Times and Seasons/6/4

←Number 3

Times and Seasons 6, Number 4

Number 5→

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. 4.]	CITY OF NAUVOO, ILL, March 1, 1845	[Whole No. 112.

HISTORY OF JOSEPH SMITH.

(Continued.)

July, which once dawned upon the virtue and independence of the United States, now dawned upon the savage barbarity and mobocracy of Missouri. Most of the clergy, acting as missionaries to the Indians, or to the frontier inhabitants, were among the most prominent characters, that rose up and rushed on to destroy the rights of the church, as well as the lives of her members. One Pixley, who had been sent by the Missionary Society, to civilize and christianize the heathen of the west, was a black rod in the hand of Satan, as well as a poisoned shaft in the power of our foes, to spread lies and falsehoods.

He followed writing horrible accounts, to the religious papers in the east, to sour the public mind, from time to time; besides using his influence, among Indians and whites, to overthrow the church. On the first of July, he wrote a slanderous article entitled, "Beware of false Prophets," which he actually carried from house to house, to incense the inhabitants against the church, to mob them, and drive them away.

The July number of the Evening and Morning Star, pursued a mild and pacific course, the first article therein, entitled, "Beware of false Prophets," was calculated to disabuse the honest, public mind, from Pixley's falsehoods; and the caution against "Free people of color," settling in Missouri, was sufficient to silence the fears of every sober mind, yet, it was all in vain; the hour of trial must come: and, notwithstanding the constitution of Missouri, as published in the same paper, says:

"Article 4th. That all men have a natural and indefeasible right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their own consciences; and that no man can be compelled to erect, support, or attend any place of worship, or to maintain any minister of the gospel or teacher of religion; that no human authority can control or interfere with the rights of conscience; that no person can ever be hurt, molested, or restrained in his religious professions or sentiments, if he do not disturb others in their religious worship.

5th. That no person, on account of his religious opinions, can be rendered ineligible to any office of trust or profit under this state; that no preference can ever be given by law, to any sect or mode of worship:" yet, because the saints believed and taught differently from their neighbors, and according to the laws of heaven, in spiritual things, Satan said, let there be a mob and a mob there was, and they drew up and published a manifesto, which will appear in its place.

Extracts, from the elder's letters, to the editor of the Evening and Morning Star, in the July number:

"Palmyra, Missouri, May 16th, 1833.

The Lord is opening the eyes of the blind, and blessing our labors. We have baptised [baptized] eighteen members in this settlement.

G. M. HINKLE,

ELISHA GROVES."

"Six miles off Quincy; (Mo) June 3, 1844.

Every few days there are some honest souls born into the kingdom of God. Persecution rages to a considerable extent. It seems as if every denomination, sect, party and club, were prepared to fight against the work of the Lord. I often think of Paul, when his friends let him down by the wall, in a basket; but, notwithstanding all that I suffer, I rejoice. I will live godly in Christ Jesus, though I suffer persecution. A man has just told me, that in Palmyra, in forty-eight hours, the cholera had taken forty-seven to their graves. The disease is in the country, as well as the town, and carries off all ages, colors and conditions, sparing none.

GEORGE M. HINKLE."

"Chenango Point, N. Y. May 16, 1833.

Dear Brother:

I rejoice much in the prosperity of Zion, and pray God to enlarge her borders, and increase her converts; yea, and extend peace unto her as a river, that she may arise as from the dust and come to light, and go forth unto the regions round about, and become the joy of the whole earth.

It is about six weeks since I left Kirtland to take a mission to the east; since which time I have visited twelve churches, and passed three others in coming to this place; all of which are nearly in the course, from Kirtland to Chenango N. Y.: so grows, and so spreads the mighty work of the Lord. Some of said churches are composed of nearly one hundred members; and in nearly all of them, the work is still going on. O! may the Lord cause his glorious voice to be heard, until error and superstition shall give way to the everlasting gospel of Jesus. I feel much weakness as a man, but in the strength of Christ, I am resolved to blow the trumpet of the gospel, until the people of God are delivered

816

________________________________________

from the merchants and traffickers of souls, unto the glorious liberty of the gospel. I have baptised [baptized] four since I left Kirtland. As for myself, I intend, if possible, to attend the school at the latter Jerusalem, to which, I am confident, it is my privilege to go, as often as the old apostles went to the former Jerusalem.

I have traveled about five hundred miles in about six weeks, and held fifteen meetings, and I trust that I shall continue to receive the grace of God to support me even to the end.

SYLVESTER SMITH."

"The elders stationed in Zion, to the churches abroad, in love, greeting:

Dear Brethren;

One year having passed, since we addressed the churches abroad, on the situation of Zion, and the state of the gathering, it seems to be our duty, to address the saints on the same subjects. With the exception of the winter season, the gathering has continued slowly. At present we have not the exact number of the disciples; but suppose that there are near seven hundred,-include these, with their children, and those who belong to families, and the number will probably amount to more than twelve hundred souls. Many have been planted upon their inheritances, where, blessed with a fruitful soil, and a healthy climate, they are beginning to enjoy some of the comforts of life.

Here let us remark, that our duty urges us to notice a few letters which have been sent from this place, by persons seeking the loaves and fishes, or by such as have lost their standing among men of character, in the world. In the letters alluded to, are some facts; but the most of them are false. It is said, that women go out to work; this is a fact, and not only women, but men too; for in the church of Christ, all that are able, have to work to fulfil [fulfill] the commandments of the Lord; and the situation in which many have come up here, has brought them under the necessity of seeking employment from those who do not belong to the church.

One Bates, from New London, Ohio, who subscribed fifty dollars for the purpose of purchasing lands, and necessary articles for the saints; after his arrival here, sued Bishop Partridge and obtained a judgment for the same.-Bates shortly after denied the faith, and ran away on Sunday, leaving debts unpaid. Every saint that has come to this land to escape the desolations which await the wicked, and prepare for the coming of the Lord, is well satisfied with the country, and the order of the kingdom of our God; and we are happy to say that the inhabitants of Zion are growing in grace, and in the knowledge of those things which lead to peace and eternal glory. One object in writing this epistle, is, to give some instructions to those who come up to the land of Zion.-Through a mistaken idea, many of the brethren, that had property, have given some away, and sacrificed some, they hardly know how. This is not right, nor according to the commandments. We would advise in the first place, that every disciple, if in his power, pay his just debts, so as to owe no man, and then if he has any property left, let him be careful of it; and he can help the poor, by consecrating some for their inheritances; for as yet, there has not been enough consecrated, to plant the poor in their inheritance, according to the regulation of the church and the desire of the faithful.

This might have been done, had such as had property been prudent. It seems as though a notion was prevalent in Babylon, that the church of Christ was a common stock concern. This ought not so to be, for it is not the case. When a disciple comes to Zion for an inheritance, it is his duty, if he has anything to consecrate to the Lord for the benefit of the poor and needy, or to purchase lands, to consecrate it according to the law of the Lord, and also, according to the law of the land; and the Lord has said, that in keeping his law, we have no need to break the laws of the land; and we have abundant reason to be thankful, that we are permitted to establish ourselves under the protection of a government, that knows no exceptions to sects or societies, but gives all its citizens a privilege of worshiping [worshipping] God according to their own desires. Again, while in the world, it is not the duty of a disciple to exhaust all his means in bringing the poor to Zion; and this because if all should do so, there would be nothing to put in the store-house in Zion, for the purpose which the Lord has commanded. Do not think brethren, by this, that we would advise or direct, that the poor be neglected in the least; this is not the desire of our hearts; for we are mindful of the word of our Father, which informs us that in his bosom it is decreed that the poor and the meek of the earth shall possess it.

The circumstances of the saints in gathering to the land of Zion in these last days, are very different from those of the children of Israel, after they despised the promised rest of the Lord, after they were brought out of the land of Egypt. Previous to that, the Lord promised them if they would obey his voice and keep his commandments, that he would send the hornet before them, and drive out those nations which then inhabited the promised land, so that they might have peaceable possessions of the same, without the shedding of blood. But in consequence

817

________________________________________

of their unbelief and rebellion, they were compelled to obtain it by the sword, with the sacrifice of many lives.

But to suppose we can come up here and take possession of this land by the shedding of blood, would be setting at nought [naught] the law of the glorious gospel, and also, the word of the glorious Redeemer; and to suppose we can take possession of this country, without making regular purchases of the same according to the laws of our nation, would be reproaching this great republic, in which the most of us were born, and under whose auspices we all have protection.

Then brethren we would advise, that where there are many poor in a church, that the elders counsel together and make preparations to send a part at one time, and a part at another. And let the poor rejoice in that they are exalted, but the rich in that they are made low, for there is no respect of persons in the sight of the Lord.

It ought to be known abroad that much improvement is needed in the cattle, sheep, and hogs, in this part of the country. For the sake of comfort and convenience, as cows here are worth from ten to fifteen dollars, our brethren would do well, and we would advise them to purchase before they arrive in this region. In fact, if they journey according to the commandments of the Lord, pitching their tents by the way, like Israel in days of old, it would be no more than right to drive cows enough to supply every family, or company, with milk on the way. They would then have them when they arrived here, and if they selected of the best breeds, they would lay a foundation for improvement.

The sheep of this state are large, but as their wool is coarse, the quality would soon be improved, if our brethren would drive with them, some merinos or saxony. As soon as wool and flax are had among the brethren, sufficient for the purpose, they will manufacture cloth for their own use in the church. The swine in this country are not good, being the old fashioned shack breed, and much inferior to the large white grass breed of the eastern states. If any could introduce this breed among the brethren in Zion, what little pork might be wanted in the winter, would be much better, and easier raised.

It is a matter of some surprise to us, that our brethren should come up to the land of Zion, as many do, without bringing garden seeds, and even seeds of all kinds. The Jaredites and Nephites took with them of all kinds; and the Jaredites, all kinds of animals."

The flood of waters, occasioned by the great rains, in the eastern and middle states, did immense damage: war between Turkey and Russia continued to rage: and the epidemic disease of London continued its frightful ravages; so terrible was its effects as to close all the principal places of amusement and suspend the court of reform for the metropolis. [See Evening and Morning Star for July.]

July 13th. A council of elders, viz: G. H. Carter, Jacob Wood, Dennis Lake, Brigham Young, James Lake, N. K. Whitney, John Smith, Luke Johnson, with myself, assembled in Kirtland; Elder James Lake desired to know the will of the Lord, whether he should proceed on to Zion, or remain in Kirtland; it was decided that he should remain in Kirtland.

THE EVENING AND MORNING STAR;

Extra-July 16th, 1833.

Having learned with extreme regret, that an article entitled, "Free people of color," in the last number of the Star, has been misunderstood we feel in duty bound to state, in this Extra, that our intention was not only to stop free people of color from emigrating to this state, but to prevent them from being admitted as members of the church. On the second column of the one hundred and eleventh page of the same paper, may be found this paragraph: "Our brethren will find an extract of the law of this state, relative to free people of color, on another page of this paper; great care should be taken on this point. The saints must shun every appearance of evil. As to slaves we have nothing to say, in connection with the wonderful events of this age, much is doing towards abolishing slavery, and colonizing the blacks in Africa.

We often lament the situation of our sister states in the south, and we fear, lest, as has been the case, the blacks should rise and spill innocent blood: for they are ignorant and a little may lead them to disturb the peace of society. To be short, we are opposed to having free people of color admitted into the state; and we say, that none will admitted into the church, for we are determined to obey the laws and constitutions of our country, that we may have that protection which the sons of liberty inherit from the legacy of Washington, through the favorable auspices of a Jefferson and Jackson."

On the 20th, the mob collected, and demanded the discontinuance of the printing in Jackson county: a closing of the store: and a cessation of all mechanical labors. The brethren refused compliance, and the consequence was, that the house of W. W. Phelps, which contained the printing establishment, was thrown down; the materials taken possession of by the mob; many papers destroyed, and the family and furniture thrown out of doors.

The mob then proceeded to violence towards

818

________________________________________

Edward Partridge, the bishop of the church, as he relates in his autobiography: "I was taken from my house by the mob, George Simpson being their leader, who escorted me about half a mile, to the court house, on the public square in Independence; and then and there, a few rods from said court house, surrounded by hundreds of the mob, I was stripped of my hat, coat and vest, and daubed with tar from head to foot, and then had a quantity of feathers put upon me; and all this, because I would not agree to leave the county, my home where I had lived two years.

Before tarring and feathering me, I was permitted to speak. I told them that the saints had had to suffer persecution in all ages of the world, that I had done nothing which ought to offend any one. That if they abused me, they would abuse an innocent person. That I was willing to suffer for the sake of Christ; but, to leave the country I was not then willing to consent to it. By this time the multitude made so much noise that I could not be heard: some were cursing and swearing, saying, call upon your Jesus &c.; others were equally noisy in trying to still the rest, that they might be enabled to hear what I was saying.

Until after I had spoken, I knew not what they intended to do with me, whether to kill, to whip me, or what else I knew not. I bore my abuse with so much resignation and meekness, that it appeared to astound the multitude, who permitted me to retire in silence, many looking very solemn, their sympathies having been touched as I thought; and, as to myself, I was filled with the spirit and love of God, that I had no hatred towards my persecutors, or any one else."

Charles Allen was next stripped and tarred and feathered, because he would not agree to leave the county, or deny the Book of Mormon.

Others were brought up to be served likewise or whipped, but from such cause, the mob ceased operations, and adjourned until Tuesday the 23rd. Elder Gilbert, the keeper of the store agreed to close that; and that may have been one reason, why the work of destruction was suddenly stopped for two days.

In the course of this day's wicked outrageous and unlawful proceedings, many solemn realities of human degredation [degradation], as well as thrilling incidents were presented to the saints. An armed and well organized mob in a government professing to be governed by law, with the Lieutenant Governor, (Lilburn W. Boggs,) the second officer in the state, calmly looking on, and secretly aiding every movement, saying to the saints, "you know what our Jackson boys can do, and you must leave the country," and all the justices, judges, constables, sheriffs, and military officers, headed by such western missionaries and clergymen as the Reverends McCoy, Kavanaugh, Hunter, Fitzhugh, Pixley, Likens, Lovelady, and Bogard, consisting of Methodists, Baptists, Presbyterians, and all the different sects of religionists that inhabited that country; with that great moral reformer, and Register of the Land Office at Lexington, forty miles east, known as the head and father of the Cumberland Presbyterians, even the Reverend Finis Ewing publicly publishing that the "Mormons were the common enemies of mankind, and ought to be destroyed" all these solemn realities were enough to melt the heart of a savage; while there was not a solitary offence [offense] on record, or proof that a saint had broken the law of the land.

And when Bishop Partridge: who was without guile, and Elder Charles Allen, walked off, amid the horrid yells of an infuriated mob, coated like some un-named, unknown biped, and one of the sisters cried aloud; "while you, who have done this wicked deed, must suffer the vengeance of God; they, having endured persecution, can rejoice, for henceforth, for them, is laid up a crown, eternal in the heavens" surely there was a time of awful reflection, that man, unrestrained, like the brute beast, may torment the body; but God, in return, will punish the soul.

CONFERENCE MINUTES.

From the N. Y. Prophet.

HARTFORD CONFERENCE.

Pursuant to public notice, a special conference of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints assembled in the Temperance Hall, in the city of Hartford, Conn., on Saturday, January 4, 1845, at half past ten, A. M.

Elder Sirrine was appointed president, and W. I. Appleby, of New Jersey, Secretary.

Opened by singing, and prayer by the president.

Official members present-three high priests, four elders, three priests.

Representation of the branches in the vicinity of Hartford, were then called for.

Elder Sparkes represented as follows-Windsor branch, numbering fourteen members including two elders, one priest, and one teacher; Hartford, seven members including one elder and one priest. Saints unorganized-Farmington, eight-Bloomfield, seven.

The president delivered a short address on the subject of calling the conferences, &c., followed by Elders Lane and Sparks.

Adjourned until 2 o'clock P. M.

819

________________________________________

Two o'clock, P. M. Met-Prayer by Elder Sparks.

Elder Lane addressed the conference on the organization and principles of the kingdom of God.

Conference adjourned.

Met in the evening-prayer by Elder Appleby, after which the president addressed the conference on the subject of election and reprobation, followed by Elder Sparks.

Dismissed, to meet on Sabbath morning at half past nine for prayer.

Sabbath. Met-United in prayer with the president and secretary, prior to public service.

Ten o'clock, A. M. Service opened by singing and prayer by the president.

Elder Sparks delivered an eloquent and convincing discourse, to a large and attentive audience, on the subject of revelation in all dispensations.

Adjourned, to meet again at two o'clock, P. M.

Afternoon. Met-prayer by Elder Sparks.

On motion, it was resolved, that Elder Sparks be appointed to preside over the branch in the city of Hartford, Brother Wheat assisting him as priest; and that Brother J. Burnham be ordained a traveling elder, and Brother Hoskins a teacher in Windsor branch-carried, and ordained under the hands of Elders Sirrine, Sparks and Appleby, after which the president set forth their respective duties.

Elder Appleby then addressed a large and increased audience, on the subject of the coming forth of the Book of Mormon and all the great events connected therewith, who listened with profound attention to the subjects set forth.

Adjourned, to meet in the evening at the house of Brother Sparks.

Met at seven o'clock-prayer by the president, after which he addressed the members on the order of the church, tithing, &c., followed by Elders Appleby, Lane and Sparks.

The Saints rejoiced in the fulness [fullness] of the gospel which they had embraced, and we trust much good was done in the name of the holy child Jesus.

Adjourned, to meet in New Haven on the first Friday, Saturday and Sunday in March next.

M. SIRRINE, Pres't.

W. I. Appleby, Sec'y.

From the N. Y. Prophet.

BOSTON FEMALE PENNY AND SEWING SOCIETY.

At the second quarterly meeting of the Female Penny and Sewing Society, held at Sister M. MacAllister's 296 Washington street, Boston, on Tuesday evening, January 28th, 1845. M. MacAllister, President, Mary G. Allen, Secretary, Elvira Baldwin Treasurer.

Meeting opened by prayer.

Moved and seconded that the Treasurer report the receipts for the last six months, (carried.)

Report:-Received from the members of the Society, $15,44

Donations from Brethren 3,50

Work, 10,72

For the constitution, 37

Making in all moneys received 30,03

Money paid out for sundry articles. 8,76

Leaving in all, 21,27

Moved and seconded, that the above report be accepted, (carried): that the above money be paid to Brother Benson, and have it forwarded for the use of the temple, (carried unanimous.)

Sister Baldwin resigns the office of treasurer; moved and seconded that Sister Clarissa Devenport be appointed treasurer, (carried.)

Moved and seconded, that the minutes of this meeting be published in the Prophet, Nauvoo Neighbor and Times and Seasons.

Moved and seconded, that the sisters of the Boston branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have a levee, and that the proceedings of the same be applied for the building of the temple.

MARY MACALLISTER, Pres't.

Mary G. Allen, Secy.

COMMUNICATIONS.

Landaff, N. H. Jan. 13, 1845.

Brother Taylor:

The interest I feel in the cause of truth, and the desire for the advancement of the kingdom of our Redeemer, makes me anxious to obtain every information respecting the work of the Lord in these last days. I have felt to rejoice that I live in this day and age of the world, when the glorious light of heaven is beginning again to break forth out of obscurity and out of darkness, and the Redeemer's kingdom is beginning to roll on in spite of all the powers of earth and hell combined. And though wicked men may rage and waste the fury of their spite, and though the servants of God may be called to seal their mission with their blood, yet the progress of truth cannot be stayed,-its light cannot be quenched-the hope of the saints cannot be extinguished, nor the religion of heaven undermined. No! the

820

________________________________________

eternal purposes of the great Jehovah must and will roll on,-the ancient prophecies must be fulfilled, and not one jot or tittle of his promises will fail.

The words of the angel to Joseph, "The work shall increase the more opposed, and spread wider and wider till it shall go forth to every nation and people under the whole heaven," have afforded me much consolation, when new trials have seemed to forbode the saints, and deep affliction and persecution have been their lot. Thus far have these words been fulfilled. Who could have thought fourteen years ago (unless aided by the spirit of prophecy) the church would have increased to its present number midst such discouragement and privations, having to contend with the bigotry and prejudice of this generation, the false reports that have been wafted on every breeze and every engine that could be employed to hinder the work?

I am happy to learn that all is union and peace at Nauvoo, and that evidences present themselves to show that God has not forsaken his church and people. Though there may arise men of corrupt minds and draw away some disciples after them, yet they, whose trust is in the Lord, shall be as Mount Zion, that cannot be removed; but abideth continually.

When I received intelligence of the death of Joseph and Hyrum Smith, I felt that this was indeed a time of trial and sorrow to the saints. My mind was led to reflect upon the words of our Savior to his disciples upon another occasion, when he was about to be taken from them, and by wicked hands crucified and slain: Verily, verily, said he, ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice; and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy: ye now have sorrow; but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.

I thought what must have been their feelings after having forsaken their worldly interest, their friends and their reputation; and after having awakened throughout Judea, the expectation, that the kingdom of heaven was at hand, to see their king thus triumphed over by his enemies, and finally overcome and put to death; all their prospects were now apparently cut off; for as yet they understood not the scripture that he must rise again. But soon their sorrow was turned into joy, when, lo! from the regions of glory an angel descended, rolled back the stone from the door of the sepulchre [sepulcher], and sat upon it; whose countenance was like lightning, and for fear of him did the keepers shake and became as dead men! Jesus burst the bands of death, and came forth triumphant from the tomb, clothed with immortality. He soon appeared to his disciples and said to them, all power is given to me in heaven and on earth: go ye, therefore, and teach all nations, baptising [baptizing] them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and lo I am with you always, even to the end of the world.

Now we do not sorrow as those without hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, they also which sleep in Christ, will God bring with him. Through him is preached unto us the resurrection from the dead.

I want to tell you a little about the situation of the people and churches in this place. The doctrine of Mr. Miller has gained considerable credence here. The consequence has been, division has taken place, and the churches to a considerable degree, broken up. This has looked to me a little like the beginning of the fulfilment [fulfillment] of a prophecy in the Book of Mormon, First book of Nephi, seventh chapter:-"For the time shall speedily come, that all churches that are built up to get gain, and all those that are built up to get power, over the flesh and to become popular, &c., must be brought low. They are they who need fear and tremble, and quake."

But what is more surprising, is, that people of sense and professing to have an understanding of the scriptures who have not fully embraced this theory, can see no reason why it should not be so; why the Lord should not immediately appear: they appear to have no firm foundation on which to rest. If I tell them that Israel must first be gathered according to the testimony of the prophets, I am told the Israel spoken of, is not the literal descendants of Abraham, but the true Israel of God; the gathering a spiritual gathering, and the prophecies to be fulfilled in the resurrection state.

Now Brother Taylor, if I should not trespass too much upon your patience, I have a request that you would publish in the Times and Seasons an article, pointing out clearly those prophecies, concerning the restoration of Israel, that are to be fulfilled literally, and previous to the coming of the Lord; and show the reasons why they are to be fulfilled literally, and the inconsistency of putting upon them a spiritual construction. I will give a few of my views upon the subject, but as I have to confine them within the small compass of a letter they must necessarily be few. And if my views are erroneous I wish to see them corrected.

I had supposed from the forty ninth-chapter of Isaiah, and other places that the Gentiles had something to do in this work; and I cannot

821

________________________________________

see how this can be effected if the gathering has reference only to the gathering of the elect, by the angels, at the time of Christ's coming. Again I have supposed from the eighteenth chapter of Isaiah, that the land of America (or indeed some land) had something to do in bringing to the place of the name of the Lord of Hosts, the Mount Zion, a present of a people scattered and peeled, hitherto terrible from their beginning, &c. Again the manner of the gathering spoken of in the last chapter of Isaiah: the setting a sign among them, and sending those that are escaped to the nations, the bringing them an offering to the Lord, upon horses, and in chariots, and in litters, and upon mules and swift-footed beasts, does not look to me much like a spiritual gathering; neither does the coming of the company described by Jeremiah, chapter 31:8 and 9 verses. Neither can I see the propriety (unless it be understood literally) of the Lord sending many fishers and many hunters to hunt Israel from the holes and the rocks and so forth.

Again we learn from Isaiah 11: and Micah 7:15, and from Esdras 13:47, that when the remnant that are left of Assyria shall return, the Lord will show unto him marvellous [marvelous] things according to the days of their coming out of the land of Egypt; a highway will be prepared like as there was for Israel, and the streams will be stayed again that they may go over on dry ground.

Again another reason for supposing the Jews will be gathered previous to the coming of the Lord is the gathering of the nations against Jerusalem to battle, spoken of in the thirty-eighth and thirty-ninth chapters of Ezekiel, the third chapter of Joel, and the fourteenth of Zechariah. Again the eighth chapter of Zechariah was not fulfilled at the time of their return from Babylon; I cannot think that any will be so infirm as to lean upon their staves in the resurrection state.

I want to write more, but have not room.-My heart is with the saints; to them I am bound by the strong ties of christian love.-And that God would roll on his work, scatter light and truth among the nations of the earth, and cause error and superstition to fall, is the prayer of your unworthy sister in Christ.

PHEBE FOSTER.

COPY OF A LETTER, TO A. W. BABBITT ESQ. AT SPRINGFIELD.

Nauvoo, Jan. 30th, 1845.

Honorable Sir:

The interest that I feel in the welfare and prosperity of God's chosen people in this place, prompts me to take my pen at this crisis, and step beyond the bounds of a female accustomed to move in the humble and domestic circles of life; and address myself to the Representative of a people laden with sorrow and acquainted with grief. I claim not to be the mouth-piece of this community, for they have not appointed me that station; and therefore, I wish no one but myself, to be responsible for this communication yet, I feel myself safe in saying, that there are many bosoms in this place, burning with the same principles that recent legislative acts have kindled in my own.

I am told that a letter has just been received here from Gen. Backenstos, in which the repeal of our city charter is confirmed. There seems to be not a single doubt entertained by your friends here concerning your diligence, ability, and faithfulness in the discharge of your duty. In fact, I do not hesitate to say, that the blessings of a grateful people rest upon you both, and also upon those other honorable gentlemen who took so able a part with you in defending our rights. May heaven bless you; and when the storms of life are past, may it be our happy lot to meet in that country where tyranny and injustice are not known, and where the oppressor's arm has no power.

Had the courage of tigers armed your breasts and eloquence more lucid and burning than that which flows from an angel's tongue, escaped your lips, mingled with the sobs and tears of broken hearted widows and orphans, whose husbands and fathers have been cruelly and treacherously murdered when under the protection of a sovereign state, you could have made no more impression upon the flinty hearts of men bent on Mormon extermination, than the thunder of a '74' upon the fortress 'Gibraltar.'

I cannot find language to express the utter contempt with which I regard the pretended liberality of Mr. Anderson. He says, "If the people of Nauvoo will respectfully ask for a new charter of limited powers, I am ready to grant it." Have the people of Nauvoo ever asked a favor disrespectfully of the legislature? If they have, I have it yet to learn. But to the point: What would Mr. Anderson think of that man, whose only right was his superior strength, that should forcibly take from his pocket a doubloon which he came honorably by, and which was all he had? Would he not consider him a high-way man? But further: Suppose the robber should afterwards turn to him and say, now if you will respectfully ask me for a new coin, I will give you a penny: Would Mr. A. accept the proffered gift, or thank the robber for his liberality? I wish you would ask him.

822

________________________________________

I am not Nauvoo, nor the people of Nauvoo, and therefore, cannot say what they will do.-But my own feelings are: Sooner be the prophet's fate my own, than suffer the pride and dignity of my character to be so humbled as to ask any favor of those hands that are now reeking fresh with my brothers' blood, and by the strongest proofs in their power to give, have decreed my own ruin and extermination. They have not only acknowledged, but even justified the murderous deed, and have also fathered the crime, by wresting from the hands of the officer and retaining in the Senate, the man who stands indicted for killing the Lord's anointed. Had you, dear sir, been indicted for a like offence [offense] against an Anti-Mormon, how long would you have retained your seat in the House? I presume to say, that you would have been hurled from your seat, and that justly too, as quick as was Lucifer when he rebelled in heaven: For me to ask favors of the hands that have been raised to justify the shedding of my brothers' blood, would be a violation of every principle that dwells in my heart. Were I to do it, I should consider myself unworthy of my country and my God. You are the representative of a noble race. I am but one obscure person, and for you to be influenced in your capacity by the private views of a humble female, would not be to honor your high and responsible trust.

If the legislature of Illinois are disposed to strip us of our covering, (the charter) and leave us naked, exposed to the chilling blasts of mobocratic fury which already begin to blow-if "it must needs be," we hope to die like noble spirits, and live again to see the robes of state dripping with the blood of innocence, and those who wear them appear before us to receive their final sentence, when "the saints shall judge the world" But I assure you, sir, that if the people of Nauvoo do not get a new charter till I ask for it, they will never have one, unless my mind should materially alter: for from past examples, I could go to the gates of perdition and ask mercy from that department, with just as much hopes of success, as I could go to the legislature of Illinois, to ask a favor for the Latter-day Saints. They very well know the wrong and injustice they have done us, and the evil and calamity to which they have exposed us by repealing our charter; and now if they have no more honor, feeling, or humanity, than to leave us in this situation, without our coming like abject slaves to plead and implore for that which every noble and generous spirit would scorn to with-hold, though never asked; namely, our just rights, let the consequences be on their heads. I would gladly have our people show to the legislature and to the world, that we possess feelings too exalted and spirits too noble to bow with deference to such unequal measures. Do they wish to secure our loyalty? Let them give us equal rights. Do they wish to drive us to desperation? Let them rob us of every inducement to honor our country's laws, that in after years when the elements of excitement and strife have retired within their own natural borders, let the disgraceful transactions be echoed from every state and civilized government under heaven, and then let them meet us face to face before that tribunal where truth and justice must have their claim.

Very Respectfully,

ELIZA R. SNOW.

To A. W. BABBITT, ESQ.

TIMES AND SEASONS.

CITY OF NAUVOO,

MARCH 1, 1845.

THE ANGELS.

In the thirteenth chapter of Matthew, is some of the wonderful wisdom of Jesus Christ, put forth in parables: and, with all the rest, this question and answer:-

"Jesus saith unto them, Have ye understood all these things? They say unto him, Yea, Lord.

Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old."

This, like all the revelations of God, is a specimen of Mormonism: to bring forth things new and old. But what can be brought forth concerning the angels that will interest the saint; leaving the world to enjoy a belief that angels have entirely quit the earth, and that a man sins to talk about seeing them? Why, in the first place, we will see how many kinds of angels there are, and what their duties are before the Lord.

According to the best understanding we have of the scripture, there are three, perhaps four, kinds of angels:-the archangels of which Paul and Jude make mention, first in order or highest in authority; the angels, which are resurrected bodies, like those mentioned in the eighteenth chapter of Genesis, who ate and drank with Abraham, and also with Lot: and the angels which are ministering spirits; and it may be a matter of investigation to determine

823

________________________________________

whether this third class of spiritual beings, do not constitute two distinct races in the heavenly world.

The Psalmist said that man was created a little lower than the angels, and this taken in connection with the idea of Paul and the Psalmist, (if rightly translated) "who maketh or sendeth his ministering spirits, angels, (or messengers) a flame of fire" or in flames of fire, would give us a fourth grade of angels; and a true Mormon would go on to prove the case still further, on this wise: that Jesus Christ did the same work that his Father had done: and that Christ's disciples did the same work that he had done; and as he went in the spirit before his resurrection, during the three days that his body lay in the sepulchre [sepulcher], to preach to the spirits in prison, so also do and will his disciples in all ages of the world since he opened the door of the resurrection. Again, John says

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do: because I go unto my Father."

What "greater work," as Jesus had raised the dead, could his disciples do, unless, after death, as ministering spirits, they should minister to the spirits in prison, and so save the dead? If any are wise let them say.

But the greatest matter of mystery concerning angels, is, that they, or some of them at least, live by eating. The two angels that visited Lot, in Sodom, partook of a feast; and Paul says: "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." And also, it is written in the Psalms, that "man did eat angles food."

From these facts, it is evident that the angels who minister to men in the flesh, are resurrected beings, so that flesh administers to flesh; and spirit to spirits: this was the case with John when he said:

"And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellow servant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus; worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy."

This angel might have been good old Daniel, who had risen with Jesus, as "one of thy brethren the prophets."

The angels are our watchmen, for Satan said to Jesus: "he will give his angels charge concerning thee, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone at any time." It would seem from a careful perusal of the scriptures, that the angels, while God has saints upon the earth, stay in this lower world to ward off evil: for the prophet Isaiah has left this testimony on the subject:-

"I will mention the loving kindnesses of the Lord, and the praises of the Lord, according to all that the Lord hath bestowed on us, and the great goodness toward the house of Israel, which he hath bestowed on them according to his mercies, and according to the multitude of his loving-kindnesses.

For he said, Surely they are my people, children that will not lie: so he was their Savior.

In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old."

The angels that have gone forth at sundry times to execute the decrees of God, fully substantiate this fact: Abraham, Hagar, Jacob, Balaam, Joshua, Gideon, together with the enemies of the Lord are the witnesses who knew the power and offices of angels on earth.

But lest we take up too much time on the resurrected bodies, who go and come at the bidding of Him who was, and is, and is to come, we will change the theme to the thoughts and witnesses of the heart.

The action of the angels, or messengers of God upon our minds, so that the heart can conceive things past, present, and to come, and revelations from the eternal world, is, among a majority of mankind, a greater mystery than all the secrets of philosophy, literature, superstition, and bigotry, put together: though some men try to deny it, and some to explain away the meaning; still there is so much testimony in the bible, and among a respectable portion of the work, that one might as well undertake to throw the water out of this world into the moon with a tea-spoon, as to do away the supervision of angels upon the human mind.

The first account that comes to our mind now is, when Jacob was journeying; "And he dreamed, and, behold, a ladder set upon the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and, behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it."

The next case we notice is relative to Pharaoh and Egypt, which Joseph interpreted and the interpretation was sure. Now, unless there had been an understanding between the angel of Pharaoh, and the angel of Joseph, how could the interpretation have been known? Or in the case of Nebuchadnezzar when he dreamed of the great image, which fled from his mind, how could Daniel not only have brought the image, but the meaning with it? Daniel said there was a God in heaven that revealed secrets, but God does not often leave heaven to give a man a dream and the interpretation.

There is nothing in the bible which comes

824

________________________________________

nearer the fact, or more properly, the truth of the matter, than when the wise men came to worship Jesus. Matthew says:

"And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him."

The wise men were warned in a dream and the angel of the Lord warned Joseph in a dream; and the fact is, spirit ministers to spirit, and so we dream revelations, because the angels inform our spirits what to dream; and the eyes of our understandings see it; and the ears of our perception conceive; and lo there is a line of communication from heaven to earth!

And this is not all; who is it that carries the saints' sins to judgment beforehand? Did not Paul write:

"Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after.

Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand, and they that are otherwise cannot be hid."

It is the "divinity," or spirit of God, within us, that performs this duty,

"For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.

And there are three that bear witness in earth, the spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one."

No wonder, then, that our sins go to judgment beforehand: and no wonder that man gives an account of his own stewardship through life, for this is the sum and substance of the matter: our blood, which is our life, (and wo to the man that sheds it by murder!) and our spirit, which is eternal; and the water wherein we are baptised [baptized], all testify to God of our acts in the flesh; and "the angels of our presence" are the messengers to report the matters: so we are chastened accordingly.-The sins of the wicked follow after, and verily they have their reward.

The angels go in the authority of God. This is manifest from the account of Jacob's wrestling with God:

"And Jacob was left alone: and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day."

But when he prevailed not, he inquired the name of "the man," and got no answer: so he called the name of the place Penay ale: "face of God." The next and most prominent example is, that where Joshua learned the fate of Jericho before it fell by blowing "rams horns:"

"And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, there stood a man over against him, with his sword drawn in his hand: and Joshua went unto him, and said unto him, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries?

And he said, Nay; but as captain of the host of the Lord am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my lord unto his servant?

And the captain of the Lord's host said unto Joshua, loose thy shoe from off they foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so."

No doubt the "captain of the Lord's host" told Joshua the plan of taking Jericho and its utter destruction. To verify this we quote the first verse of John's Revelations on the Isle of Patmos:

"The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John."

Perhaps it may be said that many persons dream not at all: to which we reply, so it is, and many people do not believe in God, man, nor the devil; but the time is at hand when the saints will know better and do better:

"And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:

And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit."

But, without going into a particular detail of the offices and duties of the different grades of angels, let us close by saying that the angels gather the elect, and pluck out all that offends. They are the police of heaven and report whatever transpires on earth, and carry the petitions and supplications of men, women, and children to the mansions of remembrance, where they are kept as tokens of obedience by the sanctified, in "golden vials" labelled [labeled] "the prayers of the saints."