The gospel, as revealed in part and promised in full to him at that

early day, was a pure and simple gift to all men upon the face of

the earth who would make themselves worthy. It neither contemplated

unrighteous espionage of thought and personal action, nor unholy

servitude or worship of man by man. The barbarity of power, which

characterized the apostate churches which swayed the world of

Christendom for so many long centuries, did not exist in this divine

plan for the salvation of the human race. Such gloomy tenets as

infantile damnation or accountability, and the consigning of the soul

to a place of eternal misery and torment from which there could be no

deliverance and to which there could be no alleviation, embodied in

the systems of religion which were taught and vouched for by their

teachers as divine, were absent from this simple gospel. At the time

of the organization of His Church, God made known His gospel in all

the simplicity and fullness of truth, sublime and symmetrical as

taught by the Redeemer, not as it had been perverted for ages. All

the dark and cruel mysteries which had enshrouded so-called religion

were swept away. Joseph had learned by most glorious and satisfactory

experience that it was possible for man to approach and know God for

himself. He taught his fellows that this is the true foundation of the

gospel of salvation; that it is every human being's privilege to lift

his eyes to God, to obtain revelation and every good gift from Him

through obedience to His laws. Who can measure the great blossoming

of human character which has already appeared, and the rich fruitage

which the coming generations will yet yield through the enforcement of

this grand truth? One of the accusations brought against the Savior,

and for which His enemies sought to stone Him, was that He, being a

man, made Himself equal with God. To a generation such as they, from

whom God was so far removed that all communication between them had

ceased, such a relationship between man and the great Creator, as the

Lord Jesus taught as existing, was offensive and blasphemous. It was

this elevating and ennobling truth that the Prophet Joseph taught to

the world. He taught a gospel of man's worship to God, and not man's

servitude to his fellow. One of its grand principles is that each soul

must be accountable to its Creator for its deeds; and no person who has

not reached the years of individual accountability is condemned for

the non-performance of ceremonies or ordinances which he can neither

understand nor attend to. Infants are all saved in Christ; and need no

penance, no baptism, no church membership. But a man who has heard the

word of God is personally responsible for his own life and must bear

the consequences of its rejection in his own person.

The full recognition of God's authority as bestowed by Him and man's

equality with his fellow-man constitute the vitality of the Kingdom

of God. But Satan prompts man to establish creeds of man-worship, in

which priestcraft, as opposed to priesthood, prevails. He appeals to

the avarice and ambition of men and divides society into classes,

making worldly learning, the possession of wealth, and the "accident of

birth," the distinctions which command respect and honor. The theology

of the churches, which flourished in the region where Joseph dwelt

from boyhood to maturity, flowed from the muddy stream. But he was not

influenced by it. Through the revelations of Jesus, the theology which

he was inspired to teach was utterly unlike any system taught by man.

Instead of being lifted up by the favor which had been shown to him,

Joseph was made to feel his own weaknesses. Chosen to be a prophet

and the leader of God's people, he was conscious that he was only

human, subject to human temptations and human frailties. Having the

honesty and courage inspired by the Spirit of the Lord, he dared to

confess this openly; and, under the same inspiration, acknowledge his

transgression and make his contrition known. He was not above any law

which applied to his fellow-man. Of his responsibility to God and his

brethren of the Church, he was required by the law revealed through

himself to the Church, to give as strict an account as any other

member. They who participated with him in authority owed it not to him

as an individual, but to the eternal power to which they were alike

responsible.

The grandeur of Joseph's character is most shown in his lack of

pretension. Christ declared Himself the head of the Church; and though

Joseph was to be our Savior's representative here on earth, he exacted

no homage from his fellow-believers, but only such respect as the

gospel required them to pay. The thought of gaining glory for himself

appears never to have entered his mind. His conduct in the beginning,

in execution of the requirements of the Lord, was but a type of his

whole life. The commands of God came through him to earth, and he gave

them voice firmly and fearlessly. Speaking as a prophet of God under

the influence of the Spirit, he brooked no opposition; but in his

personal relations with his fellow-Apostles and Elders he gave them,

according to their station and their deserts, as much deference as he

asked, or was willing to receive for himself. This characteristic gave

him power in the beginning. Only he who knows how to obey is worthy to

command; only he who yields to others their due can expect compliance

with his own order, however lawful it may be.

From this time of the organization of the Church, the revelations of

God have come constantly, through Christ's chosen representative, to

guide, to instruct, to admonish and to warn the people; and from this

source the body of the Saints has received its daily life.

CHAPTER XIII.

THE ALL-COMPREHENDING CHARACTER OF JOSEPH'S INSPIRATION--FIRST

PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CHURCH AFTER ORGANIZATION--BELIEVERS ASKING

BAPTISM--MOBS SEEKING THE LIFE OR THE LIBERTY OF THE PROPHET--TWICE

ARRESTED AND ACQUITTED--JOSEPH'S LAWYER HEARS A MYSTERIOUS

VOICE--COPYING THE REVELATIONS.

Joseph saw his mission now in its full significance. The instruction

which came to him when he first prayed in the woods at Manchester did

not mean that he alone should find salvation outside of the creeds of

man; but that the error of the ages was to be overthrown by the hand of

God, and the way opened for the redemption of a race.

The organization of the Church, therefore, meant that the chief Apostle

of Christ in this last dispensation should take upon himself the cross

and bear it through life. The people must be edified and perfected, and

the Gospel must be extended freely to the acceptance or rejection of

all nations, kindreds, tongues and people.

Joseph knew now that through prayer to Heaven he must seek stores of

wisdom for his own guidance and for the secure establishment and the

perfect government of the Church of our Lord and Savior. He was not

obliged to search the worldly records of the past for knowledge and

inspiration. If at this hour, all the histories of earthly governments

and religious organizations, with the books of philosophy and moral

truths--accepted by the world, had been blotted out, Joseph Smith and

his mission of enlightenment would have abated not one tittle of their

power and significance. The light of God's all-comprehending wisdom was

shining upon the Prophet's soul.

The first public meeting of the Church after the day of its

organization was held at the house of Peter Whitmer in Fayette, on

the 11th day of April, 1830. On that occasion Oliver Cowdery, under

Joseph's direction, proclaimed the word of God for the comfort and

instruction of Saints and strangers. The appointment for this meeting

had gone forth through all the neighborhood; and many persons came to

hear what wonderful things were to be spoken by the men who professed

to be called directly of God to the ministry. This was the first public

discourse delivered by an authorized servant of God in these last days.

At the conclusion of the services a number of persons demanded baptism

and membership among the people of God. They professed to have faith

in Christ, avowed their penitence for all evil done by them, and asked

to be baptized that they might obtain the remission of their sins. The

ordinance was administered to such as were worthy.

Following this meeting, which gave him joy and called forth praise

from his heart to Heaven, Joseph journeyed to Colesville, the home of

the kindly Mr. Knight whose bounty had been extended to the Prophet

and to Oliver in an hour of need. Joseph desired to make known to the

family of Knight all that God had spoken in way of command and promise.

Mr. Knight and several members of his family were Universalists. They

were firm in their conviction, but were glad to listen to the message

delivered by Joseph. It was a plain statement; for Joseph made no

attempt to lend earthly adornments to the pure word of Christ. Joseph

Knight listened and then argued with the Prophet. But he was deeply

impressed and solicited Joseph to hold meetings, in which the public

might hear the young Apostle and have opportunity to judge of the

doctrines which he avowed. Newel, a son of Joseph Knight, became much

interested in the Prophet's words. Many serious conversations ensued,

and newel became so far convinced of the divinity of the work that

he gave a partial promise that he would arise in meeting and offer

supplication to God before his friends and neighbors. But at the

appointed moment he failed to respond to Joseph's invitation. Later

he told the Prophet he would pray in secret, and thus seek to resolve

his doubts and gain strength. On the day following, newel went into

the woods to offer his devotions to Heaven; but was unable to give

utterance to his feelings, being held in bondage by some power which

he could not define. He returned to his home ill in body and depressed

in mind. His appearance alarmed his wife, and in a broken voice he

requested her to quickly find the Prophet and bring him to his bedside.

When Joseph arrived at the house, newel was suffering most frightful

distortions of his visage and limbs, as if he were in convulsions. Even

as the Prophet gazed at him Newel was seized upon by some mysterious

influence and tossed helpless about the room. Through the gift of

discernment Joseph saw that his friend was in the grasp of the evil

one, and that only the power of God could save him from the tortures

under which he was suffering. He took Newel's hand and gently addressed

him. Newel replied, "I am possessed of a devil. Exert your authority, I

beseech you, to cast him out." Joseph replied, "If you know that I have

power to drive him from your soul, it shall be done." And when these

words were uttered, Joseph rebuked the Destroyer and commanded him in

the name of Jesus Christ to depart. The Lord condescended to honor His

servant in thus exercising the power which belonged to his Priesthood

and calling, for instantly Newel cried out with joy that he felt the

accursed influence leave him and saw the evil spirit passing from the

room.

Thus was performed the first miracle of the Church. Many people were

present and witnessed it, and when they would have ascribed to Joseph

honor and praise, he checked them, saying:

"It was not done by man, nor by the power of man, but was done by God

and the power of His godliness; therefore let the honor and the praise

and the dominion and the glory be ascribed to the Father, the Son and

the Holy Spirit for ever and ever."

Since that hour thousands of miracles have been performed by the Elders

of the Church, through the power of the Priesthood restored from

Heaven and in fulfillment of the promises made by the Lord Jesus. But

those who have been honored in performing them have not administered

unto their fellowmen to gratify any wish to behold a miracle--a sign

sought for by a wicked and adulterous generation; but to comply with

the command of the Lord in administering an ordinance designed for the

healing of the faithful sick and to comfort them and strengthen them in

their faith.

Newel Knight believed and was made whole. He became enrapt in

contemplation of the goodness of God, and the visions of eternity were

opened to his view. He saw such a world of glory that he lost his sense

of earthly things. His physical being participated in the exaltation,

and while his spirit soared beyond the narrow confines of his earthly

house, his body was caught up and suspended in the air. When the vision

passed he sank, weak but happy, to the floor. So much was he overcome

that it was necessary to carry him to his bed, and leave him to some

hours of repose.

Of the many persons who witnessed these events nearly all subsequently

became members of the Church.

When Joseph had completed a brief ministry among the people in that

region he returned to Fayette, and found that much excitement prevailed

there because of the coming forth of the word of God. "The Book of

Mormon was accounted as a strange thing;" and persecution was heaped

upon the adherents of the Church, and all who would entertain friendly

relations with them.

The first appointed conference of the Church of Jesus Christ in

this dispensation was held at Fayette on the 1st day of June, 1830.

Thirty members were present on the opening day; and scores of people

were there who already believed, or came with the desire to hear

the principles taught by Joseph Smith. The sacrament of the Lord's

supper was administered to all the members of the Church in conference

assembled; and the faith of the congregation was so mighty that the

Heavens were opened to their view, and many beheld the glory of the

celestial kingdom. Newel Knight was one of the believers present,

and he saw, through the parted veil of eternity, the Lord Jesus

Christ seated at the right hand of the Majesty on high. Prophetic

vision flooded his soul with light, and he saw the mighty work of the

dispensation carried to its fulfillment; he saw Joseph Smith laboring,

as the instrument of God's choice, to redeem man and lead him back to

the presence of his Creator. The effect of these visions upon Newel

Knight and the others who beheld them, was to deprive them of their

natural strength, and they were carried to couches, upon which they

rested for a brief time. When their strength was restored they arose

and shouted, "Hosannah, to God and the Lamb," and then, to the wonder

and joy of all who heard them, they rehearsed the glories which they

had beheld.

Many baptisms followed. Those of the brethren who were most suitable

were ordained to the ministry, and received instantly the spirit of

their holy calling. Joseph returned to his own home, at Harmony.

Later, accompanied by his wife and three of the Elders, he went

again to Colesville. Here they found many people awaiting baptism.

Joseph prepared to accede to their demand. A suitable portion of a

little stream in that locality was prepared for the purpose of the

administration of the ordinance; but in the night sectarian priests,

fearful of losing their congregations and their hire, instigated evil

men to desecrate the spot and to destroy all the preparations of the

Elders. But the candidates for baptism remained faithful, and were

confirmed in their belief by this sign flowing from the hatred of the

ungodly; and a few days later the ordinance was administered by Oliver

Cowdery to thirteen persons at Colesville. Among them was Emma, the

Prophet's wife, who believed and humbly went forth to perform the

requirement of Heaven. The joy of Joseph when he welcomed his wife into

the Church was unspeakable.

While the baptisms were in progress an angry mob collected, and

threatened destruction to the Elders and believers. The mob surrounded

the houses of Joseph Knight and his son Newel and railed with devilish

hatred at the inmates. The Prophet spoke to them and made an effort to

calm their passion, but without avail. Wearied with their own impotent

wrath, the mobs departed; but only to concoct new plots.

That night a meeting was to be held, and when the believers and

sympathizers had assembled, and Joseph was about to offer them

instruction and consolation, a constable approached and arrested him on

a warrant charging him with being a disorderly person, for setting the

country in an uproar by circulating the Book of Mormon and by preaching

a gospel of revelation. The officer was a kind man, and some time after

the formal arrest he stated to Joseph that the object of the warrant

was to place the prisoner in the hands of the mob who were determined

to destroy him. These words were verified immediately after; because

when the constable was taking Joseph away from Mr. Knight's house in

a wagon, they found the mob in ambush awaiting the appearance of the

Prophet, and ready to act murderously upon a signal from the constable,

whom they vainly believed was in sympathy with them. The baffled mob,

more enraged than ever, pursued the wagon a considerable distance,

but were unable to overtake it; and the constable soon reached South

Bainbridge, in Chenango County, with his prisoner. The hour was late

and they went to an inn, where they were lodged in an upper room.

Joseph occupied a bed and slept peacefully, after communing silently

with his Maker. The officer threw his body across the entrance to the

room, and slumbered lightly. He held a loaded musket in his hands ready

to defend his prisoner from unlawful assault.

The next day was a time of intense excitement. A court was convened

to consider the strange charges brought against the young man, Joseph

Smith; and hateful lies, of every form which the father of falsehood

could devise, were circulated to create popular dislike. But Joseph

Knight appeared at the court with two of his neighbors, James Davidson

and John Reid, outspoken men, learned in the law and standing high

in public esteem, who were to appear on behalf of the Prophet. The

bitter feeling of endangered priestcraft was visible throughout the

trial; but all the accusations which were made were but lies, and none

were sustained. The court declared an acquittal. The evidence in the

trial was a high tribute to the character of Joseph Smith. Evidently

preparations had been made to deal his influence a fatal blow; and

people were brought from great distances who knew him intimately as a

boy and as a young man. It was hoped by the inciters of the outrage

that these former neighbors of Joseph would heed the public clamor

against him and testify that his nature was evil. But on the contrary,

all these witnesses declared that in all their intercourse with the

Prophet, his life had been above reproach.

Unheeding this emphatic demonstration in Joseph's behalf, his enemies

determined that they would not withhold their hands. They declared

that he had committed other offenses in Broome County, and they must

have a warrant for him in the interest of the public weal. This paper

was secured on the oath of a sectarian bigot; and no sooner was Joseph

acquitted by the court in Chenango County, than he was seized under the

new warrant and dragged back to Colesville. The officer in charge this

time was a sympathizer with the mob. He refused food to his prisoner

and refused to allow him to call at the houses of his friends, or to

see his wife. This constable carried him to a tavern, and then invited

a number of persons to unite in abuse and ridicule of the Prophet. The

rabble jeered and spat upon their victim. They pointed their fingers

at him, crying, "Prophesy! Prophesy!" Joseph offered security for his

appearance on the following day, and asked to be released; but the

officer would not consent. The only favor which he would grant to

Joseph was to bring to him a cup of water and a crust of bread.

When the morning came, Joseph was arraigned before the magistrate's

court of Colesville. Arrayed against him were some of the people who

had been discomfited at the trial in Chenango County. This time they

were determined to secure a conviction. By the side of the Prophet

were his friends and advocates who had aided him in the former trial.

Despite the vindictive effort of the mob, the court discharged the

Prophet, declaring that nothing was shown to his dishonor. Even the

cruel constable who had abused his little authority to make Joseph's

lot more miserable, became convinced of the entire innocence of his

charge; and he besought the forgiveness of his former prisoner. He gave

information to Joseph that a plot was in progress to secure his person.

The inciters of these outrages were two prominent Presbyterians of that

region--Cyrus McMaster and one Dr. Boyington. The creature whom they

secured to make oath against Joseph was also a Presbyterian; his name

was Benton.

The honest and courageous man John Reid, who successfully defended the

Prophet before the courts, himself had testified to the remarkable

manner in which he was engaged in the case. A messenger came to his

house and requested him to appear before the magistrate on behalf of

Joseph Smith. Mr. Reid was busy at the time; he had never seen the

young man Joseph Smith; and he determined not to enter the case. But

before he could decline aloud, a low, strange voice uttered these

words: "YOU MUST GO TO DELIVER THE LORD'S ANOINTED!" He was thrilled

with awe at the mysterious sound. He knew that the messenger had not

spoken; and upon inquiry Mr. Reid learned that the voice had been to

himself alone. The impression caused by this experience was such that

Mr. Reid hastened to the place of trial. While he was engaged in the

case his mysterious emotion increased; and when he arose to defend the

Prophet in argument, he was inspired to an eloquence beyond himself,

and which was irresistible. [1]

When Joseph was freed from custody after the second trial, the

constable extended his aid; and thus the Prophet was enabled to escape

while his enemies were organizing unlawfully to get him into their

clutches. Joseph had been two days without food; and when released, his

friends told him that he must flee at once, for the mob had organized

and was determined. Night had already come; and he traveled until

daylight the next morning, when he reached a place of safety at the

house of an acquaintance many miles distant from Colesville. Here he

found Emma, and they journeyed to Harmony without further molestation.

But a few days later, when he returned to Colesville to confirm the

persons who had been baptized, the mob assailed him with greater

violence than ever before; and it was with difficulty that his friends

aided him to preserve his life from the attacks of the sectarian

priests through their bigoted followers.

Upon returning once more to Harmony after this last visit to

Colesville, the Prophet engaged in the labor of making a record in

proper order of the revelations which had come to him from the Lord. In

this work he was aided for a time by Oliver Cowdery; but later Oliver

went to Fayette, and Emma, under commandment of the Lord, once more

served her husband as a scribe.

While Joseph was thus laboring in Pennsylvania, Parley P. Pratt visited

Fayette to learn something of the young Prophet. Not finding Joseph,

the seeker after truth made his investigations alone. He became

convinced that he had found the gospel; and he asked and received

baptism at the hands of Oliver Cowdery in Seneca Lake.

This was a momentous event.

Footnotes

1. It is worthy of notice here that Hon. Amos Reid, who, in early days,

was secretary and, part of the time, acting Governor of Utah Territory,

was the son of this honest man, John Reid, and always referred with

pleasure and pride to the part his father took in behalf of the Prophet

on these occasions.

CHAPTER XIV.

DISSENSIONS WITHIN THE FOLD--OLIVER COWDERY AND HIRAM PAGE LEAD THE

WHITMERS ASTRAY--MOBS AT COLESVILLE AND PERSECUTION AT HARMONY--ISAAC

HALE AND HIS FAMILY OPPOSE JOSEPH--THE PROPHET REMOVES TO FAYETTE--

PROPHETIC OUTLINE OF THE GATHERING.

The peaceful and blessed hours which the Prophet had hoped to enjoy in

the performance of his holy work at his home in Harmony, were quickly

intruded upon. Satan had been able already to excite Joseph's enemies

to a frenzy, and to make the conversion of even honest inquirers

difficult, and in many cases impossible. Not satisfied with this,

the evil one stirred up the hearts of some of Joseph's friends and

associates to feelings of jealous vanity and fear.

Oliver Cowdery, at Fayette, was the first victim within the fold of the

assaults of the adversary. While the Prophet, aided by his wife, was

transcribing the revelations, he received a startling letter, couched

in stern and disrespectful terms, addressed to him by Oliver from

Fayette. The letter demanded that Joseph should erase certain words

from one of the commandments given by God to the Church, alleging that

they had been incorrectly written. The Prophet was shocked and grieved,

because he saw therein the snare which Satan had set for the feet of

some of the flock of Christ. He knew, too, how prone Oliver was to be

lifted up in the pride of his heart; and he saw in this a concession to

evil by Oliver which must soon be checked and withdrawn, or Oliver, and

those who had sympathy for him, would soon be cast out. Joseph wrote a

letter, full of loving admonition, and yet rebuking firmly the error

to which Oliver was yielding. Joseph informed him that the revelation

had been correctly written--it was the command of God, and no man had

authority to take from it a single word.

Joseph soon followed his letter and visited his associates at Fayette.

He found there a most deplorable state of affairs. Oliver Cowdery

had yielded to the power of darkness. In the vanity of his heart he

had set himself up against the Prophet of the Lord, and by skillful

persuasion and flattery, had succeeded in winning the Whitmers to a

belief in his views. Joseph felt that they were hardened toward him,

and that the spirit which possessed them must at once be subdued and

cast out, else they would be lost to the cause of Christ. He prayed

for help, and labored earnestly and lovingly to show to Oliver and

the others the error of their way. None of them at first would listen

to his words. The influence which possessed them was perfectly aware

that if they gave attention to Joseph's words they would soon discover

their mistake; and it encouraged in them an obstinate and hateful

feeling. After some time Christian Whitmer became convinced of their

error. He saw the abyss into which the archenemy had endeavored to

drag him; and he joined with Joseph in supplication to the Lord that

his father and brothers and Oliver Cowdery might be turned aside from

their evil course, and brought back into the right way. One by one

they yielded to the voice of truth, and finally all--including Oliver

Cowdery--confessed that they had been misled by Satan, and that they

knew the Lord's words were not within the power of man to enlarge or

diminish.

Thus, promptly met, was an error rooted out. If unchecked it would

have led away some of those to whom angels had administered. This

showed to Joseph and to all who were with him that constant vigilance

was necessary to protect even the best from the devices of the evil

one. They saw that it was against the elect that Satan directed his

strongest efforts; and that, when blinded by his temptations, they were

unable to see the way of righteousness from which they were departing

or the mire of wickedness into which he was leading their feet. For

some of them the lesson was long effective; but with others it was of

but temporary avail. These latter seemed unable to long restrain their

own eager ambition and vanity, or to close their ears to the tempting

whispers of the adversary, who constantly plotted their downfall.

While Joseph was laboring in Fayette to restore peace to his brethren

and prosperity to the cause, the sectarian preachers were stirring

up the minds of the people at Harmony to think and act evilly toward

the Prophet and his work. As soon as Joseph went back to his home he

found that some persons who had been his friends now spoke and bore

themselves coldly toward him. A Methodist minister in the neighborhood,

taking advantage of Joseph's absence, had spoken all manner of evil

things concerning him, and had succeeded in making the people distrust

the Prophet and the work of God. Isaac Hale and his family were thus

led away. When Joseph had left them to go to Fayette, they were filled

with kindness toward him and his wife. They promised and accorded him

protection and help; and they were examining the principles of the

gospel so earnestly that Joseph hoped soon to welcome his wife's family

into the fold. But the Methodist minister, who was influential with

Isaac Hale, had whispered such untruths concerning the absent Prophet,

and Satan had worked so effectively to blind the eyes and becloud the

understanding of the people of Harmony, that nearly all were ready in

persecution against Joseph. Isaac Hale and his family were turned from

the work, and became from that hour its bitter opponents.

But Joseph must not falter in his labor. The branch of the Church at

Colesville was also suffering persecution; and the Prophet had to

forget for the time all his personal afflictions. In the latter part of

August, 1830, he called to his company John Whitmer, David Whitmer and

Hyrum Smith, and went to comfort and instruct Joseph Knight and those

who were associated with him. Such fierce threats had been uttered by

the mobocrats who sympathized with the Presbyterian ministers, that

Joseph and his brethren felt that they were risking their lives in

thus journeying to Colesville. They joined together in mighty prayer,

beseeching God that He would blind the eyes of their enemies, and

permit them to go and come without recognition by the wicked. The

Prophet informed his companions that their prayer would be answered,

and the angel of the Lord would protect them and cover with a veil

the vision of the murderous mob. They made no effort to disguise

themselves, but traveled through Colesville to the house of Joseph

Knight in broad day, meeting a score of their persecutors. A reward

had been offered to anyone who would give information of Joseph's

return; and among those whom they met were many who would gladly have

earned the money, even at the expense of the Prophet's life. But no one

said a harsh word to Joseph and his companions, and they were treated

merely as ordinary strangers passing through the village. A meeting of

the branch was held that night, and the Spirit of God was poured out

upon the believers in rich abundance. They were all made firm by the

blessing given, and filled with a determination to yield nothing of

their faith, though the anger of the wicked should be visited upon them

through robbery or even death.

The next morning Joseph and his party started back to Harmony. A few

hours after they were gone, a howling mob descended upon the house

of Joseph Knight and demanded the persons of the Prophet and his

companions--swearing to visit vengeance in case of a refusal. This mob

was composed of some of the persons who had been incited by sectarian

ministers on other occasions to offer violence to the Prophet. This

time they were more fierce than ever before. All day long they surged

around the houses of Joseph Knight and his son Newel, cursing and

threatening. Nothing apparently would appease them until, exhausted by

their own evil passions, they were forced to disperse.

The situation in Pennsylvania was not improved; and soon it became

apparent that the Prophet could not work in the vicinity of Harmony

with any degree of vigor and freedom. Persecution flourished on every

side. But while the Prophet was suffering all this in body and in

spirit, a messenger brought an invitation from Peter Whitmer, asking

Joseph once more to come to Fayette and establish his home. The peace

of the Holy Spirit had filled the hearts of the brethren at Fayette,

and they desired to have the Prophet among them, to bless him with

their faith, and aid him by their works in the accomplishment of his

ministry. After a brief time Joseph Knight came to Harmony. Seeing

the situation of the Prophet, he offered his wagon and horses for the

conveyance of Joseph's family to Fayette; and in the last week of

August, 1830, the Prophet found himself established once more in the

house of Peter Whitmer.

Wearied with the buffetings of the world, Joseph would have been glad

to enjoy a little season of peace; but on his arrival at Fayette he

found that the old spirit of vanity had gained an entrance, even

while he was journeying from Harmony. One of the brethren named Hiram

Page, had been inspired by the evil one to make known revelations

which he declared he had received for the Church, through a stone he

had, which were utterly at variance with the spirit of the gospel

and opposed to the commands of God, previously given through Joseph,

the ordained Prophet. These tempting declarations made by Hiram Page

had met with the favor of Oliver Cowdery and some of the Whitmers.

They were deceived by him; they had not yet fully learned that Satan

could give revelations. Joseph rebuked again, and this time more

sternly, the childish folly of these people. They were anxious to do

right; and yet, without his presence, they were certain to do evil.

He demanded that they should forsake the false doctrines which Hiram

Page was promulgating, and that all should unite with him in asking

God to reveal to them His will concerning the manner in which His

commands should be given to the world. The answer to this petition was

that revelation, given to Oliver Cowdery early in September, 1830,

establishing once and forever the order of Heaven concerning God's

revelations to men. It was made known to Oliver therein that God had

but one head for His Church, and that head was His chosen servant,

Joseph Smith. No one else should be appointed by the Church until God

should so direct, to receive commandments; for Joseph held the keys of

the mysteries and the revelations which were sealed, and through him

alone should they be given, until some other should be chosen by the

Lord in his stead. Oliver's place was defined to him: He should receive

revelations, but not to be written by way of command to the Church.

It was his duty to labor in secret with his brother, Hiram Page, and

declare to him that the things which Hiram had written as revelations

from that stone, were not of God and that Satan was deceiving him. When

these things should be finished, Oliver was told, it would be his duty

to go to the land of the Lamanites, or Indians, among whom the gospel

must be proclaimed, and by whose borders a city should be built.

The word of God had its effect, and the evil which had been done was

repented of by all. Hiram Page and the Whitmers forsook that which had

been condemned and asked forgiveness.

Besides settling the grand principle that individuals can receive

revelations for their own comfort, but not as commandments for the

Church, and that the chosen Prophet who stands at the head shall alone

have that authority, the Lord in this revelation informed His children

of a purpose which to them must have been a source of amazement. It was

within this divine purpose that a city of the Saints should be built;

and yet here was but a handful of people, with a Prophet persecuted,

threatened, driven, until he had no place to lay his head, except

through the charity of his brethren.

Doubtless these people, who were now reconciled to Heaven and united

with each other, felt wonder that they should be called upon to engage

in any labor likely to attract anew the vengeful feeling of mobs. But

whatever worldly fear may have assailed them, they were soon blessed

and encouraged by another revelation, which followed in a few days. It

came through Joseph in the presence of six elders at Fayette; and it

declared that they were chosen out of the world to proclaim the gospel

of Jesus Christ with the sound of rejoicing as with the voice of a

trump. They were informed that their duty would be to bring to pass

the gathering of God's people upon the earth. This was the spiritual

inception of that great missionary movement designed by God to bring

out from every nation, kindred, tongue and people to the land which He

should designate as a place of gathering, every honest soul who would

have faith and accept the requirements of the gospel.

CHAPTER XV.

THE SECOND CONFERENCE OF THE CHURCH--HARMONY AND LOVE AMONG

THE ELDERS--ACCESSIONS TO THE CONGREGATION--THE MISSION TO THE

LAMANITES--INDIVIDUAL REVELATIONS--GOD'S CHOSEN SERVANTS IN MISSOURI.

The second General Conference of the Church opened at Fayette, on the

1st day of September, 1830. Joseph Smith presided, and he was supported

by the presence, the faith and prayers of nearly all the members of the

Church. The Conference lasted three days and was remarkable for the

power of the Spirit which was exhibited.

At the Conference Joseph Smith showed one of his greatest

characteristics, which was an especial willingness to meet any issue

which might be involved within his labor as a prophet, or his life as

an individual. He had already won Oliver Cowdery and the Whitmers to

a rejection of the destroying revelations enunciated by Hiram Page;

and Hiram, himself, had abandoned these false manifestations. But the

Prophet knew that the people must learn within their own individual

experience to be guided by holy influence, and to know the voice of

Christ and for their individual rejection, the tempting whisper of the

evil one. His confidence in the inspiration which flowed from Heaven,

and then from heart to heart within the congregation, was not mistaken.

Every soul present at this Conference, realized for himself that Satan

had been lying in wait to ensnare the feet of God's children, and to

bring upon their heads a greater condemnation than the unbelieving

world could know. Therefore the conference officially and unanimously

renounced the false and pernicious doctrines sought to be foisted upon

the Church, and heard with joyful acceptance the revelation from God

declaring that His commands should come only through His Prophet.

The men who held the holy Priesthood in the new and everlasting

covenant were learning to love each other with a love greater than

that of brothers. Separated from the world no less by its hatred and

murderous persecution than by their own determination to keep the

commandments of God, they realized that they must seek within each

other's society on earth the comfort and peace necessary to sustain

them through the waters of tribulation. And at this Conference was felt

an unspeakable influence of union and mutual regard. People attracted

by the wondrous tidings, had come from afar to Fayette, and many

of them listened and believed. Baptisms for the remission of sins,

confirmations, for the gift of the Holy Ghost, and ordinations to power

and Priesthood, were numerous, and the sacrament was administered to

every person who was present claiming membership in the body of Christ.

Faith and hope and charity abounded in the midst of the congregation of

Israel.

Revelations to David Whitmer, Peter Whitmer, Jun., and John Whitmer,

and to Thomas B. Marsh, were received through the Prophet, announcing

the will of the Lord concerning these brethren. Of Peter Whitmer it was

decreed of God that he should soon journey with Oliver Cowdery towards

the land of the Lamanites. David was rebuked for being worldly-minded;

and he was ordered to attend to the ministry in the Church and before

the people dwelling in the regions around about Fayette, until the Lord

should give unto him further commandments.

The revelation formerly given through the Prophet to Oliver Cowdery,

enunciating the divine decree concerning the Lamanites and the work to

be accomplished among them, created great interest in the minds of the

elders of the Church. The desire to learn more of this important matter

was intensified by the harmony which prevailed during the Conference,

and the flow of the Spirit resulting therefrom. Joseph and his brethren

realized that the purposes of God toward the Indians of this land

were great and far-reaching; and that the time would come when they

must receive the gospel and enjoy its blessings. Many of the elders

expressed a desire to take up the work of the ministry among their

brethren bound in darkness and ignorance through the curse laid upon

their fathers; but before appointing any one to aid Oliver and Peter

Whitmer in this mission, Joseph inquired of the Lord. His answer was

a revelation appointing unto Parley P. Pratt and Ziba Peterson that

they should go with Oliver and Peter into the wilderness, among the

Lamanites. Our Lord and Savior promised them that He would go with them

and be in their midst, and that nothing should prevail against them;

but they were commanded to pretend to no power or revelation except

that which was given to them by God, and unfolded by the Holy Spirit to

their understanding.

In the month of October, 1830, the elders appointed to this work

departed from Fayette, carrying with them a copy of the revelations

concerning their mission. Their mission was more than to journey

westward to the land of the Lamanites; for each one of them was also

under the special command and ordination to proclaim the gospel of

Jesus Christ to every listening ear. And from the hour that they

departed from Fayette, they lifted up their voices by the wayside and

left their testimony in every village through which they passed.

In this same month of October a revelation was given through the

Prophet to Ezra Thayer and Northrop Sweet, calling them to labor in

the vineyard, for the eleventh hour had come. They were promised

that speech sacred and powerful, should be given unto them, if they

would have faith to open their mouths before congregations. And in

November, 1830, Orson Pratt, a youth of 19 years, a brother of Parley

P. Pratt--came from his home in Canaan, New York, to Fayette, to ask of

the Lord for light and help concerning his individual duty. The Prophet

complied with the youth's desire and inquired of the Lord for him; and

in response a revelation was given in Orson's behalf, which has since

had a wondrous fulfilment in his life:

Blessed are you, because you are called of me to preach my gospel.

* * * * For behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, the time is

soon at hand that I shall come in a cloud with power and great

glory, and it shall be a day at the time of my coming for all

nations to tremble. But before that great day shall come, the

sun shall be darkened and the moon be turned into blood, and the

stars shall refuse their shining, and some shall fall, and great

destructions await the wicked. Wherefore, lift up your voice and

spare not, for the Lord God hath spoken. Therefore prophesy and it

shall be given by the power of the Holy Ghost.

These revelations to individuals concerning their duty were necessary

in that hour. Men, however faithful and devoted to the Church, had not

yet learned the order of the gospel and its requirements upon them.

And, that they might not be suffered to rest in their own ignorance

and led astray by the whiles of Satan, the Lord, through His Prophet,

marked out the plain path which they were to follow. The rich heritage

of knowledge, which belongs now to every faithful member of the Church,

had to be gained little by little through long and continuous prayer to

God, by the early acceptors of the Gospel.

The Lord suffered none to go astray for lack of commandment. And,

in the subsequent history of the men whose names appear as early

recipients of Divine revelation, can be traced their faithfulness

to Heavenly requirement, or their yielding to the whispers of the

evil one. The Lord in His revelation through Joseph Smith gave a

mission to Orson Pratt which was nobly fulfilled. No less particular

and comprehensive was His commandment to other elders, but in many

instances far different was the result.

The work which the Prophet directed under these revelations shows

that the plan decreed by God for the building up of His Church was

understood by Joseph. Viewed from a human standpoint, the intention

of the Prophet to send missionaries throughout all the land, bearing

proclamation concerning the new Church, would have been a surprising

ambition. What was he that he should declare a gathering-place in the

west; that he should command men to lay down their daily toil, and go

forth as ministers proclaiming religious truth to a skeptical world;

that he should decree the building up of a city upon the Lamanite

borders? Had Joseph Smith, at the hour when he sent forth Oliver

Cowdery and Parley P. Pratt, with their companions into the western

wilderness, made avowal of such intentions, prompted by vanity and

a self-conceived desire to give himself and his cause prominence,

complete and humiliating would have been his failure. But if the

declaration which he made had originated from such a source, he could

not have been subjected to greater ridicule than fell upon him when

he avowed that he and his coadjutors were but fulfilling the will of

God--who would not suffer His purposes to fail one jot or tittle. To

call men untrained by education and special preparation to go forth

without purse or scrip, to preach the gospel, was a departure from

accustomed methods that in many minds excited derision and contempt.

True, this was the practice in apostolic days, and was the course taken

by the Savior in the calling and sending out of His disciples, but the

fashion had become obsolete. Education had become more essential for

ministers than the Holy Ghost; a salary than a faith that would trust

the Lord to supply food and clothing.

Teaching of the doctrine of the gathering, also was a new announcement

to the world. The belief common in Christendom was that man was as near

to God in one place as another, and He could be worshiped everywhere

alike. The idea, therefore of converts abandoning home, with all

its delightful associations and ancestral memories, and going to a

new land, remote from kindred and friends, as a religious duty was

a startling one and came in contact with all pre-conceived views.

Under the inspiration, however, of the Lord, Joseph made it known as

a movement required of true believers by the Almighty to prepare them

for coming events. It was a bold proclamation, and viewed from a human

standpoint, was likely to interfere with successful conversions. But

it was from the Lord, and honest seekers after truth were led to look

to Him for the evidence of its heavenly origin. The result came in due

time, and should have been convincing to every human soul. Of all the

commandments enunciated through Joseph Smith, nothing failed.

The Prophet, during the months of October and November, himself labored

in the ministry, encouraging all by his upright and zealous life,

making many converts, and spreading heavenly wisdom among all the

honest-in-heart who would give ear to his words.

In the meantime, the missionaries to the West were progressing with

their labor. They reached Kirtland, Ohio, and there made a brief stand,

because the field seemed promising. Many persons were converted to

the truth, and accepted the gospel. The Elders wrote at once to the

Prophet, informing him of these facts, and he directed John Whitmer to

proceed at once to Kirtland and preside over the branch of the Church

there.

When the Elders left Kirtland to proceed farther into the wilderness,

one of the new converts, Frederick G. Williams, accompanied them. They

went as far as Independence, Jackson County, Missouri; and were the

first of God's chosen servants in this dispensation to set foot upon

that consecrated soil.

CHAPTER XVI.

SIDNEY RIGDON AND EDWARD PARTRIDGE JOIN THE CHURCH--JOSEPH COMMENCES

THE TRANSLATION OF THE SCRIPTURES--SAINTS COMMANDED TO GATHER AT OHIO

--JOSEPH MIGRATES FROM NEW YORK--THE KIRKLAND SAINTS FALL INTO ERROR--

GOD'S POWER MANIFESTED--IMPORTANT REVELATIONS.

In December, 1830, two men came from Kirtland, Ohio, to visit the

Prophet at Fayette. They were Sidney Rigdon and Edward Partridge.

Both had accepted the gospel, as declared to them by the western

missionaries, and Sidney Rigdon had been baptized. After reaching

Fayette, Edward Partridge demanded and received baptism under the

Prophet's hands. These two men offered to Joseph, for the work of the

Lord, their time, their talents, and all they possessed. Like all the

early members of the Church, having not yet gained full understanding

of the purposes of God, having not yet gained confidence in their own

ability to rightly determine their conduct, they desired that the Lord

should give them His special commands. Joseph prayed for revelation on

their behalf, and was speedily answered.

The Lord revealed many comforting and exalting truths to Sidney Rigdon

and Edward Partridge. To Sidney He gave a special command that he

should write for Joseph. The Lord made known to Sidney what Joseph

already understood--that the Scriptures should be given, even as they

were in God's own bosom, to the salvation of His elect. And soon after

this time Joseph began a new translation of the Scriptures. While he

labored, many truths, buried through scores of ages, were brought forth

to his understanding, and he saw in their purity and holiness all the

doings of God among His children, from the days of Adam unto the birth

of our Lord and Savior. But before the close of December, after Sidney

had been aiding Joseph some little time, the Lord required the Prophet

to temporarily cease his work of translation. The enemy of all truth

was drawing his forces around about Fayette to achieve the destruction

of the Prophet, and the downfall of the newly-founded Church. But

they were to be foiled. Fayette was not the region where the Lord

designed His people to settle. Joseph's mind had been led to look to

the western country for that purpose. Contact with Sidney Rigdon and

Edward Partridge confirmed his inclination in that direction. The time

had now arrived when it appeared necessary for the accomplishment of

God's purposes, that His people (now increased to several score,)

should have an abiding-place. It was made known to Joseph by revelation

from the Lord, where this new resting-place should be. He himself, did

not expect to escape personal suffering or persecution by this new

move; nor was this in the providence of God concerning him. But he knew

that every migration made by him under the direction of the Almighty

had been followed by prosperity and increase to the work, and he,

therefore, obeyed the command to move to the place designated by the

Lord, without hesitation or doubt.

In the revelation now referred to, it was commanded that the people of

God should assemble in the State of Ohio, and there await the return of

Oliver Cowdery and his fellow-missionaries from their eventful journey

into the wilderness. Thus early in the history of the Church was the

destiny of the people outlined. Kirtland was to be a stake of Zion;

blessed by the presence of God's anointed Prophet and the Apostles of

our Lord Jesus Christ; glorified by a temple built to the name of the

Most High; and worthy to receive the ministrations in person of the

Only Begotten Son of the Eternal Father. And yet it was to be but a

temporary resting-place; for even while the Saints were to gather to

Kirtland, the western missionaries were viewing the region in Missouri,

yet to be known as the centre stake of Zion, which was to be built up

and beautified for the visible presence of our Lord and Savior.

Before organizing his company for the migration from Seneca County,

New York, into Ohio, the Prophet called a conference of the Church to

be held in Fayette on the 2nd day of January, 1831. With the opening

of the year, the Prophet saw a glorious prospect for the welfare of

the kingdom. And at this conference all present seemed to partake of

his faith and of the power of the Holy Spirit. In a revelation given

for the comfort and sustenance of the Saints on this occasion, the

Lord made known that in secret chambers there was much plotting for

the destruction of the Saints of God. The command was renewed that

they should go into Ohio, and some of the reasons for this movement

were made known. Encouragement was also given to the people that the

Lord intended to give unto them a land of promise--a land upon which

there should be no curse when the Lord should come. If they would seek

it with all their hearts the Lord made a covenant with them that it

should be the land of inheritance for themselves and their children,

not only while the earth shall stand, but in eternity, no more to pass

away. It is upon this and kindred promises that is founded the hope so

tenaciously clung to by the Latter-day Saints amid all the vicissitudes

of their checkered career, that they will yet inherit that land where

the centre stake of Zion is to be built.

In the latter part of January, 1831, Joseph departed for Kirtland. In

his company were his wife, and Elders Sidney Rigdon, Edward Partridge,

Ezra Thayer, and Newel Knight. Before leaving Seneca County, and later

at several points on their journey, they preached in public meetings

to many searchers after the truth. On every occasion new converts

came forward and accepted baptism at their hands. They reached their

destination in the opening of February; Joseph and his wife at once

found entertainment and comfort in the house of Elder Newel K. Whitney,

one of the converts made in Kirtland by the western missionaries. For

some weeks the Prophet dwelt here, solaced and sustained by the faith

and prayers of some dear friends. But outside this little circle he

found much to cause him concern of mind.

The branch of the Church at Kirtland had become numerically strong,

for it numbered nearly one hundred members. But they had been led

into strange errors and darkness. False spirits had crept in and had

manifested themselves in the subjugation of the physical and mental

powers of their victims--as Newel Knight had formerly been controlled

and possessed by the evil power at Colesville. The Saints at Kirtland,

not having had experience to enable them to distinguish between the

powers of light and the powers of darkness, and believing these things

to be divine manifestations, were yielding to them and imperiling

their earthly and eternal salvation, when the Prophet came and by his

presence and the prayers and faith of those Elders who accompanied him,

banished all these dark influences from the congregation of the Saints.

When the faith of the Saints was aroused and exercised, the miracle

which had been wrought at Colesville was here repeated. Joseph, by the

power of God, rebuked the vile one and his crew; and his brother Hyrum,

under the Prophet's direction, laid his hands on the sufferers' heads

and cast out the devils.

Immediately following the reconciliation wrought among the Saints of

God by their faith and these miracles, a revelation was given from the

Lord directing what the Elders should do to receive His law, that they

might know how to govern His Church, and informing them that he who

received his law and doeth it is His disciple; but he that saith he

receiveth it and doeth it not, is not His disciple, and should be cast

out from among them: and also appointing unto Edward Partridge that he

should be ordained a Bishop, to leave his own affairs and devote his

time to the service of the Lord. This was on the 4th of February, 1831.

Five days later the word of the Lord again came to the Elders of the

Church, saying:

And ye shall go forth in the power of my Spirit, preaching my

gospel, two by two, in my name, lifting up your voices as with the

voice of a trumpet, declaring my word like unto the angels of God;

and ye shall go forth baptizing with water, saying--Repent ye!

Repent ye! For the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.

And from this place ye shall go forth unto the regions westward;

and inasmuch as ye shall find them that will receive you, ye shall

build up my Church in every region, until the time shall come when

it shall be revealed unto you from on high, when the city of the

New Jerusalem shall be prepared, that you may be gathered in one,

that you may be my people and I will be your God.

In this revelation instruction was given that no one was to preach

or to build up the Church of Christ without being properly ordained

by one having authority; the Elders were taught the principles which

they should declare, and they were particularly enjoined to teach by

the Spirit of the Lord; and if they received it not, they were told

not to teach; the moral law was plainly declared and the dreadful

consequence of unchastity was strongly emphasized; he that sinned

and repented not was to be cast out; consecration of property to

sustain the poor was enforced; home manufacture was encouraged by the

requirements that dress should be plain and its beauty the beauty

which the Saints' own labor gave it; cleanliness was commanded and

idleness was condemned; the proper treatment of the sick and the

mourning for the dead were made known: that glorious promise--the

complete fulfillment of which has been a solace and a source of

unbounded joy to the Latter-day Saints through all the years which

have intervened since it was given--was made, "that those that die in

me [Jesus Christ] shall not taste of death, for it shall be sweet unto

them;" to those who had various infirmities and had faith, miraculous

healing was promised; honesty of dealing was enjoined; instructions

concerning the new translation of the Scriptures were given; when asked

for, revelation upon revelation and knowledge upon knowledge were

promised; the converts in the east were to be taught by the Elders to

flee to the west to escape future trouble: the Saints were to receive

Church covenants sufficient to establish them in Ohio and in the New

Jerusalem; he that lacked wisdom was encouraged to ask and he should

be given liberally and without upbraiding; commandments were given

respecting fornicators, adulterers, and other transgressors, and the

manner they should be dealt with.

Altogether this was a most important revelation. It threw a flood of

light upon a great variety of subjects and settled many important

questions. Faithful men and women were greatly delighted at being

members of a Church which the Lord acknowledged as His own, and to

which He communicated His word through his inspired Prophet as he did

at this time.

While Joseph was thus administering among the people, in the same month

of February, 1831, the Lord commanded him to call the Elders of the

Church together from the east and the west, and from the north and

south, to receive in solemn assemblage the pouring out of His Spirit

upon them. Pursuant to this requirement a General Conference of the

Church was appointed to be held in Kirtland on the 6th day of June,

1831.

At no time during the Prophet's career did the care of the poor escape

his attention or become a matter of indifference to him. He was a

man of large benevolence, and his sympathies were quickly aroused

by any tale of sorrow or appeal for relief. In the most busy and

trying periods of his life those who went to him for counsel in their

troubles, always found him willing to listen, and they were sure to

receive encouragement and assistance. To extend comfort to the bruised

spirit, and to help the needy and distressed appeared a constant

pleasure to him. His hospitality, also, was a marked feature in his

character. His house was always open to entertain the stranger. One

of the most cherished recollections of many of the old members of

the Church is the kindness with which they were treated by "Brother

Joseph," and the warm welcome he gave them to his house upon their

arrival at Kirtland and other places where he lived.

In the revelation above referred to the Lord said:

Ye must visit the poor and the needy and administer to their

relief, that they may be kept until all things may be done

according to my law which ye have received.

In other revelations which the Lord gave to Joseph, frequent mention

was made of the poor and the provisions which should be made for

their sustenance. Before leaving Fayette, New York, the Church was

commanded to appoint certain men to look to the poor and the needy and

administer to their relief that they should not suffer. Directly after

reaching Kirtland, Joseph received a revelation in which the Church

was told by the Lord to remember the poor and consecrate properties

for their support, that every man who had need might be amply supplied

and receive according to his wants. Again, the command was given to

"remember in all things the poor and the needy, the sick and the

afflicted, for," the Lord said, "he that doeth not these things the

same is not my disciple."

A clear exposition of the duty laid upon every believer in the gospel

as revealed in this last dispensation, if he had been blessed with

abundance, to share of his wealth with the poor, was given in a

subsequent revelation in the following striking language:

Wo unto you rich men, that will not give your substance to the

poor, for your riches will canker your souls; and this shall be

your lamentation in the day of visitation, and of judgment, and of

indignation--the harvest is past, the summer is ended, and my soul

is not saved!

In this way the duty of the Saints towards the poor--this practical and

essential part of true religion--was deeply impressed upon them and

kept constantly before them. In numerous paragraphs of the revelations

given to the Church during those early days, were the members taught

that the Lord intended His people to be equal in temporal things--that

class distinctions should not exist among them because of the riches of

some and the poverty of others. The effect of those early revelations

and teachings upon this subject has been visible upon the people from

the time they were given to the present. There has been a continual

yearning for such a higher life--such a blessed and heavenly condition

of society--as the practical adaptation and realization of the truths

of the revelations will bring about. Amid the dangers with which many

of the faithful members have thought the Church has been menaced

through the increase of wealth of some of their number, they have

always been cheered by the assurance that the day was not far distant

when the injunction would be carried out, which the Lord gave in the

days of which we write: "Let every man deal honestly, and be alike

among this people, and receive alike, that ye may be one, even as I

have commanded you."

This has been the ideal condition to which all have lifted their

eyes. The effect has been that the wide difference which exists in

the world between the rich and the poor--with the one class wealthy

beyond all safety and reason, and the other class wretchedly poor even

to starvation--has always been felt to be terribly wrong and contrary

to the will of God. It was this bond of union and mutual help in a

temporal sense, established by the command of Jehovah, and constantly

taught by the Prophet Joseph and his co-laborers, which enabled the

Saints through all the succeeding persecutions to move and endure as

one family, all suffering measurably alike. Since the days of the

Savior there has never been until Joseph Smith's time, a system of

social life in which honorable poverty received such consideration and

such help. Concerning the poor at this early day the Lord said:

They shall see the Kingdom of God coming in power and great glory

unto their deliverance; for the fatness of the earth shall be

theirs.

For behold, the Lord shall come and his recompense shall be with

him, and he shall reward every man, and the poor shall rejoice;

and their generations shall inherit the earth from generation to

generation forever and ever.

The Church at Kirtland soon began to assume an importance which alarmed

its opponents. Previous to this time falsehood and persecution had been

directed almost entirely against the Prophet himself. But as the work

extended and the Church increased in its membership, the father of lies

did not confine his attacks to Joseph; he sent forth his countless

emissaries to provoke hatred and wrath against the Church itself. Yet

nothing tangible up to this time could be alleged against the Prophet

Joseph or the Church which God organized through his instrumentality.

Here at Kirtland, and at this time, however, the foes of truth united

in formulating and publishing to the world all the calumnies which

their wicked imaginations could devise. None were more active in this

infamous business than certain fearful and lying priests and their

bigoted adherents; and it is from this fruitful source of accusation

and slander that subsequent defamers of the Prophet's early life have

drawn many of their falsehoods.

To the Saints, however, there was compensation for these attacks in the

word of the Lord which they received in plainness and power at this

time through the Prophet. He was inspired to write many revelations

which were of priceless value to the Church. Principles and doctrines,

instructions and warnings, promises and prophecies, were given with

a simplicity and clearness suited to the capacity of the humblest

understanding, and yet the truths they contained are so sublime as to

furnish instruction and food for profound thought to men of the highest

attainments and the most extensive cultivation.

Among several revelations given during this month of March, 1831,

there was one of more than ordinary interest to the Saints then, and

the lapse of time has only added to its importance in the minds of all

believers. It was upon that never-failing subject of interest--the

second coming of the Savior. The signs which should precede His coming

and the wonderful manifestations which should accompany it--making the

event the most awful and yet the most glorious witnessed since the dawn

of creation--were described with divine clearness. In this revelation

the Lord said:

Wherefore hearken and I will reason with you, and I will speak unto

you and prophesy, as unto men in days of old; and I will show it

plainly as I showed it unto my disciples as I stood before them

in the flesh, and spake unto them, saying, as ye have asked of me

concerning the signs of my coming in the day when I shall come in

my glory in the clouds of heaven to fulfill the promises that I

made unto your fathers.

A rehearsal is then given of instructions and predictions which He gave

to His disciples, similar, but in greater fullness to those recorded in

the 24th chapter of Matthew in the New Testament. For the comfort of

His ancient disciples He made promises, from which Saints in every age

can derive satisfaction and hope. He said:

And it shall come to pass that he that feareth me shall be looking

forth for the great day of the Lord to come, even for the signs of

the coming of the Son of Man. * * * But before the arm of the Lord

shall fall, an angel shall sound his trump, and the saints that

have slept shall come forth to meet me in the cloud; wherefore, if

ye have slept in peace, blessed are you, for as you now behold me

and know that I am, even so shall ye come unto me, and your souls

shall live and your redemption shall be perfected, and the Saints

shall come forth from the four quarters of the earth. Then shall

the arm of the Lord fall upon the nations, and then shall the Lord

set his foot upon this mount and it shall cleave in twain, and the

earth shall tremble and reel to and fro, the Heavens shall also

shake. * * * For they that are wise and have received the truth,

and have taken the Holy Spirit for their guide, and have not been

deceived; verily I say unto you, they shall not be hewn down and

cast into the fire, but shall abide the day, and the earth shall

be given unto them for an inheritance; and they shall multiply

and wax strong, and their children shall grow up without sin unto

salvation, for the Lord shall be in their midst, and his glory

shall be upon them, and He will be their King and their Lawgiver.

In the months of April and May, 1831, the Prophet continued to labor

among the people and numerous commandments came from the Lord to

him and other Elders, especially directing their ministrations and

constantly resolving their doubts and removing their difficulties.

The harvest was being gathered; the Saints from New York and other

places had come up to Kirtland to join with their fellow-worshipers;

constant accessions were being made, until on the 1st of June, 1831, a

few days preceding the appointed General Conference of the Church, the

congregation of the Saints numbered nearly two thousand souls.

CHAPTER XVII.

FOURTH GENERAL CONFERENCE--GOD DESIGNATES MISSOURI AS THE PLACE OF

HOLDING THE NEXT CONFERENCE--TRANSGRESSION OF THE THOMPSON BRANCH--

JOSEPH GOES TO THE PLACE OF THE NEW JERUSALEM.

From all the dwelling-places of the Saints throughout the land came

representatives to attend the fourth General Conference of the Church.

It opened on the morning of the 6th of June, 1831, in Kirtland, Ohio,

under the presidency of Joseph Smith, the Prophet of God. Fourteen

months had elapsed since the organization of the Church, with six

members. Now the congregation numbered two thousand souls. For the

marvelous manifestation of His power which had brought these people to

a knowledge of the truth and had enabled them to become the recipients

of saving ordinances, the conference offered praise to Almighty God.

There was a great outpouring of the Spirit upon the assemblage, and

the Lord displayed His power in the firm establishment of His word in

the hearts of His children. Joseph himself says, "The Lord gave us

power in proportion to the work to be done." Several were selected by

revelation and ordained to the High Priesthood after the order of the

Son of God, which is after the order of Melchisedec. This was the first

occasion this Priesthood had been conferred upon the Elders in this

dispensation. The cause was no longer the work of a single family. Its

glory, its promise and its tribulation, as it must endure, were shared

by a considerable community; but if the Saints had been all one family

in the flesh, they could not have been more united and harmonious

than they were on the occasion of this conference. Peace was in the

household of faith, and through humility and prayer the blessings of

Heaven were generally enjoyed.

In the midst of the congregation the Lord made known, through Joseph,

that their next conference should be held far away, in the State of

Missouri, upon the spot consecrated by God unto the children of Jacob,

the heirs of His covenant. In the same revelation the Lord directed the

Prophet and Sidney Rigdon to prepare for their journey into the land of

Zion; promising to them that through their faith they should know the

land which was to be forever the inheritance of the Saints of the Most

High. Special instructions were also given to others of the Elders,

commanding them to go forth two by two in the proclamation of the

word of God by the way, to every congregation where they could get a

hearing. Though the western frontier of Missouri was their destination,

they were commanded to take different routes and not build on each

other's foundation or travel in each other's track.

At this time the branch of the Church in Thompson, Ohio, fell into

darkness, and messengers came to the Prophet asking him to inquire of

the Lord for them. This branch was composed of Saints who had moved

from Colesville, New York, and who had received instructions from

the Lord, through the Prophet at the request of Bishop Partridge, as

to the manner in which they should organize themselves to conduct

their temporal affairs. In response to the supplication which Joseph

addressed to the Lord upon this subject, humility and contrition were

required from the Saints at Thompson for their transgression, and they

were directed to take their journey into the regions westward, to near

the line of the State of Missouri and the then Indian country. Word had

been received from Oliver Cowdery and from Parley P. Pratt, announcing

their ministrations in the West, and giving information concerning the

Indians or Lamanites, who dwelt in the wilderness across the line from

Missouri.

While Joseph was preparing to depart on the western journey which he

had been commanded to take, William W. Phelps, a man of considerable

prominence in the Church afterwards, came with his family from afar

and offered himself to do the will of the Lord. He had not yet been

baptized, but he was promised the remission of his sins and the gift

of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands, if he would submit to the

ordinances with the proper feeling, and he was to be ordained to do the

work of printing for the Church; and for this cause was required to

take his journey with Joseph and Sidney Rigdon to the west.

It was on the 19th day of June, 1831, that Joseph Smith departed

from Kirtland, Ohio, to go up into Missouri, the place promised as

an inheritance for the Saints and at which the New Jerusalem should

sometime be established. The Prophet was accompanied by Sidney Rigdon,

Martin Harris, Edward Partridge, W. W. Phelps, Joseph Coe and A. S.

Gilbert and wife. As rapidly as possible they journeyed by wagon and

stage and occasionally by canal boat to Cincinnati, Ohio. From the

latter point they went to Louisville, Kentucky, by steamer, and were

compelled to remain there three days waiting for an opportunity to get

to St. Louis; they reached St. Louis by steamer, and there made a brief

pause. From this city on the Mississippi, the Prophet of God walked

across the entire State of Missouri to Independence, Jackson County,

a distance of nearly three hundred miles as traveled. This journey

through the blazing heat of June and July was sweet to Joseph. There

was a charm about it which lightened toil. The pains and burdens were

unworthy of notice in the delightful anticipation of seeing the land

for which the Lord, as had been shown to him by vision and prophecy,

had reserved so glorious a future.

He was accompanied by Martin Harris, William W. Phelps, Edward

Partridge and Joseph Coe; while Sidney Rigdon and A. S. Gilbert and

wife went up the Missouri River a few days later by steamboat. It

was about the middle of July when the Prophet and his party reached

Independence. During the month of their journey Joseph had taught the

gospel, in the cities, the villages and the country places, in vigor

and simplicity.

Joseph himself says that the meeting with his brethren, who had long

awaited his arrival upon the confines of civilization, was a glorious

one, moistened by many tears. It seemed good and pleasant for brethren

to meet in unity and love after the privations which, for the sake of

obeying the commands of God, they had endured since their separation.

CHAPTER XVIII.

ON THE BORDERS OF THE WILDERNESS--LAYING THE FIRST LOG--DEDICATION

AND CONSECRATION OF THE LAND OF ZION AND TEMPLE SITE--BACK TO

CIVILIZATION--SIGN-SEEKING AND VIOLENCE.

When will the wilderness blossom as the rose? When will Zion be

built up in her glory? And where will Thy temple stand unto which

all nations shall come in the last days?

The cry of the ancient prophets was repeated by the Prophet of the

last dispensation as he looked out upon the wilderness; and the Lord

answered the supplication with words of comfort and instruction. In a

revelation given immediately after Joseph's arrival with his party in

July, 1831, the Lord designated Independence and the lands surrounding

as the promised spot, appointed and consecrated for the gathering of

the Saints. It was the revealed purpose of the Almighty to give to His

devoted Saints an everlasting inheritance in that region. Independence

was to be the centre place of Zion, and the voice of the Lord indicated

the exact spot upon which He would have a temple erected to His glory.

In this revelation the Prophet and his brethren were informed, also,

concerning the division of lands among the Saints, that all might be

planted in their inheritances; and special instruction was given to

such of the Elders as were required to perform special duties.

On the first Sunday after the Prophet reached Independence, William W.

Phelps preached a sermon over the western boundary line of the United

States, Joseph and the other Elders being present. The strangers in the

congregation were Indians, negroes and many white citizens who dwelt

in the borders of the wilderness. Before the meeting adjourned two

believers were baptized into the Church.

Within a week after this time the members of the Colesville branch of

the Church, who had been instructed to establish themselves in the land

of Zion, arrived at Independence. About the first of August the word

of the Lord was received, in which was made known many of His purposes

concerning this land; that it should be the place upon which the Zion

of God should stand, and where a feast of fat things should be prepared

for the poor.

God promised that unto this land all nations should be invited:

Firstly, the rich and the learned, the wise and the noble; and

after that cometh the day of my power; then shall the poor, the

lame and the blind, and the deaf, come in unto the marriage of the

Lamb, and partake of the supper of the Lord, prepared for the great

day to come.

It was in this revelation that the Lord made known His will concerning

all rightful submission of His Saints to earthly powers. He said:

Let no man think he is ruler, but let God rule him that judgeth,

according to the counsel of his own will;

Let no man break the laws of the land, for he that keepeth the laws

of God hath no need to break the laws of the land:

Wherefore be subject to the powers that be, until He reigns whose

right it is to reign, and subdues all enemies under His feet.

Behold the laws which ye have received from my hand are the laws of

the Church, and in this light ye shall hold them forth.

There was a disposition on the part of many, now that God had raised

up a Prophet, through whom the word of the Lord could be given, to not

act upon their own agency, nor even exert their own powers in many

directions, without they received a command from the Lord, or counsel

from His servant to do so. The great anxiety of the people to comply

with the will of the Lord engendered this disposition. But there was

danger of this being carried too far. The Prophet could under the

inspiration of the Almighty, give general laws and counsel for the

government and guidance of the Church, and as occasion might require,

receive special revelations making known to individuals the will of the

Lord concerning them and their labors. But as the Church increased in

numbers there was necessarily a limit to this. It was not the design

of the Lord to keep His people in leading strings; but to develop in

them the attributes of Deity inherited from Himself. It was for them,

therefore, to seek for His inspiration for themselves, and to exercise

their own faculties ever subject to the general laws which He would

give through him whom He had chosen as the leader of His people.

Upon this subject His word came to the people at this time on this wise:

For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things, for

he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not

a wise servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward.

Verily, I say men should be actively engaged in a good cause, and

do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much

righteousness.

For the power is in them, wherein they are agents unto themselves.

And inasmuch as men do good they shall in no wise lose their reward.

But he that doeth not anything until he is commanded, and

receiveth a commandment with a doubtful heart, and keepeth it with

slothfulness, the same is damned.

It was also declared that by the voice of Sidney Rigdon the land should

be consecrated and dedicated unto the Lord, and that the temple site

should be blessed and set apart. Further, the Lord commanded that

Joseph and Oliver and Sidney, after the conference meeting of the

Church at Independence, should return to Kirtland and pursue their work

there.

This revelation closed with the words:

Verily, the sound [of the gospel] must go forth from this place

into all the world and unto the uttermost parts of the earth--the

gospel must be preached unto every creature with signs following

them that believe.

And behold the Son of Man cometh.

The first log for a house as a foundation for Zion, was laid at Kaw

Township, Jackson County, Missouri, twelve miles west of Independence,

on the 2nd day of August, 1831. In honor of the twelve tribes of

Israel, it was carried and placed in position by twelve men, the

Prophet being one of that number. This act was performed by the Saints

of the Colesville branch, whose settlement in this region had been

dictated through revelation by the Almighty, and they were directed and

assisted in the same by Joseph himself. On the same day Sidney Rigdon

offered the dedicatory prayer, in which this was consecrated to be the

land of Zion, and to be a gathering place of the Saints. The promise of

that inspired prayer "will yet," according to the words of the Prophet,

"be unfolded to the satisfaction of the faithful." It seemed to Joseph

that when the curse should be taken from this land, it would become one

of the most blessed places on the face of the earth.

On the following day, the 3rd of August, the spot for the temple was

dedicated. Only eight men were present, but the Prophet says that

the scene was most solemn and impressive. The Elders who were named

by Joseph as having been so favored as to participate with him in

this most important work, were Sidney Rigdon, Edward Partridge, W. W.

Phelps, Oliver Cowdery, Martin Harris and Joseph Coe. The prayer of

dedication was offered by the Prophet himself; and his promises and

supplications to Heaven upon that spot have sanctified it for all time,

and while earth shall endure.

On the fourth day of August, 1831, the fifth conference of the Church

and the first conference in the land of Zion was held at the house of

Joshua Lewis, in Kaw Township, Joseph presided, and nearly if not quite

all of the members of the Church in that region were present.

These events which we have described--the selection and dedication of

the centre place of Zion and the spot upon which the temple was to be

erected, the formal laying of a foundation for the first building, the

holding of a conference, and the establishment of some of the Saints

in the land--attracted but slight attention at the time outside of the

little circle of God's people. To merely human eyes, and viewed from

the standpoint of men who had no faith in the promises of God, these

must have seemed insignificant and, perhaps, contemptible proceedings

to be the beginning of such great works as were predicted. But from

the day that land was thus dedicated, unshaken confidence in the

perfect fulfillment of every promise made concerning it, has filled the

heart of every faithful member of the Church. Towards it the eyes of

thousands upon thousands have been directed, around it their dearest

hopes for themselves and their posterity have clustered, and their

daily prayer has been that the Lord would hasten the redemption of Zion

and build up the centre stake thereof.

Having fulfilled the requirements of the Almighty, Joseph and ten

companion Elders departed from Independence Landing on the Missouri

River, for Kirtland, Ohio. It was on the 9th day of August, 1831, that

they started to row down the river with a flotilla of sixteen canoes,

carrying themselves and their provisions.

The Prophet departed on this journey as cheerfully as he had left the

land of civilization for the wilderness. If he knew the persecutions

and tribulation into which he was advancing, he made no sign to his

fellow voyagers. After three days of rowing down the Missouri, Joseph

and Sidney and Oliver were directed to journey by land speedily to

Kirtland, while the others were instructed to proceed with the canoes.

On the day following this division, the 13th of August, Joseph met

several Elders who were on their way to Independence. A meeting was

held in which joy abounded. After this the Elders parted, the Prophet

and his two companions continuing their journey and the others

advancing toward the land of Zion.

It was on the 27th day of August, 1831, that the Prophet and Sidney

and Oliver reached Kirtland. During their eventful absence they had

enjoyed the Spirit of inspiration to a great extent and had witnessed

many manifestations of God's power. Their faith had been strengthened,

and the purposes of the Almighty had been made more clear to their

comprehension. They had also gained greater knowledge of the effort

which Satan was making to hide the light from the eyes of mankind. The

Lord had said to them:

Ye are blessed, for the testimony which ye have borne is recorded

in heaven for the angels to look upon, and they rejoice for you.

After the return of the Elders to Kirtland the Saints sought most

earnestly for further instruction concerning Zion and the gathering;

and Joseph received a revelation in which many things were made plain

upon these subjects, and they were shown the proper manner of securing

the land of Zion to the best advantage.

There had been some seeking after signs, and the Lord said:

Wherefore, verily I say, let the wicked take heed, and let the

rebellious fear and tremble; and let the unbelieving hold their

lips, for the day of wrath shall come upon them as a whirlwind, and

all flesh shall know that I am God.

And he that seeketh shall see signs, but not unto salvation. * * *

But behold faith cometh not by signs, but signs follow them that

believe.

The ensuing few days were spent in earnest labor among the Saints in

Kirtland, many of whom were preparing to go up to Zion, hoping to start

in the ensuing October. Joseph and Sidney were making ready to removing

to the town of Hiram in Portage County, Ohio, where the Prophet

intended to re-engage in the work of translating the Bible. On the 12th

day of September, 1831, Joseph departed from Kirtland to take up his

abode at Hiram, and here encountered anew and in violence the malicious

spirit which, too often, accompanied those who seek after signs.

CHAPTER XIX.

A METHODIST PRIEST CONVERTED BY A MIRACLE--WANTS POWER TO SMITE--THE

PROPHET AT HIRAM ENGAGED IN TRANSLATING--ORDER FOR PUBLICATION OF "THE

EVENING AND MORNING STAR"--MAN-MADE COMMANDMENTS.

Joseph had learned and taught to his brethren that the mission of the

gospel was to bring peace and salvation to all mankind. He himself

ministered in the utmost humility among the Saints as well as among

strangers, for he was well aware that faith, meekness, patience and

tribulation went before blessing, and that God required lowliness of

heart before He exalted men; but the lesson which was so plain to him

was never learned by some who became associated with the Church in that

early day. One of the first of those who sought for signs was Ezra

Booth, a man who had been a Methodist priest and had become suddenly

converted to the gospel by seeing a miracle performed. Soon afterwards

he asked that he might be granted power of God that he might smite men

and make them believe the gospel of Christ. His conversion had been by

a sign, and he sought to minister by means of signs. He wanted to go

forth with the power to bless in one hand and the power to curse in the

other, and save souls after a fashion he thought would be successful,

and entirely different from the way ordained by the Lord. Early in the

month of September, 1831, Ezra Booth became disappointed and yielded to

the spirit of apostasy. Later he wrote a series of false and malignant

letters which aroused hatred against Joseph and the cause and which

culminated in a murderous attack.

It was on the 12th day of September, 1831, that the Prophet took up

his abode with his family at Hiram, Portage County, Ohio, at the

residence of John Johnson, a member of the Church, and father of Luke

S. and Lyman E. Johnson, who afterwards were chosen to be two of the

Twelve Apostles. His daughter Marinda was the wife of Orson Hyde,

another of the Twelve. Hiram was about thirty miles in a south-easterly

direction from Kirtland. His first work was the preparation to continue

the translation of the Bible. In the meantime, conferences were held

and the word of the Lord received. At the first conference, held at

the house where Joseph resided, October 11, 1831, it was decided

that William W. Phelps should go to Missouri, and on his way, at

Cincinnati, should purchase a press and type for the publication of a

paper at Independence, to be called _The Evening and Morning Star_.

This conference was adjourned until the 25th day of that month, to

meet at the house of Serems Burnett, in Orange, Cuyahoga County, Ohio.

During the interval, certain Elders were designated and directed to

go forth among the other branches of the Church and collect means to

aid the Prophet and Sidney Rigdon while engaged in translation of the

Scriptures.

At Orange, there were in attendance at the adjourned conference twelve

High Priests, seventeen Elders, four Priests, three teachers, and four

Deacons, in addition to a large congregation of other members.

While at Orange, William E. McLellin, one of the prominent Elders,

desired the Prophet to obtain the will of the Lord concerning him.

Joseph complied, and through the word of the Lord which came as an

answer to his prayer, William E. McLellin received much encouragement

for what he had done; but he was commanded to repent of some things

and was warned against adultery, a sin to which, it appears, he was

inclined. He was promised great blessings if he should overcome. This

instruction, direct from the Almighty, seemed to affect him for a

time, but the words did not sink deep into his heart, because he soon

rebelled and attempted to bring reproach upon the Church of Christ. He

joined with others in whom the spirit of discontent was brooding, to

find fault with the revelations of the Lord which Joseph received.

When the Prophet returned to Hiram, the Lord condemned the folly and

pride of McLellin and his sympathizers, and said to them that they

might seek out of the book of commandments even the least of the

revelations, and appoint the wisest among them to make one like unto it

from his own knowledge. Filled with vanity and self-conceit, McLellin

sacrilegiously essayed to write a commandment in rivalry of those

bestowed direct from God upon the Church. But he failed miserably in

his audacious effort, to the chagrin and humiliation of himself and

his fellows. The attempt was not without its benefits, however, for

the Saints were enabled to recognize the difference between the works

of God and the presumptuous efforts of men. Upon this subject the

Lord had said that the Elders should be under condemnation if they

failed to bear record to the truth of His commandments, should the

one who attempted to imitate them not succeed in his effort; "for,"

He said, "ye know there is no unrighteousness in them, and that which

is righteous cometh down from above, from the Father of lights." The

Elders obeyed this behest of the Lord and declared in strength and

power their absolute knowledge that the revelations which had been

bestowed upon the Church were from God.

The Prophet held many special conferences during October and November,

1831, with different branches of the Church. He also pursued his work

of translating the Bible, Sidney Rigdon writing at his dictation.

Important revelations continued to be received for the comfort of

the Saints. On the 3rd day of November the commandment now known and

published in the book of Doctrine and Covenants as the "Appendix" was

given to the Prophet at Hiram. Some of its sublime passages are as

follows:

Hearken and hear, O ye inhabitant of the earth. Listen ye elders of

my church together, and hear the voice of the Lord, for he calleth

upon all men, and he commandeth all men everywhere to repent;

For behold, the Lord God hath sent forth the angel crying through

the midst of heaven, saying, prepare ye the way of the Lord, and

make his paths straight, for the hour of his coming is nigh,

When the Lamb shall stand upon Mount Zion, and with him a hundred

and forty-four thousand having his Father's name written on their

foreheads;

Wherefore, prepare ye for the coming of the Bridegroom; go ye, go

ye out to meet him,

For behold, he shall stand upon the mount of Olivet, and upon the

mighty ocean, even the great deep, and upon the islands of the sea,

and upon the land of Zion;

And he shall utter his voice out of Zion, and he shall speak from

Jerusalem and his voice shall be heard among all people,

And it shall be the voice as of the voice of many waters, and as

the voice of great thunder, which shall break down the mountains,

and the valleys shall not be found;

He shall command the great deep, and it shall be driven back into

the north countries, and the islands shall become one land,

And the land of Jerusalem and the land of Zion shall be turned back

into their own place, and the earth shall be like as it was in the

days before it was divided.

And the Lord, even the Savior, shall stand in the midst of his

people, and shall reign over all flesh.

And they who are in the north countries shall come in remembrance

before the Lord, and their prophets shall hear his voice and shall

no longer stay themselves, and they shall smite the rocks, and the

ice shall flow down at their presence.

And an highway shall be cast up in the midst of the great deep.

Their enemies shall become a prey unto them.

And in the barren desert shall come forth pools of living water;

and the parched ground shall no longer be a thirsty land.

And they shall bring forth their rich treasures unto the children

of Ephraim my servants.

And the boundaries of the everlasting hills shall tremble at their

presence.

And there shall they fall down and be crowned with glory, even in

Zion, by the hands of the servants of the Lord, even the children

of Ephraim;

And they shall be filled with songs of everlasting joy.

Behold, this is the blessing of the everlasting God upon the tribes

of Israel, and the richer blessing upon the head of Ephraim and his

fellows.

And they also of the tribe of Judah, after their pain, shall be

sanctified in holiness before the Lord to dwell in his presence,

day and night, forever and ever.

And now, verily saith the Lord, That these things might be known

among you, O ye inhabitants of the earth, I have sent forth mine

angel, flying through the midst of heaven, having the everlasting

gospel, who hath appeared unto some, and hath committed it unto

man, who shall appear unto many who dwell on the earth;

And this gospel shall be preached unto every nation, and kindred,

and tongue, and people,

And the servants of God shall go forth, saying, with a loud voice,

Fear God and give glory to him, for the hour of his judgment is

come;

* * * * *

And unto him that repenteth and sanctifieth himself before the

Lord, shall be given eternal life;

And upon them that hearken not to the voice of the Lord, shall be

fulfilled that which was written by the prophet Moses, that they

should be cut off from among the people.

And also that which was written by the prophet Malachi: for,

behold, the day cometh that shall burn as an oven, and all the

proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble; and the day

that cometh shall burn them up saith the Lord of hosts, that it

shall leave them neither root nor branch.

Wherefore, this shall be the answer of the Lord unto them:

In that day when I came unto mine own, no man among you received

me, and you were driven out.

When I called again, there was none of you to answer, yet my arm

was not shortened at all, that I could not redeem, neither my power

to deliver.

Behold, at my rebuke I dry up the sea. I make the rivers a

wilderness; their fish stinketh, and dieth for thirst.

I clothe the heavens with blackness, and make sackcloth their

covering.

And this shall ye have of my hand--ye shall lay down in sorrow.

Behold and lo, there are none to deliver you, for ye obeyed not my

voice when I called to you out of the heavens; ye believed not my

servants, and when they were sent unto you ye received them not;

Wherefore they sealed up the testimony and bound up the law, and ye

were delivered over unto darkness.

These shall go away into outer darkness, where there is weeping,

and wailing, and gnashing of teeth.

In November Joseph arranged the commandments of the Lord to the Church

which he had received, in their proper order, and sent them up into

Missouri by the hands of Oliver Cowdery and John Whitmer, the purpose

being to issue a printed edition of them for their dissemination among

the Saints.

Though the translating of the Scriptures occupied his attention at this

time, yet the Prophet was not permitted to confine himself entirely

to this labor; he was often required to go out and preach the gospel.

Sidney Rigdon accompanied him, and wherever they went they overcame all

opposition, confounding their enemies by a simple declaration of the

truth and putting to shame such of the sectarian preachers as opposed

them.

On the 4th day of December, 1831, while the Prophet was at Kirtland,

Newel K. Whitney was called by revelation from the Lord to be a Bishop

in that part of the vineyard, and his duties in that important office

were specified.

Ezra Booth had succeeded in securing space in the columns of the

Ohio _Star_, in which to publish his slanderous denunciations and

falsehoods concerning Joseph and the Church. In replying to these, and

in vindicating the people against them, the Prophet and Sidney Rigdon

were closely occupied for some weeks. Satan was busy arousing enmity,

and he used the apostate Booth and others as his instruments to provoke

persecution. They were successful in filling the minds of many with

darkness and prejudice; but Joseph and Sidney wherever they appeared

were enabled to allay much of the excited feeling of bigotry.

At Hiram, on the 16th day of February, 1832, the "vision" which is

recorded in the Doctrine and Covenants, section 76--one of the grandest

revelations given by God to man, in which the different degrees of

glory held in reserve by the Almighty for His children and the dreadful

fate which awaits the sons of perdition, were described with felicitous

clearness--was given to Joseph and Sidney Rigdon. In writing this

vision they leave this momentous testimony:

And now, after the many testimonies that have been given of him

[Jesus Christ], this is the testimony last of all, which we give of

him, that he lives;

For we saw him, even on the right hand of God, and we heard the

voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father--

That by him and through him and of him the worlds are and were

created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and

daughters unto God.

As the numerical strength of the Church increased, the Lord renewed

his instructions concerning the welfare of the poor of His people. In

a revelation given in the month of March, 1832, it was declared that

a storehouse must be established for the needy among the Saints. This

revelation also declared the Lord's will and purpose to yet establish a

city in the land of Zion to secure equality of earthly blessings among

the Saints.

The wondrous enlightenment wrought by the revelations and the

instructions of the past year had been shared by Joseph with his

brethren. Nor did the knowledge of the great work stop with the Prophet

and the believers. It extended to the opponents of the Almighty's

purposes, and they were stirred up to intensity of hate. The wider

the influence of the Prophet and his mission, the greater the scope

of salvation thus ordained, the fiercer flamed out the fire of

persecution. The murderous spirit of evil which had followed close upon

Joseph's footsteps for several years threw its shadow on his humble

home at Hiram. He had received a letter from Missouri announcing the

arrival of the brethren at Independence and containing a prospectus for

_The Evening and Morning Star_, and he was making preparation to visit

the land of Zion when the fury of mobocratic violence broke loose upon

him.

During his residence at Father Johnson's he had held many meetings in

the evenings and on the Sabbath and had baptized a number of persons.

Olmsted Johnson, a son of Father Johnson, who had come upon a visit,

heard the gospel from Joseph's lips; but the young man would not accept

it. Joseph was led to warn him that if he rejected the truth, and

should depart without obeying the requirements of the gospel, he should

never return nor see his father's face more in this life. Olmsted was

obdurate and left Hiram for the Southern States and Mexico. On his way

homeward he was stricken with illness in Virginia and died there--a

literal fulfillment of the warning he had received.

Ezra Booth exerted a baleful influence upon three others of the Johnson

boys who had already accepted the gospel, and they grew weak in the

faith, and finally, together with Simonds Rider, apostatized and

opposed the Prophet.

CHAPTER XX.

A NIGHT OF FURY--THE MURDEROUS MOB AT HIRAM--JOSEPH DRAGGED FROM HIS

BED, AND IS STRIPPED, BRUISED AND ALMOST SLAIN BY A PROFANE AND DRUNKEN

CROWD LED BY APOSTATES AND SECTARIAN MINISTERS.

When the Prophet went to Hiram he carried with him twin children, the

offspring of John Murdock, which Emma adopted when they were nine

days old, intending to rear them in place of twin children of her own

which had died. These babes were now eleven months old. On the 25th of

March they were very ill, and the Prophet and his wife were anxiously

nursing them and getting only a little broken rest. At a late hour of

the night Joseph was lying down and slumbering heavily from weariness,

when Emma heard a gentle tapping on the window. Her senses were dulled

by sleepiness, and she paid little attention to the noise and made

no inquiry nor investigation. A few moments later an infuriated mob

burst the door open and surrounded the bed whereon Joseph lay in deep

slumber. Ten or twelve of them had seized him and were dragging him

from the house when Emma screamed. The cry awakened the Prophet, and in

an instant he realized his position. As they were taking him through

the door he made a desperate struggle to release himself. Getting a

limb clear for a moment, he kicked one of the mob with such force as

to fell the wretch to the ground. But before Joseph could bring his

superior physical powers to bear, he was confined again within the

grasp of numerous hands; and with a torrent of oaths, in which the

mobbers profaned the name of Deity, they declared that they would kill

him if he did not cease his struggles. As they started around the

house with him, the mobocrat whom he had kicked came thrusting his

bloody hands into the Prophet's face and shrieked at him with frightful

execrations. Then they seized his throat and choked him until he ceased

to breathe. When he recovered his senses from this inhuman attack he

was nearly a furlong from the house, and there he saw Sidney Rigdon

stretched upon the ground where the mob had dragged him by the heels.

The Prophet thought that his companion was dead.

These fiendish men continued to curse him and to blaspheme the name

of Deity. They told him to ask his God for help, for they would give

him none. They then dragged him nearly another furlong into a meadow

and began calling to each other, continuing, however, to utter threats

and oaths at him. By this time many additions had been made to their

number. One cried out asking if Joseph was not to be killed. A group

gathered at a little distance to hold a council and fix upon the

Prophet's fate; while several of their number held him suspended in

the air lest his person should touch the ground and thereby give him

an opportunity to get a spring and wrench himself loose. After the

council was concluded, the leading mobocrats declared that they would

not kill him but would strip him naked and whip and tear his flesh. One

cried out for a tar bucket, and when it was brought another exclaimed

with a wicked oath, "Let us tar up his mouth!" They thrust a reeking

tar paddle into his face and attempted to force it down his throat,

but he kept his teeth tightly clenched. Then they tried to force a

phial containing aquafortis into his mouth, but it broke between his

lips. Not content with inflicting all this violence upon the Prophet's

helpless form, one of the inhuman wretches, as though he was a devil

incarnate, fell upon him and began to tear like a wildcat, at the same

time screaming with a curse, "That's the way the Holy Ghost falls on

folks!"

While the mob were bruising him they mentioned two names that were

familiar to him, "Simonds" and "Eli."

After they left Joseph, he attempted to rise, but fell back again from

pain and exhaustion. He succeeded, however, in tearing the tar away

from his face so that he could breathe freely, and shortly afterward

he began to recover. Arising, he made his way toward a light and found

that it was from the house of Father Johnson where he lived. Emma saw

his bruised form covered with tar, and thinking him to be fatally

mangled she screamed and fainted.

Securing some covering for his person, the Prophet entered the house,

and spent the night in cleansing his body and dressing his wounds.

Before making the assault upon Joseph, the mob had locked Father

Johnson in his room. He had called for his wife to bring his gun,

saying that he would blow a hole through the door, and at this the mob

fled. As soon as he could force an egress, Father Johnson rushed from

the house, seizing a club as he ran. He overtook the party which had

captured Sidney Rigdon, and knocked one man down, and was about to

smite another to the earth, when the mob deserted their first victim

to attack the heroic old man. This diversion saved Sidney only for a

brief time. The mob soon returned to him and inflicted serious pain and

indignity upon him. They dragged him by his heels and left his head to

strike upon the rough and frozen ground. By such barbarous treatment

his scalp was lacerated and his body bruised, and he was driven into a

delirium.

The next morning, being the Sabbath, the people assembled at the

usual hour of worship. With them came some of the mobbers, Simonds

Rider, an apostate and Campbellite preacher, leader of the mob; one

McClentic, son of a Campbellite minister; and Pelatiah Allen, Esq., who

had given the mob a barrel of whisky to fill them with the devilish

daring necessary for their crime. Many others of the mob were also in

attendance.

With his flesh all bruised and scarred, Joseph went to the meeting and

stood before the congregation, facing his assailants of the previous

night calmly and manfully. He preached a powerful sermon and on the

same day baptized three believers into the Church.

This mob was chiefly composed of religious men, principally

sanctimonious Campbellites, Methodists and Baptists, besides several

apostates from the Church. They continued to watch the house of Father

Johnson, and even the death of one of the helpless little children,

which occurred on the Friday following from the exposures of the night

of the attack, could not dissuade the demoniac men from their purpose.

Indeed, the death of this poor little infant seemed to act upon them

like a taste of blood upon a tiger. It drove them to a murderous

frenzy. The spirit of mobocracy spread through all that region of

country and was particularly fierce at Kirtland. Sidney Rigdon fled to

the latter city from Hiram, taking his sick family; but after a brief

rest was compelled again to flee and went to Chardon. The Prophet

himself remained in Hiram during another week.

CHAPTER XXI.

DEPARTURE OF THE PROPHET FROM HIRAM FOR THE CONSECRATED LAND IN

MISSOURI--ACCEPTED AS THE PRESIDENT OF THE HIGH PRIESTHOOD--RETURNING

FROM ZION, AN ATTEMPT IS MADE TO POISON HIM--SAVED UNDER BISHOP

WHITNEY'S ADMINISTRATION.

On the 2nd day of April, 1832, Joseph started from Hiram for Missouri.

He was carried by Elder George Pitkin in the latter's wagon to

Stubenville, whence the Prophet and Sidney, who had joined him in the

meantime, took passage on Wednesday, the 5th of April, 1832, on board a

steamboat for Wheeling, then in the state of Virginia.

After departing from Hiram, Joseph directed his wife to go to Kirtland

and await his return; and this she did, finding help and consolation

with his friends.

From Wheeling he soon resumed his journey towards Zion, and reached

there on the 24th day of April, 1832.

Two days later, in a solemn assemblage of the Church, Joseph was

sustained as President of the High Priesthood. Bishop Edward Partridge

extended the right hand of fellowship and recognition to Joseph in the

office to which he had been elected, and the Saints ratified the deed

in an impressive and unanimous manner.

The Prophet found the Saints in Zion surrounded by people filled with

the spirit of murder and rapine, and he sought with all the vigor

and faith of his soul to unite the people in the bonds of love and

mutual trust and help, that thus they might be enabled to withstand

the assaults of their enemies. It was characteristic of him and of

the revealed work, that he should teach his brethren at this hour,

as always before and always after until the hour of his death, the

potency of union. His purpose was then, as ever, to show the Saints

the strength of a passive defense, coupled with kindness toward all

humanity. Joseph had the personal strength and courage which, when

not controlled by some mighty influence, make a man ambitious to

overcome and punish any cruel foe by the arm of flesh, and yet in all

his sufferings and ministrations he never advised or permitted any

aggression upon the law or any insult to rightful authority.

The Prophet visited the Saints in Kaw Township and was received with

delight. The people there loved him and rejoiced in his presence and in

his teachings.

On the 1st day of May, 1832, the council of the Elders was continued at

Independence, and the order was made that three thousand copies of the

"Book of Commandments" should be printed.

Five days later, Joseph departed from Independence for Kirtland in

company with Sidney Rigdon and Newel K. Whitney. On their return,

Bishop Whitney, while attempting to jump from the coach as the horses

were running away, had his leg and foot broken in several places.

Joseph had succeeded in getting out unhurt, and he took the Bishop to

a public house at Greenville, Indiana, remaining with him there while

Sidney went forward to Kirtland. Four weeks elapsed and still Newel was

unable to proceed. Several times during that period, when the Prophet

walked out into the adjoining woods he saw newly made graves; and one

day at dinner he was seized with a spasm caused by poison which had

been administered to him in his food with murderous intent. He rushed

to the door and quantities of blood and poisonous matter gushed from

his mouth. The muscular contortion induced by the agony was so great

that his jaw was dislocated. When the convulsion had partially passed,

he wrenched his jaw back to its place with his own hands, and made his

way to the couch of Bishop Whitney as speedily as possible. The Bishop

administered to him, and he was healed instantly, although the poison

had been so quick and strong in its effect as to loosen the hair upon

his head.

The Prophet felt that they must flee from this spot at once, and asked

his helpless brother to promise that he would be ready to start for

Kirtland the next morning. Joseph declared to Bishop Whitney that if he

would agree to this plan a wagon should be in waiting the next morning

to transport them to the river bank, where they should find a ferry

boat to take them quickly across. On the other side they should meet

a carriage ready to convey them directly to the boat landing. Here a

steamer should be ready to start, and at ten o'clock in the morning

they should be steaming up the river. When the Prophet was led to make

this prediction no arrangements had been made, neither were there any

afterwards made by him to carry out this programme of travel. But

animated by faith, Bishop Whitney gave his promise, and Joseph remained

with him all night. Early the next morning they departed, and at ten

o'clock, after having found the way opened, exactly as the Prophet was

led to promise, they were sailing up the river, with the Bishop's limb

sound enough to bear the journey without pain.

It was June, 1832, when they arrived at Kirtland, where Joseph found

his wife awaiting him.

CHAPTER XXII.

BRIGHAM YOUNG RECEIVES THE GOSPEL--HIS MEMORABLE MEETING WITH THE

PROPHET--HIS CONSTANT DEVOTION--"THAT MAN WILL YET PRESIDE OVER

THE CHURCH"--A REVELATION ON PRIESTHOOD--JOSEPH VISITS THE EASTERN

STATES--HIS NUMEROUS LABORS--PROPHECY CONCERNING THE CIVIL WAR--ITS

SUBSEQUENT FULFILLMENT.

While the Prophet was on his way to Missouri in the month of April,

1832, an event occurred afar off in Mendon, Monroe County, New York,

which was the forerunner of mighty help to Joseph and strength to the

Church. It was the baptism of Brigham Young on the 14th day of April,

1832, by Elder Eleazer Miller. This destined successor of the Prophet

had heard and accepted the truth. His sincerity and force of character

were visible at his conversion, and after his confirmation at the

water's edge as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ, he was ordained

on the same day to the Melchisedec Priesthood.

In the month of June when Joseph returned to Kirtland from Missouri he

met and gave the hand of fellowship to Brigham Young, who had journeyed

to Kirtland to hear the voice of the Prophet of God. A most memorable

meeting was this of these two men whose names and fame were to become

so indissolubly united! Of all the men of their generation they were

to be the most loved and hated, their words and deeds were to be

heralded to every corner of the earth, and, beyond those of all their

contemporaries, were to make the deepest impress upon the world. If

the fact be not fully recognized and acknowledged to-day, the hour is

not far distant when it will be, that JOSEPH SMITH and BRIGHAM YOUNG

were the two greatest men of their time. Providence had assigned each

his labor, and each faithfully performed the allotted task. Joseph,

under the direction of the Almighty, marked out the design and laid

the foundation deep and strong; and Brigham, inspired from the same

source, builded upon it carefully and judiciously. The labor of one was

designed to be the fitting complement to the other.

At this first visit the Prophet Joseph heard, for the first time, the

gift of speaking in tongues. Brigham had received this gift, and at

a meeting in the evening the Spirit rested upon him and he spoke in

tongues. The Prophet received the gift of interpretation, and he said

it was the language spoken by our Father Adam. The Spirit also rested

upon him and he spoke in tongues. After this, the gifts of speaking in

tongues and interpreting tongues were received and enjoyed by many of

the Saints at Kirtland and elsewhere.

From that day Joseph and Brigham were friends, attached to each other

by a tie stronger and closer than that of earthly kinship. From

that time on for twelve years Brigham gave earnest help to Joseph

and demonstrated by his consideration and devotion that he knew the

authority under which the younger man was acting. There was a time

to come when Oliver Cowdery--the fellow apostle of Joseph, who, with

him, had received the Aaronic Priesthood under the hands of John the

Baptist, and the Melchisedec Priesthood under the hands of the apostles

Peter, James and John, heavenly messengers sent expressly to confer

these two Priesthoods upon them--would waver in his fidelity to the

truth and would oppose Joseph and leave the Church. Not many years from

the time of which we write Sidney Rigdon, the trusted counselor, the

eloquent spokesman of the Prophet, who with him had beheld in vision

the glories of the eternal world and borne solemn testimony that he had

seen the Savior and knew that He lived, would turn his back upon and be

ready to desert Joseph and to conspire against the Church. But not so

with Brigham Young; but not so with the Prophet's brother Hyrum, and

many others less eminent than these two. Hyrum Smith was the embodiment

of unswerving fidelity and fraternal love. Ever by his brother's

side to aid and comfort him, life had no charms for him when danger

threatened the Lord's anointed. He had a mother to whom he always

rendered dutiful and loving obedience; he had a wife and children upon

whom he lavished a wealth of affection; he had brothers and sisters to

whom he was kind, considerate and helpful; but for his brother Joseph

he had a love which over-mastered all these affections; it surpassed

the love of woman. When death stood in the pathway and menaced with its

fearful terrors Joseph and those who stood by him, the Prophet besought

Hyrum to stand aside and not accompany him. But, however obedient he

might be to the slightest wish of his brother in other directions, upon

this point he was immovable. If Joseph died, they would die together.

As in his life, so in his death, Hyrum Smith exhibited the perfection

of human love.