Miscellaneous Labors of the Prophet in Kirtland.
_December 1_.--At home. Spent the day in writing for the _Messenger and
Advocate_. Fine sleighing, and the snow yet falling.
[Sidenote: Insolent Treatment of the Prophet.]
_Wednesday, 2_.--A fine morning. I started to ride to Painesville with
my family and scribe. When we were passing through Mentor Street, we
overtook a team, with two men in the sleigh; I politely asked them
to let me pass. They granted my request, and as we passed them they
bawled out, "Do you get any revelations lately?" with an addition of
blackguard language that I did not understand. This is a fair sample of
the character of Mentor Street inhabitants, who are ready to abuse and
scandalize men who never laid a straw in their way; and, in fact, those
whose faces they never saw, and [whom they] cannot bring an accusation
against, either of a temporal or spiritual nature, except their firm
belief in the fullness of the Gospel. I was led to marvel at the
longsuffering and condescension of our heavenly Father in permitting
these ungodly wretches to possess this goodly land, which is indeed as
beautifully situated, and its soil is as fertile, as any in this region
of country, and its inhabitants are wealthy even blessed above measure
in temporal things; and fain would God bless them with spiritual
blessings, even eternal life, {324} were it not for their evil hearts
of unbelief. And we are led to mingle our prayers with those of the
Saints that have suffered the like treatment before us, whose souls
are under the altar, crying to the Lord for vengeance upon those that
dwell upon the earth. And we rejoice that the time is at hand, when the
wicked who will not repent will be swept from the earth as with a besom
of destruction, and the earth become an inheritance of the poor and the
meek.
When we arrived in Painesville, we called at Sister Harriet Howe's, and
left my wife and family to visit her, while we rode into town to do
some business. Called and visited H. Kingsbury. Dined with Sister Howe
and returned home. Had a fine ride--sleighing good, weather pleasant.
_Thursday, 3_.--At home. Wrote a letter to David Dort, Rochester,
Michigan; another to Almira Schoby, Liberty, Clay County, Missouri.
[Sidenote: Marriage of Warren Parrish.]
At evening, visited with my wife at Thomas Carrico's. A respectable
company awaited our arrival. After singing and prayer I delivered an
address on matrimony, and joined in marriage Warren Parrish and Martha
H. Raymond. Closed by singing and prayer. After refreshments, returned
home, having spent the evening very agreeably.
[Sidenote: Financial Transactions.]
_Friday, 4_.--In company with Vinson Knight, drew three hundred and
fifty dollars out of Painesville Bank, on three months' credit, for
which we gave the names of Frederick G. Williams & Co., Newel K.
Whitney, John Johnson and Vinson Knight. Settled with Brother Hyrum
Smith and Vinson Knight, and paid Knight two hundred and forty-five
dollars; also have it in my power to pay J. Lewis, for which blessing
I feel heartily thankful to my heavenly Father, and ask Him, in the
name of Jesus Christ, to enable us to extricate ourselves from all
embarrassments whatever, that we may not be brought into disrepute,
that our enemies may {325} not have any power over us. Spent the day
at home, a part of the day studying Hebrew. Warm, with some rain, snow
fast melting.
[Sidenote: Conversation on Religion.]
This evening a Mr. John Hollister, of Portage County, Ohio, called to
see me on the subject of religion, and I spent the evening conversing
with him. He tarried over night with me, and acknowledged in the
morning that, although he had thought he knew something about religion,
he was now sensible that he knew but little; which was the greatest
trait of wisdom I could discover in him.
[Sidenote: A Matter of Postage.]
_Saturday, 5_.--Weather cold and freezing, with a moderate fall of
snow. In the forenoon studying Hebrew with Dr. Frederick G. Williams
and President Cowdery. I am laboring under some indisposition of
health. Slept awhile, and arose feeling tolerably well, through the
mercy of God. I received a letter from Reuben McBride, Vilanovia, New
York; also another from Parley P. Pratt's mother-in-law, Herkimer
County, New York, of no consequence as to what it contained, but it
cost me twenty-five cents for postage. I mention this, as it is a
common occurrence, and I am subjected to a great deal of expense by
those whom I know nothing about, only that they are destitute of good
manners; for if people wish to be benefitted with information from me,
common respect and good breeding would dictate them to pay the postage
on their letters.
I addressed the following letter to the editor of the _Messenger and
Advocate_:
Dear Brother--I wish to inform my friends and all others abroad,
that whenever they wish to address me through the postoffice, they
will be kind enough to pay the postage on the same. My friends
will excuse me in this matter, as I am willing to pay postage on
letters to hear from them; but I am unwilling to pay for insults
and menaces; consequently must refuse all unpaid.
Yours in the Gospel,
Joseph Smith, Jun.
{326} [Sidenote: An Unruly Member.]
_Sunday, 6_.--Went to meeting at the usual hour. Gideon Carter preached
a splendid discourse.
In the afternoon we had an exhortation and communion service. Some two
or three weeks since, Brother Draper insisted on leaving the meeting
before communion, and could not be prevailed on to tarry a few moments,
although we invited him to do so, as we did not wish to have the house
thrown into confusion. He observed that he "would not," if we excluded
him from the Church. Today he attempted to make a confession, but it
was not satisfactory to me, and I was constrained by the Spirit to
deliver him over to the buffetings of Satan, until he should humble
himself and repent of his sins, and make satisfactory confession before
the Church.
_Monday, 7_.--Received a letter from Milton Holmes, and was much
rejoiced to hear from him, and of his success in proclaiming the
Gospel. Wrote him a letter requesting him to return to Kirtland. Spent
the day in reading Hebrew. Mr. John Hollister called to take the
parting hand with me, and remarked that he had been in darkness all his
days, but had now found the truth and intended to obey it.
This evening a number of brethren called to see the records, which I
exhibited and explained. Fine sleighing.
[Sidenote: Kindness of the Saints to the Prophet.]
_Tuesday, 8_.--At home. Read Hebrew in company with Dr. Williams,
President Cowdery, Brother Hyrum Smith and Orson Pratt. In the evening,
preached at the school house as usual, had great liberty in speaking,
congregation attentive. After the services closed, the brethren
proposed to haul wood for me.
_Wednesday, 9_.--At home. Wind south, strong, and chilly. Elder Packard
came in this morning, and made me a present of twelve dollars, which
he held in a note against me. May God bless him for his liberality.
Also, James Aldrich sent me my note by the hand of Jesse Hitchcock, on
which there was twelve dollars due. And {327} may God bless him for his
kindness to me. Also the brethren whose names are written below opened
their hearts in great liberality, and paid me, at the committee's
store, the sums set opposite their respective names, to wit:
John Corrill $5.00
Levi Jackman 3.25
Elijah Fordham 5.25
James Emmet 5.00
Newel Knight 2.00
Truman O. Angell 3.00
William Felshaw 3.00
Albert Brown 3.00
William F. Cahoon 1.00
Harlow Crosier 0.50
Salmon Gee 0.75
Harvey Stanley 1.00
Zemira Draper 1.00
Emer Harris 1.00
Truman Jackson 1.00
Samuel Rolf 1.25
Elias Higbee 1.00
George Morey 1.00
John Rudd 0.50
Alex. Badlam 1.00
----
$40.50
With the addition of the two notes above .. 4.00
----
Total $64.50
[Sidenote: Gratitude of the Prophet.]
My heart swells with gratitude inexpressible when I realize the great
condescension of my heavenly Father, in opening the hearts of these
my beloved brethren to administer so liberally to my wants. And I ask
God, in the name of Jesus Christ, to multiply blessings without number
upon their heads, and bless me with much wisdom and understanding,
and dispose of me to the best advantage for my brethren, and the
advancement of His cause and kingdom. And whether my days are many or
few, whether in life or in death, I say in my heart, O Lord, let me
enjoy the society of such brethren.
Elder Tanner brought me half of a fatted hog for the benefit of my
family. A few days since, Elder Shadrach Roundy brought me a quarter of
beef. And may all the blessings named above be poured upon their heads,
for their kindness towards me.
_Thursday, 10_.--This morning a number of brethren called to see the
records, [Egyptian] which I exhibited to {328} their satisfaction. This
day my brethren met according to previous arrangement to chop and haul
wood for me. Beautiful morning, indeed, and fine sleighing.
[Sidenote: Healing of Angeline Works.]
This afternoon I was called, in company with President David Whitmer,
to visit Angeline Works. We found her very sick, and so much deranged
that she did not recognize her friends and intimate acquaintances. We
prayed for her and laid hands on her in the name of Jesus Christ, and
commanded her in His name to receive her senses, which were immediately
restored. We also prayed that she might be restored to health; and she
said she was better.
[Sidenote: Fire in the Kirtland Board Kiln.]
The board kiln had taken fire, and on our return we found the brethren
engaged in extinguishing the flames. After laboring about one hour
against this destructive element, we succeeded in conquering it, and
probably saved about one-fourth part of the lumber. I do not know the
amount of loss the committee have sustained, but it must have been
considerable, as there was much lumber in the kiln. There were about
two hundred brethren engaged on this occasion; they displayed much
activity and interest, and deserve much credit. The brethren have also
been very industrious, and supplied me with my winter's wood, for
which I am sincerely grateful to each and every one of them, and shall
remember, with warm emotions, this expression of their goodness to me.
And in the name of Jesus Christ I invoke the rich benediction of heaven
to rest upon them and their families; and I ask my heavenly Father to
preserve their health, and that of their wives and children, that they
may have strength of body to perform their labors in their several
occupations in life, and the use and activity of their limbs, also
powers of intellect and understanding hearts, that they may treasure up
wisdom, understanding and intelligence above measure, and be preserved
from plagues, pestilence, and famine, and from the power of the
adversary, and the hands {329} of evil-designing men, and have power
over all their enemies, and the way be prepared for them that they may
journey to the land of Zion, and be established on their inheritances,
to enjoy undisturbed peace and happiness forever, and ultimately be
crowned with everlasting life in the celestial Kingdom of God, which
blessing I ask in the name of Jesus of Nazareth. Amen.
[Sidenote: The Prophet's Blessing on Leonard Rich.]
I would remember Elder Leonard Rich, who was the first one that
proposed to the brethren to assist me in obtaining wood for the use
of my family, for which I pray my heavenly Father to bless him with
all the blessings named above. And I shall ever remember him with much
gratitude, for this testimony of benevolence and respect, and thank
the great I AM for putting into his heart to do me this kindness. And
I say in my heart, I will trust in Thy goodness and mercy forever, O
Lord, for Thy wisdom and benevolence, are unbounded, and beyond the
comprehension of men, and all of Thy ways cannot be found out.
The petitions of the people from all parts of the United States to the
Governor of Missouri to restore the Saints to their possessions, were
arranged and mailed at Kirtland, this day, for Missouri. The petitions
were numerous, and the package large, the postage thereon being five
dollars. It was directed to the governor.
_Friday, 11_.--A fire broke out in a shoemaker's shop, owned by Orson
Johnson, but the flames were soon extinguished by the active exertions
of the brethren. A pleasant morning. Spent the day in reading and
instructing those who called for advice.
[Sidenote: The Prophet Reproves a Young Lady.]
_Saturday, 12_.--Spent the forenoon in reading. About twelve o'clock a
number of young persons called to see the Egyptian records. My scribe
exhibited them. One of the young ladies who had been examining them,
was asked if they had the appearance of antiquity. She observed, with
an air {330} of contempt, that they had not. On hearing this, I was
surprised at the ignorance she displayed, and I observed to her, that
she was an anomaly in creation, for all the wise and learned that had
examined them, without hesitation pronounced them ancient. I further
remarked, that it was downright wickedness, ignorance, bigotry and
superstition had caused her to make the remark; and that I would put
it on record. And I have done so, because it is a fair sample of the
prevailing spirit of the times, showing that the victims of priestcraft
and superstition would not believe though one should rise from the dead.
[Sidenote: Debate at William Smith's.]
In the evening attended a debate at Brother William Smith's, on the
following question--Was it necessary for God to reveal Himself to
mankind in order for their happiness? I was on the affirmative, and the
last to speak on that side of the question; but, while listening with
interest to the ingenuity displayed on both sides, I was called away to
visit Sister Angeline Works, who was supposed to be dangerously sick.
Elder John Corrill and myself went and prayed for her and laid hands
on her in the name of Jesus Christ; and leaving her apparently better,
returned home.
_Sunday, 13_.--At the usual hour, ten a. m., attended meeting at the
school house on the flats. Elder Jesse Hickcock preached a very feeling
discourse.
[Sidenote: Experiences of Elders Whitmer and Williams.]
In the afternoon, Elder Peter Whitmer related his experience; after
which, President Frederick G. Williams related his also. They both
spoke of many things connected with the rise and progress of this
Church, which were interesting. After this, the Sacrament of the Lord's
Supper was administered under the superintendence of President David
Whitmer, after which, I made some remarks respecting prayer meetings,
and our meeting was closed by invoking the blessing of heaven. I
returned home and ordered my horse, and myself and scribe {331} rode to
Mr. E. Jenning's, where I joined Ebenezer Robinson and Angeline Works
in matrimony, according to previous engagements. Miss Works had so far
recovered from her illness as to be able to sit in her easy chair while
I pronounced the marriage ceremony.
[Sidenote: Marriages in Kirtland.]
We then rode to Mr. McWhithy's a distance of about three miles from
town, where I had been solicited to attend another marriage. We found a
large and respectable number of friends present. I had been requested
to make some preliminary remarks on the subject of matrimony, touching
the design of the Almighty in its institution, also the duties of
husbands and wives towards each other. And after opening our interview
with singing and prayer, I delivered a lecture of about forty minutes,
in which all seemed interested, except one or two individuals, who
manifested a spirit of groveling contempt, which I was constrained to
reprove and rebuke sharply. After I had closed my remarks, I sealed the
matrimonial engagement between Mr. E. Webb and Miss E. A. McWhithy, in
the name of God, and pronouncing the blessings of heaven upon their
heads, closed by returning thanks. A sumptuous feast was then spread,
and the company invited to seat themselves at the table by pairs, male
and female, commencing with the eldest. The festival was conducted with
propriety and decorum, and cheerfulness prevailed. After spending the
evening agreeable until nine o'clock, we pronounced a blessing upon the
company and returned home. This day the board kiln took fire again.
_Monday, 14_.--A number of brethren from New York called to visit me
and see the Egyptian records. Also Elder Harris returned from Palmyra,
New York, and Brother Francis Eaton of the same place, and Sister
Harriet Howe called to visit us.
[Sidenote: Precautions Against Incendiaries.]
After dinner, attended the funeral of Sylvester Smith's youngest
child. And in the evening met, according to previous notice, to make
arrangements to guard against {332} fire, and organize a company for
this purpose; also counseled on other affairs of a temporal nature.
Samuel Barnum came to my house, much afflicted with a swollen arm. As
he had not sufficient faith to be healed, my wife applied a poultice
of herbs, and he tarried over night. I spent the day at home reading
Hebrew, and visiting with friends who called to see me.
{333}