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Vol. 2 No. 16] City of Nauvoo, Ill. June 15th, 1841. [Whole No. 28.
Times and Seasons.
City of Nauvoo,
Tuesday, June 15th, 1841.
To The Saints
There being many saint from this land, and also from Europe making preparations to leave the home of their fathers, to seek a location with the saints of God in this place. Before they start upon such an important journey we would ask, what are the motives, that induce you to do so? Have you counted the cost, and endeavored to arrive at just conclusions on the subject? If worldly advantage, wealth, and influence be the motives that propel you forward, and cause you to break the ties which bind you to your friends and neighbors, and locaate [locate] yourselves with the saints, we are very certain that you will be disappointed. If, it is because you are convinced that it is a duty required of you by your Heavenly Father, and because you delight in the society of the saints, and prefer the prosperity of Zion to your chief joy, and are willing to suffer affliction with the people of God, then we can hail you with pleasure and delight.
The happiness and enjoyments of the saints, greatly depend upon the motives which predominate in their minds, when they remove here. We have seen so many, who have been disappointed, and discouraged when they have visited this place, that we would have imagined they had never been instructed in the things pertaining to the kingdom of God, and thought, that instead of coming into a society of men and women subject to all the frailties of mortality, they were about to enjoy the society of the spirits of just men made perfect, the holy angels, and that this place should be as pure as the third heavens. Here, they expected no jarring string, but uninterrupted harmony; no discord and confusion, but all order and beauty, no sickness or death, bnt [but] eternal youth beaming on every countenance. But when they found that this people were but flesh and blood, subject to like passions with themselves, many in poverty and in distress, then their hearts have sunk within them, their confidence has departed, their courage has forsook them, their religion followed in the train, and they have reflected on themselves for ever taking the first step towards the place; and like the children of Israel, at the time when the ten spies returned from the land of Canaan, they have been desirous to choose them a captain to lead them back. We cannot imagine, how such wonderful ideas ever should take possession or be entertained by any one conversant with the bible. How can it be otherwise, but that, in a society like this, composed of people from every state, and different nations of the earth, with their peculiar views, and prejudices of education, there will be some differences of sentiment, manners and customs, and it will be some time before the whole can be harmonized, be one in heart, and in purpose, and become the Zion of the Lord.
Indeed, from the scriptures, it will be apparent that many false brethren, many hypocrites, will continue to gather with the saints, aud [and] will have a name and place among them until the harvest shall come; then the tares will be consumed, and the wheat gathered into the garner. The parable of the Kingdom of Heaven being likened to a net cast into the sea which enclosed fish of every kind, is so plain, "that a wayfaring man, though a fool need not err therein." Yet, notwithstanding the plainness of the scripture on this subject, the brethren are astonished, perplexed, and disappointed if all the brethren do not answer the description of good fish, and the sight of a gar or cat fish, throws them into despair and anguish, and they feel no disposition to associate with such company.-We admit the fact, that there are some unworthy the characters of saints of the Most High, but there are others, and we presume an overwhelming majority, who are honorable and virtuous
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men, who have stood firm and unshaken in times of sorrow and distress; maintained their integrity in the face of tortures and death, and with whom it is a privilege for men or angels to associate with.
If the brethren, who feel themselves so much disappointed, would dig a little deeper than the surface, and could see the precious metal at the bottom of the furnace, they would probably feel more satisfied. While the metal is in the furnace, it sinks to the bottom, but the refuse rises to the top, and presents no very pleasing appearance; and a stranger upon a cursory examination might say; there is no gold there, See! it is all dross.
The brethren forget, that this is a state of trial, and the Almighty has designed to bring us together, to refine and purify his saints; consequently we are not perfect, but only, in a situation where we can become perfected; and while through the fiery ordeal, every evil passion, every thing false, vain and wicked immediately presents itself to the view of our brethren, and to the world but the gold remains concealed. Be not too hasty in your conclusions; but remember that while in this state of being, we are all subject to temptation, the enemy has great power, but by and by the saint shall overcome, and shall shine forth in the kingdom of their father.
In conclusion, we would press upon our friends who may feel disappointed in not finding the saints angels, to first cast the beam out of their own eye, and then they will see clearly to pluck the mote out of their brother's eye.
American Antiquities-More Proofs of the Book of Mormon.
We feel great pleasure in laying before our readers the following interesting account of the Antiquities of Central America, which have been discovered by two eminent travellers [travelers] who have spent considerable labor, to bring to light the remains of ancient buildings, architecture &c., which prove beyond controversy that, on this vast continent, once flourished a mighty people, skilled in the arts and sciences, and whose splendor would not be eclipsed by any of the nations of Antiquity-a people once high and exalted in the scale of intelligence, but now like their ancient buildings, fallen into ruins.
From the (New York) Weekly Herald,
Since the Introductory address of Mr. Stephens, which was noticed in the herald last week, Mr., Catherwood has completed his course of two lectures, on the Antiquities which he has visited in the ruined cities of Central America. Mr. Catherwood and Mr. Stephens left New York in the month of October, 1839, to examine these memorials of a people lost, and landed at Balize, in the Bay of Yucatan, or Honduras, the English Settlement, so remarkable for its produce of mahogany. From thence the travellers [travelers] proceeded through the interior of the country, into the State of Honduras, one of the States of Central America, and to Copan, where a mass of antiquities was found. This city was situated on the banks of the river Copan, and its ruins consist of massive stone walls, enclosing a considerable space, statutes, columns carved to a resemblance of human figures, alters, with base reliefs, and pyramids.
The statutes here were of very rich carved work; some of them were the idols or divinities of the ancient inhabitants; and not a few were decorated with ear rings, bracelets, and complicated head dresses, the backs and side being ornamented with festoons and hieroglyphic characters. The lecture, descriptive of these ruins, was illustrated by a plan of the city of Copan, called by the natives Las Ventana, or The Windows, from the appearance of a part of the wall overlooking the river. Several large drawings, representing the carved objects, were also exhibited.
The second lecture commenced with descriptions and illustrations of the ruins of Santa Cruiz del Quiche, once one of the most important cities of Central America, which the lecturer visited after leaving Copan.-This city, he said, had been of immence [immense] extent, but its houses had wholly disappeared, and nothing remains but a ruined Palace and Fortress. The fortress, which guarded the entrance to the Royal Palace, is still in a good state of preservation, and is unapproachable, except by a causeway from one point. The space of ground in front of the Palace has an area of a thousand square feet, and bounded by massive stone walls, on which are painted figures of various animals. In the centre [center] of the place rises a singular edifice, which is designated the Place of Sacrifice. Of this, the lecturer exhibited a drawing, a sketch of which was taken, during its exhibitions for the Herald, by an incomparable artist, and will appear in our columns hereafter.
This building was forty feet square at the base, and thirty feet high, with a flat, level, but now ruined space on the summit, of twelve feet square, where it is believed an idol was once placed, and human sacrifices were offered up by the the ancient inhabitants to their divinities. Access to the top is
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attainable only on one side, by a flight of steep steps, the remaining three sides being very precipitous. The whole structure is still distinguishable. In the distance are seen portions of the massive walls or battlements, of which the drawing gives a representation. From a Spanish Priest, with whom the lecturer met in his travels, he learned that a cave in this vicinity had been discovered, containing skulls of a size much larger than the natural head, with many relations to the conformation of the skull of the Indians who are found in that country, of whom en passant, it was remarked that many had embraced the Catholic faith, but had intermixed therewith some of their own heathenish rites. The lecturer also observed, that in that neighborhood the same language was used, as in Yucatan and Central America.
Leaving the City of Santa Cruiz del Quiche, the travellers [travelers] arrived, after several day's journey, at Guique tenango, which, like the former city, was found to be of considerable breadth. Here were found pyramids, which there was some reason to believe contained spacious chambers; but on attempting to dig through the side of one of them, stone and morter [mortar] alone were met with. In a small adjoining stone cave, or sepulchre [sepulcher], several Terra cotta vasses [vases] were discovered similar to those found in Italy, called the Etruscan vases. The sepulchre [sepulcher] was not sufficiently spacious to contain a body laid out at length but there were the remains of a skeleton which had evidently been doubled up. Other sepulchres [sepulchers] were opened, but no skulls were discovered by which a correct judgment could be formed of the people or the race by whom these places had been designed and occupied. For what uses these vases had been intended, the lecturer could not conjecture. He exhibited them to his audience, and there were still observable, painted ornaments inside, and outside, as a part of the vase, where manufactured representations of foilage [foliage] and the grape.
They next passed to Ocosingo with much difficulty, the native Indian tribes being exceedingly reluctant to visit these ruins, and without a guide the journey was almost hopeless. Chance, however, threw a guide in their way; and the journey was made on horseback through a dense forest, in which the lemon tree was very abundant. At Ocosingo, there are five spacious terraces, and a pyramidal structure, 50 feet in front, and 35 feet deep, with door ways ten feet wide.-Over these door ways are stucco ornaments, which reminded the travellers [travelers] of the winged globe found over Egyptian portals. These doors led to an ante-chamber, and opposite to them was another door, which was blocked up with rubbish, in which was a large quantity of wood, as hard as lignum vitae. This door way excited much interest. The Indians believed that beyond it was a cavern which, if an entrance would be effected, would lead the travelers to Palenque in three hours-a distance otherwise of 150 miles. The travellers [travelers] vigoursly [vigorously] engaged in the enterprise, and gained access through the doorway, but they found it was merely an entrance to an apartment ten feet square, ornamented with stucco and painted figures. The place, however, was so hot, and close, and offensive, that they could not long remain to examine its structure; but they remained long enough to ascertain that at the bottom was a bituminous substance, like the bitumen used by the Egyptians to embalm the bodies of their dead.
The great object of their research was Palenque, which is situated in the province of Chiapas, and is distant about a hundred miles from the Atlantic coast; it stands on the bank of a small river, and near a range of lofty hills. The ruins which the travellers [travelers] here visited, consisted of a group of six buildings, or edifices, and an aqueduct. The palace stands on a pyramidal base, 300 feet in front, 260 in breadth, and 60 feet high. The building of the palace itself, properly so called, is 228 feet in breadth, facing towards, the east, The front is divided into fourteen door ways, with fifteen on the eastern front, each pier being ornamented with one or more figures in stucco, beautifully sculptured and painted. A double corridor, nine feet wide, and twenty feet high, extends all round this building, and altogether, in admeasurement, it is 800 feet. The roofs are a sort of arch, which come nearly to a point, and are constructed of stones which overlap each other, the summit being covered with stones that are large and flat. They are built on the same principle as the Cyclopean structures, which are met with in Greece and Italy.
Passing into the structure, of which a ground plan was exhibited, there is found a court yard, 80 feet by 70, with descending steps, 30 feet wide, which are flanked by nine colossal figures in stone, each thirteen feet high and in good preservation. Opposite to them are similar figures; all the piers of this court were ornamented with painted stucco figures (of admirable consistency and nearly as hard as stone,) some consisting of groups, and some of single figures only.
Their bodies are painted of a red color, which appears, in that country, to have been the color universally used in painting bodies. This is the case also with Egyptian figures, the Egyptians always represented their own nation as red, Europeans as white, and Africans as black. Their Divinities were all represented of a red color. Of these sculptured piers there are many still remaining, the figures of which are surrounded by richly ornamented borders; they are about ten feet high, and six feet wide.
The second court is then seen, and like the principal court, is encumbered with trees, large stoues [stones], and rubbish. This court yard is eighty feet by thirty, and is ornamented with stone figures and hieroglyphics.-On the western side of the edifice several of the piers are in good preservation, with stucco ornaments. A tower is found in the interior of this structure 30 feet square and about 40 feet high, the two upper stories of which have fallen down; it has a smaller tower, however, inside, which may be ascended by a stone staircace. [staircase]. Near to this is a long narrow chamber, 70 feet in leugth [length], on one side of which is a richly sculptured tablet, suriounded [surrounded] with stuccoed verdure. Passing
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from this, by a flight of descending stairs, the travellers [travelers] came to three corridors, each 180 feet long. They extend the whole breadth of the building, and are very gloomy, requiring torch lights in their examination.
These corridors are not ornamented, but they contain several stone tables or beds about six or seven feet in length which were supposed to have been used as grateful and cool couches, when the inhabitants retired in the heat of the day. The Palace also contained a small private chapel or altar, which had probably only been used by the inmates of the Royal Family. The other rooms, which were numerous, generally displayed the remains of rich ornaments of Stucco, painted, the paintings in some instances being discovered to be five different subjects painted over each other. The travellers [travelers] slept in the outer corridor, where they were exposed to terrific storms of thunder, lightning, and rain, which also uniformly came on in the afternoons and nights.
Besides the Palace there were other structures, which are called "stone houses," and which the travellers [travelers] supposed to be temples. The first was situated on a pyramidal base of 110 feet on a slope, and the whole were covered with forest trees of a large size. This "stone house" was described with doors and six piers, and as measuring 76 feet in front, which is ornamented with hieroglyphics and stucco figures, representing a female holding a child in her arms. This house is situated 300 or 400 feet southwest of the palace, and so densly [densely] surrounded by forest trees, that it is not discernable [discernible] even a few feet distant, and without the aid of a guide the ruins would not be discovered, though lying at the travelers' feet. In the interior are found massive stone tablets, thirteen feet long, each tablet having 240 squares of hieroglyphics. Of the uses of this building no satisfactory conclusion can be arrived at; while the travellers [travelers] supposed it to be a temple, and the Indians called it the school, some Spanish priest has described it as a place of justice, and the tables of hieroglyphics as the tables of the law; and not the least interesting feature, in connection with these tablets, is , that the same hieroglyphics are used there, as were used at other distant places.-There are three other stone houses, very much of the same description, but instead of tablets of hieroglyphics, they contain tablets of sculptured figures. In one of these there is an altar, which bears a large stone tablet, representing two singular personages opposite to each other, making offerings to an object, represented on the tablet as supported by two figures with rows of hieroglyphics on each side. The two figures standing one on each side of this tablet, have the peculiar facial angle before described, with noses and eyes strongly marked, representing a race of people totally different from any now seen on this continent. The head dress of one is coarse and complicated, consisting of leaves and plants, interspersed with the beaks and eyes of birds, and also a tortoise. A leopard's skin is thrown over the shoulders, and the figure is represented with sandals and with ruffles round the wrists and ankles,-The other figure has a head dress compesed [composed] of a plume of feathers, in the midst of which a bird may be distinguished, and beneath, certain hieroglyphics which, unfortunately cannot at present be read.
A tablet, or small plaister [plaster] cast, which was a fac simile [facsimile] of one, of the tables of hieroglyphics, seen in these ruins, was exhibited by the lecturer to his audience,
Another of these houses was represented by a drawing of which we shall hereafter give an engraving. It has a double platform the first of which is 60 feet high. The steps were said to be from 8o0 to 90 in number, and the upper part of the building to be richly ornamented. Inside the building there are recesses which contain stone tablets of rich and beautiful workmanship. The principal ornaments is a cross, but it has no resemblance to the cross of the Christians.
While there the lecturer dug up a statue ten feet high, very much resembling in its general propotions [proportions] some the Egyptian statues.
It remained now only to describe the Aqueduct. This structure was by the side of the great palace: it was 200 feet in length, as far as could be explored, 12 feet high, and 6 feet wide; with a large body of water passing through it still. There were several other small buildings, which do not cover a large extent of ground. No other were heard of by these travellers [travelers] in that neighborhood, but so dense is the forest that it is impossible to penetrate many yards in any direction, for these ruins are literally imbedded in a forest of mahogany, and ceiba, and India rubber tree, with a great variety of other descriptions, no human inhabitant remaining to relieve the solitude. Of Uamal, which is situated in Yucatan,, a country, in breadth about 200 miles by 300 miles in length which is doubtless covered by the ruins of former magnificence, and the memorials of early civilization, he could say but a few words, as a full description would occupy more time than he could then command. The buildings are numerous-they are in a good state of preservation, but they are of a character distinguished from those at Palenque and Copan, not having either statues of bas reliefs. The fronts were, in some instances, 300 feet in length, and they were richly ornamented with sculptured stone, a specimen of which the lecturer exhibited, to give some idea of the workmanship, at a time when the use of iron was unknown. The lecturer supposed the chisels then in use to have been of copper, but that those people had some mode of hardening copper which is unknown to the present generation.
These travellers [travelers] visited eight ruined cities, situated at great distances apart, to which they had to travel by road of the worst possible description.
On Friday last eleven wagons passed through this place with families for the City of Nauvoo, Illinois, the Mormon city. More, we learned from one of them are to follow soon. They are all from Chester co. Pa.-Journal
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Extract from the Journal of Heber C. Kimball:
The battle of Crooked river-Death of D. W. Patten.
It will not be expected that I should recapitulate the circumstances which then transpired, which were of an extraordinary character, as numbers have written on the subject: suffice it to say, that the Saints suffered privations, hunger, abuse, cold, famine, and many of them death. Yes, the blood of the Saints has stained the soil of Missouri, for which the King of Kings and Lord of Hosts will recompense upon her, the punishment of her crimes.
From about the 6th of August, until the 1st of November, it was a continual scene of agitation, and alarm, both by night and by day. The enemies of righteousness were determined to overthrow the Saints, and regardless of all law, (which was trampled upon with impunity,) they made every preparation, and used every means in their power to accomplish their unhallowed designs.
The Saints, tenacious of their liberties, and sacred rights, resisted these unlawful designs, and with courage worthy of them, they guarded their families and their homes, from the aggressions of the mob, but not without the loss of several lives, among whom was my much esteemed and much lamented friend, Elder David W. Patten who fell a sacrifice to the fell spirit of persecution, and a martyr to the cause of truth. The circumstances of his death I will briefly relate.
It being ascertained that a mob had collected on Crooked river in the county of Caldwell, a company of sixty or seventy persons immediately volunteered from Far West to watch their movements and repel their attacks, and chose Elder Patten for their commander, they commenced their march about midnight, and came up to the mob very early next morning, and as soon as the brethren approached near to them, they were fired upon, when Capt. Patten received a shot, which proved fatal; the mob after firing, ran away. Several others of the brethren were wounded at the same time, some of whom afterwards died.
Immediately on receiving intelligence that Brother Patten was wounded, I hastened to see him. When I arrived he appeared to be in great pain, but still was glad to see me. He was conveyed about four miles, to the house of Brother Winchester. During his removal his sufferings were so excruciating, that he frequently desired us to lay him down that he might die. But being desirous to get him out of the reach of the mob, and among friends, we prevailed upon him to let us convey him there.
He lived about an hour after his arrival, and was perfectly sensible and collected until he breathed his last.-Although he had medical assistance, yet his wound was such, that there was no hope entertained of his recovery; this he was perfectly aware of. In this situation, while the shades of time were lowering, and eternity with all its realities were opening to his view, he bore a strong testimony to the truth of the work of the Lord, and the religion he had espoused.
The principles of the gospel which were so precious to him before, were honorably maintained in natures' final hour, and afforded him that support and consolation at the time of his departure, which deprived death of its sting and its horror. Speaking of those who had fallen from their steadfastness, he exclaimed, "O that they were in my situation; for I feel I have kept the faith, I have finished my course, henceforth there is laid up for me a crown which the Lord, the righteous Judge shall give to me," &c.
Speaking to his beloved partner, who was present and who attended him in his dying moments, he said, "whatever you do else, O, do not deny the faith!" He all the while expressed a great desire to depart. I spoke to him said, "Brother David, when you get home I want you to remember me." He immediately exclaimed "I will." At this time his sight was gone. We felt so very much attached to our beloved Brother, that we beseeched the Lord to spare his life and endeavored to exercise faith in the Lord for his recovery. Of this he was perfectly aware, and expressed a desire, that we should let him go, as his "desire was to be with Christ which was far better." A few minutes before he died he prayed
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as follows: "Father I ask thee, in the name of Jesus Christ, that thou wouldst release my spirit and receive it unto thyself:" and then said to those who surrounded his dying bed, "Brethren, you have held me by your faith, but do give me up and let me go I beseech you." We then committed him to God, and he soon breathed his last, and slept in Jesus without a groan.
This was the end of one who was an honor to the church and a blessing to the Saints: and whose faith and virtues and diligence in the cause of truth will be long remembered by all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance, and his memory will be had in remembrance by the church of Christ from generation to generation.
It was indeed a painful circumstance to be deprived of the labors of this worthy servant of Christ, and cast a gloom upon the Saints: yet the glorious and sealing testimony which he bore of his acceptance with heaven, and the truth of the gospel, was a matter of joy and satisfaction not only to his immediate friends, but to the Saints at large.
Communications.
May 8th 1841.
Dear Brother:-
I have the pleasure to inform you that I have arrived at Armstrong County, Pa. where I have held several meetings among the brethren. The course of truth is this part of the vineyard is moving with a slow but steady pace. The brethren are in good spirits and strong in the faith and appear liberal towards our public works, and have received and treated me very kindly since I have been here. I have held several meetings, and baptized three. I find plenty to do; there are calls for preaching on every hand-the people say they "never heard it after this sort." Next Saturday, I have to attend a conference among the brethren; it is expected there will be a great assembly on the occasion. I have preached so much since I have been here that I am quite hoarse. I have frequently desired to have you here to help me to proclaim the everlasting gospel, the obedience to which will make mankind heirs of the kingdom of heaven. You know "the pure testimony put forth by the spirit" will cut its way through-but it must be put forth by the spirit, or else it will do no good. How long I shall stay in these parts I do not know, but when I leave here I intend to visit the saints in Lancaster County Pa.
May 13th I resume my pen this morning to continue my letter. I had a good meeting yesterday, the congregation was composed of Methodists, Presbyterians and Latter Day Saint. I preached from Paul's epistle to the Hebrews 2nd chap. 1, 2, 3, 4 verses. Therefore we ought to give more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.-For if the word spoken by Angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward; how shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord and was confirmed unto us by them that heard; God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?-The above passages of scriptures offered me an extensive field of argument upon the subject of the gospel, and, also, an opportunity of portraying the downfall of nations and kingdoms, who had not had a respect to the recompence [recompense] of reward, but had been disobedient to the commands of Heaven and had, consequently plunged themselves into irretrievable woe.
I am happy to say, that the religion of Christ is continuing to gain ground in this vicinity; there is a church of about 40 or 50 members in this place, and are some of the most respectable and intelligent part of the community. It is the baser sort, and the false teachers in sheep's clothing that reject the gospel of Christ-the drunkard reviles the religion of the saints because it takes away his cup-the priests who teach for hire, and divine for money will not come to the light because their crafts will be in danger. "The heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things," and the cry of "these men that have turned the world upside down have come hither also, and "great is gooddess [goddess] Diana" is invariably set up by the learned theologians of the day and by their flocks, who are blinded by their teachings. When I consider
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the condition of mankind, even, what are termed enlightened nations, and through the glass of scripture see manifest all their blindness, depravity, and hypocrisy, my heart sickens at the sight, and I turn away from the contemplation and I am ready to exclaim, O Lord!
How long shall such wickedness,
Be suffered in the land?
How long before thou makest bare
Thine own almighty hand?
May 14th. I have just returned to my stopping place, from where I have been preaching. I spoke to the congregation on the subject of the gospel, and the second coming of Christ, and also the judgments of Almighty God which would be poured out upon the ungodly. I shewed [showed] from the prophet Joel, what the fulness [fullness] of the gospel was, and that the spirit of God, should be poured out upon all flesh, and then the people should prophesy, dream dreams, see visions &C. I then refered [referred] to the thousand years reign of the saints, proving the same from the book of Rev., and other parts of scripture, and likewise that the general judgment would not take place until the thousand years were expired. While testifying to the truth of the gospel and proclaiming the important message of salvation, the power of the Most High rested upon me, the spirit of the Lord was manifest, believers rejoiced in the Lord and others who had stood aloof were constrained to acknowledge the truth of the message, and it is expected that some will be baptized next Sunday.-Thus spreads the work of the Lord, and numbers are added to the church daily, such as shall be saved.
15th. Saturday morning. Preparations are making for the conference. In consequence of my incessant labors, I do not feel very well, my lungs are affected through much speaking; I feel as if I could not forbear, the Macedonian cry of "come over and help us" is so frequently sounding in my ears, that I could not forbear, and have been influenced to labor beyond my strength.
I have not told you much of my journey since I left home, but will give you the particulars in my next; suffice it to say that I have been able to prosecute my journey remarkably well,-When I left Nauvoo, I had little or no money, and had it not been for the kindness of a gentleman of the name of Mr. Silas Haight who resides in Farmington, Iowa. I do not know how I should have got along. He being on his way to St. Louis on board the same steamer, and seeing me among the deck passengers, took me into the cabin, and paid my fare to St. Louis, and then loaned me money to help me on my journey. I hope the Lord will reward him for his kindness, even a hundred fold.
May 7th. Our conference being over I am now preparing to leave for the east and pursue my journey.
I am, yours in the bonds of the gospel.
William Smith.
Elder D. C. Smith.
News from the South-Disturbances in Lafayette City.
Nauvoo, June 8th 1841.
Mr. D. C. Smith:-Dear Brother in the bonds of the Everlasting Covenant, and kingdom of Christ, set up on the earth, no more to be thrown down, nor given to another people.
It is with pleasure that I address a few lines to you at this time, to inform you of my success and labors on my late mission to the City of New Orleans. I arrived in that city on the 28th of last March, with the intention of sounding the gospel trumpet, for the first time in the ears of the inhabitants of that place. I found some few brethren there who had gone to spend the winter season, and had made themselves known as Latter Day Saints, held some meetings, and did what they could to spread the truth. They received me gladly, and assisted me in getting a house, which we hired at five dollars per week. I then published an appointment, and commenced preaching; our meetings were well attended, it was remarked by some, that we had the largest congregations of any in the place. I continued preaching and conversing with the people, until we had obtained a house in the City of Lafayette, immediately above Orleans where we also proclaimed the gospel. I need not say, that the preaching of the gospel had the same effect upon the people
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here as in others places, for you well know, that when the truth is preached, it makes the devil mad, in fact, I should not think I had done any good, unless he was to rage. When he is once made mad, it is very easy to discern who his servants are; for they are the first to raise the alarm of false teachers, delusion, &c. so it is with them in New Orleans and Lafayette; for no sooner was the gospel preached, and the people began to believe and to embrace it, than the tocsin of alarm was sounded, not only from grog shops and coffee houses, but also from the pulpit, from priests of Baal and servants of the Devil, who are enemies to the gospel and church of Jesus Christ.-When the people heard of the persecution of the saints in the state of Missouri, and elsewhere, they marvelled [marveled] that such acts of violence and cruelty could be perpetrated by enlightened or civilized people without some cause or other; but they soon had the privilege of seeing for themselves the course which gives rise to all our persecution and trouble; that it is, because we believe in, and are teaching others, the gospel as preached by Christ and his apostles; thus condemning the world with all their false systems and false teaching as they did, bringing down the wrath and indignation of that people upon them for exposing their wickedness. The Apostle tells us that "all who live godly in Christ Jesus must suffer persecution."
In my preaching to the people in the south, I was very careful to prove every point of doctrine by an abundance of scripture, that those watching for iniquity should have no occasion for finding fault; then calling upon their priests or learned men who were so ready to cry falsehood, to come forward and investigate, that I was ready to meet them any time in defence [defense] of the things which a I had preached to them; but this they would not do, but rather stand afar off, and cry delusion, put them down, such things should not be tolerated; until they at length had recourse to the last means of putting down Mormonism as they call it, which has been so often tried with as little success in other places; for it only awakens the honest in heart, and makes them the more anxious to learn the truth of these things. They warned me in the first place to preach there no more, but as we had obtained the house from the Mayor of the city we told them that we we were not under the necessity of asking them but should continue if the laws of the city would protect us. They at length assembled in a large number one evening as I was preaching, surrounded the house and commenced throwing eggs at me, but none of them hit me, but besmeared some of the ladies who chanced to sit opposite. They then rushed into the house and told the females they had better leave, if they did not wish to get hurt. Some tried to reason with them, telling them that I preached nothing but the truth, and should not be disturbed, others, who were not members of the church, bore testimony to the things which had been preached and said they would go into the water as soon as they were worthy. The mob came prepared with tar and feathers, determined to put them on to me, but in this they were mistaken, for they were outwitted by the ladies who gathered around me like bold soldiers, and when they were permitted to withdraw, I walked out in the midst of them, and the mob knew it not, until I was out of their reach. (Old men for council but women for war.) When they found I had made my escape, they then broke the benches and windows of the house, took them into the streets, and set them on fire, raised an alarm, and called out many of the fire companies; and I have understood they whipt [whipped] two men afterward who spoke in our favor.-So much for the citizens of Lafayette, but, notwithstanding all this, there are many who are honest, and no doubt will yet receive the gospel. I continued there until near the first of June, when I left for this city in company with Brother Ludington and family.-The weather being very warm there at this season of the year, and many of the people leaving the city especially those who are from the north, the remainder of which are mostly Catholicks [Catholics]. The best time for preaching is in the winter season, as there are people there from all parts of the world. During the times I was in the city, I preached three and four times a week,
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in which time, eight embraced the gospel, and many more are believing. I ordained brother Eli Terrill an elder-who expected to remain there until I return, as I expect to return early in the fall, and spend the winter, and I trust that by next spring, we shall be able to gather up quite a company of sons and daughters for Zion.
Yours, in the bonds of the Everlasting Covenant,
Harrison Sagers.
Times and Seasons
City of Nauvoo,
Tuesday, June 15, 1841.
The Late Proceedings.
Much anxiety, undoubtedly, exists in the minds of the saints respecting the late proceedings in reference to Pres. Joseph Smith, and many reports have been circulated calculated to mislead the public mind. We shall, therefore, give a brief account of the proceedings as far as they have come under our notice.
On Saturday, the 5th inst., as Pres. Joseph Smith was on his return from Quincy, to which place he had accompanied Pres. Hyrum Smith and William Law, on their mission to the East, he was arrested, at the Bear Creek Hotel, by two officers of Justice, on a warrant from Gov. Carlin, to deliver him up to the authorities of Missouri. He accordingly returned to Quincy, and obtained a writ of habeas corpus before C. A. Warren, Esq., Master in Chancery; and Judge Douglass happening to come to Quincy that evening, appointed to give a hearing on the Tuesday following, in Monmouth, Warren county, where the court was then sitting. On Sunday evening, he returned to Nauvoo in charge of the officers, and on Monday morning started for Monmouth, accompanied by several of his friends. On arriving at that place we found great excitement prevailing in the public mind, and great curiosity was manifested by the citizens, who were extremely anxious to obtain a sight of the prophet.
On Tuesday morning, Mr. Little, for the defence [defense], motioned that the case of Mr. Smith should be taken up, but was objected to by the States attorney pro tem, on account of his not being prepared, not having had sufficient notice of the trial. It was accordingly, by mutual consent, postponed until Wednesday morning.
Tuesday evening, great excitement prevailed, & the citizens employed several attorneys to plead against the defendant.
At an early hour on Wednesday morning, the Court House was filled with spectators desirous to hear the proceedings.
Mr. Morrison on behalf of the people wished for time to send to Springfield for the indictment, it not being found with the rest of the papers.
This course would have delayed the proceedings, and as it was not important to the issue, the attornies [attorneys] for the defence [defense] admitted that there was an indictment, so that the investigation might proceed.
Mr. Warren, for the defence [defense], then read the petition of the Defendant, which stated that he was unlawfully held in custody, and that the indictment in Missouri was obtained by fraud, bribery, and duress, all of which he was prepared to prove.
Mr. Little then called upon the following witnesses viz: Morris Phelps, Elias Higbee, Reynolds Cahoon and George W. Robinson who were sworn. The council on the opposite side, objected to hearing evidence on the merits of the case, as they could not go beyond the indictment. Upon this a warm and long discussion occurred, which occupied the attention of the Court through the entire day.
All the Lawyers on the opposite side excepting two viz: Messrs. Knowlton and Jennings, confined themselves to the merits of the case, and conducted themselves as gentlemen; but it was plainly evident that the design of the gentlemen above named, was to excite the public mind still more on the subject, and inflame the passions of the people against the defendant and his religion.
The council on behalf of the defence [defense], acted nobly and honorably, and stood up in defence [defense] of the persecuted, in a manner worthy of high minded and honorable gentlemen. Some had even been told, that if they engaged on the
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side of the defence [defense], they need never look to the citizens of that county for any political favors. But they were not to be overawed by the popular clamor, or be detered [deterred] from an act of public duty by any insinuations or threats whatever, and stated, that if they had not before determined to take a part on the defence [defense], they, after hearing the threats of the community, were now fully determined to discharge their duty. The council for the defence [defense] spoke well, without exception, and strongly urged the legality of the court examining testimony to prove that the whole proceedings on the part of Missouri, were base and illegal, and that the indictment was obtained through fraud, bribery, and corruption. The court, after hearing the council, adjourned about half past 10 o'clock P. M. Thursday morning, the court was opened about 8 o'clock, when the Judge delivered his opinion on the case.
He said, that the writ once being returned to the executive, by the Sheriff of Hancock county was dead and stood in the same relationship as any other writ which might issue from the Circuit Court and consequently the defendant could not be held in custody on that writ.
The other point, whether evidence in tne [the] case was admissable [admissible] or not, he would not at that time decide, as it involved great and important considerations, relative to the future conduct of the different states. There being no precedent as far as they had access to authorities, to guide them; but he would endeavor to examine the subject and avail himself of all the authorities which could be obtained on the subject before he would decide that point. But on the other, the defendant must be liberated. This decision was received with satisfaction by the brethren, and all those whose minds were free from prejudice.
It is now decided that before another writ can issue, a new demand must be made by the Governor of Missouri.-Whether such a demand will be made or not, we do not know, but we should imagine not. We should think that Missouri has already earned disgrace enough, and that she would be pleased if that foul stain which now rests upon her, was wiped from off her escutcheon. We are not informed that there has been any new demand made for the defendant or others since the reign of Governor Boggs, nor do we believe that Governor Reynolds ever will.-And we hope, that on the part of the executive of this state, these proceedings will drop, and never more be revived. What good can result from such prosecutions we cannot imagine. Surely the saints have been persecuted enough; they have been trampled upon long enough by the citizens of Missouri, and we believe they never would have made the demand for any of our brethren, if a demand had not been made for some of their citizens who had forcibly abducted several of our brethren, and without even the form of a trial, tied them up, whipt [whipped], and otherwise abused them.
It is not that the parties shrink from a fair and impartial investigation, for from it: this is what we desire, but can that be obtained in Missouri, where mobs are suffered to roam in despite of the laws and its administrators, and can with impunity commit murder and arson, upon defenceless [defenseless] Mormons and no one to bring them to justice? We say not! In Missouri mobs are above the laws. They know no other bounds to their vengeance than what their wicked and vile passions dictate. For instance, the murder on Shoal creek of seventeen persons, who were moving into the country, who had committed no offence [offense] againts [against] the laws, but because of their religious tenets, were butchered in cold blood. And, we would ask where are the perpetrators? They are there yet and can unblushingly boast of their bloody achievement in that vicinity, and yet there has been no attempt to have them arrested and brought to trial. Why then are people so sensitive upon the subject of Joseph Smith and others, being given up to the Missourians? Does it arise from a sense of justice and of right, or is it because of their religion?
The conduct of our persecutors answers the question.
But what have the Saints done in Missouri for which they must suffer such persecutions?
They have after being threatened, abused sued, harrassed [harassed] by mobs, and
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after appealing to the authorities in vain, dared to stand up in their own defence [defense] and in that of liberty and the laws-They have resisted oppression and injustice by every lawful means, and when they did so; they were obliged by executive power to leave their inheritances. These things are true, and can be substantiated, and whatever we have to suffer in consequence thereof, we can appeal to him "that searcheth the hearts and trieth the reins of the children of men" and say, "Thou who knowest all things, knowest that these things are true.'
We do not ask for sympathy, but fair and impartial justice from all, which, if we obtain we shall feel satisfied.
Letter From The Editor
American Hotel,}
Monmouth, Warren co., Ill.}
June 9th., 1841.}
Wednesday Evening,
We have just returned from the Court House, where we have listened to one of the most eloquent speeches ever uttered by mortal man in favor of justice and liberty, by O. H. Browning, Esq., who has done himself immortal honor in the sight of all patriotic citizens who listened to the same.-He occupied the attention of the court for more than two hours, and showed the falsity of the arguments of the opposite council, and laid down principles in a lucid and able manner, which ought to guide the court in admitting testimony for the defendant, Joseph Smith.-We have heard Mr. Browning on former occasions, when he has frequently delighted his audience by his eloquence; but on this occasion he exceeded our most sanguine expectations. The sentiments he advanced were just, generous and exalted, he soared above the petty quibbles which the opposite council urged, and triumphantly, in a manner and eloquence peculiar to himself, avowed himself the friend of humanity, and boldly, nobly, and independantly [independently] stood up for the rights of those who had waded through seas of oppression and floods of injustice, and had sought a shelter in the State of Illinois. It was an effort worthy of a high minded and honorable gentleman, such as we have ever considered him to be since we have had the pleasure of his acquaintance. Soon after we came out of Missouri, he sympathized with us in our afflictions, and we are indeed rejoiced to know, that he yet maintains the same principles of benevolence. His was not an effort of a lawyer anxious to earn his fee; but the pure and patriotic feeling of christian benevolence and a sense of justice and of right.
While he was answering the monstrous and ridiculous arguments urged by the opposing council, that Joseph Smith might go to Missouri and have his trial; he stated the circumstances of our being driven from that State, and feelingly and emphatically pointed out the impossibility of our obtaining justice there. There we were forbidden to enter in consequence of the order of the Executive, and that injustice and cruelties of the most barbarous and atrocious character had been practised [practiced] upon us, until the streams of Missouri had run with blood, and that he had seen women and children barefoot and houseless, crossing the Mississippi to seek refuge from ruthless mobs. He concluded his remarks by saying that to tell us to go to Missouri for a trial, was adding insult to injury, and then said. "Great God! have I not seen it? Yes my eyes have beheld the blood stained traces of innocent women and children, in the drear winter, who had travelled [traveled] hundreds of miles barefaot [barefoot], through frost and snow, to seek a refuge from their savage pursuers. Twas a scene of horror sufficient to enlist sympathy from an adamantine heart. And shall this unfortunate man, whom their fury has seen proper to select for sacrifice, be driven into such a savage band, and none dare to enlist in the cause of justice? If there was no other voice under heaven ever to be heard in this cause, gladly would I stand alone, and proudly spend my latest breath in defence [defense] of an oppressed American citizen.
"The Latter Day Saints, a Poem in two Cantos; by Omer, Author of "Eliza or the Broken Vow."
We have been favored with the perusal of the above work, and feel great pleasure in recommending it to the public. It pictures the condition of the saints in their tribulations in Missouri, and also our present circumstances, in a very pleasing and interesting manner.
We are glad to hail such productions; because they tend to instruct the mind, and fix upon the memory, in poetic language, scenes of great importance, and also improve the taste of the reader.
The author, altho' young in years, has given evidence of poetic genius, which, we hope, will be cultivated, until he arrives at the acme of perfection.
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We are, indeed beginning to be proud of our poetic writers; and hope soon to have such a constellation in the West, as shall appear more glorious than the more favored muse in the East.
+ For want of room, we have had to lay over several communications of interest. Among the number is Poetry on the Nauvoo Legion by "Eliza"-they will appear in our next.
+ As this paper contains an account of the late proceedings with regard to the arrest of Pres't. J. Smith &c. we have struck off some extra copies, which are for sale at this office.
Payson, Ill. May 20th 1841.
Brothers Smith & Thompson.
I improve the present opportunity to inform you in short, of my labors and success in the Vineyard of the Lord during the past year. I left Nauvoo in company with Elder John Herriett, soon after the conference in April 1840 for the purpose of preaching the gospel in the eastern states, we stopt [stopped] in Freedom N. Y. and held 6 or 7 meetings, and baptized ten; we then went into Allegany [Allegheny] and Livingston Counties, traveled and preached in the two Counties nearly 3 weeks, and baptized twelve, then left and by steam boats, and rail car went to Fox Island. We arrived at the north Island on the Sabbath morning, July 26th, went a distance of 4 miles to brother M. Luce's, a brother that came into the church through the means of Elder Woodruff, and was much rejoiced to find him and his family still firm in the work of the Lord. We tarried at brother Luce's over Sabbath, and then went into the South Island, and commenced our labors. We tarried and preached on the west end of the Island nearly 3 weeks, during which time there were 17 baptized. We then traveled in different places on the two Island, and continued to preach and baptize until the first of Oct., when sickness prevented. On the 9th inst Elder Herriett was taken violently sick with a fever; he had been confined but a short time, when he became sensible that his labors were accomplished. On the morning of the 13th inst, he expired (he died as he had lived) in the triumphs of faith, and could say, with propriety with the Apostle, that he had fought the good fight, and that he had finished his course, & kept the faith. The church, all as one, felt to deplore their loss, and his name and labors whilst with them, will not be forgotten whilst time shall last. His relatives, no doubt. all mourn his absence, but I trust, that God will strengthen them by his spirit, and enable them to realise [realize] that he rests where trials, troubles, & the vile hand of persecution can assail him no more.
My feelings on the occasion were inexpressible. I felt that my loss was truly great, but calling upon God, he strengthened me, and I resolved still to pursue my calling. The first of Dec., I left the island, and went on to the main land, a distance of some 15 or 20 miles, and commenced preaching, and the blessings of God attended me. Meeting houses were opened, and calls for preaching from different parts were many more than was possible for me to fill. I continued to labor with diligence and perseverence [perseverance] for nearly 3 months, during which time, amid the false and slanderous reports which were put in circulation by wicked and evil designing men, there were 26 baptized. After organizing them into a branch of the church, aud [and] ordaining by the voice of the same 1 elder, 1 priest, and 1 teacher, I returned to the island, and found the church in a prosperous condition; 4 had been added during my absence. I held 5 or 6 meetings after my return, and baptized 24. The church on the island when I left numbered about 70, all in good standing, and rejoicing in the blessings and gifts of the spirit. The number in all that were baptized from the time we left Nauvoo, amounted to one hundred and eleven, fifty seven of whom were baptized by Elder Herrett [Herriett]. I arrived at home April 30th, found my relatives and friends in good health. My prayer to God is that he will roll on his good begun work, until error and wickedness are swept from the earth, and truth and righteousness reign in stead thereof, and until the servants of the Most High shall cease from their labors and rest with their Savior in his peaceful kingdom. In hope of which, I remain
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your friend and brother in the Bonds of the Covenant.
William Hyde.
For the Times and Season.
Pray Without Ceasing.-St. Paul.
Dear brother in the Lord, and of the house of Israel,
Having learned from our worthy brother Hyrum Smith, that the Lord has revealed something relative to the fulness [fullness] of the priesthood, or in other words, new things relating to that sacred order, I have thought it best to omit my second No. on "Despise not prophesyings," for a little season, until I became more perfectly acquainted with the subject, it being one of such great interest to mankind: and as I have had some knowledge of the ways of the Saints, in my intercourse with them, and in as much as we have "the more sure word of prophecy" drop a few hints in the "Times and Seasons," on that all important, and often neglected service of the saints called prayer. There is a manifest lack of this solemn duty among the saints abroad, and it is not impossible, but some may forget their prayers in the season thereof, at the stakes.-
Prayer is the sacred coin of the heart which buys blessings, and should be offered freely to God twice, if not thrice, a day in public and private; at home and abroad; on the land and the sea; in sickness and in health.
If God is the same yesterday, to day and forever, what excuse can a saint offer for neglecting this everlasting duty? None: in the days of Alma, we learn from the book of Mormon, page 320' (first edition) they were to humble themselves and continue in prayer both morning, midday and evening, and cry unto the Lord for every thing; and shall the saints, now, of the last days, do less and be blessed? No! pray and live: God hears prayer.-When Daniel wished to show the world, that he worshipped a God more powerful than Nebuchadnezzar, his windows being open in his chamber towards Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees, three times a day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God; as he did aforetime: yes, as he did aforetime-and as all saints have always done to be blessed.
In the third century after Christ had perfected the salvation of man by his death and sufferings, Mosheim informs us, that "the Christians offered up their ordinary prayers at three stated times of the day, viz: at the third, the sixth, and the ninth hour, according to the custom of the Jews;" which answers to 9, 12 and 3 o'clock, as we divide time; and further, it shows the fact, that the gospel of Jesus Christ recognizes prayer as a duty in all ages.-
First among Jews and then among Gentiles; second, first among Gentiles and then among Jews. If God is God let us worship him according to his pattern. For the sake of virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, Godliness, brotherly kindness, charity, and eternal life, from henceforth, let us thank the Lord for what we enjoy, and ask him for what we need: if it is life, pray for it. If wisdom, pray for it; yea whatever thing is needed, pray for it, remembering the promise of the revelation, that, "all victory and glory is brought to pass unto you, through your diligence, faithfulness, and prayers of faith." Once for all, brethren, let us say, that there is no perfume on earth more delightful, nor no essence in heaven more precious, than the golden vials full of odours [odors], which are the prayers of the saints.
W. W. Phelps.
Copiah County, Mississippi,}
April 6, 1841.}
Dear Brethren:-
I sit down this morning to give you a brief outline of my labours [labors] for the past twelve months, which, if you should think worthy to come before the public through your Periodical, might possibly prove to be of some benefit to the cause by sending some Elders into this part of the Vineyard.
I commenced preaching in Scott co., Ill., the fore part of March 1840. My health being greatly injured by exposure in Missouri, was only able to preach a part of the time; in Scott, Morgan and Green counties, I preached until December, and baptised [baptized] 23; then, in company with Brothers R. D. Shelden and Charles Crismon, I came to this State by water. After our arrival
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here, Brother Crismon concluded to go to Tennessee. Brother Shelden and myself have been in this region ever since. Our calls have been so pressing (the gospel being entirely new in these parts) that we have only preached a few times in a place, consequently have baptised [baptized] only 5, but there are many believing, and some have expressed a full determination to be baptised [baptized], and likely will be the first opportunity.-Brother Shelden is about returning for books and more Elders; should he fail to bring any Elders down with him, I shall be compelled to abandon several places where there is a prospect of doing much good. My appointments are generally from 4 to 6 weeks ahead of me, and it seemeth superfluous to me (as I have not long to stay) to sow so much seed and not be able to bury but a small part of it.
Elders cannot come too strongly recommended to meet the customs of the South. I am as ever, your fellow believer in the bonds of the everlasting gospel.
Daniel Tyler.
Poetry.
[From the "Wabash Courier."]
To Miss Eliza R. Snow.
Lady, a hand to thee unknown Thy Favored bark may safe outride Thou doest well,-raise high the strain!
Would pluck one lowly flower, The storm, and reach thy home; Angels attune thy lyre:
For thee-wilt thou not deign to own, I like the rock, must still abide Thy songs re-echoing shall remain
And twine it in thy bower? Amid the tempest's foam. When other sounds expire.
Thy form hath never met my eye, I would 'twere else-for I can feel Lady, my path may ne'er be thine
But I have heard thy lays, When others bow the knee; In this tempestuous life,
High themes-in strains sublimely high, I cannot-nay, I would not steel Yet oft thy tones, like balm divine,
Poured forth in Zion's praise. My heart 'gainst holy sympathy. Shall calm my bosom's strife.
'Tis true, thy people are not mine, I Catch the music of thy song. Adieu!-accept the gift I bring
I know no creeds nor forms; My bosom vibrates at the sound- From Nature's wildest bower:
Thy light around me doth not shine, Heaven speed thee Lady! mid the throng Thou'dst scorn a costlier offering-
Alone I brave life's storms. Of saints thou shalt be found. Receive my simple flower.
Shawnee Bard.
[For the Times and Seasons]
Replication,-To "Shawnee Bard."
By Miss E. R. Snow.
Minstrel, I'm proud to wreath my brow Thy heart, unfetter'd by the thrall But 'tis thro' suff'ring, we must gain
With wildest, simplest flow'ers that grow; Of human creeds and human forms; Truth's acme-wisdom's high abode-
From Zion's friends.-I scorn to bow Is prompt to vibrate to the call To mingle in their holy train,
T' accept an offering from her foe. Of Truth, when robed in native charms. Who wait around the throne of God.
I prize thy gift-it is a flower Altho' the keenest pang I've known, Then gentle Bard, I welcome thee,
Of noble tint, unknown to art; Is what I've shared in others' woe; To all our joys, and sorrows too:
'Twas rear'd in nature's holiest bower- Had not this "light" around me shone, Cast in thy lot-salvation's free-
It is the product of the heart. I'd fain have left the world below. Thou'lt find Jehovah's promise true.
Since chas'd in exile, for the sake There is a higher, holier sphere, Thou speak'st of Zion: why not, then,
Of heav'n's eternal truths, I sing; And noble, kindred spirits there, Run for the prize, her God Awards?
At friendship's voice, my pulses wake Above the ills that throng us here; Then in her cause, thou'lt wield thy pen,
True friendship is a sacred thing. With whom my spirit pants to share. And number with her sweetest Bards.
'Tis not the music of my strain-
'Tis not the muse's melting art-
The poet's touching strokes are vain-
The power of Truth, has reach'd thy heart. City of Nauvoo, June 14th, 1841.
[For the Times and Seasons.]
The following lines were written during the late arrest of Pres. Joseph Smith, which was instigated through the untiring malice
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of Missouri persecution; and are respectfully inscribed to Mrs. Emma Smith;
By Miss Eliza R. Snow.
I saw her in the throng, that met to pray Beloved of God and every faithful saint!
For her companion-torn from her away, Thy bosom feels what language fails to paint,
And from the church; thro' the device of those, When persecution, cloth'd with heartless pow'r,
Who in Missouri, vow'd to be our foes! Seeks with untiring malice, to devour
I gazed a moment, then I turn'd aside, Thy head-the partner, chosen of thy heart!-
The agitation of my soul to hide; With proper deff'rence, I would fain impart
And asked the Lord, to send a quick relief A word of comfort.-God, our God on high,
To her, who ever wept o'er others' grief- Regards thy suff'ring, and his people's cry;
To her, whose presence heav'nly lustre [luster]shed- And will restore the absent to thy side,
Who cloth'd the naked, and the hungry fed. And crown thy joy with virtue's sinless pride.
Ah! why should deep, intense anxiety, Shall wickedness forever triumph? No!
Pervade a breast where sensibility "The haughtiness of man, shall be brought low"-
Like hers resides? Oh! why should trouble roll Th' oppressor cease, and wicked men in power,
Its restless waves across her spotless soul? Like hungry wolves, no more the saints devour;
Ah! why should sorrow's bitterness corrode The time will come, when truth and righteousness,
A heart that is sweet innocence' abode Will fill the earth with peace and happiness.
Why should suspense, with racking torture bind City of Nauvoo, June 10th 1841.
The impulse of her noble, virtuous mind?
Why sadness shade the brow, so wont to glow
With love's bright radiance, "chaste as winter snow"?
Why should oppression aim another dart,
To wound the peace of her oft stricken heart?
Hymenial.
Married-On the 7th ult. in Armstrong co. Pa. by Elder Wm. Smith Mr. Christian Lehman to Miss Martha Long.
Also, Mr. Joshua Helser to Miss Matilda Clinger, all of that County.
On the 30th ult, in Geneva, Scott co. Ill., by Rev. David Nelson, Hazen Kimball, Esq. of Hancock co., to Miss Derinda Clark of the former place.
On the 9th ult. In the town of Henderson, Jefferson co. N. Y., by Elder Zenos Gibbs Elder Briggs Alden, of Oneida co. to Mrs. Lydia Bates, widow of Mr. Cyrus Bates.
Proposals For Publishing The Nauvoo Ensign and Zarahemla Standard.
The publisher of the Times and Seasons, will issue, about the middle of July next, the specimen number of a newspaper bearing the above title, to be published simultaneously in the city of Nauvoo, Hancock county, Ill., and in Zarahemla, Lee county, Iowa Territory.
In its prosecution, the editor will not descend to the low scurrility and personal abuse, resorted to by many of the Journals of the day; but will unwaveringly and assiduously advocate and sustain those pure and sacred principles of the Constitution, which warmed the hearts of the patriots of seventy-six, and for the perpetuity of which, they cheerfully fell martyrs in the battle-field; he will, without respect to party, award to every individual, of whom he may have occasion to speak, the just reward of merit, without prejudice or restraint.
In contemplating the many transcendant [transcendent] advantages which Nauvoo possesses over almost any other city, or location in the West, to insure her prosperity and unparalleled growth-the extensive territory of densely populated country that surrounds her-the immense tide of emigration that is daily pouring within her limits and the adjacent country-the industry and enterprize [enterprise] of her citizens-the unequalled [unequaled] beauty of her landscape, and the fertility of her soil-the editor looks forward, with feelings of pride emulating his bosom, and anticipates the day not far distant, when, in point of population and the magnificence of her edifices, who will be, by far, the rival city of the West, and attain to that high scale of exalted preeminence, which renders distinguishable the most populous cities in the East. Under these considerations, and, as the public weal imperiously demands the establishment of a weekly periodical, devoted (as Nauvoo Ensign and Zarahemla Standard will be) to the dissemination of useful knowledge, of every description-the Arts, Science, Literature, Agriculture, Manufactures, Trade, Commerce, and the general news of the day-the editor cheerfully engages in the laudable enterprise.
It will be the editor's studious care, at all times, to serve up a choice dish of poetry, for the gratification and profit of those who indulge in the inspirations of the muse.
Terms
The Ensign and Standard will be published, every Saturday morning, on an imperial sheet, and on new type, and will be conducted in such a manner, as will meet the approval of every person anxious to perpetuate the free and glorious institutions of our beloved country; at
$2 payable in advance,
$2.50 within six months,
$3.00 at the expiration of the year.
Advertisements inserted on the customary terms.
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With as firm reliance upon the good sence [sense] and intelligence of the citizens of this and the adjoining counties, to bear him out in his undertaking, he has been induced to propose the publication of the above named paper; and, believing that it will meet with their cordial approbation and support, he hopes to be enabled to render it an efficient auxiliary in promoting their best interests-the improvement of the mind of the youth, and the instruction of the aged.
The Latter Day Saints,
A Poem in two Cantos;. by Omer, author af [of] "Eliza or the Broken Vow"; for sale at this office, at the stores of J. Smith, and C. W. Lyon.
Price 6 1/4 cts. per copy.
June, 15th 1841.
Notice
The subscriber wishes to inform the citizens of Nauvoo, and Zarahemla, that he will pay flour for hides and skins delivered at Bates Noble's in Zarahemla. He also will tan on shares.
Alvin C. Graves.
April 10th, 1841
A Card
The subscriber, in returning his acknowledgements [acknowledgments] to his friends in this city and the public generally, would also inform them that he has just received the latest fashions direct from Philadelphia, (through the politeness of President Hyrum Smith,) and is prepared to turn off work with despatch [dispatch] and in the best and most fashionable style.
John Bills, Tailor.
P. S. All kinds of military coats made according to the latest pattern.
Reference, Lieut. Gen. Jos. Smith, Maj. Gen. J. C. Bennett Brig. Gen. Wilson Law,
Brig. Gen. D. C. Smith, Col. Wm. Law, Col. John S. Fulmer. Nauvoo, April 30th 1841
LIST OF AGENTS FOR THE TIMES & SEASONS.
ILLINOIS. City of Springfield, I. H. Bishop.
City of Quincy, S. B. Stoddard.
Victoria, Knox co. John Gaylord.
Mt. Pulaski, Logan co. Jabez Capps.
Pleasant Vale, Pike co. Wm. Draper,
Pittsfield, Pike co. Harlow Redfield.
Pittsfield, Pike co. Daniel B. Bush, P. M.
PENNSYLVANIA. City of Philadelphia, Joseph H. Newton
City of Philadelphia, Erastus Snow,
Centerville, Crawford co. Stephen Post.
NEW YORK City of New York George J. Adams.
City of New York, L. R. Foster
City of Albany Albert Brown.
West Leyden, Lewis co. J. L. Robinson.
NEW JERLEY [NEW JERSEY] Recklesstown, W. I. Appleby.
NEW HAMPSHIRE. Gilsum, Chilon Mack, P. M.
Lisbon, Grafton co. Zadock Parker.
SCOTLAND City of Edinburgh, Orson Pratt
TRAVELING AGENTS. John E. Page Orson Hyde.
Daniel Tyler, Wm. O. Clark,
Z. Coultrin. John Cairn,
Lorenzo Barnes, Joseph Ball,
J. Savage Samuel Parker.
Daniel Shearer, Robert P. Crawford,
Henry Lumereaux, James Standing,
J. M. Grant L. M. Davis
Joshua Grant, F. G. Bishop,
G. H. Brandon, John Riggs,
Lorenzo Snow, James Blakeslee,
Norman Shearer, F. D. Richards
A. B. Tomlinson, Elisha H. Groves,
Charles Thompson, Ben. Johnson,
A. L. Lumeraux, Robert Snider
Wm. Smith E. H Derby
Julian Moses Z. H. Gurley,
H. Sagers, G. W. Harris,
Amasa Lyman, David Evens
Daniel S. Thomas, Jesse Turpin.
TENNESSEE Pekin, Jackson co . Wm. R Vance
Whitleyville, Jackson co. T. K. Witcher.
KENTUCKY. Centre Point, Monroe co. Wm. Dixon.
OHIO. Kirtland, Lake co. Almon Babbitt.
Kirtland, Lake co. W. W. Phelps.
West Milton, Dr. Harvey Tate.
Andover, Ashtabula co. James M. Adams.
Livonia, Wayne co. Rufus Beach
INDIANA. Pleasant Garden, Dr. Knight.
LOUISANA (LOUISIANA). City of New Orleans, E. G. Terrill.
ENGLAND. City of Manchester, P. P. Pratt.
City of Preston, J. P. Fielding
City of London H. C. Kimball
City of London G. A. Smith
ISLE OF MAN. Douglass, John Taylor.
The Times and Seasons, is edited by D. C. Smith, & R. B. Thompson,
And published on the first and fifteenth of every month, on the corner of Water and Bain Streets, Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, by
D. C. Smith.
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 the Publisher POST PAID.
(page 454)
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