Pioneers and prominent men of Utah : comprising photographs, genealogies, biographies, Part 272

Author: Esshom, Frank Ellwood, b. 1865
Publication date: 1913
Publisher: Salt Lake City, Utah : Utah pioneers book publishing company
Number of Pages: 1336

USA > Utah > Pioneers and prominent men of Utah : comprising photographs, genealogies, biographies > Part 272

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They that remain, and are pure in heart, shall return, and come to their Inheritances, they and their children, with songs of ever- lasting joy, to build up the waste piaces of Zion. . -Doc. and Cov. 101:1-2, 17-18.

Wed. 18 .- The printing office at Kirtland, O., was dedi- cated and the publication of the "Evening and Morning Star" recommenced with Oliver Cowdery as editor.

-Joseph Smith, Sr., was ordained Patriarch to the whole Church.

Thurs. 19 .- Wm. Pratt and David W. Patten left Kirtland, Ohio, for Missouri, bearing a message from the First Presi- dency to the exiled Saints.

Mon. 23 .- Four aged families, living near Independence, Mo., whose penury and infirmities, incident to old age, for- bade a speedy removal, were driven from their houses by a mob.

Fri. 27 .- The printing press and materials, taken from the Saints at Independence, Mo., were disposed of by the mob to Davis & Kelley, who removed them to Clay County, and

there commenced the publication of the "Missouri Enquirer." Tues. 31 .- Wilford Woodruff was baptized at Richland, N. Y., by Zera Fulsipher.

1834

January. Wed. 1 .- A conference of the scattered Saints in Clay County, Mo., resolved to send Lyman Wight and Parley P. Pratt as special messengers to the First Presidency at Kirtland, O.

February. Mon. 17 .- The first High Council of the Church was organized at Kirtland. The members were Jo- seph Smith, Sr., Joseph Smith, Joseph Coe, John Johnson, Martin Harris, John S. Carter, Jared Carter, Oliver Cowdery, Samuel H. Smith, Orson Hyde, Sylvester Smith and Luke S. Johnson., Joseph Smith, Jr., Sidney Rigdon and Frederick G. Williams were acknowledged as presidents by the voice of the council.

Minutes of the Organization of the High Council of the Church of Cbrist of Latter-day Saints. Kirtland, February 17, 1834.

This day a general council of twenty-four High Prlests assembled at the house of Joseph Smith, Jr., by revelation, and proceeded to. organize the High Council of the Church of Christ, which was to consist of twelve Higb Priests, and ona or three Presidents, as the case might require.

The High Council was appointed by revelation for the purpose of settling important difficulties which might arise In the church, which could not be settled by the church or the bishop's council to the satisfaction of tha parties.

Joseph Smith, Jr., Sidney Rigdon, and Frederick G. Williams, were acknowledged Presidents by the voice of the council; and Joseph Smith, Sr., John Smith, Joseph Coe, John Johnson, Martin Harris, John S. Carter, Jared Carter, Oliver Cowdery, Samuel H. Smith, Orson Hyde, Sylvester Smith, and Luka Johnson, High Priests, were chosen to be a standing Council for the church, by tha unanimous voice of the Council.

The above-named counselors were then asked whether they accepted their appointments, and whether they would act In that office according to the law of heaven: to which they all answered that they accepted their appointments, and would fill thelr offices according to the grace of God bestowed upon them.

The number composing the council, who voted in the nama and for the church, in appointing the above-named counselors were forty-three, as follows :- Nine High Priests, seventeen elders, four prlests, and thirteen members.

Voted: that the High Council cannot have power to act without seven of the above-named counselors, or their regularly-appointed successors are present.

These seven shall have power to appoint other High Priests, wbom they may consider worthy and capable to act In the place of absent counselors.

Voted: that whenever any vacancy shail occur by the death, removal from office for transgression, or removal from the bounds of this church government, of any one of the above-named coun- selors. it shall be filled by the nomination of the President or Presidents, and sanctioned by the voice of a general council of High Priests, convened for that purpose, to act In the name of the church.

The President of the church, who is also the President of the council, is appointed by revelation, and acknowledged in his administration, by the voice of the church:

And it is according to tha dignity of his office that he should preside over the Council of the church; and it is his privilege to be assisted by two other Presidents, appointed after tba sama manner that ha himself was appointed.

And In casa of the absence of one or both of those who ara appointed to assist blm, he has power to preside over the Council without an assistant: and in case that he himself is absent, the other Presidents have power to preside in his stead, both, or eitber of them.

Whenever an High Council of the church of Christ is regularly organized, according to the foregoing pattern. It shall be the duty of the twelve counselors to cast lots by numbers, and thereby ascertain, who of the twelve shall speak first, commencing with number one, and so in succession to number twelve.

Whenever this Council convenes to act upon any case, tba twelve counselors shail consider whether it Is a difficult one or not; if it is not, two only of the counselors sball speak upon it, according to the form abova written.

But If it is thought to be difficult, four shall be appointed; and if more difficult, six; but in no case shall more than six be appointed to speak.

The accused, In ali cases, has a right to one half of the Council, to prevent Insult or injustice;

And the counselors appointed to speak before the Council, ara to present tha case after the evidence Is examined, in Its trua light before tha Council, and every man is to speak according to equity and justice.

Those counselors who draw even numbers, that is 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12, are tha Individuais who are to stand up in behalf of the accused, and prevent Insult or Injustice.

In all cases the accuser and the accused shall have a privilege of speaking for themselves before the Council after the evidences ara heard, and the counselors who are appointed to speak on tha case, hava finished their remarks.

After the evidences are heard, the counselors, accuser and accused hava spoken. tha President shall give a decision according to the understanding which ha shall have of the case, and call upon tha twelve counselors to sanction the same by thelr vote.

But should the remaining counselors, who have not spoken, or any one of them, after hearing the evidences and pleadings Im- partially, discover an error In the decision of the President, they can manifest It, and the case shall have a re-hearing;

And if, after a careful re-hcaring, any additional Ilght is shown upon the case, the decision shall be altered accordingly;

But in case no additional light Is given, the first decision shall stand, the majority of the Council having power to determine tha same.

In cases of difficulty, respecting doctrina or principle, (If thera ls- not a sufficiency written to maka the case ciear to the minds of the Council,) the President may Inquire and obtain the mind of the . Lord by revelation.

The High Priests, when abroad, have power to call and organiza a council after the manner of the foregoing to settie difficulties . when the parties, or elther of them shall request it:

And the said council of High Priests shall have power to appoint ona of their own number, to presida over such council for the tima being.

It shail ba tha duty of sald council to transmit immediately, a copy of their proceedings, with a full statement of tha testimony accompanying thelr decision, to tha Hlgb Council of tha seat of the First Presidency of the church.

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PIONEERS AND PROMINENT MEN OF UTAH

Shonid the parties, or either of them be dissatisfied with the decision of said council, they may appeai to the High Council of the eeat of the First Presidency of the church, end have a re- hearing, which case shall there be conducted, according to the former pattern written, as though no such decision had been made. This council of High Priests abroad, is only to be called on the most difficult cases of church matters; end no common or ordinary case is to be sufficient to call such council.

The traveling or located High Priests abroad, have power to eay whether it is necessary to call such a council or not.

There is a distinction between the High Council of traveling High Priests abroad. and the traveling High Council composed of the Twelve apostlee, in their decisions.

From the decision of the former there can be an appeal, but from the decision of the latter there cannot.

The latter can only be celled in question by the general authoritles of the church in case of transgression.

Resolved, that the President or Presidents of the seat of the First Presidency of the church. shall have power to determine whether any such case, as may be appealed, is justly entitled to a re-hearing. after examining the appeal and the evidences and statements accompanying it.

The twelve counselors then proceeded to cast lots or ballot, to ascertain who should speak first, and the following was the result, namely :

1 OLIVER COWDERY, 7 JOHN JOHNSON.

2 JOSEPH COE.

8 ORSON HYDE.

3 SAMUEL H. SMITH.

9 JARED CARTER,

4 LUKE JOHNSON. 10 JOSEPH SMITH, Sr.

11 JOHN SMITH.

6 JOHN S. CARTER. 6 SYLVESTER SMITH, 12 MARTIN HARRIS.

After prayer the conference adjourned. OLIVERY COWDERY.

ORSON HYDE.

Clerks.

-Doc. and Cov. Sec. 102.

Wed. 19 .- The first case brought before the High Council was tried at Kirtland.

Thurs. 20 .- Lyman Leonard, who had returned from Van Buren County, Mo., and Joseph Summer and Barnet Cole were severely beaten with clubs by a mob in Jackson County, Mo.

Mon. 24 .- A revelation concerning the redemption of Zion was given through Joseph Smith, Jr., at Kirtiand, Ohio. (Doc. and Cov., Sec. 103.)

And iet all the churches send up wise men with their moneys, and purchase lands even as I have commanded them; .

Let my eervant Lyman Wight journey with my servant Sidney Rigdon.

Let my servant Hyrum Smith journey with my servant Frederick G. Williams.

Let my servant Orson Hyde journey with my servant Orson Pratt, whithersoever my servant Joseph Smith Jr., shall counsel them, in obtalning the fulfillment of these commandments which I have given unto you, and leave the residue in my hands .- Doc. and Cov. 103:23. 38-40.

Wed. 26 .- Joseph Smith, Jr., commenced to obtain volun- teers for the redemption of Zion, in obedience to the revela- tion given on the 24th.

March. Fri. 28 .- Joseph Smith, Jr., returned to Kirtland from his trip to the State of New York, whither he went to get volunteers for the expedition to Missouri.

April. Wed. 9 .- Dr. P. Huriburt, the apostate, who had threatened the life of Joseph, the Prophet, was put under $300 bonds in Chardon, Ohio.

Thurs. 10 .- The United Order at Kirtland was dissolved. -. The Saints, who had been expelled from Jackson County, Mo., wrote a petition to the President of the United States, asking for redress.

Wed. 23 .- A revelation was given through Joseph Smith, Jr., concerning the order of Enoch. (Doc. and Cov., Sec. 104.)

The covenants being broken through transgression, by covetous- ness and feigned words:

Therefore, you are dissolved as an United Order with your brethren, that you are not hound only up to this hour unto them, only on this wise, as I said, by loan as shall be agreed by this order in council, as your circumstances will admit and the voice of the council direct. Doc. and Cov. 104:52-53.

Thurs. 24 .- On this and the following six days the mob burned about one hundred and fifty houses belonging to the Saints in Jackson County, Mo.

May. Thurs. 1 .- Over twenty men with four baggage wagons left Kirtland, Ohio, for Missouri and traveled to New Portage, about fifty miles distant, where they waited for the rest of the company from Kirtland.

Sat. 3 .- At a conference of Elders, held at Kirtland, the Church was first named "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints."

Mon. 5 .- Joseph Smith, Jr., left Kirtland with the re- mainder of the company, which was being organized for the relief of the suffering Saints in Missouri.

Wed. 7 .- The Prophet's company of volunteers, known in the history of the Church as Zion's Camp, was partly organ- ized, consisting of over one hundred and fifty men with twenty baggage wagons.

Thurs. 8 .- The organization of Zion's Camp was com- pleted, and it traveled twelve miles.

June. Wed. 4 .- On this and the following day Zion's Camp crossed the Mississippi river into Missouri, Sylvester Smith rebelled against the order of the company.

Sun. 8 .- Zion's Camp was strengthened by a company of volunteers led by Hyrum Smith and Lyman Wight. It then numbered two hundred and five men and twenty-five bag- gage wagons.

Mon. 16 .- A large meeting of the citizens of Clay County, Mo., held at the Liberty court house, failed to adjust the difficulties between the Saints and the Jackson County peo- ple. From the meeting Samuel C. Owens, James Campbell and about thirteen other mob-leaders started for Jackson County to raise a mob, in which, however, they failed, as Mr. Campbell and six others were drowned in attempting to cross the Missouri River.

Thurs. 19 .- Notwithstanding the threats of enemies. Zion's Camp passed through Richmond, Mo., and camped at night between two branches of Fishing river. A mob, numbering over three hundred men, who had arranged to concentrate

that night to attack them, were prevented from crossing the river by a terrible storm.

Sun. 22 .- An important revelation was given to Joseph Smith, Jr., on Fishing river, in which the Lord told his Saints that the time for the redemption of Zion had not yet come. (Doc. and Cov., Sec 105.)

I speak not concerning those who are appointed to lead my people, who are the first elders of my church, for they are not all under this condemnation;

But I speak concerning my churches abroad-there are many who will say, Where Is their God? Behold, he will deliver them in time of trouble, otherwise we will not go up unto Zlon, and wlil keep our moneys.

Therefore. in consequence of the transgression of my people. it is expedient in me that mine eldere should walt for a little season for the redemption of Zlon. -Doc. and Cov. 105:7-9.

Mon. 23 .- Zion's Camp arrived at a point near Liberty, Clay Co., Mo.

Tues. 24 .- The cholera, which during several preceding days had attacked some of the brethren, broke out in its most terribie form in Zion's Camp. It continued its ravages about four days; sixty-eight of the Saints were attacked and thirteen died, among whom was A. Sidney Gilbert, a promi- nent man in the Church; he expired on the 26th.

July. Tues. 1 .- In company with a few friends, Joseph Smith, Jr., visited Jackson County. Mo., secretly.

Thurs. 3 .- The High Priests of Zion assembled in Clay County. Mo., and organized a High Council with David Whitmer as president and Wm. W. Phelps and John Whit- mer as counselors. The members of the council were: Christian Whitmer, Newel Knight, Lyman Wight. Calvin Bebee, Wm. E. McLellin, Solomon Hancock, Thos. B. Marsh, Simeon Carter, Parley P. Pratt, Orson Pratt, John Murdock and Levi Jackman.

Wed. 9 .- Joseph Smith, Jr., started on his return journey to Kirtland, where he arrived in the latter part of the month.

October .- The first number of the "Latter-day Saints' Mes- senger and Advocate" was published at Kirtiand, Ohio, taking the place of the "Evening and Morning Star," suspended.

Thurs. 16 .- Joseph Smith, Jr., and other Elders left Kirt- land to visit the Saints in Michigan, from which trip they returned in the latter part of the month.

November. Tues. 25 .- Warren A. Cowdery was called by revelation to preside over the Saints at Freedom, N. Y., and the regions round about. (Doc. and Cov., Sec. 106.)

Sat. 29 .- Joseph Smith, Jr., and Oliver Cowdery covenanted with the Lord to pay their tithing.

1835

February .- "The Northern Times," a weekly newspaper supporting democracy, was commenced by the Saints at Kirtland, Ohio.

Sat. 14 .- At a special meeting held in Kirtland twelve Apostles were chosen by the Three Witnesses to the Book of Mormon according to revelation (Doc. and Cov., Sec. 18:37), namely: Thos. B. Marsh, David W. Patten, Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Orson Hyde, Wm. E. McLellin, Parley P. Pratt, Luke S. Johnson, Wm. Smith, Orson Pratt, John F. Boynton and Lyman E. Johnson. Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball were ordained and blessed the same day.

And now, behold. I give unto you Oliver Cowdery, and also unto David Whitmer, that you shall search out the Twelve, who shall have the desires of which I have spoken;

And by their desiree and their works you shall know them; * . -Doc. and Cov. 18:37-38.

Sun. 15 .- Orson Hyde, David W. Patten, Luke S. Johnson, Wm. E. McLellin, John F. Boynton and Wm. Smith were ordained Apostles.

Sat. 21 .- Parley P. Pratt was ordained to the Apostleship. Thos. B. Marsh and Orson Pratt, who were absent on mis- sions, were not ordained until their return in April.

Sat. 28 .- The organization of the First Quorum of Sev- enty was commenced at Kirtland.

March. Sat. 28 .- An important revelation concerning the order of the Priesthood was given to Joseph Smith, Jr., at Kirtland. (Doc. and Cov., Sec 107.)

A Revelation through Joseph, the Prophet, given at Kirtland, Ohio, on Priesthood; the fore part, or the first fifty-eight verses, heing given March 28th, 1835; the other iteme were revealed at sundry times.

There are, in the church, two Priesthoods, namely, the Melchise- dek, and Aaronic, including the Levitical priesthood.

Why the first is called the Meichisedek Priesthood, is because Melchisedek was such a great High Priest.

Before his dey it was called the Holy Priesthood after the order of the Son of God;

But out of respect or reverence to the name of the Supreme Being, to avoid the too frequent repetition of his name, they, the church, in ancient days, called that Priesthood after Melchisedek, or the Melchisedek Priesthood.

'Ail other authoritles or offices in the church are appendages to this Priesthood;

But there are two divisions or grand heads-one is the Melchise- dek Priesthood, and the other is the Aaronic, or Levitical priest- hood.

The office of an elder comes under the Priesthood of Melchisedek. The Melchisedek Priesthood holds the right of Presidency, and has power and authority over all the offices in the church in ali ages of the world, to administer in spiritual things.

The Presidency of the High Priesthood, after the order of Meichisedek, have a right to officiate in all the offices in the church.

High Priests after the order of the Melchisedek Priesthood, have a right to officiate in their own standing, under the direction of the Presidency, in administering spirituai things; and also in the office of an elder, priest, (of the Levitical order.) teacher, deacon, and member.

An elder has a right to officiate in his stead when the High Priest is not present.

The High Priest and elder are to administer in spiritual things, agreeable to the covenants and commandments of the church: end they have a right to officlate in eil these offices of the church when there are no higher authoritles present.

The second priesthood is called the priesthood of Aaron, because

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PIONEERS AND PROMINENT MEN OF UTAH

it was conferred upon Aaron and his seed, throughout ali their generations.

Why it ie called the lesser priesthood, is because it is an ap- pendage to the greater or the Melchisedek Priesthood, and has power in administering outward ordinances.

The bishopric is the presidency of this priesthood and hoids the keye or authority of the same.

No man has a legal right to this office, to hold the keys of this priesthood, except he be a literal descendant of Aaron.

But as a High Priest of the Meichisedek Priesthood has authority to officiate in all the lesser offices, he may officiate in the office of bishop when no literal descendant of Aaron can be found, provided he is called and set apart and ordained unto this power by the hands of the Presidency of the Melchisedek Priesthood.

The power and authority of the Higher or Melchisedek Priesthood, le to hoid the keys of all the spiritual blessings of the church- To have the privilege of receiving the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven-to have the heavens opened unto them-to commune with the general assembly end church of the' first born. and to enjoy the communion and presence of God the Father, and Jesus the Medistor of the new covenant.

The power end authority of the lesser. or Aeronic priesthood, is to hold the keye of the ministering of engels, and to administer in outward ordinances, the letter of the gospel-the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins, ngreeable to the covenants and commandments.

Of necessity there are presidents, or presiding offices growing out of, or appointed of or from among those who are ordained to the eeveral offices in these two priesthoods.

Of the Melchisedek Priesthood. three Presiding High Priests. chosen by the body, appointed and ordained to that office, and upheid by the confidence, faith. and prayer of the church, form a quornm of the Presidency of the church.

The Twelve traveling counselors are called to be the Twelve apostles. or special witnesses of the name of Christ in all the world: thus differing from other officers in the church in the duties of their calling.

And they form a quorum, equal in authority and power to the three Presidents previously mentioned.

The seventy are elso called to preach the gospel, and to be especial witnesses unto the Gentiles and in all the world. Thus differing from other officers in the church in the duties of their calling;

And they form a quorum equal in authority to that of the Twelve special witnesses or aposties just named.

And every decision made by elther of these quorums. must be by the unanimous voice of the same: that is. every member in each quorum must be agreed to its decisions, in order to make their decisions of the same power or velidity one with the other.

(A majority may form a quorum, when circumstancee render it impossible to be otherwise.)

Unless this is the case, their decisions are not entitled to the same hlessings which the decisions of a quorum of three Presidents were anciently, who were ordalned after the order of Meichisedek, and were righteous and holy men.

The decisions of thesc quorums, or either of them, are to be made In all righteousness, in hollness, and lowiiness of heart, meekness and iong-suffering, and in faith, and virtue, and knowledge, tem- perance. patience, godliness, brotheriy kindness and charity;

Because the promise is, if these things abound in them, they ehall not be unfruitful in the knowledge of the Lord.

And in case that any decision of these quorums is made in · unrighteousness, it may be brought before a general assembly of the several quorums, which constitute the spiritual authorities of the church, otherwise there can be no enpeei from their decision. The Twelve are a traveling presiding High Council. to officiate in the name of the Lord. under the direction of the Presidency of the church, egreeable to the institution of heaven; to build up the church. end regulate all the effairs of the same in all nations: first unto the Gentiles, and secondly unto the Jews.

The seventy are to act in the name of the Lord, under the direction of the Twelve or the traveling High Council, in building up the church end regulating all the affairs of the eame in all netions-first unto the Gentiles end then to the Jewe;

The Twelve heing sent out, holding the kevs. to open the door by the proclemation of the gospel of Jesus Christ-and first unto the Gentiles end then unto the Jews.

The standing High Councils, at the Stakes of Zion. form a ouorum equal in authority. in the affairs of the church, in all their decisions. to the quorum of the Presidency. or to the traveling High Council. The High Council in Zion, form a quorum equal in authority. in the affairs of the church. in all their decisions, to the Councile of the Twelve at the Stakes of Zion.

It is the duty of the traveling High Council to call upon the eeventy. when they need essistance. to fill the severei calls for preeching and administering the gospel. instead of any others.

It is the duty of the Twelve, in all large hranches of the church, to ordaln evangelical ministers, as they ehail be designated unto them by revelation.

It is the duty of the Twelve. also, to ordain and set in order all the other officers of the church, agreeable to the revelation which says:

To the church of Christ in the land of Zion, in addition to the church laws respecting church business-

Verily. I say unto you, says the Lord of hosts. there must needs be presiding elders to preside over those who are of the office of an eider:

And also priests to preside over those who are of the office of a priest :

And also teachers to preside over those who are of the office of a teacher: in llke manner, and also the deacons:

Wherefore. from deacon to teacher, and from teacher to priest. and from priest to eider. severally as they are appointed, nccording to the covenants and commandments of the church.

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Pioneers and prominent men of Utah : comprising photographs, genealogies, biographies, Part 272

Author: Esshom, Frank Ellwood, b. 1865 Publication date: 1913 Publisher: Salt Lake City, Utah : Utah pioneers book publishing company Number of Pages: 1336

Author: Esshom, Frank Ellwood, b. 1865
Publication date: 1913
Publisher: Salt Lake City, Utah : Utah pioneers book publishing company
Number of Pages: 1336