With deepest eloquence thou seemest to speak in awful pride,

saying: "Before Abraham was, I am;" and with mingled feelings of

pity and contempt thou seemest to inquire:--

Where now is Nimrod's mighty tower? Where the

Majestic walls, the warlike battlements,

The splendid palaces, the hanging gardens

Of Babylon?

Where the proud Nebuchadnezzar, who, with

Golden sceptre, swayed the world, and made

The nations tremble? Where the proud Nineveh,--

The strong Thebes, with its hundred gates?

The golden Tyre, the splendid Athens, the

Majestic Rome, with all their works of art--

Their monuments of fame, once the pride

And glory of the world?

Where the mighty Pharaoh's, the terrible

Alexanders, the invincible Cesars,

The warlike Hannibal? Tyrants in turn.

Where now the gifted poets, the splendid

Orators, the profound philosophers

Of Greece and Rome, whose mighty genius

Hurled royal tyrants headlong from their thrones,--

Made senates weep or laugh at will, and ruled

The nations? They are swept away by time;

Their beauty, like the morning flower, is withered

Their pride and glory gone like leaves of autumn;--

Their grandest works are fast decaying,

Mouldering to ruin, soon to be forgotten.

But still my store house is unexhausted,

My fountain full and overflowing--my

Solid munitions of rocks stand secure.--

My voice as mighty as when the beauteous

Colors of the rainbow first sported in

The sunbeams:--

As when the intelligences of olden worlds

First gazed with admiration upon my

Expanded waters; or, animated at

The music of my voice joined in the chorus,

And all the sons of God shouted for joy.

But, boast not, O proud Niagara! Though

Thou mayest withstand the ravages of time,--

While countless millions, swept away with all

Their mighty works, are lost in following years.--

Yet there is a voice to speak, long and loud;

'Tis Michael's trump, whose mighty blast shall rend

Thy rocks, and bow thy lofty mountains in the dust,

Before whose awful presence thy waters

Blush in retiring modesty; and in

Respectful silence thou shalt stand in listening

Wonder, and admire, while thunders roll

Majestic round the sky, the lightnings play,--

The mountains sink--the valleys rise--till Earth,

Restored to its original, receives

Its final test, and groans and sighs no more.

Till then, weep on, and let thy voice ascend

In solemn music to the skies--'tis like

A funeral dirge--'tis fit to weep o'er the miseries

Of a fallen world in anguish deep.

CHAPTER XVII.

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

Journey Resumed:--Ministry:--Striking Answer

to Prayer:--Arrival at Toronto:--John Taylor:--Visit the

Religious Ministers, the Sheriff, and the Public Market,

Seeking for an Opening, but in Vain:--Secret Prayer:--About

to leave the City--God Sends a Widow to Receive Me:--Great

Faith:--Eyes of the Blind Opened:--Great Excitement and

Gainsayings:--Public Preaching:--Find a People Prepared

to Receive the Message.

Leaving our journey for a day or two on foot, and as the Sabbath

approached we halted in the neighborhood of Hamilton, and gave out

two or three appointments for meetings. Brother Nickerson now left

me to fill these appointments, and passed on to his home, in a

distant part of the province.

I preached to the people, and was kindly entertained till Monday

morning, when I took leave and entered Hamilton, a flourishing town

at the head of Lake Ontario; but my place of destination was

Toronto, around on the north side of the lake. If went by land I

would have a circuitous route, muddy and tedious to go on foot. The

lake had just opened, and steamers had commenced plying between the

two places; two dollars would convey me to Toronto in a few hours,

and save some days of laborious walking; but I was an entire

stranger in Hamilton, and also in the province; and money I had

none. Under these circumstances I pondered what I should do. I had

many times received answers to prayer in such matters; but now it

seemed hard to exercise faith, because I was among strangers and

entirely unknown. The Spirit seemed to whisper to me to try the

Lord, and see if anything was too hard for him, that I might know

and trust Him under all circumstances. I retired to a secret place

in a forest and prayed to the Lord for money to enable me to cross

the lake. I then entered Hamilton and commenced to chat with some

of the people. I had not tarried many minutes before I was accosted

by a stranger, who inquired my name and where I was going. He also

asked me if did not want some money. I said yes. He then gave me

ten dollars and a letter of introduction to John Taylor, of

Toronto, where I arrived the same evening.

Mrs. Taylor received me kindly, and went for her husband, who

was busy in his mechanic shop. To them I made known my errand to

the city, but received little direct encouragement. I took tea with

them, and then sought lodgings at a public house.

In the morning I commenced a regular visit to each of the clergy

of the place, introducing myself and my errand. I was absolutely

refused hospitality, and denied the opportunity of preaching in any

of their houses or congregations. Rather an unpromising beginning,

thought I, considering the prophecies on my head concerning

Toronto. However, nothing daunted, I applied to the Sheriff for the

use of the Court House, and then to the authorities for a public

room in the market place; but with no better success. What could I

do more? I had exhausted my influence and power without effect. I

now repaired to a pine grove just out of the town, and, kneeling

down, called on the Lord, bearing testimony of my unsuccessful

exertions; my inability to open the way; at the same time asking

Him in the name of Jesus to open an effectual door for His servant

to fulfil his mission in that place.

I then arose and again entered the town, and going to the house

of John Taylor, had placed my hand on my baggage to depart from a

place where I could do no good, when a few inquiries on the part of

Mr. Taylor, inspired by a degree of curiosity or of anxiety, caused

a few moments delay, during which a lady by the name of Walton

entered the house, and, being an acquaintance of Mrs. Taylor's, was

soon engaged in conversation with her in an adjoining room. I

overheard the following:

"Mrs. Walton, I am glad to see you; there is a gentleman here

from the United States who says the Lord sent him to this city to

preach the gospel. He has applied in vain to the clergy and to the

various authorities for opportunity to fulfil his mission, and is

now about to leave the place. He may be a man of God; I am sorry to

have him depart."

Mrs. Walton: "Indeed! Well, I now understand the feelings and

spirit which brought me to your house at this time. I have been

busy over the wash tub and too weary to take a walk; but I felt

impressed to walk out. I then thought I would make a call on my

sister, the other side of town; but passing your door, the Spirit

bade me go in; but I said to myself, I will go in when I return;

but the Spirit said: go in now. I accordingly came in, and I am

thankful that I did so. Tell the stranger he is welcome to my

house. I am a widow; but I have a spare room and bed, and food in

plenty. He shall have a home at my house, and two large rooms to

preach in just when he pleases. Tell him I will send my son John

over to pilot him to my house, while I go and gather my relatives

and friends to come in this very evening and hear him talk; for I

feel by the Spirit that he is a man sent by the Lord with a message

which will do us good."

The evening found Brother Pratt quietly seated at her house, in

the midst of a number of listeners, who were seated around a large

work table in her parlor, and deeply interested in conversation

like the following:

Friends: "Mr. Pratt, we have for some years been anxiously

looking for some providential event which would gather the sheep

into one fold; build up the true church as in days of old, and

prepare the humble followers of the Lamb, now scattered and

divided, to receive their coming Lord when He shall descend to

reign on the earth. As soon as Mrs. Taylor spoke of you I felt

assured, as by a strange and unaccountable presentiment, that you

were a messenger, with important tidings on these subjects; and I

was constrained to invite you here; and now we are all here

anxiously waiting to hear your words."

Pratt: "Well, Mrs. Walton, I will frankly relate to you and your

friends the particulars of my message and the nature of my

commission. A young man in the State of New York, whose name is

Joseph Smith, was visited by an angel of God, and, after several

visions and much instruction, was enabled to obtain an ancient

record, written by men of old on the American continent, and

containing the history, prophecies and gospel in plainness, as

revealed to them by Jesus and his messengers. This same Joseph

Smith and others, were also commissioned by the angels in these

visions, and ordained to the apostleship; with authority to

organize the Church, to administer the ordinances, and to ordain

others, and thus cause the full, plain gospel in its purity to be

preached in all the world.

"By these Apostles thus commissioned, I have been ordained as an

Apostle, and sent forth by the word of prophecy to minister the

baptism of repentance for remission of sins, in the name of Jesus

Christ; and to administer the gift of the Holy Ghost, to heal the

sick, to comfort the mourner, bind up the broken in heart, and

proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.

"I was also directed to this city by the Spirit of the Lord,

with a promise that I should find a people here prepared to receive

the gospel, and should organize them in the same. But when I came

and was rejected by all parties, I was about to leave the city; but

the Lord sent you, as a widow, to receive me, as I was about to

depart; and thus I was provided for like Elijah of old. And now I

bless your house, and all your family and kindred in His name. Your

sins shall be forgiven you; you shall understand and obey the

gospel, and be filled with the Holy Ghost; for so great faith have

I never seen in any of my country."

Mrs. Walton: "Well, Mr. Pratt, this is precisely the message we

were waiting for; we believe your words and are desirous to be

baptized."

Pratt: "It is your duty and privilege," said I, "but wait yet a

little while till I have an opportunity to teach others, with whom

you are religiously connected, and invite them to partake with you

of the same blessings."

After conversing with these interesting persons till a late

hour, we retired to rest. Next day Mrs. Walton requested me to call

on a friend of hers, who was also a widow in deep affliction, being

totally blind with inflammation in the eyes; she had suffered

extreme pain for several months, and had also been reduced to want,

having four little children to support. She had lost her husband,

of cholera, two years before, and had sustained herself and family

by teaching school until deprived of sight, since which she had

been dependent on the Methodist Society; herself and children being

then a public charge. Mrs. Walton sent her little daughter of

twelve years old to show me the way. I called on the poor blind

widow and helpless orphans, and found them in a dark and gloomy

apartment, rendered so by having every ray of light obscured to

prevent its painful effects on her eyes. I related to her the

circumstances of my mission, and she believed the same. I laid my

hands upon her in the name of Jesus Christ, and said unto her,

"Your eyes shall be well from this very hour." She threw off her

bandages; opened her house to the light; dressed herself, and

walking with open eyes, came to the meeting that same evening at

sister Walton's, with eyes as well and as bright as any other

person's.

The Methodist Society were now relieved of their burden in the

person of this widow and four orphans. This remarkable miracle was

soon noised abroad, and the poor woman's house was thronged from

all parts of the city and country with visitors; all curious to

witness for themselves, and to inquire of her how her eyes were

healed.

"How did the man heal your eyes?" "What did he do?--tell us,"

Were questions so oft repeated that the woman, wearied of replying,

came to me for advice to know what she should do. I advised her to

tell them that the Lord had healed her, and to give Him the glory,

and let that suffice. But still they teased her for particulars,

"What did this man do?" "How were your eyes opened and made well?"

"He laid his hands upon my head in the name of Jesus Christ, and

rebuked the inflammation, and commanded them to be made whole and

restored to sight; and it was instantly done."

"Well give God the glory; for, as to this man, it is well known

that he is an impostor, a follower of Joseph Smith, the false

prophet."

"Whether he be an impostor or not, I know not; but this much I

know, whereas I was blind, now I see! Can an impostor open the eyes

of the blind?"

"Perhaps, then, you intend to be his disciple, to join the

'_Mormons_?'"

"He said nothing to me about joining the '_Mormons_,' but

taught me the gospel, and bore testimony that God had restored its

power to the earth. Would you like to be partakers thereof? Or why

do you inquire so earnestly about my eyes being healed?"

"Oh, we are John Wesley's disciples. We are the Christian

Church. We know John Wesley, but as to this man, we know not whence

he is."

"How is this that you know not whence he is, and yet he hath

opened my eyes? Did John Wesley open the eyes of the blind? Can an

impostor do it?"

"Ah, we see how it is. You are determined to forsake the

Christian Church, the good old way, for the sake of these fools,

these weak impostors the Mormons. Well, farewell. But remember, you

will have no more support from our society, no more encouragement

of any kind; you shall not even teach a school for us. How then

will you live?"

Such contentions and discouragement as these, poured into the

ears of a poor mother from day to day, together with railings,

lyings, and various sophistry and slander, soon caused her to

waver, and like thousands of other poor, weak mortals, she shrank

back into the net of sectarian delusion, and was seen by the Saints

no more. In the meantime our meetings commenced at Mrs. Walton's.

At first very few attended, but they gradually increased till her

rooms, and sometimes her yard, were well filled with attentive

hearers.

Sunday at length arrived, and, not wishing to show opposition,

or to set up a separate standard without cause, I appointed no

meeting, but accompanied a friend who invited me to hear a preacher

in a certain chapel. After the discourse, I was introduced to the

speaker by my friend, who invited us both to dine at his house.

After much interesting conversation, I was invited to accompany

them to another meeting, held at the residence of a Mr. Patrick, a

wealthy, aristocratic gentleman, who held an office in the

government.

In a large apartment, well furnished, was soon convened a

solemn, well dressed, and, apparently, serious and humble people,

nearly filling the room. Each held a bible, while Mr. Patrick

presided in their midst, with a bible in his hand and several more

lying on the table before him. With one of these I was soon

furnished, as was any other person present who might lack this,

apparently, necessary article. In this manner these people had

assembled twice each week for about two years, for the professed

purpose of seeking truth, independent of any sectarian organization

to which any of them might nominally belong.

Here had assembled John Taylor, his wife, Mrs. Walton and some

others who now knew me, although to the president and most of the

congregation I was entirely unknown, and, from my appearance, was

supposed to be some farmer from the country who had dropped in by

invitation.

Meeting was soon opened by singing and prayer in a fervent

manner, after which each one was at liberty to introduce such

subject of investigation as he might think proper. John Taylor

arose, and read in the New Testament the account of Philip going to

Samaria and preaching the gospel, and what followed. Closing the

book, he remarked that the Samaritans received the Word with joy;

and were then baptized, both men and women; after which the two

Apostles, Peter and John, came from Jerusalem, and laid their hands

on them in the name of Jesus, and prayed that they might receive

the Holy Ghost; and they received it, and spake with tongues, and

prophesied. "Now," said he, "where is our Philip? Where is our

receiving the Word with joy, and being baptized _when we believed

_? Where is our Peter and John? Our apostles? Where is our Holy

Ghost by the laying on of hands? Where are our gifts of the Holy

Ghost? Echo answers, where?

"Is this the pattern of the Christian Church, the model for the

organization in all after times? If so, we, as a people, have not

the ministry, the ordinances, the gifts which constitute the Church

of Jesus Christ. We are told that we were sprinkled in our infancy,

but this was not baptism; and if it was, we neither believed nor

rejoiced at the time, nor did we act in the matter at all, but were

acted upon. How different from the Samaritans, who were baptized

_when they believed, and received the Word with joy_.

"Again, Peter and John were commissioned as Apostles, and they

ministered the Holy Spirit by the laying on of hands in the name of

Jesus. Instead of which, we have had ministers commissioned by the

King and Parliament of England, or by John Wesley and his

successors, without any pretence of a word from the Lord or his

angels to commission them. Again, the Samaritans had spiritual

gifts. We have none. If, then, we differ entirely from the pattern

in all things, what claim have we, or any of the Christian world,

to be considered the Church of Christ? If we are not members of the

Church of Christ, wherein do we differ from the heathen, whom we

affect to despise or pity? We even shudder for nations or

individuals grown up without baptism, while at the same time it

would appear that we are all without it, that we are all heathen,

so far as the Christian Church is concerned, as we have not even

the shadow of anything according to the pattern. We cannot boast of

even an approach to a base resemblance or counterfeit. What say you

to this, my brethren?"

The subject now opened gave rise to a most candid investigation.

Several spoke to the point. Some were of the opinion that the

principles, being lost, were never to be restored. Others suggested

that it was their privilege to pray that the heavens might be

opened and men commissioned by new revelation. Others, again,

hinted that the Lord might, perhaps, have commissioned men already

in some part of the world; and, if so, why not pray that he would

send them to us.

Nothing definite was concluded on when the old preacher who

invited me arose and said: "There is a stranger present who,

perhaps, might wish to speak."

The chairman observed that he was not aware of the presence of a

stranger, but if such was the case he was at liberty, as were all

persons in these meetings, to make remarks. I arose, and observed

that I was a stranger from the United States; but not a stranger to

the great principles under investigation in this meeting. I was

prepared to speak on the subject at some length; but should not do

so then, as the time had been well occupied and the people edified.

My credentials were then presented to the meeting through the

chairman, and a special appointment given out for me at evening.

However they might differ as to the means of restoration of the

Christian Church, certain it is that they appeared at the close to

unite, with one voice, in acknowledgment of their destitution. "O

Lord," said the chairman, in his closing prayer, "we have neither

apostles, visions, angels, revelations, gifts, tongues, ordinances,

nor a Christian ministry; we acknowledge that we are destitute of

everything like the pattern of the true Church, as laid down in thy

holy Word, and we pray thee to send whom thou wilt." At this all

seemed to say Amen, while tears and sobs attested their sincerity.

CHAPTER XVIII.

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

Crowded Meeting:--Discourse:--Baptize the People and

Organize a Church:--Spread of the Work:--First Visit to the

Country:--Opposition:--Remarkable Success:--Return to Kirtland:--Return

with my Wife to Toronto:--Meetings at Mr. Lamphere's:--A Woman

Healed and Evil Spirits Rebuked:--Mr. Lamareux:--A Meeting:--A

Challenge:--Discussion Held in the Open Air:--Great Crowd:--Opening

Propositions by Elder O. Hyde:--Result of the Discussion.

In the evening Mr. Patrick's large rooms were crowded to excess

with anxious listeners. I then addressed them on the subject they

had been investigating. The following is an outline of the

discourse, which occupied from two to three hours:

"Friends, I am aware that the subject now under consideration is

one of the most vital importance to the Christian world, and,

though it may seem to be new to most persons, it is familiar to me.

I have traced it in all its bearings, weighed it in every possible

light, and am prepared to impart to others that which, I trust,

will satisfy and enlighten the inquiring mind.

"It appears from our text, as well as from the general tenor of

the New Testament, that certain definite principles existed, which,

acted upon and enjoyed, constituted the Christian Church, or body

of Christ, viz:

"First. An inspired priesthood or apostleship, authorized to

administer salvation in the name of Jesus.

"Second. Faith in their words and testimony on the part of those

who heard them.

"Third. Reformation of life.

"Fourth. Obedience to certain ordinances, as baptism and the

laying on of hands in the name of Jesus Christ, in order to the

remission of sins and the gift of the Holy Ghost.

"Fifth. The spiritual gifts imparted to the body thus organized,

in order to its edification, growth and perfection.

"It may be presumed that every portion of the professed

Christian Church, without any exception--I mean those who admit the

Scriptures to be a record of things as they existed--will readily

agree, that the five principles just named did exist, and did

constitute the Christian church or body of Christ. This, then

constitutes the model or pattern of the object of our present

search.

"We have only to compare modern pretenses with this ancient

model, in order to judge of them at once. Either the same

principles would be required to constitute the body of Christ in

all succeeding ages, or else the New Testament must cease to be a

standard, and be superseded by a dispensation of later origin;

claiming power to nullify or make void the dispensation of Jesus

Christ and his Apostles, and to introduce another order of things

in its stead.

"This last alternative none are so bold as to claim. All agree

that the gospel was a perfect system, an unchangeable and

everlasting covenant, never to be changed or altered by the Lord,

and only perverted or altered by man under a severe penalty--a

dreadful anathema. In physical matters men are not easily deceived

or duped; for instance, a man sees or hears an exact description of

a human body as existing in the days of Socrates or Plato; it has

head, eyes, ears, mouth, arms, hands, legs, feet, etc. Can an

impostor impose upon that man in this age? Can he introduce a wild

beast, a fowl, a serpent, a man dismembered of his head, eyes, ears,

hands, or feet? Could he pass any of these upon his fellow men as

constituting the human body; the model or pattern answering to the

former description? No, he could not. He would be considered out of

his senses, and would be laughed to scorn for attempting such a

thing.

"Why, then, are we at a loss in judging of the various systems

which, in modern times, claim to be the church of Christ? Why do we

not compare them with the model, and reject or receive at once?

Perhaps you will say that such a course leads to consequences and

conclusions so awful, that it opens truths so unwelcome, that it is

natural to shrink from the view; and, like the ostrich in the

desert, when pursued too closely, hides the head and eyes in a

false covering, while the body is exposed to certain destruction.

"Says one, 'if the ancient model or pattern is the standard,

then the veil of modern Christendom is thrown off, and the entire

world unchristianized--for we nowhere find such a pattern.' Well,

admit then that there is no Christian church in existence among

men, and that there has not been for many ages. What then? is it a

truth? If so, truth will not harm anybody. If the whole world has

been for ages wrapped in mystery and deception, is it not better to

find it out now than to continue in ignorance until Jesus reveals

it at the judgment day, and sinks us in a moment from the highest

pinnacle of hope and expectation to despair, rendered a

thousand-fold more painful by a sudden reverse?

"But suppose, on opening our eyes to this great discovery, we

search and find our observations and conclusions warranted by the

whole tenor of prophetic writ? Suppose Jesus Christ and his

Apostles and prophets all agree in bearing testimony, and

foretelling the very order of things which we find to exist; also,

its final end or termination, and the restoration of his Church and

the reign of his Saints? Would not our own observations of what

actually exists, confirmed by the prophetic declarations of such a

host of witnesses, all testifying that it would be so, be a double

assurance that we had opened our eyes to a snare in time to escape,

and cause us to leap forward with a thrill of joy and faith to that

which is to come?

"We could then exclaim, in viewing the trumpery, pomp, splendor

and greatness of Catholicism, or the scarcely less false and

glaring systems of absurdity and priestcraft under the name of

Protestantism, in their various forms, O, thou mystery of iniquity!

thou are at least revealed, thou who deceivest all nations with thy

sorcery, and with whom the kings of the earth and the nobles and

great men have committed fornication, and lived deliciously; thy

covering is removed, and the people shall see thy nakedness and

abhor thee; and many shall be ready when the proclamation is made,

'_Come out of her, my people._'

"But suppose, on the other hand, we shut our eyes to these

truths, and hug to our bosoms those systems of falsehood and error,

which claim to be of Christ, but are not? The result will be a

continuance on our part to build up that which the Lord purposes in

due time to tear down, and to oppose that which the Lord will send

into the world to accomplish his purposes. We would in this case be

his enemies, and be found fighting against him.

"Let us look at the Jews in the glass of prophecy. Our own dear

selves not being in the scale, perhaps we can the more readily

discern the equity of the balance, and afterwards venture to be

weighed in the same, even though both Jew and Gentile should be

found wanting.

"For nearly two thousand years we behold the Jews without a

prophet, inspired priest, king, ruler or teacher, to lead them to

light, to freedom, or to God. No voice form the burning bush; no

thunderings upon Sinai; no still small voice whispering of right

and salvation; no call from the eternal throne; no vision, angel or

dream to light them on their pathway as they wander and are

oppressed amid the darkness of Gentile dominion. Their temple is in

ruins; their sacrifices have ceased; their priesthood is powerless;

while their very city and country is desolate, or trodden under

foot. We say to the Jew, why all this? Is it not possible that your

fathers have rejected the Messiah and his holy Apostles and

prophets; and these things been withheld from them in the anger of

the Almighty? O, no, says the Jew, we are the true church and

people of God; revelations, prophets, visions, angels and gifts

were only given at first to establish the church of Israel, and the

canon of Scripture being complete, there was no further need of

these things; therefore, they ceased.

"Now, _you_ know that this Jew is mistaken. You pity him.

You wonder at his ignorance. You know that when in the days of

Samuel's childhood there was no open vision from the Lord; it was

because the priesthood, the proper communication between God and

the people, was in transgression. The priests of the house of Eli

were robbing the sacrifices for their own aggrandizement; and were

committing whoredoms with the very women who came there to worship.

_You_ also know that when King Saul was no longer favored

with revelation, when the heavens were shut against him, and the

Lord answered him not, neither by vision, angel, dream, Urim and

Thummim, nor prophet; it was because the Lord had forsaken him and

had rent the kingdom from him, and had given it to David, dooming

him to destruction, and withdrawing His spirit from him, abandoning

him to a spirit of murder and persecution towards the chosen

instruments of the Almighty. _You_ also know that, when,

before Christ, these gifts had ceased in the Jewish church (say

from Malachi to John the Baptist), there were a multitude of sects,

none of which were right. All had to come on a level and repent,

and be baptized by John, in order to prepare the way of the Lord.

"You also know that the Jews were no longer favored with

apostles and inspired men after they had rejected Christ and his

Apostles, because they were rejected of the Lord; and the kingdom,

according to the words of Jesus, was taken from them and given to a

people who should bring forth the fruits of the same. You also know

that the reason why a Jew to this day is without these things is,

because his fathers, eighteen hundred years ago, rejected them.

"But the Jew knows none of these things. He is blinded with the

vain and delusive thought that his race, being the chosen of the

Lord, must forever remain in favor, whether they do iniquity or

not. Why! exclaims the Jew, we dare not for a moment look at things

in the light you suggest; it would disfranchise the whole nation

for eighteen centuries, and count them as aliens from the covenant

of their fathers, and form the commonwealth of Israel. Well, what

if it does? Is it not better for them to know the worst in time to

mend?

"Now, let us turn to the Gentile church. They, by the

ministration of the Apostles, received the kingdom of God, and

enjoyed its fruits. The natural branches were broken off, and they

were grafted in; 'take heed,' says Paul, 'for it God spared not the

natural branches, _take heed_, lest he spare not thee.'

"When the Gentile church received the kingdom, and became such,

they were everywhere blessed with the ministry of inspired men, and

were favored with revelations, visions, angels and prophets, as the

New Testament bears witness. What became of these things? Under

what circumstances, and in fulfillment of what Scriptures did they

cease from among the Gentiles?

"The prophet Daniel, had foretold of the several powers which

would arise and bear rule in the earth. But the Roman, the most

terrible power of all, should '_destroy the mighty and the holy

people_.' This power should change the times and the laws, and

wear out the Saints of the Most Holy, until the end, when the

Saints should take the kingdom under the whole Heaven, and possess

it. Such in substance is Daniel's testimony.

"John, in his revelations, bears the same testimony. He predicts

that a certain power under the figure of a woman upon a beast, with

Mystery written upon her forehead, should have dominion among all

nations; have to do with all kings; and that all nations should be

deceived by her, and their kings live deliciously with her, while

she would be drunken with the blood of the saints and with the

blood of the martyrs of Jesus.

"Paul also predicts a time when men '_would not endure sound

doctrine, but would turn away their ears form the truth, and be

tuned unto fables, heaping to themselves, teachers_.' That they

would '_have a form of godliness and deny the power_.' Paul

also bears testimony that the Gentiles, if they abide not in faith,

shall meet with a similar fall as did the Jews.

"Jesus Christ speaks of a time when the times of the Gentiles

shall be fulfilled: their dominion come to an end with great

judgment, and Jerusalem no longer be trodden under foot by them.

"Now the summary of these things is this:

"The Gentiles killed the Apostles and inspired men.

"The Gentiles ceased to bring forth the fruits of the kingdom.

"The Gentiles became drunken with the blood of the saints.

"The Gentiles destroyed the mighty and holy people.

"The Gentiles changed the times, and laws, and ordinances of

God.

"The Gentiles turned away their ears from the truth, and were

turned unto fables.

"The Gentiles would not endure sound doctrine, but heaped to

themselves teachers.

"The Gentiles maintained a form of godliness without its

miracles and powers.

"The Gentiles were '_full of names of blasphemy_,' and

mystery was written as a frontispiece on all their institutions.

"The Gentiles deceived all nations, and drew kings and great men

into the wake of their mysterious abominations and religious

mummeries.

"The Gentiles continue to bear rule by these means till the

judgments of the Almighty sweep them from the earth, and put an end

to their dominion; and God restores Israel and Jerusalem, and gives

the dominion to his Saints.

"How often the Lord may have restored the priesthood and

ordinances, the true Church and its gifts to the earth, among the

humble, is not known. But this much we know, there would be no

peace nor security for men professing such institutions; they would

be either hunted down and destroyed, or driven to the necessity of

secluding themselves in the most secret recesses, where their

history would never come down to us. As _Protestants_, we

can make no pretenses to a successive line of apostleship; for this

would imply that we were never Roman Catholics; therefore, what

need of protestation or dissent from that to which we never had

belonged? Nothing short of a new dispensation--a new revelation to

commission apostles as at the first, could give any religious body

a claim, or a shadow of claim, to be the Church of Jesus Christ, or

entitle them to the spiritual gifts.

"Such, my friends, is the deplorable picture of Gentile

Christianity as presented before us, whether we look with the naked

eye on facts around us, or, aided by the glass of prophecy and

history, review the dim vista of successive generations in the

mighty past. Yet in the midst of the reign of error and blood there

have always been many individuals who desired to know and serve the

Lord. They have desired to see the triumph of truth; but the time

had not come; they died without the sight; but they will arise

again to enjoy the triumph; they with us will rejoice when error is

overthrown and the Saints possess the kingdom.

"I have now reviewed the past, my friends, and have shown by

what means the Jews and Gentiles have lost the peculiar blessings

which characterize the Church of God. I have detained you long, and

am, as yet, only on the threshold of the great subject before me.

In another discourse I might draw a brighter picture by setting

before you the great and precious promises which ensure to the

world a new dispensation in which all these things will be

restored, and the Church of the Saints grow, flourish and triumph

in the earth.

"I must now close by blessing this people who have opened their

hearts to listen with such attention. May the blessings of the Lord

Jesus Christ and his spirit rest upon you, that you may receive and

know the truth. Amen."

As I finished speaking the unanimous voice was for another

meeting, which was finally given out for the next evening.

Evening came again. Crowds assembled.

I then went into detail with a chain of prophecy, beginning with

Moses and the prophets, and ending with John's revelation; showing

that the latter-day glory was to be ushered in by a new

dispensation revealed from heaven; by the ministration of angels,

and sustained by the marvelous power and gifts of God; till it

resulted in the overthrow of all mystery, darkness, ignorance and

corruption, and the ushering in of the universal reign of peace and

truth.

This prophetic review occupied some two or three hours more. I

then closed by saying that had I time I would give them the details

of the commencement of this restoration by a new dispensation

revealed from the heavens by the angels of God, and in exact and

detailed fulfillment of some of the prophecies which I had been

reviewing. All cried out for another meeting, which was appointed

for the next night.

In the third evening I related the visions, manifestations and

many of the details of the organization and movements of the Church

of the Saints.

The truth was now plainly before this people, who had been in so

wonderful a manner prepared for its reception, as predicted by

brother Kimball on my head before leaving home. The man of the

house now rejected me, and the meeting of seekers after truth left

his house, and came and were baptized and held their meetings at

the house of the widow Walton, who had received me, and who was now

baptized with all her household, who were of sufficient age to

receive the gospel.

John Taylor and his wife, whose house I first entered in

Toronto, are also baptized. He soon became an assistant in the

ministry. This is that same John Taylor who is now one of the

Twelve Apostles.

The work soon spread into the country and enlarged its

operations in all that region; many were gathered into the Church,

and were filled with faith and love, and with the Holy Spirit, and

the Lord confirmed the Word with signs following. My first visit to

the country was about nine miles from Toronto, among a settlement

of farmers, by one of whom I had sent an appointment beforehand.

John Taylor accompanied me--this was before he was baptized--we

rode on horseback. We called at a Mr. Joseph Fielding's, an

acquaintance and friend of Mr. Taylor's. This man had two sisters,

young ladies, who seeing us coming ran from their house to one of

the neighboring houses, lest they should give welcome, or give

countenance to "_Mormonism_." Mr. Fielding stayed, and as we

entered the house he said he was sorry we had come, he had opposed

our holding meeting in the neighborhood; and, so great was the

prejudice, that the Methodist meeting house was closed against us,

and the minister refused, on Sunday, to give out the appointment

sent by the farmer.

"Ah!" said I, "why do they oppose Mormonism?" I don't know, said

he, "but the name has such a contemptible sound; and, another

thing, we do not want a new revelation, or a new religion contrary

to the Bible." "Oh!" said I, "if that is all we shall soon remove

your prejudices. Come, call home your sisters, and let's have some

supper. Did you say the appointment was not given out?" "I said,

sir, that it was not given out in the meeting house, nor by the

minister; but the farmer by whom you sent it agreed to have it at

his house." "Come then, send for your sisters, we will take supper

with you, and all go over to meeting together. If you and your

sisters will agree to this, I will agree to preach the old Bible

gospel, and leave out all new revelations which are opposed to it."

The honest man consented. The young ladies came home, got us a

good supper, and all went to meeting. The house was crowded; I

preached, and the people wished to hear more. The meeting house was

opened for further meetings, and in a few days we baptized brother

Joseph Fielding and his two amiable and intelligent sisters, for

such they proved to be in an eminent degree. We also baptized many

others in that neighborhood, and organized a branch of the Church,

for the people there drank in truth as water, and loved it as they

loved life.

After ministering in and about Toronto for about two months I

found it necessary to return home, as some of my debts were

pressing, and we needed a supply of our printed works to circulate

among the people. I accordingly gave out word, in a meeting in

Toronto one Sun day evening, that I should take boat for home next

morning. Now all this time I had asked no man for money, nor had I

explained my circumstances. However, on shaking hands at the close

of the next meeting, several bank bills were secretly shaken into my

hands, amounting in all to several hundred dollars--including

subscriptions for books, periodicals, etc. I thanked the Lord God

of Israel for the fulfillment of the first instalment of brother

Kimball's prophecy, and went on my way rejoicing. On my arrival in

Kirtland I was enabled to meet my most urgent debts, and to get

time on the remainder.

I found my wife had been healed of her seven years' illness from

the time Brother Kimball had ministered unto her, and I began to

realize more fully that every word of his blessing and prophecy

upon my head would surely come to pass. After a pleasant visit with

the Saints, I took my wife with me and returned again to Toronto,

in June, 1836.

The work I had commenced was still spreading its influence, and

the Saints were still increasing in faith and love, in joy and in

good works. There were visions, prophesyings, speaking in tongues

and healings, as well as the casting out of devils and unclean

spirits. One remarkable circumstance, among many, I will relate in

detail:

There was living within a short day's journey of Toronto, in a

certain neighborhood where I ministered every two weeks (for the

circuit of my labors had now so much enlarged that I had to travel

continually from branch to branch and neighborhood to neighborhood),

a man named Lamphere, who was noted for being the most irreligious

man in all the country; he and the family were hardly ever known to

attend a religious meeting; they would work on the Sabbath, and swear,

curse, etc. This man and his family were so wrought upon by the power

of truth that he opened his house for stated meetings, which I held

there regularly every two weeks. He and the family always entertained

me with every kindness and every demonstration of hospitality in their

power. The people of the neighborhood always turned out to hear, and

seemed to receive the Word with faith and joy, but as yet none of them

had been baptized, or joined the Church of the Saints. All noticed the

change in the Lamphere family, and all rejoiced, and even marvelled at

so sudden a reformation in a family so gospel hardened, as they called

it, though in truth none of them had ever heard the gospel in its power

and fullness till my visits commenced there.

Now there was living in that neighborhood a young man and his

wife, named Whitney; he was a blacksmith by trade; their residence

was perhaps a mile or more from this Lamphere's, where I held my

semi-monthly meetings. His wife was taken down very suddenly about

that time with a strange affliction. She would be prostrated by

some power invisible to those about her, and, in an agony of

distress indescribable, she would be drawn and twisted in every

limb and joint, and would almost, in fact, be pulled out of joint.

Sometimes, when thrown on to the bed, and while four or five stout

men were endeavoring to hold her, she would be so drawn out of all

shape as to only touch the bed with her heels and the back part of

her head. She would be bruised, cramped and pinched, while she

would groan, scream, froth at the mouth, etc. She often cried out

that she could see two devils in human form, who were thus

operating upon her, and that she could hear them talk; but, as the

bystanders could not see them, but only see the effects, they did

not know what to think or how to understand.

She would have one of these spells once in about twenty-four

hours, and when a period of these spells were over she would lie in

bed so lame, and bruised, and sore, and helpless that she could not

rise alone, or even sit up, for some weeks. All this time she had

to have watchers both night and day, and sometimes four and five at

a time, insomuch that the neighbors were worn out and weary with

watching. Mr. Whitney sent for me two or three times, or left word

for me to call next time I visited the neighborhood. This, however,

I had neglected to do, owing to the extreme pressure of labors upon

me in so large a circuit of meetings--indeed, I had not a moment to

spare. At last, as I came round on the circuit again, the woman,

who had often requested to see the man of God, that he might

minister to her relief, declared she would see him anyhow, for she

knew she could be healed if she could but get sight of him. In her

agony she sprang from her bed, cleared herself from her frightened

husband and others, who were trying to hold her, and ran for Mr.

Lamphere's, where I was then holding meeting. At first, to use her

own words, she felt very weak, and nearly fainted, but her strength

came to her, and increased at every step till she reached the

meeting. Her friends were all astonished, and in alarm, lest she

should die in the attempt, tried to pursue her, and they several

times laid hold of her and tried to force or persuade her back.

"No," said she, "let me see the man of God; I can but die, and I

cannot endure such affliction any longer." On she came, until at

last they gave up and said, "Let her go, perhaps it will be

according to her faith." So she came, and when the thing was

explained the eyes of the whole multitude were upon her. I ceased

to preach, and, stepping to her in the presence of the whole

meeting, I laid my hands upon her and said, "Sister, be of good

cheer, thy sins are forgiven, thy faith hath made thee whole; and,

in the name of Jesus Christ, I rebuke the devils and unclean

spirits, and command them to trouble thee no more." She returned

home well, went about her housekeeping, and remained well from that

time forth.

Her neighbors watched to see if the trouble would return upon

her, but, after a few days they gave up all their fears, and gave

glory to God, saying that the ancient gospel had truly been

restored.

About seven miles from this place lived a merchant by the name

of Lamareux, who was a man of extended thought and general

information; he sometimes preached or lectured to the people. This

man, on hearing the strange reports of what was going on, sent for

me. I visited him on a day appointed; he had shut up his store,

suspended all business, dressed in his best, and prepared a dinner,

while at the same time a general meeting of the people was

convening in his large barn. He received us cordially, and after

dinner accompanied us to the barn, where there was, indeed, a crowd

of some hundreds of anxious listeners. We preached; after which the

old merchant exclaimed to the meeting, that if this was Mormonism

he was a Mormon.

He pressed us to tarry a few days, or rather go with him, to

which we consented. So, next morning he furnished a horse and

saddle for himself, and another for me. We mounted--he leading the

way. We travelled through a fine settled country of villages and

farms, where I had never been before, and where they were strangers

to "Mormonism" and to me, but well acquainted with him.

As we went, he preached, saying to every man he met, and even

crying aloud to those at a distance, and as we halted in each

little village:

"Hear ye, my friends, the kingdom of Heaven is restored again to

man, with the gospel in its ancient fullness and power. Turn out

and hear this stranger who is with me, and do not gainsay him, for

I testify to you that the sick are healed, the eyes of the blind

are opened, and devils are cast out under his hand in the name of

Jesus. And if you do not believe it we can give you names and

particulars, and prove it by scores and hundreds of witnesses."

The more I tried to keep him still the more he proclaimed these

things.

Leaving a chain of appointments, we travelled as far as

Scarborough, and, preaching there, we returned the next day and

filled the chain of appointments given out the day before. The

excitement now became general, and a very learned clergyman, a Mr.

Browning, of the Presbyterian order--announced himself as the

people's chosen champion to meet us in public debate and put us

down, or receive our doctrine, according as truth might appear on

investigation.

A public discussion was at last agreed upon, to be held a few

weeks thence in the open air, as no building would hold the people.

The preliminaries were as follows:

The Bible to be recognized as a standard of truth.

We were to have the opening speech, in which we were to set

forth our principles; when the reverend gentleman was to have a

certain length of time to reply, and so on alternately.

The meeting at length came off. Thousands attended, and listened

with patience. Elder Orson Hyde, who had now arrived from the

States to my assistance, took up the matter, as I was unavoidably

engaged elsewhere. A large platform had been erected for the

speakers, and while Elder Hyde sat almost alone before that vast

assemblage, the reverend gentleman had five or six other clergymen

beside him as helps.

In the opening speech Elder Hyde laid down the following

principles, viz:

A true Church of Christ is composed of apostles, prophets,

elders, teachers and members, who have been baptized (immersed) in

the name of Jesus Christ, and who have received his spirit by the

laying on of hands of his apostles, or authorized servants.

A true Church of Christ believed in visions, angels, spirits,

prophesyings, revelations, healings and miracles of every kind, as

described in the New Testament.

Any creed or religious body differing from this New Testament

pattern could not be considered the Church of Christ, however

sincere they might be.

Having laid down these premises, he demanded of his opponent a

positive admission or denial of the premises, before he would allow

himself to be drawn to a second question or point of debate. This

took his opponents all aback; they had sense enough to see that if

they affirmed these premises there was an end of Presbyterianism,

and all other sectarian forms which have set aside these powers. On

the other hand, if they denied the premises laid down by Elder H.,

it would be denying the Bible standard, by which both parties

agreed to abide. For these reasons the party of the opposition

utterly refused to either affirm or deny. Attempts were made in

every possible form to draw Elder H. to other points of debate; but

all in vain. Slanderous reports from the press, pamphlets and

newspaper abuse, were offered in abundance; but were not suffered

to be introduced into the discussion, because both parties had

agreed to abide by the Bible as a standard. Thus, after a few hours

of shuffling and trickery on the part of the opposition, and a few

vain attempts to introduce the poisonous slanders which so often

prevail in blinding the public mind, they were utterly silenced.

Elder Hyde then proceeded to address the vast assemblage at

considerable length, congratulating them on the triumph of truth,

and exhorting them to obey the gospel, and thus avail themselves of

its blessings, after which the discussion closed; but the truth

grew and prevailed.

CHAPTER XIX.

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

A Vision:--Remarkable Signs in the

Heavens:--A False Prophet:--A Dream:--Impression:--

Prayer:--Interpretation Given in a Second Dream:--Attend

Mr. Caird's Meeting:--He Shows Himself to be a Railer and

a Liar:--We Challenge Him to an Investigation:--He Visits

Toronto:--We Return There:--Continues His Opposition:--

Refusing to Meet Us:--Great Meetings:--Excitement:--

Text:--Summary of the Discourse Proving Him a False

Teacher:--He Retires to Private Life:--Return to Kirtland:--

Birth of My First Born.

In July, 1836, while lodging at the house of brother Joseph

Fielding, the voice of the Lord came unto me in a dream, saying:

"_Parley_!" And I answered: "Here am I;" for I was in a vision

of the Spirit and knew that it was the Lord who spake unto

me. And he said: "When did I ever reveal anything unto you in a

dream and it failed to come to pass?" And I answered: "Never,

Lord." "Well, then," He continued, "go unto the people and cry unto

them with a mighty voice that they repent, lest I smite them with a

curse and they die; for, notwithstanding the present fruitfulness

of the earth, there shall be a famine in the land; and not only a

famine for bread, but a famine for the Word of the Lord; for I will

call my servants out from their midst and send them to the nations

afar off."

Having heard these words I took courage, and I continued to lift

up my voice in the congregations, both in town and country,

testifying of the gospel and warning the people of things to come.

Many repented and were baptized, while many hardened their hearts

and were filled with a contentious and lying spirit. But the Saints

were filled with faith, joy, and love; and they met together oft,

and had great union and peace, and were happy in the society of

each other.

In the autumn of the same year--I think in September--I had preached

on Sunday in the chapel, on the subject of the coming of the Son of

Man and the signs which would precede his coming. I prophesied that

they would see signs in the heavens very soon, such as were spoken of

by Jesus Christ in the New Testament; and that when they should begin

to see them they might know for themselves that His coming was nigh at

hand.

After thus preaching I returned in the evening to the house of brother

and sisters Fielding, at the hour of 9 p.m.; we sat up for an hour or

two conversing on these important things and rejoicing, when, on going

out at the door and looking abroad, we beheld a most wonderful scene

in the heavens, and, as it continued for some time, we finally went to

some of the nearest neighbors and called them out to behold it.

A wave of white light extended like a rainbow from east to west

over the entire horizon, a little south of the meridian. It was in

appearance about twenty feet wide, and seemed agitated in its motions

like a wave of the sea; at length it removed like the motions of a

great swell of the sea towards the south and disappeared; when lo!

another similar light appeared immediately in the place of the former,

and, after remaining stationary with agitated motions for some time,

it rolled away to the south and disappeared like the former, and was

replaced by a third. Thus the same scene was renewed and continued for

hours. We finally all retired to rest, while it yet continued to be

exhibited.

After spending the season in continued labors, and organizing

the Church in many places, I was about to return in October to

Kirtland, Ohio, to my home. Now, there was a man named Caird, who,

previous to my visit to Canada, had been over from England as a

preacher, who pretended to be sent of God by revelation. He had

preached many things, and told the people that God had raised up

apostles in England, and organized the true church, and was sending

preachers from thence into all the world, to prepare the way for

the coming of the Son of Man. This man held to the sprinkling of

infants, which he called baptism. He also held that the church of

which he was a representative and messenger, included the national

Church of England; and all others who had been baptized

(sprinkled), whether Catholic or Protestant. This great, universal

church was the true church, only needing the restoration of

apostles and gifts which had now commenced to be restored.

This man had great influence in Canada on his former visit, and

he had long been looked for to return to Toronto on his second

visit. The people were all expectation, and very anxious that he

should arrive in time to meet me before I should return home; for

many persons greatly wondered that there should arise about the

same time one church in America and another in England, both

professing apostolic power and universal jurisdiction. Some of

those who had heard both of us, tried to think that both systems

were one and would run together. Others said they would wait and

see which serpent swallowed the other before they would join

either. Some affirmed that Mr. Caird would never shrink from the

investigation of anything, therefore, he must embrace "_Mormonism

_;" for it has only to be investigated to be appreciated.

Others equally affirmed that Mr. Pratt never shrank from

investigation, and, therefore, they must meet each other; must come

to an understanding; must become one, or else one of their systems

must be shown to be very erroneous; for these men have neither of

them ever found his master in any of the sects here in Canada at

any rate. Such is a specimen of the sayings and feelings of an

excited public, in view of the meeting of two such men. On my own

part, although I knew his system was erroneous and not founded in

truth, yet I had formed a very favorable opinion of the man, and

had made up my mind to meet a fearless champion who would not

shrink one moment from a full and free investigation. Believing

this, I felt in high hopes that he would be an instrument in the

hands of God to receive and spread the truth.

This man still lingered at Kingston, two hundred miles distant,

and did not come up to Toronto as expected. To satisfy the anxiety

of the people, I at length proposed in our meeting one Sabbath,

that I would take steamer the next morning and go down to Kingston,

and see this strange man.

That same night I had a dream, as follows: I thought I was in a

vast wilderness of wild beasts of every description, among which

was a species of elephant so large that its trunk reached nearly to

the tops of the tall trees, and when he walked the earth trembled;

the beasts of the field fled from before him, and the trees were

swayed on either side of him as slender reeds. At this I was

afraid, and I wafted myself up by the power of the Spirit, and sat

in the top of a tall tree. As he approached, I reflected as

follows: Why should such a man as I fear? I have any amount of

power given me of God, I will, therefore, descend to earth before

him; for he can never harm me. I accordingly descended. He

considered this a defiance on my part, so he boasted that I had no

power, and that I could not stand before him.

At this I put forth my hand and caught him by the trunk, and

lifting him from the ground by the power of the Spirit, I dashed

him to the ground a number of times; at this he seemed to dwindle

down to about the size of a suckling calf, and finally turned into

a serpent and swelled out to the length of about a hundred feet,

and half the size of a man's body. He then spoke great swelling

words in defiance of my power; said it was not the power of God,

but only the power of a man; and he continued to mock and defy me,

saying, "If you have the great power of God, why do you not pull me

in pieces?"

At this I saw a great white stone, smooth and round at the top,

in the shape of the half of an egg, and about six feet in diameter.

The serpent coiled himself around this stone, and professed to be

fastened to it. And he said: "Now I will remain fast to this rock,

and give you a fair chance to pull me to pieces." I answered, "you

are not fastened to the rock, but will slip from it the moment I

pull." "Nay," said he, "try me, and see." I laid hold of him, and

the same power came on me as before, but as I began to pull he

slipped from the rock. I then tried to fasten him to some weeds or

some rubbish which was near, but the moment I pulled he would slip

from them; I could not, therefore, fasten him to anything. I said

to him, "you will not remain fastened to anything; how then can I

pull you to pieces?"

Being a little at loss to know what to do, I turned to Elder

Orson Hyde, who seemed to stand by, and said, "Brother Orson, see

those wide jaws and that small neck; it is an excellent hold; seize

him by the neck and hold him fast, and, in the name of Jesus, I

will give an almighty pull." He did so, and I pulled; the serpent

then dwindled down to the size of a small snake half a yard in

length, and crawled off and hid among the grass.

I awoke under the strong impression that the great beast and the

serpent represented Mr. Caird; and that the rock was the true

gospel, to which he pretended to be fast. This impression was so

different from the opinion I had formed of the man, that I felt

greatly disappointed. I was not willing to believe the vision; I

exclaimed in the bitterness of sorrow and disappointment: "Is it

possible that this is Mr. Caird, so beloved, so revered as a great

and good man?" I hardly dare believe it. "O Lord, if this vision is

of thee and its application, please show me the interpretation of

it in plainness, that I may not err." I immediately fell asleep

again and dreamed as follows:

I thought I took a steamer and arrived in Kingston at early

dawn. I thought I took up one of the principal streets, directly

northward from the water, and put up at a house of entertainment. I

then inquired for Mr. Caird, and was told that he was in the same

street near to me. I saw him, and tried to tell him of the glorious

fullness of the gospel. He immediately rejected, and refused to

hear me, and commenced to speak reproachfully of me and the cause.

I replied to him in the language of the New Testament: "Doth our

law judge a man before it hear him?" He answered with a sneer: "I

am perfectly willing to judge Mormonism without hearing it; I would

not break my shins to hear it anyhow." I awoke a second time,

feeling satisfied in regard to Mr. Caird.

I arose next morning and told the people that I now knew Mr.

Caird; that he was false, and would bitterly and utterly refuse to

investigate or hear the truth. I told them I had no desire to go to

see him, for the Lord had shown him to me in a dream, and I knew

more about him than all of them. This, however, they could not

realize; they assured me that he was no such man; and, as they had

found me the means to go and see him, and had chosen a man to go

with me, they rather insisted on my going. "Well," said I, "I will

go, but you will find the matter just as I tell you." So I went,

accompanied by a Mr. Goodson.

We landed in Kingston at early dawn, went up the street as I had

dreamed, took lodgings, and then inquired for Mr. Caird, and was

answered that he was near us on the same street. I wrote him a line

seeking an interview. No answer was returned. We waited all day,

and then attended his meeting at evening. He preached well, and

showed great intelligence. I could detect nothing to condemn. As he

was about closing, I prayed the Lord to cause him to show himself,

that I might discern his spirit. On a sudden he broke off from his

subject, and commenced railing against Mormonism at a most horrible

rate. He said he had that day received a line from one of these

impostors, calling him brother, and professing to be of the new

church, which had been lately organized in England by the spirit of

revelation; "by this false profession," he said, "they had deceived

some of his friends in Toronto." Now all these things were lies.

I arose in the meeting and asked to speak, but did not obtain

privilege. I, however, told the people that Mr. Caird had lied; he

had received no line from an Elder of the Church of the Saints

calling him brother, or professing to be of his new church,

organized in England; I defied him to produce such a line. All the

answer the multitude returned to this was to hiss, and to cry,

"Gold Bible! Gold Bible!--New Revelation!" etc.

Next morning we published a printed handbill with a statement of

his lying, a copy of the line I had really sent to him, and a

statement of our doctrine as Latter-day Saints. This we circulated

freely in his next meeting, challenging him to refute the charge,

or to meet us in debate.

We could draw no answer from him. We circulated the handbills in

the streets by hundreds, and then sent plenty of them by mail to

our friends in Toronto. The bill was headed: "_Doth our law

judge a man before it hear him?_" Our friends in Toronto were

astonished above measure at the confirmation of the dream, in which

God by his servant had revealed a man's spirit, and clearly exposed

the heart of a wicked man whom his best acquaintances were unable

to discern. Mr. Caird, on being exposed at Kingston, fled to

Toronto, and there commenced preaching to crowds in the Court

House; but there the news boys met him in the face, and circulated

the handbills which we had sent, showing him to be a liar, and he

utterly unable to refute or gainsay it. He threatened persecution;

but the boys, nothing daunted, continued to offer the bills gratis

in his face to those who went in to hear.

We returned to Toronto, and his old friends urged him to meet

me; but he could not be prevailed on to do so, although his

discourses were full of opposition, and misrepresentation of the

principles of the Saints. I now applied to Wm. Lyon McKenzie, a

printer and editor, in King street, for some large public halls or

rooms of his, which would hold hundreds of people. He gave us the

use of them, and we put out a bill, advertising two meetings, and

pledging to the public that we would prove to a demonstration that

Mr. Caird, who was now preaching in this city, was a false teacher,

whom God had never sent, and that no believer in the Bible, who

listened with attention, should go away unconvinced of that fact,

or the truth of the doctrine of the Church of Jesus Christ of

Latter-day Saints. In the handbill Mr. Caird was again invited to

attend.

Long before the hour of the first appointment had arrived the

house as thronged to that degree that ten dollars was in vain urged

upon any one who would vacate their seat, even on the stairs which

led to the hall. I took for a text the saying of the Apostle John:

"Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of

Christ, the same hath not God." I then reviewed the doctrine of

Christ and of His Apostles, in detail, showing what were the

ordinances, gifts, powers, precepts, promises, and commandments of

Jesus Christ, as contrasted with the public teachings and doings of

this man, Caird.

The people were astonished at the review and contrast, and were

apparently all satisfied that we had fulfilled the pledge to a

demonstration. The next evening the house was as crowded as the

first; all listened with profound attention. We opened the

Scriptures of the prophets, and many were enlightened. In these two

meetings Elder Hyde was present, and presided as chairman. Thus was

fulfilled to the letter this strange and wonderful double dream.

And thus the truth prevailed over the counterfeit, while the

people's minds were settled as to which was the Moses and which was

the magician.

Mr. Caird retired from the country, returned home to Scotland,

where I found him ten years afterwards living in private life and

of no notoriety.

The truth had now triumphed in Canada, as was predicted on my

head on starting from Kirtland, Ohio. Several branches of the

Church had been organized, and Elders had been ordained to take

care of the flocks and to continue the work. I took an affectionate

leave of my friends in that country, and, with my wife, returned

home. Where I had labored, the Lord had opened the hearts of the

Saints sufficiently to pay up my debts, as had been predicted; and

at the turn of the season, less than a twelvemonth from the date of

brother Kimball's prophecy, my wife bore me a son, and we called

his name Parley. He was born early in the morning of March 25th,

1837.

CHAPTER XX.

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

Two Items of Prophecy:--Death of my Wife:

An Open Vision Forewarning Her of Her Death:--Burial:

Description of Her Person and Character:--Reflections:

Return to Canada:--Selection for an English Mission

Jarrings in the Church:--Apostacy:--Temptation:--

Deliverance:--Mission to New York City:--The Voice of

Warning:--Its Success:--English Mission:--Remarkable

Prophecy:--Several Instances of Healing:--Spread of the

Work in the City and Country.

There were but two points in this extraordinary prophecy which

now remained unfulfilled. One of these was that from the results of

this Canada Mission the work should spread into England, and a

great work there would be the consequence. The other was that I

should eventually be so rich and have so much money that I would

loath the counting thereof.

My dear wife had now lived to accomplish her destiny; and when

the child was dressed, and she had looked upon it and embraced it,

she ceased to live in the flesh. Her death happened about three

hours after birth of this child of promise. A few days previous to

her death she had a vision in open day while sitting in her room.

She was overwhelmed or immersed in a pillar of fire, which seemed

to fill the whole room as if it would consume it and all things

therein; and the Spirit whispered to her mind, saying: "Thou art

baptized with fire and the Holy Ghost." It also intimated to her

that she should have the privilege of departing from this world of

sorrow and pain, and of going to the Paradise of rest as soon as

she had fulfilled the prophecy in relation to the promised son.

This vision was repeated on the next day at the same hour,

viz:--twelve o'clock. She was overwhelmed with a joy and peace

indescribable, and seemed changed in her whole nature from that

time forth. She longed to be gone, and anticipated the time as a

hireling counts the days of his servitude, or the prisoner the term

of his imprisonment.

She was buried in the churchyard near the Temple in Kirtland,

Many hundreds attended the funeral and wept sorely, for she was

extensively known. Her trials, for the gospel's sake, while her

husband had been absent from time to time on distant missions, her

lingering sickness of years, her barrenness, her miraculous cure,

her conception of the promised child, were all matters of note in

the Church far and near. But she had gone behind the veil to rest,

where the wicked cease from troubling and the weary are at rest;

while I was left to toil and struggle alone. My grief, and sorrow,

and loneliness I shall not attempt to describe.

My son was put to nurse on the breast of a sister Allen, who had

just then lost an infant. For the satisfaction of our posterity I

will here attempt some description of my wife's person and

qualities.

She was tall, of a slender frame, her face of an oval form, eyes

large and of a dark color, her forehead lofty, clear complexion,

hair black, smooth and glossy. She was of a mild and affectionate

disposition and full of energy, perseverance, industry and

cheerfulness when not borne down with sickness. In order, neatness

and refinement of taste and habit she might be said to excel. She

was an affectionate and dutiful wife, an exemplary Saint, and,

through much tribulation, she has gone to the world of spirits to

meet a glorious resurrection and an immortal crown and kingdom.

Farewell, my dear Thankful, thou wife of my youth, and mother of

my first born; the beginning of my strength--farewell. Yet a few

more lingering years of sorrow, pain and toil, and I shall be with

thee, and clasp thee to my bosom, and thou shalt sit down on my

throne, as a queen and priestess unto thy lord, arrayed in white

robes of dazzling splendor and decked with precious stones and

gold, while thy queen sisters shall minister before thee and bless

thee, and thy sons and daughters innumerable shall call thee

blessed, and hold thy name in everlasting remembrance.

In the spring of 1837, soon after the death of my wife, I

returned to Canada, to visit the Saints, and to confer on the

subject of a mission to England. Several of the Saints in Canada

were English, who had friends in England. Letters had already been

sent to them with information of the rise of the Church, and of its

principles. Several of the Canadian Elders felt a desire to go on a

mission to their friends in that country.

At length, Joseph Fielding, Isaac Russell, John Goodson and John

Snider, of the Canada Elders, were selected for a mission to

England. Elders H. C. Kimball and Orson Hyde, of the quorum of the

Twelve, were selected to go at the head of the mission, and Elder

Willard Richards was appointed to accompany them.

About this time, after I had returned from Canada, there were

jarrings and discords in the Church at Kirtland, and many fell away

and became enemies and apostates. There were also envyings, lyings,

strifes and divisions, which caused much trouble and sorrow. By

such spirits I was also accused, misrepresented and abused. And at

one time, I also was overcome by the same spirit in a great

measure, and it seemed as if the very powers of darkness which war

against the Saints were let loose upon me. But the Lord knew my

faith, my zeal, my integrity of purpose, and he gave me the

victory.

I went to brother Joseph Smith in tears, and, with a broken

heart and contrite spirit, confessed wherein I had erred in spirit,

murmured, or done or said amiss. He frankly forgave me, prayed for

me and blessed me. Thus, by experience, I learned more fully to

discern and to contrast the two spirits, and to resist the one and

cleave to the other. And, being tempted in all points, even as

others, I learned how to bear with, and excuse, and succor those

who are tempted.

Late in July I arrived in the City of New York, on a mission,

took lodgings, and commenced to preach and write. My first

production in that city was a book of upwards of two hundred pages,

entitled the "Voice of Warning." The first edition of this work

consisted of four thousand copies; it has since been published and

re-published in America and Europe, till some forty or fifty

thousand copies have not been sufficient to supply the demand.

Thousands date their conversion to the fullness of the gospel to

the reading of that book.

While I was thus engaged, the English mission, under brothers

Kimball and Hyde, began to prosper exceedingly. It first commenced

in Preston, where some of the friends of the Canada Elders had

already had some information of it by letters from Canada. From

this beginning it spread, till now, 1854, it shows for itself

whether brother Kimball's prophecy was fulfilled, which said to me

the year before, that a great work should be done in Canada under

my hand, and that from thence it should spread into England, and a

great work should be done there.

Thus is completed, all but one item, a chain of prophecy, which

may, perhaps, be set down as one among the most extraordinary in

the annals of history. It is extraordinary, whether we look at the

varied scenery, the wide and complicated field of action, the

clearness and precision of its numerous items and specifications,

the lack of natural probability of its fulfillment, or the

precision and exactness with which it was progressively fulfilled

in every item. Having thus proved the merits of brother Kimball as

a prophet, I look for the time when I shall possess great riches,

and even handle money till the counting thereof will be a burthen.

I look for this with all the certainty with which any person can

anticipate anything in the future.

But to return to my own narrative. Of all the places in which

the English language is spoken, I found the City of New York to be

the most difficult as to access to the minds or attention of the

people. From July to January we preached, advertised, printed,

published, testified, visited, talked, prayed, and wept in vain. To

all appearance there was no interest or impression on the minds of

the people in regard to the fullness of the gospel. There was one

member of the Church of the Saints living there, whose name was

Elijah Fordham; he was an Elder, and assisted me. We had baptized

about six members, and organized a little branch, who were

accustomed to meet in a small upper room in Goerck street;

sometimes two or three others met with us. We had hired chapels and

advertised, but the people would not hear, and the few who came

went away without being interested. So we had been forced to give

them tip, after spending our money and strength in vain.

We had retired to our private room up stairs with the few

members we had, to hold a last prayer meeting, as I was about

taking leave for New Orleans. We had prayed all round in turn,

when, on a sudden, the room was filled with the Holy Spirit, and so

was each one present. We began to speak in tongues and prophesy.

Many marvelous things were manifested which I cannot write; but the

principal burthen of the prophesyings was concerning New York City,

and our mission there.

The Lord said that He had heard our prayers, beheld our labors,

diligence, and long suffering towards that city; and that He had

seen our tears. Our prayers were heard, and our labors and

sacrifices were accepted. We should tarry in the city, and go not

thence as yet; for the Lord had many people in that city, and He

had now come by the power of His Holy Spirit to gather them into

His fold. His angels should go before us and cooperate with us. His

Holy Spirit should give the people visions and dreams concerning us

and the work of the Lord; and He would make bare his arm to heal

the sick and confirm the Word by signs following; and from that

very day forward we should have plenty of friends, money to pay our

debts with the publishers; means to live, and crowds to hear us.

And there should be more doors open for preaching than we could

fill; crowds, who could not get in, should stand in the streets and

about the entrance to try to hear us; and we should know that the

Almighty could open a door and no man could shut it.

As these things were manifested in power and the demonstration

of the Spirit, we could not doubt them. So we gave up going to New

Orleans, and concluded to stay; but we were almost ready to say in

our hearts, like one of old: "If the Lord should make windows in

Heaven could these things be?"

Now there was in this little meeting a man named David Rogers,

whose heart was touched. He, being a chair-maker, fitted up a large

room, and seated it with the chairs of his ware house, and invited

us to preach in the same. This room was crowded. He then joined

with one of our members, who was a joiner, and rented a small

place, and seated it for a regular place of meeting; this was

generally crowded. In the meantime, a Methodist clergyman came to

hear me, whose name was Cox. He invited me to his house to preach,

near East River; he and household were obedient to the faith, with

many of the members of his society. While preaching, a lady

solicited me to preach in her house in Willett street; for, said

she, "I had a dream of you and of the new Church the other night."

Another lady wished me to preach in her house, in Grand street.

In the meantime I was invited by the Free Thinkers to preach, or

give a course of lectures, in Tammany Hall. In short, it was not

three weeks from the delivery of the prophecies in the upper room

till we had fifteen preaching places in the city, all of which were

filled to overflowing. We preached about eleven times a week,

besides visiting from house to house. We soon commenced baptizing,

and continued doing so almost daily during the winter and spring.

One lady, who had been four years under the doctor's care with a

crippled leg, arose and walked, with her leg instantly restored

whole, even as the other. Her physician was immediately dismissed,

and was very angry, because we had spoiled his patronage. He even

threatened to sue us. Another lady, who had lain in her bed four

years with the dumb palsy, arose and walked. She had not, previous

to our laying hands on her, been able to stir a finger, or a toe,

on her right side for about four years; so said the family, and so

she herself testified. In this case her physician, and also some

religious ministers, who called to see her, glorified God,

acknowledged His hand, and exhorted her to persevere in the faith.

A child of Mr. Wandle Mace, of No. 13 Bedford street, was healed

of brain fever in the last stage, when the doctors had given it

over, and the kindred and neighbors had gathered in to see it die.

I laid my hands on it, in the presence of them all, and it was

healed, and in a few hours took nourishment, and commenced to play

and run about the floor. In the same house, in an upper chamber,

lay a woman, by the name of Dexter, sick, who had not left her

room, nor scarcely her bed, for some six months; she was at the

point of death, and her babe also, who had taken the disease from

her. Her mother, who had the care of her, was present when the

child was healed, and she ran up stairs and told the woman that

there were men below who healed the sick, as in days of old, by the

laying on of hands in the name of Jesus. The woman exclaimed:

"Thank God, then I can be healed." She sent for us, and was from

that hour restored to health, and the child also. She walked about

two miles to the East River and was baptized, and then walked home

again--it being a very wet day with snow and rain, and the

sidewalks about shoe deep in snow and mud. After these three

miracles of healing had been witnessed in that house in Bedford

street, six persons who witnessed them were baptized, viz: Wandle

Mace and wife, Theodore Curtis and wife, and the sick woman and her

mother, before named.

During our stay in New York I made frequent visits to the

country, and to other towns. Branches of the Church were formed at

Sing, and in Jersey, and also in Brooklyn and various other parts

of Long Island. Some members were also baptized in Holiston, Mass.

On May 9th I received the hand of Mary Ann Frost, daughter of

Aaron Frost, of Bethel, Oxford County, Maine, in marriage. She was

the widow of Nathan Stearns, and had one daughter, about four years

of age.

CHAPTER XXI.

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

Remove to Missouri:--National Anniversary at Far West:--Corner Stone

of a Temple:--Insurrections:--Defence:--Attack on De Witt, Carroll

County:--Mob Chaplain:--Surrender and Flight of the Citizens of De

Witt:--Action of the Governor:--General Defence:--Battle of Crooked

River:--Death of Colonel Patten:--Defence Construed into Murder and

Treason:--Muster of State Forces Against the "Mormons," with Orders for

Extermination:--General Lucas, with Four Thousand Men, Menaces Far

West.

In April, 1838, I took leave of New York, and, with a small

colony, emigrated once more to Missouri. We settled in Caldwell

County in May. Here I again commenced anew; built a house and made

a farm. I also devoted much of my time to the ministry; I visited

many different neighborhoods, and was everywhere received with

hospitality, and listened to with interest and attention.

On the 4th of July, 1838, thousands of the citizens who belonged

to the Church of the Saints assembled at the City of Far West, the

county seat of Caldwell, in order to celebrate our nation's birth.

We erected a tall standard, on which was hoisted our national

colors, the stars and stripes, and the bold eagle of American

liberty. Under its waving folds we laid the corner stone of a

Temple of God, and dedicated the land and ourselves and families to

Him who had preserved us in all our troubles. An address was then

delivered by S. Rigdon, in which was portrayed in lively colors the

oppression which we had suffered at the hands of our enemies. We

then and there declared our constitutional rights as American

citizens, and manifested our determination to resist, with our

utmost endeavors from that time forth, all oppression, and to

maintain our rights and our freedom, according to the holy

principles of liberty, as guaranteed to every person by the

Constitution and laws of our country.

This declaration was received with shouts of hosannah to God and

the Lamb, and with many long cheers by the assembled thousands, who

were determined to yield their rights no more, unless compelled by

superior power.

Soon after these things the war clouds began again to lower with

dark and threatening aspect. Those who had combined against the

laws in the adjoining counties, had long watched our increasing

power and prosperity with jealousy, and with greedy and avaricious

eyes. It was a common boast that, as soon as we had completed our

extensive improvements, and made a plentiful crop, they would drive

us from the state, and once more enrich themselves with the spoils.

Accordingly, at an election held in Daviess County, a portion of

these bandits undertook to prevent the members of the Church of the

Saints from voting--forcing them from the poll box, and threatening

to kill whoever should attempt to vote. As some voters were

attacked they defended themselves, knocked down several of their

opponents, gained the victory, and cast in their votes.

This was a pretext for a general rising of the insurrectionists

in all the adjoining counties. They were alarmed for fear the "_

Mormons_," as they called them, should become so formidable as

to maintain their rights and liberties, insomuch that they could no

more drive and plunder them. Public meetings were held in Carroll,

Saline, and other counties; in which resolutions were passed and

published, openly declaring the treasonable and murderous intention

of driving the citizens belonging to the Church from their

counties, and, if possible, from the state.

Resolutions to this effect were published in the journals of

upper Missouri, and this without a single remark of disapprobation.

Nay, more: this murderous gang, when assembled in arms and painted

like Indian warriors, and when openly committing murder, robbery,

house burning, and every crime known to the laws, were denominated

citizens, whites, etc., in most of the journals of the State. While

those who stood firm to the laws of the land, and only defended

themselves, and their homes and country, were denominated "_ Mormons_,"

in contradistinction to the appellation of "_citizens_," "_whites_,"

etc., as if we had been some savage tribe, or some colored race of

foreigners.

In pursuance of the resolutions thus passed and published, a

formidable banditti were soon assembled under arms, to the amount

of several hundred, and rendezvoused in Daviess County. Here they

commenced firing upon our citizens, plundering, and taking

peaceable citizens prisoners. The people of the Church made no

resistance, except to assemble on their own ground for defense.

They also made oath before the District Judge, Austin A. King, to

the above outrages.

One thousand men were then ordered into service, under the

command of Major-General Atchison, and Brigadier-Generals Parks and

Doniphan. These marched to Daviess County and remained in service

thirty days. But, judging from the result, they had no intention of

coming in contact with the mob, but only to make a show of

defending _one_ neighborhood, while the mob were allowed to

attack _another_. The gang now withdrew from Daviess County

and proceeded to De Witt, Carroll County. Here they laid siege for

several days, and subsisted by plunder and robbery, watching every

opportunity to fire upon our citizens.

At this time they had one or more pieces of artillery, in

addition to small arms and ammunition in abundance. A Presbyterian

priest, "_Rev_." Sashel Woods, served as chaplain to the

gang, and said prayers in the camp evening and morning. They

succeeded in killing a number of citizens in and about De Witt. They

also turned a gentleman, named Smith Humphrey, and his wife and

children out of doors, when sick, and setting fire to the house,

burned it to ashes before their eyes. At length they succeeded in

driving every citizen from the place, at the sacrifice of

everything which they could not take with them.

This happened during a cold, stormy time in October; and, as

many of the citizens were sickly, and robbed of shelter and

everything comfortable, they came near perishing. Some of them, in

fact, did perish before they arrived in Caldwell, a distance of

sixty miles. Here the survivors were hospitably taken in by their

brethren. The militia, under General Parks, made some show of

trying to prevent these outrages; but all in vain. At length the

General informed the citizens that his forces were so small, and

many of them so much in favor of the insurrectionists, that it was

useless to look any longer to them for protection.

Several messages were also sent to the Governor, Lilburn W.

Boggs, the old mob-leader, imploring protection. But he was utterly

deaf to everything which called for the protection of the "_

Mormons_," as he called us. But, on the contrary, he harkened

to the insinuations of the mob which were without shadow of

foundation. At one time he called out an army, and put himself at

their head to march against the "_Mormons_." But, as he

approached the upper country with this formidable force of several

thousand men, he was officially notified that the "_Mormons_"

were not in a state of insurrection, but were the victims of

those who were so, and that they needed his help.

His Excellency then disbanded his forces, and returned to

Jefferson City, to await till the mobs should compel the "_

Mormons_" to some act that might be considered illegal, which

would give him some pretext for driving them from the State.

After the evacuation of De Witt, when our citizens were

officially notified that they must protect themselves, and expect

no more protection from any department of the State Government,

they assembled in Far West to the number of one thousand men, or

thereabout, and resolved to defend their rights to the last. A call

was made upon every person who could bear arms to come forward in

defense of our houses, homes, wives and children, and the cause of

our country and our God. In the meantime the bandits, elated with

success and emboldened by the negligence of every department of the

State Government, were increasing in numbers daily. They were

concentrating in Daviess County, with artillery and military

stores, with open threats that they would now drive the citizens

from Daviess and Caldwell Counties.

In their marauding expeditions they took a number of citizens

prisoners. Among these was Mr. Amasa Lyman, a minister of the

gospel, and an excellent citizen of Caldwell County. They kept him

prisoner for a number of days, while his family was in suspense and

knew not his fate. They abused him in various ways, and held

frequent consultations to kill him; but at length he was set at

liberty.

The people of Daviess County assembled several hundred men for

defense. Several parties of the banditti were met, disarmed and

dispersed. A detachment under Colonel D. W. Patten, marched against

their main body with a _posse_ of about one hundred men, met

and dispersed them, with the loss of their artillery and some

military stores. Another party were dispersed and disarmed by the

sheriff of Caldwell County and his _posse_, as they were on

the march through that county to reinforce the banditti of Daviess.

While these transactions were going forward, small parties of

the enemy were busily engaged among the settlements, in plundering

and burning houses; driving women and children from their homes to

perish with hunger and cold, and robbing them of beds, bedding,

furniture, wearing apparel, etc., etc. Hundreds were thus compelled

to flee to the cities and strongholds. Many women and children came

in at the dead hours of the night, and in the midst of dreadful

storms of rain and snow, in which they came near perishing.

While these things were transpiring in Daviess, Caldwell was

threatened from every quarter. Her citizens were driven from her

frontiers, and came pouring into the town of Far West, from day to

day, with women, children, goods, provisions, etc.; in short, with

everything moveable which they had time to bring. Lands and crops

were abandoned to the enemy. The citizens were under arms from day

to day, and a strict military guard was maintained every night. Men

slept in their clothes, with arms by their sides, and ready to

muster at a given signal at any hour of the night.

During this state of alarm guns were fired and the signal drum

beat in the middle of a dark and gloomy night of October. The

citizens came running together with arms in hand. An express had

arrived from the south part of the county, stating that a party of

the enemy were plundering houses, carrying off prisoners, killing

cattle, and ordering families out of their houses, on pain of

having them burned over their heads. A portion of the militia,

under Captain Durphy, went with a deputy sheriff to the scene of

the riot. I was one of the _posse_, the whole consisting of

about sixty men.

This company was soon under way, having to ride through

extensive prairies a distance of some twelve miles. The night was

dark, the distant plains far and wide were illuminated by blazing

fires, immense columns of smoke were seen rising in awful majesty,

as if the world was on fire. This scene of grandeur can only be

comprehended by those acquainted with scenes of prairie burning; as

the fire sweeps over millions of acres of dry grass in the fall

season, and leaves a smooth, black surface divested of all

vegetation.

The thousand meteors, blazing in the distance like the

camp-fires of some war host, threw a fitful gleam of light upon the

distant sky, which many might have mistaken for the Aurora

Borealis. This scene, added to the silence of midnight, the

rumbling sound of the tramping steeds over the hard and dried

surface of the plain, the clanking of swords in their scabbards,

the occasional gleam of bright armor in the flickering firelight,

the gloom of surrounding darkness, and the unknown destiny of the

expedition, or even of the people who sent it forth; all combined

to impress the mind with deep and solemn thoughts, and to throw a

romantic vision over the imagination, which is not often

experienced, except in the poet's dreams, or in the wild imagery of

sleeping fancy.

In this solemn procession we moved on for some two hours, when

it was supposed we were in the neighborhood of danger. We were then

ordered to dismount and leave our horses with a guard. This done,

we proceeded on foot for a mile or two in search of the enemy. We

had not proceeded far when, as we entered the wilderness, we were

suddenly fired upon by an unknown enemy in ambush. One of our

little number fell at the first fire, being mortally wounded; his

name was Obanyon. At a short distance we could now behold the

camp-fires of the enemy. It was now dawn of day in the eastern

horizon, but darkness still hovered over the scenes of conflict.

Orders were issued to form in the brush, and under cover of the

trees, which was instantly done. The fire now became general on

both sides, and the whole wilderness seemed one continued echo of

the report of the deadly rifle. After a few rounds of discharges,

orders were given to charge the enemy in the camp. As we rushed

upon them the strife became deadly, and several fell on both sides.

At this instant a ball pierced the brave Colonel, David Patten, who

was then at my side, and I saw him fall. Being on the eve of

victory, I dared not stop to look after his fate, or that of

others, but rushed into the enemy's camp. This was located on the

immediate banks of Crooked River, which was here several rods wide,

and not fordable. The enemy, being hard pushed, flung themselves

into the stream, and struggled for the other shore. Those who

reached it soon disappeared.

The firing now ceased, and the wilderness resounded with the

watchword, "_God and Liberty_."

Our little band, which had been thrown into some disorder, were

instantly formed, and their pieces reloaded. This done, a

detachment surveyed the field, to look after the wounded. I turned

to Gideon Carter, who was lying on his face, and saw him die. His

face was so marred and disfigured with wounds and blood that I did

not recognize him then, but learned afterwards that we had mistaken

him for one of the enemy, and left him on the ground in mistake. I

next found David Patten, whom, a few minutes previously, I had seen

fall. He could speak, but was lying on his side, pale and almost

dying, a ball having pierced the lower part of his body. Many

others were wounded, and some dangerously.

The enemy had left their horses, saddles, camp and baggage, in

the confusion of the flight. We harnessed some of their horses and

placed them before a wagon, arranged blankets therein, on which we

laid those who were not able to mount a horse; this done, our whole

troop mounted the horses we had taken and formed in front and rear

of the wagon which bore the wounded. We then moved slowly back to

the guard and horses we had left. Here we halted and readjusted the

wounded. It was an awful sight to see them pale and helpless, and

hear their groans. There were about six of our men wounded, and one

left dead on the ground. The enemy suffered a similar loss, besides

their camp, and many of their arms and military stores.

We ascertained from the prisoners whom we rescued, that the enemy

consisted of about sixty marauders, headed by a Methodist preacher,

named Bogart. Our _posse_ who were actually engaged, could not have

been more than fifty. At the commencement of the engagement there were

three of our fellow citizens held as prisoners in their camp; they

had been kidnapped from their peaceful homes the day previous. Two of

these made their escape at the commencement of the engagement; the

third was shot through the body in attempting to run to our lines, but

fortunately recovered.

Having now arranged everything to the best advantage for the

wounded, we made slowly on towards Far West. When we came within

five miles of the city our express had reached there with the news

of the battle, and we were met by a surgeon and others for our

relief. Among those who met us here was the wife of the pale and

dying Patten. Our wounded were now taken into a house, and their

wounds dressed. As Mrs. Patten entered the room, and cast her eyes

upon the pale and ghastly features of her husband, she burst into

tears, exclaiming: "O God! O my husband! How pale you look!"

He was still able to speak, but he died that evening in the

triumphs of faith. The young Obanyon also died about the same time.

The others recovered of their wounds, but one of them named Hendrix

is still a cripple. Patten and Obanyon were buried together, under

military honors; a whole people, as it were, followed them to the

grave. All wept, whose feelings were not too intense to find vent

in tears. He was the only member of the Quorum of the Twelve who

had as yet found a martyr's grave. He was a great and good man, and

one who chose to lay down his life for the cause of truth and

right; for this privilege he had diligently sought and prayed;

"for," said he, "I had rather die than live to see it thus in my

country."

But, to return to the main thread of my narrative: having

conveyed the wounded to their place of hospitality, the _posse

_ hastened to Far West, and delivered the spoils of the enemy

to the colonel of the regiment, who afterwards delivered them to

the higher civil or military authorities of the State.

These several defeats of the insurrectionists in Daviess County,

as well as in Caldwell County, checked for a time their ruinous

ravages. They saw that it was impossible to conquer a people who

were fighting for their homes, their wives and children, as well as

for their country and conscience, unless they could come against

them with some show of authority; for it had become an established

fact that the people of the Saints never resisted authority,

however abused.

The next exertion of the enemy was to spread lies and falsehoods

of the most alarming character. All our acts of defense were

construed into insurrection, treason, murder and plunder. In short,

the public were deceived by bigotry, priestcraft, and a corrupt

press, and made to look upon all our acts of defense precisely as

they would look upon the same acts performed, without cause or

provocation, upon peaceable citizens. Murderous gangs were

construed into peaceable militia in the State service, and to

resist them was, on the part of the Saints, murder, treason and

robbery. And, finally, the whole was treated abroad as the "_

Mormon insurrection_,"--"_Mormon war_," etc.

And, as if this were not enough, parties set fire to their own

houses, or that of their neighbors, and then laid it to the Saints.

Whole neighborhoods were falsely alarmed, or rather really alarmed,

by the doings of these bandits; and in their fright they fled to

more distant places of security, and clamored loudly to the State

authorities for protection from the "_Mormons_," whom they

represented as burning, plundering, and destroying all before them.

While they were simply standing on their own ground and maintaining

the defensive, and this, too, in the last extreme, and not till

they were abandoned by every department of the State Government.

This flame was greatly assisted by several dissenters from the

Church through fear, or for love of power and gain. These

dissenters became even more false, hardened, and bloodthirsty than

those who had never known the way of righteousness. Many of them

joined the enemy, and were the leaders in all manner of lying,

murder and plunder. The Governor and ex-mobber, Lilburn W. Boggs,

who had long sought some opportunity to destroy us, and drive us

from the State, now issued an order for some ten thousand troops to

be mustered into service and marched to the field against the "_

Mormons_." He gave the command of this formidable force to

General Clark, who lived, perhaps, a hundred and fifty miles or

more from the scene of trouble. The order was expressly to

exterminate the "_Mormons_," or drive them from the State.

It said nothing of criminals; it made no allusion to punishing

crime and protecting innocence; it was sufficient to be called a

"_Mormon_." A peaceable family just emigrating, or passing

through the country; a missionary going or coming on his peaceable

errand of mercy; an aged soldier of the American revolution on his

death bed, or leaning on his staff in the chimney corner; a widow

with her babes; the tender wife, or helpless orphan; all were

included in this order of wholesale extermination or banishment. It

was enough that they believed as Mormon did; or that they were

members of the Church of the Saints.

So did the order read, and so it was construed by the officers

and soldiers entrusted with its execution. On the other hand, all

the bandits, murderers, robbers, thieves, and house burners who had

mobbed our people for the five years previous, were now converted

into orderly, loyal, patriotic State militia, and mustered into

service under pay, or suffered to murder people of every age and

sex, and plunder them on their own hook wherever they chose,

provided they were considered "_Mormons_."

While General Clark was mustering his forces for this wholesale

murder and treason, Major General D. Lucas and Brigadier General

Moses Wilson, who were well known as the old leaders of the former

outrages in Jackson County, under this same Boggs--being nearer the

scene of action, and wishing to share the plunder and immortalize

their names--put themselves at the head of all the old mobbers of

Jackson County they could muster, and all those bandits who had

more lately infested the counties of Carroll, Daviess and Caldwell,

and such other militia as they could muster, and marched directly

for the city of Far West, where they arrived while General Clark

and his forces were several days' journey from the scene of action.

The army of Lucas, thus mustered and marched, consisted of some

three or four thousand men.

In the meantime the Governor's orders and these military

movements were kept an entire secret from the citizens of Caldwell

and Daviess, who were suffering all this oppression from lawless

outrages; even the mail was withheld from Far West. We had only

heard that large bodies of armed men were approaching from the

south, and we had sent a hundred and fifty men with a flag of truce

to make inquiries. While they were absent on this mission an alarm

came to town that the whole county to the south was filled with

armed men, who were murdering, plundering, and taking peaceful

citizens prisoners in their own houses. On the receipt of this

intelligence every man flew to arms for the protection of our city.

It was now towards evening, and we had heard nothing from the

reconnoitering company who went south in the morning. While we

stood in our armor, gazing to the south in anxious suspense, we

beheld an army of cavalry with a long train of baggage wagons

advancing over the hills, at two miles distance. At first we

conjectured it might be our little troop with the flag of truce;

but we soon saw that there were thousands of them. Our next thought

was that it might be some friendly troops sent for our protection;

and then again we thought it might be a concentration of all the

bandit forces combined for our destruction.

At all events, there was no time to be lost; for, although our

force then present did not exceed five hundred men, yet we did not

intend that they should enter the town without giving some account

of themselves. We accordingly marched out upon the plains on the

south of the city and formed in order of battle. Our line of

infantry extended near half a mile. A small company of horses was

posted on our right wing on a commanding eminence, and another

small company in the rear of our main body, intended as a kind of

reserve.

By this time the sun was near setting, and the advance of the

unknown army had come within plain view, at less than one mile

distant. On seeing our forces presenting a small but formidable

front, they came to a halt, and formed along the borders of a

stream called Goose Creek.

Both parties sent out a white flag, which met between the

armies. Our messenger demanded to know who they were, and what were

their intentions? The reply was: "We want three persons out of the

city before we massacre the rest!" This was a very alarming and

unexpected answer. But they were soon prevailed on to suspend

hostilities till morning, by which time we were in hopes to receive

some further and more satisfactory information. The enemy, under

the command of Major General D. Lucas, of Jackson County mob

memory, then commenced their encampment for the night. Our troops

continued under arms during the night. The company of a hundred and

fifty soon returned from the south, informing us that they had been

hemmed in by the enemy during the day, and only escaped by their

superior knowledge of the ground.

We also sent an express to Daviess County, and by morning were

reinforced by quite a number of troops, under the command of

Colonel L. White. In the meantime a noted company of banditti,

under the command of Cornelius Gillum, who had long infested our

borders, and been notorious for their murders and daring robberies,

and who painted themselves as Indian warriors, came pouring in from

the West to strengthen the camp of the enemy.

Another company of murderers came in from Carroll County, and

were taken into the ranks of Lucas, after murdering some eighteen

or twenty of our citizens (men, women and children) at Haun's Mill,

of which particulars will be given hereafter. Thus both parties

were considerably reinforced during the night. The citizens of Far

West being determined, if attacked, to defend their homes, wives

and children to the last, spent the night in throwing up a

temporary breastwork of building timber, logs, rails, floor plank,

etc.

In the morning the south side of the city was thus fortified,

and also a considerable portion of the east and west sides--the

whole line extending a mile and a half.

CHAPTER XXII.

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

Exterminating Order:--Betrayal and Imprisonment

of Joseph Smith and Others:--Camp of the Enemy:--The Howlings

of the Damned:--The Enemy Boast of the Highest Crimes:--Secret

Inquisitory Trial of the Prisoners:--Sentence of Death!--How

Reversed:--A Judas:--Surrender of Far West:--Attempt to

Assassinate the Prisoners:--Farewell Scenes:--Captives Removed

to Jackson County:--General Clark Demands the Prisoners:--Refusal

to Surrender them:--Cross the Missouri River:--Visitors:--Preaching

in Camp by President Smith:--Arrive at Independence:--Public

Exhibition of the Prisoners.

October 31, 1838.--In the afternoon we were informed that the

Governor had ordered this force against us, with orders to

exterminate or drive every "_Mormon_" from the State. As

soon as these facts were ascertained we determined not to resist

anything in the shape of authority, however abused. We had now

nothing to do but to submit to be massacred, driven, robbed or

plundered, at the option of our persecutors.

Colonel George M. Hinkle, who was at that time the highest

officer of the militia assembled for the defense of Far West,

waited on Messrs. J. Smith, S. Rigdon, Hyrum Smith, L. Wight,

George Robinson and myself, with a request from General Lucas that

we would repair to his camp, with the assurance that as soon as

peaceable arrangements could be entered into we should be released.

We had no confidence in the word of a murderer and robber, but

there was no alternative but to put our lives into the hands of

such monsters, or to have the city attacked, and men, women and

children massacred. We, therefore, commended ourselves to the Lord,

and voluntarily surrendered as sheep into the hands of wolves. As

we approached the camp of the enemy General Lucas rode out to meet

us with a guard of several hundred men.

The haughty general rode up, and, without speaking to us,

instantly ordered his guard to surround us. They did so very

abruptly, and we were marched into camp surrounded by thousands of

savage looking beings, many of whom were dressed and painted like

Indian warriors. These all set up a constant yell, like so many

bloodhounds let loose upon their prey, as if they had achieved one

of the most miraculous victories that ever graced the annals of the

world. If the vision of the infernal regions could suddenly open to

the mind, with thousands of malicious fiends, all clamoring,

exulting, deriding, blaspheming, mocking, railing, raging and

foaming like a troubled sea, then could some idea be formed of the

hell which we had entered.

In camp we were placed under a strong guard, and were without

shelter during the night, lying on the ground in the open air, in

the midst of a great rain. The guards during the whole night kept

up a constant tirade of mockery, and the most obscene blackguardism

and abuse. They blasphemed God; mocked Jesus Christ; swore the most

dreadful oaths; taunted Brother Joseph and others; demanded

miracles; wanted signs, such as: "Come, Mr. Smith, show us an

angel." "Give us one of your revelations." "Show us a miracle."

"Come, there is one of your brethren here in camp whom we took

prisoner yesterday in his own house, and knocked his brains out

with his own rifle, which we found hanging over his fireplace; he

lays speechless and dying; speak the word and heal him, and then we

will all believe." "Or, if you are apostles or men of God, deliver

yourselves, and then we will be Mormons." Next would be a volley of

oaths and blasphemies; then a tumultuous tirade of lewd boastings

of having defiled virgins and wives by force, etc., much of which I

dare not write; and, indeed, language would fail me to attempt more

than a faint description. Thus passed this dreadful night, and

before morning several other captives were added to our number,

among whom was Brother Amasa Lyman.

We were informed that the general officers held a secret council

during most of the night, which was dignified by the name of court

martial; in which, without a hearing, or, without even being

brought before it, we were all sentenced to be shot. The day and

hour was also appointed for the execution of this sentence, viz.:

next morning at 8 o'clock, in the public square at Far West. Of

this we were informed by Brigadier-General Doniphan, who was one of

the council, but who was so violently opposed to this cool blooded

murder that he assured the council that he would revolt and

withdraw his whole brigade, and march them back to Clay County as

soon as it was light, if they persisted in so dreadful an

undertaking. Said he, "It is cold blooded murder, and I wash my

hands of it." His firm remonstrance, and that of a few others, so

alarmed the haughty murderer and his accomplices that they dare not

put the decree in execution.

Thus, through a merciful providence of God our lives were spared

through that dreadful night. It was the common talk, and even the

boast in the camp, that individuals lay here and there unburied,

where they had shot them down for sport. The females they had

ravished; the plunder they had taken; the houses they had burned;

the horses they had stolen; the fields of grain they had laid

waste, were common topics; and were dwelt on for mere amusement,

or, as if these deeds were a stepstone to office; and it is a fact

that such deeds were so considered.

No pen need undertake to describe our feelings during that

terrible night, while there confined not knowing the fate of our

wives and children, or of our fellow Saints, and seeing no way for

our lives to be saved except by the miraculous power of God. But,

notwithstanding all earthly hopes were gone, still we felt a

calmness indescribable. A secret whispering to our inmost soul

seemed to say: "Peace, my sons, be of good cheer, your work is not

yet done; therefore I will restrain your enemies, that they shall

not have power to take your lives."

While thus confined, Wm. E. McLellin, once my fellow laborer in

the gospel, but now a _Judas_, with hostile weapon in hand

to destroy the Saints, came to me and observed: "Well, Parley, you

have now got where you are certain never to escape; how do you feel

as to the course you have taken in religion?" I answered, "that I

had taken that course which I should take if I had my life to live

over again." He seemed thoughtful for a moment, and then replied:

"Well--I think, if I were you, I should die as I had lived; at any

rate, I see no possibility of escape for you and your friends."