Messenger and Advocate/3/11

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Messenger and Advocate Volume 3, Number 11

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Source document in Mormon Publications: 19th and 20th Centuries online archive: Messenger and Advocate Vol. 3 Note: Some headings and bracketed texts are editorial and not part of the original text.

LATTER DAY SAINTS'
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE
Volume III. No. 11.]	KIRTLAND, OHIO, AUGUST, 1837.	[Whole No. 35.

PROSPECTUS For a new paper, to be published at Kirtland, Geauga co. Ohio, called the ELDERS' JOURNAL OF THE CHURCH OF LATTER DAY SAINTS. As the Latter Day Saints Messenger and Advocate, published at the above place, is to be closed with the present volume which closes in the month of September, and as the publishers of that paper have declined publishing any more for the present, at least. A large body of the elders of the church of Latter Day Saints have united and rented the printing establishment, for the purpose of publishing a paper with the above title. This paper is intended to be a vehicle of communication for all the elders of the church of Latter Day Saints, through which they can communicate to others, all things pertaining to their mission, and calling as servants of the living God, and messengers of righteousness to the nations among whom they are sent. As there have been many desires expressed by the elders of said church, to have a periodical of this kind published; it is hoped that the present proposals will meet with their most unqualified approbation, and will find a patron and a friend in all those into whose hands it comes. This paper is intended to occupy vacant ground, as there is no other periodical with which we are acquainted, that presents itself in the attitude to the public, that this does. The church of the Latter Day Saints is increasing very rapidly, perhaps more so at this time considering its circumstances, than any other society in our country. The number of elders amounts to many hundreds and are constantly increasing: and out of the number there are many who are respectable in point of both learning and talents, and some of the first order. The great excitement which has been produced by the coming forth of this church; the unparalleled rapidity of its growth; the excessive rage of persecution against it by all sects and parties, together with the wide range it is destined to take among the nations, form at once a source of interest peculiar to itself. And every thing pertaining to either its prosperity or adversity, its advance or decline, its favorable or unfavorable reception among the nations, where its doctrines are promulgated, and where it is destined to present the majesty of its truth in formidable array against the errors and false doctrine of the age, is now, and will be more abundantly hereafter, sought with an eagerness by both friends and foes, in this country, and elsewhere, unknown, since the days that the former apostles proclaimed the same doctrine among all the nations of the world. Already has the sound gone forth into every State of the Union, and messengers sent by the church have safely (as appears by letters,) arrived at Liverpool [England,] from whom accounts are expected continually, making known the progress of the work in the old world. What proposals then, could be made to an inquiring public better calculated to gratify their desires than a periodical of this kind; designed to give information on the very points where information is desired, and to satisfy the unceasing anxiety excited by reason of the progress of the church. It may be confidently expected, that this paper will be enriched with important intelligence from the eastern as well as the western continent, and at no very remote period we may anticipate with great assurance, to see its columns abounding with matter of deep interest, from all nations in the civilized world. It will be a rich repast to ladies and gentlemen, of all religions, or to those who professed none; inasmuch as the contributers [contributors] to this paper will be in every part of the world, and thereby afford facilities to obtain information through its columns, equal, if not superior to any in the union. The great events of nations, tending to that point of consumption spoken of by all the holy prophets since the world began, will be diligently sought for, and correctly presented.

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This paper is therefore intended to be a counter part to this lying mania, which seems to pervade all ranks of men, when engaged to try to stop the progress of truth, and prevent the kingdom of God from spreading, by affording the traveling elders an opportunity of presenting the truth to the public, in relation to the events, and occurrences which transpire within the reach of their observation, and which occur with, and by themselves, while they are traveling and proclaiming the gospel, in obedience to the high and holy calling wherewith God has called them. It becomes a duty not to be dispensed with, that the saints of the last days owe to themselves, and their children, as well as the public in general, to use all lawful endeavors to disabuse the public mind in relation to the affairs of the kingdom of God, which has been committed to them; so that as far as in them lies, they will guard the public against the abuses which are heaped upon them, by reason of a spirit of persecution which rages most unhallowedly against the truth. It has been the usage of all saints in every age as far as our knowledge extends, to transmit to succeeding generations an account of their religion, and a history of their travels, and of the reception which they met with in the nations, among whom they executed their divine commission. With an account of their travels, both by see [sea] and land, among strangers and acquaintances; and these accounts stand as an armed man, guarding both their characters, and religion, against the aspersion of foul calumniaters [calumniators], and base slanderers. May we not ask, What saved the name of the Waldenses, from being handed down to all generations with infamy and contempt? The answer is their own writings. Had it not have been for the exertions which they used, to transmit to posterity, a true account of themselves; their enemies would have left the world in perfect ignorance, of both their character and religion; and stamped their name with as much infamy, as they exercised cruelty upon their persons: and the name of Peter Waldo, would have been associated with every thing that was base and abominable. But the course which they took to be their own historians, has turned this infamy upon the heads of their enemies, and most effectually redeemed themselves from under the power of their slanderers; until their memory is had with reverence among all men, whose approbation is worth having. It is equally as possible for the saints of these days, to guard themselves against the abuses of a corrupt people, and the rage of an unrighteous priesthood, against which they have to contend; as it was for those to do so, who have gone before them. In view then to obtain objects so laubable [laudable], and so desirable, this paper is offered to the public. In its success and prosperity, we presume all the elders will feel suitable interest; for it is through this medium, that they have an opportunity offered them, of handing down to their children, and their childrens childrn [children], as well as to all others who are disposed to read, an account of their labors and sufferings, the success and discouragements they may meet, through the course of their ministry in the world, and be able to give and receive information from every part of the world, and thereby enrichen their own minds with much useful knowledge, as well as bestow great light on the world. In proportion as the church increases, and the knowledge of the gospel spreads abroad upon the face of the earth; in the same proportion our desires are increased to know how it fairs with the servants of God who are employed in this good work of gathering the saints together, out of all tongues, languages, and kindreds, under heaven. For instance, since our missionaries started for England, how many deep anxieties are felt in the minds of many, that they never felt before, to know how they will be received, and what will be the success of their mission; and this by persons who never saw any of the individuals who have gone. How grateful then would a letter be from any of them, making its appearance in the Journal, by this means satisfying the desires of all at once, which could not be done in any other way, but by great expense and great waste of time. How indispensible [indispensable] then is a periodical of this kind to the saints. It is essential to their pease [peace] and happiness as saints. It will always be hailed as a welcome messenger to the habitation of the truly pious. It will be cherished

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by the saint of God as a kind friend come to allay his anxieties, and to open a new field of contemplation and prayer: to heighten his devotion by making him acquainted more extensively with the works of God; and to calm his mind in the hour of affliction, by making him acquainted with the sufferings, and yet the patience and perseverance, of others of his brethren in tribulation. How many that would be otherwise slothful, will be provoked to good works, by hearing of the zeal, and of the great exertions of others, in extending the work of God. In a word then, let every saint lay to a helping hand, use his or her influence to get subscribers, and obtain as extensive a circulation for the paper as possible, so that it may be sustained, and there by the cause of God be advanced. It is expected that all the saints into whose hands this prospectus comes, will feel themselves authorized to get all the subscribers they can, and every person getting ten new subscribers and forwarding the money shall have the eleventh gratis. The JOURNAL will be edited by Joseph Smith Jun. and printed once a month on a superroyal sheet, and followed in form for binding, at one dollar a year in advance: and should the subscription list justify, it will soon be published semi monthly at two dollars a year. The first number will be issued in October next, and will be forwarded to the subscribers of the Messenger and Advocate, unless they say to the contrary. All letters whether for publication or other purposes, sent to the office must be directed to DON C. SMITH, and the postage -> PAID, <- or they will not be attended too. Done by the request and in behalf of the elders. SIDNEY RIGDON. N. B. The elders sending letters for publication, will prepare them for the press so as to save expense. A combination of circumstances not in our power to control, prevented our inserting our brothers valedictory in the fifth number of the current volume of the Messenger and Advocate. It was written, as it purports to be, from the date, at Monroe Michigan, while he was absent from here on business in that place. We consider it due to him and to our numerous friends who have been edified, enlightened or amused by his pen, to let them hear directly from him; and we only regret, deeply regret, that the little passing compliment he bestows on our humble efforts, which, truly were then but in anticipation, could not have been realized. He has retired from a responsible charge, and with more hopes and good wishes for his happiness and future welfare than we can reasonably expect for ours when we resign the same charge.-May the Lord bless and preserve him. ED. VALEDICTORY. In the 8th number, Vol. first of the Messenger and Advocate, I addressed its readers, as I then supposed, for the last time as its Editor. From considerations of duty, on the departure of brother Whitmer to the west, I again assumed the conduct of its columns, during which interval pecuniary circumstances have compelled me almost wholly from home, and when there, a feeble state of health prevented that strict attention, after fulfilling paramount duties, necessary to render such a periodical interesting, instructing and useful. How far under those circumstances, my labors have been approved by my heavenly Master, remains to be revealed when all things are openly proclaimed: and to what extent I have answered the expectations of my friends, I do not stop here to ask, as I presume they are quite willing to exchange my labors for the labors of another, and in that change expect a more faithful servant, without venturing any hazzard [hazard]. But, lest these remarks should create an unreasonable expectation, and an unwarranted call for labor on the part of my brother who succeeds me. I will here add, that were he tnumerous [the numerous] readers of the Messenger aware, while perusing its columns, how many, very many constitutions are impaired, ruined,-worn out, by writing matter for others to read, they would be ready to excuse, when a number appeared not quite as full of editorial matter as

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their fancies could wish. It may be thought a small task to fill a small monthly sheet; to such I only recommend that they engage in it for one year. And besides, a man is responsible to God for all he writes. If his communications are not according to the truths of heaven, men may follow incorrect principles, and digress, step after step from the straight path, till arguments, persuasions and facts, are as unheeded as the idle vision, when darkness and death rivet their destructive chains to be beaten off no more. When this last reflection rises in the mind, the heart almost sinks within this bosom, lest in consequence of some darkness over the intellect, or some deep anxiety and concern, occasioned by inevitable and irresistable [irristable] pecuniary embarrassment, I may have dropped an item, or left unintelligible some important fact, which has occasioned an incorrect understanding on matters of eternal life. Those who are yet here, if such should be the case, relative to the principles which I have promulgated, may retrace and correct, but what adds keenly to the reflection is the fact, that many have gone no more to return till the purposes of God are accomplished in the restoration of all things. Those are beyond my admonition, and a few more seasons round, at most, will release me from this burthensome [burdensome] tenament [tenement] and I be permitted to fly away to receive my own reward. Those whose feelings I may have unjustly injured if any, I now ask their forgiveness and hope, through the mediation of the Son of God to find also, in his blood, a propitiation for all my sins, that I may retire with a conscious heart that He who died for me is yet my friend and advocate, and that through all my future life I may live to his glory, walk in his paths, adorn his doctrine, and meet him in peace. I have not time, neither is it necessary to go into detail on the subject of the gospel or prophets: these have been leading topics during the entire course of both Star and Messenger, and will of necessity continue so to be while unrighteousness has dominion on the earth. It is only requisite for me to add that the doctrines which I commenced to preach some seven years since are as firmly believed by me as ever; nd [and] though persecutions have attended, and the rage and malice of men been heaped upon me, I feel equally as firm in the great and glorious cause as when first I received my mission from the holy messenger. And such has been the opposition generally manifest against the progress and influence of this gospel, that it amounts to a miracle that any should distrust its divine authenticity, with these facts daily presented before them. One sentence more, my friends, and I have done-I need not prolong the time. Range through all the revelations of God, search them from beginning to end, and if you do not find that the Lord would do marvelous things in the last days-reveal his glorious arm, set up his kingdom, scatter light, send forth intelligence and gather Israel, the literal descendants of Jacob from the four winds, endow and prepare hasty messengers and talk with his people face to face, I say adieu to that record, it is worse than a fable, it has not the intelligence of a common news-paper! Alas! how disappointed will be the man who turns from these in unbelief. The day is near when all will be verified-the day is near when all eyes will see and every heart be penetrated, and the day is near when you and I shall meet in the presence of God. Farewell. OLIVER COWDERY. Monroe, Michigan, Feb. 1837. Hanover Columbiana Co. Ohio. August 3rd. 1837. BRO. W. A. COWDERY: Having a few leasure [leisure] moments I gladly improve them in giving you a short account of my labors the present season, which you are at liberty to make use of as you may think proper. I left New Portage church Medina Co. O. May, 17th in company with brother J. Roberson (a priest) for Harison Co. Va. where, last fall, elder S. James and myself, built up a small church of 15 members. We arived [arrived] at Hanover a small village on the Sandy nnd [and] Beaver canal near the last of May, and found a number of brethren scattered through this region of country-Doors were opened and we commenced laboring with our mights in the vineyard of the Lord.-Many appeared very attentive to hear

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the word and were stired [stirred] up to an enquiry [inquiry] into these things. Some said they never heard the truth before; some said one thing and some another, and the honest in heart rejoiced to hear the fulness [fullness] of the gospel proclaimed. But here as in other places, as is to be expected, seeing our country has been flooded with such a multitude of false reports and foolish stories put in circulation by men of corrupt minds, who do not desire the truth; much prejudice existed, and those who were not willing to receive the truth because they loved it, felt disposed to arise in opposition to it. Soon after ariving [arriving] in this region I received a challenge and accepted it for a public discussion of the spiritual gifts, with a principle leader of the Campbellite order in this section of country. The debate was held at what is called the Planes meeting house, and lasted from 10 A. M to 4 or 5 P. M. Many were enabled to discern between truth and error, and soon after three went forward into the waters of baptism. I continued preaching in the neighborhood until the conference here on the 16th of June when three more obeyed the gospel. It was the descision [decision] of the conference that I should remain in this section a while longer, I have done so, and have continued to preach and to baptize. Not long since I had an invitation to compare the testimony for the book of Mormon with the testimony of the Old & New Testament, by one of the teachers of the Campbellite order; (by the name of Patherson,) I accepted the invitation and the investigation was held in Hanover, but before I was half through with the testimony for the book of Mormon he wished to close the debate, and notwithstanding my remonstrances and that of many of the people to the contrary, he finally utterly refused to investigate the subject any farther in this place, although when he first made the proposition to me he said, information was all he wanted, and if the testimony was good for the book of Mormon he would be glad to receive it. Although I had not the opportunity of laying the subject fully before the people, yet the cause of truth was promoted, the people saw that the same objections that were raised against the book of Mormon, might be raised against the Old and New Testament, and the arguments that would destroy one would destroy the other on the same principle. Some that were opposed before became our friends and I baptized six persons soon after. So grows the word of God and prevails, for truth is mighty and what can stand before it? "Mormonism unvailed [unveiled]" has been circulated in this part of the country, but that has but little influence on the minds of those who are seeking after truth: What is the chaff to the wheat? The truth is, the honest in heart will and do rejoice when they hear the truth proclaimed. Since I came here I have held near forty meetings and baptized twelve. The church in this place now numbers thirty seven, there are also many others in this part of the country who are very friendly and believing, many of whom I think will yet embrace the new and everlasting covenant. For my part, I feel much encouraged and do rejoice to see the kingdom of God rolling onward in spite of all opposition. The prospect here is good, but I expect to leave now immediately for Va. I hope the elders traveling South from Kirtland, will give the brethren a call in this place. Yours in the bonds of the new and everlasting covenant. LORENZO BARNS. Kirtland August 1, 1837. DEAR BROTHER IN THE LORD: I think it proper for me to report to you, that I have recently returned to this place from the mission; that in Nov. last our quorum voted for me to take in compliance with a request made on us by the Tennessee conference. In that month I left here to journey thence via. Wellsville, Cincinati [Cincinnati] and Louisville, landing at Paducah the first of Dec. From thence, I took a land route, and soon after arrived at some of the churches of that conference, and found them located at no little distance from each other, in a wild range of country, situated between the rivers Tennessee and Mississippi, whose numbers were about 114 in all, and nearly all in good standing. They had previously numbered about that, but some of their former numbers had last year moved to Zion Mo.: to them had the first principles of the gospel been taught (as also received)

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through the efforts of elders Patten, Parish, Woodruff and others, who had all left there previous to my arrival. My stay at that place was about five months; in which time I travelled [traveled] among the several branches, endeavoring with my best ability to set in order the things then wanting, and to teach the ways of God more perfectly to a people that cordially received and kindly entertained me-many of whom gladly received the word through me, and did as far as they were adequate to it, liberally administer to my necessities-and would have rejoiced in remunerating for the sacrifice that I had made in compliance with the request of that conference, many of whom were the very people who had the promise of having the gospel preached to them; and might I not say the ones that are most calculated to understand, receive, and keep it. As was to be expected of me, my labors were mostly applied to benefit the church-yet it is proper to say that the blessings of God were so far attendant that 25 others were added to the aforesaid number 114, making in all 139-out of which but one was expelled. A conference was held in April, when it was voted to ordain three elders viz. A. B. Wilson to take charge of that part of the conference that rein Tennesse [Tennessee], James Beaty for the same in Kentucky, and Alfred Loy, who soon after in company with others faom [from] that place at whose requst [request] I led from thence to Far West Mo.; for that is the name of the place where the church has located in Caldwell Co. at a distance of about thirty miles in nearly a northerly direction from Liberty Clay Co. My stay in that region was not over three weeks, as it became duty for me to leave there for this place: I journied [journeyed] by water from Liberty via. St. Louis and other intermediate places to Wellsville, occupying sixteen days from Liberty to Kirtland, being absent near eight months and travelled [traveled] in all by land and water over five thousand miles, preaching the word to thousands-many of whom had a desire to learn about the strange truth contained in the gospel of the Son of God. May their honest requests be satisfied in a good degree, while I may for a time be permitted to enjoy the society of an affectionate family and many worthy friends in this place. I am in the bonds of the gospel, yours &c. H. G. SHERWOOD. ELDER D. C. SMITH. We have published entire, the letter of elder Orson Hyde, written from Liverpool, England. The reader will discover that it was designed as a private epistle to his wife, but, by consent we have published it for the information of the Saints here and elsewhere. ED.