Difference between revisions of "Elder's Journal/1/3"

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Far West, May, 1838. Notwithstanding all the efforts of the enemies to the truth, both from without and within, to the contrary, we are enabled to present this Journal, to the patrons, with the prospect of being able to continue it in time to come, without interruption.

Great have been the exertions of the opposers to righteousness, to prevent us from sending abroad the doctrines of the church to the world; every effort has been used by the combined influence of all classes of enemies, and of all sects and parties of religion; and of those who are opposed to it in all its forms to prevent it.

It is indeed somewhat unexpected to us, to be able to commence printing the Journal again so soon; but the general interest felt in it by the Saints in general soon, in a degree, repaired the loss which was suffered in the burning of the press in Kirtland; and another establishment by the exertions of the Saints in Far West, has been obtained, sufficiently large to print the Journal; and soon will be greatly enlarged, so as to do all the printing necessary for the whole church.

We have no doubt, but liberal minded men will continue to aid with their means so that the establishment will be sufficiently supplied with means to make the largest of the kind, anywhere in the region of country where it is located.

In this place, the church is as pleasantly situated as could be expected, taking into consideration their circumstances, as the settlement here is but about eighteen months old, and the first settlers had been driven from their homes and all their property destroyed, and had to come here without anything. — But to their honor it may be said, that few people on earth have endured the same degree of persecution, with the same patience.

Nothing discouraged by the great afflictions and tribulations which they have had to endure for Christ's sake. They united with all their powers, to turn a solitary place into a fruitful field — we do not say a wilderness, for there is not a sufficiency of timber to make it a wilderness — and have exceeded the highest expectations of the most enthusiastic.

Large bodies of land have been, and are now putting under cultivation.

We might venture an assertion on this point, and that without the fear of contradiction by those who are acquainted with the settlements in this vicinity, and that is, no part of the world can produce a superior to Caldwell County, if an equal. Eighteen months since without scarcely an inhabitant; at this time the City of "Far West," the county seat, has one hundred and fifty houses, and almost the whole county is taken up, or all that part of it, which can be conveniently settled for want of timber; and large bodies of it are now under cultivation.

An enconium [economy] too high, cannot be placed upon the heads of the enterprising and industrious habits of the people of this county. They are fast making for themselves and their posterity after them as beautiful, interesting, and as profitable homes as can be in any country.

In a very few years and it will be said with propriety, "that the solitary place has become glad for them," and we can say, that no people will be as glad for it.

The town "Far West" is situated in Caldwell county Missouri, in the midst of a prairie of very rich soil. It is an elevated piece of land, and has a commanding view of the surrounding country for many miles, in every direction. On the north, about one mile, passes Shoal Creek, a heavy stream which has many water privileges on it. On the south, a little more than half a mile, runs Goose Creek, a tributary of Shoal. It also is large enough to admit of water-works.

To all appearance the country is healthy, and the farming interest is equal to that in any part of the world; and the means of living are very easily obtained, not even luxuries excepted.

From this to the territorial line on the north, is from eighty to one hundred miles and to the line on the west, twenty five or upwards, or what was the territorial line before the purchase

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of what is called the Platt and Nodawa countries, or rather Notawa, which signifies rattle snake.

It will be seen by this, that this town is situated in the northern corner of the state of Missouri, in the 40th deg. of north latitude. The land is rolling and generally dry; at least there are no more wet lands than are necessary for grazing purposes, when the country becomes all subdued.

The Saints here are at perfect peace with all the surrounding inhabitants, and persecution is not so much as once named among them; every man can attend to business without fear or excitement, or being molested in any wise. There are many of the inhabitants of this town, who own lands in the vicinity, and are at this time busily engaged in cultivating them. Hundreds of acres of corn have been planted already, in our immediate neighborhood; and hundreds of acres more are now being planted. (This is the fourth day of May).

The crops of wheat are very promising, and the prospect is that we will have an abundant harvest. The vast quantities of provision purchased, in this upper country by the United States, for the use of the Garrison, and also for the Indians have made all kinds of provision dear, and somewhat scarce. Corn is fifty cents per bushel; wheat one dollar; pork from eight, to ten dollars per cwt.; and all kinds of provision on a par with these.

Perhaps it might be thought by some necessary, that we should say something about the affairs of Kirtland. — The burning of the printing office here &c. But it is now, as in former days. In former days the destroyers of the Saints' property were of the baser sort of mankind, even so it is now. And as the Saints in former days considered a formal notice of them, beneath both their character and standing, so do the Saints in like manner now. Only say as they did; "That a gang of the baser sort burned and wasted our property to the utmost of their power" regardless of law, justice, or humanity, and were upheld in their wickedness, by those who were like the high priest in Paul's day, who though, he sat to judge after the law, commanded Paul to be smitten contrary to law. So it was not our persecutors in the east: for notwithstanding they sat to judge after the law, yet commanded they our property to be destroyed contrary to law.

And as Paul and Barnabas did at Iconium. So did we at Kirtland. — "When there was an assault made, both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews, with their rulers, to use them despitefully, and to stone them. They were ware [aware] of it, and fled into Lystria and Derbe, cities of Lyconia, and unto the region that lieth round about. And there they preached the gospel."

So we did in like manner, taking them for our example. When there was an assault being made, of liars, thieves, and religionists, with their rulers all combined, we were aware of it, and fled to "Far West," and are here preaching the gospel whereunto we are called by the power of God. Let so much suffice for Kirtland.

We have the gratification of saying to the Elders abroad, that we hope to be able to furnish the Journal regularly, from hence forth, as long as it may be thought wisdom to continue it. And we hope on their part, they will use all their exertions to give it circulation.

The enemies have made so many attempts to destroy us, and always failed, that we now just laugh at them for fools, as the God of heaven said he would at their calamity. PROSPECTUS FOR THE ELDERS' JOURNAL. OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST, OF LATTER DAY SAINTS.

It is, we presume, generally known, that this paper was commenced in Kirtland, Ohio, in October last; but by reason of the great persecution against the Saints in that place, the paper had to be stopped; and through the craft of wicked men they got possession of the printing office, and knowing they could not hold it, it was burned. The paper is now about to be resuscitated in this place, to be conducted as set forth in the former prospectus. It will be issued in a few weeks, and sent to the former subscribers, as previously stated. We send this prospectus to arouse the Saints to energy in obtaining subscribers. — We hope the Elders abroad, will not fail to use their influence to give as general a circulation as possible. The JOURNAL will be Edited by Joseph Smith jr., and Published by Thomas B. Marsh, at Far West, Caldwell County Missouri. Terms -- One dollar, per annum, paid in advance. All letters must be Post Paid, and directed to the Publisher. Far West, Mo. April 26, 1838.

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Vinalhaven, Fox Islands, Me. March 9th, 1838. BISHOP EDWARD PARTRIDGE, AND PRESIDENTS JOSEPH SMITH JR., SIDNEY RIGDON, HYRUM SMITH, and THE SAINTS IN ZION, GREETING:

Dear friends in the new and everlasting covenant;

I, Wilford Woodruff, sit down to inform you that I have just heard correctly of the deplorable state of things in Kirtland, and I have this day held a council with Elders J. Ball and J. Townsend, who are now with me upon these Islands, and we resolved to address a few lines to you concerning our feelings, and set before you a brief account of things with us, and the course we intend to pursue. I have labored principally alone upon these Islands, since Elder Hale left last fall, and the work of the Lord has prospered in my hands, or in other words, the Lord has worked with me during the winter. Elder Joseph Ball has been with me for a number of weeks past upon the Islands. There is rising of 40 members in the church on these Islands, and they are strong in the faith. I returned last evening from a mission in company with Elder James Townsend. We have been visiting the most notable cities and vilages [villages] in the eastern country, and delivering unto them the word of God.

We preached in their City Halls, Chapels, School houses, dwellings &c., in such places as Camden, Belfast, Northport, Frankfort, Hampden and the City of Bangor. Doors were open in all of these places, and many others I might mention, and the people heard with profound attention; and many are believing. I never saw more doors open for doing good than at the present time in the State of Maine: But the Devil is stirred up against me here on the Island.

One Methodist priest has applied several times for a warrant to take me, but the Officers, as yet, will not grant him any, for he cannot bring any accusation against me in truth or justice.

The most trouble I now have is the stopping the papers. I have forwarded about 30 subscribers with the money, and now the press is burnt down, and our enemies roar in the midst of the congregations, and they set up these ensigns for signs.

I expect the report of these things will come like a clap of thunder in the ears of the Saints upon these Islands and else where. They do not know it yet, but are wondering why these papers do not come. We have appointed a time to meet the church, and we shall lay all these things before them, and trust in God for wisdom to direct us. The Elders that are with me are expecting to go to their homes, and I shall be left to fight the battles alone. Brethren, pray for me out of Zion, for I have a load to bear; but in the name of Elijah's God, I am determined to stand at my post. I feel as though the time of Jacob's trouble had begun, but I know God will deliver him out of it and fulfil [fulfill] his word.

We are advising the Saints of God to go from this country to Zion, as soon as they can. I suppose this is right; many are preparing to go the following season.

Now we say to the Presidency of the church in Zion, we do not expect to counsel you, nor anyone there. Let God be your counselors. But we ask, can it not be consistent with the will of God and your feelings and circumstances, to soon publish the Elders' Journal from Zion, that we may have one weapon, to cut away some of the deep gloom, that will be cast upon the minds of thousands of the Saints, by wicked men and devils, and false brethren. The traveling Elders feel the wait of these things, equally, if not more than those who are in Zion; for we are naked targets to the press and tongue, as we pass through the midst of the Gentiles. O my God! have mercy and support us, I pray, through the toils that are to come, that our garments may be washed white in the blood of the Lamb! For it is through tribulation that we inherit the blessing and overcome.

Could the Elders' Journal be continued, it would be great relief to the feelings of all the faithful; for while our enemies are publishing against us, even in Kirtland, we should also know what God is doing for his Saints.

Brethren, we pray you to consider this last clause, not for our sake alone, but for the sake of all the faithful that are scattered abroad. We do not make these remarks because we have any lack of confidence in you. — No, God forbid, we believe you have done, and will do all that lies in your power for

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the salvation of Israel; and for one, I pray God to take away my life, sooner than to suffer me to turn my back upon the faithful part of the Church of Latter Day Saints, and Joseph whom God hath chosen to lead his people. O my soul mourns over the corruptions of the hearts of men! O how man will stumble in dark places, when he neglects prayer and departs from his God! O ye Saints of Zion, watch and pray and keep the Celestial law which is safe!

That you may know the feelings of the undersigners of this page, we say to you before God, that we are in full fellowship with Joseph Smith, jr. and the first Presidency of the church, and with all who still adhere to, and receive their teachings and instructions; and we say, in the name of Jesus Christ, that we will uphold such by our prayers, faith, and influence, at the risk of our fortunes, lives and worldly honor. "For life is but a name, when virtue and truth is gone."

We further believe that judgment awaits the world speedily, Kirtland not excepted, and we do believe that those who have dissented from the body of the church will have cause to lament for their folly. We ask in the name of reason and revelation, who has power to take from Joseph the keys delivered to him by the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and deprive him of the work that God has said he should perform? We answer, none but God alone. We believe the book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants, speaks too loud upon the subject, to fall unfulfilled and to be made void, by those who have neglected prayer and departed from the living God, and sought to take honor unto themselves. O ye Saints of God in Zion! we entreat you to uphold Joseph by prayer, faith, brotherly love, and charity; for we testify, in the spirit of God, that he will be brought off conqueror, and his enemies put to shame.

Do you remember his toils and labors for your salvation? Nothing but a God has supported him to the present day. His perils are great, and the greatest are among false brethren; and we do entreat the Saints in Zion not to add to his wounds, by following the example of many in Kirtland. Bear with us, ye Saints of God, while we exhort you to keep the Celestial law of God while in the land of Zion.

Be humble, be watchful, be prayerful. Beware of pride, lest you fall like others. We do not make these remarks for compliment sake, we feel what we say. Kirtland is and will be scourged, to fulfill revelation and prophesy; it is all right, the hand of God is in it. God's work will not stop. He will work for and with his Saints. God will redeem Jacob. God will build up Zion. The Lord will establish Jerusalem. And O ye judges in Zion! that God may bestow wisdom and salvation upon you, is the prayer of

WILFORD WOODRUFF,

JAMES TOWNSEND, &

JOSEPH BALL.

BROTHER W. WOODRUFF,

Sir, your letter of the 9th of March, directed to Bishop Partridge, Presidents Joseph Smith jr. Sidney Rigdon, Hyrum Smith, and the Saints in Zion, came safely to them, some days since. And on account of the press of business now on their hands and the request of J. Smith, Jr., I have taken it upon me to answer it.

You say that you have heard of the deplorable state of things in Kirtland; and it gave me much joy to learn by your letter, that you received those things in their true light. Great has been the afflictions of the Saints in that place, particularly our beloved brethren Joseph Smith Jr. and Sidney Rigdon.

In the past summer, I journeyed from this place, in company with Wm. Smith and D. W. Patten, to Kirtland, for the purpose of meeting in Conference there, with the twelve. On our arrival, we soon learned the difficulties that then existed there; these, however, were all apparently settled previous to my leaving Kirtland: And W. Parrish, who has since become an unbeliever in revealed religion, affected to repent and become satisfied with Br. Joseph and the church. Others also did the same: — But this settlement was not of long duration. Soon after this, President Hyrum Smith and myself left Kirtland for the upper Missouri; and President Joseph Smith, President S. Rigdon, and Wm. Smith, soon followed us to Far West: and during their absence, it seems that Parrish, J. F. Boynton, Luke Johnson, Joseph Coe, and some others, united together for the overthrow of the church. President Smith,

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and his company, returned, on, or about the 10th of December; soon after which this dissenting band, openly and publicly renounced the church of Christ of Latter Day Saints, and claimed themselves to be the old standard; calling themselves the church of Christ, excluded that of Saints, and set at naught Br. Joseph and the whole church, denounced them as heretics. How blind and infatuated are the minds of men, when once turned from righteousness to wickedness. They did not understand, that by taking upon them the name of Latter Day Saints, did not do away that of the church of Christ. — Neither did they consider that the ancient church was the church of Christ, and that they were Saints. And again, it appears that they did not consider the prophecy of Daniel, which says, "The Saints shall take the kingdom," &. Again, "the Kingdom, and the greatness of the Kingdom, under the whole heaven, was given to the people (the Saints) of the Most High." And the Saints here alluded to were certainly Latter Day Saints; inasmuch as the above prophecy is to be fulfilled in the last days; and is yet future, as all professed readers of the bible will confess.

We have of late learned, that Parrish, and the most of this combination have openly renounced the book of Mormon, and become deists.

I will now leave Kirtland, and give you some account of the movement of things here, as they are and have been.

You undoubtedly remember the visit, which I, in company with Elder Groves, made to the churches in Kentucky and Tennessee, in the summer of 1836. You may also recollect, the nature and result of our visit. We came to solicit assistance for poor bleeding Zion. And we obtained through the goodness of the children of God in those regions, the sum of fourteen hundred and fifty dollars, which we delivered unto Wm. W. Phelps and John Whitmer on our arrival at this place. But these men, instead of laying out the money for the benefit of poor bleeding Zion, purchased land for their own emolument. They generally did their business independently of the aid, or counsel of either the Bishop or High Council. This gave some uneasiness to the two authorities of Zion: not only because they purchased land with church funds in their own name for their own aggrandizement, but because they selected the place for the city Far West, and appointed the spot for the house of the Lord to be built on, drew the plan of said house, and appointed and ordained a committee to build the same, without asking or seeking counsel at the hand of either Bishop, High Council, or first Presidency, when it was well understood that these authorities were appointed for the purpose of counseling on all important matters pertaining to the Saints of God.

These two presidents also managed to get the town plot into their own hands, that they might reap the avails arising from the sales of the lots. In consequence of these, with other things, the High Council met by themselves on the 3rd day of April, 1837, and resolved to invite the two presidents, the Bishop and his council, and the two apostles, namely, T. B. Marsh and D. W. Patten, to meet with them on the 5th inst. to which time they adjourned. Accordingly, the above named authorities met, on the 5th, and after laboring diligently three days in succession, it was unanimously agreed upon, that the town plot, with four eighties adjacent to the plot, should be at the disposal of the Bishop and his counsel, the High Council, the two presidents and the two apostles. During this labor the two presidents acknowledged they were wrong, and they, to all appearance, willingly suffered themselves to be corrected by the Council.

In the beginning of May following, the Council met, again and resolved to have the above named property transferred into the hands of the bishop, as an equivalent to the poor bleeding Zion money, and that the avails of said land should be thereafter applied to the benefit of the poor, and other public purposes. The business of the transfer of said property, was transacted by the two presidents, the bishop and his counsel; by some means they managed to bind the bishop in a mortgage of three thousand four hundred and fifty dollars to apply two thousand dollars of the avails of the town plot, which they had subscribed to the building of the house of worship, which they intended to have erected. Since that time, the affair of building the house, has fallen through. Consequently, many people have withdrawn

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their subscription, and these two men, claiming this two thousand dollars as their subscription, chose to withdraw it, and put it into their own pockets, a small part of which has been already paid to Wm. W. Phelps.

The Council, not feeling willing that the church should be defrauded out of two thousand dollars of her public funds, and also knowing that the church in general, as well as themselves, had become dissatisfied with their conduct as christians in many things, appointed a committee to labor with them; after which, they called the whole church in Zion together, who almost unanimously voted them out of their presidential office.

Not long after this, the council saw cause to appoint a second committee, to wait on these men, who still persisted in their opposition to the interests of the church. After which, charges were preferred against them before the Council, which were substantiated, and they were excommunicated.

Also, the Church has had much sorrow during the past winter, on account of the unfaithfulness of Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, and Lyman E. Johnson, and in consequence of this and their opposition to our beloved brother Joseph Smith jr., and the best interest of the church of Jesus Christ, and for persisting in the same, a number of charges have been substantiated against them before the Council and bishop of the church, and they have also been excluded from fellowship. "How has the gold become dim, the most fine gold changed!!!"

But I must drop this subject for want of room. Suffice it to say, brethren Joseph Smith Jr. and Sidney Rigdon are now with us, the church now flourishes, and the Saints rejoice, and the internal enemies of the church are down. You will see by the above prospectus, that your anxious desires for the Journal are about to be granted.

May the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob bless you and keep you unto His coming and kingdom. Amen.

My love to all the Saints in those regions. Yours in the love of God,

THOMAS B. MARSH.

WILFORD WOODRUFF.

P. S. Since Br. Joseph came to this place, we have been favored with a lengthy revelation, in which many important items are shown forth. First, that the church shall hereafter be called, "the Church of Jesus Christ, of Latter Day Saints." Second, it says, "Let the City Far West be a holy and consecrated land unto me, and it shall be called most holy, for the ground upon which thou standest is holy: — Therefore, I command you to build an house unto me, for the gathering together of my Saints, that they may worship me." It also teaches, that the foundation or corner stone must be laid on the 4th day of July next, and that a commencement must be made in this following season, and in one year from the 26th of April last, the foundation must be again commenced, and from that time to continue the work until it is finished. Thus we see that the Lord is more wise than men, for Phelps and Whitmer thought to commence it long before this, but it was not the Lord's time; therefore, he overthrew it, and has appointed his own time. The plan is yet to be shown to the first presidency; and all the Saints, in all the world are commanded to assist in building the house.

THOMAS B. MARSH.

Far West, May, 1838.

To the Elders abroad:

1st. The respect and duty which I owe to my Heavenly Father, to the church of Latter Day Saints, and to the Elders who are abroad in the earth, induces me, to drop a few encouraging hints unto you my beloved fellow laborers in the kingdom which God has set up in these last days.

2nd. Brethren I am aware of your thirst, for the gathering of that long dispersed people who are of the house of Israel. I am aware of your toils, and fatigues, in traveling from city to city; from state to state; from kingdom to kingdom; and from Island to Island to declare the gospel in its purity, unto the inhabitants of this generation. — Declaring unto them in plain terms, that God has again spoken from the heavens by the voice of revelation, that the hour of his Judgment is nigh at hand, and that God hath decreed that wars, famine, and pestilence, will soon cover the land; that Babylon must fall, and great must be the fall thereof. Declaring plainly unto the honest in

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heart, that they must separate themselves from Babylon, lest ye be partakers of her sins, and likewise of her plagues.

3rd. O ye Elders of Israel! Lift up your heads and rejoice, for the day of your redemption draweth nigh, comfort yourselves by pondering in your hearts the grand events which will transpire at the morn of the millennium; when there shall be no mobs to rise up against you; no weapon formed against you by lawless marauders; and no tongue to scandalize your character by vain and groundless reports; knowing that this blessing will be placed upon your heads when you return from your ministry; and when the Judge of the whole earth shall say, well done, thou good and faithful servant, thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things; enter thou into the joys of thy Lord.

4th. Lift up your heads then, ye Elders of Israel. Say to the North, give up; to the South, keep not back. Say to the Isles of the sea, be glad, and to the Kingdoms of the earth rejoice; for the Lord our God is about to establish a Kingdom which cannot be thrown down, neither can the gates of hell prevail against it.

5th. Therefore, rejoice ye Elders of Israel; believe not the slangs and foul reports against our Beloved Brethren, Joseph Smith, Jr. and Sidney Rigdon, they are groundless, and as black as the apostate Authors, who will not protect that little stone that is hewn out of the mountain without hands, and who exerts their utmost endeavors to impede the progress of the Kingdom which God has set up, for the salvation of man in these last days.

6th. Be of good cheer then, ye ministers of the gospel, always abounding in faith and good works; ponder the paths of your feet; acknowledge the hand of God in all things; be instant in prayer, and your heavenly Father will direct your steps, lead you into all truth, and the spirit of the living God will dwell richly upon you: even so, Amen.

A. RIPLEY.

Having a general knowledge of many of the counties in upper Missouri, and the welfare of the brethren of the church of Latter Day Saints in view; I will give a short history of the situation of the County of Caldwell, and the regions round about.

Far West is situated about 50 miles North of Independence in Jackson County, on a beautiful elevated prairie, so that when the traveller approaches the town, though several miles from it, the eye catches the beautiful prospect, which leads the mind to wonder that a people almost wholly destitute of means, could accomplish so great work in so short time.

The county of Caldwell, is a beautiful elevated prairie County, interspersed with valleys, and beautiful groves of timber; the face of the country, is generally high and rolling and renders it as healthy, as any part of the United States.

The soil is very productive, insomuch that forty or fifty bushels of corn per acre is but middling yield, and equally as good for wheat and all other kinds of grain, which is natural to the western and southern states.

A. RIPLEY. To the Saints scattered abroad;

Dear Brethren:

Whereas, many have taken into hand to set forth the order of the kingdom of God on earth, and have testified of the grace of God, as given unto them to publish unto you.

I also feel it my duty to write unto you, touching the grace of God given unto me to youward; [toward you] concerning the dispensation we have received; which is the greatest of all dispensations. — And has been spoken of by the mouth of all the holy prophets since the world began.

In this, my communication to you, I design to notice some of these prophecies.

Now the apostle Paul says on this wise, "For I would not brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, (lest you should be wise in your own conceit,) that blindness in part has happened unto Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. And so all Israel shall be saved; as it is written, there shall come out of Sion a deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob."

What is that he says! "For I would not have you ignorant," ignorant of what? why of this mystery, that blindness in part had happened unto Israel.

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