His last call to arms--Battle of Crooked river--David mortally
wounded--The closing scene--Wilford Woodruff's testimony--Testimony of
the Prophet Joseph--His place behind the veil revealed.
LIFE
OF
DAVID W. PATTEN.
"_God gives me all the power I have_."
DAVID W. PATTEN.
I.
Early life of David W. Patten--Parentage--Marriage--Joins the
Methodists--Learns of the restoration of the Gospel--Visits his
brother--Resume of Church history--Receives Baptism--First mission.
Great men are the Lord's object lessons to the world. They hold out to
mankind the measure of truth committed to their generation. As example
is greater than precept, so a life may state a truth more forcibly than
words.
When He answered the question as to the first great commandment, the
Savior did more than satisfy the idle curiosity of the listening crowd,
he indicated one of the underlying purposes of this life and stated the
principle by which the degree of civilization will be determined.
Measured by the love he bore his Maker and his fellow-men, few greater
men have ever lived than David Wyman Patten. With all the intensity of
his nature, he served the Lord, and with the same undivided purpose
he was devoted to the welfare of humanity. Having in mind that divine
precept, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his
life for his friend," the Prophet Joseph Smith said over the remains of
this great Apostle, "There lies a man who has done just as he said he
would--he has laid down his life for his friends."
Of David's early life little is known. While he was quite young, his
parents, Benenio Patten and Abagail Cole Patten, removed from the State
of Vermont, where he was born about the year 1800, to the town of
Theresa, at Indian River Falls, in the western part of the State of New
York.
Leaving home while yet a boy, he made his way to the southeastern part
of Michigan, and made himself a home in the woods a short distance
above the little town of Dundee, in Monroe County, where he married
Miss Phoebe Ann Babcock, in 1828. Here, too, though telling his
fellow-religionists that there was no true religion on the earth, he
allied himself with the Methodists.
Having been from youth of a religious turn of mind, he had received a
particular manifestation of the Holy Ghost when he was twenty-one years
of age. Being admonished to humble himself before the Lord and repent
of his sins, he enjoyed for the next three years a close communion with
the Lord, through visions and dreams of the night. In one of these it
was made known to him that the Church of Christ would be established
in his day, and he looked forward to such an event with joyous
anticipation.
When about the age of twenty-four years, as he tells us in his meager
journal, he became, through the cares of the world, neglectful in
conduct, and remained so to some extent until he was thirty years old,
when, by sincere repentance, he again received a testimony that his
sins were forgiven. Under these conditions and at about this time he
saw for the first time a copy of the Book of Mormon, but only long
enough to read the inspired preface and the testimony of the eleven
witnesses. From this time he prayed continually for faith and a more
perfect knowledge. It was while living in anticipation of just such an
event, therefore, that he received, in the latter part of May, 1832,
a letter from his elder brother, John Patten, of Fairplay, Indiana,
informing him of the restoration of the Gospel.
The message fairly caused his heart to leap for joy. He seemed
conscious of the light which was about to burst upon him. He knew by
intuition that his life's darkness was over, and that henceforward he
should walk in the light of eternal truth. He arose in the meeting that
day--for it was on a Sunday he received the intelligence--and told the
assembly that he had at last got word of the Church of Christ.
Impatient to be off, he mounted his old grey mare the next morning
and started alone through the woods on a journey of three hundred
miles. That part of the country in those days was little more than a
wilderness. The roads by which the settlers had come from their eastern
homes ran, in the main, east and west, so that David's way to the
south led him over hills, through valleys and across rivers by paths
almost unknown to the white man; but nature was in her glory, the birds
made melody the day through, and, more than all else, his own heart,
swelling with gratitude, kept time to the music of the spheres, for God
had again spoken from the heavens, the questionings of his soul since
boyhood had been answered, and those paths, rough though they were,
led to the realization of his highest hopes this side of eternity.
That otherwise lonely journey was filled with peace and happiness
unspeakable.
Arrived at the home of his brother, at Fairplay, he found him, before
an infidel, now a devoted Christian and substantially as the history of
the rise of the Church was related to him we shall repeat it here:
"In a little town six hundred miles to the east, in the State of New
York, a young man named Joseph Smith, while praying in the woods twelve
years ago, received a visit from God the Father and His Son Jesus
Christ. Three years later, an angel, calling himself Moroni, appeared
to this youth and explained that he was a resurrected being who had
formerly lived on this continent in the flesh. Telling the boy Joseph
of a sacred record hidden in a hill near by, the angel met him on the
hillside where the precious charge lay concealed in a stone box, and
after repeated admonitions during the four subsequent years, delivered
to him some gold plates and an instrument called a Urim and Thummim,
with which to translate the inspired hieroglyphics.
"After much delay and a great deal of persecution, the youth succeeded
in reproducing from the gold plates the record known as the Book of
Mormon, now published to the world these three years.
"Two years and two months ago, having received authority under the
hands of John the Baptist, as also from Peter, James and John, the
ancient apostles, this modern Prophet, in accordance with directions
from the Lord, organized the true Church of Christ, at Fayette, Seneca
County, in the State of New York.
"The next fall after the Church was set up, three missionaries came
west with the intention of introducing the work among the Indians, who
are descended from an ancient people of whom the Book of Mormon gives
the history; and on their way came among an earnest body of worshippers
at Kirtland, Ohio. These read the book, believed the testimony, and
received baptism to the number of several hundred souls.
"Receiving a visit from a number of these converts, the Prophet himself
has removed with his family to Kirtland, where he now lives with a
number of his followers.
"It has, moreover, been revealed to the Prophet that the ancient site
of the Garden of Eden is on this continent, and that the building of
the New Jerusalem is to commence at that sacred spot. Accordingly,
the converts to the new faith are gathering from all directions into
Independence, Missouri, where about four hundred of them are now
settled."
Interesting as this narrative is to us, though we have heard it for the
hundredth time, how much more interesting must it have been to David W.
Patten, for it was all new to him. Drinking it in with his whole soul,
he received the truth with joy, and was led into the waters of baptism
on the 15th day of June, 1832.
With the most of men there is lingering in the very heart of their
faith a grain of doubt. Even the missionary, no doubt, feels easier
in placing himself in the hands of the Lord, when he knows that if no
place is furnished him to sleep, he can with the dollar in his pocket
provide for himself. And so it is with each of us at times. It seems as
though we cannot free ourselves from the millstone of doubt, and take
the Lord at His word when He says He will provide for those who trust
Him. This was not the case, however, with David W. Patten. He stood six
feet and one inch in height, and weighed over two hundred pounds; but
there seems to have been no room in his whole generous composition for
a particle of doubt. He took the Lord at His word and devoted his whole
life to His service; and whether face to face with Cain, or baring his
breast to an infuriated mob, a doubt that the Lord was with him seems
thenceforth never to have entered his mind.
Two days after his baptism David was ordained an Elder under the hands
of Elisha H. Groves, and with Joseph Wood, another recent convert, as a
companion, was given a mission to the Territory of Michigan.
II.
His procedure in administering to the sick--Testimony as to his
success--Visits the Prophet--Missionary labors--Casts out a "devil"--His
family baptized--Mrs. Strong healed--Called to Jackson County.
Those who have had a like experience, will know with what joy the new
convert returned to his friends in the wilderness. All business was
laid aside. With his companion, David traveled through all the country
round about preaching the Gospel and healing the sick.
Immediately upon taking up his labors in Michigan, in calling at the
house of a stranger to ask for dinner, David found in the family a very
sick child, and while discussing the restoration of the Gospel with the
parents, was asked to administer to the little one. Finding the mother
had faith, he did so, and it was at once healed.
In administering the healing ordinance David had a method of procedure
peculiarly his own. On reaching the beside, he would first teach the
principles of the Gospel and bear his testimony to their truth, when he
usually made a promise that the invalid should be healed if he would
agree to accept baptism. President Abraham O. Smoot, of Utah Stake,
once said he never knew an instance in which David's petition for the
sick was not answered, and this was also the testimony of President
Wilford Woodruff.
At the close of one of his meetings in Michigan, where he had no doubt
spoken of the gift of healing, two children sick of fever and ague
were brought to the meeting-house to be healed. David had started off,
but was called back and upon learning from the parents of their faith,
acceded to their request, and the children were healed instantly.
Until the latter part of September David and his companion labored
in Southeastern Michigan, baptizing sixteen persons in a branch of
the Maumee River during that time. Late in the summer they took up a
journey to Kirtland, preaching by the way.
Perhaps the first person they met at Kirtland was Elder Joseph C.
Kingsbury, for they inquired of him at Newel K. Whitney's store the way
to the home of the Prophet Joseph. It was early in October; the Prophet
was on a mission east, and while waiting his return, David spent the
next two or three weeks on the Prophet's farm, helping to dig potatoes
and harvest corn.
Soon after the return of the Prophet Joseph Smith, David W. Patten was
sent into Pennsylvania on his second mission, traveling sometimes with
John Murdock as a companion, and at other times with Reynolds Cahoon.
The Prophet, in sending out these early missionaries, had no particular
field of labor in mind for any of them. They were sent to warn all men,
but their message was specially to the honest in heart, and these they
had no way of finding except by the inspiration of the Lord. Just at
this time a large number of Elders had been sent east from Kirtland in
response to the revelation of September 22, 1832, from which we quote
as follows:
"62. Go ye into all the world, and whatsoever place ye cannot go into
ye shall send, that the testimony may go from you into all the world
unto every creature.
"63. And as I said unto mine apostles, even so I say unto you, for you
are mine apostles, even God's High Priests; ye are they whom my Father
hath given me--ye are my friends;
"64. Therefore, as I said unto mine apostles I say unto you again,
that every soul who believeth on your words, and is baptized by water
for the remission of sins, shall receive the Holy Ghost;
"65. And these signs shall follow them that believe.
"66. In my name they shall do many wonderful works;
"67. In my name they shall cast out devils;
"68. In my name they shall heal the sick;
"69. In my name they shall open the eyes of the blind, and unstop the
ears of the deaf;
"70. And the tongue of the dumb shall speak;
"71. And if any man shall administer poison unto them it shall not
hurt them;
"72. And the poison of a serpent shall not have power to harm them.
"73. But a commandment I give unto them, that they shall not boast
themselves of these things, neither speak them before the world, for
these things are given unto you for your profit and for salvation.
"74. Verily, verily, I say unto you they who believe not on your
words, and are not baptized in water, in my name, for the remission of
their sins, that they may receive the Holy Ghost, shall be damned, and
shall not come into my Father's kingdom, where my Father and I am.
"75. And this revelation unto you, and commandment, is in force from
this very hour upon all the world, and the gospel is unto all who have
not received it.
"76. But, verily, I say unto all those to whom the kingdom has been
given, from you it must be preached unto them, that they shall repent
of their former evil works, for they are to be upbraided for their
evil hearts of unbelief; and your brethren in Zion for their rebellion
against you at the time I sent you.
"77. And again I say unto you, my friends, (for from henceforth I
shall call you friends,) it is expedient that I give unto you this
commandment, that ye become even as my friends in days when I was with
them traveling to preach the gospel in my power,
"78. For I suffered them not to have purse or scrip, neither two coats;
"79. Behold I send you out to prove the world, and the laborer is
worthy of his hire.
"80. And any man that shall go and preach this gospel of the kingdom,
and fail not to continue faithful in all things shall not be weary in
mind, neither darkened, neither in body, limb, nor joint: and an hair
on his head shall not fall to the ground unnoticed. And they shall not
go hungry, neither athirst.
"81. Therefore, take no thought for the morrow, for what ye shall eat,
or what ye shall drink, or wherewithal ye shall be clothed;
"82. For consider the lilies of the field, how they grow, they toil
not, neither do they spin; and the kingdoms of the world, in all their
glory, are not arrayed like one of these;
"83. For your Father who art in heaven, knoweth that you have need of
all these things.
"84. Therefore, let the morrow take thought for the things of itself.
"85. Neither take ye thought beforehand what ye shall say, but
treasure up in your minds continually the words of life, and it shall
be given you in the very hour that portion that shall be meted unto
every man.
"86. Therefore let no man among you, (for this commandment is unto all
the faithful who are called of God in the church unto the ministry,)
from this hour take purse or scrip, that goeth forth to proclaim this
gospel of the kingdom.
"87. Behold, I send you out to reprove the world of all their
unrighteous deeds, and to teach them of a judgment which is to come.
"88. And whoso receiveth you, there I will be also, for I will go
before your face: I will be on your right hand and on your left, and
my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to
bear you up.
"89. Whoso receiveth you receiveth me, and the same will feed you, and
clothe you, and give you money.
"90. And he who feeds you, or clothes you or gives you money, shall in
no wise lose his reward:
"91. And he that doeth not these things is not my disciple; by this
you may know my disciples.
"92. He that receiveth you not, go away from him alone by yourselves,
and cleanse your feet even with water, pure water, whether in heat or
in cold, and bear testimony of it unto your Father which is in heaven,
and return not again unto that man.
"93. And in whatsoever village or city ye enter, do likewise.
"94. Nevertheless, search diligently and spare not; and wo unto that
house, or that village or city that rejecteth you, or your words, or
your testimony concerning me.
"95. Wo, I say again, unto that house, or that village or city that
rejecteth you, or your words, or your testimony of me.
"96. For I the Almighty, have laid my hands upon the nations, to
scourge them for their wickedness:
"97. And plagues shall go forth, and they shall not be taken from
the earth until I have completed my work which shall be cut short in
righteousness,
"98. Until all shall know me, who remain, even from the least unto
the greatest, and shall be filled with the knowledge of the Lord, and
shall see eye to eye, and shall lift up their voice, and with the
voice together sing this new song, saying--
"99. The Lord hath brought again Zion; The Lord hath redeemed his
people, Israel, According to the election of grace, Which was brought
to pass by the faith And covenant of their fathers.
"100. The Lord hath redeemed his people, And Satan is bound and time
is no longer: The Lord hath gathered all things in one: The Lord hath
brought down Zion from above. The Lord hath brought up Zion from
beneath.
"101. The earth hath travailed and brought forth her strength: And
truth is established in her bowels: And the heavens have smiled upon
her: And she is clothed with the glory of her God: For he stands in
the midst of his people:
"102. Glory, and honor, and power, and might, Be ascribed to our God;
for he is full of mercy, Justice, grace and truth, and peace, For ever
and ever, Amen.
"103. And again, verily, verily I say unto you, it is expedient that
every man who goes forth to proclaim mine everlasting gospel, that
inasmuch as they have families, and receive monies by gift that they
should send it unto them or make use of it for their benefit, as the
Lord shall direct them, for thus it seemeth me good.
"104. And let all those who have not families, who receive monies,
send it up unto the Bishop in Zion, or unto the Bishop in Ohio, that
it may be consecrated for the bringing forth of the revelations and
the printing thereof, and for establishing Zion.
"105. And if any man shall give unto any of you a coat, or a suit,
take the old and cast it unto the poor, and go your way rejoicing.
"106. And if any man among you be strong in the Spirit, let him take
with him he that is weak, that he may be edified in all meekness, that
he may become strong also.
"107. Therefore, take with you those who are ordained unto the lesser
priesthood, and send them before you to make appointments, and to
prepare the way, and to fill appointments that you yourselves are not
able to fill.
"108. Behold, this is the way that mine apostles, in ancient days,
built up my church unto me.
"109. Therefore, let every man stand in his own office, and labor in
his own calling; and let not the head say unto the feet, it hath no
need of the feet, for without the feet how shall the body be able to
stand?
"110. Also the body hath need of every member, that all may be edified
together, that the system may be kept perfect.
"111. And behold the High Priests should travel, and also the elders,
and also the lesser priests; but the deacons and teachers should be
appointed to watch over the church, to be standing ministers unto the
church.
"112. And the bishop, Newel K. Whitney, also, should travel round
about and among all the churches, searching after the poor to
administer to their wants by humbling the rich and the proud;
"113. He should also employ an agent to take charge and to do his
secular business as he shall direct.
"114. Nevertheless, let the bishop go unto the city of New York,
also to the city of Albany, and also to the city of Boston, and warn
the people of those cities with the sound of the gospel, with a loud
voice, of the desolation and utter abolishment which await them if
they do reject these things;
"115. For if they do reject these things the hour of their judgment is
nigh, and their house shall be left unto them desolate.
"116. Let him trust in me and he shall not be confounded; and an hair
of his head shall not fall to the ground unnoticed.
"117. And verily I say unto you, the rest of my servants, go ye forth
as your circumstances shall permit, in your several callings unto
the great and notable cities and villages, reproving the world in
righteousness of all their unrighteous and ungodly deeds, setting
forth clearly and understandingly the desolation of abomination in the
last days.
"118. For with you saith the Lord Almighty, I will rend their
kingdoms: I will not only shake the earth, but the starry heavens
shall tremble;
"119. For I, the Lord, have put forth my hand to exert the powers of
heaven; ye cannot see it now, yet a little while and ye shall see it,
and know that I am, and that I will come and reign with my people.
"120. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. Amen."--Doc.
and Cov. Sec. 84.
On the 9th of November, in eastern Ohio, David fell in with John F.
Boynton and Zebedee Coltrin, who like himself were uncertain as to
their course, and the three thereupon held a council of inquiry.
Agreeing that Zebedee Coltrin should be mouth, the three went into a
wood near by and knelt in prayer. They were directed to go eastward,
preaching as they went. This they did, and David adds, "the Spirit of
God leading us." Several persons were baptized on their way.
At Springfield, Pa., David met Hyrum Smith and his brother William,
and joined them in holding services. After meeting, six persons were
baptized. David's gift of healing the sick was in constant demand.
People came to him from all the country round, and it was a dally
occurrence for the sick to be healed under his administrations. One
woman, who had been an invalid for twenty years, was healed instantly.
After four months' labor in and about Pennsylvania, David returned to
Kirtland, arriving there February 25, 1833.
David was a man of great physical strength. While on his third mission,
which was undertaken after a month's rest at Kirtland, he and Reynolds
Cahoon had an appointment to preach at the house of Father Bosley, at
Avon, Ohio.
Several meetings had been held here before by other Elders, and among
the assembled neighbors, was a man known as the "County Bully," who was
the source of a great deal of annoyance to the speakers.
Sitting by the door in the hallway, this man would, every little while,
contradict the speaker, or call out some irreverent suggestion, or ask
for a sign. He boisterously refused to be quiet, and on the evening of
David's meeting at the house, was particularly noisy, asking David,
among other things, to cast the devil out. Whether it was from a sense
of humor at the fellow's unlucky remark, or because he was tired of the
disturbance, we cannot say, but David finally determined to silence his
persecutor.
Walking to the hallway, he quietly picked the man up bodily, carried
him to the outside door, and with a swing sent the fellow about ten
feet onto the wood pile. There was no more disturbance that night, and
the saying was the current mirth provoker of the neighborhood for weeks
afterward, that "Patten cast out one devil, soul and body."
While on this mission, David assisted in converting a part of his own
family. On the 20th of May, 1833, at Theresa, Indian River Falls, his
brothers, Archibald and Ira, his sister Polly, his mother, and two of
his brothers-in-law, Warren Parrish and Mr. Cheeseman, were led into
the waters of baptism by Elder Brigham Young, who was another of the
large number of missionaries sent out from Kirtland in March, 1833.
David's father had died in August the previous year.
For nearly a year now David had been almost continuously in the field,
preaching the Gospel and healing the sick, his power with the Lord in
no wise diminishing. No credit was ever taken to himself, however, in
the miracles performed, for he writes of this time:
"The Lord did work with me wonderfully, in signs and wonders following
them that believed in the fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ,
insomuch that the deaf were made to hear, the blind to see, and the
lame were made whole. Fevers, palsies, crooked and withered limbs, and
in fact all manner of diseases common to the country, were healed by
the power of God, that was manifested through his servants."
Among those visited by him was a blind woman, the wife of Ezra Strong.
It was nearly noon when David reached the house. After the usual
testimony and questions respecting her faith in the Gospel, David
rubbed and anointed her eyes, when immediately she was restored to
sight; and so thoroughly was she healed that she prepared dinner for
the household.
During this summer, under great hardship and suffering, eighty members
were added to the Church under David's administration. Eighteen of
these were at Orleans, Jefferson County, New York. At Henderson where
eight converts were baptized, great power was manifested at the
confirmation, when the members spoke in tongues and prophesied.
With his brother, Ira, David returned in the early autumn of 1833 to
Kirtland, where he worked on the temple for a month. Before winter
set in that year, David had removed his wife and their effects from
Michigan to Florence, Ohio, where he remained till the latter part of
November. Having been sickly, five weeks of the seven he spent at home
that fall, David commended himself into the hands of the Lord and went
into the neighboring country to preach. But there was a field more in
need of his labors than this, for he had not been from home more than
two weeks when the word of the Lord came to him as follows:
"Depart from your field of labor, and go unto Kirtland, for behold, I
will send thee up to the land of Zion, for behold, thou shalt serve thy
brethren there."
III.
Condition of Saints in Missouri--Revelation to them--With William D.
Pratt, David goes to Missouri--Ministering to the suffering--Freedom
from animosity--Mission to Tennessee--Healing of Mrs. Lane.
Greatly were his brethren in Zion in need of whatever services David
could render them. About the time of his arrival at Kirtland after
receiving the word of the Lord, a letter came to the Prophet from Elder
W. W. Phelps, dated Clay County, Missouri, in which among other things
he says:
"The situation of the Saints, as scattered, is dubious and affords
a gloomy prospect. No regular order can be enforced, nor any usual
discipline kept up; among the world, yea, among the most wicked part of
it, some commit one sin and some another (I speak of the rebellious,
for there are Saints that are as immovable as the everlasting hills,)
and what can be done? We are in Clay, Ray, Lafayette, Jackson, Van
Buren, etc., and cannot hear from each other oftener than we do from
you.
"I know it was right that we should be driven out of the land of Zion,
that the rebellious might be sent away. But, brethren, if the Lord
will, I should like to know what the honest in heart shall do."
On December 16th, 1833, the Lord gave, in answer to this inquiry, the
following revelation:
"1. Verily I say unto you, concerning your brethren who have been
afflicted, and persecuted, and cast out from the land of their
inheritance,
"2. I, the Lord, have suffered the affliction to come upon them,
wherewith they have been afflicted, in consequence of their
transgressions;
"3. Yet I will own them, and they shall be mine in that day when I
shall come to make up my jewels.
"4. Therefore, they must needs be chastened and tried, even as
Abraham, who was commanded to offer up his only son;
"5. For all those who will not endure chastening, but deny me, cannot
be sanctified.
"6. Behold, I say unto you, there were jarrings, and contentions, and
envyings, and strifes, and lustful and covetous desires among them;
therefore by these things they polluted their inheritances.
"7. They were slow to hearken unto the voice of the Lord their God,
therefore the Lord their God is slow to hearken unto their prayers, to
answer them in the day of their trouble.
"8. In the day of their peace they esteemed lightly my counsel; but,
in the day of their trouble, of necessity they feel after me.
"9. Verily, I say unto you, notwithstanding their sins, my bowels are
filled with compassion towards them: I will not utterly cast them off;
and in the day of wrath I will remember mercy.
"10. I have sworn, and the decree hath gone forth by a former
commandment which I have given unto you, that I would let fall the
sword of mine indignation in the behalf of my people; and even as I
have said, it shall come to pass.
"11. Mine indignation is soon to be poured out without measure upon
all nations, and this will I do when the cup of their iniquity is full.
"12. And in that day all who are found upon the watch tower, or in
other words, all mine Israel shall be saved.
"13. And they that have been scattered shall be gathered;
"14. And all they who have mourned shall be comforted;
"15. And all they who have given their lives for my name shall be
crowned.
"16. Therefore, let your hearts be comforted concerning Zion; for all
flesh is in mine hands: be still and know that I am God.
"17. Zion shall not be moved out of her place, notwithstanding her
children are scattered;
"18. They that remain, and are pure in heart, shall return, and
come to their inheritances, they and their children, with songs of
everlasting joy to build up the waste places of Zion;
"19. And all these things that the prophets might be fulfilled.
"20. And, behold, there is none other place appointed than that which
I have appointed; neither shall there be any other place appointed
than that which I have appointed, for the work of the gathering of my
saints,
"21. Until the day cometh when there is found no more room for them;
and then I have other places which I will appoint unto them, and they
shall be called Stakes, for the curtains, or the strength of Zion.
"22. Behold, it is my will, that all they who call on my name, and
worship me according to mine everlasting gospel, should gather
together, and stand in holy places,
"23. And prepare for the revelation which is to come, when the veil of
the covering of my temple, in my tabernacle, which hideth the earth,
shall be taken off, and all flesh shall see me together.
"24. And every corruptible thing, both of man, or of the beasts of the
field, or of the fowls of the heavens, or of the fish of the sea, that
dwell upon all the face of the earth, shall be consumed;
"25. And also that of element shall melt with fervent heat; and all
things shall become new, that my knowledge and glory may dwell upon
all the earth.
"26. And in that day the enmity of man, and the enmity of beasts, yea,
the enmity of all flesh, shall cease from before my face.
"27. And in that day whatsoever any man shall ask, it shall be given
unto him.
"28. And in that day Satan shall not have power to tempt any man.
"29. And there shall be no sorrow because there is no death.
"30. In that day an infant shall not die until he is old, and his life
shall be as the age of a tree.
"31. And when he dies he shall not sleep, (that is to say in the
earth,) but shall be changed in the twinkling of an eye, and shall be
caught up, and his rest shall be glorious.
"32. Yea, verily I say unto you, in that day when the Lord shall come,
he shall reveal all things--
"33. Things which have passed, and hidden things which no man
knew--things of the earth, by which it was made, and the purposes, and
the end thereof--
"34. Things most precious--things that are above, and things that are
beneath--things that are in the earth, and upon the earth, and in
heaven.
"35. And all they who suffer persecution for my name, and endure in
faith, though they are called to lay down their lives for my sake, yet
shall they partake of all this glory.
"36. Wherefore, fear not even unto death; for in this world your joy
is not full, but in me your joy is full.
"37. Therefore, care not for the body, neither the life of the body;
but care for the soul, and for the life of the soul;
"38. And seek the face of the Lord always, that in patience ye may
possess your souls, and ye shall have eternal life.
"39. When men are called unto mine everlasting gospel, and covenant
with an everlasting covenant, they are accounted as the salt of the
earth, and the savor of men;
"40. They are called to be the savor of men. Therefore, if that salt
of the earth lose its savor, behold, it is thenceforth good for
nothing, only to be cast out, and trodden under the feet of men.
"41. Behold, here is wisdom concerning the children of Zion, even
many, but not all; they were found transgressors, therefore they must
needs be chastened.
"42. He that exalteth himself shall be abased, and he that abaseth
himself shall be exalted.
"43. And now, I will show unto you a parable, that you may know my
will concerning the redemption of Zion.
"44. A certain nobleman had a spot of land, very choice; and he said
unto his servants, Go ye unto my vineyard, even upon this very choice
piece of land, and plant twelve olive trees,
"45. And set watchmen round about them, and build a tower, that one
may overlook the land round about, to be a watchman upon the tower,
that mine olive trees may not be broken down, when the enemy shall
come to spoil, and take unto themselves the fruit of my vineyard.
"46. Now, the servants of the nobleman went and did as their lord
commanded them; and planted the olive trees, and built a hedge round
about, and set watchmen, and began to build a tower.
"47. And while they were yet laying the foundation thereof, they began
to say among themselves, And what need hath my lord of this tower?
"48. And consulted for a long time, saying among themselves, What need
hath my lord of this tower, seeing this is a time of peace?
"49. Might not this money be given to the exchangers? for there is no
need of these things!
"50. And while they were at variance one with another they became very
slothful, and they hearkened not unto the commandments of their lord,
"51. And the enemy came by night, and broke down the hedge, and the
servants of the nobleman arose and were affrighted, and fled; and the
enemy destroyed their works, and broke down the olive trees.
"52. Now behold, the nobleman, the lord of the vineyard, called upon
his servants, and said unto them, Why! what is the cause of this great
evil?
"53. Ought ye not to have done even as I commanded you? and after
ye had planted the vineyard, and built the hedge round about, and
set watchmen upon the walls thereof, built the tower also, and set a
watchman upon the tower, and watched for my vineyard, and not have
fallen asleep, lest the enemy should come upon you?
"54. And behold, the watchman upon the tower would have seen the enemy
while he was yet afar off, and then ye could have made ready and kept
the enemy from breaking down the hedge thereof, and saved my vineyard
from the hands of the destroyer.
"55. And the lord of the vineyard said unto one of his servants, Go
and gather together the residue of my servants, and take all the
strength of mine house, which are my warriors, my young men, and
they that are of middle age also among all my servants, who are the
strength of mine house, save those only whom I have appointed to tarry;
"56. And go ye straightway unto the land of my vineyard, and redeem my
vineyard, for it is mine, I have bought it with money.
"57. Therefore, get ye straightway unto my land; break down the walls
of mine enemies; throw down their tower, and scatter their watchmen:
"58. And inasmuch as they gather together against you, avenge me of
mine enemies, that by and by I may come with the residue of mine
house, and possess the land.
"59. And the servant said unto his lord, When shall these things be?
"60. And he said unto his servant, When I will, go ye straightway, and
do all things whatsoever I have commanded you;
"61. And this shall be my seal and blessing upon you--a faithful and
wise steward in the midst of mine house, a ruler in my kingdom.
"62. And his servant went straightway, and did all things whatsoever
his lord commanded him, and after many days all things were fulfilled.
"63. Again, verily I say unto you, I will show unto you wisdom in me
concerning all the churches, inasmuch as they are willing to be guided
in a right and proper way for their salvation,
"64. That the work of the gathering together of my saints may
continue, that I may build them up unto my name upon holy places; for
the time of harvest is come, and my word must needs be fulfilled.
"65. Therefore, I must gather together my people, according to the
parable of the wheat and the tares, that the wheat may be secured in
the garners to possess eternal life, and be crowned with celestial
glory when I shall come in the kingdom of my Father, to reward every
man according as his work shall be,
"66. While the tares shall be bound in bundles, and their bands made
strong, that they may be burned with an unquenchable fire.
"67. Therefore, a commandment I give unto all the churches, that
they shall continue to gather together unto the places which I have
appointed;
"68. Nevertheless, as I have said unto you in a former commandment,
let not your gathering be in haste, nor by flight; but let all things
be prepared before you:
"69. And in order that all things be prepared before you, observe the
commandments which I have given concerning these things,
"70. Which saith, or teacheth, to purchase all the lands by money,
which can be purchased for money, in the region round about the land
which I have appointed to be the land of Zion, for the beginning of
the gathering of my saints;
"71. All the land which can be purchased in Jackson County, and the
counties round about, and leave the residue in mine hand.
"72. Now, verily I say unto you, let all the churches gather together
all their monies; let these things be done in their time, be not in
haste, and observe to have all things prepared before you.
"73. And let honorable men be appointed, even wise men, and send them
to purchase these lands;
"74. And every church in the eastern countries when they are built up,
if they will hearken unto this counsel, they may buy lands and gather
together upon them, and in this way they may establish Zion.
"75. There is even now already in store a sufficient, yea, even
abundance, to redeem Zion, and establish her waste places, no more to
be thrown down, where the churches who call themselves after my name,
willing to hearken to my voice.
"76. And again I say unto you, those who have been scattered by their
enemies, it is my will that they should continue to importune for
redress, and redemption, by the hands of those who are placed as
rulers, and are in authority over you.
"77. According to the laws and constitution of the people which I have
suffered to be established, and should be maintained for the rights
and protection of all flesh, according to just and holy principles,
"78. That every man may act in doctrine and principle pertaining to
futurity, according to the moral agency which I have given unto them,
that every man may be accountable for his own sins in the day of
judgement.
"79. Therefore, it is not right that any man should be in bondage one
to another.
"80. And for this purpose have I established the constitution of
this land, by the hands of wise men whom I raised up unto this very
purpose, and redeemed the land by the shedding of blood.
"81. Now, unto what shall I liken the children of Zion? I will liken
them unto the parable of the woman and the unjust judge (for men ought
always to pray and not to faint) which saith,
"82. There was in a city a judge which feared not God, neither
regarded man.
"83. And there was a widow in that city, and she came unto him,
saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.
"84. And he would not for a while, but afterward he said within
himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man, yet because this widow
troubleth me I will avenge her, lest, by her continual coming, she
weary me.
"85. Thus will I liken the children of Zion.
"86. Let them importune at the feet of the Judge;
"87. And if he heed them not, let them importune at the feet of the
Governor;
"88. And if the Governor heed them not, let them importune at the feet
of the President;
"89. And if the President heed them not, then will the Lord arise and
come forth out of his hiding place, and in his fury vex the nation,
"90. And in his hot displeasure, and in his fierce anger, in his
time, will cut off those wicked, unfaithful, and unjust stewards, and
appoint them their portion among hypocrites, and unbelievers;
"91. Even in outer darkness, where there is weeping and wailing, and
gnashing of teeth.
"92. Pray ye, therefore, that their ears may be opened unto your
cries, that I may be merciful unto them, that these things may not
come upon them.
"93. What I have said unto you, must needs be, that all men may be
left without excuse;
"94. That wise men and rulers may hear and know that which they have
never considered;
"95. That I may proceed to bring to pass my act, my strange act, and
perform my work, my strange work, that men may discern between the
righteous and the wicked, saith your God.
"96. And again, I say unto you, it is contrary to my commandment, and
my will, that my servant Sidney Gilbert should sell my storehouse,
which I have appointed unto my people, into the hands of mine enemies.
"97. Let not that which I have appointed be polluted by mine enemies,
by the consent of those who call themselves after my name;
"98. For this is a very sore and grievous sin against me, and against
my people, in consequence of those things which I have decreed and are
soon to befall the nations.
"99. Therefore, it is my will that my people should claim, and hold
claim upon that which I have appointed unto them, though they should
not be permitted to dwell thereon;
"100. Nevertheless, I do not say they shall not dwell thereon; for
inasmuch as they bring forth fruit and works meet for my kingdom, they
shall dwell thereon;
"101. They shall build, and another shall not inherit it; they shall
plant vineyards, and they shall eat the fruit thereof. Even so.
Amen."--Doc. and Cov. Sec. 101.
With a copy of this revelation and other papers bearing comfort to the
distressed people, David accompanied William D. Pratt to Missouri,
making the greater part of the journey on foot.
Under date of December 19th occurs the following entry in the diary of
the Prophet Joseph Smith:
"William Pratt and David Patten took their journey to the land of Zion,
for the purpose of beating dispatches to the brethren in that place
from Kirtland. O, may God grant it a blessing for Zion, as a kind angel
from heaven. Amen."
To face that journey of six hundred miles in the dead of winter on
foot and in poverty, took no common courage. Men who weighed their own
comfort against the welfare of their fellowmen, would have seriously
considered the alternative. But not so with these.
Since the summer of 1831, when the Saints first settled in Jackson
County, Missouri, converts had been gathering from all parts of the
country to the center Stake of Zion. Much progress had been made by
them in providing themselves with the comforts of life, when, in the
fall of 1833, an armed mob recruited from the surrounding region arose
against the Saints and drove them, about twelve hundred souls in all,
from their homes, and now they were as we have seen scattered and in
distress.
After much suffering on this perilous journey, David reached Clay
County, where his brother John had located, on March 24, 1834. He found
the Saints in a truly pitiable condition. Driven from their homes in
and about Independence before the crops of the previous year could be
utilized, their fields laid waste, their houses and in many instances
all their belongings burned by the mob, many of the people hardly knew
how they had been preserved through the winter. The Lord only will ever
know.
David's whole soul went out to the sufferers. His time was spent night
and day in ministering to their necessities. That attribute of the
Lord, which we are sent here particularly to cultivate, of love for all
things, was most fully exercised in David during this period of his
development. Even the most despised of the animal kingdom came within
the reach of his sympathy, for while traveling among the people he
interposed whenever opportunity offered to prevent the destruction even
of the rattlesnakes with which the country was infested. Explaining on
one such occasion that we need not look for animals to become harmless
so long as men cherish enmity, he drove the intruder with a brush of
leaves into retirement.
Not even the men who had brought upon his brethren and sisters the
suffering he so untiringly sought to relieve, could call from David any
heated demonstration of bitterness. While he stood ready to go with the
Saints back to their homes, and advocated such a course, he was yet
unwilling to entertain for their enemies a feeling of vengeance.
In June, 1834, when Zion's camp had arrived, David met in council with
a number of his brethren and the leaders of the mob. At the close of
the conference, on account of some remark of his, one of the mobocrats
drew a bowie knife on David, swearing:
"You d--d Mormon, I'll cut your d--d throat."
"My friend, do nothing rash."
"For God's sake don't shoot."
David's composure and gentle reply threw the man into a state of alarm
for his own safety. It was beyond him to conceive of such unruffled
demeanor unless his antagonist relied for his security on concealed
weapons. But David was wholly unarmed, except with the affection which
knows no fear. There are other instances in his career when David's
fearlessness led his enemies to believe he was armed. These, however,
will be noted as we proceed.
The Prophet Joseph left Missouri for Kirtland early in July, and in
September David took a steamer at the small town of La Grange on the
Mississippi river, and, in company with Warren Parrish, started on a
mission to the Southern States. At Paris, Henry County, Tennessee,
where they arrived in October, the Elders remained preaching about
three months. During this time twenty converts were made and many sick
were healed.
Of the many cases of healing performed under David's administrations,
one of the most wonderful perhaps was that of the wife of Johnston
F. Lane. She had been sick for eight years, and for a year past had
been unable to walk. Hearing of the Elders she begged her husband to
send for them. David answered the summons at once. As was his custom,
he first explained the Gospel and upon receiving from the lady an
assurance of faith in the Lord, he laid his hands on her, saying:
"In the name of Jesus Christ, I rebuke the disorder and command it to
depart."
As he said this she was instantly made whole, and at his command and in
accordance with her promise, she went into the water and was baptized
within the hour. Among the promises made her at her confirmation, was
one that she should bear a son in less than a year, though she had been
married twelve years and was childless. The prophecy was fulfilled,
and, out of gratitude to the servant of the Lord under whose hands the
mother had been so marvelously healed, the child was named David Patten
Lane. The mother bore several children afterward.
IV.
Chosen an Apostle--Ordination--Revelation instructing the Twelve--Date
of birth--Healing of Mrs. Stearns--Impression of Lorenzo Snow.
From Paris, Tennessee, David made his way to Kirtland, where events
very nearly concerning him were soon to take place.
Even before the organization of the Church, two of the witnesses to the
Book of Mormon, were directed to search out the Twelve Apostles, and as
a mark by which these men were to be known the Lord particularizes:
"And the Twelve are they who shall desire to take upon them my name
with full purpose of heart."
In his diary under date of 1835, the Prophet Joseph writes:
"On the Sabbath previous to the 14th of February, Brothers Joseph and
Brigham Young came to my house after meeting and sang for me; the
Spirit of the Lord was poured out upon us, and I told them I wanted
those brethren together who went up to Zion in the camp the previous
summer, for I had a blessing for them."
Of the minutes of that meeting on February 14th, a brief extract will
be interesting:
"President Joseph Smith, Jr., after making many remarks on the subject
of choosing the Twelve, wanted an expression from the brethren if
they would be satisfied to have the Spirit of the Lord dictate in the
choice of the Elders to be Apostles; whereupon all the Elders present
expressed their anxious desire to have it so.
"A hymn was then sung, 'Hark, Listen to the Trumpeters.' President
Hyrum prayed and the meeting was dismissed for one hour.
"Assembled pursuant to adjournment, and commenced with prayer.
"President Joseph Smith, Jr., said that the first business of the
meeting was for the three witnesses of the Book of Mormon to pray, each
one, and then proceed to choose twelve men from the Church as Apostles,
to go to all nations, kindreds, tongues and people.
"The three witnesses, viz., Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer and Martin
Harris, united in prayer.
"These three witnesses were then blessed by the laying on of the hands
of the Presidency.
"The witnesses then, according to a former commandment, proceeded to
make a choice of the Twelve. Their names are as follows:
Lyman E. Johnson,
Brigham Young,
Heber C. Kimball,
Orson Hyde,
David W. Patten,
Luke Johnson,
Wm. E. McLellin,
John F. Boynton,
Orson Pratt,
William Smith,
Thos. B. Marsh,
Parley P. Pratt."
Under the hands of the witnesses, the Twelve were next ordained.
David's ordination occurred on Sunday, February 15, 1835, in language
of which the following quotation from the minutes is probably only a
synopsis:
"O God, give this, Thy servant, a knowledge of Thy will; may he be like
one of old, who bore testimony of Jesus; may he be a new man from this
day forth. He shall be equal with his brethren, the Twelve, and have
the qualifications of the Prophets before him; may his body be strong
and never weary; may he walk and not faint. May he have power over all
diseases, and faith according to his desires; may the heavens be opened
upon him speedily, that he may bear testimony from knowledge; that he
may go to the nations and isles afar off. May he have a knowledge of
the things of the kingdom from the beginning, and be able to tear down
priestcraft like a lion; may he have power to smite his enemies before
him with utter destruction; may he continue till the Lord comes. O
Father, we seal these blessings upon him. Even so. Amen."
The period intervening till the 4th of May, when their first mission
was entered upon, was a veritable Pentecost to the newly chosen Twelve.
Through the Prophet Joseph and his counselors the Lord truly poured out
upon them the choicest blessings of heaven. On March 28th, in answer
to their petition for "a revelation of His mind and will concerning
our duty the coming season, even a great revelation that will enlarge
our hearts, comfort us in adversity, and brighten our hopes amidst the
powers of darkness," the Lord, through the Prophet, answered every
desire of their hearts with the revelation Section 107, in the Doctrine
and Covenants, as follows:
"1. There are in the church, two Priesthoods, namely, the Melchisedek,
and Aaronic, including the Levitical priesthood.
"2. Why the first is called the Melchisedek Priesthood, is because
Melchisedek was such a great High Priest.
"3. Before his day it was called the Holy Priesthood, after the order
of the Son of God;
"4. But out of respect or reverence to the name of the Supreme Being,
to avoid the too frequent repetition of his name, they, the church,
in ancient days, called that Priesthood after Melchisedek, or the
Melchisedek Priesthood.
"5. All other authorities or offices in the church are appendages to
this Priesthood.
"6. But there are two divisions or grand heads--one is the Melchisedek
Priesthood, and the other is the Aaronic, or Levitical Priesthood.
"7. The office of an Elder comes under the Priesthood of Melchisedek.
"8. The Melchisedek Priesthood holds the right of Presidency, and has
power and authority over all the offices in the church in all ages of
the world, to administer in spiritual things.
"9. The Presidency of the High Priesthood, after the order of
Melchisedek, have a right to officiate in all the offices in the
church.
"10. High Priests after the order of the Melchisedek Priesthood, have
a right to officiate in their own standing, under the direction of the
Presidency, in administering spiritual things; and also in the office
of an elder, priest, (of the Levitical order,) teacher, deacon, and
member.
"11. An elder has a right to officiate in his stead when the High
Priest is not present.
"12. The High Priest and elder are to administer in spiritual things,
agreeable to the covenants and commandments of the church; and they
have a right to officiate in all these offices of the church when
there are no higher authorities present.
"13. The second priesthood is called the priesthood of Aaron, because
it was conferred upon Aaron and his seed, throughout all their
generations.
"14. Why it is called the lesser priesthood, is because it is an
appendage to the greater or the Melchisedek Priesthood, and has power
in administering outward ordinances.
"15. The bishopric is the presidency of this priesthood and holds the
keys or authority of the same.
"16. No man has a legal right to this office, to hold the keys of this
priesthood, except he be a literal descendant of Aaron.
"17. But as a High Priest of the Melchisedek Priesthood has authority
to officiate in all the lesser offices, he may officiate in the office
of bishop when no literal descendant of Aaron can be found, provided
he is called and set apart and ordained unto this power by the hands
of the Presidency of the Melchisedek Priesthood.
"18. The power and authority of the Higher or Melchisedek Priesthood,
is to hold the keys of all the spiritual blessings of the church--
"19. To have the privilege of receiving the mysteries of the kingdom
of heaven--to have the heavens opened unto them--to commune with
the general assembly and church of the first born, and to enjoy the
communion and presence of God the Father, and Jesus the Mediator of
the new covenant.
"20. The power and authority of the lesser, or Aaronic priesthood,
is to hold the keys of the ministering of angels, and to administer
in outward ordinances, the letter of the gospel--the baptism of
repentance for the remission of sins, agreeable to the covenants and
commandments.
"21. Of necessity there are presidents, or presiding offices growing
out of, or appointed of or from among those who are ordained to the
several offices in these two priesthoods.
"22. Of the Melchisedek Priesthood, three Presiding High Priests,
chosen by the body, appointed and ordained to that office, and upheld
by the confidence, faith, and prayer of the church, form a quorum of
the Presidency of the church.
"23. The Twelve traveling counselors are called to be the Twelve
Apostles, or special witnesses of the name of Christ in all the world;
thus differing from other officers in the church in the duties of
their calling.
"24. And they form a quorum, equal in authority and power to the three
Presidents previously mentioned.
"25. The seventy are also called to preach the gospel, and to be
especial witnesses unto the Gentiles and in all the world. Thus
differing from other officers in the church in the duties of their
calling;
"26. And they form a quorum equal in authority to that of the Twelve
special witnesses or apostles just named.
"27. And every decision made by either of these quorums, must be by
the unanimous voice of the same; that is, every member in each quorum
must be agreed to its decisions, in order to make their decisions of
the same power or validity one with the other.
"28. (A majority may form a quorum, when circumstances render it
impossible to be otherwise.)
"29. Unless this is the case, their decisions are not entitled to the
same blessings which the decisions of a quorum of three Presidents
were anciently, who were ordained after the order of Melchisedek, and
were righteous and holy men.
"30. The decisions of these quorums, or either of them, are to be
made in all righteousness, in holiness, and lowliness of heart,
meekness and long-suffering, and in faith, and virtue, and knowledge,
temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness and charity;
"31. Because the promise is, if these things abound in them, they
shall not be unfruitful in the knowledge of the Lord.
"32. And in case that any decision of these quorums is made in
unrighteousness, it may be brought before a general assembly of the
several quorums, which constitute the spiritual authorities of the
church, otherwise there can be no appeal from their decision.
"33. The Twelve are a traveling presiding High Council, to officiate
in the name of the Lord, under the direction of the Presidency of
the church, agreeable to the institution of heaven; to build up the
church, and regulate all the affairs of the same in all nations; first
unto the Gentiles, and secondly unto the Jews.
"34. The seventy are to act in the name of the Lord, under the
direction of the Twelve or the traveling High Council, in building
up the church and regulating all the affairs of the same in all
nations--first unto the Gentiles and then to the Jews;
"35. The Twelve being sent out, holding the keys to open the door by
the proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ--and first unto the
Gentiles and then unto the Jews.
"36. The standing High Councils, at the Stakes of Zion, form a quorum
equal in authority, in the affairs of the church, in all their
decisions, to the quorum of the Presidency, or to the traveling High
Council.
"37. The High Council in Zion, form a quorum equal in authority, in
the affairs of the church, in all their decisions, to the Councils of
the Twelve at the Stakes of Zion.
"38. It is the duty of the traveling High Council to call upon the
seventy, when they need assistance, to fill the several calls for
preaching and administering the gospel, instead of any others.
"39. It is the duty of the Twelve, in all large branches of the
church, to ordain evangelical ministers, as they shall be designated
unto them by revelation.
"40. The order of this Priesthood was confirmed to be handed down from
father to son, and rightly belongs to the literal descendants of the
chosen seed, to whom the promises were made.
"41. This order was instituted in the days of Adam, and came down by
lineage in the following manner:--
"42. From Adam to Seth, who was ordained by Adam at the age of 69
years, and was blessed by him three years previous to his (Adam's)
death, and received the promise of God by his father that his
posterity should be the chosen of the Lord, and that they should be
preserved unto the end of the earth,
"43. Because he (Seth) was a perfect man, and his likeness was the
express likeness of his father's, insomuch that he seemed to be like
unto his father in all things, and could be distinguished from him
only by his age.
"44. Enos was ordained at the age of 134 years and four months, by the
hand of Adam.
"45. God called upon Cainan in the wilderness, in the fortieth year of
his age, and he met Adam in journeying to the place Shedolamak. He was
87 years old when he received his ordination.
"46. Mahalaleel was 496 years and seven days old when he was ordained
by the hand of Adam, who also blessed him.
"47. Jared was 200 years old when he was ordained under the hand of
Adam, who also blessed him.
"48. Enoch was 25 years old when he was ordained under the hand of
Adam, and he was 65 and Adam blessed him.
"49. And he saw the Lord, and he walked with him, and was before his
face continually; and he walked with God 365 years, making him 430
years old when he was translated.
"50. Methuselah was 100 years old when he was ordained under the hand
of Adam.
"51. Lamech was 32 years old when he was ordained under the hand of
Seth.
"52. Noah was 10 years old when he was ordained under the hand of
Methuselah.
"53. Three years previous to the death of Adam, he called Seth, Enos,
Cainan, Mahalaleel, Jared, Enoch, and Methuselah, who were all High
Priests, with the residue of his posterity who were righteous, into
the valley of Adam-ondi-Ahman, and there bestowed upon them his last
blessing.
"54. And the Lord appeared unto them, and they rose up and blessed
Adam, and called him Michael, the Prince, the Archangel.
"55. And the Lord administered comfort unto Adam and said unto him, I
have set thee to be at the head--a multitude of nations shall come of
thee, and thou art a prince over them for ever.
"56. And Adam stood up in the midst of the congregation, and
notwithstanding he was bowed down with age, being full of the Holy
Ghost, predicted whatsoever should befall his posterity unto the
latest generation.
"57. These things were all written in the book of Enoch, and are to be
testified of in due time.
"58. It is the duty of the Twelve, also, to ordain and set in order
all the other officers of the church."
Just before starting off on their first mission as a quorum unto the
eastern states, to set the branches of the Church in order, the Twelve
were instructed to take their places in council, according to age, the
oldest to be seated at the head. In pursuance thereof, the Twelve were
arranged with Thomas B. Marsh, David W. Patten and Brigham Young in the
order named; and this fact gives us the most definite information we
now have as to the date of David's birth. Thomas B. Marsh, being the
oldest of the Twelve, was born November 1, 1799, and Brigham Young on
June 1, 1801, and somewhere between these dates was the birthday of
David.
The 4th of May saw the departure of the Twelve from Kirtland. The next
five months were spent by David in traveling with his quorum through
New York, Canada, Vermont, and Maine, holding meetings and setting
branches in order.
While a conference was being held at Bethel, Maine, a young woman, Mary
Ann Stearns, who had been troubled for five years with an extremely
aggravated case of heart disease, sent for the Elders, and upon
investigation asked for baptism. David was mouth in the confirmation as
well as in administering to her afterward for her health, and made her
the promise that she should be entirely restored to perfect health and
soundness. She afterwards became the wife of Apostle Parley P. Pratt,
and endured all the hardships through which the Saints were called to
pass; but from that time till the time of her death in 1891, at the age
of eighty-two years, she never again complained of heart trouble.
The Twelve returned to Kirtland in September, 1835.
The indelibility of the impressions made by David upon those with whom
he associated was something remarkable. Though it is more than sixty
years since his death, the Saints who knew him in life still recall
with pleasure the inspiration of his presence. In the course of a ride
of twenty-five miles with him on horseback about the time of David's
return from his mission with the Twelve, Lorenzo Snow first received
a testimony of the truth of the Gospel. Sister Eliza R. Snow in the
biography of her brother best describes the occurrence:
"On his way to Oberlin, my brother accidentally fell in company with
David W. Patten, an incident to which he frequently refers as one of
those seemingly trivial occurrences in human life which leaves an
indelible trace. This gentleman was an early champion of the fulness
of the Gospel as taught by Jesus and his Apostles in the meridian of
time, and revealed in our own day through the Prophet Joseph Smith, to
which cause Elder Patten fell a martyr on the 24th of October, 1838,
in Missouri, during the terrible scenes of persecution through which
the Latter-day Saints passed in that State. He possessed a mind of deep
thought and rich intelligence. In conversation with him, my brother
was much impressed with the depth and beauty of the philosophical
reasoning with which this inspired EIder seemed perfectly familiar as
he descanted on the condition of the human family in connection with
the sayings of the ancient Prophets, as recorded in the Scriptures--the
dealings with, and the purposes of God in relation to, His children on
the earth. From that time a new field with a new train of reflections,
was open to my brother's mind, the impress of which has never been
erased."
V.
A period of rest--Endowments--Second mission to Tennessee--Meets
Wilford Woodruff and Abraham O. Smoot--Trial by mob
court--Escape--Interview with Cain--Bares his breast to a mob.
Without doubt the most enjoyable period of David's life, was that spent
at home with his wife, and in council with his Quorum, in Kirtland,
during the next eight months. Mingling with his brethren in the most
intimate relationship, in the school for the study of languages, in
the school of the Prophets, each preparing himself in mutual bearing
and forbearance one with another, to receive his endowments at the
dedication of the Temple, David won from all their lasting love and
respect.
At the dedication of the Kirtland Temple on March 27, 1836, after
giving the interpretation of a discourse in tongues delivered by
Brigham Young, David himself spoke in tongues.
Receiving his blessings and endowments in the Temple directly after its
dedication, David took his wife and started on another mission into
Tennessee, where he met for the first time Wilford Woodruff and Abraham
O. Smoot.
Of this time President Woodruff writes:
"Brother Smoot traveled with me constantly till the 21st of April, when
he had the privilege of meeting with Elder David W. Patten, who had
come direct from Kirtland, and who had been ordained one of the Twelve
Apostles.
"It was a happy meeting. He gave us an account of the endowments at
Kirtland, the glorious blessings received, the ministration of angels,
the organization of the Twelve Apostles and Seventies, and informed me
that I was appointed a member of the second quorum of Seventies. All of
this was glorious news to me, and caused my heart to rejoice.
"On the 27th of May we were joined by Elder Warren Parrish, direct from
Kirtland. We had a happy time together.
"On the 28th, we held a conference at Brother Seth Utley's, where were
represented all the branches of the Church in the South.
"I was ordained on the 31st of May a member of the second quorum of
Seventies under the hands of David W. Patten and Warren Parrish.
"At the close of the conference we separated for a short time. Elders
Patten and Parrish labored in Tennessee, Brother Smoot and myself in
Kentucky. On the 9th of June we all met at Damon Creek Branch, where
Brother Patten baptized two. One was Father Henry Thomas, who had been
a revolutionary soldier under General Washington, and father of Daniel
and Henry Thomas.
"A warrant was issued, on the oath of a priest, against D. W. Patten,
W. Parrish and myself. We were accused in the warrant of the great
'crime' of testifying that Christ would come in this generation, and
that we promised the Holy Ghost to those whom we baptized. Brothers
Patten and Parrish were taken on the 19th of June. I being in another
county, escaped being arrested. The brethren were put under two
thousand dollars bonds to appear at court. Albert Petty and Seth Utley
were their bondsmen.
"They were tried on the 22nd of June.
"They plead their own cause. Although men came forward and testified
they did receive the Holy Ghost after they were baptized, the brethren
were condemned; but were finally released by paying the expenses of the
mob court.
"There was one peculiar circumstance connected with this trial by a mob
court, which was armed to the teeth. When the trial was through with,
the people were not willing to permit more than one to speak. Warren
Parrish had said but few words, and they were not willing to let David
Patten speak. But he, feeling the injustice of the court, and being
filled with the power of God, arose to his feet and delivered a speech
of about twenty minutes, holding them spell-bound while he told them of
their wickedness and the abominations that they were guilty of, also of
the curse of God that awaited them, if they did not repent, for taking
up two harmless, inoffensive men for preaching the Gospel of Christ.
"When he had got through his speech the judge said, 'You must be armed
with secret weapons, or you would not talk in this fearless manner to
an armed court.'
"Brother Patten replied: 'I have weapons that you know not of, and they
are given me of God, for He gives me all the power I have.'
"The judge seemed willing to get rid of them almost upon any terms, and
offered to dismiss them if their friends would pay the costs, which the
brethren present freely offered to do.
"When the two were released, they mounted their horses and rode a
mile to Seth Utley's; but, as soon as they had left, the court became
ashamed that they had been let go so easily and the whole mob mounted
their horses to follow them to Utley's.
"One of the Saints, seeing the state of affairs, rode on before the mob
to notify the brethren, so that they had time to ride into the woods
near by.
"They traveled along about three miles to Brother Albert Petty's, and
went to bed. The night was dark, and they fell asleep.
"But Brother Patten was warned in a dream to get up and flee, as the
mob would soon be there. They both arose, saddled their animals, and
rode into the adjoining county.
"The house they had just left was soon surrounded by the mob, but the
brethren had escaped through the mercy of God."
In that expression, referring to the Lord, "He gives me all the power
I have," Apostle David W. Patten gave at once the secret and the
watchword of his wonderful career.
It was probably not long after his arrival in Tennessee in the spring
of 1836, that David had one of the most remarkable experiences of
his life. He was making his home with Levi Taylor, the stepfather of
Abraham O. Smoot, at the time and had been to Paris, some sixteen
miles away, holding a meeting. Riding home in the evening, just where
his road lay through a dense growth of brush, called in those parts a
"barren," he suddenly became aware that a person on foot by his side
was keeping pace with the mule on which he rode.
But the subjoined letter, dated at Provo, Utah, will explain the matter:
President Joseph F. Smith, Salt Lake City:
Dear Brother:--In relation to the subject of the visit of Cain to
Brother David W. Patten in the State of Tennessee, about which you
wrote to me, I will say that according to the best of my recollection
it was in the month of September, 1835.
It was in the evening, just twilight, when Brother Patten rode up to
my father's house, alighted from his mule and came into the house. The
family immediately observed that his countenance was quite changed.
My mother having first noticed his changed appearance said: "Brother
Patten, are you sick?" He replied that he was not, but had just met
with a very remarkable personage who had represented himself as
being Cain, who murdered his brother, Abel. He went on to tell the
circumstances as near as I can recall in the following language:
"As I was riding along the road on my mule I suddenly noticed a very
strange personage walking beside me. He walked along beside me for
about two miles. His head was about even with my shoulders as I sat in
my saddle. He wore no clothing, but was covered with hair. His skin
was very dark. I asked him where he dwelt and he replied that he had
no home, that he was a wanderer in the earth and traveled to and fro.
He said he was a very miserable creature, that he had earnestly sought
death during his sojourn upon the earth, but that he could not die,
and his mission was to destroy the souls of men. About the time he
expressed himself thus, I rebuked him in the name of the Lord Jesus
Christ and by virtue of the Holy Priesthood, and commanded him to go
hence, and he immediately departed out of my sight. When he left me I
found myself near your house."
There was much conversation about the circumstances between Brother
Patten and my family which I don't recall, but the above is in
substance his statement to us at the time. The date is, to the best of
my recollection, and I think it is correct, but it may possibly have
been in the spring of 1836, but I feel quite positive that the former
date is right.
Hoping the above will be satisfactory to you and answer your purpose, I
am with the kindest regards, as ever,
Your friend and Brother,
A. O. Smoot.
Another incident showing David's utter fearlessness, occurred about
this time. While preaching at the house of Father Fry, in Benton
county, Tennessee, David was interrupted by a Mr. Rose, who asked him
to raise the dead. David administered to the man a stinging rebuke for
his wickedness, when Mr. Rose in great anger left the house. After
meeting, however, he returned, bringing with him a crowd of armed men,
who stood in sullen array about the dooryard.
Probably for the reason that he did not wish the family to be disturbed
by them, David went out, cane in hand, to learn their intentions.
He was greeted with the brandishing of weapons and dire threats of
vengeance; but with the utmost coolness he bared his breast to the mob,
and told them to shoot. The same fear seemed to fall upon them that
possessed the mobocrat in Missouri, for they fled the premises as if in
fear of their lives.
David had now arrived at the state of advancement, noticeable alike
in the life of the Saviour, and in the closing years of the Prophet
Joseph, where one sees, in the light of eternal truth, the utter
shallowness and worthlessness of worldly pride and pretense, and,
cognizant of the fact that no amount of tolerance will cure the evil,
is moved to awaken humility with a sharp rebuke.
That evening, President Woodruff relates, he and David went to a stream
of clear water below the house, and washed their hands and feet as the
Lord directs, and bore testimony against those wicked men.
VI.
David's personal appearance--Healing of Abraham O. Smoot--Margaret
Tittle healed--Prophecy at Paris, Tennessee--Journey to Far
West--Visits Kirtland during the great apostasy--Chosen to Presidency
in Missouri--Revelation--Expresses a wish to die as a martyr.
Probably the description of David's personal appearance with which the
most of those who knew him in life agree, is that given by President
Abraham O. Smoot, who says he was about six feet one inch in height,
stoutly built, though not fleshy, and of a dark complexion, with
piercing black eyes. As to disposition, President Smoot describes him
as jovial, qualifying his expression, however, with the closing remark:
"His jokes, though, were pretty solid."
At one time while traveling with David, Abraham O. Smoot, then little
more than a boy, became so sick he could sit on his horse no longer.
Stopping at the house of an atheist, Brother Smoot was put to bed, and
David assisted their hostess to prepare the sick man some warm drinks.
His companion receiving no relief, David obtained permission to "attend
prayers," and kneeling down by the bedside he laid his hands upon the
sick man's head and asked the Lord to heal him.
"Every bit of pain left me," said Brother Smoot, in relating the
incident, "in the twinkling of an eye."
It was just following this remark that President Smoot said:
"I don't recollect that he ever failed in his importuning to heal the
sick."
Once, when David and Wilford Woodruff were traveling together, they
were called to the bedside of a sick woman, Margaret Tittle, who lay
at the point of death. Preaching the Gospel to her, David received a
promise that if healed she would be baptized. After being administered
to by the servants of the Lord, she was restored to perfect health
instantly, when she refused baptism.
They told her she was acting a dangerous part and would again be
attacked if she did not repent. Returning that way in a few days, they
found her very low again, when she again promised, but this time with
more sincerity, for after being healed the second time, she was led
into the water and baptized, by Wilford Woodruff.
On August 20th, David preached at the house of Randolph Alexander, and
after meeting baptized him and his wife.
The spirit of mobocracy seemed always to have aroused in David all the
resentment of which he was capable. At one time while holding a meeting
in Pads, Tennessee, as related by President Woodruff, a mob gathered
in the place of meeting with threats of violence. Instead, however, of
being intimidated by their presence, David denounced their undertaking
in the most unmeasured terms and in the spirit of prophecy, though the
fulfillment in the Civil War was then more than twenty-five years away,
predicted:
"Before you die some of you will see the streets of Paris run with the
blood of its own citizens."
How fearfully this prophecy was fulfilled in the capture of Paris in
1862 by General Morgan, during his famous raid through Kentucky and
Tennessee!
Early in September, the seven branches of the Church in Kentucky and
Tennessee, representing one hundred and thirty-three members, assembled
in conference on Damon's Creek, Calloway County, Kentucky, Thomas B.
Marsh, as President of the Twelve Apostles, presiding. On the third
day of the conference, David preached on repentance and baptism, and
at the close of the meeting, five persons came forward and asked to be
baptized.
Directly after conference, David with his wife took leave of the Saints
and his fellow laborers, and returned in safety with Thomas B. Marsh
and companion, Elisha H. Groves, to Missouri.
In leaving the field of his labors of the past six months, in company
with Elisha H. Groves, who had first conferred upon him authority
to enter the missionary field, it was but natural that David should
retrospectively contemplate the work to which his life had been so
wholly given over since that lonely ride through the woods from
Michigan to Indiana. His first disappointing missionary labors among
his friends and acquaintances in Michigan, when he expected all of them
to rejoice with him in the great light newly burst upon the world;
the first visit to the Prophet Joseph, followed by the two successive
missions in the East; his winter's journey with William D. Pratt; his
labors in Missouri and in the South; his ordination to the Apostleship
with the wonderful feast of blessings and endowments that followed;
the return to the South, just terminated all these reflections crowded
upon him with all their accompanying memories of toil and privation,
with all the accompanying memories of the powers and blessings the Lord
had bestowed upon him; and there was no room in his soul for anything
but gratitude. Not only so, but there was a more settled resolution
to persevere to the end; and it was probably on this journey back to
Missouri that in David's mind the nature of that end was predetermined.
Upon his return to Missouri, after an absence of two years, David found
not a few marks of progress in the condition of the Saints. A new town
had been laid out called Far West, into which the people were gathering
from every quarter. Efforts were being made to purchase all the land in
the newly created County of Caldwell, and it was to gather means for
this purpose that President Thomas B. Marsh had made his recent visit
into Kentucky.
Locating on a single lot in the northwest part of town given him by the
Saints, David soon had a plain log house erected, and from that time
he devoted himself entirely to the welfare of the Church. His zeal in
spreading the truth abroad, was not surpassed by that manifested in its
defense at home.
Early in the spring of 1837, David preferred charges before the High
Council in Zion against Lyman Wight for teaching false doctrine. At
the trial in Far West on April 24th the charges were sustained, the
proper acknowledgements soon after accepted by the Saints and harmony
restored. The incident illustrates the disinterestedness and manliness
of David's character, for his action in this matter seems only to have
drawn closer the ties of confidence and friendship existing between
himself and his commanding officer in the militia, Colonel Lyman Wight.
In June, in company with Thomas B. Marsh and William D. Pratt, David,
responding to a call for a meeting of the Twelve, took a mission
through the intervening States to Kirtland, where they arrived in the
midst of the great apostasy. Here was need of all the courage he could
command, for it was a time to test the integrity of the strongest.
Deception and fraud and darkness had overcome his close friend and
brother-in-law, Warren Parrish, who tried by every means in his power
to turn David himself against the Prophet; and the downfall of his
brethren at that time was one of the greatest sorrows of David's life.
Not long after the conference at Kirtland in September, 1837, David
returned to Far West.
The spirit of the apostasy soon spreading into Missouri, it was found
necessary to displace the three Presidents, David Whitmer, John
Whitmer and W. W. Phelps. In consequence, Thomas B. Marsh and David
W. Patten were, on February 10th, sustained as temporary Presidents
of the Church in Missouri, pending the arrival of the Prophet Joseph
Smith from Kirtland. At the coming of the Prophet, March 14th, 1838, a
conference was called, at which three weeks later, Thomas B. Marsh was
chosen President in Missouri, and David W. Patten and Brigham Young his
assistants.
Shortly after, on April 17, 1838, the following revelation was received
through the Prophet Joseph Smith:
"1. Verily thus said the Lord, it is wisdom in my servant David W.
Patten, that he settle up all his business as soon as he possibly
can, and make a disposition of his merchandise, that he may perform
a mission unto me next spring, in company with others, even Twelve,
including himself, to testify of my name, and bear glad tidings unto
the world.
"2. For verily thus saith the Lord, that inasmuch as there are those
among you who deny my name, others shall be planted in their stead,
and receive bishopric. Amen."--Doc. and Cov. Sec. 114.
It was probably this revelation that occasioned a conversation between
the Prophet and David, reported by Wilford Woodruff.
David made known to the Prophet that he had asked the Lord to let
him die the death of a martyr, at which the Prophet, greatly moved,
expressed extreme sorrow, "for," said he to David, "when a man of your
faith asks the Lord for anything, he generally gets it."
VII.
Visits Adam-ondi-Ahman--Address to the Saints--Spirit of mobocracy in
Missouri--David known as "Captain Fear Not"--Calms a storm--Mobocracy
and treason--David succeeds to the Presidency of Twelve.
In May, David left Far West with the Prophet Joseph and party to lay
off a Stake of Zion to the north of them. It was on this trip that
Adam's altar was discovered, at Adam-ondi-Ahman, where a revelation was
given through the Prophet as follows:
"1. Adam-ondi-Ahman, because, said he, it is a place where Adam shall
come to visit his people, or the Ancient of Days shall sit, as spoken
of by Daniel the Prophet."--Doc. and Cov. Sec. 116.
In his official capacity, David issued an epistle to the Saints
through the Elder's Journal, under date of July, 1838, into which,
notwithstanding the imperfect typography as here copied, there is
breathed a spirit of concern for the welfare of the people of God,
equalled only by that of integrity in defense of the Prophet Joseph
Smith.
To the Saints abroad:
Dear Brethren and Sisters: Whereas, many have taken into hand to set
forth the order of the Kingdom of God on earth, and have testified
of the grace of God, as given unto them, to publish unto you, I also
feel it my duty to write unto you, touching the grace of God given
unto me, to youward; concerning the dispensation we have received;
which is the greatest of all dispensations--And has been spoken of by
the mouths of all the holy prophets since the word began. In this, my
communication to you, I design to notice some of these prophecies. Now
the Apostle Paul says on this wise, "For I would not, brethren, that
you should be ignorant of this mystery, (lest you should be wise in
your own conceit), that blindness in part has happened unto Israel,
until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. And so all Israel shall
be saved; as is written. There shall come out of Zion a deliverer,
and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob." What is that he says?
"For I would not have you ignorant." Ignorant of what? Why of this
mystery, that blindness in part had happened unto Israel. And to what
end? Why, that salvation might come unto the Gentiles.--See the 12th
and 13th verses of this chapter (11) to the Romans. Now if the fall
of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the
riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness? "For I speak to
you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify
mine office." Now, we are to understand the apostle, as speaking of the
return of Israel, when he said "how much more their fulness," in their
return. "For I would not have you ignorant concerning this matter,"
that blindness will depart, from them in the day that the fulness of
the Gentiles is come in, and the reason is very obvious, because it is
said, that out of Zion shall come the deliverer; and for what cause?
Why that the word of God might be fulfilled. This deliverer might,
through the mercy of God, turn away ungodliness from Jacob. This work
evidently commences at the time God begins to take the darkness from
the minds of Israel, for this will be the work of God by the deliverer,
for he shall turn away ungodliness from the whole family of Jacob. "For
this is my covenant with them, when I shall take away their sins."
Now them, we can see that this deliverer is a kind of harbinger or
forerunner, that is, one that is sent to prepare the way for another.
And this deliverer is such a one, for he comes to turn away ungodliness
from Jacob. Consequently he must receive a dispensation and authority
suitable to his calling, or he could not turn away ungodliness from
Jacob, nor fulfill the scripture. But the words of the prophets must
be fulfilled. And in order to do this, to this messenger must be given
the dispensation of the fulness of times according to the prophets.
For Paul says again, in speaking of the dispensation of the fulness of
times; Ephesians 1, 9: "Having made known unto us the mystery of his
will according to his good pleasure, which he has purposed in himself,
that in the dispensation of the fulness of times, he might gather
together in one all things in Christ, both which are in Heaven and
which are on earth, even in him." And Isaiah says in the 11th chapter
and 11th verse, "And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord
shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his
people." Now, this is the time that the deliverer shall come out of
Zion, and turn away ungodliness from the house of Israel.
Now the Lord has said that he would set his hand the second time and we
ask for what? but to recover the house of Israel. From what have they
fallen? most assuredly they had broken the covenant, that God had made
with their fathers, and through their fathers with them.
For Paul says, Romans, 11: 19, 20: "Thou wilt say then, the branches
were broken off, that I might be grafted in. Well, because of unbelief
they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not high minded,
but fear."
Now it is evident, that the Jews did forsake the Lord, and by that
means broke the covenant, and now we see the need of the Lord's setting
his hand the second time to gather his people, according to Eph. 1:10,
"That the dispensation of the fulness of times," etc. Now I ask, What
is a dispensation? I answer, it is power and authority to dispense the
word of God, and to administer in all the ordinances thereof. This is
what we are to understand by it, for no man ever had the Holy Ghost to
deliver the Gospel, or to prophesy of things to come, but had liberty
to fulfill his mission; consequently, the argument is clear, for it
proves itself; nevertheless, I will call on the scriptures to prove the
assertion. Ephesians 3:2, "If ye have heard of the dispensation of the
grace of God, which is given me to you ward. How that by revelation he
made known unto me the mystery; as I wrote in a few words." And also
in Colossians 1:25: "Wherefore I am made a minister, according to the
dispensation of God which is given to me for you to fulfill the words
of God." It is evident then, that the dispensation given the apostle,
came to him by revelation from God. Then by this we may understand, in
some degree, the power by which he spake, as also the dispensation of
the fulness of times.
Now, this at first thought, would appear very small to some, who are
not acquainted with the order of God from the beginning; but when
we take into consideration the plan of God for the salvation of the
world, we can readily see that plan carried out most faithfully in all
its bearings. See after the fall of Adam, the plan of salvation was
made known to him of God himself; who in like manner, in the meridian
of time revealed the same, in sending his first begotten Son, Jesus
Christ: who also revealed the same to the apostles, and God raised him
from the dead to perfect that plan. And the apostles were made special
witnesses of that plan; and testified that "in the dispensation of the
fulness of times, that God would gather together in one, all things in
Christ, whether they be things in Heaven, or things on earth." Now the
thing to be known is, what the fulness of times means, or the extent
and authority thereof. It means this, that the dispensation of the
fulness of times is made up of all the dispensations that ever have
been given since the world began until this time. Unto Adam first was
given a dispensation. It is well known that God spake to him with his
own voice in the garden, and gave him the promise of the Messiah. And
unto Noah also was a dispensation given. For Jesus, said, "As it was
in the days of Noah, so shall it be at the coming of the son of man."
And as the righteous were saved then, and the wicked destroyed, so
it will be now. And from Noah to Abraham; and from Abraham to Moses;
and from Moses to Elias; and from Elias to John the Baptist; and from
John to Jesus; and from Jesus to Peter, James and John. The apostles
all having received in their time, a dispensation by revelation from
God, to accomplish the great scheme of restitution, spoken of by all
the Holy Prophets since the world began, the end of which is the
dispensation of the fulness of times. In the which, all things shall be
fulfilled, that have been spoken of since the word was made. Now the
question is, unto whom is this dispensation to be given? or by whom to
be revealed? The answer is, to the deliverer that was to have come out
of Zion, and given to him by the angel of God. Rev. 14:7. "And I saw
another angel flying in the midst of Heaven, having the everlasting
gospel to preach to them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation,
kindred, tongue and people, saying with a loud voice, fear God, and
give glory to him for the hour of his judgement is come; worship him,
that made heaven, and earth, and sea, and the fountains of water." Now
observe, this angel delivers the gospel to man on the earth, and that
too when the hour of the judgements of God had come on the generation,
in the which the Lord should set his hand the second time, as stated
above. Now we have learned that this deliverer must be clothed with
the power of all the other dispensations, or it could not be called
the fulness of times, for this is what it means, that all things shall
be revealed, both in Heaven and on earth. For the Lord said, there was
nothing secret that should not be revealed, or hid that should not
come abroad, and be proclaimed upon the housetop. And this may, with
propriety, be called the fulness of times. The authority connected with
the ordinances, renders the time very desirable to the man of God, and
renders him happy, amidst all his trials, and afflictions. To such a
one, through the grace of God, we are indebted for this dispensation,
as given by the angel of the Lord. But to what tribe of Israel was it
to be given? We answer, to Ephraim, because to him were the greater
blessings given. For the Lord said through his father, Joseph: "A seer
shall the Lord raise up of the fruit of my loins; yea, he truly said;
Thus saith the Lord, a choice Seer will I raise up out of the fruit of
thy loins, and he shall be esteemed highly; and unto him will I give
commandment, that he shall do a work for the fruit of thy loins his
brethren, which shall be of great worth unto them, even to the bringing
of them, to the knowledge of the covenants which I made with their
fathers. And I will give unto him a commandment that he shall do no
other work, save the work which I shall command him; and I will make
him great in mine eyes, for he shall do my work, and he shall be great
like unto Moses; and out of weakness he shall be made strong, in that
day when my work shall commence among all people, unto the restoring of
the house of Israel, saith the Lord."
And thus prophesied Joseph, saying, "Behold, that seer will the Lord
bless, and they that seek to destroy him shall be confounded. Behold,
I am sure of the fulfillment of this promise, and his name shall be
called after me; and it shall be after the name of his father; and he
shall be like unto me, for the thing which the Lord shall bring forth
by his hand by the power of the Father, shall bring my people unto
salvation." Thus prophesied Joseph--"I am sure of this thing, even as I
am sure of the promise of Moses." 2nd Book of Nephi, 2nd chapter.
And again, Jesus says, as recorded in the Book of Mormon, 526th page,
2nd edition: "Behold my servant shall deal prudently; he shall be
exalted, and shall be esteemed, and be very high. As many as were
astonished at thee, so shall he sprinkle many nations. Kings shall shut
their mouths at him, for that which had been told them shall they see;
and that which they had not heard shall they consider."
Upon this servant is bestowed the keys of the dispensation of the
fullness of times. That from him, the Priesthood of God, through our
Lord Jesus Christ, might be given to many, and the order of this
dispensation established on the earth. And to the church he has said
by commandment--(See Book of Covenants, 46th section, 2nd paragraph)
"Wherefore, meaning the church, thou shalt give heed unto all his
words, and commandments, which he shall give unto you as he receiveth
them, walking in all holiness before me; for his word ye shall receive
as from mine own mouth; in all patience and faith, for by doing these
things the gates of hell shall not prevail against you." Now, my
readers, you can see in some degree, the grace given unto this man of
God to uswards. That we, by the great mercy of God, should receive from
under his hand, the gospel of Jesus Christ, and having the promise of
partaking of the fruit of the vine, on the earth with him, and with
the holy prophets and patriarchs, our fathers. For these holy men are
angels now. And these are they, who make the fullness of times complete
with us. And they who sin against this authority given to him (the
before mentioned man of God) sin not against him only, but against
Moroni, who holds the keys of the stick of Ephraim. And also against
Elias, who holds the keys of the bringing to pass the restitution
of all things. And also John, the son of Zacharias, which Zacharias
Elias visited, and gave promise that he should have a son, and his
name should be John, and he should be filled with the spirit of Elias,
"which John I have sent unto you, my servant Joseph Smith and Oliver
Cowdery, to ordain you to this first Priesthood even as Aaron," and
also Elijah who holds the keys of committing the power, to turn the
hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children
to the fathers, that the whole earth may not be smitten with a curse.
And also Joseph, and Jacob, and Isaac, and Abraham, your fathers, by
whom the promises remain. And also Michael or Adam, the father of all,
the Prince of all, the Ancient of Days. And also "Peter and James and
John, whom I have sent unto you, by whom I have ordained you, and
confirmed you to be apostles, and especial witnesses of my name, and
bear the keys of your ministry, and of the same things I revealed
unto you: unto whom I have committed the keys of my kingdom, and a
dispensation of the gospel for the last time, and for the fullness of
times, in the which I will gather together in one all things, both
which are in heaven and which are on earth."
Therefore, brethren, beware concerning yourselves, that you sin not
against the authority of this dispensation, nor think lightly of those
whom God has counted worthy of so great a calling, and for whose sake
he hath made them servants unto you, that you might be made heirs of
God, to inherit so great a blessing, and be prepared for the grand
assembly, and sit there with the ancient of days, even Adam, our
father, who shall come to prepare you for the coming of Jesus Christ,
our Lord: for the time is at hand, therefore, gather up your effects
and gather together upon the land which the Lord has appointed for your
safety.
David W. Patten
The summer of 1838, found the Saints gathered into Far West, and
located in the surrounding settlements, to the number of not less than
twelve thousand souls. The old spirit of mobocracy began to show itself
again. An occasion was afforded for an outbreak by the August election
at Gallatin in Caldwell County, where the Saints were unlawfully
prevented from voting. From that time forward until their banishment
from the State the following winter, the Saints in the outlying
settlements and on their farms, were kept in constant fear. Bands of
lawless men roamed the country over, destroying crops, burning houses,
ravishing women, and driving the objects of their hatred into Far West,
their only place of safety.
Wherever assistance or defense was needed, Apostle David W. Patten was
to the rescue among the foremost, and his bravery soon won for him the
title of "Captain Fear Not." In his presence the oppressed found a
champion, and at his approach the wicked were filled with terror.
About the middle of October David was placed in command of nearly sixty
men, and ordered to disperse a mob in the vicinity of Gallatin. Of this
expedition it is recorded:
"When Patten's company came in sight of Gallatin, he found a body of
the mob, about one hundred strong, who were amusing themselves by
mocking, and in various ways tantalizing a number of the Saints whom
they had captured. Seeing the approach of Patten's men, and knowing
the determination of the leader, the mob broke and ran in the greatest
confusion, leaving their prisoners behind them."
Probably the last manifestation of David's power with the Lord, at any
rate the last of which any account is given, occurred about this time.
With others he had gone to the relief of an isolated family in the line
of the mob's course, and had found the mother with several children
homeless and destitute. Painfully the party were making their way on
foot to Far West across the prairie, when from the fright she had
received, the mother, in a delicate condition before, was threatened
with severe sickness. To add to the distressing situation, a heavy
storm seemed impending and the rain commenced to descend.
Always full of sympathy for the sorrowing, David at once called the
party to a momentary halt, and, stepping aside into the tall grass, he
commanded the storm to cease until the woman should be conveyed to a
place of shelter.
Immediately, it is related, the rain was stayed, the sky began to
clear, and the party went forward to their destination without further
hindrance or discomfort.
Of the terrible conditions now confronting the Church Bishop Orson F.
Whitney writes:
"The fall and winter of 1838, was one of the darkest periods of Church
history. Mobocracy on one hand, and apostasy on the other, dealt the
cause of God cruel blows, such as no human work could have hoped to
withstand. The tempest of persecution, briefly lulled, burst forth with
tenfold fury; no longer a city or county--a whole State rose in arms
against God's people, bent upon their destruction. 'The dogs of war'
were loosed upon the helpless Saints, and murder and rapine held high
carnival amid the smoking ruins of peaceful homes and ravaged fields.
"Then fell the mask from the face of hypocrisy. Treason betrayed
itself. Apostles, Presidents, and Elders fell from the faith and joined
hands with the robbers and murderers of their brethren. Satan laughed!
The very mouth of hell seemed opening to engulf the Kingdom which He
who cannot lie has sworn shall stand forever."
We quote President George Q. Cannon:
"Unable to bear the pressure and to face the terrors of the times,
Thomas B. Marsh had apostatized and had joined with McLellin and other
evil men to act the part of Judas against the Prophet. The faith of
others also failed, and, thinking by apostasy to save themselves from
the destruction which seemed impending, they came out against Joseph
and the Church and went over to their enemies."
Such was the condition of the Church, when Apostle David W. Patten,
then the senior member and President of the Quorum of the Twelve
Apostles, performed the last heroic act of his noble career.
VIII.
His last call to arms--Battle of Crooked river--David mortally
wounded--The closing scene--Wilford Woodruff's testimony--Testimony of
the Prophet Joseph--His place behind the veil revealed.
On the 24th of October, a messenger came into Far West bringing news
of a band of invaders under command of Rev. Samuel Bogart, who had
boasted that, if he had good luck in meeting Neil Gillum, another
mobocrat leader, he would give Far West thunder and lightning before
noon next day. Joseph Holbrook and David Judah were at once dispatched
to watch the movements of the despoilers. Near midnight these brethren
returned, and reported that the mob, after plundering the house
of Father Pinkham, west of the city, had made prisoners of Nathan
Pinkham, William Seely and Addison Green, whom they had declared their
intentions to kill that night.
"On hearing the report," the Prophet Joseph Smith records, "Judge
Higbee, the first Judge of the county, ordered Lieutenant Colonel
Hinkle, the highest officer in command in Far West, to send out a
company to disperse the mob and retake their prisoners whom it was
reported, they intended to murder that night.
"The trumpet sounded, and the brethren were assembled on the Public
Square about midnight, when the facts were stated, and about
seventy-five volunteered to obey the Judge's order, under command of
David W. Patten, who immediately commenced their march on horseback,
hoping to surprise and scatter the camp, retake the prisoners, and
prevent the attack threatened upon Far West, without the loss of blood."
Apostle Parley P. Pratt, who was among the volunteers, thus graphically
describes that midnight march:
"The company was soon under way, having to ride through extensive
prairies, a distance of some twelve miles. The night was dark, the
distant plains far and wide were illuminated by blazing fires, immense
columns of smoke were seen rising in awful majesty, as if the world
was on fire. This scene of grandeur can only be comprehended by those
acquainted with the scenes of prairie burning; as the fire sweeps over
millions of acres of dry grass in the fall season, and leaves a smooth
surface divested of all vegetation.
"A thousand meteors blazing in the distance like the camp fires of some
war host, threw a fitful gleam of light upon the distant sky, which
many might have mistaken for the Aurora Borealis. This scene, added
to the silence of the midnight, the rumbling sound of the tramping
steeds, over the hard and dried surface of the plain, the clanking of
the swords in their scabbards, the occasional gleam of bright armour in
the flickering firelight, the gloom of surrounding darkness, and the
unknown destiny of the expedition, or even of the people who sent it
forth all combined to impress the mind with deep and solemn thought,
and to throw a romantic vision over the imagination, which is not often
experienced, except in the poet's dream, or in the wild imagery of
sleeping fancy.
"In this solemn procession we moved on for some two hours, when it was
supposed we were in the neighborhood of danger."
Dismounting here the company tied their horses to the field fence
of Randolph McDonald, and, leaving a few men to guard the horses,
proceeded on foot across the country by three different routes to the
"Field house," where it was thought the mob were encamped. David, with
a third of the party, took the way around the field to the right,
sending Apostle Charles C. Rich, in charge of another company, to the
left; while a third, under James Durfee, went directly across. All were
to meet at the house of Mr. Field and take the enemy by surprise. When
the forces reached the point of meeting, however, no foe was in sight.
It was now concluded that the mob must have camped at the ford below
on Crooked river, and after a short exhortation from Captain Patten
to trust in the Lord for victory, a march was ordered along the road
to that point. As the party neared the river in the early morning
just at day-break, a voice was heard calling, "Who comes there?" and
at the same instant a shot was fired, when a young man, P. O'Bannion,
reeled and fell from the ranks mortally wounded. Captain Patten at once
ordered a charge and the company rushed forward only to see two men,
who had been on guard, running into the camp of the enemy on the river
bank below. Immediately all was confusion in the camp, but it was still
so dark that nothing could be seen with distinctness by the brethren
looking to the west, while their forms could be clearly outlined in the
eastern light by the mob, who were soon in position behind the river
bank below. David had just ranged his company in line, not more than
fifty yards from the camp, when a deadly fire was opened upon them from
behind the embankment. An answering fire was immediately ordered and
with the watch-word "God and liberty," on his lips, David, ordering a
charge, ran forward.
The mob fled in confusion before the rush that followed and the field
was quickly won; but as David led the pursuit down the river bank, a
mobber who had taken refuge behind a tree for a momentary pause before
taking to the river, turned and shot him in the abdomen.
The mob routed, his brethren gathered about their wounded leader in
deepest sorrow, and everything possible was done to minister to his
comfort. Word was dispatched to Far West for medical assistance to
meet the party, the wagons of the mob were pressed into service, and
the victorious, but sorrow-stricken company took up their dreary march
toward Far West. Seven of the brethren were wounded, and one, Gideon
Carter, had been killed outright.
After riding a few miles in a wagon, David's suffering became so
intense he was placed on a litter and carded by his brethren.
Without delay, on receiving the mournful intelligence, the Prophet
Joseph Smith with his brother Hyrum, Apostle Heber C. Kimball and Elder
Amasa M. Lyman, with others, as also David's grief-stricken wife, made
all haste to meet the sorrowful cavalcade.
President Heber C. Kimball describes the closing scene:
"Immediately on receiving the intelligence that Brother Patten was
wounded, I hastened to see him and found him in great pain, but still
he was glad to see me; he was conveyed about four miles to the house
of Brother Stephen Winchester; during his removal his sufferings were
so excruciating that he frequently desired us to lay him down that he
might die; but being desirous to get him out of the reach of the mob,
we prevailed upon him to let us carry him among his friends. We carried
him on a kind of bier, fixed up from poles.
"Although he had medical assistance, his wound was such that there was
no hope entertained of his recovery, and this he was perfectly aware
of. In this situation, while the shades of time were lowering, and
eternity with all its realities opening to his view, he bore a strong
testimony to the truth of the work of the Lord, and the religion he had
espoused. He was perfectly sensible and collected until he breathed
his last, which occurred at about ten o'clock in the evening. Stephen
Winchester, Brother Patten's wife, Bathsheba W. Bigler, with several of
her father's family were present at David's death.
"The principles of the Gospel which were so precious to him before,
afforded him that support and consolation at the time of his departure,
which deprived death of its sting and horror. Speaking of those who had
fallen from their steadfastness, he exclaimed, 'O that they were in my
situation! For I feel that I have kept the faith, I have finished my
course, henceforth there is laid up for me a crown, which the Lord,
the righteous Judge, will give me.' Speaking to his beloved wife, he
said, 'Whatever you do else, O do not deny the faith.' He all the time
expressed a great desire to depart. I said to him, 'Brother David, when
you get home, I want you to remember me.' He replied, 'I will.' At
this time his sight was gone. A few minutes before he died, he prayed
as follows, 'Father, I ask Thee in the name of Jesus Christ, that thou
wouldst release my spirit, and receive it unto Thyself.' And he then
said to those who surrounded his dying bed, 'Brethren, you have held
me by your faith, but do give me up, and let me go, I beseech you.' We
accordingly committed him to God, and he soon breathed his last, and
slept in Jesus without a groan.
"This was the death of one who was an honor to the Church, and, a
blessing to the Saints; and whose faith, virtue and diligence in the
cause of truth will be had in remembrance by the Church of Jesus Christ
from generation to generation. It was a painful way to be deprived of
the labors of this worthy servant of Christ, and it cast a gloom upon
the Saints; yet the glorious and sealing testimony which he bore of his
acceptance with heaven and the truth of the Gospel was a matter of joy
and satisfaction, not only to his immediate friends, but to the Saints
at large."
Of the death of his friend, President Wilford Woodruff writes:
"Thus fell the noble David W. Patten as a martyr for the cause of God
and he will receive a martyr's crown. He was valiant in the testimony
of Jesus Christ while he lived upon the earth. He was a man of great
faith and the power of God was with him. He was brave to a fault, even
too brave to be preserved. He apparently had no fear of man about him.
"Many of the sick were healed and devils cast out under his
administration."
In closing his account of the tragedy, the Prophet Joseph says:
"Brother David W. Patten was a very worthy man, beloved by all good men
who knew him. He was one of the Twelve Apostles, and died as he lived,
a man of God, and strong in the faith of a glorious resurrection, in a
world where mobs will have no power or place."
With David's wish, formerly expressed to him, to die as a martyr, no
doubt in mind, the Prophet Joseph, at the funeral on October 27, 1838,
pointing to his lifeless body, testified:
"There lies a man that has done just as he said he would--he has laid
down his life for his friends."
And one mightier has said:
"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for
his friend."
A fit ending of a glorious career!
The remains were laid to rest with military honors at Far West, and the
grave is now unmarked and unknown, but of the noble spirit, the Lord,
in a revelation a few years subsequent to his departure, vouchsafed
this intelligence:
"David Patten I have taken unto myself; behold, his Priesthood no man
taketh from him; but verily I say unto you, another may be appointed
unto the same calling."
And again, in speaking of Lyman Wight, who succeeded David in the
Apostleship, the Lord says:
"That when he shall finish his work, that I may receive him unto
myself, even as I did my servant David Patten, who is with me at this
time."
If, then, to repeat, we say that great men are the Lord's object
lessons to the world by whom He holds out to mankind the truths
committed to their generation, what of the life before us?
From the time David heard of the Gospel, his earnest nature entered
with full purpose of heart upon the work he was sent from the courts on
high to perform, his whole soul was given over to faithfully bearing
the message of his life:
GOD GIVES US ALL THE POWER WE HAVE,
and though in the one desire to give his life as a martyr, it may be
said he fell short of the ideal:
THY WILL NOT MINE BE DONE;
yet, without a doubt, in making up the roll of his noble and great
ones, Time will place next to those of the Prophet and Patriarch
martyrs, Joseph and Hyrum Smith, the name of the first Apostolic
martyr, David W. Patten.
End of Project Gutenberg's Life of David W. Patten, by Lycurgus A. Wilson