--- title: Times and Seasons description: Issues of 1845 to 1846. authors: - Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints editors: - Ebenezer Robinson - Don Carlos Smith - Smith, Joseph, Jr. - Taylor, John collections: - periodicals tags: - newspaper - times-and-seasons - nauvoo - nineteenth-century periodical: Times and Seasons volume: 6 number: 13 published: 1845-07-15 publisher: E. Robinson and D. C. Smith; later John Taylor publisher_place: Commerce and Nauvoo, Illinois language: en type: article reference: "“The Elders in Kirtland to Their Brethren Abroad,” *Times and Seasons* 6, no. 13 (July 15, 1845): 960–963." printed_title: '"THE ELDERS IN KIRTLAND TO THEIR BRETHREN ABROAD:' source: url: https://archive.org/details/per_utah-and-the-mormons_times-and-seasons_1845-07-15_6_13 transcription: Text from the Centerplace.org transcription (https://www.centerplace.org/history/ts/v6n13.htm), with its page breaks; this Internet Archive scan is the reference copy (its OCR was used only as a witness for OCR repair) identifier: per_utah-and-the-mormons_times-and-seasons_1845-07-15_6_13 start_page: 960 end_page: 963 curator_note: A Mormon newspaper published by the church in Nauvoo; included for historical study. Inclusion does not imply endorsement. rights: status: public-domain basis: US publication 1845 (Nauvoo, Illinois); published before 1931, so public domain in the United States source: https://archive.org/details/per_utah-and-the-mormons_times-and-seasons_1845-07-15_6_13 publication_year: 1845 --- # The Elders in Kirtland to Their Brethren Abroad Dear Brethren in Christ, and companions in tribulation; It seemeth good unto us, to drop a few lines to you, giving you some instruction relative to conducting the affairs of the kingdom of God, which has been committed unto us in these latter times, by the will and testament of our Mediator, whose intercessions in our behalf, are lodged in the bosom of the Eternal Father, and ere long will burst with blessings upon the heads of all the faithful: We have all been children, and are too much so at the present time; but we hope in the Lord that we may grow in grace and be prepared for all things which the bosom of futurity may disclose unto us. Time is rapidly rolling on, and the prophecies must be fulfilled. The days of tribulation are fast approaching, and the time to test the fidelity of the saints, has come. Rumor with her ten thousand tongues is diffusing her uncertain sounds in almost every ear: but in these times of sore trial, let the saints be patient and see the salvation of God. Those who cannot endure persecution and stand in the day of affliction, cannot stand in the day when the Son of God shall burst the veil, and appear in all the glory of his Father with the holy angels. On the subject of ordination, a few words are necessary: In many instances there has been too much haste in this thing, and the admonition of Paul has been too slightingly passed over, which says, "Lay hands suddenly upon no man." Some have been ordained to the ministry, and have never acted in that capacity, or magnified their calling at all: Such may expect to lose their calling, except they awake and magnify their office. Let the elders abroad be exceedingly careful upon this subject, and when they ordain a man to the holy ministry, let it be a faithful man, who is able to teach others also; that the cause of Christ suffer not. It is not the multitude of preachers that is to bring about the glorious millennium! but it is those who are "called and chosen, and faithful." Let the elders be exceedingly careful about unnecessarily disturbing and harrowing up the feelings of the people. Remember, that your business is, to preach the gospel in all humility and meekness, and warn sinners to repent and come to Christ. Avoid contentions and vain disputes with men of corrupt minds, who do dot [not] desire to know the truth. Remember that "it is a day of warning and not a day of many words." If they receive not your testimony in one place, flee to another, remembering, to cast no reflections, nor throw out any bitter sayings. If you do your duty, it will be just as well with you, as though all men embraced the gospel. Be careful about sending boys to preach the gospel to the world; if they go, let them be accompanied by some one who is able to guide them in the proper channel, lest they become puffed up, and fall under condemnation and into the snare of the devil: finally, in these critical times, be careful; call on the Lord day and night. Beware of false brethren, who will creep in among you to spy out your liberties, &c. Awake to righteousness and sin not; let your light shine, and show yourselves workmen that need not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. Apply yourselves diligently to study, that your minds may be stored with all necessary information. We remain your brethren in Christ, anxiously praying for the day of redemption to come, when iniquity shall be swept from the earth; and everlasting righteousness brought in.-Farewell." On Monday night the 24th of December, four aged families, living near the village of Independence, whose penury and infirmities, incident to old age, forbade a speedy removal, were driven from their houses, by a party of the mob, who tore down their chimneys, broke in their doors and windows, and hurled large rocks into their houses, by which the life of old Mr. Miller, in particular, was greatly endangered.-Mr. Miller is aged sixty-five years being, the youngest man in the four families. Some of these men have toiled and bled in the defence [defense] of their country: and old Mr. Jones, one of the sufferers, served as life guard to General Geo. Washington, in the revolution. Well may the soldier of Seventy Six, contemplate with horror, the scenes which surround him at this day in Jackson county, where liberty, law, and equal rights, are trodden under foot. It is now apparent, that no man embracing the faith of this people, whatever be his age or former standing in society, may hope to escape the wrath of the Jackson county mob, whenever it is in their power to inflict abuse. A court of enquiry [inquiry] was held at Liberty Clay county, Missouri, the latter part of this month, to enquire [inquire] into the conduct of Colonel Pitcher, for driving the saints, or Mormons from Jackson county, which resulted in his arrest for further trial by a court martial. December 26. James Blanchard, and Alonzo Rider, were cut off from the church by a council of elders in Kirtland, for repeated transgressions, and promising to reform, and never fulfilling. Nelson Acre was also cut off, on account of his absenting himself from the meetings, and saying that he wanted no more of the church, and that he desired to be cut off, &c. None of these being present, the council notified them of their exclusion by letters-This evening a bishop's court was called to investigate the case of Elder Ezekiel Rider, who had said many hard things against Bishop Whitney: that Brother Whitney was not fit for a bishop, and that he treated the brethren who came into the store with disrespect, that he was overbearing, and fain would walk on the necks of the brethren, &c. Brother Story was also in a similar transgression. I rebuked them sharply, and told them that the church must feel the wrath of God, except they repent of their sins, and cast away their murmurings and complainings one of another, &c., &c. Elder Rigdon also lectured them on the same principles. Brother Rider and Story confessed their wrongs and all forgave one another. December 27th. A bishop's court was called to investigate complaints made against Brothers Elliott, Haggart and Babbit, and their wives, and Jenkins Salisbury, all of whom were present, but the accusers not being present the court adjourned, sine die. The mob sold the materials, or rather gave "Davis and Kelley" leave to take the Evening and Morning Star establishment, to Liberty, Clay county, where they commenced the publication of the "The Missouri Enquirer" a weekly paper. They also paid our lawyers, employed as counsel against the mob, three hundred dollars, on the one thousand dollar note, on agreement: a small amount towards an establishment, which with the book work and furniture, had cost some three or four thousand dollars. From the very features of the celebrated mob circular, previously inserted, it will be seen that they meditated a most daring infraction of the constitution of our country, that they might gratify a spirit of persecution against an innocent people. To whom shall blame be attached in this tragedy, when they in July last, boldly made known their determination to drive the Mormons from Jackson county, "peacibly [peaceably] if they could, forcibly if they must," openly declaring, that "the arm of the civil law did not afford them a sufficient guarantee against the increasing evils of this religious sect;" and in their circular they further say, "we deem it expedient, and of the highest importance, to form ourselves into a company for the better and easier accomplishment of our purposes," and conclude with these high toned words: "we therefore agree, that after timely warning; and upon receiving an adequate compensation for what little property they cannot take with them, they refuse to leave us in peace as they found us, we agree to use such means as my be sufficient to remove them; and to this end, we each pledge to each other, our lives, our bodily powers, fortunes, and sacred honors?" In answer to their bold and daring resolves to guard against anticipated evils. I give the following extract from the Governor's letter in relation to this affair, dated, Oct. 19th, 1833. "No citizen, or number of citizens, has a right to take the redress of their grievances, whether real or imaginary, into their own hands: such conduct strikes at the very existence of society, and subverts the foundation on which it is based." I ask again, to whom shall blame be attached in this tragedy? When the mob previously and publicly declared their intentions; and the principles involved were understood by the executive, as appears by the foregoing; and also by the judiciary, according to Judge Ryland's letter; and the constitution of the land, guarantees equal rights and privileges to all, to whom should blame be attached, but Jackson county mobbers and Missouri? December 31st. Wilford Woodruff, was baptised [baptized] at Richland, Oswego county, New York, by Elder Zerah Pulsipher. 1834. The scattered saints in Missouri commenced the year, eighteen hundred and thirty four, with a conference, which they held in Clay county, on the first day of January, at which Bishop Partridge presided. After transacting much business relative to comforting and strengthening the scattered members of the church, it was Resolved, That Lyman Wight and Parley P. Pratt be sent as special messengers, to represent the situation of the scattered brethren in Missouri to the presidency and church in Kirtland and ask their advice, &c. On the evening of the 2nd of January, a bishop's court assembled in Kirtland to investigate the case of Wesley Hulbert, against whom charges had been preferred by Harriet Howe and others, "that Hulbert had denied the faith, spoken reproachfully of the church, did not believe Joseph was a true prophet, &c. Hulbert was in the place, but did not appear before the court consequently was cut off. Wilford Woodruff was ordained a teacher, at Richland, New York. Liberty, Clay co, January 9th, 1834. Dear Sir; Since my communication of the 29th of November, and a petition dated the 6th of December last, to which my name was attached, I am induced to trespass again upon your patience, with further particulars in relation to the unfortunate faction in Jackson county, on which subject I should be silent, were it not that I entertain a hope of suggesting some ideas that may ultimately prove useful in ameliorating the present suffering condition of my brethren, and in some degree restoring peace to both parties. Being particularly acquainted with the situation of both parties at this day, my desire is, to write impartially; notwithstanding I feel very sensibly the deep wound that has been inflicted upon the church of which I am a member, by the citizens of Jackson county. The petition to your Excellency, dated the 6th of December last, was drawn up hastily by Mr, Phelps, and signed by several of us, just before the closing of the mail; and there is one item in particular in said petition, that needs some explanation; the request that "our men may be organized into companies of Jackson Guards, and furnished with arms by the state," was made at the instance of disinterested advisers, and also a communication from the Attorney General to Messrs. Doniphan and Atchison, da [dated] the 21st of November last, giving his views as to the propriety of organizing into regular companies, &c. The necessity of being compelled to resort to arms, to regain our possessions in Jackson county, is by no means agreeable to the feelings of the church, and would never be thought of but from pure necessity. In relationship to the court of enquiry [inquiry], serious difficulties continue to exist, well calculated to preclude the most important testimony of our church, and there appears to be no evil, which man is capable of inflicting upon his fellow creature man, but what our people are threatened with at this day by the citizens of Jackson county. This intimidates a great many, particularly females and children, and no military guard would diminish their fears so far as to induce them to attend the court in that county; this with other serious difficulties will give a decided advantage to the offenders, in a court of enquiry [inquiry], while they triumph in power, numbers, &c. The citizens of Jackson county, are well aware that they have this advantage, and the leaders of the faction if they must submit to such a court, would gladly hasten it. The church are anxious for a thorough investigation into the whole affair, if their testimony can be taken without so great peril as they have reason to fear. It is my opinion from present appearances, that not one-fourth of the witnesses of our people, can be prevailed upon to go into Jackson county to testify. The influence of the party that compose that faction is considerable, and this influence operates in some degree, upon the drafted militia, so far as to lessen confidence in the loyalty of that body: and I am satisfied that the influence of the Jackson county faction, will not be entirely put down while they have advocates among certain religious sects. Knowing that your Excellency must be aware of the unequal contest in which we are engaged, and that the little handful that compose our church, are not the only sufferers that feel the oppressive hand of priestly power.-With these difficulties and many others not enumerated, it would be my wish to adopt such measures as are best calculated to allay the rage of Jackson county, and restore the injured to their rightful possessions; and to this end, I would suggest the propriety of purchasing the possessions of the most violent leaders of the faction, and if they assent to this proposition, of about twenty of the most influential in that county, (which would embrace the very leaders of the faction,) could be obtained, I think the majority would cease in their persecutions, at least, when a due exercise of executive counsel and authority was manifested. I suggest the measure because it is of a pacific nature, well knowing that no legal steps are calculated to subdue their obduracy, only when pushed with energy by the highest authorities of the state. In this proposal, I believe that I should have the concurrence of my brethren. I therefore give this early intimation of our intention, or the part of some of the leading men in the church, to purchase out some of the principal leaders of the faction, if funds sufficient can be raised; hoping thereby to regain peaceful possession of their homes and in making a trial of this measure at a future day, we may deem it important, and of great utility if we could avail ourselves of counsel and directions from your Excellency, believing there will be a day, in negociations [negotiations] for peace, in which an executive interposition, would produce a salutary effect to both parties. In this communication, with honesty of heart I have endeavored briefly to touch upon a few interesting points in plain truth, believing that I have given no wrong bias on either side, and with earnest prayers to our great Benefactor, that the chief ruler of this state, may come to a full knowledge of the grand outrage in Jackson county. I subscribe myself, Your obedient servant, ALGERNON S. GILBERT. To his Excellency DANIEL DUNKLIN, Jefferson City, Mo. On the evening of the 11th of January, Joseph Smith, jr., Frederick G. Williams, Newel K. Whitney, John Johnson, Oliver Cowdery and Orson Hyde united in prayer, and asked the Lord to grant the following petitions: That the Lord would grant that our lives might be precious in his sight, that he would watch over our persons, and give his angels charge concerning us and our families, that no evil nor unseen hand might be permitted to harm us. That the Lord would also hold the lives of all the united order, and not suffer that any of them shall be taken. That the Lord would grant that Brother Joseph might prevail over his enemy, even Doctor Hurlbert, who has threatened his life, whom Joseph has caused to be taken with a precept; that the Lord would fill the heart of the court with a spirit to do justice, and cause that the law of the land may be magnified in bringing him to justice. That the Lord would provide in the order of his providence, the bishop of this church with means sufficient to discharge every debt that the order owes, in due season, that the church may not be brought into disrepute and the saints be afflicted by the hands of their enemies. That the Lord would protect our printing press from the hands of evil men, and give us means to send forth his record even his gospel, that the ears of all may hear it, and also that we may print his scriptures; and also that he would give those, who were appointed to conduct the press, wisdom sufficient, that the cause may not be hindered, but that men's eyes may thereby be opened to see the truth. That the Lord would deliver Zion, and gather in his scattered people to possess it in peace; and also, while in their dispersion, that he would provide for them that they perish not by hunger or cold; and finally, that God, in the name of Jesus, would gather his elect speedily, and unveil his face, that his saints might behold his glory, and dwell with him. Amen. As soon as the Governor intimated, or the news began to circulate, that the Mormons, (as the people styled the church) would be restored to their possession in Jackson county (if they desired to be) the "priests' of all denominations, as the men behind the scene, with the mob, began to set their springs in motion, and by their secret councils, and false publications and insinuations, soured the public mind, and veiled the administration of the laws, so that anything like a return to their houses and lands, or recovery of damages for losses sustained, seemed as distant as the day of judgment. The power of wickedness and darkness walked hand in hand together, and the saints mourned. January 16th. I visited Brother Jenkins Salisbury, and spent the night. O Lord! keep us and my family safe, until I return unto them: O my God, have mercy on my brethren in Zion, for Christ's sake: Amen.