An Epistle of the Twelve

To the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, in Nauvoo and all the world ... GREETING.

Beloved Brethren:-Forasmuch as the saints have been called to suffer deep affliction and persecution, and also to mourn the loss of our Prophet and also our patriarch, who have suffered a cruel martyrdom for the testimony of Jesus, having voluntarily yielded themselves to cruel murderers who had sworn to take their lives, and thus like good shepherds have laid down their lives for the sheep, therefore it becomes necessary for us to address you at this time on several important subjects.

You are now without a prophet present with you in the flesh to guide you; but you are not without apostles, who hold the keys of power to seal on earth that which shall be sealed in heaven, and to preside over all the affairs of the church in all the world; being still under the direction of the same God, and being dictated by the same spirit, having the same manifestations of the Holy Ghost to dictate all the affairs of the church in all the world, to build the kingdom upon the foundation that the prophet Joseph has laid, who still holds the keys of this last dispensation, and will hold them to all eternity, as a king and priest unto the most high God, ministering in heaven, on earth, or among the spirits of the departed dead, as seemeth good to him who sent him.

Let no man presume for a moment that his place will be filled by another; for, remember he stands in his own place, and always will; and the twelve apostles of this dispensation stand in their own place and always will, both in time and in eternity, to minister, preside and regulate the affairs of the whole church.

How vain are the imaginations of the children of men, to presume for a moment [moment] that the slaughter of one, two or a hundred of the leaders of this church could distroy [destroy] an organization, so perfect in itself and so harmoniously arranged that it will stand while one member of it is left alive upon the earth. Brethren be not alarmed, for if the Twelve should be taken away still there are powers and offices in existence which will bear the kingdom of God triumphantly victorious in all the world. This church may have prophets many, and apostles many, but they are all to stand in due time in their proper organization, under the direction of those who hold the keys.

On the subject of the gathering, let it be distinctly understood that the City of Nauvoo and the temple of our Lord are to continue to be built up according to the pattern which has been commenced, and which has progressed with such rapidity thus far.

The city must be built and supported by the gathering of those who have capital, and are willing to lay it out for the erection of every branch of industry and manufacture, which is necessary for the employment and support of the poor, or of those who depend wholly on their labor; while farmers who have capital must come on and purchase farms in the adjoining country, and improve and cultivate the same.-In this way all may enjoy plenty, and our infant city may grow and flourish, and be strengthened an hundred fold; and unless this is done, it is impossible for the gathering to progress, because those who have no other dependence cannot live together without industry and employment.

Therefore, let capitalists hasten here; and they may be assured we have nerves, sinews, fingers, skill and ingenuity sufficient in our midst to carry on all the necessary branches of industry.

The Temple must be completed by a regular system of tithing, according to the commandments of the Lord which he has given as a law unto this church, by the mouth of his servant Joseph.

Therefore, as soon as the twelve have proceeded to a full and complete organization of the branches abroad, let every member proceed immediately to tithe himself or herself, a tenth of all their property and money, and pay it into the hands of the Twelve; or into the hands of such Bishops as have been, or shall be appointed by them to receive the same, for the building of the Temple or the support of the priesthood, according to the scriptures, and the revelations of God; and then let them continue to pay a tenth of their income from that time forth, for this is a law unto the church as much binding on their conscience as any other law or ordinance. And let this law or ordinance be henceforth taught to all who present themselves for admission into this church, that they may know the sacrifice and tithing which the Lord requires, and perform it; or else not curse the church with a mock membership as many have done heretofore. This will furnish a steady public fund for all sacred purposes, and save the leaders from constant debt and embarrassment, and the members can then employ the remainder of their capital in every branch of enterprise, industry, and charity, as seemeth them good; only holding themselves in readiness to be advised in such manner as shall be for the good of themselves and the whole society; and thus all things can move in harmony, and for the general benefit and satisfaction of all concerned.

The United states and adjoining provinces will be immediately organized by the Twelve into proper districts, in a similar manner as they have already done in England and Scotland, and high priests will be appointed over each district, to preside over the same, and to call quarterly conferences for the regulation and representation of the branches included in the same, and for furtherance of the gospel; and also to take measures for a yearly representation in a general conference. This will save the trouble and confusion of the running to and fro of elders; detect false doctrine and false teachers, and make every elder abroad accountable to the conference in which he may happen to labor.-Bishops will also be appointed in the larger branches, to attend to the management of the temporal funds, such as tythings [tithings], and funds for the poor, according to the revelations of God, and be judges in Israel.

The gospel in its fulness [fullness] and purity, must now roll forth through every neighborhood of this wide-spread country, and to all the world; and millions will awake to its truths and obey its precepts; and the kingdoms of this world will become the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ.

As rulers and people have taken counsel together against the Lord; and against his annointed [anointed]. and have murdered him who would have reformed and saved the nation, it is not wisdom for the Saints to have anything to do with politics, voting, or president-making, at present.-None of the candidates who are now before the public for that high office, have manifested any disposition or intention to redress wrong or restore right, liberty or law; and therefore, wo unto him who gives countenance to corruption, or partakes of murder, robbery or other crueldeeds [cruel deeds].

Let us then stand aloof from all their corrupt men and measures, and wait, at least, till a man is found, who, if elected, will carry out the enlarged principles, universal freedom, and equal rights and protection, expressed in the views of our beloved prophet and martyr, General Joseph Smith.

We do not, however, offer this political advise as binding on the consciences of others; we are perfectly willlng [willing] that every member of this church should use their own freedom in all political matters; but we give it as our own rule of action, and for the benefit of those who may choose to profit by it.

Now, dear brethren, to conclude our present communication, we would exhort you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, to be humble and faithful before God, and before all the people, and give no occasion for any man to speak evil of you; but preach the gospel in its simplicity and purity, and practice righteousness, and seek to establish the influence of truth, peace and love among mankind, and in so doing the Lord will bless you, and make you a blessing to all people.

You may expect to hear from us again.

BRIGHAM YOUNG,

President of the Twelve.

Nauvoo, August , 1844

MAGNA EST VERITAS, ET PRÆVALEBIT.

We use the foregoing caption, because, in the first place, it is appropriate, and in the second, the piece to which we mean to apply it, carries out the prediction, that "truth is mighty and will prevail," Slander and Mobocracy, are twins, and, for the sake of displaying their charms to a lovesick world, we can but ask a wide spread, and faithful perusal, by press and people, of the following touching remarks of a correspondent in the "Philadelphia Sun."-The writer understands his subject and tells the truth: and the gay world, religious world, and world of mankind, may speculate on Mormonism what they will, the die is cast, the deed is done, and, like he that sits on the white horse, with a bow in his hand, that cause, "goes forth conquering and to conquer!"

JOSEPH SMITH, MAYOR OF NAUVOO, MURDERED.

"The intelligence of this heart sickening event, coming to us as it did, from that polluted source, the St. Louis papers, was looked upon as incredible, not because there were wanting a sufficient number of incarnate fiends in Missouri, ready and willing to commit such an act, but because it was deemed impossible that the more sober minded people of Illinois, could harbor among them, demons of so black a die, as they must be, who murdered Joseph and Hyrum Smith.

Subsequent intelligence received from other sources, confirms the truth of the diabolical act, and puts the matter beyond dispute, that these men have been murdered-aye, cowardly murdered, after having surrendered themselves up as prisoners to the protection of the laws.

I refer to the whole letter of Gov. Ford, as contained in the United States Gazette of Saturday, the 13th instant, to satisfy the reader, that in the case of the Smiths, there has been an act not merely of illegal butchery, but a complication of the foulest treachery, the most cowardly assassination, the most unexampled atrocity. No event that has taken place since our country has had an independent existence, seems to be so horrible in all its phazes [phases] as this.

The papers of St. Louis, Warsaw, and of this city, with a few exceptions, have resorted to every subterfuge to justify the butchery of these innocent men, who had resigned themselves unrestingly and confidingly to the protection of the law, under the pledge of the highest authority in the state. In the inquirer of this city of the 9th inst., (a paper that has given us for some time past, a daily dish of abuse of the Mormons,) I find the following:

"One of the Mormons attempted to escape from prison, when a general confusion ensued around the Jail; Joe and his Mormon fellow-prisoners it seems had provided themselves with pistols, and commenced firing upon the guard within." The same paper says, "he then attempted to escape from the window, when a hundred balls entered his body, and he fell a lifeless corpse."

Now had there been any of these pretended circumstances of extenuation which the INQUIRER and other papers so greedily picked up and publish they might chuckle over their murdered victims, and rejoice at the consummation of their long meditated purposes. But the truth has been told, and shall be told, however disagreeable it may be to slanderous editors to hear it.

And what are the facts of the case? The Cincinnati Gazette states that "a mob disguised in dress, and painted black their faces, rushed into the jail, shot Hyrum dead, and killed Joe." This statement is fully corroborated by the Warsaw signal extra, of June 29 as copied by the United States Gazette of Saturday. Not a particle of evidence is there, that either of the prisoners had arms in their possession, or that they made the least resistance. Joe was it appears leaning or sitting upon a window when

he was shot; he fell from it exclaiming, "my God! my God!" and died upon reaching the ground. He was afterwards stabbed in the breast by apparently a young man, who as he stabbed, said with a demoniac [demonic] fury, "take that."

The Inquirer, after contributing its efforts to bring about these appalling murders by publishing every lie that has been promulgated against the Mormons, cries out "Horrible! we can scarce credit the account," but in the next paper published on the 9th, the editor has evidently got rid of his horror, and with about as much complacency and self-satisfaction as an anaconda exhibits by licking its chops after breakfast on a tiger, he says: "We presume the Mormons will now find another prophet, who will assume Joe Smith's functions."

It is not for the writer of these remarks to predict what the Mormons will do under their present circumstances. But a very little acquaintance with the history of past ages, will bear him out in his assertion, that since the time of the Arabian Mahomet, there never were circumstances in the history of a religious sect, so propitious to the establishment and wide spread increase of its votaries, as there are now exhibited in the history of the Mormon sect. The manner and circumstances of Mr. Smith's death, have invested his cause with a dignity, and have infused an element of success, greater than its most devoted friends could have anticipated.

There wants nothing but a deep conviction of the TRUTH of the Mormon doctrine to animate a dozen of Smith's adherents to set out on a mission from the scene of their prophet's martyrdom, and effects of the most astounding character in the religious world must necessarily follow.

Nauvoo and Carthage will become the Mecca and Medina of the Mormon Prophet, and thousands of devotees may be drawn to make holy pilgrimages to the scenes of the prophet's labors and of his death.

`But what shall be said of the Saturday Courier? of this city, a paper which has to its motto, in staring capitals, "neutral in Politics and Religion." Can any of the numerous readers of the courier have failed to notice the undying enmity of the editor of that paper towards the Mormons or Latter Day Saints? The Courier's strange kind of neutrality has been exhibited towards this sect, "which is every where spoken against," for the last seven years. The next number of that paper will most likely, with much grimace in humble imitation of the Inquirer, head a paragraph respecting Joseph Smith's murder, with the words, "Horrible!! we can scarce credit the account," but before this is done, I would recommend the editor to re-peruse the pleasant article in the courier of the 19th of June, headed "peppering a Mormon," in which with such evident malignant satisfaction and delight he describes an attempt by a mob to murder by strangulation a Mormon preacher in Hagerstown, which attempt failed by the timely escape of the Preacher, and not by any effort on the part of the authorities; or of the citizens present to prevent it.

The Courier should for the sake of truth and consistency, strike its flag of neutrality in RELIGION, while it wages a war of extermination against the Mormons; the only sect in christendom, who in this nineteenth century can exhibit the irresistable [irresistible] evidence of martyrdom in support of its cause.

The newspapers throughout our land, with very few exceptions, and these, to their honor be it said, not professing neutrality in religion, have given their tacit consent for the adoption of Lynch Law; if they have not openly advocated it, so far as the Mormons are concerned; now, when they find the seeds they have sown are beginning to spring up in a plentiful harvest of blood, affect to be astonished, and cry out, "horrible!! we can scarce credit the account."

The writer of these remarks regrets his inability to give a biographical sketch of Joseph Smith, the Mayor of Nauvoo. But the world will not long wait for the biography of a man whose actions in life have ranked him among the truly great; and whose death of martyrdom for the religion he taught will consecrate his character and prolong the effect of his labors to succeeding generations.

Not long after the massacre of the Mormons in Missouri, the writer of this sketch had the pleasure of seeing and becoming acquainted with Joseph Smith, while he was on a visit to this city. Although he then endured bodily affliction, and great mental suffering, owing to the great privations he had undergone, and the slaughter of many of his friends, yet he appeared calm and dignified in his deportment, and perfectly resigned to the calamitous events which had befallen him. In person Mr. Smith was taller than the ordinary size of men, well formed and with commanding aspect. His countenance was free, open and prepossessing, no one could discover anything in his face but love and kindness and charity towards all his fellow creatures. He was easy of access to all that sought his acquaintance, and in a remarkable degree unassuming. A short acquaintance with Mr. Smith was sufficient to convince the most skeptical of his inability to do any dishonorable of immoral act, much less to

commit those high and horrible crimes with which he has been frequently charged, and as frequently proved to be innocent.

After his return from the dungeons of Missouri, Mr. Smith repaired to Washington, and in a respectful manner laid his grievances and those of his sect before the President and Congress. Instead of obtaining redress from the representatives of the people for the lands and property of his friends, which had been confiscated by the people of Missouri, he and his brethren received only insult and additional injury.

He subsequently bent his way, under apparently happier auspices, to Illinois, in search of a place, where he and those of his profession might live in peace, and be permitted to worship his God in their own way, and where none might molest or make them afraid. He selected a beautiful site for a city, on the banks of the Mississippi, and having purchased the land, he invited his followers to join him. Hundreds nay thousands, became proselytes to the faith he professed, hard sufferings had already given his preachers an astonishing success, and multitudes flocked to Nauvoo as to a place of refuge, and commenced building the city.

And what has been the result? In a spot where eight or nine years ago the feet of--man seldom trod, where the panther and the bear had roamed without meeting a human face, there are now congregated upwards of ten thousand souls. An increase like this, probably unparalleled in the United States, and certainly was never exhibited in any other country.

But a greater honor to this city and its founder remains to be mentioned-Within this city there is more order, more personal security, more public virtue, more industry and fewer instances of crime prevailing, than in any town if its size in the world.

And who has been the centre [center] of attraction of such a population? What master spirit has brought these thousands together from far different countries-with habits of life and modes of thinking exceeding dissimilar, embracing, heretofore, systems of faith entirely discordant? The whole world will answer, it was Joseph Smith, a man everywhere spoken against, a man who was stigmatized with the epithets of liar, thief, robber, traitor, and even murderer, by those very men, who in all their conduct towards him and his people, from first to last have convinced the world that they were trying to attach to him names which more properly belonged to themselves. A man who by his death of martyrdom will multiply his followers by hundreds, and perpetuate his name to the latest generations.

In the process of time the city was incorporated by a special act of the legislature of Illinois; and at an election subsequently held, in pursuance of the act of incorporation, Joseph Smith was, without opposition, elected Mayor; which office he held up to the time of his MURDER, giving entire satisfaction to nine-tenths of the population of Nauvoo.

Such was the man whom the public press throughout the country has been incessantly traduced and villified [vilified]. It has maddened the brain and embittered the bosoms of millions of the American people against an innocent man, an unoffending religious sect, that sect too of our own nation and kindred.

But fanaticism has done its worst with Joseph and Hyrum Smith, and although no Mormon myself, (never having been a dozen times in their churches,) I would much rather take Joseph Smith's chances for happiness in that undiscovered country whither he has been so untimely hastened, than that of any of his traducers.

Joseph and Hyrum Smith, while living were the heads of a numerous and increasing sect.-By their deaths they become canonized; and the influence of their opinions, whether for good or for evil, has received a powerful if not an irresistible impetus. Mormonism has just begun its career. It will date its greatest triumphs from the MASSACRE AT CARTHAGE PRISON.

And the time is not far distant, when the murders of Joseph Smith, and those who have incited to murder, will be held as execrable, and their names only remembered with infamy, while a monument reaching to the clouds will point the pilgrim and way farer [fairer] to the sepulchre [sepulcher] of the great Founder of Nauvoo, and tell to succeeding ages, the deeds of one of whom it may be truly said, he was a father to the fatherless, and a friend to the widow in her affliction. J. L.