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| 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. 10.] | CITY OF NAUVOO, ILL. June 1, 1845 | [Whole No. 118. |
HISTORY OF JOSEPH SMITH.
(Continued.)
The Attorney General of Mo., wrote the counsel employed by the church in Zion to prosecute the mob, of which the following is a copy:
"City of Jefferson, Nov. 21, 1833.
Gentlemen:
From conversation I have had with the Governor, I believe I am warranted in saying to you, and through you to the Mormons, that if they desire to be replaced in their property, that is, their houses in Jackson county, an adequate force will be sent forthwith to effect that object. Perhaps a direct application had better be made to him for that purpose, if they wish thus to be repossessed. The Militia have been ordered to hold themselves in readiness.
If the Mormons will organize themselves into regular companies, or a regular company of militia, either volunteers or otherwise, they will, I have no doubt, be supplied with public arms. This must be upon application, therefore, as a volunteer company must be accepted by the Colonel, and that is a matter in his discretion, perhaps the best way would be to organize and elect officers as is done in ordinary cases,-not volunteers, you could give them the necessary directions on these points. If the Colonel should refuse to order an election of company officers, after they have reported themselves to him for that purpose, he would I presume, be court martialled therefor [therefore], on a representation to the Governor of the facts. As only a certain quantity of public arms can be distributed in each county; those who first apply will be most likely to receive them. The less, therefore, that is said upon the subject the better.
I am with great respect your ob't serv't,
(Signed) R. W. WELLS."
Again, Judge Ryland wrote Amos Reese Esq., Circuit Attorney, of the same counsel, as follows:
"Lexington, Nov. 24, 1833.
Dear Sir:
I have been requested by the Governor to inform him about the outrageous acts of unparalleled violence that have lately happened in Jackson county, and have also been requested to examine into these outrages and take steps to punish the guilty and screen the innocent.
I cannot proceed unless some person shall be willing to make the proper information before me. I now request you to inform me whether the Mormons are willing to take legal steps against the citizens of Jackson county? Whether they wish to return there, or not, and let me know all the matters connected with this unhappy affair. It will be necessary for you to see the persons injured, and be informed of their desires and intentions. The military force will repair to Jackson county, to aid the execution of any order I make on this subject. Be particular in your information to me. I am willing to go any time to Jackson county, for the purpose of holding a court of inquiry, and binding over to keep the peace such persons as I shall think ought to be restrained.
It is a disgrace to the state for such acts to happen within its limits, and the disgrace will attach to our official characters, if we neglect to take proper means to insure the punishment due such offenders.
I wish to know whether Joshua Lewis and Hiram Page handed the writ to the sheriff of Jackson county, that I made and issued on their affidavit against some of the ringleaders of the mob in Jackson county, dated the sixth of this month.
I will know why he refused to execute the writ, if it ever came to his hands. Enquire [Inquire] into this subject and let me know. I should be glad to see you and agree upon what course to take. After you have sufficiently informed yourself, come down and see me, as you live near the scene of these outrages you are better able to receive all information necessary, and prepare for future action than I am.
Write me as soon informed, and state when you can come down and see me on this business. Keep copies of all the letters you write on this subject.
Your Friend,
(Signed,) JOHN F. RYLAND.
On the 22nd, my brother Don Carlos, came to live with me and learn the art of printing.
Elders Orson Hyde and John Gould returned from Zion on the 25th, and brought the melancholy intelligence of the riot in Zion; of the inhabitants persecuting the brethren.
Elder A. S. Gilbert wrote the Governor of Missouri, as follows:
["Confidential.]
Liberty, Clay Co., Nov. 29th 1833
Dear Sir:
Yesterday I saw Mr. Doniphan, an attorney of this place, who informed me that he saw the Attorney General, Mr. Wells, in Saline County, last Saturday week, and that Mr. Wells
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had acquainted him with your intention of ordering a court of enquiry [inquiry] to be held in Jackson county, in relation to the late riotous proceedings in that county. Mr. Doniphan is of opinion from the conversation he had with Mr. Wells, that said order will be suspended till a communication is received from our people, or their counsel. This is therefore to acquaint your excellency, that most of the heads of our church had an interview yesterday on the subject of an immediate court of enquiry [inquiry] to be held in Jackson county, and by their request to me. I hasten to lay before your excellency serious difficulties attending our people on an immediate court of enquiry [inquiry] being called.
Our church is at this time scattered in every direction: some in the new county of Van Buren; a part in this county; and a part in Lafayette, Ray, &c. Some of our principal witnesses would be women and children, and while the rage of the mob continues, it would be impossible to gather them in safety at Independence; and that your excellency may know of the unabating fury with which the last remnant of our people, remaining in that county are pursued at this time, I here state that a few families, perhaps fifteen to twenty, who settled themselves more than two years ago on the prairie, about fifteen miles from the county seat of Jackson county, had hoped from the obscurity of their location, that they might escape the vengeance of the enemy through the winter; consequently they remained on their plantations, receiving occasionally, a few individual threats, till last Sunday, when a mob made their appearance among them; some with pistols cocked and presented to their breasts, commanding them to leave the county in three days, or they would tear their houses down over their heads, &c., &c.
Two expresses arrived here from said neighborhood last Monday morning, for advice, and the council advised their speedy removal for the preservation of life, and their personal effects. I suppose these families will be out of the county of Jackson this week. In this distressed situation, in behalf of my brethren, I pray your excellency to await a further communication, which will soon follow this, setting forth among other things the importance of our people being restored to their possessions, that they may have an equal chance with their enemies in producing important testimony before the court, which the enemy are now determined to deprive them of. Trusting that your excellency will perceive the agitation and consternation that must necessarily prevail among most of our people at this day, from the unparalleled usage they have received, and many of them wandering at this time destitute of shelter.
An immediate court of enquiry [inquiry] called while our people are thus situated, would give our enemies a decided advantage in point of testimony, while they are in possession of their own homes, and ours also; with no enemy in the county to molest or make them afraid.
Very respectfully, your ob't serv't,
A. S. GILBERT.
To His Excellency Daniel Dunklin, Jefferson City, Mo."
"I have seen and read the above letter, and on reflection, I concur entirely in the opinion therein expressed. I also think that at the next regular term of the court, an examination of the criminal matter cannot be gone into, without a guard for the court and witnesses.
(Signed.) AMOS REESE."
Those who were threatened by the mob on Sunday the 24th, fled into Clay county and encamped on the banks of the Missouri river.-A number of the families went into Van Buren county: their whole number of men, women, and children, being upwards of one hundred and fifty.
About the 1st of December, Elder Cowdery and Bishop Whitney arrived at Kirtland with a new press and type, and on the 4th commenced distributing the type.
The next day I wrote to Bishop Partridge, Liberty, Clay county, Missouri, the following:
Kirtland, Dec. 5th, 1833.
Dear Brethren:
We have just received a letter from Brother Phelps, dated 6th and 7th of November, at Liberty, which gives us the painful intelligence of the rage of the enemy, and your present unsettled situation. But I must inform you that there is a great dubiety resting upon our minds, with regard to the true state of affairs in Zion; for there seems to be some difference in the statements of Elder Phelps' letter, and that of Elder Hyde's communication to the editors of the Missouri Republican. Elder Hyde states that "on Monday the 4th, the mob collected in Independence, to the number of two or three hundred, well armed, and a part of their number went above Blue, to drive away our people and destroy our property; but they were met by a party of our people, and being prepared they poured a deadly fire upon them, two of their number fell dead on the ground, and a number mortally wounded, among the former was Brazeal.
Tuesday morning there were a number of the mob missing, and could not be accounted for, and while we were at Liberty landing, on Wednesday, a messenger rode up saying that he had just come from the seat of war, and that the night before another battle was fought, in
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which Mr. Hicks fell, having three balls and some buck shot through his body, and about twenty more shared a similar fate; and, also, that one or two of our men were killed, and as many wounded; and he [Hyde] heard the cannonading distinctly; and also, stated that the man who broke open the store took Gilbert, Phelps, and one more, for false imprisonment, and put them in prison, and as near as he could learn, never to let them escape alive."
This statement of Elder Hyde, is somewhat different from that of Elder Phelps who states that "on Friday night the brethren had mustered about forty or fifty men, armed, and marched into the village, took one prisoner, and fired one gun; (through mistake) and on Saturday the mob fell upon our brethren above Blue, and one of Manship's sons was mortally wounded. On Monday a regular action was fought near Christian Whitmer's under the command of Elder David Whitmer. We had four wounded; they had five wounded and two killed, viz: Linville and Brazeal. From Friday till Tuesday, our brethren were under arms, when one hundred and fifty of them came forth, like Moroni, to battle. On Tuesday morning the mob had collected to the number of three hundred and before any blood was shed, we agreed to go away immediately, and the enemy took our guns."
Elder Phelps also states, that "since the above was written (viz: on the 6th,) another horrid scene has transpired: after our people surrendered their arms, a party of the mob went above Blue, and began to whip, and even murder; and the brethren have been driven into the woods, and are fleeing to the ferry; and also the mob have hired the ferryman to carry them across the river; [but they made the brethren pay the ferriage,] and it was reported that the mob had killed two more of the brethren."
It appears brethren, that the above statements were mostly from reports, and no certainty of their being correct; therefore, it is difficult for us to advise, and can only say, that the destinies of our people are in the hands of a just God, and he will do no injustice to any one; and this one thing is sure, that they who will live godly in Christ Jesus, shall suffer persecution; and before their robes are made white in the blood of the Lamb, it is to be expected they will pass through great tribulation, according to John the Revelator.
I wish when you receive this letter that you would collect every particular, concerning the mob, from the beginning, and send us a correct statement of facts, as they transpired from time to time, that we may be enabled to give the public correct information on the subject; and inform us also of the situation of the brethren, with respect to their means of sustenance, &c.
I would inform you that it is not the will of the Lord for you to sell your lands in Zion, if means can possibly be procured for their sustenance without. Every exertion should be made to maintain the cause you have espoused, and to contribute to the necessities of one another, as much as possible, in this your great calamity, and remember not to murmur at the dealings of God with his creatures. You are not as yet brought into as trying circumstances, as were the ancient prophets and apostles. Call to mind a Daniel, the three Hebrew children, Jeremiah, Paul, Stephen, and many more, too numerous too mention; who were stoned, sawn [sawed] asunder, tempted, slain with the sword, and wandered about in sheep skins and goat skins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented, of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and in mountains, and in dens, and in caves of the earth; yet they all obtained a good report through faith; and amidst all their afflictions they rejoiced that they were counted worthy to receive persecution for Christ's sake.
We know not what we shall be called to pass through before Zion is delivered and established; therefore, we have great need to live near to God, and always be in strict obedience to all his commandments, that we may have a conscience void of offence [offense] towards God and man.-It is your privilege to use every lawful means in your power to seek redress for your grievances of your enemies, and prosecute them to the extent of the law; but it will be impossible for us to render you any assistance in a temporal point of view, as our means are already exhausted, and we are deeply in debt and know of no means whereby we shall be able to extricate ourselves.
The inhabitants of this county threaten our destruction, and we know not how soon they may be permitted to follow the examples of the Missourians; but our trust is in God, and we are determined by his grace assisting us, to maintain the cause and hold out faithful unto the end, that we may be crowned with crowns of celestial glory, and enter into the rest that is prepared for the children of God.
We are now distributing the type and calculate to commence setting to-day, and issue a paper the last of this week, or beginning of next. We wrote to Elder Phelps some time since, and also sent by Elder Hyde for the names of subscribers to the Star, which we have not yet received; and, until we receive them, the most of the subscribers will be deprived of them; and when you receive this, if you have not sent them, I wish you to attend to it immediately, as much inconvenience will attend a delay.
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We expect shortly to publish a political paper, weekly in favor of the present administration; the influential men of that party have offered a liberal patronage to us, and we hope to succeed, for thereby we can show the public the purity of our intention in supporting the government under which we live.
We learn by Elder Phelps, that the brethren have surrendered their arms to the enemy, and are fleeing across the river. If that is the case, it is not meet that they should recommence hostilities with them; but, if not, you should maintain the ground as long as there is a man left, as the spot of ground upon which you were located, is the place appointed of the Lord for your inheritance, and it was right in the sight of God that you contended for it to the last.
You will recollect that the Lord has said that Zion should not be removed out of her place; therefore, the land should not be sold, but be held by the saints, until the Lord in his wisdom, opens a way for your return; and until that time, if you can purchase a tract of land, in Clay county, for present emergencies, it is right you should do so, if you can do it, and not sell your land in Jackson county. It is not safe for us to send you a written revelation on the subject, but what is written above is according to wisdom. I haste to a close to give room for Brother Oliver, and remain yours in the bonds of the everlasting covenant.
JOSEPH SMITH Jr.
December 6th. Being prepared to commence our labors in the printing business, I ask God, in the name of Jesus, to establish it forever, and cause that his word may speedily go forth to the nations of the earth to the accomplishing of his great work, in bringing about the restoration of the house of Israel.
This day, also, the Elders in Missouri sent the following petition
"To his Excellency, Daniel Dunklin, governor of the State of Missouri: We, the undersigned, leading members of the Church of Christ, vulgarly called Mormons, would respectfully represent to your Excellency, in addition to the petition presented to you by Messrs. Phelps and Hyde, and the affidavit of Messrs. Phelps, Gilbert and McLellin, after having read the letters of the Attorney General and District Judge of this circuit to Mr. Reese; that whereas, our society, men, women, and children, after having been in some cases, wounded, scourged, and threatened with death, have been driven by force of arms from their lands, houses, and much of their property in Jackson county;-most of which lands, houses, and property have been possessed by the mob of Jackson county, or others, and are now unlawfully detained from the use and possession of our people. And that whereas our people have been driven and scattered into the counties of Clay, Ray, Van Buren, Lafayette, and others, where in many cases, they are destitute of the common necessaries of life in this, even this winter season; and that whereas, the guns which were taken from our people, as set forth in the affidavit, are kept from them;-Therefore, in behalf of our society, which is so scattered and suffering, we, your petitioners, ask aid and assistance of your Excellency, that we may be restored to our lands, houses, and property, and protected in them by the militia of the state, if legal, or by a detachment of the United States Rangers, which might be located at Independence, instead of Cantonment Leavenworth, till peace is restored. [This could be done probably, by conferring with the President, or perhaps Colonel Dodge] Also, we ask that our men may be organized into companies of Jackson Guards, and be furnished with arms by the state, to assist in maintaining their right against the unhallowed power of the mob of Jackson county:
And then, when arrangements are made to protect us in our persons and property, (which cannot be done without an armed force, nor would it be prudent to risk our lives there, without guards, till we receive strength from our friends, to protect ourselves,) we wish a court of enquiry [inquiry] instituted, to investigate the whole matter of the mob against the Mormons; and we will ever pray.
W. W. PHELPS, ISAAC MORLEY,
JOHN WHITMER, EDW'D PARTRIDGE,
JOHN CORRILL, A. S. GILBERT."
The following letter accompanied the foregoing petition:
Liberty, Dec. 6th, 1833.
Dear Sir:
Your Excellency will perceive by the petition bearing date with this letter, that we intend to return to Jackson county, as soon as arrangements can be made to protect us, after we are again placed into our possessions.
We do not wish to go till we know that our lives are not in danger of a lawless mob.-Your Excellency will understand that, at this inclement season, it will require time to restore us, and troops to protect us, after we are there, for the threats of the mob have not ceased.
Your ob't serv't,
W. W. PHELPS.
To Daniel Dunklin, Governor of Missouri."
To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice-Solomon.
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SUPERSTITION.
As the elders have been commanded to study the history of countries and kingdoms, and make themselves acquainted with the manners and customs of the same, that they may be able to set forth the judgments and calamities that await this generation, in a clear and understanding manner, we thought it advisable to present the following sketch:-
CURIOUS SUPERSTITION AMONG THE NATIVES OF PORT PHILIP.-The idea generally entertained by the blacks, that they at their decease go to Van Diemen's Land, and come back white fellows, originated, no doubt, in this way. Buckley, on his first appearance among them, the first European they had seen, was received among them as the re-appearance of a native just dead, whom in every respect, except color, he closely resembled: was fully believed to be the very man; was adopted by the dead man's friends and tribe, and called by his name. No doubt but the similarity, fortunately for Buckley, saved his life. Afterwards, when settlers streamed over from Van Diemen's Land, and the natives heard it mentioned almost only as the place whence the white people came, and probably seeing many others in person or feature resembling their dead relatives, that they should have such an idea is nothing singular or wonderful. Much more singular and curious ideas they have; strange indeed is their notion of death, or rather, that with the constant and palpable decay of the human frame before their eyes, they have no belief in death, or rather, they have no belief in death from natural causes. All deaths they consider to be the result of accident, malice or magic. When a death occurs, they decide that the deceased person's kidney-fat has been stolen away in sleep by some enemy, aided by magic. The body is tied up immediately in a lump, tightly drawn together, body and limbs by strips of bark or cords; and he and every kind of property belonging to him, scrupulously and superstitiously-war implements, his waller-wallert, or opossum-rug, guns, if he has any, even double-barrelled [barreled] ones, although ever so highly valued-are broken; and these with the white and black money, in spite of itching hands longing to take it-every thing, in fact, goes with him into his grave, religiously.-Gravely also is it whispered into the ear of the dead man, that he may rest satisfied in his grave; that his black friends will, without fail, avenge his death. And in consideration of this arrangement, he is requested to refrain from terrifying his old friends and tribe; that he must not haunt them with alien voices, or the foot-marks of strange feet about their encampments. The mourners wear their white-paint mourning, never washing themselves, even if months should elapse before they have performed their vow to the deceased: when they have tasted the enemy's kidney-fat, the mourning ceases. This is a miserable superstition, and causes a great deal of bloodshed.-To discover in what direction the enemy of the dead is to be found, they take an insect, and observe in what direction it crawls; and that is an infallible indication, In that quarter they go, no matter how far, the first native crossing their path is the murderer of the dead, and in his turn becomes the murdered.-Howitt's Impressions of Australia.
CONFERENCE MINUTES.
Minutes of a special Conference of the Cincinatti [Cincinnati] branch of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at Elder Pugh's on the 1st day of June, 1845.
The conference met agreeable to previous appointment, and was called to order by Elder Crippin. Elder John W. Crippin was appointed President, and George Hales Clerk.
The conference was opened by singing and prayer by Elder Abraham Wright. Present-three seventies, two elders, one priest, and two teachers.
The President then laid before them the object of the conference. Elder Elijah Able then preferred a charge against Mrs. Carter, Mrs. Evans, and Miss Jane Roberts, for absenting themselves from the meeting of this branch, and speaking disrespectfully of the heads of the church.
It was then moved and seconded that they be expelled from the church, which was done by a unanimous vote.
The branch numbers thirty-two members, all in good standing. There has been four baptised [baptized] since last conference.
It is with pleasure we inform our brethren and friends that there is more union existing in this branch than there has been for the last three years, for which we give God the glory.
Motioned and carried, that the minutes of this conference be sent to the editor of the "Times and Seasons" for publication.
The conference then adjourned sine die.
JOHN W. CRIPPIN, Pres.
GEORGE HALES, Clerk.
THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
The Western Christian Advocate, the western organ of the Methodist Episcopal Church, seem disposed to treat the late Convention at Louisville, and the new church organized by
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them as schismatic. It files seven objections against the new organization.
1. It is no legitimate division of the M. E. Church.
2. The plan of the General Conference did not authorize, sanction or justify the separation.
3. The new organization possesses many elements of schism-for example, agitation by the press, condemnation of the Church, Bishop Andrew encouraged in contumacy, Bishop Soule encouraged in disregarding the acts of his colleagues.
4. The new Church is pro-slavery.
5. The manner in which the organization has been effected, is of revolutionary tendency in the State.
6. Itenerancy cannot long exist in the new Church.
7. By its pro-slavery principles and action in time, it will be shut out from access to the slaves and colored people of the south.
(->) We copy the foregoing to show our readers how far the spirit of division has seized this generation. Of course they will "treat the new church as schismatic," and the new church will treat the old church as schismatic, and both parties will consider it no legitimate division. If God was in either system, the voice of Jesus would whisper to the boisterous elements, "peace; be still" and immediately, love, union and friendship, would triumph over passion; and the great family of man would rejoice in the Holy One of Israel, and be blest by blessing. But alas! the awful day approaches, when every man will rise to fight his neighbor, and who will go for God?
COMMUNICATIONS.
THE PARACLETES.
CONTINUED.
To continue the history of the seven holy ones, who agreed to take upon them bodies of flesh, and work out a more exceeding and eternal crown of glory, upon Idumia, it will be necessary to premise, that Milauleph, and his first companion in the flesh, knew before they left their "first estate," what their fathers' will was; and that when they should begin to replenish the earth, Satan, who had been raised and educated with them in their father's family, would descend from heaven like lightning to tempt them, that they might know to choose good and reject evil. These two, who had engaged to people Idumia: to subdue it, and to return, having kept the faith once delivered to the chosen seed, were informed, when they agreed to go and labor their hour, that besides the comforter, to bring all things to their remembrance, the angels which attended them on high should attend them below to preserve them from the secret of unforseen [unforeseen] snares of those angels who kept not their first estates, but were left in their sins, to roam from region to region, and in chains of darkness, until the great day of judgment.
It was written in the law of the Lord on high, that they that overcome by obedience, should be made kings and queens, and priests and priestesses to God and his Father, through the atonement of the eldest son, and that natural eyes should not see, nor natural ears hear, neither should the natural heart conceive the great, glorious, and eternal things, honors and blessings, that were then, in the Father's dominions, and mansions, prepared in the beginning for them that kept the faith to the end, and entered triumphantly into their third estates: -the eternal life.
It was also written in the law of the Lord on high, that when the Lord punished men for their sins, he would "punish the hosts of the high ones on high," and the "kings of the earth upon earth,"-that spirit might judge spirit, and flesh judge flesh; for this honor have all the just, and this honor have all the saints.
Having this understanding-Idumia was placed in its space, but was "desolate and empty." and the life organizing power of the Gods, or sons of the "head," moved over the matters and then the land and water separated. And the Gods called "light, and light came," and they went on and organized a world, and created every thing necessary to beautify and adorn it, with life and the power of lives to sustain it, until it should fill the measure of all designed, from a mite to a mammoth; from a man to a God; and Milauleph's and his wife's spirits, clothed in heavenly garments, and learned in eternal wisdom, witnessed the creation, as the spirits of the Gods had witnessed their Father: for even the elder brother could do nothing but what he had seen his Father do in eternities [eternity's] before.
Perhaps this subject may excite the curiosity of some as it will lead the mind back among the worlds that have been organized and passed away,-and among the Gods and angels that have attended to execute the laws and decrees of one universe after another, from eternity to eternity, from the beginning till now; and, to increase the curiosity of having this present world pass away with a great noise, when there is no place found for it;-and of having organized a new heaven and a new earth, wherein dwelleth "righteousness;" and as our fathers cannot be perfect without us, nor we without them; and as the man is not without the woman,
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neither the woman without the man in the Lord, perhaps Milauleph and his wife, as king and queen to God, and all the sons and daughters of the "head" will shout for joy, and the morning stars sing together again, at the "third" entrance of Idumia and sanctified millions!-Who knows?
JOSEPH'S SPECKLED BIRD.
FUNERAL OF MRS. CAROLINE SMITH.
At half past 9 o'clock A. M., on Saturday the 24th ult., a lengthy procession of carriages was formed in front of the residence of Mrs. Emma Smith, widow of the martyred Joseph Smith, at the front of which rested, upon a hearse, the coffin that contained the lifeless remains of Mrs. Caroline Smith, deceased wife of Elder William Smith, of the quorum of the Twelve.
At 7 o'clock P. M., of Thursday previous, her spirit took its flight to the spirit world, leaving her companion, two daughters, and numerous relatives and friends to mourn her loss.
The procession moved on slowly and majestically, and arrived at the stand east of the Temple, where it halted. The corpse was conveyed in front of the stand; the mourners were seated around it, and at 10 o'clock the services were opened by prayer from Elder Page.
After singing, Elder Orson Pratt arose and delivered an address, of which the following is the substance:-
"We will read a few passages of scripture contained in the seventh chapter of the revelations of St. John, commencing at the ninth verse. [He read the remainder of the chapter.]
The words of our text, which will be a foundation upon which to predicate some remarks upon the present occasion, will be found in the forty-fourth verse of the fifteenth chapter of Paul's Epistle to the Corinthians: 'It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.'
Brethren, sisters and friends,-we have assembled ourselves together, this morning, upon this solemn and important occasion, to pay our last earthly respects so [to?] a beloved sister, whose remains now lay before us. It is a custom among the nations of the earth to witness their respect for deceased friends by following them to the place of interment, and it is also a custom with the Saints of the Most High God, to assemble themselves together to hear a word of consolation and instruction upon such occasions.
It may not be amiss to make a few remarks, this morning, upon the subject of the resurrection of the dead. In reflecting upon this subject, the mind is led to inquire: why is it that the human family are subject to death, to a separation of soul and body? Why is it that the plan of the resurrection was devised? These are questions of vast importance, and are gratifying to be understood.
Death is no part of the original plan of salvation; that is, the Almighty did not decree it from before the foundation of the world, independent of the agency of man. But it has been entailed upon us as a curse; not in consequence of our own transgressions, but in consequence of the transgression of our first parents in the garden of Eden.
In the morning of creation all things were pronounced good by the Creator, as they rolled into organized existence unsullied and without a curse. Man, the last and noblest of God's creation was placed in the garden of Eden, being governed by laws and restricted by commandments, not being subject to sickness, disease, or death. Adam was placed upon the earth an immortal being. He was placed in the garden to dress, beautify and adorn it, and to hold the supremacy of power over all the things of God's creation.
Instead of our first parents eating animal food, they subsisted upon herbs and the fruits of the earth, which were originally designed for the food of man, and had they not transgressed they would have both been living upon the earth at the present day, as fair, as healthy, as beautiful and as free from sickness and death, as they were previous to the transgression. What was that transgression? It was violating a single commandment of God, and disregarding the counsel of those immortal beings who stood above them in authority. The Creator placed in the garden a certain tree and warned Adam that in the day he eat the fruit thereof he should surely die. He commanded him not to eat the fruit. His was a simple commandment; but the violation of it subjected Adam to a fall from his exalted station in the favor of God. Consequently a curse was passed upon all created things, and in the posterity of Adam were sown the seeds of dissolution.
Some have imbibed the idea that the fruit of the tree which Adam was commanded not to eat, contained the properties of death, which, when eaten by Adam, diffused through his system the nature of mortality. This may be the case, and it may not; I do not pretend to say at present. It is sufficient, for the present occasion, for us to know that it was in consequence of transgression that misery and death entered this fair creation. And you who mourn the loss of friends, do not harbor the
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idea that it is in consequence of any sin of your own that you are deprived of the society of friends, and are subject, yourselves, to the sting of death. This is not the case.
I said in the first of my remarks, that death was not devised by the Almighty independent of the agency of man. This you will perceive to be a correct remark, when you understand that notwithstanding Adam was an immortal being, yet he acted upon his agency, having the power, like one of us, to obey or disobey the commandments of God. That transgression subjected him to a curse, and that was a fall from a state of immortality to that of mortality; consequently you see that it was through his agency that death entered the world. The scriptures inform us in one place, that by one man death entered the world. Again it says: 'As in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.' We also read in another text that in consequence of the transgression of one man, judgment was passed upon all men unto condemnation. These passages will be sufficient to prove my statements.
Having examined briefly the origin and extent of the curse, let us now examine the extent of its duration, and see if any way has been devised by which it will ever be removed. For if there has not been a plan devised, then there is no resurrection of the dead; for the effect of the curse upon Adam and his posterity was a final and complete destruction of the body. When death ensued, the spirit took its departure from the body, never to be united with it again.-This was to be the deplorable condition of the human family, and this would have been their fate, had not an atonement been made, and a plan of redemption been devised. But, thanks be to the great Ruler of heaven and earth, an atonement has been made and a plan has been devised, by which the human family will be redeemed from the curse and be brought up from their graves in a state of immortality and eternal life. Dry up your tears, brethren and sisters; let your hearts rejoice with the assurance that we soon shall meet with those for whom we mourn, never more to be separated by death-Were it not for this atonement, it would be far better for our spirits had they never taken tabernacles. Deplorable would have been our condition to all eternity.
The spirit of the Savior, from the eternal world, looked down upon the condition of the human family, and in order that they might be redeemed he offered to come into the world, take a tabernacle and lay down his life as an atonement for the transgression of Adam. His was a pure and holy spirit, having never been sullied by the commission of sin, therefore the grave could not retain him. He came and did the will of the Father, lived without the commission of sin, laid down his life for the sins of the world; therefore was the atonement complete and the redemption universal.
What is to be understood by the term spiritual body? I am aware that this is a difficult question to answer. The sectarian would suppose that a spirit is something capable of being every where present; that it can fly away beyond the bounds of time and space,' and be present there at the same time that it is present with us here. But as for the Saints of the Most High God, we do not believe in the existence of any place or thing 'beyond the bounds of time and space,' neither do we believe in any immateriality, being connected with any of the creations of God. We believe that spirit is as much a substance as the earth on which we move, yet it is of a more refined substance and nature; -so refined that mortal eyes cannot behold; but when our sight becomes celestialized and strengthened, then can we behold spirit as distinctly as we now can behold one another.-What did Paul mean when he said it should be raised a spiritual body? Did he mean that the flesh and bone that would be raised would be spirit? No: But he meant that after bone had come together to its bone, and flesh and sinews had come upon the bones and they had been covered with skin, according to Ezekiel, that the form would be quickened to life by the spirit of God, which would constitute it a spiritual body.
Some people suppose that when a person dies his spirit enters immediately into those high degrees of glory, designed for them from before the foundation of the world. This is a mistaken idea. If you will examine the Bible, the Book of Mormon and the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, you will find that there is but very little recorded relative to the situation of the spirit after it leaves the body, before it again unites with the same. But it is revealed in the Book of Mormon that the spirit goes back to the Father of all spirits, and finds a place of rest, where it will remain until the resurrection, when it will again possess the body that it laid down in consequence of the curse, and thus be prepared to enter upon higher exaltations and glories in the eternal world. During the period of this separation the spirit will not be employed in ministering to beings of flesh and bone; but they will minister to their own kind; they will be ministers to the world of spirits, preaching the gospel to those who did not embrace it previous to their separation from their bodies. How do you think the spirit of the Savior spent the three days that
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intervened between his crucifixion and his resurrection? Did he sit down in his Father's kingdom and do nothing but slap his hands and sing praises? His Father unfolded to him the world of spirits. He looked upon them and saw that they were his lawful, legitimate brothers and sisters in the spirit, that they all descended from the same Father, and he possessed the natural feeling of anxiety to redeem his kindred from their situation. The Father commissioned him to preach the gospel to them and show them the plan by which they could be brought up in the resurrection and prepare themselves for higher glories. This is the way that he spent the time, and this is the way that every person who holds the priesthood will spend the time that intervenes between his death and his resurrection. The spirits of men are not all that will be employed in this delightful task; but you too, my sisters, will take a part therein, for you will hold a portion of the priesthood with your husbands, and you will thus do a work, as well as they, that will augment that glory which you will enjoy after your resurrection.
The next thing we will speak of will be the reward that will be bestowed upon the resurrected Saints. This is something upon which all inspired men have spoken and written; and it is a theme that rejoices the hearts of the Saints while contemplating it.
The Saints will not receive their crowns of glory until after their resurrection. When the curse in part shall be removed from the world; when wickedness and abomination shall be known no more in the land, then will the Saints come forth clothed with immortality, and be crowned with power and glory as a reward for all their labors. No person will be crowned with power in the eternal world, (we are to be kings and priests to God to all eternity,) unless they have been ordained thereto in this life, previous to their death, or by some friend acting as proxy for them afterwards, and receiving it for them. What is it to be kings and priests? It is to have honor, authority and dominion, having kingdoms to preside over, and subjects to govern, and possessing the ability ever to increase their authority and glory, and extend their dominion.
Paul perfectly understood that the Saints would not receive their crowns of reward until after the resurrection, when he remarked:-'I have fought the good fight; I have kept the faith; and from henceforth is a crown of glory laid up for me, which the Lord the righteous Judge shall give me at that day, and not only me, but to all those who love his appearing.'
Our beloved sister, whose remains are now before us, has fallen asleep with the assurance of a glorious resurrection, and she will come up, being numbered with those who have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb, having passed through great tribulations. She has a right to this honor. She passed through the Missouri persecutions, with her companion, and was ever faithful and true to the cause of God. Her constitution was destroyed in consequence of the hardships she there endured. Soon after she came to Illinois, she was taken sick with the dropsy, which continued to prey upon her system, and something like two years ago, through the advice and counsel of her friends, she went with her husband to the east, for the purpose of recovering her health. Some two weeks ago she returned to this city. Every exertion was made to restore her to health; but her disease was of so long standing, and had become so settled upon her system, that it was impossible to restore her, and her spirit was called back to the world of spirits, to await that period when she shall be called forth from her grave by the power of the presthood [priesthood], to join again with her companion and friends in a state of immortality, to be crowned with celestial honors in the kingdom of our God."