Speech of Elder Orson Hyde, Delivered Sunday, June 15, 1845

AS REPORTED BY G. L. WATT.

It has fallen to my lot, brethren and sisters, to occupy a short time this morning, although I do not feel competent to the task of making this congregation hear me, in consequence of the wind. I shall do the best I can, and speak as loud as I can, and endure to the end. I hope there may be perfect order in the congregation, especially so, on the outskirts; let there be no talking, nor whispering, nor moving about, that I may have the attention of the congregation, and by the help of God, advance some things for your benefit and consolation: things that shall strengthen and encourage you while you are passing through this vale of tears, to a country, lying far beyond the reach of the enemy, and the arm of the oppressor.

We well know, brethren and sisters, that the religion we profess, has the same effect upon the religion of the day as did the religion of the scribes and Pharisees; for he boldly proclaimed that the axe was laid at the root of the tree, and every tree, that bringeth not forth good fruit, should be hewn down and cast into the fire.

The religion then, that we have embraced having sprung from the same root, possesses the same power and qualities. We have, therefore, the boldness to say, that it lays the axe to the root of every tree, and every tree, that bringeth not forth good fruit, shall be hewn down: it lays the axe at the root of every thing in the shape or form of religion, and prostrates the most gigantic as well as the lesser; it leaves them all prostrate together without an exception; and this is what it was designed to do, and what it has to accomplish; it has to bring down that that is exalted, and exalt that that is low; it has to make crooked places straight, and rough places smooth.

While this contest is going on, it is natural to suppose, that our opposers will take every possible advantage; they will not leave one stone unturned; they consider their own cause a desperate one; they will consequently use every exertion contrary to that which is truth; for truth, and truth alone, cannot maintain them; for they have no resource to such material; for it will not sustain them and lies must do it. The prophet had his eye upon this, when he said they have made lies their refuge. He foresaw the course they would take, and

the means they would employ, to sustain themselves. He saw they would enter into a covenant with the forces of the internal ones, to sustain them in their deeds of blood and destruction. But says the prophet, notwithstanding this, your agreement with hell shall not stand, and your covenant with death shall be disannulled, and every band shall be broken, and every cord shall be loosed, and while you are preparing these things to hedge up the way of the saints, He that sitteth in the heavens, and works the wires behind the curtain, shall laugh; and He that is invisible, shall have them in derision, whose movements are to ensnare, and seek to overthrow the people of God.

So long then as the saints have to maintain the law of the Most High God, and make it honorable, there is no power that can successfully oppose. There is no power that can bring us down, if we are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets; for if we are magnifying the law, and making it honorable, as soon might they dethrone Jehovah, as to prostrate the saints, or blast our peace, or drive us from the course we have started in.

As God has given as a commandment to rear a temple to the honor of his name, this ought to be the leading subject before the people.-In it we ought to engross our attention; for upon a faithful observance of that command, is suspended great blessings. If we relax our exertions to complete that work, what claim have we to the blessings that are promised to be given within the walls of that structure? It is there we shall receive qualifications to stand in the presence of Jehovah.

I would have you remember, dear brethren and sisters, that we are at the present time-what shall I say? what name shall we receive at this time? We read in the revelations of John, that "they sung in heaven, thou are worthy; thou has redeemed us to God by thy blood, out of every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, and has made us unto our God, kings and priests, and we shall reign on the earth."

We are kings and priests, then, to reign on the earth; but we are not qualified yet to bear rule upon the earth, until the principle of power has been imparted unto us. Certain exalted principles, by which we can receive all that God is pleased to bestow; by which we can receive every principle of power; (and knowledge is power;) and when we have received of this knowledge, we are then prepared to bear rule and to be kings and priests to the Most High God.

I have reflected and considered how, and in what way Jehovah is to clear the way among the nations for the establishments of his kingdom. God has declared that his kingdom shall come, and his will shall be done on earth as it is done in heaven: do we suppose that in heaven there are different laws and different regulations, as the kingdoms of this world are?

Here is the United States; there are in the Old World, England, France, Spain, Portugal and in fact all the governments that are upon the face of the earth; are different in their forms of government one from another; there is no grade of similitude between them. But we are told that the kingdom of God shall come, and his will be done on earth, as it is done in heaven; and old Daniel has predicted that the kingdom of God would break in pieces and subdue all the kingdoms of this world; and they shall become as the chaff of the summer threshing floor. Well, now then we soe [see] the Bible points out a time when not only the religions of the earth, but when kingly governments also should be destroyed.

Is not the Bible one of the most treasonable books ever introduced among mortals? it lays the axe at the root of every earthly government. Thrones, dominions, principalities, and powers, at one sweep are laid prostrate in the dust, and by the grand design of heaven. What a treasonable character is Jehovah? why set out and wage war against the great God for such kind of language in his book.

You say your kingdom shall break in pieces, and subdue all other kingdoms; these things are very treasonable, and I think his people are very much inclined to be something like him. It is natural, you know, for the son to be like the father, and that the spirit of the eternal God, should enter the bosom of his servants and dwell there. But if the spirit should enter into the heart of such a man as Old Tom Sharp of Warsaw, it would flee therefrom as from the midst of the fire. Why: because it is the wrong place for it; but the spirit of God will enter into the hearts of his servants, and inspire them with the same principles of truth, and prompt them to accomplish what is the mind of their heavenly father.

Is God going to make use of his servants to carry into execution his purposes and designs? will God take his servants and break in pieces all these kingdoms that Daniel saw, and by their hands establish his own? Here is a matter that arouses the jealousies of this generation. Yea, it arouses the jealousy of all men.

I had a dream. I dreamt I saw a small barque on the bosom of the mighty deep; it was sometimes upon the wave, and sometimes the

waves would dash over it, that I could not see it; by and by, on the swell of a billow it would heave in view again, and again, in the midst of the conflicting elements seem to be buried in the mighty ocean. Thus it made its way on the bosom of the waters; so I consider that nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, until they are destroyed with war, and the attending calamities; for God has designed the overthrow of the wicked, and he has designed they should accomplish it themselves. But in the midst of the wreck of nations and the downfall of kingdoms,-the kingdom of God will go through among the kingdoms of the world, just like that little craft upon the bosom of the deep, and not be beaten into pieces. This little kingdom cannot be broken; it cannot be given to other people; but it will ride in safety in the midst of the angry elements.

Thus God makes use of the nations of the earth, to break one another to pieces, and destroy each other. Here are the saints of the Most High collected together, and looking on the scene; at the same time their prayers are ascending to their heavenly Father, that he will make bare his arm and overrule the events of the nations; and thus continue to add to the increase of his kingdom. They will destroy themselves and every drop of blood shed by our enemies, you may depend upon it, only provokes the almighty to trouble the nations and to stir up, and increase the power of his servants. It is only pricking the veins of our enemies, and making their blood run to no purpose.

Is it not the case, that since the death of our brethren our cause has advanced, and become stronger? Yes, it has. Was it because these men were not a benefit to us while they lived? By no means. But their death has proved to us greater power, strength and force, than their lives could have done. Thus, you see all things shall work together for good to them that fear God, and are called according to his purpose.

These men have laid the foundation of this kingdom, and it is not for me to say, that they will not bring forth the capstone.

I have been reading a very curious scripture, contained in the revelations of John: it reads as follows:-

"And be [he] that overcometh and keepeth my words unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations, and he shall rule them with a rod of iron, as the vessel of a potter shall they be broken to shivers, even as I received of my father."

Well, now ther [there], this scripture is not confined to a single individual; neither was it confined to the Savior of the world; for more have overcome beside him. Another scripture says.-"And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death."-(Revelations chap. xii. verse 11.)

Well, to him that overcometh, it mattereth not who it is; they were individuals, such as Joseph and Hyrum Smith; who, while in this life, purposed to be counted worthy of these honors, by building up the kingdom of God, and establishing universal righteousness. But they went to work, and slew these men of God; they designed to blot out that power from under the heavens, and stay the further progress of light and truth; but this circumstance has given a fresh start to the power of truth, and has spread more light in advance, already abroad on the earth; and so Joseph Smith, who has gone to the courts on high, may yet have dominion, not only over the United States, but over all the nations of the earth. Has he not overcome by his own blood? has he not fought the good fight of faith, even to the laying down of his life? has he not overcome, and kept the works of God unto the end? Well, to him that overcometh, and keepeth my works to the end, will I give power over the nations, and he shall rule them with a rod of iron. As the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers. By his death has he become the ruler over the nations of the earth, and he will break them to pieces, as the vessels of a potter; and he will so order the events to bring it about.-Ah! but says one, I had no idea of any man having any such power as this. There are a great many truths that the Gentile world know not; for eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither hath it entered into the heart of man the things that God hath prepared for them that love him.

The blood of these men has not yet been avenged. Had the murderers suffered, according to the law of the land, it would have been the first instance in the history of the world, that the nations of the earth have avenged the blood of God's anointed. I know of no such an instance, where the murderers of the prophets were killed to atone for their blood, and thus pay the debt.

And where is there an instance of the martyrdom of God's servants, that God has not avenged the crime upon the whole nation? Depend upon it, that these prophets whom God raised up, and who are killed by the people, he has taken unto himself, and has given the destinies of that nation into the hands of that prophet, who has been slain by them. This is

what God has done, in times and seasons gone by. Inasmuch as they have slain the prophets of the Lord, the very destiny of this nation is given into their hands. Carthage jail presents a scene of blood, and that blood has not been avenged; and when the time can come, and when it can be ordered in wisdom in the heavenly council, the scourge shall come. And when you see these things come to pass, then rejoice and be exceeding glad. We will rejoice, because our redemption draweth near.-We will look on the scene with joy, while the wicked fear and tremble. All these things are working for our good, while our enemies are saying, we have made lies our refuge, and we will kill the prophets, for the people are fond of this deed, and we will say to the people sware [swear] so and so, and if it goes to the governor's ears, we will persuade him, and secure you. AH! but He that sitteth in the heavens, is manufacturing something for you all this time. And these men that have been martyred by you they have a voice in the heavenly council to say how, and what things shall be done; for he that overcometh, to him will I give power over the nations, and he shall rule them with a rod of iron. As the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers.

What have the saints of God to do? have they to stand still? No; we have not to stand still? We have to build the house of the Lord, and do all things enjoined upon us by his commandments, and when we have done all things here on the earth, we will stand still, and see the salvation of God. And when he that sitteth in yonder council shall send forth the proclamation to reap down the wicked, and the destroying angels shall commence the work of destruction, it will be done in a way that just leaves a door sufficiently wide for our escape, while the ungodly are left to fight and kill one another. Thus, the wicked are the instruments of their own overthrow. God also uses them sometimes as a scourge for his people. And when he has used it sufficiently, he will take that scourge and burn it up. But he will use it until he has brought his people to their proper bearing; after which he has no more use for his scourge.

Hear then! all people, in one sense are doing the will of God; and you know it is declared by a legal gentleman out here, (and they never tell a lie; what a lawyer has said must be lawful, it cannot be treason for saying what a lawyer said,) and that is: "The voice of the people is, the voice of God."

Is that a true doctrine? If it is not a lawyer said so. Well, let us examine and see whether the voice of the people is the voice of God.

Don't you know the people once said let his blood be on us and on our children." It was a righteous deed, the putting of the Savior to death. It was the voice of the people he should suffer. Was it the voice of God that his blood should be required of that people, and be upon their heads, according to their voice? Let his blood be upon us and our children! The innoceut [innocent] blood that stained their hands, rendered them worthy to be cursed almost to the latest generation. It was the will of God his blood should be upon them. It was not the voice of a few individuals: it was the voice of all; the whole nation sanctioned the deed. Very well, says God, let it come; you are all guilty; let his blood be upon you and on your children.-Had they taken a few individuals and executed them for killing the Savior, they would not have made the plaster as big as the sore. It was upon the whole nation; and they were inspired by the spirit of God to say "his blood be upon us and on our children." Amen, says Jehovah, you are all alike worthy.

Here is a sample of what follows; for if they have killed the master of the house, they will do the same to his household; and if they have treated him thus, the nation will follow a similar course. We see the same spirit manifested in the late trial at Carthage. Says one of the lawyers, whether they are guilty or innocent, I am not prepared to say; but if they are guilty we are guilty, and if you hang them, you may as well hang this honorable council. Jehovah says so too. We all want a hand in this matter, and if one is punished we will all be punished; and if you let one go free, we will all go free. Well, says Jehovah, I will give you the desire of your heart. let not these men be punished, but let them go clear, and when he causeth his vengeance to be poured out, he will visit them all alike, for they are all alike guilty: Amen, says Jehovah, I will fulfil [fulfill] and execute the judgment.

Here stands the matter. Thus you see, all things work together for good to them that love God, and are called according to his purpose.

These creatures are afraid they will be assassinated: fear always steps in after a guilty conscience, but it would be no gratification to me to go and kill this man or that man, or of only singling out one or two; I feel as I do with my plants in spring. When they are dry I put on some water; but it is a slow business, and the water is either too cold or too hot; and all the water I put on, don't seem to do them much good, any how. I then begin to want water from the heavens; water that is tempered right and will water them all at once: so I might go, and try to kill this man or that man, but the

water might be too hot or too cold, or something of that sort, by which means I might not be able to do the business right. We will just wait a little, and let God water them all at once; it will be rightly tempered too when it comes, and when it falls upon them it will do execution.

To kill them would be a mercy too great at the hands of this people; for to stand in dread of any thing is worse than to plunge into it.-If we can only keep them alive, it will be to them a greater burden than to kill them, for they are dreading hell all the time; and to cut the thread and let them drop in, they would not have the pleasure of that torment. Then let them live. What for? to harass them? No; God knows they have something to harass them worse than we can do it; their conscience is as a black locust tree in the stomach, and wherever they go they are oppressed with it. They are in perpetual misery. Murder and garments rolled in blood are continually before their eyes. If I were they, I would want to kill myself. O then, don't kill them! let them live! for they carry about them their own torments; and they feel so good.

So matters roll round. This people have more joy and satisfaction in one hour, than they will ever have. By and by they will straiten up and say we will go to Texas or Oregon: well, you may 'go,' but you cannot get rid of that black locust tree you have in your stomachs. If you were there, you would be afraid of being killed. The black locust would still grow, and you cannot root it up, for it is on its own natural soil; and the more you try to root it up the more it will grow. If you take the wings of the morning, and fly to the uttermost parts of the earth, the black locust is there; if you make your bed in hell, it won't burn off the thorns, for they are wrapt [wrapped] up inside, and the fire cannot reach them. (At this time President Young, feeling a disposition to alleviate [alleviate] their sufferings a little, wished the black locust to be extracted, and a honey locust put in its stead.) To which Elder Hyde said, I stand corrected; it is the honey locust; there is a little sweet with it.

Well, brethren and sisters, in the midst of all our trials, where is the people whose sources for joy and gladness are greater than ours? There is more joy, union, and love, among this people after they have been beaten, afflicted, and trampled upon, than can be found in all the world.

When we get into the celestial kingdom, and shall shake hands with each other, where there are no tears, no cares, no sorrows, but all joy and gladness; how great then will be our joy? We see a faint similitude of what will be our joy, when we hear two old soldiers of the Revolution tell over their sufferings in the war. One says I was in a battle here; the other I was in a battle there. I fought so and so, and my right hand man was cut down, and I was wounded; and says the other, I was wounded too. Thus they will tell over their sorrows and pains, while the tears of joy and gladness trickle down their care-worn and furrowed cheeks. How great the joy they have with one another while relating over their sorrows, as they sit under the bright banner of liberty they bled to unfur [unfurl]!!

So will we rejoice with each other in yonder world, as we tell over to each other the sufferings, perils, and deaths we have suffered while sitting under a brighter, and far more glorious banner. We have every thing to encourage and inspire us with joy and gladness.

From the Millennial Star.