to  thousands,  and  manv  obey- 
ed, yet  many  millions  are  yet  in  ignor- 
ance; yes,  many  in  darkness.  The 
only  marvel  is,  that  God  should  have 


m^rcy  on  a  corr-ipt   g'»noration,    and 'order  of  things,    we  shnll  not  attempt 


MESSENCiER  AND  ADVOCATE:. 


to  correct  others  upon  the  principles  of  not  molest  or  disturb  others  in  theirs,  in 
salvation,  not  knowing  fu'stly  that   our  [a  manner  to  deprive  them  of  their  priv- 


foundation  is  sure. 

That  our  principles  may  be  fully 
known  we  here  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  Avhenever  he  has  had  a  peo- 
ple on  earth,  he  always  has  revealed 
liimself  to  them  by  the  Holy  Ghost,  the 


i  leges  as  free  citizens — or  of  w^orship- 
ing  God  as  they  choose,  and  that  any  at- 
tempt to  tlie  contrary  is  an  assumption 
unwarrantable  in  the  revelations  of  heav- 
en, and  strikes  at  the  rootof  civilliber- 
ty,  and  is  a  subvevtioh  of  all  equitable 
principles  between  man  and  man. 
We    believe    that    God   has   set  his- 


hand  the  second  time  to  recover  the 
ministering  of  angels,  or  his  own  voice,  remnant  of  his  people,  Israel;  and  that 
We  do  not  believe   that  he  ever  had  a!  the  tiuie  is    near   when    he  will    bring 


church  on  earth  without  revealing  hhn- 
self  to  that  church:  consequently,  there 
were  apoati^s^  prQi^iCts,  evangelists, 
pastors,  and  teachers,  in  the  same. — 
We  believe  that  God  is  the  same  in  all 
ages;  and  that  it  requires  the  same  ho- 
liness, purity,  and  religion,  to  save  a 
man  now,  as  it  did  anciently;  and  that, 
as  1*6  is  no  respecter  of  persons,  always 
has,  andfllvvays  will  reveal  himself  to 
men  when  they  call  upon  him. 


them  from  the  four  v.^i'ids,  with  songs 
of  everlasting  joy,  and  reinstate  them 
upon  their  own  lands  which  he  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 
fcundation  when  ever  it   is  assailed  bv' 


We  believe  that  God   has   revcaleJ  men  ot  character  and  respectability.— 


himself  to  men  in,  thi§  age,  and  com- 
mcncsd  tn  raise-  up  a  church   prcpara- 


And  while' wo  'Hct    upon  the.se  broad' 
principles,'  'we   ttust  in   God    that   we 


tory  to  his  second"  advent,  when  he  will  j  shall  never  be  confounded! 


come  in  the  clouds  of  heaven  with  pow- 
er and  great  glory. 


Neither  shall  we  wait  for  opposition; 
but  \yith  a  firm   reliance  upon  the  jus- 


We  believe  that  the  popular  religious  j  tice  of  such  a  course,  and  the  propriety 

of  disseminating  a  knov/ledge  of  the 
same,  we  shall  endeavor  ■  to  persuade 
men  to  turn  from  error  atfd  vain  spec- 
ulation; investigate  the  "plan  which 
heaven  has  devised  for  our  salvation; 
prepare  for  the  .year  of  recompense, 
and  the  day  of  vengeance  \yhich  are 
near,  and  thereby  be  ready  to  meet  the 
Bridegroom! 

OLIVER  COWDERY. 
Kirliand,  Ohio,  Qctoler,  1834. 


theories  of  the  day  are  incorrect;  that 
they  are  Avithout  parallel  in  the  revela- 
tions of  God,  as  sanctioned  by  him; 
and  that  however  faithfully  they  may 
be  adhered  to,  ,or  hov/evcr  zealously 
and  warnjly  they  rnay  be  defended, 
they  will  never  stand  the  strict  scrutiny 
of  the  word  of  life. 

We  believe  that  all  men  a^rc'boyn 
free  and  eijual;  that  no  man,  combina- 
tion of  men,   or  government  of  men, 

have  power  or  authority  to  compel   ori  \  ; 

-  ,     .  ,     ,  "  Ji      t^pain. — It  is  said  that  Spain  contains  elev- 

force  others  to  ombraco  any  system  ot  I  pn  millions  ofinliabitants— on  au  average,  27 
religion,   or  religious  creed,  or  to  use  |  ^'^  a  square  mile.    And  when  it  is  recollectecl 

,-      ■  ■     .'  -  tlrat  aconsidfrablepartof  Ihekijigdoin  isren- 

torce  or  Violence  to  prevent  others  |  dered  incapable  of  cultivation  in  consequcnco 
from  cnjovins  their  own  opinions,  or  |  °fi^»  1°%  "'»t-."'«'ns,  it  muKt  be  certain  that 
•       •-  1  the  pop'oiat ion  IS  quite  dense,     it  is  also  said 

practicing  the  same,  so  long  as  they  doi  that  tliero  are  2.^,'^  19  houses  appropriated  to 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


L 


322,  aud  that  of  friars  a 
whole  amount  of  ecclesiastical  revenue  i.s  cal- 
culated to  bo  tifty  millions  of  dollars,  and  tlie 
portion  of  this  sum  actually  received  by  them, 
Is  greater  than  the  whole  civil  revenue  of  the 
kingdom,  by  about  eight  millions!" — if  our 
infiirniatiou  bo  correct. 

If  money  and  priests  wcro  sufficient  to  con- 
vert a  people,  one  would  suppo.fe  that  the 
Spa'iiards  lacked  notl-Jnt;  to  render  tlisir  con- 


religious  parposes;  the  number  of  clergy  159;  the  regular  whari".  ^Vhether  this  was 
ndnuns,  9G,a78.  ••Thej  ^^Qj-j.^f.^  oruicorrl'ct  I  am  unable  to  say; 
but  iu  the  apfarenl  hurry  to  leave  tlie 
harbor  she  took  a  quantity  of  baggage 
and  put  out  beibro  giving  time  for  the 
passengers  to  arrive,  ^o  much  for  Ihe 
(iccommGdction  of  men  employed  to 
manage  Steam  Boats  upon  our  Lake. — 
This  was  the  "Daniel  Webster!''  Af- 
veriion  certain,  a^s  28,240  houses  of  ordinary  [  ^r  being  hailed  several  times  she  put 
!U2e  wouiabe  sjtiicient  to  entertam  the  whole    1       i         ?    i-  ii  i  ;   u 

kingdom  at^nce;  and  159,3'^2  clersrv,  would  '^^ckand  shippeu  her  passengers,  which 
give  over  iive  to  a  congregation.  Taking  this !  sceincd  to  amend,  m  a  degree,  the  f  ecl- 
into  conaideralion,   with  the /-et'(>w«s  tax  an- j  ing    which    Othorwisti    must    evidently 

nually  paid,  of  fifty  millionf;,  one  might  ask  J  ^^^e  arisen  in  the  mind  of  everv  be- 
•'Wtiat  lack  they  yet?  I  i    i  i    . 

But  Spain  is  ^dU  Spain— racked  with  dis-  j  "^'l^^f  • 
order  and  boiling  over  v/ith  contention;   t.hel       r  airport  is  an  excellent  harbor,  and 
din  of  civil  war  stujiing  tiie  ears  of  all,  wiiile  1  affords  u  safe  moorage  for   shipping. — 
b-ood  Hows  ill  the  Kiiiic  channel  of  the  blocdj  QQ^.pj.,^,,^gj^t  1ms  expended  a  coKsidera- 
ot  brother,    to  gratify  ambition   aud  folly. —  ■,,  ,  .  ^    '  ,■         •..     ?j- 

Neither  does  the  matter  of  astonishment  end  j  "^'-  amount  m  extending  its  1  lers  sev- 
lura— with  her  23,949  iiouses  for  public  wor-  i  cral  rod.s  into  the  Lake,  at  the  cnu  oi 
ship,  and  her  159, 3"39  clergy,  professors  of  the  |  which  a  small  Light  House  is  now  bc- 
sameiluth,  audmombersofthe  saaie''Cath-ii  finished  to  render  the  higress  of 
o:ic    ciiurch.  are,  wiili  weapons  oi  death  stri- 1      °     i  ■      •       ^i      i     i        i 

ving  for  the  same  earthly  kingdom.  \  ^'^^-scls  more  easy  curmg  the  dark  gales 

We  do  not  despise  the  principles  of  civil  i  to  which  this  Lake  is  suDject.  1  he 
nor  n:l!;rlon;  liberty,  nor  question  the  propri- 1  main  Light  IIoujC  is  sitiiated  oil  a  com- 
cty  of  maintaining  them,  even  by  force— for  j  j^^,.^,,j|j^g"^,j^,jj,^,^ce^  p.,(-|  Jg    ^.^j^^g  go  ^r 

70  feet  from  its  base  to  its  summit. 
Richmond   is  situated  up    the   river 
upGii  t!ie  i%-;r.;  tbiinrkuion,  and  to  be   guided;  from  Fairport    about    one    and    a    half 
by  the  "holy  apostolic   faith,"   delivered  tbi  ^^^-^g^      -pi^^gg  ^.^^^  towns  are  destined 
the  world  by  inspirea  men,   and  then  army  I  ^     ,  i  .-  -i       i  i     i      • 

against  each  otlior  hi  hostile  armies!  \  to  become  places  ot  considerable  busi- 

iier  trouble  does  not  end  iiere— The  Des-  j  nes^.  Fairport  probably  takes  the  lead 
trover- that  ^':_at  scourge  sent  forth  to  vex]  jn  forwarding,  but  Richmond  is  fast  on 
tho  nation?:,  and  lay  waste  kLngdoms- has  Ui^^  increase,  and  has  several  extensive 
BLimnionen  thousands  of  her  citizens  to  ap-  i,  ,  ■   ,       ,-      .  ^  i  •     ■■        c 

paar  b2fore  another  tribunal!  I  =3tores_whlGh  aiiord  most  kinos  of  mci- 

.  Qtisrij.—ls  s'lc  not  nma  drhiking  of  tJiat,  chandise  consumed  in  the  coiuitrv,  verj 
Mtter  cup  wiiich  siie  has  ; 
to  so  many  of  her  cit 
to  cxtingnisl!  heresy? — Editor. 


t'ies3  are  dear  to  all;  bat  we  do  question  the 
n.!r!it3ousiiess  iindiiriiun  of  that  people,  who. 
by  tii.3ir  pieeds  profess  to  bo  o.ne;  to  be  built 


ISO  liberally  measured i  clieap.     Farmers  generally  find"  a  cer- 
-n;-,  m  her  great  z;^alj  jg^i^^  market  for  their   produce,   and* 
I  large  extent  oi   country  south  receive 
T\  their,  eastern  nierchaiidi^e  at  the  tv.'o 

, -.  ,  Fordicc,  JL  T.Ocf.  20,  183'1. 1  places. 

,  Loft  Kirtlaud  on  the  16th  in  compa-|  Oar  progress  from  Grand  River  to 
ny  witiiour  brethren  J.  Smhh  jr.  Dj  Cleveland  was  slow,  having  a  strong 
'.Vliitia^r,  n.  Smith,  F.  G.  VViUianis,!  »'^'»'^  ^viii^^  ^^i'i^^i  l^'ew,  at  times,  al- 
r-nd  R.  -i;  A.  Orton.  At  9  in  the  eve- 1  Diost  a  gaje.  At  Cleveland  we  made 
liing  W3  took  passage  on  board  the!  a  aliort  stop,  leaving  several  passcn- 
.Steanj  Boat  Monroe,  (Whi faker  Mas-|g«f'^r  haggnge,  and  merchandise. 
t<jr,")  at  Fair')ort.  '    Cleveland  is  a  pleasantly  situated  town 

V/hile  v.-ailing  for  the  arrival  of  a^^t  the  mouth  of  the  Cuyahoga  River, 
Roat  from  the  east,  the  "Daniel  \Veb-'a»^l  is  linprovmg.  Tho  Can;U  from  the 
ster"  came  down  from  Detroit,  andl«"»'th  has  increased  its  trade,  and  it 
touched  at  tho  outer  end  of  tlie  Pier  to|  "»^'^'  ailbrd.s  a  market.  The  harbor  is 
land  and  receive  passengers.  This  Lj  g>Jod,  and  was  built  at  considerable  e.\- 
.'^upposc  was  sujjiclenf   to  answer  her  P''ii-'=''^- 

.•idvertisoment — '-To  touch  at  th(^  inter-  There  is  an  iiicrea.sc  of  populalion, 
mediate  ports"'  between  th<;  former  |  arsd  many  foreigners  of  late,  have  ta- 
placc  and  BuOlilo.  On  cmpiiry,  I  wasi  ken  residenc'^  in  the  town  and  vicinitv 
informed,  that  a  previous  misnndi'r-  — Swis.s,  and  (rermaii.  'J"hese,'geucr- 
slanding  between  the  citizens  and  crew  ally,  are  circnmspcft,  p'\Trf>;d!|(>.  and 
of  tlv  Boat  prevented   lier  to'iching  at   industriou'^. 


MESSENGER  kSD  ADVOCATK. 


We  left  the  harbor  in  the  night, 
and  were  compelled  to  face  a  heavy 
wind  till  we  arrived  at  Huron,  mouth 
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,  1813,  when 
Com.  Perry  captured  the  British  fleet. 

At  an  expense  of  300  killed  and 
wounded,  Perry's  name  is  rendered 
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. 
Ba.rkly,)  and  a  regai-d  for  each  ought 
to  have  stimulated  them  to  act  with  the 
most  judgment  possible.  These  shores 
have  been  saluted  with  the  sound  of  the 
instruments  of  death,  and  those  beauti- 
ful waters  have  been  stained  with  the 
blood  of  men'  When,  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  Avith  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  others  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  glad!  In  fact,  he  seemingly  ex- 
pressed more  joy  in  this  belief  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  Avas 
as  particular  to  enquire  his  appearance, 


size,  age,  &c.  as  decency  would  ad- 
mit, and  found  that  the  man  was  guil- 
ty of  falsehood.  This  accounted  for 
the  warmth  of  his  assertions  when  ho 
pronounced  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  are  compared  with  the 
tnithjseek  to  ridicule  those  who  teach  iL 

Now,  that  he  lied,  I  have  no  hesitancy 
in  saying,  as  our  brother  Joseph  Smith 
Jr.  had  not  commenced  to  preach  five 
years  since,  neither  has  be  ever  preach- 
ed in  Bainbridge;  and,  as  to  the  cor- 
rectness of  his  description  of  his  com- 
plexion I  leave  all  who  arc  acquainted 
with  his  person,  to  judge.  But  his 
Muster,  (for  he  made  no  little  noise,) 
excited  the  curiosity  of  many  who  crow- 
ded round,  eager  to  ascertain  the  eauss 
of  this  "war  of  words."  After  making 
several  assertions,  and  many  flourishes, 
he  gave  opportunity  for  an  answer. — 
He  said  that  the  Savior  had  not  been 
seen  since  his  ascension,  and  that  any 
man  contradicting  this  was  a  deceiver. 

After  obtaining  liberty  to  speak,  we 
intbrmcd  the  gentleman  that,  to  com- 
mence, we  would  correct  one  assertion 
just  advanced,  which  was,  that  "Christ 
had  not  appeared  to  any  man  or  men 
since  his  ascension  into  hoaven,  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,  sho 
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  6s  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  his  resurrection,  and  eight 
days  after  called  upon  one  of  his  discj- 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


plea  to  put  his  hand  into  his  side, — 
And  hi3  word  to  Mary  to  say  to  his 
brethren,  that  he  was  about  to  ascend 
to  his  Father  and  their  Father,  his  C4od 
and  their  God;  and  that  iro  couW  not 
be  touched  until  this  was  accomph'shed, 
the  following  account  shows  plainly 
that  he  had,  eir^ht  da}'s  after,  entered 
those  mansions  of  glory  wh^re  perfec- 
tion dwells. 

Upon  this  item,  then,  we  rest  the 
fact, — that  he  had  ascended/  because  in 
the  morning  he  could  not  be  touched, 
(for  this  reason,)  and  eight  days  after, 
said  to  one,  "Reach  hither  thy  finger 
and  behold  my  hands;  and  reach  hith- 
<ir  thy  hand,  and  thrust  it  into  my  side"! 
and  in  another  place  it  is  said,  that  soon 
nfter  his  rcsnrrection,  as  the  disciples 
were  assembled,  Jesus  stood  in  their 
inicJ.st,  and  they  were  ""icrrified  and  af- 
frighted, and  supposed  that  they  had 
seen  a  spirit;"  but  were  assured  that  it 
was  the  Jjord,  having  a  privilege  of 
seeing  and  feeling — and  pass  to  cer- 
tain items  to  show  that  it  M'as  no  secret 
with  the  saints  that  /tf  was  seen  after 
his  ascension.     See  Luke,  24:  1^9  &  40. 

Luke  also  says,  when  writing  the 
Acts  of  the  apostles,  that  Christ  showed 
himself  alive  by  many  infallible  proofs, 
after  his  resurrection,  "being  seen  of 
them  forty  days,  and  speaking  of  the 
things  pertaining  to  the  kingdom  of 
God."  Peter,  while  preaching  to  the 
house  of  Cornelius,  says  that  God  did 
raise  /«;/i  "up  the  third  day,  and  show- 
ed him  openly;  not  to  all  the  peoi)lc, 
but  unto  witnesses  chosen  before  of 
God,  even  to  us,  who  did  eat  and  drink 
with  him  after  he  rose  from  tlie  dead." 
If  this  is  not  sufficient,  remembering 
that  he  could  not  be  touched  till  he  as- 
cended, we  will  notice  a  few  sayings  of 
Paul,  and  leave  our  friends  to  judge  for 
themselves. 

In  the  15th  chapter  of  his  first  epis- 
tle to  the  Corinthians,  while  speaking 
of  the  resurrection  of  the  Lord,  he  says, 
"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  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." 

Now  wc  will  recollect,  that  after  his 
resurrection  he  was  seen  of  the  disciples 


"forty  days;"  and  then  was  seen  to 
ascend  up  into  heaven,  and  also,  th« 
angels  said  that  he  had  gone  to  that 
place.  We  will  recollect  also  that  af- 
ter this  ascension  the  whole  number  of 
the  disciples  was  only  one  hundred  and 
twenty,  and  that  Paul  says,  that  ho 
appeared  to  above  five  hundred  at  onco, 
and  of  course,  it  must  have  been  after 
this  ascentioa  her©  spoken  of  by  Luke. 
After  that  he  was  seen  of  James;  then 
of  ALL  the  apostles.  Paul  does  not 
end  his  testimony  here:  Stephen 
was  certainly  stoned  before  /us  (Paul's) 
conversion,  and  his  last  words  were, 
that  he  saw  the  Son  of  Man  on  the  right 
hand  of  God,  and  Paul  says  afterward, 
that  he  (Christ)  appeared  unto  him. 
After  ending  these  few  remarks  upon 
this  item,  we  were  prevented  from  ma-^ 
king  any  further,  as  our  friend  Ellmer 
had  grown  quite  uneasy,  and  also  said 
that  they  were  not  to  be  found  in  the 
scripture's.  He  was  informed,  how- 
ever, that  if  he  would  wait  till  I  could 
go  to  my  trunk  he  should  have  a  priv- 
ilege of  r^eeing  for  himself,  as  thoso 
passages  could  be  found  in  a  few  mo- 
ments, to  which  [I  had  referred.  He 
said  that  ho  wanted  nothing  of  my 
Mormon  bible ;  that  he  did  not  believe 
in  it,  neither  would  he  hear  it. 

He  was    informed  that    it    was   the 
English  version  of  the  bible,*conlaining 
the  Old  and  New  Testaments,  transla- 
ted by  order  of  James  5,  between  the 
years  1607  and  '10.     As  he  refused  to 
hear  our  bible,  he  was  told  if  he  would 
produce  one  on  board  the  Boat,  I  would 
produce  thoso  items  previously  named 
— but  he  refused.     A  gentleman  prcs- 
ent(a  methodisi  preacher  by  profession) 
said,  that  any  man  acquainted  with  his 
bible  would  be  i-eady   to  admit  the  cor- 
rectness of  what  had  been  quoted, — 
The  poor  man  soon  found  that  the  com- 
pany discovered  his  ignorance,  and  al- 
i  so  his  anger,  as  he  soon  turned  from  u» 
I  with    a  (oud  boast  and    an    important 
'  swell,  ,?(.s  another  methodist  priest  from 
Engliind  had  done  a  short  time  previ- 
i  ous,  after  being  shown  the  weakness  of 
I  his  own  argument  ^by  our  brother  H. 
I  Smith. 

How  far  this  conversation  was,  or 
j  will  be  productive  of  good,  I  am  unable 
I  to  say;  but  by  that  means  numbers 
{ heard,  and  no  doubt,  felt  an  increased 
I  anxiety  to  learn  something  further  rel- 
j  ative  to  this  "strange  work."     One  in- 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


divicir.al  purchased  a  book  of  jMormon, 
notwidistanding  Mr.  Ellmer's  hitler 
cry  of  '^Joe  Smith,''  and  "false  proph- 
ets;" and  will  tiius  have  a  privilege  of 
hearing  the  truth,  though  lie  may  be 
separated  far  from  those  wlio  have  ati- 
ihorihj  to  admi^aister  the  ordinances  of 
tlie  everlasting  gospel.  May  heaven 
inspire  liis  heart  to  seclf  diligently  un- 
til he  obtains  a  certain  knowledge  of 
the  kingdom  of  our  Cnjd  in  these  last 
days! 

Contention  vvas  soon  hushed  to  si- 
lence, some  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  v.'e  were  propelled  at  a  rapid 
rats  by  v/ind  and  steam,  while  the  moon, 
with  the  same  mi>jesty  and  beauty 
v/ith  ^vhich  it  had  been  adorned  near 
six  thousand  3'ears,  arose  as  from  a 
watery  bed,  to  light  the  path  of  the 
weary  traveller. 

Tb.e  little  tov/n  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,  and  the  passengers  were 
taken  from  this  in  small  boat:;  to  the 
shore.  Several  Irish  and  German  em- 
igrants landed  at  this  place,  with  con- 
siderable heavy  baggage.  Some  few 
emigrants  from  the  state  of  N.  Y.  also 
landed  at  this  point;  and  from  appear- 
aJice  one  vt'ould  judge  this  to  be  a  con- 
venient place  for  thjsc  wishing  to  set- 
tle in  the  south  p?a-t  of  the  Te)'ritory, 
to  land. 

'We  passed  iij)  the  Iliver  in  the  night 
&  arrived  at  Detroit  at  4  o'clock  on  the 
morning  of  the  8th.  It  is  duo  Capt. 
Whitaker  that  we  should  here  remark, 
that  with  his  present  accommodations, 
&  civil  &  agreeable  hands,  he  cannot  fail 
of  giving  thfit  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  hivppy  and  agreeable 
difference,  between  the  regulations  of 
Boats  on  tb.ese  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, 
vvas  not  the  case.  Is  it  that  the  mor- 
als of  the  North  are  so  far  in  advance 
of  the  South?     or    is    it    that  po/?y/rtr 


pre;judice  has  stamped  this^  vile  prac- 
tice with  disapprobation?  Ee  this  as  it 
may,  I  am  certain,  that  tlie  tra-s'cller 
will  pass  liis  time  far  more  agreeable, 
where  such  is  tlie  regulation,  than 
in  the  midst  of  the  cards,  bottles,  dirks, 
and  pistols  of  the  South, 

Detroit  is  a  small  tov.n  on  tb.e  West 
bank  of  the  River  of  the  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  held 


the  keys  of  protection  for  a  large  por- 
tion of  our  North-western  froiiLif:r. — 
Our  vv-ar  with  England  to  be  sure,  has 
passed  over;  but  the  conduct  of  Gov. 
Hull,  in  surreadering  this  post,  oii  the 
16lb  of  August,  1812,  has  placed  a 
stain  upon  his  history,  in  the  mind  of 
every  American,  which  will  not  b.c 
erased;  and  it  is'  to  be  doubted,  y,- both- 
er those  who  ^'Icvghl  'ih:i''  '.vlll  now 
justify  his  conduct! 

After  the  battle  of  the  IGlh  of  Sc[  L 
1313,  it  fell  into  the  hands  of  cur  (joy- 
ernment,  and  was  re-taken  1,'y  (Jen. 
Harrison  on  the  29  of  the  same  mpnlb,. 

It  has  been  severely  scourged  thi;; 
season  Vt^th  Cholera;  arid,  it  is  said 
that  some  hundrsds  have  fallen  victiniS 
to  thi.s  disease.  v\'e  were  inforined 
that  it  contains  at  the  present,  no  more 
than  4000  nihabitants.  This  may  bo 
called  a  slow  incieaso  for  tvrX)  con^ 
tui'ies;  but  when  it  is  remembered  that 
it  is  yet  on  our  frontier,  and  that  little, 
or  no  business  was  done  here,  till  liite, 
except  a  small  trafic  with  the  natives; 
<j:  that  its  first  inhabitants  were  French, 
it  is  nota  mpdtcr  of  much  astonishment. 
Boats  and  other  craft,  generality  touoij 
af  this  place,  on  their  passag3^,.ty'^^^ 
from  the  upper  Lakes.       .     ' 

A  stage  runs  daily  ftrjiiv 'Bciroit  to 
this  place,  though  the  )!!air  but  once  a 
week.  At  8  A.  M.  we' took  '  p^ssn^. 
The  face  of  the  country"  for  se'vo'ral 
miies  is  low  and  wct,  ahd  the  ti'mbor 
not  the  largest;  and  were  one  to  jndge  - 
as  in  other  places,  he  wotdd  be  led  to 
conclude  it  an  unhealthv  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,   ^^  hile  the    low  ground  and 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


marshes  a  (ford  a  iew  small  Pine  Avitha 
mixture  of  other  timber.  I  am  inform- 
■ed,  that  larger  Pi?ic  is  quite  abundant 
a  distance  from  this. 
;  Judging  from  the  siv.e  of  the  timber 
and  the  appearance  of  the  soil,  a  stran- 
•;gcr  will  not  consider  this  part  of  tlio 
Territory  to  be  superior,  by  no  incans, 
to  many  parts  of  New  York  and  Oliio. — 
I  am  not  disposed  to  judge  the  whole 
Territory  from  the  small  part  that  I 
have  ssen,  because  I  am  infoi-mcd  by 
credible  men,  that  it  affords  far  better: 
but  were  one  to  do  this,  he  would  be 
left  to  wonder  why  people  leave  tlie 
imore  feriilo  and  niild  parts  of  Ohio, 
'  for  a  situation  liere. 

Yet  this  country  is  not  vrithout  its  pe- 
culiarities—It abounds  with  Lakes  cov- 
fring  from  cue  to  1000  acres,  which 
T<rG  literally  filled  v.-ith  excellent  fish. 
The  water  in  these  Lakes  is  remarka- 
bly iraiisparent.  In  addition  to  these, 
the  rivecsemptving  into  the  largeLakcs 
abound  with  White-fish  of  a  superior 
quality,.'  and, many  witli  Salmon-trout. 
Considering  the  newness  of  the  coun- 
try, the  improved  land  is  estimated  at 
a  grater  value  than  M'ould,  at  first,  be 
supposed — farms  of  100  acres  being 
held  at,  from  ??  3G0  to  i^.  1000., 

Notwithstanding  the  diseases;  (for 
withal- it  mu:-:t  be  quite  Unhealthy  to 
f(jrcigucr:i;,)  it  is  improving,  and  fast 
boijig  s:.'fJed;  and  the  next  scfsion  of 
"Otir  Congress  v/iil  proba'aly  grant  it  a 
"privilege  of  being  recorded  upon  the 
a)inals  of  history,  a;**Free,  .vSovereign, 
and  Independcni  St:ite."  And  v.iilj  the 
To^t. -ring  care  o!  Divin(3  Providence,  a 
f'nv  years  nu'glit  drain  ixittny  of  it^■. 
,sfv/iipi)$,,  and  CfUj,yor,t.  its  NVilde/'^'iess,  iii- 
t  I  fraitful  fields,'  and  these  iipMnta  .of 
wild  beasts  and  ^'■reil  7n/;n''  inio  the 
afcode.s  of  c%ili:/Ption  and  peace 
:"  OLIVER  COWDERY. 


CCIMMUNIVATIONS. 


BlLOTHEll  O  COWUEUV, 

••  -  In  conformity  lo  a 

requcsf  published  in  the  Star,  to  the  el- 
dcfs  of  tiie  chui'ch  of  the  Latter  Day 
Saints,  to  commujiicate  It)  you  some  of 
the  more  imjiortant  items  contained  in 
their  journals,  1  take  the  privilegoOf 
sending  you  an  abridgment  of  my  lai«;t 
tour;  and  though  it  contains  nothing 
very  interesting,  yet,  if  you  please,  you 
arc  at  liberty  lo  insert  it  in  the  t^tnr. 
May,  t!K.'"Tth,  I  loft  Kirtland  for  Up- 


per Canada.  On  my  way  1  called  oji 
the  church  at  Villinovia,  N.  Y.  preach- 
ed a  few  times,  baptized  three  persons, 
and  heard  several  others  confess  they 
were  convinced  of  the  truth  of  tlie  iicw 
and  everlasting  covenant.  "The  season 
being  truly  gloomy,  and  the  snow  falling 
on  the  14t]i  about  10  inches,  rendered 
the  wcatlier  distressing  to  both  man  and 
beast. 

After  a  tedious  journey  1  arrived  at 
brother  Nickerson's,  Mount  Pleasant, 
U.  Canada,  on  the  19th  of  the  same 
month,  where  I  was  received  vvith' ex- 
pressions of  joy  by  all  the  brethren,  who  . 
were  truly  desirous  to  be  instructed 
more  perfectly  in  the  M'ord  of  the  Lord. 
I  labored  in  this  re  don  about  tVv'omonihs 
v,-ith  a  good  degree  of  satisfaction — 
many  believed  the  ii^ord  and  some  turned 
unto  the  Lord;  v>hile  oth«!'rs  were  pre- 
vented by  unbelieving  friends;  and  ma- 
ny were  stumbling  at  the  vile  calum- 
nies that  satan  and  his  cliildren  vrore 
heaping  upon  the  hmocent,  to  stop  tlio 
work  of  the  Lord.  But  his  name  be  prais- 
ed! his  word  i-s  sown  in  Canada;  it  has 
taken  root  in  good  ground,  and  it  will 
grow  in  spite  of  all  the  priests  of  satan; 
for  although  thcv  have  made  a  leasrue 
with  death  and  hell,  and  are  bound  With 
strong  cords,  their  house  shall  fall:  it 
is  divided,  and  it  cannat  stand! 

I  will  give  you  a  little  specimen  to 
prove  the  last  assertion:  As  I  was  go- 
ing to  my  at)pointment  one  da)-,  Iwas 
informed  that  it  wa.'5  on  conrhtians.'- — 
^Vhen  I  came  before  the  people  I  inqui- 
red for  the ''ro7Acf/7«o7?.s,"  wb.en  I  Avas 
introduced  to  Mr.  McDorman,  a  Baptist 
elder,  who  said,  the  people  wished  to 
hpar.rny  faith  and  principles;  but  said 
he  did  not  w  aid  to  hear  for'  tlie  j^rikox^f 
contention — only  for  ififormtitrorj:  ^'  I 
infonnc'd  him  that  he  should  be  gvnt- 
ified;  for  I  wa.s  always  blessed  when 
preaching  the  principles  of  the  gospel 
of  Christ.  I  then  proceeded,  and  show- 
ed the  gos};el  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  llie  apos- 
tles', and  also  tht  religion  of  the  many 
sects  of  this  day  with  the  Corinthian  and 
Ephesian  churches;  'and  then  giving 
them  the  testinriony  of  the  Nao  and  F.r- 
erlastina,  Covenant,  as  e.stablished  in 
these  last  days:  being  cofirmed  by 
many  infallible  proofs,  both  human 
and  divine — the  Lord  himself  speaking 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE^ 


from  the  heaven*  unto  men  who  were 
now  living! 

When  I  had  cpncUidcd  I  called  on 
Ml.  McDormanto  make  such  remarks 
as  he  wished.  lie  said  there  was  not 
time,  but  when  brother  Nickerson  had 
spoken  some  ten  or  fifteen  minutes, 
and  had  dismissed  the  people,  he  desir- 
ed them  to  take  their  seats,  and  then 
told  thorn  that  he  did  not  want  to  con- 
trovert, now;  but  if  they  would  come 
there  on  a  week  from  the  next  Sab- 
bath, he  would  prove  to  them,  with 
infallible  testimony,  that  the  church  of 
Christ  had  existed  on  the  earth,  with 
ell  its  gifts  and  graces,  ever  since  the 
days  of  tho  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  bo  his  duty  to  bear  testi- 
tnony  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 
80,  let  them  raise  the  dead,  and  then 
we  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  tho  dignity  of  elders,  rise 
with  a  zeal  heated  to  that  degree,  to  op- 
pose the  opinion  of  another  man,  that 
ono  said  the  kingdom  of  God  had  exist- 
ed on  the  earth,  with  all  its  gifts  and 
graces,  ever  since  tho-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!  1  am  as- 
sured that  such  things  as  these  will 
open  the  eyes  of  the  public  to  see  the 
true  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 
hearts  are  revealed;  where  those  who 
now  believe  and  have  faith  to  become 
the  sons  of  God,  will  receive  an  im- 
mortal crown.     I  baptized  two  persons 


at  Mount  Pleasant,  which  increased  th« 
church  in  that  place  to  43.  Tho  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. 

Deak  Brother  Oliver, 

I  am  aware  that  all  com- 
munications that  pass  between  us,  ought  to 
be  characterized  with  the  deepest  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  requires 
all  his  children  to  be  pure  and  holy  too.  2nd, 
it  becomes  necessary  from  the  fact,  that  our 
letters  frequently  meet  the  public  eye,  and 
just  so  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  the  scriptures  of  truth.  I 
do  not  feel  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  for 
criticism.  When  I  address  you,  I  bring  you 
before  the  eye  of  mind,  ana  my  pen  puts  to 
the  paper,  the  matter  that  the  organs  of  speech 
would  convey  to  your  understanding  were  I 
to  converse  with  you  orally. 

My  mind  has  latterly  turned  upi^n  the  ne- 
cessity of  living  pure  and  holy  before  God, 
and  bringing  every  thought  to  the  obedience 
of  Christ  Jesus,  our  Lord.  A  few  reflectiona 
on  this  subject  will  lead  us  to  enquire  what  i» 
necessary  that  we  may  live  pure  and  holy,  or 
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  Jesus. 
The  same  principles  which  actuated  him, 
should  influence  us.  If  he  were  holy,  harm- 
less, undefiled  and  separate  from  sinners,  so 
should  we  be.  If  when  he  was  reviled,  he 
reviled  not  again,  neither  should  we.  If  Avhen 
he  was  smitten,  afflicted  and  crucified,  he 
prayed  for  his  murderers,  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  ricli,  so  should  we 
take  joyfully  the  spoiling  oi'our  goods,  if  the 
sacrifice  become  necessary,  for  the  further- 
ance of  his  cause,  for  the  reason  before  ad- 
duced, "the  same  mind  should  be  in  us  that 
was  in  Christ  Jesus."  His  examples  should 
be  imitated  and  his  commands  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  revile,  ridicule,  calumni- 
ate and  destroy  the  peace  of  one  another,  be- 


MLSSENQER  AJND  ADVOCATE. 


cause  they  take  the  libertj  to  think  for  thera- 
eelves  in  matters  of  religfion,  is  certainly  from 
l>eneath,  and  not  from  above,  I  care  not  how 
much  christian  zeal  such  may  pretend  to  have: 
i  hesitate  not  to  Bay,  and  I  feel  warranted  from 
the  scriptures  of  truth,   that  their  religion  is 
vain  and  their  faith  is  also  vain.     They  are 
of  their  father,  the  devil,  and  his  works  they 
will  do;  and  unless  thc)'  repent,  they  must 
inevitably  perish  in  some  of  the  calamities 
that  shall  be  poured  out  upon  the  ungodly. — 
It  is  vain  in  us  to  pretend  to  the  religion  of 
Jesus  Christ,  and  his  apostles,  unless  we  have 
the  same  spirit  that  was  in  them.  It  is  worse  I 
than  in  vain — it  is  worse  than  common  plun- 1 
der,  it  is  sacrilege  to  claim  the  promises  ad- 1 
dressed  to  his  ancient  worthies,  unless  we  i 
have,  at  least,  the  same  spirit,  the  same  mind, ; 
and  a  degree  of  the  like  precious  faith.     God  j 
never  annexed  a  cheering  promise  to  any  but  i 
his  truly  faithful  followers.     He   has   com-  i 


tiona,  or  the  creeds  of  men,  for  the  pure  word 
of  the  Most  High. 

Yours  in  the  best  of  bonds. 

W.  A.  COWDERT. 
To  Oliver  Cowdekt. 

Huntington,   Ct.  Sept.  24,  1834. 
Dear  sir, — 

Four  of  us  regularly  receive  the  Star 
from  your  office  every  month:  several  other 
subscribers  have  not  taken  since  the  close  of 
the  first  year.  My  youngest  son  took  the 
names  of  said  subscribers  at  the  commence- 
ment of  the  Star  publication,  but  left  this 
place  for  Missouri  in  August,  1832,  in  com- 
pany with  his  brother  Sidney,  but  alasl  ha 
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  da; 
manded-all,notonly  tobelieveonhim,butto|*"5  ifany  thing  interesting  in  his  late  lift 
love  and  serve  him.'^    He  has  also  kindly  add- !  ^"J  f  ^^^./"^  ^'^^"''  ^°  ^-our  mind,  and  you 
ed  thc  true  test  by  which  we  shall  know  them '  ^'^'^  ^**^*  ^"^  ^■ 
that  love  him;   "Whoso  doeth  not  righteous- 
ness is  not  of  God,  neither  he  that  loveth  not 


kiii  brother.  He  that  loveth  not  his  brother 
whom  he  hath  seen,  how  can  he  love  God 
whom  he  hath  not  seen?"  says  John.  It  is  cer- 
tainlv  evident  that  if  the  same  mind  was  in 


trouble  to  communicate  the  same 
to  us  by  your  useful  paper,  or  by  letter,  you 
will  confer  a  great  favor  on  a  numerous  cir- 
cle of  connections,  and  friends  whose  affec- 
tions for  him  were  truly  pathetic;  for  he  was 
very  dear  unto  us!  We  have  heard  of  his 
death,  it  is  true,  and  very  little  else:  and  sine* 


ing  for  reviling,  to  any  man.  ,  j-ticularl  v  at  the  close  of  his  life,  we 

before  we  undertake  to  convert  the  world  J^^^^  ^e  interesting  to  us,  and  would 

to  our  faith,  we  ought  carefullv  to  examine   f^       •     j     •*!     ■        ,  ♦!  »   i     aI^^.ii     « ,, 
and  see  if  our  faith  is%f  divine  origin:  if  so,  it  I  *"'  ;«<="^«J  .^''^j'  '?'"^f''  ^^'^""^  ^^  °™  ''^  ?«"' 
will  be  productive  of  good  works:  if  not.  we  i  ^^^^^^^^'^  ^^'^"'If  '"  these  parts. 
l.ad  better  dosist,  lest  it  be  said  of  us  as  said        ^''!,  ^'^'^  "'''^  ^""^  ?y. '*'"   Sidney,  was 
the  Savior  to  a  certain  sect  in  his  time:  "Ye  ^^^""^  ^^^^^  ^^°>?''i'.  P^"^'  ^"^  then  came  from 


eompasfl  sea  and  land  to  make  one  proselyte. 


New- York,  and  left  his  business  in  that  place, 


-,«  1  ..,i,«_  ^«  I „,^.j„u:.„    u„  :     «„.-.'iui^    to  recover  his  health  (being  an  invalid.)     Ha 

and  when  ye  nave  made  niin,  he  is  two-told:  .        ,     .  ,  i      ♦   f  .      ,    i  j  • 


more  the  child  of  hell  than  yourselves."- 


continued  with  us  about  two  weeks,   and  in 


Where,  dear  brother,  was  the  folly  of  the  self-  ^hat  time  was  pressed  by  his  friends  and  ac- 

righteoufl   Pharisee    more   fully '  exemplified  9^.?^"*^"/^^^'   ^°  meet  them  and  others,   and 

than  in  the  conduct  of  the  majority  of  the  '"t?^,'"  them  conceTnin^  ^''^r  ^f^PJ-!,'  ^"d^o"'' 

professed  christian  world  at  the  present  day?  of  Ivlormon-th.s  he  eheorfullv  did,  as  often 

VVhen  they  are  requested  to  listen  to  truUi  %^^«  ^^^..^tate  of  health  would  permit,  and 
v.-hich  they  can  neither  gainsay  nor  resist,  h^t^^-^Vg'^  threatened,  and  abused,  by  some  of 

.u      ♦   ._r:^.«^»;„     fi.  «<-,„^,/«,-.^.,4«,^„t  our  pious  persecutors,  yet  not  much  hurt  nor 

they  turn  from  it  in  a  lit  Granger  or  contempt.  .   ^  '^      >  j      u  •'x-  .    ,,  . 

The  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 


interrupted:  when  a  meeting  was  held,  a  good- 
ly number  were  brought  to  serious  enquiry 
concerning  these  tijings,   snd  several  would 


_j»u«.,  ,..:n  -«.j;i„  o^L.f^  „,v„,  ^.,„    gladly  have  received  baptism,  as  they  after- 
untruo,  and  they  will  readily  salute  your  ears   »      .-^  x.  u  a    j  *v,     i   /-i   j 

-.1   .u-  e  „;r.  ,  «-,>-„o-.;^,,  «f  «.i„/.^,«.,v,oto   wards  told  me.     And  thank  God,  some  retain 
wit  1  the  laminar  expression  of  talse  propnetP   .,    ^  ,    ■  ji»        ■     .■         \         j, 

that  desire  and  determination  yet;  and  have 


expression  ot  taise  proph 
and  false  teachers,  w^ithout  adducing  even  a 
shadow  of  proof  to  convince  you  of  your  er- 
ror. 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 
for 


been  anxiously  expecting  an  elder  or  preach- 
er ever  si»ce,  as  my  son  gave  us  some  reason 
to  expeot  a  brother  Hyde,  (but  has  since  in- 
As'kl  formef'  us,  ^*hy  ho  did  not  eome.)  I  have  no 
doubt  but  what  a  society  would  have  been 


thoevidences,andtheyare  ready  to  quote  I  "o"""-,"^'^   ""*^      ,u      Yd   """""-^""^   "^'^^ 
-„,ae  of  the  best  promist-s  of  the  immutable  1  f'^'r^V/  ^^'u  T'^  f         ]^^'  ?^°;  .^^ 

Jehovah,  addressed  to  those  who  po55e55«rf  "  fl^^'^' ""^'i  "^^  "«•  and  spent  a  short  tim.e 
.u  •  \  »i  ^  .„;„  t  ,^,i  tu^  i;v«  .,,-„:«.,.  with  UB,  as  was  expected.  I\or  do  I  much 
the  spirit,  the  mind  and  the  like  pr«cious  ,  ,.  ■,  ■  ^  i  »  »  t*  i  •  l  ^i. 
r-:.i.   ..:.u  .u „,  r„.,„.»j  r„n^.-„  *  ,.e  iuJ,  believe  it  la  too  late  yet— I  truly  wish  the  ex- 


faith  with  the  most  favored  followers  of  the! 
meek  and  lowly  Savior. 


yet- 
periment  may  be  tried. 


truly 
And  if  it  is  in  your 


Brother,  I  have  thought  it  an  easy  thing  to]  P^^^""  ^o  direct  any  good  brother  preacher  to 
discern  between  him   tLt   serveth  God  and   Le.^'"   D«^""   ""' lu'""'  l^"^J'"gh=m  s,   at 

,.       .,    .    „ ,1    i,:.„  „^t      -ri  „. .  „,^  .„„u    Huntington  Conn,  they  would  be  cordially 

him  that  servcta  him  not.      1  here  arc  such  ^     t-     x       i  i  ■    ji     „  »-.  *        j  ^ 

received,  and  kindly  entertained 


as  say  they  love  God,  but  in  works  they  de- 
ny him,  being  proud,  boasters,  heady,  high- 


I  was  in  a  very  singular  state  of  mind, 
when  I  received  a  letter  fiom  my  son  accom- 


minded,  lovers  of  pleasure  more  than  lovers]  panying  the  book  of;  Mormon,  just  after  it. 

,  .  ,    publication.     1  gave  it  a  close  reading.     And 

which  I  jj  \^QjQ  jjard  upon  my  favorite  notions  of  nni- 

I  rend  it  again,  and  again 


of  God.     They  speak  evil  of  the  things 

they  know  not,  substituting  their  own  tradi-,  versal  salvation 


10 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


with  close  attanticn  and  praj-er,  I  examined 
the  proof;  the  wiln ?3ses,  and  all  other  testi- 
mony, and  compared  il  with  tliat  of  the  bible, 
(which  book  I  verily  thouf^ht  I  believed,)  and 
fou?id  the  two  books  niulu;iily  and  reciprocal- 
ly corroborate  each  otiier;  and  if  I  let  go  the 
book  of  Mormon,  the  bible  might  also  go  down 
by  the  same  rule. 

If  JNIoses  and  the  prophets,  Christ  and  his 
apostles,  were  the  real  authors  of  the  bible, 
chiefly  revealed  and  written  ontne  continent 
of  Asia,  was  not  the  book  of  Mormon  also 
written  by  men  who  were  divinely  inspired 
by  the  Holy  Spirit,  on  tlie  continent  of  Amer- 
ica? And  did  not  Jesus  Christ  as  truly  ap- 
pear on  the  continent  of  America,  after  his 
resurrection,  and  choose  twelve   apostles   to 

E reach  his  gospel;  and  did  he  not  deliver  his 
oly  doctrine,  and  teach  the  same  to  numer- 
ous multitudes  on  this  American  continent? 
I  say,  did  he  not  as  truly  do  these  things  here, 
after  his  resurrection^  as  he  did  tl;e  same  in 
Jerusalem  before  his  resurrection?  My  heart 
and  soul  replies  yes:  the  proof  is  full  and 
clear,  and  has  recently  been  confiimed  by  an- 
gels from  heaven,  and  what  need  have  we 
of  any  further  witnesses?     No  sir,  I  am  well 

Fersuaded  of  the  truth  of  that  holy  book. — 
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 
your  papers,  (or  the  Star.)  I  used  to  have 
letters  often  from  my  son;  but  his  sudden 
death  has  deprived  me  of  all  hope  from  that 
source,  the  loss  of  which  communication  we 
greatly  lament. 

I  know  not  that  we  shall  ever  h3ar  any  of 
the  Mormon  preachers  but  we  really  hope  to: 
I  have  lately  heard  of  a  small  society  in  Salis- 
bury in  this  State;  which  is  the  only  place 
where  they  have  preached  in  Connecticut,  I 
believe,  about  70  miles  from  tliis  place. 

I  do  believe,  if  truth  should  prevail  among 
us,  concerning  the  people,  and  the  book  of 
Mormon,  that  the  prejudice  against  our  doc- 
trine and  discipline  must  give  way;  but  while 
one  '^hlack  coat"  cries  delusion,  another  says 
it's  all  the  work  of  the  devil,  and  a  third  cries 
blasphemy,  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  arm:niani='.m  and 
several  other  isms,  and  they  all  very  pioush' 
groan  out!  "O  we  quite  pilty  tliat  poor  per- 
secuted people,  the  Mormons;  but  they  are  a 
deceived  people;  and  while  God,  man  and  the 
devil,  seem  to  be  engaged  against  them,  who 
dare  be  for  them  with  any  hope  of  success? 

0  no,  they  must  come  down,"  &c.  But  not- 
withstanding all  this  apathy,  while  niurder, 
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  d^  the 
Lord,  even  as  the  waters  cover  tlie  sea." 

We  have  two  very  pious  priests  in  this 
small  village;  (or  at  least  so  called;)  one  of 
whom  has  been  dismissed  from  his  sacred 
charge,  but  once:  the  other  we  expect  will  be 
cashiered  the  third  time  in  a  few  days  from 


:  Ilia  beloved  flock.  These  l-.oly  ministers  are 
receiving  but  about  ten  or  eleven  hundred  dol- 
jiars  per  annum  for  all  ihcn  hard  services:  viz 
I  reading  one,  and  some  times  two  sermons 
:  per  week,  wiiich  tiiey  made  themselves,,  (they 
isay.)  and  perhaps  read  the  same  to  their  first 
'congregation  years  ago — and  v. hat  then?  are 
jthey  not  as  good  now  as  ever?  yes,  age  is 
'honorable,  and  they  read  them  the  better  I 
j  think:  and  this  is  all  the  temporal  reward 
;  these  hard  laborers  get,  except  tlieir  vvpod, 
I  marriage  bills,  fresh  bits,  and  other  presents, 
i  which  may  amount  to  one  or  two  hundred 
I  more,  perhaps!  Yes,  these  few  good  things 
land  the  "praise  of  men"  ia  all  these  faithful 
;  stewards  get  per  year  for  their  hard  labor  in 
I  this  small  pious  village,  while  some  of  their 
I  pious  communicants,  with  our  other  town 
j  paupers,  are  fed  and  clothed  at  the  enormous 
I  sum  of  54  cents  per  week,  which  was  the 
I  auction  price  of  those  who  bid  them  off.  I 
must  confess  for  one,  I  had  much  rather  plt- 
;  t}',  than  persecute  such  poor  ministers. 
1  ,:       Yours  respectfullv. 

ELIGILBERT. 

To    Ol.lVEn    COWDERY. 

p.  S.  Dear  sir,  should  yon  favor  us  with 
a  letter,  please  to  direct  to  Eli  Gilbert,  Hun- 
tington, Fairfield  co.  ('onn.  And  again, 
some  of  our  neigliboi-s,  who  read  you'-  paper 
with  us,  ask  why  s^  many  revelations  in  the 
papers  of  your  predecessor,  Mr.  Phelps,  aiid 
none  in  voiirs?  but  T  cannot  tell- them,  and 
you  are  not  obliged  to  inform  us,  and  there 
the  ouery  rests. 

We  hear  very  little  fi-om  the  prophet  lately. 
Three  times  our  filse  papers  have'told  us  he 
was  dead,  and  once  mortally  woimded  in  bat- 
tle. This  was  his  third  death.  The  last 
news  of  him,  stated  that  he  was  f.eeing  from 
the  west,  and  declaring  he  v;as  unable  lo  raise 
the  dead,  or  cure  the  cholera.  Of  course, 
his  followers  beghi  to  fear  that  ho  maj'  be  li- 
able to  mortality.  Such  stuff' has  been  filling 
I  the  papers  of  the  day  for  a  long  time. 

No  religion  passes  here,   but  that  wliich  is 

I  popular;   and  the   most  stilish  gets  the  most 

I  proselytes.    Excuse  errors:  I  am  old,  and  have 

i  written  as  matter  came  in(o  mind,  at  several 

times,  E.  G. 


Di:,ui  BKoTiir^K, — 

Having  heaid  that  ccr- 
!  tian  reports  nre  circulating  abroad,  prejudi- 
cial to  the  character  of  bro.  Jo.-epk  Smith  Jr. 
and  that  said  rep.vts  purport  to  have  come 
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  diffi- 
culties arose  between  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  insrestigated  in  full, 
in  an  examination  vrhich  lasted  several  days; 
and  the  result  sJiowed  to  the  satisfl^ction  of 
all  present,  I  believe;  but  especially  to  my- 
self, that  in  all  things  bro.  J.  S.  jr.  had  con- 
ducted worthih',  and  adorned  his  profession 
as  a  man  of  God,  while  journeying  to  and  from 
Missouri.  And  it  is  no  more  than  just  that 
I  sliould  confess  my  faults  by  saying  unto  all 
people,  so  far  as  your  valuable  and  instruc- 
tive paper  has  circulation,  that  flie  things 
that  I  accused  bro.  S.  of  were  without  foun- 


m 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


11 


liation;  as  was  most  clearly  proven  by  the  j  our  hearts  respond  with  gratitude  wl\en  we 
evidence  which  was  called,  to  my  satisfaction,  reflect,  that  Cod  has  brought  within  ourreach 
And  in  fact,  I  have  not  at  any  time  with- 1  a  plan,  in  this  day,  on  which  all  may  safely 
drawn  my    confidence,    and  fellowship  from  I  rely. 

bro.  J.  S.  jr.  but  thon^ht  that  he  iiad  inad-  I  His  deceased  son,  A.  S.  Gilbert,  was  one 
vertantly  erred,  being  but  flesh  and  blood,  !  of  our  intimate  friends,  thonnrh  for  more  than 
like  tKe  rest  of  Adam's  family.  But  I  am  '  a  year  we  had  been  separated.  To  answer 
now  perfectly  satisfied  that  the  errors  of!  the  request  of  his  aged  parent,  we  shall  {jive, 
which  I  accused  him,  before  the  council,  did  !  his  biography,  as  far  as  we  ai-e  acquainted,  in 
not  exist,  and  were  never  commit  ted  b}'  him;  i  a  future  No. 
and  my  contrition  has  been  and  still  contin-  i 
ues  to  be  deep,  becausj  I  admitted  thoughts  j 
into  my  lieart  which  v/ere  not  right  concern- 
ing him,  and  becanso  that  I  have  been  the 
m?a:is  of  giving  rise  to  reports  which  have 
prone  abroad,  censuring  the  conduct,  of  bro. 
J.  S.  jr.  wliich  reports  are  without  founda- 
tion. And  I  hope,  that  this  disrlosure  of  the 
truth,    written    by  my    own  hand,    and  sent 


Bro.  Z.  CoUrin  writes  from  Flcrida  Mo. 
under  date  of  Oct.  I'J,  that  a  severe  sickness 
is  prevalent,  and  manj'  deaths — some  whole 
families  are  taken  away. 

BU"  Avoid  to  our  patrons. — One  No.  more 
will  close  the  year's  subscription  for  the  Star, 
abrsad  into  the  world,  tfjrough  the  medium  I  a-"''  those  failing  to  give  notice  for  a  discon- 
ofthe  Messenger  and  Advocate,  will  put  a  1  tinuance  before  tiie  commencement  of  the 
final  end  to  all  evil  reports  and  censurings,  I  "^-^^  will  be  held  responsible  for  another  Vol. 
v.-hish  have  sprung  out  of  any  thing  tliat  ]  |  ^^*e  give  this  early  information,  that  all  may 
hj,v3  said  or  done.^  !  l>s  prepared   to  give  us  the  proper  notice  be- 

■  I'wish  stii!  ferther  to  state,  for  the  better  j  ^or^  tiie  next  \o\.  commences,  that  we  may 
relief  of  my  own  feelings,  which,  vcu  must  I  '"'Ske  our  arrangements  accordingly. 
b.e  Bennible.  are  deeply  wounded,  "in  conse- 1  1*  >s  proper  to  notice  also,  that  no  sab- 
4^iuence  of  what  has  happened,  that  I  know  j  scription  for  the  Messenger  and  Advocate 
for  myself;  because  I  have  received  testimo-  "'^^^  ^^  received  for  a  less  term  than  one  year; 
ny  from  th-?  heaven?,  t!nb.t  the  work  of  the  ^''^^  ^/e  earnestly  solicit  cur  friends  to  remein- 
Lord,  brou'rht  firth  by  m'elns  of  the  book  of  ^^^  ^'^^^*  "^^  communications,  to  ensure  attcn- 
Mormon,  in  our  day,  through  the  instrumen- 1  ^1°^,  must  come  free  of  postage 


talityof  hro.  Jo'.zi'H  Smith  jr.  -  is  eternal 
frnlh,  and  must  stand,  though  the  heavens 
and  the  earth  pass  away. 

Please   eive   publicity   to  the  above,   and 
obi  i  jrp  h.  lover  ot  righleousne.«'8  and  truth. 

Yours  in  the  lestimonv  of  Jesus. 

SYLVESTER   SMITH. 

To  O.  r'ownr.nv. 

Kirtlund.,  Ociober,l  58,1834. 


IfIc3S€E3§"er  aJEd  AdTocaic. 


KIRTLAXD,  OHIO,   OCTOBER,  163L 


One  sample  will  suffice  to  show  the  propri- 
ety of  this  arrangement:  We  receive  a  letter 
from  a  distanc-i  requesting  a  pa^?r,  unpaid, 
and  costs  25  cents.  Shortly  we  receive  an- 
other from  the  same  injiividual,  expressing 
great  love,  and  many  pressing  solicitations  to 
come  and  preach,  as  many  want  to  hear, 
which  costs  2.5  ctnts  more.  Shortlj-  wo  re- 
ceive another  requesting  tiie  direction  to  ho 
altered,  marked,  v5  cents.  And  at  the  close 
of  the  year  another  for  a  discontinuance. — 
Indeed,  our  friends  must  think  that  nrinling 
isaprontablc  business,  remembering  that  their 
subscription,  all  this  time,  has  not  been  for- 
warded. 

When    subscribers  are  once  obtained,  per- 

I  iiaps  some  think,  that  by  collecting  for  a  seo- 
is  No.  of  the  Mes- 1  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- 
rected. 


QU"  An  Apology. 
Banger  and  Advocate  has  been  delayed  beyond 
the  time  we  had  designed  issuing  it,  in  con- 
si.  quence  of  our  necessary  abscence  to  the 
AVest,  with  a  detention  on  the  water  of  five 
days  and  nights  ■  longer  than  we  had  antici- 
pated. We  tlicrefore  excuse  ourselves,  be- 
cause the  delay  v%-as  ord?red  i)y  iiui  who 
"holds  the  winds." 

0"  In  consequence  of  our  abscence,  and 
not  b-ing  able  to  finish  our  new  office  as  ear- 
ly as  %vc  had  anticipated,   the  first  No.  of  the 
re-printed  Star  will  not  be  issued  till   ne.-«t 
,  month. 

ILr  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  b<die-  j  authority  to  u.se  or  loan  a  paper  coming  to 
ver  in  UnirrrsoJ  salvriliou.  One  is  not  If^fl  his  olfico  for  another  man,  than  he  has  <o  use 
to  wonder  that  many  have  sought  for  a  relief  j  his  letters,  or  liis  money  contained  in  the 
from  the  former ///roH/ca/ By  stems  of  men  (  and  ;  same! — Editor. 


Those  wishing  a  discontinuance,  should  be 
particular  to  inform  us  the  name  of  the  office, 
and  Slate,  where  such  paper  was  directed; 
and  also  if  any  wish  their  names  tran'sferred, 
if  they  will  be  particular  and  inform  where 
the  paper  is  directed,  as  well  as  where  to  di- 
rect, they  will  often  save  us  trouble.  Except 
po.st  offices  are  large  the  name  of  the  county, 
as  v.'ell  as  State  should  be  forwarded. 

Some  few  complaints  have  reached  us  that 
papers  are  not  regularly  received;  but  we  as- 
sure our  patrons  that  otir  mails  are  put  up  in 
the  best  manner,  and  if  they  do  not  receive 
them  it  is  not  our  fault.  They  ought  to  bo 
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 


13 


MESSENGER.  AND  ADtOCATK. 


DEATHS. 

Depaited  this  life  on  the  21st  of  Aug. 
test,  at  Westfield  N.  Y.  sister  Sally 
Louisa  Lewis,  aged  24  years.  The 
letter  bringing  the  intelligence  of  her 
decease  informs  us  of  her  faith  and  con- 
fidence in  the  merits  of  a  risen  Savior, 
fend  her  willingness  to  enter  a  world  the 
realities  of  which  she  has  now  gone  to 
try;  but  like  all  others  who  have  gone 
before,  having  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  was  appointed  to  guard  Gen.  Wash- 
ington's Baggage  Wagons  from  Mass. 
to  the  South.  At  the  close  of  the  war 
he  received  an  honorable  and  regidar 
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  eagci*- 
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  prophet  said  of  Israel: 
Like  the  gleaning  of  grapes  when  the 
vintage  is  done — here  and  there  a  clus- 
ter in  the  utmost  branches. 

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  off*r  the 
consoling  hand  to  the  remaining  rela- 
tives. '  ris  just  to  weep  with  those  who 
weep;  but  when  we  contemplate  the 
happy  change,  and  those  jo/s  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,  M'ith 
honor  and  peace — that  God  has  institu- 
ted and  revealed  a  system  of  salvation 


which  has  power  to  raise  all,  the  young 
and  the  aged,  and  clothe  them  with  per- 
fection and  glory. 

Certain  it  is,  that  wc  are  all  travel- 
ling to  that  state  of  existence,  whero 
our  conduct  in  this  will  either  cnsuro 
happiness  and  consolation,  or  sorrow 
and  grief.  And  with  this  certainty  be- 
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  this 
world  are  strangers. 

In  Clay  county,  Missouri,  Sep.  15th. 
sister  Sally,  wife  of  brother  Nctcel 
Knight.  Sister  Knight  was  one  of  iho 
first  who  embraced  this  gospel,  in  thi» 
day,  and  was  baptized  by  our  own  hand 
on  the  29th  of  June,  1830,  in  Colesville, 
Broome  county,  N.  Y.  These  wero 
days  of  trial  to  those  who  stepped  for- 
ward in  opposition  to  the  popular  the- 
ories of  the  age  to  embrace  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  well-wisher  of  the  kingdom  of 
Christ.  We  well  remember  that  the 
world  were  opposed  to  this  doctrino; 
that  many  threats  were  made  that  vio- 
lence should  be  resorted  to  if  any  one 
attempted  to  immerse  a  citizen  of  the 
place,  and  -that  at  the  time  of  attending 
to  this  solemn  ordinance  majiy  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  timd 
of  its  first  organization,  it  was  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  thi» 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


IZ 


•first  branch  of  the  church  which  emi- 
grated to  that  country,  nothing  short  of 
an  unshaken  confidence  in  the  kind  in- 
terposition of  Providenco  could  have 
been  sufficient  to  encourage  her  to 
move  forward.  But  this,  we  are  pre- 
pared to  say,  she  endured  without  a 
murmur. 

She  was  driven,  last  fall,  from  Jack- 
TOn  county,  by  the  mob,  and  was  ne- 
cessarily compelled  to  endure,  with  oth- 
ers, further  afflictions  and  privations. — 
And  when  reflecting  upon  this  paneful 
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  against 
a  people  thus  wantonly  depriving  the 
innocent  of  the'comforts  of  this  life,  and 
exposing  them  to  afflictions,  diseases, 
and  death! 

She  has  fled  to  those  mansions  pre- 
pared in  the  economy  of  the  Lord,  to 
dwell  till  she  comes  triumphant  to  re- 
ceive a  reward  with  the  sanctified  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 
FJster  was  not  only  among  the  first  in 
this  last  kingdom;  has  suffered  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  circumspect  and  virtu- 
ous, and  her  precepts  and  examples 
worthj-  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  pci-- 
mitted  to  enjoy,  to  further  experience 
the  distress  and  misery  of  this  life;  and 
MO  sincerely  pray,  that  when  they  with 
us  are  called  to  pass  the  same  narrow 
gate,  and  realize  the  certainty  of  death, 
we  may  be  prepared  to  meet  her  in 
glory  and  enjoy  with  her  eternal  rest! 

In  Florida  Mo.  on  tho  5th  of  Sept. 
last,  sister  Elizabeth  WCord,  aged  54 
years.  She  had  been  a  member  of  the 
church  of  the  Latter  Day  Saints  about 
one  year. — Editor. 


conferences  aod  ohurchea  abroad,  signed  hj 
the  clerks  of  the  Council,  that  it  is  hereby 
decided,  for  the  general  ^ood  of  the  churchy 
as  &  body,  that  no  indindual  ordained  here- 
after, to  the  High  Priesthood,  will  be  acknowl- 
edged in  that  office  e.xcept  they  are  ordained 
in  this  Council:  and  that  those  desiring  thai 
office,  obtain  proper  recommends  from  their 
respective  churches. 

O.  COWDERY. 
O.  HYDE. 
Clerki  of  Coujtcil. 


Eztractjrom  the  minutes  of  the  High  Court- 
nloftkc  cliurch  qf  the  Latter  Day  Saints,  held 
in  Kirtlan/i,  Sept.  24,  1^31. 

Rewltcd,  That  a  notico  bo  pubhshcd  to  the 


[Cr  The  following  communication  was  da- 
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  Me»- 
senger  and  Advocate.  Since  it  was  written^ 
upon  further  reflection,  we  have  thought  that 
a  full  history  of  the  rise  of  the  church  of  th© 
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 
the  church  was  driven  from  Jackson  Co.  Mo. ' 
by  a  lawless  banditti;  &  such  other  remarks 
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,  assurmg  them  that  it  shall  b« 
founded  upon  facts. 

Norton,   Medina  co.   Ohio,    Sabbath 
evening,  September  7,   1834. 

Dear  Brother, — 

Before  leiiving  homo, 
I  promised,  if  I  .tarried  long,  to  write; 
and  while  a  few  moments  arc  now  al- 
lowed me  for  reflection,  aside  from 
the  cares  and  common  conversation  of 
my  friends  in  this  place,  I  have  thought 
that  were  I  to  communicate  them  to 
you,  might,  perhaps,  if  thoy  should  not 
prove  especially  beneficial  to  yourself, 
by  confirming  you  in  tho  faith  of  the 


11 


xMESSENGER  A?«D  ADVOCATE. 


gospel,  at  least  be  interesting,  since  it  the  eagerness,  of  the  Saviigo's  Icrocity, 


has  pleased  our  heavenly  Father  to  call 
U'i  both  to  rejoice  in  tlio  same  hope  of 
eternal  life.  And  by  giving  them  pub- 
licity, some  thousands  'vho  have  em- 


for  innocent  blood,  by  nifen,  either  tea- 
ted  to  desperation  by  the  iiisinuations 
of  those  who  professed  to  be  "guides 
ard  way-marko"  to  the  kingdom  of  glo- 


braced  the  same  covenant,  nmy  learn  j  ry,  or  the  individuals  thcmselvos!— ^ 
something  more  particular  upon  the  rise  This,  I  conies.s,  is  a  dark  uicturc  to 
of  this  church,  in  this  last  time.     And  jnpread  before  our  patrons,  but  tliey  will 


while  the  gray  evening  is  fast  chang- 
ing into  a  settled  darkness,  n"iy  heart 
responds  witli  the  happy  millions  who 
are  in  the  presence  of  the  Lamb,  and 
are  past  the  power  of  temptation,  in 
rendering  thanks,  tliough  feebly,  to  the 

same  Parent. 

Another  day  has  pas«ed,  into  that,  to 

tjs,  boundless  ocean,  etkrnity!   where 

nearly   six  thousand  years  liave  gone 

before;    and  what  flits  across  the  mind 

like  an  electric   shock  is,  that  it  will 

never  return!     Whether   it  has  been 


pardon  irsv  plainness  wlicn  I  assure 
them  of  the  t]-uth.  In  fact,  God  has 
oo  ordered,  that  the  rcilcctions  which  I 
am  permitted  to  cast  upon  my  past  life, 
relative  to  a  knowledge  of  the  way  of 
salvation,  are  rendered  "doubly  endear- 
ing." Not  only  have  I  bccir  gracious- 
ly preserved  froni  v/idkod  and  unrea- 
sonable'men,  vrith  this  our  brother,  but 
i  have  seen  the  fruit  of  perseverance 
in  proclaiming  the  everlasting  gospel, 
immediately  after  it  ^^'as  declared  to 
the  vrorld  in  -these,  last  days,  in  a  man- 


Well  improved  or  not;  whether  the  prin- 1  aer  not  to  be  forgotten  Avhile  heaven 
ciples  emanating  fro.-n  him  who  "hal- i  gives  mV  common  intellect.  And  v.'hat 
lowcd'^  it,  have  been  observed;  or  j  serves  to  render  the  reflection  past  ex- 
whcthcr,  like  the  common  mass  of  time,  |  pression  on  thiag^oint  is,  that  from  Jiis 
it  has  been  heedlessly  spent,  is  not  for !  hand  I  received  baptism,  by  the  direc- 
me  to  say — one  thing  I  can  say— It  can  tion  of  the  angel  of  God— the  lirft  rc- 
neverbe  recalled! — it  has  rolled  in  to  ceived  into  this  church,  in  this  day. 


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,) 
te  attend  the  conference  previously  ap- 
pointed. To  be  permitted,  once  more, 
to  travel  with  this  brother,  occasions 
reflections  of  no  ordinar}'  kind.  Many 
have  been  the  fateagues  and  privations 
which  have  fallen  to  my  lot  to  endure, 
for  the  gospel's  sake,  since  1828,  with 
this  brother.  Our  road  has  frequent- 
ly been  spread  with  tlie  "fowler's 
snare,"  and  oiu'  persons  sought  with 


Near  the  time  of  the  setting  of  the 
Sun,  Sabbath  evening,  April  oih,  1829, 
my  natural  eyes,  for  tlie  first  time  be- 
held this  brother.  He  then  resided  in 
Harmony,  Susquehanna  county  Penn. 
On  Monday  the  6th,  I  assisted  him  in 
arranging  some  business  of  a  temporal 
nature,  a;id  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  voice 
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  JJrim  and 
T/nonmim,  or,  as  tlic  Nephitcs  whould 
have  said,  "Interpreters,''  the  history, 
or  record,  caller!  "The  book  of  MoiP^ 
mon.'' 


MESSKi\GER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


To  notice,  in  even  few  words,  the  in- 1  whose  craft  would  have  been  in  dan- 
tr- resting  account  given  by  Mormon,  Iger,  if  once  permitted  to  shine  in  the 
and  his  faithful  son  Moroni,  of  a  pco-  U'^ices  of  men,  tliey  were  no  longer  to 
ph  once  beloved  and  favored  of  heav- ;  us;  and  wo  only  waited  for  the  com- 
en,  would  supercede  my  present  de- ;  inandment  to  be  given,  "Arise  and  bo 
sign:     1  shall  therefore  defer  this  to  a  : baptized."' 


future 


:;  per^d, 


and  as  I  said  in  the  in-  j  This  was  not  long  dijsired  before  it 
tr ;.duction7'pass  more  directly  to  some  was  realized.  The  Lord,  who  is  rich 
few  incidents  immediately  connected 
v.ithThe  rise  of  this  church,  which  may 


in  mercy,   and  ever  willing  to  answer 
the  consistent  prayer  of  the  humble,  af- 


be  entertaining  to  some  thousands  who  jter  we  had  called  upon  him  in  a  fervent 
have  stepped  forward,  amid  the  frowns  manner,  aside  from  the  abodes  of  men, 
of  bigots  and  the  calumny  of  hypocrites,  1  condescended  to  manifest  to  us  his  will- 
and  enibi-accd  the  gospel  of  Christ.  j  On  a  sudden,  as  from  the  midst  of  eter- 
NtvlM&i-ihtfldr, sober  senses,  could  '  iiit}^  the  voice  of  the  Redeemer  spake 
trrm§Mte"a>J-' Vrito  fhe  dii-cetionj  giv-|  P^acc  to  us,  while  the  vail  was  parted 
cn^to  the  Ncphites,  from  the  mouth' oi.  ,^"'i-d  the  angel  of  God  came  down  clo- 
the Sa.vior,  of  the  precise  manner  in'  'iJt'^'-with  glory,  and  delivered  the  anx- 
which  men  should  build  up  his  church,  iously  looked  for  message,  and  the 
and  especially,  when  corruption  had  |  keys  of  the  gospel  of  repentance!  — 
spread  an  uncertainty  over  all  forms  j  What  joy!  what  wonder!  whatamaze- 
and   systems;  J  practiceti  among    men,  !  JTfient!   While  the  world  v,ere  racked  and 


without  desiring  a  privilege  of  showing 
the  willingness  of  ihe  heart  by  being 
buried  iji  tlie  liquid  grave,  to  answer  a 
"good  conscience  by  the  resurrection  of 
Jesus  Christ."' 

After  writing  the  account  given  of 
the  Savior's  ministry  to  the  remnant  of 
the  seed  of  Jacob,  upon  this  continent, 
ifwas  easily  to  be  seen,  as  the  proph- 
et said  v/ould  bo,  that  darkness  cover- 
ed the  earth  and  gross  darkness  the 
minds  of  the  people.  On  reflecting 
further,  it  was  as.  easily  to  be  seen, 
that  amid  the  great  strife  and  noise 
concerning  religion,  none  had  author- 
ity from  God  to  administer  the  ordi- 
nances of  the  gospel.  For,  the  qes- 
tion  might  be  ,as,ked,  have  men  author- 
ity to  administer  in  the  name  of  Christ, 
who  deny  revelations?  when  his  testi- 
mony is  no  less  than  the  spirit  of  proph- 
C(^y1  and  his  religion  based,  built,  and 
.sustained  by  immediate  revelations  in 
all  ages  of  the  world,  when  he  has  had 
a  ffcople  on  earth?  If  these  facts  Vere 
buried,  and  carcfullv  concealed  by  nien 


distracted — while  millions  were  group- 
ing as  the  blind  for  the  wall,  and  while 
ail  men  were  resting  upon  uncertainty, 
as  a  general  mass,  our  eyes  beheld — 
our  cars  hoard.  As  in  the  "blaze  of 
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.  .  We  listened — we  gazed '— wo 
admired!  'Twas  the  voice  of  the  an- 
gel from  glory — 'twas  a  message  from 
the  Most'  High!  and  as  wo  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! 

Cut,  dear  brother  think,  further  think 
for  a  moment,  what  joy  filled  our  hearts 
and  with  what  surprise  we  mustha^e 
bowed, (for  who  Mould  not  luivc  bowed 


w^ 

tUo  knee  lor  such  a  blessing?)  when 
we  received  under  his  hand  the  holy 
priesthood,  as  he  said,  *'upon  you  my 
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  offer  an 
«;ffering  unto  the  Lord  in  righteous- 
ness!" 

I  shall  not  attempt  to  paint  to  you  the 
feelings  of  this  heart,  nor  the  majestic 
beauty  and  glory  which  surrounded  us 
on  this  occasion;  but  you  will  believe 
toe  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  e^rth  pow- 
er to  give  the  joy,  to  bestow  the  peace, 
or  comprehend  tlie  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  many,  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  M'orld,  or  one  word  from  the 
mouth  of  the  Savior,  from  the  bosoiri 
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  hoard  the  voice  of  Jesus,  and 
the  Iruih  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 
ehall  never  cease!* 


:^I£SS£NG£R  AND  ADVOCATE. 


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  Sid.vey  Rigdon.  Tha 
cheering  truths  ably  and  eloquently 
advanced  by  these  brothren  were  lika 
"apples  of  gold  in  baskets  of  silver." — 
The  saints  listened  with  attention,  after 
which  bread  was  broken,  and  we  offer- 
ed another  memorial  to  our  Lord  that 
we  remembered  him. 

I  must  close  for  the  present:  my 
candle  is  quite  extinguished,  and  all  na- 
ture seems  locked  in  silence,  shrouded 
in  darkness,  and  enjoying  that  repos© 
so  necessary  to  this  life.  But  the  pe- 
riod is  rolling  on  when  night  will  close, 
and  those  who  are  found  worthy  will 
inherit  that  city  where  neither  tho 
light  of  the  sun  nor  moon  will  be  neces- 
sary! "for  the  glory  of  God  will  light- 
en it,  and  tho  Lamb  will  be  the  light 
thereof." 

O.  COWDERY. 
To  W.  W.  Phelps,  Esq- 

P.'  S.  I  shall  write  you  again  on, 
the  subject  of  the  Conference.     O.  C. 


*  I  will  hereafter  give  you  a  full  history  of 
the  rise  of  this  church,  up  to  the  time  elated 
in  my  introduction;  which  will  necessarily 
embrace  the  life  and  character  of  this  brother. 
I  shall  therefore  leave  the  history  of  baptism, 
&c.  till  its  proper  place. 


The  L.atter  Bay  Saints' 

MESSENGER    AND    ADVOCATE 

IS    EDITED    BY 
OLIVER    COWDERY, 
And  published  every  month  at    KiH- 
landy   Geauga  Co.   Ohio,  hj 

F.  G.   WILLIAMS  ^  CO, 

At  $  1,  PER  AN.  IN  ADVANCE.  EtihY  PER- 
SON PROCmiNG  TEN  NEW  SUBSCRIBERS,  AND 
FORWARDING  $10,  CURRENT  MONEY,  SHALL 
BE  ENTITLED  TO  A  PAPER  ONE  YEAR,  GRA- 
TIS.      All      LETTERS     TO     THE     EdITOR,     OR 

Publishers,  must  be  QjT  post  paid.  jn\ 

No  SUBSCRIPTION  WILL  BE  RECEIVED  FOR  A 
LESS  TERM  THAN  ONE  TEAR.  NOR  NO  PAPER 
DISCONTINUED  TILL  ALL  ARREARAGES  AKR 
PAID,  EXCEPT  AT  THE  OPTION  OF  THE  PUB- 
LISHERS. 


I^ATTER    DA¥    SAINTS' 

MESSErVWER  A]\J>  ADVOCATE. 


^oL.  I.     No.  ^.3         KIIITLAND,  OHIO,  NOVEMBER,  1834.         [Whole  No.  2. 


Coinniunicatioii!^. 

MILLENIUM, 
No.  IX. 

[^Continued from  the  Star,  Xo.  23.] 

There  can  no  difficulty  exist  in  any  candid 
mind  in  relation  to  the  true  state  of  tlie  Gen- 
tile world  at  present,  liaving  the  Jews  for 
their  pattern.  The  apostle  Paul,  in  the  11th 
*  chapter  to  the  Romans,  after  he  had  told  the 
Gentiles  upon  what  principles  it  was,  that  the 
Jews  both  stood  and  fell,  warned  them  to  take 
care;  for  the}',  (the  Gentiles,)  like  tlie  Jews, 
must  stand  by  .faith;  and  if  they  lost  their 
faith  as  the  Jews  did  their's,  that  they  like 
the  Jews,  should  be  cut  oif,  also.  See  the 
19Lh,  20th,  and  21st  verses:  "Thou  wilt  say 
tiien,  the  branches  were  broken  off,  that  I 
might  he  grafted  in.  Well;  because  of  unbe- 
lief they  v/pre  broken  off,  and  thou  standest 
by  faith.  Be  not  high-minded  but  fear:  for  if 
God  spared  not  the  natural  branches,  take 
heed  lest  he  spare  not  thee."  So  that  the 
Gentiles  must  either  stand  by  faith,  or  else 
they  must  fall;  for  so  the  Jews  had  to  stand 
by  faith,  or  else  they  must  fall  for  want  of 
faith.  And  the  Gentiles,  when  they  became 
follov'-heirf!,  and  fellow-citizens,  with  the 
Jews,  must  stand  as  they  stood,  or  fall  as 
they  fell,  after  the  same  example  of  faith,  or 
of  unbelief.  ''Thau  standest  by  faith,  he  not 
high-minded  but  ftar."  The  apostle  knew 
tliat  the  Gentiles  were  in  great  danger  of 
falling,  after  the  same  example  of  unbelief, 
therefore  he  warns  them  to  fear,  lest  this 
should  be  tliecasc. 

Lot  us  enquire  whether  the  Gentiles  have 
corntinued  in  faith,  or  whether  like  the  Jews 
tiiey  have  fallen  into  unbelief?  for  if  the  Gen- 
tiles have  continued  in  faith,  then  will  the 
fruits  of  faith  be  found  among  them.  We 
have  prcviou.sly  seen  what  these  fruits  are; 
tliat  they  consist  in  prophesyings,  healings, 
miracles,  and  gifts  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  in  all 
their  various  forms;  in  tongues,  and  the  in- 
terpretation of  tongues;  that  when  men  were 
jiving  und.T  the  intiuence  of  faith  there  were 
apostles,  prophets,  pastors,  teachers,  evan- 
g-?lisf,  &c.  «fcc.  that  all  these  were  nothing 
more  than  the  fruits  of  faith,  and  were  always 
enjoyed  in  every  age  of  the  world,  and  among 
every  people  who  lived  by  the  faith  of  the 
Son  of  Cod;  and  were  always  enjoyed  by 
every  people  whom  God  acknowledged  to  be 
his.  And  wh«>n  any  people,  it  mattered  not 
how  righteous  they  miglit  have  been,  ceased 
to  bring  forth  these  fruits,  they  stood  disap- 
proved of  ia  the  sight  of  heaven.  On  this 
subject  there  is  no  dispute  in  relation  to  tlie 
present  Gentile  world:  all  agree  that  the 
fruits  of  the  kingdom  of  heaven,  are  not  found 
.imong  them;  lliat  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  bo  found  among  any  people.  I 
say,  on  this  fiubject,  there  is  no  dispute:  there 
is  a  universal  agreement — all  the  difference  is 
this,  that  this  generation  of  Gentiles,  b«licve 
that  both  the  .Tewf  and  Gentile*  of  this  age. 


can  be  saved  without  these  fruits,  as  well  as 
the  others  among  whom  they  were  found, 
could  be  with;  but  as  to  the  fact  of  the  fruits 
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:  all  the  grand 
distinguished  characteristics  of  the  kingdom 
of  heaven  have  disappeared  among  them;  that 
faitii  which  Paul  said  should  abide  with  hope 
and  charity,  is  not  known  among  them;  all 
the  powers  of  the  spiritual  kingdom  have 
ceased  to  exist,  and  all  their  glory  has  faded; 
God  is  no  more  known  among  them,  and 
they  are  wandering  in  darkness,  and  in  blind- 
ness; lashing  against  one  another  like  a  troub- 
led sea;  crying  lo  here  is  Christ;  and  lohe  is 
there!  But  in  truth,  there  are  none  of  them, 
who  know  any  thing  about  him.  There  arc 
no  apostles  among  them  to  administer  in  the 
name  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  nor  no  prophets  to 
reveal  unto  them  the  things  wl'.ich  await 
them.  In  short,  every  thing  which  rendered 
the  kingdom  of  heaven  desirable,  has  fled 
away.  And  they  are  in  the  same  situation 
as  the  Jews  were  when  it  was  said  to  them, 
"The  kingdom  shall  bo  taken  from  you  and 
given  to  a  nation  bringing  forth  the  fruits 
thereof."  Let  an  inspired mjin  make  his  ap- 
pearance among  them,  and  with  one  consent 
they  will  cry  imposture  I  false  prophet  I 
knave!  villain!  and  evety  other  evil  epithet 
that  malice  can  invent;  so  done  the  Jews; 
and  for  this  the  Gentiles  upbraided  them  in 
the  bitterest  terms,  and  yet  they  themselves, 
are  doing  the  same  things.  If  God  cut  off 
the  Jews  because  they  did  not  bring  forth  the 
fruits  of  the  kingdom,  swrely  the  Gentiles 
must  share  tiie  same  fate,  if  God  is  no  respec- 
ter of  persons. 

This  subject  is  so  clearly  set  fot'th  in  the 
11th  chapter  to  the  Romans,  that  none  need 
mistake  it.     The  apostle  says  that  the  sever- 
ity of  God  towards  the  Jews  in  cutting  them 
off  Vi'as   goodness   towards  the    Gentiles,   if 
they  [the   Gentiles]  continued   in  his   good- 
ness: if  not,  they,  like  the  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."     Nov/ 
let  the  reader  particularly  mark  the  apostle's 
expression,  '^othcncise  thou  shalt  be  cvt  off." 
That  is,  unless  they  "continued"  in  his  good- 
ness they  should  be  cut  off.     There  is  no  al- 
lowance   made  for    them,    that    they    might 
apostatize,  and  corrupt  the  kingdom  of  heav- 
en, and  then  be  rt»claimed,  and  reformed,  and 
still  retain  the  goodness  of  God,   previously 
bestowed   on  them,    in  giving   to  them   the 
kingdom  of  heaven:  but  if  Ihcy  continued  not 
in  his  goodness  they  •hould  be  cut  off.     So 
tlie  matter  stands  thus:     That  if  the  Gen-    . 
tiles  continued  in  the  situation  in  which  God 
placed  tiicm,    when  they  received  the  king- 
dom, thevchould  partake  of  his  geodncsa;  but 
if  they  did  not  rout i 71 7i>'.iti  that  Kitualiun.  tliey 
»hould  bn  out  off.     So  says    Patil.  nnd   who 


18 


ifESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


will  say  to  the  contrary?  If  we  ask,  how 
were  the  Gentiles  to  continue  in  his  good- 
ness? tlic  answer  is  at  hand,  by  faith;  for 
pays  the  apostle,  in  the  20th  verse,  of  this 
Bame  11th  chapter  to  the  Romans,  (speakh\g 
to  the  Gentiles,)  ^'and  thoustandcsth-yfaiik." 
Mark  readej-  that  the  apostle  had  said  in  the 
preceding  part  of  this  20th  verse,  that  tiie 
Jews  had  fallen  because  of  unbelief;  and  then 
told  the  Gentiles  tiiat  they  were  to  stand  by 
faith.  For  the  sake  of  liaving  the  subject 
clearly  understood  even  by  tlie  most  careless, 
I  will  here  quote  both  the  19tii  and  20th  ver- 
ses at  fail  length.  The  apostle  is  speaking 
to  the  Gentiles  and  says,  "Thou  wilt  say 
then,  the  branches  were  broken  oiT,  tjiat  I 
iniglitbe  grafted  in.  Well,  because  of  mibe- 
lieithey  were  broken  off,  and  thou  standest 
by  faith.  Be  not  high  minded  but  tear." — 
Who  cannot  see  that  the  apostle  shows  plain- 
ly to  the  Gentiles,  that  their  standing  before 
God,  depended  on  their  faith;  and  that  if 
their  faith  failed,  they  would  lose  tlieir  stan- 
ding before  him,  and  like  the  Jews,  be  cut  off? 
Another  thing  to  be  particularly  noticed  is, 
tliat  they  [tiie  Gentiles]  must  continue  in  his 
goodness,  and  if  so,  must  continue  in  faith; 
tor  unless  they  continued  in  faith,  they  could 
not  continue  in  the  goodness  of  God;  for  tl)e 
goodness  of  God  could  alone  be  enjoyed  by 
faith.  So  that  the  apostle  iias  made  the  sub- 
ject exceedingly  plain,  that  all  may  imder- 
.stand,  who  liave  the  least  discernment. 

Let  us  follow  the  apostle  a  little  furtlier, 
and  see  how  he  disposes  of  tlie  whole  matter. 
After  he  had  warned  the  Gentiles  to  beware 
lest  they  should  fall  after  the  same  example 
of  unbelief  by  which  the  Jews  had  fallen,  con- 
tinues his  discourse,  speaking  to  the  Gen- 
tiles concerning  the  Jews;  in  the  23  verss  he 
says,  "And  tliey  also,  if  they  abide  not  .still 
in  unbelief,  shall  be  grafted  in:  for  God  is 
able  to  graft  them  in  again.  For  if  thou  wert 
cut  out  of  .the  olive-tree  which  is  wild  by  na- 
ture, and  wert  grafted  contrary  to  nature  in- 
to a  good  olive-tree;  hov/  much  more  shall 
these,  which  be  the  natural  branches,  be  graft- 
ed into  their  own  olive-tree?  For  I  would 
not,  brethren,  that  ye  should  be  ignorant  of 
this  mystery,  (lest  ye  should  bo  wine  in  your 
own  conceits,)  that  blindness  in  part  is  hap- 
p8i\3dto  Israel,  until  the  fulness  of  (he  Gi.'u- 
tilcs  be  come  in.  And  so  all  Israel  sliall  be 
saved:  as  it  is  written,  there  shall  come  out 
of  Sion  the  Deliverer,  and  shall  turn  av/ay 
ungodlinsssfrom  Jacob:  For  this  is  my  cov- 
enant unto  them,  when  I  shall  take  away 
their  sins."  See  fi-om  the  22  to  the  23  verse. 
In  the  above  quotation,  the  apostle  carries  the 
subject  to  its  proper  issue,  and  shows  lio'.v 
God  will  eventually  dispose  of  the  vvliole 
concern.  lie  says  tliat  blindness  in  part  has 
happened  unto  Israel,  until  the  fulness  of  the 
Gentiles  bo  come  in;  then  all  Israel  shall  be 
saved.  When?  why;  when  the  fulness  of 
the  Gentibs  shall  be  come  in.  Observe  that 
the  apostle  had  said  in  the  23  verse,  that  they, 
if  they  continued  not  in  unbelief,  should  be 
grafted  in  again;  for  God  was  able  to  graft 
them  in.  When  will  the  Jev/s  be  grafted  in 
again?  the  answer  is,  at  the  time  when  tliey 
are  all  to  be  saved.  And  when  is  tliat  time? 
When  the  fulness  of  the  Gentiles  be  come  in. 
But  when  wiU  the  fulness  of  the  Gentiles  be 
corns  In?  The  answer, is  again  at  ha.nd. — 
That  it?:  lyhen  thev  all  ehall  have  ceased  to 


bring  forth  the  fruits  of  the  kingdom  of  heav- 
en, of  all  parties,  sects,  and  denominatio-ns, 
ai;d  not  one  of  them  standing  in  the  cituation 
in  which  God  had  placed  them:  so  that  like 
the  Jews,  th.ere  is  none  of  them  doing  good, 
no  not  one;  for  though  there  be  hundreds  of 
sects,  aRd  parties,  yet  all  of  them  have  gone 
cut  of  tlie  v/ay,  so  that  the  fruits  of  the  king- 
dom of  heaven,  or  of  God,  have  ceased  to  ex- 
ist among  ihem;  then  is  the  time  that  the 
world  may  prepare  themselves  to  see  the  God 
of  heaven  set  his  hand  the  second  time  to  re- 
cover the  remnant  of  l.is  people  that  shall  be 
left  from  Assyria,  and  from  Egypt,  and  from 
Fathros,  and'  from  Cusii,  and  from  Elam, 
and  from  Sliinar,  and  from.  Kamath,  and 
ii-om  the  Islands  of  the  sea.  And  he  shall 
set  rp  an  ensign  for  the  nations,  and  shall 
assemble  the  out  casts  of  Israel;  and  gather 
togetlicr  the  dispersed  of  Judah  from  the  four 
corners  of  the  earth.  Isa.  ?1:11,  &'12.— 
But  why?  we'ask?  Shall  Israel  be  gathered 
from  all  the  lands  whither  the  Lord  God  had 
scattered  them?  because,  all  Israel  shall  be 
saved,  says  the  apostle;  and  tliis  cannot  be 
done  unless  they  are  gathered  together:  and 
not  a  small  part  of  th-"'m,  but  all;  for  all  Is- 
rael is  to  be  saved.  Let  it  here  be  observed, 
iiiat  it  v.as  the  judgments  of  God  v.'hich  scat- 
tered them,  and  while  they  continue  in  their 
present  scattered  coiidilion,  the  judgment  of 
God  rests  on  them;  and  whenever  the  mercy 
of  Ged  returns  to  them,  they  will  also  return 
from  their  dispersion,  and  be  gathered  from 
all  countries  v^hithersocver  they  have  been 
scattered,  or  else  all  Israel  will  never  be  saved. 
But  they  will  not  only  return,  but  the  king- 
dora  which  their  fathers  lost,  by  reason  of 
transgression,  will  be  giv?n  to  thsm;  for  be- 
fore this  time,  the  GGntiiea  shall  have  ren- 
dered themselves  unvvorlhy  of  it,  and  it  shall 
be  taken  from  them,  and  they  devoted  to  de- 
struction, while  all  Israel  sliall  bo  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  v.'hile 
their  services  are  in  righteousness  before  the 
Lord,  the  pov.-ers  of  darkness  cannot  over- 
throw them,  neither  can  the  gates  of  hell  pre- 
vail against  them:  but  if  oa  the  contrafj', 
they  have  departed  from  the  doctrine  of 
Ciu'ist,  and  are  folio v^ing  after  fablCs.  as  C2r- 
tainas  the  testimony  of  the  prophets  is  true, 
so  cerlaiT;  they  v/ill  su.ftir  an  cvcrthrow,  and 
bo  cut  oiTin  tiie  displeasure  of  the  Lcrd;  for 
SQ  says  tlie  spirit  of  inspiration,  and  "^ho, 
that  believes  hi  the  Lord  Jesus,  dare  deny  it? 
Peter  says,  in  his  second  epistle  2:1,  that  if 
the  false  teacliers  among  the  Gentiles,  sliould 
introduce  heresies,  or  sects  among  them,  as 
the  false  prophets  did  a'tnorig  the  .Tews,  that 
it  would  bring  on  their  heads  sv.'ift  d:struc- 
tion.  Paul  says,  that  if  the  Gentiles  did  not 
continue  in  the  goodness  of  God,  Ihsy  should 
also  be  cut  off.  And  in  another  place  he 
says,  that  v.-hen  Ciirist  should  be  revealed 
from  heaven  in  flaming  fire,  he  sliould  take 
vengeance  on  them  that. know  not  God,  and 
obey  not  the  gospel  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 
Novv',  if  the  Gentiles  have  departed  from  the 
foundation  of  the  apostles  and  prophets,  they, 
do  not  obey  the  gospi;!,  and  must  be  destroy- 
ed when,. the  Lord  shall  be  revealed  in  fire. 

But  to  bring  this  subject  to  an  immediat* 


MESSEJTGEr.  AND  ADVOCATE. 


19 


decision,  where  is  the  sect  or  party  butcon- 
fess3a  that  the  Genlileo  have  not  continued 
in  the  gocdness  of  God?  I  answer,  there  is 
nonj;  no,  not  so  much  as  one.  Ail  the 
Catholics  declare  that  the  protesiants  have 
departed  from  tho  faith,  giving  heed  to  sedu- 
cing Epirils,  and  doctrines  ot'  devils;  while 
ali  tho  proteslants  say,  tiiat  the  Catholics 
have  corrupted  tha  kingdom  of  heaven  at  the 
very  root,  so  that  ihcro  is  no  fruits  of  right- 
eousness araong  them.  And  cac'a  sect  and 
parly  among  the  protjstants,  charges  tlie 
other  sects  with  error,  and  a  want  of  strict 
conformity  to  tlie  truth.  So  that  wc  have 
got  the  testimony  of  bath  Catholics,  and 
protostar.ls,  in  all  their  various  sects,  and 
parties,  all  testii}'rng  to  the  same  thing,  and 
that  ie,  that  the  Gentiies  have  not  continued 
in  the  gDodnJss  of  God.  And  what  settles 
the  question  forever  ifi,  lliat  Jesus,  and  tJie 
apostles,  have  c:)n eluded  the  whole  in  uuriglit- 
cousnjss.  And  every  snan  v.-ho  l)a-.s  eyes  to 
B3C,  or  ears  to  hear,  must  set  to  his  seal  and 
say  A'lE.v:  for  v.'ho  that  has  read  his  bible 
through  once,  but  must  see  I'l'at  the  religion 
cf  the  v.-;jolo  Gentile  worlii.  is  very  diif.Tont 
from  the  religion  of  the  new  testament,  and 
the  churches  very- different,  from  the  church- 
es mentioned  in  the  new  testament  so  that 
all  parties  agree  that  there  are  no  such  church- 
es now  as  mentioned  in  the  scriptures,  and 
the  conclusion  is  inevitable,  that  if  the  clmrcli- 
c.^  are  not  the  same,  they  cannot  both  be 
equally  approved  of  in  the  sight  of  heaven; 
and  if  the  churches  mentioned  in  the  nev/ 
testament  were  in  the  goodness  of  God,  those 
in  modern  tiraea  liave  not  continued  in  that 
goodness;  for  if  tiiey  had  the}'  would  have 
continued  to  have  been  as  those  vvore. 

To  EE    COSTINUi;!). 


FAITH  Oi'  THE  CHUF.CH.     No.    VTII. 
[Coiitlifiucd  from  tks  last.  No.  of  the  Star.'] 

There  is  no  subject,  I  have  thought,  and 
now  thinii,  about  which  the  religious  world 
83ems  to  b.e  more  bevvildered,  than  that  of 
spiritual  blessings;  and  iiuiy  it  is  of  the  first 
impcrtance  that  we  should  be  correct  on  this 
subject  above  all  others;  for  it  was  that  wc 
might  be  made  partakers  of  spiritual  blessings, 
that  the  Lord  ever  revealed  hfmsfelfto  maii; 
it  was  that  we  might  be  m.ad  •  partakcru  of  the 
Fpirit  oi  God,  that  the  gospel  was  ever  prc- 
rdaimed  to  the  world:  it  is  b.'cause  of  the  Ho- 
ly Spirit  dwelling  in  us,  tiiat  we  nre  raised 
from  tiie  d;a:l,  to  enjoy  tho  glories  of  the 
heavenly  kingdom:  aiid  iudePii,  every  thing 
we  enjiy  in  relation  to  eternal  life,  is  thror.gh 
and  by  tiie  Holy  Spirit,  v.-orking  in  us,  auJ 
through  us,  until  by  tin;  power  of  that  Spirit 
we  are  made  meet  to  be  partakers  of  the  in- 
heritance of  the  saints  in  light.  Let  me  here 
ohujrve,  that  it  is  by  reasojiof  tho  Holy  .S])ir- 
it  which  our  heavenly  I'alher  smdsdown 
among  men,  that  any  poriion  of  the  world  is 
mad;;  lielrs  oft^iod  and  joiul  iieirs  with  Jesus 
Clirist:  men  are  dependant  on  it  for  salvation: 
without  it,  the  diath  and  sacrifice  oi'  Jesus 
would  have  been  in  vain:  for  no  cxi^ature 
v.'ould  have  been  benefitted  thereby.  All  lii" 
wisdom  and  knowledge  tliat  i^  worth  enjoy- 
ing among  met),  is  by  reason  of  this;  gilt  be- 
nlov.'cd  upon  num  in  the  fleBh;  for  it  is  the 
provinc ;  of  this  f-Jpirit  to  convince,  or  reprove 
the  world  of  nin.  and  of  rijihteousnc»M,  and  of 


judgment:  so  eaya  the  Savior.  John,  16:6. — 
So  that  the  knowledge  which  we  have  of  sin, 
of  righteousness,  and  of  judgment,  is  a  fruit 
ci  the  Holy  Spirit,  brought  forth  by  reason 
of  its  influence  on  men  in  the  flesh.  F6r  says 
tlie  Savior,  If  I  go  not  away  the  Comforter 
wiii  not  come  unto  you,  but"^if  I  depart  I  will 
send  him  unto  you.  John,  1S:7.  Inorderthat 
we  may  have  the  subject  of  spiritual  blessings, 
or  of  the  work  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  in  the  sal- 
vation of  men,  fully  before  us.  let  us  examine 
first  what  the  Savior  said  to  his  disciples  at 
the  last  feast  of  the  passover,  previous  to  liis 
cruciiirdon.  The  discourse  alluded  to,  is  found 
in  the  13.  14,  15,  IG,  &  17  chapters  of  John's 
gospel,  or  testimony.  In  the  14  chapter,  15, 
10,  and  17  verses,  {he  Savior  thus  addresses 
ius  disciples':  *-If  3'e  love  mo,  keep  my  com- 
mandments: and  I  v.ill  pray  the  Father,  and 
he  shall  give  you  another  Comforter,  that  he 
•may  abide  with  j-ou  forever:  even  the  spirit 
cf  truth  v.hom  the  world  cannot  receive,  be- 
cause it  soeth  him  not,  neither  knoweth  him? 
but  ye  know  him;  for  he  dwelleth  with  vou 
and  shall  be  in  you."  In  the  "iG  vers^he 
save;  "But  the  Comforter,  which  is  the  PIo- 
ly  Ghost,  Vi'hom  tir;  Father  will  send  in  my 
name,  he  shall  teach  you  all  things,  and 
bring  all  thi:igs  to  your  remembrance,  what- 
soever  I  have  said  unto  you.-"  In  the  15 
chapter  and  2G  verse  we  have  the  following 
sayings:  '-But  when  the  Comforter  is  come, 
whom  I  will  send  unto  you,  from  tlie  Father, 
even  the  Spirit  of  truth  which  proccedeth 
from  the  Father,  he  shall  testify  of  me." — 
In  the  16  chapter,  from  the  G  to  the  15  he 
said:  "Nevertheless,  I  tell  you  the  truth;  it 
is  c.-tpedient  for  3-ou  that  I  go  away:  for  if  I 
go  not  awaj',  the  Comforter  Vvill  not  come 
unto  you;  but  if  I  depart,  I  will  send  him  un- 
to you.  And  when  he  is  come  he  will  re- 
prove the  v.orld  of  sin,  and  of  righteousness^ 
and  of  judgment.  Of  sin,  because  they  be- 
lieve not  on  me:  of  righteousness;  because  I 
go  to  nJ3'  father,  and  ye  see  me  no  more:  of 
jud<'u-ient:  because  the  prince  of  this  world  is 
judged.  1  have  yet  manj'  tilings  to  saj'  unto 
ycii,  but  you  cannot  bear  tiiem  now.  How- 
bcit,  when  he,  the  Spirit  of  truth  is  come,  he 
v.-iil  guide  \'ou  into  all  truth:  for  he  shall  not 
speak  of  himself;  but  whatsoever  he  shall 
iiear,  ti:at  shall  he  speak;  and  he  shall  shew 
you  thing.s  to  come.  He  shall  glorify  me: 
for  he  shall  receive  of  mine,  ai^d  shall  show 
it  unto  you." 

In  the  preceding  quotations  the  following 
things  arc  very  clearly  sot  forth. 

First,  The  .spirit  of  truth,  which  the  apos- 
tles were  to  recdve  was  to  be  in  tliem. 

Second,  It  vvas  lo  abide  with  them  forever. 

Third,  It  was  to  (each  thi'in  ali  things, 
aird  bring  all  tilings  to  tiieir  remembrance 
wliatso'jver  Jesus  had  said  unto  them. 

Fourth,   It  was  to  testify  of  Jesus. 

Fiflli,  It  was  lo  be  a  spirit  of  prophecy  in 
them,  teacliing  tliein  thinqH  to  come.     And 

Si.vtl;,    It  was  to  reprove  tlie  world. 

TJieseeix  things  are  clearly  manifest  in  the 
nbove  quotations.  It  may  be  necessary  here 
for  the  sake  of  cleacne.ss,  to  examine  some 
other  things  in  the" course  of  the  addres:i  of 
the  Savior  to  his  disciples,  from  whence  we 
have  taken  the  dIjovo  quotations,  in  order 
tiiat  v.'e  may  see  the  true  light  in^which  the 
Savior  sets  forth  tUo  gifl  of  the  rioly  Ghost, 
and  the  va.st  importaiwe  lieattichcs  to  it. 


to 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


In  the  17  chapter,  which  records  his  prayer 
for  his  disciples,  which  lie  offered  up  unto  his 
Father,  he  said,  concerning  those  disciples 
to  whom  he  gave  the  promise  of  the  gi«  of 
the  Holy  Spirit,  "I  have  manifested  thy 
name  unto  the  men  which  thou  gavest  me 
out  of  the  world:  thine  th  ey  were,  and  thou 
gavest  them  me;  and  they  have  kept  thy 
word.  Now  they  have  known,  that  all  things 
whatsoever  thou  hast  given  me,  are  of  thee: 
for  I  have  given  unto  them  the  words  which 
thou  gavest  me;  and  they  have  received  them, 
and  have  known  surely  that  I  have  come  out 
from  thee,  and  they  have  believed  that  thou 
didst  send  me."  See  6,  7,  and  8  verses. — 
Now  reader  notice  particularly,  that  the  Sav- 
ior says  to  his  heavenly  Father  concerning 
his  disciples,  that  he  had  manifested  his 
name,  (the  Father'?,)  unto  them,  &  he  says., 
that  they  have  kept  thy  word,  and  thf^y  have 
known  that  all  things  whatsoever  thou  hast 

fiven  me  are  of  thee.  And  again,  he  says, 
have  given  unto  tliem  the  icords  which  thou 
pavest  me;  and  they  have  rccciced  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 
that  a  man  may  believe  on  Jesus  Christ;  re- 
ceive his  words,  acknowledge  his  testimony, 
and  keep  his  words,  and  yet  not  have  received 
the  gift  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  for  after  all  this, 
the  disciples  had  the  promise,  that  at\er  that 
time  they  should  receive  the  gift  of  the  Holy 
Spirit,  which  should  be  in  them,  and  teach 
them  and  refresh  their  menioriea  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  to  come;  I  say  reader,  is  it  not 
marvelous,  that  after  the  disciples  liad  known 
eurely  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  gift  of  the 
Holy  Spirit,  distinct  from  all  this,  to  teach 
them  AH.  things?  not  some  things,  but  all 
things?  but  so  it  was,  for  so  sa3's  the  Savior, 
and  3'ou  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,  still,  he  needs  the  gift  of  the 
Holy  Spirit  after  all  this,  to  teach  him  'all 
things;  to  take  the  things  of  Jesus  and  show 
them  unto  him;  or  at  least,  it  was  the  case 
with  tlie  disciples  in  the  days  of  the  Savior. 
A  third  fact  is,  that  the  object  of  giving  the 
Holy  Spirit,  is,  that  it  may  dwell  in  a  man, 
and  teach  him  all  things;  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  Savior  and  his  apostles. 

Aad  the  conclusion  from  all  these  facts  is, 
that  th«  knowledge,   which  ii  neeesEnry  in 


order  that  a  person  may  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:  enlightning  his  mind  into 
the  knowledge  of  all  truth;  extending  his  ac- 
quaintance with  futurity,  and  being  in  him  aa 
instructer,  a  teacher,  a  revealer  of  hiddeu 
things;  and  in  this  way  enriching  his  mind 
with  divine  knowledge. 

TO    BE    CONTINUED. 


THE  GOSPEL,  No.  H. 
[^Continued  from  the  last  No.  of  the  Star.'] 

I  conclude  that  there  are  no  people  on  earth 
who  believe  in  the  plan  of  salvation,  or  gos- 
pel, as  set  forth  in  the  scriptures,  but  that 
believe  also,  that  all  that  wUl  ever  be  saved, 
will  be  saved  by  virtue  of  the  sacrifice  of  Je- 
sus— for  this  is  what  was  taught  by  prophets, 
and  apostles,  as  far,  at  least,  as  we  have 
knowledge  of  their  teachings:  they  all  testi- 
fied  of  Jesus,  and  had  knowledge  of  his  com- 
ing into  the  world,  in  order  that  he  might 
save  it.  Abraham  saw  his  day  and  when  he 
saw  it  was  glad.  John's  gospel  8  chap. 
56  verse.  The  Savior  says  to  the  Jews  "Had 
ye  believed  Moses,  ye  would  have  believed 
me;  for  he  wrote  of  me,"^  John's  gospel  5 
chap.  46  verse.  And  the  author  of  the  epis- 
tle to  the  Hebrews  says  of  Moses  "that  he  es- 
teemed the  reproach  of  Christ  greater  riches 
than  the  treasures  in  Egypt."  11  chap, 
from  the  22  to  the  27  verse.  "By  faith  Mo- 
ses, when  he  was  bom,  was  hid  three  month* 
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  be 
called  the  son  of  Pharaoh's  daughter;  choos- 
ing rather  to  suffer  atfliction  with  the  people 
of  God;  than  to  enjoy  the  pleasures  of  sin 
for  a  season:  esteeming  the  reproach  of  Christ 
greater  riches  tlian  tlie  treasures  in  Egypt;  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  Clirist  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  the  world.  But  in  order  that  we 
may  have  a  cFear  view  of  this  matter  let  us 
enquire,  what  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  tiiem  that  be- 
lieve. See  Romans  1  chapter  16  verse  "For 
I  am  not  ashamed  of  the  gospel  of  Christ,  for 
it  is  the  power  of  God  unto  salvation,  to  ev- 
ery one  that  believeth:  to  the  Jew  first  and 
also  to  the  Greek."  go,  let  the  proclamation 
be  what  it  may  that  was  made  to  the  world, 
by  divine  authority,  that  the  inspired  n:en 
called  the  gospel,  that  proclamation  was  the 
only  thing  which  could  save  any  person  of 
the  human  family,  and  that  was  the  thing 
which  existed  before  the  foundation  of  the 
world,  the  purpose,  or  scheme  of  things, 
whici!  was  devised  in  eternity,  througli  which 
purpose  of  Jiis  own  will  God  designed  to  save 
them  that  believe. 

This  proclamation,  is  set  forth  so  clearly 
in  tlie  scriptures,  that  none  need  mistake  it,  ■ 
not  only   in  the  commiBaion   given   to  the 


MESSENGER  ASD  ADVOCATE. 


SI 


Iwelve  after  the  resurrfction  of  Je^us  from 
the  dead;  but  in  different  of  the  t^pislles,  bo 
that  llie  eijquirer  after  trntli  on  this  point, 
need  not  be  mistaken.  It  is  so  nianifefct,  tliat 
it  would  require  a  good  deal  of  ingenviit_v  to 
render  it  so  obscure  that  a  person  could  not 
see  it  at  the  first  reading:  a  person  must  be 
greatly  blinded  by  tradition,  who  cannot  see 
it  if  he  reads  his  bible  once  through  with  any 
«legree  of  attention. 

Wh;n  th3  Savior  gave  conimi.ssion  to  the 
apostles  atler  his  resurrection  from  the  dead, 
he  said  unto  tliem,  as  recorded  by  Mat- 
thew, 28  chapter,  19  and  20  verses;  -'Go  ye 
therefore,  and  teach  all  nations  baptizing 
Ihem  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the 
Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost:  teacliiug  them 
to  observe  all  things,  whatsoever  I  have  com- 
manded you:  and,  lo,  I  am  with  you  always, 
evrn  unto  the  end  of  the  world.  "  .4raen." 

TO    BK    CONTLVUEr). 


Freedom,   Oct.  28,  1834. 
Df,.\r  Brother:  — 

When  the  world,  from  time  to  time,  has 
been  deluged  with  the  blood  of  those  who 
dissented  in  their  faith  and  practice  from  the 
professing  world  around  Ihem,  it  may  be 
tiioLighl  difBcult  to  discern  between  the  real 
followers  of  the  Lamb  of  God  and  tlie  liyp- 
ocrite;  for  the  reason  that  all  dissenters  were 
once  few  in  number,  compared  v.'ith  their  op- 
'  posers,  and  were  compelled  to  receive  the 
curs^.s  and  reproaches  of  an  unholy  throng. 
From  such  premises,  would  it  not  bo  an  irra- 
tional conclusion,  and  ta.x  the  Almighty  with 
mutability  of  parpos'  to  any  that  they  are 
nil  alike  accepted  of  him.'  that  he  looks  at 
their  .si.icerity  only,  and  that  hi  Jias  respect 
to  any  and  every  ordinance,  even  though 
they  may  not  be  of  divine  appointment? — 
One  believes  that  baptism  should  be  perfor- 
med by  immersion;  a.  second  by  pouring;  a 
third  by  sprinkling;  a  fourth  is  sn.tisfied  with 
*ny  method,  and  a  fifth  believes  that  no  or- 
dinances are  now  required,  but  that  all  are 
done  away.  Some  be!':  ;ve  that  revelations 
from  God  v/ere  once  received,  but  that  he 
has  now  for  a  long  lime  ceased  to  reveal  his 
mind  and  will  to  the  children  of  men.  I 
would  ask  such  as  are  willing  to  accept  any 
thing  or  nothing,  for  baptism,  if  our  Savior 
lias  given  ii  new  commission  since  the  days 
of  the  apostles,  a'nd  left  out  baptism  and  the 
laj'ing  on  of  hands  for  the  reception  of  the 
Holy  Ghost,  as  nonessential?  Prove  tiiat  po- 
nilion  from  the  scripture  and  I  yield  the  ar- 
gument. If  this  point  cannot  be  supported 
by  scripture  argument,  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  in 
neither,  hxs  as  good  a  hope  of  endless  felici- 
ty beyond  the  grave  as  the  most  zealous  cliris- 
tlan.  For  it  follows  of  necessity  that  God  is 
constantly  changing  his  purposes;  \'arying 
hi8  ordinances,  even  in  the  same  dispi  osa- 
tion,  and  does  not,  (on  the  principle  believed 
by  a  majority  of  the  sectarian  world,)  conde- 
iici>nd  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- 
rersity  of  opinion.   Many  of  thoie  who  believe 


only  in  ancient  revelation;  But  should  such 
an  one  porchance  tell  me  he  was  called  of 
God  to  preach,  I  would  challenge  him  to  .show 
ine  Iris  commission  from  the  high  court  of 
heaven,  or  convince  me  he  was  sent  of  God 
on  that  all  important  errand,  or  has  even  been 
renewed  by  divine  grace,  without  a  revelation 
of  God  to  him.  Perhaps,  the  objector  will 
be  willing  to  admit,  {at  his  own  safety,  and 
that  of  his  sectarian  fi-iends,  that  he  'or  hii 
friends,  have  had  so  much  revelation  as  to 
convince  him  that  his  sins  are  forgiven  and 
that  God  has  called  him  to  preach  his  gospel. 
Admit  so  much,  and  then  see  the  dilemma  in- 
to which  the  objector  has  fallen.  If  God  has 
revealed  to  one  in  these  degenerate  days,  that 
his  sins  ore  forgiven;  that  he  has  called  him 
and  committed  to  him  a  dispensation  of  the 
gospel,  certainly  he  may  do  so  by  another, 
ccrteris  paribus;  for  he  has  done  so  anciently, 
he  has  done  so  in  these  last  days;  he  may  do 
so  again,  and  more  also,  for  he  is  immulcble, 
and  "is  no  respecter  of  persons;  but  in  eve- 
ry nation  he  that  feareth  God  and  worketh 
righteousness  is  accepted  with  him."  The 
objector  may  say,  that  God  has  for  a  long 
time  ceased  to  reveal  himself  other  than  as 
above  admitted.  To  which  I  would  reply, 
that  in  every  dispensation  from  the  creation 
down  to  the  present  time  he  has  revealed 
himself  by  his  mercies  and  his  judgments, 
and  even  having  the  ordinance  before  them, 
and  yet  disbelieving  them,  never  changes  the 
purposes  of  the  most  High,  nor  destroys 
one  fact.  Did  the  antediluvians  believe  the 
preaching  of  Noah?  certainly  not.  Did  the 
sectaiians  heed  the  admonitions  of  righteoua 
Lot?  not  in  the  least.  Did  the  company  of 
Kora,  Dathan  and  Abiram  give  ear  to'the 
commands  of  the  Most-High  by  tlie  mouth 
of  his  servant,  Moses?  By  no  means.  Did 
Saul  follow  the  Lord  and  hearken  to  hia 
counsels  and  precepts  as  did  David,  the  man 
after  God's  own  heart?  He  did  not.  Did 
the  Jews,  as  a  nation,  receive  the  Messiah? 
They  did  not.  Did  they  then,  or  do  they 
now  admit,  as  a  nation,  that  he  rose  from 
the  dead?  They  did  not,  neither  do  they 
now;  but  the  bare  denying  of  a  fact  will  nev- 
er  disprove  it.  Though  they  fabricated,  and 
perpetuated  a  most  barefaced  falsehood  to 
corroborate  their  erroneous  sentiments,  still 
it  did  not  obtain  universal  credence?  Hear 
them:  "Say  ye,  his  disciples  came  and  stoU 
liiin  away  while  we  slept;  and  if  this  come 
to  the  governor's  ears  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  who 
feared  him  and  worked  righteousness:  2nd 
That  in  every  dispensation  tho.«!e  who  dia- 
believed,  and  disobeyed,  were  cut  off  in  and 
for  their  unbelief  and  rebellion. 

Who  then,  I  ask,  were  they  to  whom  h* 
ever  condescended  to  reveal  himself?  certain- 
ly  not  to  those  who  believed  he  would  not; 
for  their  acts  have  not  been  characterized 
with  that  strict  regard  for  all  his  commandi 
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  in  judgment. 
If  he  dealt  so  with  his  people  anciently,  will 
he  not  deal  with  tliem  now  in  the  same  man- 
ner under  similar  circumstanreR,  if  he  be  th* 


98 


MESSENGER  ASSD  ADVOCATE. 


same  Godi  He  has  certainly  (as  admitted 
by  all)  sent  a  pestilence  in  our  time,  that  has 
walked  in  darkness  and  wasted  at  noon  day. 
'•Surely  (says  the  scripture)  the  Lord  will 
do  notliing  but  he  revealeth  his  secrets  to  his 
eervai'its,  the  prophets;"  and  if  the  prophets 
warn  the  people  to  repent  and  Ihoy  give  no 
heed  to  their  warning,  you  must  admit  that 
it  is  no  more  evidence  that  they  are  not  the 
prophets,  and  that  the  Lord  has  not  revealed 
thiu  unto  them,  liian  that  the  unbelief  of  the 
Jaws  did  away  the  validity  of  the  mission  of 
the  blessed  Savior  into  tiiis  lower  world. — 
Bat  says  the  objector,  your  prophets  are  bad 
men,  and  deceivers.  In  reply,  1  would  say, 
So  said  t!iey,of  the  ancient  propliets:  even 
the  Savior  of  the  world  was  called  a  decei-ver, 
and  yet  he  was  no  less  liian  tiie  Son  of  the 
living  God.  The  Jews  denied  the  new  tes- 
tament and  its  divine  authority,  but  that 
does  not  render  it  luigatory- 

From  the  foregoing  remarks  we  may  infer, 
1st,  That  the  more  righteous,  holy  and  pi- 
ous an}'  people  are,  the  more  sure  they  are 
of  having  their  names  cast  out  as  evil,  by  an 
unholy  throng;  iind,  That  tlie  unbelief  of  a 
wicdied -^vorld  in  t!ie  testimony  of  the  Lord's 
prophets,  never  averted  the  calamities  thiit 
have,  from  time  to  lime,  bev^n  foretold  should 
come  upon  the  I'.ngodly:  i?:«i,  Tiiat  the  un- 
belief and  sinfulness  of  a  wicked  v/orld  is 
v/hat  deetroyes  the  comjnunications  between 
God  and  tUs  children  of  men:  4th,  That 
the  imuciirf  of  the  man}'  v;iU  not  destroy  the 
lieli-cf  noT  the  intercourse  with  heaven  of  the 
fo--,  whom  God  has  chosen  even  in  these 
last  days-.  And  5th,  That  his  truly  faith- 
ful followers  are  sure  of  persecution  here, 
and  crowns  of  glory  hereatler. 
Yours  truly. 

W.  A.  COWDERY. 
To  Oliver  Cownzr.Y. 

P.  S.  Our  little  church,  are,  as  a  body, 
growing  .'^irong  in  faith.  We  had  an  excel- 
lent meeting  on  Sabbath  and  Sabbath  eve- 
ning.    ■ 

1  have  had  thoughts  of  requesting  you  to 
enquire  what  is  the  will  of  tlie  Lord  concern- 
ing me,  and  what  he  would  hiivsme  to  do. — 
It  appears  to  me,  tliall  am  willing  to  submit 
to  any  privations,  or  perform  any  thing  that 
I  can  be  made  fully  sensible  he  require:!  of  me. 
Sometimes  I  think  Lean  be  useful  in  the  vine- 
yard of  the  Lord,  hut  if  that  time  ever  comes, 
I  must  have  more  purity  of  heart,  more  of  the 
Spirit  of  the  living  God,  and  stronger  iaith. 
I  must  have  that  v/isdom  which  is  from  above 
which  is  first  peaceable,  then  pure;  easy  to 
be  entreated,  full  of  mercy  and  gt)od  fruits, 
without  partiality  and  v.dtliout  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,  are  excellent.  In  your  answer  to 
mine  of  the  -first  idlimo,  I  think  you  handle 
Mr.  Bccbe  of  the  Baptist  Register,  ratlier  un- 
ceremoniouslj';  but;  perhap.s  no  mors  so  than 
he  deserves.  I  hope  you  will  soon  find  time 
to  review  the  affidavits  published  in  hi-.  B's 
Register,  and  give  tlie- world  a  statement  of 
what  yiu  deem  facts  on  the  subj-jct. 

Althoagh  1  have  never  seen  your  ladj',-  I 
feel  an  interest  for  her  welfare,  and  hcpe  you 
will  assure  her,  and  our  other  relatives  in 


that  place  that  they  all  share  amply  in  my 
atfections. 

I  remain  cordially  youra, 

'       W.  A.  C. 


LilferUj  Mo.   October  20,  18S4 
LETTER    NO.     I. 

Brother: — 

Much  as  I  desire  to  be  faithful  iu 
the  oirice  which  the  Lord  appointed  me,  I 
shall  not  be  able  to  labor  in  it  till  spring; 
wherefore,  to  answer  your  request,  1  .'shal! 
send  you  a  few  letters  relative  to  the  region 
of  the  ''far  west." 

My  source  of  learning,  and  my  manner  of 
life,  from  my  youth  up,  v.dll  exclude  me  from 
the  fassionable  pleasure  of  staiyiijig  my  com- 
miyiications,  with  the  fancy  colors  cf  a  fresh- 
man of  Dartmouth,  a  sophomore  of  Karvai'd, 
or  even  a  graduate  of  Yale;  nothing  but  th* 
clear  stream  of  truth  will  answer  the  purpoea 
of  men  of  God.  Witii  tl;at  they  may  glide 
along  amid  the  tornadoes  of  persecution,  and 
among  the  wrecks  of  departing  things,  '-iaith- 
ful  friends  and  fearless  foes,"  till  "the  ciiies 
are  wasted  without  inhabitant  and  the  houeee 
without  man:"  yea,  they  may  live  in  man- 
sions of  perfection,  holily,  when  the  epitaph 
■of  this  world's  vanity,  may  be  written  in  its 
aches ! 
.  To  begin  my  suhjict — I  shall  give  a  fe'.v 
sketches  of  the  country  often  called  tlie  Upper 
Missouri;  situated  in  the  borders  of  l!ie  vast 
prairies  of  the  Great  West.  Very  little  dif- 
ference IS  perceptible,  in  the  upper  counties 
of  Missouri,  in  soil,  productions,  settlements, 
or  society.  If  there  bean  exception,  it  must 
be  in  the  position  and  soil  of  Jackson.  The 
appearance,  soil  and  productions  of  Lafay- 
ette, Saline,  Van  Buren,  R,'ay,  Clinton,  and 
Clay  counties,  are  eo  near  alike,  that  I  can 
only  say  th/^re  rfiay  be  a  preference,  but  nt> 
diiTei-ence.  These  counties,  in  general  have 
a  tolerable  rich  soil,  composed  of  clay,  fine 
sand,  and  black  mold,  especially  upon  the 
prairies.  The  cultivated  .produce  consisld 
chiefly  of  small  quantities  of  wheat,  larga 
quantities  of  corn,  some  oats,  hemp,  cattle, 
horses,  a  few  sheep,  hogs,  in  seores,  and  a 
variety  of  vegitables,  but  not  to  any  extent. — 
Sweet  potatoes,  cotton,  tobacco,  and  p?rhaps, 
other  plants,  grov.',  in  fair  seasons,  very  well. 

The  face  of  the  country  is  som-awhat  roil- 
ing, though  not  hilly,  and,  owing  to  the  great 
deapt-h  ot  soil,  the  branches,  or  -brooks,  are 
worked  out  and  present  ugly  ravints  from 
ten  to  fifty  feet  deep;  one  cf  the  great  causes 
why  the  Missouri  is  ever  rily.  Every  rain 
starts  the  raud. 

Unlike  the  martial-like  wildernesses  cf  tha 
timbered  States,  e:;c;pt  upon  rivers  s.nd  wa- 
ter courses,  which  are  striped  and  speclced 
with  a  rather  small  than  sturdy  growth  of 
trees,  as  far  as  the  eye  can  glance,  swell  peeps 
over  swell,  and  prairie  lies  beyond  prairie,  till 
the  spectator  can  almost  imagine  iiiinself  in 
the  midst  of  an  ocean  of  meidowa. 

The  timber  is  moslly  a  mixture  of  several 
kinds  of  oak,  hickory,  black  walnut,  elm,  ash, 
cherry,  honey  .locust,  mulberry,  cofi'ee  bean,, 
hack  berry,  bass  wood,  and  box  elder,  with 
the  addition  upon  the  bottoms,  of  cotton  wood, 
button  wood,  pecon,  soft  mapio,  with  now 


MESSENGER.  AND  ADVOCATK 


S3 


and  th^a  a  very  snuU  patch  of  sugar  rnaple. 
The  shrubbery,  in  part,  is  red  bud,  dog  Vvood, 
hauthorn,  nany  berry,  hazls,  f^ooss  bDrry, 
sammsr  ana  winter  grapss,  paupau,  pjrsimcn, 
crab  appl3,  &o. 

Thi  cllmite  is  mild  and  deligiitfijl  nearly 
tiiraa  quarters  of  the  year;  and,  being  situa- 
t;d  about  an  eqaal  distance  from  the  Atlan- 
tic and  Pacific  oceans,  as  well  as  from  the  Al- 
legany and  Rocky  mountains,  in  near  39  de- 
grees of  north  latitude,  and  betv/een  16  and 
17  degrees  of  west  Longitude,  it  certainly  af- 
fords the  pleasing  hope  of  becoming  as  good 
a  spot  as  there  will  be  on  the  globe,  when  the 
wolf  shall  lie  down  with  the  lamb.  The  cold- 
est weather  comes  m  December  and  January, 
'with,  hardly  ever  two  .day's  sleighing;  so  that 
sleighs  and  bells  are  amon?  the  un^nsnliona- 
tles  of  this  great  center  of  North  America. — 
February  is  not  unfrequentiy  a  mild  nsonih, 
and  March  so  much  so,  that  potatoes  planted 
the  latter  part  of  it,  are  sometimes  digable  tJ.e 
last  of  May.  Anvil  though  it  has  some  frost, 
is  the  opening  season  for  business,  for  gar- 
dens, for  corn,  and,  in  fact,  for  every  thing 
for  summer  crops,  if  j-ou  wisli  a  good  j'ield. 
The  spring  is  often  wet,  and  the  summer 
warm  and  dry.  The  Hill  beautiful.  As  the 
October  fro.ets  change  the  green  strengiit^of 
summer  into  golden  age,  the  Indians  begin 
their  fall  hunt,  and  lire  the  prairies,  till  the 
western  world  becomes  so  full  of  smoiiie,  tliat, 
as  it  eventually  spreads  by  the  fall  v.'inds,  for 
all  I  know,  it  !n.akes  the  ''smoky  days,"  or 
"Indian  summer,"  throughout  tiie  continent. 
The  wild  game  is  an  important  link  to  the 
Jiving  of  many  in  the  v/est.  In  the  inhabited 
sections,  hovrever,  it  grov.-s  yhss  plenty;" 
and  whene  the  hunter  could  once  drop  the 
huge  buiidlo,  the  surly  Lear,  liie  slat-eiy  oik, 
the  sly  beaver,  and  tiie  proud  swan,  he  can 
nov/  iind  diincuUy  in  bringing  dov/n  the  doer, 
the  wolf,  the  fojc,  the  turkey,  the  goose,  the 
brandt,  the  duck,  £ic.  while  the  squirrels, 
rabbits,  raccoo.ns,  and  many  other  small  ani- 
mals sport  as  jdiey  pleas?.  Of  the  fish  I  will 
speak  iiereafter. 

Besides  aomS  csmmon  birds  to  almost  eve- 
ry State,  the  red  Cnch,  and  the  green  bodied, 
gold  hea;led  p.araqust,  liv?  and  die  as  habitu- 
al settlers.  The  tuikey  buzzard,  makes  this 
clime  h  is  summer  house,  and  goes  to  othtr 
v/armer  quarters  before  v/inter.  Tho  crow, 
the  raven,  and  in  mild  ■^inters,  tJie  robbin, 
stay  here  through  cold  weather,  and  mostly 
emigrate  to  the  north  with  the  return  of 
spring. 

Tlie  honey  bee  is  a  larg*^  stocidiolder  in  Jlie 
flowers  of  t!ie  variegated  prairies;  so  much  so, 
that  V'v'hen  they  have  not  been  used  up  by 
6warni3  of  hse  hunters,  they  3'ct  fomi  one 
great  staple  of  the  inla:id  commerce  of  tiio 
west,  llij-.iey  is  fr'ruently  sold  at  25  ceilts 
per  whole  sale,  &  37  cents  at- retail,  a  gallon. 
Among  the  S'^rpents,  the  rattle  snake,  and 
the  copper  head  are  I'.ie  wowitt,  tiiougii  not 
very  plenty.  That  bird,  whose  iniiige,  if  not 
worrhipped,  has  more  adorers  in  this  nation 
than  tlie  Lord  of  glory,  for  it  stands  alike  jn 
the  gold  eagle,  and  silver  doiiar,  and  pearch- 
es  as  gracefully  on  the  eoLiier's  cap,  is  o:i 
the  offiev.-r's  hat,  and  appearr;  Inrger  upon  Vi-j- 
sign  of  a  tavern,  than  upon  tho  seal  of  the 
United  Stalos, — 1  mean  the  Amcriccm  Em^lt 
is  a  commoner  among  the  groat  ones  of  the 
wtst. 


But,  lest  I  become  irk.^ome  on  too  inan_j' 
things  at  once,  let  me  turn  to  some  of  the  aa- 
vautages  and  disadvantages,  which  are  nat- 
ural to  the  land  as  it  is.  it  is  a  great  advan- 
tage to  have  land  already  cleared  to  your 
hands,  as  the  prairies  are;  and  there  is  no 
sm.ail  disadvantage  to  lack  timber  for  fencing, 
fuel,  and  buildings.  Notwithstanding  there 
are  many  good  springs  of  water,  3-et  there  is 
a  want  upon  tiie  prairies  in  some  places;  and, 
generally,  water  privileges  for, grist  and  saw 
mills,  and  carding  machines  and  clothier's 
v\-orks  are  scarce.  Tiiat  patriotism,  which 
results  in  good  roads  and  bridges,  labor-saving 
machines,  and  e.xcellent  mills,  is  yet  dorm- 
ant. I  do  not  knovv'  of  a  clcthicr's  v.orliii  in 
the  Upper  or  Lower  countr3%  It  costs  cne 
fourth  or  one  fifth  of  our  grain  to  grind  it. — 
Run-round  horse  mills,  or  those  on  the  inclin- 
ed plane  ordir,  for  horses  and  oxen,  are  all 
the  dependence  at  present.  Ti^ere  is  a  gmall 
steam  saw  ajid  grist  n;ill,  of  about  ten  horsa 
power  engine,  in  Clay;  a  steam  saw  mill  at 
Lexington  and  a  flouring  mill  nearlj'  fmished, 
on  the  Little  Blue,  in  Jackson.  It  may  be 
supposed,  in  those  States  where  negroes  do 
the  work,  that  they  can  saw  boards  with  a 
whip  saw,  and  drive  team  to  grind  in  on  ani- 
mal power  mill. 

Let  it  be  remembered  that  the  most  cf  th« 
land  is  free  from  stones,  even  too  much  ro, 
for,  excepting  lime  stone,  in  some  places, 
there  are  very  fev.-  if  any  for  use.  But  sufnc« 
it  to  be,  that,  with  all  the  lacks  and  inconvf- 
niencies,  now  extant,  grain  is  raised  bo  easy, 
that  a  man  may  live  as  well  on  tliree  day's 
work  in  a  week,  liere,  as  on  six  in  some  oth- 
er distant  places.  It  is  not  uncommon  for 
vrheat,  when  ripe,  to  be  let  to  cut  and  thrG!-,ij 
at  tlie  half.  Corn  at  20  cents  per  bushel,  and 
wheat  at  40,  are,  however  the  lowest  selling 
prices  latteriy;  and!  conclude,  that  from  the 
great  quantity  of  corn-and  v.-heat,  or  flour,  ne- 
cessary  to  supply  the  garrison,  it  will  never  be 
lovrer.  So  much  on  things  a.s  tiiey  nat- 
urally are. 

Now  with  all  the  country  has,  and  all  it 
has  not,  without  witty  inventions,  let  us  ro- 
fle"ct,  that  God  has  made  and  prepared  it  for 
the  use  of  his  people,  hke  all  the  rest  of  the 
world,  with  good  and  bad  to  try  them.  Hero 
are  wanting  many  things  to  expedite  rase  and 
opulence.  Jlero  eicknes.^  conies,  and  where 
does  it  not?  The  ague  and  fever;  the  ciiilJ 
fever,  a  kind  of  cold  plague,  and  other  die- 
eases,  prey  upon  emigranls  till  thev  are  thor- 
oughly seasoned  to  the  climate,  ricre  death 
puts  an  end  to  life,  and  so  it  does  all  over  the 
globe.  Mere  the  poor  have  to  labor  to  pro- 
cure a  living,  and  so  they  do  any  xvhere  elso. 
Here  the  sainln  sufi>r  trials  and  tribulations, 
while  the  wicked  enjoy  the  world  and  rejoict, 
and  so  it  has  been  since  Cain  built  a  citV  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  the: 
saints  the  ne.\t.  Tiiey," exercise  their  agen- 
cy, and  thy  saints  theirs,  are  left  to  chooce 
for  themselves,  and  blessed  be  God  that  it  io 
so,  for  it  saves  heaven  from  torment,  and 
right  cousneKS  from  blemiRhes. 

Tho  Iricka  that  seem  most  prominent  v.  ill 
Hoon  sink  willi  the  fading  glories  of  pcricha- 
blc  tilings:  and  then  the  banks  of  long  con- 
tinuance will  bo  thrown  down,  and  the  rough 
places  made  smooth;  yea,  the  glory  cf  Le-ba- 


tt4 


MESSEXOER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


non  will  coiri'^  upon  tho  land  of  the  Lord,  the 
fir  tree,  the  pine  tree,  and  the  box  together  to 
beautify  the  place  of  his  sanctuary,  and  make 
the  place  of  his  feet  glorious.  Then,  there 
will  be  a  river  of  pure  water  to  gladden  the 
soul  of  the  saint.  Then,  every  man  will  speak 
in  the  name  of  God.  Then,  the  righteous 
tvill  feed  themselves  on  the  finest  of  wheat. — 
Then-,  the  enmity  of  man,  and  the  enmity  of 
beasts  will  cease.  Then,  the  vail  spread  over 
all  nations,  will  be  taken  off  and  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  saints'  officers 
will  bo  peace,  and  their  e.tactors  righteous- 
ness: and  then  the  land  will  be  worth  posses- 
sing, and  the  v/orld  fit  to  live  in. 

With  all  these  glories  ahead,  who  would 
fail  to  seek  them?  Who  would  idle  or  revel 
away  a  fev/  yean;  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  darku'^ss,  v/hen,  by  pleasing 
the  Savior,  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  an  eternal  noic  for  space  and  du- 
ration, and  the  best  from  worlds  to  expand 
and  beautify  their  sublimity?  O  that  the 
whole  empire  of  God  might  shout — .none! — 
But,  it  will  not  be  so,  for  satan  spreads  him- 
self and  copes  with  thousands  that  must  wel- 
ter in  woa  unutterable,  where  their  worm  di- 
eth  not,  and  the  f;re  is  not  quenched.  Alas! 
alas!  alas!  for  thdr fate!   who  knows  it? 

Men  of  God,  from  this  let  us  learn  to  take 
oil  in  our  lamps  from  the  great  Spirit  foun- 
tain above,  ancnight  them  in  the  blaze  of  that 
noble  fire,  where  a  Hancock,  a  Jefferson,  and 
a  Washington,  lit  their  tapers,  that  while 
there  is  a  hope  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,  havingfought  the  good 
fightj  and  overcome  through  grace:  Amen. 
As  ever, 

W.  W.  PHELPS. 
To  Oliver  CowDr.ny,  Esq. 


Saco,  Maine,  Oct.  20,  ie?.i. 
Brotuek  O.    CowdefvY, — 

Agreeable  to  your 
request  in  the  Encninsr  and  the  Morning  Star, 
1  proceed  to  give  you  a  short  account  of  my 

travels  since  the  conference  in  this   place. 

On  the  18th  of  June  I  started  in  conipanv 
with  bro.  Josiah  Butterfield,  to  visit  a  si\jall 
church  in  Farmington,  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 
preaching  the  whole  gospel,  and  bidg  fair  to 
be  a  very  useful  member  in  this  church. — 
We  tarried  with  them  until  the  10th  of  July, 
when  we  returned  home.  I  then  attended 
to  my  domestic  concerns  until  the  30th  of 
August,  when  I  started  for  the  East  a?ain, 
and  on  the  5t}i  of  September,  arrived  in  Far- 
mington and  found  the  brethren  and  sisters 
atrong  in  the  faith,  and  rejoicing  in  the  Lord. 
I  then  took  bro.  Kempton  with  ine  and  la- 
bored in  the  back  towns  for  the  space  of  six 
weeks,  occasionally  visiting  tlie  church:  and 
where  ever  there  was  a  door  opened  to  us  we 
preached  the  gospel  according  to  tlie  abili- 


ty given  unto  us.  And  I  trust  our  labor  will 
not  all  be  lost.  We  have  met  with  consid- 
erable opposition  from  the  sectarian  priests, 
and  according  to  the  appearance,  they  used 
all  their  influence  against  the  work  of  the 
Lord;  but  notwithstanding,  where  we  can  get 
the  ears  of  the  people,  and  have  the  privilege 
of  speaking  to  them  once,  they  generally 
want  to  hear  more — prejudice  falls  before  th« 
power  of  truth.  There  are  many  investiga- 
ting the  work  of  the  Lord.  I  have  baptized 
one  and  there  are  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  section,  and 
a  great  call  for  preaching:  and  if  there  could 
some  faithful  brethren  come  into  these  parts 
they  would  find  work  enough,  and  would  no 
doubt  do  much  good.  We  should  be  glad  if 
any  comes  into  these  parts  that  they  may  be 
competent  workmen. 

Yours  in  the  bonds  of  the  new  covenant. 
SYLVESTER  B.    STODDARD. 


Paris,  Temiesscr,    Oct.  11,  183'1. 
Dkar  Bkother: — 

In  much  haste  I  set  me 
down  to  inform  you,  that  we  have  reach- 
ed a  State  in  which  the  gospel  of  Christ,  in 
its  fulness,  has  not  as  yet  been  preached.— 
We  started  from  Missouri  on  the  12th  of  Sept. 
with  recommendations  fronj  the  Bishop  and 
high  council,  to  go  out  and  proclaim  the  gos- 
pel to  the  sons  of  m':n;  and  being  led  by  the 
Spirit  to  go  to  the  south,  like  Philip  of  old, 
we  took  a  Steam  boat  at  Lagrange,  one  hun- 
dred and  .sixty  )niles  above  St.  Louis,  and 
landed  at  the  mouth  of  the  Ohio  River,  on 
Kentucky  sidp,  bending  our  course  towards 
Nashville.  We  commenced  preaching  as  we 
travelled  across  the  south  corner  of  Kentucky; 
but  have  not  a.s  yet  baptized  any.  We  are 
now  in  the  flourishing  town  of  Paris,  v.'hcre 
the  Campbellites  are  holding  a  two  days  meet- 
ing. We  have  published  an  appointment  to 
preach  this  evening  in  the  court  house  in  this 
place.  All  kinds  of  religion  prevail  here, 
(the  religion  of  Jesus  Christ  excepted.)  even 
to  the  "Live  fjrevcrs,"  and  '-two  .seeds,"  or 
•'Iron  sides:"  and  we  sincerely  ask  tlie  pray- 
ers of  our  brethren  in  Kirtland",  in  our  behalf, 
that  God  may  dispose  the  hearts  of  this  peo- 
ple to  receive  tiie  i:igrafted  word  that  will 
save  them  in  the  celcslia!  kingdom;  for  we 
have  the  power  of  tyranny  that  exist.';  in 
slave  Spates;  the  pov'cr  of  priest  cratl;  the 
power  of  traditioji;  the  po».-er  of  t)ie  riches 
and  honors  of  this  world;  and  in  siiort,  the 
combined  powers  of  darkuesn,  to  encounter: 
and  we  say  in  our  hearts,  O  Lord,  stretch 
forth  tliino  Almighty  arm  to  our  rehef;  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.  We  ex- 
pect to  come  to  Kirtland  between  now  and 
the  first  of  May,  ne.xt. 

The  horn  is  now  sounding  for  Campbell  ite 
meeting,  at  3  P.  M.  we  wish  to  attend. 

Yours  in  Christ.        D.  W.  PATTEN 
W.  PARISH. 

To  Ol.lVKR    CoWDKRV. 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


ts 


ITIeKseiiger  an^  Advocate. 


KIRTLAND,  OHIO,   NOVEMBER,  1834. 


05^  Commimi cations. — We  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  are  heard  on  the  right  and  on  the 
left,  for  the  elders  to  fill.  In  fact,  we 
know  not  when  the  work  has  been 
more  prosperous,  than  at  present. — 
There  is  a  general  enquiry  wherever 
the  word  is  preached. — What  a  field 
for  labor! — How  important  that  every 
proclaimer  conducts  with  prudence,  and 
exercises  himself  with  patience — How 
consistent  that  we  pray  the  Lord  to  .send 
more  laborers  into  the  vineyard! 

A  communication  from  our  esteemed 
brother,  Elder  John  Muedock,  dated  at 
Eugene,  Indiana,  the  11  inst.  informs 
us  of  the  sitting  of  a  conference  of  the 
elders  of  this  church  in  that  place  on 
the  30th,  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 Ch.\rles  Rich,  over  the  church  at 
Pekin  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. 

It  is  proper  that  our  readers  should 
be  informed,  that  this  conference  was 
held  in  a  thinly  settled  country,  when 
compared  with  our  populous  cities  and 
villages  in  the  east;  and  that  m  conse- 
quence of  the  short  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  Mukdock  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 
ojtinion  upon  the  utility  and  propriety 
of  conferences.      What  can  be  more 


heart  cheering  to  the  vreary  laborer, 
after  a  long  time  spent  in  dissemina' 
ting  the  principles  of  the  gospel,  than 
to  sit  down  in  social  council  with  oth- 
ers alike  weary,  and  commune  with 
numbers  whose  bosoms  glow  with  the 
same  ardor  for  the  salvation  of  the 
world,  and  who,  with  him,  have  to  com- 
municate the  happy  intelligence  of 
numbers  having  been  persuaded, 
thro'  their  instrumentality,  that  the 
sacred  truths  of  heaven  thus  delivered, 
though  perhaps  in  weakness,  are  of 
sufficient  importance  to  awaken  the 
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  the 
labors,  f.nd  success  of  all;  and  is  thus 
prepared,  with  authentic  information, 
to  carry  the  joyful  intelligence  to  his 
respective  congregation,  where  those 
whose  duty  requires  their  attendance 
on  other  matters,  may  be  equally  ben- 
efitted, and  so  the  whole  body  of  the 
saints  of  the  Lord  Jesus  be  refreshed 
with  the  news  of  the  success  of  hi* 
cause. 

It  may  be  thought  superfluous  in  us, 
by  our  brethren,  to  add  our  earnest  ex- 
hortation that  meetings  of  this  kind  bo 
conducted  with  solemnity,  and  in  or- 
der; and  it  betrays  a  M'ant  of  confi- 
dence in  us,  of  their  ability  and  wisdom; 
but,  however  we  may  appreciate  their 
ability  and  experience,  we  feel  that  thfs 
subject  cannot  be  too  often  set  before 
them,  and  its  importance  spoken  of. — 
Much,  they  will  see  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  them  that  out 
heart  is  equally  devoted,  and  our  fee* 
ble  petitions  frequently  put  up,  that  we, 
with  them,  may  be  gathered  with  that 
assembly  which  will  never  close! 

05^  Our  patrons  will  remember,  that 
we  notified  all  correspondents,  somctiniG 
since,  that  each  article  would  appear 
over  its'  proper  signiture.  Up  to  the 
present,  we  have  heard  no  dissatisfao 
tion  expressed,  and  presume  that  the 
arrangement  is  such  as  meets  the  minoA 
and  judgment  of  our  friends. 

For  a  considerable  length  of  time  wo 
have  published  pieces  on  the  "Millen- 
ium; Faith  o£  the  church,  and  The  Gos- 
pel."    As  we  expect  these  subjects  will 


MR:S£FJVGi"R  AKD  MiVfjCATT.. 


be  didcus-scd  farther,  it  is  only  neces- 
sary for  us  to  say,  that  thoy  are  froni 
the  pen  of  our  worthy  brother  and 
frionl,  S.  Riodon,  one  of  the  Prcsi- 
■;.■     .    ?f  the  church   of  the  L,attcr  Day 

.-.  -J  -''th  a  degree  of  pleasure  that 
"■•■•:  :■'.'..  f.ie  attention  of  our  readers  to 
\.\c--i  art.cles,  t.>  which  we  have  refer- 
:i'l  2.>c"c,  and  believe  that  every  saint 
'•-;','.  ::■;.•;.  with  care  and  cheerfuhiess 
-,.,...,  v.^-,tt,Qi.  which  may  be  presented 
t';r  .  •:  -  consideration,  on  the  all  irn- 
;. : . ; :  ■ : '.  -ubjcct  of  salvation. — [Editor.'] 


T\'UilC 


TC  W.  A.  COWDERY,  Esq. 
^z:.3.  Brother: 

I  have  received,  of 
J.,  2^cv^l•al  communications  from  you, 
i'i'.iininjseveral  questions.  Not  lonir 
.:c.  you  wjshed  me  to  express  my 
citiior  publicly  or  privately,  up- 
(5n  a  le"*' remarks  of  the  Savior,  as  re- 
corded m  Mat.   16:16,  17&.18— 

"Aii;  Simon  Peter  answered  and  said, 
"Tiieu  art  tJie  Christ,  the  Son  of  Die  living 
'■'GoiL  And  Jcsis  answered  and  said  unto 
'•l::ai,  Iji-^ssc.I  art  thou,  Sunon  Bur-jona: 
'•for  flesh  and  blcoJ  hjitli  not  revealed  it 
"untt!.  tlic'^,  but  my  Fatiier  vvhich  is  in 
'■hcivfft.  And  I  say  also  unto  thee,  ihat 
"vho't  art  reio.r,  a.nd  upon  tiiis  roci?  I  will 
"bi;iJJ  .my  churcii;  and  thu  g.iics  of  hili 
"I'liall  not  prevail  agiinal  it. 

It  r:.  plain, thai  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  i.':i,-}}t  fall.  And  the  only  reason 
^".r/ his  church  was  not  always  on 
;,■■•>.,  is,  that  men  cear,cd  to  obtain  rev- 
';ti:nsfrom  heaven.  And  the  on^v 
r'-J3o>;  why  they  were  deociverl  in  Um2 
pai-t,  ufid  will  be  in  the  last  days,  is  be- 
cause they  do  not  know  tJial  Jesus  is  the 
Chrislf        •  =    ' .  .    . 

I^Icn  ^ay  they  believe  t^at  Jesus  is 
the  Christ;  but  tho  Lord' said  to  Peter 


that  the  Father  had  revealed  it  to  him, 
and  upon  that  Rock  he  would  build  his 
church  and  the  gates  of  hell  should  not 
prevail  against   it.     For  if  men  know 
tliat   Jesus  is  tlie  Christ,   it  must  be  by 
revelation.     To  be  sure,  we  may  saj^ 
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   arguments  oC 
the  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  mere 
belief,  founded  upon  the    testimony  or 
say-so  of  another  man!      Nc;  flesh  and 
blood   cannot  reveal  it — it  muot  be  the 
Father:  and  query:     If  the  everlasting- 
Father  reveals  to  men  that  Jesus  is  tho 
Son  of  God,  can  they  be  overthrov/n? 
Can  floods  or  flames,  principalities  or 
powers;    things   present  or  to   come,* 
heights  or  debths,  swerve  them  from  tho 
foundation — the  iiocji?     No;    said  our 
L'-jrd,  the  gates  of  hell  cannot  prevail! 
There  is  an  assurance  in  the  things  of 
God  that  cannot  be  oblit^erated!     There 
is  a  certainty  accompanying  inS  divine 
co'umunicationswhicli  enables  the  mind 
to  soar  aloft,  'rnd  contemplate — not  on- 
ly contemplate,  but  ?n»?^Z(?  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,  th^it  I  liave  plain- 
ly contended  'that  the  gates  of  hell 
could  not  prevail  against  .a  man  or  so- 
ciety of  men  while  they  hold  commun- 
ion and  intercourse  with  heaven. 


MEa^ENGER  AND  ADVOOATR. 


«r 


I  will  now  suppose  a  case,  or  pro- 
pose a  question:  If  Elijah  had  been 
the  only  individual  on  earth  who  kept 
the  commandments  of  the  Lord,  ho 
would  have  bsen  all  the  church  then 
upon  earth.  And  you  know  that  any 
and  every  people  ceasing  to  keep  his 
commandments,  are  disowned  by  him. 
If  these  points  are  admitted,  I  proceed: 
When  Elijah  was  taken  up  to  heaven, 
did  the  gates  of  hell  prevail  against  the 
church  of  God?  Did  they  overcome 
the  holy  priesthood?  No;  neither. — 
Had  Elijah  been  the  last  righteous  man, 
and  his  enemies  prevailed  over  his 
a-^tural  body,  and  put  him  to  death, 
Would  the  gates  of  hell  have  prevailed 
against  the  churoli?  No;  the  holy 
priesthood  would  have  been  taken  to 
God,  and  the  gatos  of  hell  would  have 
been  as  unsuccc-ssAil  as  in  the  case  of 
his  translation. 

In  the   cliurch,  said   Paul,    God  has 
placed  apostles,  prophets,  evangelists, 
pastors,    teachers,     miracles,   gifts    of 
healings,  helps,   governments,   and  di- 
versities of  tongues;  for  the  perfecting 
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 
the  faith,  and  of  the  knowledge  of  the 
Son  of  God,  unto  a  perfect  man,  unto 
the  measure  of  the   stature   of  ilic  ful- 
ness of  Christ.     Cut   did  that  church 
exist?     Arc  the  fruits  of  that  priesthood 
nov/  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 
case?     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- 
miniiitcring  ordiiKini^es,  on  earth,   h:is 
been  taken  uway,  would  ad.nit,  at  on  :o, 
that  they  have  no  authority.     This  pla- 
cea  men  under  the  necessity  of  taying, 
that  the  church  of  God  has  and  docs 


exist,  in  ail  theee  variegated  forms  and 
colors,  scattored  over  the  world — No 
morc  resembling  the  ancient  church, 
than  the  ancient  church  does  that  of 
the  Hindoc^. 

It  is  rsvelation  which  constitutes  the 
church  of  Christ;  for  this  was  the  dec- 
laration to  Peter,  thattlic  Fathov  had 
revealed  to  him,  and  upon  that  rrincipls 
his  church  should  exist.  Show  me 
any  other,  and  I  confess  that  you  will 
show  me  a-  something,  thJ  pattern  of  ■ 
which  I  have  not  found  in  the  holy 
scriptures,  as  coming  frem  heaven! 

You  will  begin  to  sec  my  mind  upc.n 
this  matter.     It  is,  that  when  ir.cn  ceas- 
ed to"  bring  forth  the  fruits  of  the  king- 
dom of  God  on  earth,  it  cea?ed  to  es- 
i=;t  on  earth;  and  when   it  ceased  to  ex- 
ist on  cart);,  he    took  the    authority  to 
himself,  and  with  it  the  lioly  priesthoi?d. 
The    gates  of  hell    did    net  prevail  a- 
trainst  the  church  of  God;  and  the  d-c-, 
crfc  of  our  Father   is,  that  they   shall 
not;  but  no   man  will    pretend,    (if  he 
does  it  is  in  vain,)  that  the  pure  church, 
as  existed  in  the  days  of  Paul,  and  for 
a  length  of  time  afterward,  has  contlu* 
ued.     If  so,    according  to  his  theory, 
the  gates  of  hell  have  prevailed  iigaiust 
it;  for   he  cannot  trace    itr,  e:-;istcnc-e 
here.       He     may   trace   a    supposed 
authority  througha  sucC-ssicn  ofPrfK^u 
and  bishops;  but    if  the  authority  was 
there,  where  is  and  v/hcrc  wa.s'thu  frmt? 
If  we  look  into  the   I2ih   chapter  of 
Johii's    Revelation    on    Patnios,     we 
shall  sec  the    church  represented  in  a 
striking  figure,  so  plainly  shawn  to  be 
taken  from  thccarlh,  that  it  i-^  iynpcsBi- 
b!c  his  beautiful  vision  should   be  mi»- 
understood. — Editor- 

LETTER  11. 

Dear  Erotucp: — 

In  (hj  \Mi  Mcb3<-T»gt<r 
and  Advocate  I  promis^-d  in  comm^noe 
a  more  particular  or  minute  history  of 


»3 


MKr^SKNGKit  AN^D  ADNCK'ATJ".:. 


the  rise  and  j)rogros.s  oi"  tlie  church  of 
the  Latter  Day  Saints;  and  publish,  lor 
the   benefit  oi*  enquirers,  and  (ill  v.ho 
are  disposed  to  lenrn.     There  are  cer- 
tain facts  relative  tn  the  vrorks  of  God 
worthy  the  consideration  and  observ- 
ance of  every  individual,  and  every  so- 
ciety:— They  are  that  he  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,  suffer  me  to  make  «  i'ew  rejnarks 
by  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,  can  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 
bl&ssed  millions  of  the  church  of  the 
firstborn,  shout  his  triumphant  coming, 
to  receive  his  kingdom,  over  which  he 
13  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 
ai\d  dispersion  among  all  nations,   to 


reap  the  reward  of  their  iniquities,  to 
the  appearing  of  the  Great  Shepherd,  in 
the  flesh. 

But  there  is,  of  necessity,  a  uniform- 
ity so  exact;  n  manner  so  precise,  and 
ordinances  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  cursor}'   viev»'  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   tr» 
the  present  century,  as  a  matter  of  right, 
in  this  free   country,  I  may   take  the 
privilege.     This    may  be    doubted  by 
some — indeed  b}'  many — as  an  acmis- 
sion  of  this  point  would  overthrow  the 
popular  systems  of  the  day.     I  cannot 
reasoiiably  expect,  then,  that  the  largo 
majority  of  professors  will  be  willing 
to  listen  to  njy  argunient  for  a  nioment, 
as  -a  careful,  impartia,l,  and  faithful  in- 
vestigation of  the  doctrines  which  I  be- 
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  Tertullian  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    !h» 


MESSKiNGKU  AND  ADVOCATK. 


99 


means  employed  to  efi'ect  its  extinction, 
ttie  more  numerous  are  its  votaries. — 
It  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,  as  Tertulli- 
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  at 
once  enraptured;  that  intelligence  which 
existed  before  the  world  was,  will 
unite,  and  that  wisdom  in  the  Divine 
economy  vrill  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. 
Those  who  have  been  guided  by  them 
have  always  shown  the  same  princi- 
ples; and  those  who  were  not,  have  as 
uniformly  sought  to  destroy  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  many  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. — 
S«  far  as  my  acquaintance  and  knowl- 


edge of  nicn  and  their  history  extends, 
it  has  been  the  custom  of  every  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  -those  to  whom  God  com- 
municated his  will.  There  has  ever 
been  an  apparent  blindness  common  to 
men,  which  has  hindered  their  discov- 
ering the  real  worth  and  excellence  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,  &  how  precious 
is  their  memory." 

The  vilest  and  most  corrupt  are  no( 
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  v/hen 
he  will  call.the  nations  before  him,  and 
reward  every  man  according  to  his 
works! 

Enoch   walked  with  God,  and   v/as 

taken  home  without  tasting  death. 

Why  were  not  aZ/ converted  in  his  day 
and  taken  with  him  to  glory?  Noah, 
it  is  said,  was  perfect  in  his  generation:: 
and  it  ia  plain  that  he  had  communion 
with  his  MaLcr,  and  by  his  direction 
accomplished  a  work  the  parallel  of 
which  13  noi  to  Lj  found  in  the  annalj 
of  the  world!  VV  hy  a  j?c  not  the  world 
converted,  that  the  fioou  might  have 
been  stayed?  Men,  from  the  days  of 
our  father  Abraham,  have  talked,  boat- 


30 


MESSENOJCR'AiVD  .iDVOCATE. 


te^i,  and  extolled  his  faith:  and  he  is 
even  represented  in  the  scriptures: — 
"The  father  of  the  faithi*ul."  Moses 
talked  with  the  Lord  face  to  face;  receiv- 
ed the -great  moia!  law,  upon  the  basis 
of  which  those  of  all  civilized  govern- 
ments are  founded;  led  Israel  forty 
years,  and  v/as  taken  home  to  receive 
the  reward  of  his  toils — then  Jacob 
could  realize  his  worth.  Weil  was  the 
question  asked  by  our  Lord,  "How 
can  the  children  of  the  bridechan:iber 
mourn  while  the  bridegroom  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  saw  and 
beard — they  were  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 
the  time  was  fulfilled,  and  he  was  of- 
fered up.  Yet  while  he  was  with  them 
h.3  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 
protector  possessing  sufficient  power 
to  lead  them  to  some  sale  place  aside 
from  the  tumult  of  a  siege. 

Since  the  apostles  f  ."11  asleep  all  men 
who  profess  a  belief  in  the  truth  of 
their  mission,  extol  their  virtues  and 
celebrate  their  fame.  It  seems  to  have 
been  forgotten  that  they  were  men  of 
infirmitieB  and  subject  to  all  the  feel- 


ings, passions,  and  imperfections  com- 
mon to  other  men.  But  it  appears, 
that  they,  as  ethers  were  before  them, 
are  looked  upon  as  men  of  perfection, 
holiness,  purity,  and  goodness,  far  in 
advance  of  any  since.  So  were  tho 
characters  of  the  prophets  held  in  the 
days  of  these  apostles.  'vVhat  can  bo 
the  difference  in  the  rev/ard,  whether  a 
man  died  for  righteousness'  sake  in  the 
days  of  Abel,  Zacharias,  John,  the 
twelve  apostles  chosen  at  Jerusalem, 
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 
we  find  a  righteous  man  among  them, 
Jiere  always  were  excuses  for  not  giv- 
ing heed  or  credence  to  his  testimony. 
The  people  could  see  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  next  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  were  the 
boasts  of  the  multitude;  when,  in  real- 
ity, their  doctrines  were  no  more  pure, 
their  exertions  to  turn  men  to  right- 
eousness no  greater,  neither  their  v>-alk 
any  more  circumspect — the  grave  of 
the  former  is  considered  to  be  holy, 
and  his  sepulchcr  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,  and  such 
has  been  their  conduct  toward  the 
righteous  in  centuries  past. 

When    John    the  son  of  Zacharias 
canie   among  the  Jews,  it  is  said  that 


MESSENGER  ^y:D  ADVOCATE. 


he  camj  neither  eating  bread  nor 
xirinking  wine.  la  another  place  it 
is  said  that  his  moat  was  locii^its  and 
wild  honey.  The  Jews  saw  him, 
hoard  him  preach,  and  were  witnesses 
of  the  purity  of  the  doctrines  advocated 
— they  wanted  an  excuse,  and  they 
soon  t'oundone — "He  hath  a  devil!" — 
And  v/ho,  among  all  generations,  that 
valued  his  salvation,  would  be  taught 
by,  or  follow  one  possessed  of  a  devil? 

The  Savior  came  in  form  and  fas- 
sion  of  a  man;  ho  ate,  drank,  and 
walked  about  as  a  man,  and  they  said, 
"Behold,  a  m.in  gluttonous,  and  a  wine- 
bibber,  a  friend  of  publicans  and  sin- 
ners!" You  see  an  excuse  was  wan- 
ting, but  not  long  v/anting  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  it  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  diilerent 
from  others,  or  he  could  not  be  re- 
ceived. If  he  wore  athirst  he  must 
not  drink,  if  faint  he  must  not  eat,  and 
if  weary  he  must  not  rest,  because  he 
had  assumed  the  authority  to  teach  the 
world  righteousness,  and  he  must  be 
different  in  manners,  and  in  constitu- 
tion, if  not  in  form,  that  all  might  be 
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,  tlie  prince  of  dcvila! 

If  singularity  of  appearance,  or  dif- 
ference of  manners  would  command 
respect,  certainly  John  would  have 
been  reverenced,  and  heard.  To  sec 
one  coming  from  the  wilderness,  clad 
with  camels'  hair,  drinking  neither 
wine  nor  strong  drink,  nor  yet  eating 


common  food,  must  have  awakene<!  tiid 
curiosity  of  the  curious,  to  the  fullest 
extent.  But  the-.-e  vras  one  pccuiiaritv 
in  this  man  conjmon  to  ovc;rv  r^ghfecus 
man  before  him,  for  which  the  t  oor-ie 
hated  him,  and  for  whicii  he  lost  hi.^ 
life — he  taught  holiness,  prociainicr  re- 
pentance and  baptism  for  the  remission 
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  see 
one  dressed  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  same  time,  that 
the  Lord's  kingdom  v/ould  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  teacliingthc  same  doc- 
trine, and  proclaiming  the  same  things, 
only  that  they  were  nearer,  they  would 
not  hear.  Men  say  if  they  could  seo 
they  would  believe;  but  I  have  thought 
the  reverse,  in  this  respect — If  they 
cannot  see  they  will  believe. 

One  of  two  reasons  may  be  assigned 
as  the  cause  v/hy  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  ownh'jarts,. when  reproved,  were 
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,  orshowing  friend- 
ship to  publicans  and  sinners! 

When  looking  over  the  sacrod  scrip- 
tures, we  seem  to  forget  thatthoy  wort> 


m 


MLSSKNGEK  AND  ADVOCATE. 


giren  through  men  of  imperfections, 
and  subject  to  passions.  It  is  a.  general 
belief  that  the  ancient  prophets  were 
peri'ect — that  no  stain,  or  blemish  ever 
appeared  upon  their  characters  while 
on  earth,  to  be  brought  forward  by  the 
opposer  as  an  excuse  for  not  believing. 
The  same  is  said  of  the  apostles;  but 
James  said  that  Elias  [Elijah]  was  a 
man  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  halt'. 

There  can  be  no  doubt  but  thoso  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  constituted  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 
walks.  The  generation  following  were 
ready  to  suppose,  that  those  men  who  be- 
lieved the  word  of  God  were  as  perfect 
as  those  to  whom  it  was  delivered  sup- 
posed they  must  be,  and  were  as  for- 
ward to  prescribe  the  rules  by  which 
they  were  governed,  or  rehearse  laws 
and  declare  them  to  be  the  governing 
principles  of  the  prophets,  as  though 
they  themselves  held  the  keys  of  the 
mysteries  of  heaven,  and  had  searched 
the  archives  of  the  generations  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 
OS  attempting  to  place  him  on  a  level 
with  men,  or  his  mission  on  a  parallel 
with  those  of  the  prophets  and  apostles 
—far  from  this.  I  view  his  mission 
such  as  none  other  could  .fill;  thJit  he 
was  offered  without  spot  to  Ged  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  is  imperfect — 
It  required  a  spotless  offering — man 
is  not  spotless^ — 'It  required  an  infinite 
atonement — man  is  mortal! 

I  have,  then,  as  you  will  jee,  made 
mention  of  our  Lord,  to  show  that  in- 
dividuals teaching  truth,  whether  per- 
fect or  imperfect,  have  been  looked  up- 
on as  the  v/orst  of  men.  And  that  even 
our  Savior,  the  great  Shepherd  of  Is- 
rael, was  rnocked  and  derided,  and 
placed  on  a  parallel  with  the  prince  of 
devils;  and  the  prophets  and  apostles, 
though  at  this  day,  looked  upon  as 
perfect  as  perfection,  were  considered 
the  basest  of  the  human  family  by  thosa 
among  whom  they  lived.  It  is  not  rw- 
morj  though  it  is  wafted  by  eveiy  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  sac- 
rafice 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 
remarks  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  liatter  Day  iSaints' 

MESSENGER    AND   ADVOCATE 

IS    EDITED    BY 

OLIVER    COWDERY, 

And  published  every  monLh  at    Kirt- 

land,   Geauga  Co.   Ohio,  by 

F.  G.   WILLIAMS  4'  CO. 

At  $1,  PER  AN.  IN  ADVANCE.  EvERY  PER- 
SON PROCURING  TEN  NEW  SUBSCRIBERS,  AND 
FORWARDING  $  10,  CURRENT  MONEY,  SHALL 
BE  ENTITLED  TO  A  PAPER  ONE  YEAR,  GRA- 
TIS.      All     LETTERS     TO     THE     EdITOR,     OR 

Publishers,  must  be  tCT  post  paid.  j^B 

No  SUBSCRIPTION  WILL  BE  RECEIVED  FOR  A 
LESS  TERM  THAN  ONE  YEAR,  NOR  NO  PAPER 
DlSCOrTIPUED  TILL  ALL  ARREARAGES  ARE 
PAID,  EXCEPT  AT  TH-R  OPTIOy  OF  THE  PfB- 
LISHERS. 


Vol.   I. 


TTEM    DAY    ^Ali^ 

No.  3.]  — —  ~ 


KIRTLAND,  OHIO.  DECKMBKR,    1834.         [Whole  No. 


CbMSKUSfflOAtlONS. 


Lilcrtij;  Mo.  Nor.  (>,  18:54. 
LETTER  NO.    II. 
Dear  Brother: 

I  am  one,  but  the  wojld  has 
many,  and  tlie  many  so  various  anci  extensive 
that  «Vc;ry  mind  and  body  may  have  its  por- 
tion, and  satisfaction,  even  of  truth:  where- 
f'jre  1  continue  the  sketches  of  tlie  western 
wilds.  And  let  me  hcgiji  with  that  section 
vl  land  wJiich  lies  between  tlie  Mis.soiiri  riv- 
er, and  the  nortii- western  counties  of  this 
ytate.  This  fine  tract  of  territory  embraces 
land  enoutrh  foi-  two  or  three  counties,  and 
^uiitrary  lo  the  observation  which  I  wrote 
you  last  August  about  it,  there  will  be  a  fur- 
tlier  etfort  ibr  annexation  to  this  State,  as 
soon  as  matters  can  move. 

Tile  appearance  of  this   tract,  as   far  as  I 
know,   is  much  the  same,  of  the  other  con- 
tigiious  counlr}',  asdescrib-sd  in  my  last:  Ex- 
tensive pruiries,  fringed  v.  ith  timber  upon  the 
streams.     The  streams  have  generally  a  small 
issortment  of  fish,  sucli  as  large   eat,    carp, 
buffalo-sbad,  hickory-shad,   gars,    and  a  few 
other  small   pan  fisU.     About    three  or   four 
Hiiles    west  of  the   boundai-y  line,    tliere  is  a 
beautiful  creek  of  living  water,  pebble  bottom, 
running   northwardly  and    empties  into  tlie 
Little  Vlatt.     It   is  called    "Tod's    Creek," 
rind    is  .sutfici*«t    for    light   inills.      Passing 
sjuin-j  dry  branches,  in  dry  times,  the   Jjittl. 
Flatt  comes  next,   and  a  fine  looking  river  it 
is.  too,  about  eight  or    ten  rods  wide,  with  a 
grand  fall  fur  nulls,  of  eay  six  or  seven  feet, 
at   the  ford  and  ferry.     Like   other  western 
waters,    however,    it   sometimes   rises    very 
}<igh,    (tifiy  or  sixty  feet.)    on  tsliort   notice; 
and  to  use  it  for  mill  privileges  and  pui-poses, 
would  require  a  stamina  and  capital  equal  to 
what   brought  the  grand  canal,  by  an  aque- 
duct across  the  Gentsee  at  Rochester,  New- 
York. 

On  the  great  garrison  roaJ,  near  five  miles 
westerly  of  the  i'latt,  is  a  precious  rivulef, 
»>aib;d  "Ciear  Creek,"'  along  which  the  Indi- 
ans camp,  in  hunting  seasons,  b}-  scores. — 
This  riiute  to  .the  garrison,  from  the  Flatt 
west,  is  timber  land,  and  has  a  fine  apjiear- 
ancj;  in  tact,  from  what  I  can  l"arn,  some  of 
thi.s  secti'jn  looks  as  rich  and  fertile  as  Jack- 
son. At  the  distance  of  sixty  or  eightv  rods 
from  Clear  Creek,  a.-  you  come  dov.  n  upon 
the  Missouri  bottom,  is  a  Jordan-like,  def^.n 
siuj^oidl)  stream,  bridge;!,  named  -'Bee Creek," 
from  tl)e   great  quantities  of  bees  that  have 


raent,  more  properly,  an  account  of  which 
will  be  given  hereafter.  This  jiennission 
with  the  Ijtcilities,  without  money  or  jricc, 
gives  him  a  chance  to  amass  a  fortune  vvilJi 
little  trouble,  little  competition,  and  inalittla 
time. 

But  to  my  subject.  The  last  Congress,  if 
I  am  not  mistaken,  extended  the  limits,  juris- 
diction and  laws,  oi'  the  territory  of  Michi- 
gan, to  all  ''tlie  disti-ict  of  country  north  of 
the  State  of  Missouri,  and  west  of  the  Mis- 
sissippi," so  that  the  "far  west,"  or  v-estcrn 
irorLd  of  territory,  laid  dov^n  on  some  of  the 
maps,  as  the  Missouri  Territory,  is  now 
bounded,  south  by  the  Arkansas  Territory, 
and  Mexican  Stat^-s;  west  by  the  Rockv 
Mountains;  north  by  the  Jiritish  line,  as  i't 
shall  be  established  according  to  the  treat V 
of  Ghent,  cornering  on  the  north-east,  at  th"j 
Lake    of  the  'Woods;    and    east  by    .Mieh;  ■ 


gan  Territory,  and  the  State  of  Mi.-.souri: 
comprising  more  land  than  did  the  old  ''Thir- 
teen l/nited  Stales,"  and  n;ar  empliiitically 
be  called  tlic  limit  of  North  America.  It  is 
about  nine  hundred  miles  long  and  eight 
hundred  miles  broad,  containing,  at  estimate, 
four  hundred  and  sixty  millions,  and  eight 
hundred  thousand  acre*,  spread  over  thirteen 
degrees  of  north  latilnde,  and  embracing  all 
the  beauty  and  variety  of  season  and  climatef 
that  may  be  found  from  tiie  south  line  of  Vir- 
ginia, to  the  gulf  of  St.  Lawrence!  It  is  a 
great  place,  and  every  thing  about  it  is  Gur.AT; 
The  Missouri,  than  v.-jiicli  a  larger  or  mor'i 
dreadful  river,  (with  its  muddy  face  always 
scowling,)  is  not  on  earth,  rushes  rapidly 
from  near  the  41Hh  to  abont  the  39th  degree 
of  north  latitude,  hurrying,  itlnng  with  it,  its 
numerous  relatives,  and  tributaries,  from  th« 
vast  prairies,  that  lay  spread  out  like  an  em- 
pire, and  passes  into  the  State  of  Missouri, 
as  the  President  of  rivers. 

Notwithstanding,  this  great  countrv  may 
be  ranked  as  a  part  of  the' realm  of  the  Uni- 
ted States,  yet,  the  title  to  the  land,  is  held 
by  the  Indians  that  hunt  upon  i.t;  or,  at  leiisti 
the  most  of  it,  is  theirs:  and  as  the  general 
government,  has  already  commenced  gather- 
ing and  settling  the  various  tribes  upon  ihi 
south-eastern  limits  of  this  gnind  region,  I 
shall  be  justi!iecl,on  that  point,  and  because 
we  have 'the;,  word  ofilie  Lord,  (hat  th"so  In- 
dianp  are  a  remnant  of  the  seed  of  Josfph,  [' 
eertaifiiy  snail  write  truth,  on  anotlier  point 
wheii  I  call  if  tiif.  j,.v.vn  of  isRAr.i..  Tiin<1 
will  tell  v.-hether.iheX'nited  States  -.vill  be  so 
Ijumaiie  as  to  gatlier  all  the  waiideriii^  tribes 
of  the   forest,  and   extingui.di   tlieir   title    to 


been  Ibanu  in  its  woods.     The  !\Iissouri  bot-    such  lands  as  they  do  not  want.      If  tlio 


torn  fiom  this  cr-ek  to  the  garrison,  about 
three  mi'.es,  is  covered  with  an  unparalleled 
plj;j!an.T  of  rushcft,  lour  cf  five  feet  high,  pre- 
senting on-3  of  the  sdffcsl  pasture.^  I  ever  be- 
h'.dd.  The  cattle  live  and  fatt^^n  upon  these 
rashes,  year  in  and  year  out,  without  any 
other  foddir-r.  (Jn-;  Mr.  M:irtin;  who  has  a 
permit  from  thn  garricon,  has  the  benefit  of 


ernment  should  suceaed  in  its  p.hilanthropie 
operation  to  ameliorate  the  condition  of  thr^ 
Indians,  and  hongrahly  purchase  much  of 
thi'ir  land;  if  tlie  Lord  should  perniit  timber 
to  grow  upon  the  prairies,  like  corn  stalk, 
upon  tlie  cultivated  fields,  so  that  towns  and 
citi'':;  might  speckle  the  w^sf  as  they  now-do 
the  ea:.t,  still,  when  "Jacob  takes  rooV  ac- 


all  this  spontaneoua  fsed,  together  with  a  cording  to,  the  prediction  of  Ipaiah,  "and 
tdnn  and  ferry  at  tlie  Piatt,  a  farm  and  ferry  blossoms  and  budi»  and  filla  the  fq,ce  ,of  the 
at  the  Misr.ouri,  opposite  the  garrison,  and  v.-orld  wuh  fruit."  thin  country  will  then  bft 
a  hording  house    in  the  g/irrison.    or  r^nyi'U-^  The  Lfini  of  Israel 


34 


MESSJiTNGiiR  AND  Ain'OCATE. 


I  should  do  injustice  to  the  afitbjecl,  were  I 
to  omit  a  notice  ot  tlie  Indiarfs  that  inhabit 
the  territory,  of  which  I  am  Writing.  When 
1  was  at  the  garrison,  I  saw  a  noble  looking, 
portly  Indian,  dressed  and  harnessed  in  fine 
etyle  for  hunting,  and  for  the  life  of  rue,  I 
could  not  help  composing  the  following  lines 
for 

THS  RSD  PflAN. 

O  stop  and  tell  lue,  Red  Man, 

Who  are  ye?  why  you  roam? 
^nd  how  you  get  your  living? 

liave  you  no  God; — no  home? 

tVith  stature  straight  and  partly, 

*nd  decked  in  native  pride, 
With  feathers,  paints,  and  broaches. 

He  willingly  replied:— 

"  I  once  was  pleasant  Ephraim, 

"When  Jacob  for  nio  pray'dj 
"  But  oh!  how  blessings  vanish, 

"  When  man  from  God  has  elray'it 

"Before  your  nation  knew  us, 

"  Some  thousand  moons  ago, 
"  Our  fathers  fell  in  darkiiesu-, 

"  And  wander'd  to  and  fro. 

"  And  long  they've  liv'd  by  huntinj, 

"  Instead  of  work  and  arts, 
"And  so  our  race  has  dwindled 

"  To  idle  Indian  heart". 

"  Yet  hope  within  us  lingers, 

"  As  if  the  Spirit  spoke:— 
■  He'll  come  for  your  redemption, 

'  And  break  your  Geutilo  yoke-. 

*  And  all  your  captive  brothers, 
'From  every  clime  shall  come, 

'And  quit  their  savage  customs, 
'  To  live  with  God  at  home. 

"  Then  joy  will  fill  our  bosoms, 
"  -liid  blessings  crown  our  days,' 

"  To  live  in  pure  religion, 
"  And  sing  ovu  Maker's  praise." 

Now,  to  my  story  again.  Besides  the  Del- 
awarea,  Shawnees,  Kickapoos,  Wjandots, 
Pottowattomies,  Senecae,  Osages,  Choctaws, 
Cherokees,  Kaskaskias,  Kansas,  &c.  &-c. 
which  our  nation  and  the  missionaries  are  do- 
mesticating as  they  are  gathered,  opoTi  the 
eouthern  limits  of  the  land  of  Israel,  the 
Pawnees,  the  Sioux,  the  Rickarees,  the  Man- 
dans,  the  Nespersees,  the  Blackfeet,  the 
Sacs,  the  Foxes,  and  many  other  tribes,  rcfve 
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  I  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 
<}ing-dong  "for  parties  of  pleasure,  as  a  holi- 
day," among  these  rude  sons  of  the  west. — 
And  it  is  a  difficult  matter  to  make  one  soul 
of  them  believe  the  Great  Spirit  ever  said, 
"Rcmcmhcr  the  Sabbath  day  to  keep  it  holy," 
while  they  know,  that  the  majority  of  the 
white  nation,  use  it  for  a  holiday.  No  poli- 
ticians boast  of  freedom  and  equal  rights, 


while  ihou-sands  are  imprisoned  for  debt,  ot 
are  in  bondage:  No;  when  the  tribes  are  at 
peace,  the  Indian  is  free ;  his  land  is  free ;  hi* 
game  is  free;  his  time  is  free,  and  all  is  free- 
But  the  glbry  of  the  whole  matter  is  yet 
to  be  told;  andthatis,  that  the  hour  is  near, 
when  the  Lord  will  gather  his  elect,  even  Is- 
rael; that  the  righteous  may  come  flocking  to" 
the  standard  of  God  like  doves  to  the  win- 
dows. This  is  the  glory  of  the  children  'of 
the  promise.  Tliis  is  the  expectation  of  the 
faithful.  This  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  sueh  a  grand  prospect.  Or  in  other 
words.  Is  there  an  heir  of  the"celestial  king- 
dom, that  would  take  this  world  as  a  mite  to-- 
wards  the  glory  and  blessings,  after  much 
tribulation,  that  he  can  receive  in  the  one  tc 
come?  No! 

The  generations  generally,  except  thft- 
saints,  as  they  have  passed  by,  from  the  be- 
ginning, have  had  their  measure,  of  glorvv 
tame  and  power,  because  they  have  eagerly 
sought  for  i! — but  where  are  the  mightiest  of 
them?  Numbered  with  the  dead!  The  Ne- 
phites  who  once  had  the  Lord  personally 
among  them,  where  are  they?  Numbered 
with  the  dead!  And  the  present  generation, 
with  the  knowledge  of  six  thousand  years  in 
advance,  after  a  little,  where  will  all  itschief- 
cst  be?  Numbered  v.'ith  the  dead!  O  grave F 
grave!  how  many  mysteries  thou  hidest!— 
but  the  hour  of  revelation  is  nigh,  and  who 
I  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,  when  the  Lord  can  be  seen,  and  who' 
shall  see  him?  Yea,  who  can  enjoy  all  these 
sublime  privileges?      The  pure  in  heart. 

No  wonder  tne  Saints  endured  martyrdom! 
No  wonder  the  Son  of  God  suffered  upon  the 
cross,  it  was  for  tfie" 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  goM;  away  with  fame  and  fas- 
sions — all  are  vanity:  aeek  first  the  kingdom 
of  heaven  and  ifs  riifMeottsness,  and  when  the 
Lord  comes,  the  riches  of  eternity  will  be 
given  to  the  saints;  and  the  curse  will  be  ta- 
ken off  of  the  earth,  and  the  land  will  yield 
its  isicrease,  and  the  whole  world  will  becomre 
the  garden  of  God  and  his  people.  The  land 
of  the  north,  the  land  of  the  east,  the  laJld  of 
the  south,  and  the  land  of  the  '^West,"  will 
be  the  land  of  Israel,  the  home  of  the  blessed, 
and  the  seat  of  the  beloved  city:  and  though 
oceans  shall  roll  back,  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  Oi-rvEii  CowDERY,  Esq. 


The  library  of  the  late  Eearl  Spencer  alone,  e.xclu-' 
stve  of  his  pictures,  is  estimated  at  300,000  lbs.  Thi» 
ma>'  sfivc  a  notion  of  the  state  of  literature  in  Eng- 
land in  private  life. 

Admiral  Napier  has  retired  from  the  Portuguese 
sernce  and  returned  to  Knglard,  having  received  am 
his  reward  10,000  Ib2,--%V.  Y.  ^Isrcary. 


MESfc^ENurJl  AND  At)VO€ATK. 


*<. 


Freedom,  yov:  28  1831. 
Deau  HROTKEii  Oliver,— 

I  hare  been  bles- 
sed at  all  limes  when  my  judgment  dictated 
that  I  ought  to  write   to  you,  with  a  willing 
mind    to  do   it,  but  I    have  not  aiways  been 
equally  happy  in  coniniunieating  that  which 
will  either  please  or  instruct,  etill  I  venture 
to  write  believing  1  may  be  instrumental   in 
Ftirring  un  vour  mind  by  way  of  remembrance. 
It  is  no  niaUer  of  despondency  to  me  that  I 
am   not  able    to  instruct  you  itt    the    great 
Ihinffs   of  the    kingdom,  but,    rather,  of  re- 
joicing, that  I  have  A  brother  who  can  istruct 
nie,  nevertheless  all  vdu  hare,  and  all  I  have, 
is  of  God,  and  neither  of  us  have  any  thing 
whereof  to  boaet.    Christ,  the  lovely,  compas- 
sionate Savior  is  the  happy  medium,  through 
whom    all   blesshigs  are  received.     To    him 
we  owe    gratitudeaud  praise  continually. — 
And  I    believe  I  hazard  nothing  that  is  con- 
trary to  truth,  when  I  say  that  4  proper  con- 
teniolation  of  this  idea  will  serve  to  keep  the 
vaiuls  of  Qod  humble.     Christ  being  the  me- 
dium through    whom  all  blessings   flow,  can 
»he  consideration  of  this  subject  do  any  thmg 
«>l8e  than  debase  the  creature  in  his  own  eyes 
s.nd  exalt  the  character  of  God?     ^Vhile  we 
^?ere  yet  smners,  (says  the  apostle, ) -'Christ 
died  for  the  ungodly."     Ha  has  broken  dowrt 
the  middle  \Vall  of  partition  between  Jew  and 
Gentile,    and  reconciled  liotli   in  one  body  by 
his  crosd,  and  of  twain  mdking  one  new  man 
aud  80    makinsr  pyace.     f?o   it  evidently  ap- 
pears according;  to  tlu;  scripturcjs,   that  there 
is  iiJ  other  name  given  under  lieaven  among 
men   whereby  we  can  be    saved.     Hence  we 
mav  stilely  infer  that  tliai  system  of  salvation 
•which  discards  the  idea  of  the  all  atoning  sac- 
rifice of  Christ  must  be  erroneous.     The  ve- 
fcy  itieaofaton'-rucnt  or  reconciliation,  where 
there  is  so  much  guilt  as  there  is  attached  to 
thefainilv  of  man,  involves  the  idea  of  expi- 
ation in'vronria  persojw  or  vicaritniely:     For 
savs  the  apostle,  without   shedding  of  blood 
is  no  remission.     There  is  one  God  and  one 
Mediator   between    God  and    man,  the    man 
Christ  .lesus.  who  gave  himself  a  ransom  for 
itil  to  be.  testil^ed  in  due  time.      V\'e  who  were 
^nce  far  off  by  reason  of  sin  and    rebellion, 
are    made  nigh  by  \lv'  blood  of  Christ.     So 
that  in  every  point  of  light  in  which  we  can 
view  the  plan  of  dntl  in  the  salvation  of  the 
i-inner,  we  are  led  to  admire,  to  wonder  at.  and 
fl.dore,  its  benevolent  Author.      Another  idea 
corroborative   of  what  I    have    advajiced,    is_ 
that  salvation  implies  t!iat  we  were  lost.      It 
we  W(.TO  not  lu.st.  we  need.'d  no  Savior,   and 
if  he  did    not   ofi'er    himself  without   spot  to 
<4od    for  us,    to     make    atonement  for     our 
pins,   and  bring  in  everlasting  righteousness, 
then  he  must  havi-  ^'.^ltFercd  and  died  m  vain, 
for  he  had  no  sins  of  his   own  for   which   to 
ituff'er,  and  tiie  idea  of  his  snlfering  as  a  mere 
example   of  patience,    meekness  or  forbear- 
ance,    appears     «ns<;riptural     and    unsound. 
Such  i.s  not,  that  system    of  religion   tliat  is 
calculated    to  produce   humility,    and  humil- 
ity is  that  grace  without  which  we  have  no 
scriptural  claim  to  the  appellation  of  saints  ol 
the  Most  High   God;   or  to  the   promises  ad- 
dressed to  the  humble   followers  of  the  meek 
;md    lowly    Savior.     Says    the    prophet,    he 
was  wounded  for  our  transgressions:   he  was 
bruised  for  our  iniquities.     The  .-liastisement 
of  our   pence  v,i^j  upon  him,  and  with   hia 


etripes  we  tire  healed.  The  great  apostle  of 
the  Gentiles  when  he  was  about  to  tttke  hi» 
leave  of  his  brethren  at  Miletus  sent  to  Eph- 
esus  and  called  the  elders  of  the  church  an^ 
iaid  unto  them,  take  heed  unto  yourselves, 
and  to  all  the  tlock  over  which  the  Holy 
Ghost  has  made  you  overseers,  to  feed  tha 
church  of  God  which  he  hath  purchased  with 
his  own  blood^— With  these  scriptures  befofft 
me  I  know  hot  how  I  can  persuade  myself  to 
believe  the  sufferings  of  the  Savior  are  not 
vicarious.  On  the  principle  that  they  are 
not  vicarious  1  ask  what  scriptural  argument 
ctth  be  urged  Why  he  should  suffer  at  all. — 
It  may  be  said  by  some  that  he  suffered  as  n 
pattern  ot'patience  and  long  suffering,  there- 
by teacliing  the  children  of  men  a  lesson  of 
forbearance  which  they  ought  to  follow,  and 
by  which  they  ou^ht  at  all  limes  to  be  exer- 
cicedi  Very' well,  still  this  question  recurs 
with  equal  force  to  my  inind,  how  does  llmt 
save  «5?  and  what  becomes  of  the  very  idea 
of  a  Savior?  Such  expressions  as  I  have 
quoted,  and  the  following,  he  bear  our  sins 
in  his  own  body  on  the  tree,  must  if  his  euf- 
terin<rs  arc  not  Vicarious,  be  senseless  jargon. 
^.  A.  COWDERY. 

FAITH  OF  THE  CHURCH.     NO.  IX, 
Cojiiimied from  page  19. 

S6  plain  and  easy  of  understauding  tii^ 
these  teachings  of  the  yavior,  that  none  need 
mistake  thpni:  if  there  is  darkness  in  our 
minds,  it  is  owing  to  our  prejudices,  and  not 
to  anv  obscurity  in  the  teachings  of  the  Sav 
ior.  "Neither  would  wc  expect  to  find  a  Eub- 
ject  of  such  vital  importance,  let\  in  any  de- 
gree doubtful;  indeed  all  the  darkness  thera 
Te  on  the  subject  of  the  work  of  the  Holy  Spir- 
it, in  the  salvation  of  men,  is  owing  to  car- 
nal and  senanal  men,  wh<r>  have  not  the  ispif- 
il:  taking  on  themselves  the  office  of  teach- 
in"  the  tilings  of  God:  and  being^  destituta 
of^the  Spirit,^  they  are  incapable  of  teaching 
the  truth,  toothers:  and  instead  of  enlight- 
enins:  the  minds  of  men,  they  -'darken  council 
with^  words  without  knowledge,"  and  lead 
the  unwarv  asi'ray,  and  blind  the  eyes  of  the 
people,  so 'that  lliey  arc  incapable  oi  dlfclicrn' 
ing  truth  from  error. 

We  have  seen  in  the  foregoing  quota- 
tions, in  the  clearest  possible  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  he  quttlified 
thorn,  so  liint  they  might  teach  truth,  and 
not  error.  But  to"  remove  all  doubt  on  this 
subject  from  every  mind,  so  as  not  to  havd 
even  ground  for  a  caviler,  ^vo.  will  take  a 
view  of  the  whole  cour.se  of  the  divine  pro- 
ceedings with  his  mcHseiigers,  whom  lie  sent 
into  the  world  to  teach  it  righteousness.— 
We  IV ill  go  bnrk  and  examine  the  maimer  of 
iii.'i  dealing  with  fhem,  in  order  to  qualify 
them  ibr  the  work  whereunto  he.  had  called 
them. 

We  all  know  that  the  first  thing  i6  be  done, 
was  to  call  them,  a.«  he  diri.  iSec  IMatthev. 
tth  chfinter.  from  thclt  to  Uie  23.  Also. 
Mark,  i.  chapter,  from  the  \h,  to  the  21.— 
\ft"r  hft  called  them,  h''  next  ordained  them. 
5iec  Miirlv   3  chaplcJr,  from  the  l*:  to  the  O? 


36 


MEStfKKCER  AND  ADVOCATK. 


verse.  1  Titnoth^',  '3  chapter  7  verse,  Paul 
says  of  himself  thai  he  was  ordained  a  prcAcli- 
er  and  an  apostle.  In  the  14-verHe  of  the  3 
chapter  of  Mark,  we  are  told,  that  he  ordain- 
ed twelve  to  be  with  him,  and  that  he  mig-ht 
fesnd  them  forth  to  preach  to  all  nations.— 
As  it  is  particularly  said,  that  these  twelve 
whom  he  sent  forth  were  in  the  first  place  to 
be  with  him,  we  will  have  a  fair  opportunity 
6f  seeing  the  manner  and  way  by  which  he 
Qualified  them  to  go  forth,  and  preach  to  all 
nations,  whither  he  would,  in  due  time, 
send  them,  and  v/hither  he  tlid  send  them 
after  his  resurrection  from  the  dead.  We 
have  just  seen  that  he  first  called  them,  then' 
ordained  them;  and  from  that  time,  till 
the  time  of  his  crucifixion,  he  kept  them 
with  him,  teaching  them,  and  instructing 
them,  into  the  kn-owledge  of  the  kingdom  of 
heaven.  When  he  tau'rht  by  ]>arablers,  he 
explained  all  things  to  them  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- 
structing them,  into  the  knowledge  of  the 
things  pertaining  to  the  kingdom  of  God, 
and  expounding  all  things  to  them  which 
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  24  chapter. 
fi-om  the  43,  to  the  48  verse,  "And  he  said 
unto  them,  these  are  the  words  which  I  spake 
unto  you,  while  I  was  yet  with  you,  that  all 
things  must  be  fulfilled,  which  were  written' 
in  the  law  of  Moses,  and  in  the  prophets-,  and 
ill  the  Psalms,  concerning  me/  Then  open- 
id  he  their  understanding,  thaf  they  might 
■  understand  the  scriptures.  And  said  \ihto 
them.  Thus  it  is  written,  and  thus  it  behov- 
ed Christ  to  suffer,  and  to  rise  froni  tlr6  dead 
the  third  da}':  And  that  lepcntaiice  arid  re- 
mission of  sins  should  be  preached  in  his 
name  among  all  nations,  beginning  at  Jeru- 
salem." 

What  a  vast  oflab'Or,  and  pains',  he  mu'it 
have  befe'towed  upon  them,  during  his  stay 
'\t\  the  flesh;  a!nd  then  again  after  his  resurrec- 
tion from  the  dead,  opening  (heir  understrfnd- 
jng  that  they  mig'it  unders'land  the  SL-rip- 
tures;  and  then  making  known  unto  them 
the  things  pertaining  to  himself,  and  to  his 
kingdom,  by  similitudes,  parables,  figures, 
allegories  and  comparisons!  teaching,  and  in- 
structing them,  into  ail  knowledge  and  un- 
derstanding; of  those  things  which  pertain 
to  eternal  life,  until  the  close  of  his  minis- 
try, in  this  life:  he  theri  in  his  prayer  to  his 
Father,  as  recorded  in  the  17  chapter  of 
John's  gospel,  or  testimony,  informs  his  Fa- 
ther whdf.  he  had  done  for  tliem.  He  says 
thus:  "t  have  manifested  thy  name  unto 
the  men  which  thou  gavest  me  out  of  the 
world:  thine  they  were,  and  thou  gavect 
them  me;  and  they  have  kept  thy  word. — 
Now  they  have  known  that  all  things  what- 
soever thou  hast  given  me  are  of  thee:  For 
I  have  given  unto  them  the  words  which 
thou .  gavest  me;  and  they  have  received 
them,  and  have  known  surely  that  I  came 
out  from  thee;  and  they  have  believed  tfi'at 
thon  didst  send  mi?.  See  6,  7atid8  \'erses. 
As  I  presume  that  there  are  no  persons,  who 


believe  in  the  divine  mission  of  Jesus  Christ, 
who    will  be    disposed    to  doubt  the   trutli  of 
what  he  said  on  t';is    occasion  to  his  Father, 
respecting  his  disciples,    it  is  only  necessary., 
for  those  who  believe  in  the  divine_authentj-  -r 
city  of  the  new  testament,  to  read  the  above 
quotation  once,  (for  it  is  exceedingly  plain,)  . 
in  order   to   see  the  great   advantages   thesa 
messengers  had,  previous  to  the  death  of  iha 
Savior:     First,  they  had   the   name  of  God 
manifested    to  them:     /  hare  manifested  thj 
nam^  to  the  men    tchich  thou  gavest   me  out  of 
the   loorld.     Secondly,  .  they   knew    that   all 
things  wliatsoever  the  Savior  had,  Avere  of 
God. 

Thirdly,  they  had  both  received   and  kept 
the  words  which   were  given  unto  them    of 
the  Father,    through  the    Savior.      Fourth,- 
they  kneti'  that  he  had  come  out  from  God, 
and  that   God  had  niodt  assuredly  sent  him 
into  the  world.     According  to  the  testimony 
of  the  Savior  on  all  the  foregoing  points,  they 
had  the  greatest  confidence,  an<l  the  strong- 
est assurance:  having  seen,  heard,  and  known, 
for  themselves,  until  they  knew  most  assur- 
edly.    There  were  the  best  of  reasons  for  th'j 
Savior's   saj'ing  as    he  did  to  his    Father  on 
that  occasion;    for  on  the  mount  of  trausfig-. 
uration,    he   had  let   them  behold  his    glory, 
and  they  heard    the  voice  of  God   out  of  tha 
heavens,  speaking  unto  them,  and  testifying 
tliat    Jesus   was  the    Son  ef  God.     So  that, 
the  apostles  did  know    beyond  the    power  of 
contfddietion,    that   he  had   come  out   froia- 
God:  an   this-  most  important  of  ail  points, 
their  nMiyds   mus-t  have  been  witiiout  doubt 
In  addition  to  this,  they  had,  previous  to  th^ 
time  when  tlie  vSiwior  addressed  his  Father, 
the  power  of  working  miracles,  healing  the- 
sick,  casting  out  devils,  and  raising  thi  dead. 
Matthew,  10  ciiapter   When  all  thes^i  thing? 
are  properly   consickred,    they  set    forth  the 
advantag^?3   of  the   apostles   of  the    Savior,; 
v/hich  were  in  Judear,    in  a  very  interesling^ 
point  of  light,  and    show  that  they  were  not ,' 
sent  forth  to  preach  to  the'  world,  until  they 
had    been   instructed    e.^terisively    intor  thfe' 
knowledge  of  the  doctrine  of  Jesus   Christ. 
Bat  now  reader,  mark:     Afler  all    this,  they 
had  to  receive  the  gill  of  the    Holy     Spirit, 
before  they  could  teach  the  nations  or  preach 
the  gospel  to  the  world.     Such  great  iinpoi- 
(ancr;  does  the    Savior  attach   to  the    gift  of 
the  Holy  Spirit,  tiiat  nothing  can  be  a  sub- 
.stitute  for  it;   neither  could  any  learning  or 
instruction,  which  the  apostles  had  received, 
or  could  receive  from  him,  supercede  the  ne- 
cessity of  it. 

Some  very  important  things  suggest  them- 
selves to  the  mind,  in  reflecting  on  the  whol? 
surface  bf  the  divine  proceedings,  in  relation' 
to  the  apostles. 

The  first  is:  that  so  vastly  important  is 
the  gift  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  in  the  salvation 
of  men,-  that  nothing  can  supply  its  place. — 
There  is  nothing  that  a  man  can  see  v/ith 
his  eyes,  or  hear  with  his  ears,  or  handle  with 
his  hands,  which  can  supply  the  place  of  the 
Holy  Spirit:  neitiier  can  any  instruction, 
received  from  prophets,  or  seers,  or  even  from 
the  Lord  Jesus  himself,  or  yet  the  voice  of 
God,  out  of  the  heavens:  for  all  this  the  dis- 
ciples had  before  they  received  the  gift  of  the 
Holy  Spirit — neither  believing,  receiving, 
nor  keeping,  the  word  of  God,  wUl  do;  for 
the  apostles   had  done  ^11  this,    before  they 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


St 


received  the  rift  of  the  Holy  Spirit.  They 
had  seen  the  Lord  in  the  flesh,  and  after  his 
resurrertion  from  the  dead;  and  had  beheld 
him  in  his  glor}',  on  the  mount  of  transfig- 
uration,- but  notwitlistanding  all  this,  they 
must  receive  the  gift  oi"  the  Holy  Spirit,  or 
else  they  could  not  build  up  the  kingdom  of 
LeaVen  among  men. 

Another  importp.nt  consideration  is,  tliat 
without  the  gift  of  th'j  Holy  Spirit  the  grea- 
ter part  of  the  teachings  of  the  Savior  would 
have  been  in  vain;  for  such  is  the  weakness 
of  the  human  mind,  that  unless  it  is  strength- 
etted  by  the  Holy  Spirit,  it  would  forget  the 
things  which  it  had  been  taught;  and  in  con- 
peq\ience  thereof  they  would  be  useless.  The 
Savior  told  the  disciples  that  the  Comforter, 
which  vvas  the  HolySpiritjthat  he  would  send 
into  the  world,  when  he  went  away,  should 
iead  them  i:;to  all  truth,  and  should  bring  all 
things  to  their  remembrance,  whatsoever  he 
had  said  unto  thoni;  things  whicii  they  had 
forgotten  should  be  restored  to  tliem  again, 
joy  the  power  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  without 
which  gift  they  would  be  lost  to  the  d;^:ciples 
forever.  Tlii's  leaves  the  subject  without 
^oiibt,  that  the  knowledge  which  is  necessa- 
ry to  salvation,  camsot  be  obtained  only 
through  th-.-  gift  of  the  Holy  Spirit;  lor  the 
mind  of  man  is  not  strong  enough  to  retain 

." '  it,  only  as  it  is  strengthened  by  the  power  of, 

**.-'the  Spirit  of  God. 

*^'-'-  A  third  reflection  is,  that  unless  the  Huly 
Spirit  dwells  with  a  man,  and  is  in  him,  he 
cannot  hciye  the  necessary  knowledge  of  the 
jhings  of  Jesus,  in  order  to  his  salvation.  Il 
ia  onl}-  necessary  here  to  remark,  that  the 
apostles  had  seen  Jesus  in  the  flesh,  and  had 
beheld  his  glory  when  he  was  transfigured 
before  them:'  tliey  wore  also  with  him  forty 
days  auer  he  rose  from  the  dead,  and  beheld 
him  ascend  up  into  glory,  and  the  angels 
came  and  administered  unto  them,  but  not- 
withstanding all  this,  thij  Savior  told  them 
that  when  tlie  Spirii  came,  he  should  guide 
them  into  .-ill  truth,  and  should  take  of  the 
things  of  his  and  show  them  unto  them — [the 
<4isciples.]  This  is  as  much  as  to  say,  that 
the  Holy  Spirit,  when  it  came,  should  give 
them  an  understanding  of  all  things  which 
they  had  seen,  and  heard,  and  handled:  so 
thai  we  can  see,  that  seeing,  hearing  and 
handling,  would  have  been  of  uo  consequence 
to  them,  had  not  the  Spirit  of  promise  been 
sent  down  upon  ihem;  for  thf}-  would  not 
have  had  the  understanding  oftliem,  sutii- 
cient3j',  to  have  done  them  any  eternal 
good.  For  observe,  the  Spirit  was  to  lead 
•them  into  alt.  truth:  and  if  so,  they  could 
pot  have  under.stood  any  truth  without  it,  or 
fel«o  it  could  not  lead  them  into  ali,  truth,  if 
they  were  in  it  before  they  received  the 
Spirit- 

A  fourth  reflection  is,  that  if  it  were  neccs- 
«ary  for  the  apostles,  after  all  the  advantages 
tliey  had;  andafl;er  all  they  had  seen,  heard 
and  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 
pift  to  tha  same  extent  that  the  apostle^  did. 
Per  no  less  degree  of  the  Spirit  than  v/hat 
they  received  could  have  enabled  them  to 
have  established  tlie  kingdom  of  Qod  in  the 
worl3.       . 


From  the  whole  surface  of  this  matter  one; 
tiling  is  exceedingly  plain,  and  that  is,  that 
the  Spirit  of  God  fllle  a  large  place  in  the 
plan  of  salvation,  and  that  no  people  can  be 
saved  without  the  enjoyment  of  it;  that  its 
place  cannot  be  supplied  by  any  thing  elsef 
that  it  is  essential  to  an.understandiiig  of  the 
things  of  God,  that  no  man  can  be  safe  to 
present  himself  before  the  world,  in  the  at- 
titude of  a  servant  of  Jesus  Christ,  unless  he 
has  first  received  the  gift  of  the  Holj'  Spirit: 
it  matters  not  ho^v  great  his  learning  or  his 
literary  attainments,  neither  what  he  had 
seen,  or  heard  or  handled,  or  read,  or  believ- 
ed, or  received,  or  kept;  foialJthe.se,  with- 
out the  gift  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  wou.Id  be  in- 
sufficient: for  without  it  he  could  not  "un- 
derstand the  things  of  Jesus,  though  the  hear 
vans  might  have  been  opened  to  his  view, 
and  the  angels  have  ministered  unto  him,- 
and  though  he  had  heard  the  voire  of  God 
out  of  tlie'heavens. still  v.dthout  the  gift  ot" 
the  Holy  Spirit  ho  could  not  be  the  servant  of 
Jesus  Christ,  nor  build  up  his  kingdom  in  the 
world;  So  important  is  the  gift  of  the 
Holy  S]iiril  in  the  salvation  of  men. 


THE  GOSPEL.     No.  Ill, 
biic    ,'J0ofytirMedfrom  page  21. 

Mark  gives-the  following  account  of 
the  commission  given  to  the  apostles, 
16:15,10,17,18.  "And  he-,scud  unto 
them,  (jo  ye  into  all  the  world,  and 
pronch  the  gospel  to  every  creature. — 
He  that  believeth  and  is  baptizqd,  sh/ili 
be  s^.vcd:  but  he  that  believeth  not,  rIiaU 
be  damned.  And  these  signs  shall  fol- 
low them  that  believe:  In  my  name 
shall. they  cast  out  devils;  ihcy  shall 
speak  wifh  new  tongues;  they  shall 
take  up  serpents;  and  if  they  drink 
any  deadly  thing,  it  shall  not  hurt 
them;  they  ihall  lay  hands  on  the  sick, 
and  th(iy  shall  recover. 

Luke  records  tlius,  24:45,46,47. 
"Then  opened  he  their  understanding, 
that  they  migltt  understand  the  scrips- 
tures,  and  said  unto  them.  Thus  it  is 
written,  arid  thus  it  behoved  Christ  to 
suffer,  and  to  rise  from  the  dead  the 
third  day:  and  that  repentance  and  re- 
mission of  sins  should  be  preached  in 
Ins  name  among  all  nations,  beginning 
at  Jerusalem." 

In  the  second  chapter  of  the  acts  of 
the  apost;lea,  we  have  account  of  their 
first  acting  oi^  their  commission,  and 
of  their  making  proclamation  at  Jeru- 
salem: as,  according  to  the  Savior's 
connnand,  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,  ;>7th,  and  o8th  verses 


"38 


MES&ENGEIl  AiND  ADVOCATE. 


After  Peter,  who  was  the  speaker  on 
that  occasion,  had  convinced  nmny  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?  Then  Peter  said  unio  them 
Repent  and  be  baptized  every  one  of 
you  in  the  name  ol'  the  Lord  Jesus  for 
the  remission  of  sins,  and  ye  shall  re- 
ceive the  gift  of  the  Holy  Ghost:  for 
the  promise  is  unto  you  and  to  your 
children,  and  to  all  that  are  afar  ofl'; 
even  as  many  as  the  Lord  our  (.4od 
shall  call."  Let  us  put  this  accoimt 
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 
end  of  the  world.  Mark  tells  what  tlie 
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  they  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  be 
with  them  even  until  the  end  of  the 
world,  and  Mark  says  that  signs  should 
follow  them  that  believe.  Tliis  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  people  were  to  be  baptized; 
hut  neither  of  them  tell-  us  what  they 
were  to  be  baptized  for;  only  Mark 
savs  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  Avith  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  sljall    receive  the   gift  of  the  Holy 


Spirit.  Matthew  says  that  the  Savioi 
promised  to  be  with  his  disciples  al- 
ways, even  unto  tiie  end  of  the  world. 
Mark  says  that  signs  were  to  follow 
them  that  believe.  These  two  accounts, 
when  put  together,  amount  to  this:  the 
Lord  promised  to  be  with  them,  in  con- 
firming the  word  to  the  believers  by 
sigiis.  Let  us  now  put  the  whole  ac- 
count together,  and  see  precisely  what 
if  was,  that  these  men  proclaimed  to. 
ihe  world. 

First,  they  were  to  go  into  all  the 
world  and  teach  the  gospel  to  every 
creature,  in  the  world. 

Second,  those  who  l><^lieved  their 
proclamation,  and  repented  of  their 
sins,  thcv  were  to  baptize  in  the 
name  of  the  Father  and  of  the  Son, 
and  of  the  Spirit,  for  the  remissioa  of 
their  sins,  with  this  promise,  that  they 
should  receive  the  gift  of  the  Holy 
Spii'it,  and  y>rophesy,  sec  visions,  and 
dream  dreams,  and  that  in  addition  to 
thopc,  signs  should  follow  them — in 
the  n.'unn  of  Jesus  thr-y  .should  cast  out 
devils,  they  should  speak  with  new 
tongues,  the_v  should  take  up  serpents, 
and  if  they  were  to  drink  any  deadly 
thing,  it  should  not  hurt  them:  they 
should  lay  hands  upon  the  sick  and 
they  should  recover:  and  to  finish  the 
whole  of  the  promises  made  to  them, 
the  Lord  was  to  be  with  them,  and  they 
should  be  saved.  Seven  things  com- 
prise the  whale  of  the  items  of  com- 
mand and  promi.se  which  they  were  to 
deliver  to  the  world:  First,  faith — Sec- 
ond, repentancc-T-Third,  bapti.srn-^ 
Fourth,  remission — Fifth,  the  gift  of 
the  Holy  Spirit — Si.\th,  power — Sev- 
enth, salvation  and  eternal  life. 

Let  the  reader  compare  Matthew  28. ■ 
19,20,  with  Mark,  16:15,1(3,17,18.—- 
Luke  24:45,46,47,48,  with  the  second 
chapt.  of  the  acts  of  the  apostles  and  ho 
will  be  enabled  to  see  and  understand 
the  apostolic  commission  without  either 
priest  or  commentator. 

Let  it  be  particularly  understood* 
that  when  the  apostles  spake  of  the  gos- 
pel, that  it  was  this  scheme  of  things, 
tojwhichthey  uUuded;  for  this  was  what 
they  proclaimed,  and  this  was  what  all 
the  ancient  saints  believed,  and  receiv- 
ed, and  by  which  they  were  distmguish- 
ed  from  all  other  people.  When  Paul 
says  that  if  w'e,  or  an  angel  from  heav- 
en preach  any  other  gospel  than  that 
which  we  have  preached,  let  hini  be 
accursed;    Or  if   (i7iy  man    preach  ftRV 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


other  gospel  than  that  which  you  have 
received  let  him  be  accursed,  it  is  to  the 
■ahove  mentioned  proclamntion,  he  al- 
iudes;ibr  this  is  what  he  jweached,  and 
this  is  what  the  Galatians  had  received 
— not  a  part  oi*  it,  but  the  whole  of  it — 
not  one,  or  two,  or  three,  or  four,  or 
five,  or  even  six  items,  and  the  other 
one  left;  but  all  seven,  or  else  they 
would  not  receive  the  gospr^l  Paul 
preached,  and  which  the  Gnlatians  re- 
ceived, but  auothar,  which  would  not 
be  another,  but  a  pervertion  of  the  gos- 
pel of  Christ 


MILLENIUM.  No.  X. 

Co7ilinited  from  page  19. 

The  apostasy  of  the  Gentiles  is  a 
subject,  thai  I  believe,  is  no  where  dis- 
puted in  ail  the  professing  world — It  is 
acknowledged  by  all,  that  the  present 
generation  of  religious  Gentiles  is  in 
a  state  of  conftision  and  distraction: 
iho  cry  of  heresy,  delusion,  fals« 
prophet,  and  false  christ,  which  is  cv- 
firy  where  sounded  in  our  land,  is  tes- 
timony to  the  point,  and  not  only  to  the 
peini,  but  is  conclusive  also,  that  this 
generation  liave  departed  from  the 
principles  of  the  true  faith,  and  are 
led  by  false  spirits,  aiid  teach  one  an- 
other doctrines  which  are  not  accor- 
ding to  godliness.  There  is  no  fact 
plainer  in  the  world,  than  the  fact  that 
ihe  church  of  Christ  has  disappeared: 
for  if  one  society  had  remained  as  or- 
ganized by  the  apostles,  there  would 
Jjave  been  a  living  pattern  to  have  form- 
ijed  others  by,  and  the  difficulties  which 
now  Qxist  in  the  religious  world,  could 
not  have  existed  at  all.  But  m  conse- 
quence of  every  society,  which  the 
apostles  formed,  being  broken  up,  the 
•world  is  left  without  a  pattern:  and  this 
is  one  of  the  great  reasons  of  their  pres- 
ent confusion  and  darkness;  of  their 
strife  and  partyism,  because  they  can- 
not agree  as  to  the  order  of  a  churcli, 
as  originally  established  by  the  apostlos: 
some  think  it  was  one  way,  and  some 
ithink  it  was  another;  and  one  attempt 
is  made  after  another  to  restore  the 
true  order  of  the  church,  to  the  world. 
But  instead  of  gelAing  it  done,  the  sects 
only  multiply,  party,  upon  party,  and 
opinion  upon  opinion;  leaving  the 
world,  in  relation  to  the  order  of  the 
church  of  Christ,  where  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  (hem  restore  to  one  another  whai 
they  will,  or  what  they  can,  the  gospei 
and  the  church,  they  hav^  not,  nay, 
they  cannot  restore!  ttnd  that  for  this 
reason,  because  they  are  in  a  state  of 
apostasy;  and  God  has  devoted  them 
to  destruction,  unless  they  will  learn 
the  things  which  he  has  caused  to  b© 
written  for  the  salvation  of  his  people, 
which  are  of  the  house  of  Israel.  See 
Jeremiali,  12:14,15,16,17.  In  vain 
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 
cojiiinur  in  his  goodness,  otherwise 
thou  shakbe  cutotIV"'  Romans,  11;22. 
So  sure  as  ever  this  sentance  was  pen- 
ned by  the  inspiration  of  God,  so  sure 
the  Gentiles  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  ihe  present  Gentile  w^orld,  with 
all  its  parties,  sects,  denominations, 
reformations,  revivals  of  religion,  so- 
cieties, and  associations,  are  devoted 
to  destruction;  for,  *^'' continue"  in  the 
goodness  of  God,  they  have  not;  and 
cut  oti"  they  must  be,  as  sure  as  everr 
Paul  was  inspired  of  the  Holy  Spirit  to 
write,  and  to  make  known  the  will  of 
God  to  man,  and  to  reveal  his  purpos- 
es to  the  generations  which  were  to 
succeed  han  on  the  earth;  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  prepare  for  the  cutting  off  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  buikl 
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  if;  they  warned  the 
world    about    it;    they  comforted    th® 


«M 


MESSEN'GER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


hearts  of  the  disciples  with  it;  the}'  re- 
joiced in  the  aizfricipatiou  of  it,  and  they 
gloiified  God  thai  lie  had  ever  purpos- 
ed, in  tlie  divine  mind,  to  bring  in  such 
a  day  of  l^'loiv  and  rejoicing,  as  the 
glorious  day  oi"  redemption,  when  llioy 
should  receive  their  bodies  tfloriiied 
like  the  glorious  body  of  the  Savior, 
and  obtahi  the  end  of  their  faith,  even 
the  salvation  of  tlioir  souls. 

'  The  Millenium  is  that  order  of  things 
wliieh  will  foll(r.v  the  Sicond  advent  of 
llie  Savior  into  the  world,  when  he 
shall  come  to  be  glorified  in  his  saints, 
and  admired  ol  all  them  that  believe. 
But  previous  to  the  time  of  the  Millen- 
ium, there  must  great  changes  take 
place  iu  the  world,  both  political  and  re- 
Jigious-^great  revolutions  will  take 
place  am.mg  men  to  prepare  the  way  of 
llie  Son  of  man;  and  such  revolutions, 
and  changes,  as  never  look  place  since 
the  world  began:  changes  which  will 
effect  the  whole  inhabitants  of  the  world, 
to  the  remotest  bounds  of  the  universe 
— no  corner  so  sequestered  as  not  to 
feel  their  ijifluence — no  cave  too  deep 
to  hear  the  sound  thereof,  and  to  feel 
ihe  influence  of  the  unparalloled  events 
which  will  precede  the  Millenium. — 
The  way  of  this  day  of  wonders  will 
be  prepared  by  a  genoi'al  commotion 
oi^all  nature:  even  eternity  itself  shall 
feel  it:  the  lightnings  shall  flash,  the 
thnnders  shall  roar,  and  earthquakes 
bellow,  until  the  lower  creation  trem- 
bles: angels  shall  fly  to  and  fro  through 
die  midst  of  heaven,  crying  to  the  in- 
habitants of  the  earth,  and  proclaim- 
ing the  judgments  of  God  against  them: 
Gentile  sectarianism  shall  fall  like  a 
tottering  faljric,  the  Ibundation  of 
which  has  given  way.  Sucli  will  be 
the  terrors  Svhich  will  precede  the  Mil- 
lenium that  all  faces  will  gather  black- 
iiess,  and  nation  will  lash  against  na- 
tion, kingdom  against  kingdom,  em- 
pire against  empire,  country  against 
tountry;  and  people  against  psople.— 
The  saints  of  God,  which  arc  scatter- 
ed abroad  upon  the  face  of  the  whole 
earth,  shall  bo  gathered  together,  both 
men  and  heavenly  messengers  will  be 
employed  in  gathering  them  until  not 
one  shall  be  left  of  all  the  saints  of  the 
Most  High,  but  they  shall  all  be  gath- 
ered together,  nhd  shall  be  taught  and 
instructed  until  they  are  prepared  for 
the  reception  of  tlieir  King,  and  then  he 
will  unvail  the  heavens,  and  all  nations, 
tongues,  kindreds,  and  In nguages," shall 


see  him,  and  at  his  presence  the  wick? 
ed,  which  remain,  shall  perish,  and  the 
righteous  only  be  left.  And  then  comci 
the  Millenium,  which  will  kvst  for  one 
thousand  vears. 


Bp.DTHrn  O.   (.'owdery: 

ilaviuf;'  Uarwd 
iroir:  Ci?  first  No.  ol'llie  AlLsseriger  and  Ad- 
vocatft,  tliat  you  wr-ve,  not  only  about  to 
'•givrt  a  liistory  of  llie  rise  and  progreiss  oj' 
the  church  of  the  Lalt~r  Day  Sainta;"  but, 
that  said  ''liistory  would  nec<c>arily  embrace 
my  life  and  character,"  I  liave  bee:;  induced 
to  givo  you  the  tiiue  and  place  of  my  blrtU; 
as  i  havi'  learned  that  inany  of  the  oppoaijrB 
of  thos'^  principles  v/hich  I  have  held  forth 
to  the  world,  profess  a  personal  acquaintancii 
with  me,  tliough  wlien  in  my  j>r;'sence,  rep- 
resent mo  to  be  another  person  in  aoe,  edu- 
cation, and  stature,  from  Vk'kat  I  am. 

I  was  born,  (according  to  the  record  of  the 
same,  kept  by  my  parents,)  in  the  town  oi' 
Sharon,  Windsor  Co.  Vt.  on  the  23rd  of 
December,  ISO.'S. 

At  the  age  often  my  father's  family  remo- 
ved to  Palmyra,  N.  Y.  where,  and  in  the  vi- 
cinity oi"  whicli,  I  lived,  or,  made  it  my  placiJ 
of  residence,  until  I  was  twenty  one — the  lat- 
ter part,  in  the  town  of  Manchester. 

During  this  time,  as  is  common  to  most, 
or  all  youths,  I  fell  into  many  vices  and  fol- 
lies; but  as  my  accusers  are,  and  have  bcea 
forward  to  accuse  me  ofbeinff  guiltj^  of  gross 
and  outragious  violations  ol  the  peace  and 
good  order  of  tlie  comnuinity,  I  take  the  oc- 
ca.sion  to  remark,  that,  though,  as  I  hav<j 
said  above,  ''as  is  common  to  most,  oi  ail 
vouths,  I  fell  into  ma-.iy  vices  and  follies;,"  I 
have  not,  neitlier  can  it  be  sustain  jd.  in  truth, 
been  guilty  of  wronging  or  injuring  any  man 
or  society  of  men;  and  thos':-  iinperiectibna 
to  which  I  alude,  and  for  wich  I  liave  often 
had  occasion  to  lamq-nt,  were  a  light,  and  too 
often,  vain  mind,  e.xliiblting  a  foolish  and  tri- 
fling conversation. 

This  being  all,  and  tlie  worst,  that  my  !if-i 
cuser'?  can  sub.otantiate  againkt  my  morai 
character,  I  wish  to  add,  that  it  is  not  with- 
out a  deep  fooling  of  regret  that  I  atn  thus 
called  upon  iu  ans>ver  to  my  own  conscience, 
to  fulfill  a  duty  I  owe  to  myselti  as  well  as 
to  the  cause  of  truth,  in  making  this  public 
confes.sion  of  my  former  uncircum.spect  walk, 
and  unchaste  conversation:  and  more  partie- 
urarjy,  as  I  of^.en  acted  in  violation  of  tho.vse 
holv  pr-^-'eeptp  which  I  knew  cami?  from  God. 
Bat  as  the  "Articles  and  Covenants"  of  thia 
church  are  plain  upon  this  particular  point, 
I  do  not  deem  it  iii^pcrtant  to  proceed  fur- 
ther. I  only  add,  that  I  do  not,  nor  never 
have,  pretended  to  be  anjy  other  than  a  man 
"subject  to  passion,"  and  liable,  without  the 
assisting  grace  of  the  Savior,  to  deviate  from 
that  perfect  path  in  which  nil  i;ien  are  com- 
manded to  walk! 

By  giving  the  above  a  place  in  your  valua- 
ble paper,  you  will  confer  a  lasting  favor  up- 
on myself,  as  an  individual,  and,  as  I  humbly 
hope,  subserve  the  cause  of  righteousriess. 

I  am,  with  feelings  of  esteem,  your  'fellow 
laborer  in  the  gosoel  of  our  Lord. 

'     JOSEPH  SMITH  jr. 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


41 


Messenger  asid  Advocf&te. 

K'lRTLAXD,  OHIO,  DECFMBEIi,   19M. 

(CT  Prom  the  JFeat. — The  following  is  an  extraet- 
ei  parigrapb  from  the  Jlcssage  of  Ihe  Govprnof  of 
ilissouri,  to  the  Lejishiture  of  that  Ptate,  now  in 
8'iSsioii.  VV'e  give  il  to  our  readers  for  the  purpose 
of  Ehowing,  thot  the  cause  of  the  afnii:to(1,  in  the 
"Fai  "U'esf  docs  not  es>'ape  notice.  We  did  not  ro- 
ccivc  this  official  do.ument  until  a  short  time  before 
our  pJp:^r  went  to  i  ress,  coiisequcntty,  ere  hindered 
from  mtking  Icngthj-  comments.  Six  things  lire  cer- 
toin,  however,  fioni  the  face  of  this  paragriiph: 

Firtt,  Tli;  Govsriior  has  suitl  that  a  portion  of  the 
citizens  orgcnized  for  the  purpose  of  expcUiii?  other 
peaceable  citizens  from  their  homes: 

Second,  That  in  the  following  November  they  cf- 
jfccted  their  purpose,  "nof  houczer  icitliout  the  loss  of 
icvera!  lives.'."' 

Third,  That  an  attempt  has  been  made  to  bring  the 
rscj  to  justice,  but  to  no  effort: 

Fourli'r,  That  it  is  believed  that  none  professing 
that  system  ofi'sith  held  to  by  the  people  called  "Mor- 
mons," cun  be  protected  from  violence  in  Jackson 
County; 

Fifth,  Thst  they  are  no!  permitted  to  take  posses- 
sion of  their  homes-,  and 

Sixth,  That  it  is  for  the  Lsgislalure  "to  determine 
what  am«?iidments  the  laws  mny  require  so  as  to 
guard  against  such  acts  of  violence  for  the  future'.ll" 

One  thing,  and  ouly  one,  is  >vanting  to  put  matters 
In  a  train  for  the  restoration  of  this  affliaed  people 
to  their  own  land— for  the  lA'gisIature  to  "amend," 
.or  make  provision  in  the  law,  to  guard  against  the 
outrage  of  mobs,  hereafter— when  this  is  done,  vio- 
lence, in  that  linid  ceases  forever'. 

With  the  majority  of  that  Legislature  we  are  un- 
acquainted, but  wc  know  that  there  are  individuals 
in  that  body,  viho  are  intelligent  and  patriotic;  and 
we  cannot  believe  that  it  will  dissolve  witliout  inves- 
tigating this  shameful  and  disgraceful  outrage,  and 
piakiiig  that  provision,  so  highly  needful,  for  the 
safety  and  quietness  of  that  country.— ^^Z.tor. 

•  "Tn  July,  1S.33,  a  larfre  portion  of  the  citizens  of 
"Jackson  founty  org;inizi-d  thrrr.s'?'ves,  and  entered 
"into  resolutions  to  c.xpel  from  thiit  county,  a  reli- 
"gions  sect  ciillvd  ^lonnons,  who  had  h'^come  ob- 
"nottouH  to  them.  In  JVovember  tbllowing  they  ef- 
"foctcd  their  obje::t,  not  however  without  the  loss 
"of  .several  liv^s.  In  the  judicial  enquiry  into  these 
"ontraacs,  the  civil  r.iithoritios  who  had  coirnizaiice 
"of  them,  deemed  it  prop,.T  to  Jiavc  a  miUt;iry  guard 
"for  the  purpose ofgiviiir;  profcclion during  thepro- 
"grcss  of  the  tri.tl.s.  This  was  ordered,  an/1  the  At- 
"torney  pL-n^ra!  wns  requested  to  givi;  his  attention 
"durins  the  investig.uion,  b.oth  of  which  were  prj- 
"formed,  liut  all  to  no  purpose.  As  yet  none  have 
"been  punished  for  these  outrage.?,  and  it  is  believed 
"that  under  our  present  laws,  i  bnvirtion  for  any  ri- 
"olence  committed  upon  a  IMormon,  cannot  be  had 
"in  Jaekson  county.  These  unfortunate  people  are 
"now  forbidden  to  take  possession  of  their  liomes; 
"and  the  principal  part  of  tlieni,  I  am  informed,  are 
"at  this  time  living  in  .'in  ;uljoinin»  county,  in  a 
"great  moiisure,  nnOn  the  (  harity  of  its  citizen'^. — 
"It  is  for  you  to  dt.terniine  what  nmeiidments-  the 
"laws  may  require  so  ns  to  guard  against  sucji  a'-ts 
"of  violeil-c  for  the  future." 


Confercner.  viiticc>—\  cnnft  rence  of  the  elder^t  of 
the  church  of  the  Iiatt<T  Day  S;iints,  will  be  held  at 
Freedom,  Cilfaranifus  Co.  N.  V.  rommencinij.  Fri- 
day, the  3rd  day  of  .'Vpril,  1S.33.  Friday  and  Satur- 
day will  be  occupied  by  thi;  elders  in  tra'nsaiitincsuc  h 
^usineRg  of  the  church  as  may  be  presented,  and  on 
Sunday  the  .Mh,  public  preaching  ma'y'bi  expected. 


Another  copferDnce  will  be  held  on  {^riday,  the  5th 
of  June,  liext,  at  Elder  Winslow  Farr's,  in  Charles- 
ton, Orleans  ^'o,  Vt.  Friday  and  H.iturday  will  b? 
occupied  in  church  business,  and  the  Sabbath  foUow- 
iug,  instructions  in  the  gospel  will  be  given— itiitiw. 


In  this  town,  on  the  12th  inst.  CORNELIWa  W. 
CAMFIEU),   sou  of  Mr.  .-?AMl  Ijb  CA.MFIELD, 

ajed  9  year- . 


LETTER  III. 
To  W,    W.    Phelps,  Esq. 
Dear  Brother  : — 

i«  ♦.,,-  «<f  f-  ..r«, ,-.  .After a  silenco 
of  another  month,  agreeably  to  my 
promise,  I  proceed  upon  the  subject  I 
proposed  in  the  first  No.  of  the  Advo- 
cate. Perhaps  an  apology  for  brevity 
may  not  be  improper,  here,  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,  will 
prevent  rny  giving  those  minuta  and 
particular  reflections  which  I  have  so 
often  wished  might  have  characterized 
the  "Acts  of  the  apostles,''  and  tho  an- 
cient .saints.  But  such  fapta  as  are 
within  my  knowledge,  ^vill  be  given, 
without  any  reference  to  ijiconsistcn-: 
cies,  in  the  mind.s  of  others,  or  ioipos- 
sibilities,  in  the  feelings  pf  such  as  do 
not  give  credence  to  the  system  of  sal- 
vation and  redemption  so  clearly  get 
forth  and  so  plainly  w-ritten  over  the 
face  of  tho  sacred  scriptures: 

Upon  the  propriety,  then,  of  a  nar- 
rative of  this  kind,  I  have  briefly  to 
remarl' :  It  is  known  to  you,  that  this 
chuj-Qti  has  suffered  reproach  and  perse- 
cution, from  a  majority  of  mankind  who 
have , heard  but  a  rumor,  since  its  first 
orgwiizatioi}.  And  further,  you  are  also 
conversant  with  the  fact,  that  no  soon- 
er had  tl)c  messengers  of  the  fulness 
of  the  gospel,  began  to  proclaim  its 
heavenly  precepts,  and  cull  upon  men 
to  embraqc  the,  same,  than  they  were 
vilified  anc|    slq^dered    by  thousands 


•IS 


»ESSEr<GKR  AND  ADVOCATE- 


who  never  saw  their  faces, 'and  much 
less  knew  aught  derogatory  of  their 
characters,  moral  or  religious— Upon 
this  unfair  and  unsaint  like  manner  of 
procedure  they  have  bpen  giving  in 
largo  sheets  their  own  opinions  of  the 
incorrectness  ^of  our  system,  and  at- 
tested volumes  ©four  lives  and  char- 
acters. 

Since,  then,  oar  opposcrs  have  been 
lbu9  kind  to  introduce  our  causo  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  hinder 
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  1  shall  succeed  so  far  in 
aiy  purpose  as  to  convince  the  public 
fsf  the  incorrectness  of  those  scurulous 
reports  which  have  inundated  our  land, 
or  even  but  a  small  portion  of  them, 
will  be  better  ascertained  when  I  close 
than  when  I  commenco;  and  I  am 
jcontent  to  submit  it  before  the  candid 
for  perusal,  &;  before  the  Judge  of  all 
for  inspection,  as  I  most  assuredly  be- 
lieve that  Ijcfore  bi.m  I  must  stand  and 
answer  for  the  deeds  transacted  in  this 
Jife. 

Should  I,  howover,  bo  instrumental 
in  causing  a  few  to  hear  before  they 
-judge,  and  undefstftnd  both  sides  of  this 
matter  before  they  eondcmn,  I  shall 
have  th»  satisfaction  of  seeing  them 
embrase  it,  as  I  am  certain  that  one  is 
the  inevitable  firurt  of  the  other.  But  to 
pi*oceed: 

You  will  pccolloot  that  I  informed 
you,  in  my  lettor  published  in  the  first 
No.  of  the  Meseenger  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  thischurch, 
and  for  information  on  that  part  of  the 


subject,  I  refer  you  to  Jiia  communica- 
tion of  the  same,  published  in  this  pa- 
per. I  shall,  theref»re,  pass  over  that, 
till  1  came  to  the  loth  year  of  his  life. 

It  is  necessary  to  premise  this  ac- 
ceunt  by  relating  the  situation  of  the 
public  mind  relative  to  religion,  at  this 
time:  One  Mr.  Lane,  a  presiding  El- 
der of  the  Methodist  church,  visited 
Palmyra,  and  vicinity.  Eider  Lane 
was  a  tallented  man  possessing  a  good 
sharo  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.  Largo 
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'"time  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  different 
sects,  for  proselytes.  Then  strife  seem- 
ed to  take  the  place  of  that  apparent 
union  and  harmony  which  had  previ- 
ously characterized  the  moves  and  ex- 
hortations of  the  old  professors,  and  sk. 
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  jhis 
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- 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATK. 


4« 


mg  a  foundation  for  J|ie  attestation  of 
the  truths,  or  professions  of  truth,  con- 
tained in  that  record  called  the  word  of 
God. 

After  strong  solicitations  to  unite 
with  one  of  those  different  societies, 
and  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.  To 
profess  godliness  without  its  benign  in- 
fluftnco  upon  the  heart,  was  a  thing  so 
foreign  from  his  feelings,  that  his  spir- 
it was  not  at  rest  day  nor  night.  To 
unito  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,  could  not  prof- 
it; and  amid  so  many,  some  must  be 
.Jbuilt  upon  the  sand. 
J,,,.  In  this  situation  where  could  he  go? 
If  ho  went  to  one  he  was  told  they 
were  right,  and  all  others  were  wrong 
-r-K  to  another,  the  same  was  heard 
from  those;  AH  professed  to  be  the 
true  church;  and  if  not  they  were  cer- 
tainly hypocritical,  because,  if  I  am 
presenlfid  with  a  system  of  religion,  and 
enquire  of  my  teacher  whether  it  is 
correct,  and  he  informs  mn  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  tocon- 

vince    a   mind  onco    aroused   to  that 

degree  of  determination  which  at  tlmt 

time  operated   upon  him.     And   upon 

farther  reflecting,  that   the   Savior  had 

said  that  tbo  gatft  was  straight  and  the 

wav  narrow  that  lend   \n   life    eternal,  I  close  by  saying 


and  ihat  few  entered  there;  and  thsK 
the  way  was  "broad,  and  the  gate  wido 
which  lead  to  destruction,  and  that  ma- 
ny crowded  its  current,  a  proof  from 
some  source  was  wanting  to  settle  the 
mind  and  give  peace  to  tho  agitated 
bosom.  It  is  not  frequent  that  the 
minds  of  men  are  exercised  with  prop- 
per  determination  relative  to  obtaining 
a  certainty  of  the  things  of  God. — 
They  are  too  apt  to  rest  short  of  that 
assurance  which  the  Lord  Jesus  has  so 
freely  offered  in  his  word  to  man,  and 
which  so  beautifully  characterizes  hia 
whole  plan  of  salvation,   as  revealed  to 

us.  ■'.,■■  t-j'n 

A  SUMMARY 

From  the  communications  of  the  el- 
ders, and  others.  , 

Agreeably  to  a  notice  in  our  kst  W6f 
give  in  this  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  situa.tion  of 
the  church  in  that  placq.  There  were 
28  members  formerly  in  that  church» 
but  they  now  numl)er  only  20,  Jsom& 
previously  having  gone  to  the  W-est. — 
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  difficuh:  though  they 
may  so  far  succeed  «s  to  hinder  some 
from  coming  into  the  Messiali's  king- 
d»*m,  yet  the  time  will  roll  on  when 
falsehoods  will  bo  chased  away,  and 
the  pure  rays  of  riglUoousness  onlight- 
cu  the  hearts  of  the  mock.  Tho  saints 
Iwiv^  only  to  walk  agreeably  to  their 
own  profession,  and  tho  chain  of  the 
adversary  will  bo  severed.  There  has 
been  one  of  late  received  by  baptism 
into  that  branch  of  tho  church.  If  any 
of  the  travelling  ciders  are  passingthat 
way  they  would  do  w«ll  to  call.     They 


-^ 

*"Brothren,  pray  for  us,  that  we  may 
come  in  full  possession  of  that  faith 
once  delivered  to  the  saints,  and  enjoy, 
in  perfection,  thc»  fulness  of  the  gospel. 

We  have  been  expecting  some  of  the 
elders  from  the  West,  and  do  desire 
the  Lord  to  send  some  here  to  instruct 
us  in  this  region  in  the  way  of  God 
rporo  perfectly/' 

,We  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  mo- 
i)cy.  sent  by  these  brethren  for  papers, 
with  one  new  subscriber. 

Elders  D.  W.  Patten  and  W.  Par- 
ish, write  from  Paris,  Ten.  under  the 
same  date,  (Oct.  27th,)  giving  the  va- 
ry joyful  and  welcome  tidings  that  se- 
ven have  been  immersed,  and  that  the 
pifospect  for  the  spread  and  increase  of 
the  work  is  brightening.  They  inform 
usthat  they  have  large  and  attentive 
congregations,  many  of  whom  are 
anxiousl  searching  for  truth 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


Elder  James  Blaksloe  writes  us  from 
Woodville,  N.  Y.  Nov.  1  •2th  that,  tho' 
the  church  in  that  place  is  surrounded 
by  unbelievers  and  wicked  men,  some 
are  to  be  found  who  are  willing  to  hear. 
He  says  that  there  has  been,  of  late  a 
church  organized  in  the  village  of  Scick- 
ett's  harbor,  and  that  the  reformation  13 
still  inci^asing.  Also,  on  Pillow  point, 
a  short  distance  froip  the  above  place, 
there  is  a  church  which  now  numbers 
between  20  and  30  members;  and  also, 
a  few  miles  from  the  lust,*himself  and 
another  brother  have  been  laboring  and 
baptizing,  and  find  the  people,  many  of 
them,  enquiring  what  they'  must  do  to 
be  saved. 

If  it  was  a  source  of  joy  to  Peter  and 
the  other  apostles,  on  the  day  of  pen-, 
tecost,  to  be  favored  with  a  correct 
knowledge  concerning  the  plan  ©f  sal- 
vation, that  is,  the  Lord's  only  scheme 
But  the  usual    information   accom-l  of  saving  laien,  it    must  be   equally  so 


panics  the  above,  that  unceasing  exer- 
tions are  made  by  men  of  craft  to  in- 
duce people  to  turn  a  deaf  ear  to  the 
gospel,  and  that  many,  In  con.sequence, 
are  hindered  froin  inves,tigating  those 
sa<ired  principles  so  i^ecessary  and  all 
important  to  the  salvation  of  the  soul. 

They  send  us  several  subscribers 
for  the  Messenger  and  Advocate,  which 
gives  an  opportunity  to  our  brethren  in 
that  place  of  becoming  acquainted  with 
the  increase  and  rapid  spread  of  those 
iterris  of  truth  which  they  have  embra- 
ced. 

We  believe  those  are  the  first  who 
]'  have  proclaimed  this  gospel  in  Ten. 
and  we  look  upon  this  opening  provi- 
dence as  a  peculiar  manifestation  of 
divine  wisdom,  to  hring  from  the  South 
his  sons  and  daughters,  that  when  the 
word  of  the  prophet  is  fulfilled  "To 
the  South:  Keep  not  back!'^  they  may 
also  corne  wfth  the  same  song  of  ever- 
lasting joy.  May  heaven's  choice  bles- 
sings abide  with  them,  ar^d  the  Israel 
of  God,  in  those  regions? 


now,  with  those  who  preach  the  sama 
"good  tidings,"  when  they  take  into, 
consideration  not  only  the  length  «f 
time  men  have  been  deprived  of  thi* 
knowledge,  but  the  corruption  and 
darkness  which  cover  the  minds  of 
men! 'C''   ^«^  '- 

He  further  adds,  that  they  greatly 
need  faithful  laborers  m  that  region, 
there  being  only  two  elders  beside  him-^ 
■self,  excepting  one  recently  ordained: 
and  closes,  to  us,  by  saying,  in  sub- 
stance as  follows : — 

"There  are,  in  this  county  six  church- 
es, ai>d'  but  fovtr  labores  for  the  Lord's 
vineyard,  in  these  regions.  I  hope 
yoir  will  use  your  influence  to  send 
faithful  laborers,  as  soon  as  possible. 
The  Star  has  been  a  moans  of  doing 
much  good." 

May  the  Lord  send  by  whom-  He 
will,  and  save  some  of  this  generation 
who  are  perishing  for  lack  of  vision!^ 
The  cause  is  his  own.- 

A  communication  from  D.  Nelson- 
6c  M.  Wilbe;:,  dated  Providence,  R.  L 


MLSSENGER  Ar<!D  ADVOCATE. 


iff 


Nov.  13th  informs  us,  not  of  a  great 
increase  of  members*"  to  the  church, 
but  an  anxious  request  for  the  elders  to 
call,  should  they  be  passing.  They 
say  some  are  looking  on  to  see  the  ac- 
complishrhent  of  God's  work,  while  oth- 
ers mock  and  despise.  So  it  was  in  an- 
cient time,  and  we  have  nothing  less  to 
e.Tpect  now. 

Mr.  Benj.  F.  Bird,  of  Southport, 
Tioga  Co.  N.  Y.  writes  under  date  of 
Nov.  14, and  says:  «'I  have  received  your 
papers  almost  one  year:  and  because 
I  held  thd  book  of  Mormon  as  sacred 
as  I  do  the  bible,  the  Methodist,  (though 
I  had  been  a  regular  member  almost 
37  years,)  turned  me  out;  but  I  bless 
God  for  it;  for  though  they  cast  me  out 
Jesus  took  me  in." 

He  further  adds,  that  he  does  not 
khow  as  he  shall  ever  have  a  privilege 
of  uniting  with  this  church,  as  he  nev- 
«r  saw  but  one  elder,  whom  he  solicited 
to  preach  twice;  that  it  caused  a  great 
stir  and  noise  among  the  people,  &c. 

If  tinv  of  the  eld'ers  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 
a'gency  of  our  aged  friend  of  whom  we 
have  been  speaking,  and  from  whom 
We  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  money 
for  the  same. 

Elder  John  Lav/son  writes  froni  Kort- 
right,  N.  V.  Nov.  17th,  and  informs 
us  that  the  good  %vork  is  progressing 
m  that  place.  There  is  a  sitiall  church, 
and  more  are  convinced  of  the  impor- 
tance of  the  everlasting  gospel.  El- 
der J.  Murdock,  previously  baptized 
some  6  or  more  some  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,  the  presiding  elder  of  the 
church  at  Freedom,  N.  Y.  we  arc  in- 
formed by  letter,  dated  the  22nd  of  Nov. 


that  the  church  continues    io   progress  ^^ 
in  the   way    that   leads   to  eternal  life. 

He  also  informs  ua  that  Kii  addition' 
of  about  20  meinbcrs  has  i-ccently  been 
made  to  a  small  chutch  bf  13,  raised 
up  in  Grove,  Alfc^any  do.  by  elder  J. 
Gould;  and  that  the  prospects  arc  flat- 
tering. 

From  another  dated  at  Freedom  the 
loth  insL  we  learn  thdt  another  has 
been  added  to  the  ciiurch  hy  baptism, 
of  late.  We  arc  not  able  to  give  the 
nu)iibcr  of  members  attached  to  that' 
church;  but  from  dur  knowledge  here- 
tofore, and  learning  of  the  addition  of 
others  since,  presume  it  is  (juite  largo. 

Elder  Z.  Sribw  tvrites  from  Mount 
Pleasant,  Upper  Canada,  Nov.  28th^- 
and  informs  us  that  the  church  in  that 
place  are  prospering  in  the  way  of  the 
Lord.  He  informs  us  of  no  addition,  hut 
says  that  the  door  for  preaching  is  opert^ 
ing  in  many  places — more  than  he  can 
fill.  He  has  preached  to  many  atten-,- 
tive  congregations;  but  is  necessarily 
hindered  from  the  work  of  the  ministry, 
in  consequence  of  being  obliged  to  labor 
during  the  week  for  the  maintainance- 
of  himself  and  family. 

We  do  not  remember  the  number  of 
members  in  that  church,  but  there  are 
many,  and  we  have  no  doubt  but  thou- 
sands in  that  country  would  come  into 
the  kingdom  of  Messiah,  could  faith-' 
ful  men  proclaim  in  those  regions. 

Another  of  the  same  date  from  Elder*. 
Z.  Coltrin  and  N.  West,  written  at  lib- 
erty, la.  brings  intelligence  that  a 
church  has  commenced  being  estab- 
lished 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  arc  more  and  more 
an.xious  to  hear,  and  others  have  mani- 
fested full  faith  in  the  everlasting  gos- 
ipel. 

Elder  Seymour  Bnmson  writes  us 
from  BJoomfield,    Ohio,   under  date  of* 


# 


M£SSfi«QER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


Nov,  29th,  fend  says  that  during  the 
past  summer^  the  church  in  Lawrence 
Co.  in  the  soilth  part  of  this  State, 
have  received  some  persecution,  such 
as  Attempts  to  injure  persons,  and  des- 
troy some  property;  but  as  appears, 
the  saints  arc  not  to  be  frightened  out 
of  their  belief,  nor  scared  out  of  their 
privileges.  The  moh  in  Jackson  Co. 
Mo.  has  taught  every  saint,  who  wish- 
es protection  from  injury,  that  he  must 
step  forward  himself  and  attend  to  that 
part  of  the  niatter,for^hc  may  lose  that 
which  he  cannot  gain,  for  years. — 
There  is  no  defect  in  the  law  if  it 
tx>uld  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,  lU  a 
blind  zeal  to  please  a  craft-ridden,  or 
craft-J7ia/cJ/j^,  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  soonel*  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  Allton,  of  Jay,  Orleans 
Co.  Vt.  writes  the  sanle  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.  Hichcockand  S.  Chase 
write  us  from  Franklin  Co.  Mo.  the 
Srdinst  and  give  the  inteUigenco  of  an 
opening  ia  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 
people  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  ou  :  Republic; 


and  we  venture  to  say,  that  no  part  of 
our  land  furnishes  individuals,  and 
those  in  great  numbers,  who  would  ex- 
tend tjie  hand  of  benevolence  to  the  nee- 
dy, or  exert  themselves  more  freely, 
than  those.  It  is  a  new  country,  and 
as  is  common  to  all  new  States,  or  Ter- 
ritories, infested  with  mere  or  less  out- 
laws, who  have  escaped  the  hand  of 
Justice  at  home,  and  fled  fof  safety  to  a 
wilderness.^-i3rf/7or. 


THE  CLOSING  YEAR.' 

Another  year  is  about  to  close  tiport 
the  living — the  ddad  are  gone.  Tims 
flies — eterttity  is  near  our  doisrs. — 
Good  or  bad — well  or  ill — it  cannot  bo 
recalled,  b)'-  man.  That  personage 
who  decreed  the  bounds  for  thewatei-s, 
and  gave  order  to  the  eliments,  has 
measured  its  space,  and  ordained  its 
duration;  and  man,  though  he  suppo- 
ses himself  to  be  of  importance,  and 
that  by  his  nod  a  jog  could  be  eflectod 
in  the  grand  eternal  purposes  of  the 
Lord,  is  but  grass,  and  his  glory  like 
the  fading  flower;  Never<  while  look- 
ing upon  those  scene?  -^  which  have 
transpired  since  the  commencement  of 
the  present  year,  did  we  realize  the 
force  of  those  emphatic  word:,  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  that  ati- 
gust  period  when  it  wilJ  "reel  to  and 
fro  like  a  drunken  man,"  and  those 
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  s}'stern 
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  retrdspfecting  our  labors  du-- 
fing  the  present  year,  we  see  where, 
in  many  instances,  we  might  hare  im- 
proved; but  the  time  has  gone  by  for 
amendments,  and  wc  can  only  profit, 
by  the  past,  ja.nd  endeavor  to  reform 
from  experience,  that  our  labors^  may 


MESSENGER  ANU  ADtOCATt. 


4f 


be  more  useful,  and  our  talent,  though 
but  small,  be  occupied  in  the  manner 
which  will  most  benefit  our  follow  n)en, 
and  promote  the  interests  of  the  Re- 
deemer's cause — this  is  our  only  de- 
sire. 

To  our  patrons  we  owe  many  apol- 
ogies and  acknowledge  that  libera/  en- 
couragement, the  reflection  of  which, 
js  a  sweet  consolation.  In  looking 
over  our  "Mail  Book,"  we  see  an  in- 
crease of  names,  sent  us  from  different 
sections  of  our  country,  showing  in 
what  estimation  those  feeble  exertions 
to  vindicate  the  truth  have  been  held. 
It  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  buoyancy, 
notwithstanding  the  exertions  of  bigots 
to  hinder  its  circulation! 

The  world  is  filled  Avith  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 
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.  ^Vc  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  b<;  sure,  many  lead- 
ing papcjf  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 difference  between  the  goddess  of 
the  Ephcsians,  and  the  one,  or  ones, 
worshiped  by  thourrrnd*  now,   we  arc 


persuaded   to  believe  that    thoy  nil  ars 
Worthy  the  3an)0  notice- — sil«nce. 

These  last  remarks  arc  not  mado 
with  an  intention  (o  throw  a  slur  upon 
the  characters  of  f)ur  fellow  men- — far 
be  this  from  our  purpose;  but  having 
seen  the  violence  and  animosity  of  men 
exhibited  for  more  than  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  are 
not  founded  on  truth,  and  that  each 
arc  acting  without  authority  from  God, 
when  they  attempt  to  administer  in  his 
holy  name.  AVe  would  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* 
gerness,  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,  infidel,  or  atheist,  was  exert- 
ing his  influence  to  hinder  othqrs  fron» 
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  heart,  that  the  han^ 
of  God  was  in  it,  and  that  should  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  ity 
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  per.«cution  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  onco  ate  and 
drank  in  commemoration  of  the  death 
and  sufferings  of  the  Lord  Jesus;  re- 
joiced in  tlie  assurance  of  his  coming 
again,  without  sin  unto  salvation,  and 
held  sweet  council  together.     Thi»  ih* 


48 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


world  has  always  seized  upon  with  ea- 
gerness, hoping  to  overthrow  the  soci- 
ety of  the  just;  and  by  this,  the  siifnts 
have  often  suffered  persecution. 

B;y.t  to  return  to  the  year:  Thd  elders 
liave  travelled  into  many  parts,  with 
5good  success,  and  many  Have  been 
=added  to  the  different  churches,  and 
more  new  ones  organized.  It  is  im- 
possible for  us  to  say  how  nuihy  have 
embraced  this  gospel  during  tlie  pres- 
ent year;  but  suffice  it  to  saj^-^— some 
hundreds  if  not  thousands. 

As  we  previously  said,  m'iiiiy  thou- 
snnds  have  gone:  this  is  so,  and  among 
this  number  some  of  the  saints  have 
been  also  called.  The  righteous  have 
hope  in  their  death,  said  f^ri  ancient 
prophet,  and  this  is  trtfe.  The)^  hftve 
been  called  from  the  pains  and  afflic- 
tions of  this  life,  to  the  pure  enjoy- 
ment of  the  blessed  m  the  paradise  of 
God;  and  in  the  glorious  morrl  when 
the  righteous  i\'i\\  bfe  Rewarded,  they 
will  appear  in  perfectioh,  to  trike  their 
j)lace  amon^  the  sanctified.  ,  They 
have,  fled  frdni  our  efnbrace,  it  istrue, 
but  we  trust,  througHthe  grace  of  God, 
to  join  them  again,  where,  and  when, 
the  wicked  cease  from  troubling.  Our 
hearts  were  closely  united,  too  much 
BO,  to  be  dissolved  by  the  cold  hand  of 
death.  That  holy  principle  Cannot  be- 
come extinct,  and  though  (hey  are  in 
its  fullest  brijoymeht,  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 — when  we  close  this 
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  thing;"  therefore  itl  pre- 
senting our  friends  with  {his  shefet,  we 
present  them  our  thaiiks,  good  will  afid 
best  wishes.  Some  who  corhmbnced 
this  year  have  gone  to  eternity;  and 
we  take  this  opportiinity  to  say  to  those 
remdining,  Be  also  feiidy!  If  our 
Works  have  been  acdeptable  in  the 
eyes  of  our  Master,  in  any  degree,  it 
is  because  his  hand  his  supported  us, 
and  his  grade  been  sufficient  for  our 
day;  and  the -only  reffebtion  remaining 
is,  that  if,  in  ins  name,  we  have  advan- 
ced the  interest  of  his  cause,  and  those 
who  have  heard,  haN^  bcrn  I>«r!ciitted, ' 


we  shall  carry  the  same  with  us  whcfi 
we  enter  upon  another  year,  if  permit- 
ted to  tarry,  and  if  not,  cherish  jt  in 
diir  heart,  in  a  world  of  peace. 

Dear  friends:  permit  us,  with  theso 
closing  remarks,  to  add  a  few  items? 
for  your  careful  R.Rd  serious  consid- 
eration: 

Time  is  on  the  wing,  an'd  the  day  of 
retribution  is  near.  Wfe  have  been 
spared  another  year,  bitt,  with  us  it  is 
uncertain  whether  we  see  another. — 
Thdtfsdnds  who  were  as  vigorous  as 
we  the  commencement  of  the  present 
year,  are  now  sleeping  m  the  dust — 
mtifi}''  of  our  acquaintance — some  very 
near  havei  left  us,  and  we  can  say  witlf 
an  ancient,  "The}'  will  not  come  to  us, 
but  we  shall  go  to  them."  This  is  not 
all — our  spirits  v/ill  exist  in  eternity,' 
and  if  we  are  unprepared,  what  will 
be  our  situation?  Wasting  and  des- 
truction arc  on  our  I'ight  and  on  our 
left — wherever  we  turn  our  e}  es  w» 
see  their  ravages,  and  cftn  we  escape? 
Sooner  or  later  we  must  go-^are  we 
prepared?  Why  riot,  then  turn  aside* 
from  the  vain  things  of  this  world, 
and  seek  oar  Lord  while  he  may  be 
found,  and  call  upon  liim  while  he  is 
near?  For  you,  then,  ^ve  ask  th.e  for- 
bearance and  inercy  of  the  Savior,  that 
whethef  ;^6u  are  permitted  to  see  the 
close  of  another  year  or  not,  you  may 
stand  when  he  appears  and  receive  » 
fulness  of  j6y. 

With  these  hasty  reflections,  and 
imperfect  lines,  we  close — For  the  pro- 
tection of  the  Lord  we  render  our 
thanks  in  sinceritj-,  and  only  pray, 
that  \Vhether  TVe  afe  pef'mitted  to  feee 
the  close  of  another  year  or  not — 
whether  %vc  arfe  spared  to  use  our  exer- 
tion to  turn  men  froi:ii  darkness  to  light, 
from  the  influence  df  evil  to  God,  or 
whether  it  shall  best  please  him  that  we 
finish  our  course,  his  will  be  done — 
only  that  we  may  appear  with  the  right- 
eous, arid  be  like  nni  when  he  comes: 
Airien. — Editor. 


THK  l.A'ffXKK  5>AY  SAI1\XS> 
THessenger  and  Advocate. 

IS  EDITEr>  BY 

AnU  published  every  month  at  Kirtland,  Geauga  Co. 
Ohio,  by 

F.  «J.  1VII.1.IAITIS  &  Co. 

At  %],  per  an.  in  advance.    Every  -person  pTOcuring- 
ten  new  subscribers,   and  forirarding  %  10,  current 
money,  shall  he  entitled  in  A  popcr  one  year,  ffratis. 
All  Utters  to  the  JOditor;  ^r  Fublishcrs,  ynust  be 
^X:rrOST  PAID.XX 

Ko  svbscripiion  ail'  be  received  for  a  less  term  than  one 
year,  nor  no  paper  ducontinud  till  all  arrearages  ar  <« 
paid,  except  at  the  option  cf  the  publithcrt. 


TER    DAY    SAIx\TS' 

ITIESSEIVGER  ArVI>  AI5VOCATE. 


Vot-  I.     No.  4.]        KIRTLAND,  OHIO,  JANUARY,    ]S:35 


[Whole  No.  4. 


C03»IMU  Wri  CATIONS. 


■y.ll 


LETTER  NO.    III. 
"'Ltbcr.'if,  M).  NoL\   13,  1834. 

TfE.iv.  Brother; — 

As  time  is  a  succes- 
sion of  scconds,''so  is  my  letters  a  con- 
tinuation of  sketches  respecting  the 
western  workl.  Before  I  proceed  to 
give  a  description  of  the  garrison,  let 
me  say  a  few  words  upon  the  sublime 
sight  of  seeing  the  burning  j^rairics. — 
When  the  grass  and  weeds  are  suf- 
ficiently dry,  the  Indians  fire  them, 
and  generally  in  a  ring,  to  catch  deer; 
phould  the  deer  attempt  to  escape  at 
the  opposite  course  of  the  wind,  they 
nrc  instantly  shot  down:  But  the 
grandest  part  of  the  scene,  is  to  see 
the  fire  keep  speed  or  flight,  with  the 
wind,  leaping  or  lapping  over  six  or 
eight  rods  at  a  bound  in  frightful  ma- 
jesty, with  a  terrific  roar,  not  unlike  a 
whirlwind,  while  immense  columns  of 
pmokc  rise  and  roll  olK  in  fcstions  and 
liounces,  as  independent  as  if  the  world 
was  a  coal-pit,  and  the  sky  a  smoke- 
hou-se.  So  the  smoke  daus  co^ne.  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  within 
half  a  mile  of  a  prairie  on  tire,  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  arc  re- 
flected in  wafer,  died  away  into  the 
deep  gloom  of  mid-night.  At  about 
this  time,  the  dampness  of  the  night 
generally  quells  the  fire,  and  the  scene, 
like  one  after  a  bloody  battle,  changes 
into  solemn  gloom.  After  the  fire  has 
left  the  ground  black  with  horror,  the 
Prairin  //'i«.y,  a  spiecies  of  foul  of  the 
grou.sokind  nearly  the  size  of  common 
nens, begin  to  pass  from  their  desolate  re- 
gions to  the  woods,  or  cornfields,  where 
they  and  the  wild  turkies,  are  not  un- 
frequcntly  as  ba<l  a.s  hogs  in  destroy- 
ing the  crop.  But  I  must  leave  those 
for  Cantonment  Leavenworth. 

About  SO  miles  westerly  from  Lib- 
erty; '20  from  the  boundary  line;  near 
300  from  Si.    Louis,   anrl,  sav,   1200 


from  the  city  of  Washington,  upon  a 
very  handsome  bluff  on  the  west  bank 
of  tlie  Missouri  river,  a  few  miles 
north  of  the  39th  degree  of  north  lati- 
tude, and  between  17  and  18  degrees 
of  west  longitude,  stands  Cantonment 
heave nicor til.  It  was  established  by, 
and  named  after  brigadier  General  H. 
Leavenworth,  of  the  State  of  New 
\ork;  late  a  compeer  of  Gen.  Eras- 
tus'  Root,  but  since  the  late  war  with 
Britain,  one  of  the  most  efiicient  offi- 
cers of  the  army.  He  died  about  180 
miles  west  of  Fort  Gibson,  Arkansas 
Tcrritoiy,  last  summer,  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  drag- 
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  purposes.  About 
•200  dragoons,  under  the  command  of 
Col.  Dodge,  a  very  worthy  officer,  as 
tar  as  I  have  learned,  especially,  so 
far  as  relates  to  his  excursion  among 
the  Camanches,  Kioways,  Pawnee- 
Picks,  vSjc.  last  summer,  have  come 
into  winter  quarters  at  this  garrison. 

This  town,  for  such  is  the  appeax"- 
ancc  of  Cantonment  Leavenworth,  af- 
ter you  rise  the  hill,  or  blufFupon  which 
it  stands,  consists  of  one  stone  block 
for  the  Colonel  and  stafi';  throe  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  sentry  boxes,  and  senti- 
nels, yet  Cantonment  Leavenworth  is 
without  walls;  and  while  the  thought 
may  come  into  your  mind  that  "men 
of  war  live  he;r9,"  yet  when,  you  see 
the  fair  faces  of  some  of  the  oflicors* 
ladies,  you  will  know,  that  the  western 
world,  even  as  frir  off  as  the  garrison, 
is  not  without  woman  ^to  share  it\  thfc 
glories  and  troubles  of  life,  and  set  u 
sample  for  the  fair,  that  regale  in  ease 
at  the  cast,  that  women  can  wend  their 
way  to  the  wost,  "with  all  their  charms 


50 


MEfiSENGirK  AND  ADVOCATE. 


to  soothe  the  Indian"  and  live  and  die, 
unknown  to  thousands. 

Few  places  in  north  America  pre- 
e«nt  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  prairies,  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  apj>earance  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  ui)on  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  gathcr.s  the 
scattered  remnants  of  the  Indians,  and 
locates  them  in  this  section,  and  keeps 
this  post  filled  with  troops  to  guard  them, 
&;e.  an  immense  sum  of  money  must 
be  expended  in  the  u;  per  counties  to 
furnish  the  troops,  the  Indians,  and 
others,  with  provisions,  fodder  and  otli- 
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;  3930  pounds  of 
good  hard  soap;  1800  pounds  of  good 
hard  tallow  candles;  900  bushels  of 
good  clean  dry  salt;  1000  gallons   of 

food  cider  vinegar;"  and  for  the  200 
orses,  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  which  will  al- 
ways distribute  monkey  as  long  as  the 
Hntted  States  station  men,  ds  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  greatness 
of  one  once  powerful  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  licre  they 
and  their  prophet,  are  beginning  to 
"lightup  a  .smile  in  the  aspect  of  woe," 
'■thaf  the  So7i  of  the  Father  will  soon 
come  and  lless  the  red-maiiy  as  well  as 
the  white-man;  that  the  red  man's  last 
days  may  be  his  best  days,  and  that 
he,  instead  of  being  thought  to  be  the 
worst  man,  will  become  the  best  man 
of  the  great  Father's  family.'  About 
twenty  miles  from  this  post,  the  Dela- 
wares,  and  Shawnees,  sit  in  darkness 
waiting  patiently  for  a  light  to  break 
forth  out  of  obscurity,  that  they  may 
know  of  their  fathers,  and  of  the  great 
things  to  come.  Still  further,  and 
southerly,  among  wh^t  may  well  be 
called  the  "Biscuit-loaf"  hills,  arc  the 
Kansas,  or  as  they  are  generally  term- 
ed, the  kaics,  included  in  unbelief,  lin- 
gering away  the  time  till  a  nation  can 
bo  born  in  a  day:  and  so  o^  many 
other  tribes. 

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  Nc])hites, 
and  the  Jacobites,  and  the  Josephites, 
and  the  Zoramites,  shall  ccme  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  tl>o  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;«,i 
er  was  happiness,  but  that  pure  reli-  ' 
gion,  whether  it  was  glorious  in  the 
sacrifice  of  Abel,  or  righteous  in  the 
oflering  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  good!" 

As  I  gave,  in  my  first,  a  general  de- 
scription of  the  country;  and  have 
sketched  the  "Land  of  Israel"  in  my 


M&SSEN,<SE!l  AND  ADVOVATE. 


fti 


second,  I    feel  as  if  I  had  said  about 
enough  in  my  third  respecting  the  gar- 
rison, and   will  close  by  saying  a  little 
aWnii  d'Ang good:    Doing  guod  ibr  God, 
without   vanity,  without  sordid    selfish 
motives,  and  without  the  hope  of  fame, 
wealth,  or  «arlli!y  power.     Beloved  of 
■the  Lord,  and  friends  that  may  bo  rec- 
onciled to  liim,  religion,  when  dutincd 
doing  g3od,  fills  •the  Poets  description: 
*'Re!igioaJ    what  treasures    uiitjld, 
**Reside  in   that  haavcnJy  word; 
''IMure  precious  than  siivor  or  gold, 
*'0r  all  that  this  world  caii  atfoni!'' 

The  world  v/as  made  for  doing  good: 
man  was  made  for  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  ages 
have  told  many  uu worthy  deeds,  and 
showed  the  folly  of  millions;  yet,  with 
sorrow,  be  it  said,  man  is  stiii  in  dark- 
ness and  transgression:  And  long  will 
it  be,  without  rcpentcnce,  and  doing 
good,  before  he  v.'iil  hear  thai  holy  sen- 
tence spoke  by  God,  in  tiie  garden  of 
Eden,  nrnid  the  ••Morning  stars,"  and 
all  his  sons,  ail  is  '^vcry  good.'^ 

How  many  are  (here,  that  have  been 
for  centuries  whore  glory  never  was, 
that  would  give  worlds,  if  they  could, 
to  come  forth  and  rejoice  with  joy  un- 
speakable into  the  mansions  of  bliss? 
Ilow  manv  ave  there,  that  may  yet  be 
gathered   into  the  fold  of  the  blessed, 


X. 

hi 


and  saved  from  weeping,  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  tlils  globe,  to 
do  good:  That  the  father's  care;  the 
mother's  tenderness;  the  act  of  kind- 
ness; the  deed  of  charity;  the  hus- 
band's joy;  the  wive's  virtue;  love  to 
God;  yea,  our  being's  end  and  aim. 
should  be — doing'goodf  All  this,  that 
some  may  be  convinced  by  the  truth, 
and  know  that  tlie  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  resurreetif^n, 
and  become  angels,  even  Sons  o(  God, 
for  an  eternity  of  glory,  in  a  universe 
of  worlds,  which  have  ever  taught,  and 
will  forever 

Teach  mankind,  as  tliey  sliine. 

God's  done  his  part, — do  thine! 
As  ever. 

W.  W.  PHELPS. 

To  OlivTR  C-OWDTf.B-Y,    Esq 


FAITH  OF  THE  CHURCH.     NO. 

Continued  from  page  37. 

As  there  can  be  no  doubt  remaining 
on   the  mind  of  any   person    who  has 
made  himself  ac(juainted  with  the  reve- 
lations of  God,  respecting  the  manner 
and  way  by  which     the   Savior  of  the 
world  prepared  his  apostfes  for  the  ex- 
ecution of  their  high  commission,    and 
the  great  labor  and  pains  which  he  had 
to  bestow  upon  thenj,  before  thev  could 
dischage  the   high   duties    which  were 
incumbent  upon  them,  by  virtue  of  their 
relation  to   him    as  his   messengers  to 
the    vv'orld,    it  remains  to  be  examined 
whether  they   were  the   only    j^ersons 
thus  favored,  or  whether  it  requires  a 
similar  course    to     jirepare  all  others 
who  share  with  them  in   the  blessings 
ot^  the  heavenly  kingdom.     One  rea- 
son why  1  have   been  so  particular  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   bo   hid    to    llie  most  of  this 
generation;   for  those  who  inake  the 
iiighest  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  the 
Holy     Spirit.       Though  they     make 
a  great  ado  about  it,  and  say  much,  and 
preach    much    about     it,   but  examine 


them  closely,  and  it  is  easy  to  discover, 
that  they  are  strangers  to  its  influence, 
and  unacquainted  with  its  work  in  the 
salvation  of  men,  and  are  laboring  un- 
der mistakes,  and  errors,  of  the  most 
destructive  kind:  deceiving  and  being 
doceiycd;  kno./ing  not  what  they  say 
nor  whereof  they  affirm;  speaking  light- 
ly and  contemptuously  of  the  very  thing 
which  they  profess  to  believe:  for  riot 
knowing,  what  the  work  of  the  Holy 
Si)irit  is,  and  supposing  it  to  be  what  it 
is  not,  they  condemn  the  work  of  the 
Spirit,  as  being  imposition,  deception, 
and  eiithusiusu),  and  teach  and  defend 
a  something  that  the  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,  tried  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 

Uvord    (xnd    the   word  is  Spirit.    •  Tbu;i 


18 


JtTE3BESGK.R  AND  ADVOCATE. 


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  theii*  condition 
where  peace  will  flee  from  them. 

It  certainly  will  not  be  lost  time,  if  we 
can  by  any  means,  settle  this  question, 
60  that  the  candid  may  have  some  thing 
on  which  they  can  rest  with  certainty. 
As  for  bigots,  and  self-sufficient  pro- 
fessors, wc  expect  that  they  will  per- 
sist in  their  course  be  it  correct  or  in- 
correct; but  there  doubtless  arc  many, 
yea,  very  many  in  this  generation, 
who  would  be  exceedingly  glad  to  have 
r  this  question  put  to  rest,  that  their  minds 
„,4(night  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 
before  I  begin  this  investigation,  tliat  1 
think  I  feel  no  disposition  nor  feeling 
of  mind,  to  have  the  subject  any  ditfer- 
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  ditlcr- 
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  proofs  of  the  sentiments  taught 
"  in  the  book  we  call  the  bible,  and  doc- 
trines there  inculcated;  for  let  us  find  a 
revelation  of  God,  it  matters  not  to 
whom  it  was    g^ven,  or  by   whona    it 


to' 


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 
tiiTie  it  was  said  to  the  serpent,  the  seed 
of  the  woman  shall  bruise  thy  bead, 
until  the  angel  can>edown  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  iVIan.  Neither 
has  the  Lord  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  snme  Spirit,  if  it 
were  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord,  and  pro^ 
duced  an  uniform  effect. 

I  presume  h  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  tor  one;  and  that  if  the  Lord  ev- 
er promised  such  a  gift  to  those  who 
obeyed  tU-i  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  >vere  in  former  days,  they 
are  tlie  same  in  latter  days,  without 
variation;  that  it  required  the  same 
things  to  sanctify  the  human  heart  at 
one  age  of  tlie  world,  it  did  at  another, 
and  the  design  of  the  gospel  was  to 
sanctify  th(^  heart  of  man,  and  make 
him  fit  tor  the  enjoyment  of  God,  in 
eternity;  thut  there  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  enjo\-ed   by  tl>e   prhnitive   saints 


MESSENGER  A^'D  ADVOCATli. 


6t 


jhan  were  necessary  to  sanctify  their 
hearis  nnd  make  them  meet  to  i)e  par- 
takers of  tiie  inheitaiice  of  tlic  saints  in 
liglit. 

Having   said  so  much.    I  shall  pro- 
ceed to  examine  the  subject  proposed; 


MILLENIUM.     No,    XL 
Continued  from  page  40, 

Having   ascertained  to  a   certainty 
the  situation  of  the    Gentile  world   at 
present,  and  their  condition    in    rela- 
tion to  the  things  of  God;  and  that  as 
concerning  the  faith  of  the  saints  they 
Tire  rcproUates,  having  departed  from 
the  true  faith,  to  follow  after  fables  to 
so  great  an  extent,  that  there  is  not  one 
society   left    which  is  standing  as  the 
apostles  left  the    church,  and  as  they 
directed  that  the  church  should  contin- 
ue; but   all  the   sects,  among  all  the 
people  of  ti>e  Gentilcf^,  have  departed 
from  the  faith  and  have  iurned  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  c<3ased  to  bring  forth  the 
fruits  of  the  kingdom  of  heaven,  ac 
cording   to   the   order   established    by 
those  who  were  inmscdlatcly  inspired 
of  God,    to    estal)lish  his   kingdom   a- 
mong  men,  and  that  the   Gentiles  have 
ceased  to  bring   forth  the  fruit  which 
they  brought  forth  when  tlte  kingdom 
of  heaven  was  first  given  unto   them, 
?ind  that  the  gosj)ol  which  the  apostles 
preached  is  considered  heresy  among 
them,  and  that  a  man  who   would   ut- 
Jicmpt  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  Rposta,sy    of  the    (tc utiles   is   so 
great,  that  they  know  not  the  doctrine 
of  Christ  when  they   hear  it;  neither 
nre  they  capable  of  distinguishing  ihe 
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  Gentiles,  without  regard  to 
sect,  party,  or  name;  for  there   is  no 
difference  among   them:   there    is  not' 
one  sect  or  party,   in  all  the  sectarian 
M'orld  but  has  departed  from  the  faith, 
and  is  not  walking  according   to   the 
gospel  of  Christ:   neither  is  there  one 


S€Ct  which  preaches  the  gospel;  but  a 
part  of  it  only,  and  the  remainder  the,y. 
despise;  and  not  despise  only,  but  thoso 
also  who  believe  and  proclaim  it.  Wo 
<lecm  it  therefore  unnecessary  to  pur- 
sue this  partof  our  subject  any  farther, 
as  we  have  seen  beyond  the  possibility 
of  a  doubt,  that  the  Gentiles  arc  in  the 
very  situation  that  the  prophets  and 
tne  apostles  said  they  would  be,  when 
the  Lord  should  set  /u'^hand  to  prepare 
a  people  for  his  coming,  and  to  gather 
his  saiiUs  together,  that  he  might  come 
in  and  sup  with  them,  according  to  his 
promise,  and  manifest  himself  to  them, 
and  unvail  the  heavens  and  come  dowa 
and  reign  with  them,  and  over  them  a 
thousand  years — that  is,  wUh  those  who 
werc  raiscxJ  from  the  dead  and  were 
glorified,  or  who  had  been  translated, 
and  over  those  who  were  in  the  flesh; 
for  the  former  arc  to  reign  with  him, 
but  the  latter  to  serve  him  during  hi* 
thousand  years'  reign  on  the  earth. 

Having  got  our  way  prepared,  ws 
will  now  attend  to  the  first  item  w© 
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  io 
other  words,  his  reign  on  the  earth. 

The  subject  of  Christ's  reign  on  tho 
earth,  is  one  of  vast  importance  in  tho 
estimation  o^  the  sacred  writers,  and 
one  on  which  they  have  dwelt  with 
great  delight,  and  in  which  they  seem- 
ed to  feel  the  greatest  interest. 

The  Psalmist  David  speaks  of  it  in 
the  most  enthusiastic  terms;  "Th(> 
Lijrd  reigneth;  let  the  earth  rejoico; 
let  the  multitude  of  isles  be  glad  ihei-o 
of.  Ps.  .97:1.  In  Ps.  93;  1  he  says, 
*'The  Lord  reigneth,  he  is  clothed  with 
majesty;  the  Lord  is  clothed  wkU 
strength,  wherewith  he  hath  girded 
himself:  the  world  also  is  establised, 
that  it  cannot  be  moved." 

Again  in  Ps.  96:10,  he  says,  "Say 
among  the  heatlien  that  the  Lord  reign- 
eth the  world  also  shall  be  establi': hod 
that  it  shall  not  be  moved;  he  shall 
judge  the  people  righteously.  Let  tho 
heavens  rejoice,  and  let  the  earth  be 
glad;  let  the  sea  roar,  and  the  fulneB« 
thereof.  Let  the  field  be  joyful,  and 
all  that  is  therein:  then  shall  all  the 
trees  of  the  wood  rejoice  Ixifore  the 
Lord;  for  he  cometh,  for  he  comcth  to 
judge  the  earth:  he  shall  judge  tho 
world  with  righteousness,  and  the  peo- 
ple with  his  truth-" 


&4 


MESSENGilR  A^U  Am  CCATE, 


From  what  wc  have  previously 
shown  respecting  the  Savior's  second 
advent  into  the  world,  there  can  be  no 
difficulty  in  understanding  to  what  the 
Psalmist  had  an  allusion  in  the  forc^o- 
ing  quotations.  As  there  is  no  reign 
of  the  Lord  mentioned  which  is  to  be 
on  the  earth,  but  the  thou£;and  years' 
reign,  or  Millenium,  the  reader  has  on- 
ly to  notice  that  it  is  the  Avorld  which 
is  to  rejoice,  and  the  earth  is  to  be 
glad,  when  the  Lord  reigneth.  The 
matter  therefore  is  settled,  that  it  is  his 
earth  on  which  the  Psalm- 


reigu 


on  the 


ist  had  his  eye  fixed,  when  he  wrote 
the  foregoing  Psalms.  Two  things  are 
t*j  be  noticed  in  the  above  (juotalions. 
The  first  is,  that  the  Lord  is  to  reign 
on  the  earth,  and  secondly  that  when 
he  reigns  on  the  earth,  it  is  to  be  glad 
and  to"  rejoice.  ThiC  fact  of  the  world 
being  established,  and  the  cnrth  rejoi- 
einc";,  v/ill  enable  us  to  understand  ma- 
ny pussages  of  scripture,  that  we  olh- 
etv.'ise  could  not  understand;  but  with 
the  aid  of  these  facts  will  become  very 
plain,  and  vastly  interesting  to  the  be- 
lievers— a  few  of  which  v>'e  shall  quote. 
We  will  begin  with  Isaiah,  35:1.  The 
prophet  thus  expresses  himself:  "The 
wilderness  and  the  solitary  place  shall 
be  glad  for  them,  and,  the  desert  shall 
rejoice  and  blossom  ?>s  the  rose.  ^  It 
shall  blossom  abundantly,  and  rejoice, 
even  with  icy  and  singing:  the  glory 
of  Lebanon  shall  be  given  unto  it,  the 
excellency  of  Carmel  and  Sharon,  ihev 
shall  see  the  a;l,n-y  of  the  Lord, 


the  multitude  of  isles  be  glad  thereon; 
Isaiah  says,  Tlie  wilderness  amJ  the  sol-- 
itary  place  shall  be  glad  for  them,  and 
the  desert  .shall  rejoice  and  blossom  as 
the  rose.  We  see  that  they  both  have 
said  tb.c  same  tiling:  that  is,  tlie  wirth 
is  to  rejoice  and  be  glad  when  the  Lord 
reigns.  Isaiah  says,  your  God  will 
come  with  vengeance,  even  God  with  a 
recompense,  ho  will  cornc  and  save 
you.  For  what  will  he  come'?  to 
reign  upon  the  earth,  and  to  make  the 
wilderness  bo  glad  and  the  desert  to 
blossom  as  the  rose.  Let  any  person 
read  the  above  quotations  with  caro 
and  he  cannot  but  see  that  all  refer  to 
the  same  period. 


THE  ^JOSPEL.     No.  IV. 
CoiUinucdJ'rom  page  S9. 

There  never  ought  to  be  a  dispute  in 
the  world  about  v.-hat  the  gospel  is  among 
those  AN  ho  profess  a  belief  in  the  bible; 
for  if  it  i.s  not  told  io  the  bcriptiirea 
plainly,  andvv-ithout  leaving  it  a  matter 
of.,  contention,  the  bible  is  not  a  safe 
guide,  neit'.'.er'  could  any  thinking  man 
trust  his  salvation  on  its  teachings,  un- 
less they  were  easily  understood:  for  if 
the  gospel  is  designed  for  tlie  salvation 
of  all  men,  it  certainly  ought  to  be  very 
plain;  ior  there  are  a  great  many  in 
the  v.orld  Avh.o  cannot  understand 
any  thing,  unless  it  is  very  plain  and 
easy  of  understandin.ci".     There  is  no 


the  cxcericncy  of  our  God.   .  Strength- 1  subject  ever  addressed  to  the  under- 
en  ye  the  week  hands,  and  (confirm  the  |  standing  of  man,  that  needs    to  be  so 


feeble  kncor:..  vSay  to  them  that  are  of 
a  fearful  heart,  be  strong  fear  not:  bq-. 
hold*  your  God  will  -conic  with  ven- 
geaace,  even  Gocl  with  a  recompense; 
he  will  come  and  save  you.  Then  the 
ftves  of  the  blind  shall  be  opened,  and 
the  ears  of  the  d/^af  shall  be  unstopjiod. 
Then  shall-  the  .lame  man  leap  a.s  an 
hart  and  the  tong;'.o  of  the  dumb  sing: 
for  ia  the  wilderness  shall  waters 
break  out,  n.nd  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,  fthall  be  grass  with 
reeds  and  iiishes."  I'rom  the  1st  to 
the  8th  verse;    A  sir^aii  degree  of  atten 


plain  and  easy  of  comprehension  as  tho 
gospel,  if  we  may  x^rcdit  the  persons 
who  have  promulged  it.  1  hey  pj'ol'esR 
to  have  had  a  commission  to  proclaim 
hio  every  creature  in  all  the  world.— 
In  taking  so  wide  a  range,  there  would 
be  many  persons  of  very  weak  capaci- 
ties, vv ho  fire  not  able  to  understand 
but  very  little,  and  that  little  must  be 
exceedingly  plain,  or  else  they  would 
not  be  able  to  umlerstand  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  eiToci  every  creature  in  all 
the  world;  and  if  so,    it  must  be  suited 


tion  will  enable  the  reader  to  see  that  i  to  their  capacities  to  make  it- a  scheme 
L-diah  and  David  had  their  eyes  fixed  j  of  mercy  and  beiaevolencet  for  if  they 
on  the  same  period.  David  says,  TKe  j  could  not  understand  it,  it  would  be 
lord  rei?-neth  let  the  earth  rejoice,  lot  i  vrorse  than  folljc  to  presept  it  to  them. 


MESSFNOEK  ANi)  AbVoC'ATlL 


i& 


This  is  one  reason  why  so  few,  either 
believe  or  embrace  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  vvise,  he   musl  be- 
lieve and   practice  those  things  which 
the    world  consider  the    most  perfect 
foolishness,  and  too  simple  and  degra- 
ding, to  be   believed,    bv  any  rational 
being.     And    yet,    notwithstanding  its 
foolishness  and  simplicity,  it  had  pow- 
er to  save  them  that  believed;  for  says 
the  apost!e,  the,  or  In  other  words,  this 
foolishness  of  God,  is  wiser  than  men, 
and  this  weakness  of  God  is    stronger 
than  men:     *'Forwhcn,  in  the  wisdom 
of  God,  the  world  by  wisdom  knew  not 
God,  it  pleased  God,  by  the  foolishness 
of  preaching,   to   save   th-^m    that  be- 
lieve." 1st.  Corinthians  1st.  chap.  Or, 
by  the  foolishness  of  the  gospel  which  he 
proclaimed,  to  save  tho se  that !ho  world 
with  all  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  got,   with  it  all,  they 
could  not  know  God.     But  the  apostle, 
with  tho  foolishness    of  his   preaching, 
could  make  men  acquainted  with  God. 
From  what  is  ^aid  on  this  subject  in  the 
new  testament,    we  can   see  that  such 
was  the  contempt  in   which  the  gospel 
was  held  in  that  age  of  the  world,  that 
a  man  of  talents  or  understanding  to 
profess  to  believe  it  <k,  receive  it,  was  to 
e.xpose  himself  to  the  certain  contempt 
of  the  wise  ones,  so  colled — to  expose 
himself  to  their  bitterest  feelings  and 
severest  contempt:  even  to  .so  gicat  an 
extent  did  those  feelings  prevail,  until 
they  that  killed  them  thought  they  were 
doing  God  service;  John  16:  16.  doubt- 
less thinking  that  they  were  knaves  and 
rascals,  and  not  lit  to  live.     Such  were 
the  feelings  which  existed  in  the  minds 
of  the  people,  in  the  days  of  Paul,  Pe- 
ter, John,  and  James,  in  relation  to  the 
gospel  which  they  preached,  and  such 
are  the  feelings  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  foolish 


mess!-'  too  simple  to  be  believed  or  re- 
ceived by  any  person  of  sense;  And 
every  man  of  that  description  in  the  os- 
'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 
SVords  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  tho 
foolishness  of  God  is  wiser  than  man, 
and  the  weakness  of  God  stronger  than 
men:  God  saves  them  that  believe: — 
And  f.s  this  last  proclamation  has  the 
same  effect  on  the  enemies  of  God  in 
these  days,  as  the  former  proclamation 
had  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.  They  receive  the  same 
spirit,  and  that  spirit  brings  forth  the 
same  fruit,  at  one  age,  that  it  did  at  an- 
other; and  Lbe  same  gosrel  will  always 
secure  the  saiJje  blessings  to  those  who 
receive  it. 

Upon  this  subject  there  appears  to  be 
s  mathing  very  strange    to  me,  in  the 
world;  it  is  this:  all  men  who  believe, 
or  who  profess  to  believe,  in  the  gos- 
pel, sa\'  that  as  far  as  the  gospel  pro- 
po-ses  eternal  blessings,   they  will  bq 
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 which  were  brought  forth  in  former 
days,  notwithstanding  they   were  the 
effects  of  receiving  the   gospel,  wer© 
limited  to  a  small  period  of  the  World;  f«f 
though   men    receive  the   same  gospe-l 
now,  yet  these  fruits  have  ceased;  but 
still  the  eternal  blessings  are  the  same: 
they  will  all  get  to  the  same'  heaven, 
and  rejoice  in  the  same  gljry.     It  mat- 
ters not  how  much  tuey  may  differ  ia 
this  world,  they  ^vilj  be  all  a'like  there. 
The  great  ouevy  with  roe  is  this,  how 
can  the  go-^pej  still  have  power  to  sav» 
in  the  kingdom  of  glory,  since  it  haa 
lo!it  its  power  on  earth?     Those  who 
were  .siftved  by  it  in   former  days,  and 
made  meet  to  be  partakers  of  the  in- 
heritance of  the  saints   in  light,    %vere 
made  partakers  of  its  powuir  on  earth; 
and  we  have  no  account  of  its  saving 
any    in  the    heavenly   kingdom,   only 
those  who  were  made  partakers  of  it« 


56 


ftfESSENOJSR  AND  ADVCK^ATIV; 


power  on  earth.  But  according  to  the 
opinions  of  the  world,  it  has  lost  its 
power  on  earth,  but  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  likeyvise  fail  of 
its  glory  in' eternity:',  •^■;j^!i  '■"^''  "• 


^IWeikf;,  Clay  co.  Mo.  July  4th,  1834. 
JDear  sib: 

Enclosed  is  a  long  letter  which  is 
addressed  to  no  one  in  particular,  but  inten- 
dsd  for  the  benefit  of  all  my  old  acquaintan- 
ces and  friends  who  desire  to  read  it.  I  wish 
vou  to  read  it  first  and  then  show  it  to  others, 
OS  you  ha\'e  opportunity. 

If  I  should  live  I  expect  to  return  to  P:iines- 
Tisie  on  a  visit  within  a  year,  notwithstanding 
i  have  written  in  my  loiig.lelt«r  that  it  was 
doubtful  whether  I  ever  should  return  tliere. 
I  and  my  family  are  well;  we  have  pass- 
ed through  many  trying  scenes  since  1  saw 
you  last,  but  it  does  not,  in  the  least,  'move 
foic  nor  shake  my  faitk  •         ~ 

Please  to  give  my  respects  to  t'J  enquiring 
friends. 

With  sentiments   of /Dspect  I  remain 
your  fi-icnd  and  sorvant. 

EDWARD    PARTRIDGE. 
DocT,  S.  Rosa.       .      :     , 

Independence,  Mo,  ^ko-.  31st,  1833. 

Dear  FKIENDB  AND   KEir.HBORS. 

When  I  leit  Paines- 
ville  two  years  ago  last  .Tunc,  I  expected  to 
have  returned  again  to  that  place  the  same 
season,  but  as  things  have  turned  since  then 
it  is  probable  to  me  now,  that  I  shall  never 
return  there.  Therefore,  feeling  that  I  did 
not  improve  evei-y  opportunity  that  I  might 
have  done,  to  bear  testimony  to  the  things  I 
believe — and  feeling,  as  I  do,  the  importance 
of  v/arnuig  my  fellow  men  to  prepare  thsm- 
f.elvcs  for  the  great  day  of  the  Lord,  or  in  oth- 
er words,  for  the  second  coming  of  the  Son 
fof  Man,  has  induced  me  to  endeavor  by  a 
better  to  show,  that  that  day  is  near  at  liand; 
and  that  it  is  necessary  to  be  prepared  to 
rtjeet  the  Son  of  God  when  he  shall  appear 
in  the  clouds  of  heaven,  as  about  that  -time 
will  be  falilllcd  what  was  jpoken  by  Moses 
the  prophet,  viz:  all  that  will  not  hear  or 
ebey  Christ,  will  be  cut  off  frojn  among  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  were  printed  in  a  book,  that  they  were 
graven  with  an  iron  pen  and  lead  in  the 
rock  forever  t  For  I  know  that  my  Redeemer 
liveth,  and  that  he  shall  stand  at  the  latter 
day  upon  the  earth:  and  though  after  my 
skin  worms  destroy  this  body,  yet  in  my 
flesh  shall  I  see  God:  whom  1  shall  see  for 
/nycelf,  and  mine  eyes  shall  behold,  and  not 
another." 

It  is  evident,  that  Job  knew  he  shpuld 
stand  on  the  earth  in  the  latter  days  and  be- 
•Id   Christ  face  to  face. 


Zechariah,  14:4,5,  reads  thue:  *'And  his 
feet  sliali  stand  in  that  day  upon  the  mount 
of  Olives, ,  which  is  before  Jerusalem  on  the 
east,  and  the  mount  of  Olives  shall  cleave  i« 
the  midst  tliereof  toward  the  east  and  to- 
ward tht-  west,  and  there  .«hall  be  a  very  great 
valley;  and  half  of  tlie  mountain  shall  re-  . 
move  toward  the  north,  and  half  of  it  toward 
the  south.  And  ye  shall  flee  to  the  valley  of 
the  mountains;  tor  tlie  valley  of  tlie  moun- 
tains shall  reach  unto  Av;al:  yea,  yc  shall  tice 
like  as  ye  fled  from  before  tiie  curtliquake  in 
-the  days  of  Uzziah  kingof  Judah:  and  the 
Lord  iuy  God  siiall  come,  and  all  the  sainta 
with  tJjee."  This  quotation  not  only  shows 
that  Clirist  is  coming,  but  that  all  the  saint* 
will  come. with  him:  and  this  agrce.^  with 
what  Paul  wrote,  1st  Thets.  4:15,1G,17; 
"For  tJiis  we  say  unto  you  by  tlie  word  of 
the  liord,  that  we  W'liicli  arc  alive  andreniaiti 
unto  the  coming  of  the  I^ord  shall  not  prevent 
them  which  are  asleep.  For  the  Lord  hin^- 
self  sliall  descend  from  heaven  witli  a  shout, 
with  the  voice  of  the  arch-angel,  and  vriih 
the  trump  of  God:  and  the  dead  in  Clirist 
sliall  rise  first:  tlien  we  which  arc  alive  arid 
remain  shall  be  cauglit  up  togetlier  with  Uietv 
in  tlie  clouds,  to  meet  the  Lord  in  tKe  air: 
and  so  shall  we  ever  be  with  the  Lord." 
Thus  we  .'•ee  that  the  Jiord  is  coming  in  Uiw 
clounds  of  heaven;,  agreeisg^  with  what  iare- 
corded  in  tlie  1st  chap,  cif  Arts;  iip  being  o|i 
the  mtnnit  of  Olives  was  taken  up  and  a 
elwd  received  him  out  of  tlifir  siglitj  and 
while  they  were  rtill .  gazing  up  into  hcavta 
the  two  men  dressed  in  white  that  stood  by,, 
said  tnis  .same  Jesus  whicli  is  taken  up  from 
you  into  heaven,  shall  so  come  in  like  manner 
as  ye  have  seen  liim  gointo  heaven.  Again, 
Jude  tells  us  that  Lnoch  tlie  seventh  Irpm 
Adam  propliesied.  saying,  ''Behold  the  Lord 
Cometh  with  ten  thon.'^and  of  Jiis  .^^aints." — 
From  the  al>ove  quotations  we  discover  that 
the  propliets  and  apostles  both  had  a  view 
of  the  coming  of  Oirist  in  the  last  davss.  bring- 
ing all  the  saints  v;ith  hun.  Those  that  were 
on  the  earth  and  in  tiieir  grave.^  having  raet 
him  in  the  clouds,  descend  with  him  when 
he  comes  on  the  earth.  Were  it  necessary  1 
might  add  many  more  passages  to,  prove  the 
coming  of  Christ.  Such  as  his  "coming  as 
a  thief,"  also  "I  come  quickly,"  as  recorded 
by  John  the  Revelator  years  after  Christ's 
ascension,  but  I  deem  it  unnecessary. 

1  will  now  show,  tl>at  all  wJio  do  not  obey 
Christ,  will  be  cut  off  from  the  face  of  tlie 
earth  when  the  Lord  comes,  while  all  the 
meek  that  are  .ilive,  or  have  lived  from  the 
creation  of  the  world  down,  will  inherit  the 
earth,  according  to  the  prumise  of  Ciirist. — 
See  sermon  on  the  mount.  By  reading  the 
;llth  chap,  to  the  Hebrews,  you  will  see  that 
the  ancient  worthies  .-ill  died  in  faith  not  ob- 
taining the  promised  possession,  God  hav. 
ing  provided  some  better  thing  for  us  that 
they  without  us  should  not  be  made  perfect, 
says  the  writer;  showing  that  ail  the  meek 
will  obtain  their  possession  at  one  time,  and 
that  will  be  when  the  wicked  cease  from 
troubling — ^which  will  take  place  when  all  the 
v.-icked  are  destroyed  from  off  the  face  of  the 
earth— which  I  will  now  show  must  taJs© 
place  before  the  Millenium  commences.  I 
quote  first,  from  the  1  st  chap,  of  2nd  Thess. 
"The  Lord  Jesue  shall  be  revealed  from  hea- 
ven with  his  mighty  angels  in  flaming  fire  ta- 
king vengeance  on  them  that  know  not  Ga<i. 


>iESSE??afclX  i^l>  .y>V60ATK. 


5» 


and  that  obey  not  the  gi>8pel  of  our  Lord  Je- 
euB  Christ:  who  shall  be  punished  with  ever- 
lasting destruction  from  the  presence  of  the 
Lord,  and  the  glory  of  his    power."     Thus 
we  pee  that  at  his  coming  all  will   be  cut  oti' 
but  those  that  know   God,  and  obey  the  gos- 
pel of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.     If  the   apos- 
tle told  the  truth  the  fact  is  established;  but 
let  ue  liave    the  testimony  of  others.     Read 
Tlie  parable  of  the  wheat  and  tares  13th  chap, 
of  Matthew,  and  see  what  takes  place  in  the 
«nd  of  the  world,  or  end  of  tlis    wicked:  you 
tvill  discover  tliat  the  righteous  remain.     Dut 
Bay  you  "worlu"  don't  mean  wicked;  but  let 
us  see  in  wliat   sense   the   Savior  used  it  in 
other  places.    Jolin  15:18, 15>,  read.s  thus:   "If 
the  world   hate  you,  ye  know  that  it  liated 
jn€  before  U   hated  you.     Jf  ye    were  of  the 
world  the  world  would  love  Itis  own:  but  be- 
caus?  ye   are   not  of  the   ^corld,   but  I    have 
chosen  you  out  of  the   ?fw7'^(/,  therefore   the 
tnorld  hateth  you." — Also  14:17,27.  andolst. 
and  also  17:14,15,10.21,  and  23,  contains  the 
fiame  sentiment.     In  connexion  with  the  par- 
able of  the  lares,  read  in  tjie  14Ui  chap,    of 
Rev.  beginning  at  the  1-ith  verse,  to  the  end 
of  the   chap,    also  IDth   chap.    Rev.   begin- 
ning at  the  11th  verso  to  the  end  of  the  cliap. 
Then  read  in  Jer,  49:7.23.     And  then  read 
the  G  lixst  verses  of  the  G3rd  chap,  of  Isaiah. 
The  above  passages  referred  to,  appear  to  me 
to  be  connected)    and   certainly    convey   an 
idea,  of  great  destrucljon.     Tlu  prophet  says 
"the  day  of  vengeance  is  in  my  heart,  and  tlie 
year  of  my  i:edeeni,ed  is  come."     The  day  of 
rcngeanccis.  I  think,  the  same  as  quoted l)-om 
2nd  Thess,    ar.d  is  tlie   same  as  is  called   in 
otiier  places  '•! he  da}' of  the  Lord,"  or  "great 
liixy  oflhcLord."     By  compari.ag  the  ])roph- 
ccy  of  Jo?I_with  the  Ibregoing,  you  will  dis- 
cover that  it  is  upon  the  same  subject.     The 
reaping  of  the  h;;rvest   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  game  gathering  spoken  of 
by  Zecliariali  2nd  versa  of  the  14th  chap. — 
and  b?ing  so  guddenly  cutoff  is  probably  the 
same  as   represented   bj-  the   supper  of  the 
grett   God,    Rev.    I9th  chap,    and  also  the 
battle  of  the  great  day  of  God  Almighty,  Rev. 
ICth  chap.       The    same    subject    couched, 
in  diff.'rent   language,    is   recorded,   Ezekiel 
38tli  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  greit  day  of  the  Lord. 
The  prophecy  of  Zephaniah  also  treats  upon 
the  same  subject:  you  will  do  well  to  exam- 
ine it  in  connexion  witii  the  foregoing.     In- 
deed almost  all  the   prophets  have  spoken  of 
these  same  tilings. 

'And  now  to  show  mor^  conclusively  that 
what  Moses  spake  concerning  the  wick  3d 
being  all  cut  off,  being  fulfill  id  literally,  I 
have  the  positive  testimony  of  thr?e  prophets 
to  add  to  what  lias  already  been  quoted. — 
And  first,  David,  in  the  37th  Peilm.  says  a 
number  of  times,  that  the  wicked  w\U  not  be 
found,  but  that  the  meek  shall  inherit  the 
earth:  says  he,  "Fret  not  thys 'If  in  any 
wise  to  do  evil  for  evil  doers  shall  be  cut  off, 
but  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- 
igeotly  caasider  hi»  place  and  it  shall  not  be. 


but  the  meek  shall  inherit  the  earth.  Snck 
as  be  blessed  of  him  shall  inherit  the  oarth, 
and  they  that  be  cursed  of  him,  shall  be  cut 
off.  And  again,  the  seed  of  the  wicked  Bhafl' 
be  cut  off;  tlie  righteous  shall  inherit  the 
land  and  dwell  therein  forever.  And  again^ 
wait  on  the  Lord  and  keep  hi«  way,  and  h© 
shall  exalt  thee  to  inherit  the  land:  When' 
the  wicked  are  cut  off  thou  eh.alt  see  it.  I 
liave  seen  the  wicked  jn-  great  po<ver  ari<J 
spreading  himself  like  a  green  kay-tree,  ye< 
he  passed  awa}',  and  lo,  lie  was  not;  yea  I 
sought  him  but  he  could  not  be  touj;d."— 
Tiie  Psalmist,  we  discover,  understood  per- 
fectly well  that  when  the  meek  inherited 
the  earth  tlie  wicked  would  be  cutoff.  Iir 
Isaiah.  13th  ciiap.  we  liave  these  words. 
"Behold,  the  d*y  of  the  Lord  conieth,  cruei 
both  with  wrath  and  fierce  anger,  to  lay  tiife 
land  desolate:  and  he  shall  destroy  the  eivh 
ners  thereof  out  of  it."  Begin  at  the  (5th 
verse,  and  read  to  tlie  14th.  Perhaps  you 
may  think  that  the  Lord  is  speaking  of  an- 
cient Babylon,  but  you  will  perceive  that 
wliat  will  aj)ply  to  ancient  Babylon,  is  bvit  a 
type  of  mystery  Babylon;  for  in  the  26tli 
verse  of  the  14th  chap,  (both  chapters  being 
upon  the  same  subject,)  he  eays;  "This  is 
the  purpose  that  is  purposed  upon  the  whole 
earth:  and  this  is  the  hand  that  is  stretched, 
out  upon  all  the  nations." 

Tlu'  24th  chap,  is  upon  the  same  mibjact; 
I  will  quote  a  verse  or  two;  and  first,  "The 
earth  shall  reel  to  and  fro  like  a  drunkard, 
and  shall  be  raniovcd  like  a  cottage;  and  tho 
transgression  th>ireof  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  onet 
that  are  on  iiigh,  and  the  kings- of  the  etrtb 
upon  the  earth."  This  will  undoubtedly  b« 
fulfilled  at  the  time  of  the  gieat  earthquake, 
spoken  of.  Rev.  16th  chap.  "Such  as  wa» 
not  since  men  were  upon  the  earth  so  migh* 
ty  an  eartiiquake  and  so  great."  When  we 
reflect  upon  the  many  mighty  eartliquake» 
that  have  been,  and  that  the  earth  was  new 
er  30  shook  as  it  then  will  be:  and  especiallir 
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  earlb 
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.  With 
what  majestic  feelings  the  mind  tnat  is  pre« 
pared  contemplates  this  awful,  this  terrific 
scene!  Secodly,  "The  moon  sliall  be  con- 
founded and  th?  aun  ashamed,  when  th« 
Lord  of  hosts  shall  reign  in  mount  Zion  and 
in  J-^resalem  and  before  his  ancients  gloriou*. 
ly.'  Thus  we  see  that  the  Lord  is  Kot  only 
to  reign  in  Jerusalem,  but  in  mount  Zion, 
also,  which  shows  that  Jerusalem  and  Zion 
are  two  place*.  Thirdly,  "The  earth  also 
is  deftled  under  ths  inhabitants  thereof,  bo- 
cause  they  have  transgressed  the  laws,  chan- 
ged th«  ordinance,  and  broken  the  everlas- 
ting coTenant,  ther&fora  hath  the  curse  d*" 
TOured  the  earth,  and  thpf  that  dwell  there- 
in are  desolate;  therefore  the  inhabitants  of 
the  earth  ai-e  burned  and  few  men  left."— 
This  agrees  with  what  the  prophet  MalachJ 
says  upon  the  same  subject,  in  the  4th  chap. 
"For  behold,  the  day  cometh  that  shall  bum 
asaaorea;  aad  &U  tlte  pi:oa4«  7^  Aod  «il, 


88 


AfESSES^Efl  A^D  *  ADVOC  \Tt 


that  do  wickedly,  sl-iall  be  stubble;  and  the 
day  that  cometh  shall  burn  them  up,  saith 
the  Lord  of  hosts,  that  it  shall  leave  them 
Hjither  root  nor  branch,"  X lake  away  roH 
and  branch  and  what  will  be  lefiT)  "But 
unto  you  that  tear  my  name,  shall  the  sun  of 
righteousness  arise  with  healing  in  his  wiKgs; 
and  ye  shall  go  forth,  and  grow  up  ascalvesof 
tae  stall.  And  ye  shall  tread  down  the  wicked; 
for  they   shall  be  ashes  under   the   soles   of 

iour  feet  in  the  day  that  1  do  this,  saith  the 
,ord  of  hosts." 

From  this  we  learn  that  the  meek,  those 
that  fear  the  name  of  the  Lord,  will  be  pre- 
served and  will  literally  tread  upon  the  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,  tha*  the  day 
of  the  Lord:  the  coming  of  the  Son  of  God, 
is  near  at  hand:  probably  he  will  make  his 
appearance  in  the  clouds  of  heaven  Avithin 
tiie  present  generation.  Joel,  2nd  chap. — 
says,  *^'And  it  siiall  come  to  pass  afterward 
that  I  will  p«ur  out  my  Spirit  upon  all  flesh." 
In  thc^nd  chap,  of  Acts,  Peter,  in  quoting 
the  above  passagss,  says,  "And  it  shall 
come  to  pass  in  the  last  days,  saith  Gcd," 
&c.  Here  we  see  the  word  spoken  by  Joel, 
translated  "qftennard"  defined  by  holy  apos- 
tles to  mean  the  last  days.  The  days  of  the 
'apostles  could  not  be  considered  tJie  last  days, 
but  there  was  a  sample  of  the  out  pouring  of 
^he  Spirit  of  God,  on  the  day  of  Pentecost, 
©f  what  will  be  in  the  days  of  the  Millenium. 
The  prophet,  in  recording  what  would  be  in 
the  last  days,  says:  "And  I  will  sh«w  won- 
ders in  the  heavens  and  in  the  earth,  blood 
and  fire  and  pillars  of  smoke."  These 
fcigns  have  been  seen  by  many  in  tliis  coun- 
try, and  we  have  hftd  accounts  that  wonder- 
tm  sights  have  also  been  seen  in  the  heavens 
"by  the  Chinease.  In  the  2nd  epistle  to  the 
Thess.  2nd  chap,  we  find  the  apostle  show- 
ittg  bis  brethren,  that  the  day  of  th?  Lord 
■would  not  come  until  after  the  falling  away  of 
the  church, and  the  "Manof  sin  the  sen  of  per- 
dition bs  revealed  who  opposeth  and  exalt- 
eth  himself  above  all  that  is  called  Gcd,  or 
that  is  worshiped;  so  that  he  as  God,  sitteti) 
in  the  temple  of  God,  showing  himself  that 
he  is  God."  You  ara  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  ars  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  d:;stroy  with  the 
brightness  of  his  coming. 

To  understand  where  the  man  of  sin  sets. 
and  who  he  is,  we  must  understand  what,  or 
-whej-e,  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 
by  the  temple  of  God.  He  wrote  to  the 
4^inta  like  this;  "Ye  are  the  temple  of  the 
liVinj^  God,"  Thus  we  discover  that  the 
MM!  if  ^  h  tb«t  mjrvtery  of  iniquity   tha>t 


got  into  the  ehwrch:  even  hegstx  %&  be  tkers 
in  the  apostles'  days,  and  which  has  exalted 
itself  above  all  tljat  is  called  Gi)4f  showing 
hin:sL'lf  that  he  is  God.  But  the  »i»n  of  sin 
has  been  revealed  to  the  ciders  of  tliis  churcl*, 
and  God  has  given  tli.  m  power  to  detect  hin* 
whenever  he  shows  himself.  I  will  n»W  ei* 
amine  Wi'iat  the  tavior  said,  as  recorded  by 
Luke,  21  et  chap,  speaking  of  the  destrnction 
of  Jerusalem,  and  tlie  scattering  of  the  Jews; 
commencing  at  the24ih  verse;  "They  slialf 
be  led  away  captive  into  all  nations:  and  Je- 
rusalem sLi.ll  be  trodden  down  of  the  Gen- 
tiles, until  the  times  of  the  Gentiles  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 
2dth  verse  he  Fays,  "And  when  these  things 
begin  to  come  to  pass,  then  look  up,  and  lift 
up  your  heads:  for  your  [the  Jcwsj  rcdcr*p- 
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  rcdenij.tion,  when  tliese  signs 
b-^gan  to  come  to  pass.  And  I  can  assure 
you  that  the  distress  of  nations  spoken  of,  is 
not  far  distant;  for  be  assured  tliat  the  tim« 
spok'^n  of  by  tlie  Revelalor,  tiiat  peace  should 
be  taken  from  t'le  earth,  is  near  at  hand. — 
Our  Savior  speaks  of  his  coming  in  a  cloud 
with  power  and  great  glory,  which  we  are 
sure  has  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  pa.ss,  know  ye  that  the 
kingdom  of  God"  [or  coming  of  the  Scr  of 
Man]  "is  nigh  at  hand.  Verilv  I  say  unto 
you,  this  gsneraion  shall  not  pass  away  till 
all  be  fulfilled. "  There  has  been  many  at- 
tempts to  show  that  ■i\  hat  was  meant  in  this 
whole  connexion,  was  fulfilled  in  the  days  of 
th:  apostles,  bccau.se  it  reads  "this  genera- 
tion;" but  it  is  evident  that  it  has  reference 
to  the  generation  that  should  live  when  th« 
sijns  spoken  of  should  appear.  And  this 
ideal  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  sliall  it  come  on  all 
them  that  dwell  on  the  face  of  the  whole 
earth."  Hence  we  see  that  f/mt  rfwi/  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  wortliy  to  escape  all  these 
things;"  [that  is,  the  judgments  that  were 
to  come  on  the  wicked  of  that  generation,  as 
h^  had  before  described,]  "and  to  stand  be- 
fore the  Son  of  Man."  From  this  it  is  evi- 
dent, that  none  but  the  meek  and  the  pure  in 
heart  would  be  able  to  stand  in  that  day. — 
This  being  ad  nitted  shows  that  that  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 
snppose,  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  tkc  signs  of  \^ 


ATlisSF'.xdER   ASB  A DT oCAT!!. 


Pff 


tirti3«,  will  (ligeov?f  that  this  ags  is  big'  with  ; 

CT?nt8. 

Tai  book  of  Mjrnion,  containing  tlic  fut" 
112SS  ot'ta;  gospoi  Oi'Ciir^st,  has  ijiaJj  its  af.-- 
p'arauc.  aiiJ  nion  ar;  onc3  juor^  call.',!  lo 
tiia  i«o.y  ord^r  oi:'  Goi,  to  buiid  up  tiie 
churcli  of  Carist,  an  J  gath:r  th^  liousi  of  Is 
ra  •!,  pr  -paratory  to  tiie  co.uiag  ofthi  S  jn  o. 
Min.  iidt  sxv  you,  how  an  1  to  itno'.v  taai 
tli-'  tjooli  of  M ir  iioa  ccn.a.ns  tlis  iulnjss  o 
thi  j^js;>'17  laansw.^r,  J  say,  you  iiavj  tii, 
t?3tinony  of  men  tliat  can  int  b;  iinp;;acheJ, 
tliat  till  boolt  of  M  trrnon  .s  tru  ,  an  J  was 
traaolat »J  by  th?  g.ft  and  pow  r  of  God. — 
T.iose  tiiat  rjciivo  tii:"  book  of  Mjf  non,  an-i 
ob\v  it,  havj  th^s  fartiicr  t  stiiiionj-:  tiiay 
r!:'MV!  Ih-  gift  o.'t!i?  Holy  G  losl.  ijy  com 
j)arin;j  tii^  book  of  Moraion  w.tli  tlie  gos- 
pel preajii?d  b3' t!i3  apostles,  (wiiich  I  now 
in',?n  I  to  s.'t  before  you,)  you  w.ll  b:  able  to 
ju  Igi  far  yours iiv?s.  But  b.'fore  I  proceed 
t'j  s?t  b^'cbr?  you  ti?  gospel,  let  nie  quot 
Acts:  1'?:  10,41,  '-Bjware  therefore,  1  si 
that  co:v.e  upon  you  w'lich  is  spoken  of  in  th'? 
prophets;  behold,  ye  d  spisers,  an  1  wond  r 
and  perish:  for  I  work  a  work  in  your  days, 
a  work  w.iich  ye  s'la'.l  in  no  \:.se  believe, 
thDU'f'i  a  maiideelar;  itunLoyDu," 

I  w.U  now  proceed  to  show  you  the  gospel 
as  it  is  r  corded  in  t'le  bible,  and  if  yoM  tak :• 
ta^  trouble  lo  co.Tipare  the  book  of  Mjr.aop. 
■w'.t'i  it,  you  will  fin  I  that  it  c  jula'ns  tae  fal 
n''ss  taereo''.  An  1  first,  I  sliall  comia  'nee  ai 
the  00  n  nisiion  giVen  by  our  Lord  and  Sav 
ior  Jesus  Christ  to  his  diseipl  s  after  his  res 
urr  'c'lion  fro  n  the  d  ^a  1.  On ;  tlr.n  j  v  ry  re- 
njarkahl;  respecting  tliis  co:n  nisslon  i.s,  taat 
no  one  oft'ie  four  that  reccr  led  tlie  lis.ory 
of  our  Savior  has  it  cntir",  but  each  one  has 
a  part,  asi  1  t!ie  w!iol  e  put  tog  th  r  shows  us, 
bn-on  1  a  douht,  what  that  corn  niss  on  was. 
Tiie  portion  recorled  by  Matthew  is  foun.l 
ia  the  three  last  v  •rs:'3  of  h  s  t:'stiiTiony,  thur, 
"An  1  J  'sas  ca  ne  an  1  spake  unto  them  s.iy 
iriT,  a'l  pow  r  is  g.ven  unto  me  in  heaven  and 
in  earth  go  ye  tserefor  ,  an  I  tt'aeh  all  na- 
tions, baptizing  fh  nn  hx  t  .e  nin>  o  "the  Fa- 
ther, an!  of  the  S  )n,  and  of  th-  H  ly  Giiost, 
t'aehingt'aem  to  ob5  r."a'lthincs  wiiatso  v- 
cr  I  liave  com  nanded  you;  aid,  1  >,  I  a  n  witii 
you  always  ^v  -n  unto  th ;  en  I  of  the  worl  i." 
Tae  lot T  cliap.  fro  n  ti:e  I4th  to  the  19th 
T^rs^  of  ti'ie  t  sihneny  of  M.irk  contains  a 
portion  of  the  co  n mission,  and  r^a  Is  thus: 
"And  lie  Slid  unto  the  n,  go  ye  into  all  tii; 
worlJ,  and  preach  the  gospel  to  ev  ry  cr^a- 
t&r^-  He  that  bdivth,  and  is  baptized 
sha'il  ba  saved;  but  he  that  b;li;v'th  n't, 
e'ea'l  he  da  nn^  1.  Andtliese  signs  shall  fol- 
low them  that  b  di-^ve:  in  my  nan  s":all  they 
ciHt  out  d'vils;  th-'y  sha'l  sp-ak  with  new 
•ton'ru^s;  th^y  sha'l  take  up  serpents:  and  if 
ih  >y  Irink  any  i  ^a  lly  thin  -,  it  shall  not  hurt 
them;  t'ey  s  all  lav  hvn  !s  on  th ;  siek,  an  ! 
they  shall  revovr.  '  In  th^se  quo'ationr, 
from  Matthew  aa  1  M.irk,  we  fin  J  thatth; 
apoetbs  w^eto  teaeh  all  nations,  an  I  preacli 
th"  gospel  to  ev^ry  cr  a'ure;  y 't  tli'^y  do 
nott'U  us  what  the  gosp  d  is,  anl  without 
the  help  ofLuko  and  John  we  migiit  be  much 
puzzled  to  know  from  the  bible  what  that 
tbin?  called  the  gospel  was  or  is;  but  t'le 
Lord  did  not  l*ave  the  world  in  the  dark,,  for 
in  Luk",  and  John,  together  with  what  is  re- 
«orded  in  the  Acta  of  tlie  apoetjee,  the  6ul>- 
j.ogt  ta  aaade  plaiii.  , 


Luke  24;44i50  roads  thus,  "Thfxi  Gpt^nai 
he  their  iinderstiin  iing,   that  th»-y  inigi»t  VR-" 

I  Tstand  til'  Scriptures,  and  taid  unto  tht-^ 
llms  it  is  wr.tten,  and  thus  it  behov  tli  CJ:rJ8t 
to   suif.T,  and    rise  from  the   d.  ad  the    third 

lay:  and  iljiX  fepentance  and  remission  of 
sais  .s.houlJ  h'^  jit  aciied  in  iiis  name  among 
all  nations,  beginning  at  J-rusileni,  and  ye 
are  wiln  ss  h  of  ih  g  ■  thing»,  and  behold, 
I  smd  t!i»  promise  of  my  Fatiier    upon  you; 

Hit  tarry  ye  in  J  rusahem,  until  ye  be  inaow- 

d  witli  pow  r  iron  on  high,"  Henc-e  we 
d  scov  r  t!  at  tit  -y  were  to  pr  achr  ep  ntanca 
and  remission  of  sijjs,  a!id  he  that  bellLVed 
th?ir  testimony  and  was  haptiied  sliould  be 
s.av>d.  Cut  they  w  >re  to  tarry  at  Jeruiiakni 
until  they  were  endowed  with  powtr  from  ob 
high. 

Acts  f  rst  chapt.  and  eiglit  first  vsrses,  cor* 
roborat'^s  the  foregoing.  Christ,  "Being  a»» 
.s  ^mbled  together  wiUi  them,  commanded  them 
that  they  should  not  d  epart  from  Jerusalem, 
b  it  wait  for  tiie  pro  nise  of  the  Father,  which, 
saith  h^.  ye  have  heard  of  me.  For  John  tru- 
ly l)iptized  with  water;  but  ye  shall  be  bapti- 
zed with  the  Holy  Ghost  not  many  days 
■  lence."  And  further.  "Ye  shall  receive 
power,  after  th:it  th^  Holy  Ghost  is  com* 
upon  you:  and  ye  shall  be  witn-^es^s  unto  me 
both  in  Jerasilem,  and  in  Judea,  a?»d  in  Sa» 
naria,  and  unto  t!ie  uttermost  pari  of  th^ 
'arth."  The  pncr.r  spok^'ii  of  above,  wd  ^nd 
explained  in  t!i'» '20th  chapt.  of  John's  testi» 
nony,  23n  I  and  S.'jrd  versus  in  these  words: 
"Anl  wii'-n  he  had  said  tliis,  he  [Christ] 
br'athel  on  them,  and  sailli  unto  them  II  • 
ceive  ye  the  Hoi}'  Ghost;  whoseso-'^ver  sire* 
ye  remit,  they  are  re  iiitied  unto  them,  and 
■vhos  ^soever  sins  ye  retain,  they  are  relain»vv 
Thus  we  see  that  besides  the  signs  that  wera 
)o  follow  them  that  believed,  they  [the  apos- 
tles] iiad  t'.iis  poiver  granted  to  tliem  also,- 
>v  m  the  powr  to  remit  anl  to  retain  sins,  ujv 
^n  such  conditions  as  the  Holy  Ghost  should 
lir'c*,  when  they  should' ree we  it.  Agree» 
ably  to  tiie  instructions  of  their  Lor  J,  the 
;lis3iples  wait  d  at  Jerusa'em:  and  as  is  r?» 
corded  in  the  2nd  chapt.  of  Acts  on  the  "day 
ofpenlecost  t!:ey  were  all  with  one  accord  in 
one  place,"  wh^ni  as  was  promised,  the  Hoc 
ly  Ghost  was  fo  red  out  upon  them,  and  they 
began  to  spealc  with  new  tongues — and  then 
they  b^gan  their  ministry,  accord  ng  to  tha 
lireciions  given  them.  It  mjiy  be  proper  be- 
fore going  farther  to  notice,  that  the  kingdom 
of  Go  1  was  now  tobe  pr  ^-ached  to  all  nations, 
an  1  that  Pet-^r  l;ad  tlie  keys  of  the  kingdo.m 
of  heaven  coi.f  rre  I  upon  him,  as  record  d  in 
iVIat.  18;  19.  "And  I  will  give  untb  thee  [Pe- 
tei]  the  keys  of  the  kingdon  of  heaven:  and 
wiiatsoever  thou  shalt  bin  1  on. earth.shall  bs 
bound  in  heaven."  Hence  we  discover  that 
T'eler  had  great  pow?r  given  into  hia  hands, 
•^  so  had  all  the  apostles,  accor  lingtn  .'o'm'« 
testimony,,  as,  above  q  lotyd.  Cons  q  lently, 
wh-'n  they  were  endow  d  wi.th  power  from  oa 
hiffli,  an  J  were  to  comnenc*  th°ir  mission, 
p.  t  r  Stan  ling  up  with  the  ^1  ev-^n,.  b'gan  to 
declare  unto  them  the  things  of  God;  show- 
ing that  Jesus  was  ihe  Christ,  and  t.hat  the^ 
had  tak^n.  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  th^ 
J\.*»u«  v,-as  ijxt  ClirisH;  oad  beii^g  conTJnoW 


«D 


liiiJSiifii*^*^  A^l>  .\i)¥C>CATK. 


pf  the  fdct,  truth  brought  with  it  conviction, 
M  it  always  will  when  received;  they  saw  at 
once  that  they  had  committed  sin  that  had 
no  Sacrifice  for  in  the  law  of  Moses,  conse- 
quently they,  with  one  accord,  cried  out, 
"M3n  and  brethren,  what  shall  we  do?"  Pe- 
ter having  the  keys  of  the  kingdom,  was 
ready  to  tell  tliein  what  they  must  do:  he 
«aid  unto  them:  "Repent  and  ba  baptized  ev- 
ery one  ot  you  in  the  name  of  Jesus  Clirist, 
for  the  remission  of  sins,  and  ye  shall  receive 
the  gift  of  the  Holy  Ghost.  For  the  promise 
J3  unto  you,  and  to  your  children,  and  to  all 
that  ara  afar  off,  even  as  many  as  the  Lord 
oar  GoJ  shall  call.V  And  according  to  tlie 
account,  about  three  tljousand  were  received 
into  the  kingdom  the  same  day — having  re- 
ceived the  remission  of  theirtsifls,  as  well  as 
the  gift  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  they  were  made 
to  rejoice  and  praise  God. 

Thus  we  see  the  happy  effect  produced  by 
receiving  the  gospel  in  its  purity.  I  wish 
you  now  to  candidly  examine  the  different 
e.'rmons  recorded  as  preached  by  the  apostles, 
and  you  will  find  that  the  sum  of  their  preach- 
i  ig  was  Jesus  a  risen  Savior;  and  that  when 
they  got  the  people  to  believe  that,  they  then 
immediately  baptized  them:  in  one  instance 
even  the  same  hour  of  the  night.  But  say 
you,  what  good  will  it  do  one  to  be  baptized 
without  repentance?  1  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 
serve  God  with  full  purpose  of  hewl?  I  find 
Is^m  digressing,  tiierefore  I  will  return  to  the 
subject. 

Paul  wrote  to  his  Galatian  brethren  thus: 
•"Though  we,  or  an  angel  from  lieaven  preach 
any  other  gospel  unto  you,  than  that  wliich 
we  have  preached  unto  you,  let  him  be  accur- 
sed. As  we  said  before,  so  say  I  now  again, 
"if  any  man  preach  any  other  gospel  unto  you 
than  that  ye  have  received,  let  him  be  accur- 
sed." Now  pause,  and  ask  yourselves  this 
question,  did  the  apostles  preach  more  than 
one  gospel?  I  think  you  must  answer  "but 
one.'  W«ll,  Paul  says  the  gospel  is  the 
power  of  God  unto  salvation.  What  does 
the  resi'lt,  on  the  day  of  pentecost  show,  but 
the  power  of  God  unto  salvation?  Surely 
the  gospel  that  the  apostles  preached,  and 
thiat  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- 
I>el,  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,  tliat  he  sav^  in  the  last  d^ys  an  angel 
flying  through  the  midst  of  heaven,  having 
Ihe  everlasting  gospel  to  preach  to  all  nations, 
kindreds,  tongues  and  people,  it  will  prove 
that  there  is  such  a  thing  as  the  everlasting 

nel,  and  if  so,  is  it  not  the  gospel  of  God? 
does  not  what  John  says,  about  the  ev- 
erlasting gospel's  being  preached  to  all  na- 
tions, kindreds,  tongues  and  people,  just  be- 
fore the  downfall  of  mystery  Babylon,  convey 
an  Mea  that  •oraething  more  than  the  bible  is 


to  make  its  appearance,  about  that  timel     It 
certainly  does  to  me. 

Now,  if  the  book  of  Mormon  contains  the 
same  gospel  that  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  lotlie  truth 
of  tiie  book  are  men  of  piety,  and  men  who 
have  sacrificed  their  properi}',  and  even  their 
good  name  for  tliis  cause,  wnicii  certamly  is 
tiie  case,  what  does  it  argue?  Dots  it  not 
argu3  that  this  work  is  true;  that  tJie  book 
ot Mormon  is  the  fulness  of  the  go.spel,  «ent 
forth  to  this  generation,  that  a  people  Uiay 
be  prepared  for  the  coming  of  the  t)ridt'grooni7 
surely  it  does;  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  w^re  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  tlie  gospel  of 
Christ.  In  many  instances  tlie  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  languages 
shortly  after  they  receive  the  gift;  otliers 
are  confined  to  one  or  two — These  are  not 
idle  assertions;  I  know  that  these  things  are 
so.  Some  have  the  gift  of  interpretation  and 
some  have  not,  as  yet.  But  say  you  these 
gifts  are  strange  things!  Well  strange  as 
iney  may  appear,  they  are  the  gift  of  the 
Holy  Gliost:  many  of  tlie  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  churcl^  What  the  Lord  promised 
by  the  mouth  of  Zephaniali  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  serve 
him  with  one  consent,"  3:9.  Some  speak 
the  jjure  language  already.  Songs  are  sung 
in  unknown  tongues.  Well  sa}'  you  in  the 
days  of  the  apostles  they  spake  with  tongues 
and  prophesied,  immediately  after  having 
hands  laid  on  thein  for  the  reception  of  the 
Holy  Gliest,  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  ditFerence?  In  answer 
I  say,  that  the  apostles  were  three  j'ears 
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  uj>onthem  at  the  commencement  of 
their  ministry,  to  all  nations:  the  church 
was  of  one  heart  and  one  mind;  but  after  a- 
while  we  find  tliat  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  Zn- 
ingle,  the  reformers,  light  has  been 
bursting  forth  in  the  religious  world.  Many 
reformers  ha\-e  rose  up  one  after  aaother,  tiii 


lTEa3E:^QER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


•at  length  th^  Lord  saw  fit  to  raiac;  up  a  stand- 
•ard,  even  the  fuhiess  of  his  gospel,  aud  give 
unto  his  people  a  prophet,  through  whom 
they  can  have  the  word  of  the  Lord  from 
time  to  time,  to  lead  them  along  from  the 
wilderness  in  which  they  have  been  lost,  that 
thsy  may  sec  eye  to  eye  and  b?  of  one  heart 
and  one  mind,  as  in  the  days  of  the  apostles. 
And  although  the  time  has  not  yet  arrived 
that  we  se;3  eye  to  eye  in  all  tilings,  yet  it 
has  pleas -jd  the  heavenly  Father  to  begin  to 
«et  his  gifts  in  order  in  his  churcli,  whicii 
causes  me  to  rejoice;  yea,  1  will  rejoice  and' 
praise  my  Father  in  heaven,  that  he  has  per- 
mitted me  to  live  in  this  day  and  age,  wiien 
I  can  sse  the  work,  of  tlie  Lord  and  know  it 
for  myself — that  is,  1  know  it,  or  have  no 
more  doubt  of  it,  tlian  I  have  that  tJiere  is 
such  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  e.xactto  establish  any 
fact  among  us  at  the  present  day,  consequent- 
ly would  it  not  be  wjsdom  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  ba  true,  that  is,  they  have 
either  held  forth,  in  the  mo.st  solemn  man- 
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  ascertain  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- 
Belv.;s.  For  be  assured,  that  if  the  testimo- 
ny borne  in  favor  of  this  work  be  the  truth, 
jour  disbelieving  it  will  never  make  it  an  un- 
"trutk:  remjmber  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 
m  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  male  I  couit  as  no ight, 
when  compared  with  the  hope  that  I  have  of 
one  day  being  enabled  to  exclaim  with  Paul, 
•'I  have  fouglit  a  good  fight,  I  have  finished 
my  course,  I  hare  k?pt  the  faith;  henceforth 
there  is  laid  up  for  me  a  crown  of  reghteous- 
n?ss,  which  the  Lord,  the  righteous  judge, 
ehall  give  me  at  that  day:  and  not  to  me  on- 
ly, bat  unto  all  them  also  that  love  his  ap- 
pearing." I  now  ask,  do  you  lo/e  his  ap- 
paaring?  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  blind 
your  eyes. 

Since  I  have  torn  my  aScotions  from  this 
vtrrld'a  goods;  from  tb«  v*nitie«  and  t>5yR  of 


time  and  sense,  and  been  willing  to  love  aad 
serve  God  with  all  my  heart,  and  be  led  by 
his  holy  Spirit,  my  mind  has  been  as  it  wer» 
continually  expanding — receiving  the  things 
of  God,  until  glories  indescribable  present 
themselvcK  before  mc,  and  I  am  frequently 
led  to  exclaim  in  my  mind,  why  is  it  that 
men!  rational  men!  will  suftl-r  themselves 
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? 

My  dear  friends,  need  I  say  more  to  con- 
vince you  of  the  truth  and  'reality  of  this 
work.  I  think  if  you  believe  nie,  enough  ia 
written  to  carry  conviction  to  your  hearts; 
but  if  I  thought  that  more  would  be  of  ser. 
vice  to  you  at  this  lime,  I  would  freely  write 
on:  tlie  subj?cti^  not  exhausted,  neither  am 
I  tired  of  writing;  for  I  feel  willing  to  spend 
and  be  spent,  in  the  cause  of  my  blessed 
iVIaster. 

The  testimony  that  I  have  borne  and  now 
bear  to  you  in  favor  of  the  book  of  Mermon, 
and  the  great  things  that  are  to  take  place 
in  these  last  days,  is  such  that  I  feel  clear  in 
my  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  my  hands;  but  without 
this  counnunicalion  1  could  not  say  that  I 
felt  altogether  clear,  as  having  discharged 
iny  duty.  I  desire  that  this  letter  may  be 
read  by  all  my  old  friends  and  acquaintances, 
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  yoa 
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 
the  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  th'^  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  ho 
did  not  prove  that  the  book  of  Mormon 
wus   not  truo>    yet  he  jaTU  tho   whole 


<R 


Mrs»5:.VGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


work  such  a  coloring,  or  nppearancc 
of  falseliooJ,  tliat  the  jiublio  feeling 
was,  th-.t  *'mormonisur'  wa3  ovci-- 
ihrowti.  ILiwever  we  afterward  re- 
ceived proachiug  fro'n  broThc-r  II,  Ca- 
hoon,  David  '.Vhlf.nor,  and  Lyman 
Johnsou,  and  a  "t.M"  that,  alio  by  broth 
er  'i'hoiTjas  Marah  and  others,  which 
loft  an  impiossion  on  tlio  minds  of  ma- 
ny, that  was  n^it  easily  eradicated;  and 
the  way  being  thus  prepared,  the  Lord 
in  his  proviJenee,  sent  brother  i\Iiit)ii 
Stow  among  us,  who  baptized  a  num- 
ber of  persons,  some  of  whom  belonged 
lo  the  Methodi.s.t  Church — which  crea- 
ted mu'::h  excitement  iu  that  church, 
and  caused  the  preachers,  which  had 
charge  of  tFie  circuit,  to  stand  fortli  wit!) 
great  exertions  to  prevent  its  inflaen:e 
spreading  further;  and  witli  the  strong- 
est expression  of  their  exas;;cratod  fee- 
ling?, thundered  out  anathamies  and 
divine  vengeance  on  the  heads  of  those 
*'wolves  in  shoeps  clotliing,"  as  thoy 
called  the  "mormon  preachers."  But 
this  abuse,,  from  men  wlio  professed  to 
be  the  ministers  of  Christ,  upon  those 
men  who  had  not  injured  tham,  and 
who  appeared  to  be  siijccrc,  and  were 
preaching  much  m  )re  glorious  things 
than  were  heard  fro:n  them,  maue 
many  anxious  lo  know  more  of  ^Saor 
.monism,"  as  it  was  called- 

At  this  time,  being  April,  1333,  God. 
-who  is  ever  ready  to  bless  men  .,ith  the 
knowledge  of  the  truth,  if  they  will 
hearken  and  receive  it,  sent  us  brother 
Sidney  Rigdon,  who  opened  the  scri;)- 
t  a  res  to  our  undcrst  mding  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  gi 'ts  that  were 
in  the  church — such  as  visions,  revela- 
tion, theministrationof  angels,  the  git 
of  the  holy  spirit,  and  prophecy — and 
ihat  these  were  again  restored  to  the 
world  an<n  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,  tdl 
the  number,  in  the  beginning  of  1834, 
amounted  to  something  m>re  than  six- 
ty. For  a  few  months  the  work  of 
gathering  seemed  almost  to  cease,  but 
our  heavenly  Father  seems  agiin  to 
smile  in  blessings  upon  us,  ana  there 
Has  been  additiona  to  the  church  time 


after  time,  till  the  number  now  remain- 
ing, accoidii  g  to  our  church  record,  is 
ninety  th=ee;  one  has  died;  six  have 
moved  away,  and  two  have  been  cut  olf 
fro)n  the  church. 

Our  heavenly  Father  seems  to  l;c 
shedding  fo;th  a  divine  ijifiuencc  u{)on 
the  jieoplc,  th  .t  roany  arc  giviiig  heed 
t )  the  word  preached  about  us,  and  al- 
so 111  a  number  of  other  townshipa,  peo- 
ple are  op'eniiig  houses  for  our  pre;-;ch- 
mg,  tliough  some  refuse  to  hear,  ami 
shut  their  eyes  and  ears  against  the 
truth. 

Yours  in  the  bonds  of  the  gosj^el  of 
Jesus  Christ. 

AMBROSE  PALMER'.;^ 

Jan.  23,   1835. 


MesstuSEV  asad  Advocat*;.  j^ 


KUiTLA.yV,  OHIO,  JANV.iaY,   IcOJ. 


[IT  The  first  No.  of  "The  Evening  and 
THE  MouNiNG  Staf.,"  re-priiitcd,  is  issued. — 
For  tho  accommodation  of  our  friends,  v/c 
Iiave  struck  oii' a  largo  edition,  and  individuals 
can  bo  supplied  v.itli  any  numb, r  by  transmit- 
ting immediately,  such  orders,  froeof  pcstage, 
enclosing  cash.  The  whole  24  numbers  will 
bo  furnished  at  the  oflice,  or  by  mail  at  $  2,00. 
No  subscription  will  be  received  for  any  leti 
than  the  Iwo  Volumes. 

Copfcrence  Nutice. — The  eldcre  of  the 
church  of  the  Latter  Day  Saints  are  hereby 
notilied,  that  a  conferancc  will  be  held  at  New- 
Portag?,  Ohio,  commencing  Saturday,  the 
Gth  of  June  next.  The  Sabbath  following  will 
be  occupied  in  public  teacliing. 

BISHOP  PARTRIDGE'S  LETTER.  " 

Time  and  space  forbid  lengthy  comments 
on  this  production.  It  was  forwarded  ua  last 
August,  with  a  request  to  either  publish  it,  or 
forward  the  manuscript  to  the  Hen.  S.  Row, 
of  Painesville.  On  examination,  we  thoogiit 
that  it  was  an  article  fraught  with  so  much 
necessary  intellignce,  that  it  could  not  fail 
to  interest  our  patrons.  With  this  letter  we 
raceivc'd  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  witlii 
a  reverence  toward  God,  and  an  anxiety  lo  be^ 
prepared  for  his  coming. 

Bishop  Partridge  ie  well  known  to  the  indi- 
vidual addressed,  and  to  th«citis«ne  of  Painea* 


BIESSKNOER  AND  ADVOCATK. 


TiUe,  amon^  whom  he  formerly  resided;  and 
we  cannot  but  b*UeTe,  that  that  intelligeilt 
€om:nunitjr  will  treat  with  due  respect,  and 
appropriate  credence,  thia  plain,  easy,  consis- 
tent, and  unvarnished  r^lation^of  truth,  from 
their  former  feilow-citizen. — lEditor.'} 


SXHD, 

In  this  to-wn  on  Friday,  the  lf>th  inst.  Sam- 
WEL  Carvel,  infant  son  of  eider  S,  Iligdon? 
ajed  two  weeks  and  four  days. 

On  the  4tli  inst.  Mr.  Zi.sa  IlEnriELD,  aged 
56  years.     He  was  a  member   of  this  church. 

On  the  2;irJ  iust.  widow  Sally  Bingham, 
daughter  of  Thomas  Gatee,  aged  35  years. 

In  Amherst,  Ohio,  on  the  first  of  August, 

last,  Mrs.  Harriet  Jackson,  aged  23  years. 

Mrs.  Jackson  was  a  m?mber  of  the  church  of 

the  saints. 

In  Bersin,  Vt.  on  the  26th  Dec.  last, 
CvROLixE,  late  consort  of  elder  Harlow  K^d' 
Jiild^  aged  33  years. 

She  was  among  the  first  who  embraced  the 
fulness  of  the  gospal  in  that  country,  and  has 
evir  maintained  a  steady,  circumspect  and  vir- 
tuous walk.  She  bori  with  becoming  forti- 
tude, her  last  illness,  and  only  lon^tid  for  the 
anxious  hour  when  her  spirit  should  take  its 
\fAc9Mi  exit  to  be  with  Jesus. — Editor. 


A  SU.MMARY. 

In  the  last  Messenger  we  gave  a 
short  summary  of  the  intciligcnce  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  be  the  most 
interesting.  To  inform  the  elders  of 
the  many  and  pressing  calls  which  are 
continually  saluting  us,  and  the  church 
of  tlic  increase  of  numbers  to  its  body, 
will  satisfy  the  whole,  if  our  concep- 
tion of  the  mitter  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 
manner  can  th^ir  faith  be  brought  to 


bear  more  directly  upon  the  object, 
than  to  be  instructe(«  alike,  and  also  be 
furnished  with  the  same  int»  lligence 
relative  to  the  same  holy  causf  .? 

The  elders  are  travelling  irnto  rsany 
parts,  as  may  be  seen  from  If.tters  pub- 
lished from  time  to  time,  and  what  adds 
to  the  reflection,  and  gives  joy  to  the 
heart,  is  that  wherever  they  go,  and 
labor  but  a  short  season,  are  instru- 
ments in  the  economy  of  heaven,  of 
convincing  hundreds  of  the  truth  and 
propriety  of  the  faith  of  the  everlasting 
gosj.cl.  We  arc  indebted  to  them  for 
the  inore  part  of  the  information  of  this 
kind  which  we  publish,  and  feel  our- 
^Ivcs  under  obligation  to  tender  them 
the  unfeigned  gratitude  of  our  feosom» 
and  hope  that  by  a  joint  co-operation 
we  may  be  instruments  in  moving  on 
this  heavenly  work  to  perfection  and 
glory,  that  the  nations  of  the  eakth 
may  tec  the  salvation  of  God! 

From  the  elders  we  receive  many 
subscriptions,  and  hope  we  may  be  fa- 
vored  with  many  thousand  more  op 
j  or  unities   to  thus  ciicjlate  the  intelli 
gcnce  with  which  wb  are  favored,  until 
there  shall  not   be  a  town,  no,    nor  !t 
neighborhood  in  the  union,  into  which 
numbers  of  our  publication  do  not  cir 
culate.     But  to  proceed: 

Brother  E.  Owen  jr.  of  Green-  co, 
la.  writes  the  19th  of  Nov.  last,  in- 
forming us  that  there  are  a  few  saints 
yet  in  that  place.  There  was  once  a 
large  church  in  Gieen  co.  but  they 
have  mostly  removed  to  Mo.  The  few 
remaining  should  not  be  neglected,  nor 
suffered  to  perish  for  want  of  instruc- 
tion, or  be  devoured  by  the  enemy. — 
He  closes  by  saying:  "O  brother,  pray 
for  us,  that  we  may  continue  in  the  ho- 
ly calling  whe;ejnto  we  are  called, 
that  we  may  be  worthy  to  receive  an 
inheritance  in  the  city  of  cities,  which 
shall  be  called  Zinn:  and  we  on  our 
pirt,  will  humbly  ask  the  Lord  to  pre- 
serve you  and  enable  you  to  continue 
to  fight  valiantly  in  the  cause  of  tha 
Redeemer's  kingdom!" 

From  elder  G.  Bishop's  journal, 
written  from  Salisbury,  Cu  Dec.  4th, 
we  take  a  few  extracts: 

"I  arrived  in  Norfolk,  Nov.  1333, 
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  towns  in  the  9tat9.  •  •.•  I« 


ifESSE.'^OEli  AND  ASVOGATB. 


June  I  attended  the  Maine  conference; 
stopped  in  Boston  and  baptized  one. — 

*  *  *  From  thence  to  Dover,  N.  II, 
whsrc  I  baptized  7.  From  Dover  to 
Bradford,   Ms.  where  I    baptized  one. 

*  *  After  visiting  'Dighion  Writing 
Rock'  in  Dighton,  Bristol  co.  Ms.  1 
went  to  Wendell  where   I  baptized  9. 

*  *  When  I  arrived  at  this  place,  I 
learned  that  6  others  had  been  added 
to  the  church  daring  my  absccnce,  by 
elders  Smith  and  Carter.  Since  my 
arrival  I  have  baptized  5.  The  church 
no^v  numbers  20  in  this  place." 

Mr.  Wm.   Johnson,  of  Lewistown, 
Fulton  CO.  111.  informs  us  by  letter  da- 
ted Dec.  8th,  that  there  arc  a  few  be 
lievers  in  that  place.     Will  the  travel- 
ling elders  remember  them? 

Elder  E.  II.  Groves  writes  us  an  inter- 
feting  letter  from  Gilead,  Calhoon  co. 
III.  Dec.  10th.  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  fiivorable,  as  there  are 
many  standing  at  the  door  just  ready 
to  enter. 

Elder  Charles  Rich  of  Pleasant 
Grove,  III.  writes.  Doc.  22,  and  says 
the  church  in  that  place  is  prospering 
in  the  good  way. 

Elders  G.  M.  Ilinkle  and  H.  Green, 
write  us  from  Washington  CO.  111.  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 
gj  on.  VVe  bare  at  this  time  an  invi- 
tation to  preach  in  Belleville,  and  an- 
other appointment  at  Lobsnon.  The 
prospect  at  present,  i«t  that  there  will 
be  a  great  work  done  in  this  section  of 
countrv." 

Mr.' J.  Crusbyjr.  of  Wendell,  Ms. 
writes  Dec.  23rJ,  informing  us  that  the 
church  there  numbers  14;  9  having 
bee»  added  not  long  since.  He  says: 
♦*We  few,  who  are  engaged  in  this  glo- 
rious work,  are  firm  in  the  belief,  and 
■WQ  hope  that  by  the  grace  of  God  we 
shall  be  enabled  to  fight  the  good  fight 


of  faith,  and  to  come  off  conquerors 
and  more  than  conquerors,  through 
liim  who  loved  us," 

Elder  Win.  ^V.  Spencer  writes  fronV  , 
Tompkins,  N.  Y.  Jan.  7th,  and  says,  ' 
that  there  is  an  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- 
ful laborers,  endowed  with  the  Holy 
Spirit. 

Our  natural  brother,  the  presiding 
elder  of  the  church  at  Freedom,  N.  Y. 
writes  us  the  I'^th  inst.  and  says:  "Our 
chui-ch,  I  belirve,  prospers  tolerably 
well:  10  have  been  dismissed  with  letters 
of  commendation,  and  we  have  seven- 
ty three  in  regular  standing.  One  of 
that  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  where  spoken  ag-ainst,  1  be- 
lieve there  are  more  fears  that  our  sys- 
tem is  true,  than  there  are  doubts  thsit . 
it  is  not."  --.f ^.  .         .  ..;• 

In  addition  totlje-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  lei't,  baptized  about  twenty  ia 
the  State  of  Tennessee.     He  further 
informs  us,  thatmultitudeslistened  with 
attention,  and  manifested  deep  anxiety 
to   ascertain,   for  themselves   whether' 
these   things   were   of  God.     Of  the 
vast  population  of  the  south,  but  lew 
have  ever  heard  the  gospel  in  its  ful- 
ness,   and   it  is   to  be   expected,    that' 
amid  a  loorld  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- 
ceive the  word."^— Eiiior. 


THE  L.ATrEIl  DAY  SAINTS' 

Messenger  and  Advocate, 

IS  EDITED  BY 

oxjIvbr  cowi>nR"sr, 

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Ohio,  by 

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T 


j^ 


MlJSSEM^i^-F.S^  ANB  A®TO€AT 


&h* 


VvL.  I.     No.  5.]         KrRTLAND,  OHIO,  FEBRUARY,    1835.         TWhole  No.  5. 


CS:J5SS¥n?2!OG^^^E©?ra, 


LETTER  No.  4. 

Llbcrly,  Mo.    Chrisiriias,  1834, 

Dear  Brothsu: — 

Your  letter  from  Nor- 
toa  (O.)  dated  Sept.  7,  1334,  caaie  to 
mQ  by  laai],  last  week,  through  the  mc- 
■dium  of  the  Messenger  and  Advocate. 
1  am  giad  you  *'have  thought  that  n  full 
history  of  the  rise  of  the  church  of  Lat- 
ter Day  Saints,  and  the  most  interesting 
part  of  its  progress,  to  the  present  time, 
would  be  worthy  the  perusal  of  the 
saiuts."  The  history  of  t-he  saints,  ac- 
cording to  sacred  writ,  is  the  only  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,  bei'ore  the  Lord  shov/s  his  na- 
ked arm  to  the  nations,  if  the  children 
of  men  v/ould  read  and  understand, 

I  pray  our  hea.venly  Father  to  assist 
you,  so  that  you  may  be  enabled  to 
spread  the  truth  before  the  ej^ea  of  this 
generation,  ere  destruction  comCvS  as  a 
whirl-wind  upon  the  ungodly.  Strive, 
with  your  might,  to  be  simple,  plain, 
easy  and  unalTected  In  your  style,  show- 
ing the  shining  world,  that  tliough  ma- 
ny may  continue  to  run  aftxir  one  that 
is  able  to  give  gold  to  his  friends,  and 
lead  to  his  enemies,  you,  with  the  Ismel 
of  God,  v/ill  rejoice  in  having  light 
enough  to  follov/  HI5I  who  has  power 
to  give  eternal  life  to  kls  friends,  and 
will  overcome  his  enemies. 

T-here  are  some  items  in  your  letter 
which  are  great,  and  revive  old  thoughts 
that,  long  since,  were  left  to  float  down 
the  gulf  of  departed  things,  into  the 
raaze  of  forgetfulness.  The  first  one 
is  where  you  sat  day  after  day  and 
M-rote  the  history  of  the  second  race 
that  inhabited  this  continent,  as  the 
words  were  repeated  to  you  by  the 
Lord's  prophet,  through  the  aid  of  the 
•*'Urimand  Thumim,"  '-Nephitc  Inter- 
preters,"or  Divine  Spectacles.  I  mean 
"^hen  you  wrote  the  book  of  Mormon, 


containing  the  fulness  of  the  gospel  to 
the  world,  and  the  covenant  to  gather 
Israel,  for  the  last  time,  as  v/e!l  as  the 
history  cf  the  Indians,  who,  till  then, 
had  neither  origin  among  men,  nor 
records  amid  the  Kght  and  knowledge 
of  the  great  lOth  century. 

Fresh  comes  a  story  into  my  mind, 
that,  in  1S23,  before  the  book  of  Mor- 
mon was  known  among  us,  a  sacred 
record,  or,  as  I  had  it,  another  bible, 
v/riiten  or  engraved  upon  thin  gold 
leaves,  containing  more  plainness  than 
the  one  we  had,  but  agreeing  with  it, 
had  been  found  near  Canandaigua, 
IS.  Y.  The  characters  in  w[)ich  it  was 
written,  were  of  a  language  once  used 
upon  the  eastern  continent,  but  obsolete 
and  unknown  then.  I  was  somewhut 
surprised  at  the  remarkable  discovery, 
or  news,  though  I  never  knev/  to  thi.s 
day,  hov/  I  cam.G  by  it.  Like  f  aul, 
Vvho  did  not  know  whether  he  v/as  in 
the  bod}'-,  or  out  of  it,  at  a  certain  {inie, 
I  cannot  tell  whether  i  dreamed;  or 
v.'hether  some  person  told  rne;  or  v/heth- 
er  an  angel  v/hispered  such  strange 
iidirgs.  1  mentioned  it  a  few  times, 
but  v/as  rather  le.ughed  at,  and  so  I  said 
no  more  about  it,  till  after  I  had-remov- 
ed  to  Canandaigua,  when  the  Book  of 
Mormon  was  published. 

At  that  day,  or,  in  fact,  I  always  be- 
lieved the  scriptures,  and  believed  that 
there  v/ars  such  a  sacred  thing  as  pure 
religion^  but  1  never  believed  that  any 
of  the  sects  of  the  day,  had  it,  and  so  I 
v/as  ever  ready  to  argue  up,  or  down, 
any  church;  and  that,  loo,  by  evidence 
from  the  good  old  book,  an  intimacy 
with  which  I  had  formed  in  iniancy 
and  cherished  in  age.  When  tire-  story 
related  above,  first  found  a  resting  place 
ia  my  tabernacle,  I  rejoiced  that  there 
v/as  something  coming  .\o230f;ji!  the  right 
way  to  heaven.  So  it  v*-as,  and,  thank 
God,  so  ii,  is. 

Ln  the  history  you  are  writing,  you 
cannot  be  too  plain  and  minute  in  par- 
ticulars. There  is  niajesty  from  man 
to  Messiah;  from  the  angels  to  the  Al- 
mighty, and  from  simplicity  to  sublimi- 
ty. Out  of  small  things  proceed  great 
ones,  and  the  mind,  or  m.emory,  retains 
a  shadow  of  greatness  on  earth,  or  a 
glimpse  oi  glory  from  heaven,  when  a 
volume   of  Jions9n?e   may  be  forgo>tten 


66 


MESSENGER  k^^D  .AJJVOCATE. 


in  a  day,  or  a  nation  dropped  into  obiir- 
ion  and  remembered  no  more.  ^\  hen 
the  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  ansiet}-  to  share  in  the 
glor].-  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  manv  other 
good  things  may  have  again  been  shut 
up  in  heaven  for  a  day  of  righteousness. 
A  memento  of  them,  in  the  work  under 
consideration,  may  bs  a  day-star  to 
thousands,  yet  groping-  in  the  regions 
of  menial  darkness:  yea,  may  I  not 
say,  that  a  sketch  of  some  of  the  reve- 
lations to  the  church  of  Christ  of  Latter 
Day  Saints,  might  answer  as  hands  to 
poijji  to  the  ligiit-house  of  the  skies, 
^liich  will  only  be  seen  by  the  pure  in 
heart,  when  the  "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! 

While  I  think  of  it,  let  me  ask  you 
to  explain,  or  state  what  the  angel  said 
when  he  infomied  brother  J.  S.  jr.  that 
a  treasure  was  about  to  come  forth  to 
this  generation. 

The  next  item  I  shall  notice,  is,  (a 
glorious  one,)  when  the  angel  confer- 
red the  "priesthood  up'on  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 
sublimit}'  of  such  a  holy  scene,  but  we 
can  remember  the  glory  and  tell  the  ap- 
pearance in  such  worils  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  impressions 
made  upon  our  minds  by  the  inhabitants 
©f  heaven,   rencain  lon^  \9  remind  us 


that  there  is  an  eternity  in  the  next 
world,  where  matter  or  spirit,  and  du- 
ration and  lit'e  are  equal. 

I  am  not  often  in  the  habit  of  telling 
dreams  and  visions,  and  rarely  writo 
them,  but  on  the  16th  of  last  November, 
after  I  retired  to  rest,  it  appeared  that 
1  was  standing  in  the  door  o(  a  house, 
wherein  were  a  number  of  brethren 
and  sisters  lamenting  the  si^aation  of 
the  church,  when,  of  a  sudden,  I  saw 
a  whitish  cloud  in  the  clear  sky  of  the 
south  east,  gently  coming  towards  me; 
and  something,  which,  at  first  sight, 
resembled  the  portrait  of  a  man's  head; 
but,  in  a  moment,  as  it  came  nearer,  it 
looked  like  the  full  image  of  a  man. — 
When  nearest  it  nsade  a  graceful  boi9 
to  mo,  then  receded  till  out  of  sight — 
I  cried  with  a  loud  voice,  The  Lord  pre- 
serve us  for  an  angel  is  here!  Tho 
Lord  is  with  us,  I'or  his  angel  has  come!! 
His  appearance  and  countenance  were 
beautiful;  and  his  robe  was  white.  His 
skin  was  a  touch  nicer  than  virgio 
snow,  tinged  with  a  crimson  glimmer 
of  sun-seL  The  whole  scene  was  sim- 
ply gra.nd,  though  nothing  but  a  dream. 

rSow  my  natural  eyes  beheld  not  this, 
yet  every  thing  of  it,  is  so  strongly  im- 
pressed upon  m}'  mind,  that  it  seems 
like  a  reality.  From  this  I  judge,  that 
a  scene  of  heavenly  things,  seen  with 
the  naked  eye,  is  so  perfectly  retained, 
that  you  can  give  every  particular. 

The  knowledgg  which  has  come  from 
God  to  man,  by  this  last  establishment 
of  the  true  church,  is,  at  once,  very 
glorious  and  very  great,  making  plain 
tlie  reward  of  all  men  in  the  world  ta 
come,  and  showing  the  saints  that  they 
must  come  into  the  presence  of  God, 
by  perfection,  being  one  in  baptism,  one 
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  fall  man  inherited  three 
desires,  which,  if  indulged  beyond  a 
given  latitude,  vitally  destroys  his  pleas- 
ure, his  pros{>erity  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 
one  can  overcome  the  world,  requires 
fortitude  and  faith  sufficient,  like  Moses, 
t9  choose  rather  to  suffer  afflirtion  with 


j££5s£Voi:5l 


€7- 


tbe  peopio  of  God,   than  to  coic>j  the 
plcssmes  of  sn  for  a.  acasoo. 

Bat  lest  I  tire  jour  pelieaoe  viih  : 
IcM^  a  leXSBTf  let  me  Inieflr  cSose.     ! 
ibeie  V2S  jorciii  earA,  iriien  AdaoD  :  - 
oeired  and  obcjed  Ae  ptMpeL  at  : 
moadi  of  die  »ngei,  and  becaine  the  t 
hieh  priest  after  the  hoij  order  of  G: 
if  there  was  jor  OD  earth,  as  tliere  ~ 
in  Eden  whea  the  monung  stus  ze^  -  . 
togelBer*  waes  KaodicfttbiffiiRd  Z: 
bi  the  fii^titoasaiidjeaza;  if  there  ^ 
joj  on  earth,  vheo  ^e  flood  ahaicd,  :■  - 
eanae  the  votid  was  cleansed  of  kik    - 
tji  if  there  was  jov  on  earth,  when  M   - 
ses  led  the  cfaild&eB  of  Istael  ocx 
bondage,  and  had  a  grand  view  of  : 
gionr  of  God;  if  there  was  joT  on  eaitii. 
1834  years  ago,  (to-day) becaMae  JegL-^ 
came  in  the  flesh  for  the  ledempCkm  : 
fallen  nsn;  and  if  diexe  was  joy  ■:  _ 
earth,  when  the  fohiess  of  the  sospel 
and  die  hair  pries«-hood  vere  coDun"- 
ted  Id  yoa  for  die  last  tioie:  how  m^  : 
more  joy  wili  there  be  on  eaxdi  whr  - 
die  iniquity  of  mas  ^lafl  cease,  and  '^ 
knots  of  nafiops,  and  the  osMdoas  c:- 
kingdoQS,  aad  tiie  Hwipb  im  annbes.  '- 
Eball  have   parted  l<Mever,  aad   whh  ' 
B&byloo  dK  gre^  shsil  hare  faDea  is- 
lo  their  own  pfaMx;  when  die  kii^<k)ni  ' 
cf  God  diali  hare  dotninion  and  power  ' 
under  the  whole  heaves:  and  whoi  z: 
Toioe  of  the  triampfaant  Redeemer,  sL : 
not  only  ring  roond  this  giofae  to  i~ 
r^hlBoas,  bat  shall  sound  throoeb: 
the  rast  entire  <^  God.  to-the  jus: 

tier,  imktril  ike  timgiam  mrper- 
jam  frmm  hefare  tie  femmdaiiam  -  - 
totUL"        "         W.  W.  PHEU»S.      < 


TG«th;  thatovr 

:  tL- 


shee**  wig's" 


i£5  ^rhKi   cc-fBy^iBsmr 

-i.  9iA  be  heaid  m  ihe 

We  can  reai@yoaK- 

leseisat 


MILLENIUM.     XoL   XIL 
Cmmtimmedjrampe^bl. 

In  the  144  Ps.  we  have  a  most  gio- 
lioos  descnptioo  'giren  of  die  reisn 
Christ  OB  the  caith,  fmm  Ae  'tab  rer^ 
to  the  dcae  of  the  chapter. 

**Bow  tiie  heavens,  O  Lord,  and 
comedown:  touch Ae  monntiiRs,  aad 
ihcy  shaO  smoke.  Cast  forth  Hght- 
ntng,  and  scatter  them:  ^uot  oat 
thiae  arrows,  and  destroy  them.  Send 
fky  hand  from  abore.  riid  me.  aad  de- ' 
liver  me  oat  of  |:reaf  waters,  from  d^ 
haad  of  strange  cfaihireB;  whose 
moolh  speaketh  Taaiiy.  and  dirir  ricbti 
haad  is  a  right  haad  of  fakrhnnd.  ~  I 
trfllaBga    anr  soag   wio   tH«e,    Oj 


:±etr 


had  LiKrif  eyes  axe^. 
cieiy  Tety  daSeweat 
had'exiEaBd  i^  t3I  tr 
theirs  to  the  pre«»:zt: 
cotne  when  th 
heaveos  aad  c:^. 
:be  moonaiss.  aad  d»y 
aad  the  tabeiaacV;  of  God 
and  wbnthe  Lord  shdl 
rid      «M-  l?r»*''  '     »"--r-»  •: 


08 


MSSSENG£a  AND  ADVOCATfi. 


strange  children,  whose  mouth  speak- 
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, 
whencomplaining  will  be  heard  no  more. 
And  first  it  is  to  begin  with  the  Lord's 
bowing  the  heavens  and  coming  down. 
See  5  verse.  Secondly,  after  he  comes 
he  is  to  deliver  his  people  out  of  great 
waters,  and  from  the  hand  of  strnnge 
children,  whoso  mouth  spcakcth  vanity, 
and  their  right  hand  is  a  right  hand  of 
falsehood,  verses  7,8  and  11.  The 
consequences  following  from  the  Lord's 
coming  down,  and  delivering  his  people 
j^l  from  the  hand  of  strange  children  are, 
^  first,  that  their  sons  will  grow  up  as 
plants  in  their  youth,  and  secondly, 
their  daughters  will  be  as  corner-stones, 
polished  after  the  simiitude  of  a  palace, 
verse  12,  Thirdly,  their  garners  will 
be  full  affording  all  manner  of  store. — 
verse.  13,  Fourthly,  their  sheen''  shall 
bring  forth  their  thousands  and'tens  of 
thousands  in  their  streets.  13,  Fifthlj', 
their  oxen  will  be  strong  to  labor.  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  privileges  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  their  characters,  nor  yet  cause  the 
tearof  sorrow  to  roll  down  their  cheek; 
their  daughters  also,  as  corner-stones, 
polished  after  the  simiitude  of  a  palace: 
without  spot,  without  blemish,  the  com- 
fort of  their  parents.  This  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  family  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  of  all  ?«««««•  of 
store:  that  is,  every  thing  Avhich  his 
nature  could  enjoy,  while  his  flocks  are 
bringing  forth  their  thousands  and  their 
tens  of  thousands,  in  his  streets,  and 
we  have  before  U3  a  society  or  gent?r- 1 


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  never 
will  take  place,  until  the  Lord  bows 
the  heavens  and  comes  down,  and  his 
tabernacle  is  with  men;  then  all  tears 
will  be  wiped  from  the  eyes  of  hi» 
saints;  then  all  sorrowing  and  sighing, 
will  cease;  then  will  Israel  sing  a  new 
song  upon  a  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  simiitude  of  a  palace? 
then  will  the  earth  bring  forth  in  its 
strength,  so  that  their  garners  shall  bo 
full,  affording  all  manner  of  store;  then 
shall  their  sheep  bring  forth  their  thou- 
sands and  tens  of  thousands  in  their 
streets;  then  shall  the  willderness  and 
the  solitary  place  be  glad  for  them,  and 
the  desert  blosom  as  the  rose;  then 
shall  the  blind  see,  and  the  lame  mun 
leap  as  an  heart,  and  the  tongue  of  tho 
dumb  sing.  Well  might  the  Psalmist 
say,  "The  Lord  reigneth,  let  the  earth 
rejoice,  let  the  multitude  of  the  island.-* 
be  glad  thereof:  the  v/orld  also  is  es- 
tablish that  it  cannot  be  moved.  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  hecowiciA,"  &c. 

Let  the  reader  notice  particularly, 
that  all  this  is  to  take  place  when  the 
Lord  comes. 

The  11  and  12  chapters  of  Isaiah, 
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  tho  reader  turn  to  them,  and 
read  them;  for  they  will  throw  a  great 
light  upon  the  subject,  and  he  will 
there  see  the  glory  which  is  to  follow 
the  second  advent  of  the  Savior,  and 
the  etrect  which  his  reign  is  to  have  on 
the  brdtal  creation,  as  well  as  the  nat- 
ural. 


FAITH  OF  THE  CHURCH.  No,  XL 
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 
begins^   in  order   that    we   may   have 


MESSENGER  AND  ABVOCATK. 


a  clear  understanding  of  it  We  have 
previously  seen  what  part  the  Spirit 
took  in  preparing  the  apostles  for  their 
respective  callings  and  mission— how 
necessary  it  was  for  them  to  receive  it; 
for  unless  they  had  received  it  they 
never  could  have  built  up  the  kingdom 
of  heaven,  or  church  of  Christ;  and 
that  without  it  all  the  knowledge  and 
information  which  they  had  received 
from  others,  not  even  that  received 
from  the  Lord  himself  personal'}",  both 
while  in  the  fiesh,  and  after  his  resur- 
rection from  the  dead  excepted,  would 
not  have  availed  to  enable  them  to  ex- 
ecute their  high  commission;  for  in 
addition  to  all  that  they  had  seen,  and 
Iieard,  and  handled,  of  the  word  of  life, 
ihey  must  receive  this  gift,  or  work 
for  the  Lord  they  could  not.  You 
must  tarry  at  Jerusalem,  says  the  Sav- 
ior, until  you  are  endowed  with  povrer 
from  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  the  apostles  in  preparing  them  for 
their  high  calling,  thoy  must  have  had 
great  knowledge  of  tlie  situation  of 
others,  and  a  correct  understanding  of 
what  Vv-as  necessary  to  prepare  and 
qualify  them  for  the  enjoyment  of  fu- 
ture felicity;  and  in  their  teaching  vve 
may  expect  to  find  the  subject  plainly 
set  forth;  for  if  it  is  not  plainly  set 
forth  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- 
sideration. 

In  the  commission  which  the  apos- 
tles received  from  the  Savior,  after  his 
resurrection  from  the  dead,  as  recor- 
ded by  Mark,  we  can  obtain  some  in- 
formation which  v/ill  serve  as  a  key  to 
unlock  to  the  enquiring  mind  in  a  de- 
gree, the  office  Vv'hich  the  Holy  Sprit 
was  to  perform  in  the  salvation  of  those 
who  were  to  believe  on  their  word!  it 
reads  thus,  "And  he  said  unto  them, 
go  ye  into  all  the  v/orld,  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  16:15,10,17,18.  In 
the  12  chapter  of  the  first  epistle  to  the 
Corinthians,  the  apostle  says  that  the 
promises  here  made  to  those  who 
should  believe  tlie  report  of  the  apos- 
tles, were  gifts  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  or 
spiritual  gifts.  Let  it  be  particularly 
noticed,  that  ill  the  commission  given 
to  the  apostles,  that  it  was  not  the  apos- 
tles themselves  v/ho  were  to  show  tho 
signs  but  it  was  the  persons  who  were 
to  believe  on  tho  aj)ostles'  word — the 
signs  were  to  follow  them — "These 
signs  shall  follow  them  that  believe — 
they  shall  cast  out  devils;  tltcy  shall 
speak  with  new  tongues,  they  shall 
take  up  serpents,  and  if  they  shall 
drink  any  deadly  tlnng  it  shall  not 
hurt  them,'''  Not  the  apostles,  but 
those  Vi'ho  believe  their  word.  Such  is 
the  point  of  light  in  which  the  promise 
made  to  those  who  believe  oii  tlw  word 
of  the  apostles,  was  presented  by  the 
Savior,  and  in  the  excution  of  this  corn- 
mission,  by  the  apostles,  we  will  not 
expect  to  find  any  thing  different  from 
this,  for  if  v/e  should,  v/e  would  be  left 
in  a  great  difficulty,  not  knowing  what 
to  believe  nor  whom  to  obey. 

Flaving  seen  in  what  point  of  light 
the  commission  stands,  which  was  giv- 
en to  tho  apostles  at  the  first  by  tho 
Savior  himself,  to  authorize  them  to  go 
forth  and  call  upon  the  nations  to  re- 
pent and  be  baptized  in  tl^^  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  glfis,  and  being  spiritual  gifts 
were  part  of  the  work  of  the  Spirit  in 
saving  men;  for  they  are  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  v/ork  of  the  Spirit  in  the  salvation 
of  men,  and  leave  this  out  would  be  a 
vain  attempt.  When  v/e  propose  to 
investigate  the  work  of  the  Holy  Spirit 
in  the  salvation  of  men  v/e  mean  to  in- 
clude the  whole  of  the  work  of  the  Spir- 
it When  we  speak  of  tlie  v.-ork  of 
God  the  Father  in  the  salvation  of  men, 
we  mean  all  the  work  which  he  per- 
forms for  their  salvation.  In  like  man- 
ner when  we  speak  of  the  work  of  tho 
Son  we  mean  all  the  work  which  the 
Son    performs  in  the   salvation  of  the 


76 


M^SaENQER  ArtD  Al>VO€ATE. 


world;  So  in  like  manner  when  we 
speak  of  the  work  of  the  Spirit  wc 
mean  all  that  the  Spirit  does  in  this 
work. 

In  order  that  we  may  have  the  sub- 
ject plainly  before  us,  we  will  follow 
the  apostles  in  their  journeyings  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 
those  who  received  it,  and  those  who 
were  full  of  religion  without  it. 

We  shall  begin  with  the  2  chapter  of 
the  Acts  of  the  apostles  and  first  verse. 
The  gift  of  the  Floly  Spirit  is  described 
thus:  "And  when  the  day  of  pentecost 
was  fully  come,  hey  were  all  with  one 
accord  in  one  place.  And  suddenly 
there  came  a  sound  from  lK3av\?n,  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 
"vcrscs.  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  I  he  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  wherein 
wc  v/ere  born?  these  expressions  of 
astonishment  and  amazement,  togeth- 
er with  some  conjectures  among  the 
multitude,  such  as  the  disciples  were 
filled  with  new  wine,  &c.  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  voice,  and  said  un- 
to them.  Ye  men  of  Judea,  and  ail  ye 
that  dwell  at  Jerusalem,  be  this  known 
•unto  you,  and  liearken  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  thi3  last  days, 
saith  God,  1  will  pouv  out  my  Spirit 
upon  all  flesh:  and  your  sons  and  your 
daughters    shall   prophesy,   find    your 


young  men  shall  sea  visions,  and  your 
old  men  shall  dream  dreams:  and  on 
my  servants,  and  on  my  handmaidens, 
in  those  days  I  will  pour  out  my  Spirit; 
and  they  shall  prophesy." 

In  the  23  verse,  after  the  apostle  had 
proven  the  resurrection  of  the  Savior, 
he  says.  Therefore  being  by  the  right 
hand  of  God,  exalted,  or  being  exal- 
ted to  the  right  hand  of  God,  and  hav- 
ing received  of  the  Father  the  promisq, 
of  the  Holy  Spirit,  ho  hath  shed  forth 
this  which   you    now  see   and  hear. 

In  the  37  verse  we  are  told  that  the 
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  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.-' 

From  the  baove  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  apOBtle  describes  the  gift;  he  tells, 
what  it  was,  and  wha^  its  effects  were. 
In  the  33  verse,  speaking  of  Christ'a 
being  raised  from  the  dead,  and  having 
ascended  up  on  high,  and  having  re- 
ceived the  gift  of  the  Holy  Spirit^— "He 
hath  shed  forth  this  which  you  now  seo 
and  hear."  We  are  told,  in  the  2  and 
o  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  lioufo 
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  the  bible. 

But  we  have  not  only  the  gift  de- 
scribed but  its  effects  also.  The  apos- 
tles quoting  from  the  prephet  Joel, 
says,  verses  17,18:  "And  it  shall  como 
to  pass  in  the  last  days,  (saith  God)  I 
will  pour- out  of  my    Spirit  upon  all 


MESSEI^GER  AND  ADVOCATE, 


Tl 


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 
servants  and  on  my  handmaidens  I 
will  pour  out  in  those  days  of  my 
Hpirit;    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  the  mul- 
titude did  not  only  hear  it,  but  they  saw 
it  also;  and  secondly  when  it  was  pour- 
ed out  it  produced  a  particular  Citect, 
that  is,  the  person  on  whom  it  was 
poured  spake  with  other  tongues — they 
were  to  prophesy,  to  d.eam  dreams, 
and  to  see  visions,  and  to  put  the  mat- 
ter at  rest,  these  were  the  effects  which 
it  was  to  produce  when  in  the  last  days, 
God  would  pour  it  out  on  alUlesh- 


THE    GOSPEL.     No.    V. 
Continued  from  page  56. 

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  be  (he  same;  that  it 
19  as  immutible  as  God  hi>7iself,  or  Je- 
sus the  Savior,  and  that  the  gospel  is 
the  scheme  of  life  and  salvation;  and 
there  was  not  nor  will  not  be  any  oth- 
er, it  is  that  sche^me  of  things  by  which 
all  that  are  saved,  will  be  saved,  and 
ail  who  arc  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  fallowing 
account  of  the  scheme  of  life  and  salva- 
tion, which  he  promulged  in  his  day  to 
the  generation  among  whom  he  lived, 
and  to  whom  the  Lord  sent  him. — 
"Blessed  be  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 
IQ  love:  having  predestinated  us-  unto 
the  adoption  of  children  by  Jesus  Christ 
to  himself,  according  to  the  gotjd  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,   tho  forgiveness  of  sins,  accor- 


ding to  tlie  riches  of  his  grace;  whei-o- 
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 
ho  has  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  earth;  even 
in  him:" 

In  the  foregoing  quotation  the  apos- 
tlo  gives  us  an  outline  of  the  order  of 
things,  which  he  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,  bieth- 
ren,  that  the  gospel  which  was  preach- 
ed of  me  is  not  after  man:  for  I  neith- 
er received  it  of  man,  neither  was  1 
taught  it,  but  by  the  revelation  of  Jcsua 
Christ." 

The  account  then  which  the  apostle 
gives  of  the  proclamation  which  he 
proclaimed  to  tho  world  is,  that  the 
same  thing  which  ho  received  ])y  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  Jepus: 
according  as  he  hath  chosen  us  in  him 
hefore  ihc  foundation  of  the  icorlcV — • 
Ephesians  1:?»,'^L  Having  predestin- 
ated us  unto  the  adoption  of  children 
by  Jesus  Christ,  to  himself.  5  verse. 
That  is,  bafore  the  foundatin  of  tho 
world.  No  langauge  need  be  plainer 
than  this,  that  is,  that  God  before  ho 
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  himself, 
through  Jesus  Christ,  and  all  this  was 
fixed  before  the  foundation  of  tho 
world;  and  this  is  what  Paul  had  re* 
vealcd  unto  him  to  proclaim  to  the  un- 
circumcision,  as  well  as  Peter  to  tho 
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  cins 
wherein  he  hath  abounded  toward  us, 
or  in  him  ho    hath  abounded  townrda 


73 


MrSSENGER  AND  AJ>VOC'AT£;. 


us  ill  all  wisdom  and  prudence. "'  In 
all  theie  instances  it  is  in  him,  not 
out  of  him,  that  men  are  to  receive 
blessings,  and  to  become  sons  of  God. 

This  is  in  perfect  accordance  with 
what  this  same  apostle  says  in  the  epis- 
tle to  the  Galatians,  when  speaking  of 
Abraham,  and  the  gospel  proclaimed 
to  him  3  chapter  and  8  verse:  "And 
the  scripture,  foreseeing  that  God 
v/ould  justify  the  heathen  through  faith, 
preached  before  the  gospel  unto  Abra- 
ham, saying,  in  thee  shall  all  nations 
be  blessed.'"'  The  promise  to  which 
the  apostle  alludes  is  found  in  the  book 
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 
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  ail  families  of  the  eartii  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  hcra'on  tlie  second 
time,  and  said,  by  m3^self  I  have  sworn, 
faith  the  Lord,  for  because  thou  hast 
done  this  tiling,  and  hast  not  withheld 
thy  son,  thine  only  son,  that  in  bles- 
sing I  will  bless  thee,  and  in  multiply- 
ing I  will  m.ultiply  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  tJico  shall  all  families  of 
ike  ear  in  be  blessed.  And  in  the  lat- 
ter that  in  thy  seed  shall  ail  nations  he 
Messed. 

In  the  23  chapter  V\'o  have  an  ac- 
count of  the  same  promise  being  con- 
firmed unto  .Jacob;  for  according  to 
the  declarations  of  the  Psahiiist  David 
this  promise  v.as  made  unto  Abraham, 
and  by  oath  unto  Isaac,  and  confirmed 
unto  Jacob.  See  105  Psalm,  8,9  &  10 
verses:  "He  hath  remembered  his  cov- 
enant forever,  the  word  which  he  com- 
manded unto  a  thousand  generations, 
[or  the  generations  of  the  thousand 
years.]  "Which  covenant  he  m.ade 
with  Abraham,  andhis  oath  unto  Isaac, 
and  confirrned  the  same  unto  Jacob  for 


a  law,  and  to  Israel  for  an  everlasting 
covenant.  Tlie  account  of  this  confer- 
mation  we  have  in  the  28  of  Genesis, 
and  the  10,11,12,13  and  14  verses. 
"And  Jacob  v/ent  out  from  Beer-sheba 
and  went  toward  Karan.  And  he  hght- 
ed  upon  a  certain  place,  and  ttinied 
there  all  night,  because  the  sun  was 
sel;  and  he  took  of  the  stones  of  that 
place,  and  put  them  for  his  pillow, 
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  Isp.ac:  the  land  whereon  thou  liest,. 
to  thee  will  I  give  it  and  to  thy  seed. — 
And  th)^  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  th.8  earth  he  blessed."  Here  it  isr 
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  Abraham;  for  ona 
says  in  thee,  and  the  other  says  in  th^ 
seed,  so  that  the  promise  to  Abrahain, 
Isaac,  and  Jacob,  was,  that  in  them, 
and  in  their  seed,  should  all  the  fami- 
lies: or  nations  of  the  earth  be  blessed, 
and  this  is  v/hat  is  called  the  gospel, 
which  Paul  says  v/as  preached  before 
to  Abraham:  Galatians  3:8.  It  i» 
necessary  that  the  reader  should  no- 
tice particularly  that  it  is  in  Abraham, 
and  in  his  seed  that  ail  the  families  of 
the  earth  should  be  blessed,  and  not 
out  of  them;  for  here  lays  the  mistake 
with  many;  Ih.ey  do  not  notice  that  lit- 
tle preposition  hi,  and  they  fancy  to 
themselves  that  they  will  be  blessed, 
v.-hether  they  are  in  Abraham  and  his 
seed,  or  out  of  them;  not  thinking  that 
there  is  a  difierence  betv.'een  in  and 
out. 

Concerning  this  promise  made  to 
Abraham  tlie^  nev/  testament  writers 
have  said  many  things.  In  the  3  chap- 
ter of  the  epistle  to  the  Galatians,  tho 
apostle  Paul  settles  the  question,  who 
the  seed  was,  concerning  v/hom  it  was 
said,  that  in  thy  seed  shall  all  the 
families  of  tl:e  earth  be  blessed.  He 
s\ys  thus,  in  the  16  verse:  "Now  to 
Abraham  and  his  peed  were  tho  prom- 


MESSENGZrw  Ai\D  ADVQCATK. 


7» 


iscs  made.  He  soith  not,  and  to  seed«, 
as  of"  many;  but  as  of  one,  and  to  thy 
jeeed,  •which  is  Christ."  According  to 
this  explanation,  the  promise  to  Abra- 
ham and  his  seed  stands  thus.  That 
in  thee,  and  in  Christ  thy  seed,  shall 
^ill  the  families  of  the  earth  be  bles- 
sed. We  can  see  by  this  that  it  was 
Kot  enough  that  a  person  should  be  a 
regular  descendant  from  Abraham  to 
^entitle  tliem  to  the  blessings  of  heav- 
■en,  but  they  must  be  in  his  seed  also, 
vhich  is  Christ,  so  that  to  obtain  eter- 
nal life,  a  person  must  be  both  in  Abra- 
ham and  in  Christ. 

What  is  here  said  about  A.braham 
Bnd  his  seed,  so  directly  corresponds 
with  what  the  apostle  has  said  in  the 
epistle  to  the  Ephesians,  as  before  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  apostle  said  that  God  had  cho- 
isen  us  in  Christ  Jesus  before  the  foun- 
dation of  the  Vv'orld.  Eph.  1:4.  Again 
in  whom  we  have  redemption  through 
his  blood,  the  forgiveness  of  sins  where- 
in [or  in  whom]  he  hath  abounded  to- 
wards us  in  all  wisdom  and  prudence. 
So  then  we  are  chosen  to  be  sons  of 
God  «i  Christ  and  it  is  in  him  we  have 
redemption,  the  forgiveness  of  sins, 
and  it  is  m  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 
Bhould  be  blessed,  or  that  zn  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  shall  all  the  families  of 
the  earth  be  blessed;  whether  they  are 
descendants  of  Shem,  Ham,  or  Japheth, 
in  Christ  they  should  be  blessed;  for 
God  will  abound  to  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 


Abraham  and  his  seed,  that  the  apostle 
says,  Rom.  9:6;7.  "For  they  are  not 
all  Israel  which  are  of  Israel:  neither, 
because  they  are  the  seed  of  Abraham^ 
are  they  children:  but,  in  Isaac  shall 
thy  seed  b8  called."  And  in  Rom.  4: 
11,12,13,  the  apostle  says,  "And  ho 
[Abraham]  received  the  sign  of  circum- 
cision a  seal  of  the  righteousness  of 
the  faith  which  he  had,  yet  being  un- 
circumcised:  that  he  might  be  the  father 
of  all  them  that  believe,  though  they  be 
not  circumcised,  that  righteousness 
might  be  imputed  to  them  also;  and  tho 
father  of  circumcision  to  them  who  aro 
not  of  the  circumcision  only,  but  who 
also  walk  in  the  steps  cf  that  faith  of 
our  father  Abraham,  which  he  had,  be- 
ing yetuncircumcised."  For  the  prom- 
ise that  he  should  be  the  heir  of  the 
v/orld,  was  not  to  Abraham,  or  to  his 
seed  through  the  law,  but  through  the 
rigliteousness  of  faith. 

The  careful  reader  of  the  new  testa- 
ment will  find  that  the  allusions  to  the 
promise  made  to  Abraham  and  bis  seed 
are  very  numerous,  but  would  not  be  to 
our  purpose  to  quote  at  present. 

It  is  necessary  to  remark  here,  thai 
the  apostle  has  pronounced  a  curse  on 
any  person,  or  even  on  an  angel  from 
heaven,  if  they  preach  any  other  gos- 
pel, than  the  one  M'hich  he  had  proclaim- 
ed. See  Gal.  1:8,9.  And  he  say«»a9 
quoted  above,  that,  the  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  promiise,  only  such  as  had  faith  like 
faithful  Abraham,  and  that  all  others 
who  had  this  faith,  were  equally  enti- 
tled to  the  b  lessings  of  Abraham,  wheth 
er  they  were  his  fleshly  seed  or  not;  it 
mattered  not  from  whom  they  descend- 
ed; for  if  through  faith  they  were  ena- 
bled to  get  into  Christ  Jesus,  they  would 
be  considered  Abraham's  children  and 
heirs  according  to  the  promise. 

In  the  third  chapter  to  the  Galatians 
the  mystery  is  solved,  how  it  is  that  we 
arc  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  m 
have  been  baptized  into  Christ,  hfire 


I 


94 


me^senseh  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  Jesup. — 
And  if  ye  be  Christ's  then  are  ye  Abra- 
ham's seed  and  heirs  according  to   the 
nromise.       This    carries    the   protnisc 
made  to  Abraham  to  its  legitimate  issue, 
and  shows  what  it  was  that  v,-as  preach- 
ed to  Abraham:  that  it  was  not  only  in 
his  seed  that  all  the  fami'i?sof  the  earth 
v,-ere  to  be  blessed,  but  that  they  wcro 
to  be  put  in  his  seed,  that  is,  Christ,  by 
baptism;   for  as  many  of  you  as  have 
been  hajpii:ed  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  Hot  tell  him   how  it  was  th  *  th  )y 
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  which   had  existed  from 
eternity. 

But  to  have  the  whole  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  aH  that 


are  afar  off,  even  as  many  as  the  Lord 
our  God  shall  call."' 

The  reader  may  see  very  easily,  that 
all  these  men  understood  the  subect  a- 
likc;  for  ths  specimens  which  we  havo 
of  their    preaching    arc    alike.     Paul 
says  as  quoted  above,  that  m  Christ  wo 
have  the    forgiveness  of  sins,  and  re- 
demption  through  his  blood,    and  that 
in  him,  we  are  made    partakers  of  tha 
blessings    of   Abraham,    and  he   also 
says,  that  it  is  by  baptisin  that   we  are 
put  into  Christ.     Peter    says,    rejent,. 
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.     V/hy  bo  bap- 
tized in  the    no  mo  of  Jesu.T   Christ  for 
the  remission  of  sins?    because,  that  by 
baptism    Paul   says    that  ycu   put   on 
Christ,  ^^as  many  of  you  as  nrehaplizcd 
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  towards  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 
preached  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  existence  with  him  and  his 
cotemporaries,  and  was  not  known  till 
then.     But  more   on  this   point   here- 
after. 


Obituary. 

DIED  in  thie  place  on  the  evening  of  ths 
19th  inst.  elder  Seth  Johnson,  aged  30  years. 
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  tha 
pure  in  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. — [Editor.'] 


MESSRNGER  A.XD  ADV0CAT5. 


7S 


Messenger  aiad  Advocate. 

KIRTLAXD,  OHIO,  tKBRUAR\\  1?55. 
A  SUMMARY. 

From  a  file  of  letters  on  hand,  from  the 
different  parts  of  the  country,  v/e  make  the 
following  extracts  for  the  satisfaction  of  the 
churclies  and  elders  who  are  scattered  abroad. 
As  many  false  alarms  are  raised  by  designing- 
men,  that  the  church  is  breaking  up  and  v.ill 
BOon  be  dissolved,  and  to  make  their  falsehoods 
more  current  with  the  people,  have  added  to 
it,  lately,  that  our  stone  meetinghouse  is  giv- 
ing way  at  the  foundation,  and  will  soon  fall, 
and  that  in  consequence  of  its  disposition  to 
give  way,  we  had  ceased  to  work  on  it.  It  is 
a  fact,  however  marvelous  it  may  appear, 
that  v.'e  have  had  men  come  to  see  if  this 
were  not  the  case;  some  from  a  hundred  to 
one  hundred  and  filly  miles  distant,  declaring 
that  persons  directly  from  Kirtland,  who  pro- 
fess to  have  seen  it,  said  it  v.'as  falling  down. 
We  can  say  to  our  friends,  that  this  morning 
as  we  were  coming  to  the  office,  we  passed 
bv  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 
to  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 
fro:n  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.  Pra}'er  by  broth- 
er Gould.  Called  on  the  elders  and  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  msmbers  in  tiiat  church  in  good  standing. 
In  the  ciiurch  of  Mendon  and  Lima,  Dtlonroe 
and  Living.ston  counties,  report  8  members 
in  good  standing.  From  this  last  mentioned 
church,  the  greater  part  have  moved  away; 
some  to  Kirtland,  and  some  to  Missouri,  and 
the  eight  here  mentioned,  is  the  renmant 
which  is  left.  The  church  was  once  large. — 
Java  and  Weathersfitdd,  Gencssee  coimty,  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  through  the  in- 
strumentality of  Elder  A.  J.  Squires,  in  Por- 
tago,  Allegany  county,  was  reported,  having 
19  msinhers  in  good  standing. 

There  was  a  church  reported  whicli  resides 
in  Grove — this  is  in  Allegany  county — said  to 
bo  a  firm  little  band,  IG  in  number.  Also  in 
Barns  in  the  same  county,  is  a,  church  of  17 
members. 

The  ehnrch  in^Perrysburgh  was  not  repre- 


sented, but  there  are  S6  members  in  good 
standing  in  the  church.  As  there  have  \e^n 
some  additions  lately,  it  is  probable  that  there- 
are,  at  present,  more  than  thirty  five  in  the 
church. 

In  Lacni  Village,  Pomfref,  Chautauque 
county,  there  is  a  church  which  -KaB  repre- 
sented at  the  conference — 20  members  in  good 
standing. 

The  cliurch  at  Freedom,  where  the  confer- 
ence was  held,  has  74  members  in  good  stan- 
ding. 

1  here  was  a  little  church  in  Hanover,  Chan- 
tauque  county,  consisting  of  11  membeio 
which  v.'as  represented  by  elder  Hadlock; 
tliey  have  much  persecution,  but  count  it  all 
joy,  being  d8epl3-  rooted  in  the  faith. 

The  church  at  Geneeco  was  represented: 
it  contains  24  members  in  good  standing." 

It  will  be  seen  by  the  above,  that  there  are 
11  churches  in  the  part  of  the  country  where 
the  conference  was  held.  From  many  of 
these  churches  a  large  number  have  moved  to 
the  places  of  gathering;  but  the  door  is  still 
open  in  that  part  of  the  country,  and  many 
are  anxieusly  inquiring  after  truth,  and  no 
doubt  numerous  additions  will  be  made  to  ma- 
ny of  these  churches  in  a  short  time,  for  the 
prospects  are  flattering  accordicg  to  the  ac- 
counts which  we  receive  by  letters  from  thosa 
who  have  an  opportunity  of  knowing-. 

Elder  John  Badger  writes  at  North  Dax- 
ville,  Vt.  dated  Jan.  25. 

"I  have  baptized  a  few  in  this  fegion.  The 
Stone  continues  rolling:  the  glorious  work 
though  slow,  but  unshaken,  contiftUes  progres- 
sing; many  enquiring  souls  are  ainony  thtf 
multitude;  but  a  multitude  of  pries ifs,  {irofcB-- 
sors,  and  people  of  every  'order,  sect,  party,' 
denomination,  and  grade,  are  striving^  w*itlJ 
all  the  combined  powers  of  darkness  to  stopJ 
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  kingdoms,  until  the  kingdoms  of  this 
world,  become  the  kingdom  of  our  God  and 
his  CI  rist.  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  coining  this  way, 
we  shall  look  for  them  in  the  spring." 

Elder  Sylvester  B.  Stoddard  writes  under 
date  of  Jan.  26,  from  Farmington,  Kenebeo 
county,  Me. 

"The  Lord  has  been  with  me  and  blessed 
me  with  a  few  more  sheaves,  for  whicli  I  re- 
joice in  God  my  Savior:  the  cause  of  our 
lieavenly  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 — sister  Han- 
nah Corbet,  a  worthy  member:  she  departed 
this  life  on  the  IGth  of  Dec.  last.  She  died 
in  the  triumphs  of  faith,  and  without  doukt 
lias  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  is  .50  miles  from  Letter  B. 
church,  60  from  Errol,  80  from  8aco,  a  little 
over  100  from  Dalton,  N.  H.  and  160  or  9o 


n 


M£S'3EMaEil  AMD  ADVOCATIL 


from  Boston.  They  also  request,  if  possible, 
same  able  brethren  from  the  west — some  who 
are  acquainted  with  the  rise  of  the  church.— 
We  wish  to  have  as  many  travelling  brethren 
come  as  can,  as  there  are  none  tiiat  I  know 
of  any  where  near  this  place—say  tv>^o  hun- 
dree  miles.  If  you  think  proper  to  appoint 
a  conference,  ws  wish  to  have  it  noticed  in 
the  Messenger,  and  notify  the  brethren  to 
meet  at  Na.uian  Pinkaai's  in  Farniington. — 
We  desire  it  to  commence  on  I'riday  the  19th 
of  June  next,  and  we  will  have  a  place  for 
pubac  preaching  the  two  days  following." 

Elder  Carvel  Rigdon  writes  irom  Aliogha- 
Ey  couiity.  Pa.  Jan.  23. 

"The  people  in  our  own  neigiiborhood  con- 
tinue to  believe  the  evil  r.^ports  v/hicii  are  cir- 
'julating  through  the  country,  and  will  not  let 
us  have  an  opportunily  of  telliug  them  v/i;ut 
Y/e  do  believe;  and  they  prevent  every  person 
they  can  from  hearmg  for  t!icmselyes;_so  that 
T7e  hare  not  had  an  opportunity  of  saying  any 
thing  here,  only  to  some,  whom  we  have  vis- 
ited in  their  own  houses,  which  has  raised 
considerable  excitement  among  the  people, 
lest  they  should  be  led  away.  Brother  Sam- 
uel James  and  mys-elf,  visited  a  village  on  the 
Monongahela  river,  about  20  miles  ti-om  tliis 
place,  and  succeeded  in  getting  a  meeting  ap- 
pointed. I  addressed  a  considerable  congre- 
gation on  the  all-important  subject  of  religion; 
shov.'ing  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 
others  that  it  was  false.  Vv^e  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  shorJy,  and 
that  of  the  more  respectabla  and  intelligent 

?art  of  the  inhabitants.  Brother  Samuel 
ames  is  going,  in  about  three  weeks,  to  take 
s.  tour  in  Virginia,  and  will  visit  Greenfield 
again." 

Elders  G.  M.  Hinkel  and  H.  Green,  who 
were  laboring  at  the  time  tliey  wrote,  in  Leb- 
anon, St.  Clair  county,  Illinois,  give  us  the 
following  account  of  their  success  in  tliat  re- 
gion, dated  Jan.  19. 

"Again  we  have  the  privilege  of  informing 
you  of  our  health,  which  is  good,  and  also  of 
eending  you  an  account  of  our  mission  in  the 
v/orld. 

We  are  yet  preaching  in  the  vicinity  of  St- 
C'air,  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: 
Vie  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  tiie  prospect  in  that  place  was  flat- 
tprlng,  althoiigh  tlie  high-minded  Pharisees, 
an  i  '  riests,  are  uniting  together  to  overthrow 
t'.i:  truth,  yet,  the  Lord  has  turned  their  coun- 
^■^Is  into  foolishness,  in  all  their  eiforts  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  alett&r 
written  by  el'er  I..evi  B.  Wilder,  dated  Dal- 
ton,  N.  n.  Feb.  15. 

"I  have  been  a  member  of  the  church  oftb« 
Latter  Day  Saints  more  tiian  one  year.  A 
t;n;ali  church  was  formed  in  this  pluc;e  in  the 
July  of  1833,  consisting  of  15  members; 
brother  Stephen  Burnet  was  the  f.rst  one 
that  sounded  the  glad  tidings  of  the  everlas- 
ting gospel  in  this  place;  afterwards  broth- 
er Lyn'iJii  Johnson  came;  it  was  by  thos(J 
two  that  the  church  was  eomnienced  in  this 
pltice:  thire  liave  been  twenty  two  baptized, 
and  added  to  this  branch  of  the  churcii,  some 
have  moved  away  so  tliat  at  pres;.-nt  the 
cliurch  has  about  as  many  as  at  first.  Wo 
have  had  but  li;tle  pveaciiing  in  this  place; 
but  there  seems  to  be  a  considerable  number 
of  persons  who  wish  to  liear  the  gospel  pro- 
clamied;  v.-e  are  in  want  of  some  able  broth- 
er to  instruct  us  in  the  way  of  righteousness* 
We  have  been  in  rather  a  cold  state  through 
the  summer,  but  we  have  renewed  our  cov- 
enant, and  find  the  Lord  is  read}'  and  wil- 
ling to  bless  us  when  we  do  our  dutj'." 

Elder  W.  Parish  writes  from  Paris  Henry 
county,  Tenesee,  February  1st.  "In  our 
last  communication  to  you,  under  date  of  Oc- 
tober'27,  wo  informed  you,  that  we  had  plan- 
ted a  church  in  this  vicinity,  consisting  of 
seven  members:  we  extended  ouj  labors  into 
an  adjoining  county,  viz:  Humphreys,  and 
from  th.at  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  exceptionsi 
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  whicli  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.'  O!  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  fnr  the 
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  r^. porta 
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,  amon^  whom  is  A.  Campbell, 
of  "Millenial  Harbinger"  memory.  He  has 
reoently  began  to   howl  most  prodigiously. 


MESSENGER  Aj^D  ADVOCATiL 


77 


eallin?  upon  the  people  in  great  agony  to 
read  Mr.  How's  book,  as  a  sure  nntitlote 
against  delusion.  As  tiiisis  all  thatl\lr.  C. 
can  do,  or  dare  do,  we  do  not  wish  to  de- 
prive him  of  tliis  privilege.  So  we  say  con- 
cerning Alexander,  Dudley  and  co.  let  them 
exert  tliemselves  with  all  their  pov/er,  for 
they  will  find  it  a  harder  task  to  "iiiok  a- 
gainst  the  pricks,"  th.an  to  reform,  us  they 
call  it,  masons  and  sectarians, — they  have  ur- 
dsrtaken  a  task  to  great  for  them:  tlio  arm 
of  Oiimipotenue  is  too  potent  for  "school 
bo3's,"  and  ttiis  they  will  hnd  ai'ter  tliey 
l;ave  exausted  all  their  power.  The  "black 
speck"  will  still  "stain  the  xVmerican  charac- 
ter," for  the  people  will  receive  the  everlas- 
ting gospel,  nor  can  men  ncr  devils  prevent 
it.  The  people  may  rage  and  the  heathen 
imagine  a  vain  tiling;  but  he  who  sits  in 
the  heavens  will  laugh,  the  Lord  will  have 
"iiiem  in  derision,  and  ere  long,  he  will  speak 
to  them  in  his  wrath  and  vex  them  in  his 
sore  displeasure. 

Mr.  Campbell  has  been  invited  to  show 
himself  a  man  of  principle — after  repeated  in- 
sults to  the  church  of  the  "Latter  Day 
Saints,"  and  to  exchange  papers  and  cut  a 
quill  like  a  man;  but  seeing  he  dare  not  do  it, 
(^for  notwithstanding  the  confidence  wliich 
his  satallites  have  in  him,  he  knows  the  weeuk- 
ness  of  his  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  spannol,  when  he  is  afraid 
to  face  his  enemy,  he  turns  his  hind  parts  and 
barks — so  bark  on  Alexander. 


The  following  is  taken  fi'om  the 
Brookville  (la.)  Enquii'er;  and  we 
copy  it  into  the  Advocate  to  show  our 
friends  the  different  feeling  with  which 
the  ciders  of  this  church  are  received. 
All  we  have  to  say  now  on  the  extract, 
is  that  the  Editor  could  not  have  been 
a  sectarian — We  judge  him  to  be  a 
Heptiblican,  and    a  gentleman. 

[Editor.] 

'^The  Latter  day  Saints,  or  Mormons. 

On  last  Saturday  evening,  for  the  first 
time,  in  this  place,  a  gentleman,  and  minis- 
ter b3longing  to  this  new  sect,  preached  in 
the  court  house,  to  a  very  respectable  au- 
dience; and  discoursed  brielly  on  the  various 
subjects  connected  with  his  creed;  explained 
his  faith  and  gave  a  brief  history  of  the  boo': 
of  Mormon — united  it  with  the  Holy  Bi- 
ble, &c. 

By  roquest,  he  tarried  over  Sahljatii,  and 
at  2  o'clock  again  opened  public  worship  by 
an  able  address  to  the  Tlirono  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  literal  meaning.  He  was  not 
lame  in  the  attempt,  and  in  a  succinct  and 
lucid  manner  imparted  his  belief  to  the  au- 
dience. 

He  V>elievc3  the  btok  of  Mormon  to  be  a 
wories  of  revelations,  and  other  matters  ap- 
pertaining to  the  Ephraimit9«,    Lamanites, 


&c.  whom  he  believes  to  have  been  tha  ori- 
ginal settlers  of  thig  continent;  and  that  aa 
ancient  Prophet  caused  the  plates  from  which 
the  book  of  Mormon  was  translated  to  bs 
buried  nearly  tv>  o  thousand  years  ago,  in 
v.-!iat  is  now  called  Ontario  county,  Ne\7- 
York.  He  is  also  of  the  belief  that  Joseph 
Smith  was  cited  to  the  plates  by  an  angel 
li-om  Heaven,  and  endowed  with  the  gift  to 
translate  tiie  engraving;  upon  them  into  the 
Known  If.nguage  ot  the  country. 

Tills  b.:.ok,  he  is  of  opinion,  is  an  event 
intended  to  prepare  for  the  great  work,  Iho 
second  appearance  of  Christ,  wlien  he  shall 
stand  on  tl;e  Mount  of  Olives,  attended 
by  Abraham  and  all  the  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  had  any  thing  to  say,  the  meeting 
would  be  considered  as  closed."  Rev.  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  ths 
positions  of  the  preceding  speaker — more 
particularly  as  regarded  his  belief  as  to  the 
s3cond  appearance  of  Christ,  and  his  doctrine 
of  future  rewards  and  punishments.  An 
interesting  debate  of  about  three  hours  en- 
sued in  which  each  had  four  hearings,  and 
at  the  request  of  the  audiefice,  a  division  of 
the  house  was  called  for  on-  the  merits  o;"  the 
argument,  and  carried  in  favor  of  the  Latter 
Day  Saint  by  an  overwhelming  vote. 

Thi^aigh  in  some  things  he  characterised 
the  fanatic;  yet,  in  the  main,  his  doctrinos 
were  sound  and  his  positions  tenable.  We 
would  do  injustic  to  the  gentleman  were  we 
to  omit  staling,  that  in  all  the  discoursesy 
of  the  like  character,  that  we  have  ever  heard' 
it  has  never  fallen  to  our  lot  to  hear  so  much 
harmony  in  the  arrangement  of  quotations- 
from  the  sacred  book.  No  passage  could  bo- 
referred  to  that  would  in  the  least  produce  dis- 
cord in  his  arguments.  The  whole  ofhisdia 
courses  v.-^ere  delivered  in  a  very  clear  and 
concise  Kjanner,  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  ov/n  views  and  feelings  into  the 
breasls  of  others — if  a  knowledge  of  the 
subject,  and  to  speak  without  fear — are  a 
part  of  the  n:ors  elevated  rules  of  elo<iuenc, 
we  have  no  hesitancy  in  saying  Orson  Pratt 
v.'as  eloquent;  and  tiuly  verified  the  languag«> 
of  Boileau:  "What  we  clearly  conceive,  w© 
can  clearly  express." 


LETTER  IV. 

To  W.   W.  Phelps,  Esq. 
Dear  Bkotiier: — 

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  my 


n 


iES^iiiiQKK  AJ^D  AUVOCA'ni: 


Avish  to  bo  understood  tliat  I  could  not 
give  the  leading  items  of  every  impor- 
tant occurrence,  at  least  so  far  as 
would  effect  my  duty  to  my  fellowmen, 
in  such  as  contained  important  infor- 
mation upon  the  subject  of  doctrine, 
and  as  would  render  it  intelligibly 
plain;  but  as  there  are,  in  a  great 
house,  many  vessels,  so  in  the  history 
of  a  work  of  this  magnitude,  many 
items  whi'-h  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  v/ay  of  righteousness,  to 
be  of  importance,  and  this  is  one  rea- 
son why  1  plead  an  apology. 

You  will  recollect  that  I  mentioned 
the  time  of  a  religious  excitement,  in 
Palmyra  and  vicinity  to  have  been  in 
the  15th  year  cif  our  brother  J.  Smith 
Jr's,  age — that  was  an  error  in  the  type 
— it  should  have  been  in  the  17th. — 
You  will  please  remember  this  correc- 
tion, 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  by  many 
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 
the  heart  when  we  consider  the  deep 
anxiety  of  thousands,  who  are  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, 
dur  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 
seci'et  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  stead- 
fast, that  to  him    who  knocks  it  shall 


be  opened,  &  v.'hosoeverwill,  may  com« 
and  partake  of  the  walers  of  life  frcj- 
!y. 

To  deny  a  liumble  penitent  sinner  a 
refx-eshing  draught  from  this  most  pure 
of  all  fountains,  find  most  desirable  of 
all  refreshments,  to  a  tlursty  kouI,  is  a 
matter  for  the  full  performance  o^ 
which  the  sacred  record  stands  pledg- 
ed. The  Lord  never  said — "Como 
unto  me,  all  }e  that  labor,  and  are 
heavy  laden,  and  I  will  give  you  rest,'' 
to  turn  a  deaf  ear  to  those  v/ho  were 
v/eary,  when  they  call  upon  him.  He 
never  said,  by  the  mouth  of  the  proph- 
et— "Ho,  every  one  that  thirsts, 
come  ye  to  the  Waters,"  without  pas- 
sing it  as  a  firm  decree,  at  the  same 
tilne,  that  he  that  should  after  como, 
should  be  filled  with  a  joy  unspeaka- 
ble. Neither  did  he  manifest  by  the 
Spirit  to  John  upon  the  isle — "Let 
him  that  is  athirst,  come,"  and  com- 
mand him  to  send  the  same  abroad, 
under  any  other  consideration,  than 
that  "whosoever  would,  might  take 
the  water  of  life  freely,"  to  flic  remo- 
test ages  of  time,  or  while  there  was  a 
sinner  upon  his  footstool. 

These  sacred  and  important  promi- 
ses are  looked  upon  in  our  day  as  be- 
ing given,  either  to  another  people, 
or  in  a  figurative  form,  and  conse- 
quently require  spiritualizing,  not- 
withstanding they  are  as  conspicuous- 
ly plain,  andare  meant  tobeunderstoo<i 
according  to  their  literal  reading,  as 
those  passages  which  teach  us  of  the 
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  the  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 thiiJg  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, where  others  might  have  rested 
their  Aveary  frames  "locked  fast  in 
sleep*s  embrace;"  but  repose  had  fled^ 


MJCSSENGKR  AXD  ADVOCATS; 


fi 


and  accustomed  alumber  had  spread 
her  refreshing  hand  over  others  be- 
side him — he  continued  still  to  pray^ — 
his  heart,  though  once  hard  and  ob- 
durate, \vi\3  softened,  and  that  mind 
which  had  often  flitted,  like  the  "wild 
bird  of  passage,"  had  settled  upon  a 
determined  basis  not  to  bo  decoyed  or 
driven  from  its  purpose. 

In  this  situation  hours  passed  un- 
ntimbered — how  many  or  how  few  1 
know  not,  neither  is  he  able  to  inform 
me;  but  supposes  it  must  have  been 
eleven  or  twelve,  and  perhaps  later, 
as  the  noise  and  bustle  of  the  family, 
in  retiring,  had  long  since  ceased. — 
While  continuing  in  prayer  for  a  man- 
ifestation in  some  way  that  lus  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  to  the  ex- 
tremities of  the  body.  It  was,  how- 
ever, followed  with  a  calmness  and  se- 
renity of  mind,  and  an  overwhelming 
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 
described,  yet  there  seemed  to  be  an 
additional  glory  surroundiug  or  accom- 
panying this  personage,  which  shone 
with  an  increased  degree  of  brilliancy, 
of  \vhich  he  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 
Tohn's  description  upon  Patmos,  we 
i«arn  that  he  is    there    represented   as 


most  glorious  in  appearance;  and 
from  other  items  in  the  sacred  scrip- 
tures we  have  the  fact  recorded  where 
angels  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  stature  of 
this  personage  was  a  little  above  the 
common  size  of  men  in  this  age;  hi? 
garment  was  perfectly  white,  and  had' 
the  appearance  of  being  without 
seam. 

Though  fear  was  banished  from  his 
heart,  yet  his  surprise  was  no  less' 
when  he  heard  him  declare  himself  to 
be  a  messenger  sent  by  commandment 
of  the  Lord,  to  deliver  a  special  mes-- 
suge,  and  to  witness  to  him  that  his' 
sins  v/ere  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  are 
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  v.'hich 
are,  that  no  flesh  should  glory  in  his 
presence.  Therefore,  says  the  Lord, 
I  will  proceed  to  do  a  marvelous  work 
among  this  people,  oven  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 
he  made  with  his  ancient  saints,  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  the 
Gentiles  be  gathered  in,  to  rejoice  in 
one  fold  under  one  Shepherd." 

"This  cannot  be  brought  about  un- 
til first  certain  preparatory  things  are 
accomplished,  for  so  has  the  Lord  pur- 
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  marvelous  work 
and  a  wonder.  Wherever  the  sound 
shall  go  it  shall  cause  the  ears  of  men 
to  tingle,  and  wherever  it  shall  be  pro- 
claimed, the  pnrc  in  heart  ehall  rejoice, 


M 


ME«8£NOE!l  AxXD  ADV0CAT2 


while  those  who  draw  near  la  God 
with  their  mouths,  and  honor  him  with 
their  lips,  while  their  hearts  are  far 
from  him,  will  seek  its  overthrow,  and 
the  destruction  of  those  by  v/hose 
hands  it  is  carrieds  Therefore,  mar- 
vel not  if  your  name  is  made  a  deri- 
eion,  and  had  as  a  by-word  among 
such,  if  you  are  the  instrument  in 
bringing  it,  by  the  gift  of  God,  to  the 
knowledge  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,  possessinga  ccrrectknov/l- 
edge  of  the  gospel,  and  the  plan  of  res- 
toration and  redemption.  He  said 
this  history  was  written  and  deposited 
not  far  fi-om  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  Thummim, 
•which  were  deposited  for  that  purpose 
with  the  record. 

*'Yet,"  said  he,  "the  scripture 
must  be  fulfilled  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  excuse, 
and  show  to  the  meek  that  his  arm  is 
not  shortened  that  it  cannot  save." 

A  part  of  the  book  was  sealed,  tind 
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  when 
the  people  of  the  Lord  are  prepared, 
and  found  worthj'^,  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 
minute  relation  of  it,  and  the  vision  of 
Ma  mind   being  opened   at   the   samel 


time,  he  was  permitted  to  view  it  crit- 
ically; and  previously  being  acquain- 
ted with  the  place,  he  was  able  to  fol- 
lov/  the  direction  of  the  vision,  after-- 
Vvard,  according  to  the  voice  of  the  an- 
gel, and  obtain  the  book. 

I  close  for  the  prrssnt  by  subscrib- 
ing myself  as  ever,"  your  brother  in 
Christ.' 

OLIVER  COWBERY. 


ICrtland,  Ohio,  Feb.  27,  lt3^. 
Having  Itoon  reriiietel  by  the  Trusties  of  :ii9 
'•KIRTLAND  SCiiOOIj,"  lo  give  a  smail  slsetch  of 
the  JHimbcr  of  students  \v;;o  have  <Mtpn;lcd  this  ir.sti- 
tiition,  aiid  of  tiicir  progicssia  tiie  diftViieiit  sciences, 
i  chcurfully  touiply  v.'ith  the  rcijuc'-i,  huviag  bc't-n  lu 
isistrucfor  tberei;; from  its  comn.t-ncL'nient,  iJi  Dec. — 
last. 

T!:e  school ':i:\s  liccn  couJuctcd  under  the  immedi- 
ate care  and  inapectio;)  of 

JOrifiPH  SMH.i  jr.  .  a 

F.  G.  WILLIAMS,  (  2^ 
H-lL>:Ni^:Y  KIGDON,  (  g. 
O.  COV/DEilY.  -'  g 

Wh"n  the  school  first  commenced,  wc  received  In- 
to it  both  large  and  6ma!!,  but  in  about  three  weeks 
the  classes  beL-ame  so  large,  ixrA  the  house  so  crowd- 
ed, that  it  was  thought  advisable  to  dismiss  all  the 
small  students,  and  continue  iliose  only  who  vrished 
to  sturiy  the  sciences  of  penmanship,  arithmetic, 
English  grammar  and  geography.  Before  v/e  dismis- 
sed the  small  scholars,  there  were  in  all  abou^  130 
who  attended.  Sin::e  that  time  there  have  been,' up- 
on mi  average,  about  ICO,  the  ii:ost  of  whom  have  re- 
ceived lectures  upon  En.nl!sh  grammar;  and  for  tho 
last  four  weeks  about  70  have  been  studying  geogra- 
phy one  half  the  day,  and  grammar  and  writing  the 
other  part. 

T.  Burdick's  arithmetic,  S.  Kirk'iam's  grammar 
and  J.  Olney's  geograjihy  iiave  l.'een  used,  with  N. 
Webster's  aictionary,  as  standard. 

Since  tiie  year  1S:27  I  have  taught  school  in  five 
diff/ront  States,  and  I  have  visitsd  many  schools  in 
which  hras  not  engaged,  as  teacher;  but  in  none,  I 
can  say  with  certainty,  have  l  seen  students  uiulio 
more  rapid  progress,  "than  in  this.  I  expect  myself 
lo  leave  the  iustitution,  but  yet,  I  have  a  great  desire 
to  spe  it  flourish.  I  therefore  most  cheerfully  recom- 
mend it  to  all  those  v.hose  circumstances  and  situa- 
tion v.ill  allow  them  to  attend,  as  being  a  place  where 
strict  attention  is  paid  to  good  morals  as  well  as  to 
1  he  sciences. 

W.  E.  M'LELLIM. 


Notice.  —The  spring  term  of  the  "Kirtland 
School"  will  commence  on  the  20th  of  April 
next.  Young  gentlemen  and  ladies  from  a 
distance  can  obtain  board,  in  respectable  fam- 
ilies for  .$  1,00  to  $  1,25  per  week. 

The  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  SAINTS' 

T/le^,sejigeT  and  Advocate*, 

IS  EDITED  BY 

And  published  every  month  at  Kirtland,  Geauga  Co, 
Ohio,  by 

F.  G.  'WII.I.IAMS  &  Co. 

At  8  1,  per  an.  in  advance.     Every  person  procuring 
ten  Tiets  subscribers,  and  forwarding  %  10,   current 
money,  shall  be  entitled  lo  a  paper  one  year,  gratis. 
All  litters  to  the  Editor,  or  Publishers,  must  be 
^rr  POST  PAJD.JZE 

Ao  subseription  mitt  be  received  for  a  lens  term  than,  owe 
venr,  niul  n^  paper  discontinud  till  ali  arrearages  ar^ 
fxrfrf,  ttcept  at  t' "!  ppiian  of  the  puhtiskers. 


LATTEM    day    SAINTS' 


Vol.  i.     No.  6-3  KIRTLAND,  UillO,   MARCH,   K-<35.  [VVliole  So.  6. 


CQim^fllTIflCATIONS. 


LETTER  No.  V. 

Liberty  .Mo.  Ftb.  6,  1835. 

Dear  BBOTHEi': 

Yoursecoud  letter  in  the  ''Mes- 
senger and  Advocate,"  of  Nov.  last,  directed 
to  ine,  I  shall  now  proceed  to  answer  us  the 
'Spirit  gives  me  knowledge.  The  leUer  is 
long  and  I  am  aware  that  my  littleness  in  the 
presence  of  God,  want  of  perfection  in  holi- 
^iess,  and  narrow  limits  of  learning,  will  great- 
ly lessen  my  ability  to  do  it  that  justice  that 
the  subject  merits,  and  tJie  church  might 
naturally  expect,  but  I  shall  do  all  I  can, 
'and  contide  in  God  for  an  honorable  result. — 
.Time  is  v/anling  for  me  to  take  up  many 
things  therein  coatained,  and  a  persojial  inter- 
viev/  for  many  important  interogatcriea,  I 
will  touch  a  few  items  to  stir  up  your  mind 
by  way  of  remembrance,  and  awaken  the 
faints  to  diligence,  and  may  I  hope,  call  soma 
of  the  children  of  men  from  darkness  to  light; 
and  then,  according  to  my  manner,  linisli 
with  my  hand,  icritiiig  to  the  heart. 

TJie  Krat  thing  that  attracts  my  attention, 
is,  '"Tliat  God  never  works  in  vain.  Tliis  is 
not  the  case  with  men;  but  might  it  not  be.'" 
I  anwer  yes, — but,  in  order,  that  men  work 
not  in  vail",  tJiey  must  turn  from  Satan  to 
Gad,  by  repentance,  and  become  what  thev 
once  were:  THE  IMAGE  OF  GOD.  tSo'- 
loracn  ones  said:  Lo,  *l.is  only  have  I  found, 
that  God  hath  made  man  upright;  but  they 
havo  sought  out  many  inventions.  This  is 
t.rue,  and  no  invention  tends  to  drive  man 
farther  from  God,  and  make  hi-s  works  more 
Vain,  than  their  new  methods  of  ic  or  ship,  when 
v!ier^  is  but  one  Lord,  one  faitis,  one  baptism. 
After  nev/  inventions,  and  fame,  and  wealth, 
many  of  the  Gentile  Vv'orld  have  run  so  far  in- 
to novelty,  daring  ai\d  danger,  that  the  most 
oftlicm  nov/  are  socager  ibr  something  neic, 
or  something  great,  or  something  rich,  that 
millions  have  forgotten  the  truth,  and  all  their 
T.-orhs  are  vain. 

Ort  looking  around  the  w  orld  as  it  nov.'  ilf,  I 
have  to  exclaim  with  the  wise  man:  All  is 
vanity.  'What  is  man,  that  (rod  should  no- 
tic:  him?  Or,  v.'hat  it  life?  Sureiy, 

What  is  life?   'tis  to  exist 

In  a  world  of  vv-ealth  and  woes, 

Wherj  the  wielcedniss  anddeat'i 
-Jakea  one  shudder  as  he  goes. 

'Ti.";  to  learvi  how  lit'I*>  that, 
Evea  I'Ziii  or;  <-ari!i  lias  knowii; 

And  to  v^'atch  all  otiier':;  favlts 

Then,  iu  weak.T:;:s,  judge  his  own. 

'Tis  to  como  like  morning  fair; 

Rise  and  rove  like  o'jHan  wave. 
Fall  and  fade  like  shooting  stars. 

Leaving  notldng  but — a  grarc! 

Without  being  too  minute,  your  letter  gofs 
loehow  that  every  gcncr;ition,  and  inostl}-  all 
nations,  have  been  more  re:;dy  to  /riirni-^h  tho 
•K'pulrhrr*  Vif  the  d'''rd  prophclf^.  tnin  '^  obn/ 


the  vrords  of  the  living,  though  Gcd  and  re- 
ligion were,  are,  and  always  wiil  be  the  samr. 
Your  foundation  is  so  broad,  that  when  you 
rear  up  the  edifice,  few  eyts,  in  sight,  will  go 
by  witliout  locking  at  the  place  where  th<i! 
Lord  lay,  and  thinking  what  they  suffer,  wl:<^ 
follow  .hiui! 

But  lest  I  get  into  your  (racks,  I  ■!%  ill  ask  a 
fsw  questions;  and  sucli  as  are  already  an- 
swered in  revelation,  may  act  more  innnedi- 
ately  upon  the  mind;  and  those  needing  an- 
swers, will  be  for  your  disposal  as  tlie  Spirit 
directs. 

Has  it,  or  lias  it  not  so  happened  from  tho 
beginning  till  now,  tiiat  tlie  people  most  fa- 
vored of  God;  they  that  have  last  had  tho 
true  light  of  heaven,  have  been  lirst  to  stone, 
or  put  to  death  the  Lcrd's  prophets  and  saints? 
And  have,  or  have  net  the  saKie  people,  or 
thos2  in  tiie  same  ■situation,  roJEcted  the  truth^ 
and  become  tv.'o-foid  worse  thnn  they  that 
have  made  no  profession  of  reli^.on  i  Did  or 
did  not  Cain  murder  Abel  because  of  righte- 
ousness? Did  cr  did  not  God  take  Enocii  and 
Zion  up  to  liea.vf;u,  because  tlie  wcrld  was  too 
wicked  to  live  v.ith  the  pure  in  heart? 

la  all  ages,  liave  or  not  the  various  sects, 
wliich  pretended  to  be  of  God,  persecutedand 
put  more  saint.s  to  death,  than  all  the  heath- 
ens in  the  v.qrld?  I  mean  that  sort  of  people 
that  make  a  great  noise  about  their  religion, 
wear  rich  robes,  have  great  nieeting  hou»et<, 
and  make  hng prayers.  Was  or  uas  not  Je- 
sus crucified,  by  the  very  people  thnt  had  ii 
knowledge  of  his  coming,  -'-lid  wlio  v.'ere  ac- 
tually expecting  him!  Ij  it  or  is  it  net  gene- 
rally the  case,  that  wheji  tlie  light  of  lieaven 
happifies  the  soul  of  the  saint,  tlie  darkness 
ox  iiell  m} stifles  the  mind  of  the  v.-ickcd?  — 
Was  or  v.as  it  not  so  before  the  flood;  and 
has  continued  so  since!  Did  or  did  not  the 
undoubted  ••priests"  of  old,  ••the  Sons  of 
God,"  tliat  married  all  they  wanted,  reject 
Noah  and  the  truth  of  God.'  Were  cr  were 
not  Pharaoh's  ••priests,"  (the  real  "black 
coats"  offlgypt,  whose  lands  were  privileged 
even  iu  a  s  ntn  years'  famine,)  the  leaders  of 
the  great  Genlile  ciiurch  in  that  djy,.  tind 
had  doubtless  slipped  down  from  Melchisei- 
dek's  priest-hood  to  tho  magicians  that  wero 
ready  to  vvurk  miracles  wiliiin  one  of  Moses? 
And  if  so,  were  or  v.ero  they  not  as  ready  to 
fitand  behinJ  the  scene,  wlsile  Israel's  "'tal'.- 
of  brick,"  was  daubed  without  strav.-,  and 
laugh  at  t!;e  persecullou  of  tiie  children  of 
GoJ,  as  tiieir«c/;"*"  </y^/;flrf/i<are,  to  secretly  ap- 
plaud the^fiulrages  against  the  saints  v/ho  are. 
now  Kufiering  persecution  and  afHiction?  And 
is  or  is  not  the  present  Gentile  churcli  in  the 
same  predicament,  as  to  the  sicond  coming 
of  CI'.risL,  that  tlio  Jews  werj  in  at  his  first 
coming?  I  mean,  if  tiie  Jews,  as  the  green 
tree,  ct.irilied  thi.;  Lord  of  glory,  wliat  will 
iiie  Gentiles,  as  the  dry  tree,  do.' 

Wlir'n  the  Spirit  tif  God  is  withdrawn,  does  or 
doe^!  not  thli,  g.niLration  suppose  itself  to  be 
c'fusiderably  wiser  than  the  ])ast  one,  and,  to 
show  its  veneration  ibr  tlio  coinniaiidmenfs  of 
God,  wliich  says  thou  shalt  love  lliy  neighbor 
H,H  tbvsrlfttliou shnlt  not  ki!l,Ac.'"!'mish  these- 


g*J 


MESdENGER  AiXD  ADVOCATE. 


pulchres  of  the  prophets;  raise  monuments  to 
departed  great  men,  and  build  churches  in 
tlie  iia!nes  of  the  apostles,  but  if  a  prophet 
comes  truly  in  the  name  of  tlie  Lord,  they 
reject  him,  or  stone-hini,  or  kill  him,  for  fear 
ho  may  deceive  somebody,  aa  if  God  was  un- 
able to  preserve  hia  sacred  law  from  the  van- 
ishing touch  of  mere  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  way,  the  greater  were  the  pre- 
tensions to  light  and  sanctification? 

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  away  from  liJs  church  to  be 
cursed  iu  time,  with  a  Mack  ski.iil  Was  or  was 
not  Cain,  bi'ing  marked,  obliged  to  inherit 
(he  cur«e,  lie  and  liis  cliildren,  forever?  And 
if  so,  as  Plain,  like  other  sons  of  God,  might 
break  the  rule  of  God,  by  marrying  out  of 
f  ho  church,  did  or  did  he  not,  have  a  Canaan- 
ite  v/ife,  T/Jiereby  some  of  the  black  seed  was 
preserved  through  tlie  flood,  and  his  son,  Ca- 
naan, alter  lie  lauglied  at  his  grand  fatlier's 
nakedness,  hrired  three  curses;  one  from  Cain 
ibr  killiag  Abel:  one  from  Ham  for  marrying 
a  black  v/if",  and  one  from  Noah  for  ridicu- 
ling what  God  hati  rctpect  for?  Are  or  are  not 
the  Indians  a  sample  of  marking  with  black- 
ness for  rebellion  against  God's  holy  word 
and  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 
histor}',  that  they  have  fallen  or  changed  from 
the  original  beauty  and  grace  of  father  Ad- 
am? 

So  many  questions  for  this  letter.  Now 
there  a.re  other  important  facts,  and  doings 
of  God,  v/hich  might  \2z^\  ail  men  to  repent 
before  (ud;:::';^.K:;,  if  tlioy  were  willing  to  be 
glided  hy  truth  and  escape  calamity.  I  mean 
Buch  facts  arj  v-fould  produce  conviction  in  any 
heart  but  such  as  Satan  has  really  casc-hard- 
eped  for  a  tour  in  that  region  where  tiie  smoke 
of  (lieir  torment  ascends  up  forever  and  ever. 
That  God  punishes  the  nations  that  forget 
him,  a'.id  tliose  that  do  not  fear  him,  is  evi- 
dent from  common  historj',  but  especially 
from  Scripture. 

From  Cain's  ofliciating  at  the  altar,  I  have 
no  doubt  but  he  was  a  high  priest  ifter  t'le 
holy  order  of  God,  and  he,  for  heing  over- 
come by  Satan,  when  he  had  such  great  light, 
was  marked  and  sent  to  a  land  of  out-casts, 
to  live  by  his  ov.m  inventions,  and  the  assis- 
tance of  the  evil  one,  who  might  have  trans- 
lated him  and  his  city  down  to  more  gloomy 
regions,  for  all  I  knov/,  as  an  honor  for  being 
the  first  convert,  in  this  world,  to  endless 
misery  and  punishment.  Why  he  has  a  his- 
tory in  the  bible  remain^  to  be  told. 

Terhajis  all  the  nations  before  the  flood, 
except  Cain  and  his  posterit}^,  \frere  enlight- 
ened'by  the  preaching  of  the  gospel,  for  they 
were  doslroyed  by  the  delug'^,  and  God  rare- 
ly destroj's  a  people  until  the}'  are  made  ac- 
quainted v/ith  their  situation,  and  they  sin 
beyond  lav;.  The  Babeliten  v;ere  dispersed 
throughout  the  face  of  the  wiiole  world  for 
their  pre.snmption  and  folly.  The  Egyptians 
(band  a  watery  grave  for  undertaking  to  cope 
willi  God,  vvhen  enlightened  by  his  messen- 
"■ertj  and  miracles.  Israel  v/as  dispersed  among 
all  nations  for  disobeying  tVic  commandments: 
and    I    greatly   fear,    that    tlie    Gentilps  will 


"wax  fat  and  kick"  at  the  fulness  of  tiie  gee- 
pel,  and  "fill  the  measure  of  their  glory" 
with  iniquity,  and  be  turned  into  hell  with  all 
their  great  prototypes,  that  iiave  singed  tho 
looks  of  their  beauty,  with  the  blaze  of  tJieir 
own  glory,  by  denying  the  gift  of  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

While  penning  your  history  you  will  fiiKl^ 
the  two  great  spirits  by  which  men  escap6'  td" 
heaven,  or  sink  to  hell,  often  so  nearly  alike 
that,  you  can  only  judge  v/hich  is  which,  by 
the  power  which  the  pure  in  heart  have  in 
store  to  overcome  the  v.'orld  v.dth.  The  evil 
one  is  a  great  counterfeiter.  He  imitates  al- 
most every  tiling  but  perfection.  Having 
(Hice  been  in  heaven,  he  knows  nearly  all,  but 
telling  the  truth;  and  he  practises  arts,  scien- 
ces, and  virtues,  besides  cunning  and  cloak- 
ing. Go  to  the  family  iireside,  and  his  spirit 
is  there,  ready  to  catch  a  crun.h;  go  to  any 
meeting  v/iiere  tlie  Holy  Ghost  is  not  admit- 
ted; and  it  is  tliere  for  a  morsel;  go  to  tho 
coart  liouse  where  even  handed  justice  is  not 
administered  to  the  beggar  as  well  as  tiie  ban- 
ker, and  it  Js^  there  for  a  share;  go  to  the  Ic-gia-; 
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  ono 
man  sways  tlie  sceptre,  and  if  aught  swerve* 
him  from  the  course  of  moral  rectitude,  it  is 
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  cliain  that  holdis 
its  millions;  yea,  where  on  earth  is  it  not?  go 
to  the  lover's  chamber  and  it  is  there:  go  to 
the  hrdl-rooin  and  it  is  there;  go  to  tho  dram'» 
shop  and  it  is  there;  go  to  the  business  places- 
and  it  is  there;  go  to  prison  &  it  is  there;  go 
i'j  sea  and  it  is  there;  go  to  the  h.-iiiqiiet  of 
testing  and  it  is  thcie;  go  to  the  house  of 
pleasure  and  i'.  is  there;  go  to  tlie  house  of 
mourning  and  it  is  there,  watching  its  prey, 
seeking  in  everj'  place  a  soul  for  destruction, 
or  a  body  for  sport;  yea,  go  to  hell,  after  its 
course  shall  liave  been  stayed  en  earth,  and 
there  it  will  be,  ir.aking  horrid  revelry  with 
the  dainuec],  v,'hero  "their v.orm  liiethnot  and 
the  tire  is  not  quenched."  On  earth  it  is 
the  essence  of  trouble  and  contention,  sour- 
ing happiness  ar.d  poisoning  joy;  in  heil  it  ia 
the  life  of  endlejrs  venom,  unutterable;  and  if, 
it  is  in  all  these  jilaces,  and  so  terrible,  blast- 
ing tlie  happinesa  of  miliioiis  in  this  world, 
ami  eternally  tormenting  the  sons  of  perdi- 
tion, in  the  regions  of  wo,  ia  tiie  nether  world 
to  come,  where  is  it  not,  and  Vvdio  can  escajjo 
its  dreadful  ravages?  It  is  not  in  tlie  celestiaf 
city  and  the  pure  in  heart  are  beyond  its  sca- 
thing touch:  3'ea,  notwithstanding  its  great 
fountain  head,  Lucifer,  has  drawn  awaj'  si 
third  part  of  iieave\i;  has  his  millions  of  the 
children  of  this  world,  and,  maybe,  the  worst 
from  worlds,  yet,  Jesus  Christ,  tlie  only  be- 
gotton  Sen  of  God,  by  tho  povv-er  of  his  Spir- 
it, will  overcome  ail  tho  enemies  of  grace  and 
glory,  and  even  death  and  happiness,  aind  joy, 
and  perfection,  and  eternal  life  will  roll  on  in 
eternity  an  undivided  qnc:  even  as  a  never- 
ending  blessing,  before  God,  to  them  that 
have  h.eld  out  faitln'ullv  to  the  end,  whether 
in  life  or  in  death:  and  they  are  they,  tlip' 
hlci-scd  ones.     Amen.     As  ever, 

W.  W.  PHELPS. 


83 


FAITH  OFTHE  CHURCH.  No.  XII. 
Continued  from  jjajo  71. 

After  the  uposUo  iiad  described  the 
pii  of  the    Holy  Spirit  so  as  not   to  be 
i. ii.su nderstood   by    his  audience,    and 
!iaving  set   forth  its    efrects  so  clearly 
that  any  person  even  those  of  t).io  weak- 
est capacilico    could,  not    mistake    his 
meaning,  he  issues  forth  the  proaiise  of 
lliod  to   those  who    would    1-epent    and 
be  baptized  that  thoy  should  receive  tliis 
gift,  ves,    this  gift  and   not  another. — 
we  have  been  thus  particular,  that  our 
I'eadcrs  may  .see  that  the  promise  here 
made    v/as    not   rnado  to  the    apo.stics 
therasclves,  but   those  v/ho  heard  and 
believed  their  report,  and  repented  ac- 
cording to  the  comaiaadment  of  God  it 
v.-as  they  who  were  to  receive  the  gift 
of  the  Holy  Spirit;    for  the  apostle  had 
it  previous  to  this,   and  those    jiersons 
who  would    repent  and  be  baptized  in 
the  name  of  the  Lord  .Tesus  for  th.c  re- 
mission of  sins  should  receive  the  thing 
which  the  apostles  had  at  that  time  re- 
ceived, for  says  the  apostle  in   the  03 
vcn3c   as    before    quoted    speaking  of 
Christ's  ascension,  and  having  received 
the  gift  of  the  Holy  Spirit  be  h;;.^  cheu 
forth  that  which  you  f;ee  and  hear,  and 
tliensays  to  tlie  multitude  repent  and  be 
baptized  every  one  of  you  in  the  name 
of,Je:iU3   Christ  for  the    rcniLsson  of 
sins' and    }'ou  shall  receive  the  gift  of 
the  Iloh' Spirit,  does  not  the  gift  of  the 
ITohj  Syjlrit  in  both  these  placoo  mean 
tlie  same  thing,  if  so,  the  promise  made 
1o  the  baptised  saints  was  precisely  the 
thing  winch   the  ann.stlc3  had  just  that 
day  received.     And  if  it  did-  not  mean 
"tlic  same  thing  the  jipostlo. deceived  his 
audience.     But  the  apostle  did  not  stop 
by  making  this  promise  to  the  audience 
wlncii  were   prgsont   on  th:-t  o.;ca£-:i:in, 
but  says    \cr.sc  30  that   it  was  lo  thorn 
mid  their  children    and  all  tl}at,v.-.;re 
afar  off,  oven  as    many  as  the    Lord 
our    ( fod    Khali  call.     Notice    reader, 
that  it  v,-aT  the    promI.;o  of  i\\o  gift  aj 
the  Hrdy  iSpirit  on  conditiuns  of  repen- 
tance and  bapti.sm  that  v/as  Ivero  prom- 
ised their  children  a;Hrtj  all  that  were 
ui;iroft'a.s  wcilas  to  ihcmsolvc.^. 

Whatever  the  gift  of  the  Holy  Spirit 
wa-s,  it  was  to  be  giv<m  not  only, to  the 
persons  who  were  proseut  on  tlio  nota- 
1)1'^  day  of  pcntecost,  but  it  wa.s  to  be 
given  to  their  children,  and  fo  tiieir 
childreus' children,  a.s  longasti;o  Tiord 
their    Cfod    should  rail  m-n  fo    be  his 


sons5  for  it  was  to  this  gift  he  was  to 
call  them — '-'Repent  and  be    baptized 
every  one  of  you  in  the  name  of  the 
Lord  Jesus,  for  the  remission  of  sins, 
and  you  shall  rv.eeivG    the  gift  of   the 
Holy  Spirit;   for   the  promise  is    unto 
yoii,  and  uulo  your  children,  and  to  all 
that  are  auir  off,   even  as.  many  as  tha 
Lord  our  God  shall  call."     mark  rea- 
der: he  h-jys  you  shall  receive  the  gift 
nfikc  Ho/ 1,1  iSpiriti    for  the,  promise  is  ■ 
unto  you  ana  to    your  chuuren,  and  to 
all  that  arc  afar   on.     Vv^hat  promlsev 
Why;    the    gift  of  tiie  Holy    Spirit.— 
What  is  the  gift  of  the  Holy  Spirit?     It 
[=!  the    thing  v.hich    you  both   sec  and 
hear.     And   what  are  its  efieets?  it  i» 
prophesying,  dreainiug  dreams,  seeing 
visions,   and  v,-orking  mighty  v/orks;. 
and  this  is  what  i.s  -pror.iised  to  ^v'ou,  if 
you    repent   and   are   bapti/.ed  in    thb 
name  f)f  the  Lord  Jesus  for  the  remis- 
sion of  sins:  and   not  only  you,   but 
your   childrei^,  and    not  your  children 
onl;/,  but  all  that  are  afar  oif,  even  as 
many  as  the  .Lord   our  God   shall  Cr-.-:. 
These    teachingu     surely    correspond 
Vv'ilh  the  ap.c.il-js'   commission,    which 
thoy  received  after  the  resurrection' of 
the   Savior  from  the  dead.     For  they 
were    to    go  into   all  the   v/orld,     and 
predch  .the  gospel    t.)  ovoiy  -creature, 
he  that  bclieveth  and  is  baptized  shall 
be  saved:  Xhcd- is,  every  creature  in  all 
the  vvorld  v/hoboliover;  and  is  baptized, 
shall  bo  saved.     And  Peter  says,  that 
the  promise  is  to  you,  and  to  your  chil- 
dren, and  to  all  that  arc  atar  off,  even 
as  mai>y  a.^  the  Lord   our  God   shall 
call.     Thi.s  i?  as   cvtensivo  r.:^  t3  say, 
to  ccerj!  crocuxiyo  in  all  tlie  world.     So 
tliat.the  commission,  and  the  apostles' 
Leaching  are,   in  all   rerjjvects,   consist- 
ent with  each  oihrr. 

Here  we  niight  stop  our  investiga- 
tion, and  that  v.ith  great  coiiildence  too, 
becauio  the  .'jui)jOct  of  tije  work  of  iho 
Spiilt  of  God,  in  the  .salvation  of  men, 
is  so  clearly  sot  forth  in  the  foregoing 
quoLulions,  and  remarks  vvhich  aro 
made  on  the  (■|uotation.=j»  that  ho  that 
runs  may  road,  and  not  only  read,  but 
understand:  for  the  vvuy  is  so  plains 
that  a  lool  need  not  err  therein.  But 
!is  t'lere  j.s  no  want  of  document  on 
tb.is  subjcctj  wo  feel  disposed  to  pursue  , 
the  apostkv.  a  lituo  farther,  and  hear 
the  account  which  those  v.ho  wcm 
with  them  hayc  given  about  the  efiects 
of  tl:o  Spirit  of  (^qd  as  received  hj'  the- 
ancionfs  through   (he   niinistiy   of  (ho 


t4 


MtSSilNQKR  AND  ADVOCATK. 


apostles,  anti  'see  if  those  promises 
vrere  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,  when  they  should 
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  Jerusalem.  Luke  24:47, 
from  thence  they  were  to  go  to  Sama- 
ria, and  frorri  thence  to  the  utmost 
parts  of  the  earth.  Acts  of  the  apos- 
tles 1 :8,  wc  shall  now  follow  the  apos- 
tles to  Samaria  and  see  what  effects  the 
Holy  Spirit  had  on  the  Samaritans,  as 
the  messengers  of  the  Lord  Jesus  pro- 
ceeded in  the  execusion  of  their  com- 
mission. Some  time  after  the  success 
of  the  gospel  (which  was  very  great) 
there  arose  a  great  persecution  against 
the  saints  which,  was  so  severe  that 
they  were  all  scattered  abroad,  and 
the  enemies  stoned  Stephen  to  death. — - 
The  account  of  which  we  havfc  in  the 
6,7  and  8  chapters  e-f  the  Acts  of  the 
apostles.  In  consequence  of  tli-o  great 
persecution,  the  saints  fled  in  every  di- 
rection, and  they  went  every  where 
preaching  the  gospel,  arid  Philip  went 
down  to  the  city  of  Samaria  and 
preached  the  gospe)  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  the 
word  of  the  Lord,  they  sent  down  Pe- 
ter and  John,  who  when  they  were 
come,  laid  their  hands  upon  them  and 
they  received  the  Holy  Spirit.  Acts 
8  chapter.  So  that  here  the  promise 
Avas  verified,  that  all  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  wc  have  before  shown  what 
the  gift  of  the  Holy  Spirit  was,  which 
was  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  to  man;  a 
something  by  which  he  should  be  great- 
ly profited,  andwithout  which  he  could 
not  be  saved.  But  leaving  Samuria, 
we   will  follow  tho    apostles  m       the 


journeyings  as  they  went  to  the  utmoaf 
parts  of  the  earjh. 

The  next  place  noticed  by  Luke  ivt 
his  history  of  the  apostles,  is  Peter 
went  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  lo  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  effect  follow- 
ed; for  the  Jews  that  went  with  Peter 
were  astonished,  because  that  on  the 
Gentiles  was  poured  out  the  gift  of  tho 
Holy  Spirit;  for  they  heard  them  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  will  now 
go  and  hear  another  messenger  pro- 
claim the  gospel,  who  was  called  at  a 
different  time  from  that  of  Peter,  but 
vjhb  had  received  a  dispensation  of  the 
gospel  as  well  as  the  other  apostles 
who  were  Ctilled  before  him.  we  mean 
Paul:  an  account  of  his  travels  Luko 
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  were  baptized,  and 
then  he  laid  his  hands  on  them  and 
they  received  the  Holy  Spirit  an<l 
spak6  with  tongues  and  prophesied.' 

MILLENIUM.     No.     XIlL- 
Conlimici  ffom  page  68. 

The  sacred  writers  abound  in  des- 
criptions of  Christ's  reign  on  the  earth,, 
for  a  thousand  years — scarcely  one  of 
the  ancient  prophets  but  either  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  prophecy  of 
Isaiah,  4th  chap.  2,  3,  4,  5,  6,  the  pro- 
phet thus  describes  that  day,  (tho  day 
of  Christ's  reign:  for  one  day  is  with 
the  Lord  as  a  thousand  years,  and  a 
thousand  years  as  one  day.)      "In  that 


MESSE^sGFJl  AND  ADVOCATG. 


n 


-day  shall  the  branch  of  the  Lord  be 
beautiful  and  glorious,  and  the  fruit  of 
■the  earth  shall  be  excellent  and  comely, 
for  them  that  are  escaped  of  Israel. — 
And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  that  he  that 
is  left  in  Zion,  and  he  that  remaineth 
in  Jerusalem,  shall  be  called  holy,  even 
ftven  every  one  that  is  written  among 
the  Hving  in  Jerusalem:  when  the  Lord 
shall  have  washed  away  the  filth  of  the 
daughters  of  Zion,  and  shall  have  pur- 
ged the  blood  of  Jerusalem  from  the 
midst  thereof,  by  the  spirit  of  judgixjent, 
and  by  the  spirit  of  burning.  And  the 
Lord  will  create  upon  every  dwelling 
place  of  Mount  Zion,  and  upon  her  as- 
semblies, a  cloud  and  smoke  by  day, 
and  the  shining  of  a  flaming  fire  by 
night:  for  upon  all  the  glory  shall  be 
41  defence.  And  there  shall  be  a  tab- 
ornacle  for  a  shadow  in  the  day  tiipc 
from  the  heat,  and  for  a  place  of  re- 
fuge, and  for  a  covert  from  storm  and 
rain."  AH  this  is  necessary  to  observe 
liere,  as  this  quotation  is,  thart  what 
the  prophet  here  describes  is  to  take 
place  when  the  tabernacle  of  God.  is 
.with  men;  and  we  have  already  seen 
t-hat  the  tabernacle  o^  God  is  to  be  with 
men  when  Christ  reigns  on  earth  a 
thousand  years,  or  one  day  with  the 
Lord. 

Ezekiel,  in  the  24th  chapter  of  his 
prophecy,  gives  the  follov/ing  account 
of  this  day,  or  thousand  years:  22,  23, 
24,  25,  26,  27,  28,  29,  30,  and  SI, 
"Therefore  I  will  .save  my  flock,  and 
they  shall  no  more  be  a  prey,  and  J 
will  judge  between  cattle  and  cattle.  And 
I  will  set  up  one  shepherd  over  them, 
and  he  shall  feed  them,  even  my  ser- 
vant David,  he  shall  feed  them;  and  he 
shall  be  their  shepherd.  And  I  the 
Lord  v.'ill  be  their  God,  and  my  serr 
vant  David  a  prince  amoijg  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  they  shall  dwell  safely  in 
the  wilderness,  apd  sleep  in  the  woods. 
And  I  will  make  them  and  the  places 
round  about  my  hill  a  blessing;  and  1 
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  cf  their  yoke,  and  delivor- 
'A  them  out  of   the  hands  of  those  that 


served  themselves  of  them.  And  thoy 
shall  no  more  be  a  prey  to  the  heath* 
en,  neither  shall  the  beast  of  the  lan^ 
devour  them:  but  thej  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  mor* 
consumed  with  hunger  in  the  land,  nei- 
ther bear  the  sh.ame  of  the  heathenany 
more.  Thus  shall  they  know  that  I, 
the  Lord  their  God  am  with  them,  and 
that  they,  even  the  house  of  Israel,  are 
my  people,  saith  the  Lord  God.  And 
ye  my  flock,  the  flock  of  my  pasture, 
are  men,  and  I  am  your  God,  saith  th» 
Lord  God.  And  in  the  87th  chapter 
of  this  same  prophecy,  21,  22,  23,  24,  ^ 
25,  26,  27  and  28  vei'ses,  the  prophet 
thus  describes  the  glory  of  Christ's 
reign  on  the  earth.  "And  say  unto 
thetn,  thus  saith  the  Lord  God;  behold, 
I  will  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  owh  • 
land:  and  J  will  make  one  nation  in  tho 
land  upon  the  mountains  of  Israel,  and 
one  king  shall  be  king  to  them  all:  and 
they  ^hall  be  no  more  two  nations,  nei- 
ther shall  they  be  divided  into  two  king- 
doms any  more  at  a|J:  neither  shall 
they  defile  themselves  any  more  with 
their  idols,  nor  with  other  detestable 
things,  nor  with  any  of  their  trans- 
gressions: but  1  will  save  them  out  of 
all  their  dwelling  places,  wherein  they 
have  sinned,  and  will  cleanse  them.  Sa 
shall  they  be  my  people,  and  I  will  be 
their  God>  And  David  my  servant 
shall  be  'ring- 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  given 
unto  Jacob  my  servant,  wherein  your 
fathers  dwelt,  and  they  shall  dwell 
therein,  even  they,  ancj  their  children, 
and  their  children's 'children  forever. — 
Moreover  I  will  make  a  covenant  of 
peace  witl)  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  shqiU  be  myjpeople. 
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  commr-nt.     They   speak  for  then; 


86 


]^l±:syENQEil  A.m)  ADVOCATE. 


selves.  Every  reader  with  the  least 
degree  of  intelligence,  knows  tliat  \vhat 
is  here  said  has  yet  to  take  place,  and 
he  also  knows,  that  it  v/iil  take  place 
when  the  Lord  restores  tiic  kingdom  to 
Israel,  and  not  till  then,  and  that  v.-ill 
take  place  when  he  coiv.ffn  to  reign  en 
the  parth. 

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:  lie  shall  grow 
fts  the  lily,  and  cast  forth  his  rcptg,  as 
Lebanon.  His  branches  shall  spread, 
ftnd  his  beauty  shall  be  as  the  olive-tree, 
and  his  smell  as  Lebanon.  They  that 
dwell  under  bis  shadow  tliall  return; 
they  shall  revive  as  the  corn,  and'grow 
as  tlie  vine:  the  scent  thereof  shall  be 
ns  the  wine  of  Lebanon.  Enhraim 
fehall  say,  What  have  I  to  dd  any  more 
with  idols?  I  hv.xQ  heard  him,  and  ob- 
served him:  I  am  like  a  green  fir  tree. 
From  me  h  thy  fruit  found.  Who  is 
wise,  and  he  shall  understand  these 
thirds?  prudent,  and  he  shall  k'now 
them?  for  the  v.' ays -of  the  Lord  are 
-right,  and  the  just  shall  v/alk  in  them: 
but  ihe  transgressors  shall  fall  therein.''' 
The  prophet  Joel  says  of  the  coming 
of  the  Lord,  and  of  his  rei'^n  on  the 
parth,  3d  chapter,  16,  17,  IS,  19,  20 
Jipd  *2ist  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  shallye 
know  that  I  am  the  Lord  your  God 
dwellinji  in  Zion  my  holy  mountain: — 
then  shall  Jerusalem  be  holy,  and  there 
shall  be  no  strangers  pass  throuch  her 
any  more.  And  it  shall  come  to  pass  m 
that  day,  that  the  mountains  shall  drop 
down  new  wine,  and  the  hills  shall  fiOW 
with  milk,  &  all  the  rivers  of  Judah  shall 
flow  v.ith  waters,  and" a  fountain  shall 
come  forth  of  the  house  oi"  the  Lord, 
and  shall  water  the  valley  of  Shittim. 
Egypt  shall  be  a  desolation;  and  Edom 
shaJl  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 
Lord  dwellcth  in  Zicn.'' 

The  prophet  Amos  says  in  the  9th 
chapter  of  his' prophecy,  11,  12,  13, 
14  s^jid  15th  verses:      ''In  that  dav  will 


I  raise  up  the  tabernacle  of  David  that 
is  fallen,  and  close  up  the  breaches 
thereof;  and  I  will  raise  up  his  ruins, 
and  I  v>ill  build  it  as  in  the  da}-sof  old: 
That  they  may  possess  the  remnant  of 
Edom,  and  of  al!  the  heathen  which  arc 
called  by  my  name,  saith  the  Lord  that 
doeth  this.  Behold,  the  days  come, 
saith  the  Lord,  that  the  ploughman  shall 
overtake  the  reaper,  and  the  trcadcr  of 
grapes  him  that  soweth  seed;  and  tlic 
mountains  shall  drop  sweet  wine^  and 
the  hills  shall  melt.  And  I  will  $;ring 
again  the  captivity  of  my  people  Israel 
ajid  they  shall  build  the  vi'aste  cities, 
and  inhabit  them;  and  they  shall  plant 
vineyards,  and  drink  the  wine  thereof; 
they  shoJl  also  make  gardens,  and  eat 
the  fi  Lilt  of  them,  vind  I  vvill  plant 
them  upon  their  land, -and  (hey  shall  no 
more  be  pulled  up  cut  of  tlicir  land 
v.'hich  I  have  given  them,  saith  tho 
Lord  thy  God/'"' 

The  above  quotations,  with  a  great 
r.^any  ethers  v.'hich  might  be  brought^ 
set  forth  that  order  oi  society  ^v'hic^^ 
v/ill  exist  v/heii  the  Savior  reigns,  thaf. 
dcnj,  or  tlie  thousand  years.  V,'e  ha\o 
a  r;)0i:t  splendid  description  of  it  giveu 
in  the  Psalms,  beginning  with  the  ona 
hundred  and  forty  fourth,  to  the  end  of 
the  boo]:;  1:'Ul  we  deem  it  unnecessary 
to  qucte  any  more,  as  the  candid  read- 
er v.iU  l.-e  enabled,  when  tlie  subject  is 
laid  before  him  so  plaiu  as  is  done  in 
tiie  above  quotatious,  to  sf-c  and  under- 
stand for  l)i;pje!f,.  so  as  to  deliver  his 
mind  from  darkness  on  this  point, 
when  reading  the  prophecies.  Who- 
cannot  easily  discover,  that  the  ordev 
of  things  set  forth  in  the  above  quota- 
tions, from  the  prophets,  has  never  yet 
been  on  the  earth,  neither  indeed  Ci\n 
be, until  the  Lord  comes?  Fox  it  is  at  ihafc 
tim.e  that  .Jerusalem  is  to  be  built  and 
never  to  be  thrown  down,  and  it  is  at 
that  time  that  the  earth  is  to  biing  forth 
in  her  strength,  and  Avhcn  the  moun- 
tains are  to  drop  do-vn  new  wine,  aii(| 
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  sl;all  overtake  the  reap- 
er, and  the  treader  of  grapes  him  that 
soweth  seed.  And  it  is  at  that  time, 
that  the  tabernacle  of  David  shall  be 
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  beast  at  that  day,  or 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE 


8^ 


Ihousaiid  years;  but  not  only  the  beast 
bat  the  vegetable  kiiigdom  is  also  to  be 
greatlv  changed — the  trees  and  the 
yij^es — the  one  is  to  bring  forth  iheir 
fruit  in  abundance,  the  other  to  load  it- 
r-elt'  to  snch  a  degree  that  the  moiuilains 
Aviil  literally  drop  dov/n  new  wine.  So 
that  a  great  change  is  to  be  wrought  on 
all  the  lower  creation — the  very  earth 
is  to  becom,)  more  iVuitful  than  ever  it 
has  been  since  it  was  cursed;  and  the 
Spirit  of  God  is  to  he  poured  out  on  all 
flesh,  and  his  power  to  be  exalted  in 
changing  all  things,  so  as  to  make  them 
«".onduce  to  the  happuiess  of  men  in  the 
liighcst  degree  their  nature  is  capable 
of.  This  is  the  Millenium,  and  this 
only.  If  the  power  of  God  is  not  ex- 
erted on  both  man  and  beast,  as  well  as 
on  all  other  parts  of  the  lov/er  creation, 
the  idea  of  Millenium  is  worse  than 
foUv.  Ail  the  above  quotations,  taken 
from  the  prophets,  must  he  i'ldfdled, 
v.'ith  a  multitude  of  others  v/hich  might 
be  quoted,  all  to  the  same  eflect.  The 
t'ulfiilmcnt  of  these  propliecies  will 
make  a  Millenium,  and  nothing  else 
will;  for  these  are  the  things  which  God 
has  promised  to  do  for  the  world,  and 
which  he  has  said  will  take  place. — 
Whatever  povv'er  therefore  is  necessary 
to  change  the  nature  of  the  lion,  the 
jeopard,  the  bear,  the  ass,  the  cocka- 
trice, together  with  all  other  animals, 
Nvhich  hurt  and  destroy,  is  necessary 
to  be  exei'ted  to  bring  about  the  Milie- 
•nium,  and  nothing  else  v/iU  do  it.  And 
not  only  tVie  power  necessary  to  clfect 
this,  but  also  to  change  the  earth  so  as 
to  n-.ake  it  move  fruitful,  and  the  sea- 
sons so  that  the  ploughman  can  over- 
take the  reaper,  and  the  treader  of 
grapes  him  that  sowcth  seed;  for  pur 
present  seasons  will  not  admit  such  a 
thing — so  that  a  great  change  must  be 
svrought  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 
4he  idea  of  the  Millenium  is  worse  than 
foll^. 


GOSPEL.     No.  VI. 
(continued  fkom  pack  74.) 

Inasmuch  then,  as  the  gospel  was 
^:)reached  to  Abraham,  would  it  be  tho'l 
hazarding  much  to  say  that  baptism 
>vas  preached  to  him  for  the  remission 
of  sins,  or  could  the  gospel  be  prea- 
ched to  Abraham  and  this  not  be  prea- 


ched'? Perhaps  some  iniglit  say,  that 
it  was  told  to  Abraham  that  in  his  seed 
all  the  families  of  the  earth  should  be 
blessed,  A:  that  was  all,  could  it  be  said 
that  the  gospel  was  preaclied  to  Abra- 
hom.  And  yet  it  was  not  preached  to 
him,  or  was  Abraham  left  to  guess  tho 
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  Go^ 
and  that  before  the  foundation  of  the 
world,  that  men  M'ore  to  be  saved  by 
being  in  Christ.  And  he  also  tells  ua 
that  Christ  was  Abraham/s  seed.  la 
this  testimony  correct?  If  it  is,  ever 
since  man  was  in  existence  there  has 
been  but  one  way  of  being  saved;  for 
God,  according  to  the  apostle's  state- 
ment, had  fixed  it  by  an  irrevocable 
decree  and  that  befoie  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  earl}'  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  bo 
saved  by  it  without  understanding  it, 
so  could  we  and  so  could  all  other.s, 
and  Paul's  assertions  to  the  Epliesians 
be  worse  than  vain.  "That  by  grac<v 
'are  ye  saved  through  faith,''  and  for 
wlien  there  was  no  understanding  ther« 
could  be  no  faith.  And  there  is  noth- 
ing more  certain,  than  this,  that  if  tha 
ancients  were  not  made  acquainted  with 
the  scheme  of  life,  they  must  iiave 
been  saved  without  it,  or  else  they  were 
destroyed  for  want  of  knowing  it.  Tho 
latter  cannot  he  admitted,  and  it  is  very 
hard  to  a<lmit  the  former,  that  is,  tliat 
any  people  were  ever  saved  Nvithout 
understanding  how  it  was  done,  tliat 
they  were  saved,  or  that  an}'  persons 
could  be  washed  from  all  sin  by  the 
Lamb,  and  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  be 
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  thut 
men  were  to  be  saved,  since  tho  fouu- 


83 


MESSENGER  ANl^  ADVOCATE. 


datlon  of  the  world,  r^nd  in  no  other 
way;  so  that  the  ancients  mu'jt  either 
have  known  that  they  were  in  Christ, 
(we  mean  those  among  flicm  v/ho  v/ere 
saved,)  or  else  they  did  not:  if  they 
did  not  they  were  saved  in  ignorance; 
and  tho  old  ina.xim  witli  them  holds 
good,  that  ignorance  is  the  mother  of 
devotion.  But  on  this  point  there  can 
he  no  difTercncc  of  op'nion  among  the 
candid;  for  to  admit  tliat  any  portion 
of  the  human  family,  v/cro  saved,  at 
any  time,  or  in  any  period  of  the  v.-orld, 
without  knowing  how  they  were  siived 
or  hy  what  ^neans  tr.cy  were  made 
partakers  of  the  grace  of  lite,  is  to 
Kupposcan  iniprobabih'ty:  that  is,  it  is 
to  suppose  that  they  wore  saved,  and 
V'cre  not  saved  at  the  same  time;  for 
the  revelation  of  the  plan  of  salvation 
v/as  essential  to  the  salvation  of  any  of 
the  human  family.  It  maltcrcd  not 
how  good  the  scheme  r>{  h  was,  which 
was  devised  in  cternil}-,  nor  how  well 
suited  to  the  tiiuation  of  mG,n;  nor  h.ow 
v/eli  calculated  to  save  men;  1:0 r  yet, 
how  competent  it  was  to  save,  still  it 
would  never  ha,ve  saycd  one  individu- 
al since  the  world  began,  unless  it 
bad  been  revealed  to  him.  JiCt  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  v/ould  all 
have  gone  to  destruction  together. 

Another  thing  which  would  appear 
very  strange,  is  that  there  should  be  an 
Abe!,  an  Enoch,  and  others,  who  had 
great  power  v/ith  God»  wb.o  got  many 
revelations  from  God,  and  had  groat 
faith,  so  as  to  obtain  testinwny  that 
tlicy  were  accepted  of  him,  aiwl  that 
they  pleased  him;  and  yet  witli  all  that 
they  knew,  they  did  not  know,  rior  uiv 
derstand  the  scheme  of  things,  by 
Y*-hi(?h  they  liad  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  14tii  verse; — 
which  judgment  came  by  reason  of  the 
atonement  of  the  anointed  Savior,  and 
it  would  be  very  strange  indeed  if 
Enoch  should  not  have  kriown  anv  thino- 
of  the  sa^riiice  of  the  Sa,vior,  and  yet 
knew  of  his  coming  to  jydge  the  world, 
because  they  rejected  the  salvation 
which  was  offered  to  t^em  by  reason 
of  that  atonement,  and  not  onl}'^  knew 
of  the  sacrifice  of  the  Savior^  but  of  the 
way  by  which  the.  wp.rld  of  mankind 


was  made  partakers  of  the  benefits  of 
that  atonement;  that  is  by  being  put  in- 
to Christ  Jesus,  and  that  work  of  put-, 
ting  in  by  baptism,  in  v/atter,  accor-. 
ding  to  what  Paul  has  said,  "That  as 
many  of  you  as  have  been  baptised  into. 
Christ,  have  put  on  Christ;"  and  Imav 
add,  that  none  others,  but  those  v.-ho 
v/erc  lapfised  into  Christ  did  put  liinx 
9n,  o.r  could  put  liim  on;  for  there  was, 
no  Other  way  of  putting  on  Christ. 

Wlio  can  doubt  but  that  man  who 
bad  faith  sufficient  to  get  rcvelationSf 
and  to  obtain  knowledge  of  the  great 
day  of  judgment,  when  the  Lord  sliould 
come  with  ten  thousand  of  his  saints-, 
who  walked  with  him  three  iaindrecj 
years,  and  had  faith  sufucient  to  ba 
translated,  who  can  doubt  1  say?  but 
this  man  was  acquainted  with  tha 
whole  scheme  of  life  and  salvation,  or 
the  gospel.  No  person  can  doubt  it, 
but  one  who  is  incapable  of  judging  any. 
matters. 

Bu;t  the  Scriptures  are  pointed  on 
Ijhis  subject,  and  so  clear  that  a  cavalci: 
has  no  rooni  left,  only  to  show  liis  un- 
fairness and  Want  of  candor.  Paul  says 
to  Tnr.pthy,  in  his  second  epistle,  1 :9, 
10,  "Who  hath  saved  us,  and  calledt 
us  with  a  holy  calling,  not  according 
to  ou?  works,  but  according  to  his  own 
purpose  and  grace,  which  was  given  us 
in  Christ  Jesus  before  the  v/orld  began; 
but  is  now  made  manifest  by  tho  ofter- 
ing  of  our  Savior  Jesus  Christ,  who 
hath  al)olishcd  death,  and  hath  brought 
life  and  immortality  to  light,  through; 
tho  gospel.'"  If  this  statement  lie  cor- 
rect, life  and  immortality  came  to  light 
by  the  gospel,  the  sanic  as  to  say» 
that  unless  the  gospel  had  copie,  life  and 
immortality  would  not  have  come  ta 
light.  Let  us  ask,  when  did  life  anti 
immortality  come  to  light?  Before  an- 
swering this  question,  let  me  ask,  what 
is  meant  by  life  and  immortalify?  I 
answer,  the  knowledge  of  a  future  rx 
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  hs  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  the  gospel, 
and  if  he  had  knowledge  of  th«  gospel. 


M£S3E^'QER  AND  ADVOCATK- 


m 


he  knew  that  men  must  be  in  Christ 
Jesus,  or  else  they  could  not  be  blessed, 
and  he  must  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  before  the  founda- 
tion of  the  world,  and  by  which  we  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  with  God  unless  ho  has  obeyed 
the  gos-pel;  and  Enoch  must  have  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  who  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 
who  were  baptised  for  the  remission  of 
fiins,  that  they  should  receive  the  gift 
of  the  Holy  Spirit,  and  through  this 
gift  they  should  see  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 with  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,   O.  Feb.   16,  1835. 

Bkother  O.   Cowijert, 

I  have  had  the 
opportunity  of  perusing,  from  time  to 
time,  your  interesting  paper,  x\s  I  have 
been  travelling  from  church  to  church, 
from  country  to  countrj-,  and  froni 
State  to  State,  holding  forth  the  words 
of  eternal  life — the  glorious  light  of 
heaven  among  a  people  who  sii  in 
darkness  and  in  the  dominion  of  death, 
and  it  is  with  great  satisfaction  that  I 
read  of  the  success  of  my  brethren  in 
the  ministry,  in  spreading  light  and 
truth,*  notwithstanding  the  opposition 
i"hic^  thev  havo  tc  onc^.ur,!'---    '.'or  ;?.ot- 


withstanding  the  earth  has  been  veiled 
with  a  thick  veil  of  darkness  for  cen- 
turies and  error  has  spread  much  divi- 
ded "and  operated  unspent,"  till  na- 
tions and  kingdoms  have  been  inunda- 
ted by  its  overwhelming  influence,  yet 
the  days  have  come  when  a  light  has 
broken  forth  in  darkness;  truth  again 
is  beginning  to  shine,  and  they  who 
arie  honest  in  heart  v/ill  behold  its 
heavenly  light  and  rejoice;  yea,  many 
have  beheld  it,  and  not  or^ly  beheld, 
but  embraced,  and  arc  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  trutli  would 
have  spread  so  rapid?  for  whether  we 
look  to  the  east,  or  to  the  west,  to  the 
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 
qf  Babylon,  and  leaving  her  mighty 
towers,  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  CQ.  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 
was  unable  to  travel  and  preach  for 
several  weeks  last  fall  in  consequence 
of  sickness. 

1  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  ^ih. 

Since  writing  the  abore  yni 
have  preached  three  time?  in  Cincinnati, 
three  times  in  Fulton,  and  three  times  in  tha 
village  of  Commingsville,  6  nileg  from  the 
city.  We  have  had  large  ccngrefTations  ssxi 
many  ?"e  estoni«!iod  p.t  the  doctrine — Gonic 
believe,  ir.ary  disbelievs,  and  ethers  obey.— 
We  have  thia   day  haptiixj    two   who  hJfii^ 


!io 


M^S-KNGElt  AJil)  ADVOCATE. 


There  are  now  29  or  93  members  of  this 
I'hurch  in  Fulton  and  Cincinnati.  We  ex- 
i>ect  to  leave  this  place  soon  for  the  village  of 
Batavia  ahout  L'O  milpg  distant. 

Brother  Barns   and  myself  preached  twice 

in  the  court  house  at   Brookville,    Indiana 

we  were  kindly  receiv>^d  by  the  people  of  that 
village,  and  were  soliciteu  to  tarry  lon"-er, 
but  we  could  not  conveniently:  it  was  "the 
first  time  the  people  in  that  place  had  heani 
concerning  the  principles  of  our  faith,  and  it 
was  somewhat  marvellous  to  them,  perhaps 
rendered  more  so  in  consequence  of  a  short 
debate  v.'hich  lasted  about  thre  3  or  four  hours, 
principally  upon  the  second  coming  of  Christ. 

The  debate  of  which  I  speak  was  between 
myseif  and  a  preacher  of  the  ITniversulist  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  left  the 
Appeal  of  our  brethren  with  the  Editors  of 
Jirookvillc  Inquirer,  who  said  they  would 
print  it — since  we  have  been  in  Cincinnati 
we  hav«  received  the  above  named  paper  and 
also  a  short  letter  from  its  Editors,  request- 
ing ine  to  return  and  give  them  another 
hearing,  but  as  it  will  be  out  of  my  power  or 
at  least  very  inconvenient  for]me  to  visit  that 
place  for  some  length  of  time,  if  ever,  I  will 
insert  their  letter  in  this  and  you  may  pub- 
lish 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 
doubt  they  would  be  kindly  received. 

"Broo/iville  Feb.  1,  1835. 

Mr.  Orson  Pratt — 

Sir:  there  is  a  general  wish 
through  this  country,  that  you  would  call 
und  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- 
er assembled  in  this  county.  Your  expenses 
during  your  stay,  will  be  defrayed." 

Yours  respectfully. 

(Signed)^ 

"Edit'^,  %f  Brookville Inquirer." 


^'KirtlanA,  March  8th,  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 
|je  held  among  them  during  the  present  year: 
it  was  unanimously  resolved  that  conferences 
should  be  held  in  the  following  places  to  be 
attended  by  the  travelling  Elders  from  Kirt- 
land,  viz:  In  Westfield,  Chautauque  Co.  IV. 
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. 
^ckc. 

The  brethren  in  various  churches  and 
places  mentioned  above,  may  expect  public 
preaching  on  the  two  days  following  each 
conference,   and  they  are  requested  to   see 


tliat  the  ai)pointments  are  made  at  the  mcU 
convenirnt  houses.  This  we  ieavo  for  them 
to  do  for  their  own  convenieiice.  ^Ml  Iho 
Elders  within  reasonable  bounds  oflhtse  con- 
ferences are  requested  to  ctlend'lhcm,  and  it 
will  be  their  duty  so  to  (io. 

ORSON  HYDE,        )    ,.    , 
W.  E.  M'LELLi:-;,  ^'  *^^'"^''"^- 

Itfesseiager  a£id  Adt'ori'Sc. 


K/RTLAAD,  OHIO,  MARCH,  ie3o. 


[C?'  Confcrtnces.  The  elder*  will';  notice 
appointments  for  several  conferences,  to  b.a 
holden  by  the  brethren  from  Kirtland.  Fre- 
quent and  pressing-  calla  have  induced  the  el- 
ders here  to  send  these  ijoticcs,  and  ail  others 
heretofore  appointed,  except  one  at  Freedom, 
N.   Y.  the  fif&t  next  month,  will  be  recalled. 

[Editor.'] 

lET  We  are  requested  to  inform  Ekie.-3 
Thomas  B.  Marsh  and  Orson  Pratt,  that  they 
are  desired  to  attend  a  meeting  of  the  elders 
in  this  place  on  the  26th  of  April  next.  We 
hope  that  circumstances  may  render  it  con- 
venient for  them  to  attend,  as  their  pyeaenc9 
is  very  desirable.  [Editur.] 


"DELUSION,'' 

Said  Mr.  A.  Campbell,  in  1831,  soon 
after  the  church  of  the  Saints  began  to 
be  established  in  this  place;  but  uiifor- 
tunately  for  his  purpose,  if  a  purpose 
he  had,  his  cry  was  unheard,  the  causes 
still  progressed,  and  contiyiiiss  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  oKr 
digress  from  ordinary  matters,  to  give, 
this  modern  apostle  a  passing  notice. 

In  his  [not]  far-famed  pamphlet,  of 
Feb.  10,  1831,  this  grave  Reformer, 
while  examining  the  book  of  IMormon, 
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  his 
eyes  open  can  admit  both  books  to  have  come 
from  God.  Admitting  the  Bible  now  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  real  author,  as  ignorant  and 
impudent  a  knave  as  ever  wrote  a  book,  he- 
trays  the  cloven  foot  in  basing  his  whole  book 
upon  a  false  fact,  or  a  pretended  fact,  which 


AiEssEN^iKii  A>^&  Ai;voc: 


91 


makes  God  a  linr.  It  is  tl'.is: — With  the  Jows  ] 
God  made  a  covenant  at  Mount  Siniii,  and  ! 
instituted  a  priesthood,  and  a  hijii  prieBt- 
hood.  The  priesthood  he  f;ave  to  the  tribe 
of  Levi,  and  tiie  high  j)r!tsihood  lo  Aaron 
and  his  sons  f-ir  an  everiaslnig  priesthood. — 
He  separated  Levi,  and  covenanJcd  to  give 
him  this  Oilico  irrevocably  v.hile  ever  the 
temple  stood,  or  till  IJie  Messiah  caaie." 

I\fr.  Campbe'll  attenii.is  by  a  singif 
Btrolcc,  to  cvorthrovv' the  validity  of  the 
book  of  Moniion,  by  brijiging  Ibrv/ard 
the  in.siitation  of  the  pviosliioou,  con- 
ferred upon  Aaron  and  his  sons,  but 
we  are  wiliing  to  go  the  whole  length 
in  this  matter  of  priesthood,  and  sav 
that  it  was  conferred  upon  Aaron  and 
bis  seed  throughotit  their  generations. 
Ex.  40:15.  A.ud  thou  shalt  anoint  them, 
ii.s  thou  didst  anoint  their  father,  that 
^hey  minister  unto  n^e  in  the  priest's 
office:  for  liteir  anointing  shall  surely 
hp  an  everlasting  priesthood  through- 
out their  generations.  We  quote  this 
passage  because  Mr.  G.  says, 'that  it 
was  only  "while  over  the  temple  stood, 
or  till  the  ?.iessiah  came."''  Israel's 
God  takes  a  longer  stretch  than  this 
Rev.  gentleman.  He  says  "through- 
out their  generations.''  If  the  literal 
descendants  of  Aaron  are  no  niore, 
then  this  priesthood  rs  lost  frorn  Israel, 
unless  God  bestov/s  it  upon  another  fa- 
mily; but  if  not,  not. 

But  Mr.  C.  says  "while  ever  the  tem- 
ple stood,  or  till  the  Messiah  came." — 
ny-the-by  the  temple  was  not  rciirod 
when  this  covenant  was  made,  neither 
does  the  Lord  mention  it,  nor  the  Mes- 
siah at  the  time:  it  is  onlv  one  of  this 
Reformer's  new  fashioned  spiritualiz- 
ing systems — we  have  not  yet  learned 
It.      ' 

This  is  not  all:  He  sa3's  that  llie 
scripture  teaches,  that  a  person  of  ano- 
ther family  who  should  come  near, 
when  this  holy  ordinance  [sacrifice] 
was  being  performed,  should  be  put  to 
death.  We  knovv'  that,  "the  stranger, 
who  Cometh  nigh,  shall  be  putto  death," 
and  that  the  heathens  were  called  stran- 
gers, but  not  the  children  of  Israel. 

Again:  Lchi  atld  his  sons,  who  were 
descendants  of  Joseph,  oliercd  sacri- 
fice, and  this  is  enough  to  '^blast  the 
pretensions  of  the  book  of  Mormon,  to 
credibility.'''  * 

Now,  us  it  is,  and  very  correcty  too, 
fjelii  and  his  sons  were  blessed  with 
the  high  priesthood — the  Melchesedek 
priesliiood.  They  never  made  any 
pretence  that  they  were  descendants  of 
Aaron,  or  ever   j-eceivcd    that  priest 


hood  which  was  conferred  upon  hir:iby 
the  hand  of  .Moses,  ;-,t  ilie  direction  of 
the  Lord. 

How  did  it  hci~rpen  tliat  Moses  had 
authority  to  consecrate  A.aron  a  priest  f 
Vv'liere  did  ho  get  his  authority  lo  ar- 
range the  taborjiucle,  ark,  fcc.?  Wlio 
laid  hands  up.oii  hin;'?  -Had  he  authoi-i- 
ty  to  "come  iicar"  when  the  Lord  was 
entreated  by  saeriilcc?  He  was  Aaron's 
brother,  to  be  :,iirc,  but  Aaron  wa.s  the 
high  prieirt. 

ShouW  lh\  C.  finally  learn,  that 
Moses  received  the  hoi}'  priesthood,  af- 
ter the  order  of  Me'chcsedck,  under 
the  hand  of  Jcthro,  his  falher-in-law, 
that  clothed  with  this  authority  ho  set 
Israel  in  order,  and  by  commandment 
ordained  Aaron  to  a  priesthood  les.s 
th.an  that,  and  that  Lehi  was  a  priest 
after  tlii-s  same  order,  perhaps  he  will 
not  raise  so  fiimsey  an  assertion,  as  he 
does  v.'hen  he  says  the  validity  of  the 
book  of  Mormon  is  destroyed  because 
Lehi  olTered  sacrifice;  and  perhaps,  al- 
so, he  rnay  not  be  quite  so  lavish  with 
his  familiar  titles  as  he  was  Mhen  ho 
called  brother  Smith  "as  impudent  a 
knave  as  ever  wrote  a  book!!" 

This  is  a  iTserc  specimen:  "This  ig- 
norant and  impudent  liar,  [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  3'et  to  learn 
v/here  he  said  that  he  Avould  not  give 
them  any  more.  Mr.  C.  will  fmd,  ir^ 
the  49th  of  Genesis,  where  Jacob  de- 
clared that  his  blessings  had  prevailed 
above  those  of  his  progenitors  unto  the 
'almost  bounds  of  ilie  everlasting  hills, 
and  that  he  confers  them  upon  the 
head  of  his  son  Joseph,  of  whom  Lehi 
was  a  descendant. 

If  tiie  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  tlie  precious  things  of  heaven,  for 
the  dew,  and  the  deep  that  couches  be- 
neath, and  f(jr  the  preciou:^  fruits  bro't 
forth  by  the  sun,  and  for  the  precious 
things  put  loith  by  the  moon,  and  for 
the  chief  things  of  the  ancient  moun- 
tains, and  for  the  precious  things  of 
the  la.sting  hills." 

Why  all  this  parade  about  the  bleat- 


H 


MESSExXGB^R  AND  ADVOCATE 


ing  of  Joseph,  if  he  were  only  to  in- 
herit an  equal  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  hes^rers  one  so- 
litary scroll  to  point  them  to  the  word 
of  God  for  a  preparatory  guide  to  be 
prepared  for  that  august  period! 

"His  [Joseph's]  glory  is.  like,  the 
firstling  of  his  bullock,  and  his  horns 
are  like  the  horns  of  uniporns:  with 
them  ho  shall  push  the  people  together 
to  the  ends  of  the  earth;  ar^d  they  are 
the  ten  thousands  of  Ephrairp,  and  they 
are  the  thousands  of  Manassch." 

Now,  if  some  friend  of  ours,  or  even 
the  editor  of  the  Millenial  Harbinger, 
will  be  so  kind  as  to  solv^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  set  him 
to  push  the  people  together  to  rfrom] 
the  end's  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  blessmg  had  prevailed 
above  that,  to  the  utmost  bounds  of  the 
everlasting  hills,  where  could  he  find 
it?  Not  in  the  land  of  Canaan,  merely, 
though  Mr.  C.  has  the  daring  effronte- 
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  bo  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  uppn  the  willow  trees,  and 
could  not  sing  the  songs  of  Zion  in  a 
foreign  If^nd;  but  the  Nephites  have  not 
a  singlp  wish  for  Jerusalem,  for  they 
can,  m  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,  according  to  his  coyc- 
aant  with  Israel,  stood  in  Jerusalem." 

Here  are  further  secrets  unlolded. — 
We  remember  to  have  read,  in  the 
137th  Ps.  cither  a  history  of  what  had 
tgiken  place,  or  a  prophecy  concerning 
something  to  come,  and  which,  in  the 
days  of  David  was  yet  to  transpire;- — 
but  the  lamentation  was  uttered  by  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  docs  very  well  for  Mr.  C. 
— he  can  get  him  up  there  with  songs 
of  thanksgiving,  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  bo 
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  Melchiscdek,  authorr- 
ty  to  build  a  house  to  the  honor  of  lus 
name,  and  especially,  when  the  wor- 
ship of  that  at  Jerusalem  was  corrup- 
ted, or  it  thrown  down?  We  have  yet 
to  be  informed  when  the  Lord  said  that 
he  would  not  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; 


OS 


Moses,,  that  they    should    possess  the 
tnds  of  the  earth. 

Our  readers  will  understand  that 
ihese  extracts  are  taken  from  Mr,  C.'s 
writings  of  1831,  and  if  occasion  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. — [Editor. 


Wc  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.  We  have 
previously  received  letters  from  the 
same  neighborhood  from  elders  G.  JVI. 
Hinkle  and  H.  Green,  from  which  ex- 
tracts have  heretofore  been  given;  but 
it  appears  that  our  brethren  are  con- 
etantly  administering  the  v/ord  of  life 
to  the  people,  many  of  whom  are  dis- 
posed to  hear.  The  letter  says,  that 
there  are  now  one  hundred  or  more 
^yho  have  recently  been  baptised. 

So  spreads  the  mighty  work!  That 
Stone  which  was  taken  from  the  moun- 
tain without  hands,  in  the  last  days, 
will  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  writes  that  he  has  met 
with  some  persecution,  and  that  we 
have  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 
would  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  truth  to 
A  dying  people  with  as  much  zeal  as 
before.     This  vas    honorable,    it  was 


commendable.  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  hero 
formed  an  intimate  acnuaintance,  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  tho 
indignation  of  Satan,  and  his  emisaa- 
rie's  who  labor  for  hiro  and  mako 
merchandise  of  souls! 

We  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  arc  informed,  that 
11  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  occasioii  to 
say,  we  are  reminded  of  Paul's  vision, 
when  he  saw  a  man  who  said,  "Corns 
over  into  Macedonia  and  help  us!"— 
We  seldom  hear  from  any  part  of  our 
own  country,  without  the  same  cry  be- 
ing reiterated  in  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  tho  faithful 
elders  to  visit  them,  whether  they  will 
be  accommodated  or  not,  we  cannot 
say,  but  we  hope  that  the  approaching 
conference  will  be  beneficial  to  tho 
good  cause.  It  is  true  they  have  suf- 
tered  some  persecutions;  but  God's 
grace  must  not  be  wanting,  for  they  are 
now  a  strong  band,  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  Fre<Hiom,  in  which  he  speaka  as 
follows; 


hi_  . 

'-We  are  looking  furwani  to  tiie  time 
a')yointod  tor  our  conreronce,  wiicn  v.e 
hope  1o  B<!Q  seine  ciders  from  your 
place.  I  cim  truly  say,  I  think  the 
cause  ratb.cv  gaiiiii-ig  friciiclsin  tliis  re- 
gion, but  we  hope  and  truiit  that  it  nuiy 
then  have  a  new  imitrdse.  Yestcrdaj/ 
brother  A.  J.  bquires  uaptized  eleven 
in  the  town  of  Rushford,  in  the  county 
of  Allegany,  the  place  of  meeting  is 
about  10  or  11  rniles  from  here." 

If  we  mistake  not,  it  is  soniething 
more  than  a  vear  cince  the  lirst  were 
t)aptized  in  that  place,  and  when  we 
reflect  oii  what  God  has  truly  done  for 
that  people,  our  heart  is  made  to  re- 
joice. 

We  know  tliat  the  prejudice  is  so 
great  in  many  places,  that  tlie  pcbple 
will  not  come  out  fo  hear,  bat  wherev- 
er this  gospel  is  preached  in  plainness, 
and  a  hearing  is  07ice  had,  the  truth  al- 
most invariably  finds  more  or  less  who 
love  itsheavenh/  influence  and  arc  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  tnen- 
tioned  by  the  prophets  which  are  to  be 
fulfdled  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  v/ho  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  fare\vell,  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  fake  leave  of 
their  friends,  after  being  called,  or  vol- 


i\iid3SEiN"(;i:ii  a:4D  advocate. 


uiiteering  to  proclaim  salvation,  what 
shall  v,-e  say,  in  the  last  days,  when 
the  world  is  perishing  for  lack  of  vis- 
ion, and  every  thing  declares  the  near 
p.pproach  of  the  great  day,  when  wo 
see  some  possessied  of  a  large  share  of 
menial  ond&v>-mcnt3,  and  abundance  of 
the  riches  of  this  world,  seating  them- 
selves quietly,  and  fairing  sumptuously 
every  dayl  Will  such  men's  garments 
be  spotlet-s  in  the  presence  of  the  Judge, 
when  the  nations  are  assembled  b'eforrf 
hhn? 

Wc  are  avv'are  of  the  saying  of  Paul, 
on  the  subject  of  providing  for  one's 
ov/n  house,  in  his  first  letter  to  Timo- 
thy, but  this  does  not  say  that  those 
whose  houses  are  provided  for,  in  tho 
providfence  of  our  Lord,  with  all  tho 
business  of  this  world,  arc  to  come  for- 
ward with  this  plea,  and  flatter  them- 
selves that  they  are  doing  the  will  of 
God.  We  think  (if  our  humble  opin- 
ion is  v^'orth  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  perseverenco^ 
becoming  the  importance  of  this  high 
profession. 

W^e  are  acquainted  with. many  mren, 
whose  earthly  income  is  very  smallj 
who  have  wives  and  children,  and  all 
as  dear  as  the  dearest  in  tliis  life,  and 
they  are  found  in  the  field  almost  coi>-' 
stanti}-.  Will  such  men  reap  a  reward) 
Ask  our  JMaster — "There  is  no  mait 
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- 
fold now  in  this  time,  houses  brethren,- 
and  sisters,  and  mothers,  and  childfeiiv 
and  lands,  with  persecutions;  and  in 
the  world  to  come,  eternal  life."  See? 
IVIat.  19:29;  Mark  10:29,30;  Luke  18: 
29,30. 

Will  sucii  receive  a  reward?  yes; 
they  will  receive  a  crown  in  the  man- 
sions of  gloiy,   and  no  power  of  earth 


mlissengeh  and  ADvocATt:. 


55 


or  IicU  cua  keep  it  from  ihetn.  The 
servants  of  the  Lord  will  do  well  to 
look  at  these  promises — such  us  leave 
houses  uiid  lands,  for  Christ's  sake, 
and  not  such  as  leave  houses  and  lands 
when  tliey  have  none! 

Since  tiie  perusal  of  elder  S.  Carter's 
letter  to  his  brother  in  this  place,  we 
have  received  one  from  elders  G.  M. 
Hinklcand  H.  Green,  which  says,  tiia^ 
themselves,  in  company  with  elders  S, 
Carter  and  S.  Brovv-n,  have  baptized, 
in  that  region.  117,  and  that  elders 
Groves  and  Lym.an,  a  little  to  the  north 
have  baptized  21  more.  Thus  the 
hiighty  woork  moves  forward,  and  thus 
it  will,  v,'lien  it  is  preached  in  plainness. 
?Jciy  God  put  forth  his  ov/n  hand! 

From  tiiese  brethren  we  have  recsiv- 
ied  a  number  of  subscribers  forthe  Mes- 
senger and  Advocate,  and  some  few 
For  the  re-printed  Star.  We  feel  our- 
selves indebted  to  such  as  use  their  ex- 
ertions to  obtain  subscribers,  as  we 
know  through  this  medium  much  good 
may  result. 


The  People's  Magazine,  by  Samuel  Coleman,  (suo 
tdssor  to  Lill5',  Wait  and  co.  Boston  Ms.)  in  fecciv- 
e-i— It  is  a  neatly  executed  wort:,  with  a  diversity  of 
cuts— in  all,  it  is  a  beautiful  work,  well  worth  the  at- 
tention of  a  young  masHo  put  carefully  away,  for 
after  lite. 

Parley's  Magazine,  by  the  same,  is  also  recciveti* 
and  13  well  calculated  to  encourage  the  young  to  in- 
tlustry  in  science— It  is  particularly  calculated  for 
•Qboob. 


From  ike  Peoples^  Magazine. 

WATER  DRINKERS. 

"Mr.BucUiii;;liam,  the  celebrated  oriental  traveller, 
now  a  uicriiiier  of  the  British  Parliament,  states  that 
the  strongest  race  of  men  he  has  ever  seen  were  na- 
tives of  the  Hinniulch  mountains,  and  came  to  Cal- 
cutta as  wrestlers;  one  of  whom  was  a  ".natch  for  three 
Britons.  V-Jt  these  men,  Mr.  B.  says,  had  never 
drank  any  thing  stranger  than  milk!" 

This  same  work,  some  time  sin-c,  advocated  the 
•principle  of  water  drinking,  by  endeavoring  to  prove 
tliat  Tea  and  Cofl"/e  never  aflorded  any  nutriment  to 
the  human  system.  So  fiir  very  good.  They  are  of 
our  principle's  in  liiis  rn.'^pcct,  precisely.  What  do 
you  say  reader,  on  the  sulijrtct  of  Tabacco?  Do  yo\i 
Ihink  that  thoro  is  much  real  nvtriment  to  be  gained 
from  thu  pleasant  weed?  Besides  it  adds  so  graceful- 
ly to  one's  avpcaronco,  to  have  a  large  piece  in  one's 
mouth,  or  to  emit  l.ir;;o  <iu«ntilip»  of  smoke  from  a 
pipr  or  cigar! 


SABBATIC  F-VKM.-XC^ 

How  plsiisiiit  and  how  hoiirt  ch^trriujr  In  iit;quiit, 
ly  by  one's  fire  side,  surrounded  by  aiineiy  fc.uiily,' 
and  con  verse  upon  the  hopes  and  r.ssuranci-K  of  eter- 
nal life,  oir^red  in  the  gospel,  yfter  a  da<  's  ciHoyment 
of  social  intercourse  in  tiie  house  of  prayer,  during  n. 
Sabbath-it  is  heavenly.  It  gi  vc^  a  ncwfipring  to  tjjc 
mind,  and  calls  forth  the  deeper,  gratitudo  to  bed  for 
intelligence  of  heavenly  tilings  Avhich  promises  a  Sab- 
bath whi.'h  will  never  close.  We  now  look  forward  (.-> 
that  period  with  longing  :,nxiety,  an,l  seize  upon  tha 
thought  with  eagernes?,  by  A-itb;  bu  then  we  shuU 
realize  its  eternal  blessedness,  when  corruption,  Um- 
n-.ation  and  death,  arc  no  terror!  O  RcJe-niei",  \<  aft. 
waft,  the  joyful  hour  when  thy  saints  may  see  kmIi.j' 
are  seen  and  know  as  they  are  known! 


LKTTER  v.— TO 

Dear  liroiiier: 


'V.  Vv'.  FHKLPS,  i:SQ. 


X  ours  ot  6th  Mit.  13  received  and  publisi  cd  in  this  N  i 
Itcon.Hinsso  wa«;/  qutstioi,,,  that  I  have  thought  I 
would  l.^tr  every  man  answer  for  hinjs, If;  as  it  would 
r.-^'P^K''  '"'■^"^•'•/!>"'-e  to  answer  all  of  them  than 
v-  oiild  be  proper  to  devote  at  this  lime.  When  I  look 
at  the  world  c-  it  is,  and  view  men  as  they  are  1  um 
not  much  surprised  that  they  oppose  the  truth  as  ma- 
ny perhaps,  and  indeed,  the  more  1  see  the  less  I  mar- 
vel on  this  subject.  To  talk  of  heavenlv  communi- 
cations,  angels'  visits,  and  the  inspjration'of  the  Holy 
Spirit,  now,  since  the  apostles  have  fallen  asleep  and 
men  interpret  the  word  of  God  without  the  aid  of  ci- 
ther the  Spirit  or  angels,  is  a  novel  thing  anion"  the 
wise,  and  a  piece  of  blasphemy  among  the  crart-mcn 
But  so  it  is.  and  it  is  wisdom  that  it  should  be  so  be- 
cause the  Holy  Spirit  does  not  dwell  in  unholv  tem- 
ples, nor  angels  reveal  the  great  work  of  God  to  hvD- 
ocrites.  '  ^ 

Vou  will  notice  in  my  last,  on  rehoatiai---  tl>  words 
of  the  angel,  where  he  commuiiirated  to  "our  brother 
—that  his  sins  were  forgiven,  and  that  he  was  called 
of  the  Lev.;  to  bringto  light,  by  the  gift  of  inspiration, 
this  impbi-tant  intelligence,  an  item  like  the  follow, 
ing— "Godhas  chosen  the  foolish  things  of  the  world 
and  things  which  are  despised,  God  has  chosen;"  ic! 
This,  I  conceive  to  be  an  important  item — Not  many 
mighty  and  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  voice 
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,  "AVo 
are  made  as  the  filth  of  the  world— the  off-scouring  of 
all  things  unto  this  day." 

I  am  aware,  that  a  rehearsal  oi"  visions  of  angels  nt 
this  day,  is  as  inconsistent  with  a  portion  of  mankind 
as  it  formerly  was,  after  all  the  boast  of  this  wisd 
generation  in  the  knowledge  of  the  truth;  but  there  ia 
a  uniforiiiitj-  ?0  fdmplete,  that  on  the  reflection,  on« 
is  led  to  rejoice  that  it  is  so. 

In  my  last  I  gave  an  imperfect  description  of  the  an- 
gel, and  was  obliged  to  do  so,  for  the  reason,  that  my 
per.  would  f:iil  to  describe  an  angel  in  his  glory,  or 
Ih;?  glory  of  God.  I  also  gave  afew  sentences  which 
he  uttered  on  the  subject  bf  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  subject,  as  well  as  a  reve- 
lation of  the  gospel.  That  these  holy  pelsonagc*, 
should  feel  a  deep  interest  in  the  accomplishment  of 
the  glorious  purposes  of  the  Lord,  in  his  work  in  th<s 
last  days,  ia  cbnsistent,  when  we  view  critically, 
what  is  recorded  of  their  sayings  in  the  holy  Scrip- 
tures. 

Vou  will  remember  to  have  read  in  Daniel— "Ani 
at  that  tiine,  [the  last  days]  shall  Michael  stand  up, 
the  great' prince,  who  stands  for  the  children  of  thy 
people;"  and  also  in  Revelations — "I  am  thy  feljow- 
servant,  and  of  thy  brethren  the  prophets."  Please 
compare  these  sayings  with  that  singular  e.xpress;on 
in  Heb.  "Are  they  (angels]  not  all  ministering  Spir-' 
its,  sent  forth  to  minister  for  them  who  shall  be  heirs 
of  salvation!"  And  then  let  me  ask  nine  que<tion«: 
first. 

Are  the  angels  now  in  gior.v,  the  former  prophcfii 
and  servants  of  God?  Secondly:  Are  they  bretbreii 
of  those  who  keep  his  commandments  on  earth?  and 
thirdly,  have  brethren  &  fleshly  kindr'jd,  ;n  the  king- 
dom of  God,  feelings  of  respect  and  conde3c<jr.iioa 
enough  to  speak  to  each  other,  though  one  may  be  in 
hcivcn  and  the  other  on  the  earth? 

FourlhlT;    If  snails  src  mtsistaing  •pirit«,  ••*' 


MESSEiNOEIt  AND  ADVOCATE. 


forth  to  minister  for  tlioeo  who  shall  be  heirs  of  aal- 
vatioD,  will  they  uot  minister  for  those  heirs!  and 
fifthly.  If  they  do,  will  «uy  one  know  ii7 

Sixthly:  Will  Michasl,  the  archangel,  the  great 
srince,  stand  up  in  the  last  days  for  Israeli  Sevwuth- 
fy:  will  (ie  dffcnd  them  from  their  enemies?  Eighily 
will  ha  .'eid  them,  3S  thi-y  were  once  lead;  and  ninth- 
ly, if  so,  will  he  be  seen!  These  questions  J  leave 
without  answering,  because  the  reasoning  is  so  plain, 
ajii  so  mcny  might  be  brought,  that,  they  must  be  at 
Band  in  tlje  heart  and  mind  of  every  saint.  But  to 
the  gospel;  and  then  to  the  gathering. 

The  great  plan  of  redemption  being  prepared  before 
the  fall  of  man,  andthc  salvation  of  the  human  fami- 
ly b»ing.aa  precious  in  the  sight  of  the  Lord  at  one 
time  as  at  another,  before  the  Messiah  came  in  the 
hesh  arid  was  crucified,  as  after  the  gospel  was 
preached,  and  many  were  found  obedient  to  the  same. 
This  gospel  being  the  same  from  the  beginning,  its  or- 
dinan;es  w'erc  also  unchangeable.  Men  were  com- 
roanied  to  repent  and  be  baptized  hy  water  in  the 
name  of  the  liOrd:  and  were  then  blessed  with  the 
Holy  Spirit.  The  Holy  Spirit  being  thus  given,  men 
wcri  ena'tleJ  to  look  forward  to  the  time  of  lUe  com- 
inj  of  the  Soii  of  M^n,  and  to  rejoi  e  in  that  day,  be- 
cause through  thtt  s.i  rifne  they  looked  for  a  remis- 
sion of  their  sin?;  an  i  for  their  redemption.  ^ 
.  Had  it  not  been  for  this  plan  tff  salvation,  which 
God  devised  before  the  fall,  man  must  have  remained 
miserable  forever,  after  transgressing  the  first  com- 
r.i::nd:nL-'n:,  b-jiause  in  cf>rscqi'.enco  of  th-'t  trnngros- 
sion  li-'  had  rendered  himself  unworthy  the  presence 
of  his  Mdksr.  Ho  being  therefore  cast  ont,  the  gos- 
pel WiS  preached;  an  1  this  hope  of  eternal  life  was 
8,n  before  him,  by  the  ministering  cf  angels  who  de- 
lirered  it  ts  they  were  commanded. 

Not  only  di  i  tlia  an  lent*'  look  forward  to  the  time 
of  the  coming  of  the  Messiah  in  the  flesh,  with  de- 
light, but  there  was  .another  day  for  which  they  sought 
and  tor  vfhi.h  they  pr^yed:^  Kiiowiiig,  as  they  did, 
ihcl  the  fdl  had  brought  upon  them  death,  and  th.it 
min  was  sensual  and  evil,  they  longed  for  a  day  when 
tu2  e.irth  might  again  rest,  and  appear  as  in  the  be- 
finning— When  avil  might  be  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  covpnant  with  them  to  roll  on  his  purposes  until 
he  should  bring  it  to  pass — and  though  many  gcnera- 
ti,ons  were  to"  be,  gathered  to  their  fathers,  yet  the 
righteous,  those  who  should,  in  their  lives,  embrace 
the  gospel,  and  live  obedient  to  its  requirements-,  rise 
an^  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, 
prepare-.!  for  the  righteous;)  but  were  not  able  to  sanc- 
tify them  that  thev  could  endure  the  presence  of  the 
Lord,  excepting  Enoch,  who,  with  his  people,  for 
their  righteousness,  were  taken  into  heaven,  with 
a  promise  that  they  should  yet  see  that  day  when  the 
whole  earth  should  be  covered  with  glory. 

Moses  labored  diligently  to  effjct  this  object,  but  in 
tonsequenee  of  the  transgressions  and  rebellions  of 
|he  children  of  Israel,  God  swore  in  his  wrath  that 
thcjr  should  not  enter  into  his  rest;  and  in  conse- 
quence Of  this  decree,  and  thoir  transgressions  since, 
they  have  been  scattered  to  the  four  vyinds,,  and  are 
thus  to  remain  till  the  Lord  gather^  them  in  by  his 
own  power. 

To  a  remnant  of  them  the  gospel  was  preached  by 
the  Messiah  in -person,  bu't^'they  rejected  his  voii-e, 
though  it  was  r;-ised  daily  an  big  them.  Ths  apostles 
continued  to  hold  forth  the  same;  after  the  crucifix- 
Ion  &  resurre-ition  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  until  they  would 
bear  it  no  longer;  and  then  they  were  command- 
ed to  turn  to  the  Gentiles. 

They  however  labored  faithfully  to  tura  that  peo- 
ple from  error;  that  they  might  be  the  happy  prrt;:- 
kers  of  mercy,  and  save  themselves  from  the  impend- 
ing storm  that  hung  over  them.  They  were  comman- 
ded to  preach  Jesus  Christ  nisht  and  day — to  preach 
through  him  the  resurrection  from  the  dead— to  de- 
clare that  all  who  would  embrace  the  gospel,  repent, 
ani  be  b.iptized  for  the  remission  of  their  sins,  should 
be  saved — to  derdrrethat  this  wrs  the  only  sure  foun- 
dation on  which  they  could  bull  I  and  be  safe— that 
God  had  again  visited  his  people  in  consequence  of 
his  covenant  with  their  fathers,  apd  that  if  they  would 
thev  might  be  the  first  who  should  receive  these  glad 
tidings,  and  have  the  unspeakable  joy  of  carrying 
the  iame  to  all  people;  for  before  the  day  of  rest 
-eomee,  it  muit  go  to  all  nations,  Kindreds  and 
»et)guea. 

But  in  conscquencfi  of  their  rejecting  the  gospel, 
tlK  Lord  ioff^re "  them  to  b«  aealn  ucatterM;  their 
IMd  to  b«  wastwl  antj  thotr  beautiruj  ctty  to  be  trodden 


down  of  the  Gentiles,  until  their  lime  should  Le  ful- 
filled. 

In  the  last  days,  to  fulfill  the  pronii»cs  to  the  ancient 
prophets,  when  the  Lord  is  to  pour  out  his  Spirit  up- 
on all  tlesh,  he  has  dcterniindto  bring  to  light  his  gob- 
pel,  to  the  Gentiles,  that  it  mpy  go  to  the  iiouse  ol  Is- 
rael. This  gos;;<l  has  b6cn  perverted  and  men  havo 
wandered  in  darkness.  That  commission  given  to  the 
apostles  at  Jerusalem,  so  easy  to  be  understood,  hts 
been  hid  from  the  woi  Id,  because  of  evil,  tnd  the  hon- 
est have  been  lead  by  the  designing,  till  there  aru 
none  to  be  found  who  are  practising  the  ordinr.ncea 
of  the  gospel,  as  they  were  anciently  delivered. 

But  the  time  has  now  arrived,  in  which,  accord- 
ing to  his  covenants,  the  Lord  will  nianifcEt  to  tha 
faithful  that  he  ia  the  same  ^to-day  and  forever,  ind 
that  the  cup  of  suflfcring  of  iiis  people,  the  house  of 
Israel,  is  nearly  fulfilled;  and  that  the  way  niry  tu 
prepared  before  their  face  he  will  bring  lotlie  knowl- 
edge of  the  people  the  gospel  as  it  was  preached  by  l.i« 
servants  on  this  land,  and  manifest  to  the  obedient  the 
truth  of  the  same,  by  the  power  of  the  Holy  Spirit;  for 
the  time  is  near  when  his  sons  and  daughters  will  pro- 
phesy, old  men  dream  dreams,  and  young  inen  sCe  vi- 
sions, and  those  who  arc  thus  favored  will  be  such  aa 
embrace  the  gospel  as  it  was  delivered  in  old  timt!!', 
and  they  shall  be  blessed  with  signs  following. 

Farther  on  the  subject  of  t^.c  gathering  of  Israel. — 
This  was  perfectly  understood  by  all  the  ancic.it  pro- 
phets. Moses ,  prophesied  of  the  (iliUction  which 
should  conic  upon  that  people  even  alter  the  coining 
of  the  Messiah,  wlierc  he  si.id:  and  evil  will  befoll 
you  in  tlie  latter  days;  because  ye  will  do  evil  in  tha 
sight  of  the  Lord,to'provoke  him  to  anger  through  the 
work  of  your  hLnds.  Connecting  this  with  a  pro- 
phecy in  the  song  which  follows;  which  was  given  to 
Moses  in  the  tabernacle— remembering  the  expres- 
sion— "in  the  latter  days" — where  the  Lord  forctcls 
all  their  evil,  and  their  being  received  to  nii  rcy,  to 
such  as  seek  the  poai;e  of  Israel  much  instructioa  may 
be  gained.     It  is  as  follows: — 

"I  will  heap  mischiefs  upon  them;  I  will  spend  my 
arrows  upon  tlieni.  They  shall  be  burnt  with  hun- 
ger, and  devoured  with  burning  heati  I  will  also  send 
the  teeth  of  beasts  upon  them,  with  tiie  poison  of  ser- 
pents of  the  dust.  The  sword  without,'  and  terro? 
within,  shall  destroy  both  the  young  man  and  tho 
virgin,  ir.c  satkling  with  the  man  of  gray  hairs." 

But  after  all  this,  ho  will  judge  their  enemies  and 
avenge  them  of  theirs;  for  he  says: 

"If  I  whet  my  glittering  sword,  and  my  hand  taka 
hold  on  judgment,  I  will  render  vengeance  to  my  ene- 
mies, and  will  reward  them  that  hate  me.  I  \\i].\ 
make  my  arrows  drunk  with  tlood,  and  my  sword  shall 
devour  flesh." 

After  all   this— after  Israel  has  been  restored,  eh<I 
affli-;tedand  his  enemies  have  also  been  chastised,  the 
Lord  says:  "Rejoice, O  ye  iiations.with  his  people:  fot 
he  will  avenge  the  blood  of  his  servants,  and  will  reii 
der  vengeance  to  his  adversi-ries,  and  will  be  naehi 
ful  unto  his  land  snd  to  his  people." 

I  will  give  a  further  detail  of  the  promises  t^  Israel, 
hereafter,  as  rehearsed  by  the  angel.  Accept  tssui- 
anee  of  my  esteem  as  ever. 


O'The  iveather  begins  to  look  like  spring—;' 
our  feathered  songsters  have  greeted  us  with 
the  sound  of  their  voices  once  mere,  and  na- 
ture is  about  to  put  on  her  summer  drees. — 
Our  winter  has  not  been  as  severe  as  in  sorao 
places  to  the  south,  and  v/ithall,  we  think 
that  the  never  changing  goodnees  of  our  Gdd 
ought  to  inspire  or.r  hearts  with  increased  de- 
votion toward  him. 


THE  LATTER  DAY  SAINTS' 

l^lessenger  and  Advocate, 

IS  EDITED  BY 

And  publislied  every  month  at  Kirtland,  Geauj*  Co 
Ohio,  by 

F.  G.  WltlilAMS  &  Co. 

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All  letters  to  the  Editor,  or  Publishers,  must  be 
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LATTER    DAY    SAINTS' 

MESSEIVGER  AI\D  ADVOCATE. 


Vol..  I.     No.  7. 3 


KIRTLAND,  OHIO,  APRIL,  18:^5. 


[Whole  No.  7. 


LETTER  NO.  6. 

Liberty,  Mo.  Feb.  24,  lS'2o. 

Dear  Bro.  in  the  Lord: — I  take  a  little  time  to  an- 
BWur  your  3rd  letter,  addressed  to  me  in  the  Uecem- 
bcr  number  oftheMi^ssenger  and  Advocate.  Passing 
,»our  apology,  I  come  at  once  to  the  greiit  point,  in 
nueslion,  that  this  church  has  suffered  persecution 
troiu  its  commencement-,  and  that,  too,  in  most  cases, 
without  the  least  provocation.  Here  suffer  me  to 
siiy,  as  you  and  I  are  fellow  members,  and  have  been 
co-servants  nearly  from  the  beginning,  that  we  have 
known  by  example,  what  thousands  are  preaching  in 
precept,  that  "they  that  will  live  Godly  in  Christ 
Jesus,  must  suffer  persecution." 

Novv,notwil!\slan:U!i<;my  body  vas  not  baptized  in- 
to this  churcli  till  Thursday  the  16th  of  June,  IS.*?!, 
yet  my  heart  was  there  from  the  time  I  became  ac- 
quainted with  the  book  of  Mormon-,  and  my   hope, 

^.  I..   _.  i:,.  - - w.^-    -—-^  «*,.    4*..;*i.    :....-^....A.^  i;i,.^ 


could  be  believed?  Then  everv  body  would  know  if 
was  true,  and  the  diff.'rent  chiirrhes  would  be  bounJ 
to  accept  of  it  as  they  have  the  Bible,  and  our  priest* 
who  are  brought  up  and  educated  for  the  purpose, 
couM  cxphdn  it,  and  every  body  would  have  to  obey 
it.  But  God  has  done  his  work,  and  we  don't  neoirl 
any  more  prophets.  We  have  Bible  societies,  mis- 
sionary societies,  abolition  of  slavery  societies,  and 
temperance  so,;ietics,  to  convert  the  world  with  and 
bring  in  the  Millenium,  and  away  with  your  decep- 
tion: False  prophets,  false  prophets,  beware!  Blas- 
phemy! We  have  plenty  of  churches,  and  plenty  of 
priests  to  regulate  them,  and  don't  you  know  thai 
GoJ,  man  and  the  Devil  will  oppose  you?  If  vou  start 
a  church  with  a  prophet  in  it,  every  body  will  bo 
against  >oi,  as  they  were  against  Ann  Lee,  Joanna 
South  •oute,  and  old  Jemima  Wilkinson. 

But  I  will  not  pursue  this  subject  further  at  pre- 
sent, ler.vins  it  for  your  addition  of  fa-ts.     Instead 


steadfast  like  an  am-hor,  an!i  my  faith  increased  like    of  standing  in  the  way,  and  asking  for  the  old  paths, 
the  gr;iss  after  a  refreshing  shower,  when  I  for  the    they  have  stood  in  the  aay,  and  put  darkness  for  light. 


first  time,  hel  1  a  conversation  wi»h  our  beloved  bro 
Iher  Joseph,  (December  24th,  1S30,)  who  I  was  wil- 
ling to  acknowledge  as  a  prophet  of  the  liOrd,  and  to 
whom,  and  to  whos'3  godly  account  of  himself  and 
the  work  he  was  engaged  in.  I  owe  my  first  determi- 
nation to  quit  the  folly  of  my  way,  and  the  fancy  and 
fame  of  this  world,  aiid  seek  the  Lord  and  his  right- 
eousness,inor1erto  enter  abetter  world, where  the  du- 
ration, and  glory,  and  honor,  and  power,  and  space, 
are  equal  an  I  endless:  And  let  me  add  that  though 
;.ll  old  churches,  and  some  dis:.-ip!es,  like  Orpah  may 
kiss  their  mother-in-law,  an  1  go  back  to  their  people, 
and  their  goda,  yet,  as  Ruth,  I  am  fixed  in  my  purpose 
to  "entreat  me  not  to  leave  thee,  or  to  return  from 
following  after  thee:  forwhither  thougoest  I  will  go; 
and  where  thou  lolg.'st  I  will  lodge:  thy  people  shall 
be  my  people,  and  thy  God  my  God." 

Well  may  you  say  that  it  is  known  unto  me,  "that 
this  church  has  suff'red  reproach  and  persecution 
from  a  majority  of  mankind  who  have  heard 
but  a  nun.-,  since  its  first  organization,  &.e.— 
So  it  is 


and  light  for  darkness,  till  not  only  'large  itheets  of 
their  opinions,  and  attested  volumns  of  our  lives  and 
characters,'  have  'inundated  our  land  with  scurrilous 
reports,'  but  the  blood  of  the  saints  has  curdled  upon 
the  sacred  soil  of  freedom,  ami  now  smokes  up  to  hea- 
ven  as  a  testimony  that  they  are  martyrs  to  that  reli- 
gion which  has  ever  been  despised  and  rejected,  by 
every  church  and  people  that  have  fallen  away  frorh 
its  true  principles,  and  lost  the  gift  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 
Our  tribulation,  our  suffering  for  the  truth's  s.ike, 
and  our  blood,  (shed  in  defence  of  holiness)  are  testi- 
mony that  says:  your  religion  is  true — and  hold  out 
faithful  to  the  end  and  you  will  earn  a  crown,  and  a 
fulness  of  joy  where  the  wicked  cannot  come— «^«f. 
ral  with  God. 

As  ever,  W.  W.  PHELPS. 


Freedom,  March  lOtA.  193.^. 
DKAR  S/it- — I  am  about  to  address  youon  a  sub- 
ject in  which  I  feel  most  deeply  interested,  a  guhject 
',     ^^     ^    .      -i     ,Qi.n    T  .^  I  which  agitates  the  minds  and  feelings  of  the  Chris- 

On  the  3«th  of  April,   1930,  I  was  thrown  ■  ti..,n  community  in  which  we  live?  more  than  anv 
[1  at  Lyons,*  iN.  V-,  oyj»/o^'l''f  O'   "^^sby-  ]  other  now  extant.    I  mean  that  of  the  gathering  oijt 

or  separating  of  the  saints  from  Babylon,  agreeably  to 
a  command  of  God,  that  they  may  escape  the  calami- 
ties that  are  now  impending  over  the  nations,  and 
are  about  to  be  poured  out  upon  this  generation. — 
And  here  permit  me  to  premise  a  few  remarks  by 
way  of  introduction,  th.1t  we  may  come  at  our  sub- 
ject uu  icrstandingly  and  feel  its  force  coremensuratM 
with  its  import;  n:e.  Lot  us  in  the  first  place,  to  set- 
tle th?  minds  ofthe  doubtful,  .nnd  silence  the  cavils  of 
the  skeptical  relative  to  the  being  of  God,  examine 
the  evidences  by  which  wc-  can  satisfactorily  arrivB 
at  the  con  lusion  that  there  is  such  a  being.  We 
sh'iU  lh"n  he  able,  if  we  fake  up  the  subje<  t  step  by 
step  and  reason  f.iirly  and  logically,  to  come  to  defin- 
ite and  correct  conclusions,  therefore,  need  not  bo 
deceived  nor  deceive  others. 

Ist.  There  must  be  a  srrefit  first  cause  to  create,  ar- 
rr.nge,  and  set  in  motion  the  plnnet  on  which  wa 
dwell,  and  others  belon;;in?  to  this  system.  We  be- 
lieve so  from  the  fact,  that  it  is  composed  of  particles 
of  in.'.nimate  matter,  whi -h  are  utterly  incapably  of 
nuttinz  themselves  in  motion,  much  less  of  crcatin<{ 
theniselvp'i. 

2J.  This  planet  is  fur.-ishied  with  myriads  of  liv- 
ing creatures,  whi-h  could  not  create  themselves: 
there  must  be  a  great  first  or  moving  cause  nr  princi- 
ple to  bring  them  into  existence.  From  the  order 
and'resrularity  that  appear  in  the  arrangement  we 
think  it  ovin';ive  of  superior  intelligence  in  the  primff. 
mover.  H"n;e  we  conclude  if  l."»eir  be  intelligence, 
there  must  be  spirit  or  mind,  for  in.itter  is  Inert  an  I 
abstract  from  mind,  has  neither  intelligence  nor 
mind.  iMattcr  has  only  one  power,  that  is  the  power 
of  rest  or  lyiucstiU,  hence  we  argue  and  come  to  thin 
irresistible  conclusion,  that  there  is  a  great  prinji- 
mover  or  a  first  cause,  which  we  call  God.  That  he 
is  good,  and  the  source  of  all  goodness,  we  infer  from 
the  order,  h.irmony  and  divine  impress  that  manifest 
themsdvs  in  all  the  workmanship  of  his  hands. — 
Every  thing  that  emanates  from  him  p-^rtakes  of  th« 
impress  or  image  of  its  Author,  and  is  good.  We 
hold  these  to  be  self  evi  lent  fa<-tK  which  can  neither 
be  weakened  hy  Hrgum'-nt  nor  evaded  by  pophistry 
or  skepti"!''rn.  We  h.ive  seen  from  the  forejoins 
prt'mi»e«,  th-t  he  is  the  Creator,  Prime  Mover  nnd 
Author  of  all,  thereJbrc,  he  made  ntnn,  nnd  made  him 
rational  and  intrlligcut.  Althouih  he  i«  by  no  mean* 
the  itrongc^t  of  created  br-ipj",  yet  th<»  fcnr  of  him  in 


iiito  prison         ,        . 

tetiau  traders,  for  a  small  debt,  for  the  purpose,  as  I 
was  informed,  of  "keeping  me  from  joining  the  Mor- 
mons." How  manv  h:ur-'.readth  es -apes  you  anti 
brother  Joseph  passed,  for  writing  and  publishing  the 
truth  in  the  book  of  Mormou,  as  the  constitution  and 
law  alloweJ,  I  know  not,  but  I  heard  church  members 
;;nl  others  de  dare  in  language  similar  to  the  folio w- 
inj:  that  every  believer  iu  the  'Golden  Bible,'  (as  the 
book  of  Mormon  was  called  by  many)  ousht  to  be 
<»ued  an  i  sent  or  driven  out  of  society.  The  Ro -h 
Ut  0!)server,  one  of  th?  prin  tpal  Preshytarian  or- 
gans of  the  day,  iutro  hiced  the  book  of  Mormon  to 
the  world  with  a  flashy  article  headed  Rlaspliemy'  an  1 
to  cap  the  climax  of  culli' ility,  agr.iiist  whi-h  the 
'msn  of  the  meeting  houses'  showed  an  ardent  zeal 
to  guard  their  flo.  ks,  it  was  carefully  circulated,  that 
'a  J jsuit'  had  employe  1  a  youn<i  man  by  the  name  of 
CowJery,  to  write,  and  through  the  aid  of  one  Smith, 
was  bringing  forth  a  book  to  break  down  all  religions. 
And  whe'n  it  came  forth,  some  actually  said  that  they 
believed  it  was  written  to  destroy  the  present  reli- 
gions, because  it  carried  religion  to  a  nicer,  or  high- 
er pit  U  thanth.;  old  Bihls. 

One  thinz  is  remarkable,  that  of  all  I  ever  heard 
said  about  the  work  or  book,  in  that  day  of  gross 
darkness,  not  one  pretended,  in  truth,  to  have  the 
least  particle  of  positive  proof,  that  a  man  or  woman 
joined  the  church  for  sinful  purposes,  or  that  the 
hook  contained  one  pre -ept  of  ilo  trine  that  was  con- 
trary to  pure  religion;  but  the  idea  of  a  church  with  a 
prophet  in  it,  in  this  enlightened  aue  and  land  of  lib- 
t-rty,  was  so  exactlv  like  old  times;  so  agreeably  to 
the  order  of  the  Sriptures,  and  soperfcta  way  of 
kno-.ving  the  will  of  the  Lorl,  anl  of  wh.it  religion 
f^nsisteil,  that  the  wise  men  of  the  world,  and  the 
teary  who  watche  1  dili- antly  over  their  (locks,  that 
their  fljcces  might  I>c  long,  while  and  clean,  against 
the  shcurins,  whispered,  and  sometimes  tallied  aloud 
something  verv  like  or  appro.iching  this:  What  is 
the  reason,  if  God  has  anv  thingto  reveal  for  the  ben- 
efit of  his  people  or  his  numerous  churches,  as  he  is 
no  respecter  of  personr-,  thil  he  doos  not  do  it,  or  re- 
weal  it  to  Dr.  Clarke,  Dr.  Gill  or  Dr.  Scott,  the  com- 
mentators, or  to  gome  great  minister,  ouch  as  the 
Ar.hbishop  of  England,  or  Dr.  Ely,  or  even  the  pre- 
sident of  the  I'nited  Slates,  or  some  great  man  that 

'  My  fatnily  si-k  at  my  rcs'iden-B  in  Oannndaijuii. 


ME&SiENGKR  AND  AOVtKJATE. 


»  greater  or  lees  degree  refits  upon  ell  siiiniated  iia- 
ture.  He  Ims  power  to  render  nature  both  aulmale 
cad  inanimate  subservient  toliini:  snd  from  our  own 
oxperieuce  of  this  fact,  we  daily  see  one  ofllie  first 
truths  recorded  in  holy  writ  verified,  viz.  That  God 
gave  him  [man]  dominion  over  every  living  thing 
tvhich  he  had  made,  (sec  Gen.  let  'iSlh.)  We  every 
day  see  animals  that  are  in  point  of  physical  strength 
superior  to  man,  subject  to  him.  Hence  by  a  parity 
of  reason  we  conclude  that  if  creatures  below  man 
ore  subject  to  him,  and  yet  are  not  endowed  with  leaso- 
ning  powers,  man  who  is  endowed  with  those  powers, 
is  not  only  subject  and  dependent  but  justly  so,  on  him 
%vho  created  both  him  and  them.  JN  ow  as  man  is  ration- 
al and  dependent,  another  argument  may  be  adduced 
of  his  accountability,  and  his  accountability  rests  on 
hi3  knowledge  of  another  fact  eIso,  viz.  That  he  is  so. 
This  knowledge  must  in  the  lirst  instance  be  com- 
wiunicated  to  him,  or  to  uso  a  familiar  expression,  a 
law  must  be  promulgated  before  it  ijecon.es  binding, 
find  a  connnand  must  precede  obedience.  Hence  all 
our  system  of  obedience  to  the  will  and  commands  of 
God  rests  on  a  revelation  of  his  will  to  us.  Now  if  it 
can  be  made  to  appear  that  he  has  made  known  his 
will  coucernniug  us,  it  is  our  duty  to  obpy  him.  If 
we  have  a  revelation  of  the  will  of  God  concernmirus 
It  must  be  of  the  nature  of  its  Author,  good.  Voii  are 
now  prepared  to  ask  for  the  evidences,  and  where  tliey 
are  to  be  found.  I  answer  their  wisdom  and  p .-!  spi"- 
cuity  of  arrangement,  their  sublimity  and  tlcpth  of 
thought,  and  in  some  instances  their  clearness  and 
force  ofexpression  arc  evincive  of  their  divine  oriiin. 
Another  argument  may  be  drawn  from  tJiem  of  their 
Divine  authority,  viz:  The  j)rinciples  they  inculcate, 
the  precepts  they  lay  down,  and  the  commands  there- 
in given,  are  all  couducive  to  the  greatest  possible 
happiness  and  best  conceivable  good'of  man.  There- 
fore, we  infer  they  are  the  dictates  of  a  superior,  be- 
nevolent and  intelligent  God.  We  therefore  come  to 
the  irresistibly  conclusion,  that  what  we  call  the 
Scriptures  or  Revelation  of  the  will  of  God  to  us,  is 
hot  only  true  and  binding  on  us,  but  that  they  were 
given  by  inspiration  of  God,  or  as  is  expressed  2d  Pe- 
ter 1st,  "ilst.  Holy  men  of  old  spake  as  they  were 
moved  by  the  Holy  Ghost.  We  have  another  argu- 
ment that  they  are  of  Divine  origin.  Bad  or  wicked 
rnen  would  never  framed  such  a  set  of  self-denying 
principles,  so  much  against  the  natural  propensities 
cf  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  men  uninspir- 
ed would  not  write  and  publish  such  a  system  for  two 
reasons,  and  first:  It  would  bo  above  their  compre- 
hension, therefore,  tl'.cy  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  intention- 
iJly  upon  the  world. 

Hence  we  come  to  this  rational  and  logical  conclu- 
sion, that  what  we  call  the  Scriptures  were  written 
by  inspired  men,  or  as  is  expressed,  2d  Timothy,  3d, 
Iflth,  All  Scripture  is  given  by  inspiration  of  God, 
&,c.  I^et  then  these  three  points  be  considered  as  set- 
tled in  our  minds.  Tirst,  That  there  is  a  great 
First  Cause  or  source  of  intelligence,  whom  we  call 
God.  Secondly,  That  man  is  dependent  on  him  and 
justly  amenable  to  him.  Thirdly,  That  wiiat  we  call 
the  Scriptures  are  true,  bccauseas  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  gor.,'.  to  the  willinc  and  obedi- 
ent, and  of  evil  to  the  unbelieving  and  disobedient.— 
^iihcn  God  was  about  to  send  any  judgment  or  sore 
calamity  upon  the  children  of  men,  he  alwaj's  fore- 
warned them  of  it,  and  gave  them  time  and  space  for 
repentance.  W^itness  the  preaching  of  Noah  to  the 
antediluvian  world.  If e  was  a  preacher cfrigbtcous- 
ness,  as  says  2d  Feter  2d,  5lh;  God  said  by  him  that 
he  would  inundate  the  earth  and  destroy  its  inhabi- 
tants. And  Noah  prepared  an  ark  for  the  salvation 
of  himself  and  family.  Hut  the  world  of  mankind  at 
that  time  disbelieved  that  ;;ny  calamity  of  that  kind 
would  overtake  them.  We,  however,  notice  this 
fact,  that  thounbclief  of  a  v/ickcd  world  did  not  make 
void  the  promises  of  God.  And  f;irther  he  said,  and 
performed vihat  he  said,  and  it  was  performed  so  lite- 
rally that  all  might  be  loft  without  excuse,  Or  as  the 
sacred  penman  more  beautifully  expresses  it,  that 
thou  mightcat  be  justified  when  thou  spcakest,  and 
clear  .vvlien  thoujudgcst.  [Psalm  51st,  -Ith.]  We 
come  next  to  nocticc  the  destruction  of  the  citi  es  of  So- 
dom and  Gomorrah,  that  they  were  cut  off  in 
and  for  their  wickedness.  Notwithstanding  they  were 
admonished  by  righteous  Lot  not  to  do  so  wickedly, 
(Gen.  IJWi]  yet  evtTi  Ws  rclativee  disbelieved,  for  as 
we  Icam  in  the  14th  verse  of  the  same  chapter,  he 
^•emedlchis  fohs-in-Uw  tie  one  that  mock»:d.    Al- 


though Le  was  delivering  the  Divine  mundt.te8  of  Al' 
mighty  God.  They  heeded  not.  Lot  was  ebedienl 
and  fled  out,  and  the  cities  were  destroyed.  We  next 
notice  the  promises  of  God  to  the  Patriarchs  Abra^ 
ham,  Isaac  and  Jacob,  [Gen.  17th,  Sth,  ^Gth,  Gd.  and 
4th  and  2Sth,  4th, 1  that  their  seed  should  possess  the 
land  of  Canaan.  Passing  t^ver  the  events  that  led 
them  down  into  Kgypt,  after  a  sojourn  of  430  years 
they  left  Egypt,  to  go  up  and  possess  the  land  of  pro- 
mise. With  all  the  striking  instances  of  Divine 
Manifestation  during  the  40  years  they  were  travel- 
ling from  Egypt  to  Canaan,  we  notice  the  revclatiou 
of  God's  will  to  them  through  Moses,  and  tba  ocular 
demonstration  to  all;  of  the  pillar  of  a  cloud  by  day, 
and  the  pillar  of  fire  by  night.  Ex.  13lh,21st,  22d, 
the  destruction  of  Korah  Dathan  andAbiram,  th& 
fiery  flying  serpents  sent  to  afflict  the  rebellious  and 
unbelieving.  And  still  with  all  the  revelations  to 
Moses,  together  with  all  the  tokens  o-f  God's  displeas- 
ure, how  many  there  were  %vho  muruiuj  cd  against 
Moses  and  against  Aaron  and  their  carcases  fell  iu 
the  wilderness.  We  again  notice  this  idea  as  we  pas* 
over  these  events.  The  promises  and  threatening* 
were  plain  to  be  understood  and  unbelief  and  rebel- 
lion did  not  nullify  them,  nor  exempt  the  wicked  from 
punishment.  We  noti -a  one  idea  more  as  we  pass 
they  [the  children  of  Israel]  fought  with  and  drove 
out  these  possessors  of  the  landof  Canaan,  not  only  by 
permission  but  by  command  of  God  himself  without 
paying  an  equivalent  for  it  as  we  believe  to  be  cof 
rect  at  the  present  day.  Passing  over  many  impor- 
tant events  recordel  in  the  sacred  volume  we  come  to 
notice  the  command  of  God  to  his  saints  to  flee  out  of 
Jerusalem  when  they  sliall  sec  it  compassed  about 
with  armies,  that  they  might  not  perish  with  the  wic- 
ked who  believed  not  the  words  of  the  Savior,  when 
he  foretold  their  dire  calamity.  We  see  that  every 
prediction  was  literally  fulfilled,  and  when  we  take  a 
scrutinizing  retrospect^  we  discover  tliat  every  com- 
mand, every  promise  and  every  threatening,  havw 
been  so  plainly  set  forth  by  Iheinspiration  of  Hea- 
ven, that  all  those  who  heard,  evidently  understood 
at  the  time,  so  that  ignorance  can  never  be  plead  bjr 
them  in  bar  of  Justice.  We,  on  a  review  of  what 
has  been  said,  notice  one  idea  more,  viz.  The  immu- 
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:  thaf 
they  should  become  a  hissing  and  a  bj^-word  among 
all  nations  whither  he  would  scatter  them,  and  he 
has  done  so  to  the  letter.  He  has  said  he  would  ga- 
ther them  again,  or  a  remnant  that  slxould  rcmairt 
v/hen  the  times  of  the  Gentiles  should  be  fulfilled,  as 
spoken  by  our  Savior  recorded  in  the  £ist  chapter  of 
Luke's  gospel.  See  Isaiah  lllh,  j4th.  And  it  shall 
come  to  pass  in  that  d;iy  that  the  I;ord  shall  set  hi» 
hand  again  the  second  time  to  recover  the  remnant 
of  his  people,  &.C- see  i.lso  Jeremiah  16,  15,  and  nu- 
merous others  that  point  forward  to  the  same  happy 
era.  We  notice  as  before  remarked  the  literal  fuf- 
fiilment  of  every  promise  and  every  threatening,  audi 
think  it  not  wresting  the  Scriptures  or  a  mark  of  ere-- 
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  times  presage  the  near  ap- 
proach of  that  day  when  the  Savior  is  to  set  his  feet 
upon  the  Mount  of  Olives,  [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, 
3-2(1.]  They  are  to  come  out  of  Babylon  and  be  not 
partaker  of  her  sins  that  they  receive  not  of  her 
plagues.    Rev.   l?th,  4.    The  qusstion  now    arise* 

who  is  Babylon,  from  whom  we  are  to  come  out? ■■ 

The  Scripture  definition  of  the  word  Babylon  is  con- 
fusion or  mixture.  Let  us  further  esamiiie  this  sub*- 
ject  in  the  light  of  truth,  and  with  a  spirit  of  candcr- 
We  are  aware  that  the  Uoman  Catholic  Church  is 
fixed  upon  by  all  Protestants  as  the  Babylon  spoken 
of  by  the  Revelator.  But  let  us  examine  the  subjetij 
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  oidy  true 
church  and  treats  all  disccr.ters  as  heretics.  Protes- 
tants have  done  the  same,  with  the  some  opportuni- 
ty. She  gives  her  money  with  no  stinted  hand. for 
purposes  of  education,  and  the  promulgation  of  her 
sentiments  and  so  do  Protestants.  She  uses  all  her 
arts  to  persuade,  and  w  hen  she  has  the  power  to 
compel  others  to  submit  to  her  creed  and  her  a\.\hori- 
ty.  Witness  the  inquisition  of  Spain  and  Portugal. 
So  have  Protestants  done  with  all  their  professed  Ifhl 
erality.  W^itness  the  conduct  of  the  Puritans  of  New- 
England,  even  while  the  persecutions  of  the  Church 
in  their  mother  country  must  be  fresh  i.-j  their  roc9> 
loctioB.  All  these  claimed  to  be  descendants  of  th« 
true  ChTjj-ch,  and  all  ftiiled  then  and  do  still,  in  two> 
essential  p«ipt8  of  coming  up  to  the  Apostolic  rtaud- 


MESSENGI^Il  AND  AliVOCATfi. 


QQ 


ariL  1.  Ti>»y  had  a  finrd,  bitter,  revengeful  spirit  to- 
Warde  those  wbo  different  fiomthem  in  opinion.  TUey 
oiuijifeKted  this  intolerant  spirit,  by  inflicting  titripea, 
fines  uNfl  imprisonment.  2.  Although  tliey  had  tii*; 
zeal,  they  had  not  then,  neither  have  they  now,  the 
spiritual  gifts  of  an  apostolic  church.  Hence  we  con- 
clude if  they  had  not  the  Spirit  of  Christ,  nor  the 
spiritual  gifts  they  were  none  of  his.  Therefore,  we 
feel  that  we  are  not  doing  violence  to  the  truth,  or 
injustice  to  these  denominations,  to  rank  them  as  a 
part  or  a  branch  of  mysleriouB  Babylon.  Now  let  us 
(ixamiue  the  conduct  of  all  Protestant  dissenters  and 
compare  it  with  that  meek  and  quiet  spirit  which  we 
rre  informed  is  in  the  sight  of  God  of  ({reat  price,  and 
we  find  they  have  it  not.  Lt-t  any  oiie  of  them  be- 
come suilicienlly  numerous,  and  she  assumes  the 
same  haughty,  dictatorial  spirit  towards  those  less 
•numerous,  which  has  been  ever  manifested  by  the 
Mother  of  harlots.  Speak  to  them  of  the  ancient 
mjiritural  tjifts,  O,  say  they,  they  were  onre  in  the 
iJhurch,  biit  they  were  placed  in  it  to  establish  it  and 
prove  its  Divine  ruth;  rity.  At  the  same  time  Scrip 
lure  says,  they  w  ere  placed  in  it  by  God  himself,  for 
tile  edifying  of  Ihe  body,  and  perfecting  tlie  saints,  and 
no  time"  pointed  out  by  the  same  authority  where 
they  should  cease,  only  w  lien  the  object  for  which 
they  were  placed  there  should  be  accomplished,  viz: 
when  the  s;!ints  are  perfected  in  i;lory.  V»^e  respect- 
felly  ask,  has  that  object  been  effected?  Certainly  not. 
'Vain  ir  follows,  if  they  were  necessary  then  for  tlic 
arooni'.iiisliuient  of  any  purpose,  rind  that  purpose 
not  yet  efficted,  they  are  still  necessary.  Bo  we  not 
BBS  a  great  failing  away  from  the  primitive  order  of 
tiiiu^s?  Has  not  Paai's  prophe.;y  in  his  2nd  epistle  to 
liis  Tuessr.Ionian  brethren,  been  literally  fuliilled? — 
There  shall  be  a  falling  away  first  before  that  day 
come,  alludine  to  the  seftond  coining  of  Clirist.  We 
took  iu  vain  for  the  right  spirit  or  the  true  order  of 
tilings  among  thcni  as  a  body.  Confusion  and  every 
evil  work  are  among  them.  They  show  themselves 
by  their  spirit  and  the  fruits  of  it,  to  be  the  le^^itimate 
descendants  of  that  personage,  des^rii.edby  tijeitove- 
?ator  as  sitting  upon  many  waters.  V/e  conic  nov/ 
To  v.'hat  will  be  aaitiitte.l,  eveii  by  our  opposers,  viz. 
That  it  is  nearly  the  last  or  close  of  the  dispensation, 
or  EB  the  Sjripturo  expression  is,  the  iast  i-iys.  This 
being  a.n  admitted  fact,  we  need  iiot  labor  to  prove 
U.  Aside  from  any  rceiit  revelation  on  this  subjoi-,t, 
we'htive  ssrn  Ihst  God  w;ien  about  to  visit  his  |);;o- 
pic  with  judgments,  roveaied  it  to  his  servi:nts,  tiie 
propr»<;ts.  [Arno.s  3u,  7th.]  We  believe  he  is  the 
paine  God.  We  have  ad.-iitted  that  it  is  ne;;r  tlie 
close  of  the  dispensation;  and  if  so,  we  are  assuri:d  if 
the  Scriptures  be  true,  that  there  are  about  to  appear, 
perplexities  and  distress  of  nations;  and  th".t  men's 
nearls  will  fail  them  for  fi^ar  of  those  thin^w  ll;;>t  ore 
to  co^o  on  the  earth,  see  Lv.ke  '21st,  '25th  and  2flth. — 
Great  judgments  or  rifilictivf  providences  of  God  are 
J*il  manifest  tokens  of  his  disnpprobation  of  tlic  ton- 
duct  of  his  intelligent  crjaturea.  And  fuitlier,  he  ne- 
ver s'-nt  any  great  national  cal.Tniity,  Vi'itiiout  warn- 
ing those  10  be  effected  by  it,  of  its  near  appro.-ch,  as 
before  noticed.  Another  fact  we  notice  as  v/e  pa'-s, 
viz:  That  severe  juriumonts presuppose  great  wi.  k;d- 
Jiess  in  tb>--  sinhl  of  God,  for  he  will  not  punish  the 
rii-ht'^ous  with  the  wi.k!d.  He  said  to  Abraham  he 
tvouid  spare  the  cities  of  Sodom  and  Gomorrah  if  ten 
righteous  were  to  be  foun  1  in  them  [sec  Gen.  ISth, 
i>3.]  JN'ow  from  avii^w  of  all  th"se  circumf^tanccs. — 
Doi^st'ie  idea  of  convrrting  the  world  to  tiie  prevail- 
ina  religious  sects  of  the  duy,  with  all  the  emulation, 
v:irian(c  .ind  strife  exist  amonc  them,  look  like  Ihe 
Millenium,  the  peaceable  reign  of  our  Lord  and  !^a- 
Vioar  Ji;bub  Chtist?  Yours  in   goynei    londs, 

W.  A.  COWliERY. 
[To  be  Conlinatd.] 


Pcrrifslurg,  N.  Y.  Jan.  oO,  188.5. 
Dearly  and  well  beloved  brotiier  in  the 
Lord,  it  is  '.vith  no  small  degree  of  satisliicl ion 
that  I  take  my  pen  to  inform  you  of  luy  pres- 
ent state  of  mind,  and  the  dealings  of  God 
tvith  me  since  I  l;Ml  yon  last  sumnver,  and 
ahall  notice  some  things  relating  to  this  church 
and  the  branch  in  Canada.  As  our  heavenly 
Father  has  been  pleased  to  n.-iil  us  to  rejoice 
in  the  same  hope  of  our  calling,  for  wliicli  1 
desire  to  be  very  thankful,  and  ieeling  as  1  do 
a  great  anxiety  for  the  prosperity  of  my  Mas- 
ter'u  cause,  and  believing  that  any  informa- 
tion relating  to  the  advancement  of  his  cause 
ami  kingdom  will  be  gratefully  received  by 
every  true  believer,  I  shall  proceed  to  give 
^'ou  a  short  sketch  of  all  that  I  consider  wor- 
thy of  note  aince  I  left  KirtlanH,  and  Jikewis" 


my  views  on  certain  passages  of  scripture  that 
are'particularly  interesting  to  believers  in  the 
gospel  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  The  scrip- 
tures alluded  to  are  those  giving  a  description 
of  the  spiritual  gifts  as  set  forth  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  hini 
in  all  things,  which  is  the  head,  even  Christt 
Eph.  4:14,15. 

After  leaving  Cleveland  on  board  the  brig 
Illinois,  which  is  a  fine  craft,  we  arrived  at 
Buffalo  after  three  days'  sail,  and  was  obliged 
to  wait  for  the  Canada  Steam  Boat  two  days. 
While  there,  the  scourge,  or  judgment  of  God, 
known  by  the  name  of  the  Cholera,  was  ra- 
ging greatly,  calling  from  time  to  eternity  v» 
ry  niaiiy  with  a  few  hour's  warning:  how  sens-- 
ibly  did  I  realize  the  necessity  of  being  pre- 
pared for  the  change  thSt  awaits  all  flesh. 

After  a  fateaguing  journey  we  reached  home 
in  good  health,  and  found  the  little  branch  of 
Latter  Day  Saints  much  as  when  we  left. — 
There  have  been  some  cdded  this  summer  and 
I  thinlx  they  are  growing  in  grace,  and  the 
knovv-iedge  of  the  truth  as  it  is  in  Christ  Jesus 
our  Lord.  We  have  the  gifts  as  exercised  an- 
ciently by  the  apostles;  that  is,  the  gift  of 
tongues,  "and  in  many  iijtjtances  the  interpre- 
tation— and  the  gift  of  licaling  has  been  exer- 
cised in  several  instances. 

I  shall  here  make  a  few  remarks  on  the  gifts: 
As  it  is  a  subject  wliich  interests  every  true 
believer,  and  uut  little  understood  by  the  ma- 
jority of  proiessors,  and  altogether  denied  by 
msmy,  I  shall  call  your  attention  to  the  14th 
chap,  of  John,  vvhere  the  Holj'  Ghost  was 
particularly  promised  to  believers.  John  14: 
19.  Veriiy,  verily  I  say  unto  you,  he  that 
believeth  on  me,  the  works  that  I  do  shall  he 
do  also;  and  greater  works  than  these  shall 
he  do;  because  I  go  unto  my  Father.  In  the 
14th  chap,  the  promise  was  made  of  the  Holy 
Giiost,  and  in  Mark,?I6th  chap,  from  the  15th 
to  the  I8t!i  verse.  Tlie  commission  was  there 
given  to  the  apostles  to  "go  into  all  the  world, 
and  preacli  the  gospel  to  ei'ery  creature.  He 
that  believeth  and  is  baptized,  shall  be  sa\ed; 
but  he  that  believeth  not,  shall  be  damned. — 
And  these  signs  shall  follow  them  that  believe: 
in  my  nanie  shall  they  cast  out  devils;  they 
s'lall  speak  with  new  tongues;  they  shall  take 
up  serpents:  and  if  they  drink  any  deadly 
thing,  it  shall  not  hurt  them;  they  shall  lay 
hands  on  tiie  sick,  and  they  .siiall  recover." — 
What  was  tliis  but  a  promise  of  the  Holy 
Ghost !  You  will  discover  that  the  command 
was  to  the  apostles,  but  the  promise  to  those 
that  behoved.  Let  us  follow  the  apostk  s  for 
a  short  time,  and  sec  if  it  did  produce  the  ef- 
C?ct  which  was  promised.  The  first  appear- 
ance of  the  Holy  Ghost  was  on  the  da\'  of 
Pentecost.  Acts  2nd  chap,  from  tiie  Jst  to 
th"  5lh  verse.  Did  not  the  Holy  Ghost  pro- 
duce the  cfli'ct  that  was  promised?  Petei* 
quotes  the  j)rophecy  of  Joi;l,  Acts  2:17.  And 
it  sh'^11  come  to  pass  in  the  last  days,  saith 
G.'jd,  J  will  pour  out  my  Spiritupon  allflesli: 
and  your  eons  and  your  daughters  shall  proph- 
esy, &i-c.  If  their  sons  and  daughters-  should 
propliesy,  would  they  not  be  prophets  and 
prophetesses?  And  if  we  have  got  beyond 
the  last  Hays,  it  will  not  apply  to  ua..  Peter 
5aji>    in  the    foregoing   chapter,    when    ihoj 


m 


MESSENGER  A?rD  ADVOCATE. 


were  convinced  of  the  truth,  and  maide  the  en- 
quiry, "men  and  brethren,  wliat  t^iiall  we  do? 
Then  Peter  said  unto  them,  Repent,  and  be 
baptized  every  one  of  you  in  the  name  of  Je- 
eus  Christ,  for  the  remission  of  sins,  and  ye 
shall  receive  the  gift  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  shall  call."  You 
will  discover  that  the  promise  was  made  to 
all  that  should  comply  with  the  terms  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 
■peak,  Galileans?  and  how  hear  we  every 
man  in  our  own  tongue,  wherein  we  were 
born?"  and  so  goes  on  to  enumerate  14  differ- 
ent languages  in  which  they  spoke:  and  this 
was  wisely  given  to  prove  to  the  understan- 
ding of  man,  that  the  tongues  that  the  Holy 
Gost  moved  men  to  speak  with,  were  the 
tongues  of  men.  It  does  not  follow  that  this 
■hould  always  he  the  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  speaketh  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 
epiritul  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  praj'  in  an 
pnknown  tongue,  my  spirit  prayeth,  but  my 
understanding  is  unfruitful.  How  is  it  possi- 
ble for  his  understanding  to  be  unfruitful,  if 
he  understood  the  language  that  he  spoke? 
and  where  would  be  the  necessity  of  praying 
for  the  interpretation,  if  the  person  speaking 
understood  it  already? 

Let  us  follow  the  apostles  a  short  time  and 
Bee  if  the  Holy  Ghost  always  produced  the 
same  effect.  Acts  10:46.  For  they  heard 
them  speak  with  tongues,  and  magnify  God. 
Acts,  19:6.  And  when  Paul  had  laid  hL« 
hands  upon  them,  the  Holy  Ghost  came  on 
them;  and  they  spake  with  tongues  and  proph- 
esied. Was  not  this  the  effect  that  Mark 
said  should  follow?  Was  not  this  what  Joel 
said  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 
discover  that  that  epistle  was  not  addressed 
to  the  Corrinthians  exclusively,  but  to  all 
that  in  every  place  call  upon  the  name  of  Je- 
sus Clirist  our  Lord — both  their's  and  our's. 
So  that  if  we  are  of  the  number  that  call  up- 
on the  name  of  the  Lord,  it  is  addressed  to  us; 
if  so,  let  us  see  what  use  we  have  for  the  12th, 
13th,  and  14th  chapter  of  this  epistle,  unless 
we  have  the  gifts.  But,  says  one,  the  gifts 
were  to  be  taken  away.  I  would  ask  when? 
and  give  you  Paul's  answer.  Cor.  13:8,9,10. 
Charity  never  faileth:  but  whether  there  be 
prophecies,  they  shall  fail;  whether  there  be 
tongues,  they  shall  cease;  whether  there  be 
knowledge,  it  shall  vanish  away.  For  we 
know  in  part,  and  we  prophesy  in  part.  But 
when  that  which  is  perfect  is  come,  then  that 
which  is  in  part  shall  be  done  away.  But, 
•ays  one,  they  hare  been  lost  or  taken  away; 
so  Bay  I,  wid  BO  says  John  the  revclator,  13th 


chap,  for  he  saw  the  beast  arise,  thxt  had' 
power  over  every  nation,  kindred,  tongue  and 
people.  In  the  I2th  chap,  of  Rev.  the  church 
is  beautifully  set  forth  in  the  person  of  the 
woman.  In  the  12th  chap,  of  Cor.  Paul  call* 
or  compares  the  church  to  a  perfect  body, 
and  John  the  revelator,  to  a  woman  clothed 
with  the  sun,  and  the  moon  und^"  he»  feet, 
and  xipon  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  12th 
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,  how  would  it  be- 
possible  for  the  woman  to  be  in  the  wilderness,, 
and  the  beast  represented  in  the  13th  chap, 
of  Rev.  to  have  power  over  every  nation,  kin- 
dred, tongue  and  people,  and  the  church 
still  to  retain  her  order  with  all  her  gifts  and 
graces?  Take  a  view  of  the  woman  set  forth 
in  the  17th  chap,  of  Rev.  clothed  or  arrayed 
in  purple  and  scarlet  color,  and  decked  with 
gold  and  precious  stones,  and  pearls,  having: 
a  golden  cup  in  her  hand,  full  of  abominations 
and  filthiness  of  her  fornication.  What  n: 
desparity  theje  is,  when  compared  with  the 
former  woman,  Rev.  12.  If  one  was  a  figure- 
of  the  first,  or  perfect  ehurch,  as  sanctioned 
by  God,  is  not  the  other  the  church  stripped 
of  all  her  spiritual  gifto  and  graces,  and  ador- 
ned with  tlie  works  of  men?  It  is  plain  to 
my  mind  that  it  is.  If  in  the  days  of  the 
apostles  it  took  fii'st  apostles,  secondly  pro- 
phets, thirdly  teachers,  then  helps,  govern- 
ments, gifts  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  gospeJ 
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  other  gospel  unto  you  than  that  we  have 
received,  let  him  be  accursed.  If  we  will  but 
turn  our  attention  to  the  3rd  chap,  of  1st 
Cor.  And  I,  brethren,  could  not  speak  unto 
you  as  unto  spiritual,  but  as  unto  carnal,  event 
as  unto  babes  in  Christ.  I  have  fed  you  with 
milk,  and  not  with  meat:  for  hitherto  ye  were 
not  able  to  bear  it,  neither  yet  now  are  ye 
able.  For  ye  are  yet  carnal:  for  whereas 
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;  are  ye  not  carnal? 
Who  then  is  Paul,  and  who  is  Apollos,  but 
ministei"s  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  32  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. 


101 


<sr  Snow  was  laboring  in  the  church  in  Cana- 
•da. 

I  remain  in  the  best  of  bonds, 

jour  brother,  and  well  wisher 
to  the  cause  of  my  Master. 

M.  C.  NICKERSON. 


Freedom,  April  3,  1835. 

Brethren  members  of  the  Church  of 
Latter  Day  Saints  met  in  conferenee 
^agrceabJy  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  remarks  from  the  chair, 
■and  a  concert  of  prayer  by  the  Elders 
present. 

3d.  Itinerant  Elders  ga\-e  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 
<»'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  dilTerent  churches  re- 
pTesented. 

2d.  The  church,  in  Westfield,  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  Laoui  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  instrumentality  of  Elder  A. 
J.  Squires.  It  is  represented  as  being 
in  good  standii^ — A.  J.  Squires,  El- 
der. The  church  in  Portage  Allega- 
ny county,  raised  principally  by  broth- 
er Squires  eonsisls  of  twetity  six  mem- 
bers represented  by  Wm.  Marks,  priest. 
j|The  church  in  Rushford,  Allegany 
oountj,     organized    and     established 


March  23d,  1835,  consists  of  twenty- 
six  members  represented  by  Elder  A. 
J.  Squires,  who  has  been  the  instru- 
ment in  the  hands  of  the  Lord  in  es- 
tablishing it. 

1 1  In  Kortright,  Delaware  county, 
there  are  eight  members,  two  of  them 
Elders,  represented  by  John  Lawson, 
Elder. 

I! In  Tompkins,  Delaware  County, 
there  are  eight  members,  two  of  them 
Elders,  represented  by  Eleazar  Willes, 
Elder. 

||A  new  church  has  been  recently 
raised  up  by  the  instrumentality  of  El- 
ders Gould  and  Babcock  in  VVoodhuIl, 
in  Steuben  co.  consisting  of  six  mem- 
bers, represented  by  J.  Gould,   Elder. 

The  church  in  Grove,  Allegany 
CO.  consists  of  eighteen  membei's,  two 
of  whom  have  been  added  since  last 
conference,  reported  by  J.  Gould,  El- 
der. 

The  church  in  Avon  and  Genesco, 
Livingston  county,  consists  of  twenty- 
three  members,  one  having  removed, 
and  two  been  excluded  since  last  con- 
ference, Reuben  Hadlock,  Elder  and 
Delegate. 

The  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. 

II Brother  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     H.     Hyde,  priest 

3d.  After  receiving  the  above  re- 
ports, there  was  a  call  from  the  chair, 
on  all  Elders  and  Delegates  present 
who  had  matters  of  difficulty  tQ  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 
church.  The  motion  was  duly  second- 
ed.   The  evidence  heard,  and  the  qii^«. 


163 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE 


tion  distinctly  put  and  cari-ied  without 
a.  dissenting  voice,  that  the  said  C.  L. 
Heath  be  expelled. 

5th.  Moved  and  seconded  that  the 
Eiders  now  present  have  their  licences 
renewed  and  signed  by  the  moderator 
and  clerk  of  this  conference. 

6th.  Resolved,  That  this  conference 
adjourn  sine  die. 

P.  S.  This  character  jj  en  the  mar- 
gin is  set  oppssile  the  returns  of  such 
churches  or  branches,  as  have  not  be- 
fore been  represented  in  any  confer- 
pocp. 

W.   A.   CowDESY,   Sectary. 


Huntsburgh,  0.  April  16th,  1835> 

3bo.  O.  Cowdrv, — 

Having  just  re- 
turned from  a  most  interesting  meet- 
ing, where  baptizing  was  attended  to, 
and  while  the  curtains  of  night  are 
drawn  around  me  and  I  am  seated  in 
the  friendly  family  circle  with  some 
beloved  brethren,  although  it  is  snow- 
ing quite  fas.t  and  is  very  cold,  espe-r 
cially  considering  the  season  of  the 
year,  while  musing  and  meditating  on 
the  past,  a  thought  suggested  itself, 
that,  probably,  a  few  lines  from  me 
TV'ould  not  be  unintei8i:tiiig  to  the  rea- 
ders of  your  most  vahiuhle  paper. — 
During  last  summer  and  fall  eiders 
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  stayed  one  week,  during 
which  I  preached  sometimes,  twice  a 
day,  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 believed,  and  I  always  found  that 
there  were  some  who  were  honest  in 
heart  and  ready  to  obey  the  truth.-r— 
The  church  or  the  number  of  saints 
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 
©ailed  Campbellites,  and  the  truth  come 


ing  so  near  them  it  roused  up  those 
whose  craft  was  in  danger,  and  I  re- 
ceived a  challenge  to  hold  a  public  dis- 
cussion with  a  Mr.  J.  M.  Tracy,  who, 
in  his  note  to  me,  pledged  himself  to 
prove  that  "the  book  of  Mormon  was 
not  a  divine  revelation."  I  have  been 
informed  that  Mr.  T.  was  formerly  a 
Universalist  preacher,  but  becoming 
tired  of  their  principles  or  society,  1 
know  not  which,  latterly  some  of  the 
Campbellites  in  Huntsburgh  have  hired 
him  to  preach  for  them.  I  accepted 
his  ofier,  and  on  the  27th  of  March  we 
met  and  the  debate  continued  two  da5's, 
about  eight  hours  each,  the  parties 
speaking  alternately  thirty  minutes. 
When  the  interview  closed  a  majority 
of  the  congregation  arose,  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,  (if 
I  might  call  them  such,)  there  v>as  not 
one  to  answer — "Yes." 

Whether  good  has  resulted  from  that 
discusion  can  only  be  known  by  the  ef- 
fects produced.  As  soon  as  the  de^ 
bate  closed  I  v\'ent  immediately  to  the. 
water  and  baptized  tv/o — it  being  Sat- 
urday. On  Sunday  President  J. — 
Smith  Jr.  delivered  a  discourse  in  the 
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,  "ihey  might  put  off  the 
old  man  with  his  deeds  and  arise  and; 
walk  in  newness  Oif  life." 

Since  I  have  been  here  this  time* 
more  have  been  received  into  the 
church.  Thus  you  see  that  ti-uth  is- 
powerful  and  icill  prevail. 

I  have  for  some  time  past  been  thor- 
oughly convinced,  that  ail  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  ^ear  to  Kirtland,  I  found 
when  I  first  came  to  this  town,  knew 
but  little  of  our  principles.  They  had 
heard  much  fron>  rumor,  ^tis  true,  but 
they    seemed    astonished   Vf\\QV\    they 


MESSKNOER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


«ome  to  hear  our  principles  as  we  laold 
Ihem,  without  exaggeration  or  misrep- 
resentation. Said  they,  "these  things 
are  according  to  the  scriptures,  we  be- 
lieve they  are  true,  and  wc  want  to 
obey  them."  When  I  see  people  thus 
willing  to  obey  the  truth  as  soon  as 
they  leara  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  bo  pre- 
pared for  the  coming  of  the  Lord,  in 
power  and  great  glory,  and  be  ready 
to  say,  "even  so  come,  Lord  Jesus." 
Then  peace  an  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,  "ail  the  people  will  be  right- 
eous." 

W.  E.  M'LELIN. 


Perri/,  April  19th,  1835. 
Dear  BaoTHE?.:— 

As  many  reports  have 
^one  out  about  the  dov/nfall  of  this 
church,  and  that  it  is  decreasing  in 
place  of  increasing,  I  have  thought  it 
woukl  be  encouraging  to  our  brethren 
to  hear  from  us;  therefore,  1  write  to 
you  these  few  lines;  the  church, 
%vhere  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  two  months  before, 
and  some  others  that  appear  to  be  be- 
lieving, which  v/e  trust  and  pray  may 
come  in.  Pray  for  us,  that  the  work 
of  the  Lord  may  continue  to  prosper 
^vith  us,  as  well  as  all  other  places. — 
This  from  yours,  &;c. 

DAVID  EVANa 


duct   and  teaching   will  not   stand  the 
test  of  the  most  rigid  investigation. 
O.  HYDE,  I 

W.  E.    M'LELIN.  S   Clerks  of 
fconference, 
Kirtland,  Ohio,  April  27,  1835. 

Mcssejiger  and  Advocate. 

KIRTLAND,     OHIO,  APRIL,  IS35. 


Bro. 


COWDRY, 

Sir: 

Fr-om  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  times  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 
Saints  represented  by  men  whose  con- 


A  SUMMARY, 

Our  brethren  residing  in  Providence 
R.  I.  besides  businessof  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  eldei'S  thia 
way,  to  see  us  this  season?  as  we  un- 
derstand they  are  coming  to  the  east. 
Direct  them,  to  ^ProviiUnce  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,  tha 
mind  recurs  back  to  the  history  of  the 
individual  who  founded  the  Rhodels^ 
land  colony — Mr.  Roger  W^illiams. — 
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  items, 
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  bo  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   tho    original    language*,    in 


f04 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


which  the  scriptures  were  written, 
could  not  have  been  favored  with  some 
modern  Professor  to  teach  him  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  commis- 
sion, and  that  with  the  restoration  of 
the  ministry,  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 
placp,  entertaining  the  same  belief, 
and  looking  forward  for  the  same  work 
of  God;  for  most  assuredly  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  fW.  Parish  writes  from  Paris 
Ten.  March  19th,  to  elder  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  still  pro- 
gressing, and  the  word  of  truth  gain- 
ing influence.  It  has  opposers  though, 
as  is  to  be  expected,  but  among  a  peo- 
ple_so  highly  blessed  with  light,  when 
the  truth  is  laid  before  them,  it  is  easi- 
ly to  conclude]!which  course  they  will 
choose.  The  common  complaint  is 
heard — a  want  of  more  preachers  to 
fill  calls. 

Elder  Nathaniel  Milliken  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  been  excom- 
municated— one  an  official  member 
(Samuel  Lowell)  who  refused  to  give 
his  license  to  the  church.     It  is  ajnatter 


of  regret,  that  individuals,  after  step- 
ping aside  from  the  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  who  strive  for 
salvation. 


TROUBLE    IN    THE   WKIST. 

Our  readers  are  aware,  no  doubt, 
that  the  Baptists,  Presbyterians,  and 
others,  have  been  troubled  for  a  long 
time,  because  "the  Beast,"  as  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  been 
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,  &: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  tlie  Baptist 
cause,  and  printed  at  "Rock  Spring," 
contains  an  article,  from  which,  and  a 
few  remarks  from  the  Editor,  we  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 
when  ever  the  gospel  was  introduced 
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 with  Mr.  Campbell's  pamph- 
let of  1831,  as  his  arguments  are  the 
same,  in  general,  or  similar;  with  a 
little  addition  in  some  respects. 

The  writer  says:  "The  probability 
is  that  Smith,  who  had  been  a  book- 
peddler,  and  was  frequently  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  Smith  jr 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


105 


called  almost  every  thing  but  a  book- 
peddler.  Now,  as  it  is,  we  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  liis  "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  o[  Mor- 
mon, is  from  the  pen  of  an  eccentric 
Spaulding,  who  carried  the  same  to 
Pittsburgh,  but  died  soon,  and  that 
since  they  have  been  aUered  a  little, 
and  now  appear  as  the  book  of  Mormon. 
Mr.  Campbell  says,  that  "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 
thvit  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 
keaven  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  forefathers." 

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,  cannot  but  see  that 
tills  writer  had  a  perfect  understanding 
<df  the  matter,  for  he  says  the  land  of, 
<kc.  which  is  sufficient  to  show  that  he 
meant  to  be  understood,  as  he  said, 
♦*at"  or  in  the  region  of  Jerusalem. — 
This  is  eDOUg'h,  however,  to  show  the 
design  of  this  "friend  of  truth." 

Again,  this  writer  say^:  "The  name 
of  Jesus  Christ,  was -decJlared  to  Nephi, 
"545  years  before  >it  "was  announced  to 
JWary,  and  she,  in  true  Roman  phrase- 
ology, is   called  Hhe  mother  of  God.' 

TSvo  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  few  questions  on  tliis, 
and  pass  on.  Was  Abel's  sacrifice 
accepted?  was  life  and  immortality 
brought  to  light  through  the  gospel? — 
see  2  Tim.  1:10.  Were  Enoch  and 
Elijah  wafted  to  the  regions  of  ever- 
lasting life  and  glory,  without  tasting 
death?  and  as  life  and  immortality 
were  brought  to  light  through  the  gos- 
pel, was  it  by  the  power,  or  knowledge 
of  the  gospel  through  which  they  ob- 
tained power  over  the  grave?  and  if 
so,  could  they  have  understood  the 
gospel  and  not  know  in  what  name  it 
was  preached?  Did  Abraham  see  the 
day  of  Christ,  and  if  so,  did  he  know 
his  name?  And  finally,  were  not  all 
the  ancients,  who  were  saved,  saved 
through  faith  on  the  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- 
i*y  was  "called  the  mother  of  God." — 
The  reader  will  please  turn  to  the  25th 
page  of  the  book  of  Mormon,  and 
read:  "And  he  [the  angel]  said  unto 
me,  behold,  the  virgin  which  thou  secst 
is  the  mother  of  God,  after  the  manner 
of  the  flesh." 

Now,  every  man  knows,  who  has 
read  the  New  Testament,  that  Mary 
was  called  the  Lord's  mother;  and  be- 
side we  remember  to  have  read  a  word 
or  two  of  Paul's  writings,  where  he 
says:  "But  other  of  the  apostles  saw 
I  none,  save  James  the  Lord's  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  fle^h!! 

Will  our  readers  suffer  us  to  make 
another  quotation  from  this  ^'friend  of 
truthi 

"Christ  is  represented  as  having  descended 
and  spent  some  time  on  the  western  conti- 
nent, after  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  declarations  of 
God,  in  the  New  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:— chap- 
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-?7  rind 
28.  In  this  last  passage  it  is  ailirmed  that 
Christ  will  come  at  the  day  of  Jundgment, 
"the  SECOND  time;"  whereas  Mormonism 
affirms  that  he   appeared   the  tceond  time  »n. 


\m 


Km^ENOER  AiND  ABVOCATK 


•the  continent  of  America,   and  that  ho  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.  "So  then, 
after  the  Lord  had  spoken  unto  them, 
iic  was  received  up  into  heaven,  and 
sat  on  the  right  hand  of  God."  This 
does  not  say  that  he  should  not  come 
again,  neither  does  the  book  of  Mor- 
mon say  that  he  did  no}  ascend  up  on 
liigh,  but  that  he  did. 

The  next  is  John  14:'2,3,I9.  "In 
my  Father's  house  are  many  man- 
sions; if  it  were  not  so,  I  would  have 
told  you.  I  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;  that  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 
yeady  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 
would  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  one; 
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 
Tight  to  claim  a  view  of  him. 

The  next  is  John  10:  7,  10,  17,  28. 
''Nevertheless,  1  tell  fyou  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  seo 
nothing  but  what  is  easy  of  explana- 
tion, when  we  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.  '-* 
"Then  said  some  of  his  disciples 
among  themselves,  what  is  thi>^  that  ho 
saith  unto  us,  a  little  while,  and  yo 
shall  not  see  me:  and  becouse  I  go  to 
the  Father."  This  makes  it  plain  that 
he  would  be  seen  again.  "I  camo 
tbrth  from  the  Father,  and  am  como 
into  the  world;  again,  I  leave  tho 
world,  and  go  to  the  Father."  No- 
thing objectionable  in  this. 

But  not  to  occupy  to  much  spaco. 
we  will  give  tho  remainder,  and  mako 
but  one    comment    upon    the  whole. 

John  17:4,11,24.  "I  have  glorified 
thee  on  the  earth:  I  have  finished  thfi 
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,- 1  will  that  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  tho 
world."  Acts  3:20,21.  "And  ho 
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,  4:14vHr6;30.-^9:- 
27,28.  -.a;Ai>1in    -li-v.  : 

"Who,  being  the  hrightness  of  his  glory, 
and  the  express  image  of  his  person,  and  up- 
holding all  things  by  the  word  of  his  power, 
when  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  ha 
at  any  time,  Thou  art  my  Son,  this  day  have 
I  begotten  thco?  And  again,  I  will  ba  to 
him  a  Fatlier,  and  he  shall  be  to  rne  a  Son? 
Seeing  then  that  we  have  a  great  High  Priest, 
that  is  passed  into  the  heavens,  Jesus  the 
Son  of  God",  let  us  hold  fast  our  professian. — 
Whither  the  forerunner  is  for  us  entered,, 
even  Jesus,  made  an  high  priest  forever,  af-. 
ter  the  order  of  Melchisedee.  And  as  it  is 
appointed  unto  men  once  to  die,  but  after 
this  the  judgment;  So  Christ  was  once  of- 
fered to  bear  the  sins  of  many:  and  unto 
tliem  that  look  for  him  shall  he  appear  the 
second  time,  without  sin,  unto  salvation." 

The  times  of  restitution,  spoken  of 
in  Acts,  the  reader  will  notice  is  to  be 


MESSENGER  AiVD  ADVOCATE. 


I0f 


applied  to  the  very  persons  to  whom 
it  was  spoken,  for  at  the  time  their  sins 
were  to  be  blotted  out.  On  the  re- 
jnainder  we  merely  Sviy.  Christ  was 
seen  40  days  after  Jiis  resurrection. — 
See  Acts  'l:3.  |4l'40,41.  Him  God 
raised  up  the  third  day,  and  shov/ed 
him  openly;  not  to  all  the  people,  but 
unto  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, 
ol'  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- 
reetion)  he  tvas  seen  of  above  Jive  hun- 
dred brethren  at  onccP^  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  writlen,  nei- 
ther do  W8  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- 
ed by  the  elders  of  the  church  of  the 
Latter  Day  Saints,  will  be  as  perfectly 
unavailing  against  its  progress,  as  that 
of  the  Jews  forme rl  v. 


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  Vill  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  qn  his  part,  to  enforce  th«  Cath- 
olic faith  will  be  noticed. 


As  much  as  our  blocd  chills  on  the 
reflection  that  that  church  has  perse- 
cuted those  who  [were  unwilling  to  ^be 
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  hon- 
estly pray,  that  our  happy  country 
may  never  be  brought  to  bow  to  the 
mandates  of  any  religious  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  v/ay! 

Inquisition  in  the  United  States.—The  Prot- 
estant Vindicator,  a  very  respectable  reli- 
gious paper,  printed  at  Baltimore,  Maryland, 
stales  that  large  excavations  have  lately  been 
made  under  the  Catholic  Cathedral  of  that  ci- 
ty, m  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,  or» 
the  authority  of  the  same  paper,  that  John 
England,  present  Bishop  of  Charleston,  (S. 
C.)  has  received. from  the  pope  of  Rome  an 
appointment  of  "Inquisitor  General  of  the 
United  States  of  America!"  which  commis- 
sion he  now  holds  as  a  proper  authority, 
vvith  the  addition  of  Legate  aud  Nuncio  of 
the  pope.  That  a  Roman  Inquisition  should 
have  existence  in  thia  country,  at  this  time, 
altho'  necessarily  unaccompanied  by  its  usual 
train  of  cruelties  and  abominations,  will  w© 
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. — Poughkecpsie  Eagle. 


Some  of  our  public  prints  are  trying 
to  ''kick  up  a  fuss"  between  the  Prot- 
estants and  Catholics.  We  have  not 
yet  learned  when  the  Catholics  violated 
the  Constitution,  and  since  the  Protest- 
ants can  no  more  than  keep  it  honora- 
bly, we  advise  each  party  to  fl:7*jiEAD 
it!  ! 

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   pro»ocution]_of  tlve  work,  de- 


10? 


MESSENGER  AND  AftVOCATK. 


pends,  in  a  measure,  upon  the  liberali- 
ty of  the  saints. 

Where  these  elders  are  known,  a 
l-ecommend  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 
are  duly  authorized  to  make  collec- 
tions, as  above,  known  to  be  strictly 
honest  and  responsible. 

We  drop  these  few  remarks  lest  our 
worthy  brethren  might  labor  under 
embarrassments,  where  they  are  not 
known,  and  we  cheerfully  recommend 
them  as  men  capable  of  giving  every 
necessary  information  concerning  their 
mission. 

As  it  is  expected  that  elder  Smith 
and  Carter  will  leave  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,  we  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 
wish  them  success,  and  much  grace 
upon  the  saints. 

The  lagt  Conference  at  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  i-eside, 
ailti  where  they  have  been  laboring. — 
It  WIS  but  a  short  time  since  the  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.  We  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. 

When  we  bring  our  mind  to  reflect 
how  many  there  are  kept  back  from 
hearing  this  gospel,  because  some  un- 
principled person  has  ran  forward  of 


the  elders  with  a  foolish  false  report,, 
and  that  those  whose  profession  says- 
to  the  world,  that  they  are  the  friends- 
and  advocates  of  truth,  not  unfrequent- 
ly  bringing  forward  these  reports  a» 
arguments  agains^me  gospel,  we  arc 
filled  with  a  deep  fcCTing  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  are 
thus  prepared  to  embrace  the  truth 
whenever  it  shall  be  presented:  and  to 
be  able  to  make  this  exchange  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  present,  if  a 
few  days,  measured  by  this  present 
sun,  were  to  terminate  that  existence, 
then  perhaps  an  excuse  might  be  urged 
for  neglecting  to  inform  ourselves  con- 
cerning its  consequences  and  ends;  but 
as  it  is,  beyond  this  vale  of  sorrow  lies, 
to  us,  an  unbounded  eternity,  where^ 
when  we  inherit  it,  we  must  remain, 
how  important  above  all  things,  that 
we  be  prepared  for  its  consequencesl 
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 
insti'uments  sufficient  grace  to  present 
the  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  February  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  t»  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  go 
into  every  particular  item  noticed  ia 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


m 


yours,  as  that  would  call  my  attention 
too  far,  or  too  nrrnch,  from  the  great 
object  lying  before  me, — the  history  of 
this  church; — but  one  expression,  or 
quotation  contained  in  your  last  strikes 
i^'e  mind,  (and  1  may  add — the  heart,) 
with  so  much  force,  that  I  cannot  pass 
without  noticing  it:  It  is  a  line  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  following  after  thee:  for 
whither  thou  goest,  I  will  go;  and 
where  thou  lodgest,  I  will  lodge,  thy 
peoplQ  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  by  Ruth.  She  for- 
sook her  friends,  she  left  her  nation, 
she  longed  not  for  the  altars  of  her  for- 
mer gods,  and  why?  because  Israel's 
God  was  God  indeed?  and  by  joining 
herself  to  him  a  reward  was  offered, 
and  an  inheritance  promised  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  record  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,  (Ps.  C.)  niuke  a  joyt'ul 
noise  unto  the  Lord,  all  yo  lands,  that  is, 
all  thft  earth.     Serve  4hG    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, 
which  he    knew   could  not  take   place 
until  the    knowledge   of   the  glory  of 
God  covered  all  lands,  or  all  the  earth. 
Again  he    says,   [Ps.     107]     O    give 
thanks  unto  the  Lord,  for  he    is  good: 
For  his  mercy  endureth  forever.    Let 
the  reedeemed    of    the    Lord  say  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  knew 
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   weue  rebelli- 
ous in  the  desert,  but  he  farther  knew, 
that  they  were    not  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,  even    as    he    said, 
when  he  would  lead  them  to  a  city  of 
refuge.     In  that,  David  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  youth, 
and  their  daughters  like  corner-stones, 
polished  after  the  similitude  of  a  beau- 
tiful   palace.     It  is  then  that  the  sons 
and  daughters  shall  prophesy,  old  men 
dream  dreams,  and  young  men  see  vi 
sions.     At  that  time  the  garners  of  the 
righteous    will   be   full,   affording   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  the  ten  tribes  of  Israel  were  led 
away  captive  from  the  land  of  Canaan, 
was  shown,  not  only  their  calamity  and 


1«1 


MESSftNGElS  AND  ADVOCATE. 


affliction,  but  the  time  when  they  were 
lo  be  delivered.  After  reproving  them 
for  their  corruption  and  blindness,  he 
prophesies  of  their  dispersion.  He 
says,  Y»ur  country  is  desolate,  your 
tities  are  burnt  with  fire:  Your  land, 
strangers  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  follow.s  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  avenjje  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; 
1  will  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 
beginning:  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  might 
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  oi' 
Jacob;  and  he  will  teach  us  of  his  ways 
and  we  will  walk  in  his  paths:  for  out 
of  Zion  shall  go  forth  the  law,  and  the 
word  of  the  Lord  from  Jerusalem. — 
And  )ie  shall  judge  among  the  nationsy 


and  shall  rebuke  many  people:  and 
they  shall  beat  their  swords  into  plough 
shards,  and  their  spears  into  pruning 
hooks:  nations  shall  not  lift  up  the 
sword  against  nation,  neither  shall 
they  learn  war  any  more.  And  t)  •> 
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  storm 
and  fi'om  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  day  will  come  that  I  will  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  pluok  up,  and 
to  break  down,  and  to  throw  down,  and 
to  destroy,  and  to  afflict;  so  u'ill  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  ray  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  dwelling  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  mei'ry: — 
and  I  will  multiply  them  and  they  shall 
not  be  few;  I  will  also  glorify  them 
iand  th&y  ^hall   not   be   small.     Tlieir 


iMBSSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


Hi 


children  also  shall  be  as  aforetime,  and 
their  congregation  shall  be  established 
before  mc,  and  I  will  punish  all  that  op- 
press them.  Their  nobles  shall  be  o[ 
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  pc-oplc;  I 
will  bring  them  froin  the  north  coun- 
try, and  gather  them  from  tlie  coasts  of 
the  earth;  I  will  say  to  the  north.  Give 
up,  and  to  the  soutii,  keep  not  back: — 
bring  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 
haAC  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- 
ei'ward,  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  loft  M'ithoutljeing  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'r-nd  for  many 
fishers  and  they  fchall  lish  them;  and 
after  send  for  many  hunters,  who  shall 
hunt  them;  not  as  their  enemies  have 
to  afflict,  l)ut  with  glad  tidings  of  great 
(oy,  with  a  message  of  peace,  and  a 
,  call  for  their  return. 

And  it  will  come  to  pairs,  that  though 


the  house  of  Israel  has  forsaken  the 
Lord,  and  bowed  down  and  worship- 
ping other  gods,  which  were  no  gods, 
and  been  cast  out  before  the  face  of  the 
world,  they  will  know  the  voice  of  tho 
Shepherd  when  he  calls  upon  them  this 
time;  for  soon  his  day  of  power  comes, 
and  in  it  his  people  will  be  willing  to' 
barken  to  his  counsel;  and  even"  now 
arc  they  already  beginning  to  be  stir- 
red up  in  their  hearts  to  search  for 
these  things,  and  are  daily  reading  the 
ancient  prophets,  and  are  marking  the 
times,  and  seasons  of  their  fulfilment. 
Thus  God  is  preparing  tho  way  for 
their  return. 

But  it  is  necessary  that  you  should 
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  b& 
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.  j| 

Therefore,  as  the  time  draws  noar 
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,  that  they  may  be 
prepared  to  stand  when  the  earth  shall 
reol  to  and  fro  as  a  drunken  man>  earth- 


lis 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


quakes  c<ause  the  nations  to  tremble, 
and  the  destroying  angel  goes  forth  to 
waste  the  inhabitants  at  noon-day :  for 
so  great  are  to  be  the  calamities  which 
are  to  come  upon  the  inhabitants  of  the 
earth,  before  the  coming  of  the  Son  of 
Man  the  second  time,  that  whoso  is  not 
prepared  cannot  abide;  but  such  as  are 
found  faithful,  and  remain,  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  now  given  you  a  rehearsal  of 
what  was  communicated  to  our  brother, 
when  he  was  directed  to  go  and  obtain 
the  record  of  the  Nephites,  I  may 
have  missed  in  arrangement  in  some 
instances,  but  the  principle  is  preser- 
ved, and  you  will  be  able  to  bring  for- 
ward abundance  of  corroborating  scrip- 
ture upon  the  subject  of  the  gospel  and 
of  the  gathering.  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  immediately  with 
the  gift  of  inspiration.  There  is  ano- 
ther 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 
things,  always;  and  so  much  may  be 
shown  and  made  perfectly  plain  to  the 
understanding  in  a  short  time,  that  to 
the  world,  who  arc  occupied  all  their 
life  to  learn  a  little,  look  at  the  relation 
of  it,  and  are  disposed  to  call  it  false.  You 
will  understand  then,  by  this,  that  while 
those  "glorious  things  were  being  re- 
hearsed, the  vision  was  also  opened, 
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  many  marvellous  truths  set  forth 
with  the  pen,  but  after  all  it  is  but  a 
shadow,  compa:red  to  an  open  vision  of 
seeing,  'hearing  and  realizing  eternal 
thincs.  And  if  the  fact  was  known,  it 
would  be  found,  that  of  all  the  heaven- 
ly comtriunications  to  the  ancients,  we 
have  tio  more  in  comparison  than  the 
alphabet  to  a  quarto  vocabulary.  It  is 
said,  and  I  believe  the  account,  that  the 
Lord  showed  the  brother  of  Jared  [Mo- 
riandimer]    all   things    which  were  to 


transpire  from  that  day  to  the  end  of 
the  earth,  as  well  as  those  which  had 
taken  place.  I  believe  that  Moses  was 
permitted  to  see  the  same,  as  the  Lord 
caused  them  to  pass,  in  vision  before 
him  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  Jerasalem,  saw  the 
same  ;  I  believe  that  the  twelve  upon 
this  continent,  whom  the  Lord  choso 
to  preach  his  gospel,  when  he  carrm- 
down  to  manifest  to  this  branch  of  the 
house  of  Israel,  that  he  had  other  sbcep 
who  should  hear  his  voice,  were  alsO' 
permitted  to  behold  the  same  mightv 
things  transpire  in  vision  before  thei-r 
eyes ;  and  I  believe  that  the  angel  Mo- 
roni, whose  words  I  have  been  rehears- 
ing, who  communicated  the  knowledge 
of  the  record  of  the  Nephites,  in  this 
age,  saw  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,  to  his  saints, 
until  all  these  things  will  be  unfolderl 
to  them,  and  they  finally  sanctified  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. 


In  consequeni'e  of  the  notices  of  the  several  Con- 
fereni-es  to  be  Jiolden  in  the  east,  this  season,  some 
niiiy  think  th;it  the  one  at  New  Port;ige,  Ohio,  is  with- 
,lru\vn— which  is  not  the  case.  There  are  many  el- 
,lers  and  brethren  in  the  south  and  west,  who  wouW 
not  receive  the  benefits  of  a  Conference  were  this  ta 
be  discontinued:  we  liope,  therefore,  that  they  will 
attend. 


THE  LATTER  DAY  SAINTS' 

messenger  and  Advocate^ 

(S  EDITED  BY 

OI*IV&R  COWDSnT, 

And  published  every  month  at  Kirtland,  Geauga  Ca 
Ohio,  by 

F.  O.  WII.I.IA1WS  Ar  Co. 

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5!9 


MESS13 1^1^ F.II  AM1>  ABV€I€ATE. 


V.jL.  I.     No.  8.] 


KIRTLAND,  OHIO,  MAY,  18^5. 


[Whole  No.  8. 


LETTER  NO.  2. 

Frcedmn,  March  I7th,  1S33. 
JJKJR  SIR—lt  mn.y  bo  thought  that  I  owe  you  an 
jip()lu:jy  for  luxiug  your  time  mhI  patience  to  the  ex- 
tent that  I  luivein  mine  of  tlie  lUth  iuataiit.  JUid  now 
aguiii  before  you  huve  hardly  had  time  to  repose  from 
that  task,  to  lay  upon  you  uiio'.hor  bur.leii  as  oner- 
ous ;t,s  the  first.  IJut  I'lrust  you  will  gee  the  propri- 
ety of  having  a  view  of  the  whole  subjer.t  at  once. — 
I  have  not  the  vanity  to  think  I  have  done  it  ample 
justice  as  the  imiiorlance  of  it  (leuiamls.  But  a  stron- 
ger mind,  from  the  few  hints  that  have  been  given, 
may  elicit  more  facts,  and  by  a  more  masterly 
arrangement  produce  conviction  in  some  minds 
where  the  productions  of  my  i)en  cannot.  The  cause 
<if  truth,  and  that  alone  would  I  advocate.  If  my 
premises  are  good,  I  think  my  inferences  and  deduc- 
tions arc  logical,  and  if  I  have  contributed  in  but  a 
small  degree  to  subserve  or  advance  that  cauwe,  my 
most  sanguine  hopes  will  be  realized.  I  shall  ever 
feel  to  console  myself  with  this  idciiHin^'  reflection 
that  I  shall  never  be  held  accountable  for  the  jnisiiii- 
provement  of  five  tiilmits  when  only  one  or  two 
were  bt  stowed. 

At  the  close  of  mine  of  the  10th  Inst.,  a  queBtion 
was  asked  reh-tive  to  the  present  or  prevailin'^  reli- 
jiiuun  sects  of  the    day  converting  the    wor:d  and 
tlicreby  bringing  about  the  Millenium   or  peaceable 
T'-iin  of  our  Lord  :uid  Saviour  Jesua   Olirist.     We 
Avill  examine  th«  subject  a  little  further, — and  First, 
Our  God  is  n  Gorl  of  order  and  not  of  confusion  .is 
in  all  the  churches  of  the  Sai.-.is   (sec.  (Jor.   14—33) 
S)o  we  not  see  them  as  eager  in  the  pursuit  of  worM- 
ly  gain,  usin;  every   art  and  every  stratagem  to  cir- 
cumvent  their   fellow  mortals,   and  hoard  up  this 
world's  goods  as  the  ncn-professor?     Most  surely. — 
First  John  "id,  15,  reails  thus:  "Love  not  tlie  world 
nor  the  things  that  are  in  the  world.     If  any  m;iii 
love  the  world  the  love  of  the  Father  is  not  in  him." 
■\Vhere  th''n,  we  ask,  is  their  supreme  love  for  their 
blaster?     Wheje  is  th.Hrself  denial?     Where  is  their 
rojard  for  what  the  Saviour  said,  when  he  command- 
ealiis  followers  to  "seek  first  the  kingdom  of  Heaven 
and  its  righteousness  and  all  these  things  shall  be  ad- 
ded unto  you."  Mat.  tith,  33.     Where  are  llie  spirit- 
ual gifts  that  God  placed  tn  his  church  for  perfecting 
tJie  saints  and  edifying  the  body?     Wln're  do  we  see 
the  pcacealile  fruits  of  that  heaven-born  principle, 
Chnritii;  that  meek  and  fiui«t  spirit  which  is  in  llie 
si;rht  of  God  of  great  price?  (Ist  Peter  3 — 1)     Does 
no:  the  present  order  of  things  look  like  having  a 
name  to  live  and   be  dead?  (ftev.  31,    1.)     Does   it 
jiot  look  lik;j  havin2  a  form  ofgoriljupss  but  denying 
the  power    thereof?    ('2d  Tim.  3—5.)     Does  it  no. 
iieariy  resemble  what  t!ie  Apostle  I'aul  describes  in 
his  epislle  to  Titus,  1st,  16,  says?    "They   profess 
that  they  know  God,  but  in  works  deny  him,   being 
abominable,  disobedient,  and  to  every  good  work  re- 
proiiate."     'J'his  is  the  character  of  those  who  shall 
proless  the  Religion  of  Heaven  in  ths  last  days,   and 
(he  prophetic  declaration  of  the  great  Apijstle  of  the 
Gentiles  iii  his  second  letter  to   Timothy   ajid   third 
chapter — fully  supports  ns  in  this  assertion.     If  it  be 
fi.iid  to  us  th^it  wc  irjve  looked  only  on  the  dark  side 
of  the  picture,  that  wc  are  too  censorius,  that  there 
nrc  many  honorable  e-xceptions;   we  readily  grant 
there  are,  and  would  to  Heaven  there  were  more.— 
VVe  would  the  more  earnestly  cry,  ronie  out  of  her 
»ny  people  and  be  not  partaLers  of  her  sins  that  ye 
receive  not  of  her  plagues.     JJoth  s-ripture  and  ei- 
jierience  go  to  prove  the  fact,  that  evil   communica- 
tions corrupt  goo  1  manners.     We  have  before   seen, 
that  Ciod  coniinandB  the  righteous  t<i  ge|)arr.te  them- 
t^elves  from  the  wi^'ked,  and  purify  thcmtclves  before 
him.     It  will  doubtless  be  sal  I  in  reply,  that  great  ef- 
forts and  crcat  sacrifices  are  maile  by  churches  at  the 
present  day  to  spre.id  the  gospel,  to  convert  the  hea- 
t;-  :n,  to  di.sscmin.ite  the  truth.     Grant  it,  and  we 
would  say  to  them  as  did  the  .Saviour.  ''.These  things 
ouKhl  ye  to  do,  .and  not  omit  or  leave  the  more  irn- 
portanl  tliinzs  undone."    Jf  wc  have  given  u  true 
character  of  thern  as  a  whole,  and  we  trust  we   have, 
"they  are  like  while<I  Fepiilrhres,  fair  and  beautiful 
without,  but  within  are  full  of  all  manner  of  unclean- 
iiess."     And  if  ye  i:<impaRa  sea  and  land  to  make  one 
jiroKfilytc  is  it  not  likely  he  will  be  Just  such  an  ori<' 
as  yourselves?     And  we  now  fieriously   ask^  is  Ihe 
kingdom  of  Heaven   made  up  nf  such  cliarac.terR  .-.s  , 
(he  great  mass  of  Ihe  profcHsin!?  rhrititi.in  world  at 
llie  present  day?    To  answer  this  fpieslion  r«rrC'tlv 
it  is  only  necessary  to  I'Jiirn  wliut  the  Kingdom  of 


God  is,  for  which  see  Komans  (14. 17.)  "The  King- 
dom of  God  is  not  meats  and  drinks,  but  righteous- 
ness and  pea:e  and  joy  in  tiie  Holy  Ghost."  This 
definition  will  exclude' those  who  obey  not  the  com- 
mands of  God.  It  will  exclude  those  who  are  haugh- 
ty, high-minded,  lovers  of  ideasurcs  more  than  lovers 
of  God.  It  will  exclude  tliose  who  liave  a  form  of 
godliness,  but  deny  the  power  thereof.  It  will  ex- 
clude all  Wiose  who  say  they  love  God,  but  in  works 
deny  him.  It  v.'lll  exclude  those  who  ]>reach  f»r 
gain  and  divine  for  money.  It  will  exclude  those  who 
prea.'li  for  dortrine  the  conimandiaenls  of  men  for 
the  Gospel  of  the  Son  of  Go  1.  It  will  ex  elude  thoso 
who  rejoice  in  iniquity,  are  puffed  up,  easily  provo- 
ked, pos.sessing  and  manifesting  to  the  v/orld  !)y 
their  oondu rt,  a  spirit  of  malice,  revenge,  and  evil 
speaking  which  emanates  only  from  the  regions  of 
darkness.  'J'lnse  we  believe  must  be  excluded  or  the 
kingdom  of  Heaven  is  no  desirable  place.  Such  we 
believe  will  be  excluded  by  tlie  great  head  of  the 
churcli,  although ihey  may  have  eaten  and  drunken 
in  his  name,  and  in  his  name  and  for  his  name  and 
profe.iisedly  for  his  cause  (if  you  please)  done  m;uiy 
woiulerful  works.  Yet  we  believe  if  the  v.'ord  of 
God  be  true,  he  will  say  to  them  in  the  great  day, 
"Depiirt  from  me  ye  workers  of  ini(iuity,  1  know  you 
not." — A  fev>'  reflections  shall  close  this  epistle. 

Ist.  We  trust  we  have  proven  to  the  satisfaction 
of  every  intelligent  being,  that  there  is  a  great  first 
cause,  isrime  mover,  self-existent,  independent  ami 
all-wise  being  whom  we  call  God. 

21.  That  the  Fnivers-  with  iill  its  atteRJant  fur- 
niture is  the  workmanship  of  his  hand. 

3d.  Tiiat  man  is  tlie  more  noble  and  intelligent  part 
of  this  lower  creation,  to  whom  the  other  grades  in 
the  scale  of  being  are  subject,  yet,  tliat  man,  is  depeii- 
dent  on  the  wrcntfrst  cause  and  is  constantly  upheld 
by  him,  thereforeji/sliy  amenable  to  him. 

4th.  \Ve  trust  it  may  jueily  be  inferred  from  the 
foregoing  premises,  that  man's  account.ibility  rests 
on  his  knowledge  of  the  will  of  him  to  whom  he  is 
accountable,  and  that  he  cannot  be  considered  cjimi- 
nally  guilty  for  the  non-fu'filment  of  a  law  or  com- 
mand until  he  h:;s  a  knowledge  of  such  law  or  com- 
mand and  the  physical  ability  to  obey. 

5th.  We  trust  we  have  proven  to  the  satisfa'-tion 
of  every  unprejuiliced  niin  i,  that  what  we  call  the 
scriptures,  the  Old  and  New  Testaments,  are  the  re- 
vealed will  of  God  to  man. 

6th.  AVe  trust  also,  that  we  have  satisfactorily 
proven  that  they  were  written  by  men  divinely  in- 
spired, consequently  must  lie  true,  and  that  tiio 
threateninss  deitounced  a~ainst  the  wicked  and  the 
promisss  a(idress;;d  to  tlie  righteous,  will  all  be  ful- 
filled. 

7th.  We  argue  the  literal  fulfilment  of  s-ripture 
predictiona,  I'roin  the  foregoing  premises  laid  liown, 
xvhich  rest  on  two  predicates.  And  1st.  All  scrip- 
ture pri'di "tioiis  whii  h  have  been  fulfilled  and  record- 
ed for  our  benefit,  have  been  so  literalbj  fulfilled, 
tb.-it  any  one  understanding  the  language  in  which 
they  are  written  need  not  be  mistaken.  21.  Because 
it  would  savor  of  tyranny,  oppression  and  irmdty, 
to  inflict  punishment,  without  clearly  revealing  the 
cause,  for  which  the  punishment  was  to  be  inflicted, 
and  would  he  at  war  with  love  and  benevolence,  th« 
attributes  of  God. 

8th.  We  infer  also  th;'t  God  i«i  immutable  in  his 
purposes  and  unch;'.ngeable  in  his  nature. 

9th.  We  believe  it  justly  (leducible  from  the  forc- 
goinc  premises;  that  Go  1  warned  the  Antedeluvians, 
the  Sodomites,  and  others,  previously  to  their  over- 
throw, and  that  their  destruction  came  upon  them  in 
consequence  of  their  great  wickedness  ami  disobe- 
dience. 

10th.  We  have  aleo  Inferred,  from  plain  scripture 
testimony,  that  God  reveals  his  secrets  respecting  his 
dunliiigs  with  the  children  of  men,  to  his  servants  the 
Prophets,  and  we  deem  it  equally  logical  and  scriptu- 
ral, that  the  jirophets  have  timeto  warn  the  people, 
anil  the  people  time  to  repent  before  judgements  arc 
sent  or  puiiishments  inflicted. 

llth.  AVeinfi:r  from  the  wonlof  God  andtJie  fore- 
going premis/js,  that  great  and  licavy  ju<lgements  or 
sore  calamities,  presuppose  great  wickedness  and  dis- 
obciliente  to  God. 

12th.  We  have  received  it  nn  an  admitted  fact, 
that  X.hc'^rr.fe.nt,  art;  what  are  denominated  in  \\w 
s  rip'ures  of  truth,  thP  la«t  days,  consequcnilv  near 
the  close  of  the  present  dispenHalion,  and  that  the 
Milleniuip  i^'  -^nnn  to  be  ushered  in. 
13.th    We  have  socii  from  the  word  of  God  thai 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


im .       

great  and  sorejudgenieuts  are  coming  upon  tliis  ge>n- 
eration. 

14th.  We  have  seen  that  it  illy  comports  with  the 
ciiaracter  of  God  to  punish  the  righteous  with  the 
wicked-,  therefore,  that  the  present  religious  orders 
of  the  day  do  not  constitute  the  true  church,  conse- 
quently, tlieir  endeavors  to  convert  the  Vi'orld  to 
their  faith,  and  thereby  bring  about  or  usher  In  the 
Millenium,  is  not  what  God  requires  of  thorn,  and 
willbe  unavailing. 

15th.  We,  therefore,  infer  from  the  confusion, 
disorder  and  iniquity  that  reigns  among  them,  they 
are  the  legitimate  descendants  of  Mystical  Babylon, 
that  personage  described  in  the  scriptures  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.  W(^  argue  from  the  immutability  of  God,  his 
goodness  and  benevolence,  from  analogy,  and  from 
revelation  of  his  will  to  his  sery,nnts,  that  it  is  our 
duty  in  obedience  to  the  command  of  God  to  literrlly 
separate  ourselves  from  this  wicked  and  untoward 
generation. 

18.  We  also  argue  from  the  same  premises,  that 
the  place  of  safety,  the  city  of  refuge  is  pointed  out 
and  that  we  shall  be  justly  culpalle  if  wc  do  not  obey 
'the  connnands  of  God,  and  that  if  we  do  refuse  we 
imust  inevitably  perish  with  the  unsolly. 

W.  A.  COWDERY, 
To  Olivek.  Cowderv,  Esq. 


7, 


KiRTLAND,  May  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  time  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.  ■!  hope 
the  saints  will  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 
days,  to  light  the  candle  of  truth  again 
upon  earth,  that  the  meek  among  men 
might  walk  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  the  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  angel    to 


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  commandments,  &c.  are  such  pronii- 
nent  matters  of  fiwJt,  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  fol- 
low when  the  earth  is  purified. 

I  may  be  thought  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  tlie  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  teiTible  as  an  army  with  ban- 
ners; and,  till,  by  the  glory  of  God,  it 
shall  have  shone,  clear  as  the  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  from 
thy  father's  house,  unto  a  land  that  I 
will  shew  thee.  And  I  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  croolied  and  money 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


J  IT. 


'seeking  generation.  For,  as  the  angel 
informed  our  brother  Josc])h,  that  the 
Lord  was  about  to  proceed  to  do  a  mar- 
vellous work  among  this  people,  that 
Israel  might  be  gathered  and  saved,  so 
also  was  that  gloiious  day  sliown  when 
ihe  Lord  shoukl  come  the  second  time 
to  dwell  on  earth;  yea,  even  come  in 
the  clouds  of  heaven,  with  all  h"s  holy 
angels  with  him,  to  execute  judgment 
upon  all,  that  the  earth  may  rest;  that 
righteousness  may  abound;  that  all 
flesh  that  is  justified,  may  glorify  God 
and  enjoy  his  presence  a  thousand 
years. 

Though,  at  the  time  the  heavenly 
messenger  came  down  to  open  the  un- 
derstanding of  a  few,  and  prepare  the 
way  for  the  true  church  to  arise,  and 
come  forth  as  it  were  from  the  \\ildcr- 
ness;  yea,  though  at  this  time,  the  fa 
thers  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,  without  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  might  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 
(he  old  bible,  and  by  the  internal  wit- 
ness of  the  spirit,  according  to  the  rules 
of  holiness,  1  embraced  it  for  the  truth's 
s.  ke,  and  all  honest  men  who  seek  a 
belter  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,  «Sc:c. 
was  whispered  abroad,  cvcsry  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  inf)uths,  and  honor  him  with  their 
lips.  There  seemed  to  be  n  continual 
dripping  of  slang,  if  I  may  Hse  a  figure, 


besides  lawsuits,  so  that  the  saints  have 
had  to  walk  undor  scalding  drops,  and 
upon  hurning  coals. 

Here  let  us  reflect,  that  when  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  angels  visit  this  world:  Where- 
fore I  can  say  as  a  humble  follower  of 
the  meek  and  adorable  Jesus,  that  be- 
fore the  fulness  of  the  (lentiles  is  gath- 
ered in,  calamities  and  tribulation  may 
be  expected:  For  when  men  will  not 
reform  by  entreaty,  they  must  be  chas- 
tised with  judgments.  If  the  voice  of 
the  servants  of  JesusChrist;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,  1  greatly  fear,  that  the 
voice  of  God  will  bring  them  to  judg- 
ment, when  reformation  is  beyond  their 
power,  and,  soriowful  to  state,  they 
will  have  to  pay  the  uttermost  farthing 
to  a  hard  master,  whose  burden  is  hea- 
vy, and  whose  yoke  is  galling;  and 
which  must  learn  them  by  experience, 
that  the  loages  of  sin  is  death. 

Tender  my  love  to  the  faithful,    be- 
seeching them  to  continue  Godly  mind- 
ed and   work  righteousness   till  deatli, 
or  till  the  Lord  comes. 
As  ever. 

W.  W.  PHELPS, 

To  Oliver  Cowdkrv,  Esq. 


For  ihc  Messenger  and  Advocate. 

Our  meeting,  or  conference,  came 
(o  a  close  this  day  and  we  feel  dispo- 
sed to  give  you  a  brief  account  of  our 
proceedings  that  you  may  lay  them  be- 
fore your  readers. 

On  Saturday  last  we  met  the  Elders 
of  this  branch  of  the  church,  and  also 
those  of  the  little  brajich  at  Laona,  who 
were  called  upon  by  Elder  Marsh,  our 
presiding  Elder,  to  represent  to  us  the 
standing  of  these  branches.  The  num- 
ber ©f  jnembcrs  in  this  branch  was  75 
in  reguhir  standing,  in  the  branch  at 
Laona,  were  20  These  two  branches 
were  rather  low  in  spirits  in  cons:)- 
quence  of  some  difiiculties  that  wore 
existing  among  them;  which,  however, 
we  succeeded  in  settling.  One  travel- 
ling Elder  had  been  guilty  of  teaching 
erroneous  doctrine  and  perverting  the 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


116 ^ 

word  of  God.  Such,  for  instance,  as 
the  following.  Christ  said,  the  sun 
shall  be  darkened,  and  the  moon  turn- 
ed to  blood,  and  the  stars  fall  from  hea- 
ven, &c.  He  stated  that  the  Jewish 
church  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  we 
think  he  will  be.  We  gave  the  church 
and  Elders  much  instruction  relative  to 
the  great  points  of  our  eternal  interest, 
and  we  endeavored  to  do  our  work  ef- 
fectually and  leave  not  a  command- 
anent  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  the  corruptions 
of  the  Gentile  church.  At  the  close 
of  the  meeting  this  day,  five  came  for- 
ward for  baptism,  which  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  bj' 
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  which  seven  came 
forward  for  baptism,  which  was  admin- 
istered by  Elder  O.  Hyde,  and  confir- 
mation in  the  evening,  when  the  Lord 
blessed  vxs  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: 
We  tarried  to  arrange  the  minutes  of 


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  uato  the  Lord  our  Heaven- 
ly Father,  in  the  name  of  Christ  and 
the  Holy  Spirit  v/as  shed  forth  upon  us, 
and  all  were  melted  into  humility  and 
tears  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 
among  the  children  of  men. 

One  little  circumstance  we  will  brief- 
ly notice:  We  were  told  that  Messrs. 
How,  Plulbert  &  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  the  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,      )  Clerks 
W.  E.  McLELLIN,  S  of  Con. 

Westfield,  May  12,  1835. 


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  the  latter  day  glo- 
rv   and   what   is  left — nothing — there 


MESgENGEU  AND  ADVOCATE. 


m 


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 
Millenium  be?  No  where  but  in  the 
imagination  of  man.  Those,  then,  Vv^ho 
say  that  the  days  of  miracles  are  past, 
literally  say  that  thei-e  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  v/hich 
had  been  previously  enjoyed.  And 
when  the  apostle  Peter  Sx'/s  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  thii^s  (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  things?  The  an- 
swer is,  that  he  will  restore  to  the 
w(jrld  every  blessing  which  had  ever 
been  enjoyed  among  men  from  the  first 
to  the  last;  not  even  the  Savior  himself 
excepted.  "And  he  shall  send  Jesus 
Christ  who  was  before  preached  unto 
you:"  Acts  3:  20.  And  nothing  sh.ort 
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  bo  a 
time  of  "the  restitution  of  all  things." 
Surely  the  vision  of  these  prophets 
must  have  been  peculiarly  delightful, 
to  gaze  upon  *thc  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.  Those  pro- 
phets who  lived  before  the  days  of  the 
Savior's  humiliation,  beheld  him  lirst 
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  this  scene, 
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  world  at  one  time  and  another, 
with  all  the  powers  and  blessings  ever 
enjoyed  at  any  period  of  the  world 
among  men,  while  those  possessing 
them  were  persecuted,  reviled,  hated, 
scourged,  bufleted,  smitten,  put  to  death, 
chased  from  place  to  place,  to  caves 
and  dens  of  the  earth;  being  afflicted 
and  tormented,  without  any  clothing 
but  sheep  skins  and  goat  skins,  until 
they  were  wasted  and  destroyed,  and 
the  whole  church  disappeared;  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  the  earth  be- 
come a  scene  of  confusion;  sentiment 
warring  with  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  setting  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  sec,  the  lame  to  walk,  the 
deaf  to  hear,  and  all  manner  of  disen- 


i'18 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE 


scs  and  sicknesses  pass  away  from 
among  the  people  oP  God.  And  the 
power  become  so  great  that  the  waters 
were  again  smitten  and  the  founda- 
tions 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  poui-ed  out  as  in  days  of 
old,  until  it'  fell  upon  all  flesh.  The 
lion  become  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  were 
numbered  among  the  living.  And  re- 
velation followed  revelation;  vision 
eame  after  vision;  men  and  women  be- 
came prophets  and  propheteses,  until 
the  knowledge  of  God  covered  the  earth 
as  the  waters  covered  the  sea.  The 
earth  put  on  a  new  aspect;  fire  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 
vSavior  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 
cf  a  Millenium. 


C^ospel  No.  VII. 

rcONTINUED  PROM  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  undei-stand 
the  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 
to  become  extensively  acquainted  with 
,(God,  as  well  as  the  heavenly  worlds. 


But  it  is  necessary  in  order  to  a  clear 
understanding  of  the  gospel,  that  we- 
should  have  a  correct  understanding  of 
its  origin,  and  of  its  progress  among- 
men;  for  without  this  knowledge,  we 
are  liable  to  be  led  into  darkness,  and' 
all  the  glory  of  the  gospel  be  hid  from 
our  eyes. 

Let  me  here  observe,  that  whatever 
the  gospel  was,  it  now  is,  and  ever  will 
be,  that'it  has  not  nor  will  it  change: 
its  laws  are  the  same;  its  ordinances 
are  the  same;  its  institutions  are  the- 
same;  its  commands  are  the  same,  and 
its  regulations  are  the  same:  whatevej?- 
it  required  of  one  man  in  order  to  ob- 
tain eternal  life,  it  required  of  all  men, 
and  that  inevery  age  of  the  vvorld,  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  was  ever 
proclaimed  among  men,  from  first  to 
last;  for  by  it  life  and  immortality  came 
to  light;  S3  .si'.ys  Pau',  2d,  Timothy  1 : 
15,  and  as  the  knowledge  of  life  and 
immortality  is  essential  to  salvation,  it 
is  easily  seen,  that  there  could  be  no 
salvation  without  the  gospel,  and  not 
only  without  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  im- 
mortality no  person  could  be  saved; 
there  can  no  difficulty  exist  on  the 
minds  of  any  of  the  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  wei-e 
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  rclation 
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 
proclamation  of  the  gospel  to  man  j  and 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


llf> 


it  must  be  so  unless  it  can  be  j)rovcn 
that  God  bad  more  ways  than  one  of 
saving  mankind,  and  to  do  this  Paulmust 
be  retuted,  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  among 
men,  by  which  they  can  be  saved  but 
in  the  name  of  Christ  Jesus. 

May  we  not  reason  a  little  upon  this 
silbject.  Let  us  ask  then,  what  was 
the  most  important  thing  which  God 
could  communicate  to  hiscreatureman? 
The  aiiswer  is,  the  thing  which  would 
save  him;  if  God  ever  at  any  time  con- 
descended to  speak  to  man,  tliere  can 
no  good  reason  bo  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  that  he  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  the 
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  Christ  and  of 
his  judging  the  world,  and  yet  not  know 
of  his  first  coming  and  of  his  dying 
for  the  world.  And  what  would  be 
stranger  still  would  be,  that  men  could 
be  saved  by  faith,  and  yet  never  hear, 
nor  know,  of  the  way  of  salvation  tliro' 
the  blood  of  the  Lamb.  This  would 
be  believing  witliout  hearing,  and  be- 
ing saved  without  understanding,  and 
having  faitii  without  hearing  the  word 
of  God,  or  in  other  words  it  would  be 
believing  on  him  of  whom  they  had 
not  heard,  or  else  it  would  be  hearing 
without  a  preacher,  and  if  it  were  anv 
of  these  things,  it  would  put  the  shame 
on  all  the  sacred  writers,  and  ex|)Osc 
them  to  just  ridicule.  Ikit  while  it  is 
written  in  the  pages  ol  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   En(jch   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  loug  it  will  be  believed  by 
every  thinking  man  that,  the  gospel 
was  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  gosjiel  proclamation  is, 
that  the  apostle  Paul  says  that  the  gos- 
pel which  he  proclaimed,  or  what  was 
to  the  same  elfect,  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  liiat  way  or  by  that  plan  and 
none  other;  so  that  if  there  was  salva- 
tion at  all  among  the  ancients,  it  was 
because  the}  had  the  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  ai'e  the  things  whicli 
attend    the  gospel?  we    will  find   that 
prophecying  was  one    thing,    and  wc 
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.      Matthew   23:   34,   35    verses, 
Enoch  was  also  a  prophet;  for  he  fore- 
told of  the  second  advent  as   recorded 
by  Jude.  Who  does  not  know,  that  when 
the    apostles    proclaimed    the    gospel, 
they  promised  to  those   who  received 
it  that    they  should    prophesy,   seeing- 
then  that  prophesying  was  a    fruit   of 
the  gosj)cl  who  can  help  seeing  that   it 
was  by  virtue  of  it  that  men  propheci- 
ed,  we  cannot  see  where  there  can   be 
a  risk  in  believing  that  wherever  there 
are  or  were  prophets  there  the  gospel 
is,   or    was,    and    one    strong    rcaKon 
which  confirms  this  btdiefis  thatwhen- 
(!ver  the  gospel   is  lost   prophecying  is 
Icjst   also;    this  generation    is   all    the 
proof   we  need  on  this  subject;   for  if 
wc    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  wc   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  fox'  those  more  learned  than 
ourselves  to  answer. 


Messsssfei*  sisid     Advocate. 

KIJITLAISD,    OHIO,  MAY,  1S35. 


To  the  Patrons  of  the  Latter  Bay 
^aints^  Messenger  ^  Advocate, 

It  is  proper  for  nie  to  inform  you, 
that  in  consequence  of  other  business 
and  other  duties,  in  which  my  services 
are  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  ^ew  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  hope,  that  though  the  Advo- 
cate is  to  be  transferred  into  other 
hands,  that  it  may  continue  to  receive 
its  present  support,  and  as  rapid  an  in- 
crease to  its  subscription  lis  as  has 
been  its  good  fortune  to  rece  '  e,  since 
its  commencement. 

The  Evenwg  and  tlie  Morning  Star 
was  commenced  at  Independence, 
Jackson  County,  Missouri,  June,  1832, 
by  W,  W.  Phelps,  who  edited  fourteen 
numbers  of  that  paper.  It  is  known 
that  in  July,  1833,  that  office  was  de- 
molished by  a  moh,  and  that  the  Star 
was  resuscitated  in  this  place  in  De- 
cember of  the  same  year.  After  clo- 
sing the  two  first  volumes  it  was  deem- 
ed advisable  to  discontinue  it  and  issue 
the  present  paper.  For  eight  numbers 
I  have  to  acknowledge  a  rapid  increase 
■  of  subscriptions,  which  has  shown,  in 
some  degree,  the  estimation  others 
made  of  its  wonh.  It  will  be  conduct- 
ed hereafter  by  Elder  John  Whitmer 
late  from  the  State  of  Missouri.  It  is 
proper  for  me  t©  say,  that  wherever 
Elder  Whitmer  is  personally  known, 
a  commendation  from  me  would  be  un- 
<^lled  tor  and  superfluous;  and  I  hard- 


ly need  to  add,  that  those  to  whom  he 
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  the 
great  work  of  God. 

It  is  with  no  ordinary  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 jthat  they  were;  and  were  I  no  wscn- 
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  others,  and  are  influenced  by  their 
persuasions  to  embrace  different  sys- 
tems; and  though  weak  may  have  been 
m}'  arguments  and  feeble  my  exertior© 
to  persuade  others  to  believe  as  myself,, 
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  J  have  en- 
deavored to  have  before  my  mind  con- 
tinually.— How  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 
doomed  to  suffer  the  wrath  of  the  same? 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


121 


it  is  no  trifling  matter  to  sport  with  the 
souls  of  men! — they  must  exist  eternal- 
iy,  and  where  is  the  being  who  can 
save  them  from  suffering?  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  v/ork  cor- 
respond, and  if  there  is  a  lack  it  is  a 
want  o^  that  perfect  meekness  which 
adorned  the  walk  of  the  Savior  and  is 
left  as  a  pattern  for  those  who  profess 
his  gospel;  and  wherein  I  may  have  er- 
red in  this  respect,  I  look  for  forgive- 
ness through  the  'merits  of  him  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  Avith  an  in- 
creased joy  as  the  satisfaction  is  re- 
doubled, that  that  which  was  as  a  "grain 
of  mustard  seed"  a  few  years  since,  is 
now  beginning  to  enlarge  its  branches 
that  the  "fowls  of  heaven  are  lodging 
in  its  boughs;"  and  with  a  proportiona- 
ble increase  the  mild  rays  of  peace  and 
love  wi'll  soon  enlighten  the  dark  cor- 
ners of  the  globe,  and  Israel's  sons 
will  be  seen  wending  their  way  to  their 
pTomised^home.  With  these  prospects 
before  me,  I  tiike  tliis,  and  perhaps  my 
last  leave  of  my  friends,  as  an  'editor 
of  any  paper  whatever.     In  this,  how- 


ever, I  give  no  pledge,  as  I  know  not 
what  circumstances  fime  may  bring 
forth. 

As  my  principles  are  fully  known, 
it  is  unnecessary  to  repeat  them  here: 
I  shall  only  add  a  few  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-7-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  wick- 
ed— no  excuse  can  be  oflfered  to  pro- 
long the  summons,  or  a  show  of  right- 
eousness, clothed  with  deception,  es- 
cape the  scrutinizing  eye  of  "him  with 
whom  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  down  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  obtaining  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,  arc  many  and  fati- 
guing, but  while  they  are,  in  many  in- 
stances, considered  the  "ofl'-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  Lord  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  COWDERY. 


(t/^  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  gratetully  received. 

iDIlED — In  Clay  county,  Missouri, 
on  the  21st  of  October,  1834,  Wm. 
Whiting,  aged  27  year.'S. 

• —  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  doctrine  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  following  lectures  we 
have  thought  best  to  insert  the  cate- 
chism, that  the  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  tbey  were  presented,  the  class 
made  greater  progress  than  otherwise'; 
and  in  consequence  of  the  additional 
scriptui'e  proofs,  it  was  preserved  in 
conipiting. 


liccttire  Fiffclfi. 

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  ail  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  are  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  spii'it,  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  form  and  likeness  of 
man,  or,  rather,  man  was  formed  after 
his  likeness,  and  in  his  image; — he  is 
also  the  expi'ess  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  tho 
flesh — ^and  descended  in  suffering  be- 
low that  which  man  can  suffer,  or,  in 
other  words,  suffered  greater  suffer-- 
ings,  and  was  exposed  to  more  power- 
ful contradictions  than  any  man  caa 
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. 


JS^ 


excuse  for  their  sins.  And  he  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  record  of  the  Father 
and  tlie  Son,  and  these  three  are  one, 
or  in  other  words,  these  three  consti- 
tute the  great,  matchless,  governing 
and  supreme  jwv.'cr  over  all  things:  by 
whom  all  tilings  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  same  wisdom, 
glory,  power  and  fulness:  Filling  all 
in  all — the  Son  being  filled  with  the 
fulness  of  the  Mind,  glory  and  power, 
or,  in  other  words,  the  Spirit,  glory  and 
power  of  the  Father — possessing  all 
knowledge  and  glory,  and  the  same 
kingdom:  sitting  at  the  right  hand  of 
power,  in  the  express  image  and  like- 
ness of  the  Father — a  ]\Iediator  for 
man — being  filled  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- 
mandments: and  all  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  ex])res8 
image  of  him  who  fdls  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  andsalvation,  through  the  atone- 
ment and  mediation  of  Jesus  Christ,  by 
whf)se  blood  tlicy  have  a  forgiveness 
of  sins,  and  also,  a  sure  reward  laid 
up  for  them  in  heaven,  even  tliat  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  Spirit,  so  the  saints 
rare,  by  the  sumo  Spirit,  t(j  be  partakers 
of  the  same  fulness,  to  enjoy  the  same 
gl<jry;  f<^r  us  the-  Father  and  the  Son 
arc  one,  so  in  like  manner  the  saints 
are  to  Ik;  one  in  them,  through  the  love 
of  tlie  J^'uthcr,  the  mediation  of  Jesus 
Christ,  and  the  gift  of  the  Holy  Spirit, 


they  are  to  be  heirs  of  Godjand  joint 
heirs  with  Jesus  Christ. 


Question.     Of  what  do  the  foregoing  lee 
tures  treat? 

Anstcer.  Of  the  being,  perfections  and  at- 
tributes of  the  Deitj. 

Q.  What  are  we  to  understand  by  the  per- 
fections of  the  Deity? 

A.  The  perfections  which  belong  to  his 
attributes. 

Q.  How  many  personages  are  there  in  the 
Godliead? 

A.     Two:  the  Father  and  the  Son. 

Q.  How  do  you  prove  that  there  are  two 
personages  in  the  Godlieed? 

A.  By  the  Scrii>tures.  Gen.  1:  26.  And 
the  Lord  God  said  unto  the  Only  Begotten, 
who  was  with  liiin  from  the  beginning,  Let 
us  make  man  in  our  image,  ailer  our  like- 
ness:— and  it  was  done.  Gon.  3:  2*2.  And 
the  Lord  God  said  unto  the  Only  Begotten, 
Beiiold,  the  man  is  become  as  one  of  us:  to 
know  good  and  evil.  John,  17:  5.  And  now, 
O  Fatlier,  glorify  thou  me  with  thine  owr» 
self  with  tlie  glory  which  I  had  with  thee  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  unto  thee:  but  the 
Lord  shall  be  unto  tliee  an  everlasting  light, 
and  thy  God  thy  glory.  1  Chron.  29:  li. 
Thine,  O  Lord,  is  the  greatness,  and  the  pow- 
er, and  the  glory.  Ps.  29:  3.  The  voice  of 
the  Lord  is  upon  the  waters:  tlie  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  made 
like  to  corruptible  men. 

Secondly,  of  power.  1  Chron.  29:  4. 
Thine,  O  Lord,  is  the  greatness  and  tlie  pow- 
er, and  the  glory.  Jer.  32:  17.  Ah!  Lord 
God,  beliokl  thou  hast  made  the  earth  and 
the  lieavens  by  thy  great  power,  and  strctch- 
ed-out  arm:  and  there  is  nothing  too  hard 
for  thee.  Deut.  4:  37.  And  because  lie 
loved  thy  fathers  therefore  he  chose  their 
seed  after  them,  and  brought  them  out  in  his 
sight  witli  his  inigiity  power.  2  Samuel  22: 
33.  God  is  my  strength  and  power.  Job 
26,  commencing  with  the  7  verse,  to  the  end 
of  the  chapter.  He  stretches  out  the  north 
over  the  empty  j)lace,  and  hangs  the  earth 
upon  nothing.  He  binds  up  the  waters  in 
his  thick  clouds;  and  the  cloud  is  not  rent 
under  them.  Ht-  holds  back  the  tace  of  his 
throne,  and  sjtreads  his  cloud  upon  it.  He  has 
compassed  the  waters  with  bounds,  until  the 
day  ^'"1  iiigbt  come  to  an  end.  The  ])iliar8 
of  heaven  tremble,  and  are  astonished  at  his 
roi>i()of.  He  (hvides  the  sra  wilh  his  power, 
and  by  his  underKtanding  he  smites  through 
the  i)roii(J.  By  his  Spirit  lie  lias  gariii.shed 
the  heavens;  his  hand  has  formed  tlie  crooked 
H'-rpfJit.  Lo,  these  are  parts  of  his  ways; 
lull  ho\T  little  a  portion  is  heard  of  him?  Out 
tlie  thunder  of  his  power  wlio  can  under' 
stand? 
Q.     What  IB  the  Son? 


m 


MESSENGER  AND  ADTOCAfE. 


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  with  you,  and 
yet  have  you  not  known  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  me?  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  that  I  am  in  the  Father, 
and  the  Father  in  me. 

Secondly,  and  being  a  persontige  of  taber- 
nacle, was  made  or  fashioned  like  unto  man, 
or  being  in  the  form  and  likeness  of  man. 

Philip,  2.  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;  but  made  himself  of  no  re- 
putation, and  took  upon  him  the  form  of  a 
servant,  and  v/as  made  in  the  likeness  of 
man,  and,  being  found  in  fashion  as  a  man, 
he  humbled  himself,  and  became  obedient  un- 
to death,  even  the  death  of  the  cross.  Heb. 
2:  14,  16.  Forasmuch  then  as  tlie  children 
are  partakers  of  flesh  and  blood,  he  also  him- 
self likewise  took  pazt  of  the  same.  For 
verily  he  took  not  on  him  the  nature  of  an- 
geb:  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 
U,  not  robbery  to  be  equal  with  God. 

Q.  Was  it  by  the  Father  anr/  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  fii-st  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  heavens  and  the  earth. 
Heb.  1:  2.  [God]  Has  in  these  last  days  spo- 
jien  imto  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.  Col.  1:  19.  2:  9.  For  it 
pleased  the  Father  that  in  him  should  all  fiil- 
ness  dwell.  For  in  him  dwells  all  the  folness 
of  the  Godhead  bodily.  Eph.  1:  23.  Which 
is  his  [Christ's]  body,  the  fulness  ofhirathat 
fills  all  in  all. 

Q.  Why  was  he  called  the  Son? 
A.  Because  of 'the  flesh.  Luke  1:  33. 
That  holy  thing  which  shall  be  born  of  thee, 
Hhall  be  called  the  Son  of  God.  Math.  3:  16, 
17.  And  Jesus,  when  he  v/as  baptized,  v/ent 
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  is  my  beloved  Son,,  in 
whom  I  am  well  pleased.  # 

Q.  Was  he  ordained  of  the  Father,  frbiir 
before  the  foundation  of  the  world,  to  be  a 
propitiation  for  the  sins  of  all  those  who 
should  believe  on  his  name? 

A.  He  ^yas.  1  Peter,  1:  18,  19,  20.  For 
as  much  as  you  know  that  you  were  not  re-' 
deemed  with  corruptible  things,  as  silver  and 
gold,  from  your  vain  conversation,  received 
by  tradition  from  your  fathers;  but  with  the 
precious  blood  of  Christ,  as  of  a  lamb  with- 
out blemish  and  wirhout  spot:  who  verily 
v/as  foreordained  before  the  foundation  of  the 
world,  but  wao  manifested  in  these  last  timetf 
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  of 
life  of  the  Lamb  slain  from  the  foundation  of 
the  world.  1  Cor.  2:  7.  But  we  speak  the 
wisdom  of  God  in  a  mystery,  even  the  hidden 
mystery,  which  God  ordained  before  the 
world  unto  our  glory. 

Q.  Do  the  Father  and  the  Son  possess  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  down  from  heaven,  not  to  do  my  own 
will,  but  the  vi'ill  of  him  that  sent  me.  Jolin 
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  pjoceeds  from  the  Fa- 
ther, he  shall  testify  of  me.  [Christ.]  Gal. 
4:  6.  And  because  you  are  sons,  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  tlie  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  in  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. 

Qi     How  do  you  prove  it? 

A.     By  the  third  paragraph  of  this  lecture. 

Let  the  student  commit  this  also. 


liCCttire  ISixth. 

1  Having  treated,  in  the  preceding 
leclurcs,  of  the  ideas  of  the  character,  ■ 
perfections  and  attributes  of  God,  we 
next  proceed  to  treat  of  the  knowledge 
which  persons    must   have,   that  the 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


125 


course  of  life  which  they  pursue  is  ac- 
cording lo  the  will  of  God,  in  order 
that  they  niay  be  enabled  to  exercise 
faith  in  him  unto  life  and  salvation. 

2  This  knowledge  supplies  an  impor- 
tant place  in  revealed  religion;  for  it 
was  by  reason  of  it  that  the  ancients 
were  enabled  to  endure  as  seeing  him 
who  is  invisible.  An  actual  knov.iedgc 
to  any  jK'i-son  that  the  course  of  life 
which  lie  pursues  is  according  to  the 
will  of  God,  is  essentiall)''  necessary  to 
enable  him  to  have  that  confidence  in 
God,  without  which  no  persor»can  ob- 
tain eternal  life.  It  was  this  that  ena- 
bled the  ancient  saints  to  endure  all 
their  afHictions  and  persecutions,  and 
to  take  joyfully  the  spoiling  of  their 
goods,  knowing,  (not  believing  merely,) 
that  they  had  a  more  enduring  sub- 
stance,    tieb.  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  always  will  be  the 
situation  of  the  saints  of  God,  that  un- 
less they  have  an  actual  knowledge 
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- 
ers 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  ^othing  short  of  an  actu- 
al loiowlodgoof  their  being  the  favor- 
ites of  heaven,  and  of  their  having  em- 
braced that  order  of  things  which  God 
ha.s  established  for  the  redemption  of 
man,  will  enable  them  to  exercise  that 
confidence  in  him  necessary  for  them 
to  overcome  the  world,  and  olitain  that 
crown  of  glory  which  is  laid  up  for 
tlicm  thai  fear  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  wife  and  children,  and  even 
his  own  life  also,  counting  all  things 
but  fiUh  and  dross  for  the  excellency 
of  the  knowledge  of  Jesus  Christ,  re- 
quires more  than  m.cre  belief,  or  sup- 
position that  he  is  doing  the  will  of 
God,  but  actual  knowledge:  realizing, 
that  when  these  suiferings  are  ended 
!ie  will  enter  into  eternal  rest,  and  be 
a  partaker  of  the  glory  of  God. 

6  For  unless  a  person  docs  know  that 
he  is  walking  according  to  the  will  of 
God,  it  would  be  oflering  an  insult  t<i> 
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  life.  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  sufficient  to 
produce  the  faith  necessary  unto  life 
and  salvation;  for  from  the  first  exists 
ence  of  man,  the  faith  necessary  mito 
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  tha 
medium  of  the  sacrifice  of  all  earthly 
things,  that  men  do  actually  know  that 
they  arc  doiug  the  things  that  are  well 
pleasing  in  the  sight  of  God.  When  a 
man  has  ofiered  in  sacrifice  all  that  ho 
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  Gu.l  does  and  will  accept  his  sa- 
crifice and  ofieriug,  and  that  he  has  not 
nor  will  not  seek  his  face  in  vain. — 
Under  these  circumstances,  then,  ho 
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  oflbred  their  all  in  sacrifice,  and 
by  this  means  obtained  faith  in  God 
and  favor  with  him  so  as  to  obtain  eter- 
nal life,  unless  thev  in  like  manner  of- 


•nG 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


fcr  unto  him  the  same  sacrifice,  and 
through  that  offering  ohtain  the  know- 
ledge that  they  arc  accepted  of  him. 

9  It  was  in  offering  sacrifices  that 
.Abel,  the  first  martyr,  obtained  know- 
ledge that  he  was  accepted  of  God. — 
And  from  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  by  sacrifice.  Ps.  50:  3,  4,  .5. 
Our  God  shall  come,  and  shall  not  keep 
■silence:  a  fire  shall  devour  before  him, 
and  it  shall  be  very  tempestuous  round 
about  him.  He  shall  call  to  the  hea- 
vens from  above,  and  to  the  earth,  that 
he  may  judge  his  people.  Gather  my 
saints  together  unto  me;  those  that  have 
made  a  covenant  unto  me  by  sacrifice. 

10  Those,  then,  who  Hia;k;e  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  the  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  ^aith,  because 
men  are  dependent  upon  this  sacrifice 
iti  order  to  obtain  this  faith;  therefore 
they  cannot  lay  hold  upon  eternal  life, 
ibecause  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  have 
?iccount  in  all  the  revelations  of  God 
which  are  extant,  obtained  the  know- 
ledge wbich  they  had  of  their  accept- 
ance in  h.is  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  adversary, 
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  pursue  is  well  plea- 
ising  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  doubt  and  uncertain- 
ty are,  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  Vvhose  minds  are  under 
doubts  and  fears  cannot  have  unsha- 
ken confidence,  and  where  unsjiaken 
confidence  is  not,  there  faith  is  we-ik, 
and  vv'here  faith  is  weak,  the  persons 
will  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  grow  weary  in  their  minds,  and 
the  adversary  will  have  power  over 
them  and  destroy  them. 

Note.  This  lecture  is  so  plain,  and 
the  facts  set  forth  so  self-evident,  that 
it  is  deemed  unnecessaiy  to  form  a 
catechism  upon  it:  the  student  is  there- 
fore instructed  to  commit  the  whole  to 
memory. 


Faith  of  the  Chtaa^ch. 

Having  seen  what  the  gift  of  the 
Holj  Spirit  and  its  effects  are,  it  is  Wor- 
thy of  notice,  that  this  gift  was  the  thing 
which  was  promised  by  the  Savior  to 
those  who  would  hear  and  obey  the 
proclamation  which  he  had  sent  into 
the  world,  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- 
mation first  at  Jerusalem,  he  told  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  di-eam  dreams,  see  visions,  and 
prophesy;  speak  with  other  tongues, 
and  interpret  tongues,  &c.  &c.  Let 
us  ask,  what  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  what  the  "Latter 
Day  Saints"  must  see  if  they  receive 
the  gift  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  as  promised 
in  the  gospel. 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


In  the  6th  chapter  of  Isaiah's  prophe- 
ty,  1,  2,  3,  &  4th  verses,  he  gives  us 
an  account  of  a  vision  whicli  he  had 
in  the  year  that  king  Uzziah  died:  I 
sav/  also  the  Lord  sitting  upon  his 
throne,  high  and  lifted  up;  and  his  train 
fdled  tlie  temple.  Above  it  stood  the 
seraphims;  each  one  had  six  wings: 
with  twain  he  covered  his  face,  and 
with  twain  he  covered  his  fee*.,  and 
with  twain  he  did  fly.  And  one  cried 
unto  another,  and  said,  holy,  holy,  ho- 
ly, is  the  Lord  of  hosts:  the  whole 
eartli  is  full  of  his  glory.  And'the  posts 
of  the  door  moved  at  the  voice  of  him 
that  cried,  and  the  house  was  filled 
with  smoke. 

In  this  vision  the  prophet  both   saw 
and  heard:  he  saw  the  Lord,  as  well  as 
those   who  attended  him;   and   beyond 
all    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  alHic- 
tions  which  he  liad  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  Ezckiol  gives  us  an  account  of 
a   vision  which    he   had,     He  ben-ins 
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 — 
which   he  says  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  world;  the 
liand  of  the  Lord  was  upon   him,   and 
the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  fell  on  liirn  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  res|)ect 
ing  the   house    of  Isra(;I;   their  great 
wickedness  and  corniplion  at  that  time, 
with  what  should  befall  tli^m  in  after 
times:  and  to  sum  up  the  .^ubstance  of 
liis  vision,  he  saw,  and  heard,  and  un- 
derstood 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  thould  be  considered 


127 

such,  beginning  at  the  first  chapter  of 
his  prophecy  and  reading  carefully, 
and  noticing  particularly,  what  a  vast 
of  knowledge  he  must  have  obtained  in 
that  vision  of  things  not  seen  in  any 
other  way  but  in  vision;  and  he  can- 
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  very 
similar  to  those  seen  by  Isaiah  and 
Ezekiel,  or  sufficiently  so  to  give  us  a 
correct  idea  of  the  character  of  a  vis- 
ion. It  was  in  a  vision  that  he  had  the 
dream  of  Nebuchadnezer  manifested 
to  him,  with  the  intcipretation  thereof: 
iie  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 down,  until  the  stone  cut  out 
of  the  mountains  without  hands,  which 
began  at  the  feet  of  the  image  and  beat 
it  to  pieces  and  destroyed  it.  Surely, 
then,  this  vision  must  have  enlightened 
his  mind  greatly;  he  piust  have  in  a 
very  short  space  of  time,  found  ouit 
that  which  could  not  have  been  unfold* 
ed  for  hundreds  of  years;  yea,  more 
than  hundreds— thousands.  "  What,  a 
great  blessing,  then,  this  vision  must 
have  been  to  Daniel. 

From  this  short  notice  of  visions,  the 
heart  of  the  saint  must  begin  to  fall 
greatly  in  love  with  visions,  and  desire 
them  above  all  things,  as  a  peculiar 
means  of  obtaining,  not  only  know- 
ledge, but  knowledge  of  hidden  things, 
And  what  a  most  happy  effect  it  had  q^ 
Daniel:  he  praised  and  glorified  the 
God  of  heaven,  who  wa«  a  God  of 
Gods,  and  a  king  of  kings,  and  a  re- 
vealer  of  secrets,  and  who  had  so 
greatly  enliglitcned  his  mind  as  to  fill 
him  with  wisdom  and  understanding  to 
compreh.'ii.l  hidden  things. 

Daniel  favors  us  with  the  account 
of  another  vision,  in  the  7th  chai)fer  of 
his  prophecy:  let  the  reader  turn  to  it 
and  read  for  himself.  It  is  a  vision  of 
lour  beasts,  which  were  a  description 
of  the  kings  of  the  earth,  very  sipiilar 
to  the  former  one;  and  ho  beheld,  ho 
informs   us,   until  throiieg   werg   cast 


12d 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


down,  and  the  ancient  *of  days  did  sit, 
and  till  the  beasts  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  with  power  and  great  glory, 
and  got  a  kingdom  in  which  all  people, 
nations  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  communicate  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  whom 
he  only  told  it,  or  who  had  no  idea  of 
those  tilings  only  what  he  had  receiv- 
ed from  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 
could  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  whicii  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  down  unto  him  as  it  had  been  a 
great  sheet  knit  at  the  four  corners, 
wherein  were  all  m-anner  of  four  foot- 
ed beasts,  and  wild  beasts,  and  creep- 
in"-  things,  and  fowls  of  the  air,  and 
he  heard  a  voice  saying  unto  him, 
Arise,  Peter,  slay  and  eat,  &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  lo  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 
utter,  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  he  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  sav/  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  beheld  all  future 
time,  the  rising  and  falling  of  nations 
and  kingdoms,  so  as  to  give  them  the 
clearest  understanding  of  these  things; 
they  were  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  spii'it  in  them,  so 
as  to  get  knowledge  that  could  not  be 
obtained  in  any  other  way;  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 
groat  glory.  And  who  cannot  see  that 
this  was  an  extentof  knowledge,  which 
cannot  be  obtained  in  any  other  Avay?- 
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  to  othei-s;  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  south  and  west  willjre- 
member,  that  a  Conference  is  to  be  held  at 
New  Porta«,  on  the  6th  of  next  month. 

THE  LATTER  UAY  SAINTS' 

Bflessenger  and  Advocate, 

IS  EDITED  BY 

OII^IVER  COWDBR'S', 

And  published  every  month  at  Kirtland,  Geauga  Co 
Ohio,  by 

F.  O.  WILrlilAMS  &  Co. 

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MESSE]\<^ER  ANI>  ADVOCATE. 


Vol.  I.     No.  9.] 


KIRTLAND,  OHIO,  JUNE,  1835. 


[Whole  No.  9.] 


JLettcr  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,  I  shall  pro- 
ceed to  answer.  The  most  important 
item  which  presents  itself  first  for  con- 
sideration, is,  that  God  chooses  the  iveak 
things  of  the  world  to  confound  the  wis- 
dom of  the  wise.  Such  lias  been  the 
case  in  all  ages  which  have  preceded 
us,  and  such  is  the  case  as  regards  the 
men  who  have  been  instruments  in  the 
rise  and  ])rogress  of  the  chui'ch  of 
Christ  of  Latter  Day  Saints.  The  great 
prephets  and  seers,  whose  sepulchres 
were  garnished  by  the  Jewish  sects, 
when  they  lacked  pure  religion,  and 
whose  names  have  been  honored  with 
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  oti^ 
scou rings  of  the  earth.  The  fact  is, 
the  carnal  mind  is  opposed  to  holiness, 
and  hates  pui-e  religion.  The  reason 
IS,  men  have  little  faith  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  sec  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  its  sacred  require- 
ments. With  but  little  discernment, 
they  might  have  discovered  that  Isaiah 
had  his  eyes  on  the  last  days,  when  he 
spoke  of  what  should  happen  ut  a  fu- 
ture period.     For  instance: 

4.  And  thou  shall  be  brought  down,,  and 
shall  speak  out  of  the  ground,  and  thy  speech 
shall  be  low  out  of  the  dust,  and  tliy  vt)ice 
shall  be,  as  one  that  hath  a  familiar  epirit, 
out  of  the  ground,  and  thy  speech  shall  whis- 
per out  of  liic  dust. 

5.  Moreover  tlie  multitude  of  thy  stran- 
gers shall  be  like  small  dust,  and  the  multi- 
tude of  the  terrible  ones  shaU  be  as  chaff  lliat 
passeth  away:  yea,  it  shall  be  at  an  instant 
suddenly. 

G  Thou  shall'  be  visited  of  the  Lon»  of 
liosts  with  thunder,  and  with  earthquake,  and 
great  noise,  with  storm  and  tempest,  and  tiie 
paine  of  devouring  fire. 


7  And  the  nuiltitude  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  Ijis  soul  hath  appetite:  so  shall  the 
multitude  of  all  the  nations  be  that  fight 
against  mount  Zion. 

9  Stay  j'ourselves,  and  wonder;  cry  ye 
out,  and  cry:  they  are  drunken,  but  not  with 
wine;  they  stagger,  but  not  with  strong' 
drink.  •.        ^ 

10  For  the  Lord  hath  poured  out  upon  yoii. 
the  spirit  of  deep  sleep,  and  hath  closed  your., 
-^yes:  the  prophets  and  your  rulers,  the  seers 
hath  he  covered. 

11  And  the  vision  of  all  is  become  unto 
you  as'  t!ie  v'orJs  of  a  book  that  is  sealed, 
yvhiclr  men  deliver  to  one  that  is  learned,  say- 
ing, Read  this,  I  pray  thee:  and  he  saith,  I 
cannot;  for  it  is  sealed. 

12  And  the  book  is  delivered  to  him  that 
is  not  learned,  saying',  Read  this,  I  pray 
thiee:  and  he  saith,  I  am  not  learned. 

,  It  seems  very  evident  that  Isaiah  saw 
the  book  delivered  to  him  that  was  un- 
learned, that  the  Lord  might  proceed 
to  do  a  marvelous  work  among  this, 
people;  and  in  that  day  shall  the  deaf 
hear  the  words  of  the  book,  and  the 
eyes  of  the  blind  shall  see  out  of  obscu- 
rity, and  out  of  darkness.  By  uniting 
the  term  this  people  with  that  day, 
we  have. an  appearance  so  near  the  be- 
ings and  times  of  the  nineteenth  centu- 
ry,, that  a  person  must  be  wilfully  igno- 
rant, or  priesthj  blinded,  not  to  see  it. 
He  that  runs  might  read  it.  It  is  al- 
most as  plain  as  if  the  prophet  had  said: 
It  shall  come  to  ])ass,  in  the  niiietecnt]^' 
century,  before  the  second  coming  of 
ChriJst,  that  the  people  shall  be  ingrossj 
darkness:  their  seers  aiid  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 
shall  be  far  from  me:  they  shall  bo, 
proud  and  high  minded,  despising  all 
revelatiqn  but  the  bible;  and  that  too, 
unless  it  be  s])irituali'/.ed  according  to 
the  wisdom  of  men.  They  will  follow 
the  precepts  of  men.  The  mo.st  of  that 
generation  will  embrace  any  doctrine 
l)Ut  that  of  "one  Lord,  one  faith,  one 
baptism,  one  God  and  Father  of  all, 
who  is  above  all,  and  through  all,  and 
in  you  all." 

Who  can  mistake  tlib  tiin?  when  the 


130 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


vision  of  all  has  become  unto  this  peo- 
ple as  tiie  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 
Age  of  Reason,  or  Volney's  Ruins 
might  as  well  be  considered  the  stand- 
ard of  religious  worship  as  the  bible. — 
No  one,  according  to  the  present  pre- 
cepts of  men,  and  their  belief;  could 
get  faith  enough  to  ask  God  for  any 
tiling,  ori'eceive  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  ar.d  things,  leing  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  again  become  the  garden  of 
Eden.       .    " 

The  Lord  is  not  in  a  hurry,  neither 
is  he  slack:  His  work  goe'i  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  Jaslier,  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  hlin,  that 
the  books  v/ill  be  opened;  even  the 
books  of  Jehovah,  and  men  will  be 
judged  according  to  what  is  w'ritten  in 
the  books.  ■.'*■!    '■ 

t  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:  that 
we  came  into  this  world  and  have  our 
agency,  in  order  that  we  may  prepare 
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  iiine  questions 
may  be  in  the  breasts  of  many  saints; 
yet  thousands  of  your  readers  may  not 
understand  them:  thei'efore  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  tho 
children,  &c.  Peter,  James  and  John 
saw  Elias,  along  with  Moses,  in  the 
mount. 

Secondly,  "Are  they  brethren  of 
those  who  keep  his  commandments  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,  ohtain  the  like 
■precious  faith:  The  angel  said  to  John 
— "for  I  am  thy  fellow  servant,  and  ot* 
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  condescensiom  ^riough 
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  AND  ADVOCATE. 


I'^t 


i'lon,  besides  tlioLord  says  he  v/illsend 
his  angels  with  the  great  sound  of  a 
trumpet  and  they  shrill  gather  his  elect 
together,  IVoni  the  lour  winds,  from 
one  end  of  heaven  to  tlic  other. 

Fifthly,  "If  they  do  will  any  one 
know  it?''  From  the  record  of  thcte 
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,  "AVill  he  defend  them 
from  their  eucmies?" 

Eighthly,  "Will  he  lead  them  as 
they  were  once  led?" 

And,  ninthly,  "Will  he  be  seen?" 

I  shall  proceed  to  answer  these  four 
k\st  together.  Daniel  says: — "And  at 
that  time  shall  Michael,  stand  up,  the 
great  prince,  which  standeth  for  thy 
peope:  and  there  shall  be  a  time  ol 
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  arc  delivered  they  will  un- 
doubtedly be  defended  from  their  ene- 
hrits.  If  Joshua  saw  the  captain  of 
the  Lord's  hosts;  or,  if  Nebuchadnez- 
zer,  ill  his  astonishment,  exckiimed, 
seeing  with  his  own  eyes  in  the  day- 
time, "Lo,  I  see  four  men,  [three  on- 
ly were  cast  into  five]  loose,  walking 
in  the  midst  of  the  fire,  and  they  have 
no  hurt:  and  the  form  of  tlie  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  tlie 
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  mc^n 
were  fit  and  willing  to  receive  it,  that 
the  gloric-iis  day  nn'ght  roll  on  when 
we  might  not  only  find  sacred  records 
by  the  miu^tering  of  angels,'  but  might 
have  the  presence  of  Jesus  again  on 
earth;  &;  be  living  witnesses  of  that  day, 
wljen  the  knowledge  of  the  Lord  shall 
cover  the  eartli  as  the  water  covers  the 
sea;  when  all  shall  know  hmi,  from  the 
lea.st  even  to  the  greatest;  and  all  the 
redeemed  multitude  speak  a  pure  lan- 
guage, according  to  the  promise.  Such 
u  glorious  prospect  of  holiness  is  worth 
Jiving  for,  or  worth  dying  for,    and    I 


beseech  the  saints  to  s^trive  to  continue 
to  walk  in  the  way  and  obtain  their 
crown.  A..S  ever. 

\V.  \y.  PHELPS. 

To  O.  CowDERY,  Esq. 

P.  S.  I  am  apprised  of  the  fact  tliat' 
you  have  resigned  the  editorial  chair. 
I  hope  you  will,  however,  continuuil 
your  history  of  the  rise  and  progress 
of  the  church.  This,  because  you  arb 
as  well,  and  perhaps  1  may  say,  better 
acquainted  with  the  circumstances  and 
facts  relative  to  the  subject,  than  al- 
most any  other  member,  tb.at  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  Chriit. 


Ciosipei  No.  YIM. 

[CONTIN'JED   FEOM  TAGK  120.] 

From  rejection,  v/e  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  anl<i-deluvians  or  the  people  before 
the  flood  excepted.  We  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  eflects  of  the  gospel,  but  the 
gospel  itself,  or  else  the  gospel  was  un- 
necessar}';  for  men  could  have  enjoyed 
all  the  blcs'fings  which  it  confers,  v/ith- 
out  its  e.Nistence.  And  if  any  thing 
besides  the  gosijel  could  produce  the 
same  c fleets  of  the  gospel,  then  it  waa. 
vain,  and  worse  than  vain,  for  the  Sa- 
■vior  to  say  concerning  it,  "That  ho 
that  believed  it  not,  should  be  d-aujued;" 
for  they  could  have  been  saved,  if  it 
were  admitted,  that  somotlung  else 
could  produce  the  sanie  effect  of  the . 
gospel.  For  instance  if  men  could 
have  the  spirit  of  prophccying,  and  pro- 
phecy without  obeying  the  gospel,  then 
it  was  in  vain  for  the  Savior  to  say, 
"That  he  that  believeth  not  shall  bo 
danmed;"  for  who  does  not  know  that 
a  j;rophet  could  be  siived.  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  evidences  I  think,  extant 
in  the  scriptures,  whicji  is  net  easily 
set  aside,  though  cavilcrs.ipp/  cavil  a^ 


13^' 


MESSENGEft  Al^ff)  AbtOCATE 


it,  that  Abraham  had  a  perfect  know- 
ledge of  the  gospel.  We  want  it  dis- 
tinctly understood,  that  when  we  speak 
of  the  gospel,  we  mean  the  whole  sys- 
tem, with  all  its  ordinances  and  laws  as 
proclaimed  on  "the  day  ofpentecost;" 
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 
who  are  called  and  ordained  unto  this 
power.  Take  these  things  away  and 
where  is  the  gospel?  We  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  Holy  Spirit,  by  the  lay- 
ing on  of  the  hands,  we  know  nothing 
of  it;  for  God  our  heavenly  father  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,  we 
examined  the  ground  on  which  our  opin- 
ion was  founded  that  Abraham  had  a 
knowledge  of  the  gospel.  We  shall 
row  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 
tb  the  Hebrews  and  26th  v.,  "Paul  says 
that  Moses  esteemed  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  mail;  for 
says  the  Savior,  he  wrote  of  mei  We 
think  that  it  is  not  probable  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  reproa- 
ches of  Christ,  greater  riches  than  the 
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  writing 
it,  he  had  to  suffer  reproach.     This  is 
sufficient  to  shew  to  any  person  who  is 
willing   to  be   instructed,    that    Moses 
must   have   understood  the  nature  of 
Christ's  office,  as  Savior  of  the  world, 
or  why  suffer  reproach  for  his  sake? — 
Every  man  of  any  understanding  must 
know,  that  nothing  could   have  caused 
Moses  to  have  suffered    reproach    for 
Christ's  sake,  unless  he  had  knowledge 
of  him:  and  all  the  knowledge  that  any" 
being  can  have  of  Christ,  is,  as  Savior 
of  the  world,  and  if  Moses  suffered  re- 
proach for  Christ's  sake,  he  must  have 
done  so  because  he  proclaimed  him  as 
Savior  of  the  world,  &  must  have  known 
as  did  Abraham,  that  it  was  in  Christ- 
that  all  the  families  of  the  earth  should' 
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   the 
world.     And  if  Moses  knew  any  thing 
of  Christ,,    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  Chvist,  but  this;  take    this' 
away  and  the  knowtedgb' of  Christ  oea-- 
ses;' and  so  far  as  the   knowledge   of 
Christ  extended,  so  f^r  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  Moses. — 
He"  had  the  spirit  of  prophecy  and  of 
revelation,  he  also  had  visions,  and  the 
power  of  miracles  attended   him;    all 
these  arefruitsof  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  litinds.     If  any  should-  ob- 


MESSENGER  ANB  ADVOCATE. 


133 


ject,  and  say  that  the  scriptures  never 
.mention  the  baptism  of  Moses,  we  re- 
ply, neither  do  they  mention  his  wri- 
ting of  Christ,  they  only  ?ay  he  did 
write  of  him;  and  we  have  no  doubt  if 
these  writings  were  once  obtained,  we 
will  in  them  tind  the  account  of  his 
;baptism;  for  every  circumstance  in  re- 
lation to  him  tends  to  establish  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  Spirit  by  the  laying  on  of 
hands  in  his  name;  and  hgiving  thus 
openly  acknowledged  him,  he  had  to 
suffer  reproach  for  his  name;  for  it 
would  be  very  singular  indeed  if  Mo- 
ses had  to  sutler  the  reproaches  of 
Christ,  when  he  had  never  acknow- 
ledged him;  and  let  me  repeat  it  again, 
that  no  person  did,  or  ever  will  acknow- 
ledge Christ  only  those  who  do  it  by  be- 
ing immersed  in  water  for  the  remis- 
sion of  sins;  this  is  the  way  and  the  on- 
ly way  by  which  any  person  ever  has 
or  ever  will  acknowledge  Christ.  They 
«iay  acknowledge  men,  or  some  other 
t>eings  in  doing  other  things,  but  they 
can  acknowledge  Christ  in  no  other 
way,  and  that  for  the  best  of  all  rea- 
sons, because  there  is  no  other  way  of 
acknowledging  him;  for  do  all  other 
things  that  any  human  creature  could 
do,  and  leave  this  undone,  and  Christ 
would  not  be  acknowledged.  Seeing 
then,  that  Moses  suffered  the  reproach- 
es of  Christ,  it  follows  of  necessity  that 
he  must  have  been  baptized  for  the  re- 
mission of  sins  in  his  name,  or  he  could 
not  have  been  reproached  for  his  sake. 


FaitSa  of  the  Chtarch. 

That  part  of  the  work  of  the  Holy 
3pirit  in  the  salvation  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  perform- 
ed by  the  Spirit,  as  far  as  we  have  any 
account  of  the  people  of  God  in  his  re- 
velations. There  is  no  society  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  woiild 
be  a  marvelous  thing  to  find  a  body  of 
saints  on  earth  and  yet  there  >vould  be 


no  visions  among  them;  wo  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  false  prophecies  exist, 
and  sectarian  dogmas  abound;  men- 
made  worshipers  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  arc  not  authorized  to  say  there 
is  salvation;  for  all  the  people  who 
were  saved  of  whom  we  have  an  ac- 
count, were  of  the  number  who  saw 
visions;  and  such  was  the  importance 
which  the  sacred  writers  attached  to 
the  seeing  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,  there  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  knowledge  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  allthings — "yea," 
as  says  Paul,  "the  deep  things  of  God," 
1st  Corinthians,  2d  chapter,  10th  verse. 
No  person  can  reflect  on  the  great  pri- 
viligcs  which  the  saints  enjoyed  in  re- 
ceiving visions  without  being  filled  with 
desire:  there  was  no  end  to  the  kno\VT 
ledge  which  they  acquired;  there  wa^ 
no  bounds  to  their  discoveries;  they 
reached  far  into  futurity  and  comprc-- 
hended  the  things  of  both  God  and  mc\n 
for  many  generations;  tlioy  looked  to, 
the  things  within  tlie  veil,  and  saw 
the  things  of  God,  of  angels,  and  of 
men  in  the  unseen  world.  It  was  vis- 
ions which  gave  them  the  greatest  con-, 
fidence  in  thejr  religion,  and  which  en-, 
abled  them  to  endure  as  seeing  him 
who  is  invisible.  They  knew  their  re-, 
ligion  to  be  true;  foi',  through  visions 
they  had  seen  with  their  eyes,  heard 
with  their  ears,  and  understood  with 
their  hearts.  In  their  visions  they  con- 
versed with  angels,  the  spirits  of  just 
men  made  perfect;  were  made  acquaint- 


134 


3«|:SSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


ed  witfi  liic  glories'bf  the  eternal  world, 
arid  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,  lieariilg,  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  heaitl  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 
vv-itncsses  for  God.  Is'or  did  the  an- 
cients ever  jiretend  to  be  vfitnesses  of 
any  thing  but  of  what  they  saw  and 
heard  themselves.  When  God  v/ent  to 
raise  up  witnesses  for  himself,  ho  did 
Go  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  cs-' 
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  doinj.  The  apostle  Paul  said 
concerning  the  apostles,  "that  they 
\vere  a  savor  of  life  unto  life  or  of  death 
iinto  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  v/ho  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, 
tlie  testimony  of  Jesns,  but  those  v/ho 
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  witness  for  either  God  or 
man,  he  must  have  something  to  which 
he  can  testify;  ^nd  no  man  can  testify 
to  what  another  sees  and  hears;  but  to 
what  he  sees  and  hoars  himself.  In 
order,  therefore,  for  a  man  to  bo  a  wit- 
ness for  Jesus  Chjrist,  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  iron, 
neither  received  I  therri  of  man,  bu';  by 
the  revelation  of  Jesus  Christ.  On  this 
principle,  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 
tho  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  decla-red 
that  they  had  seen  Jesus  after  he  arose 
from  the  dead,  and  Paul  among  tho 
rest  said,  that  last  of  all  he  appeared 
unto  me,  as  one  born  out  of  due  time. 
They  went  from  place  tf>  place,  and 
from  land  to  land  declaring  as  they 
went  that,  that  same  Jesus  who  wag; 
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,  32. 

Tlie  object  in  raising  up  these  wit- 
nesses was,  that  through  their  testimo- 
ny, the  world  might  be  judged.  Hence 
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,  anc] 
went  forth  and  testitied  of  what  they 
saw  and  heard;  and  by  this  means  God 
would  judge-  the  world.     When    they 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


1^ 


.had  this  great  witness  of  the  things  of 
■^God  &  would  not  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  hoard 
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  worJd,  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  v/ould  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  witne.ss;  for  there 
is  not  any  thing  of  which  he  could  tes- 
tify; but  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. 

Jjr.  O.  Cotcdery, 

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, 
C4  But  do  not  understand,  that  we  are 
gliding  smoothly  along  without  any 
persecution:  this  promise  of  the  Savior 
is  abundantly  verified.  Scourgings, 
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  lan4s,  and  the  assurance  of  eternal 
life  in  th$  .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. 


Messeaager  a^fl     A€i«'ocate. 


KIRTLAND,    OHIO,  JUNE,  1?35. 

TO  THE  PATRONS  OF  THE  LAT- 
TER  DAY  SAINTS'  MESSEN- 
GER AND  ADVOCATE. 

On  assumiiig  the  editorship  of  this 
paper,  its  patrons,  no  Qoub%  will  ex- 
pect me  to  give  them  an  outline  of  the 
course  ,1  inlond  to  pursue  while  con- 
ducting its  columns  in  future. 

The  labors  of  this  station,  to  those 
acquainted  with  them,  are  known  to  bo 
many  and  complicated;  the  responsi-< 
bility  resting  upon  an  individual  who 
steps  forward  in  our  religious  country, 
at  this  day,  and  as.'jumes  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  v/ide,  the  harvest  great  and  the 
laborers  iew.  Not  that  all  men  arc 
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  rcliafionr 
and  that  one  the  true,  it  would  bo  for' 
eign  from  my  heart  to  think  that  my 
feeble  exertions  could  beiiefit  mankind: 
for  if  it  were  thus,  -.ny  labors  would  be 
uncalled  for.  Hut  while  we  discover 
so  many,  one  is  led  !o  enquir'^,  which 
is  right?  Has  the  Lord  ordained  so 
many  ways  for  the  salvation  of  his  peo- 
ple? Does  this,  almost  numberless 
train  of  professions,  comport  with  the 
scriptures?  Does  it  show  one  Lord 
and  one  faith?  And  amid  so  many 
professed  gospels,  whore  is  the   one 


'138 


MESSENGER  AND  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— a,nd  that  mine 
may  bear  the  strict  scrutiny  of  my 
Master,  in  the  great  day  approaching, 
I  shall  endeavor  to  haye  it  correspond 
with  the  strictest  principles  of  virtue 
and  holiness. 

Yet,  another  reflection,  that  one  is 
destined  to  labor  for  some  thousands, 
and  suit  matter  for  all,  would  be  a  suf- 
ficient excuse  to  urge  on  my  own  part, 
to  my  friend  and  brother, — who  has 
conducted  this  paper  since  its  com- 
mencement with  so  much  talent  and 
ability,  for  him  to  select  another  person, 
were  it  not  that  every  man  is  to  be  re- 
warded for  his  diligence  and  perseve- 
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  will  be  satis- 
factory. The  applause  of  this  world 
may  be  courted  by  whom  it  may,  and 
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  visioii.  So  with  the 
frowns  and  scoffs  of  men — their  worth- 
iessness  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- 
uess — one  may  foam  its  anger  in  per- 
petual solitude,  and  the  other  discharge 
its  fury  and  its  wrath  >vithout  injury — 
they  lose  their  force  and  spend  their 
violence  in  fruitless  attempts  to  harm 
in  vain. 

There  is  a  way  of  salvation, — a  path 
to  heaven — a  crown  for  the  pure  in 
heart,  and  principles  teaching  men  how 


to  escape  the  evil  and  enjoy  the  goo3. 
One  way,  and  only  one  lias  the  Lord 
pointed  out  for  men  to  pursue  in  order 
to  obtain  eternal  life,  and  it  shall  be  my 
duty  to  set  forth  such  facts  as  are  cal- 
culated to  inform  the  mind  on  those 
principles.  That  they  are  plainlj-  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- 
iants  of  our  country,  doubt  there  being 
any  other  than  the  one  given  to  the 
Jews,  and  a  few  churches  among  the 
Gentiles,  by  a  part  of  the  apostles. 

The  last  item  is  one  that  has  been, 
and  still  is  a  matter  of  much  controver- 
sy. Such  as  profess  to  be  in  the  riglit 
Wi^y  and  enjoy  the  true  light,  arc  dis- 
turbed, while  those  who  fear  for  the 
safety  and  profits  of  their  craft,  are 
trjernbling  lest  the  world  will  be  dissua- 
ded from  following  them. 

No  man,  possessing  his  common  fac- 
ulties of  understanding,  unconnected 
with,  or  influenced  by  sectarian  pre- 
judice, will  hesitate  to  say  that  some- 
thing is  wrong;  and  how  is  the  evil  tg 
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  of  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, 
standing  with  deep  anxiety  and  concern 
for  their  souls,  and  say,  "If  I  could  but 
see  the  consistent  order  of  which  the 


MESSENGER  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  times,  and  set  free 
those  who  are  in  bondage  to  the  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  sq,  has  it  been 
ushered  in?  These  cannot  be  qonsid- 
ered  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,  amd  if  it  is  a  fable,  it 
is  unworthy  the  notice  of  the  intelligent 
^nd  the  concern  of  the  surQ;  but  till 
these  facts  arc  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 
^nd  mine  to  correspofid  y/ith  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 
and  ^p^-ead  of  truth,  to  be  interesting 
to  every  family  wherever  it  may  ap- 
pear. 

The  elders  and  brethren  generally 
arc  requested  to   obtain  and   forward 


subscrihers,  who  will  be  entitled  to  their 
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  pure  in  heart,  and  still 
.iTiaintain  the  present  respectability  of 
-this  -imper,  and  above  all  to  have  my 
work  correspond  with  the  principles  of 
holi^iess,  that  at  the  great  day  of  the- 
Lord  Jesvis,  I  may  but  receive  the  re- 
ward of  the  jusi  and  the  approbation 
of  the  same,  that  a  crown  of  righteous- 
ness may  be  p.laced  upon  my  head,  I 
shall  be  satisfied  and  give  the  praise 
and  glory  to  the  exalted  name   of  the 

Most  High. 

JOHN  WHITMER. 


TO  THE  SAINTS  SCATTERED 
ABROAD. 

Dear  Brethren: — It  is  a  duty  which 
every  saint  ought  io  render  to  his  bre- 
thren freely — to  always  love  them,  and 
ever  succor  them.  To  be  justified  be- 
foi-e  ■God  we  m;us,t  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 Aqw  from  the  great  fountain  of 
pure  religion..  Strengthening  our  faith 
by  adding  every  good  quality  that  adorns 
th<3  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  prepare 
men  for  the  rest  of  the  Lord,  the  elders 
in  Zion,  or  m  her  immediate  region, 
have  no  authority  or  right,  to  meddle 
with  her  spiritual  affairs,  to  regulate 
her  concerns,  or  hold  councils  for  the 
expulsion  of  rmjnibers,  in  her  unorgan- 
ized condition.  The  high  council  has 
been  expressly  organized  to  administer 
in  all  her  spiritual  affairs;  and  the  bish- 
op and  his  council,   arc   set  over   her 


133 


MESSRI^GEtt  Ann  ADVOCATE. 


lemporal  matters:  so  that-  the  elders' 
acts  arc  null  and  void.  Noio  the  Lord 
wants  the  tares  and  wheat  to  grow  to- 
gether: for  Zion  must  be  I'edeemcd  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  Trom  the  blood  of  tins  gencr- 
^ation.  While  they  are.  in  that  ?egion 
instead  of  trying^  members  : for  trans- 
;gressions,  or  .^oifences,  let  every  qdo 
labor  to  prepare  himself  fqr  the  vine- 
yard, sparing  a  little  tinie  to  cofnfort 
the  mourners;  to  bind  up  the  broken- 
liearted;  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  x>ne  heart  and  one 
mind,  prepare  to  help  redeem  Zion, 
that  goodly  land  of  promise,  whei-e  the 
willinsr  and  the  obedient  shrill  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, 
that  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  are  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  ofhcers,  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 
your  enemies  in  the  church,  and  curs 


not  your  foes  without:  for  vengeance 
is  minfe,  saiith  the  Lord,  and  I  will  re- 
pay- 

To  every  ordained  member  and  to 
all  we  say,  be  merciful  and  you  shall 
fmd  mei'cy.  Seek  to  help  save  souls, 
not  to  destroy  them;  for  verily  you 
know,  that  "there  is  more  joy  inheaveriy 
over  one  sinner  that  repents,  than  there 
IS  over  ninsty  and  nine,  just  persons 
that  need  no  repentaTice."  Strive  not 
about  the  mysteries  of  the  kingdom;' 
cast  not  your  pearls  before  swine,  give 
not  the  bread  of  the  children  to  dogs, 
!est  you  and  the  children  should  suffer, 
and  you  thereby  offend  your  righteous 
Judge.  ,  .• 

Your  brethren,  who  leave  their  fanv 
iiies,  with  whom  they  have  enjoyed  an 
earthly  measure  of  peace  and  Joy,  to 
carry  glad  tidings  round  the  world,  ex- 
pect great  things  of  you,  while  you  are 
privileged  to  enjoy  the  blessings  of  the 
saints'  society.  They  pray  our  heaven- 
ly Father,  that  you  may  be  very  pray-  . 
erful,  ver3diumble,  and  very  charitable; 
working  diligently,  spiritually  and  tem- 
porally for  the  redemption  of  Zion,  thnt 
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  glory.  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  faitl)-: 
ful  to  the  end.  F. 


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  cnsampie 
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  pei-secirtion  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. 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


13S 


^■'^-  I  perfectly  remeinberthe  20th  of  Ju- 
ly, 1833,  %vhen  the  Jackson  county 
mil-  '-lemolished  tiic  office  of  the  Star, 
nnd  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  iar  and  fea- 
thers. 

.No  Ainrrican  citizen  can  read  the 
account  of  that  shameful  violation  of 
the  laws,  -without  blushing  for  the  de- 
pravity uf  the  human  heart.  Rut  what 
stuns  the  ear  still  more,  is  that  this  per- 
secution did  not  end  here.  Lawless 
marauders  always  fear  justice  and 
tremble  at  the  approach  of  retribution 
— and  to  avoid  either,  this  banditti, 
like  a  gang  of  infernals,  prosecuted 
their  purpose  until  twelve  hu.ndhed 
individuals  were  deprived  of  their  homes 
in  the  inclement  seasqn  of  winter! 

The  question  imraediatfly  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 
ail  should^enjoy  it. 

It  should  be  borne  in  mind,  that  these 
inhabitants  could  nut  carry  their  land 
with  them,  and  being  driven  from  their 
hard  reared  and  hard  earned  crops, 
were  driven  to  extremes  to  procure 
food  and  raime^it.  But  a  relation  of 
this  occurrence  would  transcend  my 
limits  for  the  i)resent.  It  may  be  ask- 
ed, 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- 
.iilDte. 

Bishop  Partridge,  in  company  with 
Efder  Isaac  Morley,  who  is  known  to 
many  saints,  is  now  on  his  way  to  the 
east.  It  is  to  be  hoped  that  the  benev- 
olent and  phihuithro[)ic  will  open  their 
hearts  and  donate  liljcrally  for  the  bon- 
olit  of  those  who  have  been  so  inhu- 
majily  dispossessed  of  their  homes.rr— 
Surely,  I  know  not  of  more  responsi- 
ble men  than  these  two,  into  who.sc 
hands  relief  may  be  placed.  May 
those  who  have  abundance,  remember 
the  important  declaration  of  the  Lord, 
"inasnuieh  as  you  have  done  it  unto 
the  leai^t  of  these,  you  hwrdone  it  mi- 
','^0  mo.'*    (i     ;....,'  C. 


Freedom,  Catcraugns  Co.  N.  Y.    > 
May  18,  1835.  S 

Elder  O.  Cowderv: — 

In  perusing  the  jour- 
nal of  my  travels  and  preaching  during 
the  past  winter  and  present  spring,  1 
noticed  some  conversation  which  ])as- 
sed  between  myself  and  L.  H.  Jamo 
son,  a  Campbeliite  preacher.  Some  of 
the  particulars  of  which;  I  will  eom- 
municatc  to  yoit  in  this  letten  and  if 
you  consider  it  worthy  of  a  place  in  the 
Advocate,  you  may  publish  it.  It  is 
Avell  known  to  some,  if  not  many,  that 
the  Campbellitcs  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  of  Delusion!  false  Pro- 
phet! Imposture!  and  almost  every  oth- 
er evil  epithet  which  they  can  invent 
— and  if  perchance  they  arc  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 
oft' in  a  tangent,  and  refer  the  peopfo 
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! — 
i>ut  as  it  happens,  many  o^  tlie  inhabi- 
tants of  our  country  are  of  more  noble 
principles,  and  rrfen  of  too  good  sense 
to  believ<^  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  fthnn 
relation  of  tlw  cohvonsution  v/hich  I 
had  with  Mr.  Jameson  io/.i  ]niblic  con- 
grogatioD,,Jn  the  village  of  Commiugs- 
ville,  six  mijos  from  the  city  of  Cincin- 
nati, and  four  from  the  village  of  Car- 
thage, Ohio,  on  the  1st  of  March,  183."^ 

Alter  delivering  three  discourses  to 
the  peo|il<'  in  Commingsville,  upon  the 
subject  t.f  the  doctrine  believed  by  the 


140 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


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  I  was  wil- 
ling to  converse  with  any  reasonable 
man  upon  the  subject  of  religion,  J  al- 
so understood  that  he  was  generally 
open  and  free  to  investigate  the  siame 
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  dismi:jsion  of  the  meeting  most  part 
of  the  congregation  tarried,  and  I  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- 
■actei-  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 
the  meeting  and  the  day  on  which  we 
should  meet,  &c.  The  congregation 
then  broke  up  and  returned  to  their 
homes; — while  on  their  way  some  said 
cne  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, 
&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,  March2,  1835. 
Mr.  Pratt: — When  the  Apostles 
bore  testimony  to  the  resurrection  of 
Jesus  Christ,  God  confirmed  their  tes- 
timony by  miracles;  your  impudent  sto- 
ry hcks  this  confirmation.  Indeed  you 
have  nothing  new  to  tell  us,  unless  it 
be  the  lately  engendered  falsehoods  of 
Joseph  Smith— -and  it  would  be  as  far 


impossible  for  God  to  confirm  them  as 
it  would  be  for  hun  to  lie.  Do  yoH 
know  what  a  miracle  is?  I  am  bold  to 
say  you  do  not,  nor  would  I  believQ 
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  ope.  You 
may  come  to  Carthage,  or  you  may  go 
to  Missouri,  or  where  you  please,  I 
h^ve  nothing  to  dp  ^iih  Joseph  Smithy 
the  Imposter  who  palmed  this  imposi- 
tion on  you;! — I  have  nothing  to  do 
with  you  who  are  imposed  upon — rl 
would  not  believe  the  book  of  Mormoi), 
though  you  should  apparently  perforir^ 
a  miracle,  which  I  am  firmly  persua-; 
ded  you,  nor  any  ©ther  man  livipg^ 
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. 


li  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 
dimmed  the  rays  which  had  begun  to 
warm  the  hearts  of  the  oppressed,  m  a 
thousand  countries. 

Let  us  hope  for  better  things  in  fu- 
ture; let  ug  not  dishonor  the  fame  of 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


i4l 


bur  departed  sires,  at  whose  high  bla- 
zing flame  of  patriotism,  our  tapers 
have  been  lighted.  Let  us  not  stam 
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 
iind  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:  Tliey  are  all  gone 
out  of  the  way,  t/icy  are  together  become 
unprofitable;  there  is  none  that  doeth 
good,  no  not  one. 

The  paragraph  alluded  to  reads: — 
"When  we  revert  to  Anti-IMasonry; 
to  Mormonism;  to  the  detestable  doc- 
trines of  the  Abolitionists;  to  the  con- 
duct of  the  people  of  Charlestown  and 
Lowell,  and  to  the  Cayenne  pepper  re- 
formers, we  blush  for  our  country.— 
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  Rodgars 
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  2^,  1835. 

Dear  Brother: — I  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- 
olaiin  th ;  gladsome  news  of  the  ever- 
lasting gospel.  I  endeavored  to  have 
a  congregation  convene  to  preach  to, 
but  could  not  got  one  in  this  place.  I 
was  sent  by  a  landlord  to  a  Methodist 
Preacher,  wl»o,  he  said,  managed  the 
preaching  iti  that  jjlace.  I  desired  of 
him  to  let  me  [treacli.  He  replied,  ho 
would  not,  at  the  same  fimt;  making 
many  obieclions — such  as  deceivers, 
false  prophets,  *SiC.  However,  he  chuU 


lenged  me  for  a  debate:  and  finding  that 
1  could  not  get  any  other  way  to  preach 
to  the  people  of  that  place — I  thought 
proper  to  accept  the  challenge-^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  preach,  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  t>.vo  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  somcof  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  m'the 
same  place;  and  after  I  was  through, 
a  Campb'ellite  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  marly 
points  relative  to  the  fair  principles  of 
Mr.  Evans'  arguments. 

I  riien  came  to  a  three  days'  meeting 
in  Hanover,  held  by  the  Campbellites, 
and  on  Sabbath  the  23d  inst.  desired 
the  j)rivilege  of  making  a  reply  to 
Campbcllisni,  but  was  refused  by  the 
leaders.  Notwithstanding  this,  some 
of  the  people  requested  me  to  go  to  the 
woods  (a  short  distance  from  this  jjlace) 
which  I  accepted,  and  about  two-thirds 
of  the  assembly  followed.  After  the 
discourse  was  ended,  I  gave  an  invita- 
tion for  baptism,  and  one  came  for- 
ward— and'  many  were  affected,  and 
the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  fell  ujjon  the 
peoi)le,  and  some  were  convinced.  Wo 
liave  a  great  range  of  country  to 
preach  in,  and  large  congregations  at- 
tend our  meetings. 

DAVID  EVANS. 

To  O.  Cowdery,  Esq. 


iii-2 

Extract  of  a  Letter,  dated,  Clinton  Co. 
(ML)  May  15,  1835. 

Dear  Btother— I  again  resume  my 
pen  to  inform  you  of  my  mission,  and 
the  prospects  of  the  great  cause  of  God 
in  this  rej?-ion.  Since  elder  G.  M. 
iiinkel  and  mj^self  wrote  last,  y/e.  have 
baptized  twenty-six,  maidng  in  ail  one 
hundred,  and  thirteen  since  we  first 
came  into  this  i)art  of  the  country. 

At  a  conference  held  here  on  the 
2.'th  of  April,  there  were  eight  branch- 
es of  the  church  represented,  number- 
in"-  one  hundred  and  fifty -seven  firm 
in^tho  faith  of  the  everlasting  gospel. 
All  the  travelling  elders  from  Missouri, 
left  here  socn  after  conference.  El- 
ders A.  Lyman,  E.  Higbee,  I.  IKgbee, 
and  E.  H.  Groves,  left  here  the  28th 
of  April,  and  G.  M.  Hinldc  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  Gi-eeh 
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  micrht,  for  truly  the  Lord 
has  crowned  our  labors  in  this  section 
with  success,  and  has  preserved  our 
health.  Elder  A.  Gilford  and  W.  Plar- 
ris  have  just  arrived,  and  are  laboring, 
but  will  leave  soon.  I  ^end  you  three 
new  subscribers. 

Your  brother  in  Christ. 

HARVEY  GREEN. 

To  Oliver  Cowdery,  Esq. 


MESSEN&ER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


Elder  J.  Blakeslee,  of  Ellii*urgh,  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  fii'teen.'  The  cause  is  gain- 
in »  friends  in.  this  part  of  the  land." 

We  greatly  rejoice  to  hear  from  the 
Elders  abroad,  wherever  they  have 
been  permitted  in  divine  Providence  to. 
journey,  and  proclaim  glad  tidings  of 
great  joy;  that  so  many  are  willing  to 
hear  and  receive  the  truth,  and  obey  it, 
notwithstandiiig  the  ?idversary  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,  tha,t  they  inves- 
tigate it  npt,  lest  they  ^should  embrace 
it,  andf.enjoy  the  smiles  of  their  Bene- 
factor: For  it  is  evident,  accoring  to 
divine  writ,  tiiat  he  seeks  to  make  men 
miserable;  that  he  desires  to  overthrow 
the  designs,  of  Deity,  and  make  nieu 
believe  that  he  has  the  kingdoms  of  this 
world  a,t  his. disposal,  and  can  give  them 
to  whom  he  pleases,  on  conditioa ,  that 
they  worship  hhn:  But  we  discover 
that  his  propositions  to  the  Savior  were 
rejected,  and  he  reproved  him  with 
sharpness.  Why  not  vv-e,  v/hen  the 
same  thiu-gs  arq  presented  to  us,  who 
are  rational  and  intelligent  beings,  fol- 
low the  example  of  the  meek  and  low- 
ly Jesus;  especially  those  v/ho  have 
put  on  Christ,  and  profess  to  walk  in 
the  ordinances  of  the  gospel;  and  moro 
especially  those  who  are  set  apart  to 
promulgate  the  truth?  Shall  we  have 
our  hands  defiled  with  the  mammon  of 
unrighteousness,  and  our  hearts  and 
tongues  with  unhallov/ed  principles  and 
doctrines,  such  as  arc  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 
mys-teries  of  the  kingdom,  when  in  fact 
they  are  unacquainted  with  the  first 
principles  of  the  gospel,  and  in  conse- 
quence of  these  things  the  church  is 
often  made  to  suffer  tlie  calumniating, 
influence  of .  Satan,  to  pur,  grief  and 
mortification.  . 

But  when  the  honest  in  heart  are 
n:!ade  acquainted  with  the  truth,  they 
will  embrace  it;  and  in  these  things  we 
do  rejoice,  for  truth  will  stand  and  will 
prevail  until  this  knowledge  of  the  Lord 
shall  cover  the  earth — and  ,  when  this 
period  arrives  sui'ely  vvickedness  must 
cease  and  righteousness  abound,  and 
joy  and  gladness  fill  the  hearts  of  those' 
who  dwe  1  on  the  earth. 


NEW  PORTAGE  CONFERENCE. 
This  meeting  of  the  elders  and  breth- 
ren Vv'as  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. 


C4:i 


The  brethren  from  a  distance  were  in 
good  spirits,  and  manifested  an  unsha- 
ken confidence  in  the  gospel  which 
they  had  embracec^  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  sufiicient  to 
say,  that  the  glorious  work  of  our  Lord 
has  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  afollyo 

On  Saturday  the  Gth,  the  elders  as- 
sembled in  confq^nce,  in  a  large  and 
convenient  room,  furnished  by  elder 
A.  Palmer,  the  presiding  elder  of  that 
church.  Elder  O.  Cowdery  was  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  seattj;  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 
CAUggcration. 

Tiio  meeting  was  an  interesting  one, 
and  those  present  listened  with  marki'il 
attention  to  the  dispensation  of  the  word 
of  life.  The  brethren  regretted  that 
they  had  not  made  preparations  in 
some  grove,  wlicn  they  isaw  tlie  great 
anxiety  of  some  hundreds  who  could 
not  be  convened:  had  this  been  the 
case,  undoubtedly  more  upparont  good 
woidd  ha\  e  been  the  resvdt  of  the  inter- 
view. 

After  nil  able  and  fervent  address  to 
the  throne  of  grace,  elder  O.  Cowdery 
delivered  an  into  resting  discourse  upon 


the  plan  and  order  of  heaven  in  the  sal- 
vation of  the  human  familj-,  followed 
by  elders  P.  11.  Young,  Z.  Coltrin,  & 
A.  J.  Squiers;  after  which  Elder  Palm- 
er gave  an  invitation  to  those  who  desi- 
red, to  be  baptized,  when  tb.rec  came 
forward  and  were  buried  in  tlie  liquid 
grave.  This  was  an.  interesting  sea- 
son, and  many  of  theby-standers  were, 
apparcnth/,  touched  with  a  sense  of 
the  importance  of  that  moment  when 
an  individual  steps  forward,  in  the  pre- 
sence of  this  world  and  the  heavenly 
hosts,  and  covenants  to  foUotv  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,  candidly,  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  testily  of 
the  same — there  is  neither  lack  of  hu- 
man or  divine  testimony:  Then  wlm 
so  blind  as  not  to  see?  And  who  so 
deaf  as  not  to  hear? 

Elder  WHiitmer  was  followed  by  se- 
veral elders,  and  the  meeting  closed 
with  a  k\v  remarks  from  elder  O.  Cow- 
dory  upon  the  further  truth  of  the  book 
of  Mormon.  The  meeting  was  contin- 
u(;d  till  quite  late,  after  which  one  more 
came  lorward  and  was  baptized. 

After  evening  the  elders  were  called 
together  again  in  confcreiic.;,  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  arc  unacquainted  with  the 
inllucnce  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  are  stran- 
gers. 

Thus  closed  one  of  the  most  intci-est- 
ing  conferences   and  meetings  I   have 


144 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


lately  attended,  and  I  am  inclined  to 
think,  that  the  good  results  will  long  be 
experienced  by  many  hundreds.  I  am 
satisfied,  that  the  church  received  ad- 
ditional strength,  (though  they  were  by 
no  means  weal;  in  the  faith  before,) 
and  many  others  received  a  de,gree  of 
testimony  of  the  great  work  of  the  Lord 
in  the  last  days,  that  will  be'  as  good 
seed  sown  upon  good  ground.'  May  it 
be  even  so,  till  the  knowledge  of  the 
glory  of  our  Redeemer  shall  fill  the 
earth,  and  all  his  chosen  ones,  shout 
hosannah!     Amen.  O. 


John's  definition  of  God  is  the  nearest  to 
perfection  of  any  tliat  we  know  of.  It  is  like 
the  "pearl  of  great  price,  or  the  diamond  of 
all  worth."  By  beginning,  at  the  letter  Cif,  in 
the  middle  of  the  table  below,  the  reader  may 
read  till  he  is  satisfied,  up,  down,  and  each 
siile,  and  continu.:dl3'^ learn  that  God  is  loT>e.' 

E  ' 

EVE 

EVOVE 

EVOLOVE 

EVOLSLOVE 

EVOLSISLOVE 

EVOLSIDISLOVE 

.  EVOLSIDODISLOVE 

EVOLSIDOGODISLOVE 

EVOLSIDODISLOVE 

EVOLSIDISLOVE 

EVOLSISLOVE 

EVOLSLOVE 

EVOLOVE 

EVbVE 

EVE' 

E    .       P. 


Ads&m-ondi-Ahmait. 

BY   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  Adam-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  aloird 
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. 

Hbsanna  to  such  days  to  come — 
The  Savior's  second" comin' — 

When  all  the  world  in  glorious  blooin, 

Affords  the  saints  a  holy  home 
'Like  Adam-ondi-Ahman; 


Sabbath  Hymn, 

BY  THE  SAME. 

Gently  raise  the  sacred  strain, 
For  the  Sabbath's  cofne  again. 

That  man  may  rest,. 
Aiijd  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. 

Kfcppy  type  of  things  to  come,. 
When  the  saints  are  gather'd  home. 

To  praise  the  Lord, 
lii  eternity  of  bliss, 
All  as  one,  with  one  accord. 

Holy,  holy  ie  the  Lord, 
Precious,  precious  is  his  word. 

Repent  and  live; 
Though  your  sins  are  crimson  red> 
O  repent  and  he' H  forgive. 

Softly  sing  the  joyful  lay 
For  the  saints. to  fast  and  pray, 

As  God  ordains, 
FjQrhis  gooiiess  ^.nd  his'love       .^ 
While  the  Sabbath  dayremaingii..  ■-- 


'In  Clay  county,  Missouri,. 
May  1,  Adalaide,  daughter  of  John 
E.  and  Betsey  Page,  aged  two  years,- 
eight  months  and  twenty  days. 

In'Grove,  Allegdny  county, 

N.  Y.  April  3,  Mrs.  Cynthia  Alvord, 
wife  of  EV<r?s  AFvord,  aged. 


THE  LATTER  DAY  SAINTS' 

Messenger  and  Advocate, 

IS  EDITED  BY 

And  put)lisIieU  every  month  at  Kiitland,  Geauga  C(j. 
Ohio,  by 

F.  «.  WII.I.IAMS  &  Co. 

At  %i,pef  an.  in  advance.    Every  person  proctiriuff 
ten  new  suhseribers,  and  forwarding-  %  10,  current' = 
money,  shall  be  entitled  lo  a  paper  one  year,  grtitia. 
All  letters  to  the  Editor,  or  Publishers,  must  be 

\i:j'POST  PAID.SSi 

No  subscription  tcill  be  received  for  a  lees  term  Ihanmi^'-i 
year,  and  no  paper  discontinued  till  all  arrearages  ars 
paid,  except  at  the  option  of  tht  publishers. 


Vol.  I.     No.    lU.] 


KIRTLAND,  OHIO,  JULY,  1835. 


[Wliole  IVo.   10.] 


Dear  Brother  in  the  Lord: — I  have 
perused  youi-  sixth  letter,  addressed  to 
me  in  tlie  April  number  ot' the  Messen- 
ger and  Advocate,  and,  besides  your 
own  matter,  it  contains  many*  valuable 
(juotations  for  the  edification  and  in- 
struciion  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  him  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  leading  the 'song  of  Moses  one 
is  led  to  marvel;  to  wonder;  to  hope; 
to  glory;  to  rejoice,  and  bless, — for 
vvhat  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  perfect 
peace  and  holiness.  And  as  wo  read 
that  some  out  of  every  nation,  kindred, 
tongue  and  people  will  be  gathered, 
well  might  Moses  command  the  nations 
to  rejoice  v/ith  the  Lord's  people! 

Though  thousands  may  wonder,  and 
«vcn  doubt  how  Moses  came  to  know 
what  should  take  place  in  the  last  days, 
let  us,  being  enlightened  by  the  revela- 
tions of  God  from  the  beginning  till 
now,  rejoice/ — firstly  for  that  glorious 
rncssengcr  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  stjcondly  that  our 
lives  were  hid  wilh  Christ  in  God  l(j 
come  forth  m  this  august  era,  to  la!jor 
in  the  vineyard  tor  the  last  time,  beforf" 
the  earth  rests  from  wickedness.  ^V'e 
^ecd  not  wonder  that  Moses  knew  what 
'ould  come  to  pass  in  the  last  daye: — 
iC  held  the    keys  of  lh»e  myslcrie.*  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  were  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,  JNIoses  and  Ell- 
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  fii'st  chapter  of  the 
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  o{  Christ,  at'ter  the  meridian  of 
time:  hence  we  have  a  sample  of  the 
v.ay  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  forel'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  Floly 
Ghost,  which  is  the  mind  of  God,  and 
never  dwells  in  unholy  temples. 

Having  said  so  much  by  Avay  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: — Giue  ear  0  ye  heavens, 
and  I  will  speak,  and  hear,  0  earth, 
tlie  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  ho  held 
certain  keys,  and  spoke  the  mind  of  thrt 
Lord?  because  ho  had  open  visions,  nnd 
knew  the  first  and  last  of  Israel?  He 
had  viewed  the  kingdoms  of  God  opread 
through  the  regions  of  space;  he  had 
looked  upon  Ifc-rael  driven  and  scatter- 


146 


MESSENGER  ANDADVOCATE. 


ed  over  the  face  of  the  whole  earth, 
and  he  had  gazed  upon  the  gathering 
and  glory  that  should  follow  after  much 
tribulation,  and  by  commandment  from 
the  Great  I  AM — it  if-  no  wonder  that 
he  could  exclaim,  Rejoice,  O  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,  took  no  ordinaiy 
pains  to  preserve  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  the  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 
ladies  of  creation, — blessed — 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  besought  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,  he 
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 — -flesh  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  the 
Lord  blesses  upon  conditions,  fulfils  his 
promises,  requires  the  conditions,  and 
punishes  every  transgression.  The 
Judge  of  all  the  earth  does  right. 

But  1  must  not  pursue  this  subject 
too  far;  the  great  object  I  had  in  view, 
in  quoting  the  blessing  bestowed  upon 
Adam  and  Noah,  was  to  show  that  God, 
the  Father  and  Author  of  all  good,  es- 
tablished an  order  of  blessing  in  his 
churchu\)on  earth,  in  all  ages:  which 
order  had  been  lost  for  centuries,  even 
from  the  flight  of  blessmgs  and  glory  in 
the  apostolic  days,  till  the  book  of  Mor- 
mon spoke  from  the  dust  to  cheer  the 
heart  of  the  humble  with  the  fulness  of 
the  everlasting  gospel — with  all  it^  re- 
quisitions— with  all  its  promises — with 
all  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  M'onder  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  ADVOCATE. 


14? 


was  fiiHiliing  a  joyrul,  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 — tiie  order  of  heaven,  in  the  beau- 
ty of  holiness,  for  the  benefit,  the  com- 
fort, the  joy  and  the  salvation  of  man. 
Moses,  who  was  a  man  of  God,   a 
pro[)hct,  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- 
iious  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  iciih 
his  people?     and   not  long   to  suck  of 
the  abundance  of  the   seas,  and  of  the 
treasures  hid  in  the  sand?     Yea,  who 
woulil   not  rejoice  to  be  among  the   fa- 
vored of  the  Lord  to  receive  the   chief 
things  of  the   ancient  mountains;   and 
to  know  of  the  precious  things  of  the 
lasting  hills'?     Shall  I  say  there  is  not 
an  honest  person  in  the  world  but  will 
give  all  he  has,  and  even  suffer  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 
the  subject,  as  connected  with  the  histo- 
ry of  the  church  from  the  beginning, 
so  plainly  that  tlv  saints,  if  not  many 
who  as  yet  are  without  the  kingdum, 
will  see  and  know  that,  Go^  has  al- 
ways had,  in  his  church,  among  his 
people,  men  endowed  with  power  and 
authority  to  bl(;ss  the  fatherless  and  the 
widow,  besides  the  power  which  was 
given  to  the  fathers  to  bless  their  cliil- 
drcn,  that  might  be  bi'ought  up  in  the 
way  of  holiness  bet'ore  the  Lord. 

The  bible  and  the  br)ok  of  Mormon 
are  pkiin  on  this  subject.  The  word 
of  the   Lord  is  plain:  the   more  I  read 


it  the  more  I  learn:  This  is  the  wav, 
walk  ye  in  it,  and  the  Lord  will  bless 
you — which  I  pray  may  bo  the  happy 
lot  of  the  faithful,  in  time  and  eternity. 
As  ever. 

W.   W.  PHELPS. 
To  Oliver  Cowdery.  Esq. 


''The  IloMse  of  CJo«!."  ^ 

It  will  not  be  deemed  improper  for 
us  to  give  the  saints  and  friends  of  the 
everlasting  gospel,  a  few  words  relative 
to  the  house  of  worship  now  erecting 
in  Kirtland,  Ohio.  The  first  stone  was - 
laid  on  the  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  comple- 
tion. Let  it  be  remembered  that  the 
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  few  commenced 
the  work;  and  though  other  impo^'tant 
matters  rolled  round,  which,  to  many, 
would  have  seemed  insurmountable, 
and  calculated  to  retard  the  progress 
of  the  building,  still,  the  walls  and  the 
timbers  of  the  roof  were  finished,  be- 
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  cement."  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, 
irivinji  two  stories  of  twenty-two  feet 
each,  besides  an  attic  story  m  the  roof 
for  school  rooms.  It  will  be  lighted 
with  thirty-two  Gothic,  three  Venitian, 
ten  dorni-ir,  one  circulaf  and  two  square 
gable  -windows.  The  dome  of  the  stee- 
ple will  be  not  far  iVom  110  feet  high, 
and  the  bell  about  ninety. 

The  sum  expended,  thus  far,  to- 
wards its  erection,  may  bo  computed  at 
about  ten  thousand  dUlars,  and  the 
whole  cost,  when  finished,  will  proba- 
bly be  from  twenty  to  thirty  thousand. 
Like  many  houses  for  pulilic  worship, 
this  house  has  been,  so  far,  reared, 
and  must  be  finished,  by'  donations 
from  th3  saints,  and  all  that  feel  an  in- 
terest in  the  salvation  of  the  human  fnm- 


^r^l4« 


MESSENGER  AliD  ADVOCATE. 


ily.     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, 
$6,232,  were  subscribed  for  the  same 
glorious  purpose,  making  seve7i  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 
wisher   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  lo  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  gloi'y  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 
Godj  thfit  your  incomings  may  be    in 


the  name  of  the  Lord;  that  your  out- 
goings may  be  in  the  name  of  the  Lord; 
that  all  your  salutations  may  be  in  the 
naJme  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  supper  of  the  great  Bridegroom, 
because  you  have  added  virtue  to  your 
faith;  and  knowledge  to  your  virtuej 
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,  huiU 
by  the  Latter  Day  Saints." — ^I*. 


SLANDEROUS. 

following    slanderous    slip 


The 
cut  from  the    New-York  Mercury,  of 
June,  25: 

"^?i  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  Grand  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 
examine  the  quality  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  ta 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE 


140 


the  opposite  side  of  the  stream,  when 
who  should  this  supposed  inhabitant  of 
the  upper  world  be,  but  the  Mormon 
Prophet  himself! — Rochester  Rep.^' 

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 
of  in  the  Apocalypse,  might  be  found 
— that  notable  city,  whicli  is  to  fall  in 
one  hour,  Vvhile  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  pati-ons  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  Smitli,  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  lime,  with- 
in nine  miles  of  Painesville;  and  had 
any  occurrence  of  the  kind  ever  trans- 
pired, it  would  iiavc  been  proclaimed, 
through  this  region,  upon  the  house 
tops; — and  further,  that  he  never  bap- 
tized any  one,  neither  were  he  present 
when  an  iuoividual  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-mcn 
will  say  at  once,  that  such  reports  are 
only  put  forth  with  a  design  to  calum- 
niate the  innocent  and  abuse  the  pub- 
lic, by  forestalling  their  opinion  before 
a  man  can  be  heard,  or  his  character 
and  principles  known.  Are  tlu;  edi- 
tors of  either  of  thoso  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  CJod  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  venture 
to  say?  again,  that  if  they  are  ncquiant- 
ed  with  the  one  \vho  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. — C 


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  bj'ought  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- 
fcctions  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  eartii'.pnike,  and  the  emitting  of 
lava  to  the  height  of  twelve  or  iiftcea 
thousand  feet.  The  grand  crater  was 
said  to  be  two  thousand  feet  acros*, 
tVom  which  ascended  a  column  of  fire 
and  heated  rocks.  This  is  the  second 
eru[)tion  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  one 
passed  over  New  Brunswick.  Several 
shocks  of  an  earthquake  have    lately 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


190 

been  felt   in  Maryland.     No  particular 
'  damage  has  been  experienced. 

Besides  the  destnfction  of  a  large 
district  of  country  in  ChiH,  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  very  little  thing." 

The  cholera  has  again  began  its  ra- 
vages in  the  South.  The  waters  of  the 
Mississippi  Valley  are  troubled,  and 
many  who  I'ise  in  the  morning  in  health, 
close  their  eyes  on  time  before  the  set- 
ting of  the  sun. 

A  destructive  plague  has  broken  out 
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. — We  have 
accounts  from  Alexandria  to  the  28t!i 
of  March,  at  which  time  the  plague  was 
still  raging  in  that  city  with  unabated 
violence.  The  deaths  were  on  an  av- 
erage 200  daily.  Several  Europen 
and  many  Greek  houses  were  infected. 
Most  of  the  foreign  vessels  in  the  har- 
bor had  the  pestilence  on  board — sev- 
eral had  been  obliged  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,  v/hich  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 
300  to  400  daily.  But  it  was  at  Fua, 
a  town  containing  about  25,000  to  30,- 
000  inliabitants,  &  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- 
ing 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  sutfer  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  he  had  fallen  a  victim  to 


the  pestilence,  but  the   report  did    not 
rest  upon  any  authority." 

Our  political  horizon  is  also  agitated. 
Ti'ouble  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— Europe'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  the 
waves  roaring,  and  men's  hearts  fail- 
ing them  for  fear,  who  carf 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  Ifjug  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  any  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  thfe 
sinner,  we  may  say  that  the  righteous 
have  no  joy  at'ter  death,  with  as  much 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


151 


propriety  as  we  can  that  the  wicked 
and  sinner  have  no  affliction  or  mise- 
ry, because  if  they  are  to  be  rccom- 
])onsed  in  the  earth,  or  in  this  life,  as 
Mr.  Bradley  carried  the  idea,  tlie  right- 
eous receive  their  reward,  also,  and 
thus  end  their  hopes  and  expectations. 

While  spealdng  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  v.'ho  \\ere  bound. 

I  do  not  say  that  the  gospel  is  not 
glad  tidings:  I  know  it  is,  and  of  great 
joy,  but  this  leap  fi'om  the  commission 
(not  half  told)  given  to  the  apostles,  to 
Isaiah,  is  worthy  of  notice.  Isaiah 
says,  61:1,2,3;  "The  Spirit  of  the 
Lord  (iod  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- 
cn,  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  flay  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  tiie 
.sinner  and  the  wicked  are  the  meek, 
they  may  claim  this  language,  but  if 
not,  they  cannot  injustice. 

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:  tliat  fact  is  not  controverted,  but 
in  the  commission  of  the  aposti(^s,  there 
is  .'in  item  worth  our  attention,  as  it  is 
as  positively  the  condition  on  which 
all  men  may  get  into  the  kingrlom  of 
<iod,  (and  if  men  can  be  saved  ou/  of 


it  I  liave  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 
[you  apostles]  INTO  ALL  THE 
WORLD,  AND  PREACH  THE 
GOSPEL  TO  EVERY  CREATURfi. 
HE  THAT  BELIB:VETH  AND  IS 
BAPTIZED,  SHALL  BE  SAVED; 
BUT  HE  THAT  BELIEVETH 
NOT,  SHALL  BE  DAMNED."  Has 
Mr.  Bradly  a  diploma  like  this? 

It  may  be  said  by  some,  that  tlie 
word  "damned,"  in  this  place  only 
means  condemnation  or  reproof,  and 
that  no  principle  like  this  exists  in  the 
law  of  the  Lord.  Mark,  3:29th,  says: 
"But  he  that  shall  blasplieme  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  certain- 
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  arc  in  the  graves  shall  hear 
his  [Christ's]  voice,  and  shall  come 
torth;  the}'  that  have  done  good,  unto 
the  resurrection  of  life;  and  they  that 
have  done  evil,  unto  the  resui'rection 
of  damnation!" 

Another  item  I  wish  to  notice.  Mr 
Bradly  instructed  his  audience,  that  it 
was  unnecessary  for  the  followers  of 
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  h'-.  <n-  was  he  not  slain  by  tlio 
hand  of  his  brother?  and  for  what? — 
Says  John,  1st  epistle,  3:12:  "Not  as 
Cain,  who  was  of  that  wicked  one,  and 
slew  his  brother.  And  whtn-efore  slew 
he  him?  Biicause  his  own  works  were 
evil,  and  his  brother's  righteous."— 
What  course  could  Abel  have  |)ursucd 
in  order  to  escape  persecution?  ■  The 
answer  may  be,  to  have  done  as  Cain 
wished,     (iucrv,   then,  would  he  have 


tgj _^^ 

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  sutFering,  charity,  patience,  per- 
secutions, afflictions,  which  came  un- 
to me  at  Antioch,  at  Iconium,  at  Lys- 
tra;  what  pei'secutions  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: 
18,  19,  20:  also  16:2: 

"If  the  world  hate  you,  ye  know  that  it 
hated  me  before  it  hated  yon.  If  ye  were  of 
the  world,  the  world  would  love  his  ov/n; 
but  because  ye  are  not  of  the  world,  but  I 
have  chosen  you  out  of  the  world,  therefore 
the  world  hateth  you.  Remember  the  word 
that  I  said  unto  you,  the  servant  is  not  great- 
er than  l)is  lord.  If  they  have  persecuted 
me,  they  will  also  persecute  you:  if  they  have 
kept  my  saying,  they  will  keep  3-ours  also. 
They  shall  put  j^ou  out  of  tlie  sj^nagogues, 
yea,  the  time  cometh,  that  whosoever  killeth 
you,  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,  that  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  religion  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- 
xnon  sense  and  experience  of  every 
rnan  of  God.  The  disgraceful  scenes 
of  the  Missouri  vioh  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- 
hoAoii,  as  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  skj  that 
he  that  lives  godly,  in  an  ungodly  gen- 
eration, will  not  be  persecuted,  sajdng 
nothing  of  the  pervertion  of  the  word 
of  truth,  and-  the  attempt  to  prove  that 
"he  that  entercth  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  bei'ore  the 
Lord,  and  an  offering  of  vanity  which 
never  raises  a  soul  to  heaven.  It  is 
in  vain  to  buy  eternal  life  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  W(>  have 
obeyed  the  commandments  of  the  Lord; 
visited  the  fatherless  and  the  widow 
and  administered  to  their  alTlictions  and 
necessities;  because  we  have  visited 
the  saints  in  pi'ison  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  but 
examine  one  single  feature  of  this  fa- 
naticism, and  then   Jadge  what  princi- 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


16e 


pies  the  WHOLE  must  be  composed  of. 
Look  at  the  thousands  of  dollars  thcit 
are  sentout  of  the  country,  day  after 
day,  to  support  a  Legion  called  •Mis- 
sionaries.' Look  to  individuals  that 
will  subscribe  tons  of  tlioiisauds  of  dol- 
lars to  iho  support  of  this  fiuid,  vvho 
would  not  give  a  single  cent  to  the  re- 
lief of  his  fellow  creature  on  a  bed  ot 
sickness,  with  his  wee|;ing  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 
*he  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  fulfdment  of  the  prophe- 
cies, and  the  natural  evidence  of  the 
fruit  of  righteousness — are  sufficient 
signs  for  those  chat  believe — and  we 
rejoice  that  it  is  yet  to-day — praying 
that  many  may  hearken  to  the  everlas- 
ting gos})el.  We  hope,  knowing  that 
great  things  await  us  in  this  generation; 
we  have  faith  because  the  promises  of 
<jod  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 
from  Lodi,  so  far  cast  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  numljers  of  the  churches,  were. 
Freedom  Go  members;  Rushford  28: 
Portage  26;  Burns  30;  Niagara  4;  Hol- 
land and  Aurora  18,  who  hud  sullered 
some,  from  the  false  insinuations  of 
the  enemy  of  righteousness.  They  es- 
tablished a  confc^rence  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  Ik; 
in  good  standing.  The  conference  or 
council  at  this  place,  tried  a  brother 
"John  I'ilmer  (who  had  lately  joined 
<he  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  tif- 
t .en  years;  also  that  the  cipirit  of  God 
Oilen  caiiirj  upon  him  and  tl»rew  hi-Ti 
duwn  and  caused  him  (as  he  expressed 
it)  to  disligure  himself,  or  die  the  death 
of  the  righteous,  and  also  of  the  wick- 
ed, and  then  conic  to  life  again,  in  the 
presence  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  uTimortal,  or  changed,  so  that  he 
would  never  die.  He  stated  many  oth- 
er curious  notions  and  vagaries  ascri- 
bmg  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.  VVe  shall 
continue  to  pray  for  the  twelve,  that 
they  may  be  with  God  and  God  with 
them.  P. 


By  request,  a  conierence  will  be 
held  at  New  Portage,  on  Friday,  the 
4lh  of  Sept.  next.  On  Saturday  pub- 
lic preaching  may  bo  expected,  com- 
mencing at  0  o'clock,  A.  M.         C 


B4 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


Messeiiger  aod   Advocate. 


KIRTLAND,    OHIO,  JULY,  1835. 


Children. 

In  the  most <,  friendly  manner,  but 
With  some  feelings  of  regret,  we  shall 
fendeavor  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.  We  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  amuzements. 
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  to  reap  the  reward  of 


their  folly  in  outer  darkness,  where 
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  Sabbath; 
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  their  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  destructive  to  the  peace 
and  happines  of  the  Latter  Day  Saints! 
Alas!  it  is,  Hke  the  pestilence,  walk- 
ing in  darknes  and  wasting  at  noon 
day!  Beware  lest  the  Lord  chastise  in 
his  hot  displeasure! 

The  saints'  children  should  be 
brought  up  as  ensamples  of  virtue,  of 
piety,  of  modesty,  and  good  breeding, 
for  others, — that  they,  seeing  every 
action  well  seasoned  with  godliness, 
righteousness  and  decorum,  may  be 
constrained  to  exclaim  : — How  good 
and  pleasant  it  is  to  see  brethren  dwell 
together  in  unity,  and  children  brought 
up  in  holiness!  We  loillgo  and  do  like- 
wise. 

It  is  a  vain  speculation  to  think  of 
living  without  manners,  politeness,  or 
teaming  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 
pattern  of  meekness  and  manners:  It 
reads  in  Exodus:  "And  Moses  went 
out  to  meet  his  father-in-law,  and  did 
obedience,  and  kissed  him,  and  they 
asked  each  other  of  their  welfare;  and 
they  came  into  the  tent."  So  much 
for  a  sample  that  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  rig'ht- 
eousness   with  Mwrighteousness?     and 


MESSEiNGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


15& 


what  communion  hath  light  with  dark- 
ness? And  what  concord  hath  Christ 
with  Belial?  or  what  part  hath  he  thai 
belie veth  with  an  infidels''  It  is  hon- 
orable and  just  to  treat  all  with  decen- 
cy, respect  and  politeness,  but  to  see  a 
young  brother  or  sister,  associating,  or 
more  properly  making  bosom  compan- 
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  respect<  train  up  your  children 
to  serve  the  Lord  and  not  satan,  that 
they  mav  shun  the  cunningly  devised 
fables  of  this  perishing  generation. — 
Save  yourselves. 


CC/^To  save  any  improper  feelings 
among  the  servants  of  the  Lord,  we 
liave  to  say,  that  want  of  space  and 
lime,  have  caused  us  to  abridge  &  con- 
dense the  letters  which  come  in  from 
the  travelling  elders,  «fec.  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. 

P. 


(T^ Brother  Pliny  Foot,  of  Norfolk, 
Litr-hficld  County,  Con.  now  in  this 
place,  wishes  us  to  inform  Bishop  Par- 
tridge, through  the  M(;ssenger,  that  he 
is  desired  to  call  on  him  at  his  resi- 
dence during  his  tour  to  the  cast.  In 
consequence  of  Br.  Foot's  not  know- 
ing where  he  can  address  a  line  to 
meet  Bishop  Partridge,  we  admit  his 
request. 


I.f'tlci*   VBI. 

TO  W.  \V.  I'llKLl'S,  ESQ. 
Dear  Broth kr: — Circumstances  ha- 
ving heretofore  intervened  to  prevent 
my  addressing  you  previously  u|)on  the 
history  of  this  church,  you  will  not  at- 
tribute the  neglect  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  June 
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  difierent  items  contained 
in  yours;  but  as  all  men  are  deeply  in- 
terested on  the  great  matter  of  revela-' 
tion,  I  indulge  a  hope  that  you  will  prej 
sent  such  facts  as  are  plain  and  uncon^ 
trovertible,  both  from  our  former  scrip-* 
tures  and  the  book  of  Mormo.i,  to  show 
that  such  is  not  only  consistent  with 
the  character  of  the  Lord,  but  absolute- 
ly necessary  to  the  fulfillment  of  that 
sacred  volume,  so  tenaciously  admired 
by  professors  of  religion — I  mean  that 
called  the  bible. 

You  have,  no  doubt,  as  vvell  as  my- 
self, frequently  heard  those  who  do  not 
pretend  to  an  ^'■experimental'^  belief  ill 
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  nW  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  iVom  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- 
fling tilings  of  this  wond,  yet,  when  it 
is  carefully  examined,  a  straight  for- 
ward consistency  will  be  found,  sufli- 
ciciit  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  word 
of  prophecy,  which  will  serve  as  a 
light   in  a  dark   place,  to  lead  to  those 


M6 


MESeENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


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  adverc'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-men,  an 
inheritance  in  those  mansions?  If  so, 
can  tliciy  without  lis  be  made  perfect? 
WiU  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, 
through  repentance,  baptism  and  keep- 
ing tlie  commandments  of  that  same 
Lord,  we  shall  eventually,  be  brought 
to  partake  in  the  fulness  of  that  which 
we  now  only  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 
pgain  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  seSond 
advent  of  the  Messiah,  when  he  comes 
in  the  glory  of  the  Father  with  the  holy 
angels. 

A  remarkable  fact  is  to  be  noticed 
with  regard  to  this  vision.  In  ancient 
time  the  Lord  warned  some  of  his  ser- 
Tants  in  dreams:  for  instance,  Joseph, 
the  husband  of  Mary,  wrs  warned  in  a 
dream  to  take  the  young  eiild  and  his 
mother,  and  flee  into  Egypt:  also,  the 
WISE  men  were  warned  of  the  Lord  in 
a  dream  not  to  return  to  Herod;  and 
when  "out  of  Egypt  the  Son  was  call- 
ed," the  angel  of  the  Lord  appeared  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  jn  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  would  be  to  sport 
with  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  g'ory  which  surround- 
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  repaired  to  the  place 
which  had  thus  been  described.  But  it 
is  necessary  to  give  you  more  fully  the 
express  instructions  of  the  angel,  with 


Messenger  and  advocate. 


167 


regard  to  the  object  of  this  work  in 
which  our  brother  had  now  engaged — 
He  was  to  remember  that  it  was  the 
work  ofthc  r.ord.  to  r"ii;I  ccvlain  ()rciii- 
ises  previously  m:ideto  a  branch  otthe 
house  of  Israel,  of  the  tribe  of  Joseph-, 
and  when  it  should  be  brought  fo:  t'l 
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. 

You  will  understand,  then,  that  no 
motive  of  a  pecuniary,  or  earthly  na- 
ture, was  to  be  suti'ered  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,  must 
have  no  place  in  the  heart  nor  be  suf- 
fered to  take  from  it  that  warm  desire 
for  the  glory  and  kiiigdo;-;^.  of  the  Lord, 
or,  instead  of  obtaining,  H'.-appointment 
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  of  this  world's  goods, 
by  industry  and  economy,  with  the 
blessings  of  health  or  friends,  or  by  art 
and  intrigue,  from  the  [lockets  of  the 
day-laborer,  or  the  widow  and  the  fath- 
erless, had  jjassed  by  with  a  stiff  neck 
and  a  cold  heart,  scorning  the  virtu- 
ous tKicausc  they  were  p<Jor,  and  lord- 
ing over  those  who  were  subjected  to 
eutfer  the  miseries  of  this  life. 

Alternately  did  these,  with  a  swift 
reflection  of  the  words  oftlie  holy  mes- 
senger,— "Remernl)er,  that  he  who 
does  this  work,  who  is  thus  favored  of 
the  Lord,  must  do  it  with  niseye  siiigle 
to  the  gl(jry  of  the  same,  and  the  wel- 
fare and  restorntion  of  the  scattered 
remnants  of  the  ln»usoof  Israel" — rush 
upon  his  mind  with  the  quickness  of 
•  lectricity.  Here  was  a  strugle  indeed; 


for  when  he  calmly  reflected  upon  his 
errand,  he  knew  that  if  God  did  not 
give,  he  could  not  obtain;  and  again, 
with  the  iliO  ight  or  hope  of  obtaiuiug, 
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  him,  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  Euro|)ians  by  Co- 
lumbus, must  be  interesting  to  every 
man;  and  as  it  would  develope  the  im- 
portaiJt  f?Ct,  that  the  present  race  were 
descendants  of  Abraham,  and  were  to 
be  remombereci  in  tlie  immutable  cov- 
enant of  the  Most  I'Jigh  to  that  man, 
and  be  restored  to  a  kiiO\>"ledge  of  the 
gospel,  that  they,  with  all  natiou.''  might 
rejoice,  seemed  to  inspire  furtii.""^ 
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- 
liible  income  will  be  mine.  Enough 
to  raise  the  expectations  of  any  one  of 
like  inexperience,  placed  in  similar 
circumstances.  But  the  important  point 
in  tliis  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  witk 
salvation  and  eternal  life. 

It  is  sufficient  to  say  that  such  were- 
his  refliictions  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  comnumicated  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  Iho  sacred  page — pray  al- 
ways— which  was  expresly  impreistd 


153 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


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  I  say 
large,  is,  because  it  is  as  large  perhaps, 
as  any  in  that  country.  To  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  half 
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  I  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  country,  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  Jaredites  and 
Nephites  were  destroyed. 

By  turning  to  the  529th  and  530lh 
pages  of  the  book  of  Mormon  you  will 
read  Mormon's  account  of  the  last 
great  struggle  of  his  people,  as  they 
were  encamped  round  this  hill  Cumo- 
rah,  [It  is  printed  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  brethi'en.  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  daji  before,  were  filled 
with  anxiety,  hope,  or  doubt.  A  few 
had  fled  to  the  South,  who  were  hunted 
down  by  the  victorious  party,  and  all 
who  would  not  deny  the  Savior  and  his 
religion,  were  put  to  death.  Mormon 
himself,  according  to  the  record  of  his 
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  tlie 
more  important  and  prominent  items, 
from  the  days  of  Lehi  to  his  own  time, 
after  which  he  deposited,  as  he  says, 
on  the  529th  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  against  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- 
fore the  Lord,  in  consequence  of  the 
righteousness  of  their  fathers,  and  now 
falling  below,  for  such  was  actually 
the  case,  were  suffered  to  be  overcome, 
and  the  land  was  left  to  the  possession 
of  the  red  men,  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  to  sea,.  4 
till  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  Jarcdites,  was  call- 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


i5i) 


cd  Ramah:  by  it,  or  around  it,  pitch- 
ed tiie  famous  army  of  Coriantumr 
their  tents.  Coriantumr  was  the  last 
king  of  the  Jaredites.  The  opposing 
aoTiy  were  to  the  west,  and  in  this 
same  valley,  and  near  by,  fi-om  day  to 
day,  did  that  mighty  race  spill  their 
blood,  in  wrath,  contending,  as  it  were, 
brotlier  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  covei"ed 
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  disti*ess — 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,  ahke  disregar- 
ded and  treated  with  scorn! — In  vain 
did  the  hoary  head  and  man  of  gray 
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  trainj)lcd 
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 
sci.'nos  without  sorrowing,  and  who  so 
destitute  of  commiseration  as  not  to  be 


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  vigerous  sys- 
tems of  tens  of  thousands  of  the  human 
race — blood  mixed  with  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  had  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. 

]VIoriiin§^  Hyiiin. 

Tune — Chinese  Chant. 
Awake!  for  the  morning  is  come: 
Rejoice  in  the  Lord,  and  trust  in  iiis  mercy, 
And  pray  unto  him,  in  meekness  and  love, 
For  knowledge  and  health,  jind  all  his  good 
blessings, 
To  comfort  and  happify  home. 

O  Lord,  tiiou  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  waters, 
To  gladden  our  hearts  and  to  sing. 

Lord  turn  all  our  liearts  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 
t'or  raiment  and  food,  ibr  joyand  for  comfort, 

So  praise  yc  the  Lord,  who  is  God.     P. 


tdo 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


From  the  letters  of  the  elders  abroad, 
we  make  the  following  extracts: — 

Elder  L.  Jackman,  and  his  fellow 
laborer  write  from  Flatbush  111.  June 
2,  that  they  have  baptized  2  since 
May  4. 

William  Berry  writes  from  Canton 
111.  June  IG,  and  desires  the  Elders,  if 
■they  pass  that  way,  to  call  and  help 
ihem  onward  in  the  cause  of  truih. 

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  L  Emett  writes  at  this  place, 
July  2,  and  says  that  he  in  company 
with  Elder  P.  Dustin  has  baptized  22 
since  December  last. 

Elyer  L.  Jackman  writes  from  Pa- 
ris, 111.  June  19,  and  says  thjit  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 
lettei-s,  each  letter  containin  g  a  subscri- 
ber, the  sum  might  be  twenty  jive  or 
fifty  dollars,  and  where  is  the  profits? 

ISaeranaent  Hymn. 

Tune — From  Greenland's  Icy  Mountains, 
O  God  th'  eternal  Father, 

Wi»o  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  off' ring  so  divine. 

That  sacred,  holy  oft'ring, 

3y  man  least  understood, 
To  have  oar  sins  remitted, 

And  'take  hit  flesh  and  blood. 


That  we  may  ever  witness. 

The  suff' rings  of  thy  Son, 
And  always  have  his  spirit 

To  make  our  hearts  as  one. 

AVhen  Jesus,  the  anointed, 

Descended  from  above, 
And  gave  himself  a  ransom 

To  win  our  souls  with  love; 
With  no  apparent  beauty, 

That  men  should  him  deBir& — 
He  was  the  promis'd  Savior, 

To  purify  with  fire. 

How  infinite  that  wisdom, 

The  plan  of  holiness, 
That  made  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  lost! 

'Twas  done— all  nature  trembled' 

Yet,  by  the  power  of  faith, 
He  rose  as  God  triumphant, 

And  bri  ke  the  bands  of  death: 
And,  rising  conq'rer,  "captive 

He  led  capfivit}'," 
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 — scatter' d  far; 
The  glorious  Branch  from  Jesse: 

The  bright  and  Morning  Star. 

Again,  he  is  ttiat  Prophet, 

That  Moses  said  should  come, 
Being  rais'd  among Jiis  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  Zion, 

And  shout — 'Tis  done,  'tis  donef 
While  every  son  and  daughter 

Rejoices — loe  are  one.  ff^, 

THE  LATTER  BAY  SAINTS' 

Z^essenger  and  Advocate; 

IS  EDITED  BY 
JOKN  WHITKEBR, 

And  published  every  month  at  Kirtland,  Geauga  Co. 
Ohio,  by 

F.  G.  WII.I.IAMS  &  Co. 

At  %  1,  per  an.  in  advance.  Every  person  procuring 
ten  new  suhscr-ibers,  and  furioarding  %  10,  current 
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No  subscription  will  be  received  for  a  less  term  then  one- 
year,  and  no  paper  discontinued  till  all  arrearages  ara 
paid,  eztept  at  the  option  oftkt  pubiUhert. 


]7ffi:§si::w«-^R  ai^b 


^0€ATW:. 


Vol..  I.     No.  Jl.]         KIRTLAND,  OHIO,   AUGUS'I',   1.-35.         [Wh 


11.] 


GENERAL  ASSEMBLY. 

At  a  Genera?  AssemMy  of  the  Church 
of  the  L.\TTEii  Day  Saints,  according 
to  previous  notice,  held  on  the  I'thnf 
August,  1S35,  to  take  in  considerafion 
the  labors  oj"  a  certain  committee  which 
hud  been  appointed  by  a  General  As- 
sembly of  f^ept ember  24,  IS"*.',  asfol- 
lotcs: 

"The  Assembly  being  ciuly  organi- 
zed, and  after  transacting  certain  bu- 
siness of  the  church,  proceeded  to  ap- 
point a  committee  to  arrange  the  item.=; 
of  doctrine  of  Jesus  Christ,  for  the  rov- 
ernment  of  his  church  of  the  Latter 
Day  Saints,  which  church  was  organi- 
zed and  commenced  its  rise  on  the  6th 
day  of  April,  1830.  These  items  are  to 
be  taken  from  the  bible,  book  of  Mor- 
mon, .and  the  revelations  which  have 
been  given  to  said  church  up  to  this  date, 
or  shall  be  until  such  arrangement  is 
made. 

"Elder  Samuel  H.  Smith,  for  the 
assembly,  moved  that  presiding  ciders, 
Joseph  Smith,  jr.  Oliver  Cowdery, 
Sidney  Rigdon  and  Frederick  G.  Will- 
iams compose  said  committee.  The 
nomination  was  seconded  by  elder 
Hyrum  Smith,  whereupon  it  received 
the  unanimous  vote  of  the  Assembly. 
(Signed.) 

OLIVER  COWDERY, 

ORSON  HYDE, 

Wherefore  O.  Cowdery  and  S.  Rig- 
don, Presidents  of  the  first  presidency, 
appointed  Thomas  Burdick,  Warren 
Parrish  and  Silvester  Smith,  Clerks, 
and  proceeded  to  organize  the  w'hole 
assembly,  as  tbllov.'s:  they  organized 
the  high  council  of  the  church  at  Kirt- 
land,  and  Presidents  W,  W.  Phelps 
.and  J.  Whitmer  proceeded  and  organi- 
zed the  high  council  of  the  church  in 
Missouri.  Bishoj)  Nev/cl  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  Missouri: 
and  also  presidents  Leonard  Rich,  Le- 
vi W.  Hancock,  Sylvester  Smith  and 
Lyman  Slierman,  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 


Clerks.'' 


the  l^riests;  and  also  Erastus  Babbit, 
acting  President,  organized  the  I'each- 
ers;  and  also  W^illiam  Eurges,  acting 
President,  organized  the  Deacons;  and 
they  also,  as  the  assembly  was  large, 
appointed  Thomas  Gates,  John  Young, 
William  Cowdery,  Andrev/  H.  Al- 
drich.  Job  L.  Lewis-^and  Oliver  Hig- 
ley,  as  assistant  Presidents  of  the  day, 
to  assist  in  preserving  order,  &c.  in  the 
whole  assembly.  Elder  Levi  W. 
Hancock  being  appointed  chorister,  a 
hymn  was  then  sung  and  the  services 
of  the  dr-ij  opened  by  the  prayer  of 
President  O.  Covv-dery,  and  the  solem- 
nities of  eternitv  rested  upon  the  euli- 
ence.  Another  hymn  was  sung:  after 
transacting  some  business  for  the 
church  the  audience  adjourned  for 
one  hour. 

Afteknoon. — After  a  hymn  v/as 
sung.  President  Cow<jery  arose  and  in- 
troduced the  "Book  of  doctrine  and 
covenants  of  the  church  of  the  Latter 
Day  Saints,"  in  behalf  of  the  commitee: 
he  was  followed  by  President  Rigdon, 
who  explained  the  manner  by  which 
they  intended  to  obtain  the  voice  of  the 
assembly  for  or  against  said  book:  the' 
other  tv.'o  committee,  named  above, 
were  absent.  According  to  said  ar- 
rangement W.  W.  Phelps  bore  record 
that  the  book  presented  to  the  assembly, 
was  true.  President  John  Whitmer,' 
also  arose,  and  testified  that  it  was  true. 
Elder  John  Smitl>,  taking  the  lead  of 
the  hio:h  council  in   Kirtland,    bore    re- 

o 

cord  that  the  revelations  in  said  boolc 
were  true,  and  that  the  lectures  were 
judiciously  arranged  and  compiled,  and 
were  profitable  for  doctrine;  whereupon 
the  high  council  of  Kirtland  acce[)ted 
and  acknowledged  them  as  the  doctrine 
and  covenants  of  their  faith,  by  aunan- 
iinous  vote.  Elder  Levi  Jackman,  ta- 
king the  lead  of  the  high  council  of  the 
church  in  Missouri,  hore  testimony  that 
the  revelations  in  said  book  were  true, 
and  the  said  high  council  of  Missouri 
accei)ted  and  acknowledged  them  a.s 
the  doctrine  and  covenants  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 
wilnes.ses  to  the  book  of  the  Lord's 
commandments,  which  he  gave  to  his 
church  through  Joseph   Smith,  jr.  who 


1^ 


MESSENGER  AND  ADYOCATE. 


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 
has  borne  record  to  our  souls,  through 
the  Holy  Ghost  shed  foi'th  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  exceeding!}^, 
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  the  doctrine  and  covenants 
of  their  faith,  by  a  unanimous  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  testimonj'^  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  acknowledged  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  following  article  on  Marriage, 
which  was  accepted  and  adopted,  and 
ordered  to  be  prmted  in  said  book,  by 
a  unanimous  vote,  namely: — 

"According  to  the  custom  of  all  civ- 
ilized nations,  marriage  is  regulated 
by  laws  and  ceremonies:  therefore  we 
believe,  that  all  marriages  in  this 
church  of  Christ  of  Latter  Day  Saints, 
should  be  solemjiized  in  a  public  meet- 
ing, or  feast,  prepared  for  that  pur- 
pose :  and  that  the  solemnization  should 
be  performed  by  a  presiding  high 
priest,  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  belie\e  that  it  is  not  right  to  pro- 
hibit members  of  this  church  from 
marrying  out  of  the  church,  if  it  be 
their  determination  so  to  do,  but  such 
persons  will  be  considered  weak  in  the 
faith  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  on  the 
right,  and  the  woman  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  eacli  by 
their  names:  "You  both  mutually  a- 
gree  to  be  each  other's  com|)anion, 
husband  and  wife,  observing  the  legal 
rights  belonging  to  this  condition;  that 
is,  keeping  yourselves  wholly  for  each 
other,  and  from  all  others,  during  your 
lives."  And  when  they  have  answer- 
ed "Yes,"  he  shall  pronounce  them 
"husband  and  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  made 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE 


163 


before  a  person  is  baptized  into  this 
church,  should  be  held  sacred  and  ful- 
filled. Inasmuch  as  this  church  of 
Chri.st  has  been  reproached  with  the 
crin  e  of  fornication,  and  polygamy: 
we  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 
lawful  to  iniiuence  her  to  leave  her 
husband.  All  children  are  bound  by 
law  to  obey  their  parents;  and  to  inuu- 
ence  thetn  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 
and  servants,  and  prevent  them  from 
embracing  the  truth,  will  have  to  answer 
for  that  sin. 

Preoident  O.  Cowdery  then  read  the 
following  article  on  "governments    and 
laws  in  general,"  which  was    accepted 
and  ado|)ted,  and  ordered  to  be    printed 
in  said  book,  by  a  unanimous  vote. 
*'That  our  belief,  with  regard  to  earthlv 
governments  and   laws    in   general, 
may  not  be  misinterpreted    nor  mis- 
understood, 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 
the  good  and  safety  of  society. 

We  believe  that  no  govcrnm.ent  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  property  and  the  protection  of 
life. 

Wc  believe  that  all  governments 
necessarily  require  civil  ofiicers  and 
magistrates  to  enforce  the  laws  of  the 
same,  and  tlmt  such  as  will  administer 
the  law  in  equity  and  justice  should  be 
sought  for  and  upheld  !jy  the  voice  of 
the  people,  (if  a  Republic,)  or  the  will 
of  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   and 


liberties  of  others;  but  we  do  not  be- 
lieve that  human  law  has  a  right  to  in- 
terfere in  prescribing  rules  of  worship 
to  bind  the  consciences  of  men,  nor 
dictate  forms  for  public  or  private  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. 

We  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  laws  as  in 
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  owe  respect  and  de- 
ference, as  without  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,  tor  faith  and  worship,  both 
to  be  answered  by  man  to  his  Makei'. 

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,  or 
proscribe  them  in  their  opinions,  so 
long  as  a  regard  and  reverence  is 
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  ollence:  that  murder, 
treason,  robbery,  theft  and  the  breach 
of  the  general  p(!ace,  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  offence   is  com- 


MESSENGER  AND  ADTOGATS, 


184 

niitted:  and  for  the  public  peace  and 
tranquilit}'^,  all  men  should  step  forward 
and  use  their  ability  in  bringing  offen- 
ders, against  good  laws,  to  punish- 
ment. 

We  do  not  believe  it  just  to  mingle 
religious  influence  with  civil  govern- 
ment, whereby  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  with  their 
members  for  disorderly  conduct  ac- 
cording to  the  rules  and  regulations  of 
such  societies,  provided  that  such  deal 
ing  be  for  fellowship  and  good  stand- 
ing; but  we  do  not  believe  that  any  re- 
ligious society  lias  authority  to  try 
men  on  the  right  of  property  or  life,  to 
take  from  them  this  world's  goods,  or 
put  them  in  jeopardy,  either  life  or  limb, 
neither  to  inflict  any  physical  punish- 
ment upon  them, — they  can  only  ex- 
communicate them  fi'om  their  society 
and  withdraw  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  infringed,  where 
such  laws  exist  as  will  protect  the  same; 
but  we  believe  that  all  men  are  justified 
in  defending  themselves,  their  friends 
and  property,  and  the  government, 
from  the  unlawful  assaults  and  encroach- 
ments of  all  persons,  in  times  of  ex- 
igencies, where  immediate  appeal  cannot 
be  made  to  the  laws,  ani  relief  afford- 
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  world;  but 
we  do  not  believe  it  right  to  interfere 
v/ith  bond-servants,  neither  preach  the 
gospel  to,  nor  baptize  them,  contrary  to 
the  will  and  wish  of  their  masters,  nor 
to  meddle  v/ith,  or  influence  them  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  which 
tbe  assembly  was  blessed  by  the  Presi- 


dency, with  uplifted  hands,  &  dismissed. 
OLIVER  COWDERY,  >  p     ,, 
SIDNEY  RIGDON,       ^  ^^^^  '** 
Thomas  Buedick,   ^ 
Warren  Parrish,  >  Clerks. 
Sylvester  Smith,  \ 


FaiOi  ©ftlie  Chiarcli. 

We  deem  it  unnecessary  to  pursue 
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  who  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  which  they  could  have 
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  en)- 
brace  the  gospel  cannot  be  obtained  by 
any  person  or  persons,  without  visions, 
and  more  particularly  in  the  lastdays,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  all  the  foun- 
tains of  sickness,  and  leave  the  inhab- 
itants of  the  world  in  peace  and  hea'th. 
If  we  ask,  how  are  these  great  bles- 
sings to  be  attained?  The  answer  is, 
through  an  increase  of.  knowledge  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  God  shall  cover  the 
earth,  as  the  waters  cover  the  face  of 
the  great  deep. 

When  this  day  of  knowledge  and  in- 
telligence comes,  all  the  causes  of 
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 
cease  among  men,  there  must  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  ADYOCATS. 


1^ 


sof  intelligence,  from  what  there  ever 
has  been;  for  to  talk  about  the  earth 
resting  from  all  hor  affliction,  without 
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  increased  intelligence  which  will 
abound  on  her  surface;  knov/ledge 
sufficient  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  people  in  the  first  instance  under- 
standing the  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  ignorance  the 
mother  of  devotion;  and  who  does  not 
know  that  this  knowledge  is  alone  at- 
tainable by  visions  and  revelations;  for 
the  world  has  experimented  on  the  evils 
which  afflict  her  for  the  space  of  near- 
ly six  thousand  years,  without  being 
able  to  make  these  discoveries,  and  we 
have  no  reason  to  expect  that  six  thou- 
sand years  to  come  will  make  it  any 
better,  unless  the  God  of  heaven  takes 
it  in  hand  himself  and  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  things  are  to  be 
done  by  faith,  yet,  it  would  be  impos- 
sible for  a  man  to  have  faith  v/ithout 
intelligence,  as  it  would  be,  for  him  to 
have  this  natural  life  without  blood, 
and  intelligence  produces  faith,  and 
faith  produces  intelligence,  and  faith 
and  intelligence  produce  knowledge, 
and  knowledge  perfects  faith,  and  thus 
they  mutually  assist  and  advance  each 
other  until  they  are  all  perfected,  and 
visions  and  revelations,  are  their  con- 
stant companions,  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  u'ould 
be  no  seeing  of  him  in  visions,  so  that 
without  manifestations,  visions  would 
loose  all  their  glory.  If  the  Lord  tho 
king  of  glory  had  never  manifested 
himself,  the  eyes  of  Isaiah  would  never 
have  beheld  him,  neither  would  he 
have  seen  him  high  and  lifted  up,  and 
his  train  filling  the  temple:  and  if  the 
.^avior  had  never  manifested  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  on  the  right  hand  of  power,' 
neither  v/ould  it  over  have  been  said 
by  the  prophet  Joel  and  confirmed  and 
I'e-proraulgated  by  Peter,  that  in  the 
last  days  God  would  pour  out  his  spir- 
it on  ail  flesh,  and  sons  and  daughters 
would  prophecy,  old  men  dream  dreams 
and  young  ones  see  visions. 

From  the  foregoing  we  learn  that 
the  office  which  is  assigned  to  the  saints 
in  the  salvation  of  their  fellow  men, 
does  not  consist  alone  in  their  going 
forth  durinij  the  days  of  their  flesh  to 
preach,  and  testify  to  their  fellow  men 
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  arc  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 
v/ho  are  the  heirs,  of  salvation.  This 
ministration  of  the  angels  or  messen- 
gers, who  were  once  in  the  flesh,  is  to 
those  who  are  heirs  of  salvation,  and 
who  are  approved  of  in  the  sight  of 
God:  the  reason  that  they  do  not  ap- 
pear to  the  sectarian  world  is,  because 
they  are  not  approbated  in  the  sight  of 
heaven,  not  heirs  of  savation,  for  they 
are  ministering  spirits  sent  forth  to 
minister  to  them  who  are  heirs  of  sal- 
vation, not  to  them  who  are  not  tlia 
heirs  of  salvation;  but  to  them  who  are. 
When  a  society  of  people  denies  the 
ministering  of  angels,  they  declar*  vir- 


166 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


tually  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  witnesses 
for  him  to  those  who  believe  not  that 
they  may  be  made  acquainted  with  his 
glory  also.  Thus  says  Paul  in  the  1st 
epistle  to  the  Corinthians  15:  1,2,3,4,5, 
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  what  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  to  the 
scriptures:  and  that  he  was  buried,  and 
that  he  I'ose  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 
he  was  seen  of  James;  then  of  t.U  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 
himself  after  his  passion,  not  to  all  the 
world;  but  to  witnesses  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  brethi-en,  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. — (concluded.) 


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 
,of  liberty;  a  community  of  law;  a  re- 


gion of  light;  a  people  that  profess  to 
be  christian,  must  maintain  the  dignity 
they  have  assumed  and  proclaimed  to 
the  world,  by  righteous  acts,  or  else 
they  must  fail  and  fester  in  their  own 
infamy.  As  men,  as  citizens,  as  saints, 
let  us  hope  for  the  best  and  prepare  for 
the  worst,  ever  mindful  of  the  wise 
man's  saying:  "Virtue  e.xalteth  a  m- 
tion  but  sin  is  a  reproach  to  any  peo- 
ple." P. 


j^essemgrer   asid    Advocate. 


KIRTLAND,    OHIO,  AUGUST,  1?33. 


From  the  letters  of  the  Elders  abroad 
we  make  the  following  extracts: — 

Elder  C.  Rich  writes  from  Tazvvell 
CO.  111.  "I  have  just  returned  from 
the  north  part  of  this  state,  where  I 
have  been  laboring  in  company  with 
Elder  M.  Phelps  for  a  'lew  weeks  past. 
We  were  opposed  by  the  missionaries: 
but  succeeded  in  establishing  a  church' 
in  Cook  CO.  comprising  nine  members. 
I  have  baptized  one  since  my  arrival 
at  home;  and  there  are  more  enquir- 
ing, and  ai"e  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  We 
have  come  to  this  place.  We  expect 
to  baptize  a  number  next  Loid's  day, 
who  have  manifested  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." 

Eider  J.  Blake sley  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\'ise  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,  111.  July  4.  "I  left  the  church 
in  Chariton  co.    III.  in  company  with 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


W 


Elder  I.  Higbee,  on  the  30th  of  April, 
<ind  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.  Hinkle  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- 
iy." 

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  nearly  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,  firom  one 
thousand  to  fifteen  hundred  people,  to 
hear  the  tvord  preached  by  Elders  Mc- 
Lcllin  and  P.  P.  Pratt;  after  which 
two  caiue  forward  for  baptism,  which 
was  administered  by  Elder  L,  John- 
son. A  great  and  ejfeclual  door  is  o- 
pen  for  i)roclaiming  the  gospel  in  the 
Ea^t.  Where  intelligence  dwells, 
there  truth  is  received,  but   where  ig- 


norance reigns,  truth  is  an  unwelcorne 
guest. 

"Elder  G.  Bishop  has  been  tried  be- 
fore us,  and  was  acquitted;  the  charge 
on  which  he  was  suspended,  not  bemg 
sustained.  But  there  were  some  thinga 
in  his  teaching  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  thinga 
still;  therefore,  we  took  his  lisence. 
O.  Hyde,  Clk." 

Br.  A.  C.  Graves  writes  from  Lib- 
erty, Mo.  July  29.  "and  says,  the 
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  80?years  of 
age;  was  born  in  England,  and  hgid,  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  the 
mantle  of  Elijah  upon  Elisha,  his  gifts 
and  qualifications  may  fall  upon  oth- 
e  r?. 

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  enjo^-ment  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  parting  hand  with  my 
brethren  and  sisters,  (who  were  over- 
whelmed in  tears,)  commending  them 
to  (rod  in  the  name  of  Jesus  Clirist. — 
The  church  in  thac  vicinity  consists  of 
86  !i  embers,  organized  into  six  branch- 
es which  I  left  under  the  superintend- 
ance  of  Elder  W.  VVoodrufi'.  Brother 
D.   W.  Patteo   and  myself,  I  believe, 


1S8 


MESSENGER.  AND  ADVOCATE 


were  the  first  that  opened  the  gospe 
kingdom  in  the  western  district  of 
Tennessee,  in  the  month  of  October 
last;  the  adversary  and  his  votaries 
v/ei'c  immediateiy  disturbed;  the  hea- 
then raged,  and  the  people  imagined 
manv  vain  things;  but  the  honest  in 
heart  have,  and  will  beUeve,  and  obey; 
and  mighty  -truth  will  triumph,  and  roll 
on  until  Christ's  kingdom  becomes  uni- 
versal. I  expect  v/hen  God  calls  upon 
the  South  to  give  up,  that  many  will 
come  v/ith  songs  of  everlasting  joy  to 
rejoice  with  me,  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  bo  prudent,  for  time  is  pre- 
cious, cftid  should  be  used  Vvith  discre- 
tion, that  v/e  may  show  ourselves  ap- 
proved in  all  things.  But  according  to 
the  management  of  tlie  afTairs  of  the 
church  of.  Latter  Da;/  Saints,  there  is 
much  evil  done,  and  many  difiiculties 
presenting  themselves  before  the  high 
council  and  bishop's  council,  in  conse- 
quence of  the  neglect  of  the  laws  of 
God."  Who  is  to  blame?  Are  the 
Elders,  because  they  do  not  properly 
instruct  those  v/ho  are  looking  to  them 
l^or  inrormation'?  Or  is  it  for  want  of 
perusing  the  scriptures  and  becom.ing 
familiar  uiih  them?  Or  is  it  to  grati- 
fy selfish  motivei-?  These  questions 
are  left  to  be  solved  hy  tacse  who  are 
concerned. 

But  to  avoid  difSculties  for  tlie  future; 
we  will  endeavor  to  give  a  few  instruc- 
tions, for  the  good  of  all,  who  desire  to 
become  wiso  and  save  themselves  from 
utter  destruction;  not  only  temnoi'al  but 
spiritual.  Therefore,  "If  th}'  brother 
ofFend  thee,  thou  shalt  take  him  be- 
tween him  and  theo  alone;  and  if  he 
confess  thou  shalt  be  reconciled  and  if 
he  confess  not,  thou  shalt  take  another 
with  thee;  and  then  if  he  confess  not, 
thou  shalt  deliver  him  up  unto  the 
church,  not  to  the  members  but  lo  the 
Elders."  This  is  in  case  of  ofience; 
and  should  this  pattern  be  followed 
strict!}-,  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  b«  delivered  up  unto  the  law. — 


And  if  he  lie,  he  shall  be  delivered  up 
unto  the  law.  And  if  he  do  any  man- 
ner of  infeuity,  he  shall  be  delivered  up 
unto  the  law,  even  that  of  God."  Not 
only  so,  but  if  a  disciple  becomes  an  of- 
fender of  the  law  of  the  land,  let  hijn 
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 
m.ore  wisdom  and  undei  standing. 
That  you  may  be  prepared,  to  receive 
and  practice  upon  the  revelations  and 
ccmmnndments,  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  of  them  into 
whose  hands  they  may  fall.  There- 
fore be  ware  how  you  esteem  the  things 
of  God:  "Lay  up  lor  yourselves 
treasures  in  heaven,  where  moth  and 
rust  doth  not  corrupt  and  thieves  do 
not  break  through  and  steal,  remem- 
ber where  your  treasures  are  your 
hearts  will  be  also."  You  cannot  servo 
God  and  mammon.  Time  is  allotted  to 
man  to  prepare  for  eternity. 

It  matters  not  hov/  much  time  wo 
employ  in  obtaining  a  knowledge  of 
the  commandments  and  precepts  of 
God;  if  we  do  not  practice  them,  they 
will  avail  us  nothing  in  tlie  day  of  ac- 
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 emnlo)7ed  on  some  subject,  and  time 
properly  devoted  together  with  truth,  can 
alone  unfold  things  as  they  were,  as 
they  are,  and  as  they  are  to  come. 


PRAYER. 

Prayer  to  the  Lord  is  one  of  tho 
most  pleasing  and  necessary  acts  of 
worship.  To  enter  into  the  closet  and 
shut  the  door,  and  pra}'^  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- 
thing without  prayer,  and  man  is  no- 
thing without  prayer.     In  all  ages  tb« 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVfX^ATE. 


im 


saints,  that  were  humble  before  the 
Lord,  have  prayed,  openly  and  in  se- 
cret. In  the  book  of  Mormon,  we  learn 
that  Alma  taught  thus:  "Therefore 
may  God  grant  unto  you,  my  brethren, 
that  ye  might  begin  to  exercise  your 
faith  unto  repentance,  that  ye  begin  to 
call  upon  his  holy  name,  that  he  would 
have  mercy  upon  you;  yea,  cry  unto 
him  formercy,  for  he  is  mighty  to  save; 
yea,  humble  yourselves,  and  continue 
in  prayer  unto  him;  cry  unto  him  when 
you  are  in  your  fields;  yea,  over  all 
your  flocks;  cry  unto  him  in  your  hou- 
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 
devil  which  is  an  enemy  to  all  right- 
eousness.*' Without  quoting  farther 
from  this  pare  example,  let  us  remark, 
that  few  men  have  left  a  better  speci- 
men for  the  saint  to  follow,  as  a  sam- 
ple of  daily  worship.  It  is  simple;  it  is 
easy;  it  is  holy,  and  it  is  necessary,  in 
order  to  be  forgiven  of  our  sins;  to  be 
justified  before  the  Lord;  to  be  humble; 
to  be  virtuous;  to  be  faithful;  to  be  dili- 
gent; to  be  temperate;  to  be  charitable; 
to  be  holy — that  we  may  become  "pure 
in  heart.  The  just  shall  live  by  faith, 
and  the  prayers  of  the  righteous  avail 
much.  "Now  when  Daniel  knew  that 
the  writing  was  signed,  he  went  into 
his  house,  and  his  windows  being  open 
in  his  chamber,  toward  Jerusalem,  he 
kneeled  upon  his  knees  three  times  a 
DAY,  and  prayed  and  gave  thanks  be- 
fore his  God,  as  he  did  aforetime:"  and 
the  lions'  mouths  were  shut,  so  that 
Daniel  received  no  harm. 

Now  what  saint  ever  thought  of  be- 
ing heard  in  heaven  and  answered  on 
earth,  unless  he  prayed  in  faith"?  Who 
expects  miracles  without  the  prayer  of 
faith?  Who  can  heal  the  sick  vv'ithout 
the  prayer  of  faith?  Who  can  obtain 
blessings  without  asking  for  them? — 
Yea,  did  the  Lord  ever  bless  unless  he 
was  sought  unto,  in  humility,  with  clean 
hands,  and  pure  hearts?  No;  nor  will 
he:  He  knows  what  we  stand  in  need 
of  before  we  ask,  and  when  our  humil- 
ity, our  contrition,  our  works,  our 
hearts,  our  thoughts,  and  our  faith, 
come  up  to  God  as  a  sweet  savor,  he 
grants  our  requests,  and  the  angeis  and 
all  the  heavenly  hosts  rejoice.  If  we 
ever  come  up  to  the  privileges  of  the 
ancient  saints;  or,  if  we  ever  find  favor 
with  Godf  so  as  to  walk  in  the  fire 


without  being  burned;  or  stop  ihe  mouths 
of  lions;  or  [)ut  the  armies  of  the  aliens 
to  flight;  or  cast  out  devils,  it  will  be 
because  we  pray,  in  spirit  and  in  truth, 
acceptably — and  our  prayers  are  re- 
gistered in  heaven;  then  the  Lord  will 
be  as  free  to  bless,  as  the  snints  are 
humble  to  pray;  and  the  land  will  flow 
with  milk  and  honey;  peace  wii  be  ex- 
tended as  a  river,  and  no  good  thing 
v/ill  bo  withheld. 

All  disciples  are  commanded  to  re- 
member their  prayers  in  the  season 
thereof;  and  if  they  do  not,  they  are  to 
be  called  to  an .  account  for  their  ne- 
glect before  the  proper  authorities  of 
the  church.  In  St.  John's  gospel  we 
learn,  that  when  the  Savior  sees  his 
saints  again,  in  that  day,  he  w'ill  pray 
the  Father  for  them,  because  the  Fa- 
ther loves  them. 

W'hcn  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  humility,  and  faith,  and  prayer,  the 
Lord  delights  to  bless.  Mark  the  fam- 
ily where  the  father  prays  in  public  and 
in  private;  where  the  mother  prays  in 
public  and  in  private;  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 
contentment  reigns;  and  there  Jesus 
reigns! 

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, 
before  it  is  old  enough  to  be  tempted  by 
satan?  Parents!  teach  your  little  ones 
to  pray;  that  they  may  remain  in  the 
kingdom  of  the  Lord,  and  grow  in  grace 
and  glory,  till  a  day  of  righteousness 
shall  come,  when  children  can  be  bro't 
up  before  their  parents,  and  tiioir  Sa- 
vior, without  sin  unto  salvation. 

In  one  of  the  revelations  to  the  church 
of  Latter  Day  Saints,  is  found  this  im- 
portant instruction: 

"Inasniucli  as  parents  havo  children  in  Zi- 
on,  or  in  any  of  lier  stakes  which  are  organi- 
zed, tliat  toacii  them  not  to  understand  the 
doctrine  of  repentance;  faith  in  Christ  the 
Son  of  the  living  God;    and  of  baptiem   «jmI 


m 

the  gift,  of  the  Holy  Ghost  by  the  laying  on 
of  the  hands,  when  eight  years  old,  the  sin  be 
upon  the  head  of  the  parents,  for  this  shall 
bj  a  law  unto  the  inhabitants  of  Zion,  or  in 
any  of  her  stakes  which  are  organized,  and 
tlieir  children  shall  be  baptized  for  the  remis- 
sion of  their  sins  when  eight  years  old,  and 
receive  the  laying  on  of  the  hands:  and  they 
shall  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,  shall  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  earnesUy 
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 
set  a  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 
fiffj  .a,i?(^  hovy  necessary  is  it,  that  all 
fihould  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  beuefac- 
tcr.  Remember  the  humble  Publican: 
*^God  be  merciful  to  me  a  sinner P^ — 
Give  the  Lord  your  heart,  and  he  will 
give  you  a  treasure  in  heaven — where 
your  heart  may  be  also.  P. 


MESSENGER  ANt)  ADVOCATE. 


DOCTRINE  AND  COVENANTS. 

By  an  article  entitled  "General  As- 
sembly," in  this  month's  paper,  it  will 
be  seen  that  the  Doctrine  and  Cove- 
nants of  the  Chnrch  of  Latter  Day 
Saints,  is  nearly  ready  for  sale.  At 
any  rat^  it  may  be  expected  in  the 
course  of  a  montU,  as  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  just  when  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 
ihem:  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  knovveth,  save  he  that  is  ordained 
to  such  condemnation.  P. 


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  which  he  bore, 
has  given  us  to  understand  that  those  who 
live  godly  in  Christ  Jr'sus  shall  suffer 
persecution,  and  the  author  of  the  epis- 
tle to  the  Hebrews  has  mentioned  the 
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  the  eagerness  to  deprive 


MESSENGER  ANDADVOOTE. 


m 

The  church  of  the  Christians  was 
the  first  place  visited  by  the  prefect 
and  his  ofi^icers  in  the  morning  of  the 
day,  when  the  doors  were  forced,  and 
the  first  search  was  to  find  the  image 
ol'thoirgod.  When  they  could  find 
none,  the  sacred  books  and  other  things 
wore  cast  into  the  fire,  so  that  every 
place  was  at  once  filled  with  fp-ce  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  ofiicers,  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  inti- 
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- 
ihimus,  bishop  of  Nicomedia,  was  be- 
headed, with  whom  a  great  number  of 
martyrs  were  joined.  Mr.  Ec hard  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  toweth- 
er  with  ropes,  thrown  into  the  sea, 
with  milstones  about  their  necks.  The 
persecution  was  not  cojifined  to  Nico- 
rnedia;  for  the  judges  were  sent  to  all 
temples  to  force  people  to  sacrifice,  and 
])risons  were  every  where  crowded, 
and  unheard  of  torments  invented.— 
That  none  but  Pagans  should  hav«  th« 


the  saints  of  their  privileges  and  rights. 

Chap.  TI. 

FROxM    THE    BEGGINNING    OF 

THE  FOURTH  CENTURY  TO 

THE  DEATH  OF  GALE- 
RIUS. 
We  have  been  in  some  measure  pre- 
pared for  the  an  i\i!  scene  which  began 
to  display  itself  at  ihe  commencement 
of  the  next  century.  The  conflict  was 
dreadful,  but  the  conquest  was  glori- 
ous. For  the  human  powers  being 
first  subduedby  th'-  influence  of  the 
christian  doctrines,  v/cre  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, th?  numerous  congregations,  and 
the  multitudes,  that  thronged  in  every 
city  ta  embrace  the  faith  of  Christ. — 
Spacious  churches  were  erected  from 
the  very  foundations,  throughout  all 
cities  of  the  empire.''  But  imjjieties 
and  jealousies  intruded  themselves  to 
the  annoyance  of  the  church,  and 
schisms  and  divisions  were  productive 
of  mischiefs,  which  were  the  occasion 
of  great  di'Stnrbances.  The  depriva- 
tion of  Meletius,  bishop  of  Lycopolis, 
of  Thobais  in  Egvpt,  for  sacrificing  to 
idols  and  other  crimes,  disdaining  to 
recant  to  cover  his  disgrace,  dissemin- 
ated many  calumnies  -'-gainst  Peter, 
bishop  of  Alexandria,  and  the  other 
bisho|'S  assemblcid  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 inconcistoncics  of  the  Christian  re- 
ligion, and  Galerius  Maximian,  who 
had  been  nominated  Csesar,  by  the  ejii- 
peror,  a  most  zealous  and  sujjcrstitious 
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  consultfd  his  judges,  and 
likewise  the  oracles  of  Appollo.  Yet 
still  his  advice  was  to  exercise  modera- 
tion, whilst  Galerius  maintained  the 
necessity  of  burning  them  alive.  T\m 
day  was  at  last  fixed  when  the  bloody 
•cene  was  to  commence. 


Wi 


MB:sSSNGER  A5D  Abr OCATR. 


benefit  of  thp  law,  they  placed  altars  in 
the  very  courts  of  judicature,  v.'here 
everv  person  was  obh'god  to  sacrifice 
before  he  could  plead.  New  edicts 
%vere  daily  sent  into  cities  and  provin- 
ces; so  that  in  a  short  time  the  perse- 
cution spread  through  most  of  the  em- 
pire, OAd  became  almost  universal. — 
MultituWs  of  martyrs  were  made  in  all 
parts  of  the  eu^pire.  The  deaths  were 
innumerable,  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  nails;  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,  v/hich  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  chilcren,  sutFered  various 
kinds  of  deaths;  som.e  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 in  the  sea.  Other  some  cheerfully  of- 
fered their  necks  to  the  executioners; 
«ome  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  shells  all  over  their 
bodies  till  they  expired.  Women  were 
tied  bv  one  of'their  feet,  and  by  engines 
hoisted  up  into  the  air  with  their  heads 
downwards,  and  their  bodies,  being 
entireiy  naked,  were  made  a  most  de- 
testable and  inhuman  spectacle.  Oth- 
ers were  tied  up  by  the  feet  to  great 
boughs  aj;  J,  trees,  violently    forced  to- 


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  mterchangeable  kinds  of 
punishments.  In  Phrvgia,  the  soldiers 
invested  a  populous  city,  consisting  all 
of  Christians;  and  setting  fire  to  it, 
men,  women,  and  chidren, while  calling 
upon  God  were  all  consumed  in  tho 
flames." 

When  the  governors  of  provinces 
vv^erc  v/eary  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  with  discourag- 
ing the  Christians,  and  making  them 
miserable  in  life  by  "setting  marks  of 
infamy  upon  them.  Accordingly  some 
had  their  ears,  noses,  or  hands  cut  off, 
others  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  multitudes  of  the  Chris- 
tians, who  h^'^^  their  right  eyes  put  out, 
and  seared  with  a  hot  iron,  and  of  those 
who  had  their  left  legs  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  miserfes  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 thronged  to  the  tribunals  ot  their 
judges,  freely  declaring  their  opinions 
and  religion,  despising  the  barbarity 
of  their  enemies,  and  receiving  their 
last  sentences  with  a  smile.  Yet  as 
some  pressed  too  forwards  to  death 
and  torments,  so  others  leaped  from 
the  tops  of  houses  to  avoid  the  malice 
of  their  enemies.  Some  ladies  of  An- 
tioch  drowned  themselves  to  escap© 
ravishment  by  the  soldiers.  Yet  som© 
from  fear,  culpably  delivered  up  their 


ME«SExNGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


17« 


bibles;  and  too  many,  to  avoid  tor- 
m-^nts,  apostatized.  But  far  the  great- 
est part  behaved  themselves  so  man- 
fully, that  neither  tears  nor  charms'" 
had  any  influence  to  prevent  them  from 
giving  undeniable  evidences  ot^  their 
fortitude.  Donaius,  in  particular,  must 
be  mentioned  by  name,  who  endured 
torments  nine  several  times  from  three 
different  governors.  Maximian,  also, 
Avillingly  joined  with  Dioclcsian  and 
Galerius  in  these  cruelties;  and  these 
three  wild  beasts  exercised  their  bar- 
barities on  all  the  provinces  from  east 
to  west,  Gaul  alone  escaping,  where 
the  mild  Constantius  governed,  being 
one  of  the  Caesars,  whose  mother  Clau- 
dia was  niece  to  the  renowned  empe- 
ror Claudius  II.  who  signalized  him- 
self in  the  wars  against  the  Goths. — 
To  satisf}'  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 
sacrific«,  or  quit  their  situation.  But 
those  who  did  so  were  discharged  in 
the  greatest  disgrace,  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 
foreign  from  our  purpose,  we  need  on- 
ly mention  that  in  the  first  year  of  the 
persecution  we  meet  as  martyrs  v/ith 
the  names  of  Procopius,  AlphaDus,  and 
Zaccheus  in  Csesarea,  and  of  Roma- 
nus  in  Antioch,  who  gloriously  with- 
stood the  malice  of  their  perseautors; 
and  the  second  year  was  memoriable 
not  only  for  the  triumphant  death  of 
Timolaus,  Dionysius,  Romulus,  Aga- 
pius,  and  several  others  also  at  Cajsa- 
rea,  but  of  Timothcus  at  Gaza.  Mar- 
ccUinus,  bishop  of  Rome,  also  suffered 
towards  the  latter  end  of  this  year. — 
'1  he  emperor  was  now  so  much  reduced 
bv  sickness,  on  his  arrival  at  Nicome- 
dio,  where  Galerius  visited  him,  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  liis  soldiers  with 
tears  in  his  eyes,  and  named  two  of 
the  creatures  of  Galerius,  Severus,  and 
Ma;timinus,  who  were  jib    wicked  and 


barbarous  as  himself.  He  had  befora 
compelled  Maximian  to  resign  the 
government  of  the  East,  as  the  only 
HiRans  of  preventing  a  civil  war;  after 
which  the  empire  devolved  upon  Con- 
stautius  and  Galerius.  Tlieir  opposite 
tempers  and  dispositions  did  not  pre- 
vent thorn  from  agreeing  .to  a^ivision 
of  it;  by  which  Constantiu^sJm  addi- 
tion to  Eiitian  and  Gaui,  v^iKih  he  be- 
t'ore  possessed,  had  Spain  ^n^l  Germa- 
ny, with  Italy,  Sicily,  and-,the  greatest 
part  of  Africa;  and  Galenufe  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 al?o  surrendered  these  to  Seve- 
rus, one  of  his  Cscsars,  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 tvranny 
and  oppression,  exacting  his  extortions 
by  the  most  violent  means;  but  the 
Christians  were  condemned  to  tortures, 
and  in  slow  fires  most  inhumanly  con- 
sumed. "They  were  first  chained  to 
a  post,  then  a  gentle  fire  set  to  the  soles 
of  their  feet,  which  contracted  the  foot 
so  that  it  separated  from  the  bones:  then 
flambeaux  just  extinguished  were  appli- 
ed to  all  pa  its  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  days,  until  their 
skin  was  quite  consumed,  and  they 
were  just  ready  to  exi)ire,  when  they 
were  thrown  into  a  grcni  fire,  that  their 
bones  might  be  burned  to  ashes;  after 
vvhich  the  remains  were  ground  to  pow- 
der, and  thrown  into  some  river. — 
With  fresh  rage  and  cruelty  also  was 
the  persecution  carried  on  in  the  East 
by  the  bloody  Maxim  in,  who  had  is- 
sued out  edicts  to  the  governors  of 
provinces  to  put  in  execution  the  laws 
against  those  who  refused  to  comply 
with  the  public  cremonies  of  tiie  em- 
I)ire.  At  Ciesarca,  during  tlie  procla- 
mation and  summons  from  a  public  roll 
of  names,  Apphianus,  a  young  gentl»- 


in 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


man  of  Lycia,  then  a  scliolar  of  Euse- 
bius,  pressed  through  tlie  crowd,  and 
caught  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  throv/n 
half  d^P  into  the  sea.  His  brother 
^Edesius,  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  t©  consider  the 
measui-es  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, published  an  excellent  canonical 
epistle,  containing  many  temperate  and 
fCharitable  rules  for  penance  on  the  one 
tiand,  and  mdulgence  on  the  other,  as 
relating  to  the  various  classes  of 
those  who  had  lapsed.  How  the  young 
Constantine,  the  son  of  Constantius, 
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  West,  was  to  give  t!ie 
free  hberty  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- 
tfus,  but  still  had  reason  to  dread   Ga- 


lerius,  especially    if  he    should   unite 
with  Maximin.  Having  fortified  Rome, 
he  visited  Gau!,  and,  to  strengthen  his  in 
terest  gave  his  youngest  daughter  Faus- 
ta  in  marriage  to  Constantine.   Galerius 
came  against  them,  as    Maximian  had 
foreseen;  but  his  soldiers,  disliking  this 
unnatural     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  I'aised  an  ar- 
my against    Maximian    also,    but    was 
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 
manoeuvres  he  caused  great  mischiefs 
among  the  Prsetorian  soldiers,  and  he 
was  ignominiously  compelled  to  leave 
Rome.  The  artifices  of  his  visit  to 
Galerius,  the  appointment  of  a  new 
Cajsar  in  the  place  of  Severus,  and 
the  resolute  opposition  of  Maximin 
in  the  East  against  the  appointment  of 
Licinius,  are  somewhat  beside  our  pur- 
pose; but  the  result  was,  that  Galeri- 
us first  abolished  the  title  of  Caesar, 
and  declared  himself  and  Licinius  the 
proper  emperors,  that  Maxentius  and 
Constantine  had  first  the  title  of  sons 
of  the  emperors,  that  Maximin  boldly 
assumed  the  title  of  Augustus,  and 
that  Constantine  and  Maxentius  soon 
after  received  the  same  title. 

Maximin  speedily  discovered  his  tyranny, 
after  tliis  mani testation  of  his  amtdtion,  fol- 
lowing the  steps  of  Maxpulius,  at  Rome,  but 
surpassing  him  in  impieties.  From  his  ex- 
cessive superstition,  he  more  sev>"rely  perse- 
cuted, than  even  his  predecessors.  In  t)ie  cel- 
ebration of  liis  birth-day  at  Ceesarca,  the 
Christians  were  made  to  share  in  the  triumphs 
of  the  day:  and  therefore,  "Agapias,  who  had 
before  been  sentenced  to  the  wild  beasts,  was 
brouglit  into  the  ampitheatre,  and,  being  in- 
vincible to  all  persuasions,  was  delivered  to 
tlie  mercy  of  a  she-bear,  which  only  left  him 
so  much  life,  as  to  be  able  to  survive  till  the 
next  day,  when,  witii  stones  tied  to  liis  feet, 
he  was  thrown  into  the  sea.  Not  long  after, 
Eusebius'  dear  friend,  Pamphilus,  was  appre- 
hended &  brought  before  Urbanus,  the  pres't, 
who  endavored  to  turn  him  by  all  the  arts  o€ 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


ITS 


insinuation  and  terror,  but  in  vain;  for  the 
martyr  was  immovable,  ■  and  resolutely  des- 
pised his  threatenings.  This  so  enraged  the 
governor,  that  he  commanded  him  to  be  put 
to  liie  acutest  tortures;  and  when  they  had 
more  thari  once  raked  his  sides,  and  torn  otf 
his  flesh  with  iron  pincers,  he  was  sent  to 
keep  company  with  the  other  confessors  in 
prison,  the  governor  himself  being  immedi- 
atel}'  after  disgracefully  displaced,  and  con- 
demned to  death  by  the  emperoi."  During 
an  imprisonment  of  tv-'o  3^ears,  he  was  con- 
stantly visited  by  his  friend  Eusebius,  and 
they  em.ployed  their  time  to  the  most  useful 
purposes.  They  had  before  publislied  the 
Greek  translatioa  of  the  Septuagint,  from 
Origin's  Hexaplas,  for  the  us 3  of  the  Pal- 
estine churches:  and  they  now  composed  au 
elaborate  apology,  to  vindicate  Origen  from 
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  tbe  markets 
should  be  defiled  with  things  which  had  been 
sacrificed;  and  by  these  means  the  miseries 
of  the  Chrisiians  became  so  prodigious,  that 
many  of  the  Pagans  themselves  condemned 
the  emperor's  barbarities,  and  the  cruelties  of 
his  officers.  Eusebius  has  given  a  particular 
account  of  the  intolerable  cruelties  practiced 
in  Palestine  by  Firmilian,  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  Pa.nphilius,  after  two 
years'  imprisonment,  was  brought  forward, 
and,  still  persevering,  w^s  condemned,  to- 
gether witli  his  companions.  His  servant 
Porphyrius  requested  tliat  the  boaies  might 
be  decently  buried;  but  the  tormentors  were 
directed  to  tortnre  him  by  every  device. — 
They  raked  off  his  flesh,  until  they  had  laid 
open  the  inward  recesses  of  his  body,  which 
he  bore  with  invincible  patience,  though  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 
tor'n-'uts  with  a  most  serine  undisturbed 
mind,"  till  his  soul  departed  from  his  body; 
anrl  such  was  the  rag 3  and  malice  of  their 
persecutors,  thit  llieir  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  prud.mtly  retired 
srom  Csesarea  into  Egypt.  Yet  Ih'  persecu- 
tion th^re,  especially  about  Thebais,  raged 
with  increased  violenc.  The  most  deplora- 
ble upectacles  were  there  daily  ex!iibit?d;  the 
numbers  executed  blunted  the  very  edges  of 
the  Pagan  swords.  Tlie  tormentors  were 
tiled  out,  though  they  relieved  one  another. 
Th»  constancy  of  the  martyrs,  however,  was 
tmthaken;  and  the  eentence  of  one  only  had 
Hie  effect  of  the  «.d\-ance  of  othen  10  contewt 


themselves  Christians  at  the  tribunal.  He 
was  at  length  cast  into  prison;  but  how  long 
he  remained  there,  nr  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  Maxentius  not  only  oppressed  the 
Christians,  but  condemned  Marcellus,  bish- 
op of  that  city,  to  keep  b^asts^in  a  stable,  and 
then  banished  him.  Eusebius,  son  of  a  Gre- 
cian phy.sician,  was  appointed  about  seven 
months  after,  and  in  about  four  or  five  montlis 
also  suffered  under  this  tyrant.  Soon  after 
this  the  persecution  abatedin  the  middle  pari s 
of  the  empire,  as  well  as  in  the  west;  Jind 
Providence  at  length  began  to  manifest  ven- 
geance on  the  persecutor.  Maximian  en- 
deavored to  corrupt  his  daughter  Fausta  to 
murder  Constantine  her  husband;  wiiich  she 
discovered,  and  Constantine  forced  him  to 
choose  his  own  death,  when  he  preferred  the 
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  in  ano,  that 
spread  progressively    to  his   inmost   bowels, 
and  baffled  all  the  skill  of  physicians  and  sur- 
geons.    Untried    medicines   of  some   danng 
professors  drove  the  evil  through  his  bones  to 
the  very  marrow,  and  worms  bega.^j  to  breed 
in  his  entrails;  and  the  steiichwas  soprepon- 
derantas  to  b"  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 
the  design  of  drawing  out  the  vermin  by  the 
lieat,  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   altiiough  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 
hke  a  wounded  bull,  often  endeavoring  to  kill 
himself,    and    destroying   several  physicians 
for  the  inefficiency  of  their  medicines.  These 
torments  kept  him  in  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  paroxisms,  tliat  he 
wou'd  rebuild  the  churches,  and   repair   the 
mischiefs  done  to  them.     An  edict,  in  his  last 
aoronie.s,  was  published  in  his  name,  and    the 
joint  names  of  Constantine  and    Licinius,  to 
I>ermit  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  Donitus.      He 
soon  after  committ>-d  his  wife  and  son  to  the 
care  of  Licinius;  and  at  his  death    appointed 
Constantine  emperor  of  Gaul,  Spain,  Britain, 
and  Germany;   Licinius  his   successor  in   111- 
yricum,  Greece,  and  Asia   Minor;  Maximin 
liad  been  named  Caesar,  and  since  that  empe- 
ror of  Egypt  and  the  East:  and    Maxentius, 
tliough  an  usurper,  but  since  called   emperor 
of  July  and  Afrisa,  notwithataading  ik»  po«« 


176 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


eaesion  of  the   latter  by   Alexander,  another 
usurper- 

The  hic^h  council  in  Kirtland  have 
withdrawn  their  fellowship  from  Elder 
P/iineas  H.  Young,  until  he  returns  to 
this  place  and  makes  ample  satisfaction 
for  a  public  offence.  By  order  of  the 
council;* 

'     W.   PARRISH,  }  Clerk. 

Kirtland,  Augii^it  17,  1835. 


*^*  This  number  of  the  Messenger 
and  Advocate  has  been  delayed  beyond 
the  ordinary  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  v/iU  now  continue 
till  the  whole  are  published.  We  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 
cause  of  our  Savior,  that  Zion  may  be 
redeemed,  and  all  Israel   saved. 

DIED  in  this  town  on  Tuesday, 
(the  1st  of  Sept.)  after  a  lingering  ill- 
ness of  over  two  years,  Mary,  ccnsort 
of  Isaac  Hill,  aged  29  years  and 
six  months. 

IN  Clay  Co.  Mo.  Sept.  last,  Solo- 
mon HuMPKKEY,  aged  about  56  years. 
He  was  an  elder  in  the  church  of  Lat- 
ter day  Saints,  and  had  done  much  good 
in  the  cause  of  our  Lord. 

"Fraise  ye  tlae  fjord." 

BY  MISS.    ELIZA    S. 

Great  is  the  Lord:  'tis  good  to  praise 

His  high  and  holy  name: 
Well  may  tlie  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; 
Where  truth,  and  rigliteousness  are  taught, 

By  his  divine  command. 

We'll  praise  him  for  more  glorious  things, 

Tha»  language  can  express, 
The  "everlasting  gospel"  brings, 

The  humble  eouls  to  blesB. 


The  Comforter  is  sent  again. 

His  pov/'r  the  church  attends; 
And  with  the  faithful  will  remain 

Till  Jesus  Christ  descends. 
We'll  praise  him  for  a  prophet's  voice, 

His  people's  steps  to  guide: 
In  this,  we  do  and  will  rejoice, 

Tho'  all  the  world  d.^ride. 
Praise  him,  the  time,  the  chosen  time, 

To  favor  Zion's  come: 
And  all  the  saints,  from  ev'ry  clime, 

Will  soon  be  gathered  home. 
The  op'ning  seals  announce  the  day, 

By  prophets  long  declar'd; 
When  all,  in  one  triumphant  lay. 

Will  join  to  praise  the  Lord. 

EyciiiBig  fflyiBiH. 

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  Pray. 

O  thank  the  Lord  for  grace  and  gifts 

Renew'd  in  latter  days; 
For  truth  and  light,  to  guide  ub  right, 

In  wisdom's  pleasant  v/ays. 

For  ev'ry  line  we  have  receiv'd 

To  turn  our  hearts  above; 
For  ev'ry  word,  and  ev'ry  good. 

That's  fill'd  our  souls  with  love. 
O  let  us  raise  a  holier  strain. 

For  blessings  great  as  ours. 
And  be  prepar'd,  while  angels  guard 

Us  til  rough  our  slumb'ring  hours. 

O  may  we  sleep  and  wake  in  joj. 
While  life  with  us  remains; 

And  then  go  home,  beyond  the  tomb. 
Where  peace  forever  reigns. 


THE  LATTER  DAY  SAINTS' 

Eflesscnger  and  Advocate, 

IS  EDITED  BY 

And  published  every  month  at  Kirtland,  Geauga  Co 
Ohio,  by 

F.  G.  ^VII^tlAMS  &  Co. 

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LATTER   DAY   ^AINT^' 

I?IESSEIV€i}ER  AMP  ABYOCATE. 

Vol..  I.     No.  12.]     KIRTLAND,  OHIO,  SEPTEMBER,  1835.      [Whole  No.  12. 


liCtterlVo.  I©. 

Dear  Brother  in  the  Lord: 

Other  important 
business  has  prevented  me  from  an- 
.swering  your  7th  letter,  addressed  to 
me,  through  the  columns  of  the  Mes- 
senger and  Advocate  of  July  last,  until 
now.  Upon  reading  that  letter,  I  per- 
ceive, that  the  subject,  to  which  it 
mainly  relates,  is  so  well  set  foith, 
and  the  description  of  Cumorah  so  faith- 
fully 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  and  no  lionest  per- 
son can  read  it,  without  feeling  grate- 
ful to  God,  for  tho  knowledge  it  con- 
tains: if  humble,  any  one  that  reads 
and  receives  it,  will  rejoice  for  the  ful- 
ness of  the  gospel,  which  it  so  simply 
sets  forth  to  the  understanding  and 
comprehension  of  the  commonest  ca- 
pacity. Such  who  read  and  ask  in 
faith,  are  very  apt  to  embrace  its  truth 
for  the  truth's  sake,  because  the  truth 
makes  them  free,  and  they  knov/  the 
right  way  to  be  saved  in  the  kiugdom 
of  God. 

From  the  first  time  I  read  this  vol- 
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  the  face  and  eyes  of 
the  body  of  matter  that  follows;  I  will 
let  it  show  for  itself. 

The  Book  of  Mormon:  An  account 
written  by  the  hand  of  Mormon,  upon 
plates  taken  from  the  plates  of  NepkL 

Wherefore  it  is  an  abridgement  of 
the  Record  of  the  People  of  Ncphi;  and 
also  of  the  Lamanites;  written  to  the 
Lamanites,  which  arc  a  remnant  of 
the  House  of  Israel;  and  also  to  Jew 
and  Gentile;  written  by  v.ay  of  com- 
tnandmcnt,  and  also  by  the  sjjirit  of 
Prophecy  and  of  Ivcvclation.   Wriltcii; 


and  sealed  up,  and  hid  up  unto  the 
Lord,  that  they  might  not  be  destroyed; 
to  come  forth  by  the  gift  and  power  of 
God,  unto  the  interpretation  thereof; 
sealed  by  the  hand  of  Moroni,  and  hid 
up  unto  the  Lord,  to  come  forth  in  due 
tuTfie  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 
People  of  Jared,  which  were  scattered 
at  the  time  the  Lord  confounded  the 
language  of  the  people  when  they  wero 
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  of  Christ. 

Here  is  no  dark  insinuation;  no  ref- 
erence to  some  other  author  for  a  mot- 
to; no  explanation  wanted;  no;  all  is 
clear:  "  Condemn  not  the  things  of  God, 
that  ye  may  he  found  spotless  at  the 
judgment  seat  of  Christ.^'  How  pleas- 
ant and  happy  would  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  he 
has  read  it,  I  fear  be  will  be  found 
spotted  at  the  judgment  seat  of  his 
holy  Judge! 

Whenever  I  have  meditated  upon 
the  book  of  Mormon,  and  looked  ahead 
at  the  glory  which  will  be  brought  to 
pass  by  that,  and  the  servants  of  God, 
I  have  been  tilled  with  hope;  filled 
with  light;  filled  with  joy,  and  filled 
with  satisfaction.  What  a  wonderful 
volume!  what  a  glorious  treasure!  By 
that  book  I  learned  the  right  way  to 
God;  by  that  book  I  received  the  ful- 
ness of  the  everlasting  gospel;  by  that 
book  I  found  tho  new  covenant;  by 
that  book  I  learned  when  the  Lord 
would  gather  scattered  Israel;  by  that 
book  I  vsaw  that  the  Lord  had  set  his 
hand    the    second    time   to  crathcr   his 


17^' 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


people,  and  place  them  in  their  own 
land;  by  that  book  I  learned  that  the 
poor  Indians  of  America  were  somg 
of  the  remnants  of  Israel ;  by  that  book 
I  learned  thai  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  t  ink  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  gai-ments  have  not 
the  smell  of  fire.  Fake  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  tiiis  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,  wc^ijd ' 


rejoice  and  say,  truth  is  light,  an(|  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  WJiitmer  and  Maitin  Harris,]  that  you 
must  rely  upon  my  word,  which  if  you  do, 
with  full  purpose  of  heart,  you  shaP  have  a 
view  of  the  plates,  and  also  the  breastplate, 
the  sword  ofLaban,  theUrim  andTliummim, 
which  were  given  to  the  brother  of  Jared  up- 
on the  mount,  wlien  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  unto  the  chil- 
dren of  men,  in  this  work.  And  ye  shall  tes- 
tify tliat  you  have  seen  them,  even  as  my 
servant  Joseph  Smith,  jr.  has  seen  them,  for 
it  is  by  my  pow^er  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  gif^ 
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— "«7  is  true" — is  enough;  it  is 
eternal,  and  the  rivers,  and  mountains; 
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  th«5 
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;  nnd  the  torment  they  must  endure 
in  a  kingdom  of  no  glory. 

I  need  not  bring  line  upon  line;  pre- 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


ccpt  upon  precept;  truth  upon  tmth; 
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  in  it.  One 
word  about  heaven:  The  Gentile  world 
supposes  heaven  to  be  a  great  way  oft; 
— a  place  of  spirits; — but  I  allow  hea- 
ven to  be  near,  and  that  it  will  be  ^on 
land:  In  support  of  this,  I  shall  quote 
the  85th  Psahii: 

"Lord,  thou  hast  been  favorable  unto  thy 
land:  thou  hast  broudit  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  Ikyself  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  ns  foi-ever"? 
Wilt  thou  draw  out  thine  anger  to  all  genera- 
tions? Wilt  thou  not  revive  u.s  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  Lokd  will  speak: 
for^he  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  glor}'  may  dwell  in  our  land. 
Mercy  and  truth  are  met  togetlier;  righteous- 
ness and  peace  have  kissed  etich  other.  Truth 
shall  spring  out  of  the  earth;  and  righteous- 
ness shall  look  down  from  hraven.  Yea,  the 
Lord  shall  give  that  which  is  good:  and  our 
land  shall  yield  her  increase.  Righteousness 
shall  go  before  him;  and  shall  set  2is  in  the 
•way  of  his  steps." 

From  this  Psalm,  I  draw  a  conclu- 
sion, that  the  Lord  will  bless  the  land, 
and  bless  the  saints  upon  it,  with  all 
the  good  things  that  will  gladden  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;  and  a 
pro.=tpect  so  congenial  with  my  feelings, 
I  am  willing  to  acknowledge  myself 
indebted  to  the  revelations  of  God,  con- 
tained in  the  bible,  the  book  of  Mor- 
liion,  tire  book  of  coinmandments  and 
all  other  good  bookn,  which  alike  have 
come  and  will  come  unto  the  world,  by 
the  gift  and  power  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 
I  glory  in  revelations  from  the  Lord, 
and  think  when  the  prophecy  of  good 
old  .Icremiah  is  fulfdled,  th.')  earth  will 
i»e  tilled  with  knowledge  wliich  will  be 
revealed.     It  read-s: 

"Behold,  I  will  brimr  it  health  and  cure, 
nnd  I  will  euro  them,  and  will  reveal  unto 
then)  the  abundance  of  peace  and  truth.  And 
I  will  cause  the  cnptivify  of  .luciah  nnd  tjic 
captivity  of  fMrnfl  to  ret'iim,  nnd  wdl  build 
the-.n  fiR  at  llio  first.  And  1  will  rlr.nnse  tliei.i 
from  all  thcii  ini<|uity,  wJier.;Wy  tju  y  hn\c- 
sinned  ngniast  me;  and  1  wiMpnrlnu  :"ill  iju'lr 


179 

iniquities,    whereby   they  have   sinned,    and 
whereby  they  have  trangressed  against  me." 

But  I  will  close  niy  quotations  for 
the  present.  The  vexations  and  per- 
plexities which  seem  to  be  tiie  lot  of 
this  generation,  are  tolerable  strong 
evidence  of  what  is  at  han<l;  and  as,  in 
trouble,  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  Olivt.r  Cowdery. 


To  ike  elders  of  the  church  of  Lat- 
ter Dny  Saints. 

After  so  long  a  time,  and  after  so 
many  things  having  been  said,  I  feel  it 
my  duty  to  drop  a  k\v  hints,  that,  per- 
haps, the  elders,  traveling  through  the 
world  to  warn  the  inhabitants  of  the 
earth  to  flee  the  wrath  to  come,  and 
save  themselves  from  this  untoward 
generation,  may  be  aided  in  a  measure, 
in  doctritie,  and  in  the  way  of  their  du- 
ty. I  have  been  labormg  in  this  cause 
for  eight  years,  during  w^hich  time  I 
have  traveled  much,  and  have  had 
much  experience.  I  removed  from 
Seneca  county,  N.  Y.  to  Geauga  coun- 
ty, Ohio,  in  February,  1S31. 

Having  received,  by  an  heavenly 
vision,  a  commandment,  in  June  fol- 
lowing, to  take  my  journey  to  the  wes- 
tern boundaries  of  the  State  of  Mis.soij- 
ri,  and  there  dosignate  the  very  spot, 
which  was  to  he  the  central  spot,  for 
the  commencement  of  the  gathering 
together  of  those  who  embrace  tiie  ful- 
ness of  the  everlasting  gospel — I  accor- 
dingl}-  undertook  the  journey  with  cer- 
tain ones  of  njy  brethren,  and,  after  a 
long  and  tedious  journey,  suflering 
many  privations  and  hardships,  I  ar- 
rived in  .facksoii  county  Missouri;  and, 
after  viewing  the  country,  seeking  dil- 
igently at  the  Ijand  of  God,  lie  mani- 
fested himself  unto  mo,  and  designa- 
ted to  me  and  others,  the  very  spot  up- 
on which  he  designed  to  connnencf  tiio 
work  of  the  gatheriug,  and  the  upbuild- 
ing of  an  iioly  city,  wliich  should  be 
called  Zion: — Zion  because  it  is  to  be 
a  place  of  righteousness,  and  all  who 
build  thereon,  are  to  wors^hip  llir-  iru!* 
and  living  God — and  nil  believe  in  on'' 
floctrine  even  the  doffritie  of  uiu"  Lord 
ami  Savior  .Irsus  ( 'hri^t. 


ISO 


MKSSEXGER  AXD  ADVOCATE. 


'•Thy  watchmen  shall  lii\  up  the  voice:  admit,  and  whose  families  were  willing 
«-iiJi  tlie  voice  tojeUiej  shall  they  sing:  for  ^^  remove  to  the  place  which  I  now  de- 
tliev  shall  see  eve  to  eve.  when  taeLiOrd  shall  !    .         .    ,         ,        ,       .       j     ,-    r/.  .      » 

briiie  acmin  Zi6n."— Isaiah  5-2:8.  i  signaled  to  be  the  land  ot    Zion:  And 

Here  Me  pause  for  a  moment,  to  i  ih"s  the  sound  of  the  gathermg,  and  of 
make  a  few  remarks  upon  the  idea  of ,  the  doctrine,  went  abroad  into  the  world; 
sTdtherin^  to  this  place.  It  is  well  a^id  many  we  have  reason  to  fear,  hav- 
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- 
proacht'ully  called,  to  gather  to  this 
place,  inasmuch  as  it  was  their  duty, 
(and  it  wtis  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 
vou  would  wish  to  have  otliers  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  was 


ing  a  zeal  not  according  to  knowledge, 
not  understanding  the  pure  principles 
of  the  doctrin°  of  the  church,  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  ta 
leave  their  families:  women  their  hus- 
bands; children  their  parents,  and  slaves 
their  masters,  thereby  deranging  the 
order,  and  breaking  up  the  harmony 
I  and  peace  of  society.'"  We  shall  here 
show  our  faith,  and  thereby,  as  we 
humbly  trust,  put  an  end  to  these  faults, 
and  wicked  misrepresentations,  which 
have  caused,  we  have  every  reason  to 
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 


our  doctrine: — to  -infringe  upon  the  i  this  subject,  we  shall  commence  with 
rights  of  a  people  who  inhabit  our  civil  j  the  first  principles  of  the  gospel,  which 
and  free  country:  such  as  to  drive  the  j  are  repentance,  and  baptism  for  the  re- 
inhabitants  of  Jackson  county  from  I  mission  of  sins,  and  the  gift  of  the  Ho- 
their  lands,  and  take  possession  thereof  \  ly  Ghost  by  the  laying  on  of  the  hands, 
unlawfully.  Far,  yea,  far  be  such  a  I  This  we  believe  to  be  our  duty,  to  teach 
principle  from  our  hearts:  it  never  en-  to  all  mankind  the  doctrine  of  repent- 
ance, which  we  shall  endeavor  to  show 


lered  into  our  mind,  and  we  only  say, 
that  God  shall  reward  such  in  that  day 
when  he  shall  come  to  make  up  his  jewels 


from  the  following  quotations: 

"Then  opened  he  their  understanding,  that 


But  to  return  to  mv  subject:  after  j  the v  roisht  understand  the  scriptures,  and 
having  ascertained  the  very  spot,  and  ^«aid  unto  them,  thus  it  is  written,  and  th^^^^^ 
,       :   °    ,      ,         .  r       ••      ^      •,        I  behoved  Christ  to  suffer,  and  to  rise  from  the 

havmg  the  happmess  ot  seeing  quite  a  ;  ^^^^^  ^j^^  ^j^d  dav:  and  that  repentance  and 
number  of  the  families  of  my  brethren,  remission  of  sins 'should  be  preached  in  his 
comfortably  situated  upon  the  land,  I  '  name  among  all  nations.j>eginning  at  Jerosa- 
took  leave  of  them,  and  journeyed  back  lem."— Luke  24:45,46,47. 
to  Ohio,  and  used  every  influence  and  By  this  we  learn,  that  it  behoved 
argument,  that  lav  in  mv  power,  to  get  [  Christ  to  suffer,  and  to  be  crucified, 
those  who  believe  in  tlie  everlasting  and  rise  again  on  the  third  day,  for  the 
covenant,  whose  circumstances   v.oulp  express  purpose   that  repentance   and 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOGAtE. 


181 


remission  of  sins  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 
«hall  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  2:3.:!,39. 

By  this  we  learn,  that  the  pronoise 
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 
«ays,  "not  only  unto  you,  but  unto 
■your  children,  and  unto  all  that  are  afar 
off.''  From  this  we  infer  that  it  was 
to  continue  unto  their  children's  chil- 
dren, and  even  unto  as  many  genera- 
tions 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  is  the  principle  of  re- 
pentance, and  the  second  is  the  princi- 
ple of  remission  of  sins-  And  we  learn 
Jfrom  Peter,  that  remission  of  sins  is 
obtained  by  baptism  in  the  name  of  the 
Lord  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  all  the  world,  both  to  old 
and  young,  rich  and  poor,  bond  and 
free,  as  we  shall  endeavor  to  show 
hereafter — how  and  in  what  manner, 
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  remission 
of  sins.  And  in  order  to  obtain  the  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  expect  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  that  heareth,  say,  Come.  And 
let  him  that  is  athirst,  come.  And  whosoev- 
er will,  let  him  uke  the  water  of  life  freely." 
Rev.  22:17. 

Again  the  Savior  says: 
"Come  unto  me,  all  ye  that  labor,  and  are 
heavy  laden,  and  1  will  give  j'on  regl.     Take 


ray  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  easv, 
and  my  burden  is  light"— Math.  ll:2>',29,3b. 

Again  Isaiah  says: 

"Look  unto  me,  and  be  ye  saved,  all  the 
ends  of  the  earth;  for  I  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  tonsfue  shall  swear.  Surely, 
shall  one  say,  in  the  Lord  have  I  righteous- 
ness and  strength:  even  to  him  shall  men 
come;  and  all  that  are  incensed  against  him 
shall  be  ashamed."— Isaiah  4.5:22,23,24. 

And  to  show  further  connections  in 
proof  of  the  doctrine  above  named,  we 
quote  the  following  scriptures: 

"Him  hath  God  exalted  uith  his  right 
hand,  to  be  a  Prince  and  a  Savior,  for  to  give 
repentance  to  Israel,  and  foririveness  of  sins. 
And  we  are  his  witnesses  of  these  thin^rs;  and 
so  is  also  the  Holy  Ghost,  whom  God  hath 
given  to'them  that  obey  him." — Acts  .5::31,32. 

"But  when  the}- 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 
himself  believed  also;  and  when  he  was  bap- 
tized, he  continued  with  Philip,  and  wonder- 
ed, beholding  the'^  miracles  and  signs  which 
were  done.  Now  when  the  apostles,  which 
were  at  Jerusalem,  heard  that  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  thev 
received  the  Holy  Ghost.  *  *  *  And  as  they 
went  on  their  way,  they  came  unto  a  certain 
water;  and  the  eunuch  said.  See,  here  is  wa- 
ter; what  doth  hinder  me  to  be  baptized? 

And  Philip  said.  If  thou  believest  with  all 
thine  heart  thou  mayest  And  he  answered 
and  said,  I  believe  that  Jesus  Christ  is  the 
Son  of  God.  And  he  commanded  ifie  chari- 
ot to  stand  still:  and  they  went  down  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  preached  in  all  the 
cities,  till  became  to  Cesarea." — Act88:I2  13 
14,15,16,17, 3G,  to  the  end. 

"While  Peter  yet  spake  these'words,  the 
Holy  Ghost  fell  on  all  them  wliich  heard  the 
word.  And  they  of  the  circumcision,  which 
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  tonsues,  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  days." 
—Acts  10:44,45,46,47,48. 

"And  on  the  Sabbath,  we  went  outW  the 
city,  by  a  river  side,  wliere  prayer  was  wont 
to  be  made;  and  wp  sat  down,  and  spake  nn- 


Mit^ENGLR  AND  ADVuCATlb. 


1^ _^ 

to  the  women  tliat  resorleii  thitlier.  And  a 
i-8itaiu  woman,  named  Lyilia,.  a  ytller  of'(>ur- 
ple,  oftlie  city  of  Thyatira,  wliicJi  worship- 
ped God,  lieard  us:  whose  lieart  the  Lord 
opened,  tliat  she  attended  unto  the  things 
which  were  spoken  of  PauK  And  when  she 
was  baptized,  and  her  household,  she  besought 
U.S,  saying,  If  ye  liave  judged  me  to  be  faith- 
ful to  the  Lord,  come  into  my  liouse,  and 
abide  there.  And  she  constrained  us.  ^  '^ 
*  *  And  at  niidniglit  Paul  and  Silas  pi'ay- 
ed,  and  sang  praises  unto  God:  and  the  pris- 
oners heard  them.  And  suddenly  there  was 
a  great  earthquake,  so  that  llie  foundations  of 
the  prisop  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  lied.  But  Paul  cried  with 
a  loud  voice,  saying.  Do  thyself  no  harm ;  for 
we  are  all  here.  Then  he  called  for  a  light, 
y.nd  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 
liouse.  And  they  spake  unto  him  the  word 
of  the  Lord,  and  to  all  that  v/ere  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  wherj  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. 

2$,  to  35. 

"And  it  came  to  pass,  that,  while  Apollo.s 
was  at  Corinth,  Paul,  having  passed  througii 
the  upper  cossts,  came  to  Ephesus;  and  find- 
ing certain  disciples,  he  said  unto  them,  Have 
ye  received  the  Holy  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  repentance, 
saying  unto  the  people,  that  they  should  be- 
lieve on  hnn  which  should  come  after  him, 
that  is,  on  Christ  Jesus.  When  they  heard 
this,  they  were  baptized  in  the  name  of  the 
Lord  Jesus.  And,  when  Paul  had  laid  his 
liands  upon  them,  the  Holy  Ghost  came  on 
them;  and  they  spake  with  tongues,  and 
prophesied." — Acts  19:1,2,3,4,5,6. 

And  due  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- 
ceive thy  sight.  And  the  same  hour  I  looked 
up  upon  him.  And  he  said,  liie  God  of  our 
tathers  hath  chosen  thee,  that  thou  shouldsl 
know  his  will,  and  sec  that  Just  One,  and 
shouldst  hear  the  voice  of  his  mouth.  For 
thou  shalt  by  his  witnea^  unto  all  men,  of 
what  thou  hast  seen  and  heard.  And  now 
why  tarriest  thou?  arise,  and  be  baptized, 
and  wash  away  thy  sins,  calling  on  the  name 
of  the  Lord."— Acts  22:12,13,14,15,16. 

"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  or- 
acles of  God;  and  arc  become  such  as  have 
need  of  milk,  and  not  of  strong  meat.  For 
every  one  that  iiseth  milk,  is  unskilful  in  the 
>Tord  oCrightcousne"a;  for  hf  is  a  babr.     But 


strong  meat  belongeth  to  them  that  are  of  full 
age,  evt'u  those  who  by  reason  of  use,  have 
their  senses  exercised  lo  discern  both  good 
and  evil."— Heb.  5:12,13,14. 

"TJierefore,  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  tiie  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  tiie  world  to  come,  if  they  shall  lall  away, 
to  renew  them  again  unto  repentance;  seeing 
they  crucify  to  themselves  the  Son  of  God 
afi-esh,  and  put  him  to  an  open  shame.-— 
Heb.  6:1,2,3,4,5,6. 

These  quotations  are  so  plain,  in 
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  ne.\t. 

In  the  bonds  of  the  new  and 

everlasting  covenant, 
JOSEPH  SMITH,  jr. 

John  VVhitmer,  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  timeSr 
and  has  given  rise  to  many  parties  and 
sects  in  the  so  called  christian  world; 
each  one  in  their  turn  supposing  that 
they  had  the  ancient  order  of  things 
among  them,  and  had  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,  who  were  di- 
vinely mspired  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  pro- 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


phets  and  apestles  declared    it,    by  ht; 
spirit  of  inspiration. 

I  conclude,  and  I  think  correctly  too, 
"that  it  requires  the  entire  order  of  things 
estabhsiied  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 
=^rder,  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  an>ong 
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 
lihlc  reflection,  to  determine  that  there 
are  none  of  them  on  tenable  ground; 
neither  can  they  be  without  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 
<ind  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 
rnen?     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-men:   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  according  to  the  will  of  God, 
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  thorn  through  these   men;  and 
the  fulfillment  of  these  promises  was  to 
be  a  testimony  that  the  Lord    had   sent 
the  men    who   hud   ndministorod    unto 
tliem. 


J83 

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.  Jn  his  first 
epistle  to  the  Corinthians,  chap.  12:  v. 
28,  he  says:  "And  God  set  some  in  the 
church;  first,  apostles;  secondarily,  pro- 
phets; thirdly,  teachers;  after  that  mir- 
acles; then  gifts  of  healings,  helps, 
governments,  diversities  of  tongues." 
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  •inderstood;  for  if 
this  account  bo  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  no'.;  for  the  ancient 
order  of  things  commenced  with  apos- 
tles,   then  came  prophets;  so   that  both 
apostles  and  prophets  arc  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   arc    not, 
there  the  ancient  order  of  things  is  not; 
for  the  third   thing    which    the    Savior 
di.ne  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, 
teachers,  helps,  govprnmonts,  &c.;  nnd 


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  be 
a  perfect  human  body  if  there  was  an 
arm  or  leg  takdi  off,  and  the  reason 
would  be  that,  without  the  arm  or 
or  leg  the  body  could  not  be  perfect,  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  with- 
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  spirita- 
al  as  well  as  the  natural  kingdom;  they 
are  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,  thait  is  to 
save  men,  and  in  order  that  men  might 
be  saved,  it  was  necessary  that  an  or- 
der of  things  should  be  established,  be- 
ginning with  apostles,  and  then  to  have 
prophets,  and  then  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 
^earch  out  the  ancient  order  of  things, 


this  is  what  he  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 
fellov/  men,  lo  here  is  the  ancient  order 
of  things,  or  lo  it  is  there,  unless  they 
have  the  order  before  mentioned;  for  if 
matters  not  wjiat  order  they  rnay  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  ways  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-- 
tie  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  ChrisL 

Such  was  the  ancient  order  of  things 
in  laying  the  fomidation  to  establish  the 
order  of  God,  and  out  of  this,  all  the 
rest  of  the  order  grew. 

These  men  thus  qualified  for  their  of- 
fice, went  forth,  and  called  upon  the 
rest  of  their  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 
them  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  tho 
powers  of  the  first;  and  as  the  first, 
apostles  grew  up  to  be  prophets,  so 
those  who  were  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  adyan- 


MESSEN(i£R  AND  ADVOCATE. 


185 


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  in  the  name  of  Jesus  Christ, 
according  to  the  will  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 
have  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  this  religion 
as  set  forth  in  the  scriptures,  its  order 
was  the  same;  it  produced  the  same  ef- 
fect among  all  people,  whether  they 
were  Scythian,  Barbarian,  bond  or  free, 
Jew  or  Gentile,  Greek  or  Roman,  it 
mattered  not  what  they  were;  for  in 
this  respect,  there  was  neither  Greek 
nor  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  fi'uits  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,  that  the  Lord  has  but  one 
order  of  things,  and  that  all  other  or- 
ders are  not  of  him,  and  where  this  or- 
der 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  things  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  Older  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  whom  God  approves 
but  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 


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.  JR. 


Clear  Creek,  111.  July  7, 183.5. 

After  laboring  for  a  season,  we  em- 
brace another  opportunity,  to  inform 
you  of  our  prosperity  in  the  cause  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,  we  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 
thsy  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  Most  High. 

We  held  a  meeting  yesterday,  and 
baptized  three;  and  for  the  first  time  Mr. 
Dudley  (the  champion  of  this  place)  ap- 
l)eared  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  of, 
was  not  that  meek  and  lowly  spirit 
which  reigns  in  the  bospm  of  the  meek 
aijd   humble    followed   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  a  blind  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  death:  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  save  all  mankind,  (as  some  of  the 
sectarians  would  have  it;)  but  preach 
the  truth  that  such  as  will  come  may 
come  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 
so:  Amen.  L.  JACK?4AN. 

C.  BALDWIN. 

To  John  Whitmer,  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  came  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  shpep  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  Whitmer. 


Extracts  of  Conference  Minutes, 
Council  met  in  Kirtland,  Sept.  28  r 
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 
also  for  persisting  in  said  erroneous 
opinions,  &c.  Ke  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.* 


*  The  points  on  which  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.  Sinitli,  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  befoi*e  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. 
After  being  organized  according   to 
order,  the  confei'enoe  proceeded  to  bus- 
iness.    Six  small   branches   were    re- 
presented as  composing  this  confei-ence. 
There  have  been  28  members  added 
to  these  several  branches  since  our  last 
conference  of  June  19. 

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  foUow- 
infic,  at  10  o'clock,  A.  M. 

D.  W.  PATTON, 

President. 
J.  Blakesly,  Clerk. 


MKSrfEXGKR  AxS'D  ADVoCATK. 


lYIetiseusrei'  uiid    A4lvoea.2e. 


KIRTI.SND,    OHIO,  SEPTKS^UER.  lSi)5. 

CLEANLINESS  NECJ5SSARY 
FOR  SALVATION. 

Cleanliness  is  one  of  the  adornments 
-of  the  human  family  which  is  rcquired 
of  our  heavenly  Father.  It  is  rcason- 
uble  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  among  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. 
Lhicleanness  does  not  qualify  a  person 
for  any  exalted  station;  it  does  not 
prepai'e  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  oppi'essed; 
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  remam  filthy  still. — 
And  if  the  immortal  part  of  man  must 
be  washed  and  be  made  clean,  why 
not  the  mortal  also?  we  have  sam- 
ples enough  to  prove  this  fact:  while 
the  children  of  Israel  were  journeying 
through  the  wilderness,  Dcut.  Ciiap. 
XXlll:  V.  12,13,14.  It  docs  not  re- 
quire proof  to  the  mind  of  an  intelli- 
gent man,  that  cleanliness  is  necessa- 
ry to  qualifiy  a  person  for  tiie  kingdom 
of  God.  It  is  evident  that  there  is  no 
filthy  or  unclean  thing  in  his  [)rcs- 
cncn. 

We  will  bring  our  subject  to  bear 
with  our  own  situation,  and  tlic  goner- 
uti(jn  among  whom  we  live;  and  see 
Jiow  far  we  can  indulge  ourselves  in 
the  practices  and  be  justified.  In  the 
book  oi  Doctrine  and  Covenants  we 
read,  Page  1*23,  par.  12:  "Let  all 
things  I)C  done  m.  cleanliness  boforo 
mo."  This  sentence  says  all  things, 
and  no  doubt  it  means  just  what  it  says. 
Let  us  inquire  a  little  concerning  this 
mailer.  It  seenvs  that  it  is  a  good  thing 
to  bo  prepared  to  moot  the    worst  and 


_1S7 

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  cliurch  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  churdi  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  and  people,  alrcxdy  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,  accoi'ding  to 
the  word  of  the  Lord  he  will  not  bo 
unclean  in  his  person;  he  will  be  neat 
and  cleanly  in  his  apparrel;  yea,  he 
will  keep  all  the  commandments  of  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  s{)irit  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  wc  should. 

Frequently  wc  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,  which  appeared  beautiful  out- 
wardly, but  within  were  full  of  dead 
men's  bones;  so  with  this  generation: 
But  as  greata  curiosity  as  c?vn  be  found 
in  the  world  abounds  in  religion,  which 
consist';  in  a  coat  or  hat,  and  were 
they  to  lay  them  aside  would  be  as 
barren  of  religion  as  the  generation  of 
vipers  was  in  the  days  when  the  Son 
of  Man  was  upon  earth.  Rut  says  one 
it  is  th«  heart  that  God  looks  at  and  not 
the  outward  appearance.  We  grant 
fiiat  CJod  looks   upon   the   heart,    and 


18^ 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


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  they  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  openl)\''' 

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 
pll  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  idols, 
will  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- 


thing unless  they  are  administered  by 
one  who  has  been  authorized  of  the 
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  man,  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  wicked  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  the 
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,  in 
which  the  children  of  Israel  should  be 
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  the  words  of 
Ether:  for  he  truly  told  them  of  all  things, 
from  the  beginning  of  man;  and  how  that  af- 
ter the  waters  had  receeded  from  off  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  men 
should  serve  him,  which  dwelleth  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  of  the 
Lord.  Behold,  Ether  saw  the  days  of  Christ, 
and  he  spake  concerning  a  New  Jerusalem 
upon  this  land;  and  he  spake  also  concern- 
ing the  house  of  Israel,  and  the  Jerusalem 
from  whence  Lehi  should  come;  after  that  it 
should  ha  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,  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  should  be 
built  up  upon  this  land,  unto  the  remnant  of 
the  seed  of  Joseph,  for  the  which  things  there 
has  been  a  type:  for  as  Joseph  brought  his 
father  down  into  the  land  of  Egypt,  even  so, 
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  unto 
the  seed  of  Joseph,  that  they  should  perish 
not,  even  as  he  was  merciful  unto  the  father 
of  Joseph,  that  he  should  perish  not;  where- 
fore the  remnant  of  the  liouse  of  Joseph  shall 
be  built  upon  this  land ;  and  it  phall  be  j^  land 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


18d 


of  their  inheritance;  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 
shajl  pass  away." — Book  of  Mormon  page  5G6. 

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  lifted  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 
place,  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 
their  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 determines  the  place,  and  who 
dare  dispute  iti  The  Lord  has  said 
by  the  mouth  of  Isaiah;  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  hearts  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  forth 
from  tlie  Father,  that  Ihry  shall  be  gathered 


in  unto  one  place,  upon  the  face  of  this  land, 
to  prepare  their  hearts,  and  be  prepared  in  all 
things,  against  the  day  when  tribula^irn  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,  saith  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  earth  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  the  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 
waihng  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  my 
Spirit." 

Moses  while  talking  to  the  children 
of  Israel,  says  "Secret  things  belong 
unto  the  Lord  our  God;  but  these  things 
which  are  revealed,  belong  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,  the  blessing  and 
the  curse,  which  I  have  set  before  thee,  and 
thou  shalt  call  them  to  mind  among  all  the 
nations  wliither  the  liord  thy  God  hath  driv- 
en thee.  And  shalt  return  unto  the  Lord  thy 
God,  and  shalt  obey    his  voice,    accordinj  to 


190 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE 


all  that  I  command  thee  tliis  day,  tiiou,  and 
thy  children,  with  all  thine  heart,  and  with 
ail  thy  Eoul;  That  then  the  Lord  thy  God 
will  turn  thy  captivity,  and  have  compassion 
upon  thee,  and  will  return,  and  gather  thee 
from  all  the  nations  whither  the  Lord  thy 
God  hath  scattered  thee. 

IfanT/of  thine  be  driven  out  unto  the  ut- 
most parts  of  heaven,  from  tiience  will  tlie 
Lord  thy  God  gather  thee,  and  from  tlience 
will  he  fetch  thee.  And  tlie  Lord  thy  God 
will  bring  thee  into  the  land  which  tJiy  fath- 
ers possessed,  and  thou  shalt  possess  it;  and 
he  will  do  thee  good,  and  multiply  thee  above 
thy  fathers.  And  the  Lord  thy  God  will  cir- 
cumcise thine  heart,  and  the  heart  of  thy  seed, 
to  love  the  Lord  thy  God  with  all  tliine  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  tliem  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  bis  good  pleasure 
Tvhich  he  hath  purposed  in  liimself:  That  in 
"the  dispensation  of  the  fulness  of  times,  he 
might  gather  together  in  one  all  things  in 
Christ,  both  w^hich  are  in  heaven,  and  which 
are  on  earth,  eren  in  him.  In  whom  also  we 
have  obtained  an  inheritance,  being  predes- 
tinated according  to  the  purpose  of  liim  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  shalt  possess  it;  and  he  will  do 
thee  good,  and  multiply  thee  above  thv 
fathers." 

We  have  also  shown,  that  this  land 
was  a  place  Tor  the  gathering  of  a 
remnant  of  the  house  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  .Te=jus 
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  arc  very 
numerous;  and  if  we  will  obtain  them, 
we  shall  be  blessed  while  the  throne  of 
God  shell!  stand.       To    show  what  the 


Lord  has  revealed  wc  will  make  a  few 
more  quotations. 

"And  now  I  show  unio  you  a  mystery,  a 
thing  which  is  had  in  secret  cliambers,  to 
bring  to  pass  even  your  destruction,  in  pro- 
cess of  time,  and  ye  knew  it  not,  but  now  I 
tell  it  imto  you,  and  ye  are  blessed,  not  be- 
cause of  your  eniquity,  neither  your  hearts  of 
unbelief,  for  verily  some  of  you  are  guiltj^  be- 
fore me;  but  I  will  be  merciful  unto  3'our 
weakness.  Therefore,  be  ye  strong  from 
hencefortli;  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,  and 
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  sliall  be  no  cuise  when  the  Lord  com- 
eth:  and  I  will  give  it  unto  you  for  the  land 
of  your  inheritance,  if  you  seek  it  with  all 
3'our  hearts:  and  this  shall  be  my  covenant 
with  you,  ye  shall  have  it  for  the  land  of  your 
inheritance,  and  for  the  inheritance  of  j' our 
children  forever  while  the  earth  shall  stand,, 
and  ye  shall  possess  it  again  in  eternity,  no 
more  to  pass  avray." — 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  3'our  God,  and  hear  the  word  of  the 
Lord  concerning  you;  the  Lord  who  shall 
suddenly  come  to  his  temp'c:  the  Lord  who 
shall  come  down  upon  the  world  with  a  curse 
to  judgement;  yea,  xipon  all  the  nations  that 
forget  God,  and  upon  all  the  ungodly  among 
3f0u.  For  he  shall  make  bare  his  holy  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  3'e  people  of  my  church,  upon 
the  land  of  Zion,  all  you  that  have  not  been 
commanded  to  tarry.  Go  ye  out  from  Bab3-- 
lon.  Be  ye  clean  that  bear  tlie  vessels  of  the 
Lord.  Call  your  solemn  assemblies,  and 
speak  often  one  to  another.  And  let  ever3' 
man  call  upon  the  name  of  the  Lord;  yea, 
verily  I  say  unto  3'ou,  again,  the  lime  ha.i 
come  when  the  voice  of  the  Lord  is  uu(o  you, 
Go  3'e  out  of  Bal>3'lon;  gather  3'e  out  from 
among  the  nationn,  from  the  lour  winds,  frorn 
on<^  oud  i>rhoavea  to  the  other. 


MESSENGER  A.XJ)  ADVOCATE. 


191 


Send  forth  the  eiderfs  of  my  cliurch  uuto 
the  nations  which  are  afar  oft';  unto  tlie  isl- 
ands of  the  sea;  send  forth  unto  foreign 
lands;  call  ui)on  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  tJiem  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 
saith  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  ol  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,  I^lcnry  Co. 
Ten.  Sept.  21,  1835. 
I  liave  continued  my  labors,  principally 
among  the  churches,  since  the  departure  of 
Elder  W.  Parrish:  and  have  baptized  four.— 
There  are  many  sick  in  this  part  of  the  land, 
and  some  are  dying.  Thn  saints  in  the  kouUi 
wish  to  bo  remembered  before  tiie  Lord  hy  I  he 
saints  in  the  north;  wlioni  we  love  for  f{\f 
truth's  salf,  (tr.  W.   WOODRITF. 


(JONTEJVTS  OF  THE 

mSBSHNGISn  anh  advooatb. 

Volume  1.    iXo.  1.  i'a<tc. 

Address,  J 

Foreign  i\ews,  2 
Comiiiunication  written  by  O.  Cowdery,  Poii- 

tiac,  M.  T.  Oct.  20.  1834,  3 
Conimuiiieation  from  J.  P.  Green,  7 
Communication  from  W.  A.  Cowdery,  Free- 
dom, N.  Y.  Oct.  20, 1834,  8 
Communication  from  Eli  Gilbert,  Huntington, 

Ct.  Sept.  23, 1834,  » 

P.  S.  10 

Communication  from  Sylvester  Smith,  10 

An  apology,  for  delay,  11 

for  not  publishing  the  re-printeil 

Stor  as  soon  as  anticipated,  1 1 

An  invitation  to  read  Mr.  E.  Gilbert's  Letter,  II 

Death  of  A.  8.  Gilbert,  11 
Communication  from  Elder  Z.  Coltrin,  Florida, 

Mo.  Oct.  13,  1834,  11 

A  word  to  our  patrons,  &<!.  11 

Oblainine  suhscriptions,  11 

Persons  wising  to  discontinue  subscriptions;  &c,  11 

Complaints,  &e.  11 

Deaths,  12 

,  remarks  upon,  12 

Eitraets  of  the.  minutes  of  the  High  Council  of 
the  church  of  the  Latter  Day  Saints,  held  in 

Kirtland,  Sept.  S4,  1834,  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,  &c.  13 

P.  S.  16 

Terms  of  Messenger  and  Advocate,  Itt 

No.  2, 

Milleneum,  No.  IX,  17 
Faith  of  the  church.  No.  VIH,  19 
The  Gospel,  No.  11,  20 
Comnsunication  from  W.  A.  Cowdery,  Free- 
dom, Oct.  28,  1834,  91 

P.  S.  Do. 23 

Communication  from  W.  W.  Phelps,  Liberty, 

Mo,  Oct.  20, 1834,  32 
Communication  from  S.  B.  Stod^..rd,  Saco,  Me. 

Oct.  20,  1834.  24 
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.  6,  1S34,  33 
Library  of  the  Earl  Spencer,  &c.  34 
Communication  from  W.  A.  Cowderv,  Free- 
dom, Nov.  29,  1834,  '  35 
Faith  of  the  church.  No.  IX,  35 
The  Gospel,  No.  Ill,  37 
Millenium,  No.  X,  39 
Communication  from  Josepli  Smith  jr.  40 
Remarks,  41 
An  extract  from  the  Message  of  the  Governor  of 

Mo.  on  the  affairs  of  the  Mob  in  July,  1833,  41 

Conference  notices,  41 

Death,  41 

Rise  of  the  church,  41 

Summary,  43 

Close  of  another  year,  40 

No.  4. 

Communication  from  W.  W.  Phelps,  Liberty, 

Mo.  Nov.  13,  1831,  49 
Faith  of  the  church.  No.  X,  51 
Millenium,  No.  XI,  63 
Gospel,  No.  IV^  54 
Conmiunication  from  Edward  Partridge,  Inde- 
pendence, Mo.  Aug.  31,  1833,  56 
Communication  from  Ambrose  Palmer,  Now 

Portage,  O.  January  28,  1835,  [flf 

Conditions  of  re-printed  Star,  6'J 

Conference  Notice,  f^2 

Bishop  Partridge's  letter,  CfZ 

Deaths,  8^ 

Summary  of  letters  from  Elders,  &c.  fljj 

No.  5. 
Communicnlion  from  AV.  AV.  Phrlps.  liibcriv. 

Mo.  Christinns,  1831,                                    "  05 

Millenium,  No.  XFI.  57 

I'nitli  of  Iho  chiirib,  Ni>.   XT.  6S 

(i<.«prl,  ;\o.   \',                                    ,  7t 

f»hiiu;ity,  71 

^u?)i/B:iry  (irii'tlcrs,  75 


•193 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


Communication  from  tlie  Brookville,  la.  En- 
quirer, 77 
Riseof  the  church,  77 
IVo.  of  students,  ifec.  80 
Terms  of  school,  Kirtland,  Feb.  27, 1835,  80 

No.  6. 
Communication  from  W.  AV.  Phelps,  Liberty 

Mo.  Feb.  «,  1835,                                          "  m 

Faith  of  the  church,  No.  XII,  «3 

.  Millenium,  No.  XlII,  84 

Gospel,  No.  VI,  87 

Communication  from  Elder  O.  Pratt,  Cincinnati 

O.  Febuary  16, 1835,  '  go 

P.   S.  gg 

Conference  notices,  Kirtland,  March  8. 1835,  90 
recalled,  90 

,  Request  to  T.  B.  Marsh  and  O.  Pratt,  90 
Remariis  on  delusions,  &c.  90 
Communication  from  Elder  S.  Carter:  and  re- 
marks by  the  Editor  93 
Reception  of  People's  and  Parley's  Magazine,  95 
Water  drinkers,  &c.  j  o  .  ^_ 
Rise  of  the  church,  95 

-  Spring  months,  jg 

No.  7. 

^^'""Mr'i?''^'""  ^'■,°J"  ^V-  W.  Phelpg,  Liberty, 

Mo.  Febuary -24,  1835,                     '  97 

Commmucatio'n  from  W.  A.  Cowdery,  Free- 
dom, March  10,  1S.35  97 

Communication  from  M.  C.  Nickerson,  Perrys- 

burgh  N.  Y    January  30,  1835,  99 

Minutes  of  a  conference,  held  at  Freedom,  N.  Y. 

April  J,  1833,  101 

Communication  from  W.  E.  M'Lellin,  Hunts- 

burgh,  O.  April  16,  I&35,                    '  102 

Communication,from  D.  Evans,  Perry,  April  19, 

Extract  of  conference  minutes  Kirtland,  O. 

April  27,  1835,                                     '  103 

Summary  of  Letters,  103 

Trouble  in  the  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,  108 
Invitation  to  attend  conference  at  New  Portage, 

Ohio,  112 

No.  8. 

Communication  from  W^.  A.  Cowdery,  Free- 
dom, March  17  Jt-35,  113 
Communication  from  W.  W.  Phelps,  Kirtland, 

May  19,  1835,  114 
Conference  minutes  of  the  travelling  high  coun- 
sel, AVestfteld,  May  12,  1835,  115 
Millenium,  No.  XIV,  116 
Gospel,  No.  VII,  118 
Address  to  the  patrons^of  the  Mes.  and  Adv,  120 
Call  for  arrearages,  &c.  122 
Deaths,  12.2 
Remarks  on  Theological  lectures,  122 
Lecture  V.  100 

VI,  124 

Faith  of  church,  126 

Conference  at  New  Portage.  Ohio,  128 

No.  9. 

Communication  from  W.  W.  Phelps,  Kirtland 

Ohio,  June  1, 1835,  12o 
P-  S.  131 
Clospel,  No.  VIII,  131 
Faith  of  the  church.  No.  XIII,  I33 
Communication  from  W.  Parish  and  W.  Wood- 
ruff, Paris,  Ten.  May  16,  1835,  135 
Address,  I35 
To  the  Saints  scattered  abroad,  I37 
Recommend  of  Bishop  Partrirlge,  138 
Commuiiiciition  from  Elder  O.  Pratt,  Freedom 

N.  Y.  May  13,  1835,                                        '  139 
Selected  from  the  N.  Y.  Courier  and  Enquirer 

with  remarks,  &,c.                                             '  i^q 
Communication  from  D.  Evans,  Columbiana  co 

Ohio,  May  24,  1835,                                            '  141 
Communication  from  H.  Green,  Clinton  co    in 

May  15,  1833,                                                      '  142 
Communication  from  Elder  J.  Blakeslee  Ellis 

burgh,  N,  Y.  May  18,  1835,  142 

Conference  minutes  held  at  Nev/  Portage  Ohio  142 

I  John's  deffinition  of  love,                                       '  144 

Hymn,  Adam-ondi-Ahman,  I44 

Sabbath  Hymn,  I44 

Deaths,  I44 

No.  to. 

Commnnication  from  W.  W.  Phelps,  Kirtland 

Ohio,  July,  1835,                                               '  145 

The  house  of  God,  I47 

Slanderous!,  \:c.  iiq 


Is  the  end  near,  143 

Remarks  on  Mr.  Bradley's  discourse,  150 
Conference  minutes  of  the  travelling  high  coun- 

cil  held  at  Freedom,  N.  Y.  and  remarks,  153 

Conference  at  New  Portage,  by  request,  153 

Lecture  on  children,  154 

Apology  for  abridging  letters,  135 

Pliny  Foot's  request,  igg 

Rise  of  the  church;  155 

Morning  Hymn,  159 

Extracts  of  letters  from  the  Elders  aliroad,  160 

Letters  must  be  post  paid,  leo 

Sacrament  Hymn,  leo 

No.  11. 

General  Assembly,  16£ 

Faith  of  the  Church,  No.  XIV,  164 

Lo  the  days  come,  &.c,  166 

Letters  from  the  Elders  abroad,  166 

Time,  ]68 

Prayer,  168 

Doctrine  and  Covenants,  170 

Persecution,  170 

form  the  becinning  of  the  fourth 

century  to  the  death  of  Galerius,  171 

Withdrawing  fellowship  from  P.  H.  young,  176 

Delay  of  this  Number,  176= 

Obituary,  176 ' 

Praise  ye  the  Lord,  17(> 

Evening  Hymn,  17(>' 

No.  12. 

Communication  from  W.  W.  Phelps,  177 

from  J.  Smith  jr.  to  J.  Whitmer,  179 

Ancient  order  of  things  by  Elder  S.  Rigdon,  182; 
Communicntion  from  Elder  L.  Jackman  and  C. 

Baldv-'in,  Clear  Creek,  Illinois,  195 

Communication  from  Elder  G.  31.  Hinkle,  18t> 

Extract  of  Conference  minutes,  Kirtland,  Ohio,  186- 
Extract  of  minutes  of  Conference  held  at  Black 

River,  New  York,  18ft 

Cleanliness,  187 

On  the  gathering  of  Israel,  188 

To  the  Elders  abroad,  191 

Death,  191 

Return  of  the  twelve,  191 

Extract  of  W.  Woodruff's  letter,  19L 


HOME. 

How  sweet  is  the  mem'ry  of  all  that  we  love,. 

The  saints  who  have  laid  up  their  treasures- 
above, 

And  have  waited  in  faith  for  the  Savior  to- 
come, 

With  a  fulness  of  glory  to  crown  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  and  children,  united  as  one, 
Praise  God  face  to  face. 
As  clear  as  the  moon,  and  as  fair  as  the  sun. 


THE  LATTER  DAY  SAINTS' 

THes^eager  and  Advocate, 

IS  EDITED  BY 

JOHN  WSITIKCER, 

And  published  every  month  at  Kirtland,  Geauga  Co 
Ohio,  by 

F.   G.  IVItlilAMS  &  Co. 

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ten  new  subscribers,  and  forwarding-  %  10,  current 
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All  letters  to  the  Editor,  or  Publishers,  must  be 

icrPOST  PAiD..a\ 

No  subscription  will  be  reeeivedjor  a  less  term,  than  on 
year,  and  no  paper  discontinued  till  all  arrearage*  art 
paid,  except,  at  Ike  option  of  Ike  publiskcrs. 


LATTER   DAY    SAINTS' 

MESSKI^«ER  AiVl>  ABVOCATE. 


Vol™  II.     No.  1.]        KIRTLAND,  OHIO,  OCTOBER,  1835.        [Whole  No.  13. 


Ijetiev    No.  1 1. 

Dear  Buother  in  the  Lord: — My 
last  letter  was  mainly  confined  to  tlie 
book  of  Mormon,  which  rarely  (ail.s  to 
bring  to  my  mind  something  about  the 
Indians,  whose  history  and  doings,  up- 
on this  wesern  continent,  it  unfuldsas 
plainly,  as  the  bible  does  those  of  the 
Israelites  on  the  eastern  continent. — 
Having  such  a  view  before  me,  I  have 
concluded  t©  add  a  second  part  to  my 
last  letter,  and  give  a  few  ideas  con- 
cerning the  Indians  and  Israelites. 

The  Indians  occupy  a  large  portion 
of  the  land  of  America,  and,  as  they 
ere  a  part  of  the  creation  of  God,  and 
are  a  remnant  of  the  children  of  Isra- 
el, they  must  necessai  ily  bear  the  gos- 
pel, and  have  a  chance  to  be  gatheud 
into  the  foM  of  the  Lord.  Our  gov- 
ernment has  already  gathered  man}" 
o{'  the  scattered  renn  ants  of  trib  s,  and 
located  them  west  of  the  Missouri,  to 
be  nationalized  andcit-il'zed;  and  feel- 
ing, as  every  ^.aint  must,  a  deep  inter- 
est in  their  salvation,!  rejoice  to  see 
the  great  work  prosper.  The  Indians 
are  the  people  of  the  Lord;  they  are 
of  the  tribes  of  Israel;  the  blood  of  Jo- 
seph, with  a  small  mixture  of  the  roy- 
al blood  of  Judah,  and  the  hour  is  nigh 
•when  they  will  come  flocking  into  the 
kingdom  of  God,  like  doves  to  their 
windows;  yea,  as  the  book  of  Mormon 
foretells —  tliey  will  soon  become  a 
■white  and  delightsome  people. 

VVIien  I  read  the  book  of  Mormon 
and  reflect  upon  the  mercy  and  good- 
ness of  God,  in  sj)aring  some  of  the 
SDed  of  Joseph  u])on  this  choice  land  of 
America:  and  consider, his  wisdom  and 
love  in  preserving  a  record  of  the  pro- 
gcmitors  or  fathers  of  this  now  smitten 
and  dejected  people,  I  cannot  find  tlie 
requisite  terms  to  convey  my  thanks 
to  such  an  all  wise  Being! — 1  am  lost 
in  wonder — I  shrink  at  my  nothingness 
and  his  greatness! — Joy  to  the  world 
for  the  salvation  which  is  free  to  all 
that  will  embrace  it! — Light  to  everv 
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 
behold  the  seed  of  Joseph  gathering 
home  for  bettor  days,  and  I  love  to  899 


the  saints  preparing  to  meet  the  Lord, 
when  he  comes  in  bis  glory.  I  rejoico 
while  the  United  States'  army  is  pene- 
trating into  the  western  wilds  to  mako 
treaties  Avilh  the  rude  sons  of  the  for- 
est. I  am  gratified  to  hear  that  the 
frontier  Dragoons  are  riding  from  prai- 
rie to  prairie;  yea,  even  to  the  Rocky 
Mountains,  to  keep  and  make  peace, 
with  the  Camanchees,  the  Kios,  the 
Picks,  the  Pawnees,  the  Mandans,  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  works,  O  Lord  God 
Almighty!  Thy  throne  is  high  in  the 
heavens,  and  thy  power,  and  goodness, 
and  mercy  is  over  all  the  inhabitants 
of  the  ear'th!" 

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  sec  Israel's  latter  day  at  hand; 
yea,  who  can  refrain  from  joy,  when, 
phcenix-Iike,  he  beholds  the  Indians  be- 
gin to  raise  out  of  ihcir  fwurteen  hun- 
dred years  of  darkness  and  error,  to 
prcparj  for  glory- — for  robes  of  right- 
eousness— for  the  coming  of  the  Savior, 
when  they  can  shine  on  this  choico 
land,  in  the  kindgom  of  God,  like  the 
stars  of  h(aven,  and  bud  and  blossom 
as  the  rose;  yea,  becoire  the  joy  of 
the  whole  earth?  And  how  much  is 
the  joy  of  our  hearts  enlarged,  when  it 
is  known  the  "poor  Indians,"  are  to  bo 
raised  from  their  low  estate,  and  mis- 
erable condition,  by  the  everlasting 
gosjie/;  even  the  fullness  of  the  gospel 
contained  in  the  book  of  Mormon,  and 
other  books  of  God?  No  wonder  the 
pure  in  heart  will  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 exclaimed: — "How  beautiful  upon 
the  mountains  arc  the  feet  of  him  that 
Lringcfh  good  tidings,  that  publisheth 
peace;  that  bringcth  good  tidings  of 
good,  that  publisheth  salvation;  that 
saitli  unto  Zion,  Thy  God  reigneth!" — 
Isaiah  Chap.  52:7. 

The  prospect  of  such  a  grand  scene; 
such  noble  days;  such  an  earth  of  bli»« 
should  cause  the  sainta  to  ling: — 


194 


MESSENGER  AWD  ADVOCATE. 


Ye  watchmen  lift  your  voices, 
While  heaven  and  earth  rejoices, 
In  strains  of  holy  praise, 
For  bliss  that  crowns  aur  days, 

So  gloriouslf. 
Cee  eye  to  eyp,  in  Zion, 
While  Jesus,  Judah's  Lion, 
Rebukes  the  worl.1  of  sin, 
Aj]  J  mtkes  his  church  begin 

To  fill  the  eartJL 

"Vc  blessed  of  the  Father, 
From  cv'ry  region  pr.ther, 
Upon  tli8  pro.-i.is'J  l;.nd, 
In  lio!y  places  stand, 

■\\'hilc  judgement  works* 

The  plagues  will  soon  be  over— 
.  The  Lor  J  his  face  uncover, 
And  all  the  pure  in  heart. 
Beyond  ths  power  of  art. 

Be  blest  in  heavem 

The  ecrth  shall  then  be  holy. 
And  saints  ond  r.iigels  boldly, 
Without  a  vail  between. 
Will  see  as  they  arc  seen, 

And  walk  with  Cod. 

When  I  contrast  the  end  of  the  Ne- 
phites,  at  the  great  battle  of  Ciimorah, 
when  tlie  ten  thousand  led  by  Mormon; 
the  ten  thousand  led  by  Moroni;  Gic'- 
giddonah  and  his  ten  thousand;  Lamah 
and  his  ten  thousand;  Gilgal  and  his 
ten  thousand;  Linihah  and  his  ten 
thousand;  Joneam  and  his  ten  thou- 
sand; Cameniliah  and  his  ten  thou- 
sand; Moronihah  and  his, ten  thousand; 
Antonium  and  his  ten  thousand;  Shib- 
lum  and  his  ten  thousand;  Shern  and 
his  ten  thousand;  Jcsh  and  his  ten 
thousand;  and  ten  more  with  their  ten 
thousand  each — were  slain;  yea,  1 
say  when  I  contiastthis  dreadful  scene 
of  tne  Nepliites  and  Lamanitcs,  with 
the  glorious  beginning  of  ■  the  rem- 
nants' return  to  serve  the  Lord,  I  fail 
for  language  to  express  my  joy — I 
want  the  earth  deluged  in  prayer;  the 
heavens  lit  with,  spngs;  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  Pvlississippi  riv- 
er, comprising  a  population  oi  312,- 
610."  These  tribes  [-  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 
ef  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  tho  Commissioners   stated  tha 


^'thirty  tribes,  containing  a  popuJalio'^ 
of  156,310,  have  held  treaties  with  th® 
United  States,  and  that  there  is  an  Jn- 
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  supposje 
800,000,  in  the  northern  regions  of 
the  Canadas,  and  500,000  in  Soutb 
America,  there  will  be  2,110,562  of 
the  sons  of  Joseph,  and  of  the  remnants 
of  the  Jews.  A  goodly  number  to  be 
willine  in  the  day  of  the  Lord's  povi'er, 
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  pi obably  contain  700  millions 
of  inhabitants,  and  those  parts  which 
are  unknown  may  be  supposed  to  con- 
txin  more  than  four  times  as  many 
more,  making  an  estim.ated  total  of  a- 
bout  three  thousand,  five  hundred  and 
eighty  millions  o^  souls:  Let  no  man 
marvel  at  this  statement,  because  there 
may  be  a  continent  at  the  north  poIe» 
of  more  than  1300  square  miles,  con- 
taining thousand'5  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  SQufh;  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, 
thatlhe'c  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  took  of  Mormon,  j)age 
131.  The  branches  planted  in  the 
nethermost  parts  of  the  earth,  "brought 
forth  much  fruit,"  and  no  man  tliat 
protends  to  have  pure  religion,  can 
find  "much  fruit"  among  tho  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  al- 


iMESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE, 


1§5 


low  only  200  millions  to  be  chris/ians/ 
Thus,  i.istaad  of  "muc'i  fruit,"  (and 
there  is  probably  as  niiijh  now  as  there 
has  been  since  the  fl.jod,)  the  earth 
contains  more  than  500  millions  of 
heatheml  And  I  feel  constrainf-'d  to 
say,  that  those  who  profess  to  be  ch'is- 
iians  act  more  /i^a//ien<!.V/ among  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 
po'.ver,  during  the  last  fifty  years,  like 
so  many  ferocious  beasts,  and  where 
will  you  find  a  man  of  God?  Where 
will  you  find  a  servant  of  the  Lord. 
who  can  prevail  b)^  prayer  and  faith, 
and  unstop  tlie  bottles  of  heaven  in  a 
•drouth?  Where  will  you  fuid  a  mighty 
man  that  can  chase  a  thousand — or 
two  put  ten  thousand  to  flight?  V/here 
"will  you  find  a  man  that  can  sav  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  amon^tlie 
baptists;  not  among  tiie  methodists; 
not  among  the  christians;  not  among' 
the  campbeliites;  not  among  the  uni- 
versalists:  no;  not  among  any  sect, 
for  they  have  otily  a  form  of  godliness, 
and  deny  the  j)ower  thereof.  In  fact, 
the  faith  of-  the  church  of  Christ  of 
latter  day  saints,  has  not  been  suffi- 
cient, amid  such  a  world  of  unbelief, 
to  i>erform  many  great  miracles.  The 
sick  have  been  heaieu;  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  tp  faith,  it  will 
soon  lack  no  good*  gift. 

I  can  only  turn,  tiicn,  to  the  infant 
church  of  Christ  of  latter  day  saints, 
and  pray  the  Lord  to  keep  it  in  the 
right  way,  and  all  things  tor  the  edifi- 
cation, and  for  the  salvation  of  men, 
and  for  the  glorification  of  God,  will 
be  in  the  possession  of  the  saints. — 
The  Lord  has  not  changed,  his  gospel 
is  the  same  from  the  beginning  to  the 
end;  nc^ither  is  he  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  pare  before 
him,    what   Enoch  saw  we  can  f.ee;- — 


what  Moses  did  we  can  do;  what  Pe- 
ter had  we  can  have;  what  the  saints 
endured  we  can  endure;  and  what  the 
righteous  receive  we  shall  receive. — 
(ilorious  prospect!  What  j'^y  to  come! 
O  I  want  a  world  of  words — a  universe 
of  praise,  a:jd  an  eternity  of  gratitude, 
to  thank  the  Lord  for  what  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  tiie  chuicii  of  Christ  we  plough  not 
the  ocean  for  v.ealth;  we  visiL  not  for- 
eign climes  for  gold;  we  risk  not  our 
lives  among  all  maimer  of  men  for 
fame: — no;  the  servants  of  Jesus 
Christ  go  whither  .oever  he  command-5 
them  to  carry  glad  tidings — to  proclaim 
salvation  to  all  that  will  accept  of  it, 
according  to  the  conditions  of  the  gos- 
pel— that  the  kingdom  of  heaven  may 
come: — j'^ea,  the  joyful  day  be  ushered 
in,  when  Israel  shall  ho  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  kingdom 
prepared  t'rora   the   foundation   of  tiie. 


their 


pcnnij, 


world,  and  receive 
songs  of  everlasting  joy. 
As  ever, 

^V.  \Y.  PHELPS. 
To  Oliver  Covvdery. 


with 


LETTER  VIIL 

Dear  BRorHEn, — 

In  my  last  I  said  I  should 
give,  partially,  a  '*doscription  of  the 
place  where,  and  the  manner  in  which 
these  records  were  dopo-ited:*"  tlie  first 
promise  1  have  fulfilled,  and  must  pio- 
ceed  to  the  latter: 

The  hill  of  v/hich  I  h.ave  been  speak- 
ing, at  the  time  mentioned,  presented- 
a  vai-icd  appearance:  the  north  end 
rose  suddenly  from  the  plain,  forming 
a  promontory  without  timber,  but  cov- 
ered with  grass.  As  you  passed  to  the 
'  outh  you  soon  came  to  scattering  tim- 
ber, the  surface  having  been  cK.'ared  by 
art  or  by  v^•iiJd;  and  a  short  distance 
further  left,  you  are  surrounded  v.'ith 
the  common  forest  cf  the-  country.  It 
is  necesscry  to  observe,  that  even  the 
part  cleared  was  only  occupied  for  pas- 


193 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


*  urage,  its  steep  accent  and  narrow 
Pummit  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  phico  in 
the  year  1830,  there  were  several  trees 
standing:  enough  to  cause  a  shade  in 
summ.-r,  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  refe:;tion  of  past  ccts  which 
have  been  j)erformed  on  certain  por- 
tions or  spots  of  this  earth,  I  know  not, 
neither  'i'oes  it  add  or  diminish  to  nor 
from  the  reah'ty  of  my  subject.  When 
Moses  hf-ard  the  voice  of  God,  at  the 
foot  of  Horeb,  out  of  tiie  burning  bush, 
he  was  commanded  to  take  his  shoes 
off  his  feet,  for  the  ground  on  winch  he 
stood  was  holy.  The  same  may  be  ob- 
served when  Joshua  beheld  the"  "Cap- 
tain of  the  Lord's  host"  by  Jerico. — 
And  I  confess  that  my  mind  was  filled 
with  many  reflections;  and  though  I  did 
not  then  loose  mj  shoe,  yet  with  grati- 
tude to  God  did  I  ofier  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  tlu-y 
liad  been  some  fourteen  hundred  years 
buried,  and  that  too  on  the  side  of  a 
liill  so  steep,  one  is  ready  to  conclude 
that  they  were  some  feet  below,  as  the 
oarth  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 
>yas  covered,  after  the  Nephites  were 
-destroyed,  and  the  roots  of  the  same 
would  hold  the  surface.  However,  on 
this  point  I  shall  leave  G\ery  man  to 
draw  his  own  conclusion,  and  form  his 
own  speculation,  as  I  only  promised  to 
give  a  descri[)tion  of  tiic  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 
years,  actually  discovered. by   the  vis- 


ion of  God,  the  plates  from  which  the 
book  of  Mormon,  as  much  as  it  is  dis- 
believed, was  translated!  Such  ia  the 
case,  though  men  rack  their  very  brains 
to  invent  falsehoods,  and  then  waft 
them  upon  every  breeze,  to  the  contra- 
ry notwithstanding. 

I  have  now  given  sufficient  on  the 
subject  ol"  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  Mormon:  though  I  hope  never  like 
Jerusalem,  and  the  sepulchre  of  our 
Lord,  the  pilgrims.  In  my  estimation, 
certain  j>laces  are  dearer  to  me  for 
what  they  note  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  smooth. 
At  each  edge  was  |>laced  a  large  quan- 
tity of  cement,  and  into  this  cement,  at 
the  four  edges  of  this  stmc,  were  pla- 
ced, erect,  tour  others,  Iheir  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  edgrr, 
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  itmer  surface  of  the  four  erect,  or  \ 
side  stones  was  smoolh.  'I  his  box  was 
sufliciently  large  t.)  admit  a  brea|t-plate,  ^ 
such  as  was  \.\i.eA  by  the  ancients  to  de- 
fend the  chest,  &c.  from  the  arrows 
and  weapons  of  their  enemy.  From 
the  bottom  of  the  box,  or  from  the 
brjast-piatc,  arose  three  small  pillars 
composed  of  the  same  description  of 
cement  used  on  the  edges;  and  upon 
these  three  pillars  was  placed  the  rec-  y 
ord  of  the  children  of  Joseph,  and  of  a/^ 
people  who  \g\  the  tower  far,  far  kf- 
Ibre  the  days  of  Joseph,  or  a  sketch  of 
each,  which  had  it  not  l;en  for  this,  and 
the  never  failing  goodness  of  God,  we 
might  have  peiished  in  our  sins,  hav- 
ing been  left  to  bow  down  before  the 
altars  of  the  Gentiles  and  to  have  paid 
homage  ^o  the  priests  of  Baal!     I  naust 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCAffi. 


IDT 


not  forget  tp  say  that  this  box,  contain- 
in'^  the  record  was  cr)vere>d  with  anoth- 
er stonrt,  the  bottom  surface  being  flat 
and  the  upper,  crowning.  But  those 
three  pillars  were  not  so  lengthy  as  1o 
ciuse  the  plates  and  the  crowning  ston;^ 
tj  come  in  contact.  I  hnve  now  given 
you,  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  pait  of 
the  crowning  stone  w.is  visible  above 
the  surface  while  the  edges  were  con 
cealed  by  the  soil  and  grass,  from 
which  circumstance  you  will  see,  thai 
however  deep  this  box  might  hive  been 
placed  bv  Moroni  at  first,  the  time  had 
been  sufficient  to  wear  the  ejnth  so 
ihat  it  was  easily  discovered^  whr>n 
ones  directed,  and  yet  not  enough  to 
make  a  ^perceivable  dilTerence  to  the 
passer  by.  So  wonderful  are  the  works 
of  the  Almight}',  and  so  far  from  our 
finding  out  are  his  ways,  that  one  who 
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  timos  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 
smill  box  uncovered,  and  exposed  its 
.valuable  contents  to  the  rude  calcula- 
tions and  vain  speculations  of  those 
\yho  neither  understand  common  lan- 
guage nor  fear  God.  But  such  would 
have  been  contrary  to  the  words  of  the 
ancients  and  the  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  all  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  ns  formerly. — 
And  if  any  .suppose  1  have  indulged  too 
freely  in  reflections,  I  will  only  say, 
that  it  is  my  o|)inion,  were  one  to  have 
a  view  of  the  glory  of  God  which  is  to 
cover  Israel  in  the  last  days,  and  know 
that  these,  though  they  may  be  thought 
srijill  thin'/s,  wore  th.:  bf!,</iaiimg 
lu  ©iTuct  iho  same,  thoy   wjuld  Iw  at  u 


loss  where  to  close,  should  they  give  a 
moment's  vent  to  the  imaginations  of 
the  heart. 

You  will  have  wondered,  perhapr, 
that  the  mind  of  our  brother  should  lo 
so  occupied  with  the  thoughts  of  iho 
goods  of  this  world,  at  the  time  of  ar- 
riving at  Ciimorali,  on  the  morning  of 
die  22nd  of  SeiJtember,  1823.  after 
having  been  rapt  in  the  visions  of  heav- 
en during  the  night,  and  also  seein.^ 
and  hearing  in  o|)en  day;  but  the  mind 
of  man  is  easily  turned,  if  it  is  not  held 
by  the  power  of  God  thtough  the  pray- 
'.^r  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  tlie  cer- 
tainty of  \yealth  and  ease  in  this  life, 
hid  so  powerfi'lly  wrought  upon  him, 
that  the  great  object  so  carefully  and 
impv&ssively  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  tim'i,  the  record,  do  not  understand 
me  to  attach  blame  to  our  brother:  ho 
was  young,  and  his  mind  easily  turned 
from  c  )rrect  principles,  unless  he  could 
be  favored  with  a  certain  round  of  ex- 
perience. And  yet,  while  young,  un- 
traditionaled  and  untaught  in  the  sys- 
tems of  the  world,  he  was  in  a  situa- 
tion to  be  lead  into  the  great  work  of 
(iod,  and  be  qualified  to  perform  it  in 
due  time. 

After  arriving  at  the  repository,  a 
little  exertion  in  removing  the  soil  from 
the  odg^s  of  the  top  of  the  box,  and  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- 
temptin!!  to  take  it  from  its  long  place 
of  deposit,  he  thought,  perhaps,  there 
might  be  something  more  equally  aa 
valuable,  and  to  take  only  the  plates, 
might  give  others  an  opportunity  of  ob-' 
tainmg  the  remainder,  which  could  Ua 
secure,  would  still  add  to  his  store  of 
wealth.  These,  in  short,  were  his  re- 
fections, without  once  thinking  of  tho 
solemn  instruction  of  the  heavenly  mes- 
senger, that  all  must  be  done  with  an 
express  view  of  glorifying  God. 

On  attempting  to  take  pos-session  of 
tho  record  a  shock  was  produced  upoQ 
WiB.   system,    by  ao    rnvjiiiDJ^    pow^Pj 


193 


MESSENGER  'AND  ADVOCATE. 


which  deprived  him,  in  a  measure,  of 
his  natural  strength,  lie  desisted  for 
an  instant,  and  tacn  made  another  :it- 
lenipt,  but  was  more  sensibly  shocked 
than  be*c)re.  What  was  the  occasion 
of  this  he  knew  not — there  was  the 
pure  unsulh'ed  recor(',  as  had  been  des- 
cribed— he  h:;d  heard  of  the  power  of 
enchantment,  and  a  tiiousand  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  Xo  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 
ibrmer  times,  and  witliout  prcn)edita- 
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,  ail  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  icrventiy  engaged 
in  prayer  to  the  Lord,  when  his  spiiit 
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  bv;en 
kept,  and  in  consequence  could  not 
have  power  to  take  them  into  his  pos- 
session and  bear  them  nway. 

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  ani  rest- 
ed upon  him.  While  he  thus  stood  ga- 
zing and  admiring,  the  angel  said, 
"Look!"  and  as  he  thus  spaks  he  be- 
held 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 
apU  impure,  .the  glory  of.  God  aod  thie 


power  of  darkness,  that  you  may  know 
hereat'ter  the  two  po.vers  and  never  be 
influenced  or  overcome  by  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  lieaits  r.f 
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  tlwvt 
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  scaled 
by  the  prayer  of  faith,  and  because  of 
the  knowledge  which  they  contain  ihey  ■ 
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  it  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 
conm-jandments  of  the  Lord  on  this 
land,  desired  this  at  his  hand,  and 
through  the  prayer  of  faith  obtained 
the  promise,  thai  if  their  descendants  ' 
sliould  transgress  and  fail  away,  that 
a  record  might  be  kept  and  in  the  last 
days  come  to  their  cliitdreu.  These 
things  are  sacred,  and  must  be  kept  no, 
for  the  promise  of  the  Lord  concerning 
them,  must  be  fuliiiied.  No  man  can 
obtain  them  if  his  heart  is  impure,  be-, 
cause  they  contain  that  which  is  sacred; 
and  besides,  should  they  bo  entrusted 
in  unholy  hands  the  knowledge  could 
not  come  to  the  world,  because  they 
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  ])ower  of  God  shall  be 
displayed  those  who  profess  to  know 
he   truth  but  walk  in  deceit,  shall  trem 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE 


199 


ble  with  anger;  but  with  signs  and 
with  wonders,  with  gifts  and  with  heal- 
ings, with  the  manifestations  of  the 
power  of  God.  and  with  the  Holy  Ghost, 
shall  the  hearts  of  the  faithful  be  com- 
forted. You  hnve  now  beheld  the  pow- 
«r  of  God  manifested  and  the  power  ot 
satan:  you  see  that  there  is  nothin? 
that  is  desirable  in  the  works  of  dark- 
ness; that  they  cannot  bring  happiness; 
that  those  who  are  overcome  therewith 
are  miserable,  while  on  the  other  hand 
the  righteous  are  blessed  with  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  continuilly  feast  upon  his 
g:)()dness  and  enjoy  his  smiles.  Behold, 
notwithstanding  yo;i  have  seen  this 
great  display  of  power,  l)y  which  you 
may  ever  be  able  to  detect  the  evil  one, 
yet  I  give  unto  you  another  sign,  and 
whjn  it  cofnes  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:  Whan  these  things 
begin  to  be  known,  that  is,  when  it  is 
k.".jv/ti  that  the  Lord  has  shown  you 
these  things,  the  worke^rs  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  preserved  to  bring 
these  things  forth;  for  in  due  time  he 
will  again  give  you  a  commandment  to 
come  and  take  them.  When  they  are 
int:irproto  1  the  Lord  will  give  the  holy 
priesthood  to  som?,  and  they  shall  be- 
gin to  proclaim  this  gospel  and  baptize 
by  watnr,  and  after  that  they  shall  have 
power  to  give  the  Holy  Gho^t  by  the 
laying  on  of  th:;ir  hands.  Then  will 
persecution  ragi  more  and  more;  for 
the  iniquities  of  mm  shall  be  revealed, 
and  those  who  arc  not  built  upon  thcj 
Rock  will  seek  to  overthrow  this  church; 
but  it  will  i:\creasethe  more  opposed, 
and  spread  farther  and  farther,  increas- 
ing in  knowledge  till  they  shall  be 
smclified  and  rc-eivo  an  inheritance 
w'lore  the  glory  of  God  will  rest  upon 
tliim;  and  wInn  this  takes  plac?,  and 
all  Ibinga  arc  proparod,   tho  ten  tribes 


of  Israel  will  be  revealed  in  the  north 
country,  whither  they  have  been  fur  a 
long  season;  and  when  this  is. fulfilled 
will  be  brought  to  pass  that  saying  of 
the  proph  >t — '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 olF conquer- 
or, if  you  keep  all  his  commandments. 
Your  name  shall  be  known  among  the 
nations,  for  the  work  whicli  the  Lord 
will  perform  by  your  hands  shall  causo 
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  bs  a  terror  be- 
cause of  the  grea'.  and  marvelous  work 
which  shall  follow  the  coming  forth  of 
this  fulness  of  the  gospel.  Now,  go  thy 
wav,  remembering  what  the  Lord  has 
done  for  thee,  and  be  diligent  in  keep- 
ing his  cop.imandments,  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  tiie  evil,  and  obtain 
these  precious  things." 

Though  1  am  unable  to  paint  bsforo 
the  mind,  a  perfect  description  of  the 
scenery  which  |)assed  before  our  broth- 
er, I  think  I  have  said  enough  to  give 
you  a  field  for  reflection  which  may 
not  be  unprofitable.  ■  You  seoihe  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  th» 
record  had  he  went  according  to  ths 
direction  of  the  angel — I  say  that  he 
would;  but  Gjd  koowiiig  all  things 
from  tho  bfiginulng,  Icjgan  thus  to  in- 
struct his  sery:u:t.  And  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  gjingto  Cumorah.  In  this,  then, 
I  discover  wisdom  in  the  dealings  of 
the  Lord:  it  was  impossible  for  any 
man  to  translate  the  book  of  Mornioa 
by  the  gift  of  God.  and  cnduro  tho  af- 
flictions, and  temptations,  and  dovic9» 
of  satan,  without  being  ovorlhrowq, 
unless  ho  had  b30n  previously  bihijfit- 


200 


MESSENGER  APfD  ADVOCAtlE. 


led  with  a  certain  round  of  experience: 
and  had  our  brother  obtained  the  mcord 
the  first  time,  not  knowing  how  to  de- 
tect the  works  of  darkness,  he  might 
have  been  deprived  of  the  blessing  of 
sending  forth  the  word  of  truth  to  this 
"  generation.  Therefore,  God  knowing 
that  satan  would  thus  lead  Jiis  mind  as- 
tray, began  at  that  early  hour,  that 
when  the  full  time  should  arrive,  he 
might  have  a  servant  prepared  to  fulfil 
his  purpose.  So,  however  afiiicting  to 
his  feelings  this  repulse  might  have 
been,  he  had  reason  to  rejoice  lefore 
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 
as  others,  in  laboring  for  his  support. 
But  in  consequence  of  certain  false  and 
slanderous  reports  which  have  been 
circulated,  j  istice  would  require  me  to 
say  something  upon  the  private  life  of 
one  v.- hose  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 o^  many  persons  with  whom  I  have 
been  intimately  acquainted,  and  know 
10  be  individuals  of  the  strictest  veraci- 
ty, and  unquestionable  integrity.  All 
these  strictly  and  virtually  agree  in  say- 
ing, that  he  was  an  honest,  upright, 
virtuous,  and  faithfully  industrious 
young  m;in.  And  those  who  say  to 
the  contrary  can  be  influenced  by  no 
ciher  motive  than  to  destroy  the  repu- 
tation of  one  who  never  injured  any 
man  in  either  property  or  person. 

While  yoimg,  I  have  been  informed 
he  was  afflicted  with  sickness;  but  I 
have  been  told  by  those  for  whom  he 
has  labored,  that  he  was  a  young  man 
of  truth  and  industrious  habits.  And  I 
w'xW  add  further  that  it  is  my  conviction, 
if  he  never  had  been  called  to  the  ex- 
. Jilted  station  in  v/hich  he  now  occupies, 
he  might  have  passed  down  the  stream 
of  time  with  ease  and  in  respectability, 
•,yithw^;  lb©  foul  aud  hellish   tongues  q 


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  u])on  his  name:-  indeed,  this 
is  according  to  the  word  of  the  angel? 
but  this  does  not  prohibit  me  fpoorn 
speaking  freely  of  his  merits,  aud  coii-- 
tradicting  those  falsehoods — I  i>r:e\  my- 
self bound  so  to  do,  and  I  know  that 
my  testimony,  on  this  matter,  will  be 
rt'ceived  and  believed  while  those  who 
testify  to  the  contrary  are  crumbled  to 
dust,  and  their  words  swept  away  in 
ihc  general  mass  of  lies  when  God 
shall  purify  the  earth! 

Connected  with    this,  is  the   charac- 
ter of  the  family:    and  on  this  I  say  as- 
I  said  concerning   the  character  of  our 
brother — 1  feel  myself  bound  to  defend 
the  innocent  always  when  opportunity 
ofljers.     Had  not  those  who  are  notori- 
ous for  lies  and  dis^honesty,  also  assail- 
ed the  c'jaracter  of  the  family  J  should 
pass   over  llicm    here  in    silence;    but 
now  I    shall  not    forbear.     It  has  been 
industriously  circulated  that  they  were 
dishonest,  deceitful  and   vile.     On  this 
;  I  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- 
ficulty   is,  they    were  once    poor,  (yet 
industrious,)  and  have  now,  by  the  help 
of   God,    ari.sen    to     note,     and    their 
names  are  like  to,  (indeed  t'ley  will,)  be 
handed    down    to    posterity,    and    had 
among  the  righteous. — They  are  indus- 
trious, honest,    virtuous    and   liberal  to 
ail.       This    is    their    character;     and 
though    many  take    advantage  of  their 
liberality,   God   will  reward  them;    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  bo    read  in  the  day  of  eter- 
nity,   when  the   wicked  and   perverse, 
who  have  vilely    slandered  them   with- 
out cause  or  provocation,  reap  their  re- 
where   there  is 
gnashing  of 
if  they  do  not  repent. 
Soon  after  this  visit  to  Cumorah,  a 
g.^ntleman    from   the  south    part  of  the 
State,  (Chenango    County,;   employed 
our  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 
so,  the  mountains  of  Susquehannah,  or 


ward  with   the    unjust, 
weeping,     wailing     and 
teeth!- 


.^rESS£NGER  AND  ADVOCATE, 


S9I 


fcausing  others  to  do  it  by  some  art  of 
hicromancy,  I  should  leave  t'lis,  for  the 
nrcserit,  urtnotice  I.  You  will  remem- 
bei*;,  ih  the  hiean  time,  that  those  wh-y 
^^efc  \6  vilify  his  charaCtorv  say  that  he 
has  ahv  ivs  been  notorious  for  his  jdle- 
uesss  This  gentjjman,  whos^  name 
is  Stowel,  resided  in  the  tovu  oC  Bain- 
bridge,  on  or  near  the  head  waters  i.f 
the  Su-iqueliannih  rive>\  Some  forty 
iniles  south,  or  down  the  river,  in  tlu- 
town  of  Marnnny,  Susquchinnah 
county,  Pa.  is  said  to  be  a  cave  or  sub- 
Terran::;ous  re;.*ess,  whether  entirely 
formed  by  art  or  not  1  um  uniniform  id, 
neitlier  does  this  matter;  but  such  is 
said  to  be  the  case, — whero  a  company 
of  Spaniards,  a  long  tin;e  since,  when 
Hie  country  was  uninhal)ited  by  white 
settlers,  excavated  from  the  bowels  of 
the  earth  ore,  and  coined  a  large  quan- 
tity of  money;  after  which  rhey  secur- 
ed the  cavity  and  evacuated,  leiving  a 
jiart  still  in  the  c  ive,  purposing  to  le 
tvjrn  at  some  distant  period.  A  long 
tine  elapsed  an  1  this  account  came 
from  one  of  the  individuals  who  was 
•first  engaged  in  this  mining  business. 
The  country  was  ])ointed  out  and  the 
spot  nainutely  described.  This,  I  be- 
lieve, is  the  su'ostance,  so  far  as  my 
tnemory  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  nir-tal  lying  coined  in  this 
subterraneous  vault,  am  »ng  whom  v/as 
our  empl  )yer;  and  accordingly  our 
brother  was  required  to  spend  a  few 
months  with  some  others  in  excavating 
the  earth,  in  pursuit  of  tiiis  treasure. 

While  employed  here  he  became  ac- 
quainted with  the  family  of  Isaac  Hale, 
of  whom  you  read  in  several  of  the 
productions  of  those  who  have  sought 
to  destroy  the  validity  of  the  book  of 
Mormon.  It  may  be  necessary  here- 
after, to  refer  you  more  particularly  to 
the  conduct  of  this  family,  as  their  in- 
fluence has  been  CDnsiderably  exerted 
to  destroy  the  reputation  of  our  broth- 
er, probably  because  he  married  a 
dau  hterofthe  same,  contrary  to  some 
of  their  wishes,  and  in  connection  with 
this,  to  certain  statements  of  some  others 
of  the  inhabitants  of  that  section  of 
country.  But  in  saying  this  I  do  not 
wish  to  be  understood  as  uttering  auglit 
against  Mrs.  Smith,  (formerly  "^Emma 


Hale.)  She  has  most  certainly  evin- 
ced a  decidedly  correct  mind  and  un- 
common abilitv  of  talent  and  judge- 
ment, in  a  manifest  willingness  to  ful- 
iil,  on  her  part,  that  passage  in  sacred 
writ, — "and  they  twain  shall  be  one 
flash." — by  accompanying  her  hus- 
band, against  the  wishes  and  advice  of 
her  relatives,  to  a  land  of  strangers: 
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 
ihe  subject  proposed,  I  trust  I  shall  be 
indulged,  for  the  purpose  of  satisfying 
many,  who  have  heard  so  m\t\y  slan- 
derous reports  that  they  aie  lead  to  be- 
lieve them  true  because  they  arc  not 
contradicted;  and  besides,  this  gener- 
ation arc  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  j^ure 
t'lan  Michael  the  great  prince;  and  as 
this  is  the  fact,  and  my  opposers  have 
put  me  to  the  necesity,  1  shall  be  more 
prolix,  and  have  no  doubt,  before  I 
give  up  the  point,  shall  prove  to  your 
satisfaction,  and  to  that  of  every  man, 
that  the  translator  of  the  book  of  Mor- 
mon is  wo;  thy  the  appellation  of  a  seer 
and  a  prophet  of  the  Lord.  In  this  I 
(iii  not  |>retend  that  he  is  not  a  mm  sub- 
ject to  passion  like  other  men,  b  set 
with  infirmities  and  ei  c impassed  with 
weaknesses;  but  if  he  is,  all  men  were 
sc  before  him,  and  a  pretence  to  the 
contrar-  would  argue  a  more  than  mor- 
tal, which  would  at  once  destroy  the 
whale  system  of  the  religion  of  the  Lord 
Jesus;  for  he  anciently  chose  the 
weak  to  overc  )me  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  thosa 
who  believe. 

On  the  private  character  of  our 
brother  I  need  add  nothing  further,  at 
present,  previous  to  his  obtaining  the 
records  of  the  Nepuites,  only  that 
while  in  that  country,  some  very  offi- 
cious person  complained  of  him  as  a 
<lisorderly  person,  and  brought  him  be- 
fore the  authorities  of  the  county;  but 
there  being  no  cause  of  action  he  was 
honorably  acquited.  From  this  timo 
forward  he  continued  to  receive  instruc- 
tions concerning  the  coming  forth  of 
the  fulness  of  the  gospel,  from  the 
moutj^  of  tho  heavenly  messenger,  ua- 


sod 


MESSENGEH  AJTD  ADVOCATE. 


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  everlasting  covenant. 

As  ever  your  brother  in  the  Lord 
Jesus. 

OLIVER  COWDERY. 

To  \V.   W.  Phelps. 


Messenger   and    Advocate. 


KIRTLAND,    OHIO,  OCTOBER,  1?35. 

~         No,  1,     ¥©I.  S. 

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:  that  we  may 
aU  be  edified  of  ali,  till  we  all  cnme  in 
the  unity  of  the  faith,  and  of  the  knowl- 
edge of  the  Son  of  God,  unto  a  perfect 
man,  unto  the  mcisure  of  the  stature 
of  lllo  fulness  of  C/hrist. 


SECRET  PRAYER. 
We  have  long  looked  upon  this  sub- 
ject with  feelings  of  pleasure,  while  in 
secret  musing  upon  the  things  of  God, 
and  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  ther 
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." 

Vv'hen  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,"  &lc. 
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  seeih  in 
secret,  and  what  we  ask  in  secret,  if 
we  ask  according  to  his  will,  we  shall 

realize  openly. 

Vv'^e  are  at  a   loss  to  conjecture  how 

the  idea  got  into  the  hearts  oi  men,  and 
more  especially  those  who  call  them- 
selves saints;  to  suppose  that  they  were 
in  secret,  and  prayed  in  secret,  when 
the  hills  and  vallies,  ],or  woods  and 
plains;  were  ringing  with  the  reverbe- 
ration of  their  voices.  They  would 
not  need  Elijah  the  prophet  to  tell  ihc-m 
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. 

We  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  invifiiig 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


203. 


our  friends  and  patrons  lo  read  it,  at 
soma  of  their  leisure  hours.  And  ii 
they  Will,  and  pay  strict  attention  to  it 
we  are  inclined  to  think  that  we  shali 
not  hereafter  lay  a  subject  of  this  kind 
before  them.  :   ^.-    Vt. 

The  Savior  says:  "WhentKou  pray- 
est  thou  shalt  not  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,  (notwiih 
standing  it  is  a  paihful  task,)  to  say 
that  a  muitiplicitv.  of  bu-.-jiness,  ab- 
scence  of  some  of  our  hands  and  the 
illness  of  others,  are  some  of  the  causes 
v.'hy  the  Messene^er  and  Advocate  is 
ccain  delayed  beyond  its  usual  time  of 
publication.  We  hope  that  in  time  to 
come,  we  shall  be  able  to  issue  each 
num.ber  in  the  lime  and  season  thereof: 
Notwithstanding  our  many  enibarass- 
ments,  we  are  laboring  day  and  night 
To  bring  about  and  accinnplish  the  work 
which  is  committed  to  us,  through,  tiie 
dispensation  of  the  new  and  everlast- 
ing covenant,  which  has  come  forth  in 
these  last  days  through  ihe  merits  and 
mercies  of  our  Lord  and  Savior  Jesus 
Christ:  .and  the  prayers  of  tiie  saints 
from  Adam  to  Enocii,  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  from 
Lehi  to  Nephi,  from  Nephi  to  Alma, 
from  Alma  to  Lehigh,  Irom  Lehigh  to 
Mormon  and  tVom  Mormon  io  Maroni, 
who  have  all  prayed  that  the  time  might 
come,  ihat  Israel  sliould  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  prophe- 
sied of  it,  and  «ang  praises  to  Ood  and 
the  Lamb,  for  his  goodness  aQd..merc\' 
Which endureth  forever.  "^;'''''i  •     ' 

Ko/  jK.il    SEE  T®  fiT. 

(C/^''Al!  persons  indebted  for  the 
Messenger  and  Advocate,  are  roques- 
led  fo  make  PAYMJEMT'. 


THE  RECORD  OF  THE  NEFHITES. 
Tuesday  morning,    > 
September  22,    1835.  y 

On  the  morning  of  the  22d  of  Sept- 
em.ber,  1827,  the  angel  of  the  Lord  de- 
livered the  record  of  the  Nepliites  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 
with  wond<;r  the  hand  of  God  in  it? 
dealings  with  men,  in  that  thousands 
and  tens  of  thousands  have  since  heard 
the  contents  of  that  volume  wnich  then 
remained  locked  up  from  the  eyes  and 
knowledge  of  the  nations  of  the  earth.  . 

The  book  has  been  translated,  tho*' 
its  translator  u'as  driven  from  his  na- 
tive land,  to  do  the  same,  by  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  kecj)  it  from  the  pubiic  eye, 
and  sictualiy  stole  a  part,  which  was, 
however,  supplied  from  the  writings  of 
another;  a  few  embraced  its  ti'uths, 
yielded  obedience  to  the  gospel,  and 
tasted  the  good  v/ord  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  nver  to  river, 
and  frcm  valley  to  valley,  till  the  vast 
sunny  plains  of  Missouri,  the  frozen 
regions  of  Canada,  and  the  eastern 
Maine,  with  the  summer  States  of  tho 
South,  have  Leon  saluted  with  the  sound 
of  the  voice  of  those  who  go  forth  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 
scofis  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  viilainy  by  the  priests  of  Baal,  the 
word  has  been  proclaimed  with  success, 
and  thousands  are  nowenjoving  the  be- 
nign infiuence  of  the  love  of  God  shed 
forth  by  ths  Comforter  upon  the  pure 
m  heart! 

Nor  has  the  sound  been  confined 
alone  to  our  shores:  Europe  has  heard 
that  the  great  King  was  doing  wondera 
for  us,  and  the  eyes  of  many  arc  now 
anxiously  turned  to  behold  the  rising. 
sjM'cading  glory  of  the  church  of  tiio 
Latter  Day  Saints,  in  the  new  world: 
in  that  world,  though    vast   its    forests 


»M 


MESSENQE*  AND  ADVOCATE. 


«nd  broad  its  rivers,  where  but  «  t'evr 
•centuries  ago  the  roaming  red  man 
chased  the  buffalo,  the  elk  &  the  bound- 
ing deer  unmolested  and  alone,  now 
subdued,  the  Father  of  mercies  has 
lifted  to  the  nations  of  thcearth  a  stand- 
ard, has  raised  up,  to  the  gaze  of  tiie 
world,  an  ensign,  has  caused  his  voice 
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  cors'.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 
tliO  Most  High,  for  great  things  await 
you!  Hasten  ye,  hasten  ye,  to  the 
places  of  gnthering,  for  after  a  little 
the  indignation  of  the  liord  will  cease 
totvard  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  all  raise  their  warning 
voice,  in  meekness  and  in  mildness,  for 
Boon  will  there  be  a  famine  for  the  word 
of  God.  Listen,  O  ye  elders,  for  soon 
the  voice  from  distant  lands  will  salute 
you, — Come  over  and  hel  p  us!  Think, 
for  a  moment,  on  the  millions  in  your 
own  land  wlio  are  destitute  of  the  word 
of  life;  think  also  on  the  vast  multitudes 
whose  thoughts  never  reached  our 
shores,  who  are  now  perishing  for 
Jack  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 
eoul  for  the  remission  of  sins,  &  whose 
grove'^,  though  spicy,  were  never  salu- 
ted with  the  voice  of  one  who  proclai- 
med life  J\nd  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 
record,  and  organized  the  church  with 
»ix  members!  and  the  fruit  of  the  labor 
of  five  and  a  half  are  so  great  that  the 
hearts  of  thousands  are  astonished;  tho 


vail  of  superstition  has  been  r*nt  from 
tlie  minds  of  many;  the  church  increa- 
sed to  thousands;  the  list  of  elders  mul- 
tiplied to  hundreds;  the  deaf  have  heard 
the  words  cf  the  book;  the  eyes  of  the 
blind  have  seen  out  of  obscurity  and 
out  of  darkness;  the  meek  have  incr?.a- 
sed,  (for  their  joy  is  in  the  Lord,)  the 
poor  among  men  rejoice  in  the  Holy 
One  of  Israel;  many  that  erred  inspirit 
have  come  to  understanding,  while  oth- 
ers that  murmured  have  learned  doc- 
trine. C. 


Kir f land,  Ohio,  October,  1835. 
Denr  Brother, 

Through  the  Medium 
of  the  Messenger  and  Advocate,  we 
wish  to  lay  before  your  readers,  our 
friends  and  brethren,  certain  items  rel- 
ative to  our  mission  the  past  summer. 
We  were  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 — which 
reads  as  follows: — 

"And  now  behold,  there  are  others  who 
are  called  to  declare  my  gospel,  both  unto 
Gentile  and  unto  Jew.  yea,  even  twelve:  and 
the  twelve  shall  be  my  disciples,  and  they 
siiall  take  upon  ^them  my  name:  and  the 
twelve  are  they  who  shall  desire  to  take  upon  . 
them  my  nanif-,  with  full  purpose  of  lieart: 
and  if  ihey  desire  to  take  upon  them  my 
I'ame  with  full  purpose  of  heart,  they  are 
called  to  go  into  all  the  world  to  preach  my 
gospel  unto  every  creature:  ai.d  they  are  they 
who  are  ordained  of  me  to  baptize  in  my 
name,  according  to  that  which  is  written; 
and  you  have  that  which  is  written  before 
you:  wherefore  you  must  perform  it  according 
to  the  words  which  are  written.  And  now  I 
speak  unto  the  twelve:  Behold  my  grace  is 
suflicient  for  you:  you  must  walk  uprightly 
before  me  and  sin  not.  And  behold  you  are 
they  who  ara  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  1o  the  callings  and  gifts 
of  God  nnto  men:  and  I  Jesus  Christ,  your 
Lord  and  your  GoJ,  hava  spoken  it.  These 
words  are  not  of  men,  nor  of  man,  but  of  me: 
whefrefore  you  shall  tostify  they  are  of  me, 
and  not  of  man;  for  it  is  my.  voice  which 
speaketh  Ihem  unto  you:  for  they,  are  giveiv 
by  iny  Spirit  un'o  you:  and  by  my  power, 
you  can  read  them  one  to  another;  and  save, 
it  were  by  my  power,  you  could  not  have 
them:  wherefore  you  can  testify  that  you 
have  heard  my  voice,  and  know  my  wqrd*. 

And  now  behold  I  give  unto  you,  Oliver 
Cowdery,  and  also  unto  David  Whitmer.tfcat 
vou  shall  »8arcH  out  tiie- ivetre  wlio  #haU 


WESSENGfiB.  ANO  ADVOCATE, 


'b«T«  ths  deairCB  of  which  I  have  Bpoken;  and 
by  their  desirei  and  their  works,  you  ibail 
know  them:  and  when  you  have  found  tfaem 
you  shall  shov/  these  things  unU>  them.  And 
you  shall  fall  down  and  worship  the  Father 
in  my  nam-j:  and  you  must  preach  unto  the 
world,  saying,  you  must  repent  and  be  bap- 
tized in  the  name  of  Jpsus  X^hrist:  for  all 
mf^n  must  repent  and  be  haptized;  and  not 
•only  men,  but  womf«  a«d  children,  who  have 
arriven  to  the  years  of  accountability. 

And  now,  after  that  you  have  received  this, 
you  must  ke?p  my  commandments  in  all 
tiiiaffs:  and  by  your  bands  I  will  workamar- 
velous  work  among  the  chiidren  of  men,  un- 
to the  convincing  of  many  of  their  fIus,  that 
they  may  come  unto  repentance;  and  that 
thsy  may  come  unto  the  kingdom  of  my  Fath- 
er: wlier^fore  the  blessings  which  I  give  un- 
to you,  ■ar?  above  all  things.  And  at'ter  that 
.you  have  received  this,  if  you  keep  not  my 
■cainniandm?nts,  you  cannot  be  saved  in  the 
kingdom  of  my  Father.  Behold  I  Jesus 
Christ,  your  Lord  and  your  God,  and  your 
Rfd^smT,  by  the  power  of  my  Spirit,  have 
spoken  it.     Amen." 

After  being  .set  apart  to  this  holy  and 
r3sp»)nsibie  (»ffice  by  those  whom  God 
had  appointed  for  that  purpose,  it  was 
thought  advisable  that  we  should  take 
our  tirst  tour  from  this  place  easterly; 

onsequently  we  made  appointments 
for  conferences  in  the  vicinity  of  the 
several  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, 
wc,  on  the  4th  of  May,  left  the  pleas- 
ant and  agreeable  society  of  our  breth- 
ren in    Kirtland    with    whom    we    had 

■  enjoyed  many  cheering  and  interesting 
seisons,  and  proceeded  to  fill  our  mis- 
sion. Your  readers  will  perceive  from 
the  preceding  quotation,  from  the  bonk 

■of  Covenants,  the  important  relation 
which  we  sustain  to  this  generation. — 
Feeling  as  we  did  the  importance  of 
the  groat  cause  of  our  Redeemer,  the 
welUare  of  tlie  huraa«  family,  and  the 
salvation  of  our  own  souJs,  we  could 
say  widi  one  if  old,  "We  conferred 
Jilt  with  flo>h  and  II  )t)d,"_  but  counted 
all  earth! V  things  as  dross,  so  ihat  we 
might  do  the  will  of  God,  &  thro'  Chri>t 

,sa\e  the  .«ouis  of  the  children  of  men. 
Oir  first  labors,  were  in  the  Stite 
of  New  York,  in  whi::h  wc  continied 
about  two  moBth-j,  and  attended  four 
conferences.  O.ir  exertions  were 
crowned  with  as  good  success  as  we 
ould  reisonably  expect,  considering 
the;  prejudicesof  the  people,  crer^ed  by 
false  and  ridiculous  statements,  put  in 
circulation  by  those  who  were  first  fa- 
vored with  the  proclamation  of  the  ful- 
ness of  the  everlasting  gospel,  contain- 


ed in  the  book  of  Mormx>ff::  we  had  gcod 
reason  to  believe,  that  aBl  tlie  ca-udid 
enquirers  after  truth,  realized  the  force 
of  the  Savior's  Cij^ressroi*  ''A  prophet 
is  not  without  ^.icjnor  save  in  his  owu 
country."  By  cur  teaching  aad  «x» 
hortations,  th'e  several  branches  of  thc- 
church  were,  strengthened  and  wtra- 
bers  v;ere  added;  and  of  such,  too,  v/e 
hope,  as  wi'd  be  saved. 

Thence  we  passed  into  Upper  Cana- 
da and  a '(tended  a  conference  on  the 
29th  of  June,  not  far  from  the  source 
of  the  maiestie  St  Lawrence.  Not- 
withstanding we  had  passed  from  the 
happy  institution  of  our  free  republic; 
into  another  realm,  yet  we  could  witb 
propriety  adopt  the  words  of  the  pre- 
siding apostle  and  say,  "God  is  no  re- 
specter of  personf:»  biit  in- every  nation 
he  that  feareth  God  and  worketb  Fight- 
eousness,  is  accepted  of  himr*^  for 
here  we  found  a  branch  of  the  Saints 
who  not  only  received  us  eordially,  but 
also  received  our  teachings  \vith  jo-y  of 
heart.  Some  were  added  here  also,  by 
baptism,  whom  we  expect  to  meet  on 
the  glorious  morn  of  that  day,  when 
the  dead  in  Christ  shall  rise  and  live. — ■ 
May  God  grant  tliat  they  may  all  btj 
preserved,  gathered  to  Zion  and  saved 
in  the  celestial  kingdom. 

Afier  testifying  ta  many  people  in. 
these  regions,  of  those  things  which  wa 
krmw  and  most  assuredly  beli«?ve,  wc 
left  the  brethren  much  encouraged  and 
pursued  our  course  easterly,  calling 
upon  tlie  inhabitants  publicly,  and  from 
house  to  house,  to  repent  and  prepare 
for  the  day  of  wrath,  which  will  over- 
take this  generation  as  a  thkif  iu  the 
night;  and  for  the  coming  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  wc  found  many  of 
the  Saints,  with  whom  we  had  a  pleas- 
ant s(iM5on  of  rejoicing,  and  whoso 
memory  is  fixed  indelibly  upon  ouv 
heait  ,  because  of  their  firm  faith,  and 
also  their  liberality  in  the  support  o: 
thogospd.  Our  public  meeting  was 
attended  by  a  multitude  of  various 
clisses,  and  orders,  who  generally 
gave  good  attention  to  the  proclarna- 
lion  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  us 
souls  who  wore  added  to  the  number 
of  tho  S«int9|  as  seals  of  our  ministry. 


m^ 


MESSENGER  APIT>  ADVOCATE 


Before    the   benign    influence   of  the 
principles,    held    by   the   Latter  Day 
Saints,    prejudice,   prc^possessed    opin- 
ions, and  priestcraft  seemed  to  vanish- 
like  the    misty  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   harf   been    busily  eniplosed    in 
pouring  out  her  filth    upon   us,     ever 
since  we  have   had  an  exiytonce;  from 
east  1o  west  the  sound    has  gone  forth, 
^■'■dclusiGnP^  ^^delushn/"  nnd  lie  re,  wo- 
ful  to    adopt  the    language,   in  part,  of 
a   writer  of  Illinois,    and    say,    "that 
even  N(jw  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  the  Lor/t'  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  progros-sing, 
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  fovyls  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,  lift'ng  up  the  standard 
of  truth,  and  proclaiming  salvation  to 
both  old  and  young,  rich  and  poor,  un- 
til we  arrived  in  Bradford,  Mss.  v/here 
we  held  our  next  conference.  There 
were  but  few  brethren  in  this  region, 
yet  we  found  them  seeking  to  become 
liberated  from  their  temporal  encum- 
brances, that  when  the  Lord  shall  say, 
^'■to  yoifr  Icnls  O  Israel/''  they  might 
have  nothing  to  impede  their  course  in 
gathering  v.'ith  the  Saints  to  the  place 
of  deliverance,  which  has  been  pointed 
out  by  the  finger  of  God.  We  also 
found  some  in  this  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  hMk  choiaest  blejisirrifs  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  Nfan  will  app,earin  this 
generation,  calling  upon  them  to  re- 
pent and  prepare  fur  the  day,  when  the 
Lord  shall  cause  the  fouudati*  ns  of  the 
eaith  lo  siiake,  uuc;  ais  gioijy  eclipse 
all  the  bright  luminaries  of  day  and 
night.  Heie  we  found  a  few  disciples 
whose  hearts  w^cre  noble  indeed,  i\nd 
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  held  in  Saco,  Me. — 
where  we  found  many  Saints  striving 
to  live  according  to  the  law  of  the  ce- 
Icotial  kingdom,  and  this  they  manifest- 
ed by  their  works,  which  are  had  in 
remembrance  before  the  Lord  and  by 
those  who  visiied  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  matters  relative 
to  their  present  and  eternal  welt-being. 
Ma)^  the  Lord  enable  them  to  refnern- 
ber  our  words  and  forget  tiiem  not,  and 
not  only  remember  them,  but  hasten 
to  put  them  in  practice,  and  may  the 
L''.ird  richly  reward  tlio^e  who  assisted 
us  with  means  to  return  to  the  vest; 
and  also  the  saints  and  friends  in  whose 
hnspitdity  we  have  shared  so  freely. — 
VVe^'say  brethren,  you  have  our  great- 
ful  acknowledgements  with  the  assur- 
ance that  you  are  remembered  in  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  bad  opportunity  we  proclaim- 
ed the  gospel  in  every  place  where  there 
was  an  opening,  and  truly  there  is  an 
eflx?ctual  door  opened  for  good  and 
faithful  laborers  among  the  intelligent 
and  liijeral  people  of  the  east. 

To  close,  we  would  say  to  our  breth- 
ren and  friends  that  our  journey  to  this 
place  was  prosperous,  we  arrived  in 
heiilfh  and  found  general  health  pre- 
vailing in  this  section,  and  also  found 
that  the  house  of  the  Lord,  now  in  buil- 
ding here,  had  prospered  beyond  our 
expectation,  for  all  whicii  blessings  be- 
fore nathed,  wa  render  to  our  heavenly 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


Sir 


•iFather,  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  orrler  of  the  twelve. 

ORSON    HYDE,  >  ^,    , 

VVm.  E.  McLELLlN,  S^'^^^^' 
To  J.   Whitmer  Esq. 


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 
comjiletcd  for  meetings.  In  order, 
however,  to  finish  so  large  an  house,  in 
so  short  a  t'me,  it  is  necessary  that  ihe 
Ciiurches  abroad,  as  Paul  says  in  his 
vision,  should  '■'■come,  ox-er  into  Jifacedo- 
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.  Th(-e  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;  everyone  that  wish- 
es well  to  his  fellow-beings;  every  one 
that  wishes  to  have  the  elders  instructed 
more  pcriecMy  in  theory,  doctrine  and 
principle;  and  every  oiie  that  wishes 
tin  house  built  where  the  Latter  Day 
Saints  can  worship  the  Lord  in  spirit 
and  in  truth,  have  now  an  invitation  to 
<;ast  in  their  mites,  for  that  purpose, 
and  receive  their  reward  hereafter,  in 
that  house  not  made  with  hands,  eternal 
in  the  heavens.  S°, 


Kirtiand,  Oct.  21,  1835. 
I  left  this  place  the  11th  of  June,  to 
fill  a  mission  in  the  province  of  Upper 
Canada  by  way  of  Buffalo,  from  thence 
to  Mount  Pleasant,  and  from  thence  to 
Malahide,  U.  C.  I  have  succeeded  in 
establishing  a  church  there,  which  is 
composed  of  32  members.  They  are 
young  and  unacquainted  with  the  devi- 
ces of  the  adversary,  whose  aim  and 
business  is,  if  possible,  to  make  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  cm- 
brace  the  truth,  the  enemy  racred  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 
th'=>  lime  I  spent  in  teaching  them  th» 
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.  Whitjier,  Esq. 


Kirtiand,  Nov.  6,  1835. 

I  embrace  this  opportunity,  of  infor* 
mingyou  of  the  success  which  I  had  in 
establishing  a  few  branches  in  addition 
to  this  church. 

I  left  Kirtiand  the  16th  of  July  in 
company  with  elder  T.  Burdick.  Wo 
journied  togetlier  as  tar  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  fur 
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']  labored  eleven  days  and  bapti- 
zed fifteen.  They  are  firm  believers 
in  the  new  and  everlasting  covenant. — 
Brethren  pray  for  ihem.  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  West,  consort 


«99 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


of  Elder  Nathan  West,  after  an  illness 

of  about  eight   days,    aged . 

Sister  West  embraced  the  new  and  ev- 
erlasting covenant  in  1831,  and  ha? 
been  a  firm  believer  in  the  work  of  the 
Lord  ever  since;  she  died  having  obtain 
cd  a  bright  hope  of  a  glorious  resurrec 
tion — her  death  was  sweet  unto  her. 


Kirlland,  Nov.  7,  1835. 
I  left  Kirtland  on  the  2Tth  of  May 
last,  and  alter  a  quick  passage  arriv- 
ed at  Buffalo.  I  travelled  preaching 
occasionally  by  the  way,  visiting  tla 
church  of  Genesee.  From  thence  to 
McDonough,  Chenango  county;  thi: 
church  has  never  been  repre.-x-nted  ii 
conference.  There  have  been  about 
30  baptized  in  this  place.  Some  havt 
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  difjpensed  to  them. 
From  this  place  I  proceeded  to  Deven 
port,  Scohacrie  co.  where  I  laboreo 
some  and  baptized  one.  From  thenc( 
to  Dutches  CO.  N.  Y.  And  frcmthencr 
to  Hampshire  co.  Mss.  I  labored  in 
Cummington  and  Plainfield  about  si: 
weeks;  aLo  visited  the  church  at  Wen 
dall,  Franklm  co.  and  found  them 
strong  in  the  faith. 

Whilst  addressing  a  public  congrega- 
tion at  Plainfield,  on  the  subject  of  iIk 
gospel,  violent  hands  were  laid  upois 
me  by  wicked  and  ungodly  men,  atic' 
^this  for  the  truth's  sake.  I  howevej 
-succeeded  in  establishing  the  standard 
of  the  everlasting  gospel,  in  that  place 
I:ba|)tized  three,  and  left  many  inclin 
cd  to  reeeive  the  truth  I  hereby  in  *orn:. 
the  elders  who  arc  journeying  in  tht 
fiast.  that  they  are  invited  to  visit  those 
places,  if  consistent  with  their  time  anc 
<;ircumstaflees-     Yours  &c. 

NOAEl  PACKARD. 
John  Whitmer  Esq. 


la  Y  ITl  w  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,  son!' 

And  an  angel  surely,  then, 
For  a  blessing  unto  men, 
Brought  the  priesthood  back  again, 
Ui  its  ap'iient  purity. 


Even  Joseph  he  inspires: 
Yea,  his  heart  he  truly  fires. 
With  the  light  that  he  desires 

For  the  work  of  righteousneES, 

And  the  book  of  Mormon  true, 
With  its  cov'nanl  evf  r  new. 
For  the  Gentile  and  the  Jew, 
He  translated  sacredly. 

The  commandments  to  the  church. 
Which  the  raints  will  always  search, 
(  VVhers  the  j  )ys  of  heaven  perch,) 

Came  through  l.im  from  Jesus  Christ^ 

PrPcious  are  his  years  to  come, 
W1::1t  the  riglueoi  s  gather  home. 
For  the  great  Millenium, 

Where  he'll  rest  in  blessedness. 

Pradent  in  this  wrrld  of  woes. 
He  will  triumph  o'er  his  foes. 
While  the  realm  of  Zion  grows 

Purer  for  etemily.  P 

Composed  on  the  going  dntcn  rf  the  6vn  Sn- 

the  Uist  day  oj  svnimcr,  1635. 
The  sun  that  declines  in  the  far  western  sky. 
Has   rolled  o'er  our  heads   till  the  summer's 

gone  by; 
And  hush'd  are  the  notes  of  the   warblers  oF 

spring 
That  in  the  green  bow'r  did  exultingly  sing.^ 

The   chang'=s  for  autumn  alreudj'  app'>ar; 

A  harvest  of  plenty  h?-s  crownd  ihe  giad  yparr 

While  solt  saiiling  ztphyrd,  our  fancies  lo 

pleas?, 
Bring  odors  of  joy  froro  the  laden  fruit  trees. 

As  the  summer  of  youth  parses  swiftly  along, 
And  silvery  lo^ks  soon  our  temples  adcrn: 
.50   the    fair  s.ijil.ng    landscape   and    fiowery 

lawn, 
Though  lost  is  their  beauty — their  glory  has- 

comcr 

0  when  the  sweet  summer  of  life  shall  have 

fled, 
rier  jo^-s  and  her  sormws  entomb'd  with  the 

dead. 
Then  may  we  by  faith  like  good  Enoch  arise-. 
And  b?  cnwn'd  with  the  just  in  the  midst  of 

the  skies. 

Descend  with  the  Savior  in  glory  profound, 
And  reign  in  perfection  when  saian  is  bound; 
While  love  and  sweet  union  together  shall 

blend 
And  peace,  gentle  peace,  like  a  river  extend,^ 


O"  Eller  Milton  lloimes  is  requested  to  tome  to 

•Ultl.ll.l. 


THE  EATTER   DAV  SAINTS' 

messenger  and  Advocate, 

IS  KDITED  BY 

JOHN  WHITBISR, 

And  pulilislied  every  month   ut  Iiiitl.,m!,  Geauga  Co 

'"''°'F.   CJ.  WIXI.IAMS  &  Co. 

Al  %\.,per  an.  in  adcaiice.     Every  person  prortiring- 

ten  new  subscrihers,  tmd  foruardivg  %  10,  current 

money,  shall  be  enliUcd  to  a  paper  one  year,  gralir 

All  lelUrs  to  tlie  Editor,  or  Publishers,  must  be 

^  fOUT  PAID.JH 

!fo  mbscription  iciU  be  received  for  a  leas  ter-m,  than  o» 

year  and  no  paper  discontinued  till  aJl  arrearage*   art 


I9IF.§iSEi\€^i:R  ANB  ABVOOATSi:. 


Vol.  II.     No.  2.]        KIRTLAND,  OHIO,  NOVEMBER,  1835.       [Whole  No.  14. 


[ConliiiueJ-.Vom  page  i.i'i.] 

To  the   elders  of  the  church  of  the 
Latter  Day  Saints. 

At  the  close  of  my  letter 
in  the  September  No.  ofthe  "Messenger 
and  Advocate,"  I  promised  to  continue 
the  siibject  there  commenced;  I  do  so 
with  a  hope  that  it  may  be  a  benefit 
and  a  means  of  assistance  to  the  elders 
in  their  labors,  while  they  are  combat- 
ting the  prejudices  of  a  crooked  and 
perverse  generation,  by  having  in  their 
possession,  the  facts  of  my  religious 
principles,  which  are  misrepresented 
by  almost  all  those  whose  crafts  are  in 
danger  by  the  same;  and  also  to  aid 
those  who  are  anxiously  inquiring,  and 
have  been  excited  to  do  so  from  rumor, 
in  accertaining  correctly,  what  my 
jtrinciples  are. 

I  have  been  drawn  into  this  course 
of  proceeding,  by  persecution,  that  is 
brought  upon  us  from  false  rumor,  and 
misrepresentations  concerning  my  sen- 
timents. 

But  to  proceed,  in  the  letter  alluded 
to,  the  principles  of  repentance  and 
baptism  for  the  remission  of  sins,  are 
not  oidy  set  forth,  but  many  passages 
of  scripture,  were  quoted,  clearly  iliu- 
cidating  the  subject;  let  me  add,  that  I 
do  positively  rely  upon  the  truth  and 
veracity  of  those  principles  inculcated 
in  the  new  testament;  and  then  pass 
from  the  above  named  items,  on  to  the 
item  or  subject  of  the  gathering,  and 
show  my  views  upon  this  point:  which 
is  an  item  which  I  esteem  to  be  ofthe 
greatest  importance  to  those  who  are 
looking  for  salvation  in  this  generation, 
or  in  these  what  may  be  called  "the 
latter  times,"  as  all  the  prophets  that 
have  written,  from  the  days  of  right- 
eous Abel  down  to  the  last  man,  ihat 
has  left  any  testimony  on  record,  for 
our  consideration,  in  speaking  of  tlie 
salvation  of  Israel  in  the  last  days,  goes 
directly  to  show,  that  it  consists  in  the 
work  of  the  gill^'ring. 

%Firstly,  I  shall  hegin  by  qucting  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  testimony  of  mine  Only  Begotten, 
his  resurrection  from  the  dead,  [this 
resurrection  I  understand  to  bo  the  cor- 


poreal body]  yea,  and  also  the  resur- 
rection of  all  men,  righteousness  and 
truth  will  I  cause  to  sweep  the  earth  as 
with  a  flood,  to  gather  out  mine  own 
elect  from  the  four  quarters  of  the 
earth,  unto  a  place  which  I  shall  pre- 
pare; a  holy  city,  that  my  people  may 
gird  up  their  loins,  and  be  locking  foith 
for  the  time  of  my  coming:  for  there 
shall  be  my  tabernacle;  and  it  shall  be 
called  Zion,  a  New  Jerusalem," 

Now  I  understand  by  this  quotation, 
that  God  clearly  manifested  to  Enoch, 
the  redemption  which  he  prepared,  by 
offering  the  Messiah  as  a  Lumb  slain 
from  before  the  foundation  of  the  world: 
by  virtue  of  the  same,  the  glorious  res- 
urrection of  the  Savior,  and  the  resur- 
rection of  all  the  human  family, — even 
a  resurrection  of  their  corporeal  bod- 
ies: and  also  righteousness  and  truth  to 
sweep  the  earth  as  with  a  flood.  Now 
I  ask  how  righteousness  and  truth  are 
agoing  to  sweep  the  earth  as  with  a 
flood?  I  will  answer: — Men  and  angels 
are  to  be  co-workers  in  bringing  to 
pass  this  great  work:  and  a  Zion  is  to 
be  prepared;  even  a  New  Jerusalem, 
for  the  elect  that  arc  to  be  gathered 
from  the  four  quarters  of  the  earth,  Tind 
to  be  established  an  holy  city:  for  the 
tabernacle  of  the  Lord  shall  be  with 
them. 

Now  Enoch  was  in  good  company 
in  his  views  upon  this  subject.  Seo 
Revelations,  23:8.— "And  "l  heard  a 
great  voice  out  of  heaven  saying.  Be- 
hold the  tabernacle  oT  God  is  witli  men^ 
and  he  will  dwell  with  them,  and  they 
shall  be  his  people,  and  God  himself 
shall  be  with  them,  and  be  their  God." 
I  discover  by  tiiis  quotation,  that  John 
u])on  the  isle  of  Patmes,  saw  the  same 
things  concerning  the  Inst  days,  which 
Enoch  saw.  But  before  the  taberna- 
cle can- be  with  men,  the  elect  must  be 
gathered  from  the  four  quarters  of  tho 
carih.  ^ 

And  to  show-  further  upon  this  sub- 
ject of  the  gathering:  Moses,  after  hav- 
ing pronounced  tlK>  blessing  and  ti)0 
cursing  upon  the  children  of  Israel,  for 
their  obedience  or  disoberlicnce,  says 
thus: — "And  it  shall  C(jme  to  pa.ss, 
when  all  these  things  arc  come  upon 
thee,  the  blessing  and  the  curse  which 
I  have  get  before  thee;  and  tbou  sbalt 


910 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


call  them  to  mind,  among  all  the  na- 
tions whither  the  Lord  thy  God  hath 
driven  thee,  and  s'loit  return  unto  the 
Lord  thy  God,  and  shaltohey  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  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;  tVom  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  aboriginces  of  this  con- 
tinent, are  of  the  scattered  tribes  of  Is- 
rael. It  has  been  conjectured  by  many 
others,  that  the  aborigineesof  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  lind  in  the  7tli 
verse  of  the  30th  cliapt.  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  carefully 
what  the  prophet  says:  '■'■If  any  are 
driven  out  unto  the  utmost  parts  of 
heaven;"  (which  must  mean  the 
breadthsof  the  earth.)  Now  this  prom- 
ise is  good  to  any,  if  there  shoulc  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 
SCO  book  of  Mormon,  page  497,  which 
says:  "Behold  this  people  will  I  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 
cf  Mormon,  the  very  identical  continent 
and  spot  of  land  upon  which  the  New 
Jerusalem  is  to  stand,  and  it  must  be 
caught  up  according  to  the  vision  of 
John  up.f  ri  the  isle  of  Patmos.  Now 
■ri&ny  will  be  dispctied  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  auay  in  the  Spir- 
it to  a  great  and  high  n  ountain,  and 
saw  the  great  and  holy  city  descending^ 
out  of  heaven  from  God.  Now  there 
are  two  cities  spoken  of  here,  and  as 
every  thing  cannot  be  had  in  so  i  arrow 
a  compass  as  a  letter,  1  shall  say  v  ith 
brevity,  that  there  is  a  New  Jerusalem 
to  be  established  on  this  continent.—' 
And  also  the  .Jerusalem  shall  be  re- 
built on  the  eastern  continent.  See 
book  of  Monron,  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  Jei'usalem,  for  it 
had  been  in  a  time  of  old.  This  may 
suffice  upon  the  subject  of  gathering 
until  my  next. 

I  now  proceed,  at  the  cl  se  of  my 
letter,  to  make  a  few  remarks  on  the 
duty  of  elders  with  regai'd  to  their 
teaching  pa'  ents  atid  children,  husbands 
and  wives,  masters  and  slaves,  or  ser- 
vants, 6cc.  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,  thai  they  may 
be  built  up  an  holy  city  unto  ihe  Lord, 
instead  of  commencing  with  children, 
or  those  who  look  up  to  |)aren*s  or  guar- 
dians, to  influence  their  minds,  thereby 
drawing  them  from  their  duties,  which 
tiiey  rightfully  owe  to  sucli,  they  should 
commence  their  labors  with  parents,  or 
guardians,  and  their  teachings  should 
be  such  as  are  calculated  to  turn  the 
hearts  of  the  (\rthers  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  olherwire  let 
the  I'esponsibility  rest  upon  the  heads 
of  parents  or  guardians,  and  all  con- 
demnation  or  consequences,   be  upon 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


Sit 


their  heads,  according  to  the  dispensa- 
tion which  he  hath  committed  unto  us: 
for  Go;l  has  so  ordained,  that  his  \\oik 
shi'i  be  cut  short  in  rigl-.teousness,  in 
the  last  days:  tlierefore,  first  teach  the 
parents,  and  then,  with  their  consent, 
let  him  persuade  the  children  to  em- 
brace the  gospel  also.  And  it"  children 
embrace  the  gosi>cl,  and  their  parents 
or  guardians  are  unbelievers,  teach 
them  to  stay  at  home  and  be  obedient 
to  their  parents  or  guardians,  if  thoy 
require  it;  but  if  they  consent  to  let 
them  gather  with  the  people  of  God  let 
them  do  so  and  there  siiali  be  no  wrong 
and  let  all  things  be  done  carefully,  and 
'  righteously,  and  (iod  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 
mav  extend  his  influence  to  his  wife  al- 
so, with  consent,  that  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  she  believes,  then  let  her  receive  it. 
But  if  the  man  forbid  his  wife,  or  his 
children  before  they  arc  of  age,  to  re- 
ceive the  gospel,  then  it  should  be  the 
duty  of  the  elder  to  go  his  way  and  use 
TO  influence  against  i:rm:  and  let  tlie 
responsibility  be  upon  his  head — shake 
otf  ihe  du^t  of  thy  feet  as  a  testimony 
against  him,  and  thy  skirts  shall  then 
be  clear  of  their  souls.  Their  sin^arc 
not  to  be  answered  unon  such  as  God 
hath  sent  to  warn  them  to  flee  the  wrath 
to  come,  and  save  themselves  from 
this  untoward  generation.  The  serv- 
ants of  God  will  not  have  gone  over 
the  nation^,  of  the  Gentiles,  with  a  war- 
ning voice,  until  the  destroying  angel 
will  commence  to  waste  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 
thr-m  from  the  vortex  of  misery,  into 
Avhich  I  behold  them  plunging  them- 
selves, by  their  sins,  that  I  may  be  e:> 
nhled,  by   the  warning   voice,  to  be  ;in 

instrument  of  bringing  them  to  unfeigii-  '  ''^'  ^''•f''-'''  '''^^  "'^y  be  discouraged. 
r.,1     l•r.r^..r.♦nr,o^      4 u „ .    . u  1  " ho y  i n  ail   tliinfisvcMir   masters  a 

<'(j    lepeniance,    that  thev    rr.nv    nnvf    .1     .1    i         ,     -.i"^ 
-      ,     '  ,  .'     ,  "^y     ""V     navt-    the  lli^sh;    nol  witU  eye  sorvico  as 

faith  to  stand  m  the  evil  day. 

Thirdly,  it  should  be  the  duty  of  an 
«ldcr,  when   ho  enters  intn  a  hnutm  to 


salute  the  master  of  that  house,  and  if 
he  gain  his  consent,  then  he  may 
preach  to  all  that  are  in  that  house,  but 
if  he  gain  not  his  consent,  let  him  go 
not  unto  his  slaves  or  servants,  but  let 
the  responsibility  he  upon  the  head  of 
the  master  of  that  house,  and  the  con- 
?equencjs  thereof;  and  the  guilt  of  that 
house  is  no  longer  upon  thy  skirts: 
Thou  art  free;  therefore,  shake  off  the 
du>t  of  thy  feet,  and  go  thy  way.  But 
if  the  master  of  that  house  give  consent, 
that  thou  mayest  preach  to  his  family, 
his  wile,  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 
t'or  the  Holy  Ghost,  always  command- 
ing ihem  in  the  name  of  the  Lord,  iii 
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'vn 
husbands,  as  unto  the  Lord.  For  the  husband 
is  the  l.ead  of  the  wife,  even  as  Christ  is  the 
head  of  the  cliuich:  and  lie  is  the  Savior  of 
the  body.  Tlierefore  »s  the  church  is  subject 
unto  Christ,  so  let  the  wives  be  to  their  own 
husbands  in  every  thin^.  Husbands,  lov6 
your  wives  even  as  Clirist  also  loved  the 
church  and  gave  himself  lor  it;  thai  he  might 
sanctify  and  cleanse  it  with  the  washing  of 
water  by  the  word,  that  he  might  present  ii 
to  himself  a  glorious  church,  not  havinjj  spot, 
or  wrinkle,  or  any  such  tiling;  but  tiiat  it 
should  be  holy  and  without  blemish-.  So 
ought  nif^u  to  love  their  wives  as  llieir  ovy^j 
bodies.  He  that  loveth  his  wile  loretli  h-.ni- 
self.  For  no  man  ever  yet  hated  hir^  own 
fles'n;  but  nsurif'  eth  and  cherislieth  it,  even 
as  the  Lord  the  church:    for  we  are  members 

of  his  liody,  of  liis  iiesh,  and   of  his  bones. . 

For  this  cause   shall  a  man  leave    his  laljier 
and  mother,  and  shall  be  joined  unto  his  wife, 

and    they   two   shall    be    one   flesh." Ephe-. 

sians,  Chnj.t.  V.   Irom  the  22d  to  the  epd  of 
the  ^Ist  verse. 

"Wives  submit  ynvirsplvos  unto  your  ov.-n. 
husbands,  as  it  is  fit  in  the  Lord.  Husbands, 
love  your  wives,  and  be  not  bitter  against 
them.  Children,  obey  youi  pajents  in  all 
tilings:  for  this  is  well  pleasing  unto  the 
i.'ird.     Fathers,    provoke    not  your  cliildren 

Servants, 

ccording  to 

eye  service  a.s  menpleas- 

^rs;  but  in  s;:i;ii  ly-ss  of  heart,  fearing  God." 

— Colocians,  Ci.api  1TL  from  the  16lh  loth* 
ond  of  t|?t  ^M  verae. 


3» 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATK. 


But  I   must  close  this  letter  and  re- 
Kume  the  subject  in  another  number. 
In  the  bonds  of  the  new  and 
everlasting  covenant 
JOSEPH  SMITH,  jr. 
To  J.  Whitmer,  Esq. 


ORDER  OF  THE  NEW  TESTA- 
MENT CHURCH.  No.  I. 

Brother  J.   Whitmer: — 

I  feel  at  this  time 
like  writing  a  letter  for  the  Messenger 
and  Advocate,  on  a  subject  which  I 
shall  call  the  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  what  passes  before  my  eyes,  and 
what  is  sounded  in  my  ears. 

The  many  persons  who  are  travel- 
ling through  every  part  of  the  country, 
passing  to  preach  Avhat  they  call  the 
gospel,  and  to  call  men  into  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  God  and 
man,  that  they  may  glorify  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  helieveth,  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  being  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  it,  than 
there  is  by  attempting  to  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  commission, 
than  I  would  be  to  follow  the  plough, 
to  shove  the  plain,  to  use  the  hammer 
or  to  pursue  any  other  honest  calling 
in  life,  and  would  benefit  mankind 
more,  and  glorify  God  better.  And  so 
would  any  other  man  also. 

It  is  a  very  common  thing  for  men 
who  are  unlearned  in  the  truth,  to  "be 
very  consciencious  in  advocating  er- 
lOr,  ftnd  •xce'&dingly  zoalotis  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  gospel,  (as  the  people 
call  it,)  for  while  the  order  of  things 
which  the  Lord  established  for  the  re- 
demption of  the  warld  is  left  untouched, 
the  order  of  things  which  men  have  in- 
vented for  themselves,  is  propagated 
with  the  m^ost  untiring  perseverence, 
and  with  a  zeal  worthy  of  the  best 
cause  in  the  world. 

Men  encompass  sea  and  land  to  es.- 
tablish  their  opinions,  and  to  give  force 
and  power  to  their  doctrines,  and  to  ell 
appearance  are  as  conscientious  as  if 
the  Lord  had  called  and  commissioned 
them,  and  had  sent  them  forth  to  do  so, 
under  the  penalty  of  the  perdition  of 
ungodly  men  if  they  did  it  not.  A 
looker  on  would  be  ready  to  conclude, 
that  they  were  ordained  from  days  of 
old  to  this  ignorance.  But  notwith- 
standing all  the  zeal,  and  perseverance, 
and  apparent  consciousness  of  the  ma- 
ny teachers  of  religion,  still,  when  a 
man  takes  the  new  testament  into  his 
hands  and  begins  to  hunt  for  their  au- 
thority, he  is  greatly  dificulted  to  find 
it,  to  be  sure,  we  can  there  find  it  writ- 
ten "Go  ye  into  all  the  world,  and 
preach  the  gospel  to  every  creature, 
he  that  believeth,  and  is  baptized,  shall 
bo  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  others?  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  abc-'at  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  some 
of  the  other  Jews,  or  Gentiles,  or  even 
some  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- 
ry sign  hav6   followed   them,  it  worald 


HESSENGER  AlfD  ADVOCAlMt 


M 


have  been  in  vain  for  those  who  believ- 
ed them  to  have  undertaken  to.  cast  out 
devils,  or  to  have  spoken  in  other 
tongues,  or  to  lay  hands  on  the  sick, 
with  the  idea  of  -effecting  any  thing; 
and  the  reason  would  be  that  tlie  per- 
sons who  had  admhiistered  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 
more  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  days  of  these  apostles, 
nor  have  there  been  any  since  their 
day,  who  could  act  upon  their  commis- 
sion, it  v/as  peculiar  to  themselves;  for 
instance,  there  were  in  the  primitive 
■church,  not  only  apostles;  but  proph- 
ets, and  evangelists,  pastors,  and 
teachers,  and  each  of  these  orders  had 
■'Other  respective  works  assigned  unto 
them,  and  each  one  must  have  a  corn- 
mission  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.  Could  they  have  done  it? — 
most  assuredly  they  could  not,  and  that 
because  God  had  not  called  them  to 
tiie  work  of  apostles,  and  having  not 
called  them,  he  did  not  endow  them 
with  pov/er,  sufficient,  and  their  at- 
tempt would  have  been  vain;  indeed  it 
would  have  been  worse  than  vain;  for 
K)  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  adapted  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 ail  the  world,  or  whether   it  did  qot; 


the  power  given  would  be  according  to 
the  work  required.  If  a  man  or  a 
number  of  men,  were  required  to  act 
in  the  office  of  evangelists,  they  would 
receive  power,  accordinglj*:  or  if  to 
act  in  the  office  of  apostles;  their  pow- 
er would  be  proportionate  fo  the  work 
assigned  to  them.  So  that  each  one 
might  be  able  to  pe-rform  the  duties  of 
his  own  office. 

In  the  commission  given  immediate- 
ly after  the  resurrection  of  the  Savior, 
we  have  the  work  set  forth  which  bo- 
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,  required  a  great  deal 
of  teaching,  as  well  as  divine  manifes- 
tation. It  was  impossible  for  the  apos- 
tles to  act  under  this  commission,  with- 
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  v/ord. 

Let  us  inquire  how  it  was  that  the 
apostles  were  enabled  to  fulfill  this 
commission;  enabled  we  say,  for  it  has 
been  the  lot  of  few  men  to  be  able  to 
perform  the  duties  of  the  commission 
given  to  the  tv/elve  apostles,  who  were 
commissioned  immediately  after  the 
resurrection  of  the  Savior. 

Let  us  inquire,  what  preparatiori 
was  necessary  to  enable  the  ao'^stloa 
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  time 
the  Savior  inquired  ot  the  apostles  to 
know  what  men  said  about  him. — 
"Whom  say  men  that  I  the  son  of  man 
am?"  They  ansv/ered  some  say  that 
you  are  Elia!^,  others  Jeremias,  or  one 
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- 
fore,  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 
hi«  rQiraclsA  had  failed  to  give  th«  p90<^ 


tt4 


klKSSENGtlR  AND  ADVOCATE. 


pie  a    correct   idea  of  his  true    chara 
ter.. 

Neither  do  we  think,  that  miracles 
could  produce  this  eftect  alone:  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  tlie  Son  of  God,  and 
that  was  a  revelation  from  God.  For 
the  Savior  again  says  to  the  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  whicli  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  are  left  to  craw  a  conclusion 
from  these  premises,  what  would  that 
conclusion  be?  would  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  havel)een  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.  "Blcs- 
ssd  art  thou  Simon  Barjonah  for  the  u 
hist  discovered  my  true  character  i'vi  m 
the  miracles  which  I  have  wrought  in 
your  presence."  R» 


PERSECUTION  OF  OLD  TIMES. 
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. 

Chap.  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- 
ilcs,  as  their  Master  befors  the/a,  we^-e 


on  all  occasions,  arid  in  every  place 
where  that  spirit  could  shew  itself,  vio- 
lently persecuted.  The  apostle  Paul 
was  by  this  means,  driven  from  Anti- 
och  to  icouium;  yet  there  were  tiio 
aj)ostles  opposed  by  Jews  and  Gentiles, 
until  they  found  it  expedient  to  escape 
to  Lycaonia.  At  Lystra,  notwithstand- 
ing the  partiality  of  the  Gentiles  for 
them,  on  account  of  curing  the  impo- 
tent man,  the  Jews  to  such  a  degiee 
prevailed,  that  Paul  was  even  stoned 
by  them.  This  induced  them  for  a 
time  to  remove  to  Derbe,  though  they  - 
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 
msurrection  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  straightway."  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, 
v/ith  m.uch  submission  they  persuaded 
him  to  accept  of  a  discharge. 

Going  to  Lydda,  and  from  thence  to 
Thessaionica,"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  Thessaloniea  pursued  him, 
and  he  was  compelled  to  take  a  circuit- 
ous route  to  Athens.  His  dispute  at 
Athens,  and  his|3einghrought  before  the 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


=15 


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  Cliri'-^tians;  but  though  Gal- 
lio  did  not  punish  their  vioienc?,  he 
%vould  not  hearken  to  their  idle  accusa- 
.  tions.  The  ruler  of  the  synagogue, 
whose  name  was  Sosthencs,  perhaps 
the  successor  of  Crispus,  who  had  been 
baptized,  and  therefore  removed,  was 
equally  favorable  to  the  apostles,  not- 
■ivithstanding  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 
th:;;re  for  some  time  longer. 

From  Corintli  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  certain  Jewish  priest  atte/npt- 
c'  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- 
s' ith  Demetrius,  which,  with  much 
difficulty  the  town -clerk  appeased.  In 
his  passage  lhrf)ugh  Macedonia  and 
Greece,  the  Jews  were  there  intent  up- 
on his  destruction;  but  he  left  them  and 
came  to  Trons.  where  he  performed 
a  signal  miracle  upon  a  young  man 
named  Rufychus,  by  restoring  iiim  to 
life.  When  he  came  to  Jerusalem, 
some  of  those  who  had  opposed  him  at 
Ephesus,  and  other  places,  occasioned 
his  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  Jews 
had  nearly  succeeded  to  occasion  his 
being  scourged;  but  "he  demanded  the 
privilege  ol  a  free-bop  Romao  citizen, 


whom  the  laws  protected  against  such 
a  degrading  punishment.'"'  [See  the 
Author's  History  and  Life  of  our  Blcfs- 
scd  Savior,  Book  Vlll.  Chap.  HI.  p. 
399.]  Though  this  powerful  appeal 
stopped  their  i)resent  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  silcrcj  hinrl, 
comminded  tliose  wlio  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  wi/hout,  but 
full  of  cornp'ion  within.''  Though, 
by  an  ingenious  address,  he  divided  his 
clamorous  accusers,  he  was  "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  hiin  to  be  safely  escorted  by 
inghl  on  his  way  to  Cesarea,  and  thm 
defeated  their  iniquitous  design.  Yet 
their  persecution  still  continued.  In 
five  days  after,  the  high-priest  and  el- 
ders followed  him  thither  to  Felix  the 
governor,  bringing  with  thrni  a  ful- 
some advocate  to  blacken  Paul,  and 
cajole  the  governor  by  flattery  and  dis- 
simulation; whilst  Paul,  in  his  repiv, 
despised  the  arts  of  this  hireling  syco- 
phanr,  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 for  his  personal  safety,  pretending 
that  he  was  desirous  of  the  arrival  of 
the  chief  captain,  to  be  more  fully  ac- 
quainted with  the  true  nature  of  His  ac- 
cusation. Yet  every  liberty  was  per- 
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  wiio  sought  only  a  momenta- 
ry gratification.  The  governor's  wife 
was  a  Jewess,  and  Paul  was  to  bo 
brought  forward  to  ha  re-examined 
merely  to  satisfy  and  indulge  this  un- 
meaning propensity;  and,  on  this  oc- 
casion, Paul  used  a  language  which 
was  far  from  l)eing  welcome  or  accept- 
able to  the  ears  of  the  governor.  Ho 
was  nev<'rthcless  detained  a  prisoner, 
though  not  very  strictly,  for  two  years, 
until  a  ocw  governor  had  bcsn  appoint- 


Si6 


MSSSEKOffiR  ANO  A»VO<3ATR, 


ed,  merely  as  a  gratification  to  the  ma- 
licious Jews.  On  his  going  to  Jerusa- 
lem,he  had  information  of  Paul's  being 
^a.  prisoner  at  Cesarea;  and,  on  the 
governor's  coming  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  v/ishes.  Festus  .had  im.bibed  the 
poison  of  Paul's  accusers, and  proposed 
remitting  him  to  the  ecclesiastical  pow- 
ers at  Jerusalem.  Against  this  propo- 
sition Paul  protested.  He  claimed  the 
privilege  of  a  Pvoman  citizen,  and  was 
ready  to  subir.it  to  the  civil  authorities. 
He  appealed  from  Ccssar's  tribunal  to 
Ccesar  himself;  and  to  this  appeal  the 
governor  himself,  however  anxious  to 
please  the  Jev.'s,  was  obliged  to  pay 
obedience.  In  the  long  interval  which 
followed  before  Paul  could  be  sent  to 
Rome,  at  least  before  he  was  sent,  as 
a  distinguished  prisoner,  he  was  ex- 
hibited as  a  spectacle  to  "Agrippn, 
who  succeeded  his  father  Herod  Agrip- 
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 
<^onvinced,  by  Paul's  energetic  lan- 
guage, of  his  innocence;  but  this  seem- 
ingly unlucky  appeal,  though  it  had 
rescued  him  from  the  Jews,  now  mili- 
tated against  his  discharge.  The  ap- 
peal was  recorded,  and  must  be  heard; 
but  it  effeetualiy  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  bo  considered  as 
incidental,  rather  than  the  effects  of 
persecution,  though  it  certainly  was 
occasioned  by  persteculion.  Many 
providential  acts,  however,  appear 
manifest  in  it;  but  vre  know  very  little 
of  the  result  of  this  appeal  and  this 
voyage,  onl}'  that  he  wa»  detained  at 
Rome,  in  the  character  of  a  prisoner 
of  honor,  for  "two  whole  years  in  his 
own  hired  house,  and  received  all  that 
came  in  unto  him,"  after  which,  ho 
was  liberated  from  his  confinement. — 
About  the  time  of  Paul's  voyage,  Mark 
.vas  dragged  to  pieces  by  the  people  of 
Alexandria,  at  their  great  solemnity  of 
Serapis  their  idol,  ending  his  life  un- 
der their  merciless  hands;  and  near 
the  time  of  St,  Paul's  being  shipwreck- 
sd  at    Melita,  it  is  generally   supposed 


that  Matthew  suffered  martyrdom  iit 
Ethiopia,  being  slain  with  a  halbert. — ■ 
But  we  have  to  notice  the  death  of  the 
apostle  James,  at  Jerusalem,  in  the 
year  proceeding  Paul's  discharge  ou; 
of  custody,  by  a  violent  insurrection 
of  the  Jews,  through  which  means  he' 
closed  his  life  by  martyrdom,  in  tl^kc^ 
interval  between  the  death  of  the  gov- 
ernor Festus  and  the  succession  of  Al- 
blnus.  About  tiiis  time,  also,  the  death 
of  Matthias  is  generallv  placed  by 
means  ol  stoning,  though  we  have  less 
account  of  hnn  tiian  of  most  of  the  oth- 
er apostles.  On  Paul's  permission  to 
depait  from  Rome,  he  is  said  to  have 
travelled  into  Spain,  and, as  some  think, 
though  the  reasons  are  not  fully  de- 
monstrative, into  Britain.  He  return- 
ed 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  Iconium,  during  which  he  appears 
to  have  endured  many  conflicts.  (2 
Tim.  III.  11.)  Of  his  last  visit  to 
Rome,  where  he  suffered  martyrdom, 
we  shall  presently  take  notice;  and  in 
the  mean  time  we  have  to  remark  that 
St.  Peter  did  not  settle  at  Rome  till 
about  four  years  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- 
fore defeated  in  Samaria,exercising  his 
infernal  arts,  and  bewitching  men's 
minds,  so  as  to  be  had  in  great  vener- 
ation by  the  Romans,  and  much  in  fa- 
vor v/ith  the  emperor.  Defeated  and 
opposed  by  Peter,  the  emperor  was 
disgusted,  and  miditated  his  destruc- 
tion; and  on  that  account  principaliy 
the  FIRST  GENERAL  PERSECUTION  Com- 
menced, during  which,  the  apostle  St» 
Andrew,  "after  preaching  in  Scythia 
and  Asia,  and  afterwards  in  Greece, 
was  martyred  in  Achaia,"  by  crucifix- 
ion, by  command  of  the  pro-consul. 

In  this  persecution  it  is  observed 
from  Tacitus,  that  persons,  who  "made 
profession  of  this  new  religion  were 
treated  with  all  the  instances  of  scorn 
and  cruelty;  that  some  were  wrapped 
uo  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  some  combustible  matter;  that 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATB. 


»t7 


when  day-light  failed  they  might  serve 
for  torches  and  illuminations  in  the 
niglit."  Even  'these  spectacles  were 
exhibited  in  the  emperor's  own  gar- 
xlens.  Thus  barbarously  were  the 
t^hristians  treated  at  Rome;  besides 
which, similar  edicts  were  issued  against 
them  through  most  of  the  provinces  of 
tiic  empire.  In  the  list  of  martyrs  of 
that  period,  we  find  the  names  of 
Tecla,  Torqu3s,Torquatus,and  Maice!- 
lus,  and  many  others;  and  there  were 
martyrs  also  at  Milan,  and  other  places. 
Though  Peter  was  more  immediate!}- 
the  object  of  the  emperor's  rancour,  he 
seems  to  have  escaped  the  first  violence 
of  the  storm.  But  on  Paul's  coming 
to  Rome  in  the  following  year,  both 
these  apostles  were  cast  into  prison; 
the  former  on  account  of  the  empe- 
ror's hatred  for  his  opposition  to  Si- 
mon Magus,  and  the  latter  for  having 
convei'ted  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  to  be  cru- 
cified, with  his  head  downwards,  r.t  his 
own  desire,  and  Paul  as  a  Roman  was 
on  the  same  day  beheaded  about  three 
miles  without  the  city,  but  a  few 
months  befor6  the  death  of  the  monster 
J>fero. 

The  bishop  of  Antioch,  Euodius, 
suffered  martyrdom  during  the  same 
year,  as  v.'e  are  informed;  but  whether 
under  Galba,  Nero's  successor,  or  the 
wicked  Otho,  whose  tv/o  reigns  scarce- 
1}  exceeded  ten  months,  is  not  alto- 
gether certain.  But  the  miseries  of 
the  Jews,  provoked  by  their  rebellions, 
were  productive  of  a  breathing  time 
for  the  Christians,  who  had  escaped 
from  Jerusalem  at  the  commencement 
of  the  seigc;  but  it  airorded  leisure  to 
disaffected  and  ambitious  spirits  to 
hatch  new  opinions,  and  to  propagate 
strange  and  heretical  doctrines  to  the 
disturbance  of  those  who  professed  the 
true  Christian  faitli.  It  is  foreisn 
from  our  purpose  here  to  state  them; 
and  that  in  the  second  year  after  the 
destruction  of  JcrusaJem,  the  Chris- 
tians, who  had  left  it  about  si.x  years 
before,  returned  thither  with  their  bish- 
op Simeon,  tiie  successor  of  James. — 
In  this  year,  however,  it  is  generally 
supposed,  that  St.-  Juile  was  put  to 
death  in  Persia,  where  ho  had  success- 
fully preached  Christ's  gospel,  for  his 
/ree  reproofs  of  the  superstitious  rites 


of  their  Magi,  being  shot'to  death  with 
arrovi's;  and  Bartholomew  also  is  now 
said  to  have  been  crucified  at  Albania,, 
on  the  Caspian  sea,  for  opposing  their 
idolatry,  by  order  of  the  gorernor  of 
tlie  city.  It  was  also  reinark;ib!c  for 
the  death  of  Barnabas,  who  is  also 
generally  considered  to  have  termina- 
ted his  life  at  Salamis,  in  his  own 
country  of  Cyprus,  at  the  instigation 
of  the  Jews,  bv  stonin^r. 

It  was  not  until  the  following  year 
that  St.  Thomas  is  commonly  under- 
stood to  have  suffered  martyrdom,  from 
the  opposition  of  the  Bramins  of  Par- 
thia,  in  revenge  for  his  having  con- 
verted the  prince  of  the  country  and 
many  others.  Accustomed  to  retire  to 
a  certain  tomb  near  the  city  for  devo- 
tion, they  poured  in  upon  him  a  show- 
er of  stones  and  darts,  and  one  of  his 
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  Greece  on  an  olive-tree  for 
want  of  a  cross,  by  a  party  of  infidels." 
Simon  also  is  said  to  have  been  cruci- 
fied by  infidels  in  this  year  in  Britain, 
after  making  many  converts  in  various 
places.  The  reign  of  Titus,  which 
followed  that  of  Vespasian,  unfortu- 
nately was  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,  suCf 
cesser  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  after  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- 
casioned by  heretics,  of  whom  indeed 
there  was  but  too  prolific  a  produce, 
though  they  were  in  some  degree  kept 
under  by   the    vigilance  of  the  apostle 

St.    Johl!, 

When  Domifian  had  riegned  about 
nine  or  ten  years,  it  has  been  general- 
ly considered  that  he  began  to  look 
with  an  unfavorable  eye  on  the  Chris- 
tians, perhaps  from  a  suspicion  that 
they  might  bo  secretly  disposed  to  sup- 
port the  insurrection  of  Lucius  Anto- 
nius   against    him  and   his  unpopular 


ii8 


MESSKNGEIt  ANB  ADVOCATE. 


government.  But  the  second  general 
persecution  did  not  break  out  till  the 
fourteenth  or  fifteenth  year  of  that  em 
peror's  reign,  when  the  bloody  edict 
were  issued  for  that  purpose,  and  nu 
merous  martyrdoms  followed  at  ftom^ 
and  other  places.  Antipas,  in  Pergu  < 
mus,  one  of  the  se\en  churches  of  iSt. 
John's  foundation.  Rev.  H.  18.  anci 
Dionysius,  first  Bishop  of  Athens,  Act;- 
XVII.  34.  suffered  many  torments, 
and  death;  and  the  emperor  executed 
Flavius  Clemens,  the  consul  and  h\^ 
cousin-german,  for  embracing  Christi 
anity,  and  banished  his  wife  and  niec( 
to  different  islands.  In  this  persecu 
tion  St.  John  was  sent  for  to  Rome, 
and  was  there  put  into  a  cauldron  oi 
oil  set  on  fire,  from  the  effects  o: 
v/hich  he  was  miraculously  preserved, 
and  had  the  honor  of  martyrdom  Avith 
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  o! 
Christ,  though  nis  first  design  was  de 
feated  by  a  miracle,  and  banished  him 
"to  the  desolate  isle  of  Patmos,  one  ol 
the  islands  of  the  modern  Grecian  arch- 
ipelago, to  dig  in  the  mines,"  being  the 
Usual  labor  of  persons  banished  thilher 
for  any  crime  against  the  state  of  its 
economy. 

It  was  here  that  this  aged  apostle,  in 
stead  of  bemg  compelled  to  the  usuai 
slavery,  for  which  the  advr.nced  peri 
•od  of  his  life  was  so  little  ado(.fted,  wae- 
favored  with  various  visions  and  reve- 
lations, by  which  he  had  a  si'rficient 
prospect  of  the  future  conditioil  of  the 
Christian  religion.  Of  these  we  have 
an  account  in  the  comprehensive  and  im 
portant  Book  of  Revelati«n,which  he  af- 
terwards committed  to  writing;  contain- 
ing many  1ruths,by  which  the  humblest 
Christians  may  profit,  without  concern- 
ing themselves  in  the  explanation  of 
prophecies,  to  which  their  capacities  or 
uncultivated  faculties  cannot  possibl\ 
be  commensurate.  The  accomplish- 
ment of  some  of  them  was  then,  as  it 
were,  commencing,  especially  those  o! 
the  second  and  third  chapter^,  describ- 
ing the  state  cf  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  visions  especially,  in  whici, 
many  dreadful  persecutions  were  pre 
dieted,  would  be  protracted  to  far  dis 
tajftt  periods^  as  the  long   continuanc** 


of  many  of  them  so  frequently  repeat- 
ed most   fully  demonstrates.     Though 
t.  .lohn  despaired  of  life  in   this  bar- 
en  and  desolate  spot,   his  own    libera- 
ion  is  first  assured  to  him,  that,  aged 
IS  he  was,  he  should  "prophesy  before 
inany  people,  and  nations,  and  tongues, 
md  kings.''     (Rev.  X.   WS)     In    this 
vear  we  have  an  account  of  the  mar- 
tyrdom of   Mark,  the    first    Bishop    of 
Atina  in  Latium,  who  is  said    to  have 
)een  struck  in    the    head  with  tenter- 
iiooks,  of   Felicula,   an   illustrious  wo- 
nan  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 
;ecame    intolerably   jealous  of  every 
)ne;  and  Jews,  as  well  as    Christians* 
svere  [<ersecufed  as    atheists    and   dis- 
owners  of  the  gods.     All  the  posterity 
of  David  were  assiduously  sought  out, 
is  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- 
i'ogation    and  examination,    were    dis- 
missed, on  account  of  their  meanness 
ind  siiuplicity,  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 
narked  for  destruction,  gave  a  new 
ace  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 
reign,  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  festival- 
j) recession,  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 
t'flis,  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  Timothy,  to 
lake   upoo   him   the    government    of 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


91* 


church.     In  this  situation  he  continued 
about  three  years,  and  at  last  "died  iii 
peace  at  tl;e   close  of  the  centurss  be- 
ing then  littie   more    or   less    than  one 
hundred  years  of  age."      During   thi.-. 
interval  he    had    written    his    General 
Epistle,  and   the  two   shorter    ones    to 
'individuals;  and  in  a  littlo  time  he  un- 
dertook the  task -ol"  writing  his   gos()el, 
at  the  request  of  the  Asian  chdrchcs. — 
In  his  gospel   he  had  :a  special    eye    to 
the   Iveresies  ef   Ebioa  and    Corit/thus, 
following  tiie  argument,  but  more  c-on- 
cisoly,  ot'his  Geiieral    Epistle.       Ncr- 
va's   mild  reign   was,    nevertheless,    a 
short   one,    liltle    more    than    si.\tjen 
months;     but    his    successor     Trajan, 
though   otherwise  a  good    prince,  was 
-excessively  zealous  iiir   PagJtnisni  and 
-all  its  superstitions,    .'u  ;om:  c  i  that  St. 
Clement,  if  we  are  to  credit    Metaph- 
rastes,  was  banished  t'rom  Rome  in  the 
first  year  of  iiis  reign  to   tlie  mines   in 
Taurica   Chersonesus,  for  having  c-m- 
verted  Theodora,  a  noble  Roman  lady, 
and  others,    to   the    profession   of   the 
gospel.     The    rigid ness  of  Trajan  for 
Paganism  gave  occasio'.i  to  his  subjects 
to  persecute  Christians,  ihough  no  edict 
•was  issued    again>.t  them.     Under  the 
prflence  of  illegal  societies,  they  were 
severally  porsectUcNJ  by  goverii.vrs  and 
other  officer^;  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    .^amed 
through  the  world  for  justice  and  mod- 
eration.    This  has  been  usuallv  called 
the  third  general  persecu/ion;   in  which 
innny     martyrs     suffered.        Amoiigst 
these,  we  have  an  a  c unit  of  Cesaiius, 
a  deacon  of   T(!rracina,    in    Italy,  and 
Zosimu-s,  of  Fisidia,  in    Asia;   but  par- 
ticularly we  must  notice    St.    Clement, 
as  just  related,   who    made    many  con- 
verts in  his  exil(>,  who  was  condi;mned 
to  he  thrown  into  the  sea,    with  an  an- 
chor about  liis  neck.     But  this    storm 
of   petsecution  happily  never    reacheil 
Ephesus,  so  that  rhr^  venerable    apostle 
St.  John  remiined  there  until  his  death 
quietly  and  unmolested.     And    our  ac- 
eoant  of  bis  dejvth,  already  si  ilod,    as 
it  closes  the  first  c^-nt.iry  of   the  Chris- 
tian era,  term'natcs  what  may  be  call- 
ed the  apostolic  age,  and  introduces  us 
to  their  successors. 


Di3d— In  Clay  Co.  Mi.  on  the  21st  of  Oc- 
ijjberlast,  Rachel  Ranch,  ag^d  .ibojt  13  years. 


TO  THE  SAINTS. 

Beloved   brclhren   and  sisterst  You 
undoubtedly  are  well  assured  that  tliis 
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 
i'ulnl!in;j;  of   the  covenants    made   with 
the  ffitlu;rs;  consequently,  of  the  glories 
that  are  to   be  brought  unto   the  saints 
at  the  revelation  of  Jesus  Christ,     But 
remember   that    it  is    wrilten,    "After 
much  tribulation,  Cometh  the  blessing," 
and    that   it  i>  no  where  .'aid,   that  we 
shall  attain   unto  the   unutterable   bles- 
sings   of    the    celestial    kingdom,    but 
tihrough   gveat    trib.ulation.     You    who 
ha  ye  and  do  keep  the   commandments 
of  t.he  Lord,    (for  It   is  to  such  that  I 
now  address  myself)  have  gieat  reason 
to   rejoice,    seeing    you    have    already 
been    brought  to    pass    through    many 
tribuiai'ions  because  of  your  faith  in  the 
words  oTthe  Lord  Jesus  Christ.   There- 
fore, be    .not  discouraged,    neither  cast 
down  becau  se  of  your   distresses  and 
great  afflictiorjs  which  you  have  to  pas^s 
through,  but  rather  count  it  a  blessin  r, 
seeing  that   "we    mnst,^    through  great 
t,i>ula!ion,  enter  the  kingdom.''     Acts, 
14:2--i.     A.gain,  "knowing' that  tribula- 
tion   wsrketh    patience,    an'd    patience 
e.\[)eri&t>ce,   and  experience  oope,  and 
hope  nia:keth  not  nshamed,  because  the 
love    of  God    is    shed    abroad   irr   oar 
hearts."     Rom.  5:3,4.     And  we  have 
been  begotten  again  unto  a  lively  hope 
which  is  sure  and  stedfast,  throuwii  tlTe 
manifestaiion  of  the  truth   shed    foitli 
upon  us  by  the  opening  of  the  heavens, 
the    ministering  of  angeis,  and   by  the 
raising  up  a  |)rophet  in  these  last  days, 
by  whom  the  word  of  Got!  co.meth  I'n- 
to  us,  which  word  maketh  our  hope  the 
njore  lively  because  it  teacheth  us  plain- 
ly that   the  time   draweth    nigh,    when 
the  things  spoken  of  and  hoped,  by  the 
fornvrr  day  saints,  are  to  be  made  man- 
liest in  very  (\cc{\',  of  which  things  we 
shall   be  made  partakers,  if  we  faint 
not. 

I  well  remember  the  time  when  the 
first  littlo  branch  of  the  church  of  Lat- 
ter Day  Saints  removed  from  this  pla  :e 
to  the  land  fif  Zionj  the  place  of  the 
city  of  the  living  God,  which  w.3.s  at 
that  time  pointed  Jut  by  revelation.— 
And  from  Ihit  day  to  this,  these,  to 
gothor  with  other  branches  which  have 
since  moved  to  the  same  place,  havo 
hccu  suObring  tribuiatioos  aud  afflio^ 


tions 
this? 


MS^SENGKR  AND  A&TOCATiL 


of  various  kinds.  And  why  all 
You  will  answei'  me,  because  of 
iniquities!  And  you  answer  v/ell,  for 
so  it  is:  you  did  not  live  perfect  before 
God.  But  still,  had  you  not  believed 
in  the  words  of  the  Lord,  as  given  to 
us,  you  would  not  have  been  persecu- 
ted; therefore,  you  have  been  persecu- 
ted for  righteousness'  sake,  or  for 
Christ's  sake.  For,  notwithstanding  all 
your  imperfections,  you  would  not,  in 
the  midst  of  the  most  periloas  circum- 
stances, give  up  your  hope,  nor  deny 
the  revelations  of  Jesus  Christ.  You 
are  well  aware,  that  according  to  the 
priophets,  perilous  times  await  mankind, 
and  great  persecutions  the  saints  that 
are  not  gathered.  Therefore,  much 
prayer  is  necessary,  with  great  faith 
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  fire  and 
by  sword  will  the  Lord  plead  with  all 
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 
light,  and  kings  to  the  brightness  of 
her  rising:"  for  it  is  again  said  by  the 
same  prophet,  "For  Zion's  sake  I  wi31 
not  hold  my  peace,  and  for  Jerusalem's 
-sake  J  will  not  rest,  until  the  righteous- 
-ness  thereof  go  forth  as  brightnes.^,  and 
the  salvation  thereof  as  a  lamp  that 
burneth."  Again,  "Come  near  ye  na- 
tions to  hear;  hearken,  5^e  people;  let 
the  earth  hear,  and  all  that  is  therein; 
.the  world,  and  all  things  that  come 
forth  of  it:  for  the  indignation  of  the 
Lord  is  upon  all  nations;  for  it  is  the 
day  of  the  Lord's  vengeance,  and  the 
year  of  recompense  for  the  controver- 
sy of  Zion."— Isaiah  34:1&8.  This, 
the  world  of  mankind  are  not  aware  of; 
neither  will  they  be  made  sensible  of 
it,  though  vv'e  warn  them:  for,  while 
we  behold  the  approaching  storm,  and 
distant  thunders  roll,  and  make  prepa- 
rations to  stand  in  that  evil  day,  men, 
mocking  say,  None  of  these  things 
await  us.  Thus,  blind  deaf  man  will 
be  overtaken  as  a  thief  in  the  night, 
and  in  an  hour  when  he  least  expects 

it. 

But  I  will  adopt  the  wo.rds  of  the 
prophet  who  saith  to  the  saints,  "Be 
atroBg;  fear  not;  behoW  your  God  will 


come  v.'ith  vengeance,  even  God  with 
a  recompense:  he  will  come  and  save 
you.  And  the  ransomed  of  the  Lord 
shall  return  and  come  to  Zion,  with 
songs  of  everlasting  joy  upon  their 
heads:  they  shall  obtain  joy  and  glad- 
ness, and  sorrow  and  sighing  shall  flee 
away."— Isaiah  .35:4&10. 

THOMAS  B.  MARSH. 


Kir  Hand  Nov.   10,  1835. 
Dear  brother  m  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  corner 
of  Pennsylvania,  into  the  state  of  Nev/ 
York;  through  New  York  into  Massa- 
chusetts; from  thence  through  a  cor- 
ner of  New  Hampshire  into  Maine. — 
We  journeyed  in  thai  state  as  far  east 
and  north  as  Farmington,  from  thence 
we  passed  through  the  north  part  of 
New  Hampshire  into  Vermont:  thence 
south,  the  whole  length  of  the  -state; 
thence  through  Mass.  intoC®nnecticut; 
and  from  thence  through  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.  3  in  N.  H. 
four  in  Maine;  five  in  Vermont;  and 
one  in  Connecticut;  (besides  leaving 
others  on  the  right  hand  and  on  the 
lei't  unvisited,)  These  twenty  six 
churches  number  about  seven  hundred 
lively  members,  besides  some  few  that 
have  in  a  measure  lost  their  faith  by 
not  being  diligent  in  the  cause  of  God. 
We  can  safely  say,  that  we  found  the 
churches  doing  as  well  as  we  expected 
to  find  them.  V/e  held  about  fifty 
meetings  and  baptized  three:  although 
we  baptized  but  few,  yet  we  have  rea- 
son to  believe,  that  others  were  prick- 
ed to  the  heart,  v/hile  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 
trust  that  our  brethren  were  strength- 
ened by  our  labors  among  them.  We 
are  confident  that  many  of  them  will 
overcome  through  faith;  and  inherit 
the  blessings  promised  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  keep  his  caramandmenta. 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


£31 


In  the    bonds  of   the  new   covenant 
VVe  remain  your  brethren, 
EDWARD  PARTRIDGE, 
ISAAC  MORLEY. 


Dear  Brother  in  the  LoRDi-Yours 
of  October  last  is  before  me,  and,  ac- 
cording as  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  di- 
rects, so  will  I  endeavor  to  answer. — 
I  ask  for  v/isdom,  because  I  need  it, 
and  1  hope  you  v.'ill  pardon  whatever  I 
write  amiss.  Your  last  letter  is  very 
interesting,  because  you  have  begun  to 
unfold  a  tiistory  which  is  not  only 
highly  important  to  the  saints,  but  to  the 
world.  Before  1  begin  to  show  my  views 
upon  the  "precious  things,"  of  which 
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,  I  want  to  drop  an 
idea  or  two  about  Cumorah.  Yes,  Cu- 
morah  which  must  become  as  famous 
among  the  letter  day  saints,  as  Sinai 
was  among  the  former  day  saints. — 
The  law  of  the  Lord,  by  the  hand  of 
Moses,  was  received  upon  Sinai,  for 
the  benefit  of  Israel,  before  they  enter- 
ed the  goodly  land  of  Can-vaan,  and  be- 
fore they  were  scattered  and  dr^gen 
among  ail  nations;  and  the  fulness  of 
the  everlasting  gospel,  the  history  of 
the  first  settlers  of  America;  even  the 
book  of  Mormon,  preparatory  to  gath- 
ering Israel  from  their  long  dispersion, 
came  from  Cumorah:  Glorious  spot! — 
sacred  depository!  out  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  years  ago. 

Cumorah,  the  artificial  hill  of  north 
America,  is  well  calculated  to  stand  in 
this  generation,  as  a  monument  of  mar- 
velous works  and  wonders.  Around 
that  mount  died  millions  of  the  Jared- 
its;  yea,  there  ended  one  of  the  great- 
est nations  of  this  earth.  In  that  day, 
her  inhabitants  spread  from  sea  to  sea, 
and  enjoyed  national  greatness  and 
glory,  nearly  fifteen  hundred  years. — 
That  people  forsook  the  Lord  and  died 
in  wickedness.  There,  too,  fell  the 
Nephites,  after  they  had  forgotten  the 
Lord  that  bought  them.  There  slept 
tfce  r«cord«  of  agn  after  sgo,  for   hun- 


dreds of  years,  even  until  the   time  of 

the  Lord: — 

"An  angel  came  down   from  the  regions  of 

"And  told  that  a  record  was  hid  in  Cumorah, 
"Containing  the  fulness  of  Jesus's  gospel, 
"And  also  the  cov'nantto  gather  his  people." 
There  began  the  church  of  Christ  in 
1830;  yea,  there  the  stone  cut  out  of 
the  mountain  without  hands,as  foretold 
by  Daniel,  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  Hill  Cumo- 
rah. 

Now  to  the  second  part  of  my  sub- 
ject. I  said  your  letter  was  very  inter- 
esling,  and  I  conclude  the  saints  will 
say  so,  too,  when  they  jead  it.  The 
instruction  to  Joseph,  (one  of  the' great 
men  of  God,  inspired  to  move  the 
cause  of  Zion  with  mighty  power,  and 
v/ho  is  only  persecuted  by  men  who 
are  not  as  good  as  he  is,  nor  never  can 
be  unless  they  repent,)  I  mean  the 
words  of  the  angel  to- him,  is  great, 
when  he  exclaimed,  "Why  can  t  not 
obtain  this  book?" — and  the  angel  an- 
swered, "Because  you  have  not  kept 
the  commandment  of  the  Lord." — I 
think  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  needful  to  enter  into  the  king- 
dom of  heaven.  The  contrast  between 
the  powers  of  darkness,  and  the  glories 
of  light,  is  so  plain  that  any  person 
may  see  his  own  image/  The  allure- 
ments of  the  world — the  inticements  of 
wealth,  and  the  hope  of  honor  and 
fame,  for  our  short  age,  without  the 
Spirit  of  God  to  enlighten  the  mind, 
seems  to  overbalance  the  great  pros- 
pect of  eternal  life,  but  when  reason 
takes  her  place,  wisdom  directs,  and 
the  Lord  commands, — all  is  right, 
all  is  fair,  all  is  glorious,  all  is  heaven, 
and  all  is  for  them  that  love  and  servo 
him  faithfully  to  the  end. 

The  message  of  the  angel  to  our 
worthy  brother  in  the  Lord,  Joseph 
Smith,  jr.  is  of  the  greatest  importance 
to  mankind,  not  only  in  opening  to  their 
view  an  intercourse  with  the  upper 
worlds,  hut  in  enabling  them  to  under- 
stand the  diffierence  between  the  pow- 
er of  good,  and  the  power  of  evil,  in 
all  cases,  and   in  all  places: 

*'And  again,  I  will  give  unto  you  a 
pattern  in  all  things,  that  ye   may  not 


SZB 


MESSENGER  AND  AfyVOCAtE. 


be  drc^ived,  for  satan  is  abroad  in  the 
land,  and  he  goeth  forth  deceiving  the 
nations:  wherefore  he  that  prayeth 
whose  spirit  is  contrite,  the  s.-ime  is  ac- 
cepted of  me,  if  he  obey  mine  ordin- 
.  ances:  he  that  s|)eake!h,  whose  s])irii 
is  contrite,  whose  language  is  metk, 
and  edifielh,  the  same  is  of  God,  if  he 
obey  mine  ordinances.  And  again,  he 
that  trembleth  under  my  power,  ahall 
be  made  strong,  and  shall  bring  forth 
fruits  of  praise,  and  wisttom,  according 
to  the  revelations,  and  truths  which  1 
have  given  you.  And  again,  he  that 
is  overcome  and  brirtgeth  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,  gien  since  the  book 
of  Moimon  was  translated,  is  in  accord 
ance  with  the  doctrine,  or  advice,  of 
the  angel  as  set  forth  in  your  letter. — 
I  thir.k  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  hoj)e  the  saints  will  practice 
anj^Tmprove  by  it. 

All  tlie  mighty  acts  of  the  Lord, from 
tlie  beginning  till  the  last  days,  seem 
to  rush  into  one's  mmd  upon  reading 
what  the  ang'-l  said  at  Cumorah:  The 
blessing  of  father  Jacob,  when  he  said, 
"'Gather  yourselves  togfther"  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  [iresumed  ev- 
ery one  knows  it,  if  he  has  read  hi.~" 
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  Israeli  Let  iiic  die 
the  death  of  the  righteous,  and  lei  my 
last  end  be  like  his!" 

The  moment  the  book  of  Mrn-mon 
came  forth,  1  mean  the  plates  of  which 
t.Mc  ang^l  was  speaking,  at  Cumorah: 
the  world  began  to  be  in  commotion: 
find  tho  lords  upon  whose  arms  the 
kin'^s  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!— Cut  the  Lord  has  already 
made  the  wicked  hosts  of  the  world  to 
>'bear  &  poise  of  chariots,  and  a  noise 


of  horses,  even  the  noise  of  a  great 
host:  and  they  sard  one  to  another, 
Lo,  the  king  of  Israel  hath  hired 
against  us  the  kings  of  the  Bit- 
litfs.  and  the  kings  of  the  Egyptians, 
to  couie  upon  us." — 2  Kings,  VII.  6. 

'J'he  finding  of  the  plates,  puts  one 
in  mind  of  the  book  of  the  law  that 
Hilkiah  found  in  the  temple,  while  re- 
pairing it  m  the  days  of  king  Josiah — 
and  Would  to  Gdd  that  the  rulers  of 
ournation;  yea, the  rulers  of  all  nations 
uould  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  all  people  that  repent  not 

In  those  days  the  word  of  the  Lord 
came  throouh  Shallum's  wife,  Huldah, 
the  prophetess,  who  dwelt  in  the  col- 
lege at  Jerusalem.  Josiah  sent  five 
men;  yea,  principae  men,  of  whom 
Flilkia  1  the  priest  w-as  one,  and  they 
informed  her  what  had  happet-.ed,  and 
communed  with  her  on  the  subject,  and 
she  said  unto  them,  "Thus  saith  the 
Lord  God  of  Israel,  tell  the  man  that 
sent  you  unto  me:" 

"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 
JWah  hath  read:  Because  they  have^ 
forsaken  me,  an^  have  burnt  incense 
unto  other  gods,  that  they  might  pro— 
voke  me  to  anger  with  all  the  works  of 
their  hands;  therefore  my  wrath  shall 
be  kindled  again«^t  this  place,  and  shall 
not  be  quenched. 

"But  to  the  king  of  Judah,  which 
sent  you  to  enquire  of  the  Lord,  thus 
shall  ye  say  to  him,  Thus  saith  the 
Lord  God  of  Israel,  As  tmiching  the 
words  which  thou  hast  heard;  Because 
thine  l>"art  was  tender,  and  thou  hast 
humblrti  thvself  before  the  Lord,  when 
thou  heardest  what  I  spake  against 
this  place,  and  against  the  inhabitants 
thereof,  tluit  they  should  become  a  des- 
olation, and  a  cu^-se,  and  hast  rent  thy 
clothes,  and  wept  before  me;  I  also- 
have  heard  thee,  saith  the  Lord.  Be- 
hold therefore,  I  will  gather  thee  unto 
thy  fathers,  and  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  Huldah,  he  sent 
and  gathered  the  elders  of  Judah  and 
Jerusalem;    and    the    people  of    both 


MESSENGER  AND  AbVdfcAtE. 


m 

hand," — and  there  followed  much 
rain:  so  lij^e'.vise  since  then,  the 
churcii  of  Latter  Day  Saiia4s,  m-  com- 
parison no  bigger  tlian  "a  nwn^s  hand,'' 
has  spread  over  a  hrge  country,  and 
by  the  power  of  the  LortJ»  m  beginning 
to  sprinkle  in  token  of  a  plentiful  rain 
of  grace  for  the  salvation  of  all  that 
are  thirsty. 

Any  one  that  reflects  upon  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,  astill 
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 
tin.e;  behold  the  Lord  is  not  there; 
that  in  tho  earthquakes  of  eloquence 
that  hav'e  made  the  pulpits  ring  tor 
years  back,  the  Lord  is  not  there;  that 
in  the  firev  zeK'ofone  sect  against  an- 
other, the  Lord  is  »?ot  ^here,  but  when 
ihe  aiigel  spake  at  Cumorah  Behold 
the  Lord  was  nigh,  even  ti^e  Li?rd  witlx 
a  recompense:  and  he  will  soon  c'"*"!® 
with  burning-coals  at  his  ^ee\,  ana  scat- 
ter the  everlasting  mountain--;  and 
walk  through  the  heap  of  great  '.vaters, 
to  the  joy  and  deliverance  of  all  his 
saints.  But  I  mu&t  elose  for  the  pres- 
errt. 

As  ever, 

W.  W.  PHELPS. 

To  Oliver.  Cowpeby. 


places — and  priests,  and  prophets,  and 
read  to  them  the  v.orus  of  the  book: 
He  did  not  do  like  the  chief  men  of  the 
last  days — cry   a  bible,   a    bible!   false 

f'  lophet! — no;  no  such  language  came 
mm  the  wise  man's  mouth;  he  honor- 
pj  the  book,  and  respected  the  prophe- 
cy of  tiiC  '^voman,  lor  the  truth's  sake: 
He  f«-arcd  the  L'"'rfJ  and  loved  him,  and 
immediately  .'>stroy,?d  every  appear- 
ance of  evil.  hV  hroke  down  the 
houses  of  the  Sodomites;  he  put  down 
the  idolatrous  priests,  and  the  priests 
that  iHsrnt  incense  to  Baal,  or,  in  oth- 
er words,  to  the  sun,  and  moon,  and 
planets:  TJien  he  made  a  feast  to  the 
Lord,  such  as  has  not  been  made  on 
so  great  an  occasion  since. 

O  that  t4)e.re  was  a  ruler  like  him  to 
honor  God  in  these  last  days!  lo 
brake  the  altars -of  Baal!  To  purge  the 
•world  of  its  adult«rous  priesfs,  and 
false  religion,  that  all  men  might  come 
to  the  knowledge  of  -the  truth,  as  it 
came  to  Adam;  as  it  came  to  No.'ih; 
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; 
^s  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 
^rnore  than  vice! 

Our  ("lays  seem  as  old  times;  After 
the  servants  of  the  Lord,  hear  his  word, 
they  can  pray  like  Habakkuk:  "Lord 
revive  tliv  work  in  the  rnidist  of  the 
years:"  they  can  exclaim;  in  the  midst 
of  the  years  of  this  generation,  make 
known:  but  O  Lord,  '*in  wrath  re- 
member mercy." 

To  look  back  to  September,  1827, 
it  may  bo  likotied  unto  the  time  when 
Elijah  prayd  for  riin,  and  at  the 
seventh  time  "Behold  there  r.roso  a 
cloud   out   of  the  aea,    like  a   man's 


Kirtland,  Ohio,  Nov.   18,  1835. 
Dear  Buothek: 

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  m^et- 
inr;'^.  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  ihe  word  of  life,  and  also  many  who 
were  exceedingly  opposed,  but  mora 
especially  the  priests  of  Baal,  and  their 
tbllowers.     I  wan  •ocountored   bv  twft 


MESSENGER  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  society,  I 
was  informed,  was  considerably  be- 
low par;  but  their  opposition  only 
showed  the  weakness  of  their  system 
— established  the  faith  of  some,  while 
others  were  stirred  up  to  investigate. 
Thus  truth  loses  nothing  by  opposition, 
for  notwithstanding  the  tongue  of  the 
slanderer  is  loosed,  falsehoods  circula- 
ted to  the  four  winds,  the  cry  of  blas- 
phemy heard  among  all  the  sects,  yet, 
truth,  remains  truth  still,  though  the 
prince  of  darkness  may  rage;  his  sub- 
jects use  all  their  crafty  inventions, 
yet  all  their  efforts  will  be  in  vain,  for 
truth  is  from  heaven;  its  glory  is  unsul- 
lied: its  light  is  eternal,  and  will  shine 
though  all  their  engines  of  wicked- 
ness may  be  put  in  operation  against 
it.  Its  light  cannot  be  quenched;  its 
progress  cannot  be  stayed,  while  it  is 
apparently  smothered  in  one  place,  it 
will  shine  forth  with  increased  brillian- 
cy in  another.  1  baptized  three  in 
Freedom,  one  of  which  (Sampson  A- 
vard)  I  ordained  an  elder,  he  formerly 
had  belonged  to  the  Campbellitcs,  and 
had  preached  among  them.  After 
parting  withf'two  books  of  Mormon; 
tour  books  of  Revelations,  and  obtain- 
ing 14  subscribers  for  the  Messenger 
and  Advocate,  I  left  them  with  elder 
Avard  to  continue  the  work.  There 
is  a  prospect  of  many  embracing  the 
gospel  in  those  parts:  May  the  Lord 
bless  elder  Avard  and  send  some  one 
of  his  servants  to  assist  him. 

I  remain  your  friend  and  Brother, 
O.    PRATT. 
John  Whitmer  Esq. 

We  hereby  notify  our  patrons,  that 
we  desire  them  to  be  particular,  in  giv- 
ino-  us  information  respecting  subscrip- 
tions 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  must  be  at  your 
expense,  and  not  ours. 

Extract  of  a  letter ^  dated  Leioiston, 
111  Nov.  2,  1835. 

Br.  J.  Whitmer, 

I  have  been   \a.- 
b»riBg   fo>-  the   thr&e  last  months,  in 


Fulton,  Scuyler.  and  Adams  counties. 
I  baptized  one  in  Fulton:  and  in  com- 
pany v/ith  elder  C.  Rich  1  have  bapti- 
zed five  on  Crooked  Creek.  In  Adams 
and  Scuyler  counties  there  is  an  eflec- 
tual  door  open  for  preaching. 

SOLOMON  WIXOM. 


Extract   of  a  Idler,  dated  Farming- 
ion  Center,  Me.  Nov.  2,  1835. 
Br.  J.   Wkitjier, 

My  labors  have  becen 
blessed  in  some  measure,  the  past  sea- 
son. I  have  baptized  six,  and  have 
been  a  partner  in  baptizing  seven  oth- 
ers, since  the  13th  of  July.  In  many 
places,  where  I  have  labored,  the  work 
seems  to  be  progressing.  There  is  a 
prospect  of  more  being  added  to  the 
church. 

S.  B.  STODDARD. 


M  Y  M  K  . 


Come  all  ye  sons  of  Zion, 

And  l?t  us  praise  the  Lord: 
His  ransom' d  are  returning, 

According  to  his  word. 
In  sacred  songs,  and  gladness, 

They  walk  the  narrow  way. 
And  thank  t!ie  Lord  who  bro't  them 

To  see  the  latter  day. 

Come,  ye  dispers'd  of  Judah, 

Join  in  the  theme,  and  sing 
With  harmony  unceasing, 

The  praises  of  your  King 
Whose  arm  is  now  extended 

(On  which  the  world  rnay  gaze) 
To  gather  up  the  righteous, 

In  tliese,  the  latter  days. 

Rejoice,  rejoice,  O  Israel! 

And  let  your  joj's  abound; 
The  voice  of  God  sl.all  reach  you, 

Wherever  you  are  iound: 
And  call  you  back  from  bondage, 

That  you  may  sing  his  praise 
In  Zion  and  Jerusalem 

In  these,  the  latter  days. 

Then  gather  up  for  Zion, 

Ye  saints,  throughout  the  land, 
And  clear  t';e  way  before  you, 

As  God  shall  give  command: 
Tho'  wicked  men  and  devils 

Exert  their  pow'r,  'tis  vain. 
Since  him  who  is  eternal 

Has  said  you  shall  obtain. 


THE  LATTER   DAY  SAINTS' 
Elessenger  and  Advocate, 

rs  EDITED  BY 

JOHN  WKITSSEH, 

And  published  every  month   at  Kirt!ar.:l,  Geauga  Co 

'^'""'f.  <a.  WI1L1.IAMS  &  Co. 

At%l  per  an.  in  advance.    Every  person  procurtnff 

ten  new  sjibscribers,  and  forwarding  %  10,  current 

money,  shall  he.  entitled  to  a  paper  one  year,  gratia. 

AH  letters  to  Ike  Editor,  or  Pnhiishers,  must  be 

\i3-  POST  PAID.IIS, 

No  subicription  will  be  received  for  a  less  term  than  one 

year,  and  no  paper  discontinued  till  all  arrtmrage*  «r« 


T 


ME^^EM^nli:!^  AI¥1>  ABTI5CATE. 


Vol.  II.     No.  3.]       KIRTLAND,  OHIO,  DECEMBER,  1S35.       [Whole  No.  15. 


[COSTIXUED  FROM  PAGE  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 
rate  I  have  given  my  views  upon  the 
subject.  I  Siiall  now  proceed  to  make 
some  remarks  from  the  sayings  of  the 
Savior,  recorded  in  the  13th  chapter 
of  his  gospel  according  to  St  Matthew, 
which  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 
and  parables,  contained  in  the  chapter 
ubove  quoted,  we  find  him  seated  in  a 
ship,  on  the  account  of  the  multitude 
ithat  pressed  upon  him  to  hear  his  words, 
and  he  commenced  teaching  them  by 
saying:  "Behold  a  sower  v/ent  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  sprang 
up  because  they  had  no  deepness  of 
earth,  and  when  the  sun  was  up,  they 
were  scorched,  and  because  they  had 
not  root  the}^  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,  soma  an  hundred  fold,  some  six- 
ty fold,  some  thirty  fold:  who  hath  ears 
to  hear  let  him  hear.  And  the  disci- 
ples came  and  said  unto  him,  why 
speakest  thou  unto  them  in  parables, 
(1  v/ould  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  j/ou  to  know  the  mysteries  of  the 
kingdom  of  heaven,  but  xxnio  them  (that 
is  unbelievers)  it  is  not  given,  for  who- 
soever hath,  to  him  shall  be  given,  and 
ho  shall  have  more  abundance;  but 
whosoever  hath  not,  shall  be  taken 
away,  even  that  he  hath." 

VVe  understand  from  this  saying,  that 
those  who  had  previously  been  looking 
for  a  Messiah  to  come,  accordingto  the 
testimony  of  the  Prophets,  and  were 
then,  at  that  time,  looking  for  a  Mes- 


siah, but  had  not  suflicient  light  on  the 
account  of  their  unbelief,  to  discern 
him  to  be  their  Savior;  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  he  that  will  not  re- 
ceive the  greater  light,  must  have  ta- 
ken away  from  him,  all  the  light  which 
he  hath.  And  if  the  light  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. 

Now  v.'Q  discovei",  that  the  very  rea- 
sons assigned  by  thispropliet,  why  they 
v.'ould  not  receive  the  Messiah,  was, 
because  they  did  or  would  not  under- 
stand; and  seeing  they  did  n^t  perceive.: 
for  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  disci  pigs: 
Blessed  are  your  eyes,  for  they  see, 
and  your  ears,  for  they  hear;  for  veri- 
ly I  say  nnto  you,  that  many  prophets 
and  righteous  men  have  desired  to  see 
those  things  which  ye  sac,  and  have  not 
seen  them;  and  to  hear  those  things 
which  ye  hear,  and  have  not  heard 
them. 

We  again  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  cars,  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  witii  their  ears;  not  because 
they  could  not  and  wore  not  privileged 
to  see,  and  hoar,  but  because  their 
hearts  were  full  of  iniquity  and  abomi 


SS8 


ftrESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE, 


nation:  as  your  fathers  did  so  do  ye. — 
The  prophet  foreseeing  that  they  would 
thus  harden  their  hearts  plainly  decla- 
red it;  and  herein  is  the  coHdemnation 
of  the  world,  that  light  hath  come  into 
the  world,  and  men  choose  darkness  ra- 
ther than  light  because  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  t"  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 
before  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  ejjies  and  darken  our  under- 
standing, if  v/e  will  but  open  our  eyes 
and  read  with  caador,  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 
orinciples  of  truth,  do  not  understand 
the  word  of  truth,  when  they  hear  it. — 
The  devil  taketh  away  the  word  of 
truth  out  of  their  hc-^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  tl^.e  word,  and  the  cares 
of  this  world,  and  the  deceitfulness  of 
riches  choke  the  word,  and  he  becom- 
eth  unfruitful:  but  he  that  received 
eecd  into  the  good  ground,  is  he  that 
h«s»i'eth  the  word  and  \indf'rstandeth  it 


which  also  heareth  fruit  and  bringethr 
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 
the  Savior,  did  not  receive  an  explana- 
tion upon  his  parables,  was,  because 
of  unbelief.  To  ycu,  h^  says,  (speak- 
ing to  his  disciples)  it  is  given  to  know 
the  mysteries  of  the  kingdom  of  God: 
and  why?  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 o-f  the  word;  and  we  believe  that  it 
has  an  allusion  directly,  to  the  cora- 
mencement,  or  the  setting  up  of  the 
kingdom  in  that  age:  therefore,  we 
shall  continue  to  trace  his  sayings  coi%' 
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, 
an  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  kmgdom  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   wpuJd    faia 


MLSSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


s«r 


have  plucked  up,  or  cleansed  the  churcli 
of,  if  their  views  had  been  favored  by 
the  Savior;  but  he,  knowing  all  things, 
says  not  so;  as  much  as  to  sav,  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  togctiier  until 
the  harvest,  or  the  end  of  the  world, 
which  means  the  destruction  of  the 
wicked;  which  is  not  yet  fulfilled;  as 
we  shall  show  hereafter,  in  the  Savior's 
explanation  of  the  parable,  which  is  so 
plain,  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! ail  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,  having  an  allusion  to 
the  kingdom  which  should  be  set  up, 
just  previous  or  at  the  time  of  harvest, 
which  reads  as  follows: — 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  the  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- 
hold it  coming  forth  out  of  the  ground, 
which  is  indeed  accounted  the  least  of 
all  seeds,  but  behold  it  brandling  forth; 
yea,  even  towering,  with  lofty  branch- 
es, and  God-like  majesty,  until  it  be- 
comes tlie  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.  13ehold,  then, 
is  not  this  the  kingdom  of  heaven  that 
is  raising  its  head  m  the  last  days,  in  I 
the  majesty  of  its  CJod;  even  the  church 
of  the  I^nttrr  day  saints, — like  an  im- 
penetrable, immovfibln  rock  in  the  I 
n7Jd>t  of  thf    mighty    drr-p,  cvpo^ircl    to 


storms  and  tempests  of  satan,  but  has. 
thus  far,  remained  steadfast  and  is  ftiU 
braving  the  mountain  waves  of  opposi 
tion,  which  are  driven  by  the  tempes- 
tuous winds  of  sinking  crafts,  have  and 
are  still  dashing  v/ith  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.  Flowe's 
*'iMormonism  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  lain  have  made  people  beiievo 
that  he  could  cast  out  devils,  by  a  cer- 
tain pamphlet  (viz.  the  "Milleuial  Har- 
binger,") that  went  the  rounds  through 
our  country,  who  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  tlfe  devil,  thou 
enemy  of  all  righteousness,  wilt  thou 
not  cease  to  pervert  the  right  ways  of 
the  Lord!  We  would  reply  to'  this 
gentleman^Paul  we  know,  and  Christ 
we  know,  but  who  are  yc?  And  with 
the  besf  of  feelings,  we  would  say  to 
him,  in  the  language  of  Paul  to  those 
who  said  they  were  John's  di,scij)les, 
but  had  not  so  much  as  heard  there 
was  a  Holy  Ghost,  to  repent  and  be 
ba])tiscd  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  llicy  their  liancis  on  thon,  ari 
they  received  the  Holy  Gliost.— Acts:  ch.  b, 
V.  17. 

And,  when  Paul  had  laid  his  hands  upon 
theiT),  tlie  Holy  Ghost  came  on  Ihcm;  and 
they  spake  with  tonsrues,  and  prophesied. ^^-^ 
Actsrch.  19,  v.  G. 

Of  tlie  doctrine  of  baptisms,  and  cf  laying 
on  of  hands,  and  of  resurrection  of  the  dead, 
and  ofelenial  judcrnient. — Heb.  ch.  0,  v.  2. 

How  then  shall  they  call  on  him  in  whom 
they  iiave  not  bt/licveij?  and  how  shall  they 
believe  in  liiin  of  whom  they  have  not  hoard? 
and  how  shall  they  hear  wiihout  a  i)reacher7 
And  how  shall  they  preach  except  they  h-i 
spnl?  as  it  is  writtoii,  How  beautiful  are  tho 
leet  of  them  tJint  prracli  tlie  ;,rospel  of  peacp, 
and  brinjr  jrlad  tidin-rs  of  good  thin-'s!  — Koni. 
ch.  10,  V.  14-15. 

Rut  if  this  man  will  not  take  our  ad- 
monition, but  will  persist  in  his  wirkrd 
course,  wc  hope  that  h*'  will  rontiniip 
trying  lo  cast  nut  d'-^vih.  tlint  we   rn^y 


228 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


have  the  clearer  proof  that  the  king- 
ttom  of  satan  is  divided  against  itself, 
and  conse^}uently  cannot  stand:  for  a 
kingdom  divided  against  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  challenge  him 
to  anin  vestigatio  n  upon  any  or  all 
principles  wherein  he  feels  opposed  to 
us,  in  public  or  in  private. 

V/e  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  i!l{\rcitimate  author  of  "Mormonibm 
Uriveifed,"  in  order  to  give  currency  to 
the  puTjlication,  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 
Jias  of  late  immortalised  his  name  by 
swearing  that  he  Vv^ould  not  believe  a 
Mormon  under  oath;  and  by  his  polite 
introduction  to  said  Hurlburt's  wife, 
which  cost  him  (as  we  have  been  in- 
formed) a  round  sum.  Also  his  son 
Mathew  testified  that,  the  book  of  Mor- 
mon had  been  proved  false  an  hundred 
times,  by  How's  book:  and  also,  that  he 
would  not  believe  a  Mormon  under  oath. 
And  also  we  could  mention  the  rever- 
end Mr.  Bentley,  who,  we  believe,  has 
been  actively  engaged  in  injuring  the 
character  of  his  biother-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  cloudof  darkness  has  long 
been  beating  with  mountain  wares  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  still  rolling  on,  impelled 
by  the  mighty  arm  of  Jehovah;  and  in 
spite  of  all  opposition  will  still  roll  ou 
until  his  words  are  all  fulfilled. 

Our  readers  will  excuse  us  for  devi- 
ating from  the  subject,  v/hen  they  take 
into  consideration  the  abuser,  that  have 
been  heaped  upon  us  heretofore,  which 
we  have  tamely  submitted  to,  until  for- 
bearance is  no  longer  required  r.t  our 
hands,  having  frequently  turned  both 
the  right  and  left  cheek,  we  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  leaveniug  the  lump, 
and  will  soon  leaven  the  whole.  But 
let  us  pass  on. 

All  these  things  spake  Jesus  unto  the 
multitudes,  in  parables,  and  without  a 
parable  spake  he  not  unto  them,  that  it 
might  be  fulfilled  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  Jesu* 
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  son  of  man; 
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   them  corefullv  mark  this 


]virg«r;N(lER_ANDAPVQCATE. 


/B33^ 


"  .  ,   .      •        (- _ *:.,„     ^1.  tlint  i1     rn  himit.V.  .      ... 


to  say  that  ihis  is  hguvative,  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 
the  destruction  of  the  wicked;  the  har 
vest  and  the  end  of  the  world   have  an 
allusion  directly  to  the   human  fami  y 
,n  the  last  days,   instead  of  the  earth, 
as  many  have  imagined,  and  that  which 
shall  precede  the  coming  of  the  Son  ol 
man,    and  the  restitution   .f  al   things 
spoken  of  by  the  mouth  of  all  the  holy 
prophets   since  the  world   began;  arid 
the  angels  are  to  have  somethmg  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  C4od  go  forth  warning 


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  t  ley 
find  the  place  for  Zion,  or  the  pearl  ot 
great  price;  straitvvay  sell  all  that  they 

have  and  buy  it.  •    ri  ^ 

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 

.1         1* „f"*!A/^   oivln. 


the  servants  of  God  go  lortli  warning  lue  ...u  ..  ;— r-      .         of1he  earth, 

the   nations,  both    priests   and   P^^pl^'    go^P^^^'^V"^^"  ^''h,^  tha^   the  FOod 
and  as  they  harden\heir  hearts  and  re-   g'^tbermg  of  eveiy  k  nd^tha    U^^ 

lect  the  lisht  of  the  truth,  these  first  be-   may  be  saved  ^'^/f.'f^' j  ,/^^.-l,  ^al^e 
CJdUve?ed  over  unto  the  buffetings  of  that  purpos^^^^^^^^ 

'     '      law  and  the  testimony   care  of  the  baa.  so   siiau 

'as    it   .as  with  .be   e„dofthe,world,thea„5^esslm    00^^^^^ 


satan,  and    the 
being  closed   up 


Jews',  thev  are  left  in  darkness,  and 
delivered  over  unto  the  day  of  burning: 
thus  being  boand  up  by  their  creeds  ana 
their  bands  made  strong  by  their  pri^sl^, 
are  prepared  for  the  fulfilment  of  the 
savins  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  ot  the 
gathering  together  of  the  wheat  into 
barns,  o"r  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 
rirrhteous  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  hnth  found,  he  hidcth  and 
for  joy  thereof,  goeth  and  selleth  all 
that  he  hath  and  buycth  that  field:  for 
the  work  after  this  pattern,  see  the 
church  of  the  Latter  Day  Saints,  scl 
ling  all  that  they  have  and  gathering 
lbemselve3   together    unto  a  place  that 


forth,  and  sever  the  wicked  froma- 
mong  the  iust,  and  cast  them  into  tbo 
furnace  of  fire,  and  tee  shall  be  wail- 
inw  and  gnashing  of  teeth. 

"jesus  saith  unto  them,  have  you  ffn- 
derstood  all  these  things'?  they  say  un- 
to him  yea  Lord:  and  wc  say  yea 
Lord,  and  well  might  they  say  yeji 
Lord,  for  these  things  are  so  plain  and 
so  glorious,  that  every  Sahit  in  the  last 
days  must  respc<nd  with  a  hearty  oinen 

to  them. 

Then  said  he  unto  them,  thereto  re 
every  scribe  which  is  instructed  into 
the  kingdom  of  heaven,  is  like  unto  a 
man  that  is  an  house  holder;  which 
bringeth  forth  outof  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  meal,   undnrgoing 
the  i)urifving  touch   by  a  revelation  ot 
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   Icavenca 
the  whole  lump.     Amen. 


230 


MESSENGEr.  AltD  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.  WniT3!ER  Esq. 


THOU  SHALT  NOT  LIE.— Moses. 

Woe  unto  the  world  because  of  of- 
fences! for  it  must  needs  be  that  offen- 
ces come,  b'Jt  woe  unto  that  man  by 
•whom  the  offence  cometh! — Jesus 
Christ. 

Dear  tirother  in  the  new  cove- 
nant:— Presuming  that  the  Saints  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  opiniono: — 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 
1  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  church  is  a  comimon  stock  concern. 

Now,  to  give  the  truth  on  this  mat- 
ter, 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  temporal  that 
would  debar  me  from  self-defence. — 
As  to  giving  and  "common  stock''  if 
any  candid  man  or  woman,  will  read 
the  book  of  Doctrine  and  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  that   steals  my  purse  steals  trash; 
"Twas  mine, — tis     his,  and    has  been 

slave  to   thousands; 
" — But   he  that   robs  me  of  my  good 

name, 
l'at*-3  what  c:innot  cnt-ich  him, 


"But  makes  me  poor  indeed!^' 

Ever  since  the  book  of  Mormon  was 
published,  as  a  people  and  society,  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?  Mfethinks  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.  AVoe  unto  that  people  that  hon- 
ors cash  and  cloth  more  than  character 
and  truth! 

This  church  has  had  to  bear  insults 
and  injuries,  as  cur  fathers  did  taxa- 
tion and  bondage  from  great  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  ^'lorning  Star,  and  was  copied 
from  the  Philadelphia  Saturday  Couri- 
er.    It  reads  thus: 

"TriAGicAL  Event. — The  following  tragical 
story  of  a  Mormon  preacher  is  given  by  the 
Independent  IMessenger  on  the  authority  of 
a  gentleman  from  the  western  part  of  the 
state  of  New  York.  We  shall  expect  to  see 
it  authenticated  by  the  western  papers  ifit  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  secretiy  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.  Tiiey  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.  These  were  so  fastened  down,  e.nd 
locked  together,  and  bo  daubed  with  mud,  M 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


fSl 


to  be  quite  imperceptible  from  the  neighbor- 1  leg.  It 
ing  declivities.  Tliey  resolved  on  prevent-  tor  of  th 
ing  the  miracle  by  sawing  the  concealed 
bridg3  in  pieces,  just  where  it  crossed  the 
deepast  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  amphithealje 
on  the  surrounding  slopes  and  the  preacher 
appeared  at  the  edge  of  the  water.  Present- 
ly he  raised  his  stentorian  voice  and  as  he 
paced  his  invisible  bridge  vvitii  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!  j'jst  as  the  miracle- worker  seemed  to 
ha/e  wrought  conviction  of  his  divine  power 
in  the  wondering  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.  Tlie  scene  was  in- 
discribable.  Even  those  who  had  spoiled 
the  miracle,  were  filled  with  horror  when 
they  actually  saw  the  unfortunate  impos- 
tor disappear.  They  had  not  dreamed  that 
their  trick  would  cost  him  more  than  tlie 
fright,  discomfort  and  disgrace  ofbeing  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 clese  of  Mormonism  in  that  vicinity. 
— He  eunk,  and  long  before  the  confounded 
assembly  were  in  a  condition  to  afford  him 
relief,  per;:5lied  a  victim  to  his  imposture." 

It  may  be  said  that  the  Star  handled 
this  matter  enough  to  brand  -it  witii  its 
just  doom,  but  let  me  ask  its  makers 
and  publisers  a  few  questionsv  As 
they  live  in  what  is  called  a  christian 
coinmunlhj,  I  should  like  to  learn  what 
reason  they  had,  without  the  aid  of 
law,  to  lay  a  plan  publicly — lo  kill? — 
and,  again,  whether  it  comports  with 
sacred  or  common  rubs,  to  ridicule, 
and  hear  fahe  witness  against  their 
neighbors?  There  is  evidently  a  lyitjg 
spirit  abroad  among  the  people,  and 
one  cannot  do  better,  seeing  their  is 
manifestly  such  a  pretention  to  some- 
thing great,  than  to  exclaim  in  the  lan- 
guage of  Paul,  "O  foohsh  Galatians, 
who  hath  bewitched  you,  that  ye  should 
not  obc-y  tiiu  truih,  before  wliose  eyes 
Jesus  Christ  has  evidently  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,  Ohio, 
direct  from  .Missouri,  that  a  body  of  well  arm- 
ed Mormons,  under  their  chief  or  propiiet, 
Joe  Smith,  on  attempting  to  cross  the  river 
into  Jackson  county;  that  a  battle  ensued, 
in  wliich  the  Mormons  were  worsted  &  driv- 
en back,  and  their  leader  wa»  wouuded  in  the 


.dded    that  he  died  tliree  days  af* 
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: 

"Thk  MoRMoNiTES. — These  egregious  fan- 
atics have  produced  quite  an  excitement  in 
Missouri,  and  several  of  the  western  papers 
speak  of  them  and  their  movements,  as  if  Joe 
Smith,  the  Mormouite  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  toirOO  or 
1000  men;  all  armed  with  guns,  tomahawks, 
knives,  and  from  two  to  four  braces  of  pistols 
each.  They  went  through  the  county  on  tha 
north  of  the  river  yesterday.  We  understood 
that  the  people  of  that  county  intended  to 
stop  them;  and  for  the  purpose  of  assisting 
them  we  raised  about  forty  men,  but  could 
not  overtake  tiiem,  [tiie  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  be 
expecting  of  a  severe  batde  between  the  Mor- 
mons and  Jacksonians — but  you  will  not.— 
We  went  up  to  Jacksoi'.  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  shouKl  be  slain  in  fighting 
the  Lord's  battles. 

"The  Jackson  people  offered  them,  tv.'ice 
the  valuation  of  their  possessions,  which  was 
refused.  They  had  collected  in  Clay  county, 
and  built  a  number  of  boats,  to  cfoss  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  tiie  numbers  who  went  from  this  county 
to  oppose  them.  Jackson  county  could  raise 
about  900  men,  and  400  went  froui  Lafayette; 
about  SUO  more  would  have  inarched  in  a 
day  or  two,  if  lliey  had  been  required.  I 
know  we  had  neither  law  nor  gospel  on  our 
side,  but  self  preservation  urged  us  to  pursue 
tiiat  course,  for  we  knew  that  our  county 
would  b-^  then'-xtto  suffer  fiom  Iheir  pres- 
ence. If  they  had  ciosscd  the  river,  I  very 
much  question  if  any  would  have  been  let\  to 
tell  the  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  uO  or  lO'j 
years  longer.  Meanwhile,  they  will  locate 
somewhere  else.  1  am  told  there  are  a  good- 
ly number  about  to  leave  the  country." 

There  is  no  need  of  any  commenla 
OD  this  account,  for  it  declares  tltat  ii 


§32 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE 


has  neither  laio  nor  gospel  on  its  side, 
hut  meant  to  murder  men,  women  and 
children,  so  that  there  should  not  one 
be  left  to  tell  the  tale,  notwithdtanding 
the  decalogue  says  Thou  shalt  not 
KILL.  This  arilcle  brings  Mr.  Smith 
to  life  again  without  ceremony. 

I  shall  next  present  you  with  a 
short  article  that  recently  ajDpeared  in 
M.  M.  Noah's  N.  Y.  Evening  Star: 

'^Heaf.hen  Temple  on  Lake  Erie. — That 
bold-faced  imposler,  Joe  Smith,  of  Gold  Bi- 
ble and  Mormon  memory,  has  caused  his 
poor  fanatic  followers  to  erect  on  liie  shores 
of  Lake  Erie;  nearPainesville,  (Ohio)  a  stone 
building  58  by  78  feet  with  dormer  windows, 
denominating  the  same  the  "Temple  of  the 
Lord."  We  should  think  this  work  of  ini- 
quity extorted  out  of  the  pockets  of  his  dupes, 
lis  it  reflects  its  shadows  over  the  blue  lake, 
would  make  tlie  waters  crimson  with  shame 
ut  tlie  proslitulion  of  its  beautiful  banks  to 
sucli  unhallowed  purposes." 

We  can  hardly  believe  that  an  hon- 
est man  would  write  such  a  foolish, 
figurative  statement:  but  wheaa  man 
has  failed  to  dupe  his  fellow  Jews,  with 
a  New  Jerusalem  on  Grand  Island,  I 
suppose  that  you  cannot  "crimson" 
[his  fac^  v.'ith  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  Island,  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  wiifuiiy 
ridicule  them,  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,  tlpu  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  quoting  lor  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  blasphemy  before  the  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  Mor- 
mons, and  associate  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  readil}'  call  to 
mirid;  we  will  toss  into  the  caldron  another 
Frenchman,  Louis  Phillippe,  who  can,  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  their  faces, 
the  despised  among  men.  His  holy 
daj/  paper  poorly  comports  with  the 
Savior's  golden  rule;  '■''All  things  to  hat- 
soever  ye  toould  that  men  should  do  un- 
to you,   DO    YE  EVEN    SO  TO    THEM;  for 

this  is  the  laio  and  the  frophelsJ^ 

It  is  a  matter  of  astonishment  to  me, 
that  intelligent  men,  are  so  apt  to  slan- 
der and  belie  their  fellov/  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  account  of  abusing  its 
light  and  knov.'l'cdge,  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,  were  destroved  by  the 
flood. 

Pharaoh  and  his  host  were  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  1 
pause. 

The  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,  Dwight, 
Woodward,  S.  J.  Smith  and  a  phal- 
anx of  others,  should  be  striving  to  put 
down  the  church  of  the  Latter  Day 
Saints,  when  they  have  received  no 
injury  from  them?  Is  it  because  they 
have  inhaled   the  cankering  air,    that 


flIESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


583 


has  been  tainted  by  the  stenching 
breath  of  such  men  as  Mi'.  Campbell, 
Mr.  Avery,  Mr.  Claup,  Mr.  Hurlburt, 
and  least  of  all  tlie  persecutors — the 
dark  colored  man  with  a  pitchfork?  If 
this  is  the  case  1  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- 
tions against  them:  1  have  merely 
drawn  a  picture  of  what  they  have  has- 
tily done,  that  they  may  look  upon  it 
and  consider  how  many  innocent  men, 
women,  and  children  have  to  suffer 
persecution,  hunger,  thirst,  and  other 
alliictions,  for  such  rash  words,  and 
foolish  deeds.  No  v/ondex  Lynch  law 
is  murdering  throughout  our  once  hap- 
py country;  no  wonder  mob  after  mob 
is  breaking  the  tender  thread  of  law, 
and  bursting  the  strong  bands  of  socie- 
ty, to  spread  a-narchy,  confusion,  de- 
struction and  death:  no  preference  is 
made  to  A'irtue  more  than  vice,  by 
men  in  high  places;  and  when  a 
scourge  sweeps  off  its  thousands,  the 
survivors,  seem  to  have  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  conietli 
epeedily  upon  tae  ungodly,  as  the  wiiirlwind, 
and  wlio  shall  escape  it:  the  Lord's  scourge 
shall  ])ass  over  b}'  night  and  by  day;  and 
the  report  thereof  siiall  vex  all  people;  yet, 
it  shall  not  be  stayed  until  the  Lord  come: 
for  the  indignation  of  the  Lord  is  kindled  a- 
gainst  tlioir  abominations,  and  all  their  wick- 
ed woiks." 

For  the  love  of  liberty:  venerating 
the  memory  of  our  v/orihy  forefathers 
who  bled  tiiat  wo  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 lo  be  hoped  that  every  rfian  that  has 
injured,  or  spoken  evil  of  the  church 
of  Latter  Day  Saintf,  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  tiic  Scribes,  Pharisees  and 
liypocritcs,  will  apply:  for  there  is  a 
woe  to  such  as  make  clean  the  out  side 
of  the  platter;  that  praise  virtue  but 
never  practice  it;  that  pay  tithes,  for 
the  sake  of  honor,  and  esteem  men  and 
jnoncy  more  than  truth  and  meekness, 
and  omit  the  "weightier  matt(rs  of 
the  law,judgment,  mercy  and  faith." 

In  the  Jovo  of  God,  and  in  the  liope 


of  the  prosperity  of  the  pure  _^in  lieart, 
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  JoHX  WniTMER  Esq. 


EGYPTIAN  MUiMMIES— 

AXCIENT  RECORDS. 

The  public  mind  has  been  excited, 
of  late,  by  reports  which  have  been 
circulated  concerning  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  attention  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. 

AVho  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  was  buried  on  his 
own  possession,  "in  the  cave  of  Mach- 
pelah,  in  the  field  of  Ephron,  the  son 
of  Zohar  the  Ilittite,  which  is  before 
Mamre,"  which  he  purchased  of  the 
sonsoflleth;  Abmnelcch  lived  in  the 
same  country,  and  for  aught  we  know, 
died  there,  and  the  children  of  Israel 
carried   Joseph's     bones    from   Egypt 


«34 


MESSENGER  AND  ABVOdATE. 


when  they  went  oat  under  Moses.  Con- 
sequently, could  not  have  been  found 
in  Egypt  in  the  19th  century.  But 
the  recordsare  the  most  important,  con- 
cerning which,  we  refer  our  readers 
to  the  extract  for  information. 
"KiRTLAND,  Geauga  Co.  O., 
Decemher  22,  18.35.''' 

*  ^  *  *  ?! 

Yours  ci  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  1  have  I  endeavor  to  be 
ihankful. 

That  the  Lord  should  again  mani- 
fest something  for  the  benefit  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  work,  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  tlie  Egyptian 
records,  or  rather  the  writings  of 
Abraham  and  Joseph,  I  may  say  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  coflins  of  mum- 
mies, hieroglyphics,  &c.  with  many 
characters  or  letters  exactly  like  the 
present,  (though  probably  not  quite  so 
square,)  form  of  the  Hebrew  witjiout 
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 


the  year  1831.  He  procured  license 
from  Mehemet  AH,  then  Viceroy  of 
Egypt,  under  the  protection  of  Cheva- 
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  catacombs 
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  tivo  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  coflins  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 
tv/o  or  three  other  small  pieces  of  pa- 
pyrus, with  astronomical  calculations, 
epitaphs,  «fec.  were  found  with  others, 
of  the  Mummies. 

When  Mr.  Chandler  discovered  that 
there  was  something  with  the  Mum- 
mies, he  supposed,  or  honed  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  v/as  referred  6y  the  same  gen- 
tleman, (a   strange r,j  to  Mr.    Joseph 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE, 


SS5 


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 
Xvork  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  that  city: 

"Having  examined  with  considera- 
l»le  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  observatiori  of 
the  curious  inquirer  on  subjects  of  a 
period  so  long  elapsed;  probably  not 
less  t'hati  three  thousand  years  ago. — 
The  featutcs  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  interestirig.  The  undersign- 
"ed,  unsolicited  by  any  pferson  connect- 
ed by  interest  with  this  exhibition,  have 
voluntarily  set  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  COXE,  M.  D. 
RICHARD  HARLAN,  M.  D. 
J.  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, 
'concerning  the  collection  of  Mummies 
in  the  Philadelphia  Arcade,  and  con- 
sider them  highly  deserving  the  atten- 
tion of  the  curious. 

W.  E.  HORNER,  M.  D. 

While  Mr.  Chandler  was  in  Plula- 
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  i^bw 
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  otber  pla- 
ces cast  of  the  mountains,  and  was  fre- 
t|uently  referred  to  bro.  Smith  for  a 
transiatioa  of  his  Egyptian  Relic. 


Ii  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  firet  of  July,  at 
which  time  he  presented  bro.  Smith 
with  his  papyrus.  Till  then  neither 
myself  nor  brother  Srnith  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  foi'r  ©r 
five  different  sentences  or  separate 
pieces,  stating,  at  the  same  time,  that 
un'ess  he  found  some  one  who  couM 
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. — 
Smfth,  he  was  shown,  by  the  latter,  a 
number  of  characters  like  those  upon 
the  writings  of  Mr.  C.  which  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- 
terpretaiion  of  some  few  for  his  satis- 
faction. For  your  gratification  I  wdi 
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  obscui-ed  rolls  the  wonders 
contained  therein: 

''Kirtland,  July  Gth,  183.'3." 

"This  is  to  make  known  to  all  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, 
whicb  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  s[)caks  sufficiently 
plain  without  requiring  comment  from 
me.  It  was  given  previous  to  the  pur- 
chase of  the  antiquities,  by  any  person 
here. 


8:36  

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  or  no- 
tions of  the  Deity.  The  representa- 
tion of  the  god-head — three,  yet  in  one, 
is  curiously  drawn  to  give  simply, 
Ihough  impressively,  the  writer's  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  tov/ards  convincing  the 
rational  mind  of  the  correctness  and  di- 
vine authenticity  of  the  holy  scriptures, 
and  especially  that  part  which  has  ev- 
er been  assailed  by  the  infidel  commu- 
iiity,  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  righteousness  of  Abel 
and  the  holiness  of  Enoch, — one  slain 
because  his  offering  was  accepted  of 
Ihe  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') dav.  The  inner  end  of  the 
same  r611,  (Joseph's  record,)  presents 
a  representation  of  the  judgment:  At 
one  view  you  behold  the  Savior  seated 
upon  his  throne,  crowned,  and  holding 
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- 
<5hael  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  shadoic,  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 
becom-C  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  differ- 
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  for  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  from  their  size, 
and  the  comprehensivenesss  of  the 
language,  one  inight  reasonably  expect 
to  see  a  sufficient  to  develop  mucb  up- 
on the  mighty  acts  of  the  ancient  men 
of  God,  and  of  his  dealing  with  th© 
children  of  men  when  they  saw  him 
face  to  face.  Be  there  little  or  much, 
it  must  be  an  inestimable  acquisition 
to  our  present  scriptures,  fulfilling,  in 
a  small  degree,  the  word  of  the  proph- 
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- 
ilai',  (as  he  says,)  to  the  astronomical 
representation,  contained  with  the  pres- 
ent two  I'olis,  of  which  I  previously 
spoke,  and  the  remaining  four  by  gen- 
tlemen resident  here. 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


fi57 


Though  the  Mummies  themselves 
are  a  curiosity,  and  an  astonishment, 
well  calculated  to  arouse  the  mind  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  ware  deposited  with  them. 

If  Providence  permits,  1  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  be,  sir,  sincerely  and 
trul}^  your  brother  in  the  bonds  of  the 
new  and  everlasting  covenant. 

OLIVER  COWDERY. 
To      Wm.      Frye,   Esq.     Gilead, 
Calhoon  co.  111. 


Paris,  Henry  co.   Tenn. 

Dear  Brother  in  the  LoRD:-Since 
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  b}^  a  Campbellite  Priest; 
although  v/eak,  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  evcrlastmg  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  Taropen, 
where  wc  had  baptized  some  before. — 
I  held  two  meetings  in  this  place;  af- 
ter which  ciglit  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.    WjUTMER. 


NOTICE. 
We  the   70,  hereby    inform    Hiram 
Strattan,  that  we    have  withdrawn  our 


fellowship  from   him,  until  he   returns 
to  Kirtland  and  makes  satisfactisn. 

SYLVESTER  SMITH— Clerk. 


Extract  of  a  letter,  dated,  Kirtland^ 
Bee.  6,  1§35. 

Dear  iroiher: 

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  work 
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  of 
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: 
wc  held  a  few  meetings  in  the  town  of 
Pawlet,  Vt.  Here  at  the  close  of  one  of 
our  meetings  a  Campbellite,  after  in- 
tcrogating  us,  used  the  words  of  Aquil- 
la  and  Priscilla  to  Apollu.s,  for  said  he,    , 


$S8 


MESSENGER  AI^D  ADVOCATE. 


1  agree  with  you  in  most  points,  and 
if  you  will  go  home  with  me,  I  will  in- 
struct you  more  perfectly,  we  thanked 
liim  and  accepted  the  ofler:  we  spent  a 
number  of  hours  in  debating,  (and  he 
acted  the  part  of  a  gcntlemoi.n,')  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 
Andover,  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 
saw  him,  he  had  baptized  one.  I  con- 
tinued preaching  almost  daily  for  three 
weeks  in  Vermont,  and  the  south  part 
of  Grafton  county,  N.  H.  I  baptized 
three  in  Enfield,  and  have  reason  to 
believe  there  arc  others  that  will  em- 
brace the  new  and  everlasting  cove- 
nant. Since  the  last  of  August,  my 
Jabors  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  east. 

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  six  and  obtained  four 
sijbscribers  for  the  Messenger  and  Ad- 
vpcate.  In  the  bonds  of  the  new  cov- 
jenantl  renrjain  your  brother. 

HAZEN  ALDRICH. 
To  John  Whitmer  Esq. 

^'■Good  understanding  giveth  favor, 
hut  the  way  of  the  transgressor  is  hard. 
—Solojnon." 

Solomon  was  called  a  wise  man,  and 
he  has  ieft  much  good  instruction  on 
record.  Qur  text  informs  us  that: 
*'The  way  of  the  transgressor  is  hard." 
This  is  a  faci,  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  aod  Eve  trans- 
gressed, and  what  followed?  in  conse- 
quence of  the  trasgression  of  our  an- 
cestors, the  land  was  cursed:  *'The 
Lord  said  unto  Ad^m,  because  thou 
hast  hearkened  unto  the  voice  of  thy 
wife,  and  hast  eaten  of  the  tree  of 
which  I  commanded  thee.,  saying,  thau 
shall  not  cat  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- 


ly upon  man  but  the  serpent  did  not  es- 
cape  it.  In  consequence  of  this  trans- 
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 
v.'ore  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  process  of 
time,  that  Cain  and  Abel  brought  of- 
ferings unto  the  Lord-i  but  God  had 
no  respect  unto  Caia'^s  offering;  and 
for  a  very  good  reason,  lie  did  not  of- 
fer the  sacrifice  required,  in  conse- 
quence of  which  he  was  a  transgress 
sor.  Now  when  Cain  saw  that  his  of- 
fering was  not  accepted,  be  was  wroth 
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  more  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  against  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  af 
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  the 
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  days 
of  Noah:  and  in  the  daysof  Moses,— 


MESSf:NGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


SS» 


And  when  ever  he  had  a  people  on  the 
earth,  he  gave  them  revelations  and 
commandments,  that  v/cre  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 
given  to  Moses  would  not  save  Elijah, 
nor  Elisha,  nor  Isaiah,  nor  Ezekiel 
neither  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  as  yesterday, 
why  not  give  I'evelation  to  us?  the  fact 
is  he  is  more  willing  to  give  than  we 
are  to  receive,  if  it  were  not  so,  would 
not  the  inhabitants  of  the  earth  be  wil- 
ling to  receive  what  he  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- 
ng  to  nide  their  faults;  and  when  they 
are  made  manifest  they  are  not  wdling 
to  confess  them.  To  such  we  say: 
Beware  for  the  way  of  the  transgres- 
sors is  hard:  "He  that  knoweth  his 
masters  will  and  doeth  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  after.  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   thorn — and    trample    upon   his 


commandments  and  precepts,  and  yet 
the}^  are  prospered  in  all  that  they  un-* 
dertake:  to  ail  £uch  we  will  say  v/ith 
Solomon:  The  way  of  the  transgres- 
sor is  hard."  Although  this  may 
sound  as  an  idle  tale,  yet  we  would 
have  ail  men  know,  they  are  forming 
characters  in  this  world,  for  the  next. 

For  any  person  to  suppose  that  it 
v/ill  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  endu- 
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  Jcelestial  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 family  of  God:  for  the  promises 
were  made  to  those  who  were  and  are 
adopted  through  obe3'ing  the  plan  of 
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  git't,  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,  wo  keep  all^the  commandments  of 
God,  we  shall  be  made  the  partakers  of 
the  blessings  prefixed  to  his  promises: 
Dent.  V:1G  to  21  verse  inclusive. 

If  thou  lovestmc  thoushalt  serve  me, 
and  keep  all  my  commandments. 

Thou  shalt  remember  the  poor,  and 
consecrate  of  thy  properties  for  their 
support.  «,v.ii;-vi^ 

Me  that  sinneth  and  repentcth  not» 
ehnll  be  cast  out  of  the  church. 


240 


PelESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


Thoushalt.  not  be  proud  in  thy  heart, 
let  all  thy  garments  be  plain,  and  their 
beauty  the  beauty  of  the  work  of  thine 
own  hands,  and  let  all  things  be  done 
in  cleanliness  before  me. 

Thou  shalt  not  be  idle;.for  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  which  thou 
shalt  receive  of  thy  brother. 

If  thy  brother  or  sister  offend  many, 
he  or  she  shall  be  chastised  before  ma- 
ny. If  any  one  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  unto  thee  in  my  scriptures  for  a 
law,  to  govern  my  church;  and  he  that 
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 
the  wicked  he  will  rain  snares,  tire  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 — T  wish  to  inform  my 
friends  and  all  others,  abroad,  that 
whenever  they  wish  to  address  me  thro' 
the  Post  Office,  they  will  be  k»nd  enough 
to  pay  the  postage  on  the  same. 

My  friends  will  excuse  me  in  this 
matter,  as  I  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  freinds, 
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  they  are 
not  handed  to  us  in  season: — They 
would  therefore  do  well,  to  direct  their 
letters  relative  to  subscriptions,  &c.  to 
the  Editor  or  Publishers,  if  they  desire 
immediate  attendance,- — remember  at 
the  same  time  that  all  communications 
to  the  Editor  or  Publishers  must  be 
post-paid.  EDITOR. 


\S^  Elder  John  Murdock  is  request- 
ed to  come  to  Kirtland,  as  soon  as  he 
observes  this  notice. 


[C  Six  Nos.  of  the  Star  have  been  reprin- 
teci;  the  residue  will  be  publislied,soon. 

The  Messenger  and  Advociito  has  been  de- 
layed for  want  of  paper. 


NOTICE.— The  high  council  of  tbe  church  of  Lat- 
ter Day  Suiiits,  in  Missouri,  Iihvp  witlulrawii  tlioir 
fellowship  from  elder  .1.  D.  Fosdiek,  for  uiichrisliaii- 
likc  conduct,  till  he  in.ikes  aiUJsfuclion. 

Bv  or.irr  of  the  foiincil. 
'ELIJAH  FORDHAM,-CTcrA: 


DIED. — In  Lafayette  county,  Mo. 
on  the  25  of  August,  Joseph  Johnson, 
aged  about  45  years. 

In    Clay   county  Mo.  on  the 

28  of  October,  Joshua  Lewis,  aged  a- 
bout  40  years. 

In    this  tov/n,    on    Mondaj'-, 

30,  Nov.  last,  Lucy  Gates,  daughter 
of  Thomas  and  Patty  Gates,  in  the 
23d  year  of  her  age.  She  formerly 
I'esided  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  Vv'eeks. 

In  Clay  CO.  Mo.  the2Tth  of  No- 
vember last,  Christain  Whiimer,  one  o^ 
the  first  elders  of  the  church  of  Latter 
Day  Saints,  aged  about  38  years.  He 
died  of  severe  affliction  upon  one  of  his 
legs,  which  he  bore  for  a  long  time 
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' 

3^esseng:er  and  Advocate^ 

IS  EDITED  BY 

JOHN  WHITmSR, 
And  published  every  month  at  Kirtland,  Geauga  Co 
Ohio,  by 

F.  G.  ^WS.I^lLl.Am^  &  Co. 

At  $  1,  per  an.  in  advance.    Every  person  procuring 
ten  new  subscribers,  and  forwarding'  %  10,   current 
money,  shall  he  entitled  to  a  paper  one  year,  gratis. 
All  letters  to  the  Edilor,or  Publishers,  must  be 
\U'  POST  PAID.JirSi 
No  subscription  will  be  received  for  a  less  term  than  mi 
year,  and  no  paper  discontinued  till  all  arrearages  ares 
paid,  except  at  the  option  of  the  publishers. 


^? 


MESSETVIiJER  ANIi  AI>T®€ATE. 


Vol.   n.     No.  4.] 


KIRTLAND,  OHIO,  JANUARY,  1836. 


[Whole  No.  J  6. 


For  the  Messenger  and  Advocate. 

Brother  Whitmer; — 

A  short  time  since 
I  got  the  12th  No.  of  the  4th  volume 
of  the  Evangelist  (as  the  editor  calls 
it)  my  attention  was  particularly  ar- 
rested with  some  quotations  taken 
from  some  paper  which  by  the  by  is 
tiot  mentioned;  but  it  appears  from  the 
editor's  remarks  on  them,  that  they 
were  written  by  somebody  whom  the 
editor  calls  "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  say,  but  it  appears  that 
there  is  one  rank  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  that  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  Mormons  whom  Mr. 
Scott  represents  as  making  a  great  a- 
do  about  it.  How  true  or  false  this  is, 
I  do  i>et  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.  Sione;  indeed  Mr.  Scott 
seems  to  be  too  grave  to  either  utter 
the  sentiments  of  the  bible,  or  to  be- 
lieve them  when  they  are  uttered  by 
others.  It  is  the  very  perfection  ©f  a 
false  religion,  to  make'  its  subjects  so 
grave  that  they  dare  not  utter  the  sen- 
timents of  the  bible  nor  at  all  believe 
them,  at  least  their  gravity  should  be 
greatly  disturbed. 

While  reading  the  remarks  of  Mr. 
Scott  on  Mr.  Stone's  piece,  I  was  led 
to  ask  myself.  What  is  the  difiiiculty 
with  Mr.  Scott?  What  has  i\Ir.  Stone 
said  which  is  calculated  to  so  much  dis- 
turb his  feelings  as  to  call  forth  his 
public  disapprobation?  I  cannot  see  that 


Mr.  Stone  has  done  any  thing  more 
or  less,  than  to  profess  belief  in  the 
things  which  are  written  in  the  New 
Testament.  Nov/  if  he  bad  quoted 
from  the  Book  of  Mormon,  it  would 
certainly  have  been  but  right  to  give 
JMr.  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  Mormon  would  surely 
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  to  believe  with  all  his  heart, 
and  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 
apostles  as  proof.  Now  that  Mr.  Scott 
should  take  exceptions  at  this  is  mar- 
velous, marvelous  loe  say,  because  who 
in  all  the  world  has  said  so  much  about 
the  gospel  as  preached  by  Peter  on  the 
day  of  pentecost  as  Mv.  Scott?  not  one 
man  in  this  generation:  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  affrontcry  to  assert,  that  he 
did  not  believe  the  ancient  gospel,  is 
placing  himself  in  the  most  awkward 
attitude  in  which  any  human  being  can 
be  placed;  after  preaching  it  with  the 
most  untiring  perseverance,  and  inde- 
fatigable exertion,  and  now  after  all  his 
toil,  and  labor,  openly  declare  he  does 
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  remission  of  their  sins, 
assuring  them,  if  they  did  so,  they 
should  receive  the  gift  of  the  Holy 
Ghost,  as  sot  forth  by  the  apostle  Peter 
on  the  day  of  pentecost;  but  no  sooner 
does  ]\lr.  Stone  deck  re  his  firm  belief 


245J 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


that  those  who  are  baptized  for  the  re- 
m-ission  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  off,  even  as  many 
as  the  Lord  our  God  shall  call. 

That  Mr.  Scott  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  surprising,  more  partic- 
ularly, as  he  has  been  such  a  champi- 
on for  free  investigation,  and  open  and 
frank  declaration.  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  about 
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  their  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,  one 
of  the  same  brotherhood  in  relation  to 
Mr.  Bosworth,  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  time  his 
mind  was  called  up  to  investigate  this 
subject,  Mr.  Campbell  had  ono  of  his 

big  meetings  in  the  town  of  Wadsworth 

liim    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  him  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  or  not  grave- 
ly 1  am  at  present  not  able  to  say,) 
that  he  ought  not  to  have  condescend- 
ed for  one  minute  to  have  investigated 
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 
to  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  mean 
low  subterfuges,  to  which  a  noble  mind- 
ed man  would  never  condescend;  no, 
he  would  suffer  martyrdom  first.  Wit- 
ness Mr.  Canrpbell's  recommendation 
of  Howe's  book,  while  he  knaws,  as 
well  as  every  person  who  reads  it,  that 
it  is  a  batch  of  falsehoods.  Mr.  Booth 
the  author  of  a  series  of  letters  (which 
have  found  their  way  into  that  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  tribunal  either 
human  or  divine  in  vindication  of  the 
truth  of  them,  yet  when  called  upon  to 
do  so,  he  dare  not  appear  in  their  de- 
fence because  he  knev/  his  letters  were 
false,  and  would  not  bear  the  test  of 
investigation  any  more  than  the  reli- 
gion of  the  Campbellites,  which  has  to 
be  hid  under  a  refuge  of  misrepresen- 
tation to  conceal  it  from  the  shafts  of 
truth. 

Mr.  Bentley's  bombast  in  Wethers- 
field  in  Trumbull  county  in  this  State, 
will  not  be  soon  forgotten,  where  he 
iCurscd  the  author  of  this  piece,  as  the 


MESSEiNGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


S43 


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 
his  challenge,  and  show  as  much  bold- 
ness in  my  presence  as  he  had  done 
when  he  was  fifty  miles  off,  dare  not 
venture,  and  to  hide  his  shame,  indulg- 
ed himself  in  slandering  my  character, 
because  he  dare  not  expose  his  religion 
to  investigation. 

Let  me  here  mention  Simonds  Rider 
as  another  instance  of  the  same  kind, 
he  could  blow  like  a  porpoise  when 
there  was  no  person  to  oppose  him; — 
but  when  called  upon  to  be  as  bold  '."^ 
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 
sav  that  since  that  time  he  has  been 
silent  on  the  subject,  in  this  he  has  dis- 
played more  honesty  than  some  others 
of  his  brethren. 

No  society  has  been  more  clearly 
laid  before  the  public  within  a  short 
time  than  the  Campbellites,  and  they 
have  proven  themselves  to  be  destitute 
of  candor  and  honesty  in  their  preten- 
tions, they  vvill  cry  to  other  sects  in- 
vestigate, it  is  through  investigation  that 
truth  is  brought  to  Hght  say  they,  and 
then  in  the  most  bold  manner  declare 
we  arc  ready  to  receive  truth  as  soon 
as  we  can  discover  it,  yet,  in  the  face 
of  all  these  pretentions,  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. 

Wo  venture  to  make  the  following 
declaration  without  fear,  and  that  is, 
there  is  not  a  Campbellite  preacher 
possessing  the  common  intelligence 
wliich  belongs  to  men,  who  dare  haz- 
zard  an  investigation  before  the  public, 
on  the  suject  of  the  Holy  Spirit  as  set 
forth  in  the  new  testament,  and  all  the 
way  they  have  to  keep  their  followers, 
is  to  hush  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.  Scott    has   come 


out  and  fairly  denied  the  gift  of  the 
Holy  Spirit  as  proclaimed  on  the  day 
of  pentecost,  evidently  proving  that  af- 
tccall  his  pretentions  he  is  an  unbe- 
liever in  the  ancient  gospel;  for  it  is 
in  vain  for  him  to  hide  himself  undei- 
the  vain  subterfuge  of  modifying  the 
promise  of  the  gift  of  the  Holy  Spirit 
into  something  different  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  pre- 
mise, is  an  unbeliever  in  the  ancient 
gospel,  he  might  as  well  say  that  men 
were  not  to  be  baptized  until  ffiey  had 
received  the  remission  of  their  sins, and 
then  say  that  was  what  was  published 
on  the  day  of  pentecost,  as  to  say  that 
the  gift  of  the  Spirit  did  not  consist  in 
the  power  of  prophesying,  seeing  vis- 
ions, and  dreaniing  dreams,  and  then 
say  that  was  what  Peter  proclaimed  on 
the  day  of  pentecost. 

Mr.  Scott's  observations  on  Mr. 
Stone's  piece,  are  too  pitiful  to  come 
from  a  man  of  understanding,  and  if 
Mr.  Scott  were  not  such,  he  might  bo 
excusable;  but  being  the  man  he  is,  he 
has  no  cloak  for  his  sin. 

He  thus  replies  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)  are  all 
founded  upon  misapprehension  that  ev- 
ery one  who  receives  the  Holy  Spirit 
must  needs  be  able  to  work  miracles."' 
Why  should  Mr.  Scott  have  recourse . 
to  this  vainsubtei-fuge  to  escape  from  be- 
lieving the  bible?  Is  it  not  plain  to  the 
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  nothing 
said  in  the  quotations  which  ho  has 
made  from  Air.  Stone's  piece,  which 
involves  sucha  conclusion,  this  attempt 
of  Mr.  Scott  is  a  mere  stratagem  to 
keep  lus  followers  asleep. 

To  prove  that  all  the  saints  who  re- 
ceived the  Holy  Spirit  did  not  work 
miracles,  he  brings  up  the  case  of  John 
the  Baptist,  a  very  unhappy  case  for 
him;  for  in  shuning  Silly  ho  is  wreck- 
ed on  Charybdcs. 

What  a  hue  and  cry,    himself,    Mr^ 


344 


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  Vhich  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 
ease  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  tlie  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  the  fate  of  the  Jewish 
nation,  and  yet,  notwithstanding  the 
vast  importance  of  his  mission;  for  so 
fmportant  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  hnve  these  men  said  so 
much  about  all  the  messengers  sent  of 
God  having  proved  themselves  such  by 
v/orking  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. 

Ml".  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,   I  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  v/ith  a  worse  grace 
than  these  from  the  pen  of  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 
'^'enounced  them  all  as  heretics,  and  yet 
now  he  says  he  would  not  call  in  ques- 
tion the  faith  of  those  wlwm  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  therrj. 
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,  whei> 
he  promised  the  gift  of  the  Ho!y  Spirit.. 
Did  he  mean  to  deceive,  as  Mr.  Scott  is 
inclined  to  do? 

Mr.  Stone,  if  I  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  the  Holy  Spirit  as  promised  in 
connection  with  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  thinks  not. 

Mr.  Scott  seems  willing  to  believe 
the  ancient  gospel,  providing  he  can 
have  the  liberty  of  leaving  out  what  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  Spint,that 
must  be  modified,  and  explained.  Why 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


24S 


must  that  be  done?  because  it'  he  lets  it 
stand,  as  the  apostle  proclaimed  it, 
down  goes  his  religion,  and  all  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  his  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  never  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, 
which  puts  to  the  proof  who  has  a  right 
to  preach  and  who  has  not;  but  keep 
this  gift  out  of  view,  and  make  it  any 
thing  and  every  thin^j^|iut  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,  Jcmi- 
mah  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  the  laying  on  of 
hands,  which  makes  the  difierence,  and 
it  is  this  alone,  and  the  society  which 
has  this  power  are  the  people  of  God 
and  those  who  have  not  are  not. 

SIDNEY  RIGDON. 


DIED — In  this  place,  after  n  short 
illness,  on  the 28th  Jan.  Electa,  daugh- 
ter of  Elder  Salmon  Gee,  aged  two 
years  six  months  and  fit'teen  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  wlien  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  every  man  may  sit  under  his  own 
vine  and  fig-tree,  and  there  will  be 
none  to  molest  or  make  afraid;  when 
he  v/ill  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  bo 
said.  The  Lord  lives  that  brought  up 
the  children  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,  wo 
mean  to  be  understood,  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  mado 
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,  bo 
gathered  by  the  gospel.  Our  venera- 
ble President  of  these  United  States, 
speaks  of  tho  Indians  as  follows: — 


§46 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE* 


"The  plan  of  removing  the  Abori- 
ginal People  who  yet  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  with  a 
civilized  community  and  prosper.  Ages 
of  fruitless  endeavors  have,  at  length, 
brought  us  to  a  knowledge  of  this  prin- 
ciple of  intercommunication  with  them. 
The  past  we  cannot  recall,  but  the  fu- 
ture we  can  provide  for.  Independ- 
ently of  the  treaty  stipulations  into 
which  we  have  entered  with  the  vari- 
ous tribes,  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  this  duty,  ancxtensive  re- 
gion in  the  West  has  been  assigned  for 
their  permanent  residence.  It  has  been 
divided  into  districts,  and  allotted  a- 
.mong  tliem.  Many  have  already  re- 
moved, and  others  are  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 
oast  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  re- 
cstablishment  is  founded  upon  the 
knowledge  vic  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- 
jiacity  to  support  an  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  with    provisioij 


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^f  they  choose  to  resort  to  that  mode 
of  life;  If  they  do  not,  they  are  upon 
the  skirts  of  the  great  praries,  where 
countless  herds  of  Buflalo  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  instances  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,  wheelwrights, 
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.  A.nd  besides  these  beneficial  ar- 
rangments,  annuities  are,  in  all  cases, 
paid,  anaounting,  in  some  instances,  to 
more  than  thirty  dollars  for  each  indi- 
vidual of  the  tribe,  and  in  a]^  cases  suf- 
ficiently great,  if  justly  divided  and 
prudently  expended,  to  enable  them,  in 
addition  to  thcjfi^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  Indiiins,  a  prefer- 
ence shall  bo  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  their  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  Congress,  that  the 
country  destined  for  the  residence  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   Dxtcnsive   region,    excep- 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


W! 


those  which  are  established  by  the  In- 
dioms  themselves,  or  by  the  United 
States  for  them,  and  with  their  concur- 
rence. A  barrier  has  thus  been  rais- 
ed, for  their  protectien  against  the  en- 
croachments of  our  citizens,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 
resuh  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  canno  successfully  contend  a- 
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  gene ral  legislation  seems  neces- 
sary for  the  regulation  of  the  relations 
which  will  exist  m  this  new  state  of  things 
between  the  Government  and  people  of 
the  United  States  and  these  transplant- 
ed Indian  tribes;  and  for  the  establish- 
ment among  the  latter,  and  with  their 
own  consent,  of  some  princi])lcs  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 
their  social  system. 

After  the  further  details  of  this  ar- 
rangement are  completed,  with  a  very 
general  supervision  over  them,  they 
•ought  to  be  left  to  the  progress  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  Chii)pewas, 
Ottowas  and  l'ottawatamies,about  lOUO 
in  number  removed  since  September, 
1831,  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 
those  tribes  may  bo  rated  at  about  TOGO.] 


The  Choctaws,  about  19,000  in 
number,  have  fifteen  millions  of  acres 
lying  between  Red  river  and  the  Can- 
adian. 

A  small  band  of  Quapaws,  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,  a«d 
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. 

The  Cherokees,  amounting  to,  say 
16,000,  have  thirteen  millions  of  acres 
near  the  36th  degree  of  North  Lati- 
tude. 

Tlie  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  tho 
Kickapoos. 

The  Shawnces,  12  or  1400  have  1, 
600,000  acres,  south  side  of  Kanzas 
river. 

Tho  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  tho  Shaw- 
nees. 

The  Senecas,  and  Shawnces,  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, tho  report  is  as  follows: — 


Sioux 

27,500 

loways 

1,200 

Sacs  of  tho  Missouri 

500 

Omahas 

1,400 

Ottoes  and  Missouriaa 

1,000 

Pawnees 

10,000 

Camanchca 

7,000 

Mandans 

15,000 

Minatares 

15,000 

Assinaboint 

8,000 

Crees 

3,000 

Gros  Ventres 

8,000 

Crows 

4,500 

(iuapawa 

450 

Caddocs 

*2,000 

i'oncns 

ROO 

Osngcs 

n,120 

Ivan7.na 

1,471 

S<ic« 

4,800 

248 


MESSENGER  AKD  ADVOCATE.- 


1,400 


Arickarees     ,  3,000 

Choyenncs  2,000 

Blackfeet  30,000 

Foxes  1,600 

Arrepahas, 
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- 
iTioval,  location,  rations,  mechanics, 
expenses,  religion,  &c.  &c.  have  been 
deferred  till  a  more  convenient  season. 
The  joy  that  we  shall  feel,  in  conunon 
with  every  honest  American;  and  the 
joy  that  will  eventually  fill  their  bosoms, 
on  account  of  nationaJizing  them — will 
be  glory  enough,  when  it  comes,  to 
show,  that  gathering  them  to  them- 
selves, and  for  ihemselves,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.~v. 


liCt  eveaiy  leiaii  le»Fii  his 


We  frequently  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  bo  judged  by  a  law,  that  we 
have  not,  but  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 
was  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  thx'ough  the 
streets  and  inquire  what  he  must  do  to 
be  saved:  for  those  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   then> 
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 
hnn  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  theip- 
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,    lor    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- 
sisted in  their  own  ways  &  did  as  seem- 
ed them  good:  but  after  God  had  warn- 
ed them    sufficiently,    he    brought   the 
floods  upon  tiiem  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  people 
out  of  bondage,  for  the  cry  of  oppres- 
sion came  up  into  the  ears  of  the  Lord 
of  Sabbaoth,  and  he   remembered  tho. 


MESSENGER  A^fD  ADVOCATE. 


24f) 


covenant  which  he  had  made  with  A- 
brahnm,  that  he  would  bring  him  up 
out  of  the  land  of  Egypt.  Therefore 
he  sent  Moses,  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-born 
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  the  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  oppressed. 
The  Lord  has  always  interposed  when 
his  people  had  sutTeVed  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  ]\Io- 
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 
bo  saved,  when  they  have  the  Bible  on- 
ly, do  you  not  suppf)so  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 arc  in  observing  the  precepts  con- 
tained in  them,  and  believing  that  they 
arc  what  they  pu'-port-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  fihov/s  him  how  he  is  to  receive  the 
Holy  (rhost,  and  what  he  is  to  do  on 
the  Sabbath  day,  to  please  his  heaven- 
ly Father,  &c.  6cc.. 

We  have  sample  after  sample,  in 
holy  writ  giving  lino  upon  line,  and 
precept  upon  nrccfipt,  and  knowledge 


upon  knowledge,until  God  in  his  provi-^ 
dence  has  again  established  his  church, 
and  has  commenced  to  fulfil  his  promis- 
es which  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  fulfill  what  he  had 
caused  to  be  spoken  by  the  mouths  of 
his  holy  prophe.s,  we  read:  And  I  saw 
another  angel  fiy  in  the  midst  of  heav- 
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  gospel  was  committed  to  himself 
and  others,  why  could  they  not  pro- 
mulgate it  as  well  as  the  angel.  The 
fact  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  Mormon:  and 
we  presume  would  have  no  more  fol- 
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  K/iig  or  Mon- 
arch, through  the  royal  blood,  but  ho 
came  in  a  humiliating  manner,  and 
was  cradled  in  a  manger,  and  this  was 
beneath  the  dignity  of  the  highminded 
j)harisecs;  Ihey  could  not  receive  a 
Messiah,  who  came  in  so  humble  a 
posture.  Because  of  their  selfright- 
couji^ncss  they  mistook  his  first  coming 
and  supposed  that  he  was  then  coming 
to  restore  the  house  of  Israel  accordin<^ 
to  the  prediction  ol  the  prophets.  This 
is  brought  to  our  understanding  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  nt  this 
time  restore  ngnin  the  kingdom  to  Isrn- 


S50 


ME'gSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


el?  And  he  said  unto  them,  it  is  not 
for  you  to  know  the  times,  or  the  sea- 
eons  which  the  Father  hath  put  in  his 
own  power."  The  disciples  knew 
ihat  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  Book  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  alid  patience  in 
humble  submission  to  these  men,  but 
-of  the  Lord  it  cannot  be  received  with 
a  heart  of  gratitude,  because  he  is  not 
so  much  esteemed  by  them.  However 
this  proves  the  eayinga  of  the  Savior 
10  be  true:  Not  many  nohle,  not  many 
wise  are  chosen. 

But  to  become  sanctified  by  truth, 
Ave  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  shah 
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.j     , 

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 
plainly  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  hot  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.  We  can  only  say,  inasmuch 
as  you  will  keep  the  commandments  of 
God,  i^  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  oncu:  For  the  freedom  of 
the  soul  and  libcity  of  conscience,  are 
two  principles  that  are  dear  to  everv 
man,  and  when  taken  from  him,  wilt 
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  011101* 
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  div^erting,  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  not 
common  to  man :  or  v/hy  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  foundation 
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:  "Up- 
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  shall 
we  know  whether  they  are  built  upon 
the   rock  or  not?    If  there  is  no  siga 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


mi 


given,  then  one  man's  say  so,is  as  good 
as  another's;  provided  his  reasons  are 
as  good.  Let  us  examine  the  scrip- 
tures. Mark,  XVI:  15,16,17  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.  We  ask  lor  these  signs.  We 
look  among  the  Presbyterians:  no  such 
signs  there.  We  look  among  the  Meth- 
odist, Episcopalians,  Baptists,  Univer- 
salists,  <!tc.  &c.  &c. :  but,  we  find  none 
of  these  signs. 

Now  we  ask,  are  they  built  upon  the 
rock,  upon  which  the  ancients  built? 
CO.  If  they  are,  they  are  built  of  diff- 
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,  ^3.] 

As  soon  as  any  of  the  signs,  spoken 
of  by  the  Savior,  follow  a  sect  of  peo- 
;j)le;  and  the  work  of  God  begins  to 
rise  out  of  darkness  and  obscurity,  the 
adversar}'  sends  forth  all  the  lies,  and 
calumny,  that  he  can  invent, by  the  aid 
of  a  wicked  and  adulterous  generation: 
to  impede  the  "pi  ogress  of  the  v/orl:  of 
the  Lord.  And  then  cry  delusion, false 
pro|>hets,  6cc. 

The  Savior,  while  speaking  to  r/^me 
of  his  servants, says:  "Contend  against 
no  church  save  it  be  the  church  of  the 
■devil."  Now  the  question  would  arise. 
How  many  churches  arc  lliere?  We 
shall  consult  some  of  Nephi's  writ- 
ing; And  he  sahh  unto  me,  Jkhold, 
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."    [liook  of  Mormon,  page  33.] 

But  here  is  that  piece  of  deception, 
the  book  of  .Mormon,  that  ciioicc  treas- 
ure, away  mark  to  happiness,  a  sfep- 
slone  to  the  kingdom  of  GoJ;  yes,  the 
diploma  of  the  ciders  of  the  church  of 
Christ  of  Latter  Day  Saints:  A  mes- 
Benger  Dcnt  i'orin  to  prepare  tbe  way 


for  the  return  of  the  house  ol  Israel;  it 
has  caused  thousands  to  rejoice  alrea- 
dy in  the  prospects  that  are  laying  be- 
fore them.  But  the  vanity,  the  unbe- 
lief, the  darkness,  and  wickedness  of 
this  generation;  has  caused  many  to 
fulfill  the  predictions  of  Nephi,  He 
saith:  "Many  will  say  in  that  day,  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  are  blind  lead- 
ing the  blind.  We  ask  again  where  aro 
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  walk  aloncl 

All  the  slangs,  falsehoods,  and  per- 
secutions, tliat  arc  flooding  this  contin- 
ent, against  th3  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;  nnd  the  Romans  shall 
come  and  take  away  our  piace  and  na-' 
tion.  And  one  of  them  being  named 
Caiphas, being  the  high  priest  that  same 
year,  said  unlo  them,  }e  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  against  priestcraft.  Tho 
Lord  has  said:  "And  it  shall  come  to 
pass,  thai  there  shall  bo  a  great  work 
in  the  land  even  among  the  Gentiles: 
for  tiu'ir  folly  and  th'^ir  abonn'nations 
shall  be  made  maiiifcst,  in  the  eyes  of 
rdl  people;  for  I  am  (Jod  and  mine  arm 
is  not  shortened  nnd  I  will  show  mira- 
cles, signs  and  wonders,  unto  nil  iho^e 


35^ 


MCSSENGER  A.VD  ADVOCATE. 


who  believe  on  my  name."  But  we 
expect  to  see  in  this  generation,  as 
they  saw  in  the  days  of  the  Savior, 
men  who  would  not  believe  even  the 
things  tliat  they  saw  with  their  own 
eyes.  Look  at  tha  apostles  if  you 
please  for  an  example:  The  Savior 
told  tiiem  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 
sheep  hear  my  voice  and  follow  mc," 
Wo  have  no  doubt,  but  the  elect  will 
hearken;  hear,  understand,  receive, 
and  obey  the  truth,  no  matter  how  ma- 
ny cry  false  prophet,  deception,  gold 
Bible,  delusion!  delusion!!  We  are 
sensible,  that  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  ac- 
quaintance and  friend  of  ours,  to  his 
brother,  resident  in  the  state  of  N.  Y. 
The  deep  interest  felt  f(  r  the  scattered 
■remnants  of  Judah,  is  such,  that  every 
item  touching  this  afflicted  people,  must 
be  received  vv'ith  eagerness.  We 
have  not  room  for  the  whole  let!fer,  but 
it  will  r.ppear  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  ns  we   are  re- 


quired to  respect  our  own  flesh,  tho 
kindred  ties  which  bind  the  hm-nan 
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  this  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  lias  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  neio 
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  pai't  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  must  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. 


MESSErv'GER  AxlD  ADVOCATE. 


He  said — "For  your  sake,  I  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.  and  if  you  are  destined  to  take 
the  latter  route  I  feel  to  press  upon  you 
to  give  me  a  promise  of  calling  on  me 
again,  when,  you  will  be  releaved 
from  concern  and  perplexity  attendant 
on  i)urchasing  books  of  so  much  im- 
portance, and  we  c  4;  the  more  freely 
.converse  upon  subjects  of  iuoment  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  [  according- 
ly gave  him  my  word  upon  those  con- 
ditions, without  any  hesitancy. 

After  finishing  the  remaining  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  ])rophets,  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  ])erson- 
age,  who  by  many  was  called  the 
Messiah,  who  was  on  earth  some  eigh- 
teen hundred  years  since,  was  the  one 
spoken  of  by  the  prophets,  ft)r  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  1  know  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 
enndid  perusal  of   the   prophets,   have 


853 

conie  to  the  firm  conclusion,  that  1  am 
justifiable  in  my  belief.  Yet,  in  saying 
this,  do  not  understand  me  to  have  the 
least  objection  to  your  believing  as  you 
wish— most  cortanily  I  have  none." 

Thcn^you  still  look  for  a  I\Iessiah  to 
come  that  has  not  yet  come? 

Jew: — I  do — I  believe  the  prophets  " 

-ATy  aged  friend,  although  as  I  said, 
that  I  have  an  infallible  evidence  that 
the  Messiah  has  already  come,  and  in 
the  precise  manner  which  the  prophets 
prescribe,  yet,  since  you  have  affirmed 
that  on  them  rests  your  evidence  that 
he  has  iwi  come,  certainly  I  will  ap- 
peal to  them  with  pleasure.  But  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.  They 
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  jov 
which  none  but  the  faithful  can  realize'; 
and  when  the  Lord  in  accordance  witli 
his  word  jjours  out  the  gift  of  the  Ho- 
ly Ghost  upon  those  who  believe  and 
are  baptized  for  the  remission  of  sins 
they  uie  enabled  to  bear  n  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  efibrts  ol  men. 

The  seventy  l.-llders  bear  testimony 
of  the  goodness  of  God  in  the  outpour- 
ing of  his  Spirit  upon  them,  which  haa 
enabled  thom  to  wax  exceedingly    bold 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


in  proclaiming  tho  truth  and  in  prepar- 
ing the  way  before  them,  bearing  them 
up  by   his    mighty  arrt),    giving    them 
wisdom  to  stand   against  the  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 
<lirections,  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  God  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  Ukened  unto  a  grain  of 
mustard  seed,  which  is  first  concealed 
in  the  earth  from  the  sight  of  man, then 
springing  up  a  tender  blade,  but  in  the 
end  towering  aloft  a  mighty  plant,  and 
filling  the   whole  earth.     So  we  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  fulness  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 
windows  before  a   gathering   tempest 
which  threatens  destruction  to  all  that 
are  unhapily  left  in  the    field:  that  Zi- 
on may  be  buikled,  a  holy  city,  and  be- 
oome  a  rejoicing  as   at  the   first:  that 


it  be  built  to  be  thrown  down  no  more 
forever,  for  the  Lord  shall  watch  over 
her,  to  build  up  and  not  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  elders 
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  forward  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  sioklc  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  destroyed,  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. 


Exlrads  of  letters  received  since 
Decemhex  1. 

Eldrr  J.  Blakesley  and  G.  Dutcher, 
write  from  Woodville,  N.  Y.  "The 
cause  of  our  Redeemer  in  these  re- 
gions, is  gaining f rinds:  We  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." 


MESSENGER  AND  ADYOCATB. 


KJ5 


Elder  David  Evans  writes  from 
Richland  co.  O.  and  says:  "The 
Lord  is  moving  on  his  work  in  this 
section  of  country.  Since  the  23th  of 
Oct.  last,!  have  baptized  18.  11  ia  Knox 
CO.  5  in'the  church  at  Perry,  2  near 
New  Portage. 

Elder  W.  V.'oodrufl'  writes  from 
Tennessee,  Jan.  2,  183G.  "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  «S,:;c." 


Kirtland  Dec.  22,  1835. 
Bear  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  IG  and  ordained 
one  elder,  and  one  teacher  in  Calhoon 
CO.  111.  From  this  place  travelled  in 
company  with  elder  A  Lyman,  held 
tliirty  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.  111. 
on  the  first  of  IMay,  1835.  We  trav- 
elled and  proclaimed  the  gospel  fifty 
six  times,  baptized  46,  and  ordained 
throe  elders  m  Hamilton  co.  111.  Ariv- 
ed  in  Kirtland  the  11  day  of  August, 
1835.  Went  to  work  on  the  house  of 
the  Lord,  worked  51  days. 

Left  Kirtland  on  the  15  day  of  Oct. 
in  company  with  elder  G.  M.  Hinkle, 
to  puljlislj  Kalvation  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 
wo  have  labored,  and  bring  many  of 
them,  to  see  tiio  error  of  their  ways; 
and  obey  the  gospel  of  our  Lord  and 
Savior   Jesus  Christ.     May    the  Lord 


keep  and  preserve  those,  who  havo 
been  born  into  the  kingdom  of  our 
God,  blameless  unto  his  kingdom  and 
coming. 

Yours  in  the  bonds  of  lore, 

ELISHA  H.  GROVESL 

To  John  WiiiTiViER  Esq, 

Hamilton  CO.  H/inois,  Nov.  2,  1835. 

Dear  BaoTiiER: 

t^  I  left  Clay  co.  Mo.— 
on  the  23  of  December,  1834 — io 
company  with  elder  J.  Holbrook,  we 
travelled  and  preached  until  we  arrived 
at  Salt  River  church.  From  this  place 
I  journeyed  with  Elder  W.  Ivy,  we 
journeyed  as  far  a^  Montgomery  co. — 
111.  preached  by  tho  way  and  baptized 
two.  From  thence  wc  journeyed  to- 
Bedford  co.  Tennessee:  we  tarried  in- 
this  State  about  two  months.  Tne  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.  tlie  8th  day  of 
same  month,  here  we  tarried,  and  la- 
bored in  company  with  elders  E.  H. — 
Groves  and  I.  Higbeo  about  three 
weeks,  and  bnptized  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  hero  with  some  of  the 
gifts  of  the  gospel. 

I    remain  your  brother  in  tho  new 
covenant,      *  MILTON  HOLMES. 

To  J.  Whitmer  Esq. 


Kirtland,  Dec.  0,  1835, 

Dear  brother: 

Wcleft  Kirtland  the  21 
of  May  last,  and  proceeded  to  Bufialo 
by  water;  ^from  thence  journeyed  east, 
preaching  as  often  as  wo  could  get  a 
congregation  convened.  Tarried  two 
weeks  in  Savanna,  Wayno  co.  N.  Y. 
held  14  "meetings,  found  the  people 
anxious  to  hear,  and  many  believing: 
from  thenco  wo  went  to  Butternuts, 
Otsego  CO.  preache<l  in  that  region 
about  two  months,  found  considerable 
opposition,  baptized  seven,  whom  we 
lett  rejoicing  in  tho  truth,  l)e5idos  ma- 
ny believing 


253_ 

We  then  returned  to  Savanna, 
where  we  baptized  five  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  Kirtland,  arrived  the  15  day  of  Oct, 
H.  STANLEY, 
J.  GRANT. 

To  J.  Whitmer. 

J.  Whitmer,  Esq.  Sir: — 

1  must  ask  par- 
don of  the  portion  of  your  readers 
whom  it  may  concern  for  a  neglect  to 
present  to  you  tlie  following  circum- 
stance for  publication  before  this  tmae. 
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. 

Bxtract  of  G.  Burkefs  letter,  dated, 
Wood  river,  111. 

Bear  Irother: 

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. 


MESSENGER  AKD  ADVOCATE. 


AVe  call  in  our  Boleimi  assemblies,  in  spirit, 
To  spread  foilh  the  kingdom  of  heaven  abroad, 

That  we  through  our  faith  may  begin  to  iiibenl 
The  vision?,  anU  blessings,  and  glories  ot  God. 

We'll  sing  and  we'll  shout  &c. 

AVe'U  wash,andbewash'd,  andwithoil  be  anointed 
AV^ithii!  not  omitting  the  wiishing  offeet: 

For  he  that  rcceiveth  his  pi:nny  npiiointed, 
Musi  surely  becle;in  at  the  harvest  of  wheat. 

We'll  sing  and  we'll  shout  &c. 

Old  Isra*I  that  fled  from  the  world  for  his  freedom, 
Must  come  v.ith  the  cloud  and  the  pillar,  amain:, 

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  lanb  and  the  lion 

Shall  lie  down  together  without  any  ire; 
And  Ephraimbecrown'd  with  his  blessiiigin  Zion, 

As  Jesus  descends  with  his  chariots  of  fire! 
We'll  sing  &  we'll  shout  with  Msainiies  of  heaven: 

Hosanna,  hosanna  to  God  and  the  Lamb! 
Let  glory  to  them  in  the  highest  be  given, 

Henceforth  and  forever-.iamen  and  amen. 


HOSANNA  TO  GOD  AND  THE  LAMB. 

TUNE — American  Star. 

Tho  Spirit  of  God  like  afire  is  burning; 

The  It'ttPv  day  glory  bepins  to  come  forth; 
The  visions  and  blessings  of  old  are  returning; 

The  an''els  are  coming  to  visit  the  earth. 
We'll  <;in^  &  we'll  shout  with  the  armies  of  heaven: 

Koianiri,  hosanna  to  God  an  the  liamb! 
Let  "iorv  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  first; 

The  knowledge  and  power  of  God  are  expanding: 
The  vail  o'er  the  earth  is  beginninj  tc^burst. 

We'll  sing  end  vre'U  •hout  &c. 


The  glorious  day  is  rolling  on — 

All  glory  to  the  Lord! 
When  fair  as  at  creation's  dawn 

The  earth  will  be  restor'd. 

A  perfecVharvest  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  streaming  with  perfume, 

Adorn  the  verdant  plain. 

The  saints  will  then,  with  pure  delight, 

Possess  the  holy  land; 
And  walk  with  Jesus  Christ  in  white, 

And  in  lus  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  Avhile  the  pow'rs  of  darkness  rage. 

With  glory  in  our  view, 
In  Jesus'  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  PAY  SAINTS' 

messenger  and  Advocate, 

/5  EDITED  BY 

JOHN  WHITZKLBR, 

And  published  every  month  at  Kirtland,  Geauga  Co 
Ohio,  by 

F.  O.  WII.1LIAMS  &  Co. 

Al%'y,  per  an.  An  advance.     Every  person  procuring 
ten  new  stihscrihers,  and  forwarding  Si  10,  current 
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No  subscription  will  be  received  for  a  less  term  than  an 
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paid,  txcept  at  the  option  (if  the  prtbltsktr*. 


I.  ATT  Ell    DA¥    ^A] 


Vol.  JI.     Nn.  5.]  KlllTLAND,  OHIO,  FEDllUARY,   1836.  [Whole  No.  17. 


The  foUoioing  coniviunicalions  have 
hcen  handed  to  us  for  2)ubIicaiion,  we 
have  given  them  entire.  Tni/h  can 
loose  nothing  hy  investigation,  and  er- 
ror camiot  gain  any  thing. 
Dear    Brother: 

It  was  with  much  pleas- 
ure that  I  reaf]  yours  of  the  IGth  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  say  "that  that  plan  was  on  the 
principle  of  revelations,  miracles,''  &c. 
And  that  plan  you  say  '''■  1  utter-l y  deny," 
I  presume  you  think  so,  but  you  arc 
mistaken. 

Now  my  Brother,  I  say  to  you,  that 
that  plan  of  salvation  which  was  devis- 
ed in  heaven,  would  always  have  re- 
mained in  heaven  had  it  not  been 
made  known  to  men  by  revelation. — 
There  was  no  other  way  they  could 
-learn  it.  Human  wisdom  could  never 
liave  sought  it  out,  and  the  book  of  na- 
ture could  never  have  taught  it. 

The  design  of   revelation  v/as,  then, 

1.  To  make  known  the  being  of   God, 

2.  To  make  known  his  will,  and  '3.  To 
make  known  the  consequence  of  doing, 
or  not  doing  his  will.  Two  queries  now 
orise,  1.  How  was  this  revcUition  made 
to  men?-  2.  How  can  we  know  that  it 
JS  a  revelation  from  God? 

I.  How  was  the  revelation  made  to 
men?  Was  it  made  directly  to  every 
individual  for  whose  benefit  it  was  de- 
signed? Or  was  it  made  to  individuals, 
who  were  chosen  and  commissioned  to 
instruct  the  rest  of  mankind?  That  it 
was  not  made  to  every  individual  it 
needs  no  argument  to  prove.  It  fol- 
lows then  that  it  was  made  by  individ- 
uals chosen  and  commissioned  to  in- 
struct the  rest  of  the  human  family. — 
On  their  veracity  then  are  wo  depend- 
ant, for  our  knowledge  of  the  way  of 
salvation. 

II.  How  can  wo  know  that  their 
communication  is  a  revelation  from 
God?  Will  their  bare  assertion  satisfy 
us  that  God  speaks  by  thein?  I  say  no. 
Wc  must  have  evidence  or  wc  cannot 
believe.  Hut  what  cvidenco  will  satis- 
fy? Nothing  short  of  a  miracle  can. — 
Jf  R  person   should  say    that   he  had  u 


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  ho  should 
■command  the  elements, and  they  should 
obey  him,  tire  winds  sliould  ceose  to 
blov/,  and  the  waters  to  flow;  the^iw 
miracles  done,  would  be  sufficient  evi- 
dence that  God  spoke  by  him.  But 
these  m.iracles  would  need  to  be  done 
publicly,  in  the  presence  of  friends 
and  foesjthat  there  might  be  no  ground 
for  cavil.  And  these  miracles  would 
need  to  be  continued  until  the  revela- 
tion was  completed,  and  no  longer. 

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,— And  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. 

I^Ioses  delivered  his  dispensation  and 
sustained  it  by  miracles  to  the  satisfac- 
tion of  the  Hebrews,  and  to  th<j  confu- 
sion of  their  enemies.      Jesus   Christ 
and  his   Apostles  revealed  the  Gospeh, 
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  them. 
And  when  their  revelation    was   com- 
pleted, the  Gospel  fully  revealed,  their 
miracles  ceased,  they   were  no  longer 
needed.     The  Gospel  having  been  ful- 
ly made  known,  by  the   holy    Apostlea 
and  P  rophets.     Paul  denounces  a  curse 
on  those  who  should  presume  to  preach 
any  other.     And    I  awfully    fear    for 
those  false  Prophets,  and    false  teach- 
ers, who   are    publishing  to  the  world 
for  gospel,  that  which    koses  and  the 
prophets,  Christ  and  the  Apostles  never 
taught,    may   God  pity    them  and  save 
them  from  the  delusion. 

Again  you  say  "that  visions,drcam3, 
miracles  <Sic.  were  given  for  the  per- 
fecting of  the  saints" — "and  that  they 
cannot  bo  perfect  without  them"  In 
what  Book,  Cha[).  and  verse  is  it  Haid 
that  vision^;,  dreams,  miracles,  Arc.  nre 
given  for  the  perfecting  of  the  saints? 
You  say  that  you  are  willing  that  the 
Bible  should  be  the  tc?!.  To  the  Biblo 
I  appeal.     Now  l^rolhcr,  loll  mc  whore 


5S»^ 


MESSENGER;     ANT>  ADVOCATE. 


it  is  written — Paul  says  that  "Apostles, 
Pro;)hets,  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    ior   the    perl'ecting   of  the 

SdilltS. 

1.  Did  not  Jesus  Christ,  and  his 
Apostles  deliver  the  Gosnel,  and  the 
vhole  Gospel  to  the  worldl  2.  And  did 
they  not  receive  it  by  revelaHon  from 
God?  3.  Were  not  the  miracles  they 
wrought,  expressly  to  convince  the 
world,  that  they  were  divinely  author- 
ised teachers,  and  that  vvhatthey  taught 
was  from  God'?  4.  And  were  not  the 
miracles  \yhich  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  v/e  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 
Avhercl  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  ivhole  Gospel  in  the 
writings  of  the  Apostles  and  evangel- 
ists,—"And  if  we  find  the  whole  there, 
any  after  revela<:ion,  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 
the  General  Government, — Hence  it 
achnits  of  no  after  additions.  So  tiie 
whole  Gospel  was  given  in  the  days  of 
the  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  wus  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 
vvlio  presume  to  teach  another  has 
reason  to  fear  Paul's  curse. 

Now  my  Brother,  1  wioh  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  you,  und  them  also,  to  give  a 
candid  answer  to  ir.y  queries.  Comd 
now,  do  not  shun  a  fair  investigation, 
truth  will  suffer  nothing  by  it.  Yoii 
think  I  am  in  error, — That  I  afin  not 
in  the  kingdom  of  God, — And  that  I 
must  come  into  that  new  woric  in  or- 
der to  be  saved.  Now  Brother,  if  I 
am  wrong  I  am  worth  righting,  and  I 
am  willing  to  be  righted.  If  I  am  not 
safe,  I  am  wo>'th  saving,  and  willing  ;a 
be  saved.  And  1  think  that  you  are 
deceived,  and  many  others,  and  I  want 
a  chance  to  show  you  wherein. — And 
I  am  willing  to  spend  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  your  people  can, 
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. 

Comieaut,  Sejjt.  22>i(f,  1835. 


Kirllcnhi,  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  lu^iness 
prevented  me  from  doing  it  until  n  )W. 

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  investig  ition  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  proceeding  part 
of  your  letter.  You  say,  "The  de- 
sign of  revelation,  was,  then,  1st  To 
make  known  the  beingj)f  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  the  faitk 
of  those  who  received  them,  this  faith 
coidd  not   exist,    withoyt  the  persons 


AttBBEN&filt  Adii».  A]»VO€ATS, 


US 


having  it,  had  personally  an  idea  of 
the  heing  of  God.  "For  hr-w  can  they 
believe  on  him  of  whom  they  have  not 
heard"  is  an  apostolic  maxim,  founded 
both  in  reason  and  revelation.  This 
being  the  fact,  no  revelation  could 
come  only  through  those  v/ho  previ- 
ously haa  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- 
am our  common  parent,  who  at  his 
creation  stood  in  the  presence  of  his 
God,  and  beheld  him  face  to  face,  and 
had  the  most  perfect  knowledge  of  his 
existence;  and  having  this  knowledge, 
he  communicated  it  to  his  posterity, 
nnd  thus  the  idea  of  the  being  of  God 
came  among  men.  And  this  idea  be- 
ing amung  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  directlv 
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  -est  of  mankind? 
That  it  was  not  made  to  every  individ- 
ual it  needs  no  argument  to  prove.  It 
follows  then  that  it  was  mace  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  knowledge  of  the  way  of 
salvation." 

If  I  understand  you  in  th^^se  last  ex- 
pressions "That  we  are  dependant  on 
ihe  veracity  of  some  racn  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  hh  knowledge  of  the 
way  of  salvation.  The  first  idea  that  a 
man  lias  of  the  way  of  salvation.  In" 
may  have,  by  reasijn  of  the  cre.Ience 
ho  gives  to  the  word  of  others;  bui 
liis  knmcledge  0?  the  way  of  salvation 
depends  on  something  very  diUliren' 
from  this.  Nothing  less  than  a  reve- 
lation from  God  directly  to  ourselves 
can  give  us  knowledge  of  the  way  of 
salvation;  however  strong  our  laith 
may  be  in  it,  still,  it  is  a  very  dilfercnt 
tiling  to  have  knowle<lgo  of  it. 

While  I  am  on  the  subj"ct  of  revela- 
tions, and  by  way  of  reply  to  your  ob- 
servations   en    that   su<>jt»ci, — Let   out, 


observe,  that  though  there  were  men 
chosen  of  God  through  whom  he  gavo 
revelations  to  the  world,  yet  it  does 
not  follow  of  necessity,  that  those  for 
whose  use  the  revelations  were  given, 
hod  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  strictly  for- 
bidden in  the  word  of  the  Lord. 

I  conceive  Sir,  that  the  heavens 
have  always  been  accessible  to  th« 
saints  of  God,  and  that  God  who  gave 
revelations  would  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. 

Yo  1  ask  again,  "How  can  we  know 
that  their  communication  is  a  revela- 
tion from  God?  Will  their  bare  asser* 
iion  satisfy  us  that  God  speaks  br 
them?  I  say  no.  We  must  have  evi- 
dence or  we  cannot  believe.  But  what 
evidence  will  satisfy?  Nothing  short  i 
a  miracle  can." 

To  the  idea' of  our  being  confined  te 
a  miracle,  to  knov/  that  a  communicn- 
tion  was  or  is  a  revelation,  I  must  oh-- 
jcct;  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.  1  think  Sir,  if  you  were  to  con- 
sider this  subject  again,  you  would  find 
that  according  to  the  faith  of  all  beliov- 
;jrs  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  thati 
conununication  is  a  revelation  from 
oiod;  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,  woi 
surely  justifiat)le  in  refusing  to  acknow- 
ledge Jeremiah  as  a  prophftt  of  God, 
-^nd  his  communication,  as  revelation, 
Tor  he  never  protended  to  confirm  ther 
!)y  a  mirricl'*;  though  he  wn-j  groatlj 
4bu«ed  by  the   Jewa    and    ioxultsd,  (af 


£€) 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOC/iTK. 


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 arc  justifiable  in  rejecting  every 
I  thing  as  a  revelation  only  what  is  con- 
firmed by  miracles,  they  were  surely 
'   justified  also. 

This    is   a   conclusion    Sir   which  1 

conclude  is  at  war  with  both  your  faith 

.    and  practice,  yet,  it  is  fairly  deducible 

i    from  your  premises,  and  the  only  one 

*    that  can  be  deduced  from   them.      So 

I    that  your  own  faith  and  practice  arc  at 

war  with  your   assertion   contained  in 

your  letter. 

On  the  subject  of  confirming  revela- 
tions by  miracles,  you  descend  to  par- 
I  ticulars.  You  say,  "If  a  person  should 
'  say  that  he  had  a  communication  from 
God,  and  then  to  convince  us  that  God 
i  did  speak  by  liim,  should  say  to  a  dead 
(  man,  arise!  and  he  should  rise  up. — 
'  Or  should  com.mand  the  elements,  and 
!»  they  should  obey  him,  the  wind  should 
¥  cease  to  blow,  and  the  waters  to  flow, 
these  miracles  done,  would  be  suflicient 
!  evidence  that  God  spoke  by  him.  But 
;  these  miracles  would  need  to  be  done 
publicly,  in  the  presence  of  friends  and 
f  iocs,  that  there  might  be  no  ground  for 
I  cavil.  And  these  miracles  would  need 
to  bo  continued  until  the  revelation  was 
I  completed,  and  no  longer." 
1  All  the  reply  I  v/ish  to  make  to  this 
ij  lengthy  quotation  is  this.  Where  is 
!  it  recorded,  that  the  prophecies  of 
||  Isaiah,  Jeremiah,  Ezekiel,  Hosea,  A- 
,1  mos,  Zachariah,  Zephaniah,  Joel, 
|:  Ilaggai,  Micha,  with  a  number  of  oth- 
'■  crs  were  ever  established  as  you  have 
I  said  a  revelation  must  be  confirmed,  in 
/  order  to  receive  credence.  I  think 
'I  Sir,  you  would  be  perplexed  to  find  it, 
if  indeed  there  is  no  such  thing  written, 
'  and  yet,  you  believe  these  prophecies 
to  be  a  revelation,  and  consider  the 
f:  Jews  to  have  been  bound  by  them,  at 
i(i  the  time  they  were  written,  notwith- 
ij  standing  they  were  unattended  with 
I  the  evidence  necessary  to  give  them 
I  the  character  of  revelations,  if  your 
I  i  assertions  in  the  above  quotations  are 
Pj  correct. 

ill  I  must  confess  Sir,  believing  as  you 
j|do,  I  cannot  see  the  consistency  of 
f'your  coarse.  It  docs  seem  to  me,  that 
:|''in  order  for  you  to  be  consistent  with 
; I  yourself,  vou    murit   exclude    from  the 

II         ■     ■ 


canaonical  books  all  those  which  have 
not  the  evidence  above  required,  and  if 
you  do  this,  you  will  certainly  lessen 
the  quantum  of  our  revelation  very 
much. 

As  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  arc  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  v/rought  miracles,  and  Jesus 
Christ  and  his  apostles  did  so  also,  that 
from  these  facts  you  draw  the  sv.'eep- 
ing  conclusion,  that  we  are  not  author- 
ized to  receive  a  communication  as  a 
revelation,  unless  it  is  confirmed  by 
such  miracles  as  3/ou  are  pleased  to 
mention.  But  to  pass  on  to  your  four 
queries. 

They  stand  thus.  "1.  Did  not  Jesua 
Christ  and  his  apoatJes  declare  the  gos- 
pel, and  the  toholc  gospel  to  the  world? 
2.  And  did  they  not  receive  it  by  rev- 
elation from  God?  3.  Will  not  the 
miracles  they  wrought  expressly  to 
convince  the  loorld  that  they  were  di- 
vinely authorized  teachers,  and  that 
v/hat  they  taught  was  from  God? — 
4,  And  were  not  the  miracles  which 
they  wrought  abundantly  sufficient 
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  lohole  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  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  have 
said  would  be  without  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 
wore  no  other  characters  in    the  world 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATI 


2GI 


v»ho  liad  vv rought  miracles  but  them. 

I  should  think  from  your  writin<Ts 
that  you  had  never  duly  considered 
iho  commission  given  to  the  tv.'clvc 
npostle?!.  Which  reads  thus.  "Go  ye 
into  all  the  v/orld,  and  preach  the  gos- 
pel to  every  creature.  He  that  beiicv- 
cth,  and  is  baptized  shall  be  saved,  and 
he  that  belicvcth  not  shall  bo  damned. 
And  these  signs  sha!!  follow  the7n  that 
believe,  not  the  aposllcs,  but  those  that 
believed  on  their  word.  They  were  to 
iay  hands  on  the  sick.  They  were  to 
take  up  serpents.  If  they  were  to 
drink  any  deadh*^  thing  it  should  not 
■hurt  them.  Mark  then  dear  Sir  par- 
ticularly, that  the  signs  v.rore  not  to 
follow  the  apostles  themselves;  but 
those  who  should  believe  on  their  vvordf 

'  there  is  no  e.xccption,  here  bolh  men 
and  women  were  alike  included. — 
These  signs  shall  follow  them  that  be- 
lieve, making  no  exceptions. 

Nov/  if  Jesus  and  the  apostles 
wrought  miracles  to  prove  that  they 
were  Messengers  sent  of  God,  and 
that  God  spoke  by  them;  for  what 
purpose  do  you  think  those  v/rought 
miracles,  who  believed  on  their  word? 
was  it  to  prove  to  themselves  that  the 
apostles  were  men  of  God?  Not  so 
most  assuredly,  but  something  else, 
and  what  was  that  something?  Why 
to  prove  to  the  world,  that  they  were 
the  churciies  of  Jesus  Christ.  Novv^ 
Sir  as  you  argue  that  there  can  be  no 
apostles  and  rcvclators  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 
Christ  unless  they  can  pro'vc  them- 
selves to  be  so  by  miracles;  and  the 
very  same  evidence  which  is  brought 
to  prov?  one  of  these  things  will  prove 
the  other.  And  there  is  no  reai;onab!e 
mnn,  who  is  conscientiously  convinced 
that  there  can  be  no  apostles  unless 
ihoy  can  prove  their  missioji  by  mira- 
cles, but  muot  also  be  convince  1  that 
there  arc  no  Churches  of  Christ  unless 
they  prove  it  by  miraclo'^  also.  For 
argue  that  the  anci(Mit  apostles  did  so, 
and  Ihc  argument  is  equally  as  strong 
that  the  ancient  churches  did  so  also, 
and  the  rule  Will  quadrate:  it  will  moot 
nl  every  corner. 

1  have  been  no  litllo  surprised  to 
(o  hear  men  contcnJing  with  all  th" 
zeal  of  their  iiature  to  guard  the  world 
;;gain  t  rcc-'iving  any   min  is  a  mos- 

c;igor  of  hoai^cn  u:ue3.i   h'i  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  (I  mean  to 
the  candid  mind)  and  no  man  can  bo 
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  to 
acknowledge  a  society  as  the  church 
of  Christ,  v/ithout  that  society  having 
(lie  gifts  which  were  in  the  ancient 
churches. 

After  saying  so  much  upon  the  sub- 
ject of  miracles,  I  shall  return  to  your 
queries. 

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  aposlleship, 
your  queries  v/ill  be  very  easily  an- 
swered. 

Let  it  bo  observed  then,  that  there  is 
no  dispute,  as  to  the  apostles  having 
fully  preached  the  gospel,  and  of  their 
having  proved  themselves  to  be  mes- 
sengers sent  of  Got';  but  the  point  of 
diiTerence,  if  any,  is  this,  that  thn 
whole  religious  world  have  dcj)arle<I 
from  the  gospel  as  preached  by  Christ 
and  his  apostles;  and  what  the  world 
now  preaclies  is  not  the  gospel,  v/hic!i 
wa?  preached  by  the  Savior  and  hi>j 
apostles;  and  that  the  whole  rcHgioufl 
world  without  excepting  one  sect,  i.s  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  Taul  preached, 
and  the  Gulatians  received,  an<l  as 
you  said,  so  s;5y  1,  "[  uwfuiiy  Avar  for 
those  false  Prophets  and  false  teach- 
ers, who  are  publishing  to  llic  worM 
for  gospel  what  Moscj  and  the  proph- 
ets, Christ  and  the  npostloM  never 
taught,  may  (4od  pity  them  and.  3ave 
them  from    the  delusion." 

I  wish  you  to  understand  dislincliv 
that  I  believe  as  much  as  you  can  be- 
lieve, that  Christ  nnd  his  aposllc 
preached  the  gospel,  nnd  the  vhnli: 
gospel;  but  I  also  believe  that  it  wa  ■. 
a  very  dirr.'rent  thing  from  what  i-. 
now  preached  for  g'■^^^pel  'n\  the  world. 
Ti'^t  nv  invite  your  atlention  to  soni  > 
of  the  di;n}rO:i  •'^  I  !^t^l^vcen  (h-^  gi^ni.M  | 
of  Christ  and  what  is  now    pr  >v^I;ii'n  •  I 


9m 


MSaSBENQHh  AlXU  ADlOCA't% 


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  rebidie  diseases  of  all  kinds;  they 
had  also  povver  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  Christ  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  preach  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  Christ,  acting  under  the  same 
commission,  and  the  same  authority  as 
they  did.  Surely  the  disparity  is 
loo  great  not  to  be  seen  by  the  least 
discerning.  Will  you  be  so  kind  as  to 
show  mo  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  av/ay  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.  Tiie  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 
hsfd  th«  'power  of  getting  revelations, 


of  seeing  visions,  of  proj-hesying  ©f 
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  now 
preached  possess  not  one  single  char- 
acteristic V  hich  distinguished  the  gos- 
pel preached  by  the  Savior  and  his  a- 
postles.  Neither  is  there  the  least  ra 
semblance  brtween  the  effects  of  the 
two.  One  was  attended  by  power,  and 
by  the  gifts  of  the  Holy  Spirit.  The 
other  is  unattended  by  power,  or  by 
the  gil'ts  of  the  Holy  S,virit.  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  gospel,  are 
done  away;  but  still  contend  for  the 
same  gospel  they  say,  and  for  the  same 
commission,  and  yet  declare  that  tho 
effects  of  both  have  ceased.  This 
surely  is  marvelous,  a  great  deal  moro 
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.  die. — 
The  answer  would  be,  that  it  was  by 
the  power  of  the  gospel  by  which  they 
did  such  things,  as  administered  by 
the  Savior  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  gospel. 

This  then,  is  what  I  contend  for; 
that  the  gospel  as  proclaimed  by  the 
Savior  and  his  apostles,  and  as  writ- 
ten in  the  new  testament  has  disap- 
peared with  the  ministry  thereof;  and 
this  is  the  reason  why  revelation  has 
ceased,  and  the  power  of  the  Holy 
Spirit  known  no  more.  If  the  gospel 
of  the  new  testament  was  croolaimod* 
all  the  cfiTeets  of  it  would   wlhow  tho*s» 


>l-EegBi^t>£:U  A.YD  ADyOCATJ&. 


im 


\vho  received  it, — So  that  the  same  or- 
der of  things  would  be  on  the  earlh 
now,  as  was  then. 

You  ask  "If  th.py  revealed  the 
whole  gospel,  what  reason  have  we  to 
expect  any  more  revelation." 

Let  me  ask  a  question  in  connection 
with  this  If  the  world  has  departed 
from  the  gospel  revealed  by  the  Savior 
nnd  his  apostles  so  as  to  lose  b  ;th  its 
ministry  and  its  eftects,  how  will  the 
God  of  heaven  restor3  it  to  them  agniii 
but  b}'  revealing  unto  tliem  that  they 
are  wrong,  and  showing  to  them  and 
that  by  revelation  toe,  wherein  they 
are  wrong,  that  they  may  repent  and 
turn  to  him  and  obtain  forgiveness? — 
Or  can  you  show  mc  when  it  was, 
that  a  generation  of  j  eoplc  had  aj  os- 
tatized  from  the  truth,  and  ever  turntd 
back  to  it  again  without  revelation  be- 
ing given  unto  them? 

When  you  a.jswer  these  questions  I 
will  answer  yours. 

Now  Sir,  having  noticed  every  thing 
in  your  letter  which  I  consider  of  im- 
poriance  I  subm.it  if  to  your  inspection, 
desiring  that  3'ou  would  reply  as  fully 
as  the  case  requires,  hoi>ing  that  this 
communication  will  be  received  in  as 
good  feelings  as  it  was  written. 

In  consideration  of  high  respect,  1 
subscribe  myself  V' hi r  friend  and  well 
wisher,  SIDNEY  RIGDON. 


EXTRACTS  OF  LETTERS. 

Elder  Wilford  Woodruff  writes 
from  Eagle  Creek  Benton  To.  Tenn. 
I  have  baptized  9  persons  since  De- 
cember 18. 

The  foilowing  is  a  list  of  the  differ- 
ent Branches  in  my  circuit,  which  ex- 
tends about  200  miles. 

Eagle  Creek,  bran.h,  15  members 
in  good  standing. 

Chalklevel  branch,         21     do 
Cyprus     do  10     do 

Acadamy     do  p  do 

Blood  River     do  11     do 

Taro|)en  branch  in  Kentucky  31 
members  in  good  standing. 

Daymons  Creek  do  8 


Elder  C.  Rich  writes  trom  Eugene, 
la.  I  have  preached  some  in  the  west 
pnrt  of  III.  in  comuany  with  Elder 
vVixam.  Wu  baptized  five  and  many 
were  convincol  of  tho  trutii  of  the 
gospol. 


Rklor  J.  Blak'^Jv  writ«M  from  M<ix- 


ico,  N.  Y,  I  am  now  in  the  Count/ 
of  Oswego,  laboring  in  the  towns  o^ 
Mexico  and  Palermo,  where  I  first 
preached  the  word  on  the  evening  of 
the  first  day  of  January  1830.  I  havft 
baptized  13  since  I  last  wrote.  The 
greatest  door  13  opened  for  preaching 
in  these  regions  that  I  ever  saw. 


Elder  Solomon  Wixam  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  tliis  place  numbers  18  in  good  stand- 
ing. 


NOTICE 

Is  hereby  given  to  all  whom  it  may 
concern,  that  Messrs.  T.  i*.  .M  irsh  and 
i^thcr>,  denominated  th"  "Twelve", 
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  C  i:ir:i)  in  Frcedcnii  Cattaraugus 
County  N.  Y.,  tho  necessity  of  con- 
tributing of  their  earthly  substance  for 
the  building  of  the  House  of  the  Lord 
in  this  place.  The  rebuke  from  the 
Presidency,  (as  the  undersigned  has 
been  iniormej)  was  predicated  upon  a 
letter  addressed  by  him,  to  the  Presi- 
dents or  some  one  of  them,  statmg  that 
they,  the  Twelve  taught  no  such  thing 
The  undersigned,  althouirh  actuated  bv 
*ii:e  purest  motives  at  the  time  ho  wroto 
believing  he  had  stated  nothing  but  the 
truth,  has  since  become  satisfied  from 
the  best  of  evidence,  that,  that  particu- 
lar item  in  their  instructions  was  not 
oniittcd  as  he  had  represented,  he, 
therefore,  most  dee[)Iy  regrets  it,  being 
sensible  as  he  now  is,  that  he  v.-as  the 
cause  (although  innocent)  of  wounding 
the  best  of  feelings,  and  dcpres?sing 
spirits  buoyant  with  iiopo,  v/hile  in  a 
field  of  useful  labor  at  a  distance  from 
hoirie.  VV.   A.  COWDER.. 

Kirtland,  March  7th  1830. 


CONFERENCE  NOTICE. 
Notice  is  hereby  given,   that  a   con- 
ference will  be    held   at    tho   house   of 
Br.  S.   Utlcy  Chalkleve  ,     Benton  Co 
T<  n.     on    'th<i     "JS    and   39  of  May 
nuxt. 


-^ 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


Mcssessgea'  aiad  Advocate. 

KIRTLAND,  OHIO,  FFBRUARY,  I83C. 

/  am  the  way,  the  truth,  and  the  life. 
— Jesus. 

When  wo  read  iho  New  Testament, 
and  compare  the  life  of  the  Savior 
with  those  wlio  profess  to  be  his  fol- 
lowers, and  see  the  great  contrast  be- 
tween them;  we  are  led  to  exclaim, 
they  have  all  gone  out  of  the  way,  and 
none  doeth  good;  no  not  one. 

We  look  abroad  and  behold,  the  ex- 
ertions of  men  to  promulgate  what 
they  are  disposed  to  call  the  gospel. — 
We  sec  Missionaries  going  forth  cloth- 
ed with  the  power  of  a  diploma  from 
gome  Acedemy  to  disseminate  glad 
tidings  of  great  joy.  Such  authorities 
are  good  as  far  as  men  are  concerned 
in  a  temporal  point  of  view.  Queiy, 
are  such  commissions  ratified  in  heav- 
en'? and  if  not,  can  men  with  these 
authorities  be  instrumental  in  the  hands 
of  God  in  preparing  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  gentleman  from 
France,  v^^ould  come  forward  and  pro- 
duce a  license  for  Judge  signed  in 
France,  according  to  the  regular  au- 
thority; and  would  step  forward  and 
determine  a  case  in  the  State  of  Ohio, 
having  no  authority  save  that   which 


would  be  pleasing  to  God  to  preach 
the  gospel  that  the  apostles  [ireachcd, 
and  built  up  churches  in  the  name  of 
Jesus,  and  did  many  mighty  miracles, 
such  as  healing  the  sick,  casting  out 
devils?  &c.  Paul  saith,  "He  that 
prcacheth  any  other  gospel  than  that 
which  wc  have  preached  let  him  be  ac- 
cursed." 

Let  us  examine  for  a  moment  what  i£ 
was  that  Paul  preached,  &  how  he  camo 
by  his  authority.     Now  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   Jamea 
the  Lord's  brother.      Notwithstanding 
the  Savior  himself  had  been   on  earth, 
and  had  taught   twelve  men   all  things 
concerning    his    kingdom,    and    they 
were  at  the  same  time  on  the   earth  in 
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  down  on  the    right  hand 
of  the   Father.     Strange  to   say   that 
God  in  the  days  of  the  apostles,  should 
reveal    himself   personally    to     Paul, 
when  he  had  given  to    Peter  the  keys 
of  the  kingdom,  and  had  instructed  him 
he  had  obtained  in  France,  would  his  I  and  the  rest  of  the  apostles,  respecting 
decision   be  valid?  No;      Suppose    v/e  ]  his  church  and  kingdom:  but  so  it  was. 


take  the  New  Testament,  and  read: — 
"Go  ye  therefore,  and  teach  all  na- 
tions, baptizmg  them  in  the  name  of 
the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the 
Holy  Ghost;  teaching  them  to  ob- 
serve all  things  whatsoever  I  have 
commanded  you:  and  lo,  I  am  with 
you  always,  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 
not  fled  with  them? 

Where  shall  we  go  to  get  authority 
to  proclaim  the  gospel?  one  would 
readily  exclaim  go  to  God;  but  hero  is 
a  difliculty,  God  does  not  reveal  him- 
self to  us.'  How  then  can  wc  know 
whether  wc  arc  accepted  of  him  Or 
not?    how    can    wc   know   whether    it 


These  circumstances  demonstrate  to 
us  that  God  works  as  seemeth  him 
good,  and  revealetli  himself  to  whom 
he  will,  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."  Whom 
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  gospcU  and 
we  will  show  you  a  man  that  is  com- 
missioned of  the  Lord  of  glory,  and  ho 
like  Paul,  will  preach  the  gospel  with 
power  and  domonstration  of  the  Holy 
Ghost;  with  signs  following.  For  ho 
wilVfollOiW  hii5i  wiio  saithi    *^ {cam  the 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


2^ 


tvay,      the  truths    and  lite  life.^^  j 

To  become  a  foilowcr  of  any  per- 
son, wc  must  become  as  he  is,  or  do 
what  he  has  left  for  us  to  do,  the  Sav- 
ior says:  "And  this  is  life  eternal,  that 
tlicy  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  gnvest  me  to  do."  Here  we 
would  ask  a  question,  where  is  the 
man  that  understands  or  can  know 
whether  he  has  finished  the  work  tliat 
was  given  him  to  do,  without  a  rcvcda- 
tion  from  God?  Any  man  that  has  a 
knowledge  of  this  thing  must  have  a 
levelation. 

Again  the  Savior  says;  "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 
Savior  was  baptized  in  Jordan  by  the 
liands  of  John;  if  he  had  been  sprink- 
led by  him,  would  he  have  done  the 
will  of  him  who  hath  sent  him?  Judge 
ye.  ]  am  the  loay  and  the  truth  and 
the  life.  If  we  follow  the  way  the 
Messiah  went  we  conclude  it  would 
not  answer  the  purpose  when  we  are 
called  to  account  for  our  deeds,  if 
we  had  stepped  aside  from  the  way  by 
liaving  a  few  drops  of  water  sprinkled 
on  us,  instead  of  going  down  into  Jor- 
dan and  coming  straightway  up  out  of 
the  watc*.  Neither  do  we  believe 
that  it  would  be  our  privilege  to  claim 
a  seat  in  the  celestial  kingdom  of  God 
with  the  apostles  and  those  whoj  liavc 
come  up  through  much  tribulation, 
when  wo  have  feasted  upon  the  riches 
of  the  earth,  and  spent  our  days  in 
idleness  and  vanity,  by  worshiping  a 
God  of  imagination  without  body  or 
parts,  or  any  substance,  of  our  own 
formation.  It  is  a  fact,  that  there  are 
as  many  gods  worshipped  as  there  are 
denominations,  for  instance,  the  Uni- 
vcrsalists  worship  a  god  that  embraces 
nil  the  workmanship  of  his  hfiud^  in 
mercy,  consequently  saves  all  in  his 
kingilom,  good  bad  or  indiifercnt.  The 
Presbyterians  worship  a  god  that  has 
created  some  for  happiness  and  others 
for  misery.  The  iMcthodists  worship 
a  god  without  body  or  parts:  and  thu- 
ouc  dilfers  from  another.  Wo  should 
have  b'.it  liltio  or  no  hesitancy  in  say- 
ing, that  wo  Ixlicvo  all  (hose  v.ho  are 
truo  nnd  faithful  tO:  ihoir  creeds  and 
cnvnanj^^  ao']  prnj^UGg  lUcm  with  hon- 


esty  of   heart,  will  in    due  time,  maro 
than  realize   their    expectations. 

The  God  that  the  Latter  Day  Saints 
worship,  differs    from    all    other  gods, 
that  are  worshipped  in  these  last  days, 
in  many  respects,  he  is  impartial,  iic  is 
just,  he  is  merciful,  he  is  longsuficring 
and  of    tender   mcry,    he   judges   all 
men  according  to  their  works,  he  gives 
all  things  that  arc  calculated  to  do   his 
children    good  as  far    as  it   serves    to 
promote   their    happiness   and   gorify 
himself.     When  he  is    called  upon  ho 
answers,  when  counsel  is  asked  of  him 
he  gives  freely,   as  it  is  written   in  hia 
word.     He  is  that    God  who   spoke  to 
Abraham,  to  Laac,  to  Jacob,  to  Moses, 
to  Isaiah,  to  Peter,  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  tho 
earth,  and  does  his  work    by    faith   as 
Paul  saith  to  his   Hebrew    brethren: — 
"Through  faith  wc  understand  that  the 
worlds   were  framed   by  the   word    of 
God;  so  that   things    whicn  arc  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  cornc. — 
W^ithout  faith  it  is  impossible  to  please 
God.     Therefore  by   faith  we  can  as- 
certain to  a  certainty   that   there    is  a 
God,  by  faith  in  his  word   we    can  ob- 
tain a  perfect  knowledge  of  it:    "Ask 
and  ye   shall   receive,    knock   and    it 
shall  bo  opened  unto  you."     If  thcso 
promises  cannot  be  fulfilled  to  us  when 
we  ask,  what  benefit  are    they  to    U3? 
If  these  promises  are  for  us,   why  not 
claim  them?  and  be  benefited  by  them. 
Is  it  po5sil>le  for  God  to  lie?    and  if  it 
is  not,    will  he  not  give   us   when    wo 
ask  aright?  and  if  he  will    answer  our 
prayers,  can  wc  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  saith:   ^^ I  am  the  way,  and 
the  tnilh  and  the  hfc.^'     For  us  to  ca- 
vil obout  our  belief,  when  we  have  tho 
word  of  God  before  u?,  is  fully   in  tho 
highest  degree;  yea,  it  is   worse  than 
folly,  for  it  serves  to  muko  us  misera- 
ble rather  than  happy,  it  serves  to  con- 
demn  us    rather   than  justify.      Tho 
fact  is  plain,  if  God  will  judge  us  by  n 
law    tliat   wo   cannot   understand,    ho 
cannot   jiialify  hims-.-lf:  hut  if  tlie  !«'- 
ie»plain  ajid  vyp  ouxcolvet:  hflro  per^-cik 


SOS 


M»(5«Ei^Gim  A^b  AttfaeATH 


cd  it,  then    God    will   be  justified    and 
vo    condemned.         This      generation 
seoms  to    net,    in    matters  of   religion 
just  as  if  tliii  life  were  an  eternity, and, 
tlie     life    to    come     probationary.       It 
Beems  so  inconsistent  for  a  man  to  dis- 
regard trulh,  and   embrace    error;     to 
believe  a  lie,  and  reject    the    truh;  to 
spread  falsehoods   and  suppress  facts; 
to  scieen  the  guilty,  and   disregard  the 
cries  of  the   innocent.     Can  it  be  pos- 
Riblc   that  a  man  can  be  a   disciple   of 
Jesus,  who  assists  to  break  the  laws  of 
n  free  and    republican    government? — 
The   Savior  saith;   "I  am    not  come  to 
destroy  but  to  build  up."     If   Vv'e  build 
tip  righteousness  we  must  set  our  fnces 
like  flints    againts    wickedness.       The 
Savior  taught  all,    and   ex])ounded    all 
things  to  his  disciples,  and  lebuked  evil 


Christ  or  there;  believe  it  not.  For 
there  shall  arise  false  christs  and  false 
prophets,  and  shall  show  great  signs 
and  wonders;  insomuch,  that  if  it  wer6 
possible,  they  shall  deceive  the  verV 
elect."  But  it  i-i  n  it  possible  for  them 
to  be  deceived.  The  elect  of  God  will' 
ask  and  receive,  they  vvill  knock  and 
it  will  be  opened  unto  them;  they  will 
inquire  and  know  of  a  surety;  they  will 
build  upon  the  Rock  even  Jesus;  they 
will  seek  until  they  find  the  good  old 
way  and  walk  therein:  And  when  they 
get  in  it,  ti^ey  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 


doors  with  sharpness.  Supposing  I  have  but  little  difficulty  in  finding  the 
God  should  call  a  man  and  commission  way  that  leads  to  eternal  bliss:  "/  am 
him  from  on  high  and  send    him  forth    (he  way,  and  the  truth,  mid  the  life.'''' 

to  preach  his    gospel   and  build   up  his  |  

Kir  Hand,  Feb.  26,  1830. 
The  several  quorums  met  in  th® 
House  of  the  Lord,  to  conclude  the  bu- 
siness concerning  the  ordination  of  of- 
ficial members  in  the  church  of  Christ, 
of     Latter    Da^j  Saints. 

.  O.  Cowdery  Orson  Hyde  and  Syl- 
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 
seconded  to  officiate  as  Clerk,  to  record 
licenses.     Vote  called  and    unanitpous 
ly  passed. 


kingdom,  and  the  said  servant  should 
use  the  'anguage  of  the  Savior;  and 
begin  to  say  to  this  generation  as  the 
f^avior  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  diflercnt 
ages,  we  find  ihat  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  f!ed  into  the 
wilderness:  Now  if  the  church  is  in 
the  wilderness;  we  ask,  where  are  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 must  be  in  an  :^.wful  dilemma.  If 
the  church  comes  forth  out  of  the  wil- 
derness, then  may  we  not  look  f^r  its 
primitive  order?  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  dent  and  counsellors    of  the   Deacoasi 
mr  day  and  generation;  "Lo   here  isjOpenetl  by  sin^injf  and  Prayei*. 


Kirtland,     Ohio,  March.  3,   1836. 

The  following  authorities  o"  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 
Presidency  of  the  church.  The  Twelve 
apostles  of  the  Lamb,  the  twelve  High 
Counsel'o's  of  the  Churcli  in  Kirtland, 
The  twelve  High  Counsellors  of  the 
church  in  Zion.  The  Bishop  and  his 
counselors  of  Kirtland,  The  Bishop 
and  counsellors  of  Zion,  The  seven 
Presidents  of  the  Seventies,  the  Presi- 
dent and  counsellors  of  the  High  Priests 
the  President  end  counsellors  of  the 
Elders,  The  President  and  counsellors 
of  Priests:  The  President  and  counsel- 
lors of  the  Teachers,    and   the    Presi- 


MES8E5GF.R  AND  ADVO€ATl. 


The  committee  appointed  on  the  24 
of  February  to  draft  resolutions  for  the 
better  regulation  of  Licensing  the  offi- 
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-tem  pore 
to  act  in  the  absence  of  the  standing 
chairman  and  clerk.  The  following  is 
n  copy  of  the  report  of  a  committee 
appointed  by  the  authorities  of  the 
church  of  Latier  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  tiio  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  impert'ectly 
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  hereai'tf^r  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  lecorded 
at  full  length  by  a  clerk,  appointed  for 
that  purpose  in  a  book  to  be  kept  in  this 
bcanch  of  the  church  until  it  shall  be 
thought  advisable  by  the  heads  of  the 
church,  l\>  order  other  books  and  ap- 
point other  clerks  to  record  li- 
censes as  above.  And  that  said  recor- 
ding clerk  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  ol  conference,  and  that  it  shall  be 
th  !  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 
l^ive  each  individual,  whom  they  or- 
cf»irt,  a  certifrcatc  signed  by  thn  ehnir- 


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  sajne  has  been 
recorded,  forward  it  to  the  proper  per- 
son. 

4  That  all  official  members  in  good 
standing  and  fellowship  in  the  various 
branches  of  this  church,  be  requested 
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 
puri.oses  m  the  business,  and  spiritual 
affnirs  of  this  church  as  a  religious  so- 
ciety, or  before  any  court  of  record  of 
this  or  any  other  country  whereia 
preachers  of  the  Gospel  are  entitled  to 
special  privileges,  answering  in  all  re- 
spects as  an  original  record  without  tho 
necessity  of  refcring  to  any  other 
document. 

5  That  the  recording  clerk  be  required 
to  publish  quarterly  in  a  paper  publish- 
ed by  some  member  or  members  of  tho 
church,  a  list  of  names  of  the  several 
persons  t'or  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. 

Kirtland  Feb.  27  1836. 
O.  COWDERY.  ; 
O.   HYDE.  ^Committeo. 

S.   SMITH.  3 

The  several  bodies  were  then  called 
upon  for  their  decision  upon  tho  fore- 
going report.  Tho  Deacons  being  first 
calle<l  upon  gn vie  a  unanimous  vote,  in 


QG3 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


favor  of  the  same.  Tho  Teachers  were 
then  called  upon  and  voted  unanimous- 
ly in  favor  of  the  report.  The  quorum 
of  Priests  received  it  by  a  unanimous 
vote.  The  Bishop  and  council  of  Kirt- 
iand  received  it  unanimously.  The 
Bishop  and  council  of  Zion  received 
it  without  a  dissenting  voice.  The 
Elders  passed  it  unanimously.  The 
High  Priests  also.  The  Presidents  of 
the  seventies,  The  High  counsellors 
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  Rigdon  as  chairman  and  Ol- 
iver Cowdery  as  clerk  pro  tempore. — 

The  several  bodies  were  then  called 
to  vote  upon  the  above  nominations 
which  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  which  they 
passed  unanimously.  Council  closed 
by  prayer   oi     Bishop  Patridgo 

Oliver  Cowdery,     Clerk 

Kirtland,  Ohio.  Feb.  1,  1836. 
Dear  Brotheh: 

Those  who  are  fa- 
vored with  light  are  bound,  more  or 
less,  to  con)municate,  at  least  a  por- 
tion to  their  fellowmcn;  and  as  we  are 
required  to  respect  our  own  flesh,  the 
kindred  ties  which  bind  the  human 
heart  are  inseparable,  in  tho  boi>oms  of 
men  of  God,  and  have  the  first  claim 
in  all  cases  where    their     salvation   is 


)rncd. 


This  fact  is  so  evident 
fi'om  scripture  and  analogy,  that  I 
need  not  occupy  this  sheet  with  aroru- 
mcnts  upon  the  subject. 

I  am  not,  however,  under  the  ne- 
cessity of  saying  to  you,  that  duty  to 
the  Lord  requires  you  to  believe  this 
particular  form  of  doctrine,  neither  to 
disbelieve  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 
rather,  to  exchange  it  for  that  which 
?s  new  and  ev?rlastw£'. 


In  one  of  my  private  letters  to  you, 
some  time  since,  I  j)ron-!iscd  a  sliort  de- 
tail of  a  conversation  I  held  in  the  ci- 
ty of  New- York,  last  fall,  with  a  ve- 
ry learned  and  intellig:ent  Jew,  upon 
the  subject  of  the  Messiah,  and  of  tho 
return  and  glories  of  Israel,  in  tho 
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,     L  ' 
will  just  say,   that  a    part  of   mybusi--' 
ness  in  the  city,    was   to    purchase    rii^ 
quantity    of   Hebrew     books, — hiblepi''' 
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   were   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  with  which  I    was   as  fre- 
quently received,    I    must  say,   for   a 
stranger  I  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,  which    intersected  witli   tho    rail 
road  and  stage   line,    to   Phi!adclpiiia;>'. 
but  owing  to  some  little  delay  v/as  pre-' 
vented.     1  had     previously     engaged 
by  promise,  to  call  on  my  aged  friend, 
the  Jew,  at  8  o'clock   the   same    mor- 
ning, and  carry    some  letters   to  rela- 
tives of  his  resident  in  Ohio;  and  at  tho 
time,     informed      him     that    I    might 
providentially  be    disappointed    in   mv 
wish  to    return   home  via   Phil'a.  and 
Pittsburgh.      He      said — ''For      your 
sake,  I  hope  you    may    not    be   disap- 
pointed; but  i'or  mine,  I  hope  you    mav 
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.  and 
if  you  are  destined  to    take    the   latter 
route,  I  feel  to  press  upon  j^ou  to    givo 
me  a  promise  of  calling    on  me   again, 
when,  )'ou  v/il!  bo  relieved    from  cot\-^'' 
corn  and  perplexity  attendant  on    piii'-'^'" 
chasing  books  of  so  m.uch   importance,'' 
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  which  this  aged  and  learned   Rab-' 
hi  addressed  me,  excited  in  my  bosom  ^' 
a   desire  greater    than   ever,   to   visit" 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATB. 


869 


him  again,  and  I  accoi-dingly  gave 
himmv  word  upon  those  conditions, 
without  any  hesitancy. 

After  finishing  the  remaining  part 
of  my  business,  I  i-eturncd  to  fulfil  my 
engagements  with  my  aged  friend;  and 
after  the  usual  salutations,  seated  our- 
selves for  further  conversation.  I 
Hstened  v.'ith  intense  interest  to  liis  re- 
lation 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 
fulfilment  of  certain  of  the  prophets,  in 
substance,  as  follows: 

Vou  being  a  Jew  by  birth,  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  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,  I  have  a 
testimony,  which  with  myself,  amounts 
to  a  certainty.  Indeed,  I  can  say,  in 
truth,  that  I  hnow  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  1  can  say,  I  have  not;  and  I  pre- 
sume there  is  no  question  or  item  which 
can  be  agitated  upon  that  all  important 
subject  that  I  have  not  carefully  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  me  to  have  the  least  objec- 
tion to  your  believing  as  you  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, 
thai  1  have  an  infallible  evidence  that 
the  Messiah  has  already  come,  and  in 
the  precise  manner  which  the  prophets 
prescribe,  yet,  since  you  have  allirmcd 
that  on  them  rests  your  evidence  that 
he  lias  710^  come,  certainly  I  will  appeal 
to  them  with  j)leasurc.  But  first,  will 
you  be  so  kind  as  to  answer  this  que- 
ry. 

Admit,  for  a  moment,  your  belief  to 


be  correct — say  the  Messiah  has  not 
made  his  appearance — that  all  tho 
heavenly  hosts  are  waiting  with  that 
anxiety  and  reverence  becom.ing  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  not 
come:  admit  this,  and  when  he  comes 
will  he  suffer  afflictions  of  body,  or 
death? 

Jeio: — "I  conclude  not." 

Then  be  so  kind  as  to  tell  me  tho 
meaning  of  the  follov/ing  language  of 
the  prophet  Zechariah?  "And  I  will 
pour  upon  the  house  of  David,  and  up- 
on the  inhabitants  of  Jerusalem,  tho 
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  bitterness  fcr  his  first- 
born." 

Jew: — "That  is  an  incorrect  trans- 
lation: here  is  the  importance  of  un- 
derstanding the  Hebrew  Scriptures." 

I  am  not  particularly  tenacious  upon 
this  short  text,  neither  have  I  time  to 
give  you  m.y  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  he 
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  man  of 
sorrows  and  acquainted  with  grief:  and 
we  hid  as  it  were  our  faces  from  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- 
fi  icted. 

Jew: — You  must  take  this  chapter 
in  connexion  with  the  one  which  pro- 
cedes  it,  and  without  particular  refer- 
ence to  the  one  we  cannot  come  at  tho 
prophets  meaning,  tis  he  wished  to 
be  understood,  in  the  other." 

/  am  not  unwilling  to  connect  the  two 
chapters;  and  must  further  confess  my- 
self to  be  immersed  in  mystery,  unless 
I  interpret  them  as  1  have  been  accus- 
tomed; for  certainly  the  visage  of  some 
person      was     to    bo       marred   mor« 


97t 


Mfi«SEN«BJR  Aim  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  th«  chap- 
ter first  commenced,  and  says.  "But 
he  was  wounded  forour  transgressions, 
he  was  bruised  for  our  iniquities:  the 
chastisement  of  our  peace  was  upon 
him;  and  by  his  stripes  we  are  heal- 
ed. 

No  one,  possessing  mere  humanity 
could  be  required  to  bear  such  afflic- 
tion. Indeed,  it  would  be  altogether 
useless,  as  the  language  is  so  broad  that 
it  at  least  includes  a  nation — "All  we 
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  before  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 
Iamb  that  an  atonement  must  be  made 
for  men;  and  to  suppose  the  person  here 
spoken  of  to  be  a  mere  man,  would  be 
saving  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  make  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  soul 
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  mv  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  Peacji."  Again  it  is 
said,  Ps.  2:7,  "Thou  art  my  Soa;  thia 


day  have  1  begotten  ihee."  Micah  ahe- 
says,  5;2,  "Rut  thou,  Bethlehem  Ephra- 
tah,  though  thou  art  little  among  the  thou- 
sands of  Judah,  yet  out  of  thee  shall  ho 
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  talker,  d 
mighty  God,  a  Prince  of  peace/  that 
from  Bethlehem  this  illustrious  person- 
age was  to  come  forth,  and  when  ho 
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  sufler  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  and  tittle  of  the  same,  and 
then  say  that  the  Son  of  God,  (for  such 
I  must  call  h:m,  according  to  the  Psalm- 
ist,) was  not  to  sutler  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  cor>- 
vert  me  from  the  error  of  my  way. — 
For  I  do  believe  in  the  literal  fulfilment 
of  the  prophets,  to  a  word: — For  as 
c  "rtainly  as  1  believe  that  God  lead  Isra- 
el from  Egypt,  by  his  outstretched  arB>, 
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  promised  to  their  father  Abraham.  Or 
I  believe  be  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  Jew,  in  all  nations  where 
they  have  been  dri-ven,  and  say,  "We 
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. 


sn 


them  by  day,  and  a  pillar  of  fire  by 
night — God  will  utterly  destroy  the 
tongue  of  the  Egyptian  sea,  and  shake 
his  hand  over  the  river  and  cause  men  to 
go  over  on  dry  ground.  And  1  further 
believe,  that  all  nations  will  be  assem- 
bled against  Jerusalem  to  battle,  and  at 
that  critical  and  distressing  moment, 
the  Lord  God  will  muke  his  appear- 
ance,— when  his  feet  will  stand  upon 
ihe  mount  of  Olives,  and  that  mouui 
be  separated,  and  a  valley  be  left. — 
After  which  i  a-t-so  believe,  that  he 
will  show  himself  to  hi-s  people,  of  the 
hou'.;e  ol  Israel;  they  look  oa  him 
whom  they  have  pierced,  see  the 
wounds  in  his  hanJs  and  in  his  side, 
a::d  a;kn')wledge  bins  to  be  their  Lord 
and  rheir  Messiah) 

Y>)u  see,  then  my  belief  concerning 
the  Messiak — that  he  has  once  come, 
and  that  he  will  come  again;  that  Isra- 
el has  once  been  gathered,  and  that 
he  will  be  gathered  again,  and  that  all 
who  will  not  turn  from  ihe  plain  dec- 
laration of  the  prophets,  (as  the  great 
day  of  God's  power  is  near,)  will  be 
watching  tor  the  glorious  time  long 
since  shown  to  the  fathers. 

The  time  havmg  nearly  expired,  I 
gave  my  aged  i'rientl  the  parting  hand 
when  with  tears  he  bad  me  farewell 
and  God  speed,  saying,  that  if  we  dif- 
fered relative  to  the  first  coming  o!  the 
Messiah,  we  agreed  concerning  his 
second  coming  and  the  return  of  Isra- 
el, which  last  t\vo  items  were  his  hope 
and  his  all. 

Excuse  haste  and  imperfections,  and 
believe  me  to  be  as  ever, — 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  (iod  hai  been  pleased 
to  reveal  in  the^se  last  days.  Meld  sev- 
eral meetings  by  the  way,  and  many 
seemed  to  be  convinced  of  the  trutb, 
this  I  judge  from  the  inquiries  that 
were  made.  Had  many  opportunitic^s 
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- 
bl©  have  b"en  very  attentive.  I  have 
held  two  meelingw  in  a  Methodiet  houss 


one  in  the  courthouse,  two  in  a  hall 
and  the  remainderin  a  school  and  pri- 
vate houses. 

I  have  baptized  0  in  this  place,  and 
there  arc  many  more  convinced,  and 
seemingly  ready  to  obey  the  command- 
ments with  their  whole  hearts.  My 
brethren  according  to  the  flesh  are  ve- 
ry rich  as  to  this  world's  goods,  and 
have  built  a  very  elegant  meeting 
house  in  the  Orthodox  order,  a  few 
ol  the  members  have  a  form  of  God- 
liness, but  all  deny  the  power  thereof: 
a«d  the  minister  over  them  is  very 
hard. 

I  have  taknu  much  pains  in  all  my 
movements,  and  2  of  the  o  have  conde- 
scended to  ask  me  to  pray  with  theip; 
I  have  great  anxiety  for  them  and  all 
people.  After  I  arrived  here  the 
Methodist  and  Orthodox  opened  pro- 
tracted meetings  which  continue  ye-, 
and  the  first  men  in  the  place  cam© 
with  their  carriages  and  carried  ths 
people  4  or  5  railed,  so  as  to  have  them 
hear.  Cape  Cod  is  much  stirred  up, 
there  is  more  use  for  bibles,  than  be- 
fore I  came, 

1  was  at  one  of  their  protracted 
meetings  by  agreement,  that  I  should 
have  an  opportunity  oi'  addrcssinir  the 
people:  But  after  they  got  together, 
they  said  I    should  not. — 

After  this,  two  came  forward  and  of- 
f;rcd  themselves  as  candidates  for 
baptism,  one  was  a  Methodist  in  high 
standing.  I  requested  one  hour  tvj 
set  fo  th  the  gospel,  but  was  utterly 
refused.  I  made  an  appointment,  on 
the  shores  of  Bogs  River  where  we  re- 
paired with  a  cloud  of  witnesses,  hero 
I  administered  the  ordmance  of  bap- 
tism, die  solemnities  of  eternity  seem- 
ed to  rest  on  the  congregation  and  the 
Spirit  of  God  on  the  candidates.  The 
letters  that  have  been  in  circulation 
against  br.  Smith  and  Ihe  church, 
are  now  in  every  paper  in  this  quarter; 
but  I  think  they  will  do  no  harm,  for 
hone.-t  men  will  look  in  the  bible  for 
truth  in  [)refeienco  to  a  News  Paper. 

Wc  the  high  council  of  Kirtland, 
hereby  inform  Jacob  Sliibley,  Daniel 
Brownwcll,  Peter  Brownwell  and  Cor- 
nelius P.  Lott,  that  wc  have  withdrawn 
our  fellowship  from  them  for  disobey- 
ing the  commandments  of  the  Lord, 
until  ihcy  make  satisfaction. 

JOHN  SMITH,  CA'«. 

Cyhtts  Smai.lino,   Ciifrk. 


S73 


MESSENGER  AffD  ADVOCATE. 


OBITUARY. 

DIED— In  Clay  co.  Mo.  Jan.  31, 
Alta  Hancock,  consort  of  Elder  Sol- 
omon Hancock, — disease  Chills  and 
Pever — Aged  40  years.  She  has  been 
n  member  of  the  Church  of  Latter  Day 
Saints  for  5  years — she  has  ever  been 
strong  in  the  faith,  and  remained  so 
until  her  last  moments, — when  the 
lime  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 
und  immortality:  "The  Lord  hath  giv- 
en and  the  Lord  hath  taken  away,  and 
blessed  be  the  name  of  the  Lord." 

At  Eagle   Creek,    Benton  co. 

Ten.  Dec.  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  Hough  has  been  a  worthy  mem- 
ber of  the  church  of  the  Latter  Day 
Saints  about  4  5  ears,  and  died  in  the 
faith  of  the  new  and  everlasting  Cov- 
enant, and  in  hope  of  a  blessed  immor- 
tality. 

In   Springfield,    Pa.    Feb.  21, 

David  Thompson,  aged  63  years. 

In  Norton,    Medina  co.  Ohio, 

Feb.  6,    Curtis  Stoddard  jr.  son  of 
Curtis   and  Pamela   Stoddard,  of  a 
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 
be  disappointed  in  their  anticipations. 

The  great  presure  of  business,  the 
preparation  and  attendance  of  ihe  sol- 
emn assemUy  dedication  of  the  house  of 
the  Lord;  and  want  of  paper  are  the 
reasons  of  the  delay  beyond  our  usual 
time:  but  we  hope  we  shall  be  enabled 
to  issue  our  numbers  more  timely  for 
the  future. 


Kirtland,  [Dec.  12,  1835. 
Dear  brother: 

I  left  Clay  co.    Mo.    on 

the  6  day  of    January,    in  company 

with  elder   C.  W.  Patten.     Wc  have 

been   the   means  in   the  hands  of  the 


Lord  of  establishing  a  branch  of  the 
church,  of  Latter  Day  Saints,  in  Ed- 
wards county  Illinois,  containing  25 
members:  In  Laurence  county,  samo 
state,  we  baptized  three.  From  that 
place  I  journeyed  and  arrived  at  Kirt- 
land, O.  April  25.  And  since  this 
time  I  have  been  in  the  State  of  N.  Y. 
and  baptized  15. 
A.S  ever 

SOLOMON  HANCOCK. 
To  J.  Whitmer. 


How  good  it  is  to  sin^r, 

And  praise  our  heav'nly  King, 

For  all  his  blessings  to  the  just. 
Let    Saints  adore  his  name, 
And  spread  abroad  his  fame, 

And  always  in  his  mercy  trust. 

0  may  the  day  soon  come, 
When  Israel  gather'd  home. 

Shall  worship  God  with  one  consent; 
And  dwell  again  in  peace. 
Their  seed  like  stars  increase, 

That  glitter  in  the  firmament. 

R^oice,  rejoice,  O  earth! 

In  songs  of  sacred  birth, 
And  heaven  raise  the  anthem  higher: 

Yes,  let  the  angels  sing. 

And  make  the  heavens  ring, 
With  music  from  the  holy  choir. 

Until  the  veil  shall  rend, 

And  Christ   the  Lord  descend, 
To  reign  on  earth  a  thousand  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  know   both  great   and 
small. 

And  righteousness  extend, 

To  earth's  remotest  end. 
And  God  be   God,  and  Lord  of  all! 


THE  LATTER  DAY  SAINTS' 

KlessengoT  and  Advocate, 

IS  EDITED  BY 

ffOnSsJ  WS-SSTMEB,,.  j.'J^ 
And  published  every  month  at  Kirtland,  Geauga  Co 
Ohio,  by 

F.  O.  1V1I.S.IA1MS  &  Co. 

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ten  new  subscribers,  a?id  forioarding  %  10,  airreiit 
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R    1 


\o 


I!. 


6] 


KIR'r!.\Ni)    O'ilM.    MARCH.     18:^;: 


rVv  Iw.l.-  No.   H 


Coitc'uu!   Felt.  'Zdih  1830. 

?.Ia.  Sidney  Rujpon', 

Sir,  yours  of 
Dot^.  1835  was  duly  received,  and  hr.s 
been  candidly,  and  1  think  iiripartialiy 
examined,  and  ss  the  suhjcct  ot*  reli- 
gion is  one  of  infinit  imporfonco,  so  it 
ci»ijmT»d!»  our  most  serious  and  prayer- 
full  c()nsidcratit)n,  'I'o  err  on  some 
sninor  points,  is  but  the  fiuits  of  our 
inipt'rf''Ct  judg.'-nents,  but  to  be  mistii- 
i\rn  in  some  oi"  the  cardinal  points  of 
roiigii)n,  nmy  involve  us  in  a  dilomnria 
aw.'ul  in  its  nature,  &l  eternal  in  its 
consequences.  Hence,  to  know  God's 
•will,  demands  our  most  nerinos  enqui- 
ry, and  10  (1  >  -it,  calls  for  the  most  dili- 
gent application  of  ad  our  povers — 

While  1  acknowledge  the  kind  spir- 
it in  which  you  have  be<-n  pleased  to 
notice  mv  letter  to  my  brother  Ebene- 
Ecr,  I  indulge  the   fond    hope,    that  in 


>.r, 


Kill /and,  March,  185t).      . 
O.  Bakk, 

Sir: — Yours  of  Feorua- 
ry  has  come  to  hand,  by  which  you 
request  mc  to  answer  a.  number  of 
questions;  this  is  something  whicli  I 
did  not  expect,  as  I  intended  in  mine 
(o  you  to  l>e  so  explicit  as  to  have  ren- 
dered your  interrogatories  unnecessa- 
ry, particularly,  on  tlie  points  onVhich 
you  have  required  information,  in  thia, 
it  appears  by  yours,  1  have  failed. 

Yon  ask  mc,  *'What  is  the  gospel?" 
In  answering  this  question  1  think  I 
will  render  it  unnecessary  to  give  a 
formal  answer  to  the  rest  of  your  que- 
ries, as  1  shall  answer  them  all  by  an- 
swering this  one. 

I  answer  then  in  the  language  of  the 
New  Testament  Romans  I:  16,  "The 
gospel  is  the  power  of  God  unto  salva- 
tion, to   all  that   believe;"  or  in   other 


the  same  spirit   of  christian  "kindness,    w<>:h3s,  it    is    God's   scheaae  of  saving 

tnen,  and  this  scheme  is  made  known 
in  the  New  Testarrient,  which  scheme 
of  things  (or  gospel)  consists  in  put- 
tmg  men  in  possession  of  the  power  of 
God;  for  it  is  God's  pmver  to  sa\0 
men,  and  how  is  it  God's  power 
unto  salvation?  Answer  by  puttirg 
tho.se  who  rcceive  it  into  posses- 
sion of  the  pov/er  of  God.  Hencd 
says  the  Savior  wh.en  he  commission- 
ed the  apostles  at  Jerusalem   to  preach 


you  Will  fioswer  two  or  tnree  m.'>re  of 
my  interrogatories,  founded  on  some 
remarks  in  your  letter,  lemarks, which 
■to  nitt  are  new,  and  c  >nlaining  id(Mis 
of  vast  importTuce, — ]d(;as,  on  which, 
I  have  not  been  in  the  habit  of  reflect- 
ing, yet,  ideas  which  1  wish  not  to  rr- 
cr.lce,  or  rrjrci.  without  candidly  exam- 
ining. My  queries,  S  r,  were  oris/in- 
oted  by  your  rem  irk  "that  the  Gos- 
pel as  procl-'imed  by    the    Savior   and 


his    /Xpostles,    and  ar,    writtvn    in  the  |  the  gospel.     These  signs  shall    follo^ 


new  testament  has  disappeared.'' — 
You  will  therefore  confer  a  signal  fa- 
vor on  m«,  and  satisfy  my  inquiring 
ruind,  by  |;iving  a  deflinite  answer  to 
<he  fellowing  interogitories.  1.  What 
is  ih»  Gospel?  Is  what  i-  now  written 
in  thi  New  Testamknt  the  Gospel? 
I'*  it  the  whole  Go>|)el?  2.  Where  is 
th-^  Gospel?  3.  Have  the  Mormons 
got  the  Gospel?  Have  they  got  the 
whole  Gospel? 

Dear  Sir,  as  those  queries  engr©sf< 
Oiy  whole  thoughts  on  this  interestuig 
tipic.  I  hope  you  will  indulge  me  with 
un  explicit  answer  to  each,  when  I 
pledge  myself  t)  notice  candidly,  your 
whole  communication. 

Hoping    that    this    correspondence 
may  result    in    God's    glory,   uad  our 
be«jt  intPH'st,  I  fluhscribe  myself. 
Yours  in  Chri»tian  kindness, 
&  UiQPOM.  a  UAEIL 


th(!m  that  believe,  that  is  the  power  of 
God  shall  rest  upon  them.  When  Pe- 
ter proclciimed  the  gospel  on  the  day  of 
pentecost;  after  he  told  the  .Fcwg  that 
they  must  repont  and  be  baptised  for 
the  reniission  of  sins,  he  told  the«j 
that. they  should  receive  the  gift  of  th« 
Holy  Spirit,  and  by  that,  they  were  to 
prophecy,  dream  drerfms,  see  vision* 
■&LC.  pJuinly  showing  that  they  wer© 
to  be  made  partakes  of  the  power  of 
God  unto  .salvation. 

And  -whcMi  the  apostles  went  TorlU 
from  Jerusalem  to  proclaim  the  gos- 
pel, tho.se  who  received  it  at  their  hand, 
or  from  their  mouth  spake  witia 
tongues,  and  prophc-sied,  shewing  to 
all  that  they  had  received  of  the  power 
of  God. 

In  Uio  12th  chapter  of  the  iHtepictlo 
to  the  Corithians  the  a[)ostlo  Paul  seta 
tUii  M  plainly   before  the  oiiod^  tiiol 


574 


IHtS^ENOiR  AND  ADVOCAT*:. 


nonn  need  mistake,  h(3  says  in  the  28th 
verse  "And  God  hath  set  soine  ir  the 
church,  first  apostles,  secondly  proph- 
ets, thirdly  teaciiersi  after  that  mi.a- 
cles,  then  gifts  of  healings,  helps,  go.v- 
crnnKnts,  diversities  of  tc)ngues." 

Such  then  was  the  way  by  which 
God  administered  his  power  to  the 
children  of  men  as  set  forth  in  the 
New  Testament,  an-' -such  was  the  gos- 
pel proclainaed  Iw  tliose  commissioned 
hy  the  Saxn'or  himself,  and  this,  and 
this  only  is  the  order  of  things  sei 
torth  in  the  New  Testament.     When  I 


I  shall  await  your  reply  to  my  whole 
communication,  hoping  I  shall  not  have 
to  wait  long. 

Believe  me,  Yoyrs  in 

the  best  of  feci  nca, 

S.  KIGDON. 


KiriJand,  CJiio,  March  2'ith,  18C6. 
Previous  notice  having  been  given, 
the  Church  of  the  Latter  Day  Saints 
met  this  day  in  the  House  of  the  Lord 
to  dedicate  it  to  him.  The  congicga-" 
lioxi  began  to  asif  mble  lef(-'r.e  S  o'clock 
A.  M.  and  thronged  the  doors  until  'J, 
say  that  this  order  of  things  has  eisap-  |  when  the  Presidents  of  the  cl.uich  who 
peared  frofn  among  men,  I  say  no!  assisted  in  seating  the  ccngrt  gati<!n, 
more  than  you  and  all  the  protectant  |we,re  reUictantly  compelled  to  6ider 
wo;  Id  says  ai&o;  and  if  this  is   not  the  Khe  door-kcej  ers    to    close    the    doors; 


gospel  order?  pray  what  is  it?  and  if 
it  is  the  gospel  order,  you  agree  wiih 
me  that  it  lias  disappeared. 

The  v.hole  matter  then  comes  to 
this,  that  tbie  gospel  as  set  foit!:  in  the 
Kew  Testament,  us  an  order  of  things 
through  which  men  v."ere  jTiade  par- 
takers of  the  power  of  'God  while  in 
the  fleth,  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  New 
Testament.  It  was  enjoyed  by  the 
rninistery  of  Apostles,  Prophets,  Evan- 
gelists 4>-'C.  -and  through  tlie  ministry 
of  these  men  the  pov/er  of  God  was 
received;  they  administered  to  tlie  be- 
lievers by  the  laying  on  of  the  jvands, 
and  the  power  of  God  attended,  and 
thus  men  in  days  of  old  received  the 
power  of  God  unto  sai\ati<jn,  and 
it  was  because  of  this,  that  the  gospel 
is  called  the  power  of  God  unto  salva- 
tion. 

You  ask  if  we  have  the  gospel,  and 
where  is  the  gospel? 

I  answer  that  the  pow-cr  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  got  it,  if  we  have  got 
the  gospel  that  is  the  way  we  have  got 
it,  and  this  power  we  profess  to  have, 
and  we  obtained  it  by  the  ministering 
of  Koly  Messengers. 

Thus  I  have  answered  your  queries 
in  as  few  words  as  possible  in  order  to 
cut  the  work  !5hort  in  righteousnflKs. 


every  seat  ai.d  aisle  wer£?  crowded. 
One  thousand  |  ersfinf  were  now  silent- 
ly and  solf  mnly  waiting  to  hear  the 
WGid  of  the  Lord  from  the  n*oulh  of 
his  seivanis  in  \ho  ?  ncicd  ck;;k.  Pres- 
ident S.  P.igdon  began  the  services  of 
I  he  cay,  by  reading  the  9eth  and  •24th 
Psalms.  An  e.xceiient  ch.oir  of  sing« 
ers,  led  !;y  M.  C.  Davis  sut:g  the  lol- 
lowing  Hymn: 

T^.'^'E — Sterling. 

Ere  long  the  vail  will  rend  in  twran, 
The  King  dfEcrnc)  will;  al!  his  train; 
The  car-Ji  tl  all  el  iike  with  awiui  Iright, 
And  all  creation  Teel  his  might. 

TJie  trujnn  cf  God,  it  long  sball  pound, 
And  raiss  tlie  nations  T)nt:(r  grovnd; 
Tlircughant  ihe  vast  coiruin  oi'heav'n 
Tlie  voice  echoes,  the  sound  is  given. 

Lift  t;p  yotir  hi^ncs  ye  paints  in  peace, 
Tlie  Savior  come;  ior  your  release; 
The  day  oi'the  redeein'd  lias  zccjne, 
The  saints  shail  all  be  welcom'd  home. 

behold  the  church,  it  soars  on  high, 
To  meet >the  saints  amid  the  sky; 
To  hail  the  Kii  g  in  clouds  oi  Sre, 
And  strike, and  tune  th'  imir-ortal  lyre. 

Hcsani  a  now  the  trump  shall  found, 
Proclaim  the  jrys  of  htav'n  around, 
When  all  the  sjiinis  together  join, 
In  songs  of  love,  and  ail  divine. 

With  Enoch  here  we  all  shall  meet, 
And  worship  at  Messiah's  leet, 
Unite  ov.r  Lanc's.and  hf  arts  ii;  love, 
Aixd  reign  on  thrones  with  Cisrist  above. 

Tbexity  that  was  seen  of  old 
Whose  walls  were  jasper,  and  streets  gold 
We'll  now  inherit  ihron'd  in  niighl: 
The  Father  and  the  Son's  delight. 

Celestial  crowns  we  shall  receive, 
And  glories  great  our  Gcd  shall  give, 
While  loud  hosannas  we'll  proclftim, 
And  sound  aloud  the  Saviors  n^me. 


^rESBENGER  AND  ADVOCATC^ 


STo 


Our  hearts  and  tonfnias  all  joined  in  one, 
A  loud  hxsanna  to  proclaim, 
While  all  llie  iiciiV'ns  shall  shout  again, 
And  ail  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: 

TUNE — Weymouth. 

O  happy  souls  who  pray 

WhTe  God  appoints  to  hew? 
O  hapj>j'  sainti)  w   o  pay 

Their  constant  service  tliire! 
We  prais?^  him  still; 
And  happy  we; 
We  love  the  way 
To  Zion's  hill. 

Xo  burning  iieats  by  day, 

^"or  blasts  of  evening  air, 
Sl;a;l  tak3  our  health  away, 
It' God  bi  with  lis  there: 
He  is  our  sun, 
And  he  our  shade, 
To  guard  the  head 
Byniglit  or  noon. 

God  13  the  only  Lord, 

Ojr  shield  and  our  defenc"; 
Wijh  gifts  his  hand  is  slor'd: 
We  draw  our  blessings  thence. 
He  will  bestow 
On  Jacobs  race, 
Pecuiar  grace, 
And  glory  too- 

The;  speaker  (S.  Rigdon,)  selected 
■the  8th  chapter  of  Matthew,  the  18,  19 
and  20th  verses  from  which,  ho  pro- 
posed to  address  the  congregation,  con- 
lining  himself  more  closely  to  the  20th 
verse — Me  spoke  two  hoK'rs  and  a  haif 
in  his  usual,  fcrcibii?  and  logical  man- 
ner. At  one  time  in  the  course  of  his 
remirks  he  was  rather  [lathetic,  than 
otherwise,  which  drew  tears  from  ma- 
ny eyes.  He  was  then  taking  a  rc- 
traspcc'ctvo  view  of  the  toils,  piivations 
and  anxieties  of  those  who  had  lal)or- 
cd  upon  the  walls  ol  the  house  to  erect 
Ihcm.  And  added,  there  were  those 
who  had  wet  them  with  their  tears,  in 
the  sileni  shades  of  night,  while  they 
were  praying  to  tiie  God  of  Heaven,  to 
protect  ihfyn,  and  stay  the  unhallowcxl 
hands  of  ruthless  spoilers,  who  had  ut- 
tered a  prophecy  when  the  foundaiion 
was  hid,  that  the  walls  would  never 
be  reared.  This  was  only  a  short  di- 
gression from  the  main  thread  of  his 
discourse,  which  he  soon  resumed. 

Here  it  may  not  be  improper  to  give 
a  synopsis  of  the  discourse  I'or  the  sat- 
isfaction of  our  readerij  wlio  were  not 
privileged  us  we  were  with  hearing  it. 


The  speaker  assumed  as  a  postulate, 
what  we  presume,  no  oiie  Was  disposed 
to  deny,  (viz:)  that  in  the  days  of  the 
Savior  there  were  Synagogues,  where 
the  Jews  worshipped  God,  and  in  ad- 
dition to  them,  the  splendid  Temple  at 
Jerusalem,  Yet,  when  on  a  certain 
occasion,  one  proposed  to  follow  him 
whithersoever  he  went,  He  though 
heir  of  all  things  cried  out  like  one  h\ 
the  bitterness  of  his  soul  in  abject  pov« 
erty,  The  Foxes  have  holes,  &c. — 
This,  said  the  speaker,  was  evidence 
to  Ills  mind,  that  the  Most  High  did 
not  put  his  noiTiC  there,  and  that  he 
did  not  accej-t  the  worship  of  those 
who  payed  their  vows  and  adorntiona 
there.  Tiii^  v^as  evident  from  the  fact 
that  they  would  not  receive  hiir.,  but 
thrust  him  from  them,  saying,  away 
with  him,  crucify  him!  crucify  him! 
!t  was  .tiierefore  abundantly  evident 
that  his  spirit  did  not  dwell  in  them. 
They  v.'cre  the  degenerate  sons  of  no- 
ble sires:  but  they  had  long  since  slain 
the  Proplicts  and  Seers  through  whom 
the  Lord  revealed  bimsc'f  to  the  child- 
ren of  nren.  Th.ey  were  not  led  by 
revelation,  T/.iv,  sail  the  speaker, 
was  the  grand  difTicuity  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. They  were  sincere  v/orshipers, 
but  their  worship  was  not  required  of 
them,  nor  was  it  acceptable  to  God. — 
The  Redeemer  himself  who  knew  the 
hearts  of  ail  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- 
scns,  and  all  diffo  ing  from  each  otb- 
cr,  that  they  were  led  by  fhe  precepts 
and  commandments  of  men.  Each 
had  something  peculiar  to  himself,  but 
all  agreed  in  one  point,  (viz:)  to  op- 
pose the  Redeemer.  So  that  wa  dis- 
cover he  could  with  the  utmost  propri- 
ety, exclaim,  notwithstanding  their 
synagogue  and  Temple  worship,  TiJio 
foxes  have  holes,  the  birds  of  tlie  air 
have  nests,  but  the  Son  of  inan  hath 
not  where  to  lay  liis  head.  He  took 
occasion  here  to  remark  that  such  di- 
versity of  sentiment  ever  had,  and  ever 
would  obtain  when  people  were  not 
led  by  present  revelation.  This 
brought  him  to  the  inevitable  conclu- 
sion that  the  various  80Ct3  of  the  prea- 


f}^ 


mnSiSEWOER  AKD  ADVOCAT*. 


«!nt  day,  from  their  manifesting  the 
«ame  spirit,  rested  under  tl)e  same 
condemnation  with  those  who  were  co- 
eval With  the  Savior.  Be  admitted 
there  were  many  huu.ses:  many  suffi- 
ciently great,  built  I'or  the  worship  ot' 
God,  but  not  one  except  this,  on  the 
face  oi'  the  whole  earih,  that  .was  built 
by  divine  revelation,  and  were  it  not 
for  this,  the  dear  Redeemer  might  in 
this  day  of  science,  this  day  of  intelli- 
gence, this  day  of  religion,  say  to 
tliose  who  would  follow  him,  Ti)e  fox- 
es have  holes,  the  birds  of  the  air  have 
nests,  but  the  Sen  of  man  hath  not 
where  to  lay  his  head. 

Mere  his  whole  soul  appeared  to  be 
fired  with  his  subject.  Arguments, 
strong  and  conclu.sive  seemed  almost 
to  vie  with  each  other  for  utterance, 
indeed,  there  was  no  sopliistrv  in  his 
reasoning,  no  plausible  hypothesis  on 
which  the  whole  rented,  but  on  the 
contrary  plain  scripture  facts.  Thert- 
fore  his  deductions  and  inferences 
^fi'ero  logical  and  conclusivo. 
■  The  comparison  drawn  between  the 
dicfen^nt  religious  sects  of  ancient  and 
modern  times,  was  perlectly  natural, 
and  simple  yet  it  was  done  in  that  coa- 
fident,  masterly  manner,  accompanied 
with  those  incontrovertabie  prools'of 
his  position,  that  was  directly  calcula- 
ted to  cheer  and  gladden  the  hearts  of 
the  Saints,  but  to  draw  do  »-n  the  indig- 
nation of  the  sectarian  world  upon  hi.i  « 
and  we  have  no  doubt,  had  our  speak 
er  uttered  the  same  sentiments,  with 
the  same  proof  of  their  correctness, 
had  there  been  those  present  that  we 
might  name,  his  voice  would  doubtless 
have  been  d'rowned  as  was  that  of  the 
Gncient  apostle  in  the  Athenian  Tem- 
ple, whoa  his  auditors  cried  incessant- 
ly for  about  trto  hours  -"Great  is  Di- 
ana of  the  E[)hesians." 

But  .to  conclude,  we  can  truly  say 
BO  one  unacquainted  with  the  manner 
of  delivery  and  style  of  onr  speaker 
can,  from  reading  form  any  adequate 
Idea  of  the  {towerful  effect  he  is  capa- 
ble of  producing  in  the  minds  of  his 
hearers.:  And  to  say  on  this  occasion 
he  showed  himself  master  of  his  sub- 
ject and  did  well,  would  be  cloing  him 
injustice;  to  5-ay  he  acquitted  himself 
with  honor  or  did  very  well,  would  be 
detracting  from  his  real  merit;  and  to 
say  that  he  did  exceeding  well;  would 
)3e  only  halting  praise. 

After  dosing  hia  diecourw  fee  pr»- 


sented  .Joseph  Smith  jr.  to  the  church 
as  a  Prophet  and  Seer.  The  Pre.>i- 
lien-ts  of  the  chuich  then  all  in  their 
seats,  acknowledgf-'d  him  as  such  by 
rising-.  'I'he  vote  was  unanimous  in 
the  affirmative. 

The  question  was  then  put,  and  car- 
ried without  a  manifest  dis^senting  sen- 
timent to  each  of  the  difierent  grades 
or  quorums  of  church  officers  respect- 
ively and  then  to  the  congregation. — • 
The  following  hymn  was  then  sung: 

TUNE floSilT'Tlil. 

Now  let  us  rfjoice  in  llie  c'a.}'  of  salvation, 

No  longT  as  strangers  on  earth  need  we  roam; 

Good  tidinga  ari  sounding  to  us  and  each  na- 
tion, 

And  shortly  Ih?  hour  of  redemplioa  will 
come; 

When  all  t-^t  was  proinis'd    the   saints  will 

be  given, 
And  none  vviil  molest   thcin  fro.'n  msm  until 

even, 
And  earU)  will  opprar  as  the  garden  of  Eden, 
And  Jesus  wJl  say  to  aii  Isrdil:  Come  home! 

We'll  love  one   anr^rhpr  and  never  dissemble. 

But  cease  to  cio  cvjI  and  fver  be  one; 

And  wlide  ihe  ungodiy  are  icaring  and  trem- 
ble. 

We'll  watch  for  the  day  v.'hen  the  Savior 
Biiall  con::e: 

When  all  that  was   promis'd  the   saint*   v/ill 

be  given, 
And  none  will  molest   them  from   morn  until 
*     -      eveil, 

And  i'artii  will  appear  as  the  garden  of  Eden, 
And  Jesui  will  say  to  all  Israel:  Come  homel 

In  fiiith  v?e'll  r  ;Iy  on  the  arm  of  Jeliovah, 
To  guide  tijrough  these  last  djys  ot   trouble 

andiglooin: 
And  after  tbe  9courg"s  and  harvest  are  over, 
We'll  rise  ivith    the  Just,    when   the   Savior 

doth  cGme: 

Then  all   that  was  proinis'd  the  aaints  will 

be  given. 
And  they   will  be   crown' d   as  the  angel   of 

h  aven: 
And  earth  will  appear  as  the  garden  of  Eden, 
And  Christ  and  liLs  people  wiil  evor  be  one. 

Services  closed  for  the  forenoon. 

Intertnission  was  about  l^^  minutes 
during  which  none  left  their  seats  ex- 
cep,t  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  commence 
ed  by  singing  the  following  hymn: 

TUNE — Adam-ondi-Akman, 

This  earth  was  once  a  garden  pI»oaj 
Wi  h  all  her  glories  common; 
And  men  did  live  a  holy  race. 
And  worship  Jesus  face  to  iac«^ 
is  Adaui-otidi-Ahinau, 


KESSENOER  AND  ADVOCATE- 


<?rr 


We  read  that  Enoch  wnik'd  with  God, 
A!)Ovt^  the  power  ot  Maniuion: 
Whue  Ziun  tpr-i&d  in-rs  li  abroiid, 
An'l  saints  an.i  aiijcic  sung  aloud, 
In  AdaiTi-oiidj-Ahiiian. 

Her  land  was  good  and  greatly  blfst^ 

Beyond  old  Israel's  Canaan: 
13 tf?  fkijif;  was  knowji  from  east  to  west; 
lier  peace  was  great,  and  pure  the  rest 

Oi  Ada;n-o!idi-Ahi!ian. 

Hosanr.B  to  such  days  *o  come-^-* 
The  SiViOr's  s  coiid  comin'*^ 

'When  all  the  earth  m  glorious  bloom* 

AiTortls  the  sainis  a  ho;y  Iwme 
Like  Aviain-ondi-AhLian. 

Pi'^sident  J.  Smilh  jr.  ihen  rose, 
nnri  after  ft  few  proliiniii'iry  remarks, 
pre'^critcd  the  several  Presidents  of  the 
«burcb.  then  [>reseni,  to  ihe  several 
<]uc)ruai.s  Tes;iev:tivelY,  and  then  to  the 
church  ;i.s  beirifr  equal  with  hlnise-lf, 
aCr::3o\vlotiffi:UT  them  to  be  Prrj[)h;;ts 
ond  Seers.  The  vote  was  unatiitnous 
211  the  allicmriiive  in  every  instance. — 
E'J':!5  of  the  diilerent  qdoriims  was  pre- 
sented in  its  turn  to  all  U:e  rest,  and 
then  tf>  the  church,  afid  received  an  1 
acknowledged  by  ali  fh^e  rest,  in  tlicir 
Kevera  stat  mhs  .■  iih  tut  a  man  let  d.  - 
seiiting  sentirnent.- 

Presidenl  J.  Smith  jr.  llien  addres- 
sed the  congreg-Uion  m  a  manner  cul- 
culatefl  to  instruct  the  understanding, 
rnther  thin  p'f'*''^  'he  ear,  and  at  or 
ahioui  the  close  of  his  remarks,  he 
pronlj^r'sied  to  all.  J^hat  inasmuch  as 
they  would  imltoid  these  men  in  their 
5evivr\I  station;^,  alluding  to  the  difTcr- 
ent  qm  urns  in  the  church,  the  Lord 
wouid  bless  them;  yea.  in  the  name  of 
Christ,  the  blessijiir-s  of  Hcavtin  siiall 
be  vours.  And  when  the  Lord's  an- 
nointed  go  forth  to  proclaim  the  word, 
bearing  ti.'Stimony  to  this  generation 
if  they  receive  it,  tiiey  shall  be  blessed, 
but  if  not,  the  judgments  of  God  will 
follow  cii>se  upon  them,  until  fhat  city 
or  thai  house,  that  rejects  them,  shall 
be  left  desolate.  The  following  hymn 
was  then  sung: 

TU>E — Dalston. 

How  pl?!is  1  ani  hletl  was  I, 

T'j  hear  tli  •  p  'ople  crv, 
"Coin^.  j'ft  as  seek  our  GoJ  to-dayl" 

Y  -s.  with  a  ciie  -rful  z-al, 

Wo' 11  liast'i  to  ;^ion'B  hili, 
And  tiiere  our  vows  and  honors  pay. 

Z:on  thric"  happy  p^ace, 
Adorn'fl  witii  wi^nilrous  orr.icfl, 
An  1  wails  orstr-^aiilh  embrace  theo  round! 
la  thee  our  tr ibos  appear. 
To  pray,  und  pr»i*o,  aM  h-ar 


The  sacred  gospel's  jcyful  iound. 

Tiiere  David'n  greater  Son 

Has  iix'U  his  royal  liirone; 
lie  siiK  for  grace  and  ju(lgn":ent  thens 

J'e  bids  the  Eaint  be  gJad, 

He  makes  the  sinner  sad, 
And  humble  souls  rejoice  with  feat. 

May  p«ace  attend  thy  frates, 

And  joy  witiun  thee  wait, 
To  bh-63  the  soul  of  every  jruesli 

The  man  that  s^eks  thy  peace. 

And  viishes  thine  increase, 
A  Ihciisand  blessings  on  hiniresU 

My  tongue  r<»pDats  her  vovrs, 

'•feace  to  this  sacred  house! 
For  here  my  frienils  nnd  kindred  dweHi'^ 

And  since  my  glorious  God 

Mak>  s  ti:ee  his  blest  ahode, 
My  soul  sjiall  ever  love  thee  well. 

He  then  offered  the  dedication  pray- 
er, >\-hich  was  as  follov.'s: 

Th.'vnxs  bo  to  thy  name,  O  Lord 
God  of  isracl,  who  keepest  covenant 
and  shewest  mercy  unto  thy  servants, 
who  v/alk  uprightly  before  thee  with 
all  their  hearts:  thou  who  hast  com- 
manded thy  servants  to  build  an  house 
to  thy  name  in  this  place.  (Kirtland.) 
And  now  thou  b<hoide:-t,  O  Lord,'  that 
so  thy  servants  have  done,  a>  cording 
to  thy  commandment.  And  now  we 
ask  thee,  holy  Father,  in  the  name  of 
Jesus  Christ,  the  Sonof  Ihy  bosom,  iu 
whose  name  alone  salvation  can  be  ad-^ 
ministered  to  the  children  of  men:  tvs 
ask  thee,  O  I.»OTd,  to  accept  of  thia 
house,  the  workmanship  of  the  'Aanda 
of  u?;  thy  servants,  which  ihou  didst 
command  us  to  build;  for  thou  know- 
est  that  w(!  h;'.ve  done  this  work  through 
great  tribulation:  and  out  of  our  p.ovcr- 
ty  w(;  have  given  of  our  substance  to 
build  a  house  to  thy  name,  that  the 
Son  of  ?>Ian  might  have  a  place  to  inan- 
ifest  himself  to  his  people. 

And  as  thou  hast  said,  in  a  re^clri- 
tion  given  unto  us,  calling  U3  tlfy 
friends,  saying — "Call  your  solemn  as- 
scnibly,as  I  have  commanded  you;  antf 
as  all  have  not  faith,  seek  je  diligent- 
ly and  teach  one  another  words  of 
wi?dom;  yea,  seek  ye  out  of  the  bfst 
books  words  of  wisdom:  Seek  learn- 
ing, even  by  study,  and  also  by  faith. 

"Organize  yourselves;  prepare  evfr- 
ry  needful  thing,  and  rstablis'i  a  hous<i, 
even  a  house  of  pravor,  a  house  of 
fasting,  a  house  of  faith,  a  hou-'c  of 
learning,  a  bourse  of  glory,  a  houso  of 
order,  a  house  oi  God:  that  your  in- 
comings m?vy  b^  »*»   th«   ncmr^   rf  fh» 


S7S 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


Lord;  that  your  out  goings  may  be  hi 
the  name  of  the  Lore?:  that  ail  your  sal- 
utation?, may  be  in  the  name  of  the 
Lord,  with  opUfted  hands  to  tlie  Most 
Hio-h." 


angels  have  charge  over  them;  an<i 
frotn  this  place  they  may  bear  exceed' 
mg  great  and  glorious  tidings,  in  truth, 
unto  the  enda  of  the  earth,  that  they 
may   know  that  this  is  tiiy  work,   and 


And  now,  holy  Father,  wo  nsl:  thee  j  t'lai  thou  hast  put  forth    thy    hand,    to 


to  assist  us,  thy  people  withthy  grace 
in  calling  our  solemn  assembly,  that 
it  may  be  done  to  thy  honor,  and  to  thy 
divine  acceptance,  and  in  a  manner 
t'nat  \vc  n7riy  be  found  worthy,  in  tiiy 
sie-ht,   to   secure    a    fultiinaent    oi'  the 


fulfil  that  which  thou  lias  spoken  by 
the  mouths  of  thy  prc^phets  concernifig 
the  last  days. 

We  ask  thee,  hoiy  Father,  to  estab- 
lish the  peofile  that  shall  worship  and 
honorably    hold  a  name    and  standing- 


promises  which  thou   hast   matle  unto   in  tins   thy  house,    to   ail    generations, 
us  thy  poor>!e,  in  th.e   revelations  given  j  and  ior  eternity,  that  no  weapon  lorm- 


unto  us:  that  thy  glory  n)ay  rest  do's'n 
upon  thy  people,  and  upon  this  thy 
liouse,  which  we  now  dedicate  to  thee, 


cd  against  them  shall  prosper;  that  he 
vx?ho  dtggeth  a  pit  for  them  shall  fall 
into  the  same  himself;   that  no  eombi- 


that  it  may  be  sanctiiied  and  consecra- '  nation  of  wickconess  ahail  have  pow- 
tcdto  be  iioiy,  and  that  thy  holy  pres-  er  to  rise  up  and  prevail  over  thy  peo- 
cnco  mav  be  continually  in  this  house;  pie,  upon  whom  thy  name  shall  be  put 
and  that  all  people  who  shall  enter  up-  in  this  house:  and  if  any  people  shall 
on  tlic  tiireshhald  of  the  Lord's  house  rise  against  this  peiple,  that  thine  an- 
inay  ieel   thy  power  and  be  constrain- |  gerbe    kindled    against    theni:    and   If 


cd  to  acknowladge  that  Ihou  liast  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 
houoc,  may  be  taught  words  of  wisdom 
out  (f  the  best  books,  and  that  they 
may  seek  learning,  even  by  study,  and 
also  by  faith;  as  thou  hast  said;  and 
that  ti;ey  may  grow  up  in  thee  and  re- 
cei\o  a  tulness  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  and 
be  c-rganixcd  according  to  thy  laws,  and 
he  prepared  to  obtain  every  needful 
thing:  and  that  this  house  may  be  a 
house  of  prayer,  a  house  of  Jfasting, 
a  house  of  fattn,  a  bouse  of  glory,  and 
of   Go;!,  even  thv  lionse:  that^tiH    tiic 


they  shall  smite  th?s  peofde,  thou  wift 
srnite  them — thou  wiit  fight  for  thy 
peoj)ie  as  thou  didst  in  the  day  of  bat- 
tle, that  they  may  be  d^drvered  fitim 
the  iiands  of  all  their  enemies. 

We  ask  thee,  h(jly  Father,  to  con- 
found, and  af>tonish,  and  bring  to 
shame,  and  coniusion,  all  those  wha 
have  s[)rcad  lying  reports  abroad  over 
the  world  again.>t  thy  servant,  or  ser- 
vants, if  they  will  not  repent  when  tiie 
everlasting  gospel  shall  be  proclaimed 
in  their  eavL;,  and  that  all  their  works 
may  be  brought  to  nou  at,  and  be 
swept  away  by  the  hail,  and  by  the 
judgments,  \vhich  thou  wilt  sent)  upon 
ii  in  thine  anger,  that  there    may  be 


incomings   of    thy     people,    into   this !  an  end  to  iymgs  and   slanders    against 


liouse,  may  be  ia  the  name  of  tb 
Lord;  that  all  tlicir  outgoings,  from 
this  hou:"iO,  may  be  ia  the  name  of  the 
Lord;  that  alt  their  salutations  may  be 
in  the   name  of  the    Lord,    with    holy 


thv  people:  for  thou  knowest,  O  Lord, 
that  thy  servants  have  been  innocent 
before  thee  in  bearing  record  of  thy 
name  for  which  they  have  suflered 
these  things;  tharciore  vve  pioad  t^oibro 


nands,  uplifted  to  the  Most  High;  and  !  tliee  for  a  i'uU  andcomi-dete  deliverance 


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,  and  find  tavor  in 
thy  sight,  and  be  restored  to  the  bless- 
ings which  thou  hast  ordained,  to  be 
poured  o'lt  upon  those  v.'ho  shall  rev- 
erence thee  in  this  thy  house. 

And  we  ask  thee,  holy  Father,  that 
thy  servants  may  go  forth  from  this 
b.o'use,  armed  with  thy  power,  and  that 
thy  nan^c  niny  bs  upon  them  and  thy 
jylory  '»  round  about  them,  nnd  thin 


from  under  this  yoke.  Break  it  otY 
O  Lord:  br  jak  it  olf  from  the  necks  of 
thy  servants,  by  thy  power,  that  we 
m.av  rise  up  in  the  midst  ai'  this  gener- 
ation and  do  thy  work* 

O  Jehowih,  have  mercy  upon  this 
people,  and  as  all  men  sin,  forgive  the 
transgressions  of  thy  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  Uj^on 
those  on  the  day  of  Pentacost:  let  tho 
gift  of  t<'>nguas  k^i  pouved  cut  upontbjr 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


cr? 


people,  even  cloven  tongues  ks  of  lire, 
and  the  interpretation  thereof.  And 
let  thy  house  be  filled,  as  with  a  rush- 
ing mii^hty  wind,  witlj  thy  glory. 

Put  upvi  thy  servants  the  testimony 
of  the  C-.  ve<5a:!t,  that  \\h-:in  they  go  out 
and  pfj-vjl-iim  tiiy  word,  ihey  may  seal 
un  the  lew,  and  prepare  the  hearts  of 
t'ky    sriiats    for  all   those    iivJgement.s 


hearts  flow  out  in  sorrow  because  o 
their  grievous  burdens.  O  Lord,  how 
long  wilt  thou  suiTer  this  people  to  bear 
this  sfliiGtion,  and  the  cries  of  their 
innocent  ones  to  ascend  up  in  thine 
ear^,  and  liioir  blood  to  come  up  in  tes- 
timony bofopj  thee,  and  not  make  a 
disphy  of  thy  power  in  their  behalf? 
Have    nfiercy»    t)   Lord,    upon    *hat 


thou  art  ab:)Ut  to  send,  in  thy  v^rath,  [  wicked  mob,  who  have  driven  thy  peo- 
ple, tiiat  they  may  cease  to  spoil,  that 
they  may  repent  of  their  sins,  if  re- 
pe  itanco  is  to  be  found;  but  if  they 
will  no^,  H?akc  bear  thine  arm  O  Lord, 
and  redeem  that  wliieh  thou  didst 
point  a  Z^.oa  uHto  tlty  people! 

And  if  it  can  not  bo  otherwise,  that 
the  cause  of  thv  people  may  not  fail 
i)efore  thee,  may  tiiine  anger  be  kin- 
dled and  thine  indignation  fall  upon 
tliem,  tliat  they  may  be  wasted    away, 


upon  the  inriubitauts  oi  the  earth,  bc' 
cau.se  of  iheir  tran>grcssions,  that  thy 
peooic  nriv  not  faint  in  the  day  of  trou- 
ble.' 

And  wiijLiover  city  (by  servants 
shall  enter,  and  the  people  of  that  city 
receive  their  teotiinony.  let  thy  peace 
and  Ihy  salvation  be  upon  that  city, 
that  they  may  gather  out  of  that  city 
the  rigiiieous,  that  they  may  come 
forth,  to  Zion,    or    to    her  stakes,    the 


"f 


places  o'^  thine  appointment,  witli  sungs  i  both  root  and  brancli  from  under  hcav 
of  everlasting  joy, — and   until  this  be 
nccomplislied  let  not  thy  judgments  fall 
upon  that  city. 

And  whatever  city  tijy  servants  shall 
enter,  and  the  people  of  that  city  re- 
ceive not  the  testimony  of  thy  Eerv-j  iiave  mercy,  U  J^ortj,  upon 
ants,  RiKl  thy  servants  warn  them  to  j  .nations  of  tire  earth:  have  mercy  upon 
save  themselves  from  this  Uiitowar-d  j  the  rulers  of  our  laiid:  may  tiioso 
generition,  let  it  be  upon  tiial  city  <>:;-  principles  which  w.-rre  so  honorably 
cording  to  that  wliich  thou  hast  sps^k-  and  nobly  defended:  viz,  tiie  constitu- 
cn,  by  the  niouths  :>f  thy  prophets;  butition  of  oar  land,  by  our  fathers,  be  es- 
deiiver  t'jou,    O    Jehovah,   we  beseech '  tab! ished    for.'^ver.        iiemembcr     the 


en:  but  in  as  raucii  as  they  will  repe  it, 
tbou  art  gracious  and  merciful,  and 
v.'i.ll  turn  away  thy  wrath,  when  thou 
lonkest  upon  the  face  of  thine  aiinoint- 
ed, 

liave  mercv,  O   L 


.-. '! 


thee,    thy  servants   Cr.y.n   th^rii 


ig3,  liic  princes,  the 


les,  and  tho 
n.fl  !  cioan.se  them  froai  iiieir  Llovd,  O  j  great  ones  of  the  earth,  and  ail  peo- 
Lord,  we  deliglit  not  in  the  destruction  1  pie;  and  the  churches:  all  the  j.-oor, 
of  our  fellow  ai.jn:  their  souls  are  pre-lth;;  needy  and  the  atHictcd  ones  of  the 
cious  b'jfere  thee;  but  thy  word  must!  earth,  that  their  hearts  may  bo  soften- 
b'J  fiil filled: — help  thy  servants  to  say.  ed  when  thy  servants  shall  go  out 
with  thy  grace  as.-ii.sluig  them,  tiiy  will  I  from  thy  house,  O  Jehovaii,  to  bear 
be  d:*ne,  O  Lord,  and  not  ours.  j  lestimony  of  thy  nanse,  that  their  prej- 

W'e  knov/ that  thou  Inst  spoken  by  •  udices  may  give  way  before  liio  truth, 
the  mouth  of  thy  prophets,  terribie  j  arid  tliy  people  may  obtain  favor  in 
things  concerning  the  wicked,  in  the] the  sight  of  a'i,  liiat  all  tiie  ends  of 
last  days,  that  thou  v/ilt  pour  out  thy  tite  earth  may  know  that  we  thy  serv- 
ants have  heard  thy  voice,  and  that 
th;)u  hast  sent  us,  that  from  ariiong  ail 
these  thy  servants,  the  sons  of  Jacob, 
m:iy  gather  out  the  righteous  to  build 
a  holy  city  to  thy  name,  as  thou  lia.st 
comnvinded  them. 

We  ask  thee  to    ar>r,-'int   unto  Zi  ■■n 


judgmMits,  witliout  measure:  th' 
fore,  O  Lord,  deliver  thy  people  from, 
the  calamity  of  the  wiokef^;  enable  thv 
i.orvanti  to  seal  up  the  law  and  bind 
up  the  lestmiony,  that  thoy  may  be 
prepared  against  tiie  day  of  burning. 

We  ask  tliee,  holy  Fatljer,  to  re- 
member those  w'l  5  hive  been  driven  j  other  stakes  besides  thi,-)  one,  wlrieh 
by  the  i.ohibitants  of  Jacicson  county,  thou  hast  appointed,  that  tho  gatheung 
Missouri,  tVom  tho  lauds  of  their  inlier-  of  thy  people  m.iy  roil  on  in  great 
itanco.  and  break  oft".  O  Lord,  this  power  and  majesty,  that  thy  v,orki)iay 
yoke  of  a'Tlicfion,    that  has    been   puti  be  cut  sliort  in  ri;;htoousnes.s. 


upon  thorn.  Tluu  knowest,  O  Lord, 
that  they  have  been  greatly  oppressed, 
•nd  »<Hicte.d,  by  -^vlckfi  m'in,  «nJ  our 


Nov/  these  words,  O  Lord,  we  hav*.-* 
spoken  before  thea,  coacorning  top 
ftVftlalioDS  a'i'i    «"on>m.'^ndm«»viti<  wt^^ch 


jnSiwE?rGa»  ajt*  adVdcat». 


thou  hast  given  unto  us,  whs  are  iden- 
tified with  the  Gentiles; — But  tiiou 
knowest  thnt  we  have  a  great  love  for 
the  children  of  Jacob  who  have  been 
scattered  upon  the  mountains;  for  a 
long  time  in  a  cloudy  ynd  dark  day. 

VVe  therefore  ask  thee  to  have  mer- 
cy upon  the  children  oi'  Jacob,  th.it 
Jerusalem,  from  this  hour,  may  begin 
to  be  icdeemed;  and  the  yoke  of  bond- 
age may  begin  to  bs  broken  off  from 
the  house  of  David,  and  th.e  children 
of  Judah  may  begin  to  return  to  the 
lands  ^vhich  thou  didst  give  to  Abra- 
ham, their  father,  and  cause  that  the 
remnants  of  Jacob,  who  have  been 
cursed  and  smitten,  because  of  their 
transgression,  ti>  be  converted  from 
their  wild  and  savage  condition,  to  the 
fulness  of  the  everlasting  gospel,  that 
they  may  lay  down  their  weapons  of 
bloodshed  and  cease  their  rebtiiior.s. 
And  may  all  the  scattered  remnants  of 
Israel,  who  have  been  driven  to  the 
ends  of  the  earth,  come  to  a  knowl- 
edge of  the  truth,  believe  in  the  Mes- 
siah, and  be  redeemed  from  opp;es- 
aion,  and  rejoice- before  thee. 

O  Lord,  remember  thy  servant  Jo- 
seph Smith,  jr.  and  all  his  aiHictior-s 
and  perseciitions,  how  he  b.as  covman- 
ted  with  Jehovah  and  vowed  t..  thee,  O 
mighty  Gud  of  Jacob,  and  the  com- 
mandments which  thou  bast  given  un- 
to him,  and  that  he  hath  sincerely 
■trove  to  do  thy  will. — Have  mercy,  6 
Lord,  upon  his  wife  and  children,  that 
they  may  be  exalted  in  thy  presence, 
nnd  preserved  by  thy  fostering  hand,. 
Have  mercy  upon  all  theirT  immediate 
connexions,  that  their  prejudices  may 
be  broken  up,  and  swept  away  as  with 
a  flood,  that  they  may  be  conver»ed 
ssnd  redeemed  with  Israel  and  know 
that  thou  art  God.  Remember,  O 
Lord,  the  presidents,  even  all  the  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  perpetii- 
atcd  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  afflictt-d  ones,  with  all  the 
i>oor  and  meek  of  the  earth,  that  the 
kingdom  which  thou  hast  sot  up  with- 
out hands,  may  become  a  groat  moun- 
tain and  fill  the  whole  earth,  that  thy 
e'htrrch   mnv  t/>rm   f«rth   crjft  «f  th»' 


wildernssrs  of  darknets,  and  shifts' 
forth  fair  as  the  moon,  clear  as  the 
sun,  and  terrible  as  sn  army  with  bm- 
nera.  and  he  addortied  hk  a  hFirlf  for 
that  day  when  tht;u  shalt  un\rri  the 
heavens,  and  CKUse  the  irrouniains  to 
slow  down  at  thy  presence,  and  the 
valleys  to  f)e  e>:alted.  the  rough  places 
made  smooth,  that  thy  glory  may  fill 
the  earth. 

That  v.hen  the  trump  s-'iall  snand 
for  the  dead,  we  shall  be  caught  up  iff 
the  cloud  to  meet  tl^.ee,  that  we  may 
ever  be  with  the  Lord,  that  our  gar- 
ments may  be  pure,  that  we  may  be 
clothed  upon  with  robes  of  righreous- 
ness,  with  palms  in  our  hands,  and 
crowna  of  glory  upon  oi  r-  head:*,  and 
reap  eternal  joy  for  all  our  t?uffer- 
ngs,  O  Lord,  God  Almighty,  hear  u» 
in  these  our  petitions,  and  answer  us 
from  heaven,  ihy  holy  habitcHion, 
where  ihou  siltest  enthroned,  with 
glory,  honor,  power,  rnajestv,  might, 
domin.on,  truth,  justice,  judgement, 
mercv  and  an  infinity  of  fulness,  from 
everlasting  to  everla^ting. 

O  hear,  O  hear,  O  hear  us,  O  Lord, 
and  answer  these  petitions,  and  accept 
the  dedication  of  this- bouse,  unto  thee, 
the  work  of  our  hands,  which  we 
have  built  unto  thy  naime;  and  also  tliis 
church  to  put  ui><>n  it  thy  n)  mf.  And 
help  us  by  the  power  oi"  thy  k^pirit,  that 
we  mav  mingle  our  voices  with  those 
bright  shining  seraphs,  around  thy 
throne  with  acclamr.tions  o<  praise, 
sint^iug  h'sanna  to  (lodajid'tlu;  Lamb: 
and  let  the^e  thine  anuoinled  ones  bo 
clothed  with  salvation,  and  thy  saints 
shojt  aloud  foij  ly.     Amkn  and  Amen 

The  choir  then  sung  a  hymn. 
TUNE — Hosanrut. 

The  Spirit  of  Goil  like  afire  is  burning^ 

The  L.tttn-  rt..y  ;:lory  heciiis  to    omt:  liirtti; 
Ttirt  visiotis  i.u  I  tilf.-B  iigs  (i:  oi;l  ;.rfc  rotiitr.ir.ffj 

TIse  i  ntHls  c^re    oiiiii*;  Ui  visit  the  e;  rtii. 
We'll  sing  &.  We'll  sliUutwitfiUic  ..rmiCB  ofbetives: 

Hos;  una,  bosunii*-.  to  OoJ  find  the  L.  iiiU 
Lfct  «rIory  to  tlir.iii  in  tbe  liigliest  be  eivti;, 

Henceforth  and  foruvcr-.  tfHien  i.nl  uniuu! 

The  Lor.t  is  extcndina  the  saiitts'  unierstKrdinj— 
Ucatoring  tlitir  jialgcs  Knd  iiU  i.s  nt  first; 

Tlu:  kr.ovvle^lge  -.lK^X  pow,?r  of  *Jod  .re  exp.'-n.iing: 
Tiio  V,  il  s;er  liie.  e.;i  h  is  "egicr.ir.g  ia  buriC 

We'll  sing  an.i  we'll  shout  &•;. 

We  CT.il  in  o  :r  «o'erati  .?sspi'.ti;;s,  in  spirit. 
To  spri;.;  i  lortli  tli  ■  kin  ;do;ri  of  hoaven  htroad, 

Th  t  v'o  through  our  faith  nUiV  tsegin  'o  irihvrit 
The  visions-.,  .-inl  '  l-ssin.;8,  nnri  glorit*  of  Go-L 

We'll  sing  end  we'll  shout  &<•. 

WVl!  wrsh.rn.tlift  w.Ts'.i'.?,  -nd  vrithoil  h6';r.oinlc<l 
Vritlitxl  not  oniittin'i  tho  w.  abing  offtH't: 

For  hi;  th^t  reRivt:tll  hU  vrxw  t.pfointe-l, 
RJiis?  surely  becle.-.n  aitije  b»rvec4of  wherrfr 

We'^H  *<ti3  f.E<^  w^'H  stKKrt  &Ui, 


ifCSSS.TGaft  ASt>  ADTOCAtl. 


sav 


Oi.!  Isra»l  Itujt  fl»-l  from  lh»  woriJl  t'wr  bis  frssiUfUi, 
irf.i«i-  cu^jto  w.va  iki  J<4ai  im-i  lU<4  pilliLT,  iuunin: 

Wk';I  *in»  -iiJ  TTB'ii  »ilou;  wt^. 

Hot  blo^s ;}  ths?  dir  Trhsn  th-j  Inmb  ani  tho  lion 

S.iiil!  Iii   ;o\Tii  toj  :;h;r  withOiit  KiiV  ir  ; 
An  i  ripRraiu  be    row:r  1  wi'li  his  h!  .ssi;,^  in  Zlon, 

As  J-'s.u  .l.!s  i:!!  !«  w;;h  hiS  •  h  .rii)t»  oT'ir"; 
^Vti'I!  fxnif  &.iTo'll«iio-,it  wifil  //»«ain)ii-B  of  Uedvei  l  i  SOlT.SWb.at    involved. 

Ho!i-.iin  .,  Ilos  .un.i  to  Go  i  u:i  1  the  La  u  >'. 
I-^t  ?ln-y  to  liii-ni  in  the  hirthest  lie  jivtn, 

Hrin:e:'orlh  i.nJ  forsvar:  ajnun  au-i  luncn. 


President  Smith  then  asked  the  s^v- 
onil  q:5')ruir.3  sep.irateiv  and  then  the 
Cingrejjntion,  if  thf^y  acoapted  the 
pra.yer.  Ths  vote  was,  in  «very  in- 
Btan.-e,   uninim  vj3  in  ih^.  affin^-live. 

Tii«  Eir^hirist  Wa^  administered. — 
D.  C.  S:nith  blessed  the  broad  and 
win.;  and  they  ware  dislributed  by  s-jv- 
cra!  E!:Jsrs  pre;ie,it,  to  tha  church. 

Prtnident  J*  Smith  jr.  th-;n  arose 
nnl  bore  recird  of  his  mi-^^sion.  D.  C. 
S  nith  '3  ir3  r<*cord  uf  the  truth  of  the 
wirk  of  the  LjrJ  in  wiiich  we  are 
cng.i^e.d. 

President  O.  Cowdrry  .spoke  and 
t-^'tin-jd  of   tha   truth  of   the    book    erf 


due;  not  only  for  their  quiet  deme^iior 
during  the  wtiole  oxeroise,  which  last- 
ed more  than  eight  hours,  but  tor  thoir 
great  liberality  in  contributing  of  their 
earthly  substance  for  the  relief  of  tbo^ 
buiiding  committee,  who  were  yet 
As  this  was  to 
be  a  d'jsy  oT  sacrifice,  ns  well  as  ef 
fasting, — There  was  a  man  placed  at 
each  door  m  the  morning  to  recoiro 
the  voluntary  donations  of  those  who 
en*. 'red.  On  counting  the  collection  it 
amounted  to  nine  hundred  and  eixty 
three  doiiars. 


Kirtland,  Ohio,  March,  183^ 
Dear  P.4 rents: 

Although  1  havo  writ- 
ten you  several  times  upon  the  sub- 
j-^ct  of  religion,  since  I  bid  you  adieu, 
to  go  at  the  command  of  God  and  prf>- 
ciaim  the  gosjjel;  and  perhaps,  havo 
wenried  yo;ir  patience,  yet  you  will 
excuse  me  when  I  declare  to  you,  that 


it  is  t'l  >ni  a  sense  of  duty  I  owe  to  my 
M  )r  non,  and  of  the  work  of  the  Lord  !  Heavenly  F  .ther,  and  to  you  my 
in  these  la.<t  davs.  j  earthly  parents,    that  I   manifest  such 

Pro-;ident  F.  G.  William=5  bore  re-  deep  interest  upon  this  subject.  In 
o.-d  ihit  a  EI  ily  Angol  of  God,  cama  j  my  form-r  communications  to  you  I 
and  3  -t  betvvt.'en  li'm  and  J.  Smith  sen.  i  have  not  failed  to  speak  of  the  gospel, 
wniie  th'i  hojsi  w.ti  beiii;^  dedicated,    'and  invite  you  to   lay  aside   your  prej- 

Prosiient  Hyri.-n  omith,  (on;  of  i  udice  and  investigate  it.  And  know- 
the  builJi.Tg  committee)  mule  some  ]  ing  that  it  is  of  the  first  importance, 
appropriite  rein  irks  concernin:^  the  ,  that  the  tundamental  principles  of  tho 
hji-^-j,  cingratulitin.^  those  wlio  hid  dictrine  of  Christ,  should  be  well  un- 
cn  laral  s.)  m  my  todi  an!  privations  |  dorstood,  and  that  your  opportunities 
t  I  ereot  it.  That  it  wa^;  the  Lord's  |  for  obtaining  this  knowledge  are  limit- 
hoise  built  bv  his  commandment  and 
he  v/ould  bless  them. 

Prr'sid:;nt    S.    Rieiui    then   made,  a 


eil,  I  shall  confine  my  remarks  moro 
particularly  to  that  subject:  you  no 
doubt  will  iTVirvel  that  such  an  cxpres- 


few  appropri.-ito  clo.iing   remarks;  and  :  si  ni  should  drop  from  my  pen;,  knovt^,--^ 
a  short  pr.iyer   wljich  was    ended  with|in.j;  that   you  have  been    professors   of"' 


lou  I  acciimitions  of  flosanna!  Ho- 
sanna!  rlosam-ia  to  God  and  the  Lamb, 
Amt-n.  Amen  and  Amen!  Three 
tiin'ii.  Elder  B,  Young,  one  of  the 
TA'_dvo,  (jave  a  short  addres.^  in 
tongui-!^;  EM-r   D.   W.    Patten    inter- 


religion,  (at  least)  from  my  child- 
hood. Although  I  stand  intiiat  relation 
to  y  u,  in  vvSpcI  the  Savior  says  a 
teacher  is  without  honor,  beingof  your 
own  household.  Yet  do  not  consider 
me  assuming,  for  my   desire   is   vour 


pp.'t.id  and   give  a  short  exhortation  in  '  salvation  and    the  glory  of   God;  and 


tongu^^s  himself;  after  whicii,  Presi-lthe  thin-^s  which  I  sivall  declare  aro 
donf  .1.  Smith  jr.  blessed  the  congre- 1  those  v/hich  [  know  and  most  assured- 
g'ltion  in  tho  name  of  the  i>ord,  ami  at ;  ly  behove.  But  I  pray  you  in  tho  namo 
n.  iiitle  past  foui  P.  M  the  whole  e.\- j  of  Christ  to  dismiss  your  surprise,  and 
ercise    closed    and    tho     congr<'gation !  divest   your    mind    of   prejudice,    and 


di.sper-ieil. 


prepossession,  and   every   other   con* 


We  furtiier  ad  i    that    we    sliouhi  do   sideration   which  is  unconnected    with 


violence  to  our  own  i'eeiings  and  in- 
ji-'*ire  to  th  r  real  merit  of  our  breth- 
r-n  and  friond.^  who  attended  tho  meet- 
ing, wor«  wo  hero  to  withhold  a  meed 


tho  subject  of  the  gospel  of  Christ,  uod 
this  onc(;  hear  nio  patiently. 

I  wouhl  observe    then    in  tho   com- 
mcneemeijt  •f  my  remarks    upon  this 


♦f  prawR^   vkfoh  vm  think  »«  tiioir  just  I  subje-ctv  that  thf)  jjontpKj  h  a  8chm««  of 


sea       

fhings  whicli  v/as  devised  ia  eternity. 
'  For  the  Lam!)  (Christ)  wixs  slain 
from  the  iVjimiiation  cf  the  world,"  to 
cflect  the  redemption  of  the  same. — 
Rev.   18:  8; — And  the  salvation  ofthe 


MSSSrvCER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


ob?.ained  promises,  stopped  thu  n-outfes 
of  lions  quenched  the  violence  of  fire, 
escaped  the  edga  of  the  sword,  out  of 
weakness  were  niade  strong,  waxed 
valiant  in  fight,   turned  to  fiiglit  the 


human  family  has  becPi   conducted    by  j  mies  of   tiie  aliens,  are    no*/   eujoyirMr 
the  undevintinp  ha!>d  of   God  upon  the  j  "life  and  imrnorlalitv,'*'  it  is  on  accuunt 


same  nrin(5iple  precfseiy^  in  ail  ages  oS 
the  v/orid;  a-<d  ever  will  be,  so  long 
as  He  remains  an  unchan^iblo  Bein^. 


of  ihe  atonement  of  Christ,  atid  the 
power  of  Wis  redeift[)lion.  And  this 
same  Apostle,  v.'ho  was  not  converted 


and  manages  tne  salvation  ol  iiis  crea-j  lotlie  cursstian  religion,  until  years 
lures  himself.  The  apostle  Paul  injafferthe  deafh  of  t!>c  Savior,  says, 
his  2!id  Epistle  to  Timothy  1:  iO.  ia- j  t!i;it  a  dispensation  of  the  gospel  wa» 
forms  us  that  "Life  and  immortality  j  committed  unto  him.  1st  Corinthians- 
vvas  broiiglit  to  light   through  the   gos-|9:   IT. 

peL"  U  Enoch,  who  v/aiked  with  his  |  T'lso  fact  is,  the  gospel  is  the  same 
Maker  300  years  and  was  not  foLmd,  j  in  all  ages  of  tho  world,  and  when 
becnuse  God  had  translated  him,  is  en- 1  God  culls  a  man,  cither  by  ills  voici; 
joying  immortality,  it  was  in  conse- i  from  the  lieavens,  by  the  revelation 
quence  of  his  extensive  knowledge  of  j  of  angels,  or  by  the  spirit  of  prophecy; 
the  gospel.  If  Noah,  who  v/as  in- j  to  warn  the  iiihabitants  of  the  earth  of 
structed  of  God  to  prepare  aa  ark  to  j  approacliing  dr.nxjer,  and  cry  ropent- 
ihe  saving  of  himself  and  liousc;  ai>d  j  ance  unto  them;  a  dispensation  of  the 

gospel  is  commi-ttod  to  his  cliarge,  in- 
dependant  of  any  commission  or  dis- 
pen-sati'on  committed  to  others.  He 
alone  can  act  under  that  com-mission; 
his  successors  ca»not  take  it  up,  and 
legally  act  under  it.  li  they  attain  to 
this  lug!)  calling,  it  m.ust  be  in  tho 
same  way,  and  from  tlic  same  authori- 
ty, and  the  same  benefits  will  result  to 
those  v.'ho  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  s<'i-mc  plan  of  salvation,  whether  it 
n  in  the  heart   of    Enoch,    Noah, 


by  his  testimony  alone,  condemned 
the  whole  self-righteous  antcdeluvian 
world  J  and  became  heir  of  the  viglrt- 
eousness  which  is  by  l'a;th,  and  is 
now  in  the  enjoyment  of  life  and  im- 
mortality; lie  most  assuredly  under- 
stood the  gospel.  If  Elij;ih,  who  5;motc 
tho  rolling  floods  of  .lord-in,  and  caus- 
ed its  waters  to  stand  uprigiit  on  either 
hand,  while  he  passed  ovcv  on  dry 
ground;  was  wafted  to  the  fair  climes 
of  immortality,  and  eternal  life,  by  the 
fiery  chariots  of  Israel  aad  the  Iwrs:- 
men  ttercof;  it  v.-as  because  of  ti-.G 
at(Uiement  of  Christ,   and   hi^   knowl- j  d 


!,.<=: 


edge  of,  antl  obedience  to  tiio   Gospel.  |  Abraham,  Isai^ih,  St.  Paul,  Joseph;   or 
And  again,    "The  scriptures   foresee-  even  in    the   heart  of   your   unworthy 


ing  that  God  would  jvistify  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  and  im- 
mortality were  brought  to  light 
through  the  gospel."  Consequently  if 
these  saints  Vifhosc  names  are  written 
above,  with  a  multitude  of  others-,  wlw 
through  faith  on  the  Son  of  Go6,  and 
in  obedience  to  the  gospel,  have  sub- 
dued kingdomstwrought  rigbteousneps, 


son  who  is  now  inditing  these  lines  tO' 
you,  with  his  heart  raised  in  prayer  to 
God,  that  it  may  be  done  uccoraing.  to- 
his  will,  and  niid  access  to  the  hearts 
of  his  dear  parents,  and  be  a  means  of 
bringing  them  to  a  kno'-'-ledgc  of  the 
truth.  But  whc'iher  I  shall  succeed  in 
this  or  not,  God  only  knows;  be  this  as 
it  may,  a  dispensation  of  the  gospel 
has  been  committed  ua>!o  me;  not  by 
tilt;  will  of  man,  but  by  the  revciation 
of  Jesus  Christ:  and  I  am  determined 
by  the  grace  of  G;vd,  to  rid  my  gar- 
moiits  of  the  blood  of  all  men,  whether 
parents,  brethren,  sisters,  Kings,  ru- 
lers, priests  or  people,  and  leave  the 
event  in  the  haiid  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   everlasting    irjcnioriait    that    I 


MESSENGETl  AND  ADVOCATi: 

have  endeavored  in  thia   letter  to 
Ciiarge     my    duty    to    my    pp.rcn 


ses 


my  amy  to  m 
preaching  the  gospel  to  thorn;  and  i; 
I  never  am  permitted  to  meet  them  un 
•il  we  meet  at  tie  judgment  seat  of 
"Jhrist,  where  the  secrets  of  ail  iioarts 
Till  bo  made  manifest;  then,  if  not  be 
ore,  YOU  will  know,  that  pure  charity 
iiclateii  in  my  heart,  what  I  am  now 
communicating  to  you.  But  to  re- 
:urn. 

It  is  evident  tiien,  that  ail  tho?e  wlio 
do  not  believe  in  direct  communicatiop. 
from  heaven,  by  the  voice  of  Gud,  by 
the  revelation  of  angels,  nor  hy  the 
fipirit  of  prophecy;  and  at  the  same 
timp  claim  to  be  the  servants  of  Chii>t; 
iiave  run  before  they  were  sent,  are 
acting  without  authority,  are  going  in 
tlie  ways  of  Cain,  and  running  greed 
iiy  after  the  errors  of  Balaam  for  re- 
ward; and  if  they  repent  not,  will  per- 
ish in  tlie  gainsayings  of  Babyiijn. 

Therefore,  having  spoken  in  gener 
ti\  terms  of  the  ])owcr,  and  glorious  es- 
fects  of  the  gospel,  I  will  now  endeav- 
or to  show  what  it  was  in  the  days  o. 
the  Savior,  which  will  settle  the  ques 
tion;  what  it  ever  has  been,  and  eve. 
will  be..  And  I  have  an  inexhaustabic 
fountai.n,  from  which  to  abduce  testi 
mony  upon  this  subject,  viz.  the  Bible 
book  of  Mormon,  and  the  book  of  Cov- 
enants, contaming  the  revelations  o 
Jesus  Christ,  given  to  us  in  this  gen 
erafion;  ivhich  all  harm>;nize  most 
perfectly:  but  being  well  aware  o: 
yout  unoeliefin  the  two  latter:  I  shall 
only  call  in  question  iho  former  for 
tcsiimony  on  which  you  say,  to  predi 
cate  your  faith;  and  if  you  do  in  real- 
ality  believe  in  its  doctrines,  there  wiii 
be  no  dilncuity  in  your  believing  in 
the  record  ijf  the  Nephite.s,  and  all  th( 
revelations  that  God  is  disposed  to  con 
fer  upon  us  in  the  latter  days,  an; 
their  wui  be  no  dillerence  in  our  faith, 
but  you  also,  will  be  what  the  worlci 
calls  a  mormon. 

Now  to  the  law  and  the  testimony; 
if  any  man  speak  not  according  t.. 
these,  it  is  because  there  is  no  ligh' 
tn  l)im.  In  John  -i:  5,  we  find  the5i( 
worda,  "Jrf  us  answered,  Verily,  Ver 
ily,  I  say  unto  thee,  except  a  man  be 
born  of  water,  and  of  the  st)irit,  h- 
cannot  enter  into  the  kingdom  of  (Tod.'' 
It  appears  that  a  learned  Pharisee,  a 
ruler  of  tiie  Jews;  who  had  come  t« 
Jesus  b^  night,  (probably  because  his 
doctritMi  was  bold   in   disrepute,)   and 


expressed  to  him  his  conviction,  tnn} 
he  was  a  teaclier  come  froin  God,  The 
blessed  Jesus  proceeded  immediately 
to  instruct  him  what  was  indispensibiy 
necessary  for  him  to  do.  to  miierit 
that  kingdom;  which  was  to  be  born 
of  wiiter,  and  the  spirit.  Mark  the  cx- 
^•ression;  "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.  tliat  vvould  inher- 
it the  kingdom  God,  uiust  submit  to 
this  order  of  things. 

It  is  evident  that  Nicodemus  btollev- 
ed,  from  the  frank  confession  he  made 
tn  that  occasion,  which  was  the  first 
step,  and  Jesus  informed  hinj  that  wa- 
ter baptism  was  the  second,  and  the 
Holy  Spirit  the  third.  You  may  say 
that  repentance  is  let"t  out  of  the  ques- 
tion; nut  so,  repentance  is  nothing 
nore  nor  less  than  a  reformation, 
■vliich  is  to  break  oft*  from  our  sins. — 
How  break  oQMrom  our  sinsl  by  turn- 
in!T  unto  God.  Mow  turn  unto  God? 
ly  oi^eying  his  commandments,  and 
nimiiest  our  faith  and  repentance  by 
»ijedience.  "For  wiiy  call  ye  me 
Lord,  Lord,  and  do  not  the  things 
which  I  say?"  Luke  6;  46.  As  far 
is  it  was  exhibited  on  that  occasion, 
;his  plan  of  salvation  corresponds  prc- 
.lisely  with  the  j>roclamation  which  the 
Savior  commanded  the  Apostles  to  de- 
dare  in  ail  tiic  v/orid  to  every  crer.- 
tuie;  viz:  "lie  that  believeth,  and  is 
baptized,  shall  be  saved;  but  he  that 
believeth  not,  shall  be  damned.  And 
these  i^igns  shall  follow  them  that  be- 
iive:  &c.  Mark  16:  16,17,18.  This 
jxpression  of  the  Savior  is  just  as 
)road  as  the  other,  that  is,  that  any 
:;i-eature  under  the  whole  heaven  that 
IS  capable  of  understanding  this  sim- 
ile deciaration,  (which  is  adopted  to 
the  weakest  ca  iacity,)  who  will  obey 
;t,  sliall  be  saved  "and  he  that  b-jlicv- 
eth  not  shall  be  damned. 

Perhaps  you  are  ready  to  infer 
from  this  expression  that  baptism  is 
not  a  saving  ordinance;  because  the 
•javior  did  nut  repeat  it,  but  only  said, 
••Me  that  believeth  not  shall  be  damn- 
•li."  li'this  be  the  case  he  might  bet- 
tor have  left  it  Out  of  the  conmussion 
to  his  Apostles,  it  v.'a-*  making  use  of 
>vords  wiiiiout  n)oaning:  and  indeed, 
if  it  be  a  fact,  that  the  baptism  of  wa- 
t'lr  is  not  nriccasary  th*   Savior  invali- 


8^4 


KC»SE?rGER  AND  ADVO^ATJB. 


dates  his  own  tRstimony  and  that  of  his 
servants,  for  he  dechued  to  Nicode- 
mus,  that  he  could  not  enter  the  king- 
dom of  Heaven  witliout  it.  But  we 
ehall  contend,  that  no  such  inferenec 
can  bo  drawn  from  this  expression,  for 
he  declared  that  not  only  belief  Was 
necessary  for  salvation  but  bajitism  n[- 
80 :  and  it  follows  of  course,  that,  if 
belief  and  baptism  are  required  of 
those  that  would  be  saved  a  neglect  to 
nttend  to  these  duties  would  dam;)  them. 
Aid  hence,  a  repetition  of  the  word 
baptism,  would  have  been  altogpther 
BU[)erfluous:  ibr  instance,  rf  an  indi- 
vidual was  requested  to  go  to  a  certian 
place;  if  he  could  not  be  induccJ  to 
take  the  first  step;  he  would  not  take 
the  second.  So  a  man  who  does  ff<  t 
believe,  will  not  be  baj'tized,  and  if  the 
word  of  the  Lord  be  true  he  will  be 
damned. 

JjCt  us  now  see  whether  the  Apos- 
tles followed  the  instruction  j^iven 
them  in  the  commission,  we  v/ill  call 
on  Peter,  for  he  held  the  keys  of  rhe 
kingdom.  *'And  when  the  day  of 
Pentecost  was  fully  come;  he  open<;d 
the  door  for  the  recej)tion  of  candid- 
ates; the  glori'ius  occurrences  of  that 
day  are  recorded  in  the  2nd  cha)  ti  r 
of  Act--.  And  v/hen  his  powerful 
reasoniiig  caused  many  to  cry  out,  and 
rnquire  what  they  should  do.  Whar 
did  he  reply  to  them?  Did  he  i.  s-ruct 
them  to  wce[)  and  lamefit  beibro  Gt)fl 
until  they  obtained  religion,  and  t'di 
them  that  baptism  was  unessential,  (as 


thing  called  repentance  consiat  in?  th« 
answer  is  at  hand,  "Then  they  that 
gladly  received  his  word  were  ha]  tiz- 
ed."  This  tiirn  is  repentance  or  rc- 
tbrmation,  to  gladly  receive  the  word 
w'hen  it  is  declared  by  the  servant  of 
Cxod,  asd  straitway  manifest  our  beli«f 
and  rcforFiiation,  for  corr(\'5ponding 
good  v.'orks,  which  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  Ghost.  If 
we  do  not  e.xtefld  our  limits  beyond 
Peter's,  afar  of?',  1  think  w®  can  witb 
confidence  declare  the  same  things,—^ 
Our  n'^xt  object  is  to  ascertain,  how  it 
was,  that  this  gift,  the  Holy  Ghost, 
was  confered  upon  the  saints,  after 
having  been   baptized  by  water. 

We  learn  from  the  8th  chapter  of 
Acts,  ihat  Philip  went  down  to  Sama- 
ria, and  preached  Christ  unto  them; 
•md  the  people  with  one  arcord  gave 
hverl  to  his  teachings  and  were  bap- 
tized, both  men  and  women,  (but  no 
children,  for  they  were  whole;  an^ 
coscOjUCMtly  need  no  Physician,  and' 
Philifi  did  no'  feel  dispofod  to  oiler  an 
indignity  to  the  attonemenl  of  Christ 
by  bnp-tizing  them.)  The  nev/s  of 
Phiiip's  success  soon  reached  Jerusa- 
Icrn.  and  the  Apostles  immediatciv  fiirt- 
patched  Peter  and  John,  who  when 
fhev  wpTP  eome  down  prayed  for  them, 
and  h>id  their  hands  on  them,  that 
th'n  might  receive  the  Holy  Gliost. — 
'For  as  yet,  he  had  fallen  on  none  of 
them,  only  they  had    b«  en    bajitized  in 


our  orthodox  divines  do   at  the  present    tho  name  <^   the  Lord  Jesus.       When 


day.)  Did  he  cite  them  to  the  anxous 
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,  with- 
out doing  the  things  which  the  Savior 
had  sent  him  to  declare  to  them?  No, 
none  of  these  things;  for  Peter  was  in 
possession  of  that  spirit,  that  brings  all 
things  to  our  remembrance;  and  he 
had  not  forgotten  the  Savior's  instruc- 
tions, but  urdiesitatingly  cried  out. 
*'Repcnt  and  be  baptized  every  one  of 
vou  in  tlie  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  the  promise  is  unto  you,  and  your 
children,  and  to  all  that  are  afar  off; 
even  as  many  as  the  Lord  our  God 
shall  call." 

The  q\T<?f»tioB  now  Is;    what  Hid  this 


thev  had  receive  '  this  ordinance,  the 
Holy  Spirit  iell  iip-on  them;  and  tho 
pie>um-[a"on  is,  that  they  spoke  wiih 
tongues  and  prophesied.  For  Simoi>, 
on  seeing  that  tlie  Holy  Ghost  wia 
given  through  the  laying  on  of  hands, 
proposed  to  purchase  it. 

Itappearsthal  Philindid  not  have  au- 
thority to  administer  this  ordinance; 
and  if  those  disciples  could  have  re^ 
ceived  the  gift  of  the  Holy  Ghost, 
without  the  ordin:;nce  of  laying  on  of 
hands;  the  Lord  sent  Peter  and  John 
tVom  Jerusalem  to  Samaria  on  a  fool- 
ish errand.  Ap-ain,  Acts  19,  we  are 
informed  that  Paul  found  at  Ephesua 
certain  disciples  who  had  been  bap- 
tized, yet  had  not  heard  of  the  Holy 
Ghost;  he  prayed  for  them,  and  laid 
hands  on  them,  and  they  received  the 
Hfjy  Ghost,  and  spoke  with  tongues 
and  propht-sifrd*     On©  more  tRstinvwy 


MESS*NOFJl  A!fD  ADVO^ATU 


«^ 


from  St.  Paul,  wa  find  recoided  in  liia 
C[)istle  to  th<i  Llebiews  6:  12,  wheje 
he  in  forms  us  thai  baptism,  and  laying 
o!i  oi"  hands  are  some  of  liie  iirst  piin- 
cipies  of  tl'ie  doctrine  of  Christ. 

We  might  adduce  much  corrobora- 
ting tesfiniony  to  establish  the  first 
princij.'les  of  the  gospel;  but  it  is  e- 
nough,  if  (lod  ever  insjiircd  St.  Paul 
and  Peter  to  teach  these  things  he 
never  did.  nor  never  will  inspire  an- 
other man  to  contradict  them;  they 
followed  the  instructions  given  them 
bv  the  Savior,  and  carried  out  his  plan 
of  salvation  in  all  the  ordinances  of 
hh  kingdom;  and  he  th.->t  will  tsot  be- 
Jieve  their  testimony,  wituld  not  believe 
though  one  should  rise  from  the  dead. 
But  I  hasten. 

Th«  eifects  that  the  IloJy  Ghost 
produced  uputi  those  who  received  it, 
are  laid  d  jwn  in  the  first  e|»istie  to  the 
Coripthians.  1'2,  13  and  14th  chajters. 
And  the  Apostle  teils  us  that  they  are 
the  body  oC  Christ,  in  which  there 
should  be  no  schism;  Lake  away  any 
of  liiese.  and  there  is  a  schism.  Lo^k 
at  all  the  churches  in  Christendom; 
{lh(;  church  of  the  Latter  Day  Saints 
c.\cepti;d,)  and  see  the  contention  that 
cxirUs  amung  them.  Ask  yourself  th-,' 
reason;  is  not  this  the  only  answer? 
they  all  deny  some  (;f  these  gifts  which 
constitute  the  body  of  Christ;  Can  we 
deny  these,  v/ithoat  d -nyitig  Christ? 
Surely  not;  it  is  in  viin  for  u.->  to  say 
they  are  not  needed,  neither  Christ 
nor  his  servants  ever  decaied  any 
8U."h  thing,  it  cannot  be  found.  Scrip- 
ture, reason,  and  comm')n  sense  teach 
us,  that  the  like  cause  will  produce  the 
hke  effect;  the  IL.dy  Ghost  is  the  sarne 
that  it  wiis  before  the.  world  began. — 
To  be  sure  St  Paul  says  that  prophe- 
cy sh:»ll  fail,  tongu(!S  shall  cease,  and 
knowledge  vanish  away;  for  they  are 
all  enjoyed  only  in  part:  but  when  th;it 
diy  ol'  |)crlectiou  is  ushered  in,  when 
we  sliall  see  as  we  arfj  seen,  and 
know  ns  we  are  known;  then  there 
will  be  no  need  of  an  imperlect  knowl- 
edge, lie  also  declares,  Eph.  4th, 
*'\vhen  Christ  ascended  upon  high,  he 
gave  giftN  unto  men;  Prophet-,  Ap(»s- 
tles,  Pastors,  Evangelists,  &c.  for  the 
perfecting  of  the  saints,  and  wrtrk  of 
the  ministry,  until  we  all  come  in  the 
unity  of  the  faith."  No  rational  per- 
son will  pretend  to  shy  that,  lliut  dav 
has  arrived;  and  if  theae  gifts  of  the 
Holy  Ohoiit  wyrv  neccssar/  U>  |«.-rfecl 


the  saints  then;  can  they  be  p«rfecte4 
now  without  them?  1  answer,  no. — - 
Will  anv  now  deny  them  who  is  in 
possession  of  the  Holy  Gho^t?  1  an- 
swer in  the  negative;  no  man  speak- 
ing by  the  s])irit  of  Gor',  can  call  Je- 
sus accursed;  and  without  tb.e  riolr 
Ghost  iJiere  is  no  salvation;  th's  is  tha 
doctrine  that  Paul  preached,  who  said. 
If  any  man  or  even  an  angel  from 
fieaven  preach  any  other  gospel,  lot 
him  be  accursed:  And  so  say  I,  and 
the  he«!-t  of  every  servant  ol  God  wiil 
rosttonc.  Amen. 

With  peculiar   feelings    I    consluda 
these  remarks,  realizing  the  great  rss- 
ponsibility  that  I  am  under  to  Go  ',  for 
the  manner  in  which  I    teach  mankind 
those  things  which  involve  eternal  con- 
sequences:      And    this     responsibility 
seems   to    be    augmented    when  I  taka 
into  consideration,    that  I  am    address- 
ing those  of   my  own   flesh   and  blood. 
j  But  I  feel  that  God  approbates  what  I 
\  have  written,  and  I  entreat  of   you    tn 
i  jieruse  the  foregoing  lines  as    for  eter- 
i  nity,  and  may  the   Lord  sanctify  tiietn 
j  to  your  salvation,  and    ultimately  bnng 
!  us  to  an  e\erlasting   inherit.inee  in  his 
criestial    Kingdom  for   Chri.-jt's    sake, 
Amen. 
W.  PARRISH. 

rttcssenser  siad  Advocate. 


KIRTLAND,  OHIO,  MARCH,  IR35. 


ADDRESS 

To  iho  patrons  of  the  Latter  Day 
Saints'  Me^senger  and  Advocate. 

It  becomes  my  duty  to  inform  you, 
that  in  consequence  of  other  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 
must  beg  leave  to  make  some  remarks,, 
as  I  am  about  being  freed  from  tills 
great  responsibility.  I  will  here  say 
that  for  the  increase  of  patronage  for 
nine  months  past,  so  gratuitously  be- 
stowed upon  unmerited  talents,  you  havo 
necessarily  obliged  me  to  tender  you 
my  deepest  heart-felt  gratitude.  I  stilt 
indulge  a  hope,  notwithstanding  th« 
Advocate  is  about  being  transferred  itt- 
^  otlwjf  hands,  tl«t  It  will  coatirtao  to 


.im 


MEflSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


receive  its  present  support,  and  a  rapidt 
increase  to  its  present  subscription  list, 


he  world  by  wisdom  knew  not  Godj  i^ 
pieased    God    by    the     foolisiincss    ©f 


inasmuch  as  the  pro.^pccts  are  fiourish-    preaching  to  save  them  that  believe. 


ing,  and  the  future  editor's  talents  ai<. 
ci<iserving  of  patrona<^e;  I  indulge  :t 
hope,  that  great  good  may  be  done  b\ 
this  means:  and  more  especially  in 
these  last  days,  while  "Darkness  cov- 
ers the  earth  and  gross  darkness  the 
people." 

Aln>oat  six  years  have  passed,  since 
the  church  of  Christ  has  been  estal)lish 
cd:  many  and  various  are  the  scenes, 
that  have  passed  before  my  eyes,  since 
its  commencement,  during  wiiicii  time, 
>ve  have  been  favored  with  ths  privi- 
lege, of  making  known  to  the  world 
.our  belief  in  regard  to  salvation. 

I  take  occasion  here  to  add,  that  1 
rejoice  exceedingly  tlrat  this  Herald  of 
truth  is  in  bcmg,  and  I  enjoy  the  privi- 
lege of  resigning  it  into  so  good  and 
:able  hands  as  Pros.  O.  Cowdery  whose 
character  and  standing  in  society  need 
no  commendation  from  me  where  he  is 
personally  known-:  for  he  is  known  to 
be  a  man  of  piety,  of  candor,  of  truth, 
of  integrity,  of  feeling  for  the  welfare 
of  ^ye  humjin  family,  and  in  short,  he 
is  a  man  of  God:  God  acknowled  a^ 
him  as  such  in  his  revealed  will:  and 
should  we  not  do  so  too? 

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  communicate 
them  all.  The  great  and  responsible 
relation  which  a  man  sustains  in  occu- 
pying this  station,  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- 
flens  the  heart  of  an  honest  and  hum- 
ble Baiht,  even  a  servant  of  servants: 
for  after  that  in  the  wisdom  of  God 


It  is  those  things,  which  "the  world  by 
their  wisdom  count  foolishness,  which 
converts  the  sou!,  and  will  pre}.'are  it  to 
dwell  in  the  presence  of  God,  in  the 
day  of  the  Lord  Jesus.  "God  has  cho- 
sen the  foolish  things  of  the  world  to 
confound  the^things  which  ard  mighty; 
and  brxse  things  of  the  world,  and 
things  which  are  despised,  hath  God 
chosen, .yea;  and  things  which  are  not, 
to  bring  to  nought  things  that  are." 

While  I  reflect  on  the  above  sayings 
ofthe  holy  writor,  it  gladdens  my  heart, 
that  I  enjoy  tlie  privilege  of  living  in 
{his  ago  of  the  world,  wiien  God  in  his 
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  cilled  servants  by 
his  own  voice  out  of  the  heavens,  and 
by  the  ministering  of  angels,  and  by 
his  Holy  Spirit;  and  has  chosen  the 
weak  and  simple  to  confound  the  wf3- 
dom  of  the  wise:  and  to  raise  up  and 
bring  the  church  of  the  Lamb  up  out  of 
the  wilderness  of  wickedness,  fair  as 
the  sun  and  clear  as  the  moon.  Which 
church  took  its  rise  April  6,  18.'i0;  and 
has  thus  far  come  up  through  much 
persecution  and  great  tribulation. 

It  may  not  be  amiss  in  this  place,  to 
give  a  statement  to  the  world  concern- 
ing the  work  of  the  Lord,  as  I  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  conAdence  have  signed  my 
name  to  it  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  seen 
the  platea  from  whence   the  bools  ol 


MKSSE.NGi:n  A.N'D  ADVOCATi:. 


isj 


Mormon  is  translated,  txnd  thut  1  have  days:  The  revelations  and  conamnnd- 
handled  these  plates,  and  know  cfa  su- 1  ments  given  to  us,  are,  in  rrsy  cstinia- 
rety  that  Josejih  Sauth,  jr.  has  transla- I  tion,  equally  true  with  tlie  look  of 
ted  the  book  ot"  Mormon  by  the  gift  and  I  Mormon,  ar.d  equally  necessary  for 
power  of  God,  and  in  this  thing  the  wis-  I  salvation,  it  is  necessary  to  live  by  ev- 


dorn  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 
thin"'  freed  my  garments  of  your  blood, 
v/hcther  you  believe  or  disbelieve  the 
statements  of  your  unworthy  friend  and 
well-wisher. 

It  is  no  trifiing  matter  to  sport  with 
the  souls  of  men,  and  laiake  merchan- 
dise of  them;  1  can  say,  with  a  clear 
corisc;cnce  before  God  and  man,  that  1 
liave  sought  no  man's  goods,  houses  or 
lands,  gold  or  silver.;  but  had  in  view 
for  my  chief  object,  the  welfare  of  the 
children  of  men,  because  1  knov/  that  I 
have  heen  called  of  God,  to  assist  in 
bringing  forth  his  work  in  :ihese  la-->t 
davs,  and  to  h'jlp  to  establish  it,  that  as 
m^ny  sou's  as  would  believe,  and  obey 
the  truth,  might  be  saved  in  his  king- 
dom; and  nlso  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  f&r  the 
fulfilment  o^  the  prophecies  of  all  the 
holy  prophets  that  have  written  on  this 
great  and  importont  subject,  since  the 
days  of  Adam,  to  tliis  present  time; 
and  while  I  have  befn  in  the  editorial 
department,  I  have  endeavored  to  write, 
obtain  and  select  such  matter  as  was 
calculated  to  promote  the  cause  of  God, 
as  far  as  my  judgment  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 
tlie  least,  from  the  strictest  path  oC  rec- 
titude. 

I  would  do  injustice  to  my  own  feel- 
ings, if  I  did  not  here  notice,  still  fur- 
thcr  the  work  of  the  Lord  in  these  last 


cry  word  that  procecdeth  from  the 
mouth  of  God:  and  I  know  that  the 
Bible,  liook  of  Mormon  and  book  of 
Doctrine  and  Covenants  of  the  church 
of  CJ-irist  of  Latter  Day  faints,  con- 
tain the  revealed  will  of  heaven.  I 
further  know  that  God  v  ill  continue  to 
reveal  himself  to  his  church  and  peo- 
ple, unti;]  hej.ns  gathered  his  elect  into 
his  fiihl.,  nnd  prepared  tliem  to  dwell 
in  bis  presence. 

"Men  at  times  depend  upon  the  say 
of  others,  and  are  influenced  by  their 
persuasions  to  emlirace  diiTerent  sys- 
tems. This  is  correct,  inasmuch  as 
the  [rincipki  is  u  just  one:  God  ahvay.s 
ccmmis.'^ioncd  certain  men,  to  proclaim 
his  p/reccpts  to  the  remainder  of  tha 
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  persuade  others  to  believe  as  my- 
self, the  few  months  I  have  labored  in 
this  department,  I  trust,  I  have  been 
tlie  means  of  doing  some  good  to  my 
fellow  men.  If  I  were  not  scnsiblo 
that  I  have  been  doing  the  will  of  my 
heavenly  Fa,ther,  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  cm- 
brace  error:  it  has  been  a  principle  in 
my  heart  to  cjnbracc  truth,  nnd  re- 
ject error;  and  I  trust  it  will  remain  in 

my  heart  forever. 

I  I  eel  it  my  duty  to  say,  to  the  El- 
ders who  have  been  laboring  in  the 
cause  of  our  blessed  Reedecmer,  and 
have  taken  the  trouble,  to  procure  sub- 
scribers for  the  Messenger  and  Advo- 
cate, they   hRve   my  sincere   thanks, 


8S8 


MirSaX-T^EK  AJTD  ADVOCATU. 


and  ebnll  aver  occupy  a  conspicuous  | of  a  churuh  of  LRtter  Dav  SsintH,  con- 
portion    of   my  gratitude.     There   ai-eh^.^^fi^'S     ^^     aixtf^en     members,     l^hig 

others  who  have  been  3omewhnt  n??li-  Lr.      .       .  \    .       •.     niHcr  s 

,.     ,.  ,  •  ,    .         .  Kin^aom  hns  never    before   he^n    rep- 

gont  in  this  thin*,  which  19  owing  pcr-Lesentcd.  You  will  notice  them  in  the 
haps,  in  part,  for  want  of  pro()cr  in-  Messenger  and  Advocate  as  you  seo 
struction  upon  this  point;  not  realizing    P^oi-^r' 


that  this  periodical  is  opening  and  pre- 
paring many  places,  for  aucii  as  arc 
travelling'  to  proclaim  the  gospel  of  our 
blessed  Redeemer;  whereas,  if  it  had 
not  been  for_^tMs  means,  would  have 
been  closed  and  impenitrable.  I  doaire 
therefore,  that  the  Elders  of  the  cliurch 
of  Latter  Day  Saints  will  avail  them 
sclvs  of  every  opportunity  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  hope  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  liave  the  spirit  of  God  in  your 
hearts  to  guide  you  into  all  truth,  until 
the  knowledge  of  God  shall  cover  ttu- 
earth  as  the  waters  cover  the  grc;  t 
deep,  and  the  saints  of  God  are  gath- 
ered together,  and  Zion  becomes  the 
joy  of  the  whole  earth. 

JOHN  WHITMER. 


Yburi*  truly 

A.  J.  SQUIRES. 
J.   Whitmer  Esc. 


C[7=' Those  who  are  in  arrears  for 
the  Messenger  and  Advocate,  will 
please  forward  the  amount  to  Oliver 
Cowdcry;  with  the  exception  of  those 
who  reside  ifi  Missouri,  they  will 
please  settle  their  arrears  with  John 
Whitmer.  We  hope  that  our  friends 
will  bear  in  miad,  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  wil!| 
bo  thankfully  received. 


Arise  ye  saints  of  Latter  Das?, 
And  sing  youi- great  Redeemers  praise; 

With  joyful  hearts  ariee: 
Let  ev'ry  to  ice  in  ncccnts   tower. 

Till  hcAv'nly  blessings  on  us  pour 
Down  through  the  parting  skies! 

Hosannn!  let  the  echo  spring, 
Triumphant  on  exulting  wing. 

Above  the  pow'is  of  hell; 
Until  with  G(td  we  dopievail. 

And  view  the  things  within  th»  railf 
And  in  his  presence  dwell. 

Hossnna!  let  the  nrgcls  say, 
Who  dwell  in  realms  of  endlcRS  ci*^Jt 

With  Enoch's  perfect  band! 
Am.en,  nmeii,  let  eanh  resound, 

And  all  the  saints  where  e'or  they're 
found. 
Repair  to  Zion's  land. 

Go  forth  ye  heralds  of  our  God, 
Proclaim  his  gospel  lar  abroad, 

In  ev'ry  foreign  clime: 
Go  visit  lands  and  iflca  unknowo. 

In  ev'ry  realm,  in  ev'ry  zone, 
Till  time  with  you  shall  t  nd. 

Then    rise  and   join     the    hallow'd 
throng. 
Who  sing  the  everlnpting  song, 

In  nn  eternal    strain, 
Of  "Holy  holy.  King  of  kings. 

Who  wast,  and  art,"  whilo  hoavoa 
rings. 
And  seraphs  shout  Air.en! 


Euclid,  February,— 1836 
1  would  respectfully  represent  to  you, 
that  thr*>ugh  my    instrumentality,  and 

the  grace  of  our  God,  there   has   ^^^  -^^,^^-^,^j^,a,^^u.u.>im.u..r^.i^ 
raised  up  in  this  place^  a  small  branch  \f4nd,  «sc<yi  •*  «a«  tputm «/  u*  jruuitiur*. 


VHE  LATTETl   I>AV  SAINTS' 

WieBaea-sev  and^dvocato^ 

IS  EDITED  BY 

And  poblUlitid  t-Ti  ry  month   kI  Kirtli.nii,  GeEUgB  C« 
Ohio,  by 

F.  G.  WIl.ff.3AM[S  &  ^o. 

M  $!,;'«»■  «"•  '*  ttdvance.     Every  fcreon  prceurmf 
ten  neto  evbucribera,  and  fvrv.iirding  %  11,  rurrefti 
viofiey,  ihall  be  er.MUd  to  a  pnjrir  eve  i,ear,  giuiit. 
Ml  Utters  to  tlit  Edtlur,OT  tvbhsh^rt,  mtml  Ue 
^CT  POST  PJiD.XX 

flo  svbiiription  'liil  A*  recti ti.d  fur  4i  Utt  ttrm  tium  mte 


]?IESSEi\^«ER  AIVO  ADVOCATE. 


V'.ji..  II.     Vo.  7.] 


KIRTLAND,  OHIO,    APRfL,     1836. 


[Wbok-  No.   19/ 


/'or  the  Messenger  and  Advoc-ate% 

S'ROTHER  (X  CowREuy: 

DcAr  Sir— This 
place  having  recently  been  visited  by 
n  genlieman  w'lo  advocated  the  prin- 
ciples or  doctrines  of  tiiosc  vi'ho  are 
Galled  al)olitioni.st.s;  if  you  deem  the 
following  reflections  of  any  wrvice, 
or  think  they  v.'ill  have  a  tendency  to 
corrtct  the  opirsions  of  the  s<5U'lhein 
po'jlic,  relative  to  the  views  and  «^enti- 
iViCats  I  believe,  as  an  individual,  and 
nm  able  to  say,  from  personal  knowl- 
edge, are  the  feelings  of  others,  you 
ore  at  liberty  to  give  them  publicity  in 
the  columns  of  the  Advocate,  i  am 
prornnted  to  this  course  in  consc- 
<juence,  in  one  respect,  of  many  el- 
ders having  gone  into  the  Southern 
States,  besides,  •there  now  being  many 
in  that  country  who  have  already  ■ein- 
braced  the  fulness  of  the  gospel,  as  re- 
vealed through  the  book  of  Mormon, — 
having  le.\rned,  by  experience,  thnt 
the  enemy  of  truth  does  not  slumber, 
nor  cease  his  exertions  to  bias  the 
minds  of  conununitics  against  the  ser- 
vants of  the  Lord,  by  stiringup  the  in- 
dignation of  men  upon  all  matters  of 
importance  or  interest. 

Thinking,  peihap-^,  that  the  souod 
might  go  out,  that  '*an  abolitionist" 
had  held  forth  several  times  to  this 
community,  and  that  the  public  feeling 
was  not  aroused  to  create  mobs  or  dis- 
turbances, leaving  the  impression  that 
all  he  said  was  concurred  in,  and  re- 
ceived as  gospel  and  the  word  of  sal- 
vation, I  am  h  ippy  to  say,  tiiat  no 
riolenco  or  b.'-each  of  the  public  peace 
was  attempted,  so  far  from  this,  that 
all  except  a  very  few,  attended  to  their 
own  avocTtions  and  left  the  gentleman 
to  hold  Torth  his  own  arguments  to 
nearly  naked  walls. 

I  nm  aware,  that  many  who  profess 
to  preach  the  gospel,  complain  against 
thuir  brethren  of  the  same  faith,  who 
reside  in  the  south,  and  are.  ready  to 
withdraw  the  hand  of  fellowship  be- 
cause they  will  not  renounce  the  prin- 
ciple of  slavery  and  raise  their  voice 
again:«t  every  thing  of  the  kind.  This 
must  be  a  lender  point,  and  one  which 
should  call  foith  the  candid  reflection 
•f  all  mew,  and  etipocially  h>efor<^  thoy 


advance  in  an  opro^ition  calculated  to 
lay  waste  the  tan  States  of  the  South, 
and  set  loose,  upon  the  world  a  com- 
munity of  pco[)lc  who  might  peradven- 
ture,  overrun  our  country  and  violato 
ihe  most  sacred  principles  of  human 
society, — chastity  and  virtue. 

No  oi>e  will  pretend  to  say,  that  th» 
people  of  the  tVee  states  are  as  capa- 
ble of  knowing  the  evils  of  slavery  as 
'hose  who  hold  them.  If  slavery  :s  an 
o\il,  %vho,  could  we  exj^ect,  would  first 
learn  itl  VVouId  the  people  of  the; 
free  states,  or  would  the  slave  states? 
All  must  readily  admit,  thot  th-  latter 
would  first  learn  lliis  fact.  If  the  fact 
was  learned  first  by  those  immediately 
concerned,  who  weuld  be  more  capa- 
ble than  they  of  prescribing  a  remedy! 

And  besides,  arc  not  those  who  liold 
slaves,  persons  of  ability,  discernment 
and  caivdor?  Do  they  not  expect  to 
give  an  account  at  the  bar  of  God  for 
their  conduct  in  this  life'?  It  may,  no 
doubt,  Vvith  propriety  be  said,  (hat  ma- 
ny who  hold  slaves  live  without  the 
fear  of  God  before  their  eyes,  and, 
the  same  may  be  said  of  many  in  the 
free  states.  Then  who  is  to  be  ths 
judge  HI  this  matter? 

So  long,  then,  as  those  of  the  Irae 
states  art;  not  interested  in  the  free- 
dom of  the  slaves,  any  other  than  upon 
the  mere  principles  of  equal  rights  and 
of  the  gospel,  and  arc  ready  to  admit 
that  there  arc  men  of  piety  who  ro* 
siJe  in  the  South,  v  ho  are  immediate- 
ly conc^rnfd,  or.d  until  fhe:/  complain, 
and  ca  I  for  assist  tnce,  why  not  cense 
their  clamor,  and  no  further  urge  tho 
slave  to  acts  of  murder,  and  tho  rnastsr 
to  vigorous  discipline,  rendeiing  both 
miserable,  and  unprepated  to  pursuo 
that  course  which  might  othcrwiso 
leul  them  b.ith  to  l)ctter  their  cendi- 
ttoii?  I  do  not  believe  that  the  people 
of  the  North  have  any  mo;e  richi  to 
say  that  the  South  s/iafl  not  hold 
sh'.vos,  than  the  South  have  to  say  tho 
North  shn//. 

And  further,  what  benefit  will  it  ev- 
er be  to  tho  slave  for  persons  to  run 
over  the  fice  states,  and  (-xcite  indig- 
nation agfiinst  their  masters  in  tlic 
minds  of  thonisands  and  tcp.s  of  Ihou- 
.<«and6  whA  anderetand  nothing  mlativa 


ifn 


mCSlSEK^EK  A?rD  ADTOCAf  S. 


^'^  their  circumstances  or  conditions'? 
i  mean  particularly  those  who  have 
never  travelled  m  the  South,  and 
scarcely  ;?een  a  negro  in  all  thf'ir  life. 
How  anv  comruunity  c:in  crerl)eex- 
citt'cf  with  the  chatter  of  such  persons 
— boys  and  others  wlio  are  too  indo- 
lent to  obtain  their  Hviag  bv  honest  \n- 
dustry,  and  are  inca_  able  of  pursuirjg^ 
any  occup.ition  of  a  professional  na- 
ture, is  irnfacL-ouatabte  tfy-  me.  And 
when  I  see  persons  iii  the  fiee  states 
signing  documents  against  slavery,  it 
is  no  less,  in  my  inlnd,  than  an  array 
of  influence,  and  a  declaration  of  hos- 
tilities agaitiLst  tl>e  people  of  the  Sout!)! 
What  can  divide  our  Union  sooi-icr, 
God  only  knows! 

After  having  expressed  rnyself  so 
Ireely  u-po-n'  tliLs  subject,  I  da  not  doubt 
but  those  who  have  been  forward  in 
raising  their  voice  against  the  Pouth, 
will  cry  out  against  me  as  being  un- 
charitable,  unfeeling  and  unkind — 
wholly  unacquainted  wit!>  the  g')Sj)el 
cf  Christ.  It  is  my  privilege  their,  to- 
name  certain  passages  from  the  bible, 
and  exannine  the  teachisigs  of  the-  an- 
cients upon  this  matter,  as  the  fact  is 
uncontrovertuble,  that  the  first  mention 
we  have  of  slavery  is  found  in  the  ho- 
ly bible,  pronounced  by  a  man  who 
was  perfect  in  his  general  ion  an^i 
walked  with  God.  And  so  far  from 
that  prediction's  being  aveise  from  the 
mind  of  God  it  rem.iias  as  a  lasting 
monument  of  the  decree  of  .lehovah, 
to  the  shame  and  confusion  of  all  v/ho 
have  cried  out  against  the  South,  in 
consequence  of  their  holding  the  sons 
of  Ham  1%  servitude! 

"And  lie  said  cursed  he  Canaan;  a  sorvant 
•f  aorvMiUs  alui'l  ho  be  iiiilo  his  br.'^lhren. 
And  he  sai-1.  Blessed  t^c  the  Lord  God  of 
fihem;  and  C.t^!CLa.n  sha'.i  ba  his  serva  t. — 
God  shall  enlarge  Japlieth,  and  !ie  sba'!  dvvjl! 
in  the  tents  of  Sheni;  and  Canaan  shall  be 
kis  servant." — Gjn,  8:  '25,2G,'27. 

Trace  the  historv  of  the  v/orld  from 
this  notable  t^vevA  down  to  this  d^iy, 
and  you  will  find  the  fulfilment  of  this 
singular  prophecy.  What  could  have 
been  the  design  of  the  Almighty  in 
this  wonderful  occurrence  is.  not  for 
ir.e  to  say;  but  !.  can  say,  that  the 
curse  is  not  yet  taken  off  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 
th-e  least  with  the  decrees  and  purposes 
of  God  in  thii»  matter,  will  comeitnder 
i^   !«*st   coadamnation    before   him; 


and  those  who  are  determined  to  pur-^ 
sue  a  course  which  shov/3  an  opposi* 
tion  and  a  feverish  restlessness  against 
the  designs  of  the  Lord,  will  learn, 
when  perhaps  it  is  too  late  for  their 
own  good,  that  God  ca^i  do  his  ownf 
work  without  the  aid  of  those  who  aro 
not  dictated  by  his  counsel. 

I  must  not  pass  over  a  notice  of  th& 
history  of  Abraham,  of  whom  so  much 
is  spol-:en  in  the  i-eriptures.  If  we  ea» 
credit  the  account,  Gi>d  coavepsed 
with  hrim  from  time  to  time,  anddirosf' 
ed  him  in  the  way  I>e  should  walk, 
saying,  "I  am  thu^  Almi-ghty  God; 
walk  before  me  and  be  thou  perfect," 
Paid  says  that  the  gospel  was  preach- 
ed to  this  man.  And  it  is  further  said, 
that  he  had  sheep  and  oxen,  mcn-ser- 
vun,t3  :ind  maid-servants,  &c.  Fronn 
this  {  coJiclude,  that  if  the  prtneiplo 
had  been  an  evil  one,  in  the  midst-  oi 
the  com«ami cations  mide  to  this  holy 
man,  he  would  have  been  instruotefl 
diOercntly.  And  if  he  was  instructed 
against  holding  men-servants  an-i 
maid-servants,  he  never  ct;ased  to  do 
it;  consequently  must  have  incurred 
tl>e  displeasure  of  the  Lord  and  there- 
by lost  his  biessiogs — which  was  not 
the  fict. 

Some  rmy  urge,  that  the  narn;?^ 
mati-servant  and  maid-servant,  only 
mean  hired  persons  who  were  at  libe!> 
ty  to  leave  tlieir  masters  or  employers 
at  any  time»  But  we  can  easily  settle 
this  point  by  turning  to  the  nistory  of 
Abraham's  descendants,  when  gov- 
erned by  u  law  given  from  the  mouth 
of  the  Lord  hims:eif.  I  know  that 
when  an  Israelite  had  been  brought  fn- 
to  servitudo  in  condcxiuonce  oi'  dcut,  or 
otherwise,  at  the  seventh  year  he  went 
from  the  task  of  his  former  master  or 
employer;  but  to  no  other  people  or 
nation  was  this  granted  in  the  law  to 
Israel.  And  if,  after  a  snan  had  serv- 
ed six  3'ears,  ho  did  not  wish  to  bo 
free,  th.cn  the  master  was  to  bring  him 
unto  the  judges,  boar  his  ear  with  an 
awl,  and  that  man  was  "to  serve  him 
forever."  The  conclusion  1  draw 
from  this,  is  that  this  people  were  led 
and  governed  by  revelation,  and  if 
such  a  lav/  was  wrong  God  only  is  to 
be  blamed,  and  abolitionists  are  not 
responsible. 

Nnw,  before  proceeding  any  Hirther, 
I  wish  to  ask  one  or  two  questions:— 
VVciO  the  apostles  men  of  God,  and  did 
they  preach   the  gospel?     I    have   no 


MESSS.-^TGIR,  AXD  ADVOCAf't 


Wfi 


doubt  but  those  who   boiieve    the   bible  I  those    mi-n    were     better   qualiHed    t<» 


wiii  admit  these  fact?,  and  tiiat  t!:ev 
cilio  knew  tho  mind  and  v,-il!  of  God 
concerning-  wlrjt  they  wvoUi  to  the 
ciiurches  which  they  were  instrumcji- 
T;il  in  building  up. 

This  being  admitted,  the  m^ntter  can 
he  j)ut  to  re>t  ;viil<o'Jt  much  argument, 
jfwe  look  at  a  few  itcnrj  ia  the  i\ew 
Testament.     Paid  f;sys: 

"Sorvants,  be  obedient  to  Vnai  thst  nrc 
yr.ur  masters  accordmjf  to  tiio  flesh,  \rith  four 
&»d  ir*rnbiiii{j,  ill  sinirlpi-ess  of  your  iieart,  ys 
unto  Chrisl;  Not  w;t;i  eye  servic  ■,  as  rnoj> 
pi0-a3'rs:  but  as  the  serviints  oi'Chr.s',  doing 
tiio  will  of  God  from  tii-.^  iicart;  With  good 
will  dcinjr  servk;s.  rs  to  l;;e  l.hid,  and  net  to 
msn.  Knowing  tfiat  whatsoever  good  thini' 
any  ina.ii  do?lh,  tiie  sa-ne  shall  he  leceive  oi" 
li'ie  Lor  J,  wli^tiiL-r  /tc  (k  bond  or  tree.  And, 
ye  in.isters,  do  th^  si'iia  thinjr-i  unto  thcrn, 
ibrljoaring  thr3alenir!g:  knowing  tiiat  your 
M^sisr  a:so  is  in  li?aven:  neivner  is  ti;ere 
rjsp.^to;  persons  witli  him."     Epii.  G;  5,0,- 

Here  is  a  lesf^on  wliich  mighl  he 
profitable  tor  ali  to  learu,  and  the  priis- 
cipie  upon  which  tlie  cliuroh  wa6  ar.- 
cie!itly  goveriied,  is  so  plainly  set 
forth,  tlj.'it  an  eye  of  truth  might  ser; 
and  understand.  Here,  ceitainly  are 
rt-preocnled  tliC  master  and  servant; 
and  so  far  from  instructions  to  the  ser- 
vant to  leave  his  master,  !)c  is  com- 
inanded  to  be  lu  obedience,  as  un!o 
the  Lord:  t'ic  UTister  in  turn  is  ro- 
fjuired  to  treat  them  with  kindness  be- 
fore God,  understanding,  at  the  sarnc 
time  that  hs  is  to  give  an  account. — 
Tho  han;l  of  fellowsnip  is  lu.t  with- 
di-'.wu  from  hitn  in  co:iset|uence  o! 
h.iv!;:g  servant-^. 

The  same  wri  er.  in   hi;;  fiist  epistle 


ti-rxM  the  ^y!i!  cf  God,  than  all   the  ab- 
jolitionists  in  the  world. 

I  Be  Tore  closing  this  communication, 

I I  hi'g  ieavo  to  iiro|»a  ivoid  to  t.he  trav- 
jeiiing  ciders:  Y<  u  know,  bjethren, 
I  ih'it  great  responsibililf  re.-ts  upon  you, 

I  and  !h..;t  you  are  accountable  to  God 
j  for -ail  ^oa  tep.ch  tho  world.  In  my 
j  opinion,  yon  will  do  well  to  search  tho 
I  book  I'f  Coveioants,  in  which  you  wdt 
I  see  the  belief  of  the  ciiurcdi  concerning 
i  masters  and  servants.  Ai!  men  are  16 
be  i:.'V!ght  to  repent;  but  we  have;  no 
j  right  to  interfere  wiih  slaves  contrary 
I  to  the  nuiiii  and  will  of  their  masters. 
j  ItJ  fact,  it  would  be  nuich  better  and 
I  mo-e  prudent,  not  to  pi'each  at  ail  to 
slaves,  until  after  their  niasters  are 
converted:  and  then,  teach  the  inanter 
to  use  thera  with  kindness,  remember- 
ing that  li)cy  are  accountCibie  to  God, 
and  that  servants  are  bound  to  serve 
t!i«i;'  masters,  wilh  singleness  of  lieart, 
v.'ithout  murmuring,  i  do,  most  sin- 
cerely ho])e,  that  no  one  who  is  hu- 
fhorized  from  this  church  to  preach 
the  goi.pe!,  will  so  far  depart  from  the 
scripture  as  to  be  found  stirring  up 
striCc  and  sedition  against  our  breth- 
ren of  tl:c'  South.  Having  spoken 
frankly  and  freely,  I  h.'ave  all  in  tho 
hcinds  of  God,  wdio  will  direct  all  tliin»,8 
for  ids  glory  aiid  the  accomj'.Iishnieoi 
of  Ids  Vk-crk. 

Praying  that  God  may  spare  you  to 
do  much  good  in  this  tile,  {  subscribo 
ir/v.seif  Yoitr  bro'd;er  in  the  Lord. 

JOSEPM  SMITH,  jr. 


to  Tiirioihy,  tho  sixtli  chr.jiter, 
five  first  verses,  s'lys: 


md  lln 


7>Ir.   F/r.iTon: 


i  Tlic   foliowirfr    extract   of 

honor,  tiiat  tliinam- of  GoJandAiscfoc'rin.;    '**  -^-    -^  •   may  oc  ol  .vome  ronscqueiico 


b>  not  bliVipioinftii.  Ami  ihfy  i!ii:l  iiave  bo- 
ri'Vvin^  masters,  let  lUem  not  d<>sp;s;  tlic7», 
b'ciiisj  tiir>y  nn  ofijliircij:  hut  n5.lii».-r  u..> /':er<: 
8;rvic-^,  b-!iMU.s"!  lr.f>y  arj  KiiihTui  ftiul  I;c!<)v- 
erl,  partil^crs  of  th?  bf>npf.l  Tli's;  tilings 
tcacli  anl  cvltort.  If  any  man  tnacli  ollici- 
wi«';,  aul  co.-tn?ist  m'.  lo  wacicavi.rie  Viorrfs, 
exzn  the  wordH  of  Oiir  Lor>i  Je«us  L'iirist,  and 
lo  t';c  dopirin?  v.-bio'i  Ik  hccnJinj;   to  2o>ili- 


to  the  nunv'ToUs  readers  of  the  Mes- 
senger and  advocate:  if  you  thitdc  so 
you  are  at  liberty  to  insert  it  iji  its  col- 
umns. 

Dkar  Sir: — Yours  of  a  recent  data 
has  been  received  and  read,  I  trust, 
with  that  attention  wddcl)    the  n:iture  of 


newi:  hr^  is  prmic.  K'icwinr;  i-.oi':iii.' i.mi  d'.i- :  the  sidijrct  requires.     Everv  man   ha« 


in»  aooal  qu'^stionn  an  1  B'rifes  oi  wo 
whFr'of  coui-^ili  envy,  slrJli;,  railinsjs,  nvil 
furttiie'.i.^s,  Pcrv-rs»;  cli^!|)Iilingi^  of  nsen  oi' 
«orr;jpt  niin 's,  und  li-^utitntc  ot'  tho  Irnth, 
f  uppoain;;  ihat  p.iin  is  godlinefra:  from  Buch 
Withdraw  tiiyself." 


I  i^  pe  u'i  uilies,  his    peculiar  feelings, 

his  prtulinr   taste,   and    his    mode  of 

■.•r;i:;c!di)g  or   arriving   at    c(l^Jchl^Ion8 

f'fimat'.y  premises, — You    have. yours 

and  I  have  mine;  arid  wilhout  jiretend 

This  is  so  perfectly  plain,  that  I  see  |  ing  to  tell  yours,  suffice   it  to  say,  thnt 

no  need  of  cotnmcnt.     Tlw    scripture  !  I  arrive  at *min<^  in  tiie  fallowing  nan- 

•lands  for    it&elf,    and    I   believe    that!  cor.     If  I  arn    r«quc«lc-d   to   nolvft  •• 


JfESSSNSEll  A.TD  ABV-XTATE.. 


'question  in  arithrnetic,  I  kriroW  tht-re  diK:t>d  tor  a  tiguic,  afid  iec  if  there  bc; 
«re  certain  rules,  by  which,  if  I  pro-  not  scnrie  wlw>,  thr»>ugh  prejudice  »>r 
«eed,  1  am  sure  of  a  correct  result, '  wilful  biitidness  ate  not,  to  fay  the 
*nd  inasn^uch  as  I  love  and    \a]ve  the  least,  as  much  m  error  vrith  regard  to 


truth,  with  just  so  much  mteasity 
•f  thought  and  fixedness  of  purpose  i 
•hall  pursue  that  eo'.irse,  that  will  en- 
«ble  me  in  tho  conclusion  to  arrive  at 
the  object  of  my  desire, — If  I  have  no 
confidence  in  the  rule  I  shall  njo«t  ns- 
BUredly  take  my  own  way  and  when  I 
have  gone  through  with  my  process 
«nd  find  1  have  failed,  ought  I  to 
blame  the  correct  rule,  or  the  author 
*f  h,  or  say  that  either  or  both  are 
change?}?  Certainly  not;  Again,  if  I, 
with  all  the  zeal  and  enerj^  of  my 
ioul,  should  labor  with  you  to  prove 
that  six  and  four  make  twelve,  how  do 
yxrn  think  I  should  succeed?  Poorly  I 
trust,  poorly  you  woxild  respond  truly. 
Why,  1  ask,  have  I  not  been  sincere 
and  unwearied  in  my  efforts  to  con- 
vince you?  Certainly  I  have.  Why 
then  are  you  not  bound  to  believe  me? 
Your  answer  will  no  doubt  be  rcady. 
My  dear  friend,  I  am  bound  to  respect 
your  feelings  and  treat  you  with  be- 
coming reverence,  but  1  cannot  con- 
cede to  your  opinion  or  your  judgment 
with  regard  to  your  operation  with  the 
figures.  Tb?  result  of  your  ])rocess 
was  incorrect,  for  the  reason-,  that  you 
sppiied  the  wrong  rules.  Although 
you  labored  unremittingly,  and  seem 
to  be  positive  in  your  own  mind  that 
you  are  correct,  still,  you  will  say,  I 
do  know  and  can  fully  prove  by  a  cor- 
rect process,  and    strict   application  of 


the  gospel  as  I  have  rriade  myself  in 
relation  to  the  subject  of  figures. — 
When  God  said  in  his  holy  word, 
"fhese  signs  shall  follow  them  that  be- 
lieve,'' 1  receive  it  as  proof  positivo 
that  he  meant  yjst  what  be  said.  Now 
Sir,  any  operation  or  any  process  voa 
nrray  take  to  bring  out  a  conclusion,  if 
you  do  not  come  at  the  one  shov.-n  us 
by  irjspi ration,  you  will  permit  me  to 
>ay  to  vou,  it  will  be  as  hard  Ckv  vou 
to  convince  me  that  your  religion  is 
approbatexl  by  the  Goil  of  heaven,  as 
it  was  for  me  to  persuade  you  into  the 
b(  I  ef  that  six  and  four  make  twelve 
You  may  show  me  some  of  the  char- 
acteristics: So  I  showed  you  a  part  of 
what  was  necessary  to  make  up  the 
number  twelve,  but  they  actually  fell 
short  of  it.  Just  so  you  must  allow 
me  to  look  upon  your  religion,  in  the 
light  of  divine  truth,  the  only  correct 
rule,  it  is  a  base  counterfeit.  If  tho 
scriptures  be  our  guide  such  must  be 
the  ftiCt;  and  it  is  just  as  useless  in 
my  opinion,  to  blend  soms  good  thirvgs 
that  obtain  at  the  present  day  among 
the  different  sects  with  their  errors  in 
principle  and  practice,  and  call  tho 
compound  the  religion  of  the  bible,  aa 
would  be  the  vain  attempt  to  weld  iron 
and  clay.  Thus  you  see  people  do 
not  believe  the  rule  that  God  has  giv- 
en, all  their  boasted  pretensions  to  the 
contrary  notwithstanding.     It    is  often 


known  rules,  that  six  and   four,   make  boastingiy  said  that,   God,  our  hoaven 


but  just  ten,  that  they  do  not  make 
twelve  nor  never  did.  W^hat  then  is 
ihe  difficulty  with  me?  I  pretend  to  be- 
lieve in  just  principles  and  correct 
fules  as  much  as  you  do,  I  certainly 
have  as  much  anxiety  and  as  much 
zeal?  Your  answer  will  again  be  rea- 
dy, My  friend,  you  neither  believe  me 
nor  the  rule  1  take  to  arrive  at  my 
conclusions,  if  you  did,  we  should 
draw  like   inferences  from   the    same 


ly  Father  has  ceased  to  reveal  himself 
to  the  children  of  men,  that  the  day  of 
; miracles  has  gone  by,  that  the  canon 
of  scripture  is  full.  Can  you  point  me 
to  that  passage  in  his  word  where  ho 
has  made  any  such  declaration?  Can 
you  tell  me  how  the  scriptures  of  iho 
old  and  new  testament  are  to  be  ful- 
filled without  miracles  and  without 
revelation  from  heaven.  Do  enlighten 
my  mind  on  this   subject.     I  read  that 


premises,  and    it  would    be    a  clearly  I  it  shall  come  to   pass  in  the  last   days 
dcm.)nstrable  fact  in  your  mind  as  it  is  i  that  God  shall  pour  out  his    s|)int  u[;on 


in  mine  that  six   and  four   make  just 
ten. 

You  will  examine  tho  foregoing  re- 
marks and  say  they  are  correct  and 
that  you  never  doubted  them.  Let  us 
look  at  another  subject  although  equal- 
ly pliRia  with  the  simple  one  I  have  nd- 


all  flesh,  some  will  sec  visions,  others 
dream  dreams,  and  others  still  v/ill 
prophesy.  These,"  you  know,  wero 
anciently  the  effects  of  the  true  gospel, 
you  will  recollect  there  was  a  little 
specimen  of  it  on  the  day  of  pentocost, 
vrhicb  virtually    continued   while   the 


^'J.a^g^i^aH  fY^ry  ADVvOCAT'^ 


Ctiircli  was  led  by  revelafio"?.  Do} 
you  ihifjk  if  the  Lord  snoul"!  lead  a 
|)eople  as  he  Jed  his  church  in  the  diys 
of  the  aposdes,  there  would  be  luore 
than  <^nc  faith  or  one  mode  of  baptism. 
Ccr^fiiiily  not, — Then  is  it  not  an  ar- 
gument, strong  and  conclusive,  that 
God  has  no  respect  for  the  doctrines, 
commandmer.ts  and  precepts  of  the 
fjTcfessing  christian  world.  This  gener- 
ation is  not  blameabie  because  their  iltth- 
ers  lost  the  power  and  authority  to  lioid 
intercource  with  heaven.  They  come 
under  conden^aatiou  for  resisting  au- 
thority (the  priesthood)  now  that  he 
Uas  given  it  aguia.  It  is  worse  than 
useless  for  the  different  religious  sects 
of  this  generation  to  pretend  to  the 
least  vestige  of  authority  to  administer 
in  holy  things,  that  is  not  mere  as- 
sumption ot  come  down  to  them 
through  the  mother  cf  abominations. 

You  must  be   aware,    Sir,    from  but 
even  a  cursory   view  of  this   subject, 
that  if  the  mother  church  had  any  au- 
thority that    was  cf  divine  ori'j;in,  she 
was  sure  to  divest  hci*  dissenting  mem- 
bers of  any.     Not  only    so,  b«t  they 
w'ere   treated  as  heretics  and  outlaws. 
Now  you    know  they    were  anciently 
made  ministers  and  clothed    with  au- 
thority to  act   in   that    high    and    holy 
calling,  in  a   certain   way;  they  were 
witnesses  of  Jesus  and  required  to  bear 
testunfjonj'  in  his  name.       They    could 
truly  say  that  flesh  and  blood  h.id   not 
revealed  it  to  them.     The  religion  they 
preached,  and   urged  upon    their  audi- 
tor<,  was  truly  the  j)owcr  of  God  uuto 
salvation  unto  every  one  that    believed 
mid  obeyed  its   mandates.     Just   so    1 
believe  t\w  religion  of  heavca    always 
was  and   always  will  be.     It  is  vain  to 
tell  mc  this  power  was   contined  to  the 
apostles,  unless  you  cunvince  mo  the 
gos|)el    was  confined  to  them,  (or  it  is 
abundantly  evident  that  those  who  em- 
braced the  gospel  from  their  preaching 
participated    iii    the    same    power,  the 
power  of  God.     Any   thing   short  of 
this,  is  not  the  power  of   God  unto  sal- 
vation   consequently  it   is  not  then  the 
gosjHjI,  and  if  it  be  not  the  gospel,  will  it 
save  tnenl     I  pause  for  a  ix;ply.     But 
I  am  aware  you  will  say   that  the  reli- 
irion  of  the  professing  christian  world, 
saves  men  from  vice,  and  makes  th^m 
lovo  God  ftnd  ono  another:  to  which  I 
reply,  I  fear  many  are  awfully  decaiv- 
«d,  ovon  in  those  two  points.     If  thoy 
!»vo  God  ih^jr  will  k»o()  hi«  commiiod- 


m:-ijts,  and  u  taoy  kec;p  ius  cjiuaiju^- 
ments  they  know  it  and  thev  know 
they  please  him.  You  know  the  scrip- 
ture sa\s  he  [the  Lord]  is  no  rciipect- 
er  of  persons.  Then  it  is  clear  as 
the  noon  day  sun,  that  in  order  t<* 
please  him  we  must  obey  him  in  aU 
things,  and  if  we  obey  him  we  cer- 
tainly embrace  the  gospel,  and  if  w» 
have  that  in  its  fulness,  we  have  the 
power  of  God  HRto  salvation.  Anj 
thing  short  of  this  cannot  be  the  tru» 
gospel  however  nearly  it  may  resem 
h!e  it. 

Try  aK  the  rales  you  please  and 
six  and  four  will  never  make  twelve, 
nor  will  seven  eighths  of  an  integer, 
evcfl  of  the  true  foarts,  constitute  th» 
wliole.  The  whole  is  equal  to  all  the 
parts,  and  all  the  parts  are  but  just 
equivalent  to  the  whole.  Yi  u  hav» 
tf>o  much  go.od  sense  not  to  see,  Sir, 
that  the  sectarian  world  have  h  st  alt 
Uieir  authority  to  administer  in  anv  of 
the  ordinaRces  of  his  house,  all  they 
l;ave  is  assumed,  and  you  have  a« 
much  du'ine  right  to  off»ciate  in  any  of 
them  as  they  have.  Tell  rae  nothing 
about  their  goodness,  their  piety  or 
their  purity.  Dd  you  think  they  ar© 
really  any  better  than  Cornelius  was 
before  Peter  baptized  him?  He  had 
that  power  with  God,  and  so  far  pleas- 
ed him  that  an  angel  was  sent  to  con- 
verse with  him  and  instruct  him.— 
What  was  the  siabject  of  communica- 
tion to  him?  Here  mark  the  directiott 
given  by  this  messenger  ot  heaven.— 
"Send  m^n  to  Joppa  and  call  for  Si- 
mon whose  surname  is  Peter,  he  lodg- 
eth  with  one  Simon,  a  tanner,  whos» 
house  is  by  the  sea-side;  ho  shall 
tell  thee  what  thou  oughtest  to  do." 

Now,  Sir,  for  a  moment  examins 
this  su!)ject  in  the  light  of  reason  and 
revelation.  If  Cornelius  could  have 
been  saved  without  complying  with  tha 
requisitions  of  the  gospel  as  preached 
by  Peter,  then  the  Lord  rpquired 
something  unnecessary.  And  agaiti 
if  Cornelius  could  be  sived  without 
those  things  required  in  tho  goipol  an- 
other man  can  be,  and  if  another  man 
can  be, all  men  can  be.  It  all  men  caa 
be,  then  it  necessarily  follows  that  thn 
gospel  is  unnecessary,  and  if  it  bo  un- 
necessary tho  wisdom  of  the  author  of 
it  stands  impeached,  and  wo  cauuot  a- 
void  it  Youra  tnilf^ 


«4 


MEeSHNOER  AXD  ADTOCATE. 


To  th^  Kditor  of  I  he  Messenger, 
Dear  Bf.othkr — Happening  a  few 
davs  since  to  take  up  tlie  "OJiio  Atins" 
pf  the  20<h  inst.  my  eye  caught  an  ar- 
I'c'e  in  the  shnpe  of  n.n  anonymous 
letter  to  the  Editor,  dated  Piunesri'ifi, 
March  16. — frotri  which,  if  you  please, 
1  beg  leave  to  rnnke  some  extracts,  nc- 
co-oopanicd  with  such  rejnarksasl  may 
deem  proper 

The  writer,  in  speaking  of  the 
church  of  "Lntter  Tmy  Saints''  vul- 
g;irly  styled  '•Mormons,"  at  this  place, 
commences  hia  tirade,  by  snying: — "1 
have  been  to  Kirtland,  and  witnessed 
the  operations  of  that  mast  deluded  set 
of  visionaries,  that  our  land,  or  any 
other  enlightened  iand  b.as  ever  wit- 
nessed." You  will  see,  that  he  is  pos- 
Hive  in  his  assertion,  and  does  not  rest 
with 'giving  a  coTjjectnre,  or  a  may-be- 
ao,  that  we  are  a  ^'•deluded  s^t  of  vis- 
ionaries." Noah  Webster  say.s,  that 
the  word  "deluded"  means  deceived, 
misled,  disappointed: — Now,  if,  to  be- 
lieve in  the  existence  ot  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  ti'iv. 
whole  world,  even  as  many  as  believed 
on  him;  to  follow  the  precepts  and 
commandments  of  the  Almightj^,  as 
laid  down  in  the  old  and  new  lesta- 
ment,  for  the  government  of  l)is  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,  walk  humbly  before  God, 
nndtorieal  justly*  love  mercy,  exer- 
cise faith  toward  our  Iseaveniy  Father, 
and  el  arity  to  man,  visiting  the  father- 
less- and  the  widows,  and  in  .'^hort  "do- 
ing to  others  as  you  woiud  l.>e  done 
by,"  constitutes  a  ddv.dfid  peoi'le.  then 
am  I,  lor  one,  ready  to  plead  g^'iliy, 
end  ^utilr  myself  to  be  nr-ide  a  iiisb. 
and  a  hs^word  for  tlsis  generation,  bul 
until  I  am  convinced  uf  Ih  s,  I  mu^t 
beg  leave  to,  ditter  with  the  genUtman, 
if  such  he  can  be  calhd. 

Again  he  says: — "1  have  no  doubt 
that  Jo  Smith's  character  is  an  equal 
compound  of  tlie  impostor  and  fan-;lic, 
and  that  Rigdon  ha.>^.  but  a  smiii  spice 
of  the  l"itter,  v/ith  an  extraordinary 
portion  of  tho  foMiicr:" — 1  am  aware 
that  any  ih.njj;  1  can  say  in  viudicatioa 


of  the  characters  of  these  brethren, 
will  be  entirely  superfluous  where  they 
are  personally  known,  hut  to  tho.-o 
who  have  not  the  jdeasure  of  a  pcrsor?* 
al  acquaintance  with  them,  1  would 
say,  that  the  above  quoted  assertion  is 
false  from  beginning  to  end,  and  could 
not  have  come  from  a  heart  instigattrd 
by  any  other  than  an  evil  spirit.  AJid 
in  support  of  this  position  1  would  be 
willing,  for  the  sake  of  truth,  to  com- 
pare their  private  and  public  ciiarac- 
ter  with  that  of  the  Painesville  writer, 
or  any  of  his  brethren  of  lying,  back* 
biting,  and  viliificution  notoriety. 

Again  he  says: — "None  of  them  ap- 
pear to  be  within  the  reach  of  argu- 
ment on  the  subject  of  religion."  Tiiif* 
the.  writer  if.nf:w,  (if  be  knew  any 
thing  about  the  church,)  was  not  tru9 
— -so  far  from  it,  ihat  wherever  our 
Elders  have  travelled  abroad  they  have 
at  all  times,  been  ready,  God  giving 
thern  his  Spirit,  to  stand  up  boldly,  in 
deffHce  of  the  religion  they  profess; 
and  even  "beardless  boys,"  among 
them,  have  been  able  to  confound  the 
Priests  of  this  generat'on,  who  were 
cf  nsidered  by  their  followers,  well 
versed  in  the  scriptures,  and  filled  with 
all  tlie  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  v/iil 
be  in  spite  of  men  or  devils. 

Again. — "They,  [the  "xMormons"} 
say,  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 
that  ever  any  member  of  the  church 
of  Latter  Day  Saints  gave  him  such 
information: — It  is  true,  we  are  as 
yot  but  few  in  numbers;  but  the  Lord 
has  srt  his  hand  to  woik  in  these  last 
days,  and  he  has  said  thai  his  work 
jiln-Uid  roll  forth,  until  he  v/ou'd  gath- 
er in  all  tho  honest  m  hear!,  and  they 
should  become  a  great  and  mighty  na- 
tion, until  al!  tlie  righteous  shouid  bo 
separated  from  tlvij  wicked,  and  they 
that  fear  not  God  and  keep  his  com- 
mandments, should  be  cut  down  and 
w'urnt  as  stubble; — and  when  did  (^od  . 
ever  lie? 

We  would  warn  the  Painesville 
writer  and  al!  others  Mho  do  like  him, 
to  speedily  repsnt  and  obey  tl^e  ever- 
iijsling   gos^pei,  ere  it    L«   too  iate;  for 


lftt:5SX!f  GER  AlflO  ADTOCATR 


(rod  h.as  said,  1  th«  Lord  am  not  to  be 
niaclred  in  these  last  days:  For  the 
ilay  speedily  comcth  when  I  wiU  send 
mv  angels  to  pluck  out  the  wicked  uud 
cast  th(;m  int')  linquencha'ole  fire. 

I  might  foiiow  this  redoubtable  scrib- 
bler in  the  Atlas  through  his  entire 
con^nuinication,  bat  the  whole  of  it  be- 
ing about  on  a  par  with  that  already 
quoted,  i  will  close  witl^  the  following: 
♦'Their  ■teft'.pie,  at  Klrtla-ndis  a  huge 
rnis-!3'ha[)en  editice," — The  writer's 
judgment  i"  regard  to  this  building 
must  have  been  warped  as  much  as 
his  views  in  relation  to  ail  other  mat- 
ters connected  with  the  society.  For 
ii  has  been  ackaowledgcd  by  ineu  oi 
s-kiU  and 't3.ste  m  the  science  of  archi- 
tecture to  be  a  building  sujierior  in 
structure  and  finish  to  ahuost  any  ot!)- 
cr  in  the  Union  And  to  all  who  do 
riit  wish  to  take  niy  .word  for  it,  \ 
would  say,  visit  Kirtland  and  view  not 
only  the  "House  of  the  Lord,"  but  be- 
come acquainted  with  the  society  here, 
as  W4-U  as  tlie  doctrines  and  priaciples 
held  to  and  taught;  and  if  they  do  not 
go  from  us  divested  of  that  rancor  ami 
prejudice  so  much  entertained  again^t 
us,  then  I  will  acknov/Jedge  thc^t  1  asn 
nojadgeof  human  nature,  nor  of  the 
feeiing-i  that  should  actu:ite  high-mind- 
ed and  honorable  men. 

Brotixir,  1  have  done, — and  if  you 
think  the  foregoing  worthy  of  an  in- 
sertion in  your  useful  and  widely  cir- 
culated papei*,  you  will  confer  a  favor 
by  giving  it  a  place  in  the  same. 

Hoping  that  the  Lord  will  be  merci- 
ful to  us  ail,  and  at  last  save  us  in  his 
Celestial  Kingdom,  I  subscribe  myself 
as  ever,  vour  brother  in  the  Lord. 

J.  M. 


For  the  M"X'ieng€r  and  Advocate. 

Not  long  smce  a  gt!Htleman  of  the 
Presbyterian  laith  came  to  tliis  town 
(iCirtiand)  and  proposed  to  lecture  up- 
on the  abolition  questior.  Knowing 
that  there  was  a  large  branch  of  the 
church  of  Latter  Diy  iSaints  in  this 
place,  who,  as  a  people,  are  liberal  in 
our  sentiments;  he  iiu  doubt  auticipa- 
lid  great  success  in  establishing  bis 
doctrine  anions  us.  But  in  ih  s  he 
was  mistaken.  The  doctrine  of 
rhiist  and  the  systems  of  men  arc;  at 
issUM  and  consequently  will  not  har- 
m;i!j!Ke  tf^elher. 

However,  wiih  the  assist;: nc-  of 
soiiiy  few  others,    wliu  posse-s^cci  con- 


genial spirit?,  he  succeeded  in  gettm.^ 
a  hearing,  and  after  holding  several 
meetings  we  are  infornred  that  he  es- 
tablished an  abolition  society  in  thi« 
vicinity.  We  indeed  profess  to  bs 
libera!,  not  only  in  a  religious,  but  ia 
a  political  point  of  view;  and  for  this 
reason  we  stand  aloof  from  abolilioii 
societi  s.  We  are  liberal  «i  our  reli- 
gious sentiments  ay  f.ir  as  truth  and 
lighteousness  will  warrant,  «nd  no 
farther.  We  believe  in  cultivating 
the  [>ure  principles  of  the  gospel  to 
the  extent;  and  that  every  man  ha» 
an  undiiubled  right  to  worsh'o  God  ac- 
cording to  the  dictates  of  his  own  con- 
science howev<'r  errofieous  his  princi- 
ples may  b'3,  and  that  none  should  mo- 
lest or  make  him  afraid. 

We  ais(»  beiieve  that  the  constitutioa 
of  those  United  States,  is  the  best  form 
of  government  that  exists  ui)on  th« 
rof.t-stiiol  of  God.  Our  v/ise  legisla- 
tors who  framed  it  were  elected  by  the 
voice  of  the  people,  and  after  taking 
into  consideration  the  general  good  of 
this  republic  have  deemed  it  expedient 
to  guarantee  to  the  Southern  States  the 
right  of  h.okiing  slaves; — And  wq  do 
not  feel  disposed  to  rise  up  in  opposi- 
tion to  it.  It  is  their  right,  and  we  ex- 
pect they  will  txi  as  tenacious  of  their 
privileges  as  we  are  of  ours,  and  wo 
believe  that  it  is  the  duty  of  every  in- 
dividual to  submit  to  the  government 
of  that  Stale  or  Kingdom  in  which  he 
resides,  so  long  as  that  government 
vifit'rds  him  the  protection' of  its  laws; 
and  he  that  will  not  is  an  enemy  to  hia 
country;  an  enemy  to  mankind,  and 
an  enemy  to  that  God  v,'ho  teaches  lu 
to  pay  du3  defterenco  and  resjir^ct  to 
magistrates,  and  rulers,  and  to  be  ia 
subjection  to  the  powers  that  be. 

And  although  political  demagog'tes, 
and  religious  fanatics,  ia  their  blind 
zeal,  m.y  bustle  and  rag%  and  com- 
pass sea  and  land  with  the  pretention 
to  moilorata  the  conditton  of  Ham'a 
descendants,  yet  God's*  curstfUiprQ- 
nounced  by  his  servant  Noah^Hrnl  re- 
main upon  them;  and  Canaan  must 
dwell  in  the  tents  of  Shem  and  be  hi» 
servant  until  He,  who  pronounced  ii 
shall  order  it  otherwise.  And  all  tha 
abolition  s'^cieties  that  now  are  or  ever 
•viil  be,  cinnol  cause  one  jot  or  tittia 
of  the  prophecy  to  fail.  The  cursB 
thut  wi.->  nroiiouiJv-^'d  u;)on  that  peoijlo 
was  by  the  spirit  of  prophecy,  atjii 
when  liio  Lord  turns  away   hii  wr»li» 


235 


JSfESSET^GKlR  Ain>  ADTOCA7*S. 


and  pronounces  a  blessing  upon  tljem 
he  will  announce  to  his  servants  the 
prophets  that  the  time  has  arrived  that 
there  is  to  be  no  more  the  Ganaanite 
in  the  land;  snd  when  that  time  comes 
ell  the  devils  on  earth  or  In  hell,  can- 
not prevent  it.  Here  then  we  rest  the 
matter:— -This  is  the  ground  on  which 
v/e  stand,  this  is  the  position  we  take 
in  regard  to  this  question.  We  would 
therfure  be  distinctly  understood,  that 
we  do  not  Countenance  the  abolition 
eystem,  nor  fellowship  those  who  ad- 
vocate its  principles;  and  he  that  would 
Btir  up  rebellion  among  the  blacks,  is 
an  enemy  to  t'lc  well  being  of  society, 
and  instead  of  betteiing  their  condition 
is  heaping  upon  them  innumerable 
evils  that  they  would  otherwise  be 
strangers  to,  and  is  indirectly  shedding 
the  blood  of  his  fellow-men. 

W.  PARRISH. 


To  the  Editor   of  the   Messenger  and 

Advocate, 

Dear  Brother  : — Having 
just  returned  from  a  short  mission, 
Hay  about  three  w  eks,  in  the  county 
of  Portage  Ohio,  I  feel  disposed  to 
drop  you  a  few  lines  that  you  may 
know  something  how  the  cause  of 
iruih  has  prospered  in  my  hands  dur- 
ing this  short  {)eiiod. 

1  commenced  preaching  in  the  town- 
ship of  Hiram,  the  place  where  our 
beloved  brethren,  Joseph  Smith  jr.  and 
Sidney  Rigdon  were  most  shamefully 
beaten,  tarred  and  feathered  some 
throe  or  four  ytiars  since  by  the  inhab- 
itants of  that  place  and  vicinity.  Let 
it  here  be  noted  that  Hiram  stands  first 
on  the  list  of  heroes  who  have  waged 
war  against  tlie  servants  of  God  with 
the  honorable  weapons  of  clubs,  tar 
and  feathers,  and  you  may  well  sup- 
pose that  characters  thus  depraved 
were  not  very  willing  to  embrace  the 
truth — yet  there  are  some  precious 
souls  in  Hiram  who  have  aud  will  own 
the  Savior  before  men. 

Aftlt  baptizing  one  in  the  above 
place,  1  went  into  Mantua  and  Sha- 
lersville  where  I  baptized  seven  more, 
also  attended  meeting  in  Middiebury, 
and  two  more  came  forward  for  bap- 
tism v/hich  was  administered  by  Eider 
Boosinger. 

There  is  an  opportunity  of  doing 
much  good  in  those  regions,  if  some 
ftiithful  laborer  would  go  into  that  part 
©f  lb©  vinoynrd. 


1  expect  to  leave  town  to-morrow  toi-r 
the  purpose  of  sounuing  the  ranvi 
horn  again  around  Jericho,  that  hot 
wails  may  be  broken  down,  but  may 
God  bless  and  spare  those  who  enter 
tain  the  spies,  (or  the  servants  of  tho 
Most  High.) 

The  cause  of  God  will  roll  on  in  tho 
face  of  an  opposing  world,  and  1  can- 
not but  make  the  expression  of  the 
Prophet,  saying,  "no  weapon  formed 
against  thee  shall  prosper."  The  first 
weapon  raised  against  the  spread  of 
truth,  of  any  ccmsideration  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,  Mormonism 
unveiled  written  by  Mr.  E.  D.  Howe, 
alias,  Doct.  P.  Hulbert. 

These  were  designed  severally  in 
their  turn  for  the  exposure  and  over- 
throw of  "Mormonism"  as  they  term* 
ed  it;  but  it  appears  that  heaven  has 
not  blessed  the  means  which  they  em- 
ployed to  effect  their  object,  "Na 
weapon  raised  against  it  shall  pros- 
per." 

The  writings  of  the  above  named 
persons,  I  find  have  no  influence  in 
the  world  at  all;  for  they  are  not  even 
quoted  by  opposers,  and  I  believe  for 
no  other  leason  than — that  they  ar» 
ashamed  of  them. 

The  servants  of  God  are  declaring 
boldly  the  counsel  of  the  Most  High, 
as  contained  in  the  book  of  Mormon, 
the  Scriptures  and  the  book  of  Cove- 
nants— Many  are  repenting  and  com- 
ing to  baptism  that  they  may  obtain 
the  remission  of  their  sins  through 
faith  in  the  name  of  Christ. 

May  the  Lord  pour  out  his  Spirit 
upon  the  Elders  abroad,  and  may  the 
angel  of  thy  presence  go  befor"  them, 
— may  they  be  endowed  with  wisdom 
and  power  from  on  high,  to  stop  tho 
mouths  of  gainsayers,  and  to  heal  iho 
sick,  and  cast  out  devils  in  the  name  of 
the  Lord. 

I  am,  Sir,  Yours 
in  the  Bonds  of 
the  new  Covenant, 
ORSON  HYDE 

Kirtiandt  May  4,  l&dG, 


Messi:nger  and  advocatH 


128? 


Fo"  thr  M'sscnger  and   Adrocule. 
Br.  O.  UoviDi'.Rv 

jS/;; — it  aj-pears  tiint 
the  notice  which  I  took  of  Simons  Ri- 
der in  the  ftles^pnger  and  Advocate  of 
January  last,  has  given  some  offence 
to  him,  as  according  to  his  usual  way 
of  correcting  my  Ci  rors,  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 
liis  feelings  with  safety,  as  there  will 
be  no  person  to  call  him  to  an  account 
for  it. 

He  complains  it  appears,  that  I  have 
injured  his  character  in  publishing  his 
conduct  to  the  world  in  your  periodi- 
Cil.  Now,  that  he  should  be  ashamed 
to  have  his  conduct  made  a  public 
thing  is  not  at  all  su  "prising  tome; 
for  I  should  think  that  would  of  neces- 
eiiy  be  the  case;  for  while  'heie  are 
any  people  who  acknowledge  him  as 
H  ])ublic  teacher,  his  conduct  is  not 
\cvy  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  fad  in 
your  paper  concerning  him  but  what 
was  strictly  true;  I'or  he  does  know 
most  assuredly,  that  without  cause  or 
provocation,  he  made  an  unmanly  at- 
tack as  wf'll  as  an  unrighteous  one,  up- 
on myself,  as  well  as  others  of  the 
church  of   ti)e  Latter  Day  Saints. 

He  attacked  both  our  characters  and 
religion,  in  public  assemblies,  and  in 
his  public  proclaimings;  and  that  at  a 
time,  when  we  had  m  way  of  expos- 
ing his  wi  kcdtiess:  we  had  no  paper 
through  which  we  could  communicate 
to  the  world.  He  availed  himself  of 
this  our  defensless  situation,  to  do  all 
the  injury  he  could,  and  if  possil)le,  to 
Btop  the  spread  o'  trulh;  but  in  this 
he  failed,  and  when  called  upon  to 
suppo't  his  assertions  in  my  presence, 
lie  bad  recourse  to  slander  and  abuse: 
these  things  Simons  knows  to  be  true. 
Why  th'-n  complain  that  I  have  injured 
his  character,  by  publishing  them  to 
the  world?  it  is  the  same  as  to  sav, 
that  his  character  cannot  stand  where 
truth  prevails,  and  [  have  no  reason 
that  I  know  o^,  t  >  doubt  it.  I  am  sure 
Jiis  religion  cannot  ^tand  the  test  of 
trulh,  and  he  knows  it  as  well  as  I  do, 
and  I  expect  he  thinks  his  character  is 


liow  far  the  chaj'g.-2  of  uljjh'unc'stj^' 
can  jje  prcfeieu  in  truth  ligain  >t  fei- 
nions  Rider,  as  well  as  others,  o;  tr.a 
smaller  animals  of  this  spociea  (1  mean 
the  Campbellites)  remains  yet  to  be 
made  manifest;  as  they,  at  present, 
are  under  tu.ors  and  governors,  and 
not  at  liberty  to  think  for  themselve* 
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  VV.  Scott  think.  Th»y 
are  not  at  liberty  to  believe  what  the 
bible  says,  unless  they  first  find  it  in 
the  Evangelist,  or  Harbinger,  and 
then,  and  not  till  then  dare  they  be- 
lieve it;  but  if  they  find  it  in  the  Evan- 
gelist, or  H.irbinger,  it  matters  not 
whether  it  is  in  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. 

\Vc  (eel  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  o.herhood,  arc  not  hon- 
est in  their  religion:  they  are  men  who 
think  and  act  for  themselves,  indepen- 
dently, and  they  do  know,  that  the 
same  Jesus  who  said  to  his  disciples 
"Go  ye  into  all  the  world,  and  preach 
the  gf)spel  to  every  creature:  he  that 
believethand  is  baptized  shall  be  saved, 
and  he  that  believeth  not  shall  be  dam- 
ned." Also  said  "That  signs  shall 
follow  them  that  believe  6ic. 

Now  that  Messrs.  Bently,  Rider  and 
others,  should  not  know  this  is  not  sur- 
|)rising,  because  they  never  saw  it,  in 
either  the  harb  n^er,  or  evangelist  and 
not  having  seen  it  there,  of  course 
c  )u!d  not  say  whether  it  was  in  any 
other  place  or  not.  But  Messrs. 
Campbell  and  Scott,  are  not  thus  tram- 
eled:  they  know  it  is  there,  and  they 
do  know  also,  that  they  have  the  same 
authority  for  saying  ''ihese  signs  shall 
folloic  them  f.'iat  believe''  that  they  have 
to  say  unto  the  people  believe  and  be 
baptized,  that  is,  th;  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. 


equally  as  weak,  and  would  i"ail  as  when  we  say,  we  know  that  Messrs. 
easy  a  prey  to  the  truth  a*  his  rcli-  Campbell  and  Scott  know  ihest' thicgsj 
g'o"-  1  «tnd  tho  ipnaatcr  sbosM   for  tbon^   to 


KESSENOER  AITD  ADVOCATl?. 


keep  iuch  men  as  Simons  Rider,  and  A- 
Bently,  held  in  bondage,  whose  minds 
arc  too  limited  to  exercise  one  indepen- 
dent thought  for  themselves,  end  only 
think  ns  they  are  permitted  by  their 
masters. 

They  do  know  too,  that  the  sam^^ 
Peter  who  said  ''Repent  and  be  bap- 
tized every  one  of  you  in  the  name  of 
Jesus  Christ  for  the  remission  of  sins, 
Rnd  you  shall  receive  the  gift  of  the 
Holy  Ghost''  also  described  that  gift  of 
the  Koly  Spirit,  and  said,  it  consisted 
in  dreaming  dreams,  and  seeing  vis- 
ions, prophesying,  6ic,  and  that  Peter 
made  that  promise  to  all  that  were  a- 
farofT,  even  as  many  as  the  Lord  our 
God  shall  call. 

These  things  they  do  knc>w,  because 
they  read  for  themselves,  and  think 
fV»r  themselves,  and  r.re  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  the  God  of  this  v/orld 
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 
hell  hotter  than  another,  or  wheie  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  offering  in  the  most  pos- 
itive manner,  that  the  bible,  and  the 
bible  only,  should  be  our  creed,  and 
by  that  alone  we  should  be  governed, 
and  yet  in  the  face  of  all  these  decla- 
rations, deny  that  which  is  written  as 
with  a  sun-beam  on  almost  every  page 
of  it,  and  profess  to  believe  and  try  to 
establish  an  order  of  thing«(which  by 
the  by  he  will  never  accom[)lish)  that 
ys  no  where  found  in  it. 

After  generations  will  rise  up  and 
iifistead  of  calling  them  Mossed,  will 
view  all  their  labor.s  and  toils,  in  a 
light  ici^  favorable,    than    t!  e  ^   do  tb 


•The  scheme  of  Messrs.  Campbell 
and  Scott  is  tl-c  most  barefaced  and 
im;HKient  impisition  ever  attsmpt- 
cd  to  be  pawned  on  any  generation, 
and  those  who  are  stupid  enough  to 
c.mtimie  to  follow  them,  will  cast  a 
shade  upon  the  character  of  this  gen- 
eration as  long  as  the  name  of  it  is 
known  among  the  living. 

These  gentlemen  surely  have  tho 
right  to  investigate  the  religion  of  the 
bihie,  but  after  the  princi|  les  of  it  have 
all  been  fairly  brought  to  light,  to  call 
tiiem  the  basest  of  impositions,  and 
tho?e  servants  of  God  whom  h(^  called 
to  this  woik  for  the  world,  fanatics, 
and  impostors,  when  they  do  know 
that  those  v/ho  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  heails,  did  not 
choose  them  to  be  among  the  honored 
oiics  into  whose  hands  the  kingdom 
should  be  delivered  in  the  last  days; 
but  saw  proj)fM*  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 
would  be,  that  God  who  knows  tho 
hearts  of  all  living,  knew  that  they 
wore  corrupt  to  ttie  very  core,  and 
destitute  of  that  nobleness  of  soul 
which  would  entitle  them  to  this  hon- 
or, and  beca'ise  God  saw  proper  thus 
to  reject  their  sacrifice,  as  he  did 
Cain's  they  thought  to  destroy  thoso 
on  whom  God  confeicd  this  high  hon- 
or, (for  (heir  honor  is  truly  of  mas, 
)ut  not  of  God)  thus  proving  that  they 


were  of  the  same    spirit   of  Cain,  and 
or   else    they 


only    lacked    m    power 
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  tho 
saints.  Let  them  look  at  him  who  ca- 
tered lies  for  them,  I  mean  old  Clapp 
of  Mentftr,  who  has  sunk  into  everlast- 
ingdisfrrac;',  and  dragged  his  family 
with  I  i  n,  b  cause  it  is  a  just  judgment 
of  God  on  them    for     their    iniquity. 

Would  (Tod  hrive  sufpTed  a  right- 
eous family  to  have  been  thus  disgra- 
ced,    i  ans'.vcr  nav,  their  vorv   ^hame 


crusiiders,  the  missionary   pr  j'Cts   of  rises  up  and  crips    against    them,    and 


the  day:  yes,  worse 
foJUoe  of  uny  age. 


I'usa    ttiC    vuvifcstj  will  tell  their  iifiquities  to   ail    g' ^eva- 
l  tions;  and  why?   because   they  sough'P 


MEFST-NaER  ANDAD  TOCATf. 


to  disfrracR  ihe  saints,  and  God  has 
disgraced  ihrm,  or  lie  has  porinitU'd 
them  to  bu  disgraced  to  ihcir  h^.tf^st 
generations;  for  the  sciiid")  of  lh«^;r 
^»vogenitor  '.vi.i  be  entailed  ui)>'>n  thrtn 
for  a  ptUritr.nny  mitii  the  ryco  is  blot- 
ted out  from  under  heaven. 

This  man  C'afp,  was  the  coadiutor 
of  Messrs.  Campbell  and  Scot:,  he  was 
there  t'ellow  !-ibourer  in  the  persecu- 
tion, and  as  such  they  nre  justly  enti- 
tled ro  a  share  in  his  disgrace,  and  that 
of  his  family,  which  is  a  token  o!"  the 
righteou-:  judgment  of  God.  "For  it 
isa  ri«;hieous  thinyr  with  God  lo  rec- 
ompenee  tribulation  to  them  that  troub- 
In  vou'"  2  Thessalonians  1:  6,  says 
T'aul  to  the  saints. 

If  Messrs  Campbell  and  Scott  were 
to  c()nsider  for  but  a  moment,  they 
could  not  avoid  seeing,  that  they  had 
«sj)Oused  a  bad  cause,  and  were 
leagued  with  adulterers,  and  (jf  the  same 
spirit.  Were  they  not  of  the  same 
spirit  of  Old  Clapp?  let  them  ask  them- 
selves and  see? 

Did  old  Clapp  persecute  the  saints? 
«o  did  they.  Did  he  .slander  them? — 
so  did  they.  Did  he  exert  liimself  to 
give  credibility  to  a  bo(d;  of  falsehoods? 
So  did  they.  Are  not  they  then  of  the 
same  s[)irif  with  him?  Surely,  as  face 
cnswereth  to  face  in  water,  so  does 
iheir  conduct  and  his  correspond  with 
each  ollicr. 

But  all  their  attempts  have  been 
vain:  their  shame  is  roiling  hack  on 
iheir  own  heads,  while  ttie  word  of 
iiiM.]  grows  and  multiplies,  and  the  mul- 
titude of  the  saints  inciease  greatly, 
iivA  are  edilled  together.  And  well 
may  the  saints  rejoice;  for  the  Lord 
h<!  is  their  God,  and  their  maker  is 
their  husband;  and  tiieir  Redeemor,the 
lioly  one  of  Israel. 

SIDNEY  RIGDON. 


This  nny  certify  th  it  Elder  Hiram 
Strait  'U,  from  v.  h  >ni  felluwshij)  was 
withdrawn  by  the  ftrst  Seventy,  in 
December  la5t,  lia.>  rcJurned  juid 
made  full  satisf;ictiun  lo  ilje  i'residonts 
of  the  Seventies,  and  is  restored  to 
(ellov.?  hip. 

Kirtland,  ^Jay  2,  igr>3. 

SVLVESTEU  SMITH, 
Cleric  for  the  i*rca.  of  the  S<jv«nty. 


KIRTLAND,    OHIO,  APRIL,    P36. 


THB  AB()LiTiONiS7'S. 

Vv'e  particularly  invite  the  attentiofi 
of  our  readers  to  those  communications 
up<.ri  the  .'-•uVJicl  of  Slavery.  We 
have  long  looked  upcn  this  as  a  matter 
of  deep  moment,  involving  the  deavcst 
ntcrests  of  a  powerful,  u  wealthy,  H 
free  and  h?.ppy  rejuibiic.  No  one  can 
appreciate  more  iiighly  than  ourself  tlie 
freedom  of  spee(;h,  the  liberty  of  COH- 
science,  and  the  liberty  rf  the  press. — 
Most  sincerely  do  we  believe  ours  .to  be 
one  of  the  most  iiappy  forms  of  gov- 
ernment ever  established  by  men.  But 
to  see  it  distracted  and  rent  to  the  cen- 
ter v.'ith  local  questions — qustioi:* 
which  cannot  be  discussed  witluut  th« 
sacrifice  of  human  blood,  calls  forth 
the  feelings  and  sympathy  of  «very 
Christian  heart. 

Thc/e  is  no  disposition  in  iw  to  a- 
bridge  the  privilege  of  free  discussion- 
far  r.oin  this;  but  we  wonder  at  the 
folly  of  men  who  push  this  important 
subject  before  communities,  who  are 
wholly  unprc]>ared  to  judge  of  it«  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  frea 
states,  exciting  their  indignation  a- 
gainst  our  brothers  of  the  South,  feel 
so  much  sympathy  and  kindness  t-j- 
wards  the  blacks,  were  to  go  to  tlio 
southern  states,  where  the  alleged  evil 
exists,  and  warn  those  who  are  gnilty 
of  these  enormous  crimes,  to  repent 
and  tiirn  from  their  wickedness,  or 
would  purchase  the  slaves  and  tbcQ 
set  them  at  liberty,  we  should  have  no 
objections  to  thi?,  provided  they  wuuld 
place  them  upon  some  other  continent 
than  (  ur.";.  Then  wc  should  begin  to 
believe  they  were  acting  honestly}  but 
till  j<omcthing  of  this  is  njaoifp«t©d»  w« 
shall  think  otherwiws. 

What  benefit  can  the  ulave  derive 
fronj  the  lon^  harrapgucs  and 
(iis(  us;-ion»  held  in  the  north?  Certain- 
Ivtiio  piiopic  of  the  north  ha>*e  no  l« 
g.\I  ri^du  to  interfere  with  the  property 
of  tho  south,  neither  liave  tliey  a  right 
to  say  they  shail,  or  »hull  not,  hold 
Slaves.  These  stales  were  admitted  iu- 
to  the  Union  with  the  privilege  of  for- 
piing  lht;ir  own  ^tatt•  govern i>:ebtfi}  bC' 
tido3  iTtiiO/ wcro  now   dio-pirijod,  they 


MES3S55Cft  AriD  ADVOCATE. 


are  in  no   situaJioo  lo   iei   umir   slaves  j  notion  of  a»iaig:imaiiori  is  lieveiish; — 

■■d  ins^n^ij'e  -o  ;cel;r£f  .r)i;>t  be    i})9 


luoie.     If  the  evil  is  en    Ihen^    \t    wuc 

Hi  hv   the    acid  oi'  their 


bro:.!ff:;t  on  t:): 


fathers,  and  cnd-jr-  i  they  nju<t.  B  i 
80  long  as  they  do  not  com|»l;iin,  nhy 
should  we?  li  we  dislike  slavery  we 
are  free  trom  it  and  are  in  no  daugei 
of  being  afBicted  with  it.  If  they  are 
sationed  with  it,  il  is  their  right  as  gov- 
ernir.ents,  and  any  interierence  witli 
them  on  the  subject,  so  as  to  eiidangei 
their  lives,  can  have  its  origin  from 
no  other  source  than  from  such  as 
seek  the  overthrow  and  dissolution  o 
our  govern:r;ent. 

Where  can  be  t'le  common  ^rnseof 
any  wishing  to  seethe  slaves  of  the  soutii 
set  at  liberty,  is  past    our  compreh  n 
eion.     Such  a  thing  could  not  take  plac. 
without  corrupting al!  civil  and    whole- 
some society,  of    both   the    north    nnr 
the  south!     Let  the  blacks  of  the  south 
be  free,  acd  our  community  is  overrun 
with  paupers,  and  a    reckless   mass   o: 
human  beings,  uncultivated,    untaughi 
and  unaccustomed  to  provide  ("or  them 
selves  the  necessaries   of  life — endan- 
gering the    chastity    of  every   lemale 
who  might  by  chance  be  found   in   our 
streets — our   prisons    filled    wi>h    con- 
victs, and  the  hing-man    wearied  witl. 
executing  the  functions  of    his   office! 
This  mu>-l    unavoidably    be   the    case, 
every  rational  man    must   admit,    whu 
has  ever  travelled  in  the    slave    sl;ites. 
or  we  must  open  our   houses,     unfold 
our  arms,  and  bid  these  degraded    an( 
degrading    sons  of  Canaan,   a   hea:  \ 
welcom.e  and  a    t>ee    admittance  to  a! 
we  possess!      A  society  ot"  this   nature 
to  us,  is  so  intolerably  degrading,   thtit 
ths  bare  reflection    causes  our    feeling 
to  recoil,  and  our  hearts  to  revolt. 

We  repeat,  that  we  have  long  look 
ed  upon  this  subject  with  deep  teehng 
and  till  now  have  remainf'd  silent;  bu 
for  this  once  we  wash  our  hands  of  tht 
matter. 

NVe  have  travelled  in  the  south,    an^ 
have  seen  the  C'^ndition  of  both  n.asiei 
and  servant;  end  witb^nt  the  !>  ast  di 
po  ition  to  deprive  others  of   their    lib 
eny  of  thinking,  we  unhesitatingly  sa 
that  if  ever  the  condition  of  the    slavf 
is  bettered,  under  our   prcs'-nt  form  o. 
government,  it  must  be    by   converting 
the  master  to  tiie    faith  of  the    gospel 
and  then  teaching  him  to  be  kind  to  hi? 
slave.     The    idea  rf    transportation  is 
folly,  the  project  of  emansipation  is  des 
trEclh"Oto  our  gorernraent,    acd  the 


heart,  and  low  inoecd  must  be  the 
mind,  that  would  consent  f(tr  a  nioment, 
I )  see  his  fair  daughter,  his  sistt-r,  or 
perhaps,  his  bosom  companion,  in  the 
^'mbracc  of  a  neuro! 

We  entreat  our  brethien  of  the 
Eastern,  t'le  fi-ee  States,  the  Canadas, 
rtnd  all,  v.hercvcr  they  may  be  found, 
:]<)t  to  be  surprised  or  astonished  at 
this  step,  vvhich  we  have  thus  publicly 
raken:  were  they  acquninted  with  tiie 
present  condition  of  the  slave,  they 
'.vould  see  that  they  could  not  be  freed, 
ind  we  enjoy  our  present,  civil  and  so- 
cial societies.  Aod  fuither,  that  this 
natter  cannot  be  discussed  without  ex- 
-iting  the  feelings  of  the  black  popula- 
tion, and  cause  them  to  rise,  sooner  or 
later,  and  lay  waste  and  desolate  many 
parts  of  the  Southern  country. 

This  cannot  be  done  without  con- 
signing to  the  dust  thousands  of  human 
.icings.  And  the  bare  reflection  of  be- 
ing instrumental  in  causinjj  unprovo- 
ked blood  to  flow,  must  shock  the  heart 
of  every  saint. 

Heretofore  we  have  confined  our 
comments  to  the  principles  of  the  gos- 
:^el,  the  restoration  of  Israel,  and  mat- 
ers connected  with  them,  when  ever  • 
ittemnfing  to  write  for  the  public  eye; 
>ut  owing  to  the  great  increase  of  the 
jhurch.  as  it  respects  numbers,  and  the 
ieep  anxiety  felt  by  our  southern  bieth- 
en  on  this  subject,  we  have  now  sim- 
-ly  slated  our  t>elief.  It  is  a  fact,  and 
ne  which  appeals  to  our  heart  with 
?reat  t'orce,  that  members  of  this 
;hurch  resident  in  the  S..uth,  have  long 
Ijoked  for  something  from  this  press, 
calculated  to  do  away  that  bitter  feel- 
ing exi.-liug  against  them,  through  un- 
bunded  jealoussy,  on  the  subject  of 
taverv.  And  we  have  asked  the 
luestion,  can  they  look  to  us  and  plead 
or  assistance  in  vain?  We  answer 
Xo.  They  have  our  fellowship,  they 
Kive  our  |>raycrs,  they  have  our  best 
Ipsires,  and  if  we  can  give  them  influ- 
nce  by  cx;>ressing  our  sentiments, 
md  thereby  enabh!  tiiem  to  be  more 
leneficial  and  successful  in  prochiim- 
ing  the  gospel,  we  will  not  withhold. — 
And  if  our  brethren  of  the  free  States 
'hirer  from  us,  on  these  principles,  we 
beseech  them,  in  the  name  of  Jesus 
Christ  to  withhold,  and  consider  that 
every  step  they  take  to  encourage  that 
factious  spirit  so  pievalout  in   our  land. 


13  7)-*  only  cto'sir/gup  the.  v,-ay 


^g^SriuSIl  -4^T?rAfi'V-^^^*>  *^ 


.L,ei  ii.os-5>rhc  inay  .ue,  cbpastfr.iia 
.iinet  fiodi  Li3  lake  the  trouble  to  ei- 
arulne  the  gospel,  as  taught  by  the  an- 
cient apostles;  let  them  follow  their 
instructions  to  the  different  churches, 
r>iisod  np  throueh  their  instrumentali- 
ty; let  them  l.^ok  wiih  a  feeling  eye  to 
cur  brethren  of  the  south,  and  contera- 
pldte  the  flow  of  human  siood,  occa- 
picced    by    .-.d    unjust  excitement;  let 


i*,  mo?t  certainly,  endangering  the 
liie  of  every  man  who  cinbracus  it  in 
the  south. 

\V(^  speak  as  an  individual  and  as  a 
man  in  ihis  matter.  Our  strong  feel- 
ing for  liberty,  and  prejudice  Hgaiost 
l!i3  b.o-j:h,  in  coasequ:nce  of  od-'caion 
at  a  former  peiiud,  would  have  iiigeti 
us,  perhai»s,  to  persue  anc'her  cour^j^■;  j  thein  ask  that  God  bo.'ore  whom  ihsy 
but  after  evariiiniD^  ihis  niai^er  serious-  j  must  stand  in  judgir^ent,  if  they  are  jua- 
H%  and  loolting  at     ts   principles   from   tiled  in  hading  on  a  dissolution  of  this 


ig  at  is  principles 
the  scri[  ture,  as  well  as  L>ting  some 
what  prepared  to  judge  from  an  actual 
experiani-e  in  the  south,  we  again  re- 
peat, that  the  condition  of  the  slave  can- 
not be  bettered  other  than  by  conver- 
ting the  master  to  the  faith  of  the  gos- 
pel. 

It  was  an  inhuman  thing  to  tear  a 
people  of  another  coiur  from  theif 
friends  and  homes,  and  bring  them  to 
a  strange  land,  and  cai  s  ;  them  to  en- 
dure tae  toils  of  servitude;  and  th;tt 
which  was  done  by  a  few  ship's  loads 
by  our  fathers,  has  now  involved  us, 
their  children,  in  trouble  and  difficulty; 
but,  1  am  more  inclined  to  take  the 
gnrmant  upon  my  shoulders  and  walk 
backward,  and  cover  their  folly,  than 
expose  them  t'urther  to  shame,  or  laugh 
at  their  conduct.  Th-jy  have  done  as 
they  have — we  are  not  accountable 
for  their  conduct — they  have  long 
since  fled  to  be  here  no  more:  auo 
why  liisgrace  ourselves  by  contending 
about  that  that  we  cannot  better  by 
contention,  at  the  same  time  involving 
onrselves  in  everlasting   ruin? 

There  is  a  strange  mysteriousncss 
over  the  face  of  the  scri(ture  with  re- 
gard to  servitude.  The  fourth  son  of 
Ham  was  cursed  by  Noah,  and  to  this 
day  we  may  look  ujion  the  fulfllmeni 
of  that  singular  thing.  When  it  wiii 
be  removed  wo  know  not,  and  where 
he  now  rem  tins  in  bondage,  remain  he 
must  till  the  hand  uf  Gitd  intei poses. 
As  to  this  nation  his  fate  is  inevitably 
sealed,  so  Ion,  as  this  form  of  govern- 
ment exists. 

From  what  we  have  said,  let  no  one 
charge  us  with  inhumanity — it  is  for  the 
cause  of  humnnity  wo  have  thus  freely 
written,  [t  is  the  good  of  all  men  we 
desire,  and  for  their  salvation  wclabor, 
and  for  a  long  time  have  labored,  night 
and  day;  and  what  further  lemains  in 
our  power  to  do,  shall  as  t'reelv  and 
Caithfully  b«  don& 


Uiiion  aiid  piercing  the  henrts  of  mill- 
ions with  the  weapons  ex' death,  ti)  grat- 
ify a  vain  ambition;  let  th^m  examine 
the  pro|^  hets,  and  see  if  tlie  i;hildron 
of  Israel  will  not,  when  they  return, 
•'lay  their  hand  upon  Edom  and  Mo- 
ab,  and  cau>;e  the  childrpn  of  Amnion 
tT  obey  them;"  if  they  will  not  'take 
them  captives  who.-e  captives  they 
were,  and  rule  over  their  oppressors," 
and  then  let  them  look  into  that  law 
%vhich  was  thundered  from  Sinai,  the 
fundamental  princijdes  of  which  gov- 
ern the  civilized  nations  of  the  earth, 
and  if  after  this,  they  differ  from  us, 
it  may  be  a  matter  between  them  and 
Jehovnh, — our  governments  are  un- 
spotted! 

In  this  ma*  er  we  consider  we  have  spo 
ken  in  behalf  of  the  slave,  ns  well  as 
the  slave  holder.  It  has  not  been  a  thing 
of  hasty  conclusion;  but  deliberately 
and  carefully  examined,  an!  we  are 
sensible,  if  their  are  any  v.'ho  believe 
tlic  gospel  as  we,  and  diiTer  from  us 
in  point  of  national  government,  and 
would  take  the  pain?  to  inform  then> 
selvc?,  not  only  by  searching  the  holy 
scij  tures,  b'.U  by  visiting  the  south, 
they  would  soon  commend  us  for  iha 
course  we  have  now  taken. 

Those  who  feel  disposed,  may  easi- 
ly ascertain  the  feelings  of  this  chuich, 
as  published  in  the  book  of  doctrino 
and  covenants;  and  from  that,  and 
what  has  already  been  said,  those  wrio 
are  iiboring  in  the  south,  will  be  able 
to  set  the  matter  in  a  fair  light,  and  we 
trust,  escape  persecution  and  death: 
which  wo  hope  God  will  order,  for  hia 
Soii*3  sake. 


THE  "ATLAS"  ARTICLE. 
Every  day  discloses  mora  and  more 
of  tlie  v.-eakness,  the  t'oily,  the  preju- 
dice, and  the  wickedness  of  this  gen- 
eration. Though  tor  more  than  six 
veart  this  church  ha<  b(»eB  abused  &ad 


irassEXGEii  and  advocatil 


insulted  by  slander  and    fal.sehood,  it  is  I  unfurnished,  but  active  and    devout;  inclined 


be:b;e       an        U)iinfjrm>'d  j  sjbj  cl   ot"r.  Igion.     They  profess  to   have 
unity;  and  tl>0:=;e    too,    who    nj-o- |  ^''^^'''^  °*'^'^"e '"^'  ^"<^o"°  indivi  iual,  a  lar 

;ysia„dup  .owan,  .-"kind  to  i^isTi! j:^?r:';;::;^S,;"S'bSj'C; 

lie    wrath    to    come,     in    const'-  cIomp  iiiR  tliroai  for  th,^  mir-^aA.     p.,.t  I  «hnH. 


character 
comm 
fessedl 

flee  the  wrath  to  come,  in  const* - 
qushce  of  our  Iraving  admitted  the  ar- 
ticle signed  J.  M.  into  oar  cokimns,  we 
have  thought  proper  to  mnko  a  more 
lengthy  extract  from  ths  article  in  the 
**Ohio  Atlas,"  printed  at  Elyria,  in 
thin  state. 

We  are  not  exactly  prepared  to  call 
names,  though  we  mny  hereafter  be, 
but,  on  reflection,  if  our  memory 
•erves,  about  the  date  of  this  scanda- 
lous, unhallowed  piece,  (March  16,) 
a  gentleman  from  Elyria  was  intro- 
duced into  our  Hebrew  scho )!,  by  the 

title  of  the    Rev     Mr. -md    the 

circumstances  alluded  to  be  iring  date 
with  the  article,  and  it  being  the  only 
Oti"*  of  the  kind  during  the  term  of  the 
Hebrew  class,  it  is    thought    by  niiny 


close  his  throal  for  the  pur-ose.  But  I  shud- 
dered at  tho  proposal  to  pxliibit  such  blas- 
phrmy  and  mock?ry  of  a  miraculous  gift,  an?l 
he    deei^ted." 

A  few  Vvords  only  by  way  of  com- 
ment, and  this  we  do  more  to  show 
fron)  whenr'.e  a  great,  and  the  gre.it- 
est  share  of  the  sinnders  against  this 
church  originate — from  thr.se  who  are 
treated  with  adability  and  politpness, 
as  the  writer  admits.  On  the  subject 
of  argument,  we  have  only  to  say, 
that  if  the  writer  will  disclose  his  namo, 
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  rt.'ison 
upon  the  subject  of  the  religion  wa 
profess,    and  leave    for  candid  unprej- 


that  our  conjectures  are    well  founded^ 

and  we  only    regret    that  we    arc   noth'^'c^'ti  persons  to  judge,    whether   or 

positive.     But    to   the     extract.     The  I  "'^^  ^^ii^"  ^e  "are  pressed,"  we  have 


po 

wrritersays: 
"You    would  naturally  suppose  that  the  Krod,    common    sense   and  all  trutn,  to 


i  not  the     whole    scone    of  the    word  of 


Mor:nons  wera  th^  most  ijinor-tnt,  degraded, 
and  stupid  s'Jt  of  beings  ou  tiie  f&ce  oi  the 
e&rth.  This  is  true  of  sotm  of  tiieiii;  but 
there  are  not  wanting  men  of  sagacity  and 
informition,  and  somj  men  of  strong  powers 
of  mini. — Froji!  what    i    s;a',v,   !  siioul-l  suii- 


sustain  us  in  O'lr  faith  touching  the 
gospel.  Why  we  say,  that  if  he  will 
produce  another  person,  possessing 
ihose  virtu.es  of  which    we    named,  is,. 


because  they    are  so    foreign  from  his 

poa.>  that  th?y  w?r;;  geneml'y  r.-?alb=lijvers  m  |  Q^yn  h'^nrt 

tho  doctrine  of  their  propuet.     Tliey  aro  quite  j 

polite  a:sl  a:fiVie  t-.  straa,'3r3,aai    reaiy  to  |       His  abuse   and    scurrility  upon  brs. 

unpaid  the  'vhole  syslom,  so  faras  they  know  I  Siviii'i      nnd    Rit^don,     is     but    another 

it,  until  you  press  theni   with   an    argument,  ]     ^^^,.^.-    ^y   ,,,^    corruption    of    his  own 

and  then  their  wrath   rises,    or    tuey  assume  |  . 

eh  heir  of  awful    8;jp3riorily,   an.l   dugrnatj- 1  iJ^>^f   _  ^  .  u        i      tvt    r 

cilly  prouoauce  you  blini  and  ignorant,  jnd  i  men  illy  treated  l>un  rt  hen  her(^f      No! 

in  The  way   to  d.'sfruction;    wliereas,    "^/'f!/ j  Doos  he  say  he    conversed    with  tlieni 

tb^lr  belief  wiih 
docs 
he  sMv  that  he  conversed  witls  them  at- 
a!l.  Then  wiiy  seek  to  drsiroy  the 
reputation,  an<l  blast  the  chn meter  of 
men  who  hnve  never  injured    him?     It 


bosom.     Does   he    pretend   that    these 
men  illy  treated  lum  rthen  her(^?      T 
Drios  he  say  he    conversed    with  th 
k^ow     the   certainty    of    all    these    things    <,.,fT5eiGnt!v"to    learn    tb^lr    beliefs 

whereoi  thev  ainrm.    — i  ney  are  novv' stiutv-  ,       '     ,-    ■      i      >.••    t  -.i ,■• 

in2H3brew'v;ith    -i-^t   zeJ.    under   the  in-    regai'd  t     reng;ori?      ^o!     neither  0 


Kt  action  of  Mr.  y?ix;is. — Tliey  protoss  to 
believe  tho  com  non  biiiie  firmly,  but  they 
have  "r?ceived  aJJitionul  revelations,'' 
wi)ich  contain  ''Llie  fulness  of  the  Gospel." 
They  a'l  have  ilev;:!,itions.    in    propirtion  t 


their  faith.  I  w^s  introiuced  to  tiie  Im- j  shows  upon  V.  hat  principle  he  formed 
mortal  Prapint,  Jo  Smith,  and  lii*  rmowmd  !  Iiji;  oninion-"-unon  rumor!  Rumor, 
coadjutor,  Sidney  Kig'don,  and  a  host  of  the  j  ,.^,,j  ,,'.,.  ^^r  ^^^-..^^  society,  thut  Hen  I 
jni'enor   satellites:   aud  cnilA   scare  ly    sup- 1     ,.,,,,,  T-    •  . 

pre.salaugii,  durlnr  th^  forna'.itv  ofmakiMg  I  «!  "''"!  ♦  '''!f>t  destroyer  ot  virtuous  rep- 
acq  lain.a  ice  of  shaking  hands  v/i1h  the  ex-  ;  utntion,  the  mon^-ter  whicli  has  deluged 
aiced  dignitaries,  high  priests,  &e.  of  Mor- ;  t),^  earth  with  th(;  blood  of  millions  of 
monisn.  I  have  no  doubi  that  Jo  S:mih's  ;  ,^  saints  of  Cod;  thtt  great,  dear  and 
character  1?  an  eoiial  compouid  ot  tne  iinpos- ;   ,     ,.'  •  .•     u        •     i      *  ,>  ■» 

torani:aiatic..i:ri  th.^t  Rigdon  ha.  but  a  dirliMg  companion  ot  those  who  trery.- 
•mali  spiece  of  the  litter,  v,-iln  an  extraordi-  bio  for  their  own  cra.'t,  must  rear  its 
nary  portion  of  the  former;  while  the  mass  hideous  Iiead,  and  set  into  operation 
of  the  dUcipbsaremsn  of  perverted  intellect,  .  jj  ^^.,^.^„,i  tongues,  for  the  purpose 
and  disordered  pietv,  with   aa  sound  prmci-    "^  ' ,     .       V         «        '  •   ,-     '       '„, 

r i'^  >rrWligM-n;  vTilh  rairi-Js  txK^>alan.>nd  and  1  of  closmg  the  ea  rs  of  a  smktn^  gene r- 


KiaSEIfaEK  AND  ADTOCATl. 


Ittion  agaiust  the  word  of  eternal 
life. 

This  is  but  another  fair  specimen  of 
the  wav  and  manner  the  communiry 
judge  of  us  as  a  pfople:  A  worthless 
villain,  destitute  of  credit  or  character 
at  home,  calls  by  nur  place,  and  runs 
off  with  a  lie  in  his  mouth,  and  the 
public  believe  him:  another  dues  the 
same,  perhaps  a  disappointed  priest, 
who  ha-  failed  to  oLtiin  as  large  a  sala- 
ry for  repreaching  his  Connecticut  man- 
Vtfactered  sermons  as  he  had  anticipa- 
ted, and  puts  a  scurrilou'i  article  into 
Rome  church  ^'nd  state  paper,  and  oth- 
ers as  mean  as  themselves,  paper,  ed- 
itor and  all.  are  ready  to  swear  that  the 
statements  are  correct.  But  this  run- 
egad;>,  this  redoubtable  tom-fool  cor- 
respondent of  the  Elyria  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  importers.  If  they 
are  *'immortai,"  they  have  rendered 
themselves  so  from  a  long  tried  and 
virtuous  walk,  and  now  live,  and  wdl 
live,  when  they  have  g  >ne  hence,  in 
the  bosoms  of  men  wh^re  integraty 
and  virtue  are  imimpeachable! 

This  writer  further  says:  ''They 
assure  you,  with  the  utmost  confi- 
dence, tiiat  they  slrill  30nn  be  able  to 
raise  the  dead,  to  heal  the  sick,  the 
deef,  tlie  dumb,  and  the  b  ind,  Sec." 

That  thischur;h  professes  to  believe, 
t'lat  by  faith  tiie  puro  in  heart  can  h.aal 
the  siok,  ca>;t  out  devils,  (5^c.  v>-e  do 
ij.)t  deny;  in  fact,  it  is  an  item  in  our 
nrticlus  of  faith,  and  one  we  find  in  the 
apostles':  but,  that  we  pr>)fc3s  to  be  a- 
bie  to  rjise  the  dead,  or  ever  expect  to 
be,  or  in  fact,  ha\'e  a  wish  to  call 
b-ick,  to  this  scene  of  feuJlering,  those 
who  are  freed  i'rnm  it,  i;'.  utterly  and 
urieq  )ivo.^  illy  fal'ie.  Having  been  in 
the  church  from  its  organiz-ition,  we 
have  never  heard  this  ilein  preached; 
and  tii.it  a  man,  a  stranger,  who  was 
here  a  ftjw  hours,  to  have  heard  a:jy 
thing  ()!"  the  kind,  is  not  very  unac- 
nounuble  to  us,  when  wo  consider 
what  el-^e  ho  has  wrirtoa. 

Ilelativf.  to  what  liie  writer  h-is  said, 
touching  the  g-nerai  intelligence  of  the 
rn(:in!)ers  of  this  church,  we  have 
nothing  to  say — their  every  ^-iy  ap- 
pcaranjo,  their  commin  c  mvorsation, 
their  free,  frank  and  familliar  d(-port- 
meot,  aro  tuincieut;  but  when  he  says 


that  "the  great  mass  of  the  discipJM 
are  men  of  perverted  intellect  sud 
disordered  piety,  with  no  sound 
principles  of  religion,  with  minds  un* 
bilanced  and  unfurnished,"  he  ought 
to  be  informed,  that  the  least  among  u» 
values  more  highly  his  profession,  and 
h<>lds  too  sacredly  that  heavenly  com- 
munication bestowed  by  the  laying  on 
of  tlie  hands  of  those  who  were  clothed 
with  authority,  than  all  that  frail, 
worse  than  thread-bare  hypocritical 
pretention,  which  came  down  through 
the  mother  of  abominations,  of  which 
himself  and  all  others  of  like  profes- 
sion can  boast.  We  only  add,  that  h»' 
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,  fanaticiann, 
and  perverseness  of  such  men. 

May  the  Lord  have  mercy  upon  th« 
world,  and  hasten  the  day  when  wick- 
edness shall  be  known  no  more  upon 
its  face,  is  our  sincere  prayer. 

From  oua  Elders   abroai>. 

Elder  Caleb  Baldwin  writes  from 
Clear  Creek  ill.  March  14th  1836. 
After  giving  a  succinct  account  of  h»s 
travels  from  this  place,  he  says  ths 
Lord  is  pouring  out  his  spirit  in  an  as- 
tonishing manner.  To  use  his  expres- 
sion t!  e  power  of  God  has  been  dis- 
played h'^re  in  the  eyes  of  all  people 
to  their  great  astonishment  It  appeared 
to  attend  their  preaching  and  manifest 
itself  not  only  in  giving  liis  servants 
a  message  to  deliver  to  the  people, 
a.laj/led  to  tb.eir  wants,  but  in  a  good 
degree  accnmpaning  it,  with  the  in- 
iiuence  of  his  holy  .-.pirit.  Truth  ws 
know  is  mighty  and  will  prevail  when 
that  is  urged  in  plainness  and  honest 
simplicity  satan's  nn'nions  always  quail 
under  its  itifluenco.  Elder  Baldwin 
sums  up  his  commutu'cation  by  saying, 
thai  the  Lord  had  blessed  him  and  his 
co'upanion  in  travel  in  a  wonderful 
manner  sine?  tliey  were  in  Kirtland 
last.  That  they  haJ  held  thirty  thnae 
me«"tings  and  baptized  in  all  since  tliey 
lelt  honn  26.  Vv'c  say  to  our  breth- 
ren in  that  region,  go  on,  be  faithful 
an  ( the  blessings  of  heaven  »hall  at- 
tend you. 

Elder  Daniel  Stevens  writes  from 
Killingwortli  Ct.  under  date  of  April 
1 4th  1833,  stating  that  many  nro  fa- 
vorably disposed  in  that  region,  and 
that  ft  t'cllow-lnborar   ia  th«    TifteyaH  ■ 


3<» 


KESSKNOER  A?m  ADTOCArm 


would  be  very  accr^ptab'e.  We  men- 
tion this  fact  far  the  reason  that,  as 
our  Elders  are  travelling  in  almjst  all 
directions  the  pre.«ent  season,  the 
tho  eyes  o-:'  some  of  them  m:iy  c.ttch 
thjj  ar  icle  and  be  induced  to  u.iite 
thiir  strength  \Tith  that  of  br.  Stevens 
i.i  the  land  of  steady  habit.s. 

Eldif  Libbeus  T.  Coons  writes  from 
Coneaughf,  Crawford  Co.  Pen-,  un 
dar  date  of  April  2  >,  1833,  in  .^ubi  ance 
as  follows,  I  left  Kirtland  on  the  l'2ih 
and  arrived  m  this  place  on  tho  19th 
have  labored  dilligently,  and  the  J^ord 
has  blessed  me  attenfling  th:  word 
Bpoken  in  his  name,  with  hia  spirit  atid 
power.  Elder  Coons  had  baptised 
three  at  the  date  of  his  last,  and  ad  is 
that  many  listen  with  attention  to  the 
word  when  it  is  preached,  thereby  in- 
dicating to  us,  that  prejudice,  is  giving 
way  before  the  light  of  reason  and 
truth. 

Elder  John  Knapp  writes  from 
Milford,  Ashtabulii  co.  Ohio,  staling 
that  the  Lord  was  pouring  out  his  spir- 
it in  that  place,  that  Elder  Samuel 
Phelps  had  recently  visited  them  and 
duiin.;  hi«j  stay  Lap  ized  five,  and 
since  Elder  Phelps  left  he  had  baptized 
four  more.  He  further  adds  tiat  more 
are  convinced  of  the  truth  and  the 
present  prospect  flattering. 

To  our  elders  one  and  all  we  have 
to  say,  be  circumspect  in  all  your  de- 
portment, be  wa'cliful  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  Redeemor.  We  trust  therefore 
that  you  will  see  your  duty  and  the 
advancement  of  the  Redeemers  kinglnm 
inseparably  connecte;d  and  feel  the  im- 
sjortance  of  being  dilligent  in  business, 
fervent  in  spirit  serving  the  Lord. 

Kirtland,  March  26. 
Dear  Brother: 

I  take  this  opertu- 
sity  to  inform  you  of  a  short  mission, 
1  have  recently  taken,  to  the  west. — 
Raving  l.e^n  invited  by  some  ot  the 
most  respectable  citizens  of  Newburgh 
Cuyahoga  Co.  O.  to  vi=it  them,  and 
sf  t'fortluh?  gospel  of  Josus  our  media- 
tor, in  its  original  simplicity  and  purity. 
And  also  to  visit  a  small  branch  of  the 
i^mrehitiB^totdf   vfhwh  was  estab- 


li'-'hed  by  Elder  E.  H.  Groves  and 
myself,  (the  forepart  of  last  winter,) 
number  in  f  iwe  ity  one. 

Acco  d;  iglv'  I  left  Kirtland,  to  ^is^t 
the  bef'  r  '  mentioned  place,  trusting  ia 
G  )d  f' r  help,  wh  »  h\s  siil:  "Tho 
laborer  is  worthy  of  his  hir^"  I  ar- 
rived at  th;  Vill.ige  of  Newburgh  on 
the  8th  in.st.  and  tuund  that  the  Metho- 
dists had  bten  hold'ng  a  protractrd 
m3elingfor  seven  or  eight  d.i;^s  in  suc- 
CL-ssion.  I  found  it  was  to  continue 
until  next'Sundw.  I  deliverd  a  dis- 
course at  10  o'cluck  the  next  d-  y: 
and  C">TicludGd  to  leave  the  place  until 
they  g'.'t  throug!)  -vith  thnir  mnetmg. — 
I  left  an  appointment  for  the  nextmon- 
day  evening;  and  went  to  vi-sit  the 
before  mentionei  town.  I  found  the 
disciples  rejoiceing  in  the  naw  and 
everlasting  covenant,  and  growing  in 
the  knowledge  of  the  truth.  1  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  in'brmjJ  that 
th  •  Methodis's  had  closed  their  meeting 
some  two  or  three  days  soon'-r  in  c  )a- 
sequence  of  not  having  h'^arers.  I 
was  informed  that  notwithstanding 
their  meeting  held  for  near  two  weeks, 
there  was  but  two  added  to  their  num- 
ber. 

1  attended  to  my  appointmnnr  on  tho 
evening  of  th<?  14th:  1  preached  to  a 
large  and  respectable  congreg  ition, 
and  they  gave  great  attention,  i  preach- 
ed twice  ai'terwards  in  the  vicinity, 
God  blessed  my  labors,  I  babtized  9 
whom  I  left  rejoicing  in  the  Lord,  and 
others  reading  their  bibles,  to  see  if 
these  things  were  so. 

The  inhabitants  of  Newburgh,  arc 
intelligent  and  genteel,  andl  hope  the 
Lord  will  bless  and  save  as  many  of 
them  as  will  comply  with  the  conditions 
of  salvation. 

G.  M.  HINKLE. 


THE  I.ATrKft   DAY  SAINTS' 

messenger  and  Advocate* 

iS  EDITED  BY 

An-I  puhlishea  every  nionlh  at  KirtKinJ,  GeiiUgs  Co 
(Hiio,  hy 

F.  O.  ^Vlff^I^IAMS  &  Co. 

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ten  ntw  subscribers,  and  forwardubfr  15,  iJ,   current 
money,  shall  he  entitled  to  a  paper  one  year,  gratis. 
All  UUer»  to  tke  EditOT,or  Publishers,  must  be 
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Ifo  nihtenption  icUl  be  receivtdfar  a  /«« term  tUn  *»« 
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iandymctVteltkfptumofti^mM''^ 


^"1^  ^^ 


8.] 


,,But  the  end  of  all  things  is  at  hand,  ha  y,. 
^ere/ore  sohcr  and  watch  unto  nraijcr." — 1st 
Peter,  4:  7. 

He  who  had  companied  with  the 
Savior  after  he  commenced  his  public 
teachings  till  the  ceiisumation  of  that 
bloody  tragedy  that  removed  hiai  from 
the  ken  of  an  ungrateful,  ruthless 
world,  or  iHthcr  as  it'  he  u;)uld  make 
the  injunction  more  emphatic,  and 
Jiave  it  laid  up  or  preserved  among  the 
archives  of  the  church,  he  wrote  the 
epistle,  ef  which  our  text  forms  a  part. 
In  his  exordium,  we  learn  the  charac- 
ters he  addressed,  without  the  shadov/ 
of  a  doubt:  the  subject  matter  of  tlie 
epistle  is  also  replete  with  useful  in- 
struction to  his  brethren  respecting  the 
great  things  that  pertained  to  their  sal- 
vation. 

He  was  qualifK'i'  to  teach  from  the 
fact,  that  !if!  liad  su,,erior  advantages 
to  gain  instruction,  not  only  from  jour- 
neying ^vit'ii  the  ciaviur,  and  participat- 
ing lirgely  in  all  the  trials  and  priva- 
tions, through  which  he  passed  while 
propagating  a  religion  so  diverse  from 
any  then  embraced. 

He  v,as  qualified  to  teach  fi-om  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  liim  also  v/ere  commitrcd 
the  keys  of  the  kingdom,  bat  without 
laboring  to  prove  a  point  so  little  con- 
trovei'ted,  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  in 
the  former  part  of  the  verse  we  have 
under  consideration,  "seeing  the  end  of 
all  things  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  futurity,  that 
the  end  of  all  things  was  at  hand. 

Here  let  us  reflect  a  moment.  If 
the  apostle  with  any  degree  of  pro- 
priety could  urge  such  a  course  of  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. 
The  time  to  which  he  aiiuded  must  in- 
evitably be  Rear(n-  at  hand  than  it  was 
then.      We,  therefore,  take  the  iiberty 
io  recommend,  to  our  young  brethren 
and  sisters,  morn    particularly,  Le    so- 
ber and  watch    unto    prayer.     We  do 
not  suppose,    the    Lord    requires   any 
more  strict  obedience  to  his  commands 
of  3?ou,    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  spseak  from 
experience  in  this  matter:   "we  speak 
of  the  things  v/e  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  jiabits,  and    not  only  so,    but  • 
to  grieve  the   Spirit  of   God  and  cause 
it  to  withdrav/  its  vivifying    influences 
from    our   souls.       These,  my   young 
brethren    and     sisters,    are    appalling- 
facts.       If   the    Koly   Spirit   of  God 
reign  in  you,  and  ri-le  over  you,  it  will 
be  your  meat  and  yd  r  drink  to  do  the 
will    of   your  heavenly    Father.     You 
v/ill    therefore,    consider   this,    not  a- 
mong  the  least  of   his  commands,  "be 
sober  and  vv'atch  unto  prayer."     It  will 
make  you,  that   you    shall  be    neither 
barren  nor  unfruitful  in    the  Avork   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- 
it'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   of 
vour  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  nousht  his   counsels   and  hii   com- 


MBS»fe!<f»BR-  AN©-  AmO€A'm. 


tnands,  and  grieving  his  Holy  Spirit 
by  your  foolish  laughter  and  utter 
contempt  of  his  just  requisition,  "be  so- 
ber and  watch  unto  pi-ayer." 

Remember,  my  young  brethren  and 
sisters,  that  God  is  not  mocked  with 
impunity.  His  all-seeing  eye  beholds 
you  at  all  times,  and  for  all  your  folly, 
your  vanity,  and  5'our  wicked  indul- 
gence in  evil,  -as  wetl  as  \'our  utter 
contempt  of  his  autborilVi  he  will  look 
down  with  contempt  upon  you,  and  ere 
you  are  aware,  you  will  be  brought  in- 
to judgment, — Be  assured  wo  tell  you 
no  nc'.ion,  ''.-e  inculcr'tf'  no  wild  chime- 
ra of  a  disordered  imaginatiun,  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  vomit,  or  like  the 
Bwine  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    withdrav/. 


her  and  tvatch  unto  prayer,  is  to  make 
you  morose,  or  destroy  those  fine  feel- 
ings of  your  nature  that  render  you 
cheerful  and  amiable.  You  are  not  to 
understand  that  it  is  to  rob  you  of  any 
rational  enjoyment.  But  remember 
that  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  ha\c  before  hinted,  if  he 
could  with  any  propriety  ur^o  this  so- 
briety and  this  watchfulness  upon  the 
saints  from  the  consideration  that  the 
end  of  all  things  was  then  at  hand. — 
with  how  much  greater  force  do  they 
not  press  upon  us  now.  The  time  of 
the  consumation  o(  all  things  is  certain- 
ly nearer  at  hand  than  it  was  then. 

There  is  another  idea  couched  in 
our  text,  of  which  perhaps  you  seldom 
think,  Tno  time  is  fast  approaching, 
when  the  saints  aie  to  be  all  taught  of 
(rod,  and  when  he  has  now  said  to  you 
through  the  apostle,  be  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  we  may  be  prepared  to  go 
out  and  meet  the  Bride  Groom  when 
he  Gomes'?  That  we  may  not  be  found 
in  the  unpleasant  dilemma  of   the  fool- 


leaving  you   to    the    influence  of   that ;  is!i  virgins  with  no  oil  in  our  lamps 


spirit  which  lures  but  to  destroy. 

We  ask  you  to  examine  yourselves, 
brethren  &  sisters,  after  you  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  becom.e  ac- 
quainted with  the  things  of  God,  and 
our  holy  religion,  far  less  acute.  See  if 
the  low  expressions  and  vulgar  cants 
of  the  Bar-room  and  other  haunts  of 
folly  and  wickedness,  are  not  fast  su- 
perceding all  the  traces  of  moral  re- 
finement in  your  minds.     See  if  the  ad-  j  that  our  enjoyments  ought  to  be  ration- 


? 

Remember  that  God  is  not  n)')cked 
nor  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. 

Although  the  wise  man  said  rejoice 
O  young  man  in  thy  youth  and  let  thy 
heart  cheer  thee  in  thy  youth,  in  the 
same  verse,  the  same  wise  man  has 
said,  but  remember  that  for  all  these 
things  God  will  bring  thee  into  judge- 
ment.    Thereby     plainly      intimating 


versary  has  not  already  obtained  the 
ascendency  over  you,  remember  thai 
no  one  can  inhale  the  pestiferous  at- 
mosphere of  vice  or  folly  and  go  away 
uncontaminated.  Evil  communications 
you  know,  the  apostle  said,  corrupt 
good  manners,  and  he  might  with  equal 
propriety  have  added  and  good  morals 


al,  and  not  inconsistant  with  our  mo- 
ral improvement,  not  inconsistant  with 
the  highest  intellectual  attainments, 
not  inconsistant  with  that  state  of  mind 
which  ought  to  actuate  us  from  the 
consideration  that  "the  end  of  all  things 
is  at  hand'** 

From  a    review    of   what    we  hare 


You  are  not  to  understand  that  to  be  so-  «iid  w©   learn    1st.  Th«t    iram©d«rat« 


M^"«EN«?Iit  AK&  AJDVOOATE, 


leGghter  and  foolish  jesting  are  at  war 
vi'ith  every  ppinciplo  of  morality  or  ho- 
Jiness  ef  henrt  without  \vtiich,  iio  one- 
will  seethe  Lord:  and  that  we  camnot 
by  any  foix:ed  constractitin  of  eurs, 
inake  tfeem  accord  with  die  sentiment 
<3ouched  in  our  text;  "be  sober  and 
watch  tiRto  prayec''. 

2nd.  We  inter  from  the  fact,  that 
Ood  o'dr  heaveniy  Father  has  pointed 
out  the  way  ijy  revelation  ancient  and 
modern,  that  his  creatures  should  per- 
tyje  to  glorify  and  enjoy  him,  and  that  we 
n;re  acti-ng-the  irrational  part  towards 
ourselves  as  well  as  that  of  base  in- 
gratitude to  h'im,  to  let  the  adversary 
get  the  ascendancy  over  us  and  decoy 
lie,  till  foUy,  vanity,  lend  sin  nltimatelv 
preponderate  and  satrin  literally  ,,take 
us  captive  at  iiis  will." 

3d.  Again  whatever  course  of  con- 
duct we  persue  that  is  not  in  strict  ac> 
cordanee  wish  tliat  growtii  in  grace, 
and  tliat  increase  in  the  knowledge  of 
■o«r  Lord  and  Savior  Jesus  Christ  re- 
^[uired  of  his  saints,  we  may  justly 
conclude  is  not  pleasing  in  the  sight 
of  our  Heavenly  Fatlrer  and  the  un- 
pleasant retieatiion  that  will  ere  long 
rercG  itself  upon  us  like  an  unbidden, 
unwelcome  guest,  will  gnaw,  like  a 
worm,  the  root  of  our  felicity,  We 
shall  then  be  comjTelledfrom  necessity, 
to  view  the  great  contrast  there  is  be- 
tween virtue  and  vice,  and  many,  very 
many,  we  have  reason  to  fear,  will  when 
teo  late,  have  to  make  tWs  bitter  1am- 
eotation  "the  summer  is  ended,  the 
harvest  past  and  our  souls  are  not  sa- 
ved", 

4th  From  a  view  all  we  have  said, 
and  especially  from  a  view  of  what  tlie 
apostle  has  said,  "that  the  end  of  all 
things  is  at  hand,*'  we  would  fain  hope 
you  would  in  kindness  sutler  a  word  of 
exhortation  and  be    wise; 

•'Be  wise  to  day  tis  madness  to  defer, 
Next  day  the  fatal  precedent  will  plead, 
llius  on  till  wisdom  is  pushed  out  oflife." 

5th.  In  conclusion  «.ve  say  if  you  would 
enjoy  ttie  approbation  of  a  good  con 
science,  if  you  would  have  your  spirit- 
ual strength  renewed,  if  you  would  bt 
free  from  the  contaminating  influencf 
of  vice  and  folly,  and  be  prepared  to 
meet  the  Savior  in  peace,  when  he 
comes  to  takevengance  on  all  those 
that  obey  not  the  gospel,  we  say  denv 
yourselves  of  all  folly,  vanity  and  eve- 
ry worldly  lust,  and  "be  sober  and 
yr%t9k   uat©   pray«r\"      toasfi,     "W, 


TUE  SAINTS  OF  THE 
LAST  DAYS. 

Nothing  can  be  more  pleasing  and 
delightful  than  to  contemplate  the  sitti- 
■•'tion  of  the  L.atter  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- 
■[ilate  the  history  of  the  world  in  its  trua 
light,  understanding  the  situation  cf  ail 
who  have  preceded  them:  the  I'ght 
in  which  the  gvent  Jehovah  viewed 
them,  and:tbi.Mr  relation  to  the  saivatioa 
o:  J-estis  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 
=iaints,  their  God-like  nobility  of  soul, 
their  splended  achievem.ents  among  the 
nations  in  their  day  and  generation, 
their  undaunted  courage  in  the  cause  of 
truth,  their  holy  boldness  in  defence  of 
[heir  master's  honor;  their  toiis,  their 
perils,  their  sacrafices,  their  indefatiga- 
ble zeal,  their  lirmness,  and  their  sted- 
fastness  in  the  truth,  Kot  regarding 
their  life  unto  death,  their  abiding;  tea- 
timony  by  v/hich  they  condemned  tha 
generation  which  then  lived,  and  will 
bs  had  amongst  men  until  time  is  no 
more:  their  great  faith  by  which  they 
ascended  into  the  hieghls,  and  descend^ 
ed  into  the  depths,  nr.d  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,  whild 
the  woiil  v/as  stumbling  in  -darkness  and 
the  nations  were  strangers  to  th& 
knowledge  of  God,  and  knew  not  him 
who  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  sh.idow  ef 
death  they  caused  light  to  spring  up; 
their  voices  were  heard  among  nations 
afar  off,  and  their  power  was  felt  in  fh» 
islandsof  the  sea.  The  messengers  of 
heaven  watched  them  by  the  way  and 
rejoiced  over  them  in  righteousness. 

Wide  is  the  field  of  contemplatioui 
which  opens  to  the  view  of  the  aaints 
of  the  latter  days,  while  they  read  tho 
history  and  meditate  upon  the  events 
peculiar  to  tne  saiats,  as  set  forth  ia 
the  acoeuQl  \yhi«l2  \sf9  hav»  of  tliost  ttf 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


29S  

formor  days,  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 tha  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  richlv  la- 
don  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  suff:3rings,  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  communicatiqns,  the  purity  of 
their  aifjCLions,  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  Holy  Spirit,  and  a- 
bounding  in  love  and  good  works,, 
while  visions,  dreams,  revelations  and 
prophesyings  enlarged  their  niinds, 
and  prepared  them  for  the  society  of 
the  blessed. 

In  meditating  upon  these  things  the 
inind  of  the  latter  day  saint  struggles 
wiih  the  powers  of  darkness  like  Ja- 
cob with  the  angel,  until  he  prevails, 
bursts  the  vail  which  conceals  futurity 
from  his  view,  and  lanch.es  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  of  the  pro- 
phetic vision  which  inspired  the 
hearts  of  the  prophets,  and  caused  them 
to  sing  their  sweetest  notes,  gathers  up 
the  history  of  all  generations,  by  v/hich 
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  together.    Inspired  by  the  same 


spirit  which  inspired  the  prophets,  he 
cun  behold  glories  lying  over  the  face 
of  revelation  that  the  eye  of  an  unin- 
si)ired  man  never  saw  nor  can  see;  by 
this  spirit  he  discovers  the  iniquities, 
and  apostacy  of  his  ov/n  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  tlieLo!  hcres  and  the  Lo!  thercs, 
attended  with  ceremonies  and  forms 
not  only  v.'ithout  power,  but  without  the 
belief  in  it,  so  that  indeed  he  sees  a 
form  of  godliness,  while  those  who  have 
tlic  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  inspircdof  Go;t 
men  full  of  the  Holy  Spirit  and  wisdom 
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  j^et  the  reli- 
gious vv'or'd  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  tlie  last  days,  and  tho.'--c 
who  are  strangers  both  to  God  and  his 
ways,  one  sees  understands  and  re- 
joices in  the  glory  and  order  of  the 
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  godliness 
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 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE; 


iJOS 


<ne  Lord  so  coming  upon  them  as  a 
thitjr  in  the  night,  and  sudueu  distmc- 
lion  coining  upon  them  and  they  know 
it  not;  bc'ca.use  they  know  nut  God. — 
He  sees  them  eating,  and  drinking, 
jriarrying,  and  giving  in  marriage, 
crying  ail  is  well  inZiou;  fear  nut  all 
thin  s  are  c  intiniiing  as  they  wore 
since  the  creation  of  th.e  world;  truly 
lie  sees  that  the  generafion  among 
whom  he  lives  are  just  such  a  people 
Jis  there  were  in  the  days  of  Noah. — 
Vi'hile  he  beholds  the  heavens  and  the 
earth  big  with  events  of  an  av/ful  char- 
acter, every  nation  preparing  itself 
for  the  da}^  of  b  Utle  and  the 
sacraliCQ  of  the  great  God. 

lie  often  fancies  to  himself  that  he 
is  like  one  of  the  ancient  prophetb 
v.ao  inccssantl}' lifted  his  voice  to  back- 
sliding Israel,  v/arning  them  of  the 
judgments  of  almighty  God  which  were 
coming  upon  them,  but  they  would  not 
here,  he  s-nv  them  haste  to  distraction 
and  no  power  could  prevent  it.  So 
the  saint  of  the  latter  days  sees  this 
generation  liastening  to  distruction, 
"while  their  judgment  of  a  long  time 
slecpheth  not  and  their  damnation 
slumbcreth  not;'"  but  their  eyes  are  clo- 
sed in  sleep  and  their  eye  lids  in  slum- 
ber, and  they  see  not  neither  do  they 
know.  Therefore  he  does  know  that  all 
that  God  has  spoken  by  the  mouth  o( 
the  holy  prophets  concerning  them 
will  be  fulfilled;  for  the  day  of  the 
Lord  will  most  assuredly  overtike  them 
as  a  thief  in  the  .night,  and  at  the  lime 
when  the}- arc  crying  peace  and  safety, 
sudden  destruL-tion  will  come  uuon  them 
and  tlicy  shall  not  escape. 

Whose  feelings  can  be  like  the  lat- 
ter day  saints?  I  answer  none;  because 
there  arc  no  persons  who  do  know  the 
situation  of  this  generation  except 
those  who  arc  inspired  of  God  to  un- 
derstand it,  neither  can  any  of  them  un- 
derstand the  signs  of  1  ho  times:  there 
may  be  f-igns  in  the  sun,  in  the  moon, 
and  in  the  stars,  perplexity  of  nations, 
rnnn's  hearts  filling  them  for  looking 
after  those  things  which  are  coming 
npoa  the  earth,  while  the  uninspired 
in  the  midst  of  these  thing's  understand 
thorn  not,  nf-ithor  do  they  know  them, 
but  like  the  ox  faucd  for  the  slaughter 
they  haste  to  distruction  and  know  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- 
tics  which  will^come  upon  them,  they  will 


curse  their  King  and  their  God  and 
die.  And  yet  with  all  their  abomination 
have  a  form  of  godliness;  but  it  is  only 
a  form,  for  they  deny,  and  will  deny 
the  power  thereof,  in  consequence  of 
vviiich  they  will  go  down  to  hell  and 
iheir  cyci  will  bo  shut  until  they  arc 
•jpcnod  in  torment. 

How  marvelous,  cries  the  saint  of 
God,  it  is,  that  nicn  have  a  bible  and 
read  it,  and  preach  about  it  day  after 
day,  and  night  after  night,  and  yet  not 
believe  one  item  of  it:  reject  the  entire 
religion  thereof  and  go  down  to  hell 
holding  the  light  of  God  in  their  hands: 
run  from  neighborhood  to  neighbor- 
hood, preach,  proclaim,  admonish,  and 
warn,  make  prosolytes  inhundscds  and 
thousands,  and  when  they  have  made 
them  only  make  their  damnation  more 
certain  than  it  v/as  before.  Such  is 
the  iiglit  in  which  the  latter  day  saint 
beholds  all  the  works  of  the  men  of 
this  generation;  knowing  by  the  spirit 
of  inspiration  that  their  rcHgiou  is 
nothing  more  tlian  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  suiler 
thevengcncc  ol  eternal  fire. 

But  there  is  something  in  the  midst 
of  this  scene  of  darkness  which  cheer-s 
the  heart  of  the  saints,  exceedingly,  it 
is,  thattlie  truth  has  once  more  mada 
its  appearance,  and  liglit  iias  began  to 
shine  in  darkness,  and  the  spirit  ol  in- 
spiration is  returning  to  the  earth,  tho 
voice  of  the  prophets  is  heard  again  in 
the  land,  and  communion  is  again  open- 
ed with  the  heavens,  and  babes  begin 
to  uiiderstand  that  v/hich  is  hid  from 
the  eyes  of  the  wise  and  the  prudent, 
and  the  weak  things  of  the  earth  begin 
to  confound  the  mighty,  and  the  foolish 
things  of  the  eart'o,  put  to  sliame  those 
who  are  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  mo 
places  as  I  shall  direct  you,  where  I 
can  manifest  myself  to  you,  and  send 
my  iing.j's  to  minister  to  you  as  in  days 
of  old.  Judges  are  returning  as  at  the 
first,  aud  consellors  as  at  the  bcgining. 
And  the  saints  may  well  look  for  the 
time  when  the  "sviiderness  and  the  sol- 
itary place  shall  be  glad  for  them  and 
the  (icsert  shall  blo-jom  ai>  the  rose  *' 


M^^SEiVeSR  ANB  A&TOCA'Bt 


PERFECTION. 

Christion  perfection,  so  called,  is  a 
subject  wbicii  has  engrosed  the  atten- 
tion of  the  religious  public  in  the  dif- 
ferent age*  of  the  world  in  no  small 
degree  It  was,  if  we  may  credit  the 
sacred  writers,  a  subject  which  w-)s 
c'aired  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  htis  not,  the  grubject  of 
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  tho  ir-nm-ediate  influ- 
ence of  divine  re vela'itn,  and  recetved' 
constant  comma  nication  from  the  Deity 
on  all  subjects  in  any  degree  aflecting 
their  salvation,  understood  this  subject 
much  better  than  those  who  were  in  a 
state  of  apostacy;  as  they  had  all  the 
opportunities  thaf  any  mortals  could 
huveto  settle  all  questions  in  relation 
to  their  reh'gion:  indeed  the  sacred 
writers  speak  of  it  as  a  subjeci  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 
saints;  but  spake,  and  wrote,  of  it  as  of 
a  matter  wntch  was  wed  understood 
among  them  aff. 

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  "rjiHciently  plain;  but  liie 
conciousrness  there  is  among  all  the  leli- 
gious  professors,  of  their  cotning  fur 
short  of  perfection,  and  taking  it  for 
granted  thni  they  are  in  the  right  way, 
ami  are  as  righteoijs  as  persons  can  b''* 
in  this  age  of  the  world;  they  have 
considerable  misgivings  about  what  the 
sacred  writers  meant.  For  instance, 
when  the  Savior  says  "be  ye  therefore 
perfect,  even  as  your  father  which  is 
in  heaven  is  perfect".  Matthew  5: 
48,th  a  deep  conciousnes^  at  once  says 
to  all  the  professing  world,  that  ihey 
are  not  tlius  perfect:  but  they  are  not 
only  sensible  that  they  are  not  perfect 
as  their  father  in  heaven  is  perfect; 
but  they  do  most  assuredly  believe  that 
they  cannot  be  so,  and  a  deep  inquiry 
ensues  'vrh«t    did    th«    Savior  me«n 


when  he  said  be    ye  perfect,,    as  yoirr 
father  in  heaven  is  perfect? 

Did  he  really  mean  that  men  should 
be  peilect  as  God  is?  and  if  so,  is 
such  perfection  necessary  to  salvation, 
or  cannot  a  peu'son  be  saved  without  it^' 
are  queries  which  often  arise  in  the? 
minds  of  many,  indeed  we  may  say  ali 
the  religious  world. 

When  people  are  in  a  state  of  apos- 
tacy, it  seems  hard  to  understand  the 
sayings  which  were  delivered  to  those 
who  were  in  a  state  of  accejitonce  with 
God,  and  fully  able  to  bear  his  sayings: 
but  it  is  not  as  hard  for  them  tn  under- 
stand them,  as  it  is  to  believe  them; 
when  fh(,'y  do  understand  them,  for  to 
believe  them  with  all  their  heart,  would' 
be  virtually,  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- 
derstand what  the  Savior  meant,  whea 
he  said  be  ye  perfect  &c?  When  he 
firmly  believes  that  it  is  imnossible 
for  any  person  to  he  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 
m'ly  be  in  his  sentiments,  and  the  diffi- 
Cl^lly  aris'es  fro-m  his  having  enforaced 
senfiments  which  are  not  according  to 
godliness;  but  perfectly  satisfied  with 
his  religion,  he  comes  to  the  conclusion: 
that  there  is  some  thing  wrapped  up  in 
these  very  plain  sayings,  which  can- 
not be  easily  ui-iderstood,  and  there  he- 
leaves  ilie  matter. 

And  those  who  profess  to  believe  ia 
perfection  among  the  saints,  find 
some  difficulty  also;  for  the  Savior 
seems  to  pu^h  the  subject  a  little  iar- 
ther  than  they  can  go.  To  require 
of  the  saints  to  be  i>errect»  is  what  they 
believe  in;  but  for  him  to  sny  that  they 
must  be  perfect,  as  their  father  ia 
heaven  fs  perfect,  is  a  little  beyond  the 
faith  of  those  who  believe  in  perfec- 
tion, and  they  also  come  to  the  conclu- 
sirin'that  there  is  soir.e  little  n)ystery 
i^ome  whore    about    the    savior's    say 

So  certain  it  is,  that  there  are  no 
people  who  can  believe  what  was  said 
to  those  Avho  got  revelations  for  them- 
selves; but  those  who  get  immediate 
psvelation  from  keaYsn. 


MIISSfe-NtSRfl  AND  ADVOCAfS. 


Sll 


It'  it  were  possible  lor  people  to  lav 
down  their  prejudices,  and  let  the  rev- 
elations of  God  teach  them  in  all 
things,  the  many  mysteries  which  they 
fmd  in  the  scriptures  would  soon  pass 
away,  and  the  apparent  darkness 
which  is  over  the  face  of  revelation 
on  many  subjects,  would  become  light. 
Let  them  once  admit  that  their  religion 
might  be  wrong,  and  search  Avith  can- 
dor for  truth,  and  believe  what  the  bible 
says,  and  light  woul'^  speedily  shine 
round  about  them.  But  to  return  to 
our  subject  again. 

When  we  speak  of  perfection,  we 
rr>ean  to  be  understood  that  a  perfect 
thing  cannot  be  improved.  There  is 
perfection  in  mechanics,  when  a  ma- 
chine is  so  constructed,  that  it  cannot 
be  iniprovpd.  or  made  better,  we  call 
it  a  pcM-fect  inachine.  We  say  of  the 
human  system  it  is  perfect;  because 
we  cannot  suggest  an  improvement  in 
nny  part  of  it,  it  is  brought  to  as  high 
a  state  as  it  can,  being  the  contrivance 
of  infinite  wisdom,  and  if  wc  v>'ere  to 
say  that  the  great  Jehovah  could  not 
improve  it,  we  think  we  shjuid  not  in- 
sult him. 

We  say  of  God,  he  is  perfect.  And 
why?  because  his  nature  cannot  be 
improved;  and  because  he  possesses 
all  things  o^  which  his  nature  is  capa- 
ble When  we  speak  of  a  per- 
fect religion,  we  mean  that  the  religion 
is  in  every  respect  adapted  to  the 
wants,  and  necessities,  of  those  for 
whom  it  is  designed.  It  expands  the 
iiumin  mind  until  it  can  expand  no 
more,  and  then  suppli'.'s  it  with  all  it  is 
capable  of  enjoying.  So  that  the  en- 
joyment is  in  every  way  suited  to  the 
capacity  of  the  persons  who  possess 
it;  insomuch,  that  even  G(  d  himself 
could  not  exi)and  the  human  mind  any 
IT!;!*.?,  nor  give  it  one  enjoyment 
which  it  does  not  possess.  This  done, 
the  religion  is  perfect;  but  without 
this,  it  is  not. 

For  a  person  to  be  perfect  before 
God,  is  for  him  to  have  his  mind  o\- 
panded  until  it  can  be  cx[)anded  no 
more,  and  then  to  enjoy  all  things 
which  it  is  ca[)able  of  enjoving.  'I'his 
would  be  perlVction,  and  thus  a  man 
would  be  perfect  as  liis  leather  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 
th^re  w«re  pArf«T;t  men.     It  wr?  said 


of  Noah  that  he  was  perfect  in  his 
generation  Genesis  6:  9.  Also  Abra- 
ham, was  commanded  to  walk  before 
God  and  be  pertect  Genesis  17:  1,  A 
great  many  scriptures  might  be  quoted 
to  the  same  effect;  but  let  these  sufHce, 
v/hich  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  men 
being  perfect  before  God,  Or  why 
command  tiie  discij>les  to  be  perfect, 
as  their  father  in  heaven  was  perfect? 
when  t'.iere  was  no  such  thing  as  being 
thus  perfect. 

All  these  sayings  must  bo  very 
unmeaning,  unless  there  is  such  a 
thing  as  being  perfect  before  God; 
and  unless  those  who  obey  the  scheme 
of  heaven  are  thereby  made  perfect. 

We  think  this  subject  is  easy  of  un- 
derstanding, if  we  are  v.'illing  to  let 
our  religion  fail  a  prey  to  it;  lor  such 
will  be  the  case  with  the  whole  secta- 
rian world,  if  the  bible  is  to  be  our 
guido,  Periection  then,  is  perfection, 
and  nothing  else  but  pertection,  is  per- 
t'ection.  W'hen  a  person  or  thing  is 
perfect,  it  is  perfect,  and  when  it  is 
not  perfect,  it  is  not  perfect.  When 
any  thing  can  be  improved,  it  is  not 
perfect.  When  any  scheme  which  is 
designed  for  the  benefit  of  men  can  ba 
bettered,  it  is  not  perfect,  perfection 
reaches  beyond  improvement. 

Let  us  premise  a  little,  suppose 
5omo  person  should  take  a  start  in  in- 
telligence in  these  dnys,  and  reach  be- 
yond :.ay  uil'.;;;':;  v/ho  liad  hved  beibrs 
his  day.  Would  that  not  prove  to  a 
demonstration,  that  all  those  who  had 
lived  before  iiim  were  not  perfect: 
surely  it  would;  and  for  this  reason, 
because  the  very  fact  of  his  doing  so, 
would  prove  that  the  human  mind  was 
capable  of  such  an  improv(!ment,  and 
if  others  had  not  come  up  to  it,  they 
could  b(;  improved,  and  of  course  were 
not  periect.  If  there  are  any  ;ittain- 
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* 
for  it  to  haw  Rltainod  to  all  to  \v\\\<^  k 


5fI2 


MESSENGER  AN'D  ADVOCATE. 


can  attain,  and  if  it  has  not,  the  person 
is  not  perfect.  Paul  in  writing  to  the 
Phih'ppians  3:  12,  says  of  himself, — 
"Not  as  though  I  had  alreadj^  attained, 
either  were  already  perfect".  So  that 
Paul  did  not  coHoider  himself  perfect, 
until  he  had  attained  that,  for  which  he 
was  apprehended  of  Christ. 

Having  now  the  premises  fairly  bo- 
fore  us,  the  subject  of  perfection  among 
saints  will  be  very  easy  of  understand- 
ing. When  the  scriptures  speak  of  men 
being  perfect  we  see  plainly  by  the 
quotation  taken  from  Paul,  that  it 
means  havingattained  all  of  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  is  set  forth  in  the 
bible  in  a  point  of  light  difTerent  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 
ofwhat  is  there  said  about  it. 

The  history  of  the  former  day  saints 
affords  us  abundance  of  light  on  this 
subject,  so  that  "he  that  runs  may  read" 
and  not  only  road  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  hov/  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  howgrcut, 
nor.  how  mi\rve]ous,  it  proves  that  hu- 
man nature  is  capable  of  ^doing  that 
thing,  or  else  no  mannvouid  have  cone 
it.  The  very  fact  of  any  man  having 
done  it,  proves  that  human  nature  was 
d. 


cjjpable  ot  so 


I'o  Be  CoNriNUED. 


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  f  f  opinion, 
that  some  articles  have   heretofore  ap- 


peared in  tbis  paper  censuring  too  se- 
verely, the  conduct  and  course  pur- 
sued by,  not  only  the  'diifcrent  sects, 
as  societies,  but  by  individuals,  who 
profess  to  proclaim  the  system  which 
was  devised  and  prepared  in  the  by.- 
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  from 
their  God.  In  looking  into  that  sys- 
tem, and  taking  into  consideration  the 
manner  in  which  the  Lord  anciently 
called  and  authorized  men  to  preach 
his  gospel,  which  tkcse  men  pretetad  to 
have  authority  to  proclaim,  we  feel 
iuUy  justified  in  raising  our  voice, 
and  sounding  an  alarm,  that  all  who 
value  the  v\oith  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  . 
wliich  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  conduc1i» 
in  proportion  to  their  standing  in  com- 
munity, and  that  weight  of  influence 
which  they  exercise  over  the  same; 
and  ol  course,  when  they  deviate  from 
the  path  of  truth,  if  much  reliance  is 
plcced  upon  their  decision,  so  much 
the  greater  the  injury,  because  others 
may  be  led  astray.  No  one  v/ill 
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 x»ur 
honor  and  veracity,  that  when  leading 
men,  men  of  influence  and  standing  in 
society,  v/ill  cease  to  vilify  our  chni- 
acter,  defame  our  reputatiosi,  excite 
the  indignation  and  contempt  of  our 
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,  we 
Will  Iny  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 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


Sl3 


Advocate:  we  cheerfully  comply  with 
the  request,  and  hope  it  may  not  be 
the  last,  if  sitnilar  circumstances  trans- 
pire.     Editor. 


Friend 


Kirtland,  May,  1836. 
: — I  have  taken  the  lib- 


erty at  this  time  of  sending  you  a  num- 
ber of  thApril  Mksskxger,  which  is 
now  being  printed.  My  reasons  for  so 
doing,  are  simply  these:  I  know 
your  goodness  of  heart,  your  liberality 
of  sentiment  in  regard  to  religion,  as 
well  as  to  folilics.  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, .  they  will  be 
cheerfull}'-  extended. 

You  are  well   aware,    sir,    that    this 
society  has  travelled   through  floods  of 
villilication  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 
forbearance,  on  our  part,   a    "S«/t". — 
1  mean  the  eftbris  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- 
Tio>asTs".      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", 
nighted"  '•'•M-orraons'^  that  vve  were 
^ertainly  out  of  the    v/ay,     and   would 
ve  no  chance  of  gaining   our    salva- 
tion* except  wo  joined  in  and  thrcvv  up 
our  caps  tor    his    glorious    doctrine  of 
AMALGAMATION!     But  when    the 
time  come  to  count  noses,  he  found    he 
had  '•'■loaked  up  the  ivrong  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  wfould   tend    to    subvert    our 
blood-bought  liberties.     For    we    as    a 


^ 


*  One  of  their  number  is  said  to  have  sta- 
ted not  long  since  tliat  they  did  not  believe 
a  person  could  enjoy  religion  witliout  being 
an  abolitionist 


society,  do  not  hold  to  any  such  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  m.oving  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  tl;c  lives  of  our  trav- 
Rling  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  thr; 
story  that  this  society  had  come  out  in 
favor  of  the  doctrines  <-X  Abolitionism, 
there  would  be  no  safety  for  one  of  us 
m  the  South;  for  our  enemies  would 
grasp  at  it  as  a  precious  morsel,  where- 
on to  feed  the  guUihles  of  this  genera- 
tion. 

But   thanks    to  an    all-wise    Provi- 
dence we  have  men  among  us  who  are 
able,  and  loilling,  to  take  up  their  pens 
in  defence  of  their  civil   and   religious 
rights;  and  v/ho,    if  necessity    require, 
can  and    will  make  the  priests   of  this, 
our  day,  tremble    for    their    craft,  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    chaff    before    the      wind.     These 
articles  on  the  subject  of   Abolitionism, 
in  the  Messenger    were  written  by  no 
hireling  scriblers,  but   have   emanated 
t'rom  men  who  are  actuated  by  no  oth- 
er motive  than  a  desire  to  benefit   their 
fellow  creatures,  and  to  do  all   they   do 
v/ith  an  eye  single  to  the  glory  of  God. 
You  will  also  see  that    the   rod    has 
not  been    spared    in    relation    to   some 
other  mattery.  1  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    t>iend,    O. 
Cowdery,  Esq.   (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  dictat'^s 


MBSSEiNGJEA  an©  Af>?4)CA'Pm. 


of  their  own  conciences,  regardless  of 
the  sneers  and  scoffs  of  a  priest  ridden, 
ill-bred,  good-for-noi  king  pack  of 
scoundrels,  v\'hosc  God  is  gold:  and 
whose  only  em['loyment  is  deceiving 
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  their 
abominations. 

In  relation  to  matters  in  general, 
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  well  as  the  spiritual  concerns 
of  the  church  are  in  as  prosperous  a 
condition  as  could  be  e?q-)ccted,  con- 
sidering the  disadvantages  under  which 
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 
conclu(ie,  by  subscribing  myself,  witii 
sentiments  of  respect  and  esteem,  as 
ever,  your  friend. 


To 


Messeng'er  aiiei  Ac!v«cjsl€. 

KIRTLAND,   OHIO,     MAY,     1^33. 


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  lias  upon  those 
who  are  not  trammeled  w  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  lias  no  doubt  given  the  impses- 
gionof  his  own  mind,  in  relation  to  the 
subject  on  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  De  pecuh'arly  gratifying  and 
encouraging,  to  the  saints,  to  see  the 
iffwt  wbtch  truth  will  kavs  on  the 


minds  of  gentlemen  of  understanding, 
when  it  is  fairly  laid  before  them.    We 
presutne  to  sny,  that  like  all   other  pla- 
ces, attemjts  have  been  niade  lo  preju- 
dice the  minds  of  the    people,    against 
the  truth  in  Medina:    indeed,    the  won- 
derful Alexander  Campbell,    in  ibis  in- 
stance, hadhis  desire  gratified:     How's 
Vi'onderful  book,     had    I'ioneered     tho 
way,  and  the  people  had  sufficient  time 
to  examine  its  contents;    and  do    more 
than  this,  to  consign  it   to  the  father  of 
lies  from  whence  it   came;    as   every 
man  under  heaven  believes  who    reads 
it,  except  a    religious    bigot.     But    ths 
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 
ouo'ht  always  to  be  mentioned  with  rev- 
erence,  not  more  on  accountof  his  own 
great   M'isdom,    than      on     account  of 
the    dignity    of  his    parentage.)     The 
other    the    Rev,   Ebenezar     Williams, 
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    sui)po.sed    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  people,  that  many  professors  of  re- 
ligion in  that  place,  shewed  a  spirit 
worthy  of  lovers  of  truth — but  they 
tried  in  vain:  there  was  tod'  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,  and  religious   bigot* 


Mfi9.ȣN(^i:il  A2ri}_  Ai>vacATii;. 


howled  at  them.  The  ,'people  would 
go,  and  did  go,  and  the  result  is  now 
before  the  pubh'c — Here  follows  the 
extract: 

Pnr  the  OJiio  Free  Press. 

Agreeably  to  appointment,  Elder 
Sidney  Rigdon,  a  preacher,  of  the 
new  sect  styling  themselves  "Latter 
Day  Saints,"  arrived  in  this  Village, 
on  Wednesday  the  6th  inst,  and  be- 
tween that  time  and  the  succeeding 
Tuesday,  delivered  an  interesting  se- 
ries of  Lectures,  on  the  subject  of 
the  Prophecies,  the  accomplishment 
of  which  is  supposed  to  appertain  to 
the  present  ])criod  of  the  worid.  The 
audiences  were  very  full,  and  pro- 
foundly attentive.  The  following  may 
be  gathered  from  the  Elder's  lectures, 
as  a  brief  synopsis  of  the  leading  te- 
nets of  the  new  sect,  presenting,  in 
many  re?)iects,  a  striking  similarity  to 
those  of  Ellianan  Winchester. 

1st.  That  all  the  prophecies,  which 
are  knoion  and  admitted  to  have  been 
fulfilled,  have  been  llleralhj  accom 
plished,  we  have  the  strongest  analo- 
gical reasons  to  believe,  that  those 
w^hich  remain  unfulfilled,  will  be  also 
literally  accomplished.  Nor  have  we 
any  reason  to  bplieve.yVom  Scriprtue, 
in  any  other  different  mode  of  accom- 
plishment. 

2d.  That  agreeably  to  this  analogy, 
and  the  whole  scope  and  tenor  of  the 
prophecies  yet  to  be  fulfilled,  the  time 
is  near  at  hand,  even  at  the  doors, 
when  Christ  will  come  in  the  clouds  of 
heaven,  with  great  jiower  and  glory, 
and  all  the  holy  angels  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  j^tremendous  event 
will  be  literally  accomplished. 

3d.  That  previous  to  this  second  ad- 
vent of  the  Savior,  great  revolutions 
will  tike  place  on  our  globe,  and  great 
destruction  of  mankind  will  accrue, 
from  earthquakes,  pestilences,  wars, 
and  other  causes,  by  means  of  which 
all  those  who  do  not  embrace  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- 
struction has  already  commenced. 

4th.  That  immediately  preceding 
tWs  ••ooftd  advent,    certain   signs,   as 


prophecied  in  Scripture,  will  make 
their  appearance;  such  as  darkness  ol 
the  sun  and  moon,  falling  stars,  roar- 
ing of  the  sea; — and  they  say  that 
these  will  appear  soon. 

5th.  That  at  the  time  of  the  advent, 
a  surprising  revolution  will  take  place 
in  the  nature  of  most  if  not  all  terres- 
trial things:  wild  beasts  will  become 
tame;  men  immortal;    the    earth    yield 

her  fruits  and  harvests  spontaneous- 
ly,&c. 

•6th.  That  the  Jews  will,  at  or  be- 
fore tlio  time,  by  a  series  of  surprising 
miracles,  clearly  stated  in  the  prophe- 
cies, be  gathered  from  all  parts  of  the 
world,  into  the  ancient  land  of  pron\- 
ise,  where  Christ  again  will  rule  and 
reign  ainong  his  ancient  people.  There 
will  be  a  great,  if  not  a  general  resur- 
rection of  the  ancient  Jews  and  Chris- 
tians. And  that  all  obstacles  to  these 
great  events  will  be  previously  removed 
by  the  destruction  of  the  enemies  of 
truih,&c. 

7th.  That  the  direct  communications 
with  the  Almighty,  which  have  been 
long  lost  or  suspended,  in  consequence 
of  the  general  apostacv  and  the  teach- 
ing of  the  false  prophets,  have  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,  by  means  of  visions,  reve- 
lations, &c.,  which  the  Elder  confirm- 
ed by  some  striking  narratives  from 
his  own  personal  experience.  He  al- 
so stated,  tiiat  the  various  projects  and 
operations  of  the  new  sect,  were  all 
di; rived  and  guided  by  communications 
of  tills  kind,  and  that  any  believer  may 
have  the  same  experience,  by  asking 
for  it  in  faith;  that  there  is  the  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  seok  for  the  con- 
firmation of  all  these  glorioiis  trutlis, 
by  the  light  of  this  experience.  In 
confirmation  of  the  new  doctrines,  the 
Elder  quoted  numeroife  prophecies, 
from  Isaiah,  Jeremiah,  Ezekiel,  Dan- 
iel, Hosea  Malachi,  and  from  the 
Evangelists  and  the  Epistles  of  Paul 
and  Peter;  and  argued  with  great  elo- 
quence, and  force,  that  tiic  new  dis- 
pensation must  nechssarily  be  true, 
or  many  of  the  prophetical  parte  of  tbe 
Bible  n9cr99nrily  false. 


SlG 


Mf:SSENGER  AxND  ADVOCATE 


These  tremendous  doctrines,  pro- 
mulgated by  the  Eider  with  a  closeness 
of  reasoning  and  eloquence  of  decla- 
mation seldom  surpassed,  were  calcu- 
lated to  make  as  they  have  ndade,  a 
powerful'  and  no  doubt  a  lasting  itn- 
pression  on  most  of  his  hearers.  And 
however  strange,  mysterious  and  mar- 
vellous, t!io  thing  nicknamed  Mormcn- 
ism  i^lMlidBB'''^)'  (Q  most  of  the 
com muniTy ,  it  is  ce rtain ,  that  the  be- 
lief in  it  as  a  solemn  reality,  has  bo- 
come  fiimly  established  in  this  place. 
One  convert  only,  (a  young  lady  who 
had  adopted  the  new  f-iith)  was  bap- 
tized by  the  Elder  and  his  associate 
Elder  Williams;  but  several  others 
will  probably  ultimately  pursue  the 
same  course. 

CHARLES  OLCOTT. 

Medina,   April,  1838. 


The  following  is  the  copy  of  a  let- 
ter from  certain  members  of  the  Irvin- 
itc  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  him=;elf  a  communicant  and 
preacher  of  that  church. 

"To  the  Saints  of  the  Mo?t  High: 

Dear  brethren  in  the  Lord — 
At  a  council  of  the  pas- 
tors of  our  church,  held  March  23, 
1835,  upon  the  propriety  of  the  Rev. 
John  Hewitt  visiting  you,  it  was  resol- 
ved and  approved,  that  as  he  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  iiath  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.  Hev/itt  was  pro- 
fessor of  mathematics  in  Rother'm  In- 
dependent Seminary,  and  four  years 
pastor  of  Bainesly  Independent  church. 
He  commenced  preaching  the  doctrines 
we  taught  about  tv/o  years  since,  and 
was     excommunicated — 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  v/ell,  a  full  explanation.  Many 
will  t'ollow  should  he  approve  of  the 
country,  &:c.  who  will  help  the  cause, 
because  the  Lord  hath  favored  thcni 
with  this  v/orid's  goods." 

We  had  an  utterance  during  our 
meeting,  wliich  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,  oc 
v.'ou.ld  be;  but  we  were  commanded  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  brotlv- 
er  and  may  he  prove  a  blessing  to 
you.  Ee  not  afraid  of  our  enemies, 
they  shall,  unless  thej^  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  uiscernmeat  iias  beeji  given 
to  us  that  they  v/ere  immediatel}^  put  to 
shame  by  being  detected,  so  that  ti'io 
flock  never  rsuflered  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  jjospel."' 
(signed)  "THOMAS  SHA\V." 

'^Barnesly,  April  21s/,  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 
(Tod.  It  might  have  remained  in  our 
possession  perhaps  for  vears  in  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   thai 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


oil 


himself  had  been  favored  with  commti- 
nications   from  heaven. 

Some  time  since  we  saw  a  n®{ice  in 
the  Painesvil'.e  Telegraph,  signed  by 
the  said  Hewitt,  denying  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-facediy  deviate 
from  the  truth,  when  he  must  have 
known  that  his  visit  here  could  not 
have  been  lorgotten  so  soon. 

Having  this  sample  of  th.c  man's 
character,  we  knew  not  how  soon  he 
might  leave  the  country  and  per- 
haps still  pretend  to  fellowsip  with  the 
church  which  lie  represented  here. 
And  having  given  bro.  Pratt's  letter  a 
place  in  the  A^dvocate,  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  that  na- 
ture, to  set  the  matt-r  in  a  proper 
shai)o,  and  his  brethren  kaov/  in  what 
manner  they  have  been  represented 
in  this  country  by  a  man  who  no 
doubt,  left  England  with  the  confluence 
and  estoeai  of  a  people  v/ho  have  been 
vilified  and   traduced.     Edilor. 


The  following  letter  is  from  our  es- 
teemed fi-icnd  and  br.  Parley  P.  Pratt- 
Elder  Pratt  not  knowing  of  the  change 
in  the  editorial  department  of  this  pa- 
per, addressed  br.  Whiimer,  which 
Avill  explain  a  sentence  in  the  last 
clause.  W«3  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.  Pratt,  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 
v/e  may  expect  soon  to  hear  of  his 
success  in  that  place;  but  if  not,  he 
will  have  the  satisfactory  reflection, 
that  ho  has  performed  his  duty  in 
warning  them  to  flee  from  the  awai- 
ting destruction,  so  plainly  sot  forth  in 
the  prophets  of  God.  And  we  hope 
not  only  that  br.  Pratt  may  meet  with 


great  success  where  he  is  ^-.-.w  labor^' 
ing,  but  that  all  others,  who  are  j.vo- 
claiming  the  gospel,  may  be  instru- 
mental m  gathering  out  the  elect  of 
fhe  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  bo  upon  them, 
and  may  the  Lord  our  God  preserve 
them  from  the  wicked  devices  and  cor- 
rujiting  snares  of  a  race  of  men  whose 
hearts  are  far  from  the  truth. 

Editor. 
City  of  Toronto    U.    C.  Ma)/ 9,  1SS6. 

To  THE  Editor  of  the  Latter 
Day  Saints  Messenger  and  Advo- 
cate: 

Dea?-  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  v.-as  closed  against 
me  as  I  applied  for  an  opportunity  to 
preach,  until  I  was  almost  (■i:;cour- 
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  baptiim. 

The  next  day  I  visited  another  poor 
widow,  who  was  nearly  blind  with 
inflamation:  the  Lord  healed  and 
opened  her  eyes,  which  has  made  her 
business  enough,  as  many  go  to  learn 
of  her  how  her  eyes  were  opened. 

1  pi  cached  to  a  few  individuals,  and 
still  cried  unto  God  to  o[)en  my  way. 
I  applied  to  tv/o  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  pcnrtrated;  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,  wh.jre  the  preacher  preached 
the  power  of  faith  in  its  true  light,  and 
then    prayed   for   the  whole  face    of 


u^ 


irt«S«»EJ<f«ER  AKt>  A»y6e»A'f«; 


things  to  bf;  ^ftanged.  1  said,  amen. 
Aftf  »•  meeting,  while  dining  with  him 
and  some  of  his  hearers,  1  toid  them 
vvhfit  the  Lord  hr^d  did  for  us;  and  they 
began   to  believe.  * 

Afternoon  I  went  to  a  Mr.  Patrick's 
house  to  meeting,  where  many  had 
been  wont  to  assemble  to  search  the 
scriptures:  they  had  discovered  the 
corruptions -of  christendorn,  and  were 
diligeatly  searching  ibi  truth.  A  few 
hours  were  spent  in  searching  into  the 
nature  of  the  baptism  of  the  Holy 
Ghost,  with  its  several  gifts.  The  re- 
sult of  the  investigation  was,  they  felt 
the  need  of  prop-hcts  and  apostles  to 
Oi'^anize  them,  and  minister  the  ordi- 
nances and  spirit  to  them.  Some  said, 
*'Let  us  be  agreed  and  ask  tor  God  to 
commission  us  by  lerelation."  Others 
said,  "it  might  be  that  the  Lord  had 
^ilready  commissioned  apostles  in  some 
parts  of  the  world;  and  if  he  had,  it 
must  come  from  them." 

During  this  time  I  had  listened  in 
silence:  some-times  crying  and  some- 
times smiling — my  heart  burning 
within  me.  Some  one  at  length  ob- 
served, that  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  v.hich  they 
kneeled  down  and  in  tears  confessed 
their  naked,  destitute,  situation;  pray- 
ed God  to  pity  and  relieve  them. 

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- 
iy.  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. 

I  preach,  road  and  converse  to  peo- 
ple all  day  and  all  night:  sometimes 
the  morning  sun  is  dawning  upon  us 
before  we  have  thought  of  rest;  and 
generally  the  clock  strikes  twelve  be- 
fors  we  retire  None  oppose  openly, 
but  the  hireling  priests,  and  they  are 
glad  to  retire  in  shame  and  confusion, 
jftit!  8©5k  an  asyitiin  withia  theu*  own 


ex- 
are 


synagogues,  where  theyjj  well  know 
they  are  secure  from  the  pointed 
darts  of  truth,  at  present;  but  soon  shall 
they  be  thrown  down,  and  they  stand 
naked  and  exposed  to  the  piercing  eyo 
of  Jehovah. 

There  are  multitudes  who  are 
pccting  to  be  baptized,  and,  some 
only  waiting  an    opportunitj. 

I  expect  to  tarry  here  some  tim.e:  I 
wish  you  to  sendme  the  Messenger  and 
Advocate,  back  numbers  and  all,  as  I 
get  no  nev/s  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  [  find  they  have  searched  deep  into 
the  gathering  of  Israel;  the  coming  of 
Christ  to  reign  on  the  eartli;  the  apos- 
tacy  of  the  Gentile  church,  and  the 
need  of  an  organization  by  authority 
from  God,  and  of  the  restitution  of  tne 
gifts  of  the  Spirit.  Tens  of  thousands 
arc  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  bccoms 
general  among  kings  and  nobles, 
priests  and  people. 

I  have  addressed  a  letter  of  eleven 
pages  to  that  Innd,  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  that  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  be  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  here;  for  never  did  I  feel  to  say, 
How  great  is  the  work  required  of 
me,  with  a  7)iore  realizing  sense  than 
now — I  cry  unto  God  day  and  night. 

Yours  in  the  Lord. 

P.  P.  PRATT. 


Kirtland,  May26,  1836. 
Dear  brother  Cowdery: 

Sir,  having 
just  returned  from  a  short  mission  in 
Upper  Canada,  I  take  the  liberty  of 
addressing  a  few  lines  to  you  for  inser- 
tion in  the  Messenger  and  Advocate, 
praying  that  it  may  bo  edifying  to  tjb«. 


W!i«3EN®EA.  ANi>  ADVoaAT£. 


readers  of  that  useful  and  interesting 
paper. 

I  left  Kirtland  April  5tli,  in  compa- 
ny with  ciders,  O.  Pratt  and  F.  Nick- 
erson;  and  after  a  long  and  tedioUs 
journey,  through  mud  and  rain,  we  ar- 
rived in  Upper  Canada,  where  I  took 
leave  of  t!ie  other  two  brethren,  and 
persued  my  course  for  Toronto,  the 
capital  of  the  Province,  at  which  place 
I  arrived  on  the  19th  of  April.  I 
^50ught  in  vain  for  a  chapel,  court-house 
or  other  public  building,  in  which  to 
prcacli,  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  IVh-  want  of 
sufficient  room  to  accommodate  the 
multitude,  when  I  commenced  preach- 
ing on  the  steps  of  a  private  dwelling: 
two  rooms  of  the  house  were  first  tilled, 
and  then  a  large  door-yard.  This 
place  was  situated  in  the  midst  of  the 
city  so  that  many  thousands  could  hear. 
1  continued  several  sabbath  days  to 
hold  forth  the  word  of  life  to  multitudes. 
I  also  continued  preaching  both  in  the 
eity  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  de- 
parted for  a  season  from  our  eyes,  and 
sometimes,  daylight  dawned  in  the 
East  before  we  retired  to  rest.  Our 
meelings  were  sometimes  disturbed  by 
Rev.  gentlemen  of  the  clergy;  among 
them  was  the  Rev.  Mr.  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,  I  refused  to  hear 
them  at  ten,  or  eleven  o'clock  at  night, 
in  a  crowded  private  dwelling,  withiut 
order  or  modorators;  but  I  olFered  to 
meet  any,  or  all  of  them  on  fair 
grounds,  if  they  would  open  any  pub- 
lic building,  appoint  mo>ierators  to  keep 
order  and  give  me  half  of  the  time,  I 
pledged  myself  under  these  circumstan- 
ces, to  sustain  the  Book  of  Mormon 
with  all  the  evidence  they  could  the 
Bible,  but  they  very  prudently  refused. 
One  circumstance  I  will  mention  to 
show  the  weakness  and  falsehood,  to 
which  the  clergy  resort  in  their  exer- 
tions against  the  truth. 

Tho  Rev.  Mr.  Milkins  gave  an  ap- 


__________^^^ ___^ 

pointment  for  preaching  in  af.chapcl  in 
the  country,  against  Mormonism,  on 
Friday  evening,  May  20th,  I  attended; 
the  house  was  thronged  with  auditors, 
and  aftar  an  introduction,  with  a 
lengthy  preface  on  the  subject  of  fals» 
christs,  talse  prophets,  barkers,  jum- 
pers &.C.  (as  f  )und  in  the  preface  of 
Mr.  CamplK  li's  [inmphh-'t,  and  other 
libelous  publications)  lie,  at  length 
made  a  quot;Uion  from  the  ISih  paga 
of  the  Book  of  Mormon,  concerning 
Laban's  sword  of  steel,  stating  that  ho 
v/as  t^uMy  prepared  to  reject  any  book 
as  a  Rcvetalion,  which  gave  an  ac- 
count of  steel,  so  early  as  si.\  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.  18  chap.  34 
v.  2  Sam.  22  chap.  35  v.  all  these  speak 
of  stee'  earlier  than  Nephi.  His  next 
exertion  was  against  Nephi  for  killing 
Laban  and  getting  the  brass  plates  by 
fraud  and  deception,  saying,  away 
/  ith  prophets  of  that  description,  as  he 
never  would  acknowledge  "a  prophet  of 
that  character,  foi'getting,  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  Agng  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  great,  and  that  he  killed  La- 
ban in  obedience  to  express  command- 
ment of  the  Lord. 

His  next  objection  was  raised  against 
page  46th  where  it  is  stated  that  Ne- 
phi's brethren  rebelled  against  him  for 
attem|)ting  to  build  a  ship.  They 
sought  to  put  him  into  the  sea,  but  he 
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 wc  should  not  read  for  ourselves, 
that  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  aiid  bound  him,  but  not  before.— r 
Evea   then,     thoj    were    jramediateiy 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


520^ 

chasLized  by  judgnients  insomuch,  that 
they  soon  loosed  Ne})l!i. 

Another  mighty  efFo:t    was    against 
page  189.     Abinadi  speaking  of  things 
to  come  as  if  they    iiad  already    come, 
spake  of  the  resurrection  of  Christ  in 
tl'.e  past  tense,  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 
past   tense.     He    Vvas    o[>pressed,   and 
he  waj  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  An'  grant- 
ed what  the  preacher  said,  and     never 
read  the  Bible  or  the  boi,k  of  Mormon, 
cither  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    we 
to  spare    thee,   his   blood  would  come 
upon  us  for  vengence,    therefore,    thou 
art  condemned   to  die."     Another   ob. 
jection  was    three   days     darkness    on 
this  land,  an    only  three    hours    dark- 
ness   in    Asia,     But   I     remember    a 
division  more   close    than  that,    where 
rhe  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 
ill  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  Etheranddoes  not  know,  thatno 
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 


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  all  his  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 
h]s  entire  discourse    upon  this    subject. 
fciome  oi'  the  assembly   began    to  clam- 
or so  loud,  I  could   not   be    heard,    al- 
though many  wished  to  hear.      There- 
fore, I  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: 
this  I   did   before   many    witnesses.     I 
then  requested  him    to    go    before    the 
public  and  make  a  humble    concession 
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- 
parentl}',    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    ba])tized     having 
increased  to  twenty  five,  and   brethren 
O.  Pratt  and  F.  Nickei'son  being  pres- 
ent and  asi^isting,  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. 


1^    'in 


M^ 


WE^i^BNGWSl  ANm  ABTOCATE. 

Vol.  IL 

No 

9.]               KIllTLANO,  OHIO.    JUNE;     1^S6,                Whole  IVo.  [21 

€3[>rFes|9s>si€leia€c , 


President  Ri«do\: 

Dear  Sir^  As  the  investi- 
gation in  which  you  are  now  participa- 
ting, first  commenced  with  my  brother 
Sebriezsr,  I  coasidar  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 
remarks  on  revelation    and    mira- 


mj 


cles,  was,  my  brother  charged  me  of 
"utterly  denying  that  plan  of  salvation 
founded  on  revelation,  miracles,"  dz.e. 
■  To  convince  him  of  his  mistake,  I  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  weic  dependent  on 
revelation  for  the  knowledge  of  God, 
and  the  plan  of  salvation — that  the  de- 
sign of  m.iracles  was  to  confirm  revela- 
tion— ?nd  that  the  plan  of  salvation 
(or  gospe!)  having  been  fully  revealed, 
confirmed  by  miracles,  and  recorded 
in  the  New  Testament;  we  v/ere  to  e.\- 
pcct  no  more  revelation,  and  conse- 
quently needed  no  more  miracles. 

J  have  attentively  examined  your 
communication,  and  as  I  do  not  vvish 
to  multiply  words,  I  have  endeavored 
fo  mark  onl}  the  promuient  features  of 
difference;  and  f-hali  now,  candidlyex- 
amine  them. 

The  principal  points  of  difioi'ence 
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  th«  necessity  of  revelation  and 
miracles  at  the  present  day. 

In  my  letter  to  my  brother  I  stated, 
the  design  of  revelation  was,  first,  "to 
make  known  the  being  of  God.  2.  To 
make  known  his  will.  3.  To  make 
known  the  con.sequences  of  doing,  or 
not  doing  his  vvdll"  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 
faith  it  is  impossible  to  please  him." 
|[God.]  I  tliink,  sir,  you  can  but  dis- 
■cover  that  thia  test  is  altogether  irrel«- 


iVl  him,  it  was  God 

stood — and  v/hos9 

io! .  surely  you  will 


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  knowledge'? 
Did  his  "standing  in  the  presence  of 
God"  give  him  this  information?  Or 
his  seeing'  his  face  t( 
in  whose  presence  be 
face  he  beheldl  N( 
say  no!!  He  might  know  indeed  that 
he  saw  some  being — But  how  could  ha 
have  faith  that  that  being  was  his  God? 
There  is  but  one  answer  to  this  ques- 
tion, and  that  is  "faith  coraelh  by  hear- 
ing, and  hearing  by  the  word  of  God." 
Now  if  hearing  comes  by  the  word  of 
God,  God  must  have  spoken  before 
Adam  heard;  and  if  faith  comes  b^/ 
hearing,  Adam  must  have  heard  befora- 
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,  ia 
order  to  faith  in  God. 

You  seem  to  admire  consistencyj. 
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  v.'ay  of  salvation;"  and  yet 
you  make  us  dependent  on  the  "tradi- 
tion of  men  {^or  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  us 
dependent  on  tradition  for  oiir  know 
ledo-e  of  the  author  of  salvation?  Is  not 
revelation  as  necessar}--  to  make  knowa 
the  author,  as  the  way  of  salvationi — ■ 
Cut  to  conclude  this  point,  we  must  re- 
ject the  "Apostolic  maxim,"  or  admit 
that  faith  in  thebeingof  God,  came  by 
hearing;  and  hearing  by  God's  word, 
or  revelation.  "For  how  can  we  be- 
lieve on  him  of  whom  we  liavo  noj 
heard?"     Impossible!! 

One  idea  more  before  we  pass.  Af- 
ter making  mankind  dependent  on  tra- 
dition for  hi.s  ideas  of  God.  You  say,, 
"coma  of  thena  Koughf  uafco  Go'i  by  tc^^ 


'.m 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


son  of  the  faith  they  had  in  the  being 
of  God,  and  obtained  the  revelation  of 
his  will/'  My  dear  sir,  I  should  have 
thought  your  good  sense  would  have 
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  his  creatures — 
his  subjects  accountable,  and  subject  to 
an  awful  penalty,  for  the  non-pevform- 
ance  of  his  will;  and  yet  not  reveal  that 
will  to  them — till  .some  of  his  subjects 
through  "tradition,  had  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  n 
revelation  of  his  will,  but  was  warned 
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  will  concerning  Israel;  but  God  ap- 
peared unto  him,  and  declared  it  unto 
him.  This,  sir,  is  as  we  should  expect 
from  a  wise  and  good  Governor;  anal 
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  will,  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  have 
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  will;  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  that  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 
miracles  were  wrought,  we  must  sup- 
pose the  Lord  had  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  lind  that  the  great  design  was, 
to  attest  the  divine  mission  ot  those 
.whom  he  authorized  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  let 
us  see  if  it  be  a  mistake  at  all. 

From  the  force  of  bible  testimony 
which  I  shall  now  adduce,  I  hope  to 
make  the  design  of  miracles  manifest, 
even  to  the  most  sceptical.  Notice, 
The  design  ot  miracles  was  expressly 
declared,  at  the  time  they  were  wrought. 
When  God  sent  Moses  to  the  He- 
brews, to  tell  them  that  God  had  seni 
him  to  deliver  them,  Moses  said,  Ex. 
iv.  1,2,3,4,.5,  "They  will  not  believe 
me — for  they  will  say  the  Lord  hath 
not  appeared  unto  thee."  Now,  Goc 
told  him  to  "cast  nis  rod  upon  the 
ground;  and  he  cast  it  on  the  ground, 
and  it  became  a  serpent."  And  the 
Lord  said  unto  Moses,  put  forth  thv 
hand  and  take  it  by  the  tail,  (and  he 
put  forth  his  hand  and  caught  it,  and  ii 
became  a  rod  in  his  hand,)  that  they 
may  believe  that  the  Lord  GJod  of  then 
fathers  hath  appeared  unto  thee."  V, 
8.  "If  they  will  not  believe  thee,  neith- 
er hearken  unto  the  voice  of  the  firs 
sign,  that  they  will  believe  the  voice  oi 
the  latter  sign."  Nothing  can  be  more 
explicit  than  this  avowal  of  the  design  ol 
those  miracles.  And  to  convince  yoi 
that  they  accomplished  their  design,  reac 
V.  39:  "And  Aaron  spake  all  tiie  words 
which  the  Lord  had  spoken  unto  Mo- 
ses, and  did  all  the  signs,  and  the  peo- 
ple believed."  Can  you  read  those  ex- 
plicit declarations,  sir,  and  say,  tha' 
the  design  of  those  miracles  was  no 
to  confirm  the  mission  of  Moses  ane 
Aaron?  Once  more  and  I  have  done 
with  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  ihee,  and  be- 
lieve thee  forever."  Ex.  19:  9.  There 
the  avowed  object  of  this  sublime  mir- 


MESSENGER  AND  A-DVOCATE. 


acle  is  to  confirm  the  mission  of  Mo- 
ses. Some  of  the  prophets  wrought 
miracles  to  confirm  their  mission;  or 
God  wrought  miracles  by  them  for  that 
purpose.  While  we  find  the  avowed 
object  of  miracles  lo  be,  to  confirm  the 
testimony  of  God's  messengers,  aiid 
also  that  the  miracles  of  some  of  the 
prophets  are  recorded,  I  think  we  have 
no  just  reason  to  suppose  that  they  did 
not  all  work  miracles  for  the  same  i>ur- 
pose.  Elijah  was  answered  in  his  re- 
<}uest,  when  he  prayed  that  it  might 
not  rain — again  when  he  prayed  for 
rain — He  continued  the  oil  and  the 
meal  of  the  widow  ol  Zarephath — he 
raised  the  widow's  son — he  brought 
down  fire  on  the  fifties  who  came  to 
take  him,  that  it  might  be  known  he 
was  a  man  of  God — he  brought  fire  to 
consume  the  sacrifice — the  wood — the 
water  and  the  altar,  that  the  people 
might  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  v/ere 
all  in  the  habit  of  working  miracles, — 
The  captive  maid  said,  she  would  to 
God  Naman  was  with  the  prophet  of 
Israel,  for  he  would  heal  him.  And 
when  Naman  came  to  the  ki«g  of  Is- 
rael to  be  healed,  Elisha  said,  send 
him  to  me,  "and  he  shall  know  there 
is  a  prophet  in  Israel."  Thus  plainly 
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  th:n^  written."  Hold!  my 
good  sir,  not  qui.'.s  so  fast,  do  not  say 
it  is  not  written :  hut  Isaiati  wrought 
a  miracle  "to  give  credence"  to  his 
testimony.  See  2,  Kings  20,  9,  and 
Isaiah  said,  "this  sign  shalt  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,  i.nd  in  some 
others.  indeed  I  hardly  expected  tu 
bo  under  iho    nectjssity  of  saying   to 


you,    "ye   do   err    not   knowing    the 
scriptures." 

I  do  not  pretend  that  we  have 
positive  testimony  that  each  one  of  the 
prophets  wrought  miracles,  but  we 
have  positive  evidence  that  many  did, 
and  circumstantial  in  favor  of  all. — 
Neither  have  I  said  that  miracles  was 
the  only  testimony.  But  I  have  said 
and  proved,  that  Moses  and  some  of 
the  prophets  wrought  miracles,  and 
that  to  attest  their  mission. 

That  Christ  and  the  apostles  wrought 
miracles,  I  need  not  prove,  because 
you  do  not  deny;  but  you  deny  the 
design  to  be,  to  attest  their  mission, 
once  more  then  I  must  call  your  atten- 
tion to  the  bible,  where  you  will  find 
the  Son  of  God  appealing  to  his  mira- 
cles to  prove  the  propriety  of  his 
claims.  He  says,  "if  I  do  not  the 
works  of  my  father  believe  me  not, 
but  if  1  do,  though  yc  believe  not  me, 
believe  the  works;"  again,  "believe 
me  for  the  very  works  sake."  Once 
more  he  vindicates  his  divine  authori- 
ty by  an  appeal  *to  the  testimony  of 
John,  and  then  to  his  miracles,  "But  I 
have  greater  witness  than  that  of  John, 
for  the  works  which  the  father  hath 
given  me  to  finish,  the  same  works 
that  I  do,  bear  witness  of  me,  that  the 
Father  hath  sent  me."  "And  many 
other  signs  truly  did  Jesus  in  the  pres- 
ence of  his  disciples,  which  are  not 
written  in  this  Book,  but  these  are 
written  that  ye  might  Relieve  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 
of  miracles  was  not  to  confirm  the  mis- 
sion of  God's  messengers? 

In  reference  to  the  Apostles  yoil 
make  this  wonderful  remark,  "mark 
then  dear  sir,  particularly,  that  these 
signs  were  not  to  follow  the  apostles 
themselves.  Bear  with  me  sir,  while 
I  call  3'our  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  apostleship. — 
To  the  Romans,  he  appeals  to  the 
"miglity  signs  and  wonders"  which 
Christ  wrougnt  by  him.  To  the  Cor- 
rinthians  he  says,  "truly  the  signs  of 
an  apostle  were  wrought  among  you, 
what  were  the  signs  ot  an  apostle? 
Paul  says  "they  wore  signs  «Ss  wonders 
and  mighty  deeds,"  the  same  followed 
all  the    apostles.     "God  also   bearing 


them  •witness  both  with  signs  and  won 
ders,  and  with  diver?  miracle?."  But 
what  were  the  signs  %vhich  were  to  ioi- 
low  1he  apostles?  Look  at  the  com- 
ynission,  "these  signs  shall  follow  them 
[apostles]  who  believe,  in  ray  name 
shall  they  cast  out  devils"  &c;  and 
this  they  did,  the  devils  bear  witness, 
saying  ''Paul  we  know''  &c.  I  hard- 
ly know  what  to  think  of  you  sir,  for 
almost  every  step  I  advance,  I  find 
your  remarks  clashing  with  the  bible. 
But  1  am  inclined  to  think  it  is  because 
■^v^ou  have  not  "dnly  considered  the 
f-ubiect."  You  say  these  signs  "Khali 
not  foUov.'  the  apostlcp.''  The  bible 
says  they  shall,  and  says  ibey  did. — 
You  say  again,  "these  signs  should 
follow  them  who  believed  the  aposticv, 
TV'ord,  both  men  tV.  women,  no  excep- 
tion. But  Paul  sa3's  "are  all  workers 
of  miracles?''  Paul  denies  that  ail  had 
this  pov/er  of  miracles.  When  speak- 
ing of  the  spiritual  gifts,  where  he 
says  is  given  b}'  the  same  spirit,  to  one 
the  word  of  wisdom,, to  anoi'ier  knowl- 
<5dge,  to  another  miracles,  thus  affirm- 
ing that  all  had  not  this  gift,  making 
very  particular  "exceptions." 

Having  thus  shov.'H  beyond  all  suc- 
cessful controversy,  that  Moses  and 
the  prophets,  Christ  and  the  apostles, 
all  wrought  miracles,  and  th-at  to  attest 
their  mission,  I  shall  notice  one  ulca 
moie  and  then  pass  to,  what  is  the 
gospel? 

You  say.  "that  there  can  be  no 
churches  of  Christ,  unless  they  can 
prove  themselves  so  by  miracles".— 
1  think  then  sir,  that  j'ou  are  prepared 
to  say,  Christ  has  no  church;  nor  ever 
had:  if  to  be  his  church  every  member, 
"'men  and  womxCn"  "without  exception" 
must  Vv'ork  miracles:  For  surely  you 
''would  be  difficuited"  to  find  one  in 
the  apostles  days,  every  member  of 
which  "  without  exception"  v/rought 
miracles.  Indeed  we  have  no  record 
of  such  a  Chur:-,h.  I  should  not  devi- 
ate from  the  truth,  to  say,  there  is  no 
?;uch  church  among  all  the  sects  of  the 
present  d&j.  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 
KOtice,  is.  What  the  gospel  is.  That 
Christ  &  his  apostles  preached  the  gos- 
pel, and  the  whole  gospel,  we  botii  a- 
gr®«,  and  that  the  "world    bass  depa?- 


^aSSSSJf  &SII  AliB  Al^Y^GAT-E. 


ted  from  the  gospel,"  1  shall  not  deny? 
but  believe  it  has  been  made  void  by 
the  traditions  of  men,"  and  is  in  some 
measure  to  this  day;  not  excepting 
yourself  sir. 

You  say,  "this  then,  is  v.'hat  I  con- 
tend for,  that  the  gospel  as  preached 
by  the  Savior  and  his  apostles,  and  a?? 
v,'ritten  in  the  new  testament  has  disap- 
peared" 

7'his  question  wiil  be  determined  by 
ascertaining  v»hat  the  gospel  is. 

I  have  asked  you,  "is  that  v/hich  is 
nov,-  v/ritten  in  the  New  Testament  the 
gospel."  You  sav  the  gosjiel  is  the 
power  of  God.  Well,  what  is  the 
pov/cr  of  God?  You  say  it  is  "God's 
scheme  of  saving  men."  What  then 
is  God's  sch'^me  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  schem.e!!  and  the  scheme 
is  the  putting  men  into  possession  of 
the  power!!"!  This  i.s  like  the  boy's  an- 
sv,^er  to  his  father,  v/hen  he  asked  him, 
vvhore  is  the  chain,  he  said  the  chain 
is  with  the  plow.  Where  is  the  plow? 
He  said,  it  is  with  the  drag.  Nov/ 
when  the  father  can  find  out  where 
the  drag  is,  lie  can  find  where  the 
chain  is  also:  So  with  me,  when  I  can 
learn  the  last,  I  shall  knovr'  the  first. 

But  sir,  leaving  your  vague  and  in- 
definite answer;  in  revieving  yonr 
whole  comjmunication,  I  conclude  that 
vvhat  you  call  the  gospel  is  that  power 
by  which  the  sick  are  healed — mira- 
cles wrought  &c.  And  that  this  iiow- 
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  word  of  truth,,  the  gospel  of 
your  salvation."  W'hen  Christ  says, 
"go  ye  into  all  the  world  and  preach 
the  gospel,"  he  m.eans  the  sam.e  as, 
"go  leach  all  nations  and  in  teaching 
(or  preaching)  the  gospel  they  were  to 
"preach  the  word,"  "the  word  which 
God  sent  by  Jestts  Christ,"  this  word 
is  called  the  New  Testament,  or  gos- 
pel, and  is  written  in  the  Lible.     This 


MS5SENGEA  AN©  Ai>VOCATJt, 


MS 


id  thb  gospel  which  Paul  preachad— 
which  "ho  received  by  revelation 
of  Jesus  Christ,"  hence  every  man  that 
has  got  a  Bible,  has  got  ti;o  gospel,  and 
the  whole  gospel.  Hence  the  gospel 
has  not  disappeared. 

He  then,  who  preaches  that  v/ord 
which  is  written  in  the  New  Testa- 
ment, preaches  the  gospel;  and  I  can 
butsay  sir,  "I  rnarvel  that  ye  are  so 
soon  ren-joved  unto  another  gospel," 
**which  is  not  another." 

On-i  of  two  conclusions  sir,  you 
must  cciTie  to.  You  must  say  that 
what  is  written  in  the  Nev/  Testament 
is  not  the  gospel,  or  the  whole  gospel: 
or  you  must  saiy  that  your  visions, 
revelations  and  prophecies  are  no  part 
of  the  gospel.  If  the  v/hole  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, 
j:ireach  any  other  gospel,"  than  that 
the  primitive  saints  rocc-ived,  Paul 
says,  "let  him  be  accursed'"  If  you 
preach  what  Christ  and  the  apostles 
preached,  you  preach  the  gospel;  but 
if  you  preach  an}' thing  they  did  not, 
you  do  not  preach  the  gospel,  or  you 
preach  ''another  gospel."  And  if  you 
preach  on\y  what  they  did,  you  re- 
veal nothing,  you  only  prcclaim  what 
was  before  revealed. 

Bat  perhaps  you  v/ill  n-ish  to  plead, 
that,  as  the  gospel  is  "power,"  that 
the  word  is  not  the  go.s[)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  to  make  you  wise  unto  salvation 
through  feith."  But  'Mho  v/ord  did 
not  profit,  when  not  mixed  v/ith  faith. 
See  1.  Thes.  ii.  13.  "The  word  of 
God  svliich  eflbctually  worketh  also  in 
you  that  believe."  Thus  you  see, 
"the  gospel  (or  word)  is  the  power  of 
God  unto  salvation  to  everv  one  tiiat 
belie  veth." 

You  say  "tlie.gospc!  is  only  of  use 
to  men,  vhen  there  is  somebody  to 
administer  it  to  them."  To  t'lissir,  "1 
must  object  with  every  feeling  of  my 
heart:"  for  to  all  iritents  it  makes  us 
dapendonton  men  for  salvation.  1  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." 

Thi^  is   net   tiic    g'rspe!   the   nposlle 


taught;  he  said,  "it  should  come  to 
pass  that  v/hosoever  called  on  the  nam® 
of  the  Lord  should    be  saved." 

I  think  I  have  proved  to  the  satisfae 
tiou  of  the  candid,  that  the  whole  gos» 
pel  has  been  revealed,  and  is  now  re- 
corded in  the  New  Testament;  henca 
not  lost,  but  in  our  possession.  It  fol- 
;ov,'s  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.  [f  it  v/as  then  peri'oct,  it  is  now. 
And  if  the  primitive  disciples  needed 
no  more  to  make  tliem  wise  unto  sal- 
vation; neither  do  we.  Why  then  dear 
sir,  do  v/e  need  move  revelations?— 
Surely  we  do  not:  tiicn  uc-  need  not 
CApect  it> 

As  I  have  abundantly  shown  that 
miracHs  were  to  attest  the  mission 
of  God's  messengers — and  that  their 
mission  has  been  thus  abundantly  test- 
ed; it  follows  then,  that  as  we  need  no 
more  revelations,  neither  do  we  need 
any  mure  miracles:  and  this  is  the  rea- 
son v.'hy  v/e  do  not  have  them. 

Now  sir,  if  you  say  the  gospel  is 
now  written  in  the  New  Testament, 
then  you  mast  say  it  has  not  disap- 
peared- Dut  if  the  gospel  has  disap- 
I  pearcd,  then  tiiat  v/hich  is  now  written 
is  not  the  go>pel — -and  if  not  the  gos- 
pel, wbat  13  if? 

While  i  thus  ))lead  that  we  have  the 
gospel,  I  admit  that  the  sects,  (not  ex- 
cepting your  own)  have  departed  from 
its  order.  You  ask,  "if  the  world  has 
departed  from  the  gos!)el,  hov/  is.it  to 
bo  restored  but  by  revelation?"  I  an- 
sv,-er,  the  gospel  does  not  need  to  be 
restored  to  the  world.  Let  ihe  world 
return  back  to  the  gospel,  and  its  or- 
der, and  all  will  be  well. 

I  will  nov/  conclude  this  letter,  by 
requesting  you  to  vetlect  what  furthei- 
light  you  can  on  this  subject. 

And  subscribe, myself 

Yours  in  Chri^itian  kindness, 

OLIVER  BARE. 
President  S.  Ri'tdom, 

Kiit'and- 
Conneaut,  May  e4th,  1830. 
P.  S.     As  you  have   published  our 
correspondcnco  thus  far,  I  shall  expect 
vou  will  publish  this  also,  and  entire. 

O.  B. 


326 


MESSEiVGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


KirUand,  June,  1836. 

Mr.  O.  Barr: 

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  surel}- 
you  knov,-,  that  so  far  from  its  being 
respectful,  it  is  scurrilous.  Your  plow 
a:nd  drag  story,  savors  of  any  thing  but 
christian  pi'opriety  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  of  vulgarity 
to  have  that  efiect  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  you  wrote 
your  last;  otherwise  you  never  would 
have  written  as  you  have;  for  you  seem 
to  have  written  about  almost  every 
thing,  but  the  subject  v/hich  you  intro- 
ced  in  your  first  letter,  and  to  which  I 
replied. 

Let  me  invite  }''ou  to  go  back  and 
look  a  little  at  your  first  letter.  In 
the  second  paragraph  I  read  as  fol- 
lows: "How  can  we  know  that  their 
communication  is  a  revelation  from 
God?  Will  their  bare  assertion  satis- 
fy us  that  God  speaks  by  them'?  I  say 
no.  We  must  have  evidence  or  we 
cannot  believe.  But  what  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  be  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  sufiicicntly  plain  to  show  that 
you  make  the  entire  design  of  miracles 
to  be  for  the  purpose  of  establishing 
revelations. 

But  if  there  IS  need  of  any  more  proof 
as  to  the  light  in  which  your  first  let^- 
ter  presents  the  subject  of  miracles,  it 
is  found  in  the  following  expression, 
"And  if  no  new  revelation  is  to  be 
made,  why  should  miracles  be  contin- 
ued?" 

The  foregoing  leaves  the  subject 
v/ithout  doubt,  and  it  amounts  to  this: 
That  nothing  is  to  be  received  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  design  of  miracles  was  to 
establish  revelations  and  nothing  else; 
for  when  you  say  "And  if  no  new  re- 
velation is  to  be  given,  why  should 
miracles  be  continued?"  You  virtual- 
ly say,  that  miracles  had  this  alone  for 
its  object.  To  this  then  in  our  letter 
to  you,  we  objected,  and  said  "that  a 
greater  mistake  could  not  exist  in  the 
mind  of  man."  We  say  so  still;  and 
if  we  needed  any  thing  to  convince  us 
of  it,  your  last  letter  is  sufficient  to  dc' 
it,  most  eflxictuaHy. 

These  assertions  of  yours  we  met 
with  fair  argument  and  scripture  i'acts, 
and  we  conclude  from  your  last  letter 
that  our  arguments  were  unanswerable; 
sesing  you  have  not  been  able  to  touch 
them. 

The  first  argument  was,  thai  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 vanishes;  for  if  there  were  revela- 
tions given,  and  the  ])crsons  who  gave 
them  never  established  their  revela- 
tions, nor  yet  their  own  mission  by 
miracles,  the  question  is  forever  set- 
tled, that  your  theory  is  false.  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  establish- 


MESSEiNGEH  AND  ADVOCATE. 


3-^ 


ing  revelations;  even  if  it  could  be  pro- 
ved, that  in  some  instances  they  were 
wrought  expressly  lor  the  purpose  of 
establishing  revelations.  This  is  all 
we  ever  tried  to  prove,  or  wanted  to 
prove;  for  this  done,  it  was  enough  for 
uur  pur[)ose;  for  it  left  your  theory  for- 
ever worse  than  a  bubble;  either  the 
result  of  the  most  consummate  igno- 
rance, or  foulest  corruption. 

Now,  Sir,  you  may  labor  and  labor, 
again  and  again;  you  may  bring  up  all 
tlie  persons  mentioned  in  the  bible  from 
Genesis  to  Revelations,  who  Avrought 
miracles;  and  though  you  should  prove 
that  a  hundred,  or  a  thousand  of  them 
wrought  miracles  to  prove  that  ihey 
were  mussc^igers  sent  of  God,  and  that 
the  revelations  which  they  gave  were 
from  God,  and  when  you  have  done, 
your  theory  at  last,  is  as  false  as  sa- 
tan;  and  that  for  the  best  of  all  reasons, 
because  there  were  other  messengers 
sent  of  God  who  gave  revelations  to 
men,  and  through  whom  God  spake  to 
the  world,  who  never  v.'rought  miracles 
for  any  purpose  of  which  we  have  any 
account;  and  a  theory  which  requires 
us  to  believe  that  they  did,  when  we 
have  no  such  account,  is  founded  upon 
false  principles,  and  is  without  founda- 
tion in  truth. 

This,  sir,  you  soemed  to  be  ap)  rizcd 
of,  aad  thought  to  obviate  the  diiliculty 
by  drawing  an  inference  that  they  all 
did  so.  'I'his  you  did  in  defiance  of 
the  bible,  and  with  an  afnontery  sure- 
ly peculiar  to  yourself;  because  it  is 
j)ositively  said  of  John  the  Baptist  that 
he  wrought  no  miracle;  see  John's  gos- 
pel, chap.  10,  ver.  41;  and  yet  he  was 
a  prophet,  yea>  more  than  u  prophet, 
and  (jrod  s[)alve  through  him,  and  he 
was  the  messenger  of  the  Most  High, 
and  yet  he  wrought  no  miracle  to  prove 
ihut  he  was  a  messenger  of  God,  and 
that  God  s])ake  through  him;  and  yet, 
sir,  in  the  face  of  this  positive  declara- 
tion you  have  had  the  affrontery  to  say 
in  your  letter  (drawnig  your  conclu- 
sion from  premises  which  you  hail  laid 
down)  that  all  the  messengers  of  God 
did  work  miracles  to  prove  their  mis- 
sion; and  their  revelations  to  be  of  God. 
And  why,  1  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,  tlian  renounce  a  false 
system  after  all  your  pretensions  to 
lioncsty,  you  would  end^avni-   in  a  ^ly 


and  shameful  manner  to  establish  it  by 
drawing  an  inference  in  open  defiance 
of  the  plainest  declarations  of  the  bible. 
But,  sir,  this  is  not  all  the  foul  at 
tempt  made  in  your  last  letter;  there  is 
another  of  equally  as  bad,  if  not  worse 
character.  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  cv- 
ry  creature.  He  that  believeth  and  is 
baptized  shall  be  saved,  and  he  that 
believeth  not  shall  be  damned:  and 
these  signs  shall  follow  them  that  be- 
lieve." That  the  them  in  that  instance, 
alluded  to  the  apostles  themselves.  h\ 
this  attempt,  you  have  put  at  defiance 
all  grammatical  rules,  and  surely  made 
common  sense  ashamed.  The  school- 
boy of  ten  years  old  can  detect  you  in 
this  senseless  attempt.  And  ;yet  you 
are  an  honest  man  willing  to  learn  the 
truth!!!  O  t'lnpora/  O  mores//  Here 
we  need  ba.talions  of  exclamation  points 
and  interjcciions  widiout  number. 

Did  you  think,  sir,  that  any  gentle- 
man who  regarded  the  laws  of  riglit- 
eousness  and  the  rules  of  proprietv, 
would  ever  condescend  to  investigate 
any  subject  with  a  man  who  could  de- 
scend to  such  shameful  means  to  sup- 
])ort  any  cause.  If  you  did,  sir,  you 
have  as  little  acquaintance  with  human 
nature,  as  you  have  with  the  rules  of 
propriety. 

Once  more  upon  this  subject.  You 
speak  of  my  being  elaipd  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 
altcmp!:  on  your  part  to  misrepresent  as 
shamefully  as  you  have  done  in  other 
cases;  no  sir,  so  far  from  this,  you 
confess  in  your  second  letter  tint  mine 
to  you  was  written  in  a  kind  spi'rit. 
Who  of  common  sense  does  not  know 
thit  there  is  a  great  diHerence  between 
writing  in  a  kind  spirit  and  being  cla- 
tjd  with  an  imagiiia>y  triumph."  But 
n  )W  to  the  case  of  Isaiah,  about  which 
you  made  the  above  false  assertion. 

You  knew  mjst  assuredly,  if  you 
read  my  letter  v.iih  any  degree  of  at- 
tention, that  I  liad  before  me  when  1 
wrote,  your  tlieory,  wliicli  required 
that  revelations  had  to  be  estahlisherl 
by  miracles  which  were  wrought  in 
th<^  presence  of  both  friends  and  foes, 


.^*8 


Sa^SSSilGER.  ANJ5  A.DVOQA-T%. 


and  that  these  miracles  must  continue 
imtil  the  revelation  was  closed. 

Now,  sir,  /  say  hold — noi  quite  so 
fast,  sir.  How  is  your  theory  estab- 
lished by  the  case  of  Isaiah?  Isaiah 
commenced  prophecying  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  tifteen  degrees;  but,  sir,  where  is 
your  theory  in  ail  this,  that  the  mira- 
cles must  needs  continue  all  (he  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  im.aginary  tri- 
'umph;  an  imaginary  one,  sure  enough. 

As  I  said  in  my  first  to  you,  so  say 
I  again:  Where  is  it  written  that  the 
prophecies  of  Isaiah,  Jeremiah,  Hosea, 
Amos,  Malaciii,  ixad  others,  were  con- 
firmed, as  you  say.  I  say,  sir,  there 
is  no  sLch  thing  written;  and  if  you  be- 
iieved  your  cv/n  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  cnc  of  the  most  senseless  things 
that  vvas  ever  put  on  paper  by  a  ra- 
tional being. 

As  I  have  had  a  peep  into  your  gram- 
mar, 1  will  louk  a  little  into  your  logic. 
I  find  the  following  sayings  in  yourlet- 

Again:  "You  seem  to  adrnire  con- 
sistency, com.e  then  and  look  at  your 
own.  You  say  "it  is  inipossible  for 
one  man  to  be  dependent  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  vv^ith  the  rest  of  your 
letter.  I  am  now  looking  en  the  first 
paper,  wliere  I  ever  saw  it  written  by 
the  pen  of  a  man  who  pretended  to  be 
a  man  of  letters,  that  cur  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 
we.wer^  dependent  9A  mar,  i?i- tii^;  iii> 


idea  we  had  of  the  way  of  salvatioa 
and  of  the  existence  of  a  God;  but  our 
knowledge  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  lo  challenge  a  whole  society 
to  an  investigation  of  the  subject  of  re- 
ligion, and  yet  you' do  not  know  tie 
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  mora!  gov- 
ernor are  about  on  a  par  with  the  rest 
of  your  letter,  the  direct  opposite  of 
the  bible.  What  does  a  njan  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  an}'  man  lack  wisdom,. 
let  him'ask  of  God  who  giveth  liberal- 
ly to  all  men,  and  upbraidelh  not." — 
What!  amoral  governor  thusVe(|uiring. 
his  subjects  to  seek  after  his*will,  and 
more  particularly,  whenhew-ants  them 
to  serve  and^,  obey,  him.;  ;  how  strange 
this  is!  Why  not  have  told  them  with- 
out asking,  and  have  commjanded  them 
to  obey?  Strange  or  not  strange,  how- 
ever, God  is  just  such  a  moral  gover- 
nor, it  matters  not  how  much  any  per- 
son may  differ  I'rom  it. 

Once  more  and  I  am  done — you  taka 
quite  exceptions  at  the  apostles  defini- 
tion of  the  gospel:  that  it  is  the  power 
of  God  unto  salvation;  but  I  am  not  ta 
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  Vi^as  the 
power  of  God  to  them  who  did  not  be- 
lieve: and  this  is  the  reason  why  it  is 
not  the  power  of  God  unto  your  salva- 
tion; you  do  not  believe,  and  the  fats 
of  the  unbeliever  is  plainly  told  by  the 
sacred  %vriters,  your  works  are  suffi- 
cient evidence  that  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  bs^  virtue  of  the  Ho- 
ly Priesthood  confered  on  me  by  ths 
revelation  of  Jesus  Christ,  to  repent 
of  your  gill?;  p.ud  '??   banii2Q<^   j^^r  the 


MESSK.XGMl  A.ND  ADYOCATie. 


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  thai  you  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  masier  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  oflend  the  rea- 
ders thereof.  Seeing  that  the  least 
discerning  cannot  help  but  see,  that 
you  are  capable  of  any  violation  of  the 
rules  of  investigation  and  of  the  most 
unwarrantable  aflrontery;  and  that 
the  fear  of  God  is  not  befere  your  eyes, 
for  if  it  were,  you  would  not  put  at  de- 
uance  all  scripture,  all  reason,  ail  lan- 
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 
v/ith  you  the  subject  of  religion,  I 
would  seriously  recomm.end  to  you  to 
get  some  Yankee  school  master  to  give 
you  soine  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  fcv/  lessons  on 
l»gic,  so  that  you  may  be  enabled  to 
tell  the  diiferonce,  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. 

SIDNRY  RfGDON. 


iTSesseaager  and  Advocate. 


KIRTLAND,   OHIO,     JUNE,   1836.  ,'-A 


reOT5€E. 
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  the  said  firm  must  be  paid 
immediately  to  Mr.  Cowdery,  who  has 
purchased  the  entire  establishment,  and 
will  be  responsible  for  all  debts  du* 
from  the  same. 

F.  G.  WILLIAMS, 
OLIVER  COWDERY, 
Kirtland,  Ohio,  June  7,   1838. 

N.  B.  Printing,  in  its  various 
branches  will  be  executed  by  the  sub' 
ncriber,  at  the  late  stand  of  F.  G. 
Williams  &  Co.  on  short  notice  and 
reasonable  terms. 

OLIVER  COWDERY. 

June  7,  1836. 


DIED — in  this  place,  on  the  15lh 
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 
Lattor  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  he 
happy,  she  wanted  to  go  and  be  with 
Christ  and  her  brothers  that  had  died 
and  gon?  bcfor?  hor. 


\  In  consequence  of  the  dissolutiau, 
noticed  above, Jhe  entire  charge,  re- 
sponsibility and  burden  of  an  infant, 
yet  expensive  establishment,  rests  for 
its  future  operations,  on  one  individu- 
al. A  portion  of  our  time,  our  talents, 
and  our  temporal  means,  have  hereto* 
fjre  been  dcv.^ted  to  the  building  of 
the  house  of  the  Lord,  that  the  Elders 
might  be  endowed,  the  saii;ts  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 
fated  incubus,  and  we  ."tay  that  remit- 
tances must  be  made;  for  they  are  in* 
dispensable  to  the  continuance  of  our 
our  business. 

Our  iViends  and  patrons  are  fully 
sensible,  that  all  temporal  business, 
however  intimately  it  may  be  connect- 
ed with  eternal  things,  require-i  tempo- 
ral means  to  prosecute  that  business. 

Our  terms  for  tho  Mes.'^enger  and 
Advocate  have  been  one  dollar  a  year 
payable  in  advance.  Many  have  rt- 
ceived  our  paper  almost,  or  quite,  from 
its  commencement,  and  are  yot  in  ar- 
rears.    W©  wisi*  it  now  to  b?  distinol' 


330 


MESSENGER  AKD  ADVOCATE. 


ly  understood,  that  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  will 
be  stricken  from  our  subscription  list, 
except  at  our  discretion. 

We  here  take  occasion  to  remark, 
that  a  goodly  number  of  our  frienis 
and  brethren  have  been  prompt  in  pay- 
ment, and  a  few  have  been  liberal  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  he  revolting 
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  we  are  sometimes, 
reluctantly  compelled  to  answer  fuols 
according  to  their  own    folly. 


FROM  OUR  ELDERS  ABROAD. 
Doubtless  our  patrons,  and  mqre  par- 
ticularly the  brethren,  will  marvel  that 
they  through  our  columns,  hear  no 
more  from  our  travelling  Elders  this 
season;  we  say,  in  ansv.er  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;  those  few  that  have  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.  We  have  had  a  press  of 
other  matter  that  we  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  writes  from 
Sackets  harbor  May  24th  as  follows — 
I  have  labored  about  two  weeks  in  this 
county,  and  the  Lord  has  blessed  my 
labors.  There  is  the  most  call  5  for 
preaching  that  I  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  week. 

The  Lord  has  blessed  me  beyond 
any  thing  that  1  had  realized  before. — 
I  can  say  like  one  of  old,  the  half  has 
not  been  told  me. 

Elders  A.  Lymnn  and  N.  Tanner 
write  us  from  Portage,  N.  Y.  under 
date  of  May  10th,  that  between  that 
time  and  April  7th,  they  had  travelled 
three  hundred  and  fifty  miles,  held 
twenty  meetings,  and  baptized  six;  we 
use  their  expression  when  we  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  Branford,  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  knew  Elder  Pratt  had 
not  a^  that  time  been  long  in  that  place, 
for  he  had  been  but  a  little  time  absent 
l>om  this. 

Elder  Leonard  Rich  states  to  us  ver- 
bally, that  he  left  Kirtland  about  the 
12t]i  of  April,  travelled  into  the  county 
of  Niagara,  in  the  state  of  New  York, 
preached  seven   discourses  and  bapti- 


MESSExVGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


ZG(]  9.  The  Elder  assures  us  that  he 
had  full  congregations  of  attentive  hear- 
ers; some  who  had  formerly  been  bit- 
ter opposers  to  him  and  the  doctrine 
he  inculcated,  yielded  to  the  force  of 
truth  and  reason,  and  to  all  human 
view,  became  his  friends.  The  elder, 
from  a  previous  agreement,  felt  under 
an  obligation  to  his  family  and  friends 
at  home,  to  return  in  a  short  time. — 
He  therefore,  feels  deeply  to  regret, 
being  under  the  necessity  of  leaving  a 
field  of  useful  labor  so  soon.  May  the 
good  seed  which  he  has  sown,  take 
root  downward  and  bear  fruit  upward, 
to  the  glory  of  God  the  Father. 

Elders  Granger  and  Millet  left  Kirt- 
land  in  May,  travelled  south  as  far  as 
Richland  county  in  this  State,  held 
eleven  nublic  meetings  and  baptized  20 
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  year,  yet  un- 
der all  circumstances,  say  they,  many 
followed  us  from  place  to  place,  and 
listened  attentively  while  we  held  forth 
the  words  of  life  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  v,-ord  of  God  and  multi- 
])lies." 

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  10,  and  9.">  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  wc  see,  that  when 
men,  (and  the}-  arc  but  men)  go  forth 
clothed  with  authority  from  on  high, 
and  the  ancient  order  of  things  is  be, 
iiig  established  according  to  the  word 
of  God,  the  honest  in  heart  sec  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  nrission  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 
in  this  place  in  peace. 


For  the  Messenger  and  Advocate. 

At  a  conference  convened  at  the 
house  of  br.  S.  Ltley,  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  some 
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 
Woodruff  expressed:  the  vote  was  u- 
nanimous;  also  the  church  gave  their 
assent  to  the  same  by  raising  their 
hands. 

Benj.  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  lilood  river  branch  consisting  of 
10  members  in  good  standing. 

Elder  Woodruff  represented  the  Ac- 
cadcmy  branch  consisting  of  10  mem' 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATjE. 


bera  in  good  slanding,  with  tiie  excep- 
tion of  their  not  observing  altogether 
the  word  of  wisdom. 

Deacon  A.  B.  Willson  repiesenten 
the  Chalk-level  branch,  con;istingoi 
'Zl  members  in  good  standing,  with  the 
exception  of  some  few  who  have  been 
shaken  of  late,  in  consequence  of  the 
unc-odly  conduct  ajad  teaching  of  J.  Jack- 
eon,   'I'eachev. 

Eld«r  VVoodruiT  represented  ti)e  Ea- 
gle creek  branch,  consisting  of  15 
members^  in  good  standing.  He  also 
represented  Cyprus  branch  consisting 
of  10  members,  3  ol  whom  had  aposta- 
tized, 3  are  disaffected,  and  4  in  good 
standing;  this  branch  has  been  under 
the  care  of  John  Jackson,  '^ teacher, 
who  iias  apostatized — but__are  now  with- 
out any  official  member.  Eld.  Wood- 
ruff also  represented  7  members  scat- 
tered abroad  not  recognized  with  any 
branch. 

Elder  Benj.  F.  Boydston,'  preferred 
a  charge  againstf  John  Jackson,  teach- 
er, in  Cyprus  branch,  for  unchristian 
conduct  and  heresy  in  denying  the 
book  of  Mormon  and  ■  revelations  ol 
God,  and  using  hisjnfiuenco  to  disaf- 
feet  others,  by  saying  that  he  believed 
them  to  De  a  deception,  and  tyran-cai 
in  their  nature.  He  mauifestsd  much 
anger. 

Said  Jackson  was  notified  to  attend 
this  conference  and  answer  to  the  char- 
ges prefered  against  hiru!  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- 
tr  by  the  name  of  Howard  H.  Wil- 
liams, was  also  cut  off. 

Mr.  Jackson  held  a  license  as  a 
Teacher:  he  did  not  attend  ,  our  con- 
ference and  from  the  disposition  which 
he  has  manifested  we  conclude  that  we 
ooulJ  not  obtain  his  credentials  if  v,  e 
were  to  call  on  him. 

By  the  unanimous  voice  of  the 
Chalk-Level  branch,  Deacon  A.  B. 
Willson  was  ordained  a  priest.  By 
the  recommendationof  the  same  branch 
of  the  church,  Br.  Albert  Petty  Esq." 
received  the  ordination  of  a  Teacher. 

Mr.  Jesse  Tarpin  was  recommended 
as  a  fit  subject,  to  receive  an  ordina- 
tion as  the  spirit  should  dictate,  which 
was  that  of  a  priest. 

Those  were  ordained  by  orders  of 
the  chairman,  under  the  hands  of  El- 
-d«f  W.  Parriehi 


A  charge  having  been  prefered 
against  Elder  Daniel  Cathcart,  for  un- 
christian conduct  and  erronoeus  tpach- 
ing,  we  convened  a  council  of  Elders 
on  the  e%'ening  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 
heartdy  repented  of  liis  sins  and  v/as 
restored  to  full  fellowship. 

D.  W.  PATTEN, 

Chainvan 

W.  Pakisii, 

Secretary, 


To  the  Editor  cj  the  Messenger  and 

Advocate. 

Dear  Sir; — For  the  purpose  of  ma- 
king a  few  remarks  on  the  following 
extract  from  a  paper  published  at  Lib- 
erty, Missouri,  I  ask  the  indulgence  of 
your  columns. 

''Independence,  Mo.  } 
May  ad,  18:36.      S 

"Letters  from  Kirtland  Ohio  have 
been  received  here  by  the  last  mail 
i'rom  persons  of  undoubted  veracity 
giving  info.mation  that,  the  Mornions 
in  that  place  and  its  vicinity,  to  the 
number  of  1500,  or  2CG0  are  arming 
and  coming  on  to  the  upper  Missouri. 
This  information  is  confuraed  by  our 
nierchants  returning,  and  other  travel- 
ers corning  from  the  East,  who  say 
that  every  boat  ascending  the  River 
contains  more  or  less  of  them;  some 
20,  and  one  as  high  as  205.  Those 
who  did  not  shew  guns  openly,  had 
boxes  of  tise  size  usually  made  to  con- 
tain guns.  At  the  last  advices  from 
Kiriland  all  the  County  Officers  v/ere 
filled  whh  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, 
b}'^  every  man  that  has  had  any  oppor- 
tunity of  viewing  for  himself  the  con- 
duct and  character  of  the  church  of 
Latter  Day  Saints,  in  this  town.  L"i- 
stead  of  boats  being  crov/ded  with  pas- 
sengers to  the  number  of  205,  or  even 
20,  from  this  place,  v/ithin  the  last 
year,  there  has  not  over  tioeniy  per- 
sons, in  all,  gone  from  Kiriland  to  Mis- 
souri, by  water,  within  a  twelve-mouth, 
to  my  own  certain  knov/ledge.  The 
writer's'  statement  in  regard  to  all  the 
vjjlcers  in  this  county  being  filled  with 
Latter  Day  Saints,   is  too  barefaced  to 


MESSSNGER  AJfD  ADVOCAT'S. 


need  fxny  comment.  Nor  should  the 
extract  have  bsen  noticed  at  all,  but 
for  the  purpose  of  exhibiting  to  a  can- 
did public,  the  means  resorted  to  by 
the  GnemxQ^Q?  rcJigiou!?  freedom,  tn  in- 
jure a  people  vv'hose  only  crime,  if  so 
they  choose  to  call  it,  is  a  desire  to  en- 
joy the  privileges  guaranteed  to  them 
by  tine  constitution  of  the  United  States, 
and  a  willingness  that  all  others  should 
have  the  same,  to  the  utmost,  of  what- 
ever persuasion  or  name,  religious  or 
political. 

No  respoctab/ft  man  has  Q\cr  yet.  to 
my  knowledge,  pretended  to  say  that 
the  Laltei'  Day  S?.ints,  as  a  society, 
have  been  g'JJity  of  any  infringement 
of  tlie  laws  of  their  country;  or  that 
they  have  refused  to  comply  v/ith  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  their  dealings  with  the  world; 
kind,  benevolent  and  charitable  to  the 
poor  and  distressed  in  every  situation, 
whether  of  their  own  belief  or  not;  mo- 
lesting none  others  in  their  mode  of 
v.'orship;  and  in  fact,  in  all  things,  do- 
ing to  others  as  they  would  wish  to  be 
done  by. 

Then  why  all  this  hue  and  cr)*  a- 
gainst  them?  Not  only  are  their  char- 
riCfers  vilified  and  slandered  b}"  every 
little  two-penny  filthy  sheet  from  Maine 
to  Georgia,  opposed  to  the  rights  of 
conscience,  and  cspeeially  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,  arc  they  perplexed  and 
harassed  with  suits  at  law,  brought  by 
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 
thorn  from  the  insults  of  an  infuriated 
mob;  while  their  goods  are  destroyed 
at  sight,  or  thrown  to  the  four-winds, 
to  be  left  to  the  mercy  of  men  as  re- 
gardlossof  honor  or  humnne  feelingsas 
the  inobbers  llieinselves.  At  othcrtirnes, 
members  of  the  .soci-jty,  against  whose 


has  ever  yet  been  brought,  arc  dragged 
from  their  slumbers  at  the  hour  of  mid- 
night, by  beings  who  wear  the  forms, 
yet  deserving  of  any  other  than  the 
appellation  of  mex,  and  treated  in  a 
manner,  to  think  of  which,  would  cause 
the  most  ruthless  savage  of  the  forest 
to  blush. 

And  all  this,  too,  in  our  boasted  land 
of  liberty:  under  a  government  where 
freedom  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  inirin- 
ged  any  of  the  provisions  of  the  con- 
stitution in  the  exercise  of  their  reli- 
gious belief?  I  say  they  have  not. — 
Foi-  that  constitution  itself  says,  that 
"Congress  shall  make  no  law  i-espect- 
ing  an  establishmeht  of  religion,  or 
prohibiting  the  free  exercise  thereof." 
From  which  it  must  be  inferred,  that 
the  fram.ers  of  that  instrument  did  not 
consider  themselves  clothed  with  th* 
right  to  make  any  regulations  in  re- 
gard to  this  matter;  nor  yet  of  granting 
huch  power  to  the  Congress  of  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  i-egard  tor^igion.)-— 

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- 
thorit}'-  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,  bylaw, 
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  porsecuting  the  saints,  in 
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  professiorti 
and  Tcorks,  on  the  subject   of  religion* 


chfiracter.i  not   a   shade  of   6u.=!picion  I  liberty,  there  is  so  great  a  o<>mtm8t.— ' 


S3_4  

Justice,  however,  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 
title  to  the  patent  of  saving  or  damning 
souls,  at  his  own  good  will  and  pleas- 
ure; and  who  will  exercise  their  own 
ooinions,  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  few,  and  seldom  to  be 
found.  I  wish  t©  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 
God,  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  ask, 
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  principle  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 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


community,  but  a  few  more  suns  may 
shine  upon  the  heads  of  this  genera- 
tion, till  we  may  say  farewell  to  our 
boasted  liberty;  till  every  man's  hand 
will  be  raised  against  his  brother;  till 
the  measure  of  unrighteousness  will  be 
filled  up,  vv'hen  God,  in  his  wrath,  will 
come  forth  from  his  hiding!  place,  to 
cut  the  wicked  from  the  face  of  the 
earth,  and  cast  them  as  stubble,  into 
unquenchable  fire;  and  the  righteous 
be  gathered  to  that  haven  of  rest,  even 
the  mount  Zion,  where  the  weary  will 
find  rest,  and  the  wicked  cease  from 
troubling. 

I  have  but  a  word  to  say  to'^the  au- 
thor and  publisher  of  the  extract  in 
question,  that  is  to  repent,  speedily, 
and  turn  from  their  service  of  satan, 
lest  vengeance  as  a  whirlwind  overtake 
them;  for  the  Lord  has  said  that  all  li- 
ars shall  have  their  part  in  the  lake 
that  hums  withers  and  brimstone! 

J.  M. 


Br.  O.  Cowdery: 

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  the  terrible 
crime  of  telling  the  truth  about  a  man. 

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 
grievos,  nevertheless  afterwards  it 
yields  the  peaceable  fruits  of  righteous- 
ness to  them  who  are"^ exercised  there- 
with. And  could  Simons  avoid  sueing 
me,  for  a  little  season,  perhaps  it  might 
have  that  effect  upon  him.  O  Simons! 
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  raore. 

I  have  an  old  uncle  iu  the  statQ  of 
Maryland,  that  was  never  married,  ami 


Messenger  and  advocate. 


he  possesses  a  large  property.  I  would 
say  to  him,  get  his  brotlicr  xVdamson 
Bentley  (for  he  is  an  animal  of  liio 
own  kidney)  and  go  there;  he  is  now 
about  eighty  years  of  age,  &  of  cotirse 
it  is  will-making  time,  and  about  the 
right  age  for  Bentley  to  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 
attempt  with  old  Mr.  Brooks,  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.  Besure  my  un- 
cle is  not  a  Campbellite  in  religion,  but 
a  regular  Baptist;  but  that  will  not 
make  any  difference;  for  Bentley  can 
become  all  things  to  all  men,  that  he 
may  gain  some. 

This  course  I  think  may  satisfy  Si- 
mons until  his  chastisement  works  out 
the  peaceable  fruits  of  righteousness, 
and  I  will  escape  being  sued;  and  if 
my  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  ho  can  be  fa- 
vored with  the  history  of  old  Clapp,  his 
wife's  fatlicr,  to  carry  vvilli  him;  so 
that  he  can  shew  the  people  Campbell- 
ism  unveiled  also. 

Yours  in  great  haste,  and  you  may 
well  think,  not  without  some  anxiety 
too.  SIDxNEY  RICDON. 


CONFiaUiNCE. 
We  arc  requesteil !))'  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  Latter  Day  Saints  will  Ir; 
held  on  the  first  Friday,  Saturday,  and 
Sabbath,  in  September  next,  at  Day- 
mons  creek,  Calloway  co.  Kentucky. 


8»5 

Kirtland,  Ohio,  June  3,  18S6. 
The  following  is  a  List  containing 
tne  names  of  Ministers  of  the  Gospel, 
br'.,.;.r:;ig  to  the  church  of  the  Latter 
i'ay  Saints,  whose  Licenses  were  re- 
corded, the  proceeding  Quartei,  in  the 
License  Records,  in  Kirtland,  Ohio. 
THOMAS  BURDICK, 

Recording   Clerk 
First,  names  of  the  Elders: 
Avery 


Milo    Andrus 
Elijah  Able 
Hazen    Aldrich 
Stephen  Burnet 
Elias   Benner 
Henry  Benner 
Hiram  Blackman 
Joseph  B  Bosworth 
George  W  Brooks 
Alva  Beman 
Reuben  Barton 
James  Braden 
Benjamin  Brown 
George  Boosinger 
James  Burnham 
Seymour  Brunsou 
Lorenzo  Barnes 
Harrison  Burgess 
Almon  Babbit 
Oliver  Cowdery 
Simeon  Carter 
Jacob  K  Chapman 
William  Carpenter 
John  Carrill 
Lebbeus  T  Coons 
Elijah  Cheney 
ZelJedee  Coltrin 
Warren  A    Cowdery 
Osmyn  M  Deuel 
MosesDaily 
Peter  Dustin 
James  Daily 
Ciiapman  Duncan 
Solomon  W  Denton 
Hiram  Dayton 
James  Emett 
Frazier  Eaton 
King  Follet 
Noali  M  Faunce 
Elijali  Fordham 
Kdmond  Fisher 
Elislia  H  Groves 
William  Gould 
Joim  Gould 
Michael  Griffith 
Mose's  I  Gardner 
Salmon  Gee 
Selah  J  Griffin 
Thomas  Grover 
Thomas  Gorden 
Joshua  S  I  loJman 
Elias  Higbpo 
Joel  HaskinH 
Nelson  lliyijins 
EiiiiH  Hutchinga 
Jesse  ILuntK'nnu 
iliciiard  Howard 
George  M  Hinkle 
Sanmcl  James 
Henry  Jacobs 
Miclwel  Jacobs 


Arvin  A 
Sampson  Avar'd 
Martin  C    Allred 
Loren  Babbit 
William  Bosley 
Nathan  B  Baldwin 
Francis   G  Bishop 
Israel  Barlow 
Albert  Brown 
Peter  Buchanan 
Josiah  Butterfield 
Thomas  Burdick 
George  Burket 
John  F  Boynton 
Lorenzo  Booth 
JohnP  Barnard 
Michael  BarkduU 
Pelctiah  Brown 
Alden  Burdick 
Jared  Carter 
William  O  Clark 
Lyman  Curtis 
Alplieus  Cutler 
Anthony  Cooper 
David  Clough 
Reynolds  Calioon 
William  F  Cahoon 
Perry  Durfee 
Jabez  Durfee 
Edmond  Durfee 
Isaac  Decker 
Israel  Duty 
George  W  Dunham 
W^illiam  Draper  Sen 
David  Evans 
David  Elliot 
Solon  Foster 
Rufus  Fislier 
Hezekiah  Fisk 
James  Foster 
William  A  Fry 
Alplieus  Gifford 
Jedediah  M  Grant 
Slierman  Gilbert 
Hervey  Green 
John  P  Greene 
John  Galord 
Levi  Gifford 
Oliver  Granger 
Jonathan  H  Holmes 
Levi  W  Ifancock 
Solum. Ill  Hancock 
Milton  HolmeH 
Reuben  Hadlock 
Orson  Hyde 
John  Herret 
William  Harris 
Heman   Hyde 
John  Johnson 
Truman  Jackson 
ijuke  Johnson 


Lyman  Johnson 
Leri  Jacfeman 
Heber  C  Kimbjill 
Joseph  Keeler 
Joseph  C  Kingsbury 
L3'rr<an  Leonard 
Aaron  C  Lyon 
Nelson  Lyon 
Isaac  Morloy 
Artemus  Millet 
George  Morcy 
John  Mackley 


!!1 

Daniel  S  Jackson 
Joel  H  Johnson 
Vinson  Knight 
rf  ewel  Kniglit 
Joseph  A  Kelting 
Ashbel  A  Lathrop 
Benjamin  Lewis 
Amasa  Lyman 
Moses  Lindsley 
Thomas  B  Marsh 
Reuben  McBiide 
John  Murdock 

William  E  McLelUn     Samuel  Milen 

Mcscs  Martin  Jeremiah  Mackley 
Joel  McWelhey  William  Marks 

Joseph  B  Koble  William  Parkes 

Levi  S  Nickereon         Uriah  B  Powell 
E  F  Nickerson  William  Perry 

Samuel  Nswcomb  Edward  Fartrin'ge 

Roger  Orton  Stephen  Post 

Gideon  O-meby  John  E  Pa^e 

Amos  R  Orton  David  W  Fatten 

W  W  Phelps  Farley  P  Pratt 

Orson  Pratt  Ambrose  Palmerier 
Warren  Paiyjsh  Dexler  Palmer 

Morris  Phelps  Noah  Packard 

Sidney  P^igdon  Lewis  F«,obbins 

Robert  Rathbun  Shadrach  Roundy 

George  Rose  Charles  C  Rich 

Harlow  Redfield  Burr  Riggs 

Leonard  Rich  George  Robinson 

David  H  Redfieid  Ebenezar  Robinson 

Joseph  Rose  Sylvester  Smith 

Joseph  Smith  Jun  Jonathan  Stevens 

Joseph  Smith  Se:!  Uzzial  Stevens 

A  Jackson  Squiers  Plenry  G  Sherwood 

Ezra  Strong  Erastus  Snow 

Almon  W  Shermsin  Samuel  H  Smith 

Cyrus  Smalling  Stephen  Starks 

Zerubbable  Snow  Don  C  Smith 

Jaazaniah  B  Smith  William  Smith 

Hyrum  Smith  John  Smith 

Dexter  Stillman  Milton  Stow 

Hiram  Stratlon  Peter  Shirts 

Lyman  Stevens  John  Tanner 

William  Tenny  Jr  Samuel  Thompson 

Nathan  Tanner  James  L  Thompson 

Ciiarles  Tkompson  Julius  Thompson 

Ezra  Thornton  Jonathan  Taylor 

F  G  Williams  Coerge  Willson 

Peter  Whitmer  Stepiten  Winchester 

Michael  B  Wolton  Benjamin  Winchester 

Lorenzo  Wells  Henry  Wilicox 

Harvey  G  Whillock  Willford  Woodruff 

John  Whitmer  Daniel  Wood 

David  Whitmer  Levi  Wa}' 

Edward  M  Webb  William  Wightman 

Chancey  G  Webb  Alexander  Whiteside 

James  Webb  Hiram  Winter 

Brigham  Young  Joseph  Young 

Lorenzo  Young  Phineas  H  Young 

Secondly,  names  of  the  Priests 

Ira  Ames  Julian  Moses 

William  Cowdery  Uriah  Pi.oundy 

Joseph  C««per  John  Robinson 

John  Daily  Samuel  Ptolfc 

Willimm  Draper  Jr  Daniel  Tyler 
John  Herri»gto« 

Thirdk",  namts  of  tJis  Teachers 

Hial  BroBa«n  Ransom  Vanlenven 
Arim  Tay!«» 

Fourthly,   momts  of  the  Deacons 

Willia«J  Bnrgem  Andrews  Tyler 

BUbert  W  BidweD  Diderick  Wesjfall 


■MBIi^  Ai^&  A0TO£A1'S. 


NOTICE 

Agreeable  to  the  decision  of  the  High 
Council  ofKirtland,  held  March  8th, 
1836:  wherein  Cornelius  P.  Lott  and 
others  v/ere  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 brotiiev  Cyrus  Sn^aliing  and  the 
church,  for  which  I  ask  the  forgivness 
of  those  v.-ho,  in  so  doing,  I  have  in- 
jured; and  I  will  endeavor  to  live  here- 
after by  every  word  that  proceeds 
from  the  inouth'of  the  Lord. 

CORNELIUS    P.  LOTT, 

Ksrtland,   Mav  2Sd,  1836. 


Died  in  this  town  on  the  27th  ultimo, 
Miss  Mary  Smith,  in  the  35th  year 
of  her  age.  The  deceased  was  a  mem- 
ber of  the  Church  of  the  Latter  Day 
Saints  and  died  in  the  triumphs  of  faith. 

The  ruthless  hand  of  the  desti-oyer 
is  among  the  works  of  God.  This  af- 
flictive stroke  of  God's  providence 
speaks  to  all  in  terms  too  plainly  to  be 
misunderstood,  '*be  ye  also  ready." 

Let  us  ail  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.  Mahy  Smith,  widow  of  Asa- 
hel  Smith,  aged  93  years.  ■ 

THE  LATTER   PAY  SuAlNTS' 

l^essenger  and  Advocate, 

Is  printed  and  published  every  month  at  Kirtland, 
Gs;:.ug;!  Co.  Ohio,  by 

©SOEVER  COWSSiST, 

RDITOR    AND  PROrniETOR, 

At  S>  1,  per  an.  in  advance.  Every  person  prornring 
ten  nets  subscribers,  and  forir.ardirg  %  10,  current 
money,  shall  be  entitled  to  a  paper  one  year,  gratis. 
All  letters  to  the  Editor,    must  te 

]rT  POST  PAID.  JZS 
Tfo  mib$eriptiov.  mil  be  received  for  a  leas  tern  than  o»» 
year,  and  a.o paper  discontirKcd  till  all  arrearage  »■* 


T 


:?ilS§SE^\'^i:R  A'Nl^  ABTOCATE. 


Vol.   11. 


10.] 


KIKTLAND,   OHIO,     JULY,   lti36. 


Whole  No.  [22. 


l.^thort,  therefore  that,  first  of  all  supplica- 
tions, prayers,  intercessions  and  giving  of 
thanks,  be  made  for  all  men;  For  Inngsandfor 
all  that  arc  in  authority,  that  v^  may  lead  a 
quiet  and  peaceable  life  in  all  godliness  and 
honesty. — 1.  Timothv  2:  1,2. 

It  IS  a  conceded  point  that  the  scrip- 
tures of  truth,  the  old  and   new   testa- 
mejits,    are  replete  v/ith  instruction   to 
the  children  of  men,  for  whose  benefit 
alone  thoy  were  written.     It  is  also  ad- 
mitted that  as  they  are  the  dictates  of 
inspiration,  they    are    consistent    with 
themselves  and  worthy  of  their  Author. 
What    Moses  recorded   in   the   Penta- 
teuch, the  prophets  who  succeeded  him 
never  condemned;  that  which  the  pro- 
phets taught,  was    approbated   by    our 
great  Redeemer;  and  his  apostles,  who 
were  urwJcr  his  instruction  during   the 
three  years  of  his  public  ministry,  af- 
ter their  Master  was  removed  from  the 
lien  of  an  ungodly  world,  continued  to 
urge  and  enforce  upon  that  generation, 
the  same  hnavcn-born  principles,  taught 
by  the  Redeemer  of  the  world.     These 
same  principles,  liave  formed  the  basis 
of  all  law,  where  their    brilliancy    has 
been  reflected  upon  the  understanding, 
or  their  benign  influence  opeiated   up- 
on the  hearts  of  the  children  of  men. 
Upon  these  principles,    in  all  countries 
denominated  christian,   are   predicated 
the  civil  laws  and  the  penal  code.  The 
christian  world  have,   therefore,  affix- 
ed to  them  their    seal   of  approbation, 
and  as  did   the    God  of  the  Universe 
when  he  beheld  the  world  emerge  t>om 
chaos  in  obedience  to   his  behest,    un- 
hesitatingly,    they    have     pronounced 
them  good.'     Therefore,  while  we  pur- 
sue a  course  stamped   with  the   appro- 
bation of  heaven,  we  arc  not  like  the 
mariner  who  has  lost    his   rudder   and 
compass  and  is  left  exposed  to  all  the 
dangers  incidcntto  winds,  rocks,  quick- 
sands and  waves:  But  the   assurance, 
that  we  have  the  polar  star  of  truth  to 
guide  us,  heaven's   own  laws  to'  regu- 
late our  conduct,  lights  up  a  smile  even 
in  the  aspect  of   woe,    and   makes  the 
man  imbued  with,  and  actuated  by  those 
principles  of  which  we  have  been  speak- 
ing: 

<«TlianV  heaven,  that  ere  he  drew  his  hreath, 
And  triumpJi  in  the  thoughta  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   immutp.blc   be- 
n,g  he  ever  was,  and  requires  the  same 
implicit  obedienco  to  his  commands  he 
overdid:    And  v/e  think,  we  shall   not 
do  violence  to  the  truth  if  we   say  that 
man,  frail  man,  is  much  the  same  now 
as  he  has  been  in  every  age  since  the 
fall  of  Adam      We  find  on  lookmg  over 
historic  pages  both  sacred  and  profane, 
that  man  left  to  himself  invariably  vio- 
lated those  sacred  principles,  of  which 
the  whole  christian  world  professes    to 
think  so  highly,  and  that  it  has  been  a 
part  at  least,  of  the  business  of  inspired 
men  in  all  ages,  when  there  were  any, 
to  urge  and  enforce  upon  mankind    an 
adherence    to    those    principles.     The 
great  apostle   of  the  Gentiles,   who  is 
the  ostensible  author  of  the    epistle   of 
which  our  text    forms  a  part,    charges 
his  son,  Timothy,   with  all  the  feelings 
of  a   man  of  God  and  the  pathos  of  a 
legate  of  the  skies,  That,  prayers,  in- 
tercessions and  giving  of  thanks  be 
made  for  all   men,  and  then  as   if  he 
would  not  only  not  be   misunderstood, 
but  emphatically  impress  the  idea  upon 
his  mind,  he  adds,  "for  kings,  and  for 
all  that  are  in  authority  that  we  may 
lead  a  quiet  ai^d  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  i)resupposes  laws  by 
which  the  conduct  of  men  is  to  be  re- 
gulated.      It   presupposes   rulers   and 
governors    to    administer    lawB.     The 
idea  ol  rulers  and  governors,    presup- 
pcses  that  man,  from  necessity  and  the 
l)ctter  security  of  some   of  those  riglits 
he  holds  most  dear,  gives  up,  or  yields 
a  part  of  those  he  holds  less  sacred,  for 
the  better  security  of  the  more  import- 
ant ones.     Thus  our  readers  will   sec, 
without  going  farther  into   detail,  their 
duty  as  saints  of  God,  towards  ajl  men, 


338 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


especially  toward  our  rulers.  The  sa- 
cred penman  docs  not  say  wo  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  equit}'.  The  apostle  whose 
words  we  are  contemplating,  was  well 
acquainted  with  ihe  history  of  man, 
having  been  brought  up  at  the  feet  of 
Gamaliel,  a  Doctor  of  tiie  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,  thait 
now  manifests  itself  in  the  day  and  age 
of  the  world  in  which  wa  live.  The 
churches  built  up  by  him  and  his  com- 
peers, were  composed  of  frail  mortals 
like  ourselves. 

Sometimes  we  find  him  reasoning 
Ti-ith  them  as  if  they  were  the  most  pro- 
found philosophers  and  logicians,  some- 
times pleading  with  them  in  langua.ge 
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  hav'ng 
authority,"  and  the  force  of  his  expres- 
sions, the  very  power  of  the  Most  High 
that  accompanied  them,  were  directly 
calculated  to  fill  him  wilhaweand  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  surrendermg  a  part  of  his 
natural  rights  for  the  better  security  of 
thfe  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 
his  own  household.  It  is  clearly  as- 
serted in  so  many  words,  that  he  that 
JDrovidoj  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  procure /oo<Z 
ialohe  for  one's  hou'^ehold,  covers  the 
whole  ground  intended  to  be  covered 
by  the  sacred  writer  when  he  penned 
this  sentence'?  Certainly  not.  If  he 
provide  food  arid  cloth'ng,  has  he  yet 
answered  the  demand  of  the  divine 
law?  We  think  such  an  idea  would 
he  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- 
ties 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-  We 
have  yet  no  opposition,  for  we  have 
come  in  contact  with  no  man's  princi- 
ples. We  will  here  take  the  liberty  la 
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  merciless  savages,  laying  waste  the 
fair  portions  of  our  country,  if  even 
the  most  fastidious,  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  iTiarked  with  the  innocent 
blood  of  our  women  and  children,  it 
would  be  an  imperative  duty.  Apath.y 
would  become  a  crime,  indifference 
would  be  infamous,  and  every  bosorh 
that  did  not  swell  with  indignation  when 
contemplating  such  scenes,  covers  a 
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.  Tiiere  may  seem, 
on  a  su[)eificial  view,  to  be  some  col- 
lision in  the  sentiments  we  have  ad- 
vanced relative  to  national  defence, 
and  the  ideas  embraced  in  our  text.— ^ 
But  we  tliiiik  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  of 
his  right  to  govern  his  subjects.  Abra- 
ham, the  patriarch  Abraham — whose 
very  name  we  venerate  as  the  father 
of  the  faithful,  and  whose  j)raises  we 
sing,  armed  his  domestics  and  went 
himself  to  the  slaughter  of  the  kings 
who  had  not  even  set  set  foot  upoo   his 


MESSEiXGER  AXD  ADVOCATE. 


«• 


soil,  but  they  had  invaded  the  territory 
of  some  of  his  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  g-arments  were  yet  stained 
with  gore,  ?>Ieichiscdec  the  prli-st  of 
the  most  high  God,  met  him  and  bles- 
sed him  in  the  name  of  the  Lord,  Let 
not  your  feehngs  revolt  at  this  idea, 
kind  reader,  God  is  God  and  he  is  the 
same  and  changes  not,  therefore  what 
he  approbated  in  Abraham  he  appro- 
bates now. 

This  same  Abraham,  apppeared  'o 
owe  allegiance  to  no  human  governor 
or  ruler;  the  government  to  which  he 
submitted,  was  a  Theocracy,  and  he 
acknowledged  no  authority  but  the 
King  of  heaven  and  earth.  He  com- 
iHuned  with  the  Most  Hig'i  ;Mid  had  in- 
tercourse with  the  upper  world.  Goii 
revealed  hiiTT^rlf  to  hn^,  and  rr.a(Jr»  ma- 
ny great  and  precious  promises  to  him, 
before  this  event,  of  which  we  have 
been  speaking,  he  revealed  himself  to 
him  aftenrards,  renew<!d  the  5<»?ne  pro- 
mises, and  eventually  cnnj.nn''d,  rall- 
ied and  fulfilled  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  arid  des- 
troy them.  He  even  commanded  Saul, 
the  king  of  Israel,  to  go  and  utterly  de- 
stroy Ainalek,  spare  hirn  not;  but  slay 
both  man  and  woman,  infantand  suck- 
ling, ox  and  sheep,  camel  and  ass. — 
And  this  for  no  alled;^ed  crime  of  which 
that  generation  liad  been  guilty,  but 
four  hundred  and  twelve  yon  rs  before, 
when  Israel  was  journeying  from  Kgypt 
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  AmaLkites,  a  helpless, 
defenceless,  unarmed  prisoner  &  hew- 
ud  him  in  pieces  in  cool  blood.  And 
yet  he  was  a  propliet,  and  the  Lord 
spake  through  him   to  the  children  of 


Israel,  and  we  have  no  account  that 
the  Lord  ever  manii'ested  any  displea- 
sure  toward  him,  for  that  transaction. 
The  grand  query  now  arises  hov  are 
we  to  reconcile  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  doubtles3 
have  given  the  same  instructions.  The 
difiiculty  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  thoughtsthanour  tlioughts, 
that  we  have  not  yet  been  able  to 
comprehend  all  his  ways  or  find  him 
out  to  perfection.  Hertce,  to  our  limit- 
ed view  the  apparent  contradiction  be- 
tween the  old  and  new  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  would,  he  had  pre- 
pared a  :oourge  for  them  and  apprised 
his  disciples  of  it.  Their  devoted  city 
was  to  be  taken  and  sacked,  their  beau- 
tiful temple  be  thrown  down,  and  such 
crilarnities  come  on  them  as  never  come 
upon  any  people.  Thus  we  see  altho' 
the  disciples  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  measure  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  (hose  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  thom  of  his  ju?t  re- 
tr!l)Ution  of  their  crimes  which  he  had 
in  reserve. 

The  Lord  probably  allowed  Lot  to 
fight  in  his  own  defence,-but  the  disciples 
of  the  blessed  Savior  were  not  thus 
privileged.     The  circum8tanc98   wer« 


340 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE, 


different.  Abraham  was  periTiitted  to 
slay  the  enemies  of  Lot  and  release  him 
from  bondage,  while  death  only  relea- 
sed the  disciples  of  the  Redeemer,  but 
mark  the  tragical  end,  the  miserable 
overthrow  of  their  enemies  which  came 
upon  them  in  about  forty  years  after 
the  crucifixion  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 
of  the  holy  prophets  who  preceded  him. 
No  discrepancy  then,  nothing  very 
mysterious  in  either  of  those  occurren- 
ces; he  had  prepared  punishment  f^  r 
the  guilty  in  both  cases  which  suited 
bis  own  purpose. 

Nothing  transpired  in  either  case, 
militating  against  the  idea  of  praying 
to  Grod  for  all  men,  for  kings  and  for 
all  that  are  in  authority,  nothing  con- 
trary to  the  idea  of  praying  ior  our 
rulers  and  obeying  them,  nothing  con- 
trary to  the  idea  of  defending  our  coun- 
try from  the  wicked  attacks  of  a  ruth- 
less foe,  nothing  contrary  to  the  idea 
of  individually  defending  our  innocent 
wives  and  helpless  offspring  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  nauonaZ  defence  will  justify  a 
smaller  community  cceteras  faribus  in 
acting  on  the  same  principle.  And  he 
who  objects  to  the  idea  that  a  man  has 
a  right  to  defend  his  wife,  his  property 
and  his  offspring,  will  find  himself  at 
^ar  with  the  best  feelings  of  his  own 
heart,  with  the  established  rules  of  all 
civilized  nations,  of  all  communities, 
and  with  very  few  exceptions,  the  whole 
professing  christian  world. 

A  few  reflections  by  way  of  improve- 
ment and  we  close.     And 

1st.  We  have  said,  and  we  believe 
truly,  that  God  is  the  same  moral  Gov- 
ernor of  the  Universe  he  was  ancient- 

2d.  We  have  said,  and  we  think 
trufy,  that  nran  is  the  same  ruthless, 
rebellious  being  against  the  govern- 
ment of  God  that  he  ever  was. 

3d.  We  have  seen,  that  in  conse- 
quence of  his  restlessness  and  rebel- 
lion, whenever  he  was  associated  in 
community  with  his  fellow  man,  a  part 
of  what  would  be  fiis  right  without  re- 
servation, were  he  alone,  ho  wust  ne. 


cessarily  resign  into  the  hands  of  his 
rulers  for  th'^  better  security  of  those 
he  holds  more  sacred. 

4th.  We  have  said  the  right  to  defend 
his  wife,  his  children  &  his  o?/n  person 
from  the  murderous  assaults  of  a  ruth- 
less foe,  were  among  his  reserved 
rights,  and  are  never  given  up  to  man 
but  by  compulsion,  nor  to  God  but  by 
express  command. 

5th.  We  have  expressed  our  disap- 
probation, in  strong  terms  of  tlie  apa- 
thy or  cowardice  or  that  wretch  who 
should  look  complacently  on  the  law- 
less marauder,  or  the  merciless  viola- 
tor of  his  domestic  rights. 

6th,  We  have  said,  and  we  defy 
contradiction,  that  what  God  has  com- 
manded one  man  to  do,  he  will  appro- 
bate in  another  under  similar  circum- 
stances, and  the  only  apparent  discre- 
pancy in  the  teachings  of  the  old  and 
now  testament  writers,  arises  from  our 
limited  understandings  and  contracted 
views  of  the  government  of  God. 

7th  We  have  said  that  the  idea  of 
self  defence,  was  not  incompatible  v/ith 
that  of  praying  for  all  men,  praying 
that  God  would  turn  away  the  anger 
of  our  enemies  and  fill  them  v/ith  love. 
Our  readers,  from  a  view  of  all  we 
have  said,  will  now  suffer  a  word  of 
exhortation  and  we  have  done. 

Nothing  we  have  said  should  be  con- 
strued into  a  justification  of  crime  or 
the  violation  of  the  rules  of  civilized 
society.  In  all  cases  are  you  to  be 
good  and  peaceable  subjects  of  that 
government  that  protects  those  rights 
you  have  surrendered  for  its  protection. 
Fear  God,  love  the  brethren,  and  re- 
spect those  in  authority  over  you.  In 
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.  ^V« 


2d  SERIES— LETTER  No.  L 
Liberty,  {Mo.)  June  2,  1836. 

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 
write.  I  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 


ME&SENGEIl  Ai\D  ADVOCATE. 


a  little  more  as  a  kind  of  appendix,  for 
such  as  wish  information  from  this 
quarter. 

Soon  after  our  return,  bishop  Part- 
ridge and  myself  started  on  a  tour  of 
land  looking.  We  passed  from  Liber- 
ty to  the  northwest  corner  of  Clay 
county,  and  examined  the  mills  and 
streams,  and  country  around  Mr. 
Smith's — generally  denominated  "yan- 
kee  Smith."  It  is  customary,  you 
know,  for  the  sake  of  jn-ovincialisvi 
among  nations,  kindreds,  and  people, 
to  nick-name  by  their  religion,  or  pro- 
vision, or  ancestry — so  that  one  can 
be  distinguished,  by  Ix^ingan  Israelite, 
aCanaanite,  a  Christian,  a  Mormon,  a 
Methodist,  &c.  or  a  corn-erackcr,  era 
mighty  hunter,  &;c.  according  to  fancy 
or  favor.  From  Mr.  Smith's  we  pro- 
ceeded northeasterly  through  some  tim- 
ber and  some  prairie  to  '■'■Phittsburg'^ 
the  county  seat  for  Clinton  county;  and 
although  this  place  may  not  come  near- 
er in  resemblance  to  Plattsburg  the  cap- 
ital of  Chnion  county  (N.  Y.)  on  Lake 
Champlain,  than  a  cabin  does  to  Con- 
gress hall,  yet  it  seems  to  be  quite  "a 
smart  little  town,'* — containing  from 
15  to  20  hewed  log  cabins,  and  the 
brick  body  of  a  two  story  court  house, 
32  feet  square.  This  town  is  located 
on  the  west  side  of  Morse  and  Smith's 
fork  of  the  Little  Flatt,  contiguous  to 
the  timber  on  these  streams,  25  miles 
north  of  Liberty.  The  timber  and  mil! 
and  water  privileges  may  answer  a 
very  small  population,  but  for  p  large 
it  would  be  nothing.  There  are  now 
three  stores  and  will  soon  be  four. — 
Clinton  county  is  mostly  prairie  with 
here  and  there  a  few  fringes  or  spots 
of  timber  on  the  creeks  that  run  into 
the  Little  Piatt  and  C4rand  River. 

From  this  town  v,e  made  the  best 
course  we  could  to  the  waters  of  Gra)ic 
river.  We  had  a  "sort  ol  a  road  for 
a  little  ijit'*  tov/ard.;  Lrushy  fork,  then 
we  had  to  bo  content  with  naked  jirai- 
riu,  patches  of  scrubby  ti;nb(;r,  deep 
bank<'d  crf-ks  and  branciies,  together 
with  a  rainy  n)orning  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  common  calcula- 
tion as  to  timber  for  boards,    rails,    or 


future  wants,  for  a  thick  population^ 
according  to  the  natural  reasoning  of 
men. 

W'hat  the  design  of  our  heavenly  Fa- 
ther was  or  is,  as  to  these  vast  prairies 
of  the  far  west,  I  know  no  farther  than 
we  have  revelation.  The  book  of  Mor- 
mon terms  them  the  land  of  desolation, 
and  when  I  get  into  a  prairie  so  large 
that  I  am  out  of  sight  of  timber,  just  as 
a  seaman  is  "out  of  sight  of  land  in 
the  ocean,"  I  have  to  exclaim,  wh«f  is 
man  and  his  works,  compared  to  the 
Almighty  and  his  creations'?  Who  hath 
viewed  hiseverlastmg  fields?  Who  hath 
counted  his  buffaloes; — who  hath  seen 
all  his  deer,  on  a  thousand  prairies'? 
Well  may  his  sacred  word  declare: — 
The  cattle  upon  a  thousand  hills  are 
mine.     All  are  God's. 

The  pinks  variegate  these  wide 
spread  lawns  without  the  hand  of  man 
to  aid  them,  and  the  bees  of  a  thousand 
groves,  banquet  on  the  flowers  unob- 
served, and  sip  the  honey  dews  of  hea- 
ven, far  bej-ond  the  busy  bustling  scenes 
of  aspiring  man.  O  what  a  scene  for 
contemplation!  What  a  good  God  all 
living  have,  to  provide  for  them  in  alj 
capacities — in  all  conditions — and  in 
all  ages  against  a  day  of  trouble,  and 
for  a  day  of  rigliteousness! 

Nearly  every  skirt  of  timber  to  the 
State  line,  on  the  north,  1  am  inform- 
ed, iias  some  one  in  it,  if  it  has  range 
and  wood  enough  for  their  common 
custom.  Some  people  require  more 
than  others.  It  is  astonishing  to  wit- 
ness how  eager  thousands  are  to  bp  pi- 
oneers into  a  new  country;  to  be  fron- 
tiers; to  be  on  the  outside;  yea,  to  be, 
as  one  man  said,  in  speaking  of  head 
men,  "what  he  was  a  mind  to;"  or, 
every  man  carry  his  own  head.  The 
back  settlers  arc  generally  very  hon- 
orable; and  more  hospitable  than  any 
people  I  ever  saw.  You  are,  in  most 
instances,  welccme  to  the  best  they 
have. 

As  ever. 

W.  W.  PHELPS. 
To  O.  CowDERT,  Esq. 


m 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


A  Prophetic  IVarning': 

To  all  the  Churches,  of  every  sent  and 
denomination,  and  to  every  individual 
into  whose  hands  it  may  fall. 
BY  O.  HYDE, 

PREACHER  OF  THE    GOSPEL. 

Forasmuch  as  many  have  taken  in 
hand  to  set  forth  in  order  a  declara- 
tion of  those  thkigs  which  are  most  as- 
suredly believed  among  us,  and  which 
must  shortly  come  to  pass:  It  seemeth 
good  unto  me,  and  also  unto  the  Holy 
Spirit,  to  write  unto  you,  that  yrn*' may 
know  of  a  certainty,  your  standing  and 
relation  to  God;  and  also  of  the  times 
and  seasons  of  Ihe  fulfilment  of  the 
words  of  his  servants,  the  Prophets. 

After  our  Lord  had  completed  the 
work  which  his  Father  had  given  him 
to  do,  he  led  forth  his  disciples  as  far 
as  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  (angels)  stood  by  them,  clad  in 
white  apparel,  and  said:  "Yc  men  of 
Gililee,  why  stand  ve  gazing- tip  into 
heaveaj^  -  This  same  Jjisw^'  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  Emperor,  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,  m  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,  thei'efore,  that  Christ  repre- 
sented to  John,  that  his  coming  was 
yet  in  the  future,  even  sixteen  or  twen- 
ty-five years  after  Jerusalem  waa  de-. 


stroyed.  Therefore,  so  far  from  that 
promise  being  fulfilled  at  that  time,  it 
yet  remains  to  be  fulfilled.  And  we 
may  look  with  certainty  for  the  Son  of 
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  corning  of  the  Lord  from  heav- 
en? The  day  that  shall  burn  as  an 
oven,  when  all  the  proud  and  they  that 
do  wickedly  shall  be  as  stubble.  This 
is  a  question  of  no  ordinary  moment, 
{shall  examine  it  through  the  glass  of 
the  holy  scriptures. 

The  Jews  rejected  the  Messiah  when 
he  came  to  them,  and  the  Gentiles  re- 
ceived him;  but  when  he  comes  the  se- 
cond time,  the  Gentiles  will  be  entirely 
unprepared  to  enjoy  his  glory;  but  the 
Jews  will  be  brought  in  by  virtue  of 
the  promise  and  covenant  which  God 
made  with  their  fathers,  which  I  shall 
attem[)t  to  prove  from  the  scriptures. 

There  was  a  cause  of  the  Jews  re- 
jecting the  Redeemer:  And  what  was 
that  cause?  It  was  their  previous  de- 
parture from  the  law  which  God  gave 
to  them  by  Moses.  The  law  was  giv- 
en them  as  a  school  master  to  brin^ 
them  to  Gliiist;  and  had  they  not  made 
it  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  writings,  how  can  you  believe  my 
words?"  The  fate  which  this  people 
met  some  thirty  years  after  they  re- 
jected the  counsel  of  God,  is  entirely 
without  a  parallel  in  the  history  of  the 
v/orld.  The  wretched  few  that  esca- 
ped destruction  at  that  time,  only  seeni 
to  have  been  spared  to  perpetuate  their 
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  to  declare    it  with,   all  that 


MESSENGER  .OD  ADVOCATE. 


^2 


the  pure  and  the  base:  so,  by  an  ap- 
plication of  the  word  of  God  to  any 
religious  body,  we  may  soon  determine 
whether  they  are  believers  in  the  scrip?' 
tural  sense  of  the  worn;  or  according 
to  the  notions  and  opinions  of  uninspi- 
red men.  Some  pretend  to  say  that 
the  promise  of  Christ  to  his  discipies^ 
that  miraculous  signs  should  follow 
them  that  believe,  was  limited  to  the 
apostles.  But  I  ihink  that  no  honest 
man,  who  understands  enough  of  E,ri- 
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  folr 
L)W  you.  Apostles;  but  he  said:  "These 
signs  shall  follow  i/iem  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.— 
foone  is  given  by  tlie  spirit,  the  word 
of  wisdom;  to  another,  faith  by  the 
same  spirit;  to  another,  the  word  of 
knowledge  by  the  same  spirit;  to  anr 
other  the  gilts  of  healing;  to  another 
the  working  of  miracles;  to  anc.ther 
prophecy;  to  another  discerning  of 
spirits;  to  another  divers  kinds  of 
tongues;  and  to  another  the  interpreta- 
tion of  tongues."  This  seems  to  have 
been  the  gospel  and  order  of  worsjhip 
which  Paul  advocated  and  established: 
and  said;  "Though  v/e,  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  it?  They  cer- 
tainly have  lost  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 
of  unbelief,  what  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  is 
not  biassed  by  most  unhallowed  preju- 
dice, can  see  that  the  churches  of  this 
day  bear  but  a  faint  resemblance  to 
those  whicli  existed  in  the  days  of  the 
Apostles.  Whence  arises  this  difter- 
ence*  J3o  we  live  under  a  diflerent 
dispensation  from  what  they  did?  If 
we  do,  when  was  the  dispf^nsation 
changed,  and  by  whose  authority?  If 
we  do  not,  why  not  preach  and  prac- 
tice the  same  things    which    they   did? 


sympathy,  plainness  and  christian  love, 
>vhich  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  Thess 
2,3.  "Let  no  man  deceive  you  by  any 
means;  for  thai,  day  shall  n(jt  come  e ac- 
cept <here  come  a  falling  away  first, 
and  tliat  man  of  sin  be  revealed,  the 
son  of  perdition.  &c."  Again  1  Tim. 
4,1.  "Now  the  Spirit  speaketh  ex- 
pressly, that  in  ih'i  latter  times  some 
shall  depart  from  the  faith,  giving  heed 
to  seducing  spirits  and  doctrines  of 
devils."  Also  2  I'im.  4,  3  and  4.  "For 
the  lime  will  come  when  t'lev  will  not 
endure  sound  doctrine,  but  after  their 
own  lusts  shall  they  heap  to  themselves 
teachers  having  itching  ears;  and  they 
shall  turn  away  their  ears  from  the 
truth,  and  be  turned  unto  fables." — 
These  passages  cLarly  show  what  the 
churches  would  do  when  left  to  act  up- 
on their  agency,  viz:  that  they  would 
fo.rsvike  the  truths  of  God  an-d  be  turn- 
ed unto  fables  and  tradition:^  of  men. 

I  will  now  present  the  Gentile  church- 
es before  the  glass  of  the  holy  scrip- 
tures, and  see  if  they  possess  the  same 
ibrm  and  beauty  now,  that  they  did 
Eighteen  Hundred  years  ago.  When 
Jesus  gave  his  disci:  les  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  tham;  the}'- shall  lay  their 
hands  upon  the  sick,  and  they  shall  re- 
cover." It  apne.'M's  that  this  miracu- 
lous power  did,  and  ever  will  continue 
with  true  heJiecers:  for  the  same  Being 
who  said,  "These  signs  shall  follow 
them  thatbclieve,"  also  said,  "Though 
the  heavens  and  the  eaith  pass  away, 
yet  my  words  shall  n'.t  fail."  It  is 
very  readily  discovered  why  tlie  above 
signs  do  not  follow  pretended  believers; 
because  Jesus  never  said  they  should. 
There  is  a  diflerence  b(!tween  the  spu- 
rious and  true  coin;  although  the  spuri- 
ous contains  some  genuine  silver,  yei 
it  will  not  lawfully  pass,  and  is,  com- 
paratively speaking,  of  no  real  value. 
By  a  chemical  process,  we  ca.n  very 
.«adily  discover  the  difference  between 


344 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


Because  those  who  are  determined  to 
support  their  peculiar  creeds  at  the  ex- 
pense of  truth,  and  the  most  plain  dec- 
larations of  holy  writ,  which  are  found 
written,  as  with  a  sunbeam  upon  al- 
most every  page,  will  deny  the  possi- 
bility of  these  precious  and  heavenly- 
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  sens  of  Jacob  are 
not  consnmed." 

Ifamatvare  that  there  are  many 
who  preach  for  hire,  and  love  to  be 
called  of  men,  Rabbi,  &c.  who  will 
seek  refuge  from  the  arrows  of  truth 
behind  the  bulwarks  of  affected  sanc- 
tity, and  put  the  unhallowed  influence 
in  operation  which  they  exercise  over 
the  hearts  and  consciences  of  their  de- 
luded followers,  to  prevent  them  from 
hearing,  investigating  or  receiving  the 
truth.  Such  hiding  places  may  screen 
iniquity  for  a  time.  But  v/hen  the 
trump  of  God  shall  sound,  such  bul- 
warks shall  fall  to  the  earth  like  the 
walls  of  Jericho,  leaving  those  who 
have  taken  shelter  behind  ihem,  ex- 
posed to  the  sword  of  God's  indigna- 
tion which  wil  proceed  out  of  his 
mouth,  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  (he  task. 
But 

Shall  I  behol:!  the  nations  doomed 
To  sword  and  famine  blood  and  fire? 
And  not  the  least  exertion  make 
But  from  the  scene  iu  peace  retire? 
No.     While  kind  her.ven  shall   lend  me 

[breath] 
111  sound  repentance  far  abroad; 
And  tell  thenat^  li.s  to  prepare 
For  Jesus  Christ,  their  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  received  of  the  root  and  fatness 
of  the  pure  stock.  The  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  thou 
shalt  be  cut  off."  Nothing  is  more 
plain  than,  that  the  Gentiles  have  not 
continued  in  the  goodness  of  God;  but 
have  departed  from  the  faith  and  pu- 
rity of  the  gospel.  Query:  Must  they 
now  be  cut  ofi?  Jer.  4,  7,  will  answer 
this  question.  "The  lion  is  come  up 
from  his  thicket,  and  the  destroyer  of 
the  Gentiles  is  on  his  way;  he  is  gone 
forth  from  his  place  to  make  thy  land 
desolate;  and  thy  cities  shall  be  laid 
waste  without  an  inhabitant."  Also, 
Isa.  24th,  chap,  is  a  striking  exhibi- 
tion of  the  fate  of  the  Gentiles  in  the 
last  days.  But  the  Jews  will  be  graft- 
ed back  into  their  own  olive  tree. — 
Read  Rom.  11,  23-28th. 

Many  are  flattering  themselves 
with  the  expectation  that  all  the  v/orld 
is  going  to  be  convericd  and  brought 
into  the  ark  of  safety.  Thus  the 
great  milennium,  in  their  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  cominsr  of  the  Son  of  Man." — r 
Again  he  said:  "As  it  was  in  the  days 
of  Lot;  so  shall  it  be  in  the  days  of  the 
coming  of  the  Son  of  Man."  Query, 
Were  all  people  converted  in  the  days 
of  Noah,  or  mostly  destroyed?  Were 
the  cities  of  Sodom  and  Gomorrah  sa- 
ved or  destroyed  in  the  days  of  Lot? — 
The  answers  to  to  these  qupstions  are 
familiar  to  almost  every  person,  and 
further  comment  is  necessary. 

God  will  soon  begin  to  manifest  his 
sore  displeasure  to  this  generation, 
and  to  our  own  country,  by  vexation 
and  desolating  vi'ars;  blood}!  bloody  ia 
the  extreme!  The  war  clond  will 
arise  from  an  unexpected  quarter. 
The  hearts  of  many,  in  authority, 
shall  faint,  because  they  shall  not  know 
what  measure  to  adopt  to  avert  the 
calamities  of  war;  so  complicated  and 
perplexing  shall  be  the  state  of  affairs 
at  that  crisis.  Thus  will  the  wicked 
shortly  slay  the  wicked,  except  they 
like  the  people  of  Nineveh,  speedily 
repent  of  their  sins  which  have  ascen- 
ded up,  with  offence,  before  the  Most 
High.  Wo!  wo!  unto  them,  saith  the 
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  bo  written  in  the  oracles 


MESSENGER  AKD  AlWOcAf^. 


M 


of  truth;  they  for  shall  perish!  Wo 
be  unto  him  who  drinketii  strong  drink, 
and  taketli  the  name  of  God  in  vain! 
Wo  be  unto  all  the  wicked  ones  of  the 
Earth,  for  the  fire  of  God's  jealousy 
shall  consume  them,  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.  Earth- 
qukes  will  be  more  frequent,  and  de- 
structive in  their  effects  than  former- 
ly. Many  strange  things  shall  occur 
which  cannot  be  accounted  for.  The 
waves  of  the  sea  will  soon  heave  them- 
selves beyond  their  bounds,  laymg 
wast(!  towns  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 
forth  among  the  people,  and  bite  them, 
and  cause  worms  to  come  in  their  flesh, 
and  their  flesh  shall  full  from  their 
bones;  and  their  eyes  shall  fall  out  of 
their  sockets;  and  they  shall  desire  to 
die;  but  their  desire  shall  not  be  gran- 
ted. Serious  losses  will  soon  be  sus- 
tained both  by  sea  and  land;  because 
of  whirlwinds  and  tempests,  and  de- 
vouring fire.  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 
fast  ripening  for  the  judgements  of 
God. 

The  nrimi^  can'«o  of  all  these  calam- 
ities coming  on  the  earth,  is:  the  apos- 
tacy  offi'iij  ch  irch.  If  the  church  was 
nil  right*. .us,  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.)  Pie 
has  looked  down  and  beheld  all  your 
scenes  of  revelling  and  drunkenness. 
He  has  seen  all  your  frauds — all  your 
evil  designs,  and  all  the  snares  you 
have  laid  to  take  the  advantage  of  your 
neighbors.  Fie  has,  also,  seen  the  ster- 
ling virtues  of  many  of  the  fairest  por- 
tion of  his  creation,  secrificed  upon  the 


altar  of  infamy  and  prostitution.  AU 
of  which  have  a  tendency  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  know  not 
what  they  mean:  yet  the  servants  of 
God  will  view  them  as  tokens  of  the 
coming  of  the  Son  of  Man,  as  messen- 
gers sent  before  his  face  to  execute 
vengeance.  They  will  continue  the 
work  of  destruction  until  the  Savior 
comes;  for, 

Lo!  he  comes  with  truth  and  vengeance, 
With  his  garments  died  in  blood; 
To  redeem  his  chosen  people, 
Favor' d  children,  sons  of  God. 

When  Jesus  appears  in  the  clouds 
of  heaven,  the  saints  who  have  slept, 
will  arise  from  their  graves;  and  those 
who  are  living  will  be  changed  speedi- 
ly, and  all  be  caught  up  to  meet  the 
Lord  in  the  air.  Then  shall  all  the 
wicked,  who  have  escaped  the  former 
judgments,  be  consumed,  root  and 
branch.  Then  shall  the  earth  be  clean- 
sed from  pollution;  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  him,  from  the  least  to  the 
greatest.  Then  the  earth  shall  be  full 
of  the  knowledge  of  God,  as  the  wa- 
ters covor  the  great  deep.  Then  shall 
the  saints  unite  in  singing  this  new 
song:  saying, 

"The  Lord  hath  brought  again  Zion: 

The  Lord  hath  redeemed  his  people,  Israel^ 

According  to  the  election  of  grace, 

Which  was  brought  to  pass  by  the  faith 

And  covenant  of  their  fathers. 

The  Lord  hath  redeemed  his  people; 

And  Satan  is  bound,  and  time  is  no  longer. 

The  Lord  hath  gathered  all  things  in  one: 

The  Lord  hath    brought    down    Zion  from 

above; 
Tlie  Lord  hath  brought  up  Zion  from  beneath: 
The  earth  hath  travailed  and  bro't  forth  her 

strength, 
And  truth  is  established  in  her  bowels; 
And  the  fieavens  have  smiled  upon  her; 
And  she  is  clothed  with  the  glory  of  her  God; 
For  lie  stands  in  the  midst  of  his  people. 
Glory,  and  honor,  and  power,  and  might, 
Be  ascribed  to  our  God,  for  he  is  full  of  mercy. 
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  coming  day. 


»46 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


The  great  body  of  the  clergy  are  act- 
ing without  authorify  i>om  God  at  this 
time.  My  reasons  for  saying  so,  are 
these.  1st.  The  sick  are  not  healed 
under  their  hands.  2.  They  do  not 
confirm  those  whom  they  baptize  by 
the  laying  on  of  their  hands  for  the 
gift  ot' 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 
of  Christ,  hath  not  God.  He  that  abi- 
•deth  in  the  doctrine  of  Christ;  he  hath 
both  the  Father  end  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,  I  ask,  can 
the  clergy  of  this  day,  !>•;  of  God;  and 
yet  deny  all  miraculous  powers?  How 
can  God  be  with  them  when  they  have 
not  abode  in  the  doctrine  of  Christ? 

Now,  therefore,  the  word  of  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  author i,ty  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ; 
and  5^ou  shall  receive  the  gift  of  the 
Holy  Ghost,  by  the  laying  on  of  the 
hands  of  him  who  is  ordained  and  seal- 
ed upto  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  tlie 
ordinances  of  the  gospel.  Except  you 
do  this,  you  cannot  enjoy  the  celestial 
glorj .:  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  duty 
which  has  been  impressed  upon  me, 
from  the  highest  authority  of  which  I 
have  any  knawledge.  The  fulfilment 
of  the  foregoing  predictions,  will  con- 
vince this  generation- that  I  have  not 
been  presumptuous. 


May  the  great  Creator  of  the  Uni-. 
verse,  have  mercy  upon  a  fallen  and 
perishing  world! 

N.  B.  The  object  of  the  writer  o' 
the  above,  in  pursuing  this  course,  is, 
that  many  may  be  put  in  |  ossession  of 
this  information  whose  ciicumctances 
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  Expositicin  of  the  Ancient  Prophe- 
cies, in  book  form,  showing  their  ap- 
plication to  the  tinies  in  v.'bich  we  live, 
together  with  such  other  matter  as  ho 
shall  think  most  beneficial  to  mankind 
at  this  peri(.d,  under  the  snrne  title 
which  this  hears. 

June  16,  1836. 


KIRTLAND,   OHiO,     JULY,    ISSd. 


We  give  in  ihisjnonth'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 readin;^-,,  and  deserving  of  a  wider 
circulation  than  our  brother's  modesty, 
or  the  perversity  of  this  generation 
would  be  likely  to  obtain  for  it.  We 
obtained  it  through  the  kindness  of  a 
friend,  and  in  justice  to  the  author,  we 
have  to  say  it  was  a  real  mental  treat 
to  us.  We  trust  it  will  do  the  saints 
good,  and  if  perchance,  it  shall  be  read 
by  those  "?6'/iO  have  a  form  of  godliness 
but  deny  the  power  thereof,"  we  hope, 
if  it  do  not  persuade  them  to  give  up 
their  unjust  prejudices  &  prepossessions 
and  obey  thii  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 
t'ar  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  ADVOCATE. 


347 


Although  slrictly  speaking,  we  have 
to  acknowledge  ourselves  trespassers, 
still  we  hope,  that  considering  the  im- 
portance of  the  truths  selected,  concen- 
trated and'made  lo  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  one  that  never 
becomes  irksome  and  palls  upon  the 
senses,  therefore,  what  we  have  given 
will  only  make  the  samts  the  more  an- 
xious to  obtain  a 'volume  when  it  shall 
be  announf^ed  that  it  is  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  wlii-'h  he  is  a  m.miber, 
ind  more  useful  in  ^iispelling  the  mists 
of  ign'Tince  an.  ■no'-al  dar'^ness  ih  i 
have  lon^  brooded  over  the  human 
mind. 


TO  TflE  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  Wt>st.  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 
that  the  Lord  has  pointed  out  for  that 
])urpose.  Permit  us  here,  to  speak  of 
things  we  kn(  vv  ;ind  testify  of  those  we 
have  seen.  As  soon  as  the  rays  of 
truth  were  reflected  upon  your  under- 
standing, with  suflicient  brilliancy,  you 
became  convinced  of  the  errors  and 
follies  oTthe  profes-ing christian  world, 
and  in  the  simplicity  of  a  child,  began 
to  express  your  conviction  to  those 
ar<)und  you,  whose  minds  were  yet 
trameled  with  tradition  or  mantled  with 
the  sable  vail  of  prejudice  and  super- 
stition; your  ears  were  stunned,  and 
your  icnsibility  shocked  from  all  points 
of  the  compass  around  you,  with  Mor- 
mvttism,  delusion  and  Jo.  Smith.  In 
all  the  soberness  and  simplicity  of 
truth,    you    began    "to   produce  your 


cause  and  bring  forth  your  strong  rea- 
sons'' for  your  belief,  and  instead  of 
meeting  you  with  scripture  and  fair 
argianent,  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  conviuce  Paul'  and  Silas, 
when  they  cried  out  about  two  hours, 
"great  is  Diana  of  the  Ephesians." — 
This  is  one  specimen  of  argument  used 
to  convince  you  of  your  errors.  Ano- 
ther, but  no  uncommon  one  is,  for 
some  one  who  has  conversed  with  you 
to  misrepresent  some  item  of  your  faith, 
and  relate  the  pretended  fact  to  the 
deacon  or  priest  of  his  parish  in  all  the 
glaring  deformity  his  disordered  and 
distorted  imagination  can  paint.  Tbo 
deacon,  the  elder  or  priest  as  the  casa 
may  have  been,  seized  upon  it  as  a  pre- 
cious morsel,  and  the  most  merciful 
treatment  you  received,  or  in  fact  had 
anj  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,  tor  you  are  certain- 
ly deluded.  This,  however,  is  rnoro 
mildness  than  you  had  any  just  reason 
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- 
nougli  to  fix  upon  you.  Your  most 
commendable  virtues,  were  transform- 
ed into  vices  of  tlie  lowest  grade,  and 
your  crimes,  whether  they  were  few 
or  many,  great  or  small,  real  or  jma* 
ginary,  were  all  |)ublished  to  the  world, 
and  your  accusers  were  witnesses, 
judges,  jurors  and  executioners.  Youf 
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  beori 
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 
Isrtiel  in  the  I  ist  days,  till  your  earthly 
hopes  have  all  fled;  you  then  began  to 
examine  it,  in  the  light  of  divine  truth, 


348 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


and  found  it  plainly  pointed  out   in  the 
sacred    volume.     You   looked  into  the 

revelations  of  recent  date,  and  they 
corroborated  the  same  idea.  You  then 
began  with  all  due  diligence  to  prepare 
to  leave  the  land  ol  your  boyhood. — 
Every  insult  you  received,  served  to 
confirm  you  in  the  principles  you  had 
embraced,  and  v/etin  you  from  the 
place  that  gave  j^ou  birth.  Your  for- 
mer friends  may  have  been  strong  ad- 
vocates of  civil  and  religious  liberty, 
great  republicans!  They  would  now 
if  in  their  power,  deprive  you  of  the 
liberty  of  speech,  and  consider  you, 
notwithstanding  religious  sentiment 
cannot  constitutionally  be  made  a  test 
for  office,  Vy-hoUy  unworthy  of  any  of 
trust  or  profit,  and  your  very  name, 
made  a  hiss  and  a  bye-word,  in  airnost 
all  ranks,  from  the  man  in  black,  to 
the  lowest  debauchee  of  the  brotlud,  or 
the  mendicant  upon  the  dunghill.  In 
all  the  soberness  of  truth,  you  have 
now  become  weaned  from  your  former 
friends,  and  arc,  as  we  will  suppose, 
prepared  to  leave  them  You  have 
heard  of  Zion:  you  have  heard  that  the 
wicked  there  bear  rule,  that  your  bre- 
thren, if  not  in  bondage,  have,  many 
of  them,  to  roam  from  place  to  place; 
have  no  stsndard  erected  and  are  hard- 
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,  and  Chris- 
tianity too,  in  defiance  of  constitution, 
in  defiance  of  law,  in  defiance  of  all 
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  all  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  time,  if  you  are  filled  with  the 
fire  and  ardor  of  youth,  you  take  up 
your  line  of  marcli  to  join  your  breth- 
ren in  the  far  West. 

.  You  resolve  to  commiserate  their 
misfortunes  and  participate  in  their 
sorrows,  t.ntil,  Zion  shall  be  redeemed 


righteousness. 

But  if  the  withering  frosts  of  age, 
or  vv^asting  hand  of  disease  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 
sclt'ement  of  a  new  country,  and  this 
under  circumstances  so  unpropitious; 
you  make  up  your  mind  to  join  the 
Saints  at  this  place,  which  God  has 
appointed  for  a  stake  of  Zion,  and  the 
gathering  of  some  of  his  saints  in  the 
last  days.  Notwithstanding,  the  great 
struggle  with  our  enemies  may  be  past, 
and  the  long  agony  measurablj'  over, 
in  this  place,  yet  your  cxnectations 
may  be  raised  too  high,  and  youranti- 
ctpations  too  great  to  be  realized. 
Therefore,  we  have,  thought  it  might 
not  be  improper,  here  to  pourtray  in 
bold  relief  the  advantages  and  disad- 
vantages, real  and  imaginary,  you  will 
have  just  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,  who  have  truly  come  up  thus 
far,  through  great  tribulation.  Some 
of  them  have  tasted,  yea  more,  they 
have  drank  the  bitter  cup  of  affliction 
and  sorrows,  and  have  been  taught  in 
the  severe  school  of  adversity,  till  the 
Lord  has  looked  on  their  afTection,  as 
vv'e  trust,  and  said  it  is  enough.  Here 
are  brethren  assembled  from  the  E.  W. 
N,  and  South,  with  the  habits,  man- 
ners and  customs  ot  each,  that  are  to 
be  assimilated.  The  house  of  the 
Lord  is  here,  and  a  congregation  of 
between  800  and  1000  assemble  in  it 
to  hear  the  words  of  life  and  salvation 
dispensed,  every  Lord's  day.  Here, 
notwithstanding  the  bigotry  and  super- 
stition of  this  generation,  fearfulness 
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  hilis  and  vallies.  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  pass,  or  where  the  streams  of 
rocks,  which  appears  to  form  the  whole 
bed  of  the  country,  lies  very  low.     The 


with  judgraeuts  and  her  couverts  with  [  face  of  the  country  in  this  region,  looks 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


349 


to  the  North,  gradually  rising  as  you 
recede  from  the  Lalcu  Shore  towaril  the 
South.  The  principle  streams  of  wa- 
ter in  or  near  this  place  are,  grand 
river,  \yhich  passes  by  the  east  of  the 
flourishing  little  village  of  Paiuesville, 
9  miles  East  of  this,  and  discharges  its 
waters  into  the  Lake,  at  Fairport  15 
miles  North  of  Painesvilie,  and  a  very 
considerable  branch  of  Chagrin  river 
runs  in  a  diagonal  direction  through 
the  North  part  of  this  town,  making 
some  beautiful  alluvial  l.uidon  its  mar- 
gin of  greater  or  less  width,  till  it  loses 
itself  in  the  main  stream  bofore  it  pass- 
es the  village  of  Willoughby  two  and 
a  half  miles  from  this  place. 

This  branch  of  the    river  furnishes 
good  mill  sites   in    its    course   through 
this  town,  some  of  which  are  occupied. 
There   are  two    sav/-mills,    one    grist- 
mil!,  one  fulling-mill,  and  one  carding 
machine   in  the  short  distance    of   two 
miles.     A  steam    saw-mill  :]5    by    60, 
designed  for  two  saws  is  being  erected 
in  this  place.     It  is  calculated  that  the 
engine   will    have  sufficient  power  to 
warrant  the  attachment  of  other  machi- 
nery to  it,   as   the   circumstances    and 
necessities  of  the  inhabitants  shall  re- 
quire. As  you  approach  the  place  from 
the  North  you  come  to  the    brow  of  a 
hill  the  top  of  which,  in  a  state  of  nature 
was  covered  with  oak,  chesnut,  white- 
wa'nut,  white  wood,  and  some  few  su- 
gar maples,   with    little    underwood.- — 
Here  the  eye  falls  upon  the  fertile  vale 
below,  and  the   stream    of   which    we 
have  spoken,  meandering    through    it. 
Almost    instinctively     it    catches    the 
Lord's  House  on  a  beautiful   eminence 
or  table  land  on  the  south    side  of   the 
stream,  at  an  altitude  of  from  80  to  100 
feet  from  its  bed,  and    at  a  distance  of 
one-fourth  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 
inelegant,  evincive   of  any   thing   but 
wealth,  standing   in  no  regular  order, 
but  built  at  a  period    when    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  tor 
their  utility  as    furnishing  articles    of 
food;    the    eye    rests  upon  rude   dwel- 
lings scattered  in  all   directions    from 


the  river  to  the  Lord's  House  and  south, 
for  the  distance  of  a  mile  or  more. — 
\Vq  have  one  public  inn  or  tavern, 
three  stores  of  dry  goods  kept  by  our 
brethren,  and  two  by  other  people,  ma- 
king live  in  ail,  and  quiic  a  number  of 
mechanics  of  dirierent  occupations,  alt 
of  which  find  constant  employ.  There 
are  no  mirshes  or  ponds  of  stagnant 
water  in  the  vicinity,  but  the  air  is  al- 
v/ays  as  pure  and  cxh.ilerating  as  in 
any  part  of  the  world  witii  Vvhich  we 
are  acquainted.  We  have  no  March 
effluvia  or  miasmata  to  contaminate  the 
atmosphere  and  engender  disease. 

We  had  almost  forgotten  to  mention 
that  our  village  has  been  laid  out  in 
a  regular  plot,  and  calculated  for  street* 
to  cross  each  other  at  right  angles. — 
The  lots  now  contain  one  half  acre 
each,  and  are  selling  from  one  to  two 
hundred  dollars. 

We  come  now  to  the  more  unpleas- 
ant part  of  our  duty,  to  point  out  our 
own  follies  and  faults  and  expose  them 
to  the  world,  but  justice  requires  it  ai 
our  hands,  we  have  before  said  that 
our  society  was  made  up  of  emigrants 
from  all  the  ditlerent  points  of  the 
compass,  with  the  dilferent  m.anners, 
customs  and  habits  of  the  place  from 
whence  they  emigrated,  to  all  of  v/hich, 
they  respectively  adhere  with  greater 
or  less  pertinacity.  They  are  not  yet 
so  assimilated  as  to  become  one  in 
any  peculiar  characterestic,  except  in 
matters  of  religion.  All  are  anxious 
for  the  improvement  of  the  place,  and 
each,  for  individually  bettering  his 
condition:  Therefore  traits  of  char- 
acter evinsive  of  selfishness  bordering 
upon  covetousness,  are  often  discov- 
erable in  their  dealings  with  the  world 
or  with  each  other.  If  they  are  not 
more  industrious  then  their  neighbors, 
they  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  their 
feelings  by  their  numerous  influential 
and  wealthy  neighbors,  and  have  not 
fill  recently  been  allowed  the  constitu- 
al  right  of  citizens  of  the  same  govern- 


S50 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


ment,  la*e  occurrences  auger  more  fa. 
vorable  for  them  in  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   C3m- 
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 
of  great  price,"    but,   notwithstanding, 
we  have  nothing  to   plead  in   justifica- 
tion, yet  we    wish  to  say  a  few    things 
in    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    cast   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  andharmonv, 
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- 
nevolerfce  and  love  they  will  be  disap- 
pointed.    In  short  if   they     expect   to 
find  a  church  where  membars  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  betrayed  in  the    religion   you    have 
embraced.       Remember     that  a  Peter 
cursed  and  swore,    and    ipany   turned 
away  froni  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 
ascendency  in   the    hearts  of  all  the 


church.  We  hope  and  earnestly  y)ray 
that  it  will  be  your  end  and  aim  as 
you  come  among  us,  to  correct  oui* 
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 
evil  doers  and  a  praise  of  them  that 
do  well,     even  so  amen.  1^, 


CONFERENCE. 
A  conference  was  held  in  Portage, 
Allegheny  county,  N.  Y.  commencing 
on  the  18th  of  June,  18S6.  The  meet- 
ing was  opened  by  Eld.  Z.  Coltrin;  af- 
ter which  Eld.  \Vm.  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.  .1.  Squiers 
chosen  Clerk;  prayer  by  the  President. 
Several  persons  were  presented  for 
ordination;  they  were  ably  aduressed 
by  the  Chair  upon  the  subject  of  being 
ordained  to  the  holy  pi  iesthond  of  God. 
The  candidates  then  came  forward, 
and  John  F.  Olney,  Hiram  K'^llogg 
and  Samuel  Jaques  were  ordained  to 
the  oflFiCS  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,  Chairm'n. 

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.  H inkle  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. 


Sf)l 


thsir  separating  they  had  baptized  ten. 
Elder  Hinkle,  however,  soon  so  far  re- 
cove  led  tliat  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  sepaiated  from  broth- 
er Hmkle,  but  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  agnin,  under  date  of 
July  2d,  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- 
prossDs  his  anxiety  to  go  on  to  the  far 
west  as  he  designed  when  he  left  here; 
but  from  the  pressing  calls  he  has,  to 
preach,  and  the  blessing  which  has 
thus  f;lr  attended  his    ministry,    it    ap- 

j)ears  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  proper  to  oppose 
him.  We  inter  from  the  elder's  com- 
munication to  u.-  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  roimd  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  them- 
selves with  the  sword  of  the  spirit, 
which  is  the  word  of  God.  Provided 
always,  that  their  opponents  are  m^n 
of  respectable  standing  in  society,  and 
not  otherwise.  We  consider  that  a 
victory  over  a  man  of  no  character  is 
not  only  a  loss  of  time,  but  a  loss  of 
reputation  to  the  victor. 

Elder  Sevmour   Branson    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  Elder  traveled  about  two 
hundred  and  fii^ty  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 
litlle  branch  of  a  church  consisting  of 
thirteen  members:  from  thence  he 
traveled  into  Lick  Township  where  he 
baptized  two,  visifed  the  church  in 
Bloomficld,  bjlptiz"done,  and  then  visit- 
ed the  church  in  Lawrence,  where  ho 
preached  several  times  and  baptized 
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  fruin  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  night  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.  Will 
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  harvett 


559  

of  souls  await  the  faithful  laborer,  and 
the  consciousness  of  doing  the  will  of 
our  heavenly  Father,  cheers  and  glad- 
dens his  heart:  although  tyrants  may 
frown  or  bigots  howl,  his  purpose  is 
fixed,  his  courde  is  onward,  and  his  re- 
ward is  trial,  privation,  suffering  and 
opposition  froni  this  crooked  and  per- 
verse generation,  but  joy,  peace  and 
ineffable  glory  shall  be  his  unfading, 
enduring  inheritance  beyond  tbis  che- 
quered scene  of  time. 

Elders  A.  J.  Squiers  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.  Bosley,  have  baptized  14;  and 
that  there  were  more  calls  for  preach- 
ing than  they  could  supply.  Our  read- 
ers will  notice  a  postscript  to  the  pro- 
ceedings of  a  conference  held  by  them 
and  others  which  we  have  published  in 
this  month's  paper.  They  will  there 
discover  the  opinion  these  men  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  mnd  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 
n«t  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 
MMiPch  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  teader  our  heartfelt  gratitude. 

Elder  Lyman  E.  Johnson  writes 
us  from  Saeo,  Me.  under  date  of  June 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


26th  stating  that  he  left  Kirtland  on 
tho  6th  of  April,  in  company  ^vifh  El- 
der Milton  Holmes  and  J.  Herrit,  trav- 
eled East  as  far  as  Whitestown  Onei- 
da county^N.  York,  where  he  prached 
twice,  then  he  went  to  Boston  Mass. 
where  he  preached  twice  and  briplizcd 
one,  From  thence  he  went  to  Suco, 
Me.  where  he  preached  three  times 
and  baptized  one,  Mu  ha,--  since  been 
to  St.  John's  the  capita']  of  N.w  Bruns-' 
wick,  and  has  traveled  and  preached 
in  various  directions,  and  to  crowded 
assemblies.  The  Elder  gives  us  to 
understand  that  he  has  met  with  little 
opposition,  except  from  those  whose 
craft  was  in  danger;  but  that  God  had  in 
every  instance  thus  far  given  him  wis- 
dom ihat  his  adversaries  had  not  been 
able  to  gainsay  nor  resist.  He  farther 
adds,  although  this  mission  has  not 
been  as  successful  as  some  ethers  in 
bringing  souls  into  the  kingdom,  yet 
through  the  assistance  of  God  he  had 
been  instrumental  in  establishing  a 
small  branch  of  a  church  of  eighteen 
members  in  the  town  of  Sackville 
Westmoreland  county.  The  elder 
traveled  and  preached  in  various  direc- 
tions in  that  province,  he  then  left  for 
Me.  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  place. 

Elder  A."  Babbit  states  to  us  ver- 
bally, that  he  has  been  on  a  Mission 
into  Canada  New  York,  and  Pennsyl- 
vania, in  company  v/ith  Elder  Benja. 
min  Brown;  that  they  held  seventy  one 
meetings,  baptized  about  thirty,i,;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' 

messenger  and  Advocate, 

Is  printed  and  published  every  montli  at  Kirtland, 
Geauga  Co.  Ohio,  by 

OXiIVER  COWDERY, 

EDITOR    AND  PROPRIETOR, 

M%1,  p^T  an.  in  advance.  Every  person  procuring 
Un  nev>  subscribers,  and  forwarding  %  10,  current 
■money,  shall  be  entitled  to  a  paper  one  year,  gratis. 
All  letters  to  the  Editor,   must  be 

<s:j- POST  PAID.  j:Si 

Ifo  subscription  will  be  received  for  a  less  term  than  one 
year,  and  no  paper  discontinued  till  all  arrearages  are 
paid,  except  at  the  option  ef  the  publisher. 


I.ATTER  DAY  SAINTS* 

Vol.   II.     N-,.  Ill         KIRTLANU,  OHIO,     AUGUST,   lam  Whole  No.  [2$. 


JkfEStiENGEll  AND  ADVOCATE. 


We  have  no  doubt  but  our    brethren 
expect,  when  they  receive  our   paper, 
to  have  it  a  feast  to  the  soul,   an  intel- 
lectual treat,  something  animating  and 
instructing  to  the  understanding  in  the 
great  principles" of  our   holy    religion. 
Under  these  impressions,  solely,   they 
may  suffer  some  disappointment  on  re- 
ceiving this  month's  number,  and  think 
we  owe   them    an  apology.     To  such 
■we  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  welfare  of  our  bre- 
thren in  the  West.     It  is  not  oaly  due 
our  brethren  to    wipe    away   the    foul 
and  calumnious  aspersions  cast   upon 
them  by  their  esnemies;  but  it  is  drae  to 
the  hospitable  and  humane,  in  the  coun- 
ty of  Clay,  to   thus    publicly   acknow- 
ledge the  debt  of  gratitude  due  them. 
These  arc  some  of  the  reasons  t'hat 
liave  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 
scouree. 


From  the  "Fur  Wett." 

PUBLIC  MEETING 

A  respectable  number  of  our  felkiw- 
citizens  met,  being  previously  notified 
of  the  same,  at  the  court  house,  in  the 
Town  of  Liberty,  June  29th,  1836. 

On  motion  of  Doct,  Woodson  L 
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  Gbair^  expiainod   ia   a 


few  appropriate  remarks,  ty  CoL 
Wood;  when 

On  motion  of  Col.  Wm.  T.  Wood, 
a  Committee  of  nine  was  appointed  to 
draft  resolutions  expressive  of  the  sense 
of  th's  meeting: 

Whereupon  the  following  gentlernea 
were  cliosen,  viz; 

John  Thornton,  Esq.  Peter  Rogers, 
Esq.  Andrew  Robertson,  Esq.  James 
T,  V,  Thompson,  Esq.  Co!.  Wm.  T. 
Wood,  Doct.  Woof^son  J.  Moss,  James 
M.  Hughes,  Esq.  David  R.  Atchi-son, 
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  has  arrived   in  this 
county,  that  requires  the    deep,    cool, 
•dispassionate  consideration,  and  imme- 
diate action  of  every  lover   of   peace, 
harmony  and  good  order-     We  cannot 
conceal  from  ourselves,  the   fact  that» 
at  this  moment,  the  clouds  of  civil  war 
are  rolling  up  their  fearful  masses  and 
banging  over  our  devoted  county,  sol- 
emn, dark  and  terrible.     This  painful 
state  of  things  has  been  produced  main- 
ly, by  the  rapid  and  increasing  emigra- 
tion, of  tliat  people,  commonly  called 
Mormons,  during  the  last  few  months^ 
ft  is  known  to  all,  that    in  November, 
1833,  these  people  were  expelled  from 
their  homes  in  Jackson   county,   with- 
out money,    without  property,  without 
the    means   of  subsistence    for  them- 
selves, their  wives  and  their  childrenj 
and  like  Noah's  dove  without  «ven   |i 
resting   plac€   for  their   feet      They 
came  to  our  county,  thus  friendlesa and 
pennyless,  seeking  (as  they  i>aid)  but 
a  temporary  asylum,  from  the  storms 
of  persecution  by  which  tUey  w«re  thett 
buffeted.     Their  destitute  and   misera- 
ble condition,  at  that  inclement  seasoa 
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  on  the  wings  of  the  wind, 
charging  them  with  almost  every  crime 
known  to  the  laws  of  our  country:  yet 
our  feelings  of  kindness,  and  symptr 
thy  for  human  tufierin^  pr^vail^  OY#r 


%4 


lilZSf^ENGEri  AND  AD^'OCAIT 


every  obstacle  and  they  were  received 
with  friendship  and  treated  with  toler- 
ation, nnd  often  with  nr.aiks  of  pecu- 
ilar  kindness.  They  ahvays  declared 
that  they  looked  not  upon  this  county 
as  their  home,  but  as  a  temporary  asy- 
lurn,  and  that  whenever  a  retpectabie 
portion  of  the  citizens  of  this  county, 
should  request  it,  they  would  promptly 
leave  us  in  peace  as  they  found  us. — 
That  period  has  nbv/  arrived.  Duty 
to  ourselves,  to  our  families,  and  to  the 
best  interests  of  cur  county,  require  ai 
our  hands,  to  demand  the  fulfilment  of 
that  pledge.  They  are  charged  by 
those  who  are  opposed  to  them,  with 
^h  unfriendly  determination  to  violate 
that  pledge.  Their  rapid  emigration, 
their  large  purchases  and  oilers  to  pur- 
chase lands,  the  remarks  of  the  igno- 
rant and  imprudent  portion  of  them, 
that  this  country  is  destined  by  heaven 
to  be  theirs,  arc  received  and  Icoked 
upon,  by  a  large  portion  of  this  con! 
munity,  as  strong  &,  convincing  proofs 
that  they  intend  to  make  this  couety 
their  pernianent  home,  the  centre  and 
general  rendezvous  of  their  people.— 
These  arc  some  of  the  reasons,  why 
these  people  have  become  objects  of 
the  deepest  hatred  and  detestation  to 
many  of  our  citizens.  They  are  East- 
ern men,  whose  manners,  habits,  cus- 
toms and  even  dialect,  are  essentially 
different  from  our  own;  they  are  non- 
slave  holders,  r.nd  opposed  to  slavery; 
which,  in  this  peculiar  period,  when 
abolition  has  rer.rcd  its  deformed  and 
hagard  visage  in  our  land,  is  well  cal- 
culated to  e.xcite  deep  and  abiding  pvo- 
judices  in  any  comim.uniiy,  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  pulpit, 
that  the  Indians  are  a  part  of  God's 
chosen  peopio,  and  are  destined,  by 
heaven,  to  inherit  tiiis  land,  in  common 
^yith  themselves.  We  do  not  vouch 
for  the  correctness  of  these  statements; 
but  whether  they  are  true  or  false, 
their  effect  has  been  the  same  in  exci- 
ting our  community.  In  times  oC  great- 
er tranquility,  such  ridiculous  remarks 
might  well  bo  regarded  as  the  (.fTspring 
of  phrenzied  fanaticism.  But  at  this 
time  our  defenceless  situation  on  the 
froutier,  the  bloody  disasters  of  our 
fellow  citizens-    m   Florida    and   other 


parts  of  the  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 
coml)ined  to  raise  a  prejudice  again&t 
them;  and  a  feeling  of  hostility,  that  the 
first  spark  may,  and  we  deeply  fear, 
will  ignite  into  all  the  horrors  and  des- 
olations of  a  civil  war:  the  worst  evil 
that  can  befall  any  country.  We, 
therefore,  feci  it  our  duly  to  com.e  for- 
ward, as  mediators,  and  use' every 
means  in  our  power,  to  prevent  the  oc- 
currence of  so  great  an  evil.  As  tho 
mo£t  cfHcient  m':;ans  to  arrest  the  evil, 
v.-c  urge  on  the  Morm.ons,  to  use  every 
means,  to  put  an  immediate  stop  io  tho 
emigration  of  their  people,  to  this  coun- 
ty. We  earnestly  urge  them  to  seek 
s(  m.e  other  abiding  place,  where  the 
rnanners,  the  habits  and  customs  of  the 
people  will  be  more  consonant  with 
their  ov.-n.  For  this  purpose  we  would 
aciviso  them  to  exploie  tho  territory  of 
Wisconsin.  This  country  is  peculiarly 
suited  to  their  condil'on  &  their  v/ants. 
It  is  almost  entirely  unsettled;  they  can 
there  procure  large  bodies  of  land  to- 
gether, where  there  are  no  settlements, 
and  ncne  to  interfere  with.  them..  It  ia 
a  territory  in  which  slavery  is  prohib- 
ited, and  it  is  settled  entirely  wish  em- 
igrants from  the  North  and  East.  The 
religious  tenets  of  this  people  are  so 
different  from  the  present  churches  of 
the  age,  thct  they  ahvays  have  and  al- 
ways v/ill,  c::citedeep  prejudices  against 
them,  in  any  populous  ccu>ntry  v.hero 
they  mr^y  locate.  We  ihereiorc,  in  a 
spirit  of  frank  and  friendly  kindnesy, 
do  r.dvise  them  to  seek  a  home  where 
they  may  obtain  largo  and  seperato 
bodies  of  land,  and  have  a  community 
of  their  own.  W^e  further  say  to  them, 
if  they  regard  their  own  safety  and 
welfare — if  they  regard  the  welfare  of 
their  families,  their  wives  and  children, 
they  will  ponder  with  deep  and  solemn 
reflection  on  this  friendly  admonition. 
If  they  have  one  spark  of  gratitude, 
they  v/ill  not  willingly  plunge  a  people 
into  civil  war,  who  held  out  to  them 
the  friendly  hand  of  assistance  in  that 
hour  of  dark  distress,  when  there  was 
few  to  say,  God  save  them.  We  can 
only  say  to  them  that  if  the)^  still  per- 
sist in  the  blind  course,  tliey  have  here- 
tofore followed,  in  flooding  the  county 
with  their  people,  that  we  fea--  and 
firmly  believe  that  an  immediate  civil 
war  is   tiie    iaevitable   consequence, — 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCAtF. 


Wo  know  that  tliere  is  not  one  among 
MS,  who  thirsts  for  the  blood  of  that 
people.  We  do  not  contend  that  \\c 
have  the  least  right,  under  the  consti- 
tution and  laws  of  the  country,  to  ex- 
pel them  by  force.  But  we  would  in- 
deed be  blind,  if  we  did  not  foresee  that 
the  llrst  blow,  that  is  struck  at  this  mo- 
ment of  deep  excitement,  must  and  will 
speedily  involve  every  individual  in  a 
v.ar,  bearing  ruin,  woo,  and  desolation 
in  its  course.  It  mattors  !)iUlit>le  how, 
where,  or  by  whom  the  war  may  be- 
gin, when  the  work  of  destruction  com- 
mences, wc  must  all  be  bor^ie  onward 
•by  the  storm,  or  crushed  beneath  its 
fury.  In  a  civil  war  when  our  homes 
is  the  theatre,  on  which  it  is  fought, 
■there  can  be  no  neutrals;  let  our  opin- 
ions be  what  thoy  may,  wc  must  tight 
-in  self-defence.  We  want  nothing,  wo 
-xsk  nothing,  v/e  woidd  have  nothing 
•from  this  people.  We  only  ask  them, 
lor  their  own  safety,  and  for  ours,  to 
•take  the  least  of  the  two  evils.  Most 
of  them  are  -uestitute  of  land,  have  bu^ 
liitle  properly,  are  late  emigrants  to 
-this  country,  without  relations,  friends, 
■or  endearing  ties,  to  bind  them  to  this 
land  at  the  risk  of  such  imminent  peril 
to  them  and  to  u.-3.  We  request  them 
to  leave  us,  when  their  crops  are  gath- 
ered, their  business  settled,  and  they 
have  made  every  suitable  preparation 
to  reniove.  Those  who  h'lve  40  acreii 
of  land,  we  are  willing,  siiall  remain 
until  they  can  dispose  of  it  without  loss 
if  it  should  require  years.  But  we 
urge,  most  strongly  urge,  that  emigra- 
tion cease,  and  ci;ase  inmiediately,  n.s 
nothing  else  can  or  will  allay  for  a  mo- 
ment, the  deep  excitement  that  is  now 
unhapily  agitating  this  community.  If 
-the  Mormons  v/dl  comply  with  thf  so 
friendly  requisitions,  wi;  will  use  every 
exertion,  among  our  own  citizens,  to 
arrest  this  evil  before  it  is  forever  too 
■late;  but  if  they  arc  disregard(!d,  we 
can  pro.nise  neitiier  them  or  ourselv^-.'', 
n  I()i!g  continujition  of  the  blessings  of 
peace  and  harmony. 

1st.  Therefore,  Iw  it  resolved  by  this 
meeting,  \h\l  they  view,  with  feelings 
of  the  d  ;e|iest  rogret,  il;e  present  un- 
happy situition  of  our  country. 

tind  'That  it  i.;  the  fixod  am!  .scttieu, 
couviciiou  of  t'nis  meeting,  that  unless] 
t'v  '/  cnlled  Mormms.i 


8^ 

selves  from  it,  a  civil  war  is  inevitable, 
I  3d.  That  a  committee  of  ten  be  ap- 
pointed, to  make  known  to  ti;e  leaders 
of  that  people,  the  views  of  this  meet- 
ing, and  to  urge  i.pon  them  the  pro- 
priety of  acceding  to  these  propoai' 
tions. 

4th.  That  said  committee  consist  of 
Andrew  Robertson,  Michael  Arthur, 
LiitleberPy-  Sublet,  John  Baxter,  Jas-. 
M.  Hughes,  W.  J.  Moss,  John  Bird, 
Peter  Rogers,  W,  T.  Wood  and  J.  T. 
V.  Thompson,  who  shall  meet  on  to* 
morrow  at  t!;e  house  of  Mr.  C'owen  and 
confer  with  the  Mormons  and  report 
to  this  meeting  as  soon  thereafter  as 
convenient,  the  ivply  of  the  Mormons 
to  these  requisitions. 

5th.  That  if  the  Mormons  agree  to 
these  propositions  we  will  use  every 
means  in  our  power  to  a'lay  the  ex- 
citem^v?nt  among  our  own  citizens  and 
to  get  them  to  await  the  result  of  these 
things. 

6th.  That  it  is  the  opinion  of  this 
meeting  that  the  recent  emigrants  a- 
mong  the  Mormons  should  take  meas- 
ures to  leave  this  county  immediately 
as  they  have  no  crops  on  hand  and  no- 
thiiig  to  lose  by  continuing  their  jour- 
ney to  some  more  friendly  land. 

On  motion  cf  Col.  Wm.  T,  Wood, 
the  Preamble  and  Res. lutions  were 
unanimously  adopted. 

Be  it  resolved  that  this  meeting  ad- 
journ  until  Saturday  next. 

JOHN  BIRD,  Chair, 

JcfiN  F,  Don  RUT  V,  See. 


Kirlland,  Geauga  Ccmntij,  Ohio, 
July  25,  Ibafi. 

To  John  Tknrnto':},  Esq,,  Peter  Roger g^ 
Esq.j  Andrew  Robertson,  Esq.,  James 
7'.  V.  Thompson,  Esq.,  Col.  William, 
T.  Wood,  Boot  Woodson  J.  Moss, 
James  M.  Hughs,  Esq.,  David  R. 
Atchison,  Esq,  and  A.  W.  Dont- 
■phan,  Esq. 
Gkntlkme.n, — 

We  have  just  peruseil,  with  feel- 
ings of  doep  interest,  an  article  in  the 
"Far  Wost,"  printed  at  Liberty,  Clay 
Cojntv,  ^  o.  contninlng  t'lo  tuoceed- 
Higs.  .)!  a  public  angeling  of  the  citizens 
of  said  county,  upon  tho  siibject  of  an 
exdilement  now  prevailing  among  you 
occasioned,  either  from  false  reports 
Si'j.:.t  1  St  the  chvM-ch  of  Latter  Day  Saicts, 
'.r  trom  me  lact,    th«ii    fcuid  churcU   is 


a56 

dangerous  to  the  welfare  of  your  coun 
♦ry,  and  will,  if  euffereri  among  you, 
cause  the  ties  of  peace  and  friendship, 
»o  desirable  among  all  men,  U)  be  burst 
•sunder,  and  bring  war  and  desolation 
upon  your  now  pleasant  homes. 

Under  existing  circumstances,  while 
rumor  is  afloat  with  her  accustomed 
cunning,  and  while  public  opinion  is 
fesl  setting,  like  a  flood-tide  against  the 
members  of  said  church,  we  cannot 
but  admire  the  candor  with  which  your 
preamble  and  resolutions  were  clothed, 
a«  presented  to  the  meeting  of  the  citi- 
zens of  Clay  county,  on  the  29th  of 
June  last.  Though,  as  you  expressed 
in  your  report  to  said  meeting — "We 
do  not  contend  that  we  have  the  least 
right,  under  the  constitution  and  laws 
01  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 
»ave  diflUculty,  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  effusion  of  blood, 
and  save  disasters  consequent  upon 
civil  war,  we  take  this  opportunity  to 
present  to  you,  though  strangers,  and 
through  you,  if  you  wish,  to  the  people 
of  Clay  county,  our  heart-felt  gratitude 
for  every  kindness  rendered  our  friends 
in  afiliclioD,  when  driven  from  their 
peaceful  homos,  and  to  yourselves,  al- 
so, for  the  prudent  course  in  the  pre- 
rsent  excited  state  of  your  community. 
But,  jn  doing  this,  justice  to  ourselves, 
as  communicants  of  that  church  to 
which  our  friends  belong,  and  duty  to- 
wards them  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 of  the  whims  and  vain  notions 
of  some  few  uninformed,  with  claiming 
that  upper  country,  and  thet  ere  long 
they  were  to  possess  it,  at  all  hazards, 
and  in  defiance  of  all  consequences. — 
This  is  unjust  and  far  from  a  founda- 
tiohy  In  truth.     A  thing   not  expected, 


MK6SK.\GEIl  A."^l>  ADVOCATIL 


not  looked  for,  not  desired  by  this  eo- 
ciety,  as  a  people,  and  where  the  idea 
could  have  originated  is  unknown  to 
us — We  do  not,  neither  did  we  ever 
insinuate  a  thing  of  this  kind,  or  hear 
it  from  the  leading  men  of  the  society, 
BOW  in  your  country.  There  is  no- 
thing in  all  our  religious  "aith  to  war- 
rant it,  but  on  the  contrary,  the  most 
strict  injunctions  to  live  in  obedience 
to  thtt  laws,  and  follow  peace  with  alJ 
men.  And  we  doubt  not,  but  a  recur- 
rence to  the  Jackson  county  difficulties, 
with  our  friends,  will  folly  satisfy  you, 
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  have  been, 
&  are  still,  clearly  under  the  conviction, 
that  had  our  friends  been  disposed, 
they  might  have  maintained  their  pos- 
sessions in  Jackson  county.  Tkcy 
might  have  resorted  to  the  same  bar- 
barous means  with  their  neighbors, 
throwing  down  dwellings,  threatening 
lives,  driving  innocent  women  and 
children  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  hod  sacred  rights,  and 
more  still,  they  had  helpless  harmless 
innocence,  with  an  approving  con- 
science that  they  had  violated  no  law 
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,) v/ithout  homes.  We  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 
sufffjr  their  rights  to  be  taken  from 
them  before  shedding  blood. 

Another  charge  brought  against  our 
friends  is  that  of  being  dangerous  in 
societies  "where  slavery  is  tolerated 
and  practiced."  Without  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  we  forward 
to  each  of  you.     From  the   Ieng;th  of 


MKSSLNOliR  A.ND  \DVu<:ATI: 


.^1' 

M 


time  which  has  transpired  since  its  pub- 
lication, you  can  easily  see,  that  it  was 
put  forth  for  no  otlier  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,  particularly,  is 
because  many  of  our  friends  who  are 
now  at  the  west,  wero  in  this  place 
when  tills  pa[)er  made  its  appearance, 
and  from  personal  observation  gave  it 
their  decided  approbation,  and  expres- 
sed those  sentiments  to  be  tlieir  own, 
in  the  fullest  particular. 

Another  charge  of  great  magnitude  is 
biought  against  our  friends  in  liie  we;;: 
— of  "koopiiuT  up  a  c:mstant  communi- 
cation with  liie  Indian  tribes  on  our  fron- 
tier, with  declaring,  even  from  the  pul- 
pit, that  the  Indiansarc  a  part  of  God's 
chosen  people,  and  are  destined,  by 
heaven,  to  inherit  this  land,  in  com- 
jnon  with  themselves."  Wo  know  of 
nothing,  under  the  present  aspect  of 
our  Indian  relations,  calculated  to  rouse 
the  fears  of  the  people  of  the  Upper 
Missouri,  more  than  a  combination  or 
influence  ol  this  natuie;  and  we  can- 
not look  upon  it  other  than  one  of  the 
most  subtle  purposes  of  those  whose 
feelings  are  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  was 
afloat  that  the  Western  Indians  w«re 
showing  signs  of  war,  we  have  receiv- 
ed frequent  private  letters  from  our 
friends,  who  have  not  only  expressed 
fears  for  their  own  safety,  in  ease  the 
Indians  should  break  out,  but  a  decided 
determination  to  be  among  the  first  to 
repel  any  invasion,  and  defend  the 
frontier  from  all  hostilities.  We  men- 
tion the  last  fact,  because  it  was  wholly 
uncalled  for  on  our  part,  and  came 
previous  to  any  excitement  on  the  jiart 
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  they  are  making  or 
are  like  to,  the  same  ''their  perma- 
nent home,  the  centf^rand  g^nern!  len- 
dezvous  of  their  peoj)l»i."  We  huvt- 
never  understood  such  to  be  the  pur- 
pose, wish  or  design  of  this  society; 
hut  on  thf  contrary,    ha^c  evor  suppo- 


sed, that  those  who  resided  in  Cl&y 
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  honjes  in 
Jackson  county.  And  such  as  had  not 
possessions  there,  could  purchase  to 
the  entire  5-utisfaction  and  interest  of 
the  pco])le  of  Jackson  county. 

Having  partially  mentioned  the  lead- 
ing objections  urged  against  our  friends^ 
we  would  here  add,  that  it  has  notbeeu 
done  with  a  view  on  our  part,  to  dia- 
siiadt;  you  from  acting  in  strict  con- 
formitv  with  your  i)reamble  and  reso- 
lutions, offered  to  the  people  of  Clay 
oountN ,  on  the  29tli  ult.  but  from  a 
sense  of  duty  to  a  people  embarrassed, 
persecuied  and  afflicted.  For  you  aro 
av/are,  gentlemen,  that  in  times  of  ex- 
citement, virtues  are  transformed  into 
vices,  acts,  which  in  other  cases,  and 
under  other  circumstances,  would  bo 
considered  upright  and  honorable,  in- 
terpreted contraty  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  fron^ 
those  whoso  bosoms  are  warmed  with 
those  pure  principles  of  patriotism  with 
which  you  have  been  guided  in  the 
present  instance,  to  secure  the  peace 
of  vour  county,  and  save  a  per3ecute4 
people  from  further  violence,  and  desr 
truction? 

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,  hav^ 
a  less  claim  upon  that  county.  Wo 
do  not  deny  the  fact,  that  our  friends 
arc  poor;  but  their  persecutions  have 
helped  to  render  them  so.  While  oth-. 
er  men  were  peacefully  following  their 
avocations,  and  extending  their  iuteiv 
est,  they  have  been  deprived  of  tho 
right  of  citizenship,  prevented  from  en- 
joying their  own,  charged  with  viola- 
latiug  the  sacred  principles  of  oux 
constitution  and  laws;  made  to  feel 
the  keenest  aspersions  of  the  tongue 
of  slander,  waded  through  all  but 
death,  and,  are  now  sulTering  under 
calumnies  calculated  to  excite  tho  in- 
dignation and  hatred  of  every  pcKJple 
among  whom  they  may  dwell,  thnreby 
'.'.xpoving  t'tiem  to  do»tf uctioa  and  inev- 
itable ruin! 

If  ii  people,  a  communityt  or  a  coci- 
rtv,  can    accumuln'e  wealth,    incr»a3»- 


3^ 


rvrsssEN'GEa  ^\ no- AirvocvTE. 


n  worldly  fortune,  improve  in  scisnce 
3r.^  ^.:"3,  /i--  --■  .  :"''cuc??  iji  t-he  eyes 
of  the  public,  surmount  these  difficul- 
ties, so  tnuch  as  to  bid  defiance  to  pov- 
erty and  vvretclieilness,  it  must  be  anev/ 
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  friem:1<i  are  not  in- 
dustrious, and  temperate,  and  wherein 
they  have  not  always  been  the  last  to 
retaliate  or  resent  an  injury,  and  the 
frst  to  overlook  and  forgive.  We  do 
not  urge  that  there  are  not  exceptions 
to  be  found:  all  communiti.es,  all  soci- 
eties and  associations,  are  cumbered 
with  disorderly  and  less  virtuous  mem- 
bers— mem.bers  who  violate  in  a  great- 
er or  less  degree  the  principles  of  the 
same.  But  this  can  be  no  just  criteri- 
on by  which  to  judge  a  wliole  society. 
And  further  still,  where  a  people  are 
laboring  under  constant  iear  of  being 
dispossessed,  very  little  inducement  is 
held  out  to  excite  ihem  to  be  industri- 
ous. 

We  think,  gentlemen,  that  we  have 
pursued  this  subject  far  enough,  and 
we  here  express  to  you,  as  we  have  in 
a  letter  accompanying  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  desist, 
only  in  extreme  cases  of  self-defence; 
and  in  this  case  not  to  give  the  oflence 
@r  provoke  their  fellov/  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  would  be  the  last  to  advise  our 
friends  to  shed  the  blood  of  men,  or 
commit  one  act  to  endanger  the  public 
peace. 

We  have  no  doubt  but  our  friends 
will  leave  your  county.  Sisoner  or  later, 
— they  have  not  only  i-ignified  the  same 
%o  us,  but  we  have  advised  them  so  to 
do,  as  fast  as  they  can  without  incur- 
ring too  much  loss.  It  m.ay  he  said 
that  they  have  but  little  to  lose  if  they 
lose  the  whole.  But  if  they  have  but 
LiitJe,  that  Utile  is  their  all,  and  the 
imperious  demands  of  the  helpless,  urge 
them  to  muke  a  prudent  dis[)Osal  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  land, 
4ec.  which  it  suffered,  our  fears  are  at 


once  h'.jshed,  and  we  have  every  rea- 
son to  believe,  that  during  the  remain- 
ing part  of  the  residence  uf  oar  friends 
in  your  count)',  the  same  feelings  of 
friendship  and  kindness  v/ill  continue 
to  exist,  that  have  heretofore,  and  that 
when  they  leave  you,  you  will  have  no 
reflection  of  sorrov/  to  cast,  that  they 
have  been  sojourners  among  you. 

'i'o  what  distance  or  place  they  will 
remove,  we  are  untxbie  to  say:  in  tln» 
they  must  be  dictated  with  judgment 
and  prudence.  They  may  explore  the 
Territory  of  Wisconsin — they  may  re- 
move there,  or  they  may  stop  on  the 
other  side — of  this  v/e  are  unable  to 
say;  but  be  they  where  they  v.  ill,  we 
have  this  gratifying  reflection,  that  they 
hvive  never  bceu  the  first,  in  an  unjust 
manner,  to  violate  the  laws,  injure  their 
fellow  men,  or  disturb  the  tranquility- 
and  peace  under  which  any  pait  of  our 
country  has  heretofore  lenosed.  And 
we  cannot  but  believe,  thaters long  the 
public  mind  must  undergo  a  change, 
when  it  will  appear  to  the  satisfaction 
of  all  that  this  people  have  been  illy 
treated  and  :. bused  without  cause,  and 
when,  as  justice  would  demand,  those 
who  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  men,  yet  we  are  aware 
that  the  sole  foundation  of  all  the  per- 
secution against  our  friends,  has  ari- 
sen in  Consequence  of  the  calumnies- 
and  misconstructions,  without  founda- 
tion in  trutb,  or  righteousness,  in  com- 
mon with  all  other  religious  societies, 
at  their  first  commencenient;  and  should 
Providcijce  order  that  we  rise  not  as 
others  before  us,  to  respectability  and 
esteem,  but  be  trodden  down  by  the 
ruthless  hand  of  extermination,  poster- 
ily  will  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  acts 
and  forbearance  of  a  people,  who  sa- 
crificed their  reputation  for  their  reli- 
gion, and  their  earthly  fortunes  and 
hap[)iness,  to  preserve  peacj,  and  save 
this  land  from  being  further  drenched- 
in  blood. 

We  have  no  doubt  but  your  very 
seasonable  mediation,  in  the  time  of  so 
great  an  cx:;itement,  will  accomplish 
your  most  sanguine  desire,  in  prevent- 
ing   further   disorder:    and  we    hopoj 


MLSSENGEn  AND  ADVOCATE. 


gcniicriien,  that  while  you  retlect  upon 
the  fact,  that  the  citizens  of  Cia.y  coun- 
ty Ju-o  urgent  for  our  ^rietJd'^  to  leave 
you,  that  you  will  also  boar  in  mind, 
that  by  thoir  comjilyiug  with  your  re- 
quest to  Icavn,  is  surrendoring  some  of 
the  dearcbtiigiits  and  lirst,  among  those 
inherent  princijiics:,  g;:aranlec(J  in  the 
coftstitution  of  our  country;  and  that 
liunian  natuso  can  bo  driven  to  a  cer- 
tain extent,  ^^  hen  it  wiU  yield  no  far- 
ther. Therefore,  while  our  fiiends 
sujfcr  so  nuieh,  and  forego  so  many 
^aored  rights,  v.e  bincereiy  hope,  and 
v.e  have  every  reason  1j  eipeel  it,  that 
a  suit-ahlo  forbearance  may  be  shown 
by  the  people  of  Clay,  uuich  if  dun'.*, 
the  cloud  that  has  b. -en  obscuring  your 
lioriz.-in,  wi!!  disperse,  and  you  bo  loft 
to  enjoy  |ieace,  haiiiionv  and  proapcr- 

With  seulinients  of  e;  teem  and  pro- 
found rcsijecl,  wo  arc,  gmtionjon,  your 
obodiont  scrvanLs. 

S;iDNi::Y  RIGDON, 
JOSEPH  SMiTIi,  Jr. 
O.  COWDI^KY, 
F.  G.   WILLIAMS, 
HYRUM  SMiTLL 


liirUand,  Ohio,  July  23,  183G. 
Dear.  Brethren: — Yours  of  the  1st 
mst.  accompanying  the  p-roceedings  of 
a  public  meeting,  held  by  the  people  of 
Clay,  v/aa  duly  received.  \Vn  aic 
sorry  that  this  disturbance  has  broken 
out-— wc  do  not  consider  it  oar  fault. 
Y'ou  are  better  acquai.'ited  with  circum- 
stances than  v/o  are,  and  of  courae 
have  been  directed  in  wi-idori)  in  you; 
moves,  P.dative  to  leaving  the  county. 
Wo  forv.ard  you  our  lult«;r  to  Mr. 
Thornton  and  others,  that  you  may 
know  all  wo  have  said.  We  advise 
tiiat  you  be  not  the  first  aggres.so.rs — 
give  no  occasion,  and  if  the  |;ct^ple  wll 
let  you  dispose  of  your  property,  set- 
tle your  aifair:;.  and  go  in  {>eace,  ;i'i. 
You  have  thu  i  far  had  an  asylum,  and 
now  r.cck  anolhcr  a.s  (jod  may  direct. 
Keltclivc  to  your  going  to  Wiscon.sin, 
wc  cannot  say,  wo  should  think  If  you 
could  slop  short,  in  j)«ace  you  h.ad  bet- 
tor. You  know  our  leelings  relative 
to  not  giving  tiio  first  orfonce,  and  also 
of  protecting  your  wives  and  little 
ones  in  case  a  mob  should  seek  their 
livci.     Wc  shall   publish  the  pfoceed- 


things  as  they  Irunspirc.  If  we  arg 
per.secnted  and  driven  ir.on  shall  know 
it- 
Be  wise,  let  prudence  dictate  all 
v».-ur  counsels,  preserve  peace  with  all 
n)cu,  il  vossibic,  stand  by  the  constitu- 
tion of  your  country,  observe  its  prin- 
ciples, and  vibove  all,  ^ow  yourbclves 
men  of  God,  v/orthy.  citizens,  and  v/a 
doub!  not,  commnnity  ere  long,  will  do 
you  jutlico,  and  rise  in  indignation 
against  (hose  who  are  tho  instigators  of 
your  sutlbring  and  aflliction. 

Ib   the  bond?;  of  brotherly  love   va 
subscribe  ourselves,  ns  ever. 

SIDNEY  IUGDO\. 
J03i:PB  :^^MITH,  J. 
OLIVER  COWDEHY, 
¥.  G.  W!LLL\MS, 
llY.RU.M  SMITH. 
To  W,  ^V.  l'ni;ips  end  oihors. 


PUBLIC  MEETING. 
Tho  citizens  of  Clay  County  met, 
pcrsuant  to  adjournmonf.  The  Chair- 
man and  secretary,  resumed  iheir  sta- 
tions, when  the  cfjrnmiltee  appointed 
by  a  public  meeting  lio'd  at  the  Court 
[lousC  in  the  town  of  Liberty  on  Wed- 
nesday inn','  27  to  confer  v.dlh  the  Mor- 
mon Leadens  and  to  present  to  them 
the  Preamble  and  Kesokitions  passed 
by  -aid  meeting,  Mot  according  to 
the  appointment  at  tne  Hou^c  of  Mr. 
Cowan  and  througli  the  Chairmau  of 
the  Committee  Woodson  J.  Moss  re- 
ported to  tiie  meeting  the  response  of 
the  Mormons  to  the  i^reamble  and  res- 
olutions passed  at  the  aifuresaid  Meet- 
ing on  Wednesday,  the  20th.,  which 
is  i;s  follows. 

At  a  respectable  meeting  of  ilie  El- 
di-rs  of  the  church  of  Laltcr^Day  Saints, 
held  in  Ciav  county.  Mo.  on  Friday,  the 
1st  day  of  July,  ISSG:  W.  W.  Phelps 
was  callcid  to  the  Chair,  and  .lohu  Cor- 
rill  a}>pointcd  Secretary.  The  pream- 
ble and  resolutions  from  a  meeting  of 
citizens  was  read  and  n  committee  of 
twelve,  viz.  E.  Partridge,  L  ?.lorlcv, 
L.  M'ight,  T.  B.  Marsh,  E.  Higbev, 
C.  liecbe,  .L  Hitchcock,  \.  Iligboy,  S. 
Bent,  T.  Dillings,  .1.  Emctt  and  P.  Ev- 
ans, were  appointed  who  retired,  and 
after  a  short  time  reported  the  tbllow- 
ing  pr -"amble  and  resolutionj: 

I  hat  we  (the    l^.Iormons  6o   called,) 


mgs  of  the  publi<;  meeting,    v.ith  your  are  grateful  for  tho  kindness  which  has 
answer,   as    well    a;  our   letter.      \V 


mean  tint   th«    world    ehall    know   all 


been  ehown  to  U3  by   tho   citizeni   of 
'^f^v,  sine*'  wc  havp  restd<»d  withtb<^m, 


m 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


nnd  being  desirous  for  peace  and  wish 
ilig  the  good  rather  than  the  ill-will  of 
niankihd,  will  use  all  honorable  means 
to  allay  the  excitement,  and  so  far  as 
we  can,  remove  -»any  foundation  for 
jealousies  against^s  as  a  people.  We 
are  aware  that  n^rry  rumors  prejudi- 
cial to  us  as  a  sof.iety  are  afloat,  and 
time  only  can  prove  their  falsity  to  the 
world  at  large.  We  deny  having  claim 
to  this  or  any  other  county  or  cntin- 
try  further  than  wo  purchase  with  rao- 
mey,  or  more  than  fie  constitution  and 
laws  allow  us  as  free  American  citi- 
zens. We  have  taken  ao  part  for  or 
against  slavery,  but  are  o|>po8ed  60 
the  abolitionists,  and  consider  that  mei» 
have  a  right  to  hold  slaves,  or  not  ac- 
cording to  law.  We  believe  it  just  to 
preach  the  gospel  to  the  itatiosis  of  the 
earth,  and  warn  the  righteous  o  save 
themselves  from  the  corruptions  of  the 
world,  but  we  do  not  believe  it  right  to 
interfere  with  bond  servants  nor  preach 
the  gospel  to,  nor  meddle  with,  or  in- 
fluence them  in  the  least  to  cause  then^ 
to  be  dissatisfied  with  their  situation  in 
this  life,  thereby  jeopardizing  the  lives 
of  men.  Such  interference  we  b3!i3ve 
to  be  unlawful  and  unjust,  and  danger- 
ous to  the  peace  of  eveiy  government 
allowing  human  beings  tr>  be  held  in 
servitude.  We  deny  holdins  any  com- 
munications with  the  Indian-^,  &  mean 
to  hold  ourselves  as  ready  to  defend 
our  country  against  their  barbarous  ra- 
vages as  any  other  people.  We  be- 
lieve that  all  men  are  bound  to  sustain 
and  uphold  tlie  respective  governments 
in  which  they  reside,  while  protected 
in  their  inherent  and  unalienable  rights 
by  the  laws  of  such  governments;  aiid 
that  sedition  and  rebellion  are  unbecom- 
ing every  citizen  thus  prot'^cicd,  and 
should  be  punished  acco.dingly.  It  is 
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  requisitions  of  their 
resolutions  in  leaving   the   county   of 


Cl^v. 


-, plaine-j    by    the    preamble 


accompanying  the  same;  and  that  we 
will  use  our  exertions  to  have  the 
•hurch  do  the  »an>e;  nni    t^at  wc  will 


also  exert  ourselves  to  stop  the  tide  of 
emigration  ofou-r  people  to  this  coutity, 

2^d  Resolved,  That  we  accept  of 
the  friendly  offer  verbally  tendered  to- 
us,  by  the  committee  yesterday,  to  as- 
sist us  m  seieeting  a  locution  asd  re- 
moving to  it. 

3d.  Resolved,  unanimously,,  that tftis- 
meeting  accept  and  adopt  the  above 
preamble  and  re«!olutions  which  are 
here  presented  by  the  commitJee,. 

4L\i.  Resolved,  That  T.  B.  Marshy 
L.  Wight  and  S,  Bent  be  a  committfee 
to  carry  these  proceedings  to  the  meet- 
ing of  the  citizens  of  Clay,  to  be  held 
to-morrow,  at  Liberty. 

The  above  was  unanfmotral'j-  adoptr- 
ed  by  the  meeting. 

W.  W.  PHELPS, 

Chairman- 
John  Corrill,  Secretary*. 

Jtesohed,  Tliat  this  meefmg  do  ac- 
cept and  receive  the  reply  of  the  Mor- 
mons to  the  resolution  passed  osi.Wedr» 
laesday  the  29th  June  a&  perfectly  sat- 
isfactory. 

Be  tt  Further  Resolvedhy  this  mcef- 
ing  that  we  will  use  our  utmost  en- 
deavors to  carry  into  effect  the  object 
contained  in  tlie  pj-eamble  ajyd  resolu- 
tions passed  on  Wednesday  the  29tb 
and  as  agreed  to  by  the  Mormons. 

Be  it  further  Resolved,  That  we- 
urge  it  on  our  fellow  citizens  to  keep 
the  peace  towards  the  Mormons  a* 
good- fai^h.  Justice,  Morality  aad  Reli- 
gion require  us. 

Be  it  further  Resolved,  That  a 
Committee  of  ten  persons,  two  tn  each 
township  be  appointed  to  raise  money 
by  subscription  to  aid  those  of  the  Mbr* 
mons  who  may  from  necessity  require 
it  to  leave  this  county. 

Rpsohed,Thixi  Samuel  Tillery,  Jec- 
emiah  Migner,  and  Abraham  Shafer,. 
be  appointed  a  committee  to  receive 
the  pecuniary  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 
the  church  be  requested  to  report  the 
above  named  persons  to  the  aforesaid 
committee  who  v/ill  judge  of  the  proofs- 
and  tacts  entitling  the  mormons  to  pe- 
cuniary aid  and  appropriate  the  funds 
accordivielv. 

Resolved,  That  said  committee  be 
authorised  to  employ  some  suitable 
pecson  to  accomc«ny  those  tKftt   inaji 


MESSENGER  AA'D  ADVOCATE. 


861 


wish  to  examine  a  new  country,  it  is 
also  understood  that  if  the  money  which 
may  be  receivefi  by  the  committee  is 
not  appropriated  for  the  purpose  above 
named  it  shall  be  refunded  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  Liberty  Township.  John  Thorn- 
ton, Joe!  Turnham,  Peter  Rogers, 
John  Bird,  David  Atchison, 

For  Fishing  River  Toxonship.  Eii- 
aha  Cameron,  E.  Price.  G.  Withers 
M,  Welton,  James  Kazuy, 

For  Platte  Township.  T.  C.  Gor- 
don, S.  Harris,  W.  Owens,  L  Rollins 
J.  Marsh, 

For  Wdishinglon  Township.  B.  Ri- 
ley, S.  Crawford,  T.  Findley,  G.  Mc 
Ilvaine,  P.  Y.  G.  Bartee, 

For  Gallatin  Township.  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 
the  adjoining  counties.  We  also  rec- 
ommend the  inhabitants  of  ti>e  neigh- 
boring counties  to  assist  the  Mormons 
i/i  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  meecting  be  handed  over  to  the 
publishers  of  the  Far  West  with  a  re- 
quest that  it  be  printed. 

Which  was  severally  read,  and  u- 
nanimousl3'  adopted, 

On  motion  the  meeting  adjourned. 
JOHN  BIRD,  Chair. 
JOHN  F.  DOHERTY,  Sec. 
Liberty,   July  2d,  1836. 


(^By  request.) 
Married — In  Hickrran   Co.  Tenn 
on  tlie  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  i7lh  u.t.  ufan  inflamalion  on  the 
brain,  George,  son  of  br.  Jacob  Bump, 
Rged  12  years. 


Iflesseng^er  and  AdTocate. 


KIRTLANE^  OHIO,  AUGUST,  IS35. 

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  be  recollected  that  our  breth- 
ren went  into  that  county,  purchase<? 
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  possessioDS 
by  a  ruthless  mob  in  the  inclement  sea- 
son of  the  year,  November,  1833,  and 
left  without  any  covering  but  the  opon 
canopy  of  heaven.  It  will  also  be  borne 
in  mind,  that  many  of  their  dwellings 
were  thrown  down — much,  and  i\ 
some  instances  all  their  property  do* 
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. — 
Those  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  heaven  they  had  done  no  more! — 
They  unmercifully  beat  some,  and  de- 
liberately killed  others!  (a  few  only.) 


if^ 


MKSSENCiEn.  .AJVD  ADVOCATE. 


We  say  our  brethren  were  guilty  of 
no  breach  of  the  peace,  had  violated  no 
laio,  and  resisted  no  legal  autliority; 
we  sav  so  without  the  fear  of  contra- 
diction; for  if  Ihey  had  been  guilty, 
the  law,  the  ofTic^rs  to  administer  it, 
and  all  the  force  necessary  to  back 
them,  were  in  the  hands,  and  at  the 
full  and  entire  control  of  their  enemies. 
V/e  say  tney  had  no  law  cither  liunian 
or  divine  to  afford  the  least  pretext,  no 
nor  the  shadow  of  a  pretext  for  such 
conduct  If  they  had  would  thny  not 
have  executed  thai  law,  rather  than 
have  the  opprobrious  epithets  of  perju- 
ry and  murder  affixed  to  their  names 
recorded  on  the  page  of  hisforv  and 
handed  down  to  posterity.  Certainly 
we  think  they  would.  You  will  ask, 
kind  reader,  how  were  they  guilty  of 
perjury.  The  answer  is  a  plain  one. 
The  officers  both  civil  and  military  are 
bound  by  oath  or  affirmation  to  support 
the  constitution  of  the  United  States  and 
the  laws  and  constitution  of  the  state 
of  Missouri.  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-j 
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  brithren 
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  v/as  matter  of 
fact,  and  with  this  they  had  but  little 
to  do.     But  that  it  was  the  real  cause 


you  will  believe  when  we  say  that 
when  six  of  our  brethren  were  in  the 
hands  of  this  IdwlcHs  banditti,  as  a  con- 
dition of  [jcQce  and  friendship  ofiered 
them,  ihey  must  renounce  their  reli- 
gious belief,  and  all  would  be  well. — 
This  they  peremptorily  refused.  The 
only  alternatives  they  had  then  left, 
were  death,  inimediate  death,  or  leave 
the  county. 

No  legal  ]irocess  could  be  had  to 
bring  offending  citizens  to  justice,  their 
crimes  pass  with  impunity  and  inno- 
cent blood  yet  cries  from  the  ground 
for  vengeance.  AH  this  in  an  cnlight- 
ned  land,  a  free  government,  where 
every  free,  vian  at  least  has  a  natural, 
not  only  n  natural  but  a  constitutional 
right,  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.  lie  may 
be  a  Mahomedan,  a  Jew  or  a  Pagan, 
and  he  is  equally  safe;  the  constitution 
covers  the  whole  ground;  it  promises 
him  protection,  hov/cver  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  offence  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  wore  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,  ihe  law,  the  officers  and 
the  power  v/ere  in  the  hands  of  our  en- 
emies. 

Has  the  liberty  of  speech,  the  liber- 
ty of  the  press,  the  liberty  of  conscience, 
become  odious  to  this  religious  genera- 
tion? Is  the  foundation  of  all  liberty, 
civil  and  religious  to  be  sapped  and  the 
beautiful  superstructure  erected  there- 


MCSSE.N'G-R  ASn  ADVOCATi:. 


on  by  our  fathers  to  hi  razed  to  the 
ground  to  gr.atify  whomT  the  whole 
community  bcsidt;  ou,-  bretliron?  no,  a 
L'lv.lcss,  nithi(.'ss,  perjurt'd  banditti  and 
their  accorapiices  in  bigotry,  guilt  rsnd 
crime.  These  same  monsters  in  hu- 
man shape  not  content  with  tlic  blood  of 
a  part  of  our  bretiiiTn  and  with  infiict- 
ing  one  vital  btab  to  the  constitution 
and  laws  of  our  country,  seem  eager  to 
reek  their  hands  in  the  heart's  biood  of 
the  rern'aindor,  and  end  their  satanic 
career  only  with  their  final  extermina- 
tion. They  have  said  they  would  not 
.stop  while  a  single  Mormon's  foot  pres- 
sed their  soil.  Have  our  brethren  at- 
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?  Wc  fear- 
lessly say  no.  Their  manifesto  is  but 
a  bundle  of  falsehoods  perfectly  in  ac- 
cordance with  their  subr;equent  conduct 
— and  the  same  gang  stand  unrcbukcd, 
unpunished,  breathing  out  threatenmgs 
and  slaughter  and  death!  Their  pro- 
ceedings to  which  we  no:o  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  all  governments  that  promise 
protection  to  their  citizens  and  then 
suffer  them  to  be  disfranchised;  their 
pro[)erty  destroyed,  confiscated  or  ta- 
ken without  the  consent  of  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  dcnai  ted  liberty,  and  bid  a 
long  and  lasting  farewell  to  what  o  ir 
.hearts  once  hold  dear.  Is  this  the  way 
to  cure  peofilc  of  folly  or  delusion/ — 
Did  the  mother  of  abominations  with 
her  implements  of  cruelty  and  dieath 
ever  succeed  in  curing  |>€ople  of  here- 
sy and  delusion  with  all   fhcir    refine- 


ment in  bloodshed  and  murder?  Lei 
the  book  of  martyjs  tell!  Lot  tho  his- 
tory of  the  bloody  inquisition  speak! 
Lcl  the  records  of  all  past  ages  testify! 
And  will  not  like  causes  produce  like 
effects?  Certainly  then  let  reason  and 
common  sense  sit  in  judgment  and  we 
join  issue  and  abide  the  award. 

W'c  look  at  the  case  negatively  also; 
what  have  we  not  done?  We  have  not 
claimed  any  man's  silver,  gold,  houses 
or  lands,  rrjan-servants  or  maid-eorv- 
ants,  camels  or  asses,  without  his  con- 
sent and  a  fair  equivalent.  We  have 
not  violated  any  known  law  of  our  coun- 
try. Wc  have  not  m.olostcd  any  man 
in  tho  peaceable  enjoyment  of  any  of 
his  vested  rights,  and  wc  say  affirma- 
tively that  wc  neither  claim  nor  ask 
any  rights  or  privilege  otlier  than  tb« 
constitution  and  laws  guarantee  to  all 
its  peaceable  citizens.  What  then  is 
the  cause?  We  have  taken  the  liberly 
to  think  diiTcrently  from  the  professing 
christian  world  and  have  preached  and 
proclaimed  our  sentiments;  and  not  on- 
ly so,  we  have  spread  them  on  [laper 
and  invited  investigation;  and  when  we 
have  been  met  in  the  field  with  scrip- 
ture, reason  and  fair  argument,  our 
opposcrs  retire  with  shame  from  the 
unequal  contest  Here  then  is  one 
cause  and  perhaps  the  head  and  front 
of  our  offending.  Did  men  anciently 
suffer  because  they  testified  that  they 
had  seen  angels  and  held  intercouse 
with  the  upper  vs'orld? 

Did  men  anciently  who  received  tho 
lively  oracles  of  truth  and  recorded 
them  for  our  instruction,  live  in  peace 
and  die  regretted  by  their  cotempcra- 
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  afflicted  by  the  saints  of  the  most 
high  God?     We  say  th«y  are    not;    if 


messengp:r  and  advocatse. 


m 

so,  we  have  yet  to  learn  for  the  first 
time,  that  the'spirit  which  actuates  our 
pers>3Cutor3  at  the  West  and  elsewhere 
is  the  spirit  of  our  blessed  Redeemer. 
Wg  must  blush  and  hang  our  head  for 
cur  ignorance  now  that  the  frost  of  so 
many  winters  has  gone  over  our  head, 
and  left  us  uninstructed  in  the  funda- 
mental principles  of  our  holy  religion. 
We  had  thought  that  the  religion  of 
Jesus  filled  the  soul  w  ith  love  to  God 
and  man,  and  that  love  worked  no  ill 
to  bis  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  destroy  his  goods, 
and  above  all  that  he  had  not  a  heart 
black  enough  to  drive  females  and  in- 
nocent children  from  their  own  abode 
jn  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- 
flelves  we  are  sorry,  yet  free  to  admit. 
But  will  they  for  a  series  of  days, 
months,  yea,  and  years  too  persist  in 
breathing  out  threatnlngs  and  slaugh- 
ter, against  a  people  whose  only  crime 
for  which  they  are  now  sufFeiing  con- 
sists in  believing  the  scriptures  of  di- 
vince  origm  and  all  that  is  there  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  apologists  for 
such  conduct  or  such  characters  as 
have  signed  the  first  or  last  manifesto 
of  the  Jackson  county  moh,  are  parti- 
cipators in  their  guilt  and  crime. 

We  can  hardly  dismiss  the  subject 
of  our  enemies   in  the  West  and  their 


w  icked  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  tha 
cause  (f  truth.  Even  the  conduct  of 
their  enemies  towards  them  speaks  vol- 
umes in  tavor  of  their  talents,  as  pub- 
h'c  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  without  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  day  of 
June  last,  in  Lawrence,  Lawrence  Co. 
Ohio.  Elder  Seymour  Brunson  of 
this  town  presided,  and  Jesse  T.  Baily 
acted  as  Secretary.  One  elder,  one 
priest  and  one  teacher  were  ordained 
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 
aU  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 list  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 


^4EsseNger  and  abvocail;. 


list  is  large  and  still  increasing,  yet 
without  payment  it  is  the  more  onerous 
for  us  to  bear. 

Our  Elders  abroad,  who  have  pro- 
cured for  us  many  of  our  patrons,  will 
accept  our  grateful  acknowledgments 
for  the  interest  they  have  taken  for  us, 
and  still  remember,  that  it  is  in  their 
power  to  do  us  good  by  making  collec- 
tions of  such  subscribers  as  the}'  may 
have  procured  for  us  and  become  re- 
sponsible at  the  office  for  the  amount 
of  their  subscription. 

We  hope  that  where  there  is  no  el- 
der or  other  responsible  person  by 
^hom  remittances  can  be  made  to  us, 
pome  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  sight,  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  promj)lly;  and  some 
of  thorn  have  rendered  us  essential 
fervice  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  gift  of  a  cup  of  cold  water 
to  a  disciple  entitle  the  donor  to  a  bles- 
sing, certainly  some  of  our  pntrons  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  rc'<nowIedge  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  arc  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  county,  Tenn.  June  28, 1836. 

This  evening,  while  meditating  upon 
the  variegated  scenes  of  human  exist- 
ence, the  ever  fluctuating  current  of 
mortal  life,  which  sometimes  threatens 
to  overwhelm  the  way-wandering  sons 
of  men  like  an  irresistible  torrent,  and 
hurry  them  to  an  untimely  grave,  while 
far  separated  from  those  who  are  bound 
by  the  dearest  ties  of  consanguinity, 
my  mitid  Hits  back  to  those  happy  sea- 
sons 1  have  enjoyed  in  Kirtland,  in  the 
society  of  my  brethren  and  tViends. — 
The  loss  of  this  society 4s  more  than 
usually  impressed  on  my  mind  from  a 
combination  of  circumstances  which 
have  transpired  «^ince  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  Count}  Clerk  ap- 
pointed Secretary.  They  drew  up  re- 
solutions to  drive  all  the  "Mormon" 
(Latter  Day  Saint)  preachers  from 
their  coast.  These  resolutions  wera 
signed  by  the  Sheriff  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  tho 
state  of  Tennessee;  also  military  offi- 
cers who  are  sworn  to  do  the  same. — 
From  Colonels  and  Majors  down  thra* 
all  the  grades  of  officers,  enrolled  their 
nr.mes,  with  thi-^  lawless  baiDuitti,  toi 
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  19th 
inst.  although  almost  every  breeze 
brouglit  us  news  that  tho  mob  intended 
to  carry  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,  &c.;  they  were  led  by  a  Sheriff, 
Colonel,  first  and  second  Major,  with 
some  other  officers,  and  n  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  aud  W.  Woodruff;  iasiwd 


■M 


MiiSSiC-NGLR  AS'O  AUVOCATK. 


on  ccmplnint  of  Mnthow  Wiiliams,  the 
Methodist  priest  and  chairman  spoken 
of  abovo,  who  sware  that  we  had  put 
forth  the  following  false  and  pretended 
prophecy,  viz.  That  Christ  would  come 
the  second  tiino  before  this  g?:neration 
passed  away,  also  that  four  individuals 
should  receive  the  Holy  Ghost  within 
four  and  twenty  hours. 

We  were  credibly  informed,  that  the 
company  that  were  under  the  control 
of  th'.se  noble  chieftains,  consisted  of 
Baptists,  ?tfethodi'it3,  Presbyterians, 
iiarR,  drunkards,  hog  and  hor^e  thieves. 
And  so  determined  were  they  to  force 
U3  off  at  that  late  hour,  that  it  was  with 
much  difficulty  we  could  prevail  on 
them  to  show  ufi  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  two  of  our  brethren. 

They  intended  to  have  led  us  into 
the  woods  under  the  dark  curtain  of 
night,  (the  emblemof  their  conuptand 
wicked  hearts,)  with  the  pretension  of 
taking  us'be fore  the  magistrate,  that 
they  might  the  better  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 persons  assembled  whose  counte- 
nances too  plainly  indicated  tho  black 
designs  of  their  hearts.  Thoy  were 
armed  with  guns,  dirks,  pistols,  clubs, 
sticks,  &c.  At  a  late  hour,  we  pro- 
vailed  on  the  Sheriff  to  have  the  court 
called,  wliich  consisted  of  three  magis- 
trates, one  of  whom  was  rejected  from 
the  judgment  seat  because  some  of  his 
family  were  members  of  our  church. 
The  SheritTthen  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- 
power us  by  their  numbers;  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  hi>!  country  for 
bog  stealing  and  also  had  been  guilvv 
of  concealing  a  stolen  horse  for  which  I 


he  had  loKt  a  part  oi"  his  nose,)  was  ap- 
pointed by  the  court  to  act  as  State's 
Allorne)',  or  in  other  words,  mob  soli- 
citor general,  to  abuse  the  innocent 
and  screen  the  guilty.  We  were  abu- 
sed by  any  and  every  scoundrel  that 
saw  fit  to  do  so,  and  the  court  allowed 
them  this  privilege.  After  ihey  had 
brought  many  of  tho?e  who  had  entered 
into  a  conspiracy  to  witness  against  cs; 
we  called  on  our  witnesses,  but  the 
court  refused  to  hear  any  testimsny  0:1 
our  part,  because  the  mob  objected  and 
tiiey  d.ire  not  do  othf^rwisc,  but  wer<5 
controlled  by  tho  lawless  banditti  that 
surrounded  them  and  us,  who  were  de- 
termined on  our  destruction.  Said  Per- 
kins made  a  plea  against  us,  and  wo 
were  not  permitted  to  roplv  or  speak 
in  our  own  defence.  Thus  ended  this 
mock  trial,  and  the  court  after  retiring 
a  few  minutf^s,  returned  with  this  ver- 
dict: That  they  concluded  that  tlo 
charges  preferred  against  us  had  been 
sustained,  and  that  v.'c  were  bound  over 
to  court  for  trial. 

Our  accusers  did  not  attempt  to  prove 
that  those  individuals  wb.o  were  prom- 
ised the  Holy  Ghost  on  condition  of 
obedience  to  the  gospel  did  not  receive 
it,  for  they  if  called  upon  would  havo 
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  Woodrufl",  whose 
name  is  included  in  the  warrant  (tho' 
not  arrested)  was  not  in  this  state  until 
the  spring  of  1835.  So  much  ibr  tho 
oath  of  a  Methodist  priest. 

While  the  court  was  pueparing  our 
bonds,  another  warrant  was  served  on 
Elder  Patten;  the  mob  w^ithout  and  tho 
mob  within,  whoso  intoxicating  zeal 
had  risen  to  its  zenith  were  threatening 
our  lives,  and  seemed  only  waiting  the 
dark  shades  of  night,  which  wen;  fast 
gathering  round,  to  cover  them  while 
they  should  wreak  their  hands  in  our 
blood;  the  influence  of  our  friends  as 
instruments  in  tne  hands  of  God  kept 
this  gathering  storm  from  bursting  up- 
on our  heads.  About  this  time  the 
Sheriff  pro[osed  to  us  tiiat  if  we  would 
leave  the  county  in  ten  days  a'nd  pay 
i'  0  cost,  they  would  set  us  at  iibeuy; 
hi  the  eame  time  informing    ub  -hct    jt 


ilESSENGF.R  AXD  AD^•0€ATI:. 


T?'as  tho  only  way  for  us  to  escape  the 
haiids  of  the  mob,  who  were  hardly  re- 
strained from  acts  of  violence.  One 
of  the  brethren  present  offered  to  pay 
the  cost  and  all  advised  us  to  accept 
the  offer,  although  in  its  nature  most 
insulting,  tor  if  we  were  really  guilty 
of  a  violation  of  the  laws  of  this  state, 
their  oath  of  office  obliijated  them  to 
bind  us  over  to  trial  before  the  circuit 
court.  But  this  v.-as  not  the  fact;  we 
were  not  guilty,  and  this  last  step  proves 
to  a  demonstration  tl-.at  tlicy  (thecourt) 
did  not  consider  us  so;  and  shows  Ihat 
oaths,  obligations  and  the  rights  ol 
man  were  disregarded,  and  the  whole 
scenery  from  beginning  to  end  was 
controlled  and  governed  by  a  set  of 
ruthless  ruflians,  who  are  sunk  in  the 
lowest  de|)ths  of  degradation  ai:d  infa- 
my, of  whom  the  devil  himself  ought 
lo  be  ashamed. 

VVARRF.N  PARRISII. 


SfiT 


MORNING. 

The  stillness  of  tho  scene,  ami  the 
serenity  of  the  air,  invite  the  mind  to 
contemplation.  When  nothing  is  heard 
around  but  the  warbling  nntcis  <S  na- 
ture's songsters  and  the  lowing  of  the 
kine,  that  seem  wa  ting  to  impart  their 
nutritious  aliment  in  iheir  possession, 
for  the  benefit  of  man,  receive  their 
morning  meal  from  the  ki'ehen,  and 
then  de[)art;  th(!  mind  that  loves  con- 
templation, that  is  tond  of  retirement 
and  courts  renection,  will  delight  to 
cornrr.un.'j,  on  such  a  n'.wrning,  with  his 
own  heart,  and  with  that  God  who  has 
prepared  such  a  variety  in  the  scenery 
that  surrounds  him. 

Whdc  thus  soliloquizing,  I  was  led 
to  wonder  at  my  fellow  man  for  ne- 
gleetiiig  to  improve  the  but  of  the  time 
that  God  h:is  given  him,  for  the  best  of 
purposes.  A  little  reflection  will  some- 
times suj)erscde  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  supply  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, 
he  can  at  this  season,  weigh  their  crim- 
inality more  accurately,  and  put  in  re- 
quisition more  powor  of  naind,  to  pa-^s 


such  resolutions  relative  to  his  inter- 
course with  his  fellov/- mortals,  as  shall 
eventuate  in  the  greatest  quantum  of 
human  h-ippiness,  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,  when  tho 
mind  can  be  brought  to  bear  more  in- 
tensely and  v/ith  greater  accuracy  up- 
on any  point  than  in  the  sober  stiUness 
of  the  morning.  If  he  would  invoke 
the  blessings  of  heaven,  when  can  ho 
come  more  boldly  to  a  throne  of  grace 
than  ill  the  morning  before  his  passion.s 
have  been  di.^turbed,  or  his  mind  dis- 
tracted witli  a  thousand  cares?  When 
can  he  C(jme  witn  a  heart  more  CiiW  of 
gratitude  than  in  the  morning,  when  a 
i.-cnsciousness  that  f/iat  God," 

"Wlio  BGPs  v.-ith  equal  eye  as  Lord  of  all 
A  liero  perish  or  a  sparrow  full," 

has  by  his  guardian  angels,  protected 
and  delended  him  during  his  delence- 
less  hours?  When  can  he  come  v.-ith 
more  boldness  to  a  throne  of  grace? — 
W'hen  can  he  have  greater  confidence 
that  he  shall  have  access  to  a  throne 
of  grace?  When  can  he  more  rea- 
sonably hope  the  heavens  will  be  pro- 
[;i!ious  to  his  wishes,  and  grant  him  that 
grace  and  that  wisdom  that  are  indis 
pensably  necessary  to  keep  him  from 
all  the  snares  o(  tho  evil  one,  through 
the  d:n?  W. 


From  the  Elders  Abroad. 
Since  our  last  months,  paper  was 
put  to  press  we  have  received  another 
letter  from  Elder  G.  W.  Hinkle  poet 
marked  Fairplay,  la.  July  15th  The 
elder  informs  us  that  he  is  now  about 
to  leave  la.  where  he  has  labored  the 
most  of  the  season  thus  far  since  ho 
left  hero.  We  trust  ho  has  beeh  use- 
fully employed,  and  that  the  Lord  hi.s 
blessed  his  labors.  We  think  tew 
are  more  successful  in  proclaiming  the 
truths  of  the  Gospel  then  elder  Ilinklo. 
lie  writes  us  that  he  has  baptized  in 
that  region  57  and  14  in  other  places 
making  71  in  all  since  he  left  Kirlland. 
He  gives  us  to  understand  that  he 
leaves  a  field  of  useful  labor,  and  that 
there  are  more  calls  for  preacbing 
than  he  had  ever   witnessed  before  — 


368  

He  introats  elders  that  are  traveling 
tbrough  that  section  of  country,  (Co- 
lumbus Bartholomew  Co.  la.  to  call 
aad  tench  them  the  way  of  life  and 
'iolvation  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 
us  that  they  went  as  far  as  Waterloo 
Seneca  Ce.  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  chaige, 
to  mstract  the  saints  more  perfectly. 

Wo  have  other  elders  whose  places 
of  residence  arc  distant;  they  are  situ- 
ated in  the  various  branches  of  the 
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 
^nd  others  in  all,  or  nearly  all  the  N. 
England  States.  We  frequently  re- 
ceive letters  from  them  that  are  deeply 
interesting  to  us  and  to  the  cause  of 
truth,  and  although  we  do  not  often 
mention  their  names  in  our  paper,  we 
Ow«  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  h9-ve  taken  to  reward  our  humble 
j^ilents  and  enhance  our  individual  in- 
tprest,.  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, 
,^n  in  his  own  due  time,  he  shall  com- 
mand them  to  come  and  bring  their 
sheaves  Avith  them. 


>iEs;-SENtiJi;il  AND  ADVOCATE. 


CONFERENCE. 
We  are  requested  to  notify  a  confer- 
ence of  the  church    of  Latter  Day 
Saints  to  be  held  in  the  town  of  Mile- 
-fnri  Ashtabula  County    Ohio,   at   the 


houbc  of  Brether  John  Knapp  on  Sat-- 
urday  the  20th  inst.  at  10  o  clock  A. 
M.  Elders  brethren  and  others  who 
can  make  it  convenient,  arc  respectful- 
ly invited  to  attend.  Saturday  will  bo 
a  day  of  business  with  the  church  and 
on  the  following  day  ihero  will  ba 
public  preaching. 


MORONI'S     LAMEiNTATION- 

I  have  no  home,  where  shall  I  go, 
While  I  am  iefl  to  weep  below? 
My  heart  is  pain'd,  my  frif  nda  are  gone- 
And  here  I'm  left  on  earth  to  mourn. 

I  Bee  my  people  lying  round, 
All  lifeless  here  upon  the  ground: 
Young  men  and  maidens  in  their  gore; 
Which  does  increase  my  sorrow  morel 

My  father  look'd  upon  this  scene. 
And  in  his  writings  has  made  plain, 
How  ev'ry  Nephite's  heart  did  fear, 
When  he  beheld  his  foe  draw  near. 
With  axe  and  Jjow  they  fell  upon 
Our  men  and  women,  sparing  none, 
And  left  them  prostrate  on  the  ground, 
Lol  here  they  now  are  bleeding  round! 
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  dead! 
Well  might  ray  father  in  despair, 
Cry,  O  ye  fair  ones!  once  how  fair 
How  is  it  that  you've  fallen!  Ob! 
My  soul  is  fill'd  with  pain  for  you. 

My  life  is  sought!  wkere  shall  I  fleet 
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  slaia, 
And  left  to  moulder  on  the  plain! 


THE  LATTER  DAY  SAINTS' 

Messensrer  and  AdTOcate* 

Is  printed  sad  publiabed  every  month  at  Kirtlsnd, 
Geauga  Co.  Ohio,  by 

OZiZVBR  COWDBR'T, 

KDITOR    AND  PROPRIETOK, 

Jt%i,per  an.  in  advane*.  Every  perton  proeuriuf 
ttn  %€iB  ttib»criber$,  and  foricarding  %  10,  airrent 
punuy,  tkall  be  entUUd  to  a  paper  one  year,  gratit. 
AUletttr*  to  the  Editor,   «wt5« 

^sr  POST  PAID.  j:z 

No  ntbteription  will  bt  received  for  a  leu  ternt  thm  one 
year  and  ho  paper  diicontinued  till  ail  arrearago*  are 
gUttveoft  <tt  Me  option  ^f  IheyMMUir, 


ATTER  DAY  SAINTS' 


Vol..    II.    >'.     1-2.1      KIRTLANI*.   OHj').     Si'PTKMFFR     '-•"! 


CO?,I  MUN IC  ATIOx\S. 


The  subject  of  the  gathering  of  Is- 
rael from  his  long  dispersion  in  the 
last  days,  has  become  a  fruil!ul  theme 
of  theological  disquisition  among  all  be- 
lievers in  divine  revelation.  I'he  pul- 
pit and  the  press  have  teemed  with  ar- 
guments on  the  subject  drawn  from  the 
sacred'  writings  to  elucidate  difiorenl 
doctrines  and  support  entirely  dilfeient 
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 
vet  so  much  diversity  of  sentiment  ob- 
tain, as  now  obtains  on  that  subject. 

Some,  from  a  superficial  view  of  it 
have  considered  the  prophecies  fulfilled 
on  the  return  of  Judah  and  Benjamin 
from  the  Babylonish  captivity;  otheis 
have  looked  at  it  differently  ar.d  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  hus 
any  reference  to  tbe  Gentiles. 

In  humble  dift'ulencc  I  \\ill  now  ad- 
^ance  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  propliets  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  liferally. 

One  prophecy  concerning  Israel  has 
most  a.ssuredly  been  literally  fulfillc,'. 
Viz:  Deuteronomy  4:  27,  And  the 
Lord  shall  scatter  you  among  tlie  na- 
tion.s,  and  ye  shall  be  left  few  in  nun- 
ber  among  the  heathen,  whither  the 
Lord  shall  lead  you.  I  might  adduwc 
much  scripture  testimony  on  this  poini, 
but  a  fact  occubirly  and  historically 
established  as  is  tluM  one,  can  hardly 
bo  strcngthen'jd  by  any  testimony,  citn- 


er  human  or  divine;  tliereioie,  I  will 
proceed  to  bring  forward  the  testimony 
tor  the  gathering  of  Israel  literally  in 
the  last  ciays.  Isatali  10:  11,12^13: 
And  it  shall  come  to  pass  in  that  day, 
the  Lord  shall  set  his  hand  the  sef^ond 
time  to  recover  the  remnant  of  his  peo- 
ple, which  shall  be  left  from  Assyria, 
and  from  Egypt  and  from  Pathross, 
and  from  Cush,  and  from  Elam,  and 
from  Shaiar,  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  of  Ephraim  shall 
depart,  and  the  adversaries  of  Judah 
shall  be  cut  off.  Ephraim  shall  not 
envy  Judah  and  Judah  shall  not  vex 
Ephraim.  The  14th  chap.  1  &  2  ver. 
read  thus;  For  the  Lord  will  hav6 
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  them  and  bring  them  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  into  our  world.  The  Baby- 
lonioh  captivity  took  place  about  115 
years  afterwards,  and  affected  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- 
persed  of    Judah,    havs   never   beea 


5719 


MSSSENGEil  ANO  AUTUCMTC. 


brought  together  acordiiig  to  the  pre- 
diction of  the  prophets. 

Jeremiah  who  prophesied  628  years 
before  the  coming  of  Christ,  records 
the  word  of  the  Lord  through  him  in 
the  23d  chap,  and  3d  ver.  of  his  pro- 
phec\',  thus;  I  will  gather  the  remnant 
of  my  fiock  out  of  all  countries  whither 
I  have  driven  them;  and  will  bring 
them  again  to  their  folds  and  they  shall 
be  fruirt'u!  and  increase.  Chap.  31st, 
0,7,8  and  9  verses  read  thus:  For  there 
shall  be  a  day  that  the  watchman  upon 
mount  Ephraim  shall  cry  arise  ye  and 
let  us  go  up  to  Ziou,  unto  the  Lord  our 
God.  For  thus  saith  the  Lord;  sing 
with  gladness  for  Jacob,  ajid  shout 
among  the  chief  of  the  nations;  publish 
ye,  praise  ye,  say  O  Lord  save  tliy 
|!>eo'ple  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: — 
They  shall  come  with  weeping  and 
with  supplication  will  1  lead  thfm,  1 
will  cause  them  to  walk  by  the  rivers 
of  waters  inn  straight  way,  wherein 
they  shall  not  stumble,  for  1  am  a  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  this  city 
whereof  yo  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 
ihem  out  of  all  countries,  whither  I 
have  driven  them  in  mine  anger  and  in 
my  fury  and  in  great  wrath,  and  1  will 
bring  thern  again  unto  this  place,  and  I 
will  cause  them  to  dwell  safely;  and 
they  shall  be  my  people  and  I  will  be 
their  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  I 
will  not  turn  away  from  them  to  do 
them  good;  but  I  will  put  my  fear  in 
their  hearts,  that  they  shall  not  depart 
from  me.  Chap.  3:3d,  7th  and  8lh  ver. 
read  as  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- 
aed  against  me;  and  1  will  pardon  all 
thftir  iniciuitiea  whereby  they  have  sin- 1 


nod,  and  whereby  They  have  transgreti- 
sed  against  mc'. 

Ilie  pro])hecy  of  Ez.ckiel  chap.  20', 
33,34,35,36  ver.  seems  equally  pointed- 
Oil  the  same  subject.  It  reads  as  fol- 
lows: As  I  live  saith  the  Lord  God, 
surely  with  a  mighty  hand,  with  a 
stretched  out  am?  and  with  fury  poured 
out  will  I  rule  over  you:  And  I  will 
bring  you  out  from  the  people,  and  I 
will  gather  yc  out  ef  the  countries 
wherein  ye  are  scattered,  with  a  migh- 
ty hand  and  with  a  stretched  out  arm, 
and  with  fury  poured  out.  And  I  will' 
bring  you  into  fhe  wildhrness  of  the 
people,  and  there  witll  pTbad  \Vith  }ou 
tacc  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  prophecycd  eleven 
years  or  between  eleven  and  thirty- 
one  years  after  the  Babylonish  capti- 
vity. 1  will  adduce  ono  more  passage 
from  Ezekicl's  prophecy,  chap.  38,  be- 
ginning at  the 21st  verse:  And  say  un-' 
to  them,  thus  saith  the  Lord  God,  be- 
hold I  will  take  the  children  of  Israel 
froin  among  the  heathen,  whither  they 
be  gone,  and  will  gather  them  on  every 
side  and  bring  them  into  their  own  landr 
and  I  will  make  them  one  nation  in' 
the  land  upon  the  mountains  of  I'sraerv 
and  ono  king  shall  be  king  to  them  all, 
and  they  shall  be  no  more  two  nations; 
neither  shall  they  be  divided  into  two" 
kingdoms  any  more  at  all. 

We  will  next  notice  Zcchariah's 
prophecy  v/hich  was  delivered  at  least 
sixteen  years  afier  the  return  of  Judah' 
t>om  the  Babylonish  captivity.  At  the 
10th  chap,  beginning  at  the  5th  verse. 
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  tho 
house  of  Judah,  and  I  will  save  tho 
house  of  Joseph;  and  I  will  bring  them 
again  to  place  them,  for  I  have  mercy 
upon  them;  and  they  shall  be  as  though 
I  had  not  cast  them  off:  for  I  am  the 
Loid  their  God,  and  will  hear  them- 
And  they  of  Ephraim  shall  be  like  a 
mighty  man,  and  their  heart  shall  re- 
joice as  through  wine:  yea  their  chil- 
dren shall  sec  it  and  be  glad:  their  heart 
shall  rejoice  in  the  Lord.  I  will  do 
this  for  them  and  gather  them,  for  t 
have  redeemed  them;  and  they  shalf 
inor(!aso  as  they  have  incre-ased» 


^IXt^SKNGEIl  AND  AUVOCATE. 

Tv.o  ideas  strike  the  mind  as  mat- 
ters of  fact  on  casting  the  eye  over  the 
above  quotatiens  frnm  tlie  sacred  wri- 
tings. And  first,  the  Babylonish  cap- 
tivft}'  aifected  only  the  two  tribes  of 
Judah  and  Benjamin.  The  other  ten 
tribes  having  been  carried  into  captivi- 
ty by  Salmanassar,  king  of  Assyria, 
115  years  before  the  Babylonish  cap- 
1r\-ity  by  Nebuchadnezzar  the  kin^f  of 
Babylon.  Secomi:  On  looking  at  these 
scrrptures,  it  is  {jlainly  discoverable, 
that  the  prophet  imentions  the  Vv-ho'e 
Irouse  of  Israel;  and  sometimes  Eph- 
raim  and  Judah  are  particularized  as 
heads  of  tribes.  i^Iow  we  will  mention 
one  fact  -tiiore  for  the  c^jnsideration  cf 
flll.  Ephraim  constituted  one  of  the 
ten  tribes,  who  have  never  yet  been  re- 
tnrned,  tiierefore  tiie  return  of  Judah 
<xx\d  Benjamin  from  the  Babylonish 
"Captivity  could  not  be  a  fulfilment  of 
the  propliocics  quoted.  I  will  still  ad- 
-ctice  another  proof  to  those  in  any  de- 
gree a-cquainted  with  history;  viz.  The 
prophets  iii  those  passages,  have  nrom- 
'jsed  more  real  happiness  than  Judah 
tmd  Benjamin  have  ever  realized,  con- 
sequently we  conclude  it  follows,  that 
from  these  considerations,  Israel  is  not 
yet  gathered,  but  will  be  gathered  ac- 
^Gording  to  the  predictions  of  those  ho- 
Iv  men  whose  words  we  have  quoted. 

We  will  notice  one  evidence  more; 
to  wit:  Zeehariah  whose  prophecy  wtis 
delivered  as  before  noticed,  sixteen 
years,  at  least,  after  (he  return  of  Ju- 
dah and  Benjamin  from  their  captivity, 
and  in  ad'^'ition  to  the  fact  that  Judah 
and  Benjaman  had  returned  but  had 
iiol  then,  nor  even  noio  have  they,  ever 
realized  what  was  there  promised;  nor 
iiave  the  other  tribes  ever  yet  returned. 
We  therefore,  feel  confident  that  if  the 
prophets  meant  any  thing,  they  meant 
what  they  said  and  that  they  looked 
dov.'^n  through  \he  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  tlnit  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  antedeluvian  world 
f  s  he  said  he  wonld  by  his  servant 
Noah?  True  he  did.  Did  not  the  Lord 
by  the  hand  of  Moses  and  Aaron  litcr- 
lly  bring  the  ciiildroH  of  Israel  out  of 


sn 

Egypt  into  the  land  of  Canaan  us  he 
promised  the  patriarch  Jacob  he  would? 
Most  aseurediy  he  did.  Is  there  not 
ail  abundance  of  testimony  that  Israel 
the  literal  descendants  of  Jacob  have 
been  scattered  among  the  nations  of 
the  earth?  Idlest  certainly  there  is. — 
Now  on  looking  at  the  subject,  is  it  not 
worthy  of  remark,  that  all  these  impor* 
tant  events  nienlioncd  in  the  scriptures, 
■\\^re  predicted  long  before  the  events 
themselves  .transpired?  And  not  only 
were  the}^  foretold,  but  tliey  were  put 
down  in  p;lain  simple  language,  and  a 
waj'-faring  man  though  a  fcol  need 
hardiv  be  mistaken.  The  God  we  wor- 
ship is  a  God  of  truth:  When  he  has 
said  he  would  scatter  a  people  he  has 
done  so;  when  he  has  said  he  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  the 
light  of  I'eason  and  truth,  and  we  ar- 
rive at  this  definite  conclusion  that  the 
Lord  vvill  yet  gather  Israel  in  tlie  last 
days  as  he  has  so  often  promised  by  the 
mouth  of  the  prophets. 

To  these  who  are  willing  to  admit 
that  the  Jews  or  children  of  Israel  are 
to  be  gathered  as  the  Lord  has  said, 
but  deny  that  this  gethering  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  a  jmrty  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  the 
Ge4itiles  no  promise  left  them.  Seper- 
ate  from  Israel  they  have  none.  The 
Lord  said  to  Abraham,  in  thee  and  in 
thy  seed  sliall  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  requirement.s  of  it  in 
order  to  be  benefitted  by  it?  A'o=!t  cer-. 
tainly  you  will  admit  it.  Then  we  fur- 
ther ask,  has  the  Lord  any  other  schenr© 
of  saving  men  but  by  the  gospel?  Cer- 
tainly not  any. 


372 


MEi>yt:NGEK  AiXD  ADVDCATl'. 


We  are  now  prepared  to  ask  a  few 
more  questions.  Since  it  hris  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.  Then  their  temporal  sal- 
vation could  not  be  effected  without  it. 
The  Savior  himselt'  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  bo  fulfilled  and 
fled  out  previous  to  its  destruction. — 
He  has  also  condescended  to  give  us 
some  of  the  signs  of  his  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  tl^ey  are  rep- 
resented as  being  grafted  in  and  stand- 
ing by  faith  but  liable  to  fall  after  the 
same  example  of  unbelief  that  the  Jews 
had  set  beiore  ihem  "Now  he  that  is 
faithful  is  blessed  v/ith  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  ycu  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  them,  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  ths  Jews 
are  to  be  gathered,  and  cannot  be  sn- 
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  they 
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 
age  of  the  world,  will  carefully  exam- 
ine the  testimony  and  arguments  drawn 
from  the  ancient  sci'iptures,  divest 
themselves  of  all  tradition,  and  pre- 
conceived opinion  and  then  judge  of 
tne  plain  matter  of  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  the  steamek  Boston,  } 
Long  hla?id  Sound,  August  3,  1836.  \ 
Dkar  Brothkr: — 

I  have  often  thought,  that 
were  ail  the  ills  and  woes,  perplexities 
and  cares  of  this  life  faittifully  portray- 
ed before  the  mind  ol  anxious,  exvecl- 
ing  youth,  he  would  sink  down  dis- 
heartened, and  wish  to  be  absent,  ra- 
ther than  venture  upon  the  stage  oflifc 
where  so  many  hazards  are  seen,  and 
so  little  re«7,  substantial  and  lasting  en- 
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  Grosses,  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  not  Cor  friends 
and  near  relatives,  whom  I  so  highly 
esteem,  and  whose  society  and  happi- 
ness I  so  much  value,  I  would  even 
now  choose  rather  to  take  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- 
prit, whose  fate   is  sealed,    and  whose 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


ars 


days  are  numbered,  to  his  certain 
knowledge.  For  the  fond  prospects  cf 
youth,  may  be  said,  in  fact,  to  be  yet 
before  me.  And  though  despised  and 
ridiculed  by  thousands.  I  liavc  a  cer- 
tain reflection,  that  God  has  so  far 
been  my  friend,  that  many,  very  ma- 
ny, entertain  a  fellowship,  at  least,  for 
the  religion  I  profess,  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  I  do,  it  is  the  work  of  the 
great  God,  with  confidence  may  I  look 
to  see  it  prosper  and  prevail.  Most 
certainly,  these  last  reflections  an; 
joyous  and  very  satisfactory,  yet  that 
anchor  to  the  soul,  sure  and  steadfast, 
■which  is  cast  within  the  vail,  outweighs 
;iH  these.  O,  eternal  rest,  my  spirit 
longs  for  thee!  Beyond,  far  beyond 
these  restless  climes  my  hopes  are  cen- 
tered and  my  treasures  dwell!  Tliere, 
there!  where  the  pure  ravs  of  gfnry, 
the  never-fading  beauties  of  our  Crea- 
tor, and  the  peaceful  enjoyments  of 
the  redeemed,  all  conspire  to  render 
hap[)iness  complete  indeed!  Who  .so 
^nin  as  not  to  choose  thee  rnther  than 
affliction?  Who  so  inconsiderate  as 
not  to  value  thee  above  those  things 
that  change?  And  v;ho  so  vile  as  not 
to  cast  off  the  sin.s  of  this  life,  to  ensure 
an  inheritance  in  those  blessed  man- 
sions, where  each  inhabitant  beholds 
the  Savior's  face? 

But,  if  1  em[)loy  all  my  time  on  this 
subject,  I  shall  find  no  space  to  tell 
vou  of  my  journey.  On  Monday,  the 
'25th  of  July,  atT'o'clock,  P.  M.  I  took 
passage  on  board  the  steamer  Charles 
Townsend,  S.  Fox,  P.'Ii'ster,  at  Fairport, 
for  Bufllilo.  The  Townsr;nd  is  a  mis- 
erably slow  boat,  with  but  indifferent 
accommodations.  The  least  swell 
seems  to  have  power  to  toss  her  to  and 
fro  "///re  a  drunken  man."  Brother 
R's  and  my  own  health,  were  far  from 
being  good:  his,  from  sea,  orlake,  sick- 
ness, and  mine,  f  om  chills  and  fever: 
increased,  no  doubt,  by  the  cold,  da/rip 
winds  from  the  north  east.  Our  other 
brethren  were  well,  and  foujid  oppor- 
tunity to  "contend  for  the  faith  oncj 
delivered  to  the  saints."  In  fact,  they 
were  rather  drawn  into  conversation, 
in  conscrpience  of  some  on  board,  who 
sought  to  3tir  up  animosity  and  bitter 
feeling,  by  vile  insinuations  and  slan- 
derous, ungentlemanly  inRortion.^. 


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 
they  must  necessarily  employ  their 
whole  time  in  this  vile,  hellish  business, 
in  order  to  live.  However,  the  good 
sense,  the  better  judgment,  and  the 
manly  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  appearance,  if  nothing  had 
been  said,  would  have  been  productive 
of  good — men  saw  that  we  did  not  wear 
horns,  or  any  other  monstrous  thing, 
to  distinguish  ourselves  from  others. 

The  next  evening,  about  10  o'clock, 
we  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 
ol  land  speculators,  serve,  with  other 
business,  to  keep  the  Inns,  in  Buffalo, 
constantly  full.  From  the  extortionate 
price  of  l)oard,  &c.  one  would  suppose, 
that  Inn-kecping  v/ould  be  an  object  of 
enough  importance  to  v/arrant  a  suffi- 
ciency of  ]iublic  houses — but  this  is 
hardly  so.  The  fjopulation  and  trade 
of  tiiis  to'.vn  are  fust  increasing.  Such 
being  the  fact,  of  course,  wickedness 
keeps  an  even  pace. 

Here  we  very  unexpectedly  fell  in 
company  with  our  highly  esteemed 
friends  and  brethren,  elders  O.  Hyde 
and  M.  C.  Nickerson:  the  former  on 
his  way  to  Canada,  and  the  latter  from 
that  province.  Elder  Hyde  soon  lefi 
us,  but  (dder  Nickerson  tarried  in  town 
until  we  left  in  a  boat  for  Rochester. 
I  confess,  that  to  meet  a  friend,  a  tried 
fiiend  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  7:11/  ill  health,  together 
with  crowded  boats,  withal  so  much 
fisting  and  fiuhting,  racing  and  rioting, 
the  brethren,  for  my  comfort,  as  well 
as  their  own  peace,  concluded  to  take 
a  line  b.jaf.  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  pretfince  of  showing  him 


374 

a  farm.  Thev  shot  bini,  robbed  him, 
and  then  threw  him  into  the  canai,  and 
fled.  Fortunately,  he  was  not  killed, 
but  crawled  out  and  made  an  alarrV». 
Report  said  he  was  like  to  recover.  It 
IS  lo  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  h;)d  just  been 
taken  out  of  the  canal,  over  which  a 
jury  of  inquest  was  soon  to  have  been 
held.  Fresh  blood  was  then  issuing 
from  one  of  his  temples.  Ho  was  pro- 
bably a  man  of  about  middle  age.  If 
wickedness  and  robbery  do  not  walk 
the  banks  of  the  Erie  canal,  1  confess 
myself  unable  to  judge  frosii  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  nil  kinds  of 
people.  Our  stay  hero  v.as  short.  1 
observed  while  passing,  that  many  of 
the  little  towns  on  the  canal,  seemed  to 
resemble  Jonah's  gourd — they  have 
grown  up  in  about  the  space  of  a  night, 
and  perished  as  soon,  it  will  require 
a  number  ot  years  to  make  the  banks 
of  the  canal  one  continued  city,  as  ma- 
ny have  su])posed — the  adjacent  coun- 
try will  not  support  it. 

At  nearly  eight  o'clock,  A.  M.  tire 
29th,  we  arrived  at  Utica — ^just  in  lime 
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  carrying  passengers,  I 
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,  we  were  more  than 
six  hours  travelling  eighty  miles.  1 
suppose  the  distance  may  be  run  in  four 
hours  v.'ith  ease. 

The  locomotive  had  hard!)  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  g?-eal  outrage 
— no  broken  heads,  arms  or  legs,  but 
a  good  deal  of  complaining  and  many 
wry  faces.  Wc  succeeded,  after  a 
good  share  of  scuflling  and  pulling,  in 
getting  our  trunks  on  board  the  bag- 
gage car  for  Albany.     The  engine   is 


SisiHSdEIS'GiiA  AINB  ADVOCATE, 


attached  to  the  cars  about  one  miitr 
from  the  town,  (at  the  top  of  a  long 
hill,  which  you  ascend  on  an  mclincd 
plain,)  and  propells  you  at  a  good 
speed,  say  one  mile  in  two  and  a  half 
minutes.  It  might  not  be  safe  to  go 
faster,  but  from  any  inconvenience 
one  would  suffer  from  fast  riding,  you 
might  as  well  go  a  mile  per  minute. — 
Three  miles  from  the  termination  of 
the  track,  the  engine  is  disengaged  and. 
the  cars  drawn  by  horses — it  ends  on 
State  street,  a  little  below  the  State 
House. 

Albany  is  an  old  town,  said  to  ecu- 
tain  near  forty  thousand  inhabitants:  its 
streets  arc  very  irregular,  narrow  and 
crooked:  the  widest  is  State  street,  gra- 
ced with  a  largo,  splendid  State  House. 
State  Houses,  you  know,  are  very  fine 
buildings — here,  office  holders  and  of- 
fice seekers,  meet  for  debate,  wise  meti 
to  enact  good  laws,  which  many  of  tho 
peo[)le,  by-thc-by,  take  sjiccial  care  not 
to  observe. 

I  had  long  wished  to  descend  the  Hud- 
son by  day-light,  but  v/as  always  so 
hurried  with  business,,  that  I  could  not 
delay  twelve  hours  to  sec  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  u3  to  the  Erie,  lying  over  the  bar. 
The  Erie  is  a  fine,  spacious  boat,  fitted 
for  day  passengers,  with  two  engines, 
and  a  very  decent  looking  captain. — 
Just  as  the  passengers  were  stepping 
off  the  John  Mason,  the  Rochester,  a 
ViGw  boat,  passed  us.  "Now  for  a  race 
— now  for  trying  speed,"  was  the  sound 
from  dificrent  parts;  and  a  race  and 
trying  of  speed,  it  was — each  boat's 
crew  seemed  to  be  eager  to  effect  & 
landing  of  passengers,  -it  the  diflerent 
points,  with  tho  least  tin)e.  However, 
as  fate,  steam,  or  power  of  engine, 
would  have  if,  the  Erie,  after  touching 
at  Catskill  and  Westpoint,  where  the 
Rochester  did  not,  went  into  New  York 
a  few  mUes  "ahead."  Every  one  on 
board  seemed'  to  be  glad,  but  few  to  re- 
alize, that  by  such  an  extra  pressuro 
of  speed,  the  lives  of  hundreds  had 
been  made  to  hang  as  by  a  single  hair. 
For  one,  I  tlianked  God  that  myself 
and  friends  were  safely  landed. 

New  York  is  a  large  town — I  havo 
no  doubt  but  it  is  as  rich,  and  art  poor 
— as  proud,  and  as  humble — as  lofty, 
iind  as  low — as  virtuous,  and  as   vile; 


ii£gSENG£R,  AND  ADVOCATE. 


-^anci,  it  being  the  largest,  no  one  will 
^iretend  it  is  not — the  most  wicked,  of 
any  othoi-  in  tiie  Union,  Curiosity  had 
brought  mo  to  the  conclusion  of  visit- 
ing, at  this  time,  the  different  parts  of 
tijis  great  emporium  of  fashion  and 
foolery;  but  the  ili  state  of  ni}-  health 
•actually  forbade.  1  walked  down  and 
itook  a  view  of  the  "burntdistrict,"  and 
saw  how  easily  the  wealth  and  pride  of 
men  can  be  mide  to  vanish  before  the 
devouring,  consuining  element,  when 
the  great  God  so  orders  in  his  purpose, 
f'ifteen  millions  is  a  lars;e  sum  to  vaa- 


9rs 


gallons,  right?  And  if  they  are  not 
right,  (Ijey  must  be  wrong!  and  if 
wrong,  can  they  be  saved?  There  may 
be  found  a  few  righteous  enough  to 
save  it;  but,  with  all  its  religion,  and 
its  righteousness,  New  York  seerns^to 
me  like  a  congregated  mass  of  heedless 
mortals,  a  sink  of  corruption,  a  road 
to  misery — agate  to  hell! 

But  i  mwst  close  for  the  present,  ho- 
pi.ig  that  the  glorious  gospel  of  our 
Lord,  which  is  so  little  known  at  this 
day,  may  bo  carried  forth    to  the  ends 


,  of  the  earth,  and  be  proclaimed  with 
ish  in  anight.  The  great  exchange,  |  demonstration  and  power,  till  every 
once  the  pride  and  boast  of  the   sellers   nation  hears  and    every  soul  obevs— 


and  buyers  of  ca:^h,  is  a  hcaj>.  Thcr 
is  money  yet  in  \VaU  street,  and  "Dra- 
per, LUidcrwoed,"  and  o-tijers,  ready 
to  help  incorporated  bodies  to  plates  and 
dyes,  to  make  more.  Our  Grovern- 
ujcnt  is  erecting  a  largo  Custom  Mouse 
tni  the  corner  of  Nassau  and  Wall 
streets,  which,  when  completed,  will 
be  very  gravid.  The  huge  marble  pil- 
lars, already  look  like  the  work  of  a 
Ration.  Strangers  tind  it  a  difficult 
task  to  pass  the  business  streets  in  New 
York:  on  the  side  walks  you  CQme  in 
constant  collision  with  balloon  sleeves, 
and  off,  your  life  is  in  danger,  in  con- 
sequence of  omnibuses  and  dravs. — 
The  New  Yorkers,  with  all  their  other 
iiiventious  to  m^/ice,  and  get  money, 
have  contrived  an  admirable  plan — 
they  throng  the  streets  wilii  gigs,  hacks, 
coaches  and  omnibuses,  to  that  degree 
that  no  one  can  pass  on  foot,  and  of 
course,  necessity  cornpclis  one  to  ride. 
A  man  with  one  eye.  can  see  that  an 
omnibus  with  four  horses,  occupies 
u2orc  room  than  the  nun:»ber  of  [)assen- 
gcrs  it  can  carry 

the  march  of  it«provement  |)ecuiiar  .to 
this  age,  and  so  long  as  people  rather 
ride  than  walk,  I  presume  but  few  wii! 
consplain,  even  if  now  and  then  a  man 
rets  his  neck  broken. 


and  liic  glory  shall  be  his. 

You  iuav  iieur  from  me  as:ain. 


'•Knnw  ya  nut  thai  the  ttnrighteous  shall  not 
inherit  the  kingdoDi  of  God-  Ba  not  d^eceivcd; 
Tteithi-.T jiirnii:at.ors  nor  idolators,  nor  adulttr- 
srs,  nor  effeminate,  nor  abusers  of  themselves 
W'ih  mankind,  nor  thieves,  nor  covetous,  nor 
drunkards,  nor  recilers,  nor  extortioners,  shall 
\.\inh/"-'f  *■>"  ''■'ngdom  (f  God." — 1  Corinthi- 
ans 6th,  9,10. 

it  is  abundantly  evident  from  the 
words  we  have  selected,  which  weie 
addressed  to  the  ancient  saints  at  C', - 
rinth — that  wickedness  in  the  extreme, 
and  ever}'  species  of  evil  and  abomina- 
tion in  the  sight  of  God,  had  begun  to 
manifest  itself,  and  shov/  its  deformed 
head  cmong  those  who  v.'cre  .received 
into  the  churcli-,  liuilt  up  under  the  in- 
struction and  superintendence  of  the 
great  apostle  of  the  Gentiles.  In  the 
context  the  apostle  rebukes  his  bretl  - 
reu  sharply  ior  going  to  law  before  the 
unjust  and  not  Ix^forc  the  saints:  ho 
plainly  stamps  it  with  reprobation  as 
an  unrighteous  act.  The  manner  of 
But  this  belongs  to  i  his  rebuke  is  directly  calculated  to  ex- 
alt the  ch'iracter  of  God,  and  the  [ines- 
timable privilege  of  the  .saints;  .ivhen 
he  says  know  ye  not.that  ye  shall  judge 
angels.  Tridy  this  must  be  an  exalted 
stitiof!,  ap.d  vet  the  Corinthian  church 


You  rnay  think  sti-ange  if  I    remain  j  had  become  so  corrupt,   and  so  far  do- 
silent  upon  the  subject  of  the    religion  |  parted  from   the   holy    commandments 


of  this  city;  tor  of  course,  as  largo  a 
town  f>s  this  must  abound  with  religion 
of  some  kind,  if  not  with  all  kinds.; — 
Here  are  chapels,  churches,  and  meet- 
ing houses,  people  to  till  them,  and 
priests  to  hold  forth  and  tell  them  what 
they  must  believe;  and  withal,  it  might 
be  considered  uncharitable  for  me  to 
say  there  were  none  sincere  in  thi=i 
great  body;  but  the  important  question 
is,  are  they,  as   societies    and    congrq- 


givcn  unto  them,,  as  to  lose  their  confi- 
dence in  their  brethren,  and  go  to  law 
before  the  unjust  and  not  before  the 
saints.  O  the  great  contrast^between 
those  who  keep  ihe  commandments  of 
God  and  those  who  do  not! 

This  rebuke,  which  we  find  so  severe 
m  those  to  whom  the  epistle  was  ad- 
Iressed,  of  v/hich  our  text  forms  a  part, 
was  not  given  merely  to  warn  the  bre- 
thren at  C'orinth  that  they   must   avoid 


3tS 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


those  great  sins  in  the  sight  of  God, 
which  he  had,  and  was  about  to  enu- 
merate, but  wo  have  incontestible  proof 
that  tliey,  or  some  of  them  at  least, 
were  verily  guilty.  Here,  let  us  re- 
mark, was  a  church  built  up  in  thedays 
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 
aiation,  or  any  people.  If  they  were 
notith©  blackest  that  the  arch  fiend 
Wmself  could  invent;  they  were  of  tnut 
enormity  in  the  sight  of  God,  that  he 
said  by  the  mouth  of  his  servant  acting 
under  the  influence  of  immediate  in- 
spiration, that  the  perpetrators  of  such 
crimes  should  not  inherit  the  kmgdom 
.©f  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- 
nants 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  ihey 
became  members  of  the  church;  but 
this  was  no  mitigation  of  their  crime 
or  palliation  of  their  guilt.  They  had 
solemnly  vowed  in  presence  of  God, 
•angels  and  men,  to  keep  all  the  com- 
mandments  of  the  Most  High  and  walk 
in  his  ordinances.  Therefore,  the  apos- 
tle comes  out  against  their  wickedness 
.and  abomination,  not  in  mild  sycophan- 
ticcourt  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  not 
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- 
ters, nor  adulterers,  nor  efTeminate, 
.npr  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  altogether  too 
plain  to  need  comment.  Any  argu- 
■TmnX,  to  either  evade  or  enforco  i^-  is 


entirely  superfluous.  We  can  no  more 
evade  it  than  we  can  do  away  a  self- 
evident  fact  by  sophistry:  it  still  iclls 
against  the  popf^ctrators  of  all  such 
crimes,  and  sounds  tne  knell  of  depart- 
ed peace  incessantly  in  their  ears.  Al- 
though such  characters  may  be  sur- 
rouuded  with  the  temporal  blessings  of 
a  bountiful  providence,  and  riot  in  vo- 
luptuous ease,  they  are  destitute  of 
that  peace,  that  comforter,  that  leads 
into  all  truth,  and  if  we  are  destitute- 
of  that,  we  have  not  the  spirit  of  Christ, 
and  if  have  not  the  spirit  of  Christ,  it5 
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  living: 
eighteen  hundred  years  ago.  We  will 
look  at  the  objection  or  excuse.  With- 
out making  any  bold  assertions,  let  us- 
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 you  through  the  gospel;  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  beauti'ully  illustrates  his  ideas  and 
enforces  his  teachings  by  the  apt  but 
striking  similitude  of  a  human  flgurc 
Showing  that  as  every  limb  and  all  the 
senses  were  necessar}'  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  gil'ts  would  be- 
useful,  and  why  they  would  be  useful, 
but  be  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  Christ 
for  it  was  the  power  of  Gctd  unto  saL 
vation,  &c. 


Messenger  and  advocate. 


Is  God  the  same  being  he  then  was, 
and  his  gospel  the  same  Ho  lias'said 
by  the  mouth  of  his  servant  Mah'chi, 
"I  am  the  Ijord,  I  change  not.'^  iiave 
we  any  intimation  th:;t  lie  has  ever  re- 
vealed any  other  jihin  of  saving  men 
but  by  the  gospel  as  j'reached  by  the 
apostle  Paul  and  his  colleagues  at  the 
commencement  of  the  christian  era? — 
We  have  none.  Do  we  not  then  learn 
by  tlie  sacred  writings  that  this  same 
gospel  of  which  so  much  is  said,  is  no 
less  than  the  plan  of  God  for  saving 
mankind?  Suielv  we  do.  Do  we  sup- 
pose that  any  thing  short  of  infinite 
wisdom  could  have  dtvised  this  plan? 
We  do  not.  Would  a  different  plan  re- 
quire difterent  means  or  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  gospel 
must  be  the  same?  Can  a  rational  be- 
ing be  blamed  for  his  incredulity  who 
puts  no  confidence  in  any  plan  orcours^ 
of  procedure,  the  effect  of  which  is 
entirely  different  in  many  of  its  p.-om- 
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 
prolessing  christian  world  with  all  their 
zeal,  and  ap[)arent  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  anotlier,  a  woe  is 
pronounced  against  those  who  proclaim 
it. 

We  have  almost  inadvertantly  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  arc  warn- 
ed by  the  apostle  not  to  be  deceived 
andhc!  names  the  characters  that  should 
not  inherit  the  kingdom  of  God.  And 
most  certainly  a  deception  would  be  as 
fatal,  from  an  erreneous  principle,  a 
spurious  gospel,  a  false  religion,  as 
from  the  wicked  practices  of  tliose  v.-ho 
embraced  a   correct  principle.     Now 


377 

that  we  have  been  able  to  arrive  at 
some  definite  conclusions  respecting 
the  tf-ue  gospel,  let  us  beware,  lest  from 
a  consciousness,  that  we  have  obeyed 
the  commands  of  God  in  complying 
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  u-hich  is  the 
imperious  duty  and  inestimable  privi- 
lege of  every  saint  of  the  Most  High, 
to  obtain.  Therefore,  let  us  not  de- 
"oive  ourselves  nor  deceive  others. — 
M'^n  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  allowance 
or  approbation.  He  has  said  that  the 
soul  that  sinneth  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 
saved  in  the  celestial  kingdom? 

Surely,  as  rational  beings  they  wi?l 
no/,  they  cannot.  The  wicked  idola- 
trous, covetous  or  drunken  believer  or 
professor  of  the  true  gospel,  will  fare 
no  better  than  he  that  embraces  njalse 
system  and  vainly  strives  to  climb  up- 
some  other  way.  The  best,  and  all  he 
can  reasonably  expect  at  the  hand  oi 
his  Judge,  is,  depart  ye  cursed,  ye 
workers  of  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  obedience  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.  Tlv; 
meeting  wdl  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. 


1)n 


MKSSENGKit  AiNU  ADVOCATE 


KIRTLAND,    OHIO,   SEPT.  1836. 


This  number  of  the  Messenger  and 
Advocate  clo.sc«  the  ?.d  volume,  and 
we  liope  our  numerous  friends  and 
patrons,  who  have  not  already  forwar- 
ded their  names  and  subscription  mon- 
'oy,  for  the  next  Voiuu'ic,  or  made  a 
special  contract  to  that  ellect,  will  do 
30,  on  or  before  the  first  week  in  Oct. 
at  which  time  we  intend  to  issue  our 
first  number  of  the  Od  Volume.  Such 
as  are  in  arrears  to  us  for  papers  aud 
tlo  not  cancel  our  present  doiYsand,  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  tVom  cur 
Subscrintion  List. 


By  a  letter  recently  received  from 
the  west,  we  learn  that  our  brethren 
are  still  in  trouble.  Our  enemies,  and 
even  brethren  who  arc  weak  in  the 
faith,  may  be  ready  to  conclude  God 
would  never  call  people  to  suffer  such 
persecution  and  privations  in  his  cause. 
We  say  he  always  chastizes  his  saints 
for  their  disobedience  to  his  will  when 
they  know  what  it  i?:.  We  have  in 
this  month's  paper  published  an  extract 
from  a  revelation  given  on  the  subject 
of  the  gathering  of  the  saints:  those, 
who  arc  disposed,  may  read  it  and 
then  they  will  be  able  to  judge  how  tar 
siioi  t,  those  moving  to  the  west  have 
fallen  of  keeping  the  comnumdments 
given  them. 

We  have  preceded  the  extract  above 
named  with  such  remarks  as  then  has- 
tily occurred  to  our  minds,  whicli  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    haN  c    un 


til  you  can  send' or  carry  means  to 
purchase  others,  or  have  friends  to 
procure  them  for  you. 

The  excitement  is  still  great  among 
our  enemies  and  nothing  but,  the  re- 
straining power  of  God  hinders  them 
from  exterminating  the  whole  of  nur 
brethren  at  a  bl-:v»v.  They  are  denied 
the  privileges  of  common  citizens,  and 
are  continually  at  the  mercy  of  a  law- 
less mob,  -who  arc  as  ruthless,  to  say 
the  least  as  the  Savage  of  the  Rocky 
Mountains.  Some  of  our  enemies  are 
doubtless  <lesparate  in  their  hostility 
through  fear,  of  the  great  liumbers 
that  emigrate  to  that  country,  and  the 
false  rumors  that  circulate  concerning 
them.  These  things  are  natural,  and 
to  be  expected  while  so  much  wickcd- 
nes.s  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  you  for  your  benefit,  while 
the}-  are  oppressing  and  tyranizing 
over  you,  they  are  nilingupthc  meas- 
ure of  their  iniquity  and  ripening  for 
destruction.  One  word  more  and  w« 
have  done;  if  you  are  suffering  foi- 
your  transgressions,  it  should  excito 
humility  and  reformation;  but  if  you 
suffer  for  righteousness'  sake,  your 
very  sufferings  "shall  work  out  for  you 
a  far  more  exceeding  and  clerna! 
weight  of  glory." 


Several  deaths  have  occurred  U\ 
our  town  since  we  issued  our  last  num- 
ber of  the  Messenger  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  decease 
of  their    friends. 


iViJLfcJSiilNGER  .KNl)  AD\  UCATi'. 


We  have  published  below  ihe  9tli 
and  10th  paragraplis  of  a  revelation 
given  in  Dec.  1833  and  now  published 
in  tne238  and  239  pages  ofthe  book  of 
doctrino  and  covenants.  We  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  ranrrnur  against  the  deal- 
ings of  God  with  his  people.  But  frou) 
only  once  reading  of  those  para- 
graphs, it  will  be  seen,  that  in  scarcely 
a  single  instance  has  tlie  commands  of 
God  been  heeded.  The  Samts  have 
neglected  the  necessary  preparation  be- 
forehand; they  have  not  sent  up  tneir 
wise  men  with  nioaey  to  purchase 
land,  but  the  rich  have  generally  staid 
back  and  with  held  their  money,  while 
the  poor  have  gone  first  and  without 
tnoney.  Under  these  circumstances 
what  could  be  CApecled  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  hope 
the  saints  here  and  elsewhere;  will 
learn  humility,  v/isdom  and  obedience 
by  the  things  which  their  brethren  in 
the  West  now  have  to  suffer. 

Again,  ver)ly  I  say  unto  3  ou,  I  will 
show  unto  you  wisdom  in  me  concern- 
ing all  the  churches,  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  1  may 
build  thorn  up  unto  my  name  upon  ho- 
ly places;  for  the  timo  of  harvest  has 
corne,  and  my  word  must  needs  be  ful- 
filled. Therefore,  I  must  gather  to- 
gether my  people  according  to  the  par- 
ablo  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  in  the  kingdom  of  my  Fa- 
th'M-,  lo  ri:vard   every  rian    according 


_m 

ns  his  works  shall  be,  whiilc  the  tares 
shall  be  bound  in  bundles,  and  their 
bands  made  strong,  that  they  may  be 
burned  with  unquenchable  fire.  There- 
fore, a  commandment  I  give  unto  ail 
the  churches,  that  tiiey  shall  continue 
to  ga'.her  together  unto  the  place  which 
I  have  appointed;  nevertheless,  as  I 
have  Said  unto  you  in  a  former  com* 
mandment,  let  not  your  gathering  be 
in  haste,  nor  by  (licrht;  but  let  all 
things,  be  prepnred  before  you,  and  in 
order  that  all  things  be  prepared  be- 
fore you,  observe  tde  commandments 
which  I  have  given  concerning  these 
things,  which  saith,  or  teacheth,  to 
purcl  ase  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 
i-ny  saints:  all  the  land  which  can  be 
purchased  in  Jackson  county,  and  the 
counties  round  about,  and  leave  the 
residue  in  min3  hand. 

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  things  prepared  before  you. 
And  let  honorable  men  be  appointed, 
even  wise  men,  and  send  them  to  pur- 
chase these  lands;  and  every  chi.rch 
in  the  eastern  countries  when  they  arc 
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 
is  even  now  already  in  store  a  suffi- 
cient; yea,  even  abundance  to  redeem 
Zion,  and  establish  her  waste  places 
no  more  to  be  th-own  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 
continne  to  importune  for  redress,  and 
redemption,  by  the  hands  of  those  who 
are  placed  as  rulers,  and  are  in  au- 
thority over  you,  according  to  the  laws 
and  constitution  ofthe  people  which  I 
have  suffered  to  be  established,  and 
should  bo  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  sins   in  the  day 


'm 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


of  jiulgmeRt.  Therefore  it  is  not  right 
that  any  man  should  be  in  bondage 
one  to  another.  And  for  this  purpo:>e 
liave  1  esta':)lished  the  ConstituSion  of 
this  land,  by  the  hands  of  wise  men 
v.'honi  I  raised  up  unto  tliis  very  pur- 
pose, and  redeemed  the  land  by  the 
sheddinsf  of  blood. 


We  are  under  the  painful  necessity 
of  saying  to  the  branches  of  th..e  church 
of  Latter  Day  Saints  abroad,  as  well 
as  to  all  good  people  to  whom  this  no- 
tice may  come,  that  HaVMl  H.  ®  11- 
fecft  a  Botanic  practititioncr  of  medi- 
cine, wa'?  regularly  received  into  the 
church  in  this  place,  and  after  obtain- 
ing the  almost  unlimitf^d  confidence  of 
said  chuich  tli rough  the  influence  of 
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  thyn  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  dollars  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 
ibhment. 


honest,  and  sincere  as  other  profes- 
:;ing  christians — and  while  persecution 
loiiows  the  profession  of  an  honest 
faith  1  am  its  defender — It  is  no  less 
strange,  than  true,  and  no  less  true 
than  strange,  that  the  persecutions  of 
any  a^e,  since  the  establishment  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 
love  one  another" — Your  sect  is  now 
taking  its  turn — I  hope  in  God  it  may 
never  be  fhe  persecutor. — 

I  am  what  the  Christian  world  calls 
an  Infidel; — because  I  am  tolerant  to 
Jill  sects,  and  embrace  none,  but  op- 
pose the  persecuting,  and  defend  the 
perecuted  let  their  faith  be  what  it 
may. — 

Such  are  my  feelings,  and  views  on 
tills  subject- — and,  of  course,  am  the 
friend  of  the  persecuted  Mormon — You 
will  therefore  accept  the  enclosed,  and 
continue  to  send  me  your  paper,  and 
let  me  know  when  my  second  year  clo- 
ses.— 

Respectfully  Yours. 


We  insert  below  an  extract  of  a  let- 
ter from  one  of  our  numerous  patrons 
in  this  State,  that  our  readers  may  see 


From  thi"  Elders  abroad. 
We  cor.tiiiue  to  receive  intelligence 
from  our  much  esteemed  IViend  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  Toronto,  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,  butv/e  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  f)ur   religion 


the  difference  there  is  in  the   minds  of  .         -    .      -     . 

mpn  thni  avo  -«,t„of^.i   1  •      •   )         r-'C'^'i^"  rcligion  of  tho  bible)  are  attacked 

men  that  are  actuated  by  pimcn;  es  of   •      .u         i  r        •   .    v      •  i  * 

,  .  .11  ,u    ti^e  public  prints  bv   inuendoes.      A 


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  vour   faith 


public  pi 

speciuieii  of  cowardice,  cant  hypocrisy 
ai.d  faUity,  may  be  found  below,  which 
was  publ-shed  in  the  Christian  Guard- 
ian (so  called,  J  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  us  the  cowardice  of  the  at- 


MESSEiNGEil  AND  ADVOCATK. 


tack.  The  piece  to  wliich  we  allude, 
jiFier  a  lengthy  communication,  closes 
in  substance  as  foMows: 

"The  good  old  way  taught  by  Ihr- 
Apostles  and  Prophe  s  and  afterwards 
by  the  refoiiners,  such  as  Knox,  Lu- 
ther, Wesley,  Whitefield,  and  many 
others,  will  finally  reap  an  abundant 
liarvest  from  the  tield  (f  missionaiy 
exertion;  while  the  doctrine  of  modern 
iiispiration  will  soon  tall  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  very  ignorant 
hero  in  Canada,  for  whoever  has  read 
lliH  prophets  and  apostle-,  knows  full 
well,  that  they  taught  the  doctrine  of 
ancient  &  modern  inspiration,  through- 
out their  entire  teachings  and  warned 
us  to  beware  of  ;'ll  such  as  would  teach 
any  other  doctrine. 

"Again  who  that  has  read  church 
history  does  not  know  that  Knox  was 
a  strong  Calvinist,  Wesley  a  strong  Ar- 
miuiau,  Whitefield  a  strong  Calvinist, 
and  that  the  doctrine  taught  by  each 
of  these  men  differed  as  widely  as  the 
East  from  the  West.  Thay  were  sen- 
sible of  the  difFerence,  and  Mr.  Wes- 
ley observed  that  he  would  sooner  be 
a  Turk,  a  Deist,  or  a  Univcrsalist  than 
to  be  a  Calvinist.  Now  to  sum  up  so 
many  contradictory  and  opposite  doc 
trines,  and  call  them  all  the  good  old 
way,  in  order  to  oppose  modern  inspi- 
ration, is  surely  presuming  too  much 
upon  our  ignorance. 

"Has  it  coire  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  difTerent 
systems  are  all  the  one  good  old  way? 
May  the  Lord  pity  the  ignorance  of 
the  people  of  this  generation,  and  de- 
liver them  from  such  barefaced  impo- 
sition." 

Elder  Harrison  Burgess  informs  us 
verbally,  that  he  left  Kirtland  on  a 
mission  to  tiio  East,  on  the  18th  of 
April  last;  and  travelled  through  the 
States  of  New  York  and  Vermont,  dis- 
tance in  all  about  1600  miles  and 
preached  fourteen  times.  He  says  the 
congregations  were  largo  and  very  at- 


^1 

tentive;  and  that  from  all  he  learned 
he  is  satisfied  thafthe  prejudice  of  the- 
people  in  the  regions  throuh  which  he 
travelled  is  fast  giving  way  before  the 
force  of  truth  and  evidence;  and  is  of 
opinion  that  all  that  is  wanting  is  faith- 
fulness on  the  part  of  the  elders  to  en- 
sure attention  to  the  subject  of  the  Ev- 
>jrlasting  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,  he 
doubts  not  but  many  more  would  have 
came  forward.  We  pray  our  heaven- 
ly Father  that  our  brother's  most  in- 
tense desires  may  be  fully  reallized, 
and  that  not  only  lie,  bvU  every  other 
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  large 
congregations  and  apparently  favora- 
ble impressions  on  the  minds  of  the 
people,  and  to  all  human  view  a  church 
can  or  will  be  built  up  in  that  place 
ami  vicinity. 

Elder  Lyman  E.  Johnson  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  cccasion  to  speak  of  the  el- 
der's success  in  the  cause  of  truth  from 
letters  received  from  him,  during  his 
absence  in  a  former  number  of  our  pa- 
per. The  elder  now  stales  to  us  ver- 
bally, that  he  was  well  received  by  the 
brethren  where  there  were  any,  and 
that  it  is  due  to  all  where  he  travelled 
to  say,  that  he  was  kindly  received  and 
hos|)itably  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  ia 
a  great  many  places,  and  baptized  fivo 
since  he  wrote  us,  making  27  in  uU 
since  he  left  home  in  April  last. 

A  conference  of  elders  and  menvlwrn 
of  the  church  of  Latter  Day  Saints 
was  held  in  Newry,  Oxford  Co.  Me. 
on  the  12th  llUh  14th  of  August  last, 
agreeable  to  promise  notice  by    letters 


?>62 

missive  to    the   diiibreiit   branches    of 
the  church  representee]. 

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  elect- 
ed clerk.  Meeting  was  then  opened  by 
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  council. 
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  elders,  five  priests  and  one 
deacon  present.  The  Book  of  Doc 
trine  and  covenants  was  received  and 
acknowledged  unanimously.  The 
council  then  made  appropriate  remarks 
and  adjourned  one  hour. 

Council  convened  at  1  o'clock  accord- 
ing to  adjournment,  Eld.  Johnson  open- 
ed by  prayer. 

Official  members  then  proceeded  to 
give  a  relation  of  such  particulars  con- 
cerning the  branches  they  respectivel) 
lepresenled  as  seemed  agreeable  to  the 
mind  of  the  Spirit. 

Elder  Bean  represented  3  branches, 
(viz.)  one  of  26  members,  Errol branch 
17,  and  Newry  branch  29,  making  72 

Elder  S.  B.  Stoddard,  Farmington 
branch  '^-^ 

Eld.  R.  M.  Lord,  Saco  branch       52 

Eld    Jonathan    Holmes,    Bradford 

branch  12 

Eld.  James  Snow,  St.  Johnsbury,  Vt. 
branch 


iSJllSSE-XGER  AND  A!)NX>C.^ti'!.  __ 

Brother  Joshua  Small  v.as  then  re- 
commended, received  unanimously  and 
ordained  to  the  office  of  an  Elder. 

It  was  decided  by  the  council  tiiai 
Eld.  James  Snow  should  go  to  New 
Brunswick.  Such  instruction  was  then 
Qiven  by  the  council,  as  seemed  to  be 
wisdom.  Two  candidates  came  for- 
ward and  after  due  examination, 
v.'ere  baptized  by  elder  Johnson.  On 
the  2  following  days  (13  &  14)  there 
was  public  preaching  at  Middlcinter- 
valc  meetinghouse,  in  Bethel.  The 
congregation  particularly  on  the  sab- 
bath, 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. 
Daxiel  Bean,  Clerk. 


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 

Iftranch  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,  Brunswick  19 

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  the  benefit  of  the 
church  a  number  of  elders  and  priests 
were  present,  after  the  meeting  was 
opened  by  prayer,  by  a  unanimous 
vote.  Elder  S.  Phelps,  was  called  to 
the  chair,  and  G.  Robison,  chosen 
clerk.  An  address  was  delivered  by 
President  Phelps,  before  proceeding 
to  business,  the  spirit  of  the  lord  was 
among  us  and  we  believe  every  secret 
was  brought  to  light,  the  ditflculty  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  duo 
Elder  J.  Knapp  for  his  zeal  for  tho 
cause  of  Christ,  labouring  by  night  & 
day,  presiding  over  this  church. 

SAMUEL  PHELPS  Chair. 

Gforge  Robinson  Clerk. 

Millsford,  August  20,  1836. 


OBITUARY. 

Died,  at  Independence,  Cuyahoga 
Co.  Ohio  August  9th  1836,  sister 
CiiLOE  RTJDD  aged  78  years  and  8 
months.  She  had  been  a  member  of 
the  church  of  Latter  Day  Saints,  more 
than  three  years.  She  has  ''gone  down 
to  the  grave  in  a  good  old  age  like  r 
shock  of  corn  fully  ripe." 

— —  Of  a  pulmonic  aftection,  in  this 
town,  on  the  19th  of  August,   brothet 


MES^liiXGKfl  A^0  ADVOCATi'. 


;-5i; 


Jarez  CAriTKii,  aged  86  years;  he  cm- 
braced  the  faith  oi"  the  gospel  throus^h 
inuch  opposition  and  persecution  sonie- 
vyhat  over  three  years  since.  This  aged 
brother  was  born  in  Killingsworth  in 
iho  State  ol  Connecticut,  where  the 
early  part  of  his  life  v/as  spent;  he 
eiTiigrated  from  thence  to  Ri.itiand  co., 
town  of  Benson  and  state  of  Vermont, 
M'herc  the  fnlness  of  tlie  gospel  first  sa- 
luted his  ears;  he,  like  a  true  child  of 
God  embraced  it  with  alibis  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 
lieahh,  walked  our  streets  with  a  firm 
step,  viewed  the  house  of  the  Lord,  & 
then  felt  to  express  his  satisfaction  as 
did  old  Simeon  when  ho  saw  the  Sa- 
viof,  "now  lettest  thou  thy  servant  de- 
part m  peace  for  mine  eyes  have  seen 
thy  salvation."  He  was  taken  audden- 
ly  and  violently  ill,  lingered  about  12 
days  and  God  called  his  happy  spirit 
home. 

REFLECTIONS. 

Sic  gloria  miindi.  When  the  v/orld 
seems  to  be  rising  new  around  the  aged 
saints,  a  generation  fluslved  with  hope 
and  full  of  expectation  presses  upon 
their  re  re,  the  companions  oftheiryouth 
are  called  abroad,  or  have  already 
fallen  a  prey  to  the  king  of  terrors; 
the  recollections  and  reminiscences  of 
by-gone  days  cease  to  entertain  or 
amuse  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  hoptj  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  year  and  four  months. 


rjnneaa  iJrc'-vnsoti 
Isaac  H   Bishop 
Alexander  EaciaJii 
Harr_v  lirown 
Samuel  S  Burdick 
Edson   Barnev 
Royal  Earnoy  jr 
Calvin  B  Chiids 
Israel  Caiklns 
.Tacob  Chariib'rlain 
V/iiliam  P  Car.l 
Stephen  Cliasp 
Jaincs  Durfee 
John  Daily 
Edmund  Durfee  jr 
i^enaa  Gii^bs 
Joshua  Grant  jr 
Truman  Gillet  jr 
Thomas  Gales  jr 
William  Hun lingt 
James  Koughton 
MaliGu-  flilhnan 
?Jathan  Kaskins 
Jonathan  Ilasnptoii 
Samuel  Jaques 
Hiram  Kellogg- 
John  Kill  inn 
John  Knapj) 
Cornell  s  F  Lott 
William  Miller 
Garland  V!  Meeks 
John  F  Olney 
Oliver  Olney 


Harpin  Futrgs 
Darius  Race 
Gaorge  A  Smith 
Gardner  Snow 
vVjllard  Sno^ 
'^N'iliiam  Snow 
Lyman  Sherman 
ErastUB  B  WightniaK 
Charles  Wightman 
Samuel  Warner  jr 
Ellas  Y  Wella 
Melvin  Wilbur 
Whitford  G  Wilson 
Henry  H  Wilson 
I''rG.nkiin  Youngs 

PRIESTS 
Charles  Brown 
Mosos  P.  NorriB 
njr  Jonas  Putnam 
Andrews  Tyler 
Abraham  Palmer 
Vt'iliiam  Tt-nney 

TEACHERS i 
Russel  Thompson 
Bechias  Dustin 
Orson  G  Beach 

DEACONS: 

Moses  Tracy 
Isaiah  Williame 


IMBBX  T©  Vol.  and 


age. 
219 
285 
29& 
301 
203 


Kirtland,  Ohio,  Sept.  3,  1836. 
The  following  is  a  list  of  the  names 
of  Ministers  of  the  Gospel  belonging 
to  the  church  of  the  Latter  Day  Saints, 
whtse  licenses  were  recorded,  the  last 
quarter,  in  the  License  Records,  in 
Kirtland,  Ohio: 

by  THOMAS  BURDICK, 

Recording  Clerk. 
ELDERS:  Samuel  Phelps 

William  H  Presley 
James  Biakelee  Zera  Pulsipher 


Address  lo  the  saints 

A  VaiediGtoryiof  J.  Wbitmer, 

Abolitionists, 

Atlas  article, 

Apology  editorial, 

C. 

Church  of  Clirist,  order  of,  212 

Comment  on  Matthew  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.  Nickerson  270 

do  do  Solomon  Hancock  272 

do            do         A.  J.  Squiers  288 

do     do     J.  Smith  Jr.  on  Abolition  •289 

do        do         W.     Parrish     do  295 

do         do        O.  Hyde  296 

do         do         S.  Kigdon  297 

Clerk  of70  notice  concerning  H.  Straiten  299 

Comment  on  1st  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  LuTim.  2:  J,  2 

Conference  Minutes  Portage  N.  Y.  850 

do                do     Lawrence,  Ohio  364 

Communication  from  Messrs  Patten  & 

Parrish  365 

Communication  from  W  871 

GonfKrence  Notice  377 

Conference  Minutes,  Newry  Me.  381 

do.                       Millsford,  Ohio,  3t9 

D. 

Delusion  beware  of  360 

Dedication  of  the  Houso  of  the  Lord  174 

do                Prayer  fT7 

D  B  Gilbert  NoUce  of  Sit 


384 


MESSENGER  ASD  ADVOCATE. 


Egyptian  Mummies     ^  233 
Extract  of  W.  Parrish's  letter  to  his 

parents  281 

Extract  of  W.  A.  Cowdry's  letter  291 

Elders  abroad  308 

Extract  of  a  letter  of  J.  M.  313 

Elders  abroad  330 

Eldrrs  Licences  335 

Elders abrond  ^50 

do     do  357 

Elders  Licensed  ib 

Elders  abroad  ib 

Editorial  378 

Extract  from  Book  ofCovc-iiants  379 

H. 

House  of  the  Lord  270 

Hymns  208 

do                                                    "  224 

do                Hosanna  258 

do         "How  good  it  is  to  sing"  272 
do     "Arise  ye  saints  of  Latter  days"    288 

Indians  245 

Interview  with  a  Jew  263 

Israel  Gathering  of  369 

L. 
I-etterofWm.  W.  Phelps 


No. 
do 


11 


193 

195 

204 

207 

ib 

208 

209 

220 

221 

223 

224 


do        ofO.  Cowdery 

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.  WoodruiF 

do     Extract  of  S.  Browns 

do     of  H-  Aldrich 

do    of  J.  Smith  Jr. 

do    do  S.  Rigdon 
Let  every  man  learn  hia  duty 
Letter  extrast  of 

do    from  G.  Burke  t 

do      do  Oliver  Barr 

do      do  S.  Rigdon 
Letter  extracts 
Letter  of  J.  M. 

do    do    O.  Barr 

do     do     S.  Rigdoin 
Latter  Day  Saints  from  "Ohio  Free 

Press" 
Letter  commendatory  of  J.  Hewet 

do    of  P.  P.  Pratt 

do    do  O,  Barr  to  S.  Rigdon 

do     do  S.  Rigdon  in  Reply 

do    do     Wm.  W.  Phelpa  No.  1   2d 

series 
Letters  of  Presidency  to  J.  Thornton  & 

others 
Letters  of  Presidency  toWm.  W.  Phelps 

&  others  359 

Letter  Extract  of 
Letter  from  Editor 

M. 
Meeting  of  quorums 
Meeting  public  of  citizens  of  Clay,  co. 

Mo. 
do  do  i(o 

do  of  Elders  of  church  L<  D.  S^  in 

Clay  Co.  Mo. 

"Ch  of  citizens  ofCiay  0/    Mo. 


225 
237 

ib. 

ib. 
240 
241 
248 
2.=^  2 
256 
257 
258 
263 
294 
273 
ib 

315 
316 
317 
321 
226 

340 

355 


ib 

266 

353 
359 

ib 


Marriage  notice  of 
Morning 

Moroni's  Lamentation 
N. 
Noti:;e  editorial 

do     Clerk  of  70  concerning 


H.  Strat- 


ten 
do 
do 
do 

do 

do 
do 
do 
do 


J.   Smith  Jr. 
editorial 

W.  A.  Cowdery 
of  Conference 
do  High  Council 
do  Editorial 
do  do 

do  do 


do     of  conference  in  Ky. 

do     do     Cornelious  P.     Lolt 

do     do     Editorial 

do     do  Conference  Mils  ford,  Ohio. 
O. 
Obituary,  notice  of  G.  H.  Schenk 

do         do  Mrs.  Mary  West 
Old  times  persecution  of  from  Fox  Book 

of  Martyr.i 
Obituary  of  Rachel  Rank 

do  Joseph  Johnson 

do  Joshua  Davis 

do  Lucy  Gates 

do  Sylvester  M.  Smith 

do     Christian  Whitmer 

do     Electa  Gee 

do     Alta  Hancock 

do     Caswell  Matlock 

do     Elizabeth  Hough 

do     David  Thompson 

do     Curtis  Stoddard  Jr. 

do     Naomi  Harmon  ^ 

do     Mrs.  Mary  Smith 

do     Miss  Mary  Smith 

do     George  Bump 
Obituary  ofChloeRudd 

do.  Jabez  Carter 

do.  son  of  Daniel  Carter 

P. 
Perfection 
Prophetic  Warning 
Prayer  Secret 

do    Dedication 

R. 
Request  editorial 
Resolutions  of  quorums 
Remarks  editorial  on  the  Elyria  article 

do  on  Ohio  Free  Press  article 

do  J.  Hewets  letter 

do  P.  P.  Pratts  letter 

do  Editorial 

do     do 

do    do 
Reflections 

S. 
Saints  of  the  Last  days 
do     abroad 


361 
367 

368 

221 

237 
238 
240 
263 
ib 
271 
272 
288 
329 
335 
338 
364 
368 

207 
ib 

214 

219 

340 

ib 

ib 

ib 

ib 

245 

273 

ib 

273 

ib 

.  ib 

329 

336 

do 

361 

382 

ib 

383 

310 
342 

302 

277 

202 
267 
313 
314 
316 
317 
346 
353 
360 
ib 

307 
347 


THE  LATTER   DAY  SAINTS' 

Messenger  and  Advocate, 

Is  printed  and  published  every  montti  at  Kirtland 
Geauga  Co.  Oliio,  by 

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Vor..   Iir.  ;Vo.  1.]     KIRTLANI).   OHKX     OCTOnER,   lS:kl     AVliole  No.  f25. 


PROSPECTUS 

por  the   third   volumo  of  the 

Latter  Day    Saints' 

i^fcsscngcr  and    Advocate. 

At  tho    frequent    solicitation    of   El 


must  be  fulfilled;  the  arm  of  the  Lord 
will  he  iiiade  l)are;  the  afiticted  of  Ja- 
cob find  their  Ancient  Rock  true  to  his 
promises — and  the  earth  will  rest. 

It  said  we  differ  tVom  the  prevailing 
sects  in  matters  of  relision — we  do  not 


i brs,  who  ootaiM  (ho  prmcipal  pfu't  ot  Lj^„^,  j^.  ^,„j  that  ditlerence  is  an  hon 
the  si.b?cribers  lor  this  paper,  we  hove  j  ^.^^  '^^^^  p^^^^  ^^  ^^^^^^,1  ^^^^-  ^^ 
thought  proper  to  strike  off  a  ^^l»ort  j  jj^g  ^^.^^^  ^j.^;.^,}^  ^^^j  ^  ^^^jij  research 
prospectus  on  a  separate  sheet,  lor ;  j^,^  tj,^,^,  ^-^^  ^^,^^-^^^  concern  the 
their  special  convemence.  It  frequent-  L,.^,,^  :^  ^^^  last  day.^-gazing  upon 
ly  happens  that  when  brethren  are  a-  L„^  foundation,  scrutanizing  the  order, 
broad  proclaiming  the  gospel,  theyi^^^^t^^.fl  l,,„p^^,^^j^I^  ^^^  ,j,^ 
have  neither  a  prospectus  nor  a  speci-L,^,  with  those  sects,  as  an  honest 
•men  sheet,  to  exhibit  before  the  public,  ^^.^,  ^^^    ^^,^^^^  ^  ^-^^y 

Z,-d"^  '^'''''"'""'  '   '"*"'''^'    '^l^^^ouchocirts,    to    dissent  from    those 

^     ''"^  ,-,        ,     -^        ,  ,.    I  systems,  which,    although    thev    havu 

I  he  pr.r^ont  (."^ept.;    No.  c'oses  this  Lj^j^t,-,,,,,^^  j^  ^^^  earth,  deny  the 


volume;  and  co:isidcring  the  v<-t'ight  of 
influence  and  determined  opposition, 
against  wliich  it  has  been  compelled  to 
■contend,  its  circulation  has  become  ex- 
tensive— towns,  counties  and  states, 
have,  through  the  medium  of  this  little 
sheet,  learned    our  viev/s    and    princi 


gift  of  inspiration,  set  at  nought  the 
gospel  of  Jesus  Christ,  and  spread 
darkness  and  corruption  over  the  face 
of  the  world. 

As  it  is   frequently  reported  that  we 
disbelieve  the  bible  and  contend  against 


pies  on  the  subject  of  the  gospel  of  the   '[f  Precepts,  it  may   t^e  well    to  correct 


Son  of  God;  and  we  humbly  trust,  ma 
ny  have  found  it  a  welcome  visitant  in 
the  hour  of  despondency  and  doubt, 
while  surrounded  by  contending  reli- 
gionists who  serve  to  divide  the  world 
into  parlies,  and  sot  the  hand  of  man 
against  his  t'ollow.  And  whenever  it 
has  found  a  reader,  to  such,  a  recapitu- 
lation of  the  doctrines  it  has  carried  to 
a  perishing  world,  would  be  superHu- 
ous,  as  on  almost  every  page  may  Ix? 
found  some  point  leading  to  the  great 
Hnd  essential  plan  of  salvation. 

As  those  principles  are  found  writ- 
ten over  the  face  of  scripture,  to  give, 
even  a  synopsis,  in  a  short  prospectus, 
could  not  be  expected:  It  cannot  be 
doubted,  howevc.",  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 
completion  ot  the  purposes  of  God  in 
the  salvation  of  Israel,  nor  ihe  over- 
throw of  t'alse  religions;  but  this  we 
say,    that   the  words   of  the   prophets 


that  report  in  this  short  article,  as  it 
may,  by  chance,  fall  into  the  hands  of 
some  who  might  otherwise  go  unde- 
ceived;— it  is  false,  'unequivocaUy  false' 
We  believe  that  sacred  record  from  the 
evidence  we  have  of  its  divine  authen- 
ticity, and  because  we  behave  it  a  con- 
sistent book,  when  taken  in  its  true 
meaning — ivkich  is  at  it  read^y  our 
eharaler  is  vilified,  and  we  compelled 
to  l>ear  the  .scandal  of  "false  teacher 
and  iiaposlor,^'  from  thousanda  who 
know  nothing  of  our  character,  either 
moral  or  religious.  And  we  are  bold 
to  say,  that  we  can  draw  proof  and  ar- 
guments to  justil^y  our  belief  in  the  sys- 
tem we  profess,  from  this  holy  word, 
and  from  il3  hallowed  pages  can  we 
read  a  direct  declaration  from  the 
mouth  of  its  Author,  against  the  crafts 
and  plans  of  men. 

The  Messenger  will  contain  such 
notices  of  the  spread  of  the  gospel,  and 
the  preaching  of  the  elders,  as  will  b« 
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  to  justify  a 
liberal  support.  It  will  be  as  former- 
ly, ouce  a  month  on  a  Super  Royal 
sheet,   duodecimo,    once   a   month,  at 


3«S 


:y E&si E :^'4>' i^; ft'^ A xu  At* y a c ate. 


•Be  dollar  per  antium,  puyable  ahvftye 
in  advance.  We  had  designed  publish- 
ing it  eemi-moDti^ily,  but  owing  to  the 
fact  that  a  great  portion  of  our  for- 
mer subscriptions  are  unpaid,  and  some 
owe  for  the  Star,  published  four  years 
since,  we  cannot  carry  our  wishes  in- 
%o  effect. 

We  wish  our  correspondents,  one 
and  all,  to  remember,  that  all  Gommu- 
nications  addressed  to  us,  to  ensure  at- 
tention, mu3t  come  free  of  postage. 
Any  person  forwarding  us  ten  dol- 
lars shall  be  entitled  to  eleven  copies 
for  one  year. 

O.  COWDERY. 
Kirlland  Geauga  Co.  Ohio,  Sept.  1836. 

P.  S.  Persona  forwarding  ua  t>ub- 
Bcribers'"  names  will  bo  particular  to 
give  the  name  of  the  post  ofHce,  coun- 
ty, and  State,  where  papers  are  to  be 
addressed,  in  a  plain  and  intelligible 
manner. 


The  following  is  a  second  Ictttcr 
from  the  editor,  to  his  brother  here, 
written  in  accordance  with  a  promise 
contained  in  one  published  in  the  last 
Messenger  it  will  bo  perused  with  in. 
tere-sL  W. 

Boston,  Ms.  Aug  24,  1838. 

Deab.  Brother: — 
Since  1  wrote  you  on  the  3d.  (should 
have  been  dated  the  fourth)  I  have  vis- 
ited a  short  extent  of  our  eastern  sea- 
board, conversed  with  many  peopIe,and 
had  other  opportunities  of  witneRsing 
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- 
ter, were  the  mild  remedies  applied  to 
sober  the  rational  mind  and  teach  them 
the  true  way;  and  where,  in  modern, 
the  lawless  banditti  has  laid  desolate 
and  in-  a  heap,  the  property  of  the 
weak  to,  reconcile  their  feelings  and 
bend  their  consciences  to  the  precepts 
of  the  strong!' 

I  closed  my  last  by  telling  ^/ou  some- 
thing about  New-York.  This  city  re- 
minds me  of  Ezekiel's  description  of  Ty- 
rtis,  "situated  at  the  entry  of  the  sea, 
a  merchant  for  many  isles."  See  Eze- 
kiel  27  chapter.  While  passing  from 
th?"  fo(r.-r  o?  Chambers   !?f.   from  whirh  { 


the  bout  took  Us  pitsscngt^rs,  cue  Ixis  m, 
tolerably  fai"  proscct  of  the  shipping 
iu  the  Hudaen,  though  it  lies  thickly 
crowded  far  above.  New-York  Bay 
forms  a  fine  harbor,  immediately  pro- 
tecled  by  the  fortifications  on  Gove- 
nor'.s  island,  sufficic-nt  to  batter  dowtj, 
the  cfty.  East  River  is  lined  with 
craft  from  tho  Oystor-man's  skifl'  to 
tliC  lofty  and  majestic  ship  wliich  rides 
the  waves  of  the  giant  Pacnfic.  Hero 
the  wealth  of  the  world  and  merchan- 
dize of  tho  earth,  have  been  waftod 
to  fdl  up  the  blessings  of  a  people,  tho 
most  favored  of  any  now  on  earths 
What  Spirit  of  prophecy  or.  fore- 
thought influenced  the  mind  of  the  hon' 
est  German,  two  hundred  and  twenty 
two  years  since,  to  erect  his  humble 
log  cabin,  is  not  for  me  to  say;  but  did 
we  not  positively  know  this  to  be  the 
fact,  V  hen  v,c  coissider  the  size  and 
extent  of  New-York,  we  might  doubt, 
(hata  little  over  two  centuries  had  roar- 
ed such  a  noble  citj". 

Brooklyn,  on  Long  Island,  is  a  growl- 
ing towHT  opposite  New- York:,  and 
from  appearance,  1  .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-, 
ihiit  something  strange  was  to  hav« 
been  seen.  But  tho  secret  was  soon 
disclosed — the  river  being  narrow  ai 
this  place,  with  racks  in  the  centre, 
when  the  tide  ebbs  and  flows,  a  strong 
current  is  formed  wliich  creates  edies 
and  whirls,  simular  to  those  frequent- 
ly seen  on  the  surface  of  the  MiKsourL 
River. 

A  little  farther  you  pass  Blockwell^ 
island,  celebrated  for  the  .large  prison 
and  numerous  convicts  it  contains — 
we  saw  them  scattared  about  at  lobor, 
in  small  companies,  each  imder  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 
for  their  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  River,  and  to  be  regret- 
ted that,  many  others  have  not  been 
favored  with  a  pass  to  that  Castle  long 
ago — it  would  have  saved  much  troida- 
!•#  »o  difljbt. 


yi  r-^SK.N  t^t^^  A>.'u  M)\  wt^ATF.- 

Pcr- 


»3^ 


Supper  was  soon  Riinounced, 
haps  I  may  be  aHowed  to  give  yea  a 
specimen  of  the  order,  or  rather  conlu- 
eion,  which  prevjtih  ftl  eaU-ng  thies  on 
one  of  our  long  steam  boats.  True  in 
4nDny  respects,  they  rosoniWe  n  brg<^ 
ifloating  hotel  but  the  bustle  nnd  crowd- 
ing for  lire  first  ticats  ot  the  taliJe,  or 
in  fact,  fororhe  at  all,  defies  descrip- 
tion. The  inoRicnt  the  bell  rings,  a 
j^enoral  rush  is  mad*;  for  the  Cabin 
door — "first  come  firBt  servetl''"' — but 
no  be  to  the  man  wlm  is  so  feeble 
that  he  cannot  crowd  his  part.  If  cv- 
*'r  a  greater  rush,  anciently  and  bustle 
•»^curred  whtn  prisoners  ware  reJcased 
from  iucorccratiou,  or  freightonod  fu- 
gitives fied  from  devouring  flames,  the 
individual  unable  to  have  a  dozen  oth- 
ers on  his  back,  ought  certainly  to  have 
been  pitied — one  is  a  fair  eamplo  for 
the  other. 

Night  soon  hid  from  our  eyes  the 
Jand  on  either  side,  except  faintly,  on- 
ly now  and  then  the  bright  glitnmer  of 
•iiaight  hiuse,  on  some  important  point, 
would  change  the  scerie.  In  a  short 
iime  all  v.-as  still,  but  t,he  j»rring  and 
the  thrashing  of  the  wheels,  and  the 
trciiibling  of  the  boat,  as  it  was  pro- 
pelled through  tile  water  by  two  migh- 
ty engines,  soon  the  -crooking  and 
•crowing  of  some  young  bucks,  who 
■were  so  unfortunate  as  to  get  no 
births. 

Early  in  the  morning  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 — lirst,  I 
lacked  considerable  of  my  usual  pro- 
portion of  sleep,  and  further,  1  dread- 
ed another  pus^hing  and  crowding,  as 
I  had  hardly  recovered  from  my  for- 
mer ones.  Ttiis  in  fashionable  com- 
pany thought  I,  as  I  slowly  put  on  my 
clothes;  gentlemen,  riding  for  health — 
travelling  for,pleasure  somewhere  down 
east  to  see  men  and  mountains.  But 
aa  (;ach  is  a  el  ranger  to  (jach,  and  no 
one  knows  as  he  may  meet  with  any 
of  his  company  again,  it  matters  not 
whether  he  is  a  man  or  a  brute.  If 
men  were  as  egar  to  press  themselves 
into  the  Kingdom  of  heaven,  surely 
they  would  "take  it  by  force." 

At  about  7,  A.  M.  we  entered  the 
mouth  of  Providence  River,  on  the 
east  bank  of  which  our  Government  ie 
erecting  or  preparing  u  large  fortilica- 
(♦.ioo.  if  I  mrattk*    not.   call«d  Fort  Ad- 


ams, ft  is  large,  well  built,  and  strong: 
it  may  be  called  one  of  the  strong 
holdn  of  the  nation.  This,  with  other 
fe>rts  on  islands  immediately  within  the 
mouth  of  the  river,  is  sufficient  to  de- 
fend its-entrance  against  a  tormidable 
fleet.  Near  to,  aijd  o*i  the  same  side 
of  the  river  with  Fort  Adams,  stands 
the  o/d  to^vn  of  New  Port.  ^Vhat 
may  constitute  the  wealth  or  enterprise 
of 'tl>e  place,  I  k-now  not,  but  suppose 
they  "go  down  to  the  sea  in  ships" 
from  which  they  reap  their, principal 
support. 

Tl  irty  miles  from  this  stands  the 
city  of  Providence.  The  name  of  th« 
founder  of  this  place,  as  well  as  this 
little  Stale,  is  familiar  with  every  man 
acquainted  M-ith  the  history  of  New- 
England,  as  well  as  the  cause  of  his 
early  leaving  the  colony  of  P'iym- 
month,  and  seeking  refuge  amid  bar- 
barians in  a  dense,  trackless  •forest — it 
was  because  he  had  religion,  and  his 
neighbors  had  not,  except  such  as  deals 
•death  to  its  dissenters  and  those  who 
absent  from  their  -corarnunion,  Ro- 
ger Williiams  was  a  man  of  soul — he 
chose  rather  the  hardship  of  a  new  un- 
cultivated home,  rather  than  sacrifice 
his  rights  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  dilficulties.  This  good  man 
saw  the  fallen  state  of  the  church,  and 
the  want  of  authority  to  administer  in 
the  holy  priesthood;  and  after  various 
unsuccessful  attempts  to  convert  tho 
nations  lo  ciiiistianily,  hesitated  not  to 
declare,  that  when  they  should  be  con- 
verted, God  would  endow  men  with 
the  git't  of  tongues,  and  thus  by  his 
power  turn  them  from  darkness  to 
light.  This  I  confess  is  a  great  puz- 
zle to  the  priests  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?i)tures:"  He  thought  the  clause 
found  in  the  Apocalypse,  relative  to 
the  Savior's  second  coming,  meant  as 
the  great  ruvelator  j)enned  it,  whil« 
these  modern  men — re  velators  sey  oth- 
erwise! 

Previdence,  this  day,  was  literally 
alive:  it  was  the  anivorsary  of  their 
town  and    State — two    hundred  yoaxs 


r$83 


MtlSSEXGER  AND  ADYOCATE. 


had  elapsed  since  itn  settlement.  We 
had  on  board  a  company  of  artillery 
from  New  Port,  and  before  we  reach- 
ed the  town,  were  srdutod  by  cannon 
placed  on  the  high  hlufF,  the  smoke  of 
which  we  saw  rolling  U|)  from  I  he  mouth 
of  the  discharged  ordinance,  long  be- 
fore we  heard  the  report. 

Strange,  thought  I,  as  we  approach- 
ed the  city,  where  30  many  hearts  were 
light  with  animation,  ard  chnnged  the 
scene,  from  the  one  two  hundred  years 
since: — Now  lofty  spires  rear  their 
heads  among  the  clouds,  and  costly 
dwellings  spread  their  broad  henrlhs, 
and  render  peace  and  comfort  to  their 
occupants,  while  the  canvass  of  a  thou- 
sand shipa  float  in  the  gentle  breeze 
over  these  still  and  pencoful  waters, 
and  wealth  and  enso  flow  dov.'n  the 
streets  of  a  city  blessed  of  hoaven! — 
Then  the  sturdy  oa!c  was  only  made 
to  bend  beneath  the  force  of  the  whirl- 
wind, the  kindred  boughs  uniting  to 
keep  from  the  faco  of  earth  the  enliv- 
ening influence  of  the  sun,  that  it  might 
not  blush  to  shine  on  unconsecrated 
ground — soil  not  dedicated  by  a  chris- 
tian's prayer,  but,  polluted  by  the  blood 
oi  victims,  slain  by  savage  hands,  to 
satiate  the  desire  of  an  imaginary  dei- 
ty, whose  power  v/as  in  the  sun,  and 
whoso  habitation  was  in  the  wind;  a  no- 
ble river  only  streaked  with  the  native's 
bark  canoe,  on  the  bankof  which  sLind 
a  father  and  a  husband,  forsaken  by 
his  friends,  persecuted  for  his  religion, 
and  driven  irom  the  face  of  civiliza- 
tion, to  seek  an  asylum  among  prowl- 
ing beasts  and  wild  men  because  he  he- 
lieved  in  God! 

The  boat  soon  landed,  snd  we  were 
nuickly  seated  in  the  car  for  Do&ton. 
The  cars  on  this  rail  road  arc  superi- 
or, for  the  ease  and  convenience  of 
passengers,  to  any  I  have  yet  seen.  A 
few  hours  brought,  us  to  this  city,  the 
queen  and  emporium  of  New  England. 

It  v;ould  be  altogether  uninteresting 
to  lead  you  all  the  round  ofsc/)utmg  to, 
and  bathing  in  the  sea,  and  how  bene- 
ficial a  change  of  climate,  as  well  as  a 
recess  from  business,  has  so  far  been 
to  my  health.  1  will  therefore  pass 
©vcr  these,  and  leave  them  till  1  see 
yon  face  to  faeo. 

During  my  tarry  in  this  country,  I 
have  visited  Saiem,  15  miles  from  this 
city.  I  viewed  the  hill,  immediately  to 
the  north-west  of  the  town,  on  which 
they  used,  in  olden   ttmes    when    they 


were  very  righteous,  to  hang  peopl''i 
for  the  alleged  crime  of  witchcraft — it 
still  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  th.oir  fathers. 
This  witch  busine-^s  b-egan  in  1691,  and 
was  so  effectually  carried  on  for  about 
two  years*  that  the  innocent  blood  of 
hundreds  moistened  the  earth  to  grati- 
fy the  vile  ambition  of  jealous  mortals. 

It  ujay  not  be  wholly  uninteresting 
to  the  readers  of  the  Messenger,  to 
give  a  short  account  of  this  disgracc- 
I'ul  affair,  as  found  in  some  of  tiie  an- 
cient writings  on  that  subject.  I  am 
aware  that  the  fact  is  familiar  with  us 
nil,  but  the  viatler  of  fact  is  not.  The 
first  appearance  of  any  thing  of  this 
aature,  was  in  the  family  of  a  priest, 
by  th.e  name  of  Parris,  who,  it  is  said, 
could  not  make  money  last  enough  bv 
merchandi/.ing,  therefore  uiulertook 
the  traffic  in  tnen's  souls — lie  lived  in 
Salem.  After  preaching  about  two 
years,  he  contrived  to  get  "a  grant 
frora  a  past  of  the  town,  that  the  houj^o 
and  land  occupied,  and  which  had  been 
allotted  by  the  whole  people  to  the 
ministry,  should  be  and  remain  to  him, 

I  ike.  as  his  own  estate  in  fco  simple." 
At  this  many  of  the  good  people  re- 
volted, upon  which  strile  and  cunlen- 
lion  were  stirred  up.  Soon  a  number 
of  Mr.  Parris'  children  were  sorely 
tormented — bewitched — thrown  down 
— scratched — pinched — bitten-osnueez- 
ed,  and  many  other  grievous  things,  by 
some  of  the  neighbors.  Tho  result 
was,  prosecution,  imprisonment  and 
death.  Remember,  by  the  way,  that 
none  of  these  were  afflicted  by  corpore- 
al hands,  but  could  see  the  persons' 
spirits  or  appearances  coming  to,  and 
tormenting  them — sometimes  in  t!ie 
form  of  cats,  dogs,  kogs,  &c. 

A  deeper  laid  plan  for  the  purpose 
of  satiating  revenge,  upon  such  a  prin- 
ciple, I  think  I  never  read  of.  In  tho 
famdy  of  this  Parris,  resided  an  Indi- 
an and  his  wile:  the  latter,  as  appears, 
was  the  first  complained  of  by  Parris' 

I  children.  She  was  committed  to  pris- 
on, and  her  master  (P)  refusing  to  pay 

j  the  fees,  suffered  her  to  be  sold  for  the 
same.     The  account  is  not  a  little  as? 

I  tonishmg,  while  it  discloses  the  grand 

j      *Iri  the  April  of  1693,  all  then  in  the  prisr 

on8   for  tho  nllc^d  ciIdk;  of  witchcraft,  wcie 
!  liberated. 


Mt.SSKNGF.R  AND  Al>\  ( il  ATf:, 


3S9 


secret  cif  th«  maltcr.  Speaking  of  her 
being  sold  for  the  fees,  the  historian 
says: 

•'The  Recount  she  sinco  glv«s  of  il  is,  Ihnt 
her  master  did  bonl  her,  and  othcruioC  abiis?' 
her,  lo  make  Iter  coiitVj:*  (such  &s  he  called) 
licrsiatcr-wiichcH;  and  thai  winitevr-r  she  said 
h-  waf  of  contVssinj,  or  accusing  others,  '.v.is 
the  cffjct  of  .Huch  UF^ge;  h:T  innj^ter  refused 
to  pay  her  fees,  unless  slie  would  sI.ukI  lo 
what  sh-e  had  said." 

This,  I  consider  the  main  t.»rch — the 
r.re-brand,  by  which  the  whole  was 
jivulo  to  ignUo,  untii  the  good  pooi-.ie 
of  Mnssnchusctts  colony,  were  miide 
to  lament  thai  t'ic  uanrj  r  f  "witch,'' 
or  r.vtn  I'arris,  was  ever  known. 

As  a  fair  sample  of  the  cturse  y;ur- 
Kijcd  in  their  courts,  I  will  give  you  a 
short  paragraph:  "A  child  of  Sarah 
iJood's  v.-as  likewise  npprchendc.i,  be- 
ing between  four  and  five  years  old. 
The  accusers  said  this  child  bit  them, 
and  would  shew  sucli  like  marks  ns 
those  of  a  .small  set  of  teeth,  upon  their 
arms:  as  many  "l'  the  alllict'jd  as  tho 
child  cast  its  eyt).s  upon,  would  com- 
plain they  were  in  torment:  which  child 
they  also  committed/' 

Look  at  the  picture!  cotr.nnnts  on  it 
frorn  me  arc  unnecessary.  ?v'othing 
is  wanting  to  show  the  .subtle  and  pre- 
determined plan  of  the  accu^iers,  to 
take  life,  nur  arguments  to  prove  the 
total  want  ot"»igkleou:Mve..s,  on  the  part 
<jf  judges,  to  receive  H'jch  bare-t'aced 
lalschofKls  against  a  helpless,  harmless 
babe,  who  had  never  cunimit'.Cv!  a  siti 
in  its  life!  1  coafesy,  dear  brother, 
Ihnt  my  l>osom  burns  witli  indignation 
lit  the  very  tiiouglit. 

But  since  1  have  really  cijgig;d  in 
giving  a  detail  of  ibis  iiUrnlioii^  evil, 
1  cannot  do  it  bettor  than  by  (|aoling 
the  proceedings  of  certain  trials,  en- 
tire, ns  1  find  them  recorded,  or  the 
account  of  certain  individuals  thein- 
Kelve.4.  who  were  immediately  interest- 
ed. 

^'^^K^  2t.— Mrs.  Cary.  «f  CharlisliWn, 
wsH  fxnmined  and  coimiiitt'd.  Her  husiaud, 
•Mr.  Jonarhati  Ciirj,  has  givefi  accouiil  there- 
of, as  (ilso  of  lier  e^cii;>c,  to  this  eil.-cl: 

'I  lidT.iiK  hottrd,  Konie  day?,  -hal  iriy  v.ife 
V.-3H  orcused  of  wllchcraO.,'  beiii;:  rr.iicli  dis- 
turbed ttl  il,  by  advice  we  went  lo  Sakin  Vi!- 
JnX'^)  ^^  "^^  it' the  afflicted  knew  her;  wc  ar- 
rrved  there  'i4tii  May;  ii  happeneil  to  he  a 
day  apjioiiilHd  lor  examination;  accordingly, 
soonaRcr  our  arriv.al,  -Mr.  ilawtiiornan.i  Mr. 
Curwin,  &.c.  went  to  the  meeting  lioiise, 
which  was  the  plaec  appointed  for  tliat  work: 
lh»>  minUl'^r  h.g,in  with  pr.iyer;  and  harinjj 
nU-ii '-u"   '"    ■•"I*    '-'.iiv  •iii'-nl  pVi'--.    T  "S- 


Bcrvcd   liial  the  aillicled  were    two   girls  of 
about  ten  years  o!d,    and  about  two  or  three 
others,  of  ahonl  eighteen;    one  of  the   girls 
tallied  most,  and  could  discern  more  than  the 
rest.     Tl;a  priKoncrs   were  called  in  one  by 
on?,  .ind  as  they  ca.Tie   in  were  crioti  out    of", 
Ac.     The  nrlsotiers  were  placed  about  seven 
or  ei^';t  feet  fro;:!  the  judticcs,  and  the  accu- 
sers between  the  jiistices  and  them;  the  pris^ 
oners  were  ordered  Ic  stand  right   before  Iha 
j'.istices,    with  an    officer  appointed   to   hold 
each  him.i,  ler-t  they  should   tkeresvith  afllict 
iiiCin;  and  the  prjs^iiicrs"    eyes   must  be  con- 
stanti-  on  tho  j'lsl'.ces:  tor  if  they  looked  on 
he  alilicted,  ttjey  would  either  fall  into  their 
fits,  urcry  out  of  b?i'.;ghurl  by  lh»m.     After 
an  examination  of  the  prisoncre,  who  ii  was 
afiiielod  those  j:irlf«,  &c.  they  were  put  upon 
saving  the  Lord's  prayer,  !vs  a  trial  of  their 
!;U!lt.     .Aflvr  the  affiictcd  seemed   to  be   out 
of  their  fits,  they   would   look  steadfastly  on 
some  one  person,   smd  frequently  not  ppeek; 
and  then  the  jugticee  said  they  were  etruck 
dumb,  .ind  after  a  little  tiai-^  they  would  speak 
aizain;  then  the  jvjsticet;  Buid   to  the  sccusers, 
Which    of  you  will  go  and  loueh  the  prison- 
er at  th;    b'ul     'i'hen   the  most   courageous 
would  adventure,  but  before  they  had   made 
three  steps  wou'd  ordinarily  fall  down  as  in 
ft  (it.     The  justices  ordered  liiat  they   should 
be  taisen  «[>  and  earned  to  tiie  prisoner,  that 
she  niii;iil  touch  liiem;  and  as  soon  as  they 
were  louclicd   by   tl;.?   accused,   the  justices 
would  iii-w  tliey'tire  well,  before  1  could   dis- 
cern anyalteraiion;  by  which  I  observed  that 
the  justices   undcr.stood  the  manner  of  if.— =^ 
Thun  fu-r  I  was  only  as  a  spectator;  my  wife 
also  wad  there  part  c:"t!ie  time,  but  no  notico 
I  tak  'u  of  hor  by  the  alTlict'  d,  except  once  or 
twice  ihev  came  to  hrr  and  asked  lier  name. 
••Bol  Ihavlngan  opportunity  to  discourpo 
I  Mr-  Halo  (with  whom  1  had  lonnerly  ae<\uaiu- 
j  tanc-:;)  1  look  li's  udvice  wliut   I  had   best  to 
!  do,  and  d-'sired  of  liim  ^li.^t  1  might  have   ua 
j  ooporlunity  to  sneak  with  her  that  accused 
j  Illy  wife;  which  i'le  promised  nhould  be,    I  uc- 
j  quaintiiig  him    t!ial  1    reposed    my    trust  in 
!  him.     Accordinulv  lie  f-*^i"e   to  mo  aftci  the 
}  cx.un;nalion  v.^aii  over,  aad  told  me  Ihiid  now 
I  an  opportunily  to  ppeak  with   the  said  accu- 
ser, vi/..  Abi.u;i.il  Williams,  a  girl  of  11  or  lii 
yt-a-H  old;  hut  tl'.at  we  could  not  be  in  private 
at  Mr.  i'lirris'  house,  iis  he  had  promised  n)e; 
we  we?it   thero.''i)re  into  the  alehouse,  where 
an  Indian  man  alU-nJed  us,  who  il  seems  Aves 
one  of  the  alllicle.l;  to  him  v.e  gave  come  ci- 
der:  he  shewed  several   scars,    that  seemed 
as  if  Uiey  ImJ  h-.-en    long   there,    and  shewed 
them  ns  dune  by  wiichcraft,  and   acquainted 
UH  liuil  his  v.itl-,  v.'io    a!:;o  waa  a   slave,  was 
i:npri6^ontd   for   wilchcrafi.      .^nd   now,   in- 
sl  -lid  of  (lie  accuser,  they  all  came  in,  and  be- 
gan to  luml)le  down  like  Kwine;  t"t  then  threo 
wonii-n  v.'ere  called  in  to  attend  them.     We 
in  tiic  room  were  ail  at  a  stand,    to  see  who 
th  'V  v.ouid  crv  f^iit    of;  l>ul   in  a   ehort    time 
ih.-v  eri"d  oalj  ('ury;   and   immedjalely  sflcr 
a  wAir.int  wns  s.  jit  iVom  the  justices  lo  bring 
my  wife  before  them,  v.-hn  were  silting  in  a 
chandler  near  by,  wailing  for  lhi». 

"Ileing  hroufiht  before  the  j.islices,  her 
chiefaccusers  wi to  two  girl»:.  .My  wile  de- 
clart'd  to  the  justices,  that  t<hc  never  had  any 
knowledge  of  them  before  that  day.  iShc 
w.as  forced  lo  stand  with  her  nrm«  itrclic-hcd 
i)n;.      1  1  •qu^.-trrl  tli^t     1    iTii;'tit     hf^'A    'Mie  of 


3&G 


MESSEKGEH-  AXB  ADVOCATE.. 


herhanda,  but  it  was  d^'nied  me;  then  she  de- 
■ired  me  to  wipe  the  tears  irom  her  eyes,  and 
the  sweat  from  her  face,  which  I  did;  then 
she  desired  ohe  might  lean  herself  on  mc, 
aaying  she  ghoTjld  taint. 

"Justice  Hathorn  replied,  she  had  strength 
enough  to  torment  those  persons,  and  ahe 
ehould  hf:fe  strength  enough  to  stand.  I 
speaking  something  against  theip  cruel  prc- 
cccdingB,  the)-  commanded  nicto  be  silent,  or 
else  I  should  be  turned  out  of  the  roona.  The 
Indian  before  mentioned  was  alao  brought  in, 
to  be  one  of  her  accuBers:  being  come  in,  he 
now  (v»-hen  pefore  the  justices)  fell  down  and 
tumbled  about  like  a  hop,  but  said  nothing. 
The  justices  aeked  the  girla  wJio  afFiiclcd  the 
Indian;  they  answered,  she,  (meaning  my 
wife)  and  that  she  now  lay  upon  him;  the 
juBtices  ordered  her  to  touch  him,  in  order  to 
iia  cure,  but  her  head  must  be  turned  another 
way,  lest,  instead  of  curing,  she  should  make 
hirn  worse,  by  her  looking  on  him,  her  hand 
being  guided  to  take  hold  of  his;  but  the  In- 
dian took  hold  of  her  hand,  and  pulled  her 
down  on  the  floor,  in  a  barbarous  manner; 
then  his   luand  was  taken  off,  and  her  hand 

?ut  OS  his,  &  the  cure  was  quickly  wrought, 
,  being  extremely  troubled  at  their  inhuman 
dealings,  uttered  a  hasty  speech.  Thai  God 
ipould  take  vengeance  on  them,  and  desired^ 
that  God  would^delixcr  us  out  of  the  hands  of 
unmerciful  men.  Then  her  mittimus  was- 
writ.  I  did  with  difliculty  and  charge  obtain^ 
»he  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  legs  (having  received  such  a 
command;)  the  weight  of  them  was  about 
eight  pounds:  these  irons  and  her  other  af- 
flictions soon  brought  her  into  convulsion 
fits,  so  that  I  thought  she  would  have  died 
that  night.  I  sent  to  entreat  that  the  iroas 
might  be  taken  off";  but  all  entreaties  were  in 
vain,  if  it  would  have  saved  her  life,  so  that 
in  this  condition  she  must  continue.  The 
trials  at  Salem  coming  on,  I  went  thither,  to 
see  how  things  were  maraged;  and  finding 
that  the  spectre  evidence  was  theie  received, 
lOgether  with  idle,  if  not  malioiowa  stories, 
against  people's  lives,  I  did  easily  perceive 
which  vray  the  rest  would  go;  for  the  same 
evidence  that  served  for  one,  would  serve  for 
all  the  rset.     I  acquainted   her  with  her  dan- 

Ser;  and  that  if  she  were  carried  to  fSelem  to 
e  tried,  I  feared  she  would  never  return.  I 
did  my  utmost  that  s!ie  might  have  her  trial 
in  our  own  county,  I  with  several  others  pe- 
tiuoning  the  judge  for  it,  and  were  put  in 
bapes  of  it;  but  I  soon  saw  so  mui^h,  tliat  I 
tjndcrstood  thereby  it  was  not  intended,  which 
put  me  upon  consulting  the  means  of  her  es- 
cape; which  through  the  gocxlness  of  God 
was  effected,  and  she  ^ol  to  Rhode  Island, 
.but  soon  found  herself  not  safe  when  there, 
by  reason  of  the  pursuit  ailer  her;  Irom 
thence  she  went  to  New  York,  along  v.'ith 
eome  others  that  had  escaped  their  cruel 
han^s;  where  we  found  his  excellency  Benja- 
min Fletcher,  esq.  goversor,  who  was  very 
courteous  to  us.  After  this,  some  of  my 
goods  were  seized  in  a  fiiend's  hands,  with 
whom  I  had  left  them,  and  mj'self  imprisoned 
by  the  sheflfl'",  and  kr'|it  in  custody,  half  a  day 


and  then  dismissed;  but  to  ppeak  of  their  rs- 
age  of  the  prisoners,  end  the  inhumanity 
ei  ewn  to  them  at  the  time  of  their  execu-- 
'.ion,  no  Bo'oer  christian  could  bc&r.  I'hej- 
had  also  trials  of  cruel  Encckings;  which  is  the 
more,  considering  what  a  people  for  religion, 
I  mean  the  profession  of  it,  we  have  been: 
these  that  suffered  being  many  of  them  church 
members,  and  most  of  them  untpotted  in 
their  converEation,  till  their  adv^re-ary  the 
devil  took  up  this  method  for  accuaing  them,- 
"Per  Jonathan  Carv." 
May-31.— Capt.  John  Aldin  wr.a  examin- 
ed in  Salem,  and  committed  to  Boston  piiE- 
on.  The  prison-keeper,  seeing  such  a  man 
committed,  of  whom  he  had  a  good  esteem, 
was  avlor  this  the  more  compassionate  tO' 
those  that  were  in  prison  on  the  like  account;^ 
and  refrained  from  such  hiird  things  to  tho 
prisoners,  as  before  he'had  used.  Mr.  Aldin 
himself  has  given  an  account  of  his  examina- 
tion, in  these  worda: 

An  account  how  John  Aldin,  6enio,r    wss 
dcalf'j^-ith  at  Balem  Village. 

John  Aldin,- senior,  of  Boston,  in  the  eoun- 
1y  of  Suffolk,  mariner,  on  the  28th  day  oP 
May,  J  699,  was  sent  for  b^-  the  m.agistrates 
of  Salem,  in  the  county  of  Eesex,  upon  the 
accusation  of  a  company  of  poor  distracted- 
or  pcsreessed  creatures  or  witches;  and  being 
sent  by  Mr.  Stoughton,  arrived  there  tlie 
31  st  of  May,  and  appeared  at  Salem  Village, 
before  Mr.  Gidney,  Mr.  Hathorn  and  Mr. 
Curwin,  iit     F*- 

7'hoso  wenches  being  present,  ^ho  played 
their  juggling  tricks,  falling  down,  crying' 
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  that  hurt- 
them:  one  of  these  accusers  pointed  several 
times  at  one  Capt.  Hill,  there  present,  but 
spake  nothing;  the  same  accuser  had  a  man- 
standing  at  her  back  to  hold  her  up;  he  stoop- 
ed down  t^o  her  ear;  then  ahe  cried  out,  Aldin,- 
Aldin  afflicted  her:  one  of  the  magistrates 
asked  her  if  she  had  ever  seen  Aldin,  she  a»- 
swered  iio;  he  asked  how  she  khevv  it  wa&^ 
-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  Jtadges;  ho 
sells  powder  and  shot  to  the  Indiana  and 
French,  Mid  lies  with  the  Indian  squaws,  an*^ 
has  Indian  papooses.  Then  was  Aldin  com- 
mitted to  the  Marshal's  custody,  and  his 
sword  taken  from  him;  for  they  said  he  af- 
flicted them  with  his  sword.  After  some- 
hours  Aldin  was  sent  lor  to  the  meeting, 
house  in  the  Village,  before  the  magistrates; 
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  ehair,- 
in  the  sight  of  all  the  people,  a  good  way 
distant  from  them.  One  of  the  magjstratct^ 
bid  the  marshrll  to  hold  open  Aidin's  hands, 
that  he  might  not  pinch  those  creatures. — 
Aidin  asked  them  why  they  should  think  that' 
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  ' 
liucwhim,  if  thfv  evrr  snspei^ted   him  to  bit 


>J£§!5K.\itRr(   AK]^  ADVaCAtE. 


TSTJch  a  person,  and  challenged  any  one,  that 
«onld  bring  in  any  thing  upon  their  own 
knowledge,  thdt  miglit  give  suspicion  of  his 
being  such  an  one.  Mr.  Gidney  said  he  had 
known  Aldiii  many  years,  and  had  been  at 
«3a  with  him,  and  always  looked  upon  him 
To  b?  an  hoBtei  man,  but  now  he  s  w  cau8>.* 
to  alter  his  judgment.     Aldin  answered,  he 


was  sorry  tor   that,  bat  he  hoped  God  would  I  od    in  reading  this   horrid  affair, — c 
clear  up  his  innoc^ncy,  that  ho  vonld  recall  •  \vhi:.'h    spreads,  and    must,    while    1 


that  judg.nient  acrain;  and  added,  that  he  ho- 
ped that  h'.'fihouid  wtth  JobmaiRtiin  his  in- 
tegrity till  he  died.  I'lioy  bid  Aldin  look 
upon  the'  accuaeiy,  which  he  did,  and  tlien 
they  f^.'ll  dawn.  Aldin  asked  Mr.  Gidney 
wkat  reason  there  could  be  giv^n.  T^hj  A1- 
din's  looiiinj  upon  him  did  not  strike  him 
do;?!!  as  well;  but  rao  reason  Wia  giviin  tiicl 
I  h-r.rd.  Bat  t!ie  accusers  were  brought  to 
AlJin  to  touch  them,  and  this  touch  they 
aaid  made  them  well.  Aldin  be^an  to  epeak 
of  the  providence  of  God,  in  sutTiring  these 
■creatures  to  accuse  innocent  persona.  Mr. 
Xoyos  asked  Aldin  why  ha  would  ofi'er  to 
epeak  of  the  provid'^nce  of  God:  God  by  his 
providence  («iid  ^Ir.  Muyes)  governs  the 
xvorUl,  ana  keeps  it  in  peace;  and  so  went  on 
with  discourse,  and  stopt  Alain's  mouth  as 
to  that.  Aldin  told  Mr.  Gidney,  that  he 
could  assure  him  that  there  was  a  lying  spir- 
it in  them,  for  I  can  assure  you  tliit  there  is 
not  a  word  of  truth  in  all  these  say  of  me. — 
But  A'din  was  again  committed  to  the  mar- 
ahal,  and  his  mittimus  wriltesi,  which  was  as 
ib  Jlcws-; 

'to  Mr.  John  .\rnolJ,  keeper  of  iha  prison 
in  Boston,  in  the  county  of  Sufi'olk. 

Whereas  captain  John  Aldin,  of  Boston, 
mariner,  and  Sarali  Rice,  wifa  of  >iiLhoias 
Rice,  of  Reading,  husbandman,  have  ben 
t.h-is  day  brought  before  ur.  John  }iat4?Qrn  Sf 
Jonathan  Curwin,  esquires;  being  accused 
aRd  suspected  of  perjietrating  divers  acts  of 
witchcraft,  contrary  to  the  fijr;n  of  the  stat- 
ute, in  that  case  made  and  provided:  these 
are  therefore,  in  their  niajf'sties  king  Wil- 
liiim  anp  queen  Mary'"s  names,  to  will  aiid  re- 
quire you  to  take  into  your  custody  the  bod- 
ies of  the  said  John  Aldin  and  Sarah  Rice, 
and  tiiem  safely  keep,  until  the\-  shall  he  de- 
iived  by  due  course  of  law,  as  yon  will  ans- 
wer the  contrary  at  your  peril:  and  this  thali 
be  your  fiiifiicient  warrant.  Given  under  our 
hand.s  at  Salem  Village,  tiie  Ulst  of  May,  in 
11)9  fourtli  year  of  tlie  reign  of  our  sovereign 
lofd  and  lady,  William  and  .Mary,  now  king 
itnd  queen  over  England,  &c.  Anno  Domini 
I60:i. 

John  llathorn,     )        ■  ,      , 
,  ,-,  '     >  a>;sielanls. 

Jona.  (.urwin,     J 

To  Bofjlon,  Aldin  was  carried  by  a  consta- 
ble; no  iiail  would  be  taken  for  )iim:  but  was 
delivered  to  the  prison-i'.eeper,  where  he  re- 
mained fifteen  weeks;  and  then,  obsL-rving 
the  manner  of  trials,  and  evidence  theti  ta- 
kei»,  was  at  length  prevailed  wit!)  to  make 
his  escape,  antl  being  returned,  was  bound 
over  to  answer  at  the  superior  court  at  Bos- 
ton, the  last  'J'uesday  in  April,  anno  JG93; 
and  was  there  cleared  by  proclamation,  none 
appearing  against  hi.-u. 

Per  Jou.v  Aldiv. 

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 
tablr,  A,f.     The   pcplc  iKout   would  »trikc 


m 

with  swordp,  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." 

'  presume  your  patience  is  exhaust- 
one 
the 

account  romains  upon  the  page  of  his* 
tory,  or  in  the  iiiinds  of  men,  a  dark 
gloom  over  Salem,  with  all  its  modern 
politeness,  refinement  arid  religion. — 
In  this  place  and  in  Boston,  you  know, 
the  poor  Baptists  and  Quakers,  sulTar- 
ed,  ilso,  because  their  religion  was 
better  than  their  neighbors',  ofthe  good 
steady  habit'i  order.  Undoubtedly  yo*i 
have  read  of  their  sufferings  and  an^ 
prepared  to  decide  upon  the  injustice 
of  their  persecutors  as  well  as  the 
cause.  And  having  been  much  moro 
lengthy  on  these  matters  than  I  design- 
ed, I  will  di-miss  thonj,  and  close,  by 
saying  something  of  this  country  as  it 
is  now.  Though  we  must  not  forget, 
while  looking  at  the  imperfections  oi 
our  fathers,  that  this  was  the  cradle  of 
liberty — where  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  Isofore 
American  yeomanry!  and  in  full  view, 
across  a  narrow  neck  of  water,  on 
Bunker  (or  Breeds)  hill,  wh.s  spilled 
the  liie-blood  of  Oj/pressed  and  abused 
citizens,  to  secure  to  posterity  that 
which  is  dearer  still— LIBERTY! 

Salem  is  u  pleasantly  .situated  town, 
with  fifteen  thousand  inhabitants;  its 
Htreets,  though  narrow,  are  remarkably 
still,  and  the  people  very  civil.  In 
fact,  I  may  say  in  truth,  that  I  never 
visited  a  place  of  its  size  where  so  lit- 
tle bustle  and  noise  werts  to  bo  seeri 
and  heard.  The  inhabitants  as  f  lear- 
ned are  generally  wealthy  and  the  al- 
most entire  business  of  the  place  ts 
cdmincrcial.  Marblehead,  Beverly  (Si 
Danvers,  in  the  immediate  vicinitv. 
and  ill  sight,  are  said  to  contain  as  ma- 
ny moro  inhabitants.  Between  Boston 
and  Salem,  say  eight  miles  from  thd 
former,  is  Lynn,  an  industrious  manu- 
facturing town,  fast  increasing  in 
wealth  and  poi)ulation. 

Boston,  you  know,  takes  tho  lead  in 
thf^'e  pflrt<.     A  lar^    j^'fato  h'ni^"    on 


im 


SrES-SENGEK  AlSfJ  ADYOCATE. 


the  highest  ground  of  the  cit\'^  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.  Charlcstov.'n, 
Roxbury,  Cambridge  and  South  Bos- 
ton, are  so  near,  and  the  spirit  of  buil- 
ding so  prevalent,  that,  imdoubtedly, 
in  a  few  years,  no  other  name  will  be 
known  but  Boston.  Cambridge,  you 
know,  is  the  place  v.hcre  they  make 
**Doctors.^' 

Having  just  returned  from  a  visit  to 
the  navy  yard,  Bunker  hill  monument 
and  the  burnt  convent,  in  company 
with  bro.  R.  I  must  say  a  word  en 
these: 

Tho  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  uniform,  with  a  musket — bayonet 
fixed,  and  a  polite  low  bow,  with — 
*^Pass  in  gcnilemen.^'  The  yard  con- 
tains a  number  of  acres  of  ground  en- 
tirely occupied  wiihU.  S.  property, 
sailors,  marines,  workmen,  o^"c;'r5,  &c. 
with  a  park  several  rods  lung,  with  ev- 
er and  anon,  painted  on  the  fence — 
'•No  admittance  inside  tho  Park." — 
And  for  one  I  had  no  desire  to,  for  it 
was  so  litteraliy  filled  with  cannon  and 
morters,  that  I  thought  their  weight, 
superceding  the  necessity  of  throwing 
bails,  would  sink  a  number  of  ships  ■ 
The  fine  frigate  Independence,  lying 
at  the  wharf,  is  fast  being  rigged,  and 
fitted  for  sea — if  I  mi-take  not,  she 
will  carry  64  guns.  We  saw  men  at 
work  about  her  from  the  bottom  to  the 
top  of  the  masts — with  the  slirill  voice 
of  the  sailors — SHe'o-hea'vo."  A 
ehort  distance  from  this,  at  another 
wharf,  lies  the  Coliiml.u^,  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- 


for  the  liberty  1  enjoy,  and  the  monu- 
ment now  erecting,  by  the  liberal  con' 
tributions  of  the  sons  of  patriot.s,  it  is 
now  80  feet  high,  and  is  to  be,  whe» 
completed,  220 — built  of  large  granite. 
The  history  of  this  battle  is  so  familiar 
in  the  minds  of  the  readers  of  the  Mes- 
senger, that  it  would  be  occupying 
space  unnecessarily,  to  g!ve  even  a  de- 
tail; but  judge  of  the  feelings  of  my 
heart,  wh<'n  I  viewed,  from  the  top  of 
tho  monument,  the  entire  theater  oi^ 
which  was  faught  one  of  the  most  im- 
portant battles  ever  recorded  in  history. 
It  was  no  laborious  task  to  portray  be- 
fore the  mind  the  3000  british  troops, 
led  on  by  Gen.  Howe,  to  attack  a  little 
group  of  American  farmers,  environed 
by  a  little  redoubt  8  rods  across  with 
one  wing  of  the  same  patriotic  army, 
(encouraged  by  Prescctt,  Stark,  War- 
ren, Putnam,  6:  others,)  reaching  into 
Charleslown,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  Boston,  thronged 
with  spectators,  eager  to,  not  only  see 
the  first  blow  struck,  but  to  learn  the 
result,  and  this  ground,  hailov/ed  by 
the  beat'  blood  of  fathers  and  brothers, 
strewed  with  the  mangled  limbs  of  our 
ancestors,  to  secure  to  us  the  blessing 
of  t'reedom!  I  confess  the  reflection- 
\va:3  too  much  for  nature. 

From  this  place,  wc  visited  the  ruins- 
of  the  burnt  convent,  2i  or  3  miles  dis- 
tant, situated  on  a  beautiful  hill,  ovcr- 
louking  Charlestown,  Boston,  Roxbu- 
ry &  Cambridge,  besides  an  extent  of 
country.  The  premises  contain,  as 
was  told  us,  30  acres,  owned  by  one  of 
the  bishops  of  the  Catholic  church. — 
We  saw,  upon  the  corner  of  a  small 
newly  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  we  could  . 


ging  nor  masts.     We  savv'   4   eighteen  j  luok  "about  here,'- — by  a  coarse  look 


pounders,  with  the  English  crown,  and 
G.  R.  Ill — when  or  how  they  got  on- 
to brother  Johnathan's  ship  I  know  not. 
The  government  has  recently  given 
orders  for  the  construction  of  some 
two  or  three  vessels  to  be  built  at  this 
yard  for  the  South  Sea  expedition. 

From  this  we  went  to  Bunker  hill, 
viewed  the  ground  which,  on  the  17th 
•  fJuiuN  1775,  wrrs  (hvii«''heil  M  ifh  blii'>d 


ing  son  of  the  Emerald  Isle,  who  ap- 
peared to  have  the  authority  of  saying 
"huv/  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  in 
which  were  the  ruins.  "A  nincpence, 
[12^  (•♦'nlsj    3  piece,,"'    snid  nn    uridiin 


lii:ysK\(;KJi  am)  ADVucATr. 


of  about  twelve  yea~s  of  age.  What 
great  curiosities  are  there,  we  ejiquired? 
"O  ihat^s  I  he  garden."  So  we  passed 
into  the  giirden,  wnlkcd  about,  "sa\v 
t!io  lenj^th  thereof  and  llie  breadth 
thereof.''  The  biiilding,  as  was  occu- 
[lied  bcfoic  destroyed,  ri.u^t  hav-j  been 
convrniently  and  tastciuliy  arranged — 
of  brick,  thnc  stories  high.  The  gar- 
den, (at  tlif;  back  tdde  of  Mhich  is  the 
cemctry,}  wiieii  occupied  by  the  v.uus, 
niUvSt  have  been  dclightfu! — alleys,  fruit 
and  flowers,  eiiclosed  with  a  high  fence 
over  which  Miss  Reed  leaped  when  she 
made  her  escape,  as  she  says,  and 
s{»rained  her  ancle.  Thought  I,  this 
>njilding  was  reared,  and  tliese  grounds 
laid  otl",  by  a  certain  religious  society, 
now  extant,  in  consequence  of  certain 
principles  in  tb.eir  i'aith.  They  pur- 
chased this  land  with  their  money — 
they  built  this  hoa.se  with  their  money 
— they  laid  off  and  cultivated  these 
grounds  with  their  money,  at  least, 
ihey  have  not  been  convicted  of  rob- 
bing oilier  churciies  to  obtain  this  mon- 
ey— and  why  were  they  not  peimitted 
to  enjoy  it?  Ah!  that's  the  question: 
Why?  It  was  said  thtit  a  nun  wa^  rnis- 
teriously  missing,  and  besides,  it'i.ss 
Reed  had  just  escaped  who  told  some 
very  ^'big''  stori-'s,  and  the  good  peo- 
ple af  Coston,  or  at  least,  about  as  ma- 
ny as  once  knocked  open  the  lea  chests, 
sallied  out,  and  in  the  presence  of  an 
armed  military  force,  drove  out  the  in- 
mates and  demolished  this  fine  building! 
Was  this  religion'?  To  be  sure,  wc  read 
many  horrifying  accounts  of  the  Ro- 
man Inquisition,  of  the  seduction  of  in- 
nocent fcmriles,  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  bo  much 
more  can  wc  see  the  corruption  of  the 
human  heart,  and  the  need  of  the  gos- 
pel. But,  in  our  country,  where  all 
these  stories  are  afloat,  the  public  fore- 
warned of  the  previous  conduct  of 
Catholics,  if  accounts  are  true,  1  can- 
not see  why,  if  young  ladies  in  the  face 
of  all  this,  aic  so  minded,  cannot  be 
permitted  to  absent  themselves  from 
the  society  of  this  wicked  world,  and 
live  secluded,  if  they  are  disposed. — 
I  own,  as  an  individual,  the  idea  is  un- 
])leasant;  but  dilforent  people  think  dif- 
I'crontly,  and  of  course,  women  may  bo 
lead  to  do  that  which  men  esteem  folly 
— in  the  mean  time,  however,  if  they 
wi'rc  ')''rni!tfod  f'l 'Millie  out  wIi'mi  th< :v 


m 

wished.  But  allowing  Miks  Reed's 
story  to  be  correct,  and  besides  anoth- 
er nun  misteriously  missing,  certainly, 
tlio  act  of  destroying  ihe  convent,  was 
unlawful,  and  must  reflect  dishonor,- 
and  disgrace  upon  the  people  of  Boston. 
It  was  a  religious  yicrsecution — a  dis- 
graceful, shameful  religious  porseeu^' 
tion — one,  or  more,  religious  societies 
rising  up  ag.iinst  another.  Is  this  reli- 
gi(;n?  The  good  {)eoplo  hero,  being 
very  tenaciuus  of  right,- as  v,-oil  as  the 
tradition  of  their  ancestors,  thought  it 
doing  God  servi'jc  to  burn  a  Catliolic 
convent,  because  the  Catholic  rjiigion 
Wiis  diirerent  from  their  owa.  The 
Autlior  of  m}-  existence  knows  the  sor- 
rowing of  my  heart,  on  the  reflection 
that  our  country  has  come  to  this,  that 
the  weak  must  be  trodden  down  by  the 
ttrong,  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  conjinent  with  blood,' 
and  spread  destruction  and  devastation 
throughout  our  hsppy  asylum,  und  ex- 
pose us  to  the  fire,  the  sword,  the  rack 
and  to  death!  I  confess  I  retired  from 
this  scene  of  mobbcry  with  a  heavier 
heart  than  from  the  far-famed  Bunker 
hill,  rendered  doubly  so,  by  the  patriot- 
ism, virtue,  integrity,  connected  witb 
the  righteousness  of  the  cause  in  which 
our  fathers  died!  Sincerely,  as  ever, 
vour  brother, 

O   COWDERY. 


Died  on  the  26th  of  July,  about  60 
miles  from  Liberty,  Clay  co.  Mo. 
Anduew  II.  Aldhich,  aged  68  years. 
Brother  Aldrich  was  a  memoor  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 
13th  13:36,  Bknjamkx  F.  Baldwin,, 
son  of  JOKx\  D.  and  ABIGAIL 
B.\LD\V1X,  aged  19  years  and  two 
months.  On  the  first  of  May  ho  obey- 
ed the  commandments  of  the  Lord,  be- 
camo  a  member  of  the  church,  and 
from  that  time,  until  death  closed  tho 
scene,  he  manifested  an  unshaken  con- 
fidence in  the  gospel  of  our  Lord  anii 
Savior  Jesus  Christ. 

Died,  in  this  town,  on  the  17tli  ulti- 
mo an  infant  ^o:l  of  John  E.  &  Lo- 
rain r.^fiF,. 


304 


3n;ss;F.:v^£n  a.n"d  ADV(.H;;AtF:-. 


Messenger  and  Aelvocate 

KIRTLASD,    OHIO,   OCT.  I=<33. 


We  hare  frequently  had  occasion  to 
notice  the  vast  diflerence  there  was  be- 
tween men  of  liberal  minds,  and  the 
narrow  minded  sectarian  bigots  of  this 
very  religious  gr-ncretion  in  which  we 
Vwv-.  All,  or  nrarlv  allj  profess  to  be 
republicans  in  principle,  to  allow  eve- 
ry man  to  think  as  he  nlenf!(>s  in  mat- 
ters o"  foligion,  and  to  worship  God 
agreeably  to  the  dictates  of  his  own 
conscicnco,  but  no  sooaer  than  one 
comes  forward  and  pleads  for  the  reli- 
gion of  the  bible,  the  plain  unvarnish- 
nd  truth  as  taught  by  the  Savior  and 
his__apostlca,  than  tho«e  whose  crafts 
ure  in  danger,  whotjo  syritcnis  arc 
schemes  devised  by  men,  and  cannot 
bear  investigation,  set  up  the  stale  cry 
of  falso  prephcl,  false  teacher,  away 
with  him.  A  little  sober  reflection,  we 
should  suppose,  would  teach  them  two 
things:  first  that  their  great  uneasi- 
ness when  any  system  differing  from 
their  own  is  brought  to  view,  ia  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  man,  who  knows  his  religion  is 
the  religion  of  heaven  has  nothing  to 
fear  from  all  the  arts  or  crafts  of  men 
©f  oven  devils  themselves.  Truth  cer- 
tainly can  lose  nothing  by  investigation, 
and,  wo  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 
infidel,  that  is  a  matter  between  him 
and  his  G-'°)d.  and  w-^  have  no  di-sposi- 


tion  to  controvert    his    legal    claim    to 

the  right  of  thinking  as  he  pleases. — 
One  ihing  we  can  say,  in  the  sinceri- 
ty of  cur  hearts,  that  we  admire  his 
kindncEB  and  liberality  of  feeling  to- 
wards U3,  arid  would  have  him  assured 
that  we  reciprocate  them  most  hearti- 
ly. If  all  men  would  be  willing  to 
hear  our  cause,  and  then  judge  from 
tlie  force  of  evidence  we  can  adduce, 
instead  of  judging  before  they  hear  the 
v.'hole  mailer,  we  should  have  little  to 
fcnr,  and  every  tiling  to  feope  in  the 
progress  of  truth  and  correct  princi- 
ptOh'.  But  as  it  was  anciently  so  it  is 
now,  "evil  men  and  seducers  wax 
worse  and  worse,  deceivin?^  and  being 
deceived." 

"Permit  rno  to  give  you  a  mere 
glnnce  at  my  opinions,  or  rather  views 
of  that  base  spirit  of  persecution  now 
atalking  abroad,  sapping  the  vitals  of 
our  government;  and  which  v/ill  shako 
it  to  its  very  foundation  before  the 
present  generati-jn  shall  have  passed 
from  the  stage  of  action.  This  anti- 
r.hristian  spirit  is  now  levelling  all  its 
batteries  of  evil  speaking  and  defama- 
tion, against  the  society  of  Latter  Day 
Saint3,  vulgarly  called  "RIormons," 
exhibiting  the  straming  of  the  strings 
of  every  scheme  to  exterminate  the  so- 
ciety, and,  if  possible,  drive  its  mem- 
bers from  the  land,  without  leaving 
them  an  abiding  place  any  vvherc.  To 
establish  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  seo 
publications,  in  relation  to  their  emi- 
gration, of  the  most  barefaced  and  ma- 
lignant falsehoods  eve.*  set  before  any 
people — falsehoods,  the  writers  evi- 
dently knew  to  be  such!  If  we  toler- 
ate or  squint  at  this  evil,  base  and  en- 
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 
agninptthcm,  and  have  formed,  I  think. 


MUSSLENGLlt  A^.D  AmoCAihl. 


hn  impartial  opinion: — I  have  cultiva- 
ted a  limited  personal  acquaintance 
with  many  of  their  leading  men,  and 
I  do  assure  you,  that  I  have  ibrmed  a 
high  esiiinntcof  them,  as  chritians  and 
as  jnen.  They  pcissess  all  those  shin- 
ing virtues  and  ennobling  traits  of  phi- 
lanthropy •in*!  genen  ua  bearing  that 
endears  man  to  his  fellow,  and  smooth 
our  passage  through  this  unfriendly 
world.  I  liave  not  beerj  altogether  con- 
rinced  of  the  truth  of  their  religious 
faith,  but  am  certain  thai  tlicir  charitv 
and  liberality  far  exceed  that  of  many 
others.  And  as  to  their  temperate  ha- 
bits and  moral  conduct  none  can,  in 
truth,  find  faidt. 

"It  would  be  a  [le  culean  task  to 
point  out  the  innumerable  falsehoods 
and  misrepresentations,  sent  out  detri- 
mental to -this  society.  The  tales  of 
those  days  in  which  Witchea  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." 


JUDGE  AFTER  HEARING. 

Liberty  is  a  principle,  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  difterent  views 
and  sentiments,  will,  if  njt  bring  them 
to  see  alike,  do  away  many  prejudices, 
and  thereby  better  human  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  diflerence  of  opinion  arise. 

It  has  appeared  to  us,  that  but  few 
were  to  be  iound'  who  really  and  truly 
understood,  or  sought  to  understand, 
the  purpose  of  thvs  great  author  of  our 
being  in  placing  us  here.  Some  say, 
»o  prepare  for  a  latter  state.  True, 
we  grant;  but  how  widely  thoy  differ 
from  us  on  the  point  of  preperation. — 
They  say  religion  is  necessary — so 
say  we:  "pure  and  undefil"d  before 
God  and  the  Father."  But,  arc  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  hero?  Wo  are  aware  of  the,  say- 
i-ng  "krep  thcmselvos  UH'^pottcd    from 


39*» 

the  world:"  but  this  i"  not  savmj-  wti 
are  nr)f  to  show  ouraeive?!  &ocifr'  and 
famiiiMr,  (in  soberness  and  propriety,) 
uponthe  priocii'les  of  truth,  vcith  out 
fellow  men. 

It  not  unfroquently  happensi,  'hat 
when  a  man  is  what  rhany  call  coh- 
verted,  a  spirit  of  strife,  ariimosity. 
hatred,  and  intolerance^  mingled  with 
bitter  feeling  against  all  such  as  differ* 
from  his  particular  dogmas,  spring  up 
in  his  bosom;  as  though,  after  sorrow- 
ing and  mourning,  for  several  months, 
and  perhaps  years,  and  having,  as  he 
seys,  his  "soul  set  at  liberty,"  he  is  to 
disiinguish  hmisfelf,  from  the  rest  0/ 
the  world,  in  his  party,  by  being  very 
orthodox,  precise  and  tenacious.  Such 
is  the  love  that  common  religion  cre- 
ates, that  it  rs  a  matter  of  difficulty 
that  any  of  the  elders  of  the  church  of 
Litter  Day  Saints,  can  obtain  Itbertv 
to  deliver  a  lecture  upon  the  principles 
of  their  faith  in  a  building  owned,  (sr 
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  so  perfect- 
ly known,  that  they  are  already 
proverj.  We  ask  how  have  they  been 
made  known,  that  they  might  bo  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  wo  known  rumor  10  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  wo  approve  or 
disapprove,  touching  religion.  If 
then,  they  are  uninformed,  how 
shall  tl  ey  bo  informed,  except  they 
heai  «*?• 

Aside,  however,  from  the  genera' 
course  pursued  by  the  different  reli- 
gionists toward  us,  we  are  happy  to 
say,  there  are  many  honorable  excep- 
tions, K8  wo  are  informed  by  elders 
from  the  east.  Many  houses,  owned 
or  occupied  by  other  denominations, 
have  been  gratuitously  furnished  out 
irethren  while  travelling  among  siran 
gers  to  proclaim  the  gospel;  and  so  far 
as  wo  have  been  able  to  learn,  whet: 
ever  such  has  hccTi  the  cttse,  a  gencrnJl 


;]% 


Mt:fc!tif:.Nx;i:R  aa'd  advocate. 


)d    iVclinir  das    bcfji) 


nianifustcd. 

Oar  readers  inuy  say,  that  wo  ought 
hot  10  expect  favors  from  others,    that 
v,o    \ri!l    not     grant     ©uriches.     To 
v.hich  v,e  answer:   since  our    mcating 
house  has  been  finished  suitable  to  con- 
vene a  congregation,  but    t'.vo    persons 
have  made  application  to  occupy   it,  to 
our   knowledge, — one    n   Campbelliic, 
(sc-ah'ed,)  ar.;i  tiie  otli;:r  a  Mcl!i:'b''sL 
And  we  beheve,  that  it  was  more    from 
the  solicitation  oi^  some  n^icmber.scif  the 
church  to  preach  in   c«ur    h-ouso,     thr.n 
from  a  request  from  them,-  first.     The 
Canipbolh'tG  did  not    preacli   the    other 
did.     Previously  to    tho   finishirig   the 
house,  a  Universnlcan;  made    appiica- 
tion,    and      attained     a    hearing — we 
know    of   no     others.     But    for    any 
preacher  of  respectable  character,  and 
in  fellowship^  with    his  society,   or    of 
respectability    if    he    is   joined  to   no 
sect,  almost^ny  day  of  the  week,    ex- 
cept the   Sabbath,   our    doors  wi'l    be 
opened,  and  he  or  they    tnuy    preach 
whatever  they  call  or  think   to   bo   the 
gospel.     There  may  be  times  or    sea- 
sons when  our  house  will  be    f>ccupicQ 
by  tho   society    here;     but    generally, 
not.     So  far  as  regards   propriety  and 
decency:  v*'e  do  not  intend   there  shall 
be  rudeness  or  iniproper  conduct  in  the 
house  on  any    occasion. 

Wc  have  made  these  remarks,  and 
given  this  general  invitation  to  ail  or 
any  professed  teacher  of  religion,  at 
tho  request  and  suggestions  of  several 
of  the  brethren,  and  proprietors  in  our 
house;  and  also  in  perfect  accordance 
with  our  own  feelings. 


liurvUU,  Jefferson  Co.  N.  Y.  »SVj;/. 
5,   18:V6. 

Br.  O.  Cowdeut, 

Sir,  I  left  Kirtland 
on  the  Otli  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  against  tlieir  iniquities,  expo- 
singthcir  religious  systems  by  contras- 
ting them  with  the  system  of  the  bible 
which  not  unfrequently  produced  no 
small  stir,  for  the  craftsrhen,  not  of  the 
gr«at  goddess  Diana,  but  of  great  Bab- 
ylon, brought  no  smaH  gain  unto  them- 
selves by  making  not  silver  shrines  but 
religious  systems  by  which  through 
covetousness  and  feigned  words  they 
could  make  mor<-handisr  of  the  people. 


And  when  tliy  saw  their  doctrines  cx- 
pOGcd  by  the  all-powerful  word  of  God 
and  uncovered  in  the  sight  of  men, 
ihey  were  ready  to  cry  out  in  their 
hearts  as  their  works  manifest,  saying 
we  know  by  thij  our  craft  v/e  obtain 
our  wealth  moreover  wc  sePand  hoar 
that  not  aljuo  iu  Canada  but  almost 
throiig|-,out  al!  {ho  United  Stat'is,  these 
Mormon  elders  have  picrsuadcd  and 
turned  away  much  people,  saying, 
that  jour  sy»tcms  and  doctrines  which 
uninspired  men  have  invented,  are 
false  and  that  "we  ought  to  behove  in 
thy  doctrine  of  tho  New  Testament 
which  tt'uches  that  the  chi-rch  (or  body) 
of  Christ,  is  composed  Ol  the  foHowing 
members,  viz:  apostles,  prophets,  teach- 
ers, workers  of  miracles,  disccrnors  of 
spirits,  speakers  with  tongues,  intcr-- 
prcters  of  tongues,  <kc.  so  that  not  on- 
ly this  our  craft  is  in  irninent  danger, 
but  tho  groat  mystery  Babylon  will  be 
ruiiicd  and  come  to  nought  whom  the 
whole  world  worshipcth. 

1  wiii  now  give  you  an  example  of 
their  exceeding  great  zeal  in  opposing 
tho  doclriiie  of  the  New  Testament 
which  the*  call  Mormonism. 

On  tho  27ih  of  April  lat^t  elder  F. 
Nickerson  and  myself  went  to  the  vil- 
lage of  Brantford,  U.  C.  and  obtained 
the  privilege  from  one  of  the  trustees 
of  the  school  house  of  leaving  an  ap- 
pointment for  the  nej.t  evening,  whiclv 
was  circulated  through  the  town.-  The 
next  evening  I  went  down  alone  to 
xMount  Pleasant  to  fill  the  appointment; 
went  to  the  school  house  found  it  crow- 
ded with  men  but  no  females,  I  went 
into  the  pulpit  and  was  about  to  open 
ihe  meeting  by  reading  a  chapter  in 
the  l)i!)lc  when  a  man  by  the  name  of 
i-iCwis  Burwell  a  Methodist  by  j)rofe3- 
sion  arose  and  requested  me  to  answer 
a  ftiw  questions  previous  to  prenching.^ 
He  then  proceeded  as  follows.  To 
what  church  do  you  belong?  Answer. 
To  ihc  church  of  Latter  Day  Saints 
slanderously  called  Mormens.  Do  you- 
believe  in  the  book  of  Mormon?  Yes 
sir,  with  all  my  heart.  He  then  said 
he  had  read  the  bc^ok  and  made  some 
very  harsh  expressions,  desiring  to 
knov/  of  me  if  i  could  speak  with 
tongues  prophesy,  &c.  I  rojdicd  that 
I  had  not  come  to  boast  of  what  I  or 
the  church  to  which  I  belonged  could 
do,  but  to  hold  forth  the  gospel  and  the 
promises  and  blessings  which  it  propo- 
ses to  nil  the  faithful  find  obedient,  but 


Mr.SSENCKR  AND  ADVOCATE. 


:>rc 


he  insisted  on  my  atiswering  him  ypj"  course  gave  hberty  4  arose,  one  at  a 
or  no,  I  r%()!ie<l  that  I  did  not  consider  j  time  ni;d  brought  forth  their  objections 
mysoli*  undur  tho  Iriast.  obligation  to  till  they  run  tlieniselvoa  out  of  argu- 
answer  any  of  hi-s  qnestioiis  till  after  j  nuM)l.s  und  some  id  1  ho  assembly  began 
my  discourse,  in  wiiioh  I  wcMild  sot  to  hi.-s  nt  them,  tluj  nieotiMc^  v.as  closed 
forth  our    sontiments    as  n    society   inland    the  people    departed  wiiliout   nny 


])lainnoss,  after  wliich  ho  or  any  gen 
tleman  present  should  iiave  the  j)rivi- 
Icgo  of  taking  exceptions  and  exposing 
public!  V  every  erroneous  princi;)Ie,  but 
he  insit^tod  on  knos'.ing  what  our  church 
believed  before  preaching.  Aliout  :his 
time  the  congregation  began  \o  =tamp 
wilh  their  feet  and  hiss,  they  also  be- 
gan to  bo  divided  tho  more  part  were 
deterfnined  to  hear,  while  the  remain- 
der said  that  I  should  not  preach,  and 
the  whole  house  was  in  an  uproar 
somo  crying  ono  thing  and  some  an- 
oil:cr,  some  crying  liberty  of  con- 
science as  loud  as  they  could  hallow; 
w!)i!e  others  were  yelling  dclubion,  im- 
postor &c.  and  they  began  to  contend 
one  with  another  very  sharpdy,  hr-eom- 
ing  nngry  they  proceeded  to  blow?, 
two  or  three  were  knocked  dov/n  in 
the  school  house,  the  noise  was  such 
for  one  or  two  hours  that  it  might  have 
been  h.eard  some  distance,  but  I  stood 
in  the  pulpit  very  n;uch  composed  lift- 
ing my  heart  in  silent  prayer  that  the 
Lord  would  deliver  me  out  of  their 
hands  unhurt;  some  threatened  to  lay 
violent  hands  upon  mo  while  others 
said  I  was  a  stranger  and  they  would 
protect  rne,  but  one  man  laid  hands  up- 
on me  who  reached  over  the  pulpit  and 
gave  m.e  a  sudden  pull  ngain.st  tiie  side 
of  the  same:  at  length  some  gentlemen 
present  kindly  assisted  me  in  escaping 
they  opened  one  of  the  pulpit  doors 
took  me  by  the  hand  and  we  passed 
through  their  midst.  Tiic  v/hole  con- 
gregation however  followed  us  tinough 
the  main  st.  of  tho  village  and  seeing 
myself  surrounded  by  a  multitude  part 
friends  and  part  foes  1  concluded  the 
belter  way  of  escape  would  be  to  go 
into  a  tavern  and  pass  out  the  back 
door,  which  I  accordingly  did,  being 
nccompanicd  with  two  men  as  guides. 
I  travelled  that  night  to  Mount  Pleas- 
ant on  toot  and  alone  pondering  npon 
the  scene  through  which  I  had  passed 
and  the  corruptions  cf  this  genertion, 
jhe  next  day  the  people  in  IJrantford 
sent  an  express  requesting  rne  to  come 
the  next  evening  and  preach  with  an 
assurance  that  I  should  bo  protected. — 
I  accordingly  went  had  a  crowded 
house  and  good  attention,  after  my  dis- 


dist'nbance. 

Thus  we  can  see  the  zeal  of  the  ro- 
igious   denominations  of  our  land    in 
wp'posing  what  they  call  Mormonism. 

1  tarriesl  in  the  province  not  far 
from  two  months  held  31  meetings,  bap- 
tized 12  and  then  took  my  journey  to 
JefTorson  co.  N.  Y.  in  whudi  vicinity  I 
have  lield  fifty  .six  meelicgs  baptized 
l-l  attended  one  conference  in  the  same 
county  at  which  tlicre  were  13  more 
that  came  i'orward  in  baptism  two  el- 
ders and  tw(.)  tt;achers  were  ordained. 
The  tiuth  secnrs  to  be  progressing  in 
\h(-<i'.  ptiJts. 

01JS(jv  PRATT. 


Dkar  Sir: 


Kiriland,  iSept.  1830, 


Tho  following  objections  to 
the  book  of  Mormon  were  proposed  by 
a  gcnlleman  of  Toronto,  U.  C.  the  an- 
swers were  furnished  for  tho  use  of  a 
friend,  and  are  now  offered  for  publi- 
cation, y.-ith  prayer  to  God  that  he  will 
make  them  subserve  tho  cause  of  truth 
and  righteousness. 

I  am  your   brother  in  the  bonds  ot 
the  gospel. 

J.  GOODS  ON. 

Oliver  Cowdery,  Esq. 

1st  "How  is  it  that  the  same  style  is 
observed  throughout  the  whole,  though 
given  in  different  ages  and  to  different 
people.''  From  this  I  infer  the  object^ 
ors  opinion  to  be,  that  the  word  of  God, 
if  given  in  different  ages  and  to  differ^ 
ent  persons  must  discover  diversity  of 
style.  So  that  the  word  of  the  Lord, 
(as  far  as  style  is  concerned)  is  sub- 
ject to  the  conditions  of  a  certain  ago 
and  a  certain  person.  But  John  say.s 
"In  the  beginning  Avas  the  word,  and 
the  word  was  with  God  and  tiie  word 
was  God."  Therefore  the  converse  ia 
the  truth — that  ages  and  persons  are 
subject  to  his  word. 

2d  "How  comes  it  that  the  quolationo 
from  scripture  are  given  in  the  same 
language,  in  the  same  icords  as  we 
have  them  in  the  bible?"  This  objec- 
tion is  made  without  comparing  the  two 
word  for  word,  or  else  the  objector  has 
knovvingly  suppressed  the  truth:  for  he 
could  not  have  so  compared  them  with 


nuK 


;i^^tj£Nqi4R  aXu  AijY'.HjA'-ri;. 


out  discovering,  iK>t  merely  thai  words 
are  occasionall}^  expunged,  but  llint 
words  sentences  and  sometimes  whole 
verses  nre  introduced  which  beautify 
the  style,  and  render  the  sense  full  and 
complete.  If  completeness  of  sense, 
and  perspicuity  of  style,  pertain  to 
^ood  writing,  the  querist  shall  see 
those  advantages  enjoyed  by  the  book 
of  Mormon,  by  comparing  the  sixth 
chapt.  of  the  first  book  of  Ncphi  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  are  e<^«ally  beautiful  and  sublime: 
and  the  querist  thought  so  to  when  he 
read  them,  if  not,  I  must  conclude  that 
he  was  unable  to  discern,  between 
what  was  indited  by  the  Spirit  of  proph- 
ecy &  what  is  not.  For  I  cannot  but  be- 
lieve that  he  discovered  the  difference 
but  forbore  making  mention  of  it. — 
Por  remember  that  he  says  the  quota- 
tions from  scripture  are  in  the  same 
words 

ad  "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- 
lators 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  first  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  Mormon  is  an  English  transla- 
tion of  a  prophecy  delivered  in  refor- 
uoed  Egj'ptian,  and  this  sapient  ciitic 
wishes  to  know  why  it  should  contain 
words  which  are  not  Egypfian:  or 
^vx)rd5  which  are  current  in  the  Eng- 
lish language.  Is  it  not  the  duty  of 
a  translator  to  use  those  words  which 
are  best  understood  by  the  people  for 
whom  h^  trawslflt)?3      ?o  as  thf>  words 


are  understood.  It  matters  n«{  the  least 
their  etymology.  Take  notice  that 
this  queiist  objects  to  an  English  trans- 
lation of  an  Egyptian  writing,  because 
it  contains  words  which  are  not  Egyp- 
tian, o  according  to  him,  a  transla- 
tion from  reformed  Egyptiai;  should 
consist  of  reformed  Egyptian  words: 
and  on  the  same  princi[)lea  translation 
from  Greek  should  consist  of  G'.eek 
words,  a  translation  from  French  of 
French  words:  in  short  there  could  be 
no  such  thing  as  a  tranplalion.  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  v>ords  signifying  "Annointcd  of 
God."  Lactantins  an  ancient  author 
observes  "Christ  is  not  a  proper  name, 
but  denotes  "power:  tor  the  jews  used 
to  give  tiiis  appellation  to  their  king?, 
calling  them  Christ  or  annointed  by- 
reason  of  tiicir  sncred  unction."  7'he 
words  Jesus  and  Christ  therefore  nro 
radically  neither  English  nor  Greok, 
for  both  have  Hebrew  roots. 

5th  "How  came  Ezra  who  compiled 
the  scriptures  to  his  own  time,  to  9xev- 
look  the  prophecy  of  Lehi."  i  will' 
now  ask  a  question  or  rather  nine  qiie.s- 
tioDS  which  are  valid  or  invalia  accor- 
ding to  that  of  the  querist.  He  shall 
take  an)'  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  acta  of  Uzziah 
first  and  last." 

6th  "Wh}'  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  nnt  referred  to,  which  for  any 
thing  we  know  were  never  recorded. — 
Supposing  that  Lehi  had  prophesied  of 
certain  inridents  m  tbeljfe  of  our  T^ord, 


Mus^iK^'(i^':l^  avu  ADVorA'ii: 


it  would  not  be  safe  to  reject  him  as  a 
false  prophet  because  the  new  testa- 
ment writers  have  not  referred  to  him: 
they  do  not  refer  to  Isaiah's  prophecy 
concerning  the  rich  man's  making  the 
tomb,  but  merely  record  the  event 
wliich  fulfills  the  prophecy. 

"It  does  not  appear  to  mo  that  the 
Church  \3  in  need  of  a  rovehition  of 
the  above  stamp."  This  mam  turns 
away  from  the  onlj-  church  upon  earth 
Nvhich  was  founded  upon  and  is  gov- 
erned by  revelation  (the  rock  upon 
which  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  whicli  I  concur. 
For  the  Mother  of  harlots  with  all  her 
daughters  of  harlotry,  will  never  ob- 
tain revelations,  thougli  they  will  ob- 
tain power  of  the  Devil  to  work  mira- 
cles. ITcrc  the  objector  turns  a  cer- 
tain writing  revdation,  and  says  the 
church  has  no  need  of  it.  Forbear  to 
cull  it  revelation,  or  speak  out  and  say, 
that  dod  has  revealed  what  the  church 
does  no',  want.  The  words  "of  the  a- 
bovo  stamp"  are  surely  excessively 
stupid  when  applied  to  a  revelation, 
'"Phe  whole  of  those  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  tlie  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  c.vceeds  that.  Every 
person  who  has  cultivated  in  writ/ng, 
knows  that  true  simplicity  is  of  the 
most  difficult  attainment.  Those  au- 
thors who  arc  remarkable  for  sublim- 
ity are  also  remarkable  for  simplicity. 
In  the  Book  of  Mormon  we  find  such 
groat  subject  as  atonement  justice  good 
and  evil  Resurection  et  cetora  treated 
with  childlike  simplicity.  The  most 
educ;ited  man  in  existence,  is  incapa- 
ble of  writing  a  single  page  like  that 
book.     Talk  no  more   about  dclusiom. 

Xhc  »nan  who  can  believe  that  a 
person  unin.spircd  could  discourse  of 
such  profound  subjects  with  more  case 
.ind  simplicity  than  Isaiah  Paul  or  Pe- 
ter— I  say  the  man  who  can  believe 
this,  is  the  subject  of  docp  and  awful 
<Wiwion. 


.W 


Minutca  of    Conference. 

At  a  conference  of  Eiders  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.  Colo  appointed 
Clerk.  The  conterence  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  foi  ordination, 
as  recommended  by  iho  branch  of  the 
church  of  Latter  Day  Saints  in  How- 
ard, Steuben  county.  Richard  Mann^ 
of  iho  branch  in  Amity,  was  also  pre- 
sented by  Eld.  L.  T.  Coona,  for  ordi- 
nation: 7\ftcr  which  the  conference 
proceeded  to  ordain  the  above  named 
brethren  to  the  office  of  Elders  in  the 
church  of  Latter  Day  Saints.  Thoste 
ordained  were  then  particularly  ad- 
dressed by  the  chairman  and  Elder  L, 
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  KcUog. 

CYRUS  SMALLING, 

Chairman. 

JosKrn  M.  Cole,  Clerk. 


The  minutes  of  a  conferenc  were 
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  pr  .; 
ent  and  officiated  as  Chairman  arc; 
Richard  C.  Welhorbc-e,  as  clerk.  Sir, 
elders  of  the  church  were  present  ana 
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  us 
verbally  that  he  left  Kirtland  on  the 
12th  of  April  travelled  and  preached 
mostly  in  the  State  ofNew-York  where 
notwithstanding  the  prejudice  and  pre- 
possession of  men,  he  proclaimed  the 
word  as  opportunity  offijred  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 ^it  no  time  long  in  any  place,  hav- 
ing travelled  about  one  thousand  six 
hundred  mil<^  bv  land    and    WRtey,  <<u- 


MESSKNGLa  AND  AI>VO(;ATi:. 


400 

ring  his  abacence  and  returned  on 
the  fifteenth  of  last  month!  Yot  not- 
withstanJing  the  Elder's  short  stay  in 
any  one  section  orcountiy,  the  testimo- 
ny ho  «ras  able  to  bear,  vv-ns  such,  that 
he  baptized  thirtocn,  ami  many  more 
wero  willing  to  hear  and  investigate 
the    things  of  which  he  spoke. 


Elder  Urriah  Stevens  left  Kirlland 
in  May  last,  travelled  inio  the  State  of 
N.  Y.  and  preached  in  ditTerent  pla- 
ces as  opportunity  ofTered,  but  confined 
his  labors  more  particularly  to  a  re- 
gion of  Toinpkins  County  where 
through  his  instrumentality  a  pmall 
branch  of  the  church  way  raised  up, 
consisting  of  eight  members-  The 
«>!dcr  returned  hero  the  first  of  Sent, 
after  having  but  brircly  sown  the  good 
seed,  but,  we  hope  it  may  grow  and 
multiply. 


AFFLICTIXG     CASSUAL'f^Y. 

Died  on  the  27th  of  August,  Lucy 
the  daughter  of  Lorenzo  and  Persis 
Young's  aged  three  years  and  ten 
months.  Her  sufferings  were  short 
but  excrutiating.  Her  clothes  took 
fire  m  the  abscence  of  the  family,  and 
notwithstanding  hor  shrieks,  no  one 
arrived  in  time  to  extinguish  the  flames 
and  save  the  child!  So  the  morning  fiow- 
er,  which  but  yesterday  bloomed  in  all 
ii.9  native  loveliness,  was  cut  down  and 
withered  in  an  hour. 


Our  brethren  and  friends  who  rccent- 
iy  held  a  conference  in  New  Portage, 
will  excuso  us  for  omitting  the  inser- 
tion of  their  minutes  in  this  month'a 
paper-  Wc  had  not  time,  owing  to  a 
press  of  other  business,  to  condense 
thorn  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  next.  Wo 
have  also  an  article  from  the  pen  of 
aii_^ble  and  intelligent  correspondent, 
ti)5t  has  to  be  excluded  from  this  nuni- 
ber^ 'wh'iCh  shall  have  a   place  in   our 


NOTICE. 
Elder  Hiram  Slra!tcn   is    requested 
by  the  Prcsidi'nts  of   the  Seventies,  to 
come  to  Kirtland  without  delay. 


MARRIED — In  Norton,  Medina co. 
O.  on  the  23d  ult.  by  Elder  Salmon 
Warner,  jr.  .Mr.  Joseph  R.  Hurlhcr!  to 
Miss  Deborah  Spencer;  both  of  thnt 
olace. 


THE  GATiir.illNG. 
Vrhr.t  won-.i'roiis  things  wo  now  boholJ, 
Which  %vere  darlarM  iVom  Anys  of  oM 
r>y  prophft?,  who  in  visiona  clear 
BuhilJ  ihos?  glories  from  oi>.r. 
TlK'  visions  which  the  God, 
Confirm'd  hy  his  un-hani^in^  word; 
Thr.t  to  the  sgcs  ;hi.'n  unborn 
His  jreatcpt  work  he  wouIJ  pcrTorTii. 
Tho  sjL-on-l  time  he'd  s!;t  his  fc:in:l 
To  gaDi.T  Ii?racl  to  thfir  lanJ, 
Fulfil  th'j  cov'nar.ts  bo  Sa.'  ma  lie, 
An.i  pour  Jus  Msssingq  on  Iheir  he.^'l. 
■When  ?uo.-.Vs  rcmtisr.t,  long  oppress* J, 
Should  gathfr'ii  ho  cm!  greatly  blest; 
And  Ammoii's  children,  scattered  widp, 
Return  with  joy,  in  psacc  abide. 

While  Elain'a  race  nfcchlaband, 
Receive  a  sh.jro  in  the  Mest  land; 
And  Gcnntile.s,  sll  their  power  display 
To  hasten  on  the  glorious dat*. 
Then  Ephruim's  sone,  a  'varlike  race. 
Shall  haste  in  peace  and  see  their  rest, 
And  earth's  remotest  p.arls  abound,      , 
With  joya  of  everlcstin;  sound, 

A5syri?-'8  ccptives.  Ion?  since  lost. 
In  splendor  come  a  nuni'roua  host; 
Egyptia's  waters  fiU'd  with  fear, 
Vheir  power  feci  and  disappcir, 

Yes,  Abram's  children  now  shall  be 
Like  sand  iti  number  by  the  sea; 
While  kindreds,  ton^'.ies,  and  nations  nil 
Combine,  to  make  their  nuinbers  fiill. 
The  dawning  of  that  day  has  come, 
Se^:'  Abraiw's  sons  arc  gath'ring  homo, 
And  daughters  too,  with  joyful  lays, 
Are  hasl'nin;  here  to  Join  in  prci.^'. 
O  God,  our  Father,  and  our  King, 
Prepare  our  voi';«s  and  our  theme; 
Let  all  our  pow'ra  in  one  combine 
To  sing  thy  praise  in  eongs  divine. 


THE  LATTER  DAY  SAINTS' 

IKIessen^er  and  Advocate, 

Tfl  printed  and  published   every  month  at  Kirtland 
Geauga  Co.  Ohio,  by 

OliX  VSR  COWDBBY, 

SDITCR    AlfD  PR0PKIET05, 

Ai%t, psr  It.  »» advanct.  Every  veraon  procuring 
ten  nAW  subscribers,  and  forwardinff  ft  10,  current 
moruy,  shall  be  entitled  to  a  paper  oneyear,  gratis. 

All  litters  to  the  Editor,    must  &« 

XT  POST  PAW.JJi 

Tfo  suiaeription  trill  be  received  for  a  less  ttrm  Ikan  om 
^^■aj.  -""-J  ■:..  ■^■jf/er  disczTUinv^d  till  all  orreoragtrs  art 


I.AtTEft  DAY  SAINTS' 


II 


1.   Vo.   .M     KIHTI.ANir  OHIO.    NOVKMPER.   I^r^fi.     Wl'ol"  No.  Tvf. 


Tt!b:  L\TTKR  DAY  GLORY. 

The  sulj-ct  (if  the  1;  tter  <'ay  glniy, 
hi3  pr  )(]u>'eJ  as  much  speiiulati-  n 
:i;nnn^  processed  bRr:ever:<in  the  bib'e, 
pf-rhips  as  any  other  which  is  supi  o- 
i>e.\  Ti  have  been  a  subject  of  revela- 
tion. Every  new  sect  in  religion 
wh  ch  h;is  mrnie  its  appearance,  has 
be -n  supposed  bv  its  founders,  to  be 
ih."  STt  which  is  l^  lead  the  w»rld  to 
the  lull  bla7A  oi'  the  latter  dnv  glory: 
and  every  sect  in  aW  sectaiinndom  sup- 
poses, that  when  the  latter  day  glory 
conK*.s  fl»ey  v.ill  be  the  j  rincipal  or 
prevailing  [aitv.  Tlie  never  ending 
variety  <»''  chsliing  op'nionw  upon  this 
t^ibjf^ct.  is  a  clear  manifestation  of  the 
gn'at  d'U-kn-'ss  whi  h  exists  in  th( 
"woH  I.  tog-ther  with  the  unsettled  state 
of  the  |iu'i!ij  mind  in  rdition  to  it. — 
S  jm  ;  think  it  wiil  b  \  ushered  in  in  one 
w.iy,  an  1  some  in  another.  Some  bv 
■one  m 'ans,  and  som;  "uy  ar.other:  but 
one  wiik'ly  difTei-ent  front!  the  oth'r; 
and  1  careful  leader  rf  the  scriptures 
would  surrly  say,  that  they  all  wjdtd\ 
diff;r  from  the  i>ible. 

The  suhject  however  seems  to  liavp 
gaineij  pRMty  getieral  belief,  that  ihf 
]  itter  days  are  t  >  bring  forth  som  -thinp 
<lilTtTent  fr.)m  whnt  has  been  in  the 
form  r  periods  of  the  world;  and  the 
belief  in  tint  f.ict  has  no  doubt  been 
theciuseof  m^iltitudes  of  new  p;irtie.v 
iin  rjli^^im  springing  U[)  in  the  different 
ages  of  the  world,  and  his  been  the 
cans",  as  peoplo  of  modern  tim3s  sny. 
of   much  enthusiasm    in  foi'ir,er  tim^r.. 

Wp,  in  iw  d  Tn  t'mes,  spejik  of  the 
exertions  of  the  ancients  tj^  usher  in 
thi  ■  d  4y,  as  the  crrcaX's'.  r)!;v,  a  id  even 
wicked ntjss.  Fjr  it  is  n  fact  o."  gieat 
n)toriet>,  thnt  the  generations  back 
f<i.-  many  centuries,  fidt  as  much  zeal 
in  the  ushering  in  of  the  latter  day 
glory,  and  as  n)iich  interest  in  ih  it  diy, 
us  we  in  inod<;rn  times  feel;  and  used 
as  gre.it  cxirlions  to  bring  it  about: 
Jjut  they  dilF-rcd  widely  with  us  as  to 
the  nijins  by  whicli  it  was  to  bo  ac- 
com.di.licd.  For  instance,  Peter  the 
I)  rm  t  thjjgl.i  thu  ilie  only  wiy  by 
whic  I  l!iis  d  ly  w.is  to  bo  u^h  -red  in, 
was  bv  taking  the  h'dy  I  ind  (as  it  w  is 
ci!|ed),'n-l  dis,)osse^sing  iln-  jnudols 
who  I  len  h' !  I  it,  and  th.Mebv  prepare 
be  way  for  tij-'   co.TiiDg  of  (he   Son  of 


man.  And  in  the  greatness  of  his 
zeal  to  accomi  lish  so  laudable  an  ob- 
ject, he  went  through  all  Europe  pro- 
claiming the  coming  of  the  Son  ot  mani 
and  the  necessity  tor  all  chri>li;in  Kings 
to  arouse,  and  prepare  his  way,  by 
rescuing  the  holy  land  out  of  tho  hands 
of  the  barbarians,  that  the  Son  of  m  n 
mijil  t  come  again  to  liis  own  inheri- 
t ince. 

And  such  was  the  rfFect  of  his  zo:il, 
that  all  Europe  was  litterally  electrifi- 
ed: the  kings  were  aroused  to  |  ut  their 
armies  into  requisition;  and  army  after 
?irmy  marched  off  into  Asi ».  to  redeem 
the  noly  land,  in  history,  their  armies 
are  known  by  the  name  of  crusaders. 
And  after  much  fighting  and  blood 
shed,  the>  finally  succeed*  d  in  getting 
possession  of  th.-  holy  land;  t»ut  tho 
Son  of  man  not  coming  according  to 
their  evpectati-ns,  :iie  land  finally 
rolled  liack  again  into  the  h  inds  of  un- 
'leiievers,  and  remains  s^o  to  this  day 
B  It  though  the  criisader^s  tailed  to 
bring  about  the  latter  da\  glory,  and 
this  great  waste  of  human  ii;c  was  an 
unav.-iiling  effort,  still,  the  belief  in  the 
coming  ol' the  Son  of  man.  and  the  lat- 
i(?r  day  glory,  did  not  perish  with  thi'? 
fanaticism,  (as  we  are  pleast>d  to  c  11 
if,)  but  continues  an  article  in  the  fa  ih 
of  a  large  majority  ol'^the  pro.'essiu^ 
•voild  to  this  c|i)v. 

It  is  thti  belief  in  the.  com'ng  of  tha 
Son  o}  nim  and  in  the  glory  which 
■ihall  foiiow  th  It  is  the  spur  to  all  the 
'■ff  ir's  of  the  religious  communities  of 
the  present  diy.  The  great  exertions 
which  are  made  to  excite  revivals  of 
religion,  and  bring  mankind  under  the 
d  imi.iion  of  so.me  religious  paitv  or 
other,  i;  in  view  ol  the  near  apjiroach 
of  the  latter  day  glory,  and  the;  con;- 
ing  of  the  L>on  of  mm.  All  the  mis- 
sion:try  schemes  of  liie  ag;  are  fuund- 
ed  on  the  beli(;fof  iL  'I'l.c  attempts 
which  are  making  to  convert  the  hea- 
then on  every  continent,  and  in  tho 
i  ilands  of  tho  oea,  grow  out  of  this  be- 
lief. Tho  cry  of  AJiilcnium  is  liOftrd 
all  over  tit;  land,  and  men  are  requi- 
red t)  use  all  tiieir  exertions  to  usiicr 
in  tiJO  glory  of  the  la.-it  days,  by  coj* 
■. ortiag  lh.>  world,  as  I'.ev  call  it,  .=».> 
tij  St  the  koDwIodg^  of  God  nriy  c-.>ver 
th-  ear;h,    a~*  ih-;    wileru  do   tlv;  son. 


403 


MitagBNaai  anh  ,iDvot:ATt;. 


and  the  testimony  of  the  prophets  not 
fail. 

It  is  the  same   faith  and  the  same 
aeal  that  excite  the  religious  societies 
»f  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 
«uch   a  time,  and  that  it   will  be;    but 
they  disagree  as  to  the  means  by  which 
it   is  to  be   brought  about.     Peter  the 
hermit  thought  that  it  was  to  be  intro- 
duced  'ay   raising  arinies,   and   taking 
the   land  of  Palestine  or  Canaan,  (or 
the  holy  land  as  it  was  called,)  so  that 
when  the  Son  of   man  came,  he  might 
find  his  own  disciples  dwelling   on  the 
land  where  he  was  to  make  his  appear- 
ance, and  in  accordance  with  his  belief 
he   acted;  and    Rctually  succeeded   in 
raising  the   armies,  and   in  taking  the 
land,  but   could  not   hold  it,  but  it  fell 
back  Into  the  hands  of  barbarians  again, 
and  so  all  his  efforts  were  fruitless. — 
And  in  modern  times  we  look  at  them, 
and  call  them  the   heighth  of  enthusi- 
asm; and  we  say  so,  because  we  differ 
from  him.  not  in  the  fact  of  the  coming 
of  the  Son  of  man;  but  in  the  proper 
means  to   be  used  in  order  to  prepare 
the  way  of  his  coming. 

We  believe  in  the  coming  of  the 
Son  of  man,  as  much  as  he  did,  an.l  in 
the  glory  that  shall  fo!lov/;  hut  we 
think  that  tlm  means  which  he  used 
were  no  way  calculated  to  obtain  the 
object  for  which  they  were  intended, 
but  the"  very  reverse;  and  suppose  that 
we  hr.vc  Aillon  upon  the  only  means 
which  can  be  used  in  relation  to  it,  that 
v/ill  be  of  any  avail,  and  that  is,  to 
convert  the  world  to  the  belief  in  God, 
and  in  Christ;  and  believing  this  to  be 
not  only  probable,  but  an  indispensable 
duty,  the  religious  world  has  entered 
into  it,  with  all  the  zeal  of  their  nature, 
firmly  believing,  that  in  so  doing,  they 
ure  preparing  the  way  of  the  >Son  of 
man,  and  also  the  glory  that  shall  fol- 
low. 

The  Jews  who  also  have  a  belief  in 
the  glory  of  the  last  days,  as  well  as  in 
the  coming  of  the  Son  of  man,  or  their 
Messiah,  differ  from  both  Peter  the 
hermit,  and  the  present  sectarian  world; 
not  in  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 
joiiinniits  of  Jacob    tAgethor,  and  col- 


lecting the  outcasts  of  Israel  t'rom  all 
lands  whithersoever  they  have  been 
driven  in  the  time  of  their  aflliction, 
and  returning  them  again  to  the  land 
o(  their  fathers.  And  their  entire 
course  of  conduct  is  in  view  of  this  ad- 
vent; all  their  worldly  circumstancea 
are  regulated  by  it  in  all  countries  as 
far  as  we  have  account  of  them,  so 
that  it  is  their  polar  star  to  direct  all 
their  movements,  asd  they  are  entirely 
under  the  influence  of  this  belief. 

Any  person  who  has  made  himself 
in  any  good  degree  acquainted  with 
the  movements  of  those  who  believe 
in  the  bible,  whether  Jew  or  Gentile, 
must  see,  that  the  belief  in  the  coming 
of  the  Son  of  man;  and  the  latter  day 
glory,  are,  after  all  that  men  may  say 
to  the  contrary,  holding  the  influence 
over  their  minds;  and  their  movements 
are  all  in  a  greater  or  lesser  degree, 
made  in  view  ol  it.  And  it  is  in  rela- 
tion to  this  subject  that  those  different 
parties  are  constantly  upbraiding  each 
other  with  the  appelations  of  fanatic, 
enthusiasts,  imposters,  and  not  because 
they  do  not  believe  the  facts  of  the 
coming  of  the  Son  of  man,  and  the 
following  glory,  after  they  all  believe 
in  this;  but  they  disagree  about  what 
that  glory  shall  be,  and  in  what  it  is  tt> 
consist,  and  by  what  means  the  way  is 
to  be  prepared  for  it.  Some  think  ii 
will  come  one  way,  and  some  another. 
And  some  think  it  will  consist  in  one 
thing,  and  some  in  another,  and  tlius 
it  is  that  they  are  calling  each  other 
fanatics,  imposters,  &.c. 

For  instance  all  the  religious  ■ivorld 
Jews  and  Gentiles  say  ot  Peter  thi? 
hermit  tliat  he  was  a  fanatic,  and  that 
the  crusaders  were  the  veriest  enthusi- 
asts in  the  world;  and  the  Jews  say  of 
the  present  Gentile  churches  that  they 
are  fanatics,  and  enthusiasts,  to  believe 
as  they  do  about  the  latter  day  glory.— 
And  the  Gentile  churches  say  of  the 
Jews  that  they  are  fanatics  for  their 
belief  in  relation  to  it:  and  it  is  no  un- 
common thing  to  hear  the  Gentile 
churches  denouncing  each  other  as  fa- 
natics, and  enthusiasts,  because  they 
hold  different  opinions  about  it. 

Now,  these  all  believe  in  the  second 
coming  of  the  Savior,  and  that  a  great 
glory  will  follow;  but  they  differ  about 
the  events  which  will  precede  that 
advent,  and  about  what  the  glory  will 
be  when  it  comes.  And  on  these  points 
they  frequently  grow  wrathy,  denounce 


ItlESQENftER  i.X»  ADVOCATlg. 


40t 


each  other  as  heretics,  fanatics,  enthu- 
siasts, 6cc.  &:c.  and  deal  out  their  an- 
athemas against  one  another  with  a  lib- 
eral hand. 

It  is  in  relation  to  these  things  that 
the  church  of  the  Latter  Day  Saints 
has  been  so  shamefully  abused  and 
belied,  by  all  these  parties  both  Jews 
and  gentiles,  reformers  and  non-refor- 
mers, (not  even  excepting  the  pious  A, 
CampbVU  and  old  Clapp,  his  Sanco 
Panza,  and  the  will-making  A.  Bently, 
one  of  his  flunkies;)  not  that  they  do 
nst  believe  in  the  second  coming  of 
the  Savior,  and  in  the  glory  that  shall 
follow;  but  because  they  differ  from  all 
the  other  parties  about  the  means  by 
which  the  Savior  will  prepare  the  way 
of  hio  second  coming,  and  what  the 
glory  V.  .:i  be  which  will  follow. 

The  Latter  Day  Saints  believe  that 
Christ  v.'ill  prepare  the  way  of  his 
coming  by  raising  up  and  inspiring 
apostles,  prophets,  evangelists,  pas- 
tors and  teachers,  and  under  their  min- 
istry restore  again  to  his  saints  all  the 
^ifls  of  the  church  as  in  <^ays  of  old- — 
And  the  glory  which  shall  follow,  will 
consist  in  the  increase  of  faith  on  the 
earth,  by  which  men  shall  obtain  reve- 
lations, visions,  the  ministering  of  an- 
gels, and  the  manifestations  of  the 
Savior  himself;  so  that  the  saints  shall 
know  that  he  lives,  and  shall  each  one 
know  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 
individual  saint  shall  have  power  to 
behold  the  face  of  God  in  the  flesh,  as 
did  Moses  and  others  in  days  of  old, 
until  the  prophecy.of  Isaiah  shall  be  lit- 
erally fulfilled,  that  the  knowledge  of 
God  will  cover  the  earth  as  the  waters 
do  the  sea. 

The  Latter  Day  Saints  also  believe 
that  God  has  began  this  work,  by  rais- 
ing up  and  inspiring  men  to  bring  forth 
revelations,  and  to  direct  his  saints  as 
in  days  of  old,  that  the  church  may 
come  out  of  obscurity,  and  out  of 
darkness,  and  begin  to  shew  forth  her 
light,  and  her  glory,  so  that  the  way 
of  il>e  Son  of  man  may  be  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,    deacons   and   scoundrels, 


professors  and  thieves,  have  all  shewn 
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, 
and  at  the  time  of  his  coming,  he  will 
out  off  and  consign  1o  the  perdition  of 
ungodly  men,  the  before  mentioned 
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,  except  such  as  have  ob- 
tained like  precious  faith  with  the  apos- 
tles, and  have  power  over  all  things 
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  not  one  will 
rBca{>e. 

Such  is  the  faith  of  the  Latter  Day 
Saints,  and  for  this  their  belief,  earth 
and  hell  have  combined  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  the 
truth  prevails  exceedingly,  far  beyond 
the  expectations  of  any  of  the  saint?. 

Another  item  of  their  faith  is,  that 
before  the  coming  of  Christ,  and  the 
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  v/ill  try 
his  saints  in  those  places,  and  try  them 
until  there  is  not  one  left  but  those 
who  are  pure  and  holy  in  his  sight: 
that  among  those  who  are  left  after 
the  bad  are  gathered  out,  he  will  shew 
forth  his  glory:  they  shall  be  the  ones, 
of  whom  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  ofT; 
and  when  this  is  done,  and  all  the  rest 
of  the  world  cut  oft'  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:  then 
shall  the  cow    and  the    bf^w  feed,   tLad 


4fH 


mt;!5sr'vcfr  A^rr>  AmrirATf.. 


llJ  .1  _,  o^iit;'  ;<u>  »  11-  uu»\ij  l-g.  tijur. 
then  '.h;>li  !l)o  !ir>n  eat  f-trnw  like  the 
ox:  then  phali  tlie  time  c;)me  when  ih  »v 
fhail  n^iiicr  huitio!"  (les^tc^y  in  nil 
the  Lord's  lirvk  irinuhf-^in  which  h  .ly 
m  ui;tnin  is  thf  place  w  h:  re  the  saints 
will  1  c  grt!  eirc'. 

Fiifbeiifving  those  things,  ?nl  net 
inj:  accord, i!gi\,  tie  saiiits  have  br  en 
madf  tf)  feel  ilie  hand  uC  persreutfon 
frm  this  iincr(  dly  generntinn  which  is 
fis;  r'pen  ngtor  ih--  damn-irion  eif  L^ll; 
for  tliC  saiafs  have  bogan  to  gather  fo 
g  t'ler,  in  spite  of  all  the  lyin,2~  priests 
their  nie  th  s  sir!e  the  perditi  irv  of  un- 
fTvHy  m:M,  (nnd  thh  is  only  Mich  as 
Hio  in  the  fiesh)  until  thf  y  sh  II  jvll 
have  ©ome  from  one  end  o'  heaven  to 
the  other,  aiuf  notcme  left  in  nil  nations. 
tongues,  langua^^s  arul  kindreds,  un- 
der hvaven,  and  tlirn,  and  not  till  then 
will  CLiriat  come  and  tltc  gtory  will 
follow.  S»  R. 

MISSION  IN  THE   SOUTH. 

I  ie  t  this  place-  (Kirtlaiif!)  on  the 
3rd  (lav  of  May  last,  find  bfMit  fny 
ourse  t )  th'!  south,  with  the  iirtentim 
of  vi-^  t  ng  tlic  churches  in  Kentucky 
and  Tennessee  which  I  had  heen  in- 
strumental in  ^iji'ding'  up  on  a.  previ- 
ou-^  mission  to  that  country. 

I  vi'ent  on  r>iard  a  Sicamprat  Welis- 
v^lle,  a  small  town  on  the  Ohio  siver, 
situated  450  miles  above  the  city  -^f 
Cincinniti,  and  trav(;l!ed  down  it  aboi  t 
1000  miles,  twuchiniiat  a  great  vs^riety 
of  to'.vns  on  its  hanks,  in  Ohio,  \jr- 
g  nia,  Indiana,  Illinois  and  Kentucky, 
either  to  discharge  or  eceivo  freight 
and  passengers,  and  up  the  Tennessee 
river  80  miles.  Vvhik:  performing 
this  jaurnf'y,  I  obtained  permission  & 
preached  several  timps  to  the  passeti- 
gers  en  boud  who  li.strncd  with  aJlen 
tion  und  t.e:ited  me  with  respect,  and 
as  there  were  many  persons  traveling 
to  differf  nt  parts.  1  cheerfully  enb.a 
ced  I  .e  opportunity  of  saluting  their 
cars  w  ill  the  s  und  of  that  g:)S[el  that 
fur  Savior  has  comr  ai  .'ed  hU  her- 
\n  V;  t)  pro  l:j;m  in  ail  the  wo  Id  to 
every  cxs'iiui**'.  ■  I  ni-'o  witncL-s.d  hov- 
erai  of  those  dietressing  occuriences, 
that  are  S)  coirimon  on  our  southern 
•Wcitt^rs,  cc'^ari jned  by  slearn  boats  ruu- 
liing  against  cjch  other,  hoi'.crs  bur.st- 
inp,  &C-.  in  coneeiucnce  of  the  uns-kill 
ful  mancg-'OK'nt  of  captains  and  pilots. 
and  indeed  whf3n  1  reflect  upon  tht 
Bbomiija{if'-a   tnat   are  practicMnl    or; 


^  ard  t  e  A!  tJoaiing  smk.j  of  initjuity, 
I  marvel  that  God  doi  s  not  execute 
m^re  speedy  vengeance  upon  them. — » 
A.  a  .out  midnight  having  jus.t  dismiss- 
ed the  congregation  on  Loartl,  to  whom 
I  had  been  preaching  the  Word,  1  founti 
Mivseif  landed  in  Henry  «ouiity,  Ten- 
nessee. i>n  the  very  spi  •  where  I  stooj 
upon  the  banks  ot'  the  liver  somethin;^ 
less  than  one  year-  befoie.  and  liftei 
up  my  voiof  t )  u  inuit.tude,  and  pro« 
cliimed  salvation  to  them  ujon  the 
terms^  of  obedience  to  the  gospel  of  the' 
Sort  of  G,  d  !is  ri  V -aled  to  us  in  the 
new  ami  everlasting  covenant:  aid! 
no*  only  .stood  upon  its  banks,  bit 
tr  tabled  it>'  watern  by  adnl;wl^reri•l  g, 
the  ordinance  of  l>a|  tism.  atid  while  i. 
Umk  the  parting  handv\ith  thtmanci 
bid  them  Oirevell,  thny  weie  over- 
whelmed in  Jears.  1  was  now  in  the 
neighboiho<  d  of  the  chur.-.hes  to  which; 
I  hastem-d  with  g'C-at  an.\ietj  and  waa 
receivid  bv  thtm  with  every  expres- 
sion of  joy.  But  among  those  w  ho 
were  not  of  the  fold  of  Chi  ist  I  met 
wit!)  a  very  diffl-rent  reeej  ti(-.n.  I 
f  u  id  nnny  of  t'lo^c  whose  minds  had 
l.een  en  i_,hte&L'd,  who  had  witnessed, 
ih  J  I  i  u  ts  ol*  the  nircient  gosprl,  and  had 
k-en  bfrjeving^  wt^re  not  un  ike  the  in- 
habitonJs  of  JLystra,  w  hen  l^aui  and 
Barnai)a3  ministered  to  thtnr,  the 
preaching  of  these  fcr^'ants  *  f  God  so 
far  exceeded  the  preach  ng  <jf  th(  ir 
it  o!  itrous  J  riests,  they  cried,  that  ll  f' 
gtxis  ha;d  come  down  in  the  likeness  f 
men,  and  lushed  to  the  tem|  le  of  Jupi- 
ter which  stood  without  tljc  gates  of 
\hc  city,  aud  souglyt  to  erown  thein 
with  garlands,  and  sacritise  even  to 
their  Wf.rship,  and  it  was  with  difiieul- 
ty  that  the  nposlles  persuuded  ihein  to 
desist  fro-^  tti.eir  unm  lloued  ofierirg, 
and  rent  their  clothes  na  a  mask  (  f  de- 
testation and  abhorenctJ  of  their  cor*- 
d  .ct.  Eut  not  long  afr.'r  ceitain  of  the 
unbt  lieving  Jews  and  idothJers  oi  An- 
ti  >ch  and  Iconium,  fi.llowed  Paul  to 
Lvf  ri  and  persuided  the  people  thi.f 
he  was  a  w.cked  majlcian,  and  they 
lose  with  one  consent  and  ^tor.ed  hmi. 
•tnd  rt/agged  hi:rs  tsut  cA  tht^  city;  and 
left  him  unbuvied  in  the  high  way  be- 
lieving him  to  be  dead.  1  have  said 
hat  cur  enemies  in  the  south  were  n(.t 
u  liike  the  inhabitants  of  Lys-tra.  Per- 
haps they  would  not  have  sacrifis«d 
tlicir  oxen  to  us,  upon  the  altar  of 
!jurnt  otferingp,  but  they  cheerfully  sa- 
CiiS^td  of  their   substance  t^  teed  aj-d 


Vtfe^SENG'Tl  AND  ADVOCATF. 


4)^ 


■ciothi-!  u-i,  and  liK-ir  iiieetii><^-j  and 
prt".stri  t-j  a't 'ii>i,  til  our  ministiation, 
nnd  aoUti(r.v|;Ml2R  tho  force  of  tiutli 
while  ?it;ing  unticr  its  influfnce,  niui 
cricti  out  tVons  whence  h;  v ;  the-e  men 
ihis  great  wisdoni  ofthu  thinj^s  of  Gnd 
■«iid  U|»;-K:;irod  will  nj  to  lay  down  th*  i.- 
lives  lor  \x^.  On  the  oth  r  han-i  they 
were  not  ui^like  llieai.  Soq«  aite:r  I 
returned  to  thr-  sont'i,  1  fell  in  compa- 
ny with  elder  Palten,  m.  fell  >w  I.  b  ir- 
cr  in  thi-!  part  of  tlvo  Lord's  \inevnrd; 
with  wh'tTJ  I  have  endured  many  per- 
ils, afrlictions  ond  persecutions,  in  our 
own  nUive  hnd,  and  in  d^tint  coun- 
tries, by  lan(i  and  hy  water,  an~,on5 
■c.»ngr 'gtied  multitudes,  and  in  the  sol- 
itary wilderness.  We  vi.-i;ed  the  chur- 
ches, and  agnio  suflered  persecution 
t  igether;  wicked  nn'ii  nnd  idolatrous 
w  »rshi[)i-rs  Ifd  by  priests  nnd  peace  of- 
ficers <^aiisted  th^r  cofuhined  infljence 
axH'n-%tu<,  and  s  ijTht  our  lives  aid 
agiinthfy  were  hke  the  unbelieving 
Jf^wsof  Thesulonici,  when  Paul  enter- 
ed into  th"ir  symg  g'l.-!,  aod  reaso: - 
ed  with  then^  o jt  of  tho  scriptiires; 
moved  witl)  envy  the\  ico'i  unto  them 
certain  lewd  fellows  of  the  h?ser  sort 
and  set  all  th'  regio;  s  round  about  in 
Jtn  nprinr  an<l  assaulted  the  house  of 
one  Utlcy,  and  brou;ji.t  u?  out  unto 
the  pe<;plj  crying,  these  tli  it  have 
turned  the  World  ii|?:<ide  down,  have 
coine  agiin  to  Benton  county  in' 
teach  doctrines  contrary  to  seot-.rian- 
i'm.  siyiug,  thatt'ce  is  anoth"r 
jtro,)het,  one  Jose[jh  Smith  I  ke  unto 
M<iS'-»j,  whom  the  Lord  hath  dio  ^n  *<< 
\  ;ad  fe  s  ,  e  '(ile  out  of  the  v/iidviru  55  in 
these  last  days,  and  b\  wh/»s  >  1  a  10  iif 
hath  brong'it  forth  the  lecoul  of  l'^j,hra 
i  u;  nd  th'-y  w.  le  niin  eJ  to  tike  t.s 
b  •  o  e  t  >e  niagi.stratej;;  but  w)en  they 
had  lukeii  l.rge  s'cu-i'y  th 'v  let  m  go 
t  il  a  o'.ierdiy.  Ou  li.isw  retlirat 
cn<ed  a. id  sought  for,  in  |  u  >  ic  and  in 
private,  lik.;  th  •  hint.:d  100  in  the  for 
lest;  at  len;^th  we  were  tiken  before 
t!>e  ruiers,  a  id  examii  ed  not  bv  sc  mr- 
ging.  but  by  threatning,  nnii  stricllv 
cli<irged  to  tea  -h  no  more  in  their  midst 
ill"  fulness  of  th  *  g(is|)el  in  the  mm  ; 
of  Jesus  and  banished  iVi.ui  their  300  e- 
tv,  nnd  the  broth rnn  im  ncdialoly  sent 
ui  avay  to  M.dilc  Tennessee';  and 
w  J  <  n  jred  int  >  tiieir  synagogue-i  nnd 
pre  c  led  the  word.  Th-so  were  mor'> 
nobl»i  than  those  of  Benton  countv,  for 
they  searciied  the  scriptaref*  "daily 
y/hcther  these  things  were  so;  but  cer- 


tain philosophers,  c'.ergvmen  ol  iiio 
prest.'.Leri'vn  and  niethoJij-t  fuith  siid 
What  IS  it  that  these  bablers  sayl— ■ 
'They  seem  to  be  srtterd  forth  of 
sinmge  gods,"  becaese  they  preach 
unto  ua  the  doctrine  contained  in  the 
bible  and  book  of  Mornion,  saying, 
these  are  the  fulness  of  the  go;q)el; 
"Others  spent  their  time  in  nothing 
but  to  hear  or  to  tc!!  some  new  tl:ing," 
However  thers  sjemed  to  be  n  any  l;e- 
lievinir,  and  a  vast  field  open  o  •  i.ibor- 
ers  in  the  viiicyard  of  tlie  Lord  in  tuo 
soutli. 

On  our  return  from  Midd'o,  t:5  West 
Tennessee  wo  |  asse'.i  ihruugh  Benton 
countv.  As  soon  as  we  armed  with- 
in Its  boundaries  we  were  hur;ted  by 
our  persecutors  who  fi)dowed  us  iik'j 
bloodhounds  through  the  couniy,  the 
di>tance  <if  about  twenty  miles,  but  oiit 
of  their  hands  the  Lord  deliv,;iea  us.— 
I  took  the  pirting  hind  with  elder  Pal= 
t'-n  and  set  out  by  stage  frotn  Ten- 
nessee for  home  I  passed  through 
many  towns  in  this  state  and  Kentaeky, 
and  give  the  v.arnin,:^  voicj  to  many 
of  them;  in  some  towns  I  s.jent  threo 
days  and  othe/s  six.  And  I  feel  it  a 
duty  {  owe  to  the  southern  peo.  !e  in 
general,  to  ackn  .wle<ige  the  h  'sp.tali- 
ty  and  politeness  with  which  I  havo 
oeen  treated  while  tnivelling  amonff 
them  as  a  minister- of  the  go-pel;  and  1 
V  r  ly  believe  that  G"d  has  nuich  p' o- 
pie  in  that  country,  that  will  come  liko 
dovcjj  to  the  vv  n  lows  v.hen  He  calla 
t«)  the  tioi'th  to  giv.'  up.  and  the  south 
to  kee()  notbick,  hiss  fis  to  be  brought 
t"  om  a  tar  and  his  tiaughteiS  f.otn  iho 
ends  of  the  earth.  Aal  a.tnjLigh  in 
my  in  s  ivin  of  tbir  mo.iti.s,  during 
which  i.ne  1  trav^ilod  u,. -wards of  three 
thousand  milea  and  [)re.iched  about  70 
discj  irscs,  and  biptii;d  hut  fe'V,  \et  [ 
t.-ust  th.it  my  labi)rs  will  ho  like,  bread 
■ast  u,ion  the  watjrs,  t!;e  tVuits  of 
which,  is  seen  mmv  di\s  after. — 
A'tien  1  fuu.id  myself  s  ifcly  re.vti)rc(l 
igim  to  the  society  of  my  com;  anion 
tnd  fiiendi,  and  on  ret  respecting  tho 
p.ii.t  g  )o  Inesa  of  Gjd,  my  j;ou!  breuks 
fortii  in  adocutioij  and  praisa  to  tny 
ne.vuily  Father,  for  hi-;  t-ndei- mer- 
cies an-  t  u!y  over  tne  coutinualiy,  his 
^r.  t  ibraity  su:)plies  uil  niy  wunti, 
aaJ  h  .i  protcc.ing  a':i;  foi;toii;ig  h:^»rj, 
snicLs  m :  trom  ad  harm,  Tuou  O 
Lord  a:t  exidied  di^ove  rJl  ot!ier  goti-;, 
— there  is  i;o;iC'  in  hccvcn,  or  on  earth, 
like  unto  thee, — ;h^u  il^st  hold  tha  de»- 


406 


messengp:r  nd  adavocat^. 


tinies  of  all  nations  in  thine  almighty 
hand, — thou  art  the  giv^r  of  all  good, 
and  perfect  gifts, — in  the  deepest 
wounds  of  affliction  thou  hast  comfort- 
ed me, — when  wicked  men  have  sought 
to  ensnare  m.y  feet,  thou  hast  deliver- 
ed me, — when  I  have  been  surrounded 
with  the  turmoils,  and  miseries,  inci- 
dent to  human  life,  thou  hast  calmed 
my  stormy  feelings  and  quelled  my 
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  Lord  of 
hosts  forever  more. 

W.  PARRLSII. 


PERFECTION.— No.  11. 

On  examining  the  subject  ot  perfec- 
tion closely,  it  will  be  found  that  the 
ancients,  such  we  mean  as  were  under 
divine  influence,  had  views  quite  differ- 
ent from  those  entertained  by  the  men 
of  our  day;  they  set  it  forth  as  some- 
thing of  a  very  God-like  nature.  Paul 
says,  when  speaking  of  the  privileges 
of  the  saints,  that  they  were  to  be  heirs 
of  Grod,  and  joint  heirs  with  Christ 
Jesus.  This,  most  manifestly,  sets 
forth  the  nature  of  perfection  as  it  per- 
tains to  the  saint;?. 

For  a  person  to  bj  an  heir  of  God, 
and  a  joint  heir  with  Christ  Jesus, 
would  be  to  endow  him  with  the  pow- 
ers of  the  great  God;  for  how  can  any 
person  be  an  heir  of  God,  and  yet  ne- 
ver partake  of  either  his  power  or  glo- 
ry; where  would  his  hein  hip  be? — a 
mere  fiction,  as  bad  as  a  Methodist 
God,  without  either  body  or  parts.  If 
a  person  is  ever  an  heir  of  God,  he  will 
partake  of  his  glory;  and  this  he  can- 
not do,  unless  he  first  partakes  of  his 
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  the  Savior  said 
ot  himself  that,  "all  power  is  given 
unto  me,  in  heaven  and  on  earth."— 
Now  may  I  not  ask,  with  propriety,  can 
a  person  be  a  joint  heir  with  him  who 
has  all  power  in  heaven  and  on  earth, 
aud  yet  have  no  power  in  heaven  nor 
on  earth.  This  would  be  too  paradox- 
ical for  any  rational  being  to  pretend 
to  believ(!.  For  any  rational  being 
must  know,  that  for  a  person  to  be  a 
joint  heir  with  another,  requires  no- 
thing less    than  to  e<j[ually  partake   of 


the  power,  by  which  that  other  person 
partook  ©f,  and  enjoyed  his  heirship: 
for  if  he  did  not  he  never  could  be  heir 
with  him. 

A  great  many  persons,  for  want  of 
proper  reflection,  have  supposed,  that 
an  instrument  of  writing,  such  as  a 
will,  or  deed,  or  some  such  thing,  could 
make  one  person  another's  heir;  but  a 
minute's  reflection  would  correct  the 
error;  for  it  is  not  more  the  instrument 
of  writing  which  makes  the  heir,  than 
it  is  the  power  to  husband  the  heirship; 
for  if  the  legatee  has  not  power  to  ma- 
nage the  legacy,  his  heirship  is  mora 
nominal  than  real. 

We  have  a  most  striking  instance  of 
this  set  forth  in  the  scriptures,  in  tho 
case  of  Solomon  and  his  son  Rehobo- 
arn,  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  done,  that  either  wind  or  ink  could 
do;  but  with  all,  they  could  not  make 
Rehoboam  Solomon's  heir:  Could  they 
have  given  him  a  few  ounces  of  com- 
mon sense,  it  would  have  tended  more 
to  have  made  him  his  father's  heir, 
than  all  the  soundings  of  trumpets,  tho 
riding  on  mules,  and  the  passing  of  de- 
crees, and  the  sealing  of  covenants, 
did,  or  could  do:  and  as  it  was  not  ins 
their  power  iC  give  him  common  un- 
derstanding: So  it  was  net  in  their 
power  to  make  him  Solomon's  heir. — 
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  TENTS,  O  IsbaelI"  and  the 
ten  tribes  revolted  from  the  house  of 
David,  and  served  them  no  more  to 
this  day. 

So  much  then,  for  fnstrunr>ents  of 
writing,  covenants,  deeds  and  decrees, 
making  one  rrjan  another's  heir.  It 
requires  the  power,  the  wisdom,  and 
the  sagacity  of  the  predecessor,  to 
make  the  successor  his  heir,  and  no- 
thing short  of  that  could  do  it. 

When  the  scriptures  speak  of  ma- 
king the  saints  "heirs  of  God,  and  joint 
heirs  with  Christ  Jesus;"  they  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  tho 
power,  the  wisdom  and  the  knowledge, 
sufficient  to  make  them  heirs  of  God, 
and  joint  heirs  with  Christ  Jesus.  If  a 
person  is  to  partake  of  only  part  of  the 


Ikl fclS« E SmK  ANg  Ai>V(X:Ai'K.  


'heirship  of  Christ,  then,  part  of  his 
tjualifications  wil!  be  sufficient;  but  if 
"he  is  to  bo  a  joint  heir,  and  be  an  equal 
vartaker  with  Christ,  then,  nothing 
short  of  the  same  powers  which  Christ 
possesses,  will  enable  him  to  do  it. 

The  query  which  now  arises  to  the 
hiind,  is  this.  Is  the  human  mind  ca- 
pable of  possessing  such  power,  and 
such  authority?  If  it  is,  pert'oction,  as 
far  as  it  relates  to  man,  consists  in  ob- 
taining it^  tor  withcut  it,  no  person  can 
be  perfect,  for  where  there  is  one  at- 
tainment wanting  that  person  is  not 
perfect.  And  if  tiie  human  mind  is 
not  capable  of  enjoying  and  exercising 
such  power?,  why  say  that  we  are  to 
be  heirs  of  God,  and  joint  heirs  with 
Christ?  Surely  it  would  be  an  insult 
upon  our  good  feelings  thus  to  trifle 
with  us. 

From  this  view  of  the  subject,  which 
is  both  scriptural  and  reasonable,  it 
can  be  easily  seen  why  the  Savior  said 
to  his  disciples,  "Be  ye  perfect  even  as 
your  Father  in  heaven  is  perfect"  Be- 
cause that,  and  that  only,  would  crown 
thorn  with  glory,  honor,  and  immor- 
tnlit}',  and  without  it,  their  religion 
would  bo  vain,  yea,  worse  than  vain; 
for  instead  cf  its  adding  to  their  happi- 
ness, it  wouid  make  them  of  all  men 
most  mif-erable. 

VV'hen  p  ^rfection,  as  raialcs  to  the 
saints,  is  once  understood,  it  throws 
great  light  on  the  whole  scheme  of 
things  revealed  in  the  bibic;and  enables 
us  to  see  the  consistency,  and  propri- 
ety of  the  whole.  The  object  propo- 
pod  lo  men  in  embracing  the  scheme  of 
heaven,  is  to  make  them  perfect,  a.id 
that  perfection  consists  in  putting  them 
in  possession  of  th«  powers  of  the  De- 
ity, by  which  they  heir,  and  of  course 
govern  all  things:  making  them  equa' 
sharers  in  all  ])ower,  in  heaven  and  on 
earth.  F£enee,  says  the  Savioi, 
"Thou  bast  been  faithful  in  a  few 
tilings;  I  will  make  thee  ruler  over 
many  things:  enter  thou  into  the  joy 
of  thy  Lord.'' 

Let  us  keep  this  in  mind,  and  then 
sec  the  consistency  of  the  scheme  of 
the  heavens  by  which  they  propose  to 
save  men. 

It  was  said  to  the  apo.slles  "(Jo  ye 
into  all  the  world,  and  preach  tiie  gos- 
pel to  every  creature;  He  that  believ- 
':th  nnd  is  baptized  shall  br-^avcd,  and 
hr  Hint  b'^lipvctli  imt    v),-,]]  ^r  dMmiKd. 


-_  ^ 
And  these  signs  shall  follow  them  that 
believe,"  &c. 

By  this  commisGion,  it  will  be  scon 
by  the  candid  reader,   that  it  was  pro- 
posed to  those  who   believed   the  testi- 
mony of  the  apo'itles,  that  they  should 
be  put  in  possession  of  a  power  ditTer- 
ent  from  that  which    was   enjoyed    by 
the  rest  of    the    world,    and   a   power 
tending    directly    towards  perfection, 
even,  towards  the    power   enjoyed  by 
the  Deity,  by  which   they    were   heirs 
of   all  things,  and  of   which   heirship 
the  saints  were  to  be   made  partakers. 
Read  carefully  the  account  given  in 
the  bible,  and  it   will  be  seen    that   as 
soon  as  the  gospel  was   received,   the 
power  which  was  according  to  the  na- 
ture <-)f  their  heirship,   began  to  be  ex- 
c-cised  by  them,  and  kept  increasing, 
and  increasing,  until  they    had    power 
over  water,    and  over  fire,    and    could 
command  the  very  elements,  the  sun, 
moon,  <tc.  and  they  would  obey  them, 
exercising  a  power    which    tended  di- 
rectly to  make  them  partakers  of  all 
power,  in  heaven   and  on   earth;  and 
to  make  (bem  heirs  of  God,  and  joint 
heirs  with  Christ   Jesus;  who3e   heir- 
ship consisted  in  an  identiiy   with  the 
Fathen      "Ail   mine  are    thine,    and 
thine  are  mine  ;  and  I  am   glorified  in 
them,''  says  the  Savior  to  his  Father, 
Joim,  17:  16.     So  the  sainis   heirship 
was  to  consist  iai  an   identity    with  tho 
Father  and  iho  Son      "That  they  all 
may  be  one;  as    thou.   Father,   art  in 
me,  and  I  in  thee,  that  they  also  may 
be  one  in  us:  that  the  world    may  hf- 
Heve  that  thou  h?>si   sent   me.''     John 
17;  "21.     So   then,    with   the   greatest 
propriety,  the   apostle  promised  to  tho 
saints  of  his  day,  that   they  should  be 
heirs   of    God,    and  joint   heirs    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  immediatelv 
tend  to  put  men  in  possession  of  paw* 
er,  pou-er  supernatural^  (so  called,) 
docs  not  in  any  degree  tenil  to  perfec- 
tion; and  if  it  does  not  tend  to  perfec- 
tion, it  docs  not  towards  salvation:  and 
all  llie  labor,  and  pains,  which  men 
may  spend 'to  e.stabIi>Ji,  and  to  build  it 
up,  is  only  building  u  house  on  the 
sand,  which  will  fail  with  awful  ruinr., 
in  the  day  wiien  the  winds  blow,  arxi 
the  rains  descend.  \%  " 

Let  it  here  Ivi  observ^jr.?,    that   wlun 

mria   ill   r.'uvs  n\      nbi    \ys:\     <-']>\;\\\\<-(\     \)\\< 


4^ 


MEPPEifOrk  AND  ADVOCATE. 


power  with  God,  thnt  tliey  coud  exer- 
cise power  over  the  eirth,  nnd  over 
the  elements,  they  were  said  to  be  per- 
fect: as  was  the  case  of  Noili,  of 
A^rnhf^m  &c.  And  those  vh»  had 
no!  tliis  power,  were  never  said  to  be 
per.'eot,  no,  nor  never  will  be  by  the 
God  of  heaven. 

ThuM  it  was,  thai  all  the  saints  of 
fjrmer  days,  made  the^r  way  towards 
p^rfecMon,  in  the  exercise,  and  in  the 
increase  of  power;  and  as  thev  ap- 
proached toward  the  power  which  Je- 
sus had,  when  he  said,  ^'All  power  in 
heaven  and  on  eaith  is  given  nnto  me" 
in  like  proportion  ihi\  approxiwited 
perfection;  but  in-ismuch  as  tl  ey  did 
n  it  api  roximnte  towards  ihi^t  power, 
they  did  n  »t  advance  towards  perfcc 
tion;  for  this  and  this  only  constitutes 
perfection  bet'ore  God:  and  when  he 
sjieaks  of  men  being  perfect  he  means 
t!ie  perfection  which  belongs  to  hirei 
self. 

There  cnn  be  nothing  more  ridicu 
loMs  to  the  ear  of  a  correct  biblical  t-tu 
de  It.  than  to  hear  the  men  ol"  this  ger- 
era'ion  talking  a!)out  j  erfection,  and 
ab  )ut  men's  getting  |>erfeci,  while  tl  ey 
deny  the  very  existance  of  such  a 
t'l  ng;  for  t!iey  o(ienly  declare  t  uit  all 
Cvi  powers  of  the  sj.iritual  kmgdom 
ha V  1  ceased,  and  are  to  be  exerciser' 
no  more.  Le-t  it  Le  so;  but  we  ask 
where  is  perfection  then?  we  fn^wei 
ni  where;  for  tike  the  powers  of  tht 
s  iritual  kingdom  away,  the  enj(»yment 
of  which  con^tltute3  perfection  among 
m^n,  and  surely  fterfcction  ceases  witl. 
them»  and  there  is  an  end  to  it,  both  in 
heaven  and  on  earth,  aa  far  as  men 
are  conceined. 

A  few  more  wordf*  about  the  foimei 
d;iv  8-iints,  and  ihe  ssects  of  this  gener 
a  io-",  and  I  have  done  for  the  present. 
!t  is  this,  either  the    saints    of   form<M 
d  iv8  were  more  than  ;.erfect  (and  that 
ii  impassible)  or  else  the  sects  of  this 
day  are  infin  tely  short  of  it.     The  for 
mer  d  ly  sa'nt    ciuldby  ih  ir  faith  stoj 
th^   m  »uths  of  lions,  quench    the    vio 
lence  of   fire,    esca))^  tlio  edge  of  the 
Bword,  jiut  the  armies  of  the  aliens  to 
flight,    receive   their    dead    children  to 
li'e  a^aiii,  heal  the  sick,caiiout  devilr, 
speak  with  tongues,  interpret  tongues, 
prophecy,   drenm  dreams,  see   visions, 
&c.  Arc,     1  say  then  either  the   exer- 
c"s3  of  these  powers  among  tho  former 
day  fcaints  v.'iia  more   tl^an   perfectioc. 
or  else  th^  sects  of  these  days   are   uo 


where  near  to  peneciiou  ueiUicr  aie 
they  making  the  least  advances  to- 
wards  it,  and  which  of  the  two  it  is,  I 
will  leave  a  candid  public  to  judge. 

S.  R. 


Kir/ /and,  St^pf.  1&.   1835. 
Brother  O.  Cowdery: 

I  ^-tuted  I'rom  Kirt- 
land  on  the  17th  of  May  la^t.  in  com- 
pany whh  brothers  Joseph  Young  anil 
Elijah  Reed,  and  traveieJ  east  as  far 
as  VVhitesborough,  On  ida  co.  N.  Y. 
there  1  separated  from  them  and  trav- 
eled into  VVashingtoii  co,  N.^  Y.j 
ihf^re  I  labo.ed  for  a  sho.t  time,  an.l 
in  >h*!  edge  of  Vt.  and  ba|  tized  two. — - 
I  then  let  tlie  place  an !  tailing  in 
company    with    bi other  J.    Yotuig  we 

0  ttitinued  our  course  to  the  east  for  t  e 
express  purpose  of  visiting  our  friends, 
which  we  had  anticipated  doing  with 
deep  interest.  We  calletl  in  Cawian 
Conn,  where  ve  preached  anJ  Iki|  tiz- 
ed  Cour:  from  tb."ace  pursued  our  jtjui- 
ney  to  Providence  and  Bo.-ton  where 
we  preached  several  times;  and  in  the 
litter  place    bai)iized  two.   I    th^Me  left 

iro.  J.  Y.  and  went  as  far  as  Newrj-, 
Oxfoid  CO.  Me.  attended  a  conferent  e- 
i  1  company  with  elder  Lyman  F. 
Johnson,  tliere  we  baptized  two;  tl.c^ 
Spirit  of  the  Lord  attended  ourconfer- 
enco;  at  our  jwbHc  pieachmgs  we  had 
Inrgo  and  very  attentive  congregation  . 

1  then  returned  to  iiostors',  iu  compai  y 
vith  ek'er  Lyman  F,  Johnson  and  otl.- 

ers  4  ho  were  coming  to  Kirlhmd,  th^'re 
I  tarried  over  t  e  Sabath  preached  and 
laptized  two  more. 

Brother  J.  Y.  and  I  then  starttd  for 
home,  via,  Pri)vidence  w:bere  we  cdll- 
;^d  a  conlerenee  and  ordained  brother 
Bennington  to  be  an  elder:  we  aUo 
cilled  in  Conn,  at  Canaan  and  bj^jitiz-^ 
ei  ont?:  from  thenee  we  c  >ntrnued  our 
lournev  hiHTie,  and  arrived  iti  Kiith  £}! 
on  the  evening  of  the  9th  of  tsepfeni- 
i)tr,  having  labored  much  to  sprciad 
the  everlasting  gospel,  and  biptiz"d 
thirteen,  visited  our  friend.s  as  we  an- 
tici[)ated,  with  whom  w-e  conversed 
freely  on  the  subject  ot^  the  go^pt-1  as 
brought  forth  in  the  last  days:  many 
)f  them  seemed  t(s  realize  the  truth  of 
it  and  none  rose  in  opposition  to  it. 

May  the  Lo:d  bless  thnse  whom  we 
visited,  and  g  tth-r  th.;:ri  iiit  >  the  cov- 
enant of  his  grace,  and  save  them 
through  Jelts  Chriat  in  his  presfmce. 
Amen  B.  YOUNG. 


MESSENGUR  AND  Am'OCATE. 


i(y.r 


Fjf  waUvcr  things  w- re  %vr  tf^n  aio.e.  iiig  iheiu  v,  itii  thi-  c  iKmn  uT  imtiiJK  h  ic? 
t'n-,  w.T.»  wr.it3ii  lor  cur  learning,  that  v\e  cx.iibited  a  c  .i.i  t  ki  u/'  ^trlki(l^  j  or- 
l  r  .ugh  pa  ii'icj  and  co.ntbri  of  th(»  scrip-  trails,  fur  e  itert.uiiment  aiiJ  iti  t  .lo- 
t  .ras  r.Kg'it  hivj  HOT \—.ln,nan3  1':  4.  i  U  JO.      In  coutemptntiug  these,  v/c  buein 

Various  i!:et!v  c's  iviv«  t)ccii  fnif.loy-  ^ '  expatiate  in  a  va>t  gallery  of  family 
cd,  at  difffr;  lit   [imkIs    an  i    by  di:fer  j  pcture.s,  and  tako  deiiglil  in  ccmparitig 


CMit  persons,  to  c  mvfy    iisifjl    kn  >\vl 
€?dg;    til    nnnkind.       Tic     kn  >v  lod^e 
m  i-t  u>^t'fui  HntI  niopt  imperial  t  lo  man 


the  various  iViilares  ui  the  extcn^^ivt; 
k.ndred  as  they  lewembc  or  cifibr 
f  ():n    each    other,     and    through    the 


i :  t!nt  .}f  n'orUs   and  reiigioii.      The^o  '  (>'>>siognomy    [liercing   into  the  heart, 
sji  -ncfs  afFrd  nut  oidy  the  most  pleas-    we  lii.d  them   though  dead,    yet  speak-  - 
mt  uid  elevated  sul)j<-cfs  o'  meditafi  )t\  '  '"g  «iid  pleasing  c<>mpani"iis 


b  It  evideiitiv  possess  a  vcrv  povverf.  I 
i  1.1  icMice  ov(  r  b.uman  liippines-^,  lo  h 
i.i  the  li  e  iLa;  n)\v  is,  and  ih.at  which 
13  to  c  ime 

The  piinci|:Ies  of  morality  and  reli- 
gion, have  liy  xime,  been  deli\ered  in 
^h(>rt  plain  si;znificint  seiitiriee>,  and 
have  been  l^e  t  t*  produce  their  effect 
b'thoirown  weig'it  and  e\i.ler.ce. — 
Public  Icach'-rs  Inve  at  oihvr  time  s  t  !  - 
on  pains  t )  explain  and  enforce  these 
prin  nples;  have  demonstrated  their 
r  M-onahleness  and  uiiuty;  and  ha\e 
cvhihit  mI  the  criminiHty,  th  ?  dingM" 
a  id  the  misery  of  fi'   lecting  or   trans- 


1  he  holy  scri|  tures  f  (>s.>ess  an  ac- 
kn'»\\  lodged  upeiioiity  overall  other 
writing-  in  all  th  ?  diiTe:cnt  kind3  of 
litc'iary  com|  <  s  i  in  which  is  called 
Biography  or  a  deineation  of  the  for- 
tunes, chuiact  r  and  co.iduct  of  par- 
ticular persons;  and  whether  Jiie  iii.s- 
tonans  be  lhem.--e'ves  the  men  they 
describe  and  lecord,  or  whether  from 
I  r  'per  ;o  iiC(3of  information,  tliov  re- 
ord  the  |i\os  and  dentin  es    -f  otherF. 

N<»w  the  piofessed  purpose  of  all 
history  is  without  fear  or  favor,  with- 
out partiality  or  prejudice  to  repiesci.t 
men  and  th,ngs  as  they  really    are,- 


prac-'s  of  po  try  hive  be:  n  employed 
tisetctti'  the  native  moilest  b  aulie>  of 
truth  and  virtue,  and  allegory  his 
spread  hi'r  veil  over  them,  in  oni'^r  t  > 
stimulate  our  ard  ir  in  the  |)urs'.iit.  and 
to  heighten  our  pleasure  in  ihi*  discov- 
ery. The  pent'trition  (d'  g-niu-:,  the 
enchantmen.  of  eloq'ience,  and  thee  e- 
ativi!  energ  of  fanty,  h  ive  su  -c-ssivt'- 
ly  lent  thjir  ai(i  t  •  th  ise  gr.Mitle  g  lid-'s 
ni  hi-nm  lifj,  those  coodedoenJing 
niinist(;rs  to  human  comfort. 

But  in  the  lapse  o!"  t.m'.'.  and  wi^tc 
of  vear-i.  l-i  i  isaj  Is  of  t^idr  preien  did 
advocates  Inve  n!:i  l»Mtore  they  WL-re 
6'.*!it.  nn'tii^'i?  I  w  .TUs  wli'ioiat  th  it 
w  sd  )'n  wiiicj  c  •■Ti  !s  from  ?»')  )ve,  an  i 
dirk-'Ded  couas  •!  wit'i  » :t  Cin-eying 
I'l  (f  k'l  >v'-^  ij  ■  1 1  It  ii  uc-wss-irv  to  sal- 

vjfi  >•!. 

Th'?  hi  ;i  >'i  lii'it  p'g?  h  >s  b'ien  unfold- 
ed, apr^  a.jd  g  n'-r  »tioii^  eln^isf'd  and 
gn*.  h  I ,'(!  be-*n  made  to  piss  in  rv 
vie.v;  t'v!'*s:on-;  of  religiirj  mJ  virtu 


gr'ssiiig  th 'ii<.  Tl;e  c'iarnis  and  ^  t!i  tt  go  idne^s  m  ty  rece.ve  its  just  tri- 
bute of  prai>e  and  vice  meet  it^  deserv- 
ed censure  and  condemnation.  It  in 
evidei.t  this  end  is  m^-ft  easily  and 
mo  t  certanly  attained  when  our  at 
tention  is  confined  to  one  pariicula 
o  j  ct  or  to  a  lew  at  most;  this  may 
he  j,idg!d  of  by  thrf  Ibelings  and  <ipera- 
t  ons  o  ■  ,h  '  mind  in  the  coiiicm[)latio  i 
of  «ith(;r  oi  j  c's. 

'V'hen  f.om  t'lo  summit  of  soma  lo.''- 
l»'  monn  ain  wo  survey  the  wida  ex- 
tended lanlsjipe;  though  hi,ihly  de- 
lighted Wd  teel  ourselves  bewdde'^Hl 
and  overwh  diiud,  by  the  profusion 
aal  variety  of  b<?aulies  whic  i  natuio 
spreads  around  us.  But  when  we  en- 
ter int  I  tlie  del  lil  (jf  niiure;  when  wo 
a  t  -nd  tho  footstej)s  of  a  friend  thro  i^h 
s  »oi )  favored  bsiuti.'ul  spot,  which  tl  o 
eye  an  i  the  mind  can  tike  in  at  once; 
feiding  ourselves  at  east;  w.th  undivid- 
i;d,  iindi  t^ait-d  attention  we  content>- 
plate  the  whole,  wo  examine  and  ar- 
I'lni'ethe   parts;    tho    inngination   in- 


u^.n  he:'a  fofoihiy  incalca:.*d,  !)v  a  l'tir:<'u  ''  i-«  l'S3  t>.\pa  i  led   but   th.!   heir:  is 

m  •iv'grrifedj  our  pleasure  is  loss  vi 


a  d  inapsrtiii  diMol  )sure  of  th  •  efF-'-l-! 
wi!:!i  thrt  ;)hs»rvanc?  or  neg''>ct  o 
I  cm,  hu'e  proJuc 'd  on  tno  attMrs  of 
men.  And  the  pei  c  I  of  histo.yhis 
cni!'^h'd  fh^.  cHn^•as^.  nit  on'v  widi 
m'.i  m  gr>u<s,  hut  s  le  ;t.ng'd  .tin 
giished  inJividuils,  dolinotfing  ihcm 
in  their  just  propoitions,  and  enliveu- 


I  nt  and  t  ni  ilt  jous,  but  it  is  m  )ro  in- 
tense, mie  co.Ti,)lete  an  J  continMos 
mjch  longc-;  what  is  lost  in  respect  of 
-uMimity,  is  gaitieJ  in  perspicuity, 
fore  1  and  duration. 

Tako  another  instance;— Tho   atir- 
ry  hoavcas  preseut  a  f.rospoci  C(jual!/ 


410 


iI;S«»ENeE?l  AN©  ADVOCATE. 


agreepjie  to  every  eye.  The  delights 
of  a  ckim  serene  evening,  are  as  much 
relished  by  the  simple  and  unlettered, 
as  by  the  philosopher.  But  who  will 
compare  the  vague  admiration  of  the 
child  or  the  clown  witli  the  scientific 
joy  of  the  astronomer,  who  can  reduce 
into  order,  what  to  the  untutored  eye  is 
involved  in  confusion:  who  can  trace 
the  path  of  each  little  star;  and  from 
their  past  experiences  can  calculate  to 
an  instant  of  time  their  iufurc  opposi- 
tions and  conjunctions? 

Ones  more: — It  is  highly  gratifying 
to  find  ourselves  in  the  n!id^!t  of  a  pub- 
lic assembly  of  agreeable  peojile  of 
both  sexes  and  to  partake  of  the  gen- 
eral cheerfulness  ano  benevolence. — ■ 
But  what  are  the  cheerfulness  and  be- 
nevolence of  a  public  assembly  com- 
pared with  the  endearments  of  friend- 
ship and  the  meltings  of  love? 

To  enjoy  these,  we  muit  retire  from 
the  crowd  and  have  recourse  to  the  in- 
dividual. In  like  manner  whatever 
satisfaction  and  improvement  may  be 
derived  from  general  histories  of  man- 
kind, which  we  would  not  be  thought 
by  any  means  to  depreciate;  yet  the 
history  of  particular  persons,  if  execu- 
ted with  fidelity  and  skill  while  it  ex- 
-ercises  the  judgement  more  severely, 
so  it  fixes  down  the  attention  more 
closely  and  makes  its  way  more  direct- 
ly and  more  forcibly  to  the  heart.  To 
those  who  are  acquainted  with  this 
kind  of  writing,  much  need  not  be 
said,  to  convince  the  superior  excel- 
jence  of  the  sacred  penmen.  Biogra- 
•plhers merely  human,  uninspired, neces- 
sarily lie  under  many  disadvantages 
and  are  liable  to  many  mistakes.  The 
lapse  of  time  is  incessantly  thickning 
the  veil  which  is  spread  over  remote 
persons  and  events.  The  materials  of 
history  lie  buried,  confounded,  and  dis- 
perfeed  among  the  ruins  of  antiquity; 
and  cannot  be  easily  distinguished  and 
separated,  even  by  the  eye  of  discern- 
ment anil  the  hand  of  dishonesty,  from 
the  rubbish  of  fiction.  And  as  they 
are  not  always  furnished  by  truth  and 
nature,  so  neitl>cr  are  they  always  se- 
lected with  jndgcment,  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 
hi'*  rp fide r.     All  men  havp  t.hrir  fivor- 


ite  periods,  causes,  characters,  which 
of  course,  they  strive,  at  any  rate,  to 
embellish,  to  support,  to  recommend. 
They  are  equally  subject  to  antipithies 
on  the  other  hand,  under  the  influence 
of  which,  they  as  naturally,  strive  to 
depress,  to  expose,  to  censure  what 
they  dislike,  and  as  men  write  and 
spead,  so  they  read  and  hear  under 
the  influence  of  prejudice  and  passion. 
Where  the  historian's  opinions  coin- 
cide with  our  own,  we  cheerfully  al- 
low him  to  be  in  the  right;  when  they 
difler,  without  hesitation  we  pronounce 
him  l9  be  mistaken. 

Most  of  the  writers  of  profane  an- 
cient histor}'^  arc  chargeable  with  an 
absurdity,  which  greatly  discredits  the 
facts  they  relate,  and  reduces  their 
works  almost  to  a  level  with  fable. — 
They  attempt  too  much,  they  must 
needs  accouut  for  every  thing;  they 
conjecture  when  light  fails  them,  and 
because  it  is  probable  or  certain  that 
eminent  men  employed  eloquence  on 
important  public  occasions,  their  his- 
torians at  the  distance  of  many  centu- 
ries without  record  or  written  docu- 
ment of  any  kind  whatever,  have  from 
the  ample  store  of  a  fertile  imagina- 
tion, furnished  posterity  with  the  ela- 
borate harangues  of  generals,  states- 
men and  kings.  These  it  is  acknow- 
ledged are  among  the  most  ingenious, 
beautiful  and  interesting  of  the  traces 
of  antiquity  which  they  have  transmit- 
ted to  us:  What  man  of  taste  could 
bear  to  think  of  stripping  these  elegant 
performances  of  one  of  their  chief  ex- 
cellencies J  But  truth  is  always  injur- 
ed by  the  slightest  connexion  with  fa- 
ble. The  moment  I  begin  to  read  one 
of  the  animated  speeches  of  a  hero  or 
a  senator,  which  were  never  composed, 
delivered  or  written,  till  the  historian 
arose,  I  feel  myself  instantly  trans- 
ported from  the  real  theatre  of  human 
life  into  a  fairy  region,  I  am  agreea- 
oly  amused,  nay  delighted;  but  the  sa- 
cred impress  of  truth  is  rendered  faint- 
er and  feebler  on  my  mind;  and  when 
I  lay  down  the  book  it  is  not  the  fire 
and' address  of  the  speaker,  but  the 
skill  and  ingenuity  of  the  vv-riter,  I  ad- 
mire. Modern  liistory  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  live:  of   di^tinj^uiphf^d  pcrsona.qe.s. 


il&Sisi^iNGER  AXW  ADV<  ■-  ■^X!:L 


commonly  conclude;  in  which  wo  often 
find  a  bold  hypothesis  hazarded  for  t'.'-- 
sake  ot' a  point;  and  a  strong  frature 
added  to,  or  taken  away  i'l-oin  a  cha-- 
acter,  merely  to  hcJp  the  autlior  to 
round  his  period. 

Finally  a  great  part  of  profane  his- 
tory is  altogether  uninteresting  to  the 
bulk  of  mankind.  The  events  record- 
ed are  removed  to  a  vast  distance  and 
have  entirely  spent  their  force.  The 
actors  exhibited  are  either  too  lofty  to 
admit  of  our  approach  with  any  inter- 
est or  satisfaction  to  ourselves;  too 
brutal  to  bo  considered  without  disgust 
or  too  low  to  be  worth  v  of  our  regard. 
The  very  scenes  of  action  are  become 
inaccessible  or  unknown;  are  altered, 
oblitented  or  di.- regarded.  JVv'here 
Alexander  conquered  and  how  Caisar 
fell,  are  to  ua  mere  nothings. 

But  on  opening  the  sacred  volume, 
all  fncse  cbstructions  in  the  way  of 
knowledge,  of  truth,  of  p!eai:ure,  dis- 
appear; length  of  duration  can  op- 
pose no  cloud  to  that  inlailigence  with 
which  "a  thousand  yer,r.-5  nr?;  i>s  one 
day,  and  a  dny  ac-a  thousand  years." 
The  human  heart  is  there  unfolded  to 
our  view  by  him  that  kn  *\vs  what  is  in 
men,  a.id  whose  eyes  are  in  every 
place  beiioldin^  tiie  evil  and  the  good. 
The  men  ^n  •  the  events  therein  repre- 
sented are  universally  and  perpetually 
interestin|7.  for  they  arc  blended  v»iih 
tl'ie  "thinsrs  wliich  accompany  salvn- 
lion,"  and  affect  our  cverla-^t  ng  p'-nce. 
There  the  writers,  whether  they  speak 
of  themselves  or  of  oiher  men  are  con- 
tinually under  the  direstion  of  the  spir- 
it of  all  truth  and  wisdom.  These  ven- 
crabie  men,  though  subject  to  like  pas- 
sions with  others,  there  speak  not  of 
themselvcf^,  but  from  God,  "for  the 
prophecy  came  not  in  old  time  by  the 
will  of  man,  but  holy  men  of  God  spake 
as  they  were  moved  by  the  Holy  Ghost, 
and  ail  scripture  given  by  insj>iration 
of  God  is  profitable  for  doctrine,  for 
reproof,  lor  correction,  for  instruction 
in  righteousness;  that  the  man  of  God 
may  bo  thoroughly  furnished  unto  all 
good  works."' 

When  we  study  the  lives,  the  char- 
acters of  men,  wo  are  almost  impcrccp 
tably  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  rending  the  history  of  other  men 
aridoth'M-  limes  than  the«e  ia  which  we 


411 


li.v--,  if  we  do  not  shun  the  vi'ijjfjfs  and 
follies,  imitate  the  examples,  and  emu- 
late the  virtues  of  those  characters  our 
better  judgment  teaches  us  to  admire. — 
Our  lathers  were,  wo  are.  The  •  ur- 
tam  has  dropped,  and  has  hid  ages  and 
generations  past  from  our  eves.  Our 
scene  is  going  on,  and  must  likewise 
speedily  close.  We  are  not  perhaps 
furnishing  materials  for  history. — 
When  we  die,  obscurity  mav  spread 
the  vail  of  oblivion  over  us,  but  let  it 
be  remembered  that  every  man's  life 
is  of  importance  to  himself,  his  family, 
his  friends  and  in  the  sight  of[God  his 
heavenly  Father.  They  are  by  no 
means  the  best  men  who  have  made 
the  most  noise  in  the  world,  neither 
are  they  the  worst  against  whom  the 
shafts  of  calumny  and  bitter  reproach 
have  spent  their  force.  Actions  thnt 
have  obtamed  the  greatest  celebrity 
have  not  always  been  the  most  com- 
mendable in  the  sight  of  God.  Whilo 
those  springing  t'rom  a  heart  actuated 
by  a  consciousness  of  the  approbation 
of  heaven,  have  more  frequently  been 
the  fruit  of  modest  innocence  and  re- 
tirement, and  will  remain  in  oblivion 
till  the  searcher  of  hearts  "shall  try 
every  man's  work  of  what  sort  it  is." 
Scenes  of  violenv^e  and  blood;  the 
workings  of  ambition  pride  and  re- 
venge, compose  the  annals  of  men. — 
But  piety  and  purity,  temperance  and 
humility,  which  are  little  noticed  and 
soon  forgotten  of  the  world;  are  held 
in  everlasting  remembrance  before 
God.  And  happy,  (we  believe)  had 
it  been  for  many  of  those,  whoso 
names  and  deeds  have  been  transmit- 
ted to  us  with  renown,  if  they  had  nev- 
er been  born.  Our  corruption  subdu- 
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  ho 
that  is  slow  to  anger  is  better  than  the 
mighty,  and  he  that  ruleth  his  spirit 
than  he  that  taketh  a  cit}'.  Let  us  all 
remember  that  to  be  a  child  of  God  is 
far  more  honorable  than  to  be  descen- 
ded from  kings,  and  to  be  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  bo 
no  longer,  when  Adam  and  his  young- 
est sou  will  bo  contemporaries,  when 
the    mystery    of   providonee    sh^II   Ik. 


Alt 


MES^«^GER  AITO  ADVdCATft. 


c!o'!(?(i.Uf>,  the  iiijstery  of  gr.ice  finisv, 
e<i.  arrl  iUf*.  ways  of  Gjd  i'ully  vinJi- 
c  .ttfu  to  men, 

Th.)Uii:h  wiokodnoss  now  aliniinds 
and  the  love  ofminy  waxes colH,  how- 
evt^r  we  miv  dept:*j.ite  it,  stich  is  yet 
the  fact,  f^ud  such  will  b-*  the  fju-.t  till 
the  arch  <'.ec<'i\'er  is  bound  and  [lis 
works  swejit  from  tho  enrili. 

N  jtwith -tinding  iniquity  abountls 
and  will  abound  as  we  have  before  re- 
marked, yet  that  does  not  lps.srn  the 
ohligatifin  of  every  individual  of  the 
human  family, 

To  govirii  his  passioni!  with  ahsohite  sway, 
Au J  grow  wistr  &  bstt jr  as  life  wears  away- 

W.  ' 


i?IesseBBg:4'r  and  A<i*T©catc. 

Klr{  FLAXD,    OHIO,  NOV.l<i>. 

To  THE   (Jhurcuks    of  Latter   Day 
Saints. 
As  we  have  frequ'.MJt  applications  by 
cttor  and  otherwise,  for  advice  respec- 
ting offictiil    members  of  this    church 
relativi  to  their  observance  of  the  word 
of  wisdom,    we  hive    tijought  proper, 
tlvit  thechuT'-hes  neid  not  be  deceived 
n  >r  ofRci;il  members  think  of  living  it 
tran-g  e-ssion  and  hell  their  .«t  t'onsin 
said  chareh.  t  >  publish  below  t'le  decis- 
i-in  of  the  Hi:;h  Council  on  that  impor« 
t    It  item  of  our  faith,  g'ven  Feb.  4th, 

"Tint  no  offi:;iaI  member  in  this 
clur.th^;  worthy  to  hold  an  office  af- 
ter hiving  the  words  of  wisdom  prop- 
'mIv  tiusflit  to  him,  and  he,  the  official 
m3  lib"!-,  n'^g'ecting  to  comply  with,  or 
o  4  -y  th  -m  aft'T  wh'ch  the  counsellors 
v..t;'d  according  to  tho  same." 


An  \  a'>"v^  a'l  *th  a:  t!;ings  put  on  charity 
w'.Aali  18  the  bond  ofp  r.ertn  ss,  an  J  let  the 
j>  ai>3  oTGod  rule  in  your  hearts,  to  the  wlcich 
a.  80  y.-'ivi  cilled  in  one  body;  andbeyethank- 

fu'.— CoLLOiSlANS  3.    15,1(5. 

Thit  we  nu ;  have  a  clear  idea  of 
the  force  and  mianfligof  the  apostleV 
expression  couched  in  th^  words  we 
haveqaoted;  it  may  bo  oroper  to  do 
1:03  some  of  his  reasoning  in  tl  e  con- 
t-^xt.  And  first,  it  is  evidr.ni  that  he 
addrosseil  his  epistle  to  the  saints,  to 
th«  members  ol  that  church  which  was 
built  up  a^fl  establislaf  d  upontiioso  pure 


i  principles  of  thu  gospel  which  were  in- 
C"''aii;d  bv  Je:-us  Christ  himself  »iid 
preaci^cl  and  promu!g-?ted  by  nil  the 
holy  apo.stjD,  to  that  I'me,  so  that  ho 
riiighv  with  cqu  il  propriety  as  to  tlsc 
chinch  at  E[.hesus,  say,  »  Ye  arc  built 
upon  th(!  foundation  ol'the  |.ro;,-htfs  and 
H|  OS  les  Jesus  Chri-l  himsei!  b''!:;g  t;:e 
chief  corner  stone/'  '[  h«  a;  o;-tie  ecu- 
m  Mates  a  catalogue  of  crimes  of  which 
probably  many  of  the  C'ollossians  had 
been  gui  ty,  and  warns  and  exhorts 
them  with  all  his  warmth  of  feeling  and 
holy  zeal  for  his  M.t;tor's  ca;  s ',  to 
forsake  thf  ni,  and  ••deny  them-.elvrs 
of  all  ungodliness  and  ever)  worldly 
lust."  He  knew  the  power  of  habit, 
the  strength  ofprejiidice  and  the  influ- 
ence of  surrounding  examples;  he, 
therefore,  urges  then)  with  the  gieater 
vehemence  to  •»[  ul  otl  conceiniiig  tie 
formerconvc-satit  n,, the  old  man  which 
is  corrupt  and  put  on  the  new  n:aa 
which  alter  God  is  created  in  righteous- 
ness and  true  holiness."  After  re- 
hearsing those  sins  of  which  they  had 
been  guilty,  and  .into  which  he  w',ll 
knew  they  we!•evy^t  liabie  to  fail,  if 
they  did  not  watch  and  pray,  he  lu.w 
infrodu-;es  tho  words  we  have  cnosen, 
as  if  he  would  pntpose  something  to 
them  of  more  importance,  of  gieater 
mom  ;nt  than  the  instrui;tions  ke  had 
b'fore  gi  en  them.  "Above  aii  th*  so 
ih  ngss  id  he,  put  on  charity  which  is 
thi  b  'nd  of  lerfectnes.-."  bv  the  teri« 
charity  he  d(»ubt  ^?s  would  be  under- 
stood to  mean  thatcommindable  giace 
of  which  he  sp.eiiks  in  tl.e  It  e«  i.stle 
to  the  Corinthians  I3th:  l,4,f,6,7  &;  S 
verso-.  • 

It  was  not  only  necessary  that  Ihey 
should  abstain  fVom  evil,  but  that  they 
should  le  exercised  with  love  t)  God 
and  one  anf)ther,  for  the  good  n-.ason 
that  charity,  or  love,  was  tho  bond  of 
perfectness.  It  was  that  which  (if  m 
exerciso)  secured  them  not  onl\  tVoia 
every  evil,  but  from  every  appearanctj 
ofovil.  It  was  t!  at  which  rendered 
th"m  acceptable  to  Goil;  it  was  that 
whi  h  ins|iired  them  with  onfidpnce  iti 
th  ir  heavenly  Father.  U  was  thi 
f  »ui  d -ii»n  of  ever  spr  ngmg  fkjjein 
their  breasts,  aid  prompted  every  act 
ol  pure  devot.on  that  they  or  any  oth- 
er saints  ever  exeicised  towards  the 
King  of  heaven.  U  neceasarily  opens 
up  that  intercourse  with  the  upper 
world,  that  enables  the  saint,  though 
he  live  in  this   world,   to  live  abqva  tt. 


MESSEi?OER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


LnUer  Iik,>    iiitkier.oe  ol  tnis  grace,  the    to  his  hrethn'U  on  this  mi'.j(  ct^  In   we 


I  eaco  of  God  wiil  .est  with  ilieni.  lue 
in  and  rtigii  over  them,  to  which  the 
opfistle  s  lys  to  l.i<  hulhren  they  were 
enli'.d.  iij  one  body:  and  from  a  con- 
i-ideralion  tint  th-  j  cac-e,  tlie  jov  and 
consolation,  that  the  sait  ts  tnjoy,  and 
thit  they  fli)w  fr.n)  him.  from  whom 
r>mnna  t  s  light  and  liib.  he  fxhoits 
!h('m  tx)  b  thankful,  ll  i^J,  th<  r- lore. 
butju?t  that  wo  render  t'vnk-giving 
end  prase  to  liod  lor  ail  his  mercies, 
"I'or  e\erv  g<K)d  gift  aiideverv  [erlect 
gift  Cometh  tVoni  nl)o\o,  from  the  Fa- 
ther of  lights  in  whom  is  neither  vari- 
nbl'Miess  nor  shadow  of  turning.  ' — 
What  heart  so  black  with  infamy  and 
crime  as  n  t  to  be  to  iched  wiih  feelings 
of  gra'itude  to  a  disinteresicd  bf-nefac- 
lorl  We  .si  (» lid  Ix'  r.  a  'y  to  conclude 
t  lere  was  none,  were  we  not  from  ex- 
pei  ience,  c  )mpe!!ed  to  think  oth'-rwise. 
0:ir  own  observatioi;  in  our  intercourse 
^vith  t'm  world  has  verified  what  the 
sime  apo  tie  said  in  h's  ej  istle  to  Tim- 
othy shouid  be  in  liie  !a>t  days.  Men 
ghdl  he  unthnr.k  ul,  unhol\,  witluiut 
nitiiral  aTectiot),  tiuce-breakers,  *fcc. 
with  all  the  train  of  vices  and  evil  pro- 
pensities, i.icidc-nl  to  a  heai?  void  of 
fk'it  chiritv  which  he  commends  so 
highl\ ,  ca;i.i-.g  it  the  bond  of  peifect- 
n.  s ;. 

We  ought  to  be  very  caref  il  that 
we  do  not  nii>take  mere  sympathy  f<»r 
the  gr^ice  of  which  we  liavc  spoken  — 
We  shall  find  sympathy  io  dwell  in  a 
greater  or  less  di  gii-e  in  the  bosom  ot' 
t.-very  n  e.ligent  being  in  the  universe 
— even  tl;e  brute  cre^itinu  (;vidently 
poss<  8  I  f^haru  of  it.  but  are  as  desti- 
tute of  ihat  '  harity,  that  Lve  to  God 
our  heavenly  Father,  of  which  the 
apostle  speaks,  astiie  vilest  wretch  that 
theL.rl  ever  suff.Ted  t)  live.  That 
distress  and  anxiety  to  relieve  a  fellow 
criature  iu  |  a  ii  %.  hicl  we  often  see 
mini  e»t.ii  is  by  no  means  charity — 
therefore,  cau  no  person  claim  the  pe- 
culiar lavor  of  heuv"  n  loi  ihe  exercise 
or  ii:fn 'ice  of  il.  And  neitlu  r  can 
nir;  one  expect  tli'  approbi'  o  \  of  hea- 
ven with'iut  i'.  I)estit'it»'of  It  woshoqid 
\m  u'lfii  to  as  c./.b'(  logelher,  and  for 
nil  pocicty  here  below,  where  calami- 
ties, Cdsuiltie.'?,  and  all  the  mi  cries 
incident  to  frail-  mrirtality  Le.-et  the 
traveler  in  his  pilgriinage  through  this 
unfriend  y    inconstant  world. 

'fhofe  Hiipcars  to  be  no  obscurity  in 
the  npottle  8  meaning  wiicn  ho  writco 


not  onlv  I  lain  and  con<-iusi\c  in  his 
addresses  to  them,  but  he  seepned  to 
have  designed  the  same  iiis-tiifctii  n;-  lo 
benefit  other  churches,  t'or  says  h-  , 
wh(  n  this  epistie  is  read  am  uig  \'>\i, 
c-use  that  it  be  lead  also -n  \\w  cimtr-b 
at  Laodieea,  If  it  were  propitr  for  I'l^ 
church  }it  Laodicea.it  was  b(;eausi-  tlvy 
were  prone  to  the  siune  vic^b,  and  liad 
need  of  the  same  admonitii  n,  the  .<an.e 
rebuke  and  the  saiv.e  .eif-i  enial  on  thi  ir 
part  to  entitle  them  to  llu  rewaius  of 
the  righteous. 

Once  more  in  conclusion  we  say,  if 
we  are  the  saints  of  the  m  ist  high  G  d, 
the  same  n  maiks  aj  ply  witii  eq.  1 
and  unabated  force  to  us.  God  is  Ikc- 
same,  his  gospel  tiie  s^nie  an<l  he  re- 
quires the  same  ob<^dJence  tr.  his  com- 
mands. W. 


TO  FRJF.NDS  liN  TFIE  FAST. 
Dear  brethren,  ac  -ordirig  to  vour  so- 
licitations I  n<nv  drop  a  \\\\'  lines  to 
you  in  the  name  of  the  Lord  for  xc  r 
information  as  also  for  my  satisi'i.  - 
tion.  Afi€r  leavifig  Kirtland,  May  2?, 
1835,  according  to  previous  iirrang  - 
mcnts  I  uuited  with  eldv  r  I-,oiei):  o 
Barns  at  New  Portage,  and  proce<jdid 
eistward  through  the  State  of  Pennsyl- 
vania to  Sus([uehannah  Co.  and  fi(  m 
tlicnce  to  EIniira,  N.  Y.  end  after  sel- 
ling forth  in  simplicity  the  fulness  of 
the  everlasting  gos[)«!!,  I  had  the  pleas- 
ure of  baptizing  four  persons,  three  of 
them  were  relatives;  and  you  must 
think  I  had  a  time  of  gicat  joy  in  the 
i^ord,  notwithstanding  the  multitude  of 
lies,  and  slanderous  reports  which  were 
circulated  concerning  me,  and  the  |eo- 
plo  to  whom  I  belong  in  the  br.-.t  of 
blessing  with  ["ersecutions.  Afii-r  leav- 
ing elder  Earns,  tlie  iv  xt  place  of  par- 
tiv'uar  labor,  w^us  Mc'Donmigh,  where 
I  hi  re  is  a  small  chu  c!i  of  tii**  saint>-: 
her.-'  one  went  forth  in  the  wafers  of 
b<   tism  'o- a  remis.•^ion  ofgiiisaccor- 

in  lo  the  gr)s|  el.  Muuy  were  atioit- 
luc  to  the  word,  declaring  it  to  L<-  tlio 
g  >spe|  according  to  the  bib  e,  but,  us  I 
\\\i6  ill  g'csai  !.a:ie,  1  left  ilji-m  and  pur- 
su  d  my  jiurnty  ii  to  Ci:n!;in,  Cf. 
wheic  I  found  u  small  brunch  of  tbo 
church,  determined  to  press  forwnni 
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  very 
rnony  not  only  ackno^vWigrvi  tho  thi.'^^a 


4U 


M£Si!E?iGER  AND  ABVCMJATi:, 


declared,  to  be  true,  but  bore  witness 
of  it.  %i  may  say  there  were  hundreds 
who  bore  testimony  lo  tlicse  things,  but 
did  not  obey  them  as  only  three  went 
i'orward  in  baptism.  After  this  I  visi- 
ted the  church  at  Ki!!ings\vorth,  and 
HO  [jassed  on  to  Hadani,  where  I  labor- 
ed a  tew  w(!eks,  and  being  assisted  by 
('Iders  H.  Redfield,  and  Wm.  Spencer, 
i  established  a  church  of  saints  con- 
taining a  dozen  members,  who  v/ere 
determined  not  only  to  keep  the  word 
of  v/isdom,  securing  to  themselves 
health  and  strength;  yea,  even  great 
treasures  of  knowledge,  but  were  de- 
termined to  keep  the  commandments, 
that  thereby  they  might  have  an  inher- 
n.tnce  in  the  celestial  kingdom  of  God; 
i  v/ou!d  not  say  that  satan  came  ia  hu- 
man shape,  but  hunittn  beings  came  in 
devil's  shapes,  (if  our  traditions  be 
correct)  for  they  were  blacked,  and 
transformed;  and  of  all  the  yells  of 
savages  in  war,  I  think  that  these 
could  not  be  outdone.  Besides  distur- 
bing the  peaceable  inhabitants,  they 
threw  large  stones  at  persons  who  had 
nevffr  oflended  them  only  by  obeying 
the  gospel,  they  knocked  others  down, 
«nd  broke  in  windows  and  the  like. — 
In  fact,  for  me  to  describe  the  scene 
would  bo  impossible;  but  the  elders 
who  nave  seen  the  like,  need  no  des- 
cription. From  this  scone,  1  traveled 
through  the  States  of  Rhode  Island, 
Massachusetts,  Maine,  New  Hamp- 
shire, Vermont,  New  York,  Pennsyl- 
vania and  Ohio,  preaching  by  the  way, 
and  arrived  at  Kirtland  Oct.' 81,  1836, 
where  I  found,  instead  of  the  few 
friends,  thinly  scattered  around  the 
have  frame  ot  the  Lord's  house,  multi- 
tudes of  brethren,  laboring  through  the 
week,  and  when  the  sabbath  arrives, 
tissemble  to  hear  the  doctrine  of  heav- 
en distil  from  the  lips  of  the  Lord's 
servants,  while  they  stand  in  the  con- 
secrated pulpits  of  the  temple  of  the 
Lord,  a  monument  for  this  f^eneration 
to  gaze  at,  while  they  marvel  and  won- 
der and  perish,  because  they  will  not 
believe  though  it  be  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  the  gospel  as  plain  as  plain  can 
be,  so  plain  that  even  they  themselves 
acknowledge  that  they  cannot  deny  it. 
For  want  of  time  I  at  this  time  make 
an  end,  but  when  I  get  more  leisure,  I 


shall,  by  the   permission  of   tlic  Lord^ 
write  you  again. 

As  ever,  your  brother  and  friend  in 
the  new  covenant  to  Israel. 

DANIEL  STEPHENS. 


Brotrer  O.  CowDEJiY — Since  I  hav« 
the  privilege  of  being  numbered  with 
the  saints  in  these  last  days,  I  feel  wil 
ling  to  mojrn  with  those  that  moiM-n 
and  delight  to  rejoice  with  those  that 
rejoice.  The  teachings  of  the  Savior 
on  the  mount,  *'A11  things  whatsoever 
ye  would  that  men  should  do  to  you 
do  ye  even  so  to  them."  Therefore  I 
take  up  my  pen  that  others  may  know 
that  the  cause  cj'*  cur  grnr.t  i"ledecn":er 
IS  rolling  foi'Ji  ua»id  this  crooked  and 
perverse  generation.  I  do  feel  lo  re- 
joice and  thaiili  the  Lord  for  his  good- 
ness and  the  b!e:;viiig:T  that  he  has  be- 
stowed upon  me,  the  fulness  of 
y.'hich  I  shall  not  be  able  to  give  you 
in  this  hiiel  sketch  of  my  labors  this 
season.  In  tho  opening  of  the  spring 
I  started  from  Kirtland,  on  a  mission 
East;  went  by  v.ater  as  far  as  St. 
Lav.-rencc  county,  N.  Y.  and  in  the 
tov/n  of  Decalb  I  commenced  lifting  a 
warning  voice;  bending  my  coursa 
East  to  Chittenden  co.  Vt.  In  i\vi  town 
of  Underliill,  seven  obeyed  the  Ever- 
lasting Gospel  by  going  down  in  the 
waters  of  baptism — niany  more  were 
convinced  of  the  truth  of  the  work, 
(or  elder  Butterfield  in  a  ^ew  days  came 
along  and  baptized  eighteen.  From 
Underbill  1  went  jnto  the  province  of 
Lower  Canada:  took  me  up  a  circuit 
in  the  towns  of  Stanstead,  Hatley, 
Conipton,  and  Bamston,  where  I  spent 
the  most  of  niy  lime  for  three  months. 
School-houses  were  opened  in  almost 
every  district,  and  I  improved  the 
time  as  the  Lord  gave  me  strength.  I 
baptized  eleven,  and  many  more  were 
searching  the  scriptures  to  see  if  the 
things  preached  were  so.  I  left  them 
in  the  care  of  elder  Winslow  Farr  to 
carry  on  the  work — for  I  believe  that 
it  has  but  just  begun.  I  am  now  bend- 
ing my  course  west.  The  saints  her© 
are  very  anxious  that  I  should  tarry 
with  them  a  little. 

I  remain  your  brother  in  testimony 
of  the  v/ord  of  God. 

HAZEN  ALDRICH. 
Ogd©n<<hurg,  N.  Y.  Oct.  10,  1886. 


iiUHiiZli t»ER  >->^XD  .VDVOCATK. 


4ir, 


A  conference  was  ^^'^^^  •"  "errv 
church,  Richlaiv^  Co.  O.  Sept.  3  d:  4, 
1830.  In  c^rganizing  to  transact  busi- 
ness eWer  H.  G.  Sherwood  v.-as  duly 
railed  to  the  chair,  and  George  C. 
Wilson  was  chosen  clerk.  Meeting 
opened  by  prayer  and  remarks  from 
the  chair  on  the  nature  and  design  of 
the  meeting.  Tlie  business  was  then 
called  for,  when  Daniel  Cam,  a  piiesf, 
repreaented  Perry  church  as  having 
37  members,  nearly  all  in  good  stand- 
ing. Lewis  Wilson  represented  Per- 
rysville  church  with  '29  members  all  in 
good  slandin;;  Ji'cjb  -Myers,  presi- 
ding elder  in  Worthington  b.-anch,  rep- 
resented that  with  24  fuembers  nparly 
all  in  good  standing.  Cephas  Mc'Vay 
presiding  elder  of  Wayne  church, 
Knox  Co.  represented  that  church  with 
24  members  in  good  standing.  Elder 
Sherwood  represented  7  members  in 
Licking  Co.  near  Granville,  all  in  good 
standing;  making  121  in  all.  Several 
persons  were  presented  for  ordination. 
After  being  addrer.r>ed  from  the  chair 
upon  the  subject  of  being  ordained  to 
the  holy  priesthood  of  God,  the  follow- 
ing persons  came  forward,  and  Daniel 
Cam,  William  Rood,  Lewis  D.  Wil- 
son, and  George  C.  Wilson  were  or- 
dained to  the  otTicc  of  ciders.  It  was 
voted  that  James  Huntsman,  a  priest 
in  Perry  church,  then  off  on  a  mission, 
be  ordained  an  elder.  William  Wer- 
ick,  John  Mc'Vay,  and  John  Jenkins 
were  ordained  priests.  Nathan  Pack- 
er, a  teacher,  and  Jacob  Werick  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  tlic  meeting 
opened  by  elder  Myers  who  addressed 
us  on  the  sugject  of  the  dciiravity  of 
man,  and  followed  by  older  George  A. 
Smith,  on  the  gospel;  and  closed  by 
elder  Sherwood  with  an  address  appro- 
priate to  tiie  situation  of  the  members, 
iheir  privileges  duties  iScc.  after  which 
two  cumc  forward  for  baptism  After 
the  administration,  we  convened  for  a 
sacramental  and  confirmation  meeting, 
when  two  others  came  forward  for 
baptism,  who  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.  Sheuwood,  C/i'//. 

Georcc  C.  Wilson,  CH:. 


BrvOTiiKrv  O.  Cowuerv: — 

I  left  Kirtland 
July  21st,  travelled  as  far  cast  as  Au- 
lelius,  Cayuga  CO.  N.  Y.  tarried  there 
a  ehort  time  and  held  forth  to  the  in- 
habitants the  principles  of  salvation; 
proceeded  from  thence  to  Onieda  cc, 
labored  principally  in  the  towns  of 
BooiiviiJe  dnd  Vienna,  baptized  3  in 
the  former,  and  one  in  the  latter  place- 
Had  large  and  very  attentive  congre- 
gations; found  many  enquiring  after 
truth,  together  with  others  who  were 
leadv  and  wiHiiii;  to  c;jpose  tlic  princi- 
ples of  the  everlasting  gospel,  by  ope?\- 
ly  declaring  against  it,  betoie  they 
made  themselves  acquainted  with  ita 
tenets,  and  slandering  the  character 
of  those  they  knew  not;  thereby  plain- 
ly demonstrating  to  the  world  that  they 
arc  the  false  prophets  and  false  teach- 
ers, spoken  of  by  Peter  in  his  second 
epistle  to  the  ancient  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. 
Kirtland,  Oct.  9,  1836. 


DIED  in  Tompkins,  Delaware  Co. 
N.  Y.  on  the  22nd  of  May  last,  Thom- 
as L.  Willcs,  aged  twenty  six  years 
and  ten  months.  Brother  Willes  cm- 
braced  and  obeyed  the  fulness  of  the 
gospel  Nov.  11,  1832;  he  was  a  young 
man  of  an  unimpeachable  character, 
his  heart  ever  rejoiced  in  the  prosperi- 
ty of  the  cause  of  truth,  and  the  spread 
of  the  fulness  of  the  everlasting  gos- 
|)cl:  and  while  his  friends  and  brethrca 
mourn  his  loss,  how  consoling  is  the 
thought  that  he  kept  the  faith  and  died 
in  hopes  of  a  glorious  resurrection. 

OF  the  same  family  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,  truly  becoming 
a  saint  of  God. 

IN  Perry,  Richland  Co.  O.  on  tho 
26th  day  of  Sept.  last.  Elder  Jcsso 
Huntsman,  after  an  illness  of  eighteen 
days.  He  had  been  a  member  of  the 
church  about  three  years;  went  to  Zion 
with  tho  saints  in  1834,  and  was  or- 
dained at  Kirtland  one  of  tht  fiist  ser- 


1« 


MTSgEiyGtH  A!vi>  ADVOCAT?- 


rntv,  in  thr>  spring  of  1835.    A't^^ugh   diverse  ra;in...rs  in  rnakf^  ni  himiifl.  J-> 
he  has  not  boon   abiojid   i;  u  Ii  ,  r;.':-it!>   rrnki.ri    h->'T.-jit,>      »•  i'  i 

ing,  vet.  Hr   exam;  le  as  1  m-mber  f.f  :,  .        u   ,.        .  unj.- h  .u.t^  c  u 

tl.e  church  'n,i«  Of"  n  such  iha;  h:s  lo  s  "'■''"''''  '-"'^c^iy  »"^  f.i^' iin;ib..),r..fliMg; 
is  Hf pl(  red  by  a'l  wh  >  were  n.z^o'.lin-  \^'  "''"■^''i-i'  niade  his  svty  i)  j'.t^  h..«;«i? 
<d  with  h  m,  and  mnro  e-.p"c;ai;v  by  a-id  c.jn5>;i*-n-5:>  ifi )-•).) v-h  i^j,  cUku:i  •[  of 
thp  church  over  wnioh  h?  p  e  .idjd. —  jth^  s-^n-ie.  T.ui  hi 
\_CnmnuHicatpd.'] 


IN  Bra  ir.»rd.  Mi^=:.  01  t'n  2^t"i  o' 
Spnt.  hvt  !\hrind,)  J  il.tis  111  dtu-^h^^r 
orThDimsiaml  HnnnahBu  bink  g;] 
thirle^'ti  months  and  seventeen  dava. 

IN  thi-s  to'vi,  0>t.  1,  Mirni.  sin 
o^  Otis  &  Sa'lv  ShiiTiiVTv.  n^pd  one 
ypar  three  montiis  and  right  divs. 

IN    Le')an>:i,  St.    Cliir  Co.    III.  on 
the  loth  o'Si-pt.  h-;t.  'PhM-na^  H.  Pp  i 
i«on  oT  .John  and  Elizaboth    Pna.  agei 
23  yeirs  seven    mmthsanl   ten  days'. 

Ii  this  to  VI,  01  t'i'2)th  ulr  E'.'^zv, 
d  m^h'er  o;'  br.  Renjim.n  K.  Had; 
qtcJ  se\cu  venrs. 


SELECTED. 

la  forrtag  euiinitei  of  human 
g.-pa'n  \'^9.  it  i-t  nitural  ftr  nT>n  to  en:  - 
s  I't  th  !'r  son"?}?,  n  >t  tli  Mr  reason. — 
Withlh^  idea  of  rival  m  tji-ity  wj on- 
met  tho.-o  of  a  chair  of  state,  a  nii- 
merou^j  ictnjs  an  ermine  robe,  a 
scepter  and  a  crown.  But  wis 'on 
a:id  good. less  are  th,;  qunlities  whi(  h 
confer  leal  d'gaity  and  c  im  mnd  just 
him  1.5'  and  r-specf.  Oui-  preconcep- 
tions of  earthly  mignificeice  mu^h 
exceed  the  trutli,  and  kn;>wledg!  speed- 
ily levels  ths  fabric  '.vhich  imiglnation 
had  raised.  But  the  wonderj  of  na- 
ture, the  mighty  work',  of  God  gro'A 
upon  us  as  wo  contemplat.;  tliem.  No 
intirmcy  of  acju  lint  mce  reduces  their 
mignitu  ;e  or  tarnishes  thnr  lustre. — 
And  if  the  very  frame  of  nature,  the 
vastness,  the  variety,  the  harmony  and 
the  ^.plendor  of  the  visible  ci  eiit  o;i,  is  fc. 
cilculiitcd  to  fill  us  with  astonishmeni 
a ^d  Je.igh.,  how  niubt  the  jjlan  of  prov- 
idence, tho  work  of  redemption,  the 
great  mystery  of  godlJDess  excel  in 
glory! 

In  Ihs  discoveries  which  it  has 
pleased  Godf  at  sundry  times  and  in 


'"*  given  11:  (  V-' 
er/  cir^.lm^tanoc  of  <ynt ■  nifi\  jijmp;  it 
WIS  ace '111  ani^  d  w^t!i  eve<v  i\v\'^ 
th  It  c.)uld  d;  zz  e  th;i  (-ye,  fill  tlu'  eaiv 
and  rojsi  the  isn  igiuntio::.  'i'lie  ki;>g- 
djm  of  (xod  irt  ii..^  g'^jJi'!  o!"  his  Sort, 
'•cune  n  .t  w  tij  observation."  'J  he 
groit  .\  .t  1  >r  of  the  disppnsation  of 
^rac^,  acjordin^  as  it  was  predicted 
c  •ncHrniiig  him,  '"did  n  -t  strive  nor 
cry,  nir  cause  his  voi_-e  to  be  hear.l  in 
th ;  sfrjets."  He  had  in  the  eyes  of 
an  u  i.iisceri-iing  wrrld,  "n  >  term  n :)r 
omeliness,  id  beauty  wl-y  Ic  fihoiild 
e  desired.*'  And  therefore  '"he  w.'.s 
lespised  and  r ject.-d  oi'  men."  Tut 
we  ar'  taught  to  think  very  d.trerenlly 
o'  his  .second  apn(?arince.  "lie  sha  1 
c  nj\'i  in  the  clouds  of  heaven,  with 
po  ver  and  great  glory; — In  hi.s  Fa- 
t  ler'sg'o'V,  and  all  bis  holv  angels; — 
Widi  the  volc;)  of  the  arch  angul  and 
the  trumo  of  God." 


SHORT  SENTINCES, 

CC^  Love  the  Lord  and  keep "  his 
conimajjdment-:  without  being  remind- 
ed of  it  every  day. 

Love  your  neigbljor  as- yourself,  and 
.nake  his  welfare  your  welfare,  and 
the  Lord  will  reward   you  for  it. 

Love  libor,  and  whatever  you  do, 
remember  the  poor  and  needy. 

Thank  the  Lerd  {'<  r  tl.e  blessings 
you  daily  enjoy  from  lji.>  holy  hand. 

Thank  the  I.oid  for  ail  things  for 
!iis  "oodness  is  end!es.s. 


THE  L.vrr  r  o.\x  -  ma.' 
Tfle%&<iD.^oi  and  .^idvvicate, 

^riue  i  ..11  I   pu.'lisiiBa    i;«-_r\  luii.:;:  .ti   lkirtl»;nd 


u  i  1  . 

oii; 


'n 


At%i,peT  an.  in  adoa.ct.  Evcnj  pern'ja  procuring' 
Uit  I*")  eubaCTibeiSy  auit  J'oi  u.ardLiig  >li,,  i^urrt.A 
mjfiei),  afutU  be  eiUitled  lo  a  pcjjtr  ji.e  !jtai;  „  taUv. 
JUkUerstottM  EdtuT,    irvtt  te 

r[jr  POUT  pj-v..ai 

.Vu  tuhteriptioi^  ail  ht  reaivcdJcT  a  Usi  term  Ikar.  ona 
>ie^r.  c;ik  n^  ;"=  <'  fi  s^r^i-ktvi.vtd  til!  ail  orr&aragis  «w< 
vn:.d,  si:fni't  c;  thi.  op-  <^/fi.  ftf'  the  pui-iieKer 


LATTER  DAY  SAINTS' 

VoT..  III.  No.  3.1     KTRTLAND.  OHIO,     DECEMBER^ J83H.     Whole  No.  j^. 


THE  SAINTS   AND  THE 
WORLD. 

The  opinions  entertained  by  the 
world  respecting  the  saints,  arc  such 
«s  to  excite  feelings  of  no  ordinary 
kind,  in  the  mind  of  those  who  are  en- 
lightened in  any  degree  to  understand 
the  nature  of  their  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- 
luior  times. 

The  world  being  ignorant  of  what 
the  Lord  was  to  do,  after  the  Gentiles 
liad  corrupted  the  religion  of  the  new 
testament  so  as  to  deprive  themselves 
of  the  kingdom  of  heaven,  have  com- 
pounded together  a  little  of  the  religion 
uf  Abraham,  and  of  Moses,  and  of  the 
new  testament,  seasoning  it  pretty  well 


Henco  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  days  of  the  apostles. 
And  the  order  of  things  established  by 
the  apostles,  must  cease  when  the  dis- 
|)ensation  of  the  fulness  of  times  cornea 
in.  See  Eph.  1st  chapt.  10th  verse. — 
For  the  dispensation  in  the  days  of  Mo- 
ses, was  intended  for  regulating  the 
saints  it;  circumstances  dilFerent  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  the  fulness  of  times  different 
from  all, 

So  that  every  dispensation  must  have 
laws  differing  from  each  other,and  the 
laws  which  would  be  good  and  whole- 


with  heathenism,  and  making  to  thom-   some  under  one  dispensation, would  be 


solves  thereby  both  a  religion,  and  a 
god,  which  is  neither  the  religion  nor 
the  God  of  Abraham,  nor  Moses,  nor 
the  apostles,  but  something  widely  dif- 
ferent from  them  all. 

And  such  has  been,  and  now  is  the 
influence  of  this  strange  commixture 
of  unamalgamated  materials,  that  all 
people  have  been  confused,  and  dark- 
ened by  it;  and  the  very  wisest  of  them 
have  been  thrown  into  difficulty,  and 
derangement, on  the  subject  of  their  fu- 
ture interest;  so  much  so,  that  when  the 
saints  themselves  receive  the  everlas- 
ting gospel,  it  takes  them  a  long  time 
to  ged  rid  of  their  prejudices,  so  as  )o 
understand  their  privileges,  and  enter 
info  that  course  of  life  which  is  plainly 
marked  out  by  the  prophets,  as  the 
course  which  alone  can  accomplish  the 
object  for  which  they  are  called. 

For  instead  of  their  immediately  pur- 
suing the  courfw;  intended  by  the  God 
of  heaven  to  build  them  up  and  estab- 
lish thorn  in  honor,  and  power,  they 
ure  difiicultied  by  an  attempt  to  subject 
them  to  simi  antiquated  law,  either  of 
rexglation  or  tradition,  which  is  not  at 
all  suited  to  their  condition  of  life,  nor 
to  their  situation  as  the  saints  of  the 
la»t  days. 

The  Lord  always  has  an  order  of 
things  or  a  dispensation  of  t'jings  suit- 
ed to  the  times  and  seasons,  and  the 
same  dis|)ensation  or  order  of  things, 
will  not  »uit  at  all  periods  of  the  world. 


injurious  and  destructive  under  anoth- 
er; and  instead  of  their  tending  to  good 
they  would  tend  to  evil.  Because  they 
would  not  at  all  tend  to  accomplish  the 
object  for  which  the  dispensation  was 
introduced. 

The  purposes  of  God  in  relation  to 
this  world,  must  bo  accomplished,  and 
the  different  dispensations  necessary 
must  be  introduced,  in  order  that  thoy 
may  be  accomplished,  otherwise  the 
testimony  of  the  prophets  must  fail, 
and  the  glory  of  (jod  be  tarnished  for- 
ever. 

It  is  not  my  intention  in  writing  this 
treatise,  to  occupy  the  attention  ot  my 
readers,with  remarks  on  the  dispensa- 
tions proceeding  my  own  day,  only  as 
occasion  may  require,  but  to  invite 
their  attention  to  the  one  under  which 
we  live. 

And  the  first  item,  is  the  fact  that 
a  dispensation  was  to  be  introduced  in 
the  last  day3,ditrorent  from  all  that  had 
gone  before;  that  was  neither  the  dis- 
pensation of  Abraham,  of  Mosce  nor 
yet  of  the  apostles  of  the  now  testa- 
ment (so  called.)  For  proof  of  this 
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  in  him." 
Hero,  then,  there  is  not  only  a  dis 
pcnsation  mentioned, but  the  features  of 
it  so  clearly  set   forth,  as  to  prectuda 


41t 


&fil»S8N^ER  ANB  ABVOeATE. 


the  necegsitj  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- 
iation  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  knows  that  the  present  order  of 
things  in  the  world  is  not  the  restitu- 
tion of  all  things.  The  apostle  fur- 
ther says  of  this  restitution  of  all 
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 
saintj  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  me  here  remark,  that  the  reli- 
gion of  Abraham,  of  Moses  and  of  the 
apostles,  have  all  ceased  to  exist;  they 
are  no  where  found  in  the  world,  nei- 
ther do  men  believe  that  they  will  ever 
return  to  the  earth.  Ask  any  of  the 
professors  of  religion  of  the  different 
denominations,  if  that  religion  wtiich 
consisted  in  inspiring  apostles,  proph- 
ets, evangelists,  and  also  in  mighty 
works,  such  as  healing  the  sick,  cast- 
ing; cut  devils,  i-aising  the  dead,  &c.  is 
uc'v  ia  lbs  world,  and  they  will  answer 
yf>u  in  the  negative,  and  will  further 
assure  you,  that  it  will  never  return 
again. 

So,  when  I  say  that  the  religion  of 
tilt  former  dispensations  is  no  more,  I 
have  the  coiicurrence  of  all  the  pro- 
fesf-ing  world,  of  nil  parties  and  of  nil 
••eiigions.  And  that  any  of  them  will 
return  to  Ihe  world  in  the  form  in 
which  they  once  existed  has  yet  to  be 
proven  td  my  mind,  for  as  yet  I  do  not 
so   ue«lerstand   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  fimesj 
I  pm  now  not  disposed  to  dispute,  but 
shall  leave  it  forfuith^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  ihis  becomes  the  more  ne- 
cessary, as  it  is  with  ♦his  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  cbout  the  deliverance  of  his  peo- 
ple, fulfil  his  covenants  which  he  made 
with  the  fathers  since  the  world  began, 
and  bting  about  vest  ai:d  pearte  on  the 
earth:  so  th."t  songs  of  everlasting  joy 
will  crown  the  heads  of  the  righteous, 
and   peace  reign  within  their  borders. 

And  I  presume  that  it  \vi\]  also  bo 
admitted,  that  the  saints  of  the  last 
days  must  be  a  people  of  a  character 
on  whose  heads  such  biessings  can  de- 
scend. In  al!  investigations  of  this 
kind,  we  should  remember  that  we  are 
speaking  or  writing  of  men,  not  of 
heavenly  messengers;  ttnd  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  rc- 
complish  by  them. 

The  prophet  Jeremiah  in  speaking  «f 
the  dispensation  of  the  fulness  of  times, 
in  which  all  things  in  Christ  were  to 
he  gathered  in  one;  says,  *'Thercfor« 
behold,  the  days  come,  saith  the  Lord, 
that  it  shall  no  more  be  said,  the  Lord 
liveth  that  brought  up  the  children  of 
Israel  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt;  but 
the  Lord  liveth  that  brought  up  the 
children  of  Israel  out  of  the  land  »f  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  their  fathers.'  Behold,  I  will  send 
for  many  fishers,  saith  the  Lord,  and 
they  shall  fish  them;  and  ifter  will  I 
send  for  many  hunters,  and  they  shall 
bunt  them  from  every  mountain,  and 
from  every  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  ia  the 


UftBS£NeeA  AND  A©VOCA'P£. 


U9 


limes  of  the  restitution,  or  gathering. 
That  they  will  be  a  people  of  most 
daring  courage,  and  of  untiring  pcrse- 
terence,  otherwise  they  will  never  fish 
Israel,  and  hunt  him  from  every  moun- 
tain, and  every  hill,  and  out  of  the 
holes  of  the  rocks.  It  is  a  well  known 
fact,  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- 
quainted, or  else  the  ten  tribes  are  not 
in  existence  on  the  earth,  and  if  that 
ii  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  walk  together:  and  Ezelci- 
el  has  said  ihey  shall  be  one  nation  on 
the  mountains  of  Israel,  and  shall  be 
two  n.ations  no  more.  Jer.  3:18.  Ez. 
37:20,21,22. 

So  then  it  comes  to  this,  that  the 
Lord's  fiBhersand  hunters,  have  to  vis- 
it the  mountains,  the  hills,  and  the 
rocks,  of  all  nations,  in  order  that  the 
word  of  the  Lord  need  not  be  spoken 
in  vain.  This  surely  will  require  en- 
terprise and  perseverence  and  patience 
too,  will  need  have  her  perfect  work 
in  order  that  they  may  do  the  will  of 
their  Lord  and  master,  and  gather  Is- 
rael according  to  his  decree. 

And  it  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  may  be  able 
to  beirup  under  the  heavy  burden 
"^'hich  is  placed  upon  them:  for  it  will 
require  great  wealth  to  visit  every  na- 
tion, and  gather  up,  in  many  instances, 
a  poor  and  ignorant  people,  as  those 
must  be  who  are  found  in  holes  of  the 
rocks,  and  in  the  mountains,  and  licar 
all  the  expense  of  takmg  them  to  their 
own  land,  that  which  was  given  to  their 
lathers;  and  there  build  them  up.  Who 
does  not  know  that  all  this  will  be  at- 
tended with  great  expense,  and  who  is 
to  bear  this  expense,  the  answer  is  the 
fishers,  and  the  hunters;  if  so  th?n, 
how  great  must  be  their  exertion  and 
thcirentcrprise?  to  obtain  all  the  wealth 
necessary  to  accomplish  so  great  an 
undertaking:  And  how  liberal  loo  must 
tbev  be,  when  after  so    great  exertion 


willing  to  spend  it  in  thousanda;  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  n  people 
whose  souls  are  Bufficienily  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  fisheri  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 
beautiful,  the  joy  of  the  whole  earth. 

The  prophet  Isaiah  has  the  following 
interesting  sayings  in  the  62d  chapter 
of  his  prophecy:  commencing  with  the 
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  burneth.  And  the  Gen- 
tiles shall  see  thy  righteousness,  and 
all  kings  thy  glory,  and  thpu  shalt  be 
called  by  a  newname,  which  the  mouth 
of  the  Lord  shall  name.  Thou  shalt 
also  be  a  crown  of  glory  in  the  hand 
of  the  Lord,  and  a  royal  diadem  in  the 
han<l  of  thy  God." 

He  further  says,  in  6th  and  7th  vor. 
©♦"the  same  chapter.*:I  have  set  watch- 
men upon  fhy  walls,  O  Jerusalem, 
which  shall  never  hold  their  peace  day 
nor  night:  ye  that  make  mention  of  the 
Lord,  keep  not  silence.  And  jfire  him 
no  rest  till  ho  establish,  and  till  he 
make  Jerusalem  a  praise  in  the  earth. 

In  the  60th  chapter    of   Isaiah,    we 


th'^v  will  be   havf  ohe  of  the  most  bcautilul  descrip- 


AW 


Sl&H&E^&EK  ANI3  ADVOCATE. 


tious  given  of  Ihe  Zion  of  the  last  days, 
that  can  be  given  of  any  place  by  the 
pen  of  man.  Any  person  who  will 
give  himself  the  trouble  to  read  this 
chapter,  must  see  that  the  Zion  here 
spoken  of,  is  one  which  is  built  up  by 
the  gathering  together  of  the  righteous 
from  the  different  parts  of  ihe  world 
where  they  are  found.  As  the  chapter 
33  too  long  to  quote,  we  shall  make 
some  extracts  from  it;  though  we  would 
solicit  our  readers  to  take  their  bibles 
and  lead  the  whole  chapter  carefully 
through,  as  it  contains  matter  of  great 
consequence  to  the  saints. 

In  the  6th  verso,  in  speaking  ol  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 
!ind  incense;  they  shall  shew  forth  the 
praises  of  the  Lord" — 7th  verse,  "All 
the  flocks  of  Kedar  shall  be  gathered 
together  unto  thee;  the  rams  of  Nabai- 
oth  shall  minister  unto  thee,  they  shall 
come  up  with  acceptance  on  mine  al- 
tar, and  1  will  glorify  the  house  of  my 
glory" — 9th  verse,  '"Surely  the  isles 
shall  wait  for  me,  and  the  ships  of  Tar- 
yhish,  first  to  bring  thy  sons  from  afar, 
their  silver  and  their  gold  with  them, 
unto  the  name  of  the  Lord  thy  God, 
and  to  the  Holy  One  of  Israel,  because 
ho  hath  glorified  thee— 13th  and  14th 
verses,  "The  glory  of  Lebanon  shall 
come  unto  thee,  the  fii'  tree,  the  pine 
tree,  and  the  box  tree  together,  to  beau- 
tify the  place  of  my  sanctuaiy;  PQd  I 
will  make  the  place  of  my  feet  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  down  at  the  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  we  proposed  to  do  in 
our  ow'n  miildfl,  by  a-icertaining  what 
they  had  to  do,  and  out  of  hundreds  of 
quotations  which  wc  might  make  out  of 
the  prophets  to  the  same  etTect,  we 
shall  be  content  with  the  few  which  we 
have  made,  as  being  sufficient  to  give 
an  idea  of  what  sort  of  people  the 
Lord  will  have  in  the  last  days. 

For  though  great  things  are  to  be 
accomplished,  still  those  things  are  to 
he  nccomplished  by  the  agency  of  m'in. 


It  will  be  found  to  be  a  fact,  that  if  thef 
the  Lord  ever  does  fulfil  the  testimony 
of  the  prophets,  it  will  be  by  the  faitb 
and  agency  of  bis  saints. 

But  to  return  to  the   sayings  of   thef- 
prophets,  as  quoted  above,- 

From   tliese  sayings  we    learn  somtt 
very  important  things.    We  learn  firstr 
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  60th  chapter  &f  Isaiahf. 
the    3rd   and    4th    which   reads    thusr- 
"And  the    Gentiles  shall   come   to  thy 
light,  and    Kings   to  the  brightness  of 
thy  rising.     Lift   up  thine   e}es  round 
about,  and  see,  all   they    galhe?  thenir- 
selves  together,    they    come:  thy  sons; 
shall  come    from  far,   and    thy  daugh- 
ters shall  be  nursed    at  thy  side^."     In 
the  43rd  chapter  of   this  same  prophe- 
cy of   Isaiah    and    the    6th  verse,   the 
prophet  thus  expresses  himself,  speak- 
ing of  this   same  gathering  together  of 
the  people,   "I  will    say   to  the    north, 
give  up;    and  to   the    south,    hold    not 
baek,  bring  my  sons  from  far,  and  my 
daughters  from  the  ends  of  the  earth."^ 
This  quotation  gives  us  a   pretty  clear 
idea  o-f  the  nature  and    extent  of   the 
gathering  spoken  of  in  the  60th    chap- 
ter  3rd   and  4th  verses,  that  it  is  to  be- 
from   the  ends  of  the    earth.     And  the 
prophet  says  that  they  shall  be  gather- 
ed unto  thee;  what  tkte,  \  ask  is  this? 
This  question  is   answered  in  the  14tb 
verse,  and  the  thing  or  place    which  is- 
c-alled  thee  in  the  3rd  and  4ih  verses,  is. 
called  the  city  of  the  Lord,  the  Zion  of 
the  Holy  one  of  Israel.     Sa  there  cant 
be  no  doubt  that    the    place  where  tha 
saints  arc  to  be  gathered,  is  the  Zion  afT 
the  last  days  mentioned  by  the  prophets. 
Concerning   this  Zion,  we  have  the 
following  sayings: 

First.  She  is  beantiful  for  situation, 
the  joy  of  the  whole  earth.  Ps.  48:  2. 
Second.  That  the  forces  of  the  Gen- 
tiles shall  come  unto  her,  and  the  a- 
bundance  of  the  sea  shall  be  converted 
unto  her. 

Third.  The  multitude  of  camels 
shall  cover  her,  the  dromedaries  of 
Midian  and  Ephab.  All  they  of  She- 
ba  shall  come  with  their  gold  and  ia- 
cense. 

Fourthly,  The  isles  shall  wait  for 
her,  and  the  ships  of  Tarshish,  to 
bring  hf  r  sons  from  far,  tl  eir  silver 
and  their  gold  with  them. 


VlfcglSEN'GER  AXD  ADVOCAtE. 

Fifthly,  The  glory  of  Lebanon  shall 
eome  unto  thee;  the  fir  tree,  the  pine 
tree  and  the  box  tree  togotlier,  to  beau- 
lify  the  place  of  the  Lord's  sanctuary, 
und  to  make  ihe  place  of  his  feet  glo- 
rious. 

Now  let  me  ask  the  saints  of  the 
last  days,  what  kind  of  people  must 
you  be,  in  order  that  you  may  accom- 
plish so  great  a  work? — Tlaat  you  may 
bring  to  the  Zion  of  your  (iod  (the 
foundation  of  which  is  now  laid,  in 
spite  of  the  powers  of  earth  and  hell 
combined;  for  surely  their  utmost  ex 
(ortion  has  been  used  to  prevent  it,  but 
it  lias  been  used  in  vain)  the  forces  of 
the  Crontilcs,  to  obtain  lor  to  enrichen 
licr,  'he  abundance  of  the  sea;  the  cam- 
els insiUhcieat  abundance  to  cover  her; 
•hf>  dromedaries  of  iviidi.in,  and  of 
Kphah;  the  gold  and  silver  of  Sheba. 

To  put  into  rcquisi  ?u  i  the  ships  of 
Tarshish,  or  in  other  words,  great 
ships,  that  the  Lord''s  sons  may  come 
I'rom  far,  and  his  daughters  from  the 
ends  of  the  earth;  to  bring  unto  her 
ihe  fir  tree,  the  pine  tree,  and  the  box 
trt^e  together,  in  order  that  you  may 
beautify  the  Lord's  sanctuary,  and 
inake  the  place  of  his  feet  glorious. 
a«d  by  all  kinds  of  refineinent,  and 
learning,  make  Zion  the  jov  and  praise 
of  the  whole  earth,  until  the  kings  of 
the  earth  shall  cf)mc  to  the  brightness 
of  thy  rising.  VVill  not  the  accom- 
plishment of  so  great  a  work  as  this, 
require  exertion  and  enterprise '?  Surc- 
iy  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- 
ty, it  will  be  by  her  becoming  more 
•wise,  more  learned,  more  refined,  and 
more  noble,thun  the  cities  ot  ihc  world, 
■so  that  she  becomes  the  admiration  of 
the  great  ones  of  the  earth.  And  by 
what  means  is  this  to  l<c  obtained?— 
The  answer  is,  by  the  superiority  of 
licr  literary  institutions,  and  by  a  ^en- 
eral  etTort  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 formed. 

In  addition  to  this,  herbuildings  will 
have  to  be  more  elegant,  her  palaces 
more  splendid,  and  her  public  houses 
more  magnificent;  otherwise,  she  will 
not  be  the  joy  and  praise  of  the  whol'; 


4?1 


earth,   and  kings    will    never  come  to 
the  brightness  of  her  rising. 

Neither  are  we  to  leave  out  of  the 
question,  the  dress  of  the  saints,  for 
this  supj)!ies  a  plasc  also  in  efiecting 
this  great  object;  the  beauty  and  neat- 
ness of  their  dress  is  characteristic  of 
the  degree  of  refinement,  and  decency 
of  a  society.  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  njust  be  literally  fulfilled. — 
That  our  sons  must  be  as  plants  grown 
up  in  their  youth;  our  daughters  as 
coracr  stones,  polished  after  the  simili- 
tude of  fl  palace.     Psalms  l-y.-l'S. 

If  these  things  should  nottake  place, 
then  surely  the  voice  of  the  prophets 
is  of  no  avail,  and  the  purposes  which 
God  hath  proposed  iii  himself  will  come 
to  nought. 

From  this  the  saints  may  have  some- 
thing of  an  idea  unto  what  they  arti 
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 thei''  calling,  there  must  not  be  an 
idler  in  all  tlieir  ranks,  but  that  they 
must  cultivate  the  habits  ot  industry, 
and  of  enterprise,  so  that  they  can  be 
prepared  to  visit  all  lands,  and  acquit 
themselves  like  men,  in  the  presencQ 
of  all  people;  the  wise,  and  the  learn- 
ed, and  even  the  nobles,  and  the  kings 
of  the  earth  not  excc|)ted. 

Let  not  any  of  the  sainty  be  deceiv- 
ed by  the  ignorant  of  this  age,  neither 
let  ihcm  be  led  astray  by  design,  !■» 
have  their  minds  confused  by  an  at- 
tempt to  subject  them  to  laws,  either  of 
revelation  or  tradition,  which  are  not  ia 
accordance  with  their  callirtg,  ami  the 
disi)cnsation  under  which  we  live;  it 
matters  not  what  might  have  been  the 
laws  which  regulated  the  saints  under 
other  dispensations,  it  belongs  to  us,  to 
be  n^gulated  by  the  order  of  things 
which  has  been  introduced  forour  ben- 
efit and  salvation,  and  though  it  could 
be  shewn  that  there  were  regulations 
among  the  former  day  saint.- ,  which 
were  opposed  to  the  order  which  regu- 
lates us,  it  would  only  prove  that  at 
dilTorcnt  times  and  ages,  God  had  difier- 
ent  things  to  accom[)lish,  and  that  it 
required  difierent  orders  of  things  to 
accomplish  them. 

1  ain   well  aware  of  the  wdd  cliiinc- 


4H 


ME«Sfe\GER  AN©  ADVOCATE. 


ras  of  the  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 
ho  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 
j?re»t  importance  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  them- 
selves like  men.  Let  them  seek  learn- 
ing and  wisdom,  refinement  and  ele- 
gence.  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  conse- 
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 
verily;  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  tho  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  assuredl} 
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* 
Zion  raay   become  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  will  be  willing  to  deal 
with  them,  and  rather  do  it  than  witls 
any  others,  for  this  is  one  of  the  ways 
by  which  they  will  obtain  wealth,  with- 
out which  they  will  never  be  able  to 
fulfill  the  end  of  their  calling. 

Once  more,  in  order  that  Zion  may 
become  the  joy  of  the  v»-hole  earth, — 
the  saints  must  practice  holiness  in 
the  fear  of  the  Lord;  for  without  this, 
no  man  can  Sv?e  the  Lord,  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, 
and  his  worship  respected  as  of  the 
first  importance. 

In  so  doing,  the  saints  may  antici- 
pate the  blessings  of  heavea  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  prelen^.Rs  ?nd 
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 
v/orld,  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,  10:36, 
"For  ye  have  need  of  patience,  that, 
after  ye  have  done  the  will  of  God,  ye 
might  receive  the  promise."  The  saints 
would  do  well  to  give  heed  to  this  say- 
ing, that  they  may  never  get  weary  in 
well  doing.     Let   them   recollect   that 


ME8SE?C«BR  ANB  ADTOCATE. 


4fS 


after  they  here  done  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  then  ye  saints  of  the  last 
days!!  that  you  are  called  upon  by  the 
great  God  to  be  ministers  of  righteous- 
ness in  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  yourselves  over 
every  sea  and  every  ocean:  to  stand  in 
th-^  presence  of  kings  and  of  princes 
and  of  tho  nnhles  of  the  earth;  to  gath- 
er up  of  ail  nations,  tongues  and  lan- 
guages u:id^r  he^jven,  and  of  them  to 
buill  up.th^'.Zion  of  the  last  days  to 
the  Most  High.  And  nothing  of  all 
ihis  can  fail  if  }ou  are  faithful  in  y®ur 
calling  a-.id  consider  the  nature  and  the 
ond  thoi-eof;  for  great  is  he  who  has 
called  you,  and  none  of  his  promises 
can  be  broken,  neither  can  his  faithful- 
ness fail. 

Ann  yoi.'vrs'iivcs,  tliereforo,  Iikeni:^n.. 
yc  elders  of  Isr&e!;  store  your  heads 
with  kao',7ledg8  and  your  hearta  with 
grao3,  and  a^  the  he.>ids  of  the  Israel 
of  the  last  days  go  forth  without  fear; 
for  strong  !.»  he  who  hath  called  you; 
and  omnipoU'.ul  is  the  ann  of  him  who 
sustains  y  lu;  f.-ar  not  and  your  peace 
shall  be  like  a  river  an-i  your  righteous- 
ness as  an  overHowing  stream.  Re- 
joice upon  the  hills  and  shout  hosannah 
upon  the  mountains;  until  you  ishall 
bring  the  last  stone  of  the  buildmg  of 
your  God  with  the  shout  of  grace, 
grace,  unto  it. 

SIDNEY  RIGDON. 


We  extract  the  following  chapter 
from  "Dick's  philosophy  of  a  future 
state."  There  are  reasonings  suffi- 
cient, we  think,  to  commend  it  to  the 
attention  of  the  reader — En.  Meb. 
SECTION  X. 

ON  THR  ABStJRUITT  OF  ei'PPOSINO  TmAT 
THE  Tlll.VieiXO  PRINCIPLE  IN  MAN 
WILL    KVBR    BE    ANNIHILATKD. 

It  IS  highly  unreasonable,  if  not  ab- 
surd, to  suppose  that  the  thinking  prin- 
ciple in  mm  will  ever  bo  annihilated. 

In  so  far  Gi  our  knowledge  of  tho  uni- 


verse extends,  there  does  not  «ppenr  a 
single  instance  of  annihilat!<..n  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  wiii  bo  an- 
nihilated.    From  a  variety  of  obssrva- 
tions,  it  appears  highly  probable,    that 
the  work  ot  creation  is  still  going  '"or- 
ward  in  the  distant  regions  o(   the  .mi- 
verse,  and  that  the  Creator  is  replenish- 
ing the  voids  of  space  with  new  world* 
and  new  orders   of  intelligent  beings; 
and  it  is  reasonable  to  believe,  from  th© 
incessant  agency  of  Divine   Omnipo- 
tence, that   new  systems  will    be    con- 
tin  uall}'-  emerging   into  existence  whilo 
eternal  ages  are  rolling  on.     But  no  in- 
stance  has  yet  occurred  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,  ths 
rings  of  Saturn,  and  several   portions 
of  the  starry  heavens,    aro   frequently 
changing  or  varying  their  aspects.    On 
the    earth,    mountains    are    crumbling 
down,  the  caverns  of  the  ocean  fillin-^ 
up,  islands  are  emerging  from  the  bot- 
tom of  the  sea,  and  ag.^an  sinking  into 
the  abyss;  the  ocean  is  frequently  shift- 
ing  its  boundaries,  and    trees,    plantf, 
and  waving    grain    now    adorn    manv 
tracts  which   were   once   overwhelmed 
with  the  foaming  billows.   Earthquakes 
have  produced    frequent    devastations, 
volcanoes  have    overwhelmed  fruittul 
fields  with  torrents  of  burning  lava,  and 
even  the  solid  strata  within  the  bowels 
of  the  earth  have  been    bent    and    di.s- 
rupted  by  the  operation   of   some  t;e- 
meudous  power.     The  invisible  atntoii- 
pherc  is  likewise  the  scene  of  perpetual 
changes  and    revolutions,    by  the  mix- 
ture and  decomposition   of   gases,    th« 
respiration  of  animals,  the  process   of 
evaporation,   the  action  of  winds,   aiid 
tho  agencies   of  light,    heat,    and    t:;e 
electric  and  magnetic  fluids.    The  veg- 
etable kingdom  is  either  progrossivftly 
advancing  to   maturity  or   fal':r,g    into 
decay.     Between    the    planU    nnd  the 
seeds  of  vegetables   there    is   not    tlie 
most  distant  similarity.     A  small  scc:i, 
only  one-tenth  of   an  inch  in  diam     •• 
after  rotting  for  a  while    in  the  er-x :■'.:, 
fihool-?  forth  a  3teni  ten  thcHisand  tii^^f 


434 


H£l5SENCJEil  ANB -ADVOCATE. 


greater  in  size  than  the  germ  from  which 
it  sprung,  the  branches  of  which  afford 
an  ample  shelter  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  another.  The  catei  pillar  is 
first  an  egg,  next,  a  crawling  worm, 
then  a  nymph  or  chrysalis,  and  after- 
wards a  butterfly  adorned  with  the  most 
gaudy  colors.  The  may-bug  beetle 
burrows  in  the  earth  where  it  drops  its 
egg,  from  which  its  young  creeps  out 
in  the  shape  of  a  maggot,  which  cast 
its  skin  every  year,  and,  in  the  fourth 
year,  it  bursts  from  the  earth,  unfolds 
its  wings,  and  sails  in  rapture  "through 
the  soft  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  and  ears,  with 
which  we  handle  and  walk,  see  and 
hear,  and  the  crimson  fluid  that  circu- 
lates in  our  veins — are  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  undefgoes  the  process  of  com- 
bustion, its  previous  forin  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, 
vpa^ t  into  gass,  aed  part  into  tar,  smoke, 
and  aeh^^s,  which  are  soon  formed  into 
other  combinations.  When  vegetables 
die,  or  are  decomposed  by  heat  or  cold, 
they  are  resolved  into  their  pruT)itive 
elements,  caloric,  Jight,  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  militating  against  the  idea  of 
tho  future  e^istencc  of  man,    art',    m 


reality,  presumptive  proofs  of  his  im- 
mortal destination.  For,  if  umid  the 
perpetual  transformations,  changes, 
and  revolutions  that  are  going  forward 
throughout  universal  nature  in  all  its 
departments,  no  particle  of  matter  i» 
ever  lost,  or  reduced  to  nO'tliing,  it  i» 
in  the  highest  degree  improbable,  that 
the  thinking  principle  in  man  will  be 
destroyed,  by  the  change  which  takes 
place  at  tlve  moment  of  his  dissolution. 
That  change,  however  great  and  inter- 
esting to  the  individual,  may  not  be- 
more  wonderful,  nor  move  mysterious 
than  the  changes  which  take  place  in 
tlie  different  states  of  existence  to  which 
a  caterpillar  is  destined.  This  animal, 
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  catterpil- 
lar  state,  it  begins  to  languish,  and  ap- 
parently 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  its 
confinement,  appears  in  a  more  glori- 
ous form,  mounts  upward  on  expanded 
wings,  and  traverses  the  regions  of  the 
air.  And,  is  it  not  reasonable,  fron» 
analogy,  to  believe,  that  man,  in  his 
present  state,  is  only  the  I'udimenis  of 
what  he  shall  be  hereafter  in  a  more 
expansive  sphere  of  existence?  and 
that,  when  the  body  is  dissolved  iu 
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  p!an  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  is  eve- 
ry day  creating  thousands  of  minds,, 
endued  with  the  most  capacious  pov>r- 
ers,  and,  at  the  same  time,  reducing  to 
eternal  destruction  thousands  of  those 
which  he  had  formerly  created?  ShalJ 
the  material  universe  exist  amid  all  its 
variety  of  changes,  and  shall  that  no- 
ble creature,  for  whose  sake  (he  uni- 
verse was  created,  be  cut  off  forever  ir» 
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 
duration  than  mind,  which  gives  mo- 
tion and  beauty  to  every  material  scene? 
Shall  the  noble    structures  of  St.  PauJ 


and  St.  Peter  survive  tho  ravages  ot 
liine,  and  display  their  beautiful  pro- 
portions to  succ<,'ssivc  generations, 
while  Wi'cn  and  Angelo,  the  arcliitects 
that  planned  them,  are  reduced  to  the 
condition  ol"  tlie  c'ods  of  tlu;  valley? — 
Shall  the  "Novum  Organum"  o{ Bacon, 
and  the  ''Optic:?'' and  -'Principia"  of 
NcwtOTi,  descend  to  future  ages,  to  un- 
told their  sublime  conceptions,  while 
the  illuat;iou3  minds  which  g.ive  biilh 
to  these  pn-duetions,  are  enveloped  in 
the  darkness  of  eternal  night?  There 
appears  a  palpable  absurdity  and  incon- 
sistency in  admitting  such  concinsions. 
We  m'crht  almost  a^  soon    iKlieve   that 

^  o 

the  universe  would  continue  in  its  pre- 
sent harmony  and  order,  were  its  Cre- 
ator ceasing  to  exist.  "Suppose  that 
the  Deity,  through  all  the  lapse  of  [>ast 
ages,  has  suj)ported  the  universe  by 
such  miracles  of  power  and  v.'isdom  as 
have  already  been  disjilayed — rnerely 
that  he  might  please  himself  with  let- 
ting it  fall  to  pieces,  and  enjoy  tlie  spec- 
tacle of  the  fabric  lying  in  ruins" — 
would  such  a  design  be  worthy  of  inli- 
nite  Wisdom,  or  confi/rmable  to  the 
ideas  wc  ought  to  entertain  of  a  Being 
eternal  and  immutable  in  his  nature,  and 
possessed  of  boundless  perfection?  But 
suppose,  farther,  that  he  will  annihilate 
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  still 
more  incompatible  with  the  attributes  of 
u  Being  of  unbounded  goodness  and 
intelligence'?  To  blot  out  from  exist- 
ence the  rational  part  of  his  creation, 
and  to  cherish  desolation  and  a  heap  of 
rubbish,  is  such  an  act  of  inconsisten- 
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 
iinmaterial  principle  by  which  it  was 
animated,  continues  to  think  and  act, 
either  in  a  state  of  separation  tVom  all 
body,  or  in  some  materi.al  vehicle  to 
which  it  is  intimately  united,  and  which 
gflCs  ofl'  with  it  at  death;  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;  und,  ihendorc,  although 
the  material  cn-ation  wore  to  be  di^ol- 


ved  and  fall  into  ruinw,  kg  energies 
might  still  remain  unimprsired,  and  its 
facultiecj  "llourish  in  iminorfal  youth, 

"Unhnrt,  ainu'Hl  tlie  war  of  elemciils, 

Tlie  wrecks  of  iimttiT  &  the  c-ru&h  of  worlds." 


And  the  Creator  is  under  no  ncc'?osi(y 
to  annihilate  the  soul  for  want  of  pow- 
er to  support  its  faculties,  for  want  of 
objects  en  which  to  exerciso  tljcin,  0'<* 
for  want  of  space  to  contain  the  ini;u- 
merable  intelligences  th?t  arc  imce'.-j 
santly  omerging  int<3  existence;  for  tlT^J 
range  of  immensity  is  the  theatre  uf  h'w 
Omnipotence,  and  that  powerful  Ener- 
gy, which  has  al ready  bruught  millions 
of  systems  into  existenct.',  can  as  easily 
replenish  tlio  universe  w  ith  ten  thou- 
sand millions  marc.  If  room  werr; 
wanted  tor  new  creations,  ten  thousand 
additional  worlds  could  be  comprised 
within  the  limits  of  the  solar  system, 
while  a  void  spnce  of  more  than  a  hun- 
dred and  eighty  thousand  miles  wouhJ 
still  intervene  between  the  orbits  ofthe 
respective  globes,  and  tho  mnneasura- 
blc  spaces  which  int"*rvenc  between 
our  planetary  system  and  the  nearest 
stars,  would  atFord  an  ample  range  fi>r 
the  revolutions  of  millions  of  worlds*. 
And,  therefore,  although  every  soul, 
on  quitting  its  mortal  frame,  were  clo- 
thed with  a  new  material  vehicle,  there 
is  ample  scope  in  the  s])CC3s  of  the  uni- 
verse, and  in  the  omnipotent  energiea 
ofthe  Creator,  for  the  full  exercise  of 
all  its  powers,  and  for  every  enjoy- 
ment requisite  to  its  lia[)piness.  So 
that  in  every  point  of  view  in  which 
we  can  contemplate  the  soul  of  man 
and  the  perfections  of  its  Creator,  It 
appears  not  only  improbable,  but  even 
absurd  in>|lhe  highest  degree,  to  snj)- 
pose  that  the  sjjark  of  intelligence  in 
man  will  ever  be  c.\tinK»ished. 


x^Icsscng'er  and  Advocate. 

KIRTLAND,    OHIO,  DEC.  183 J. 

THE  CLOSING  YEAR. 

The    moments    fly — our   days    ar 
nmnbering — and  yet  wc  live! 

That,  to  us,  important    word,  xi-  ■ 
tVoni  the    Saxon  tim,   lima,  or  Dani- 
time,  which    simply    means   a    pa;t 
portion  of  duration,  in  performing 
accustomed  march  has  found   us  hetr, 
at  tho   close  of  another  twelve-month, 
though  strange  it  is,  that  woani  spared 
while  others  have  fled. 


426 


MESSSNGER  AND  ADTOCATE. 


At  tli«  clo»e  of  the  year  181^1,  it 
v/as  our  privilega  to  address  the  pat- 
rons of  the  Messenger,  as  its  editor, 
in  a  few  lines,  and  recur  to  such  inci- 
dents 8.3  were  thought  to  be  of  the  most 
importance,  and  which  would  serve  to 
awaken  th«  mind  to  that  sober  reflec- 
tioQ  th«t  would  carry  it  beyond  those 
ficeting,  imaginary  fancies  which  leave 
it  barren  and  unfruitful.  The  close 
of  this  ye-ar  has  unsxpectedly  found 
ua  in  the  same  situation  in  life,  toiling 
at  the  same  occupation  and  striving  to 
ac€omplii<h  the  same  end. 

Though  the  Messenger  was  conduct- 
ed  by  bro.  John  Whitmer  for  ten 
nioBths  since  the  publication  of  the  ar- 
ticle referred  to  above,  and  constantly 
filled  with  important  admonitions  to 
prepare  for  anotJier  world,  yet  it  nm}' 
not  be  amiss  to  say  something  of  the 
past,  even  back  to  that  time  when  the 
livitig  were  earneutly  entreated  to  see 
whether  all  were  well,  in  point  of  as- 
surance from  above,  of  an  admission 
when  called  from  the  earth. 

We  did  not  complain,  in  our  re- 
marks of  1831,  that  the  Lord  had  dealt 
unkindly  with  us,  in  taking  from  our 
embrace  many  near  and  intimate 
friends,  though  wo  mourned  their  loss. 
And  we  now  only  express  our  aston- 
ishment, that  so  many  others  have 
since  gone,  and  we  survive — it  cannot 
be  because  we  are  better  than  they — 
if  any  thing,  we  are  inclined  to  think 
it  bociiusQ  we  are  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 
eterHal  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 
this' church,  our  brothers  were  person- 
ally known:  I'asy  were  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 
l)oth  included  in  the  list  of  the  eight 
wHnesses  in  the  book  of  Mormon,  and 


tliough  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  testament  is  in  force  after  th« 
djath  of  the  testator.  May  all  who 
read  remember  the  fact,  that  the  Lord 
has  give;i  men  a  witness  of  himself  in 
the  last  days,  and  that  they,  have  faith- 
fully declared  it  till  called  away. 

It  is  an  astonishing  thought,  and  w© 
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  the  heat  of  the  most  absorbing  earth- 
ly considerations,  that  reflection  never 
steals  across  the  mind  without  making 
a  deep  impression.  SucTi  is  the  cer- 
tainty of  death,  notwithstanding  the 
pride  of  the  human  heart,  and  such  the 
importance  attached  to  that  solemn 
hour,  that  infidelity,  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  i)rofc3Sor.  It  is  hailed  and 
cherished  as  the  day  of  release,  or  a 
dark  uncertainty  hangs  over  the  heart, 
and  stinos  the  best  enjoyment.  Men 
do,  they  muyt,  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  so 
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  ia- 
venters;  and  we  proudly  anticipate  the 
day  when  there  shall  be  proclaimers 
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, 
false  religionists,  who  have  never  fail- 
ed to  raise  the  voice  till  put  to  shame 
in  the  eyes  of  all  intelligence — and  of 
this  class,  the  priests  have  constituted 
the  greatest  portion,  who  have  always 
been  overpowered,  confused  and   con- 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


«7 


founded,  when  they  have  hnzzarded  an 
investigation. 

The  afTairs  of  t!ic  church  in  the  west 
have  been  very  distressing:  Men,  wo- 
men and  children,  have  been  so  much 
and  so  long  exposed  to  the  inclemency 
of  the  weather,  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  tliis  tragedy.  From  time 
to  time  has  the  country,  where  our 
brethren  have  lived,  been  flooded  with 
false  statements  concerning  our  situa- 
tion and  acts;  and  the  j)eop!e  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  fricncs  from  the  face  of  soci- 
ety. And  even  during  the  past  sun> 
mer,  our  friends  were  obliged  to  forego 
some  of  the  most  sacred  rights  p-uaran- 
teed  in  the  constitution  and  lav/s  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  Ciay  county,  yet,  we  candidly 
believe,  that  had  it  not  been  f«r  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  judces  the  secots  of  men's 
hearis,  those  miserable  beings  will  be 
cast  off  as  the  sheddt  rs  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  su.y,  now,  that  from  the  la-t  ac- 
counts, health  was  restoring  to  that  af- 
flictou  people.  They  have  made  pur- 
chnses  in  a  new  place,  and  many  fam- 
ilies are  already  prc|-(ared  for  the  win- 
ter: in  all  probability,  they  have  made 
such  an  arrangemcr.t,  and  have  culti- 
vated thai  friendly  understanding  with 
their  nei-iibors.  that  they  will  now  be 
permitted  to  gather  by  themselves  and 
form  a  community  of  their  own  This 
we  arc  willing  for,  and  would  rather 
chooac  than   ihcj'   .should    live   in    the 


midst  of  conl'usion  and  war;  but  we 
regret  that  ni«i  are  so  destitute  of 
righteous  principhis  that  they  will  vili- 
ly  the  innoceiit,  and  cause  strangers  to 
become  alaimed  for  their  oich  safety 
so  much  as  to  wish  our  friends  from 
among  them.  We  repeat  what  we 
have  already  said.  th*t  it  is  all  in  con- 
sequence of  the  lies  put  forth  by  per- 
sons in  th'.s  country:  Men  whose 
moral  responsibility,  where  known, 
weighs  no  heavier  in  point  of  Teracity 
ihan  the  acts  of  Judas  in  ths  scales  of 
righteousncfs. 

By  christians  it  is  contended  thfit 
there  is  a  heaven,  and  by  infidels,  that 
such  is  a  vain  theory,  got  up  to  9caro 
men  into  communities  to  support  the 
defenders  of  particular  creeds. 

That  religion  is  made  a  trafic,  and 
the  souls  of  men  merchandize,  we  shall 
not  deny;  but,  as  each  generation  are 
to  make  their  own  chsicc,  and  the  pres- 
ent quickly  followieg  in  the  footsteps 
of  t!ie  last,  it  is  honorable  in  all  to  ex- 
amine for  them3elve.s,  as  tlie  past  can- 
not laugh  at  our  follies,  nor  the  one  to 
come,  relieve  us  from  formeidiit.  uimas 
— the  thing.s  of  life  and  the  thoughts  of 
death,  being  sufficient  for  all  mtrn. 

There  is  a  system  which  says  thcro 
is  no  God,  and  many  pretend  to  believe 
it.  There  is  another  which  admits  the 
being  of  a  God,  but  contends  that  we 
kiiow  nothing  of  him  or  his  attributes. 
Another  system  that  there  is  a  God, 
and  that  he  has  revealed  himself  to 
man,  but  long  since  cased,  cither  be- 
cause he  has  changed,  or  man  ha.s  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  holydesirog, 
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. 

^Vherc  then,  can  the  mind  of  man 
rest  with  certainly  or  hope?  la  it  in 
that  system  wh'ch  contends  there  is 
no  God — that  the  doctrine  of  annihila- 
tion is  true?  Let  us  see:  First,  wo 
an;  here- — we  exist — we  are  beings — 
bodies — intelligences:  capable  of  mov- 
ing, actmg,  walking,  feeling  and  think- 
ing: we  cat,  we  drink,  we  sleep  and 
wo  rise  up;  yet  wo  did  not  create  our- 
selves,  nor  can   shvc  oursolvcg   from 


45» 


?.tBSSEXGEfl  AiND  ADVOCATE. 


rfissolwtion  and  rleatli,  beyond  a  fixed 
period;  ant!  that  period  is  so  near  that 
ull  may  sec  it. 

No\v,  ihe  question  is,  whether  when 
we  lay  down  these  bodies,  we  exist  in 
another  state  or  »ot?  It  is  cert.iiii  that 
we  had  no  more  r,gency  in  Ibrmiug  or 
creating  the  intelligonee,  without  which 
tliese  bodies  are  a  lifeless  lump,  than 
we  had  in  fonning  the    body.     And  so 


Jong  as  the  b 


dy  is  inactive  and  sense- 


less without  the  sauI,  or  intelligence, 
we  are  ready  to  consider  it  of  the  least 
value.  Then,  since  the  body,  though 
it  decays,  is  not  annihilated,  where  is 
the  presumption  that  the  wise  and  in- 
telligent part,  which  could  ho  longer 
be  confined  within  this  tabernacle,  has 
become  extinct?  Not  to  be  lengthy  on 
this  point,  but  we  confess,  from  a  care- 
ful examination  of  its  consistency  and 
«Uiims  for  belief,  it  falls  far  short  of  a 
rational  system,  consequently,  gives 
■neither  hoiie  nor  consolation.  Reason 
may  be  called  what  it  may,  and  be  urg- 
ed upon  us  by  whom  it  may,  but  when 
it  opposes  itself  to  fads  it  ceases  to 
bf»  reason,  and  is  only  to  be  set  down 
in  an  even  column  with  thousands  of 
assertions  which  have  neither  reason 
nor  common  sense  for  a  foundation. 

Equally  vain,  th(  ugh  not  as  appa 
rcntly  vile,  is  that  system  which  admits 
the  being  of  a  God,  but  denies  his  in- 
tercourse with  men,  as  the  one  which 
eon'tends  for  annihilation;  for  of  what 
consequence  is  it  to  us  whether  he  cx- 
itfe  or  not,  since  we  know  nothing  of 
him?  We  cannot  say  whether  he  is  a 
merciful  being  or  a  tyrant,  and  if  he 
has  any  agency  or  power  over 'us, 
why  not  keep  us  from  death,  or  tell  us 
of  our  state  after? 

Not  to  occupy  time  on  the  absurdity 
of  that  system  which  confesses  that  the 
great  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  inat- 
ter,  an#  seen  the  great  changes  in  na- 
ture, and  the  consistency,  and  in  fact, 
the  certainty  of  the  continuance  of  the 
soul,  we  confess  we  have  but  little  faith 
in  a  person  who  may  be  called  our 
Creator,  who  once  spake  to  man,  but 
will  do  so  no  more!  It  is  a  fact,  that 
we  shall  exist  hereafter,  and  that  a 
God  governs  the  universe,  but  when 
we  approach  the  tliought  of  death,  with 
a  certainty  no   furthei^i  darkness   and 


dispair  overwhelm  the  mind.  And  to 
think  that  our  fathers  could  once  look 
into  heaven,  see  and  converse  witii 
those  blessed  inhabitants,  and  that  wo 
are  their  children,  )-et  cannot  obtain 
one  view  to  assure  us  of  our  accept- 
ance with  liiin,  or  a  scat  at  hi.s  right 
hand,  i3  so  foreign  from  that  j-ustico 
and  equity  by  which  such  a  being 
must  exi.-t,  and  by  which  alone  he 
governs  and  upholds  the  world,  that 
no  man,  once  set  free  from  those  chains 
which  bind  him  down  and  causes  him 
to  put  his  Maker  so  far  off  that  we 
cannot  se-e,  hear  nor  speak,  but  will 
cO'D-tinue  to  seek  till  he  arrives  to  that 
certainty  which  will  enable  him  to  say, 
"I  know  that  my  Redeemer  lives." 

The  next,  and  great  point  is  that 
which  believes  in  a  God  who  is  eternal; 
to  constitute  such  a  being  must  be  ono- 
that  never  changes.  To  attach  to  his 
attributes  changeabicneos  at  once  ar- 
gues finitude;  and  how  any  rat'ional'niarf 
can  spread  out  his  hands  toward's* 
heaven,  and  worship,  (in  his  mind,) 
such  a  bei:ig,  is  past  our  comprehen- 
sion— such  is  not  the  God  we  adore — 
it  is  not  the  being  we  serve.  The  One 
we  worship  comprehends  all  things, 
from  the  extent  of  eternity  to  the  rip- 
ling  crim.son  that  flows  and  throbs- 
through  our  hearts.  No  power  so' 
high  that  he  does  not  surpass  it;^  nO' 
depth  so  low  that  he  does  not  compre- 
hend it,  and  no  extent  so  great  that  it 
is  not  circumscribed  by  his  omnicient 
wisdom:  and  yet,  great  as  he  is,  he  so 
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 
answer  the  petitions  of  the  orphan  and 
outcast! 

To  acknowledge  this  being  is  more 
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  has 
been  the  intention  of  our  labors  in  the- 
Messenger,  to  draw  the  minds  of  men 
to  look  into  the  perl'ection  of  that  sys- 
tem which  has  charms  sufficient  to 
sustain  it  in  a  trying  hour,  and  free 
our  fellow-men  from  the  grasp  of  helL 

It  is  common  with  all,  and  especial- 
ly with  editors,  ihatthey  promise  them- 
selves and  friends  a  great  many  new 
things  ibr  the  new  year;  but  we  shall 
not  venture  to  promise  our  friends  aiiy 
thing  e.\tra,  on  untried   ground.     We 


MLlSSKXeUM^  AMD  AbVoCAtt; 


alreacy  owe  so  many  apologies  lor  the 
past,  that  it"  our  friends  will  Overlook 
our  imperfections  and  forgive  our 
faults  \vc  shall  be  glad;  and  \vc  now 
take  the  opportunity  to  ask  of  all  whom 
\ve  may  liave  injured  or  otll;nd(;d,  cith- 
er publicly  or  privately,  a  forgiveness. 
Much  has  been  written  and  much  pub- 
lished— it  must  all  be  tried  in  a  per- 
fect balance,  and  we  receive  a  reward 
according  to  our  acts. 

In  closing  this  address,  our  heart  is 
full — wc  close  for  the  year,  aiid  we 
know  not  for  life,  be  this  as  God  will 
have  it.  One  thing  we  feel  assured 
of,  that  many  who  read  ihis,  will  have 
gone  hence  ere  the  end  of  another 
year.  How  important  then,  O  how 
important,  that  we  all  live  to  God,  that 
with  the  pure  in  heart  we  may  he  gath- 
ered into  his  everlasting  kingdom — 
4'nay  it  be  even  so,  for  Christ's  sake. 
Amen.  EDITOII. 


W 


death   while  «&- 
winter,  and    tiro 


The  following  from  the  "Medina 
Free  Press,"  was  written  by  elders 
Palmer  and  Gordon,  with  whom  we 
are  personally  and  intimately  acquaint- 
ted.  Our  friends  abroad  may  not  only 
place  implicit  confidence  in  their  state- 
ments, but  rely  upon  ihe  fact,  that  not- 
withstanding our  enemies  have  used 
their  utmost  exertion  to  vilify  and  slan" 
tier  our  friends  in  the  west  as  well  as 
the  church  here,  that  prosperity  and 
peace  seem  to  be  once  more  restored 
10  that  long  abused  and  afflicted  people. 
We  repeal,  what  we  have  so  often 
said,  that  were  it  net  for  uneasy  reli- 
gionists, who  hatch  uj)  the  greatest 
number  of  the  lies  floating  about  a- 
gainst  us,  wo  should  long  ere  this  liave 
been  at  peace  with  the  citizens  of  Mis- 
souri, and  in  farit.  with  all  men.  Yes, 
we  may  add,  liud  it  not  been  ^r  them, 
uo  trouble  would  have  occu.  red. 

There  has  been  some  fiickness,  and 
several  deaths  among  our  brethren  m 
the  west  this  season,  iiut  when  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,    thai  manv 


received  the  seeds  of 
posed   to  tlie  colds  of 
wants  of   food,    while    fleeing  from   a 
merciless  mob.       And    we    only    add, 
that  at  the  day    of   God's    vengeance, 
such  as  afflict»;d   the  innocent  and  |ier- 
secuted  the  helpless  without  cause,  will 
receive  their  reward.     Elders   Palmer 
and  Gordon  went  from  the    Nev/   Por- 
tage church. — Editor  Messenger. 
INTERESTING  LEITER. 
[We  have  thought  pro[)er  to  publish 
the  following  Letter,  from  a  belief  that 
the  contents    thereof   will    pnn'e  more 
or  less  [)lcasing  and    interesting  to  the 
readers  of   this  paper,  as  well  us  froni 
the  considei  alien    that,    from    the  well 
known  candor  and  veracity  of  the  gen- 
tlemen who   have  signed   this  commu- 
nication,    great    coutidenoc     may    be 
placed    in    its  general    correctness,  es- 
pecially in  the    neighborhoods    in  this,, 
and  other  counties,  in  which  they  were 
acquainted.       We    ought,    probably  to. 
add,  that  the  authors  of   this   letter  be- 
long to    the    religious    body    generally 
denominated   Mormons.] — Editor  Ohio^ 
Free  Press. 

Mr.  JosF.ni  W.   \\  iiiTE, 

Sir, 

Believing    it   will    be  a  siitit* 
faction  to  you,  and  many    of   our    ac 
quaintance  in    Medina  county,  tO'hear 
from  us  and    kno\v  the  situation  of  our 
people  since  we  have    arrived  in    Mis- 
souri, we  will  give  you  a  short  aecoujit 
of  our  journey  and    present  situation, 
and    some   general    description  of   the 
country  so  far  as  we  havo   become  ac 
quainted. 

Wo  started  on  o«r  j^nirney  Croni 
New  Portage,  five  families  in  number^ 
on  the  14lh  day  of  Juno  latit,  and  after 
a  pleasant  and  prosperous  journey  oL 
nino'woeks  wc  arrived  at  our  Iionv3  it* 
ihe  state  of  Mis.souri  on  the  17th  day 
of  August,  18:{6.  Length  of  road  80(5. 
miles.  We  took  our  journejiiby  the 
way  of  Columbus.  In  passing  tbrough 
the  state  of  Ohio  wc  atlmirod  the  rich- 
nc;:3  of  soil  of  the  land  alwut  Mount 
\'crnon  on  the  branches  of  Owl  creek, 
as  also  land  on  ^ValnutaIld  Wnotstone 
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  norlh- 
orn  counties      Wc   must  soy  that  tha 


49jl 


i#BSvSKN«Sfl  AN]^  ADVOCATE. 


Western  Reserve  far  exceeds  any  oth- 
er part  of  the  State  through  which  we 
passed,  for  the  industry  of  the  farmer*, 
the  convenience  of  roads,  beauty  of 
situation  and  buildings,  and  present 
flourishing  situation  and  future  pros- 
Pfets  of  improvements.  The  state  of 
Indiana,  on  the  road  wliich  we  passed, 
h  generally  new'  and  uncultivated,  of 
a  deep  rich  black  soil,  heavy  tinV^'erad. 
rather  level,  more  suitable  for  grJtss 
than  gasin;  rather  subject  to  intermit- 
tent fevers,  particularly  in  a  wet  sea- 
son; hoTvever  when  the  country  is  im- 
proved, and  proper  sluices  and  drains 
opened  fur  the  walyr  to  pass  off,  it  will 
be  a  rich  and  beautiful  country.  As 
ws  passed  through  Indianopolis,  the 
Capital  of  the  State,  the  new  State 
House  attracted  our  attention,  and  we 
called  to  take  a  view  of  so  elegant  a 
structure,  which  exceeds  any  building 
we  have  ever  seen  for  seize  and  beau- 
t}'.  We  were  now  nine  families  and 
56  persons  in  number.  We  M'ere  po- 
litely waited  upon  bj^  the  keeper,  and 
after  viewing  the  assembly  room  and 
senate  chamber,  with  the  other  parts 
of  that  elegant  building,  we  sang  a 
part  of  the  following  hymn: 
"The  spirit  of  God  like  a  fire  is  burning, 

The  latter  day  glory  begins  to  come  forth; 
The  visious  and  blessings  of  old  are  return- 
ing, 

The  angels  are  coming  to  visit  the  earth. 
We'll  sing  and  we'll  shout  with  the  armies  of 
h«aven, 

Hosannah,  hosannah  to  God  and  the  Lamb; 
Let  glory  to  them  in  the  highest  be  given, 

Henceforth  and  forever — Amen  and  amen." 

The  singing,  with  the  echo  which 
followed  and  repeated  the  sounds,  pro- 
duced the  most  pleasing  sensations. 

The  state  of  Illinois  is  mostly  a  prai- 
rie country,  consisting  of  open  prairies 
fi-om  10  to  15  miles  wide,  covered 
with  gf-ass.  We  would  then  pass 
through  a  strip  of  timbered  land  from 
one  to  tv/o  miles  wide,  with  scattering 
houses  around  the  edge  of  the  prairie. 
Hswever  Sangamon  and  Morgan  coun- 
ties are  excellent  counties  of  land,  the 
best,  we  presume,  in  the  State.  As  we 
Grossed  the  Mississippi,  a  large  and 
beautiful  river  we  arrived  in  the  state 
of  Missouri.  We  passed  through  a 
hilly  r®ugh  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 
extend,  with  clusters  of  timber,   fori 


some  hundred  miles  to  the  north  and 
west,  and  oUer  the  greatest  encourage^ 
mont  to  the  industric"^  faimer  of  any 
new  country  v-rs  have  ever  seen.  This 
part  of  the  state  of  Missouri,  in  vrhich 
we  have  settled,  is  preferable  to  tho 
state  of  Illinois,  or  any  other  Ci)untry 
that  we  have  ever  seen,  for  richness  of 
soil,  good  water,  and  a  healthy  climate. 
We  have  not  seen  a  swamp  or  piece 
ufniQr^li;.'  groupid;  within  one  hundred 
miles  that  wo  recollect. 

We  will  give  vou  a  sample  of  what 
evei'y  industrious  farmer  may  arrive 
to  in  a  few  years.  We  called  upon  a 
man  by  the  name  of  Jones,  in  Sanga- 
mon county  in  the  state  of  Illinois  to 
buy  a  little  corn  to  feed  our  teams:  ho 
haa  corn  enough  in  his  cribs  for  two 
thousand  bushels:  hs  had  sold  the  day 
before  600  busheltj:  he  said  ha  raised 
7.000  bushels  last  year,  and  he  had 
then  growing  200  acres  of  corn:  ho 
had  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  number  of  hogs 
and  horses.  After  we  passed  through 
Jacksonville  the  county  seat  of  Mor- 
gan county,  we  came  ^into  a  prairie'a- 
bout  5  miles  square,  v  hich  was  in  the 
best  state  of  cultivation  of  any  prairie 
we  had  seen.  We  stood  on  the  top  of 
a  hill,  and  viewed  the  beautiful  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 
selected  for  our  settlement  is  a  tract 
of  country  lying  in  the  north  part  of 
the  state  of  Missouri,  between  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  are  now  several  hundred  fami- 
lies here.  We  are  now  laying  out  a 
town  one  mile  square,  and  several 
houses  are  nl ready  on  the  place,  al- 
though the  town  is  not  yet  surveyed 
and  recorded.  The  most  perfect 
friendship  exists  between  us  and  the 
inhabitants  of  Missouri;  and  we  kave 
the  most  encouraging  prospects  before 

U8. 

Yours,  with  esteem. 

AMBROSE  PALMER, 

Ray  (fi^hj-  fuo'Xnk,  l«?- 


litESSEiNGER  IN©  ADVOCAIT-:. 


Kir  Hand,  Nov.  26,  1836. 

President  O.  Cowdery, 

Dear  brother, 

Perhaps  it 
would  not  be  altogether  uninteresting 
to  our  friends  abroad,  to  give  them  a 
brief  sketch  of  my  travels  in  the  min- 
istry, and  travels  since  I  left  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 
nfllictions,  I  deem  it  unnecessary  to 
give  an  account  of  my  travels  while 
journeying  to  that  place;  suffice  it  to 
say,  that  after  1  arrived  in  Missouri,  I 
spent  the  summer  and  fall  in  laboring 
with  ray  hands.  On  the  5th  of  Nov. 
1834,  1  was  ordained  to  the  oflice  of  a 
priest,  under  the  hand  of  elder  S.  Car- 
ter, and  sent  forth  in  my  weakness  to 
proclaim  the  first  principles  of  the  gos- 
pel. After  receiving  some  advice  from 
bishop  Partridge,  1  left  Clay  county, 
Missouri,  on  the  13th  of  January,  1S35, 
in  company  with  elder  Henry  Brown, 
for  the  purpose  of  preaching  the  gos- 
pel in  the  south  country.  We  first 
visited  Jackson  county,  the  only  suc- 
cess we  met  with,  was  to  procure  a 
{ew  signers  to  the  petition  to  the  Gov- 
ernor of  Missouri,  for  redress  of 
wrongs  done  to  the  saints,  who  inhabi- 
ted that  county:  and  we  felt  to  rejoice 
in  the  privilege  of  bowing  the  knee  on 
that  land,  to  worship  the  God  of  Israel, 
although,  at  the  same  time  it  was  pol- 
lu'.ed  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  60 
miles  between  dwelling  houses,  in 
which  places  was  fretjuently  the  wide 
prairies,  inhabited  only  by  the  bound- 
ing deer,  and  prouling  wolf  whicli  are 
very  numerous.  Some  parts  of  the 
Arkansas  was  considerably  populous; 
and  wherever  we  found  inhabitants, 
we  did  not  shun  to  preach  the  word 
unto  them  ns  we  had  op[)ortunity,  ei- 
ther in  tho  family  circle  or  in  tne  pub- 
lic assemldy.  Elder  Brown,  liaving 
been  absent  from  his  family  for  some 
length  of  time,  felt  it  his  duty  to  ro- 
.urn;  we  travelled  with  speed  through 
the  couiitiy,  consequently  we  had  not 
time  to   establish  churches   in  thnt  rc- 


m 

gion;  yet  I  trust  our  labors  were  nst 
in  vain:  the  minds  of  many  w'sro  £tva- 
kened  to  enquire  into  (he  work,  preju- 
dice removed,  and  tho  way  opensd  for" 
those  Trho  may  Tisit  that  country  in 
future.  In  places  where  our  stay  was 
short,  some  would  take  un  by  the  hand 
and  with  tears  in  thsir  eyes  bid  us 
God's  speed.  Elder  Brown  led  tw« 
into  the  waters  of  baptism,  at  th«  Pet- 
ty John  creek  in  the  Arkansas;  these 
were  the  only  two  we  baptised  while 
together. 

From  this  place  wo  proceeded  to  the 
Dardanell,  where  we  dug  us  out  a  ca- 
noe, and  proceeded  down  the  Arkaa- 
sas  river  to  the  Little  Rock,  a  distance 
of  170  miles.  From  thence  we  took 
the  military  road  leading  from  Little 
Rock  to  Memphis;  passed^lii rough  tho 
Mississifipi  swamp  rising  ot  100  miles 
which  road  at  that  time  was  almost 
impassable  for  man  or  beast  in  conse- 
quence of  mud  and  water.  Here  about 
60  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  CLurse  lor  Benton  ©ounty, 
Tennessee;  and  as  others  before  us 
had  found  it  good  to  trust  in  the  Lord, 
so  did  we;  for,  although  our  travels 
together  were  rising  1,000  miles,  with- 
out purse  or  scrip,  in  a  thinly  settled 
country,  yet  I  can  say  with  gratitude 
to  God,  and  those  that  entertained  us, 
that  in  not  one  instance  were  we  refu- 
sed in  an}-  of  our  requests  for  the  ne- 
cessaries of  life. 

I  reached  Benton  county  Tenn.  in 
April,  1835,  where  I  was  privileged 
with  a  happ)''  interview  with  elier  W. 
Parrish,  -and  a  society  of  saints,  raised 
up  through  his  and  elder  Patten's  in- 
stiumcntality. 

I  traveled  for  several  months  with 
elder  Parish;  the  Lord  blessed  our  la- 
bors while  together,  the  work  of  (iod 
rolled  on,  and  we  had  soula  gl.ven  hk 
as  seals  to  our  ministru  Kldwr  Par- 
rish was  called  to  Kirtland,  and  afier 
setting  in  order  the  churches  and  or- 
daining nie  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 
coii'inuod  to  preach  the  g'^spel;  and 
although  priests  and  people  raged,  yot 
truth  prevailed  among  tho  honost  in 
heart,  many  received  the  Word  with 
joy  and   gladness,    and  were   baptised 


Am _^ 

fr.v  the  remission  of  their  sins,  and  re 
:•(•(!  the  Holy  Ghost  by  tho  hiving 
■  vii' hnnJs,  und  signs  followed  ihera 
W'ni  believed.  I  was  frequenlly  oppo- 
sed in  public,  by  tho'^c  whose  craft 
was  in  danger,  l.'Ut  when  this  was  the 
case,  and  the  subject  investigated,  it 
had  a  tendency  to  rend  the  garb  with 
which  they  were  covered,  and  la}^ 
their  characters  open  and  naked  to 
the  eves  of  every  unprejudiced  mind. 
It  is  trv'c,  we  have  had  persecution 
to  cnduro  in  the  soutli,  but  notwilh- 
.■••tanding  this,  there  are  many  repub- 
licans and  gentlemen  in  that  country, 
who  would  scorn  the  idea  of  lending  a 
lielpii5g  hand  to  deprive  their  fellow 
citizens  of  those  rights  and  liberties 
they  enjoy,  and  which  our  laws  guar- 
antee to  every  American  citizen.  The 
saints  in  the  south  are  strong  in  the 
faith  of  the  Latter  Day  Saints,  and 
■wilt  maintain  their  integrity  unto  the 
end;  this  is  their  right  and  none  can 
lake  it  from  them 

We  have  had  the  privilege  the  sea- 
son past  of  hearing  the  gospel  pro- 
claimed by  some  of  tiie  able  servants 
of  God  from  Kirtland  and  Missouri, 
viz.  elders  Marsh,  Patten,  Parrish  and 
Groves,  who  have  faithfully  set  forth 
the  oracles  of  God  to  this  people.  On 
the  19th  of  Sept.  1  had  the  privilege  of 
assembling  in  company  with  the  saints 
at  Tarapan,  Ky.  upon  the  hanks  of  a 
stream  where  prayer  was  oflered  unto 
God-  Elder  Marsh  led  a  young  wo- 
man nitolhc  waters  of  baptism.  I  here 
took  tlie  ])arting  hand  with  eldjrs 
Marsh,  Patten  and  Groves,  also  sistcM- 
Patten,  and  thpy  started  for  Zion  with 
cheerful  hearts.  I  spent  a  ^ew  d^iys 
in  visiting  some  of  the  branches  of  the 
church,  and  found  them  growing  in 
grace;  I  also  baptized  9  and  procured 
9  new  subscribers  for  the  Messenger 
and  Advocate.  Among  the  number 
baptized,  was  Mr.  James  Beaty  who 
has  been  a  preacher  of  the  Christian 
order  for  years;  but  on  hearing  the 
fulness  of  "the  gospel,  he  believed,  re- 
ceived and  obeyed  it:  I  also  baptized 
his  wife  and  daughter.  I  ordained 
brother  Beaty  a  priest,  and  took  pas- 
sage at  Paducah  on  the  25th  of  Oct. 
in  company  with  elder  A.  O.  Smoot, 
and  J.  Turpin,  priest.  On  our  jour- 
ney we  passed  two  boats  that  had  sunk, 
we  also  saw  the  dead  and  wounded 
carried  from  the  lhi.rd,  caused  by  the 
bursting  ©f  her  pipos,   and  arrived  in 


Mr.SSENGF.K  ANT)  ADVOCATE 


Kntlund,  Nov.  25.  I  have  been  ab- 
sent from  this  place  two  years  and  a 
half,  in  whiciT  time  1  have  traveled  be- 
Iwcrn  eight  and  nine  thousand  miles, 
principally  in  the  south,  and  led  70  in- 
to the  waters  of  baptism;  and  I  feel  to 
say,  that  wheie.ver  my  lot  may  be  cast, 
if  I  should  live  till  my  head  blossoms 
wit!)  age,  I  siiall  remember  the  scenes 
of  my  spiritual  youth,  and  the  first 
fruits  of  my  ministry:  they  are  bound 
to  me  closer  than  the  ties  of  consan- 
guinity; yea,  even  by  the  lies  of  the 
bloofl  of  Christ:  and  while  time  may 
sever  the  ties  of  consanguinitj^,  eterni- 
ty cannot  break  the  ties  of  celestial 
love  that  disembogues  from  the  fount 
of  eternal  life. 

W.  WOODRUFF. 


The  following  is  a  list  of  the  names 
of  Mini&lyrs  of  the  Gospel,  belonging 
to  the  church  of  the  Latter  Day  Saints, 
whose  Licences  were  recorded  the  last 
Quarter,  in  the  Licence  Records,  in 
Kirdand,  Ohio. 

By  THOMAS  BURDICK, 

Recording  Clerk. 

Kirtland,  Dec.  1,  1836. 
Elders  names. 
Truman  O    Angel     Solomon  Angel 
Asa  Anson  Benjamine  F.  Bird 

Ezeikel  Barnes  Noah  Bulkey 

Anios  Babcock  Samuel  Brown 

Jeremy  Bartlett  John  Badger 

(lideon  H.  Carter      Saniuel  Conklin 
Austin  Cowls  Joseph  W.  Cole 

Silas  Davis  Jonathan  Dunhan^ 

Aiu'.js  B.  Fuih-^r  Jonathan  H.  Hale 
Thomas  Hayes  iSatiianiel  Holmes 
Dana  Jacobs  Ozias  Kilbourn 

Daniel  Ivent  John  Kempton 

John  Lawson  Richard  Mann 

Orin  Perry  Philip  Packard 

Gustavus  A.  Perry  Abram  Rose 
Carvil  Rigdon  Stephen  Shumway 

Otis  Shumway  James  C,  Snow 

Sylvester  B  Stoddard  Charles  Smith 
William  W  Spencer  C-   W.  Stilwell 
Alvah  L.  Tippits        Alvah  Ttppits 
William  Willscy        Bcnj.  S.  Wilber 
Levi  B.  Wilder'         Ira  J.  Willea 

Priests. 
Jacob  K  Butterheld    PI.  N.  Byingtort 
Elijah  B  Gaylord       Samuel  Parker 
Jeremiah  Wilby 

Teacher., 
Joseph  Fielding,  -:    ^^  ";-; 


MESSEiVWER  AI¥»  ABTOCATE. 


^ot..  III.  No.  4-1     KIRTLAND.  OHIO,     JANUARY,   \^:V7.     Whole  No.   [28. 


EVIDENCES   OF 
the  IBooU  of  i^3o£*iuon. 

*^Ofooh,  and  slozo  of  heart  to  believe 
&Ji  that  the  prophe/s  have  sjwkeii.'^ 

Jesus. 

\l  will  readily  be  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  delineaied  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  through 
the  various  stages  of  his  afflictions  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  him  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  the  unbelief  entertained  by  the 
Jews,  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  complaints  uttered  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  in  "aZ/  //u/?i,'^,"  of  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  tliey  believed  all  that  the  |)ro- 
phets  had  spoken,  there  is  no  manner 
of  doubt;  but  when  the  Son  of  God 
plainly  declared,  "if  ye  had  believed 
Moses  ye  would  have  believed  mc,  for 
he  wrote  of  rnc,"  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  to  holiness,  Jay  aside 
the  traditions  of  their  elders,  and  em- 
brace the  babe  of  Bethlehem  as  their 
IMcssiah  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  are  acquainted  with  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,  man}'  have  a  pecu- 
liar faculty  for  manufacturing  faitl'is, 
religions  and  gods  to  suit  their  own 
fancy)  but  to  show,  by  an  exhibition  ot 
some  of  the  most  meaning,  prominent 
and  unequivocal  prophecies  transmitted 
to  us  in  the  sacred  record,  that  our  |)o- 
sition  is  entirely  tenable.  \\1:  that  this 
generation  is  deeply  implicated  by  the 
languajje  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  few  of  those 
whose  fulfillment  evidently  relates  to 
the  last  days.  The  pro|)het  Isaiah  has 
sa  d,  in  the  11th  chapter  of  his  proph- 
ecy, llth  and  12th  verses:  "And  it 
shall  come  to  pass  in  that  day,  that  the 
Lord  shall  set  his  hand  again  thesecond 
time  to  recover  the  remnants  of  his 
peo[)le,  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  Uomath, 
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- 
|torsed  of  Judah  from  the  four  corners 
of  the  earth."  Again,  the  same  pro- 
nh't  declares,  chap.  2.  vcr.  2:  "Audit 
shall  come  to  pass  in  the  last  days  that 
the  mountain  of  the  Lord's  house  shall 
be  establ.shed  in  the  to|)s  of  the  moun.-* 
tains,  and  shall  be  exalted  above  the 
hills,  and  all  nations  shall  flow  unto  it." 
Now,  that  the  people  of  this  gcncrivtiqn 


34 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE 


do  not  believe  in  these  important  say- 
ings of  the  prophet,  is  evident  from 
like  testimony  as  that  upon  which  tlic 
Jews  were  convicted:  ihey  did  not  be- 
lieve in  the  manner  of  tl  e  fulfillment  of 
the  prophecies  of  Moses,  neither  do  ihe 
world  in  this  day  believe  m  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  production, 
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  lie  well  authenti- 
cated to  the  satisfactionof  every  honest 
believer  in  divine  revelation,  by  testi- 
mony both  ancient  and  modern.  To 
refer  the  reader  to  a  very  kw  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  thcii  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  lo  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  Iho  26th  verse  inclu°'"p. — 


Let  the  reader  turn  to,  and  examinii 
this  quotation  carefully,  for  it  is  rery 
important  to  our  purpose,  but  is  too 
lengt)iy  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- 
ing 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 
f«ei  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  crossin3-  the  sea,  and 
settling  this  continent  of  North  and 
South  America.  Yes,  the  concurrence 
or  identity  of  the  prophetic  allusion, 
with  the  fad  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. 

Havingnow,  by  unimpeachable  bible 
testimony,  and  as  we  believe,  sound 
logical  reasoning,  followed  the  rem- 
nants of  Joseph  t"  their  landing  upon 
this  continent,  our  next  business  must 
be  to  inquire  whether  their  history  and 
location,  if  capable  of  speaking,  would 
emphatically  pronounce  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 
rot  even  still  "a  multitude  of  nations,* 


MESSENGER  Ax\D  ADVOCATfi. 


435 


perfectly  vain  and  futile.  Such  Avas 
ostensibly  the  fact  at  the  first  settle- 
ment of  the  country  by  Europeans,  and 
must,  according  to  all  human  calcula- 
tions, have  existed  to  a  greater  extent 
previous  to  that  time,  from  the  well 
known  coinciJence  that  no  social  com- 
pact, existed  among  the  ditfeient  tribes, 
by  which  their  national  individuality 
could  be  perpetuated;  and  from  a  suc- 
cession of  intestine  wars  to  which  they 
were  peculiarly  addicted,  they  muit 
have  been  diminished  and  conmiingled 
with  other  clan?.  As  to  their  location, 
we  leave  it  for  th  J  learned  to  say  whe- 
ther they  actually  occupy  those  decrees 
of  latitude  which  wiih  propriety  may 
be  said  to  compiehend  "the  miJst  of 
the  earth." 

Having  now  gone  through  with  a 
cu:s;)rv  examination  of  some  of  the 
biblf!  testimonies  as  to  the  origin  and 
history  of  the  American  Indians,  we 
she'll  come  to  s_  eak  moi'e  particularly 
of  the  record  kept  by  themsf  Ives,  a 
translation  of  which,  through  the  pro- 
vidence of  God,  has  been  laid  before 
the  world.  Nor  arc  its  advocates,  as 
many  have  suppoi-ed,  destitute  of  the 
necessary  evidence  to  establish  the 
fact.  Besides  the  unimpeachable  tes- 
timony of  many  good  men,  whose  char- 
acters for  truth  and  probity  rank  high 
in  the  circles  of  their  acfjuaititance, 
thuy  have  the  sacred  word  of  God,  and 
the  fruits  and  gifts  of  his  divine  Spirit 
to  bear  testimony  to  its  authenticity. — 
David  says,  Ps.'  8.5:  11.  (and  let  the 
reader  mark  the  expression,)  "Truth 
shall  spring  out  of  the  earth;  and  right- 
eousness look  down  from  iieaven."' — 
Again,  Ps.  119:  142,  "Thy  righteous- 
ness is  an  everlasting  righteousness, 
anrj  thy  laxo  is  iruth."  Verse  1.51, 
Thou  art  near,  O  Lord,  and  all  thy 
commandmcnLs  arc  truth.''  Again, 
John  17:  17,  "Sanctify  them  throngli 
thy  truth:  thy  word  is  trulh.^'  'yUo 
Lord  says  by  the  proi>het  Ilosea,  in 
s|)eah!iig  of  Ephraim,  chap.  8,  ver.  12, 
"I  have  written  unto  iiim  the  great 
things  of  my  law,  but  they  are  counted 
as  a  strange  tiling."  Again,  I''./.ekiel, 
ii.  the  .')7lh  cliapier  of  his  propiiecy, 
inak<;s  mention  of  the  same  "great 
things"  of  the  law  of  God,  and  calls  it 
the  "s/ic/k  of  E[)hraim."  Isaiah  also 
comes  in  for  a  consi'lerablc  share  in 
the  testimony  upon  tins  subject.  He 
goes  so  far  in  the  20ilj  chap,  of  his 
p  ro^)hccy  as  to  relate  several  very  im- 


portant particulars  concerning  this 
"truth"  that  should  spring  out  of  the 
earth — says  "the  words  of  the  hook" 
should  be  delivered  to  him  that  was 
iearned,  "saying,  read  this,  I  pray 
thee,"  and  he  should  say,  I  cannot — 
that  the  hook  should  then  be  delivered 
to  him  that  was  unlearned,  &c.  Let 
the  reader  turn  to  and  examine  the 
whole  chapter.  Now,  from  the  foi*e- 
going  quotations  and  references,  we 
learn  the  following  facts: — 

First,  That  truth  was  to  spring  out 
of  the  earth. 

Second/ 1/,  That  truth  is  the  law, 
commandments  or  u-ord  of  God. 

Tliirdhj,  That  the  great  things  of 
that/o?r,  iccrdov  comm undmenls  o( Go& 
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  bock  of 
Mormon — learn  its  history — study  and 
obey  its  precepts,  and  the  light  of  hea- 
ven will  abundantly  illuminate  your 
understandings. 

Inconclusion  we  would  observe,  that 
vain  are  the  j)retensions  and  profes- 
sions of  a  bewildered  world,  to  faith  in 
e  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  lieavcn-ofiending  warfare, 
break  oir  their  sins  by  righteousness, 
and  "believe  all  that  the  pro|)hets  have 
spoken,"  wc  may  with  propriety  adapt 
towarjds  them  the  language  of  the  Sa^ 
vior:  "O  fools  and  slow  of  heart." 
WM.  SMITH. 


430 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


PERSECUTION. 
The  spirit  of  persecution  ha$  prevail- 
ed in  every  age  of  tlie  world,  to  the 
great  disgrace  of  the  human  race,  and 
if  there  is  justice  in  heaven,  to  the  con- 
demnation of  miUions;  ior  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  v.'ill 
make  their  bed  in  hell  for  persecufing 
and  reviling  men  on  account  of  their 
religion.  It  will  be  said  to  them,  vv'ho 
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 
*ivery  individual  under  htaven,,  to  have, 
to  believe,  and  1o  practice  any  religion 
M'hich  may  seem  good  unto  himj^elf, 
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  lie  worship  fifty 
gods,  or  if  he  worship  none,  what  is 
that  to  his  neighbor,  so  long  as  he 
grants  to  him  the  privilege  of  worship- 
ing according  to  the  dictates  of  his  own 
conscience,  or  of  not  worshiping  at  all, 
if  he  choses. 

But  notwithstanding  this  just  and  un- 
alien'^ble  right,  which  the  Creator  has 
granted,  in  common,  to  all  his  intelli- 
gent creatures,  there  has  not  as  yet 
been  found  a  nation,  or  a  people,  inanv 
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  miglU,  of  her  lil)er- 
ties,  the  excellcnciesof  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  tlie 
greatest  boast  of  their  liberties,  would 
use  all  their  exertions  to  take  away  the 
just  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  according  to  his  law,  and  his 
requirements,  and  yet  would  boast  of 
their  liberties  and  of  their  treedom,  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,  v/hich  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  tlie  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  taste 
of  our  liberties;  and  yet,  wonderful  to 
tell,  after  all  our  pretensions,  a  man  is 
not  at  liberty  lo  worship  according  to 
the  dictates  of  his  own  conscience. 

This,  the  saints  of  the  last  days  have 
been  made  to  know,  in  all  places  where 
they  have  made  their  appearance.  It 
is  demonstrated  to  a  ceitainly,  that 
there  is  not  a  State  in  this  U?v  ion,  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  I'iglits  undisturbed,  not 
even  to  escape  violence  and  death, 
after  all  our  boast  of  libert}  and  free- 
dom, and  the  rights  of  cnnscience,. 
which,  instead  of  being  protected,  are 
infringed.  (Tovernors  and  rulers  will' 
refuse  to  discharge  the  duties  of  their 
offices,  notwithstanding  they  ase  bound 
by  the  sole  nnities  of  an  oath  to  d'^  so; 
but  osAh^  nor  any  thing  else  can  bind 
men  to  do  their  duty,  when  the  rights 
of  the  saints  are  concerned. 

In  cur  own  vicinity  we  have  a  most 
strikihg  proof  of  the  spirit  of  persecu- 
tion in  a  religious  society  which  made 
as  grc^at  a  boast  of  liberty  and  the  bles- 
sings of  freedom,  as  any  other.  I 
mean  the  Campbellites.  But  the  very 
instant  the  truth  made  its  appearance, 
they  soon  let  the  world  see  the  extent 
of  their  liberal  feelings,  and  have  left 
an  everlasting  testimony,  that  however 
they  may  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  Clapp,  of  Mentor,  where 
all  men  and  women  were  at  liberty  to 
come  and  slander  the  saints,  not  even 
prostitutes  exceyited,  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    th© 


Messenger  and  advocate. 


4sr 


|)riestvS,  who  frequented  his  house,  have 
xjriminafcd  t'nomselves  in  this  last  act  of 
'impropriety,  remains  yet  to  be  disclo- 
sed; but  people  have  a  just  right  to 
draw  their  own  conclusion,  respecting 
the  character  of  the  priests,  from  the 
company  thev  keep,  and  the  character 
of  the  house  they  frequent. 

Adnmson    Bentley,    of   will-making 
memorv,  was  one  of  the  loungers  about 
the  pious    old    deacon's    house.     Now 
had  he  have  gone  there  to  have   repro- 
ved his  wiskedness,  and  to  have  purg- 
■ed  his  house  of   harlots,  then,    indeed, 
his  visits  might  have  done    him    honor; 
but-  when  il  was  to  be  a   paitner   in  Ins 
slfinders,  he  is  enlitled  to   a  full  share 
■of  the  disgrace   of  his  house.      Indeed, 
Mary,  the  wife  of  Adamson,  has  been 
trying  to  pallintc  the  old  man's  crimes, 
by  toiling  how   be    was    tempted,    and 
that  the  temptatton  was  too  strong    for 
ivtn    to    bear.     O  Mary!!      You    had 
better   found    some    belter  excuse    for 
your  good  oid  deacon,  at  whose    liouse 
you  have  had  the  blessed   piivilege    of 
slandering  the    saints    so    shamefully, 
than  this;  for  it -does  i-K)ltell  v«ry  well, 
for  a  piovis,  good  old  soul  to  liavr.   and 
to  keep,  fennalesnbout  his  house,  whose 
■characters  are  so  loose.     This  is  that 
Marv  who  has  been  so  well  dcaU  bv  in 
old  Mr.  Brooks'  will,  as  to  get  a-tloible 
portion  of  the  estate;  owe  portion    left 
<!!irectly  to  hersdl,  and  another  to -come 
to     her    througli     her    mother,     Mrs. 
Holmes,    now    of  Indiana;    while    the 
old  man's   children   arc   lelt,  some   vl' 
ihem,    without;     cfti-d    others,    a    small 
portion,    to  U;  given  them    when  their 
conT]ianions  die:   in  the  mean  time,  the 
executors,  with   Eentley  at  their  head, 
to  have  the   use  of  the  projcrly    until 
then. 

One  of  the  executors  is  also,  like 
old  Clapp,  a  Campbellite  deacon.  I 
mean  Richard  Brooks,  who,  with  his 
wife  Rachel,  united  with  the  before 
mentioned  kidney  in  slandering  an<l 
vilifying  the  saints  of  the  last  days,  and 
kept  a  house  devoted  to  slander,  I'or 
years;  notwithstanding  tlie  very  per- 
sons whom  they  were -hindering,  were 
at  that  very  time,  and  at  this,  hiding 
tiie  shame  of  their  family,  which  if  ex- 
posed, must  bring  tlieni  to  open  dis- 
gnuM-. 

One  of  the  great  cries  of  this  liorde 
of  iniquity  against  the  saints,  was,  that 
ihcy  were  lr>  ing  to  giii  peoi)lt;'s  prop- 
erly 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  Rentley  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  (A-ho  is  an  illegitimate 
child  in  (he  family,  an'd  of  course  her 
very  existence  a  disgrace  to  them) 
either  directly,  or  indirectly,  got  as 
much  of  the  estate  as  two  of  ihem,  ye3^ 
a  great  deal  moie. 

This  shews  how  much  this  man 
Bentley  cared  about  other  people's 
rights  ff  there  were  any  difficulty, 
it  was  because  he  could  not  have  the 
fingerittg  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  ci-editors'  hands,  by  getting  it  put 
put  into  the  hands  of  his  soin,  tliereby 
depriving  his  creditors  of  their  just 
dues.  -  1^ 

Of  course,  then,  gentle  reader,  after 
this  man  Bentley  has  given  such  high 
pro  "if  of  his  deep  anxiety  for  the  rights 
of  others,  he  would,  cert-aiiily,  use  his 
fjreatest  influence  to  gua.j'd  the  world 
againsT:  being  cheated  by  the  saints. 

It  will  be  har<i  to  jjcrsuade  us,  or 
any  other  persons  who.are  acquainted 
v/ith  the  circumstances,  that  nine-tenths 
of  all  the  l.ies  put  in  circfjlation  against 
the  saints,  did  not  originate  with  the 
before  mentioned  gang. 

That  the  public  may  Irave  some  faint 
idea  of  what  the  saints  have  had  to  bear 
from  them,  it  will  only  be  necessary  to 
ti'l!  them  that  w  hen  this  brood  could  do 
•i!oth;r.g  else  to  injure  the  saints,  they 
actually  sent  tlicir  children,  from  thir- 
teen years  old  and  upwards,  to  their 
houses,  to  sauce  and  scandalize  them. 
I  speak  this  from  experience:  never 
was  my  house  so  abused  and  scandali- 
zed, by  :\ny  human  beings,  since  I  kept 
a  house,  as  it  was  by  a  gang  of  these 
crealun^s'  children,  sent" from  Richard 
Brooks',  in  Warren,  and  Adamson 
Benth'v's.  I  am  now  convinced,  and 
always  shall  be,  that  there  are  no  chil- 
dren on  earth  who  would  act  as  basely 
as  tliey  did,  unless  they  were  put  up  to 
it,  antl  encouraged  in  it,  by.  their  pa- 
rents. And  then  to  finish  the  matter, 
after  tliey  went  away,  they  hatched  up 
and  told  some  of  the  basest  lies,  that 
could  bo  invented    by   human   beings: 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


498  

and  when  I  complained  to  Adamson 
B^ntly  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  only 
this  once,  but  at  difierent  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  ol  the  saints,  and  con- 
ducted themselves  with  common  decen- 
cy, then  there  would  have  been  no  rea- 
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  tlie  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  them  a  Campbellite  priest,  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  tho  saints  under 
oath;  when  thtn'e  was  not  one  out  ol 
fifty  of  them,  v/hose  names  tliey  had 
ever  heard,  nor  of  w!-oni  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  docs. 

There  is  perhaps  no  people  now  liv- 
ing, who  have  said  more  about  the 
^rights  of  conscience,  than  this  bi'ood 
of  persecuting  Campbellites:  it  has 
formed  a  pait  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  [qv  themselves.    But,  gentle  reader, 


pause,  and  marvel!!!  It  is  one  thing 
for  a  people  to  pretend  to  liberality^ 
and  it  is  quite  a  different  tl.dng  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  accordiHg 
to  the  dictates  of  their  own  consciences. 

This  is  their  great  crime,  this  is 
what  has  set  the  bristles  of  Campbellism 
all  on  end;  this  indeed,  yes,  this,  has 
armed  their  piety  with  vengeance,  and 
thtiir  tongues  with  lies:  indeed,  gentle 
reader,  it  is  this  and  nothmg  else  but 
this,  that  has  made  Campbellism  shew 
its  teeth.  This  is  the  great  crime  of 
which  the  saints  have  been  guilty,  and 
for  vvhich  Campbellism  has  poured  out 
its  acrimony. 

One  thing  has  been  done  by  the 
coming  forth  of  the  book  of  Mormon; 
it  has  puked  the  Campbellites  effectual- 
ly, no  emetic  could  do  half  so  well. — 
Lobelia  is  not  a  circumstance  to  it — it 
has  searched  ioi  the  nethermost  corner 
of  their  stomachs,  and  found  it,  and 
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  of 
thought,  or  of  human  rights. 

Let  the  advocates  of  that  faith,  from- 
henceforth  tell  the  truth.  Let  them  de- 
clare to  the  world,  that  they  can  have 
full  liberty  to  think  and  act  for  them- 
selves, providing  they  do  not  think  and 
act  in  opi)osilion  to  Campbellism;  for  if 
they  do,  ihey  will  destroy  them  if  they 
can,  and  then  they  will  tell  the  truth. 

Tho  book  of  Mormon,  then,  has  re- 
vealed the  secrets  of  Campbellism,  and 
unfolded  the  end  of  the  system.  Eve- 
ry eye  may  see,  and  every  heart  un- 
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  Flerod; 
he  says,  "God  smote  him,  the  worms 
eat  him;  but  the  word  of  God  grew  and 
multiplied."     So  say  we  of  Campbell-' 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


489 


ism:  God  has  smitten  it,  lying  and  har- 
lots have  wasted  it;  but  the  word  of 
God  grows  and  multiplies. 

AVe  are  well  aware  that  we  have 
Written  in  great  plainness;  but  we  are 
also  satisfied  that  we  were  called  upon 
lo  do  so,  il  is  a  duty  we  owe  to  our- 
selves and  family,  as  well  as  to  the 
caints  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 
arc  brutal  in  the  extreme,  and  found 
no  where  but  among  the  most  b^cslh^ 
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; 
notwithstanding  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  llieir  fathers  were 
persecuted. 

And  as  our  periodical  is  intended  for 
n  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 
Jeave  for  the  present. 

SIDNEY  RIGDON. 


KiRTLAKD,  Dec  8tii,  183G. 
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. 

I  left  this  place  on  the  10th  of  May 
last;  aiifl  at  11  o'clock  A.  M.  the  same 
day  1  left  I'airport  in  a  steam  boat 
bound  for  Bullalo,  where  I  arrived  the 
next  morning. 

From  that  place  I  passed  on  to  the 
east  preaching  where  their  dof)rs  were 
open;  and  l)apll/,ii)g  f(jr  the  remission 
<if  sins,  such  as  believed  with  all  the 
heart. 

June  13th  I  arrived  at  Saekells  Har- 


bor, where  1  found  brethren  Luke 
Johnson  and  Orson  Pratt,  labormg 
with  their  mights,  for  the  cause  of 
God. 

Those  Elders  who  have  been  travel- 
ing among  strangers,  in  disJant  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  sieamer  United 
States  to  Ogdensburgh,  where  leaving 
the  river,  1  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  1 
told  them  to  call  in  their  neighbors,  and 
I  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  v.'ith  those  who 
were  eager  to  hear  the  sound  of  the  gos- 
pel The  second  morning  ;hey  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,  tho}'  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  tor  the  remis- 
sion of  their  sins,  and  laio  on  the 
hands  for  the  reception  of  the  Holy 
Ghost,  and  truly  the  pronuse  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  thoncc  I  passed  on  to  the  city 
of  Plaltsburgh,  where  I  staid  all  i.ight 
with  a  Mr.  Mansfield,  they  were  very 
friendly,  ami  entertained  me;  may  the 
Lordn;uard  them  for  their  kindness. 
From  there  I  went  in  a  steam  boat  into 
Vermont,  and  landing  at  St.  Albions,  I 
passed  on  to  Bakerslield  to  visit  my 
friends. 

1  was  absent  from  Ogdensburgh  a- 
bout  five  weeks,  travelling  through  va- 
rious parts  of  Vermont;  and  in  my 
tour  1  visited  a  settlement  on  the  top  o( 
tiie  mountain  called  Wright's  settle- 
ment, and  some  were  quite  belicivino'. 
On  my  return  to  Ogdensburgh,  I  slop- 
ed at  Potsdam,  where  1  found  Islder  S. 
Foster.     I   preached   there   once,  and 


440 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


eight  or  nin&  bore  testimony  to  the 
truth  of  the  gospel  which  I  declared: 
From  there  I  went  to  Ogdeusburgh  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  and  patriarchal 
blessings  under  the  hands  of  President 
Joseph  Smith,  sen.  On  Sunday  the 
28th,  fa'her  John  Smith  preached  at 
10  A.  M.  and  i'our  of  us  bore  testimo- 
ny to  the  Book  of  Mormon.  In  the  af- 
ternoon we  administered  the  sacrament, 
confirmed  three  who  had  been  bapti- 
zed, and  blessed  the  children.  Mon- 
day 29th,  we  having  ordairted  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  thf'n  returned  to  Ogdensbuvgh 
called  the  church  together,  which  then 
numbered  16,  and  bid  them  larevvell. 
I  left  the  church  rejoicing  in  the  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  gone 
nearly  five  m.onths,  visited  many  of 
my  friends,  preached  much  and  bapti- 
zed twenty.  The  Lord  was  with  me 
and  blessed  me,  and  confirmed  the 
word  with  signs  following.  Amen. 
Yours,  as  ever. 

H.  C.  KIMBALL. 


Kirlland,  Dec.  30,  1836. 
Pros.  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,  and  given    mo  power  over 


much  and  heavy  opposition;  for  I  hav^ 
often  met  with  it,  especially  among  the 
priests,  that  wear  l«uig  faces.  I  have 
travelled  about  1600  miles,  back  and 
forth;  preached  220  sermons;  obtained 
20  sub>cribers  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 
gaining  ground  fast  wherever  I  have 
travelled;  and  I  have  often  hadcalls  for 
preaching  20  and  30  miles  off,  in  every 
direction;  and  had  about  six  to  where  I 
could  fill  one.  I  wish  the  Elders  trav- 
elling east,  would  call  and  visit  my  bre- 
thren, and  sp'read  the  word  of  lii'e  still 
more  thoroughl}'  through  that  country. 
Yours  in  the  bonds  of  the  everlast- 
ing covenant. 

ERASTUS  SNOW. 


Extract  from  the  prcceedings  of  a 
general  conference  held  on  Damond^s 
creek,  Callmuciy  County,  Kentucky;, 
Sept.  2,  1836. 

Elders  Present. 

President  T.  B.   Marsh, 

Preside  nt  D.   W.   Patten, 

Councellor  Groves, 

Elder  Wilford   Woodruff, 

Elder  A.  O.  Smoot, 

Elder  Daniel  Cathcart. 

President  Marsh  was  duly  called  to 
the  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  was  motioned,  seconded  and  car- 
ried, that  Presidents  Marsh  and  Patten 
write  to  the  Presidents  of  the  seventies, 
requesting  6  faithful  laborers  to  be 
sent  from  their  Quorums  into  this  part 
of  the  country  to  fill  the  pressing  calls 
fo)'  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  ADVOCATE. 


441 


a  monthly  periodical  large  enough  to 
contain  the  letters  from  the  Elders  a- 
broad  at  full  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  fuither 
resolvi  d,  that  whereas.  Elders  Patten, 
Wood  run'  and  others,  are  about  to  leave 
this  region  of  country.  Presidents  Pat- 
ten and  Marsh  write  also,  to  the  Pres- 
idency of  the  Highpricsthood  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  several 
branches. 

A  short  address  was  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  |)roceedings  of  all  courts 
and  conferences  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  in  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  confercncft  &c.  agreable  to  tiro 
articles  and  coven'ants. 

Wherefore,  J.  F.  Lane  was  ap- 
pointed clerk  and  ordnined  to  the  ofiico 
of  elder.  Br.  Alexander  i-elinquishcd 
the  clerk's  seat  and  Br.  Lane  took  it. 
Also,  Benjamin  Clapp  and  Randolph 
Alexander  were  ordained  to  the  office 
of  l^'.lder,  all  under  the  hands  of  D.  W. 
Patten.  Also  Lindsey  Brady  was  or- 
dained to  the  office  of  de;icon  under 
the  hands  of  priest  Isaiah  Benton. 

In  the  after  part  of  the  day,  coun- 
cellor  Groves  delivered  an  address  on 
the  dispensation  of  the  fulnessof  times, 
who  was  followed  by  President  I\]arsli 
on  the  same  subject  On  trie  next  day, 
which  was  the  ISabbatli,  President  Pat- 
ten preached  to  a  very  large  and  at- 
tentive congregation,  and  dur'.ng  the 
intermission  5  were  baptized  under  his 
hands.  In  the  after  jjart  of  the  day. 
President  Marsh  delivered  an  address, 
and  conncf'llor  Groves  administered 
the  sacrament,  and  confirmed  the  per- 
sons baptized,   who  received  the  spirit, 


after  which  the  conference    adjourned 
■ti7ie  die. 

THOMAS  B.  MARSH,  Ch'n. 
Johnston  F.   Lane,    Clerk. 


We  would  inform  the  public  that  for 
certain  reasons,  which  v/ill  hereafter 
be  satisfactorily  explained,  the  Kirtland 
Safety  Society  have  seen  fit  to  annul 
the  old  constitution,  and  adopt  the  fol- 
lowing 

ARTICLES  OF  AGREEMENT. 
Minutes  of  n  meeting  of  the  members 

of  the   ''•'■Kirtland    Safety  Society," 

held  on  the  2d  day  of  January,  1837. 

At  a  special  meeting  of  the  Kirtland 
Safety  Society,  tv.-o  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 
tiie  object  of  the  meeting  explained  by 
the  chairman;  which  was: 

1st.  To  annul  the  old  constitution, 
which  was  adopted  by  the  so<;iety,  on 
the  2d  day  of  J>Jovember,  1836:  which 
was,  on  motion,  by  the  unanimous  voice 
of  the  meeting,  annulled. 

2nd.  To  adopt  Articles  of  Agree- 
ment, by  which  the  Kirtland  Safety 
Society  are  to  be  governed. 

After  much  discussion  and  investi- 
gation, the  following  Preamble  and  Ar- 
ticles 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 
different  occu[)ations,  which  consist  in 
asriculture,  mechanical  arts,  and  mer- 
chandising;  do  hereby  lorm  ourselves 
into  a  firm  or  company  for  the  before 
mentioned  objects,  by  the  name  of  tiie 
"Kirtland  Safety  Society  Anti-Banking 
Company,"  and  for  the  proper  man- 
agement of  said  firm,  we  individually 
and  jointly  enter  into,  and  adopt,  tho 
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 
mny  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-twf)  mai;agers,  to  be 
ciiosen  annually  by,  and  from  among 
tho  members  cf  the  same;  each  mem- 
ber being  entillfd  to  one  vote  for  each 


m 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


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 
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 an4  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  ihe  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 
in  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  he  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 
serai-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.  13th.  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- 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


44S 


dividually  bind  ourselves  to  each  other 
under  the  penal  sunn  of  one  hundred 
thousand  dollars.  In  witness  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 
themselres,  and  appointing  their  wise 
men,  for  the  purpose  of  buiidinfr  up 
Zion  and  her  Stakes.  It  is  wisdom  and 
according  to  the  mind  of  the  Holy  S[)ir- 
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  siyings  of  the 
prophet  Isaiah,  contained  in  the  60th 
chapter,  and  more  particularly  the  9th 
and  17th  verses,  which  are  as  follov/s: 
"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 
nut  rest,  until  the  righteousness  thereof 
go  forth  as  brightness,  and  the  salvation 
thereof  as  a  lamp  that  burneth. 

.1.  SMITH  jr. 


Minutes  of  a  ConfereiN'ce,  held  in 
THE  House  of  the  Lord,  on  the 
22d  DAY  OF  December,  183G. 

Tho  authorities  of  the  church  being 
present;  viz:  the  first  Presidency,  the 
High  Council  of  Kirtland,  the  (|Uoruin 
of  the  Twelve,  the  Presidents  of  the 
Seventies,  the  President  of  tlie  I'^lders 
and  Ids  counsellors,  and  many  other 
official  meml)ers,  such  as  Priests, 
Teachers,  Deacons,  (Sec: — The  house 
was  called  to  order,  and  the  following 
motions    wcro    rnado,    seconded,    and 


carried  by  the  unanimou.3  voicfl  of  the 
Assembly. 

1st,  That  it  has  been  the  case,  that 
a  Tcry  improper  and  unchristian-like 
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:  vrhere- 
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  aerious 
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  sufl'ercd  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- 
[)are  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  lantls  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  purcliasc  at 
any  rate;  and  consequently  are  thrown 
into  the  hands  of  speculators,  and  ex- 
torlionors,  with  which  the  Lord  is  not 
well  please;!.  Also,  that  the  churches 
abroad  do  according  to  the  revelation 
contained  in  the  Book  of  Command- 
luenls,  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  prepared  before 


444 


MiESSENGEll  AND  ADVOCATfe. 


you.  And  let  honorable  men  be  ap- 
pointed, even  wise  men,  and  send  them 
to  purchase  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  es.ablish  Zion." 
Pres't  JOSFPH  SMITH, 

Ciiairman-i 
Warren  Paurish,  Clerk. 


KIRTLAND,    OHIO,  JAN.  1837. 

OUR  VILLAGE. 

Nottiinc  can  be  more  gratifying  to 
the  saints  in  this  place  and  their  friends 
and  brethren  abroad  than  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  west  room  of 
the  attic  story  where  they  transact  the 
buisiness  of-  their  particular  quorum, 
speak,  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  by  the  quorum  of  El. 'ors, 
where  they  receive  instruction  and  ad- 
vice from  their  venerable  prosidenland 
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  p'-aise  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  different  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  135  or  40  students  under 
ihe  superintendence  of  H.  M.  Hawes 
Esq.  professor  of  the  Greek  &  Latin 
languages.  The  school  is  properly  divi" 
ded  into  three  departments,  (viZi)  The 
classical,  where  the  languages  only  ate 
taught,  the  English  dej)artment  where 
mathematics,  connnon  Arithmetic,  Gel 
ography,  English  grammar,  writing  arid 
reading  are  taught,  and  the  Juvenile 
department  the  first  principles  and  ru- 
diments of  an  educaiion  are  taught. 
These  tv/o  departments  have  each  an 
instructor  assigned  them.  The  whole 
is  under  the  supervision  of  Mr.  Hawes 
as  principal. 

The  school  commenced  m  Nov.  and 
on  the  first  Wednesday  in  January  the 
several  classes  passed  a  public  exami- 
nation in  presence  of  the  trustees  of  ihe 
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  m  so  greart 
a  number  of  scholars. 

Our  streets  are  continually  thronged 
with  teams  loaded  with  wood,  materials 
for  building  the  ensuing  season,  provis- 
ions for  the  market,  peo|)le  to  trade,  or 
parties  of  pleasure  to  view  our  stately 
and  ma'^nificent  temple.  Althoughour 
po]  ulation  is  by  no  means  as  dense  as 
in  many  villages,  yet  the  number  of  new 
buildings  erected  the  last  season,  those 
now  in  contemplation  and  under  con- 
ract  to  be  built  next  season,  together 
with  our  every  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  ihe  pros 

peels  of  the  present  year. 

If  we  would  not  live  in  vain,  but  pro 
fit  by  every  day's  experience,  we  are 
as  necessaiily  Id  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  are  sure  to 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


-i-Ki 


be  followed  by  the  same  effects.  Idle- 
ness, extravagance  and  folly  arc  pro- 
ductive of  poverty,  wretchedness  and 
shame;  while  on  the  contrary,  indus- 
try, j)rudence  and  economy  tend  direct- 
ly to  wealth  and  honoraijle  distinction. 
In  short,  all  the  vices,  however  popu- 
lar, degrade  their  votaries,  and  sink 
them  in  the  scale  of  brings,  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  cclehrated, 
their  names  live  long  after  their  bodies 
have  mouldcted  back  to  dusr. 

A  round  of  duties,  a  succession  of 
events,  of  causes  and  effects,  have  fil- 
led up  the  history  of  the  past  year  and 
.left  the  contemplative  mind  to  profit 
by  experience,  or  the  one  of  no  retlec- 
tion  to  rush  forward  m  uncertainly,  as 
much  as  if  philosophy  were  never  the 
study  of  man,  or  effect  never  followed 
a  cause.  Hence  the  wretchedness  and 
woe  incident  to  the  human  family. 7 — 
Man  docs  not  reflect,  he  heeds  not  the 
teachings  of  experience;  his  hopes,  al- 
tliough  lallacious,  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  ])ur- 
SMCS  the  same  course  towards  those 
around  him  that  has  always  resulteil  in 
entire  defeat  and  blasted  all  his  formdr 
prospects.  Surely  reflection  is  neces- 
sary; and  well  h-is  the  poet  commend- 
ed in  the  following  lines: 

A  soul  witliout  refloctioii, 
Like   a  pile    without    iiihabitanls,   to   riiiii 
runs. 

It  will  not  only  be  necessary  to  rj- 
flect  on  what  ir.  past,  on  the  failure  of 
our  former  plans  and  opeiations  lo 
produce  that  favorable  result,  that  hap- 
py issue  that  our  fond  hopes  had  anti- 
cipated; but  we  shouUl  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  tlu,'  best  ad- 
vice of  his  friends,  he  has  no  just 
cause  of  com))laint,  if  he  fracture  his 
skull  or  dislocate  his  limbs. 

If  he  be  idle  and  vicious,  poverty, 
wretcliedness  and  guilt  will  be  his  com- 
panions. If  he  be  ignorant  he  is  at 
the  mercy  of  every  knave,  if  he  be 
tyrannical,     obstinate    and    wlful,    he 


may  be  rich,  but  his  friends  will  be 
few,  and  those  few,  will  be  as  far  from 
being  real  friends,  as  they  are  fronri 
being  honest  men  or  men  of  sense. 

Men  may  give  to  tyrants,  and  there- 
by purchase  their  influence  or  their 
silence,  which  is  sometimes  better,  but 
men  of  worth,  of  candor,  of  intelli- 
gence, despise  an  avaricious  tyrant  arftl 
the  fawning  sycophants  tl  at  syrround 
him. 

A  noble,  independent  mind,  weighs 
evidences  and  calculates  consc(|uen- 
ces;  reflects  on  the  past  and  judges  of 
the  future  with  a  pliilosophic  accuracy. 

Elder  Erastus  Snow  writes  us  along 
article,  embracing  the  most  important 
events  which  occurred  in  his  observa- 
tion and  travels,  during  an  absence  of 
several  months  from  this  place.  Th^ 
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  readrs  a 
synopsis. 

It  would  seem  that  the  elder  had  la- 
bored in  the  township  of  Plumb-Creek 
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  2'2d  of  i\ugust  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  ho  was  not  to  be  dc- 
tered  from  his  purpose,  notwithstanding 
as  he  drew  near  the  place,  a  company 
of  30  or  40  made  tlieir  appearance, 
arrred  with  whips  clubs  «Scc.  'Ibis 
company  consisted  (as  says  the  elder) 
of  Roman  Catholicks,  Seceders,  Pres- 
b\  terians,  pedlars,  liars,  drunkards, 
thieves,  t^c.  Thus  we  see  the  materi- 
als of  which  this  heroick,  or  rather 
demoniac  band  were  comjiosed,  yet  not- 
withstanding their  liostility  to  each  oth- 
er, they  could  likc^llerod  and  Pilate 
(for  tlio  time  being  at  least,)  unite  to 
o|)pose  the  delivery  of  the  elders  mcs" 
sago  to  the  people,  according  to  his  ap- 
|iointment,  but,  he  persevered,  preached 
to  those  who  were  willing  to  hear,  and 
ultimately  escaped  personal  injury  all 
their  threats  to  the  contrary  notwith- 
standinnr. 


446 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


The  elder  travelled,  after  the  scene 
we  have  de?;cribed,  in  Pennsylvania  ar.d 
some  in  Ohio  and  returned  here,  in 
December,  having  preached  in  many 
places  «5e  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  vv'ife  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  Lecd'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  G8 
members.  Elder  VVm.  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  iorm  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  Sent,  at  which 


time  Elder  James  Blakesley,  to  my 
great  joy,  came  to  my  assistance.  Eld. 
Biakesly  is  an  able  and  worthy  broth- 
er in  the  ministry.  We  continued  our 
labors  together  until  the  17th  of  Nor. 
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  Biakesly  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  mdes  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  fo 
a])pointment,  Nov.  16,  1836,  composed 
of  the  following  elders:  viz. 

John  E.  Page,  President. 

Joel  Judd, 

Wm.  M.  Weston, 

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. 
A.rza  Judd,    sen.    Lodawick   Ferry, 
Stephen  Chipman,  Zcnus  Lee  and  Da- 
vid Dixon  were  ordained  Deacons. 


Clerks. 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


W 


After  an  adjournment  for  half  an 
hour,  the  Conference  was  re-opened  by 
prayer  by  elder  James  Blakeslcy;  and 
followed  by  an  able  address  from  the 
President,  from  the  2d  Gen.  Epis.  of 
Peter,  chap.  1,  ver.  20:  "Know  this 
first  that  no  pro[)hecy  of  the  scriptures 
is  of  any  private  inierpretation.''  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  Blakeslcy,  after 
which  Eber  Blakesly  and  Benjamin 
Gwright  were  ordained  Elders.  The 
Presioent  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  Hoh^  Ghost  hath  made  you 
overseers,  to  feed  the  church  of  God 
which  he  hath  purchased  with  his  own 
blood.  For  I  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 officers  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  members  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.  Boicc 
actmg  as  Clerk;  Mai  tin  Boice  and  John 
Vanlouven  were  ordained  Teachers, 
and  VV^m.  Bo'ce,  Deacon. 


I  arrived  in  Kirtland  on  the  20th  of 
the  present  month,  and  |)ur[)osc  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  1 
humbly  trust  that  my  brethren  in  the 
ministry  will  not  be  slothful  in  impro- 
ving the  opjiortunity  to  promulgate  the 
trulii,  that  the  blood  of  souls  may  not 
be  found  in  their  garments.  Trulli  is 
triiimphuig;  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  mo.     Yours    in 
Christ. 

JOHN  E.  PAGE. 

Kirtland,  Jan.  24,  1827. 


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  afHicted  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 
v,'ill  not,  hereafter,  take  on?/ letters  from 
the  Post-office,  unless  they  arc  post' 
paid. 

JOSEPH  SMITH,  Jr. 

Kirtland,  Jan.  24,  1637. 


Died  in  this  town,  on  Monday  Oct, 
24th  183G,  after  a  short  illness,  Hazen 
M.  Sweat  aged  two  years  &  fourteen 
days,  and  on  Saturday  tiic  30th  follow- 
ing, Benjamin  W.  Sweat  aged  five 
years  six  months  and  six  days.  These 
were  the  only  children  of  Benjamin  and 
VaIc  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  I>yon 
was  far  on  llie  declivity  of  life  and  has 
left  the  partner  of  her  youthful  days, 
a   family  of  children   and  a   circle  of 


■j4d 


MESSEiVGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


friends  to  dpplore  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  want  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- 
ring the  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  t"or 
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,  S3^mpathy  for  our  sufferings, 
and  to  forgiveness,  as  we  forgive  those 
who  trespass  against  us.  With  these 
few  remarks,  we  close  what  we  have  to 
say  by  v/ay  of  apology,  and  greet  our 
friends  and  patrons  with  our  good  wish- 
es and  a  happy  new  year.  W. 


A  NE^v/  YEARS'  SONG, 

BY  P.   r.  PKATT. 

This  morning  in  silence  I  ponder  and  mourn, 
O'er  the  scenes  that  have  passed  no  more  to  return, 
Ho  w-  vr.st  r.ro  the  labors,  the  troubles  and  foars, 
Of  eigh!  hundred  millions,  who've  toii'd  through  the 
ye;:r. 

How  many  ten  thousands  were  slain  by  their  foes. 
While  widows  and  trphans  have  mourned  o'er  their 

woesj 
While  pestilence,  famine  and  earthquakes  appear, 
And  signs  in  the  heavens,  throughout  the  past  year. 

How  hiany  been  murder'd  and  plundcr'd  and  robb'd, 
JIow  many  oppressed  and  driven  by  mobs, 
How  oft  have  the  heaven's  bedewed  with  their  tears 
The  earth,  o'er  the  scenes  they  beheld  the  past  year. 

But  the  day-star  has  uawn'd  o'er  the  land  of  the  bless'd. 
The  first  beams  ofmcriiini,  the  morning  of  rest; 
\Mien  cleans'd  from  pollution,  the  earth  shallappear 
As  the  garden  of  Eden,  and  peace  crown  the  year. 

Then  welcome  the  new  year,  I  hail  with  delight, 
The  season  approaching  with  time's  rapid  flight; 
while  each  fleeting  moment    brings  near  and  n  ore 

near. 
The  day,  long  expected,  the  great  thousand  years. 

I  praise  and  adore  the  eternal  I  Am; 

Kosanna,  hosanna  to  God  and  the  Lamb,' 

Who  order  the  seasons  that  ylide  o'er  the  spheres. 

And  crown  with  such  blessings,ea;h  happy  new  year' 


Hill 


AND 


THE  LATTER  DAY  SAINTS' 

Messenger  and  Advocate, 

Is  printed  and  published  every  month  at  Kirtland 
Geauga  Co.  Ohio,  by 

OLIVER  COWD^RT  &   CO. 

EDITORS    AND  PROPRIETORS, 

Al  S  1,  per  an.  in  advance.  Every  person  promring 
ten  new  subscribers,  mid  forwarding-  %  10,  current 
money,  shall  be  eniilled  lo  a  paper  one  year,  gratis. 

All  letters  to  the  Editors    must  be 

ZD- POST  PAID,  j:^ 

No  subscription  zeill  be  received  for  a  less  term  than  one 
year,  and  no  paper  discontinued  till  all  arrearages  are 
paid,  except  at  the  option  of  the  puhliskers. 


0.  COWDEM  &  CO. 

DEALERS  IN 

AND  WRAPPING  PAPER. 
|0lsfu  aiiti  ©ntantental 


CARDS,  BLANKS,  |  HAND-BILLS, 
CHECKS,  NOTES,  |  SHOW-BILLS, 
DRAFTS,  I       Lx\BELS, 

Together  icith  Book,  and  every  other 
description  of  Printing;  as  also  Blank 
Books  of  all  kinds  executed  in  a  supe- 
rior style,  on  short  notice. 

fi'c  "toe  unci. 


MESSENGER  AND  STAR, 

Bound  together,  or  in  separ-ate  volumes, 
can  be  had  at  this  office. 


LAT 


DAY  FAINTS' 


MSi§;§Ej\l^i:M  AN'D  ADVOCATE. 


voT,.  in.  No.  .51     laim^ND^rHio,  February,  1837.  whoie  No.  [29. 


For  tiie  Messenger  and  Advocate. 
*^For  ice  icnik  by  faith,  not  by  sight.'" 
2d  COR.  5 — 7. 
Who  can  peruse  tlie  sacred  records, 
containing  an  account  of  the  travels, 
precepts  and  lives  of  the  ancient  saints, 
— with  an  honest  heart  before  God, — 
vviihont  having  tiieir  minds  impressed 
with  the  sacred  truth  lliat  tliev  "walk- 
ed by  faith,  not  hy  sight."  VVhcn  the 
inspired  penman  presented  the  above 
declaration  to  his  Corinthian  brethren, 
his  soul  was  filled  with  a  subject  that 
had  engrossed  the  attention  of  all  inspi- 
red men  from  the  days  of  Adam  until 
the  present  time;  and  will  continue  to 
Le  a  theme  on  which  the  saints  will  de- 
light to  dwell,  until  "mortal  puts  on 
immortality  and  death  is  swallowed  up 
of  life." 

Perhaps  there  is  no  saying  in  the 
bible,  that  will  more  universally  apply 
to  the  saints  of  God  in  every  age  of 
the  world,  tlian  the  one  above  quoted: 
St.  Paul,  the  author  of  these  words, 
possessed  the  same  principle,  and  was 
dictated  by  the  same  s|)irit,  while  call- 
ing upon  his  Hebrew  brethren,  and  set- 
ting before  them  the  evidences  of  faith 
and  the  history  of  the  ancients,  the 
victories  they  won,   and   the    blcssinr^s 


lands,  wives  and  children,  and  erea 
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  tiied  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,  whose 
right  it  is  to  reign." 

To  the  reflecting  mind  it  is  at  onca 
instructive  and  interesting, and  teaches 
an  important  lesson,  to  peruse  and  cou- 
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  true 
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 
received  while  "walking  by  faith,    not  I  follow  the  examples  of  those  who  hare 


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- 
phets and  Apostles,  while  perusing  their 
lives  and  vieuing  their  integrity  before 
God,  in  obeying  his  commandments, 
maintaining  his  cause,  kcepiog  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  difiicultics  and  tlie 
most  appalling  flangers,  that  could  pos- 
sibly be  prcs'jntcd  to  the  natural  view; 
notwithstanding  this,  they  walked  by 
faith,  maintained  their  integrity,  proved 
t!:eir  God,  and  fuuf.d  deliverance.  Was, 
or  will  there  ever  be  an  age  of  the 
world,  when  there  are  saints  on  the 
cnrth  that  are  fit  subjects  for  the  c^'Ies- 
tial  kingdom,  whose  faith  lias  not  been 
tried  to  the  utmost,  even  trials  that 
would  fall  nothing  short  of  sacrificing 
their  good    namrs,    their    houses   and 


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, b}'  selling  ihcm,    as  did  F^sau. 

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  da3's,  be  en- 
couraged by  the  same  cloud  of  witness- 
es? It  is  possible  we  may  have  mora 
testimony  than  was  presented  to  them: 
I)id  they  have  the  privilege  of  perusing 
the  account  of  an  Enoch  and  Elijali 
being  translated  by  faith,  or   a  NoaJi 


4bQ 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


building  an  ark  lo  save  himself  and 
family;  or  Lot  leaving  the  cities  of 
wickedness;  for  his  deliverance;  or  an 
Elisha  smilingthe  floods  of  Jordan  with 
a  mantle,  crying,  where  is  the  Lord 
God  of  Elijah,  when  the  waters  yielded 
to  his  faith;  or  a  Daniel  thriHt  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)  which 
contains  facts  of  equal  interest  for  our 
benefit.  There  is  no  man  that  search- 
es the  book  of  Mormon,  with  a  mind 
filled  with  ijrejudice,  with  no  other  mo- 
tive in  view  than  searching  for  iniquity, 
that  is  capable  of  knowing  it';  value  or 
judging  of  its  worth.  But  let  an  indi- 
vidual, seeking  for  light  and  truth,  read 
those  sacred  pages,  wilh  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,  v.ill  piove  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  cuise  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  beoii 
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, 
theV  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  allthe  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  blovv;  and  every  engine  of  falsehood 
was  put  in  operation,  because  a  man  .of 
God  had  prevailed  with  the  heavens. — 
Notwithstanding  the  stone  at  this   lime 
was  as  small  as    the    mustard   seed,  it 
was  not  too  small  to  roll;  and  tlie  sound 
of  its  march  hath  already  echoed    be- 
yond the  bounds   of   America.     What 
if  honest  poverty  has  had  in  thi?  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  not;  and  in   the  pres- 
ence of  every  beholder,  these  v\'eapons 
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  bv  faitli   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    placesi 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


Avherc  tliey  have  been  called,  not  de- 
serting each  othei"  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- 
ation, 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  they  themselves  had  abeam 
in  th.eir  own  e3e,  and  were  i.nwise,  not 
knov.'ing  the  scriptures,  neither  God, 
neither  understood  they  his  counsel. — 
PiUt  how  changed  the  i-ccnc;  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  box,  ihc  jii'ne 
and  ihofir  tree  shall  stand  to  beautify 
the  place  of  God's  sanctuary,  and  to 
make  the  place  of  liis  feet  glorious, 
which  will  be  pcrfes'icd  through  the  in- 
strumentality of  the  faithful  saints  "by 
faith  and  not  by  sight." 

Way  the  elders  of  Israel  never  lose 
thei"  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  t!ie  inhabitants  of 
Zion  and  her  slakes,  and  tl'ose  scatter- 
ed abioad,  who  will  obey  the  com- 
mands of  God  they  have  received  froni 
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 frf'm  his  indignation  upon  the  wick- 
ed; for  the  truths  of  tlicvc  books  will 
stand,  while  jicstilence,  famine,  sword 
and  fire  will  carry  woe  in  their  marcli. 

w  wooDiiui-r. 


One  Lord,  one  faiili,  one  lap/isni. — 
EriM-.KiANS,  4th:  5. 

The  epistle,  of  which  our  text  forms 
a  part,  as  well  as  all  others  that  wero 
cictated  by  that  eminently  usefid  man, 
the  o|)ostle  Paul,  were  replete  with  that 


instruction,  which  the  saints  in  his  day, 
needed  to  guide  and  direct  them.  We 
may  form  some  idea  of  the  peculiar 
fitness  of  such  instruction  at  that  time, 
v/hen  we  consider,  that  there  were  va- 
rious orders  of  religionists  then  in  the 
world;  and  it  is  but  just  to  conclude 
the}'  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  immortality  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,  previoush^  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  the  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  tliat,  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  mayjii-ily  conclude  that  as 
the  church  ^vas  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  subse(pient  periods  to  the  present 
time,  there  were,    and  are    still,  IhosQ 


499 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


wh»  worship  other  beings  than  the 
God  of  heaven.  The  apostle  knew 
full  well  that  such  v.-orship  v.as  not  ac- 
ceptable in  the  sight  of  God.  He  also 
kneu'  as  well  that  if  they  essayed  to 
worship  the  true  and  living  God,  but 
did  not  cump'y  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- 
yiction  that  it  was  right.  But  his  sin- 
cerity did  not  justify  his  acts  in  the 
sight  ot  God,  nor  in  the  least  palliate 
his  crime. 

We  shall  here  notice  that  Paul,  nre- 
Tious  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  da}^  But  the  Lord  showed  him 
the  error  of  his  way,  and  that  with  all 
his  zeal,  and  all  his  prayers,  he  was 
fighting  agaiti&t  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 
therefore,  notice  the  case  of  Cornelius 
as  recorded  in  the  tenth  chanter  of  the 
acts  of  the  apostles.  Now  this  "Cor- 
nelius v/as  a  devout  man,  and  (the  sa- 
cred penman  says,)  feared  God  with 
all  his  house;  he  gave  much  alms  to 
the  people  and  orayed  to  God  alway." 
Let  us  mark  the  expressions,  '-he  v/as 
a  devout  man,  l^eared  God  with  all  his 
house,  gave  much  alms  to  the  people 
and  prayed  to  God  alway."  Surely  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  Sirnon  Petsr,  who  was 
lodged  in  the  house  of  one  Simon,  a 
tanner,  whose  house  was  by  the  sea 
side.  This  same  Peter  told  him  what 
he  ought  to  do:  Had  Cornelius  ought 
to  do  any  thing  different  or  more  than 
he  had  done?  He  had  prayed  smce re- 
ly and  devoutly;  he  had  feared  God 
with  all  his  house,  had  doubtless  been 
Kbdral  in  alms  to  tho  poor,  and  more 


tlian  all  these,  the  Lord  himself  seni 
an  angel  to  tell  him  what  he  must  do. 
This  legate  of  the  skies  directed  him 
to  send  for  Peter,  who  when  he  came, 
preached  unto  him  Jesus,  and  baptized 
him.  Why,  we  ask,  did  it  become  ne- 
cessary to  be  baptized?  lie  had  prayed 
devoutly  and  sincerely,  given  alms  to 
ibe  poor,  feared  God  v/i'h  all  his  house? 
and  the  Lord  had  sent  a  heavenly  mes- 
senger to  visit  him;  could  any  thing 
m.ore  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,  v.'e  v/ould  not  be  thus  presumptu- 
()Us.  Hence,  with  the  greatest  prepri" 
ety  might  the  apostle  urge  the  words  of 
our  text,  there  is  one  Lord,  one  faith, 
one  baptism,  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 
tl'ic  facts  recorded  concerninsr  them  arft 

o 

with  us  beyond  cavil  or  controversy. 

From  tie  history  of  these  men  we 
learn,  first,  that  sincerity,  zf  al,  pray- 
ers and  alms,  would  not  ingratiate  a 
man  into  favor  with  the  King  of  heav- 
en, while  he  lived  in  the  omission  of 
the  duties  God  had  pointed  out  for  hi«> 
to  do.  This  was  no  trifling  business, 
the  salvation  of  the  soul  was  concern- 
ed; and  more  than  all,  the  character  oi 
God  was  concerned.  If  any  other  plan 
were  fit,  oi  sufficient,  then  it  follows, 
that  the  gospel  plan  was  not  the  best, 
or  at  least,  no  better  than  some  olher, 
which  at  once  impeaches  the  wisdom 
of  Omnipotence,  and  destroys  all  con- 
fidence in  his  word.  Secondly,  we 
learn,  that  there  were  only  certain  ones 
authorized  to  adtninislcr  the  ordinances 
which  God  ordained  in  his  church,  and 
that  when  those  ordinances  were  ad- 
ministered by  those  he  had  chosen  and 
set  aside  for  that  purpose,  and  in  the 
way  he  had  pohitcd  out,  certain  effects 
followed.  These  efiects  served  to  in- 
crease the  faith  of  the  apostles  and  in- 
spire them  with  greater  confidence  in 
their  divine  Master,  because  they  saV 
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   wrot« 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


<S8 


from  its  influences,  for   the    scriptures  pious  individuals  we   have    mentioned, 

say,  that  holy  men  spake  as  they  were  could  be  saved   without  a  strict  compli- 

moved  by  the  Holy  Ghost;  and  that  all  ancc  with  the  requisitionsof  the  gospel, 

scripture  given  hy  inspiration   of  God  Therefore,  as  there  is    but    one   Lord, 


is  profitable  for  doctrine,  for  reproof, 
for  correction  and  for  instruction  in 
righteousness,  tliat  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 
iniplicitlv  followed  to  the  exclusion  o! 
any,  and  all  others,  (or  the  reason  that 
there  was  but  one  Lord,  one  faith,  and 
one  bapHsin,  that  were  acceptable  with 
him. 

We  also  learn,   thirdly,  that  there  is 
no  other  gospel,  no  other  God,  no  other 
Savior  than  tise  ones  Paul  proachc'd. — 
\Vhat  then  shall   we  say  to   those  who 
teach  differently  from  the  apostles,  ma- 
king some  thing-?  essential    and  others 
■which   were  once  enforced  with    equal 
authority  upon  the  churches,  non-essen- 
tial?     \Vill  they   contend    tlnit  it  is  the 
same  gospel,  or  that    Gorl  himself  has 
changed?      Certainly    botli   cannot  be 
true.     Can  thoy  contend  tiiat  they  have 
that  spirit  which    leads   into    all    truth, 
when  they  difier  so  widely  from    each 
other?     IIow  do  the  various  modes    of 
baptism,  the    diuerent    sentiments   and 
the     diii^jrent    practices,     now    extant, 
comport  with    the    words  of  our    te.\f, 
one   Lord,  one  failft,  and  one  baptism? 
Surelv  they  are    a    fearcful    comment 
upon  the  commands  of  God!    We  there- 
fore come  irresistibly  to  the  conclusion, 
that  the   sectarian    world    may   all   be 
wrong,  and  that  it  is  absolutely  certain 
they  cannot  all  [)c  right.      We  are  sen- 
sible   the    scriptures    and  the  light  we 
have   received,  lead  to   uni)opular  con- 
clusions, but  God  forbid  that  v/e  should 
seek  to  j)leix-se    men,    or  court  the    a[)- 
plause  of  the  world;  we  h:id  rather  Ic'll 
the  truth,  and  be  preachers  of  that  gos- 
pel, which  the  apo.-tle  preached,  which 
was  a[»probated  by  the    author    of   our 
existence.     Nootiier  will  save  men,  no 
other  will  do  ihcm  good,  and    no   other 
will  have  the  same  eflects.     Say  not  to 
us  that  it  is  the  same  gospel  when  (j.xl 
is  the  same,    for    most    as:;uredlv    the 


one  fail  ji  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. 
'■'■Siirehi  the  Lord  God  udll  do  no- 
thing  but  he  revealeth  his  secrets  unto 
his  servants  the  frophetsy 

Amos,  3:  7. 
The   author  of  these  words    is  on» 
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  who  spake  and  wrote  as  they 
were  moved  upon  by  the   Holy  Ghost. 
And  ahhough  his  style  is    not  marked 
with  that  flowing  eloquence,  that  char- 
acterizes the   writings  of  some  of   his 
cotemporaries,  )'et  they  are  clear,  spe- 
cific '.nd  sublime.  He  was  found  among 
the  herdmenof  Tekoah  in  the  days  of 
'Jzziah    king   of  Judah,    about   seven 
hundred  and  eighty-seven  years  before 
Christ;  in  this    hunjble  occupation   he 
did  not  possess   the    advantages  of  an 
[saiah,    who   was   brought    up    in  the 
school  of  the  propliets,  and  learned  in 
all  the    wisdom   of  tlie  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- 
icristic  of  Him,    who  touched   his  lips 
with  hallowed  fire.    But  however,  when 
we  care'ully  examine  the  writings    of 
the   holy  prophets,  and  compare  thcra 
with  each  other,  a  perfect  harmony  will 
be  found  to  exist;  they  were  all  anima- 
ted by  the  same    spirtt,  using  their  ut- 
most cxeitions  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  sul)ject  contained  in  the 
words  of   the    prophet    before   quoted; 


and  see  whether  (rod  has  varied  from 
same  cause  would  produce  the  same  cf-i  the  rule  by  him  laid  down,  and  if  tho 
focts.  Tell  us  not  of  your  piety,  y<'urj  i'aet  can  be  ascertained  that  lie  has,  wo 
alms,  your  sincerity,  your  zeal  or  your  I  shall  of  necessity  be  compelled  to  strik* 
prayers.     Neither  of  those   illustrious;  Amos  from  the  list  of  God's  propbeti, 


^H 


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  t'onTied  of  the  dust 
of  the  ground  and  breathed  into  hi-i 
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  kingf^um  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  knovvledge  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 
inconsequence  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;  wc  will  come  to  the  final 
gvefthrow  and  deiolatiou  of  the  ante-^ 


diluvian  world:  and  here  permit  me  to 
ask  a  question;  did,  or  could,  the  Lord 
in  justice  sweep  the  earth  vith  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,  ond  placed 
lights  in  the  firmament  of  heaven  to 
rule  the  day  and  night,  and  spoke  into 
existence  a  being  in  his  own  image  anJ 
likeness,  with  power  to  rule  at  hi® 
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  tl:^s  situation,  no 
marvel  that  God  should  pronounce  them 
all  very  good.  But  how  difierent  the 
language  of  the  great  Jehovah  at  this 
time  to  his  servant  Noah;  all  flesh,  said 
he,  have  corrupted  their  way  before 
me,  the  ear'di  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  repenfeth  me  that  I  have  made  them. 

Noah  was  a  man  of  God,  a  preacher 
of  righteousness,  and  found  grace  in 
the  eyes  of  his  Rlnker,  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  ihose  that 
believed.  ■  Are  we  not  warranted  in 
sa3Mng  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 whicU  i=<  by  faith."     Who  cannot 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


455 


see  that  it  was  not  for  want  of  laith  in 
the  revelations  of  their  progenitors  ihat 
they  wore  deslrojed,  but  for  disregard- 
ing the  testimony  of  him  who  stood  in 
tlieir  midst,  to  whom  God  h:id  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  thinivs  that  the  Lord  has  now 
shown  to  me.  Is  it  not  evident,  then, 
that  however  implicitly  they  migiit 
have  believed  and  obeyed  all  the  for- 
mer revelations  of  God,  an  unbelief  in 
the  testimony  of  Noah  was  sutlicient  to 
overthrow  and  destroy  them,  for  he  con- 
domncd  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 ciironology,  biograpjiy,  manners 
and  cusfon^s,  statistics,  '  governments, 
and  the  rise  and  fall  of  kingdoms,  na- 
tions and  empires.  It  is  divided  and 
subdivided  into  as  many  diflcrent  heads 
as  we  have  mentioned,  but  the  two 
grand  divisions  arc  into  ancient  and 
modern. 

Ancient  history  embraces  that  period 
of  time  which  chipscd  from  the  crea- 
tion to  the  fall  of  the  western  em|)ire  of 
the  Romans,  and  the  final  subjugation 
of  Italy  by  the  Lombards,  a  period  of 
4430  years.  Liltlc  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  soi'ie- 
ty  was,  what  its  improvcmants  v/ere  be- 
fore the  flood,  we  know  not.  but  near- 
ly all  we    do  know  is  tliat  it    embraced 

period  of  about  IO.jG  yeais  The 
most  authentic  history  wc  have  of 
events  that  transpired  immediately  sub- 
sequent to  tlie  deluge  is  also  that  re- 
corded by  Moses.  That  gives  us  the 
manners,  custon)s,  laws  and  regula- 
tions distinctly,  of  but  one  nation. — 
Others  are  mentioned  incidentally  or 
iiitroducerl  partially  and  collaterally  as 
seemed  n«'C(!ssary  to  delineate  the  char- 
acter, describe  the  manners  and  cus- 
toms and  portray  the  events  that  oc- 
curred among  the  Hebrews,  as  they 
wero  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 
Nincvah,  which  became  the  capital  of 
the  Assyrian  empire. 

Ninus  the  son  of  Belus  and  his  queen, ^ 
Semiramis  are  said  to  have  raised  the 
Assyrian  emiure  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.  Tiie  governments  of 
these  nations  were  monarchies,  but 
that  of  the  Hebrews  in  the  earliest  pe- 
riods of  tlieir  history,  was  patriarclral. 

The  idea  of  conquest  appears  to  have 
grown  out  of  the  conilic.ing  interests 
oi'the  she[)herd  kings:  and  from  what 
wc  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  ^e\v  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  the  great- 
er probability  is,  their  government  was 
more  or  less  absolute  according  to  the 
temper  and  disposition  of  the  reigning 
monarch,  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,  tVom 
necessity,  even  before  the  flood,  and 
Tubal-Cain,  the  great  grandson  of  Ad- 
am was  aa  instructor  of  artilicers  in 
brass  and  iron. 

We  shall  now  notice  some  of  the 
larger  kingdoms;  governments  and  na- 
tions as.  wo  pass,  and  as  their  history 
is  more  or  less  interwoven  and  identi- 
fied witii  that  of  the  Hebrews,  to  whon) 
God  gave  revelaticns,  laws  and  rulers, 

J"^gypt  being  the  first  considerable 
and  powerful  government  will  deserve 
a  passing  notice  in  our  next.         Ed, 


YOUNG  MEN  OF  KIRTLAND, 
Permit  mc,  through  the  medium  of 
the  Messenger  and  Advocate,  to  address 
you  in  a  familiar  and  friendly  manner, 
upon  a  subject,  which, — however  inuch 
you  may  think  to  the  contrary, — de- 
mands your  most   serious,    candid  nnd 


«&6 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


undirided  attention;  I  mean  the  culti- 
Tfttion  of  the  mind. 

That  ignorance  is  the  foundation  or 
source  of  7nuch,  if  not  all  misery,  the 
history  of  past  ages  most  clearly  evin- 
ces. Indeed,  were  each  individual  to 
consult  his  own  experience,  or  extend 
his  researches  through  the  vast  expanse 
©f  human  intelligence  for  proof  in  point, 
he  would  only  learn,  that  a  knowledge 
•f  every  fact  possible,  whether  relating 
to  occorrences  in  the  moral  or  physical 
■world,  is  essentially  necessary  to  the 
happiness  and  enjoyment  of  mankmd, 
and  that  in  proportion  as  ignorance 
abounds,  vice  and  wretchedness  must 
increase  also. 

It  is  an  erro'r  which  perhaps  may 
take  years  to  eradicate  from  the  minds 
•f  many  that  our  present  school  sys- 
tems are  the  only  mediums  through 
which  instruction  or  educiition  may  be 
obtained;  whereas  it  ought  to  be  gen- 
erally understood,  that,  though  com- 
mon schools  are  ot  vast  utility,  the  man 
who  would  be  zci-'ie,  must  be  in  a  great- 
er or  less  degree  essentially  and  posi- 
tirely  his  own  preceptor.  There  nev- 
er yet  existed  a  learned  man  who  v/as 
Bot  a  prodigy  of  industry  and  economy 
in  time  saving. 

You  would  esteem  him  a  dull  schol- 
ar indeed,  who,  although  he  might  be 
•apable  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, 
•trange  as  it  may  appear.,  learning,  in 
the  present  day,  is  made  to  consist  of 
»uch  the  same  materials. 

Young  men  of  Kirtland,  this  will  not 
do.  We  must  put  in  requisition  our 
ewn  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  v/ould 
recommend  to  such  a  careful  inquiry 
into  the  various  ways  and  means  by 
whi«h  their  time, — thau  which  nothing 


can  be  more  valuable, — is  made  to  slip 
from  them.  Let  them  examine  and 
see  if  hours,  days,  and  even  whole 
weeks  are  not  consumed  in  worse  than 
idleness — in  parading  the  streets,  or 
perhaps  in  lounging  about  the  shop  of 
some  honest  mechanic,  perplexing  the 
industrious,  and  deranging  business. — 
Let  them  devote  the  time  thus  prodi- 
gally squandered,  in  poring  over  some 
valuable  history  or  treatise  on  the  natu- 
I'al  sciences,  and  past  experience  proves 
that  in  a  very  few  years  they  might  be 
climbing  the  highest  hills  of  fame, 
while  those  whose  days  have  been  spent 
in  idleness,  would  be  grovelling  their 
way  through  the  changing  scenes  of 
life,  destitute  of  character  to  themselves 
or  usefulness  to  their  fellow  men;  and 
when  death,  the  common  leveller  of 
all,  has  overtaken  them,  they  Vyill  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  facul- 
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.  \V.  DENTON* 


EDUCATION. 

The  education  of  the  present  race  of 
females  is  not  very  favorable  to  domes- 
tic happiness.  For  my  own  part  I  call 
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  patches  of 
useless  art,  but  that  which  inculcates 
principles,  polishes  taste,  regulates  tem- 
jier,  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  th«ir  us9  but  by  their  show.     They 


MESSENGER  ANJ)  ADVOCATE. 


445 


esteem  ihe  value  of  their  children's  ed- 
ucation by  the  money  it  costs,  and  not 
bv  the  knowledge  and  goodiiess  it  be- 
stows. People  of  this  stamp  ol'tcn  take 
a  pride  in  the  expenses  of  learning,  in- 
stead of  taking  pdeasurc  in  tiie  advan- 
tage of  it  — Hannah  Moore. 


^Ics'sciif/ea'  jiistl  Advocate. 

KIRTLAND,    OHIO,  FEB.  LS^T. 


been  not  a  little  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  uith  die    immortal    Jef- 
ferson, that  there  is   little  danger  tram 


the 


propagi 


ition  of  error  while   reason 


Although  mutability  seems  stamped 
on    all    sublunary   things,     the    world 
around  us  undergoes  various  changes, 
and   W'C   are    so   frequently    presented 
with  new  scenes,  new  j*iays,   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.     IMen  are  often  left  to  wonder  at 
that  which  occurs    around  them,  with- 
out reflecting  on  the  ca  ises    that    pre- 
cede the    effects  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  wc  arc   to  cater,)  had 
a  just  right  to  look  for  more  instruction 
in  the  gieat  things  of  the   kingdom   of 
our  Lord  and  Savior  Jesus  Christ,  than 
from  our  pen;  but  relying  on  thu  bles- 
sing of  God,  the  prayers  of  the  saints, 
and  our  exertions,  we  venture  forward. 
Freedom  of  spi.ech  and   freedom    of 
Iho  press  arc  among  the  blessings  of  a 
free  government,  and  notwithstanding 
wc  may  dilTer  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  limes  con- 
sole us  under  trials   not  pleasing   to  be 
borne  or  congenial  with  the  pride  of  the 
human  heart.      Wo   havo   sometimes 


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  witli  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  theii  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  ihould  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  v.  ill  prevail."  Demons 
in  hell  may  howl  and  their  emissaries 
o'l  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  bo  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  wo  shall 
at  any  time  be  led  astray  and  be  in- 
strumental in  i)ro[>agating  error,  we 
hope  our  brethren,  will  havo  that  conft- 


45S 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


(Jencc  in  us,  ihal  they  are  errors  of  the 
head  and  not  of  the  heart. 

If,  as  \vc  have  remarked,  errors  of 
principle  or  practice  shall  grow  out  of 
what  comes  from  our  pen,  it  will  not 
only  be  our  bounuen  duty,  but  our  high- 
est privilege  to  retract  when  we  are 
made  sensible  of  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, nhat  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  s}  nopsis. 

A  word  to  those  who  differ  with  us 
in  sentiment.  Your  opposition  in  prin- 
ciple, if  you  are  men  and  gentlemen, 
w  ill  never  make  you  enemies  to  us,  or 
create  animosit}'  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  p11  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  Smith,  Jr.  and  Sidney 

RiGDOX. 

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. 


'IRS 


office  or  book  binder}',  acts  as  ihcir 
agent. 

M\  letters  by  mail,-  relating  to  tlie 
business  of  the  office  must  be  addressed 
to  W.  A.  CowDERV,  postage  paid;  none 
others  will  receive  attention,  except  at 
his  discretion. 

(t/^  Editors  Ojicc  in  the  laicrr  room. 

The  mechan-cal  department  of  the 
office  will  hereafter  be  under  t'.ic  im- 
inediatc  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  caio  will  be 
done  in  as  workmanlike  a  manner,  and 
on' as  reasonable  terms  as  at  any  other 
establishment  on  the  Western  Reserve. 

05^  Printing  Ojjice  up  stairs. 

February  1st.  1S3T. 


To  the  Presidents  and  Counsellors  of 
all  the  qvorunisof  the  church  of  ] jai- 
ler Dai/  Saints. 

Dear  brethren: — We  aro  continu- 
ally receiving  intelligence  by  letter  and 
otherwise,  from  the  East,  West,  and 
South,  of  the  progress  of  truth  an  f  cor- 
rect principles  concerning  the  religion 
we  profess.  The  eas'ern,  western  and 
middle  States  have  reiterated  the  cry, 
come  and  hel[)  us.  Doors  are  open, 
say  our  correspondents,  in  various  di- 
rections, and  great  and  prcss-ing  calls 
are  heard  for  preaching  on  ail  sides. — 
*  Send  some  good  fatlhful  elders  among 
'J3  and  ue  think  good  might  be  done." 
This,  brethren,  is  a  specimen  of  what 
we  hear  every  week.  W^e  think  this 
should  excite  in  us 'greater  enejgy  and 
dilligcnce  in  our  Master's  cause.  God, 
you  know,  has  designed  "by  the  fool- 
ishness of  preaching  t(}  save  them  that 
believe."  How  then  shall  they  believe 
without  they  hear?  "and  how  shall  they 
hear  without  a  ijreicher?"' 

Tiiese  questions  address  themselves 
forcibly  to  the  hearts  of  all  the  genuine 
lovers  of  truth.  Uut  wc  must  say  in 
behalf  of  the  c)fficers  and  elders  of  this 
cliureli,  thai  lli('y  are  now  fullilling  a 
peremptory  command,  whieli  is  nearly 
ia  theae  words,  viz.  "Seek  learning  by 


laith,  by  sti'.iiy,  and  by  tiic  be-:t  books." 
Tiiey  arc  therefore  quaHfying  them- 
selves to  go  forih  and  proclaim  the 
words  of  life  (as  we  trust)  with  energy 
in  denjonstration  oftheSjdrit  and  pow- 
er. Our  brethren  abroad  will  Ihert- 
fore  be  patient,  be  faithful;  pray  much 
and  often  and  "llie  pleasure  of  tie 
Lord  will  prosper  in  th.eir  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  liasten  the 
time  and  prepare  the  v.ay  and  means 
for  its  accom[.lishment.  Ed. 


In  tlie  course  of  our  reading  we  found 
the  fcllowing  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  vv-iihall 
so  instructing,  we  made  the  extract. 

"All  the  wosks  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.  But, 
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  II im  "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  i-especting  the  Supreme 
Intelligence,  and  tiie  nature  of  that  wor- 
ship which  his    perfections    demand 

They  have  iormed  the  most  foolish  and 
degrading  representations  of  this  august 
Being,  and  have  "changed  the  glory  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  fdled 
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  lo  procure  iiis  favor,  and 
human  victims  sacrificed  to  appease  his 
indignation.  All  such  grovelling  con- 
ceptions and  vile    abominations    havo 


4GG 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE 


their  ori'rin  in  the  darkness  which  over- 
spreads tiie  liutnan  uiuierstanding,  and 
the  depraved  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  pionjulgated,  liow  mean 
and  contracted  are  the  c inceptions 
which  the  great  bulk  of  llie  population 
entertain  of  the  attributes  of  that  in- 
corjiprehensible  Being  v;hose  presence 
pervades  the  immensity  of  space,  who 
"inetes  out  the  heavens  with  a  span," 
and  superintends  the  afxairs  of  ten 
thousand  worlds!  The  views  which 
many  have  acquired  of  the  perfections 
of  the  Deity,  do  not  rise  much  higher 
than  those  which  we  ought  to  entertaiu 
of  the  powers  of  an  arc'nangel,  or  of 
one  of  the  serapliim;  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,  immortal,  and 
invisible,"  under  the  idea  of  a  "vener- 
able old  nran."  Even  the  more  intelli- 
gent class  of  the  community  fall  far 
short  of  the  ideas  they  ought  to  'form 
of  the  God  of  heaven,  owing  to  the 
limited  views  they  have  been  accustom- 
ed to  take  of  Ihedisplaysof  his  wisc'om 
and  benevolence,  and  the  boundless 
range  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  notwith- 
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 
freedom  of  thought,  freedom  of  speech, 
and  freedom  of  "the  press,  are  incorpo- 
rated into  the  constitution  of  our  coun- 
try, and  are  the  basis  on  which  the  fab- 
ric rests;  we  have,  therefore,  copied 
them,  and  made  such  remarks  upon 
them  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  tha 
will  of  the  sovereign  is  the  only  law, 
and  men  have  no  right  to  speak  or  act 
unless  their  speech  and  their  acis  are 
in  accordance  with  the  will  and  good 
wishes  of  the  powers  that  be,  "the 
more  ignorance  the  more  j  eace." — 
ICnoM  ledge  expands  the  mind,  extends 
the  vievv's,  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  lliat  he  knows  for  him- 
self that  the  sentiments  he  lias  embra- 
ced are  the  result  of  research,  the  re- 
sult of  logical  reasoning,  the  result  of 
experience,  and  that  it  is  his  r=£-ht,  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  andgov- 
ernmetit  under  which  he  lives.  He 
knows  he  is  amenable  to  no  law,  for 
the  exercise  of  this  right.  Tyrants 
may  frown,  monarchs  may  complain, 
and  despots  in  vain  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  efforts  of  frail  mortality  to 
bring  him  into  bondage.  The  fawn- 
ing sycophants  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-  v 
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  tv- 


MESSENGER  AN'D  ADVOCATE. 


iBi 


rants  and  religious  bigots  will  aUvnys 
frown  upon  those  who  are  not  ortho- 
dox by  their  standard.  Tliey  arc  en- 
emies to  all  whose  princij>!es  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  c;mdor,  of 
an  enlightened  understanding,  and  cor- 
rect taste,  is  not  one  of  the  wise  man's 
fools  who  judges  and  condemns  upon 
exparle  evidence,  but  he  pntienll_v  hears 
the  whole  matter,  and  then  a|)p rebates 
or  disapprobates  as  tlie  light  of  truth  is 
reflected  upon  his  understanding.  If 
he  jnust  differ  from  others,  he  does  it 
modestly,  yet  decidedly,  always  leaving 
room  by  his  suavity  of  de[)ortment  and 
urbanity  of  manners,  for  those  who 
are  his  enemies,  to  become  his  friends, 
and  those  who  differ  from  him  in  sen- 
timent to  become  converts  to  his  faith. 

Ed. 


THE  PHILOSOPHY  OF  RELIGIOy. 

The  objects  of  human  knowledge 
may  be  reduced  to  two  classes — the  re- 
lations of  mutter  and  the  relations  of 
mind;  or,  in  other  words,  the  mater iul 
and  the  intellectual  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  e.xtend,  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  P'irst  Cause,  and 
to  serve  as  a  vehicle  of  thought  and  a 
medium  of  enjoyment  to  subordinate 
intelligences.  So  intimately  related, 
however,  are  these  two  objects  of  hu- 
man investigation,  that  a  knowledge  of 
the  one  cannot  be  obtained  but  through 
the  medium  of  the  other.  The  opera- 
tions oi' mind  cannot  be  carried  on  with- 
out the  intervention  of  external  oljjects; 
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  cnn 
be  perceived  only  by  thinking  beings, 
without  the  existence  of  which,  the  mu- 
i«rial   universe    would  remain    like  a 


mighty  blank,  and  might  be  said  to 
have  been  created  in  vain.  Hence  it 
appears,  that,  previous  to  o'jr  inquiries 
into  tiie  nature  and  relations  of  mind, 
it  is  necessary,  in  the  first  place,  to 
study  the  phenomena  of  the  material 
v.'orid,  and  the  external  actions  of  ail 
those  precipient  beings  with  which- it  is 
peopled;  for  theknowledg'  of  t.'iG  facts 
ne  acquire  in  relation  to  those  objects 
must  t'orm  t!ie  ground-v  oik  of  ali  our 
investigations 

V\^e  arc  surrounded,  on  every  hand, 
with  minds  of  van  'Us  descriiitions, 
which  evince  the  faculties  of  which 
the}"  oje  possessed,  by  the  various  sen- 
ses and  active  pov>ers  with  which  they 
are  furnished.  Tliese  minds  are  va- 
rious, in  point  of  niteHcctual  capacity 
and  acumen,  from  man  dov»n wards 
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- 
wards, in  the  sealeV)f  intellect  above 
that  of  a  man,  as  divcrsiMed  as  that 
which  we  perceive  in  ti.e  descending 
scale,  from  man  downwiirds  to  the  im- 
material principle  which  animates  a 
muscle,  a  snail,  or  a  microscopic  ani- 
malcula.  Vv'hen  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  antl  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  res|)ects,  superior  to 
the  most  desjjicable  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 
])resented  to  our  view  a  class  of  intelli- 
gences endowed  with  physical  energies, 
powers  of  rapid  motion,  and  a  grasp  of 
inleliect,  incomparably  superioi  to  those 
which  are  possessed  by  any  of  the  be- 
ings which  belong  to  our  sublunary 
system. 


4B^ 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


To  contemplate  the  various  ordcjs  of 
intelligences  which  people  the  niaterial 
Universe,  and  the  relations  which  sub- 
sist among  them — the  arrangemelffts  of 
the  difterent  worlds  to  which  they  re'- 
spectively  belon  — the  corporeal  vehi- 
cles by  %v!)ich  thev  lioid  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  ot'  space — 
aiid  the  excursions  they  occasionally 
make  to  different  regions  of  that  vast 
empire  of  which  they  form  a  part — to 
trace  the  superior  intellectual  facilities 
and  the  sensitive  organs  with  which 
they  are  endowed — tlic  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 since  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- 
provcmcn:'  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.  But,  since 
we  are  at  present  confined  to  a  small 
corner  of  the  universe  of  God,  and  sur- 
rounded by  immeasurable  voids  of 
space,  which  intervene  between  our 
iiabitation  and  the  celestial  worlds, 
through  which  no  human  pov.'crcan  en- 
?ible  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 
ef  clay,'' to  join  their  kindred  spirits 
in  tlie  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. .  ThcKO  fa,culties,  as  they 
constitute  the  instruments  by  which  all 
our  knowledge,  both  human  and  divine, 
is  acquired,  have  emploj'ed  the  atten- 
tien  of  philosophers  in  every  age,  and 
have  been  the  them.e  of  many  subtle 
and  ingenuous  speculations;  and  they, 
doubtless,  form  an  interesting  subject 
of  investigation  to  the  student  of  intel- 
lectual science. 

But,  of  all  the  views  we  can  take  of 
tlie  vv'orlu  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. — 
Tliis  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 
t)ie  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  tliis  subject,  which  apply 
to  all  the  rational  intelligences  that  God 
has  formed,  however  diversified  in  re- 
spect of  the  regions  of  the  univei'se 
which  they  occupy,  and  in  the  extent 
of  their  intellectual  powers.  Above  all, 
the  subject  is  more  intimately  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 
essentiallv  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  p.rinciplcs  would  inevitably 
lead  to  disorder  and  misery.  I  shall 
content  myself  with  stating  the  follow- 
in  o- 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  ti-mes  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. 


453 


It  has  also  unfolded  to  our  view   other    has  devoted  his  life  to  the  suhliniest  in 


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  lor  a  nearer 
and  more  intimate  inspection  of  the 
grandeur  and  economv  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  creati-n,"  and 
permttted  by  his  Creator  to  s'.irvey  all 
the  wonders  of  the  universe,  if  a  prin- 
ciple of  love  and  kindi}^  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  taking 
possession  of  his  soul;  and,  at  every 
stage  of  his  excursion,  he  could  not 
fail  to  meet  with  the  indications  of  his 
Creator's  frown.  Fo*'  there  appears, 
from  reason  and  experience,  as  well  as 
from  the  dictates  of  revelation,  an  ab- 
solute impossil)ility  of  enjoying  happi- 
ness so  long  as  malevolent  ailections 
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  liigh- 
cst  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 
liis  Jicart  is  devoid  of  benevolent  aflec- 
tions,^nnd  he  is  subjected  to  the  influ- 
ence of  degrading  and  immoral  pas- 
sions. If  it  bo  possible  that  any  one 
now  exists  in  the  literary  world,   wiio 


vcstigations  of  science,  and  has  taken 
the  most  extensive  views  of  the  arrange- 
ments of  the  material  world,  and  yet 
who  remains  doubtful  as  to  the  exist- 
ence ofa  Supreme  Intelligence,  and  of 
an  eternal  state  of  destination;  who  " 
elated  with  pride  at  the  splendor  of  hi 
scientific  acquirements;  who  treats  hi; 
cq'jals  with  a  spirit  of  arrogance;  who 
looks  down  with  a  haughty  and  sullen 
scowl  on  the  inferior  ranks  of  his  fel- 
low men;  who  is  haughty,  overbearing, 
and  revengeful  in  his  general  deport- 
ment, and  v.-ho  is  altogether  indiflerent 
as  to  the  moral  principles  he  displays, — 
I  would  Gx\yj  neither  his  happiness  nos 
his  intellectual  attainments.  He  can 
enjoy  none  of  those  delightful  emotions 
which  flow  from  the  exercise  of  Chris- 
tian benevolence,  nor  any  of  those  con- 
solations which  the  good  man  feels 
amidst  the  various  ills  of  lite;  and,  be- 
yond the  short  span  of  mortal  exist- 
ence, he  can  look  forward  to  no  bright- 
er displays  of  the  grandeur  of  the  ma-' 
tei-ial  and  intellectual  universe,  but  to 
an  eternal  deprivation  of  his  powers  of 
intelligence  in  the  shades  of  annihila- 
tion. 

[concluded  in  orR  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  arc  if  the  man 
means  well  and  acts  from  honest  inten- 
tions, without  ccccntricit}-  or  affecta- 
tion. All  men  have  not  the  advantage 
of  good  society,  as  it  is  called,  to  school 
them  in  all  its  fantas'ic  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- 
gceing  of  the  body  and  the  same  pre- 
meditated shake  of  the  hand.  Give  me 
the  iiearty — it  may  be  rough — grip  of 
the  hand,  the  careless  nod  of  recoffni- 
tion,  and  when  occasion  requires,  the 
homely  but  welcome  sulutulion,  "How 
are  you  mj'  old  friend!" 


iU 


ME8SI:NGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


^50ME   AM)  EARLY  FKELINGS. 

Tliylove  of  our  nr.tivc  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  soul  with  which  wc  entertain 
and  indulge  every  thought  that  recalls 
it  to  our  memory,  or  uv,!:akens  in  us 
those  associations  which  form  part  ol 
our  being.  I  know  no  idea  thnt  has 
greater  pov/cr  over  the  mind,  or  that 
possesses  a  stronger  spell  to 

Wake  it  all  to  subtlest  feeling, 
Bid  the  tear  cf  transport  uow. 

But  when  we  analyze  it,  what  is  it? — 
Strictly  speaking,  one's  country  mav 
be  circumscribed  between  the  house 
where  we  were  born,  and  the  church 
yard  of  our  parish.  It  can  be  measured 
by  an  infant's  swaddling-clothes  sewec 
to  a  winding-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  th.em. 
In  a  wider  point  of  view,  it  is  the  scene 
where  grew  the  early  fiovvers  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  1 
gaze  upon  a  smoking  volcano,  or  see 
another  standard  than  the  star-spangled 
banner  waving  over  a  fortress,  then  1 
have  changed  my  country.  The  idea 
of  countrv'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,  I\Ir.  George  \V.  Gee 
to  Miss  Mary  Jane  Saiirii. 


DIED — In   Liberty,   Clay  co.    Mo.. 

Sept.  2d,  18;;G,  Sally  Ann,  consort  of 
[lervey  Green,  aged  25  years  4  months 
and  12  days. 

In    Groveland,    Tazewell    co. 


111.  Dec.  lath,  1836,  Ann  Rich,  in  the 
76lh  3'ear  of  her  age.  She  had  been  a 
member  of  tlie  church  of  Latter  Day 
Saints  about  eighteen  months.  Truly 
she  has  "come  lo  the  grave  in  a  good 
old  age  like  a  shock  of  corn  fully  ripe." 


KIRTLAND 


AND 


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  made  so 
when  once  informed. 

It  is  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  hands. 


DEALERS  IN 
AND  WRAPPING  PAPER. 

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CHECKS,  NOTES,  j  SHOW-BILLS, 
DRAFTS,  I       LABELS, 

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descriptwn  of  Printing;  as  also  Blank 
Books  of  all  kinds  executed  in  a  supe- 
rior style,  on  short  notice. 

©Id  l^&olis  w^Z'^mii^il. 


MESSENGER  AND  STAR, 

Bound  together,  or  in  separate  volumes, 
can  be  had  at  this  office. 


THE  LATTEH  DAY  SAINTS' 

Elessenger  and  Advocate, 

Is  published  every  month   at  Kirtlanii,    Geauga 
Co.  Oliio,  by 

.1.  SMITH,  Sr.  &  §.  MIGSJOIV, 

PROPRItTnUS. 


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Wisdom  is  better  than  weapons  of  tear 
•— Ec.  9;  18. 


Facts  and  arguments,  whether  point- 
ed and  conclusive  or  obscure  and  far- 
fetched, are  alike  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  fiowed  from  their  pens, 
being    axioms    or    self-evident    facts, 
"facts  that  can  neither  be  v/eakened  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  t!;e  v/isest  of   men. 
And  it  is  recorded  of  him  that  he  pray- 
ed to  the    King  of   heaven  for   v/isdom 
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  day,  but  notv/itlistandin''- 
this  discrepancy  the  prmciple  is  no  less 
heavenly,    no    less    divine.     In    order 
that  we   may  be  distinctly   understood, 
and  have  no  one  mistake  our  meanin"-, 
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  ex- 
actly synonymous,  therefore  tiiat  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  reducing  thes<; 
to  practice  or  in  conrlucting    any  alTiiir 
with  ingenuity  and  skill.     Knowledge 
has  itg  scat  in   the  speculativo    under- 


standing, but  wisdom  in  the  practical; 
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  seme  of  his  prac- 
tical observations  and  proverbs  have 
become  ratiier  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  <;hristian 
religion,  will  call  in  question  the  truth 
or  practical  utility  of  the  sentiment  in 
our  text 

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  ditfer- 
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  infidol  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 
v/e  view  them.     And  fii'st,  weapons  of 
Vv'ar  are  always  associated  with  the  bat- 
tle-field; with  blood  and  carnage.     Not 
only  so,  but  with  the    angry    passions, 
and  not  unfrequcntly  with  all  that  mal- 
ice, hatred  and  revenge  tliat  character- 
ize the  most  depraved  and  barbarous  of 
.he  human   race,  even    the    demons  of 
the    lower    regions    "grin    hon-ibly    a 
ghastly    smile"    ut    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   blacknos*, 


m 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


and  worse  than  puerile  imbecility  of 
her  arguments.  Let  all  the  bloody  tra- 
gedies that  have  been  acted,  be  chroni- 
cled in  one  black  catalogue,  and  what 
arguments  do  they  confirm  or  establish, 
in  lavor  of  that  pugnacious  disposition 
Avhich  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 
belter  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  compassion  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  philanthrop-ic  bosom,  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  carnivorous  ani- 
mals, cannibals,  or  beasts  of  prey, 
should  for  one  moment  think  they  did 
not  suffer  in  comparison  with  that  wis- 
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  of 
speech  and  of  the  press  which  we  en- 
joy, under  the  gove-nment  that  pro- 
tects us.  We  are  not  sure  the  time  will 
never  come  that  weapons  of  v/ar  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  in  blood,"  will  never  blacken  the 
page  of  our  futc-re  history,  nor  make 
the  heai't  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 
jhese  few  exceptions  are  far,  very  far, 
from  weakening  the  force  of  the  senti- 


ment in  our  text.  In  fact  we  feel  t'flaf 
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  cs 
doves.  We  might  here  go  on  and  par- 
ticularize; but  we  deem  It  unnecessary, 
for  who  does  not  know  that  the  same 
sentiment  is  included,  the  same  spirit 
breathed  in  all  the  divine  teachi.->gs? — 
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,  taught  the  same  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  remembrance  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  existence 
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 with  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  ihe  evil  pas- 
sions that  dwell  in  a  corrupt  heart  actu- 
ated by  motives  most  foul  and  impui'e. 


MESSEN'GER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


^ 


We  would  now  make  some  practical 
application  of  the    subject  on  which  we 
have  been  writing.     And    first,  of  that 
class  of  people  who  know  not  God  nor 
have  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   lor   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   tor    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    certainly 
could    never  believe  and   obey.     The 
great  apostle  of  the  Gentiles  makes  the 
subject  very  plain  by  a  fesv   interroga- 
tories which   he  ])uts.     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,    that 
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  thoy  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    knowingly 
violate  any  of  tire  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  wo  feel  it  our  du- 
ty and  our  privilege  to  forgive  all   that 
the    Lord  has,  or  will  forgive,  '*but    if 
they  sin  wilfully  after  thoy  have  come 
to  a  knowledge  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  difTer  in  opinion  from 
his  fellow  clay,  he  will  always  bear  iii 
mind  that  wisdom  is  belter  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  country,  by 
trespassing  on  the  feelings,  the  rights, 
the  privileges  or  persons  of  others. — 
He  knows  and  he  feels,  that  wisdom  is 
better  than  weapons  of  war.  He  knows 
that  reason  and  argument  are  the  wea- 
pons, the  rightful,  the  legal  weapons, 
to  combat  the  errors  and  follies  of  this 
generation.  He  "is  not  easily  provok- 
ed, thinketh  no  evil,  rejoiceth  not  in 
iniquity;"  in  himself  or  others;  "but 
rejoiceth  in  the  truth"  and  in  works  of 
righteousness.  He  flatters  no  iTian'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 
differ  from  him  in  jjrinciple  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's 
evil  deeds,  nor  loves  his  friends  for  un- 
righteous acts.  He  advises  with  can- 
dor, rep'-oves  with  mildness,  and  re- 
bukes with  a  steady,  decided,  inflexi- 
ble purpose  of  heart,  that  clearly  evince 
his  love  to  his  tViends  and  his  unshak- 
en confidence  in  God  and  his  cause. 

Our  readeis  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-nittn,  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,  Susa.v- 
N.Air,  Wife  of  Solomon  Parker,  age(J 
seventy 'years. 


468 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


THE  PHILOSOPHY  OP  RELIGION. 
[Concluded  from  our  last.] 
Wo  have  an  abundance  of  ponderous 
volumes  on  the  subject  of  moral  pliilos- 
ophy;  but  the  dhTerent  theories  which 
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- 
periment, to  ascertain  how  fai  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  tlie  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  Goc),  to  the  order  of  tlio  universe, 
and  to  the  rehition.s  which  subsist 
among  intelligrnt  agents.  But  we  are 
by  no  means  in  a  situation  to  determine 
whether  they  could  ever  have  been  dis- 
covered by  the  investigcctions  and  efforts 
of  the  unassisted  powers  of  the  human 
mind.  The  only  persons  who  could 
fairlv  try  such  an  experiment  were  the 
Greeks  and  Romans,  and  other  civili- 
zed nations,  in  ancient  times,  to  whom 
the  light  of  revelation  was  not  impart- 
ed. And  what  v/as  the  result  of  all  their 
researches  on  this  most  important  of 
all  subjccls?  What  were  the  practical 
efTects  of  all  the  fine-spun  theories  and 
subtle  s[)eculations  which  originated  in 
the  schools  of  ancient  philosoi)hy,  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- 
vJiess,  fornication,  wickedness,  covct- 
ousness,  maliciousness,  envy,  murder 
^deceit,  malignity;  they  were  backbiters' 


haters  of  God,  despiteful,  proud,  in- 
ventors of  evil  things,  disobedience  to 
parents,  without  natural  afiection,  im- 
placable and  unmerciful."  Their  gen- 
era! 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  Vv'hich  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.  Where  do  we  find, 
in  any  of  the  })hi!osophical  schools  of 
Greece  and  Rome,  a  recommendation 
of  such  prece[)ts  as  these,  "Love  your 
enemies;  do  good  to  them  who  hate  you; 
and  pray  for  them  v^ho  despitefully  use 
you  and  persecute  you?"  In  opposi- 
tion to  such  divine  injunctions,  wo  can 
trace  in  the  m.axims  and  conduct  of  the 
ancient  sages,  a  principle  of  pride  in- 
sinuating itself  into  the  train  of  their 
miost  virtuous  actions.  It  hns  been  rec- 
koned by  some  a  wise  and  a  witty  an- 
sv/er  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  again?" — 
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  hauglstiness  of 
mind,  which  are  altogether  inconsistent 
with  the  mild  and  benevolent  precepts 
of  Him,  who,  in  th.e  midst  of  his  seve- 
rest sufierings  from  men,  exclaimed, 
"Father,  forgive  them,  for  they  know 
not  what  they  do." 

It  appears  somevv-hat  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 
ulilitij,  in  \he  fitness  of  things,  or  in  the 
regulations  of  states  and  political  asso- 
ciations, and  whether  it  is  to  be  prose- 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


46a 


cuted  from  aprinciplu  of  self-love  orof 
benevolence,  when  every  useful   ques- 
tion that  can  be  started  on  this  sul)joct 
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  v/hicli  we 
may   be    placed.      Even    although    the 
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  bouod    to    take    into    viev/ 
every    fact   and    every    circumstance 
which  may  have  a  bearing  on  the   im- 
portant question  which   he    undertakes 
to  decide,      Nov/,  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  yeais — 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 
2*ace  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  maxima 
have  been  distinguished  by  u])riglitness 
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  u[)on  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  shruJe,  or  keep- 
ing them   entirely    out  of  view,    ho    is 
bound,  as  an  unbiassed  inquirer,  to  take 
thetn  all  into  account  in  his  researches 
into  the  moral  economy  of  the    human 
race.     In  particular,  ho  is  bound  to  in- 
quire into  the  probability  of  the  alleged 
i  act  of  the  depravity   of   man,    and    to 
consider,  whether  the  general   train  of 
liumriM  actions,  tiic  leading  facts  of  his- 
tory in    reference  to  all  ages  and    na- 
tions, and  the  destructive  cflecls  ofsov- 
cral  operations  in  the  system  ofnaturc, 
have  not  a  tondencv  (o  corroborate  this 


important  point.  For  the  fact,  that 
man  is  a  fallen  intelligence,  must  ma- 
terially modif^^  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- 
miration, 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^rence^  which  is  nearly  al- 
lied to  admiration,  is  a  solemn  emotion, 
mingled  with  av/e  and  delight,  excited 
in  the  mind,  when  it  contemplates  the 
perfections,  and  the  grand  operations 
of  the  Eternal  Mind, —  Gratitude, 
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- 
selvx's  with  the  purity  and  peri'ection  of 
the  divine  oharacter.  To  these  emo- 
tions may  be  added  Complacency  and 
;!clight  in  the  character  and  operations 
of  God — Adoration  o^  his  excellencies, 
and  an  unlimited  Dependence  upon  him 
in  reference  to  our  present  concerns, 
and  to  our  future  destination. 


Love  is  that  noble  aQeclion  which  is 
excited  by  amiable  objects;  and  there- 
fore, in  Older  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 
reiismablcness  of  this  aileclion  in  refer- 
ence to  God,  it  is  only  requisite^: to' con- 
sider iiis  character  and  jjerctJjiiiS'ri.s, 
and  the  relatit)ii  in  which  he  stands  to 
us  as  the  Autiior  of  ou»-  c.xistenco  and 
onjoymonts. 


i^fO 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


For,  for  this  cause  was  the  gospel 
preached  to  them  that  are  dead,  that 
they  might  be  judged  according  to  men 
in  the  flesh,  but  live  according  to  God 
in  the  spirit. — first  peter,  4th:  6th. 

To  the  apostle  who  penned  these 
words  for  our  instruction;  were  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  tliat 
gospel  for  which  he  eventually  sufTered 
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  Mo- 
ses an'^  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. 

Before  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- 
plicitly believed,  but  the   whole  course 
of  his  instruction  after  the  ascension  of 
the  Saviour  seemed  fraught  with  that 
wisdom,  that  power  and  that  authority, 
that  most  clearly  cvincei-l  the  divine  au- 
thenticity of  his  mission,    and   enabled 
him  to  teach  "as  one   having  authority 
&nd  not  as  the  scribes." 
-   '    In  the  words  we  have  quoted   he  ap- 
pears to  magnify  his  office  by  exalting 
arict   honoring   the.  character  of   God, 
when  he  judges  men,  and  if  he    did  no 
answer   queries    that   had   arisen    and 


been   agitated    in    his    day,    he    seems  " 
clearly  to  havei anticipated  what  would 
arise  in  ours;  therefore,  ^^ for  this  cause 
(said   he)  teas  the,  gospel  preached   to 
them  that  are  dead,  that  they  might   be 
judged   according  to  men  in  the   flesh.^^ 
This  course  of  instruction  seemed  to 
be  the   more   important  from   the  fact 
that   the    inventive    faculties   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.     Pie  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 
often  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 4  days?      Are  they  all 
lost?     We  answer    no,    we  unhesitat- 
ingly  and  unequivocally  answer  no. — 
Was  the  gospel    preached    to  them? — 
No.      Were  they  baptized    for  the  re- 
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  aposllea?     Here 
we  would   ask  in  our  turn  if  the  inhal> 
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?    "certainly    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?     Lot  the  word  of  God  de- 
cide.    Wo  now  ask  is  God  impartial! 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


471 


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  "Grod  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  ho 
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  bo  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  knowledge 
and  attainments  of  the  ancient  nations, 
and  by  consequence,  of  those  of  the 
moderns  is  to  be  traced  to  Egypt.  The 
Egyptians  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  setlleil  and  be- 
came a  flourishing  kingdom  or  cmpirG 
soon  after  the  deluge. 

'^I'ho  periodical  inundations  of  tlio 
Nile  supply  all  the  bottoms,  bordciring 
u[)on  it,  with  that  fertilizing  alliivioa 
that  has  rendered  them  the  most  pro- 
ductive of  almtst  any  other  of  equal  ex- 
tent in  that  country. 

We  are  assured  of  that  fact  from  the 
Mosaig  writings,  if  from  no  other 
source,  and  that  notwiths'anding  the 
dense  population,  Egypt  furnished  n. 
surplus  of  corn  to  feed  foreigners  in 
ttme  of  famine. 

Tiie   government    of  Egypt    was   a 
hereditary  monarchy.     The   king  and 
justice,   me.cy  and  goodness   of  God,  I  ^^^  priests,  who  wci-o  his  deputies  who 


Most  assuyredl?  If  he  have  no  other 
scheme  of  saving  mankind  but  the  gos- 
pel, and  there  are  myriads  of  them  who 
have  never  heard  it  preached,  will  a 
just,  wise,  impartial  and  benevolent  be- 
ing 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'i't  all  who  do  not  have,  or 
have  not  had,  the  privilege  of  embra- 
cing or  rejecting  the  gospel  here  in  the 
flesh,  have  that  privilege  in  God's  own 
time  before  the  judgment  day;  thno  will 
the  character  of  God  be  vindicated. — 
What  says  our  text,  for,  for  this  cause 
was  the  grspel  preached  to  them  that 
are  dead,  that  they  might  be  judged  ac- 
cording to  men  in  the  flesh. 

Again,  we  find  this  idea  more  tully 
supported  in  the  preceding  chapter  of 
the  same  epistle  from  which  our  text  is 
taken,  at  the  18th,  19th  and  20th  ver- 
ses: "For  Christ  hath  once  sutTered 
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,  which 
sometime  were  disobedient  when  once 
the  long  suflering  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  ofler  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  tlie 
Lord  will  bo  thus  compassionate  to 
tliose  who  have  the  j.o;iel  praacl.ed  to 
them  here  in  the  flesh,  and  reject  it. — 
Hence  said  the  Savior,  if  I  had  not 
come  among  you  and  done  }he  work 
that  none  other  ever  did  d"),  ye  had  not 
had  sin,  but  now  ye  have  no  cloak  tor 
your  sins;  tluis  plainly  intimating  that 
they  would  be  h.-ft  witlu)ut  excuse  in 
the  day  of  judgment.  We  may  also 
justly  infer  that  they  would  have  ex- 
cuse, and  th;it,  too,  founded  upon  rca- 
•son  and  justice,  if  they  were  to  be  con- 
d(!miicd  fur  non-com[)liance  with  a  law, 
rule  or  commandment,  when  such  law, 
rule  or  commandment,  never  was  made 
1<nown  to    them.      We    believe    in   the 


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  extraordmary  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 
mamfain  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. 

They  preceded  most  of  the  ancient 
nations  in  the  knowledge  of  the  useful 
arts,  and  in  the  cultivafion  ol  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  witli 
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  towers  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,  allho' 
it  had  little  influence  on  the  manners  of 
the  people. 

The  theology  and  secret  doctrines  of 
the  priests  were  rational  and  sublime, 
yet  the  woi'ship  of  the  people  was  de- 
based by  the  most  contemptible  super- 
stition. 

The  Egyptians  sequestered  them- 
eelves  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  customs  or  man- 
pers. 

There  was  another  circumstance  that 
rendered  their  manners  degrading  in 
|h«  ey«s  of  other  nations      All  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,  vvhich  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 of  the  Phoenicians.  Ei>. 


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,  bv 

THOMAS  BURDICK, 

Recording  ChrU^ 
ELDERS. 
Matthew  Allen         Wm  E  M'Lellin 
Wm  Aldrich  B  njamin  Mitchell 

Dennis  M  RarmoreJacob  M3  ers 
Richard  Brazier      Isaac  Perry 
Ephraim  Badger      Alex.  Richardson 
Asaph  Blanchard     Stephen  Rec'd 
Nathan  Cheney       Luman  A  Shirtliff 
Robert  Cuibertson  Abram  O  Smoot 


Anthony  Combs 
David  Dort 
David  Fullmer 
David  Garnet 
Levi  Graybill 
James  Huntsman 
John  Kelso 
John  Lvons 


Wm  Stevens 
Elias  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  Martm  H  Peck 
Thomas  Carrlco 

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  recomending  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. — Spurzheim, 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


a^ 


KIRTLAND,    OHIO,  MARCH,  P37. 


Some  years  since  we  were  struck 
with  the  force  and  propriety  of  some 
remarks  which  wc  read  in  the  writings 
of  Mrs.  Barbauld.  We  think  they  are 
erincive  of  a  contemplative  mine,  a 
sound  understanding  and  a  correct 
taste.  We  have  extracted  them  from 
the  People's  Magazine,  under  the  head 
ot  Philosophy  and  Consistency. 

Philosophy  and  Consisfcncy. — A- 
mong  all  the  excellent  tilings  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,  repine  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  b_y 
toil  and  diligence,  and  attention  to  the 
minutest  articles  of  expense  and  profit. 
But  you  must  give  up  the  |)lcasurcs  ol' 
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,  witiiout  turn- 
ing aside  to  the  right  or  to  the  left. — 
"But,"  you  say,  "I  cannot  submit  to 
drudgery  like  this;  I  feel  a  spiiit  aliove 
it."  'T  is  well;  beabove  it,  then;  only 
do  not  repine  because  you  arc  not  rich. 

Is  knowledge  the  pearl  of  price  in 
your  estimation?  That  too  may  bo 
purchased  by  steady  application,  and 
long  solitary  liours  of  study  and  re- 
flection. ''IJut,"  says  the  man  of  let- 
ter«,  "what  n  hardphip  i«  it  that  many 


an  illiterate  fellow,  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!" 
Wasit  for  fortune,  then,  lliat  you  grev/ 
pale  over  the  midnight  lamp,  and  gave 
the  sprightly  years  to  study  and  re- 
flection? You,  then,  have  mistaken 
vour  path,  and  ill  employed  your  in- 
dustry. "What  reward  have  I,  then, 
forall  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  tlie 
conscious  dignity  of  superior  intel- 
ligence. Good  Ilr-avens!  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 
with  a  noble  confidence,  and  say  to 
yourself,  "I  have  not  these  things,  it  is 
true;  but  it  is  because  I  have  not  de- 
sired them  nor  sought  them;  it  is  be- 
cause I  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,  wc  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  purcliase  for  him,  than 
if  he  had  laid  out  the  money  for  an  ad- 
dition of  more  earth  to  his  former  acres. 
— S])are  it  in  toys  and  play -games,  in 
silk  and  ribbons,  laces  and  oth?r  useless 
cxponces,  as  much  as  you  please;  bui 
be  not  sparing  in  so  necessary  a  part 
as  this.  It  i 3  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  1  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.  Whatsoever  you 
employ  to  the  advantage  of  your  son's 
mind  will  show  your  true  kindness 
though  It  be  the  lessening  of  his  estate. 
A  wise  and  good  man  can  hardly  want 
either  the  opinion  or  reality  of  being 
groat  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,  with  five  thousand  pounds? 
— Tjocke  on  education 


DUTIES  OP  MASTERS  TO  APPRENTICES. 

The  following  capital  remarks  on  this 
subject  are  from  a  late  charge  t©  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  stud}^  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. 
VVhen  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 
floor  of  the  tavern.  The  jests  are  soon 
pointed  with  ribald  obscenity,  and  then- 
language  swelled  with  boasting  profan- 
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  tlieir  term  of  service. 
Their  minds  are  left  to  ignoranc^u  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  thedockets  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  pouter  to  pro- 
tect the  morals  of  his  apprentice  it  makes 
it  also  his  duty — a  duty  from  which  noth- 
ing can  excuse  him.  The  man  who  takes 
an  apprentice,  voluntarily  assumes  to- 
wards hiin  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  removing  a 
child  from  his  parental  roof,  the  master 
should  supj)ly  the  place  of  a  parent;  in- 
struct and  guide  his  inexperience,  and 
watch  and  prote  ct  him  as  a  child.  Such 
a  course  would  not  only  render  the  ap- 
prentice an  ornament  to  societv  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,  and  got  them  all 
away.  How  many  failures  are  there 
in  this  world,  of  things  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  debtor  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  wort~hip  but 
the  proper  hour  had  passed,  and 
the  call  of  a  friend,  or  pressure  of  busi- 
ness, has  laid  it  aside  for  the  present. 
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. 


47: 


Minutes  of  a  meeting  of  the  members  of 

ike  ^'■Kirtland  Safety  Socieli/,"  held 

on  the  2d  day  of  January,  1837. 

At  a  special  meeting  of  the  Kirtlatid 
Safety  Society,  two  tliirds  of  the  mem- 
bers being  present,  S.  RIGDON  was 
called  to  the  Chair,  and  W.  Paruish 
chosen  Secretary. 

The  house  was  called  to  order,  and 
the  object  of  tlie  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  Kiitland  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 
difTerent  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  Bankmg 
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  shhil  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  Diiectors. 

Art.  2d.  The  management  of  said 
company  shall  be  under  tl  e  su|)erin- 
tendence  of  thirty-two  Directors,  to  be 
chosen  annually  by,  and  from  amonn; 
the  members  of  the  same;  each  mem- 
ber being  entitled  to  one  vote  for  each 
share,  which  he,  slic,  or  they  may 
liold  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  oi'  the  ofiicc  of  said  company,  on 
tiin  first  Mundays  of  November  and 
May  of  each  year,  at  0  o'clock,  A.  M. 
Jo  iijfjpoct  the   books  of   said  company 


and  transact  such  other  business  as 
may  be  deemed  necessary. 

Art.  4th.  It  shall  be  the  duly  of  said 
Directors  to  choose  from  among  their 
number,  seven  men,  who  shall  meet  in 
the  up[)cr  room  of  said  ofTice,  on  Tues- 
day oi  each  week,  at  4  o'clock,  P.  IVL 
to  i'.Kiuire  mto  and  assist  in  all  matters 
p-ertainiug  to  Said  company. 

Art.  5th.  Each  Director  shall  re- 
ceive from  the  company  one  dollar  per 
day  tor  his  services  when  called  togath- 
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  sliall  be  agreed 
by  the  directors  at  their  semi-annual 
meetings. 

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  ofiice  until  the  first 
Monday  of  November,  1837,  unless  re- 
moved by  death  or  misdemeanor,  and 
until  others  are  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  and  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.  Tt  shall  be  the  duty  oftho 
Directors  of  the  company,  to  declare  a 
dividend  once  in  six  months;  which  di- 
vidend shall  be  apportioned  among  the 
members,  according  to  tho  installments 
by  them  paid  in. 

Art.  9th.  All  persons  subscribing 
stock  in  said  firm,  shall  pa/  their  first 
installment  at  the  time  of  subscribing; 
and  other  in-tallment-j  from  time  to 
time,  as  sliall  be  required  by  the  Di- 
rectors. 

Art.  lOih.  The  Directors  shall  give 
thirty  days  notice  in  some  public  paper, 
printed  in  this  county,  j)rcvious  to  an 
installment  being  paid  in.  All  subscri- 
bers residing  out  of  the  State,  shall  bo 
required  to  |)ay  in  half  the  amount  of 
their  subscriptions  at  the  time  of  sub- 
scribing, and  the  remainder,  or  such 
part  thereof,  as  sliall  be  required  at 
any  time  by  the  Directors,  after  thirty 
days  notice. 


476 


MESSENGER  AND  y\DVOCAT£. 


Art.  11th.  The  Cashier  shall  be 
empowered  to  call  special  meftings  of 
the  Directors,  whenever  lie  shall  deem 
it  necessary;  separate  and  aside  from 
the  annual  and  semi-annual  meetings. 

Art.  I2th.  Tvvo  thirds  of  the  Direc- 
tors shall  form  a  quorum  to  act  at  the 
semi-annual  meetings,  and  any  num/oer 
of  the  seven,  the  committee  of  the  Di- 
rectors, with  the  President  &,  Cash- 
ier, or  either  of  them,  may  form  a 
quorum  to  transact  business  at  the 
weekly  meetings;  and  in  case  none  of 
the  seven  are  present  at  the  v/eekl}' 
mertings,  the  President  and  Casliier 
must  transact  the  business. 

Art.  13th.  The  Directors  shall  have 
pov/er  to  enact  such  by-laws  as  they 
may  deem  necessary,  from  time  lo 
time,  providing  they  do  not  infringe  up« 
on  these  Articles  of  Agreement. 

Art.  14th.  Ail  notes  given  by  said 
Society,  sliall  be  signed  by  the  Presi- 
dent and  Casliier  thereof,  aud  we  the 
individnal  members  of  said  firm,  here- 
by hold  ourselves  bound  for  the  redemp- 
tion of  all  such  notes. 

Art  15lh.  The  notes  given  for  the 
benefit  of  said  society,  shall  be  given  to 
the  Cashier,  in  the   following    form: 

"Ninety  days  atler  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  v/hom  given,  and  when  due — 
and  deposited  v.'ith  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-thii'ds  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  v/hereof 
we  have  hereunto  set  our  hands  and 
seals  the  day  and  date  first  written 
above. 

Sidney  Rigdon         Leonard  Rich 
N  K  Whitney         Artcmus  Millet 
Reynolds  Cahoon    Peter  Shirts 
Joseph  Smith  jr       VVm  D  Pratt 
Warren  Parrish      Jerusha  Smith 
Sylvester  Smith      Martha  Knight 
Hvrunn  Smith         Josiah  Butterfield 


Edwin  P  Merriam  John  Smith 
Elijah  Cheney  Hiram  Co'^ey 
Elijihalet  Boynton  Jared  Carter 
Vinson  Knight  C  P  Lott 
Solon  Foste"!-  Elijah  Able 
fXaniel  Bov/en  Nathan  Haskins 
Lorcn  Babbit  Geo  W  Robinson 
Joel  Mc Withy  Noah  Packard 
Zemira  Draper  Daniel  Allen  jr 
Wm  Draper  sen  Edson  Barney 
Wm  Draper  jr  Erastus  Babbit 
Asa  Lyman  Reuben  McBride 
Laban  Morrill       .  Russell  Potter 
Eechias  Dustm  Harvey  Stanley 
Jesse  Turpin  Uzziel  Stevens 
Alexander  Badlam  John  Johnson 
Wm  Smith  Ezekiel   Rider 
Luke  Johnson  Elisha  C  Coltrin 
A  Pettingall  Luman  Carter 
Isaac  H  Bishop  Wm  Woodstock 
Harrison  Burgess  Jonathan  Plampton 
Joseph  Smith  sen  Sterny  Tripp 
Lucy  Smith  Amasa  Bonncy 
Jonas  Putnam  P  P  Pratt 
Edmund  Bosley  John  Gajlord 
Hyrum  Stratton  Daniel  S  Jacksoa 
Samuel  Pai  ker  Edwin  D  Webb 
David  Whitmer  Edward  M  Webb 
Roger  Orton  Wm  F  Cahoon 
Erastus  Snow  Plorace  Burgess 
Lyman  Sherman  Wm  Miller 
Isaac  Rogers  Orson  Pratt 
Salmon  Gee  Brigham  Young 
And  rev/  Brim  J  B  Smith 
Jonathan  H  liolmesS  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  II  Franks 
George  W  Gee  Lewis  E'-ager 
George  A  Smith  Silas  Smith 
Mahew  Millman  Jesse  Baker 
ChaunceyG  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  Eluntington 
Nathaniel  Corr  Lorenzo  Wells 
Reuben  Field  James  M  Carrel 
Dorcas  Brooks  Truman  O  Angell 
Phebe    Rigdon  Graham  Coltrin 


MESSEKSER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


m 


A  E  Robinson 
Elijah  B  Ga3'lord 
Samuel  H  Smith 
Amos  R  Ortoii 


Thomas  Carrico 
Levi  Giffoid 
Jofl  H  Johnson 
Kcraan  T  Iilydo 


Willford  Woodruff  liaralio  N  Park 
Ira  Ames  Amos  B  Fuller 

Lorenzo  Booth         Hugh  Colli  in 
Henry  D  Garret      George  Stvope. 
BenJ  S  Wilber         John  P  Greene 
Benjamin  Kempton  Sanmel  Phelps 


Hiram  Clark 
Hiram  B  Booth 
Isaac  Hubbard 
AVesIey  Knight 
Bcnj  H  Stall 


Canfiekl  &  Spencer 
M  C  Davis 
J  Coodson 
H  A  Sharp 
John  Coltriii 


Clark  L  Whitney    Hczekiah  Fisk 
Russell  Pemberton  Lucv  Ives 


J  D  Parker 
Martin  H  Peck 
Hiram  Dayton 
Oliver  Olney 
William  Aldrich 
Joseph  Young 
John  B  Carpenter 
David  Dort 
Temperance  Mack 


Licster  Gaylord 
Thomas  Gates  jr 
Isaac  Cleaveland 
Vv'm  Gould 
Wm  Barker 
Andrew  L  Allien 
John  W  Duty 
S  Hunchett 
and  others. 


PERSECUTION. 

Persecution  has  been  tlie  lot  of  tlie 
righteous  since  the  days  of  righteous 
Abel;  no  righteous  people  have  escap- 
ed, or  ever  will:  for  the  nearer  that  a 
person  draws  to  the  living  God,  the 
farther  olfthe  world  thinks  he  gets. — 
Hence  says  the  Savior,  "They  that 
kill  you,  think  they  do  (xod  service; 
and  they  do  this,  because  they  know 
neither  the  Father  nor  me." 

For  this  very  cause  tlie  saints  may 
expect  nothing  but  persecution  at  the 
hand  of  any  people;  because  no  other 
people  but  tb.ern  know  tht3  Father  nor 
the  Son,  and  lor  want  of  this  know- 
ledge, they  are  always  ready  to  perse- 
cute, and  not  only  jjcrsecute;  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  to  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  sot  man  at  variance 
against  his  father,  and  the  daughter  a- 
guinst  her  mother,  and  the  daughter-in- 


man's,  foes  shall    be    they  of   his  own 
household."— Matthew  10:  32,35,36. 

When  the  Spvior  says  "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  hs  could  not 
set  a  man  at  variance  with  his  father, 
when  he  was  so  before. 

We  are  necessarily  called  upon  to 
view  t;;e  persons  thus  set  at  variance, 
as  being  on  terms  of  friendship;  hafing 
so  conducted  themselves  as  to  bs  enti- 
tled to  each  other's  friendship  and  es- 
teem, until  they  were  })ut  at  variance 
by  the  teaching  of  the  Savior;  one  or 
the  other  of  them  receiving  the  Sa?ior 
in  his  true  character,  or  any  of  his  dis- 
ciples whom  he  had  authorized  to 
teach,  was  sumcient  cause  to  excite  the 
bitterest  feelings  of  the  others,  not  on- 
ly to  object  to  their  religion,  but  also  to 
justify  them  in  altacktng  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;  tliey 
could  call  to  remembrance  a  great  ma- 
ny things  which  they  had  said,  and  a 
gieat  many  things  which  they  had 
done,  which  were  very  exceptionable; 
they  could  look  back  for  years  and  call 
to  remembrance  blemishe**  in  their 
character,  improprieties  in  their  beha- 
vior, and  they  1x020  recollect  that,  at 
that  time  it  made  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  tlie  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 
iiis  rclig  ion;  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  invciut  and  circulate   tho 


O --.- O -•-        1,...^,    ...wj     >.... -  

law  against  her  mother-in-law.     And  u  basest  lies  thai  human  naluro   is  capa- 


4^8 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


ble  of,  for  the  purpose  of  blinding  the 
Ryes  of  the  peoi)le,  or  rather  of  giving 
a  handle  lo  those  base  wretches  who 
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  Almight) .  if  it 
should  not  before,  that  is,  that  there  is 
not  a  man  nor  a  woman  under  heaven 
who  will  persecute  any  people  for  their 
religion,  that  is  nota  base  liar,  be  they 
priest  or  people. 

It  is  most  reriiarkablc  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  justitiaule  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  tiieir  exertion  to 
nrevent  some  great  evil.  They  could 
also  recollect  of  having  seen  things  (ii 
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  great- 
ly refreshed,  it,  by  gathering  up  past 
things,  and  the  great  discoveries  they 
wei-e  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  the)'-  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 


reason  of  this  the  Savior  gives  in  a  for- 
mer quotation.  "This  they  will  do,  be- 
cause they  know  neither  the  Father  nor 
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  different  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  clearlv  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  world,  of  whom  it  ^ 
was  said,  that  he  was  the  brightness  of 
the  Fathers  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  Faiher  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  Campbellites,  know  as  little  of 
the  Father  and  the  Son,  as  did  the  Phar- 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


479 


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 
think,  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 
nmusinij,  if  wickedness  could  be  said 
to  be  amusing,  among  those  who  have 
persecuted  the  saints  of  the  last  days. 
Take,  for  instance,  Matthew  Clapp,  the 
Camiibellite  beloved  disciple.  At  one 
time,  to  have  heard  him  talk,  you  would 
have  supposed  that  his  whole  breast 
was  a  mass  of  recollection,  so  that  he 
could  recollect  from  the  v.aistband  of 
his  breeches,  to  the  crown  of  his  head. 
At  another,  you  would  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  [.air  of  cars,  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 
1^  more  nor  less,  than  the  veriest  folly, 
wrapped  up  in  a  mantle  of  the  most 
perfect  pride,  that  there  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  th.e  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  ihe  liouse  has  forewarned  us 
of,  and  of  which  he  has  testified;  there- 
fore, we  may  expect  to  receive  it  at 
the  hand  of  this  persecuting,  thoui^hiic- 
ry  religions  generation.     And  when  it 


comes  we  have  another  testimony  of 
the  truth  of  the  Savior's  saying,  and 
an  additional  proof  that  we  are  his  dis- 
ciples. 

Let  us  then  do  as  he  did  before  us; 
let  us  endure  with  much  long  suftering, 
the  contradiction  of  sinners  against 
ourselves,  until  he  who  is  our  life  shall 
apj)ear,  and  then  shall  we  appear  with 
him  in  glory,  and  where  he  is,  thcr& 
shall  we  his  servants  be  also. 

S.   R.. 


An  eminent  instance  of  true  Forlilndej 

All  who  have  been  distinguished  as 
servants  of  God,  or  benefactors  of  meny 
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.  01  this  we  have 
one  conspicuous  example  in  the  apostle 
Paul,  whom  it  will  be  instiuctive  tor  us 
to  view  in  a  remarkable  occurrence  of 
his  life. 

After  having  long  acted  as  the  a[)0S- 
tle  of  the  Gentiles,  his  mission  called 
him  to  go  to  Jerusalem,  wdicre  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  favorite  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  witnessclh  in  every  city, 
saying,  that  bonds  and  alllictions  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  received   of  the  Lord  Jesu.s.  to 


489 


■:':SSENGEK  AND  ADVOCATI 


testify  the  /jospel  of  tho  grace  of  God." 
Attend  now  to  the  sentiments  of  the 
same  oxceller.t  man,  when  the  time  of 
his  last  sufFo'ing  approached;  and  re- 
mark ths  majesty,  and  the  ease,  with 
which  he  looked  on  death.  "I  am  now 
ready  to  b*?  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  forme  a  crown  of 
righteousness." 

How  many  years  of  life  does  such  a 
dyinsr  moment  overbalance!  V/ho 
would  not  choose,  in  this  manner,  to 
go  ofFihe  stage,  with  such  a  song  of 
triumph  iu  his  mouth,  rather  than  pro- 
long h'is  existence  through  a  wretched 
old  age,  stained  with  sin  and  shame? 


ENCOURAGEMENT. 

If  at  one  lime,  and  in  one  place,  cer- 
tain individuals  become  better,  why 
should  not  the  whole  mass  improve? 
If  partial  societies  become  perfect,  why 
should  it  not  happen  with  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,  infiuence  and  respect 
What  one  neighborhood  or  individual 
has   done,  every  neighborhood  or  indi- 


vidual  may  do.     Cato  remarked, 
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  form- 
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  miake  the  marriage 
unsuitable;  and  perhaps,  as  a  probation- 
ary period,  is  not  without  its  good  effect 
on  the  character  and  temper  of  both  sex- 
es. If  we  reckon  the  prolific  age  of  a  fe- 


male at  twenty^lwo  years,  or  from  eight- 
een to  forty;  the  interval  ot  a  year,  (& 
in  less  opulent  clasees  it  is  often  sever- 
al) alone  reduces  to  the  amount  of  be- 
tween four  &  five  per  cent  tiie  increase' 
of  population" 


THE  EVENING  CLOUD, 
A  cloud  lay  cradled  near  the  setlii'.g  sun, 

A  gleam  of  ciin.scii  tinned  its  braided  snow; 
Long  had  I  \vi:Uiied  the  glory  moving  on 

O'er  the  soft  radiance  ot  the  lake  below. 
Tranquil  its  spirit  secmid,  uni  floated  slow: 

E'en  in  its  very  motion  there  was  rest; 
WhV.e  every  brcutJi  of  eve  thai  chanced  to  blow 

Wafted  the  traveller  to  the  beautnoug  west. 
Emblem,  methought,  of  ths  dep:;rt-ed  soul, 

To  whose  white  robe  the  gleam  of  bliss  is  girsu; 
And,  by  the  breath  of  mercy,  made  to  roll 

Ui^ht  onward  to  the  golden  gates  of  heiven, 
Where  to  the  eye  of  fdth  it  peaceful  lies. 

And  tells  to  man  his  glorious  destinies. 

WiLBOK. 


Mm 

AND 


iE^I' 


■J'i  1  I 


M' 


DEALERS  IN 

AND  WRAPPING  PAPER. 
^Itiin  ?Atti  0v\xm\u\xtnl 

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L.    la 


^U  DAY  SAI 


in.   >'o.  7.1       KIRTLAND^  OHIO,    APRIL,   1837.   [Whole  No.  31. 


For  I  knoio  l/iat  my  Redeemer  livet/i  quently  are  still  looking  for  him.  Thev 


and  that  he  shall  stand  at  the  latter  day 
upo7i  the  earth      And  though    after  my 
skin  worms  destroy  this  body,  yet  in  my 
flesh  shall  I  see  God:  whom  I  shall  see 
for  myself  and  mine  eyes  shall  behold, 
and  not   another;   though   tny  reins  be 
consumed  tcithin  ?;je.— Job  19:  25,26,27. 
Great  distress  of   body  and  deep  do- 
mestic affliction  weighed  down  this  ser- 
vant of  the  Most  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  offby  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- 
tesritv,  and   to  crown   the  whole,    his 
friends  from  whom  he  doubtless  expect- 
ed some   commiseration,    some  sympa- 
thy at   least,  reproached  him  severeh, 
assuring   him  that   these    heavy  judg- 
ments had    fallen    upon    him  in  conse- 
quence of  his  great  v/ickedness. 

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.  H^ence  says  he,  though 
after  my  skin  worms  destroy  this  body, 
yet  in  mjf  fiesh  shall  1  see  God:  whom 
i  shall  sec  for  myself  and  mine  eyes 
shall  behold  and  not  another. 

God  had  sliown  this  eminent  man  that 
there  was  a  glorious  hereafter,  a  period 
in  futurity  when  sighing  and  sorrow 
shall  have  (led  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  tho  Lord  should  cover  the 
earth,  when  there  should  be  no  more 
dcatli,  nor  sorrow  nor  crying. 

We  are  aware  that  there  is  a  diver- 
sity of  opinion  on  the  subject  of  the 
coming  of  Ciirist,  and  the  nature  of  his 
reign.  Tho  Jews,  as  a  body  reject  the 
idtja  that  he  ever  did  come,  and  conse- 


profess   to  believe    what  the  prophets 
said  concerning  him,  and  his  reign  on 
the  earth,  but  they  contemplate  the  glo- 
ries  attendant  on   his    second  advent, 
and  knowing  as  they  do,  that  those  joys 
that  vt'ere   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  ancients  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 by  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  the  house   of 
Israel     forever,    and    of   his   kingdom 
there  shall  be  no  end. 

Asa  further  proof  of  our  position, 
the  Lord  says  by  the  mouth  of  the  pro- 
phet Micah,  4:  6  and  7.  In  that  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;  and  I  will  make  her  tliat  halted  a 
remnant;  and  her  that  was  cast  far  ofl' 
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  nevor 
fulfilled  while  tho   Savior   tabern8c!e(^ 


492 


aiESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE 


with  men  on  the  earth,  and  if  he  were 
not  to  make  his  appearance  again  on 
the  earth,  the  veracity  of  the  prophet 
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  revelation  to  us. 

Paul,  in  his  epistle  to  Ttmothy,  2: 
11,12,  says.  It  is  a  faithful  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  we  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  extant,  that  not  only  the  apos- 
tle who  caused  this  epistle  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  minds  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 
characters  were  that  John  saw.  They 
were  such  as  were  permitted  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  important  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  of  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  thetr 
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 
be  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  disciples  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  verily  sit  upon  the  throne  of 
his  father  David  agreeably  to  the  pre- 
diction of  the  angel  berore  he  made  his 
first  advent  into  the  world. 

On  reflection  we  think  there  is  so 
much  scripture  testimony  on  this  im- 
portant point,  we  are  astonished  that 
there  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  plainly  to  be  understood,  that  it 
would  seem  to  us  so  intelligible  "that 
the  way-faring  man,  though  a  fool, 
need  not  err  " 

This  sentiment,  we  see  is  exactly  in 
accordance  with  that  we  have  chosen 
as  the  foundation  of  the  remarks  we 
have  already  made.  For  I  know,  says 
Job,  that  my  Redeemer  liveth,  and 
that  he  shall  stand  at  the  latter  day  up- 
on the  earth,  that  I  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  noi  well  be  found;  and  di- 
vested of  prejudice  or  prepossession, 
no  person  can  mistake  the  language  of 
inspiration  on  this  pleasing  theme. 

The  sure  promise  of  such  ravishing  ^ 
bliss,  enabled  the  saints  anciently  to  W 
endure  such  great  tribulations  as  they 
were  dooined  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  why,  we  ask?  They  had  respect 
unto  the  recompence  of  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  sheej 
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. 


48o 


says  one  of  the  ancients,  "neither  count 
I  rny  life  dear  to  myself,  so  that  1 
might  finish  my  course  with  joy,  and 
the  ministry  which  I  have  received  of 
the  Lord  Jesus  to  testify  the  gospel  of 
the  grace  of  God."  To  live,  said  ihe 
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 
did  not  like  cowards  steal  out  of  time 
because  they  had  not  courage  to  meet 
the  afflictions  unavoidably  connected 
with  a  course  of  obedience  to  the  di- 
vine mandates,  but  looking  forward  to 
that  eventful  period,  that  happy  era  be- 
yond the  grave,  "they  endured,  as  see- 
him  who  is  invisible."  Hence  says 
the  author  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,  yet 
in  my  flesh  shall  I  see  God,  whom  I 
shall  see  for  myself  and  mine  eyes 
shall  behold  htm." 

Hence  it  would  appear,  from  all  the 
testimony  that  we  have  adduced  on  this 
subject,  together  with  what  may  be 
drawn  from  holy  writ,  that  one  must  be 
wilfully  blind  or  obstinately  wicked,  to 
deny  facts  so  plainly  proven  by  so  ma- 
ny witnesses.  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,  although  they  were 
spoken  or  written  long  since,  by  differ- 
ent prophets,  by  the  Savior,  or  his  apos- 
tles, they  produce  the  same  flow  of 
thought,  the  same  glow  of  feeling,  lluit 
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  with  an  air  of  triumph 
over  their  tormentors,  O  death  where 
is  thy  sting?  And  why?  From  the 
evidences  which  they  liad  of  a  glorious 
resurrection,  a  luippy  immortahty  be- 
yond the  grave.  Hence  says  tiie  apos- 
tle, if  we  suffer  with  him,  we  simll 
reign  with  him. 

That  joy  extatic,  that  thrills  through 
the  soul  and  animates  with  a  holy  lujpe, 
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  view  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. 

This  path  the  begt  of  men  have  trod; 
And  who'd  define  the  road  to  God! 
O!  'tis  a  glorious  boon  to  die, 
This  favor  cant  be  prized  too  high. 

Job,  exclaimed,  in  view  of  the  pros- 
pect that  lay  before  him,  I  know  that 
my  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  Nuniber. 

PAGE  455. 

Let  us  contemplate  for  a  moment 
the  sublime  scenery  that  transpired  on 
that  august  morn  previous  to  the  flood- 
gates of  heaven  being  opened  and  the 
fountains  of  the  mighty  deep  broken 
up.  We  behold  among  the  vast  crea- 
tions of  God  one  man,  and  one  only, 
that  was  esteemed  worthy  by  the 
searcher  of  all  hearts,  of  receiving  a 
revelation  of  his  v/ill.  Let  us  imagine 
for  a  moment  the  contempt  and  ridicule 
to  which  Noah,  the  man  of  God,  was 
exposed  on  this  occasion;  long  had 
that  bigotted  and  self-righteous  genera- 
tion looked  upon  this  prophet  of  the 
Most  High  as  a  fanatic,  a  tool,  or  a 
mad-man:  when  they  beheld  him  en- 
gaged in  building  (he  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  sfendy  to  his 
pur[)ose,  until  lie  had  accomplished  the 
mighty  fabric.  Then  suid  the  Lord 
unto  him,  "Yet  seven  days,  and  1  will 
cause  it  to  rain  upon  the  earth  forty 
days  and  forty  nights,  come  thou  and 
all  thy  house  into  the  ark:  for  thee 
have  I  seen  rigliteous  before  me." — 
And  while  the  giddy  multitude  gather- 
ed   themselves  together   to   mock   and 


4S4 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


deride  the  good  man,  and  witness  as 
they  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  and  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  inoffensive,  as  when 
God  called  them  together,  and  caused 
them  to  pass  in  general  I'eview  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  I'oar  as 
if  all  the  artillery  of  heaven  were  at 
once  put  into  requesition;  the  solid 
mass  of  nature  groans  and  trembles 
beneath  their  feet;  the  winds  howl  in 
the  distant  wood,  the  stately  torest  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  coriflicting  elements;  and  the  invis- 
ible hand  of  his  Creator  closes  the  door 
behind  him.  All  laces  now  gather 
blackaess,  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  jnidsf  to 
whom  he  had  revealed  his  secrets.  In 
vain  do  they  fly  for  safety;  in  vain  do 
Xhey  leave  the  plains  already  covered' 


with  water  nnd  contend  with  the  beasts 
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  earth, 
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  upon  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."  ^^'ho  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  tit  subjects  only  to  be 
c'estroyed  and  cast  down  with  the  beast 
that  perisheth;  and  together  with  ihem 
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  I  saw  as  it  were  a  sea  of  glass 
mingled  wiih  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  oil  the  sea  ol'  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  faith  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 
by  water;  but  the  Lord  said  unto  Noah, 
I  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  dwelling- 
place  for  all  the  pure  in  heart,  who  be- 
lieve in  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  of 
his  gratitude  to  God  for  his  deliverance, 
he  built  an  alter  unto  him:  in  conse- 
quence of  which  he  obtained  a  promise, 
that  while  tlie  earth  remained,  seed 
time  and  harvest,  cold  and  heat,  sum- 
mer and  winter,  and  day  and  night 
should  not  cease.  Has  not  the  Lord 
ever  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  tliousnnrl  years  since  — 
"  1  will  look  upon  it  and  remember  the 
everlasting  covenant  betwen  me  and 
every  living  creature?" 


How  unlike  their  creator  is  man  in 
thisjespect?  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  is 
the  Lord,  thou  rememberest  thy  cove- 
nants to  all  generations.  Did  you  ever 
realize  that  pravious  to  the  deluge,  no 
such  covenant  existed  between  man 
andhis  Creator,  that  the  Antideluvians 
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  dealings  of  God  with  Noah  & 
his  cotemporaries,we  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  his  happiness  or  well 
being  in  this  world,  or  that  which  is  to 
come. 

We  behold  Abraham  actiug  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  t"rom  their  midst  unto  a  land  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  onU'  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  mornr 
ing  to  sacrifice  his  only  begotten  son, 
in  whom  the  Lord  iuid  said,  all  thp  na- 
tions of  the  earth  shall  be  blessed— but 
ho  did  not  stagger  at  this  command- 
ment, because  he  considered  him  faith- 
ful who  had  promised,  and  went  for- 
ward y^'hh  unUmited   confidcnco,  witl\ 


486 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE 


the  lad  to  worship  as  God  had  com- 
manded him.  And  when  he  had  placed 
the  wood  upon  the  altar  and  bound 
Isaac  and  laid  him  thereon,  he  drew 
the  deadly  knife  to  shed  the  precious 
blood  of  the  son  of  his  own  bosom, 
knowing  as  the  Savior  said  that  God 
was  able  of  theie  stones  to  raise  up  seed 
unto  Abbraham. 

When  the  Lord  saw  his  faith  was 
perfect,  he  called  to  him  out  of  the 
heavens,  saying  now  I  know  that  thou 
lovest  me:  wiiy  did  the  Lord  know 
this?  Because  he  had  not  withheld  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  riame  blessing  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    willmg  to 
sacrifice   their  good    name    among  the 
fashionable   circles  of  society,  nor  yet 
are  they    willing  to    divest  themselves 
of  the  vain  troppings,  georgeous  appar- 
el  &    sumtuous  fare  of    the    licentious 
multitude,    which  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  indelii- 
ble  traces,   those  starting  quotilus  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  appruaching 
fearfulness  will  surprise  the    hypocrite 
and    the    wickedness    of   the    wicked, 
will  be   exposed    for    the    Lord  in   his 
anger  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  everlastiug  felicity  &  happi- 
ness in  the  celestial  kingdom  of  God. 
W.  PARISH 
[^To  be  Continued] 

Annivprsary  of  the  church  op 

Latter  Day  saints. 
A  short  notice  only  was  given  that 
a  solemn  assembly  would  be  called  of 
the  official  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  few  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  b  synopsis  of  the 
proceedings.  Meetings  were  held  by 
the  diffei'ent  quorums,  on  Monday, 
Tuesday  and  Wednesday  evenings, 
to  wash  and  anoint  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  on  Thursday,  the 
the  sixth,   the  official  members    assem- 
bled in  the  house  of  tue  Lord,  where  the 
time,  for  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  sealed.  -> 
'^  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 
hicfh  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 
1  of  heaven.     New  presidents  of  the  sev- 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


487 


enties  were  accordingly  ordained  to  fill 
ihe  place  of  such  oi'them  as  were  high 
priests,  and  the  ex  ojjicl  presidents  and 
such  of  the  seventies  as  had  been  legal- 
ly ordained  to  the  high  priesthood, 
were  directed  to  unite  with  the  quorum 
of  high  priests.  After  closing  the  par- 
ticular business  in  the  quorum  of  the 
seventies  to  which  we  have  jnst  alluded, 
all  the  quorums  assembled  in  the  lower 
room  of  the  Lords  house  whei'e  they 
were  addressed  by  ihe  presidents  from 
the  stand. 

Joseph  Smith  jr.  rose  and  spoke  on 
the  subject  of  the  Priesthood.  The 
Melchisidec  High  priesthood,  he  said 
was  no  other  than  the  priesthood  of  the 
son  of  God.  There  are  certain  ordi- 
nances which  belong  to  the  priesthood, 
and  certain  results  tlow  from  it. 

The  presidents,  or  presidency  are 
over  the  church,  and  revelations  of  the 
mind  and  will  of  God  to  the  church  are 
to  come  through  the  presidency.  This 
is  the  order  of  heaven  and  the  powei 
and  privilege  of  this  priesthood.  It  is 
also  the  privilege  of  any  officer  in  this 
church,  to  obtain  revelations  so  far  as 
) elates  to  his  particular  calling  or  duty 
in  the  church.  All  are  bonnd  by  the 
principles  of  virtue  and  happiss,  but  one 
great  privilege  of  this  priesthood  is  to 
obtain  revelations,  as  before  observed, 
of  the  mind  and  will  of  God.  It  is  also 
the  privilege  of  the  Melchesidec  priest- 
hood, to  reprove,  rebuke  and  admonish, 
as  well  as  to  receive   ri;velations. 

He  here  remarked  something  con- 
concerning  the  will  of  God,  and  said, 
'^  that  what  God  commanded,  the  one 
-■  half  of  the  church  would  condemn. — 
A  high  Priest,  is  a  member  of  the  same 
Melctiesidec  priesthood,  with  the  presi 
dency,  but  not  of  the  same  power  or 
authority  in  the  church.  The  seven- 
ties are  also  members  of  the  same 
priesthood,  arc  a  sort  of  travelling  coun- 
cil, or  priesthood,  and  may  preside 
over  a  church  or  churches  until  a  high 
priest  can  be  liad.  The  seventies  are 
to  be  taken  from  the  ([uorum  of  ciders 
and  are  not  to  be  high  i)riests.  They 
are  subjebt  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  without  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

The  Bishop  was  a  high  priest,  and 
necessarily  so,  bccauso  he  is  to  preside 


over  that  particular  branch  of  church  af- 
fairs that  are  denominated  the  lesser 
priesthood,  and  because  we  have  no  di- 
rect lineal  descendant  of  Aaron  to 
whom  it  would  of  righ^  belong.  He 
remarked  that  this  was  the  same,  or  b 
branch  of  the  same  priesthood;  and  il- 
lustrated his  position  by  the  figure  of 
the  human  body,  which  has  dfierent 
members,  which  have  diiferent  offices 
to  perform:  all  are  necessary  in  their 
1)1  ace,  and  the  body  is  not  complete 
without  all  the  members.  F.iom  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 
preached  by  the  Holy  Ghost,  his  en- 
joyment is  as  grsat  as  if  he  were  one 
of  the  presidency;  and  his  services  are 
necessary  in  the  body,  as  are  also  those 
of  teachers  and  deacons.  Therefore 
in  viewing  the  churchas  whole,  we  may 
strictly  denominate  it  one  priesthood. 

He  remarked  that  he  rebuked  and 
admonished  his  brethi'en  frequently, 
and  that  because  he  loved  them;  not 
because  he  wished  to  incur  their  dis- 
pleasure or  mar  their  happiness. 

Such  a  course  of  conduct  v/as  not 
calculated  to  gain  the  good  will  of  all, 
but  rather  the  ill  will  of  many,  and 
thejeby  the  situation  in  which  he  stood 
was  an  important  one.  So  you  see, 
urethren  the  higher  the  authority,  the 
greater  the  difficulty  of  the  station. 
But  these  rebukes  and  admonitions  be- 
came nccssary  from  the  pcrverseness 
of  brethren,  for  their  temooral  as  well 
as  spiritual  welfare.  They  actually 
constitutetl  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  1  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  were  now  press- 
ing upon  the  heads  of  the  church.  He 
observed  they  began  poor,  wore  needy 
(lestitutute,  and  were  truly  affiic'ed  by 
their  enemies;  yet  the  Lord  command- 
ed them    to   go   forth   and  prcnch    the 


488 


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  begionmg  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  eontracts, 
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  that  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,  vv-hen 
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- 
i*en  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 
nnade  for  the  benefit  of  the  saints  in 
this  place.  He  closed  his  remarks  by 
plain  practical  advice  and  exhortation, 
at  25  mmutes  before  5  P.   M. 

President  Oliver  Cowdery  rose  im- 
mediately and  made  a  i^ew  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  objoct  of  this  mission  &  ministry, 
was  the  gathering  together  of  the  saints.r 
The  preaching  of  the  gospel  was  the  first 
thing.  Nothing  can  effect  the  gather- 
ing of  the  saints  but  that.  A  place  ta 
gather  them  is  also  important  and  both 
are  to  be  had  in  view,  when  we  preach. 

Pie  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  ho 
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  unliquidated.  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  goods  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 
great  share  of  that  debt  remained  unli- 
quidated. He  stated  from  minutes 
that  were  furnished  him  during  the 
xime  he  was  remarking  upon  this  item, 
that  the  unliquidated  debt  for  the  build- 
ing was  rising  of  thirteen  thousand  dol- 
lai's. 

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 
saintq  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. 


4m 


When  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  placeybr 
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  thought  would  be  suf- 
ficient to  meet  the  whole  debt,  which 
must  be  met  that  we  might  dwell  in 
peace.  This,  said  ho,  will  make  this 
stake  of  Zion  safe.  This  is  no  fiction, 
but  a  solemn  fact,  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  tlien  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. 
t  Many  brethren  and  sisters  assembled 
n  the  evening  for  prayer  and  exhorta- 
tion, and  some  few  tarried  nearly  all 
night. 

Thus  ended  our  anniversary,  and 
we  hopr;  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. 


j^Iessenffer  and  Advocate. 


"W.  A.  CO^VDKKY,  Sditor. 


KIRTLAND,    OHIO,   APRIL,    1837. 


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. 


We  have  inserted  below  an  article 
from  the  pen  of  S.  A.  Davis,  Editor  of 
"The  Glad  Tidings,  and  Ohio  CUnst 
ian  Telescope,"  a  Universalist  publica- 
tion printed  at  Pittsburgh,  Pa. 

We  have  done  so,  not  because  we 
were  honored  with  a  visit  from  himand 
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 
wo  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,  Ave  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. 


tiess  that  we,  and  all  others,  should  be- 
lieve as  we  please,  and  worship  God 
agreeably  to  the  dictates  ot  our  own 
consciences.  Ed. 

From  the  Glad  Tidings,  of  March  14. 
KIRTLAND,— MORMONISM,  &c. 
In  the  last  No.  of  this  paper,  I  prom- 
ised an  account  ot*  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  will  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  region.  '  It  was  about  this  time, 
if  I  mistake  not,  that  the  leaders  of 
this  sect  commenced  operations  in 
this  place,  ",and  made  a  considerable 
purchase  of  land,  and  have  since  that 
time  increased  to  the  number  of  about 
4000.  They  now  own  most  of  the 
land  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  interior,  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  separaie  rooms,  by  me^ns  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  stairs.     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- 
tormed  by  themselves,  without  any  ac- 
curate account.  But,  when  completed, 
it  cannot  amount  Jo  less  than  sixty 
thousand  dollars. 

The  people  would  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.,  in  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 
professions,  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  upori  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. 


49i 


*'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  instruction  of  their 
new  religion    and    I  assure  you,    dear 
reader,  we  so  far  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  hnndred  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  notwthstanding 
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. 


pen  of  Theodore  Sedgewick,  which  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  words  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  them,  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  mind 
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  feliow-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." 


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 
ideas  in  plain,  simple,  unvarnished  Ian" 
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 


A  faithful  man  shall  abound  with 
blessings:  but  he  that  inaketh  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  apjjcar  ni  all  its  intrinsic 
loveliness,  and  the  latter  in  its  odious 
and  naked  deformity.     It  is   evident, 


AM^ 

also,  that  the  sacred  writer  had  in 
view,  when  he  e\'pressed  himself  thus 
em[)hatically,  the  consequences  or  final 
result  of  the  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  may  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  ilumns  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 
all  their  conduct  and  their  intercourse 
with  the  world,  and  with  each  other, 
should  be  regulated  in  righteousness 
and  equity. 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


In  contemplatmg  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  ex^lu-  . 
sionof  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.     Every  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  ihe  denun- 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


493 


ciations  of  his  wrath  upon  the  head  of 
the  guilty.  They  truly  "set  at  naught 
his  counsels  and  his  precepts,''  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  eai  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,  vou  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,  3'ou  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  innocent  or  registeied 
among  the  just.  Remember  the  Savior 
said,  blessed  are  the  meek,  for  they 
shall  inherit  the  earth.  I'hough  you 
may  have  lived  in  this  world  in  want- 
onness and  pleasure,  and  rioted  in  lux- 
ury and  ease,  for  all  this,  God  will 
bring  you  into  judgment,  and  you  shall 
lie  down  in  sorrow.  While,  as  the 
wise  man  said,  the  faithful  shall  be 
•  crowncQ  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 wlicre  the  wormdicth  not  and 
the  fire  is  not  fiuenched.  You  shall 
leave  the  work!  in  which  you  now 
dwell,  unmourned  n\u\  unwept,  and  fu- 


ture gene*ations  shall  rise  up    and  call 
you  cursed.  Ed. 


the  bcginnin<T  of  the  fourteenth  cen- 


ANCIENT  HISTORY.— No.  3. 

We  shall  now  proceed,  agteeably  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 
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 
cotemporarv  with  Joshua  about  1440 
years  before  the  advent  of  the  Savior, 
and  500  before  the  cities  of  Attica  were 
united  by  Theseus. 

The  PhcBnicians,  (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  Phoenicians  were]  called 
Sidonians,  from  Sidon  their  chief  city. 

In  our  next  we  shall  give  some  ac- 
count of  Greece.  Ed. 


494 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


For  lohatsoever  things  were  written 
aforetime,  were  written  for  our  haern- 
ing,  that  we  through  patience  and  com- 
fort of  the  scriptures  might  haoe  hope. — 
RoMArs  XV.  4. 

Vrrious  methods  have  been  employ- 
ed, at  different  periods  and  by  different 
persons,  to  convey  usefnl  knowledge 
to  mankind.  The  knowledge  most 
useful  and  important  to  man,  is  that  of 
morals  and  religion.  These  sciences 
not  only  afford  the  most  pleasant  and 
elevating  subjects  of  meditation,  but  ev- 
idently possess  a  very  powerful  influ- 
ence over  human  happiness,  both  in 
the  life  v/hich  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  weight  and  evidence. 
Publick  teachers  have,  at  other  times, 
taken  psins  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  transgressing 
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  enchantmet 
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 
leesons  of  religion  and  virtue  have 
been  forcibly  inculcated,  by  a  fair  and 
impartial  disclosure  of  the  efTects, 
which  the  observance  or  neglect  of 
them  have  produced  on  the  ufFairs  of 
men.  And  the  pencil  of  history  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  coUction  of  striking  por- 
traits, for  our  entertainment  and  in- 
struction. In  contemplating  these,  we 
seem  to   expatiate  in  a  vast   gallery  of 


family  pictures,  and  take  delight  in  ob- 
serving and  comparing  the  various  fea- 
tures of  the  extensive  kindred,  as  they 
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  whidh  is  called  Biography, 
or  a  delineation  of  fortunes,  character, 
and  a  conduct  of  particular  persons: 
and  that,  whether  the  historians  be 
themselves  the  men  vi^hom  they  de- 
scribe and  record;  or  whether,  from 
proper  sources  of  information,  they  re- 
cord the  lives  and  actions  of  others. 


THE  EFFECTS  OF  EDUCATION. 

In  following  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  degrade  mankind,  are  the  most 
frequent.  Among  ignorant  persons, 
other  things  being  equal, rapacity, cheat- 
ing and  thieving,  drunkenness  and  sens- 
ual pleasures  aro  prominent  features  in 
the  characte''. 

Those,  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 
Christian  charity,  will  join  those  who 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


485 


contend  for  the  benefits  of  an  education 
adapted  to  every  class  of  society;  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  the 
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  body  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 
wrecepts,  unenligotened  by  the  discov- 
eries, unsupported  by  the  consolations 
of  religion  is  a  miracle  not  to  be  pei*- 
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  seeking  peace,  rest  and  en- 
joyment in  the  negleclt  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  disappointmsnt  is  vexation 
of  spirit,  have  been  persuaded,  before 
it  was  too  late,  to  draw  their  felicity 
from  the  pure  and  nevcr-faling  sources 
of  faith  and  a  good  conscience;  happy 
they,  who;  reconciled  to  God  through 
Chrsit  Jesus  ther  Lord,  enjoy  real 
tranquility  in  life,  and  well-grounded 
hope  in  death. 


From  the  elders  &  others  abroad. 
Elder  G.  M.  HinKlc  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  i)ressing. 

Elder  James  Emmet  is  now  hero  from 
the  Far  West  having  travelled  and  built 
up  churches  in  Illenois,  Indiana,  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  cqurch,  left  them  and  is 
now  going  to  return  to  the  besom  of 
his  famil}'^  and  friends  in  the  West. — 
We  mention  this  little  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  thnt  doors  are  opened  and  calls 
for  faithful  elders  are  made  more  than 
can  be  supplied  by  any,  or  all  the  quo- 
rums, the  Twelve,t  he  High  Priosts,  the 
three  Seventies  and  quorum  of  Elders. 
— We  should  be  pleased,  could  all  bf 
satisfied,  but  we  are  sure  they  cannot. 
We  are  pappy  to  say,  however,  for  the 
satisfaction  of  our  brethren  and  friends 
abroad,  that  we  have,  since  the  solemn 
assembly,  seen  in  many  oi  our  elers, 
a  zeal  for  the  cause  se[dom  surpassed, 
in  getting  ready  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.  Covvdery;  Dear  Sir. 
I  would  inform  you  thrt  I  have  been 
absent  from  this  place  eleven  months, 
during  which  time  I  have  been  pro- 
claiming the  everlasting  gospel  in  Eiie, 
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 
soctions  were  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  thai  the  shack- 
les of  bigotry  &  supeustition  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  Itght  of  truth 
is  spreadiog  its  glorious  and  benign 
rays,  to  the  joy  and  satisfaction  of  ev- 
ery benevolent  heart.  O  may  it  pro- 
gress until  its  sacred  influcocc  shall  be 
felt  by  all,  and  the  knowledge  of  God 
cover   the   earth  as  the    waters  do  the 


49G 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


>'sea. 


I  am  as  ever  vours, 

J.  M.  GRANTS. 

W.    A.    COWDERY. 


Hymenial. 

Married  in  this  town  on  the  13th 
inst.  by  F.  G.  Willliams  Esq.  Elder 
Jonathan  H.  Holmes  to  Miss  Marietta 
Carter,  Elder  Wiliford  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  Saints  will  be  held 
in  Rutland  Hollow  Jefferson  Co.  N.  Y.  on 
the  first  Saturday  in  .Tune  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 ofFsprmg,  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  Mo.  in  consequence 
of  her  religion.  She  shared  with  her 
partner  in  the  loss  and  abuse  incident 
to  that  unhallowed  and  disgraceful 
scene,  and  returned  with  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 
her  home. 


DEALER  IN 

CAP,  I.ETTEK, 
AND  WRAPPING  PAPER. 


CARDS,  BLANKS, 
CHECKS,  NOTES, 
DRAFTS, 


HAND-BILLS, 
SHOW-BILLS, 
LABELS, 


Together  it'ith  Book,  and  every  other 
description  of  Printing;  as  also  Blank 
Books  of  all  kinds  executed  in  a  supe- 
rior style,  on  short  notice. 

Old  ^o©ks  re-l>©Maid. 

MESSENGER  AND  STAR, 

Bound  together,  or  in  separate  volumes 
can  be  had  at  this  office. 


THE  LATTER  DAY   SAINTS' 

I^essenger  and  Advocate, 

Is  published  every  month  at  Kirtland,  Geauga 
Co.  Ohio,  by 

PROPRIETOR. 

Notice. 

The  Messenger  &  Advocate  Office  and 
contents,  rcently  owned  by  Smith  and  Rig- 
don, have  baen  transfered  to  Wm.  Marks  of 
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Messrs.  Smith  &  Rigdon,  by  power  of  at- 
torney from  ?aid  Marks,  will  act  as  his  agents 
for  the  time  being. 

W.  A.  Covvdery  will  still  continue  in 
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all  communications,  by  mail  relative  to  the 
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I>AY  SAINTS' 


r?IESSEI^"€»}EK  AIVB  ADVOCATE. 


Vol.  hi.  No.  8.]       KIRTLAND,  OHIO,   MAY,  1837.   [Whole  No.  32. 


(Kommunitatfous. 


THE  GOSPEL. 

"I  marvel  that  ye  are  so  soon  removed  from 
Jiim  that  called  you  into  the  grace  of  Ciirist, 
unto  another  gospel  which  is  not  another: 
but  there  be  some  that  trouble  you,  and  would 
pervert  the  gospel  of  Christ;  but  though  we, 
or  an  angel  from  heaven,  preacli  any  otiier 
gospel  unto  you,  than  tliat  which  we  have 
preached  unto  you,  let  him  be  accursed.  As 
we  said  before  so  say  I  now  again,  if  any 
man  preach  any  other  gospel  unto  you,  than 
that  ye  have  received,  let  him  be  accursed." 
Gallatians  1:  6,9 

This  subject,  rightly  considered  and 
duly  weighed,  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, 
will  prove  a  savor  of  life  unto  life,  even 
the  everlasting  immortal  soul's  salva- 
tion, to  all  those  who  live  accordmg  to 
that  gospel.  And  it  is  highly  impor- 
tant ind  obligatory  upon  us,  that  we 
know  and  understand  what  this  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  uo  other  gospel.  I  mar- 
vel, says  the  author  of  these  words, 
that  ye  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:  10.  "For  I  am 
not  ashamed  of  the  gospel  of  Christ, 
for  it  is  the  power  of  God  unto  salva- 
tion to  every  one  that  believeth,  to  the 
Jew  first  and  also  to  the  (ircek."  Why 
did  Paul  say  he  was  not  ashamed  of 
the  gospel  of  Christ?  Because  it  (the 
gospel)  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  sec  whether  it  will 
bear  its  own  weight;  wo  will  suppose 
that  the  wickedest  person  there  is  upon 
the  earth,  has  a  bible  and  believes  it, 
yet  he  does  not  practice  one  single  good ' 


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-  do   something, 
ending  in  Hon,  signify  the  act  of  doing 
that  thing,  from  which  the  word  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  word  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  scri])lu.'-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 
I  also  received,"  viz:  a  revelation,  that 
Christ  was  risen  from    death  unto  life. 
Sec   this  ancient  apostle,    the    chosen 
vessel  to  bear  the  gos[)cl  unto  the  Gen- 
tiles,  before   he  was    converted,    with 
letters  and  authority  in  his   pocket,    to 
bind  and  cast  into  prison   all   who  be- 
lieved in  this  gospel;  see   him  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  ofCesarea  PhiUippi, 
Be  took  occasion  to  ask  his  disciples 
what  the  multitude  said  abou'.  him,  he 
asked,  sayfng,  Math,  xvx:  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  saith  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  in 
heaven,  and  I  say  also  unto  thee  that 
thou  art  Peter,  and  upon  this  rock  I 
will  build  my  church,  and  the  gates  of 
hell  shall  not  prevail  against  it." 

Let  us  here  inquire  what  it  was  that 
Christ  said  he  would  build  his  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  thee.  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  agamst  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 
gosptl  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,  we 
might  well  inquin-  if  the  gospel  is  the 
same  now  that  it  was  in  the  days  of  the 
apostles;  but  he  is  unchangeable,  and 
ponsequently  his  gospel    ia  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  unchangeableness  of  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  ff 
God  is  unchangeable,  his  gospel,  or 
scheme,  whereby  he  saves  souls  in  the 
kingdom  of  heaven,  must  be  unchange- 
able. 

Now  let  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  shall 
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,  remission 
of  sin,  that  the}'  may  be  pure  in  heart;, 
and  fifth,  the  layingon  of  hands  forthe 
reception  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  five  steps 
or  principles,  in  their  regular  order, 
are  indispensably  necessary  in  order  to 
be  initialed  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,  bnptism,  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  ofened  his  mout'/i,  and 
began  at  the  same  scripture  &  preach- 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


499 


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  niayest:"  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  piinciple  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  disciples  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  they  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 
brethren  what  shall  we  do,  seeing  we 
have  crucified  the  Lord?  Observe  the 
answer:  Then  Peter  said  unto  them, 
repent  and  be  baptized  every  one  of 
you  in  the  name  of  Jesus  Christ,  for 
the  remission  of  your  sins,  and  ye  shall 
receive  the  gift  of  the  Holy  Ghost;  for 
the  promise  is  unto  vou,  and  to  your 
children,  and  to  all  that  arc  afar  ofi', 
even  as  many  as  the  Lord  our  God 
shall  call.  Repent,  says  Peter,  repent 
and  then  ho  baptized,  and  not  be  bap- 
tbed  and  then  repent;  but  repent  first, 
(or  this  is  according  to  the  order  of  the 


gospel.  And  after  a  person  has  faith, 
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  foi'  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,  vei'il)',  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  eater  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  hor  mind?" 
No.     Then  wc  say   he  taught  liii  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   ho 
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  puro 


606 


MESSENGER.  AND  ADVOCATE. 


in  heart  have  any  promise  oi  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  be 
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  Apollos  was 
at  Corinth,  Paul  having  passed  through 
the  upper  coast,  came  to  Ephesus,  and 
finding  certain  disciples,  be  said  unto 
them,  have  ye  received  the  Holy  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,  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 
eome  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- 
cing at  the  14ih  verse:  "Now  when 
the  apostles  which  were  at  Jerusalem, 
heard  that  Samaria  had  received  the 
word  oi  God,  they  sent  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  hnd  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  Hebrevr 
brethren,  who  he  thought  had  not  made 
so  great  progress  in  the  gospel  as  they 
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 
laying  again  the  foundation  of  repent- 
ance." And  he  goes  on  to  enumerate 
some  of  the  first  prmciples,  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  there  is  more  testimony,  but 
enough  is  as  good  as  a  teast. 

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  man 
upon  the  face  of  the  whole  earth  should 
try  to  gainsay  it. 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE, 


m 


Where  do  we  find  the  preacher  a- 
mong  the  protestant  churches  who 
preaches  or  leaches  the  gospel  as  the 
apostles  taught  it?  Where  is  the  man 
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  now  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 Butterworih'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  divmc  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, 


given,  why  we  shall  not  have  rerela- 
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:  "For  what  if 
some  did  not  believe?  Shall  their  un- 
belief make  the  faith  of  God  without 
effect?  God  forbid:  yea  let  God  be 
true,  but  every  man  a  liar,  as  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- 
mong  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 
another;  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   afterw^ds? 
Or  suppose  a  person  should  go  to  work 
the   right  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  shall  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- 


BM 


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  illustrious  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  find  a  Jacob  wrestling 
with  an  angel  of  God  at  Peniel  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  followed  their  exam- 
ple, sought  for  and  obtained  for  himself 
a  revelation  of  the  secret  acts  and  fu- 
ture designs  ol  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 


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  Israel?     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  God  to  Abra- 
ham was  fulfilled:   ''Thou  shalt  sojourn 
in  Egypt  four  hundred  years."     Ano- 
ther man  was  raised   up    to    lead    him 
out  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 
groaned.     He  called  him   from  Horeb, 
where  he  was  feeding  the  flocks  of  his 
father-in-law,     Jetliro,     under    whose 
hands  he  had  received   the    priesthood 
of  Melchisedec;  by  which  he  had  pow- 
er with  God,  and  was  enabled  to  coma 
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 
this  song,  saying,  "The  Lord  hath  tri- 
umphed gloriously:  the  horse  and  his 
rider  hath  he  thrown  into  the  sea.  The 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


m 


Lord  i;  a  man  of  war.  Pharaoh's 
chariots  and  his  hosts  hath  he  cast  into 
the  sea:  his  chosen  captains  also  are 
drowned  in  the  Red  sea.  The  depths 
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  top  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  arc  come  upon  thee, 
the  blessings  and  the  curses  which  I 
have  set  before  Ihee,  and  thou  shalt 
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  tiiine  heart, 
and  with  all  thy  soul:  That  then  the 
Lord  thy  God  will   turn  thy  captivity, 


and  have  compassion  upon  thee,  and 
will  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  thence 
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  say,  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^al,    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  led    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;  accordingly  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.  thatacertain  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,   while  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.     Ho    came    forth   filled 
with  indigrfhtion  at  the  wickedness   of 
the  prophets  of  baal,  and  tested  the  va- 
lidity of  their  religion  and  their  gods, 


5»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  m 
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  Carmel,  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  hand  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- 
eration 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  indebted  for  the 
first  rudiments  of  the  arts  and  sciences, 
and  the  dawningsof  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  this  country  were  barba- 
rous, but  a  dawning  of  civilization 
arose  under  the  Titans,  a  Phoenician 
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  century  happen- 
ed the  deluge  of  Ogyges  1796  before 
Christ.  Then  folfowed  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  man,  no  doubt, 
had  extensive  views  of  policy  and  gov- 
ernment. This  council,  from  a  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 interest. 

Cadmus,  about  1519  years  before 
Christ,  introduced  alphabetic  writing 
into  Greece  from  Phoenicia.  The  al- 
phabet had  then   only  sixteen   letters; 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


60* 


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  got  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  wonder.  Where 
the  light  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  laws,  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.) 


rHessenger  and  Advocate. 

Tf^  A.  COWDERY,  KdUor. 

KIRTLAND,    OHIO,  MAY,    1837. 

We,  some  few  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  ptyrsuad- 
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  arc,  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  zeal  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  vinws  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, 
reckless  of  allconsequences,  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  ai-e  insane  and  have  lost 
their  reason?  Certainly  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  govornment  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  cannof, 
they  will  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  suffgest  a  reme- 
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  tho  Bishop,  whose  of- 


506  

fice  it  is  to  administer  to  the  poor,  and 
if  vou  have  money  or  other  property  to 
bestow  tor  their  reliefer  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  your  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 
advantage  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  that  period  ar- 
rives, you  may  make  another  applica- 
tion, and  you  will  be  less  warmly  re- 
ceived, and  have  still  less  assurances  of 
obtaining  any  relief. 

The  third  application  you  make,  you 
may  portray  your  own  situation  and 
that  of  your  family,  in  all  the  colors 
that  imagination  can  invent,  or  that 
truth  and  native  eloquence  can  paint; 
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  nr)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  you  have 
faith  in  God  and  his  cause,  have  it,  we 
truly  rejoice  at  it;  we  bid  you  God  speed; 
may  you  increase  in  ii,  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, 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


we  say  remember  your  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 
temfjoral  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  Ihis  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  sairits. 

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.  Vain 
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 
niay  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  thereby?  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  available 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


bor 


■means  or  human    felicity,   but    enhan- 
cing both. 

Causes,  you  knov/,  produce  effects, 
and  like  causes  produce  like  effects  in 
all  places,  and  among  all  people,  whe- 
ther they  be  saints  or  sinners.  ]\Ien  do 
not  gather  grapes  of  thorns  nor  figs  of 
thistles,  neither  can  the  vine  bear  olive 
berries  or  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  you  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  tiie 
small  brap.ches  abroad.  These,  Ijrcth- 
ren,  you  sec  are  to  us,  unavoidable. — 
Offences   must   come,  but  we  can  say 


wo  be  to  him  from  whom  the  offence 
comc-lh.  We  know  there  is  a  right  and 
a  wrong  in  human  action.?,  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  are  those  who  disobe^v 
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  and  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,  either  or  all,  God  will  not 
hold  you  guiltless  nor  sufler  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  professor  fastens  upon 
infidelity  or  ends  his  miserable  career 
in  the  vortex  of  ruin. 

If  you  watch  for  the  failings  and 
imperfections  of  others,  andj^endeavor 
to  correct  their  follies  and  faults,  let  us 
say  to  you,  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  owft  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  a  correct  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  .Tesus,  in  his 
name  prophesied,  cast  out  devils  and 
done  many  wonderful  works,  yet  if 
you  were  to  cut  olf  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  as 


509 

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  dispaiity,  choose 
the  good  and  refuse  the  evil. 

YoM  will  not  conclude  as  rational 
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 
that  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  ihem  or  revealed  his 
will  tiMhe  children  of  men,  through 
Ihem.  In  short,  God's  ways  are  high- 
er than  c^r  ways,  and  his  thoughts 
than  our  thoughts.  Doing  miracles  did 
not  convince  the  unbelieving  Jews  that 
Jesus  was  the  true  Messiah,  neither 
would  men  bo  convinced  in  our  day 
were  they  to  witness  them  any  more 
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  Jev/s,  you  have  Mo- 
ses and  the  prophets,  let  them  hear 
them,  and  if  they  will  not  hear  them, 
t^ey  will  not  believe  though  one  rose 
from  the  dead:  So   we   say  in   these 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


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  tact  that  discussion  and 
investigation  elicit  truths  that  have  long 
been  buried  in  oblivion  or  tiadition,  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 
light  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  AND  ADVOCATE. 


509 


take  the  guilty  and  fearfulnoss  surprise 
the  hypocrite. 

But  the  saints  of  God,  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  fightings,  within 
are  fears,  audall  the  nameless  ills  that 
flesh  is  heir  to;  still  we  trust  many  will 
hold  on  their  way  and  will  eventually 
be  welcomed  with  the  pleasing  plaudit, 
*'well  done  good  and  and  faithful  ser- 
vants, enter  into  the  joys  of  yourL'^rd. 
And  we  believe  the  Lord  the  righteous 
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  take 
a  retrospect  on  past  life  and  say,  "We 
have  fought  a  good  fight,  we  have  fin- 
ished our  conrse,  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 
you  would  not  participate  when  you 
shall  arrive  here,  we  should  blush  with 
shame  when  we  shall  behold  your  fa- 
cea.     Wo    hav«    been    accustomed    to 


speak  the  truth  from  our  youth  up,  and 
we  ofFar  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  we  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 his  people.  We  knovv  that  truth  is 
mighty  and  will  prevail,  and  that  any 
attempt  to  suppress  or  conceal  it,  will 
be  vam  and  worse  than  vain.  Saints, 
real  saints  of  God  who  have  served 
him  with  pure  hearts,  we  hope  v/ill  still 
continue  to  love  &  serve  him,  &  let  not 
the  conduct  of  some  of  those  who  are 
called  sauitsin  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  th;-'  er.d, 
have  the  promise  of  endless  felicity. 

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  upoH  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  afilicted  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  efiects.  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 
ihoy  had  no  precedents  upon  which  to 
act,  or  beacons  on  the  page  of  history 
or  in  the  annals  of  by-gone  year's,  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,   ccnteris  paribus,    produce  the 


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,  and  plunged 
themselves  into  a  vortex  of  ruin,  so  far 
as  we  have  followed  them  or  departed 
from  those  principles,  perplexity  and 
ruia  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  few  stripes. — 
He  will  not  pass  lightly  over  iniquit}', 
or  let  the  unjust  go  unpunished.  The 
pulpit  and  the  press  should  with  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  faith  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  away.  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,  writ+en  commands  of  God; 
and  we  are  sure  the  Lord  will  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  do 
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  will 
apostatize  and  fall  away. 

We  sj)eak  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  ta 
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  ieast  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 
given  for  the  benefit  of  his  saints,  he 
shall  lose  his  office?  What  official 
member  does  not  know  this?  Breth- 
ren, either  we  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? 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


611 


You  may  pleac  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,  on 
I     the 29th  of  April,  1837,  and  after  open- 
I     ing  the  meeting  by   prayer,    they    pro- 
1    ceeded  to  take  into  consideration  some 
\    difficulties,   either   real  or  imaginary, 
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    others,    the    following    resolu- 
tions: 

1st. — That  we  will  have  no  fellow- 
ship whatever  with  any  Elder  belong- 
ing to  the  quorums  of  the  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. 


struct  in  righteousness,  the  saints  of 
God.  We  do  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- 

This  certifies  that  is  a 

member  of  the  quorum  of  Fligh  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  order  churches  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.  CAPvTER, 

Counsellors 
Harlow  Redfield,  Sec. 


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,  wo  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  energy,  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,  18.37. 
At  a  conference  held  in  the  above 
place,  the  following  oflicial  members 
being  present:  Elders  P.  P.  P;att,  J. 
Taylor,  J.  Russell;  JohnSnider,  Priest; 
Joseph  Fielding,  Teacher.  Eld.  Pratt 
was  called  to  preside,  and  the  following 
persons  were  ordained:    Wm.  Law  to 


612 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


the  office  of  an  elder,  Theodore  Tur- 
ley,  priest  and  Jacob  Scott,  teacher. 

The  number  of  members  in  good 
standing  is  tvventy. 

The  presence  of  the  Lord  was  with 
us;  the  manifestation  of  the  Spirit  was 
clear  and  the  votes  of  the  members 
unanimous — and  we  were  led  to  praise 
God  that  he  was  pleased  to  call  new  la- 
borers into  his  vineyard,  and  thus  fa- 
cilitate the  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. 


M^'Baietaessl. 


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".jnday 

evening  the  14th  inst,  by  F.  G.  Wil- 
liams, Esq.  Elder  Parley  P.  Pratt  to 
Mrs.  Mary  Ann  Stearns. 


Elder 

to  MissLoDiciA  Sly. 


On   the   same  evening,    by 
-Allen,  Mr.  Hezekiah  Fisk 


©BITtJARY. 


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 v/as  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.  [Cobi. 


NOTICE. 

There  will  be  a  general  conference 
of  elders  of  the  church  of  Latter  Day 
Saints,  held  on  the  tenth  day  of  June 


next,  at  or  near  Artemus  Judd's,  in 
the  township  of  Bastard,  Leeus  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  render  visiting  brethren 
comfortable. 

JOHN  E.  PAGE. 

Perth,  U.C.April  10,  1837. 


Notice. 

The  Messenger  &  Advocate  Office  and 
contents,  rcently  owned  by  Smith  and  Rig- 
don,  have  bsen  transfered  to  Wm.  Marks  of 
Portage,  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.  Cowdery  will  still  continue  in 
charge  of  the  editorial  department,  to  whom 
all  communications,  by  mail  relative  to  the 
the  business  of  the  office,  should  be  ad- 
adressed. 


DEALER  IN 
AND  WRAPPING  PAPER. 


JOBPKIJ^TinVG. 


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Is  published  every  month  at  Kirtland,   Geauga 
Co.  Ohio,  by 

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PHOPRIETOR. 


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LATTER  DAY  SAINTS' 

MESSE]\€JER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


Vol.  III.  No.  9.]       KIRTLAND,  OHIO,  JUNE,  1837.       [Whole  No.  33. 


(Kommunicttticns. 


The  following  communication  was 
tiesigned,  originally,  as  a  private  letter 
by  brother  TAVLon,  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,  are 
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 
Ood.  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  groat  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,  «Scc. 
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  wc  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  deceivablcncss." 

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  somethinji 
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  tlic  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 
hiin  ;  and  that  he   translated   them  by 
the  gift  of  God  imparted   for  that  jjur- 
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  have 
appeared  to   a  great  number  of  others, 
who  bear  testimony  to  the  same  things. 
I  have  conversed  with  three  who  have 
travelled   through   tliis  part,  that  have 
had    coinmuniuii     witii     angels — men 
wiioic  lives  udoru  the  doctrine  of  God 


514 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


our  Saviour.  One  of  those  observed 
that  it  vi^as  easy  for  him  to  conceive  of 
hovr  the  Lord  could  teach  a  man  more 
in  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.  Anotlier  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.  1 
have  seen  I  may  scores  of  instances  of 
it.  The  power  of  the  Lord  is  indeed 
manifest  in  the  church.  When  any 
are  sick  among  us,  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, 
will  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  o-n  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.  You  ask  who  the  gospel 
is  to  be  preached  to.  1  would  answer, 
according  to  John  in  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  Mr. 
Irving's,  nor  is  there  any  thing  unnat- 
ural in  the  gifts  of  the  spirit  among  us 
as  in  their  utterances ;  nor  are  we 
afraid  of  investigation,  as  they  are;  the 
more  the  principles  are  investigated  ia 
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  Goo', 
and  by  a  consistent  walk,  adorn  the 
doctrine  of  God  our  Saviour. 

1  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 
n:;ay  yet  make.  One  thing  1  would 
mention,  before  I  proceed,  concerning 
what  we  preach.  Faith,  we  consider, 
the  first  principle  of  the  gospel;  re- 
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  to 
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  wiU 
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. 


gts 


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  authority  in 
themmisti'v  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  lliey  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  bod}'-  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,  1  have  no  need  of  thee; 
nor  the  head  to  the  foot,  I  have  no  need 
of  thee.  I  would  hero  observe  that  it 
is  as  necessary  to  have  ministers  cho- 
sen of  God,  apostles,  prophets,  &;c.  to 
perfect  tlie  saints,  as  it  is  to  have  the 
gift  of  tongues,  interpretation  of  tongues, 
discerning  of  spirits,  &c.,  to  comj)lcte 
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  liir. 
spoken  to  them'?  for  the  spirit,  as  in 
the  apostles'  days,  does  not  now  exist  in 
the  church.  Let  us  notictj  the  import- 
ance attach'd  to  the  authorityof  llieprest- 
hood  in  the  apostles' days.  T!ie  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  "??ie?t  would  heap  to  them- 
selves te':\chers  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  t'io  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 
(/Oil  has  ever  dealt  witii  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,"  &ic.  Under  the  Mo' 


516 


MESSET^TGER  AWD  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  ihcm  that  he  went  away  in  order 
that  the  comforter  might  come."  He 
did  ascend  upon  high,  and  gave  gifts  to 
men,  and  thus  the  povyer  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  G-host  and  to  us,  &c. 
The  HotY  Ghost  saith  sepai'ate  now 
Faul  and  Barnabas  for  the  work,  &c. 
II  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 
li'illed-  the  prophets  and  stoned  them  that 
were  sent  unto  them,  and  if  they  would 
BOt  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,  sii',  that 
as  soon  as  the  kingdom  ot  God  was  ta- 
ken from  the  Jews,  the  fruits  of  the 
Mngdom  ceased  to  exist  among  them. 
Since  that  time  they  have  been  without 
prophets,  revelations,  visions,  &c.  &g, 
and  have  been  groping  in  the  dark, 
Knowing  nothing  of  the  dispensation  in 
which  they  live.  When  the  kingdom 
was  given  to  tbe  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,  revelationSir 
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,  in  the- 
Patriarchal,  Mosaical,  and  the  Chris- 
tian dispensation,  they  had  their  pro-- 
phets  and  the  word  of  the  Lord  through 
themj  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?  Ohv 
the  opinion  of  the  Fathers — the  opinion 
of  Commentators — the  opinion  of  Di- 
vines, bodies  of  divinity^ — and  cart  loads 
of  Theology! — all  the  opinions  ofmen-y 
and  those  opinions  differing  as  much 
f"rom  one  another  as  light  from  dark- 
ness. Thousands  of  opinions,  but  none 
to  say.  Thus  saith  the  Lord.  Hence  we- 
find  the  doctrines,  ordinances,  organi- 
zation, &c.  are  all  changed,  and  we 
have  yet  another  state  of  things  to  thaS 
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  salvatioii 
of  mankind.     A  scheme  which  was  evi- 
dently   understood   by   Aiel,    EnocJi^ 
Noah,  Abraham,  Moses,  Elijah,  Jesus,. 
and  the  Apostles.     Some  of  them  had' 
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  leam. 
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;^^. 
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 
he  had  faith  in  the  great  plan  of  salva- 
tion to  be  brought  about  by  the  Father 
through  Jesus  Christ,  the  Mediator  of 
the  new  covenant.     And,  having  faith. 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


517 


he  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  cominst  of  the  Saviour,  with  ten 
thousands  of  his  saints,  to  execute  judge- 
fnent  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  sec  death, 
•and  befoi'e  his  translation  he  had  this 
testimony,  that  he  pleased  God,  Query. 
His  faith  in  what?  For  his  faith  came 
by  hearing  the  word  of  God,  spoken 
unto  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 
faigh;  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 
knows  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  arc  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  1  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  Hod. 
"  And  the  scriptures  foreseeing  that 
God  would  justify  the  heathen  through  | 


faith,  preached  before  the  gospel  unta 
Abraham,  saying,  "  In  thee  shall  all 
nations  be  blessed."  GaL  S:  8.  Marie, 
"The  scriptui-es  foreseeing." 

Notwithstanding  the  world  of  man- 
kind suppose  that  Moses  was  tiie  first 
writer  of  scriptures,  we  learn  from  fhe 
above  quotation,  together  with  the  one 
which  Jude  makes  use  of,  (14th  verse} 
that  scriptures  existed  hundreds  <irf 
years  before  his  day,  and  that  these 
scriptures  contained  prophesyings  and 
the  gospel  oi^  Christ,  which  foretold  un- 
to Abraham  that  God  would  justify  the 
heathen  through  faith. 

Again,  we  find  by  all  that  is  writte® 
of  the  covenants  made  with  Abraha«a 
and  his  seed,  and  by  his  faith  spoken 
of,  that  he  understood  the  plan  by 
which  he  and  his  seed  should  find  aa 
eteiTial  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  forwar'd  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  wltcreisthe  man  in  all  Chi-isten- 
dom,  who  can  disclose  or  lay  before  ua 
this  scheme  with  which  Abel,  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  Now 
Testament.  But  what  man  is  there 
among  all  the  children  of  men  who 
teaches  it  from  that  Book  ?    If  the  R»- 


518 


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 
ifc."  Who  does  not  see  then,  that  he 
who  has  no  i-evelation,  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  knovv^ 
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  children,  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 
is  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 : 
it  becorneth  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.,  Br. 
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  pcfrt,  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. 


519 


Racine  County,  Wisconsin  Territoi'v, 
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  i-eceived;  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 
ai"e  making  their  arrangement  to  build 
a  house  of  worship.  Subscriptions  are 
collecting  for  the  building.  Their 
county  is  called  Caldwell,  and  their 
city  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 
country.  Our  brethren  and  the  I\lis- 
sourians  are  at  peace  for  ought  we 
know.  Indeed  we  hope  better  things 
than  to  hear  of  any  disturbance,  since 
they  settled  in  their  present  location  by 
the  mutual  consent  of  a  committee,  rep- 
resenting some  of  the  people  of  Clay 
County,  and  a  majority  of  our  brethren 
in  the  same  place. 

Brother  Aaron  Holdex  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  183G.  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,and 
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  mostplaces  where  he 
has  preached.  It  would  seem  that  he 
is  now  in  Tippacanoe  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  con- 
tinue 12  weeks,  commencing  as  soon  as 
a  suflicient  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  in 
dispensing  the  words  of  life,  and  bring- 
ing people  to  the  knowledge  of  the 
gospel. 

Elders  Daniel  M.  Crandall,  and 
Moses  Martin,  write  from  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 
tiiat  they  have  travelled  and  labored  in 
Napoli,  Conewango,  and  Rutledge,  in  1 
Cattaraugus  County, about  three  weeks, 
baptized  six  persons  ;  held  one  debate 
with  a  Methodist,  anil  others  associated 
with  him;  and  make  a  request  that  El- 
ders travelling   that  way  shall  call  on 


520 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


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. 


lUesseng^er  and  Advocate. 


IV.  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 he  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. 


but  our  readers  be  as  patient  with  us, 
as  we  are  with  many  of  them  relative 
to  remittances,  and  we  pledge  oar- 
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  faii-ly  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  aqd 
mock  when  its  fear  comes;  but  we  too 
feel  the  pressure,  occasioned  by  the  de^ 
Let  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,  >ve  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 
around  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  are  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,  dnd  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  begaa 
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  givea 
his  notes  for  more  than  he  could  raise; 
contracts  were  expiring,  where  hun- 
dreds, yea,  thousands  wore  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-  \ 
pcct  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 


5^ 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


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  country. 

We  are  now,  after  having  hinted  at 
what  we  deemed  the  remote  and  proxi- 
mate 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  Ccesar 
and  all  mankind  beside  his  vassals. 
Let  every  man  study  to  know  his  duty 

J  to  himself,  his  family,  his  friends,  his 
iieighbors,  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,  the 


tyranny,or  pride  of  any.  If  in  hjs  judge- 
ment his  rulers  are  good,  and -their 
government  good,  let  him  uphold,  pro- 
tect, and  constitutionally  defend  them. 
But  let  him  bev»^are  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  great  Creator  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  concomitantsof  vice  and  crime, 
the  apostle  was  right  in  saying  they 
are  not  joyous,but  grievous  to  be  borne. 
A.filictions  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 
unwelcojne,  and  are  never  joyfully  re- 
ceived. Whether  they  are  riecessary 
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. 


923 


transgressor  is  sure  to  be  visited  with 
stripes ;  the  reward  of  his  iniquities 
will  be  given  him,  and  none  can  de- 
liver. Such  is  ihe  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  knoxcs,  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  arc  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  certam- 
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.  Under  these  circum- 
stances,will  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  prolessing 
Christian  world,  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  sicrip- 


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,  "  ho\v  shall  they  be- 
lieve without  they  hear?  and  how  shall 
they  hear  without  a  preacher,"  &c. 
The  plain,  legitimate  inference  from 
which  is,  that  if  they  did  not  hear  and 
understand  they  wodld  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  arc 
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  aillicted  I  went  astray  (says  the 
Psalmist)  but  now  have  ,1  kept  thy 
word.  If  they  (the  saints") 'go  astray, 
they  will  be  aillicted,  they  will  be  chas- 
tised; nevertheless  "The  Lord  docs 
not  alllict  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 


524 

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  just 
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 
rthere  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 
icvils  or  chastisements  which  we  are 
.doomed  to  endure,  which  are  conse- 
quent upon  our  situation  here,  and  will 
yield  the  peaceable  fruits  of  righteous- 
jness  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 
fui'ge  -reasons  and  arguments  drawn 
from  scripture  in  support  of  it,  but  we 
»need  not.  Of  penal  evils  we  have  on- 
Sy  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.     Tiie 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


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!  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  othei's,  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. 


52^ 


Therefore,  we  say,  although  God  does 
not  approbate,  yet  be  suffers  or  per- 
mits them  to  ^xist. 

Here,  in  this  chequered  scene,  we 
almost  necessarily  pass  through  enough 
of  the  varieties  of  fortune  to  know 
how  to  contrast  union  Avith  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 
mouth  of  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 
tlie  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 
r<?st  upon  his  labors,  ptospcrity  will 
not  crown  his  cflbrts.  That  which  is 
evil,  thatwhicli  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  them.  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."  Ed. 


MINUTES 
Of  a    Conference  of  Elders   held  in 
West  Townsliip,  Columbiana  Co.  O^ 
co7nmencing  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- 
•lialf.  President  Stoddard  decided  that 
the  charges  were  sustained  against  hint* 
and  that  he  ought  to  make  a  public  con^ 
Cession,  in  order  to- maintain  his  stand- 
ing in  the  church. 

The  question  was  then  put  to  the 
ICldcrs,  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  withdrawn 
iroia  him. 


526 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


The  conference  then  adjourned  till 
10  o'clock  on  Monday  morning. 

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  observing  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  i-esiding  in  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  length." — 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  the 
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 effect  in  a  political  point  of  view, 
they  promoted  a  kind  of  national  union, 
a  love  of  military  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  p^^fod 
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, conA'eying 
the  doctrines  of  the  unity  of  God,  the 
immortality  of  tlae  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  Usher,  1263,  or  according. 


xMESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


527 


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   latent  ud. 


vices,  bring  accounts  more  favorable  to 
returning  prosperity. 

Bread  stuffs  are  every  wlj^re  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  trees  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  lii|^e,  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  bhish  at  their 
folly  ;  we  tlun  refle(;t  that  wc  have  a 
government  of  laws,  with  balances  and 
checks — and  the  acts  of  all  are  subjects 
of  free  discussion. 


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!    Mighty  One! 
Whom  none  can  comprehend,  and  none  explore, 

AVho  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  tke  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  with  bliss: 
What  shall  we  call  them  7     Piles  of  crystal  light  1 

A  glorious  company  of  golden  streams? 
Lamps  ofcelestial  ether  burning  btight  ? 

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  w-orldscompar'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,  tlien  ?  Nought ! 

Nought !— but  the  effluance  of  thy  light  divine. 
Pervading  worlds,  hath  reached  ray  bosom  too ; 

Yes,  i-n  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  l)e ! 

Thou  art  directing,  guiding  all.    Thou  art ! 

Direct  my  understanding  then  to  thee; 
Control  my  spirit,  guide  my  wandering  heart; 

Though  but  an  atom  'midst  immensity. 
Still  I  am  something,  fashioned  by  thy  hand: 

I  hold  a  middle  rank,  'twixt  heaven  ajid  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  ! 

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,Ohio, 
by  Thomas  Burdick, 

Recording  Clerk. 

ELDERS. 

Briggs  Alden,  James  Locke, 

James  M.  Adams,  William  Law, 
Walter  M.  Blanchard, Samuel  M'Clanathan, 

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,  Busbrod  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  Nelson,  Medina  County, 
Ohio.  She  was  amember  of  theChurch 
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  m  hope 
of  a  blessed  immortality. 


MESSENGER  AND  STARy 

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 

PROPRIETOR, 


TERMS. 

%l,per  an.  in  advance.  Every  person  proearing 
ten  new  subscribers,  and  forwarding  %  10,  current 
money,  shall  be  entitled  to  a  paper  one  year,  gratis. 
All  letters  to  the  Editor  must  be 

Vy  POST  PAID.  j:& 
No  subscription  will  be  received  for  a  less  term  than  oni 
year,  and  no  paper  discontinved  till  all  arrearages  are 
'paid,  except  al  tke  vptioii  of  the  publishers. 


I.ATTER  DAY  SAINT8' 

Vol.  III.  J^o.  10.]       KIRTLAND,  OHIO,  JULY,  1837.       [Whole  No.  34. 


Ccmmintfcatfcins. 


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- 
ratt'-  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  readers  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  our  readers  can 
judge  for  themselves. 

Far  West.     May  7,  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  ^  past  8  in  the 
morning,  after  a  prayer,  singing,  and 
an  address,  proceeded  to  break  the 
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  1  was  there.  Wc  have  more  or 
less  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  S10,20  an  acre, 
making  our  first  school  fund  $'5070!! 
Land  can  not  be  had  round  town 
now   much    less    tloan    $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 
moi  in  Davis  county,  north  of  us,  for 
the  Mormons  to  leave  that  county  by 
the  first  of  August,  and  go  into  Cald- 
well. Our  enemies  wall  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  the  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  exaggerated. 
As  ever, 

W.  W.   PHELPS. 

N.  B.  Please  say  in  your  Messen- 
ger: "A  Post  office  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  a[)probation.  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  made 
bis  appearance  in  the  flesh,  ordained 
his  apostles,  and  after  preaching  and 
instructing  them  in  the  principles  of 
his  religion  during  three  years,  sufter- 
ed  crucifixion,  and  ascended  to  heaven. 
His  ppostles  zealously  propagated  the 
religion  they  had  embraced,  notwith- 
standing the  o()position  they  met  and 
the  sufierings  they    endured,    were  all 


539 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATfi. 


pnrnfed  out  to  them  by  their  Master 
b'fore  he  was  taken  from  them. — 
Their  live>!  were  but  a  contimied  war- 
fare, and  what  the  apost'e  of  the  Gen- 
tiles said  near  ibo  close  of  his  eirihly 
career,  might  with  little  or  no  vana 
tion  be  said  by  all  tiie  o(he  s.  1  am 
novv  about  to  be  olFcred  and  the  time  of 
my  departure  is  at  hand.  I  have 
fou  hi  a  good  fight,  I  have  finished  my 
course.  1  have  kept  the  faith. — But 
wlnt  we  pir'icu'arly  notice  in  t'le  his- 
t^)ry  of  wiiieh  the  lblk)wing  is  an  ex- 
trac.,  i-  tlia!  even  in  t'le  first  cmtury. 
while  those  eminent  men  were  Vft  liv- 
ing v/ho  leci.'ivcc]  tlieir  instructions 
iVom  tlio  grent  head  of  the  church,  and 
held  commur.i  )n  witli  the  unseen  world 
through  the  medium,  of  that  Spirit 
which  was  |) remised  them,  to  lead 
them  into  truth,  the  great  pi'oneness  in 
minkinJ  t')  apostatize,  or  substitute 
something  for  religion,  or  some  of  its 
orJinanees  which  the  God  of  heaven 
never  ac;^epted.  The  great  aposth;  of 
the  Gentiles  when  he  came  to  Mileius 
befor^'  he  went  to  Rome  called  the  el- 
d3rs  of  the  chiirc!i  of  Ivphesus  and 
charged  them  as  loflow^.  '"Take  heed 
therefore,  to  yourselves  atid  to  all  the 
flock,  over  t!ie  which  the  [^oly  (4host 
hath  made  you  overseers  to  feed  the 
churoh  of  God  which  he  hath  purchas 
ed  with  hi,  own  bloods  For  i  know 
this,  that  after  my  departing  shall 
grievous  wolves  enter  in  amon  you, 
not  spa  ling  the  flock.  Also  of  your 
ownselves  shall  men  arise  speaking 
perverse  things  to  draw  away  disciples 
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  mcarnation  and  atone- 
ment of  the  Son  of  God.  Nor  did  the 
doctrine  of  jastification  by  faith  only, 
which  St.  Paul  bad  so  streneously  sup- 
ported, escaiie  a  simular  treatment.— 
in  all  ages  this  doctrine  has  been  eith- 
er fiercely  opposed,  or  basely  abuscKl. 
The  epistle  to  the  Gkilations  describes 
the  former  treat.Tienf:  The  epistle  of 
Jude  the  latter.  The  memoirs  of  these 
heretics  short  and  imperfect  as  they 
are,  inform  us  of  sonae,  who  professed 
an  extraordinary  degree  of  sanctity. 
and  affected  to  be  abstracted  altogether 


from  the  flesh,  and  to  live  m  excessive 
abstemiousness.  We  find  also  that 
theie  were  others,  who,  as  if  to  sup- 
port their  Christian  liberty^  lived  in 
sin  with  greediness,  and  indulged 
themselves  in  all  the  gratifications  of 
sensuality.  Nothing.'  short  of  a  spirit  • 
ual  illumination  and  direction  can  in- 
deed  secuie  the  improvement  of  the 
grace  of  the  gospel  to  the  real  interests 
of  holiness.  At  this  day  there  are 
peis-n-,  who  think  that  the  renuncia- 
tion of  all  our  own  works  in  poijit  af 
dependence  must  be  the  destruction  of 
piactical  religion;  and  they  are  thence 
led  to  seek  salvation  *'by  the  works  of 
the  law;"  while  others,  admitting  ia 
words  the  grace  of  Jesus  Ghriat,  en- 
courage themselve  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  life  b}'  the  faith  of  Jesus. — 
The  Gentile  converts  by  the  Gnostic 
heresy,  and  tiie  Jewish  by  that  of  Eb- 
ion.  were  coHsidembly  corrupted  to-^ 
ward  the  close  oi  the  century.  The. 
latter  indeed  of  these  heresies  had  been. 
gradually  nnaking  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  thenx 
lo  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  sire  of 
heresy.  But  when  they  proceeded  to- 
reject  St.  Paul's  writings  we  roay  fair- 
ly conclude,  that  tliey  fully  rejected 
the  article  of  justification..-^ — A  separa" 
tion  was  made;  and  the  Ebionites,  as  tt- 
distinct  body  of  men,  deserved  th« 
name  of  heritics. 

St.  Paul  indeed,  who,  with  «n  ea- 
gle's eye,  had  explored  the  growing, 
evil,  was  now  no  more  in  the  warld. — 
But  the  Head  of  the  Church  prolonged 
the  life  of  his  favorite  John  to  the  ex'^ 
treme  age  of  a  hundreds  and  his  au- 
thority checked  the  progress  of  heretic 
cal  pravity.  He  resided  much  at  Eph-» 
esus,  where  Paul  had  declared,  that 
grevious  wolves  would  make  their  ap- 
pearance. Jerome  says,  that  he  wrot© 
his  gospel,  at  the  desire  of  the  bishop& 
of  Asia,  against  Cerinthus  and  Ebiotu 
Indeed  such  expressions  as  th99^  *'th€b 


MESSENGER  AICD  ADVOCATE. 


SSI 


pasgover,  a  feast  ot  the  Jews," — and 
*'tliHt  snbbaih  day  was  an  hiijii  (!av," 
seem  to  indicate,  tliiit  the  Jewish  polity 
was  now  no  more,  it  nui  being  natural 
to  give  suc'i  explic.ttiods  ot  rustoms, 
except  to  those  who  had  no  oportunity 
af  ocular  inspection.  I  cannot  but 
think,  that  Dr.  Lardner,  who  is  no 
friend  to  the  vital  doctrines  ol  Chris- 
tianity, his  betraved.  in  ids  attempts 
to  shew  that  St,  Jwhn  in  his  gospel  did 
not  intend  to  oppose  any  particular 
heresies,  his  own  predilection  for  So- 
cinianism.  In  truth,  tliere  are  vari- 
ous internal  proofs  which  corroborate 
the  testisnony  of  Jerome.  The  very 
b  -ginniMg  of  his  gospel  is  an  auth.ori- 
tive  d.;cl  i  ration  of  the  proper  Deity  of 
Jesu-i  C'jrist:  The  attMitive  reader 
cann:>t  but  reccollect  various  discours- 
es to  the  same  purport:  The  confession 
of  Thamis,  after  his  resurrection, 
stands  single  in  St.  Jolin's  gospel: 
The  particular  pains,  whi^h  he  takes, 
to  assure  us  of  the  real  death  of  his 
master,  and  of  the  issuing  f)f  real  blood 
and  water  from  his  wounded  side,  are 
delivered  with  an  air  of  one.  zealous 
l»  obviate  the  error  of  the  Do  ".etiE: 
Nor  can  I  ui.de -slan  I  his  laying  so 
g.-hata  stress  on  Jesus  Christ's  coming 
in  the  flesh    in  any  o'ho.c  manner. 

Wilde  this  apo^th;  lived,  toe  heretics 
were  much  diseountenanci^d.  And  it 
in  certain  th  It  Gnostics  and  Ebionites 
wore  always  loolced  on  as  perfectly 
distinct  from  the  Christian  cliurch. — 
Thr-re  needs  m  m  ire  evidence  to  prove 
this,  than  tlieir  arrang/mfUit  by  Iro- 
nzEus  an  1  Easebius  under  heretical  par- 
ties. Doubtless  t!iey  called  themselves 
Christians;  an  1  so  did  all  heretics,  for 
obvious  reasons:  and,  for  reasons 
«»quallv  o!jviou<,  all,  who  are  tender  of 
the  fun  lametitals  of  Clirisi's  religion, 
sh auld  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  caa  find,  that  these 
mm  we.rc  persecuted  for  their  religion. 
Retaining  the  Chri-.tian  name;  and  yet 
glorifying  mm's  righteousness,  wis- 
dom and  .strength,  "they  spake  of  the 
world,  and  th  ■  world  heard  them." — 
Th'?  a[)0s^le  John  m  saying  this,  had 
his  eye,  I  l)elieve.  on  thi  Doc  .'la;  p  ir- 
ticularly.  In  ourown  times  ocrsons  of 
a  similar  stamp  would  wiliitigly  ingra- 
ft tiate  tlie.nsolves  with  real  Christians; 
and  yet  at  the    sumo  time   avoid   the 


cross  of  Christ,  and  whatever  would  ex- 
pose them  to  the  enmity  of  the  world* 
W'e  have  the  testimony  of  Justin  Mar- 
tyr, thnt  Simon  was  honored  in  tue  Pa- 
gan world,  even  to  idolatry.  What 
!>t!ess  is  laid  on  this  circui^stance  in 
the  New  Testament,  as  an  evidence  of 
the  characters  of  men  in  religious  con- 
cerns, Is  w«dl  known. 

2.  if  it  be  mude  an  objection  against 
evangelical  principles,  that  numbersj 
who  profess  them,  have  run  into  a  va- 
riety of  abuses,  perversions  and  con- 
tentions, we  have  seen  enough,  even 
in  the  first  centur3%  of  the  same  kind 
of  evils  to  convince  us,  that  such  ob- 
j  'Ctions  militate  not  against  divine 
truth,  hut  might  have  been  made  with 
equal  fo.ce  against  the  apostolic  age. 

3.  A  singular  change  in  one  respect 
has  taken  place  in  the  Christian  world. 
The  two  heretical  parties  above  descri- 
bed, were  not  much  unlike  the  Arians 
and  Socitiians  at  this  day.  The  former 
have,  radically,  the  same  ideas  as  the 
Docetaj,  liiough  it  would  be  unjust  to 
accuse  ihem  of  the  Antinomian  abom- 
inations which  defiled  the  followers  of 
Simon:  The  latter  are  the  very  coun- 
terpar.  of  the  Ebionites.  The  Trinita- 
liuis  were  then  the  body  of  tho 
(;;hurcii;  and  so  much  superior  was 
tlieir  influence  and  numbers,  that  the 
other  two  were  treated  as  heritics.  At 
present  the  two  parties,  who  agree  in 
lessening  the  dignity  of  Christ,  though 
Ml  an  unequal  manner,  are  carrying  on 
a  vigorous  controversy  agiinst  one  an- 
other, while  the  Trinitarians  a-e  de- 
s,'is.;d  by  both  as  unworthy  the  notice 
of  rricn  of  reason  and  letters.  Serious 
and  humble  minds  will,  however,  in- 
sist on  the  necessity  of  our  understand- 
ing that  certain  fundamedtal  principles 
are  necessary  to  constitute  the  real 
gvaspel.  The  divinity  of  Christ, — hig 
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  glori(  us  effects  has  been  confin- 
ed: and  it  is  worthy  the  attention  of 
learned  men  to  consider  whether  th« 
same  remark  may  not  bo  made  iu  all 
ages. 

IV.  Thus  have  we  seen  a  more  as- 
tonished revolution  in  the  human  mind 
and  in  human  iranners,  than  ever  toolc 
p  ace  in  any  age,  effected  without  anr 
iiuaian    power,    legal  or    ilixgal,    am^ 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


532 

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 
most  learned,  and  the  most  polished 
part  of  the  Globe, — within  the  Roman 
Empire, — 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- 
etanism,  or  by  any  other  religion  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  t'rom  its  prop- 
agation in  the  world,  will  remain  in- 
vincible. 

And,  surely,  every  dispassionate 
observer  must  confess,  that  the  change 
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  denied  nor 
doubted  by  any  one.  What  but  the  m- 
fluence  of  God,  and  an  eftusion  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  succeeding  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,  i*eformed 
in  understanding,  in  inclination,  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  reetson 
over  passion;  unfeignedly  subject  to 
their  maker;  rejoicing  in  his  favor  a- 
midst  the  severest  sufferings;  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,  is 
not  always  attended  to  by  those  who 
are  most  concerned  in  it. 

But  the  Christian  Church  was  not 
yet  in  possession  of  any  external  digni- 
ty or  political  impoiiance.  No  one 
NATION  as  yet  was  Christian,  though 
thousands  of  individuals  were  so; — 
but  those  chief!y  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  diffused  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  persona  too  low  in  life,  to 
be  of  any  weight  in  the  despotic  sys- 
tems of  government  which  then  pre- 
vailed. We  have  seen  one  person  of 
uncomon  genius  and  endowments,  and 
two  belonging  to  the  Imperial  family, 
but  scarce  any  more,  either  of  rank  or 
learning,  connected  with  Cbristianityx 
We  ought  not  then  to  be  surprised^ 
that  Christians  are  so  little  noticed  by 
Tacitus  and  Josephus:  These  histo- 
rians are  only  intent  on  sublunary 
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 
religion,  which  is  destined  to  form  mea 
for  the  next  life,  and  not  for  this. 

In  doctrines  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  ehose  them  to  salvation,  to  f 
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  Divine  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 
!ove-feasts,  though  discontinued  at 
length,  probably  because  found  imprac- 
ticable,— demonstrated  their  superla- 
tive charity  and  heavenly-mindedness. 
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  fresh,  particularly  in  the  next 
generation.  Hence  the  disorders  of 
schism  and  heresy.  Their  tendency 
is  to  destroy  the  pure  work  of  God. — 
The  first  Christians,  with  the  purest 
charity  to  the  persons  of  heretics, 
gave  their  errors  no  quarter;  but  dis- 
countenanced them  by  every  reasona- 
ble 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  dreading 
the  charge  of  bigotry,  each  act  in  char- 
acter, as  their  predecessors  did.  The 
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  tVom 
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  name 
only,  never  attending  to  the  nature  of 
the  g^ospel  at  all.  Not  a  few  glory  in 
sentiments  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  for  us  at  this  day.  Na- 
tional conversions  were  then  unknown; 
nor  has  the  term  any  proper  meaning. 
But  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  practice; — when  such  ideas 
grow  fashionable,  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  ihe 
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,  without 
regret,  perceives  the  glory  of  summei- 
passing  away,  because  he  lifts  up  iiis 
eyes  and  "beholds  the  fields  white  un- 
to the  harvest;"  and  he  submits  joyful- 
ly to  the  painful  toil  of  aulumn,  in  con- 
templation of  the  rest  and  comfort  he 
shall  enjoy,  when  these  same  fields 
shall  he  white  with  snow.  It  is  hun- 
ger that  gives  a  relish  to  food;  it  is 
pain  that  recommends  case.  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 


694 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE 


as  necessary  to  draw  off  the  gross  hu- 
mors of  the  moral  world,  as  storm  and 
tempest  are  to  disturb  the  imiDrral 
stagnation,  and  to  chaso  away  tno  poi- 
sonous vapours  of  the  natural.  Wuak 
shortsighted  man  is  as'juredly  unqual- 
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. 

During  the  dreadful  time  when  there 
was  no  king  in  Israel,   the  wlioie  head 
was  so  sick,   the  whole    heart  so  faint 
the  whole  mass  so  corrupted,   that  an 
ocean  of  blood  must  bfi  drained  off",  be- 
fore It  can  be  restored  to   soundness  a 
gain.     Not  only  one  rotten    liinb,  bu; 
the  whole  body  is  in  dange""  of  perish 
ing,  and  nothing    but  a  painful   opera 
tion  can   save  it.     The  skillt'ul,    firm 
but  gentle  hand  of  Pri)videnco  takes  u| 
the   instrument,  cuts   out  the    dist-asf 
and  then   tenderly    binds  up  thi'  bleed 
ing  wounds.     Ri;Iieved    from    tlie  dis 
tress  of  beholding  brother  lit'lincr  uo  th( 
spear   against    brolher,    from   lu-arinji 
the  shouts  of  thevictcn-,  and  the  groan- 
of  the  dying,  we  retire    to  contemplate 
and  to  partake  of  the  noiseless  scene." 
of  domestic  life;  to  observe  the  whole 
some  sorrows    and    guiltless   joy^   o' 
calmness   and  obscurity;  to  join  m  the 
triumphs  of  sensibility,    and   to  solace 
in  the    soft     efflisions    of   nature;     to 
"smile  with  the    simple,  and  teed  with 
the  poor." 

The  calm,  untumultuous,  imglaving 
scenes  of  private  life,  afford  less  abun- 
dant matter  for  the  pen  of  the  histori- 
an, than  intrigues  of  -itate.  sen;iioriai 
contention,  or  the  tremendous  opeia- 
tions  of  the  tented  field,  {>ut  these  sup- 
ply the  ^moralist  and  the  teacher  of  re- 
ligion with  more  j. leasing,  more  am- 
ple, and  more  generallv  interesting 
topics  of  useful  information,  and  sialu- 
tary  instruction.  VVIiat  princes  are, 
what  statesmen  meditate,  what  hemes 
achieve,  is  rather  an  object  of  curiosi- 
ty than  of  utility.  They  never  can  be- 
come examples  to  the  bulk  of  mankind. 
It  is  when  they  have  descended  from 
their  public  eminence,  when  they  have 
retired  to  their  private  and  domestic 
station,  when  the  [>otentato  is  lost  in 
man,  that  they  become  objects  ^yorthv  of 
attention,  patterns  for  imitation^  oPnea- 
cons  set  up  for  admonition  and  caution. 

For  the  same  reason  the  meek,  the 
1139^98^   th»  Goisel«s8   eiKhibition   and 


exercise  of  female  (xcellence,  occupy 
a  smiller  space  in  the  annals  of  hu- 
mm  nature  than  the  noisy,  bustling 
forensic  pursuits  and  employments  of 
the  other  .-ex.  But  when  I'eminine 
worth  is  gtntly  drawn  out  of  the  ob- 
scurity which  It  loves,  and  advantnge- 
ously  placed  in  the  light  wliich  it  nat- 
urally shuijs.  <)  how  amiable,  how  ir- 
resistible, how  attraciive  it  i.-^!  A  wise 
and  good  woman  shines,  by  not  seek- 
ing to  shine;  is  mtisl  eloquent  when 
>he  is  silent,  and  ob  ains  ail  her  will, 
.)y  yielding,  by  submission,  by  pa- 
tience, bv  seli-dcnial. — Hunter. 


SUMMARY  OF  THE  NEWS   OF  THE 
DAY. 

Accounts  from  foreign  prmts  an- 
;iounee  the  death  of  VVm.  IV  the  King 
>f  England:  and  give  particulars  ot* 
he  splendid  funeral  arrangements, — 
\riangements  are  making  lor  the  new 
Jovertmient  under  the  reigning  Queen. 

Avother  strugle  will  ensue  at  the 
ilectiDti  for  the  a.scentlancy  in  power: 
.ndeed  so  im()ortant  is  considered  the 
.•li  c-tion  that  on  its  event  depends,  the 
;»articular  cast  ot"  the  Govn'nmenl  for 
I  series  of  years  \(>  come. 

Spain  slill  remnins  in  a  state  of  in- 
testine vvarfare.  'J  he  armies  ol  Don 
'Jarios  !ire  mostly  .'-uccessrul,  and  it 
vvonld  be  no  matter  of  sur[»rise  if  he 
should  get  seated  U|)on  the  tiirone,  al- 
though there  is  no  probability  he  would 
long  remain  in  quiet  possession  of  it. 

'l"he  GovernuK  nl  oi  Euenosayres 
has  declared  war  against  Peru,  for  the 
al'eged  crime  of  promoting  anarchy  in 
the  argentine  confederati  m  by  con- 
senting to  find  aiding  the  military  ex- 
pedi  imi,  which  armed  in  the  territory 
of  Bolivia,  have  invaded  the  Republic: 

All  the  Republiesof  South  America, 
except  the  13a nda  Oriental  and  the  old 
Republic  of  Columbia,  are  mingled  in 
the  strife. 

Our  relations  with  foreign  ptnvers, 
remain  unchanged  siir.e  our  last,  wo 
believe  they  ar^  all  of  a  friendly  na- 
ture. l\lexico  Mas  manifested  some  lit- 
tle uneasiness  in  consequence  of  the 
|)art  some  of  our  eiiizens  have  taken 
in  behalf  of  Texas,  which  Mexico  c.)n- 
siders  in  the  light  of  revolted  subjects. 
We  believ(5  human  ly  speaking,  we 
iiave  nothing  to  tear  from  IVIexico,  but 
we  hope  and  trust  our  Government 
will  be  as  ready  and  as  willing  to  mete 
out  justice  to  Me.\ico  oa  to  Bn^lancl 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


535 


^f  aiice  or  Rassia.  Texas  appears  con- 
lident  «he  shall  maintain  her  Inde 
pendence,  and  is  prepared  and  prepar 
ingto  resist  any  and  every  aggression 
of  her  rights. 

Our  domestic  concerns  do  not  essen- 
tially differ  from  what  they  were  one 
month  since,  trouble  and  distress  are 
the  topics  of  conversation  amongs:  [)ol- 
iticians,  merchants,  mechanics  and 
demagogues;  money,  banks  and  bauk- 
xuptcies  are  reiterated  by  some,  while 
others  contend  there  is  no  distress  oth- 
er than  that  caused  by  overtrading. 

Our  travels  and  observations  war- 
Tent  us  in  saying  that  crops  are  very 
good  almost  universally  through  our 
own  country.  The  public  prints  for 
the  most  part  go  to  establish  the  same 
fact. 

Crimes  misdemeanors  and  casual i- 
ties,  continue  to  occupy  a  space  in  all 
public  journals. 

Transgression  is  prevalent,  sin  a. 
Iwunds,  time  rolls  on,  with  its  accus- 
tomed velocity,  the  world  is  in  cdmmn- 
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- 
tions from  the  travelling  elders. 

Brother  Joseph  Rose  writes  us  un- 
tler  dateof  July  27th  from  Huiiters.illc. 
Tippacanoe  Co.  la.  where  he  has  be3n 
laboring  some  time.  He  writes  us  that 
lie  has  baptszed  13  in  th.it  plac.  or  its 
▼icinity.  Brother  R.  complains  of 
•ome  ill  health,  and  says  that  hij  has 
more  calls  for  preaching  tliun  he  can 
fill,  and  expresses  an  earnest  wis!)  'hat 
some  good  faithful  elder  fioin  thisphcii 
•r  elsewhere,  would  come  ty  l-.is  assist- 
ance. 

Elders  who  have  travelled  alone, 
and  preached  the  gospel  among  friends 
and  toes,  acd  have  labored  under  any 
bodily  infirmity,  know,  at  least,  how  tu 
•ympathize  with   brother  Rose. 

We  earnestly  wish  the  Lord  would 
inspire  some  elder  with  courage  an'l 
confidence  to  go  and  assist  hnn  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    Medfiold,     Massachusetts, 


wishing  an  elder  to  call  in  that  town 
and  prt-ach,  giving  the  ov'inion  decided- 
ly that  good  iiii^iil.  bo  dune  io  that 
place;  adding  that  no  one  of  our  el- 
ders had  ever  preached  there. 

Elder  Geo.  A.  Smith  and  M.  F. 
Cowdery  have  written  us  from  West 
Carrol  Co.  Ohio,  expressive  of  their 
faith  and  perseverance  in  tlie  cause. — 
Thf>y  express  their  gratitude  fur  the 
kindness  shown  them  in  many  instan- 
ces, as  well  as  the  abuse  they  have  re- 
ceived in  others.  May  the  Lord  assist 
our  young  brethren  by  his  Spirit,  cun- 
tiniially. 


ITIesseBasca*  aiad  Advocate. 

W.  A.  CJ>W©KRY,  Editor. 


KIitrLAND,    OHIO,   JULY,l^'i7. 

It  IS  a  well  knowjj  and  e.stablished 
fact,  thai  in  the  latter  part  of  the  year 
1833  a  bank,  or  monied  institiUion, 
was  eslablislied  in  this  pi.\c(.'  denomi- 
nated the  i'Kiitland  Safety  Society 
Bank."  Plates  were  engraved  in  Phil- 
adelphia, paper  struck,  and  the  bank 
commenced  discounting  in  the  early 
jiart  of  the  piesont  year,  it  was  con- 
sid;  red  a  kind  of  joint  stock  associa- 
tion, and  that  tli?  private  property  of 
the  stojkliolders  was  holden  in  pro;)or- 
tio!)  tr>  thj  am  )unt  of  th:;lr  siibsjri  tion, 
for  the  redemption  of  the  piper  issuejl' 
by  iho  bj.n':.  No  clnrter  wis  ojt.ii.ied 
tor  the  inslitutioii,  wliicli  opcr.Ued  as 
o:io  cause  to  liinlt  tha  circulation  of  tiio 
hill.5,  destroy  public  confidence  in  them, 
and  stimulate  the  holders  of  lliem  to 
return  them  again  fo  the  baidi  and  de- 
mand the  specie  for  ihom.  O.hcr 
bxnk?  whicli  hail  been  at  the  oxpenso 
of  proeiiring  charters,  refused  the  bills 
of  this-bank  in  payment  of  asjv  del.ts 
duj  their  respective  institutions.  This 
Stan  I  t:il<en  by  other  banits  operated 
as  might  be  reasonably  supptKscd,  to 
destroy  the  currency  of  these  bills  with 
men  of  business  who  had  deal  with 
♦  ho  banks  already  cliaifercd  and  estab- 
lished by  I  iw. 

By  a  clause  in  an  act  of  the  legisU 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


tute  of  the  State  of  Ohio  passed  Janu- 
ar}  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  ourreaders  who  have 
not  ready  access  to  the  Statute, 

It  can  be  found  on  the  460th  page  Ohio  Statute; 
and  reads  as  follows: 

"That  no  action  shall  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  ot  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- 
stances 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  enouo-h 
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  this  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  few  weeks 
afterward,  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  general  cry 
was,  that  money  was  scarce.  But  real 
estate  began  gradually  to  decline,  and 
every  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  bydia- 
matricaliy  opposite  motives.  The  one 
part  were  anxious  to  pay  their  debts, 
supplji  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  payment,  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  M'ithout  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  as 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


587 


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.    AH  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 


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,  and  every  humaa 
appearance  of  a  worse  state  of  things 
instead  of  better,  until  a  new  syetem  of 
trade  or  a  complete    revolution   takes 

place. 

Such  must  inevitably  be  the  effect  of 

all  monopolies  sooner  or  later,  they 
give  privileges  to  some,  withhold  them 
from  others, \rnake  the  rich  richer  and 
the  poor  poorer.  We  care  not  what 
the  Government  of  a  country  may  b^, 
whether  it  be  a  monarchy  or  represen- 
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 -^ving 
them  power  to  oppress  the  other  clft^su 

Here  we  will  remark,  that  all  pastv 
history  goes  to  assure  us  that  privileg- 
ed orders  and  institutions,  with  all  the 
checks  and  balances  that  can,  or  we 
will  say  have  ever  been  imposed  oa 
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  tho 
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, 


»         '  •"  real  capuai,  uui  uii  u  nuiuiuus  <.ajjiuii, 

to  amass  wealth  at  the  expence  of  the  I  ^nd  converts  the  fictitious  into  a  real 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


capital  at  the  expence  of  the  non  priv- 
ileged class  of  citizens.  The  two  grand 
objects  are  wealth  and  power.  Money 
we  all  know  is  power,  and  he  who  pos- 
sesses most  of  it,  has  the  most  men  in 
liis  power.  If  we  give  ail  our  privi- 
leges to  one  man,  we  virtually  give 
him  our  money  and  our  liberties,  and 
make  him  a  monarch,  absolute  and 
despotic,  and  ourselves  abject  slaves 
or  fawning  sycophants.  If  we  grant 
privileges  and  monopolies  to  a  few, 
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  unwortliy 
of  them.  The  syren  song  of  liberty 
and  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  slmll 
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  partici'- 
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 
begin  to  think  they  can  do  no  wrong, 
they  increase  their  tyrany,  and  op- 
pression, establish  a  principle  that 
man,  poor  frail  luma  of  mortality  like 
themselves,  is  infallible.  Who  c'oes 
not  see  a  principle  of  popery  and  reli- 
gious tyrany  involved  in  such  and  or- 
der of  things?  Who  is  worthy  the 
name  of  a  freeman,  who  thus  tamely 
frurrenderi,   the  rights  the  privileges, 


and  immunities  of  an  indepebdant  citi- 
zen? He  who  barters  liberty  for  gold 
exchanges  the  authorities  of  man  for 
that  which  is  but  glittering  dust  or  a 
shining  toy  without  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  thus  far  we  ran 
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 
crua'-antee  against  encroachments  upo'i 
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 
undeviatiiig  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,  pur|  orting 
to  be  bank  bills  issued  in  this  place,  wc 
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  diiferent  places  respectieg  its  cur- 
rency; in  some  places  reports  say  it  is 
good  and  current  as  other  bank  paper, 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


53d 


but  here  and  in  other  places  it  is  not. 
We  are  aware  that  the  currency  of  any 
paper  circulating  as  money,  depends 
on  one  simple  fact,  to  make  it  so. — 
The  public  mind  nust  be  impressed  with 
the  belief  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  point,  just  so  long 
and  so  far,  any  paper  will  be  current 
and  no  farther.  If  there  are  but  five 
dollars  in  the  vault  of  the  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  ware  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 
19  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 

wo  may  give  and  receive  it,  still  it  must 
be  confined  in  its  circulation  and  par 
yalue  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  foroui 
property?  We  answer  no.  Our  ene- 
mies far  out  number  us,  and  as  we 
havo  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  wc  received 
it  at  par  we  give  them,  voluntarily  and 
with  our  eyes  open,  just  that  advantage 
over  US(  to  oppress,  degrade  and  dc- 
ftm  us«  that  our  paper  diflffrs  in   par 


value  from  other  current  paper,  or  gold 
and  silver.  Thus  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  as  not 
to  become  the  willing  dupes  of  their 
enemies.  It  is  a  duty  they  owe  to 
themselvis,  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  long  since  been  settled  in  the 
m:iin,  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 
banking  institution,  much  has  been 
said,  and  various  opinions  and  conject- 
u.es  offered  by  friends  and  foes.  We 
aienot  bankeis,  bank  stockholders, 
or  financiers.  We  believe  that  banking 
or  financiering  is  as  much  a  regular 
science,  trade  or  business,  as  those  cf 
law,  physic  or  divinity,  and  that  a  man 
may  be  an  eminent  civilian,  and  know 
nfithing  of  consequence  of  the  princi- 
ples of  medicine.  He  may  be  a  cele- 
brated divine,  and  be  no  mechanic  no 
financier,  and  be  as  liabk  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 
cither. 

We  arc  not  prepared  in  ojr  feelings 
to  ccn«uro  any  man,  we  wish  to  extend 
that  charity  to  others,  which  under 
similar  circumstances  we  should  claim 


540_ 

at  their  hands.  We  believe  in  that 
"charity  that  suffereth  long  and  is 
kind"  and  we  further  add,  "which 
Ihinketh  no  evil."  Permit  us  also  fur- 
ther to  remark,  that"  it  is  no  more  con- 
sistent with  our  feelings  and  our  wish- 
es, than  our  duty,  to  say  lolio  under  the 
then  existing  circumstances  would  have 
done  any  better.  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 
tens  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  few  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 
brethren  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  precarious. 

4  Relative  to  manopolies  generally 
wc  are  unfriendly  to  them,  any  farther 
than  their  privileges  tend  to  foster  a 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


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, 
with  a  fictitious  foundation,  we  are  op- 
posed as  they  are  generally  conducted, 
toto  c(bIo.  They  arm  one  class  of 
people  with  the  legal  power  of  oppres- 
sing the  other.  They  are  in  fact,  arm-^ 
ed  with  power,  as  we  have  heretofore 
said,  to  make  the  rich,  richer,  and  the 
poor  poorer:  and  we  will  further  add, 
with  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  proud 
haughty,  bloated  aristocracy. 

5  We  had  intended  to  point  oat  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  recommend  to  our  breth- 
ren to  be  good  and  peaceful  citizens  of 
that  Government  which  protects  them 
and  guard  all  their  present  rights,  and 
privileges  with  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  ruled  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 
suppose  that  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  observation  as  we  were  capable 
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  perpetuate  it.  Neither 
are  we  worthy,  nor  can  we  enjoy  the 
peaceable  fruits  of  righteousness,  un- 
jess  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  too  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- 


kind, under  which  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 
says,  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  (the  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  Israel,  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  ho  was 
no  respecter  of  persons.     So  then  wc 


84d 


MESSENGER  Afnti  ADVOCATE. 


see  the  propriety  of  the  expression. — 
Behold  the  goodness  and  severity  of 
God,  on  them  that  fell  (or  dishelievci) 
severity,  but  on  thee,  (the  Gentiles) 
goodness  if  thou  continue  in  his  gooJ- 
ness  otherwise  thou  also  shah  be  cut 
off  It  is  also  evident  that  the  time 
will  come,  when  they  shall  believe, 
though  they  are  now  cut  off,  but  God 
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  receivinj?  of  them  be  hut 
life  from  the  dead?  ILis  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  R'jmnn  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;  thtit  blindness  m 
part  has  hapened  to  Israel  until  the  ful- 
ness of  the  Gentiles  be  come  in.  An.J 
so  all  Israel  shall  be  saved:  as  it  is 
writ'en,  There  shall  come  out  of  Sion 
the  Delivorer,  and  shall  turn  away  un- 
godliness from  Jacob:  For  this  is  my 
covenant  unto  them,  when  1  shall  take 
awav  their  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  rcmnrk  that  the  law,  the 
covenant-sand  promises,  were  to  Israel, 
and  the  Gentiles  as  such,  had  no  claim 
in  any  promise  that  bad  b-^en  made. — 
Our  readers  may  ask  what  promise, 
hope  or  encouragement  have  we,  who 
do  not  claim  our  d -scent  through  the 
loins  of  Abraham.  Weanswe-,  First 
because  God  has  said  that  he  has  ma  le 
of  one  bio  )d  all  nations  of  men  to  dwell 
on  all  the  face  of  the  earth.  S(  cond. 
because  he  h::»3  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  \e- 
sus.  For  as  manv  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  one  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 according  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 
Chris?,  become  entitled  to  all  the  privi- 
leges of  Abrahams'  seed  and,  in  fact,- 
heis  according  to  promise. 

We  will  now  examine  the  claims  of 
Isi-ael  aside  from  any  compliance  with 
the  requisitions  of  the  gospel.  Paul 
asks  the  question;  "What  advantage 
hath  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  thfi  law,  the  revelations 
were  given  unto  them:  Their  ances- 
tors were  eye  witnesses  of  the  miracles 
that  were  w.-ought  in  the  earlier  ages 
of  the  world.  The  prophets  were  of 
their  own  brethren,  raised  up  among 
them,  and  anoong  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  nolhitig  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 
perions,  and  that  he  only  "that  feared 
him  and  worked  righteousness  would 
be  accepted  with  him." 

Again  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  lusting  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  otten  do  wc  hear  it  mid^ 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


64S 


Ho  this  or  that  miracle  and  we  will  be- 
lieve: but  we  are  sure  if  they  could 
b3  gratified,  they  would  be  n■.^  more 
ready  to  bel'eve  and  obey  than  they 
now  are.  They  would  be  as  ready  as 
were  the  Pharisees,  to  a«cribe  the  pow- 
er of  doing  what  they  could  not  do,  to 
Beelzebub,  or  to  any  other  power  but 
that  of  God.  No  man's  declaration 
on  that  subject  can  be  taken  as  proof 
that  he  would  obey  the  gospel  were  he 
tiseea  miracle,  since  thousands  have 
beeti  wrought  ancie.illy  among  learned 
Jews,  (iraek-!  and  Romans,  and  yet 
fjw,  comparativoly  speaking,  who  saw 
them  embraced  the  truth  or  even  ascri- 
bed the  power  to  God.  Can  we  '.hen 
suppose  that  if  men  were  to  witness 
the  same  things  now  they  would  be 
any  more  ready  to  believe  than  they 
were  anciently?  certainly  not.  Then 
we  se«  the  propriety,  of  the  Savior's 
conduct  when  he  refused  to  give  a  sign 
or  work  a  miracle  f)  giatiiy  his  ene- 
mies. Surely  he  knew  it  would  not 
mike  them  believe,  or  induce  them  to 
bscom.  his  friends.  W'hon  any  thing 
was  done  whicli  they  were  obliged  to 
ackiiovvltdg!i  v.as  miraculous,  they  ei- 
ther a-sc  ibed  the  power  to  the  Devil  or 
tried  to  suppress  the  publicity  of  the 
fact. 

Again,  on  reviewing  our  subject  we 
notice  ihe  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 
fac's  duly  authenticaied,  that  mankind 
always  treated  the  messengers  of  (^od 
who  were  sent  to  expostulate  with 
them,  with  disresj)ect,  they  always  re- 
jected tliem.  Notwithstanding  tliey  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  BO  1  )ved  the  world  that  he  gave 
his  only  beg  )tten  Son,  that  the  world 
through  him,  might  believe  and  be 
saved. 

Wo  also  learn  that  he  is  no  respect- 
er of  pcrs.ms  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 
wore  received  only  on  condition  of  their 
compliance  with  his  requirements,  be- 
comine  heiig  with  him,  and  joint  heirs 
with   Jesus   Christ,   to  an    inheritance 


which  is  tncorruptible,  undefiled  and 
fadeth  not  away.  They  were  caution- 
ed not  to  be  high  minded  but  to  fear; 
they  were  admonished  that  they  stood 
only  by  faith:  That  if  they  were  bap- 
t.zed  into  Christ  and  had  put  on  Christ, 
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  Gentile  we  can 
but  exclaim  with  the  author  of  our  text, 
"Behold  the  goodness  and  severity  of 
God,  on  them  that  fell  severity,  but  on 
thee  goodness,  if  thou  continue  in  his 
goodness,  otherwise  thou  also  shalt  be 
cut  off. 


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- 
on, sovereign  of  Mycenae  was  banish-' 
ed  from  his  native  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  L.acedamon. 

A  long  period  of  civil  war  and  blood- 
shed succeeded,  and  Greece  was  renfc 
in  factions  and  divided  among  a  num- 
ber of  petty  tyrants,  who  were  equally 
oppressive  and  cruel. 

The  government  of  Greece  lor  a 
long  time  was  monarchical,  but  the 
Athenians  at  length  becoming  weary 
of  monarchy,  determined  to  try  the  ef- 
fect of  a  popular  constitution.  Medon^ 
the  son  of  Codrus  was  elected  firs! 
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  hom« 
forced  them  to  leave  their  native  land  6e 
seek  a  refuge  elsewhere.  Twelve  ci- 
ties were  formed  in  the  Lesser  Asia,  of 
which  Smyrna  was  tl^te  most  consider* 
able.  A  troop  of  Armenian  exiles 
built  Ephesus,  Colophon,  Clazomcne 
and  other  towns,  giving  to  their  new 
settlements,  the  name  of  their  native 
country,  Ionia.  The  Dorians  set  ofl' 
colonics  to  Italy  and  Scicily  founding^, 
in   the    former   Tarcntum  and  Locri^ 


B44 


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,  rivalling,  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 
v/hich  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  were  soon 
followed  by  all  the  rest. 

A  new  scene  arose  in  consequence 
of  a  chan  ge  ftom  a  regal  to  a  popular 
Government;  a  new  code  of  laws  ap- 
peared to  be  necessary,  and  an  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,  hot  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 Ufe  make  but  a  sorry  figure  when 
they  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 
what  has  he  got  to  relate?     A  meagre 
account  of  the   miles  he  taavelled,  of 
the  bargains  he  drove,  of  the  spectacles 
he  beheld,  of  the  viands  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- 
blees  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." 


OBITUARY. 

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  from  whose  bourn  no  traveller 
returns.'*  She  has  left  a  husband,  five 
children,  and  a  circle  of  friends  and 
relatives  to  mourn  her  loss. 

DIED,  on  the  15th  of  this  present 
month  Corydon  Olney  of  Portage  Alle- 
gany County,  N.  Y.  aged 

He  was  a  youth  of  considerable 
promise;  endeared  to  his  parents  and 
relatives  by  acts  of  kindness  and  reci- 
procity, and  to  all  his  aquaintance  by 
the  urbanity  of  his  maners. 

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 
Friday  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  published  every  month  at  Kirtland,  Geauga 
Co.  Ohio,  by 

iiriL.L.iAin  mARKi^, 

PROPRIETOR. 


TERMS. 

S 1,  per  an.  in  advance.  Every  person  procuring 
ten  new  subscribers,  and  forwarding  %  10,  current 
money,  shall  be  entitled  to  a  paper  one  year,  gratis. 
Jul  letters  to  the  Editor  must  be 

[O- POST  PAID.  £S\ 
No  subscription  will  be  received  for  a  less  term  than  on* 
year,  and  no  paper  discontinued  till  all  arrearages  art 
paid,  except  at  the<  option  ef  the  publithtrf. 


L.ATTER  DAY  SAINTS' 

MESSENGER  ANI>  ADVOCATE. 


Vol.  III.  No.  11.]       KIRTLAND,  OHIO,  AUGUST,  1837.       [Whole  No.  35. 


PROSP  ECTUS 

For  a  neto  paper,    to  be    publish  ed  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  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  considering  its  circumstances, 
than  any  other  society  in  our  country. 
The  number  of  ciders  amounts  to  many 
hundreds,  and  are  constantly  increas- 
ing: and  out  of  the  number  there  are 
many  who  arc  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- 
vorable or  unfavorable  reception  a- 
mong  the  nations,  where  its  doctnnes 
are  pi'omu [gated,  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  hereafte^t*, 
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  world. 

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  paper 
will  be  in  every  part  of  the  world,  and 
thereby  aflurd  facilities  to  obtain  infor- 
mation through  its  columns,  equal,  if 
not  superior  to  any  in  the  union.  The 
great  events  of  nations,  tending  to  that 
point  of  consumation  spoken  of  by  all 
the  holy  proplicts  since  the  world  be- 
gan, will  be  diligently  sought  for,  and 
correctly  presented. 


546 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCAtl! 


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 witli,  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  aflairs  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 
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  history  of  their  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  armsd 
man,  guarding  both  their  characters, 
and  religion,  against  the  aspersions  of 
foul  calumniaters,  and  base  slanderers. 

May  we  not  ask,  What  saved  the 
name  of  ths  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- 
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  was  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  effectually 


redeemed  1;hemselves  from  under  the 
power  of  their  slanderers;  until  their 
memory  is  had  with  reverence  among' 
all  men,  whose  approbatioa  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  sa^  who' 
have  gone  before  them. 

In  view  then  to  obtain  objects  s(y 
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  haver 
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  information  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  fares 
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 


MESSj^NGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


M7 


Vy  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 
sufferings,  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  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  tlic  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  dollar 
a  year  in  adoance:  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  Idlers  mhelher  for  pahlicalion 
or  oilier  purposes,  sent  to  the  office  must 
be  directed  to  DON  C.  SMITH,  and 
tht  postage  {!?='  PAID,  ^£][)  or 
they  will  not  he  attended  too. 

Done  by  the  request  and  in  behalf 
of  the  elders. 

SIDNEY  RIGDON. 

N.  B.  The  elders  sen-ling  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  hap[)iness  and  future  welfare 
than  we  can  reasonably  expect  for  cits 
when  we  resign  the  sajne  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 
u.seful.  How  far  under  those  circum- 
stances, my  labors  have  been  approved 
by  my  heavenly  IMaster,  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  here  to  ask,  as  I 
presume  they  are  quite  willing  to  ex- 
ciiange  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. 
1  will  here  add,  that  were  he  tnumer- 
ous  readers  of  the  Messenger  aware, 
while  perusing  its  columns,  how  many, 
very  many  constitutions  arc  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  m 


549 


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  for  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 
naore. 

When  this  last  reflection  rises  rn  the 
mind,  the  heart  almost  sinks  within 
this  bosom,  lest  in  consequence  of  some 
darkness  over  the  intellect,  or  some 
deepainxiety  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  iiaore  seasons  round, 
at  most,  will  release  me  from  this  bur- 
tbetfcsome  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  Go^f  search  them  from  begin- 
nmg  to  end,  and  if  you  do  not  find  that 
the  Lord  would  do  marvelous  things  in 
the  last  days — reveal  his  glorious  arm, 
set  up  his  kingdom,  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  peopfe 
face  to  face,  I  say  aciieu  to  that  record, 
it  is  worse  than  a  fahle,  it  has  not  the 
intelligence  of  a  common  news-paperl 
Alas!  how  disappointed  will  be  the 
man  who  turns  from  these  in  unbelief. 
The  day  is  near  when  all  will  be  veri- 
fied— the  day  is  near  v/hen  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,  FeL  1837. 


Hanover    Columbiana  Co.     Ohia, 
August  3rd,  1837. 

Bro.    W»  a.  Cowdery: — 

Haviog  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  Bever  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. 


349 


the  word  and  were  stired  up  to  an  en- 
quiry into  these  things.  Some  said 
they  never  heard  the  truth  before;  son?e 
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 
been  flooded  with  such  a  multitude  of 
false  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  loved  it,  felt  disposed  to  arise  in 
opposition  to  it 

Soon  after  ariving  in  this  region  I 
received  a  challenge  and  accepted  it 
for  a  public  discussion  ot  the  spiritual 
gifts,  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 
•soon  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  wlien 
ithree  more  obeyed  the  gospel.  It  was 
!the  descision  of  the  conference  that  1 
should  remain  in  this  section  a  while 
longer,  I  have  done  so,  and  have  con- 
tinued to  preach  and  to  baptize. 

Not  long  since  I  had  an  invitation  to 
compare  the  testimony  for  the  book  of 
Mormon  with  the  testimony  of  the  Old 
iSiNew  Testament,  by  one  of  the  teach- 
ers of  the  Campbellite  order;  (by  the 
name  of  Patherson,')  1  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  Ke  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  far- 
ther in  this  place,  although  when  he 
first  made  the  proposition  to  me  he 
said,  information  was  all  lie  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  pco[)le  saw  that  the 
same  objections  that  were  raised  against 
the  book  of  Mormon,  might  be  raised 
against  th«  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  frieiwis  and  I 
baptized  six  persons  soon  after.  So 
grows  the  word  of  God  and  prevails, 
for  truth  is  mighty  and  what  can  stand 
before  it?  "Mormonism  unvailed" 
has  been  circulated  in  this  part  of  the 
country,  but  that  has  but  little  influ- 
ence on  the  minds  of  those  >vho  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'spite  of  all  opp©sB^oaa. 
The  prospect  here  is  good,  but  I  expect 
to  leave  now  immediately  for  Va.  I 
hope  the  elders  traveling  South  from 
Kirtland,  will  give  tlie  brethren  a  call 
in  this  place. 

Yours  in  the  bonds  of  the 

new  and  everlasting  covenairt. 
LORENZO  BARNS. 


Kinland  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  fornrier 
numbers  had  last  year  moved  to  Zion 
Mo.:  to  them  had  the  first  principles  of 
the  gospel  been  taught(a8  also  received) 


MM 


MESSENGER  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^eny  of  whom 
gladly  received  the  word  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  Kentuck}^,  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  to  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 
I>e  permitted  to  enjoy  the  seciety  of  an 


affectionate  family  and  many   worthy 
friends  in  this  place. 

I  am  in  the  bonds  of  the  gospel,  yours 
&c. 

H.  G.  SHERWOOD. 

Elder  D.  C.  Smith. 


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. 

Liverpool^  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.  1  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  once;  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  sailuig  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  a  large  whale  once  in  a  while.  We 
saw  four  or  five  of  them  and  other 
large  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  })raycr,  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. 


S51 


«ot  investigate  any  subject  to  any  very 
great  extent.  Yesterday  the  cabin 
passengers  deputed  one  of  their  num- 
ber to  come  to  me  to  express  their 
-gratitude  to  me  for  the  very  excellent 
fprayer  which  I  made,  saying,  that  there 
were  gentlemen  and  ladies  from  three 
or  four  diffe'rent  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  "s/z//" 
he  being  a  member  of  that  cluirch  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  tu  3'ou,  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, 
•due  to  him  and  not  me  I  am  sensible 
that  instead  of  such  things  exalting  me, 
-it  made  me  almost  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  the  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,  Elder  Goodson 
and  Doct.  Richards.  As  soon  as  the 
boat  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  wont 
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  as-ure  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 


die:  But  Elder  Kimball  laid  his  hands 
on  the  child  without  bemg  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  detam- 
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  praj^ed 
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  circum-- 
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  als® 
when  we  landed.  We  shall  remain 
here  for  a  few  days  until  we  can  de- 
termine what  course  to  pursue,  and  in 
what  directions  to  travel.  I  feel  high- 
ly gratified  with  the  situation  of  things 
here  and  with  the  prospects  before  us. 
We  all  feel  highly  pleased  with  our 
situation  and  we  are  determined  to  raise 
the  standard  of  truth  in  this  country 
and  we  aie  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  iu 
dreams,  but  when  I  awoke  it  was  not  a 
reality — May  the  Lord  bless  you  and 
all  that  pertains  to  }'0u;  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,  for 
1  know  not  where  I  shall  be  and  can- 
not tell  you  where  to  direct  a  letter. — 
Bro.  Kimball  wishes  me  to  say  for  him 
that  he  is  well  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.  Tlie 
Lord  is  with  him,  and  he  enjoys  his 
mind  well.  That  his  face  is  Zion  ward 
at  Jcrnsalem — that  he  desires  to  know 
nothing  but  Jesus  Christ  and  him  cru- 
cified; and  how  his  wife  and  children 
do.  My  respects  to  father  Magin;  and 
tell  him   that  I  remember   him.     Giv9 


(M 


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  place  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  principle  transactions  that 
have  taken  place  in  the  church  since  I 
left. 

I  am,  as  ever,  your 
affectionate  husband. 

ORSON  HYDE. 


ANCIENT  HISTORY.— No.  7. 
The  Republic  op  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 lor  systematizmg. 

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  few 
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  few  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, 
the  ancient    inhabitants  of    Laconia 


were  confined  to  such  new  habitations, 
while  the  barbarians  of  Thessaly  took 
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  Lacede- 
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,  v/as 
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 
th^.JiIi«*g9-««d-4lie.,.,.£eople.  Lycurgus 
bent  his  attention  tofhe  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  pait  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. 


553 


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  speaketh  unto  you  ss  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  in  the  G5th 
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  tiic  great 
persecutioa   of  Christians    under    the 


Empero.',  Nero,  (that  prince  who  af- 
terwards played  his  violin  when  his 
proud  city,  Rome  was  burning,)  pre- 
vious to  tliis  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  bo  wonder  under 
these  circumstances,  which  were  fear- 
fully foreboding,  if  even  the  stoutest 
hearts,  should  at  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  sufl'er.  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   Avhich 
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- 
ncss  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  few 
nations  or   few   people,    have    passed 
through  more  suflerings  and  privations 
than  the  Jews,  the  children  of  Israel, 
and  still,   they  were  called  the  chosen 
people  of  God. 


Bg4 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


From  this  idea  we  learn  two  facts, 
First,  that  God  is  unc'.iangeable. — 
Second,  that  the  idea  of  rebuke  or 
chastening  is  no  evidence  of  anger,  re- 
venge, hatred  or  envy  in  him,  as  we 
understand  those  teniis,  but  is  most 
beautifully  illustrated  by  the  leelings 
of  a  tender,  yet  faithful  parent  as  they 
are  manifest  in  the  treatment  of  his 
beloved  but  wayward,  and  refractory 
offspring. 

While  on  this  subject  wo  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  dcme  signs  and  wrought 
miracles  in  the  deliverance  of  the 
saints  anciently,  but  thoy  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  iirpending.  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  dc 
troubles  of  a  vain  and  wicked  genera- 
tion with  which  they  were  surrounded. 
It  was  ti'uly  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 
ol  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  suffering  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  niornins:  and  manifest  everv 
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  wiought  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 


wane,  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  do- 
pendence  on  him.  Notwithstanding 
his  ways  at  times  are  mysterious,  in- 
scrutable and  past  finding  out,  yet  he 
will  over  rule  all  for  his  own  glory 
and  the  greatest  good  of   the  univeise. 

Ed. 


'•And  thou  shall  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,  whetlier  thou 
wouldest  k-,ep  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  dotli 
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  journcyings  thro' 
the  wilderness  to  the  promised  land  or 
land  of  Palestine.  Other  writers  have 
favored  the  world  with  their  views  of 
the  events  above  cneumcrated,  hut 
those  who  believe  the  scriptures  given 
by  inspiration,  depend  on  them,  as  the 
oldest  and  only  canonical  record  now 
extant,  touching  events  tiicroin  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.  IJut, 
God  inr^pired  him,  with  a  proplietic 
Spirit,  a  Spirit  to  look  down  through 
time,  and  point  out  the  events  of  suc- 
•. ceding  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 
dream  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- 
|)alling  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  sufiered  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  Inunblcd  Israel  to  prove  him,  to 
know  what  was  in  his  heart,  yet  we 
are  not  to  imderstand  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- 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


fleeted  and  repented,  and  God  forgave 
him,  but  the  great  God  w;.is  not  en- 
lightened by  the  experiiv;rnt;  although 
he  says  he  did  what  h-;.  did  to  prove 
him,  whether  he  would  keep  his  com- 
mandments or  no.  W(!  believe  him  to 
be  the  author  ol'  man's  existence,  that 
he  is  infinite  in  wisdom,  knowledge 
and  understanding,  and  that  with  him, 
there  exists  no  doubt  or  contingency 
relative  to  the  future  nioro  than  loith 
us  relative  to  the  occurrences  of  j'es- 
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  snffered, 
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  eJcpression  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  their 

miraculous  sustentation  in  the  wilder- 
ness and  during  their  journeyings  from 
Egypt,  "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."  They 
needed  not  this  poinr  fortified  or  estab- 
lished by  proof  more  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  believe  them;  they  were  to  under- 
stand them  as  they  were  communica- 
ted, they  were  to  live  by  them.  But, 
negatively,  w^e  are  not  to  understand 
that  the  word  of  God  alone,  satisfies 
the  demand  of  a  craving  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  sufferiiigs  in 
consequence  of  his  refusing  to  live  by 
every  word  that  proceeded  out  of  the 
moutJi  of  the  Lord.  It  ought  to  servo 
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,  first,  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  wc  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  poef  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  la  God, 
living  for  God,  livmg  by  faith  on  the 
Son  of  God,  and  living  in  the  rational, 


lawful  hnjoyment  of  all  the  temporal 
blessings  with  which  we  are  surround- 
ed. Temporal  food  is  necessary  to 
nourish  and  support  the  mortal  body, 
give  it  health  and  vigor;  so  is  the 
word  of  the  Lord  to  give  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;  where  would  be  its  security? 
Who  would  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  known  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,  destniction  and  misery  are 
in  the  way  of  the  ungodly;  but  "great 
peace  have  they  that  love  thy  law  and 
nothinjr  shall  offend  them." — Ed, 


SYNOPSIS  OF  THE  CURRENT 
NEWS. 

From  our  latest  advice  from  Eng- 
land wc  learn,  that  there  was  dissatis- 
faction amoug  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,  attribnting  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- 


S58 


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  off.ces  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,  by 
shifts  or  temporizing  expedients,  to 
maiutain  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- 


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- 
strover  is  among  the  works  of  God. 

Ed. 


Proceedings  of  a  Conference  of  the 
Church  of  Latter  Day  Saints,  con- 
vened by  special  apointment,  at  Port- 
land, District  of  Johnstown,  XJ.  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  Woodruff, 
elder  John  E.  Page  was  elected  Presi- 
dent, William  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  AND  ADVOCATE. 


55g 


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.  The  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  Johnatiian  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  Jeremiah,  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  VVilford  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.   WESTOxNT,  > 

JOHN  HUGHS,  ^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,  Williamsbury  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  sistors  to 
the  great  joy  and  comfort  of  all  the 
saints:  There  were  five  baptized  on 
this  conference  occasion,  m\king  in  all 
305  being  the  fruits  of  the  labors  of  el- 
der Jame.g  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  ap[>oar  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.  &  A.  who 
have  paid  in  advance,  unless  other  di- 
rections shall  be  given. — Er. 


Minutes  of  a  Confer enee  of  ike  el- 
ders of  the  church  of  Latter  Day 
Saints,  held  in  Lijman,  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 Zadock  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.  which 
consists  of  12  members  in  good  stand- 
ing. Elder  W.  Farr  represented  a 
branch  of  12  members  in  Charleston, 
Vt.  Elder  D.  Richardson  represented 
a  branch  in  Franconia,  N.  II.  consis- 
ting of  5  members.  Brother  Zadock 
Parker  represented  the  Lyman  branch 
in  N.  IT.  co'itaining  10  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.  Locklinsr  priest, 
represented  Lyndon  branch  Vt.  con- 
tainmg  15  members,  tlie  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  instrnclionas  the  holy  Spirit  man- 
ifested.    The   subject  of  the  word  of 


560 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


wisdom  was  introduced  and  after  many 
able  remarks  from  the  Chair,  and  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  instructions 
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  branch  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- 
man for  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  ihrougout  the  congregation. 
AMOS  B.  FULLER,    Ch'n 

James  C.   Snow,  Clerk. 


CAUTION. 

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 
unwary,  by  palming  upon  them,  those 
bills,  which  are  ot  no  worth,  here.  I 
discountenance  and  disapprove  of  any 
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, 


HYMEIVEAL.. 
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  ta 
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 
high  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."  Tlje  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. 


ERRATUM. 

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  May  7th,  whereas  it  should  be  Ju- 
ly  7th. 

MESSENGER  AND  STAR, 

Bound  together,  or  in  separate  volumes 
can  be  had  at  this  office. 


Y  SAINTS' 


messe:^^$,jbm  a]¥i>  abtocate. 


Vol.  III.  No.  12.]     KIRTLAND,  OHIO,    SEPTEMBER,  1837.     [Whole  No. 


Commuiticfitions. 


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  givejt  a  conspicuous  jilacc  in 
our  paper.  '"Ivc!  might  comment  upon 
it  lengthily  ourselves,  but,  v\'e  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  tha  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  relisrion,  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  ap.peal,  and  sufier  it  not  to  be 
made  in  vain. — En. 

Kir f land,  Sept.    18,1837. 
To   the  Saints  scattered  a- 
broad,    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 
themselves  acquainted  with 
the  situation  of  the  Saints 
throuiriiout  tlic  continent,  to- 
gether,  with  the  very  liattering 
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- 
Vvishers  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  ofreat  fisfht  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  purdish  the  word  of  the 
Lord,  which  has  been  attended 
with  great  expense:  these  to- 
gether with  building  the  house 
of  the  Lord,  have  embarrassed 
them  very  much-,  for  when  sub- 
scriptions failed,  they  went  on 
and  accomplished  the  work  of 
buildiuirthe  liousc  themselves, 
plighting    all   that    they    had, 


562 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATI 


property,  credit,  and  charac-  great  respoiisipility  by  virtue 
ter,  and  by  these  means  accom-  of  our  office  and  calling  in  the 
plished  this  great  work  which  church  of  God,  we  present  thi& 


is  the  wonder  and    admiration 
of  the  \vorld. 

This  they  have  done  in  faith 
beiieviog  that  as  the  multitude 
ofsaints  increased,  that  their 
liberality  would  abound  to- 
wards those  who  regarding 
nothing  but  the  salvation  of 
the  world,  have  thus  exposed 
themselves  to  ruin,  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  ail 
to  gather  to  the  places  v/hich 
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  ihe 
whole  church,  and  the  persons 
to  whom  this  vv^ork  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 
corning  swiftly  on  the  earth. 

Ail  these   things  will  be  at 
tended  with  expense. 

Feelinp;     ourselves     under 


our  memorial  to  all  the  saints, 
making  a  most  solemn  appeal 
to  the  feelings,  benevolence, 
and  philanthropy,  of  all  the 
saints  into  whoso  hands  this 
our  memorial  convas,  in  faith 
and  confidence-,  tmfc  this  ap- 
peal will  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  were  re- 
quired to  bring  their  tithes  in- 
to the  store  house,  and  after 
that,  not  before,  they  were  ta 
look  for  a  blessing  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  v/hich  no  saint  will 
feel  to  gainsay,  but  rejoice  to 
obey.  The  saint  of  God  will 
rejoice  in  all  that  the  Lord 
docs,  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  of  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. 


in  building  up  of  the  Zion  of 
our  Godj  for  it  is  after  the 
Lord  has  built  up  Zion,  that 
he  will  appear  in  his  glory. — 
Psalms  102:16.  We  all  look 
for  the  appearing  of  the  great 
God,  and  our  Savior  Jesus 
Christ j  but  we  shall  look  in 
vain,  until  Zion  is  builtj  for  Zi- 
on is  to  be  the  dwellinty  olace 
of  our  God  when  he  comes. — 
Joel  3:21.  Any  one  who  will 
read  this  chapter  with  atten- 
tion, wqll  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 


upi 


question  we 


leave  the  saints  to  answer. — 
The  salvation  of  the  saints  one 
and  all  depends  on  the  build- 
ing up  of  Ziouj  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  Vvords,  in  the  stakes 
which  he  shall  appoint. — Joel 
2:32. 

Itjs  in  Zion  where  the  Lord 
15  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  shall  be  a  taber- 
nacle for  a  shadow  in  the  day 
time  from  the  heat,  and  for  a 
plaec  of  refuge,  and  for  a  cov- 
ert from  storm  and  from  rain, 
Isaiah  4:5,G.  It  is  u[)on  the 
walls  of  Zion,  where  the 
watchman  shall  see  eye  to  eye 
Isaiah  o2:S. 

Whatever    is 


Whatever  is  desirable — What- 
ever pertains  to  salvation,  eith- 
er temporal  or  spiritual.  Our 
hopes,  our  expectations,  our 
glory  and  our  reward,  all  de- 
pend on  our  building  up  Zion 
according  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  J^ion. 

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  tlie  buildino:  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  tiie  city,  they  will 
not  escape.  Bo  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 
building  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 
vengeance,  when  he  shall 
come  down  on  Idumea,  or  the 
world,  in  his  fury,  and  stamp 
them  down  in  iiis  wrath,  and 
none  shall  escape,  but  the  in- 
habitants of  zion. 

What  we  say  unto  one,  we 
say  unto  all,  haste — haste — 
and  delay  not,  for  the  hour  of 
desolation  does  not  linger,  and 
with  all  the  power  that  the 
saints  have,  and  with  all  the 
diligence  they  can  use,  they 
will  scarcely  escape. 

The  time  is  not  iar  distant, 
when  some  of  th.ose  "sv  ho  now 
deride  and  mock  the  saints  for 
devoting  their  a!l  to  build  up 
the  zion  of  God,  will  bless 
tlieir  name,  for  having  pro- 
vided a  city  of  refuge,  for  them 
and  their  children,  regardless 
of  the  ravings  of  ungodly 
priests,  and  tiie  mockings  of  a 
stupid  and  ignorant  people. 

In  the  confidence  wliich 
we  have  in  the  good  sense  and 
righteous  principles  of  the 
multitude  of  the  saints,  we 
send  this  our  memorial  in  the 
name  of  our  master  Jesusj  be- 
lieving that  this  appeal  will  be 
received  with  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  God  of  all 
grace,  pour  out  his  richest 
blessings  on  your  heads,  and 
ci'own  you  with  abundance, 
that  the  zion  of  our  God  may 
flourish,    and  cease  not,  until 


the  righteousness  thereof  shall 
go  forth  as  the  liglit,  and  the 
salvation  thereof  as  a  lamp 
which  burneth,  is  the  prayer 
of  your  brethren  in  Christ 
Jesus 

N.  K.  WHITNEY, 

R.  CAHOON. 

V.  KNIGHT, 


Palmyra  Portage  Co.     Ohio,    SepL 
14th,    1837. 

Bro.  W.  a.  Cowdery: 

I  improve  a  few 
moments  to  communicate  to    you  some 
knowledge  of  my  travels,  togctlierwitb 
a  sketch  of  my  labors  the  present  sea- 
son.    I  left  KIrtland  in  company  with 
older  G.  W.  Meeks  to  go  to  the  Souths 
we  bent  our  course  to  West  Township^ 
Columbiana   Co.     in  order  to  attend  a 
eonferenco  previously  a))pointed:  vi^liea' 
we  arrived  at  that  place  we  found  elder 
L.  Barns    and   several  other  traveling 
elders.     Eider  Barns  had  been  preach- 
ing some   few  days    previous  and  bap- 
tized several.     On  Friday,  the  first  day 
of  the    conference,   wo  attended  to  set- 
ling  some  difficulty  in  the  church,  and 
on  Saturday  and  Sunday  we   preached 
to  the  people.     On  Sunday  three  came 
forward    and  were    baptized  by    elder 
Barns;  On   Monday    we  again  met  to- 
finish  our   conference,  after  which  the 
several  elders  went  into  dilferent  parts 
in  the  adjoining  towns  to  preach  where- 
the  door  •  was  already  opened.     There 
were  at,  and  near  the  conference  some- 
where, I  believe,  not, far  from    twelve 
bnptized  in   the  vicinity  of   this    place. 
Elder  Meeks  and  myself   continued  to- 
gether   sometime  and  preached   in  the 
towns  round    about   where  there  were 
calls,  but  more  especially  in  the  town- 
shipof  Salem,  v.'here  we  continuedsev- 
eral  weeks  and  laid  before  the  people^ 
the  gospel  of  Jesus  Christ  according  to 
our  several   abilities:  and  we  reasoned 
v/ith  them  in   plainness,  both  in  public 
and  in    private,  and  showed    them  the' 
work   the  Lord  had  set    his  hand  to  do 
in  this   age  of  the  world.     We    found 
some    friendly  and    believing,  yea  al- 
most  persuaded   to    bo  saints,    but  the 
cross  being  so  great,  together  with  the 
many  false  reports  that  were  put  in  cir- 
culation (for  we    met    with   no    smalt 
opposition    from    priests   and    people) 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


565 


hindered  them  from  obeying  the  truth. 
We  after  having  discharged  our  duty 
faithfully,  left  the  place  and  returned 
as  far  as  Milton  township,  Trumbull 
Co,  We  found  a  door  opened  for 
preaching  and  left  an  appoi'ntment  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  proclaii^ned 
the  glorious  gospel  of  the  Sonof  God  to 
a  large  congregation,  in  the  fore  part 
of  the  day,  and  after  having  dismissed 
the  congregation  and  appointed  the 
hour  for  preaching  to  commence  again, 
one  Joseph  Pierce,  a  Christian  preach- 
er, arose  and  claimed  the  house.  So  I 
thought  it  was  best  not  to  have  any 
further  difficulty  with  the  man — there- 
fore I  told  the  people  rather  than  be 
disappointed  as  I  had  come  something 
like  fifty  nules  to  preach  to  them,  wo 
would  go  a  short  distance  to  the  grove, 
accordingly  I  went  to  the  place  appoint- 
ed and  the  people  followed  except  a 
few  who  tarried  with  the  preacher,  but 
they  did  not  continue  their  meeting 
long  but  broke  and  joined  ours.  After 
having  got  through  with  my  subject  I 
gave  an  appointment  for  the  next  day 
at  4  o'clock,  &  then  dismissed  the  con- 
gregation. The  next  day  met  with  the 
people  and  was  blest  with  a  good  de- 
gree of  liberty  in  addressing  the  con- 
gregation after  which,  we  repaired  to 
the  water  where  I  had  the  privilege  of 
leading  two  willing  souls  into  the  wa- 
ters of  baptism.  I  then  left  an  appoint- 
ment to  preach  again  in  two  weeks 
and  returned  home,  1  have  since  con- 
tinued preaching  in  other  towns,  and  in 
the  fore  mentioned  \)\iicQ  till  the  pi'cs- 
cnt  time,  and  have  baptized  in  all  seven, 
there  lias  been  eight  others  baptized  in 
this  section  by  elder  Snow. 

S.  B.  STODDARD. 


ANCIENT  IIISTOUV.— No.  8. 
TuK  llr.ri  uLic  ok  Atukns 

On  the  abolition  of  the  regal  oHlcer 
at  Athens,  the  change  of  thy  constitu- 
tion was  more  nominal  than  real'.— 
The  archonship  was,  during  tiiree  cen- 
turies a  perpetual  and  hereditary  mag- 
istracy. In  the  year  TTjl  A.  C.  it  be- 
come decennial,  or  elective  once  in 
ten  years.  In  OlS  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,  nn  archon,  in  the  724  A.  C. 
projected  a  reform  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  the  task  he  had 
undertaken. 

Solon,  an  illustrious  Athenian,  was 
elevated  to  the  dignity  of  archon  in 
.594  A.  C.  and  was  entrusted  by  his 
countrymen  w'ith  the  important  task  of 
forming  a  new  form  of  government. — 
He  possessed  extensive  knowledge,  but 
wanted  th?t  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  were  more  numerous  than  all  the 
others,  had  an  equal  right  of  suiTerage, 
and  consequently  decided  every  ques- 
tion. 

Solon  introduced  a  Senate  consisting 
of  400,  which  was  afterwards  increas- 
ed to  five,  and  even  to  600,  in  which 
body  all  measures  must  originate  and 
undergo  a  diecussion  before  they  could 
be  brought  before  tTie  people. 

lie  had  a  court  called  the  court  of 
Areopagus  to  whom  he  conunittcd  the 
guardianshi])  of  tlic  laws  and  the  pow- 
er of  enforcing  tlicm.  This  may  prop- 
erly be  styled  their  judicary.  This 
court  and  the  senate  operated  as  a 
check  on  t]\o  popular  assemblies.  But 
notwithstanding-,  these  checks,  dema- 
gogues never  failed  to  corrupt  the  pop- 
ular will,  to  whom  the  ultimate  decision 
was  referred,  and  turn  it  to  their  own 
advantage. 

The  Athenian  laws  relating  to  debt- 
ors were  niiUI  and  equitable,  and  so 
were  those  regulating  the  treatment  of 
slaves. 

One  most  iniquitous  and  absurd  pe- 
culiarity of  the  Ailienian  government 
was  the  practice  u['  osfraclsin  as  it  was 
called  which  consisted,  in  a  ballot  of 
all  the  citi/.ens,  on  which  each  wrote 
down  the  iiamc  of  such  individual,  as 
ho  thougi:t  most  obnoxious  lo  censure; 
the  person  thus  marked  out  by  the 
greatest  number  of  voices,  though  ac- 


&G$ 


xMESSENGER  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  enjojn^ent  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  end  our 
extracts  from  history,  passing  over 
many  important  events,  we  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  Lom.bards,  but  we  close. 


To   the    inhabitants   of   Milton    and 
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  the  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  reasons  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  hmi- 
self  and  S.  Rigdon.  And  we  hazard 
nothing  in  saying,  were  those  reports 
true  that  must  have  originated  in  your 
yicinity,  the  bonds  of  friendship  would 


have  been  severed  forever,  between 
them.  We  are  fully  sensible,  and  are 
willing,  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  mostly  of  females,  young  in- 
nocent, unsuspecting,  without  reproach 
and  for  ought  we  know,  above  suspi- 
cion.— Ed. 


SYNOPSIS  OF  THE  CURRENT  NEWS 
OF '1  HE  DAY. 

FOREIGN. 

The  fo;eign  money  market  is  get' 
ting  a  little  more  easy  than  it  has  been, 
and  it  is  to  be  hoped  the  relief  will  be 
permane.it.  Some  fears  are  entertain. 
ed,  hov/ever,  that  the  present  presure 
in  the  money  aflTairs  of  this  country 
v/ill  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  bo  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 
croo  it  is  satd,  looks  promising. 
DOMESTIC. 

The  sentiments  in  the  Presidents 
Message  relative  to  the  relief  that  may 
be  aflorded  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 
Vv'ho  receive  it  with  a  smile,  of  appro- 
bation. 

From  the  returns  of  elections  recent- 
ly held,  it  appfars  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  verj  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. 


667 


The  crops  throughout  the  States  are 
generally  good  as  far  as  we  have  cor- 
rectly ascertained.  Vegetution  has  not 
yet  sufferad  by  frost  in  this  section, 
and  present  appearances  warrant  us  in 
'the  belief  that,  eho  corn  crops  as  well 
as  all  others,  that  depend  on  a  long  sea- 
son,to  bring  them  to  maturity,  will  not 
sufTer. 

Surely  the  lord  is  bountiful  notwith- 
standing man's    inp;raiitude. 

We  had  almost  forgotten  to  racn'.ion 
that  recent  accounts  from  Sicily  and 
Naples,  warrant  us  in  saying  that  the 
cholera  rages  there  to  an  alarming  de- 
■gree. 

War  rages  in  some  parts  of  our  world 
so  that  the  destroyer  is  still  among  the 
works  of  God.  "Ambition  an'i  pesti- 
lence seem  deputed  by  death  to  do  the 
work  of  age  and  toss  him  twice  ten 
thousand  at  a  msal." 


]?Iessenser  aaid  Advocate. 


W.  A.  C©^yi>El&T,  Edilor. 


KIRTLAND,    OHIO,  SEPT.  IH37. 

A  book  has  recently  been  put  into 
our  hands  by  elder  W  P.  Pratt,  per- 
.porting  to  be  a  voice  of  warning  and 
instruction  to  all  people.  We  have 
read  his  preface,  and  about  one  hun- 
dred and  forty  pages  of  his  book.  We 
find  it  wiitten  in  a  !<tylc  peculiar  to  the 
author,  not  eloquent  but  without  ambi- 
guity, strong,  bold,  and    expressive. 

From  reading  the  work  now  before 
us,  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, 
closly  trained  to  biblical  reiding,  dis- 
criminating, retentive,  making  deduc- 
tions, and  conclusions  from  premises, 
which,  few,  perhaps,  can  gainsay  or 
successfully  resist. 

The  first  cha|>lcr  occupies  nearly  fif- 
ty pages,  rmd  i.t  on  the  subject  of  proph- 
ecy already  fulfilled. 

The  author  in  this  chapter,  brings 
forward  the  outlines  or  leading  fea- 
tures of  nearly  uU  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 
testunony.  He  shows  very  conclusive- 
ly, not  only  the  literal  fulfilment  of 
scripture  prophesy,  from  scripture  tea 
timony,  but  from  profane  history, 
which  is  read  and  received  without  con- 
troversy. 

Our  author  reasons  from  analogy 
drav/ing  inferences  and  conclusions 
from  the  nature  and  character  of  Go  I, 
his  manill'st  good  will  to  man,  as 
shown  in  all  the  divine  comtnunica. 
lions;  that  the  sole,  or  at  least,  appa- 
rent object  of  all  :evelation,  all  prophe- 
cy, is  tile  benefit,  the  salvation  of  man. 
Sppaking  of  prophecy,  that  he  may  be 
suitably  impressed  with  the  nature  and 
character  of  God,  and  of  the  great  and 
grand  events  that  are  to  transpire  in 
unborn  time,  and  the  efiect,  a  belief  or 
disbelief  of  the  truth,  these  prophecies 
will  have  on  the  human  family:  he 
shows  their  entire  uselessnciss,  unless 
they  express  what  they  purport  to  ex- 
press, and  that  they  are  no  revela- 
tions unless  they  can  be  understood  lit- 
erally in  the  language  in  which  they 
arc    written. 

The  second  chapter,  is  on  the  sub- 
ject of  prophecy  yet  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  forward  singly..  In 
bringing  to  view  these  sublime  ac- 
counts, our  author  has  not  shunned  to 
dec'.are  his  own  sentiments,  but  at  suit- 
able periods  has  introduced  them  and 
onforeed  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. 

He  speaks  of  the  modern  mode  of  in- 
terpreting thrt  prophecies,  by  spiritual- 
izing, in  a  stylo  not  to  say  vulgar, 
rude,  Of  ridiculous,  but  clear,  conclu- 
sive and  in  some  instances,  bordering 
on  severity.  He  attributes  the  diver- 
sity of  sentimenis  that  obtain,  on  reli- 
gious subjects,  to  an  entire  lack  of  tho 
Holy  Ghost,  that  spirit,  that  leads  into 
all  truth,  and  full  scope  being  given  to 
spirituali/.ing,  or  each  S!?ct  and  party 
putting  such  a  construction  upon  the 
prophecies  and  upon  the  scriptures  gen- 


see 

erally,  as  suits  his  own  purposes  or 
feelings,  without  refrence  to  the  mean- 
ing of  words,  or  the  construction  of  the 
language  in  vvhjch  the  scriptures  are 
written. 

He  has  not  attempted  to  fortify  any 
of  his  positions  against  the  attacks  of 
infidehty,  but  has  addressed  his  reasori- 
ings,  and  arguments,  to  the  moral 
sense  of  a  professing  christian  commu- 
tnunity.  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  anther,  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 
among  things  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  legltima.te  meaning 
of  the  scriptures. 

In  the  second  chapter,  of  which  we 
are  now  speakinr;:,  he  treats  of  the 
gathering  of  Israel,  and  cites  some  of 
the  more  prominent  passages,  on  the 
subject,  from  among  the  difi^ercnt  an- 
cient prophets,  in  a  v.'ay  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  confcriag  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  itself,  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,  enjo)'.  When  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,  oflicers  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 
governed.  He  takes  a  cursory  view  of 
the  setting  up  of  the  kingdom  of  God 
pn  earth  in  the  apostle's  days,  and 
"then  speaks  of  the  effects  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 
a])osties,  during  that  eventful  period, 
that  the  principles,  ordinances  and  pre- 
cepts of  those  eminent  servants  of  the 
Most  High,  were  their  rulingmotivesof 
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  time  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. 


569 


In  this  chapter  he  incidentally  touch- 
es upon  the  power  and  author! 3'^  ot"the 
priesthood;  showing  plainly  without 
this  power  and  this  authority,  none  are 
authorized  to  preach,  and  none  need 
expect  the  gifts  of  the  gospel  as  an- 
ciently enjoyed  witivout  the  same  priest- 
hood. 

The  fifth  chapter,  purports  to  be  a 
proclamation  and  covers  some  seven  or 
eight  pages  only,  but  we  have  not  3"et 
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  I'esurrec- 
tion  of  the  saints,  and  the  restoration  of 
all  things  spoken  by  the  projjhets. 

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,  \vc  could 
not  speak  positivel}^  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,  wc  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  differing  from 
others  of  his  life,  and  peculiar  to  itself 
and  to  the  time  and  circnmstance  un- 
der which  it  occurred.  The  little  min- 
uticc  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  apdrobaliun.  Man  in  the 
private  walks  of  lil'c  may  pursue  tiie 
paths  of  virtue  and  peace,  worship  the 
God  wlio  made  him  in  sincerity  and 
truth,  go  down  to  tiic  grave  in  peace, 
and  almost  unknown,  and  his  posteri- 
ty rise  up  and  call  him  blessed.  lint 
not  so  the  man  that  takes  upf)n  In'm 
the  conducting  of  a  public  periodical. 
however  innocent,    however  pure  ho 


may  be.  His  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 
])raised  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 
hi;  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  Advo:;ate  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  difH- 
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  e.\perienr:e  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  v is  medlcatrix 
naiurce,  and  learn  the  modus  operandi 
oi^ materia  medica  on  the  human  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  assun:ied  the 
impo'tant  trust. 

W'O  had  one  hope  on  which  we  re- 
lied when  wc  entered  upon  the  duties 
of  our  new  calling:  (viz.^  that  by  dili- 
gence and  perseverance  wc  should 
overcome  many  of  the  minor  obstacles 
that  presented  themselves  before  us, 
ar.d  contribute  our  share  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 

Wc  have  not  at  all  times  seduously, 
pursued  the  plan  we  first  marked  out 
for  ourselves,  in  point  of  diligence  and 
assiduity,  but  we  feci  that  we  have,  at 
no  time  shrunk  with  sluggish  indifter- 
cncc,  from  the  responsibility  or  duty  of 
our  station.  Our  time  and  talents  have 
been  put  in  rofpiisition,  and  our  most 
ardent  dfsircs  arc,  that  the  saints  and 
others,  siiould  derive  a  benefit cornmen- 


070 


MESSEA^GER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


surate  at   least, 
have  made  to  d  / 
The    lapse  of 


vliii  ti 

diem 

time 


exertions  v/e 
good, 
since    we    com- 


menced, has  seemed  ahiiost  impercepti- 
ble, 5'ct  when  we  reflect,  wc  know  of 
a  truth  months  :ind  seasons  have  rolled 
away  liito  that  vast  ocean  of  eternity 
from  whi!!!*.e  there  is  no  return.  We 
1  hourly  admonished  of 
from  the  increas- 
•    sigiit,   the   erow- 


are   daily  .; 
this    fact,  not    < 
ing  dimness  of 

ing  flaccid ity  of  our  mucsles,  tlie  totter- 
ing weakness  of  our  limbs,  but  the 
yellow  autumnal  hue  of  all  surroundina^ 
nature. 

A  few  short  months,  sometimes  pro- 
duce radical  changes  iu  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  «iarked  with  no 
peculiarity  in  the  religious  world,  only 
that  sects  and  parties  ai'e  divided  and 
dividing,  with  the  hate  and  animosity 
peculiar  to  religious  bigots  and  the 
blinded  devotees  of  party  zeal.  A 
combination  of  causes  has  contributed 
to  increase  the  strife,  and  fan  the  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  infidel;  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  lite  and  salvation,  and 
the  honest  and  unprejudiced,  lend  a 
listening  ear,  so  that  we  can  truly  say 
*'the  word  of  God  grows  &  multiplies."' 

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   for  it  is  no  harder,  and  we  had  no  right 


child  of  God,  but  no  peace  will  be  dur- 
able, nor  any  happiness  lasting,  that  is 
not  based  upon  truth  and  righteous- 
ness. He  who  caters  for  the  public 
sliould  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, 
tnoy  are  vi'ords,  and  woidsare  wind 
which  soon  passes  away  and  is  forgo't- 
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,  hns  ceased 
to  combine  and  compare.  They  are 
become  matter  of  history,  and  number- 
ed among  things  which  have  been;  and 
sill  we  can  look  on  them  and  they,  as 
if  by  the  power  of  magic,  are  present 
with  all  the  train  of  reflections  that  pro- 
duced them.  With  these  views  and 
under  these  circumstances,  with  our 
humble  talent,  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  possing  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,  with  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  h.eart,  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  indilierently  well, 
and  pleased  but  {ew,  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, 


MESSENGEPw  ANi>  VDVOCATE. 


Gtl 


to  expect  any  thing  better,  in  the  issue 
than  frequently  happens  to  better  men 
than  ourselves 

To  our  readears  who  differ  from  us 
in  matters  of  religion  we  say,  we  liave 
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  from 
you,  it  does  not  necessarily  follow  that 
we  are  your  enemies.  We  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  ouj^ht  in 
malice." 

But  if  at  any  time  we  have  done  so 
either  intentionally  or  inadvertantly, 
we  sincerely  ask  pardon. 

If  in  the  course  of  our  editorial 
charge,  we  have  unjustly  impaired  the 
confidence  of  our  b''ethien,  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,  regret  and  mis- 
ery, than  a  natural,  unsuspecting  or 
unjust  confidence  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,  tlie  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  i)romulga- 
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.  \Ve  will 
further  add,  what  w(!  deem  an  axiom 
that  truth,  however  inconsistent  or  ir- 
reconcilable it  may  appear,  to  odier 
truth,  will  never   counteract,    but    run 


parallel  with  other  trulh  on  which  a 
proposition  rests  c;r  a  priuci|)le  is  based. 
Tliereforc,  should  be  eagerly  sought 
by  all  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 
u'liich  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  arc  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.   COVVDERY. 

Kirtland,  Sepl.   1837. 

PROSPECTUS 

'For  a  new   paper,    to  be    published  at 

Kirtland,  Geauga  co.  Ohio,  called  the 

ELDHRS'   JOURNAL 

OF  THE  CHURCH  OV  L.VTTEa 

D.\Y  Saints. 
As  the  Latter  Day  Saints  Messen- 
ger and  Advocate,  p  jblished  at  the 
above  place,  is  to  be  closed  with  the 
present  volume  which  closes  in  the 
month  of  September,  and  as    the  pub- 


572 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


lisheis  ot'Uiat  papci'  !::ive  declined  pub- 
.  Jishing  any  more  tor  thii  present,  at 
least.  A  large  body  of  the  elders  of 
the  church  of  Later  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  comuiunication  for  all  the  elders 
of  the  churcli 'if  Latter  Da}^  Saints, 
through  which  tiii^  cii  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  And  a  patron  and  a  Iriend  in  all 
those  into  whose  hands  it  comes. 

This  paper  is  intended  to  occupy  va- 
cant ground,  as  thei'e  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- 
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  wrach  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, 
format  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  iiations,  where  its  doctrines 
are  promulgated,  and  v/here  it  is  des- 
tined tQ  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  daj^s 
that  the  former  apostles  proclaimed  the 
same  doctrine  among  all  the  nations  of 
the  world. 


Already  has  the  sound  gone  torth 
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  world. 

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  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  infor- 
mation through  its  columns,  equal,  if 
not  superior  to  any  in  the  union.  The  ' 
great  events  of  nations,  tending  to  that 
point  of  consumation  spoken  of  by  all 
the  holy  prophets  since  the  world  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  aftbrd- 
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  aifairs  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  AlsD  ADVOCATE. 


57 


against  the  abuses  which  are  heaped 
upon  them,  by  reason  of  a  spirit  of  per 
secution  whicii  rages  most  unhallowed- 
ly  against  the  truth. 

It  has  boon  the  usage  of  all  sainta  in 
every  age  as  far  as  our  knowledge  cx- 
t«onds,  to  transmit  to  succeeding  gener- 
ations an  account  of  their  religion,  and 
a  history  of  their  travels,  and  of  the 
reception  which  they  met  with  in  tlie  na- 
tions, among  whom  they  c\"ecuteil  their 
divine  commission.  With  an  account 
of  tlieir  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  calumniators,  and  base  slanderers. 
May  we  not  ask.  What  saved  the 
name  of  the  "W'aldenses,  from  being 
lianded  down  to  all  generations  with  in- 
fam}^  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  was  base 
and  abominable.  But  the  course  which 
they  took  to  be  their  own  Iiistorians, 
has  turned  this  infamy  upon  the  heads 
of  their  enemies,  and  most  effectually 
redeemed  tliemselves  from  under  the 
power  of  their  slanderers;  until  their 
memory  is  had  with  revcrg^ce  among 
all  men,  whose  approbation"  is  wortli 
having. 

It  is  erpially  as  possible  for-lhc  saints 
of  these  days,  to  guard  themselves  a- 
gainst  the  abuses  of  a,  corru[)t  people, 
and  the  rage  of  an  unrighteous  priesl- 
liood,  against  whom  they  have  to  con- 
tend; as  it  was  for  those  to  do  so,  who 
have  gone  before  thcni. 

In  view  thon  to  obtain  objects  so 
laubable,  and  so  desirable,  this  paper  is 
ofTcred  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  ollcred  them,  of  hand- 
ing down  to  their  children,  and  their 
childrens  chihiren,  as  well  as  to  all  oth- 
ers who  are  disposed  to  read,  an  ac- 
coujit  of  tlieir  laborsand  siitUtrings,  the 
success  and  di-icuurageiuents  th<y  ma) 


meet,  through  the  course  of  their  minis- 
try in  the  world,  and  be  able  to  give 
and  receive  information  from  every 
part  of  the  world,  and  thereby  enrich- 
en  their  ov/n  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 arc  increased  to  know  how  it  fares 
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,  liow  many  deep 
anxieties  are  felt  in  the  minds  of  many, 
that  they  never  felt  bcfoFe,  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  Ihe  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  iiidispensible  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  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 
sufferings,  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  licaring  of  the  zeal,  and  of 
the  groat  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  (lod  be  ad- 
vanced. 

It  is  expected  that  all  the  baiuts  into 


574 


MESSENGER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


Vv'hose  hands  this  prcspcctus  comes, 
will  feel  Ihcrnselvcs  authorized  to  get 
all  tb.e  subscribers  they  can,  and  every 
person  getting  ten  new  subscribers  and 
forwarding  the  money  shall  have  the 
eleventh  <ri"atis. 

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  dollar 
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  VvmH  be  issued  in 
October  next,  and  will  be  forwarded 
to  the  subscribers  ofihe  l\Icssenger  and 
Advocate,  unless  they  say  to  the  con- 
trary. 

All  lellcrs  2vhelher  for  "piilUcalion 
or  other  purposes,  sent  lo  the  ojjicc  7nust 
ha  directed  to  DOM  C.  SMITH,  and 
the  postage  (Y^  FAIP5  ^J  or 
they  luill  not  l>e  attended  too. 

Done  by  the  request  and  in  behalf 
of  the  elders. 

SIDNEY  RIGDON. 

N.  F).  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.  comriiencing  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  Tern,  and  M.  F.  Cow- 
dery  was  appointed  Cl(M'k. 

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,  x\ugust21st,  and 
a  motion  was  carried  to  that  effect. 

At  13  o'clock  the  elders  assembled 
at  a  free  meeting  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.  I 


Foster,  M.  F.  Cowdery  and  Jesse 
Turpin,  Priest,  bore  tertimony  to  the 
truths  of  the  gospel  as  they  have  come 
forth  in  this  day  and  generation. 

A  congregation  of  10  or  12  hundred 
per-ons,  assembled  who  seemed  to  be 
anxious  to  hear  something  concerning 
the  doctrines  and  principles  of  the  gos- 
pel, as  they  are  verily  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 
through  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  pei'sons. 

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.  xMso  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  re'ceivtng  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  A^D  ADVOCATE. 


575 


On  Tuseday  evening  tlio  conreicuco 
adjourned. 

SAMUEL  JAMF.S  Prest. 
M.  F.  C0WD1:RY  Clerk. 


Tin's  certifies  that- 


Kirlland  Sepl.  diii,  1337 
Pursuant  to  previous   notice,  certain 


mei-nberofthc  quorum  of  High  Priests, 
organized  in  Xirtlnnd  accordmg  to  the 
order  of  the  church  of  the  Latter  Day- 
Saints,  is  in  good  standing,  is  fully  au- 
thorized to  set  in  order  churches  abroad 
and  preside  in    all  CounciJs    according 


of  the  Presidents   and^  high   priest's  of  { to  the    law  regulating    the  High  Priest 
^        .....      ii^^fi^   to  adjust   differences    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, 
■^r  Counselors. 

THOMAS  BURDICIv, 

Secretary. 


I 


the  church  of  Latter  Day  Saints  in  this 
place,  met  in  the  house  of  the  Lord, 
and  prncoedG(l  to  ordain  and  organize 
the  high  council  recently  cho.^en. 

Elder  Jared  Carter  was  cho-en  to 
be  president  of  the  council  and  Phin- 
eas  Richards  scribe. 

The  t''oliov,-ing  persons  were  ordain- 
ed to  the  office  of  high  counselors, 
(viz:)  Asahel  Smith,  Mahew  Hillman, 
David  Dort,  Harlow  Redfield,  William 
Marks  and  Phincas  Richards. 

The  numbers  and  order  ol  the  coun- 
selors, are  as  follows — (viz;) 
iJOHN  P.  GREEN  1 

ASAHEL  SMITH  2 

iSAMUELH.  SMITH  3 

MAHEW  HILLMAN  4 

Vv^ILLIAM  MARKS  5 

>NOAH  PACKARD  6 

^OLIVER  GRANGER  7 

DAVID  DORT  8 

tJARED  CARTER  9 

PHINEAS  RICHARDS       10 
♦HENRY  G.  SHERWOOD  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 


IN<m:    TO   VOL.  3d 

^■'~No.  1st 
Prospectus, 

Letter  from  O.   CowJcry 
Obituary  notice,  Andrew    H.   Aldrich, 

.T._  Euldu'in. 
John  E.  Page  Jun. 
Editorial,  W.   A.   Cowdery, 
Extract  of  Latter 


matrimony,  for  deceiving,  and  for  un- 
christian-like conduct. — The  contents 
in  the  charge  were  considered  as  sus- 
tained by  testimony  andlhe  hand  of 
fellowship  was  withdrawn  from  them. 


Page. 
385 
386 

Benj. 
393 
do. 
394 
do. 
395 
396 
S97 
399 
do. 
do. 
400 
do. 
do. 
do. 


N  O  T  I  C  E  . 

A  Conference  will  be  held  in  the 
town  of  Howard,  Steub?n  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  brethre:i  of  How- 
ard, Steuben,  please  make  some  ar- 
rangements for  the  above  appointment. 


Whereas  there  was  a  small  mistake 
in  the  form  of  the  certificate  fijr  the 
iKgh  Priests  in  the  May  .Messenger 
and  Advocate,  we  have  inserl'd  the  en- 
tire Form  belov/,  as  it  should  bo. 


•Tudge  after  Hearing 
Letter  ofO.  Pratt, 
Communication  J.  Goodson, 
Conference  in  Amity  N.  Y. 
Conference  in  Dresden  O. 
Communication  from  Elder  Coons, 
do  do        do    Stevens 

Obituary  of  Lucy  Youngs 
Hymeneal 
Hymn  on  Gathering 

jNTo  2 
Latter  day  Glory  S.  Rigdon 
Mission  to  the  South  W.  Parrish 
Perfection  No,  2  S.  RigdoQ 
Mission  to  tlie East,  B.   Youngs 
Comments  on  Romans  If);      W.   A. 
To  the  Ciiurchos  abroad  do 

Letter  from  I).  Stevens 
LcU^r  from  Hazen    Aldrich 
Conference  in  Perry  O. 

Obituary  of  Tho.  L.  Willis,  Polly  W.  Willis, 
Jesse  Huntsman,  415 

Obituary  of  Marimla  Jolmson, 

do.     "Moroni  Shumvvay  Tho.  H.  Pea 
do.     Eliza  Hall 
Selected 

No.    .?. 
Tho  Saints  and   tho  World  S.  Rigdon 
E.\-tract  from  Hick's  Philosophy 
Tho  closing  Year  Ed. 
Li'lters  Extract  from 
do  from  W.   Woodrutl* 
No.  4. 
Book  of  Mormon  evidences   W.  Smith 
Persecution    Sidney  Rigdon 
Connnunication  Irom  II.  C.  Kimball 
<Jo.  do  E.   Snow 

Conferance  Miii.  Dumond's   Crick  Ky. 
Articles  of  ugreeaient  of  Safety  Society 
Advii.-e,  J.   Smith  .lun. 
(Conference  in  Kirlland 
OurVilagcW.  A.  Cowdery 


i 


401 
404 
406 
408 
409 
313 
413 
414 
415 


416 
do. 
do. 
do. 

417 
423 
425 
429 
431 

43.3 
436 
439 
440 

do 
441 
443 

do 
444 


576 


MESSEI^GER  AND  ADVOCATE. 


Reflections  on  the  past  year  &c.  do 

From  Elders  abroad  445 

Conference  in  K.   Crosby  U.   C.  44G 

To  churches  abroad  447 
Obituary  of  H.  M.  Sweat,  Bcnj.  W.  Sweat  do 

do         Roxana   C.  Lyon  do 

To  o'.ir  patrons  448 

New  Years  Song             "  do 

No.  .5. 

Comment  2d  Cor.  5:  7  449 

do         Ephesians  4:   .5  451 

do     Amos  3:  7  W.   Parrish  453 

Ancient  His<ojy  455 
Address  to  the  Young  men  of  Kirtland 

S.  W.  Denton  do 

Education,  Hannah  More  456 

Editorial  457 

Notice,  Editorial  4.58 

Addre^is  to  Counselors  &c.  459 

Extract  d'o 

Editorial.  460 

Philosophy  of  R-eliglon  T.  Dick  461 

Manners  463 

Hymeneal  G.  W.  Geo  M.  .1.  Smith  464 

Obituary  Sally  Allen,  Ann  Rish  do 

No.  6 

Comments  on  Eclcsiastes  9:    18  465 

Obituary   Susannah  Parker  467 

Philosophy  of  Religion  468 

Love  to  God  do. 

Comment  on  first  Peter  4:  6  470 

Ancient  History  471 

Elders  and  otiiers  Licensed  472 

Causes  of  human  misery  do. 
pliilosobhy  &  consistency  Mrs.  Barhauld  473 

A  good  legacy  do. 

Duties  of  Masters  to  apprentices  476 

About  to  do  it  do. 
Constitution  ond  members  of  Kirtland  S. 

Society  475 

Persecution         S.  Rigdon  477 

True  fortitude  of  mind  Extract  479 

■Encouragements,  Extract  480 

Preventive    Check  do. 

Evening  cloud  do. 

No.  7. 

Comment  on  Job.  19:  25,  26,  27,  481 

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,  4'jQ 
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  Churchville  U.    C.  do. 

Hymeneal,  CharlsAdams,  P.  P.  Pratt,  512 

do.     Hezekiah  Fisk  do. 

Obituary,    E.  A.  Cowdery.  F.  Weeden     do. 

do     thcdy  Gillet,  &  C.  Taylor  do. 

Notice  Editorial  do. 

ConiniunicatiQn  iroiafiv  Taylor  051 


Where  is  the  Gospel?   T.  B.  Marsh  516 

From  elders  abroad  518 

i'^lditorial  520 

Comment  on  Heb.  12,  11,         Ed  522 

do         Psalms  133:         Ed  524 
C  onierence  minutes,  West  Township  O.  525 

Ancient  History  526 

Suminarj'  of  Current  news  527 

Poetry  Extract  528 

Elders  &  otliers  Licenced  do. 

Hymeneal,  IT.   PIav,'kiji*>,  do. 

Obituarj',  Deborah  H.  Hvrlburt,  do. 

do.                  Fanny  Parks  do. 
No.  10. 

Letter  W.  W.  Phelps  529 

Extract  from  Church  EListorj  530 

Editorial  533 

Summary  of  news  534 

From  ciders  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. 

Prospect  us  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 

Hj-meneal,  W.  Parks,  A.  B.  Orton  do. 

Extract  do. 

No.    12. 

Editorial      ,<     .  561 

Memorial  -  v  '■'  do. 

Communtdatlon — S.  B.   Stoddard  564 

Ancient  h-isi;Ory               "  565 

Letter  to  Milton  and  Palmyra  566 

Synopsis  of  the  current  news  do. 

Editorial  567 

Valediciory  569 

Prospectus  571 

Conference  Va.  574 

High  Council  Kirtland  575 

High  priest   certificate  do. 

Index  do. 


llysiieiicjil. 

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  sepa.rate  volumes 
can  be  had  at  this  office.  " 


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