Times and Seasons/6/15

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Times and Seasons 6, Number 15

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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. 15.]	CITY OF NAUVOO, ILL. AUG 15, 1845.	[Whole No. 123.

HISTORY OF JOSEPH SMITH.

Continued.

At a council of the high priest and elders at my house, in Kirtland on the evening of the 12th of February, I remarked, that I should endeavor to set before the council the dignity of the office which had been conferred on me by the ministering of the angel of God, by his own voice, and by the voice of this church that I had never set before any council in all the order of it, which it ought to be conducted, which, perhaps has deprived the councils of some, or many blessings.

And I continued and said, no man is capable of judging a matter, in council, unless his own heart is pure, and that we frequently are so filled with prejudice, or have a beam in our own eye, that we are not capable of passing right decisions, &c.

But to return to the subject of order: in ancient days councils were conducted with such strict propriety that no one was allowed to whisper, be weary, leave the room, or get uneasy in the least; until the voice of the Lord, by revelation, or by the voice of the council by the spirit was obtained, which has not been observed in this church to the present. It was understood in ancient days, that if one man could stay in council, another could; and if the President could spend his time, the members could also: but in our councils, generally, one will be uneasy, another asleep; one praying, another not; one's mind on the business of the council, and another thinking on something else, &c.

Our acts are rendered, and at a future day they will be laid before us, and if we should fail to judge right and injure our fellow beings, they may be there, perhaps, condemn us; there they are of great consequence and to me the consequence appears to be of force, beyond anything which I am able to express, &c. Ask yourselves, brethren, how much you have exercised yourselves in prayer since you heard of this council; and if you are now prepared to sit in council upon the soul of your brother?

I then gave a relation of my situation at the time I obtained the record, the persecutions I met with, &c., and prophecied [prophesied] that I would stand and shine like the sun in the firmament, when my enemies and the gainsayers of my testimony shall be put down and cut off, and their names blotted out from among men.

The council proceeded to investigate certain charges presented by Elder Rigdon against Martin Harris, one was, that he told A. C. Russell, Esq. that Joseph drank too much liquor when he was translating the Book of Mormon, and that he wrestled with many men and threw them, &c.; and that he (Harris) exalted himself above Joseph, in that he said, "Brother Joseph knew not the contents of the Book of Mormon, until it was translated, but that he, himself knew all about it before it was translated."

Brother Harris said he did not tell Esq. Russell that Brother Joseph drank too much liquor while translating the Book of Mormon, but this thing occurred previous to the translating of the book; he confessed that his mind was darkened, and that he had said many things inadvertantly [inadvertently], calculated to wound the feelings of his brethren, and promised to do better. The council forgave him, with much good advice.

Brother Rich was called in question for transgressing the word of wisdom, and for selling the revelations at an extortionary price, while he was journeying east with father Lyons. Brother Rich confessed, and the council forgave him upon his promising to do better and reform his life.

ORSON HYDE, Clerk.

Liberty, Clay county, Mo., Feb. 13, 1844.

A. Leonard Esq; Dear Sir:

I received a line from Wm. Pratt, who called on you a few weeks since, to enquire [inquire] if your service could be secured in the prosecution of claims for damages by our church against the citizens of Jackson county, and by his letter it appears that you are willing to engage. So far as I have conversed with the principal leaders of our church, they are desirous to secure your services, which also meets the approbation of our counsel in this county, viz: Messrs. Reese, Doniphon [Doniphan], Atchison and Wood.

I write this a few moments before closing the mail, and have not time to state particulars, as to the extent of the suits, &c., but believe that four or five suits have been brought by Phelps & Co., for the destruction of the printing office &c., &c., and by Partridge and others for personal abuse, &c. I understand that at the next Monday term of the circuit court, petition will be made for a change of venue in Jackson county, and I suppose no case can be tried before next June or October term. If it is expedient some one of our people will call on you

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in a few days, and during the interim, wish you to drop a line if convenient.

We have this day received a communication from the Governor of the 4th inst. in which he states, that he is of 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, 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.

The foregoing relates to a court of enquiry [inquiry] into criminal matters, to be held in Jackson county, next Monday week.

Very respectfully, your ob't s'v't,

ALGERNON S. GILBERT.

Minutes of the organization of the High Council of the Church of Christ of Latter-day Saints, Kirtland, February 17, 1834.

This day a general council of twenty-four high priests assembled at the house of Joseph Smith, jr. by revelation, and proceeded to organize the high council of the church of Christ, which was to consist of twelve high priests, and one or three presidents, as the case might require. This high council was appointed by revelation for the purpose of settling important difficulties, which might arise in the church, which could not be settled by the church, or the bishop's council, to the satisfaction of the parties.

Joseph Smith, jr., Sidney Rigdon, and Frederick G. Williams, were acknowledged presidents by the voice of the council; and Joseph Smith, senior, John Smith, Joseph Coe, John Johnson, Martin Harris, John S. Carter, Jared Carter, Oliver Cowdery, Samuel H. Smith, Orson Hyde, Sylvester Smith, and Luke Johnson, high priests, were chosen to be a standing council for the church, by the unanimous voice of the council. The above named counsellors [counselors] were then asked whether they accepted their appointments, and whether they would act in that office according to the law of heaven; to which they all answered, that they accepted their appointments, and would fill their offices according to the grace of God bestowed upon them.

The number composing the council, who voted in the name and for the church in appointing the above named counsellors [counselors], were forty three, as follows: nine high priests, seventeen elders, four priests, and thirteen members.

Voted, that the high council cannot have power to act without seven of the above named counsellors [counselors], or their regularly appointed successors are present. These seven shall have power to appoint other high priest, whom they may consider worthy and capable, to act in the place of absent counsellors [counselors].

Voted, that whenever any vacancy shall occur by the death, removal from office for transgression, or removal from the bounds of this church government, of any one of the above named counsellors [counselors], it shall be filled by the nomination of the president or presidents, and sanctioned by the voice of a general council of high priests, convened for that purpose, to act in the name of the church.

The president of the church, who is also the president of the council, is appointed by revelation, and acknowledged, in his administration by the voice of the church; and it is according to the dignity of his office, that he should preside over the council of the church; and it is his privilege to be assisted by two other presidents, appointed after the same manner as he himself was appointed; and in case of the absence of one or both of those who are appointed to assist him, he has power to preside over the council without an assistant; and in case that he himself is absent, the other presidents have power to preside in his stead, both or either of them.

Whenever an high council of the church of Christ is regularly organized, according to the foregoing pattern, it shall be the duty of the twelve counsellors [counselors] to cast lots by numbers, and thereby ascertain who, of the twelve, shall speak first, commencing with number one; and so in succession to number twelve.

Whenever this council convenes to act upon any case, the twelve counsellors [counselors] shall consider whether it is a difficult one or not; if it is not, two only of the counsellors [counselors] shall speak upon it, according to the form above written. But if it is thought to be difficult, four shall be appointed; and if more difficult, six: but in no case shall more than six be appointed to speak.-The accused, in all cases, has a right to one half of the council, to prevent insult or injustice; and the counsellors [counselors] appointed to speak before the council; and every man is to speak according to equity and justice. Those counsellors [counselors] who draw even numbers, that is, two, four, six, eight, ten and twelve, are the individuals who are to stand up in the behalf of the accused, and prevent insult or injustice.

In all cases the accuser and the accused shall have a privilege of speaking for themselves, before the council, after the evidences are heard:

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and the counsellors [counselors] who are appointed to speak on the case, have finished their remarks. After the evidences are heard, the counsellors [counselors], accuser and accused have spoken, the president shall give a decision according to the understanding which he shall have of the case, and call upon the twelve counsellors [counselors] to sanction the same by their vote. But should the remaining counsellors [counselors], who have not spoken, or any one of them, after hearing the evidences and pleading impartially, discover an error in the decision of the president, they can manifest it, and the case shall have a re-hearing, and if, after a careful re-hearing, any additional light is shown upon the case, the decision shall be altered accordingly: but if no additional light is given, the first decision shall stand, the majority of the council having power to determine the same.

In cases of difficulty respecting doctrine, or principle, (if there is not a sufficiency written to make the case clear to the minds of the council,) the president may inquire and obtain the mind of the Lord by revelation.

The high priests, when abroad, have power to call and organize a council after the manner of the foregoing, to settle difficulties when the parties, or either of them, shall request it: and the said council of high priests shall have power to appoint one of their own number, to preside over such council for the time being. It shall be the duty of said council to transmit, immediately, a copy of their proceedings, with a full statement of the testimony accompanying their decision, to the high council of the seat of the first presidency of the church.-Should the parties, or either of them, be dissatisfied with the decision of said council, they may appeal to the high council of the seat of the first presidency of the church, and have a re-hearing, which case shall then be conducted, according to the former pattern written, as though no such decision had been made.

This council of high priests abroad, is only to be called on the most difficult cases of church matters: and no common or ordinary case is to be sufficient to call such council.-The travelling [traveling] or located high priest abroad, have power to say whether it is necessary to call such a council or not.

There is a distinction between the high council of travelling [traveling] high priest abroad, and the travelling [traveling] high council composed of the twelve apostles, in their decisions: From the decision of the former there can be an appeal, but from the decision of the latter there cannot. The latter can only be called in question by the general authorities of the church in case of transgression.

Resolved, that the president, or presidents of the seat of the first presidency of the church, shall have power to determine whether any such case, as may be appealed, is justly entitled to a re-hearing, after examining the appeal and the evidences and statements accompanying it.

The twelve counsellors [counselors] then proceeded to cast lots, or ballot, to ascertain who should speak first, and the following was the result; namely:-

Oliver Cowdery, No. 1 John Johnson, No. 7

Joseph Coe " 2 Orson Hyde " 8

Samuel H. Smith " 3 Jared Carter " 9

Luke Johnson " 4 Joseph Smith, sen. " 10

John S. Carter " 5 John Smith " 11

Sylvester Smith " 6 Martin Harris " 12

After prayer the conference adjourned.

OLIVER COWDERY,

ORSON HYDE, Clerks

On the 18th, I reviewed and corrected the minutes of the organization of the high council: and on the 19th of February the council assembled, according to adjournment from the 17th, when the revised minutes were presented and read to the council; I urged the necessity of prayer, that the spirit might be given, that the things of the spirit might be judged thereby, because the carnal mind cannot discern the things of God, &c. The minutes were read three times, and unanimously adopted and received for a form and constitution of the high council of the church of Christ hereafter; with this provision, that if the president should hereafter discover any lack in the same he should be privileged to fill it up.

The number present, who received the above named documents was twenty six high priests, eighteen elders, three priests, one teacher, and fourteen private members, making in all sixty two.

After giving such instruction as the spirit dictated, I laid my hands severally upon the heads of the two assistant presidents and blessed them, that they might have wisdom to magnify their offices, and power over all the power of the adversary.

I also laid my hands upon the twelve counsellors [counselors], and commanded a blessing to rest upon them, that they might have wisdom and power to council in righteousness, upon all subjects that might be laid before them. I also prayed that they might be delivered from those evils to which they were most exposed, and that their lives might be prolonged on the earth.

My father Joseph then laid his hands upon my head and said, "Joseph, I lay my hands upon thy head and pronounce the blessing of thy progenitors upon thee, that thou mayest hold

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the keys of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven until the coming of the Lord: Amen."

He also laid his hands upon the head of his son Samuel and said, "Samuel, I lay my hands upon thy head, and pronounce the blessing of thy progenitors upon thee, that thou mayest remain a priest of the Most High God, and like Samuel of old, hear his voice, saying, Samuel, Samuel; Amen."

John Johnson, also, laid his hand upon the head of his son Luke and said, "My father in heaven, I ask thee to bless this my son, according to the blessings of his forefathers, that he may be strengthened in his ministry, according to his holy calling; Amen."

I then gave the assistant presidents a solemn charge, to do their duty in righteousness, and in the fear of God, I also charged the twelve counsellors [counselors] in a similar manner, all in the name of Jesus Christ.

We all raised our hands to heaven in token of the everlasting covenant, and the Lord blessed us with his spirit. I then declared the council organized according to the ancient order, and also according to the mind of the Lord.

The following complaint was then presented before the council, by a high priest:

Kirtland, February 19th, 1834.

To the President of the High Council of the Church of Christ:

The following charges I prefer against Elder Curtis Hodges, Sen. of this church: First, an error in spirit; Secondly, an error in address or communication, which was in loud speaking, and a want of clearness in articulation which was calculated to do injury to the cause of God; and also, of contending or persisting, that that was a good or proper spirit which actuated him thus to speak, all of which I consider unbecoming an elder in this church, and request a hearing before the high council.

Signed, EZRA THAYER.

Elder Hodges plead "not guilty" of the above charges.

Father Lyon's was called on to substantiate the above charges, and his testimony was pointed against Brother Hodges. Brother Story testified that Elder Hodges talked so loud at a prayer meeting that the neighbors came out to see if some one was not hurt. At another meeting, he said that Elder Thayer rebuked him for his error, but he did not receive the rebuke; that he raised his voice so high that he could not articulate so as to be understood; and that his teaching brought a damp upon the meeting, and was not edifying. Brother E. Babbitt was then called upon, who testified that Elder Hodges was guilty of hallooing so loud that in a measure he lost his voice, and uttered but little else distinctly, "Glory to heaven's king." His testimony was pointed against Brother Hodges, and Brother T. Wait testified much the same,

Counsellor [Counselor] O. Cowdery stood up on the part of the accuser, and opened the case handsomely and clearly.

Counsellor [Counselor] J. Coe stood up on the part of the accused, but could say but a few words.

The accuser and accused then spoke for themselves, after which, the president arose and laid open the case still more plain, and gave his decision, which was, that the charges in the declaration had been fairly sustained by good witnesses; also, that Elder Hodges ought to have confessed when rebuked by Elder Thayer; also, if he had the spirit of the Lord at the meetings, where he hallooed, he must have abused it, and grieved it away. All the council agreed with the decision.

Elder Hodges then rose and said, he then saw his wrong, but never saw it before, and appeared to feel thankful that he saw it. He said he had learned more during this trial, than he had since he came into the church-confessed freely his error, and said he would attend to overcoming that evil, the Lord being his helper. The council forgave him and adjourned to the evening of the 20th.

O. COWDERY,

ORSON HYDE, Clerks.

From the N. Y. Messenger.

MESSAGE,=

TO THE SAINTS IN THE EASTERN AND MIDDLE STATES;

Greeting:

I have just arrived in New York from Nauvoo, the City of the Saints, having been duly appointed and sent by the presiding authorities of the whole church, to preside over the churches in the east-having the same extent of jurisdiction -the same power and authority, and the same calling, office, and priesthood, in every respect, which were vested in and entrusted with your former President, Parley P. Pratt, who has now returned, by the sanction of the presidency, to his family and friends in the west.

It is with feelings of no ordinary kind that I now enter upon the highly responsible duties of a watchman and shepherd, and a presiding officer over you. Great are the responsibilities and highly important are the duties of one who is entrusted with the oversight and welfare of numerous branches of the church of the living God. I am happy to state, from correct sources of information, that the churches now under my charge, have been left by their former president

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for the most part in a flourishing and prosperous condition. Peace, love, union, and good order seems to prevail among them. A knowledge of true order and government of the kingdom of God has greatly increased; the power and authority of its officers are more perfectly understood and appreciated, and in short, the laws, ordinances, blessings, keys and sealing powers of this last dispensation, have been more fully opened to their minds, by which their faith has been strengthened, their union and love increased, and their desires have become more ardent to receive all necessary preparations to obtain eternal salvation for themselves, their progenitors, and their children.

The present prospects of the saints in the east are indeed cheering. The dark clouds which have hung over their heads with threatening aspects, are breaking away. The drooping minds and spirits (occasioned by the false teachings, unvirtuous practices, and hellish conduct of Adams and others,) are beginning to revive. The countenances of the saints wear a more cheerful and serene aspect; while hope, gladness, and joy animates their bosoms and stimulates them to action. The officers in the different branches seem to more perfectly understand their duties, and are ready under all circumstances, at a moments warning, to obey counsel, to preside, preach, administer ordinances, to go and come, or labor with their own hands as they are directed by legal authority. The influence of Rigdon with his organized apostacy [apostasy], is twice dead-plucked up by the roots-lost-swallowed up and engulphed [engulfed] in its own deep pit of corruption.

The law of tithing has been cheerfully complied with and with willingness, by many of the saints; while others are making speedy preparations to do the same, Every arrangement is being made by the faithful, to gather up their substance and flee to the city of the saints, unto the place of the Temple of the Most High.

It is with great satisfaction and pleasure that I enter upon my official duties as President, under circumstances so highly favorable.

To a people so well instructed it would seem almost superfluous to enter into an explanatory detail of the several duties devolving upon me and upon those officers and churches under my immediate and special charge; but yet I deem it wisdom to point out to you, in some respects the course I intend pursuing.

And, first, I highly approve of all the rules, regulations, appointments, teachings, counsels, and official acts of President Parley P. Pratt, and shall endeavor to support, uphold, and carry out all his measures, as far as it is practicable under circumstances which may or shall exist.

Let the high priests, elders and other officers continue in their respective fields of labor, according to their several appointments until they receive further counsel from me.

Let all the rules and regulations established by President Pratt, in relation to conferences, ordinations, sending on missions, &c., be strictly observed and adhered to by all.

Let every high priest, elder, officer, and member be careful not to teach, either publicly or privately any doctrine or precept contrary to the word of God, or the principles of sound morality and virtue.

And should any officer or member be found instilling or disseminating any principles, in public or in private, which could be considered, even by the world, as unvirtuous or immoral, let him speedily be reported to the proper authorities and dealt with according to the strict principles of the law of God.

And should any of the presiding officers in the east be found violating these rules, let them, without delay, be immediately reported to me, together with the testimony concerning the same.

All covenants and promises which may have been entered into by any of the saints in the east, in relation to the eternal union, independent of the sanction and approbation of him who holds the keys of the sealing power as conferred by Elijah are null and void, being made in unrighteousness, and directly in opposition to the order of the kingdom of God.

If a husband and wife wish to enjoy each others society in the world to come, let all their covenants and promises be made at a proper time-in a proper place; and under the sanction and approbation of the ONE holding the legal authority and keys of these sacred things.

And if any of the saints shall be found violating any of these sacred, virtuous and holy principles, let them be reported and dealt with strictly.

Let parents and guardians pay strict attention to the virtue and morality of their children and those placed under their charge. Your responsibilities towards them are great and highly important.

Let children seek counsel from, and obey their parents ( who are in the church,) in all things; for in the kingdom of God, parents and children hold the same relation to each other in regard to government and obedience, in time and all eternity.

The same eternal relation of perfect government on the part of the father, and of perfect

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obedience on the part of the children, should be maintained that exists between the Eternal Father and his son Jesus Christ.

Let all the officers in every branch, thoroughly teach the saints, both by precept and example, the principles set froth in this message that heaven-born virtue may shine forth in all your words and in short,

Let virtue by your motto, Let virtue-lovely virtuo [virtue],

Let virtue be your guide; In holy triumph reign;

Let virtue in her beauty, Let virtue sway her sceptre [scepter],

Be your immortal bride. O'er valleys, hills, and plain.

The temple of God is beginning to attract the attention of the saints more generally. By the tithings and unwearied exertions of the faithful, its walls have been erected; the roof has been put on, and much of the inside work finished and ready to be placed in its proper position. The glass and nails have been obtained, and some of its rooms will immediately be completed and prepared for the administration of the ordinances of endowment.

If the saints in the east desire a name and place in the temple, and wish to be legally entitled to the blessings to be administered therein, let them comply with all readiness and willingness with the whole law of tithing; that is, let them ascertain the full value of all they possess, and give one tenth of the same; and let all your tithings and consecrations be rejected with cursings instead of blessings.-Let those who have already complied with this law, remember that one tenth of their annual income is the Lord's from this time henceforth and forever.

Be punctual and honest in all these things.

The Lord cannot be cheated.

Remember Annanias and his wife, and shun their example.

A book for the record of tithings is now opened at the Messenger office, No. 7 Spruce Street, New York, where I will attend in person, to receive and record all the tithings of the churches within my special jurisdiction, and forward the same to headquarters to be recorded in the temple record.

And I hereby warn all people, both in the eastern and middle states, to pay no tithing to anyone except to me, or to my order, and to such other legal agents as are, or shall be appointed by the Twelve, whose names will appear in our periodicals as authorized agents, and who will also hold a certificate of agency, having the private seal of the Twelve.

The church will not be responsible for any tithings which shall be paid to any other persons.

Let the authorized agents in the eastern and middle states who have received tithings, forward the same, with the names to me at our office by some safe conveyance.

The names of each individual, together with the amount of tithing paid by each, will be published in the Messenger.

I intend visiting the most, if not all, the branches of the church under my charge.

The time that I will be at the different branches will be announced in the Messenger. Let the saints have their tithings in readiness.

I request Elders Brown of Connecticut, Snow of Boston, Grant and Appleby of Philadelphia, and all other officers engaged in the ministry, to send frequent communications to me by letter, (postage paid,) that I may know the state, standing and condition of the branches, and be in possession of all other information necessary to the welfare of the saints, and spread of the gospel in these parts.

As there has been a great inquiry in the east, for the Book of Covenants, I take this opportunity to inform the officers and saints generally, that I have several hundred on hand, price, one dollar and twenty five cents.

Also, just issued from the press, the "Prophetic Almanac" for 1846. Price, 6 1-4 single, 4 dollars per hundred.

Brethren support the Messenger, and buy all our standard works, and let the approved authors among he saints be upheld, sustained, and encouraged.

The press, if rightly used, can be made a mighty engine of truth, more terrible to this guilty generation, than the hand writing on the wall was to Belshazzar. Open your purses, and stretch out the hand of assistance, and sustain us, and we will sustain you.

Remember if the head falters from the want of proper nourishment and attention, the whole body will be feeble, sickly and faint.

And now dear brethren, I beseech and exhort you, by your hopes of eternal salvation, and by all that is sacred and holy, that you refrain from every evil work, and give diligent and earnest heed to the teachings and counsels of those ordained to hold the keys of power on the earth.

Let no false doctrine proceed out of your mouth, such, for instance, as the doctrine that the devil and his angels will be redeemed: and that the tabernacle of our martyred prophet and seer, or of any other person, was, or is the

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especial tabernacle of the Holy Ghost, in a different sense from that considered in relation to his residence in other tabernacles. These are doctrines not revealed, and are neither believed nor sanctioned by the Twelve, and should be rejected by every saint:

Cultivate peace, love and union among yourselves. Uphold, by your prayers, those appointed to preside over you.

With anxious desires for your welfare, and with the warmest feelings of affection and love, I subscribe myself, your faithful shepherd, in the new and everlasting covenant.

ORSON PRATT.

New York, August 25th, 1845.

From the N. Y. Messenger.

THE FULFILMENT OF PROPHECY CONCERNING THE ARABS.

The history of the Arabs, so opposite in many respects to that of the Jews, but as singular as theirs, was concisely and clearly foretold.-It was prophesied concerning Ishmael:-"He will be a wild man; his hand will be against every man, and every man's hand will be against him: and he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren. I will make him fruitful, and multiply him exceedingly; and I will make him a great nation. Gen. xvi 12; xvii. 20.

The fate of Ishmael is here identified with that of his descendants; and the same character is common to them both. The historical evidence of the fact, the universal tradition, and constant boast of the Arabs themselves, their language, and preservation for many ages of an original rite, derived from him as their primogenitor, confirm the truth of their descent from Ishmael. The fulfilment [fulfillment] of the prediction is obvious. Even Gibbon, while he attempts from the exceptions which he specifies to evade the force of the fact, that the Arabs have maintained a perpetual independence, acknowledges that these exceptions are temporary and local; that the body of the nation has escaped the yoke of the most powerful monarchies; and that "the arms of Sesostris and Cyrus, of Pompey and Trajan, could never achieve the conquest of Arabia." But even the exceptions which he specifies, though they are justly stated, and though not coupled with such admissions as invalidate them, would not detract from the truth of the prophecy. The independence of the Arabs was proverbial in ancient as well as in modern times; and the present existence, as a free and independent nation, for a people who derive their descent from so high antiquity, demonstrates that they have never been wholly subdued, as all the nations around them have unquestionably been; and that they have ever dwelt in the presence of their brethren. They not only subsist unconquered to this day, but the prophesied and primitive wildness of their race, and their hostility to all, remains unsubdued and unaltered. "They are a wild people; their hand is against every man; and every man's hand is against them." In the words of Gibbon, which strikingly assimilate with those of the prophecy, they are armed against mankind." Plundering is their profession. Their alliance is never courted, and can never be obtained; and all that the Turks, or Persians, or any of their neighbors can stipulate for from them, is a partial and purchased forbearance. Even the British, who have established a residence in almost every country, have entered the territories of the descendants of Ishmael to accomplish only the premeditated destruction of a fort and to retire. It cannot be alledged [alleged] with truth, that their peculiar character and manner, and its interrupted permanency, are the necessary results of the nature of their country. They have continued wild and uncivilized, and have retained their habits of hostility towards all the rest of the human race, though they possessed for three hundred years countries the most opposite in their nature from the mountains of Arabia. The greatest part of the temperate zone was included within the limits of the Arabian conquests; and their empire extended from the confines of India to the shores of the Atlantic, and embrace a wider range of territory than ever was passed by the Romans, those boasted masters of the world.-The period of their conquest and dominion was sufficient, under such circumstances, to have changed the manners of any people: but, whether in the land of Shinah, or in the valleys of Spain, on the banks of the Tigris, or the Tagus, in Arabia the blessed, or Arabia, the barren, the prosperity of Ishmael have ever maintained their prophetic character; they have remained, under every change of condition, a wild people; their hand has still been against every man, and every man's hand against them.

The natural reflection of a recent traveler, on examining the peculiarities of an Arab tribe, of which he was an eye-witness, may suffice, without any art of controversy, for the illustration of this prophecy: "On the smallest computation, such must have been the manners of those people for more than three thousand years: thus in all things verifying the prediction given of Ishmael at his birth, that he, in his posterity, should be a wild man, and always continue to be so, though they shall dwell for ever in the presence of their brethren.-And that an acute and active people, surrounded

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for ages by polished and luxurious nations, should from their earliest to their latest times, be still found a wild people, dwelling in the presence of all their brethren, (as we may call those nations,) unsubdued and unchangeable, is indeed a standing miracle; one of those mysterious facts which establish the truth of prophecy."

Recent discoveries have brought to light the miraculous preservation and existence, as a distinct people, of a less numerous, but no less interesting race; "a plant which grew up under the mighty cedar of Israel, but was destined to flourish when that proud tree was leveled to the earth." "Thus saith the Lord of Hosts, the God of Israel, Jonadab the son of Rechab shall not want a man to stand before me forever."-Jer. xxxv 19. The Rechabites still exist, "a distinct and easily distinguishable" people.-They boast of their descent from Rechab. profess pure Judaism, and all know Hebrew. Yet they live in the neighborhood of Mecca, the chief seat of Mahometanism, and their number is stated to be sixty thousand. The account given of them by Benjamin of Tudela, in the twelfth century, has very recently been confirmed by Mr. Wolff, and, as he witnessed, and heard from an intrepid "Rechabite cavalier," there is not a man wanting to stand up as a son of Rechab.

TIMES AND SEASONS

CITY OF NAUVOO,

AUGUST 15, 1845.

THE DAY WE LIVE IN-There never was a more eventful day, than the one we live in. The spring and summer brought us such a catalogue of disaster by water and calamities by land that the very 'report of them was a vexation; and now while the elements seem to rest a little from the work of ruin among men, the angry passions of the people are awaking for a pastime of vengeance. The freedom of the press is trampled under foot in Kentucky, and a printing establishment transported to another State. In New York the Landlord and tenant have commenced an argument, ad hominem, to free a free government of the relics of nobility and monarchy. One man has been killed in Delaware county in indeavoring [endeavoring] to make sale of property for rent upon a Landlord's warrant; and as the passions of men are now easily excited, more victims than one may expect to be sacrificed.

The day we live in, is full of very important events. The whole earth seems to be in commotion, and, with what inexpressible joy ought every saint to keep the commandments which have been given for the salvation of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints!

If salvation had been, in ancient times, as plenty in Egypt as in the land of Canaan, would there have been any need of leading Israel out of bondage? If God be served as well in Babylon as in Jerusalem, why was the Temple of Solomon reared in the latter city? We throw out these hints to awaken the saints abroad to their duty. Trouble, vexation, yea, a day of anguish and wrath, is at the doors of this generation; and instead of better times, look out for worse: yea, prepare for that day when he that will not take up the sword and fight his neighbor, must, of necessity, flee to Zion for safety.

The words of the Savior to the Jews must be applied to the Gentiles: "O Jerusalem., Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! Behold your house is left unto you desolate."