History of Utah, Part 5

Author: Whitney, Orson Ferguson
Publication date: 1892
Publisher: Salt Lake City, Cannon
Number of Pages: 1026

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HISTORY OF UTAH.

BOOK OF MORMON.

in which I know that Jerusalem is destroyed; and had we remained in Jerusalem, we should also have perished.

But, said he, notwithstanding our afflic- tions, we have obtained a land of promise, a land which is choice above all other lands; a land which the Lord God hath covenanted with me should be a land for the inherit- ance of my seed. Yea, the Lord hath cove- nanted this land unto me, and to my chil- dren for ever; and also all those who should be led out of other countries by the hand of the Lord.

Wherefore, 1, Lehi, prophesy accordingto the workings of the Spirit which is in me, that there shall none come into this land, save they shall be brought by the hand of the Lord.

Wherefore, this land is consecrated unto him whom he shall bring. And if it so be that they shall serve him according to the commandments which he hath given, it shall be a land of liberty unto them ; where- fore, they shall never be brought down into captivity ; if so, it shall be because of in- iquity ; for if iniquity shall abound, cursed shall be the land for their sakes ; but unto the righteous it shall be blessed for ever.

MANUSCRIPT STORV.

Britain-Three of them were ladies of rank, and the rest were healthy bucksom Lasses .- Whilst deliberating upon this sub- ject a mariner arose whom we called droll Tom-Hark ye shipmates says he, Whilst tossed on the foming billows what brave son of neptune had any more regard for a woman than a sturgeon, but now we are all safely anchored on Terra firma- our sails furled & ship keeled up, I have a huge longing for some of those rosy dames-But willing to take my chance with my shipmates-1 propose that they should make their choice of husbands. The plan

* was instantly adopted. * * The Capt. & myself, attended with our fair partners & two mariners repaired to a new habitation which consisted of two convenient apart- ments. After having partook of an elligant Dinner & drank a bottle of excellent wine our spirits were exhilerated & the deep gloon which beclouded our minds evaporated. The Capt. assuming his wonted cheerfulness made the following address. My sweet good soaled fellows we have now commenced a new voige-Not such as brot us over moun- tain billows to this butt end of the world. No. no. our voyge is on dry land & now we must take care that we have sufficient ballast for the riging-every hand on board this ship must clasp hands and condescend to each others humour. this will pro-good cheer and smooth the raging billows of life. Sur- rounded by innumerable hords of human beings, who resemble in manners the Ourang Outang-let us keep aloof from then & not embark in the same matrimon- ial ship (with them). At the same time we will treat them with good cheer & enlighten their dark souls with good instruction. By continuing a distinct people & preserving our customs, manners, religion & arts and sciences another Italy will grow up in this wilderness & we shall be celebrated as the fathers of a great & happy uation.

HISTORY OF UTAH.

BOOK OF MORMON, ETHER, CHAP. XIV.

And it came to pass that Lib did pursue him until he came to the plains of Agosh. And Coriantumr had taken all the people with him, as he fled before Lib in that quarter of the land whither he fled.

And when he had come to the plains of Agosh, he gave battle unto Lib, and he smote upon him until he died ; nevertheless, the brother of Lib did come against Corian- tumr in the stead thereof, and the battle became exceeding sore, in the which Co- riantnmr fled again before the army of the brother of Lib.

Now the name of the brother of Lib was called Shiz. And it came to pass that Shiz pursued after Coriantumr, and he did over- throw many cities, and he did slay both women and children, and he did burn the cities thereof,

And there went a fear of Shiz throughout all the land; yea. a cry went forth through- out the land, who can stand before the army of Shiz? Behold he sweepeth the earth before him!

And it came to pass that the people began to flock together in armies, throughout all the face of the land.

And they were divided. and a part of them fled to the army of Shiz, and a part of them fled to the army of Coriantumr.

And so great and lasting had been the war, and so long had been the scene of bloodshed and carnage, that the whole face of the land was covered with the bodies of the dead :

And so swift and speedy was the war, that there was none left to bury the dead. but they did march forth from the shedding of blood to the shedding of blood. leaving the bodies of both men, women, and chil- dren, strewed upon the face of the land. to become a prey to the worms of the flesh ;

And the scent thereof went forth upon the face of the land. even upon all the face of the land; wherefore the people became troubled by day and by night, because of the scent thereof;

MANUSCRIPT STORY. CHAPTER XIV.

Determined to conquer or die, it was impossible to conjecture which Emperor would have gained the victory had the di- visions or bands in the rear of each army remained inactive. But anxious to engage with the boldest warriors, the Kentuck- Bands, led on by their heroic princes, rushed between the division of the grand army & made a most furious charge upon the Scio- tans-They broke thro' their Ranks-peire- ing with deadly wounds their indignant foes-heroes fell before them-& many of the Sciotans being struck with surprise & terror began to retire back-But the bands in the rear of their army instantly rushed forward & met their furious combitants- The battle was now spread in every direc- tion. Many valiant chiefs who commanded under their respective Kings were over- thrown-& many thousand robost & brave warriors, whose names were not dis- tinguished by office, were compeled to receive deadly wounds & to bite the dust. -It was Elseon fortune to attack the division led by the valiant Ramoff-He broke his ranks & killed many warriors- while driving them furiously before him- he met Hamkol at the head of many thousand Sciotans-Hamkol beheld the young Prince & knew him & being fired with the greatest rage & thirst for revenge, he urged on the combat with the most daring violence Now he thot, was a favorable chance to gain immortal renown -Elseon says he shall feel the effects of my conquering sword-The warriors on both side charged each other with incredible fury -& Elseon & Hamkol met in the center of their divisions-1 have found you says Hamkol perfiduous monster-1 will teach you to rob our empire of its most valuable treasure-He spoke & Elseon replied-Art thon Hamkol the Counsellor of Rambock. Your advice has produced this blood and slaughter-Hamkol raised his sword & had not Elseon defended himself from the blow. he never would have spoken again-But

HISTORY OF UTAH.

BOOK OF MORMON.

Nevertheless. Shiz did not cease to pur- sue Coriantumr, for he had sworn to avenge himself upon Coriantumr of the blood of his brother, who had been slain, and the word of the Lord which came to Ether, that Coriantumr should not fall by the sword.

MANUSCRIPT STORY.

quick as the lightning Elseon darted his sword thro' his heart-[Hamkol] knashed his teeth together & [with a groan] tumb- ling headlong with a groan expired .-

A portion of Christ's prophecy to the Nephites, concerning the gathering of Israel and the destiny of the Lamanites in the last days, is also here given:

BOOK OF MORMON, III. NEPHI, CHAP. XXI.

And. verily, I say unto you, I give unto you a sign, that ye may know the time when these things shall be about to take place, that I shall gather in from their long dispersion, my people, O house of Israel, and shall establish again among them my Zion.

Therefore when these works, and the works which shall be wrought among you hereafter, shall come forth from the Gentiles, unto your seed, which shall dwindle in unbelief because of iniquity;

For thus it behoveth the Father that it should come forth from the Gentiles, that he may shew forth his power unto the Gentiles, for this cause, that the Gentiles, if they will not harden their hearts, that they may repent and come unto me, and be baptized in my name. and know of the true points of my doctrine, that they may be numbered among mny people, O house of Israel ;

And when these things come to pass, that thy seed shall begin to know these things. it shall be a sign unto them, that they may know that the work of the Father hath already commenced unto the fulfilling of the covenant which he hath made unto the people who are of the house of Israel.

And when that day shall come, it shall come to pass that kings shall shut their mouths; for that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they consider.

For in that day, for my sake shall the Father work a work, which shall be a great and marvellous work among them; and there shall be among them who will not believe it, although a man shall declare it unto them.

But behold, the life of my servant shall be in my hand; therefore they shall not hurt him, although he shall be marred because of them. Yet I will heal him, for I will show unto them that my wisdom is greater than the cunning of the devil.

Therefore it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not believe in my words, who am desus Christ, whom the Father shall cause him to bring forth unto the Gentiles, and shall give unto him power that he shall bring them forth unto the Gentiles, (it shall be done even as Moses said.) they shall be cut off from among my people who are of the covenant.

HISTORY OF UTAH.

And my people who are a remnant of Jacob, shall be among the Gentiles, yea, in the midst of them as a lion among the beasts of the forest, as a young lion among the flocks of sheep, who, if he go through both treadeth down and tearetli in pieces, and none can deliver.

Their hand shall be lifted up upon their adversaries, and all their enemies shall be cut off.

Yea, wo be unto the Gentiles, except they repent, for it shall come to pass in that day, saith the Father, that I will cut off thy horses out of the midst of thee, and I will destroy thy chariots,

And I will execute vengeance and fury upon them, even as upon the heathen, such as they have not heard.

But if they will repent, and hearken unto my words, and harden not their hearts, 1 will establish my church among them, and they shall come in unto the covenant, and be numbered among this the remnant of Jacob, unto whom I have given this land for their inheritance.

And they shall assist my people, the remnant of Jacob, and also, as many of the house of Israel as shall come, that they may build a eity, which shall be called the New Jerusalem ;

And then shall they assist my people that they may be gathered in, who are scattered upon all the face of the land, in unto the New Jerusalem.

And then shall the power of heaven come down among them; and I also will be in the midst;

And then shall the work of the Father commence at tliat day. even when this gospel shall be preached among the remnant of this people. Verily I say unto you, at that day shall the work of the Father commence among all the dispersed of my people: yea. even the tribes which have been lost, which the Father hath led away out of Jerusalem.

Yea, the work shall commence among all the dispersed of my people, with the Father, to prepare the way whereby they may come unto me, that they may call on the Father in my name.

In a little work called "The Myth of the Manuscript Found,"* by Elder George Reynolds of Salt Lake City, the arguments pro and con upon the question of the alleged identity of the Book of Mor- mon and the Spaulding romance, are clearly and intelligently set forth. Mr. Reynolds, being a believer in the Book of Mormon, devotes himself to the task of punciuring and shattering the Hurlburt-Howe hypothesis, but this does not prevent him from doing justice to the other side in the controversy, by staling fully and fairly the position that he assails.

* " Manuscript Found" is the more generally known title of the Spaulding tale.

HISTORY OF UTAH.

President James H. Fairchild, in the New York Observer of February 5th, 1885. speaking of the discovery by Mr. Rice of the Spaulding romance, says : "The theory of the origin of the Book of Mormon in the traditional manuscript of Solomon Spaulding will probably have to be relinquished. Mr. Rice, myself and others compared it (the Spaulding manuscript) with the Book of Mormon, and could detect no resemblance between the two, in general or detail. There seems to be no name nor incident common to the two. The solenin style of the Book of Mormon, in imitation of the English Scriptures, does not appear in the manuscript.

Some other explanation of the origin of the Book of Mormon must be found. if any explanation is required."

Here we take leave of the subject. Up to the present time- 1892-the Book of Mormon has passed through no less than thirty American and English editions, aggregating many tens of thousands of volumes. scattered broadcast upon both hemispheres. It has been translated and published in eleven foreign vernaculars, namely : English, Welsh, French, Spanish, Italian, German, Dutch, Danish, Swedish, Hawaiian and Maori,-including, as seen, all the leading languages of modern times. It has also been translated, but not published. in Hindoostanee and the Jewish. A Russian translation. unauthorized. is likewise reported to have passed through the press.

hand Thech

HISTORY OF UTAH.

CHAPTER IV.

1830.

ORGANIZATION OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS-THE DOCTRINE OF COMMON CONSENT-OLIVER COWDERY THE FIRST PUBLIC PREACHER OF MORMONISM-NEWEL KNIGHT-THE FIRST CONFERENCE OF THE CHURCH-THE ELDERS AT COLESVILLE-JOSEPH SMITH ARRESTED FOR "PREACHING THE BOOK OF MORMON"-HIS TRIAL AND ACQUITTAL AT SOUTH BAINBRIDGE-RE-ARRESTED AND TRIED AT COLESVILLE-ANOTHER FAILURE TO CONVICT-RETURN TO PENNSYLVANIA-A SCHISM THREATENING THE CHURCH-REVIVAL OF OPPOSITION AT HARMONY-THE PROPHET REMOVES WITH HIS FAMILY TO FAYETTE-THE SCHISM AVERTED-A MISSION TO THE LAMANITES ANNOUNCED.

P ESUMING from the spring of 1830 the thread of our his- torical narrative. On the 6th of April of that year, at the town of Fayette, Seneca County, New York, was organized the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Mormonism at that time had two score or more disciples,-persons who had embraced its principles and been baptized. Only six of these, however,-no less than that number being required by law to form a religious society,-participated in the organization. They were Joseph Smith, junior, Oliver Cowdery, Hyrum Smith, Peter Whitmer, junior, Samuel H. Smith and David Whitmer. Other believers were present at this initial meeting, which was held at the house of Peter Whitmer.

From the first the doctrine of common consent was practically exemplified in all the meetings and deliberations of the Latter-day Saints; the right of the people to a voice in the selection of their leaders, and in the establishment of the laws which govern them, being a cardinal principle of their religious, no less than of their political faith. Accordingly, in this instance, Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery, who were to be the first and second Elders of the Church, prior to ordaining each other or proceeding at all with the 5-VOL. 1.

HISTORY OF UTAH.

organization, called upon the disciples present to manifest whether or not they would accept them as their spiritual teachers, and were willing to be organized as a religious body. Unanimous consent being given, the purpose of the meeting was effected. Joseph first laid hands upon Oliver and ordained him an Elder in the Church of Christ. Oliver then ordained Joseph in like manner. The sacrament of the Lord's supper was administered to those who had been baptized, and they were then confirmed members of the Church by the laying on of the Elders' hands. Others of the brethren-for the Saints were thenceforth to each other "brethren and sisters"-were likewise ordained to various offices in the Priest- hood. While together on this occasion, the Prophet voiced to his flock the following revelation : *

Behold there shall be a record kept among you, and in it thou shalt be called a seer, a translator, a prophet, an apostle of Jesus Christ, an elder of the church through the will of God the Father, and the grace of your Lord Jesus Christ,

Being inspired of the Holy Ghost to lay the foundation thereof, and to build it up unto the most holy faith,

Which church was organized and established in the year of your Lord eighteen hun- dred and thirty, in the fourth month, and on the sixth day of the month, which is called April.

Wherefore, meaning the church, thou shalt give lieed unto all his words and com- mandments which he shall give unto you as he receiveth them, walking in all holiness before me;

For his word ye shall receive, as if from mine own mouth, in all patience and faith ;

For by doing these things the gates of hell shall not prevail against you; yea, and the Lord God will disperse the powers of darkness from before you, and cause the heavens to shake for your good, and his name's glory.

For thus saith the Lord God, him have 1 inspired to move the cause of Zion in mighty power for good, and his diligence I know, and his prayers I have heard.

Yea his weeping for Zion I have seen, and I will cause that he shall mourn for her no longer, for his days of rejoicing are come unto the remission of his sins, and the man- ifestations of my blessings upon his works.

For, behold, I will bless all those who labor in iny vineyard with a mighty blessing, and they shall believe on his words, which are given him through me by the Comforter. which manifesteth that Jesus was crucified by sinful men for the sins of the world, yea, for the remission of sins unto the contrite heart.

* Doctrine and Covenants, Scetion xxi.

HISTORY OF UTAH.

Wherefore it behoveth me that he should be ordained by you, Oliver Cowdery, mine apostle;

This being an ordinance unto you, that you are an elder under his hand, he being the first unto you, that you might be an elder unto this church of Christ, bearing my name,

And the first preacher of this church unto the church, and before the world, yea, before the Gentiles; yea, and thus saith the Lord God, lo, lo! to the Jews also. Amen.

Thus was founded the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Thus arose, as a system, what the world terms Mormon- ism,-universally regarded as the most remarkable religious move- ment of modern times; detested and denounced throughout Christ- endom as a dangerous and soul-destroying imposture, but revered and defended by its disciples as the wonderful work of the Almighty, the veritable "marvelous work and wonder" foretold by Isaiah and other ancient seers, which was to prepare the world, by the preach- ing of a restored gospel and the founding of a latter-day Zion for Messiah's second coming and the advent of the Millennium.

Five days after the organization-Sunday, April 11th-at the house of Peter Whitmer, in Fayette, Oliver Cowdery preached the first public sermon delivered by a Mormon Elder. Many persons were present besides the Saints. The seed sown took instant root, and that day several more were added to the Church.

The following paragraphs of a revelation recorded about this time will give some idea of the Church government and discipline :**

The duty of the elders, priests, teachers, deacons, and members of the church of Christ .- An apostle is an elder, and it is his ealling to baptize,

And to ordain other elders, priests, teachers, and deacons,

And to administer bread and wine-the emblems of the flesh and blood of Christ- And to confirm those who are baptized into the church, by the laying on of hands for the baptismn of fire and the Holy Ghost, according to the scriptures ;

And to teach, expound, exhort, baptize, and watch over the church ;

And to confirm the church by the laying on of hands, and the giving of the Holy Ghost,

And to take the lead of all meetings.

* Doctrine and Covenants, Sec. xx., 38-59.

HISTORY OF UTAH.

The elders are to conduct the meetings as they are led by the Holy Ghost, according to the commandments and revelations of God.

The priest's duty is to preach, teach, expound, exhort, and baptize, and administer the sacrament,

And visit the house of each member, and exhort them to pray vocally and in secret and attend to all family duties ;

And he may also ordain other priests, teachers, and deacons.

And he is to take the lead of meetings when there is no elder present ;

But when there is an elder present, he is only to preach, teach, expound, exhort, and baptize,

And visit the house of each member, exhorting them to pray vocally and in secret, and attend to all family duties.

In all these duties the priest is to assist the elder if occasion requires.

The teacher's duty is to watch over the church always, and be with and strengthen them,

And see that there is no iniquity in the church-neither hardness with each other- neither lying, backbiting, nor evil speaking ;

And see that the church meet together often, and also see that all the members do their duty.

And he is to take the lead of meetings in the absence of the elder or priest-

And is to be assisted always, in all his duties in the church, by the deacons, if occa- sion requires ;

But neither teachers nor deacons have authority to baptize, administer the sacrament, or lay on hands :

They are, however, to warn, expound, exhort, and teach and invite all to come unto Christ.

During the month of April the Prophet visited Colesville, the home of Joseph Knight, who had ministered to his necessities on a former occasion. Mr. Knight and several members of his family were Universalists. At his home the Prophet held several meetings, which subsequently bore fruit in the baptism of many. The first miracle recorded in the Church,-for it was a gospel of "signs" following the believer, as in days of old, that was being preached by the Elders,-is accredited to Joseph Smith during this visit. It was the casting out of Satan from the person of Newel, son of Joseph Knight. Newel was baptized at Fayette in the latter part of May. Martin Harris, Joseph Smith, senior, Lucy Smith, Orrin Porter Rockwell and other historic names, by this time had also been added to the Church roll of membership.

The first conference of the organized Church convened at

HISTORY OF UTAH.

Fayette on the first day of June. Thirty members were present on the opening day, besides many others who were investigating the new faith. More baptisms followed, more Elders, Priests, Teachers and Deacons were ordained, and Mormonism began spreading rapidly. As a matter of course it encountered opposition, much excitement at times prevailing over the preaching of its strange doctrines and the exercise of its novel "gifts," and its disciples suffered more or less petty persecution. Still it spread. The smoking flax was every- where bursting into flame, and all efforts to quench it proved powerless.

Again visiting his home in Pennsylvania, Joseph returned bringing his wife, and in company with her and three Elders repaired to Colesville. There they found many awaiting baptism. It was Saturday, and the Elders constructed a dam in a stream, which they designed using next day for baptizing. That night a party of men, instigated it was believed by ministers of other denominations, tore away the dam, thus preventing the Elders from executing their purpose on the Sabbath. Early Monday morning, however, before their opponents could assemble in sufficient force to prevent, they reconstructed their dam, and Oliver Cowdery, entering the water, immersed thirteen converts to the faith ; Emma Smith, the Prophet's wife, being one of the number.

Fierce was the anger of their foes when they learned what had taken place. Fifty strong they surrounded the house of Joseph Knight, to which the Elders had retired, foaming with rage and threatening violence. But Joseph Smith was no coward; neither a physical weakling. Calmly confronting the mob he strove, though in vain, to pacify them. Finally they withdrew to mature their plans, and the Elders, deeming it prudent, departed also, going now to the house of Newel Knight.

That evening, just as they were about to confirm their converts, a constable appeared upon the scene and arrested the Prophet on the charge of being a disorderly person, for preaching the Book of Mormon and setting the country in an uproar. The

HISTORY OF UTAH.

officer, however, became friendly and informed Joseph that some men were in ambush, not far away, whose purpose was to get him into their power and maltreat him. He added that he was determined to defend him at all hazards. The statement proved true. A crowd of men surrounded the wagon in which the con- stable drove away with the Prophet, and would undoubtedly have taken him from custody had not the officer plied his whip, given his horse full rein and left them far behind. The two drove on rapidly to South Bainbridge, in Chenango County, where they put up at a tavern. The constable permitted his prisoner to occupy the bed in their room, while he slept with his feet against the door and a loaded musket at his side, ready to defend him against assault.

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History of Utah, Part 5

Author: Whitney, Orson Ferguson Publication date: 1892 Publisher: Salt Lake City, Cannon Number of Pages: 1026

Author: Whitney, Orson Ferguson
Publication date: 1892
Publisher: Salt Lake City, Cannon
Number of Pages: 1026