Oliver Cowdery The vening and the Morning Star
VOL. II, NO. 15, KIRTLAND, OHIO, DECEMBER, 1833.
<"Patrons of E&MS">
Oliver Cowdery "To Patrons of E&MS," E&MS 2 (Dec 1833)
TO THE PATRONS OF THE EVENING AND THE MORNING STAR. {beliefs-lds}
CIRCUMSTANCES having rendered it impossible to issue the present number of the Star previously, its former patrons, no doubt, have been furnished with various reports, from various sources, explanatory of its delay, which have been contradicted or exaggerated, equally as often as they have been circulated, until the public mind has despaired of any thing authentic on the subject.
It is not our intention to give a minute detail of occurrences which have occasioned a removal of the location of the Star, in this address, as following articles are plain on that subject; but it may be expected, perhaps, that we shall give the outlines of the course which we intend to pursue while we are favored with the privilege of conducting the columns of this paper.
In the address of the former Editor, as well as his prospectus, it will be seen, that the Star was pledged to the cause of spreading the truth, without meddling with 'politics, or the gainsayings of the world;" which course was strictly observed. But on the subject of controversy, we will here remark, that, when ever we may deem it of any real benefit to our fellow men, to enter the field against our opponents in principles upon the subject of our faith, we shall be at liberty so to do, always observing the strictest rules of decorum and respect, toward every individual who may controvert the principles of religion with us.
In our opinion, no one subject when controverted, requires more prudence and judgment than that of religion.--When parties of different principles contend with all the ingenuity and talent they possess, and are found to deviate in the least from the known precepts of scripture, we have reason to believe do a greater injury to the cause than good. But as we value the worth of souls, and hold sacred the principles of the gospel of the Lord Jesus, so we shall endeavor to correct our opinions by the word of truth, keeping in view our only object, to enlighten mankind, and point to them the way of salvation.
Ours is a day of the deepest interest to the human family, and an age fraught with the greatest consequences to the inhabitants of the earth, according to the testimony of all the holy prophets, who have written since the world began. Six thousand years have nearly passed since Omnipotence spake this universe into being by the Word of his power: when from a wide expanse of chaos the elements were brought to perfect order, and this vast globe shone out with magnificence and splendor, touched with the power of the Almighty: when the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy. Almost two thousand years have rolled into eternity since the Son of Man bowed his head upon mount Calvary, for the sins of the world, when he said, [John 19:30] It is finished! and gave up the ghost.
Wars and rumors of wars are spreading over the world; nation rising against nation, kingdom against kingdom; calamity upon calamity, and pestilence following plague; iniquity abounding, and the love of many waxing cold; almost every man seeking his own interest, to the destruction of his neighbor, and the hearts of this generation so grossly hardened, that no man can trust even his brother; and more than all these, that great day fast approaching when this scene of wickedness shall close; the veil of eternity be rent, and the Son of God be seen coming in the clouds of heaven, with all his holy angels, with power and great glory.
When with the bible in his hand, can doubt for a moment the near approach of that day when Israel shall be gathered to his own land, and the captivity of Jacob's tents return? when the seed of Abraham shall possess their promised inheritance in that choice country that once flowed with milk and honey? when the Lord will turn to his people a pure language, that they may all call upon his name to serve him with one consent; when even his suppliants the daughter of his dispersed, shall bring his offering from beyond the rivers of Ethiopia? and when the great river Euphrates shall be dried up, that the way of the kings of the east may be prepared?
As we previously remarked, we do not design to detail the particulars which have occasioned a removal of the location of this paper; but it may not be improper to offer a few reflections upon the subject, as a part of the scene transpired before our eyes. With propriety we may say, that, of all subjects on earth who are bound to respect the principles of their government, the people of the United States, certainly, are of that class. The thought that our liberty was purchased with the blood of our fathers, ought to kindle emotions of patriotism in the bosom of every individual, and inspire it with just indignation against those who should in any way, even with the smallest pretext, rise up and disgrace his character as a republican, by violating those feelings which served as a main spring of action for those who achieved our freedom.
The freedom of speech, the liberty of conscience, and the liberty of the press, are three main principles in the Constitution of a free government; take from it these, and adieu to the blessings of civil society: deprive a citizen of the enjoyments guaranteed in these, and his life is not worth possessing. Men shudder at the thought of the dissolution of States, and the breaking of those links which hold governments together; but when ever those sacred principles are suffered to be trampled upon, and no arm raised to defend them, the lengthy documents, the long harangues, the great parade and the splendid show, are like the idle wind; they are like vain tales; they are beneath the empty fable, for they can profit no man.
It has become our duty to relate one of the most shocking scenes, which has disgraced the character of any citizen of the United States, since her freedom was purchased by the shedding of blood. We recollect the history of the persecution of the Quakers, and of the Baptists in time gone by, but we thought we could with propriety cherish a belief, that no set of creatures wearing the human form, and enjoying the privilege of being classed as citizens of this Republic, could be so blind to all feelings of common humanity, laying aside patriotism and liberal principles, as to rise up in open violation of the Constitution of our country, and persecute, even unto death a fellow-being for his religion.
But our limits not allowing us to proceed farther, we submit these few reflections to a candid community, with the following documents, and the proceedings of an innocent people, who have been vilely persecuted and slandered.
O. [OLIVER] COWDERY.
Kirtland, December, 1833.
TO HIS EXCELLENCY, DANIEL DUNKLIN,
GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF MISSOURI.
We, the undersigned, citizens of the republic of the United States of Jackson county, members of the church of Jesus Christ, (vulgarly called Mormons,) believing in God, and worshiping him according to his revealed will contained in the holy bible, and the fulness of the gospel contained in the book of Mormon, and the revelations and commandments of God through Jesus Christ, respectfully show:-
That, we your petitioners, having purchased lands of the United States, and of the State of Missouri, and of the inhabitants of said State for the purpose of improving the same and peaceably enjoying our rights, privileges, immunities, and religion, according to the Constitution and laws of the State and National Governments, have suffered unjustly and unlawfully in property, in person, and in reputation, as follows: First, in the spring of 1832, some persons, in the deadly hours of the night, commenced stoning or brick-batting some of our houses and breaking in our windows, disturbing ourselves, our wives and our children, and also, some few days after, they called a county meeting to consult measures to remove us, but after some confusion among themselves, they dispersed with doing no more than threatening, on that day. In the fall of the same year, they or some one, burned a large quantity of hay in the stack; and soon after commenced shooting into some of our houses, and at many times insulting with abusive language.
Secondly, about the middle of July last, yea, in fact, previous, they commenced brick-batting our houses again, and breaking in our windows. At this time, July 18th, the following document was in circulation:
"We, the undersigned, citizens of Jackson county, believeing that an important crisis is at hand, as regards our civil society, in consequence of a pretended religious sect of people, that have settled and are still settling in our county, styling themselves Mormons, and intending, as we do to rid our society 'peaceably if we can, forcibly if we must,' and believing as we do, that the arm of the civil law does not afford us a guarantee, or at least a sufficient one against the evils which are now inflicted upon us, and seem to be increasing by the said religious sect, deem it expedient, and of the highest importance to form ourselves into a company for the better and easier accomplishment of our purpose, a purpose which we deem it almost superfluous to say, is justified as well by the law of nature, as by the law of self preservation.
It is more than two years since the first of these fanatics, or knaves, (for one or the other they undoubtedly are,) made their first appearance amongst us, and pretending as they did, and now do to hold personal communion and converse face to face with the most high God, to receive communications and revelations direct from heaven; to heal the sick by laying on hands, and in short, to perform all the wonder working miracles wrought by the inspired apostles and prophets of old.
We believed them deluded fanatics or weak and designing knaves, and that they and their pretensions would soon pass away; but in this we were deceived. The arts of a few designing leaders amongst them have thus far succeeded in holding them together as a society, and since the arrival of the first of them they have been daily increasing in numbers, and if they had been respectable citizens in society, and thus deluded they would have been entitled to our pity rather than to our contempt and hatred: but from their appearance, from their manners, and from their conduct, since their coming among us, we have every reason to fear, that with but very few exceptions, they were of the very dregs of that society from which they came, lazy idle and vicious. This we conceive is not idle assertion, but a fact susceptible of proof, for with these few exceptions above named, they brought into our county little or no property with them, and left less behind them, and we infer, that those only, yoked themselves to the Mormon ear, who had nothing earthly or heavenly, to lose by the change; and we fear that if some of the leaders amongst them, had paid the forfeit due to crime, instead of being chosen embassadors of the most High, they would have been inmates of solitary cells. But their conduct here stamps their characters in their true colors. More than a year since, it was ascertained that they had been tampering with our slaves, and endeavoring to sow dissentions and raise seditions amongst them. Of those their mormon leaders were informed, and they said they would deal with any of their members who should again, in like case offend, but how specious are appearances, in a late number of the Star, published in Independence by the leaders of the sect, there is an article inviting free negroes and mulattoes from other States to become mormons and remove and settle among us, this exhibits them in still more odious colors. It manifests a desire on the part of their society, to inflict on our society an injury that they know would be to us entirely insupportable, and one of the surest means of driving us from the county; for it would require none of the supernatural gifts that they pretend to, to see that the introduction of such a cast amongst us, would corrupt our blacks and instigate them to bloodsheds.
They openly blaspheme the most high God, and cast contempt on his holy religion, by pretending to receive revelations direct from heaven, by pretending to speak unknown tongues; by direct inspiration, and by diverse pretences derogatory of God and religion, and to the utter subversion of human reason:
They declare openly that their God hath given them this county of land, and that sooner or later they must and will have the possession of our lands for an inheritance, and in fine they have conducted themselves on many other occasions in such a manner, that we believe it a duty we owe ourselves to our wives and children, to the cause of public morals, to remove them from among us, as we are not prepared to give up our pleasant places, and goodly possessions to them, or to receive into the bosom of our families, as fit companions for our wives and daughters the degraded and corrupted free negroes and mulattoes, that are now invited to settle among us.
Under such a state of things, even our beautiful county would cease to be a desirable residence, and our situation intolerable! We, therefore agree, that after timely warning, and 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 may be sufficient to remove them, and to that end we each pledge to each other our bodily powers, our lives, fortunes, and sacred honors.
We will meet at the court house at the town of Independence, on Saturday, next, 20 Inst. to consult ulterior movements."
Among the hundreds of names attached to the above document were:-
Lewis Franklin, Jailor. N. K. Olmstead, M. D. Samuel C. Owens, County Clerk. John Smith, J. P. Russel Hicks, Deputy Clerk. Sam'l. Weston, J. P. R. W. Cummins, Indian Agent. William Brown, Const. Jones H. Flournoy, P. Master. Abner F. Staples, Capt. S. D. Lucas, Thomas Pitcher, Deputy Const. Col. and Judge of the Court. Moses G. Wilson, Merchant. Henry Childs, Att'y at Law. Thomas Willson, Merchant.
On Saturday the 20th. July last, according to the foregoing document, there assembled suddenly in the town of Independence at the court house, between four and five hundred persons who sent Robert Johnson, James Campbell, Moses Willson, Joel F. Childs, Richard Fristoe, Abner F. Staples, Gan Johnson, Lewis Franklin, Russell Hicks, S. [Samuel] D. Lucas, Thomas Willson, James M. Hunter, and Richard Simpson, to some of your petitioners namely, Edward Partrage, A. S. Gilbert, John Corril, Isaac Morley, John Whitmer, and W. [William] W. Phelps, and demanded that we should immediately stop the publication of the Evening and Morning Star, and close printing in Jackson county, and that we as Elders of said church should agree to remove out of the county forthwith. We asked for three months for consideration--They would not grant it--We asked for ten days--They would not grant it but said fifteen minutes was the longest, and refused to hear any reasons: Of course the conversation broke up.
The four or five hundred persons, as a Mob, then proceeded to demolish or raise to the ground, the printing office and dwelling house of W. W. Phelps, & Co. Mrs. Phelps, with a sick infant child and the rest of her children, together with the furniture in the house, were thrown out doors; the press was broken, the type pied--the book work, furniture, apparatus, property, &c. of the office were principally destroyed and the office thrown down, whereby seven hands were thrown out of employment and three families left destitute of the means of subsistence.
The loss of the whole office, including the stoppage of the Evening and Morning Star, a monthly paper, and the Upper Missouri Advertiser, a weekly paper, was about six thousand dollars, without the damages, which must result in consequence of their suspension.
The mob then proceeded to demolish the store house and destroy the goods of Gilbert Whitney, & Co. but Mr. Gilbert assuring them that the goods should be packed by the 23rd Inst.: they then stopped the destruction of property and proceeded to do personal violence. They took Edward Partridge, the bishop of the church from his dwelling house by force, and a Mr. [Charles] Allen, and stripping them of their coats, vests and hats, or caused them to do it themselves, tarred and feathered them in the presence of the mob before the court house. They caught other members of the church to serve them in like manner, but they made their escape--With horrid yells and the most blasphemous epithets, they sought for other leading Elders, but found them not--It being late, they adjourned until the 23rd. Inst.
On the 23 Inst. early in the day, the mob again assembled to the number of about 500, many of them armed with rifles, dirks, pistols, clubs and whips; one or two companies riding into town bearing the red flag, raising again the HORRID YELL--They proceeded to take some of the leading elders by force declaring it to be their intention to whip them from fifty to five hundred lashes apiece, to demolish their dwelling houses, and let their negroes lose to go through our plantations and lay open our fields for the destruction of our crops.
Whereupon John Corril, John Whitmer, W. [William] W. Phelps, A. S. Gilbert, Edward partridge, and Isaac Morley, made no resistance, but offered themselves a ransom for the church, willing to be scourged or die, if that would appease their anger toward the church, but being assured by the mob that every man, woman, and child would be whipped or scourged until they were driven out of the county, as the mob declared that they or the mormons must leave the county, or they or the mormons must die.
The mob then chose a new committee, consisting of Samuel C. Owens, Leonidas Oldham, G. W. Simpson, M. L. Irwin, John Harris, Henry Childs, Harvey H. Younger, Hugh L. Breazeal, N. K. Olmstead, James C. Sadler, William Bowers, Benjamin Majors, Zachariah Waller, Harman Gregg, Aaron Overton and Samuel Weston, who with Edward Partridge, Isaac Morley, John Corril, W. [William] W. Phelps, A. S. Gilbert and John Whitmer, entered into the following stipulation.
"Memorandum of agreement between the undersigned of the mormon society, in Jackson county Missouri, and a committee appointed by a public meeting of the citizens of said county, made the 23rd day of July, 1833.
It is understood that the undersigned members of the society, do give their solemn pledge each for himself, as follows to wit:-
That Oliver Cowdery, W. [William] W. Phelps, Wm. [William] E. McLellin, Edward Partridge, Lyman Wight, Simson Carter, Peter and John Whitmer, and Harvey Whitlock, shall remove with their families out of this county on or before the first day of January next, and that they, as well as the two herein after named, use all their influence to induce all the brethren now here to remove as soon as possible--One half, say, by the first of January next, and all by the first day of April next. To advise and try all means in their power to stop any more of their sect from moving to this county, and as to those now on the road, they will use their influence to prevent their settling permanently in the county, but that they shall only make arrangements for temporary shelter, till a new location is agreed on for the society. John Corril and A. S. Gilbert are allowed to remain as general agents to wind up the business of the society, so long as necessity shall require; and said Gilbert may sell out his merchandise now on hand, but is to make no new importations.- The Star is not again to be published, nor a press set up by any of the society in this county.-
If the said Edward Partridge, and W. [William] W. Phelps move their families by the first day of January as aforesaid, that they themselves will be allowed to go and come in order to transact and wind up their business.
The committee pledge themselves to use all their influence to prevent any violence being used so as long as a compliance with the foregoing terms is observed by the parties concerned." To which agreement is subscribed the names of the above named committee, as also those of the mormon brethren named in the report as having been present.
The damages, which your petitioners have sustained in consequence of this outrage and stipulation are, at present, incalculable. A great number of industrious inhabitants who were dependent on their labors for support, have been thrown out of employment and are kept so by the threatenings of those who composed the mob. [See their resolutions as published in the Western Monitor number 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5.] In estimating the damages which have resulted from the beginning to this time from those illegal and inhuman proceedings against your poor and persecuted petitioners, were they to name many thousands of dollars, it would be short of a remuneration. Most of the mechanic's shops have been closed, two pair of Blacksmith's bellows have been cut in pieces. Our merchant, as you will see by the foregoing stipulation, has been forbidden to import or bring into the county any more goods, by which his business has been ruined. Soon after the above stipulation was made, some of your petitioners proceeded to make a new location in Van Buren county on the south, but the settlers in that county drew up an agreement among themselves to drive us from that county after we had commenced laboring there, they threatened to shoot our cattle and destroy our labor, and in fact, "The foxes have holes and the birds of their air have nests, but we have not where to lay our heads"--We were obliged to return.
Since the stipulation was entered into, some of our houses have been broken open and the inmates threatened to be shot if they stirred, and also, some of our houses have been stoned or brick-batted.
Also, that since some publications, have appeared in the Western Monitor and other papers, censuring the conduct of the mob, the leaders have began to threaten life, declaring that if any of the mormons attempted to seek redress by law or other wise, for character, person or property, they should die!
Now THEREFORE, for ourselves, as members of the church, we declare, with the exception of poverty, which has not yet become a crime, by the laws of the land, that the crimes charged against us, (so far as we are acquainted,) contained in the documents above written, and those in the proceedings of the mob, as published in the Western Monitor of August 2nd, are not true. In relation to inviting free people of color to emigrate to this section of country--And other matters relative to our society, see the 109th, 10th, and 11th, pages of the Evening and Morning Star, and the Extra accompanying the same, dated July 16th,--which are annexed to this petition. Our situation is a critical one, we are located upon the western limits of the State, and of the United States--where desperadoes can commit outrages and even murder, and escape, in a few minutes, beyond the reach of process--where the most abandoned of all classes from almost every state may too often pass to the Mexican states, or to the more remote regions of the Rocky Mountains to escape the grasp of justice--where numerous tribes of Indians, located by the general Government amid the corrupting influence of midday mobs, might massacre our defenceless women and children, with impunity:-
Influenced by the precepts of our beloved Savior, when we have been smitten on the one cheek, we have turned the other also, when we have been sued at the law, and our coat been taken, we have given them our cloak also, when they have compelled us to go with them a mile, we have gone with them twain, we have borne the above outrages without murmuring:--But we cannot patiently bare them any longer: according to the laws of God and man, we have borne enough. Believing, with all honorable men, that whenever that fatal hour shall arrive that the poorest citizen's person, property, or rights and privileges, shall be trampled upon by a lawless mob with impunity, that moment a dagger is plunged into the heart of the Constitution, and the Union must tremble! Assuring ourselves that no republican will suffer the liberty of the press; the freedom of speech, and the liberty of conscience, to be silenced by a mob, without raising a helping hand, to save his country from disgrace. We solicit assistance to obtain our rights; holding ourselves amenable to the laws of our country whenever we transgress them.
Knowing, as we do, that the threats of this mob, in most cases, have been put into execution, and knowing also, that every officer, civil and military, with a very few exceptions, has pledged his life and honor, to force us from the county, dead or alive; and believing that civil process cannot be served without the aid of the Executive; and not wishing to have the blood of our defenceless women and children stain the land which has once been stained by the blood of our fathers to purchase our liberty; we appeal to the Governor for aid; asking him by express proclamation, or other wise, to raise a sufficient number of troops, who, with us, may be empowered to defend our rights, that we may sue for damages in the loss of property--for abuse--for defamation, as to ourselves--and if advisable try for treason against the government;--that the law of the land may not be defied, nor nulified, but peace restored to our country:--And we will every pray.
[On the foregoing we may remark, that it falls far short of setting forth the actual suffering situation of the petitioners, and the wanton and malicious conduct of the inhabitants by whom they were surrounded. Excepting a few individuals, those who were engaged in the outrage were persons of little or no reading; and being thus ignorant, were the more easily persuaded to believe, that their privileges and rights as citizens were about to be unlawfully taken from them; and when once roused to acts of violence, were constantly heated by the insinuations of a few, who ought to have been the first to rise in the defence of innocence and virtue, and bring to justice wild infatuated violators of the peace of society by the majesty of the civil law.
We insert the following communication from his Excellency the Governor of Missouri, in answer to the foregoing petition. The candid patriotic spirit which it breaths, is truly becoming a man entrusted with the honor of extending an arm in support of those who are unjustly trampled upon; and having it in his power to enforce due reverence to the Constitution.--Ed. Star.]
"City of Jefferson, Executive Department, Oct. 19th, 1833.
To Edward Partridge, W. [William] W. Phelps, Isaac Morely, John Corril, A. S. Gilbert, John Whitmer, and others:-
Your memorial soliciting my interposition against violence threatened you, and redress for injuries received by a portion of the citizens of Jackson county, has been received, and its contents duly considered. I should think myself worthy the confidence with which I have been honored by my fellow citizens, did I not promptly employ all the means which the Constitution and laws have placed at my disposal, to avert the calamites with which you are threatened.
Ours is a Government of laws, to them we all owe obedience, and their faithful administration is the best guarantee for the enjoyment of our rights.
No citizen, nor number of citizens, have 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. Not being willing to persuade myself that any portion of the citizens of the State of Missouri are so lost to a sense of these truths as to require the exercise of force, in order to ensure a respect of them.
After advising with the Attorney General, and exercising my best judgment, I would advise you to make a trial of the efficacy of the laws, the Judge of your circuit is a conservator of the peace. If an affidavit is made before him by any of you, that your lives are threatened and you believe them in danger, it would be his duty to have the offenders apprehended and bind them to keep the peace. Justices of the peace in their respective counties have the same authority, and it is made their duty to exercise it. Take, then, this course, obtain a warrant, let it be placed in the hands of the proper officer, and the experiment will be tested whether the laws can be peaceably executed or not. In the event they cannot be, and that fact is officially notified to me, my duty will require me to take such steps as will enforce a faithful execution of them.
With regard to the injuries you have sustained by destruction of property, &c. the law is open to redress, I cannot permit myself to doubt that the courts will be open to you, nor that you will find difficulty in procuring legal advocates to sue for damages therein.
Respectfully,
Your ob't. servant,
DANIEL DUNKLIN
W. W. PHELPS, ESQ. Independence, Mo."
THE EVENING AND THE MORNING STAR.
WE have received a communication written on the subject of the Millenium, which we insert in this number of the Star. Our time will not permit us to offer any remarks upon this article; we therefore give it to our readers as we received it; but as we presume we shall be favored with more from the same pen, we shall hereafter make such comments as we may deem appropriate.
<"Signs in Heavens">
Oliver Cowdery "Signs in the Heavens," E&MS 2 (Dec 1833)
SIGNS IN THE HEAVENS. {beliefs-lds}
ON the morning of the 13th of November last, about 3 or 4 oclock, was seen a singular appearance in the heavens, which seemed to produce no small excitement in the minds of those who were up in season to gaze upon the sublime, yet strange phenomenon. We were roused from our slumber by the voice of one of our neighbors, "Rise and see the signs in the heavens!" Immediately we were on our feet, and on looking out at the window, beheld a scenery as sublime, apparently, as though the Great Majesty of heaven was riding forth through the firmament upon a cloud that was passing slowly towards the east, from whose presence worlds seemed to be moving with mighty rapidity, whose flaming orbits lighted down through the dark eather and shown upon this earth! But on walking out it was plain to be seen that it was not merely one place in the heavens thus illuminated, but the whole heavens were lit up with the same appearance, except here and there a small cloud as they were moved to the east by a gentle wind.
This scenery continued visible till near sunrise, when it fled by the rising splendor of the "King of day." While we were gazing upon this new wonder with surprise and admiration, we remembered the exhortation of the Lord to Israel, [Isa. 40:26.] Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who created these things, that bringeth out their host by number: he calleth them all by names, by the greatness of his might, for that he is strong in power; not one faileth. This saying seems to be peculiarly well adapted to an occurrence of this kind: for notwithstanding the great commotion in the heavenly bodies, yet, the same power that brought them into existence and regulated their various circumvolutions, was still sufficient to retain them in their proper position by his immutable decree, till the judgement of the great day; or until the time of the fulfillment of certain prophecies contained in the holy scriptures. We were also reminded of that remarkable saying of the Savior, [Matt. 25:6.] while speaking of his kingdom in the last days, at the time of his second coming, when the cry is to be heard at midnight, Behold, the bridegroom cometh, go ye out to meet him.
It is generally the case, however, that whatever appearances are seen in the heavens at this day, some, and indeed we may say nearly all, are so wise that they can assign natural causes in abundance to account for them all without acknowledging that God's hand was in it, & that it was all done by his special direction. We admire the principle of searching into all causes and phenomenas, and of ascertaining the real origin of transpiring events, that we may be free from superstition and vain imagination, which are to frequently spread over the minds of the simple and untaught. Wisdom not only relieves us from the fatal effects of blind enthusiasm, with which all who have not understanding are liable to be ensnared; but it enlarges the heart and exalts the mind to heaven, and enables it to discern the real purpose of every occurrence though marvelous in the extreme, and to acknowledge the Omnipotent fiat that regulates the universe.
It is a pleasing thing to let the mind stretch away and contemplate the vast creations of the Almighty; to see the planets perform their regular revolutions, and observe their exact motions; to view the thousand suns giving ligt to myriads of globes, moving in their respective orbits, and revolving upon their several axis, all inhabited by intelligent beings; to consider that they all are visited with the light of his countenance, according to the revelation of his own character; that he communicates from time to time his will to all his creatures, and that he could not be impartial, were he to give a part the privilege of attaining to perfection and glory, and leave the other in darkness and uncertainty; but that Word by which all things were made will bring all alike to stand before him, and yet the least of all his creatures will not be overlooked, though at the assemblage of worlds, but all will be rewarded according to their works.
We profess a belief in the holy scriptures; we believe that the will of God is there contained and set forth for the good of mankind, and that neither a jot or tittle of his word will fall to the ground, or pass away unfulfilled. But in the admission of this idea are we not more willing that the scripture should be fulfilled in a time to come, than in our day? Are we not forward in our opinion, that the great and notable day of the Lord, spoken of by the prophet Joel, and quoted by the apostle Peter, [Acts 2:13-20] And I will show wonders in the heavens above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come, was fulfilled at the destruction of Jerusalem? And even admitting that it was not then fulfilled are we not ready to say that it must mean something to take place at, or near the end of the world?
Are we not more willing that the great and mighty events which are to transpire just prior to the Savior's glorious appearance in the clouds of heaven, should be fulfilled upon the heads of a future generation, than on our own? If we were pure in heart, and in all things prepared for the coming of our Lord Jesus, would we not be as willing, or as ready to admit that it was possible for this to be the day in which he should come, as to desire it to be fulfilled upon the heads of our children? If in all things we lived with an eye single to his glory, and from the heart used the prayer taught to the ancient apostles by their Lord, "Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth," [Luke 11:2] and contemplated the joys with which the saints will be crowned, would we not rather that day would come in our generation than in a future one?
Because all the world at this day are engaged in secular persuits, does that prove that the great day of the Lord is not near? Because all eyes seem to be closed, and all nations asleep as to the great interest of that period, do these things assure mankind that the Lord delays his coming? Or does it not rather serve as a precursory warning that the time draws nigh when the Son of God shall descend from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire? Is it any where written in the sacred volume that all the world should be prepared to meet him when he should come the second time without sin unto salvation? That they should all be watching, with eagerness and anxiety for the day of the Lord to come as a thief in the night, when the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements melt with fervent heat? Or are not these events really to transpire according to the strict reading of the apostle's writings?
But if they are, we would like to be informed whether that scripture has yet been fulfilled, contained in Matthew's testimony, [24th chap.] where he says, [Matt. 24:29-30] After the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: and then shall appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of Man coming in the clouds of heaven with power & great glory? This singular idea taught to the apostles by the Lord Jesus, was not merely noticed by Matthew, for there was a prospect, even an assurance of an inexpressible glory which was to burst upon the heads of the saints: a day of redemption, when they themselves were to set upon thrones and judge the twelve tribes of Israel.
But Luke makes this subject very plain, after giving a relation of that notable prophecy of the Lord concerning the destruction of the city of Jerusalem, and the captivity of the Jews: [Luke 21:24-27] that they should be led into all nations, and Jerusalem be trodden down of the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles were fulfilled, he says, There shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of Man coming in a cloud, with power and great glory. [Luke 21:25-27] Need this language be mistook? can we figure in our minds a belief that these sayings have been fulfilled? or were the apostles mistaken? or did not Christ declare that these things should be?
Isaiah declares that in the day of the fierce anger of the Lord of hosts, the heavens shall shake and the earth be removed out of her place; [Isa. 13:10] and that the sun shall be darkened in his going forth, and that the moon shall not cause her light to shine. [Isaiah 13] John while upon the isle of Patmos, in giving a relation of the opening of the sixth seal, [Rev. 6] says, [Rev. 6:12-14] Lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood; and the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig-tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind. And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together, and every mountain and island were moved out of their places. These prophecies if not yet fulfilled, must be of moment to this, or a future generation. And who, with a moment's reflection, will say, that they have been?--Events of this magnitude would have been noticed and recorded by previous historians, and we should now read them with wonder and amazement. And that they are to transpire, the veracity of the sacred scripture stands pledged for the truth of their performance. Whether that glorious day will usher in before our dissolution, we cannot say, we do not know. Whether it will be in this generation or a future one, we do not pretend to predict; but the signs of the times are sufficient to warn every man that the day is near at hand, and the great exhortation spoken by the Lord himself is of importance to every saint, [Matthew 24:44] Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not, the Son of man cometh!
<Editorial>
Oliver Cowdery ed E&MS 2 (Dec 1833)
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN.
ASA JEFFERS, who was once an elder in the church of Christ, has been excommunicated by the regular authority of the church, at Elk Creek Erie Co. Pa. in consequence of unchristian like conduct, and he refused to give up his Credentials, but still retains them, and is probably going through the churches and the world, trying thus to impose upon them.
Z. [Zebedee] COLTRIN, Presiding Elder. December 14, 1833,
OBITUARY.
ON the first day of November last, the members of the church in this place were called upon to pay the last tribute of respect due from them, to the remains of brother DAVID JOHNSON, who departed this life on the morning of the 31st of Oct. after an illness of five weeks and five days; aged 23 years.
Ritcomiums cannot salute the ears of the dead, nor the praise of the living cheer the heart of fellow-clay when once consigned to its mother earth.--Still it is right to cherish some incidents of the lives of departed friends, to console us when we meditate upon our bereavements. And perhaps we should be found wanting in feelings of respect and friendship, were we not to notice the departure of our beloved brother the loss of whom we view as an afflicting, though just providence.
Brother J. [Johnson] had been a member in this church more than two years, during which time he manifested that strict propriety in his daily walk and conversation, that truly was becoming a disciple of the Lord Jesus. Kind and benevolent, his heart ever rejoiced in the wellbeing and happiness of his fellowmen, and always sorrowed at their afflictions. In short, we may say, that impressed with due reverence toward him who had called him from darkness to light, he strove with unreserved diligence to have all his actions correspond with the pattern laid down in the sacred record: and to do by others as he wished them to do by him. But in the morning of his days he was called from a world of trouble and strife, to try the realities of eternity! in the flower of his age, in the vigor of his youth he was cut off from this life: God chose to take him to himself, though the affections of our hearts were closely allied to him.
The afflictions of his body, during his last illness, he bore with that resignation and fortitude becoming a man. Not a murmur escaped his lips against the providence of the Lord. And when his body was racked with pain, he stayed himself upon the arm of Omnipotence, and rested his hope in the promises of him who had given his life a ransom for his soul. And in his last moments, while kindred spirits waited to escort him away, he says "I am going home: there is a place in the mansions of the Father that Christ has prepared for me, where I shall rest: I am anxious to go: I am prepared to die!" And then, without a struggle he fell asleep, and his spirit fled to the paradise of God!
His funeral was attended with due solemnity, conducted by the direction of brother J. [John P.] Green; and a discourse suited to the occasion was delivered by brother J. [John] S. Carter, from Rev. 14:13. "And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from hence forth; yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors, and their works do follow them." And while his numerous relatives and friends crowded round, eager to drop the last tear over their kindred dust, we could not forbear reflecting, that, though this body is now cold and inanimate, soon it shall be reanimated again; yes, quickened and immortalised, no more to see corruption; for we could not forbear saying in our hearts, Ah! he only sleeps! And while we mourn his departure, may God enable us to appreciate our loss--while he rests in peace!
In a communication from Missouri, dated at Independence, October 30, we are informed of the death of brother WILLIAM HOBERT, who, but a short time previous had been called to exchange this world for a situation with fellow spirits, in the place prepared in the economy of God. We had formed only a partial acquaintance with brother H. who had been in the place but a short time previous to the destruction of the office of the Star; but we are happy to say, that during the short acquaintance with which we were favored, he sustained a respectable character. He went to that country with the expectation of laboring in the office of the Star, as a typographer, and probably was excelled by but a few, of his experience.
We do not know his age, but presume that it was not far from twenty years. It may be proper to say, that while on his way to Independence, in May last, he was afflicted with a delirium, which for a short time entirely deprived him of his natural intellect; but as far as we have information, was not troubled with that affliction, after his arrival in Jackson county. As to the circumstances relative to his last illness, we can give nothing more appropriate than a few words contained in the letter which announced his death.
"I have just returned from the repository of the dead, where I left the remains of brother William Hobert, to return no more! or I would rather say, until the resurrection of the just: for I am sensible that he is far better off than when in this state of existance. I have reason to believe that he is happy: he died without a struggle or a groan."
------
NOTE.--Since the above was put in type we have been informed, that brother William Hobert was deranged in mind some two or three times previous to his death, which fact we were ignorant of, when writing the above article.
Communicated for The Evening and the Morning Star,
<"Millenium">
Sidney Rigdon "Millenium," E&MS 2 (Dec 1833)
Millenium. No. I. {beliefs-lds}
THE subject of the Millenium has excited the attention of the students of the bible in the different ages of the world. All persons in any degree acquainted with the ancient prophecies have been led to believe, that there was some different order of things to be established in the last days, from what had existed in the former ages of the world; and many have written on the subject, without, however, being able to give much light upon it; leaving it pretty much as they found it, without coming to any certain conclusion, as to the precise features, or character of that peculiar age.
Some have doubted, seriously, whether there were any such period, as that called the Millenium, ever to take place. But a large majority of professed christians, have had a greater or less degree of confidence in the actual arrival of such a period; believing that the things spoken of by the ancient prophets, have never been fulfilled, nor never can, unless the Millenium is brought about in the economy of God. But in what manner it is to be introduced, and by what means, they have been unable to see, or understand.
The fact, however, that a different state of things would exist, from that which had existed, they think, is plainly taught from the following testimonies of the ancient prophets: [Isa. 52:8] Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together shall they sing: for they shall see eye to eye, when the Lord shall bring again Zion. [Jer. 31:34] And they shall teach no more every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the Lord. [Micah 4:3] And he shall judge among many people, and rebuke strong nations afar off; and they shall beat their swords into plow shares, and their spears into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more, [Isa. 11:6-9] The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice's den. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.
From the foregoing scriptures, as well as from many others, a large majority of the professing world, have been led to believe, that the last days were to be days of wonder; that God would do great things for his saints, and rain down righteousness from heaven. In consequence of the general credence given to these testimonies of the prophets, together with many others of like import, the subject of the Millenium has become one of pretty general belief in the religious world; nearly all the sects of the nineteenth century believe in it, and cherish some opinion in relation to it, (which however, are generally favorable to their own prejudices and their own sect.)
There are no writers on this subject, with whom we are acquainted, who have entered into a minute detail of all its parts, as they lie strewed over the face of the ancient prophecies; but have contented themselves with a very limited view of some of them, only. But notwithstanding the general opinion which now prevails in the world, that in the purpose of God such an era will come in the course of human existence, (for so general is the belief in the Millenium, that all the revivals among the sects are considered as a prelude to it, and a kind of foretaste of that day of rest and glory which God has in reserve for the last days,) still, their knowledge of the subject is so limited, that they are unable either to satisfy themselves or others. The opinions of the world on the subject of the Millenium, are nearly as numerous as the sects; each party having an opinion of its own.
Within the last five years, a writer has made his appearance, professing it to be his primary object, to investigate this subject; and actually commenced publishing a paper, calling it the, "Millenial Harbinger." From his high standing as a man of talents, and a biblical student, from his pen we expected much; but, in this we have been disappointed; for we have received but little; indeed, less than little: we have received nothing.
Whether the Editor has undertaken a task that he is a fraid to perform, or whether he is really ignorant of the subject, we do not pretend to say.--But all those who have read the "Millenial Harbinger," know, that he has not given it so much as one passing glance. True, Mr. M'Corkle has said something, about something, or nothing; which the public have received through the columns of the Harbinger. How many more articles he may favor us with, yet remains to be found out hereafter. But he has reached the very prominant point, which all writers who write about nothing, generally gain, that is, to cry, False prophets, false prophets, false christs! against some religious denomination, and there stand and, Halloo!
We asked ourselves, when reading Mr. M'Corkel's production, Who is the better of all this? What good, gentle reader, do you suppose it would do you if a man were to say to you, You will starve to death! you will starve to death! and yet never try to make any provision for your wants, or direct you where you could get any? Mr. M'Corkle has cried, death! destruction! desolation! judgment! but no provision! no way for escape! no hiding place! no city of refuge! And what advantage is all his labor of love to us? for we might as well perish without knowing it twenty years before hand, as with. For perish we must, according to Mr. M'Corkle; for as yet, he has left the world, both saint and sinner without any way to escape the impending danger.
TO BE CONTINUED.
<"Outrage in Jackson">
Oliver Cowdery "Outrage in Jackson County," E&MS 2 (Dec 1833)
THE OUTRAGE IN JACKSON COUNTY, MISSOURI.
We give, below, a letter to the Editors of the BOONVILLE HERALD, printed at Boonville, Mo. written by brother O. [Orson] Hyde on board the Steam Boat Charleston, on her passage from Independence to that place, with the remarks of the Editors upon the same, commencing thus:
"The Mormon War.--The following statement of the recent beligerent attitudes assumed by the people of Jackson and the Mormonites, was handed to us by an individual who passed this place on board S. R. CHARLESTON. Although it was the statement of a Mormon yet coming as it did, apparently authenticated by Capt. GUNSOLES and his Clerk, we were at the time disposed to believe it correct. But it is certainly an exagerated account. Since it was committed to the column, we have seen and conversed with Col. A. MCLELLAND, of Jackson County, who was several days later from Independence. We know Col. McL. [A. McLelland] to be a man of the most superlative honor. We have no hesitation, whatever, in vouching for his assertions. He denies the demolishing of houses and otherwise maltreating the Mormons--although he says the greatest excitement and exasperation has prevailed. So much so that it has become fashionable to carry arms. But he says there never was but one skirmish, in which the Mormons were the assailants. It was brought about in consequence of a small party of men who proceeded out to the Mormon settlement for the purpose of holding a consultation with them, respecting their stipulated removal from the county. They were fired on by a party of Mormons in ambush. They were only partially armed, and were rather disposed to evade a rencontre. The unfortunate BRAZEAL ascended a log, and distinctly proclaimed peace. But the Mormons kept up a heedless fire,--when it was found necessary to act on the defensive. The conflict lasted for several minutes. Mr. Brazeal and a Mr. Linville fell dead on the spot. Several were severely wounded. It is not positively known whether more than one Mormon was killed or not. There was only one discovered dead on the battle-field. Mr. HYDE's statement of a second engagement, and of the death of Mr. HICKS, is entirely unfounded. Mr. Hicks, was not in the County at the time--but was attending the Court of Lafayette. Col. McL. [A. McLelland] further estates that things were entirely tranquil at the time of his departure--and the Mormons dispersing.-
ON BOARD STEAMBOAT CHARLESTON, November 8, 1833.
Messrs. ED.--I am two days from Independence, the seat of war, and it may be acceptable to yourselves and also to your readers to be made acquainted with some of the particulars respecting it.
On Thursday night, October 31, some 40 or 50 persons belonging to the Mob, assembled above Big Blue, eight or ten miles west of Independence, and in part demolished 12 of the dwelling houses belonging to the Mormons and occupied by them at the time. The Mob took two of the Mormonite men and beat them with stones and clubs, leaving barely a breath of life in them. Friday night, November 1, the Mob broke upon the Store of [Algernon S.] Gilbert and [Newel K.] Whitney, and scattered their goods through the street. They demolished Mr. Gilbert's brick dwelling house, and broke in the doors and windows of all the dwellings in Independence belonging to the Mormons. Saturday night, November 2, the Mob commenced their ravages again above Big Blue. And after they had fired five or six guns upon the Mormons without effect, the Mormons fired upon them, and one of the Mob screamed, "O my God! I am shot." The Mob then dispersed in much confusion, taking their wounded companion along with them. On Monday last, the Mob collected again in the town of Independence, to the number of two or three hundred well armed. They called it, "calling out the militia!" probably for the purpose of lessening the magnitude of their crime in the eyes of community. At night a part of them went above Big Blue, but were met by a party of the Mormons who were well armed, and they poured a deadly fire upon them; two or three of the Mob fell dead, and a number mortally wounded. Among the former, was Hugh L. Breazeal, Attorney at Law. Tuesday morning there were a number of the Mob missing that could not be accounted for.--Left Independence and came to Liberty Landing on board the boat, where we stopped to take in freight, and while we were there, (Wednesday 11 o'clock, A. M.) a Messenger rode up, saying that he had just came from the seat of war, and that the night before, another battle had been fought, in which Mr. Hicks, Attorney at Law, fell, having three balls and some buck shot, through his body, and about twenty more of the Mob. Mr. Hicks was one of the heads of the mob. The cannonading in the last engagement, was heard on board the boat very distinctly.
Of a part of the above, I was an eye witness, but things were in a state of great confusion at the time, and should there be an error in the above statement, I trust that you and the public will pardon a well-wisher to all mankind.--Yours in haste. ORSON HYDE.
The above is a true statement as far as the particulars have come to us. Y. GUNSOLES Captain. N. MELVEN Clerk."
We were not a little astonished on reading the remarks of the Herald upon the above letter, and the credence given to Mr. M'Lelland's statement of the outrage. Mr. M. is represented in the Herald as being a man of the most SUPERLATIVE honor, and utterly denies there having any thing transpired derogatory to the character of the inhabitants of that county toward their neighbors, the "Mormons" as they call them. He says that no houses belonging to our society were demolished by the people of that place, and that no maltreatment was shown whatever. This must be too bare-faced to be believed by any candid unprejudiced man. The very admission that our people were leaving the county is sufficient to show, that without some extraordinary occurrence they would not thus leave their houses, their homes, their property and their possessions in this late season of the year. He says that there never had been but one skirmish, and then the "Mormons" were the assailants. Would this Mr. M. be glad to make the people of the United States believe that there had been no unlawful proceedings by the citizens of Jackson county?
This reminds us of a certain article published soon after the outrage commenced, which went considerably the rounds in the public prints, stating that the citizens of Jackson county very COOLLY and DELIBERATELY surrounded the office of "The Evening and the Morning Star," raised it to the foundation, SECURED the press, &c. and dispersed without doing any thing further, or offering abuse or violence to any man. When the fact was, the press was broken, and now lies in fragments opposite the ruins of the building, unless recently removed; the types and furniture of the office, scattered and destroyed; and, to add glory to their triumphant victory, they very COOLLY AND DELIBERATELY seized two peaceable and inoffensive fellow-citizens, marched them up before the court house door, divested them of the more part of their wearing apparrel, and tarred and feathered them amid shouts of "Now call on your God to deliver you--pretty Jesus you worship," &c.
Mr. M. says, that the "Mormons" have suffered no maltreatment; that only one skirmish had ensued, and then the Mob only acted on the defensive; that the firing on their part did not commence until after the "Mormons" had fired upon them, and that they only went in order to hold a consultation with them concerning their afore stipulated agreement to leave the county. But this is so far from being correct, that we can say, that we have received several communications from the SEAT OF WAR, and all corroborate the statement of brother [Orson] Hyde, Capt. Gunsoles and his Clerk, that the firing commenced on the part of the Mob. And farther, the individuals who entered into the stipulation to leave the county, were then in the town of Independence, or near there, and the said skirmish was some eight or ten miles west of that place.
And we are authentically informed, that when the intelligence of the battle reached Independence, that Breazeal and Linville were killed, and others wounded, that Mr. [Algernon S.] Gilbert, [William W.] Phelps, and others of the society, were then in the court house on a trial, where they were charged with an assault, or false imprisonment; and the excitement was such, that with difficulty they escaped massacre from the hands of an inhuman and lawless populace; that in open court a pistol was presented to the breast of Mr. G. but providentially missed fire, and that no notice was taken of the transaction. Mr. [A. S.] Gilbert, [William W.] Phelps, and those individuals, or at least some of them, were those who agreed to leave the county, with whom Mr. M. says, the Mob went to hold a consultation.
We are not surprised, that men who are guilty of so flagrant a violation of the Constitution and laws of our country, should seek to screen themselves from justice, by false coloring those acts which cannot be hid; but for the name of a man of SUPERLATIVE honor, whose verasity is unimpeachable, & his integrity unquestionable, the truth of whose assertion is vouched for by the Editors of the Herald, to come before the public, we leave them to judge of the correctness of the statements of an eye witness, corroborated by the Capt. and Clerk of the S. B. Charleston, believing that no argument from us is needed, to show the design of such representations, as made by Mr. M.
It may be proper to say, that Mr G. [Algernon S. Gilbert] and others were engaged in apprehending the individual who broke down the door of Mr. G. & Co.'s store, when their goods were taken out and scattered through the streets; but the Justice refusing to take any notice of the person, or act, he was accordingly permitted in turn to bring those individuals who apprehended him, before a court, where they were, when the report came of the above mentioned skirmish.
We give a few extracts from certain letters showing the conduct of the Mob, since the destruction of the printing office. In an outrage of this magnitude, and the great excitement unavoidably raised in the minds of the sufferers, it can not but be expected, that exagerated reports will be put in circulation, and frequent misrepresentations made by both parties, by giving too much credence to rumors; but we can draw a decided conclusion from what information we have received,that the society have been forced from their own dwellings, and compelled to seek an asylum among strangers without means to procure the common necessaries of life.
Extract of a letter dated, "Independence, October 30, 1833.
Dear brethren,--Through the mercy and aid of our heavenly Father we are yet alive; and we are very thankful for such a blessing. Since I last wrote we have been through a scene. We declared publicly a week a go last Sunday that we as a people should defend our lands and houses. On Monday the mob, or at least some of the leaders began to move; strict orders were given with us not to be aggressors--but to warn them not to come upon us, &c. and as court was to set on Monday, it was noised abroad that the leaders of the mob would be called upon to bind themselves to keep the peace. It was a solemn looking time. The mob had lost no time in sending rumors, and counselling; above fifty of them met on Saturday and voted to a hand to move the "mormons:"--They counselled and rode all day of Sunday. The great Monday came, but fewer people were seldom seen at a Circuit Court--No mob, but great threats. A number of families arrived last week from Ohio, Indianna, and Missouri; some of whom were attacked by the leaders of the mob, but I believe they received no injury. Yours &c."
By the foregoing it can be seen, that our society were cautious not to act only in the defensive, which they were justified in doing. We give an extract of another communication, dated:
November 6, 1833.
Dear brethren,--Since I last wrote we have had horrible times. When I returned from----behold the enemy had suddenly come upon our brethren above Blue, and had thrown down 10 or 12 houses, and nearly whipped some to death, among whom was H. [Hiram] Page.--This was done on Thursday night.--On Tuesday night they commenced in Independence; broke all the windows of the brethren's houses in; broke open the doors of bro. Gilbert's store, strewed the goods in the streets. Saturday night they fell upon the brethren at the Blue--nearly beat one to death! but one of Manship's sons was dangerously wounded with a rifle ball, they fled. On Monday about sunset, a regular action was fought above Blue; we had 4 wounded--They had 5 wounded and killed; among the latter were Mr. Breazeal and Mr. Linville. From Friday till Tuesday after noon our brethren were under arms. On Tuesday the mob had about three hundred collected--Before any blood was shed we agreed to go away immediately.
It is a horrid time, men, women and children are fleeing, or preparing to, in all directions, almost--We mean to try to settle in Van Buren county if possible, God only knows our lot.
Yours &c.
Since I wrote yesterday morning, another horrid scene has transpired.--After our people agreed to leave the county and were dispersed from each other in a measure, a party of the mob went to the Blue, and began to whip, and, as I heard late last night, murder!
All hopes of going to the south was given up last night, when it was resolved that we should be driven forthwith into Clay county. The brethren have been driven into the woods, and God only knows what will become of them. Women and children are flocking to Everett's and Hancock's Ferry. Our families will have to take the ground for a floor to-night if they get down in season to cross the Missouri. Yours in affliction, &c.
November 14, 1833.
Since I last wrote, our brethren have been moving in every direction. It is impossible to say where many of them are.--The situation of many is critical having nothing to buy food with, and having raised none the passed season. Great destruction is said to be making with the property left--such as corn, potatoes, household furniture, &c. The Savior said, [Matt. 10:22] Blessed are ye when ye are hated of all men for my name's sake--and I think we have come to that. It is impossible to give you the information which requires a personal interview. Now is the hour that tries our souls; yea, the souls of the saints: we want victuals and clothes, and we mean to be saved, even if we die--for life with the present prospect before us, is not very desirable! I shall give more general information in my next if I can obtain it.
In great tribulation, Yours, &c."
Amid the confusion unavoidably arising in calamities of this magnitude, as we previously remarked, it can not but be expected that many rumors will be afloat having very little foundation. But from the previous quotations it is plain to draw a conclusion, that lives have been sacrificed, some in attempting to gratify a spirit of outlaw, and persecution; and others in the defence of helpless innocence. Some statements were only drawn from report by the writer, and others from actual knowledge.
The fact, that houses were thrown down by the Mob, is authentically furnished us by verbal report, as well as by the extracts given. That the "Mormons suffered no maltreatment" from the Mob, is an assertion as difficult to substantiate, as to authentically prove that no dwellings were thrown down, no doors broken open, no merchandise thrown about the streets, neither a printing office leveled with the ground. And for any citizen of Jackson county to say, that no occurrence of this kind has transpired, we leave our friends to judge, whether he could be well informed in the common transactions of his own county; or whether he endeavored in any degree to misrepresent, thinking to turn the public mind from a just feeling of censure against the perpetration of a crime of this magnitude, that the actors might escape justice.
From the following extract we can draw something of an estimate of the number killed, up to the time when it was written. We have heard various accounts of the number slain on both sides, and these reports have frequently been exagerated. The account of the number killed in the last engagement, as inserted in the Herald, written by brother [Orson] Hyde, was incorrect, and it will be seen from the article that it was only a report; consequently, he was not accountable for its correctness.
But the calm deliberate spirit by which the following appears to have been indited, is sufficient to show that excitement did not agitate the mind of the author; though under such paineful circumstances it is to be expected, that a man of feeling, on the reflection, that innocent women and children, were driven from their peaceable homes by a lawless mob, and compelled to lodge upon the cold earth, under the open canopy, without having the means or power to administer to them in their necessities, would be required to call every power and faculty of the intellect into requisition, to keep it from burning with unjust indignation
<Editorial>
Oliver Cowdery ed E&MS 2 (Dec 1833)
November 17, 1833.
Dear brethren--I will give you a few particulars of our proceedings, and also of the rioters, as I have been able to collect them. Some forty or fifty of them in one night, demolished or unroofed ten houses of ours, above Blue. They came out again in the night and two of their number were taken, and that stopped their career that night. Again they fell upon the society at the Blue, and commenced firing upon them, which was returned by the society, and one of their men was shot through the thigh. Again, they came out against the society above the Blue, a battle ensued in which some two or three of their men were killed, and a number wounded and shortly died, and others were wounded but are like to recover.
Brother [Philo] Dibble was shot through the bowels and his case is considered doubtful; another by the name of [Andrew] Barber was wounded and has since died; five or six more were wounded but not mortally. Another party had fallen upon the brethren in Independence and did considerable damage. We went against them, and took one man while in the act of breaking open the store. We had him before the magistrate but he refused to do any thing with him at that time. He then sued bro. [Algernon S. Gilbert], myself, and others for an assault;--we were prisoners in the court house for trial when the news came of the battle above Blue. The house being full they rushed upon us to kill us, but through the mercy of God we were preserved and not hurt: we saw plainly that the whole county were enraged, and preparing for a general massacre the next day. We then thought it wisdom to stop the shedding of more blood; and by agreeing to leave immediately we saved many lives; in this we feel justified. But we are literally in a scattered, miserable condition, not knowing what we shall be called to pass through next. The brethren, generally bare it patiently and feel cheerful, trusting in God, and but few deny the faith--I will write more particulars hereafter,
Yours, &c."
THE ELDERS IN KIRTLAND, TO THEIR BRETHREN ABROAD. {beliefs-lds}
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 later times, by the will and testament of our Mediator, whose intersessions 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 match 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, [1 Tim. 5:22] "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 Millenium! 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 not desire to know the truth. Remember that [D&C 63:58] "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 pride: 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.
<Orson Hyde>
Orson Hyde ltr in E&MS 2 (Dec 1833)
TO THE EDITOR OF THE STAR,
SIR: It appears from recent communications from the west, respecting the outrage in Jackson county, Mo. that I was somewhat mistaken in my communication to the Editor of the Boonville Herald.
It will be remembered, that I did not vouch for the correctness of all my statements, but published them as report only. I am happy to state that I now believe that the report concerning the last engagement was without foundation, and that the cannonading which was heard on board the S. B. Charleston, was only an expression of the triumph and joy of the mob.
It was also a mistake about the imprisonment of bro. [William W.] Phelps. The brethren imprisoned were [Isaac] Morley, [William] McLellin, [John] Corril, and [Algernon S.] Gilbert. It also appears that Mr. Gilbert did not make a prisoner of any man; but one man was caught breaking in his store doors, and Mr. G. asked him if he would go before Esq. Weston, and answer for his conduct; he readily ascended and went before the Esq. whose principles were probably, no better than those of the offender; consequently, he was acquitted, or at least nothing was done about it.
I am surprised that Col. M'Lelland should be so prodigal of his "superlative honor," as to flatly deny the demolishing of any of the houses belonging to our people, and also that our people had been maltreated in any way, when there are hundreds of witnesses to the contrary. I saw the office of the Evening and Morning Star lying in a pile of ruins. I saw Mr. Gilbert's brick house lying prostrate, or at least a part of it, and the inmates flying there from. I also saw the doors of Mr. Gilbert's store split down, and the windows of many of our dwellings broken in. I also learned from one of the mob, that they had torn down twelve or fifteen houses above Blue, and the same was confirmed unto me by a brother who resided on the ground.
I might say many more things respecting the abuse which our people received, such as tarring and feathering, whipping and beating, knocking down, &c. &c. but I forbear. All these things Col. M'L. denies and the Editor of the Herald has no hesitancy in vouching for the truth of his assertions. As to the truth of Col. Mc L.'s [A. McLelland] statements relative to my communication, I leave a candid public to judge.
Affectionately, Yours
O. [Orson] HYDE.
<Editorial>
Oliver Cowdery ed E&MS 2 (Dec 1833)
We have received several communications from the elders abroad concerning the prosperity and spread of the gospel, which would be interesting, no doubt, to those who are daily offering up their petitions before the Lord, to roll on his kingdom until his will is done on earth as in heaven, but we are not able to insert them in this number of the Star. The documents upon the subject of the outrage in Missouri being lengthy; we shall give extracts hereafter.
We forward the Star to all its former patrons, but should there be those who do not desire to receive it any longer, they can return it to the office. We request the elders to write us often, that we may receive intelligence concerning their prosperity; that we may lay it before the churches. As the Star is designed as an engine of truth, to spread the light among mankind, we hope the elders abroad will use their exertions to obtain subscribers.
SONG FOR ZION.
THE towers of Zion soon shall rise Above the clouds, and reach the skies; Attract the gaze and wondering eyes Of all that worship gloriously.
The saints shall see the city stand Upon this consecrated land, And Israel, numerous as the sand, Inherit it eternally.
O, that the day would hasten on, When wickedness shall all be gone, And saints and angels join in one, To praise the Man of Holiness.
Then shall the veil of heaven rend, And the Son Aw-Man will descend. A vast eternity to spend In perfect peace and righteousness.
Exalt the name of Zion's God; Praise ye his name in songs aloud. Proclaim his majesty abroad Ye banner-bearing messengers.
Cry to the nations far and near, To come and in the glories share, That on mount Zion will appear, When earth shall rest from wickedness. [William W. Phelps}
Erratum:--See 118th page, 2nd column, and 25th line from the top for office of The Evening and the Morning Star, raised--read, RAZED.
The Evening and the Morning Star IS PUBLISHED EVERY MONTH AT KIRTLAND, GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO. BY F. [Frederick] G. WILLIAMS & CO.
O. [Oliver] COWDERY, Editor.
THE PRICE IS ONE DOLLAR FOR A YEAR IN ADVANCE, EXCEPT SPECIAL CONTRACTS ARE MADE. EVERY PERSON THAT SENDS US $10, CURRENT MONEY, SHALL BE ENTITLED TO A PAPER FOR A YEAR, GRATIS. ALL LETTERS TO THE EDITOR, OR PUBLISHERS, MUST BE POST PAID.
PRINTING, OF MOST KINDS, DONE TO ORDER, AND IN STYLE AT THIS OFFICE.
THE EVENING AND THE MORNING STAR
VOLUME 2, NO. 16-18
JAN, FEB, MAR 1834
KIRTLAND, OHIO
VOL. II, NO. 16, KIRTLAND, OHIO, JANUARY, 1834.
<"Outrage">
Oliver Cowdery "Outrage," E&MS 2 (Jan 1833)
THE OUTRAGE IN JACKSON COUNTY, MISSOURI.
WE continue to receive intelligence from Upper Missouri, detailing facts relative to the inhuman outrage committed by a large portion of the inhabitants of Jackson county upon our friends, which we deem of importance to lay before our readers, as we are thereby furnished with satisfactory information by which we can draw a conclusion, in part, of the sufferings of the innocent, by the conduct of men who claim the appellation of honorable citizens in our Republic, entrusted with important offices in a free state, under a free Constitution, & under just and liberal laws; and not only these, but many of them profess the religion of Jesus Christ, and to be followers of the meek and lowly Lamb.
An everlasting stigma in the minds of all intelligent men, must be heaped upon those who are so lost to every feeling of that mercy and compassion, which moved the Savior of mankind to suffer for his creatures, as to rise up and persecute any sect or denomination because their belief differed from their own. Because in our country, every individual has the privilege of worshiping God according to the dictates of his own conscience, and no compulsory means whatever can be exercised in matters of religion, and those who are not disposed to embrace any prevailing tenet, or are not satisfied with those commonly received, have an undoubted right to form new ones, and so long as these, or their conduct is in no case whatever derogatory of the laws of Constitution, have an equal claim upon the same for protection with all other citizens, be their belief what it may.
Where is the individual who believes in revealed religion as contained in the sacred scriptures, but would blush with sorrow at the thought, that those who professed to be the disciples of Jesus of Nazereth, have risen up and streached out the arm of persecution and violence against any society, because their opinions deviated from the tradition in which they themselves were taught? But should he blush, it would not be because these principles were contained in the doctrine of the new testament, or could any where be found in the preachings of the apostles: it would only be because of the corruption of the human heart, and the great apostacy from the example and faith of the primitive saints.--So that the scoffers at the religion of the bible could find no just plea against it on these grounds: it would only be an accusation against some of its professed votaries; while the sacred oracles would yet be unimpeached; and those pure principles which God has given from heaven to men for their peace and happiness, and so wisely calculated to lead them to salvation, remain unsullied, unmarred, and their truth still incontrovertible, to stand as a testimony forever against all those who so vilely turn from these pure precepts.
Millions of lives have been sacrificed to gratify a vain and tyranical ambition; and millions have spilt their blood in enforcing their religion; and as many have fallen in defending themselves against those who were seeking to enforce their faith by the sword; and the unbeliever in Christ has brought this forward as an argument against the religion of the bible, and has been able to put to silence thousands who professed to believe it, in consequence of the conduct of men in past ages, when no such principles are to be found contained in that sacred volume from beginning to end, and its truth and propriety still the same in the mind of the candid searcher: still, to cloak their hypocrisy & tyranny, many have professed a belief in the scriptures, that they might the more easily blind the eyes of their followers, and in the name of the Most High, promise eternal life to all who would assist in putting to death their fellow mortals who did not believe as they did, that a universal religion might cover the earth, whether men were willing or not, when no such precept, instruction, or commandment, is any where to be found between the lids of that book; and is as foreign from every thing which God communicated to man from the creation to the present day, as light is prefferable to darkness, truth to error, liberty to slavery, or heaven to the regions of the bottomless pit.
The fact, that men who professed religion were engaged in the shameful outrage in Jackson county, is one that needs no argument or testimony from us to prove, further, than to give the names of individuals; which we shall hereafter. That this persecution came in consequence of the religious belief of an innocent society, must be admitted by every candid unprejudiced man the moment he takes the time to examine the circumstances and testimony which are published to the world, not only by the leaders of the mob, but their declaration or bond, which was signed by themselves and their adherents, which was forwarded to the Governor of that state in the petition of the sufferers, and published in the last number of the Star.
We insert the first paragraph of the bond signed by the citizens of that county, to show the weak and vain excuse framed, either to justify themselves, or to blind the eyes of the more ignorant; for any man of principle or judgment might see at once, that these excuses in the minds of men of understanding would not weigh any thing, and that they could not plead any justification in the eyes of the law. It is as follows:
"We, the undersigned, citizens of Jackson county, believing that an important crisis is at hand, as regards our civil society, in consequence of a pretended religious sect of people, that have settled and are still settling in our county, styling themselves Mormons, and intending, as we do to rid our society `peaceably if we can, forcibly if we must,' and believing as we do, that the arm of the civil law does not afford us a guarantee, or at least a sufficient one against the evils which are now inflicted upon us, and seem to be increasing by the said religious sect, deem it expedient, and of the highest importance to form ourselves into a company or the better and easier accomplishment of our purpose a purpose which we deem it almost superfluous to say, is justified as well by the law of nature, as by the law of self preservation."
From the foregoing it will be seen, that the principal charge brought or preferred against our society by the mob, was in consequence of the religion that they professed; acknowledging at the same time that the civil law did not give them a sufficient guarantee, but because their numbers were superior, they would drive a people from their homes, their possessions and their habitations; from their own lands, purchased with their own money of the Government and of individuals, holding legal deeds and duplicates of the same, and thus subject innocent and helpless women and children to undergo the fatigues and inclemencies of an approaching winter, destitute of the means of subsistence, to wander without shelter, unless God in his infinite mercy should touch the hearts of individuals, and fill them with a just sympathy, and constrain them to open their doors and give them an asylum.
The leaders of the mob come forward with another assertion, thinking to justify themselves in the act of driving peaceable citizens from their own possessions; or, rather present it as an excuse to their adherents, to fire their indignation against an unoffensive people, that they might be excited to commit acts of violence, and think at the time that they were justified. They say, in their bond, or secret constitution, that it was ascertained more than a year ago that our people had been tampering with their slaves. Were it not, that this was one of their main accusations, we should not notice it; but as this complaint has gone considerably the rounds in the public prints, we consider ourselves bound to lay every circumstance and fact before our readers which may have the least bearing on this point. In the first place, they may understand, that not four hundred slaves, old and young, are to be found in the county of Jackson, amid a population of from six to eight thousand whites; or at least, were not at the time when they say that it was ascertained that our friends were tampering with their blacks.
In the spring of 1832 a part of the citizens of the county were very desirous to expel our people from the place. Many threats were thrown out by certain low, degraded, unprincipled persons; but it was pretty satisfactorily ascertained, that they were only put forward and excited to desperation by a still more influential set, that kept secreted behind the scene for fear of public censure and contempt. A county meeting however was called, and a large portion of the inhabitants attended, some to take measures to drive out, or compel their neighbors to leave, and others with a view to prevent any violent or unlawful acts being committed; but they dispersed with doing nothing more than threaten, except stoning houses in the night to disturb the quiet repose of a few families. At the time of this excitement a report was in circulation among the people of the county, that our society were persuading or endeavoring to, the blacks to become disobedient and leave, or rise in a rebellion against their masters. On learning that any thing of this nature was current, an inquiry was immediately made, and one of the members of the church was informed by a certain preacher of the Cumberland Presbyterian order, then a resident of the county, that one of his slaves heard one of the elders of this church say, after asking him his age, "that he thought he had waited upon his master long enough, until his master had waited upon him a while, or as long;" or words to this effect. This conversation was said to have passed the summer previous, and the individual accused was then in the east, and nothing farther could be learned on the subject; and the matter rested upon the story of the slave, which, perhaps was credited by some of the slave holders, but we are authorised to say, that no conversation of that kind ever passed between the individual named by the afore mentioned preacher, and any slave in that State, having had a personal interview with him on that particular charge. No other charge was ever brought against our society by any of the people of that county, that they ever persuaded their slaves to acts of violence or disobedience.
They farther say, in their secret constitution, that at the time when it was ascertained that the "mormons," as they call them, had been tampering with their slaves, that their "mormon leaders" were informed of the fact, and promised to deal with any of their members who should in like case offend. All who are acquainted with the situation of slave States, know that amid a dense population of blacks,that the life of every white is in constant danger, and to insinuate any thing which could possibly be interpreted by a slave, that it was not just to hold human beings in bondage, would be jeopardizing the life of every white inhabitant in the country. For the moment an insurrection should break out, no respect would be paid to age, sex, or religion, by an enraged, jealous, and ignorant black banditti. And the individual who would not immediately report any one who might be found influencing the minds of slaves with evil, would be beneath even the slave himself, and unworthy the privileges of a free Government.
We do not deny but a promise was made on the part of certain individuals, to deal with, and bring to justice every person who might, to their knowledge, violate the law of the land by stirring up the blacks to an insurrection, or in any degree dissuade them from being perfectly obedient to their masters; but we deny the charge, that the slaves in that county were ever tampered with by us, or at any time persuaded to be refractory, or taught in any respect whatever, that it was not right and just that they should remain peaceable servants. Any charge of that nature is wholly and entirely unfounded, and is as untrue as the proceedings of the mob were unconstitutional and unjust, and could have been brought forward under no other views, and presented with no other motive, than to endeavor to show something to make a bad cause look excusable, and in the minds of some, justifiable!
They acknowledge that the civil law did not give them a sufficient guarantee to drive our people from the county; and any man of discernment will see at once, that a force sufficient to expel a people from their homes in an unjust and murderous manner, would be sufficient to inflict any penalty of the law that justice might require. And our readers may understand, that every office civil and military in the county was held by men who did not belong to this society. And had there been the least shadow of evidence against any one for any misdemeanor, they would have been brought to justice; for certainly, they had force sufficient to have done it without trouble, had there been any resistance. And who does not know, that a set of men degraded enough, to force peaceable inhabitants from their own lands without a cause, would be the last to let an opportunity pass unnoticed and unattended to of avenging themselves, where the least shadow of equity could be produced on their part, against the objects of their hatred?
That the religion of our friends was all, in short, that excited the hatred of the people of Jackson county, or the more part of them, is evident from the following facts: First, It will be seen from the first paragraph in their secret constitution, that in consequence of a pretended religious sect that were settling among them, they had reason to believe that their civil society was like to undergo a change. And secondly, while Messrs. [William W.] Phelps, [Edward] Partridge, [Isaac] Morley, [John] Corril [Corrill], [Algernon S.] Gilbert and Whitmer, were in the hands of the mob, on the 23rd of July, last, two provisos were offered on which it was said that their lives would be spared, and no other. First, that they should deny the faith which they professed, which if they would, all should be peace and friendship on the part of the mob toward them; but if they would not, they should agree to leave the county, or their lives should be taken immediately on the ground! "The people of Jackson can stand any thing but men who profess to have seen angels, and to believe the book of Mormon," said an elderly man, who is a very self-pretending righteous one, while the mob were leading up their objects of hatred on whom they thirsted to spill their blood. This man belongs to a religious society in that place, who as he says, are the Lord's elect, while all who do not believe as they do, are reprobates, and it was foreordained that they should be damned!
Every officer civil or military, on entering upon the duties of his office, takes his solemn oath, (or affirmation,) to support the constitution of his respective state, and of the United States; and from the constitution of the state of Missouri we extract the following:
"4. That all men have a natural and indefeasible right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their own consciences; that no man can be compelled to erect, support, or attend any place of worship, or to maintain any minister of the gospel or teacher of religion; that no human authority can control or interfere with the rights of conscience, that no person can ever be hurt, molested or restrained in his religious professions or sentiments, if he do not disturb others in their religious worship:
"5. That no person, on account of his religious opinions, can be rendered ineligible to any office of trust or profit under this state; that no preference can ever be given by law to any sect or mode of worship; and that no religious corporation can ever be established in this state."
No exceptions can be taken to the principles contained in these clauses of the constitution of the state of Missouri. A just and liberal spirit is manifested so plainly, that none but men of the corruptest principles could ever overlook it; and none except such as are lost to every feeling of humanity, or blind to every sense of a day of retribution, could violate a solemn oath once taken to support it. The actors in that awful tragedy may seek for an excuse, but it will be vain to undertake to make their proceedings appear in the least justifiable in the eyes of the constitution and laws of our country, or weigh any thing in the minds of all thinking men.
The blood of innocence has been shed; the cries of helpless women and infants have ascended up before the throne of Jehovah; men who never harmed the hair of any individual, have been hunted like the wild hart; the Great Charter of American liberties has been willfully assailed; the constitution of our country shamefully trodden down by a lawless set of miscreants, and our land which has drank the blood of our fathers while fighting for freedom, that consciences might be uncontrolled, has been stained in consequence of this right being freely exercised!
To give to a certain sect of religious people the privilege of enjoying peace and happiness under the protection of civil laws, and deprive another of them because in their sentiments they differed, would offer violence to the constitution, and be a sure course to rid our happy country of a large portion of its citizens, to seek an asylum among strangers, or like the ancient saints, to wander in deserts, in mountains, and dens of the earth, casting every look in vain to the peaceful place that gave them birth, till God releaves them of their mourning and distress for their once lovely country, by calling them to an eternal world!
Where are the liberal principles which swayed the bosoms of our fathers, while bleeding for our Independence, and kindled up an everlasting hatred to intolerance and cruelty, while framing the Constitution which holds these States together? Where are the common sympathies of our natures which were inculcated into our minds while in the days of our youth, to treat all men with complacency and respect, be their religious views what they may, that we are left so vile, so degraded, so beneath every thing heavenly or holy, as to desire the destruction of our fellow-beings enough to be excited to commit acts of violence upon any?
Our fathers fled from the face of persecution, and left their homes, their friends, and the land which contained the ashes of their ancestors, braved the dangers of the deep, and underwent the hardships and perils subsequent to a wilderness filled with desperate and ferocious savages when once provoked to anger, that they might peaceably enjoy the blessings of free uncontrolled conscience.
They saw their young men massacred, and their helpless infants dashed in pieces; they underwent the fatigues and privations of a lengthy war to achieve liberty for their children, that when their weary heads were reclined in silence to return to their mother earth, their posterity might rise up in the full enjoyment of that rich legacy bequeathed to them--the blessings of a free constitution.
No particular name or distinction of sect is to be found in that liberal document, drawn up in the skill and wisdom of our fathers. No particular tenet swerved the minds of its framers, while employed in preparing an article to be a guide for their children, which was to astonish and out vie the most polished and wise nation then on earth. That feeling of freedom which fired the intellect and roused it to assert its rights, under a recollection that their fathers once sought an asylum in a strange country for their religion, seemed to have its proper influence upon the mind, when employed in adopting a form of government calculated in every particular for the peace, prosperity, and happiness of all its citizens, whether in a civil or religious capacity.
That these blessings might descend to the latest generation, and be enjoyed by the last race of beings that might be permitted to dwell upon this earth, before the final overthrow of all earthly kingdoms, when the elements shall melt with fervent heat, and, the Judge of all descend to establish his kingdom no more to be removed, where all his subjects may enjoy one undisturbed eternity of peace, was, no doubt the wish, the fervent prayer, of the framers of our Constitution.
<Editorial>
Oliver Cowdery ed E&MS 2 (Jan 1834)
COMMUNICATIONS.--We would inform J. S. C. that his communication was not received in time for insertion; and though we consider the sentiment generally correct, we think that if a few expressions were softened it would have a better influence and a greater weight upon the minds of our readers than otherwise. We do not make these remarks out of any disrespect to our friend, for we are pleased with a spirit of boldness in advocating the truth, and a feeling too that would disdain to swerve from the principles of heaven before the eyes of a scrutinizing public, when the cause of righteousness is calling for advocates at this day.
PERHAPS our readers may think that our friend on the Millenium is too severe with the Harbinger and its Editor. We presume that our friend has no personal feeling to gratify, and that if at any time previous the Editor of the Harbinger may have used his name too freely before the public, that he is willing to leave that matter to be adjusted if that Balance where truth, virtue, and godliness, will shine in their conspicuous light and where the Searcher of all hearts will decide all matters of difference, and bring every contention between man and man to an eternal close!
It may be superfluous for us to repeat the assurances which the name, Millenial Harbinger gives to the public of an investigation of the subject of the Millenium, or something instructive how that glorious era is to present itself in the economy of heaven to men.--That the Editor, with all his biblical knowledge has not yet ascertained the secret, (if we may credit his own remarks,) will be seen from the following which we copy from the first page of the 2nd No. of the IV. Volume of the Millenial Harbinger. We think that the following is worthy an insertion in the Star, since it came from a man of as high standing, (or profession,) in the religious world as Mr. Campbell; and if the readers of the Harbinger have not yet forgotten these remarks of the learned Editor, perhaps some of the readers of the Star may be pleased, of not edified to peruse them also. We have, now, no room for comment on the article were we disposed to make any, and shall give it to our readers as it is, and leave them to interpret it for the present themselves if it is not already sufficiently plain. It commences:-
<"The Prophecies">
Oliver Cowdery "The Prophecies," E&MS 2 (Jan 1834)
THE PROPHECIES.
THE attentive reader will have discovered before to-day, with what caution we have spoken on the prophecies and millennial matters. Among the causes of this the following is chief:--We felt some misgivings in the most popular theories of interpretation; and, although prepossessed in favor of that system which flattered us with the expectation that the moral machinery about to operate, and which was operating upon the world, would usher in the glorious day, supported by the vials of God's wrath on an apostate church; we were involuntarily almost borne forward into another, and entirely different system of interpretation. Between these conflicting winds we thought it presumptuous to weigh anchor and launch upon the mighty deep. For the last five or six years we have been waiting for fair winds and a serene sky, and cannot yet say that the prospects are such as to authorize us to tempt the vast abyss. But here comes a bold adventurer, who is determined to make the voyage at all hazards. As he seems destined for the same port, we shall help him to put to sea; and as he appears to sail by the same stars, if he can brave the mighty dangers and get safe to land, we shall hail him as the most fortunate of modern adventurers.
Figures apart, we shall give this brother a fair hearing; for he deserves it! This we say, not because we may agree in the main propositions of his essay; but because he speaks like a man, and because the subject deserves more profound attention than any other, except it be the personal remission of sins. We may add a note occasionally, but he shall be permitted to tell his own story in his own way. EDITOR.
<Editorial>
Oliver Cowdery ed E&MS 2 (Jan 1834)
THE EVENING AND THE MORNING STAR.
KIRTLAND, OHIO, JANUARY, 1834.
FROM MISSOURI.
THE following letter is from one of our friends in Missouri, who was an eye witness to a considerable part of the proceedings of the mob, and as will be seen from the communication, escaped the hands of lawless ruffians only by a hair's breadth. We have no hessitation in presenting this letter to our readers, as a correct detail of the transactions of both parties, so far as it particularizes the events.
We know the writer to be a man of truth and candor, having had a personal acquaintance with him; and we have no doubts as to the correctness of his statements, of that part which did not pass under his immediate inspection, having been corroborated by letters written by other individuals.
In our last we published the principal facts which are contained in the following, but having been furnished with a narration of the scene from the 23rd of July, to the time when the most of our friends were driven from the county, we considered it worthy an insertion entire. It will be seen that this account is abridged; but we shall publish in pamphlet form in due time, all the facts at full length from beginning to end, relating in any respect to the outrage in Missouri, committed upon our friends, with a history of the first settling of the church in that county, and the general conduct, occupation, and character of the inhabitants among whom they settled.
<John Corrill>
John Corrill ltr Dec 1833 in E&MS 2 (Jan 1834)
Liberty, Clay County, Missouri, December, 1833.
BROTHER O. [Oliver] COWDERY,
INASMUCH as many reports have gone abroad respecting the affairs of the church in these parts, and not knowing whether any person has given you the particulars, I will give you a brief, correct, and an impartial account as nearly as I can; but to give all the particulars would require a volume, yet I will give you as much, and that in order, as will enable you to have a general, and correct understanding of the whole transaction.
The raising and spreading many slanderous and false reports against us as a society; the coming out against us in night mobs! stoning our houses; breaking our windows, burning our hay; their meeting together and binding themselves, even in writing, to each other, in which they pledged their lives, their property, and their sacred honors, forcibly to drive us from the county, if we would not go without; the demolishing the printing office on the 20th of July, taring and feathering the bishop of the church and another member, and their meeting on the 23rd to go on with the work of destruction, are facts so well known that I need not name their particulars at this time.
It is also well known, that we, seeing that there was no other alternative for us, to save the destruction of lives and property, at that time we agreed, six of us to leave the county, and to use our influence with the church to persuade them to leave also, one half by the first of January, and the other half by the first of April next; supposing, that before the time arrived the mob would see their error and stop their violence; or that some means might be employed so that we could stay in peace and enjoy our privileges as guaranteed in the constitution and laws of our country. But after waiting some weeks, and seeing that their wrath did not abate, but their threatenings continually increased upon us, and losing all hopes of their withdrawing their wicked purposes, and also desparing of having the laws executed in Jackson county without assistance, we therefore thought it would be wisdom to appeal to the Governor for aid.
We accordingly drew up a petition and circulated it in as prudent a manner as possible; for the mob threatened, that if we petitioned or prosecuted, they would MASSACRE us in tolo. But on presenting the petition to the governor, he manifested a willingness to assist us, but said he could not, until we had tried to enforce the law; and then if we could not he would enable us to do it.
We therefore saw plainly, that we were under the necessity of making a trial join our weak situation, in opposition to the wrath and violence of the enemy. And notwithstanding we should in so doing become exposed to death and destruction from the hands of the mob, yet we determined to magnify the laws of the land, and honor the advice of the Governor, by entering a prosecution against them. Accordingly we employed counsel for that purpose, and when the mob had learned this fact, their wrath seemed for a few days to abate; but they soon began to rage again, and to threaten to do their mischief in the night.
Until this time we had been in a defenceless situation, perfectly so, not even pretending to use any weapons, or even standing in our own defence. But on seeing that the wrath of the mob was great, and that our lives, as well as our property was in danger; knowing also that we had suffered as much as the law of man or of God required of us, and even more without resisting; and also being advised by good counsel, we concluded on the whole to prepare ourselves for self defense.
But in this we found ourselves somewhat lame; for many of us had not weapons to defend ourselves with. And again, a question arose in our minds to what extent we might go in defending ourselves; but on inquiry we found that a man was justified in defending his own person, his family, and his house. But again, another difficulty arose, which was this one man in his house alone could not defend it against many. We again asked counsel, and found that inasmuch as the mob gathered together to destroy us, we were justified in gathering together to defend ourselves.
We then came to the conclusion, that inasmuch as they should embody and come against us, we would embody to defend ourselves; although we knew that in this we should labor under great disadvantages; yet we supposed that if we prepared ourselves as well as we could for self defense, that this would have a tendency to stop the enemy from coming on us; but to this we were disappointed.
They proceeded to stone our houses in Independence in the night time, and to threaten the lives of individuals; but did no great damage until Tuesday night, October 31, when about forty or fifty in number, many of whom were armed with guns, proceeded against the branch above, or west of the Blue, sometimes called the Whitmer settlement, and unroofed and partly demolished ten houses; and also whipped and pounded several persons in a shocking manner, and diligently sought for others who fled for safety.
Now, the brethren at that time, were not collected together for defense, supposing that they had not a perfect right to assemble until the mob had; they therefore neglected this until the mob was upon them; and then they had no time. And although some of them had guns, yet being alone, and seeing the mob also had guns and threatened their lives, if they resisted, found it of no use to undertake to defend themselves. However, they dispersed after committing such depredations as they thought proper at that time, (without being resisted,) after having threatened to come again in a more violent manner than ever.
This news was soon spread abroad, and none but the sufferers themselves can imagine the feelings that it produced. To have their houses pulled down over their heads; their women and children exposed to the storms and blasts of a cold and dreary winter; and after laboring hard to lay up provisions for the winter, then to be driven from it and have it destroyed, and no means of obtaining more; and in addition to this, to be hunted and beaten in an unmerciful manner, was asking more of us than we felt willing to submit to. But the question was, what shall be done? We were in a scattered situation, and could not embody immediately; and if we gathered the brethren to defend one part, the mob would fall upon another. Our neighbors who felt to pity us, though very few in number, dare not lift a finger in our behalf for fear of sharing the same fate. We could see no relief from any quarter; our only strength was within our own body, trusting in God: but something must be done; night was approaching in which we expected more or less of us to suffer.
We concluded at all hazards to try for a peace warrant against certain head ones of the mob. We accordingly went to a magestrate and applied for one, but to no purpose; he refused to grant one on our oath. We then read to him the Governor's letter, which directed us to proceed in that way, but he disregarded it, and said he cared nothing about it.
Having no time to lose we concluded to advise each branch of the church to gather into bodies the best way they could for their own preservation.--Threatenings were heard from the mob in different quarters. Night came on, and a party of their men proceeded to the branch on the prairie, sometimes called the Colesville branch. Two of their number were sent out as spies, well armed with two guns and three pistols: they were discovered by some of our brethren, with whom they held some conversation; and after one of them had struck one of our men over the head with the britch of his gun, they were taken by our brethren, their guns and pistols taken from them, and they kept till morning; their guns and pistols were then given to them and they let go without injury. It being dark, and the rest of the mob not showing themselves, were only heard by some of the brethren in the adjoining woods to enquire, why their spies did not return.
The same night, (Friday, Nov. 1,) another party commenced stoning our houses in Independence, breaking down our doors and windows, and destroying furniture, &c. A number of us were gathered together about a half a mile west of Independence from whence we could distinctly hear them; but we concluded that unless they did something more than stone and brick bat our houses, we would not meddle with them. But on sending some to discover what they were about, we learned that they had commenced pulling down the dwelling house of brother A. S. Gilbert.
We then thought it best, and accordingly proceeded in order into town, and as we drew near the store of brother [Algernon S.] Gilbert, we saw a number of men sending stones and brick bats against the same; but as soon as they saw us they fled. However, we were successful in taking one of them in the act, who appeared to be much frightened. And we found that they had broken down the store doors, and scattered some of the goods in the streets. Then brother G. on seeing this, took the man whom we had taken in spoiling the store, and in company with two or three others went with him to the magestrate, and entered a complaint against him in order to get a warrant and have him secured; but the magestrate refused to do any thing about it, therefore, we were obliged to let him go again. We then went home and there was no more done that night as I know of.
The next day, (Saturday, Nov. 2,) we knew not what to do for our safety; we talked some of the propriety of bringing our families and effects into one place; and this we knew would be attended with great inconvenience; for we had no houses nor shelters for our families, nor fodder for our cattle; and as the mob was upon us night after night we had no time to do it; therefore we must do the best we could. However, all the families in town removed as much together as they could, about half a mile west of town, and we concluded to send men to the circuit Judge, who lived about forty miles off, to get a peace warrant.
A party of the mob gathered that night and went against the branch at the Blue; and after tearing the floor from one house and doing some injury to the furniture, they divided their company, and one party went to pulling the roof from one dwelling house, while the other party went to another; they broke upon the house, and found the owner in bed whom they took and beat unmercifully. But here they were met by a party of the brethren who had been wise enough to prepare for them; a firing of guns commenced, they say, by our men, but our men say, by them upon us; but as near as I can learn from those who were there, it can be easily proven that it commenced by them.
However, while they were in the act of pounding the brother whom they found in bed, one of them drew a pistol and swore he should blow out his brains; but as the Lord would have it, the ball, instead of going through his head only cut a gash on the top of it. All was confusion: our women and children crying and screaming with terror, were mixed in the croud; and in the skirmish a young man of the mob was shot through the thigh, and this stopped the affray that night.
The next day, (Sanday, Nov. 3,) we dispatched four men to the circuit Judge, to obtain a peace warrant. At the same time our enemies were busily engaged in gathering all the force they could, to come against us, and we saw that they were terribly enraged: we were told that they were going to get a 6 pounder and come against us openly the next day; and we were also told by those who professed to be our friends, that we certainly would all be massacred. We saw that they were increasing their numbers, and we had nothing to expect but a terrible work of destruction to commence the next day, and we warned our brethren to be prepared for it as well as they could; therefore, two or three branches west of the Blue gathered together as well as they could, leaving their houses and property to the ravages of the mob.
Next day came on, (Monday, Nov. 4,) and a large party of the mob gathered above the Blue, and sometime in the forepart of the day came to the Blue, took the ferry boat, and threatened some lives, &c. and for some cause they abandoned their purpose at that time, and returned to Wilson's about a mile west of the Blue. However, word had gone to our brethren, who had assembled themselves together at the Colesville branch west of the Blue, that the mob were doing damage on the east side of the Blue, and that the brethren there wanted help.
Accordingly nineteen of our men volunteered, and started to go their assistance, but when they had proceeded a part of the way, they learned that the mob were not doing mischief at that time, but were at Wilson's store, so they turned about to go home, when the mob by some means found out that a party of our men were on the road west of them, and a party of them, thirty or forty started on horse back with guns to fall upon our men; and after riding two or two and a half miles they overtook them; and as soon as the brethren saw them, they dispersed and fled; and some ran immediately to the main body of our brethren to let them know that the mob were upon them.
But the mob not being willing to give up the brethren without injuring them, pursued after, and hunted in order to find them. They searched in the cornfield of Christian Whitmer, and fed their horses freely upon his corn. They also took him and pointed their guns at him, threatening to kill him if he did not tell them where the brethren were. They also got upon the top of his house, and threatened some women and children.
Thus they were employed in hunting, and threatening the brethren until one of our men returned with assistance from the main body, which was about three miles off. And when the mob saw our men they fired upon them, and our men immediately fired in return. The mob immediately fled, and the brethren followed them a few rods and let them go. Two of the mob and some of their horses were killed on the ground, and others badly wounded. Several of our brethren were wounded, one mortally, who died the next day. The others are like to recover. Brother [Philo] Dibble was shot in the bowels, and he says, by the first gun that was fired.
The same day at Independence, brother A. S. Gilbert, Wm. [William] E. McLelin, I. [Isaac] Morley, myself [John Corrill], and three or four others were taken for an Assault and Battery, and false imprisonment, by the man whom we had taken the Friday night previous in the act of stoning the store. Although we could not obtain a warrant against him for breaking open the store, yet he had gotten one for us, for catching him at it. We were prisoners in the court house when news came to town of the battle last mentioned. But instead of coming correctly it was stated, "that the mormons had gone into the house of Wilson and shot his son." This greatly enraged the people; and the court house being filled, a rush was made upon us by some to kill us; but the court esteeming it too dishonorable to have us killed while in their hands, on our request shut us up in the jail to save our lives.
The people had become desperate, and were busily employed in getting guns and ammunition, and preparing themselves for a general massacre of our people the next day. And we were frequently told that night, while in the jail, and that too by men of note, that without any doubt many lives would be lost the next day; for now, not only the mob, but the whole county were engaged and greatly enraged against us, and that nothing would stop them short of our leaving the county forthwith; and they thought that they were so enraged, that even this would not stop them from taking our lives.
We accordingly sent word that night to our brethren, that they might not expect any thing the next day but a general slaughter of our people, and that they must take care of themselves the best way they could. However, we at the same time came to the conclusion, on seeing the rage of the people, that it would be wisdom for us to leave the county immediately, rather than to have so many lives lost as probably would be. The sheriff and two others took us out of the jail and went with us to see our brethren upon this subject: our brethren agreed to it; and as we were returning to the jail about 1 o'clock at night, we were hailed by a party of men with guns, who intended no doubt to kill us. I wheeled and left them, they fired a rifle at me; brother [Isaac] Morley also left them; but brother [A. S.] Gilbert stood his ground. They came up to him; presented two guns in order to kill him, but as providence would, one snapped and the other flashed in the pan. He was then knocked down by one of them, but his life was preserved and he not materially hurt.
Our agreement to leave the county forthwith not being known to only a few, the people in their wrath collected together in the morning, well armed for war, and Col. Pitcher called out the militia, as he said to quell the mob; but it would have been difficult for one to have distinguished between the militia and the mob, for all the most conspicuous characters engaged in the riot were found in his ranks. Our proposals to leave the county, however, were laid before the people, and we were told, that it was with much difficulty that they were constrained to let us go, but seemed determined on taking our lives.
At the same time our brethren west of Independence, not knowing that we had agreed to leave the county, and supposing that nothing but death awaited them, gathered together and marched towards town, and arrived within one mile of the place by 8 or 9 o'clock in the morning, (Tuesday, Nov. 5,) with a determination to make a stand about half a mile west of town, at the spot where the brethren at Independence branch had collected together, and there maintain the ground or die upon it, if the mob fell upon them. But on being told that we had agreed to leave the county, and also that the militia had been called out to make peace, they turned aside into the woods, and concluded to disperse and go home. But some persons on seeing them in the morning marching toward town, had carried news that our people were on the march toward the place, no doubt, "they supposed, with an intention to do mischief".
On hearing this the militia became enraged, and Col. Pitcher would not give us peace only on the conditions that we should deliver up those men who were engaged in the battle the day before, to have them tried for murder; and also, that we must deliver up our arms, and then, he said, we should be safely protected out of the county.
This being the only alternative for us, we accordingly agreed to it and delivered up our arms, there being forty nine guns and one pistol. We also delivered up the prisoners who had been demanded by them, and began to prepare to leave the county. They kept the prisoners whom we delivered up to be tried for murder, a day and a night, and after threatening them much, and bringing them to a trial, let them go for an old watch.
We plainly saw that the militia of the county with Col. Pitcher at their head, had taken from us our arms when we were using them only in self defense against an outragious mob. And instead of quelling the mob, he left them in full power to come upon us when they pleased, and promised us no protection against them, only while we were fleeing from our houses and homes with our women and children, to seek a shelter in the open air the best way we could.
Thus we were obliged, not only by the mob, but also by the militia to leave the county of Jackson. And on reflection the next morning, we concluded to go south in to Van Buren county and there make another settlement about forty or fifty miles off. But the people, on hearing this, although it was agreed to by some half a dozen of the leading men in Jackson county, rose up against it, and said we should not go, if we did, they would follow us.
The same day, (Wednesday, Nov. 6,) a part of the mob between fifty and eighty in number, supposing that Col. Pitcher had not done his duty as faithfully as he ought, mounted their horses with their guns on their shoulers, went to visit the brethren, and frighten the members of the church: some they fired at, others they whipped, and some they chased upon horses for several miles; others they sought for diligently, as they said to kill them; and they burst open doors in an abrupt manner, and searched houses for guns and other weapons of war. As they passed through the branch at the Blue, they swore that if the people were not off by the time they returned at night, they would massacre the whole of them.
Accordingly, some started for Clay county, and about one hundred and thirty women and children, with six men, started without goods of furniture, and the most of them on foot, and wandered several days on the prairie, not knowing where to go, supposing that it was not their privilege to return and take their goods. Some have since returned and taken some of their things, and others I have not heard from particularly. But the more part of the church waited to take some or the principle part of their goods.
When we found that we could not go south peaceably, we came across the Missouri river into Clay county, where we found the inhabitants as accommodating as we could reasonably expect. Many of us have obtained houses and shelters for our families, and others have built huts in the woods, while some who have lately come over are yet in tents, or in the open air.
Some few of the brethren thought that they could remain after the others had come away, but on Saturday, November 23, the mob held another meeting, and appointed a committee to warn off those families that remained. Accordingly, on Sunday and Monday following, the brethren that remained were ordered off with many threatenings if they did not go immediately.--They have, since that time been getting away as fast as possible. Some few families, I learn, have gone south to Grand River, and some others have gone east. Great sacrifices have been made: some being destitute of money, have sold their cattle and other effects at a very low rate.
Much property that was left behind has been destroyed, and other property that yet remains probably will be before it can be taken care of. Some families are as it were entirely destitute, and must unavoidably suffer unless God interposes in their behalf. This is the present situation of the church.
And now, the question is, what can be done? The Governor has manifested a willingness to restore us back, and will if we request it; but this will be of but little use unless he could leave a force there to help protect us; for the mob say, that three months shall not pass before they will drive us again. And he cannot leave a force without calling a special Legislature for that purpose, unless the President should see fit to place a company of rangers here with power to assist us in time of need.
To enter a criminal prosecution against them would be of little or no use; for I am satisfied that a grand jury cannot be had in Jackson county at present that would indict them for their crimes; and the law, I am informed, requires that criminals shall be tried in their own county. And if the heads of the mob should be taken and put into jail it undoubtedly would be torn down and they liberated.
If we could be placed back, and become organized into independent companies, and armed with power and liberty to stand in our own defense, it would be much better for us. But then, as their numbers are double ours this would be paving the way, or laying the foundation for another scene of murder and bloodshed.
What can or will be done I know not; but I think that the state of Missouri is brought to the test, whether it can and will protect the persons and rights of its own citizens or not; or whether it will suffer its government and laws to be trodden down and trampled under the feet of a lawless banditti, without bringing them to justice.
As it respects the charges and crimes which they accuse us of being guilty, I think that they are not worthy of notice; for the law is open and they hold the execution of it in their own hands; and if we were guilty of crimes they certainly would have brought us to an account for them. But their not doing this, is clearly an evidence that we are innocent.
And again, in their declaration, or memorial, published after they tore down the printing office, they, as nearly as I can recollect, say, that the thing or crime for which they proceeded against us, was that that could not have been foreseen by any Legislature; therefore, no law has been enacted against it. This is plainly acknowledging, that we are guilty of no crime for which the law could take any hold of us.
Yours, & c.
JOHN CORRIL [Corrill].
<Sidney Rigdon>
Sidney Rigdon "Millenium," E&MS 2 (Jan 1834)
Communicated for The Evening and the Morning Star.
Millenium. No. II. {beliefs-lds}
WHEN the God of heaven sent a messenger to proclaim judgment on the old world, he provided an ark for the safety of the righteous: when Sodom was burned, there was a Zoar provided for Lot and his family; and when Jerusalem was destroyed, the Savior told the saints to flee out, and they fled, and found safety. And in the last days, when the Lord brings judgment on the world, there will be a Mount Zion, and a Jerusalem, where there will be deliverence. [See Joel 2:32]
What a difference between a man of God, and a self authorized and self constituted messenger! The man of God will no sooner cry, Destruction, desolation, and judgment, than he will tell them of an ark, a Zoar, a Palla, a Mount Zion, a Jerusalem, or some other place which God has provided for them who will hear his voice. But Mr. M'Corkle, like every other messenger, that God never sent, can cry, Destruction, desolation, fire, and judgment, and write very ingeniously about it, but there it ends; with perhaps, a false prophet, or false christ, to finish it; and there the sound dies away. And the world is just as well off, as when he began to cry; with this advantage, perhaps, they have been amused a little, at some creatures folly.
For several years we have been waiting and reading the "Millennial Harbinger," and finding a little of every thing in it which has been written or spoken of, for the last hundred years, the Millenium excepted; that, as though its Harbinger was ashamed of it, has never as yet been able to find a place in its columns, so as to pay one visit to its friends. How long it will be kept in this solitary situation, remains to be disclosed in futurity; or whether the Editor of the Harbinger was really in earnest when he put MILLENNIAL, on the title page of his paper; or whether he designed to practice a hoax on its readers, time will doubtless bring to light. Or perhaps the Editor understands the subject too well, to let it appear in his paper, believing if he does, that it will sap the foundation of all that he has done, and been doing for the last twenty years.
Let the Editor of the Harbinger, however, treat this subject as he will, and let him in his course be influenced by what motives he may, whether good or evil, the Lord be his judge, and not us. If he acts righteously, he will receive a righteous man's reward; but if unrighteously, he will be rewarded accordingly; and although he has been lavish in his abuse of some of the members of the church of Christ; and not only some, but all the church has been reproached by him, all we say, is, the Lord judge between him and us, and deal with us according to justice and mercy, and there we leave it.
The subject, however, which the Editor of the Harbinger has treated with neglect, either through fear or ignorance, (for what else could have caused him to offer violence to his proposed object and plighted faith,) is the very one which effects the salvation of this generation. The only thing which God promised to the world, after the great apostasy, which was to corrupt all nations, and defile all the kings of the earth; and terminate in the overthrow of the Gentiles to whom the kingdom of heaven had been given, when the Jews were overthrown, was to return the scattered remnants of Jacob, and gather the house of Joseph; bringing them as he did at the first, and building them as he did at the beginning, & returning to them, (when they were washed and had put away the evil of their doings from before the eyes of the Lord, and had ceased to do evil, and learned to do well,) their Judges as at the first, and their counsellors as at the beginning; and that not by virtue of any previous covenant with the house of Israel, but by one which was to be made with the house of Israel and the house of Judah in the last days which was to be different from all other covenants, made with that people. Though in obedience to covenant made with their fathers Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, which God with these three men made, renewed, and confirmed, which covenant was to be fulfilled upon the generations of the thousand years, or Millenium. We know that some careless transcriber, or ignorant translator, has made the Psalmest, say, in the Psalm before mentioned, [Ps. 105:8] a thousand generations; but as their never will be that many generations on earth, the most illiterate may see the mistake. [See the 105 Psalm.]
The house of Israel in the last days, was to be taught by a people of stammering lips and another tongue, line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little. In former days they had enlightened the Gentiles: in latter days the Gentiles were to enlighten them. They had sent revelations in former times; and in latter times revelations were to go from among the Gentiles. In former days the Gentiles had obtained mercy through them; and in latter times they were to obtain mercy through the Gentiles.
Paul says, in viewing the marvelous dealings of God, [Rom. 11:22] Behold, the goodness and severity of God. By the hand of the Gentiles the Lord had scattered them; and by the hand of the Gentiles he would gather the house of Jacob, and save the house of Joseph, and plant them again in their own land; returning them to their folds, and peopling their waste heritages. They should come to Zion with songs of everlasting joy upon their heads, never to be supplanted, never to be thrown down any more: they should build and inherit; they should plant and eat the fruit thereof. For they should not build and another inhabit; neither should they plant and another eat the fruit thereof. For as the days of a tree, shall be the days of the people of the Lord, and his elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands. Their seed was to be known among the Gentiles, and their offspring among the people. Their bones also should flourish as an herb: all that shall see them shall acknowledge them, that they are the seed which the Lord hath blessed. [See Isa. Chapters 1, 11, 28, 60, 65, 66, Jer. Chapters 23, 33, Zech. Chapter 10]
There seems to be one error common to all writers on the Millenium, which is this: they think that it is to be brought about by converting the Gentiles; and after all the Gentiles are converted, the Jews will be converted to the Savior also: and thus the world will be brought to see eye to eye, and be of one heart and of one mind and all contentions cease on earth.
These, doubtless, were the views of the Editor of the Harbinger; or else he could not have supposed that his paper could contribute in any degree to this end; for had it once entered into his heart, that all the Millenium ever mentioned in the bible was promised to the seed of Abraham; and that unless the scattered remnants of Jacob should be gathered from all countries whither they had been driven, that no such thing as Millenium could ever exist; or that God never promised such an era to mankind on any other ground, than that of gathering the house of Jacob to the land of their fathers; and that predicated on the fact of the Gentiles having forfeited all claim to the divine favor by reason of their great apostacy, and having shamefully corrupted the kingdom of God, and having defiled all the nations of the earth with the wind of their fornication; they, their kings, their rulers and their judges together, until they had denied the Lord that bought them, and brought on their own heads swift destruction, as had done the Jews before them. [see 2 Pet. 2:7]
Surely had the Editor of that paper possessed one correct view on this subject, he would never thought of publishing the Harbinger. But he has, however, evaded the difficulty very easily, by perfect silence. What excuse he will make to his readers for his conduct will doubtless appear by and by; and no doubt but his devotees will receive it, and say, "Well done! brother Campbell is always ready for all men." And how long the world is to be duped by such an imposition, will be seen in time to come.
The ears of the public are occasionaly saluted from that press, with the great imposition of, Shakerism, and of Mormonism: But why not Mr. Editor, when you are engaged in detecting impositions, say something about the most bare faced imposition ever pawned upon this generation, the Milenial Harbinger? Why not be without respect of persons? The readers of that paper have surely been duped long enough; it is five years old; Mormonism is not yet as old. You ought certainly to begin at the oldest first; and thus show yourself a man of noble feelings; treating all alike.
The readers of that paper should recollect when they are reading it, that it is the Millenial Harbinger. And we would ask them, how long do you think you will have to read it till you understand the Millenium? You are paying the Editor his thousands a year to unfold the Millenium, and to set forth the great things which God has promised to the people of the last days, by the mouth of the holy prophets; but you get a little of every thing, that excepted. But in all this, where is the Millenium? Lying among the prophets, unsought for; and untouched, too! And yet its Harbinger is travelling abroad on the earth.
When John the Baptist came as the Harbinger of the Savior, in six months after, he could say, [John 1:29] Behold the Lamb of God who taketh away the sin of the world. But the poor Harbinger, like a widowed dove, can find no mate. It has been five years abroad on the earth, and going up and down on it, but no Millenium yet; not able to point to the place where it, or any part of it is to be found. Let the Editor of the Harbinger be silent about impositions till he corrects his own, and ceases to practice fraud himself.
TO BE CONTINUED.
<Editorial>
Oliver Cowdery ed E&MS 2 (Jan 1834)
OBITUARY. {beliefs-lds}
The following communication was handed us by a friend just as our paper was going to press. We feel a willingness to weep with those that weep, and sympathize with those, who, in the providence of our Father are called to bid adieu to those who are united to them by the strongest earthly ties, and the most endearing obligations required by the law of heaven.
It is but a step between the living and the dead: Our moments swiftly pass, and succeeding generations, have in their turn, been called to another state of existance to give place to those who were to follow. After all our bastle in this life, our breath is in the hands of the great Giver, and the length of our tarry here entirely according to his will.
To be prepared is the most important of all: We may have displayed wonders in the estimation of our fellow men, but at the great day to which we all are fast approaching, we must answer for our actions before the Judge of quick and dead. No opertunity will there be realized of swerving the mind as in earthly courts. The eternal course of Omnipotence cannot be changed from perfect equity, for justice and judgment are the habitation of his throne.
By the frequent calls of providence which we are compelled to witness, we are daily reminded of our approaching dissolution, and of the importance of being prepared to exchange worlds. Our hearts frequently cling to these earthly objects, and we too often look upon the things which are present, as though they were lasting, and forget that there is a Mansion which was prepared before the foundation of the world, a house not made with hands eternal in the heavens, where all the sanctified will rest forever in the presence of the lamb.
Every community suffers a loss when they part with one of their respectable citizens; but soon, in the bustle of life and the cares of this world, the most of them forget all but the name, and their place is seemingly supplied by the society of others: But this is not the case with the nearest relatives, there is a tie, a union, a kindred feeling that often seems to mingle with its departed relative, and a sweet soft whisper, as the voice of a seraph speaks peace to the troubled and lonesome bosom, with a consolation, that, "there is also a place prepared for you." Editor of the Star.
DIED on the morning of the 16th Ins. in the town of Auburn this county, after a lingering illness, Mrs. Susan, Wife of Mr. Dwight Riggs, daughter of Col. Thomas Page, aged 21 years.
The deceased was brought into this place for interment pursuant to her own request, where an appropriate address was delivered by Elder Ward, a preacher in the Methodist Episcopal Church, on the 18th Inst. attended by a numerous circle of relations and friends who paid their last respects and shed the sympathizing tear over her whose countenance once bloomed with health, vigor, and activity. The speaker addressed the congregation from 2 Cor. 5:1 by request of Mrs. Riggs previous to her death.
We do not esteem encomiams upon the dead of any worth, but perhaps we should be found wanting in paying that respect to the feelings of the friends of the deceased, if so solemn a visitation of divine Providence were to escape our notice.
Mrs. Riggs was a worthy member of society, and about six months previous to her death, she experienced a manifestation of the divine favor in the pardon of her sins, and an application of the atoning merits of the Lord Jesus, to her wounded soul.
She has left an affectionate husband and a little daughter, with many friends and relatives to mourn her loss: but has she left nothing to comfort and console them in their affliction? O yes! what is it? a satisfactory evidence that she rests from all her labors in the mansions prepared in our Father's house.
Thus we are called to part with one, who, in the morning of life, has been taken into a world of spirits: and what does this circumstance say to us? "Be ye also ready." Reader, perhaps it may be your lot, before another week closes, to try the realities of eternity. Can you answer the following question? if not, fly! O fly! to your bleeding Savior, while he invites you to come.
"When thou my righteous Judge shall come To call thy ransom'd people home, Shall I among them stand?"
<Warren Cowdery>
Warren Cowdery ltr 14 Jan 1834 in E&MS 2 (Jan 1834)
Freedom, N. Y. January 14, 1834.
DEAR BROTHER,
THE first Number of your paper was received here by last Saturday's mail. I like your address to your patrons: I think it very well written, and evincive of considerable taste in wielding a goose quill. I had read in other public prints some of the proceedings of the Missouri mob, and felt in my heart the mingled emotions of sorrow and revenge. I feel to blush at the folly and imbecility of a government that should permit such daring outrages on its unoffending citizens, with impunity. I have no doubt in regard to the verasity of the statements you have published relative to that unhappy affair, and cannot but hope, that ere long, even-handed justice, tho' slow, will overtake the aggressors. They evinced a great want of knowledge of human nature, if they supposed your people in that county were ever so fanatical or stultified, and that by whipping, tarring and feathering, or even killing a few, would exterminate them, or make the survivors any less zealous. It may disperse them for a while, it is true, but the wave that seems to waft and disperse your friends may eventually recoil upon their oppressors with the fury of a mountain torrent. Such treatment will build up your cause, whether right or wrong.
I am aware that no persecution [Heb. 12:11] for the present seems to be joyous, but grievous, nevertheless it will yield the peaceable fruit of righteousness to them who are exercised thereby. I heard an elder of your order preach last evening, by the name of David Matthews. He appeared to be quite engaged, says he has a little church of seven members in the town south of this, and more that he expects will shortly be added to them. He informed me that he considered the cause in that region prosperous. He also informed me that he had charge of another church in Chautauque county, of about fifty members. I am also credibly informed that some one, I know not who, is preaching and baptizing in Livingston county. I shall write you but short, but make up in frequent repetition what I lack in length.
Yours truly,
W. [Warren] A. COWDERY
TO OLIVER COWDERY.
<Oliver Cowdery>
Oliver Cowdery ltr 23 Jan 1834 in E&MS 2 (Jan 1834)
Kirtland, Ohio, January 23, 1834.
DEAR BROTHER [Warren A. Cowdery],
You will excuse my freedom in giving publicity to your last to me of the 14th. The principles therein advanced, are of too great a moment, in my opinion, to be suffered to remain unnoticed, or sink in oblivion. I am aware that the heart of every true citizen of our beloved country, will, after a candid investigation of this shameful persecution, recoil with sorrow, on the reflection, that in our land men are so destitute of humanity and christian feelings as to be found disgracing themselves by violently opposing any sect or denomination, let their professed tenets be what they may.
It may be appropriate for me, however, before I proceed farther, to give you a short history of the character of the majority of the inhabitants of the county where this scene of murder and violence has transpired. It is but just to say, firstly, that there are individuals of respectability, who are kind, benevolent and very hospitable to strangers; and when this is said, all that can be spoken in justice, in favour of that people, is said. They are mostly emigrants from the southern states, and settled in that county prior to the sale of the public lands, and mostly, no doubt, because they were unable to purchase where lands were in market. They are persons of the lowest habits: swearing, drinking, gambling, horse racing, and fist and dirk fighting, are their common and frequent practices. To witness the unparalleled fights at election and business says at their county seat, defies description, and is sufficient, almost, to sicken one of human society!
One sample of their courts of justice will suffice for the present: In the summer of 1831, if I mistake not, two Kanzas Indians on their way into the white settlements from the Territory, found or took some two or three horses and led or drove them into the settlement; they were immediately taken for stealing, confined in jail for some time until a special circuit court could be called for their trial. They were liberated, but the citizens, (or a part of them,) not being satisfied, seemed to be determined to revenge themselves on their persons, and commenced stoning and brick-batting them; they were rescued by the interference of others, but not till one of them had received a wound which occasioned his death. The life of the circuit judge was threatened, and, as I was credibly informed, was under the necessity of hiring one or more individuals to protect his own person from violence. Among the mob was one of the county judges. I have given you this as an introduction of the character of their courts, and peace officers.
On the subject of the last mob you may understand also, that every officer civil or military, except a very few were either immediately engaged in the riot or bound with others to drive my friends from the county dead or alive! The Post Master at Independence Mr. Jones H. Flournoy, and Mr. R. W. Cummings Indian Agent for the General Government, also signed the bond; and still more shocking to relate, even men who professed to be preachers of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, were busily engaged with their guns, to drive from the county or destroy those who had never injured them or any individual in the slightest particular!
Under circumstances of this nature the prospect to obtain justice is not at present very favorable with my friends at the west. As regards the sentiments expressed in my address, I may say in truth, that they are the principles of my bosom. Persecution will always farre men to investigate the subject of religion, and since I and my friends have thus suffered, I cannot but hope that the candid will look for themselves. Be assured that there is nothing in my profession that will ever be held back by me from investigation; and though you may not agree with the principles of my faith, on my part, that is all never be a barrier between us as brethren. I cannot believe, according to the holy prophets, but that the day is near when the elect of the Lord will be gathered from the four winds, and the voice of the Great Shepherd of Israel proclaim to the seed of Jacob, that their captivity is ended, their iniquity forgiven, and their sin remembered no more: [Isa. 43:6] when he shall say to the north, Give up, and to the south, Keep not back: bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth. And that we in that great day may stand among the sanctified, is the desire and fervent prayer of your brother.
OLIVER COWDERY.
TO W. [Warren] A. COWDERY
<"Later from MO.">
Oliver Cowdery "Later From Missouri," E&MS 2 (Jan 1838)
LATER FROM MISSOURI.
WE have received still later intelligence from Missouri, which we deem of importance to publish. It is from brother W. [William] W. PHELPS, the former Editor of the Star, when published at Independence, Jackson county. We have been personally acquainted with brother P. [Phelps] for nearly three years, and have seen his unceasing diligence in the Editorial department of this paper when it was directed by himself. His veracity will not be questioned by his personal acquaintances for a moment, nor his sincerity and firmness in the faith of the Everlasting Gospel doubted, by those who have seen his daily walk since he has been a member of this church.
<"Later from MO.">
William Phelps "Later From Missouri," E&MS 2 (Jan 1838)
We have been informed, (and we credit the report,) that the mob sought very diligently for his life, and that it was only the interposition of a Merciful Providence that preserved him from their hands. It will be recollected, that he with five others, offered his life for his religion on the 23rd of July, last, when dragged from his dwelling from the embraces of his family.
What had these men done? had they broken the law of Missouri, and must be brought to justice? If so, why not proceed against them in a legal manner, that they might suffer the penalty of the law? But, instead of this, they were surrounded by hundreds, armed with clubs, dirks, pistols, whips, and rifles! and told that except they would leave the county, or deny the faith which they profesed, they should there die!
When death was presented before them in the horrid form of martyrdom, they stayed themselves upon God, and relied upon his promises without a murmur, or varying in the least degree from the principles of their faith.--They were in the hands of wicked men, and wholly in their power; and when assured that their lives should be taken unless they denied their faith, or agreed to leave the county, they said, "our lives are in your power, and if you are disposed you can take them, only spare this innocent people who have never harmed any man; but we shall never deny the faith which we have professed."
But when assured that their lives should only answer for themselves, and that others should suffer in like manner; and not only this, when the lives of our men were taken, our little ones should be massacred, and our women ravished! Under circumstances of this nature our six brethren agreed to leave the county: In this they were justified. They were all men of families, and knew that if their lives were taken, their wives and little ones must fall into the hands of murderers, and would suffer violence from them.
The law of God and of man, and common humanity requires that every man shall provide for his own family. To lay down one's life voluntarily, and leave a destitute wife and children, would be a sacrifice entirely uncalled for, and one unjustifiable in the law of heaven. With what feelings could a man bid adieu to this world and leave a destitute family that he knew would immediately fall into the hands of his murderers? Could he reasonably expect that they would be hospitably provided with the necessaries of this life? No! He would have every reason to suppose, that those hands which had been imbrued in his life's blood, would seek every opportunity, to wreak vengence upon his posterity, till his name was blotted out from among men.
Clay County, Dec. 15, 1833.
DEAR BRETHREN:
IT has been some time since I have dropt you a line, and in the midst of solitude, I write. I need not give you new details of our persecutions--for, as all true christians, that have gone before us, from Abel down to the beginners of re-establishing Zion now, have invariably suffered all manner of affliction, from common scourging even unto death:--it would not alter the decrees of God, nor lessen the necessary chastisement of them that are chosen from the foundation of the world, but who have to be tried as gold seven times purified before they are found faithful and true for that kingdom, where the sons of God only are made equal with Jesus Chrift having overcome, by righteousness.
The situation of the saints, as scatered, is dubious, and affords a gloomy prospect. No regular order can be enforced; nor any usual discipline kept up--among the world; yea, the most wicked part of it, some commit one sin, and some another, (I speak of the rebellious, for there are saints that are as immovable as the everlasting Hills,) and what can be done? we are in Clay, Ray Lafayette, Jackson Van Buren, &c. and cannot hear from each other oftener than we do from you: I know it was right that we should be driven out of the land of Zion, that the rebellious might be sent away. But brethren, if the Lord will, I should like to know what the honest in heart shall do? Our cloths are worn out--we want the necessaries of life, and shall we lease, buy, or otherwise obtain land where we are, to till that we may raise enough to eat? Such is the common language of the honest, for they want to do the will of God. I am sensible that we shall not be able to live again in Zion, till God, or the president rules out the mob.
The Governor is willing to restore us, but as the constitution gives him no power to guard us, when back, we are not willing to go. The mob sware, if we come we shall die! If, from what has been done in Zion, we, or the most of us, have got to be persecuted from city to city, and from synagogue to synagogue, we want to know it; for there are those among us that would rather earn eternal life on such conditions, than lose it: But we hope for better things; and shall wait patiently for the word of the Lord. Isaiah says in the tenth chapter and 24 and 25 verses, something on the subject of Zion; and there is something also in the forth and twelfth chapters, whether we live to enjoy the sayings or not.
I do not write this letter to entertain you with news, or for to wake you up to our dreadful condition, but that you may timely give us some advice what is best to do in our tarry till Zion is redeemed! Some times I think I will go right to work upon a small piece of land and obtain what I want for my growing family: then again I feel like writing to the Horrid History of the mob against the "mormons"--preambuling it with the Martyrs that have been nailed to the cross, burned alive, thrown to wild beasts and devowered, fryed in pans, broiled on Grid Irons, or beheaded for the sake of their religion and faith in Jesus Christ. [Matt. 5:3] Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven, &c. If this world embraced much of Eternity, I should soon be sick of it--but for all our sorrow we shall have joy!
Our people fair very well, and when they are discreet little or no persecution is felt. The militia in the upper counties is in readiness at a moment's warning, having been ordered out by the Governor, to guard a court martial, and court of Enquiry, &c. but we can not attend a court of Enquiry, on account of the expense, till we are restored and protected!
Till the Lord delivers,
Or brings us together, I am,
W. [William] W. PHELPS.
<Editorial>
Oliver Cowdery ed E&MS 2 (Jan 1834)
SOME of our patrons, perhaps, who forwarded their money to Missouri, for the second Volume of the Star, expect that we shall fill their subscription from this office. We forwarded the last number to those whose names were on the Mail Book of W. W. PHELPS & CO. at Missouri, expecting that by so doing we should accommodate our friends at a distance; but they cannot expect that we shall consider ourselves under obligation to furnish any from this place without remuneration, and we presume, that when our patrons consider the loss sustained by our friends in Missouri, in the destruction of their press, that they will feel willing to donate the amount of one paper for a year, to those who have suffered the loss of thousands, beside being driven from their own dwellings, and have now no place to lay their heads.
Moroni's Lamentation.
I HAVE no home, where shall I go, While I am left to weep below? My heart is pain'd, my friends are gone, And here I'm left on earth to mourn.
I see my people lying round, All lifeless here upon the ground: Young men and maidens in their gore; Which does increase my sorrow more!
My father look'd upon this scene, And in his writings has made plain, How ev'ry Nephite's heart did fear, When he beheld his foe draw near.
With axe and bow they fell upon Our men and women, sparing none, And left them prostrate on the ground, Lo! here they now are bleeding round!
Ten thousand that were led by me, Lie round this hill called Cumorah; Their spirits from their bodies fled, And they are number'd with the dead.
Well might my father in despair, Cry, O ye fair ones! once how fair! How is it that you've fallen! Oh! My soul is fill'd with pain for you.
My life is sought! where shall I flee? Lord take me home to dwell with thee, Where all my sorrow will be o'er, And I shall sigh and weep no more.
Thus sang the son of Mormon when He gaz'd upon his Nephite men, And women too, which had been slain, And left to moulder on the plain!
The Evening and the Morning Star IS PUBLISHED EVERY MONTH AT KIRTLAND, GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO. BY F. [Frederick] G. WILLIAMS & CO.
O. [Oliver] COWDERY, Editor.
THE PRICE IS ONE DOLLAR FOR A YEAR IN ADVANCE, EXCEPT SPECIAL CONTRACTS ARE MADE. EVERY PERSON THAT SENDS US $10, CURRENT MONEY, SHALL BE ENTITLED TO A PAPER FOR A YEAR, GRATIS. ALL LETTERS TO THE EDITOR, OR PUBLISHERS, MUST BE POST PAID.
PRINTING. OF MOST KINDS, DONE TO ORDER, AND IN STYLE AT THIS OFFICE.
VOL. II, NO. 17, KIRTLAND, OHIO, FEBRUARY, 1834.