CHARACTER SKETCH.
By Dr. J. M. Tanner.
"To the law and to the testimony; and if they speak not according to
this word, it is because there is no light in them." If the whole
religious life of Wilford Woodruff could be summed up in a single
sentence, it would be in that Scriptural statement by which the truth
of God's purposes was made evident. The Scripture was his safe guide
in every walk of life. To him it was a living fountain. Its promises
gave him assurance, its warnings restrained him, its proverbs gave him
wisdom, its psalms attuned his soul, its more sure word of life was to
him conclusive of all that God had done and that He would yet do many
great and marvelous things among the children of men.
He was a devout student of the Bible, and that book accounts not alone
for the spiritual quality of his life, but for the peculiar workings
of {643} his mind. There was nothing in life that he could not measure
in terms of Holy Writ. It is doubtful whether the Bible ever brought a
human soul more perfectly within the circumference of its teachings,
promises, rewards, and inspiration than it brought Wilford Woodruff.
He was what is sometimes called a man of one book; that is, a man
whose predominant characteristics are marked by a single book. He knew
his Bible. It was the companion of his youth, the joy of his early
manhood, and the solace of his old age. Whatever did not square with
its teachings was to him insufficient. It brought him discernment and
made him wakeful and watchful for the new light its promises contained.
It was a watch-tower on which he stood looking for new evidences of
a new dispensation and of glorious promises of a day to come. In
his youth, his contact with religious denominations brought him no
spiritual satisfaction, because the sects of that day did not conform
to that standard of truth, the Holy Writ, to which he had pledged his
allegiance.
A man whose life the Bible so completely permeated could be naught
else than a spiritual-minded man. To no man's mind was God ever a more
potent reality in the affairs of men than to his mind. To him He was
not a distant being whose mysteries obscure and overawe. To Wilford
Woodruff God was a companion, a kind and loving father, a protector,
a guide. That God spoke with men face to face was no metaphor to him,
was no spiritualized conclusion, it was a commonplace, though profound,
truth. He regarded himself as a child of God to whom and with whom he
had a right to speak. There was nothing in life which a man might not
disclose to his Maker, and he aspired to commune with God as one man
speaketh to another.
His conceptions of God made religion a simple thing, as simple as it
was wonderful. He seldom argued religion, he never proved the existence
of God, he rarely explained obscure meanings of Holy Writ. To him God
was the same yesterday, to-day, and forever. The relationship of man
to his Maker was set forth on the first pages of the Bible. God made
man in his own image; male and female created He them. That God had
talked to Adam in the garden of Eden was no myth, was no mystery. He
had talked to others. He would talk to men again. Nothing satisfied his
spiritual cravings short of an actual communication between heaven and
earth. For such a communication he was looking, hoping, praying. When
it came, it was as clear to his understanding as the rays of light at
noonday sun. His whole being was illuminated by the new revelation.
However, he put it to the test; he measured it in the light of
Scripture; tested it by individual experiences, and it was in perfect
harmony with his spiritual and intellectual being; and when once he put
his hand to the plow, he never looked back. No doubt ever troubled him;
no misgivings ever dampened his ardor. Thenceforth he never questioned
the truth of a divine call to the children of this age any more than he
questioned his own existence.
It is difficult in such a man to draw a line between his spiritual and
his physical life. Certain it is, he made no distinction. Everything
that touched divine purpose was to him a part of his religion. If he
preached, he preached in the name of God; if he dug ditches and tilled
the earth, it was equally in obedience to a divine command. He was
just as devout with the scythe or the sickle as he was with the hymn
book or in the pulpit. When one therefore speaks of the spiritual
characteristics of such a man, {644} he speaks of the whole man; and
if Wilford Woodruff's spiritual nature were merely a characteristic,
religion might have been thought of in him as an incident, a part of
his life. It was his whole life; for it was measured in terms of his
relationship with his God--that relationship he recognized everywhere
throughout a remarkable and unique life.
Those best acquainted with the life and habits of Wilford Woodruff
will find it difficult, if not wholly impossible, to call to mind any
circumstance of unoccupied moments in all their acquaintanceship with
him. He was a man of medium height, of a robust nature, heavy set,
and of unbounded nervous energy. Those who glorify work and exalt its
importance in the divine economy of man find in him an example of the
highest type.
He loved work, not alone for its own sake, but because it was
associated with divine command. Nor was it to him merely a means of
getting on in the world, of adding conveniences and comfort to his own
life as well as to those dependent upon him; to him it was a blessing,
a privilege, an opportunity which he always availed himself of whenever
his calling would permit. Nor was he discriminating in the kind of work
he did. He took up whatever was at hand to be done. His toil in the
canyons, his sweat in the harvest field, his travels upon the plains
were all important parts in divine economy and he performed every labor
of life with as much zeal as he was wont to exercise in promulgating
the word of God. He was not a worker in the ordinary sense of the word;
for in work he always set himself about to accomplish extraordinary
tasks.
Those who remember him in the pioneer days of Utah call to mind his
unusual physical powers when compared with other men. "I have seen
him," said John A. Woolf of Cardston, Canada, "feed a threshing machine
with bundles from a stack, when three ordinary men complained of the
task. He was never particular where he worked, usually he got in the
most disagreeable place about a thresher in order to favor those with
whom he worked. When he might have chosen his place, he went to the
chaff-pen where the smut and dirt were almost unbearable. I never knew
a harder worker than Wilford Woodruff."
He could turn from one occupation to another without the {645} least
apparent effort. He would toil assiduously in the harvest field, and
with scarcely a moment's notice be ready to receive the dignitaries of
the nation that might happen to visit Salt Lake City while he was thus
engaged. To sweat, was a divine command as much so as to pray; and in
his life he exemplified in the highest degree that simple Christian
life that makes for the physical, mental, and moral well-being of man.
He believed sincerely in the moral supremacy of manual toil. He loved
it and enjoyed it.
Whenever in the midst of his public ministries there came to him an
opportunity to retire to his farm, he went to it with all the energy of
his marvelous physical endurance. His love of toil produced in his life
what it does in the lives of most men of similar habits, a simplicity,
a democracy, and the spirit of universal brotherhood. To him there
were no commonplace tasks. All that he did was important to his own
exaltation in this life and in the world to come. His love of labor
penetrated the veil and admitted him to the world beyond wherein he saw
God-given opportunities to work. An idle, self-sufficient life in the
next world was as abhorrent to his nature as the ordinary conceptions
of purgatory. The thought that in the great beyond men should have an
unwaning and an undiminished endurance in the industry of an eternity
was glorious to his mind.
In this age when men are shirking physical tasks in the industrial
world in pursuit of occupations that are as free as possible from
bodily exertions, his life stands out as a beautiful example of
simplicity and vigor. No man ever did more in the Church to exalt work
and put upon it the impress of divine command than Wilford Woodruff;
and he was as unostentatious in physical toil as he was in every other
occupation which he honestly and faithfully pursued.
In the broadest and highest sense of the term, Wilford Woodruff may
be designated as truly the friend of mankind; but within that broader
friendship there were intimacies and confidences which he carried with
him from his earlier days through the remainder of life. He, like most
men of a strong character and loving disposition, had his special
friends--friends whose spirit and {646} manner of life were congenial
to him--friends whose religious practices and thoughts were in harmony
with his own aspirations.
With him, however, friends were not selected because of their
station in life; they were among all classes, the humblest as well
as the highest; indeed, it is doubtful whether Wilford Woodruff
ever recognized any class distinction whatever. If he ever made a
distinction, it was a distinction between the good and the bad. He was
never governed by considerations of wealth, rank, or public honors.
His friendships belonged to that old-fashioned type wherein men were
actuated by a spirit of brotherhood and unaffected love for one another.
Nor was he one of those who boasted of friendships with the selected
few. Every stake of Zion, if not almost every community, contained some
special friend or friends, time-honored and true. He loved to throw
off the formalities of social restraint and indulge in those heart to
heart talks that brought up reminiscences of earlier days. Like others,
he was especially attracted by those whose view-points of life were
similar to his own, whose spiritual natures reveled in the things of
God and ascribed to Him both the honors and the glories of this world.
His friendships were both sincere and lasting; even when friends
deviated from the paths of the highest rectitude, he preferred to think
of them as they once were, in the enjoyment of divine favor. The good
in others was uppermost in his judgment of men, and his friendship was
all the more lasting because it was accompanied by a spirit of charity
and good-will to all.
It would perhaps be here a little discriminating to speak of any
individual friendships of his life. There is one, however, that was
so strong and lasting that it illustrates with great clearness the
character of the man. Ezra T. Clark of Farmington was a man of simple
habits and devoted to industrial life. He loved the soil whose very
particles awakened within him a satisfaction and an enthusiasm. These
two men developed throughout many years of intimate association a
loving regard for each other that was as striking as it was beautiful.
Whenever Elder Woodruff could steal away from the duties and
responsibilities of life some leisure hours, he sought an evening's
pastime in the home of his {647} friend. Their devotion to each other
grew with years; and it may be truthfully said that nothing ever came
up in life to disturb their confidence and love.
Elder Woodruff was throughout all his life an ideal neighbor. His
interest in those about him was one of helpfulness. He was quick to
see the needs of a neighbor and generous in his impulse to give and
to help. His high regard for the privileges of others never permitted
him to trespass on the rights or the property of those about him. The
property of others was as sacred to him as his own and its safety
elicited his careful attention. He was generous in the contribution of
his time and knowledge.
His selection in the early days of Utah as the head of organizations
intended to place within the reach of all the best methods of farming
and manufacture illustrates the esteem in which he was held by those
who intrusted to him matters of such welfare to the people. He was
therefore the highest type of a missionary of good deeds as well as of
good counsel.
There was never in him a spirit of condescension. He never thought of
obligations under which he was placing his fellowmen while doing them a
service. He served others because he enjoyed the spirit of helpfulness
and found it a part of his God-given nature to be of use in every
possible manner to those it was his joy to help on in the world.
The missionary spirit of Elder Woodruff which manifested itself so
zealously in the welfare and happiness of others did not permit him
to pursue life in the interest of any selfish ambitions or personal
aggrandizement. His journal reveals the pride he felt in bringing home
to the lives of men the great truths of Mormonism. He was always more
interested in what others derived from his services than what came to
him. In counsel, therefore, he was never actuated by selfish aims, and
he was free from suspicion that the things which others advocated could
have any ulterior purpose than that which appeared upon the surface.
By nature he was an unsuspicious man and that made his life free
from the jealousies, envies, and misgivings so destructive of human
happiness. That nature made him an optimist. {648} He went about life
not only looking for the good, but with ability to see it. He had
nothing to conceal, nothing to disfigure, therefore the shades and
colorings of life with him were true to nature.
Whenever in his judgment it became necessary to offer any criticism
upon the lives or conduct of others, it was for the purpose of warning
those whom he criticized against the dangers that would befall them, if
they pursued such a course. Often throughout his journal he speaks of
the apostasy of prominent men and old-time friends. What he wrote is in
a spirit of charity; his words are words of regret, and his sentiments
are full of brotherly consideration, even toward those who ceased to
entertain convictions in harmony with his own.
Though he was a man of a gentle spirit, it must not be supposed that
he was wholly incapable of pronouncing judgment upon the wicked or
the ungodly. But even his judgments were not accompanied by personal
antagonisms. He was both forgetful and forgiving. He was not a man of
marked prejudices, and there is no evidence that he ever pursued with
malice those in whom he had lost confidence. He was, perhaps, as free
from prejudices as any prominent man in his day. This beautiful quality
of life made him tractable, easily persuaded, especially when the
influence about him was one of brotherly love or kind consideration.
In the minor affairs of life, and in the details of administration, he
was not very particular how things were done, provided they could be
accomplished without friction and in a spirit which conformed to the
principles of the gospel. He was never insistent, nor was he persistent
in having his own way in his association with his fellowmen. He had so
completely surrendered himself to the will of God and to the leadership
of his brethren that nothing ever menaced his ambition or aroused
a spirit of resentment within him, provided he was not required to
sacrifice principle or subordinate his manhood. Instances are revealed
in his journal where he took a strong stand when questions of right
and wrong were at stake; and he manifested the fire of righteous
zeal whenever any question arose not in harmony with his conceptions
of God's message to the children of men. Dislike, envy, or jealousy
{649} had so little effect upon his hopeful nature that those ordinary
prejudices common to mankind rarely troubled him. He rejoiced in the
good fortune of others, and praised God.
The study of the life of Wilford Woodruff constantly reminds one of
Nathaniel of whom Jesus said: "He is an Israelite without guile." The
evil conditions of mankind, people's shortcomings, and even their vices
were not matters which rested upon his conscience or aroused a spirit
of denunciation or judgment within him. It was not easy for him to
think of evils or to associate them with his fellowman. He looked upon
the bright side of life and had a keen appreciation of the good there
was in others.
Whenever he uttered words of condemnation or prophesied the judgments
of God, it was in pursuance of divine manifestations to his heart and
mind. Whenever he spoke words of reproof, it was because he conceived
it his duty to do so, not because it was his nature to criticise
or to find fault. When he spoke of the wickedness of the world, or
the wrong-doings of his fellowmen, it was as a rule in a spirit of
testimony, and not because of the things which he saw or heard. No man
was ever more willing than Wilford Woodruff that the sentiments of his
heart and the thoughts of his mind should be read as if in an open
book. The dividing line of his inner life and the expression of his
words and conduct was never marked. He was therefore free from that
secret life which is constantly struggling against the revelations
of its real truth. The Saints will always think of him as a man like
Nathaniel--without guile.
One of the highest evidences of a truly religious nature is the
sincerity of life that characterizes it. It is also that quality of the
human soul which gives zeal to missionary life and makes the testimony
borne carry conviction to the hearts of others. The sincerity of
Wilford Woodruff never left any room for doubt as to his convictions
upon everything which he advocated. His earnestness commanded the
respectful attention of all who heard him, even though they were not
convinced by the evidences of his word or the force of his arguments.
In all matters of religion, an earnest demeanor is necessary for the
assurance of others as well as one's own self-satisfaction. It was easy
for every man--Mormon, Jew, or Gentile--to believe {650} that Wilford
Woodruff believed himself, and sincerely to believe oneself is the
highest evidence of that inner conviction which removes misgivings and
doubts from the human soul. It was this peculiar quality of life that
made him a model missionary.
Possessing the highest qualities of sincerity, he naturally became
an earnest advocate in his teachings and an indefatigable worker in
everything he set his hands to do. There was never anything about his
life, never any diversions from the path of duty or surrender to the
spirit of a pleasure-loving age to disturb the zeal that came from the
sincerity and earnestness of his soul. In many there is often a strong
desire to surrender themselves to that spirit of pleasure that deadens
the conscience and gives self-justification after wrong doing. With
him, as with others, a consistent earnestness and a heartfelt sincerity
were a safeguard against a spirit of disbelief. Those qualities of life
never permitted him to shirk responsibility or be indifferent to the
obligations every man should feel with respect to his Maker. He was,
therefore, like the prophets of old--zealous for the things of God.
There was a steadfastness of purpose in all that Wilford Woodruff set
his hand to do. He was as devoted in action as he was in thought and
feeling. His standard of life was a religious standard, and it was
supported by a constancy that was peculiar to his nature. From the
beginning to the end of life, his religious convictions were strictly
adhered to. He was never drawn into subordinate considerations. He
never ran off at a tangent, never allowed minor matters to absorb him.
His loves, his hopes, his aims in life were all subordinate to the
great central truth of God's revelation. He might be misinformed about
details; facts might be distorted; events might be wrongly stated; but
he had a guiding star from which his eyes were never taken; and sooner
or later, he set himself in harmony with the true spirit of the age in
which he moved.
His devotion always made him reliable and true. Friends never doubted
his friendship, nor troubled themselves about its continuance. He had
that perfect regard for the friendships of life which bound him to men.
The qualities that made him devoted to men and to duty came from the
larger devotion which he always felt for the things of God. He truly
loved his God. Whatever {651} that love might mean to others, to him
it meant a willing service, a confiding heart, a life of steadfast
devotion to the obligations which he felt the Lord had laid upon him.
His devotion made him intensely earnest, sincere, and guileless. It
helped him to see the best there was in life. The true and beautiful
filled his heart with admiration. Devotion gave to him a simplicity
that left no place for pride and vain ambitions. There came to him out
of a devout life the enjoyment of all God's revelations in nature and
in word.
His family life was devoid of every show of ostentation. He enjoyed
the companionship of the youngest child, and kept in touch with the
sorrows and joys of family life. He could not stand aloof from the
family life which he had done so much to create. The responsibilities
of his home he shared with every member of his household. He loved
his wives and children, and in their midst was free, easy, and
approachable. His discipline never carried with it any severity. In his
home he found relaxation and rest from the strenuous life he led. His
children loved him. They were free to reason or persuade. They felt no
barriers between him and them. Their conscience might be troublesome
to them, but his sternness never was. He belonged to that class of
fathers styled indulgent. His own example called for an industrious and
obedient life in his home. It was easy for his children to understand
what they should do by what they saw him do. Goodness was the quality
he most extolled; and if his family would only be good, they were to
his mind best prepared to fulfill any responsibility God might place
upon them. They would learn their duties by doing them. He considered
one duty well done the best means of learning and doing new ones.
The family life it was his earnest endeavor to create and beautify
is reflected in the joyful spirit that comes to descendants who meet
annually on his birthday, March first, to do honor to his name.
{652}
Appendix A.
SIDNEY RIGDON.
(Millennial Star, Vol. 5, p. 109).
_To the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:_
I deem it to be a duty which I owe to God and His Church, to express
my feelings and bear my testimony unto you, concerning certain things
that are presented to you for your consideration, especially the claims
of Elder Sidney Rigdon to the exclusive right to lead and govern the
Church of Latter-day Saints. I have carefully examined the trial which
Elder Rigdon has had before the authorities of the Church in Nauvoo, as
given in the _Times and Seasons,_ Vol. V, No. 17, and I am satisfied
that a righteous decision has been given in his case. I do not make
these remarks without my reasons, and I will here give those reasons.
I will commence by asking where has Elder Rigdon been since the days
of Far West? Has he stood by the side of the Prophet and Patriarch
as a true friend, to assist in carrying them through their trials,
tribulations, and persecutions? Has he walked up into his place as a
man of God, and stood beside the Prophet as his counselor? Has he in
any way been a pillar or support to the Church from that day until
this? Has he sustained the cause, and used an influence to spread
the work abroad since the persecution in Far West? Has he in any way
sustained the priesthood with dignity and honor for the last five years
of his life? Or, has the Prophet, in any point of view, leaned upon
him as a counselor, a staff, or support, for the last five years? Or
has the Prophet Joseph found Elder Rigdon in his councils, when he
organized the Quorum of the Twelve a few months before his death to
prepare them for the endowment? And when they received their endowment,
and actually received the keys of the Kingdom of God, and oracles of
God--keys to revelation--and the pattern of heavenly things; and when
he declared to the Twelve, "Upon your shoulders the Kingdom rests, and
you must round up your shoulders {653} and bear it, for I have had to
do it until now," where was Sidney Rigdon? Has Elder Rigdon shared this
responsibility in any way? No, no, verily no; but the reverse, until he
had become like a millstone upon the neck of Joseph Smith, the Prophet,
Seer, and Revelator. And I hereby bear my testimony that I heard
Joseph Smith declare that Elder Rigdon had become like a millstone
upon his back--a dead weight--and he had carried him long enough, and
must throw him off; and in my hearing requested one of the Quorum of
the Twelve to bring him up before the Church, that he might be dealt
with according to the law of the Church, that he might be cut off as a
dead branch, and no longer encumber the tree, as there was sufficient
testimony against him. But through the pleadings of Brother Hyrum Smith
and others he was spared. Elder Brigham Young has been his friend,
spoke in his favor, in consequence of his age and former standing,
hoping that he might reform, get the spirit of the work, and magnify
his calling. He has been patiently sustained until the branch became
twice dead, and necessary to be severed from the tree. Elder Rigdon,
for the last five years of his life, has been mostly shut up in the
post-office; has confined himself mostly to his own temporal affairs,
manifesting but little interest in the affairs of the Church; and when
any alarm or report was in circulation unfavorable to the cause, if we
could judge at all from the course he pursued, it had a tendency to
increase trouble and disturbance, instead of decreasing it. It is true,
that Elder Rigdon attended some of the councils that President Smith
held with the Twelve and others, before his death, while giving them
instructions; but I heard President Smith say that he came in without
his wish or invitation, as he had no confidence in him. Elder Rigdon
and his friends would now claim, before the Church and the world, that
he holds the keys of the Kingdom of God of the last dispensation, above
the Twelve, the Church, etc. I am ready to admit before the whole
Church and the world, that he does hold one key different from that
held by the Twelve; one that they do not hold--one that God never held,
nor Jesus Christ, nor any true prophet, patriarch, or apostle; Joseph
and Hyrum Smith were utter strangers to it.
We are judging according to the words of his own mouth according to
the testimony given on his trial. We suppose that Lucifer, who made
war in heaven, was the author of that key; and {654} that it had been
handed down unto the present day, and with it Elder Rigdon has unlocked
his heart, and portrayed before our eyes what it was. What is it? Hear
it, all ye Latter-day Saints! Listen, O earth, and judge the fruits
of this key. He threatens to turn traitor, publish against the Church
in public journals. He intimates that he would bring a mob upon the
Church, stir up the world against the Saints, and bring distress upon
them, etc. (_Times and Seasons,_ Vol. V, pp. 650-653.) This ought to
be a sufficient reason for any true-hearted Latter-day Saint to turn
away from him with disgust, and treat men like him according to their
desert, which is, to let them entirely alone; for a more despicable
principle never existed in heaven, earth nor hell, than to prove a
traitor to our God, our cause, and our friends, and bring distress
upon the innocent, and that, too, by turning against the very cause
that he spent a portion of his life to build up, and declared, while
in the faith, that it was true and righteous. This same principle was
manifest in the case of Lucifer, Judas, Arnold, and many apostates in
this Church, who, when they could not get their own ends accomplished,
threatened to bring mobs upon the Church, and in some instances they
have done so. I would ask, has Joseph or Hyrum Smith ever held such a
key as this, or manifested such a spirit as this? No, never; they have
despised it in their hearts. President Smith seemed to be sensible
that such a feeling was growing in the breast of Elder Rigdon; and if
he had accomplished what duty appeared to present to his mind upon
that subject, Elder Rigdon would have been severed from the Church
before the Prophet's death; but through mercy he was spared until he
manifested the evil that is in him, and he has become dangerous to the
welfare of the Church and Kingdom of God.
I would again ask, has Elder Brigham Young ever manifested any
knowledge of the key above spoken of, or any spirit or disposition to
turn against the Church in any time of trial or persecution from its
commencement? Has he ever deserted Joseph, Hyrum, his brethren, or
the cause, in one instance, since the foundation of this Church? No,
never, not in one instance. He has always been ready to go and come at
the bidding of the Lord. He has not said go; but he has always said
come. He has set the example and led the way, until he has traversed
sea and land, at home and abroad, native and foreign countries, until
he has borne off the keys of the {655} Kingdom of God, in connection
with the Twelve, with honor and dignity, since they were committed
to his charge. He has followed President Smith's footsteps closely
for the last twelve years of his life, and especially the last five
years; while Elder Rigdon has, at the same time, been confined to the
post-office, apparently manifesting no interest in the welfare of the
Church and building up of the cause. The spirit of wisdom and counsel
has manifested itself in the course and deliberations of Elder Young.
He has not only had much experience with President Smith, but he
has proved himself true and faithful in all things committed to his
charge, until he was called to hold the keys of the Kingdom of God in
all the world, in connection with the Twelve. He, in connection with
the Twelve, was the first to receive his endowment from the hands of
the Prophet and Patriarch, who have leaned upon him for years. The
Twelve have acted with honor, laboring both day and night, making
every sacrifice required of them; leaving their homes, families, and
country, to establish the work of God, and lay the foundation for
the deliverance and redemption of Israel. And I can say with every
sentiment of my heart, and feeling of my soul, as President Young has
said, "that if there be but ten men left, who hang on to the truth, to
Joseph and the Temple, and are willing to do right in all things, let
me be one of that number." If it cost me my life to defend the truth of
the everlasting gospel of the Son of God, and to build upon the great
and mighty foundation which God has laid in this last dispensation and
fulness of times, through the instrumentality of His servant Joseph,
the Prophet, Seer, and Revelator, I am willing to make the sacrifice. I
am ready to follow the example of those who have gone before me. When
my work is done, I am ready to be offered, if necessary.
I would rather see ten men seal a righteous testimony with their blood
than to see one man turn traitor, shed innocent blood and damn his
own soul. The object in living and laboring in the cause of God is to
secure a part in the first resurrection, eternal life, and immortal
glory. A religion that is not worth maintaining at the expense of life
is not worth having, "for he that will seek to save his life shall lose
it, and he that will lay down his life for My sake, the same shall find
it." And again, "I will prove you, whether you {656} will abide in My
covenant, even unto death, saith the Lord." Many of the patriarchs,
prophets, Jesus, the apostles, David, Joseph, and Hyrum, and many
others, have sealed their testimony with their blood.
Shall we, then, as elders of Israel, or Latter-day Saints, back down,
fear, tremble, or give up the work, because Elder Rigdon threatens to
turn traitor or bring mobs upon us, because he cannot made the Church
bow to his notion of things? No, God forbid! It shows very clearly that
he has not the spirit of Christ; for neither the Lord nor one of His
followers ever did such a thing; and it is sufficient to open the mind
of every Saint to see where he stands. As far as my faith, prayers,
influence, and labor will effect anything, they will go to sustain
President Young, and in connection with him the Quorum of the Twelve,
in holding the keys of the Kingdom of God, as they have been delivered
unto them by revelation of Jesus Christ.
And I wish to say to all the elders of Israel, and to the Saints of
God, that the time has come, when we need a double portion of the
spirit of Joseph's God to rest upon us. We should gird up our loins,
watch and be sober, maintain the priesthood with dignity, have the
cause of God fully at heart, labor faithfully for its promotion while
the day lasts; for night will soon come when no man can work. We
should practice virtue and holiness before the Lord and shun the very
appearance of evil. We should enter our closets, and call upon God for
wisdom to direct us in every duty in life. Our object should be to
preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to this generation, and present those
principles that will save the souls of men.
If there is any man in this Church that does wrong, that breaks the
law of God, it mattereth not what his standing may be, whether among
the Twelve, the high priests, seventies, or elders, or in any other
standing, there is a tribunal that will reach his case in process of
time. There is authority before whom he can be tried. Therefore, let no
one turn against the cause of God, and take the road to destruction, on
the plea that somebody has done wrong. It is no excuse for you or me
to do wrong because another does. The soul that sins, alone must bear
the consequence. Should I step aside from the path of duty it would
not destroy the {657} gospel of Jesus Christ, or even one principle of
eternal truth; it would remain the same. Neither would it be any excuse
for you to commit sin.
Therefore, let me exhort all elders of Israel and Saints of God to rise
up in the majesty and dignity of their calling, and make full proof of
their ministry and covenant. Sustain by your works the authorities,
keys, and priesthood; the eyes of God, angels and men are over you, and
when the work is finished, you will receive your just recompense.
W. WOODRUFF.
{658}
Appendix B.
(Millennial Star, Vol. 6, p. 113.)
_To the Officers and Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints in the British Islands, Greeting:_
Beloved Brethren, whom I love, for the truth's sake that dwelleth
in you. It is with no ordinary feelings that I reflect upon the
responsibility that is resting upon me, as I enter upon my duties as a
servant of Jesus Christ, and a counselor to His Saints, in endeavoring
to fill so important a station as is required at my hands. Trusting
in that God who has sustained His servants in every age of the world,
from the death of righteous Abel to Joseph, and has enabled them to
accomplish every work which He has required of them, I feel moved
upon by the spirit of God to join again my brethren in this land, for
the purpose of assisting them in their labors in every good word and
work. I hope I shall share in their fellowship and confidence, and
be sustained by the prayer of faith, that when called upon I may be
enabled to render a satisfactory account of my stewardship, both unto
my brethren, and to God to whom I am accountable for all my actions.
Impressed with a realizing sense that you desire a true statement of
facts concerning the present position, prospects, and intentions of the
Church in America, I will endeavor to make one in this epistle.
Many important events have transpired in America since I took the
parting hand of the Saints in this land, and, in company with six of
the Quorum of the Twelve, and Elders Hedlock and Burnham, set sail in
1841 for our native country. Recent events have brought both joy and
sorrow to our hearts. They have brought joy unspeakable because of that
light, intelligence, and glory which have been made manifest in the
revelation of Jesus Christ, through the mouth of His {659} prophet,
for the salvation and exaltation of the sons of men. They have brought
sorrow in the loss of our beloved Prophet and Patriarch, who have
sealed their testimony with their blood, under the threat that though
the laws of the land could not reach them, powder and ball should.
Beloved brethren, think not that any new or strange thing has happened
in this nineteenth century; because saints, apostles, patriarchs, or
prophets are slain for the word of God and testimony of Jesus Christ.
The same thing has happened to the ancient patriarchs, prophets, and
apostles of God. The Lamb of God Himself was no exception. Whenever
such men have been inspired by the Almighty to lay the foundation
of any dispensation for the salvation of men, or for the benefit of
the generation in which they lived, or have come in contact with the
notions, traditions, and superstitions of the inhabitants of the earth,
the people have driven them into the wilderness, or into caves of
the earth, and persecuted them even unto death, however careful the
prophets may have been to keep the laws both of God and man. This was
the case with Jesus Christ who held the keys of salvation, not only of
the Jews but of the whole world. He was persecuted from His baptism
to the cross. All manner of evil was spoken against Him falsely, and
in His last hour, when no testimony could be brought against Him,
Pilate was convinced of His innocence, and found no fault in Him. As
a testimony he washed his hands in their sight, declaring himself to
be innocent of His blood. Yet the multitude cried out, "Crucify Him,
crucify Him; His blood be upon us, and upon our children." Accordingly
His blood has been upon that nation from generation to generation. His
blood brought upon them condemnation for eighteen hundred years, during
which time they have had to suffer for shedding the blood of the Lord's
Anointed.
In like manner it may be said of the Prophet of God in this
dispensation. He has had to flee into the wilderness, to the mountains
and caves of the rocks from time to time, to evade the pursuit of his
persecutors, that he might finish the work committed to his charge. He
suffered many trials and hardships, was stoned and mobbed, was often
put in chains and {660} prison. He was tormented by upwards of forty
vexatious lawsuits and trials; yet he was not in one instance condemned
by the laws of the land. Under the pledged protection of the Governor
and State of Illinois, Joseph, the Prophet, and his brother, Hyrum, the
patriarch, were basely murdered by something like two hundred American
citizens, painted like Indians.
I acknowledge, my beloved brethren, that I blush for my native land,
and for the name of freemen. I blush for the name of Christianity and
civilization. Such deeds the wild savage of the woods would despise
in his heart. I have the consolation of believing that the innocent
blood of the Saints, which has dyed the American soil for truth's sake,
will cry in the ears of the Lord of Sabbaoth, until the abettors and
perpetrators of such horrid tragedies will have to pay the price of the
blood of those righteous men whom they have martyred.
Should any of the Saints have formed an opinion that the apostles,
prophets, or saints of God in the last days would not seal their
testimony with their blood, I wish to mark it as an error by citing
testimony upon the subject. John the Revelator, while wrapped in the
visions of the Almighty, saw events that were to transpire in the last
days, before the second advent of the Messiah; and in the opening of
the fifth seal, he "saw under the altar the souls of them that had
been slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held;
and when they asked how long before the Lord would judge and avenge
their blood on those that dwelt on the earth, they were informed they
must rest for a little season until their fellow-servants and brethren
should be killed as they were." Rev. vi. 9, 10, 11. Again, John said,
in pouring out the plagues upon the earth, xvi. 3, that "he poured out
his phial upon the sea, and it became as the blood of a dead man, and
every living soul died in the sea; and the third angel poured out his
phial upon the rivers and fountains of waters, and they became blood;
and the angel said the Lord was righteous in so doing, for they have
shed the blood of saints and prophets, and thou hast given them blood
to drink, for they are worthy."
Some may say, it was in the days of Jesus Christ that this was
fulfilled, but it was not so; for John lived after, and saw {661}
things that should come to pass in the future; and that in the last
days the waters were to be turned into blood, because they had shed
the blood of prophets and of saints. John also speaks of two other
witnesses in Judea that were to be slain; and how many others of the
servants of God may be called to seal their testimony with their blood
before the coming of Christ, it is not for me to say.
The Book of Doctrine and Covenants conveys the idea that the Prophet,
Joseph Smith, might be called to lay down his life. See page 126, last
of the first paragraph; also page 159, fourth paragraph, "Behold, I
will give you eternal life, even if you should be slain." Page 237,
third paragraph, "I have decreed in my heart, saith the Lord, that I
will prove you in all things, whether you will abide in my covenant
even unto death, that you may be found worthy." Hence, instead of the
death of the Prophet being contrary to the word of God, it is evidently
in fulfillment of prophecy and the revelations of Jesus Christ.
The Prophet Joseph was fully aware, for months before his death, that
his work was about finished on the earth. I draw this conclusion from
the testimony of his own mouth, in his addresses both public and
private. On the 16th of April, 1844, while delivering an address in the
Temple in Nauvoo, upon the death of Elder Lorenzo Barnes, whose body
lies interred at Idle, near Bradford, Yorkshire, he remarked that when
he died he wished to have an honorable burial with his father and the
Saints in Nauvoo. He plainly declared that he wished his body to lie
beside his father in Nauvoo; for he considered Nauvoo would be a burial
place for the Saints.
Again, months before he made the above request, while delivering an
interesting address before the Female Relief Society of Nauvoo, he
said, as he had this opportunity, he was going to instruct the Society,
and point out the way for them to conduct themselves, that they might
act according to the will of God. He said that he did not know that he
should have many opportunities of teaching them, as they were going to
be left to themselves; that they would not have him to instruct them;
that the Church would not have his instructions long; that the world
would not be troubled with him a great while, nor have his teachings;
{662} that he would deliver the keys to others; and that, according to
his prayers, God had appointed him elsewhere.
The Prophet called the Quorum of the Twelve together several months
before his death, and informed them that the Lord had commanded him
to hasten their endowments; that he did not expect to remain himself
to see the Temple completed; that he wished to confer the keys of the
Kingdom of God upon other men, that they might build up the Church
and Kingdom according to the pattern given. The Prophet stood before
the Twelve from day to day, clothed with the spirit and power of God,
and instructed them in the oracles of God, in the pattern of heavenly
things, in the keys of the Kingdom, in the power of the priesthood, and
in the knowledge of the last dispensation of the fulness of times.
In his last charge to the Quorum of the Twelve, he rose up in all the
majesty, strength, and dignity of his calling, as a prophet, seer,
and revelator, out of the loins of ancient Joseph, and exhorted and
commanded the brethren of the Twelve to rise up, and go forth in the
name of Israel's God, and bear off the keys of the Kingdom of God in
righteousness and in honor in all the world. They were instructed to
walk in all holiness, godliness, faith, virtue, temperance, patience,
and charity; to do honor to the cause of God in this last dispensation
and fulness of times; and when their work was finished, to follow his
example by boldly sealing their testimony with their blood, for the
word of God, and the testimony of Jesus Christ, if necessity required
it, that they might be prepared for the reward, which is beyond the
veil.
Those who were present on those occasions cannot forget the teachings
that fell from the lips of that noble, but now martyred Prophet of
God. Though his body sleeps in the tomb, his testimony lives, not
only in the hearts of men, but is on record and will remain in force,
while his persecutors will reap a just reward for all their works.
And I hereby bear my testimony unto all men into whose hands these
lines may fall, that I have been acquainted with Joseph, and Hyrum
Smith, the Prophet and the Patriarch of the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints; have attended their private and public counsels
from time {663} to time, during the last ten years of my life; and
notwithstanding their enemies have caused the earth to be deluged, as
it were, with lies, slanders, and fabrications, with the intent to
injure their character and destroy their influence among men; that I
have never heard either of those men teach, counsel, or advocate, or
practice any principle that was contrary to the word of God, virtue,
or temperance, or unbecoming men standing in their high and holy
calling. On the contrary, I have been astonished at the patience,
forbearance, long-suffering, philanthropy, and charity manifested in
the lives of those men. I have been filled with joy by the beauty,
order, knowledge, principles, intelligence, and glory manifest in the
teachings, counsels, and revelations of Jesus Christ given through
those servants of God, for the benefit of the children of men in this
last dispensation.
Soon after the Quorum of the Twelve received their endowment, according
to the counsel of the Prophet, they left Nauvoo (except two) on a
mission to the Eastern States. They had not been long gone ere the
persecutors of the Saints were exceedingly mad against them, and sought
to find accusation against the Prophet, that they might put him to
death.
At length the Governor and officers of the State of Illinois having
pledged themselves to protect from violence the Prophet and his
brother, Hyrum, the latter gave themselves up in answer to the charges
of their enemies.
They took the parting hand of their aged mother, bid adieu to wife
and children, and left in the lovely city of Nauvoo a circle of many
thousands of friends who were ready to lay down their lives in the
defense of their leaders. They went without either warrant or officer,
accompanied by two of the Twelve, and a few other friends. They rode
nearly twenty miles into the camp of their enemies, to the town of
Carthage.
Before entering the town, the Prophet exclaimed: "I go as a lamb to the
slaughter, I am innocent of the crimes whereof I am accused, I die with
a conscience void of offense towards God and towards men."
I need not enter upon the details of the horrible tragedy committed
against our lamented brethren, as you have had all {664} the
particulars laid before you; suffice it to say that then fell two as
noble men as ever dwelt in flesh in this generation; thus were broken
the pledged faith and the honor of the Governor and of the State of
Illinois; thus were the laws and institutions of America disgraced
in the eyes of the nations of the earth; and the cup of her iniquity
filled that she might be prepared for judgment.
When the report of these things reached the Quorum of Twelve, most
of whom were in the Eastern States, some fifteen hundred miles from
the city of Nauvoo, we came together in the city of Boston, and made
preparations for an immediate return to our homes in Nauvoo. Any
portion of a veil that remained over our eyes concerning any sayings
of the Prophet about his being taken away from us, etc., was now taken
off, and we not only saw clearly, but felt deeply in our hearts,
the meaning of many of his sayings, while in our midst. We started
together, and in about twelve days, we were again on the soil of
Nauvoo. But how great the change, now many thousands of the Saints were
in mourning for their lost friends, who had as it were, laid down their
lives for them; and even the heavens over our heads seemed brooding
with gloom over the spilt blood of the Prophets. We ourselves would
have been glad of the opportunity to set our houses in order, to mourn
for the martyred Prophets for thirty days, as Israel did for Moses,
and then to rise up, wash our faces, anoint our heads, and go about
our Master's business. We were even deprived of that privilege; for
aspiring spirits, who are ever ready to rise up on such occasions, were
already active. The most conspicuous was Sidney Rigdon. The history
of his claim you have already had laid before you in the _Times and
Seasons,_ and in the _Star._ His course was such that of necessity we
had to commence Church business the day following our arrival in the
City.
Many spirits have gone out into the world of late. One of them was
plainly manifested in the editors who predicted that as the Prophet
was dead, the work of the Latter-day Saints was ended. They thought
the Saints would disperse, and the cause fall away and die. They might
as well have said the same thing after the crucifixion of Christ, have
declared that because He was dead, His testimony would die, and His
apostles desert the {665} cause, and the work fall to the ground to
rise no more. His testimony just began to be in force. His apostles,
having the keys of the kingdom, walked up into their calling, and
magnified the work, three thousand souls uniting with them in one day,
while the work spread far and wide.
So will it be in this case; the testimony of the late martyred Prophets
will now be in force; the principles of light, knowledge, and glory
that have flowed from their lips, are too firmly established in the
hearts of thousands of the Saints to die, but on the contrary must live
and bring forth fruit to the honor and glory of God.
The fires of eternal truth have burned too long and too deep into
the flesh and bones of the Twelve Apostles of this dispensation to
be quenched by anything but death, neither will they permit them
to turn from their course, to spend their time in the vocations of
merchandising, farming, or fishing. A double portion of the spirit
of God, and the power of the priesthood will rest upon the elders of
Israel as they go forth into the vineyard, until tens of thousands will
rejoice in the fulness of the gospel of the Son of God.
We found this kind of spirit and feeling resting upon the Saints upon
our return to Nauvoo. Truly they were called to mourn, but they had
by no means lost their faith. On the contrary, they were united, if
possible, with a stronger tie. As with the heart of one man, they were
ready to carry out every measure of the work of God, according to the
pattern and foundation laid by the Prophet who had sealed the work with
his life. On the second day after our arrival, August 8th, 1844, we met
in a special conference all the quorums, authorities, and members of
the Church, that could assemble in Nauvoo. They were addressed by Elder
Brigham Young, the President of the Quorum of Twelve. It was evident to
the Saints that the mantle of Joseph had fallen upon him, the road that
he pointed out could be seen so plainly, that none need err therein.
The spirit of wisdom and counsel attended all his teachings, he struck
upon a chord, with which all hearts beat in unison.
He was followed by a number of the Twelve and others, who spoke to the
point in an edifying manner, and at the close of {666} the conference,
a number of resolutions were adopted. The following proposition was
then submitted: "Do the Saints want the Twelve to stand at the head,
as the First Presidency of the Church, and at the head of this kingdom
in all the world, and next to Joseph, walk up into their calling,
hold the keys of this kingdom, and preside over all the affairs of
the Church of Jesus Christ, of Latter-day Saints in all the world?"
All that are in favor of this in all the congregations of the Saints
make it manifest by holding up the right hand. At once there was a
sea of hands, a unanimous vote. A contrary vote was called, and not a
hand was raised in a congregation of about fifteen thousand Saints.
Sidney Rigdon, himself, who was present, did not vote against it, but,
I think, in favor of it. Confidence and order were firmly established
from that hour. The two oldest bishops were appointed by the Twelve as
trustees-in-trust for the Temple.
The walls of the Temple arose much faster than ever before. The
laborers upon that house manifested a determination not to leave it
until it was finished, even if they obtained nothing but their daily
bread for their reward. The Quorum of the Twelve immediately entered
upon their duties by organizing all the quorums of the Church according
to the order of God, and carrying out all the views and principles
of the Prophet and Patriarch, according to the pattern given them
in laying the foundation of this great and mighty work. They have
organized the churches in North America into districts and conferences
similar to the organization which they formed with the Saints in Great
Britain. They have organized twelve quorums of the seventies, seven
presidents to each quorum, who will be prepared after the endowment to
go forth unto all nations, bearing glad tidings unto the children of
men.
When the Quorum of the Twelve met in council, it seemed wisdom in God,
that some one of them should visit the churches in Britain; the lot
fell upon me, as you will see from the recommendations of President
Brigham Young to visit the churches of Europe. And according to
appointment, after passing with my family through all the fatigues and
dangers of a journey and voyage of six thousand miles, I am again in
your midst; and I am happy to be able to inform you that the progress
of the work of the {667} Lord, and the welfare of the Saints, have
never been in as prosperous a condition as at the present time, in
the United States generally. All letters and papers up to the latest
date from Nauvoo confirm this statement; peace, union, order, and
industry prevail. Great exertions are made by the Saints to establish
manufactures in various branches, that all may be employed, and have
their wants supplied. The Temple is being rapidly completed.
Perhaps some may think that I ought to embody in this address a minute
account of the thousand stories and rumors that have been put in
circulation by our enemies against the Prophet, Patriarch, the Twelve,
and the Saints at large. In answer, I say, that if it were the first
time that the followers of God were spoken evil of, and every wicked
slander that could be devised put forth against them, I should consider
it to be a new thing under the sun. I would spend more time in writing
about it; but as every man (according to the Scriptures) that will
follow Christ will be hated by the world, and have all manner of evil
spoken against him, and as the Saints may look for it, I will give it a
passing notice. John C. Bennett, and many other enemies and apostates
have counseled together in order to get up those stories and falsehoods
that would have a tendency to injure the Saints, and to prejudice the
minds of the community against them, without any regard to truth. In
this way thousands of reports and stories have been set afloat, many of
them so ridiculous and foreign to reason or to common sense, that none
could believe them; and one would think that the devil himself would be
ashamed of such agents.
As to the career of Mr. Sidney Rigdon, I would say, that his late
views, opinions, and course, have been so foreign and diverse from that
of the late Prophet, and from the faith of the Saints, that he has had
but very little influence, except with a few uneasy spirits who were
aspiring after something else than doing the will of God. If we have
been rightly informed, even that influence is dying away; and I have
no doubt that when Mr. Rigdon comes to reflect upon the course he has
taken, he will deeply regret having entertained those measures which
will end like air castles, in disappointment.
But, beloved brethren, you may rest assured that the Quorum of the
Twelve is determined to carry out the order and {668} principles of the
Church, according to the law of God. They will take a decided stand
against every principle or practice manifest in the Church contrary to
the law of God, of reason, revelation, virtue, or holiness. They are
men who have taken upon them the name of Christ with full purpose of
heart. They have labored diligently and faithfully all the day long,
from the beginning, to establish the foundation of the fulness of the
gospel, and plant the principles of eternal truth among the nations.
Many of them have been in your midst, their labors and their diligence
you have witnessed. They have spared no pains or sacrifice in planting
the work throughout this realm. They are still willing to labor and
spend their lives in the cause. They desire greatly that the Temple
shall be finished, that the Saints may receive their endowments, and
save themselves and their friends; and that the elders of Israel may go
forth clothed with the power of God.
The Twelve are not alone in their feelings in this important work. The
high priests, seventies, elders, and Saints, as one body, throughout
America, are inspired by the same spirit, and are ready as one man to
sustain the Quorum of the Twelve by their faith, prayers, confidence,
and works, and carry out those glorious principles and measures, the
foundation of which was laid by the martyred Prophets of God.
While union is strength, knowledge is power; and while the work is in
the hands of such men, whose motive is to build up the Kingdom of God,
promote the gospel of Jesus Christ in its purity, and save the souls
of men, we have no fear that the work will not prosper; that light and
truth will not prevail; the name of God will not be glorified; and that
the Saints will not be prepared for exaltation beyond the veil.
Having thus far dwelt upon the cause in America, I will now turn my
attention to the officers and Saints in this land. It has been a source
of much consolation to me since my arrival, to hear the report of
the union, faith, and determination of the Saints in general, in the
various conferences, scattered abroad through the British Islands. I
rejoice, beloved brethren, to learn that the same spirit is animating
your bosoms, that manifests itself amongst the Saints in Nauvoo. I
am fully persuaded that those who were appointed as your presidency
in this land; viz, Elders {669} Hedlock, and Ward, have had much of
the spirit of wisdom, prudence, and counsel in all their measures in
your midst; they have had grace and strength according to their day,
and have been faithful over those things committed to their charge.
I am also happy to learn that the work is in a prosperous condition
in London, under the wise and faithful teachings of Elder Davis; also
of its prosperity in Scotland, under the superintendence of Elder
John Cairns, who is now gone to America. I also find Elders Stratton,
Sheets, Meynell, and a number of other elders well employed. Elders
Clark, Jones, Holmes, and Hardy, who accompanied me from America, are
now in the field. Elder Jones has gone to Wales both to preach and
to print in the Welsh language, and with the grace of God and united
exertion of all the laboring elders throughout the land, I expect ere
long we shall reap a rich harvest of souls.
It is my intention to visit the various conferences throughout the
kingdom as soon as circumstances will permit.
Beloved brethren, there are several subjects which weigh upon my mind,
and I beg your attention while I present them before you.
The first that presents itself is the Temple of God, which He has
commanded His Saints in all the world to build unto His holy name.
I believe all that it is necessary for the Saints in Europe is to
understand this subject in its true light, in order to bring forth
their tithes and offerings unto the storehouse of God, in such a manner
that He will open the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing
that there will not be room enough to contain it. I am not zealous in
urging this matter upon our friends in this country, because I have
any fears that the Temple of God cannot be built; for I verily believe
that if there should not a farthing be sent from this land, or even the
United States, that the Saints in Nauvoo would never cease their work,
diligence, and labors, until they saw the finishing stroke adorn that
Temple; but, why, O ye Saints of God in Europe, should we stand still,
withhold out tithes and offerings, and see our brethren in Nauvoo build
that Temple, and then like Jacob, of old, secure alone unto themselves
the promised blessings! May God forbid, rather let all the Saints
throughout the {670} world send up their tithes, with their names to
be recorded in the Book of the Law of the Lord. By so doing they will
not only keep the commandments of the Lord, but will own their share in
the House, and have a right to all the promised blessings, ordinances,
oracles, and endowments which will not only benefit them, but their
posterity to the latest generation.
I trust, therefore, that all the presiding elders will make an exertion
to have all the churches continue their tithes. Send the name of each
individual with the money to us in Liverpoool, that we may record the
same in a book, and keep a copy with us, and also send a copy of the
same with the money to Nauvoo, that it may be recorded in the book of
the Law of the Lord.
I wish the Female Society, in all the branches, to continue their
subscriptions for the Temple until it is finished. Let their money and
names be brought together the same as all other tithes and offerings,
that, when the Temple is finished, the whole amount they have paid may
stand opposite their names in the Book of the Law of the Lord, that it
may be known who are the owners of the House.
I wish it to be distinctly understood, that collections of every
description for the Temple, in this land, whether from Church,
individuals, or from the Female Society, should be brought with their
names to us here in Liverpool, that it may go through the proper
channel, that our records may show that all things are done according
to the order of God.
The circulation of the works published by the Latter-day Saints is also
a subject I deem of importance. I hope the officers and members will
use their influence in circulating the _Star,_ and all other works, as
widely as possible. It is wisdom for all the Saints that can, to secure
carefully all the numbers of the _Star,_ and at the end of the volume
get them bound. I here wish to remark that we have on hand at 36 Chapel
Street, Liverpool, several hundred copies of the fourth and fifth
volumes of _The Times and Seasons,_ sent here by Elder John Taylor.
These volumes contain many precious and important documents--the
history of the persecution, the trials and acquittals of the Prophet
before the courts of Illinois; many letters and teachings of the
Prophet; also, a full account of the late murder of our brethren. In
them will be found {671} also much of the history connected with the
rise and progress of the Church. It is not expected that they will ever
be reprinted, and when these copies are disposed of they cannot be
obtained. I hope the Saints, as far as they can, will secure a copy of
this work, that they may leave with their posterity an account of the
rise and progress of the Church, which has been attended with so many
scenes of vast interest.
We shall probably publish the "Book of Doctrine and Covenants" in
England, as soon as circumstances will permit.
Emigration will continue to Nauvoo, or other parts of America,
according to the circumstances and desires of the Saints. We shall
endeavor to establish an agency in New Orleans, and also in New York,
and no pains will be spared to make the Saints that wish to emigrate as
comfortable as possible.
That all may understand alike and act in unison in Church matters,
among all the conferences throughout this country, I would say, that
whenever any member of the Church is to be tried for any transgression
or difficulty, after he has been dealt with according to the laws
of the Church, that the accuser present his charge in writing in a
comprehensible manner, before the council of the officers of the
branch to which the accused belongs. The presiding elder of the branch
will sit as president, and decide the case according to the testimony
given and according to justice and righteousness before the Lord. The
decision should afterwards be presented before the members of that
branch, and they be called upon to sanction the decision. Should there
be any dissatisfaction with the decision given, an appeal can be made
to the quarterly conference, by presenting an account of the testimony
and decision accompanying the appeal. The presiding elder of the
quarterly conference will preside, and decide the case according to the
testimony given.
If an elder, presiding over any branch of the Church should transgress,
charges can be brought against him before the quarterly conference,
and he can there be tried. If either party be dissatisfied there can
be an appeal made to the general or yearly conference, by presenting
the testimony, and the decision given, and the president of all the
conferences in the realm will sit in judgment on the case, and decide
according to testimony, which {672} will be an end of controversy
concerning the matter. If a presiding elder over a quarterly conference
shall transgress, charges can be preferred against him before the
general conference, and he can be tried. If the president over the
whole Church in any realm shall transgress, he can be tried before the
general authorities of the Church assembled in Nauvoo, or wherever they
be assembled; so that there is no member exempt in all the Kingdom of
God. All these decisions must be made in all lowliness of heart, in
righteousness and truth before God.
I would earnestly exhort all the elders or other officers of the Church
that stand up to teach the people, not to forget the first principles
of the gospel; and to seek by faith, prayer and humility, to obtain
wisdom, and the spirit of God to dictate in all your labors. Wisdom is
one of the greatest gifts of God, and the voice of wisdom will not tell
us to spend our time in warring against the sects of the day. Opposing
the opinions of men; ridiculing the religions that surround us, thereby
closing the ears of the hearers; and closing up the understanding of
men against light and truth, are not wisdom. The opinions and religions
of other men are as dear unto them as ours are unto us. Oh ye elders of
Israel! let salvation be your text in meekness and humility. Let the
power of eternal truth, wisdom, light, and knowledge that are hidden
in the first principles of the gospel of the Son of God be brought
forth. You can be instrumental in saving the souls of men, and they
will rejoice with yourselves that they have beheld the light. We should
never get away from the gospel, or leave it to preach something that is
foreign to our calling, or be contentious about words to no purpose.
Every tree is known by its fruit. If we are faithful before the Lord,
pursue a wise and prudent course, good fruit will be sure to follow our
labors.
And lastly, I wish most strongly to urge upon all officers and
members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout
this realm, that they strictly observe and abide by the laws of the
land. So long as the government protects our lives, persons, and
property--guarantees unto us the rights of conscience in common with
its subjects, it is perfectly right that we should be submissive to
the laws of the same. We should {673} honor and respect the Queen of
the Realm, with all the officers of government in their respective
stations. We shall then be following the example of our Lord and
Master, who was ready to render unto Caesar the things that were
Caesar's, and unto God things that were God's; and any course of
conduct contrary to this cannot be sustained by the authorities of this
Church.
I wish the Saints generally to understand that I have made choice of
Elders Hedlock and Ward as counselors in presiding over and conducting
the affairs of the Kingdom of God in this portion of the vineyard;
and I hope, in conjunction with them, to be able to visit most of the
conferences as early as possible.
By way of conclusion I would exhort all the Saints that they unitedly
observe the sayings of the Lord, as recorded in the twelfth,
thirteenth, and fourteenth verses of the fifteenth chapter of John.
If we love one another as Christ loves us, we can easily settle all
difficulties that may arise in our midst, forgive one another, and be
filled with mercy, and light, love, joy, union, peace, and fellowship.
There will then be the stability among us, and we shall be much better
in the sight of God, angels, and men, than when pettyfogging over the
faults of our brethren. I especially desire that all the officers of
the Church may rightly consider their calling, and make full proof of
their ministry; bear off the priesthood with dignity and honor; be wise
shepherds that will feed the flocks; prove a blessing to thousands of
the human family; and clear their garments of the blood of all men. I
desire that they prove themselves true and faithful; and be approved in
the sight of heaven; be acknowledged the sons of God; and be prepared
for all those blessings that await the friends of God both in time and
eternity. This is the sincere prayer, before God, of your servant and
fellow laborer in the new and everlasting covenant.
WILFORD WOODRUFF.
{674}
Appendix C.
STORM ON LAKE MICHIGAN.
"We left Manitou Island, Lake Michigan, at 4 o'clock p. m. September
25, 1841, on the steamer Chesapeake, which contained three hundred
passengers, six of whom were members of the Church, a large quantity
of freight and coal, eighty cords of wood, eighty mules, besides pigs,
chickens, geese, ducks, etc.
"We continued our journey towards Chicago without any interruption,
until half-past eleven p. m., when we were overtaken by a tremendous
storm of wind and rain; it blew a hurricane, and the lake became as
rough as it could be by the force of wind, and such a scene as quickly
followed I never before witnessed in my travels, either by land or sea.
The captain, officers, hands, and most of the passengers expected to
go to the bottom of the lake. To have judged from outward appearances
I should think there were twenty chances of being lost to one of being
saved, yet I did not once expect to be lost, for I believed the Lord
would by some means save me and my wife and child, who were with me,
from a watery grave.
"We were some forty miles from land when the gale struck us, and I was
awakened from a sound sleep by the cry, 'We are all lost.' The first
thought that entered my mind was, 'No, we shall not be lost.'
"I immediately leaped out of my berth and went to the upper deck. I saw
we were in imminent danger of being wrecked; the bow of the boat was
heavily laden, and frequently engulfed by the heavy waves that washed
over her; there were judged to be fifty tons of water at a time on her
bow; at one time her bow ran under water, and some thought she would
never rise; the water set the mules and all the live stock afloat;
washed away the partition; and the mules, pigs, chickens, ducks, and
geese, were all hurled in one mass down into the steerage cabin, mixed
pell mell with sixty Irish passengers, men, women, and children; at
that moment the roaring of the wind, the rush of the waters the peals
of thunder, {675} the flashes of lightning, the braying of asses, the
squealing of pigs, the quacking of ducks, geese and chickens, the
praying, screaming, and swearing of men, women and children, created
a confusion of sounds which rent the air, and sent a gloomy thrill
through the heart.
"We immediately went to work, and helped all the passengers out of
the water, and from among the beasts, upon the deck, so their lives
were preserved, while all the fowls, pigs, and part of the mules were
drowned or killed; many tons of water rushed through the boat, until
the water stood nearly to the boilers; it drove the firemen from their
places.
"About this time, when the boat was laboring against the wind and tide
one of the wheel chains broke, and the boat rolled over to one side. I
again heard the cry that 'all was lost,' but about thirty of us caught
hold of the two detached pieces of chain and held them together until
the engineer mended them with wire.
"It took three strong men to manage the wheel; while the boat lay upon
her side, it washed away a part of the state rooms; orders were given
to clear the boat of everything that was movable; all the wood was
fastened with stanchions; on the side that was down, the stanchions
were knocked out by the passengers, and forty cords of wood tumbled
into the sea at one surge; this caused the boat to right up, and we
expected every moment our state room would be washed away. I left it
three times with my wife and child, and stepped upon the main deck,
expecting to see it washed away; and to add to the horror of the
situation we were wrapped in darkness, as all the lanterns were dashed
to pieces.
"The men at the wheel labored hard for five hours to turn the boat
round before they accomplished it, so that they could run before the
storm. At length daylight appeared, and with it a cessation of the
storm in a measure. We returned to Manitou Island at four o'clock,
being twenty-four hours out, mostly in the storm."
{676}
Appendix D.
RATIONALITY OF THE ATONEMENT.
(Millennial Star, Vol. 6, p. 134.)
A pamphlet has lately made its appearance in Glasgow, published by a
member of our Church holding the office of priest, containing 28 pages,
headed "A Treatise on the Atonement, Proving the Necessity of Christ's
Death for Man's Redemption Neither Scriptural nor Reasonable. By T. S.
Barr."
We are sorry to be under the necessity of occupying our time and pages
in noticing a pamphlet bearing such an introduction, as the production
of a member of the Church of Christ. We are sorry that any man, bearing
any portion of the authority of the holy priesthood, should have his
mind so much overcome by the powers of darkness, as to stray so widely
from the order and counsel of the Kingdom of God. It is not pleasing to
present, for the investigation of the public, a heresy so much opposed
to the revelations of God and to every principle of holiness.
Our object in the present article will not be so much to refute the
heretical doctrine advanced, as to introduce a portion of the testimony
in favor of the principle of redemption through the blood of Christ,
with which the revelations of God so much abound, in order that our
views on the subject may be rightly understood by all, and that the
Saints of God may be prepared to withstand the assaults of the grand
enemy of man's salvation, and to set the matter forever at rest in the
minds of those who believe in the revelations of God.
We had fully expected that our repeated cautions against individuals
publishing things without our sanction would be sufficient and save
us the trouble of repeating the warning. The neglect of the author to
observe this counsel causes him to forfeit his authority and standing
in the Church of God, until, at least, he has repented of his error.
In our perusal of the pamphlet, we endeavored to find out the object of
the author, and the only reasonable conclusion we could {677} arrive at
was, that it was a strained attempt on his part to display some talent
and learning. He is ambitious to make quotations from history, heathen
mythology, and from the Hebrew language. But it would be far better
for a man to be entirely divested of talents, than to use them in
endeavoring to prove the inefficiency of the atonement of Christ, and
striking at the fundamental principle of salvation, as he has done.