History of Joseph Smith

CONTINUED.

Behold they shall, for I have decreed it, begin to prevail against mine enemies from this very hour; and by hearkening to observe all the words which I the Lord their God shall speak unto them, they shall never cease to prevail until the kingdoms of the worlds are subdued under my feet, and the earth is given unto the saints, to possess it for ever and ever.

But inasmuch as they keep not my commandments, and hearken not to observe all my words, the kingdoms of the world shall prevail against them; for they were set to be a light unto the world and to be saviors of men, and inasmuch as they are not the saviors of men they are as salt that hath lost its savor, and is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under the feet of men.

But verily I say unto you, I have decreed that your brethren who have been scattered shall return to the lands of their inheritances, and build up the waste places of Zion, for after much tribulation, as I have said unto you in a former commandments, cometh the blessing.

Behold this is the blessing which I promised after your tribulations, and the tribulations of your brethren even their restoration to the land of Zion, to be established no more to be thrown down: Nevertheless if they shall pollute their inheritances they shall be thrown down, for I will not spare them if they shall pollute their inheritances.

Behold I say unto you, that the redemption of Zion must needs come by power, therefore, I will raise up unto my people, a man, who shall lead them like as Moses led the children of Israel; for ye are the children of Israel and of the seed of Abraham, and ye must needs be led out of bondage, by power with a stretched out arm; and as your fathers were led at the first even so shall the redemption of Zion be: therefore, let not your hearts faint, for I say not unto as I did unto your fathers, mine angel shall go up before you, but not my presence; but I say into you mine angle shall go up before you and also my presence, and in time ye shall possess the goodly land.

Verily, Verily, I say unto you, that my servant Baurak Ale is the man I likened the servant to whom the Lord of the vineyard spake in the parable which I have given unto you.

Therefore, let my servant Baurak Ale say unto the strength of my house, my young men and the middle aged, gather yourselves together unto the land of Zion, upon the land which I have bought with moneys that have been consecrated unto me; and let all the churches send up wise men, with their monies, and purchase lands even as I have commanded them; and inasmuch as mine enemies come against you to drive you from my goodly land, which I have consecrated to be the land of Zion; even from your own lands after these testimonies, which ye have brought before me against them, ye shall curse them; and whomsoever ye curse, I will curse; and ye shall avenge me of mine enemies: and my presence shall be with you, even in avenging me of my enemies, unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me.

Let no man be afraid to lay down his life for my sake; for whoso layeth down his life for my sake shall find it again. And whoso is not willing to lay down his life for my sake, is not my disciple. It is my will, that my servant Sidney Rigdon shall lift up his voice in the congregations in the eastern countries, in preparing the churches to keep the commandments which I have given unto them, concerning the restoration and redemption of Zion. It is my will that my servant Parley P. Pratt, and my servant Lyman Wight should not return to the land of their brethren, until they have obtained companies to go up unto the land of Zion, by tens, or by twenties, or by fifties, or by an hundred until they have obtained to the number of five hundred of the strength of my house. Behold, this is my will; ask and you shall receive, but men do not always do my will: therefore, if you cannot obtain five hundred, seek diligently that peradventure you may obtain three hundred; and if ye cannot obtain three hundred, seek diligently that peradventure ye may obtain one hundred. But verily I say unto you, a commandment I give unto you, that ye shall not to go to the land of Zion, until you have obtained one hundred of the strength of my house, to go up with you unto the land of Zion. Therefore, as I said unto you, ask and ye shall receive: pray earnestly that peradventure my servant Baurak Ale may go with you and preside in the midst of my people and organize my kingdom upon the consecrated land; and establish the children of Zion, upon the laws and commandments, which have been, and which shall be given unto you.

All victory and glory is brought to pass unto you through your diligence faithfulness, and

prayers of faith. Let my servant Parley P. Pratt, journey with my servant Joseph Smith, jr. Let my servant Lyman Wight, journey with my servant Sidney Rigdon. Let my servant Hyrum Smith, journey with my servant Frederick G. Williams. Let my servant Orson Hyde, journey with my servant Orson Pratt;-withersoever my servant Joseph Smith, jr.,-shall counsel them in obtaining the fulfilment [fulfillment] of these commandments, which I have given unto you, and leave the residue in my hands: even so: Amen.

Wednesday, Feby. 26th, I started from home to obtain volunteers for Zion, in compliance with the foregoing revelation, and the 27th staid [stayed] at Brother Roundy's

To show the feelings of a certain portion of the public, at this period I copy the following from the February number of the "Evening and Morning Star" page 271,

"(->) We copy the following article from 'The North Star', printed in Danville, Vermont, by E. Eaton, headed 'THE MORMONS'.

'We have received the first number of the Mormon 'Morning and Evening Star' [the Evening and Morning Star] resuscitated in Kirtland, Ohio. It is the same assuming, mysterious publication of its original.'"

While the press, (and many of the public,) was breathing the spirit of bitterness against the work of God I received letters from many of our friends which gave us occasion for rejoicing, amongst them, I extract from Brother M. C. Nickerson's letter, of December 20th, 1833, "Your labors in Canada have been the beginning of a good work; there are thirty four members attached to the church at Mount Pleasant, all of whom appear to live up to their profession, five of whom have spoken in tongues, and three sing in tongues; and we live at the top of the mountains!"

Also from 'Saco, Maine,' January 20th, 1834.'

"Brethren in the Lord; I have baptised [baptized] about forty in this section, and there are more convinced of the truth, but are still lingering on the threshold of the church, and I think the Lord will gather some of them in his kingdom, Brother E. M. Green labored with me from the 16th of January, 1833, till October following, while we were together, we baptised [baptized] about one hundred and thirty. giving to every man his portion in due season: For my determination is, with the stick of Joseph in one hand, and the stick of Judah in the other, to labor diligently in the world, that my skirts may be clear from the blood of all men, and I stand acquitted before the bar of God.

I am yours in Christ,

(signed) "JOHN F. BOYNTON."

Thus while the press was mourning, the work prospering, the saints rejoicing in the east, troubles changed and multiplied in the west, as may be seen by the following letter written,

Clay County, Mo., Feb'y. 27, 1834.

Dear Brethren, the times are so big with events, and the anxiety of every body so great to watch them, that I feel somewhat impressed to write oftener than I have done, in order to give you more of the "strange acts," of this region. I have just returned from Independence , the seat of war in the west. About a dozen of our brethren among whom were Bishop Partridge, Elder Corrill and myself, were subpœnaed in behalf of the state; and on the 23rd of February, about twelve o'clock, we were on the bank opposite Everett's Ferry, where we found Captain Athchison's [Atchison's] company of "Liberty Blues" near fifty rank and file, ready to guard us into Jackson county. The soldiers were well armed with United States' muskets, bayonets fixed, &c., and to me the scene was "passing strange," and long to be remembered; the martial law in force to guard the civil.-About twenty-five men crossed over to effect a landing in safety, and when they came near the warehouse, they fired six or eight guns, though the enemy had not gathered to witness the landing.

After we were all across, and waiting for the baggage wagon, it was thought most advisable to encamp in the woods, and the witnesses with half the company, marched nearly a mile towards Independence, to build night fires, as we were without tents, and the weather cold enough to snow a little. While on the way the Quarter master, and others, that had gone on ahead to prepare quarters in town, sent an express back, which was not of the most pacific appearance. Capt. Atchison continued the express to Col. Allan for the two hundred drafted militia, and also to Liberty for more ammunition; and the night passed off in warlike style; with the sentinels marching silently at a proper distance from the watch fires.

Early in the morning, we marched strongly guarded by the troops, to the seat of war, and quartered in the block house, formerly the tavern stand of S. Flournay; after breakfast, we were visited by the District Attorney Mr. Reese, and the Attorney General Mr. Wells. From them we learned that all hopes of Criminal prosecutions, was at an end. Mr. Wells had been sent by the Governor to investigate, as

far as possible, the Jackson outrage, but the bold front of the mob, bound even unto death (as I have heard.) was not to be penetrated by civil law, or awed by executive influence.-Shortly after Capt. Atchison informed me that he had just received an order from the Judge, that his company's service was no longer wanted in Jackson county: and we were marched out of town to the tune of Yankee-doodle in quick time, and soon returned to our camp without the loss of any lives. (This order was issued by the court, apparently, on account of the speedy gathering of the old mob, or citizens of Jackson county, and their assuming such a boisterous and mobocratic appearance,) In fact much credit is due to Capt. Atchison for his gallantry and hospitality, and I think I can say of the officers and company, that their conduct as soldiers and men, is highly reputable, so much so knowing as I do the fatal result had the militia come, or not come, I can add that the Captains safe return, refreshed my mind with Xenopehn's safe retreat of the ten thousand. Thus ends all hope of "redress," even with a guard ordered by the Governor, for the protection of the court and witnesses.

Before a crop is harvested, it becomes ripe of itself. The dreadful deeds now done in Jackson county, with impunity, must bring matters to a focus shortly. Within two or three weeks past, some of the most savage acts ever witnessed, have been committed by these bitter branches. Old Father Lindsey, whose locks have been whitened by the blast of nearly seventy winters, had his house thrown down, after he was driven from it; his goods, corn &c. piled together and fire put to it, but fortunately after the mob retired, his son extinguished it.

The mob has quit whipping, and now beat with clubs. Lyman Leonard, one of the number that returned from Van Buren, had two chairs broke to splinters about him and was then dragged out of doors, and beat with clubs till he was supposed to be dead; but he is yet alive. Josiah Sumner and Barnet Cole were severely beat at the same time. The mob have commenced burning houses, stacks, &c., and we shall not think it out of their power by any means, to proceed to murder any of our people that shall try to live in that county, or perhaps, only go there.

Such scenes as are transpiring around us, are calculated to arouse feelings and passions in all, and to strengthen the faith and fortify the hearts of the saints for great things. Our Savior laid down his life for our sakes and shall we, who profess to live by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God; shall we, the servants of the Lord of the vineyard, who are called and chosen to prune it for the last time; shall we, yea verily, we, who are enlightened by the wisdom of heaven shall we fear to do as much for Jesus as he did for us. No; we will obey the voice of the spirit, that God may overcome the world.

I am a servant &c.

W. W. PHELPS.

We continued our journey and on the 28th Feb. staid [stayed] at a strangers, who entertained us very kindly and on the first of March arrived at Brother Lewis'; and on the 2nd which was the Sabbath, Brother Parley preached, and I preached in the evening; we had a good meeting. There is a small church in this place, which seems strong in the faith. O may God keep them in the faith, and save them and lead them to Zion.

March 3rd we intended to start on our journey east, but concluded to tarry another day. O may God bless us with the gift of utterance to accomplish the journey and the errand on which we are sent, and return safe to the land of Kirtland, and find my family all well. O Lord bless my little children with health and long life, to do good in their generation for Christ's sake, Amen.

After, leaving Kirtland we had passed through Thompson, Springfield, Elk creek, Erie, Westfield, Livonia, Silver creek, Perrysburgh, Collins, China, Warsaw, Genesee, Centreville, Catlin, and Spafford before we arrived at Westfield. On the 4th inst. we continued our journey from Westfield, accompanied by Elder Gould, and after a ride of thirty three miles at Villanova and tarried all night with a Brother McBride. The next morning, March 5th we went to Brother Nickerson's, and found him and his household full of faith and of the Holy Spirit

We called the church together, and related unto them what had happened to our brethren in Zion, and opened to them the prophecies and revelations concerning the order of the gathering to Zion, and the means of her redemption; and I prophesied to them, and the spirit of the Lord came mightily upon them, and with all readiness, the young and middle aged volunteered for Zion. The same evening we held two meetings, three or four miles distant from each other.

March 6th. We held another meeting at Bro. Nickersons. The few unbelievers that attended were outrageous, and the meeting ended in complete confusion.

March 7th. We proceeded on our journey accompanied by Bro. Nickerson, leaving Brothers Gould and Matthews to prepare and gather

up the companies, in the churches in that region, and meet us in Ohio, ready for Zion on the first of May. We arrived after dark, at Elliotville, the county seat of Cataraugus, and tried for lodgings at every tavern in the place; it being court time we found no room, but were obliged to ride on in the dark, through mud and rain, and found shelter, after travelling [traveling] about one mile, for which we paid more than tavern fare.

On the 8th, we arrived at Palmers ville, at the house of Elder McGown's, where we were invited to go to Esquire Walker's to spend the evening. We found them very friendly and somewhat believing, and tarried all night.

Sunday 9th, we preached in a school house, and had great attention. We found a few disciples who were firm in the faith; and, after meeting, found many believing and could handily get away from them, and appointed a meeting in Freedom for Monday the 10th, and staid [stayed] at Mr. Cowdery's, where we were blessed with a fullness of temporal and spiritual blessings, even all we needed or were worthy to receive.

Monday. Met our appointment, and preached to a great congregation; and at evening, preached again to a crowded assembly, an overflowing house. After meeting I proposed if ony [any] wished to obey, and would make it manifest, we would stay and administer at another meeting, the next day.

Tuesday 11th, fulfilled our appointment, and baptised [baptized] Heman Hyde, after which we rode nine miles and put up at Stuart's tavern.

Wednesday 12th, we arrived at Father Bosley's, after a ride of thirty six-miles.

Thursday 13th, I preached.

Friday 14th, at father Bemans.

March 15th, while at father Beman's, Elders Rigdon and Wight arrived, much to the joy of their souls, and the saints in Livonia.

Sunday 16th, Elder Rigdon preached to a very large congregation in Geneseo. Elder Pratt preached in the afternoon of Monday the 17th.

There was also the same day, March 17th, a conference of Elders, at Avon, Lingston county, New York, at the house of Alvah Beman, which I attended. there were present also Sidney Rigdon, Parley Pratt, Lyman Wight, John Murdock, Orson Pratt, and Orson Hyde, High Priests, and six Elders. I stated that the object of the Conference was to obtain young men and middle aged to go and assist in the redemption of Zion, according to the commandment of the Lord; also to devise means, or obtain money for the relief of the brethren in Kirtland, say two thousand dollars, which sum would deliver the church in Kirtland from debt; and also, determine the course which the several companies shall pursue, or the manner they shall journey when they shall leave this place.

It was voted by the council that Fathers Bosley and Nickerson, Elder McWithey, and Bro. R. Orton, should exert themselves to obtain two thousand dollars, for the present relief in Kirtland. They all agreed to do what they could to obtain it, firmly believing it could be accomplished by the first of April. It was also decided that Elder Orson Hyde should tarry and preach in the regions round about, till the money should be obtained and carry it with him to Kirtland. It was also voted that I should return to Kirtland accompanied by Elders Rigdon and Wight. Elders John Murdock and Orson Pratt were appointed to journey to Kirtland, preaching by the way; and Elders Parley P. Pratt, and Henry Brown, to visit the churches in Black River country, and obtain all the means they could to help Zion.

Tuesday, March 16th. Tarried at father Bosley's through the day.

On the 19th commenced my journey for Kirtland, and staid [stayed] this night at Bro. Withey's tavern.

20th; continued our journey, dined at Bro. Joseph Holbrooks, and at night tried three times to procure lodgings in the name of disciples, but could not succeed. After night had commenced we found a man, in China, named Reuben Wilson, who would keep us for money; thus we learn there is more places for money, than for the desciples [disciples] of Jesus, or the Lamb of God.

March 21st, we came to a man named Starks, six miles east of Springville, and on the 22nd arrived at Bro. Vinson Knights, in Perrysburgh, Cataraugus county; on the 23rd we arrived at Father Nickerson's, in Perrysburgh, where we held a meeting &c. On the 24th, I was not able to start, but felt determined to go the next morning. 25th, Journeyed from Father Nickersons, to Father Lewis' in Westfield, accompanied by Father Nickerson. On the 26th, continued our journey to Elk Creek, and staid [stayed] with Elder Hunt. The 27th, I came to Springfield where I found Elder Rigdon, who had come on by a different route, and we arrived that night within sixteen miles of Painesville, and arrived home at Kirtland, on the 28th of March, finding my family all well, and the Lord be praised for this blessing. The 29th, remained at home and had great joy with my family. Sunday the 30th, was at home except going to hear Elder Rigdon preach.

Monday, March 31st, I went to Chardon to attend the court, in the case against Dr. P. Hulbert, &c. This day, also, Ira I. Willis, a young man who had been in the church for some time, and who was driven from Jackson county into Clay, returned thither to look for a stray cow; and while at the House of Esquire Manship's, a Justice of the Peace (where he had called with Bro. John Follet, to prove his title to the cow,) was caught by that unhung land pirate and inhuman [inhumane] monster, Moses Wilson, and whipped in a most cruel and savage manner, while surrounded by some half dozen of the old mobbers. This was an unpardonable act; all that know Mr. Willis can bear testimony that he is a young man, honest peaceable and unoffending, working righteousness and molesting no one. May God reward Moses Wilson according to his works.