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Vol. VI. No. 1] CITY OF NAUVOO, ILL. JAN 15, 1845 [WHOLE NO. 109.
HISTORY OF JOSEPH SMITH.
(Continued.)
On the 6th, I received the following revelation; given May, 1833:
Verily thus saith the Lord, it shall come to pass that every soul who forsaketh their sins and cometh unto me, and calleth on my name, and obeyeth my voice, and keepeth my commandments, shall see my face, and know that I am, and that I am the true light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world; and that I am in the Father and the Father in me, and the Father and I are one: the Father because he gave me of his fulness [fullness]; and the Son because I was in the world and made flesh my tabernacle, and dwelt among the sons of men: I was in the world and received of my Father, and the works of him were plainly manifest; and John saw and bore record of the fulness [fullness] of my glory: and the fulness [fullness] of John's record is hereafter to be revealed: And he bore record, saying, I saw his glory that he was in the beginning before the world was: therefore, in the beginning the Word was; for he was the Word, even the messenger of salvation, the light and the Redeemer of the world; the Spirit of truth, who came into the world because the world was made by him; and in him was the life of men and the light of men. The worlds were made by him. Men were made by him. All things were made by him, and through him and of him: And I John bare record that I beheld his glory, as the glory of the Only Begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth; even the Spirit of truth which came and dwelt in the flesh, and dwelt among us.
And I John saw that he received not of the fulness [fullness] at the first, but received grace for grace: and he received not of the fulness [fullness] at first, but continued from grace to grace, until he received a fulness [fullness]: and thus he was called the Son of God, because he received not of the fulness [fullness] at the first. And I John bare record, and lo, the heavens were opened and the Holy Ghost descended upon him in the form of a dove, and sat upon him, and there came a voice out of heaven saying, this is my beloved Son. And I John bare record that he received a fulness [fullness] of the glory of the Father; and he received all power, both in heaven and on earth; and the glory of the Father was with him, for he dwelt in him.
And it shall come to pass that if you are faithful, you shall receive the fulness [fullness] of the record of John. I give unto you these sayings that you may understand and know how to worship, and know what you worship, that you may come unto the Father in my name, and in due time receive of his fulness [fullness] for if you keep my commandments you shall receive of his fulness [fullness] and be glorified in me as I am in the Father: therefore, I say unto you, you shall receive grace for grace.
And now verily I say unto you, I was in the beginning with the Father, and am the first born; and all those who are begotten through me, are partakers of the glory of the same, and are the church of the first born. Ye were also in the beginning with the Father: that which is Spirit, even the Spirit of truth: and truth is knowledge of things as they are, and as they were and as they are to come; and whatsoever is more or less than this is the spirit of that wicked one, who was liar from the beginning. The Spirit of truth is of God: I am the Spirit of truth. And John bore record of me saying, he received a fulness [fullness] of truth; yea, even of all truth, and no man receiveth a fulness [fullness] unless he keepeth his commandments. He that keepeth his commandments, receiveth truth and light, until he is glorified in truth, and knoweth all things.
Man was also in the beginning with God.-Intelligence, or the light of truth was not created or made, neither indeed can be. All truth is independent in that sphere in which God has placed it, to act for itself , as all intelligence also, otherwise there is no existence. Behold here is the agency of man; and here is the condemnation of man because that which was from the beginning is plainly manifest unto them, and they receive not the light. And every man whose spirit receiveth not the light, is under condemnation, for man is spirit. The elements are eternal, and spirit and element, inseparably connected, receiveth a fulness [fullness] of joy; and when separated, man cannot receive a fulness [fullness] of joy. The elements are the tabernacle of God; yea, man is the tabernacle of God, even temples; and whatsoever temple is defiled, God shall destroy that temple.
The glory of God is intelligence, or, in other words, light and truth: light and truth forsaketh that evil one. Every spirit of man was innocent in the beginning, and God having redeemed man from the fall, men became again in their infant state, innocent before God. And that wicked one cometh and taketh away light and truth, through disobedience, from the children
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of men, and because of the tradition of their fathers. But I have commanded you, to bring up your children in light and truth: but verily I say unto you, my servant Frederick G. Williams, you have continued under this condemnation; you have not taught your children light and truth, according to the commandments, and that wicked one hath power, as yet, over you, and this is the cause of your affliction. And now a commandment I give unto you, if you will be delivered, you shall set in order your own house, for there are many things that are not right in your house.
Verily I say unto my servant Sidney Rigdon, that in some things he hath not kept the commandments, concerning his children: therefore, firstly set in order thy house.
Verily I say unto my servant Joseph Smith, jr. or, in other words, I will call you friends, for you are my friends, and ye shall have an inheritance with me. I called you servants for the world's sake, and ye are their servants for my sake, and now verily I say unto Joseph Smith jr. you have not kept the commandments, and must needs stand rebuked before the Lord. Your family must needs repent and forsake some things, and give more earnest heed unto your sayings, or be removed out of their place. What I say unto one I say unto all: pray always lest that wicked one have power in you, and remove you out of your place.
My servant Newel K. Whitney, also a bishop of my church, hath need to be chastened and set in order his family, and see that they are more diligent and concerned at home, and pray always or they shall be removed out of their place.
How I say unto you, my friends, let my servant Sidney Rigdon go his journey, and make haste, and also proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the gospel of salvation, as I shall give him utterance, and by your prayer of faith with one consent, I will uphold him.
And let my servants Joseph Smith, ;r. and Frederick G. Williams, make haste also, and it shall be given them even according to the prayer of faith, and inasmuch as you keep my sayings, you shall not be confounded in this world nor in the world to come.
And verily I say unto you, that it is my will that you should hasten to translate my scriptures, and to obtain a knowledge of history, and of countries, and of kingdoms, of laws of God and man, and all this for the salvation of Zion. Amen.
Revelation given same date:
And again, verily I say unto you my friends, a commandment I give unto you, that ye shall commence a work of laying out and preparing a beginning and foundation of the city of the stake of Zion, here in the land of Kirtland, beginning at my house: and behold it must be done according to the pattern which I have given unto you. And let the first lot on the south, be consecrated unto me for the building of an house for the presidency, for the work of the presidency, in obtaining revelations; and for the work of the ministry of the presidency, in all things pertaining to the church and kingdom.
Verily I say unto you, that it shall be built fifty-five by sixty five feet in the width thereof, and in the length thereof, in the inner court and there shall be a lower court, and an higher court, according to the pattern which shall be given unto you hereafter: and it shall be dedicated unto the Lord from the foundation thereof, according to the order of the priesthood, according to the pattern which shall be given unto you hereafter: and it shall be wholly dedicated unto the Lord for the work of the presidency. And ye shall not suffer any unclean thing to come in unto it; and my glory shall be there, and my presence shall be there: but if there shall come into it any unclean thing my glory shall not be there; and my presence shall not come into it.
And again, verily I say unto you, the second lot on the south shall be dedicated unto me for the building of an house unto me, for the work of the printing of the translation of my scriptures, and all things, whatsoever I shall command you; and it shall be fifty five by sixty five feet in the width thereof, and the length thereof in the inner court; and there shall be a lower and a higher court; and this house shall be wholly dedicated unto the Lord from the foundation thereof, for the work of the printing, in all things whatsoever I shall command you, to be holy, undefiled, according to the pattern in all things, as it shall be given unto you.
And on the third lot shall my servant Hyrum Smith receive his inheritance. And on the first and second lots on the north shall my servants Reynolds Cahoon and Jared Carter receive their inheritance, that they may do the work which I have appointed unto them, to be a committee to build mine houses, according to the commandment, which I the Lord God have given unto you. These two houses are not to be built until I give unto you a commandment concerning them.
And now I give unto you no more at this time. Amen.
The signs of the times continued to attract the attention of the world. The cholera had
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broke out at Havanna [Havana], and it was reported that five hundred had perished daily, and Oporto was experiencing the same calamity. An influenza was raging at St. Petersburgh [Petersburg], Russia; more than one hundred thousand were suffering from its influence, and it was reported to be more violent at Moscow. So dreadful was the effects of the cholera which spread consternation among the inhabitants of the earth, that it was reported that the eyes of some of the afflicted, burst from their sockets. A treaty was entered into about this time, with several tribes of Indians, some to be located on the east of the Winnebago lake, an others to be removed west of the Mississippi. See Evening and Morning Star, p. 190
Great preparations were making to commence a house of the Lord; and, notwithstanding the church was poor, yet, our unity, harmony and charity abounded to strengthen us to do the commandments of the Lord.
Note. A. A council had previously been held in Morton township, Medina county, Ohio at which Sidney Rigdon presided. The council took into consideration the standing of Baldwin Welton, Aaron Smith, and - Hays, elders; and James Braden priest; and decided that their ordinations were illegal, and that the churches should not receive them in their several offices. The doings of the council were received, and sanctioned by the first presidency, viz: Joseph Smith jun., Sidney Rigdon, and F. G. Williams, and entered on record in Kirtland, May 4th, 1833. See B. 291.
To the Church of Christ in *****
We feel under obligations to write to you as well as to all the brethren of the different branches; and we do this, that you, with us may exert yourselves to bring about the fulfilment [fulfillment] of the command of the Lord concerning the establishing, or preparing a house, wherein the elders, who have been commanded of the Lord so to do, may gather themselves together, and prepare all things, and call a solemn assembly, and treasure up words of wisdom, that they may go forth to the Gentiles for the last time; and now, in order to accomplish this, we are directed, yea, we are under the necessity to call on the whole church, as a body, that they make every possible exertion to aid temporally, as well as spiritually, in this great work that the Lord is beginning, and is about to accomplish; and unless we fulfil [fulfill] this command, viz: establish an house, and prepare all things necessary whereby the elders may gather into a school, called the school of the prophets, and receive that instruction which the Lord designs they should receive, we may all despair of obtaining the great blessing that God has promised to the faithful of the church of Christ: therefore, it is as important, as our salvation, that we obey this, above mentioned command, as well as all the commandments of the Lord.
Therefore, brethren, we wrote this epistle to you, to stir up your minds to make that exertion which the Lord requires of you, to lend a temporal aid in these things above written; and in order that you may know how to conduct the business, we will relate what we have done are doing here.
We have met in conference, and agreed to form a subscription and circulate it through the churches; and also appointed Hyrum Smith, Reynolds Cahoon, and Jared Carter a committee to superintend this business, viz: of circulating subscriptions, to establish a fund to build a house, and to aid the elders to attend this school; and subscriptions are now in circulation among us, and our Heavenly Father is opening the hearts of our brethren beyond the expectation of many; and not one brother among us, as yet, refuses to exert himself to do something as a temporal means to bring about the establishing of this house, and school; and we say, may our Heavenly Father open your hearts also, that you, with us, may gather together something to aid as a temporal benefit.
Probably you had better call the officers of the church immediately together, and appoint some one to circulate a subscription, that each individual, after signing, may have a sufficient time to make preparations to pay what he signs, for it will be necessary, wherever the brethren are, at a distance from Kirtland, that they exert themselves to send on their gift or assistance, as soon as they can to Kirtland; though they can, if ;hey believe best, wait on those that sign until the first of September, and ;hen collect in and send it to Kirtland.
These considerations we have written to you knowing it to be your duty thus to do; and may the Lord help you, to exert yourselves with us, in raising the means to bring about the glorious work of the Lord; and may we all be kept by the grace of God unto eternal life. Amen.
HYRUM SMITH, }
REYNOLDS CAHOON, } Com'tee.
JARED CARTER, }
ELDER KIMBALL'S JOURNAL.
We esteem it a privilege to extract a sketch of scenes gone-by, from the Journal of Elder H. C. Kimball. The saints, when regailing [regaling] on such samples of brotherly love, &C., can ascertain the value of good works and good men; and, if they are alike wise, they can cast in
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their mite, in future, as faithful servants in the service of their Lord and Master. But with great care, there will be few only, that can exhibit as faithful a stewardship as Elder Kimball. We shall endeavor to continue extracts as we have time. The scenes of the present, have never been given entire to the saints; of course, they will be interesting:
EXTRACT FROM THE JOURNAL OF ELDER HEBER C. KIMBALL.
During my stay here (Kirtland) and on the 17th February 1834, as general council of twenty four High Priests assembled at the house of Joseph Smith jr., by revelation, and proceeded to organize the High Council of the church of Christ, which was to consist of twelve High Priests. The number composing the council who voted in the name of and for the church in appointing these councillors [councilors] were forty three, as follows; Nine High Priests, seventeen Elders, four Priests, and thirteen members. During this time I received much precious instruction concerning the order of the kingdom .
When I got to Kirtland the brethren were engaged in building the house of the Lord. The commandment to build the house, and also the pattern of it was given in a revelation to Joseph Smith jr., Sidney Rigdon, and Frederick G. Williams, and was to be erected by a stated time. The church was in a state of poverty and distress, in consequences of which it appeared almost impossible that the commandment could be fulfilled, at the same time our enemies were raging and threatening destruction upon us, and we had to guard ourselves night after night, and for weeks were not permitted to take off our clothes, and were obliged to lay with our fire locks in our arms.
At this time also, our brethren were suffering great persecution in Jackson county, Missouri; about twelve hundred were driven, plundered and robbed; and their houses burned and some were killed. The whole country seemed to be in arms against us, ready to destroy us. Brother Jofeph [Joseph] received a lengthy revelation concerning the redemption of Zion, which remains to be fulfilled in a great measure. But he thought it best to gather together as many of the brethren as he conveniently could, with what means they could spare and go up to Zion to render all the assistance that we could to our afflicted brethren. We gathered clothing and other necessaries to carry up to our brethren and sisters who had been stripped; and putting our horses to the wagons, and taking our firelocks and ammunition, we started on our journey; leaving only Oliver Cowdery, Sidney Rigdon, and the workmen who were engaged at the Temple; so that there were very few men left in Kirtland. Our wagons were about full with baggage &c., consequently we had to travel on foot. We started on the 5th of May, and truly this was a solemn morning to me. I took leave of my wife and children and friends, not expecting ever to see them again, as myself and brethren were threatened both in that country and in Missouri by the enemies, that they would destroy us and exterminate us from the land.
There were about one hundred brethren in our company who started for Zion. These brethren were all young men and nearly all elders, Priests, Teachers and Deacons. The second day we arrived at New Portage, being about 50 miles, at which place on the 7th, we made regulations for travelling [traveling], and appointed a paymaster whose name was Frederick G. Williams, and put all of our monies [money] into a general fund. Some of the brethren had considerable, and others had little or none, yet all became equal. While here one of my horse received a kick from another horse, which obliged me to trade away my span, and get another span of older horses. We then proceeded on our journey twelve miles to the Chippeway. The next day we were divided into companies of twelve each, and captains were appointed over each company. I then organized my company in the following manner, appointing two to attend to cooking, two to see that fires were made, two to prepare the tent at night and prepare the bedding, and also to strike the tent each morning, two to fetch and provide water, one to do the running, two to see to the horses, see that the wagon was greased, and every thing prepared for starting. My business was to see that the company was provided for, and to see that all things were done in order. Our living generally was very good, being able to buy bread from the bakers on the way through the settled part of the country.-After this we purchased flour and had to bake our own bread. We sometimes had to live mostly on johnny cakes and corn dodger, and sometimes our living was scant. Every night before we went to bed we united in our tent and offered up our prayers before the Lord for protection. This was done at the sound of a trumpet; and at the sound of the trumpet in the morning, every man was upon his knees and some one made prayer. There was a similar order attended to in each tent. There were higher officers appointed over the company.
On the 8th we started on our journey, and on Saturday the 10th, we passed through Mansfield and camped for the Sabbath in Richfield. On Sunday the 11th, brother Sylvester Smith
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preached and the sacrament of bread and wine was administered to the company. On monday the 12th we passed over the Sandusky Plains, and through the Indian settlements.-We then passed through a long range of beechwoods, where the roads were very bad. In many instances we had to fasten ropes to the wagons to haul them out of the sloughs and mud holes. While passing through these woods the brethren scattered on each side the road and went to hunting for wild game. We came to Belle Fontain where we first discovered refractory feelings in Sylvester Smith. We passed through a very pleasant country to Dayton Ohio. where we crossed the Miami River, which is a very beautiful stream; the water being only about two and a half feet deep, most of the brethren forded it. We arrived at this place on Friday the 16th. The brethren were in good spirits, and the Lord was with us. On Saturday the 17th we passed into Indiana, just on the line betwixt the State of Ohio and Indianna [Indiana], where we camped for the Sabbath, having travelled [traveled] forty miles that day. Our feet were very sore and blistered, and our stockings were wet with blood, the weather being very warm.
This night a spy from the enemy attempted to get into our camp but was stopped by the guard. We had our sentinels or guards appointed every night, on account of spies continually harassing us. On this evening there was quite a difficulty between some of the brethren and Sylvester Smith, on occasion of which brother Joseph was called to decide the matter. Finding quite a rebellious spirit in Sylvester Smith, and to some extent in others, he said that they would meet with misfortunes, difficulties and hindrances, "and you will know it before you leave this place"; exhorting them to humble themselves before the Lord and become united, that they might not be scourged. A very singular occurance [occurrence] took place that night, and the next day concerning our teams. On the following morning when we arose we found almost every horse in the camp so badly foundered that we could scarce lead them a few rods to the water. The brethren then deeply realized the effects of discord. When brother Joseph learned the fact he exclaimed to the brethren, that for a witness that God overruled and had his eye upon them, that all those who would humble themselves before the Lord, should know that the hand of God was in this misfortune, and their horses should be restored to health immediately, and by twelve o'clock the same day the horses were as nimble as ever, with the exception of one of Sylvester Smith's which soon afterwards died.
On Sunday the 18th we had preaching as usual and administered the sacrament. I did not attend meeting myself as I was writing a letter to my companion. Monday 19th we passed through Indianopolis [Indianapolis] where we crossed white river. The teams forded the river-most of the brethren crossed over the new bridge which was unfinished. We were threatened by our enemies that we should not go through the town, but we passed through quietly and were not molested, everything appeared to be in perfect silence as we went through, although the people looked aghast as if fear had come upon them. At night we camped on an open spot, the hight [height] of an eminence. Here we lost one horse, On Sunday the 25 we arrived at the edge of Illinois, We had no meeting but attended to washing and baking to prepare for our journey again. On Monday 26th, we resumed our journey. At night we were alarmed by the continual threatening of our enemies. I would here remark that notwithstanding so many threats were thrown out against us we did not fear nor hesitate to proceed on our journey for God was with us, and angels went before us, and we had no fear of either men or devils. This we know because they (angels) were seen. On Tuesday the 27th we came to the Kaskaskia,-a deep river,-where we found two skiffs: we took and lashed them together and they served as a kind of ferry boat. We took our baggage out of our wagons and put it on board and ferried it across; then took our wagons and horses, and swam them across, and when they got them to the shore side, the brethren cast ropes into the tongues of the wagons, and helped the horses and wagons out of the river; others fell trees and laid them across the river, and thus helped themselves over. In this way we were all enabled to cross in safety. Wednesday the 28th we reached the town of Decatur. Here we lost another horse. Saturday the 31st at night, we camped one mile from Jacksonville and prepared for the Sabbath. On sunday, June 1st, we had preaching all day, and many of the inhabitants of the town came out to hear. Brother John Carter preached in the morning. By this time the inhabitants began to flock down in companies to hear preaching, as they understood we were professors of religion and had had a meeting in the morning. Brother Joseph then proposed that some of the brethren should set forth different portions of the gospel in their discourses, as held by the religious world. He called upon brother Joseph Young to preach upon the principles of free salvation. He then called upon brother Brigham Young to speak, who set forth baptism as essential to salvation,
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He was followed by brother Orson Hyde who proved by the scriptures that baptism was for the remission of sins. He next called upon brother Lyman Johnson, who spoke at some length upon the necessity of men being upright in their walk and keeping the Sabbath day holy. He then called upon brother Orson Pratt who delivered an excellent discourse on the principles of the final restoration of al things. The services of the day were concluded by a powerful exhortation from Eleazer Miller. His voice was said to be heard a mile and a half.
I would here remark concerning brother Eleazer Miler who was one of the first that brought the gospel to us in Mendon N. Y., when he used to retire to a little grove near my house for secret prayer, he would get so filled with the spirit and power of the Holy Ghost that he would burst out into a loud voice, so that he was heard by the surrounding inhabitants for more than a mile. After the day's services were over at this place many strangers were in our camp making remarks upon the preaching which they had heard. They said that brother Joseph Young by his preaching they should judge was a Methodist. They thought brother Brigham Young was a close communion Baptist. Brother Orson Hyde they supposed was a Campbellite, or reformed Baptist.-Brother Lyman Johnson they supposed was as Presbyterian, and brother Orson Pratt a Restorationer . They enquired [inquired] if we all belonged to one denomination. The answer was, We were some of us Baptists, some Methodist, some Presbyterians, some Campbellites, some Restorationers &c. On Monday morning when we passed through Jacksonville, they undertook to count us, and I heard one man say,, who stood in the door of a cabinet shop that he had counted a little rising of five hundred, but he could not tell how many there were. This thing was attempted many times in villages and towns as we passed through, but the people were never able to ascertain our number.
(To be continued)
THE VOICE OF NAUVOO!
PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL.
PREAMBLE.
It is with feelings of deep and inexpressible regret that we learn that the inhabitants of various parts of this state are seeking to accumulate all the real and supposed crimes of the whole community for the secret or ostensible purpose of raising a tide of influence against the Mormon community that shall sweep them into irrecoverable ruin. This course of conduct, originating with our mortal enemies and gathering in its wake, other men that would revolt at the idea of lending a hand to oppress a long abused people that are struggling against foes within and foes without; is at the present almost insupportable to our feelings.-We have scarcely laid by our mourning weeds for murdered men, whom we promptly surrendered up to the State of Illinois for an equitable trial-And now we see in embryo another campaign to spill yet more blood and effect an utter extermination and massacre. We sought to rid our city of counterfeiters and black legs; these together with our foes without and within, had established a printing press of unparalleled rancor and malignity. But our efforts to obtain freedom from such vicious monsters cost us much tribulation and precious blood.
The impunity thus far granted the murderers by the Senate and other authorities of the State of Illinois, had emboldened them and their apologists to set on foot a series of other exciting causes that they hope will either destroy the community, or prevent their criminals from being brought to punishment. We have not so much fear that our enemies will succeed in their fiendish designs against us, as we have that the peace and good order of the people of this State will be disturbed, and fearful anarchy and bloody misrule will ensue among those who listen to and countenance the fell designs of those who are stealing from quiet citizens of the State and palming upon them a spurious and false currency, and charging to the Mormons their own crimes. If they shall succeed, the citizens will be involved in continual larcenies, and neighborhood broils, and crimes, the end of which cannot now be foreseen. We deprecate such evils and calamities because we desire the good of all mankind; as the gratuitous labors of the greater portion of our citizens in spreading truth throughout the world under much poverty and suffering, abundantly prove.
As for us, our course is fixed, and while we are peaceable and loyal to the constitution and laws of our country, and are ever willing to join hands with the honest, virtuous, and patriotic in suppressing crime and punishing criminals, we will leave our enemies to judge, whether it would not be better to make Nauvoo one universal burying ground, before we suffer ourselves to be driven from our hard earned and lawful homes, by such high-handed oppression, and it may yet become a question to be decided by the community, whether the Mormons will, after having witnessed their best men murdered without redress, quietly and patiently, suffer their enemies to wrench from them the last shreds of their constitutional
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rights; and whether they will not make their city one great sepulchre [sepulcher], rather than be the humble devotees at the shrine of mobocracy. But for the satisfaction of all concerned, we reiterate in the following resolutions, sentiments that we have always expressed in all places as occasion demanded:
Resolved, That the greater part of the thefts which have been complained of, are not in our opinion, true in fact, but have been trumped up; by inimical persons, in order to cover their aggressive doing, with plausibility, and entice honest and unwary citizens to unit with them in the same uncompromising hostility against this people.
Resolved, That we defy the world to substantiate a single instance, where we have concealed criminals, or screened them from justice; but, on the contrary, always have been and now are, extremely anxious that they should be ferretted [ferreted] out and brought to justice; and to this end would esteem it a favor, that if any person should lose property, or have good and sufficient reason to suspect any place of containing apparatus for making bogus or counterfeit money, that such person would follow up, trace out, and make diligent search, for all such property and apparatus, and if they can trace it into this city, we pledge ourselves to assist them legally, to the extent of our abilities in so laudable an undertaking.
Resolved, That it is our opinion that very many scoundrels,, such as thieves, robbers, bogus makers, counterfeiters and murderers, have been induced from reports published in the Warsaw Signal, to flock into this county in order to carry on their evil practices, knowing that it would be immediately charged upon the Mormons, and thereby they escape-and although we think that the reports of thefts have been very much exaggerated, yet we know from dear bought experience that such things do exist, and further we doubt not there may be some such characters prowling in and about our city.
Resolved, That we are extremely anxious to ferret out and bring to justice, all such persons, if any, that are within the limits of our city, and for this purpose we have authorised [authorized] our Mayor to enlarge the police, to any number,. not exceeding five hundred, and we also pledge ourselves to double our diligence, and call upon our citizens to assist in ridding our city and country of all such infamous characters.
Done, in Council, this 13th day of January, 1845.
D. SPENCER, Mayor.
W. Richards, Recorder.
MEETING OF THE CITIZENS.
At a large meeting of the citizens of Nauvoo, convened at the stand, on the 14th day of Jan., 1845; Daniel Spencer, Mayor of the city, was called to the chair, and James Sloan appointed secretary; and Samuel Bent, Alpheus Cutler, C. C. Rich, Phinehas Richards, and David Fulmer, were appointed a committee, to draft a preamble and resolutions, expressive of the sense of this meeting on the proceedings of the city council, and for the action of this meeting. The committee retired and in a short time, returned the following which were adopted unanimously:
PREAMBLE.
Whereas, The city council of the city of Nauvoo, have presented to this meeting, a preamble and sundry resolutions setting forth the fact, that enemies to the people of this city, and as we believe, enemies to the common welfare of the people of this State, are attempting to get up an extensive popular excitement, prejudicial to this people and the country at large; and whereas, said resolutions set forth an unqualified reprobation of all unlawful and villainous conduct whether under the false color of Mormonism, or the real guise of mobbers, blacklegs, bogus makers, thieves, wolf-hunters, or murderers; therefore, we hereby express our perfect concurrence in the said preamble and resolutions.
And whereas, The Wasrsaw Signal, the Alton Telegraph, and the Quincy Whig, have been, and as we believe industriously engaged in circulating falsehood; disseminating discord, and the principles of mobocracy; and whereas, Mormon extermination, pillage, robbery, and murder, have received both countenance and apology in these scurrilous prints, as we believe; and whereas, the pen of murderers as we believe, has occupied the columns of these papers in order to deafend [defend] the cries of innocent blood that ascends to heaven for vengeance; and whereas, a large share of the thefts spoken of and blazed through the land, are wholly without existence when traced out, as appears not only from the instance record in the Governor's Message concerning horse stealing, but from other similar instances, too numerous to mention; and whereas, it has been zealously reported, that much stolen goods could be traced to Nauvoo, and that no citizen could enter our city to search for thieves, and stolen goods, because the thief and goods would be screened from detection by the Mormon fraternity, and the person in search, would be in jeopardy of his life; and whereas, thieves and counterfeiters have in some instances fled to our city, either under the mistaken apprehension that we would screen them, or
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from a malignant design to palm upon us their own crimes, and thereby draw us under the lash of persecution. And whereas, it can be proved that individuals, in order to swell the list of Mormon depredations, have reported property to be stolen, which at another time they have acknowledged, they sold the same property and received pay.
And whereas, bee yards have been robbed, ands hives left at the Mormons doors, to palm the theft upon us, when the honey has been found in the houses of our enemies; and whereas, an inumerable [innumerable] number of such infamous tricks have been played upon us, by our enemies, as we believe, for the purpose of blackening our character in the eyes of honest men; and whereas, our city is nightly infested with a set of outlandish men, who, we believe, visit us for no good purpose, who do not appear to have any lawful business, but rather as we believe, are endeavoring to scatter amongst us, their bogus and counterfeits, prostitute the virtue of the place, deposite [deposit] stolen goods, or steal from us, and by every means in their power, sow the seeds of discord, strife, confusion, mobocracy, and murder, that in the end, they may uproot our beautiful city; and whereas, that in some instances, when the ministers of justice, have visited our city, at the dark hour of midnight, for the purpose of making legal arrests, as they say; we believe what is reported to us, that they have employed runners to steal the saddles and bridles from their own horses, while in our city, for the purpose of damning us in the eyes of the community.
And whereas the Chief Magistrate of this State, after a second and protracted visit to this city, and much pains taken to investigate the charge of promiscuous stealing, reports to the Legislature as follows:
"Justice, however, requires me here to say, that I have investigated the charge of promiscuous stealing, and find it to be greatly exaggerated. I could not ascertain that there were a greater proportion of thieves in that community, than in any other of the same number of inhabitants; and perhaps if the city of Nauvoo, were compared with St. Louis, or any other western city, the proportions would not be so great."
And, whereas, The printing office of our open and avowed enemy, Dr. Foster, was set on fire, in this city by himself, or by his instruction as we believe, to fan the flame of mobocracy, which fire was only prevented by our vigilant police.
And whereas, we firmly believe, that our enemies in this city, have several times attempted to fire their own buildings and have only been prevented by the diligence of our officers.
Therefore, be it resolved, unanimously, That we will use all lawful means in our power to assist the public to prevent stealing and bogus making, and bring the offenders to justice.
Resolved, that to prevent further depredations in our city, by lawless desperadoes from abroad, we approve the raising of 500 Police by this city.
Resolved, unanimously, That we invite all honest men to watch closely their property, and arrest all thieves; and if they hall catch a thief in the act of stealing, challenge him to stand, ands if he refuses so to do, and flees, so far as the Mormons are concerned, we will be satisfied if the owners of the property shall speedily send after him a writ of Habeas Corpus sealed with lead to arrest his progress, but after all, should the thief prove to be a mobocrat, alas! alas!! O what a pity!
Resolved, unanimously, That 50 delegates be sent to the surrounding country to inform the people of the designs of our enemies now concocting in their secret and public meetings, so that the honest part of the community, may unite with us to prevent stealing and secure peace.
Resolved, That these proceedings be published in the papers at Nauvoo, with a request that other papers copy them.
DANIEL SPENCER, Ch'n.
JAMES SLOAN, Sec'y
TO THE PUBLIC.
Nauvoo, Jan. 17, 1845.
As much has been said concerning stealing and secreting property in this city, for the purpose of giving an impression abroad that Nauvoo was a grand Depot for concealing stolen property, and that the Mormon community was concerned in it,-I will state, that so far as my knowledge extends, concerning the matter, I have ascertained that stolen property has been brought by way of Nauvoo, from the country, and then crossed over the Mississippi river to Iowa, and back into the Territory some ten or twelve miles; where the thieves have some friends to conceal stolen property.
There seems to be a connection of these friends thirty of forty miles back into the country on this side of the river, who, with five or six in this city, seem to have a line for running stolen property through Nauvoo to the Territory of Iowa; and I have good reason to believe that those in the country on this side of the river, those in the city, and those in the Territory, are one clan, but they are not Mormons; nor have the Mormons any fellowship with them.
I have taken pains to go with a person from
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the country, with a writ, and have searched every house suspected, till the person was satisfied, and till I was satisfied myself that no such property, as claimed, was in the city.
I have good reason to believe that scoundrels stay in Nauvoo, and when stolen property comes into the city, they are ready to pass it on to the Territory, and screen themselves under the cloak of Mormonism, in order that the Mormons may bear the blame. If people will satisfy themselves as I have done, they may find a "Depot" in the regions of Iowa, containing the greater part of the property charged to the Mormons.
I would state further, that the Mormons had no agency in the searches I made, but that I made them, at the instance of men from the country, and that I spent three days in the Territory of Iowa, searching in to the facts and matters, and my statements are made up from personal observation.
JOSEPH A. KELTING,
Dep. Sheriff of Hancock Co.
TIMES AND SEASONS.
CITY OF NAUVOO.
JANUARY 15, 1845.
VOLUME VI.
This number commences volume sixth, and as the Lord has seen fit in his infinite wisdom to bless our labors thus far, we pray, and we earnestly solicit the saints to pray, that the same blessings, and success may crown our labors throughout the current year. From six members, we have almost miraculously grown to a kingdom of Latter-Day saints. In the midst of persecution, false brethren, perils and death, we have kept the faith delivered to us; and, notwithstanding, after we had built an house to the most high, and were compelled to abandon the enjoyment of it, and now gone on to build another in Nauvoo, (which we hope and pray may be ready for the service of God, in the course of this year, or early in the next;) and notwithstanding wicked men have martyred our Prophet and Patriarch; and notwithstanding some of our numbers have turned away, and left the gathering and the 'patterns' yet we are determined to press on towards the mark of the prize of our high calling, knowing that united we prosper, divided they perish!
We make no special promises in the Times and Seasons, because we mean it shall be its own witness of its utility among the saints.-We have the revelations, we have the principal authorities, and we have some experience, all of which combined, will enable us to publish sound doctrine, correct principles, and what is more valuable than diamonds,-'truth.' With this intention and a heart beating constant for eternal life, we expect the patronage and confidence of such as wish to be saved, if not the good will of all honest men.
ANOTHER MORMON EXPOSE.
"Mormonism.-The Springfield (Ill.) correspondent of the St. Louis Republican says: 'It is mentioned here that Wood, who acted as one of Joe Smith' counsel at the time of his death, is endeavoring to prevail on the "prophets" wife to make a full exposure of Mormonism, and to allow him to publish it, and that she has about consented so to do."
(->) We clipt [clipped] the above out of the "Washington Globe," and are not surprised to find it there; but we must admit that the desire of many people to swallow 'expositions of Mormonism' greatly exceeds the virtue and honesty of the age.
If Wood had wit enough to prevail upon the prophet's wife, what has she to expose? Booth, Howe, the Spalding story, old Brother Himes of Boston, Sunderland of Zion's Watchman, Dr. Bennett with great pomp, the Laws, Sidney Rigdon, Esq. and perhaps, an hundred others, have exposed Mormonism to an iota; and yet the Globe chimes in with a malevolent sacerdotal, phalanx to re-expose Mormonism!-or at least, the prophet's wife, has ABOUT consented so to do, and allow Wood to publish it! "When the sky falls we shall catch larks."
Wonder if these men mean to gull this generation with a continual exposure of Mormonism, and yet it will not stay exposed! Have the community of discerning men lost their reason? or do the blind lead the blind? Exposure has followed exposure, in quick succession, and now we are gravely informed that a little "blurred brief" from Blackstone, endeavoring to make a full exposure, through the prophet's wife!
Suppose we say a word concerning the "prophet's wife," Mrs. Emma Smith; she honored her husband while living, and she will never knowingly dishonor his good name while his martyred blood mingles with mother earth! Mrs. Smith is an honorable woman, and if we are not deceived, is as far from the corrupt insinuations in this ninety-ninth expose of Mormonism, as a fixed star is from a gambler's lamp at midnight. The very idea that so valuable and beloved a lady, could be coaxed into a fame of disgrace like the above, is as cruel and bloody as the assassination of her husband
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at Carthage. There is no honor or shame in this generation; or, after they had murdered an affectionate husband, and left his wife and a large family of small children to mourn his loss, and struggle against the woes of life, they would give the family a chance to drink once without the wormwood and gall!
The fact is the story must have been put in circulation to injure the Latter-day Saints; and as Mrs. Smith was one of them to destroy, or murder her reputation, and create division in the church; but let us say once for all-Mormonism exists by unity; and as to its "exposure-Ten thousands elders are constantly exposing it to the understanding of the world, in America, Europe, Asia, the Islands of the sea, and peradventure to the spirits in prison, while Jehovah, as he hath ever done, gives line upon line, precept upon precept; here a little and there a little: and Wood may try to prevail; correspondents such as that black-hearted villian [villain], Davis of Alton, may write to the St. Louis Republican, and the Globe, with al the rancid race, that now preys upon the morality of the community and government; may spread such falsehoods like the pestilence that walks in darkness-and Mormonism will go from heart to heart; from place to place; from state to state; from nation to nation; from land to land; from continent to continent, till Israel is saved, and Babylon shall have sunk, like a millstone cast into the sea. Praise God.
If Mormonism copes with thousands in his youth; what may be expected in manhood?-The glory of God covered the heavens, and the earth was full of his praise, saith the prophet. Then, about then, mean men and liars, will receive their reward, and the saints theirs: for God will reward every man according to his works.
The glory of America has departed;-the virtue of freemen has been corrupted; ands the good name of liberty has been filched from the "asylum of the oppressed" by wicked men in high places. How has the gold become dim!-Where has truth hid? and why are twenty millions of people at ease, while the Lord of the Philistines are gambling for the ark of the covenant? Remember Egypt; remember the days of old; remember dagon must fall; and remember when you slander the saints, there is a God in Israel, who will come forth out of his hiding place like a thief, and then wo to the world because of iniquity.
MORMONISM IN LONDON,
During the last week placards were distributed extensively throughout the metropolis, announcing that Elder G. H. Davis, from America, a particular friend of the notorious Joe Smith, the Mormon prophet, who are readers will remember was killed in the progress of the late riots in America, would preach a funeral service on the prophet's death, at the Assembly-rooms, Theobald's road, on the last evening (Sunday,) at half-past six o'clock. At the appointed time, however, strange as the fact may appear, the room was crowded in every part, principally by respectably attired persons, the majority being females. The person announced to be elder was seated on a platform at the end of the room, with a small table before him; on it being some books, pewter plates &c. He remained for some time with his face covered by his hands, and at intervals appeared as if engaged in devotion. Much curiosity appeared to be excited regarding the companion of the departed prophet. The individual, who is apparently about 40 years of age, was attired in deep black. The proceedings were opened by a person coming forward and calling on the meeting to repeat some hymns, which were taken from a book marked as the Latter day Saints' Book, and which contained a great variety of such description of prayer. This part of the service was somewhat of a warlike nature, relating particularly to revenge for Him whose blood had been shed. The singing having concluded, the assembly joined in prayer; after which, Elder Davis, who had hitherto remained silent, rose, and having, however, stood in a very solemn manner for a few moments, as if inspired, commenced his discourse. He began by expressing a wish to God that he might be enabled to do justice to the subject. He said that his text, on which rested the principles of true religion, was "The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy."
The address occupied a considerable time, and the apparent correctness with which it was delivered was lot less astonishing than the large faith of those who listened.
Elder Davis announced that he had been the intimate friend of that great and good man Joseph Smith, who had been martyred for the sake of God and the religion he had inculcated. He contended that religion could not exist without prophecy, and cited several texts of Scripture, which he considered formed a phalanx of truth impenetrable in support of his opinions. The subject of the present existence of prophecy having terminated, a history, both spiritual and temporal, was given of Joe Smith, or rather, as Elder Davis denominated him, Brother Smith. He was 39 years of age, when killed, stood six feet in height and weighed 212 lbs. Was the son of a farmer, and followed for some
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years the occupation of his parents. To him no education had been imparted, aud [and] he could scarcely write his name, until the Lord fixed on him as the instrument by which his holy church was to be restored. He in a moment became a great and powerful man, the Lord revealed facts to him for the redemption of the world.-He accordingly, as a prophet went forth to speak the truth; but like all true propagators of the truth, was subjected to all kinds of persecution, which continued to follow him to the day of his martyrdom. The followers of the prophet, at first, added Mr. Davis, numbered but six, but they had increased to hundreds of thousands, and they were increasing in all parts of the world; for Brother Smith had foretold-and, like the ancient prophets, all his prophecies would be fulfilled-that the world would yet be filled with the truth.
Elder Davis, at some length, eulogised [eulogized] the departed prophet, adding that in spite of all persecution, he would toil for the redemption of the world. Already were there thousands of their number in England and Scotland, and there were also some in Ireland. The Elder concluded by asking a blessing for the followers of the prophet.-London Morn. Adv.
(->) Truly liberal. If all the world would "do likewise," there would soon be a reformation among men, sweet as the odors from a field of Arabian spices, and pleasant as the serenity of an unclouded morning in summer.
From the N. Y. Prophet.
REGULATIONS FOR THE PUBLISHING DEPARTMENT OF THE LATTER-DAY SAINTS IN THE EAST.
Dear Brethren:-Are you not all aware that very many, if not all, of our men, women and children are turning authors, ands publishing works purporting to be illustrative of the doctrine of the saints. Some of them are badly written,, and some of them are mixed with error, and very many of them which are true and useful are borrowed, impart or in full, from our standard works which are already extant, and therefore, these new vamped pieces or tracts are not particularly needed; besides, there is another consideration-vast sums are expended by men who have but little experience in publishing, and perhaps pay double for the paper and printing, and all this into the hands of those who feel no interest in our cause.
In this way thousands of dollars are drawn from the saints and from the elders, while the temple cause is neglected. All these things are out of order and must come to an end; or else those men who have experience, and whose business it is to write and publish the truth; will have to cease and have no more do with publishing, for they, and the others to, cannot find support in the business so as to make the works pay for themselves.
We have now three departments, duly appointed by the presidency of the church, viz: the Nauvoo office, under the management of Mr. J. Taylor, the English department, under Brother W. Woodruff, and the New York publishing department, now committed to my charge.
These three great emporiums of light, truth, and news, are quite sufficient until the work enlarges and other similar establishments are appointed by the Twelve.
The church, therefore, is hereby instructed not to patronize, purchase, or support any publication pertaining to our cause, except they emanate from one of these offices, and under the sanction aud [and] authority to those who are appointed to manage this matter.
Let the books, tracts, periodicals, pamphlets, &c. of Mr. B. Winchester and others no longer be patronized by the saints. Let the 'Times and Seasons,' 'Neighbor,' 'Millennial Star,' and 'Prophet' be well supported, together with the standard Hymn Book, Book of Mormon, and such other works as are, or may be, published by authority as approved standards; and this will be all the church is able to do at present. Considering the tithings for the temple, and the duties of charity and hospitality which are required of them.
The public are also cautioned that no works will be considered as a standard by the saints concerning their principles except they are published by the authorities above named.
P. P. PRATT.
New York, Jan 1st. 1845.
(->) We shall second the "regulations" of Elder Pratt: there is nothing like order in the kingdom of God.
BEWARE OF IMPOSTORS.
Daniel Botsford and Nancy his wife, who left Nauvoo about June last, are by the High Council expelled from the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, at Nauvoo, on complaint of their improper and erroneous efforts and course of doings to unlawfully obtain a sustenance from certain kind and hospitable members of said church, in some of the eastern branches, together with reporting certain slanderous tales respecting the leaders and church at Nauvoo.
CALVIN C. PENDLETON, Clerk.
Nauvoo, Dec. 28, 1844
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AN EPISTLE OF THE TWELVE, TO THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER DAY SAINTS IN THE WORLD. GREETING:
BELOVED BRETHREN:-
As the purpose of God roll forth and the work of the Lord hastens to its accomplishment, it is necessary that we, as watchmen upon the towers of Zion, communicate with you from time to time, and put you in possession of such information as may be deemed necessary for your welfare, for the furtherance of the cause of God, and for the fulfilling of those great purposes which our heavenly father has designed in the rolling forth of the dispensation of the fulness [fullness] of times, 'spoken of by all the prophets since the world was.'
The Temple has progressed very rapidly since the death of our beloved Prophet and Patriarch. The diligence of those employed, and the willingness of the saints to contribute, have brought it to a state of forwardness, which has far exceeded our most sanguine expectation. You have already been informed that the capitols of the columns were all on; we have now to announce to you that by the time the spring opens we expect that every stone will be cut to complete the Temple, and it will not take long to lay them when they are all prepared.
Great numbers of carpenters, masons, and other workmen are daily engaged in this arduous undertaking, so that not only is stone being prepared, but the sash, flooring, seats, and other things are progressing rapidly; and it is our design, if possible, so to rush the work forward that the building will be enclosed, and certain portions of it in that state of forwardness, so that we shall be prepaired [prepared] to commence giving the saints their endowments next fall; that the elders of Israel may be prepared by the power and spirit of the great Jehovah, to fulfill with dignity and honor, the great work devolving upon them to perform.
We wish to inform you brethren that the work in which we are engaged is great and mighty, it is the work of God and we have to rush it forth against the combined powers of earth and hell, we feel it to be an arduous undertaking whilst you, many of you have been enjoying ease, prosperity, and peace at home, we have had to combat mobs and to wade through blood to fulfill ;the work devolving upon us, and you: we have been exerting our energies, expended our money; and employing our time, our labor, our influence and means for the accomplishment of this purpose; and feeling confident dear Brethren, that you would like to share with us the labor, as well as the glory, we make the following requests:
We wish all the young, middle aged, and able bodied men who have it in their hearts to stretch forth this work with power, to come to Nauvoo, prepared to stay during the summer; and to bring with them means to sustain themselves with, and to enable us to forward this work to bring with them teams, cattle, sheep, gold, silver, brass, iron, oil, paints and tools; and let those who are within market distance of Nauvoo bring with them provisions to sustain themselves and others during their stay. And let all the church send all the money, cloth, and clothing, together with the raw matereal [material] for manufacturing purposes; such as cotton, cotton yarn, wool, steel, iron, brass &C., &c., as we are preparing to go into extensive manufacturing operations, and all these things can be applied to the furtherance of the Temple.
There was a font erected in the basement story of the Temple, for the baptism of the dead, the healing of the sick and other purposes; this font was made of wood, and was only intended for the present use; but it is now removed, and as soon as the stone cutters get through with the cutting of the stone for the walls of the Temple, they will immediately proceed to cut the stone for and erect a font of hewn stone. This font will be of an ovel [oval] form and twelve feet in length and eight wide, with stone steps and an iron railing; this font will stand upon twelve oxen, which will be cast of iron or brass, or perhaps hewn stone, if of brass, polished; if of iron, bronzed:-upon each side of the font there will be a suit of rooms fitted up for the washings. In the recesses, on each side of the arch, on the first story, there will be a suit of rooms or ante-chambers, lighted with the first row of circular windows. As soon as a suitable number of those rooms are completed we shall commence the endowment.
Brethren, inasmuch ad you have long desired blessings, come up to the help of the Lord, and help to forward the work that we are engaged in; for we trust that these rooms will be finished by the first of December next, so that you may enter therein and receive wisdom, knowledge, understanding, and the power of the priesthood, which you have so long desired; that you may be prepared to go forth to the nations of the earth and build up the kingdom in all parts of the world; gather up Israel, redeem Zion; rebuild Jerusalem; ands fill the whole earth with the knowledge of God.
While upon this subject we would remind the brethren of their duty in tithing according to the laws, and commandments given through
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Joseph the Prophet, it is the duty of all saints to tithe themselves one tenth of all they posses when thy enter into the new and everlasting covenant; and then one tenth of their interest, or income, yearly afterwards. If the brethren will attend to this strictly, and send up the sum by agents appointed by us, whose names you will see in this paper, then we shall hold ourselves responsible for all monies [moneys] and properties delivered to those agents that the names of the several individuals who send their tithing by the legal agents may be entered upon the book of the law of the Lord; if this is not attended to strictly by the branches of the church abroad, they may be disappointed when they find that they have sent their means by unauthorised [unauthorized] agents, who have not made returns to the Trustees, and their names are not recorded as they would have been if they had harkened to counsel. On the subject of regular appointed agencies we would refer you to an article written by the Trustees, Bishops Whitney and Miller, and published in the Times and Seasons of December.
We would further say to the brethren that if there should be any of the churches to whom these agents do not come, let them send their means by honest men whom they may select from among themselves, and in whom they can place confidence; but we cannot be responsible for the conduct of any agents that we do not send, and can only give credit for that we receive. And as the churches abroad have been much imposed upon by designing men, without authority, we would warn them against such persons, and advise them not to pay their funds to traveling elders and others without a written authority from us to which shall be attached the private seal of the Twelve and their names published as above stated. Those men that we shall select for agents will be men of honor, men of integrity and respectability, in whom we can confide, and who are responsible, and able, and willing to enter into bonds for the faithful performance of their duty. This course will prevent those many impositions which have heretofore been practiced by villians [villains] wearing the garb of saints, and place the churches in a situation that they can forward their tithings with safety.
There is now in the city eight of the Twelve all in good health and spirits; our city is progressing, and the work of the Lord is rolling forth with unprecedented rapidity.
Thus, dear brethren, we have given you, in part, some of the measures and calculations, which we mean to carry into effect for your salvation, and for the furtherance of the salvation of the world. We have commenced a new year, and, as the Lord says; "All victory and glory is brought to pass unto you through diligence, faithfulness and prayers of faith," so we cannot but hope, that you will renew your exertions, your prayers, and your tithings, for the benefit of Zion, that she may arise and shine, for the good of all people.
We cannot say every thing in one short epistle, therefore, from time to time, as the Lord puts into our hearts instructions, we shall give them unto you; solemnly praying that you will increase your faith, double your diligence, walk by light and obedience, and be instant in season, to do the will of our Father in heaven:-Beware of ungodly men, who creep among you unawares; they are clouds without water, driven about by winds, and will finally be blown into outer darkness.
Our counsel to the travelling [traveling] Elders abroad is for them to return to Nauvoo by the 6th of April, to Conference, or as soon as possible afterwards and before they leave, it will be necessary for them to ordain good and wise men to preside over the branches during their absence.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, a veneration for the names of the first martyrs, first elders, and first prophets of the nineteenth century inspire your hearts, to hear counsel, to keep counsel, to practice holiness, live the life of Saints, and "die the death of the righteous, that your last end may be like this."
Done in council, at Nauvoo, this 14th day of January 1845.
BRIGHAM YOUNG, Pres't.
WILLARD RICHARDS, Clerk.
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN.
This may certify that William Snow, Lorenzo Snow, Benjamin Brown , Franklin D. Richards, Edwin D. Wooley, Elisha H. Groves, Willard Snow, Alvah L. Tippets, Elijah Fordham, Jonathan H. Hale, Erastus Snow, Winslow Farr, David Pettigrew, Charles C. Rich, William Perkins, Andrew H. Perkins, David Evans, Alexander Williams, William Gheen [Green?], Aaron Johnson, Stephen Markham, Evan M. Green, Jonathan Dunham, John Pack, William Hyde, Jacob Foutz, William Moss, Martin H. Peck, James Newberry, Jonathan C. Wright, Noah Packard, Joseph W. Johnson, Jacob G. Bigler, Dominicus Carter, Edmund Fisher, Lorenzo Young, Stephen Litz, Henry G. Sherwood, Elam Luddington, David H. Redfield, Ezra T. Benson, Jesse D. Hunter, Ormus E. Bates, Thos. Pearson, Pelatiah Brown, and Jedediah M. Grant, have been appointed by the proper authorities of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, agents to collect donations and tithings for the Temple in the city of Nauvoo, and for other
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purposes; and have complied with all necessary requirements by entering into bonds to our entire satisfaction. We hope they will be received as such by all people wherever they may travel.
We hope also that the brethren will have confidence in them, inasmuch as we hold ourselves responsible to credit on the Book of the Law of the Lord, for all donations put into their hands, to the names of the donors, on their tithing.
Inasmuch as this is a very good opportunity, and inasmuch as we feel very anxious that all should double their exertions in order to finish the building of the Temple the next season, that the saints may receive their endowment; we hope the saints universally will embrace the opportunity, and donate liberally, that they may the more speedily receive their reward, for great things depend on our finishing the building of the Temple with speed.
In trading for farms, or exchanging for farms here, we would caution the brethren against doing any business with any other persons than our regularly authorised [authorized] agents, as all kinds of fraud has been practised [practiced] upon the brethren abroad by swindlers professing to be Latter-Day Saints, as great friends to the saints, and to be acting for the church. By taking this course the brethren will be sure that their business will be done correct, and they will be saved from those many impositions which are daily being practiced upon the unwary.
We have the honor to be your humble servants and brethren in the faith of Christ,
N. K. WHITNEY,
GEO. MILLER,
Trustees in trust for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
EXCHANGE FARMS.
We are informed that many of the Latter-day Saints, in Iowa in several counties in this state, in Indiana, in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Michigan, and other places, have farms that they wish to exchange for property, or farms in the vicinity of Nauvoo, or in Hancock county. This is all right, and now is the time to do it. Send on the description of your property, and what you want in exchange, and bargains can be made. Have your farms advertised in t he Nauvoo Neighbor, and your business can be transacted through the medium of the regularly appointed agents of the church, that go out from Nauvoo to all parts of the United States. The present is certainly a fair opportunity to exchange farms, and we hope the saints will improve it.
CONFERENCE MINUTES.
Minutes of a special Conference of the Cincinnati branch of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held on the 8th day of December, 1844.
There were present; one high priest, two seventies, one elder and one teacher.
Elder J. W. Crippin was called to the chair, and Elder Thomas Derby appointed Clerk.
Conference was opened at 11 o'clock A. M. A hymn was sung, and the President addressed the throne of grace. After which a short discourse was delivered by the President on the necessity of union in order to carry forth the work of the Lord in this part of his vineyard. He went on to show the bad effects of disunion and the good effects of union by referring to sacred and profane history, for examples that disunion had been the cause of all divisions which had ever taken place, both in the political and religious world. And that great things had been accomplished by unity of effort: as an example he referred to our forefathers in their struggle for liberty.
The President then stated the object of the Conference which was to ascertain how the saints stood in regard to the expulsion of Elder Rigdon, as some of the members of the branch had manifested a disposition in favor of Elder Rigdon as president of the church, in opposition to the Twelve, thereby causing contention and disunion in the branch.
He stated also, that those who were in favor of the present organization under the Twelve could not fellowship those who opposed them. And also that it was necessary that the minds of the saints should be had, in order to produce a union, establish order, and stop controversy in our prayer meetings.
The President then called on each member present to state his mind concerning this matter, and they were all in favor of the Twelve being the leaders of this last kingdom, until the great God in his infinite wisdom shall see fit to do otherwise.
We now proceed to state the resolutions that was drawn up by a council of elders, Crippin, Derby, Pugh, Merryweather, and a high priest from Nauvoo, on the third of December, 1844; and passed almost unanimously be the branch in conference, on the 8th: viz:
Resolved, that we will not permit any one to preach in this branch, who is not decidedly and unequivocatingly in favor of the present organization, under the Twelve.
Resolved, that we will carry out the measures of our martyred brethren Joseph and Hyrum,
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in subjection to the counsel of higher authorities.
Resolved, that all those who absent themselves from our sacrament meetings, we consider weak in the faith.
Conference adjourned until December, 15th.
Conference met pursuant to adjournment, and opened with singing and prayer by Elder Thomas Derby. The President then stated the object of the conference for the benefit of those that were not present at the previous meeting. We then ascertained the minds of the residue of the members, which terminated in favor of the Twelve.
The conference then dropped sister Rebeca Ann Wire, according to her own request as she could not believe in the Twelve.
Conference then adjourned.
J. W. CRIPPEN, Pres't.
Thomas Derby, Clerk.
TO THE LADIES AND GENTLEMEN OF ST. LOUIS.
RESPECTED FRIENDS:-
Your attention is herewith invited to the building of the TEMPLE OF GOD, in the city of Nauvoo, Illinois. That noble edifice is now in a forward state of erection, and its walls, thus far, have been reared in 'troublesome times,' and ere the altar was completed, the life-blood of victims, the first-born of our race, was shed by the priests of Baal, who thought to do God a service.
Hitherto have we had to labor upon the building with one hand, and wield the sword with the other, to parry the thrusts of mobocrats, and keep marauders at bay. Our wealth was not great in the beginning, and we have had a defensive war to maintain ever since the foundation stone was laid. It is true that our first elders are fallen in the contest, and while their blood cries from the floor of Carthage jail into the ears of the Lord of Sabbaoth, and throws the crimson blush of guilt upon the plighted faith of the State, to perpetuate the memory of the disgraceful and murderous deed, we wish the top-stone of our Temple to be brought for h to celebrate the worship of Almighty God, and to perpetuate the memory of those noble martyrs, who voluntarily laid down their lives for their brethren.
Though these obstacle have been thrown in our way, our purpose is not changed, neither is our zeal abated. But after having fallen among thieves-been beaten and bruised-neglected by the Levite, and spurned at by the priest, we would ask if there are not good Samaritans in St. Louis that will pour in a little of the mammon of unrighteousness to aid us in completing our house of worship?
Should any be inclined to put forth a helping hand, the bearer of this, Mr.--who is duly authorized, will take your name, and the amount you donate for the above purpose, in his memorandum, which will be transcribed upon a large book designed to be kept in the archives of the Temple, and to be accessible to all, that when curiosity or other cause may lead any one to examine that has donated, he will find his name there recorded, together with the sum that he has given.
Done in conformity with the wishes of the Temple Committee in the city of Nauvoo.
JAMES RILEY.
Presiding Elder of the Latter-Day Saints in St. Louis.
MAHOMETANISM.
That our Elders and readers may understand a little about Turkish religion, we extract the following sketch from the 'Universal Traveller [Traveler]."
'The religion of European Turkey is the Mahometan, Christian, and Jewish. The Christian embraces the Armenian, Catholic, and Greek churches. Mahometanism, however, is the prevailing faith, and its professors, acting upon the principle of exclusion inculcated in the Koran, regard with disdain and aversion, all who adopt a different faith.
The Koran is the bible of the Mahometans. It was the work, as our readers will know, of Mahomet, the founder of this religion, who was born in Mecca, A. D. 569. In his youth he was a travelling [traveling] merchant. His fortunes and influence were established by his marriage of a rich widow by the name of Cadjah, in whose service he had been employed. At the age of forty, he began to promulgate his religion which, partaking somewhat of Judaism and Christianity, has been called a 'Christian heresy.' In successive years, he published portions of the Koran, as suited his convenience, accommodating his revelations to exigences [exigencies] as they occurred. At first, his success was small, his converts few; but at length he gathered strength, made himself master of Arabia, and now for more than twelve hundred years, Mahometanism has prevailed to a great extent in Asia, and also in Africa. Turkey in Europe is one of its strongholds.
The Koran inculcates the belief of six articles or commandments.
1st. The belief in one only God.
2d. The belief in Mahomet's apostolical [apostolic] character.
3d. The observance of the Ramazan Fast.
4th. The practice of the five prayers and ablutions.
5th. The application of two and a half percent, of property to the poor.
6th. The performance of the pilgrimage to Mecca.
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POETRY.
For the Times and Seasons.
A VOICE FROM THE PROPHET.
"COME TO ME.'
BY W. W. PHELPS, ESQ.
-TUNE-"Indian Hunter."-
Come to me, will ye come to the saints that have died- Come to me, here are Adam and Eve at the head
To the next better world, where the righteous reside; Of a multitude, quicken'd and rais'd from the dead:
Where the angels and spirits in harmony be Here's the knowledge that was, or that is, or will be-
In the joys of a vast Paradise? Come to me. In the gen'ral assembly of worlds: Come to me
Come to me where the truth and the virtues prevails; Come to me, here's the myst'ry that man hath not seen;
Where the union is one, and the years never fail; Here's our Father in heaven, and Mother, the Queen,
Where a heart can't conceive, nor a nat'ral eye see, Here are worlds that have been, and the worlds yet to be;
What the lord has prepar'd for the just: Come to me. Her Here's eternity,-endless;l amen: Come to me.
Come to me where there is no destruction or war; Come to me all ye faithful and blest of Nauvoo:
Neither tyrants, or mobbers, or nations ajar; Come ye Twelve, and ye High Priests, and Seventies, too;
Where the system is perfect, and happiness free, Come ye Elders, and all of the great company;-
And the life is eternal with God: Come to me. When you've finish'd your work on the earth: Come to me.
Come to me, will ye come to the mansions above, Come to me; here's the future, the present and past:
Where the bliss and the knowledge, the light, and the love, Here is Alpha, Omega, the first and the last;
And the Glory of God, do eternally be? Here's the fountain, the "river of life," and the Tree:
Death, the wages of sin, is not here: Come to me. Here's your Prophet & SEER JOSEPH SMITH: Come to me.
THE MAID OF JUDAH.
Again shall the children of Judah sing, O where are the sons of thine ancient race,
The lay of a happier time, Who the bow and the javelin did bear;
And strike the harp with the golden string, Fallen is that city, whose wreck I now trace,
'Neath the sun of an eastern clime; Though it once was so lovely and fair.
This was the lady of a Jewish maid, The green grass grows o'er that fertile spot,
Though not in her own father's bower; Where once grew the loveliest of flowers;
So sweetly she sung, as in sadness she stray'd, Land of my kindred thou'lt ne'er forgot,
O'er the ruins of Babylons towers. Whilst the ruins remain of thy towers,
Again shall the children &c. Again shall the children &c.
The Times and Seasons, is Printed and Published about the first and fifteenth of every month, on the corner of Water and Bain Streets, Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, by JOHN TAYLOR, EDITOR AND PROPRIETOR.
TERMS.-Two DOLLARS per annum, payable in all cases in advance. Any person procuring five new subscribers, and forwarding us Ten Dollars current money, shall receive one volume gratis. All letters must be addressed to John Taylor, editor, POSTPAID, or they will not receive attention.
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