Times and Seasons/5/6

←Number 5

Times and Seasons 5, Number 6

Number 7→

Source document in Mormon Publications: 19th and 20th Centuries online archive: Times and Seasons Vol. 5

TIMES AND SEASONS
"TRUTH WILL PREVAIL"
Volume V. No. 6.]	CITY OF NAUVOO, ILL. MARCH 15, 1844	[Whole No. 90.

HISTORY OF JOSEPH SMITH.

(Continued)

On the 9th, in company with ten elders, I left Independence landing for Kirtland. We started down the river in 16 canoes, and went the first day as far as Fort Osage, where we had an excellent wild turkey for supper. Nothing very important occurred till the third day, when many of the dangers of the western waters, manifested themselves, and after we had encamped upon the bank of the river, at McIlwain's bend, brother Phelps, in open vision by daylight, saw the destroyer in his most horrible power, ride upon the face of the waters; others heard the noise but saw not the vision. The next morning after prayer, I received the following

Revelation given August, 1831.

Behold, and hearken unto the voice of him who has all power, who is from everlasting to everlasting, even Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. Behold, verily thus saith the Lord unto you O ye elders of my church, who are assembled upon this spot, whose sins are now forgiven you, for I the Lord forgiveth sins, and am merciful unto those who confess their sins with humble hearts: but verily I say unto you, that it is not needful for this whole company of mine elders, to be moving swiftly upon the waters, whilst the inhabitants on either side are perishing in unbelief; nevertheless, I suffered it that ye might bear record; behold there are many dangers upon the waters and more especially hereafter, for I the Lord have decreed mine anger, many destructions upon the waters; yea, and especially upon these waters; nevertheless, all flesh is in mine hand, and he, that is faithful among you, shall not perish by the waters.

Wherefore it is expedient that my servant Sidney Gilbert, and my servant William W. Phelps, be in haste upon their errand and mission: nevertheless I would not suffer that ye should part until you are chastened for all your sins, that you might be one; that you might not perish in wickedness; but now verily I say, it behooveth me that ye should part: wherefore let my servants Sidney Gilbert and William W. Phelps, take their former company, and let them take their journey in haste that they may fill their mission, and through faith they shall overcome; and inasmuch as they are faithful, they shall be preserved, and I the Lord will be with them. And let the residue take that which is needful for clothing. Let my servant Sidney Gilbert take that which is not needful with him, as you shall agree. And now behold, for your good I gave unto you a commandment concerning these things; and I the Lord will reason with you as with men in days of old.

Behold I the Lord in the beginning, blessed the waters, but in these last days by the mouth of my servant John, I cursed the waters: wherefore, the days will come that no flesh shall be safe upon the waters, and it shall be said in days to come, that none is able to go to the land of Zion, upon the waters, but he that is upright in heart. And, as I the Lord in the beginning cursed the land, even so in the last days have I blessed it in its time, for the use of my saints, that they may partake the fatness thereof. And now I give unto you a commandment, and what I say unto one I say unto all, that you shall forewarn your brethren concerning these waters, that they come not in journeying upon them, lest their faith fail and they are caught in her snares: I the Lord have decreed, and the destroyer rideth upon the face thereof, and I revoke not the decree: I the Lord was angry with you yesterday, but to-day mine anger is turned away. Wherefore let those concerning whom I have spoken, that should take their journey in haste, again I say unto you, let them take their journey in haste, and it mattereth not unto me, after a little, if it so be that they fill their mission, whether they go by water or by land: let this be as it is made known unto them according to their judgments hereafter.

And now, concerning my servants Sidney Rigdon and Joseph Smith, jr. and Oliver Cowdry [Cowdery], let them come not again upon the waters, save it be upon the canal, while journeying unto their homes, or in other words, they shall not come upon the waters to journey, save upon the canal. Behold I the Lord have appointed a way for the journeying of my saints, and behold this is the way: that after they leave the canal, they shall journey by land, inasmuch as they are commanded to journey and go unto the land of Zion; and they shall do like unto the children of Israel, pitching their tents by the way.

And behold this commandment you shall give unto all your brethren nevertheless unto whom it is given power to command the waters unto him it is given by the Spirit to know all his ways: wherefore let him do as the Spirit of the living God commandeth him, whither upon the land or upon the waters, as it remaineth

(page 464)

with me to do hereafter; and unto you it is given the course for the saints, or the way for the saints of the camp of the Lord to journey. And again, verily I say unto you, my servant Sidney Rigdon and Joseph Smith, jr. and Oliver Cowdery, shall not open their mouths in the congregations of the wicked, until they arrive at Cincinnatti [Cincinnati]; and in that place they shall lift up their voices unto God against that people: yea, unto him whose anger is kindled against their wickedness; a people who are well nigh ripened for destruction: and from thence let them journey for the congregations of their brethren, for their labors, even now, are wanted more abundantly among them, than among the congregations of the wicked.

And now concerning the residue, let them journey and declare the word among the congregations of the wicked, inasmuch as it is given, and inasmuch as they do this they shall rid their garments, and they shall be spotless before me; and let them journey together, or two by two, as seemeth them good, only let my servant Reynolds Cahoon, and my servant Samuel H. Smith, with whom I am well pleased, be not separated until they return to their homes, and this for a wise purpose in me. And now verily I say unto you, and what I say unto one I say unto all, be of good cheer little children, for I am in your midst, and I have not forsaken you, and inasmuch as you have humbled yourselves before me, the blessings of the kingdom are yours. Gird up your loins and be watchful, and be sober, looking forth for the coming of the Son of Man, for he cometh in an hour you think not. Pray always that you enter not into temptation, that you may abide the day of his coming, whether in life or in death; even so: Amen.

On the 13th, I met several of the elders on their way to the land of Zion, and after the joyful salutation which brethren meet each other with, who are actually con ending [contending] for the faith once delivered to the saints, I received the following

Revelation given August, 1831.

Behold and hearken, O ye elders of my church, saith the Lord your God; even Jesus Christ, your advocate who knoweth the weakness of man and how to succor them who are tempted: and verily mine eyes are upon those who have not as yet gone up unto the land of Zion: wherefore your mission is not yet full:-nevertheless ye are blessed, for the testimony which ye have borne is recorded in heaven for the angels to look upon, and they rejoice over you: and your sins are forgiven you.

And now continue your journey. Assemble yourselves upon the land of Zion, and hold a meeting and rejoice together, and offer a sacrament unto the Most High; and then you may return to bear record; yea, even all together or two by two as seemeth you good; it mattereth not unto me, only be faithful, and declare glad tidings unto the inhabitants of the earth, or among the congregations of the wicked. Behold I the Lord have brought you together that the promise might be fulfilled, that the faithful among you should be preserved and rejoice together in the land of Missouri. I the Lord promised the faithful and cannot lie.

I the Lord am willing, if any among you desireth to ride upon horses, or upon mules, or in chariots, he shall receive this blessing, if he receive it from the hand of the Lord, with a thankful heart in all things. These things remain with you to do according to judgment and the directions of the Spirit. Behold the kingdom is yours. And behold, and lo I am with the faithful always; even so: Amen.

After this little meeting of the elders, myself, and Sidney Rigdon, and Oliver Cowdery, continued our journey by land to St. Louis, where we overtook brothers Phelps and Gilbert. From this place we took stage, and they went by water to Kirtland, where we arrived save and well, on the 27th. Many things transpired upon this journey to strengthen our faith, and displayed the goodness of God in such a marvellous [marvelous] manner, that we could not help beholding the exertions of satan to blind the eyes of the people, so as to hide the true light that lights every man that comes into the world.-In these infant days of the church, there was a great anxiety to obtain the word of the Lord upon every subject that in any way concerned our salvation; and the "land of Zion" was now the most important temporal object in view, I enquired [inquired] of the Lord for further information upon the gathering of the saints and the purchase of the land and other matters, received the following

Revelation given in Kirtland, August, 1831.

Hearken, O ye people, and open your hearts, and give ear from afar: and listen, you that call yourselves the people of the Lord, and hear the word of the Lord, and his will concerning you: yea, verily I say, hear the word of him whose anger is kindled against the wicked, and rebellious; who willeth to take even them whom he will take, and preserveth in life them whom he will preserve: who buildeth up at his own will and pleasure; and destroyeth when he please; and is able to cast the soul down to hell.

Behold I the Lord utter my voice, and it shall be obeyed. Wherefore verily I say, let the wicked take heed, and let the rebellious fear

465

________________________________________

and tremble. And let the unbelieving hold their lips, for the day of wrath shall come upon them as a whirlwind, and all flesh shall know that I am God. And he that seeketh signs shall see signs, but not unto salvation.

Verily I say unto you, there are those among you who seek signs: and there have been such even from the beginning. But behold, faith cometh not by signs, but signs follow those that believe. Yea, signs cometh by faith, not by the will of men, nor as they please, but by the will of God. Yea, signs cometh by faith, unto mighty works, for without faith no man pleaseth God: and with whom God is angry, he is not well pleased: wherefore, unto such he showeth no signs, only in wrath unto their condemnation. There were among you adulterers and adulteresses; some of whom have turned away from you, and others remain with you; that hereafter shall be revealed. Let such beware and repent speedily, lest judgments shall come upon them as a snare, and their folly shall be made manifest, and their works shall follow them in the eyes of the people.

Wherefore I the Lord am not pleased with those among you, who have sought after signs and wonders for faith, and not for the good of men unto my glory: nevertheless, I gave commandments and many have turned away from my commandments, and have not kept them. There were among you adulterers and adulteresses; some of whom have turned away from you, and others remain with you; that hereafter shall be revealed. Let such beware and repent speedily, lest judgments shall come upon them as a snare, and their folly shall be made manifest, and their works shall follow them in the eyes of the people.

And verily I say unto you, as I have said before, he that looketh on a woman to lust after her, or if any shall commit adultery in their hearts, they shall not have the Spirit, but shall deny the faith and shall fear; wherefore I the Lord have said that the fearful and the unbelieving, and all liars, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie, and the whoremonger and the sorcerer, shall have their part in that lake which burneth with fire and brimstone, which is the second death. Verily I say, that they shall not have part in the first resurrection.

And now behold, I the Lord saith unto you, that ye are not justified because these things are among you, nevertheless he that endureth in the faith and doeth my will, the same shall overcome, and shall receive an inheritance upon the earth, when the day of transfiguration shall come; when the earth shall be transfigured, even according to the pattern which was shown to mine apostles upon the mount: of which account the fulness [fullness] ye have not received.

And now, verily I say unto you, that as I said that I would make known my will unto you, behold I will make it known unto you, not by way of commandment, for there are many who observe not to keep my commandments, but unto him that keepeth my commandments, I will give the mysteries of my kingdom, and the same shall be in him a well of living water, springing up unto everlasting life.

And now, behold this is the will of the Lord your God concerning his saints, that they should assemble themselves together unto the land of Zion, not in haste, lest there should be confusion, which bringeth pestilence. Behold the land of Zion, I the Lord holdeth it in mine own hands; nevertheless, I the Lord rendereth unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's:-wherefore I the Lord willeth, that you should purchase the lands, that you may have advantage of the world, that you may have claim on the world, that they may not be stirred up unto anger; for satan putteth it into their hearts to anger against you, and to the shedding of blood; wherefore the land of Zion shall not be obtained but by purchase, or by blood, otherwise there is none inheritance for you. And if by purchase behold you are blessed; and if by blood, as you are forbidden to shed blood, lo, your enemies are upon you, and ye shall be scourged from city to city, and from synagogue to synagogue, and but few shall stand to receive an inheritance.

I the Lord am angry with the wicked; I am holding my Spirit from the inhabitants of the earth. I have sworn in my wrath and decreed wars upon the face of the earth, and the wicked shall slay the wicked, and fear shall come upon every man and the saints shall hardly escape: nevertheless, I the Lord am with them, and will come down in heaven from the presence of my Father, and consume the wicked with an unquenchable fire. And behold this is not yet, but by and by: wherefore seeing that I the Lord have decreed all these things upon the face of the earth, I willeth that my saints should be assembled upon the land of Zion;-and that every man should take righteousness in his hands, and faithfulness upon his loins, and lift a warning voice unto the inhabitants of the earth; and declare both by word and by flight, that desolation shall come upon the wicked. Wherefore let my disciples in Kirtland, arrange their temporal concerns, which dwell upon this farm.

Let my servant Titus Billings, who has the care thereof dispose of the land, that he may be prepared in the coming spring, to take his journey up to the land of Zion, with those that dwell upon the face thereof, excepting those whom I shall reserve unto myself, that shall not go until I shall command them. And let all the monies [moneys] which can be spared, it mattereth not unto me whether it be little or much sent up unto the land of Zion, unto them whom I have appointed to receive.

466

________________________________________

Behold I the Lord will give unto my servants Joseph Smith, jr. power, that he shall be enabled to discern by the Spirit those who shall go up unto the land of Zion, and those of my disciples who shall tarry.

Let my servant Newel K. Whitney retain his store, or in other words, the store yet for a little season. Nevertheless let him impart all the monies [moneys] which he can impart, to be sent up unto the land of Zion. Behold these things are in his own hands, let him do according to wisdom. Verily I say, let him be ordained as an agent unto the disciples that shall tarry, and let him be ordained unto this power: and now speedily visit the churches, expounding these things unto them, with my servant Oliver Cowdry [Cowdery]. Behold this is my will, obtaining monies [moneys] even as I have directed.

He that is faithful and endureth shall overcome the world. He that sendeth up treasure unto the land of Zion, shall receive an inheritance in this world, and his works shall follow him; and also, a reward in the world to come; yea, and blessed are the dead that die in the Lord from henceforth, when the Lord shall come and old things shall pass away, and all things become new, they shall rise from the dead and shall not die after, and shall receive an inheritance before the Lord, in the holy city, and he that liveth when the Lord shall come, and have kept the faith, blessed is he, nevertheless it is appointed to him to die at the age of man: wherefore children shall grow up until they become old, old men shall die, but they shall not sleep in the dust, but they shall be changed in the twinkling of an eye; wherefore, for this cause preached the apostles unto the world, the resurrection of the dead: these things are the things that ye must look for, and speaking after the manner of the Lord, they are now nigh at hand; and in a time to come, even in the day of the coming of the Son of man, and until that hour, there will be foolish virgins among the wise, and at that hour cometh an entire separation of the righteous and the wicked; and in that day will I send mine angels, to pluck out the wicked, and cast them into unquenchable fire.

And now behold I say unto you, I the Lord am not pleased with my servant Sidney Rigdon, he exalted himself in his heart, and received not my counsel, but grieved the Spirit; wherefore his writing is not acceptable unto the Lord, and he shall make another; and if the Lord receive it not, behold he standeth no longer in the office which I have appointed him.

And again, verily I say unto you, those who desire in their hearts, in meekness, to warn sinners to repentance, let them be ordained unto this power: for this is a day of warning, and not a day of many words. For I the Lord am not to be mocked in the last days. Behold I am from above, and my power lieth beneath. I am over all, and in all, and through all, and searcheth all things: and the day cometh that all things shall be subject unto me. Behold I am Alpha and Omega, even Jesus Christ.-Wherefore let all men beware, how they take my name in their lips: for behold verily I say, that many there be who are under this condemnation; Who useth the name of the Lord, and useth it in vain, having not authority. Wherefore let the church repent of their sins, and I the Lord will own them, otherwise they shall be cut off.

Remember, that that which cometh from above is sacred, and must be spoken with care, and by constraint of the Spirit, and in this there is no condemnation: Let my servant Joseph Smith, jr. and Sidney Rigdon, seek them a home as they are taught through prayer by the Spirit. These things remain to overcome, through patience, that such may receive a more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; otherwise a greater condemnation: Amen.

TO PARENTS.

(continued)

The parent who contemplates the honor and happiness of his children, and hopes to seal through them a reflection of glory back upon his own name, will first, not only learn the most judicious rules to apply by way of precept in his purpose, but also study to know himself virtuous and upright, as far as human liability will permit, and the nature of the case requires; for a man must be able to govern himself, before he can rule well even his own house. But notwithstanding the excellency of example in the government of children, it could not be duly appreciated by them without corresponding precept or commandment, may be rendered doubly effectual with children, if it is connected with some circumstance to make it interesting to them; for instance a gift, to confirm the sincerity of your anxiety in their welfare, or a promise of gratification in some favorite and innocent amusement. But this course would not serve to establish the confidence necessary for success in the line of parental duty; if the example did not follow in the fulfilment [fulfillment] of the promise made, or a want of constancy and virtue should betray a lack of interest in their welfare-no matter how just the requirement, and necessary for the cultivation of pure principles; for the child finding himself again and again disappointed, will listen with reluctance, or turn with disgust from

467

________________________________________

the voice of command, and nothing encouraged in his faithfulness, will comply from necessity and fear, if at all, and not from a sense of duty, pleasure or respect.

With feelings thus alienated, there is not therefore, at least so great a probability of the children reflecting honor back upon the head of the parent; for, if even after the child comes to the years of maturity, and finds that in consequence of a bad example he has imbibed a wrong turn of character, he should at least conscientiously, or advisedly embrace the principles and practice of virtue; and independent of parental influence become great, and useful; he could not with propriety, arise and ascribe to the parent the blessing of his accidental transition from the gloomy cells of shame and contempt, to the temple of honor and fame.

There is therefore a double inducement for the parent to exercise the necessary means for the faithful government of his children-the most sacred trust that heaven has placed in his hands-which is, not only the rich harvest of virtue and bliss that shall crown their heads, but also the perpetuation of a good name among the posterity of good and great men to the latest generation. See to it then, ye fathers, and ye mothers in Israel; ye saints of the Most High. Arise in the dignity and authority of your place and calling, and watch over your sons and your daughters with a faithful and a jealous eye; and while the attributes of truth and love hold dominion in your hearts; swaying their scepters with cleansing influence in all your borders. Gather their wandering affections, if any such there are, and by patient perseverance both in precept and example, seal them to yourselves with more than angelic fondness and purity, and prove that the fear of God is verily before your eyes; for who, that lives in the light and blaze of gospel truth and liberty as it is poured down upon the saints in these days, and traineth not his children in the path of virtue, that can say: 'The fear of the Lord is with me!' Let not then, those who have named the name of the Lord, submit to furnish ground for even the councils of the just made perfect, to find one single trace of treachery or deception in the motives connected with the performance of a duty of so great an importance as the government of children; that the hope of the blest may shine forth in your lives, and your works continue.

Having now spoken in general terms of the importance of this subject, it may not be amiss to give some reflections that are more directly in relation to practice-not aiming however, to any thing [anything] more than if possible to encourage the more faithful performance of a duty so much neglected among men.

Children are generally strict observers of the words and actions of mankind, even before they are able to understand their meaning, and not unfrequently [infrequently] attempt, innocently to imitate what they see done, or hear said, no matter how poisonous in its character, or loathing in its influences over their minds. This relates more particularly to the earliest period of life, when children are more directly under the care of the mother, and which is the very time when the most permanent formation of character takes place. So, at least, the Phrenologist would say. But it is not here the intention to follow that channel, neither is it necessary;-for the position is abundantly supported by each day's experience, that the ruling features in the character of man, are formed by the age of about twelve years. This gives the mother almost an entire sway over the destinies of our race. What then, that is virtuous, and amiable and refining should not the mother possess to be duly qualified for so important a trust?-Nor is the father in any way exempt; for, as he is the head to direct, and the chief to command, and the prince to reign in the empire of his family; and naturally possessing a deeper research of mind, a more profound judgment, and a more skillful understanding; let him apply his wisdom to control, and according to the principles of virtue, every influence that shall pass in all the realm of his own house. This brings to view a faint glimmer of the beauties of a well regulated family authority, or order by which each one may know their rightful power, and the channel of their duty, whether of instruction, or of counsel, or of obedience. But to return.

Finding that the mother holds so important a stand in the government of children, there is no source of information, whether it is by counsel, or by instruction, or by obedience, that she in wisdom could neglect, so long as she is able thereby to attain to one single spark of the fire of virtuous influence to administer in the court of her little family.

HEMONI

(To be Continued)

Elder Taylor,

Sir,-I forward this communication to you to make what disposal of it you may judge proper.

B. YOUNG.

Feb. 12, 1844.

Dear Brother Young,-I left this place on the sixth of December last, according to the council, and traveled in an easterly direction, preaching three or four times a week. I baptized two at Mackenaw, stopped at Bloomington, McLean Co. Illinois, and baptized three. I proceeded

468

________________________________________

through Vermillion Co. to middle New York, when I found brother Joseph Coon, where we together baptized eight persons in eight day's labor.

We thought it advisable to hold a conference, and organize the members into a branch. The conference was called by Elder Daniel Botsford, who was chosen chairman, and Joseph Coon; clerk. The branch was called "The Middle York Branch of Vermillion County."

Levi Murdock was ordained an elder to preside over the branch, Silas Springer, a priest, Perry Fitzgerald, a teacher, and David A. Judal, a deacon. There were ten members present on the occasion.

We feel encouraged to go on in the name of Lord, and labor in the vineyard, as he shall direct. We feel that there is a great work to be done. The harvest truly is great and the laborers few. We feel our weakness and inability, and we cease not to call on the name of the Lord to grant unto us wisdom and understanding, humility, and strength of body and mind, that we may go forward in the strength of Israel's God, to combat and overthrow error, and establish the principles of eternal truth in the place thereof.

Daniel Botsford.

Joseph Coon.

EARTHQUAKES.

At Coudrie, in Perthshire, a smart shock was felt on the 14th ult. The day was calm and frosty, with sunshine. The accompanying sound was very loud. At Aberfeldy, on the same day, two shocks were felt which lasted several moments. A letter from Rome states that several slight shocks of earthquake had been felt there, but no injury had arisen. The German papers state that two more earthquakes had taken place at Ragusa on the 22nd ult.-Scottish Paper.

THE LATE EARTHQUAKE IN THE CHANNEL ISLANDS.

It is remarkable that the men working when the phenomenon happened in the mines in the island of Sark, more than 400 feet beneath the surface, neither heard any noise, nor felt the least motion of the earth around them, although the effects above ground were of a very alarming character. The person engaged in the steam mill house, observed the machinery shaking most violently, and he thought the boiler had burst, the shock being so tremendously awful. At Cherbourg the houses were much shaken and the furniture displaced, and many articles were thrown down. No personal injury, however, attended the concussion.

EARTHQUAKE IN GUERNSEY

(Abridged from the Guernsey (Eng.) Star of Dec.)

On the afternoon of Friday last, at a few minutes before four o'clock, the shock of an earthquake was felt throughout the whole of the island, of a very considerable violence. For some days previous the weather had been perfectly calm, and the temperature so mild that many persons continued sea-bathing; the only remarkable meteorological circumstances being that a luminous body, resembling a clouded moon, was seen over the island at seven o'clock on Wednesday evening, which continued visible for, ten or fifteen minutes, and that the evenings, excepting during the short appearance of the meteor, were impenetrably dark. The whole of Friday, till about three o'clock, had been fine and bright, but the sky had somewhat an unusual appearance, the clouds being singularly tinted with pale green, red, and purple. At the time when the shock was felt-seven minutes before four-the sky was partially overcast, and had a rainy appearance, the wind blowing in slight squalls from the southward and south-westward, At the time above-mentioned, a loud rumbling or undulating noise was heard in every part of the island, accompanied by one or two shocks, which, to our apprehension, had much less affinity to the concussion produced by an explosion, than to the benumbing effect created by electricity. This phenomenon, it is generally agreed, lasted about four seconds, and was evidently subterranean.

The shock, as we have already stated, was felt in all parts of the island, and everywhere appears to have produced the same effects. Persons out of doors felt the earth heave under them, in some cases so violently as to oblige them to lay hold of the nearest object for support. The banks and hedges of the fields were seen to be in motion, and in the houses the furniture and goods were rocked and shaken.-Buildings of all kinds were distinctly seen to heave and shake, as well as the pier walls, the iron railings at the south west corner of the quay, and the massive quay at St. Sampson's harbour [harbor]. The vane of the town church was violently agitated, and the bell struck twice.-Many imagine that heavy pieces of furniture were being removed over their heads, whilst many more believed that their houses were falling, and there was a general rush into the streets. So severely was the shock felt in the office of this paper, that the numerous persons employed, simultaneously, and without concert, sought safety out of doors, in the full conviction that the building was falling about their ears. We have not heard of any damage beyond

469

________________________________________

the shaking down of a few tiles, bricks, &c. All the accounts which we have collected from various parts of the island differ as to the apparent direction of the shock, and the time of its occurrence. we are inclined to believe, that the shock must have taken various directions, guided either by the fissures of the earth, or by other causes acting on the electric field. The shock, we believe, took place simultaneously throughout the whole island, and we are the more inclined to this opinion from having learnt [learned]from Jersey that the shock was felt at that place precisely at the time it occurred at this town-namely, seven minutes before four o'clock. We learn from Sark, that the shock was felt in that island at about the same time, and in the same manner as in Guernsey.

TIMES AND SEASONS.

CITY OF NAUVOO,

FRIDAY MARCH 15, 1844

FOR PRESIDENT,

GEN. JOSEPH SMITH,

NAUVOO, ILLINOIS.

RELIGION AND POLITICS.

There are peculiar notions extant in relation to propriety or impropriety of mixing religion with politics, many of which we consider to be wild and visionary. Having witnessed in the proceedings of some of our old European nations a policy that was dangerous, hurtful, and oppressive in the union of church and state, and seem [seen] in them an overgrown oligarchy, proud and arrogant, with a disposition to crush every thing that opposed its mandate, or will. We have looked with abhorence [abhorrence] upon the monster, and shrink from the idea of introducing any thing that would in the least deprive us of our freedom, or reduce us to a state of religious vassalage. Living under a free republican form of government; sheltered by the rich foliage of the tree of liberty; breathing a pure atmosphere of religious toleration; and basking in the sunbeams of prosperity, we have felt jealous of our rights, and have been always fearful, lest some of those eastern blasts should cross the great Atlantic, wither our brightest hopes, nip the tree of liberty in the bud, and that our youthful republic should be prostrated and the funeral dirge be chanted in the "Land of the free, and the home of the brave," in consequence of a union between church and state.

No one can be more opposed to an unhallowed alliance of this kind than ourselves; but while we would depreciate any having a tendency to deprive the sons of liberty of their rights, we cannot but think that the course taken by many of our politicians is altogether culpable, that the division is extending too far, and that in our jealousy lest a union of this kind should take place, we have thrust out God from all of our political movements, and seem to regard the affairs of the nation as that over the great Jehovah's; providence, has no control, about which his direction or interposition, never should be sought, and as a thing conducted and directed by human wisdom alone.

Either God has something to do in our national affairs, or he has not. If he has the oversight and charge of them, if "he raises one king and puts down another, according to the counsel of his own will;" if "the powers that be, are ordained of God;" then it becomes necessary for us, in all our political movements, to look to God for his benediction and blessing. But if God has nothing to do with them, we will act consistently, we will cease to pray for our president, or our legislators, or any of our own rulers, and each one will pursue his own course, and "God shall not be in all our thoughts," so far as politics are concerned.

By a careful perusal of the scriptures, however, we shall find that God in ancient days had as much to do with governments, kings and kingdoms, as he ever had to do with religion. The Jews, as a nation, were under the direct government of heaven, and not only had they judges and kings anointed of God, and set apart by him; but their laws were given them of God; hence says the prophet: "The Lord is our king; the Lord is our judge; the Lord is our law-giver, and he shall reign over us;" and in the history of the kings of Israel, we find the Lord and his prophets interfering as much in their civil, as their religious affairs, as the book of Kings abundantly testify. Hence, Saul, David, Solomon, Hezekiah, Jehu, and all the rest of their kings, were anointed of God and set apart especially to fulfil [fulfill] that office; and in regard to their policy, their war, their deliverance, they sought wisdom and protection from God, and ascribed their victories to him.

Nor was this the case with the Israelites alone; but other nations also, acknowledged his supremacy and sought his aid.

Abimelech, king of the Philistines, captivated by the beauty of Sarah, took her for the purpose of making her his wife, when the Lord

470

________________________________________

appeared to him in a dream and gave him certain instructions, the which he immediately obeyed; and although God had smitten his family in consequence of the evil, he immediately removed his hand, and restored them to health, and removed his wrath from the nation. Nebuchadnezzar had to acknowledge the Lord's sovereignty when he was told by Daniel that "the Lord removeth kings, and setteth up kings;" and in the writing which Belteshezzar saw on the wall the Lord revealed to him, through Daniel, not only his own state, but the situation of other kingdoms, that should come after his.

The Lord sent by Jonah a message to Ninevah, saying: 'that in forty days Ninevah should be destroyed;' but when the king proclaimed a fast, and sat in ashes, both him and his people-the Lord averted his wrath and prolonged their lives. God revealed his will through the mouth of his prophets to the Ammonites, Moabites, Elamites, Hittites, Jebusites, and numerous other nations, and Nebuchadnezzar in a dream had revealed to him, not only the situation of his own kingdom, but that of the different nations that should arise after his, until the final winding up scene.

And Daniel, and the apostle John, both in prophetic vision beheld a time that is spoken of as a period of great glory, when 'the Lord shall be king over all the earth,' and when 'the saints of the Most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven shall be given to the saints of the Most High God.'

Certainly if any person ought to interfere in political matters it should be those whose minds and judgments are influenced by correct principles-religious as well as political; otherwise those persons professing religion would have to be governed by those who make no professions; be subject to their rule; have the law and word of God trampled under foot, and become as wicked as Sodom and as corrupt as Gomorrah, and be prepared for final destruction. We are told "when the wicked rule the people mourn." This we have abundantly proved in the state of Missouri, and having had our fingers once burned, we dread the fire. The cause of humanity, the cause of justice, the cause of freedom, the cause of patriotism, and the cause of God requires us to use our endeavors to put in righteous rulers. Our revelations tell us to seek diligently for good and for wise men. Doc. and Cov. Sec. lxxxv. Par. 2:-

"And now verily I say unto you, concerning the laws of the land, it is my will that my people should observe to do all these things whatsoever I command them, and that the law of the land which is constitutional, supporting that principle of freedom, in maintaining rights and privileges belongs to all mankind and is justifiable before me; therefore I the Lord justifieth you, and your brethren of my church, in befriending that law which is the constitutional law of the land: and as pertaining to law of man, whatsoever is more or less than these, cometh of evil. I the Lord God maketh you free; therefore ye are free indeed: and the law also maketh you free; nevertheless when the wicked rule the people mourn: wherefore honest men and wise men should be sought for, diligently, and good men and wise men, ye should observe to uphold; otherwise whatsoever is less than these cometh of evil."

No one can be more fit for the task than Gen. Joseph Smith; he is wise, prudent, faithful, energetic and fearless; he is a virtuous man and a philanthropist; if we want to find out who he is, his past history shows his indomitable perseverance, and proves him to be a faithful friend, and a man of exalted genius, and sterling integrity; whilst his public addresses and views, as published to the world, prove him to be a patriot and statesman.

Let every man then that hates oppression, and loves the cause of right, not only vote himself; but use his influence to obtain the votes of others, that we may by every legal means support that man whose election will secure the greatest amount of good to the nation at large.

OUR CITY, AND THE PRESENT ASPECT OF AFFAIRS.

Believing that our patrons and friends are pleased to hear of our prosperity, we feel happy in apprising them of the same, through the columns of our paper.

Owing to the scarcity of provision, and the pressure in the money market during the past winter, commercial business has been somewhat dull; consequently those who were not previously prepared, have been obliged to employ the principle portion of their time in obtaining the necessary means for the sustenance of their families; therefore little improvement has been made. But old boreas is now on his receding march, and spring has commenced its return with all its pleasantness.

Navigation is open, and steam boats are almost continually plying up and down our majestic river; they have already brought several families of emigrants to this place, who have cordially joined with their friends and brethren in the great work of the upbuilding of Zion,

471

________________________________________

and the rolling forth of the kingdom of God.

The work of improvement is now begun, and in every direction may be heard the sound of the mason's trowel the carpenter's hammer, the teamster's voice; or in other words, the hum of industry, and the voice of merriment. Indeed, to judge from the present appearance, a greater amount of improvement will be done the ensuing summer, than in the preceding one. Almost every stranger that enters our city, is excited with astonishment, that so much has been done in so short a time; but we flatter ourself, from the known industry, perseverance and diligence of the saints, that by the return of another winter, so much more will be accomplished, that his astonishment will be increased to wonder and admiration.

Quite extensive preparations are being made by the farmers in this vicinity, for the cultivation of land; and should the season prove favorable, we doubt not that nearly, if not a sufficient amount of produce will be raised to supply the wants of the city and adjacent country.

We are also pleased that we can inform our friends abroad, that the saints here of late, have taken hold of the work on the Temple with zeal and energy that in no small degree excites our admiration. Their united efforts certainly speaks to us, that it is their determination that this spacious edifice shall be enclosed, if not finished, this season. And a word we would say to the saints abroad, which is, that the temple is being built in compliance with a special commandment of God, not to a few individuals, but to all; therefore we sincerely hope you will contribute of your means as liberally, as your circumstances will allow, that the burden of the work may not rest upon a few, but proportionately upon all. Where is the true hearted saint that does not with joy and delight, contemplate the endowment of the servants of God, and the blessings he has promised his people on condition they speedily build the Temple? Certainly you cannot reasonably expect to enjoy these blessings, if you refuse to contribute your share towards its erection. It is a thing of importance, and much depends upon its accomplishment; therefore, we wish to forcibly impress the matter upon your minds, hoping you will become aroused to a sense of your duty; that every company of saints, every elder that comes here, and every mail, may bring money and other property for this important work, which when completed will stand, in one sense of the word, as a firm pillar in Zion, and which will greatly facilitate the prosperity of the great cause of truth, which we all are actively engaged in.

For several Sundays past, when the weather was favorable, large crowds of our citizens assembled near the Temple, where they have been favored with very interesting and eloquent discourses, from Gen. Joseph Smith, President Hyrum Smith, Elder P. P. Pratt, and others. On the last occasion that Gen. Smith favored us with a discourse, he spoke on the subject of the spirits, powers, and missions of the Messiah, Elias, and Elijah, to an attentive audience, that listened with an almost breathless silence; their minds apparently being completely absorbed with the subject, while with a rapturous delight they heard so exquisite a dissertation upon these important principles, which are connected with the great plan of salvation. It being in the open air, and the audience being so large, that it was with great difficulty he could be heard by all present. We have frequently heard him of late, in a very plaintive manner speak of the difficulties that he labors under in speaking to a congregation thus situated, also that many glorious principles of the kingdom of God, which he is anxious to make known while he had to contend with this difficulty, which can be fully obviated by the completion of the Temple.

A NEW PUBLICATION.=

We have before us a very neat work in pamphlet form, containing forty royal octave pages, bearing the following title: "An appeal to the inhabitants of the state of New York, Letter to Queen Victoria, (reprinted from the tenth European edition;) The Fountain of Knowledge; Immortality of the Body, and intelligence and affection;-by P. P. Pratt."

The reputation of Mr. Pratt, as an author, and faithful minister of the gospel, is such as to render it unnecessary for us to eulogize the above work; for the name of the author alone, is sufficient to recommend it to every lover of truth and literature; aud [and] we would say to every such person, that he should be the owner of one.

In order to give our readers a specimen of the work, we will insert a few extracts from it, in our next number, which we are obliged to omit in this, for the want of room.

The above work can be had of Mrs. Pratt, at the corner of Young and Wells streets, or at this office.

472

________________________________________