Preparation for Building the Kirtland Temple--Trial and Excommunication
of "Doctor" Philastus Hurlburt.
[Sidenote: The House of the Lord at Kirtland.]
_June 1_.--Great preparations were making to commence a house of the
Lord; and notwithstanding the Church was poor, yet our unity, harmony
and charity abounded to strengthen us to do the commandments of God.
The building of the house of the Lord in Kirtland was a matter that
continued to increase in its interest in the hearts of the brethren,
and the building committee issued the following circular to the
different branches of the Church:
Circular.
Kirtland, June 1, 1833.
_To the Church of Christ in_----
We feel under obligations to write to you as well as to all the
brethren of the different branches; and we do this, that you, with
us, may exert yourselves to bring about the fulfillment of the
command of the Lord concerning the establishing, or preparing a
house, wherein the Elders who have been commanded of the Lord so
to do, may gather themselves together, and prepare all things,
and call a solemn assembly, and treasure up words of wisdom, that
they may go forth to the Gentiles for the last time; and now,
in order to accomplish this, we are directed, yea, we are under
the necessity, to call upon the whole Church as a body, that
they make every possible exertion to aid temporally, as well as
spiritually, in this great work that the Lord is beginning, and
is about to accomplish. And unless we fulfill this command, viz:
establish an house, and prepare all things necessary whereby the
Elders may gather into a school, called the School of the Prophets,
and {350} receive that instruction which the Lord designs they
should receive, we may all despair of obtaining the great blessing
that God has promised to the faithful of the Church of Christ;
therefore it is as important, as our salvation, that we obey this
above-mentioned command, as well as all the commandments of the
Lord.
Therefore, brethren, we write this epistle to you, to stir up your
minds to make that exertion which the Lord requires of you, to lend
a temporal aid in these things above written; and in order that you
may know how to conduct the business, we will relate what we have
done and are doing here.
We have met in conference, and agreed to form a subscription, and
circulate it through the churches. The conference also appointed
Hyrum Smith, Reynolds Cahoon, and Jared Carter, a committee to
superintend this business, viz: that of circulating subscriptions
to establish a fund to build a house, and to aid the Elders to
attend this school. The subscriptions are now in circulation among
us, and our Heavenly Father is opening the hearts of our brethren
beyond the expectation of many; and not one brother among us, as
yet, refuses to exert himself to do something in a temporal way to
bring about the establishing of this house and school; and we say,
may our Heavenly Father open your hearts also, that you, with us,
may gather together something to aid as a temporal benefit.
Probably you had better call the officers of the Church immediately
together, and appoint someone to circulate a subscription that
each individual, after signing, may have a sufficient time to make
preparations to pay what he subscribes; for it will be necessary,
wherever the brethren are at a distance from Kirtland, that they
exert themselves to send on their gift or assistance as soon as
they can to Kirtland; though they can, if they believe best, wait
on those that sign until the first of September, and then collect
and send it to Kirtland.
These considerations we have written to you, knowing it to be our
duty thus to do, and may the Lord help you to exert yourselves with
us, in raising the means to bring about the glorious work of the
Lord; and may we all be kept by the grace of God unto eternal life.
Amen.
Hyrum Smith,
Reynolds Cahoon,
Jared Carter,
_Committee_.
The same day [June 1st] I received the following:
_Revelation_. [1]
1. Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you, whom I love, and whom I
{351} love I also chasten that their sins may be forgiven, for
with the chastisement I prepare a way for their deliverance in all
things out of temptation, and I have loved you.
2. Wherefore ye must needs be chastened and stand rebuked before my
face.
3. For ye have sinned against me a very grievous sin, in that ye
have not considered the great commandment in all things, that I
have given unto you concerning the building of mine house.
4. For the preparation wherewith I design to prepare mine apostles
to prune mine vineyard for the last time, that I may bring to pass
my strange act, that I may pour out my Spirit upon all flesh.
5. But behold, verily I say unto you, There are many who have been
ordained among you, whom I have called, but few of them are chosen;
6. They who are not chosen have sinned a very grievous sin, in that
they are walking in darkness at noon-day;
7. And for this cause I gave unto you a commandment that you should
call your solemn assembly, that your fastings and your mourning
might come up into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth, which is by
interpretation, the Creator of the first day, the beginning and the
end.
8. Yea, verily I say unto you, I gave unto you a commandment, that
you should build a house, in the which house I design to endow
those whom I have chosen with power from on high;
9. For this is the promise of the Father unto you, therefore I
command you to tarry, even as mine apostles at Jerusalem;
10. Nevertheless my servants sinned a very grievous sin, and
contentions arose in the School of the Prophets, which was very
grievous unto me, saith your Lord; therefore I sent them forth to
be chastened.
11. Verily I say unto you, it is my will that you should build a
house. If you keep my commandments you shall have power to build it;
12. If you keep not my commandments, the love of the Father shall
not continue with you, therefore you shall walk in darkness.
13. Now here is wisdom, and the mind of the Lord; let the house be
built, not after the manner of the world, for I give not unto you
that ye shall live after the manner of the world;
14. Therefore, let it be built after the manner which I shall show
unto three of you, whom ye shall appoint and ordain unto this power.
15. And the size thereof shall be fifty and five feet in width, and
let it be sixty-five feet in length, in the inner court thereof.
16. And let the lower part of the inner court be dedicated unto
me for your sacrament offering, and for your preaching, and your
fasting, and your praying, and the offering up of your most holy
desires unto me, saith your Lord.
{352} 17. And let the higher part of the inner court be dedicated
unto me for the school of mine apostles, saith Son Ahman; or, in
other words, Alphus; or, in other words, Omegus; even Jesus Christ
your Lord. Amen.
[Sidenote: Trial of "Doctor" Hurlburt.]
_June 3_.--A conference of High Priests convened in the translating
room in Kirtland. The first case presented was that of "Doctor"
Philastus Hurlburt, who was accused of unchristian conduct with women,
while on a mission to the east. On investigation it was decided that
his commission be taken from him, and that he be no longer a member of
the Church of Christ.
[Sidenote: The House of the Lord to be Built at Kirtland.]
The next matter before the conference was to ascertain what should be
the dimensions or size of the house, that is to be built for a house of
worship and for the School of the Prophets. I had received a revelation
on the size of the house in which the word of the Lord was that it
should be fifty-five feet wide, and sixty-five feet long, in the inner
court. The conference appointed Joseph Smith, Jun., Sidney Rigdon and
Frederick G. Williams to obtain a draft or construction of the inner
court of the house.
[Sidenote: The French Farm.]
_June 4_.--A similar conference assembled at the same place and took
into consideration how the French farm should be disposed of. The
conference could not agree who should take charge of it, but all agreed
to inquire of the Lord; accordingly we received the following:
_Revelation to Enoch [Joseph Smith Jun.] Showing the Order of the
City or Stake of Zion, in Shinehah [Kirtland,] given for a Sample
to the Saints in Kirtland_. [2]
1. Behold, I say unto you, here is wisdom, whereby ye may know
how to act concerning this matter, for it is expedient in me that
this stake that I have set for the strength of Zion should be made
strong;
2. Therefore, let my servant Ahashdah (Newel K. Whitney) take {353}
charge of the place which is named among you, upon which I design
to build mine holy house;
3. And again, let it be divided in lots, according to wisdom,
for the benefit of those who seek inheritances, as it shall be
determined in council among you.
4. Therefore, take heed that ye see to this matter, and that
portion that is necessary to benefit mine order, for the purpose of
bringing forth my word to the children of men;
5. For behold, verily I say unto you, this is the most expedient
in me, that my word should go forth unto the children of men, for
the purpose of subduing the hearts of the children of men for your
good. Even so. Amen.
6. And again, verily I say unto you, it is wisdom and expedient
in me, that my servant Zombre (John Johnson) whose offering I
have accepted, and whose prayers I have heard, unto whom I give a
promise of eternal life inasmuch as he keepeth my commandments from
henceforth--
7. For he is a descendant of Seth (Joseph), and a partaker of the
blessings of the promise made unto his fathers--
8. Verily I say unto you, it is expedient in me that he should
become a member of the order, that he may assist in bringing forth
my word unto the children of men;
9. Therefore ye shall ordain him unto this blessing, and he shall
seek diligently to take away incumbrances that are upon the house
named among you, that he may dwell therein. Even so. Amen.
[Sidenote: John Johnson Ordained a High Priest.]
Zombre [John Johnson] was ordained by the conference to the High
Priesthood, and admitted according to the revelation.
[Sidenote: Ground Broken for Kirtland Temple.]
_June 5_.--George A. Smith hauled the first load of stone for the
Temple, and Hyrum Smith and Reynolds Cahoon commenced digging the
trench for the walls of the Lord's house, and finished the same with
their own hands.
[Sidenote: Action of Conference with Reference to the Temple.]
_June 6_.--A conference of High Priests assembled, and chose Orson Hyde
a clerk to the Presidency of the High Priesthood. This conference was
more especially called to counsel the committee, who had been appointed
to take the oversight of the building of the house of the Lord. The
conference voted that the committee, (Reynolds Cahoon, Jared {354}
Carter, and Hyrum Smith), proceeded immediately to commence building
the house; or to obtaining materials, stone, brick, lumber, etc., for
the same.
[Sidenote: Hurlburt's Appeal.]
_June 21_.--"Doctor" Hurlburt being dissatisfied with the decision of
the council on his case presented the following appeal:
I, Doctor Philastus Hurlburt, having been tried before the Bishop's
council of High Priests on a charge of unchristian-like conduct
with the female sex, and myself being absent at the time, and
considering that strict justice was not done me, I do, by these
presents, most solemnly enter my appeal unto the President's
council of High Priests for a re-hearing, according to the
privilege guaranteed to me in the laws of the Church, which council
is now assembled in the school room, in Kirtland, this 21st day of
June, 1833.
It was voted by the council present, when this was received, that
Brother Hurlburt be granted a re-hearing; and after prayer, (which was
customary at the opening of all councils of the Church), the council
proceeded to ordain two High Priests, to make out the number, (twelve)
that the council, or Church court, might be organized. By the choice
of the council Brothers John and William Smith were ordained under the
hands of Elder Rigdon.
Brother Hurlburt's case was then laid before the court, and the
testimony against him given by Orson Hyde and Hyrum Smith, and duly
investigated. The decision of the court was, that Brother Hurlburt
should be forgiven, because of the liberal confession which he made.
This court also decided that the Bishop's council decided correctly on
the case, and that Brother Hurlburt's crime was sufficient to cut him
off from the Church; but on his confession he was restored.
[Sidenote: Copley's Case.]
The President's court also took Brother Daniel Copley's Priest's
license and membership from him, because he refused to fulfil his
mission according to the council of the High Priesthood of the holy
order of God.
{355} [Sidenote: Excommunication of "Doctor" Hurlburt.]
_June 23_.--"Doctor" Philastus Hurlburt was again called in question,
by a general council; and Brother Gee, of Thompson, testified that
Brother Hurlburt said that he deceived Joseph Smith's God, or the
spirit by which he is actuated. There was also corroborating testimony
brought against him by Brother Hodges. The council cut him off from the
Church. [3]
[Sidenote: Case of James Higby.]
A council of the Elders of the church was held at Westfield, New York,
the same day. Elder Gladden Bishop was president, and Brother Chester
L. Heath clerk. Brother Paul entered a complaint against Brother
James Higby, an Elder, for circulating false and slanderous reports,
and not observing the order of the Gospel, and presented evidence
unimpeachable, to substantiate the same to the satisfaction of the
council; upon which evidence--and from Brother Higby's own mouth, and
the spirit he manifested--he was declared {356} guilty by the council,
and he was cut off from the Church. The council then demanded his
license and the Church record, which he utterly refused to give up;
therefore, resolved that the proceedings of the council be sent to
Kirtland, that it may be known among the different branches of the
Church. [4]
Footnotes
1. Doctrine and Covenants, sec. xcv.
2. Doctrine and Covenants, sec. xcvi.
3. Owing to the subsequent prominence of this man, "Doctor" Philastus
Hurlburt, as a bitter anti-Mormon, more should be said of him than is
given in the Prophet's narrative. He was not a physician, as the title
"Doctor" would seem to indicate; but being the seventh son in his
father's family, according to the old folklore superstition that the
seventh son would possess supernatural qualities that would make him
a physician, he was called "Doc," or "Doctor," "This said 'Doctor,'"
wrote Sidney Rigdon in 1839, to the _Boston Journal_, "was never a
physician at any time, nor anything else but a base ruffian. He was
the seventh son and his parents called him 'Doctor;' it was his name,
and not the title of his profession. He once belonged to the Methodist
church, and was excluded for immoralities. He afterwards imposed
himself on the Church of Latter-day Saints, and was excluded for using
obscene language to a young lady, a member of the said Church, who
resented his insult with indignation which became both her character
and profession." Joseph E. Johnson, in a communication to the _Deseret
Evening News_, under date of December 28, 1880, says of "Doctor"
Hurlburt: "In the year A. D. 1833, then living in Kirtland, Ohio, I
became acquainted with a man subsequently known as Dr. Hurlburt, who
came to investigate the truth of Mormonism. Claiming to be satisfied,
he was baptized and became a member in full fellowship. He was a man
of fine physique, very pompous, good looking, and very ambitious,
with some energy, though of poor education. Soon after his arrival he
came to my mother's house to board, where he remained for nearly a
year, while he made an effort to get into a good practice of medicine,
sought position in the Church and was ever striving to make marital
connection with any of the first families. Finally * * * he was charged
with illicit intercourse with the sex, was tried and cut off from the
Church. He denied, expostulated, threatened, but to no use, the facts
were too apparent, and he at once avowed himself the enemy of the
Church."
4. The account of the council of Elders at Westfield was copied into
the Kirtland Church record on the 29th of June, 1833.
{357} CHAPTER XXVI.
The Plat of the City of Zion--Its Temples--Correspondence on Affairs in
Zion and Eugene.
_An explanation of the plot of the city of Zion, sent to the brethren
in Zion, the 25th of June, 1833_:
[Sidenote: The General Plan of the City of Zion.]
The plat contains one mile square; all the squares in the plat contain
ten acres each, being forty rods square. You will observe that the
lots are laid off alternately in the squares; in one square running
from the south and north to the line through the center of the square;
and in the next, the lots run from the east and west to the center
line. Each lot is four perches in front and twenty back, making one
half of an acre in each lot, so that no one street will be built on
entirely through the street; but on one square the houses will stand
on one street, and on the next one, another, except the middle range
of squares, which runs north and south, in which range are the painted
squares. The lots are laid off in the squares, north and south, all of
them; because these squares are forty perches by sixty, being twenty
perches longer than the others, their greatest length being east and
west, and by running all these squares, north and south, it makes all
the lots in the city of one size.
{358} [Sidenote: The Blocks Set Aside for Temples.]
The painted squares in the middle are for public buildings. The one
without any figures is for store-houses for the Bishop, and to be
devoted to his use. Figure first is for temples for the use of the
presidency; the circles inside of the squares, are the places for the
temples. You will see it contains twelve figures, two are for the
temples of the lesser Priesthood. It is also to contain twelve temples.
The whole plot is supposed to contain from fifteen to twenty thousand
people: you will therefore see that it will require twenty-four
buildings to supply them with houses of worship, schools, etc.; and
none of these temples are to be smaller than the one of which we send
you a draft. This temple is to be built in the square marked figure
1; and to be built where the circle is which has a cross on it on the
north end.
[Sidenote: Location of Lands for the Agriculturist.]
South of the plot where the line is drawn, is to be laid off for farms,
stables, etc., for the use of the city; so that no barns or stables
will be in the city among the houses; the ground to be occupied for
these must be laid off according to wisdom. On the north and south are
to be laid off the farms for the agriculturist, and sufficient quantity
of land to supply the whole plot; and if it cannot be laid off without
going too great a distance from the city, there must also be some laid
off on the east and west.
[Sidenote: Zion a Group of Cities.]
When this square is thus laid off and supplied, lay off another in the
same way, and so fill up the world in these last days; and let every
man live in the city for this is the city of Zion. All the streets are
of one width, being eight perches wide. Also, the space round the outer
edge of the painted squares, is to be eight perches between the temple
and the street on every side. No one lot, in this city, is to contain
more than one house, and that to be built twenty-five feet back from
the street, leaving a small yard in front, to be planted in a grove,
according to the taste of the builder; the rest {359} of the lot for
gardens; all the houses are to be built of brick and stone. The scale
of the plot is forty perches to the inch.
[Sidenote: Names of the Temples.]
The names of the temples to be built on the painted squares as
represented on the plot of the city of Zion, which is now about to be
forwarded thither:--numbers 10, 11, and 12, are to be called, House
of the Lord, for the Presidency of the High and most Holy Priesthood,
after the order of Melchisedek, which was after the order of the Son
of God, upon Mount Zion, City of the New Jerusalem. Numbers 7, 8, and
9, the Sacred Apostolic Repository, for the use of the Bishop. Numbers
4, 5, and 6, the Holy Evangelical House, for the High Priesthood of
the Holy Order of God. Numbers 1, 2, and 3, the House of the Lord, for
the Elders of Zion, an Ensign to the Nations. Numbers 22, 23, and 24,
House of the Lord for the Presidency of the High Priesthood, after the
Order of Aaron, a Standard for the People. Numbers 19, 20, and 21,
House of the Lord, the Law of the Kingdom of Heaven, and Messenger
to the People; for the Highest Priesthood after the Order of Aaron.
Numbers 16, 17, and 18, House of the Lord for the Teachers in Zion,
Messenger to the Church. Numbers 13, 14, and 15, House of the Lord for
the Deacons in Zion, Helps in Government. Underneath must be written on
each house--
Holiness to the Lord.
_A description of the House of the Lord, which is to be built first in
Zion_:
[Sidenote: The House of the Lord for the Presidency.]
The house of the Lord for the Presidency, is eighty-seven feet long
and sixty-one feet wide, and ten feet taken off of the east end for
the stairway, leaves the inner court, seventy-eight feet by sixty-one,
which is calculated and divided for seats in the following manner, viz:
the two aisles four {360} feet wide each; the middle block of pews are
eleven feet ten inches long, and three feet wide each; and the two
lines drawn through the middle are four inches apart; in which space
a curtain is to drop at right angles, and divide the house into four
parts if necessary. The pews of the side blocks are fourteen and a half
feet long, and three feet wide. The five pews in each corner of the
house, are twelve feet six inches long. The open spaces between the
corner and side pews are for fireplaces; those in the west are nine
feet wide, and the east ones are eight feet and eight inches wide, and
the chimneys carried up in the wall where they are marked with a pencil.
[Sidenote: The Pulpits of the Temple.]
The pulpit in the west end of the house is to be occupied by the
High Priesthood, as follows:--Number 1, is for the President and his
council; number 2, for the Bishop and his council; number 3, for the
High Priests; and number 4 for the Elders: each of these is eight feet
long, containing three coves or stands for the respective speakers; and
those seats opposite them are for visiting officers, who are to occupy
seats according to their respective grades. The two spaces in the
middle are stairs two feet wide. The middle pulpit is to be elevated;
the first seats one foot, the second two feet, the third three feet,
and the fourth four feet. And those upon each side are also to be
elevated: the first one eight inches, the second sixteen, the third
twenty-four, the fourth thirty-two. The corner seats are to be occupied
by singers, and elevated--the first seat six inches, the second twelve,
the third eighteen, the fourth twenty-four, and the fifth thirty-two
inches. The pulpit in the east end of the house is to be occupied by
the Lesser Priesthood. Number 1, is for the Presidency of the Lesser
Priesthood; number 2, for the Priests; number 3, for the Teachers; and
number 4, for the Deacons; and the seats by their sides, are also to be
{361} occupied by visiting officers; each one opposite his respective
grade. The pulpits are to be finished with panel work, in the best
workmanlike manner; and the building to be constructed of stone and
brick of the best quality. Observe particularly that as there are
pulpits at each end of the house, the backs of the congregation must
be to one of them, and they will want occasionally to change. In order
for this the house must have pews instead of slips, and in the pews let
the seats be loose, that they may slip from one side of the pew to the
other, so as to face either pulpit, as occasion may require.
[Sidenote: The Windows.]
The side view represents five windows in each story. The windows are
to have each forty-eight lights, of seven by nine glass, six one way
and eight the other; the sides and lintels of the windows to be of hewn
stone, and on the top of the lintel is to be a Gothic top, as you see,
but the windows must have a lintel; and so with the outside doors, all
with Gothic tops.
[Sidenote: General Dimensions.]
Make your house fourteen feet high between the floors. There will not
be a gallery but a chamber; each story to be fourteen feet high, arched
overhead with an elliptic arch. Let the foundation of the house be of
stone; let it be raised sufficiently high to allow of banking up so
high as to admit of a descent every way from the house, so far as to
divide the distance between this house, and the one next to it. On the
top of the foundation, above the embankment, let there be two rows of
hewn stone, and then commence the brick-work on the hewn stone. The
entire height of the house is to be twenty-eight feet, each story being
fourteen feet; make the wall a sufficient thickness for a house of this
size. The end view represents five windows of the same size as those
at the side, the middle window excepted, which is to be the same, with
the addition of side lights. This middle window is designed to light
the rooms both above and below, as the upper floor is to be laid off in
the same way as the lower one, and arched overhead; with the {362} same
arrangement of curtains, or veils, as before mentioned.
The doors are to be five feet wide, and nine feet high, and to be in
the east end of the house. The west end is to have no doors, but in
other respects is to be like the east, except the windows are to be
opposite the alleys which run east and west. The roof of the house is
to have one-fourth pitch, the door to have Gothic top, the same as the
windows. The shingles of the roof to be painted before they are put on.
There is to be a fanlight, as you see. The windows and doors are all to
have venetian blinds. A belfry is to be in the east end, and a bell of
very large size.
[Sidenote: Arrangement of Curtains.]
You will be careful to have hooks and rings to suspend your veils
on, so that they can be let down or raised at any time, at pleasure.
Also, as you see, the pulpits are to have four seats, rising one above
another; for instance, the Elder's seat is the lowest, next comes the
High Priest's, next the Bishop's; so each of these must have a veil
that is suspended from the upper floor, so as to be let down; which
will at any time when necessary be let down, and shut off each stand or
seat by itself.
[Sidenote: Important Letter to Brethren in Zion.]
The same day [June 25th], we wrote to Brother W. W. Phelps, and others
in Zion, from Kirtland, as follows:
_Brethren_;--We have received your last, containing a number of
questions which you desire us to answer; this we do the more
readily as we desire with all our hearts the prosperity of Zion,
and the peace of her inhabitants; for we have as great an interest
in the welfare of Zion, as you can have.
First, as respects getting the Book of Commandments bound, we think
it is not necessary. They will be sold well without binding, and
there is no bookbinder to be had that we know of, nor are there
materials to be had for binding, without keeping the books too long
from circulation.
With regard to the copies of the Book of Mormon, which are in the
hands of Brother Burkett, we say to you, get them from Brother
{363} Burkett, and give him a receipt for them in the name of the
Literary Firm. Let Brother Gilbert pay Brother Chapin his money.
We have not found the Book of Jasher, nor any other of the lost
books mentioned in the Bible as yet; nor will we obtain them at
present. Respecting the Apocrypha, the Lord said to us that there
were many things in it which were true, and there were many things
in it which were not true, and to those who desire it, should be
given by the Spirit to know the true from the false.
We have received some revelations within a short time back, which
you will obtain in due season. As soon as we can get time, we will
review the manuscripts of the Book of Mormon, after which they will
be forwarded to you.
We commend the plan highly of your choosing a teacher to instruct
the High Priests, that they may be able to silence gainsayers.
Concerning Bishops, we recommend the following: Let Brother Isaac
Morley be ordained second Bishop in Zion, and let Brother John
Corrill be ordained third.
Let Brother Edward Partridge choose as counselors in their place,
Brother Parley P. Pratt and Brother Titus Billings, ordaining
Brother Billings to the High Priesthood.
Let Brother Morley choose for his counselors, Brother Christian
Whitmer, whom ordain to the High Priesthood, and Brother Newel
Knight. Let Brother Corrill choose Brother Daniel Stanton and
Brother Hezekiah Peck, for his counselors; let Brother Hezekiah
also, be ordained to the High Priesthood.
Zombre [John Johnson] has been received as a member of the firm, by
commandment, and has just come to Kirtland to live; as soon as we
get a power of attorney signed agreeable to law, for Alam [Edward
Partridge] we will forward it to him, and will immediately expect
one from that part of the firm to Ahashdah [Newel K. Whitney],
signed in the same manner. We would again say to Alam [Edward
Partridge], be sure to get a form according to law for securing a
gift. We have found by examining the law, that a gift cannot be
retained without this.
The truth triumphs gloriously in the east; multitudes are embracing
it. I, Sidney, who write this letter in behalf of the Presidency,
had the privilege of seeing my aged mother baptized into the
faith of the Gospel, a few weeks since, at the advanced age of
seventy-five. She now resides with me.
We send by this mail, a draft of the city of Zion, with
explanations, and a draft of the house to be built immediately in
Zion, for the Presidency, as well as for the purpose of religion
and instruction.
Kirtland, the stake of Zion, is strengthening continually. When the
{364} enemies look at her they wag their heads and march along. We
anticipate the day when the enemies will have fled away and be far
from us.
You will remember that the power of agency must be signed by the
wives as well as the husbands, and the wives must be examined
in the matter separate and apart from the husbands, the same as
signing a deed, and a specification to that effect inserted at the
bottom, by the justice before whom such acknowledgment is made,
otherwise the power of attorney will be of none effect.
Should you not understand the explanations sent with the drafts,
you will inform us, so that you may have a proper understanding,
for it is meet that all things should be done according to the
pattern.
We have found the following errors in the Commandments, as
printed: fortieth chapter, tenth verse, third line, instead of
"corruptable," put corrupted. Fourteenth verse of the same chapter,
fifth line, instead of "respecter to persons," put respecter of
persons. Twenty-first verse, second line of the same chapter,
instead of "respecter to," put respecter of. Forty-fourth chapter,
twelfth verse, last line, instead of "hands," put heads.
Items of Instruction Concerning the Consecration of Property.
_Brother Edward Partridge_:
Sir:--I proceed to answer your questions, concerning the
consecration of property:--First, it is not right to condescend to
very great particulars in taking inventories. The fact is this,
a man is bound by the law of the Church, to consecrate to the
Bishop, before he can be considered a legal heir to the kingdom of
Zion; and this, too, without constraint; and unless he does this,
he cannot be acknowledged before the Lord on the Church Books:
therefore, to condescend to particulars, I will tell you that every
man must be his own judge how much he should receive and how much
he should suffer to remain in the hands of the Bishop. I speak
of those who consecrate more than they need for the support of
themselves and their families.
The matter of consecration must be done by the mutual consent of
both parties; for to give the Bishop power to say how much every
man shall have, and he be obliged to comply with the Bishop's
judgment, is giving to the Bishop more power than a king has; and
upon the other hand, to let every man say how much he needs, and
the Bishop be obliged to comply with his judgment, is to throw Zion
into confusion, and make a slave of the Bishop. The fact is, there
must be a balance or equilibrium of power, between the Bishop and
the people, and thus harmony and good will may be preserved among
you.
Therefore, those persons consecrating property to the Bishop in
Zion, {365} and then receiving an inheritance back, must reasonably
show to the Bishop that they need as much as they claim. But in
case the two parties cannot come to a mutual agreement, the Bishop
is to have nothing to do about receiving such consecrations; and
the case must be laid before a council of twelve High Priests, the
Bishop not being one of the council, but he is to lay the case
before them. [1]
Say to Brother Gilbert that we have no means in our power to assist
him in a pecuniary way, as we know not the hour when we shall be
sued for debts which we have contracted ourselves in New York. Say
to him that he must exert himself to the utmost to obtain means
himself, to replenish his store, for it must be replenished, and it
is his duty to attend to it.
We were not a little surprised to hear that some of our letters of
a public nature, which we sent for the good of Zion, have been kept
back from the Bishops. This is conduct which we highly disapprobate.
Answers to Queries to Brother Phelps' Letter of June 4th.
First, in relation to the poor: When the Bishops are appointed
according to our recommendation, it will devolve upon them to see
to the poor, according to the laws of the Church.
In regard to the printing of the New Translation: It cannot be done
until we can attend to it ourselves, and this we will do as soon as
the Lord permits.
As to Shederlaomach, [F. G. Williams], all members of the United
Firm are considered one. The order of the Literary Firm is a matter
{366} of stewardship, which is of the greatest importance; and the
mercantile establishment God commanded to be devoted to the support
thereof, and God will bring every transgression unto judgment.
Say to the brothers Hulet and to all others, that the Lord never
authorized them to say that the devil, his angels or the sons of
perdition, should ever be restored; for their fate of destiny was
not revealed to man, is not revealed, nor ever shall be revealed,
save to those who are made partakers thereof: consequently those
who teach this doctrine, have not received it of the Spirit of
the Lord. Truly Brother Oliver declared it to be the doctrine of
devils. We therefore command that this doctrine be taught no more
in Zion. We sanction the decision of the Bishop and his council, in
relation to this doctrine being a bar to communion.
The number of disciples in Kirtland is about one hundred and fifty.
We have commenced building the house of the Lord, in this place,
and it goes on rapidly. Good news from the east and south of the
success of the laborers is often saluting our ears. It is a general
time of {367} health among us; families all well, and day and night
we pray for the salvation of Zion.
We deliver Brother Ziba Peterson over to the buffetings of Satan,
in the name of the Lord, that he may learn not to transgress
the commandments of God. We conclude our letter by the usual
salutation, in token of the new and everlasting covenant. We hasten
to close, because the mail is just going.
Joseph Smith, Jun.,
Sidney Rigdon,
F. G. Williams.
P. S.--We feel gratified with the way in which Brother William W.
{368} Phelps is conducting the _Star_ at present, we hope he will
seek to render it more and more interesting. In relation to the
size of Bishoprics: When Zion is once properly regulated there will
be a Bishop to each square of the size of the one we send you with
this; but at present it must be done according to wisdom. It is
needful, brethren, that you should be all of one heart, and of one
mind, in doing the will of the Lord.
There should exist the greatest freedom and familiarity among the
rulers in Zion.
We were exceedingly sorry to hear the complaint that was made in
Brother Edward Partridge's letter, that the letters attending the
Olive Leaf had been kept from him, as it is meet that he should
know all things in relation to Zion, as the Lord has appointed
him to be a judge in Zion. We hope, dear brethren, that the like
occurrence will not take place again. When we direct letters to
Zion to any of the High Priests, which pertain to the regulation of
her affairs, we always design that they should be laid before the
Bishop, so as to enable him to perform his duty. We say so much,
hoping it will be received in kindness, and our brethren will be
careful of one another's feelings, and walk in love, honoring one
another more than themselves, as is required by the Lord. Yours as
ever,
J. S.,
S. R.,
F. G. W.
A Second Communication to the Brethren in Zion.
Kirtland, July 2nd, 1833.
_To the Brethren in Zion_:
We received your letters of June 7th: one from Brothers William
W. Phelps and Oliver Cowdery; one from Brother David Whitmer;
and one from Brother Sidney Gilbert, for which we are thankful
to our Heavenly Father, as also to hear of your welfare, and the
prosperity of Zion. Having received your letters in the mail of
today, we hasten to answer, in order that our reply may go with
tomorrow's mail.
We are exceedingly fatigued, owing to a great press of business.
We this day finished the translating of the Scriptures, for which
we returned gratitude to our Heavenly Father, and sat immediately
down to answer your letters. We rejoiced greatly to hear of the
safe arrival of Sister Vienna Jaques and Brother William Hobert,
and thank our Heavenly Father that their lives have been spared
them until their arrival. The health of the brethren and sisters
in Kirtland is good at present; no case of sickness known to us.
Brother Joseph C. {369} Kingsbury's wife is declining fast, and
cannot continue much longer, but will soon be in the paradise of
God.
We are engaged in writing a letter to Eugene [2] respecting the two
Smiths, as we have received two letters from them; one from John
Smith, the other from the Elder of the Church. [3] As to the gift
of tongues, all we can say is, that in this place, we have received
it as the ancients did: we wish you, however, to be careful lest
in this you be deceived. Guard against evils which may arise from
any accounts given by women, or otherwise; be careful in all things
lest any root of bitterness spring up among you, and thereby many
be defiled. Satan will no doubt trouble you about the gift of
tongues, unless you are careful; you cannot watch him too closely,
nor pray too much. May the Lord give you wisdom in all things.
In a letter mailed last week, you will doubtless, before you
receive this, have obtained information about the New Translation.
Consign the box of the Book of Commandments to N. K. Whitney &
Co., Kirtland, Geauga county, Ohio, care of Kelly and Walworth,
Cleveland, Cuyahoga county, Ohio.
I, Sidney, write this in great haste, in answer to yours to Brother
Joseph, as I am going off immediately, in company with Brother
Frederick to proclaim the Gospel; we think of starting tomorrow.
Having finished the translation of the Bible, a few hours since,
and needing some recreation, we know of one way we can spend our
time more to divine acceptance than in endeavoring to build up
His Zion in these last days, as we are not willing to idle any
time away which can be spent to useful purposes. Doors are opening
continually for proclaiming the Gospel. The spirit of bitterness
among the people is fast subsiding, and a spirit of inquiry is
taking its place. I preached last Sunday at Chardon, our county
seat; I had the court house; there was a general turn-out, good
attention, and a pressing invitation for more meetings, which will
be granted, if the Lord will, when we return from this tour.
Brother Joseph is going to take a tour with Brother George James,
of Brownhelm, as soon as Brother George comes to this place. We
hope, our brethren, that the greatest freedom and frankness will
exist between you and the Bishop, not withholding from one another
any information from us, but communicating with the greatest
freedom, lest you should produce evils of a serious character,
and the Lord become offended: for know assuredly, if we, by our
wickedness, bring evil on {370} our own heads, the Lord will let
us bear it till we get weary and hate iniquity. Brother Frederick
wants you to say to Brother Burke, that the man from whom he
expected to get the mill stones, has run off, so he will not be
able to get them; but Brother Burke can get them of the same man's
make, in St. Louis.
We conclude by giving our heartiest approbation to every measure
calculated for the spread of the truth, in these last days; and
our strongest desires, and sincerest prayers for the prosperity
of Zion. Say to all the brethren and sisters in Zion, that they
have our hearts, our best wishes, and the strongest desires of our
spirits for their welfare, temporal, spiritual, and eternal. As
ever, we salute you in the name of the Lord Jesus. Amen.
Sidney Rigdon,
Joseph Smith, Jun.,
F. G. Williams.
Correspondence over Troubles in the Eugene Branch of the Church.
Kirtland, July 2nd, 1833.
_Brother John Smith_:
We have just received your letter, of the 8th of June, which seems
to have been written in a spirit of justification on your part.
You will recollect that previous to your leaving this place, you
were tried before the Bishop's court, which found you guilty of
misdemeanor, and decided that you should no longer retain your
authority in the Church; all of which we, as Presidents of the High
Priesthood, sanction. You name something in your letter, that took
place at Brother Olney's in Shalersville, on the 27th and 28th
of August, which we perfectly recollect, and had you made such
confession as you were required to, at Chippeway, all things would
have worked together for your good, and as I told you; but you
did not manifest that degree of humility to the brethren that was
required, but remained obstinate; for that reason God withdrew His
Spirit from you, and left you in darkness. In your letter you say
many hard things against the brethren, especially against Father
Joseph Smith, Brother Reynolds Cahoon, and Bishop Whitney, all
of which we highly disapprove. It seems also that your son Eden
is confederate with you, and needs to be reproved, together with
yourself, in all humility before the Lord, or you must expect to be
dealt with according to the laws of the Church. We say you are no
more than a private member in the Church.
[Sidenote: Presidents.]
Joseph Smith, Jun.,
F. G. Williams,
{371} Kirtland, July 2nd, 1833.
_To the Church at Eugene_:
Dear Brethren:--It is truly painful to be under the necessity of
writing on a subject which engages our attention at this time,
viz: the case of John Smith, and Eden Smith, his son. We have just
received a letter from you concerning their standing in the Church.
We do not hold them in fellowship. We would inform you that John
Smith has been dealt with, and his authority taken from him; and
you are required not to receive his teachings, but to treat him as
a transgressor, until he repents and humbles himself before the
Lord, to the entire satisfaction of the Church: and also, you have
authority to call a conference, and sit in judgment on Eden's case,
and deal with him as the law directs.
We feel to rebuke the Elders of that branch of the Church
of Christ, for not magnifying their office, and letting the
transgressor go unpunished. We, therefore, enjoin upon you, to
be watchful on your part, and search out iniquity, and put it
down wherever it may be found. You will see by this, brethren,
that you have authority to sit in council on the Smiths; and if
found guilty, to deal with them accordingly. We have this day
directed a letter to John Smith, thereby making known to him our
disapprobation of the course he has pursued. We commend you to God
and His grace, ever praying He will keep and preserve you blameless
till He come.
Joseph Smith, Jun.,
Sidney Rigdon,
F. G. Williams.
_Postscript by Bishop Whitney, same date_:
Dear Brethren:--Yours of the 3rd of June, came safe to hand the
last mail, and John Smith's, which was directed to Brother Joseph.
Now, my brethren, on this sheet you have Brother Joseph's sanction
to my proceedings, and the letter I last wrote you, and you
will govern yourselves accordingly, for you have full power and
authority to call the two brothers Smith to an account for their
conduct; and, unless they repent and make satisfaction, not only to
your branch of the Church, but also to this branch, they must be
cut off from the body; for under existing circumstances, we have
no fellowship with them. Brother John Smith's authority, as an
officer in the Church, was taken from him before he left, and he
ought to have given up his license; but he went away without doing
so, and it seems he has made use of it to impose upon you. As to
the two sisters you spoke of in your last, if there is no testimony
on either side, all you can do is to forbid them to partake of the
Sacrament unworthily; and pray much, and God will bring all things
to light.
N. K. Whitney, Bishop.
Footnotes
1. The first of the following deed-forms was used in consecrating
property to the Church; the second, in securing the stewardships to
those entering into the law of consecration and stewardship, sometimes
called the Order of Enoch, because it was the law under which the
Patriarch Enoch and his people lived. These deed forms were found in
the private papers of Bishop Edward Partridge.
I.
Be it known, that I, Titus Billings of Jackson county, and the state
of Missouri, having become a member of the Church of Christ, organized
according to law, and established by the revelations of the Lord, on
the 6th day of April, 1830, do, of my own free will and accord, having
first paid my just debts, grant and hereby give unto Edward Partridge
of Jackson county, and state of Missouri, Bishop of said Church, the
following described property, viz.:--sundry articles of furniture
valued fifty-five dollars twenty-seven cents; also two beds, bedding
and extra clothing valued seventy-three dollars twenty-five cents; also
farming utensils valued forty-one dollars, also one horse, two wagons,
two cows and two calves, valued one hundred forty-seven dollars.
For the purpose of purchasing lands in Jackson county, Mo., and
building up the New Jerusalem, even Zion, and for relieving the wants
of the poor and needy. For which I, the said Titus Billings, do
covenant and bind myself and my heirs forever, to release all my right
and interest to the above described property, unto him, the said Edward
Partridge, Bishop of said Church.
And I, the said Edward Partridge, Bishop of said Church, having
received the above described property, of the said Titus Billings, do
bind myself, that I will cause the same to be expended for the above
mentioned purposes of the said Titus Billings to the satisfaction of
said Church; and in case I should be removed from the office of Bishop
of said Church, by death or otherwise, I hereby bind myself and my
heirs forever, to make over to my successor in office, for the benefit
of said Church, all the above described property, which may then be in
my possession.
In testimony whereof, we have hereunto set our hands and seals
this........... day of......., in the year of our Lord, one thousand,
eight hundred and thirty .....
In the presence of
Signed,
Titus Billings.
Edward Partridge
II.
Be it known, that I, Edward Partridge, of Jackson county, state of
Missouri, Bishop of the Church of Christ, organized according to law,
and established by the revelations of the Lord, on the 6th day of
April, 1830, have leased and by these presents do lease unto Titus
Billings, of Jackson county, and state of Missouri, a member of said
Church the following described piece or parcel of land, being a part
of section No. three, township No. forty-nine, range No. thirty-two,
situated in Jackson county, and state of Missouri, and is bounded as
follows, viz:--Beginning eighty rods E. from the S.W. corner of said
section; thence N. one hundred and sixty rods; thence E. twenty-seven
rods; twenty-five links; thence S. one hundred and sixty rods; thence
W. seventy-seven rods; twenty-five links, to the place of beginning,
containing twenty-seven and one-half acres, be the same more or less,
subject to roads and highways. And also have loaned the following
{367} described property, viz:--Sundry articles of furniture, valued
fifty-five dollars twenty-five cents; also two beds, bedding and
clothing, valued seventy-three dollars twenty-seven cents; also sundry
farming utensils, valued forty-one dollars; also one horse, two cows,
two calves, and two wagons, valued one hundred forty-seven dollars, to
have and to hold the above described property, by him the said Titus
Billings, to be used and occupied as to him shall seem meet and proper.
And as a consideration for the use of the above described property I,
the said Titus Billings, do bind myself to pay the taxes, and also
to pay yearly unto the said Edward Partridge, Bishop of said Church,
or his successor in office, for the benefit of said Church, all that
I shall make or accumulate more than is needful for the support and
comfort of myself and family. And it is agreed by the parties that
this lease and loan shall be binding during the life of the said
Titus Billings, unless he transgresses and is not deemed worthy by
the authority of the Church, according to its laws, to belong to the
Church. And in that case I, the said Titus Billings, do acknowledge
that I forfeit all claim to the above described leased and loaned
property, and hereby bind myself to give back the lease, and also
pay an equivalent, for the loaned [articles] for the benefit of said
Church, unto the said Edward Partridge, Bishop of said Church, or his
successor in office. And further, in case of said Titus Billings' or
family's inability in consequence of infirmity or old age to provide
for themselves while members of this Church, I, the said Edward
Partridge Bishop of said Church, do bind myself to administer to their
necessities out of any fund in my hands appropriated for that purpose,
not otherwise disposed of, to the satisfaction of the Church. And
further, in case of the death of the said Titus Billings, his wife or
widow, being at the time a member of said Church, has claim upon the
above described leased and loaned property, upon precisely the same
conditions that her said husband had them, as above described; and the
children of the said Titus Billings, in case of the death of both their
parents, also have claim upon the above described property, for their
support, until they shall become of age, and no longer; subject to the
same conditions yearly that their parents were; provided, however,
should the parents not be members of said Church, and in possession of
the above described property at the time of their deaths, the claim of
the children as above described, is null and void.
In testimony whereof we have hereunto set our hands and seals
this.......... day of.......... in the year of our Lord, one thousand
eight hundred and thirty.... In presence of
Signed,
Edward Partridge,
Titus Billings.
2. This was a settlement in Ohio where a branch of the Church had been
organized.
3. This was Eden Smith, son of the John Smith previously named, and
president of the branch of the Church at Eugene. He is mentioned in a
revelation given in March, 1832.--(See p. 257), where he is appointed
to travel as a missionary companion to Stephen Burnett.
{372}