Removal of the Church in New York to Ohio
1830-1831
"A Crooked Generation"
In October 1830, Ezra Thayer and Northrop Sweet were called by
revelation, as they had sought the will of the Lord, to preach the
Gospel unto "a crooked and perverse generation." "My vineyard,"
declared the Lord, "has become corrupt every whit; and there is none
which doth good save it be a few; and they err in many instances
because of priestcrafts; all having corrupt minds. And verily, verily,
I say unto you, that this Church have I established and called forth
out of the wilderness: and even so will I gather mine elect from the
four quarters of the earth, even as many as will believe in me, and
hearken unto my voice."
Call of Edward Partridge and Orson Pratt
In November Orson Pratt, the younger brother of Parley P. Pratt, who
had been baptized by his brother Parley a few weeks earlier in Canaan,
Columbia County, N. Y., came to Fayette to learn the will of the Lord
concerning himself. In the following December Sidney Rigdon came from
Ohio on a similar visit, bringing with him a young man named Edward
Partridge, who was not a member of the Church. Edward Partridge, the
day after his arrival, satisfied with what he had seen and heard, was
baptized by Joseph Smith and later was confirmed by Sidney Rigdon. Both
of these young men, Orson Pratt and Edward Partridge, were called to
labor in the ministry and received the commendation and blessing of the
Lord for their faith and desire to serve him. "And this commandment,"
said the Lord, "shall be given unto the elders of my Church, that every
man which will embrace it with singleness of heart, may be ordained and
sent forth, even as I have spoken."
Sidney Rigdon to Write
Sidney Rigdon was commanded to be a companion to Joseph Smith and
to "forsake him not;" moreover, he was to write for him, "and the
scriptures shall be given, even as they are in mine own bosom, to the
salvation of mine elect," was the word of the Lord to him.
Lost Scriptures Restored
By commandment of the Lord, a revision of the scriptures by inspiration
had already commenced. Much conjecture frequently occurred among the
Saints regarding scripture mentioned in the Bible that could not be
found. They had learned in the reading of the Book of Mormon, "that
many plain and precious things" had been taken away from the Bible as
it went forth among the Gentiles. Many of these the Lord promised to
restore. From time to time, as their labors would permit, the Prophet
received by revelation these scriptures which, were lost, and Sidney
Rigdon wrote for him. Shortly after the coming of Sidney Rigdon to
Fayette, the Lord revealed the writings of Enoch, spoken of by Jude,
which caused much rejoicing among the Saints. These revelations now
form a part of the Book of Moses, in the Pearl of Great Price.
Command to Go to Ohio
Soon after the restoration of the words of Enoch, the Lord commanded
that the correction of the scriptures should cease until Joseph Smith
and companions could remove to Ohio. Such a step was necessary, the
Lord declared, "because of the enemy and for your sakes." However, they
were not to go in haste, but first to strengthen the several branches
of the Church in New York; especially that at Colesville, where the
members exercised much faith. Not only were Joseph and the brethren
with him to go to Ohio, but the Lord instructed all the Saints in New
York also to journey there, "against the time" when Oliver Cowdery
should return from the Lamanites.
Conference of January, 1831
In January, 1831, a conference was held in Fayette. Ordinary business
was transacted and a revelation given in which the Lord made known the
reason for the removal of the Church to the West (Doc. and Cov. Sec.
38). "All eternity is pained," the revelation read, "and the angels are
waiting the great command to reap down the earth, to gather the tares
that they may be burned." This was because "all flesh is corrupted" and
the powers of darkness prevail. The Lord revealed that the wicked were
plotting in secret chambers the destruction of Joseph Smith and the
Church. However, he would lead the Saints, to a land of promise, and
they and their children after them should possess it forever, if they
would seek it with all their hearts as an inheritance. This reference
was to Zion, the location of which the Lord had not yet revealed. They
were commanded to assemble in Ohio, and there he would give unto them
his law and these things should be made known. They were to dispose of
their property as best they could; farms that could not be sold should
be rented, and men of wisdom were to be appointed to look after the
interests of the poor and needy and send them forth to the place the
Lord commanded them.
In the latter part of January, Joseph Smith and his wife, accompanied
by Sidney Rigdon and Edward Partridge, moved to Kirtland. They were
welcomed there by Newel K. Whitney, and Joseph and his wife remained
in the Whitney home for several weeks receiving every kindness and
attention which could be shown in Christian love.
The Branch in Kirtland
The branch of the Church in Kirtland had been living according to a
plan called "common stock" or the holding of all property in common.
This arrangement had been in practice before they joined the Church,
but false spirits crept in among them causing them to receive strange
notions in variance with the Gospel plan. With a little caution and
exercise of wisdom, the Prophet persuaded them to abandon this plan and
their difficulties were removed.
The Law Given to Govern the Church
On the fourth of February, the Lord gave direction by revelation that
the elders of the Church should assemble together to agree on his word;
for he would give them his law by which the Church was to be governed.
Instructions were also given that Joseph Smith should have a house
built wherein he could live and translate, and receive the ancient
scriptures from the Lord. Edward Partridge was to receive the office
of bishop in the Church and to spend all his time in that ministry,
leaving his merchandise, to labor in the interests of the members of
the Church.
At Kirtland, on the 9th of February, in the presence of twelve elders,
the Lord revealed his law by which the Church was to be governed,
according to the promise given in Fayette. This important revelation
(Doc. and Cov. Sec. 42) may be termed a code of laws for the government
and guidance of the members of the Church. Their attitude towards the
law of the land as well as the moral law was clearly established.
As members of the Church they were to keep the Church covenants and
articles, and the Lord would reveal unto them, from time to time,
other covenants sufficient to establish them in Ohio and later in the
New Jerusalem, or city of Zion, the site of which would presently be
revealed. The duties of the bishop and other officers in the Church
were defined. Idlers were condemned; for, said the Lord, "the idler
shall not eat the bread nor wear the garments of the laborer." The
Bible and the Book or Mormon were to be the standards on doctrine,
and they who have not the Spirit were not to teach. The manner of
administering to the sick was explained, and the Saints instructed to
live together in love. This is one of the very important revelations
given to the Church.
A Woman's "Revelation"
Soon after this revelation was given a woman named Hubble came among
the people pretending to have revelations, and professing to be a
prophetess of the Lord. By declaring that the Book of Mormon was the
word of the Lord, and appearing to be very righteous, she deceived some
of the Saints.
For the benefit of the members a revelation was received by Joseph
Smith in which the Church was instructed to hearken to him, for there
was none other appointed to receive revelations for the Church, and
none other should be appointed while he lived, if he remained true to
his trust. This commandment had previously been given, when Hiram Page
was led into error; but it seemed the Lord must speak again on this
point before the Saints could understand. The members of the Church
were instructed to purge themselves from all iniquity, and the Lord
would give them knowledge, even the mysteries of his kingdom would be
revealed, if they would sustain and assist Joseph Smith. The elders
were instructed to go forth and preach the Gospel, laboring in the
vineyard for the last time, for the Lord would shortly come upon the
earth in judgment.
Important Revelations to The Church
During the spring and summer of 1831, a number of important revelations
were received. On March 7, the Lord made known many things (Doc.
and Cov. Sec. 45) pertaining to his second coming and the signs of
the times. After revealing in clearness the teachings given to his
disciples in Jerusalem, relative to the destruction of the temple, the
scattering of the Jews, and the signs which should precede his second
coming, he made known many things which should take place in the day
in which we live. He spoke of the signs and wonders; of the gathering
of the Jews; the darkening of the sun and the bathing of the moon in
blood; of his second coming and his judgments upon the nations; the
redemption of the Jews, who shall look upon him whom they have pierced;
the binding of Satan; the millennial reign, and the redemption of
heathen nations and those who knew no law.
Zion a Place of Refuge
Zion, the New Jerusalem, shall be built and there the righteous shall
come to Zion from among all nations, singing songs of everlasting joy.
They will be the only people who will not be at war, and every man who
will not take up his sword against his neighbor, must flee to Zion for
safety. Such is to be the condition of the world before the coming of
the Lord.
John Whitmer, Historian
In another revelation John Whitmer was appointed to keep the records of
the Church, and assist Joseph Smith in transcribing all things given
for the history.
"For," said the revelation, "Oliver Cowdery I have appointed to another
office. Wherefore it shall be given him (Whitmer) in as much as he is
faithful, by the Comforter, to write these things."
The Purchase of Lands
As the Saints in New York had been commanded to settle in Ohio, the
residents in that place were instructed to impart of their lands,
as they were able to do, for the benefit of their brethren from the
east for it was needful that they should remain in Ohio for a time.
Eventually, however, it was expected that they would move farther
westward, and the members of the Church were to save their money for
the purpose of buying lands for an inheritance in the city Zion, when
the location of that place should be revealed. This information should
be made known when the brethren arrived from the east, for to them it
was to be revealed. "And they shall be appointed to purchase the lands,
and to make a commencement to lay the foundation of the city, and then
shall you begin to be gathered with your families, every man according
to his family--as is appointed to him by the presidency and the bishop
of the Church."
Equality Among the Families
In the month of May the Saints from New York commenced to arrive in
Ohio, and it fell to the lot of Bishop Partridge to assign to them
their lands. They were to be made equal according to their families
and their needs. The head of each family was to receive a certificate
to secure him and his portion and inheritance in the Church. Should
a man transgress, after receiving his portion and standing, he was
not to have power to claim that portion which had been consecrated
to the bishop for the use of the poor and needy of the Church; but
he could retain that portion which was deeded to him. A storehouse
was to be provided and the substance of the people, more than needful
for individual use, was to be placed therein, for the wants of the
people, to be kept by the bishop, who was to distribute it as the
necessities of the people should demand. In this manner the doctrine
of consecration was partially put into practice, as a preparatory step
before the members of the Church should go to Zion--for in Zion the law
of the united order, or consecration of properties, was the law upon
which that city should be built. "And thus I grant unto this people,"
the Lord declared, with reference to the New York Saints, "a privilege
of organizing themselves according to my laws; and I consecrate unto
them this land for a little season, until I, the Lord, shall provide
for them otherwise, and command them to go hence."
The Important Conference of June 1831
In the month of February the Lord had commanded that word be sent out
to the elders of the Church calling them from the east and from the
west; from the north and from the south; to meet in conference and
receive instruction. Accordingly, a conference was set for June 3,
which convened at Kirtland and continued until the sixth. The Spirit
of the Lord was displayed in a marvelous way, and the power of the
evil one, which was made manifest in opposition to the work, was
successfully rebuked.
The First High Priests Ordained
At this conference the first high priests in this dispensation were
ordained. Lyman Wight, John Murdock, Reynolds Cahoon, Harvey Whitlock
and Hyrum Smith, were ordained to the office of high priest, by Joseph
Smith the Prophet; Joseph Smith, Sen., Joseph Smith the Prophet, Parley
P. Pratt, Thomas B. Marsh, Isaac Morley, Edward Partridge, Joseph
Wakefield, Martin Harris, Ezra Thayer, Ezra Booth, John Corrill, Samuel
H. Smith, John Whitmer and Sidney Rigdon, were ordained to the office
of high priest, under the hands of Lyman Wight. Edward Partridge,
the bishop of the Church, then blessed those who had been ordained.
John Corrill and Isaac Morley were then sustained and ordained as
assistants, or counselors, to Bishop Whitney, under the hands of Lyman
Wight. All this was done by commandment from the Lord.
The Mission of John
During the conference, Joseph Smith the Prophet was led to say, "that
John the Revelator was then among the ten tribes of Israel who had been
led away by Shalmaneser, king of Assyria, to prepare them for their
return from their long dispersion."
The Elders Called to Missouri
The spirit of prophecy was abundantly manifest and during the sessions
of this conference a number of revelations were received. Many of the
elders were called to take their journey through the western country,
going two by two, preaching the Gospel, and were to assemble again in
Jackson County, Missouri, where the next conference was to be held. The
Lord said to them: "And thus, even as I have said if ye are faithful,
ye shall assemble yourselves together to rejoice upon the land of
Missouri, which is the land of your inheritance, which is now the land
of your enemies. But, behold, I the Lord, will hasten the city in its
time, and will crown the faithful with joy and with rejoicing."
The Thompson Branch
The members of the Church from Colesville, New York, on their arrival
in Ohio, were located at a place called Thompson, about sixteen miles
northwest of Kirtland. Here, as we have learned, they were directed to
live according to the Lord's law, that is, the order of stewardship
and consecration of properties. Among these people there resided a
man named Leman Copley, who was a member of the "Shaking Quakers"
before he joined the Church. He owned a large tract of land which he
agreed to turn over to the Colesville branch to occupy in this manner
of stewardship, agreeable with the revelation they had received.
It appears that Copley had not been fully converted to the Gospel
and he, with some others, later rebelled and broke the covenant of
consecration. This caused confusion among the Colesville Saints and
placed them at the mercy of their enemies, as well as in jeopardy
before the Lord. In their distress they sent Newel Knight, who was in
charge of the branch at Thompson, to the Prophet to learn what they
should do. The Lord spoke unto them saying that their covenant had been
broken and therefore was of no effect, and it would have been better
for the one who was responsible for the offense, "had he been drowned
in the depth of the sea." The members of the branch were now commanded
to journey to Missouri, "unto the borders of the Lamanites," and there
they were to seek "a living like unto men," until the Lord might
prepare a place for them. Almost immediately they took their departure
under the guidance of Newel Knight, for Missouri.
A Letter from Missouri
A few days following the conference a letter was received from Oliver
Cowdery, dated May 7, giving an account of the labors of himself and
companions in Missouri. He spoke of their labors among the Lamanites,
and of a tribe of "Navashoes" farther to the west, near Santa Fe.
Almost the whole country where he and his fellow laborers were located,
he declared, consisted of "Universalists, Atheists, Presbyterians,
Methodists, Baptists, and other professing Christians, priests and
people; with all the devils from the infernal pit, united and foaming
out their shame," against the elders of the Church. Then he adds: "God
forbid that I should bring a railing accusation against them, for
vengeance belongs to him who is able to pay." His expressed opinion
of these inhabitants of the border land was all too true, as events
immediately to follow will attest.
The Mission to the West
About the middle of June (1831) the elders who were appointed at the
conference, commenced their journey westward, traveling two by two.
Ezra Thayer, the companion chosen for Thomas B. Marsh, failed to go.
Selah J. Griffin was appointed to go in his stead. On the 19th of
June, Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon, Martin Harris, Edward Partridge,
William W. Phelps, Joseph Coe, and Algernon Sidney Gilbert, took up
their journey for Missouri. All these missionaries, and others not here
mentioned, commenced their travels with great anticipation of what the
result would be. Their destination was the "land of their inheritance,"
where Zion--the New Jerusalem--should be built. The Lord had promised
that the site for this holy city should be revealed to them at their
journey's end.