Kirtland to Be a Stake of Zion--Regulation of Church Affairs in
Missouri.
[Sidenote: The School of the Prophets.]
_March 18_.--Great joy and satisfaction continually beamed in the
countenances of the School of the Prophets, and the Saints, on account
of the things revealed, and our progress in the knowledge of God. The
High Priests assembled in the school room of the Prophets, and were
organized according to revelation; prayer by Sidney Rigdon.
[Sidenote: Rigdon and Williams Ordained Presidents.]
"Doctor" Hurlburt was ordained an Elder; after which Elder Rigdon
expressed a desire that himself and Brother Frederick G. Williams
should be ordained to the offices to which they had been called, viz.,
those of Presidents of the High Priesthood, and to be equal in holding
the keys of the kingdom with Brother Joseph Smith, Jun., according to
the revelation given on the 8th of March, 1833. Accordingly I laid
my hands on Brothers Sidney and Frederick, and ordained them to take
part with me in holding the keys of this last kingdom, and to assist
in the Presidency of the High Priesthood, as my Counselors; after
which I exhorted the brethren to faithfulness and diligence in keeping
the commandments of God, and gave much instruction for the benefit
of the Saints, with a promise that the pure in heart should see a
heavenly vision; and after remaining a short time in secret prayer,
the promise was verified; for many present had the eyes of their
understanding opened by the Spirit of God, so as to behold many things.
I then blessed the {335} bread and wine, and distributed a portion to
each. Many of the brethren saw a heavenly vision of the Savior, and
concourses of angels, and many other things, of which each one has a
record of what he saw.
[Sidenote: Kirtland a Stake of Zion.]
_March 23_.--A council was called for the purpose of appointing a
committee to purchase land in Kirtland, upon which the Saints might
build a Stake of Zion. Brother Joseph Coe and Moses Dailey were
appointed to ascertain the terms of sale of certain farms; and Brother
Ezra Thayre to ascertain the price of Peter French's farm. The brethren
agreed to continue in prayer and fasting for the ultimate success of
their mission. After an absence of about three hours Brothers Coe and
Dailey returned and reported that Elijah Smith's farm could be obtained
for four thousand dollars; and Mr. Morley's for twenty-one hundred;
and Brother Thayre reported that Peter French would sell his farm for
five thousand dollars. The council decided to purchase the farms, and
appointed Ezra Thayre and Joseph Coe to superintend the purchase; and
they were ordained under the hands of Sidney Rigdon, and set apart as
general agents of the Church for that purpose.
[Sidenote: Matters Relating to Church Government in Zion Settled.]
On the 26th of March a council of High Priests, twenty-one in number,
convened for the general welfare of the Church, in what was then called
Zion, in Jackson county, Missouri. On account of a revelation, my
letter, and an epistle from the Church in Kirtland, a solemn assembly
had been called, and a sincere and humble repentance manifested,
insomuch that on the 26th of February, one month previous, a general
epistle had been written in conference, which was satisfactory to
the Presidency and Church at Kirtland. At the sitting of the council
of the 26th of March, according to the plan taught at the solemn
assembly, which was, that the seven High Priests who were sent from
Kirtland to build up Zion, viz.--Oliver Cowdery, W. W. Phelps, John
Whitmer, Algernon {336} Sidney Gilbert, Bishop Partridge and his two
counselors--should stand at the head of affairs relating to the Church,
in that section of the Lord's vineyard; and these seven men, with the
common consent of the branches comprising the Church were to appoint
presiding Elders, to take the watch-care of the several branches, as
they were appointed: now, therefore, as many of the High Priests and
Elders--whose calling was to travel and preach to the world--went
up to Zion, and commenced regulating and setting the branches in
order, and claiming for themselves as much power by the authority of
their Priesthood, and gift of the Holy Ghost, as those set apart and
appointed to preside over the branches, it became necessary to call the
council now spoken of, to set in order the Elders of Israel. After a
long discussion, it was decided from the revelations, that the order
taught in the solemn assembly was correct; and that the Elders, when
they arrived at Zion, were bound by the authorities set in the Church,
to be submissive to the powers that be; their labors and callings being
more particularly to push the people together from the ends of the
earth to the places the Lord had appointed. This decision in council
gave general satisfaction, and the Elders soon saw the beauty of every
man standing in his place.
[Sidenote: Purchase of the French Farm.]
_April 2_.--F. G. Williams was appointed by a council of High Priests,
an agent to superintend and employ men to labor in the brick-yard on
the French farm, also to rent the farm. The French farm was purchased
on account of the facilities found there for making brick, which was
essential to the building up of the city. The council also instructed
Brother Ezra Thayre to purchase the tannery of Arnold Mason, in
Kirtland.
[Sidenote: Conference in Zion.]
On the 6th of April, in the land of Zion, about eighty officials,
together with some unofficial members of the Church, met for
instruction and the service of God, at the Ferry on Big Blue river near
{337} the western limits of Jackson county, which is the boundary line
of the state of Missouri and also of the United States. It was an early
spring, and the leaves and blossoms enlivened and gratified the soul of
man like a glimpse of Paradise. The day was spent in a very agreeable
manner, in giving and receiving knowledge which appertained to this
last kingdom--it being just 1800 years since the Savior laid down His
life that men might have everlasting life, and only three years since
the Church had come out of the wilderness, preparatory for the last
dispensation. The Saints had great reason to rejoice: they thought upon
the time when this world came into existence, and the morning stars
sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy; they thought
of the time when Israel ate the "Passover," as wailing came up for
the loss of the firstborn of Egypt; they felt like the shepherds who
watched their flocks by night, when the angelic choir sweetly sang the
electrifying strain, "_Peace on earth, good will to man_;" and the
solemnities of eternity rested upon them. This was the first attempt
made by the Church to celebrate the anniversary of her birthday, and
those who professed not our faith talked about it as a strange thing.
[Sidenote: The State of the World.]
While the Church was thus rejoicing, the news from abroad was, that
30,000 out of a population of 100,000 had died of starvation, in
consequence of the famine produced by three years' drouth, followed by
a flood, in the Cape Verde Islands; that sixteen shocks of earthquake
had been felt the previous February, at St. Kitts and Nevis, in the
West India Islands; that the Polish Jews were about to visit Jerusalem;
that war was raging between Turkey and Egypt; that a great fire had
occurred in Liverpool; that volcanic eruptions, wars and rumors
of wars, were prevailing in different sections of the earth, and
fire-balls and fearful signs were seen in the heavens, with many other
alarming appearances, which caused the hearts of {338} the wicked to
tremble, none of which was more awful than the continued spread of the
Asiatic cholera in Europe, which had already swept from the earth, in
the short space of fifteen years, about sixty millions of inhabitants.
[1]
Brother Jared Carter presented me a letter, which he had received from
his brother, and requested me to answer it, which I did as follows:
Kirtland, April 13, 1833.
_Dear Brother Carter_:--Your letter to Brother Jared is just put
into my hand, and I have carefully perused its contents, and
embrace this opportunity to answer it. We proceed to answer your
questions: first concerning your labor in the region where you
live; we acquiesce in your feelings on this subject until the mouth
of the Lord shall name. Respecting the vision you speak of we do
not consider ourselves bound to receive any revelation from any one
man or woman without his being legally constituted and ordained to
that authority, and giving sufficient proof of it.
I will inform you that it is contrary to the economy of God for
any member of the Church, or any one, to receive instructions for
those in authority, higher than themselves; therefore you will see
the impropriety of giving heed to them; but if any person have a
vision or a visitation from a heavenly messenger, it must be for
his own benefit and instruction; for the fundamental principles,
government, and doctrine of the Church are vested in the keys of
the kingdom. Respecting an apostate, or one who has been cut off
from the Church, and who wishes to come in again, the law of our
Church expressly says that such shall repent, and be baptized, and
be admitted as at the first.
The duty of a High Priest is to administer in spiritual and holy
things, and to hold communion with God; but not to exercise
monarchial government, or to appoint meetings for the Elders
without their consent. And again, it is the High Priests' duty
to be better qualified to teach principles and doctrines, than
the Elders: for the office of Elder is an appendage to the High
Priesthood, and it concentrates and centers in one. And again,
the process of laboring with members: We are to deal with them
precisely as the Scriptures direct. If thy brother trespass against
thee, take him between him and thee alone; and, if he make thee
satisfaction, thou hast saved thy brother; and if not, proceed to
take another with thee, etc., and when there is {339} no Bishop,
they are to be tried by the voice of the Church; and if an Elder,
or a High Priest be present, he is to take the lead in managing the
business; but if not, such as have the highest authority should
preside.
With respect to preparing to go to Zion:--First it would be
pleasing to the Lord that the church or churches going to Zion
should be organized, and a suitable person appointed who is well
acquainted with the condition of the church, and he be sent
to Kirtland to inform the Bishop, and procure a license from
him agreeable to the revelation: by so doing you will prevent
confusion and disorder, and escape many difficulties that attend an
unorganized band in journeying in the last days.
And again, those in debt, should in all cases pay their debts; and
the rich are in no wise to cast out the poor, or leave them behind,
for it is said that the poor shall inherit the earth.
You quoted a passage in Jeremiah, with regard to journeying to
Zion; the word of the Lord stands sure, so let it be done.
There are two paragraphs in your letter which I do not commend,
a they were written blindly. Speaking of the Elders being sent
like lightning from the bow of Judah; the second, no secrets in
the councils of Zion. You mention these as if fear rested upon
your mind, otherwise we cannot understand it. And again we never
inquire at the hand of God for special revelation only in case of
there being no previous revelation to suit the case; and that in a
council of High Priests.
For further information on the subject about which you have
written, I will refer you to the Elders who have recently left here
for the east, by commandment, some of whom you will probably see
soon. You may depend on any information you may receive from them
that are faithful. You may expect to see Brothers Orson Pratt and
Lyman E. Johnson for whom we have great fellowship.
It is a great thing to inquire at the hands of God, or to come
into His presence; and we feel fearful to approach Him on subjects
that are of little or no consequence, to satisfy the queries of
individuals, especially about things the knowledge of which men
ought to obtain in all sincerity, before God, for themselves, in
humility by the prayer of faith; and more especially a Teacher or
a High Priest in the Church. I speak these things not by way of
reproach, but by way of instruction; and I speak as if acquainted
with you, whereas we are strangers to each other in the flesh.
I love your soul, and the souls of the children of men, and pray
and do all I can for the salvation of all.
I now close by sending you a salutation of peace in the name of the
Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
The blessing of our Lord Jesus Christ be and abide with you all.
Amen.
Joseph Smith, Jun.
{340} P. S.--If it be convenient to send a delegate to Kirtland,
to procure license for the brethren to go to Zion, it can be done
by two or more Elders. We have received two letters from Brother
Sherwood, stating the order and condition of the Church, and
respecting the vision of his wife, but on account of a multitude of
business they have not been answered by us; you will please read
this letter to Brother Sherwood.
J. S.
In April the School of the Prophets closed to commence again in the
fall.
A Letter to the Brethren in Zion.
Kirtland, April 21, 1833.
_Dear Brethren in Zion_:
Agreeable to a notice we gave you, in Brother Whitney's last letter
to you with respect to answering your letters, we now commence,
after giving thanks to our Heavenly Father for every expression of
His goodness in preserving our unprofitable lives to the present
time, and for the health and other blessings which we now enjoy
through His mercies.
With joy we received your general epistle, written the 26th of
February, which contained the confession of our brethren concerned,
all of which was to our entire satisfaction.
It was read by the brethren in Kirtland with feelings of the
deepest interest, knowing as we did, that the anger of the Lord
was kindled against you, and nothing but repentance, of the
greatest humility, would turn it away; and I will assure you that
expressions of joy beamed on every countenance when they saw that
our epistle and the revelation had been received by our brethren in
Zion, and had had the desired effect.
For your satisfaction, I here insert a revelation given to
Shederlaomach [Frederick G. Williams], the 15th of March, 1833,
constituting him a member of the United Firm. [2]
With respect to Brother Gilbert's letter of the 10th of December, I
would say to him: firstly, he wrote it in all sincerity of heart,
and we were pleased with the style, and composition; but upon
mature reflection, and inquiry at the hands of the Lord, we find
some things that are unreconcilable, especially to some; I mean
with respect to hints given that are not clearly explained.
As every letter that comes from Zion must go the rounds of the
{341} brethren for inspection, it is necessary that there should
be no disguise in them, but that every subject written upon by
the brethren should be plain to the understanding of all, that no
jealousy may be raised, and when we rebuke, do it in all meekness.
The letter written the 24th of February was not written in that
contrition of heart in which it should have been, for it appears to
have been written in too much of a spirit of justification; but the
letter to Brother Whitney of the 20th of March, was written to our
entire satisfaction.
Now I would say to Brother Gilbert, that I do not write this by
way of chastisement, but to show him the absolute necessity of
having all his communications written in a manner to be clearly
understood. We are well aware of the great care upon his mind, in
consequence of much business, but he must put his trust in God, and
he may rest assured that he has our prayers day and night, that he
may have strength to overcome every difficulty. We have learned of
the Lord that it is his duty to assist all the poor brethren that
are pure in heart, and that he has done wrong in withholding credit
from them, as they must have assistance; and the Lord established
him in Zion for that express purpose.
It is not the will of the Lord to print any of the New Translation
in the _Star_; but when it is published, it will all go to the
world together, in a volume by itself; and the New Testament and
the Book of Mormon will be printed together.
With respect to Brother Oliver's private letter to me on the
subject of giving deeds, and receiving contributions from brethren,
I have nothing further to say on the subject than to recommend
that you make yourselves acquainted with the commandments of the
Lord, and the laws of the state, and govern yourselves accordingly.
Brother Elliot was here yesterday and showed me a letter from
Brother Phelps, and we were well pleased with the spirit in which
it was written. The probability is that he [Elliot] will not go to
Zion at present, as he has bought [lands] in Chagrin.
We rejoice to hear that the Seminary lands are reduced in price,
and are coming into market; and be assured that we shall use our
influence to send brethren to Zion who are able to help you in the
purchase of lands.
We have just received a letter from Brother Sidney, he has built
up a church of eight members, in Medina county, Ohio, and has
prospects of more. With respect to the deaths in Zion, we feel to
mourn with those that mourn, but remember that the God of all the
earth will do right. And now, my beloved brethren, I commend you to
God and His grace, praying Him to keep and preserve you blameless,
of the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Joseph Smith, Jun.
{342} P. S.--Say to Brother Corrill that his confession gave me
great satisfaction, and all things are now settled on my part.
J. S.
[Sidenote: First Assembling of the Mob in Zion.]
In the month of April, the first regular mob rushed together, in
Independence, to consult upon a plan, for the removal, or immediate
destruction, of the Church in Jackson county. The number of the mob
was about three hundred. A few of the first Elders met in secret, and
prayed to Him who said to the wind "Be still," to frustrate them in
their wicked designs. The mob, therefore, after spending the day in
a fruitless endeavor to unite upon a general scheme for "moving the
Mormons out of their diggings" (as they asserted), became a little the
worse for liquor and broke up in a regular Missouri "row," showing a
determined resolution that every man would "carry his own head."
[Sidenote: Conference of High Priests in Kirtland.]
_April 30_.--A conference of High Priests assembled at the school
room, in Kirtland, and appointed Brother Albert Brown a committee to
circulate a subscription, to procure money to pay for the use of the
house where meetings had been held the past season. John P. Greene was
instructed to go and take charge of the branch of the Church in Parkham
county, carrying with him an epistle to the brethren; and as soon as
convenient he was to remove his family to that place. It was also
decided that Sister Vienna Jaques should not proceed immediately on her
journey to Zion, but wait until William Hobert was ready, and go in
company with him.
[Sidenote: Another Conference of High Priests.]
_May 4_.--A conference of High Priests assembled in Kirtland, to take
into consideration the necessity of building a school house, for the
accommodation of the Elders, who should come together to receive
instruction preparatory for their missions, and ministry, according to
a revelation on that subject, given March 8, 1833, [3] and by unanimous
voice of the conference; Hyrum Smith, Jared Carter, and {343} Reynolds
Cahoon were appointed a committee to obtain subscriptions, for the
purpose of erecting such a building.
[Sidenote: Council Proceedings Approved.]
A council had previously been held in Norton Township, Medina
county, Ohio, at which Sidney Rigdon presided. The council took into
consideration the standing of Baldwin Welton, Aaron Smith, and----Hays,
Elders; and James Braden, Priest; and decided that their ordinations
were illegal, and that the churches should not receive them in
their several offices. The doings of the council were reviewed, and
sanctioned by the First Presidency, viz: Joseph Smith, Jun., Sidney
Rigdon, Frederick G. Williams, and entered on record in Kirtland.
_May 6_.--I received the following:
Revelation. [4]
1. Verily, thus saith the Lord, It shall come to pass that every
soul who forsaketh his sins and cometh unto me, and calleth on my
name, and obeyeth my voice, and keepeth my commandments, shall see
my face and know that I am,
2. And that I am the true light that lighteth every man that cometh
into the world;
3. And that I am in the Father, and the Father in me, and the
Father and I are one:
4. The Father because He gave me of His fullness, and the Son
because I was in the world and made flesh my tabernacle, and dwelt
among the sons of men.
5. I was in the world and received of my Father, and the works of
Him were plainly manifest;
6. And John saw and bore record of the fulness of my glory, and the
fulness of John's record is hereafter to be revealed:
7. And he bore record, saying, I saw His glory, that he was in the
beginning, before the world was;
8. Therefore, in the beginning the Word was, for He was the Word,
even the messenger of salvation.
9. The light and the Redeemer of the world; the Spirit of truth,
who came into the world, because the world was made by Him, and in
Him was the life of men and the light of men.
10. The worlds were made by Him: men were made by Him: all things
were made by Him, and through Him, and of Him.
{344} 11. And I, John, bear record that I beheld His glory, as the
glory of the Only Begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth,
even the Spirit of truth, which came and dwelt in the flesh, and
dwelt among us.
12. And I, John, saw that He received not of the fullness at the
first, but received grace for grace;
13. And He received not of the fulness at first, but continued from
grace to grace, until He received a fulness;
14. And thus He was called the Son of God, because He received not
of the fulness at the first.
15. And I, John, bear record, and lo, the heavens were opened, and
the Holy Ghost descended upon Him in the form of a dove, and sat
upon Him, and there came a voice out of heaven saying, This is my
beloved Son.
16. And I, John, bear record that He received a fullness of the
glory of the Father;
17. And he received all power, both in heaven and on earth, and the
glory of the Father was with Him, for He dwelt in Him.
18. And it shall come to pass, that if you are faithful you shall
receive the fulness of the record of John.
19. I give unto you these sayings that you may understand and know
how to worship, and know what you worship, that you may come unto
the Father in my name, and in due time receive of His fullness,
20. For if you keep my commandments you shall receive of His
fullness, and be glorified in me as I am in the Father; therefore,
I say unto you, you shall receive grace for grace.
21. And now, verily I say unto you, I was in the beginning with the
Father, and I am the First Born;
22. And all those who are begotten through me are partakers of the
glory of the same, and are the church of the First Born.
23. Ye were also in the beginning with the Father; that which is
Spirit, even the Spirit of truth,
24. And truth is knowledge of things as they are, and as they were,
and as they are to come;
25. And whatsoever is more or less than this is the spirit of that
wicked one who was a liar from the beginning.
26. The Spirit of truth is of God. I am the Spirit of truth, and
John bore record of me, saying--He received a fulness of truth,
yea, even of all truth,
27. And no man receiveth a fulness unless he keepeth His
commandments.
28. He that keepeth His commandments receiveth truth and light,
until he is glorified in truth and knoweth all things.
{345} 29. Man was also in the beginning with God. Intelligence, or
the light of truth, was not created or made, neither indeed can be.
30. All truth is independent in that sphere in which God has placed
it, to act for itself, as all intelligence also, otherwise there is
no existence.
31. Behold, here is the agency of man, and here is the condemnation
of man, because that which was from the beginning is plainly
manifest unto them, and they receive not the light.
32. And every man whose spirit receiveth not the light is under
condemnation,
33. For man is spirit. The elements are eternal, and spirit and
element, inseparably connected, receive a fulness of joy;
34. And when separated, man cannot receive a fulness of joy.
35. The elements are the tabernacle of God; yea, man is the
tabernacle of God, even temples; and whatsoever temple is defiled,
God shall destroy that temple.
36. The glory of God is intelligence, or, in other words, light and
truth;
37. Light and truth forsake that evil one.
38. Every spirit of man was innocent in the beginning, and God
having redeemed man from the fall, men became again in their infant
state, innocent before God.
39. And that wicked one cometh and taketh away light and truth,
through disobedience, from the children of men, and because of the
tradition of their fathers.
40. But I have commanded you to bring up your children in light and
truth;
41. But verily I say unto you, my servant Frederick G. Williams,
you have continued under this condemnation;
42. You have not taught your children light and truth, according to
the commandments, and that wicked one hath power, as yet, over you,
and this is the cause of your affliction.
43. And now a commandment I give unto you, if you will be
delivered, you shall set in order your own house, for there are
many things that are not right in your house.
44. Verily, I say unto my servant Sidney Rigdon, that in some
things he hath not kept the commandments concerning his children;
therefore, first set in order thy house.
45. Verily, I say unto my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., or in other
words, I will call you friends, for you are my friends, and ye
shall have an inheritance with me;
46. I called you servants for the world's sake, and ye are their
servants for my sake--
{346} 47. And now, verily I say unto Joseph Smith, Jun., you have
not kept the commandments, and must needs stand rebuked before the
Lord.
48. Your family must needs repent and forsake some things, and give
more earnest heed unto your sayings, or be removed out of their
place.
49. What I say unto one I say unto all; pray always lest that
wicked one have power in you, and remove you out of your place.
50. My servant Newel K. Whitney, also, a Bishop of my Church, hath
need to be chastened and set in order his family, and see that they
are more diligent and concerned at home, and pray always, or they
shall be removed out of their place.
51. Now, I say unto you, my friends, let my servant Sidney Rigdon
go on his journey, and make haste, and also proclaim the acceptable
year of the Lord, and the gospel of salvation, as I shall give him
utterance, and by your prayer of faith with one consent, I will
uphold him.
52. And let my servants Joseph Smith, Jun., and Frederick G.
Williams make haste also, and it shall be given them even according
to the prayer of faith, and inasmuch as you keep my sayings, you
shall not be confounded in this world, nor in the world to come.
53. And verily, I say unto you, that it is my will that you should
hasten to translate my Scriptures, and to obtain a knowledge of
history, and of countries, and of kingdoms, of laws of God and man,
and all this for the salvation of Zion. Amen.
The same date (May 6th) I received the following:
_Revelation_. [5]
1. And again, verily I say unto you, my friends, a commandment I
give unto you, that ye shall commence a work of laying out and
preparing a beginning and foundation of the city of the Stake of
Zion, here in the land of Kirtland, beginning at my house;
2. And behold, it must be done according to the pattern which I
have given unto you.
3. And let the first lot on the south be consecrated unto me for
the building of a house for the Presidency, for the work of the
Presidency, in obtaining revelations; and for the work of the
ministry of the Presidency, in all things pertaining to the Church
and kingdom.
4. Verily I say unto you, that it shall be built fifty-five by
sixty-five feet in the width thereof and in the length thereof, in
the inner court;
5. And there shall be a lower court and a higher court, according
to the pattern which shall be given unto you hereafter;
{347} 6. And it shall be dedicated unto the Lord from the
foundation thereof, according to the order of the Priesthood,
according to the pattern which shall be given unto you hereafter:
7. And it shall be wholly dedicated unto the Lord for the work of
the Presidency.
8. And ye shall not suffer any unclean thing to come in unto it;
and my glory shall be there, and my presence shall be there;
9. But if there shall come into it any unclean thing, my glory
shall not be there; and my presence shall not come into it.
10. And again, verily I say unto you, the second lot on the south
shall be dedicated unto me for the building of a house unto me, for
the work of the printing of the translation of my Scriptures and
all things whatsoever I shall command you;
11. And it shall be fifty-five by sixty-five feet in the width
thereof and the length thereof, in the inner court; and there shall
be a lower and a higher court:
12. And this house shall be wholly dedicated unto the Lord from the
foundation thereof, for the work of the printing, in all things
whatsoever I shall command you, to be holy, undefiled according to
the pattern in all things as it shall be given unto you.
13. And on the third lot shall my servant Hyrum Smith receive his
inheritance.
14. And on the first and second lots on the north shall my servants
Reynolds Cahoon and Jared Carter receive their inheritances.
15. That they may do the work which I have appointed unto them, to
be a committee to build mine houses according to the commandment,
which I, the Lord God, have given unto you.
16. These two houses are not to be built until I give unto you a
commandment concerning them.
17. And now I give unto you no more at this time. Amen.
[Sidenote: Signs of the Times.]
The signs of the times continued to attract the attention of the
world. The cholera had broken out at Havana, and it was reported that
five hundred were perishing daily, and Oporto, in the province of
Entre-Minho-e-Douro, Portugal, was experiencing the same calamity. The
influenza was raging at St. Petersburg, Russia; more than one hundred
thousand were suffering from its effects, and it was reported to be
more violent at Moscow. So dreadful were the effects of the cholera,
which spread consternation among the inhabitants of the {348} earth,
that it was reported that the eyes of some of the afflicted burst from
their sockets.
[Sidenote: Removal of Indians.]
A treaty was entered into about this time with several tribes of
Indians, some to be located on the east of Winnebago lake, and others
to be removed west of the Mississippi. [6]
[Sidenote: Arrival of the Prophet's Relatives in Kirtland.]
_May 25_.--My uncle, John Smith and family arrived in Kirtland, from
Potsdam, New York, my uncle being an Elder in the Church; and his wife
and eldest son, George Albert Smith, a lad of fifteen, were members.
They were the first of my father's relatives who obeyed the Gospel. [7]
Footnotes
1. The above on the state of the world is condensed from the _Evening
and Morning Star_ for April, 1833.
2. Here follows the revelation on page 333.
3. See p. 329.
4. Doctrine and Covenants, sec. xciii.
5. Doctrine and Covenants, sec. xciv.
6. The above items of plagues and removal of Indians are from the
_Evening and Morning Star_, for May, 1833.
7. For an account of their conversation to the Gospel see page 285.
{349}