We travelled on for some miles nearly in silence--I waiting all

the while for brother Murdock to make some remarks referring to our

inhospitable treatment, and the dialogue with the mistress of the

house. At last I broke silence. Said I, "Brother Murdock, how did

you feel to be talked to by that woman? I thought you bore it with

great patience, and I pitied you from my heart, or I never should

have had faith and courage to be thus healed and start my journey."

He replied that no such conversation had occurred between him

and the lady, nor had she uttered one word indicative of any such

inhospitable feeling.

"Well," said I, "I heard it articulated in plain English by some

two persons perfectly imitating her voice and yours; it was no

imagination, or raging delirium of a fever. I can swear I heard a

conversation to that effect for a length of time.

"If it was not the lady and yourself, then it was something from

an invisible world, which clearly revealed to me the spirit of our

hostess."

We reached the next house; I was a well man; found good

quarters, and we were kindly and hospitably entertained for some

days.

Pursuing our journey, we arrived at St. Louis, were kindly

received by some citizens of that place, and held meeting with

them. They conveyed us over the Mississippi free of charge, and we

continued our journey, preaching by the way. We arrived at length

at Vandalia, the then capital of Illinois. Here we were invited to

a hotel, where we sojourned free of charge, and preached to a good

audience in the Presbyterian meeting house. Next morning resuming

our journey, we crossed the Okah river on a bridge, but the bottoms

for two or three miles were overflowed to various depths, from six

inches to three or four feet, and frozen over, except in the main

channels, with a coat of ice, which we had to break by lifting our

feet to the surface at every step. This occupied some hours and

called into requisition our utmost strength, and sometimes we were

entirely covered with water. At length we got through in safety and

came to a house where we warmed and dried our clothes and took some

whiskey. Our legs and feet had lost all feeling, became benumbed,

and were dreadfully bruised and cut with the ice.

On the next day we had to cross a plain fifteen miles in length,

without a house, a tree, or any kind of shelter; a cold northwest

wind was blowing, and the ground covered with snow and ice. We had

made two or three miles into the plain when I was attacked with a

severe return of my old complaint, which had confined me so many

months in Jackson County, and from which I had recovered by a

miracle at the outset of this journey--I mean the fever and ague.

I travelled and shook, and shook and travelled, till I could

stand it no longer; I vomited severely several times, and finally

fell down on the snow, overwhelmed with fever, and became helpless

and nearly insensible. This was about seven or eight miles from the

nearest house.

Brother John Murdock laid his hands on me and prayed in the name

of Jesus; and, taking me by the hand, he commanded me with a loud

voice, saying: "In the name of Jesus of Nazareth arise and walk!" I

attempted to arise, I staggered a few paces, and was about falling

again when I found my fever suddenly depart and my strength come. I

walked at the rate of about four miles per hour, arrived at a

house, and was sick no more.

We continued our journey, preaching by the way, and crossing the

Wabash at Vincennes, we stopped in that vicinity for several days,

drawing crowded houses. Here we met with Elders Dustin and Bebee,

who left Jackson County, Missouri, when we did, and for the same

purpose. "Well, brethren, how do you do?" said we to them.

"Tolerably well; only we have spent ten dollars each which was

given us by the Bishop when we started, and we have sold books and

spent the avails of them; and besides this we have been compelled

to borrow money in a certain branch of the Church, and have spent

that also; and we think it hard to travel for the public good and

this at our own charges."

"Ah!" said I, "and how is this? we have not yet spent the first

cent since we left the Church in Jackson County; nor shall we have

any occasion for any spending money for weeks to come. Where did

you stay last night?"

"In the large village of Washington."

"Did you preach to the people?"

"Yes; in the Court House."

"Did they charge you for your keeping?"

"Yes. A dollar and a quarter."

"Well, we are going there tonight, and, although entire

strangers, we shall be well entertained free of charge, preach or

no preach."

"How do you do it?" said they.

"O, we hold up our heads like honest men; go to the best houses,

call for the best they have, make known our calling, pray with, or

preach to them, ask for their bill on taking leave, but they will

take nothing from us; but always invite us to call again."

"Well, they will not treat you so in Washington tonight; you will have

to pay a good round sum."

"Well, we shall see."

We took leave of them and of the good people where we had been

preaching, having first sent an appointment by the mail carrier,

that if the inhabitants of Washington would get together we would

address them that evening.

We entered the town at dark, stopped at a hotel, called for

lodging and supper and a room for ourselves; and asked the landlord

if a meeting had been got up for us. He said the mail carrier

brought the news of our appointment, but he believed it had been

neglected to be given out; was very sorry, made many apologies, and

still offered to have the bell rung and the people assembled if we

wished. We told him we were glad of an opportunity to rest, and did

not wish a meeting at so late an hour.

We retired to our room and made no further acquaintance. Next

morning on taking leave, we asked what was to pay. He answered,

"not anything," said we were welcome to his hospitality at any

time, and bid us call again.

Leaving Washington, we were next entertained by a very

hospitable preacher of the Christian order, whose name I have

forgotten. We tarried at his house a week or two, and preached to

crowded congregations in all the region; he frequently going with

us to introduce us and open the way. While here, having a little

leisure between appointments, I went alone and on foot to the town

of Madison, about nine miles from his house. My design was to get

out an appointment and preach, which came to pass the same evening

in the following Manner: I stepped into a hotel, they were all at

dinner, I placed the Book of Mormon on a public table and sat down

to read a newspaper; soon the boarders came out, and one by one

looked at the Book, and inquired whose it was; soon the landlord

came out, who I learned was so very deaf that one could only be

heard by placing mouth to ear and shouting at the very top of the

voice. He caught up the Book and inquired, "Whose is this?" I

arose, placed my arm round his neck, and my mouth close to his ear,

and shouted, "IT IS MINE, AND I HAVE COME TO PREACH!!" This was so

loud that it almost alarmed the town. He welcomed me to

entertainment free of charge, had the Court House opened, the town

notified, and evening found me in the judge's seat, a reporter in

the clerk's desk, and a crowded audience. I had good liberty and

all seemed much interested.

After a few days we resumed our journey, and in May arrived in

Kirtland, where I again met my wife after an absence of one year

and seven months.

Chapter XII.

------------------------

Mission in Ohio:--Start to Western Missouri:--

Incidents by the Way:--Discourse on Board a Steamer on

the Fourth of July:--Its Effect:--Arrival on the Frontiers:--

Farming:--Extortion:--Mission in Missouri and Illinois:--

Treatment by Infidels:--Great Success in Illinois:--Opposition

from Baptist Ministers:--Outlines of Mr. Peck's Speech and

my Reply:--Result:--Return Home:--A Voice from the Dead.

I shall not attempt to describe our feelings or our joy; these

things are known by experience, not by language. I found her health

much impaired, and she had long suffered from complaints of the

nature of consumption; but she was now reduced still further by her

anxious solicitude about my long absence.

When she found herself once more in the quiet enjoyment of my

society, she gradually resumed her wonted cheerfulness, and began

to enjoy better health; but still she was far from being well.

After spending a few weeks at home, I performed a short mission

in the southeastern part of Ohio, and again returned, having

travelled on foot in the heat of summer about three hundred miles.

In this mission I met with no success in the ministry, owing to the

prejudice, ignorance and bigotry of the people, who either would

not hear at all, or else heard in a careless manner, and went away

with the same indifference as they came.

I now determined to take my wife and our little effects and

remove to Western Missouri. To bear the expenses of this long

journey my wife had some sixty dollars, which she brought with her

from the East, and certain men also put into my hands sums of money

to be expended in lands and improvements in that country. With

brother Joseph's counsel and blessing I bade farewell to Kirtland.

We took a stage coach for the Ohio River, thence by steamer to

St. Louis, and again by steamer up the Missouri. I took a steerage

passage among the poorer class, and was dressed more like a laborer

than a public minister. However, the throng of passengers on the

boat learned by some means that I was a preacher, and on the 4th of

July they pressed me very hard to address them in the cabin in

honor of our national anniversary. I refused for awhile; but at

length complied, on conditions that steerage passengers, boat

hands, firemen, and all classes, black or white, should have the

privilege of assembling in the cabin to hear the discourse.

This was readily complied with, and very soon a large assembly

was convened and in waiting, consisting of ladies and gentlemen,

lawyers, merchants, farmers, servants, waiters and colored

gentlemen.

I presented myself before this motley assembly in a plain coat

of gray satinet, and bowed respectfully. All tried to be grave, but

a smile, a sneer, a look of contempt would now and then escape from

some of the more genteel portion of the assembly, as if they would

say, "_Can any good thing come out of Nazareth_," or, in

other words, can so plain a man be possessed of knowledge

sufficient to entertain such an assembly on so important an

occasion as the 4th of July, and this, too, without preparing a

discourse beforehand?

I read a chapter; all was serious attention. I offered up a

prayer; all was deep interest. I commenced a discourse, and nearly

all were in tears. I introduced the Book of Mormon as a record of

ancient America; I dwelt upon its history and prophetic

declarations, now being verified by the erection of free

institutions in this great country, and their growing influence. I

spoke of the general prosperity and resources of the country,

acknowledging the hand of Providence in the same; warned them

against national pride, ambition, and injustice; exhorted them, in

common with all citizens, to use the utmost diligence to preserve

the general peace and the pure influence of our national

institutions; and to improve in light, intelligence and love,

without which we, too, might be brought down to destruction like

the Israelites and Nephites of old; and our bones and ruined cities

and monuments alone be left to other people, as theirs were left to

us, as a testimony of our greatness which would have passed away. I

also showed them from the Book of Mormon that we were destined to

remain forever as a blessed and free people on this land, on

conditions of keeping the commandments of Jesus Christ, and that

our settlements and commerce would soon extend to the vast shores

of the Pacific ocean, and our ensign stand out to the nations as a

standard inviting them to a banquet of freedom, peace and plenty.

After meeting I was pressed upon to come into the cabin for the

rest of the passage. And even when we changed boats at Louisville,

such was the influence of my fellow passengers, that the

gentlemen's and also the ladies' cabin and board was free to me

without money or price. One gentleman offered as high as ten

dollars for a copy of the Book of Mormon; but, unluckily, I had

none with me.

Arriving at the Colesville branch, on the western boundaries of

the State (where I had spent the previous winter in sickness and

poverty), about the 1st of August, 1832, we commenced cutting hay,

building, purchasing and planting land, and making every

preparation to receive those who had sent funds for this purpose.

During the months of August and September I had, with a little

help, secured about fifteen tons of hay, and put into the ground

fifteen acres of wheat, besides building a log house and doing

something at fencing, etc. These exertions in the heat of the

season brought on a severe illness, in which I was nigh unto death;

but I was again restored in a few days by the laying on of hands

and prayer in the name of Jesus.

About this time Lewis Abbott arrived with his family from

Kirtland, and having sent some money by me, partly to aid in my

expenses, and partly for the purpose of making improvements, he

became dissatisfied and demanded the utmost farthing. This took

everything I had done;--my wheat on the ground, my hay, my cows all

but one, and left me entirely destitute, after all my laborious

exertions. At this brother Abbott seemed satisfied, and thought he

had got quite rich, and turned his money to good advantage; but the

curse of God rested upon all his property as was soon manifest.

The next winter I took a mission in company with Elder William

E. McLellin down through the State of Missouri and into Illinois,

crossing the Mississippi at Clarksville.

As we approached Clarksville, we were told by several of the

inhabitants near, not to attempt a meeting or any religious

instruction there, for they were a hardened and irreclaimable set

of blasphemers and infidels, given to gambling, drinking and

cursing, etc.; and that many different orders of the clergy had

attempted in vain to reclaim them, or even to get a hearing. Before

entering the town we ascended a mountain and cried mightily unto

the Lord that He would open our way, and move upon the hearts of

the people to receive us and hear the Word.

We then entered the town and called at a hotel. We told the

landlord that we had come in the name of Jesus Christ to preach the

gospel to the people, being sent by him without purse or scrip.

"Well," said he, "you are welcome to my house and such fare as we

have; and we will meet together and hear your religion, and if it

proves to be better than ours we will embrace it; for we confess

that our religion is to fiddle and dance, and eat and drink, and be

merry, and gamble and swear a little; and we believe this is better

than priestcraft."

We replied that we would try them anyhow. So a meeting was

convened; we preached, had good attention, and much of a candid

spirit of inquiry was manifest, and we were treated with

hospitality and friendship, and even ferried over the river free;

and this was more than those religious sectaries would do, who had

warned us against them.

Passing over the river, the next day we came to Green County,

Illinois; and as the day drew to a close we began to circulate an

appointment as we travelled along a thick settlement of thrifty

farmers, for preaching in a school house in the neighborhood that

evening.

As we sat by the highway side to rest ourselves, an old farmer

rode past on horseback, and halted to ask if we were travellers. We

replied that we were travelling to preach the gospel, and had an

appointment that evening at the school house just ahead, and

invited him to come and hear. "No," said he, "I have not attended a

religious meeting this five years; I have long been disgusted and

tired of priestcraft and religious ignorance and division, and have

concluded to stand aloof from it all."

"Well, we are as much opposed to these things as you can be,

and, therefore, have come to preach the gospel, and show the

knowledge of God in its ancient purity, being instructed and sent

of Him without purse or scrip. So come and hear us."

"O! indeed, if that is the case, I will."

So he came; the house was crowded with Baptists, Methodists,

Universalists, Non-professors, Infidels, etc.

We preached. After meeting, a Baptist minister by the name of

John Russell, a very learned and influential man, invited us to

tarry in the neighborhood and continue to preach; he said his house

should be our home, and he called a vote of the people whether they

wished us to preach more. The vote was unanimous in the

affirmative.

We tarried in the neighborhood some two months, and preached

daily in all that region to vast multitudes, both in town and

country, in the grove, and in school houses, barns and dwellings.

All parties were our hearers and friends, and contributed liberally

to our wants; and the old farmer, whose name was Calvin, who had

not been to meeting before for five years, became a constant

hearer, and opened his house for our home. He was very wealthy, and

bade us welcome to shoes, clothing, or anything we needed; many

Infidels, Universalists, etc., did the same.

In this neighborhood there lived a Baptist minister by the name

of Dotson, who opposed us with much zeal, from time to time, both

in public and in private, and from house to house.

He said the Book of Mormon was a fable; a silly, foolish mixture

of matter, possessing no interest, and that he could write a better

book himself. However, his principal objection was, that God could

give no _new_ revelation--the New Testament contained all

the knowledge that God had in store for man, and there was nothing

remaining unrevealed.

We asked him to open the New Testament and read to us the

history and destiny of the American continent and its inhabitants,

and the origin and lineage of the same; also, the history of the

ten tribes of Israel, and where they now were. We also asked him to

read to us from that book his own commission, and that of other

ministers of this age to preach the gospel. But he could do none of

these things; but still insisted that there was no subject worthy

of new revelation, and that no revelation could be given.

Said I, "Mr. Dotson, relate to me your experience and call to

the ministry."

"Well," he replied, "I will do so, seeing that it is you, friend

Pratt; for you are able to bear it, and to comprehend something

about it; but I have never told it to my own members; and I dare

not, for they would not believe me."

"Well, Mr. Dotson, be particular on the manner and means by

which you were called to the ministry."

"Why, sir," said he, "_I was called by a vocal voice from

Heaven_."

"Well, Mr. Dotson, _there_ is one exception to your

general rule. We come to you with a new revelation, and you reject

it, because there can be no new revelation; and yet you profess to

have a new revelation, God having spoken from the heavens and

called _you_, and commissioned _you_ to preach eighteen hundred

years after the New Testament was written, and all revelation

finished! How is this?

"The New Testament no where calls you by name; neither makes

mention of you as a minister of the gospel; but new revelation

does, if we are to believe you. And yet you would teach your

hearers and us, and all the world, to disbelieve all modern

revelation merely because it is new. Consequently, we are all bound

by your own rule to reject your call to the ministry, and to

believe it is a lie."

He could say no more.

At another time he was at Mr. Russell's with us, and, in

presence of Mr. R. and others, was opposing the Book of Mormon with

all his power.

We asked him to listen while we read a chapter in it. He did so,

and was melted into tears, and so affected and confounded that he

could not utter a word for some time. He then, on recovering, asked

us to his house, and opened the door for us to preach in his

neighborhood. We did so, and were kindly entertained by him.

But after this, he again hardened his heart, and finding his

opposition all in vain, he wrote a letter to the Rev. Mr. Peck, of

Rock Spring, some sixty miles distant, informing him that the

"Mormons" were about to take Green County, and requesting his

immediate attendance.

This Mr. Peck was a man of note, as one of the early settlers of

Illinois, and one of its first missionaries. He had labored for

many years in that new country and in Missouri, and was now Editor

of a paper devoted to Baptist principles.

This gentleman, was soon forthcoming, and commenced his public

addresses among the people, to try to convince them of the great

errors we had taught.

He said there were no antiquities in America; no ruined cities,

buildings, monuments, inscriptions, mounds, or fortifications, to

show the existence of such a people as the Book of Mormon

described.

He also said, that there were no domestic animals such as the

cow the ox, or the horse, found here when Europeans first

discovered the country. He then inquired how these animals became

extinct since the destruction of the Nephites.

He said further, that the fortifications and mounds of this

country were nothing more than the works of Nature.

He then warned the people against the study of the prophetic

parts of the Old and New Testaments, observing that these

mysterious prophecies were directly calculated to lead them into

delusion and bewilderment; that the best way to read and understand

prophecy was, to read it backwards--that is to say, after it is

fulfilled; that it was never designed to be understood before it

came to pass.

He also taught that the Millennium was already commenced, and

that Jesus Christ would not come, in person, till the great and

last judgment; and that the Millennium must first continue a year

for each day of the thousand years, spoken of by John the

Revelator, etc.

A meeting was held for the purpose of replying to him; the

people came out in great numbers.

I then replied in substance as follows:

"My hearers:--The Rev. Mr. Peck is a great man. He is a man of

age and varied experience and learning. I am but a youth, inferior

to him in all these respects. I reverence his gray hairs; I respect

his learning; I admire his talents and ingenuity; and I feel a

delicacy in replying to him; and nothing but a love for the truth

and a hatred of error and falsehood, could induce me to come in

contact with him before the public; but where truth and salvation

are at stake I cannot shrink from duty, in consideration of age or

talent; I cannot spare the man, even if he were my father.

"To do away the Book of Mormon, we are called upon to believe

that the temples, statues, pyramids, sculptures, monuments,

engravings, mounds and fortifications, now in ruins on the American

continent, are all the works of Nature in her playful moments; that

the bones of slumbering nations were never clothed upon with flesh,

and that their sleeping dust was never animated with life.

"This is too monstrous; it is too marvelous, too miraculous for

out credulity; we can never believe that these things are the works

of Nature, unaided by human art; we are not so fond of the

marvelous.

"Again, we are told that no cows or oxen were here when

Europeans first came to the country. I would ask what the wild

buffalo are, if they are not the cattle of the ancient inhabitants?

I would ask how horse tracks came to be imbedded in the petrified

rock of Kentucky, without a horse to make them? And if no race of

animals could become extinct, which once existed here, I would ask

Mr. Peck either to produce a living mammoth, or annihilate his

bones. But, perhaps, the reverend gentleman would say that those

bones, too, were the works of Nature, and that the huge animal they

seem to represent never existed.

"Again, my hearers, we are warned against the study of prophecy.

We are told that a careful perusal of the prophecies, which the

reverend gentleman is pleased to call '_mysterious_' is a

principal cause of our delusion and blindness; and that the

prophecies were only designed to be read and understood after they

were fulfilled.

"We will apply this rule, and learn its workings by practical

experience.

"The people at the time of the flood adopted this rule, all save

eight souls. Mr. Peck's theology was then almost catholic. The

universal world (save eight) were disposed to remain in ignorance

as to the meaning of prophecy till after its fulfillment. The

result was that they knew not until the flood came and swept them

all away; then they could understand.

"The people of Sodom were all of Mr. Peck's faith--all save Lot

and his family; they also perished unawares.

"The Jews also were of this same school--I mean those who

perished in the siege of Jerusalem, in fulfillment of the prophecy

of Jesus Christ, recorded in the 21st chapter of Luke.

"And permit me here to remind my hearers that this ancient

system of theology, will certainly prevail to an almost universal

extent at the time of the coming of the Son of Man. For Jesus

himself testified that, as it was in the days of Noah and in the

days of Lot, so should it be in the days of the coming of the Son

of Man. I would here pause and congratulate my reverend friend on

the glorious and popular prospects before him. Certain it is that

most of the world will, at some future day, be of his faith in this

respect; they will let the prophecies of the Holy Scriptures alone,

and not attempt to understand them until after their fulfilment.

"But we are of another school.

"We believe in Jesus, who said '_search the Scriptures_;'

we believe with Peter, that we have a more sure word of prophecy,

unto which we _do well_ to take heed, as unto a light shining in

a dark place; until the day dawn, and the day star arise in our

hearts.

"We believe the Apostle when he says that, 'whatsoever was

written aforetime was written for our profit and learning; that, we

through patience and comfort of the Scriptures, might have hope.'

We wish to be children of the light and not of darkness; that that

day come not upon us unawares. In short we wish, like Timothy of

old, to understand the Scriptures from our very childhood;

considering that they are able to make us wise unto salvation,

through faith in Christ Jesus.

"Again, we are told that the world is in the enjoyment of the

Millennium, or thousand years of rest, spoken of by John, the

Revelator.

"Of course then Satan is bound, and does not tempt any man. The

martyrs of Jesus, and those who kept His commandments are raised

from the dead, and are now present on the earth reigning with Jesus

Christ. The nations learn war no more, none are in ignorance, none

in darkness, the knowledge of God covers the earth as the waters do

the seas. The cow and the leopard, the kid and the bear, the wolf

and the lamb, the lion, the serpent and the little child, all dwell

together in peace. For such events the prophets have described in

connection with the Millennium.

"But the great announcement of all--the most important

communication made to us by Mr. Peck is concerning the time of the

second coming of Jesus Christ. It was now ascertained by him to be

postponed till the great and last day; and that we are to have a

Millennium of _three hundred and sixty-five thousand years_

first, before Christ comes. Only think! '_three hundred and

sixty-five thousand_!' Why, according to this calculation the

world is yet in its infancy; we are early in the morning of

creation. The great day of the existence of the world has only

dawned; a long and glorious race is yet before the generations of

man. What is the age of Adam or Methuselah! What the few fleet

years of the earth's existence, compared to the time yet to come

before its end!

"O, ye holy prophets and saints of old, had you been in

possession of the knowledge of the astounding facts now announced

by this reverend gentleman, you would never have warned mankind so

repeatedly to be ready for the great day of the Lord, for it was

soon at hand.

"And had Jesus Christ known this fact, he would never have

warned the world of the danger of that day coming on them unawares.

He and His Apostles would have said: it is yet far--very far off.

The Millennium must first dawn, and then continue three hundred and

sixty-five thousand years; and then, behold, I will come to judge

the world.

"But, my hearers, please read the prophet Zechariah on this

subject, chapter 14.

"We were there informed that 'Jesus Christ will come, and all

the saints with him,'--that he will 'set his feet on the Mount of

Olives;' that he will 'deliver the Jews and Jerusalem from their

enemies;' that he will 'destroy those who are in the siege against

that city;' and that he will 'reign as a king over all the earth,

from that time forth; and there shall be one Lord and his name

one.'

"Now, if he comes and all the saints with him, it cannot be his

first coming. If he comes to fight for the Jews and overthrow their

enemies, it cannot be his first coming. If the Mount of Olives

rends in twain at the same time, and opens so as to form a great

valley in the place thereof, it has no connection with his first

coming.

"Again, if he comes to reign as a '_King over all the earth

_,' it can have no allusion to the last judgment,--the end of

the earth. Consequently, if Zechariah has told the truth, we are to

expect the coming of Jesus Christ distinct from his first coming;

unconnected with the last judgment at the very commencement of his

reign of a thousand years, which we call the Millennium; but which,

Mr. Peck says, has commenced, entirely independent of any such

event. But what can we expect of a man when he comments upon the

prophecies, while at the same time he contends that none can

understand them until after their fulfillment.

"Of course, my hearers, he himself acts upon the principle which

he lays down to others; and if he does, he never studies, never

searches the prophecies, acknowledges himself in darkness on all

subjects connected with unfulfilled prophecy; expects to remain so,

and expects his hearers to do the same.

"O, my beloved friends, have the people of this western country

been led in darkness for so many years by learned and reverend

gentlemen? are they willing to remain in darkness now, when the

veil is withdrawn, and his folly made manifest before all the

people, and this too by his own words, uttered in presence of you

all?

"If so, follow him, and cleave to him as your teacher. But if

not, we exhort you to hold fast the truth as we have delivered it

to you; come forward this day, and obey the ordinances of God; seek

for the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth, and continue to

search the Scriptures for more light, and God will bless you

forever. Amen."

After this meeting some of the Baptists and others came forward

and were baptized, and joined the Church of the Saints; and the

people in general remained steadfast in the faith, and were unmoved

by the exertions of Messrs. Peck and Dotson.

This filled them with envy, and they soon began to manifest a

lying and abusive spirit to such a degree that all the people could

see and distinguish plainly between the spirits of truth and error.

Mr. Peck soon took leave and retired home, and we continued our

mission.

Hundreds of the people were convinced of the truth, but the

hearts of many were too much set on the world to obey the gospel;

we, therefore, baptized only a few of the people, and organized a

small Society, and about the first of June took leave and returned

home.

Having rested myself a few days, I now commenced again to

cultivate the earth. I plowed about six acres of ground for wheat,

and was busy from day to day in the woods, preparing timber to

fence the same, when the following dream, or night vision, was

given me:

A man came to me and called me with a loud voice: "Parley,

Parley." I answered, "Here am I." Said he, "Cease splitting rails,

for the Lord has prepared you for a greater work." I answered,

"Whereby shall I know that this message is from the Lord?" He

replied, "Follow me, and I will show you."

I followed him for some distance along a long path, and at last

came to a place of ancient sepulchres, where many of the Nephites

of old had been buried. One of these opened--the flesh of the man

withered away; he became like a skeleton, and passed down into the

grave. I understood and knew by the spirit, that this signified

that it was the voice of one from the dead which had spoken to me.

I therefore exclaimed, "It is enough; I know the message is of the

Lord; return unto me, that we may converse together." He then came

forth out of the grave, was again clothed upon with a body like a

man, and he talked with me, and told me many things.

I awoke the next morning, and thought of my dream, but I was

necessitated, as I thought, to finish my fence and sow my crop

before I ceased to labor with my hands. I, therefore, continued to

make and haul rails from the woods. I perfected my fence and sowed

my crop, but I never reaped; I never saw the wheat after it was

more than three inches high.

CHAPTER XIII.

------------------------

Prosperity of the Church:--School in Zion:--

Revelation:--Mob:--Destruction of Printing Office:--Defence:--

Prisoners:--Journey to Lexington:--A Dream:--Its Fulfilment:--

Battle:--Defeat of the Robbers:--A Miracle:--Defence Construed

into Murder:--Gov. Boggs and Militia Join the Mob:--Church

Driven from the County:--Plunderings and Burnings:--Insurrections:--

Signs in the Heavens:--Action of the Governor:--Attorney-General

Driven from Court:--Refugees Settle in the North:--A Bandit Chief

made Governor.

It was now the summer of 1833. Immigration had poured into the

County of Jackson in great numbers; and the Church in that county

now numbered upwards of one thousand souls. These had all purchased

lands and paid for them, and most of them were improving in

buildings and in cultivation. Peace and plenty had crowned their

labors, and the wilderness became a fruitful field, and the

solitary place began to bud and blossom as the rose.

They lived in peace and quiet; no lawsuits with each other or

with the world; few or no debts were contracted; few promises

broken; there were no thieves, robbers, or murderers; few or no

idlers; all seemed to worship God with a ready heart. On Sundays

the people assembled to preach, pray, sing, and receive the

ordinances of God. Other days all seemed busy in the various

pursuits of industry. In short, there has seldom, if ever, been a

happier people upon the earth than the Church of the Saints now

were.

In the latter part of summer and in the autumn, I devoted almost

my entire time in ministering among the churches; holding meetings;

visiting the sick; comforting the afflicted, and giving counsel. A

school of Elders was also organized, over which I was called to

preside. This class, to the number of about sixty, met for

instruction once a week. The place of meeting was in the open air,

under some tall trees, in a retired place in the wilderness, where

we prayed, preached and prophesied, and exercised ourselves in the

gifts of the Holy Spirit. Here great blessings were poured out, and

many great and marvelous things were manifested and taught. The

Lord gave me great wisdom, and enabled me to teach and edify the

Elders, and comfort and encourage them in their preparations for

the great work which lay before us. I was also much edified and

strengthened. To attend this school I had to travel on foot, and

sometimes with bare feet at that, about six miles. This I did once

a week, besides visiting and preaching in five or six branches a

week.

While thus engaged, and in answer to our correspondence with the

Prophet, Joseph Smith, at Kirtland, Ohio, the following revelation

was sent to us by him, dated August, 1833:

"Verily I say unto you, my friends, I speak unto you with my

voice, even the voice of my Spirit; that I may show unto you my

will concerning your brethren in the land of Zion; many of whom are

truly humble, and are seeking diligently to learn wisdom and to

find truth; verily, verily I say unto you, blessed are such for

they shall obtain; for I, the Lord, showeth mercy unto all the

meek, and upon all whomsoever I will, that I may be justified when

I shall bring them into judgment.

"Behold, I say unto you, concerning the school in Zion, I the

Lord am well pleased that there should be a school in Zion; and

also with my servant, Parley P. Pratt, for he abideth in me; and

inasmuch as he continueth to abide in me, he shall continue to

preside over the school in the land of Zion until I shall give unto

him other commandments; and I will bless him with a multiplicity of

blessings in expounding all Scriptures and mysteries to the

edification of the school and of the Church in Zion, and to the

residue of the school I, the Lord, am willing to show mercy;

nevertheless, there are those that must needs be chastened, and

their works shall be made known. The axe is laid at the root of the

trees, and every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit, shall be

hewn down and cast into the fire; I, the Lord have spoken it.

Verily I say unto you, all among them who know their hearts are

honest, and are broken, and their spirits contrite, and are willing

to observe their covenants by sacrifice; yea, every sacrifice which

I, the Lord, shall command, they are all accepted of me, for I, the

Lord will cause them to bring forth as a very fruitful tree which

is planted in a goodly land, by a pure stream that yieldeth much

precious fruit.

"Verily I say unto you, that it is my will that an house should

be built unto me in the land of Zion, like unto the pattern which I

have given you; yea, let it be built speedily by the tithing of my

people; behold, this is the tithing and the sacrifice which I, the

Lord, require at their hands; that there may be an house built unto

me for the salvation of Zion, for a place of thanksgiving for all

saints, and for a place of instruction for all those who are called

to the work of the ministry in all their several callings and

offices, that they may be perfected in the understanding of their

ministry in theory, in principle, and in doctrine in all things

pertaining to the kingdom of God on the earth, the keys of which

kingdom have been conferred upon you.

"And inasmuch as my people build an house unto me in the name of

the Lord, and do nor suffer any unclean thing to come into it that

it be not defiled, My glory shall rest upon it; yea, and my

presence shall be there; for I will come into it, and all the pure

in heart that shall come into it shall see God; but if it be

defiled I will not come into it, and my glory shall not be there

for I will not come into unholy temples.

"And now behold, if Zion do these things she shall prosper and

spread herself and become very glorious, very great, and very

terrible; and the nations of the earth shall honor her and shall

say, surely Zion is the city of our God; and surely Zion cannot

fall, neither be moved out of her place; for God is there, and the

hand of the Lord is there, and He hath sworn by the power of His

might to be her salvation and her high tower; therefore, verily

thus saith the Lord, let Zion rejoice, for this is Zion, THE PURE

IN HEART; therefore let Zion rejoice while all the wicked shall

mourn; for behold, and lo! vengeance cometh speedily upon the

ungodly as the whirlwind, and who shall escape it? The Lord's

scourge shall pass over by night and by day, and the report thereof

shall vex all people; yet it shall not be stayed until the Lord

come; for the indignation of the Lord is kindled against their

abominations and all their wicked works; nevertheless, Zion shall

escape if she observe to do all things whatsoever I have commanded

her; but if she observes not to do whatsoever I have commanded her,

I will visit her, according to all her works, with sore affliction;

with pestilence; with plague; with sword; with vengeance; with

devouring fire; nevertheless, let it be read this once in their

ears, that I, the Lord, have accepted of their offering; and if she

sin no more none of these things shall come upon her, and I will

bless her with blessings, and multiply a multiplicity of blessings

upon her and upon her generations forever and ever, saith the Lord

your God. Amen."

This revelation was not complied with by the leaders and Church

in Missouri, as a whole; notwithstanding many were humble and

faithful. Therefore, the threatened judgment was poured out to the

uttermost, as the history of the five following years will show.

That portion of the inhabitants of Jackson County which did not

belong to the Church, became jealous of our growing influence and

numbers. Political demagogues were afraid we should rule the

county; and religious priests and bigots felt that we were powerful

rivals, and about to excel all other societies in the State in

numbers, and in power and influence.

These feelings, and the false statements and influences growing

out of them, gave rise to the organization of a company of outlaws,

whose avowed object was to drive the Church of the Saints from the

county.

These were composed of lawyers, magistrates, county officers,

civil and military; religious ministers, and great numbers of the

ignorant and uninformed portion of the population, whose prejudices

were easily aroused.

They commenced operations by assembling in great numbers,

destroying a printing office and its materials; demolishing

dwellings and stores, and plundering the contents and strewing them

in the street; cutting open feather beds, breaking furniture,

destroying fences and crops, whipping, threatening and variously

abusing men, women and children, etc.

The saints submitted to these outrages for a time in all

patience, without defence or resistance of any kind, supposing that

the public authorities would of course put a stop to them, as in

duty bound.

But they were soon convinced to the contrary, and were compelled

to take up arms for defence; and also to make the most vigorous

exertions to prosecute according to law. We assembled in small

bodies in different neighborhoods, and stood on guard during the

nights, being ready to march in a moment to any place of attack.

I had the command of about sixty men who were thus assembled in

the Colesville branch; and rendezvoused in some log buildings

during a very rainy time.

It was evening. I was out in the act of posting guards a short

distance from the dwellings, when two men assailed us, armed with

guns and pistols; and supposing it against our principles to make

any defence, they attacked the guards. I was without arms, but

stepped forward to interfere between them, when one of them drew

his gun backwards, and, with both hands, struck the barrel of it

across the top of my head. I staggered back, but did not fall; the

blood came streaming down my face, and I was for an instant stunned

by the blow; but, recovering myself, I called help from the house

and disarmed them, and put them under guard till morning. Their

arms were then restored, and they let go in peace.

The taking of these two men proved a Preventive against an

attack that night. They were the advance of a party of men who were

about to come upon the settlement, but were disconcerted by this

means.

On the next day, about sunset, myself and a Mr. Marsh set out on

horseback to visit the Circuit Judge at Lexington, a distance of

some forty miles. We were under the necessity of travelling the

most private paths across the country, in order to avoid our

enemies; but we had a most faithful pilot, an old resident of the

country, who knew every crook and turn of the different paths.

We had ridden but a few miles when it became so excessively dark

that we could not see each other, or distinguish any object. Our

pilot dismounted several times and tried to feel his way. We were

at last compelled to halt for some time, until it cleared and

became a little lighter; but the rain began to fall in torrents,

and continued all the latter part of the night. We soon became

drenched, and every thread about us perfectly wet; but still we

dare not stop for any refreshment or shelter, until day dawned,

when we found ourselves forty miles from home and at the door of a

friend, where we breakfasted and refreshed ourselves.

We then repaired to Lexington, and made oath before Judge Ryland

of the outrages committed upon us, but were refused a warrant. The

Judge advised us to fight and kill the outlaws whenever they came

upon us. We then returned to the place where we breakfasted, and,

night coming on, we retired to bed. Having been without sleep for

the three previous nights, and much of the time drenched with rain,

this, together with the severe wound I had received, caused me to

feel much exhausted. No sooner had sleep enfolded me in her kind

embrace than a vision opened before me.

I was in Jackson County; heard the sound of firearms and saw the

killed and wounded lying in their blood. At this I awoke from

slumber, and awaking Mr. Marsh and the family with whom we lodged,

I told them that I had seen and heard in my dream, and that I was

sure a battle had just occurred.

Next morning we pursued our journey homeward with feelings of

anxiety indescribable. Every officer of the peace had abandoned us

to our fate; and it seemed as if there was no alternative but for

men, women and children to be exterminated. As we rode on,

ruminating upon these things, a man met us from Independence, who

told us there was a battle raging when he left; and how it had

terminated he knew not.

This only heightened out feelings of anxiety and suspense. We

were every instant drawing nearer to the spot where we might find

our friends alive and victorious, or dead, or perhaps in bondage,

in the hands of a worse than savage enemy.

On coming within four miles of Independence, we ventured to

inquire the distance at a certain house; this we did in order to

pass as strangers, and also, in hopes to learn some news; the man

seemed frightened, and inquired where we were from. We replied,

from Lexington. Said he, "Have you heard what has happened?" We

replied, "That we had heard there was some difficulty, but of all

the participants we had not been informed." "Why," said he, "the

Mormons have _riz_, and have killed six men."

We then passed on, and as soon as we were out of sight we left

the road and took into the woods.

Taking a circuitous route, through thickets of hazel interwoven

with grape vine, we came in sight of Independence, after some

difficulty and entanglement, and advanced towards it; but seeing

parties of armed men advancing towards us, we wheeled about, and

retreating a distance, turned again into the woods, and galloping

about a half mile, reached the tents of our friends.

But what was our astonishment when we found our brethren without

arms, having surrendered them to the enemy!

The truth was this: The same evening that I dreamed of the

battle, a large body of the outlaws had marched to a certain

settlement, where they had before committed many outrages, and

commenced to unroof dwellings, destroy property, and threaten and

abuse women and children. While some sixty men were thus engaged,

and their horses quietly regaling themselves in the cornfields of

the brethren, about thirty of our men marched upon them, and drove

them from the field. Several were severely if not mortally wounded

on both sides; and one young man of the Church died of his wounds

the next day--his name was Barber.

In the battle brother Philo Dibble, of Ohio, was shot in the

body through his waistband; the ball remained in him. He bled much

inwardly, and, in a day or two his bowels were so filled with blood

and so inflamed that he was about to die, or, rather, he had been

slowly dying from the time he was wounded. The smell of himself had

become intolerable to him and those about him. At length Elder

Newel Knight administered to him, by the laying on of hands, in the

name of Jesus; his hands had scarcely touched his head when he felt

an operation penetrating his whole system as if it had been a

purifying fire. He immediately discharged several quarts of blood

and corruption, among which was the ball with which he had been

wounded. He was instantly healed, and went to work chopping wood.

He remained an able bodied man, a hard worker, and even did

military duty for many years after. He is still living in Davis

County, Utah.

The next morning, Nov. 5, armed men were assembled in

Independence from every part of the county. These joined the

outlaws, and called themselves militia, and placed themselves under

the command of Lieutenant-Governor Boggs and a colonel by the name

of Pitcher. Thus organized, manned and officered, they were a

formidable band of outlaws; capable of murder, or any other

violence or outrage which would accomplish their purpose; which was

to drive the people of the Church from the county, and plunder

their property and possess their lands.

Very early the same morning, several volunteers united their

forces from different branches of the Church and marched towards

Independence, in order to defend their brethren and friends. When

within a short distance from the town they halted, and were soon

informed that the militia were called out for their protection; but

in this they did not place confidence; for they saw that the armed

body congregated had joined with the mobbers and outlaws, and were

one with them to carry out their murderous purposes. On

communicating with the leaders, Boggs and Pitcher, it was found

that there was no alternative but for the Church to leave the

county forthwith, and deliver up their arms, and certain men to be

tried for murder, said to have been committed in the battle the

previous evening.

Rather than have submitted to these outrageous requirements the

saints would willingly have shed their blood; but they knew that if

they resisted this mob, the lies of the designing and the prejudice

of the ignorant would construe their resistance into a violation of

law, and thus bring certain destruction upon them; therefore, they

surrendered their arms and agreed to leave the county forthwith.

The men who were demanded as prisoners were also surrendered and

imprisoned, but were dismissed in a day or two without trial.

A few hours after the surrender we arrived at the camp of our

brethren on our return from Lexington.

The struggle was now over, our liberties were gone, our homes to

be deserted and possessed by a lawless banditti; and all this in

the United States of America.

The sun was then setting, and twelve miles separated me from my

family; but I determined to reach home that night. My horse being

weary I started on foot, and walked through the wilderness in

darkness; avoiding the road lest I should fall into the hands of

the enemy.

I arrived home about the middle of the night, and furnishing my

wife with a horse, we made our escape in safety.

When night again overtook us we were on the bank of the Missouri

River, which divided between Jackson and Clay Counties. Here we

camped for the night, as we could not cross the ferry till morning.

Next morning we crossed the river, and formed an encampment amid

the cottonwoods on its bank.

While we thus made our escape companies of ruffians were ranging

the county in every direction; bursting into houses without fear,

knowing that the people were disarmed; frightening women and

children, and threatening to kill them if they did not flee

immediately. At the head of one of these parties appeared the Rev.

Isaac McCoy (a noted Baptist missionary to the Indians), with gun

in hand, ordering the people to leave their homes immediately and

surrender everything in the shape of arms.

Other pretended preachers of the gospel took part in the

persecution--speaking of the Church as the common enemies of

mankind, and exulting in their afflictions. On Tuesday and

Wednesday nights, the 5th and 6th of November, women and children

fled in every direction. One party of about one hundred and fifty

fled to the prairie, where they wandered for several days, mostly

without food; and nothing but the open firmament for their shelter.

Other parties fled towards the Missouri River. During the

dispersion of women and children, parties were hunting the men,

firing upon some, tying up and whipping others, and some they

pursued several miles.

Thursday, November 7. The shore began to be lined on both sides

of the ferry with men, women and children; goods, wagons, boxes,

provisions, etc., while the ferry was constantly employed; and when

night again closed upon us the cottonwood bottom had much the

appearance of a camp meeting. Hundreds of people were seen in every

direction, some in tents and some in the open air around their

fires, while the rain descended in torrents. Husbands were

inquiring for their wives, wives for their husbands; parents for

children, and children for parents. Some had the good fortune to

escape with their families, household goods, and some provisions;

while others knew not the fate of their friends, and had lost all

their goods. The scene was indescribable, and, I am sure, would

have melted the hearts of any people on the earth, except our blind

oppressors, and a blind and ignorant community.

Next day our company still increased, and we were principally

engaged in felling cottonwood trees and erecting them into small

cabins. The next night being clear, we began to enjoy some degree

of comfort.

About two o'clock the next morning we were called up by the cry

of signs in the heavens. We arose, and to our great astonishment

all the firmament seemed enveloped in splendid fireworks, as if

every star in the broad expanse had been hurled from its course,

and sent lawless through the wilds of ether. Thousands of bright

meteors were shooting through space in every direction, with long

trains of light following in their course. This lasted for several

hours, and was only closed by the dawn of the rising sun. Every

heart was filled with joy at this majestic display of signs and

wonders, showing the near approach of the coming of the Son of God.

All our goods, were left behind; but I obtained some of them

afterwards at the risk of my life. But all my provisions for the

winter were destroyed or stolen, and my grain left growing on the

ground for my enemies to harvest. My house was afterwards burned,

and my fruit trees and improvements destroyed or plundered. In

short, every member of the society was driven from the county, and

fields of corn were ravaged and destroyed; stacks of wheat burned,

household goods plundered, and improvements and every kind of

property destroyed. One of this banditti afterwards boasted to one

of the brethren that, according to their own account of the matter,

the number of houses burned was two hundred and three.

The Saints who fled took refuge in the adjoining counties,

mostly in Clay County, which received them with some degree of

kindness. Those who fled to the county of Van Buren were again

driven and compelled to flee; and those who fled to Lafayette

County were soon expelled, or the most part of them, and had to

move to wherever they could find protection.

When the news of these outrages reached the Governor of the

State, courts of inquiry, both civil and military, were ordered by

him, but nothing effectual was ever done to restore our rights, or

to protect us in the least. It is true the Attorney-General, and a

military escort under Colonel, afterwards General Doniphan, and our

witnesses went to Jackson County and demanded indictments; but the

court refused to do anything in the case, and the military,

Attorney-General and witnesses were mobbed out of the county; and

thus that matter ended.

The Governor also ordered them to restore the arms of which they

robbed us, but they never were restored. Even our lands were robbed

of their timber, and either occupied by our enemies for years or

left desolate. Soon after Jackson County had rebelled against the

laws and constitution of the General and State governments, several

of the adjacent counties followed the example, by justifying her

proceedings, and by opposing the Saints in settling among them. The

counties of Clay, Ray, Clinton and various others, held public

meetings, the tenor of which was to deprive the members of our

society of the rights of citizenship, drive them from among them,

and to compel them to settle only in such places as these outlaws

should dictate; and even at that time some of their proceedings

went so far as to publicly threaten to drive the whole society from

the State. The excuses they offered for these outrages were:

First: The society were guilty principally of being eastern or

northern people.

Secondly: They were guilty of some slight variations in manners

and language from the other citizens of the State, who were mostly

from the South.

Thirdly: Their religious principles differed in some important

particulars from most other societies.

Fourthly: They were guilty of immigrating rapidly from the

different States, and of purchasing large quantities of land, and

of being more enterprising and industrious than their neighbors.

Fifthly: Some of them were guilty of poverty--especially those

who had been driven, from time to time, and robbed of their all.

And,

Lastly: They were said to be guilty of believing in the present

Government administration of Indian affairs, viz: that the land

west of the Mississippi, which Government had deeded in fee simple

to the immigrating tribes, was destined by Providence for their

permanent homes.

All these crimes were charged upon our society, in the public

proceedings of the several counties, and were deemed sufficient to

justify their unlawful proceedings against us. The reader may smile

at this statement, but the public journals of Upper Missouri in

1835, actually printed charges and declarations against us, of the

tenor of the foregoing.

By these wicked proceedings our people were once more compelled

to remove, at a great sacrifice of property, and were at last

permitted to settle in the north of Ray County, where, by the next

legislature, they were organized into the counties of Caldwell and

Daviess. Here again they exercised the utmost industry and

enterprise, and these wild regions soon presented a more

flourishing aspect than the oldest counties of the State.

In the meantime, the majority of the State so far countenanced

these outrages that they actually elected Lilburn W. Boggs (one of

the oldest actors in the scenes of Jackson County, who had assisted

in murder and plunder, and the expulsion of twelve hundred

citizens, in 1833) for Governor of the State, and placed him in the

executive chair, instead of suspending him by the neck, between the

heavens and the earth, as his crimes justly merited. This movement

may be said to have put an end to liberty, law and government in

that State. About this time, Colonel Lucas, a leader of the

banditti, was elected Major-General, instead of being hung for

treason and murder. And Moses Wilson, another leader of the mob,

was elected Brigadier-General and others were advanced accordingly.

These all very readily received their commissions from their

accomplice, Governor Boggs, and thus corruption, rebellion and

conspiracy had spread on every side, being fostered and encouraged

by a large majority of the State; and thus the treason became

general.

In the meantime, our society had greatly increased by a rapid

immigration, and having long felt the withering hand of oppression

from so corrupt an administration, they had endeavored to organize

themselves, both civil and military, in the counties where they

composed the majority, by electing such officers as they thought

would stand for equal rights, and for the laws and Constitution of

the country. In this way they hoped to withstand the storm which

had so long beaten upon them, and whose black clouds now seemed

lowering in awful gloom, preparing to burst with overwhelming fury

upon all who dared to stand for liberty and law.

CHAPTER XIV.

------------------------

Labors in Clay County:--Conference:--Appointment

to a Tedious Journey:--A Case of Healing:--Arrive at

Kirtland:--Revelation:--Travel Eastward, in Company with

President Joseph Smith:--Conference in Geneseo:--Pleasing

Reminiscence:--President Smith and Others Return Home:--Visit

Sackett's Harbor:--Crowded Meeting:--Requested to Visit the

Sick:--A Little Boy Healed:--Baptisms, etc.:--Miraculous

Gifts:--Lying Priests and Rabble:--Visit my Parents in Canaan,

N. Y.:--Return to Kirtland.

As the history of this horrible persecution of the Church was

interwoven with my own, I have traced it for a few years in

connection; in which I have of necessity digressed from the main

thread of my own personal narrative, to which I mast return.

After making our escape into the county of Clay--being reduced

to the lowest poverty--I made a living by day labor, jobbing,

building, or wood cutting, till some time in the winter of 1834,

when a general Conference was held at my house, in which it was

decided that two of the Elders should be sent to Ohio, in order to

counsel with President Smith and the Church at Kirtland, and rake

some measures for the relief or restoration of the people thus

plundered and driven from their homes. The question was put to the

Conference: "Who would volunteer to perform so great a journey?"

The poverty of all, and the inclement season of the year made

all hesitate. At length Lyman Wight and myself offered our

services, which were readily accepted. I was at this time entirely

destitute of proper clothing for the journey; and I had neither

horse, saddle, bridle, money nor provisions to take with me; or to

leave with my wife, who lay sick and helpless most of the time.

Under these circumstances I knew not what to do. Nearly all had

been robbed and plundered, and all were poor. As we had to start

without delay, I almost trembled at the undertaking; it seemed to

be all but an impossibility; but "to him that believeth all things

are possible." I started out of my house to do something towards

making preparation; I hardly knew which way to go, but I found

myself in the house of brother John Lowry, and was intending to ask

him for money; but as I entered his miserable cottage in the swamp,

amid the low, timbered bottoms of the Missouri river, I found him

sick in bed with a heavy fever, and two or three others of his

family down with the same complaint, on different beds in the same

room. He was vomiting severely, and was hardly sensible of my

presence. I thought to myself, "well, this is a poor place to come

for money, and yet I must have it; I know of no one else that has

got it; what shall I do?" I sat a little while confounded and

amazed. At length another Elder happened in; at that instant faith

sprung up in my heart; the Spirit whispered to me, "is there

anything too hard for the Lord?" I said to the Elder that came in:

"Brother, I am glad you have come; these people must be healed, for

I want some money of them, and must have it."

We laid hands on them and rebuked the disease; brother Lowry

rose up well; I did my errand, and readily obtained all I asked.

This provided in part for my family's sustenance while I should

leave them. I went a little further into the woods of the Missouri

bottoms, and came to a camp of some brethren, by the name of

Higbee, who owned some horses; they saw me coming, and, moved by

the Spirit, one of them said to the other, "there comes brother

Parley; he's in want of a horse for his journey--I must let him

have old Dick;" this being the name of the best horse he had.

"Yes," said I, "brother, you have guessed right; but what will I do

for a saddle?" "Well," says the other, "I believe I'll have to let

you have mine." I blessed them and went on my way rejoicing.

I next called on Sidney A. Gilbert, a merchant, then sojourning

in the village of Liberty--his store in Jackson County having been

broken up, and his goods plundered and destroyed by the mob.

"Well," says he, "brother Parley, you certainly look too shabby to

start a journey; you must have a new suit; I have got some remnants

left that will make you a coat," etc. A neighboring tailoress and

two or three other sisters happened to be present on a visit, and

hearing the conversation, exclaimed, "Yes, brother Gilbert, you

find the stuff and we'll make it up for him." This arranged, I now

lacked only a cloak; this was also furnished by brother Gilbert.

Brother Wight was also prospered in a similar manner in his

preparations. Thus faith and the blessings of God had cleared up

our way to accomplish what seemed impossible. We were soon ready,

and on the first of February we mounted our horses, and started in

good cheer to ride one thousand or fifteen hundred miles through a

wilderness country. We had not one cent of money in out pockets on

starting.

We travelled every day, whether through storm or sunshine, mud,

rain or snow; except when our public duties called us to tarry. We

arrived in Kirtland early in the spring, all safe and sound; we had

lacked for nothing on the road, and now had plenty of funds in

hand. President Joseph Smith and the Church in Kirtland received us

with a hospitality and joy unknown except among the Saints; and

much interest was felt there, as well as elsewhere, on the subject

of our persecution.

The President inquired of the Lord concerning rite matter, and a

further mission was appointed us.* In fulfillment of which we

continued our journey eastward, in connection with President Joseph

Smith, S. Rigdon, Hyrum Smith, Frederick G. Williams, Orson Hyde

and Orson Pratt.

[Footnote] *See Revelation, Book of Doctrine and Covenants,

Section 101.

We journeyed two and two in different routes visiting the

churches and instructing the people as we travelled. President

Joseph Smith and myself journeyed together. We had a pleasant and

prosperous mission among the churches, and some very interesting

times in preaching to the public. We visited Freedom, Catteraugus

County, N. Y.; tarried over Sunday, and preached several

discourses, to which rite people listened with great interest; we

were kindly and hospitably entertained among them. We baptized a

young man named Heman Hyde; his parents were Presbyterians, and his

mother, on account of the strength of her traditions, thought that

we were wrong, and told me afterwards that she would much rather

have followed him to an earthly grave than to have seen him

baptized.

Soon afterwards, however, herself, her husband, and the rest of

the family, with some thirty or forty others, were all baptized and

organized into a branch of the Church--called the Freedom branch

--from which nucleus the light spread and souls were gathered into

the fold in all the regions round. Thus mightily grew the word of

God, or the seed sown by that extraordinary personage, the Prophet

and Seer of the nineteenth century.

As we journeyed day after day, and generally lodged together, we

had much sweet communion concerning the things of God and the

mysteries of His kingdom, and I received many admonitions and

instructions which I shall never forget.

Arriving in Geneseo, we met with the other Elders who had

started from Kirtland on the same mission, and with others who were

local, and held a general Conference. Among those whose hospitality

we shared in that vicinity was old father Beeman and his amiable

and interesting family. He was a good singer and so were his three

daughters; we were much edified and comforted in their society, and

were deeply interested in hearing the old gentleman and brother

Joseph converse on their early acquaintance and history. He had

been intimate with Joseph long before the first organization of the

Church; had assisted him to preserve the plates of the Book of

Mormon from the enemy, and had at one time had them concealed under

his own hearth.

At this Conference we had an interesting time; public meetings

were convened; multitudes assembled to hear, and Presidents Joseph

Smith and S. Rigdon addressed the crowds in great plainness of

speech with mighty power. At the close of this Conference we again

parted company, President Smith and most of the Elders returned

home to Kirtland.

I then journeyed in connection with a young Elder, named H.

Brown, as far as Henderson County, in northern New York, where

lived Elder Brown's father, and where there was quite a branch of

the Church. I visited with them for a few days, resting from my

toils and ministering among them. Taking leave of these friends, I

went to Sackett's Harbor, where all were yet strangers to the

fullness of the gospel. Leaving an appointment at a hotel that I

would return in a few days thence, and address the people wherever

they saw fit to assemble, I crossed over the bay to a country

neighborhood, called Pillar Point. In this neighborhood there had

been some preaching by our Elders; but no branch of the Church

organized, though there had been one or two instances of healing,

and some few were believing. Here I appointed a meeting for evening

in a school house; it was crowded full of people; indeed, all could

not get in.

As the meeting closed a man named William Cory stepped forward,

and earnestly begged of me to go home with him and minister to his

wife, as she was lying at the point of death in consequence of a

lingering sickness, not having risen up in her bed for six days

without swooning or going into fits. He further said that he was

worn out by being up with her every night, and that his neighbors

were weary with watching, and it was doubted whether she could

survive through the night without relief.

The Spirit would not suffer me to go with him that night, but I

promised to call in the morning. At this many voices were heard,

saying: "Yes, yes, there's a case in hand; let him heal her and

we'll all believe." Others exclaimed: "I wonder if she'll be at his

meeting tomorrow! We shall see, and if so, we'll all believe."

Expressions like these, joined with my own weakness, only tended to

dampen my courage and confidence in the case.

I went home with a friend who invited me to partake of his

hospitality for the night. As we entered his house, we found one of

his children very sick with a violent pain in the head, to which it

had been subject from its birth, and which came at regular periods,

and was never relieved till it gathered and broke at his ear--so

said his parents. The little fellow was rolling from side to side

in his bed, an screeching and screaming with pain. I stepped to the

bedside, and laid my hands upon his head in the name of Jesus

Christ; he was instantly made whole and went to sleep. Next morning

he got up well, and continued so; he said that the pain all left

him as soon as my hands touched his head.

In the morning, before I arose, I had a vision, as follows: I

saw a log house, and entered it through a door at the northwest

corner; in the northeast corner lay a woman sick in bed; in the

southeast corner was a small door opening into an adjoining room,

and near it a stairway, where stood a ladder; the fireplace being

in the south end. As I entered the house and laid my hands on the

woman, she rose up and was made whole; the house being crowded, she

took her seat near the fire and under the ladder, or near by it,

and she praised God with a shout of glory, clapping her hands for

joy and exclaimed: "Thank God, I'm every whit whole." I awoke from

my vision and related the same to the family where I stayed.

The man harnessed his horses, and with seven or eight persons in

the wagon, including myself, we started for meeting, intending to

call and see Mrs. Cory on our way, as I had appointed the previous

evening. On alighting at her house I saw it was the same that I had

seen in the vision; there were the doors, the stairway, ladder,

fireplace, bed, and sick woman, just as I had seen and described.

I laid my hands upon the woman, and said: "In the name of Jesus

Christ, be thou made whole this instant." I then commanded her to

arise and walk. Her husband burst into tears; the people looked

surprised; but the woman arose and walked to the fire, and happened

to take her seat near the ladder, as I had related in the vision

before I saw her. She then clapped her hands for joy, gave a shout

of "Glory to God in the highest," and testified that she was every

whit whole. We invited her to accompany us to the meeting; she

immediately made ready, walked out, helped herself into the wagon,

and rode some two miles over a very rough road. She then got out of

the wagon, and walked with a strong and quick step into the

meeting, where she sat till the discourse was over; when she arose

and testified what the Lord had done for her. She then rode home,

and was baptized in connection with several others, who came

forward and obeyed the fullness of the gospel. We afterwards laid

our hands on them for the gift of the Holy Ghost, when it fell upon

them in great power, insomuch that all in the room felt its power

and influence and glorified God; some spake in tongues, others

prophesied and bore testimony to the truth.

The next evening I went over to Sackett's Harbor in order to

preach; many of the people from Pillar Point, who had witnessed

these things, went with me, and, among others, Mr. Cory with his

wife, who had been so miraculously healed. A great rabble came out

to hear, or rather to disturb the meeting; and among others, some

half dozen clergymen of different orders, who were loud in their

challenges and calls for miracles; "give us a miracle--we want a

miracle--heal the sick--raise the dead, and then we'll believe."

The lying, rage, and confusion excited by these wicked spirits,

broke up the meeting, and I had much ado to get out of the crowd

without being stoned or torn to pieces.

After tarrying a few days in this region, I took leave and

continued my journey as far as Columbia County, east of the Hudson.

I arrived at my Aunt Van Cott's, and found them all well; paid a

visit to my father and mother; gave them money sufficient to enable

them to remove to Kirtland, Ohio, and then commenced my return. I

had started from the frontiers of Missouri and ridden on horseback

fifteen hundred miles.

As I returned towards the West, I came to the town of Freedom,

Catteraugus County, N. Y., where President Joseph Smith and myself

had preached on our outward journey, a few weeks previously, and

where we had baptized a young man by the name of Heman Hyde, as the

first fruits in that place. As I called for the night, I found that

a large church had been gathered during my absence, consisting of

some forty members or more, principally through the labors of my

brother Orson. The new members, and the people in general, rejoiced

to see me, and aided me on my journey; and Heman Hyde accompanied

me to Kirtland, where we arrived the latter part of April, and were

kindly and hospitably entertained by President Joseph Smith.

CHAPTER XV.

------------------------

An Army:--A Long March:--Recruits:--A Voice:--Camp Arrives in

Missouri:--Delegation to the Governor:--Interview:--Return to

Camp:--Council:--Great Storm and Flood:--A Battle Providentially

Prevented:--Cholera:--Army Disbanded:--Sudden Destruction:--Labor with

my Hands:--Journey to Ohio:--Labor and Ministry:--Accusations:--Repair

to Kirtland:--Interview with the President:--His Action on the

Matter:--Calling and Ordination of a Quorum of Twelve Apostles:--My

Ordination, Blessing and Charge:--Charge to the Quorum.

It was now the first of May, 1834, and our mission had resulted

in the assembling of about two hundred men at Kirtland, with teams,

baggage, provisions, arms, etc., for a march of one thousand miles,

for the purpose of carrying some supplies to the afflicted and

persecuted Saints in Missouri, and to reinforce and strengthen

them; and, if possible, to influence the Governor of the State to

call out sufficient additional force to cooperate in restoring them

to their rights. This little army was led by President Joseph Smith

in person. It commenced its march about the first of May, passing

through Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, it entered Missouri some time

in June.

I was chiefly engaged as a recruiting officer, and, not being

much with the camp, can give but little of its history. I visited

branches of the Church in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Missouri, and

obtaining what men and means I could, fell in with the camp from

time to time with additional men, arms, stress and money. On one

occasion, I had travelled all night to overtake the camp with some

men and means, and having breakfasted with them and changed horses,

I again started ahead on express to visit other branches, and do

business to again overtake them. At noon I had turned my horse

loose from the carriage to feed on the grass in the midst of a

broad, level plain. No habitation was near; stillness and repose

reigned about me; I sank down overpowered with a deep sleep, and

might have lain in a state of oblivion till the shades of night had

gathered about me, so completely was I exhausted for want of sleep

and rest; but I had only slept a few moments till the horse had

grazed sufficiently, when a voice, more loud and shrill than I have

ever before heard, fell on my ear, and thrilled through every part

of my system; it said: "_Parley, it is time to be up and on your

journey_." In the twinkling of an eye I was perfectly aroused;

I sprang to my feet so suddenly that I could not at first recollect

where I was, or what was before me to perform. I related the

circumstance afterwards to brother Joseph Smith, and he bore

testimony that it was the angel of the Lord who went before the

camp, who found me overpowered with sleep, and thus awoke me.

Arriving in the Allred settlement, near Salt River, Missouri,

where there was a large branch of the Church, the camp rested a

little, and despatched Elder Orson Hyde and myself to Jefferson

City, to request of His Excellency, Governor Daniel Dunklin, a

sufficient military force, with orders to reinstate the exiles, and

protect them in the possession of their homes in Jackson County.

We had an interview with the Governor, who readily acknowledged

the justice of the demand, but frankly told us he dare not attempt

the execution of the laws in that respect, for fear of deluging the

whole country in civil war and bloodshed. He advised us to

relinquish our rights, for the sake of peace, and to sell our lands

from which we had been driven. To this we replied with firmness,

that we would hold no terms with land pirates and murderers. If we

could not be permitted to live on lands which we had purchased of

the United States, and be protected in our persons and rights, our

lands would, at least, make a good burying ground, on which to lay

out bones; and, like Abraham's possession in Canaan, we should hold

on to our possessions in the county of Jackson, for this purpose,

at least. He replied that he did not blame us in the least, but

trembled for the country, and dare not carry out the plain,

acknowledged and imperative duties of his office. We retired,

saying to ourselves: "That poor coward ought, in duty, to resign;

he owes this, morally at least, in justice to his oath of office."

We returned to the camp, which was then on the march, somewhere

below the county of Ray. President Joseph Smith, his brother Hyrum,

L. Wight and others, repaired with us into a solitary grove, apart,

to learn the result of our mission.

After hearing our report, the President called on the God of our

fathers to witness the justice of our cause and the sincerity of

our vows, which we engaged to fulfill, whether in this life or in

the life to come. For, as God lives, truth, justice and innocence

shall triumph, and iniquity shall not reign.

Pursuing our journey, we arrived at Fishing River, Ray County,

and encamped for the night on a hill between its forks. This stream

was then about six inches deep in each of its branches where the

road crossed it. We had but just camped, when there arose such a

storm as has been seldom witnessed on our earth; the wind blew, the

vivid lightning flashed, the thunder rolled, the earth trembled,

and the floods descended in a manner never before witnessed by us.

Our tents were blown down, and some of us lay six or eight inches

deep in water. There was a large meeting house there with the door

open, into which many of us gathered for shelter, after being

nearly drowned.

Next morning the fords of Fishing River were said to be twenty

to forty feet deep. We afterwards learned that an army of outlaws

were in our neighborhood, and would have attacked us that night but

for the storm; the floods in the river each side of us prevented a

hostile meeting, until certain citizens made the acquaintance of

our leaders, and learned their intentions. Thus the excitement was

allayed, and the outlaws finally disbanded.

About this time, owing to some murmurings and insubordination in

the camp, the cholera broke out among them, in fulfillment of the

word of the Lord, by the mouth of His servant Joseph, and resulted

in the death of some fifteen or twenty of the camp, or of others

connected with the Saints. Finally, the camp was by the word of the

Lord, disbanded, some remained as settlers in that country, and

others returned to their homes and families in Ohio.

I left the camp at Fishing River, and arrived home in Clay

County, where my family resided, late in July. I found my wife

still afflicted, and on account of long sickness, reduced greater

poverty than before, and I was somewhat embarrassed with debts on

account of her board, etc., while I was absent.

About the time of the arrival of the camp at Fishing River, the mob

of Jackson County sent a committee to twelve of their leaders, to

confer with the authorities of the exiled Church in Clay County, to

make proposals for the settlement of the whole matter, by purchasing

the lands from which they had been driven. The Saints would not sell

their lands to their murderers and the land pirates who had driven and

plundered them; therefore the mob's representatives were unsuccessful.

As this committee of twelve returned, and were crossing the

Missouri River at evening, their boat sank in an instant in the

middle of the stream, and only about half of the committee ever

reached the shore alive. Brother Joseph said it was the angel of

the Lord who sank the boat.

Having no means of support except by the labor of my hands, I

now commenced again to exert myself at hard labor. In this I

continued till October of the same year, when, being counselled by

the Presidency to remove to Ohio, I started a journey of one

thousand miles with my wife, in a wagon drawn by two horses. We had

not a single dollar in money, but we trusted in God, and lacked for

nothing. During this journey my wife continued in a very feeble

state of health.

After a journey of near one thousand miles, we arrived at New

Portage, fifty miles from Kirtland, early in the winter, and

finding a large society of the Saints who welcomed us among them,

we stopped for the winter. I now commenced to preach, both in that

place and in all the region round, to multitudes who turned out to

hear the Word. Many embraced the gospel, and enjoyed the gifts of

God; instances of healing were of almost daily occurrence, and the

people waxed strong in the faith and in the gifts and power of God.

I also labored with my hands with all diligence, when time would

permit; thus the winter passed away.

While laboring here, letters were received from W. W. Phelps,

then President of the Church in Missouri, suspending my papers

because I had gone away in debt; which debt had been contracted in

behalf of my sick wife while I had been away in the service of the

Conference, as recorded in the previous chapter. I had once offered

the money on the same, but the person to whom it was due, in view

of my public services, refused to take it; nevertheless, President

Phelps now censured me severely, observing in his letter that such

conduct was not the way of the pure in heart.

Under this censure I ceased to officiate, at which both the

Church and people in general in and about New Portage were much

grieved. In the fore part of February, 1835, I repaired to

Kirtland, laid the case before President Smith, with my defence in

writing, in which is stated the true circumstances. I proceeded to

plead the injustice of the accusation, when the President arose to

his feet, lifted his hand to heaven, and with a voice, and energy,

and power of the Holy Spirit which thrilled the inmost soul, and

would have raised the dead, he exclaimed: "Brother Parley, God

bless you, go your way rejoicing, preach the gospel, fill the

measure of your mission, and walk such things under your feet; it

was a trick of Satan to hinder your usefulness; God Almighty shall

be with you, and nothing shall stay your hand."

I was comforted, encouraged, filled with new life, thanking God

that there was one noble spirit on the earth who could discern

justice equity, appreciate the labors of others, and had boldness

of soul to judge and act accordingly.

In accordance with one of the early revelations to the Church

concerning the calling and ordination of Twelve Apostles,* this

Quorum was now being filled. Among those chosen for this high and

holy calling was my brother Orson and myself. He being still

absent, and the other members having been already ordained, a

meeting was convened at Kirtland, and very numerously attended, in

which, on the 21st day of February, 1835, I took the oath and

covenant of apostleship, and was solemnly set apart and ordained to

that office; and as a member of that quorum under the hands of

Joseph Smith, Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer; the minutes of

which in the Church History are as follows:

[Footnote] *See Revelation, Book of Doctrine and Covenants,

Section 43.

"Kirtland, February 21st, 1835. Pursuant to adjournment, a

meeting of the Church was held, and, after prayer by President

David Whitmer, and a short address by President Oliver Cowdery to

the congregation, Elder Parley P. Pratt was called to the stand,

and ordained one of the Twelve by President Joseph Smith, Jr.,

David Whitmer and Oliver Cowdery. 'O, Lord, smile from heaven upon

this thy servant; forgive his sins, sanctify his heart, and prepare

him to receive the blessing. Increase his love for thee and for thy

cause; increase his intelligence, communicate to him all that

wisdom, that prudence and that understanding which he needs as a

minister of righteousness, and to magnify the apostleship whereunto

he is called. May a double portion of that Spirit which was

communicated to the disciples of our Lord and Saviour, to lead them

to all truth, rest down upon him, and go with him where he goes,

that nothing shall prevail against him; that he may be delivered

from prisons, from the power of his enemies, and from the adversary

of all righteousness. May he be able to mount up on wings as an

eagle; to run and not be weary, to walk and not to faint; may he

have great wisdom and intelligence, and be able to lead thine elect

through this thorny maze. Let sickness and death have no power over

him; let him be equal with his brethren in bringing many sons and

daughters to glory, and many nations to a knowledge of the truth.

Great blessings shall rest upon thee; thy faith shall increase,

thou shalt have great power to prevail. The veil of the heavens

shall be rolled up, thou shalt be permitted to gaze within it, and

receive instructions from on high. No arm that is formed and lifted

against thee shall prosper, no power shall prevail, for thou shalt

have power with God, and shalt proclaim His gospel. Thou wilt be

afflicted, but thou shalt be delivered, and conquer all thy foes.

Thine office shall never be taken from thee, thou shalt be called

great, angels shall carry thee from place to place. Thy sins are

forgiven, and thy name written in the Lamb's Book of Life; even so.

Amen.'"

CHARGE GIVEN BY OLIVER COWDERY TO P. P. PRATT

"I am aware, dear brother, that the mind naturally claims

something new; but the same thing rehearsed frequently profits us.

You will have the same difficulties to encounter in fulfilling this

ministry that the ancient Apostles had. You have enlisted in a

cause that requires your whole attention; you ought, therefore, to

count the cost; and to become a polished shaft, you must be

sensible, requires the labor of years, and your station requires a

perfect polish. It is required not merely to travel a few miles in

the country, but in distant countries; you must endure much toil,

much labor, and many privations to become perfectly polished. Your

calling is not like that of the husbandman, to cultivate a stinted

portion of the planet on which we dwell, and when Heaven has given

the former and the latter rain, and mellow autumn ripened his

fruits, gather it in, and congratulate himself for a season in the

remission of his toils, while he anticipates his winter evenings of

relaxation and fireside enjoyments. But, dear brother, it is far

otherwise with you. Your labor must be incessant, and your toil

great; you must go forth and labor till the great work is done. It

will require a series of years to accomplish it; but you will have

this pleasing consolation, that your Heavenly Father requires it;

the field is His; the work is His; and He will not only cheer you,

animate you, and buoy you up in your pilgrimage, in your arduous

toils; but when your work is done and your labor o'er, he will take

you to himself. But before this consummation of your felicity,

bring your mind to bear upon what will be imperiously required of

you to accomplish the great work that lies before you. Count well

the cost. You have read of the persecutions and trials of ancient

days. Has not bitter experience taught you that they are the same

now? You will be dragged before the authorities for the religion

you profess; and it were better not to set out than to start, look

back, or shrink when dangers thicken upon, or appalling death

stares you in the face. I have spoken these things, dear brother,

because I have seen them in visions. There are strong dungeons and

gloomy prisons for you. These should not appall you. You must be

called a good or bad man. The ancients passed through the same.

They had this testimony, that they had seen the Saviour after he

rose from the dead. You must bear some testimony, or your mission,

your labor, your toil will be in vain. You must bear the same

testimony that there is but one God, one Mediator; he that has seen

Him will know Him, and testify of Him. Beware of pride; beware of

evil; shun the very appearance of it; for the time is coming when,

if you do not give heed to these things, you will have a fall.

Among your many afflictions you will have many blessings also; but

you must pass through many afflictions in order to receive the

glory that is in reserve for you. You will see thousands who then

they first see you, will know nothing about salvation by Jesus

Christ; you shall see a nation born in a day. A great work lies

before you, and the time is near when you must bid farewell to your

native land cross the mighty deep, and sound the tocsin of alarm to

other nations kindreds, tongues and people. Remember, that all your

hopes of deliverance from danger and from death will rest upon your

faithfulness to God; in His cause you must necessarily serve Him

with a perfect heart and a willing mind. Avoid strife and vain

glory; think not yourself better than your brethren, but pray for

them as well as for yourself; and if you are faithful, great will

be your blessings. But if you are not, your stewardship will be

taken from you and another appointed in your stead."

"Elder Pratt gave his hand to President O. Cowdery, and said he

had received ordination, and should fulfil the ministry according

to the grace given him; to which the President replied: 'Go forth,

and angels shall bear thee up, and thou shalt come forth at the

last day, bringing many with thee.'"

Thomas B. Marsh and Orson Pratt were absent on a mission. Elder

Marsh returned to Kirtland on the 25th of April, and Elder Pratt on

the 26th, and received their ordinations and blessing.

The following charge was given to the Twelve by President O.

Cowdery:

"Dear Brethren: Previous to delivering the charge, I shall read

a part of a revelation. It is known to you that, previous to the

organization of this Church, in 1830, the Lord gave revelations, or

the Church could not have been organized. The people of this Church

were weak in faith compared with the ancient. Those who embarked in

this cause were desirous to know how the work was to be conducted.

They read many things in the Book of Mormon concerning their duty,

and the way the great work ought to be done; but the minds of men

are so constructed that they will not believe without a testimony

of seeing or hearing. The Lord gave us a revelation that, in

process of time, there should be twelve men chosen to preach His

gospel to Jew and Gentile.

"Our minds have been on a constant stretch to find who these

twelve were, when the time should come we could not tell; but we

sought the Lord by fasting and prayer to have our lives prolonged

to see this day; to see you; and to take a retrospect of the

difficulties through which we have passed; but, having seen the

day, it becomes my duty to deliver to you a charge; and first, a

few remarks respecting your ministry. You have many revelations put

into your hands; revelations to make you acquainted with the nature

of your mission; you will have difficulties by reason of your

visiting all the nations of the world. You will need wisdom in a

ten-fold proportion to what you have ever had; you will have to

combat all the prejudices of all nations."

He then read the revelation and said: "Have you desired this

ministry with all your hearts? If you have desired it, you are

called of God, not of man, to go into all the world." He then read

again from the revelation what the Lord said to the Twelve.

"Brethren, you have your duty presented in this revelation. You

have been ordained to the holy priesthood; you have received it

from those who have their power and authority from an angel; you

are to preach the gospel to every nation. Should you in the least

degree come short of your duty, great will be your condemnation;

for the greater the calling the greater the transgression. I,

therefore, warn you to cultivate great humility, for I know the

pride of the human heart. Beware, lest the flatterers of the world

lift you up; beware, lest your affections are captivated by worldly

objects. Let your ministry be first. Remember, the souls of men are

committed to your charge, and, if you mind your calling, you shall

always prosper.

"You have been indebted to other men in the first instance for

evidence; on that you have acted; but it is necessary that you

receive a testimony from Heaven for yourselves; so that you can

bear testimony to the truth of the Book of Mormon, and that you

have seen the face of God. That is more than the testimony of an

angel. When the proper time arrives, you shall be able to bear this

testimony to the world. When you bear testimony that you have seen

God, this testimony God will never suffer to fall, but will bear

you out; although many will not give heed, yet others will. You

will, therefore, see the necessity of getting this testimony from

Heaven.

"Never cease striving till you have seen God face to face.

Strengthen your faith; cast off your doubts, your sins, and all

your unbelief, and nothing can prevent you from coming to God. Your

ordination is not full and complete till God has laid His hands

upon you. We require as much to qualify us as did those who have

gone before us; God is the same. If the Saviour in former days laid

his hands on his disciples, why not in latter days?

"With regard to superiority I mast make a few remarks. The

ancient Apostles sought to be great; but lest the seeds of discord

be sown in this matter, understand particularly the voice of the

Spirit on this occasion. God does not love you better or more than

others. You are to contend for the faith once delivered to the

saints. Jacob, you know, wrestled till he obtained. It was by

fervent prayer and diligent search that you have obtained the

testimony you are now able to bear. You are as one; you are equal

in bearing the keys of the kingdom to all nations. You are called

to preach the gospel of the Son of God to the nations of the earth;

it is the will of your Heavenly Father that you proclaim His gospel

to the ends of the earth, and the islands of the sea.

"Be zealous to save souls. The soul of one man is as precious as

the soul of another. You are to bear this message to those who

consider themselves wise; and such may persecute you; they may seek

your life. The adversary has always sought the life of the servants

of God; you are, therefore, to be prepared at all times to make a

sacrifice of your lives, should God require them in the advancement

and building up of His cause. Murmur not at God. Be always

prayerful; be always watchful. You will bear with me while I

relieve the feelings of my heart. We shall not see another day like

this; the time has fully come; the voice of the Spirit has come to

set these men apart.

"You will see the time when you will desire to see such a day as

this, and you will not see it. Every heart wishes you peace and

prosperity; but the scene with you will inevitably change. Let no

man take your bishopric; and beware that you lose not your crowns.

It will require your whole souls; it will require courage like

Enoch's.

"The time is near when you will be in the midst of congregations

who will gnash their teeth upon you. This gospel must roll, and

will roll until it fills the whole earth. Did I say congregations

would gnash upon you? Yea, I say nations will gnash upon you; you

will be considered the worst of men. Be not discouraged at this.

When God pours out His Spirit the enemy will rage; but God,

remember, is on your right hand and on your left. A man, though he

be considered the worst, has joy, who is conscious that he pleases

God. The lives of those who proclaim the true gospel will be in

danger; this has been the case ever since the days of righteous

Abel. The same opposition has been manifest whenever men came

forward to publish the gospel. The time is coming when you will be

considered the worst by many, and by some the best of men. The time

is coming when you will be perfectly familiar with the things of

God. This testimony will make those who do not believe your

testimony seek your lives; but there are whole nations who will

receive your testimony. They will call you good men. Be not lifted

up when you are called good men. Remember you are young men, and

you shall be spared. I include the other three. Bear them in mind

in your prayers; carry their cases to a throne of grace; although

they are not present, yet you and they are equal. This appointment

is calculated to create an affection in you for each other stronger

than death. You will travel to other nations; bear each other in

mind. If one or more is cast into prison, let the others pray for

him, and deliver him by their prayers. Your lives shall be in great

jeopardy; but the promise of God is, that you shall be delivered.

"Remember you are not to go to other nations till you receive

your endowment. Tarry at Kirtland until you are endowed with power

from on high. You need a fountain of wisdom, knowledge and

intelligence, such as you never had. Relative to the endowment, I

make a remark or two, that there be no mistake. The world cannot

receive the things of God. He can endow you without worldly pomp or

great parade. He can give you that wisdom, that intelligence and

that power which characterized the ancient saints, and now

characterizes the inhabitants of the upper world. The greatness of

your commission consists in this: You are to hold the keys of this

ministry; you are to go to the nations afar off; nations that sit

in darkness. The day is coming when the work of God must be done.

Israel shall be gathered. The seed of Jacob shall be gathered from

their long dispersion. There will be a feast to Israel, the elect

of God. It is a sorrowful tale, but the gospel must be preached,

and God's ministers rejected; but where can Israel be found and

receive your testimony and not rejoice? Nowhere! The prophecies are

full of great things that are to rake place in the last days. After

the elect are gathered out, destruction shall come on the

inhabitants of the earth; all nations shall feel the wrath of God,

after they have been warned by the saints of the Most High. If you

will not warn them others will, and you will lose your crowns.

"You must prepare your minds to bid a long farewell to Kirtland,

even till the great day come. You will see what you never expected

to see; you will need the mind of Enoch or Elijah, and the faith of

the brother of Jared; you must be prepared to walk by faith,

however appalling the prospect to human view; you, and each of you,

should feel the force of the imperious mandate, 'Son, go labor in

my vineyard,' and cheerfully receive what comes; but in the end you

will stand while others will fall. You have read in the revelation

concerning ordination: 'Beware how you ordain, for all nations are

not like this nation; they will willingly receive the ordinances at

your hands to put you out of the way. There will be times when

nothing but the angels of God can deliver you out of their hands.'

"We appeal to your intelligence, we appeal to your

understanding, that we have so far discharged our duty to you. We

consider it one of the greatest condescensions of our Heavenly

Father in pointing you out to us, you will be stewards over this

ministry; you have a work to that no other men can do; you must

proclaim the gospel in its simplicity and purity, and we commend

you to God and the word of His grace. You have our best wishes, you

have our most fervent prayer, that you may be able to bear this

testimony,--that you have seen the face of God. Therefore, call

upon Him in faith and mighty prayer till you prevail; for it is

your duty and privilege to bear such testimony for yourselves. We

now exhort you to be faithful to fulfil your calling,--there must

be no lack here; you must fulfil in all things, and permit us to

repeat, all nations have a claim on you; you are bound together as

the three witnesses were; you notwithstanding, can part and meet,

and meet and part again, till your heads are silvered o'er with

age."

He then took them separately by the hand, and said, "Do you with

full purpose of heart take part in this ministry, to proclaim the

gospel with all diligence, with these your brethren according to

the tenor and intent of the charge you have received?" Each of whom

answered in the affirmative.

CHAPTER XVI.

------------------------

Return to New Portage:--Fire:--Return to Kirtland:--Mob:--Journey

Eastward, as far as Maine:--Return to Boston:--Removal to Kirtland:--A

Temple:--School, Endowments, Prophecyings, Visions, etc.:--Visit from

Brother H. C. Kimball and Others:--My Wife Healed and Blessed:--A

Remarkable Prophecy and its Fulfilment:--Mission to Canada:--Falls of

Niagara:--Reflections.

After this solemn ordinance was completed, together with the

blessings, charges and instructions connected therewith, I was

instructed to prepare for a mission in the coming spring, in

connection with my brethren of the quorum.

I now returned home to New Portage, and began to make

preparations for my mission, but the state of my affairs was such

that it seemed almost impossible for me to leave home; my wife was

sick, my aged mother had come to live with me, and looked to me for

support--age and infirmity having rendered my father unable to do

for himself or family. I was also engaged in building a house, and

in other business, while at the same time I was somewhat in debt,

and in want of most of the necessaries of life.

Under these embarrassed circumstances, I hesitated for a while

whether to attempt to perform the mission assigned me, or stay at

home and finish my building and mechanical work. While I pondered

these things, with my mind unsettled, and continued my work, with a

feeling of hesitation whether it was a duty to sacrifice all the

labor and expense to which I had been in my preparations and

unfinished work, or whether it was a duty to stay and complete it,

I was called very suddenly to administer to a brother by the name

of Matthews, who was taken suddenly and dangerously ill. I found

him writhing and groaning in the utmost agony, being tramped and

convulsed in a horrible manner, while the family were in great

consternation, and weeping around him. I kneeled down to pray, but

in the midst of my prayer we were interrupted by the cry of

_fire! fire!! fire!!!_ We sprang from our knees, and ran towards

my house, which was all in a blaze, being an unfinished, two story

frame building, open to the fresh breeze and full of shavings,

lumber, shingles, etc., while a family occupied a small apartment

of the same, and no water near.

Our utmost exertions barely accomplished the removal of the

family and their goods; the building, tools, boards, shingles,

building materials, all were consumed in a few moments. Thus closed

all my hesitation; my works of that nature were now all completed,

and myself ready to fill my mission. One gave me a coat; another a

hat; a third, house room; a fourth, provisions; while a fifth

forgave me the debts due to them; and a sixth bade me God speed to

hasten on my mission.

Taking an affectionate leave of my family and friends in New

Portage, I repaired to Kirtland, ready to accompany my brethren.

While they made ready I paid a visit to an adjoining township

called Mentor; and visiting from house to house, I attempted to

preach to them; but they were full of lying and prejudice, and

would not hear the Word. I then appointed a meeting in the open

air, on the steps of a meeting house owned by a people called

"Campbellites," one Mr. Alexander Campbell being their leader; they

having refused to open the house to me. Some came to hear, and some

to disturb the meeting; and one Mr. Newel soon appeared at the head

of a mob of some fifty men and a band of music. These formed in

order of battle and marched round several times near where I stood,

drowning my voice with the noise of their drums and other

instruments. I suspended my discourse several times as they passed,

and then resumed. At length, finding that no disturbance of this

kind would prevent the attempt to discharge my duty, they rushed

upon me with one accord at a given signal, every man throwing an

egg at my person. My forehead, bosom, and most of my body was

completely covered with broken eggs. At this I departed, and walked

slowly away, being insulted and followed by this rabble for some

distance. I soon arrived in Kirtland, and was assisted by my kind

friends in cleansing myself and clothes from the effects of this

Christian benevolence.

All things being in readiness, and the spring fairly opened, the

Twelve took their journey down Lake Erie, and landed at Dunkirk, in

the neighborhood of which we had appointed to hold a conference.

The members of the Church assembled from the region round, and the

people turned out in great numbers. We addressed them in several

interesting discourses, and had good time; many seemed to receive

the Word with joy, and some were baptized and added to the Church.

From thence we continued our journey through the Eastern States,

holding conferences in every place where branches of the Church had

been organized, ordaining and instructing Elders and other

officers; exhorting the members to continue in prayer and in well

doing; ministering to the sick and instructing the ignorant. We

also preached the Word, and baptized such as desired to be obedient

to the faith; confirming them by the laying on of hands and prayer

in the name of Jesus Christ; thus the Holy Ghost and the gifts

thereof were shed forth among the people, and they had great joy.

The month of August 1835, found us in the State of Maine, and the

mission completed.

We now returned to Boston, and from thence home to Kirtland,

where we arrived sometime in October. After spending a few days in

the society of the Saints in Kirtland, I repaired to New Portage,

where I found my wife and mother in usual health, and was received

with joy by them and the Saints. I now made preparation and removed

to Kirtland, in order to be with the body of the Church at

headquarters; and to improve every opportunity of obtaining

instruction.

A portion of the Temple at Kirtland was now finished, and

schools were opened in several apartments. The Presidency of the

Church, the Twelve, and many others were organized into a school

for the purpose of studying the Hebrew language. This study, and

the meetings of the several quorums for instruction and endowment,

occupied most of the winter.

The ordinances of the priesthood were revealed to a greater

extent than had been known among men since the prophets and

Apostles of old fell asleep; and many were anointed to their holy

calling, and were instructed in principles which were great and

glorious in themselves, and calculated to enlarge the mind and

prepare the chosen servants of God for the great work before them.

Many great and marvelous things were prophesied, which I am not at

liberty to record, and many of which have since been fulfilled to

the very letter. Many persons were carried away in the visions of

the Spirit, and saw and heard unspeakable things; and many enjoyed

the ministering of angels, and the gift of healing and of speaking

in tongues.

Spring at length returned, and the Elders prepared to take leave

of each other, and to go on their several missions. As to myself, I

was deeply in debt for the expenses of life during the winter, and

on account of purchasing a lot, and building thereon. I, therefore,

knew not what to do, whether to go on a mission or stay at home,

and endeavor by industry to sustain my family and pay my debts.

It was now April; I had retired to rest one evening at an early

hour, and was pondering my future course, when there came a knock

at the door. I arose and opened it, when Elder Heber C. Kimball and

others entered my house, and being filled with the spirit of

prophecy, they blessed me and my wife, and prophesied as follows:

"Brother Parley, thy wife shall be healed from this hour, and

shall bear a son, and his name shall be Parley; and he shall be a

chosen instrument in the hands of the Lord to inherit the

priesthood and to walk in the steps of his father. He shall do a

great work in the earth in ministering the Word and teaching the

children of men. Arise, therefore, and go forth in the ministry,

nothing doubting. Take no thoughts for your debts, nor the

necessaries of life, for the Lord will supply you with abundant

means for all things.

"Thou shalt go to Upper Canada, even to the city of Toronto, the

capital, and there thou shalt find a people prepared for the

fullness of the gospel, and they shall receive thee, and thou shalt

organize the Church among them, and it shall spread thence into the

regions round about, and many shall be brought to the knowledge of

the truth and shall be filled with joy; and from the things growing

out of this mission, shall the fullness of the gospel spread into

England, and cause a great work to be done in that land.

"You shall not only have means to deliver you from your present

embarrassments, but you shall yet have riches, silver and gold,

till you will loath the counting thereof."

This prophecy was the more marvelous, because being married near

ten years we had never had any children; and for near six years my

wife had been consumptive, and had been considered incurable.

However, we called to mind the faith of Abraham of old, and judging

Him faithful who had promised, we took courage.

I now began in earnest to prepare for the mission, and in a few

days all was ready. I took an affectionate leave of my wife, mother

and friends, and started for Canada in company with a brother

Nickerson, who kindly offered to bear my expenses. After a long and

tedious passage in a public coach (the roads being very bad and the

lake not open), we arrived at the Falls of Niagara sometime in the

month of April, 1836.

As this was my first visit to this place it made a deep and

awful impression on my mind. We halted a short time to view this

wonder of nature, and to adore that God who had formed a world so

sublimely grand. The leaping of a mighty river of waters over a

perpendicular fall of one hundred and sixty feet, the foaming and

dashing of its white spray upon the rocks beneath; the rising cloud

of mist with its glittering rainbow, the yawning gulf with its

thousand whirlpools; all conspired to fill the contemplative mind

with wonder and admiration, and with reverence to the Great Author

of all the wonders of creation; while its everlasting roar which

may be heard for many miles distant, seemed a lively emblem of

eternity.

While musing on this spot, I fell into the following train of

reflection: O, Niagara! Generations may pass in long succession;

ages may roll away and others still succeed; empires may rise and

flourish, and pass away and be forgotten; but still thy deafening,

thy solemn and awful voice is heard in one eternal roar. The

temples of marble may moulder to dust, the monuments of the great

may crumble to decay, the palaces of kings fall to ruin and their

very place become unknown, their history forgotten in the almost

countless ages of antiquity; and still thy sound is heard in

everlasting moan, as if mourning over the ruins of by-gone years.