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- 1 Times and Seasons: Volume 6, Number 19
- 1.1 Times and Seasons: Volume 6, Number 19
Times and Seasons: Volume 6, Number 19
Summary:Source document in Mormon Publications: 19th and 20th Centuries online archive: Times and Seasons Vol. 6
| Number 18 | Number 20 |
Times and Seasons: Volume 6, Number 19
Jump to details:
- HISTORY OF JOSEPH SMITH.
- PUBLIC OPINION.
- THE TIMES.
- HEATHEN TEMPLE.
- PRAYER.
- NOTICE.
- IMPORTANT NOTICE TO THE SAINTS.
- CALIFORNIA.
- SELKIRK'S SETTLEMENT.
- EMIGRANTS FOR CALIFORNIA.
- CONFERENCE MINUTES.
| TIMES AND SEASONS | ||
| "TRUTH WILL PREVAIL" | ||
| Volume VI. No. 19.] | CITY OF NAUVOO, ILL. DEC 15, 1845. | [Whole No. 127. |
HISTORY OF JOSEPH SMITH.
(CONTINUED.)
Gov. Dunklin wrote the brethren as follows:
City of Jefferson, Feb. 4, 1834.
Gentlemen-
Your communication of the 6th Dec. was regularly received and duly considered, and had I not expected to have received the evidence brought out one the enquiry [inquiry] ordered into the military conduct of Colonel Pitcher; in a short time after I received your petition; I should have replied to it long since.
Last evening I was informed that the further enquiry [inquiry] of the court was postponed until the 20th instant. Then, before I could hear anything form this court, the court of civil jurisdiction will hold its session in Jackson county, consequently cannot receive anything from one, preparatory to arrangements for the other. I am very sensible indeed of the injuries your people complain of, and should consider myself very remiss in the discharge of my duties were I not to do every thing in my power consistent with the legal exercise of them, to afford your society to redress to which they seem entitled. One of your requests needs no evidence to support the right to have it granted; it is that your people be put in possession of their homes from which they have been expelled. But what may be the duty of the executive after that, will depend upon contingencies.
If upon enquiry [inquiry] it is found your people were wrongfully dispossessed of their arms by Col. Pitcher, then an order will be issued to have them returned; and should your men organize according to law, which they have a right to do, (indeed it is their duty to do so, unless exempted by religious scruples) and apply for public arms, the executive could not distinguish between their right to have them, and the right of every other description of people, similarly situated.
As to the request for keeping up a military force to protect your people and prevent the commission of crimes and injuries, were I to comply, it would transcend the powers with which the executive of this state is clothed.-The federal constitution has given to congress the power to provide for calling forth the militia, to execute the laws of the union, suppress insurrection, or repel invasion; and for these purposes, the President of the United States is authorized to make the call upon the executives of the respective states; and the laws of this state empower the "commander-in-chief in case of actual or threatened invasion, insurrection or war, or public danger, or other emergency, to call forth into actual service, such portion of the militia as he may deem expedient." These, together with the general provision in our state constitution that "the Governor shall take care that the laws are faithfully executed," are all upon this branch of executive powers. None of these, as I consider, embrace this part of your request.-The words "or other emergency" in our militia law seem quite broad, but the emergency to come within the object of that provision should be of a public nature.
Your case is certainly a very emergent one, and the consequences as important to your society as if the war had been waged against the whole state, yet the public has no other interest in it, than that the laws be faithfully executed; this far, I presume the whole community feel a deep interest, for that which is the case of the Mormon to-day, may be the case of the Catholics to-morrow, and after them any other sect that may become obnoxious to a majority of the people of any section of the state. So far as a faithful execution of the laws is concerned, the executive is disposed to do every thing consistent with the means furnished him by the legislature, and I think I may safely say the same of the judiciary.
As now advised I am of the opinion that a military guard will be necessary to protect the state witnesses and officers of the court, and to assist in the execution of its orders, while sitting in Jackson county.
By this mail I write to Mr. Reese, inclosing [enclosing] him an order on the captain of the "Liberty Blues" requiring the captain to comply with the requisition of the circuit attorney in protecting the court and officers, and executing their precepts and orders during the progress of these trials. Under the protection of this guard, your people can, if they think proper return to their homes in Jackson county, and be protected in them during the progress of the trial in question, by which time facts will be developed upon which I can act more definitely. The attorney general will be required to assist the circuit attorney, if the latter deems it necessary.
On the subject of civil injuries, I must refer you to the courts; such questions rest with them exclusively. The laws are sufficient to afford a remedy for every injury of this kind, and whenever you make out a case entitling you to damages,
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there can be no doubt entertained of their ample award. Justice is sometimes slow in its progress, but is not less sure on that account.
Very respectfully,
Your ob't serv't,
DANIEL DUNKLIN.
To Messrs. W. W. Phelps, Isaac Morley, John Whitmer, Edward Partridge, John Corrill & A. S. Gilbert.
By the foregoing letter from the Governor, the President will perceive a disposition manifested by him to enforce the laws as far as means have been furnished him by the legislature of this State. But the powers vested in the Executive of this State appear to be inadequate for relieving the distresses of your petitioners in their present emergency. He is willing to send a guide to conduct our families back to their possessions, but is not authorized to direct a military force to be stationed any length of time for the protection of your petitioners.-This step would be laying the foundation for a more fatal tragedy than the first, as our numbers, at present are too small to contend single handed, with the mob of said county,-and as the federal Constitution has given to Congress the power to provide for calling forth the Militia to execute the laws of the Union, suppress insurrections, or repel invasions,"-and for these purposes the President of the United States is authorized to make the call upon the Executives of the respective States." Therefore, we your petitioners, in behalf of our society, which is so scattered and suffering, most humbly pray that we may be restored to our lands, houses, and property in Jackson county, and protected in them by an armed force, till peace can be restored, and as in duty bound, will ever pray.
Here followed one hundred and fourteen signatures, viz: "Edward Partridge, John Corrill, John Whitmer, Isaac Morley, A. S. Gilbert, W. W. Phelps," &c. &c.
The following letter, accompanied the foregoing Petition:
"Liberty, Clay county, Mo., April 10th 1845.
To the President of the United States:
We the undersigned, whose names are subscribed to the accompanying petition, some of the leading members of the church of Christ, beg leave to refer the President to the petition and hand bill herewith, (See Times and Seasons, Vol. VI: Page 881.) We are not insensible of the multiplicity of business and numerous petitions, by which the cares and perplexities of our chief ruler are daily increased; and it is with diffidence we venture to lay before the executive at this emergent period, these two documents, wherein is briefly portrayed the most unparalleled persecution, and flagrant outrage of law that has disgraced the country, since the Declaration of Independence; -But knowing the independent fortitude, and vigorous energy for preserving the rights of the citizens of this Republic, which has hitherto marked the course of our chief magistrate, we are encouraged to hope, that this communication will not pass unnoticed, but that the President will consider our location on the extreme western frontier of the United States, exposed to many ignorant and lawless ruffians, who are already congregated, and determined to nullify all law that will secure to your petitioner the peaceable possession of their lands in Jackson county. We again repeat, that our society are wandering in adjoining counties at this day, bereft of their houses and lands, and threatened with death by the aforesaid outlaws of Jackson county.
And lest the President should have been deceived in regard to our truo [true] situation, by the misrepresentations of certain individuals, who are disposed to cover the gross outrages of the mob, from religious, political, and speculative motives, we beg leave to refer him to the Governor of this State, at the same time informing, that the number of men composing the mob of Jackson county, may be estimated at from three to five hundred, most of them prepared with fire arms.
After noting the statements here made, if it should be the disposition of the President to grant aid, we must humbly entreat, that early relief may be extended to suffering families, who are now expelled from their possessions by force of arms, our lands in Jackson county, are about thirty miles distant from Fort Leavenworth, on the Missouri river.
With due respect, we are Sir,
Your obed. serv'ts,
A. S. GILBERT
W. W. PHELPS
EDWARD PARTRIDGE.
P. S. In February last a number of our people, were marched under guard furnished by the Governor of the State, into Jackson county, for the purpose of prosecuting the mob criminally; but the Attorney General of the State, and the District Attorney, knowing the force and power of the mob, advised us to relinquish all hope of criminal prosecution to effect any thing against the band of outlaws, and we returned under guard, without the least prospect of ever obtaining our rights and possessions in Jackson county, with any other means than a few companies of the United States' regular troops to guard and assist us till we are safely settled
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(The foregoing letter and petition were forwarded by mail soms [some] days; also the following.)
"Liberty, Clay county, Mo., April 10, 1834.
To his Excellency, Daniel Dunklin,
Governor of Missouri:
Dear Sir: Notwithstanding you may have become somewhat tired of receiving communications from us, yet we beg of your Excellency to pardon us for this, as we have this day forwarded a petition to the President of the United States, Setting forth our distressed condition, together with your Excellency's views of it, as well as the limited powers with which you are clothed, to afford that protection, which we need to enjoy our rights and lands in Jackson county, a few lines from the Governor of the State, in connection with our humble entreaties for our possessions and privileges, we think, would be of considerable consequence towards bringing about the desired effect, and would be gratefully acknowledged by us, and our society, and we may add, by all honorable men.
We therefore, as humble petitioners, ask the favor of your Excellency to write to the President of the United States, that he may assist us, or our society, in obtaining our rights in Jackson county, and help protect us when there, till we are safe, as in duty bound, we will ever pray.
(Signed) W. W. PHELPS
JOHN WHITMER,
A. G. GILBERT,
E. PARTRIDGE,
JOHN CORRILL."
Also the following was sent by the same mail, to the Senator from Missouri, then in the Congress of the United States, at washington;
"Liberty, Clay county, Mo., April 10, 1834.
Dear Sir: As our society has just sent a petition and hand bill to the President of the United States, setting forth their distressed condition since expelled from their homes by the Jackson county mob; and as you may remember that I was about to establish, last summer, previous to the destruction of my office by the mob, a weekly newspaper, in favor of the present administration, I have thought best to address this communication to your honor, and refer you to said petition and handbill, and assure you at the same time, that my determination is to publish a weekly paper, in favor of the present administration, in Jackson county, as soon as onr [our] society is restored to its legal rights and possessions.
As a people we are bound to support our republican government, and its institutions and more than all, my press, which was wrested from me, is now printing a mean opposition paper, by "Kelly & Davis" Any communication from you will be received by
Your obed't serv't,
W. W. PHELPS.
Hon T. H. Benton.
Friday, April 11th, I attended meeting, and Father Tyler was restored to the fellowship of the church.
On the 12th I went to the Lake, and spent the day in fishing, and visiting the brethren in that place.
Sunday the 13th, was sick and unable to attend meeting.
On Monday 14th, I purchased some hay and oats and got them home.
Tuesday 15th, drawed a load of hay; and on Wednesday ploughed [plowed] and sowed oats for brother Frederick.
Thursday the 17th, of April, I attended a meeting agreeably to appointment, at which time the important subject of the deliverance of Zion, and the building of the Lord's House in Kirtland, was discussed by Elder Rigdon. After the lecture I requested the brethren and sisters to contribute all the money they could, for the deliverance of Zion, and received twenty nine dollars and sixty eight cents.
April 18th, I left Kirtland in company with Elder Sidney Rigdon, Oliver Cowdery and Zebedee Coltrin for New Portage, to attend a conference; dined at W. W. Williams, in Newburgh, and continuing our journey, after dark we were hailed by a man who desired to ride. We were checked by the spirit, and refused. He professed to be sick, but in a few minutes was joined by two others, who followed us hard, cursing and swearing, but we were successful in escaping their hands, through the providence of the Lord, and staid [stayed] that night at a tavern where we were treated with civility.
On the 19th continuing our journey, dined at brother Joseph Bosworth's, in Copley, Medina county. Brother Bosworth was strong in the faith, and if faithful may do much good. We arrived the same day at brother Jonathan Taylor's, in Norton, where we were received with kindness. We soon retired to the wilderness, where we united in prayer and supplication for the blessings of the Lord to be given unto his church. We called upon the Father in the name of Jesus to go with the brethren who were going to the land of Zion, and that I might have strength and wisdom and understanding sufficient to lead the people of the Lord, and to gather back and establish the saints upon the land of their inheritances, and organize them according to the will of heaven,
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that they be no more cast down forever. We then united in the laying on of hands.
Elder Rigdon, Cowdery and Coltrin, laid their hands on my head and conferred upon me all the blessings necessary to qualify me to stand before the Lord, in my calling, and be returned again in peace, and triumph, to enjoy the society of my brethren.
Those present then laid their hands upon Elder Rigdon, and confirmed upon him the blessings of wisdom and knowledge to preside over the church in my absence; to have the spirit to assist Elder Cowdery in conducting the Star, and arrange the covenants, and the blessings of old age and peace till Zion is built up and Kirtland established, till all his enemies are under his feet, and a crown of eternal life in the kingdom of God with us.
Previously to blessing Elder Rigdon, we laid hands on Elder Cowdery, and confirmed upon him the blessings of wisdom and understanding sufficient for his station, that he be qualified to assist Elder Rigdon in arranging the church covenants, which are soon to be published; and have intelligence in all things to do the work of printing.
After blessing Elder Rigdon we laid our hands upon Brother Zebedee, and confirmed the blessings of wisdom to preach the gospel even till it spreads to the Islands of the seas, and to be spared to see three score years and ten, and see Zion built up and Kirtland established forever, and even at last to receive a crown of life. Our hearts rejoiced and we were comforted with the holy spirit.
Sunday, April 20th, Elder Rigdon entertained a large congregation of saints with an interesting discourse upon the dispensation of the fullness of times, &c.
The Governor of Missouri wrote to the brethren as follows, in reply to their last letter.
"City of Jefferson, April 20th, 1834.
To Messrs. W. W. Phelps, E. Partridge, John Corrill, John Whitmer, and A. S. Gilbert.
Gentlemen, yours of the 10th inst. was received yesterday, in which you request me, as Executive of this State, to join in an appeal to the President of the Untied States for the protection in the enjoyment of your rights in Jackson county. It will readily occur to you, no doubt, the possibility of your having asked of the President, protection in a way that he, no more than the Ezecutive [Executive] of this State, can render. If you have for that which I may be of opinion he has power to grant, I should have no objection to join in urging it upon him; but I could no more as the President, however willing I am to see your society restored and protected in their rights, to do that which I may believe he has no power to do, than I could do such an act myself. If you will send me a copy of your petition to the president, I will judge of his rights to grant it, and if of opinion he possesses the power, I will write in favor of its exercise.
I am now in correspondence with the federal government, on the subject of deposits of munitions of war on our Northern and Western borders, and have no doubt but shall succed [succeed] in procuring one, which will be located, if left to me, (and the Secretary at war seems willing to be governed by the opinion of the executive of this State,) some where near the State line, either in Jackson or Clay counties. The establishment will be an 'Arsenal' and will probably be placed under the command of a Lieutenant of the army. This will afford you the best means of military protection, the nature of your case will admit, although I can see no direct impropriety in making the subject of this paragraph public, yet I should prefer it not to be so considered for your present, as the erection of an Arsenal is only in expectancy.
Permit me to suggest to you that as you now have greatly the advantage of your adversaries in public estimation, that there is a great propriety in retaining that advantage, which you can easily do by keeping you adversaries in the wrong. The laws, both civil and military seem deficient in affording your society proper protection, nevertheless public sentiment is a powerful corrector of error, and you should make it your policy to continue to deserve it.
With much respect, and great regard,
I am your obed't serv't,
DANIEL DUNKLIN.
On the 21st I attended conference, and had a glorious time. Some volunteered to go to Zion, and others donated sixty six and thirty seven cents, for the benefit of the scattered brethren in Zion. The following are extracts from the minutes of the conference:
"This day a conference of Elders assembled at the dwelling house of brother Carpenter, President Joseph Smith Jun., read the 2nd chap. of Joel's prophecy, prayed and addressed the conference as follows:
It is very difficult for us to communicate to the churches all that God has revealed to us, in consequence of tradition; for we are differently situated from any other people that ever existed upon this earth; consequently those former revelations cannot be suited to our conditions; they were given to other people, who were before us; but in the last days, God was to call a remnant, in which was to be deliverance, as well as in Jerusalem and Zion. Now if God should give no more revelations, where
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will we find Zion and this remnant? The time is near when desolation is to cover the earth, and then God will have a place of deliverance in his remnant and in Zion," &c.
The President then gave a relation of obtaining and translating the Book of Mormon, the revelation of the Priesthood of Aaron, the organization of the church in 1830, the revelation of the High Priesthood, and the gift of the Holy Spirit poured out upon the church, &c., and said:
"Take away the Book of Mormon, and the revelations, and where is our religion? We have none; for without a Zion, and a place of deliverance, we must fall; because the time is near when the sun will be darkened, and he moon turn to blood, and the stars fall from heaven, and the earth reel to and fro. Then, if this is the case, and if we are not sanctified and gathered to the places where God has appointed, with all our former professions and our great love for the Bible, we must fall, we cannot stand, we cannot be saved; for God will gather his saints out from the Gentiles, and then comes desolation of destruction and none can escape, except the pure in heart who are gathered," &c.
Elder Rigdon addressed the Conference and said, "on two points hang all the revelations, which have ever been given, which are the two advents of the Messiah. The first is past and the second is now just before us, and consequently those who desire a part in this era which the angels desired to look into, have to be assembled with the saints; for if they are not gathered, they must wail because of his coming. There is no part of his creation which will not feel a shock at this grand display of his power, for the ancient saints will reign with Christ a thousand years. The gathered saints will dwell under that reign; and those who are not gathered may expect to endure his wrath that length of time, for the rest of the dead are not to live till the thousand years are ended."
"It is in vain for men, in this generation to think of laying up and providing inheritances for their children, except they lay it up in the place where deliverance is appointed by the voice of God, for these are the days of vengeance as were in the days of Jeremiah; because before his eyes were closed in death the Jews were led captive, and the land possessed by another people; and so in this day, while the father is laying up gold for his son and the destroyer may lay him lifeless at his feet, and where then is all his treasure? Therefore if we, the islands of the sea, and all the ends of the earth, desire an inheritance for ourselves, themselves, and their children and our children it must be obtained where God has appointed the places of deliverance."
Elder Rigdon adverted to the former covenants to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and others of the ancients which were to be realized in the last days, &c.; and spoke at some length upon the deliverance of Zion; the endowment of the elders with power from on high, according to the former promises; and the spreading of the word of the Lord to the four winds.-He first referred to the situation of the brethren in Missouri, and urged the importance of those who could, giving heed to the revelations by going up to their assistance; and those who could not go to help those who are going to means for their expenses, &c.
Elder Cowdery gave a brief relation of the mobbing in Missouri &c., and called for a contribution. Elders Ambrose Palmer, and Salmon Warner followed on the same subject.-Brother Joseph Bosworth spoke of the deliverance of Zion; and said, he had no property, but if necessary for her deliverance he would sell his clothes at auction, if he might have left him as good a garment as the Savior had in the manger. Others spoke on the same subject.
President Joseph Smith, Jun., prophecied [prophesied] "If Zion is not delivered, the time is near when all of this church, wherever they may be found, will be persecuted and destroyed in like manner."
Elder Rigdon in speaking on the second item, gave an account of the endowment of the ancient apostles, and laid before the conference the dimensions of the House to be built in Kirtland, and rehearsed the promise to the Elders in the last days, which they were to realize, after the House of the Lord was built. Brother Bosworth then related a few items of a vision, which he gave as a testimony of those things contained in the revelations read by Elder Rigdon, and his remarks thereon, President Smith explained the revelation concerning the building of the Lord's House.
Elder Rigdon then spoke on the third item, the spreading of the word of the Lord; followed by several of the brethren.
Brother Thomas Tripp's case was then presented. Brother David Evans said that Brother Tripp's took a sister by the hand while going home from meeting; and also, was guilty of other improprieties with another sister; and had sought witness against a sister in good standing from a wicked woman in the world. The conference voted that Thomas Tripp be excluded from this church, with the privilege of an appeal to the Bishop's council in Kirtland.
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President Smith then laid hands on certain children and blessed them in the name of the Lord. Elder Rigdon administered the sacrament. There were present seven High Priests and thirteen Elders. Adjourned to the Monday preceding the second Sunday in September closed by singing "Now my remnant of days, &c."
(Signed.) OLIVER COWDERY,
Clerk of the Conference.
April 22nd I returned to Kirtland. 23rd assembled in council with Elder Rigdon, F. G. Williams, N. K. Whitney, John Johnson, and O. Cowdery, and united in asking the Lord to give Elder Zebedee Coltrin influence over Brother Jacob Myres, to obtain the money which he has gone to borrow for us, or cause him to come to this place and bring it himself. I also received the following:
Revelation given to Enoch, concerning the order of the church for the benefit of the poor, April 23rd, 1834.
Verily I say unto you my friends, I give unto you a commandment, concerning all the properties which belong to the order, which I commanded to be organized and established, to be an united order, and an everlasting order for the benefit of my church, and for the salvation of men until I come, with promise immutable and unchangeable, that inasmuch as those whom I commanded were faithful, they should be blessed with a multiplicity of blessings; but inasmuch as they were not faithful, they were nigh unto cursing. Therefore inasmuch as some of my servants have not kept the commandment, but have broken the covenant by covetousness and with feigned words, I have cursed them with a very sore and grievous curse: for I the Lord have decreed in my heart, that inasmuch as any man, belonging to the order shall be found a transgressor; or, in other words, shall break the covenant with which ye are bound, he shall be cursed in his life, and shall be trodden down by whom I will, for I the Lord am not to be mocked in these things: and all this that the innocent among you, may not be condemned with the unjust; and the guilty among you may not escape, because I the Lord have promised unto you a crown of glory at my right hand. Therefore inasmuch as you are found transgressors, ye cannot escape the buffetings of satan until the day of redemption.
And I now give unto you power from this very hour, that if any man among you, of the order, is found a transgressor, and repenteth not of the evil, that ye shall deliver him over unto the buffetings of satan; and he shall not have power to bring evil upon you. It is wisdom in me: therefore a commandment I give unto you, that ye shall organize yourselves, and appoint every man his stewardship, that every man may give an account unto me of the stewardship which is appointed unto him; for it is expedient that I the Lord should make every man accountable, as stewards over earthly blessings, which I have made and prepared for my creatures. I the Lord stretched out the heavens, and builded the earth as a very handy work; and all things therein are mine; and it is my purpose to provide for my saints, for all things are mine; but it must needs be done in mine own way: and behold this is the way, that I the Lord have decreed to provide for my saints: that the poor shall be exalted, in that the rich are made low; for the earth is full, and there is enough and to spare, yea, I prepared all things, and have given unto the children of men to be agents unto themselves. Therefore if any man shall take of the abundance which I have made, and impart not his portion, according to the law of my gospel, unto the poor and the needy he shall, with the wicked, lift up his eyes in hell, being in torment.
And now, verily I say unto you, concerning the properties of the order; let my servant Pelagoram have appointed unto him the place where he now resides, and the lot of Tahhanes, for his stewardship, for his support while he is laboring in my vineyard, even as I will when I shall command him; and let all things be done according to counsel of the order, and united consent, or voice of the order which dwell in the land of Shinehah. And this stewardship and blessing I the Lord confer upon my servant Pelagoram, for a blessing upon him, and his seed after him: and I will multiply blessings upon him, inasmuch as he shall be humble before me.
And again, let my servant Mahemson have appointed unto him, for his stewardship, the lot of land which my servant Zombre obtained in exchange for his former inheritance, for him and his seed after him; and inasmuch as he is faithful I will multiply blessings upon him and his seed after him. And let my servant Mahemson devote his moneys for the proclaiming of my words, according as my servant Gazelam shall direct.
And again, let my servant Shederlaomach have the place upon which he now dwells.-And let my servant Olihah have the lot which is set off joining the house which is to be for the Lane-shine-house, which is lot number one: and also the lot upon which his father resides. And let my servant Shederlaomach and Olihah have the Lane-shine-house and all things that pertain unto it; and this shall be their stewardship
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which shall be appointed unto them; and inasmuch as they are faithful, I will multiply blessings upon them and their seed after them; and this is the beginning of the stewardship which I have appointed them, for them and their seed after them, and inasmuch as they are faithful, I will multiply blessings upon them and their seed after them; even a multiplicity of blessings.
And again, let my servant Zombre have the house in which he lives, and the inheritance, all save the ground which has been reserved for the building of my houses, which pertains to that inheritance: and those lots which have been named for my servant Olihah. And inasmuch as he is faithful, I will multiply blessings upon him. And it is my will that he should sell the lots that are laid off for the building up of the city of my saints, inasmuch as it shall be made known to him by the voice of the Spirit, and according to the counsel of the order. And this is the beginning of the stewardship which I have appointed unto him, for a blessing unto him and his seed after him; andinasmuch as he is faithful, I will multiply a multiplicity of blessings upon him.
And again, let my servant Ahashdah have appointed unto him, the houses and lot where he now resides, and the lot and building on which the Ozondah stands; and also the lot which is on the corner south of the Ozondah; and also the lot on which the Shule is situated: And all this I have appointed unto my servant Ahashdah, for his stewardship, for a blessing upon him and his seed after him, for the benefit of the Ozondah of my order, which I have established for my stake in the land of shinehah; yea, verily this is the stewardship which I have appointed unto my servant Ahashdah; even this whole Ozondah establishment, him and his agent, and his seed after him; and inasmuch as he is faithful in keeping my commandments, which I have given unto him, I will multiply blessings upon him, and his seed after him, even a multiplicity of blessings.
And again, let my servant Gazelam have appointed unto him, the lot which is laid off for the building of my house, which is forty rods long, and twelve wide, and also the inheritance upon which hls [his] father now resides; and this is the beginning of the stewardship which I have appointed unto him, for a blessing upon him, and upon his father; for behold I have reserved an inheritance for his father, for his support: therefore he shall be reckoned in the house of my servant Gazelam; and I will multiply blessings upon the house of my servant Gazelam, inasmuch as he is faithful, even a multiplicity of blessings.
And now a commandment I give unto you concerning Zion, that you shall no longer be bound as an united order to your brethren of Zion, only on this wise: after you are organized, you shall be called the united order of the stake of Zion, the city of Shinehah. And your brethren, after they are organized, shall be called the united order of the city of Zion; and they shall be organized in their own names, and in their own name; and they shall do their business in their own name, and in their own names; and you shall do your business in your own name and in your names. And this I have commanded to be done for your salvation, and also for their salvation, in consequence of their being driven out, and that which is to come. The covenants being broken through transgression, by covetousness and feigned words: therefore, you are desolved [dissolved] as a united order with your brethren, that you are not bound only up to this hour, unto them, only on this wise, as I said, by loan, as shall be agreed by this order, in council, as your circumstances will admit, and the voice of the council direct.
And again, a commandment I give unto you concerning your stewardship which I have appointed unto you: behold all these properties are mine, or else your faith is vain, and ye are found hypocrites, and the covenants which ye have made unto me are broken, and if the properties are mine then ye are stewards, otherwise ye are no stewards. But verily I say unto you, I have appointed unto you to be stewards over mine house, even stewards indeed: and for this purpose I have commanded you to organize yourselves, even to shinelah my words, the fullness of my scriptures, the revelations which I have given unto you, for the purpose of building up my church and kingdom on the earth, and to prepare my people for the time when I shall dwell with them, which is nigh at hand.
And ye shall prepare for yourselves a place for a treasury, & consecrate it unto my name; & ye shall appoint one among you to keep the treasury and he shall be ordained unto his blessing: and there shall be a seal upon the treasury, and all the sacred things shall be delivered into the treasury, and no man among you shall call it his own, or any part of it, for it shall belong to you all with one accord; and I give it unto you from this very hour; and now see to it, that ye go to and make use of the stewardship which I have appointed unto you, exclusive of these sacred things, for the purpose of shinlane these sacred things, as I have said: and the avails of the sacred things shall be had in the treasury, and a seal shall be upon it, and it
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shall not be used or taken out of the treasury by any one, neither shall the seal be loosed which shall be placed upon it, only by the voice of the order, or by commandment. And thus shall ye preserve the avails of the sacred things in the treasury, for sacred and holy purposes: and this shall be called the sacred treasury of the Lord: and a seal shall be kept upon it, that it may be holy and consecrated unto the Lord.
And again, there shall be another treasury prepared and a treasurer appointed to keep the treasury, and a seal shall be placed upon it; and all moneys that you receive in your stewardships, by improving upon the properties which I have appointed unto you, in houses or in lands, or in cattle, or in all things save it be the holy and sacred writings, which I have reserved unto myself for holy and sacred purposes, shall be cast into the treasury as fast as you receive moneys, by hundreds or by fifties or by twenties, or by tens, or by fives, or in other words, if any man among you obtain five talents let him cast them into the treasury; or if he obtain, ten, or twenty, or fifty, or an hundred, let him do likewise; and let not any man among you say that it is his own, for it shall not be called his, nor any part of it; and there shall not any part of it be used, or taken out of the treasury, only by the voice and common consent of the order. And this shall be the voice and common consent of the order; that any man among you, say unto the treasurer, I have need of this to help me in my stewardship; if it be five talents, or if it be ten talents, or twenty, or fifty, or an hundred, the treasurer shall give unto him the sum which he requires, to help him in his stewardship, until he be found a transgressor, and it is manifested before the council of the order plainly, that he is an unfaithful, and an unwise steward; but so long as he is in full fellowship, and is faithful, and wise in his stewardship, this shall be his token unto the treasurer that the treasurer shall not withhold. But in case of transgression the treasurer shall be subject unto the council and voice of the order. And in case the treasurer is found an unfaithful, and an unwise steward, he shall be subject to the counsel and voice of the order, and shall be removed out of his place, and another shall be appointed in his stead.
And again, verily I say unto you, concerning your debts, behold it is my will that you should humble yourselves before me, and obtain this blessing by your dilligence [diligence] and humility, and the prayer of faith: and inasmuch as you are diligent and humble, and exercise the prayer of faith, behold I will soften the hearts of those to whom you are in debt, until I shall send means unto you for your deliverance. Therefore write speedily unto Cainhanhannoch and write according to that which shall be dictated by my Spirit, and I will soften the hearts of those to whom you are in debt, that it shall be taken away out of their minds to bring affliction upon you. And inasmuch as ye are humble and faithful and call upon my name, behold I will give you the victory: I give unto you a promise, that you shall be delivered this once, out of your bondage; inasmuch as you obtain a chance to loan money by hundreds, or thousands, even until you shall loan enough to deliver yourselves from bondage, it is your privilege, and pledge the properties which I have put into your hands, this once, by giving your names, by common consent, or otherwise, as it shall seem good unto you: I give unto you this privilege, this once, and behold, if you proceed to do the things which I have laid before you, according to my commandments, all these things are mine, and ye are my stewards, and the master will not suffer his house to be broken up: even so; Amen.
ARTIFICIAL PETRIFACTION.-By a private letter from Paris, we learn that an Italian gentleman was in that city, who claims to possess the process of the celebrated Segato, for preserving the human body, with some improvements. He exhibited a snail perfectly preserved, with the head protruding from the shell; also a frog, with all the appearance of life; an eel, coiled upon itself and in a beautiful condition; a small yellow Canary bird, with all its colors and shapes. Besides these he had a number of fishes, and a piece of kidney, having much the appearance and consistence of polished marble; a piece of liver; a tongue; a child's hand, through which could easily be seen the rays: a man's hand, nails perfect; and, lastly, two human heads, in an admirable sate of preservation, the hair not being at all changed. The skin looked dark in all the specimens, but coming as they did from Neapolitan lazzaroni, it is not certain how much is to be attributed to natural complexion, or whether it had altered by the process. At all events the art seems to promise well for anatomical pursuits, and may perhaps succeed in a degree for embalming, but it is questionable whether the natural colors can be retained. The inventor is soon expected in the United States, with a view to obtaining a patent, which may have already been secured in the different countries in Europe. It is confidently expected that the secret will soon be fully known,
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since it is represented to be quite simple, requiring only a tub, some few chemical substances, and an immersion from ten to twelve days
The inventor calls it the petrifactive process-but the articles he has prepared in the new way, have not the weight of stone, although they are heavier than wood.-Medical Journal.
(->) Truly man was created upright, but his posterity has sought many inventions; neither of which tends to eternal lives! O foolish man! O vain world! why not seek for perpetual existence and become as Gods?
TIMES AND SEASONS,
CITY OF NAUVOO,
DEC. 15, 1845.
PUBLIC OPINION.
Never since we can recollect, was public opinion so fluctuating as at the present time. Sensation, wild, and frantic, the passions of men seem to be bloated with ever breeze that skims over the surface of the "great deep" of religious, political, civil and uncivil freedom; and in the midst of all this wind, we occasionally witness a flash of lightning, and hear the sound of distant thunder, which indicate the approach of a storm. The minds and feelings of neighborhoods are uneasy; the honor and virtue of States, are in jeopardy; and the confidence and glory of the Republic droops at the awful signs of the times.
Nor is America the only quarter of the globe that is agitated, or that manifests symptoms of the "great day"-the dissolution of things spiritual and temporal. The other three quarters of what is termed the old world, like a moth eaten garment, appears on the eve of falling to pieces.
The weather is cold and bracing to health, and every thing moves with its accustomed precision and prophetic appearance, that the Lord blesses the saints in Nauvoo. We feel grateful to our Father in heaven for his kindness and mercy continued to us, from day to day, and sincerely hope and pray that he will still favor his people; beseeching them to pray for the prosperity of Zion: and that her ministers may be clothed with salvation, and preserved to do good and carry the gospel to all Israel. Brethren be wise.
THE TIMES.
It is an old saying, that the times change, and we change with them, but whether this is exactly the case, in point of fact, men of reflection can judge. The promise made to Noah: "while the earth remaineth, seed-time and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night, shall not cease," continues with all its variety, grace, glory, wonders, and seed-seeding seed. But man, from one family has multiplied to millions: one language or tongue, has branched out into thousands of significant, insignificant, and melodious modes of conveying ideas to the understanding, and patriarchal, fatherly, or family government, has swelled from simplicity for ordinary purposes and conveniences, to states, kingdoms, empires, and despotisms, for conquest, for slaughter, for safety, for wealth, for greatness, or grandeur, for ambition, that the voice of the people might supercede [supersede] the voice of God. The early simplicity of living, of thoughts, of government, and etiquette, have grown into luxury, cunning cruelty, and impropriety. We view these innovations upon the comfort, society, & friendship of man, as inventions that have degraded him from the "image" of God to (almost) passions and likeness of a beast. There is now extant a very erroneous idea of the knowledge of the first families of the earth, from Adam to Abraham. They possessed intelligence derived from God himself:-and they lived to the age of nearly one thousand years, in good health and vigor.-There were men of renown and giants in those days. Now we see dwarfs, mean men, consumption, short lived hypocrites and learned speculators upon all the vicissitudes, calamities and phenomena of nature, without the power to change one hair white or black. Surely we live in peculiar times, which if time permits, we shall speak further upon hereafter.
HEATHEN TEMPLE.
We present the following as a specimen of Heathen wisdom and art, somewhat ahead of christian improvement and light on the score of a place of worship.
"HEATHEN TEMPLE.-The Rev. Eugene Kincaid, for many years a missionary in the Burman Empire, has recently returned to this country, and is now lecturing on the condition of the heathen, to crowded auditoriums. In one of his recent discourses, he described a heathen temple, which we have never seen paralleled. It stands in the city of Arva, or the golden city, which, for six hundred years, has been the capitol of the Burmese Empire. The foundations of this temple are of solid masonry, composed of bricks of the best materials. It is two thousand feet square, the walls being eight feet thick and seventy feet high. On the top of the walls rest two rows of massive pillars. At each corner of the walls rises a beautiful spire.
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On the top of each spire is placed a huge bar of iron, surmounting which is an iron net work ten feet in diameter, in the shape of a spread umbrella. On the bottom edge of this are suspended bells of every size and tone. A piece of bright copper is attached to every clapper, so arranged that when the wind is strong, every bell is set to ringing.
On the top of this temple is a second one, one hundred and fifty feet square, and fifty feet high; and on each corner rises a beautiful tower with its compliment of bells. On the top of this second, stands a third temple, one hundred and twenty feet square, and thirty feet square, and thirty feet high, each corner having its tower and bells; and surmounting this third, is a fourth and last temple, seventy-five feet square and ten feet high, each corner also having its spire and bells. From the top of this fourth temple ascends a magnificent spire, with an immense iron net-work at its summit-having numerous bells suspended from its edge. On walking along by the temple, when the wind is strong, and all these bells' comprising an endless variety of tones, are ringing, a wonderful sensation is produced, as though music was descending around from the clouds.
The whole interior of the temple is stuccoed, and has the appearance of polished marble. In the center is an immense throne, on which the King of Arva sits-on the throne is a gigantic image. Mr. Kincaid had the curiosity to climb up for the purpose of measuring some portions of it, and from the end of the thumb to the second joint, was a distance of eighteen inches. It was placed there at a cost of 140,000 rupees, or $60,000. Besides this, in the niches in the wall, are placed 500 other images, each one larger than life, each one upon a throne, with inscriptions on the wall directly above them. On the walls are other images in tiers, higher and higher, until they reach the lofty ceiling. Look about you which way you will, in this immense building, and it seems as though the Gods are looking down upon you, wherever you turn your eyes. Look up this 274 feet of solid mason work, dedicated to idolatry, and to the thousands upon thousands of worshippers, who pour in their offerings of gold like water, and fancy, if you can, the expense of this idolatrous worship.
The temple with all its images- the 2,000 bells- the sculpture which adorns the building within and without- the brick and stone work, and the lofty towers, cost more money than all the churches in New York.
It was begun and finished within two years. Thousands were making brick, and more laying them, and thousand upon thousands engaged in the various departments. We can hardly calculate the cost of the building. Thousands of poor men gave two months labor to the work, others four and few less.
PRAYER.
Prayer is the only sure weapon of a saint on earth, and we think a sure pass port to heaven. The great Seer of the last days gave the Lord's word upon it as follows:-"All victory and glory is brought to pass unto you through your diligence, faithfulness, and prayers of faith." Emphatically then, as the soldier prayed, when going into battle:-O Lord, if I forget thee, do thou not forget me!
NOTICE.
We will hereby notify the public abroad, that Joseph Younger, has been cut off from the Seventies for apostacy [apostasy], at a meeting held on the 13th of Dec. 1845.
Also, that Daniel Cory, was suspended for disobeying council, until he makes satisfaction.
By order of the Fourteenth Quorum of Seventies.
ARZA ADAMS, President,
Lorin Walker Clerk.
December 17th 1845.
LETTER FROM ELDER WOODRUFF
Liverpool, Stanley Buildings,
Bath St. Oct. 9th 1845.
DEAR BROTHER PHELPS:-
I received your kind letter by the hand of A. Fielding, which I was glad to get, for it is always cheering to hear from old friends. I rejoice much at the glorious news I hear concerning Zion, by all the letters and papers I get from the goodly land of Joseph. I, at times feel it a great sacrifice to be deprived of the society of my friends in that place, and the choice blessings enjoyed in the city of Joseph, but a second thought teaches me that it is the better way to obey even with this sacrifice, for, I know that it is necessary for some one of the Quorum to be in this land at the present time; and as the Lord and my brethren have sent me here I will be content and do the best I can. I know the Lord is with me and blesses me abundantly; if he did not I could not pass through the labours [labors] and responsibilities that are now resting upon me. The work of the Lord is prospering well through this country, considering the few experienced Elders we have in this part of the vineyard. The conferences universally are mostly adding to their numbers. I have occasionally to visit some of them to visit some difficulty that springs up, but the business of the church
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keeps me almost constantly in Liverpool at the present time. I have just returned from a few days tour to Leamington (between Birmingham and London.) Elder Hedlock was with me. Leamington is a resort for the gentry who visit the springs, similar to the Saratoga Springs. We held a Conference there last Sunday. The saints' meetings there for several weeks previous had been fully attended but much disturbed by mobs who had broken down their banisters, tables, benches, &c. We had however a very still time, good attention, and good was done. On Sunday we went through each apartment of the Warwich castle and tower, said to be the most splendid castle in England, occupied by the Earl of Warwich, and furnished in the most splendid manner the genius of nobility could invent. The main body of the Castle is composed of several rooms; the whole being three hundred and thirty three feet long, filled with the richest paintings and furniture. The walls hung with the richest tapestry, damask covered chairs, tables and stands profusely interwoven with pearl, shell, and precious stones, some of them cost fifteen thousand pounds each. This castle is eight hundred years old, and the Tower five hundred years old and one hundred and fifty feet high. It has connected with it forty acres of pleasure ground and a park five miles in circumference. Among the ancient Armoury [Armory] I saw that worn by the great Guy, his helmet and breast plate and shield of steel weighed one hundred and twenty pounds; his sword twenty pounds, and his brass porridge pot held one hundred and twenty gallons. Among the splendid paintings of the Kings, Queens, Princes, Lords, Orators, Poets and Reformers, stands one as large as life of the founder of the Jesuits. The Butler treated us very politely.
After leaving the Castle, we took railway to Birmingham, where we arrived in the evening. We found between four and five hundred saints assembled in a large hall, to what is called, in England, a Tea Meeting. They were all seated at the table when we entered, waiting our arrival. As we entered the door, the clapping of hands and stamping of feet, as tokens of applause, made the house tremble. After feasting with them we addressed them for about two hours, and had a good time. We spent several hours with the officers and broke up at midnight, and in the morning returned home.
I have many calls through the Kingdom to visit the churches, but I have very little time to go abroad. The work of the Lord is taking a higher stand in this country than it has done; by means of servants and our books it is beginning to be investigated by some of the nobility and rich ones of the earth. I hope it will not be a great while before some of them will begin to open their hearts to begin to do something for Israel. A few days since, I received the Proclamation of the Twelve Apostles, to the Kings, Rulers, and Nations of the earth. I shall do what I can to circulate it in this country. I have now twenty thousand in press in English, and have sent word to Elder Jones to prepare to publish it in Welsh as soon as it is out of press here. I shall visit the Rabbis in this place with the work and see if I can get them to publish it Hebrew. I received your "Come to me," and "Capstone," for which I was thankful. We shall make arrangements about forwarding you "Punch." We have cleared the ship "Palmyra" again to day with about sixty passengers on her, only about thirteen saints. The rest were transient passengers. This is the same ship that A. Fielding went over in the last time.
Mrs. Woodruff joins me in respects to Brother and sister Phelps, Brother Richards, Mother Smith, Sister Emma, and sister Mary Smith, and their families, with the Twelve and all enquiring [inquiring ]friends.
I still remain your brother in the truth,
WILFORD WOODRUFF.
From the Millennial Star.
IMPORTANT NOTICE TO THE SAINTS.
A copy of the Great Proclamation of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to all the Kings of the world, to the Presidents, Governors, Rulers, and People of all nations, has just come to hand, with a request that we should circulate it as widely as possible through the kingdoms of Europe.
As we are about publishing a considerable number of copies of this proclamation, we feel particularly to call the attention of the saints to it at the present time. They must be already aware that they are conjointly engaged in a work, on the accomplishment of which hang important events; and, also that, according to the testimony of the ancients who have spoken of it, but little time is to be given for its fulfilment [fulfillment.] Since the organization of the church of God, much has been done by the establishment of the principles of truth, while tens of thousands have boldly stepped forward and avowed their love for God by obedience to his counsel, and some have not forborne to shed their blood in its defence [defense], still comparatively speaking, but few of the great men of the earth have heard anything of the work of God, and still fewer have declared themselves at all in its favor.
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This proclamation is of vast importance to the Saints of God, to the whole Gentile world, as well as to all the house of Israel. It is made in fulfilment [fulfillment] of the commandments and revelations of God of both ancient and modern times, being an invitation and call to the Gentile nations to receive the gospel of Christ, and come to the assistance of the saints in carrying out the great principles and plan of salvation, and the accomplishment of that work which will end in the coming of Messiah, and great preparation of the marriage supper of the Lamb. Such a call and proclamation is necessary, in order that the present generation may be left without excuse, as the great events of the last days are being fulfilled. In all ages of the world, when the cup of the iniquity of any people was full, and the Lord was about to bring his judgments upon them, he has first sent a warning voice amongst them that all might have a chance of escape and be left without excuse, as in the case of Noah and Lot. We are informed that it should be in like manner at the coming of the Son of Man, and the prophets have all dwelt largely on the great calamities that await the Gentile nations.
In these last days, the Lord has decreed that, previous to the grand consummation about to take place, a universal warning must be given, and all be left without apology. The gospel has been adopted to the capacity of all, both high and low, and that He may judge the world in righteousness. He has resolved that all may have an opportunity of obeying his commandments, from which none are exempt.
This proclamation bears testimony to the nations of the earth that the kingdom of God has come, as has been predicted by the ancient prophets, and prayed for in all ages, even that kingdom which shall fill the whole earth and stand forever. That in connection with the establishment of this kingdom, the authority of the holy priesthood, and apostleship with the keys thereof, have been restored, holding the power to bind on earth that which shall be bound in heaven, and to loose on earth that which shall be loosed in heaven. By virtue of this authority, a message is sent to all commanding them to repent and obey the gospel of the Son of God, with a promise that the obedient shall realize the blessings of the Holy Spirit which have been again dispensed to man.
The American Indians, whose origin has long been a subject of dispute, and which the learned have sought in vain to come to a knowledge of, are here set forth in their true character, through the instrumentality of their records which have been revealed, and that they are about to have restored to them the blessings of the gospel and the holy priesthood, with all its attendant privileges, which were enjoyed by their progenitors, and thereby become a civilized and righteous nation in their own land.
It is set forward that the Lord has appointed a temple and holy city to be built on the continent of America, for the endowment and ordinances pertaining to the priesthood and for the Gentiles and remnants of Israel to resort unto, in order to worship the Lord, to be taught in his ways and walk in his paths, and finish their preparations for the coming of the Lord. A command is also given to the Jews among all nations, to prepare to return to Jerusalem in Palestine, and to re-build that city and temple unto the Lord. Thus, America and Jerusalem are set forth as two places of gathering for the nations, and they may escape the judgments about to overtake the world, as the prophets have testified, that in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance.
Through this medium the rulers and people of all nations are invited to lend their assistance in accomplishing these great and important events, and informed that their salvation depends upon their receiving blessings at the same altar with Israel. They are also informed that, if they withhold their hand, and refuse to come forward to the help of the servants of the Lord, it will not effect the success and final triumph of the work; for it is the work of the great God, for which his word and oath have been pledged from before the foundation of the world. And the same promise and oath have been renewed unto man from the beginning, down through each succeeding dispensation, and confirmed again by his own voice, out of the heavens in the present age; therefore he is bound to fulfil [fulfill] it, and overcome every obstacle. The loss will be on their own part, and not on the part of God or of his Saints, should the people neglect their duty in the great work of modern restoration. The nations of the earth are informed that none of them can be idle spectators of the work of God, but must be affected in either one way or another, for or against the kingdom of God in the fulfilment [fulfillment] of the prophets of the great restoration, and return of his long dispersed covenant people.
When then the Lord has consummated this great work, and Jerusalem has become the seat of empire, and the great center and capital of the old world, priests, bishops, and clergy of every denomination will have to yield their pretended claims to the priesthood, together with titles, honors, creeds and names,
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and reverence and obey the true and loyal priesthood of the order of Melchisedeck and of Aaron, restored to the rightful heirs the authority of Israel; or the death and famine will consume them, and the plague sweep them quickly down to the pit, as in the cases of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, who pretended to the priesthood, and rebelled against God's chosen priests and prophets in the days of Moses.
We wish to call the attention of all the elders and saints to the subject of the circulation of this proclamation. Let them bear in mind, that they are all equally concerned in this matter with us, and that it is in fulfilment [fulfillment] of an express commandment of God that it is published. We shall have to distribute a great number of them gratis, and as the saints are under equal obligation with ourselves to have it published, we hereby call upon them to resist us with pecuniary means, in the fulfilment [fulfillment] of this. This may be effected by the presiding elders of conferences and branches raising contributions in their several districts and forwarding the moneys thereby received to us, here for that purpose. We have twenty thousand copies in press, and when they are out we do not wish the distribution of them to be confined to the agents of our publications alone, but request that all the presiding elders, officers, and members of all the branches will exert every means in their power to have copies forwarded to all the clergy and men of note in their circuit, and thereby clear their garments of the blood of all men, that they may be found spotless at the judgment seat of Christ.
WILFORD WOODRUFF.
CALIFORNIA.
Albert M. Gilliam, late U. S. Consul at California, is of the opinion that the government of California must saon [soon] fall into the hands of the American race, and that a railroad direct from San Francisco, either to New Orleans or some point on the Red river, might be made to great advantage. Mr. G. is engaged in writing a work on Mexico, &c.
The following letter from a correspondent of the New York Journal of Commerce, furnishes interesting particulars:
California, July 1845.
By almost every newspaper from the United States and many from England, we find extracts and surmises respecting the sale of this country. One month England is the purchaser; the next month, the United States. In the mean time the progress of California is onward; and would still be more so, if Mexico would not send every few years a band of thieving soldiers.
Should the supreme government allow the Californians to rule their own country they would have peace and prosperity. General Don Jose Castro, a native of Monterey, is now at the head of government as commandant general; Don Pio Pico, as governor. Mexico promised General Micheltorena, eight thousand dollars per month from the Custom house of Mazatlan, and all the duties entering the custom house of California, to support his troops.
General Castro has sent Senor Castanares to Mexico as commissioner, giving his reasons why he drove all Mexican officers and soldiers out of the country; puts himself at the disposition of President Herrera, and asks for only three thousand dollars per month from Mazatlan, promising with this sum and the resources of the custom house of Monterey, that he will maintain peace and order throughout California; and objects to any civil or military officers from Mexico. This, Castro can perform; but Herrera will not put confidence in it. We have now news that Mexico is fitting out an expedition of troops in Acapulco for California, the expenses to be paid by two or three English houses in Mexico, who, it is said, are responsible for the pay for eighteen months. In December last, when General Micheltorena, was met in the field by the Californians about half way between Monterey and the Yerba Buena, (San Francisco) he agreed to a treaty with the natives, obligating himself to send out of California, within ninety days, all his soldiers. Senor Castro in the mean time to withdraw his forces to a mission, whose resources were placed at his disposal, on the field. On the signing of the treaty, the Californian agent of the Hudson's Bay Company and his clerk were present. This gentleman resides at the Yerba Buena, where the company own land and buildings, selling goods and purchasing furs and hides. Their last shipment was in April.
Within a month after the signing of the treaty, the Californians found that General Micheltorena had sent his chief officer to Mazatlan for more soldiers, and made no preparation to ship the soldiers who were with him. They therefore again collected and on February 23d, after fighting with cannon, General Micheltorena capitulated, and was sent with all his forces to San B[?]as, where most of his men ran away from him.
The business of the Hudson's Bay Company, is now under the charge of the English vice consul for California, who has brought a bill against the new government of California for powder, lead, and lances, supplied by the late agent to the natives last October and November, when they rose against the supreme government
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of Mexico. General Castro has promised payment for the amount demanded.
The British government have appointed one of their subjects who formerly resided in New York, (where he owns property), vice Consul of California. The salary is small, but as he can live on his rancho or farm, he has no expense in entertaining company &c. The French consul lives in Monterey, with a salary of over four thousand dollars yearly. There is not one English or French vessel doing business on this coast, nor has there been for years. These consuls therefore have nothing to do apparently. Why they are in service, their government best knows, and Uncle Sam will know to his cost.
Almost the whole foreign trade of California is in the hands of Americans. There are now seven Boston ships and barks here. The American consul has a jurisdiction of one thousand miles of sea coast, while the nature of the trade is such, that he has barely any fees. Government allows no salary. The fees of the consulate are under two hundred dollars the year. The stationary bill about the same; which is now allowed by the department of state.
There are many owners of large tracts of land in California, who hold them under the idea of the country changing owners; having no present use for them, as the Indians, tame and wild, steal several thousand head of horses yearly from the ranchos. Most of these horses are stolen for food. The Indians cut up the meat in strips, and dry it in the sun. While this continues, grazing of cattle cannot be profitably conducted. There is no expectation that the government will find a remedy. Nothing but the fear the Indians have of the American settlers will prevent it. They steal but a few horses from foreigners, as there is too much danger of being followed. Mexico may fret and threaten as much as she pleases, but all here in California, governors and generals, give California land to all who apply for it; and from the nature of things they will continue to do so.
Foreigners arriving here expect to live and die in the country;-Mexican officers to remain two or three years, and then to be shipped off by force, unless they choose to marry natives, and become Californians body and soul. The ports of California, with the exception of Mazatlan, are the only Mexican Pacific ports that flourish. All others are falling and falling fast. Here there is much advance in every thing, and the country presents each year a bolder front to the world. It must change owners. It is of no use to Mexico, but an eyesore, a shame, a bone of contention. Here are many fine ports; the land produces wheat even to an hundred fold; cotton and hemp will grow here, and every kind of fruit there is in New England; grapes in abundance of the first quality; wine of many kinds is made, yet there is no facility of making. Much of it will pass for Port. The rivers are full of fish; the woods of game. Bears, seal, and whales can be seen from one view. The latter are often in the way of boats near the beach. Finally, there is the bay of San Francisco, with its brnches [branches]. This bay will hold all the ships in the United States. The entrance is very narrow, between two mountains, easily defended; and perhaps the most magnificent harbor in the world; and apparently of as much use to the civilized world as if it did not exist. Some day or other, this will belong to some naval power. This every native is prepared for. When Captain Armstrong called on the governor (a native) to give back the country in the name of Commodore Jones, Senor Micheltorena and officers were expected here in a month, to take command. The governor said he preferred Com. Jones should retain the command rather than Gen. Micheltorena.
Words cannot express the advantage and importance of San Francisco to a naval power. There are five hundred to one thousand American whalers, with twenty thousand American seamen, in the Pacific; half of them will be within twenty days sail of San Francisco. But while the port belongs to Mexico it is a safe place for whale ships. In a war with England, France, or Russia, should one of these nations own the port, and at some future day declare war against the United States, what will be the result? San Francisco must be obtained, or the Oregon and California must become a nation within themselves.-Time is continually bringing this into notice; and one of the two must soon be consummated. If the Oregon dispute continues, let England take eight degrees north of the Columbia, and purchase eight degree south of forty-two, from Mexico, and exchange.
The Oregon will never be a benefit to the United States, if England owns San Francisco. Vessels sometimes lie within the bar of the Columbia thirty or forty days, waiting an opportunity to go out. When once out, they can reach San Francisco in four days; a steam boat in less than two days. The time will soon arrive when, by steam, a person will go from Columbia to Monterey and back, in less than four days. For navigation, the Columbia is of little use. A few English ships could prevent any vessel going in, even if the wind allowed them Whalers from the north west now pass the place for California.
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This letter contains many facts well known to the writer, and which should be known to his countrymen. Each paragraph contains matter for much thought and reflection; and it is sent to you, because from your paper the writer has read many paragraphs respecting California, and gives you this information in return.
The settlers of the Oregon anticipate the supplying of California. Under present circumstances, they may. A Californian will not work, if he can avoid it. The time will come, must come, when this country must be peopled by another race. This is fully expected here. Many children have been sent to the Oahu (Sandwich Islands) English shool [school], to learn the English language, in order to prepare them for coming events, (and a company bas [has] been formed to send to New York for a schoolmaster, to conduct an English school) be the visit from John Bull or Uncle Sam. One of the two will have the country. When once this is accomplished, the place will teem with a busy race. As I before observed, all fruits will grow here, hemp, cotton, every variety of grain, timber, from the tender willow to trees seventeen feet in diameter. The natives are now expecting troops from Acapulco to reconquer the country, and are drilling many young men in preparation intending to surround the first port the Mexicans arrive at, drive away the cattle, prevent all intercourse with the ranchos, and by this means expel the invaders from California.
If they cannot exceed in this, they will take to the montains [mountains] and worry the invaders out. Many think these soldiers are sent by Mexico at the instigation of the English, under the pretext that the Americans are settling in California too fast, and will one day obtain possession. In the mean time the Californians do not believe this story, but give land to all that come, be they from what nation they may; and the less from Mexico, the more it meets their views.
SELKIRK'S SETTLEMENT.
This colony is located about seven hundred miles above St. Peters. It consists of some six thousand inhabitants, mostly connected in some way with the Hudson Bay Company. We have heard, that of late years the population of the colony was rather on the decrease. A number of our most respectable citizens emigrated from Europe, and reached this place by the above route, though we never heard them recommend it as a very agreeable way. The colonists are mostly adventurers, of which we presume the subject of the following to be rather a rare specimen. One year age last June, he passed this place, accompanied by his wife and others, on their way to the above settlement. They left St. Peters, twelve in company, but having lost their way, they endured almost every kind of privation, and were one hundred and twenty days in reaching their place of destination. Four of their horses froze to death, starvation stared them in the face, and after subsisting on frogs, and cutting their way for forty miles through a forest, they arrived where their wants wes [were] supplied. Our traveller [traveler] then took a tramp over to the Missouri drovers, and was with them at the time of their attack by the Sissiton Sioux Indians. He is now on his way to Scotland to see about some property which he has lately inherited. Whether he will choose to return to the red River settlement by way of the Cape of Good Hope, Madagascar, and Oregon, or to come up the Mississippi by the way of Cape Horn, we are not advised, but it is not unreasonable to suppose that a man who likes to travel so well will be best satisfied with the longest way. [Galena Adv., Oct. 24.
EMIGRANTS FOR CALIFORNIA.
D. G. W. Leavitt, the chairman of the committee of arrangements of the emigrating expedition to California, which has been organizing in Arkansas for some time past, gives notice through the columns of the Little Rock Gazette of the 29th ult., that in accordance with a resolution passed at a called meeting held at Napoleon on the 6th ult., the expedition will rendezvous at Fort Smith, Arkansas, on the first Monday in April next, preparatory to taking up their line of march for the Pacific coast. Every person starting is to be well armed with a rifle or heavy shot gun, sixteen pounds of shot or lead, four pounds of powder, caps, &c., two horses or mules for each person, or a wagon and eight cattle for every five persons, tents, &c.
From the Millennial Star.
CONFERENCE MINUTES.
To Second District of the Herefordshire Conferences met at Leominster on the 11th of September, there being present one High-Priest, one of the Seventies, three Elders, four Priests, and one Teacher. There were represented ten branches containing one hundred and eighty-one members including nine Elders, twelve Priests, three Teachers, and one Deacon. Six baptized since previous conference, in good standing.
E. F. Sheets, President.
H. Arnold, Clerk,
Mars Hill Conference met on the 21st September, in the parish of Suckley, Worcestershire. The meeting was called to order by Elder J. A. Stratten, there being present, one
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High Priest, one of the Seventies, nine Elders, eight Priests, three Teachers, and one Deacon.
There were represented eleven branches containing four hundred and sixty-six members including fifteen Elders, twenty-five Priests, eleven Teachers, seven Deacons. Ten baptized since previous conference.
E. F. Sheets, President.
H. Arnold, Clerk.
We are informed by the letters accompanying the minutes that Elder Stratton visited the various branches of the above conferences, in connexion [connection] with Elder Sheets, they both delivering lectures, much to the profit and edification of the Saints.
The Staffordshire Conference met at Burslem on the 28th September, when there were represented thirteen branches, containing three hundred and twenty-nine members, including thirty-five Elders, thirty-seven Priests, twenty Teachers, and ten Deacons. Baptized six since previous conference. There being present, three High Priests, seventeen Elders, twelve Priests, three Teachers, and seven Deacons. One was ordained to the office of Elder. A good feeling prevailed throughout the conference, and useful teaching was given by the President and others.
HIRAM CLARK, President.
Joseph Wooton, Clerk.
The Leamington Conference met on the 5th October, there being present, one of the Quorum of the Twelve, one High Priest, six Elders, three Priests, two Teachers, and two Deacons. There were represented four branches containing ninety-two members including four Elders, five Priests, one Teacher, and three Deacons. Six baptized since previous Conference. Two were ordained to the office of Priest, and one to the office of Deacon, under the hands of Elders Woodruff and Hedlock. The ordinances of confirmation and blessing of children were also attended to. Large congregations were addressed during the day and evening by the President and Elder Hedlock, and a good impression apparently made.
W. WOODRUFF, President.
Thomas Smith, Clerk.
On our return from the Leamington Conference, we met between four and five hundred Saints at Birmingham, in a tea party at their hall. At the end of the feast we addressed them at length, and felt that the Spirit of the Lord was in our midst, to the joy and consolation of our hearts. At the close of the meeting, we met in council with the officers and spent a season in transacting business and giving teachings and counsel, which were not altogether unprofitable.
W. WOODRUFF.
R. HEDLOCK.
The Carlisle Conference met on the 5th October, when there were represented five branches containing one hundred and sixty seven members. Six baptized since last conference and the prospects, generally speaking, were favorable. Two were ordained Elders, and five were baptized after the close of the Conference. The Saints in Carlisle were rejoicing in the truth, and in a better state than they had been for two or three years previously.
THOMAS BARTON, President.
Elder Barker, Clerk.
The Garway Conference met on the 19th October, there being present, one of the Seventies, three Elders, four Priests, one Teacher, and one Deacon. There were represented five branches containing one hundred and seven members. Three Elders, eight Priests, three Teachers, and one Deacon. Four baptized since last Conference. Instructions were given by Elder Streets and others, and a good feeling prevailed throughout the Conference.
WILLIAM ALLEN, President.
Philip Lines, Clerk.
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TERMS.-TWO DOLLARS per annum, payable in all cases in advance. Any person procuring five new subscribers, and forwarding us Ten Dollars current money, shall receive one volume gratis. All letters must be addressed to John Taylor, editor, POST PAID, or they will not receive attention.
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