Times and Seasons/6/13

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Source document in Mormon Publications: 19th and 20th Centuries online archive: Times and Seasons Vol. 6]

TIMES AND SEASONS
"TRUTH WILL PREVAIL"
Volume VI. No. 13.]	CITY OF NAUVOO, ILL., JULY 15, 1845	[Whole No. 121.

HISTORY OF JOSEPH SMITH.

CONTINUED.

December 19th. William Pratt and David Patten took their journey to the land of Zion, for the purpose of bearing dispatches to the brethren in that place, from Kirtland. O may God grant it a blessing for Zion, as a kind angel from heaven: Amen.

The following circular was published in the "Star" by

"THE ELDERS IN KIRTLAND TO THEIR BRETHREN ABROAD:

Dear Brethren in Christ, and companions in tribulation;

It seemeth good unto us, to drop a few lines to you, giving you some instruction relative to conducting the affairs of the kingdom of God, which has been committed unto us in these latter times, by the will and testament of our Mediator, whose intercessions in our behalf, are lodged in the bosom of the Eternal Father, and ere long will burst with blessings upon the heads of all the faithful:

We have all been children, and are too much so at the present time; but we hope in the Lord that we may grow in grace and be prepared for all things which the bosom of futurity may disclose unto us. Time is rapidly rolling on, and the prophecies must be fulfilled. The days of tribulation are fast approaching, and the time to test the fidelity of the saints, has come. Rumor with her ten thousand tongues is diffusing her uncertain sounds in almost every ear: but in these times of sore trial, let the saints be patient and see the salvation of God. Those who cannot endure persecution and stand in the day of affliction, cannot stand in the day when the Son of God shall burst the veil, and appear in all the glory of his Father with the holy angels.

On the subject of ordination, a few words are necessary: In many instances there has been too much haste in this thing, and the admonition of Paul has been too slightingly passed over, which says, "Lay hands suddenly upon no man." Some have been ordained to the ministry, and have never acted in that capacity, or magnified their calling at all: Such may expect to lose their calling, except they awake and magnify their office. Let the elders abroad be exceedingly careful upon this subject, and when they ordain a man to the holy ministry, let it be a faithful man, who is able to teach others also; that the cause of Christ suffer not. It is not the multitude of preachers that is to bring about the glorious millennium! but it is those who are "called and chosen, and faithful."

Let the elders be exceedingly careful about unnecessarily disturbing and harrowing up the feelings of the people. Remember, that your business is, to preach the gospel in all humility and meekness, and warn sinners to repent and come to Christ. Avoid contentions and vain disputes with men of corrupt minds, who do dot [not] desire to know the truth. Remember that "it is a day of warning and not a day of many words." If they receive not your testimony in one place, flee to another, remembering, to cast no reflections, nor throw out any bitter sayings. If you do your duty, it will be just as well with you, as though all men embraced the gospel.

Be careful about sending boys to preach the gospel to the world; if they go, let them be accompanied by some one who is able to guide them in the proper channel, lest they become puffed up, and fall under condemnation and into the snare of the devil: finally, in these critical times, be careful; call on the Lord day and night. Beware of false brethren, who will creep in among you to spy out your liberties, &c. Awake to righteousness and sin not; let your light shine, and show yourselves workmen that need not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. Apply yourselves diligently to study, that your minds may be stored with all necessary information.

We remain your brethren in Christ, anxiously praying for the day of redemption to come, when iniquity shall be swept from the earth; and everlasting righteousness brought in.-Farewell."

On Monday night the 24th of December, four aged families, living near the village of Independence, whose penury and infirmities, incident to old age, forbade a speedy removal, were driven from their houses, by a party of the mob, who tore down their chimneys, broke in their doors and windows, and hurled large rocks into their houses, by which the life of old Mr. Miller, in particular, was greatly endangered.-Mr. Miller is aged sixty-five years being, the youngest man in the four families. Some of these men have toiled and bled in the defence [defense] of their country: and old Mr. Jones, one of the sufferers, served as life guard to General Geo. Washington, in the revolution. Well may the soldier of Seventy Six, contemplate with horror, the scenes which surround him at this day

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in Jackson county, where liberty, law, and equal rights, are trodden under foot. It is now apparent, that no man embracing the faith of this people, whatever be his age or former standing in society, may hope to escape the wrath of the Jackson county mob, whenever it is in their power to inflict abuse.

A court of enquiry [inquiry] was held at Liberty Clay county, Missouri, the latter part of this month, to enquire [inquire] into the conduct of Colonel Pitcher, for driving the saints, or Mormons from Jackson county, which resulted in his arrest for further trial by a court martial.

December 26. James Blanchard, and Alonzo Rider, were cut off from the church by a council of elders in Kirtland, for repeated transgressions, and promising to reform, and never fulfilling. Nelson Acre was also cut off, on account of his absenting himself from the meetings, and saying that he wanted no more of the church, and that he desired to be cut off, &c. None of these being present, the council notified them of their exclusion by letters-This evening a bishop's court was called to investigate the case of Elder Ezekiel Rider, who had said many hard things against Bishop Whitney: that Brother Whitney was not fit for a bishop, and that he treated the brethren who came into the store with disrespect, that he was overbearing, and fain would walk on the necks of the brethren ,&c. Brother Story was also in a similar transgression. I rebuked them sharply, and told them that the church must feel the wrath of God, except they repent of their sins, and cast away their murmurings and complainings one of another, &c., &c. Elder Rigdon also lectured them on the same principles. Brother Rider and Story confessed their wrongs and all forgave one another.

December 27th. A bishop's court was called to investigate complaints made against Brothers Elliott, Haggart and Babbit, and their wives, and Jenkins Salisbury, all of whom were present, but the accusers not being present the court adjourned, sine die.

The mob sold the materials, or rather gave "Davis and Kelley" leave to take the Evening and Morning Star establishment, to Liberty, Clay county, where they commenced the publication of the "The Missouri Enquirer" a weekly paper. They also paid our lawyers, employed as counsel against the mob, three hundred dollars, on the one thousand dollar note, on agreement: a small amount towards an establishment, which with the book work and furniture, had cost some three or four thousand dollars.

From the very features of the celebrated mob circular, previously inserted, it will be seen that they meditated a most daring infraction of the constitution of our country, that they might gratify a spirit of persecution against an innocent people. To whom shall blame be attached in this tragedy, when they in July last, boldly made known their determination to drive the Mormons from Jackson county, "peacibly [peaceably] if they could, forcibly if they must," openly declaring, that "the arm of the civil law did not afford them a sufficient guarantee against the increasing evils of this religious sect;" and in their circular they further say, "we deem it expedient, and of the highest importance, to form ourselves into a company for the better and easier accomplishment of our purposes," and conclude with these high toned words: "we therefore agree, that after timely warning; and upon receiving an adequate compensation for what little property they cannot take with them, they refuse to leave us in peace as they found us, we agree to use such means as my be sufficient to remove them; and to this end, we each pledge to each other, our lives, our bodily powers, fortunes, and sacred honors?"

In answer to their bold and daring resolves to guard against anticipated evils. I give the following extract from the Governor's letter in relation to this affair, dated, Oct. 19th, 1833. "No citizen, or number of citizens, has a right to take the redress of their grievances, whether real or imaginary, into their own hands: such conduct strikes at the very existence of society, and subverts the foundation on which it is based."

I ask again, to whom shall blame be attached in this tragedy? When the mob previously and publicly declared their intentions; and the principles involved were understood by the executive, as appears by the foregoing; and also by the judiciary, according to Judge Ryland's letter; and the constitution of the land, guarantees equal rights and privileges to all, to whom should blame be attached, but Jackson county mobbers and Missouri?

December 31st. Wilford Woodruff, was baptised [baptized] at Richland, Oswego county, New York, by Elder Zerah Pulsipher.

1834. The scattered saints in Missouri commenced the year, eighteen hundred and thirty four, with a conference, which they held in Clay county, on the first day of January, at which Bishop Partridge presided. After transacting much business relative to comforting and strengthening the scattered members of the church, it was

Resolved, That Lyman Wight and Parley P. Pratt be sent as special messengers, to represent the situation of the scattered brethren in Missouri

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to the presidency and church in Kirtland and ask their advice, &c.

On the evening of the 2nd of January, a bishop's court assembled in Kirtland to investigate the case of Wesley Hulbert, against whom charges had been preferred by Harriet Howe and others, "that Hulbert had denied the faith, spoken reproachfully of the church, did not believe Joseph was a true prophet, &c. Hulbert was in the place, but did not appear before the court consequently was cut off.

Wilford Woodruff was ordained a teacher, at Richland, New York.

Liberty, Clay co, January 9th, 1834.

Dear Sir;

Since my communication of the 29th of November, and a petition dated the 6th of December last, to which my name was attached, I am induced to trespass again upon your patience, with further particulars in relation to the unfortunate faction in Jackson county, on which subject I should be silent, were it not that I entertain a hope of suggesting some ideas that may ultimately prove useful in ameliorating the present suffering condition of my brethren, and in some degree restoring peace to both parties.

Being particularly acquainted with the situation of both parties at this day, my desire is, to write impartially; notwithstanding I feel very sensibly the deep wound that has been inflicted upon the church of which I am a member, by the citizens of Jackson county. The petition to your Excellency, dated the 6th of December last, was drawn up hastily by Mr, Phelps, and signed by several of us, just before the closing of the mail; and there is one item in particular in said petition, that needs some explanation; the request that "our men may be organized into companies of Jackson Guards, and furnished with arms by the state," was made at the instance of disinterested advisers, and also a communication from the Attorney General to Messrs. Doniphan and Atchison, da [dated] the 21st of November last, giving his views as to the propriety of organizing into regular companies, &c. The necessity of being compelled to resort to arms, to regain our possessions in Jackson county, is by no means agreeable to the feelings of the church, and would never be thought of but from pure necessity.

In relationship to the court of enquiry [inquiry], serious difficulties continue to exist, well calculated to preclude the most important testimony of our church, and there appears to be no evil, which man is capable of inflicting upon his fellow creature man, but what our people are threatened with at this day by the citizens of Jackson county. This intimidates a great many, particularly females and children, and no military guard would diminish their fears so far as to induce them to attend the court in that county; this with other serious difficulties will give a decided advantage to the offenders, in a court of enquiry [inquiry], while they triumph in power, numbers, &c.

The citizens of Jackson county, are well aware that they have this advantage, and the leaders of the faction if they must submit to such a court, would gladly hasten it. The church are anxious for a thorough investigation into the whole affair, if their testimony can be taken without so great peril as they have reason to fear. It is my opinion from present appearances, that not one-fourth of the witnesses of our people, can be prevailed upon to go into Jackson county to testify. The influence of the party that compose that faction is considerable, and this influence operates in some degree, upon the drafted militia, so far as to lessen confidence in the loyalty of that body: and I am satisfied that the influence of the Jackson county faction, will not be entirely put down while they have advocates among certain religious sects.

Knowing that your Excellency must be aware of the unequal contest in which we are engaged, and that the little handful that compose our church, are not the only sufferers that feel the oppressive hand of priestly power.-With these difficulties and many others not enumerated, it would be my wish to adopt such measures as are best calculated to allay the rage of Jackson county, and restore the injured to their rightful possessions; and to this end, I would suggest the propriety of purchasing the possessions of the most violent leaders of the faction, and if they assent to this proposition, of about twenty of the most influential in that county, (which would embrace the very leaders of the faction,) could be obtained, I think the majority would cease in their persecutions, at least, when a due exercise of executive counsel and authority was manifested. I suggest the measure because it is of a pacific nature, well knowing that no legal steps are calculated to subdue their obduracy, only when pushed with energy by the highest authorities of the state.

In this proposal, I believe that I should have the concurrence of my brethren. I therefore give this early intimation of our intention, or the part of some of the leading men in the church, to purchase out some of the principal leaders of the faction, if funds sufficient can be raised; hoping thereby to regain peaceful possession of their homes and in making a trial of this measure at a future day, we may deem it

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important, and of great utility if we could avail ourselves of counsel and directions from your Excellency, believing there will be a day, in negociations [negotiations] for peace, in which an executive interposition, would produce a salutary effect to both parties.

In this communication, with honesty of heart I have endeavored briefly to touch upon a few interesting points in plain truth, believing that I have given no wrong bias on either side, and with earnest prayers to our great Benefactor, that the chief ruler of this state, may come to a full knowledge of the grand outrage in Jackson county. I subscribe myself,

Your obedient servant,

ALGERNON S. GILBERT.

To his Excellency DANIEL DUNKLIN, Jefferson City, Mo.

On the evening of the 11th of January, Joseph Smith, jr., Frederick G. Williams, Newel K. Whitney, John Johnson, Oliver Cowdery and Orson Hyde united in prayer, and asked the Lord to grant the following petitions:

That the Lord would grant that our lives might be precious in his sight, that he would watch over our persons, and give his angels charge concerning us and our families, that no evil nor unseen hand might be permitted to harm us.

That the Lord would also hold the lives of all the united order, and not suffer that any of them shall be taken.

That the Lord would grant that Brother Joseph might prevail over his enemy, even Doctor Hurlbert, who has threatened his life, whom Joseph has caused to be taken with a precept; that the Lord would fill the heart of the court with a spirit to do justice, and cause that the law of the land may be magnified in bringing him to justice.

That the Lord would provide in the order of his providence, the bishop of this church with means sufficient to discharge every debt that the order owes, in due season, that the church may not be brought into disrepute and the saints be afflicted by the hands of their enemies.

That the Lord would protect our printing press from the hands of evil men, and give us means to send forth his record even his gospel, that the ears of all may hear it, and also that we may print his scriptures; and also that he would give those, who were appointed to conduct the press, wisdom sufficient, that the cause may not be hindered, but that men's eyes may thereby be opened to see the truth.

That the Lord would deliver Zion, and gather in his scattered people to possess it in peace; and also, while in their dispersion, that he would provide for them that they perish not by hunger or cold; and finally, that God, in the name of Jesus, would gather his elect speedily, and unveil his face, that his saints might behold his glory, and dwell with him. Amen.

As soon as the Governor intimated, or the news began to circulate, that the Mormons, (as the people styled the church) would be restored to their possession in Jackson county (if they desired to be) the "priests' of all denominations, as the men behind the scene, with the mob, began to set their springs in motion, and by their secret councils, and false publications and insinuations, soured the public mind, and veiled the administration of the laws, so that anything like a return to their houses and lands, or recovery of damages for losses sustained, seemed as distant as the day of judgment. The power of wickedness and darkness walked hand in hand together, and the saints mourned.

January 16th. I visited Brother Jenkins Salisbury, and spent the night. O Lord! keep us and my family safe, until I return unto them: O my God, have mercy on my brethren in Zion, for Christ's sake: Amen.

CONFERENCE MINUTES.

From the N. Y. Messenger.

Minutes of a conference held at Cambria, Niagara county, N. Y.

Elder D. H. Redfield was called to the chair, and James Kenny chosen clerk.

The president then arose and gave some valuable instruction on the object of calling this conference together, that we might console them, and that they might be prepared for the blessings that God designs to bestow on his servants, and whether they, as a church, would sustain the Twelve, und [and] the authorities at Nauvoo, and carry out the principles that their prophet and patriarch have given for their salvation.

Resolved, that we sustain the Twelve in their calling, and uphold them by our prayers and influence, and build the Temple at Nauvoo.

Elder Farr then arose and addressed the brethren upon the vision of Daniel, in setting up of the kingdom of God in the last days, and the necessity of obeying the commands of God and the blessings that would follow.

High priests present, two; elders, ten; priest, one; teachers, one.

Representation of branches:-

Cambria branch, represented by James Kenny, ten members, including four elders, all in good standing.

Akron branch, by Brother Hart, twenty two

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members, including five elders and one priest, all in good standing.

Grand Island branch, by Brother Stacy, nine members, including one elder, all in good standing.

Lewiston branch, by Brother Small, nine members, two elders, two priests.

Cayuga Creek branch, by Brother Lacomb, six members.

Scattering members, by Brother Neale, twelve members.

The conference then took into consideration the necessity of sustaining the Messenger, Times and Seasons, and Neighbor, after which Elder Farr continued his remarks.

Adjourned till evening.

Met pursuant to adjournment, Opened by prayer by Brother Kenny.

Brother Sheffeild spoke on the first principles of the gospel. Followed by Elder Stratton.

Adjourned till Sunday morning at 10 o'clock.

Conference met according to adjournment,-Brought to order by the president.

Sung a hymn selected by Elder H. Stratton.

Elder Winslow Farr then addressed the congregation upon the subject of the restitution of all things, spoken of by the prophets, and this is the dispensation that was designed of God to bring about this great and glorious work-Showing from the scriptures, that God in every dispensation, had prophets to lead his people, and showing from scripture that God did nothing but what he revealed it unto his prophets, and that no one ought to teach without being called of God, as was Aaron, and that the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy, and it was by revelation that Peter knew that Jesus was the Christ, and as God was about to gather Israel back to the land of their fathers, it could not be performed without revelation.-Then going on to show that in the restitution of all things, it was necessary to restore the priesthood, and through that priesthood he would reveal all things that were necessary for the salvation of the human family.

Elder Stratton then arose and spoke on the first principles of the gospel.

Adjourned for one hour.

Met pursuant to adjournment. Opened by singing and prayer.

The president then arose and said that it was his intention to have spoken on some particulars of our holy religion, but those who have spoken before me have gone over most of the ground, and spoke on all subjects, consequently he should be under the necessity of reviewing some of the principles that had already been advanced by his brethren, and then went on to show his hearers something of the restitution, and the situation that man stood in the presence of God, and the beauties of the resurrection of the dead, showing by scripture and good sound logical reason, the difference between the saints of light, and the narrow contractedness of the people in this generation, who have not embraced the doctrine of Christ, and that it was by perseverence [perseverance] that the saints of God ever would obtain those blessings and hearkening to the counsel of those whom God had placed in his church to lead his people.

Elder Farr made a few remarks on the same subject.

Br. S. A. Neale made a few remarks concerning those who had not embraced the gospel.

It was then moved and carried that the Lewiston branch be attached to the Cambria branch.

Adjourned till evening.

Met pursuant to adjournment.

Meeting being called to order, after singing and prayer, the brethren and sisters spoke and told their determinations.

After which the conference adjourned sine die. DAVID H. REDFIELD, Pres't.

JAMES KENNY, Clerk.

INDIANS IN CANADA-It appears by the Report on the affairs of the Indians in Canada, laid before the Legislative Assembly on the 20th of March, 1845, that some 12,000 Indians reside in the Provinces, and that the number is on the increase. The policy of the British government toward the red man has been kind and conciliatory, and the fact that they increase in numbers in Canada from the excess of the births over the deaths, as well as by immigration from the United states, speaks favorably for the humane and fatherly care of the British authorities. There is no driving the tribes from their old hunting grounds, and the graves of their fathers, as in the United states, and the Canadian Indians are still located at numerous points in both provinces. They enjoy their lands and the protection of the Government in peace, and the social condition of the settled tribes is improving. The contrast with us is humiliating. The lords of the soil have been harassed and hunted down until many tribes have become extinct, and in our cupidity for more lands we shall ere long force the mere remnants of once powerful nations now gathered beyond the Mississippi, to remove still farther west at the point of the bayonet. What a sad record of decay and death does the history of the Aborigines of this country present.-Cleveland Herald.

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EPHRAIM AND MANASSEH.

There cannot be any subject brought before the people, which ought to claim more candid attention, than information that relates to any of the families of Israel. The bible contains a few lines upon the subject in question. Jacob blesses Ephraim and Manasseh and says let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.

Here we have it "in the midst of the earth," and all that is wanting is to find the multitude. This we show in the following from a southern paper:-

INDIANS OF AMERICA.-The semi-annual report of the American Indian Mission Association, held at Forsyth, Ga., on May 17, 18, and 19th ult, in its survey of the field which is opened for their labors, and after remarking upon the claims of the aboriginal race of this continent as being as fully entitled to the philanthropic and benevolent efforts of American Christendom, as the inhabitants of the eastern continents of Asia and Africa, proceeds to give an estimate of the numbers of American Indians. We extract from this, the concluding portion of their report:-

"The field we have entered is extensive, comprising a full quarter of the Globe. The population, it is true, is not so dense as in many other countries, but it is supposed to embrace ten or eleven millions of the original inhabitants and about the same number of others, whose condition morally is as deplorable as that of the natives, or of any heathen nation in the world; and with these races of men there is such a commingling that in approaching the one, we necessarily come in contact with the other. The portion covered by the population of the United States, and the civilized parts of Canada, is an exception of but a speck compared with the whole. We have, therefore, before us a fourth part of the world to work upon: and material consisting of about twenty-two millions, or upwards; and with very partial exceptions among the Indians on our borders, this field is unoccupied by others. Other societies have sailed across the seas to Asia, Africa, and Europe, and have left America for us.

It is estimated that there are yet four millions and a half of the Aborigines in North America, including Mexico and its dependencies. Further southeast in Central America, in Guatimala [Guatemala], there are supposed to be one million of Indians. One of their towns contains about 20,000 inhabitants. In the more eastern parts of the country, are large districts thinly inhabited by uncivilized Indains.

Still further southeast in New Granada, in a population of about 1,800,000, one million may be estimated as being of Indian blood. In the adjoining region of Venezuela (or Carracas) it is supposed that there are eighty three thousand Indians. Some of these, but not all, have submitted to a state of dependence and vassalage under the Spanish and Catholic yoke. Other tribes are unsubdued, as the Goahiros, about 30,000 in number, and the Guaraunos, about 8,000 in number.

In Guiana, the tribes of Caribs and Warrows adjoin the coast. The Arrowsauks and the Accawaws reside farther in the interior. Here the European settlements do not extend far back from the sea; and in the interior are numerous tribes but little known.

Peru is said to have a known population of Indian blood, of 853,350. East of the mountains are extensive regions, chiefly prairies, inhabited by tribes unsubdued by the Spaniards, whom we may estimate at least, at 40,000-The extensive region of Brazil is supposed to contain 800,000 or 1,000,000 unsubdued Indains.

In Buenos Ayres [Aires], what are termed civilized Indians, because subject to the Spaniards, number about 700,000, besides those who are unsubdued in the interior.

In Chili there are, perhaps, 500,000 Indians, most of whom are submissive to the Spaniards. The interior of Patagonia is inhabited by unsubdued Indians; the number not known, but probably amounting to one or two millions.-In the islands of Trinidad, Margarita, and St. Vincent, it is said that a few of the original inhabitants remain; in all about 3700. The large island of Terra Fuego is inhabited by the Aborigines.

We must not, however, disguise a fact, which though it may be felt by some of the missionaries has, perhaps, not been well understood generally, namely; that missionary labors among the Indians are usually attended with more toil, difficulties, and obstacles, and consequently may be said to be harder to perform, than those among the heathen of other countries; but it is presumed that none are better qualified to perform difficult and hard work, than the missionaries whom this association will employ.

The prevalence of peace in the greater part of North America, and many other considerations, make the present time peculiurly [peculiarly] favorable for carrying forward our work successfully; and even the present political agitations, in Mexico, we have good reason to believe, will result favorably for the designs of the association, and notwithstanding, in the countries

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further southeast, obstacles not altogether informidable may be apprehended, we may hope that they will appear less appalling as we approach them. The South Americans have long been in a restless condition: the gospel would insure tranquility [tranquillity] and blessings beyond those of which they have hitherto been capable of conceiving.

Since our Divine Master had done so much for fallen man, and we have been so much favored as a nation, as Christians, as members of a benevolent association; and in view of the condition of the Aborigines, and our obligations to them, and of the inviting opportunities which now present themselves for doing them good, and the confidence of success which humble reliance upon God, must inspire us, surely there will not be one in our favored fraternity who will be unwilling to participate most zealously in this good work of "build the old wastes, of repairing the waste cities, and the desolations of many generations."-And, in behalf of all, we adopt the language of Nehemiah, "The God of heaven he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build."

The total number of the Indian race is therefore estimated by the report at near or about 12,000,000, excluding those of mingled Spanish &c., and Indian blood

THE PROSPECT.

The saints have reason to rejoice at the prospect before them: for while the calamities of the last days, as foretold by the prophets, are continually taking place among the nations and kingdoms, the "division" sent by Jesus Christ, as recorded in St. Luke, is also fulfilling. We copy the following as a sample. The Swedenborgians without revelation will last about as long as a candle in a windy garret.-The candle of this generation is nearly burnt to the socket. But see how old fashioned religion fails in the old world:

From the London Intellectual Repository.

RECEPTION OF A NEW CHURCH MESSENGER BY THE VICE-CHANCELLOR AND OTHERS, AT OXFORD,

In consequence of the present divided State of the Church of England, and particularly of the University of Oxford, upon essential points of doctrine, especially the doctrine of Justification by Faith alone, a reader of the writings of Swedenborg though it his duty, as a Clergyman, to go to the University in order simply to announce the dissolution of the Old Church and the establishment of the New, as declared in the writings of our author. He had resolved not to go in the character of a theological disputant, or of a critic upon the writings of ancient or modern divines, but solely in the character of a Messenger, to convey the glad tidings of salvation as announced by the New Jerusalem Church; trusting that in case any argument should arise upon the subject, the writings of Swedenborg would enable him to give suitable replies.

The result of his mission is, that he has been enabled to announce the doctrines of the New Church to several of the leading men at Oxford whose names are familiar with the public. In every interview the arguments against the New Church resolved themselves into two; first, that the Catholic Church is the interpreter of Scriptures; and secondly, that the creed of this church is the key to the interpretation thereof. To the first objection it was replied-If the Church is the interpreter of Scripture, then in the case of the prophetical books which form a large portion of the Bible, where and what are the interpretations authorized by the Church? To this question, no answer could be obtained in any one of the interviews; probably for the reason, that the Church no where possesses authorized interpretations of prophecy, as she possesses authorized interpretations of doctrine; that the interpretation of prophecy, therefore, is an open question; open to any and every individual who, in his character of interpreter, is not bound to refer to the authority of the Church, and who, consequently, is at liberty to adopt the interpretations of Swedenborg, if he thinks proper.

The second objection was, that the creed of the Church is the Key to the interpretation of Scripture, and that the door to the divine mysteries must be opened only with this Key. To this it was replied, Be it so; you give me a Key to open the door; but have you ever opened the door with it? Do you not acknowledge that a great portion of prophecy is a sealed book? What do you know of the Apocalypse? Have your creed ever opened it? if so, where are your authorized interpretations?

To these arguments there was no attempt to reply, although a reply was solicited again and again. In almost all these cases, however, it was satisfactory to hear it admitted, that the subject required investigation, and that the respective parties were not qualified to enter into it in consequence of their ignorance of Swedenborg's writings, and that the question must not be allowed to rest where it did.

The clergyman who went upon the present mission next resolved, by the blessing of Divine Providence, to lay the whole subject before the Vice Chancellor, who received him with the utmost courtesy. A statement was

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then made of the doctrines and principles of the New Church, and an outline given of Swedenborg's interpretations of the Apocalypse. It was candidly, but most respectfully, declared to the Vice Chancellor, that the Old Church, both Protestant and Catholic, was said to have come to an end-that their continuation was only a question of time and expedience-that a New Church was now being raised up by the Lord, and that the present divisions in the Church of England and the University were only a visible fulfilment [fulfillment] of the predictions contained in the Apocalypse, as interpreted by Emanuel Swedenborg.

"Mr. Vice Chancellor," said the clergyman, "I call upon you, I call upon the University, most respectfully, but most solemnly, to institute an investigation into these writings, that it they are false, their falsehood may be demonstrated, and if they are true, the Church of England and the University may know their position.

"I understand you," said the Vice-Chancellor, "you require that we should institute an investigation into the truth or falsehood of these writings?" "Precisely so," was the reply. "Then I prom you," said the Vice-Chancellor, "that this investigation shall be immediately commenced, and I myself will begin reading them this evening." "I feel obliged," said the clergyman, "and may I now express a hope, that writings which have found their way through this country, through several parts of the Continent, and the United States of America, may at last find their way into the Libraries of this University?" Here terminated the interview which took place on Tuesday morning, February 4th; the Vice-Chancellor having listened to the statements throughout with the deepest attention, and manifested the most courteous and Christian deportment. He willingly accepted one copy of Swedenborg's "Brief Exposition of the Doctrine of the New Church," &c., and one copy of the "Illustrations of the End of the Church," &c.

Whatever may be the result of this visit to Oxford, one thing is certain, that if the Church of England be rent asunder by her present unhappy divisions, or be doomed in future to continued internal warfare, she will at least, in this her day of visitation, have received a friendly and affectionate notice from the New Church of "the things which belong to her peace." A. C.

THE PENTICOST [PENTECOST].-"The Jewish observances," says the New York Herald, of June 13, "were renewed in the various Synagogues yesterday morning, at nine o'clock and ended at one, P. M. There were rather more attendants than on the day before, but in every other respect the observances were similar, consisting merely of reading the word, and saying a form of prayer set apart for the occasion. It is not, perhaps, generally known that the modern Jews have no ceremonials further than meeting together, praying, reading the word, which is accompanied with frequent bowing, in a more sprightly than reverential manner. But this ancient people have not discarded their venerable forms-although some difference of opinion in matters of discipline prevails among the two or three sects; the necessity of relinquishing sacrifice, first fruits, the altar, &c., is imposed upon them by the loss of their lands, the possession of which is requisite to the existence and operation of all the old rites and ceremonies, "as the Lord commanded Moses"

We would like to have it instilled into the minds of the Jews, that after 2,400 years from the time the daily sacrifice was taken away, the sanctuary will be 'cleansed,' and they or those having the Priesthood and authority can offer an acceptable offering before the Lord.

TIMES AND SEASONS,

CITY OF NAUVOO,

JULY 15, 1845.

Change-The New York Messenger says;-"The office of the "Millennial Star" in Liverpool, Eng., has been removed from 36 Chapel Street, to Stanley's Buildings, Bath Street.-We give this notice for the information of those directing letters."

FROM THE EAST.

An awful account of the blood and carnage, among the Druses and Christians of Syria was published in the Neighbor. The loss of life and property are immense. Since that account was published, the packets from England have brought the following:-

SYRIAN CHRISTIANS.-A letter from Constantiople of the 11th, in the Augsburgh Gazette, says: "The patriarch of the Maronites, M. Habaises, is dead. The high Maronite clergy have assembled at Bkorka for a new election. Three thousand Maronites have taken refuge at Saida from the Druses, and are supplied with the means of subsistence by the Turkish authorities. Bahri Pacha, who replaces Wedschihi Pacha at Beyouit [Beirut], having assembled there the leaders of the belligerent parties, an armistice was agreed to on the 26th, and reciprocal guaranties were given, with assurance of

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oblivion of the past on both sides, and promises to denounce to the Turkish authorities any new rising of either the Druses of the Maronites. This arrangement has been placed under the guaranty of the foreign consuls [counsels] at Beyrout. [Beirut.]."

INDIANS IN CANADA.

What is the reason that the United States hand of charity, so liberally bestowed upon the sons of the forest, has constantly withered the Indains away? it would be very satisfactory to have some of the missionaries answer the question. These nobles in degradation, these red men of the wildernesses, ought to have as much glory in the asylum of the oppressed as the colored men of the south-had they not? (See p. 164.)

They say-Yes, the Mormons say, that saints can live and die a natural death, without the aid of doctors or lawyers; but they cannot be saved in the celestial kingdom, without being baptised [baptized] and confirmed by an elder.

A BLESSING.

Pronounced by Joseph Smith, jr., upon the head of William Smith his brother, Dec. 18th, 1833.

Brother William is as the fierce lion which divideth not the spoil because of his much strength, and in the pride of his heart he will neglect the more weighty matters, until his soul is bowed down in sorrow; and then he shall return and call on the name of his God, and shall find forgiveness and shall wax valiant in the cause of truth: therefore he shall be saved unto the uttermost, and shall be endowed with power from on high. At his rebuke, in the name of the Lord, the eyes of the blind shall be opened; the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped; the tongue of the dumb shall be made to speak, and the lame man shall leap as a hart: and his adversaries shall not have power to withstand his words. Hell shall tremble because of him, and Satan shall flee from before his face and he shall be as a roaring lion of the forest in the midst of his prey:-so shall his hand be in the midst of his enemies among those who know the Lord, but seek the injury of the righteous.

And the hand of his generation shall be lifted up also against those who are set on high, that fight the God of Israel: fearless and undaunted shall they be in battle, in avenging the wrongs of the innocent and relieving the oppressed;-Therefore the blessings of the God of Jacob shall be on him to the uttermost, and in the midst of his house from generation to generation forever. And he shall be lifted up at the last day, and shall come up before the Lord like as a full shock of corn, laden with his tens of thousands as a reward of his labors, with songs of everlasting joy, with hosannas upon his lips, to God the Lamb, to go no more out. Amen.

THE PHILANTHROPY OF ENGLAND.

While the English are pretending to feel such a christian abhorrence of the oppression which they affirm exist in those of our States where negro slavery is tolerated, behold the evidence of her sincerity as presented by a London correspondent of the Boston Atlas:

"It is remarked that the Church of England has on all occasions, been found ranged on the side of oppression and political despotism. It supports a poor law that treats poverty as a crime, and hunts the poor from parish to parish as if they were wild beasts. It helps the landlord to tax food, and make bread scarce and dear. It robs the people of the funds bequeathed for their education, and lifts up its bigot against any other education but that given in the spirit of its own dogmas, It extorts tithes, rates, dues, and offerings, even from the poorest of the poor-it 'devours widows' houses, and for a pretence [pretense], makes long prayers. It is said that the rich cannot enter the kingdom of heaven, and yet the church aims at nothing but riches, and grasps all the silver and gold within its reach; its bishops and clergy monopolize the wealth of the land, and surrounded with abundance of this world's goods, forget the poor at their gate. They talk and write eloquently of new forms and new robes, but they preach eloquently about true christianity. Of what possible use is the established church in London? The Bishop of London has answered the question. He said in the House of Lords: "I pass the magnificent church which crowns the metropolis, and is consecrated to the noblest of objects-the glory of God-and I ask myself in what degree it answers that object. I see there a dean and three residentiaries [residents], with incomes amounting, in the aggregate, to between ten and twelve thousand pounds a year.

I see, too, connected with the Cathedrals twenty-nine clergymen, whose offices are all but sinecures [sincere?], with an annual income of twelve thousand pounds. I proceed a mile or two to the east or northeast, and I find myself in the midst of a large population, in the most wretched destitution and neglect: Artisans, mechanics, laborers; beggars, and thieves to the amount of three hundred thousand." Out of his own mouth he is condemned. Instead of providing for the temporal and spiritual destitution of these three hundred thousand beggars and thieves, the Bishop of London cleanses his conscience

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if he writes speeches upon church forms and ceremonies."

(->) We have extracted the foregoing to show how much malice and hatred is stirred up between the daughter and mother country. If such sins exist in England, why not do as the Latter day Saints have: show them a better religion, a better way, and "pour in the oil and the wine."

In order to show our feeling we will quote Christ's words:

"Blessed are ye that hunger now; for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh.

Blessed are ye when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your names as evil, for the Son of man's sake.

Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy; for, behold, your reward is great in heaven; for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.

But wo unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation.

Wo unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger. Wo unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep.

Wo unto you when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.

But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you.

Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.

And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek, offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloak, forbid not to take thy coat also.

Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods, ask them not again.

And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise."

As in the days of Noah, so is it now: the whole earth is full of violence! but the spirit of God will not always strive with man. The fig trees are leaving; the summer is near; be ready.