Messenger And Advocate Vol 2 ed. John Whitmer

LATTER DAY SAINTS'

MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE

Vol. II No. 1.] Kirtland, Ohio, October, 1835. [Whole No. 13.



Letter No. 11.



Dear Brother in the Lord:-My last letter was mainly confined to the book of Mormon, which rarely fails to bring to my mind something about the Indians, whose history and doings, upon this western continent, it unfolds as plainly, as the bible does those of the Israelites on the eastern continent.-Having such a view before me, I have concluded to add a second part to my last letter, and give a few ideas concerning the Indians and Israelites.



The Indians occupy a large portion of the land of America, and, as they are a part of the creation of God, and are a remnant of the children of Israel, they must necessarily hear the gospel, and have a chance to be gathered into the fold of the Lord. Our government has already gathered many of the scattered remnants of tribes, and located them west of the Missouri, to be nationalized and civilized; and feeling, as every saint must, a deep interest in their salvation, I 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 Joseph, with a small mixture of the royal 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-they will soon become a white and delightsome people.



When I read the book of Mormon and reflect upon the mercy and goodness of God, in sparing some of the seed of Joseph upon this choice land of America: and consider his wisdom and love in preserving a record of the progenitors or fathers of this now smitten and dejected people, I cannot find the requisite terms to convey my thanks to such an all wise Being!-I 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 every 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 better days and I love to see the saints preparing to meet the Lord, when he comes in his glory. I rejoice while the United States' army is penetrating into the western wilds to make treaties with the rude sons of the forest. I am gratified to hear that the frontier Dragoons are riding from prairie 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 Blackfeet, and the host of other tribes. It enlivens my soul, and I am ready to exclaim like Lehi: "Great and marvelous 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 earth!"



No man that possesses a spark of love for his fellow-beings-a mite of righteousness, or a grain of faith as large as a mustard seed, but will rejoice to see Israel's latter day at hand; yea, who can refrain from joy, when, phœnix-like, he beholds the Indians begin to raise out of their fourteen hundred years of darkness and error, to prepare for glory-for robes of righteousness-for the coming of the Savior, when they can shine on this choice land, in the kingdom of God, like the stars of heaven, and bud and blossom as the rose; yea, become 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 be raised from their low estate, and miserable condition, by the everlasting gospel; 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, singing songs of everlasting joy-no wonder there is joy in heaven over repenting sinners, and no wonder the prophet exclaimed:-"How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!"-Isaiah Chap. 52:7.



The prospect of such a good scene; such noble days; such an earth of bliss should cause the saints to sing:-



(page 193)







Ye watchmen lift your voices, The plagues will soon be over-



While heaven and earth rejoices, The Lord his face uncover,



In strains of holy praise, And all the pure in heart,



For bliss that crowns our days, Beyond the power of art,



So gloriously. Be blest in heaven.



See eye to eye, in Zion, The earth shall then be holy,



While Jesus, Judah's Lion, And saints and angels boldly,



Rebukes the world of sin, Without a vail between,



And makes his church begin Will see as they are seen,



To fill the earth. And walk with God.



Ye blessed of the Father,



From ev'ry region gather,



Upon the promis'd land,



In holy places stand,



While judgement [judgments]works.



When I contrast the end of the Nephites, at the great battle of Cumorah, when the ten thousand led by Mormon; the ten thousand led by Moroni; Gidgiddonah and his ten thousand; Lamah and his ten thousand; Gilgal and his ten thousand; Limhah and his ten thousand; Joneam and his ten thousand; Cameniahah and his ten thousand; Moronihah and his ten thousand; Antomum and his ten thousand; Shiblum and his ten thousand; Shem and his ten thousand; Josh and his ten thousand; and ten more with their ten thousand each were slain;-yea, I say when I contrast this dreadful scene of the Nephites and Lamanites, with the glorious beginning of the remnants' return to serve the Lord, I fail for language to express my joy-I want the earth deluged in prayer; the heavens lit with songs; and eternity filled with praise.



The commissioners on Indian affairs, in their report to Congress, last spring, stated, that there were "seventy nine tribes west of the Mississippi river, comprising a population of 312,610." These tribes I suppose, must reside this side of the Rocky Mountains-because common report says that as many tribes embracing certainly as much population, must live west of the mountains. There are fine rivers, beautiful valleys, extensive plains, as well as fertile shores on the Pacific, for a vast number of inhabitants.-Again the Commissioners stated that "thirty tribes, containing a population of 156,310, have held treaties with the United States, and that there is an Indian population east of the Mississippi, of 92,676,"-making a total of 405,286. Now allowing the same number west of the Mountains, and suppose 800,000, in the northern regions of the Canadas, and 500,000 in South America, there will be 2,110,562 of the sons of Joseph, and of the remnants of the Jews. A goodly number to be willing in the day of the Lord's power, to help build up the waste places of Zion. 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 probably contain 700 millions of inhabitants, and those parts which are unknown may be supposed to contain more than four times as many more, making an estimated total of about three thousand, five hundred and eighty millions of souls: Let no man marvel at his statement, because there may be a continent at the north pole, of more than 1300 square miles, containing thousands of millions of Israelites, who, after a high way is cast up in the great deep, may come to Zion, singing songs of everlasting joy. The Lord must bring to pass the words of Isaiah, which say to the NORTH, "Give up; and to the South; keep not back: bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth." From the north and south END, I presume, as no one has ever pretended, that there was an end to the globe any where else.



This idea is greatly strengthened by reading Zenos' account of the tame olive tree in the book of Mormon, page 131. The branches planted in the nethermost parts of the earth, "brought forth much fruit," and no man that pretends to have pure religion, can find "much fruit" among the Gentiles, or heathen of this generation.



The reason I have for the above statement, in accordance with the book of Mormon, is, because, in this age of the world, with all its missionaries, and missionary societies, bible societies, tract societies, sunday school unions, and printing establishments,-counting all the inhabitants of the christian governments, believers and unbelievers, the closest calculations allow



(page 194)







only 200 millions to be christians! Thus, instead of "much fruit," (and there is probably as much now as there has been since the food.) the earth contains more than 500 millions of heathens! And I feel constrained to say, that those who profess to be christians act more heathenish among themselves, and more savage to others, of late, than the rude Arabs,-the untaught Hottentots, or the wild Indians. Go though all the sects in christendom, which have been striving for power, during the last fifty years, like so many ferocious beasts, and where will you find a servant of the Lord, who can prevail by prayer and faith, and unstop the bottles of heaven in a drouth [drought?]? Where will you find a mighty man that can chase a thousand-or two put ten thousand to flight? Where will you find a man that can say to a Dorcas, "In the name of Jesus of Nazareth, arise,"-and have her spirit return-and she again live? Not among the catholics; not among the episcopalians; not among the presbyterians; not among the quakers; not among the baptists; not among the methodists; not among the christians; not among the campbellites; not among the universalists: no; not among any sect, for they have only a form of godliness, and deny the power thereof. In fact, the faith of the church of Christ of latter day saints, has not been sufficient, amid such a world of unbelief, to perform many great miracles. The sick have been healed; and speaking and interpreting other tongues are common: but thanks be to God, if the church continues to go from grace to grace, and from faith to faith, it will soon lack no good gift.



I can only turn, then, to the infant church of Christ of latter day saints, and pray the Lord to keep it in the right way, and all things for the edification, 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; neither is he slack; his promises and gifts to men never fail, if they continue faithful in all his commandments: The Lord is the same in time and in eternity, yesterday, to-day and forever. If we, as saints, are pure before him, what Enoch saw we can see;-what Moses did we can do; what Peter had we can have; what the saints endured we can endure; and what the righteous receive we shall receive.-Glorious prospect! What joy to come! O I want a world of words-a universe of praise, and 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 the church of Christ we plough [plow] not the ocean for wealth; we visit not foreign climes for gold; we risk not our lives among all manner of men for fame:-no; the servants of Jesus Christ go whithersoever he commands them to carry glad tidings-to proclaim salvation to all that will accept of it, according to the conditions of the gospel-that the kingdom of heaven may come:-yea, the joyful day be ushered in, when Israel shall be gathered from the four quarters of the earth, to meet their Redeemer, and have their ungodliness 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 from the foundation of the world, and receive their penny, with songs of everlasting joy.



As ever,



W. W. PHELPS.



To Oliver Cowdery.



LETTER VIII.



Dear Brother,-



In my last I said I should give, partially, a "description of the place where, and the manner in which these records were deposited:" the first promise I have fulfilled, and must proceed to the latter:



The hill of which I have been speaking, at the time mentioned, presented a varied appearance: the north end rose suddenly from the plain, forming a promontory without timber, but covered with grass. As you passed to the south you soon came to scattering timber, the surface having been cleared by art or by wind; and a short distance further left, you are surrounded with the common forest of the country. It is necessary to observe, that even the part cleared was only occupied for pasturage,



(page 195)







its steep ascent and narrow summit not admitting the plow of the husbandman, with any degree of ease or profit. It was at the second mentioned place where the record was found to be deposited, on the west side of the hill, not far from the top down its side; and when myself visited the place in the year 1830, there were several trees standing: enough to cause a shade in summer, but not so much as to prevent the surface being covered with grass-which was also the case when the record was first found.



Whatever may be the feeling of men on the reflection of past acts which have been performed on certain portions or spots of this earth, I know not, neither does it add or diminish to nor from the reality of my subject. When Moses heard the voice of God, at the foot of Horeb, out of the burning bush, he was commanded to take his shoes off his feet, for the ground on which he stood was holy. The same may be observed when Joshua beheld the "Captain 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 my shoe, yet with gratitude to God did I offer up the sacrifice of my heart.



How far below the surface these records were placed by Moroni, I am unable to say; but from the fact that they had been some fourteen hundred years buried, and that too on the side of a hill so steep, one is ready to conclude that they were some feel below, as the earth would naturally wear more or less in that length of time. But they being placed toward the top of the hill, the ground would not remove as much as at two thirds, perhaps. Another circumstance would prevent a wearing of the earth: in all probability, as soon as timber had time to grow, the hill was covered, after the Nephites were destroyed, and the roots of the same would hold the surface. However, on this point I shall leave every man to draw his own conclusion, and form his own speculation, as I only promised to give a description of the place at the time the records were found in 1823.-It is sufficient for my present purpose, to know, that such is the fact: that in 1823, yes, 1823, a man with whom I have had the most intimate and personal acquaintance, for almost seven years actually discovered by the vision of God, the plates from which the book of Mormon, as much as it is disbelieved, was translated! Such is the case, though men rack their very brains to invent falsehoods, and then waft them upon every breeze, to the contrary notwithstanding.



I have now given sufficient on the subject of the hill Cumorah-it has a singular and imposing appearance for that country, and must excite the curious enquiry [inquiry] of every lover of the book of Mormon: though I hope never like Jerusalem, and the sepulchre [sepulcher] of our Lord the pilgrims. In my estimation, certain places are dearer to me for what they now contain than for what they have contained. For the satisfaction of such as believed I 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 deposited:



First, a hole of sufficient depth, (how deep I know not,) was dug. At the bottom of this was laid a stone of suitable size, the upper surface being smooth. At each edge was placed a large quantity of cement, and into this cement, at the four edges of this stone, were placed, erect, four others, their bottom edges resting in the cement at the outer edges of the first stone. The four last named, when placed erect, formed a box, the corners, or where the edges of the four came in contact, were also cemented so firmly that the moisture from without was prevented from entering. It is to be observed, also, that the inner surface of the four erect, or side stones was smooth. This box was sufficiently large to admit a breast plate, such as was used by the ancients to defend the chest, &c. from the arrows and weapons of their enemy. From the bottom of the box, or from the breast-plate, arose three small pillars composed of the same description of cement used on the edges; and upon these three pillars was placed the record of the children of Joseph, and of a people who left the tower far, far before the days of Joseph, or a sketch of each, which had it not ben [been] for this, and the never failing goodness of God, we might have perished in our sins, having been left to bow down before the altars of the Gentiles and to have paid homage to the priests of Baal! I must



(page 196)







not forget to say that this box, containing the record was covered with another stone, the bottom surface being flat and the upper, crowning. But those three pillars were not so lengthy as to cause the plates and the crowning stone to come in contact. I have now given you, according to my promise, the manner in which this record was deposited; though when it was first visited by our brother, in 1823, a part of the crowning stone was visible above the surface while the edges were concealed by the soil and grass, from which circumstance you will see, that however deep this box might have been placed by Moroni at first, the time had been sufficient to wear the earth so that it was easily discovered, when once directed, and yet not enough to make a perceivable difference to the passer by. So wonderful are the works of the Almighty, 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 providences, and the fulfilment [fulfillment] of his purposes in the event of times and seasons. A few years sooner might have found even the top stone concealed, and discouraged our brother from attempting to make a further trial to obtain this rich treasure, for fear of discovery; and a few later might have left the small box uncovered, and exposed its valuable contents to the rude calculations and vain speculations of those who neither understand common language 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 I am left to admire the words and see the wisdom in the designs of the Lord in all things manifested to the eyes of the world: they who show that all human inventions are like the vapors, while his word endures forever and his promises to the last generation.



Having thus digressed from my main subject to give a few items for the special benefit of all, it will be necessary to return, and proceed as formerly.-And if any suppose I have indulged too freely in reflections, I will only say, that it is my opinion, were one to have a view of the glory of God which is to cover Israel in the last days, and know that these, though they may be thought small things, were the beginning to effect the same, they would be at a loss where to close, should they give a moment's vent to the imaginations of the heart.



You will have wondered, perhaps, that the mind of our brother should be so occupied with the thoughts of the good of this world, at the time of arriving at Cumorah, on the morning of the 22nd of September, 1823, after having been rapt in the visions of heaven during the night, and also seeing and hearing in open day; but the mind of man is easily turned, if it is not held by the power of God through the prayer of faith, and you will remember that I have said that two invisible powers were operating upon his mind during his walk from his residence to Cumorah, and that the one urging the certainly of wealth and ease in this life, had so powerfully wrought upon him, that the great object so carefully and impressively named by the angel, had entirely gone from his recollection that only a fixed determination to obtain now urged him forward. In this, which occasioned a failure to obtain, at that time, the record, do not understand me to attach blame to our brother: he was young, and his mind easily turned from correct principles, unless he could be favored with a certain round of experience. And yet, while young, untraditionated and untaught in the systems of the world, he was in a situation to be lead into the great work of God, and be qualified to perform it in due time.



After arriving at the repository, a little exertion in removing the soil from the edges 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 attempting to take it from its long place of deposit, he thought, perhaps, there might be something more equally as valuable, and to take only the plates, might give others an opportunity of obtaining the remainder, which could be secure, would still add to his store of wealth. These, in short, were his reflections, without once thinking of the solemn instruction of the heavenly messenger, that all must be done with an express view of glorying God.



On attempting to take possession of the record a shock was produced upon his system, by an invisible power



(page 197)







which deprived him, in a measure, of his natural strength. He desisted for an instant, and then made another attempt, but was more sensibly shocked than before. What was the occasion of this he knew not-there was the pure unsullied record, as had been described-he had heard of the power of enchantment, and a thousand like stories, which held the hidden treasures of the earth, and supposed that physical exertion and personal strength was only necessary to enable him to yet obtain the object of his wish. He therefore made the third attempt with an increased exertion, when his strength failed him more than at either of the former times, and without premeditating he exclaimed, "Why can I not obtain this book?" "Because you have not kept the commandments of the Lord," answered a voice, within a seeming short distance. He looked, and to his astonishment, there stood the angel who had previously given him the directions concerning this matter. In an instant, all the former instructions, the great intelligence concerning Israel and the last days, were brought to his mind: he thought of the time when his heart was fervently engaged in prayer to the Lord, when his spirit was contrite, and when his holy messenger from the skies unfolded the wonderful things connected with this record. He had come, to be sure, and found the word of the angel fulfilled concerning the reality of the record, but he had failed to remember the great end for which they had been kept, and in consequence could not have power to take them into his possession and bear them away.



At that instant he looked to the Lord in prayer, and as he prayed darkness began to disperse from his mind and his soul was lit up as it was the evening before, and he was filled with the Holy Spirit; and again did the Lord manifest his condescension and mercy: the heavens were opened and the glory of the Lord shone round about and rested upon him. While he thus stood gazing and admiring, the angel said, "Look!" and as he thus spake he beheld the prince of darkness, surrounded by his innumerable train of associates. All this passed before him, and the heavenly messenger said, "All this is shown, the good and the evil, the holy and impure, the glory of God and the power of darkness, that you may know hereafter the two powers 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 wicked one: It is he that fills the hearts of men with evil, to walk in darkness and blaspheme God; and you may learn from henceforth, that his ways are to destruction, but the way of holiness is peace and rest. You now see why you could not obtain this record; that the commandment was strict, and that if ever these sacred things are obtained they must be by prayer and faithfulness in obeying the Lord. They are not deposited here for the sake of accumulating gain and wealth for the glory of this world: they were sealed by the prayer of faith, and because of the knowledge which they contain they are of no worth among the children of men, only for their knowledge. On them is contained the fulness [fullness] 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 after will the seed of Israel be brought into the fold of their Redeemer by obeying it also. Those who keep the commandments of the Lord on this land, desired this at his hand, and through the prayer of faith obtained the promises, that if their descendants should transgress and fall away, that a record might be kept and in the last days come to their children. These things are sacred, and must be kept so, for the promise of the Lord concerning them, must be fulfilled. No man can obtain them if his heart is impure, because they contain that which is sacred; and besides, should they be 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, remember, that they are to be translated by the gift and power of God. By them will the Lord work a great and a marvelous work: the wisdom of the wise shall become as nought, and the understanding of the prudent shall be hid, and because the power of God shall be displayed those who profess to know the truth but walk in deceit, shall tremble



(page 198)







with anger; but with signs and with wonders, with gifts and with healings, with the manifestations of the power of God, and with the Holy Ghost, shall the hearts of the faithful be comforted. You have now beheld the power of God manifested and the power of satan: you see that there is nothing that is desirable in the works of darkness; 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 unspeakable surrounds them. There they rest beyond the power of the enemy of truth, where no evil can disturb them. The glory of God crowns them, and they continually feast upon his goodness and enjoy his smiles. Behold, notwithstanding you have seen this great display of power, by which you may ever be able to detect the evil one, yet I give unto you another sign, and when it comes to pass then know that the Lord is God and that he will fulfil [fulfill] his purposes, and that the knowledge which this record contains will go to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people under the whole heaven.-This is the sign: When these things begin to be known, that is, when it is known that the Lord has shown you these things, the workers of iniquity will seek your overthrow: they will circulate falsehoods to destroy your reputation, and also will seek to take your life; but remember this, if you are faithful, and shall hereafter continue 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 interpreted the Lord will give the holy priesthood to some, and they shall begin to proclaim this gospel and baptize by water, and after that they shall have power to give the Holy Ghost by the laying on of their hands. Then will persecution rage more and more; for the iniquities of men shall be revealed, and those who are not built upon the Rock will seek to overthrow this church; but it will increase the more opposed, and spread farther and farther, increasing in knowledge till they shall be sanctified and receive an inheritance where the glory of God will rest upon them; and when this takes place, and all things are prepared, the ten tribes of Israel will be revealed in the north country, whither they have been for a long season; and when this is fulfilled will be brought to pass that saying of the prophet-'And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the Lord'-But, notwithstanding the workers of iniquity shall seek your destruction the arm of the Lord will be extended, and you will be borne off conqueror, if you keep all his commandments. Your name shall be known among the nations, for the work which the Lord will perform by your hands shall cause the righteous to rejoice and the wicked to rage: with the one it shall be had in honor, and with the other in reproach; yet, with these it shall be a terror because of the great and marvelous work which shall follow the coming forth of this fulness [fullness] of the gospel. Now, go thy way, remembering what the Lord has done for thee, and be diligent in keeping his commandments, and he will deliver thee from temptations and all the arts and devices of the wicked one.-Forget not to pray, that thy mind may become strong, that when he shall manifest unto thee, thou mayest have power to escape the evil, and obtain these precious things."



Though I am unable to paint before the mind, a perfect description of the scenery which passed before our brother, I think I have said enough to give you a field for reflection which may not be unprofitable. You see the great wisdom in God in leading him thus far, that his mind might begin to be more matured, and thereby be able to judge correctly, the spirits. I do not say that he would not have obtained the record had he went according to the direction of the angel-I say that he would; but God knowing all things from the beginning, began thus to instruct his servant. 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 going to Cumorah. In this, then, I discover wisdom in the dealings of the Lord: it was impossible for any man to translate the book of Mormon by the gift of God, and endure the afflictions, and temptations, and devices of satan, without being overthrown, unless he had been previously benefitted [benefited]



(page 199)

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 soon 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 help us! Think, for a moment, on the millions in your own land who are destitute of the word of life; think also on the vast multitudes whose thoughts never reached our shores, who are now perishing for lack of vision, and bowing to idols; think of the numberless islands where darkness and the shadow of death prevail, whose waters never covered a soul for the remission of sins, & whose groves, though spicy, were never saluted with the voice of one who proclaimed life and immortality through the power of a risen Savior!



Should one ask, what has been done during these eight years, of which you speak? I would say, the first two and a half only translated and printed the record, and organized the church with six members! and the fruit of the labor of five and a half are so great that the hearts of thousands are astonished; the vail of superstition has been rent from the minds of man; the church increased to thousands; the list of elders multiplied to hundreds; the deaf have heard the words of the book; the eyes of the blind have seen out of obscurity and out of darkness; the meek have increased, (for their joy is in the Lord,) the poor among men rejoice in the Holy One of Israel; many that erred in spirit have come to understanding, while others that murmured have learned doctrine.



C.



Kirtland, Ohio, October, 1835.



Dear Brother,



Through the Medium of the Messenger and Advocate, we wish to lay before your readers, our friends and brethren, certain items relative to our mission the past summer. We were chosen pursuant to a commandment of the Lord, which was received through him whom he had appointed 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 shall take upon them my name: and the twelve are they who shall desire to take upon them my name, with full purpose of heart: and if they desire to take upon them my name with full purpose of heart, they are called to go into all the world to preach my gospel unto every creature: and 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 sufficient for you: You must walk uprightly before me and sin not. And behold you are they who are ordained of me to ordain priests and teachers to declare my gospel, according to the power of the Holy Ghost which is in you, and according to the callings and gifts of God unto men: and I Jesus Christ, your Lord and Your God, have spoken it. These words are not of men, nor of man, but of me; wherefore you shall testify they are of me, and not of man; for it is my voice which speaketh them unto you: for they are given by my Spirit unto 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 words.



And now behold I give unto you, Oliver Cowdery, and also unto David Whitmer, that you shall search out the twelve who shall



(page 204)







have the desire of which I have spoken: and by their desires and their works, you shall know them: and when you have found them you shall show these things unto them. And you shall fall down and worship the Father in my name: and you must preach unto the world saying, you must repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ: for all men must repent and be baptized: and not only men, but women and children, who have arriven to the years of accountability.



And now, after that you have received this, you must keep my commandments in all things: and by your hands I will work a marvelous work among the children of men, unto the convincing of many of their sins, that they may come unto repentance: and that they may come unto the kingdom of my Father: wherefore the blessings which I give unto you, are above all things. And after that you have received this, if you keep not my commandments, you cannot be saved in the kingdom of my Father. Behold I Jesus Christ your Lord and your God, and your Redeemer, by the power of my Spirit, have spoken it. Amen.



After being set apart to this holy and responsible office by those whom God had appointed for that purpose, it was thought advisable that we should take our first tour from this place easterly; consequently we made appointments for conferences in the vicinity of the several branches of the church between this and the Atlantic, as was published in the March No. of your paper. In order to fulfill these appointments, we, on the 4th of May, left the pleasant and agreeable society of our brethren in Kirtland with whom we had enjoyed many cheering and interesting seasons, and proceeded to fill our mission. Your readers will perceive from the preceding quotation, from the book of Covenants, the important relation which we sustain to this generation.-Feeling as we did the importance of the great cause of our Redeemer, the welfare of the human family, and the salvation of our own souls, we could say with one of old, "We conferred not with flesh and blood," but counted all earthly things as dross, so that we might do the will of God, & thro' Christ save the souls of the children of men.



Our first labors, were in the State of New York, in which we continued about two months, and attended four conferences. Our exertions were crowned with as good success as we could reasonable expect, considering the prejudices of the people, created by false and ridiculous statements, put in circulation by those who were first favored with the proclamation of the fulness [fullness] of the everlasting gospel, contained in the book of Mormon: we had good reason to believe, that all the candid enquirers [inquirers] after truth, realized the force of the Savior's expression "A prophet is not without honor save in his own country." By our teaching and exhortations, the several branches of the church were strengthened and members were added; and of such, too, we hope, as will be saved.



Thence we passed into Upper Canada and attended a conference on the 29th of June, not far from the source of the majestic St. Lawrence. Notwithstanding we had passed from the happy institution of our free republic into another realm, yet we could with propriety adopt the words of the presiding apostle and say, "God is no respecter of persons, but in every nation he that feareth God and worketh righteousness, is accepted of him:" for here we found a branch of the Saints who not only received us cordially, but also received our teachings with joy of heart. Some 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 that they may all be preserved, gathered to Zion and saved in the celestial kingdom.



After testifying to many people in these regions, of those things which we know and most assuredly believe, we left the brethren much encouraged and pursued our course easterly, calling upon the inhabitants publicly, and from house to house, to repent and prepare for the day of wrath, which will overtake this generation as a thief in 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 we found many of the Saints, with whom we had a pleasant season of rejoicing, and whose memory is fixed indelibly upon our heart, because of their firm faith, and also their liberality in the support of the gospel. Our public meeting was attended by a multitude of various classes, and orders, who generally gave good attention to the proclamation of the everlasting gospel of the Son of God. Intense anxiety seemed to seize the minds of all the candid and honest in heart, and the Lord gave us souls who were added to the number of the Saints, as seals of our ministry.



(page 205)







Before the benign influence of the principles, held by the Latter Day Saints, prejudice, prepossessed opinions, 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 calumny has been busily employed in pouring out her filth upon us, ever since we have had an existence; from east to west the sound has gone forth, "delusion!" "delusion!" and here, woful [woeful] to adopt the language, in part, of a writer of Illinois, and say, "that even New England with all the flood of light, pouring from the schools, and numerous literary institutions, is not a bulwark sufficient to withstand the predominating influence of the power of truth, when the Lord himself sends forth his servants at the eleventh hour, to prune his vineyard for the last time." Nay, verily New England has produced her scores of Latter Day Saints,-the work is still progressing, and shall continue until her wheat is all secured in the granary and store-house of the Lord, while the tares are left to be bound in bundles, by priestcraft and superstition, to await that gloomy evening, when the Lord shall call to all the fowls of heaven, and all the beasts of the earth, to gather together to partake of the great supper of God Almighty.



At the close of our meeting here, the twelve separated, traveling in various directions, lifting up the standard of truth, and proclaiming salvation to both old and young, rich and poor, until we arrived in Bradford, Mss. where we held our next conference. There were but few brethren in this region, yet we found them seeking to become liberated from their temporal encumbrances, that when the Lord shall say, "to your tents O Israel!" they might have nothing to impede their course in gathering with 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 mercy, bestow his choicest blessings upon this little society, on account of their generosity towards his servants.



From this place some of our number visited the city of Boston, and held forth to that people this important truth, that the Son of Man will appear in this generation, calling upon them to repent and prepare for the day, when the Lord shall cause the foundations of the earth to shake, and his glory eclipse all the bright luminaries of day and night. Here we found a few disciples whose hearts were noble indeed, and who were not ashamed to own the truth in the midst of the opulence and splendor of that city-the queen of the east.



Our next was held in Saco, Me.-where we found many Saints striving to live according to the law of the celestial kingdom, and this they manifested by their works, which are had in remembrance before the Lord and by those who visited them.



Our last conference was held in Farmington, 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 well-being. May the Lord enable them to remember our words and forget them not, and not only remember them, but hasten to put them in practice, and may the Lord richly reward those who assisted us with means to return to the west; and also the saints and friends in whose hospitality we have shared so freely.-We say brethren, you have our grateful acknowledgements [acknowledgments] with the assurance 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 various branches of the church; however, as we had opportunity we proclaimed the gospel in every place where there was an opening, and truly there is an effectual door opened for good and faithful laborers among the intelligent and liberal people of the east.



To close, we would say to our brethren and friends that our journey to this place was prosperous, we arrived in health and found general health prevailing in this section, and also found that the house of the Lord, now in building here, had prospered beyond our expectation, for all which blessings before named, we render to our heavenly



(page 206)







Father, in the name of Jesus, our sincere and hearty thanks, earnestly praying that we may all meet, if not before, in that glorious morning of the resurrection of the just.



By order of the twelve.



ORSON HYDE, }



Wm. E. MCLELLIN, }Clerks



To J. Whitmer Esq.



THE HOUSE OF THE LORD.



We are glad to learn, that the building Committee have determined, if possible, to finish the house of the Lord this winter. The lower story is already in such a state of forwardness, as to induce us to say, that it can soon be completed for meetings. In order, however, to finish so large an house, in so short a time, it is necessary that the churches abroad, as Paul says in his vision, should "come over into Macedonia, and help us" with their substance, and prayers.



The Committee have instructed us to call upon the saints abroad, such as to 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 [fulfill] your promises. Those who have subscribed are earnestly requested to pay the amount of their subscriptions as soon as they reasonably can. Thus the Committee may do unto others, as they wish others to do unto them.



Every one that wishes to spread the everlasting gospel; every one that wishes well to his fellow-beings; every one that wishes to have the elders instructed more perfectly in theory, doctrine and principle; and every one that wishes an house built where the Latter Day Saints can worship the Lord in spirit and in truth, have now an invitation to cast in their mites, for that purpose, and receive their reward hereafter, in that house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.



P.



Kirtland, Oct. 21, 1835.

LATTER DAY SAINTS'

MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE

Vol. II. No. 2.] Kirtland, Ohio, November, 1835. [Whole No. 14.



(Continued from page 182.)



To the elders of the church of the Latter Day Saints.



At the close of my letter in the September No. of the "Messenger and Advocate," I promised to continue the subject there commended: 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 combating 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 ascertaining correctly, what my principles are.



I have been drawn into this course of proceeding, by persecution, that is brought upon us from false rumor, and misrepresentations concerning my sentiments.



But to proceed, in the letter alluded to, the principles of repentance and baptism for the remission of sins, are not only set forth, but many passages of scripture, were quoted, clearly illucidating [elucidating] 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 of the 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 righteous Abel down to the last man, that has left any testimony on record, for our consideration, in speaking of the salvation of Israel in the last days, goes directly to show, that it consists in the work of the gathering.



Firstly, I shall begin by quoting from the prophecy of Enoch, speaking of the last days: "Righteousness will I send down out of heaven, and truth will I send forth out of the earth, to bear testimony of mine Only Begotten, his resurrection from the dead, [this resurrection I understand to be the corporeal body] yea, and also the resurrection 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 prepare; a holy city, that my people may gird up their loins, and be looking forth 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 Lamb slain from before the foundation of the world: by virtue of the same, the glorious resurrection of the Savior, and the resurrection of all the human family,-even a resurrection of their corporeal bodies: and also 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 are to be gathered from the four quarters of the earth, and 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. See Revelations, 23:3 [21:3]-"And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying. Behold the tabernacle of God is with 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 this quotation, that John upon the isle of Patmos, saw the same things concerning the last days, which Enoch saw. But before the tabernacle can be with men, the elect must be gathered from the four quarters of the earth.



And to show further upon this subject of gathering: Moses, after having pronounced the blessing and the cursing upon the children of Israel, for their obedience or disobedience, says thus:-"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



(page 209)







call them to mind, among all the nations whither the Lord thy God hath driven thee, and shalt return unto the Lord thy God, and shalt obey his voice, according to all that I command thee, this day, thou and thy children, with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, that then the Lord thy God, will turn thy captivity, and have compassion upon thee, and will return and gather thee from all the nations whither the Lord thy God hath scattered thee; and if any of thine be driven out unto the utmost parts of heaven; from thence will the Lord thy God gather thee; and from thence will he fetch thee."



It has been said by many of the learned, and wise men, or historians, that the Indians, or aboriginees [aborigines] of this continent, are of the scattered tribes of Israel. It has been conjectured by many others, that the aboriginees [aborigines] of this continent, are not of the tribes of Israel; but the ten tribes have been led away into some unknown regions of the north. Let this be as it may, the prophesy I have just quoted, "will fetch them" in the last days, and place them, in the land which their fathers possessed: and you will find in the 7th verse of the 30th chapt. quoted: "And the Lord thy God will put all these curses upon thine enemies and on them that hate thee, which persecuted thee."



Many may say that this scripture is fulfilled, but let them mark carefully what the prophet says: "If any are driven out unto the utmost parts of heaven;" (which must mean the breadths of the earth.) Now this promise is good to any, if there should be such, that are driven out, even in the last days: therefore, the children of the fathers have claim unto this day: and if these curses are to be laid over on the heads of their enemies, wo be unto the Gentiles: See book of Mormon, page 487, Wo unto the unbelieving of the Gentiles, saith the Father. Again see book of Mormon, page 497, which says: "Behold this people will I establish in this land, unto the fulfilling of the covenant which I made with your father Jacob: and it shall be a New Jerusalem." Now we learn from the book of Mormon, the very identical continent and spot of land upon which the new Jerusalem is to stand, and it must be caught up according to the vision of John upon the isle of Patmos. Now many will be disposed to say, that this New Jerusalem spoken of, is the Jerusalem that was built by the Jews on the eastern continent: But you will see from Revelations, 21:2, there was a New Jerusalem coming down from God out of heaven, adorned as a bride for her husband. That after this the Revelator was caught away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, 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 narrow a compass as a letter, I shall say with brevity, that there is a New Jerusalem to be established on this continent.-And also the Jerusalem shall be rebuilt on the eastern continent. See book of Mormon, page 566. Behold, Ether saw the days of Christ, and he spake also concerning the house of Israel, and the Jerusalem from whence Lehi should come: after it should be destroyed it should be built up again, a holy city unto the Lord: wherefore, it could not be a New Jerusalem, for it had been in a time of old. This may suffice upon the subject of gathering until my next.



I now proceed, at the close of my letter, to make a few remarks on the duty of elders with regard to their teachings parents and children, husbands and wives, masters and slaves, or servants, &c. as I said I would in my former letter. And firstly, it becomes an elder when he is travelling [traveling] through the world, warning the inhabitants of the earth to gather together, that they may be built up an holy city unto the Lord, instead of commencing with children or those who look up to parents or guardians, to influence their minds, thereby drawing them from their duties, which they rightfully owe to such, they should commence their labors with parents, or guardians, and their teachings should be such as are calculated to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to the fathers. And no influence should be used, with children contrary to the consent of their parents or guardians.-But all such as can be persuaded in a lawful and righteous manner, and with common consent, we should feel it our duty to influence them to gather with the people of God. But otherwise let the responsibility rest upon the heads of parents or guardians, and all condemnation or consequences, be upon



(page 210)

when day light failed they might serve for torches and illuminations in the night." Even these spectacles were exhibited in the emperor's own gardens. Thus barbarously were the Christians treated at Rome; besides which similar edicts were issued against them through most of the provinces of the empire. In the list of martyrs of that period, we find the names of Teela, Torquel, Torquatus, and Marcelus, and many others; and there were martyrs also at Milan, and other places. Though Peter was more immediately the object of the emperor's rancour [rancor[, 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 emperor's hatred for his opposition to Simon Magus, and the latter for having converted one of his concubines.-They were confined in prison for eight or nine months; but they were at length condemned, and Peter as a Jew and a foreigner was ordered to be crucified, with his head downwards, at his own desire, and Paul as a Roman was on the same day beheaded about three miles without the city, but a few months before the death of the monster Nero.



The bishop of Antioch, Euodius, suffered martyrdom during the same year, as we are informed; but whether under Galba, Nero's successor, or the wicked Otho, whose two reigns scarcely exceeded ten months, is not altogether 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 seige [siege]; but it afforded 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 faith. It is foreign from our purpose here to state them; and that in the second year after the destruction of Jerusalem, the Christians, who had left it about six years before, returned thither with their bishop Simeon, the successor of James.-In this year, however, it is generally supposed, that St. Jude was put to death in Persia, where he had successfully preached Christ's gospel, for his free reproofs of the superstitious rites of their Magi, being shot to death with arrows; and Bartholomew also is now said to have been crucified at Albania, on the Caspian sea, for opposing their idolatry, by order of the governor of the city. It was also remarkable for the death of Barnabas, who is also generally considered to have terminated his life at Salamis, in his own country of Cyprus, at the instigation of the Jews, by stoning.



It was not until the following year that St. Thomas is commonly understood to have suffered martyrdom from the opposition of the Bramins of Parthia, in revenge for his having converted the prince of the country and many others. Accustomed to retire to a certain tomb near the city for devotion, they poured in upon him a shower 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 destruction of Jerusalem, "it is generally supposed, 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 crucified by infidels in this year in Britain, after making many converts in various places. The reign of Titus, which followed that of Vespasian, unfortunately 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, successor to St. Peter or St. Paul, as bishops of the Jewish or Gentile converts, 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 disturbances which were fomented or occasioned 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. John.



When Domitian reigned about nine or ten years, it has been generally considered that he began to look with an unfavorable eye on the Christians, perhaps from a suspicion that they might be secretly disposed to support the insurrection of Lucius Antonius against him and his unpopular



(page 217)







government. But the second general persecution did not break out until the fourteenth or fifteenth year of that emperor's reign. When the bloody edicts were issued for that purpose, and numerous martyrdoms followed at Rome and other places. Antipas, in Pergamus, one of the seven churches of St. John's foundation, Rev. II.13, and Dionysius, first Bishop of Athens, Acts XVII:34 suffered many torments and death; and the emperor executed Flavius Clemens, the consul and his cousin-german, for embracing Christianity, and banished his wife and niece to different islands. In this persecution St. John was sent for to Rome and was there put into a cauldron of oil set on fire, from the effects of which he was miraculously preserved and had the honor of martyrdom with out the torments, or putting it in the power of man to deprive him of life.-Yet the stubborn emperor persevered in his enmity to this faithful servant of Christ, though his first design was defeated by a miracle, and banished him "to the desolate isle of Patmos, one of the islands of the modern Grecian archipelago, to dig in the mines," being the usual labor of persons banished thither for any crime against the state of its economy.



It was here that this aged apostle, instead of being compelled to the usual slavery, for which the advanced period of his life was so little adopted, was favored with various visions and revelations, by which he had a sufficient prospect of the future condition of the Christian religion. Of these we have an account in the comprehensive and important Book of Revelation, which he afterwards committed to writing; containing many truths, by which the humblest Christians may profit, without concerning themselves in the explanation of prophecies, to which their capacities on uncultivated faculties cannot possibly be commensurate. The accomplishment of some of them was then, as it were, commencing, especially those of the second and third chapters, describing the state of the 7 Asian churches for these would shortly come to pass or begin to be fulfilled, but their progress and final completion, those of the subsequent visions especially, in which many dreadful persecutions were predicted, would be protracted to far distant periods, as the long continuance of many of them so frequently repented most fully demonstrates. Though St. John despaired of life in this barren and desolate spot, his own liberation is first assured to him, that, aged as he was, he should "prophesy before many people, and nations, and tongues, and kings." (Rev. X.II.) In this year we have an account of the martyrdom of Mark, the first Bishop of Atlna in Latium, who is said to have been struck in the head with tenterhooks, of Fellcala, an illustrious woman of Rome, whose body was cast into a common sewer, and of Nicodemus, a presbyter of the same city, who was beaten to death. The emperor became intolerably jealous of every one; and Jews, as well as Christians, were persecuted as atheists and disowners of the gods. All the posterity of David were assiduously sought out, is marked for slaughter; which occasioned the apprehension of two grandchildren of the apostle St. Jude, the kinsman of our Lord, who, after interrogation and examination, were dismissed, on account of their meanness and simplicity, as beneath his jealousy. From this period he issued an edict for terminating the persecution, which had raged so violently.



The violent death which the emperor soon after suffered, by means of conspirators whom he himself had marked for destruction, gave a new +++ 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, to become voluntary exiles to escape his fury, were immediately recalled by his successor; and their confiscated property, as far as practicable, restored 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, being so cruelly beaten with stones and clubs for opposing them in a festival-procession, that he expired in two days after. This is the same whom St. John (Rev. II.1.) calls the angel of the church of Ephesus. Soon after this, St. John no longer considering his continuance in Patmos to be necessary, 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 take upon him the government of



(page 218)

be deceived, for satan is abroad in the land, and he goeth forth deceiving the nations: wherefore he that prayeth whose spirit is contrite, the same is accepted of me, if he obey mine ordinances: he that speaketh, whose spirit is contrite, whose language is meek, and edifieth, the same is of God, if he obey mine ordinances. And again, he that trembleth under my power, shall be made strong, and shall bring forth fruits of praise, and wisdom, according to the revelations, and truths which I have given you. And again, he that is overcome and bringeth not forth fruits, even according to this pattern, is not of me: wherefore by this pattern ye shall know the spirits in all cases, under the whole heavens."



This pattern, given since the book of Mormon was translated, is in accordance with the doctrine, or advice, of the angel as set forth in your letter. I think much of this pattern; it gives the meek a chance to work out their own salvation with fear and trembling: It gives the servants of the Lord a clue to the mind of men; yea, it is a scale that measures professions, and gives a rule to find out the solid contents of the heart. I hope the saints will practice and improve by it.



All the mighty acts of the Lord, from the beginning till the last days, seem to rush into one's mind upon reading what the angel said at Cumorah: The blessing of father Jacob, when he said, "Gather yourselves together" my sons, and I will tell what "shall befall you in the last days"-I need not relate the whole of it, because it is presumed every one knows it, if he had read his bible half as much as many do their almanacks [almanacs]: but in the prophetic language of Balaam, "Who can count the dust of Jacob, and the number of the fourth part of Israel? Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his!"



The moment the book of Mormon came forth, I mean the plates of which the angel was speaking at Cumorah: the world began to be in commotion: and the lords upon whose arms the kings leaned for support, began to cry out "if the Lord would make windows in heaven." the thing might be so but we believe it is an imposition-blasphemy!-But the Lord has already made the wicked hosts of the world to "bear a noise of chariots, and a noise of horses, even the noise of a great host: and they said one to another, Lo, the king of Israel hath hired against us the kings of the Hittites and the kings of the Egyptians, to come upon us."-2 Kings VII.6.



The finding of the plates, puts one in mind of the book of the law that Hilkiah found in the temple, while repairing it in the days of the king Josiah-and would to God that the rulers of our nation; yea, the ruler of all nations would do as that righteous man did, and go and inquire of the Lord, concerning the words of the book,-for great as the wrath of the Lord against them, and all people that repent not.



In those days the word of the Lord came through Shallum's wife, Huldah, the prophetess, who dwelt in the college at Jerusalem. Josiah sent five men: yea, principae [principle?] men, of whom Hilkia, the priest was one, and they informed her what had happened, 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 said the Lord, Behold, I will bring evil upon this place, and upon the inhabitants thereof, even all the words of the book which the king of Judah hath read: Because they have forsaken me, and have burnt incense unto other gods, that they might provoke me to anger with all the works of their lands; therefore my wrath shall be kindled against this place, and shall not be quenched.



"But to the king of Judah, which sent you to enquire [inquire] of the Lord, thus shall ye say to him, Thus said the Lord God of Israel, As touching the words which thou has heard; Because thine heart was tender, and thou hast humbled thyself before the Lord, when thou heardest what I spake against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, that they should become a desolation, and a curse, and hast rent thy clothes, and wept before me; I also have heard thee, saith the Lord. Behold 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



(page 222)







place-and priests, and prophets, and read to them the words of the book: He did not do like the chief men of the last days-cry a bible, a bible! false prophet!-no; no such language came from the wise man's mouth; he honored the book, and respected the prophecy of the woman, for the truth's sake: He feared the Lord and loved him, and immediately destroyed every appearance of evil. He brake down the houses of the Sodomites; he put down the idolatrous priests, and the priests that burnt incense to Baal, or, in other words, to the sun, and moon, and planets: Then he made a feast to the Lord, such as has not been made on so great an occasion since.



O that there was a ruler like him to honor God in these last days! To brake the altars of Baal! To purge the world of its adulterous priests, and false religion, that all men might come to the knowledge of the truth, as it came to Adam; as it came to Noah; as it came to Abraham; as it came to Jacob; as it came to Joseph; as it came to Moses; as it came to all the prophets before the Savior came in the flesh; as it came to his apostles on the eastern 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 be too bad. It is almost laughable to see how afraid some are of goodness. That book of Mormon seems to be so good, beware of it,-but when a lying novel, that is calculated to lead the mind of lightness and lechery, comes out-O never mind it, it cannot hurt any one. Wo unto that nation where no preference is made to virtue more than vice!



Our days seem as old times; After the servants of the Lord, hear his word, they can pray like Habakkuk: "Lord revive thy work in the midst of the years:" they can exclaim; in the midst of the years of this generation, make known: but O Lord, "in wrath remember mercy."



To look back to September, 1827, it may be likened unto the time when Elijah prayed for rain, and at the seventh time "Behold there arose a cloud out of the sea, like a man's hand," and there followed much rain: so likewise since then, the church of Latter Day Saints, in comparison no bigger than "a man's hand," has spread over a large country, and by the power of the Lord, is beginning to sprinkle in token of a plentiful rain of grace for the salvation of all that are thirsty.



Any one that reflects 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, a still small voice, and when Elijah heard it he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went and stood in the door of the cave, for the Lord had spoken: so can the candid reason, that in the wind of doctrines that have prevailed for some time; behold the Lord is not there; that in the earthquakes of eloquence that have made the pulpits ring for years back, the Lord is not there; that in the fiery zeal of one sect against another, the Lord is not there, but when the angel spake at Cumorah Behold the Lord was nigh, even the Lord with a recompense: and he will soon come with burning coals at his feet, and scatter the everlasting mountains; and walk through the heap of great waters, to the joy and deliverance of all his saints. But I must close for the present.



As ever,



W. W. Phelps.



To Oliver Cowdery.



Kirtland, Ohio, Nov. 18, 1835.

LATTER DAY SAINTS'

MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE

Vol. II. No. 3] Kirtland, Ohio, December, 1835. [Whole No. 15.



[continued 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 shall now proceed to make some remarks from the sayings of the Savior, recorded in the 13th chapter of his gospel according to St. Matthew, 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 above quoted, we find him seated in a ship, on the account of the multitude that pressed upon him to hear his words, and he commenced teaching them by saying: "Behold a sower went forth to sow, and when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up; some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth, and forthwith they sprang up because they had no deepness of earth, and when the sun was up, they were scorched, and because they had not root they withered away; and some fell among thorns and the thorns sprang up and choked them; but other, fell into good ground and brought forth fruit, some an hundred fold, some sixty fold, some thirty fold: who hath ears to hear let him hear. And the disciples came and said unto him, why speakest thou unto them in parables, (I would remark here, that the "them," made use of, in this interrogation, is a personal pronoun and refers to the multitude,) he answered and said unto them, (that is the disciples,) it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but unto them (that is unbelievers) it is not given, for whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance; but whosoever hath not, shall be taken away, even that he hath."



We understand from this saying, that those who had previously been looking for a Messiah to come, according to the testimony of the Prophets, and were then, at that time, looking for a Messiah, but had not sufficient 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 receive the greater light, must have taken 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 parables, because they, seeing, see not; and hearing, they hear not; neither do they understand: and in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esias, which saith: by hearing ye shall hear and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see and not perceive.



Now we discover, that the very reasons assigned by this prophet, why they would not receive the Messiah, was, because they did or would not understand; and seeing they did not 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 disciples: Blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear; for verily I say nnto [unto] you, that many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.



We again make a remark here, for we find that the very principles upon which the disciples were accounted blessed, was because they were permitted to see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and the condemnation which rested upon the multitude, which received not his saying, was because they were not willing to see with their eyes and hear with their ears; not because they could not and were not privileged to see, and hear, but because their hearts were full of iniquity and abomination:



(page 225)







nation: as your fathers did so do ye. The prophet foreseeing that they would thus harden their hearts plainly declared it; and herein is the condemnation of the world, that light hath come into the world, and men choose darkness rather 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 to see, and see not; but none are so blind as those who will not see: And although the Savior spoke this parable to such characters, yet unto his disciples he expounded it plainly; and we have reason to be truly humble before the God of our fathers, that he hath left these things on record for us, so plain, that, notwithstanding the exertions and combined influence of the priests of Baal, they have not power to blind our eyes and darken our understanding, if we will but open our eyes and read with candor, for a moment. But listen to the explanation of the parable: when any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. Now mark the expression; 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 themselves, and whose hearts are full of iniquity, and who have no desire for the principles of truth, do not understand the word of truth, when they hear it.-The devil taketh away the word of truth out of their hearts, 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 dureth for awhile; for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. He also that received seed among the thorns is he that receiveth the word, and the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful: but he that received seed into the good ground, is he that heareth the word and understandeth it which also beareth fruit and bringeth forth some an hundred fold, some sixty, some thirty. Thus the Savior himself explains unto his disciples the parable, 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 explanation upon his parables, was, because of unbelief. To you, he says, (speaking to his disciples) it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: and why? because of the faith and confidence which they had in him. This parable was spoken to demonstrate the effects that are produced by the preaching of the word; and we believe that it has an allusion directly, to the commencement, or the setting up of the kingdom in that age: therefore, we shall continue to trace his sayings concerning 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 kingdom, 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 servants 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 harvest, and in the time of harvest, I will say to the reapers, gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles, to burn them; but gather the wheat into my barn.



Now we learn by this parable, not only the setting up of the kingdom in the days of the Savior, which is represented by the good seed, which produced fruit, but also the corruptions of the church, which is represented by the tares, which were sown by the enemy, which his disciples would fain



(page 226)







have plucked up, or cleansed the church of, if their views had been favored by the Savior; but he, knowing all things, says not so; as much as to say, your views are not correct, the church is in its infancy, and if you take this rash step, you will destroy the wheat or the church with the tares: therefore it is better to let them grow together until the harvest, or the end of the world, which means the destruction of the 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 dubiety upon the mind, notwithstanding the cry of the priests, parables, parables! figures, figures! mystery, mystery! all is mystery! but we find no room for doubt here, as the parables were all plainly elucidated.



And again, another parable put he forth unto them, 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 becometh 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. Behold 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 behold it coming forth out of the ground, which is indeed accounted the least of all seeds, but behold it branching forth; yea, even towering, with lofty branches, and God-like majesty, until it becomes the greatest of all herbs: and it is truth, and it has sprouted and come forth out of the earth; and righteousness begins to look down from heaven; and God is sending down his powers gifts and angels, to lodge in the branches thereof: The kingdom of heaven is like unto a mustard seed. Behold, then, is not this the kingdom of heaven that is raising its head in the last days, in the majesty of its God; even the church of the Latter day saints,-like an impenetrable, immovable rock in the midst of the mighty deep, exposed storms and tempests of satan, but has, thus far, remained steadfast and is still braving the mountain waves of opposition, which are driven by the tempestuous winds of sinking crafts, have and are still dashing with tremendous foam, across its triumphing brow, urged onward with redoubled fury by the enemy of righteousness, with his pitchfork of lies, as you will see fairly represented in a cut, contained in Mr. Howe's "Mormonism Unveiled?"



And we hope that this adversary of truth will continue to stir up the sink of iniquity, that people may the more readily discern between the righteous and wicked. We also would notice one of the modern sons of Seeva, who would fain have made people believe that he could cast out devils by a certain pamphlet (viz. the "Millennial [Millennial] Harbinger,") that went the rounds through our country, who felt so fully authorized to brand Jo Smith, with the appellation of Elymus the sorcerer, and to say with Paul, O full of all subtilty [subtlety] and all mischief, thou child of the 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 ye? And with the best of feelings, we would say to him, in the language of Paul to those who said they were John's disciples, but had not so much as heard there was a Holy Ghost, to repent and be baptised [baptized] for the remission of sins by those who have legal authority, and under their hands you shall receive the Holy Ghost, according to the scriptures.



Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.-Acts ch. 8 v. 17.



And, when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.-Acts ch. 19 v. 6.



Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.-Heb. ch, 6 v. 2.



How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed; and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!-Rom. ch. 10, v. 14-15.



But if this man will not take our admonition, but will persist in his wicked course, we hope that he will continue trying to cast out devils, that we may



(page 227)







have the clearer proof that the kingdom of satan is divided against itself, and consequently 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 farther; we might say that he has wickedly and maliciously lied about, vilified and traduced the characters of innocent men. We might invite the gentleman to a public investigation of these matters; yea, and we do challenge him to an investigation upon any or all principles wherein he feels opposed to us, in public or in private.



We might farther say that, we could introduce him to "Mormonism Unveiled." Also to the right honorable Doct. P. Hurlburt, who is the legitimate author of the same, who is not so much a doctor of physic, as of falsehood, or by name. We could also give him an introduction to the reverend Mr. Howe, the illegitimate author of "Mormonism Unveiled," in order to give currency to the publication, as Mr. Hurlburt, about this time, was bound over to court, for threatening life. He is also an associate of the celebrated Mr. Clapp, who has of late immortalized his name by swearing that he would not believe a Mormon under oath; and by his polite introduction to said Hurlburt's wife, which cost him (as we have been informed) a round sum. Also his son Mathew testified that, the book of Mormon had been proved false an hundred times, by How's [Howe's] book: and also, that he would not believe a Mormon under oath. And also we could mention the reverend Mr. Bentley, who, we believe, has been actively engaged in injuring the character of his brother in-law, viz: Elder S. Rigdon.



Now, the above statements are according 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 fruits. And we might add many more to the black catalogue; 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 legitimate heirs of the same spirit of Alexander Campbell, and "Mormonism Unveiled," according to the representation in the cut spoken of above.



The above cloud of darkness has long been beating with mountain waves upon the immovable rock of the church of the Latter Day Saints, and notwithstanding all this, the mustard seed is still towering its lofty branches, higher and higher, and extending itself wider and wider, and the chariot wheels of the kingdom are still rolling on, impelled by the mighty arm of Jehovah; and in spite of all opposition will still roll on until his words are all fulfilled.



Our readers will excuse us for deviating from the subject, when they take into consideration the abuses, that have been heaped upon us heretofore, which we have tamely submitted to, until forbearance is no longer required at our hands, having frequently turned both the right and left cheek, we believe it our duty now to stand up in our own defence [defense]. With these remarks we shall proceed with the subject of the gathering.



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 understood that the church of the Latter Day Saints, has taken its rise from a little leaven that was put into three witnesses. Behold, how much this is like the parable: it is fast leavening the lump, and will soon leaven the whole. But let us pass on.



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 Jesus sent the multitude away and went into the house, and his disciples came unto him, saying, declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field. He answered and said unto them, he that soweth 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 carefully mark this



(page 228)

to be quite imperceptible from the neighboring declivities [declivity's]. They resolved on preventing the miracle by sawing the concealed bridge in pieces, just where it crossed the deepest and most dangerous part of the pond. This was done, and left seemingly as they found it."



"The expected day arrived, the congregation placed themselves as in an amphitheatre [amphitheater] on the surrounding slopes and the preacher appeared at the edge of the water. Presently he raised his stentorian voice and as he paced his invisible bridge with a step apparent unearthly taught and warned the people. All ears were open, and every eye strained from its socket with astonishment. But alas! just as the miracle worker seemed to have wrought conviction of his divine power in the wondering hearts of the multitude, lo! he stepped upon one of the detached pieces of plank sallied side-ways, and-instantly plunged, floundering and sinking in the deep water mire: mingling shrieks, screams and shouts of the spectators, all in a rush of commotion were appalling. The scene was indescribable. Even those who had spoiled the miracle, were filled with horror when they actually saw the unfortunate impostor disappear. They had not dreamed that their trick would cast him more than the fright, discomfort and disgrace of being submersed and afterwards struggling a shore; 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 consequent close of Mormonism in that vicinity.-He sunk, and long before the confounded assembly were in a condition to afford him relief, perished a victim to his imposture."



It may be said that the Star handled this matter enough to brand it with its just doom, but let me ask its makers and publishers a few questions. As they live in what is called a christian community, I should like to learn what reason they had, without the aid of law, to lay a plan publicly-to kill?-and, again, whether it comports with sacred or common rules, to ridicule, and bear false witness against their neighbors? There is evidently a lying spirit abroad among the people, and one cannot do better, seeing their is manifestly such a pretention [pretension] to something great, than to exclaim in the language of Paul, "O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose 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 authority of a letter received at Chardon, Ohio, direct from Missouri, that a body of well armed Mormons, under their chief or prophet, Joe Smith, on attempting to cross the river into Jackson county; that a battle ensued, in which the Mormons were worsted & driven back, and their leader was wounded in the leg. It is added that he died three days after of the wound, or of amputation."



I presume the Advertiser, has never corrected this statement,-though one of the commandments says "Thou shalt not lie."



Again the Philadelphia Saturday Courier of Aug. 2, 1834, treats its readers and the world, with the following:



"The Mormonites.-These egregious fanatics have produced quite an excitement in Missouri, and several of the western papers speak of them and their movements, as if Joe Smith, the Mormonite leader, were a modern Mahomet. The Tappanites have not excited 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 had just received a large reinforcement from the East, which makes their numbers among to 800 or 1000 men; all armed with guns, tomahawks, knives, and from two to four braces of pistols each. They went through the county on the 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 them, [the Mormons,] as they raised a dog trot, and kept it up most of the day."



A letter of a later date says:



"From my last letter, you may possibly be expecting of a severe battle between the Mormons and Jacksonians-but you will not.-We went up to Jackson county, armed with guns, knives &c. in full expectation of meeting an enemy determined on victory or death. Nothing less could have been anticipated; for Smith, their prophet, had promised to raise all of them that should be slain in fighting the Lord's battles.



"The Jackson people offered them twice the valuation of their possessions, which was refused. They had collected in Clay county, and built a number of boats, to cross their forces over. Last Monday was, no doubt, the time they intended to cross and would, most probably have done so, had it not been for the numbers who went from this county to oppose them. Jackson county could raise about 900 men, and 400 went from Lafayette: about 300 more would have marched in a day or two, if they had been required. I know we had neither law nor gospel on our side, but self-preservation urged us to pursue that course, for we knew that our county would be the next to suffer from their presence. If they had crossed the river, I very much question if any would have been left 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 50 or 100 years longer. Meanwhile, they will locate somewhere else. I am told there are a goodly number about to leave the country."



There is no need of any comments on this account, for it declares that it



(page 231)







has neither law nor gospel on its side, but meant to murder men, women and children, so that there should not one be left to tell the tale, notwithstanding the decalogue says Thou Shalt Not Kill. This article brings Mr. Smith to life again without ceremony.



I shall next present you with a short article that recently appeared in M. M. Noah's N. Y. Evening Star:



"Heathen Temple on Lake Erie.-That bold-faced imposter [impostor], Joe Smith, of Gold bible and Mormon memory, has caused his poor fanatic followers to erect on the shores of Lake Erie; near Painesville, (Ohio) a stone building 58 by 78 feet with dormer windows, denominating the same the "Temple of the Lord." We should think this work of iniquity extorted out of the pockets of his dupes, as it reflects its shadows over the blue lake, would make the waters crimson with shame at the prostitution of its beautiful banks to such unhallowed purposes."



We can hardly believe that an honest man would write such a foolish, figurative statement: but when a man has failed to dupe his fellow Jews, with a New Jerusalem on Grant Island, I suppose that you cannot "crimson" [his face] with shame, at the prostitution of his life and character, to vices, that are forbidden by the law of Moses, 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 worshipping the Lord, as he had to lay a stone on Grant 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 wilfully [willfully] 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, thou shalt be spoiled; and when thou shalt make an end to deal treacherously, they shall deal treacherously with thee.-Isaiah 33:1.



One more example of folly, and I will cease quoting for the present: It is from the Sunday Morning News, of Nov. 15, and reads thus:



"Good.-Abner Kneeland, the notorious leader of the infidels in boston, has been convicted of 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 Mormons, and associate himself with his brother imposter [impostor], Matthias; and to strengthen their proselytes in the faith, Fanny Wright, perhaps, may be induced to take up her residence with them. What a pretty little family the trio would make, with the addition of the X Dey of Algiers, X Charles, and with a few others which we cannot readily call to mind; we will toss into the caldron another Frenchman, Louis 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 endeavoring to reproach and ridicule a society of people, by tossing into their faces, the despised among men. His holy day paper poorly comports with the Savior's golden rule; "All things whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, do ye even so to them; for this is the law and the prophets."



It is a matter of astonishment to me, that intelligent men, are so apt to slander and belie their fellow beings! It must arise from the face, 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 regions of glory, is treated strangely in this world. On account of abusing its light and knowledge, Cain became "a fugitive and a vagabond in the earth." For striving against the Spirit of God, and being full of violence, the inhabitants of the old world, except Noah and his family, were destroyed 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 Moses till the final dispersion of the Jews, and the destruction of Jerusalem, after the Lord of glory was crucified, but I pause.



The hour of judgment is near, "And all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, 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 phalanx 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



(page 232)







has been tainted by the stenching breath of such men as Mr. Campbell, Mr. Avery, Mr. Clapp, Mr. Hurlburt, and least of all the persecutors the dark colored man with a pitchfork? If this is the case I am sorry for them:-for a wise man ought always to hear both sides of a matter before he judges it. I shall bring no railing accusations against them: I have merely drawn a picture of what they have hastily done, that they may look upon it and consider how many innocent men, women, and children have to suffer persecution, hunger, thirst, and other afflictions, for such rash words, and foolish deeds. No wonder Lynch law is murdering throughout our once happy country; no wonder mob after mob is breaking the tender thread of law, and bursting the strong bands of society, to spread anarchy, confusion, destruction and death: no preference is made to virtue 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 slandered the church of Latter Day Saints will repent of their sins and folly:



"For behold and lo vengeance cometh speedily upon the ungodly, as the whirlwind, and who shall escape it: the Lord's scourge shall pass over by night and by day; and the report thereof shall vex all people; yet, it shall not be stayed until the Lord come: for the indignation of the Lord is kindled against their abominations, and all their wicked works."



For the love of liberty: venerating the memory of our worthy forefathers who bled that we might live free; for the benefit of the oppressed; for the continuance of virtue, and in the blessed name of Jesus Christ, it is devoutly to be hoped that every man that has injured, or spoken evil of the church of Latter Day Saints, will be as free to make reparation, as he was to give currency to reports without foundation: that they may not remain among that class of beings, to whom the Savior's language to the Scribes, Pharisees and hypocrites, will apply: for there is a woe to such as make clean the out side of the platter; that praise virtue but never practice it; that pay tithes, for the sake of honor, and esteem men and money more than truth and meekness, and omit the "weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy and faith."



In the love of God, and in the hope of the prosperity of the pure in heart, praying that the Lord will have mercy upon all that turn from the evil of their ways; having virtue for my aim; truth for my standard, and seeking eternity for an everlasting inheritance, I shall continue to defend the cause of goodness and humanity.



As ever



W. W. Phelps.



To John Whitmer Esq.



Egyptian Mummies-



Ancient 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 certain gentlemen in this place, last summer.



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, concerning 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 concerning this matter, to a gentleman who resides at a distance.



Who these ancient inhabitants of Egypt are, we do not pretend to say,-neither does it matter to us. We have no idea or expectation, that either of them are Abraham, Abimelech, or Joseph. Abraham was buried on his own possession, "in the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron, the son of Zohar the Hittite, which is before Mamre," which he purchased of the sons of Heth; Abimelech lived in the same country, and for aught we know, died there, and the children of Israel carried Joseph's bones from Egypt



(page 233)







when they went out under Moses. Consequently, could not have been found in Egypt in the 19th century. But the records are the most important, concerning which, we refer our readers to the extract for information.