Communications

Liberty Jail, Missouri, Dec. 16, 1838

To the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Caldwell county, and to those who are scattered abroad, who are persecuted and made desolate, and who are afflicted in divers manners, for Christ's sake and the Gospel's, by the hands of a cruel mob, and the tyranical [tyrannical] disposition of the authorities of this State.

We are sensible also, that your perils are greatly augmented by the wickedness and corruption of false brethren, may grace, mercy and peace be and abide with you. And notwithstanding all your sufferings we assure you that you have our prayers and fervent desire for your welfare both day and night.

We believe that, that God who sees us in this solitary place, will hear our prayers and reward you openly.

Know assuredly Dear brethren, that

it is for the testimony of Jesus, that we are in bonds and in prison ; but we say unto you, that we consider our condition better, notwithstanding our sufferings, than those who have persecuted and smitten us, and have borne false witness against us; and although our enemies seem to have a great triumph over us for the present, we most assuredly believe and know, that their triumph will be but short, and that God will deliver us out of their hands, notwithstanding their bearing false witness and other wise. We want you, brethren, to remember Haman and Mordecai, you know that Haman could not be satisfied, so long as he saw Mordecai, at the kings gate, consequently he sought the life of Mordecai, and the whole Jewish people. But the Lord so ordered it, that Haman was hanged upon his own gallows: so shall it come to pass with poor Haman in the last days.

Those who have sought by their unbelief and wickedness; as well as by the principle of mobocracy, to destroy us and the people of God, by killing and scattering them abroad, and wilfully [willfully] and maliciously delivering us into the hands of murderers, desiring us to be put to death, and having us dragged about in chains and cast into prison! and for what cause? It is because we were honest men, and were determined to defend the lives of the saints, at the expense of our own; I say unto you that those, who have thus vilely treated us, shall like Haman be hanged on their own gallows, or in other words, shall fall into their own gin and ditch, which they have prepared for us, and shall go backward and stumble, and fall, and their name shall perish, and God shall reward them according to all their abominations.

Dear Brethren, do not think that our hearts are faint, as though some strange thing had happened unto us, for we have seen these things before hand, and have an assurance of a better hope, than our persecutors, therefore God has made our shoulders broad, so that we can bear them: We glory in our tribulations, because we know that God is with us, that he is our friend, and he will save us. We do not care for those that can kill the body; knowing that they cannot harm our souls. We ask no favors at the hands of mobs, of the world, or of the devil; not yet of any of his emmissaries [emissaries], the desenters [dissenters]. We have never dissembled nor will we for the sake of our lives: inasmuch then as we know we have been endeavouring [endeavoring], with all our mights, minds, and strength to do the will of God in all things whatsoever he has commanded us, we feel a satisfaction which we would not part with for any worldly advantage whatever. As to our light speeches which may have escaped our lips from time to time, they have nothing to do with the fixed principles of our hearts; and those who have taken offence [offense] at any thing which may inadvertantly [inadvertently] have escaped our lips, we would refer them to Isaiah's description of those, who make a man an offender for a word, and lay a snare for those that reprove in the gate: We have no retraction to make, we have reproved in the gate, and men have laid snares for us; we have spoken words and men have made us offenders; yet notwithstanding all this, our minds are not darkened, but we yet feel strong in the Lord. But behold the words of the Savior, "if the light which is in you became darkness, how great is that darkness: Look at the desenters [dissenters].-And again. "If you were of the world the world would love its own.

Look at those men, viz: Hinckle, Corril and Peck, by whom we were led into the camp, as the Savior was led, like lambs prepared for the slaughter and as sheep before the shearers are dumb, so we opened not our mouths. But the men being greedy of gain sold us into the hands of those who loved them, for the world loved his own.-We would also remember W. W. Phelps who came to us as one of Job's comforters: God suffered such kind of beings to afflict Job, but it never entered into their hearts that Job would get out of it all.

This poor man who professes to be much of a prophet, has no other dumb ass to ride, but David Whitmer or to forbid his madness, when he goes up to curse Israel; but this not being of the same kind of Balaam's, therefore, notwithstanding the angel appeared unto him, yet he could not sufficiently penetrate his understanding, but that he brays out cursings instead of blessings. Poor ass, whoever [whoever ?] lives, will see him

and his rider perish like those who perished in the gainsaying of Core, or after the same condemnation, unless they repent. Now as for these and the rest of their company; we will not say that the world loves them, but we presume to say that they love the world; therefore we classify them in the error of Balaam, and in the gainsaying of Core: and with the company of Cora, Dathan and Abiram.

In speaking thus some of our brethren may think we are offended at those characters, if we are, it is not for a word, neither because they reproved in the gate; but because they have been the means of sheding [shedding] innocent blood.-Are they not murderers then at the heart? are not their consciences seared as with a hot Iron? We confess that we are offended. The Savior said "that offences [offenses] must come; but woe unto them by whom they come? And again, "Blessed are ye when men shall revile you and speak all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake, rejoice and be exceeding glad for great is your reward in heaven, for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you."

Now dear brethren, if any men ever had reason to claim this promise we are the men, for we know that the world not only hates us, but "speak all manner of evil against us falsely," for no other reason, but because we have been endeavoring to teach the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. After we were bartered away by Hinckle and were taken into the camp of the millitia [militia], we had all the evidence we could have wished, that the world hated us and that most cordially too. The priests of the different sects hated us. The Generals hated us, the colonels hated us, the officers and soldiers hated us; and the most profane blasphemers, drunkards, and horemongers hated us. And why? Because of the testimony of Jesus Christ. Was it because we had committed treason against the government, or burglary, or larcany [larceny], or arson or any other unlawful act; we know that such things have been reported by certain priests, lawyers and judges who are the instigators and abettors of a certain gang of murderers and robbers, who have been carrying on a scheme of mobocracy to uphold their priestcraft against the saints of the last days; and have tried by a well contemplated and premeditated scheme to put down by physical power, a system of religion that all the world, (by fair means,) and all their intelligence, were not able to resist. Hence mobbers were encouraged by priests and Levites, by pharisees [Pharisees] and saducees [Saducees], by essenees [Essenees] and herodions [Herodions], and by the most abandoned and wicked characters that are suffered to live upon the earth, indeed a parallel cannot be found any where of such characters who gathered together to steal, to plunder, to starve and to exterminate the saints: these are the characters, who by their treasonable acts, have desolated and laid waste Daviess county. These are the characters that would fain make all the world believe that we are guilty of the above names acts; but they represent us falsly [falsely]; we say that we have not committed treason, nor any other unlawful act in Daviess county.

Was it for murder in Ray county, that we were thus treated? We answer no. We were not present when the mobs came forth in that direction, who after dragging our brethren from their homes, and burning their habitations and killing several of our beloved friends, but not without the expense of, some of their own lives; retreated and after getting clothed with the authority of militia, raised the cry of murder! treason! &c. and appeared as innocent as a sheep. This suited their purpose, but if their borrowed garb had been torn off; instead of the peaceable sheep we should have found all the characteristics of the prowling wolf guilty of the murder of innocent and harmless men; therefore, on the heads of that mob with Bogard at their head be the crime and upon them rests the curse.

Was it for commiting [committing] adultery? We are aware that false and slanderous reports have gone abroad, which have reached our ears, respecting this thing, which have been started by renagadoes [renegades], and spread by the dissenters, who are extremely active in spreading foul and libilous [libelous] reports concerning us; thinking thereby to gain the fellowship of the world, knowing that we are not of the world; and that the world hates us. But by so doing they only show themselves to be vile traitors and sycophants.

Some have reported that we not only dedicated our property, but likewise our families to the Lord, and Satan taking advantage of this has transfigured it into lasciviousness, a community of wives, which things are an abomination in the sight of God.

When we consecrate our property to the Lord, it is to administer to the wants of the poor and needy according to the laws of God, and when a man consecrates or dedecates [dedicates] his wife and children to the Lord, he does not give them to his brother or to his neighbor; which is contrary to the law of God, which says, "Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not covet thy neighbors wife" "He that looketh upon a woman to lust after her has committed adultery already in his heart."-Now for a man to consecrate his property, his wife and children to the Lord is nothing more nor less than to feed the hungry, cloth the naked, visit the widows and fatherless, the sick and afflicted; and do all he can to administer to their relief in their afflictions, and for himself and his house to serve the Lord. In order to do this he and all his house must be virtuous and "shun every appearance of evil. Now if any person, has represented any thing otherwise than what we now write they have willfully misrepresented us.

We have learned also since we have been in prison that many false and pernicious things, which were calculated to lead the saints astray and do great injury, have been taught by Dr. Avard, who has represented them as coming from the presidency; and we have reason to fear, that many other designing and corrupt characters, like unto himself, have taught many things, which the presidency never knew of, until after they were made prisoners which, if they had known, they would have spurned them and their authors as they would a serpent.

Thus we find, that there has been frauds, secret abominations, and evil works of darkness going on leading the minds of the weak and unwary into confusion and distraction, and all of which has been endeavored to be palmed upon the presidency, who were ignorant of these things which were practised [practiced] upon the church in our name. And now brethren what can we enumerate more, is not all manner of evil of every description spoken against us falsly [falsely], yea we say unto you falsly [falsely]. We have been misrepresented misunderstood and belied, and the purity of our hearts have not been known. And some have gained influence by their hypocracy [hypocrisy] sanctified appearance and the pious discourses which they have delivered. And our souls have been bowed down and we have suffered much distress in consequence thereof, and truly we have had to wade through an ocean of trouble.

We could enumerate the names of many who have acted in a mean and dastardly manner, some of whom we once considered our friends men whom we once thought would never condescend to such unhallowed proceedings, but their love of the world and the praise of men has overcome every feeling of virtue, and they have yielded obedience once more to their old master, consequently their last end will be worse than the first. It has happened to them according to the words of the Savior. The dog has returned to his vomit, and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire." If those under Moses' law did without mercy under two or three witnesses, of how much severer punishment, suppose ye, shall those be thought worthy, who have betrayed and denied the new and everlasting covenant, by which they were sanctified, and called it an unholy thing; and have done despite to the spirit of grace. Again we would say inasmuch as their is virtue in us; and the keys of the kingdom have not been taken from us; and the holy priesthood has been confer'd upon us, (for verily thus saith the Lord, be of good cheer, for the keys I gave unto you are yet with you;) therefore we say unto you dear brethren, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, that we deliver these characters unto the buffetings of satan until the day of redemption that they may be dealt with according to their works and from henceforth shall their works be made manifest.

And now dear and well beloved brethren, to you who have continued faithful, both men women and children, we exhort you in the name of the Lord Jesus to be strong in the

faith of the new and everlasting covenant, and nothing frightened at your enemies for what has happened to us is a token to our enemies of damnation but unto you and us of salvation, and that of God: therefore hold on, even unto death, for he that seeks to save his life shall loose it, but he that looseth his life for my sake and the gospel shall find it" saith the Saviour [Savior].

Brethren from henceforth let truth and rightousness [righteousness] prevail and bound in you, and in all things be temperate abstain from drunkenness, profane language, and from every thing which is unrighteous and unholy, and from the very appearance of evil: be honest one with another; for it seemeth some have come short in this thing, and some have been uncharitable towards their brethren who were indebted to them: while they have been dragged about in chains and cast into dungeons: such persons will have their turn and sorrow in the rolling of the great wheel; for it rolleth and none can hinder: remember whatsoever measure you meet it shall be measured to you again.

Zion shall yet live: although she seemeth to be dead. We say unto you brethren: be not afraid of your adversaries: contend earnestly against mobs, and the unlawful works of dissenters, and of darkness; and the very God of peace shall be with you: and make a way for your escape from your adversaries. We commend you to God and the word of his grace; which is able to make you wise unto salvation. Amen. JOSEPH SMITH, Jr.

To all the people unto whom these presents shall come .-GREETING.

Be it known that we the constituted authorities of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, assembled in conference, at Nauvoo, Hancock county and State of Illinois, on this, sixth of April, in the year of our Lord, one thousand, eight hundred and forty, considering an important event at hand, an event involving the interest and fate of the Gentile nations throughout the world. From the signs of the times, and from declarations contained in the oracles of God, we are forced to come to this conclusion.

The Jewish nation have been scattered abroad among the Gentiles for a long period; and in our estimation, the time of the commencement of their return to the Holy Land, has already arrived.

As this scattered and persecuted people are set among the Gentiles as a sign unto them of the second coming of the Mesiah [Messiah]; and also, of the overthrow of the present kingdom's and Governments of the earth, by the potency of his Almighty arm in scattering famine and pestilence like the frosts and snows of winter, and sending the sword, with nation against nation to bathe it in each others blood: It is highly important, in our opinion, that the present views and movements of the Jewish people be sought after, and laid before the American people for their consideration, their prophet and their learning; and feeling it to be our duty to employ the most efficient means in our power to save the chilren [children] of men from the 'abomination that maketh desolate."-We have, by the counsel of the Holy Spirit, appointed Elder Orson Hyde, the bearer of these presents, a faithful and worthy minister of Jesus Christ, to be our agent and representative in foreign lands, to visit the cities of London, Amsterdam, Constantinople and Jerusalem; and also others places that he may deem expedient, and converse with the priests, rulers and Elders of the Jews, and obtain from them all the information possible, and communicate the same to some principal paper for publication, that it may have a general circulation throughout the United States.

As Mr. Hyde has willingly and cheerfully accepted the appointment to become our servant, and the servant of the public in distant and foreign countries for Christ's sake, we do confidently recommend him to all religious and christian people, and to gentlemen and ladies, making no profession as a worthy member of society, possessing much zeal to promote the happiness of mankind, fully believing that they will be forward to render him all the pecuniary aid he needs, to accomplish this laborious and hazardous mission for the general good of the human family. Ministers of every denomination, upon whom Mr. H. shall call, are requested to hold up his hands and aid him by their influence, with an assurance that

such as do this, shall have the prayers and blessing of a poor and an afflicted people whose blood has flowed to test the depths of their sincerity, and to crimson the face of freedoms soil with MARTYR'S BLOOD.

Mr. Hyde is instructed by this conference to transmit to this country nothing but simple facts for publication, entirely disconnected with any peculiar views of theology, leaving each class to make their own comments and draw their own inferences.

Given under our hands, at the time and place before mentioned. JOSEPH SMITH, jr. Ch'r. ROBERT B. THOMPSON, Clerk.

Bro's Smith and Robinson, will discover, by the conference minutes, that our worthy brother, Elder John E. Page, was duly appointed by said conference to accompany me in this mission; and to receive the same credentials as my own.

Yours sincerely,

ORSON HYDE.

Perry, Pike co. Ill. March 26 th , 1840.

BRO'S ROBINSON AND SMITH,

It has been some over three month since we (Bro's William Burton and myself) commenced laboring in this village and its vicinity, including a small part of Brown co.

When we commenced proclaiming the sacred truth of the everlasting gospel to the inhabitants of the before mentioned places, there was but little appearance of much success; but we cannot always correctly determine what will be effected by a presentation of pure, simple, unadultered [unadulterated] truth, in it purity, excelencies [excellencies], and unblemished beauties, accompanied by the corresponding evidence, with an exhibition of its general utility and application to individuals in order to produce peace, love, and joy in this life, which is an earnest of that glory and immortality to be given to the heirs of the celestial kingdom in eternity. I have learned from experience, that, though men may be filled with prejudice produced by the many varying false, malicious reports circulated in order to hinder the progress of the fullness of the gospel, by mobs, hireling priests and their dupes; yet, when they hear the unalloyed truth spoken by the power of the Holy Ghost, their prejudice gradually gives way to the spirit of examination, (if they are honest,) and truth, the legitimate offspring of investigation when rightly directed, bursts upon their minds in all its superior grandure [grandeur]. Who can stop the work of the great God? Can persecution in all its direful forms? Can tribulation? Can all the power of earth and hell? I answer no! no!!-For as the great king of day rising in the east causes the dew of night to disappear forever, while he illumines the western horizon by his genial rays, so will error, lies, and gross darkness which now covers the people as a thick mantle, be forever swept away by the benign influence of truth, and the knowledge (not a think about) of the Lord cover the earth, and all shall know (not believe about) him from the least unto the greatest: I have baptized twenty in this and Brown county, since we have been preaching here, notwithstanding we have had to fight hard against rumor with her many tongues. Bro. Burton started home the 10th inst.; he is a faithful minister of Christ, and though young in the cause, has been a great assistant to me in the good work.

I organized a branch of the church in Brown county on thursday last, about seven miles from this place, consisting of eleven members, seven of which I baptized, four were members before, Bro. Loderwick Ferre, and elder was elected to preside over this branch, Bro. William Rickmore was elected Teacher, and Bro. Samuel Rickmore Deacon, and were ordained under my hands: this Branch I have named the Moroni branch of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. This branch own a school-house, it is spacious and will perhaps accommodate a hundred people.

On last Sunday I organized [organized] a branch of the church in Brown county, between four and five miles from this village, consisting of eighteen members; this branch elected Br. Stephen Abbott to the office of an elder, Br. Levi Powel Priest, Br. William Jaques Teacher, Br. John Brown Deacon: they were ordained under my hands: Br. Abbott was elected to preside over this branch. On Tuesday last I baptized three more,

which will unite themselves with this branch, which raises its numbers to twenty one, eight of which were members before, thirteen were baptized by me: this branch will meet on every other Sunday at this village: this branch I have been pleased to name Union branch of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, as it will meet on one Sunday either at republican school-house, or Br. Jacque's, Brown county, and the other at Perry Pike county, at the house of sister Ferre's.

I can truly say the work of the Lord is onward in this section of the country.

We have had only two public attacks by Rev. heads, or would be divines but soon they took the hint and deserted.

The truth in power will cut its way,

The book of Mormon will surely sway,

Till people many yet shall see,

Zion glorious, happy, free.

Your brother in the patience of the gospel of the Son of God. JOSEPH WOOD.

Adams co. Ill. March 30th, 1840.

MESSRS. ROBINSON AND SMITH.

I take this opportunity to inform you of my success in the vineyard of the Lord, the winter past. I left my home last Nov. to preach the gospel in Tennessee, trusting alone in the Lord to sustain me, as I was alone, and never had attempted to preach before. I commenced preaching in DeKalb co. the people were very prejudiced in consequence of the falsehoods that had been written from Missouri, by our most zealous persecutors, but on hearing, expressed their surprise to hear me contend so strongly for the bible, and its requirements; and that we should be persecuted for preaching the very order of things which all Christendom was earnestly praying for.

On arriving at Overton co. I found Elder J. Moses, we preached together two weeks and baptized two. I then went to Jackson co. and preached almost constantly for six weeks, doors were open on the right hand and left. I have baptized ten in all and others are believing; Br. Moses joined me in Jackson co., we traveled and preached in many places, but could not supply all the calls, the prejudice of the people appeared to give way on hearing for themselves, our wants was supplied, we never lacked for a comfortable place to lodge, we obtained 21 subscribers for the Times and Seasons, and the call was Books! Books!! But the common weapon misrepresentation was used against us by individuals, we was invited to a public discussion of our principles, which we accepted, the debate lasted three days. Myself and Br. Moses on the affirmative, and Rev. S. Dewhitt and F. A. Stone, (campbelites) Negative, points at issue was.

1st That the Book of Mormon is a Sacred Record, and was translated by inspiration of God and came forth in fulfillment of Prophecy.

2nd, That Apostles and Prophets and Spiritual gifts, such as prophecyings [prophesies], healings, diversities of tongues and the interpretation of tongues; are necessary in the church of Christ according to his order, at the close of the debate we baptize one, there are others, we think, who will obey the first oportunity [opportunity]. I arrived at home on the 28 inst. found my family in good health, My prayer to God is that he will roll on his good begun work until error cannot be found, and truth pervade the whole earth, in hope of which I remain your friend and brother in the testimony of the new and everlasting covenant. GEORGE W. GEE.

March 20th, 1840 MESSRS. ROBINSON AND SMITH.

Gentlemen. In the midst of the serpentine windings of human life, and by a well directed turn of divine providence, I have been favored with the reception of the voice of warning and instruction to all people; also, the Times and Seasons; by the politeness both works with wonder and admiration; the voice of warning, I find contains the plain truth and much sound logic.

Now Gentlemen, I am no Mormon, nor have I ever heard a Mormon preacher, neither have I ever seen a regular Mormon member of society: but in perusing the Times and Seasons I was

struck with horror and astonishment, to find such a long list of horrid and bloody persecutions, in the midst of the land of christendom and in our land of boasted liberty.

My Lord and my God; can this be the religion of the benign prince of peace? What, to see a band of preachers of various denominations, who denominate themselves the ministers of the gospel plenipotentiary; placed at the head of a bloody mob, with swords and gun in hand, marching forth in the midst of blood and slaughter; fire and devastation; in order to take the lives of innocent [innocent] men, women and children! No wonder that men are driven into the doctrine of infidelity and skepticism: I have been well nigh driven into infidelity myself, in consequence of such abominable conduct of sectarians; until I took the second thought, and actually found that they were not the ministers of the gospel; but the priests of sectarianism. now it is no marvel that they do so, for their craft is in danger. Do so how, do what? why fight for the maintainance [maintenance] of their religion, instead of maintaining it by the truth, and the word of God.

Old mother superstition and fanaticism, does all the mischief, that are at the begining [beginning] of all blood shed, and the original stamina of all religions persecution: the doctrine of metaphysics is one of the first born heirs of superstition, and holds a strong hand in the great contention of the world for power and despotism!! O avaricious superstition! who art thou? When will thy cruel jaws be glutted with human blood? will thy wicked heart never be satisfied with the groans of the dying, and the cries of helpless infants, and the ears of decriped [decrepit] old age? O ignorance! thou demon of human happiness; better for us that thou had never been born. I am your friend, with due respect.

_____________________________________________________ASAL OWEN.