GEMS
FOR THE YOUNG FOLKS.
FOURTH BOOK OF THE
FAITH-PROMOTING SERIES.
DESIGNED FOR THE INSTRUCTION AND ENCOURAGEMENT OF YOUNG LATTER-DAY
SAINTS.
JUVENILE INSTRUCTOR OFFICE, Salt Lake City, Utah. 1881.
PREFACE.
Already one of the results which the Editor and Publisher of the
FAITH-PROMOTING SERIES anticipated when the first volume was issued,
is apparent--namely, a growing desire on the part of men of experience
to write for publication such passages from their lives as will be
of interest and benefit to the rising generation. The publication of
these in this form has not been commenced any too soon. The lives
of the early Elders of the Church were crowded with incidents of
fascinating interest, and it is due to posterity, as well as to the
Elders themselves, that a record of these should be preserved. But the
veterans are fast passing away. It will be but a few years hence until
men will seek with avidity to obtain information concerning many events
which, if not preserved in writing or in print, will be lost to the new
generations who are crowding into the field.
We give these "GEMS FOR THE YOUNG FOLKS" with the hope that they will
prove profitable to every reader. Some of them are brief; but they
embody important principles and lessons.
The "Testimonies for the Truth" were published in pamphlet form by the
author, the late Bishop Benjamin Brown, while on a mission to Great
Britain. This little work has been rare, and for a number of years it
has been difficult to see, much less obtain, a copy. It contains so
much that is encouraging and stimulating to faith that we think it
should be preserved in this Series.
Within two months we hope to be able to issue the next volume. It will
be a narrative of the personal experience of Elder Jacob Hamblin, as
a frontiersman, missionary to the Indians and explorer, disclosing
interpositions of Providence, severe privations, perilous situations
and remarkable escapes.
THE PUBLISHER.
CONTENTS.
FINDING A FATHER.
CHAPTER I.
Part from my Father in infancy--His blessing and promise--Death of
my Mother--My Grandfather apostatizes and sets up a Church of his
own--Bound to be an Uncle--Ill-treatment and ridicule--Prejudiced
against the "Mormons"--Fear of them--Released from my Uncle's
power--Inducements to go to California--Decide to start.
CHAPTER II.
My Outfit--Dissipation--Start to California--Upbraidings from my
Uncle--Uncle and Aunt disagree--A startling revelation, I learn that I
am being taken to Utah--Leave my Uncle and join Spicer, to avoid going
to Utah.
CHAPTER III.
Arrival at Parley's Park--Prepare for the worst, and visit Wm. H.
Kimball--Favorably impressed with my newly-found relatives--Arrival
in Salt Lake City--Dread at thoughts of falling into the hands of the
"Mormons"--Decide to go and see my Father and surrender, expecting to
be captured if I attempted to escape--Odd appearance going up East
Temple Street--Meeting with my Father--Invited to change my clothes.
CHAPTER IV.
Ashamed of my appearance--Introduced to my numerous relatives--Allowed
to sleep with the boys--Homesick--Set to work and made
contented--Baptized and set apart for a mission--Return to Iowa--Meet
my relatives--My Grandfather's confession and testimony--His
exhortation and request--Return home with my brother Isaac, thus
fulfilling my Father's prediction--The lessons I learned by my
experience.
SAVED BY PROVIDENCE.
Appointed to take charge of a company of emigrants--Leave London
for America--Surrounded by a thick fog--The Captain unable to take
observations--The fog lifts--Saved from being dashed upon the
rocks--Thank God for our deliverance.
WARNINGS OF THE SPIRIT.
Impressed by the Spirit not to go on a steamer, after arranging for my
passage--Rush ashore before the boat starts--Boat snagged and sunk in
the Mississippi--Warned by the Spirit not to meet an appointment--Urged
by my friends, I start--Aversion to going so strong, I gallop
back--Friends unable to account for my fears--Robbery at the house
where I was to have gone--Saved from suspicion by obeying the voice of
the Spirit.
ROBERT HAMILTON.
Challenged to debate by Dr. Waltholl--His discomfiture and defeat--Dr.
Scott attempts to retrieve the Campbellite cause, and offers another
challenge--Resorts to the whiskey bottle--Elder Hamilton scores him for
it.
HOW SUCCESS IS GAINED.
Elders to go out two and two--Young missionaries inclined to
shirk--Elder Moses Thatcher--His diffidence--The way he was broken
in--His success--Elder McAllister--His backwardness in speaking--Forced
into it--His testimony--Elder Coray's experience--Promises of the Lord
proved true.
HELP IN TIME OF NEED.
CHAPTER I.
Start upon a mission, penniless--Aid from the Captain and passengers
on the steamboat--Arrive at New Orleans--Fail in trying to find free
passage to England--Discouragement--Prayer--Rebuke and answer--Apply
for passage on the _Berlin_--Kind reception from Captain Baker--Bargain
for passage--One-half to be paid in discussing religion with an
Episcopalian Minister.
CHAPTER II.
The voyage--Discussion--Minister's discomfiture--Arrive in
Liverpool--Kindness of Captain Baker--Learn of his death and my
duty--My shabby appearance--First sermon--Money put into my hand--Visit
home--More help from strangers.
OVERCOMING DIFFIDENCE.
Difference in persons about speaking in public--The Lord willing
to help His servants to overcome timidity--Early experience
in preaching--A feeling of fear and the Spirit of God not
congenial--Timidity conquered.
THE LORD WILL PROVIDE.
A Mother and Children in great want--The Mother's faith--Her prayer--Is
provided with money in a mysterious way.
DIALOGUE ON RELIGION.
TESTIMONIES FOR THE TRUTH.
CHAPTER I.
The Author's birth and parentage--Early religious
impressions--Marriage--Vision of his Brother, and of the Bible--The
Author dreams of preaching--Attends a "Protracted Meeting"--His
impressions while there--He meets with the Latter--Day Saints--Vision
of two Nephite Apostles.
CHAPTER II.
Vision of the last days--Baptism of the Author and four others--His
Wife's dream and baptism--He is ordained an Elder--Visits Kirtland--On
his return is attacked by fever--Is miraculously healed--Visits
Kirtland--Re-visits Kirtland--Begins to preach--Miraculous healing of
a cancer--Accident and miraculous healing of Jesse W. Crosby--Poison
miraculously nullified--Casting out of evil spirits.
CHAPTER III.
Removal to Nauvoo--Sickness--Miraculously healed--Acquire
considerable property--Acquaintance with Joseph Smith--Missions
to Albany, and the Eastern states; also, with Elder J. W. Crosby,
to Nova Scotia--Preach in Jefferson Co., N. Y., and organize
six Branches of the Church--Travel to New Brunswick--Invited to
preach--Baptisms--Persecution--The Author waylaid by a mob, beaten,
and left for dead--Attack on the house where he and Elder Crosby were
in bed--The mob dispersed by Mrs. Shelton--They return and re--attack
the house--Are dispersed by Mr. Shelton--Two Branches organized.
CHAPTER IV.
Return to Nauvoo--Sent to Jefferson Co. on a Tithing mission--Return
with a thousand dollars--Move West with the Church--Stay at Winter
Quarters--Ordained Bishop--Scurvy in Camp--Hire out in Missouri--Arrive
in Salt Lake Valley--Elder Kimball's prophecy and its fulfillment.
FINDING A FATHER.
By ABRAHAM A. KIMBALL.
CHAPTER I.
PART FROM MY FATHER IN INFANCY--HIS BLESSING AND PROMISE--DEATH
OF MY MOTHER--MY GRANDFATHER APOSTATIZES AND SETS UP A CHURCH OF
HIS OWN--BOUND TO AN UNCLE--ILL-TREATMENT AND RIDICULE--PREJUDICED
AGAINST THE "MORMONS"--FEAR OF THEM--RELEASED FROM MY UNCLE'S
POWER--INDUCEMENTS TO GO TO CALIFORNIA--DECIDE TO START.
At the earnest request of many of my friends I have compiled a few
incidents of my early life, some of which have an important bearing on
the past history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
My grandfather's confession and testimony are especially important, and
this sketch is written for the express purpose of giving publicity to
his statement.
In order, however, to arrive at a clear understanding of this, it
becomes necessary for me to insert a sketch of my early life.
I have carefully penned these incidents from memory, having taken no
notes at the time of their occurrence, and they are as correct as it
is possible to give them, especially such as refer to my grandfather
Cutler's testimony of the work of the Latter-day Saints, and this I can
vouch for, word for word. At the time this occurred I had just joined
the Church, and his remarks made a powerful impression upon my mind,
which nothing can ever efface.
My father, Heber C. Kimball, removed to Utah when I was only about
twelve months old, leaving his two wives (my mother--Clarissa Cutler,
and her sister Emily) with one boy each, at Winter Quarters, now called
Florence, Nebraska, at the residence of my grandfather, Alpheus Cutler.
This occurred in the spring of 1847.
My father (as I have since learned) was very much impressed, prior to
leaving us, with the belief that my mother would never come to Utah,
and he, therefore, blessed my brother Isaac A. and myself, and while
his hands were upon my head he significantly remarked that I should
see the day that I would come to the valleys of the mountains and
afterwards return for my brother.
Shortly after he left us my grandfather was called on a mission to the
Indians on Grasshopper River, Indian Territory, and took his daughters
and their two children with him.
About two years afterwards the grim monster, death, visited us and
deprived me of my mother, and a few months later my aunt Emily died,
also Henrietta Cutler (widow of Moses Cutler) who left a girl now named
Phelinda Rawlance.
We shortly afterwards removed to Manti, Fremont County, Iowa, where my
grandfather established a church and constituted himself its leader,
calling it "The True Church of Latter-day Saints," and presumed to
officiate in the ordinances of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints, such as baptisms, endowments, etc.
He also energetically denounced polygamy and the law of tithing, and
taught his followers that Joseph Smith was a true prophet of God, but
that Brigham Young was not his successor, but an impostor, and that he
(Alpheus Cutler) was the true leader and held the authority to carry on
the latter-day work.
This pretended "True Church" was organized, with Alpheus Cutler,
president; Edmund Fisher, first counselor; Chancey Whiting, second
counselor, and grandfather Fisher, patriarch.
They claimed all the gifts and powers belonging to the Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Repeated inducements were held out for my brother Isaac and myself
to join the Church after we became old enough for membership. Isaac
finally consented to become a member, but I failed to see or comprehend
the necessity of it.
Some time afterwards my grandfather was afflicted with rheumatism and
phthisic, in consequence of which he was unable to follow his usual
avocations in procuring a livelihood.
Often have I known him to sit up for six weeks at a time, not being
able to lay down on account of the difficulty of breathing while in
that position.
When I was about nine years of age, it became necessary for my
grandfather to make arrangements with my uncle Thaddeus for our further
maintenance. My brother and I were bound over to our uncle to serve him
until we were twenty-one years of age, and he agreed on his part to
provide for us and our grandparents.
In consideration of faithfully performing his duties, my uncle was to
inherit grandfather's property, but in case he failed to do so, he was
not to reap this benefit.
At the time this verbal agreement was made, my uncle took possession of
the property, but he afterwards failed to perform his duty.
After taking up our residence in uncle's family he neglected to provide
us suitable clothing and food, and our grandfather and grandmother were
also neglected. The church, however, assisted them and made up the
deficiency.
My brother and I were repeatedly ill-treated by uncle's family, and
were continually persecuted and called names for being polygamist
children. In order to tantalize us, the members of the family would
call us "bastards," "Brigham," "Heber," etc., and on the slightest
provocation they would threaten to send us to Utah, telling us that the
"Mormons" would soon settle us.
No nervous children were ever worse frightened by stories about
hobgoblins than my brother and I were, with what they told us about the
"Mormons."
We were also taught that if we stayed in the woods picking fruit, etc.,
the "Mormons" would be sure to catch us and carry us off. More than
once when gathering berries in the woods, were we alarmed by the flight
of a bird or the rustling noise of some small animal in the underbrush.
Our first impulse on such occasions, and the one invariably acted
upon, was to drop our baskets and run like frightened antelopes, never
stopping or looking back until we neared home, and felt sure that we
were safe from our fancied pursuers.
Often in my dreams I imagined I was captured by the "Mormons," and in
my waking moments I frequently pictured to myself a life of captivity
among them--caged like a wild beast in a menagerie. The name "Mormon,"
in fact, became to us synonymous with that of an ugly and dangerous
monster, and we grew up with the most bitter prejudice and intense
hatred in our hearts towards all who bore that name.
We endured the ill-treatment of our uncle's family until patience no
longer seemed to be a virtue, and we rebelled.
Our grandfather perceived that it was only right to release us from
their power, and he therefore regained all the property he could
possibly secure in stock and land from our uncle, and severed our
obligations to him.
From this time we commenced to work for ourselves, and also to support
grandfather and grandmother, and continued to do so until the spring of
1862.
In the winter of 1861 I had a dangerous attack of winter fever, to
which I nearly succumbed.
In the spring of 1862 I was sent a distance of thirty-five miles to
Hamburg, for a doctor to attend my cousin Sylvia Webb's child, who was
sick, and after crossing the river I sent the doctor and remained with
my uncle, Edwin Cutler, for one week.
While there he inquired how I would like to go to California, as he
claimed that he was going there.
On hearing this I was suddenly seized with the gold fever, and eagerly
expressed a wish to go, as I always had a great desire to roam.
Uncle Edwin requested me to return home and inform my grandparents, and
ascertain if they were willing for me to go.
I returned home the following Sunday evening. I did not request
permission to leave, but at once informed them that I was going to
start for California in the morning, and that I wanted them to get my
clothes ready.
No reply was made to this remark, and, as they failed to comply, I
repeated my request, stating that if they did not provide them I would
attend to it myself, as I was determined to go.
Grandmother then remarked that if I was determined to go she would get
my clothes ready.
During the night I made arrangements with my brother to take me a
distance of fifteen miles, to a small town called Sydney; and early in
the morning, after bidding grandfather and grandmother "good-by," we
started out.
CHAPTER II.
MY OUTFIT--DISSIPATION--START TO CALIFORNIA--UPBRAIDINGS FROM MY
UNCLE--UNCLE AND AUNT DISAGREE--A STARTLING REVELATION, I LEARN THAT I
AM BEING TAKEN TO UTAH--LEAVE MY UNCLE AND JOIN SPICER, TO AVOID GOING
TO UTAH.
We arrived safely at Sydney, where I took leave of my brother and
started alone for Hamburg, with all my earthly possessions in my hand,
which consisted of a small bundle containing a suit of old-fashioned
clothes and a fiddle.
On arriving at my uncle's residence he seemed quite elated to think
he had a servant and companion, for this was the first step towards
accomplishing a design at this time known only to himself.
Previous to starting out he extended a great many privileges to me,
such as a drink of whisky, hunting cattle, attending dances and riding
mules, the last-named sport occasionally causing me to turn unexpected
somersaults.
During this time I effected a sale of my fiddle for a gallon of whisky
and a dollar in money. From the effects of drinking the whisky I felt
that I could easily reach California, and, after obtaining a pipe and a
pound of tobacco, I felt fully equipped for my trip.
When feed became plentiful we started out, in company with a man by
the name of Gerard who had a lot of fine horses which he was taking to
California.
Our complete outfit consisted of one wagon, one yoke of oxen, one yoke
of cows, a tent and a common camp-stove. My uncle adopted the plan of
staking the tent every night, also tying ropes to the wagon wheels and
staking the same. He also fixed the stove daily, or rather made me do
it, and this work of course became very monotonous.
Uncle assisted me a week or two in performing camp duties and also in
driving team. I was grateful for all his previous kindness to me and in
order to prove this I willingly performed all the duties required of
me. But in a very short time he left all this work to me, and driving
team all day and performing these duties afterwards kept me entirely
out of mischief.
All went well until after we passed Julesburg, on the Platte River,
when the following important incidents occurred:
I had slept a little longer than usual, having failed to awake before
sunrise. My uncle aroused me and passionately remarked that he had not
brought me along to wait upon me himself, but for me to wait upon him.
I had discovered this fact some time before, and these unkind
upbraidings made me feel acutely my position as an orphan.
Shortly after this occurrence my uncle and his wife disagreed, and they
finally concluded to separate.
My aunt sought me out and informed me that she intended to stop at
Laramie, and, in order to induce me to stay with her, she asked me if I
knew where uncle was taking me? I replied that I supposed he was taking
me to California.
She then informed me that he was taking me to my father in Utah.
This troubled me greatly, and aroused all my fears of, and hatred
towards the "Mormons."
At this time I did not know my father's name, as I had always borne the
name of Cutler, my mother's maiden name.
On receiving this information I was considerably vexed, and it caused
me to swear terribly and shed tears of indignation.
I at once charged my uncle with this intention, and we got to high
words about it. He told me I need not go to Utah, but that I could go
to California.
I knew that it was unfortunate to be liberated after coming five
hundred miles from home, but I felt that I would rather die than ever
go to Utah.
I, therefore, decided to stop at Laramie with my aunt and wait for a
chance to go forward to California or return home.
The gold fever had now left me, and I became perfectly reckless, having
respect neither for God nor man.
Matters continued so until we reached Laramie, when we halted for a few
days.
All this time nothing was mentioned of my uncle and aunt's separation,
as a reconciliation had been effected.
Previous to this we had fallen in with a man by the name of James
Spicer, from Hamburg, who had three wagons and one hundred and
seventy-five head of loose cattle. He had his wife with him but no
children of his own, though he had brought with him an orphan boy.
Spicer came to me while at Laramie, and said, "You don't want to go to
Utah, do you?"
I replied that I did not.
He then said that he was not going there, and that he had noticed how
I had been misused on the trip, but, as he was a small man compared
with my uncle, he did not deem it wisdom to interfere; but if I wished
to leave my uncle and go with him he would lay over until my relatives
went forward if he had to remain all winter.
He stated that he had a man he wanted to get rid of, who could
accompany my uncle in my place.
I agreed to this arrangement.
Two days later my uncle came to me and said, "Abe! let us get up the
cattle; we can't wait any longer for Spicer. Frank Gilbert and company,
belonging to Gilbert, Gerrish and Co., of Salt Lake City, are just
ahead, and we can overhaul them."
I then informed him that I would accompany him no farther, for I had
agreed to go with Spicer to California.
He was quite vexed, but after considerable talk he cooled down and
accepted Spicer's man as a substitute; and in a few hours from the time
he left us we hitched up and rolled out.
My uncle's next plan was to inform every "Mormon" he saw that one of
Heber C. Kimball's lost boys was on the road, and describe our outfit
to him.
On arriving at the Fort Hall Road (which was the route to California),
Spicer was informed that several trains had been robbed and some
persons killed while traveling in that direction. He, therefore,
decided to change his plans and go through Utah, as this was his last
chance.
I replied, "D--the odds, Spicer, we will die brave!" naturally
supposing that the "Mormons" would kill me or mark me in some way for
recognition.
Up to this time all our company were ignorant of my parentage, and I
thought I had better make a confidant of one of the boys named James
Lefler. I told him I had a father in Utah.
He was very anxious to know who my father was, and I informed him it
was either Brigham or Heber, I was not sure which, though I thought it
was Brigham.
At Green River Ferry we met Lewis Robison and sons. They soon
discovered who I was, and commenced joking me by remarking that I could
not cross on their ferry, as they did not ferry "Mormons."
This maddened me, and I threw off my clothes, and, placing them in the
wagon, I jumped into the river, telling them they could go to h--.
I swam across the river, which was very high and rapid, and approached
the bank lower down the stream.
Lewis Robison, desirous of making my acquaintance, and having learned
that I was the lost boy, brought my clothes down to me.
When I saw him coming I remained in the water, for fear he would catch
me, for I felt that I would rather drown than be taken to Utah.
He tried hard to persuade me to come out, but I declined, for fear he
would take me to Salt Lake.
He informed me who he was, and that he was acquainted with my father,
but did not tell me his name, and I did not care to know it.
Perceiving that I would not leave the water, he returned to the boat,
leaving my clothes on the bank.
I then came out and dressed myself, and was soon mounted on one of
Spicer's best horses, which had been brought over.
Robison, seeing that I had come ashore, made another attempt to
converse with me, stating that I need not be afraid.
I told him that I was not, but for all that I did not allow him to get
closer than thirty feet.
Finding that I would not keep still long enough for him to approach me,
he talked with me from a distance, asking me if I would go and see my
father, Heber C. Kimball, when I got to Salt Lake.
I told him I did not know.
He added that my father was a good man, and would be pleased to see me,
and said he was going to Salt Lake in a few days and would inform him
that I was coming.
On learning this, I was careful not to dismount again while remaining
at the ferry.
CHAPTER III.
ARRIVAL AT PARLEY'S PARK--PREPARE FOR THE WORST, AND VISIT WM. H.
KIMBALL--FAVORABLY IMPRESSED WITH MY NEWLY-FOUND RELATIVES--ARRIVAL
IN SALT LAKE CITY--DREAD AT THOUGHTS OF FALLING INTO THE HANDS OF THE
"MORMONS"--DECIDE TO GO AND SEE MY FATHER AND SURRENDER, EXPECTING TO
BE CAPTURED IF I ATTEMPTED TO ESCAPE--ODD APPEARANCE GOING UP EAST
TEMPLE STREET--MEETING WITH MY FATHER--INVITED TO CHANGE MY CLOTHES.
We did not encounter any more "Mormons" that knew me until after
arriving at Silver Creek, near Parley's Park, Utah. On arriving there I
learned that William H. Kimball lived at the Park.
I had a faint recollection of having seen him at grandfather's, when he
called several years previous, as he returned from his European mission.
I concluded then that I was approaching a region where something
desperate would be required of me if I protected myself; so I made
up my mind to put on a bold front and prepare for the worst. Feeling
that I might as well meet my troubles first as last, I decided to pay
William H. Kimball a visit before he came after me. I accordingly armed
myself with a revolver and a quid of tobacco, and asked one of the
boys, a daring fellow, to go over to the ranch with me.
On reaching there I inquired for William H. Kimball, and was informed
that he was in the meadow, a short distance off, hauling hay.
From the description my uncle had given of me, my brother William at
once recognized me, and said, "Hello, Abe! where did you come from?"
He seemed very glad to see me, and asked me to wait a few minutes and
he would go to the house with me, as his mother (Vilate Kimball) was
there, also two other brothers (Charles and Solomon), and part of his
own family.
After being introduced to all, we were invited to partake of a
civilized meal.
I was asked a great many questions respecting my previous career and
future intentions.
After remaining till sunset we returned to camp with cordial
invitations to call again, which we did, during our stay on Silver
Creek.
I had one fight while there, and came very near getting whipped, as my
opponent was left-handed. I managed, however, with a skillful blow, to
dispossess him of his "goatee."
The acquaintance formed at the Park with my relatives made a favorable
impression upon me, and great inducements were held out for me to call
and see my father.
My brother Charles went to Salt Lake and informed my father where I
was. He immediately sent a team for me, but I declined to go. Spicer
had been a friend to me, and I did not think it right to forsake an old
friend for a new one. I, therefore, refused to leave him on any account
until I saw his outfit safely landed in Salt Lake City, as he would
have been short of help had I done so.
It took us two days to travel from the Park to Salt Lake City.
My brother remained one day after we left, as he expected to overtake
us before we reached the City, and intended to prevail on me to go home
with him.
He failed, however, to find us, as we went over the "Little Mountain"
while he proceeded down Parley's Canyon and reached the City before we
did.
We encamped on Emigration Square for the night, and it was a very sad
night to me, as I expected to fall into the hands of the "Mormons" on
the following morning, and then I could not conceive what my fate would
be. I expected, however, it would be something awful, and dreaded it
the more as I thought of my early teachings.
About breakfast time next morning an unexpected visitor--Sister
Tuft--called to see me, for the purpose of urging me to go and see my
father, though I never knew her reason.
Shortly afterwards Lewis Robison called, having learned that I had
arrived. He was anxious to know if I was going to see my father. I
carelessly remarked that I did not know.
He said he would call in a little while, and accompany me.
Towards noon Spicer came to me, and said:
"Abe, what are you going to do? Are you going to stop with your father,
or go with me?"
I told him I did not know, but thought I had better stop, for if I went
on they would take me prisoner and bring me back, and I thought I would
surrender. They might treat me better and not be so severe as they
would if I tried to escape.
He thought the same as I did, but said if I was not suited, and could
get away, I should find him at Camp Floyd, where he would winter; and
if I came there he would give me a home as long as he had one.
We bade each other good by, both shedding tears, as we parted.
If I had been called upon to mount the gallows I should not have done
so with greater reluctance than I then manifested as I went forth to
meet my father.
I started out with a small flour sack over my shoulder, containing all
my earthly possessions, and these consisted of the following articles
of clothing: one old-fashioned coat, of the claw-hammer pattern, one
checkered gingham coat and a pair of pants (home-made and colored with
walnut bark). The legs of the pants were about five inches too long,
and proportionately large in other parts.
The suit I wore was not as good as the one described, and consisted of
a hickory shirt, white ducking pants (eight inches too short), a pair
of shoes but no stockings, and an old relic of a white hat, with a
small rim.
I remained on the square, alone, as long as I dared, watching Spicer's
outfit moving down the State Road.
I kept hoping that Robison would soon appear, according to promise,
but, as he failed to do so, I shouldered my sack and started out in
search of my father.
I reached East Temple Street, but dared not speak to any one, and,
instead of going on the sidewalk, I walked up the middle of the street.
Such an odd-looking genius as I appeared, of course, caused everybody
to gaze at me.
I kept looking warily over my shoulders, as I supposed everybody was
anxious to catch me. I did not inquire for Heber C. Kimball until I
arrived opposite the Tithing Office, when I encountered a man named
Benjamin Hampton (a gate keeper), who eyed me with suspicion, as if he
suspected that I was a desperado or a lunatic.
I ventured to ask him where Heber C. Kimball lived, but he gave me no
satisfaction; in fact he would not even acknowledge that he knew such
a man. This caused me to give vent to an exclamation that was more
expressive than elegant, after which I continued my journey up the
street till I crossed City Creek.
There I ventured to call at a house, and, concluding that Heber C.
Kimball did not live in that vicinity, I asked for Charles Kimball.
The lady to whom I addressed myself proved to be his wife, and she
replied that her husband was at his father's barn a short distance away.
As I crossed the yard numbers of people gazed curiously at me from
windows and doors.
I called at the barn, and there found my brother, hitching up the
horses to go after me again. He was quite surprised to see me, and said
he would unhitch and accompany me to the house.
I then wished that the earth would open and swallow me. On nearing the
house I perceived a man whom I supposed to be my father, and my fear of
him was very great as I approached. My brother addressed him as father,
and, by way of an introduction said, "Here's your boy!"
My father was six feet one inch in height, and had keen, piercing,
black eyes, which seemed to penetrate my inmost thoughts. His
countenance, however, was very pleasant, and he spoke to me in a kind,
fatherly manner, and undertook to embrace me, which I declined, as I
was not used to such exhibitions of affection.
He said he was glad to see me, and asked me if I knew he was my father.
I told him I neither knew nor cared, and hoped he would kick me out and
let me go.
He informed me that such was really the case.
I told him that it was all right, then, I did not say he wasn't.
He invited me to take a chair and sit down, which I did, but kept my
hat on.
After viewing me from head to foot, he asked me if I had any clothes.
I replied, "Yes, plenty of them!"
He then called his wife, Adelia, and told her to get a tub of water and
put it in a bedroom, so that I could have a wash and change my clothes.
CHAPTER IV.
ASHAMED OF MY APPEARANCE--INTRODUCED TO MY NUMEROUS RELATIVES--ALLOWED
TO SLEEP WITH THE BOYS--HOMESICK--SET TO WORK AND MADE
CONTENTED--BAPTIZED AND SET APART FOR A MISSION--RETURN TO IOWA--MEET
MY RELATIVES--MY GRANDFATHER'S CONFESSION AND TESTIMONY--HIS
EXHORTATION AND REQUEST--RETURN HOME WITH MY BROTHER ISAAC, THUS
FULFILLING MY FATHER'S PREDICTION--THE LESSONS I LEARNED BY MY
EXPERIENCE.
After taking a bath I put on my new suit, but was ashamed then to
appear before the family, as my surroundings seemed so nice that my
old-fashioned suit was made to appear worse than it really was. I
therefore decided to remain in the bedroom until I was invited out.
My aunts, Vilate and Adelia, insisted upon my joining the family, and
if ever I felt ashamed of myself in the world it was then.
My father came to me in a few minutes and could not refrain from
smiling. I suppose it was my clothes that amused him. He immediately
requested his wife Adelia to comb my hair, which was to me a severe
infliction, as I feared the results. However, this operation was safely
passed, proving that my fears were groundless, and the remainder of the
day I spent pleasantly, viewing the premises.
Imagine my astonishment when, in the evening, my father called into the
room about twenty of his boys and girls and five or six of his wives.
After being introduced we spent the evening reviewing my past life.
I learned that my father was quite prepared to find me in such a rough
condition, for Lewis Robison, on arriving in the valley ahead of me,
had informed him that I was one of the most uncouth boys he ever met in
all his travels.
At bedtime father extended to me the privilege of sleeping with the
boys, in a new room that he had built. This kindness I appreciated
very much, although after retiring, the boys commenced making sport of
their "country brother," which caused me to get on the war path, an
indulgence I was rather fond of, having been compelled to fight my own
way from childhood, through having no father or mother to take my part.
However, father soon put a stop to this, by appearing in his
night-clothes and telling the boys he would attend to them if they did
not keep quiet. We soon learned to love and respect each other.
All the liberties were extended to me that I needed, but in a few days
I became home-sick. Although everybody was very kind to me, I could not
help thinking of my old home, for all were strangers to me here.
Father, perceiving this, set me to work, hauling wood, and I soon
forgot my troubles, and in the winter I attended school, during which
time my father informed me of his desire for me to return to the States
for my brother Isaac.
He asked me what I thought of being baptized.
I told him I didn't know.
He replied that I could do just as I pleased, but if I believed in the
principles of the gospel he would like me to be baptized before going
back. Nothing more was said on the subject for several months, when I
was again asked if I had concluded to be baptized.
I told him I had, and he proposed immediately to send for Enoch Reese
and have him baptize me.
We then went up City Creek, above the Church blacksmith's shop, where I
was baptized by Brother Reese. After returning to the house my father
confirmed me, and also ordained me an Elder and set me apart for a
mission to the States, for the purpose of bringing my brother Isaac,
and thus confirming the blessing pronounced upon me in my infancy.
I was also to seek Orin Rockwell (Porter Rockwell's eldest son), and
bring him and as many others as I could induce to come.
I left home for the States on the 16th of April, 1863, in company with
my brother Heber and others, with mule and horse teams, and we made the
trip to the Missouri River in twenty-one days.
After remaining a few days in Florence, Nebraska, I set out for home on
horseback. On arriving at Omaha my horse became very lame, and I left
it and started out afoot.
I found my brother Heber at Kanesville, Iowa, where he had gone on
business. He bought me a suit of clothes and a pair of shoes, and gave
me a few dollars in money.
I left Kanesville about noon, making Glenwood (twenty miles distant)
the same day. I stopped at a hotel for the night, and started out at
eight o'clock next morning.
I arrived at my old home after dark, having walked fifty miles that
day, and my feet were very sore.
My grandfather, grandmother, brother and friends were all glad to see
me, and I spent several days in visiting my old resorts.
A few days after my arrival my grandmother and a portion of the family
went out visiting. I remained, at grandfather's request, as he was
still an invalid through phthisic, etc., and was unable to leave the
house.
When alone, he commenced questioning me concerning Utah, asking me also
about Brother Schofield and some others of his acquaintance, but I was
unable to give much information concerning them.
He asked me if I had seen my father, Heber C. Kimball. I told him I
had. He replied that he was glad of it.
He also asked me if I had been baptized, and I told him I had. He again
replied that he was glad of it.
He next asked me if I had received my endowments, and, when I informed
him that I had, he seemed pleased.
He then said: "I have suffered you to be prejudiced to the extent that
you were, and it is now my duty to remove the same.
"You went off without asking my consent, which was all right. I knew
that Heber C. Kimball was your father, and always did know it; but did
not calculate that it should be known by you.
"I intended that you and Isaac should be the means of my support while
I lived.
"You have now been to your father, and that is all right.
"I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God, and I know that Brigham
Young is his legal successor, and I always did know it. But the trouble
with me was I wanted to lead, and could not be led. I have run my race
and sealed my doom, and I know what I have got to meet.
"I died once, and was dead for some length of time. My spirit left my
body and went to the land of spirits. I saw the crown that I should
wear if I remained faithful, and the condemnation I should receive if
I did not. I begged to remain, but was informed that I must return and
warn the people to repent, as my work on earth was not yet done.
"After my spirit returned to my body, those around discovered the
appearance of life. The first words that I spoke were to Sidney Rigdon,
who was stooping over me. I called upon him to repent of his sins, or
he would be damned."
My grandfather paused here, but continued by saying: "I want you to go
back to your father, taking your brother Isaac with you, as I know he
is a good man, and remain steadfast to 'Mormonism.'
"Let what may turn up, _never yield the point;_ for it will save and
exalt you in the kingdom of God."
He wept like a child after saying this. He then said to me: "One favor
I wish to ask of you, namely, that you will not divulge this confession
to those whom I lead while I live."
With this he released me, and I continued my visiting.
My brother was perfectly willing to accompany me, so in a few days
we started out for Florence, accompanied by one cousin (Jedediah
Anderson), and Charles Cox and two live raccoons, which we brought
along as curiosities.
After arriving at Florence we remained a few weeks, preparing to return
to Salt Lake and drive teams for our brother Heber.
We arrived in the valley safely, and father was much pleased at our
return, and gladly welcomed brother Isaac to his home.
My brother was as well suited as I had previously been, and soon after
joined the Church.
We then contentedly settled down with father and remained with him
almost to the time of his death, which occurred on the 22nd of June,
1868.
In this manner did I find a loving and kind father, whose character had
been most shamefully maligned, and, though I was at one time reluctant
to make his acquaintance, yet I have often thanked God since for such
an exemplary parent.
I learned by the experience which I have related many lessons that I
trust I may profit by as long as I live. I learned how difficult it is
to overcome prejudices and false impressions, especially when formed in
early youth or childhood.
I learned what a mischievous and dangerous quality ambition is, when
not properly controlled. In the case of my grandfather, ambition for
worldly honors, for office and position among men, led him to outrage
his conscience. It caused him to barter away his claim upon the eternal
riches and honor and glory of heaven for a miserable mess of pottage.
It caused him to lead a false life. It caused him to make a pretense of
believing that which he had a positive knowledge was untrue. It caused
him to bring himself under condemnation by deceiving others. It even
caused him to mislead his own offspring until he could do so no longer.
I learned something of the misery and sense of loss and remorse of
conscience that result from such a course as that which my grandfather
pursued, and I hope that his example may ever prove a warning to
all who read this sketch. May they avoid such unlawful aspirations
as caused his ruin, and live so that they can ever look back with
satisfaction upon the past and forward with joy to the future.
SAVED BY PROVIDENCE.
BY J. NICHOLSON.
APPOINTED TO TAKE CHARGE OF A COMPANY OF EMIGRANTS--LEAVE LONDON
FOR AMERICA--SURROUNDED BY A THICK FOG--THE CAPTAIN UNABLE TO TAKE
OBSERVATIONS--THE FOG LIFTS--SAVED FROM BEING DASHED UPON THE
ROCKS--THANK GOD FOR OUR DELIVERANCE.
The Elders of the Church often speak of the care shown by the Lord in
preserving His Saints from harm. He has delivered them miraculously
from accidents and death many times.
I will tell of a case in which God exersised His power in behalf of a
company of His people.
The young people who may read this perhaps all know that hundreds and
thousands of Saints gather to this country, from far off nations,
every year. Many ship loads of them have crossed the Atlantic Ocean--a
voyage of nearly 3,000 miles. On the sea, many accidents occur whereby
people lose their lives by drowning, through the sinking of ships in
storms. But nothing of this kind has ever taken place with a ship load
of Saints. The reason for this is, that God has promised to protect His
elect who should gather from the four quarters of the earth in these
latter days.
In the year 1866; Elder Brigham Young, Jr., who was then President of
what is called the European Mission of the Church, appointed the writer
of this article to take charge of a company of about five hundred
Saints from Great Britain to the banks of the Missouri River, in this
country, on their way to Salt Lake City. The Saints did not cross the
sea in fast-sailing steamships in those days. They traveled over the
waters in slow-going sailing ships, depending for speed on favorable
winds. At that time six weeks, was considered the average length of
time for a voyage from England to New York.
We left the port of London on the 23rd of May, 1866, a very fine
company of people, not a few of whom, I am pleased to say, are good,
honorable members of the Church, in Utah, to-day. I have in my mind
especially now some of the boys who were with us. I have seen them grow
up to manhood, and they are still faithful.
When the ship _American Congress_, on which we sailed, was near the
shores of Newfoundland a thick fog prevailed for several days, which
prevented Captain Woodward from taking an observation, being unable to
see the sun. He therefore could not tell exactly where we were.
About this time the captain and Brother John Rider, who now lives
in Kanab, and who was one of my counselors in the presidency of the
company, were conversing on the part of the ship called the quarter
deck. I was standing some distance away from them. Brother Rider
happened to turn his face in the direction in which the ship was
sailing. At that moment the fog lifted up from the surface of the sea,
as if a vail or scroll had been raised. He saw clearly between the fog
and the water for some distance ahead.
Suddenly he exclaimed, pointing forward, "Captain, what is that?"
Captain Woodward, who was tall, powerful and active, made no answer. It
was no time for orders. He sprang to the wheelhouse with the agility
of a tiger, and knocked the man at the helm "heels over head," sending
him sprawling upon the deck. At the same instant he grasped the wheel,
turning it with the most surprising rapidity. Although his movements
were so quick, he did not lose his presence of mind a moment. He was
busy with his voice as well as his hands, for while he acted as I have
described, he shouted, in clear, loud, piercing tones, the several
orders directing all hands to "'bout ship." The sailors sprang to their
posts. There were active limbs and busy hands among the rigging. The
good ship _American Congress_, swayed slowly around, and the moment of
peril was past.
Had this action been delayed a few moments the vessel would have been
among the breakers, upon the rocks, dashed to pieces and probably not
a soul of the nearly five hundred on board would have escaped a watery
grave.
The rocks and breakers ahead, on the line of the vessel's course, were
what Brother Rider saw when the fog lifted. The captain asked us, as a
special favor, not to say a word to the people about the danger with
which the ship had been threatened. He being commander of the vessel,
we considered it right to respect his desire; besides, we thought his
suggestion wise, as a knowledge of what had occurred would doubtless
have caused an uneasy feeling among the passengers. The company were,
therefore, not aware of the great danger they had escaped.
Elder Rider and myself thanked God for His goodness in so manifestly
exercising His power in behalf of His Saints. The Lord fulfilled the
promises made to us by His servants at the time we left England for the
land of Zion.
WARNINGS OF THE SPIRIT.
BY H.G.B.
IMPRESSED BY THE SPIRIT NOT TO GO ON A STEAMER, AFTER ARRANGING FOR MY
PASSAGE--RUSH ASHORE BEFORE THE BOAT STARTS--BOAT SNAGGED AND SUNK IN
THE MISSISSIPPI--WARNED BY THE SPIRIT NOT TO MEET AN APPOINTMENT--URGED
BY MY FRIENDS, I START--AVERSION TO GOING SO STRONG, I GALLOP
BACK--FRIENDS UNABLE TO ACCOUNT FOR MY FEARS--ROBBERY AT THE HOUSE
WHERE I WAS TO HAVE GONE--SAVED FROM SUSPICION BY OBEYING THE VOICE OF
THE SPIRIT.
There are no people on the earth, that we are acquainted with, that
exercise so much faith in God our Heavenly Father as do the Latter-day
Saints. No other people seek for His protecting care as they do. Nor
are there any people to whom His protection is oftener extended or made
manifest more visibly than unto this people.
Especially has this been the case with hundreds of our Elders, when
traveling and preaching the gospel. A few of these instances of divine
protection in my own experience I wish to relate.
While on my way to Nauvoo, Illinois, in the month of June, 1845, going
down the Ohio River, the steamer I was aboard of ran aground on the
"Flint Island Bar," just above Evansville, Indiana.
I remained on the boat for thirty-six hours; when, the water in the
river being very low, and getting lower every day, and, seeing no
prospect of our getting past this bar, I concluded to go ashore and
work a few days, as I understood laborers were in demand in Evansville.
The captain of the steamer aground, accordingly, refunded me a just
proportion of the passage money I had paid him.
I procured work for one week, at the end of which time the river began
to rise. Being very anxious to pursue my journey, I went aboard the
first boat that landed at Evansville, which I learned was going as far
up the Mississippi River as Galena. I made arrangements with the clerk
for passage to Nauvoo, but did not pay him at the time, as he said the
boat would not leave for two hours.
I was never more desirous of pursuing my journey than I was on this
occasion, yet soon after going aboard a feeling of aversion to going
on that steamer took possession of me. Instead of a sensation of joy,
an undefinable dread, or foreboding of coming evil was exercising an
influence over me, that increased in its power every moment, until I
could resist no longer, and, snatching up my trunk, I fled with it to
shore, just as the deck hands stopped to haul in the gangway, and the
boat moved off.
I put my trunk down on the bank of the river, and sat down on it, too
weak to stand on my feet longer.
This was a new experience to me, then. What did it mean? One thing was
certain, I felt as if I had just escaped from some great calamity to a
place of safety.
Two days after this I took passage on another steamer for St. Louis,
where in due time I arrived in safety. As I walked ashore I met a
newsboy crying his morning paper, and among the items of news it
contained the most prominent was an account of the ill-fated steamer
that I had made my escape from at Evansville, on the Ohio River.
I purchased the paper, and found the boat had been snagged in the
Mississippi River, below St. Louis, in the night, and sank, with a loss
of nearly all that were on board.
The mysterious feeling that impelled me to leave that boat was cleared
up to my satisfaction. There remained not the shadow of a doubt that
Providence had interposed between me and the great danger.
The thanks, gratitude, and joy that filled my whole being on this
occasion, I will not try to describe.
On another occasion, when on a mission in the State of California, in
the year 1857, it became necessary for me to make a visit from the
north end to the south end of San Francisco Bay.
There were two ways open to me to make this trip. One was to take the
steamer and go by water from Petaluma to San Jose, the place I wished
to visit. The other was by land, on horseback, around the east side of
the bay, by way of Vallejo and Benicia.
I had stayed over Monday night at the house of a Mr. H--, who was
preparing to move south with his family, and who prevailed on me to
accompany him around by land. He offered to feed both myself and horse
as far south as I desired to go, thus relieving me of any expense.
Mr. H---- had taken great pains to tell me of a Mr. O----, who was very
favorably inclined to our people and doctrines. He thought that I
ought, by all means, to visit him, and that I could do so on the coming
Friday evening, and join him (Mr. H--) on Saturday morning at Vallejo,
on the proposed trip.
This all appeared right enough to me, as Mr. O---- lived nearly in a
direct line from Petaluma (the place I would start from on Friday) and
Vallejo.
Mr. O---- had often invited me to make him a visit, and I therefore
promised Mr. H---- that I would accept of his kind offer, and meet him at
Vallejo as proposed.
On the Friday following, I took dinner at A. J. Mayfield's, near
Petaluma. Soon afterwards I caught and saddled my horse, when I began
to feel opposed to going to Mr. O----'s.
I remarked to Mr. Mayfield that I was tempted to give up my visit, at
which he and wife (who were both great friends of ours) began to insist
that I must not fail to visit Mr. O---- and family, as they were very
anxious for me to do so. His acquaintance and friendship, they said,
would be a great advantage to me, as he was a man of wealth and great
influence.
Having nothing to offer as an excuse for not going, I mounted my horse
and rode away.
The distance was about four miles; and, as I proceeded, the same
mysterious influence was brought to bear upon me that had saved my life
on the other occasion, just related.
This aversion grew and increased upon me until I came in sight of Mr.
O----'s house, which was located in a beautiful vale, some half a mile
away. From this point I could proceed no farther, or, to say the least,
it seemed madness to do so.
So powerfully was I impressed that some impending evil awaited me if
I went farther, that I turned my horse about and started back on a
gallop, which I did not break until I arrived at Mr. Mayfield's again,
feeling all the time as if I was fleeing from some great calamity.
The explanation I gave this family did not seem to satisfy them. I
could see they thought me a little inclined to lunacy. However, next
morning all was made plain enough.
Having given up my trip around the bay, I went, in company with Mr.
Mayfield, to Petaluma, to take steamer and make my way by water.
We had been in town but a few minutes when we met with Mr. O--, who had
come in to get out a warrant and an officer to arrest Mr. H--, whom I
was to have met that same morning at Vallejo.
Mr. O---- had been robbed the night before of eight thousand dollars in
gold, and he charged H---- with being the guilty party, which afterwards
was proved to be true.
If I had not been prevented by a kind Providence, I would doubtless
have been arrested at Benicia with him, as an accomplice.
The reader can easily perceive the dilemma this would have placed me
in. And no doubt Mr. H---- and his family would have done all in their
power to fasten the guilt upon me, in order to save themselves.
As soon as Mr. Mayfield and I were alone, he exclaimed, "O, I know now
why you could not visit Mr. O---- last evening."
That family no longer regarded me as being superstitious.
As in the other case, I considered this a wonderful escape from a
terrible snare, and was full of gratitude, giving thanks to Almighty
God for the same.
Since then I have given more heed to the still small voice of the
Spirit, and, consequently, have escaped many snares and evils that I
might otherwise have fallen into.
Many other incidents I might relate of a similar nature. And there are
thousands of our people that could testify to a great many marvelous
deliverances, many of them more wonderful than those I have given in
this sketch. Therefore, I advise the youth of Zion to seek always for
the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and for our Heavenly Father's kind and
protecting care to be extended over them.
ROBERT HAMILTON.
By H. G. B.
CHALLENGED TO DEBATE BY DR. WALTHOLL--HIS DISCOMFITURE AND DEFEAT--DR.
SCOTT ATTEMPTS TO RETRIEVE THE CAMPBELLITE CAUSE, AND OFFERS ANOTHER
CHALLENGE--RESORTS TO THE WHISKY BOTTLE--ELDER HAMILTON SCORES HIM FOR
IT.
Charles and Robert Hamilton were brothers, born and raised in Glasgow,
Scotland, where, also, they both obeyed the gospel at an early period
of the Church's history.
I never had the pleasure of an acquaintance with Charles, but always
understood that he was one of the most able and faithful men in the
Church in those early times.
Both of these brethren died previous to our exodus from Nauvoo.
Now, it is of some of the incidents that transpired while Elder Robert
Hamilton and I traveled together as missionaries in the State of
Virginia, in the years 1844 and 1845, that I wish to write.
While preaching at Newcastle, the present County seat of Craig
Co., Virginia, we were challenged by the Rev. Dr. Waltholl, of the
Campbellite church, to meet him in discussion.
We accepted the challenge. The large church in Newcastle belonging to
the Campbellites, was offered for the purpose of holding the debate in.
The subjects and terms were agreed upon, the moderators chosen, and the
time to commence and continue the discussion to, was arranged, all of
which the public was duly notified of.
During the time the debate lasted the large church was filled to
overflowing, good order prevailed, and the strictest attention was
given.
Elder Hamilton was the speaker on our side. He was a fluent and
powerful talker, enjoying much of the Spirit of the Lord, and as the
great truths of the gospel flowed from his lips the audience seemed
utterly entranced and carried away with the newness, plainness and
force of his arguments, "for he taught them as one having authority,
and not as the scribes."
The great Campbellite champion, the Rev. Waltholl, who was both
preacher and lawyer by profession, was so utterly overwhelmed and
filled with confusion and terror from the first, that he never
recovered from the shock during the time the debate lasted. So much was
this the case with him that he could only occupy a small portion of the
time allotted to him, and, on the second day, at his own request, the
discussion was brought to a close, although by his own proposition at
first, it was to have lasted three days.
The reason he assigned for this was, that he was entirely unprepared
to meet Elder Hamilton's arguments and evidence on the subjects under
discussion, which were the authenticity of the Book of Mormon, the
organization of the Church, with apostles, prophets, etc., and the
gifts, blessings and power of the Holy Ghost.
Not one of the hundreds that attended that discussion ever pretended
that the Campbellites did not meet with a great and decisive defeat on
that occasion.
The news of their disaster spread rapidly and widely throughout the
land, and came to the ears of another of their great divines, by the
name of Dr. Scott (doctor of divinity, not of medicine).
This man flattered himself that he was able to retrieve his cause
from the terrible defeat that it had suffered at the hands of Elder
Hamilton, at Newcastle. He, therefore, challenged Brother Hamilton to
debate with him upon the same subjects, and with the same terms as at
first, but in another church and at another place.
This challenge was also accepted by Brother Hamilton, and the
discussion was held, but it proved more disastrous to the Campbellite
cause than the first had done.
Dr. Scott failed so completely on every point, and so disgraced himself
as well as the cause, that he never afterward attempted to preach.
While the power, gifts and blessings of the Holy Ghost were being
discussed, Elder Hamilton contending for its inspiration, its gifts and
blessings as formerly enjoyed by the Saints, and the doctor arguing
against these gifts, and denying such inspiration in any manner or
form, I occupied a seat in the stand. While watching and listening to
the proceedings, I caught the doctor imbibing freely from a bottle of
whisky, which he replaced in his saddle-bags when the operation of
drinking was over.
I had detected the smell of whisky the day previous, while seated near
the doctor, but never suspected it was from his breath. I could never
have thought a preacher guilty of so flagrant an outrage. But so it
was; I had caught him in the very act, and so informed Elder Hamilton.
Such a scathing as that preacher received from Brother Hamilton I never
witnessed. Said he:
"He denies the inspiration and power of the Holy Ghost; but there is an
inspiration that he _does believe in_, and that is the spirit of the
whisky bottle, which he now carries in his saddle-bags, and from which
he has often sought and obtained _his kind of inspiration_ since the
beginning of this discussion."
This exposure and his muddled condition rendered Dr. Scott unfit to
continue the debate longer. Prior to this time he had been considered
a respectable, pious and able preacher. However, that defeat and
consequent exposure destroyed his influence from that time forward.
As a rule, public discussions do not result in much good, but these
were exceptions, and in and around this place we soon had the names of
forty persons who were applicants for baptism.
I have traveled and labored in company with many of our most worthy
Elders, but never with one more faithful, contrite in spirit and
child-like, and yet more determined, valiant and undeviating in defense
of the truth, and in every duty devolving upon him, than was Elder
Robert Hamilton; and I have written this little sketch as a feeble
tribute to his memory and his sterling worth.
During the eight or ten months we traveled together, our union and love
for each other resembled very much that which existed between David and
Jonathan.
HOW SUCCESS IS GAINED.
By H. G. B.
ELDERS TO GO OUT TWO AND TWO--YOUNG MISSIONARIES INCLINED TO
SHIRK--ELDER MOSES THATCHER--HIS DIFFIDENCE--THE WAY HE WAS BROKEN
IN--HIS SUCCESS--ELDER M'ALISTER--HIS BACKWARDNESS IN SPEAKING--FORCED
INTO IT--HIS TESTIMONY--ELDER CORAY'S EXPERIENCE--PROMISES OF THE LORD
PROVED TRUE.
We are informed in the book of Doctrine and Covenants, sec. 42, verse
6, that the Elders are to travel "two and two," and in sec. 84, verse
106 (latest edition) that the strong in spirit are to take with them
the weak. That is, as I understand it, those that are experienced are
to take with them the inexperienced.
Thus has it always transpired in my missionary labors.
The first mission I ever was called upon to perform was to the State
of Virginia, in 1844. During that mission I traveled successively with
Elders Sebert C. Shelton, Chapman Duncan and Robert Hamilton.
These Elders had more experience than I had, consequently, it was very
natural for me to depend upon them to do the preaching, allowing the
burden of our labors to rest upon their shoulders. But if they had
humored me, and allowed me to shirk my legitimate share of the work, I
am satisfied that I would have failed to succeed on that mission.
They, however, took great pains to see that I should not neglect my
share in all the labors. They put me forward, and not unfrequently
managed to leave me to fill appointments alone, and sometimes to travel
alone for a week or two at a time. This left me to depend upon God and
His Spirit entirely, and I can truly testify that this course was very
valuable to me. I was often very much surprised and encouraged at the
assistance afforded me through the Spirit on these occasions.
Since that first mission I have been sent on many others, and have
traveled with seventeen other Elders at different times, most of whom
were without experience. Among these were several more or less like
I had been--backward, and inclined to shirk the responsibility of
preaching.
I have had to resort to some pretty sharp management in breaking them
in. A few of these instances I will relate.
When Elder Moses Thatcher was only between fifteen and sixteen years of
age, he traveled with me as a missionary in California.
He was naturally inclined to modesty and diffidence, and said to me one
day that he would black our boots, curry and saddle our horses, and do
all that was to be done except the preaching, if I would do that part
of the work and excuse him.
Naturally I entertained a great amount of sympathy for him, on account
of his extreme youth, also because I remembered my own shortcomings
when out on my first mission, during which time nothing ever so
frightened me as the thoughts of being called upon to arise and try to
preach. I therefore favored him until I thought it unwise and an injury
to him to indulge him farther.
Having been invited to visit and preach in a new locality, I asked
Elder T. to take some tracts and visit the place, and see the trustees
of the school house. If the liberty to preach in the house was granted,
then he was to proceed to notify the neighborhood of the meeting,
distributing the pamphlets as he went. I also told him if anything
happened to prevent my being there he was to fill the appointment.
At this he trembled, and with a face white with fear he begged me not
to fail to be there, until I nearly repented of my intention.
He succeeded in obtaining the use of the house, and in notifying the
people he came upon a quilting party of women and girls, who readily
promised to be at the meeting, provided he (Elder T.) would preach.
He replied that his colleague would most likely do the preaching. But
it turned out otherwise, and Elder T. was left to his fate; but he
filled his appointment like a man.
Judging from the report that spread from that meeting, Elder T.
preached as good a discourse then as at any time since, and probably
with greater satisfaction to himself.
From that time forward he never failed to do his part in our labors,
and I have no doubt that he looks back upon that achievement as one of
the greatest of a very eventful and useful life.
Elder J. D. H. McAllister traveled with me in Arkansas, and for the
first two months of our labors, when called upon to talk, would not
occupy above five minutes, and often not half that time. It would then
occur to him that the audience would rather hear some one else than
him, after which he would not possess courage to try to talk longer,
and would take his seat.
He would often say that he could not account for his being called on a
mission. "What can I do? I do not even know that this latter-day work
is true. My father has often borne testimony that he knew this work to
be true. He is a good man and I believe his testimony; but I do not
know it to be true for myself."
However, an opportunity occurred that dispelled all these doubts, and
planted in the place thereof, facts and certainties.
I had taken a severe cold, and was so hoarse that I could not talk.
A meeting was to be held, and at that meeting some one would have to
preach.
The only alternative was for him to attend and do the preaching. To do
this he had to travel five or six miles across the "slashes," face a
large congregation composed almost entirely of strangers, and do all
the preaching, and that, too, alone.
I never, while in that country, heard the last of the praises heaped
upon him by the people for the "best sermon" they had ever listened
to. He had no difficulty in testifying to the divinity of the great
latter-day work. The Holy Spirit rested upon him, and he could not keep
back this testimony, which was as new to him as it was to those that
heard him.
That day's work is no doubt remembered by him with the greatest
pleasure of any event of his life, and will prove as profitable as any
in his future career.
Elder H. K. Coray was the most bashful of all the young Elders I
ever traveled with, and it was more than a year before he overcame
this fault. I had almost despaired of his ever making a success as a
missionary. But I am proud to say he did finally succeed, and during
the last year of our labors together, through the blessings of the Holy
Spirit, he became an able speaker, and our hearers listened to him in
rapt attention.
He has often said that the experience he gained during that mission was
worth more to him than all the wealth of the world.
I could refer to the experiences of many other Elders who have traveled
with me, which were, in many instances, similar to those that I have
related. Some of them have been so far discouraged that they would
weep like a child; others would beg of me to release them and let them
return home, who at brighter moments would charge me not to permit such
a thing, as they did not wish to disgrace themselves or their parents.
I can think of nothing that would so blight a young Elder's future
usefulness and destiny as a failure to make a success of his mission,
or any work that the priesthood may have set him apart to do. And I
feel it my duty in this connection to bear my testimony to the truth
contained in the book of Doctrine and Covenants, that has never failed
to be verified in my experience, and in that of all other Elders whose
labors have come within my observation. These promises are as follows:
"Any man that shall go and preach this gospel of the kingdom, and fail
not to continue faithful in all things shall not be weary in mind,
neither darkened, neither in body, limb, nor joint: and an hair of his
head shall not fall to the ground unnoticed. And they shall not go
hungry, neither athirst." (sec. 84, verse 80).
"Neither take ye thought beforehand what ye shall say, but treasure
up in your minds continually the words of life, and it shall be given
you in the very hour that portion that shall be meted unto every man."
(verse 85).
I have written the above incidents of missionary life and made these
quotations in connection with them for the encouragement of young
Elders now on missions, and the thousands of boys and young men that
may, and will yet have to take missions to the many nations of the
earth.
HELP IN TIME OF NEED.
By C.
CHAPTER I.
START UPON A MISSION, PENNILESS--AID FROM THE CAPTAIN AND PASSENGERS
ON THE STEAMBOAT--ARRIVE AT NEW ORLEANS--FAIL IN TRYING TO FIND FREE
PASSAGE TO ENGLAND--DISCOURAGEMENT--PRAYER--REBUKE AND ANSWER--APPLY
FOR PASSAGE ON THE "BERLIN"--KIND RECEPTION FROM CAPTAIN BAKER--BARGAIN
FOR PASSAGE--ONE HALF TO BE PAID IN DISCUSSING RELIGION WITH AN
EPISCOPALIAN MINISTER.
In the year 1846, at a council of the Twelve Apostles held in the
temple at Nauvoo, I was appointed to go on a mission to England.
After seeing my wife and our one child provided for, as to travel
and board in the great exodus then being inaugurated for the unknown
somewhere for the Saints to seek, I left Nauvoo, poor and penniless,
for St. Louis, Missouri.
After procuring some pecuniary help, I took passage for New Orleans on
board the steamer _Brunswick_, Captain Moore commanding.
From some of the passengers I received substantial evidences of answer
to prayer for means to prosecute my journey. In my labors in preaching
the word I was wonderfully blessed, the captain kindly remitting
one-half of the cabin passage money.
Arriving at New Orleans a stranger, and knowing no Saints if there were
any in that city, I secured lodgings and board at $1.00 per day. It now
became a new and peculiar duty and strain on my faith and pocket to
seek a passage in some sailing vessel, bound for Liverpool.
I had some $45.00 in my pocket, the gifts of dear friends in St. Louis,
on board the steamer _Brunswick_, and from one person particularly in
answer to a masonic shake of the hand, unintentionally given.
I endeavored to find passage on the no purse or scrip principle, and
was in every instance unsuccessful. I attributed these repulses to
meanness or the non-appreciation of the character of a missionary, such
as I proclaimed myself, and to the national character of the captains
of the several vessels to whom I applied, for, being English myself, to
this class I had purposely made my applications.
Meeting with several rebuffs, I was fast drifting on the road to
discouragement.
On the Thursday succeeding my arrival I stood on the levee, and
in fervent prayer I asked God to open the way for me to fill this
mission--to soften the heart of the next captain I applied to, so that
he might take me to Liverpool, free. I requested this as an evidence to
me of God's favor; and if refused, I would take it as an evidence that
I should return, overtake the Saints going west, and, with my family,
find a new home.
While thus meditating and praying, it seemed as if some one came up to
me and asked me how much money I had.
I instinctively replied, "About $40.00."
Then came the query: What did I want with that but to pay my way? Why
ask for a Divine interposition on the heart or purse of any one while I
had money in my pocket?
I felt the rebuke, yet I thought of my shabby clothes, my going home
to see a proud-feeling mother, my desire by my personal appearance to
cast no discredit on the cause I had espoused. These and many similar
reflections passed hurriedly through my mind.
My invisible monitor did not leave me, but, waking me from the reverie,
he again plied me with similar interrogations and rebukes, and told me
to apply to the ship then in direct sight.
I looked up and saw the words: "For Liverpool."
I walked down to the pile of cotton from which the mate and some
stevedores were loading the good ship _Berlin_.
I asked the mate what was the chance to obtain passage on board his
ship for Liverpool.
In the most cherry voice he replied: "First rate! But here comes
Captain Baker; talk with him."
I approached him. He offered his hand. I told him my business, my
wishes and aims. He invited me on board, and, it being noon, to dinner.
After dinner he remarked: "Now to business! You say you are a 'Mormon'
missionary. You wish to go to England! And how do you wish to go?"
I replied that I had but little money, and would be obliged to content
myself with a steerage passage.
To this he strenuously objected, remarking that I knew not the life of
a steerage passenger.
He asked me how much money I had, remarking that his cabin fare was
$80.00.
I put my hand in my pocket and drew out my entire stock of cash,
$40.00. "There captain," I remarked, "is all I have, which is just half
the price of a cabin passage."
He remarked, "I will take this in part payment!"
"But," I asked, "how shall I, how _can_ I pay you the difference?"
He replied, "I have heard much of the preachers of the 'Mormon' faith
being experts in the scriptures. We shall take on board on Sunday
evening an Episcopalian minister, and when we get out to sea and all
things in trim, I shall expect you and the minister to give me and my
wife some Bible contests."
"Now," said I to the captain, "having given you all my money, how can I
pay my board bill till you sail?"
"Why," he replied, "how can you board but board the ship _Berlin_!
Here," (calling to one of the men) "go with this boy and help him with
any luggage he may have, and put it in the cabin."
Soon I was duly installed. You may readily imagine my feelings of
gratitude to God and the monitor on the levee.
In due time we sailed, after receiving the reverend gent, who was a
tall, portly person, wearing the garb and look of his church.
CHAPTER II.
THE VOYAGE--DISCUSSION--MINISTER'S DISCOMFITURE--ARRIVE IN
LIVERPOOL--KINDNESS OF CAPTAIN BAKER--LEARN OF HIS DEATH AND MY
DUTY--MY SHABBY APPEARANCE--FIRST SERMON--MONEY PUT INTO MY HAND--VISIT
HOME--UNKINDNESS OF RELATIVES--MORE HELP FROM STRANGERS.
When fairly out at sea, and as evening set in, the captain would order
lights and request the minister to bring out his large Bible, and "you,
little one, bring out your little Bible."
Neither of us was loth, and the theological set-to would commence.
Captain Baker would exclaim with a hearty oath, that the little one
had the best of it, and then the big one would get wrathy, and close
his book with a bang and declare the contest off. But Mrs. Baker would
interpose and soften his ire, and again we would return "to the law and
the testimony."
But, alas! at one of these theological "bouts," the theme being water
baptism, sprinkling and circumcision, the new birth, etc., I was so
marvelously assisted in delineating the new birth--water baptism, that
he closed his big book with a clang, and declared that he would never
argue with me any more.
The captain, jumping up, swore with an oath that the "little one" had
the best of it, and Mrs. Baker smiled her approval.
I pass over the general features of the voyage.
Arriving in the river Mersey early in the morning, and the tide not
serving, the prospect was to remain on board till the tide changed.
The captain hailed a boat to go on shore, and bid me go with him. At
first I declined, knowing I had no means, but by persuasion I consented.
He asked me where I was going to, and if I knew any one.
I told him "Stanley Buildings," and I knew no one only as my
credentials named certain persons, such as Messrs. Ward, Hedlock and
Wilson.
He accompanied me to Stanley Buildings, but finding no one there, it
being too early for office hours, he invited me to breakfast.
After breakfast, he took me to the office of the _Millennial Star_,
requesting me before leaving, to come down to the dock at a certain
hour, which he named, as the ship would then be in her berth.
At the appointed time I was there.
My little trunk was examined and passed. I was in the act of throwing
it over my shoulder when the captain seized it, hailed a cab, threw the
trunk to the driver, and literally pushed me inside the cab.
I then said: "Captain, this is pushing things to an extreme. I have no
money, I gave you all I had. I owe you $40.00 balance of my passage
money. How can I pay this fare and you?"
"With this half sovereign pay your fare. As to the balance of the
passage money, pay that by preaching the gospel as you know it, and as
your little book (a small pocket Bible) teaches it. Do all the good you
can, and when you pray, as I know you do, for I have heard you on board
the ship, pray for Sam Baker. God bless you; and when you get through
and want to go back home, and I am in port, come to me and I will take
you back free."
Then giving the door of the cab a slam, he said: "Take this boy to
Stanley Buildings!"
I never saw Captain Baker again. I learned that in a subsequent voyage
he was lost at sea, in a terrific storm.
On the receipt of the news, as sensibly as you can hear a penny drop
into an empty contribution box, so sensibly did my monitor of the levee
tell me of my duty--to be baptized for Captain Baker.
Baptism for the dead was then a new principle in this age, and one but
recently revealed through the Prophet Joseph; I therefore hailed with
joy unspeakable this, another direct manifestation of the presence of
God with me, the divine inspiration of Joseph Smith, and the truth of
this work.
My arrival at Liverpool was in the midst of the dazzling sumptuousness
of the Joint Stock Company. Feastings, dress and the appointments of
well-paid attaches were the order of the day.
My appearance as to dress was not becoming.
I saw in fancy my presiding officers there, myself, my intended visit
home, penniless. Yet had not God marvelously wrought for me? Why should
I despair?
Placards announced my coming--the first from the temple at Nauvoo.
Sunday found me in the pulpit, with a vast host assembled.
How shall I, in adequate words, portray even now the grandeur of
language, ideas, the sublimity of the opening vision of mind, as I
dilated on "Ye must be born again?" How enwrapped, how enlightened
I was by the Spirit! How scripture, unthought of, unknown or
unappreciated before, marched in single file before my mind! How,
after nearly two hours, I sank to my seat exhausted, and thought of my
clothes and my mother's chagrin if I saw her in that plight.
After the benediction, I descended to mingle with the people.
Many strangers to the hall and the Saints came trooping to me, eager
to press my hand, leaving therein weighty metallic evidences of their
appreciation of a God-helped "Mormon" missionary.
I now had more money than when on the levee at New Orleans.
How vividly I recall, even now, my gratitude, as on bended knees at my
lodgings I thanked God for His wonderful interpositions in my behalf,
and what joy I felt as I counted the metallic evidences of trust and
answer to prayer.
As soon as I could I visited home, from which I had been exiled for my
faith. They scanned me well, and one member of the family, referring to
our mode of traveling--without purse or scrip, wanted to know if I had
come home to sponge on them.
I replied "No!" and, putting my hand into my pocket, drew forth a
sovereign. Pushing that towards them, I remarked, "That will pay my
board bill while I stay. Our Elders do not sponge!"
I was proud that I had good clothes and money.
At the Sunday dinner the same acrimonious feelings were again exhibited.
I arose from the table, sorrowed that years of absence had not softened
their hearts towards me and the cause dearest to my heart, remarking
that "This evening I will preach in the Theobald Road room, at 6-30."
My brothers came to hear me, and here again God opened the sacred
volume, showed me new beauties, gave me impassioned language to expound
the scriptures, afforded me power to enchain the audience, and again to
see strangers rush to give me money.
My brothers laughed the laugh of unbelief, while strangers and Saints
thanked God for the words heard, and gave me more money.
I hope this brief and hurried but truthful narrative may inspire some
young Saint, missionary or otherwise, to be honest and trust in God
when out without purse or scrip.
OVERCOMING DIFFIDENCE.
By G. Q. C.
DIFFERENCE IN PERSONS ABOUT SPEAKING IN PUBLIC--THE LORD WILLING
TO HELP HIS SERVANTS TO OVERCOME TIMIDITY--EARLY EXPERIENCE
IN PREACHING--A FEELING OF FEAR AND THE SPIRIT OF GOD NOT
CONGENIAL--TIMIDITY CONQUERED.
It is most interesting to listen at meetings to the different
testimonies which the Latter-day Saints bear concerning the work of
God. The experience of no two persons is exactly the same, and yet all
are true. One is impressed with an evidence of the truth in one way and
another in another way.
So also it is with the experience of the Elders; the experience of each
varies according to the constitution and temperament, the bent of mind
and the circumstances which surround each one.
We have met with a few men in our life who never seemed to know what it
was to be timid in standing up before an audience. They always seemed
to be perfectly self-possessed, and did not suffer in the least from
fear; while we have known others who felt that it was impossible for
them to stand on their feet and address an audience.
Some Elders in starting out, quickly conquer their feelings of
timidity. They soon get into the habit of thinking and talking upon
their feet. They seem to care nothing about the congregation, while
others require a long time to get accustomed to speaking to audiences,
and are easily embarrassed.
We firmly believe that the Lord will help every man to overcome this
timidity when sent upon a mission to preach the gospel. If he does not
conquer the feeling of fear, it is because he allows it to master him,
and does not use that faith which he should to shake it off.
The writer started out as a missionary when he felt that he was but a
comparative youth. He was exceedingly timid, and had a mortal dread of
standing up before a congregation. He sometimes thought that no one
could have suffered from this feeling as he did.
But there was one thing that he made up his mind to do--to never
shrink from the discharge of his duty. If he should be called upon to
pray, to bear testimony or to speak, he was resolved that he would do
his best, and put his trust in the Lord to help him out.
With the exception of a few meetings, his first experience as a
missionary was in preaching in a strange language to a foreign people.
This was doubtless more embarrassing than it would have been to speak
to the people in his mother tongue, because there was his awkwardness
in the use of the language in addition to the ordinary feelings of
timidity to contend with.
He well remembers the feelings that he had prior to the first meeting.
If he could have run away, and done so honorably, he would have done
it, but this would have been disgraceful.
He did the best he could, and suffered considerably from embarrassment;
and though he baptized some nineteen souls in the ensuing five weeks,
yet he suffered at each meeting from the same feelings of dread.
Something occurred on the sixth Sunday to arouse him and make him
somewhat angry. The conduct of some preachers and opponents of the
gospel was very hateful, and in attending meeting that day he enjoyed
greater liberty than he had at any time previously. A fearless spirit
took possession of him, and the Spirit was able to speak through him as
it had not done before.
The feeling of fear when it rests upon a man, drives away the Spirit
of God. The two spirits cannot exist in the same bosom. One must have
the mastery. If the Spirit of God has the mastery, it drives away all
fear, and enables a man to speak under its influence with power. If the
spirit of fear has the mastery, the Spirit of God is checked, and the
man is not able to tell the people the will and counsel of the Lord.
After six weeks' preaching in this locality, the writer visited another
place, where the people were very anxious to hear. He succeeded in
getting a large meeting-house to preach in, and when he arose to give
out the hymns and to pray, the sound of his own voice in the building
frightened him.
The congregation was a larger one than he had ever addressed before;
but he prayed earnestly to the Lord for help. He knew that no power but
God's could assist him and enable him to declare the truth.
After reading a portion of the scriptures, he commenced speaking,
and continued to address the people for upwards of an hour. He was
completely carried away by the Spirit, and fear was banished. Tears
coursed down the cheeks of the congregation, and many felt the power of
God to so great an extent that they came forward and offered themselves
for baptism.
A great work was done in that place and the vicinity, and from that
time to the present--about thirty years--the writer has never suffered
from fear as he did previous to that day.
It is true that many men never can arise before a congregation without
feeling some degree of embarrassment and trepidation. The writer is
one of these; but that fear which paralyzes the mind, that impairs
the memory and produces a feeling of dread and utter forgetfulness of
everything that one knows, he has never experienced from that time.
We relate this instance in our experience to show how differently
Elders are affected. Some can speak without any difficulty or fear
after the first time they get on their feet. It takes others, as in
our own case, a longer time to overcome this feeling, probably arising
from the fact that some have by nature more of that man-fearing spirit.
Others, again, may require a still longer time; but what we wish to
impress upon our young readers, and upon all who read these pages, is
that they should not be discouraged because the first time they get on
their feet, or the second or third, they do not speak with that freedom
they desire.
When the Spirit of God takes possession of a man, and he will yield to
its influence, it will take away all fear, and enable him to tell the
truth in great plainness; and if he will persevere, nothing doubting,
we dare promise every Elder that he will be able to overcome his
feelings of fear and embarrassment, and be filled with holy boldness to
declare the gospel unto the people in whose midst he is appointed to
labor.
THE LORD WILL PROVIDE.
By C. H. B.
A MOTHER AND CHILDREN IN GREAT WANT--THE MOTHER'S FAITH--HER PRAYER--IS
PROVIDED WITH MONEY IN A MYSTERIOUS WAY.
In the year 1864, a little boy named Charles lived with his mother and
sister in the city of C----, near the central part of the State of
Indiana. His father and elder brother had enlisted in the army, then
fighting for the Union. Charles was but four years of age, not large
enough to earn anything, and their daily food depended upon what his
mother earned by her hard day's labor.
It was in the winter season. Times were hard, and growing worse every
day, and the people had but little for the mother to do. It was with
great difficulty that she earned enough for herself and children to
live upon.
One morning she went out in the cold wintry blast and gathered bark
from the fence rails to keep her children from suffering with the
severe cold, and at breakfast she gave them the last crust of bread
that was in the house, not eating any herself. Then she went out into
the city to seek something to do to earn some more bread for her little
ones. But after a long search she returned, very tired, both in body
and mind, without accomplishing her object.
The poor woman sat down and wept bitterly. Her children were crying for
bread, and she had none to give them. But when they again asked her for
bread she said to them, "The Lord will provide."
Presently she knelt down, her bosom swelling with grief, and asked the
Lord to spare her children's lives.
Then rising to her feet, she thought of some carpet rags she had put
into a barrel just the day before, and decided to take them to a store
and see if she could sell them for some bread.
Just as she turned the barrel up-side down, to empty out the rags, she
said in a tone of motherly kindness: "Dear children, do not cry; the
Lord will not let us starve." Then she turned the barrel back, and, on
looking into it, what do you suppose greeted her eyes?
It was something that made her countenance beam with gladness and her
eyes dance with joy, and she exclaimed, "The Lord will provide! Blessed
be the name of the Lord!"
_It was a dollar bill_. It had never been lost there, because she had
washed out the barrel the day she put the rags into it. But how it got
there I will leave you to form your own opinion. Suffice it to say,
that it was neither in the rags nor barrel the day before.
It purchased bread enough to last them a few days, till they received
seventy dollars sent them from the army.
DIALOGUE ON RELIGION.
_Which occurred at Healdsburg, Sonoma Co., Cal., in 1857, between
Doctor Bonham, a Methodist Minister, and a "Mormon" Elder_.
By H. G. B.
DR. BONHAM.--I understand that you are making some prosylytes to your
Church in this country.
"MORMON" ELDER.--Yes, we have some fifty or sixty members that have
been added to the Church lately, on this side of Sacramento River.
DR. B.--Nine-tenths of the religious portion of the community in this
country look upon your people as being deceived, and your ministers as
deceivers, and your doctrines as being false and pernicious.
M. E.--Yes, I am aware of this fact, and also of another fact: that
is, that the same opinion prevailed among nine-tenths of the Pharisees
and Sadducees, eighteen hundred years ago, about our Savior and His
apostles and prophets, and the doctrines which they taught. The same
kind of religious sentiment was arrayed against the gospel then, as now.
DR. B.--But you must know that the doctrines of a new revelation, and
of apostles and prophets are a delusion, and that you are leading
astray many of the people.
M. E.--Then the Bible must be a delusion, and it must be that it is
leading many of the people astray, for the Bible teaches the same
doctrine that we teach, namely, new revelation, apostles and prophets.
DR. B.--I deny that it does. "The law and the prophets continued until
John, after which the kingdom of heaven was preached."
M. E.--Would you prove by this quotation that there were to be no more
revelation, nor apostles and prophets after John? Then, indeed, was
Jesus Himself a false prophet, and His apostles were false teachers,
and all that was revealed to the world through Him and them was also
false. Such a conclusion is impossible. What, then, are the facts? The
kingdom of heaven was really preached afterwards, and that, too, by
apostles and prophets, with a continual flow of revelation.
DR. B.--Yes, I will agree that new revelation and apostles and prophets
were necessary till the kingdom was established; but after that time,
they were no longer needed, and were rightly done away. They left us a
perfect pattern in the New Testament, which is all that is needed to
guide the church in all things.
M. E.--And, according to this perfect pattern you allude to, you have
elders, bishops, priests, teachers and deacons in your church, have you?
DR. B.--Yes; to be sure we have. And these officers are in our church
according to the perfect pattern given us in the New Testament.
M. E.--I suppose, then, you have apostles, prophets and seventies in
your church, thus following out the perfect pattern to its completeness.
DR. B.--No; we have no apostles nor prophets; nor have we any
seventies. They are all done away with.
M. E.--Now, can't you see that you are inconsistent? If the New
Testament pattern requires elders and bishops to be organized in the
church, it also requires apostles and prophets just the same. If this
pattern is authority for an elder, it is just as good authority for an
apostle. If authority for a bishop, it is just as surely authority for
a prophet. Your assertion that they are done away with, and no longer
needed, is a palpable contradiction of the plainest truths of the New
Testament pattern.
DR. B.--Does not Paul, in the 8th verse of the 13th chapter of his
first letter to the Corinthians, say, "Whether there be prophecies they
shall fail?"
M. E.--Yes, and in the 10th verse of the same chapter Paul plainly
tells them when prophecy shall fail, that is: "When that which is
perfect is come." Paul, in his 4th chapter to the Ephesians, 11th
to 13th verses, also refers to the apostles and prophets as being
necessary in the church to bring about this perfection, also for the
work of the ministry, and to continue "till we all come in the unity of
the faith."
The work of the ministry is not or ought not to be done away. The
perfecting of the Saints, and that unity spoken of, are works that
belong to all time, as surely as it was necessary in Paul's time.
Therefore, your quotation from Paul is certainly a very strong proof in
favor of our doctrines.
DR. B--I cannot see the necessity of apostles and prophets; nor do I
believe that God intended that they should be continued in the church.
Is it not written in the last chapter of John's Revelations, 18th and
19th verses, that if any man shall add to or diminish from the words
of this book, that a heavy penalty shall rest upon him? If God did
not allow any more revelations to the world than they at that time
possessed, then the necessity for apostles and prophets no longer
existed, as they were the only mediums through whom He revealed His
will to mankind.
M. E--What you see, or cannot see, or what you believe, or do not
believe in this connection, does not amount to a pin, unless you see
and believe the truth.
In the 12th chapter of the first epistle to the Corinthians, Paul
compares the church of Christ to the body of a man, placing the
apostles and prophets as the head of that body; other officers and
members composing the other portions of the body.
There were many members, yet but one body. God had set the members in
the body as it pleased him; first, apostles, then prophets, etc., down
to the feet. The head could not say to the body, "I have no need of
you;" nor again, could the feet say to the body, "We have no need of
you." The body could not live an hour without the head. Therefore, the
church of Christ could not live without apostles and prophets, these
constituting the head of the Church.
DR. B.--But you have not answered my quotation from John, forbidding
any addition to the word of God, thus cutting off the necessity of new
revelation, and the channels or mediums through which it was given,
forever after.
M. E.--That was just what I was going to come to when you interrupted
me. God did, indeed, forbid any man to add to, or diminish from His
word, as you correctly quoted. Also in Deuteronomy, 4th chapter and 2nd
verse, we find a similar prohibition, given through Moses. Now what do
these passages prove? Simply this: Man shall not add nor diminish, but
the Lord can do so at His pleasure. A few days after the death of Moses
the Lord began to reveal more of His word to Joshua, the successor of
Moses. And it is recorded in history that the Lord did the same thing
in St. John's case, for he wrote his narrative of the gospel and his
three epistles after his Book of Revelations, from which you made your
quotation.
DR. B.--Your doctrines are the most dangerous that I know of, and
the best calculated to deceive the ignorant and the unwary. And your
preaching ought not to be allowed in this country, and I shall try to
prevent all that I can have any influence over from going to hear you.
M. E.--I have not done with your quotations yet. No man in our Church
has ever added to or diminished the word of God. We have never violated
those restrictions in the least, but the Methodists and many other
sects of the present day have both added to and taken from the word of
God. They have added the practice of infant baptism, and substituted
sprinkling for the ordinance of baptism by immersion. They have heaped
to themselves teachers, having itching ears, who have turned from the
truth and have added their fables; they divine for money and preach for
hire. They have added the mourner's bench to what they call the worship
of God. The fear of God is taught by the precepts of men, and nearly
all that is preached or believed in by them is of their own adding.
They have diminished from the word of God in that they deny new
revelation, apostles, prophets, seventies, the gifts of the Holy Ghost,
the ordinances and power of the gospel, and all the grandest, best and
most glorious promises contained in the great plan of salvation.
And I warn you to beware that the plagues John spoke of be not added to
you, and that your part in the book of life and your part in the holy
city be not taken away. For you have "transgressed the law, changed the
ordinances and broken the everlasting covenant."
DR. B.--I understand that the government is sending an army to Utah, to
exterminate you "Mormons." And I think it will serve them just right.
Such gross impostors ought not to be allowed to live. No such delusion
should be tolerated among civilized communities.
M. E.--That's right; come out in your true colors! Like the Pharisees
of old, when you cannot bring any arguments to prevail against the
truth, you would resort to the sword--you would have recourse to
arms--to violence, and destroy all those that love and sustain the
truth. And you, Doctor Bonham, would have been first among the men that
crucified the Redeemer, had you lived then. You would have been the
man to have beheaded John the Baptist, and for the same reason; and to
have slain the apostles and prophets. Your antipathy to apostles and
prophets prove it. "Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers," the
Pharisees.
TESTIMONIES FOR THE TRUTH.
By BENJAMIN BROWN.
CHAPTER I.
THE AUTHOR'S BIRTH AND PARENTAGE--EARLY RELIGIOUS
IMPRESSIONS--MARRIAGE--VISION OF HIS BROTHER, AND OF THE BIBLE--THE
AUTHOR DREAMS OF PREACHING--ATTENDS A "PROTRACTED MEETING"--HIS
IMPRESSIONS WHILE THERE--HE MEETS WITH THE LATTER-DAY SAINTS--VISION OF
TWO NEPHITE APOSTLES.
I was born on the 30th of September, in the year 1794, in the town of
Queensbury, Washington County, State of New York. My father, Asa Brown,
belonged to the denomination of "Friend Quakers." His business was that
of a farmer. I worked with him chiefly until I was twenty years of age.
During my boyhood I was much deprived of the benefits of education,
owing to my father's removing from place to place, in new settlements,
they affording him greater facilities for the purchase of cheap land
than older ones. By these means he was enabled to have his children
settle around him.
Being thus brought up, far from the abodes of the religious sectaries
of the day, my ideas of religion were just those which are naturally
instilled into the mind by the statements of Scripture, where no
priestcraft exists to pervert them, diminish their force or cloud their
meaning; consequently, I believed in the Bible just as it read, where
the self-evident rendering of the context did not prove it figurative
or parabolic.
The idea that revelation from God was unattainable in this age, or
that the ancient gifts of the gospel had ceased forever, never entered
my head, until I gathered the notion from the creeds of churches with
which I became acquainted in after years. I can remember many times,
on occasions of sickness among my relatives, while yet quite a boy,
retiring to some barn, or other convenient place of the kind, and their
being suddenly restored to health, in answer to prayers offered there,
by me, in their behalf.
I continued thus until about fifteen years of age, when circumstances
caused me to live in settlements where the sects of the day had
established some of their churches, and I was unfortunate enough to
hear their preaching.
I soon began to lose my pure, simple ideas of God, and imbibe those
more generally received; and, shortly after, by listening to the
contending opinions of these parties, I found the hitherto simple Bible
a perfect mystery.
I had previously been seriously and religiously inclined, but the
jarrings and uncertainty of my new ideas shook that simple faith which
I had reposed in the Scriptures, and in God, until I began to mix with
light or vain company. I at times thought little about such matters,
but, in moments of reflection, the Spirit of the Lord would often show
me the folly of my conduct, and bring to my remembrance the goodness of
God manifested to me in past times.
The Universalist system appeared to me the most reasonable of the
various denominations I came in contact with. The horrible hell and
damnation theories of most of the other parties, in my idea, were
inconsistent with the mercies and love of God.
However, I did not actually join the Universalists. But their
doctrines, with respect to the eternity of punishment, etc., savored to
me of a more generous and God-like nature, than the contracted notions
held by the other denominations, concerning God's purposes towards the
human family.
Amidst all the folly which, for short periods, I gave way to, a deep
anxiety possessed me to find the truth, and I visited, and, to some
extent, mingled with, the religious professors of many of the sects, at
their meetings, and took part in the same.
About the age of twenty-five, I married, and settled on a small farm of
my own.
About nine or ten years later than this, after a fatiguing day's labor,
I returned home one evening, and, having partaken of my supper, turned
my back to the fire, as my custom was, and leaned, with my head on my
arms, on the chair top, to rest myself, and dry my clothes, which were
moistened with the perspiration caused by the heat. My wife retired to
rest, expecting me shortly to follow.
Thus left alone, I was musing on things generally, but not particularly
on any religious subject, when a vision of my brother, who had died
some fourteen of fifteen years previous, appeared before me, praying. I
heard his voice clearly and distinctly, and listened attentively.
In the course of his prayer, he referred to the great work to be done
on the earth during the last days, quoting several Scriptures. I did
not, however, fully comprehend the meaning of them, until, coming into
the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, years after, I saw the
applicability of his words to the views of that people, with regard
to the restoration of the gospel gifts, the great work of gathering
the Saints of all nations in the last days, and the fullness of the
latter-day glory, for he particularly prayed for the hastening of these
things.
Soon he disappeared from my view, when suddenly, to use a Scripture
phrase, a sound, as of a rushing mighty wind, with some accompanying
influence, seemed to fill the house and myself, and I heard a voice
saying: "This is the spirit of understanding." An open Bible appeared
before me, so peculiarly placed, that I could see portions of several
books of the prophets and apostles at once.
Directly I heard the above words, I began to read, understanding and
intelligence burst upon my mind, and the glory and beauty that seemed
to shine forth in the subjects treated upon, no language can describe.
The despatch with which I read, astonished me, for I seemed able to
read a chapter in the time usually occupied in reading a verse, and the
contents of a whole book were laid before my mind about as quickly as
otherwise I could have perused a single chapter.
With the rapidity of lightning, various truths of the Bible were
presented to my mind, and what each prophet or apostle had said on each
particular subject met my eyes, in consecutive order, concentrated and
connected, showing that each and all of those men were inspired by the
same Spirit, and had a distinct knowledge of the same grand events and
glorious truths, particularly those which I had heard my brother pray
about. I never before saw such _connection_ between the Scriptures.
What one prophet had said on a subject met my sight, and directly, with
the quickness of thought, I read what each of the other prophets or
apostles had said about the same thing. I saw the whole at a glance,
brought as it were to a focus.
Such a chain of testimonies, and an interweaving of evidences,
accompanied with that perception and comprehension which the Holy Ghost
alone can give, none can realize but those who have received that
Spirit and revelations unto themselves. Such persons know just how it
is.
I was disturbed, apparently in the midst of my vision, by my wife's
calling to me, when the vision left me, and I felt just like a hungry
man who is called or snatched suddenly away from a feast. But the joy
and peace with which my spirit was filled remained with me, and I
glorified God.
Things went on much as usual, till something like a year afterwards,
when I had a singular dream, which, as it had a bearing on my future
life, I will relate:
I dreamed that I had been called to preach the gospel, and the first
time I thus officiated, it was in a school-house, in an adjoining
town, with which I was well acquainted. I saw all the members of the
congregation, which was small, and, when I awoke, I could distinctly
remember the position each person occupied in the room.
This so impressed my mind that I told my wife of it, and said I
believed it would be realized; but she scouted the idea. What was I, a
working man, to do with preaching? Well, at other times, it would have
appeared equally foolish to myself, but it had been given to me that
her mother, living at the place, knew by a dream the same thing, and I
told this to my wife. At last she promised that, if it turned out to be
the case, she would believe the dream to be true.
In a day or so, we paid her mother a visit, and found that she had
dreamed, that night, that I was coming to preach in the town where she
lived, and we learned, from her friends, that she had been entreating
one of her relatives to carry her to my residence, that she might tell
me of it.
Although the truth of the dream was thus proved to me, I little thought
what doctrines I was to preach, and in connection with what people or
church. But I was to have greater evidence of the truth of my dream, as
will be seen hereafter.
Five years more passed, and I was still unconnected with any religious
party. At this time, what were called "protracted meetings," or
religious services, continued for days, and sometimes weeks, were very
popular in America.
In common with the "Universalists," I felt unfavorable to the meetings,
but such magnificent reports of their results--the wholesale
"conversion of souls," led me to attend one. I humbled myself, and
determined to divest my mind of all prejudice, and put myself at least
in a position to receive all the good that could be obtained.
Before going, I covenanted with the Lord, that if He would reveal His
mind and will unto me, whatever sacrifice or duty He might require at
my hands, I would do it. Little did I think of the way my truthfulness
would be tried, or possibly I might have shunned such a contract.
As soon as I began to attend, I felt the Spirit of the Lord operating
upon me, so that I seemed filled to overflowing with its teachings.
A continual stream of glorious truths passed through my mind, my
happiness was great, and my mind was so absorbed in spiritual things,
that all the time the meetings lasted, which was about fifteen days, I
scarcely ate or drank anything. At other times, that which I subsisted
on during these fifteen days, could scarcely have sustained life, but
the Spirit of the Lord so operated on my system, that I felt full all
the time, and had no desire to eat or partake of anything.
The subject of "Freemasonry" was just then agitating the public mind,
so that many of the churches were divided about it, more especially the
one to which most of the members attending this meeting belonged, being
divided into "Masons" and "Anti-Masons." This meeting was called the
"Masonic party."
The other minister of the same church held Anti-Masonic principles,
and refused to meet with the Masonic party, and kept most of his party
away. This caused a great deal of quarrelling and contention, and much
anger and bad feeling, of which I knew but little until afterwards.
I had heard of the two parties, but had not interested myself in the
matter, and consequently did not care much about it.
While sitting in the meeting, listening to the preaching, being much
interested in what was being said, the Spirit of the Lord came upon
me, and revealed that I was to visit the minister of the Anti-Masonic
party, Judge Cushing, and tell him of his foolishness and wickedness in
increasing the spirit of division between those who ought to be united
as brethren in one common interest.
It rained hard at the time, and feeling rather taken up with the
preaching, I thought I would delay until the close of the meeting.
This mission to me was a very hard task. How was I, a man from the
thrashing-floor, to reprove a minister, and, moreover, a judge? But a
few minutes had scarcely elapsed, before the word of the Lord came to
me again, with greater power than before, that I was to go _at once!_ I
had covenanted with the Lord, and I felt determined to fulfill, if it
killed me; so I sprang to my feet, took my hat, and departed from the
meeting.
I found the judge at a public inn, engaged in making some purchase.
I requested to speak with him for a few minutes in private. He said
he would attend to me presently. I sat down, but I had hardly done so
before the Spirit of the Lord was again upon me, like fire in my bones,
commanding me to deliver my message directly.
I again requested to speak with the Judge, stating that my business
was urgent. He complied this time, and retired with me outside the
house. The Spirit of the Lord gave me utterance, and filled my mouth
with words, and I laid before him, in language which was given me, the
impropriety of his conduct.
The same Spirit bearing witness, the judge acknowledged his folly, said
he would amend, and told me that he had spent many sleepless nights
as a result of his course. He also said that, directly I sat down,
something told him for what I had come, although I was a stranger to
him. In fact, he knew nearly as well before I had spoken, as after.
This confirmed my faith that the Lord had sent me, but it was a great
trial to my feelings at the time. However, I had another trial to
undergo, which occurred some days afterwards during the same meeting.
While the minister was preaching, it was revealed to me to arise and
declare to the congregation, that they, before coming together to pray
for the conversion of others, ought first to be reconciled one to the
other, so that their gifts of prayer might be accepted by the Lord.
The Spirit also said, that some in the congregation were guilty of
oppressing the poor, taking unlawful usury, oppressing the hireling in
his wages, and many other sins of a similar character.
I waited until the preacher had finished his discourse, during which
the idea of having to arise and speak before this congregation of
about fifteen hundred people, most of whom, being members of Christian
societies, I considered better persons than myself, filled me with
fear, and the perspiration rolled off me profusely.
Could such a thing have availed, I would sooner have given five hundred
dollars than have buckled up to this task, but there was no escape; I
had covenanted, and the moment the minister ceased speaking I delivered
my message. It was received very well by the congregation, many
fancying I was converted to their faith, and, being blessed with such
gifts, a bit of a prize.
On coming out, two men, one a justice of the peace, and the other
a colonel, came up to me. The justice asked why, if I had anything
against him, I did not, as the Scripture directs, go to him privately,
and not expose him before all the congregation.
The other said, "If you have got a man by the throat, you need not
think that because it is pleasant to you, it is so to him."
I told them that as the cap seemed to fit they might wear it. But I was
much surprised, for I was not aware they were present.
About a day previous to the close of this meeting, I received a more
important communication than either of the previous ones. A knowledge
was given me that the ancient gifts of the gospel--speaking in tongues,
the power to heal the sick, the spirit of prophecy, etc., were just
about to be restored to the believers in Christ.
The revelation was a perfect knowledge of the fact, so sure and
certain, that I felt as though the truth had been stereotyped upon
me. I knew it from the crown of my head to the sole of my foot, the
whole of my system being filled with the Holy Ghost! I can compare it
to nothing better than the change made on a clean sheet of paper by a
printing press, leaving an indellible impression behind.
As the Spirit did not tell me _to whom_ these things were to be
restored, I at first fancied, in my ignorance, that the people with
whom I had been meeting were about to be blessed with these things, so
I joyfully visited the minister of the meeting, and laid before him the
intelligence I had received.
But, to my great astonishment, I met with an utter repulse. He told me
it was all of the devil, for such things had ceased forever!
Had anyone knocked me down with a beetle, I could not have felt more
sensibly the opposition between the spirits by which we were actuated.
I soon found, by the bold and determined way in which he fought against
the principle of present revelation, etc., that it was not to him
or his people that these gifts would be given. So I sought for them
elsewhere.
A few days afterwards, curiosity led me to visit the Latter-day Saints,
among whom I witnessed a fulfillment of the prediction, for I beheld a
manifestation of the gifts of prophecy and tongues, and received the
latter myself.
Notwithstanding this confirmation which I had received of the truth
of the Church of the Latter-day Saints was very great, I did not feel
sufficiently convinced to be induced to join them at once.
I had experienced the Spirit of the Lord in a similar way elsewhere,
so that when the Elders of the Church, at this meeting, urged upon me
to yield obedience to the gospel they preached, which possessed such
evidences as the manifestation of the ancient gifts, I treated the
Elders very lightly, and replied, that as for the gift of tongues, I
could speak in tongues as well as any of them. So I could, for directly
one of them manifested this gift, the gift of tongues rested upon me,
and gave me the same power.
Thus did the devil seek to blind me, and turn that testimony which
the Lord had given me for the truth, almost into an evidence against
it! However, I procured a Book of Mormon, and took it home to read,
determined to investigate until I was fully satisfied. But I had
scarcely begun to read, before I felt greatly to dislike the book. Ere
I had perused ten pages, I rejected it altogether.
Acting in this bigoted manner, I had resigned myself to the evil
influence that was gaining power over me, so that, directly after,
I felt a similar dislike seize me towards the Bible. Its statements
of miracles, etc., appeared to me to be compounds of the grossest
absurdity possible. I could see no light or good in it, and actually
resolved never to read it again!
But, oh! the darkness that seized me as soon as I had made this
resolution! The light that was in me became darkness, and how great it
was, no language can describe. All knowledge of religious truth seemed
to forsake me, and if I attempted to quote Scripture, my recollection
failed, after the first word or so! So remarkable was this, that it
excited reflection, and caused me to marvel, and finally I determined
to repent of my resolve respecting the Bible, and I commenced to read
again.
The book was hardly in my hand, when, as in a moment, my light and
recollection returned as usual. This made me rejoice, and immediately
the idea flashed across my mind, "What have you done with the Book of
Mormon? Behave as fairly to that." I soon reprocured it. But, even
this time, I felt prejudiced against the book. I resolved, however,
to read it through, and I persevered in its perusal, till I came to
that part where Jesus, on visiting the continent of America, after his
resurrection, grants the request of three of the apostles whom he had
chosen, to permit them to live until his second coming on the earth
(like unto John spoken of in the Bible).
Here my mind half yielded to the belief which arose within me, that
perhaps it might be true, whereupon I took the book and laid it before
the Lord, and pleaded with Him in prayer for a testimony whether it was
true or false, and, as I found it stated that the three Nephites had
power to show themselves to any persons they might wish to, Jews or
Gentiles, I asked the Lord to allow me to see them for a witness and
testimony of the truth of the Book of Mormon, and I covenanted with
Him, if He complied with my request, that I would preach it, even at
the expense of my life, should it be necessary.
The Lord heard my prayer, and, about five days afterwards, two of the
three visited me in my bedroom. I did not see them come, but I found
them there.
One spoke to me for some time, and reproved me sharply on account of my
behavior at the time when I first attended the meeting of the Saints,
and treated so lightly the gift of tongues. He told me never, as long
as I lived, to do so again, for I had grieved the Spirit of the Lord,
by whose power that gift had been given.
This personage spoke in the Nephite language, but I understood, by the
Spirit which accompanied him, every word as plainly as if he had spoken
in English. I recognized the language to be the same as that in which I
had heard Father Fisher speak at the meeting.
Such a rebuke, with such power, I never had in my life, before nor
since, and never wish to have again. I was dumb before my rebuker, for
I knew that what he said was right, and I felt deserving of it.
How these men went, I do not know, but directly they were gone, the
Spirit of the Lord said to me, "Now, you know for yourself! You have
seen and heard! If you now fall away, there is no forgiveness for you."
Did I not know then, that the Book of Mormon was true, and that Joseph
Smith was a prophet of the Lord? Surely I did, and I do now, as surely
as I know that I live.
The world wonders at the zeal and faith of "Mormon" missionaries in
diffusing their principles over the world; but the surprise of the
world would soon cease did they know by what evidences the truth of the
faith of the Latter-day Saints had been made known unto them, for by
such proofs as the foregoing, and by the revelations of the Holy Ghost,
in tongues, prophecyings, visions, etc., has the work of the last days
been attested unto thousands upon thousands, in ways so peculiar, and
attended with such circumstances, that no power of sophistry or reason
can possibly show these proofs to be the effects of a fanatical mind
or a diseased imagination. And even could these proofs be overturned,
the Latter-day Saints have still stronger proofs found in the evidences
of glorious principles, never before discovered, harmonizing with each
other, and every known truth, and clearing up and connecting Scripture
statements from beginning to end, unlocking the great science of life,
shedding light on our existence, and discovering, in the arrangement
and combination of these truths, an infinite intelligence that none but
a mind that knew the end from the beginning could display!