SCRAPS
OF
BIOGRAPHY.
TENTH BOOK OF THE
FAITH-PROMOTING SERIES.
Designed for the Instruction and Encouragement of Young Latter-day
Saints
JUVENILE INSTRUCTOR OFFICE.
Salt Lake City.
1883
Copyright applied for at the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at
Washington, D. C., by A. H. Cannon.
PREFACE.
There is a gradually increasing interest among the young of this people
for reading and study. It is now the ambition of nearly every son and
daughter of the Saints to become well educated. Parents, also, are more
deeply interested in the intellectual growth of the youth. Thus we are
gradually ascending to a higher plane, and our influence is being felt
in a more extended sphere.
The desire, however, to place matter in the hands of the young for
reading and study, should not cause parents to be less careful in
the selection of books. Truth expands the mind and quickens the
understanding, while fiction dulls the perceptions and impairs the
memory. The acquisition of the one is a source of joy to the possessor,
while the constant perusal of the other unfits a person for the study
of that which endures.
That truth is the foundation of all righteousness, and that
righteousness is what we desire, no person among this people will
deny. Hence our anxiety to teach the child from its earliest infancy
the principle of the gospel. In order to assist in this great work of
teaching the gospel principles, we have been led to publish the SERIES
of which this book forms a part. Whether or not our endeavors have met
with any success, we leave for others to say, but we can safely state
that all who have read these little works cannot but realize the fact
that "Truth is stranger than fiction."
That these "SCRAPS OF BIOGRAPHY" may help to instil the great principle
of faith in the minds of the rising generation is the earnest desire of
THE PUBLISHER.
CONTENTS.
SKETCH OF AN ELDER'S LIFE.
CHAPTER I.
Birth and Parentage of Elder John Tanner--Himself and Two Children are
Bitten by a Mad Dog--They are Healed--He Becomes Wealthy--Afflicted
With Unknown Disease--Physicians Fail to Cure Him--"Mormon" Elders
Visit Him--He is Converted--Is Miraculously Healed--Goes to
Kirtland--Freely Gives Money for the Benefit of the Church--His Elder's
Certificate.
CHAPTER II.
Receives Blessings in Temple--Assists With "Kirtland Bank"--Starts
for Missouri--His Daughter Dies--Is Attacked by Mob--Nearly
Murdered--Retained as a Prisoner--Released--Removes to Iowa--Receives
the Prophet's Blessing--Goes to the Rocky Mountains--Loses His Property
by Fire--Thrilling Indian Adventure--At Death's Door--Remarkable
Escape--His Death.
INCIDENTS OF EXPERIENCE.
CHAPTER I.
Account of My Ancestors--My Birth--Remarkable Vision--Its Effect Upon
Those Who Heard of It--My Father and Grand-Father Become Interested
in Reading the Scriptures--My Grand-Father's Prophecy--His Dislocated
Shoulder Replaced by the Power of God--My Grand-Father's Vision and
Death--"Mormon" Elders Visit the Neighborhood--I Go to Hear Them
Preach--Believe Their Doctrines--My Father Opposed to the Elders.
CHAPTER II.
My Covenant With the Lord--My Sister Desires Baptism--My Brother's
Threat--Visit of Hyrum Smith--My Sister Baptized--I Break My
Covenant--My Father's Dream--My Baptism--Exhortation to the
Young--Spiritual Gifts Received--Meeting Disturbed by Mobs--After
Talking to Them They Become Quiet and Leave the Place--Some of the Mob
Join the Church--The Leader of the Mob Dies Suddenly--Mobbings Cease.
CHAPTER III.
Ordained to the Priesthood--Invited to Preach--I Make Up a Sermon on
my Way--Sermon Apparently a Failure to Me--My Hearers Satisfied With
It--Abused by a Baptist Minister--He Desires a Sign--A Sign Promised
and Fulfilled--Blessings Received in the Kirtland Temple--Words of the
Prophet Joseph--Their Fulfilment--An Incident in Missouri--Literal
Fulfillment of a Prediction Uttered by Joseph Smith--His
Patriotism--Strange Phenomenon--Its Effect.
CHAPTER IV.
A Case of Palsy Healed--Its Effect on the People--Mr. Bridge's
Unbelief--The Case of Widow Cade--She is Partially Cured by
Faith--Tempts the Lord and Dies--I am Called on a Mission to
Europe--Terrible Sea-storm--The Prayers of the Elders are Heard and the
Winds Cease--We Arrive Safely in a Badly-Shattered Ship.
CHAPTER V.
I Go to Switzerland--God's Power Manifested in My Behalf--A Prophecy
Fulfilled--Condition of the Swiss Mission--Where Elders were Expelled
Evil Spirits Take Possession--Karl G. Maeser Writes Me a Letter--I
Return it, Thinking it is a Ruse to Entrap Me--I Receive it Again--
Brother Maeser's Faith and Baptism--Elders Partake of Poisoned
Food--Are Restored to Health--My Mission Ends.
NEWEL KNIGHT'S JOURNAL.
CHAPTER I.
My Birth and Parentage--My Father's Business--He Employs Joseph Smith,
Jun.--Character of this Youth--I Start in Business for Myself--My
Health Compels Me to Change Occupation--Joseph Smith, Jun., a Constant
Visitor at My House--He Relates His Experience--His Statements Leave no
Room for Doubt in Me--He is Bitterly Persecuted.
CHAPTER II.
Joseph Smith's Perseverance--Organization of the Church--Joseph
Smith Visits Me--His Own Account of His Visit--He Asks Me to Pray--I
Refuse--I Go to the Woods and Try to Offer up Prayer--Am Attacked by
a Devil--Curious Actions while thus Afflicted--The Prophet Casts the
Devil Out--The Spirit of God Shows Me Glorious Things--This Miracle
Witnessed by Many Persons.
CHAPTER III.
I am Baptized--First Conference of the Church--Remarkable Visions--The
Prophet Visits the Colesville Branch--Holds Meeting--Persecution
Begins--A Presbyterian Preacher Tries to Mislead My Sister-in-law, but
Fails--Baptisms--Mob Gathers--Joseph Arrested by a Constable--Wicked
Men Lie in Ambush for Him--He is Delivered from the Mob by the
Constable--His Unjust Trial--He is Acquitted.
CHAPTER IV.
Joseph's Second Arrest--Cruelty of His Guard--His Trial--I,
with Others, am Called as a witness--Chagrin of Prosecuting
Attorney--Eloquence of Joseph's Lawyers--The Constable Begs Joseph's
Forgiveness for His Cruel Conduct--He Delivers the Prophet from the
Hands of the Mob--The Acquittal--At My House Our Leaders are Again
Persecuted--Their Escape--Names of Our Leading Opponents.
CHAPTER V.
I Visit Joseph at Harmony--Revelation Concerning the Sacrament
--Persecutions at Harmony--The Brethren Visit Me--God Blinds the Eyes
of Their Enemies--The Prophet Moves to Fayette--False Revelation--Bogus
Stone--False Doctrine Overcome--Hyrum Smith Visits Me--I Labor in the
Ministry with Him--My Aunt's Affliction--Remarkable Manifestation of
God's Power.
CHAPTER VI.
Sidney Rigdon's Conversation--Third Conference of the Church--The
Saints Commence to Gather--An Accident--My Aunt's Dream--Its
Fulfillment--Missouri Chosen for a Gathering Place--My Mother's
Wish--Reflections on the Past and Present--Temple Site Located--Labors
Commence--The First Death.
CHAPTER VII.
My Appointment--A Visit from Joseph--According to Joseph's Promise,
My Wife Bears Me a Son--New Revelations--My Aunt Overcome by the Evil
One--She Misleads Many--Her Anguish and Restoration.
CHAPTER VIII.
Mr. Pixley's Bitterness--Our Enemies Make Plans for Our
Overthrow--Their Resolutions--Our Printing Office Destroyed--Brethren
Tarred and Feathered--Our Appeal to the Governor--His Advice--Saints
Driven--Unexpected Engagement--Several Killed and Wounded.
CHAPTER IX.
McCarty's Case--Justice Denied Us--The Sufferings of the Saints--The
Brethren Disarmed--Joseph's Opinion of Governor Boggs--Correspondence
Between the State Officials and Our People--Our Petition to the
Governor.
CHAPTER X.
Court in Jackson County--Officers Awed by a Mob--Zion's Camp--Mob
Meeting--"A Man Stabled"--Campbell's Horrible Fate--God Interposes in
behalf of Zion's Camp--The Cholera--I Go to Kirtland--My Labors There
--Return to Clay County.
CHAPTER XI.
Saints Move to Caldwell County--Persecutions Begin Anew--Captain
Bogart and His Mob--The Battle--Hawn's Mill Massacre--Colonel Hinkle's
Treachery--The Brethren Imprisoned.
CHAPTER XII.
I Move to Commerce--No Safety for the Saints--John C. Bennett's
Wickedness--Threats of the Mob--We Start for the West--Death of the
Author.
SKETCH OF AN ELDER'S LIFE.
CHAPTER I.
BIRTH AND PARENTAGE OF ELDER JOHN TANNER--HIMSELF AND TWO CHILDREN ARE
BITTEN BY A MAD DOG--THEY ARE HEALED--HE BECOMES WEALTHY--AFFLICTED
WITH UNKNOWN DISEASE--PHYSICIANS FAIL TO CURE HIM--"MORMON" ELDERS
VISIT HIM--HE IS CONVERTED--IS MIRACULOUSLY HEALED--GOES TO KIRTLAND--
FREELY GIVES MONEY FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE CHURCH--HIS ELDER'S
CERTIFICATE.
Elder John Tanner, son of Joshua and Thankful Tanner, and grandfather
of Apostle F. M. Lyman, was born August 15th, 1778, in the state
of Rhode Island. At the age of thirteen years his parents moved to
Greenwich, Washington county, New York, where, at the death of his
father, who was a farmer, he took charge of the business and settled
his father's estate. Early in the year of 1800, he married Tabitha
Bently, by whom he had a son, Elisha, born March 23rd, 1801. The mother
died on the 9th of the following month. He afterwards married Lydia
Stewart, by whom he had nine children, eight sons and one daughter.
One evening in 1808, when he returned home from his work, he found that
two of his children had been bitten by his dog, which had gone mad, and
in attempting to confine the dog, he also was bitten on the calf of
the leg. Realizing immediately that he had no time to lose, he grasped
a pair of sheep-shears, and cut out the affected parts and filled the
wound with salt. He thus succeeded in saving his own life; and, with
the aid of a prescription he obtained, was also successful in curing
his children.
In the Spring of 1818, he moved with his large family to North West
Bay, where a son and daughter were born. In 1823 he moved into the town
of Bolton, and here, in 1825, he had another son born, but in May of
that year his wife, Lydia, died. He then married a third wife, Eliza
Benwick, by whom he had four sons.
At this time, notwithstanding all the care, labor and expenditure of
raising his numerous family, he had acquired wealth, and had become a
man of much influence, was extensively known and universally respected.
His name was synonymous with benevolence, honesty and integrity.
In the mysterious dispensations of Providence, a terrible calamity was
appointed him in the form of a painful disease, which, according to the
most consummate human skill, was incurable, and entirely unknown to
the medical faculty. His left leg from the thigh down was covered with
black sores, through which the muscles of the limb, having formed into
hollow tubes, or pipes, projected outward to the surface, out of which,
matter was constantly oozing.
He had employed seven of the most eminent physicians in the country,
but all their efforts were unavailing; the last one, Dr. Black, frankly
told him that he could run up a heavy bill for medical attendance;
"but," said he, "you are beyond the reach of medicine, and I can do you
no good!"
For six months Mr. Tanner had neither let his diseased limb hang down
nor his foot touch the floor, but was obliged to keep the leg in a
right angle with his body, resting it on pillows placed on some object
directly in front of him. And yet, with all his bodily suffering, his
mind was active and his noble, generous heart, ever sympathizing with
his fellow-man, beat with untiring zeal for the welfare of humanity.
Feeling assured that he must soon die, he sought opportunities for
doing good.
He had a vehicle so constructed that he could move himself from place
to place without assistance. In the fore part of September, 1832, a
notice was circulated in the place where he lived, that two Latter-day
Saint Elders would preach on a certain evening, at a place specified,
not far from Mr. Tanner's residence. He hailed the announcement with
delight. It afforded him an opportunity (he thought) of doing an
immense amount of good. He was conversant with the Bible and felt
himself amply qualified to battle with heresy, especially that of the
Latter-day Saints, and by doing so, he could confer lasting benefit on
his fellow-creatures. That was his aim and such his anticipations when
the appointed evening arrived. He seated himself in his locomotive and
wended his way to the meeting, feeling confident that he could silence
the so-called "Mormons," whom he sincerely supposed were imposters; but
long before the two Elders, who were Simeon and Jared Carter, finished
their discourses, a wonderful change had come over the mind of Mr.
Tanner, and when they closed the evening services, he invited them to
his home.
That evening a new era dawned upon his existence. After spending the
evening in earnest conversation, when the clock struck the hour of
eleven, he told the missionaries he was ready to be baptized, but that
it would not be possible for him to receive the ordinance. They asked
him, "Why not?" He said on account of his lameness, as he had not put
his foot to the floor for the last six months, and could not possibly
do it. One of the Elders asked him if he did not think there was power
enough in the gospel of Jesus Christ anciently to heal all manner of
diseases, to which he replied in the affirmative. He was then asked if
he did not think that the same cause produced the same effect in all
ages, and if there was not sufficient power in the gospel to heal him.
Mr. Tanner replied that such a thought had not occurred to him, but he
believed that the Lord could heal him. Elder Jared Carter then arose
and commanded him in the name of Jesus Christ to arise and walk, when,
to use his own expression, "I arose, threw down my crutches, and walked
the floor back and forth--back and forth, praising God, and I felt as
light as a feather."
That same night he walked three-quarters of a mile to Lake George, and
was baptized by Simeon Carter, and walked back, giving thanks to God,
for his complete restoration to health.
As soon as the "Word of Wisdom" was made known to him, he quit the use
of tobacco, tea, coffee and also the use of liquor, and never used them
again during the remainder of his life.
In the Spring of 1834 he fitted out his two sons, John J. and Nathan
and sent them up to Kirtland, where they joined Zion's Camp and went up
to Missouri, with team, wagon and a first class outfit. A little later
in the season he fitted out seven families, and sent them to Kirtland
or to Missouri.
In the Fall of the same year he sold two large farms and two thousand
and two hundred acres of timber land, preparatory to moving to Missouri
in the coming Spring. About the middle of December he received an
impression by dream or vision of the night, that he was needed and must
go immediately to the Church in the West. He told his family of the
instruction he had received and forthwith made preparations for the
start, while his neighbors, with deep regret at what they considered
an insane purpose, tried their utmost to dissuade him; but he knew the
will of God in the present crisis and nothing could deter him from
doing it.
On Christmas day he commenced his journey with all his earthly effects,
and in the dead of Winter traveled the distance of five hundred miles,
to Kirtland where he arrived about the 20th of January, 1835, on the
Sabbath.
On his arrival in Kirtland, he learned that at the time he received the
impression that he must move immediately to the Church, the Prophet
Joseph and some of the brethren had met in prayer-meeting and asked the
Lord to send them a brother or some brethren with means to assist them
to lift the mortgage on the farm upon which the temple was being built.
The day after his arrival in Kirtland, by invitation from the prophet,
he and his son, Sidney, met with the High Council, and were informed
that the mortgage of the before mentioned farm was about to be
foreclosed. Whereupon he loaned the prophet two thousand dollars and
took his note on interest, with which amount the farm was redeemed.
He loaned to the Temple Committee, Hyrum Smith, Reynolds, Cahoon and
Jared Carter, thirteen thousand dollars in merchandize at cost prices
in New York, and took their note for the same. This amount, and that
loaned to the prophet, were not included in his liberal donations to
the building of the temple, from time to time. He also signed a note
with the Prophet Joseph and others for thirty thousand dollars for
goods purchased in New York, in which he had no pecuniary interest. The
foregoing is substantial proof of his confidence in the prophet and in
the validity and importance of the work he had embraced.
Here follows a copy of his Elder's certificate:
"TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN.--This certifies that John Tanner has been
received into this Church of the Latter-day Saints, organized on the
sixth day of April, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred
and thirty, and has been ordained an Elder, according to the rules and
regulations of said Church, and is duly authorized to preach the gospel
agreeably to the authority of that office.
"From the satisfactory evidence which we have of his good moral
character, and his zeal for the cause of righteousness, and diligent
desire to persuade men to forsake evil and embrace truth, we
confidently recommend him to all candid and upright people, as a worthy
member of society.
"We therefore, in the name, and by the authority of this Church, grant
unto this our worthy brother in the Lord, this letter of commendation
as a proof of our fellowship and esteem; praying for his success and
prosperity in our Redeemer's cause.
"Given by the direction of a conference of the Elders of said Church,
assembled in Kirtland, Geauga county, Ohio, the third day of March, in
the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty-six.
"F. G. WILLIAMS, Clerk.
"JOSEPH SMITH, JR., Chairman."
CHAPTER II.
RECEIVES BLESSINGS IN TEMPLE--ASSISTS WITH "KIRTLAND BANK"--STARTS
FOR MISSOURI--HIS DAUGHTER DIES--IS ATTACKED BY MOB--NEARLY
MURDERED--RETAINED AS A PRISONER--RELEASED--REMOVES TO IOWA--RECEIVES
THE PROPHET'S BLESSING--GOES TO THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS--LOSES HIS PROPERTY
BY FIRE--THRILLING INDIAN ADVENTURE--AT DEATH'S DOOR--REMARKABLE
ESCAPE--HIS DEATH.
When the temple was finished he participated in its dedication. He
also took part in the "solemn assembly" and the glorious gifts and
manifestations of that memorable occasion. He received his washings and
anointings in that, the first temple of God built by His direction in
this dispensation.
With his characteristic energy, he put forth his best efforts to
assist the prophet in sustaining the "Kirtland Bank," and for that
object he purchased much of its paper; but there was a Judas under the
counter, and the bank went down in spite of all their efforts. Those
who had struggled hardest and invested most were the greatest losers,
and Elder Tanner was one of the foremost, and was completely crippled
financially. Just at that time an outside pressure in the form of
religious persecution had become so unendurable that the Saints had
to leave Kirtland and seek homes in the West; and Elder Tanner, with
a journey of one thousand miles before him, found himself not only
destitute of means but also in debt. Yet his courage and ability were
equal to the emergency. Through the blessing of God he had acquired one
large fortune and he _knew_ that God lived, and that he was His servant.
But he had a large family depending on him, and a long journey was
before him. The necessity of the occasion prompted, and faith in God
inspired, him. In April, 1838, he fitted up with a turnpike-cart, a
borrowed wagon, one horse of his own and three borrowed ones, twenty
dollars in cash and a keg of powder to pay expenses, and started for
Missouri with his family--eleven persons in all. When the money and
powder were spent, they were under the necessity of appealing to the
benevolence of the inhabitants on the road for buttermilk and sometimes
for other food to sustain life.
He had two children, a son and a daughter, born in Kirtland. One of
these, a lovely girl, died on this tedious journey, which was to Elder
Tanner the greatest trial of that time.
On his arrival in Missouri, in conversation with a friend of his,
after narrating the hardships, privations and many of the most
trying circumstances of the journey, he said, "Well, if others have
come up easier, they have not learned so much." This expression is
characteristic of Elder Tanner's very happy faculty of drawing sunshine
from the darkest cloud and honey from the most bitter herb. He
acknowledged the hand of God in all things, knowing that He overrules
all things for good to those who keep His commandments.
He arrived in Far West on the 3rd of July, and there he and his sons
went to work. He paid up his debts, and had sufficient means on hand to
meet the demands and exigences of life.
In the Autumn of 1838, he and his son Myron went to a mill about nine
miles from the town, and when starting for home, the state militia in
the form of a mob came upon them. He told Myron to run and take care of
himself, which he did by crawling under a large pile of clearing brush,
and was not discovered by the mob, which, however, came upon Elder
Tanner. One of the mobbers, snapped his gun at this brave man, but it
refused to go off. He then took hold of the muzzle and struck him over
the head with the breach of the gun, cutting a large ugly gash. This
blow would probably have killed him, had it not been for his heavy felt
hat, the double thickness of which caught the blow first. This attempt
at murder was made by Captain Myer Odell.
Elder Tanner was taken and held prisoner two or three days, wearing his
bloody clothes, and stubbornly refusing to wash the blood from himself.
He kept his team and wagon, and they let him go out upon his word of
honor to take a wounded man to his family, after which, he returned to
their custody and redeemed his word. At this time the Prophet Joseph
was sentenced to be shot, but General Doniphan protested, and withdrew
his men. On the day when the execution was to have taken place, the
Saints laid down their arms, and some of the prisoners, among whom was
Elder Tanner, were released.
During the militia raid just referred to, he lost very heavily as quite
a number of his stock were stolen. As soon as he was set at liberty
from mob custody, he went to work getting things together preparatory
to leaving the state in obedience to the gubernatorial order, and on
the third day of March, 1839, started with his family and his sons'
families for Illinois. He arrived in New Liberty about the first of
April, where he stopped one year to recruit, and was much prospered in
his efforts.
About the middle of March, 1840, he again gathered his effects and
moved within four miles of Montrose, Lee county, Iowa, where his
daughter, Sariah, was born, July, 1840. Here he opened cultivated a
large farm, plowing two hundred and fifty acres, and about two hundred
acres he used for pasture. He enclosed all this by a good fence. In
this place he lived and prospered six years.
At the April conference in 1844, he was called on a mission to the
Eastern States. Before starting, he went to Nauvoo, where he saw the
Prophet Joseph, and, meeting him on the street, gave him his note of
hand for the two thousand dollars loaned in Kirtland, January, 1835,
to redeem the temple land. The Prophet asked him what he wanted done
with the note. Elder Tanner replied, "Brother Joseph, you are welcome
to it." The Prophet then laid his right hand heavily on Elder Tanner's
shoulder, saying, "God bless you, Father Tanner; your children shall
never beg bread."
He aided very materially in the building of the Nauvoo Temple, from
the commencement until its completion; and after it was dedicated he
received therein his endowments, sealings and second anointing.
In the Spring of 1846, he sold his farm at a nominal price and
journeyed to the Rocky Mountains with the Saints who were compelled
to leave Nauvoo, the "City of Joseph." He started about the middle of
May and joined the westward-bound stream of Latter-day Saints in their
memorable exodus from Illinois. He also paid for the removal of two
families besides his own, up to Council Bluffs. On the 16th of July, he
fitted out two of his sons and sent them with the "Mormon Battalion"
into Mexico to fight the battles of our country. On the herd-ground of
the Saints, at a point north-west of Winter Quarters, he herded the
stock for the whole camp of Israel, for three months.
After trials in journeyings--and in losses and hardships in various
forms, he had to be tried by fire. About the middle of January 1847,
his house and three wagon boxes with covers, used for sleeping rooms,
supplies of provisions and groceries, and most of the wearing apparel,
were destroyed by fire. Nothing was saved but beds and a portion of the
bedding. But his noble mind and the persevering energies of his nature
seemed superior to misfortune; and in the Spring he assisted in fitting
out the Pioneers for their journey to the Rocky Mountains, opened up
another farm and raised a good crop.
In the Summer of 1847, Elder Tanner had a thrilling adventure with
Indians. The following account of the marvelous circumstance is from
the journal of Jane Grover (afterwards Sister Stewart).
She says, "One morning we thought we would go and gather goose-berries.
Father Tanner (as we familiarly called the good, patriarchal John
Tanner) harnessed a span of horses to a light wagon, and, with two
sisters by the name of Lyman, his little grand-daughter and I, started
out. When we reached the woods we told the old gentleman to go to a
house which was in sight, and rest, while we picked the berries.
"It was not long before the little girl and I strayed some distance from
the others, when, suddenly we heard shouts. The little girl thought it
was her grandfather, and she was going to answer, but I prevented her,
thinking it might be Indians. We walked forward until within sight of
Father Tanner, when we saw he was running his team around. We thought
it nothing strange at first, but as we approached, we saw Indians
gathering around the wagon, whooping and yelling as others came and
joined them. We got into the wagon to start, when four of the Indians
took hold of the wagon, and two others held the horses by the bits, and
another came to take me out of the wagon. I then began to be afraid as
well as vexed, and asked Father Tanner to let me get out of the wagon
and run for assistance. He said, `No, poor child, it is too late!' I
told him they should not take me alive.
"Father Tanner's face was as white as a sheet! The Indians had
commenced to strip him. They had taken his watch and handkerchief, and
while stripping him, were trying to pull me out of the wagon. I began
silently to appeal to my Heavenly Father. While praying and struggling,
the Spirit of the Almighty fell upon me, and I arose with great power,
and no tongue can describe my feelings. I was as happy as I could be.
A few moments before, I saw worse than death staring me in the face,
and now my hand was raised by the power of God, and I talked to those
Indians in their own language. They let go the horses and wagon, and
stood in front of me while I talked to them by the power of God. They
bowed their heads and answered `yes' in a way that made me know what
they meant. Father Tanner and the little girl looked on in speechless
amazement. I realized our situation. Their calculation was to kill
Father Tanner, burn the wagon, and take us women prisoners. This was
plainly shown to me. When I stopped talking, they shook hands with all
of us and returned all they had taken from Father Tanner, who gave them
back the handkerchief, and I gave them berries and crackers. By this
time the other two women came up and we hastened home.
"The Lord gave me a portion of the interpretation of what I had said,
which is as follows: `I suppose you Indian warriors think you are going
to kill us. Don't you know the Great Spirit is watching you, and knows
everything in your hearts? We have come out here to gather some of
our Father's fruit. We have not come to injure you: and if you harm
us, or injure one hair of our heads, the Great Spirit will smite you
to the earth, and you shall not have power to breath another breath.
We have been driven from our homes and so have you. We have come out
here to do you good and not to injure you. We are the Lord's people,
and so are you; but you must cease your murders and wickedness. The
Lord is displeased with it and will not prosper you if you continue in
it. You think you own all this land, this timber, this water and all
these horses. You do not own one thing on earth, not even the air you
breathe. It all belongs to the Great Spirit.'"
In the latter part of June, 1848, Elder Tanner fitted up five teams and
wagons, and with eighteen months' provisions, started for Salt Lake,
celebrating the 4th of July, on the Elk Horn. Between Wood River and
Laramie a six year old grand-son fell from the tongue of a wagon loaded
with about 3,500 pounds. Both wheels passed obliquely over his bowels,
and he died in twenty minutes. With the exception of this sad accident,
the journey was prosperous, and he arrived in Salt Lake Valley on the
17th of October, and located in South Cottonwood.
In the Autumn of 1849, he was afflicted more or less with rheumatism,
which continued to increase on him till the first of January, 1850,
when he was confined to his bed and suffered severely until the 13th
day of April, when he died "the death of the righteous." He was the
father of twenty children, and has left an example worthy of imitation
by his numerous posterity and by the youth of Zion everywhere.
INCIDENTS OF EXPERIENCE.
BY DANIEL TYLER.
CHAPTER I.
ACCOUNT OF MY ANCESTORS--MY BIRTH--REMARKABLE VISION--ITS EFFECT UPON
THOSE WHO HEARD OF IT--MY FATHER AND GRAND-FATHER BECOME INTERESTED
IN READING THE SCRIPTURES--MY GRAND-FATHER'S PROPHECY--HIS DISLOCATED
SHOULDER REPLACED BY THE POWER OF GOD--MY GRAND-FATHER'S VISION AND
DEATH--"MORMON" ELDERS VISIT THE NEIGHBORHOOD--I GO TO HEAR THEM
PREACH--BELIEVE THEIR DOCTRINES--MY FATHER OPPOSED TO THE ELDERS.
I am a descendant of Job and Mary Tyler, which said Job Tyler was born
in Wales or England, about the year 1619, or 1620, and emigrated to
America about 1640, some ten years after the landing of the pilgrim
fathers on Plymouth Rock. My emigrant ancestor, Job Tyler, settled
in Andover, Massachusetts, where he raised a family of four sons and
several daughters. I descended from Moses Tyler, the oldest son of
Job and Mary. The town of Andover having been burned and the records
destroyed, I have only tradition, which is rather vague, for much of
the early history of my family. Enough, however, is known to show
that several eminent lawyers, ministers, officers and soldiers of the
war of the revolution were among them. My father, Andrews Tyler, was
in the fourth generation from Job and Mary. He was born at Boxford,
adjoining Andover. His father, Nathaniel Tyler, served as a lieutenant
in the continental army in the revolutionary war. My grand-father with
his family removed from Boxford, Mass., to Herkamer county, New York,
where my father, Andrews Tyler, married Elizabeth Comins, daughter of
lieutenant and regimental quartermaster, John Comins, Jr., in the year
1806, to whom were born eleven sons and one daughter.
I was born in Sempronious, Cayuga county, New York, on the 23rd of
November, 1816.
About the year 1820, or early in 1821, I had a remarkable vision,
which, after sixty-one years have passed away, is as vivid in my
recollection as the scenes of yesterday. I had occasion to rise from
my bed about midnight. Suddenly the room was filled with a brilliant
light, brighter than the noon-day sun. I looked into the fire-place
only to discern a few smouldering coals covered with ashes. I gazed
upon everything visible in the house. All seemed natural except that
the light gave things a brighter hue. I looked over head to an opening
between two loose boards or planks where my father usually kept his
saw, auger and other small tools. There I beheld a hand and wrist which
were nearly transparent, with a wrist-band whiter than the pure snow.
I called to my mother, who awoke at the second call and inquired what
I wanted. I asked who was in the chamber, and was told there was no
one there, and that if there had been I could not have seen him in the
darkness. I replied it was not dark. On my stating that it was lighter
than day-light, and that I could see to pick up a pin, I was told to go
to bed, which I did, when the vision closed, and it was so dark I could
not see my hand before me, although I held it close to my face.
On relating the vision to my mother next morning, she wept like an
infant, and said: "O, my child, I fear you are not long for this
world." I, however, began to amend from that time and soon recovered
from a chronic ailment, and was soon quite well.
The news of the vision soon spread abroad, and was much exaggerated. As
is natural, our house was thronged with visitors, and I had to relate
the vision over and over again. The conclusion was that I would either
die, or the Lord had a great work for me to do. It was predicted that I
would become a preacher of the gospel. This was then considered about
the greatest work in which mortals could engage.
In 1823, my father, with his family, moved to Springfield, Erie Co,
Pa., where his father and some other relatives had previously gone.
About this time my father and grand-father became unusually interested
in reading the scriptures and talking about them to their neighbors.
One day my father happened to open to Mark, 16th chapter, 16th and 17th
verses. After reading them several times carefully he said, "There is
not a true believer in the world," as the promise was that the signs
spoken of should follow those who believed. He showed the passage to
several ministers, mostly Methodists, and argued with them. The more
he argued the more convinced he was that the gospel was not on the
earth, and he was able to confound the most learned divines, although
he was quite illiterate. My grand-father also had the same views and he
prophesied that he would die, but my father would live to see the true
church organized with all the apostolic gifts and blessings.
For this cause much unfavorable comment in the neighborhood was
indulged in, and my grand-father was often asked, usually in a derisive
way, why he did not have his dislocated shoulder, which had been out of
place for some thirty years, replaced by the power of faith. He argued
that it would be done if he had sufficient faith.
One morning he came from his bed room and told my father's family,
with whom he lived, that the Lord had revealed to him that, "Whereas
physicians had said your shoulder could not be set He would let them
know it could be done, for He would do it Himself."
My father replied that if the Lord had given him such a revelation it
would be so, for He could not lie. He, however, was rather incredulous,
notwithstanding he had been advocating the doctrine of miracles for
some time. It happened, not long afterwards, that while my grand-father
was lying in his bed at the dawn of day, thinking quietly of the
blessings of God to him, his shoulder slipped into place with a snap
that he thought might have been heard for a distance of one or two
rods. Previous to this he carried his arm in a sling most of the time
and could not raise his hand to his head, but from that time it was as
limber as the other and had its full strength. This was a testimony
that could not be impeached. Outside of the family, however, it was
looked upon as a mere accident; but the previous revelation to my
grand-father convinced the family that it was done by the power of God.
This was in 1827, and in 1829 my grand-father died.
After my grand-father was taken with his last illness, he told my
parents that an angel appeared to him clothed in white, and told him he
would not recover, for his sickness was unto death. Ten days later he
died. To save ridicule, however, this vision was kept secret and only
told me afterwards by my mother. The true church of Christ was not then
on the earth (February, 1829), nor had such an occurrence been heard
of by us at the time. Although the Father and the Son had appeared to
Joseph Smith some years previously, we had not heard of the vision. The
vision of my grand-father seemed so strange that my parents hardly knew
whether to attribute it to imagination or a reality, as they could not
question his sincerity, he having always been strictly reliable. I have
never doubted, however, his having had the vision.
He walked half a mile to bid my parents good by, although in poor
health. On parting, my grand-father wept like a child, and said, "This
is the last time I shall over visit you while I live."
My father continued his researches of the scriptures, and found that
everything he read confirmed his views. He never allowed a traveling
minister to leave the neighborhood without an argument if he could
avoid it, and his arguments were in no instance refuted.
In the Spring of 1832, Elders Samuel H. Smith and Orson Hyde, of the
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, came to our neighborhood
and held a few meetings. Elder Smith read the 29th chapter of Isaiah at
the first meeting and delineated the circumstances of the coming forth
of the Book of Mormon, of which he said he was a witness. He knew his
brother Joseph had the plates, for the prophet had shown them to him,
and he had handled them and seen the engravings thereon. His speech
was more like a narrative than a sermon. Elder Hyde made a few closing
remarks and appointed another meeting. At the close of the first
meeting my father, as his custom was, sprung his usual question about
the spiritual gifts and was quite surprised to hear Elder Smith say,
"That is our doctrine, and we have those gifts in our Church."
This meeting was held in the house of Mr. Joseph Hartshorn, one of
our neighbors. At the close of the meeting I picked up the Book of
Mormon, which they had left lying on the table, and began to read the
preface in relation to Martin Harris losing 116 pages of the original
manuscript. When I had read as far as a quotation from a revelation,
now found in the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, my brother, William,
took the book out of my hands and closed it, remarking that good
people said it carried with it a spirit of witchcraft, which caused
those who read it to be bewitched and join the "Mormon" church. I was
then over fifteen years of age and my brother, who was next older than
myself, was in his eighteenth year. He was wild and sometimes profane,
especially when angry, and I was quite taken by surprise to hear him
quote what "good people said," as previously I had never heard him
speak of them, except in derision. The last words I read where so
riveted upon my mind that I sometimes feared there was some truth in
the remark about the book being bewitching. The words were, "I will
show unto them" (the wicked who had designed to change the manuscript
in case Joseph re-translated it) "that my wisdom is greater than the
cunning of the devil."
Before leaving the place the Elders baptized three persons. My father
soon became a bitter enemy. I believed every word of the first
discourse referred to previously, but dared not make my belief known
because of my youth and the bitterness of my father. He admitted
that the "Mormon" doctrines were true, but claimed that the members
of that church had adopted them to cover up a fraud. All classes of
people joined in the cry, "Beware of false prophets who come to you in
sheep's clothing," etc, telling ridiculous stories about "Old Joe Smith
walking on the water," pretended miracles, angels being caught, etc.
The stories were about the same as those which the Elders now have to
refute.
CHAPTER II.
MY COVENANT WITH THE LORD--MY SISTER DESIRES BAPTISM--MY BROTHERS'
THREAT--VISIT OF HYRUM SMITH--MY SISTER BAPTIZED--I BREAK MY
COVENANT--MY FATHER'S DREAM--MY BAPTISM--EXHORTATION TO THE
YOUNG--SPIRITUAL GIFTS RECEIVED--MEETING DISTURBED BY MOBS--AFTER
TALKING TO THEM THEY BECOME QUIET AND LEAVE THE PLACE--SOME OF THE MOB
JOIN THE CHURCH--THE LEADER OF THE MOB DIES SUDDENLY--MOBBINGS CEASE.
There was no human being to whom I dared make known the fact that I
believed in the teachings of the despised "Mormons." I had, however,
for some time been in the habit of engaging in secret prayer, and now,
in this hour of trial, I went to my place of secret resort and poured
out my soul to the Lord and made covenant with Him that in case my
only sister would believe and be baptized I would go with her. I soon
learned that she, like myself, had believed the work from the beginning
and was resolved to be baptized at the first opportunity. She was then
in service at one of our neighbors. When she came home on a visit
father asked her if what he had heard, that she intended to join the
"Mormons," was true. She answered that she believed they were right
and felt it her duty to join them. He remonstrated until he saw that
her mind was bent on being baptized at the first opportunity. He then
said, "If you do join them, you must never darken my door afterwards."
Still her resolution was unchanged. My older brothers told her they
would shoot any "Mormon" Elder who dared to baptize her. Thus matters
continued for several months, during which time I continued praying,
not only for my sister, but for my parents and brothers, although my
mother said but little either way.
About December, 1832, Elder Hyrum Smith, brother to the prophet,
came to our neighborhood. My father told him that his daughter, who
was present, was bent on being baptized into his church, stating at
the same time, that the Elder who baptized her would do so at his
peril. The Elder quite mildly remarked in substance as follows: "Mr.
Tyler, we shall not baptize your daughter against your wishes. If our
doctrine be true, which we testify it is, if you prevent your daughter
from embracing it, the sin will be on your head, not on ours or your
daughter's."
This remark pricked him to the heart. He began to think that possibly
the "Mormons" were right and he was wrong. He therefore decided to
counsel his daughter in the matter and then permit her to exercise her
free agency. He would thus relieve himself of any responsibility.
His remarks to my sister were to the effect that if this new religion
was true, it was the best religion in the world, but, if false, it was
the worst. "These men," said he, "know whether it is true or false,
but I do not." He wished her to reflect upon all these things before
making a move in the matter. She replied that she had weighed them long
ago and believed it to be her duty to be baptized. He took her on an
ox-sled to Lake Erie, a distance of two miles, where, after a hole was
cut through three feet of solid ice, she was baptized and confirmed
into the Church by Elder Hyrum Smith.
But where was the writer who had covenanted with the Lord to go with
his sister in case she was baptized?
He remained at home, a broken-hearted, bashful boy, without stamina
enough to come out and confront a wicked world. Soon after, my
grand-father appeared to my father in a dream, and told him that this
was the people he prophesied of while living, and my parents were
baptized. Then my persecuting brothers followed. When the last named
went into the water I stood on the shore, feeling as though my ease
was almost hopeless. I had twice failed to keep my covenants with the
Lord and now the third promise was about to be broken. At this juncture
my father, who knew nothing of my covenants, observing that I looked
downcast, stepped to my side and asked what was the matter. I was
speechless and could not utter a word. I had been studying how I could
ever have a heart to call upon the Lord again. How could He trust me
further? On my father asking if it was not hard for my sister, parents
and brothers to leave me, I broke completely down and wept aloud. My
father then for the first time told me I could be baptized if I wished.
I, however, waited until the next Wednesday, this being on Sunday.
During the interval, however, I plead with the Lord to forgive me of
my sin of covenant-breaking; and when I came up out of the water, not
before, did I feel that He had answered my prayers, and that _all_ my
sins were pardoned. This was on the 16th day of January, 1833. I was a
little over sixteen years of age.
I hope my young readers will keep their covenants with the Lord and
not have the sorrow of heart I had. It was so intense that I question
very much whether I could survive the same length of time with my
present infirmities of age. I had not the advantages of the present
period. I had only what I had learned from reading the Bible. I had
only heard perhaps from two to four gospel sermons and those mainly by
young Elders. I do not mention this fact in justification of my course,
yet I do believe that the Lord was more merciful towards me than He
would have been if I had had the advantages that the people have now,
especially those of our young people who have kind parents who are
Latter-day Saints to encourage and lead them along in the right way.
One kind word of invitation and persuasion on the part of my parents at
a proper time would have removed all obstacles, and been hailed as a
heavenly boon. I desired to break the fetters which seemed to bind me.
Here let me exhort all parents to do all they can to encourage their
children to be baptized at eight years of age, and much earlier to
pray, ask a blessing on the food, and attend the primary meetings and
Sabbath schools. At and prior to the time of my serious convictions,
of which I have spoken, such institutions and encouragement would have
been prized above all earthly things.
I did attend a Methodist Sabbath school, the only one I knew anything
about; but at the tender age of fifteen years I was better versed
in the true interpretation of the scriptures than the teacher. But
attending Sabbath school kept me out of the company of wicked boys, and
had a tendency to teach me a reverence for the Sabbath day.
After I was baptized, however, I never attended the Methodist Sabbath
school any more, although it was desired that I should. My teachers
said I was always honest and truthful, and they believed I was sincere
in my religion, and if I would continue to attend their Sunday school I
would see my error. They believed I had been converted, and that when I
got a few years older I would be called to preach the gospel, and would
be the means of saving many souls.
I admitted having been converted and that I knew my sins were forgiven,
and further testified that obedience to "Mormonism," so-called, was
what had brought peace to my soul; and the nearer I lived to it, the
more of the peace of the Holy Spirit I felt.
The gift of prophecy was poured out upon me. I also received the gift
and interpretation of tongues. But what then and ever since has seemed
to me the greatest gift I received was to speak easily and fluently in
my own language. This was the first gift I received. It came upon me
in great power. A few months after my baptism several leading Elders
from Kirtland, Ohio, were about to be dragged from our school house by
a mob who had assembled to tar and feather them. When the Elders and
others failed to stop them from disturbing the meeting, I stepped upon
a form or bench and began to talk to the people. Five minutes had not
elapsed when, aside from my voice, a pin dropping upon the floor might
have been easily heard. After I had spoken about ten or fifteen minutes
the mob left the house, and, after consulting outside a few moments,
retired, and we had a good meeting.
This circumstance had gone out of my mind until about 1849, while
stopping over night at the house of a brother named Brim. Alfred O.
Brim, who was one of the mob, called my attention to it, and asked me
if I knew that they had a keg of tar and a feather bed in the carriage
in which they came to the meeting.
I replied that I did not think I ever heard of it. He said they brought
the tar and the feathers with the full intent to use them on the
Elders, but they were so surprised at the power with which I spoke that
they knew I was helped by some invisible spirit. They had known me
since I was seven years old, and were satisfied that I had not made up
the speech, and that I was not capable of doing so. They decided that
it must be of the Lord or of the devil. Of this they could not be the
judges, not, as they said, having the discerning of spirits. Hence one
of them suggested that lest they be found fighting against God, they
had better retire. All agreed to it and they left.
Brim and several of his brothers afterwards joined the church, and were
at one time prominent tanners in Salt Lake county, Utah.
Dr. Rion, an eminent physician of Springfield, who, I believe, was the
leader, it was said, died instantly of apoplexy, some time after, while
sitting in his chair.
I never heard any more talk of mobbing in that neighborhood. Thus
the Lord made use of a humble, unlearned boy to break up a spirit of
mobocracy which had existed for some months, and saved His servants
from cruel treatment and possible death.
CHAPTER III.
ORDAINED TO THE PRIESTHOOD--INVITED TO PREACH--I MAKE UP A SERMON ON
MY WAY--SERMON APPARENTLY A FAILURE TO ME--MY HEARERS SATISFIED WITH
IT--ABUSED BY A BAPTIST MINISTER--HE DESIRES A SIGN--A SIGN PROMISED
AND FULFILLED--BLESSINGS RECEIVED IN THE KIRTLAND TEMPLE--WORDS OF THE
PROPHET JOSEPH--THEIR FULFILLMENT--AN INCIDENT IN MISSOURI--LITERAL
FULFILLMENT OF A PREDICTION UTTERED BY JOSEPH SMITH--HIS
PATRIOTISM--STRANGE PHENOMENON--ITS EFFECT.
On the 4th day of August, 1834, I was ordained to the lesser Priesthood
under the hands of Lorenzo Wells, who at the time presided over the
branch. Within less than a month, I was invited to bring an Elder with
me and preach in Mercer Co., Pa. I sent an appointment, but, being
unable to get an Elder to accompany me, I resolved to go alone. The
distance was about fifty miles.
On the way I preached in my mind the greatest sermon I ever had
preached, and perhaps greater than I have ever been able to preach
since. This sermon, of course, I intended to preach when I reached
my destination. The arguments would be irresistible. When I arrived,
I sang, opened the meeting by prayer, sang again, and read my text,
but the sermon--alas, it was gone, and I would have given everything
I possessed to have been back home. This was the first gospel sermon
ever preached in the neighborhood, for although my made-up sermon was
gone, I made an effort to teach the people the way of life. I read
a great many passages of scripture on the first principles of the
gospel, making brief comments on each as I could think of but little
to say. After occupying perhaps three quarters of an hour, and, as I
supposed disgusting every one, I brought the meeting to a close with
a faint hope, and a very faint one, too, that I would be invited to
speak again. In that case I would plead with the Lord to forgive me
for making up a sermon beforehand and help my future efforts, and the
people would not be so much disappointed, after all, if I could have an
opportunity to redeem myself.
No sooner was the meeting closed than the people gathered around me and
requested me to preach at their houses, and, I believe, four out of the
remaining evenings of the week were engaged in much less time than it
has taken me to write it.
While walking towards the residence of my friend I saw a thicket of
underbrush not far from our path. To it I retired and poured out my
soul to the Lord to forgive me my folly and aid me in the future.
While seated at the dinner table, my friend remarked:
"Well, Daniel, you had nearly all the big men of the county, from the
county seat, to hear you, and what do you think they said about your
preaching?"
I was ashamed to answer that I expected they would set it down as a
fruitless effort to deceive the people, and felt badly hurt that he
should ask me such a question in company. I, however, put on as bold a
front as I could, and simply answered that I did not know.
In this case I learned that man's thoughts were not always as the
Lord's thoughts, for the rule is, that when the Elder satisfies his
own feelings, the hearers are pleased and edified; yet, in this case,
the rule was reversed. My friend and former neighbor informed me that
the learned judge and lawyers inquired of him where I had graduated,
adding that they never heard a man quote so much scripture to prove his
doctrines and apply it so well. In fine, it was the greatest sermon
they ever heard.
Now, my young friends, it was not I that had preached a great sermon. I
am sure it was not; for to this day I look upon it as one of my weakest
efforts at preaching. It being only my fourth trial, I think you will
come to a similar conclusion. The fact was, when I read to them the
holy scriptures the Spirit of the Lord rested upon them, although they
knew it not, and opened their eyes to see and understand the truth.
This is what is meant by the scripture, "How shall they hear without a
preacher, and how shall he preach except he be sent?" The Lord sends
His servants to preach the gospel, and a portion of His Spirit rests
upon those who hear, and they are "born again" to "see the kingdom of
God," preparatory to being "born of water and of the Spirit," to enter
into it. The first birth is being converted from error to truth, being
able to see clearly that it is truth. The second is the immersion in
water for remission of sins, and the laying on of hands for the gift of
the Holy Ghost.
Before leaving the neighborhood a learned Baptist minister by the name
of Peters, arose at the close of a meeting held in a private house
and abused me in a shameful manner, frothing at the mouth. I replied
briefly to all that was worth answering, and he was confounded. He
subsequently came to my lodgings, and we sat and conversed on the
principles of the gospel until after midnight.
Like others of his spirit, he was desirous of having a sign. I finally
told him I would give him a sign, which was that, if he did not
speedily repent and be baptized for the remission of his sins, the
judgments of God would overtake him. He left me with a downcast look.
He doubtless expected that I would hunt up some sick person and heal
him. About three weeks afterward my friend came to our place on a visit
and informed me that my prediction was literally fulfilled. The learned
Mr. Peters, who boasted of being proficient in three dead languages,
had been thrown from a horse, and crippled for life. The last I heard
of him he was a helpless, imbecile pauper.
I had the inestimable blessing of receiving my endowments in the temple
at Kirtland, being anointed a priest after the order of Aaron. It
would be impossible for me to describe all the blessings bestowed upon
the different quorums of the priesthood. Some saw angels, others saw
the horses and chariots of Israel. Some spoke in tongues and others
predicted many of the great calamities that are now befalling the
nations, such as pestilence, war, famine, tornadoes, etc.
All felt that they had a foretaste of heaven. In fact, there were
several weeks in which we were not tempted of the devil; and we
wondered whether the millennium had commenced. At or near the close of
the endowments, the Prophet Joseph addressed us. Among other things
he said: "Brethren, for some time Satan has not had power to tempt
you. Some have thought that there would be no more temptation. But the
opposite will come; and unless you draw near to the Lord you will be
overcome and apostatize."
A few months later, four of the Apostles were cut off from the Church
for apostasy, and the standing of one or two others was very doubtful.
Numbers from other quorums also fell away and were cut off.
Brief descriptions of the Missouri persecutions have been published
at different times. If a detailed account of the mobbings the Saints
endured while in Missouri were to be published it would make a large
volume.
I will mention one prophecy among the many predictions of the Prophet
Joseph Smith that was literally fulfilled.
During the persecutions in the fall of 1838, one of the brethren
happened to be a stranger in Richmond, Ray Co., Missouri, a distance
of some thirty or forty miles from Far West, in Caldwell county,
where the Saints dwelt. About sundown he saw men loading guns into a
carriage, and learned that they were to be taken that night to the mob
in Daviess county, to fight the "Mormons." He feigned to be traveling
in the opposite direction, and took a circuitous route to Far West,
but did not arrive there until about eight o'clock the next morning.
He related what he had seen of the actions of the mob, and a call was
immediately made for ten volunteers to accompany Captain Allred, of the
militia, to intercept and take the arms. To do this we had about twenty
miles to ride across a trackless prairie, to reach the road leading
from Richmond to Daviess county, where the mob was quartered. The man
with the guns had a good, smooth road, free from rocks or obstructions
of any kind, and, to all human appearance, might have reached his
destination before we obtained the news of his having the arms.
When all were mounted, the Prophet Joseph said to Brother Allred, "I
want you to ride as fast as your horses can carry you," (pointing the
direction, that he might not reach the road in rear of the carriage)
"and you will get those arms." These last words inspired faith in the
little band, and even the horses did not seem to become weary.
When we neared the road, we cast our eyes towards Richmond, and at a
distance of about half a mile we discovered a black-covered carriage
standing in the road, without any team attached to it. On nearing
it, we saw that it was empty. We examined and found that one of the
axles was newly broken in two. Here was the carriage described, but
where were the guns? We soon discovered a trial in the high grass
where something heavy had been dragged from near the carriage. We
followed this trial a short distance and found a wooden box, containing
seventy-four United States yaugers. While consulting how to get them
to the town, we looked in the direction of the mob and discovered two
men coming, about as fast as they could drive, in a lumber wagon. When
they discovered us, supposing us to be mobs, they swung their hats and
shouted "hurrah!" two or three times, and our little troop responded in
the same way.
They got very near before they discovered their mistake. Brother
Allred directed the teamster to drive along side of the box. He then
told the two men to get out and put it into the wagon, and then follow
him. We returned the way we came, and reached our destination about
sundown, when, after the guns were taken from the wagon, the men and
team were released. The prediction of the prophet was fulfilled, and
the long-range guns, which were the best then known, designed for our
destruction, were in our hands.
Joseph, knowing that the guns were government property, sent a dispatch
immediately to notify General Atchinson and Colonel Doniphan of Clay
county, what had been done. They directed that the arms should be
delivered over to them, they pledging their honor that they should not
be used against our people.
The prophet's patriotism would not allow him to retain government
property, although it had been obtained by our enemies for our
destruction. If this was not a test of loyalty I fail to see an
opportunity where a test could be given.
I will relate one incident which occurred during the exodus of the
Saints from Missouri: On the 13th of February, 1839, about two o'clock
in the afternoon, an object was seen flying diagonally across our
road, apparently about two hundred yards in front of us. To me, at
first sight, it had the appearance of a large prairie hawk. It assumed
the form of a fish to Brother Stephen M. St. John, and it appeared
differently to others during the less than one minute it was in sight.
It was seen all over the state, and the people were considerably
frightened, fearing that it was a forerunner of some terrible calamity,
which would befall them for their "unjust and inhuman treatment of the
Mormons." The result was that we were more kindly treated during the
remainder of our exodus from the state.
CHAPTER IV.
A CASE OF PALSY HEALED--ITS EFFECT ON THE PEOPLE--MR. BRIDGES
UNBELIEF--THE CASE OF WIDOW CADE--SHE IS PARTIALLY CURED BY
FAITH--TEMPTS THE LORD AND DIES--I AM CALLED ON A MISSION TO
EUROPE--TERRIBLE SEA-STORM--THE PRAYERS OF THE ELDERS ARE HEARD AND THE
WINDS CEASE--WE ARRIVE SAFELY IN A BADLY SHATTERED SHIP.
While traveling and preaching in the state of Mississippi, in 1841 or
1842, I was invited to remain all night with a Mr. John Knight, who was
prostrate with the palsy, and had been in that condition for several
weeks. This man was an infidel although his family belonged to the
Methodist church. Being called upon to pray, before going to bed, I
remembered the afflicted head of the family. When the prayer was ended
he said, that as I was praying for him, a warming influence such as
he had never felt before, extended down his palsied side. After I had
tarried over a few nights with him, he desired to receive the ordinance
of the laying on of hands. I called in two other Elders, and we
explained to him that should he be healed and then refuse to obey the
gospel he would incur a great responsibility. He finally agreed that if
he ever was so far relieved as to be able to get to the water he would
be baptized. At this time he had lain upon what is termed a cricket,
or tribet, for about six or eight weeks. His left side and limbs were
powerless. When he desired to be turned over it was done by pulling a
blanket, kept under him for that purpose. There lived in that vicinity
a Methodist preacher by the name of Bridges. Like many of his class, he
persecuted the Saints, never forgetting to demand a sign. In his public
discourses he would say, "Let the Mormons heal old man Knight and we
will all believe on them." But we did not propose to tempt the Lord by
asking a sign to gratify the curiosity of a wicked man. We, however,
anointed the palsied side, according to Mr. Knight's request, and laid
our hands upon him, and when the palsey was rebuked he straightened the
afflicted arm while our hands were yet upon him.
I now had to go out in my district and fill appointments which I had
made; but when I returned at the end of two weeks, I learned that Mr.
Knight had walked nearly half a mile and had been baptized. A goodly
number of others had also been baptized, and we organized a branch of
the Church with Samuel L. Gully (known as Lieutenant Gully, in the
history of the Mormon Battalion), as presiding Elder. All apostatized
shortly afterwards excepting Elder Gully and a few others who had
believed and were anxious to get baptized before this remarkable case
of healing occurred, thus proving the truth of the revelation which
says, "Those who seek signs shall have signs, but not unto salvation."
Even the man who received this manifestation of God's power went back
to the beggarly elements of the world, although he still bore testimony
to the fact that he was healed, but said he "did not know whether
Joseph Smith was a true prophet or an imposter."
But what of Mr. Bridges? This wicked preacher, when reminded of his
own sayings in regard to believing if shown a sign, answered that the
old man had been "playing the possum" all the time, and that there had
been nothing the matter with him. "Playing the possum," simply means
pretending to be sick when one is well. The proverb is derived from an
animal known as the "opossum." It is something larger than a common
domestic cat, and when pursed by dogs or men will lie upon the ground
and feign itself dead. Thus the preacher pretended to believe Mr.
Knight feigned his illness to "palm off a Mormon deception," although
he had been prostrated some time before he knew anything about the
Latter-day Saints, or they of him.
During my travel, I often stopped with a widow woman by the name of
Cade. She had two sons living with her, one a widower, the other a
bachelor; all where friendly and had some little faith. This lady, whom
I should judge was about seventy years of age, had a wen, or growing
tumor, on her throat about the size of a hen's egg. On one of my calls
she requested me to administer to her for the removal of this tumor. I
complied with her request, and in half an hour afterwards the lump was
half gone. I left her with the swelling still going down; but my story
ends badly, for after I was gone, Satan tempted her sons to believe
that the virtue was in the olive oil with which she was anointed. This
view weakened her faith and the healing power departed from her. Her
sons went to the store and purchased a bottle of oil, similar to that
which I had anointed her with, but to no effect. The circumstance was
related to a physician of the neighborhood, who told the family that
what had happened to her was simply the natural effect of the oil in
softening the tumor; that it could only be cured by being taken out
with surgical instruments; that he could remove it without difficulty
and prolong her life, but it would eventually prove fatal unless
removed. She consented to have the doctor try his skill on her, and she
died under the operation. There were not a few, even among outsiders,
who attributed her death to tempting the Lord. That their conclusion
was correct, I think none of my young readers will doubt. I always felt
sorry for her, as she was a kind-hearted, good woman, but was deceived
by the persuasion of others. Her sons always regretted what they had
done, but never joined the Church.
Had her faith continued in the Lord she would doubtless have been
entirely healed in a very short time and lived to glorify God for a
number of years.
Thus we see that His "anger is kindled against those who do not
acknowledge His hand in all things." I hope no one who reads this
little book will be guilty of tempting the Lord as this woman did, or
fail to acknowledge His hand in all things. Even in losses, sickness or
death in our families His hand should be acknowledged, and all will be
sanctified for our good in the end.
At the Spring conference, in 1853, I was called on a mission to
Europe, with a number of others. While crossing the ocean, when about
two hundred miles from Liverpool, we encountered, what the captain
said, was the severest storm he had experienced during thirty years
of sea-faring life. There were seven Elders on board the English sail
ship, _Ashburton_. When the storm became the most severe only four
could be got together. We had taken second cabin passage, and, of
course, had a room with bunks in which to sleep. To this room Elders
Charles R. Dana. Israel Barlow and myself repaired, leaving Brother
Thomas Colburn outside to watch and tend the door while we prayed and
rebuked the raging wind and boisterous sea. We had but just commenced
to pray when the door of the ventilator of our room flew open and let
a large stream of water upon us. Brother Barlow sprang upon one of the
upper bunks and closed the door and held it to its place while Brother
Dana and myself continued the prayer. By this time the ship had come so
near capsizing that a bottle of ink being open and standing over one
door-post, which was about six feet high, emptied its contents upon
the opposite post about one and a half feet from the door sill, making
an angle, by actual measurement, of over fifty degrees, which was just
about as far as she could go without capsizing. Just at this juncture
the wind was rebuked by the servants of the Lord, and so sudden was the
reaction that the ship creaked from stem to stern and we did not know
but what she might fall to pieces. But the main damage done was to lose
her sails and cause the yard-arm to fall and break the ship-carpenter's
leg. The cargo was shiped to one side so that she could not run level
during the remainder of the voyage. We had on board, among other
passengers, a Presbyterian temperance lecturer, with whom we had had
many arguments on the use of the spiritual gifts, he taking the view
that they were done away because no longer needed. His berth was on the
opposite side of the ship. Before the prayer was closed and the door
opened, he stood trembling with excitement outside No sooner was the
door opened than he exclaimed hastily and in an excited manner, "Havn't
you been praying? havn't you been praying?" On Elder Dana inquiring why
he asked that question, he nervously answered, "I thought you had; the
wind stopped blowing so suddenly."
During the remainder of the journey, whenever there was more than a
gentle breeze of wind, this man and his friends were sure to find their
way to our cabin, as though they thought, if all the balance of the
ship sank, our side would float all right.
This is one of the many incidents that might be cited to show that
our enemies are not sincere in opposing our doctrines. I firmly
believe that many people who hear the gospel preached have an inward
conviction of its truth; but the love of riches and popularity with the
fear of their friends deserting them and the frowns of the world, in
many instances, cause their love to grow cold and they smother their
convictions and become our enemies. On this subject the Lord has said,
"Every ear shall hear and every heart _shall_ be penetrated." I think
both occur at the same time; that there may be a time in the future
when they will feel it much stronger, when it is too late to benefit
them, I also admit; for they will even seek death and not be able to
find it.
Among the passengers was a young man, son of an Irish widow, who lived
in Dublin, Ireland. Becoming consumptive, he went to New York for his
health. Growing worse, he decided to return and die in the land of his
fathers, and have a tender mother's care to soothe his last hours. But,
alas, when the land-breeze struck him, the night before we sighted
land, he expired, and was buried in the sea.
We sailed along at the rate of about ten miles per hour until about
seven o'clock in the evening when the sky was suddenly darkened by a
thick fog, a contrary wind arose and simultaneously with it a brig
struck our ship's stern, took off her helm or rudder, got tangled in
her rigging and took off her top-mast and top-sail and damaged her
generally. The brig's rudder was also taken away by our ship, and she
was so damaged that her captain asked permission to lash her to our
ship, but our captain replied that his ship was so badly damaged that
he dared not allow it. A wail went up from the little craft that they
would all go to the bottom. They were soon out of our sight.
The wind and fog continued, and Captain Williams, of the _Ashburton_,
lay drunk in his cabin, most of the time. There was but one man on
board who understood the channel in which we were sailing. And he was
mate of another vessel of the same line (the "Black Ball"), which
sailed previous to ours. He was on a spree when his ship left New York,
and, although an excellent officer, could not be induced for love or
money to go on board until "he had had it out." Being over his drunken
spree he entered our ship, the control of which, during our last
calamity, was intrusted entirely to him. Our only method of guiding the
ship was by a rope tied to the corner of the main sail and pulling it
from one side to the other. To do this required the assistance of all
the passengers and for three days and nights we barely escaped being
dashed to pieces on the rocks which abounded all around us. Finally we
succeeded in landing in Belfast harbor.
Here we left our ship waiting repairs and took steamer for Liverpool,
where we arrived a few hours later.
The brig we came in contact with was wrecked on the coast of the Isle
of Man, but no lives were lost.
During my stay in England, which was less than a year, there were many
cases of healing and other incidents of interest occurred, but such
things being usual with all the Elders I need not rehearse them.
CHAPTER V.
I GO TO SWITZERLAND--GOD'S POWER MANIFESTED IN MY BEHALF--A PROPHECY
FULFILLED--CONDITION OF THE SWISS MISSION--WHERE ELDERS WERE EXPELLED
EVIL SPIRITS TAKE POSSESSION--KARL G. MAESER WRITES ME A LETTER--I
RETURN IT, THINKING IT A RUSE TO ENTRAP ME--I RECEIVE IT AGAIN--BROTHER
MAESER'S FAITH AND BAPTISM--ELDERS PARTAKE OF POISONED FOOD--ARE
RESTORED TO HEATH--MY MISSION ENDS.
In the fall 1854, I was sent to Switzerland, to take charge of the
Swiss and Italian missions; the French and German missions were
subsequently added.
Here was fulfilled a prediction spoken in tongues by a Sister More, in
the tenth Ward, of Salt Lake City, the year before I was called on my
European mission. I was at the time going on crutches, with a broken
leg, and having but little hope of ever being able to walk. The leg was
badly fractured, and by getting out of place and having to be reset
caused the bones to be very slow in knitting together. It was about
seven months before I could bear any weight upon my broken limb. While
in this condition, I went on my crutches to a little prayer meeting in
a private house, there being no public meeting house then built in the
ward.
In going to the meeting, my worst fears of always being a cripple had
loomed up before me like a great mountain, and, like Jonah, I felt that
"it was better for me to die than to live." This was a weakness in me,
of course, but so it was.
After the meeting was opened, Sister More arose and began to speak in
tongues. She addressed her remarks to me, and I understood her as well
as though she had spoken the English language. She said: "Your leg will
be healed, and you will go on a foreign mission and preach the gospel
in foreign lands. No harm shall befall you, and you shall return in
safety, having great joy in your labors."
This was the substance of the prophecy. It was so different from my
own belief and the fears of many others that I was tempted not to give
the interpretation, lest it should fail to come to pass. The Spirit,
however, impressed me and I arose, leaning upon my crutches, and gave
the interpretation.
Not long afterwards I was told in a dream what to do to strengthen my
fractured limb, and it began to receive strength immediately, and in
the short space of about one week I dispensed with my crutches and
walked with a cane.
Although Switzerland was a republic, the people were not prepared for a
free government. After a few months, most of the American and English
Elders were banished, and the work devolved mainly on the native
Elders, and even they were sometimes cast into prison.
On one occasion, a zealous youth, whom I had directed to be ordained a
Priest, took some tracts printed in the German language to distribute
among the people. He left one with an invalid woman who had been
several years confined to the house. She believed, and asked to be
administered to that she might be healed, in order that she could be
baptized. I sent an Elder to learn whether she wanted a sign or whether
she was sincere. If found sincere and humble, he was to administer to
her by anointing her with oil and laying his hands upon her. He found
that she believed with all her heart. He attended to the ordinance
and went a distance of about four miles to stay over night. The next
morning she walked all that way to be baptized.
Among the remarkable incidents in the Swiss mission is the fact that
after the Elders were driven out for preaching the doctrine of direct
revelation, strange noises were heard in people's houses, especially
in the city of Zurich, from which place all foreign Elders had been
banished. The noises consisted of rapping upon cupboards, tables,
dishes and other like things. The Saints were not troubled with them,
but they became so frequent that they created great excitement among
the outside people.
Elder John Bar wrote to me to know what it meant, and asking if it was
of the Lord, and, if so, why did it not visit the Saints?
I answered that the people had rejected revelation from the Lord,
and banished the Elders who taught inspiration. That it was known in
America as spirit-rapping, and that it would probably take definite
shape soon. Soon after circles were formed around tables, and the
rapping in other places ceased.
I believe this was the first introduction of Spiritualism into the
cantons, and, so far as known, in Europe, and was similar to the first
in the United States made known to "the Fox girls" of New York. Thus,
my young readers will perceive that these false spirits and other
delusions follow the rejection of the gospel.
About this time, I received a letter, inquiring about the Saints and
their doctrines, from Karl G. Maeser, a professor of theology in
Dresden, in Saxony. In consideration of the excitement and desire on
the part of many of the police authorities to trap the Elders; Elder
Chislett and myself looked upon it as a snare to entrap us. I returned
the letter without answer. No sooner had I dropped it into the letter
box than a strong feeling came over me that the man might be an honest
enquirer after truth. On telling this to Elder Chislett, he said if
such be the case the door would be closed.
I answered, "No, that letter will return."
He said, "No; you may get another, but the same letter will never come
back."
I repeated, "If he is an honest enquirer after truth _that_ letter will
return, and I will accept it as an evidence of sincerity."
Elder Chislett said, "If it does return I will set you down as a
prophet."
On receipt of his returned letter, Professor Maeser forwarded it
to Elder John Van Cott, at Copenhagen. As Elder Van Cott knew I
was presiding over the German mission, he mailed the letter to me,
explaining that he had directed the professor to me, as he was doing
nothing in the German language, and he believed him to be an honest
inquirer after truth. I answered Professor Maeser's letter, and he
wanted to know more. I sent him German publications: he believed them
all and said during an approaching vacation he would come to Geneva, a
distance of about six hundred miles, and be baptized.
Thinking this might be an opening to establish the gospel in the heart
of Germany, where it had not been preached for about eighteen hundred
years, I wrote and told the professor that if there was free toleration
of religion perhaps I might send an Elder to preach the gospel to
others as well as to instruct him further in its principles. He wrote,
in answer, that no religion, except the Lutheran, was allowed to be
taught, and that was the national religion.
He thought, however, that as all persons who took up their abode in the
kingdom had to make known their business, an Elder might go under the
guise of a teacher of the English language. On my informing him that I
apprehended such a policy might draw a class around him who would be
liable to betray him to prison and banishment, and as I had an Elder
under my charge who had some knowledge of the German language, I asked
him whether it would not be better that his object be known to be to
complete his education in the same. Simple as this suggestion was, it
struck him with great force. Knowing that I was unacquainted with their
laws and customs and that he had been taught them from childhood, in
fact, was a leading teacher among his fellows, he referred to this fact
and said he could see the wisdom of the Lord in it, and it was another
evidence to him that the Latter-day Saints were His people, and he
would be exceedingly glad if I could send an Elder to baptize him.
An important duty now devolved upon me which was to inform the learned
professor that our Elders, like the ancient disciples, traveled and
preached the gospel "without purse or scrip," and, if an Elder was
sent, he would have to sustain him free of charge. Most men of his type
would have spurned such a proposition. Not so with this humble servant
of the Lord. In his reply he said: "If you send an Elder, my house
shall be his house, my table shall be his table, all I have shall be
his as well as mine."
Apostle Franklin D. Richards, president of the European mission, who
had recently arrived in Geneva from Liverpool, on hearing this letter
read, immediately decided to send Elder William Budge, who was then in
England, having been banished from Zurich, a prominent Swiss canton.
On Elder Budge's arrival, he was reported as a gentleman from England,
having come to complete his education in the German language, which
was, of course, one part of his mission. He was instructed to confine
his labors principally to the professor and his family, and to baptize
none until he had further instructions.
President Richards now decided to visit Italy, where there were a few
Saints in the Waldensian valleys under the presidency of Elder Samuel
Francis. These Saints were very poor, and the most of them lived very
hard. Some of them having to subsist five months in the year on roasted
chestnuts, and, perhaps, a little sheep's or goat's milk, without any
other food, having to winter in stables in order to receive warmth from
the animals in the absence of fuel. Brother Richards was accompanied by
Elders Wm. H. Kimball, John L. Smith, John Chislett, and myself.
About the time of our arrival one of the native brethren had by mistake
eaten poison mushrooms, taking them for the variety often used as
food in that country. He reeled as he walked to a chair, or stool, to
receive the ordinance of laying on of hands. President Richards rebuked
the poison, and he recovered. Shortly afterwards an outsider collected
some of the same variety, which were cooked, and the man with his wife
and children, died through eating them.
Shortly after our return from Italy, President Richards and Elder
Kimball repaired to Dresden, the capital of Saxony, where they were
heartily greeted by Elder Budge and Professor Karl G. Maeser. They
remained a few days, during which time President Richards baptized
the professor and eight others, and organized a branch of the Church,
with Brother Maeser as presiding Elder. When the authorities learned
to their satisfaction that he had joined the Church of the Saints they
not only dropped him from his position, but banished him from the
kingdom. Of his standing and usefulness among the Saints but little
need be said. His charge of the Brigham Young Academy at Provo, and
the blessings accruing to the youth of Zion, are too well known and
appreciated to require any eulogy from me. Suffice it to say, that
I had felt that I was doing but little good beyond filling a plain
duty in responding to the call to go on a mission from England to
Switzerland.
I refer to this incident to encourage the young Elders who read this
little book to not feel discouraged because they do not baptize as
many as some others. I hope they will not feel that they are not being
useful on that account. I baptized none personally while on that
mission of about three and a half years, and yet, although I suffered
much affliction and persecution, I look back upon it as one of the
happiest times of my life.
NEWEL KNIGHT'S JOURNAL.
CHAPTER I.
MY BIRTH AND PARENTAGE--MY FATHER'S BUSINESS--HE EMPLOYS JOSEPH SMITH,
JUN.--CHARACTER OF THIS YOUTH--I START IN BUSINESS FOR MYSELF--MY
HEALTH COMPELS ME TO CHANGE OCCUPATION--JOSEPH SMITH, JUN., A CONSTANT
VISITOR AT MY HOUSE--HE RELATES HIS EXPERIENCE--HIS STATEMENTS LEAVE NO
ROOM FOR DOUBT IN ME--HE IS BITTERLY PERSECUTED.
I was born September 13th, 1800, in Marlborough, Windham county,
Vermont. My father's name was Joseph and my mother's maiden name was
Polly Peck.
My father moved into the state of New York, when I was nine years of
age, and settled on the Susquehanna river, near the bend in Chenango
county, town of Bainbridge, and stayed there two years. He then moved
down the river six miles into Broome county, town of Colesville, and
there remained nineteen years.
My father owned a farm, a grist-mill and carding machine. He was not
rich, yet he possessed enough of this world's goods to secure to
himself and family, not only the necessaries, but also the comforts of
life.
His family, consisting of my mother, three sons and four daughters, he
raised in a genteel and respectable manner, and gave his children a
good common school education.
My father was a sober, honest man, generally respected and beloved by
his neighbors and acquaintances. He did not belong to any religious
sect, but was a believer in the Universalian doctrine.
The business in which my father was engaged often required him to have
hired help, and among the many he from time to time employed was a
young man by the name of Joseph Smith, Jun., to whom I was particularly
attached. His noble deportment, his faithfulness and his kind address,
could not fail to win the esteem of those who had the pleasure of his
acquaintance. One thing I will mention, which seemed to be a peculiar
characteristic with him in all his boyish sports and amusements; I
never knew any one to gain advantage over him, and yet he was always
kind and kept the good-will of his playmates.
I continued to live with my father until I was twenty-five years old,
or nearly so; and on June 7th, 1825, I married a respectable young
lady, by the name of Sally Coburn. Her health was rather delicate.
She had long held an honorable position in the choir of one of the
most respectable churches in the vicinity; her father was a musician,
and spent much of his time from home, which threw a heavy burden upon
her mother in raising the family; this, however, she bore with much
patience.
On leaving my father I went a few miles distant and put in operation a
carding machine, but I soon sold it, and afterwards became engaged in
running a grist-mill. During this time my wife gave birth to a child,
which did not live and her sufferings were very great. I found my
health was gradually declining, and was advised to leave the mill, as
it did not agree with my constitution to work in it. I had no taste for
farming, so I continued in the mill business until the physician told
me I had the consumption, and he thought my case doubtful. I applied
to a skillful Indian doctor, from whom I obtained some relief, but was
obliged to change my business, and I moved back to Colesville, near to
where my father lived.
In settling up my business affairs I suffered a heavy loss, and this,
with the expenses incurred by my sickness, considerably reduced
my pecuniary affairs. But I was not discouraged, for all my labor
prospered in my hands, and I again entered into business.
My oldest brother. Nahum, was married, and lived close at hand; also
my sisters Esther and Anna, with their husbands William Stringham,
and Freeborn Demill, so that I was happy, not only in the society of
my father's immediate family, but also of many relatives who lived in
the same vicinity. Peace, prosperity and plenty, seemed to crown our
labors, and indeed we were a happy family, and my father rejoiced in
having us around him.
During this time we were frequently visited by my young friend, Joseph
Smith, who would entertain us with accounts of the wonderful things
which had happened to him. It was evident to me that great things
were about to be accomplished through him--that the Lord was about to
use him as an instrument in His hands to bring to pass the great and
mighty work of the last days. This chosen instrument told us of God's
manifestations to him, of the discovery and receiving of the plates
from which the Book of Mormon was translated, of his persecutions for
the gospel's sake, and many other items of his eventful life.
So honest and plain were all his statements that there was no room for
any misgivings with me on the subject. Besides, I found by reading and
searching the Bible, that there would be a great falling away from the
gospel as preached and established by Jesus and His apostles, that
in the last days God would set His hand again to restore that which
was lost. Then why should any one persecute this boy? I could not.
Yet, to my certain knowledge, many did; and those who professed to
be preacher's of the gospel, were often his vilest persecutors; and
notwithstanding they all professed to doubt the reality of his having
the plates of which he had spoken, yet so eager were they to get them
from him, that it was only by the Lord, or a kind angel, warning him
from time to time of the pursuit of his enemies, that he was enabled to
preserve the sacred records. In fact, it seemed very much like it was
with Joseph and Mary, the mother of Jesus, being warned of God to flee
from place to place, to save the young child; so has Joseph Smith been
warned many times, and then barely escaped his pursuers. Of this I can
bear a faithful testimony.