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Times and Seasons/6/14
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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. 14.] | CITY OF NAUVOO, ILL. Aug. 1, 1845 | [Whole No. 122. |
HISTORY OF JOSEPH SMITH.
[Continued.]
On the 22nd, the presidency of the High Priesthood wrote from Kirtland to the brethren in Christ Jesus, scattered from Zion, scattered abroad from the land of their inheritance:-
Greeting:
We your companions in tribulation, embrace the present opportunity of sending you this token of our love and good will, assuring you that our bowels are filled with compassion, and that our prayers are daily ascending to God in the name of Jesus Christ in your behalf.
We have just received intelligence from you through the medium of Brother Elliott, of Chagrin, making enquiries [inquiries] concerning the course which you are to pursue. In addition to the knowledge contained in the above on this subject, we say if it is not the duty of the Governor to call out and keep a standing force in Jackson county to protect you on your lands, (which it appears, must be done, as we understand the mob are determined to massacre you, if the Governor takes you back upon your lands and leaves you unprotected;) it will become your duty to petition the Governor, to petition the President to send a force there to protect you, when you are reinstated.
The Governor proposes to take you back to your lands whenever you are ready to go, (if we understand correctly,) but cannot keep up any army to guard you; and while the hostile feelings of the people of Jackson county remain unabated, probably you dare not go back to be left unguarded. Therefore, in your petition to the Governor, set all these things forth in their proper light and pray him to notify the President of your situation, and also petition the President yourselves, according to the direction of the Lord. We have petitioned Gov. Dunklin in your behalf, and enclosed it in a printed revelation, the same of this, which we now send to you. The petition was signed by some thing like sixty brethren, and mailed for Jefferson City, one week ago, and he will probably receive it two weeks before you receive this.
We also calculate to send a petition and this revelation to the President forthwith, in your behalf, and then we will act the part of the poor widow to perfection, if possible, and let our rulers read their destiny if they do not lend a helping hand. We exhort you to prosecute and try every lawful means to bring the mob to justice, as fast as circumstances will permit.-With regard to your tarrying in Clay county, we cannot say; you must be governed by circumstances; perhaps you will have to hire out and take farms to cultivate, to obtain bread until the Lord delivers.
We sent you a fifty dollar, United States note some time ago, if you have received it, please acknowledge the receipt of it, to us, that we may be satisfied you received it. We shall do all that is in our power to assist you in every way we can. We know your situation is a trying one, but be patient and not murmur against the Lord, and you shall see that all these things shall turn to your greatest good.
Enquire [Inquire] of Elder Marsh and find out the entire secret of mixing and compounding lead and antimony, so as to make type metal, and write us concerning it. Joseph has sent you another fifty dollar note, making in all one hundred dollars; write us concerning it. There is a prospect of the eastern churches doing something pretty handsome towards the deliverance of Zion, in the course of a year, if Zion is not delivered otherwise.
Though the Lord said this affliction came upon you because of your sins, polluting your inheritances, &c., yet there is an exception of some, namely, the heads of Zion, for the Lord said your brethren in Zion began to repent, and the angels rejoice over them, &c. You will also see an exception at the top of the second column of this revelation: therefore, this affliction came upon the church to chasten those in transgression, and prepare the hearts of those who had repented, for an endowment form the Lord.
We shall not be able to send you any more money at present, unless the Lord puts it into our hands unexpectedly. There is not quite so much danger of a mob upon us as there has been. The hand of the Lord has thus far been stretched out to protect us. Doctor P. Hurlbut an apostate elder from this church, has been to the state of New York, and gathered up all the ridiculous stories that could be invented, and some affidavits respecting the character of Joseph, and the Smith family, and exhibited them to numerous congregations in Chagrin, Kirtland, Mentor, and Painesville, and fired the minds of the people with much indignation, against Joseph and the church.
Hurlbut also made many harsh threats, &c., that he would take the life of Joseph, if he could not destroy Mormonism without. Bro. Joseph
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took him with a peace warrant and after three days trial, and investigating the merits of our religion, in the town of Painesville, by able attorneys on both sides, he was bound over to the county court. Thus his influence was pretty much destroyed, and since the trial the spirit of hostility seems to be broken down in a good degree, but how long it will continue so, we cannot say.
You purchased you inheritances with money therefore, behold you are blessed; you have not purchased your lands by the shedding of blood, consequently you do not come under the censure of this commandment, which says "if by blood lo your enemies are upon you, and ye shall be driven from city to city" give yourselves no uneasiness on this account.
Farewell in the bonds of the new covenant, and partakers in tribulation.
(Signed,) ORSON HYDE,
Clerk of the Presidency of the church.
On the evening of the 28th. Brothers, Oliver, Frederick, and myself, being agreed, bowed before the Lord, and united in prayer, that God would continue to deliver me, and my brethren from Doctor Hurlbut, that he may not prevail against us in the law suit that is pending; and also, that God would soften the hearts of E. Smith, J. Jones, Loud, and Lyman, also, Mr. Beardsley, that they might obey the gospel, or, if they would not repent, that the Lord would send faithful saints, to purchase their farms, that this stake may be strengthened, and its borders enlarged, O lord, grant it for Christ's sake: Amen.
February 1st. Every expedient preparation was making by the church in Kirtland, and Clay county to have those who had been driven from their possessions in Jackson county, returned.
Governor Dunklin wrote to the brethren as follows:
"City of Jefferson, Feb. 4, 1834.
Gentlemen:
Your communication of the 6th of December, was regularly received, and duly considered; and had I not expected to have received the evidence brought out on the inquiry ordered into the military conduct of Col. Pitcher, in a short time after I received your petition, I should have replied to it long since.
Last evening I was informed, that the further enquiry [inquiry] of the court was postponed until the 20th instant. Then, before I could hear any thing from this court, the court of civil jurisdiction will hold its session in Jackson county, consequently I cannot receive any thing from one preparatory to arrangement for the other.
I am very sensible indeed, of the injuries your people complain of, and should consider myself very remiss in the discharge of my duties, were I not to do every thing in my power consistent with the legal exercise of them, to afford your society the redress to which they seem entitled. One of your requests needs no evidence to support the right to have it granted; it is that your people be put in possession of their homes from which they have been expelled. But what may be the duty of the Executive after that, will depend upon contingencies.
If upon enquiry [inquiry] it is found that your people were wrongfully dispossessed of their arms, by Col. Pitcher, then an order will be issued to have them returned; and should your men organize according to law, which they have a right to do, (indeed it is their duty to do so, unless exempted by religious scruples,) and apply for public arms, the Executive could not distinguish between their right to have them, and the right of every other description of people similarly situated.
As to the request for keeping up a military force to protect your people and prevent the commission of crimes and injuries, were I to comply, it would transcend the power with which the Executive of this state is clothed.-The Federal Constitution has given to Congress the power to provide for calling forth the militia to execute the laws of the union, suppress insurrection, or repel invasion; and for these purposes, the President of the United States is authorized to make the call upon the executive of the respective states, and the laws of this state empower the "commander-in-chief in case of actual or threatened invasion, insurrection or war, or public danger, or other emergency, to call forth into actual service such portion of the militia as he may deem expedient." These, together with the general provision in our state constitution that "the Governor shall take care that the laws are faithfully executed," are all this branch of Executive powers. None of these, as I consider, embrace the part of your request. The words, "or other emergency" in our militia law seem quite broad, but the emergency to come within the object of that provision, shall be of a public nature.
Your case is certainly a very emergent one, and the consequences as important to your society, as if the war had been waged against the whole state, yet, the public has no other interest in it, that the laws be faithfully executed, thus far, I presume the whole community feel a deep interest, for that which is the case of the Mormons to day, may be the case of the Catholics to-morrow, and after them any other
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sect that may become obnoxious to a majority of the people of any section of the state. So far as a faithful execution of the laws is concerned, the Executive is disposed to do every thing consistent with the means furnished him by the legislature, and I think I may safely say the same of the judiciary,
As now advised, I am of the opinion that a military guard will be necessary to protect the state witnesses and officers of the court, and to assist in the execution of its orders, while sitting in Jackson county. By this mail I write to Mr. Reese, enclosing him an order on the captain of the "Liberty Blues," requiring the captain to comply with the requisition of the circuit attorney in protecting the court and officers and executing their progress of these trials. Under the protection of this guard your people can, if they think proper, return to their homes in Jackson county, and be protected in them during the progress of the trial in question, by which time facts will be developed upon which I can act more definitely. The attorney general will be required to assist the circuit attorney, if the latter deems it necessary.
On the subject of civil injuries, I must refer you to the court; such questions rests with them exclusively. The laws are sufficient to afford a remedy for every injury of this kind, and, whenever you make out a case, entitling you to damages, there can be no doubt entertained of their ample award. Justice is sometimes slow in its progress, but is not less sure on that account.
Very respectfully, your ob't s'v't
(Signed,) DANIEL DUNKLIN
To Messrs. W. W. Phelps, Isaac Morley, John Whitmer, Edward Partridge, John Corrill, and A. S. Gilbert.
On the 9th, a conference of high priests, elders and officers of the church of Christ in New Portage, Medina county, Ohio, was called at the house of Brother Kirlins, which I attended. It had been suggested that Elder Rigdon might remove from Kirtland to New Portage, but after listening to the proceedings of a previous conference, in Portage, from Brother's Palmer and Bosworth, it was decided that Elder Rigdon should not remove; and that the brethren in New Portage should assist all in their power to build the Lord's House in Kirtland; and that the brethren erect only a temporary or cheap place for meeting in Portage, as that was not to be established as a stake at present, and that course would enable them to do more for the House in Kirtland; and that the brethren erect only a temporary or cheap place for meeting in Portage, as that was not to be established as a stake at present, and that course would enable them to do more for the house in Kirtland.
CONFERENCE MINUTES.
Minutes of the Conference of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, held at Jackson, Michigan, July 5th and 6th, 1845.
Saturday, 2 o'clock P. M., Conference was called to order by N. W. Bartholomew.
Wm. Quigley, R. J. Coats, and N. W. Bartholomew, were called to preside during the Conference.
Samuel Graham was chosen clerk.
By request, the Conference was addressed by R. J. Coats, on the subject of the kingdom; followed by Wm. Quigley on the same subject, and then proceeded to ascertain the number of official members present.
One High Priest, one seventy, eight Elders, one Priest, and one Deacon, were present.
The Jackson Branch was then represented by Elder George Catlin; thirty four members, including one High Priest, four Elders, one Priest and one Deacon; all in good standing.
Albion Branch, represented by Elder Samuel Graham; eighteen members, eleven in good standing; seven in standing, and have not been able to walk since Brother Noah Packard visited them with the circular of the Twelve.
Napoleon Branch, represented by Wm. Quigley; seven members including three Elders and one Priest; eight in good standing; one in standing.
A preamble and resolutions expressive of the feelings of the Albion Branch, were then read by Samuel Graham, and by a vote were adopted as a part of the minutes of the Conference.
Conference adjourned, by benediction, until Sunday, 10 o'clock, A. M.
Sunday morning, Conference met persuant [pursuant] to adjournment.
Opened by singing and prayer by Elder Wm. Quigley.
A crowded audience then listened to an address delivered by Elder Samuel Graham, on the ordinances of the gospel; followed by Arza Bartholomew, on the same subject. During the discourse, Mr. Elitson, a Methodist preacher, or rather an exhorter, and another gentleman, made some disturbance about a dog. After some threats had passed, the Rev. gentleman, Mr. Elitson, very much enraged observed if your dog kicks me again I will break his neck and yours too; after which the President interrupted them by calling them to order.
Conference adjourned until 2 o'clock P. M.
During the intermission three were added to the church by baptism.
Sunday after noon, Conference met persuant [pursuant] to adjournment.
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Opened by singing, and prayer by Elder Willis Bartholomew, Conference was then addressed by Elder R. J. Coates, on the subject of the resurreetion [resurrection].
A preamble and resolutions expressive of the feelings of the Jackson Branch, were then read, as follows:
Whereas many false reports have been put in circulation by evil and designing men, with a view to prejudice the minds of many against the authorities of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints; therefore we deem it expedient to publish to the world by this preamble and the following resolutions, our views in regard to who has the authority and on whom rests the responsibility of bearing off the kingdom in these last days. Believing as we do that the Twelve, chosen by God, through the Prophet of the Most High, who has died a martyr to the cause, have this authority, therefore,
Resolved That we will sustain and uphold the Twelve by our prayers and abide their teachings.
Resolved, That we will use our united efforts in forwarding the building of the Temple and the Nauvoo House, and in carrying into effect all the purposes of the late Prophet Joseph.
An expression of the feelings of the Albion Branch:-
Dear Brethren and Sisters in the new and everlasting covenent [covenant], in Conference assembled:-Your rank and standing under the reign of the Prince of Peace, have never been surpassed, indeed have never been equelled [equaled] by any portion of the human race. You have visions and revelations of God. His being and perfection, developments of the depth of wisdom and knowledge of the council of his grace, and the purposes of his love, which give you an intellectual and moral superiority above all your predecessors in the Patriarchal or Jewish age of the world. Secrets of God which have been hid from ages and generations have been revealed to you be the apostles of the great Apostle and High Priest of your profession. Mountains are indeed leveled, valleys are exalted, and the rough places are made plain to your apprehension; and from this data you are able to form more just conceptions of the present, and more lofty anticipations of the future than fell to the lot of the most highly favored subjects of preceding dispensations. To be called the friend of God was the highest honor conferred upon Abraham; to be called the friends of Christ was the principal honor of the deciples [disciples] of Christ, to whom he committed the secrets of his Kingdom, but to be called the children of God through faith in Jesus Christ, is not only the common honor of the saints; but the highest honor which could be vouchsafed to the inhabitants of the earth. Such honor have we my fellow citizens, in being related to the only begotten Son of God; for to as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God. The world indeed does not know us, because they do not know Him. Beloved brethren, now are we the children of God, and shall we not cleave together in love and sweet union. Has not Jesus said "the couquerer [conqueror] shall inherit all things that he will not blot his name out of the book of life; that he will confess it before his father an the holy angels; that he will place him upon his Throne and give him a crown of eternal life that will never fade away. Dear brethren, let us then arise in the strength of Judah's Lion. Be valient [valiant] for the truth and adorn ourselves in all the graces of the spirit of God. Put on the armor of light and with all the gentleness, and mildness, and meekness that was in Christ; with all the courage, and patience, and zeal, and effort, worthy of a cause so salutary, so pure, so holy, and so divine, determined never to faint nor to falter, till we enter the pearly gates; never to lay down our arms till with the triumphant millions we stand before the throne and exultingly [exultantly] sing, "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and wisdom, and honor, and glory, and blessing, forever and ever, Amen.
Resolved, That we love the brethren and love to listen to the counsel of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, for in them we have the most implicit confidence.
Resolved, That we will make all possible effort to tithe ourselves one tenth of our possessions, as soon as possible, and go up to Nauvoo.
WM. QUIGLEY, }
R. J. COATES, } Presidents.
N. W. BARTHOLOMEW. }
Samuel Graham, Clerk.
Minutes of a Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, held in the town of Florence, St. Joseph Co. Mich., June 7th and 8th, 1845.
At 10 o'clock A. M., Conference was called to order and Elder Crandell Dunn was called to the chair and Elder E. M. Webb, chosen clerk.
A hymn was sung, and Conference opened by payer by the President.
Official members present, one High Priest; Crandell Dunn; two Seventies, E. M. Webb, Pardon Webb; six Elders, Edward Willard, Jeremiah Cramer, Jonathan Willard, Ezekiel Lee, Seth Taft, George A. DeMont; two Priests, Thomas Forsyth and Thomas S. Smith.
Representation of Branches. Kalamazoo Branch, fifty eight members, nine Elders, one Priest, one Teacher, one Deacon, Elder E. Lee
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Presiding Elder. Since last Conference, the Grand Prairie Branch of nine members have united with this. One has been baptised [baptized] and two dismissed by letter.
Bertrand Berrien Co. Branch; eighteen members, two Elders, one Priest, Gideon Brownel Presiding Elder; seven added since last Conference.
Mottville Branch, St. Joseph Co.; eleven members, two Elders, Andrew Thompson Presiding Elder.
Pawpaw Branch, Van Buren Co.; nine members, two Elders; Benjamin Waldren Presiding Elder.
Bethel Branch co. Branch; twenty three members, one Elder; Moses Olmstead Presiding Elder; twenty three added, two died and fourteen removed to Nauvoo since last Conference.
Florence Branch, St. Joseph co.; nine members, one High Priest, and thirty scattering members not represented by the above.
Moved and seconded that brother Orrin Craw be ordained an Elder to preside over the Florence Branch. Carried unanimously. He was ordained under the hands of Elders C. Dunn, E. M. Weeb [Webb] and E. Lee. After which the President gave some appropriate instructions to the saints, followed by E. M. Webb.
Benediction by Elder E .M. Webb; adjourned till three o'clock P. M.
Met according to adjournment. A hymn was sung, and prayer by Elder Ezekiel Lee. Another hymn was sung.
A discourse was then delivered by E .M. Webb on the fulfillment of prophecy, in which he demonstrated beyond successful contradiction that Joseph Smith was a Prophet of the Most High God, and that this work (called Mormonism) came forth in fulfillment to the predictions of the ancient Prophets.
He was followed by Elder C. Dunn on the same subject. Benediction by Elder Dunn. Adjourned till nine o'clock to-morrow morning.
Sabbath, June 8th; met persuant [pursuant] to adjournment, and held a prayer meeting. Dissmissed [Dismissed] for ten minutes. At 10 o'clock, preaching by Elder C. Dunn on the subject of the gospel, in which he ably set forth the necessity of strict obedience to the same in order to insure a crown of life. He was followed by Elder P. Webb. Benediction by Elder E .M. Webb.
Adjourned one half hour.
Met according to adjournment. Prayer by E. Lee.
E .M. Webb then addressed the assembly on the subject of the resurrection and inheritance of the saints; followed by E. Lee.
Voted that the minutes of this Conference be published in the Times and Seasons.
Voted that the Conference adjourn to meet in the Town of Comstock, Kalamazoo co. Mich. the first Saturday and Sunday in Sept. next.
Peace and harmony pervaded the Conference;-the spirit of God was manifested and the sublimities of eternity rested upon the congregation; the saints were edified and built up in the most holy faith, and rejoiced with exceeding great joy in view of the prospects of eternal life and the rich inheritance of the saints for which to God be all the glory: Amen.
CRANDELL DUNN, Pres.
E. M. Webb, Clerk.
EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM BENJAMIN F. GROUARD, Dated-
Tahiti, December 6, 1844.
MY EVER DEAR AND RESPECTED WIFE:-
I joyfully embrace another opportunity of writing you a few lines, knowing you are ever anxious to hear from me; especially when we are so remote from each other. I hardly know what to write about first, I have so many things to say, and in fact a sheet of paper is a poor medium, to my notion, to communicate one's thoughts; still, as there is no other resource, while so widely separated, we must gladly accept of it. Still you must not expect that all I can say in this, is hardly an index to what I want to say. I sometimes think it quite strange that I have never received any communication from you since I left; still, I cannot attribute it to your neglect, for I fondly hope there are some on the way, and will soon reach me.-It is a long time though, that I have had to wait, and sometimes I get quite out of patience. It is now fourteen months since I have heard a syllable from you or the church, except some newspaper stories, or the like. One of those was, that Brothers Joseph and Hyrum had been assassinated. Such things, though we do not believe them, give us great uneasiness, and make our situation very unpleasant.
Nothing but the privilege of seeing you, would give me more pleasure at the present time, than to know your situation and circumstances; whether you are in Philadelphia or Nauvoo, and how you prosper? whether those who volunteered to befriend you, are friends indeed and how you are contented in my absence? whether you hold out faithful yet? I hope and trust you do.
Should they kill Brother Joseph, and half the church, we know it is the truth; and God's purposes will roll on, and be fulfilled in spite of all things. If he is killed, what has befallen him more than the rest of the prophets? Nothing. But I hope and trust it is not so.
My ignorance of your whereabouts troubles
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me a great deal, and had I known that it was going to give me so much uneasiness I never should have consented for you to leave Nauvoo, but I fondly hope you are in Nauvoo, and boarding with Brother Schwartze. If I knew that was the case, I should rest quite contented. I suppose, dear, you still think your lot is a hard one at the best, and so it is, taking an abstract view of it, that is, unconnected with the reward of your privations. But we must learn to look ahead and live in anticipation, or as the phrenologists say, we must cultivate the bump of hope, and get a large share of that, and then we shall be able to comfort ourselves now, with the anticipations of the future.-For my own part, the thoughts of our meeting again, and having the privilege of communing together, is truly a great pleasure, and keeps my spirits up under all circumstances. Only think for one moment-my heart leaps for joy while I write it-when we shall meet together. Then we can sit down and talk over all our trials and difficulties, and look back with pleasure upon the past, knowing we have done our duty and stand approved in the sight of Heaven.
When I do return, if the Lord will, I intend securing what you have ever desired,-a comfortable dwelling; and if the Lord should see fit to call me to go forth again to preach the gospel, I intend to see it well stocked with provisions for your use while I am gone, except I should have to come on such another mission as this. If I should have to come on such a mission again, I tell you what, I think you would have to come with me; for I don't think I should be willing to be separated from you so long again. However, I guess I will get home again before I talk of going away.
Dear, I must begin to draw my letter to a close, as my space is getting small, and you will please excuse all blunders, as I have written in a hurry. I am just on the point of going to pay Bro. Pratt a visit on the island of Tooboui, and I anticipate a pleasant time.-He has built up quite a branch of the church there. We have altogether, according to the last accounts received from the brethren, baptized forty-three or forty-five.-About one third are English and Americans, and the rest are natives. Rather slow work, but the Lord's will be done; and if we do the best we can, of course it is all that is required of us, whether much or little is done.
I ofttimes, dear, imagine myself returning home, and just landing up by the old stone house, or just entering the threshold of the door, and of clasping my own dear wife to my bosom, and greeting all of my dear friends.-Methinks I can now see you all gathering around me, and with eager visage, making a thousand enquiries [inquiries], while I shall be so over joyed that I shall not be able to give an answer to any of them, but making equally as many of you. O, that will be joyful,-joyful, joyful, joyful, and the bare anticipation of it, repays us for all we have to endure in consequence of our separation.
I suppose you would like to know how I get along as regards my temporal affairs. To that I would say, I lack for nothing that I stand in need of. The Lord has been true to his promise-I have ever found those who were ready to administer to my wants, and I have never been destitute of money since I left America, which is more than I could say while I was travelling [traveling] there. I have lived with Bro. Lincoln ever since I have been here. Both he and Sister Lincoln treat me as one of their own family. They want me to stay with them as long as I am here. So you see the Lord has provided abundantly for me.
Now, I suppose you would like to know when I intend to start for home. Well, I'll tell you. I have engaged my passage already. Ah! that makes your eyes shine. But stop: I did not tell you when the vessel was going to sail. It is a whale ship, and she has gone out to fill up, and will return here in ten months, and if the Lord will I shall go home in her. At any rate I have engaged to. I must now close. Please excuse all mistakes. I am, as ever, your affectionate husband,
BENJ. F. GROUARD.
From the Millennial Star.
A SHORT TOUR THROUGH THE CLITHEROE CONFERENCE.
On the 4th of May I met with the Saints in Blackburn by request, on the occasion of the opening a new room for worship. I addressed them in the morning and evening, and Elder Speakman in the afternoon. The room was filled, and we had an interesting time with the Saints. I found a flourishing branch of the church here; it being also the first time I had ever been privileged with meeting the Saints in the Clitheroe Conference.
On the 5th, in company with Elder Speakman, I visited the ruins of Whalley Abbey, situated in a most beautiful locality of hills, and woods, and streams. It had originally been very extensive, but ruins alone existed, with the exception of a small portion of building which is occupied by a few families. It appears to have been founded in the year 1000.
On the 6th we were favored with a most interesting visit to Stoneyhurst, a Catholic college,
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and as I was informed, the most extensive establishment in England. One large room was splendidly decorated with paintings of great value, by the great masters. The museum did not contain a large collection either of the natural or animal kingdom, yet a number of specimens were rich and costly, especially some small sculptures in marble, of the Savior, valued at a very high price.
We visited the various apartments of this extensive library, which we found enriched with the most valuable works, many of great antiquity, especially a copy of St. Paul's Epistles, upon parchment, which was said to have been in the hands of the society more than a thousand years; beside it lay Queen Mary's prayer book, and sundry antique articles.
The lodgings, studies, and chapel for the boys, appeared convenient and comfortable; they have several hundreds passing through a course of education.
The principal chapel connected with the college is fitted up in a most costly manner; the organ, altar piece, crosses, candlesticks, &c., were rich indeed, while one window contained a representation of the thirteen apostles (including St. Paul,) in stained glass as large as life got up at a great expense. They have also a beautiful garden connected with the establishment, the separate compartments of which are divided by yew-tree fences, about twelve feet high, four feet thick, and from forty to two hundred feet long, as the case required; I suppose not equalled [equaled] in extent in England.
After leaving the college we travelled [traveled] to Waddington, a village a short distance from Clitheroe, over the Ribble on the Yorkshire side, where we partook of the hospitality of friend Cottom. While here we visited the alms-house built and dedicated by Sir Robert Parker, A. D. 1700, for the poor widows of the parish.
On the 7th we walked to Clitheroe and Chatburn, and visited the Saints in those places.-I was much pleased with the meek and quiet spirit manifested amongst them. I walked through the village of Chatburn, of which Elder Kimball speaks in his journal, as walking through it with his head uncovered and blessing the place, while the children had hold of his garments as he passed along. I felt the spirit of God rest upon me while passing through the street where such scenes of interest had transpired with Elder Kimball and other servants of God.
During our travels on the 8th, we had the pleasure of witnessing Father Richard Smithies display his skill in beguiling some fine trout from the river Ribble with the artificial fly.-It was the first time I had ever seen this mode of fishing, and it appeared decidedly the most skilful [skillful] in the whole routine of fishing. Father Smithies is seventy years of age, in good health, and as a fisherman is not supposed to be surpassed in the country. On our return to Clitheroe we visited the old castle or tower in that place, which appears to have been a very strong hold in its day.
On Sunday the 11th, I attended the quarterly conference at Clitheroe. Elder Speakman was called to preside. The fore part of the day was taken up with a representation of the branches; some alterations in the conference, and in the ordination of one elder, two priests, three teachers, and three deacons. A short time was also occupied in giving instructions.
In the afternoon we administered the sacrament, after which the Saints were called upon to occupy the time in bearing testimony to the work of God. The brethren and sisters followed each other in their testimony one by one, until a considerable number bad spoken, and truly the spirit and power of God rested upon the assembly until they were melted into tears; many wept while bearing their testimony; it was indeed, an interesting time to us all.
The elder said that when Brother Kimbal left him, he told him to take good care of his lambs; he said he had endeavored to do so, and indeed they had been as lambs, and as children obedient and willing to hearken to counsel.
While sitting in the midst of those loving Saints, I was overwhelmed with the spirit and power of God, and the simplicity, love, and union of the Saints who were assembled, I had not power of utterance to express the feelings of my heart, but found myself in tears of joy and gladness. I addressed the Saints in the evening, and had a full house, and at the dismissal of the meeting, when I was called to take my leave of them, the hearty shake of the hand, and the flowing tears spoke louder the sentiments of the heart than the words which accompanied them of 'Good bye,' and 'God bless you!'. My prayer to God is, that he will bless that people and all faithful Saints, and give them a standing with the sons and daughters of Zion.
I left Clitheroe on the 12th and arrived at Preston in the evening, and had the privilege of addressing a large, assembly of Saints and friends from the 102d Psalm and 16th verse.-I was followed by Elder Milton Holmes. We both felt the spirit of the subject, and had a good meeting. Elder Hardy, the presiding elder of the conference, was present. Preston was the first place to receive the work in this
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country, and it has produced much good fruit, and the Saints there still have the spirit of the work. W. WOODRUFF.
TIMES AND SEASONS
CITY OF NAUVOO
AUG. 1, 1845
Roof of the Temple. The first roof of the Temple, has been made of white pine shingles and plank. The second, (for a building which will cost about two millions, is worthy) most probably, will be constructed of zinc, lead, copper, or porcelain. An experiment of sheet lead, covering a portion of the shingles, has already been made.
WHO CAN MEASURE ARMS WITH GOD?
There is some consolation to the Saints, after having labored diligently twelve or fifteen years to warn the world of approaching calamities and woes, amid slander, persecution, assassination and the stratagems and vilifications of false brethren, to see the work of he Lord spread from sea to sea, from nation to nation, and from continent to continent. And more than all this, to witness how admirably the Almighty backs up the words of his servants with "distress," among the nations; with "divisions" in governments, churches, neighborhoods and communities; and pours out fire, flood, hail storms, and an unappeaseable [unappeasable] murderous spirit among all people. Verily, verily, these signs of coming events, and future glory, too visible not to be seen, and too powerful to be resisted, cause poor frail humanity to reflect, to ponder, to marvel, to wonder, to pray, to hush, to awake, to prepare, to wait, to watch, and to exclaim: Who can measure arms with God?
GENERAL CONFERENCE.
Notice is hereby given to the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, throughout the whole world, that there will be a General Conference of said church in the TEMPLE OF THE LORD, in the City of Joseph, commencing on the sixth day of October next, at ten o'clock in the forenoon.
We would say to all the saints abroad, when you come to the General Conference, bring with you provisions to sustain yourselves while you stay here, and also some to give to your brethren, as there are many poor here, who have small gardens and do not raise grain, or make butter, or cheese, or raise fowls, &c., &c.; and you that have them, bring them with you, and gladden the hearts of your brethren, who labor daily for your welfare and salvation, to build the Temple and Nauvoo House, and to fulfil [fulfill] the commandments of God, for a turn about we consider is no more than fair play
By order of the Council,
WILLARD RICHARDS, Recorder.
City of Joseph, August, 1845.
WHOLESALE MURDER.
The Savior said, speaking of the last days, they will kill one another, and every day's doings brings the truth and fulfilment [fulfillment] of the prophecy to our view. In fact murder has become as common as any other crime that is committed. What, however, shows the sin, more glaring is, that neighborhoods, states and nations are the perpetrators, and apologists of wilful [willful] murder, and the various governments of the earth, wink at it. As cases in point, we will cite the extermination and murders of the Mormons in Missouri; the Lynch murders of the gamblers at Vicksburg, and the assassination of Joseph and Hyrum Smith at Carthage. No successful effort of the Americans has ever been made to wipe out these foul stains and vigorously punish the offenders, nor will there be anything done to retrieve the cankered character of states implicated, or nation degraded.
The spirit of the last days is, MURDER! retaliatory murder and ruin! To substantiate this horrid aspect of the passions, revenge and folly of man, we quote from a contemporary journal the following:
THE MASSACRE OF DAHARA
Upon this atrocious massacre the Courier Francais has the following appropriate remarks. We may consider them as marking the opinion of the French press upon an enormity which would have disgraced even the savages who were the victims of this fiendish cruelty:
"See what has just happened in Algiers.-Colonel Pelissier, commanding an expeditionary column in the Dahara, and pursuing the tribe of the Ouled Riahs, found no other means of reducing them than to burn or stifle 500 Arabs, men, women, and children, who had taken refuge in a cavern. This atrocity, committed in cold blood, and without necessity, will cause every man to thrill with indignation; and, for the honor of France, it is our most imperative duty to brand it with reprobation, in the name of the army, in the name of the nation, in the name of the Government itself, which cannot without shame approve of an act praised in one of Marshal Bugeaud's journals! An act worthy of the Spanish adventures of the 16th century, conquering the New World; worthy of the buccaneers of the
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worst description; but unworthy of the noble and holy France in the 19th century, who combats heroically on the field of battle, but does not massacre her conquered enemies; who wages war with the sword and not with fagots; who, in fine, is a soldier, and not an incendiary! France, we answer for it, will stigmatize with unanimous reprobation a monstrous act like this; such as one may read of in the annals of savage tribes, and of Mandarin's bands; such, that in reading the account in the bulletin of the army, which prepares, under the national colors, to carry civilization into Africa, we remain mournfully astonished and afflicted, and are obliged to ask if France civilizes or barbarises in Algeria! And it is not enough for public opinion to separate energetically the country from all joint responsibility in this abominable act of a French colonel.
The government must pronounce, after an inquiry, on the morality of this military act, or else its protestations of love of peace will appear in the eyes of Europe nothing but the jugglery of the coward, who sets up for a peace observer with the powerful, and an exterminator with the feeble! Let it not be said of France that she has re-established the punishment of the stake against Mussulman Arabs defending their faith and their independence with arms in their hands; let it not be said that the cruelties of the holy office have re-appeared in her generous army; and that, in order to reduce fanatics, she keeps executioners. We have said that this atrocity was committed in cold blood, and without necessity. Yes, in cold blood, for the roasting, which is the proper name of this feat of arms, lasted from the morning of June 18, to one o'clock of the night of the 19th, and the operation was performed leisurely, with intermissions calculated to watch the effect of the punishment on the victims. Yes, without necessity, for if Colonel Pelissier had waited twenty-four hours longer, those unfortunates, without food and without water, would have surrendered at discretion; but fire seems more expeditious. Unless the investigation which we demand brings to light extenuating circumstances, this act before divine and human laws, can only be designated by one name that of crime. A crime-and we know the terrible weight of that word-it is not on a triumphal arch that the remembrance of the exploit of the cavern of the Ouled Riahs will be engraven, but on the pillory of history."
The Courrier then goes on to contrast this horrible affair with the language of Marshal Bugeaud, in his last proclamation to the Arabs, where he promises them a paternal protection, urges them to place confidence in the French as their friends, and recommends to them the practices and usages of civilized society. It next fixes upon Marshal Bugeaud himself the responsibility of the proceedings of Colonel Pelissier, by stating that it has been spoken of with eulogium [eulogies] by the France Algerienne, a paper published at Algiers "under the censorship of the Governor-General."
The Heraldo, of Madrid, publishes a letter from its correspondent in Algeria, who is one of the officers sent by the Spanish Government to attend the operations of the French army in that quarter. The writer had witnessed the horrible destruction of the Riah Kabyl tribe of the Dahara, and, while striving to justify the atrocious deed, fully confirms its worst features. We can afford room but for the following extract from his communication:
"At half-past four I proceeded to the grotto, with two officers of the Engineers, an officer of the Artillery, and a detachment of between fifty and sixty men of those corps. At the entrance there were dead animals already in a state of putrefaction, and enveloped in woolen coverings, which were still burning. We reached the entrance amidst a foot high of ashes and dust, and thence penetrated into a cavity of about 32 steps. Nothing can convey an idea of the horrible aspect the cavern presented. All the dead bodies were naked, and in positions denoting the convulsions they had endured before the poor creatures had expired; the blood dropped from their mouths owing to their putrefaction; but what made one shudder most, was to see the number of infants at the breast lying amidst the wrecks of sheep, bags of beans, &c. One also beheld earthenware vases, which had contained water, boxes of papers, and a large number of various other things: despite all the efforts of the officers, the soldiers could not be prevented from seizing upon them, searching for jewelry, and carrying away bournouses all covered with blood. I have bought a necklace taken from one of the corpses, and I shall keep it, as well as two yatagans the Colonel has sent us, as memorials of this fearful scene. Nobody can tell what has passed in the grotto, whether the Arabs, stifled by the smoke resigned themselves to death with the stoicism they glory in, or their leaders and the fanatic Marabouts opposed their leaving the cavern.-Be this as it may, the drama has been truly horrible, and never was more barbarous bravery displayed at Saguntum and Numantia.-The dead bodies amounted to between eight hundred and a thousand. The Colonel would not believe our report, and has sent other soldiers to count the dead. About six hundred were drawn out of the grotto, not including all
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those heaped over one another, and the infants at the breast, who were almost all concealed in their mother's clothes."
(->) Now we will simply add to the above awful murder, that it embraces the genuine spirit of the age; no matter how much so-ever the French papers may pretend to condemn the act as an outrage, they like the Americans, in the Missouri murders, the Vicksburg lynching, and the Carthage martyrdom, may speak great swelling words, but they will never punish the offenders. Blood touches blood;-the French could kindle the fire and kill, and the Spanish could rob the dead. Missouri could expel and murder her own citizens with impunity; Philadelphia and Vicksburg could take the law into their own hands; and Illinois could shut up the prophets and martyr them in cold blood, while the Governor was catechising [catechizing] the saints to observe the law, within a stones throw as it were, and what is the result? The murderers go unpunished, and silently are applauded for the hellish deed.
"O earth, earth, earth, hear the word of the Lord," for all this blood shall be avenged!-Fire, storm, war, pestilence and famine, shall continue to waste the wicked, until a man shall be as precious as fine gold. Howl, ye nations, for the day of your desolation hastens to wipe the earth where your spots of power, are now red with the evidences of your guilt! Weep, for God will feed you with judgments until you are fitted as convenient flesh for the fowls of the mountains, and the beasts of the wilderness Wade on in your glory, if human blood has any glory in being sprinkled upon the skirts of nations professing to be Christian! Wade on! the hour of judgment is nigh! The present kingdoms are crumbling to pieces! This generation shall not pass till you enter into your degredation [degradation] and doom, "where the worm dieth not and the fire is not quenched."
JUDGMENTS.
There have been so many judgments poured out upon various parts of the earth, thus far this year, that we have thought it advisable to collect a few of them for a sample. The Savior said, as John has recorded: "For judgment I am come into this world," and with the calamities which have been wasting the lives and property of many places, we see the evidence of the word. Nor is this all that Jesus said upon the subject of his mission. He said as is recorded in Matthew:
"Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.
For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.
And a man's foes shall be they of his own household."
People generally have maintained in their belief about what the Savior was to do, wrong notions. He was to come the second time without sin unto salvation, but before he comes, was to come the great and notable day of the Lord; a day of wrath, doubt, vexation, and war.
Yea, more, for Jesus said, as Luke has written:
"I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I , if it be already kindled?
But I have a baptism to be baptised [baptized] with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished.
Suppose ye that I come to give peace on earth; I tell you, Nay; but rather division?
For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three.
The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; he mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law, and the daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law."
Now, if we take the "divisions" in the various sectarian churches as to slavery, the language and predictions of Jesus are proven; as to the "fire" we will bring in the following account for a few of the many calamities, which have fallen upon many places like a "fire-shower of ruin," as samples of this year's troubles:
The fires of 1845-We do not remember ever to have heard of so many great fires in any one short period of time says the New York Herald as have happened on this continent in the first six months of 1845. We annex a list of the losses experienced, in the order in which they occurred:
Barbadoes, $2,000,000
Pittsburgh, 3,500,000
London, Conn., 500,000
Fayetteville, 500,000
Quebec, 7,500,000
Matanzas, 1,000,000
New York, 6,000,000
Total $21,000,000
This aggregate surpasses the loss by the great fire in New York in 1835. Then about twenty millions of dollars of property was destroyed.
(->) The foregoing list is only of a few cities the lesser places and fires in the woods, the burning of many steamboats and vessels swelling the list to almost fifty millions, might be added with equal certainty but we will let it rest for the present.
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Another and still more important part of the drama, is the great loss of human life in many if not all of these great fires. As we have not the list at hand we have to omit the particulars.
We will conclude this hasty article with a few foreign items:
Awful Loss of Life at Yarmouth-Never, since the devastating plague of 1759, has Yarmouth witnessed any calamity like the present. The total number of bodies found, on the last report, was 78, though it is supposed that some thirty or forty more may yet be found. Every one feels as though it were some special judgment, and every countenance is expressive of woe at the lamentable event, and the horrid details that have been narrated at the inquests held upon the bodies.
Snow Storm in Russia.-In the southwest province of Russia, a violent snow storm occurred about the middle of March, which continued for six days. It extended over the governments of Volhynia, Podolia, and the province of Bessarbia, and caused the greatest destruction to life and property. Seventy-six persons are reported to have perished.
Fire and Dreadful loss of life in Spain.-An accident, which produced a most lamentable catastrophe, happened on the 3d ultimo, at Valencia, in Spain. A fire broke out in the premises of a confectioner, but was readily extinguished without any serious consequences; but at a manufactory [manufacturer] of cigars, nearly adjoining, several hundred of young women were employed at the time. A report got among them that the gas pipes had burst, and that they were likely all to be burnt alive. Under the terror of this impression, they all rushed to the doors and staircases, and in the confusion, eighteen were killed, and fifty so seriously injured that they were obliged to be carried to the hospital.