CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN THE PROPHET AND GOVERNOR THOMAS CARLIN--ANENT
JOHN C. BENNETT'S CHARACTER--PHRENOLOGICAL CHARTS OF THE PROPHET ET
AL.--THE GOVERNMENT OF GOD.
_Wednesday, 29_.--I held a long conversation with Francis M. Higbee.
Francis found fault with being exposed, but I told him I spoke of him
in self defense. Francis was, or appeared, humble, and promised to
reform.
Heard the recorder read in the Law of the Lord; paid taxes; rode out in
the city on business, with Brigham Young.
My clerk, Willard Richards, being about to leave me for a season,
committed the business of my office to Elder William Clayton, who had
been engaged with him for a few weeks past.
_Thursday, 30_.--In the forenoon, spent some time with C. A. Warren,
Esq., from Quincy, and others, in the private office, and in the
afternoon was in the court martial, giving testimony concerning John C.
Bennett, who was cashiered.
_Letter of Governor Thomas Carlin to Joseph Smith--Anent John C.
Bennett._
QUINCY, June 30, 1842.
DEAR SIR:--I received by the last mail, your letter of the 24th
instant, in which you have thought proper to give me a statement
of charges against the conduct and character of General John C.
Bennett; I can say that I regret that any individual should so far
disregard his obligations to his God, and to his fellow man, as to
condescend to the commission of the crimes alleged in your letter
to have been perpetrated by General Bennett. It is, however, in
accordance with representations {50} of his character, made to
me more than two years since, and which I then felt constrained
to believe were true, since which time I have desired to have as
little intercourse with him as possible. No resignation of his
commission as major-general of the Nauvoo Legion has reached me.
Some weeks since I read a short note from him, stating that you
had reason to believe that a conspiracy is getting up in the state
of Missouri, for the purpose of mobbing the Mormons at Nauvoo, and
kidnapping you, and take you to that state, and requested to be
informed in case of such mob, whether you would be protected by the
authorities of this state, etc. To which I replied; that as all men
were held amenable to the laws, so in like manner the rights of all
would be protected, and the dignity of the state maintained, to the
letter of the constitution and laws. The above is, in substance,
the contents of his note to me, and my reply to him, having
destroyed his letter, as I considered it of no use, should it be
retained.
You state that you have heard that I have of late entertained
unfavorable feelings towards you (the Mormons) as a people, and
especially so with regards to yourself, &c., &c. If this should
be true, you would be pleased to know from me the reasons of such
hostile feelings.
In reply, I can in truth say that I do not entertain or cherish
hostile or revengeful feelings towards any man or set of men on
earth; but that I may have used strong expressions in reference to
yourself, at times when my indignation has been somewhat aroused
by repeated admonitions of my friends (both before and since the
attempt to assassinate Ex-Governor Boggs) to be upon my guard;
that you had prophesied that Boggs should die a violent death, and
that I should die in a ditch, all this, however, if true, I looked
upon as idle boasting until since the assassination of Boggs, and
even since then, in reference to myself, I cannot view it in any
other light, because whatever your feelings may have been towards
Boggs, the mere discharge of an official duty on my part, enjoined
upon me by the constitution and laws of this state, and of the
United States, could not possibly engender feelings of such deep
malignity. Be assured that this matter gives me no uneasiness, nor
would the subject now have been mentioned, had you not requested a
reply to your inquiries.
I have seen your denial published in the _Wasp_, of the prediction,
attributed to you, of the death (or assassination) of Governor
Boggs; be that true or false, nothing has contributed more towards
fixing the belief upon the public mind, that you had made such
prediction, than the repeated statements of a portion of your
followers, that the manner of his death had been revealed to you,
and their exultation that it needs must be fulfilled.
{51} In reference to your request, to be advised how you should
act, in case a mob should come upon you, I should feel very much
at a loss to recommend any course for you to adopt, other than
the resort to the first law of nature, namely, to defend your own
rights; because, were I to advise a quiet submission on your part,
I could not expect that you would fold your arms, and silently look
on, whilst those rights were violated and outraged, as long as
you have the power to protect them. I, however, have not the most
distant thought that there exists, at present, any real cause for
the apprehension of a mob coming upon you, otherwise I should feel
it my duty to endeavor to arrest it.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
THOMAS CARLIN.
To General Joseph Smith.
I received a letter from Horace R. Hotchkiss, of which the following is
a copy:--
_Letter of Horace R. Hotchkiss to Joseph Smith--On the Prophet
taking Advantage of the Bankrupt Act_.
FAIR HAVEN, May 27, 1842.
_Rev. Joseph Smith:_
DEAR SIR:--Yours, notifying me of your application for the benefit
of the bankrupt act, is at hand. I regret very much the step
you have taken, as I am fearful it will have a most disastrous
influence upon your society, both commercially and religiously; you
have, however, probably weighed the subject with sufficient care to
arrive at a correct decision.
You will oblige me by stating, immediately upon the receipt of this
letter, your precise meaning, in saying, that "all your creditors
would fare alike." It is, as you will see, important for me to know
the course taken with my notes, and also the position in which we
stand to each other.
You have my bond for certain lands, or rather you have my bond that
you shall have a deed to certain lands upon the payment of notes
specified in said bond. I wish to know exactly how this bond stands
in your inventory. Of course, it cannot stand as a title to the
property; but I want to know the disposition which is to be made of
it.
Possibly some arrangement might be made between us at once; still I
do not know how Mr. Tuttle and Mr. Gillet will view the subject.
Yours, &c.,
HORACE R. HOTCHKISS.
{52} To which I wrote the following answer:--
_Letter of Joseph Smith to H. R. Hotchkiss--Reply to Above_.
NAUVOO, June 30, 1842.
_H. R. Hotchkiss, Esq.:_
DEAR SIR:--Yours of the 27th May has been received, which I shall
now briefly answer. In regard to my application for the benefit
of the bankrupt act, there was no other course for me to pursue
than the one I have already taken; and, as I have said before, all
my creditors will have to fare alike. Your papers are inventoried
along with all the other property.
The influence this step may have upon our society, either
commercially or religiously, is a matter we cannot stop to consult,
as we had no alternative left. We have been compelled to pursue
this course on account of the extreme pressure of the times, which
continued to bear harder upon us, until we took the step we have.
A great pressure of business prevents writing more at the present,
you will, therefore, excuse a short communication.
I remain yours respectfully,
JOSEPH SMITH.
_Friday, July 1_.--Elder Willard Richards left Nauvoo for New England.
_Saturday, 2_.--Rode out in the city with my clerk, Mr. Clayton, to
look at some lots; afterwards rode to Hezekiah Peck's, accompanied by
Emma and others.
In this day's _Wasp_, I find the following:--
_Mr. Editor:_
SIR:--I take the liberty to inform you that a large number of
persons in different places have manifested a desire to know the
phrenological development of Joseph Smith's head. I have examined
the Prophet's head, and he is perfectly willing to have the chart
published. You will please publish in your paper such portions of
it as I have marked, showing the development of his much-talked-of
brain, and let the public judge for themselves whether phrenology
proves the reports against him true or false. Time will prove all
things, and a "word to the wise is sufficient."
Yours respectfully,
A. CRANE.
{53} _A Phrenological Chart of Joseph Smith the Prophet by A.
Crane, M. D., Professor of Phrenology_.
_Propensities_.
Amativeness--11, L. Extreme susceptibility; passionately fond of
the company of the other sex.
Philoprogenitiveness--9, L. Strong parental affection, great
solicitude for their happiness.
Inhabitiveness--5, F. Attached to place of long residence; no
desire to change residence.
Adhesiveness--8, F. Solicitous for the happiness of friends, and
ardent attachments for the other sex.
Combativeness--8, L. Indomitable perseverance, great courage;
force, ability to overpower.
Destructiveness--6, M. Ability to control the passions, and is not
disposed to extreme measures.
Secretiveness--10, L. Great propensity and ability to conceal
feelings, plans, &c.
Acquisitiveness--9, L. Strong love of riches, desire to make and
save money.
Alimentativeness--9, L. Strong relish for food; keen and severe
appetite.
Vitativeness--4, M. or S. Indifference to life; views the approach
of death without fear.
_Feelings_.
Cautiousness--7, F. Provision against prospective dangers and ills,
without hesitation or irresolution.
Approbativeness--10, L. Ambition for distinction; sense of
character; sensibility to reproach, fear of scandal.
Self-esteem--10, L. High-mindedness, independence, self-confidence,
dignity, aspiration for greatness.
Concentrativeness--7, F. Can dwell on a subject without fatigue,
and control the imagination.
_Sentiments_.
Benevolence--10, L. Kindness, goodness, tenderness, sympathy.
Veneration--6, F. Religion, without great awe or enthusiasm;
reasonable deference to superiority.
Firmness--10, L. Stability and decision of character and purpose.
Conscientiousness--8, L. High regard for duty, integrity, moral
principle, justice, obligation, truth, &c.
Hope--10, L. Cheerfulness, sanguine expectation of success and
enjoyment.
{54} Marvelousness--10 L. Wonder, credulity, belief in the
supernatural.
Imitation--5, M. Inferior imitative powers; failure to copy,
describe, relate stories, &c.
Prepossession--8, L. or F. Attached to certain notions; not
disposed to change them, &c.
Ideality--9, L. Lively imagination; fancy, taste, love of poetry,
elegance, eloquence, excellence, &c.
_Perceptives_.
Admonition--8, F. or M. Desirous to know what others are doing;
ready to counsel, and give hints of a fault or duty, &c.
Constructiveness--7, F. Respectable ingenuity, without uncommon
skill, tact or facility in making, &c.
Tune--5, F. or M. Love of music, without quickness to catch or
learn tunes by the ear.
Time--11, V. L. Distinct impressions as to the time when, how long,
&c.
Locality--11, V. L. or L. Great memory of place and position.
Eventuality--11, V. L. Extraordinary recollection of minute
circumstances.
Individuality--10, L. Great desire to see; power of observation.
Form--10, F. Cognizance, and distinct recollection of shapes,
countenances, &c.
Size--11, N. L. or F. Ability to judge of proportionate size, &c.
Weight--9, V. L. L. F. Knowledge of gravitation, momentum, &c.
Color--9, F. or M. Moderate skill in judging of colors, comparing
and arranging them.
Language--6, F. Freedom of expression, without fluency or
verbosity; no great loquacity.
Order--9, L. Love of arrangement, everything in its particular
place.
Number--7. Respectable aptness in arithmetical calculations,
without extraordinary talent.
_Reflectives_.
Mirthfulness--10, L. Wit, fun, mirth, perception and love of the
ludicrous.
Causality--9, L. Ability to think and reason clearly, and perceive
the relation of cause and effect.
Comparison--11, V. L. Extraordinary critical acumen; great power of
analysis.
There are four temperaments. The lymphatic or phlegmatic, in which
the secreting glands are the most active portion of the system,
{55} produces both corporeal and mental languor, dullness, and
inactivity. The sanguine in which the arterial portion of the
system is most active, gives strong feelings and passions, and more
ardor, zeal, and activity, than of strength or power. The bilious,
in which the muscular portion predominates in activity, produces
strength, power, and endurance of body, with great force and energy
of mind and character. The nervous, in which the brain and nervous
system are most active, gives the highest degree of activity,
with clearness of perception and of thought, but less endurance.
Sharp and prominent organs denote activity; smooth and broad ones
intensity and strength.
_Explanation of the Chart_.
The written figures opposite the organs and ranging in a scale
from 1 to 12, indicate the various degrees in which the respective
organs are developed in the head of the individual examined;
thus 1, 2 indicate that the organ is very small or almost wholly
wanting; 3, 4 means small, or feeble, and inactive; 5, 6 moderate
or active only in a subordinate degree; 7, 8, full or fair, and
a little above par; 9, 10, large, or quite energetic, and having
a marked influence upon the character; 11, 12, mean very large,
or giving a controlling influence, and extreme liability to
perversion. The size of the brain, combinations of the faculties
and temperament of the individual, may be indicated in the same
manner as the degrees of the faculties or organs.
The initials V. L. denote very large, L. large, F. full, M.
moderate, S. small, V. S. very small.
I give the foregoing a place in my history for the gratification of the
curious, and not for [any] respect [I entertain for] phrenology.
The following communication was sent to the _Wasp_:
TO THE CITIZENS OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
As a people, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are
found "more sinned against than sinning." In political affairs we
are ever ready to yield to our fellow citizens of the county equal
participation in the selection of candidates for office.
We have been disappointed in our hopes of being met with the
same disposition on the part of some of the old citizens of the
county--they indeed seem to manifest a spirit of intolerance
and exclusion incompatible with the liberal doctrines of true
republicanism.
At the late anti-Mormon convention, a complete set of candidates,
{56} pledged to a man to receive no support from, and to yield no
quarters to, "Mormons," are commended to all the citizens of this
county for their suffrages!
As a portion of the said citizens of Hancock, we embrace the
opportunity to decline this ticket for the want of reciprocity in
its terms, and honesty and intelligence in the character of some of
its candidates.
If the old citizens of the county are still desirous of equal
participations with us in the choice of candidates, we are ready
to co-operate with them. If independent gentlemen possessing
the requisite qualities, capacity and integrity, will announce
themselves, they will receive the united support of our people in
the county.
The time for holding a convention seems to have already gone
by--there is time enough for the friends of justice and fair play
to elect a ticket to be announced in the independent manner we
have suggested. Let the gentlemen who have the courage to oppose
the spirit of dictation, which governed the anti-Mormon convention
candidates show themselves, and we will exercise enough, on the
terms proposed in this article, to ensure complete success.
JOSEPH SMITH.
_Sunday, 3_.--This morning I preached at the grove to about 8,000
people. The subject matter of my discourse was from the Prophet
Daniel's saying, that in the last days the God of heaven would set up a
kingdom, &c.
In the afternoon I heard Brother Hyrum preach at the grove.
The steamer _Edna_ collapsed her flues at the mouth of the Missouri
river; more than sixty persons were badly scalded. A proof among many
similar that the waters of the West are cursed, as saith the Lord in a
revelation. [A]
[Footnote A: See Doctrine and Covenants sec. lxi: 14-29. Also see
an article in the _Improvement Era_, September number, 1903, "The
Fulfillment of Prophecy, the Testimony of the Floods."]
[Sidenote: Parade of the Legion.]
_Monday, 4_.--The Legion appeared on parade under command of
Brigadier-General Wilson Law, ranking officer of the line.
Lieutenant-General Smith reviewed the Legion at 11 a. m., and continued
in command through the day, which was somewhat unpleasant, yet an
immense number of spectators were present, including the passengers of
three steamers from the neighboring cities and villages.
{57} At the close of the day General Smith expressed his entire
satisfaction in an animated speech, in which he illustrated the design
of the organization of the Legion, viz., to yield obedience to the
institutions of our country, and protect the Saints from mobs, after
which leave was given for strangers to address the Legion, when General
Swanzey, of Iowa, expressed his friendly feelings towards Nauvoo, and
his gratification at the good discipline of the Legion.
Mrs. Emma Smith and the ladies of other distinguished officers
accompanied their companions on the parade. A few Lamanites were
present, and there was but little drinking. Two individuals were fined
$10.25 for offering whisky for sale.
_Tuesday, 5_.--Attended court-martial and city council; an ordinance in
relation to public shows and exhibitions was passed.
The following was also passed:--
_An Ordinance in Relation to Writs of Habeas Corpus_.
Sec. 1. Be it, and it is hereby ordained by the city council of the
city of Nauvoo, that no citizen of this city shall be taken out of
the city by any writs without the privilege of investigation before
the municipal court, and the benefit of a writ of habeas corpus,
as granted in the 17th section of the Charter of this city. Be it
understood that this ordinance is enacted for the protection of the
citizens of this city, that they may in all cases have the right
of trial in this city, and not be subjected to illegal process by
their enemies.
JOSEPH SMITH, Mayor.
Passed July 5, 1842.
JAMES SLOAN, Recorder.
_Wednesday, 6._--Transacted business in the city, and rode to La Harpe
with Emma.
Expedition to the Pineries
Two keel boats, sloop-rigged, and laden with provisions and apparatus
necessary for the occasion, and manned with fifty of the brethren,
started this morning on an expedition to the upper Mississippi, among
the pineries, where they can join those already {58} there, and erect
mills, saw boards and plank, make shingles, hew timber, and return
next spring with rafts, for the Temple of God, Nauvoo House, &c., to
beautify the city of Nauvoo, according to the Prophets.
_Thursday, 7_.--Weather very cool at Nauvoo, thermometer at six degrees.
_Saturday, 9_.--I rode on the prairie with Brothers Clayton and Gheen
to look at some land. Dined on my farm; hoed potatoes, &c., and in the
afternoon returned to the city and transacted a variety of business.
I find the following phrenological chart of my clerk, Elder Willard
Richards, of the quorum of the Twelve, by A. Crane, M.D.:--
_Phrenological Chart of Willard Richards_.
_Propensities_.
Amitiveness--8, F. Very partial to the opposite sex; generally
reciprocated by them.
Philoprogenitiveness--7, F. Interested in the happiness of
children; fond of their company.
Inhabitiveness--7, F. Attached to place of long residence; no
desire to change residence.
Adhesiveness--11, V. L. Passionately and devotedly attached to
lovers and friends.
Combativeness--7, F. Great powers of exertion and sustaining under
opposition and difficulties.
Destructiveness--6, M. Ability to control the passions, and is not
disposed to extreme measures.
Secretiveness--10, L. Great propensity and ability to conceal
feelings, plans, &c.
Acquisitiveness--8, F. Frugality and industry, without much of the
miserly, penurious, or stingy feeling.
Alimentativeness--8, F. A good appetite, but not excessive,
partiality for a variety of rich hearty dishes.
Vitativeness--7, L. Strong desire to exist; contemplates death as
the greatest misfortune.
_Feelings_.
Cautiousness--Discretion, carefulness, anxiety, apprehension, &c.
Approbativeness--10, L. Ambition for distinction; sense of
character, sensibility to reproach, fear of scandal.
{59}Self-esteem--10, L. High-mindedness, independence,
self-confidence, dignity; aspiration for greatness.
Concentrativeness--7, F. Can dwell on a subject without fatigue,
and control the imagination.
_Sentiments_.
Benevolence--9, L. Kindness, goodness, tenderness, sympathy.
Veneration, 7, F. Religion without great awe or enthusiasm;
reasonable deference to superiority.
Firmness--9, L. Stability and decision of character and purpose.
Conscientiousness--8, L. High regard for duty, integrity, moral
principle, justice, obligation, truth, &c.
Hope--7, F. Reasonable hopes, a fine flow of spirits; anticipation
of what is to be realized.
Marvelousness--6, F. Openness to conviction without blind
credulity; tolerably good degree of faith.
Imitation--10, F. A disposition and respectable ability to imitate,
but not to mimic or to act out.
Prepossession--8, L. or F. Attached to certain notions; not
disposed to change them, &c.
Ideality--10, L. Lively imagination; fancy, taste, love of poetry;
elegance, eloquence, excellence, &c.
_Perceptives_.
Admonition--9, F. or M. Desirous to know what others are doing;
ready to counsel and give hints of a fault or duty, &c.
Constructiveness--8, L. Great mechanical ingenuity, talent and
skill.
Tune--8, F. or M. Love of music. Without quickness to catch or
learn tunes by the ear.
Time--8, F. or M. Indistinct notions of the lapse of time, of
ages, dates and events, &c.
Locality--11, V. L. or L. Great memory of places and position.
Eventuality--9, L. Retentive memory of events and particulars.
Individuality--10, L. Great desire to see; power of observation.
Form--8, F. Cognizance and distinct recollection of shapes,
countenances, &c.
Size--11, V. L., L. or F. Ability to judge of proportionate size,
&c.
Weight--6, M. S. or V. S. Deficient balancing power; failure in
equilibrium.
Color--11, V. L. or L. Great power of recollecting and comparing
colors.
{60}Language--7, F. Freedom of expression, without fluency or
verbosity; no great loquacity.
Order--10, L. Love of arrangement; everything in its particular
place.
Number--9, L. Quickness, facility, and correctness in calculating
figures.
_Reflectives_.
Mirthfulness--10, L. Wit, fun, mirth; perception and love of the
ludicrous.
Causality--11, L. Ability to think and reason clearly, and perceive
the relations of cause and effect.
Comparison--10, L. A discrimination; power of illustration, ability
to perceive and apply analogies, &c.--[See explanation of numbers,
etc. to my chart].
_Sunday, 10_.--Attended meeting at the stand. Elder Woodruff preached.
My health was not good. At home in the afternoon.
_Monday, 11_.--In the morning, transacting business with Mr. Hunter. In
the afternoon, at the printing office reading the papers, and bought a
horse of Harmon T. Wilson, which I named Joe Duncan.
_Tuesday, 12_.--At the court room in consultation about Bennett.
Bishop Miller and Erastus Derby started for Quincy and Missouri.
Attended city council. An ordinance was passed regulating auctions;
also provision was made for publishing the Legion laws, &c., &c.
Mobs, riots, earthquakes, tumults and distress of nations, are common.
In England the manufacturers are reducing the wages of the laborers,
and turn-outs and starvation follow.
The Asiatic cholera has appeared again in India.
_Friday, 15_.--It was reported early in the morning that Elder Orson
Pratt was missing. I caused the Temple hands and the principal men of
the city to make search for him. After which, a meeting was called at
the Grove, {61} and I gave the public a general outline of John C.
Bennett's conduct.
The people met again in the afternoon, and were addressed on the same
subject by Brother Hyrum and Elder Kimball. I then stated that I had
heard that Edward and D. Kilbourn were engaged with John C. Bennett
to bring a mob on the city, from Galena, and asked Edward Kilbourn,
who was present, if it was so? To which Mr. Kilbourn replied at some
length, and denied the charge.
Elder Pratt returned in the evening.
I find an editorial, in the _Times and Seasons_, on the government of
God as follows:--
_The Government of God_.
The government of the Almighty has always been very dissimilar
to the governments of men, whether we refer to His religious
government, or to the government of nations. The government of God
has always tended to promote peace, unity, harmony, strength, and
happiness; while that of man has been productive of confusion,
disorder, weakness, and misery.
The greatest acts of the mighty men have been to depopulate nations
and to overthrow kingdoms; and whilst they have exalted themselves
and become glorious, it has been at the expense of the lives of the
innocent, the blood of the oppressed, the moans of the widow, and
the tears of the orphan.
Egypt, Babylon, Greece, Persia, Carthage, Rome--each was raised to
dignity amidst the clash of arms and the din of war; and whilst
their triumphant leaders led forth their victorious armies to glory
and victory, their ears were saluted with the groans of the dying
and the misery and distress of the human family; before them the
earth was a paradise, and behind them a desolate wilderness; their
kingdoms were founded in carnage and bloodshed, and sustained
by oppression, tyranny, and despotism. The designs of God, on
the other hand, have been to promote the universal good of the
universal world; to establish peace and good will among men; to
promote the principles of eternal truth; to bring about a state of
things that shall unite man to his fellow man; cause the world to
"beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning
hooks," make the nations of the earth dwell in peace, and to
bring about the millennial glory, when "the earth shall yield its
increase, resume its paradisean glory, and become as the garden of
the Lord."
{62}The great and wise of ancient days have failed in all their
attempts to promote eternal power, peace and happiness. Their
nations have crumbled to pieces; their thrones have been cast
down in their turn, and their cities, and their mightiest works
of art have been annihilated; or their dilapidated towers, of
time-worn monuments have left us but feeble traces of their former
magnificence and ancient grandeur. They proclaim as with a voice
of thunder, those imperishable truths--that man's strength is
weakness, his wisdom is folly, his glory is his shame.
Monarchial, aristocratical, and republican governments of their
various kinds and grades, have, in their turn, been raised to
dignity, and prostrated in the dust. The plans of the greatest
politicians, the wisest senators, and most profound statesmen have
been exploded; and the proceedings of the greatest chieftains, the
bravest generals, and the wisest kings have fallen to the ground.
Nation has succeeded nation, and we have inherited nothing but
their folly. History records their puerile plans, their short-lived
glory, their feeble intellect and their ignoble deeds.
Have we increased in knowledge or intelligence? Where is there
a man that can step forth and alter the destiny of nations and
promote the happiness of the world? Or where is there a kingdom
or nation that can promote the universal happiness of its own
subjects, or even their general well being? Our nation, which
possesses greater resources than any other, is rent, from center
to circumference, with party strife, political intrigues, and
sectional interest; our counselors are panic stricken, our
legislators are astonished, and our senators are confounded, our
merchants are paralyzed, our tradesmen are disheartened, our
mechanics out of employ, our farmers distressed, and our poor
crying for bread, our banks are broken, our credit ruined, and our
states overwhelmed in debt, yet we are, and have been in peace.
What is the matter? Are we alone in this thing? Verily no. With
all our evils we are better situated than any other nation. Let
Egypt, Turkey, Spain, France, Italy, Portugal, Germany, England,
China, or any other nation, speak, and tell the tale of their
trouble, their perplexity, and distress, and we should find that
their cup was full, and that they were preparing to drink the
dregs of sorrow. England, that boasts of her literature, her
science, commerce, &c., has her hands reeking with the blood of the
innocent abroad, and she is saluted with the cries of the oppressed
at home. Chartism, O'Connelism, and radicalism are gnawing her
vitals at home; and Ireland, Scotland, Canada, and the east are
threatening her destruction abroad. France is rent to the core,
intrigue, treachery, and treason lurk in the dark, and murder, and
assassination stalk forth at noonday. Turkey, once the dread of
European nations, has been shorn of her strength, has dwindled into
{63} her dotage, and has been obliged to ask her allies to propose
to her tributary terms of peace; and Russia and Egypt are each of
them opening their jaws to devour her. Spain has been the theater
of bloodshed, of misery and woe for years past. Syria is now
convulsed with war and bloodshed. The great and powerful empire of
China, which has, for centuries resisted the attacks of barbarians,
has become tributary to a foreign foe, her batteries thrown down,
many of her cities destroyed, and her villages deserted. We might
mention the Eastern Rajahs, the miseries and oppressions of the
Irish; the convulsed state of Central America; the situation of
Texas and Mexico; the state of Greece, Switzerland and Poland; nay,
the world itself presents one great theater of misery, woe, and
"distress of nations with perplexity." All, all, speak with a voice
of thunder, that man is not able to govern himself, to legislate
for himself, to protect himself, to promote his own good, nor the
good of the world.
It has been the design of Jehovah, from the commencement of the
world, and is His purpose now, to regulate the affairs of the world
in His own time, to stand as a head of the universe, and take the
reins of government in His own hand. When that is done, judgment
will be administered in righteousness; anarchy and confusion will
be destroyed, and "nations will learn war no more." It is for want
of this great governing principle, that all this confusion has
existed; "for it is not in man that walketh, to direct his steps;"
this we have fully shown.
If there was anything great or good in the world, it came from
God. The construction of the first vessel was given to Noah, by
revelation. The design of the ark was given by God, "a pattern
of heavenly things." The learning of the Egyptians, and their
knowledge of astronomy was no doubt taught them by Abraham and
Joseph, as their records testify, who received it from the Lord.
The art of working in brass, silver, gold, and precious stones, was
taught by revelation, in the wilderness. The architectural designs
of the Temple at Jerusalem, together with its ornaments and beauty,
were given of God. Wisdom to govern the house of Israel was given
to Solomon, and to the judges of Israel; and if he had always been
their king, and they subject to his mandate, and obedient to his
laws, they would still have been a great and mighty people--the
rulers of the universe, and the wonder of the world.
If Nebuchadnezzar, or Darius, or Cyrus, or any other king possessed
knowledge or power, it was from the same source, as the Scriptures
abundantly testify. If, then, God puts up one, and sets down
another at His pleasure, and made instruments of kings, unknown to
themselves, to fulfill His prophecies, how much more was He able,
if man would have been subject to His mandate to regulate the
affairs of {64} this world, and promote peace and happiness among
the human family!
The Lord has at various times commenced this kind of government,
and tendered His services to the human family. He selected Enoch,
whom He directed, and gave His law unto, and to the people who were
with him; and when the world in general would not obey the commands
of God, after walking with God, he translated Enoch and his church,
and the Priesthood or government of heaven was taken away.
Abraham was guided in all his family affairs by the Lord; was
conversed with by angels, and by the Lord; was told where to go,
and when to stop; and prospered exceedingly in all that he put his
band unto; it was because he and his family obeyed the counsel of
the Lord.
When Egypt was under the superintendence of Joseph it prospered,
because he was taught of God; when they oppressed the Israelites,
destruction came upon them. When the children of Israel were chosen
with Moses at their head, they were to be a peculiar people, among
whom God should place His name; their motto was: "The Lord is our
lawgiver; the Lord is our Judge; the Lord is our King, and He
shall reign over us." While in this state they might truly say,
"Happy is that people, whose God is the Lord." Their government
was a theocracy; they had God to make their laws, and men chosen
by Him to administer them; He was their God, and they were His
people. Moses received the word of the Lord from God Himself; he
was the mouth of God to Aaron, and Aaron taught the people, in both
civil and ecclesiastical affairs; they were both one, there was
no distinction; so will it be when the purposes of God shall be
accomplished: when "the Lord shall be King over the whole earth,"
and "Jerusalem His throne." "The law shall go forth from Zion, and
the word of the Lord from Jerusalem."
This is the only thing that can bring about the "restitution of
all things spoken of by all the holy Prophets since the world
was"--"the dispensation of the fullness of times, when God shall
gather together all things in one." Other attempts to promote
universal peace and happiness in the human family have proved
abortive; every effort has failed; every plan and design has fallen
to the ground; it needs the wisdom of God, the intelligence of
God, and the power of God to accomplish this. The world has had a
fair trial for six thousand years; the Lord will try the seventh
thousand Himself; "He whose right it is, will possess the kingdom,
and reign until He has put all things under His feet;" iniquity
will hide its hoary head, Satan will be bound, and the works of
darkness destroyed; righteousness will be put to the line, and
judgment to the plummet, and "he that fears the Lord will alone
{65} be exalted in that day." To bring about this state of things,
there must of necessity be great confusion among the nations of the
earth; "distress of nations with perplexity." Am I asked what is
the cause of the present distress? I would answer, "Shall there be
evil in a city and the Lord hath not done it?"
The earth is groaning under corruption, oppression, tyranny and
bloodshed; and God is coming out of His hiding place, as He said He
would do, to vex the nations of the earth. Daniel, in his vision,
saw convulsion upon convulsion; he "beheld till the thrones were
cast down, and the Ancient of Days did sit;" and one was brought
before him like unto the Son of Man; and all nations, kindred,
tongues, and people, did serve and obey Him. It is for us to be
righteous, that we may be wise and understand; for none of the
wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand, and they
that turn many to righteousness shall shine as the stars for ever
and ever.
As a Church and a people it behooves us to be wise, and to seek to
know the will of God, and then be willing to do it; for "blessed
is he that heareth the word of the Lord, and keepeth it," say the
Scriptures. "Watch and pray always," says our Savior, "that ye may
be accounted worthy to escape the things that are to come on the
earth, and to stand before the Son of Man." If Enoch, Abraham,
Moses, and the children of Israel, and all God's people were saved
by keeping the commandments of God, we, if saved at all, shall
be saved upon the same principle. As God governed Abraham, Isaac
and Jacob as families, and the children of Israel as a nation; so
we, as a Church, must be under His guidance if we are prospered,
preserved and sustained. Our only confidence can be in God; our
only wisdom obtained from Him; and He alone must be our protector
and safeguard, spiritually and temporally, or we fall.
We have been chastened by the hand of God heretofore for not
obeying His commands, although we never violated any human law,
or transgressed any human precept; yet we have treated lightly
His commands, and departed from His ordinances, and the Lord has
chastened us sore, and we have felt His arm and kissed the rod;
let us be wise in time to come and ever remember that "to obey is
better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams." The
Lord has told us to build the Temple and the Nauvoo House; and
that command is as binding upon us as any other; and that man who
engages not in these things is as much a transgressor as though he
broke any other commandment; he is not a doer of God's will, not a
fulfiller of His laws.
In regard to the building up of Zion, it has to be done by the
counsel of Jehovah, by the revelations of heaven; and we should
feel to say, "if the Lord go not with us, carry us not up hence."
We would say to {66} the Saints that come here, we have laid the
foundation for the gathering of God's people to this place, and
they expect that when the Saints do come, they will be under
the counsel that God has appointed. The Twelve are set apart to
counsel the Saints pertaining to this matter; and we expect that
those who come here will send before them their wise men according
to revelation; or if not practicable, be subject to the counsel
that God has given, or they cannot receive an inheritance among
the Saints, or be considered as God's people, and they will be
dealt with as transgressors of the laws of God. We are trying here
to gird up our loins, and purge from our midst the workers of
iniquity; and we hope that when our brethren arrive from abroad,
they will assist us to roll forth this good work, and to accomplish
this great design, that "Zion may be built upon righteousness; and
all nations flock to her standard;" that as God's people, under His
direction, and obedient to His law, we may grow up in righteousness
and truth; that when His purposes shall be accomplished, we may
receive an inheritance among those that are sanctified.
_Saturday, 16_.--Rode on the prairie with my clerk, to show some
land to Brother Russell from New York; dined with my farmer, Brother
Cornelius P. Lott, and hoed potatoes.
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