about the Book of Mormon, whether we shall proceed to publish
it immediately or not, or whether we shall do according to our
feelings. If I should act according to my feelings, I should hand
the Book of Mormon to this people as quickly as I could. The people
are very different in this country from what the Americans are.
They say it cannot be possible that men should leave their homes
and come so far, unless they were truly the servants of the Lord;
they do not seem to understand argument; simple testimony is enough
for them; they beg and plead for the Book of Mormon, and were it
not for the priests, the people would follow after the servants of
the Lord and inquire what they should do to be saved. The priests
feel just as they did in the days of the Savior. If they let "this
sect alone, all men will believe on them, and the Romans will come
and take away our place and nation."
I wish you would tell me how Cousin Lemuel gets along with his
business, and all the boys on the half-breed track, and the whole
breed. I think a great deal about our friends, families, and
possessions. I look for the time when the Lord will speak so that
the hearts of the rebellious will be pierced. You will remember the
words of the Savior to His disciples; He says, to you is given to
know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them that are
without, all things are in parables.
The brethren here are very anxious to emigrate to that country;
some want to come this fall: where shall they go? Their customs
are different from ours, and it would be more pleasant for them to
settle by themselves. Almost without exception it is the poor that
receive the Gospel. I think there will be some [who will go] over
this fall. My counsel to such as intend to go is, that they go to
the western states, where they {127} can live among the farmers and
wait for orders from the authorities of the Church, and all will be
well.
You must excuse my bad writing. I have only caught at ideas. I want
to know about the brethren's coming over this fall. I think some
of us will come. We shall send our papers to you, and to a number
of the rest of the brethren. I wish you would have the goodness to
give me a pretty general knowledge of the Church, for I feel for
them, and pray for them continually. We need help very much in this
country. One American can do more here than a number of Elders who
are raised up here by the preaching of the Gospel. We have sent for
some to come. I wish you would encourage them to come as quickly as
they can.
If we could go four ways at a time, we could not fill all the calls
we have for preaching. I shall expect such counsel from you about
the Elders coming as you shall think necessary for us and them to
have. I wish to know what the prospect is about the government's
doing anything for us. When we left New York I thought there was
but a poor chance for us.
Concerning calling Seventies and sending them to other countries,
I should like to know whether it would be proper to ordain them
to that office or not while here. Had any of us better come back
this fall? I suppose that some that come over with us will return;
Brothers Clark and Hedlock, and Brother Turley if the latter gets
at liberty. I suppose you have heard that he is in prison. He has
been there ever since my arrival in England, and how long he will
remain the Lord only knows. He was put there through the influence
of a priest, as nigh as I can learn, for some old pretended claim,
but no one can find out what that claim is.
I have just met with Brother Woodruff; he tells me that the Church
in this region of country numbers between three and four hundred;
it is only about three months since Brother Woodruff commenced to
labor here. I have just received a letter from Brother Turley,
which states he expects to leave his place the next day. Brother
Woodruff sends his respects.
I am as ever,
Brigham Young.
[Sidenote: Release of Elder Turley from prison.]
_Saturday, 9_.--Elder Theodore Turley was released from Stafford jail,
where he had been confined since his arrest on the 16th of March last,
at the instigation of John Jones, a Methodist preacher, on the pretense
of a claim arising under a partnership with another man fifteen years
ago, before he left {128} England; but the real object was to stop his
preaching. He was without provisions for several days, but the poor
Saints in the Potteries, on learning his condition, supplied his wants,
some of the sisters actually walking upwards of twenty miles to relieve
him. He preached several times to the debtors, was visited by Elders
Woodruff, Richards, George A. Smith, A. Cordon, and others, and was
dismissed from prison on his persecutors ascertaining their conduct
was about to be exposed. This rather encouraged than disheartened the
Elders, as I had told them on their leaving Nauvoo, to be of good
courage, for some of them would have to look through grates before
their return.
_Thursday, 14_.--The papers of this date report that the island of
Ternate [4] was nearly ruined by earthquakes on the 14th and 15th
February, 1840.
_Letter of the Prophet to Elders Hyde and Page--Palestine Mission
Considered_.
Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, May 14th, 1840.
_To Orson Hyde and John E. Page_:
Dear Brethren:--I am happy in being informed by your letter
that your mission swells "larger and larger." It is a great and
important mission, and one that is worthy those intelligences
who surround the throne of Jehovah to be engaged in. Although it
appears great at present, yet you have but just begun to realize
the greatness, the extent and glory of the same. If there is
anything calculated to interest the mind of the Saints, to awaken
in them the finest sensibilities, and arouse them to enterprise
and exertion, surely it is the great and precious promises made by
our heavenly Father to the children of Abraham; and those engaged
in seeking the outcasts of Israel, and the dispersed of Judah,
cannot fail to enjoy the Spirit of the Lord and have the choicest
blessings of Heaven rest upon them in copious effusions.
Brethren, you are in the pathway to eternal fame, and immortal
glory: and inasmuch as you feel interested for the covenant people
of the Lord, the God of their fathers shall bless you. Do not be
discouraged on {129} account of the greatness of the work; only
be humble and faithful, and then you can say, "What art thou, O
great mountain! before Zerubbabel shalt thou be brought down."
He who scattered Israel has promised to gather them; therefore
inasmuch as you are to be instrumental in this great work, He will
endow you with power, wisdom, might, and intelligence, and every
qualification necessary; while your minds will expand wider and
wider, until you can circumscribe the earth and the heavens, reach
forth into eternity, and contemplate the mighty acts of Jehovah in
all their variety and glory.
In answer to your inquiries respecting the translation and
publication of the Book of Mormon, hymn-book, history of the
Church, &c., &c., I would say that I entirely approve of the
same, and give my consent, with the exception of the hymn book,
as a new edition, containing a greater variety of hymns, will be
shortly published or printed in this place, which I think will be a
standard work. As soon as it is printed, you shall have some sent
to you, which you may get translated, and printed into any language
you please.
Should we not be able to send some to you, and there should be a
great call for hymn books where you may be, then I should have no
objection to your publishing the present one. Were you to publish
the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, or hymn-book, I desire
the copyrights of the same to be secured in my name.
With respect to publishing any other work, either original, or
those which have been published before, you will be governed by
circumstances; if you think necessary to do so, I shall have
no objection whatever. It will be well to study plainness and
simplicity in whatever you publish, "for my soul delighteth in
plainness."
I feel much pleased with the spirit of your letter--and be assured,
dear brethren, of my hearty co-operation, and my prayers for your
welfare and success. In answer to your inquiry in a former letter,
relative to the duty of the Seventies in regulating churches, &c.,
I say that the duties of the Seventies are more particularly to
preach the Gospel, and build up churches, rather than regulate
them, that a High Priest may take charge of them. If a High Priest
should be remiss in his duty, and should lead, or suffer the church
to be led astray, depart from the ordinances of the Lord, then
it is the duty of one of the Seventies, acting under the special
direction of the Twelve, being duly commissioned by them with their
delegated authority, to go to the church, and if agreeable to a
majority of the members of said church, to proceed to regulate and
put in order the same; otherwise, he can have no authority to act.
Joseph Smith, Jun.
{130} _Friday, 15_.
_Letter of Willard Richards to the Editor of the Millennial
Star--Reporting Labors_.
Ledbury, Herefordshire, May 15th, 1840.
_To the Editor of the Millennial Star_:
Beloved Brother:--Two weeks ago this day, I parted with Brothers
Young and Woodruff in this place, taking different locations in
this part of the vineyard, originally opened by Brother Woodruff,
and after visiting various places in Herefordshire, Worcestershire,
and Gloucestershire, preaching daily, talking night and day, and
administering the ordinances of the Gospel as directed by the
Spirit, we have again this day found ourselves together, and Elder
Kington in our midst (he is devoted wholly to the ministry). By
comparing minutes we find there have been in these two weeks about
112 baptized; 200 confirmed; 2 Elders, about 20 Priests, and 1
Teacher ordained; and the Church in these regions now numbers
about 320. The branches are small, the brethren much scattered;
consequently the field is so large that the reapers cannot call to
each other from side to side, neither can they often see each other
without a telescope.
There are many doors open which we cannot fill; calls for preaching
on almost every hand, which we cannot answer. Oh! that the Saints
would pray to the Lord of the harvest to send forth laborers!
I have this day received a letter from my sister in Massachusetts,
giving me the intelligence of the death of my aged father. The
work of the Lord is rolling forth in that part of the land, such
intelligence as this from our native land makes our hearts rejoice,
even in affliction.
Your brother in the everlasting covenant,
Willard Richards.
Footnotes:
1. It was announced in the Prospectus that the _News_ would "take
perfectly neutral ground, in regard to politics, and it is the fixed
determination of the publishers to studiously avoid all party strife,
and political wranglings which are so prevalent at the present time."
The _News_, however, never materialized.
2. President Young was also President of the Twelve by virtue of
seniority of ordination into the quorum. When the quorum of the Twelve
was first organized the members took their place according to age. This
arrangement brought Thomas B. Marsh to the head of the quorum, and made
him President. After this first arrangement, however, the members of
the quorum took their place in it according to seniority of ordination,
not of age. (See Volume II this work, pp. 219, 220, and notes). Brigham
Young was the second man ordained into the quorum, Lyman E. Johnson
being the first. As Lyman E. Johnson was excommunicated from the church
at Far West in 1838, Brigham Young was President of the Twelve by
virtue of his seniority of ordination as well as by the choice of his
brethren. Indeed the choice of the brethren mentioned in the text can
only be regarded as an act recognizing the fact of his presidency by
virtue of his seniority of ordination. It may be of interest to remark
also, that at the time there was but one man in the quorum President
Young's senior by age, namely, John E. Page, born in 1799, and ordained
an Apostle in 1838.
3. Peter Melling was the first patriarch ordained in a foreign land,
that is, a foreign land from America where the latter-day dispensation
of the Gospel was opened. He was the son of Peter Melling, born in
Preston, England, on the 14th day of February, 1787. He was, therefore,
in his 64th year. He was evidently a man of great force of character,
for he proceeded at once with great diligence and ability to fulfill
the duties of his high office, all of which is evidenced by the record
of the Patriarchal blessings given under his hands, and now in the
Historian's office.
4. Ternate is a small island in the Moluccas, west of Jilolo, in the
Dutch East Indies.
{131}
CHAPTER VII.
First Foreign Periodical of the Church, "The Millennial Star"--The
Prophet Seeks Release from Secular Responsibilities.
_Sunday, May 17_.--Elders Young, Woodruff, and Richards held conference
with the Saints at Gadfield Elm Chapel.
[Sidenote: The Beacon Hill Conference.]
_Monday, 18_.--The above Elders met the brethren at Elder Kington's,
where they had a tea party, praying, singing, confirming, ordaining,
and about twenty were baptized; thus they continued their labors from
place to place, until Wednesday 20th, when they found themselves with
one accord on the top of "the Herefordshire Beacon," [1] and within
the old fortification, when after prayer they expressed their feelings
concerning the business of the Church, which were (as they had obtained
money from Brother John Benbow, and other brethren for printing
the hymnbook, and in part sufficient for the Book of Mormon) that
Elder Young repair immediately to Manchester, and join his brethren
previously appointed with him on a committee, for the printing of the
hymn-book, and cause 3,000 copies to be issued without delay. Also
that the same committee cause 3,000 copies of the Book of Mormon to
be printed and completed with as little delay as possible, with an
index affixed to the same, the form of the book to be determined by
the committee. Their views were written and signed by Elder Willard
Richards and Wilford Woodruff, when President Young left direct for
Manchester. He saw George A. Smith, at the Potteries, who approved the
"Beacon Conference."
{132} _Sunday, 24_.--President Young met with the Church, and on
Monday, 25th, visited the printers to inquire their prices, etc.
_A Letter of Heber C. Kimball, et al., Recommending English Saints
to the Bishop of the Church_.
Preston, May 25, 1840.
To the Presidency, High Council and Bishop of the Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints at Commerce. We commend to your notice
the brethren and sisters that have commendatory letters from us of
this date, that you will do all that you consistently can for them,
for I verily believe they have utmost confidence in you, and will
receive with gratitude your advice and instruction, and cheerfully
submit to the rules and regulations of the Church. They have our
blessings, and we trust their subsequent conduct will entitle them
to your blessings also, and the Church generally. We rejoice that
we can say the work of God here is in a prosperous way. Yea, we
rejoice greatly at the aspect of the times, expecting the time to
be not far distant when the standard of truth will be conspicuously
raised throughout this land. We have witnessed the flowing of the
Saints towards Zion; the stream has begun, and we expect to see
it continue running until it shall have drained the salt, or the
light, from Babylon, when we hope to shout hosanna home.
Dear brethren, accept our love, and present it to the Church.
Your brethren in the new and everlasting covenant,
Heber C. Kimball,
Joseph Fielding,
William Clayton.
_Tuesday, 26_.--Elder John Taylor arrived at Manchester, and on the
27th, Elder Kimball arrived. The committee on the hymn-book commenced
and continued selecting hymns until the 30th, when Elders Young,
Kimball and Taylor went to Liverpool, and preached on Sunday the 31st.
[Sidenote: Death of Bishop Partridge.]
_Wednesday, 27_.--Bishop Edward Partridge [2] died at Nauvoo, aged
forty-six years. He lost his life in consequence of the Missouri
persecutions, and he is one of that number whose blood will be required
at their hands. His daughter, Harriet Pamela, died on the 16th of May,
aged nineteen years.
{133} [Sidenote: First Number of the _Millenial Star_.]
The first number of _The Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star_ [3] was
issued at Manchester, in pamphlet form of twenty-four pages. Edited by
Parley P. Pratt. Price sixpence. Office 149 Oldham Road.
_Monday, June 1, 1840_.--The Saints have already erected about two
hundred and fifty-houses at Nauvoo, mostly block houses, a few framed,
and many more are in course of construction.
The Gospel is spreading through the States, Canada, England, Scotland,
and other places, with great rapidity.
{134} Elders Young and Kimball were engaged in blessing the brethren
who were about to sail for America.
_Wednesday, 3._--Elders Young and Taylor visited the printers in
Liverpool and Elder Young preached on the Sunday following.
The First Company of Saints from England.
_Saturday, 6._--Elder John Moon and a company of forty Saints, to
wit., Hugh Moon, his mother and seven others of her family, Henry Moon
(uncle of John Moon), Henry Moon, Francis Moon, William Sutton, William
Sitgraves, Richard Eaves, Thomas Moss, Henry Moore, Nancy Ashworth,
Richard Ainscough, and families, sailed in the ship _Britannia_ from
Liverpool for New York, being the first Saints that have sailed from
England for Zion.
_Monday, 8_.--Elders Young and Taylor visited Cheshire, and on Tuesday,
Manchester, and continued to select hymns.
[Sidenote: Brigham Young's Dreams.]
Elder Young dreamed of his family in health and want, also of the
Church and people, and of a contention between two small companies in
the west, one north, the other south--the north prevailing from time to
time.
_Minutes of the Conference Held at Gadfield Elm Chapel, in
Worcestershire, England, June 14th, 1840_.
The preachers and members of the Bran Green and Gadfield Elm Branch
of the Froomes Hill Circuit, of the United Brethren met at the
Gadfield Elm Chapel, Worcestershire, June 14th, 1840, pursuant to
previous notice, when the meeting was called to order by Elder
Thomas Kington. Elder Willard Richards was chosen president, and
Elder Daniel Browett clerk for the meeting. The meeting was opened
by prayer by Elder Wilford Woodruff. Remarks were then made by the
president respecting the business of the day, and the necessary
changes which must take place.
It was then moved by Elder Thomas Kington, seconded by Elder Daniel
Browett that this meeting be hereafter known by the name of the
"Bran Green and Gadfield Elm Conference of the Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints," organized and established by the will
and commandment of God in the United States of America, on the 6th
day of April, {135} A. D. 1830, this being the eighth day of the
third month of the eleventh year of the rise of the Church. Carried
unanimously.
[This motion was permitted to accommodate the feelings of the
conference, who had all recently been baptized, but there is no
such principle in existence, as to transform a church or conference
of the world into a church or conference of Christ's fold by vote.]
[4]
Moved by Elder Wilford Woodruff, seconded by Elder T. Kington,
that William Jenkins be ordained an Elder; and William Coleman,
Joseph Firkins, William Pitt and Robert Harris be ordained to the
office of Priest; and that George Burton, James Palmer, and William
Loveridge, be ordained Teachers; carried unanimously. Ordained
under the hands of Elders Richards and Woodruff.
Moved by Elder Kington, seconded by Elder Woodruff, that Robert
Clift, Priest, have the care of the church at Dymock; James
Palmer, Priest, have the care of the church at Kilcott; John Hill,
Priest, have the care of the church at Twigworth; William Coleman,
Priest, have the care of the church at Bran Green; Thomas Brooks,
Priest, have the care of the church at Ryton; John Smith, Priest,
have the care of the church at Lime Street; Charles Hayes, Priest
have the care of the church at Deerhurst; Thomas Smith, Priest,
Assistant, have the care of the church at Deerhurst; John Vernon,
Priest, have the care of the church at Apperley; William Bayliss,
Priest, Assistant, have the care of the church at Apperley; John
Arlick, Priest, have the care of the church at Norton; John Spires,
Priest, have the care of the church at Leigh; John Davis, Priest,
assistant, have the care of the church at Leigh; Thomas Oakley,
Priest, have the care of the church at Gadfield Elm.
And that Elder Daniel Browett take charge of the churches on the
south, and Elder William Jenkins on the north side, of the river
Severn. Carried unanimously.
Moved by Elder Woodruff, and seconded by Elder Richards, that Elder
Thomas Kington be the Presiding Elder over the Conference; carried.
Meeting adjourned until two o'clock.
Conference met at two o'clock according to adjournment, and
administered the sacrament to a large congregation of Saints,
accompanied by many observations on many subjects by the President.
Ten members were confirmed under the hands of Elders Woodruff
and Kington. Remarks were made by the President respecting the
"blessing of children." Seven children were then blessed under the
hands of Elders Woodruff and Kington.
{136} Moved by Elder Kington, seconded by Elder Woodruff, that
Elder Daniel Browett represent this Conference to the general
conference, at Manchester, on the 6th day of July next; carried.
Moved and carried that the Clerk present to the Presiding Elder, T.
Kington, also to the general conference, for safe keeping, a copy
of the minutes of this conference.
The above minutes were then read and adopted, article by article,
when it was moved by the President, and seconded by Elder Woodruff,
that this conference be adjourned to the 13th day of September next
at this place; carried unanimously.
Conference closed by prayer; after which the Elders and officers
present met in council, and voted unanimously to establish a weekly
council of the officers of said conference to be held alternately
on the south and north sides of the river Severn, to commence at
Leigh on the 25th inst.; and organized the same by appointing Elder
Daniel Browett, president and John Hill, Priest, clerk, on the
south side of the river; and also on the north side, by appointing
Elder William Jenkins, president and John Smith, Priest, clerk; to
assemble on the 3rd of July next, at Turkey Hall.
After passing many other votes of minor importance, accompanied by
much instruction from Elders Richards and Woodruff, touching the
duties of the several officers in their relations to each other,
and the Church, the council adjourned. And it is worthy of remark,
that no dissenting vote or voice was seen or heard during the day,
either in conference or council.
Willard Richards, President.
Daniel Browett, Clerk.
_Memorial of Joseph Smith, Jun., to the High Council of the Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, June 18th, 1840_.
The Memorial of Joseph Smith, Jun., respectfully represents--That
after the members of the Church of Jesus Christ had been inhumanly
as well as unconstitutionally expelled from their homes which they
had secured to themselves in the state of Missouri, and although
very much scattered and at considerable distance from each other,
they found a resting place in the state of Illinois:--That after
the escape of your Memorialist from his enemies, he (under the
direction of the authorities of the Church) took such steps as
has secured to the Church the present locations, viz., the town
plot of Nauvoo and lands in the Iowa territory:--That in order to
secure said locations, your Memorialist had to become responsible
for the payment of the same, and had to use considerable exertion
in order to commence a settlement, and a place of gathering for
the Saints; and knowing from the genius of the {137} constitution
of the Church, and for the well-being of the Saints, that it was
necessary that the constituted authorities of the Church might
assemble together to act or to legislate for the good of the whole
society and that the Saints might enjoy those privileges which
they could not enjoy by being scattered so widely apart--your
Memorialist was induced to exert himself to the utmost in order to
bring about objects so necessary and so desirable to the Saints at
large:--Under the then existing circumstances, your Memorialist had
necessarily to engage in the temporalities of the Church, which he
has had to attend to until the present time:--That your Memorialist
feels it a duty which he owes to God, as well as to the Church, to
give his attention more particularly to those things connected with
the spiritual welfare of the Saints, (which have now become a great
people,) so that they may be built up in their most holy faith, and
go on to perfection:--That the Church have erected an office where
he can attend to the affairs of the Church without distraction,
he thinks, and verily believes, that the time has now come, when
he should devote himself exclusively to those things which relate
to the spiritualities of the Church, and commence the work of
translating the Egyptian records, the Bible, and wait upon the
Lord for such revelations as may be suited to the conditions and
circumstances of the Church. And in order that he may be enabled to
attend to those things, he prays your honorable body will relieve
him from the anxiety and trouble necessarily attendant on business
transactions, by appointing some one to take charge of the city
plot, and attend to the business transactions which have heretofore
rested upon your Memorialist: That should your Honors deem it
proper to do so, your Memorialist would respectfully suggest that
he would have no means of support whatever, and therefore would
request that some one might be appointed to see that all his
necessary wants may be provided for, as well as sufficient means or
appropriations for a clerk or clerks, which he may require to aid
him in his important work.
Your Memorialist would further represent, that as Elder H. G.
Sherwood is conversant with the affairs of the city plot, he would
be a suitable person to act as clerk in that business, and attend
to the disposing of the remaining lots, &c.
Your Memorialist would take this opportunity of congratulating your
honorable body on the peace and harmony which exist in the Church,
and for the good feelings which seem to be manifested by all the
Saints, and hopes that inasmuch as we devote ourselves for the good
of the Church, and the spread of the kingdom, that the choicest
blessings of heaven will be poured upon us, and that the glory of
the Lord will overshadow the inheritances of the Saints.
Joseph Smith, Jun.
{138} _Proceedings of the High Council on the Foregoing Memorial,
June 20th, 1840_.
The Council relieved President Joseph Smith, Jun., according to
his request in the memorial, and appointed H. G. Sherwood to take
charge of the city plot and to act as clerk in that business, and
also to attend to the disposing of the remaining lots, and the
business transactions which have rested upon him [Joseph Smith].
Alanson Ripley was appointed steward to see that all the necessary
wants of the First Presidency be supplied, as well as to provide
sufficient means or appropriations for a clerk or clerks to aid
President Joseph Smith, Jun., in his important work.
Hosea Stout, Clerk.
_Minutes of the Conference held at Stanley Hill, Castle Froome,
Herefordshire, England, June 21st, 1840_.
The preachers and members of the Froome's Hill Circuit of the
United Brethren met at the house of Elder John Cheese, on Stanley
Hill, Herefordshire, England, June 21, A. D. 1840, at ten a. m.,
according to previous notice; the meeting was called to order by
Elder Thomas Kington; Elder Wilford Woodruff was chosen president,
and Elder John Benbow, clerk of the meeting.
After prayer by Elder Richards, and remarks by the president
concerning the business of the day, it was moved by Elder Thomas
Kington, and seconded by Elder John Benbow, that [the several
districts represented at] this meeting be hereafter known by the
name of the "Froome's Hill Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter-day Saints," organized and established by the will and
commandment of God, in the United States of America, on the 6th day
of April, 1830, this being the 15th day of the third month of the
eleventh year of the rise of the Church. Carried unanimously.
Moved by Elder Richards, seconded by Elder Kington, that Thomas
Clark, Charles Price, James Hill, and Samuel Jones be ordained
Elders; also that John James, Joseph Skinn, Henry Jones, James
Baldwin, John Morgan, Samuel Badham, and John Dyer, be ordained
Priests; also that Robert Hill, George Brooks, James Skinn, and
James Watkins be ordained Teachers; carried unanimously; and they
were ordained under the hands of Elders Woodruff and Richards.
Moved by Elder Kington, and seconded by Elders Woodruff and
Richards, that John James, Priest, have the care of the church at
Froome's Hill; John Parry, Priest, have the care of the church at
Stanley Hill; James Burns, Priest, have the care of the church
at Ridgway Cross; William Possons, Priest, have the care of the
church at Moor-end Cross; Jonathan Lucy, Priest, have the care of
the church at Caldwell; Thomas Jones, Priest, have the care of the
church at Pale House; John Preece, {139} Priest, have the care of
the church at Ledbury; Samuel Warren, Priest, have the care of the
church at Keysend Street; James Baldwin, Priest, have the care of
the church at Wind Point; George Allen, Priest, have the care of
the church at Woferwood Common.
Rough Leasow, Birchwood, Tunbridge, and Dunsclose will all be
united in one branch, called Dunsclose.
Samuel Badham, Priest, to have the care of the church at Dunsclose;
Edward Phillips, Priest, to have care of the church at Ashfield
and Crowcut; John Meeks, Priest, to have care of the church at
Old Starridge; John Galley, Priest, to have care of the church at
Hope Rough; Benj. Williams, Priest, to have care of the church at
Shucknell Hill; John Powell, Priest, to have care of the church
at Lugwardine; John Dyer, Priest, to have care of the church at
Marden; William Evans, Priest, to have care of the church at Stokes
Lane; John Fidoe, Priest, to have care of the church at Bishop
Froome. Carried unanimously.
Moved by Elder Richards, and seconded by Elder Kington, that
Elder Thomas Clark have charge of the churches at Dunsclose, Old
Starridge, Ashfield, and Crowcut; that Elder Samuel Jones have
charge of the churches at Keys-end Street, Wind Point, Colwell,
Pale House, and Malvern Hill; that Elder Philip Green have charge
of the churches at Shucknall Hill, Lugwardine, and Marden; that
Elder John Cheese have charge of the churches at Stokes Lane,
Woferwood Common, and Bishop Froome; that Elder Charles Price have
charge of the churches at Ledbury, Moor-end Cross, and Ridgway
Cross; that Elder James Hill have charge of the churches at Hope
Rough and Stanley Hill; that Elder John Benbow have charge of the
church at Froome's Hill. Carried unanimously.
Moved by the president, seconded by Elder Richards, that Elder
Thomas Kington be the Presiding Elder over this conference.
After remarks by the president, the meeting adjourned till 2
o'clock p. m. During the recess ten persons were baptized.
Assembled at 2 o'clock according to adjournment, and administered
the sacrament to several hundred Saints; after which twenty were
confirmed, and twenty children blessed under the hands of Elders
Woodruff and Richards, accompanied with instructions by the
president, explanatory of the ordinance.
Moved by Elder Richards, seconded by the president, that Elder
Thomas Kington represent this Conference to the general conference
at Manchester on the 6th of July; carried. Moved and carried that
the clerk of the conference present to the Presiding Elder, T.
Lington, a copy of the minutes of this conference for safe keeping;
also a copy to present to the general conference at Manchester.
The minutes were then read and accepted. The president, followed
by Elder Richards, then {140} proceeded to give such instruction
to the Saints concerning the order of the Church, and the several
duties of the members, as the Spirit directed; and bore testimony
to the multitude of the truth of the work; followed by Elder
Kington; when it was moved by Elder Richards, seconded by the
president, that this conference adjourn to the 21st September next,
10 o'clock a. m., at this place; carried.
After prayer and singing, the assembly dispersed, the Elders and
officers went into council, when it was moved by Elder Richards,
and seconded by Elder Kington, that we proceed to establish
and organize monthly councils of the officers of the Froome's
Hill Conference, to commence on Friday, the 3rd of July next,
at half-past seven o'clock p. m., in the several divisions,
respectively assigned to the different Elders, viz.--
Elder Thomas Clark, president, and James Meeks, clerk, Dunsclose;
Elder Charles Price, president, Thomas Jenkins, clerk, Moor-end
Cross; Samuel Jones, president, William Williams, clerk, Wind
Point; James Hill, president, Joseph Pullen, clerk, Stanley Hill;
Philip Green, president, Francis Burnett, clerk, Lugwardine; John
Benbow, president, John Morgan, clerk, Froome's Hill; John Cheese,
president, George Allen, clerk, Stoke's Lane. Carried.
Moved by Elder Richards, and seconded by Elder Kington, that a
monthly general council of the officers of this conference be held
at Stanley Hill, to commence on Friday, the 17th of July next, at
half-past seven o'clock, p. m. Elder Thomas Kington, president, and
Elder John Benbow, clerk. Carried unanimously.
The president then proceeded to explain the nature of the
Priesthood, and the duties and privileges of the several officers,
and gave such instruction as their situation required, followed by
Elder Richards, who explained many important principles connected
with the building up of the Kingdom.
The minutes of the council were then read and accepted when the
council adjourned; and after singing "The Spirit of God," &c., the
brethren separated, with feelings of gratitude and thanksgiving,
that God had been with His people, and that the spirit of union and
love had prevailed in all the deliberations of the day.
Wilford Woodruff, President.
John Benbow, Clerk.
Remarks--The different branches in this region are so scattered,
that it has not been possible to ascertain the number of members
connected with each individual church; but connected with the Bran
Green and Gadfield Elm, and the Froome's Hill conferences, together
with a small branch of Little Garway of twelve members, one Priest,
and one Teacher, are thirty-three churches, five hundred and {141}
thirty-four members, seventy-five officers, viz., ten Elders,
fifty-two priests, and thirteen teachers. And for the comforting of
the Saints, and with heart-felt gratitude to our heavenly Father,
we would say that it is less than four months since the fulness of
the Gospel was first preached in this region; which is a proof that
God is beginning to make a short work in these last days.
Wilford Woodruff.
[Sidenote: Carpenter's Hall.]
_June 21_.--The Saints hired the Carpenters' Hall in Manchester, which
is large enough to accommodate ten or fifteen hundred hearers, for five
hundred dollars a year, payable by contribution, and Elders Young and
Pratt preached therein this day for the first time.
_Monday, 22_.--Elder Young went to Liverpool to see about printing the
Book of Mormon, and returned to Manchester on the 26th; and on Sunday,
28th, preached in Carpenters' Hall.
_June 27_.--High Council met at my office.
_Minutes of the High Council_.
Alanson Ripley states to the council that he was authorized to
inform them that President Joseph Smith, Jun., had vetoed [5] the
proceedings of the Council of the 20th June, in relation to his
Memorial. Laid over for hearing until Friday next.
Hosea Stout, Clerk.
_Letter of William W. Phelps--Confessing Errors committed in
Missouri_.
Dayton, Ohio, June 29, 1840.
Brother Joseph--I am alive, and with the help of God I mean to live
still. I am as the prodigal son, though I never doubt or disbelieve
the fulness of the Gospel. I have been greatly abused and humbled,
and I blessed the God of Israel when I lately read your prophetic
blessing on my head, as follows:
"The Lord will chasten him because he taketh honor to himself, and
when his soul is greatly humbled he will forsake the evil. Then
shall {142} the light of the Lord break upon him as at noonday and
in him shall be no darkness," &c.
I have seen the folly of my way, and I tremble at the gulf I have
passed. So it is, and why I know not. I prayed and God answered,
but what could I do? Says I, "I will repent and live, and ask my
old brethren to forgive me, and though they chasten me to death,
yet I will die with them, for their God is my God. The least place
with them is enough for me, yea, it is bigger and better than all
Babylon." Then I dreamed that I was in a large house with many
mansions, with you and Hyrum and Sidney, and when it was said,
"Supper must be made ready," by one of the cooks, I saw no meat,
but you said there was pleanty, and you showed me much, and as good
as I ever saw; and while cutting to cook, your heart and mine beat
within us, and we took each other's hand and cried for joy, and I
awoke and took courage.
I know my situation, you know it, and God knows it, and I want to
be saved if my friends will help me. Like the captain that was cast
away on a desert island; when he got off he went to sea again, and
made his fortune the next time, so let my lot be. I have done wrong
and I am sorry. The beam is in my own eye. I have not walked along
with my friends according to my holy anointing. I ask forgiveness
in the name of Jesus Christ of all the Saints, for I will do
right, God helping me. I want your fellowship; if you cannot grant
that, grant me your peace and friendship, for we are brethren, and
our communion used to be sweet, and whenever the Lord brings us
together again, I will make ail the satisfaction on every point
that Saints or God can require. Amen. [6]
W. W. Phelps.
_Letter of Elders Orson Hyde and John E. Page to Presidents Joseph
Smith, Hyrum Smith, Sidney Rigdon, Pleading for William W. Phelps_.
Dear Brother:--We have been in this place a few days, and have
preached faithfully, a very great prospect of some able and
influential men embracing the faith in this place. We have moved
along slowly, but have left a sealing testimony. Baptized a
considerable number. We shall write again more particularly as soon
as we learn the result of our labors here. We are well and in good
spirits through the favor of the Lord.
Brother Phelps requests us to write a few lines in his letter, and
we cheerfully embrace the opportunity. Brother Phelps says he wants
to {143} live, but we do not feel ourselves authorized to act upon
his case, but have recommended him to you; but he says his poverty
will not allow him to visit you in person, at this time, and we
think he tells the truth. We therefore advise him to write, which
he has done.
He tells us verbally that he is willing to make any sacrifice to
procure your fellowship, life not excepted, yet reposing that
confidence in your magnanimity that you will take no advantage of
this open and frank confession. If he can obtain your fellowship he
wants to come to Commerce as soon as he can. But if he cannot be
received into the fellowship of the Church, he must do the best he
can in banishment and exile.
Brethren, with you are the keys of the Kingdom; to you is power
given to "exert your clemency, or display your vengeance." By
the former you will save a soul from death, and hide a multitude
of sins; by the latter, you will forever discourage a returning
prodigal cause sorrow without benefit, pain without pleasure, [and
the] ending [of Brother Phelps] in wretchedness and despair. But
former experience teaches [us] that you are workmen in the art of
saving souls; therefore with greater confidence do we recommend
to your clemency and favorable consideration, the author [of the
foregoing] and subject of this communication. "Whosoever will, let
him take of the waters of life freely." Brother Phelps says he
will, and so far as we are concerned we say he may.
In the bonds of the covenant,
Orson Hyde,
John E. Page.
The Committee of the Twelve in England finished the collection of hymns
and prepared the index for the press; and on the 30th Elders Kimball
and Richards arrived at Manchester.
_Wednesday, July 1, 1840_.--Elders Wilford Woodruff and George A. Smith
arrived at Manchester from the Potteries.
_July 2_.
_Minutes of a meeting of the Crooked Creek Branch of the Church_.
At a meeting of the Saints of Crooked Creek Branch, on the 2nd of
July, 1840, to take into consideration the propriety of having a
Stake of Zion appointed or located somewhere in the bounds of this
branch, Brother John Hicks was called to the chair. Meeting was
opened by prayer, after which several remarks were made, and the
following resolutions were passed:
{144} _Resolved_: That it be our wishes that a Stake of Zion be
appointed or located within the bounds of this Branch, provided it
should meet the minds of the First Presidency of this Church.
_Resolved_: That a committee of three be appointed to ascertain the
mind of the First Presidency and report to the Branch.
_Resolved_: That Joseph Holebrook, Nathaniel Frampton, and John
Hicks compose said committee.
It was ascertained that there were about 2,525 acres of land owned
by the brethren, and wherever the Stake should be appointed the
lands should be donated or purchased for a very small compensation,
and that there are one hundred and twelve members belonging to this
Branch.
_Resolved_: That we meet on Thursday next, at one o'clock, p. m.,
to receive the report of the committee,
_Resolved_: That the proceedings of this meeting be signed by the
president and clerk.
John A. Hicks, President.
William Whiteman, Clerk.
_Friday, 3_.--High Council met at my office.
_Minutes of High Council at Nauvoo_.
The subject of the Memorial of President Joseph Smith, Jun., was
brought up for a rehearing, according to the decision of the last
Council (June 27) when the following resolutions were entered into:
1st. _Resolved_: That we feel perfectly satisfied with the course
taken by Joseph Smith, Jun., and feel a disposition, as far as
it is in our power, to assist him, so as to relieve him from
the temporalities of the Church, in order that he may devote
his time more particularly to the spiritualities of the same,
believing by so doing we shall promote the good of the whole
Church. But as he (Joseph Smith, Jun.) is held responsible for
the payment of the city plot, and knowing no way to relieve him
from the responsibility at present, we would request of him to
act as treasurer for the city plot and to whom [i. e., President
Smith] those persons whom we may appoint to make sales of lots
and attend to the business affairs of the Church may at all times
be responsible, and make true and correct returns of all their
proceedings, as well as to account for all monies, properties,
etc., which may come into their hands. Therefore
_Resolved_: That Elder Henry G. Sherwood act as Clerk for the same.
That Bishop Alanson Ripley be appointed to provide for the wants of
the Presidency, and make such appropriations to them, and to their
clerk or clerks, which they may require.
_Resolved_: That the funds of the city plot shall not be taken
to provide for the Presidency or clerks, but that the Bishops be
instructed to {145} raise funds from other sources to meet calls
made on them; and monies received for lots shall be deposited in
the hands of the Treasurer to liquidate the debts of the city plot.
The resolutions of the Crooked Creek Branch of the 2nd inst., were
taken into consideration by President Joseph Smith, Jun., and it
was thought proper to establish a Stake on Crooked Creek, agreeably
to the request of said Branch, and a letter was written to the
brethren to that effect.
Robert B. Thompson, Scribe.
[Sidenote: Reflections of the Prophet on the Action of Congress.]
Since Congress has decided against us, the Lord has begun to vex this
nation, and He will continue to do so except they repent; for they
now stand guilty of murder, robbery and plunder, as a nation, because
they have refused to protect their citizens, and to execute justice
according to their own Constitution. A hailstorm has visited South
Carolina; some of the stones are said to have measured nine inches in
circumference, which swept the crops, killing some cattle. Insects are
devouring crops on the high lands, where the floods of the country have
not reached, and great commercial distress prevails everywhere.
Footnotes:
1. One of the noted heights of the Black Mountains, running through the
west part of Herefordshire.
2. See Biographical Note, Vol. I, pp. 128-9.
3. The _Millennial Star_ was the first foreign publication of the
Church. It was issued as a monthly, but afterwards more frequently,
semi-monthly, and finally, and now for many years, a weekly. Its
publication has been continuous from the time it was started until
the present--1907. Also the _Star_ has retained the general character
imparted to it by its first publishers. "The _Millennial Star_,"
said its Prospectus, "will stand aloof from the common political
and commercial news of the day. Its columns will be devoted to the
spread of the fulness of the Gospel--the restoration of the ancient
principles of Christianity--the gathering of Israel--the rolling forth
of the kingdom of God among the nations--the signs of the times--the
fulfillment of prophecy--recording the judgments of God as they befall
the nations whether signs in the heavens or in the earth, blood fire
or vapor of smoke--in short, whatever is shown forth indicative of the
coming of the 'Son of Man' and ushering in of his universal reign upon
the earth. It will also contain letters from our numerous Elders who
are abroad, preaching the word both in America and Europe containing
news of their success in ministering the blessings of the glorious
Gospel."
As an explanation of its title and mission, the editor in its first
number also said:
"The word _Millennium_ signifies a thousand years, and in this sense
of the word, may be applied to any [period of a] thousand years,
whether under the reign of wickedness or righteousness. But the term
_the Millennium_, is generally understood to apply to the particular
thousand years which is mentioned in the Scriptures as the reign of
peace--the great sabbath of creation, of which all the other sabbaths
or jubilees seem to be but types. It is written that a 'thousand years
is as one day, and one day as a thousand years with the Lord.' This
being the case, then seven thousand years are seven days with the Lord,
and the seventh, or last thousand years would, of course, be a sabbath
or jubilee; a rest, a grand release from servitude and woe. * * * The
curse will be taken from off the earth, and it will cease to bring
forth thorns and thistles, and become fertile as it were a paradise,
while sickness, premature death, and all their attendant train of pains
and sorrows will scarce be known upon its face; thus peace, and joy,
and truth, and love, and knowledge, and plenty, and glory, will cover
the face of the earth as the waters do the sea. The tabernacle of God
and his sanctuary will be with man, in the midst of the holy cities;
and joy and gladness will all the measure of their cup. Such then, is
the _Great Millennium_ of which our little '_Star_' would fain announce
the dawn."
4. The matter in brackets occurs in the Ms. History as also in the
History as published in the _Millennial Star_, but it is evidently the
comment of the Church Historians.
5. By reference to the minutes of the High Council which took into
consideration the Prophet's "Memorial" it is evident that they failed
to grasp the importance of the subjects presented to them, and made
such disposition of them as was neither in keeping with the dignity of
the Prophet or the weight of the matters on which they acted--hence the
"veto," or dissatisfaction with the council's action--See p. 144 for
the conclusion of the matter.
6. For William W. Phelps' troubles in the church, which brought him to
this great sorrow and repentance, see Vol. III, pp. 3, 7, 56, 358, 359,
360 and notes.
{146}
CHAPTER VIII.
Important Conference of the Church in England--Kidnapping of Brown and
Boyce by Missourians--Action of the Citizens of Nauvoo.
_Monday, July 6, 1840_.
_Conference of the Church in England_.
A General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints was held in the Carpenter's Hall, Manchester, on the 6th
day of July, 1840, it being the 1st day of the 4th month of the
eleventh year of the Church, when the following officers of the
traveling High Council were present, viz.: Elders Brigham Young,
Parley P. Pratt, Wilford Woodruff, John Taylor, Willard Richards,
Heber C. Kimball, and George A. Smith; other officers, viz.: High
Priests 5, Elders 19, Priests 15, Teachers 11, and Deacons 3.
The meeting being called to order, a little after ten o'clock,
by Elder William Clayton, it was moved by Elder Brigham Young,
seconded by Elder Wilford Woodruff, that Elder Parley P. Pratt
be chosen President of the conference, [1] which was carried
unanimously. Elder William {147} Clayton was chosen clerk. The
meeting was opened by singing, and prayer by the President.
Elder Brigham Young then proceeded to prefer charges against
Elder T. Green, viz., first, for giving way to a false spirit;
second, for abusing a young female, by accusing her, in a public
meeting, of things which he could not prove; and third, for abuse
to the house and congregation at Duckinfield, June 28th, 1840. The
president then proceeded to ask Elder Green whether he was guilty
of these charges, or not. He immediately pleaded guilty. After
Elder Young had made extended remarks to the meeting, touching the
conduct of Elder Green, he proposed that Elder Green go to those
characters where he had abused and insulted, and make confession to
them as far as the offense extended, and then to be suspended from
office for a season. The President then made remarks to the same
effect, and put it to the vote of the meeting, viz., that Elder
Green shall make confession, as stated above, and be suspended from
office for a season. Carried.
The President then asked Elder Green if he was willing to make
confession, he immediately agreed to do it the first opportunity.
The meeting adjourned a little after twelve o'clock.
At two o'clock business commenced by singing and prayer, when the
President called upon the officers to represent the different
branches of the Church, which was done in the following order,
viz.--
{148}
Branches Represented, &c. Members. Elders. Priests. Teachers. Deacons.
The Branch at Manchester Represented by Elder William Clayton 28 3 5 5 1
The Branch at Preston represented by Elder Joseph Fielding 354 6 8 4 2
Elders Kington and Browett presented the minutes of the conference
held in Herefordshire, which were read by Elder Wilford Woodruff,
representing 33 branches of the Church 534 10 52 13
Elder Alfred Cordon read the minutes of the conference held at
Hanley, Staffordshire, representing 7 branches of the Church 168 4 13 6 2
The branch at Liverpool, represented by Elder John Taylor 78 1 3 2
Elder Joseph Fielding read the minutes of the Thornley, represented
represented by Elder William Kay 30 3 2 1 1
The Branch at Ribchester, represented by Elder Francis Clark 22 2 1
The Branch at Waddington, represented by John Ellison 58 2 2 1
The Branch at Clitheroe, represented by Brother Lofthouse 35 1 3 1
The Branch at Chatburn, represented by Elder John Bond 91 2 2 2
The Branch at Downham, represented by John Spencer 25 1
The Branch at Grindleton, represented by Elder Joseph Fielding 5 1
The Branch at Whitmore, represented by J. Spencer 3
The Branch at Burnley, represented by Elder H. C. Kimball 27 1 1 1
The Branch at Blackburn, represented by Elder H. C. Kimball 17 1
Elder Reuben Hedlock read the minutes of the conference held at
Paisley, Scotland, representing 5 branches of the Church 106 6 5 3 2
The Branch at Alston, represented by Elder John Sanders 36 2 2 2
The Branch at Brampton, represented by Elder John Sanders 36 1 1
The Branch at Longton, represented by Elder Bradshaw 54 2 4 2
The Branch at Penworthan, represented by Elder P. Melling 77 4 1 1 1
The Branch at Whittle, represented by Elder Richard Withnall 16 1 4
The Branch at Southport, represented by R. McBride 19 1 2
The Branch at Daubers Lane & Eccleston, Represented by Elder
Richard Withnall 42 1 3
The Branch at Hunter's Hill, represented by Richard Benson 26 1 1 1
The Branch at Bolton, represented by Elder David Wilding 61 1 2 2
The Branch at Bury and Elton, represented by Elder David Wilding 12
The Branch at Ratcliff, represented by Elder Amos Fielding 11
The Branch at Benford, &c. represented by Elder Willard Richards 40 1 1
The Branch at Stockport, represented by Elder M. Littlewood 85 2 1 2 1
The Branch at Duckinfield, represented by Elder Henry Royle 41 1 1
The Branch at Macclesfield, represented by Samuel Heath 14 2
The Branch at Middlewich, represented by Samuel Heath 20 1 1 1
The Brach at Plover, represented by Samuel Heath 24 1 1 1
The Branch at Northwich, represented by William Berry 14 1
The Branch at Altrincham, represented by William Berry 4 1
The Branch at Whitfield, represented by Walker Johnson 14 1
The Branch at Pendlebury, represented by Elder William Clayton 13 1 1
The Branch at Eccles, represented by Elder William Clayton 5
The Branch at West Bromwich, represented by Elder Theodore Turley 16 1 1
After the officers had got through the representations, the
President introduced the new hymn-book; and after suitable remarks
had been made by him and Elders Young and Thomas Kington, the
President asked the conference if they were satisfied with the
labors of those who had made the selection, and if they received
the book. The unanimous approbation of the meeting was immediately
manifested.
By unanimous vote, Thomas Kington, Alfred Cordon, and Thomas Smith
were ordained High Priests; John Albison, John Blezzard, William
Berry, John Sanders, John Parkinson, James Worsley, and John Allen
were ordained Elders; and Joseph Slinger, George Walker, John
Smith, Robert Williams, William Black, John Melling, and John
Swindlehurst were ordained Priests.
Elder Brigham Young then called upon those officers, whose
circumstances would permit them to devote themselves entirely to
the work of the ministry, and would volunteer so to do, to stand
up--when the following names were taken, viz., of the traveling
High Council, Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, John Taylor, Wilford
Woodruff, Willard Richards, and George A. Smith; other officers,
namely, William Clayton, Reuben Hedlock, Hiram Clark, Theodore
Turley, Joseph Fielding, Thomas Richardson, Amos Fielding, John
Parkinson, John Wych, John Needham, Henry Royle, John Blezzard, D.
Wilding, Charles Price, Joseph Knowles, Wm. Kay, Samuel Heath, Wm.
Parr, R. McBride, and James Morgan.
{149} Moved by Elder Richards, seconded by Elder Kimball, that
Elder Peter Melling be appointed to preside over the following
branches of the Church, namely--Preston, Longton, Penwortham, North
Meols, and Southport; carried.
Moved by Elder Kimball, seconded by Elder Young, that Elder Richard
Withnall be appointed to preside over the branches of the Church
at Whittle, Daubers Lane, Chorley, Hunter's Hill, and Euxtonburgh;
carried.
Moved by Elder Kimball, seconded by Elder Young, that Elder Thomas
Smith be appointed to preside over the branches of the Church at
Clitheroe, Chatburn, Downham, Chaighley, Grindleton, Whitmore,
Burnley, Blackburn, Ribchester, and Thornley: carried.
Moved and seconded, that President Fielding and his counselors
be set at liberty from the charge which they have sustained as a
presidency, that they may have the privilege of more fully entering
into the field of labor; and that their labors be accepted; carried.
Elders Young and Richards then proceeded to ordain those who had
been nominated to their respective offices, after which the minutes
were read and accepted.
The conference adjourned to the sixth of October next, to be held
in the Carpenter's Hall, Manchester, at 10 o'clock, a. m.
_Tuesday, 7_.
_A council of Church Officers, held at Manchester, England_.
Pursuant to previous notice, a general council of the Church
officers was held in the council room at the _Star_ office,
Manchester, on the 7th day of July, 1840. The meeting being opened
by prayer by Elder Kimball, Elder Young began to speak concerning
those officers who had volunteered to devote themselves wholly to
the ministry; when it was moved and seconded that Brothers William
Kay and Thomas Richardson go to Herefordshire, to labor in that
region with Elder Kington; carried.
Moved by Elder Kimball, seconded by Elder Young, that Brothers
Hiram Clark and Joseph Knowles go with Elder Hedlock to Scotland:
carried.
Moved by Elder Kimball, seconded by Elder Young, that Brother
Joseph Fielding go to Bedford: carried.
Moved by Elder Richards, seconded by Elder Kimball, that Brothers
Amos Fielding and John Wych go to Newcastle-upon-Tyne: carried.
Moved by Elder Kimball, seconded by Elder Woodruff, that Brother
David Wilding go to Garway, Herefordshire: carried.
Moved by Elder Young, seconded by Elder Woodruff, that Brothers
William Clayton and John Needham go to Birmingham: carried.
{150} Moved by Elder Richards, seconded by Elder Young, that
Brother Henry Royle go to Sheffield: carried.
Moved by Elder Clayton, seconded by Elder Young, that Brother John
Albiston take charge of the following Branches of the Church,
namely--Duckinfield, Hyde, Woolley Hill, Ashton, and Staley Bridge:
carried.
Moved by Elder Pratt, seconded by Elder Woodruff, that Brother
William Parr go to Sandbach and Congleton: carried.
Moved by Elder Richards, seconded by Elder Pratt, that Brother
Heath continue his labors in Macclesfield: carried.
Moved by Elder Richards, seconded by Elder Woodruff, that Brother
John Blezzard go to Cornshaw: carried.
Moved by Elder Kimball, seconded by Elder Richards, that Brother
Robert McBride go to Lancaster: carried.
Moved by Elder Richards, seconded by Elder Woodruff, that Brother
James Morgan abide in his own neighborhood to labor with Elder
David Wilding: carried.
Moved by Elder Pratt, seconded by Elder Woodruff, that Brother
Price give up his business, and labor under the advice of Elder
Kington as the way opens: carried.
Moved by Elder Richards, seconded by Elder Kimball, that Brother
William Black go to Lisburn, Ireland, as the way opens: carried.
Moved by Elder Richards, seconded by Elder Smith, that Brother John
Parkinson have a roving commission, so long as he keeps busy, and
doing good: carried.
After Elder Young had addressed the meeting upon several important
items, the meeting dismissed by blessing from Elder Young.
Parley P. Pratt, President.
William Clayton, Clerk.
At this time Elders Orson Hyde and John E. Page were laboring in Ohio.
_Thursday, 9_.
_Extract from Elder Woodruff's Letter to the Editor of the
_Millennial Star_--Detailing Incidents of his Ministry_.
I arrived at Froome's Hill, Castle Froome, Herefordshire, on the
4th of March, and was kindly entertained for the night by Mr.
John Benbow, who received my testimony, and opened his door for
meeting; and on the evening following, the 5th of March, for the
first time I preached the fullness of the Gospel in that place to
a small congregation, who manifested much interest in what they
heard, and desired to inquire further into those things; and on
the evening following I met a large {151} number at Mr. Benbow's,
and preached unto them the principles of the Gospel, namely, faith
in Christ, repentance, and baptism for the remission of sins and
the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands; after which
I administered the ordinance of baptism unto six persons, Mr. and
Mrs. Benbow among the number. I also preached on Sunday the 8th
and baptized seven, confirmed thirteen, and broke bread unto them.
Several of those who were baptized were preachers of the order
called the United Brethren.
The United Brethren formerly belonged to the Primitive Methodists,
but had separated themselves from the body, and chose the name of
the United Brethren. They had from forty to fifty preachers and
about the same number of established places of meeting, including
two chapels.
Mr. Thomas Kington was the superintendent of the church of the
United Brethren, whose members numbered about four hundred in all,
divided into small branches and scattered over an extent of country
from fifteen to twenty miles. This people almost universally
appeared willing to give heed to the exhortation of Solomon, to
hear a matter before they judged or condemned. They opened their
doors for me to preach, and searched the Scriptures daily to see if
the things which I taught were true; and on finding that the word
and spirit agreed and bore record of the truth of the fullness of
the Everlasting Gospel, they embraced it with all their hearts,
which has brought great joy and satisfaction to many souls in that
region.
I continued preaching and baptizing daily; the congregations were
large and generally attentive. I was soon privileged with an
interview with Mr. Thomas Kington, the superintendent of the United
Brethren, before whom I gave an account of the rise and progress
of the Church of the Latter-day Saints, and bore testimony of the
truth of the great work which God had set His hand to accomplish in
these last days.
Mr. Kington received my testimony and sayings with candor; and
carried the case before the Lord, made it a subject of prayer, and
asked the Father in the name of Jesus Christ, if these things were
true; and the Lord manifested the truth of it unto him, and he went
forth and was baptized, he and all his household. I ordained him an
Elder, and he went forth and began to preach the fullness of the
Gospel.
I also baptized about forty preachers of the same order, and
several others belonging unto other churches, and about one hundred
and twenty members of the United Brethren, which opened about forty
doors or preaching places, where the fullness of the Gospel would
meet a welcome reception, and all this during the term of one month
and five days.
On the 10th of April I took my departure from the Saints in
Herefordshire and adjoining country, numbering about one hundred
and sixty; {152} whom I left rejoicing in the fullness of the
Gospel, and hundreds of others who were ready to be baptized as
soon as a proper time and opportunity arrived. I arrived in Preston
on the 13th, by way of Worcester, Wolverhampton, Burslem, and
Manchester, a distance of about one hundred and seventy miles,
visiting the churches by the way.
On my arrival in Preston, I was blessed with the happy privilege of
once more greeting my brethren of the Traveling High Council and
other Elders, and of sitting with them on the 14th, 15th, and 16th
of April in the first council and general conference which they had
ever held, as a quorum, in a foreign nation. After spending several
days together, (during which time much business of importance was
transacted for the Church,) it became necessary for us again to
separate in order to labor in different parts of the vineyard which
were now open before us. I left Preston on the 17th, accompanied
by Elder Brigham Young, and visited the churches by the way, until
we arrived among the Saints in Herefordshire, who were anxiously
looking for my return. In a few days we were joined in our labors
by Elder Willard Richards. We took locations in different parts of
this new field of labor, which extended through various places in
Herefordshire, Worcestershire, and Gloucestershire.
We continued preaching, and baptizing, and administering in the
ordinances of the Gospel daily, unto such as would receive our
testimony, and obey the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Truth was mighty
and prevailed; the work prospered, and multiplied on every hand,
until several hundreds, including more than fifty preachers of
various sects, were rejoicing in the fullness of the everlasting
Gospel, and felt to praise God that they had lived to behold the
day when the Lord had set His hand to prune His vineyard once
more with a mighty pruning, and to establish the Gospel in its
ancient purity again upon the face of the earth; and in many
instances signs followed the believer, according to the promise
of the Savior. The Spirit of God accompanied the preaching of the
word to the hearts of men. Whole households, on hearing the word,
have received it into good and honest hearts, and gone forth and
received the ordinances of the Gospel; and frequently we have
baptized from eight to twelve the first time of meeting with the
people in new places, and preaching the word of God to them.
Elder Young labored with us about one month, during which time
many were baptized, confirmed, and numbers ordained to preach the
Gospel--and while the Saints were much edified, and their hearts
made glad with the teaching and instruction by Elder Young, I also
obtained much benefit myself by enjoying his society, sitting under
his instruction, and sharing in his counsel.
As it became necessary for Elder Young to return to Manchester,
to {153} assist in preparing a collection of hymns, and other
matters, he took the parting hand with us on the 20th of May; and
Elders Richards and myself continued our labors in the vineyard, in
connection with Elder Kington, who had given himself wholly to the
work of the ministry.
The Lord still continued to bless our labors, and added daily unto
the Church. New doors were opening on every hand; and multiplicity
of calls constantly reached our ears, many of which we could not
answer for the want of laborers. Notwithstanding there were about
fifty ordained Elders and Priests in this part of the vineyard, yet
there were equally as many places for preaching to be attended to
upon the Sabbath day. Thus we continued our labors in this region
until the time drew near for the general conference in Manchester
on the 6th of July.
But before leaving the Saints, we considered it wisdom to set in
order the church, and organize them into branches and conferences,
that they might be properly represented before the general
conference. Therefore we held two conferences with the Saints
before we took our departure from them. The first was held at the
Gadfield Elm Chapel, Worcestershire, on the 14th of June, at which
time we organized twelve branches, and transacted such business as
the occasion required. The Second conference was held at Stanley
Hill, Herefordshire, on the 21st of June, twenty branches of the
Church were organized. The minutes of the above-named conferences I
present you for publication, if you think proper.
On the day following, Elder Richards and myself took our leave of
the Saints at Froome's Hill, Herefordshire; but before leaving we
repaired to a pool three times to baptize and confirm numbers that
came to us and requested these ordinances at our hands.
Elder Richards labored in this part of the vineyard about two
months, during which time he traveled extensively, preached night
and day, gave much instruction to the Saints generally, and had
many souls as seals to his ministry. I received much benefit from
the counsel which he gave in the organization of the churches, and
it was manifest that he had passed through a profitable school of
experience during the three years of his travels in England; and
the interesting seasons we have enjoyed together during these two
months, will not be easily erased from my memory.
It was with no ordinary fellings that we took our departure from
the Saints in Herefordshire on this occasion; for, less than
four months since, I proclaimed the fullness of the Gospel in
this region for the first time; but now, we were leaving between
five and six hundred Saints, who were rejoicing in the new and
everlasting covenant, and hundreds of others who were wishing to
hear and obey. I parted from Elder Richards at Birmingham, who went
direct to Manchester, while I visited {154} West Bromwich, and
preached several times to a small branch of the Church which had
been raised up in that place by Elder Turley, who baptized several
while I was there. I also attended a conference on the 29th June,
at Hanley, in the Staffordshire Potteries, in company with Elder
George A. Smith and others, after which I arrived in Manchester.
Wilford Woodruff.
Manchester, July 9, 1840.
[Sidenote: Special Instructions for the High Councils.]
_Saturday, 11_.--The High Council met at my office, when I taught
them principles relating to their duty as a Council, and that they
might be guided by the same in future, I ordered it to be recorded as
follows: "That the Council should try no case without both parties
being present, or having had an opportunity to be present; neither
should they hear one person's complaint before his case is brought up
for trial; neither should they suffer the character of any one to be
exposed before the High Council without the person being present and
ready to defend him or herself; that the minds of the councilors be not
prejudiced for or against any one whose case they may possibly have to
act upon."
[Sidenote: The First Missionary for Australia.]
William Barrett, aged 17, was ordained an Elder in Hanley,
Staffordshire, England, by Elders George A. Smith and Alfred Cordon,
and took leave for South Australia, being the first Elder who went on a
mission to that country.
_Sunday, 12_--Elias Smith was appointed Bishop by the High Council of
Iowa, in place of Alanson Ripley, removed to Nauvoo.
_Monday, 13_.
_Kidnapping of Alanson Brown and Benjamin Boyce--Affidavit of
Daniel H. Wells_. [2]
State Of Illinois, Hancock County.
This day personally appeared before the undersigned, an acting
justice of the peace, in the aforesaid county, Alanson Brown,
who, first {155} being duly sworn according to law, deposes and
says, that on the 7th day of July, A. D. 1840, and in the county
of Hancock, in said state, William Allensworth, H. M. Woodyard,
William Martin, John H. Owsley, John Bain, Light T. Tait, and
Halsay White, in company with several other persons, to this
affiant unknown, forcibly arrested this affiant, and one Benjamin
Boyce, whilst affiant and said Boyce, were quietly pursuing their
own lawful business; and that immediately after said arrest, the
said Allensworth, Woodyard, Martin, Owsley, Bain, Tait, and White,
did illegally and forcibly take, kidnap, and carry this affiant and
said Boyce, bound with cords, from the said county of Hancock, in
said state, on the day and year above set forth, in the county of
Lewis, in the state of Missouri, without having established a claim
for such a procedure, according to the laws of the United States.
Affiant states that in a short time after he was taken into the
state of Missouri, he was put into a room with said Boyce, and
there kept until about eleven o'clock the following night; when
they were taken out of the room where they had been confined, into
the woods, near at hand, by said Tait, a man by the name of Huner,
and another by the name of Monday, and some others, whose name
affiant did not learn; they previously placed a rope about the
neck of the affiant; Huner and Monday then proceeded to hang the
affiant, and did hang him for some time upon a tree, until affiant
was nearly strangled, after which they let him down and loosened
the rope. Shortly after this, affiant heard repeated blows, which
others--belonging to the same gang of Huner--were inflicting upon
Boyce, and he could hear also the cries of Boyce, under the pain
arising from the blows; after which affiant and Boyce were taken
back to the room where they had been confined, in which they found
a man by the name of Rogers, and another by the name of Allred.
Affiant further states that he was kept in imprisonment by the
{156} persons heretofore named, and others to him unknown, until
Friday evening next ensuing the Tuesday on which Boyce and himself
were kidnapped, when he escaped out of their hands and returned
into the state of Illinois. Affiant had learned that the name of
the place in said county of Lewis, state of Missouri, to which he
was taken from the state of Illinois, is called Tully, to which the
said Allensworth, Woodyard, Martin, Owsley, Bain, Tait and White,
have fled as fugitives from justice, and at which they are now to
be found.
I hereby certify that the foregoing affidavit was this day
subscribed and duly sworn to before me, by said Alanson Brown.
Daniel H. Wells.
Justice of the Peace, July 13, 1840.
_Statement of James Allred_.
State Of Illinois, Hancock County.
This day personally appeared before the undersigned, an acting
Justice of the Peace, in and for said county, James Allred, a
credible witness, who first being duly sworn according to law,
deposes and says that William Allensworth, John H. Owsley, and
William Martin, on the 7th day of July, 1840, within the limits
of said county of Hancock, aided by several other persons, to
this affiant unknown, forcibly arrested this affiant and one Noah
Rogers, whilst the affiant and said Rogers were peaceably pursuing
their own lawful business; and that the said Allensworth, Owsley
and Martin, after said arrest, aided by sundry persons, to affiant
unknown, did forcibly take, kidnap and carry this affiant and said
Rogers from the said county of Hancock in the state of Illinois,
on the day and year above mentioned into the state of Missouri,
without having established a claim for such procedure according to
the laws of the United States.
Affiant further states, that in a short time after he had been so
taken into the state of Missouri, he was put into a room with said
Rogers, and there kept until some time during the following night,
when they were taken out of the room where they were confined,
into the woods near by, and this affiant was bound by the persons
conducting him, to a tree, he having been first forcibly stripped
by them of every particle of clothing. Those having him in charge
then told affiant that they would whip him; one of them, by the
name of Monday, saying to this affiant, "G--d--n you, I'll cut you
to the hollow." They, however, at last unbound the affiant without
whipping him.
Affiant states that said Rogers was taken just beyond the place
where affiant was bound with a rope around his neck, and he heard
a great number of blows, which he then supposed, and has since
learned were inflicted upon said Rogers, and heard him cry out
several times as if in great agony; after which affiant, together
with Rogers, was taken {157} back and placed in the room from which
they were taken, together with one Boyce and Brown, and detained
until Monday next succeeding the day on which he was kidnapped; at
which time he received from one of the company, who had imprisoned
him, a passport, of which the following is a copy--
"Tully, Missouri, July 12, 1840. The people of Tully, having
taken up Mr. Allred, with some others, and having examined into
the offenses committed, find nothing to justify his detention any
longer, and have released him. By order of the committee.
"H. M. Woodward."
And then this affiant was permitted to return home into the state
of Illinois. This place in Missouri, to which affiant and said
Rogers were taken, he has learned is called Tully, and is situated
in the county of Lewis, and at which place the said Allensworth,
Owsley and Martin are now living.
I hereby certify that the forgoing affidavit was this day
subscribed, and duly sworn to before me, by the said James Allred.
Daniel H. Wells,
Justice of the Peace.
_Action of the Citizens of Nauvoo in the Matter of the Kidnapping
of Brown and Boyce by the Missourians_.
At a meeting of the citizens of Nauvoo, Hancock county, Illinois,
13th July, 1840, Judge Elias Higbee was called to the chair, and
Robert B. Thompson was appointed Secretary.
On motion a committee was appointed to report resolutions,
expressive of the sense of this meeting, consisting of the
following persons, to wit.--Isaac Galland, Robert B. Thompson,
Sidney Rigdon, and Daniel H. Wells, who retired, and after a short
absence, reported the following preamble and resolutions, which
were unanimously adopted--
_Report of the Committee on Resolutions_.
Preamble--The committee appointed to express the sense of this
meeting, in relation to the recent acts of abduction, and other
deeds of cruelty and inhumanity committed upon our citizens
by [some of] the citizens of the state of Missouri, beg leave
respectfully to report:
That having under consideration the principal matters involve in
the discharge of their duty, they have been forced to arrive at the
following conclusions:
First--That the people of Missouri, not having sufficiently slacked
their thirst for blood and plunder, are now disposed to pursue us
with a repetition of the scenes of brutality which marked their
whole course of conduct towards us during our unhappy residence
among them.
{158} Second--That notwithstanding they have already robbed us
of our homes, murdered our families, stolen and carried away our
property; and to complete the measure of their infamy as a state,
their executive caused unoffending thousands to be banished from
the state, without even the form of a trial, or the slightest
evidence of crime; they are now sending their gangs of murdering
banditti, and thieving brigands, to wreak further vengeance, and
satisfy their insatiable cupidity in the state of Illinois, and
that too before we have even had time to erect shelters for our
families.
Third--That for the purpose of giving a semblance of justification
to their most unhallowed conduct, the people of Missouri have again
commenced concealing goods within the limits of our settlements, as
they had done before in the state of Missouri, in order to raise a
charge of stealing against our citizens, and under this guise they
have within a few days kidnapped, and carried away, several honest
and worthy citizens of this county.
Fourth--Under these circumstances the first duty and the only
redress which seems to offer itself to our consideration is an
appeal to the executive of the state of Illinois, for redress, and
protection from further injuries, with a confident assurance that
he, unlike the governor of Missouri, will extend the executive arm
to protect from lawless outrage, unoffending citizens. Therefore,
_Resolved 1st_: That we view, with no ordinary feelings, the
approaching danger as a necessary consequence following the lawless
and outrageous conduct of the citizens of Missouri, in setting
at defiance the laws of this, as well as of all other states in
this Union, by forcing from their homes, and from the state, civil
citizens of Illinois, and taking them into the state of Missouri,
without any legal process whatever, and there inflicting upon them
base cruelties in order to extort false confessions from them, to
give a coloring to their (the Missourians') iniquities, and screen
themselves from the just indignation of an incensed public.
_Resolved 2ndly_: That while we deeply deplore the cause which
has brought us together on this occasion, we cannot refrain from
expressing our most unqualified disapprobation at the infringement
of the laws of this state, as set forth in the above Preamble, and
strongest indignation at the manner in which the people of Missouri
treated those whom they had thus inhumanly taken from among us.
_Resolved 3rdly_: That inasmuch as we are conscious of our honest
and upright intentions, and are at all times ready and willing
to submit to the just requirements of the laws, we claim of the
citizens and authorities of this state, protection from such unjust
and, before, unheard of oppressions.
{159} _Resolved 4thly_: That the forcible abduction of our citizens
by the citizens of Missouri, is a violation of the laws regulating
the federal compact, subversive to the rights of freemen, and
contrary to our free institutions, and republican principles.
_Resolved, 5thly_: That the cruelties practiced upon our citizens,
since their abduction, is disgraceful to humanity; the height of
injustice and oppression, and would disgrace the annals of the most
barbarous nations, in either ancient or modern times; and can only
find its parallel in the "_Auto da Fe_"--the inquisitions in Spain.
_Resolved, 6thly_: That such unconstitutional and unhallowed
proceedings on the part of the citizens of Missouri, ought to
arouse every patriot to exertion and diligence to put a stop to
such procedure, and use all constitutional means to bring the
offenders to justice.
_Resolved, 7thly_: That we memorialize the Executive of this state,
of the gross outrage which has been committed on our citizens;
and pledge ourselves to aid him in such measures as may be deemed
necessary to restore our citizens to freedom, and have satisfaction
for the wrongs we have suffered.
Elias Higbee, Chairman,
R. B. Thompson, Secretary.
_Memorial to Governor Carlin_.
_To his Excellency Governor Carlin_:--The undersigned being a
committee to draft a Memorial to your Excellency relative to the
recent outrages, would respectfully represent; that after being
driven from our homes, and pleasant places of abode, in the state
of Missouri, by the authorities of said state, Illinois seemed to
be the first shelter or asylum which presented itself to our view;
that having left the state of Missouri, your memorialists found
an asylum in the state of Illinois; and notwithstanding the false
reports which were circulated to our prejudice, we were received
with kindness by the noble hearted citizens of Illinois; who
relieved our necessities, and bade us welcome; for which kindness
we feel thankful.
That under your Excellency's administration, we have had every
encouragement given us, and have every reason, from the kindness
and sympathy which you have ever manifested towards us in our
sufferings, to feel confident that your aid will ever be offered
to us in common with the rest of the citizens of the state. That
feeling ourselves so happy and secure, and beginning again to
enjoy the comforts of life, we are sorry to say that our quiet has
been disturbed, our fears alarmed, and our families annoyed by
the citizens of Missouri; who, with malice and hatred, which is
characteristic of them, have unconstitutionally sent an armed force
and abducted some of our friends, namely, James Allred, {160} Noah
Rogers, Alanson Brown, and one Boyce, and carried them into the
state of Missouri, and treated them with the greatest barbarity
and cruelty; even now their wives and children, as well as their
friends, are alarmed for the safety of their lives.
Therefore we have felt it our duty to place the circumstances of
this unheard-of outrage before you, and appeal to your Excellency
for protection from such marauders, and take such measures as you
may deem proper, that our friends may be again restored to the
bosom of their families, and the offenders punished for their
crimes.
We have the greatest confidence in your Excellency, that every
constitutional means will be resorted to, to restore our friends to
the society of their families, &c., that we, in common with other
citizens of the state of Illinois, may enjoy all the rights and
privileges of freemen.
Your memorialists have under all circumstances paid the greatest
respect to the laws of the country, and if any should break the
same, they have never felt a disposition to screen such from
justice, but when under false pretenses, to gratify and satiate
a revengeful disposition--for the citizens of another state,
regardless of both the laws of God and man, to come and kidnap our
friends, to carry off our citizens to cruelly treat our brethren;
such offenders, we think, should be brought to an account, to be
dealt with according to their merit or demerit; that we may enjoy
the privileges guaranteed to us by the Constitution of the United
States.
We therefore humbly pray that your Excellency will satisfy yourself
of the gross outrage which has been committed on the citizens of
the state, and with that energy which is so characteristic of your
Excellency's administration, take such steps as you may deem best
calculated to repair the injuries which your memorialists have
sustained; that you will vindicate the injured laws of the state.
In conclusion, we beg leave to assure your Excellency, that in the
discharge of this, as well as every other constitutional movement,
you may rely upon the hearty co-operation of your memorialists,
who respectfully submit to your Excellency the accompanying
Resolutions, which were passed at a large meeting held in this
place on this day, and also the affidavit of one of those persons
who was kidnapped, but fortunately has made his escape.
Footnotes:
1. At the present time the above arrangement by which Elder Parley
P. Pratt was chosen president of the conference, while Elder Brigham
Young was his senior in the quorum of the Twelve Apostles, will seem
somewhat out of order. Such procedure is recorded a number of times
in the minutes of conferences and other gatherings in the early years
of the Church's history; it is therefore proper to say that in those
days the right to presidency by reason of seniority of standing in
quorums and councils was not as well settled as it is now. Presidency
throughout the councils and quorums of the church is determined by well
settled principles of seniority of ordination, and as soon as any of
these organizations are called to order for business the president of
the council or conference is determined by the seniority of standing
in said organization without any formal action. In the above case the
brethren may have been influenced by the fact that Elder Pratt was an
older member of the church than President Young. Also, it appears in
a subsequent paragraph that some charges were preferred by President
Young against one of the Elders in the conference. This course may have
been decided upon by the Apostles, who probably thought that it would
not be best for the presiding officer over the conference to make such
charges, hence Elder Pratt was chosen to preside and Elder Young left
free to make the charges aforesaid.
2. Daniel Hanmer Wells was the son of Daniel Wells by his second wife
Catherine Chapin. He was born at Trenton, Oneida county, New York,
October 27, 1814. His father was a descendant of Thomas Wells, the
fourth governor of Connecticut, while his mother was descended from
David Chapin, a veteran of the Revolution, who served under Washington,
and was a descendant of one of the oldest and most distinguished
families of New England. The father of Daniel H. Wells died when the
son was but 12 years old, which threw upon him, at this early age, the
care of his mother and younger sister. At the age of 16 he migrated
with his mother and sister to Marietta, Ohio, where Daniel H. taught
school during the winter, and in the spring moved to Illinois, settling
at Commerce, where he made extensive purchases of land. One farm of
eighty acres was in the very heart of what became the city of Nauvoo,
in fact he platted his farm into city lots which he sold at very
reasonable prices to the Saints. The Temple site was selected from the
western range of blocks in this addition. In 1885 he married Eliza
Robison, and a son was born to them a year later. Mr. Wells served a
term as constable in the district in which Commerce was situated, and
was now a justice of the peace and familiarly called "Squire Wells."
He was a stalwart Whig in politics; a man of high character and great
courage.
{161}
CHAPTER IX.
The Return of a Prodigal--Conditions in Kirtland--Progress of the Work
in Great Britain--The Coming of John C. Bennett.
Australian Mission.
_Extract of a Letter from Elder William Barratt_.
Deptford, [1] July 15, 1840.
Dear Brother In Christ:--I write to inform you of my arrival in
the metropolis this morning, after a tedious journey in the midst
of much profaneness and swearing, such as I never heard in my
life before. I feel, as the Apostle expresses it, like a lamb
among wolves, going into a land of strangers to preach the Gospel;
therefore I desire your prayers in my behalf. I have witnessed much
of the spirit of revelation since Sunday; in fact, I only thought
it a mere thought, when the Elders testified that they were called
by revelation; but now I know the truth of the assertion, which
proves to me who ought to preach, and that none ought, without they
are called by revelation.
Give my love to all the Saints, and tell them that as many as
remain faithful I will meet in Zion, bringing my sheaves with me.
Tell them my faith is fixed, and my resolution is strong to meet
you all there, whom I love in the Lord. Pray that a door may be
opened, and that a gift of utterance may be given unto me in a
foreign land to preach the Gospel. Brethren, sorrow not for me, as
those that have no hope, for we have a hope of living and eating
together in the kingdom of our God.
_Friday, 17_.--By my suggestion, High Council voted that Samuel Bent
and George W. Harris go on a mission to procure money for printing
certain books.
_Saturday, 18_.--Elias Smith was ordained a Bishop.
_Sunday, 19_.--An answer to Brigham Young's letter of the 17th of May
was sent by Lorenzo Snow, [2] which gave {162} the Twelve permission to
publish the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and hymn-book, but
not to ordain any into the quorum of the Seventies; and likewise some
general instructions.
_Monday, 20_.--Elder John Moon and company arrived in New York being
the first arrival of Saints in America.
_Wednesday, 22_.
_The Prophet's Letter to William W. Phelps--Welcoming him back into
the Church_. [3]
Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, July 22, 1840.
Dear Brother Phelps:--I must say that it is with no ordinary
feelings I endeavor to write a few lines to you in answer to yours
of the 29th ultimo; at the same time I am rejoiced at the privilege
granted me.
{163} You may in some measure realize what my feelings, as well
as Elder Rigdon's and Brother Hyrum's were, when we read your
letter--truly our hearts were melted into tenderness and compassion
when we ascertained your resolves, &c. I can assure you I feel a
disposition to act on your case in a manner that will meet the
approbation of Jehovah' (whose servant I am), and agreeable to the
principles of truth and righteousness which have been revealed;
and inasmuch as long-suffering, patience, and mercy have ever
characterized the dealings of our heavenly Father towards the
humble and penitent, I feel disposed to copy the example, cherish
the same principles, and by so doing be a savior of my fellow men.
It is true, that we have suffered much in consequence of your
behavior--the cup of gall, already full enough for mortals to
drink, was indeed filled to overflowing when you turned against
us. One with whom we had oft taken sweet counsel together, and
enjoyed many refreshing seasons from the Lord--"had it been an
enemy, we could have borne it." "In the day that thou stoodest on
the other side, in the day when strangers carried away captive his
forces, and foreigners entered into his gates, and cast lots upon
[Far West], even thou wast as one of them; that thou shouldest not
have looked on the day of thy brother, in the day that he became a
stranger, neither shouldst thou have spoken proudly in the day of
distress."
However, the cup has been drunk, the will of our Father has been
done, and we are yet alive, for which we thank the Lord. And having
been delivered from the hands of wicked men by the mercy of our
God, we say it is your privilege to be delivered from the powers of
the adversary, be brought into the liberty of God's dear children,
and again take your stand among the Saints of the Most High, and by
diligence, humility, and love unfeigned, commend yourself to our
God, and your God, and to the Church of Jesus Christ.
Believing your confession to be real, and your repentance genuine,
I shall be happy once again to give you the right hand of
fellowship, and rejoice over the returning prodigal.
Your letter was read to the Saints last Sunday, and an expression
of their feeling was taken, when it was unanimously
{164} _Resolved_, That W. W. Phelps should be received into fellowship.
"Come on, dear brother, since the war is past,
For friends at first, are friends again at last."
Yours as ever, Joseph Smith, Jun.
_Credentials of Elders Samuel Bent and George W. Harris_.
To all whom it may concern:--This is to certify that Elders Samuel
Bent and George W. Harris are authorized agents of the Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, being appointed by the First
Presidency and High Council of said Church to visit the branches
of the Church in the east, or wherever they may be led in the
providence of God, to obtain donations and subscriptions for the
purpose of printing the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants,
hymn-books, the new translation of the Scriptures. They are
likewise instructed and authorized to procure loans in behalf
of the Church, for carrying into operation the above and other
important works necessary to the well being of said Church.
From our long acquaintance with these our beloved brethren, their
long, tried friendship under circumstances the most trying and
painful, their zeal for the cause of truth, and their strict
morality and honesty we most cheerfully recommend them to the
Saints of the Most High. Any statements they may make relative to
their mission may be implicitly relied upon, and any loans which
they may obtain, will be considered binding on the Church. And we
do hope the Saints will do all in their power to effect the object
proposed, and lift up the hands of our beloved brethren who have
cheerfully come forward to engage in a work so great and important.
Joseph Smith, Jun., President,
William Marks,
Elias Higbee,
David Dort,
Charles C. Rich,
Seymour Brunson,
William Huntington,
Hyrum Smith,
Newel Knight,
Alpheus Cutler,
Henry G. Sherwood,
David Fullmer,
Thomas Grover,
Lewis D. Wilson.
_The Prophet's Letter to Oliver Granger--Dealing Chiefly with
Affairs at Kirtland_.
_Brother Granger_:
Dear Sir:--It was with great pleasure I received your and Brother
Richards' letter, dated New York, June 23, 1840, and was very happy
{165} to be informed of your safe arrival in that place, and your
probability of success; and I do hope that your anticipations will
be realized, and that you will be enabled to free the Lord's House
from all incumbrances, and be prospered in all your undertakings
for the benefit of the Church; and pray that while you are exerting
your influence to bring about an object so desirable, that the
choicest blessings of heaven may rest down upon you, while you are
endeavoring to do so, and attending to the duties laid upon you by
the authorities of the Church in this place.
I am sorry to be informed not only in your letter, but from other
respectable sources, of the strange conduct pursued in Kirtland by
Elder Almon W. Babbitt. I am indeed surprised that a man having the
experience which Brother Babbitt has had, should take any steps
whatever, calculated to destroy the confidence of the brethren in
the Presidency or any of the authorities of the Church.
In order to conduct the affairs of the Kingdom in righteousness, it
is all important that the most perfect harmony, kind feeling, good
understanding, and confidence should exist in the hearts of all the
brethren; and that true charity, love one towards another, should
characterize all their proceedings. If there are any uncharitable
feelings, any lack of confidence, then pride, arrogance and envy
will soon be manifested; confusion must inevitably prevail, and
the authorities of the Church set at naught; and under such
circumstances, Kirtland cannot rise and free herself from the
captivity in which she is held, and become a place of safety for
the Saints, nor can the blessings of Jehovah rest upon her.
If the Saints in Kirtland deem me unworthy of their prayers when
they assemble together, and neglect to bear me up at the throne of
heavenly grace, it is a strong and convincing proof to me that they
have not the Spirit of God. If the revelations we have received
are true, who is to lead the people? If the keys of the Kingdom
have been committed to my hands, who shall open out the mysteries
thereof?
As long as my brethren stand by me and encourage me, I can combat
the prejudices of the world, and can bear the contumely and abuse
with joy; but when my brethren stand aloof, when they begin to
faint, and endeavor to retard my progress and enterprise, then I
feel to mourn, but am no less determined to prosecute my task,
being confident that although my earthly friends may fail, and even
turn against me, yet my Heavenly Father will bear me off triumphant.
However, I hope that even in Kirtland there are some who do not
make a man an offender for a word, but are disposed to stand forth
in defense of righteousness and truth, and attend to every duty
{166} enjoined upon them; and who will have wisdom to direct them
against any movement or influence calculated to bring confusion and
discord into the camp of Israel, and to discern between the spirit
of truth and the spirit of error.
It would be gratifying to my mind to see the Saints in Kirtland
flourish, but think the time is not yet come; and I assure you it
never will until a different order of things be established and
a different spirit manifested. When confidence is restored, when
pride shall fall, and every aspiring mind be clothed with humility
as with a garment, and selfishness give place to benevolence and
charity, and a united determination to live by every word which
proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord is observable, then, and
not till then, can peace, order and love prevail.
It is in consequence of aspiring men that Kirtland has been
forsaken. How frequently has your humble servant been envied in his
office by such characters, who endeavored to raise themselves to
power at his expense, and seeing it impossible to do so, resorted
to foul slander and abuse, and other means to effect his overthrow.
Such characters have ever been the first to cry out against the
Presidency, and publish their faults and foibles to the four winds
of heaven.
I cannot forget the treatment I received in the house of my
friends. These things continually roll across my mind, and cause
me much sorrow of heart; and when I think that others who have
lately come into the Church should be led to Kirtland instead of to
this place, by Elder Babbitt; and having their confidence in the
authorities lessened by such observations as he (Elder Babbitt) has
thought proper to make, as well as hearing all the false reports
and exaggerated accounts of our enemies--I must say that I feel
grieved in spirit, and cannot tolerate such proceedings--neither
will I; but will endeavor to disabuse the minds of the Saints, and
break down all such unallowed proceedings.
It was something new to me when I heard there had been secret
meetings held in the Lord's House, and that some of my
friends--faithful brethren--men enjoying the confidence of the
Church, should be locked out. Such proceedings are not calculated
to promote union, or peace, but to engender strife; and will be a
curse instead of a blessing. To those who are young in the work, I
know they are calculated to be, and must be, injurious. Those who
have had experience, and who should know better than to reflect on
their brethren--there is no excuse for them.
If Brother Babbitt and the other brethren wish to reform the
Church, and come out and make a stand against sin and speculation,
&c., they must use other weapons than lies, or their object can
never be effected; {167} and their labors will be given to the
house of the stranger, rather than to the House of the Lord.
The proceedings of Brother Babbitt were taken into consideration
at a meeting of the Church at this place, when it was unanimously
resolved, that fellowship should be withdrawn from him until
he make satisfaction for the course he has pursued: of which
circumstance I wish you to apprise him without delay, and demand
his license.
Dear sir, I wish you to stand in your lot, and keep the station
which was given you by revelation and the authorities of the
Church. Attend to the affairs of the Church with diligence, and
then rest assured of the blessings of heaven. It is binding on
you to act as president of the Church in Kirtland, until you are
removed by the same authority which put you in; and I do hope there
will be no cause for opposition, but that good feeling will be
manifested in future by all the brethren.
Brother Burdick's letter to Brother Hyrum was duly received, for
which he has our best thanks; it was indeed an admirable letter,
and worthy of its author. The sentiments expressed were in
accordance with the spirit of the Gospel, and the principles are
correct.
I am glad that Brother Richards has continued with you, and hope he
has been of some service to you. Give my love to him.
Our prospects in this place continue good. Considerable numbers
have come in this spring. There were some bickerings respecting
your conduct soon after your departure, but they have all blown
over, and I hope there will never be any occasion for any more;
but that you will commend yourself to God and to the Saints by a
virtuous walk and holy conversation.
I had a letter from William W. Phelps a few days ago, informing
me of his desire to come back to the Church, if we would accept
of him. He appears very humble, and is willing to make every
satisfaction that Saints or God may require.
We expect to have an edition of the Book of Mormon printed by the
first of September; it is now being stereotyped in Cincinnati.
I am, &c., &c.,
Joseph Smith, Jun.
[Sidenote: A Jew's Memorial.]
An interesting memorial concerning the Jews, "To the Protestant Powers
of Europe and America," signed and sealed in London the 8th of January,
1839, may be found in the _Millennial Star_, Vol. I, No. 6. [4]
{168} _Sunday, 24_.--Elder William Donaldson, member of the British
army bound for the East Indies, writes from Chatham, 24th of July, "We
go on board tomorrow. I have had a glorious vision about going into the
land of Egypt."
_Saturday, 25_.
_Letter of John C. Bennett to Joseph Smith and Sidney
Rigdon--Announcing His Intention to Join the Saints_.
Fairfield, Illinois, July 25, 1840.
Reverend and Dear Friends:--The last time I wrote you was during
the pendency of your difficulties with the Missourians. You are
aware that at that time I held the office of "Brigadier-General of
the Invincible Dragoons" of this state, and proffered you my entire
energies for your deliverance from a ruthless and savage, though
cowardly foe; but the Lord came to your rescue, and saved you with
a powerful arm. I am happy to find that you are now in a civilized
land, and in the enjoyment of peace and happiness.
Some months ago I resigned my office with an intention of removing
to your town, and joining your people; but hitherto I have been
prevented. I hope, however, to remove to Commerce, and unite with
your Church next spring. I believe I should be much happier with
you. I have many things to communicate which I would prefer doing
orally; and I propose to meet you in Springfield on the first
Monday in December next, as I shall be there at the time on state
and United States business.
If I remove to Commerce, I expect to follow my profession, and to
that end I enclose you a slip from the _Louisville Journal_, to
give you an idea of my professional standing.
On the first of this month I was appointed to the office of {169}
"Quartermaster-General of the State of Illinois," which office I
expect to hold some years.
I hope you are all quite well. In haste. Write me immediately.
Yours respectfully,
John C. Bennett. [5]
To Messrs. Smith and Rigdon.
_Monday, 27_.
_Letter of John C. Bennett to Messrs. Smith and Rigdon--Making
Further Tender of his Services to the Church_.
Quartermaster-General's Office,
Fairfield, Illinois, July 27, 1840.
_To the Reverends Sidney Rigdon and Joseph Smith, Jun_.:
Respected Friends:--I wrote you a few days ago from this place, but
my great desire to be with you and your people prompts me to write
again at this time; and I hope it will not be considered obtrusive
by friends whom I have always so highly esteemed as yourselves.
At the last District and Circuit Court of the United States, holden
at Springfield, in June last, I had the honor of being on the
grand inquest of the United States for the District of Illinois,
and hoped to have seen you there; but was quite disappointed. I
attended the meeting of your people opposite Mr. Lowry's hotel, but
did not make myself known, as I had no personal acquaintance in the
congregation.
It would be my deliberate advice to you to concentrate all of your
Church at one point. If Hancock county, with Commerce for its
commercial emporium, is to be that point, well; fix upon it, and
let us cooperate with a general concerted action. You can rely upon
me in any event. I am with you in spirit, and will be in person as
soon as circumstances permit, and immediately if it is your desire.
Wealth is no material object with me. I desire to be happy, and am
fully satisfied that can enjoy myself better with your people, with
my present views and feelings, than with any other. I hope that
time will soon come when your people will become my people, and
your God my God.
At the time of your peril and bitter persecution in Missouri, you
are {170} aware I proffered you my utmost energies, and had not
the conflict terminated so speedily, I should have been with you
then. God be thanked for your rescue from the hand of a savage, but
cowardly foe!
I do not expect to resign my office of "Quartermaster-General of
the State of Illinois" in the event of my removal to Commerce,
unless you advise otherwise. I shall likewise expect to practice
my profession; but at the same time your people shall have all
the benefit of my speaking powers, and my untiring energies in
behalf of the good and holy faith. _Un necessariis unitas, in non
necessariis libertas, in omnibus charitas_, [6] shall be my motto
with--_Suaviter in modo, fortiter in re_. [7]
Be so good as to inform me substantially of the population of
Commerce and Hancock county, the face of the country, climate,
soil, health, &c., &c. How many of your people are concentrated
there? Please to write me in full immediately. Louisville paper
will accompany this; please inquire for it.
With sentiments of profound respect and esteem, suffer me to
subscribe myself,
Yours respectfully,
John C. Bennett.
Elder John Taylor sailed for Ireland from Liverpool. [8]
_Tuesday, 28_.
_Letter of the Prophet to Horace R. Hotchkiss--Rock River Lands and
the White Purchase_.
Nauvoo, July 28, 1840.
_Horace R. Hotchkiss, Esq_.:
Dear Sir:--I acknowledge the receipt of yours of last month,
giving me the numbers of the land on Rock River, which you felt
disposed to sell. In reply to which I have to say, that we have not
yet examined the land, and consequently have not arrived at any
conclusion {171} respecting it; but it is probable that some of my
friends will visit it this fall, and if we should think it wisdom
to locate there, or on the other tract, you will be informed of the
same, and arrangements entered into.
I am sorry that your health has been so poor, but hope, ere
this, you are perfectly recovered. It would afford me great
pleasure indeed, could I hold out any prospect of the two notes
due next month being met at maturity, or even this fall. Having
had considerable difficulty (necessarily consequent on a new
settlement) to contend with, as well as poverty and considerable
sickness, our first payment will be probably somewhat delayed,
until we again get a good start in the world; and I am happy to
say, the prospect is indeed favorable. Under these circumstances
we shall have to claim your indulgence, which I have no doubt will
be extended. However, every exertion on our part shall be made
to meet the demands against us, so that if we cannot accomplish
all we wish to, it will be our misfortune, and not our fault.
Notwithstanding the impoverished condition of our people, and the
adverse circumstances under which we have had to labor, I hope we
shall eventually rise above them, and again enjoy the blessings of
health, peace, and plenty.
You were informed in a former letter that we had paid Mr. William
White the one thousand dollars specified in your bond; a few days
ago he called at this place and agreed to give us a deed for the
ninety acres, (less one-half acre), providing I would give him an
identifying bond, and pay the interest due from you to him on the
one thousand dollars, which I agreed to do. I have therefore got
the deed for the land, and paid him the interest. My reasons for
so doing were these: there are some who wish to purchase lots,
providing they can get a good title deed for the same, and who
would be induced to make purchases and make an effort to raise
money, for the sake of getting a deed; which effort they would not
be so likely to make if we could only give them a bond. This I
think will work both to your advantage and ours, and hope that we
shall be able by and by to make some cash sales.
I hope this arrangement with Mr. White will meet your approbation,
although it is a departure from the common rules of business; but
was induced to do so from the advantages which will result from it,
which I hope will be mutual. The amount of interest paid to Mr.
White, after deducting $61.50, which was coming from him to you
for rents, was eighty-four dollars and forty cents. Mr. White told
us that you agreed to pay him as much interest for the money as he
could get elsewhere. We accordingly (in good faith) allowed him at
the rate of ten per cent. Hoping the course pursued will meet your
approbation.
I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,
Joseph Smith, Jun.
{172} P. S.--You will recollect the verbal agreement entered into
by us, that the notes for the interest would not be exacted for
at least five years. Notwithstanding which, we use our endeavors
to meet them as fast as possible, and think that when I have the
pleasure of seeing you again, you will be fully satisfied with the
course we have taken, and our endeavors to meet all our engagements.
J. S., Jun.
_Thursday, 30_.
_Letter of John C. Bennett to Messrs. Smith and Rigdon--Expressing
Anxiety to be with the Saints_.
Fairfield, Wayne County, Illinois, July 30th, 1840.
_To Reverends Sidney Rigdon, and Joseph Smith, Jun_.
Respected Friends:--It is with difficulty that I can forego the
felicity of an immediate immersion into the true faith of your
beloved people. I have written you several letters, and forwarded
you several newspapers to Commerce, which I hope will be duly
received, as they contain some matters of importance.
Is Nauvoo, or Commerce, to be the general point of concentration
for the Mormon people? For at that point I desire to locate, and
ever remain. My anxiety to be with you is daily increasing, and I
shall wind up my professional business immediately, and proceed to
your blissful abode, if you think it best.
Look at all my letters and papers and write me forthwith. You are
aware that at the time of your most bitter persecutions, I was
with you in feeling, and proffered you my military knowledge and
prowess. My faith is still strong. I believe the God of the whole
earth will avenge your wrong in time as well as in eternity.
O my friends, go on and prosper; and may the God of all grace save
you with an everlasting salvation.
Yours respectfully,
J. C. Bennett.
_Saturday, August 1_.--In the _Times and Seasons_ of this month I find
the following:
_A voice from the holy city--rebuilding of the temple of
Solomon--Recall of the people of God to the land of Judah_.
We have received by the last packet from England, a copy of a
very extraordinary "Circular" issued by the Jews, now residing
at Jerusalem, and addressed to all the descendants of Abraham to
the uttermost {173} ends of the earth. It is written in the pure
Hebrew character, and accompanied with an English translation,
which we annex as matter of the deepest curiosity to the people of
this country. Next week, if we possibly can, we shall publish the
original Hebrew in a double sheet, but at present we must content
ourselves with the translation.--_Morning Herald_.
Circular.
"_To our Brethren the Israelites of Europe and America_:
"The liberal and benevolent contributors towards every holy and
pious purpose--ready to stand in the breach and evince their love
for the Land of Promise: to the well-wishers of Jerusalem, and
friends of Zion (dearer to us than life) who extend their bounteous
aid to this Holy City, and devote their best means, in love and
affection, 'to take pity on her stones, and show mercy to her
dust.' To the illustrious and excellent Rabbies--to their worthy
and distinguished Assessors--to the noble Chiefs and faithful
Leaders of Israel; to all congregations devoted to the Lord, and
to every member thereof--health, life, and prosperity. May the
Lord vouchsafe His protection unto them; may they rejoice and be
exceedingly glad; and with their own eyes may they behold when the
Lord restoreth Zion. Such be His gracious will. Amen.
"It is a fact well known throughout Judah and Israel, that 'the
glory altogether departed from the daughter of Zion,' since upwards
of one hundred years ago, the congregation of German Jews in this
Holy City were forcibly deprived of their homes and inheritance.
Dreadful and grievous was the yoke under which the despots of this
land oppressed them. Tyranny and cruel usage ground them to the
dust, and forced them to forsake their habitations, to abandon
their houses and all their property, and to seek safety in flight.
Thus the large court they inherited from their ancestors remained
deserted and uninhabited, until it was seized upon and possessed by
aliens. The sacred edifices it contained, namely, the Synagogue and
Medrash, were by them demolished, the whole of the property utterly
ruined, and possessions, lawfully ours, devastated before our eyes.
Then did our souls refuse all consolation! For how could we bear to
witness the evil which befell our people!
"As the light gleams forth from a spark, so did our congregation
take heart and return again to form their establishments, and to
take root on the Holy Mount. But we could find no rest for our
wearied feet--no place consecrated and appointed for our prayer and
instruction. Our aching eyes beheld how every nation and tongue,
even from the most distant isles of the ocean, is here possessed
of structures defended by walls, gates, and portcullis, whilst the
people of the Lord, forcibly {174} expelled from their inheritances
by rapacious barbarians, were covered with obloquy, scorn, and
disgrace.
"The cries of the people ascended unto the Lord who dwelleth
in Zion. He looked down, and in pity beheld their sufferings
and oppression. And ever since the ruler of Egypt first assumed
the government of the Holy Land--a ruler who maintains justice
throughout his dominions--an edict was issued permitting Jews to
do whatsoever they deemed right and expedient, with respect to
the rebuilding of their demolished synagogues and colleges. Us,
likewise, the Lord in His mercy vouchsafed to remember, and caused
us to be reinstated into the heritage of our fathers, even to the
aforementioned court, which is called the Ruin of R. Jehudah the
Pious (of blessed memory).
"Blessed be the Lord our God, the God of our fathers, who inspired
the heart of the ruler of Egypt to restore unto us the possessions
of our ancestors. Nor did we delay or lose time in the matter, but
exerted ourselves to rebuild Jerusalem.
"'We fenced it, and gathered up the stones thereof,' and the sacred
undertaking prospered in our hands, so that we have completed the
Medrash, and 'great is the glory of the house;' and also houses
for the teachers of the law, and for the hospitable reception and
entertainment of strangers, which were indispensably necessary
to accommodate the many pious Israelites who visit the Holy City
during the festivals. And on _Rosh Hodesh Shebath_ last we joyfully
placed a Sepher Torah in the Medrash, which we consecrated by the
name of '_Menahem Zion_,' for the Lord has vouchsafed to comfort
His people.
"But although we have thus, under the blessings of Providence,
retrieved from devastation a part of the possessions bequeathed
unto us by our pious ancestors, yet our hearts are afflicted and
our eyes are dimmed when we behold the sanctuary of our Lord, the
Synagogue, which still lies in ruins; nor is it in the power of all
of us (the German Congregation) to rebuild it; for alas! great is
the number of our poor who stand in need of bread, and the debts
we contracted in building the Medrash are large, and weigh heavily
upon us.
"The cause of our grief is thus ever present to our eyes--the
ruins of the Synagogue are heaped in the middle of the court, and
rank weeds spread over the consecrated pile. We therefore deem it
our bounden duty to dispatch a messenger unto our brethren, the
children of Israel, who are dispersed and in exile, in order to
acquaint them with 'the salvation of the Lord in the land,' so that
they may arise and take pity on Zion, for it is time to show mercy
unto her.