FAIR is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing well-documented answers to criticisms of the doctrine, practice, and history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Times and Seasons/6/12
< Times and Seasons | 6
| ←Number 11 | Times and Seasons 6, Number 12 |
Number 13→ |
| Source document in Mormon Publications: 19th and 20th Centuries online archive: Times and Seasons Vol. 6] |
| TIMES AND SEASONS | ||
| "TRUTH WILL PREVAIL" | ||
| Volume VI. No. 12.] | CITY OF NAUVOO, ILL. JULY 1, 1845 | [Whole No. 120. |
HISTORY OF JOSEPH SMITH.
CONTINUED.
The following is an extract of a letter to me, from Elder Phelps, dated
"Clay county, Mo, Dec. 15, 1833.
The situation of the saints, as scattered, is dubious, and affords a gloomy prospect. No regular order can be enforced; nor any usual discipline kept up: among the world, yea, the most wicked part of it, some commit one sin, and some another, (I speak of the rebellious, for there are saints that are as immoveable [immovable] as the everlasting hills,) and what can be done? We are in Clay, Rav [Ray], Lafayette, Jackson, Van Buren, &c, and cannot hear from each other oftener than we do from you. I know it was right that we should be driven out of the land of Zion, that the rebellious might be sent away. But, brethren, if the Lord will, I should like to know what the honest in heart shall do? Our clothes are worn out; we want the necessaries of life, and shall we lease, buy, or otherwise obtain land where we are, to till that we may raise enough to eat? Such is the common language of the honest for they want to do the will of God. I am sensible that we shall not be able to live again in Zion, till God or the President rules out the mob.
The Governor is willing to restore us, but as the constitution gives him no power to guard us when back, we are not willing to go. The mob swear if we come we shall die! If from what has been done in Zion, we, or the most of us, have got to be persecuted from city to city, and from synagogue to synagogue, we want to know it: for there are those among us that would rather earn eternal life on such conditions, than loose it: but we hope for better things, and shall wait patiently for the word of the Lord.
Our people fare very well, and when they are discreet little or no persecution is felt. The militia in the upper counties is in readiness at a moments warning, having been ordered out by the Governor, to guard a court martial and court of enquiry [inquiry], &c., but we cannot attend a court of enquiry [inquiry], on account of the expense, till we are restored and protected.
(Signed) W. W. PHELPS."
I received the following
Revelation, given December 16, 1833.
Verily, I say unto you, concerning your brethren who have been afflicted, and persecuted, and cast out from the land of their inheritance, I the Lord have suffered the affliction to come upon them, wherewith they have been afflicted in consequence of their transgressions; yet, I will own them, and they shall be mine in that day when I shall come to make up my jewels.
Therefore, they must needs be chastened, and tried, even as Abraham, who was commanded to offer up his only son; for all those who will not endure chastening, but deny me, cannot be sanctified.
Behold, I say unto you, there were jarrings, and contentions, and envyings, and strifes, and lustful and covetous desires among them; therefore by these things they polluted their inheritances. They were slow to hearken unto the voice of the Lord their God; therefore, the Lord their God is slow to hearken unto their prayers, to answer them in the day of their trouble. In the day of their peace they esteemed lightly my counsel; but in the day of their trouble, of necessity they feel after me.
Verily, I say unto you, notwithstanding their sins my bowels are filled with compassion toward them: I will not utterly cast them off; and in the day of wrath I will remember mercy. I have sworn, and the decree hath gone forth by a former commandment which I have given unto you, that I would let fall the sword of mine indignation in the behalf of my people; and even as I have said, it shall come to pass.-Mine indignation is soon to be poured out without measure upon all nations, and this will I do when the cup of their iniquity is full. And in that day, all who are found upon the watch tower, or in other words, all mine Israel shall be saved. And they that have been scattered shall be gathered: and all they who have mourned shall be comforted; and all they who have given their lives for my name shall be crowned. Therefore, let your hearts be comforted concerning Zion; for all flesh is in mine hands: be still, and know that I am God. Zion shall not be moved out of her place, notwithstanding her children are scattered, they that remain and are pure in heart shall return and come to their inheritances; they and their children, with songs of everlasting joy; to build up the waste places of Zion. And all these things, that the prophets might be fulfilled. And behold, there is none other place appointed than that which I have appointed; neither shall there be any other place appointed than that which I have appointed for the work of the gathering of my saints, until the day cometh when there is found
944
________________________________________
no more room for them; and then I have other which I will appoint unto them, and they shall be called stakes, for the curtains, or the strength of Zion.
Behold it is my will, that all they who call on my name, and worship me according to mine everlasting gospel, should gather together and stand in holy places, and prepare for the revelation which is to come when the veil of the covering of my temple, in my tabernacle, which hideth the earth, shall be taken off, and all flesh shall see me together. And every corruptible thing, both of man, or of the beasts of the field, or of the fowls of heaven, or of the fish of the sea, that dwell upon all the face of the earth, shall be consumed; and also, that of element shall melt with fervent hear; and all things shall become new, that my knowledge and glory may dwell upon all the earth. And in that day the enmity of man, and the enmity of beasts; yea, the enmity of all flesh shall cease from before my face. And in that day whatsoever any man shall ask it shall be given unto him. And in that day satan shall not have power to tempt any man. And there shall be no sorrow because there is no death. In that day an infant shall not die until he is old, and his life shall be as the age of a tree, and when he dies he shall not sleep, (that is to say in the earth,) but shall be changed in the twinkling of an eye, and shall be caught up, and his rest shall be glorious. Yea, verily I say unto you, in that day when the Lord shall come he shall reveal all things; things which have passed, and hidden things which no man knew; things of the earth by which it was made, and the purpose and the end thereof; things most precious, things that are in the earth and upon the earth, and in heaven.-And all they who suffer persecution for my name, and endure in faith, though they are called to lay down their lives for my sake, yet shall they partake of all this glory. Wherefore, fear not even unto death; for in this world your joy is not full, but in me your joy is full. Therefore, care not for the body, neither the life of the body; but care for the soul, and for the life of the soul, and ye shall have eternal life. When men are called unto mine everlasting gospel, and covenant with an everlasting covenant, they are accounted as the salt of the earth, and the savor of men. They are called to be the savor of men. Therefore, if that salt of the earth lose its savor behold it is thenceforth good for nothing, only to be cast out and trodden under the feet of men. Behold, here is wisdom concerning the children of Zion; even many, but not all; they were found transgressors, therefore, they must needs be chastened. He that exalteth himself shall be abased, and he that abaseth himself shall be exalted.
And now, I will show unto you a parable that you may know my will concerning the redemption of Zion: a certain nobleman had a spot of land, very choice; and he said unto his servants, go ye into my vineyard, even upon this very choice piece of land, and plant twelve olive trees; and set watchmen round about them and build a tower, that one may overlook the land round about, to be a watchman upon the tower; that mine olive trees may not be broken down, when the enemy shall come to spoil, and take unto themselves the fruit of my vineyard. Now the servants of the nobleman went and did as their lord commanded them; and planted the olive trees, and built a hedge round about, and set watchmen, and began to build the tower. And while they were yet laying the foundation thereof, they began to say among themselves, and what need hath my lord of this tower? and consulted for a long time, saying among themselves, what need hath my lord of this tower, seeing this is a time of peace? Might not this money be given to the exchangers? for there is no need of these things! And while they were at variance one with another, they became very slothful, and they hearkened not unto the commandments of their lord: and the enemy came by night, and broke down the hedge, and the servants of the nobleman arose, and were affrighted, and fled: and the enemy destroyed their works, and broke down the olive trees.
Now behold, the nobleman, the lord of the vineyard, called upon his servants, and said unto them, Why! what is the cause of this great evil? ought ye not to have done even as I commanded you? and after ye had planted the vineyard, and built the hedge round about, the tower also, and set a watchman upon the tower, and watched for my vineyard, and not have fallen asleep, lest the enemy should come upon you? and behold, the watchman upon the tower would have seen the enemy while he was yet afar off: and then ye could have made ready and kept the enemy from breaking down the hedge thereof, and saved my vineyard from the hands of the destroyer. And the lord of the vineyard said unto one of his servants, Go and gather together the residue of my servants: and take all the strength of mine house, which are my warriors, my young men, and they that are of middle age also, among all my servants, who are the strength of mine house, save those only whom I have appointed to tarry; and go
945
________________________________________
ye straightway unto the land of my vineyard, and redeem my vineyard, for it is mine, I have bought it with money. Therefore get ye strightway [straightway] unto my land; break down the walls of mine enemies; throw down their tower, and scatter their watchmen: and inasmuch as they gather together against you, avenge me of mine enemies; that by and by, I may come with the residue of mine house and possess the land.
And the servant said unto his lord, when shall these things be? And he said unto his servant when I will: go ye straightway, and do all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and this shall be my seal and blessing upon you; a faithful and wise steward in the midst of mine house: a ruler in my kingdom.
And his servant went straightway, and done all things whatsoever his lord commanded him, and after many days all things were fulfilled.
Again, verily I say unto you, I will show unto you wisdom in me concerning all the churches, inasmuch as they are willing to be guided in a right and proper way for their salvation, that the work of the gathering together of my saints may continue, that I may build them up unto my name upon holy places; for the time of harvest is come, and my word must needs be fulfilled. Therefore, I must gather together my people according to the parable of the wheat and the tares, that the wheat may be secured in the garners to possess eternal life, and be crowned with celestial glory when I shall come in the kingdom of my Father, to reward every man according as his work shall be, while the tares shall be bound in bundles, and their bands made strong, that they may be burned with unquenchable fire. Therefore, a commandment I give unto all the churches, that they shall continue to gather together unto the places which I have appointed; nevertheless, as I have said unto you in a former commandment, let not your gathering be in haste, nor by flight; but let all things, be prepared before you, and in order that all things be prepared before you, observe the commandments which I have given concerning these things, which saith, or teacheth, to purchase all the lands by money, which can be purchased for money, in the region round about the land which I have appointed to be the land of Zion, for the beginning of the gathering of my saints: all the land which can be purchased in Jackson county, and the counties round about, and leave the residue in mine hand.
Now verily I say unto you, let all the churches gather together all their moneys; let these things be done in their time, be not in haste; and observe to have all things prepared before you. And let honorable men be appointed, even wise men, and send them to purchase these lands; and every church in the eastern countries when they are built up, if they will hearken unto this counsel, they may buy lands and gather together upon them, and in this way they may establish Zion. There is even now already in store a sufficient; yea, even abundance to redeem Zion, and establish her waste places no more to be thrown down were the churches, who call themselves after my name willing to hearken to my voice. And, again I say unto you, those who have been scattered by their enemies, it is my will that they should continue to importune for redress, and redemption, by the hands of those who are placed as rulers, and are in authority over you, according to the laws and constitution of the people which I have suffered to be established, and should be maintained for the rights and protection of all flesh, according to just and holy principles, that every man may act in doctrine, and principle pertaining to futurity, according to the moral agency which I have given unto them that every man may be accountable for his own sins in the day of judgment.-Therefore it is not right that any man should be in bondage one to another. And for this purpose have I established the constitution of this land, by the hands of wise men whom I raised up unto this very purpose, and redeemed the land by the shedding of blood.
Now, unto what shall I liken the children of Zion? I will liken them unto the parable of the woman and the unjust judge, (for men ought always to pray and not faint.) which saith, There was in a city a judge which feared no God, neither regarded man. And there was a widow in that city, and she came unto him saying avenge me of mine adversary.-And he would not for a while, but afterward he said within himself, though I fear not God, nor regard man, yet because this widow troubleth me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming, she weary me. Thus will I liken the children of Zion.
Let them importune at the feet of the judge; and if he heed them not, let them importune at the feet of the governor; and if the governor heed them not, let them importune at the feet of the president; and if the president heed them not, then will the Lord arise and come forth out of his hiding place, and in his fury vex the nation, and in his hot displeasure, and in his fierce anger, in his time, will cut off these wicked, unfaithful, and unjust stewards, and appoint them their portion among hypocrites, and unbelievers; even in outer darkness, where there is weeping, and wailing and gnashing of
946
________________________________________
teeth. Pray ye therefore, that their ears may be opened unto your cries, that I may be merciful unto them, that these things may not come upon them. What I have said unto you, must needs be, that all men may be left without excuse; that wise men and rulers may hear and know that which they have never considered; that I may proceed to bring to pass my act, my strange act, and perform my work, my strange work. That men may discern between the righteous and the wicked, saith your God.
And, again I say unto you, it is contrary to my commandment, and my will, that my servant Sidney Gilbert should sell my store-house, which I have appointed unto my people, into the hands of mine enemies. Let not that which I have appointed, be polluted by mine enemies, by the consent of those who call themselves after my name: for this is a very sore and grievous sin against me, and against my people, in consequence of those things which I have decreed, and are soon to befall the nations. Therefore, it is my will that my people should claim, and hold claim upon that which I have appointed unto them, though they should not be permitted to dwell thereon; nevertheless, I do not say they shall not dwell thereon; for inasmuch as they bring forth fruit and works meet for my kingdom, they shall dwell thereon; they shall build, and another shall not inherit it: they shall plant vineyards, and they shall eat the fruit thereof; even so. Amen.
December 18th. The elders assembled in the printing office, and bowed down before the Lord, and dedicated the printing press and all that pertained thereunto, to God, by mine own hand, which dedication was confirmed by Elder Rigdon, and my brother, Hyrum Smith-We then proceeded to take the first proof sheet of the "Star," edited by Elder Oliver Cowdery.
Blessed of the Lord is Brother Oliver, nevertheless there are two evils in him that he must needs forsake, or he cannot altogether forsake the buffetings of the adversary. If he forsake these evils he shall be forgiven, and shall be made like unto the bow, which the Lord hath set in the heavens; he shall be a sign and an ensign unto the nations.
Behold he is blessed of the Lord for his constancy and stedfastness [steadfastness] in the work of the Lord; wherefore, he shall be blessed in his generation and they shall never be cut off, and he shall be helped out of many troubles, and if he keep the commandments, and hearken unto the council of the Lord his rest shall be glorious.
And again, blessed of the Lord is my father and also my mother, and my brothers and my sisters, for they shall yet find redemption in the house of the Lord, and their offspring shall be a blessing, a joy, and a comfort unto them.
Blessed is my mother, for her soul is ever filled with benevolence and philanthropy, and notwithstanding her age, yet she shall receive strength, and shall be comforted in the midst of her house, and she shall have eternal life.
And blessed is my father, for the hand of the Lord will be over him for he shall see the affliction of his children pass away, and when his head is fully ripe, he shall behold himself as an olive tree, whose branches are bowed down with much fruit; he shall also possess a mansion on high.
Blessed of the Lord is my brother Hyrum, for the integrity of his heart, he shall be girt about with truth, and faithfulness shall be the strength of his loins: from generation to generation he shall be a shaft in the hand of his God to execute judgments upon his enemies, and he shall be hid by the hand of the Lord, that none of his secret parts shall be discovered unto his hurt; his name shall be accounted a blessing among men, and when he is in trouble and great tribulation hath come upon him, he shall remember the God of Jacob, and he shall shield him from the power of satan; and he shall receive counsel in the house of the Most High, that he may be strengthened in hope, that the goings of his feet may be established forever.
Blessed of the Lord is brother Samuel, because the Lord shall say unto him. Samuel, Samuel, therefore he shall be made a teacher in the house of the Lord, and the Lord shall mature his mind in judgment, and thereby he shall obtain the esteem and fellowship of his brethren; and his soul shall be established; and he shall benefit the house of the Lord, because he shall obtain an answer to prayer in his faithfulness.
Brother William is as the fierce lion, who divideth not the spoil because of his strength, and in the pride of his heart he will neglect the more weighty matters until his soul is bowed down in sorrow, and then he shall return and call on the name of his God and shall find forgiveness, and shall wax valiant, therefore, he shall be saved unto the uttermost; and as the roaring lion of the forest in the midst of his prey, so shall the hand of his generation be lifted up against those who are set on high, that fight against the God of Israel; fearless and undaunted shall they be in battle, in avenging the wrongs of the innocent, and relieving the oppressed; therefore, the blessings of the God of Jacob shall be in the midst of his house notwithstanding his rebellious heart.
947
________________________________________
And now, O God, let the residue of my father's house, ever come up in remembrance before thee, that thou mayest save them from the hand of the oppressor, and establish their feet upon the rock of ages, that they may have place in thy house; and be saved in thy kingdom, and let all things be even as I have said, for Christ's sake: Amen.
CONFERENCE MINUTES.
Minutes of a Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, held at Rowland O. Crispin's, Warren co. Ohio, on the 14th and 15th of June 1845, agreeable to adjournment from March Conference held in Fayette co. Ohio, on the 8th and 9th, 1845.
The meeting was called to order by Elder Joseph Grover at 11 o'clock A. M. Elder Joseph T. Ball was chosen to preside, and Rowland O. Crispin chosen Secretary.
The meeting opened by singing, and prayer by Elder Joseph Grover.
The president then addressed the meeting in a brief and affectionate manner, setting forth the object of the Conference.
A representation of the different branches was then called for.
Waynesville branch by Elder Braddock; thirty eight members, thirteen Elders and one Priest.
Pleasant Grove branch; seven members, one Elder and one Priest.
Clinton branch; thirty eight members, six Elders and one Priest.
Fayette branch, by Elder Boughn; twenty three members, one Elder one Priest & one Teacher.
Port Jefferson branch, by Elder Johnson; seven members and one Elder.
Dayton branch, by Elder Graves, eight members and five Elders.
A charge was preferred against Isham Webb, for leaving his family and unbelief. After some remarks he was cut off from the church by a unanimous vote.
A charge was preferred against Elder John Bair, for teaching things contrary to the Book of Covenants, inconsistent with virtue, which has destroyed the union of the saints, and prevented them paying their tything [tithing], entered by Azariah Haines, presiding elder of the Clinton branch, June 14th 1845.
It was moved and seconded that a council of Elders be held in his case, which was put to vote by the President and carried unanimously. They were to examine witnesses and report on Sabbath afternoon.
The President then addressed the saints on the necessity of gathering to Zion, in an affectionate manner. He was followed by Elder Grover.
Conference adjourned until 3 o'clock P. M.
Conference met agreeable to adjournment.
Opened with singing, and prayer by Elder Fallis.
The meeting was then addressed by the President on the latter-day dispensation.
Conference then adjourned until 10 o'clock on Sabbath A. M.
Conference met according to adjournment.
Opened by singing, and prayer by Elder Grover. He then addressed the meeting on the priesthood.
Conference adjourned until half past 1 o'clock.
Conference met according to adjournment.
Opened by singing, and prayer by Elder Boughn.
The meeting was addressed by Elder Grover on the Book of Mormon, after which the President introduced the case of Elder Bair, and stated to the Conference the resolution of the council of the Elders, which was motioned and seconded that he be disfellowshipped; which was put to vote by the President, and carried unanimously.
Elder Grover arose and returned his thanks to the saints for their kindness to him, and requested the voice of the district whether they wished his labors any longer or not. A vote was taken and they unanimously accorded with his teaching. He then blessed them in the name of the Lord.
The president then addressed the saints on the necessity of obeying council.
A vote was taken whether the saints would uphold the Twelve and the authorities of the church by their prayers, which was unanimous.
The President then pronounced his blessing on them in the name of Israel's God. He then dismissed the Conference without setting time for another.
By vote of the Conference, three new members were added, after Conference closed; two of them were children, only eight years of age.
JOSEPH T. BALL, President
Rowland O. Crispin, Secretary.
Nauvoo, July 15, 1845.
To the saints composing the Conference, held at Rowland O. Crispin's, Warren co. Ohio, 14th June 1845.
DEAR BRETHREN;-A copy of the minutes of your Conference has just been presented me, from which I learn that you have seen proper to withdraw from me the hand of fellowship.
948
________________________________________
I do not, at this time, feel to question the legality of your proceedings, or the righteousness of your decisions; my heart is too much pained, at having lost your esteem and confidence; though I do wish I had been present at your meeting, when those charges were preferred; not so much for the purpose of defending myself against my accusers; but to have preserved that confidence which I once held in your breasts, by confessing to you candidly my weaknesses, my imperfections, follies and deviations.
Had you heard the statement that I could have given you in relation to the difficulties, troubles and temptations, that I had to contend against, I am confident you would not have attributed any malicious or evil design to any part of my conduct, while among you; if you had, you certainly would have done me wrong, for I solemnly protest that my errors have arisen not from my heart, but from misunderstanding of principles. Had I the same understanding of principles and doctrine, then, that I now have, nothing could have arisen from my teachings, privately or publicly, contrary to your mind and feelings. I erred in receiving teachings from those that professed to know doctrine, yet knew nothing only as they were taught by the evil one.
I have now covenanted before the Lord that hereafter I will receive no doctrine except it comes from the proper source-the Twelve.
Brethren; I have labored a long time among you; I have stood by you with my life in my hand,-I have baptized many of you,-have looked npon [upon] you as my best and most endearing friends. You must allow me still to enjoy your friendship and your love, and confidence. If any of you have been injured or led astray by my teachings, publicly or privately, I now humbly ask your forgiveness, and I ask you all to forgive me and restore me to your friendship, and pray for me that I may overcome the adversary of souls and be saved with you in the kingdom of our God.
JOHN BAIR
The church here, cannot act upon Br. Bair's case without all the testimony of the witnesses. We are rejoiced to see Br. Bair humble, and wish to receive the truth. We hope all the saints will feel to forgive him, for this is according to the Savior's words. If the branches of the churches abroad would examine the Doctrine and Covenants and act according to the law therein contained, they would never err relative to trying members of the different Quorums. Branches abroad may withdraw fellowship, but each Quorum holds the power to deal with its members for offences [offenses], to final judgment, by the aid of the bishop's Court or High Council.
From the New York Messenger.
ILION, HERKIMER CO., NEW YORK.
Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, convened at Ilion, German Flats, Herkimer county, on the 17th and 18th of May, 1845.
Conference met at 2 P. M., and organized by appointing Elder Eleazer Willes, President, and George England, Secretary.
Official members present-six Elders and one Priest.
Sung a hymn. Prayer by the President. Sung a hymn; after which a call was made for representation of branches.
Ilion branch represented by Elder England; eighteen members, three Elders and one Priest.
Milford Centre [Center], by Elder Chidester; four members and one Elder.
Village of Westford, by Elder Bacon; four members and two Elders.
Cherry Valley, by Elder Bacon; four members, three of the Utica branch, and one Elder.
After which Elder Bacon addressed the congregation from the 7th chapter of Paul to the Hebrews, 11th, 12th and 19th verses, setting forth the order of the priesthood, and the church going into the wilderness, or the general apostacy [apostasy] of the church of Christ, which he proved beyond contradiction, in an able and masterly manner.
Meeting adjourned to Br. England's at early candle light.
Met agreeable to adjournment. Opened by singing.
Prayer by Br. Chidester; after which he called upon the saints to bear witness to the truth of Mormonism.
The saints then arose one by one, and gave their testimony in favor of the truth; and said they would live by every word that proceeds from God, and would uphold and subject themselves to the counsel of the Twelve apostles of the Lamb of God. Some of the gifts were manifested, which caused us to rejoice in the kingdom of God. Unity and love prevailed.
Sung a hymn. Benediction by Elder Hewet.
Adjourned till Sunday morning 10 o'clock.
Met according to adjournment.
Sung a hymn. Prayer by Elder Theophilus Taylor. Sung another hymn.
Br. Wm. Segar represented the Utica branch on Sunday morning; twenty two members, two Elders and one Priest, in a scattered condition.
949
________________________________________
The President then addressed the congregation from the 24th of Acts 14th and 15th verses, setting forth and showing what was called heresy in these days followed by Elder Taylor at half past 11 till half past 12.
Adjourned till half past 1 P. M. Benediction by Elder Taylor.
Met agreeable to adjournment.
Sung a hymn. Prayer by Elder Bacon.
He then arose to address the congregation from the 28th chapter of Isaiah, 21st, 23d and 23d verses, showing that Isaiah had in view a great work to be commenced in as late a generation as the present, and that it had already commenced, which he proved in a very clear and lucid manner. Proving that this continent was the place for the setting up of the ensign to gather the dispersed of Judah, and assemble the outcasts of Israel followed by Elder England, who backed up the gospel with his testimony, and spoke in behalf of suffering innocence, and exhorted all those who had not embraced the gospel to do it immediately and by that means secure to themselves eternal life.
Br. Steele made some remarks, and gave his testimony to the truth of Mormonism, and said he knew it to be the work of God, and was acknowledged by signs following the believer.
The President then made some remarks to sign seekers, showing that if the sectarians preached the pure gospel of Jesus Christ, they are very much to blame to ask a sign from those that they say have the spirit of Belzebub [Beelzebub].
Br. Hewet gave his testimony in favor of the work of the last days.
Br. Chidester gave his testimony in behalf of the work of God in Mormonism, and left his testimony against all that would not learn the way of life, through prayer and faith to that God that gave his Son as a ransom for the world.
Br. Taylor bore testimony in favor of Mormonism, and exhorted all within the sound of his voice to search the truth as it is in the Lord Jesus.
Sung a hymn, and adjourned till early candle light, at Br. Burgdorff's.
Met at Br. Burgdorff's, sung a hymn. Prayer by Elder Bacon.
After which the sacrament was administered.
Br. Bacon exhorted the saints to faithfulness, unity and love to each other, and called on them to bear testimony.
Br. Taylor next exhorted the saints to unity, and spoke of the calamities that awaited the ungodly, and that Judah's fierce lion would arise from the thicket and destroy the nations that forget God.
Brother England next exhorted the saints to love and unity, and to prepare for our exit from among the Gentiles, and go to the beautiful city of Nauvoo. He thanked God that there was one woe which had never come upon the Mormons yet, after all their persecution. The Savior says Woe unto you when all men speak well of you. That is the woe; who is there that speaks well of the Mormons? They are very scarce, and if any one wishes to obey the gospel, they must expect to loose [lose] their good name if they have any. I have lived in this place three years, nnd [and] was respected by every one, but as soon as I came into the kingdom of God, then Satan began to rage, and sectarians foamed till they have run out lies till their Father shall help them no more.
Brother Steele made some remarks about signs. They said they would believe if they should hear him speak in tongues, and they have heard him speak in tongues several times and they are worse than ever.
Brother Chidester Gave his testimony to the truth.
Brother Hewit said he had been sick for several years, and the doctors had given him up, and said he could not live. But as soon as he heard the Mormons he believed and was administered unto, and his neighbors said if he got well they would believe also; and now I am as well as any man, and they won't believe yet, and I testify to every man that I was healed by the power of God, through the administration of one of his servants, a Mormon Elder.
Resolved that the minutes of this Conference be forwarded for publication in the Prophet.
The Conference adjourned, sine die.
ELEAZER WILLES, President.
George England, Secretary.
From the Millenial [Millennial] Star.
SCOTLAND.
We have lately had the long -wished for pleasure of paying a visit to our brethren in the north; and we can truly say that though our journey was in part performed amid the rigours [rigors] of severe weather, yet we have been amply rewarded for every toil. We feel convinced of one fact, which is, that there is scarcely anything more confirmatory of the faith of the saints, than to travel and behold the effects of the principles of truth upon others. A feeling of this kind we fully realized on our visit to Scotland, where we beheld a people widely different in their national customs, habits, and
950
________________________________________
feelings from ourselves, yet under the influence of the gospel of Jesus Christ to which they had become obedient, we found them, as it were, one with ourselves; of one heart and of one mind in relation to the principles of eternal truth, and the glorious prospect that are opened out to the saints of God in the future.
On the 16th of March, we held a conference in the Odd Fellows' Hall, in the city of Glasgow, and notwithstanding the severity of the weather, our brethren and sisters flocked in from the country, crowding the hall with joyous and happy countenances, the recollection of which assembly will be long remembered by us. We found the conference in a most encouraging and prosperous condition, under the presidency of our beloved brother Peter McCue, and our prayer is that he may be long preserved in connexion [connection] with the honest-hearted by whom he is surrounded, to be instrumental in rolling onward the kingdom of God.
After separately visiting several of the branches in the Glasgow conference, where we had an opportunity of witnessing in an individual branch, the effect of the power of truth, confirmatory of what we had before realized as a whole, we proceeded on our journey to the ancient city of Stirling. Here we found but few saints, but sufficient to whisper to each heart, that we were not entirely in the land of strangers, but some of the great family of the redeemed of the Lord were there. With the city itself and the surrounding country we were greatly interested, each glance as it were bringing back the recollections of the stirring deeds of days of yore. May the saints that spring from such a soil, exhibit in connexion [connection] with the kingdom of God, a like heroism with that which has spread as it were a halo of glory over their sires.
From Stirling we took one of the steamers on the Forth, for Edinburgh, and though the weather was very unpropitious, it was impossible to destroy the effect of the romantic nature of the scenery by which we were surrounded. After a very severe passage, the storm continuing to increase in violence, we at length arrived at the capital of Scotland-the Athens of modern times. We need not say that our welcome was most hearty, and that we rejoiced much in meeting some of the saints of God in a city distinguished for its wisdom and learning. One Sunday, the 23rd of March, we met in conference, making what changes we considered necessary for the well-being of the whole, and appointed Elder John Banks, late of Preston, to preside over the Edinburgh conference. We anticipate a great work being accomplished there, and the true secret of success will be found in the union of the saints, upholding by faith and prayer those who have been set apart to the service of the Lord. May the spirit of the Lord rest upon the saints mightily in that great metropolis, that multitudes through their instrumentality may be born again into the kingdom of God.
With the best feeling of our hearts, bidding adieu for a season to the saints in Scotland, we have to express our regret that circumstances should have compelled us to leave so abruptly, but anticipate with much pleasure the time when we shall be able to renew our visit.
WILFORD WOODRUFF,
REUBEN HADLOCK
THOMAS WARD.