The Autobiography of Parley Parker Pratt
by Parley P. Pratt · English · Gutenberg #44896 · 915,794 chars · public domain (US)
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Title: The Autobiography of Parley Parker Pratt
Author: Parley P. Pratt
Editor: Parley P. Pratt
Release date: February 13, 2014 [eBook #44896]
Most recently updated: October 24, 2024
Language: English
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*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF PARLEY PARKER PRATT ***
THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF PARLEY PARKER PRATT
========================================
ONE OF THE TWELVE APOSTLES OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF
LATTER-DAY SAINTS,
EMBRACING THE LIFE, MINISTRY AND TRAVELS, WITH EXTRACTS, IN
PROSE AND VERSE, FROM HIS MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS.
EDITED BY HIS SON, PARLEY P. PRATT.
"Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth;
Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and
_their works do follow them_."--Rev. xiv. 13.
Chicago: Published for Pratt Bros. by Law, King & Law
1888
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1874, By
Parley P. Pratt, in the Office of the Librarian of Congress at
Washington.
Preface
------------------------
In publishing this volume I am discharging a duty solemnly
imposed upon me by my lamented father, just before his departure on
his last mission to the United States.
It affords me great pleasure to present the Autobiography of the
late Author to his relatives, his numerous friends, and to the
general reader.
The writer is well and favorably known through his "Voice of
Warning," his "Key to Theology," and other productions of his pen,
as well as through his personal labors. He was one of the first
Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, having
been called by revelation and ordained to that office by the
Prophet Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery. He was intimately
associated with the martyrs Joseph and Hyrum, with Presidents B.
Young and H. C. Kimball, and other leading men, almost from the
first rise of the Church: his history, therefore, was so interwoven
with that of the Church, that many of the most interesting sketches
of Church history will be found therein.
The following pages, which embrace his life, ministry and
travels, and some of his best miscellaneous writings in prose and
verse, are the productions of his own pen.
He spared no pains to make the work a reliable record, and one
that would be acceptable to all lovers of truth. It is written in
the author's happiest style. He was an early pioneer of the Great
West, and travelled extensively in different countries.
His life was one of indefatigable labor, varied and complicated,
crowded with public labors and responsibilities, and full of
strange and extraordinary events--a life mingled with the extremes
of joy and sorrow--or, in the writer's own words, "a truly eventful
one."
With confidence and satisfaction I submit this work to the
reader, feeling assured that it will stand upon its own merits. I
also have an earnest and sincere desire that it may be the means,
through the blessing of God, of accomplishing much good.
In editing the work I have been kindly assisted by the author's
personal friend, Elder John Taylor, to whom I feel deeply indebted.
The work embraces a period of history of fifty years--from the
author's boyhood to the time of his betrayal, by apostates, into
the hands of his enemies, and martyrdom.
The writer, in his second preface to his "Voice of Warning," in
1846, gave expression to the following sentiment: "Should the
author be called to sacrifice his life for the cause of truth, he
will have the consolation that it will be said of him, as it was
said of Abel, '_He being dead yet speaketh_.'"
Editor.
Salt Lake City, _Dec., 1873_
To the Public
------------------------
The circumstances attending the death of our beloved and much
esteemed Apostle, Parley Parker Pratt, rendered it impossible for
him to complete and prepare for publication the work in which he
had for many years been engaged, which is now presented to the
public.
The general history and incidents were recorded in various forms
of manuscript, some in book form, some in loose leaves, whilst
others were extracts from the "Millennial Star" and other
publications, yet they needed collating and revising preparatory to
their publication.
The deceased, as appears above, had laid upon his eldest son, P.
P. Pratt, the responsibility of publishing his history in case
anything should happen to prevent himself from doing it.
At the solicitation of Brother Pratt I undertook the task of
assisting to collate and revise the work preparatory to
publication. I found, as I expected it to be, quite an undertaking.
But, as Bro. Parley brought the gospel to and baptized me, and as I
have always entertained for him the most profound regard, I
esteemed it a duty, due alike to gratitude and respect, to assist
in having him properly presented before the community.
In the revision the changes are very few and unimportant, the
meaning being rigidly adhered to, and the original, so far as
possible, preserved intact. His doctrines and general views are
left unchanged, as he was always considered sound in doctrinal
points.
The multitudinous reminiscences manifested in his eventful life
exhibit a true and living faith in God and his religion--an
honesty of purpose, an inflexible will, and an unflagging,
indefatigable industry and perseverance. He possessed a
comprehensive mind, coupled with a sound judgment. He manifested an
indomitable fortitude under the most trying circumstances, and in
adversity and trials, as well as in prosperity, exhibited an
example worthy of praise and emulation. He was indeed a true
Latter-Day Saint, an honorable Apostle, a good and kind husband, an
affectionate father, a true friend, and an honest man.
From various premonitions which he had during his last visit
with me in New York, I was satisfied that, when I took my last sad
leave of him in that city, I should never see his face again in the
flesh. These presentiments were but too speedily and sadly
fulfilled. He has gone--but has left a name and a fame that will
live throughout time and burst forth in eternity; and in the
morning of the first resurrection, when the opening heavens shall
reveal the Son of God, and he shall proclaim, "I am the
resurrection and the life," when Death shall deliver up the dead, I
expect to meet Bro. Parley in the resurrection of just.
John Taylor.
CONTENTS
------------------------
CHAPTER I.--Parentage:--Childhood:--Youth:--Education:--Early
Impressions:--Journey Westward:--Making a New Farm in the Wilderness of
Oswego.
CHAPTER II.--Thoughts on Religion:--Join the Baptist Church:--Strange
Perversion of a Scripture Promise.
CHAPTER III.--Reverses:--Loss of our Farm:--Strange Resolve:--Travels
West:--Forest Life:--Another New Farm.
CHAPTER IV.--Revisit Canaan, N. T.:--Interesting Meeting:--
Marriage:--Return to my Forest Home.
CHAPTER V.--Our Home:--New Sect:--Progressive Religious
Views:--Unexpected Meeting:--Dialogue:--Forsake My Home:--Journey to
New York:--Public Ministry:--Strange Book:--First Interview with a
Latter-Day Saint.
CHAPTER VI.--Interesting Meetings:--Second Interview with Hyrum
Smith:--Visit to the Church in Seneca County:--Baptism, Confirmation
and Ordination:--Ministry Among my Kindred:--Baptism of my Brother
Orson:--Wonderful Sign in the Heavens:--Return to Western New
York:--First Interview with Joseph Smith:--Description of his Person
and Abilities.
CHAPTER VII.--Mission to the Western States:--Visit to the
Indians:--Wonderful Success in Kirtland, Ohio:--Journey
Westward:--Great Excitement and Anxiety to Hear the
Fulness of the Gospel:--Imprisonment:--Mock Trial:--
Escape:--Preaching:--Success:--Visit the Wyandots:--Journey
Resumed:--Great Hardships:--Arrival on the Frontiers of Missouri.
Chapter VIII.--Visit the Delawares of Kansas:--Interview
with the Chief and Council:--Speech and Reply:--Great Excitement:--
Opposition from Missionaries:--Compelled to Leave the Indian
Country:--Ministry in Jackson County:--Council in Independence:--
Return Eastward:--Disguise:--Hospitality of a Family of the
Saints:--Dialogue:--Sickness:--Reunion with President Joseph
Smith:--Mission to the Shakers:--Ministry Among the Churches:--False
Spirits:--Inquire of the Lord:--Mode of Receiving Revelations.
CHAPTER IX.--Revelation on False Spirits:--Ministry Among the
Churches:--Remarkable Miracle of Healing:--Arrival of Emigrant Saints
from New York:--Severe Disappointment.
CHAPTER X.--Conference at Kirtland:--Revelation of the High
Priesthood:--Ordinations to the Same:--Appointment of Missions
through the Western States:--Return Westward, Accompanied by
my Brother Orson:--Our Success by the Way:--Arrival at the
Frontiers:--Sickness:--Remarkable Conversion of Newel Knight:--A Dream.
CHAPTER XI.--Attend Conference:--Instantaneous Healing:--
Return Eastward:--Description of the Inhabitants on the
South Side of the Missouri River:--Strange Manifestation:--
Arrive at St. Louis:--Preaching and Entertainment:--Arrive at
Vandalia:--Reception:--Exposure in Crossing an Over--flowed
Bottom:--Dialogue:--Hospitality of a Preacher:--Deaf Landlord:--Meet
my Wife.
Chapter XII.--Mission in Ohio:--Start to Western Missouri:--Incidents
by the Way:--Discourse on Board a Steamer on the Fourth of July:--Its
Effect:--Arrival on the Frontiers:--Farming:--Extortion:--Mission
in Missouri and Illinois:--Treatment by Infidels:--Great Success in
Illinois:--Opposition from Baptist Ministers:--Outlines of Mr. Peck's
Speech and my Reply:--Result:--Return Home:--A Voice from the Dead.
CHAPTER XIII.--Prosperity of the Church:--School in Zion:--
Revelation:--Mob:--Destruction of Printing Office:--Defence:--
Prisoners:--Journey to Lexington:--A Dream:--Its Fulfilment:--
Battle:--Defeat of the Robbers:--A Miracle:--Defence Construed into
Murder:--Gov. Boggs and Militia Join the Mob:--Church Driven from
the County:--Plunderings and Burnings:--Insurrections:--Signs in
the Heavens:--Action of the Governor:--Attorney-General Driven from
Court:--Refugees Settle in the North:--A Bandit Chief made Governor.
CHAPTER XIV.--Labors in Clay County:--Conference:--Appointment
to a Tedious Journey:--A Case of Healing:--Arrive at Kirtland:--
Revelation:--Travel Eastward, in Company with President Joseph
Smith:--Conference in Geneseo:--Pleasing Reminiscence:--President
Smith and Others Return Home:--Visit Sackett's Harbor:--Crowded
Meeting:--Requested to Visit the Sick:--A Little Boy Healed:--
Baptisms, etc.:--Miraculous Gifts:--Lying Priests and Rabble:--
Visit my Parents in Canaan, N. Y.:--Return to Kirtland.
CHAPTER XV.--An Army:--A Long March:--Recruits:--A Voice:--Camp
Arrives in Missouri:--Delegation to the Governor:--Interview:--Return
to Camp:--Council:--Great Storm and Flood:--A Battle Providentially
Prevented:--Cholera:--Army Disbanded:--Sudden Destruction:--Labor with
my Hands:--Journey to Ohio:--Labor and Ministry:--Accusations:--Repair
to Kirtland:--Interview with the President:--His Action on the
Matter:--Calling and Ordination of a Quorum of Twelve Apostles:--My
Ordination, Blessing and Charge:--Charge to the Quorum.
CHAPTER XVI.--Return to New Portage:--Fire:--Return to
Kirtland:--Mob:--Journey Eastward, as far as Maine:--Return to
Boston:--Removal to Kirtland:--A Temple:--School, Endowments,
Prophecyings, Visions, etc.:--Visit from Brother H. C. Kimball and
Others:--My Wife Healed and Blessed:--A Remarkable Prophecy and its
Fulfilment:--Mission to Canada:--Falls of Niagara:--Reflections.
CHAPTER XVII.--Journey Resumed:--Ministry:--Striking Answer to
Prayer:--Arrival at Toronto:--John Taylor:--Visit the Religious
Ministers, the Sheriff, and the Public Market, Seeking for an Opening,
but in Vain:--Secret Prayer:--About to leave the City--God Sends a
Widow to Receive Me:--Great Faith:--Eyes of the Blind Opened:--Great
Excitement and Gainsayings:--Public Preaching:--Find a People Prepared
to Receive the Message.
CHAPTER XVIII.--Crowded Meeting:--Discourse:--Baptize the People
and Organize a Church:--Spread of the Work:--First Visit to the
Country:--Opposition:--Remarkable Success:--Return to Kirtland:--Return
with my Wife to Toronto:--Meetings at Mr. Lamphere's:--A Woman
Healed and Evil Spirits Rebuked:--Mr. Lamareux:--A Meeting:--A
Challenge:--Discussion Held in the Open Air:--Great Crowd:--Opening
Propositions by Elder O. Hyde:--Result of the Discussion.
CHAPTER XIX.--A Vision:--Remarkable Signs in the Heavens:--A False
Prophet:--A Dream:--Impression:--Prayer:--Interpretation Given in
a Second Dream:--Attend Mr. Caird's Meeting:--He Shows Himself to
be a Railer and a Liar:--We Challenge Him to an Investigation:--He
Visits Toronto:--We Return There:--Continues His Opposition:--
Refusing to Meet Us:--Great Meetings:--Excitement:--Text:--Summary
of the Discourse Proving Him a False Teacher:--He Retires to Private
Life:--Return to Kirtland:--Birth of My First Born.
CHAPTER XX.--Two Items of Prophecy:--Death of my Wife: An Open Vision
Forewarning Her of Her Death:--Burial: Description of Her Person
and Character:--Reflections: Return to Canada:--Selection for an
English Mission Jarrings in the Church:--Apostacy:--Temptation:--
Deliverance:--Mission to New York City:--The Voice of Warning:--Its
Success:--English Mission:--Remarkable Prophecy:--Several Instances of
Healing:--Spread of the Work in the City and Country.
CHAPTER XXI.--Remove to Missouri:--National Anniversary at Far
West:--Corner Stone of a Temple:--Insurrections:--Defence:--Attack on
De Witt, Carroll County:--Mob Chaplain:--Surrender and Flight of the
Citizens of De Witt:--Action of the Governor:--General Defence:--Battle
of Crooked River:--Death of Colonel Patten:--Defence Construed into
Murder and Treason:--Muster of State Forces Against the "Mormons," with
Orders for Extermination:--General Lucas, with Four Thousand Men,
Menaces Far West.
CHAPTER XXII.--Exterminating Order:--Betrayal and Imprisonment
of Joseph Smith and Others:--Camp of the Enemy:--The Howlings
of the Damned:--The Enemy Boast of the Highest Crimes:--Secret
Inquisitory Trial of the Prisoners:--Sentence of Death!--How
Reversed:--A Judas:--Surrender of Far West:--Attempt to Assassinate
the Prisoners:--Farewell Scenes:--Captives Removed to Jackson
County:--General Clark Demands the Prisoners:--Refusal to Surrender
them:--Cross the Missouri River:--Visitors:--Preaching in Camp by
President Smith:--Arrive at Independence:--Public Exhibition of the
Prisoners.
CHAPTER XXIII.--Treatment of the Prisoners:--Visit the Temple
Lot:--Gain my Freedom:--Temptation:--Voluntary Return to
Bondage:--Leave Independence:--Conduct of the Guards:--Fall
into the Hands of Col. Price and Guards:--Arrive at Richmond:--
Chains:--Interview with Gen. Clark:--Dialogue:--Inconceivable
Absurdities.
CHAPTER XXIV.--Massacre at Haun's Mill.
CHAPTER XXV.--Speech of Major--General Clark, Delivered at Far West
while its Citizens were held as Prisoners, November, 1838.
CHAPTER XXVI.--The Prisoners:--Second Interview with General
Clark:--Inquisition:--Sickness of Elder Rigdon:--Colonel Price and
Guards:--Their Conduct;--Rebuke by Joseph Smith:--Trial:--Similarity
between King Herod and Governor Boggs:--Judge Austin A. King in Open
Court Threatens a "Wholesale Extermination of the 'Mormons:'"--Other
Prisoners Obtained by Stratagem:--Advice of General Doniphan, Attorney
for the Prisoners:--Decision:--Disposal of the Prisoners:--Flight of
the Church to Illinois:--Conduct of the Outlaws:--My Family Visits me
in Prison.
CHAPTER XXVII.--Legislative Action on the Subject.
CHAPTER XXVIII.--Joseph Smith and his Fellow Prisoners in Clay
County:--Mock Trial in the County of Davies:--Final Escape:--Their
Arrival in Illinois.
CHAPTER XXIX.--Farewell Scenes:--Departure of the Last Remnant of the
Exiles:--Court:--Release of Two of the Prisoners:--Reflections in
Prison.
CHAPTER XXX.--Letter to Judge Austin A. King.
CHAPTER XXXI.--The Prison:--Fare:--Conduct of the Guards:--A
Strange Couple:--My Wife Visits the Prison:--Fasting and
Prayer:--An Important Question:--Vision:--A Ministering
Spirit:--The Question Answered:--Visit from Judge King:--Change of
Venue:--Handcuffs:--Departure from the Prison:--Journey:--Arrival in
Columbia, Boone County:--Enter Another Prison:--Treatment:--Arrival of
Friends:--News from my Family:--Impressions of the Spirit:--Plan and
Preparations for Escape:--Fourth of July Celebration:--Flag:--Public
Dinner:--Now's the Day:--Our Friends take Leave:--Rendezvous.
CHAPTER XXXII.--Description of the Prison:--Ladies in the
Prison:--Evening of a Public Day:--Song:--Obstinate Coffee Pot:--Order
of Attack:--Escape:--Race:--Great Excitement:--Our Friends in the
Thicket:--Prisoners Gain the Thicket:--Flight:--Encounter:--Climb
a Tree:--Faint:--Prayers:--Night Favors us at Last:--Loss of my
Horse:--Journey on Foot:--Reflections.
CHAPTER XXXIII.--Dawn:--Bewildered in a Forest:--Beautiful
Valley:--Escape of Phelps:--Dialogue:--His Final Escape and
Arrival in Illinois:--Fate of our Two Friends:--Interview
between my Brother Orson and my Wife:--She Prepares for my
Reception:--Disappointment:--Excitement:--Search:--Suspense:--Scenes
at the Prison:--Treatment of Mrs. Phelps:--Mr. Follett Retaken:--His
Return to Prison:--Chains:--Escape of Mrs. Phelps:--Finale of Luman and
Phila.
CHAPTER XXXIV.--Reminiscence:--Resume my Wanderings:--Lost
Again:--Storm:--Conversation:--Suspicious Characters:--Lost in a
Swamp:--Strange River:--Retrace my Steps:--Cross the River:--Wild
Scenery:--Strange Bedfellow:--Dawn:--Reach the Mississippi:--Cross
the River in a Canoe:--Land on an Island:--Entangled in the
Thickets:--Reembark:--Land in Illinois:--An Old Acquaintance:--Arrive
at Quincy.
CHAPTER XXXV.--Opinions of the Press:--Extracts from the "Columbia
Patriot:"--"Banner of Liberty:"--"Boone's Lick Democrat:"--"Saturday
News:"--"Missouri Republican:"--"New York Sun:"--"Quincy
Argus:"--Minutes of a Public Meeting in Quincy:--"New York Commercial
Advertiser:"--Public Meeting in New York:--Closing Remarks.
CHAPTER XXXVI.--Congratulations:--Remove to Nauvoo:--Meet
with President Smith and Other Fellow Sufferers:--President
Smith's Reproof for the Elders:--Toils:--Start for England:--
Arrival in Detroit:--Visit my Brother Anson and Parents:--
Arrive in New York:--Visit Philadelphia and Washington:--Meet
President Smith:--Great Meeting:--Preaching by S. Rigdon and
President Smith:--Success in New York:--Farewell Song:--Sail for
England:--Reflections.
CHAPTER XXXVII.--General Conference at Preston, England:--Publishing
Committee:--Editorial Appointment:--First Number of the "Millennial
Star" Issued:--My own Ministry in Manchester and Vicinity:--New Hymn
Book:--Action of Congress on the Missouri Tragedies.
CHAPTER XXXVIII.--General Conference at Manchester:--Ordinations
and Appointments:--Return to New York:--Meet with my Family:--Visit
to the State of Maine:--A Dream and its Fulfilment:--Embark Again
for England:--Consequence of Looking Back:--Safe Arrival in
England:--Resume the Editorial Duties:--Reflections.
CHAPTER XXXIX.--Visit and Ministry in Bolton:--Conduct of two
Methodist Priests:--Arrest and Trial:--Emigration:--General
Conference at Manchester:--Council of the Twelve:--Charter the ship
"Tyrean:"--"Philosophy of the Resurrection:"--Emigration on the Ship
"Chaos:"--Visit to the Isle of Man:--Visit to Norwich:--Mob.
CHAPTER XL.--Notice for a General Conference:--Extract of a Letter from
Elder Orson Hyde in Jerusalem:--Extracts from my Farewell Address.
CHAPTER XLI.--Vessels Chartered:--Emigration:--Sail for New Orleans
on the "Emerald:"--Passage:--Land in New Orleans:--Charter of a
Steamer:--Historical Letter:--Journey and Arrival at Nauvoo:--Mission
with Joseph Smith:--Visit to Chester.
CHAPTER XLII.--Miscellaneous Writings:--Mission to the East:--
Impressions of the Spirit:--Martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum
Smith:--Spirit of Exultation:--Return to Nauvoo:--Sidney Rigdon
Disfellowshipped.
CHAPTER XLIII.--Eastern Mission:--Return:--Mobocracy:--Labor in the
Temple:--Expulsion from Nauvoo:--Cross the Mississippi:--Garden
Grove:--Mount Pisga:--Council Bluffs:--Mormon Battalion:--Winter
Quarters:--Mission to England with Elders Orson Hyde and John
Taylor:--Conference at Manchester:--Tour through the Kingdom.
CHAPTER XLIV.--An Apostle of the Church of Jesus Christ, of Latter-Day
Saints, _was in the Island of Great Britain for the Gospel's sake;
and being in the Spirit on the 24th of November, 1846, addressed the
following words of comfort to his dearly beloved Wife and Family,
dwelling in tents, in the Camp of Israel, at Council Bluffs, Missouri
Territory, North America; where they and twenty thousand others were
banished by the civilized Christians of the United States for the Word
of God and the Testimony of Jesus_.
CHAPTER XLV.--Return with Elder John Taylor to America:--Arrival at
Winter Quarters:--Camp Starts for the Rocky Mountains:--Meet the
Pioneers:--Arrival in Great Salt Lake Valley:--Visit to Utah and Great
Salt Lake.
CHAPTER XLVI.--Spring of 1848:--Scarcity of Provisions:--"Harvest
Feast:"--Arrival of President Young and Company:--Gold Fever:--Explore
Southern Utah.
CHAPTER XLVII.--Start on my Pacific Mission:--Sketch of the
Journey:--Attacked by Indians:--Crossing the Desert:--Arrival at Los
Angelos.
CHAPTER XLVIII.--Los Angelos:--Catholic Celebration of Corpus
Christi:--Arrival in San Francisco:--Letter to President Brigham
Young:--Family Letter.
CHAPTER XLIX.--Valparaiso:--Quillota:--Letter to President Brigham
Young.
CHAPTER L.--Arrival in San Francisco:--Return to Salt Lake
City:--Second Mission to the Pacific:--Articles from the Press.
CHAPTER LI.--Reply to the Rev. Mr. Briggs on the Subject of the
Expediency of the Reappointment of His Excellency Governor Young, of
Utah.
CHAPTER LII.--Statements Pertaining to the History of Joseph
Smith:--Return to Utah:--Home Mission:--Attend the Legislature at
Fillmore:--The Standard of Zion:--Return to Salt Lake City.
CHAPTER LIII.--Journal of Eastern Mission.
CHAPTER LIV.--Family Letters:--"My Fiftieth Year:"--Response by John
Taylor.
APPENDIX
GENEALOGY
TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE
CHAPTER I.
------------------------
Parentage:--Childhood:--Youth:--Education:--Early
Impressions:--Journey Westward:--Making a New Farm in the
Wilderness of Oswego.
Parley Parker Pratt, the subject and author of these sketches,
and third son of Jared and Charity Pratt, of Canaan, Columbia
County, New York, was born April 12, 1807, in Burlington, Otsego
County, N.Y.*
[Footnote] *For genealogy in full see Appendix.
Of my early youth I shall say but little. My father was a hard
working man, and generally occupied in agricultural pursuits; and,
although limited in education, he sometimes taught school, and even
vocal music.
He was a man of excellent morals; and he exerted himself
diligently, by stern example as well as precept, to instill into
the minds of his children every principle of integrity, honesty,
honor and virtue.
He taught us to venerate our Father in Heaven, Jesus Christ, His
prophets and Apostles, as well as the Scriptures written by them;
while at the same time he belonged to no religious sect, and was
careful to preserve his children free from all prejudice in favor
of or against any particular denomination, into which the so-called
Christian world was then unhappily divided.
We frequently attended public worship, with Presbyterians,
Baptists and Methodists in turn, or, as circumstances rendered
convenient--having equal respect for these several forms of worship
and their adherents. Though my father did sometimes manifest a
decided disapprobation of a hireling clergy, who seemed, in his
estimation, to prefer the learning and wisdom of man to the gifts
and power of the Holy Ghost.
His means to educate his children were very limited; but that
excellent system of common school education early established in
the Eastern and Middle States afforded to them, in common with
others, an opportunity to learn, and even to become familiar with
the four great branches, which are the foundation of literature and
the sciences.
My opportunity, even in these institutions, was far more limited
than most of the youths of my country, on account of my time being
mostly required in physical exertion to assist in sustaining the
family of my father.
But I always loved a book. If I worked hard, a book was in my
hand in the morning while others were sitting down to breakfast;
the same at noon; if I had a few moments, a _book_! a BOOK!
A book at evening, while others slept or sported; a book on
Sundays; a book at every leisure moment of my life.
At the age of seven years my mother gave me lessons to read in
the Scriptures; I read of Joseph in Egypt, his dreams, his
servitude, his temptation and exaltation; his kindness and
affection for his father and brethren. All this inspired me with
love, and with the noblest sentiments ever planted in the bosom of
man.
I read of David and Goliath;--of Saul and Samuel;--of Samson and
the Philistines:--all these inspired me with hatred to the deeds of
evil doers and love for good men and their deeds.
After this I read of Jesus and his Apostles; and O, how I loved
them! How I longed to fall at the feet of Jesus; to worship him, or
to offer my life for his.
At about twelve years of age I read of the first resurrection,
as described by John the Apostle, in the 20th chapter of his
Revelation; how they, martyrs of Jesus, and those who kept His
commandments would live and reign with Christ a thousand years,
while the rest of the dead lived not again till the thousand years
were ended. O, what an impression this made on my mind; I retired
to rest after an evening spent in this way; but I could not sleep.
I felt a longing desire and an inexpressible anxiety to secure to
myself a part in a resurrection so glorious. I felt a weight of
worlds,--of _eternal_ worlds resting upon me; for fear I
might still remain in uncertainty, and at last fall short and still
sleep on in the cold embrace of death; while the great, the good,
the blessed and the holy of this world would awake from the gloom
of the grave and be renovated, filled with life and joy, and enter
upon life with all its joys: while for a thousand years their busy,
happy tribes should trample on my sleeping dust, and still my
spirit wait in dread suspense, impatient of its doom. I tried to
pray; but O, how weak!
At the age of fifteen I was separated from my father's house,
and placed as an assistant on a farm, with a gentleman by the name
of William S. Herrick. This gentleman and his family were exemplary
members of the Presbyterian Church; and better, kinder, or more
agreeable people are seldom met with in this wicked world. They
treated me as if I had been an only son, instead of a hired
servant.
I was with them eight months, during which time our mutual
affection for each other increased; and I felt grieved when my time
expired and duty called me elsewhere.
During the winter following, being in the sixteenth year of my
age, I boarded with one of my aunts (my father's sister), named Van
Cott; she was an excellent and kind-hearted woman, and acted as a
mother to me. This winter I spent mostly at school, and it was my
last opportunity to improve my education by any means, except my
own unaided exertion--at least for many years.
In this school, by close application, I made such extraordinary
progress that the teacher often spoke of me to the whole school,
and exhorted them to learn as Parley Pratt did;--said he (to some
of them who were more fond of mischief than of study), if you would
learn as he does, you would become men of wisdom and talent in the
world; but if you continue the course you have done you will remain
in obscurity and unknown; while he will be known, and fill
important stations in society. I do not mention these circumstances
by way of boasting; but simply because they are true. How little
did I then realize, or even dream of the station I should be called
to fill.
Again the spring returned;--I was sixteen years of age. I left
the school of my boyhood forever, and commenced again a life of
toil. I assisted my cousin, William Pratt, in the cultivation of
the farm of my aunt (where I had boarded the previous winter) until
September, when I started a journey to the West, in company with my
brother William, in search of some spot of ground in the wilderness
which we might prepare as our future home.
We travelled about two hundred miles on foot, and at length
selected a spot for a farm in the woods, about two miles from
Oswego, a small town situated on Lake Ontario, in the State of New
York. We purchased seventy acres of land, which was covered with an
immense growth of timber, principally beech, maple and hemlock. For
this we bargained with one Mr. Morgan, and agreed to pay four
dollars per acre, in four annual payments with interest--paying
some seventy dollars in hand.
We then repaired again to the East, and, by dint of hard labor,
endeavored to earn the money. Wages were very low, and at length my
brother William entirely failed in raising his part of the money
for our next installment.
The next spring found me in the employment of a wealthy farmer,
by the name of Eliphet Bristol, in the neighborhood of my aunt Van
Cott's. Here I experienced no kindness; no friendship from my
employer or his family. I always commenced work before sunrise, and
continued till dark; losing only three days in eight months. I was
then but a lad--being only seventeen years of age--and stood in
need of fatherly and motherly care and comfort. But they treated a
laborer as a machine; not as a human being, possessed of feelings
and sympathies in common with his species. _Work_! WORK!
_WORK_! you are hired to work. A man that paid for his work
should never be weary, faint, or sick; or expect a kind look or
word. He agrees to work; we agree to pay him; that is sufficient.
He needs no kindness, no affection, no smiles, no encouragement of
any kind. Such was their spirit towards me during this eight months
of toil. I was glad when the time expired; I felt like one released
from prison. I took my wages, and was accompanied by my father to
our place in Oswego. Here I paid all my hard earnings to meet the
yearly installment due on the land--reserving merely enough to
purchase two axes. We then commenced to chop and clear the heavy
timber all the time that we could command, extra of earning our
board. It was a cold, snowy winter, such as is usual in the
northern part of New York. But we earned our living, and chopped
and cleared ten acres during the winter and spring; this we
surrounded with a fence of rails, and planted with wheat and Indian
corn, being in hopes to meet the next payment with the avails of
our harvest.
CHAPTER II.
------------------------
Thoughts on Religion:--Join the Baptist
Church:--Strange Perversion of a Scripture Promise.
It was during these toils in the wilderness that my mind was
drawn out from time to time on the things of God and eternity. I
felt deeply anxious to be saved from my sins, and to secure an
interest in that world "where the wicked cease from troubling, and
the weary are at rest." I attended public worship with a society of
Baptists who had employed one W. A. Scranton for their minister; he
was a scholar from Hamilton Seminary (an institution where young
men are educated for the ministry).
I said to my father one day while we were laboring together in
the forest: "Father, how is it there is so manifest a difference
between the ancient and modern disciples of Jesus Christ and their
doctrines? If, for instance, I had lived in the days of the
Apostles, and believed in Jesus Christ, and had manifested a wish
to become his disciple, Peter or his brethren would have said to
me, '_Repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for_
REMISSION OF SINS, _and you_ SHALL _receive the gift of
the Holy Ghost_.' I should then have known definitely and
precisely what to do to be saved. Whereas, _now_ we go to
the religious minister for instruction, and he tells us we must
experience a mysterious, indefinite and undefinable something
called religion before we can repent and be baptized acceptably.
But, if we inquire how, or by what means we are to come at this
experience, he cannot tell us definitely; but will tell us that it
is the work of God in the soul; which he will accomplish in his own
due time, for his own elect; and that we can do nothing acceptably
till this is done. That even our prayers and repentance, and all
our good works are sin; so long as this work of God is not done
within us.
"Now, father," said I, "how is this? I believe in Jesus; I wish
to serve him and keep his commandments; I love him: He has
commanded all men to repent and be baptized, and has promised to
remit the sins of all those who obey the gospel ordinances, and to
pour out the Holy Spirit upon them. Yet, if I apply to the
Presbyterians they will sprinkle some water in my face instead of
baptizing me. If I go to the Methodists it is the same. And if I go
to the Baptists they will not baptize me for _remission of sins
_, that I may receive the gift of the Holy Ghost; but they will
require of me to relate _an experience_, and to tell of some
time and place where I had already experienced that which I am only
seeking for, and have not found. This, of course, I cannot do; and,
therefore, they will not receive me unto baptism. How, then, can I
observe the ordinances of God and keep his commandments?"
To these inquiries my father could give no satisfactory answer;
but observed that times and circumstances had changed. With this I
was not satisfied, of course; for who had a right to change the
ordinances, transgress the law, or break the covenant of the
everlasting gospel? Such were my thoughts.
I still continued to ponder upon these things, and to search the
Scriptures to learn how to be saved. I found the same principles
and practice throughout the history of the Apostles, the Jews,
Samaritans, Gentiles, Ephesians, Corinthians, Romans, the Ethiopian
eunuch, Saul of Tarsus, the jailer and his household, all were
baptized when they believed in Jesus Christ and repented of their
sins; and this as an ordinance connected with remission of their
sins and the gift of the Holy Ghost. What, then, should I do? Where
find one who was commissioned from heaven, and would administer
salvation to me? I could only go to the Baptists; but I lacked that
"_experience of religion_" which they always required. However,
I resolved to try.
I accordingly appeared before them at their monthly meeting, or
council, and requested to be baptized; they inquired into my
experience; I related to them my firm belief in Christ, and my wish
to serve God without being able to tell them of any particular
experience of religion. They finally consulted together; and came
to the conclusion that I had been converted, whether I knew it
myself or not, and a time was appointed for my baptism--a month or
two thence. Here I again realized the difference. In ancient times
persons were baptized immediately on profession of their faith; now
they were subjected to a delay of weeks or months.
At length the time arrived, and I was baptized by Mr. Scranton,
and duly initiated into the Baptist society; being about eighteen
years of age. I felt some satisfaction in obeying this one
ordinance; but still I was aware that all was not right,--that much
was wanting to constitute a Christian, or a Church of Christ.
I endeavored to pray much, and to attend meetings strictly; I
also endeavored to keep the commandments of Jesus as well as I
could.
Mr. Scranton came to the house where I boarded to preach at a
certain time, and I inquired of him what Jesus meant when he said,
"these signs shall follow them that believe." He replied, that it
meant these signs should follow the Apostles only.
This did not satisfy me; for it was plain and manifest
perversion of common sense and language easy to be understood. It
was as much as to say: Go ye into all the world and preach the
gospel to the Apostles; and the Apostles that believe and are
baptized shall be saved; and the Apostles that believe not shall be
damned; and these signs shall follow the Apostles that believe.
Thus, by logical consistency, confining the whole commission and
gospel to the Apostles, with all its benefits, by the same rule
that we would confine the promise of the signs following to them.
CHAPTER III.
------------------------
Reverses:--Loss of our Farm:--Strange
Resolve:--Travels West:--Forest Life:--Another New Farm.
Time passed; harvest came; a fine crop, but no market; and
consequently the payment came due on our land and there was no
means of payment.
The winter rolled round; spring came again; and with it a
prosecution on the part of Mr. Morgan for money due on land. The
consequence was that all our hard earnings, and all our
improvements in the wilderness, were wrested from us in a moment.
Mr. Morgan retained the land, the improvements and the money paid.
Weary and disconsolate, I left the country and my father, who
took charge of our crops and all unsettled business.
I spent a few months with my uncles, Ira and Allen Pratt, in
Wayne County, N. Y., and in the autumn of 1826 I resolved to bid
farewell to the civilized world--where I had met with little else
but disappointment, sorrow and unrewarded toil; and where sectarian
divisions disgusted and ignorance perplexed me--and to spend the
remainder of my days in the solitudes of the great West, among the
natives of the forest.
There, at least, thought I, there will be no buying and selling
of lands,--no law to sweep all the hard earnings of years to pay a
small debt,--no wranglings about sects, and creeds, and doctrines.
I will win the confidence of the red man; I will learn his
language; I will tell him of Jesus; I will read to him the
Scriptures; I will teach him the arts of peace; to hate war, to
love his neighbor, to fear and love God, and to cultivate the
earth. Such were my resolutions.
In October, 1826, I took leave of my friends and started
westward. I paid most of my money in Rochester for a small pocket
Bible, and continued my journey as far as Buffalo. At this place I
engaged a passage for Detroit, on board a steamer; as I had no
money, I agreed to work for the same.
After a rough passage and many delays, I was at length driven by
stress of weather to land at Erie, in Pennsylvania; from whence I
travelled by land till I came to a small settlement about thirty
miles west of Cleveland, in the State of Ohio. The rainy season of
November had now set in; the country was covered with a dense
forest, with here and there a small opening made by the settlers,
and the surface of the earth one vast scene of mud and mire; so
that travelling was now very difficult, if not impracticable.
Alone in a land of strangers, without home or money, and not yet
twenty years of age, I became discouraged, and concluded to stop
for the winter; I procured a gun from one of the neighbors; worked
and earned an axe, some breadstuff and other little extras, and
retired two miles into a dense forest and prepared a small hut, or
cabin, for the winter. Some leaves and straw in my cabin served for
my lodging, and a good fire kept me warm. A stream near my door
quenched my thirst; and fat venison, with a little bread from the
settlements, sustained me for food. The storms of winter raged
around me; the wind shook the forest, the wolf howled in the
distance, and the owl chimed in harshly to complete the doleful
music which seemed to soothe me, or bid me welcome to this holy
retreat. But in my little cabin the fire blazed pleasantly, and the
Holy Scriptures and a few other books occupied my hours of
solitude. Among the few books in my cabin, were McKenzie's travels
in the Northwest, and Lewis and Clark's tour up the Missouri and
down the Columbia rivers.
Spring came on again; the woods were pleasant, the flowers
bloomed in their richest variety, the birds sung pleasantly in the
groves; and, strange to say, my mind had become attached to my new
abode. I again bargained for a piece of forest land; again promised
to pay in a few years, and again commenced to clear a farm and
build a house.
I was now twenty years of age.
I resolved to make some improvements and preparations, and then
return to my native country, from which I had been absent several
years. There was one there whom my heart had long loved, and from
whom I would not have been so long separated, except by misfortune.
CHAPTER IV.
------------------------
Revisit Canaan, N. T.:--Interesting Meeting:--
Marriage:--Return to my Forest Home.
It was the Fourth of July, 1827. The morning was beautiful and
gay, the sun rose without a cloud over the pine-clad hills of my
native land, where in boyhood I had often toiled and sported, just
as I came within a mile of the farm of my good old aunt Van Cott,
of Canaan, Columbia County, after an absence of three years. I had,
during this time, exchanged the features of the bashful boy for
those of the man; and, instead of a laughing, careless countenance,
a forehead of marble and a cheek of rose, stern care had marked me
as her child, and the sun had given a shade of brown to my
features; these, added to a heavy growth of beard and whiskers,
disguised me so far that I could pass through the neighborhood of
people, known and familiar to me, unnoticed and unknown.
With a quick step, a beating heart, and an intense,
indescribable feeling of joy, sorrow, hope, despondency and
happiness, I approached the door of Mr. Halsey, and knocked; it was
opened by an aged female, a stranger to me; I entered and inquired
for Miss Thankful Halsey-in a moment more she had me by the hand,
with a look of welcome which showed she had not forgotten me.
I spent the day and evening with her; explained to her all my
losses, my poverty and prospects, and the lone retreat where I had
spent the previous winter; and the preparations I had made for a
future home. I also opened my religious views to her, and my
desire, which I sometimes had, to try and teach the red man.
"In view of all these things," said I to her, "If you still love
me and desire to share my fortune you are worthy to be my wife. If
not, we will agree to be friends forever; but part to meet no more
in time." "I have loved you during three years' absence," said she,
"and I never can be happy without you."
I repaired to my aunt's--found the usual welcome. After visiting
my mother and kindred, for a few days, I saw my old friend, William
S. Herrick, where I had been employed five years before. He was
very anxious to employ me again; and finding I was willing, he
discharged a hand he had already, and gave me double wages. I
remained in his employ till October, and found the same kind
reception as formerly.
On the 9th of September, 1827, Parley P. Pratt and Thankful
Halsey were solemnly united in the bonds of matrimony, by Elder
Palmer, Minister of the Baptist Church, in Canaan, Columbia County,
N. Y.
In October we took leave of our friends in Canaan and took
passage for the West. We hired a conveyance to Albany, and then
took passage for Buffalo on a canal boat; and from there on board a
schooner; passing up Lake Erie we landed in safety at the mouth of
Black River, in Ohio, and within ten miles of my place. My wife had
some money, which we paid in for the land I had purchased. The
following spring found me 21 years of age, married and settled in a
log dwelling, in the midst of a small clearing made with my own
hands, in the place where I had spent the previous winter in
solitude.
CHAPTER V.
------------------------
Our Home:--New Sect:--Progressive Religious
Views:--Unexpected Meeting:--Dialogue:--Forsake My
Home:--Journey to New York:--Public Ministry:--Strange
Book:--First Interview with a Latter-Day Saint.
Eighteen months had passed since our settlement in the
wilderness. The forest had been displaced by the labors of the
first settlers for some distance around our cottage. A small frame
house was now our dwelling, a garden and a beautiful meadow were
seen in front, flowers in rich profusion were clustering about our
door and windows; while in the background were seen a thriving
young orchard of apple and peach trees, and fields of grain
extending in the distance, beyond which the forest still stood tip
in its own primeval grandeur, as a wall to bound the vision and
guard the lovely scene. Other houses and farms were also in view,
and some twenty children were returning from the school actually
kept by my wife, upon the very spot where two years before I had
lived for months without seeing a human being. About this time one
Mr. Sidney Rigdon came into the neighborhood as a preacher, and it
was rumored that he was a kind of Reformed Baptist, who, with Mr.
Alexander Campbell, of Virginia, a Mr. Scott, and some other gifted
men, had dissented from the regular Baptists, from whom they
differed much in doctrine. At length I went to hear him, and what
was my astonishment when I found he preached faith in Jesus Christ,
repentance towards God, and baptism for remission of sins, with the
promise of the gift of the Holy Ghost to all who would come
forward, with all their hearts, and obey this doctrine!
Here was the _ancient gospel_ in due form. Here were the
very principles which I had discovered years before; but could find
no one to minister in. But still one great link was wanting to
complete the chain of the ancient order of things; and that was,
the _authority_ to minister in holy things--the apostleship,
the power which should accompany the form. This thought occurred to
me as soon as I heard Mr. Rigdon make proclamation of the gospel.
Peter proclaimed this gospel, and baptized for remission of
sins, and promised the gift of the Holy Ghost, because he was
commissioned so to do by a crucified and risen Saviour. But who is
Mr. Rigdon? Who is Mr. Campbell? Who commissioned them? Who
baptized them for remission of sins? Who ordained them to stand up
as Peter? Of course they were baptized by the Baptists, and
ordained by them, and yet they had now left them because they did
not administer the true gospel. And it was plain that the Baptists
could not claim the apostolic office by succession, in a regular,
unbroken chain from the Apostles of old, preserving the gospel in
its purity, and the ordinances unchanged, from the very fact that
they were now living in the perversion of some, and the entire
neglect of others of these ordinances; this being the very ground
of difference between the old Baptists and these Reformers.
Again, these Reformers claimed no new commission by revelation,
or vision from the Lord, while they had not the least shadow of
claim by succession.
It might be said, then, with propriety: "Peter I know, and Paul
I know, but who are ye?"
However, we were thankful for even the forms of truth, as none
could claim the power, and authority, and gifts of the Holy
Ghost--at least so far as we knew.
After hearing Mr. Rigdon several times, I came out, with a
number of others, and embraced the truths which he taught. We were
organized into a society, and frequently met for public worship.
About this time I took it upon me to impart to my neighbors,
from time to time, both in public and in private, the light I had
received from the Scriptures concerning the gospel, and also
concerning the fulfilment of the things spoken by the holy
prophets. I did not claim any authority as a minister; I felt the
lack in this respect; but I felt in duty bound to enlighten
mankind, so far as God had enlightened me.
At the commencement of 1830, I felt drawn out in an
extraordinary manner to search the prophets, and to pray for an
understanding of the same. My prayers were soon answered, even
beyond my expectations; the prophecies of the holy prophets were
opened to my view; I began to understand the things which were
coming on the earth the restoration of Israel, the coming of the
Messiah, and the glory that should follow. I was so astonished at
the darkness of myself and mankind on these subjects that I could
exclaim with the prophet: surely, "_darkness covers the earth,
and gross darkness the people_."
I was all swallowed up in these things. I felt constrained to
devote my time in enlightening my fellow men on these important
truths, and in warning them to prepare for the coming of the Lord.
My brother William, who journeyed to the West with me in my
seventeenth year, had now been missing to the family for five
years, and was supposed to be dead. About the time he disappeared
and was lost sight of, he was known to leave the city of New York,
where he had been employed, and to pass up the Hudson on a steamer.
He was heard of no more; and, as a notice appeared in the papers of
the same date that a young gentleman by the name of William Pratt
was drowned in the Hudson, on his way up the river, our parents and
the family had given him up for lost.
One morning, as I was absent from home on business, about two
miles distant, I heard of him; and that he was then residing about
ten miles from me. On hearing this I ran nearly the whole distance
on foot, and in about two hours had him by the hand. He was much
surprised, although he had heard of a man of my name living in the
neighborhood; but could not believe it was me. We had each of us
taken our chance amid the hardships and toils of a new country for
years, and at last found ourselves together about six hundred miles
from our starting point.
This was a joyful and unexpected meeting of two brothers. He
immediately accompanied me home, and was introduced to my wife and
our little farm in the wilderness, where we spent some days
together. He admired my wife; but above all my farm. "Brother
Parley," said he, "how have you done all this? When we were last
together you had no wife, no farm, no house, no orchard, and now
you are here with everything smiling around you." I replied that
hard work had accomplished it all. And, continued I, we are now
about to leave this quiet home which we have toiled so hard to
make, and perhaps, never see it again. "How so?" said he, with much
surprise, and somewhat of disappointment. I then unfolded to him
the gospel and prophecies as they had been opened to me, and told
him that the spirit of these things had wrought so powerfully on my
mind of late that I could not rest; that I could no longer be
contented to dwell in quiet and retirement on my farm, while I had
light to impart to mankind, of which I knew they were in a great
measure ignorant. "But," said he, "if I had fifty acres of land, a
comfortable house, a fine orchard, a beautiful garden, with meadow
land, grain, and above all, such beautiful flowers and so valuable
a housekeeper as you have, and all these things the work of our own
hands, I am sure I would stay and enjoy the same while I lived; and
the world might go on its own jog, and its own way, for all me.
Besides, how are you to get your living? This is your all; you have
toiled for years to obtain it, and why not now continue to enjoy
it?" "William," said I, "I see plainly you know but little of my
circumstances if the changes which have taken place with me since
we parted five years ago, nor how vastly wealthy I have become
within that time. Why, sir, I have bank bills enough, on the very
best institutions in the world, to sustain myself and family while
we live."
"Indeed," said he, "well, I should like to see some of them; I
hope they are genuine." "Certainly," I replied, "there is no doubt
of that. They are true bills and founded on capital that will never
fail, though heaven and earth should pass away. Of this I will
convince you in a moment."
I then unlocked my treasury and drew from thence a large pocket
book, fall of promissory notes like the following: _"Whoever
shall forsake father or mother, brethren or sisters, houses or
lands, wife or children, for my sake and the gospel's, shall
receive an hundred fold in this life, and in the world to come lie
everlasting." "If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, you
shall ask what you will in my name and I will give it you." "All
things are possible to him that believeth."_
"Now, William," said I, "are these the words of Jesus Christ, or
are they not?" "They certainly are," said he, "I always believed
the New Testament."
"Then you admit they are genuine bills?"
"I do."
"Is the signer able to meet his engagements?"
"He certainly is."
"Is he willing?"
"He is."
"Well, then, I am going to fulfil the conditions to the letter
on my part. I feel called upon by the Holy Ghost to forsake my
house and home for the gospel's sake; and I will do it, placing
both feet firm on these promises with nothing else to rely upon."
"If I sink, they are false."
"If I am sustained, they are true. I will put them to the test.
Experiment shall now establish the truth of Christ's promises, or
the truth of infidelity."
"Well," said he, "try it, if you will; but, for my part,
although I always believed the Bible, I would not dare believe it
_literally_, and really stand upon its promises, with no
other prop."
We parted. He to his business, I to my preparations for a
mission which should only end with my life.
In August, 1830, I had closed my business, completed my
arrangements, and we bid adieu to our wilderness home and never saw
it afterwards.
On settling up, at a great sacrifice of property, we had about
ten dollars left in cash. With this small sum, we launched forth
into the wide world, determining first to visit our native place,
on our mission, and then such other places as I might be led to by
the Holy Spirit.
We made our way to Cleveland, 30 miles. We then took passage on
a schooner for Buffalo, a distance of 200 miles. We had a fair
wind, and the captain, being short of hands, gave me the helm, the
sails being all set, and turned in. I steered the vessel the most
of the day, with no other person on deck. Of course, our passage
cost us little besides my labor. Landing in Buffalo, we engaged our
passage for Albany on a canal boat, distance 360 miles. This,
including board, cost all our money and some articles of clothing.
Arriving at Rochester, I informed my wife that, notwithstanding
our passage being paid through the whole distance, yet I must leave
the boat and her to pursue her passage to our friends; while I
would stop awhile in this region. Why, I did not know; but so it
was plainly manifest by the Spirit to me. I said to her, "We part
for a season; go and visit our friends in our native place; I will
come soon, but how soon I know not; for I have a work to do in this
region of country, and what it is, or how long it will take to
perform it, I know not; but I will come when it is performed."
My wife would have objected to this; but she had seen the hand
of God so plainly manifest in His dealings with me many times, that
she dare not oppose the things manifest to me by His spirit.
She, therefore, consented; and I accompanied her as far as
Newark, a small town upwards of 100 miles from Buffalo, and then
took leave of her, and of the boat.
It was early in the morning, just at the dawn of day, I walked
ten miles into the country, and stopped to breakfast with a Mr.
Wells. I proposed to preach in the evening. Mr. Wells readily
accompanied me through the neighborhood to visit the people, and
circulate the appointment.
We visited an old Baptist deacon by the name of Hamlin. After
hearing of our appointment for evening, he began to tell of a
_book_, a STRANGE BOOK, a _VERY STRANGE BOOK_! in his possession,
which had been just published. This book, he said, purported
to have been originally written on plates either of gold
or brass, by a branch of the tribes of Israel; and to have been
discovered and translated by a young man near Palmyra, in the State
of New York, by the aid of visions, or the ministry of angels. I
inquired of him how or where the book was to be obtained. He
promised me the perusal of it, at his house the next day, if I
would call. I felt a strange interest in the book. I preached that
evening to a small audience, who appeared to be interested in the
truths which I endeavored to unfold to them in a clear and lucid
manner from the Scriptures. Next morning I called at his house,
where, for the first time, my eyes beheld the "BOOK OF MORMON"--
that book of books--that record which reveals the antiquities of
the "_New World_" back to the remotest ages, and which unfolds the
destiny of its people and the world for all time to come;--that
Book which contains the fulness of the gospel of a crucified and
risen Redeemer;--that Book which reveals a lost remnant of Joseph,
and which was the principal means, in the hands of God, of
directing the entire course of my future life.
I opened it with eagerness, and read its title page. I then read
the testimony of several witnesses in relation to the manner of its
being found and translated. After this I commenced its contents by
course. I read all day; eating was a burden, I had no desire for
food; sleep was a burden when the night came, for I preferred
reading to sleep.
As I read, the spirit of the Lord was upon me, and I knew and
comprehended that the book was true, as plainly and manifestly as a
man comprehends and knows that he exists. My joy was now full, as
it were, and I rejoiced sufficiently to more than pay me for all
the sorrows, sacrifices and toils of my life. I soon determined to
see the young man who had been the instrument of its discovery and
translation.
I accordingly visited the village of Palmyra, and inquired for
the residence of Mr. Joseph Smith. I found it some two or three
miles from the village. As I approached the house at the close of
the day I overtook a man who was driving some cows, and inquired of
him for Mr. Joseph Smith, the translator of the "_Book of Mormon
_." He informed me that he now resided in Pennsylvania; some
one hundred miles distant. I inquired for his father, or for any of
the family. He told me that his father had gone a journey; but that
his residence was a small house just before me; and, said he, I am
his brother. It was Mr. Hyrum Smith. I informed him of the interest
I felt in the Book, and of my desire to learn more about it. He
welcomed me to his house, and we spent the night together; for
neither of us felt disposed to sleep. We conversed most of the
night, during which I unfolded to him much of my experience in my
search after truth, and my success so far; together with that which
I felt was lacking, viz: a commissioned priesthood, or apostleship
to minister in the ordinances of God.
He also unfolded to me the particulars of the discovery of the
Book; its translation; the rise of the Church of Latter-day Saints,
and the commission of his brother Joseph, and others, by revelation
and the ministering of angels, by which the apostleship and
authority had been again restored to the earth. After duly weighing
the whole matter in my mind I saw clearly that these things were
true; and that myself and the whole world were without baptism, and
without the ministry and ordinances of God; and that the whole
world had been in this condition since the days that inspiration
and revelation had ceased--in short, that this was a _new
dispensation or commission_, in fulfillment of prophecy, and
for the restoration of Israel, and to prepare the way before the
second coming of the Lord.
In the morning I was compelled to take leave of this worthy man
and his family--as I had to hasten back a distance of thirty miles,
on foot, to fulfil an appointment in the evening. As we parted he
kindly presented me with a copy of the Book of Mormon. I had not
yet completed its perusal, and was glad indeed to possess a copy of
my own. I travelled on a few miles, and, stopping to rest, I
commenced again to read the book. To my great joy I found that
Jesus Christ, in his glorified resurrected body, had appeared to
the remnant of Joseph on the continent of America, soon after his
resurrection and ascension into heaven; and that he also
administered, in person, to the ten lost tribes; and that through
his personal ministry in these countries his gospel was revealed
and written in countries and among nations entirely unknown to the
Jewish apostles.
Thus revealed, written, handed down and preserved, till revealed
in this age by the angels of God, it had, of course, escaped the
corruptions of the great and abominable church; and been preserved
in purity.
This discovery greatly enlarged my heart, and filled my soul
with joy and gladness. I esteemed the Book, or the information
contained in it, more than all the riches of the world. Yes; I
verily believe that I would not at that time have exchanged the
knowledge I then possessed, for a legal title to all the beautiful
farms, houses, villages and property which passed in review before
me, on my journey through one of the most flourishing settlements
of western New York.
Surely, thought I, Jesus had _other sheep_, as he said to
his Apostles of old; and here they were, in the wilderness of the
world called new. And they heard the voice of the Good Shepherd of
Israel; and he brought them to his fold. Truly, thought I, he was
not sent (in person) save to the lost sheep of the house of Israel,
as he told the woman of Canaan; and here were a portion of them.
Truly, thought I, the angels sung with the spirit and with the
understanding when they declared: "_We bring you glad tidings of
great joy, which shall be to_ ALL PEOPLE."
In his mortal tabernacle he confined his ministry and that of
his Apostles to the land of Judea; but afterwards, released from
the bonds of mortal life, or rather death, and clothed with an
immortal body, and with organs strong and lasting as the immortal
mind, he possessed all power in heaven and on earth; he was then
enabled to extend his ministry to heaven, earth or hell. He could
take the wings of the morning, and, with the speed of light, make
his way to the Heaven of Heavens; and converse and counsel among
the sons of God; or receive counsel from his Father in Heaven; or,
leaving again the starry worlds, he could descend to the dark and
gloomy abodes of the spirits in prison and preach to them the
gospel--bursting off their shackles and unlocking their prison
doors; while these once dark abodes were now brilliant with light,
and, instead of prison groans, were heard joyful acclamations of
deliverance to the captive, and the opening of the prison to them
that are bound; or coming again to visit the earth, he could soar
away beyond the waves and tempests, which had before set bounds to
the geographical knowledge of man, and stood up as an impregnable
barrier to the intercourse of nations; and there, in other tribes
and tongues, make known the riches of his grace, and his _triumph
_ over death.
And when ages had passed, and nations slumbered in the
dust--when cruelty and bloodshed had blotted almost every trace of
priesthood and apostleship from the earth; when saints had been
worn out and overcome times, laws and ordinances changed; the Bible
itself robbed of its plainness; and all things darkened and
corrupted; a pure and faithful record of his ministry to other
nations is forthcoming from among the archives of the dead, to
reveal the "_mystery of iniquity_;" to speak, as with a voice of
thunder, in rebuking the evil and revealing the fullness of the
gospel. Such was the Book of Mormon--much its effect upon the
startling nations.
CHAPTER VI.
------------------------
Interesting Meetings:--Second Interview with Hyrum Smith:--Visit
to the Church in Seneca County:--Baptism, Confirmation and
Ordination:--Ministry Among my Kindred:--Baptism of my Brother
Orson:--Wonderful Sign in the Heavens:--Return to Western New
York:--First Interview with Joseph Smith:--Description of his Person
and Abilities.
Having rested awhile and perused this sacred book by the
roadside, I again walked on.
In the evening I arrived in time to fill my appointment. I met a
crowded house, and laid before them many interesting truths, which
were listened to with deep interest.
The next evening I had another appointment, and the people came
out in great numbers, and were filled with the spirit of interest
and inquiry.
They urged me very much to continue my discourses among them;
but I felt to minister no more till I had attended to some
important duties for myself. I had now found men on earth
commissioned to preach, baptize, ordain to the ministry, etc., and
I determined to obey the fullness of the gospel without delay. I
should have done so at the first interview with Elder Hyrum Smith;
but these two appointments were already out, and thirty miles'
travel required all the time I had.
I now returned immediately to Hyrum Smith's residence, and
demanded baptism at his hands. I tarried with him one night, and
the next day we walked some twenty-five miles to the residence of
Mr. Whitmer, in Seneca County. Here we arrived in the evening, and
found a most welcome reception.
This was the family, several of whose names were attached to the
Book of Mormon as witnesses--Mr. Joseph Smith having translated
much of the book in Whitmer's chamber.
I found the little branch of the Church in this place full of
joy, faith, humility and charity. We rested that night, and on the
next day, being about the 1st of September, 1830, I was baptized by
the hand of an Apostle of the Church of Jesus Christ, by the name
of Oliver Cowdery. This took place in Seneca Lake, a beautiful and
transparent sheet of water in Western New York.
A meeting was held the same evening, and after singing a hymn
and prayer, Elder Cowdery and others proceeded to lay their hands
upon my head in the name of Jesus, for the gift of the Holy Ghost.
After which I was ordained to the office of an Elder in the Church,
which included authority to preach, baptize, and minister the
sacrament, administer the Holy Spirit, by the laying on of hands in
the name of Jesus Christ and to take the lead of meetings of
worship.
I now felt that I had authority in the ministry.
On the next Sabbath I preached to a large concourse of people,
assembled at the house of a Mr. Burroughs. The Holy Ghost came upon
me mightily. I spoke the word of God with power, reasoning out of
the Scriptures and the Book of Mormon. The people were convinced,
overwhelmed in tears, and four heads of families came forward
expressing their faith, and were baptized.
My work was now completed, for which I took leave of my wife and
the canal boat some two or three weeks previous.
I now took leave of the little branch of the church with which I
had been associated, and pursued my journey to the land of my
fathers and of my boyhood.
I found my wife in health and spirits, enjoying herself with her
friends. I also found my father and mother, friends and kindred,
and, among others, my good old aunt and cousins, at the old
homestead, where I always found a welcome reception.
This was a pleasant and retired mountain valley, consisting of a
beautiful farm and a small and convenient house, out-buildings,
orchard, meadow, etc., encircled on the south, west and north with
a curve of hills, consisting of farming lands and pasture, and
their summits and bosoms partially clothed with a beautiful forest
of pine and chestnut; while the scene opened to the southeast in a
descending landscape to a beautiful vale of some miles in extent,
filled with flourishing farms and dwellings, and watered by a
winding stream; while far beyond stretched other hills and
pine-clad mountains, and the spire of a church and a small town
were seen nestling among the hills at two miles distance.
This was the residence of my aunt Van Cott, and the place where
I had spent some of the happiest seasons of my youth. My aunt had
three children--an only son, and two daughters. These were now in
the bloom of early youth, and were fast advancing to a state of
maturity. Her husband had died at an early day, after an illness of
seven years; and here lived the widow and orphans, surrounded with
peace and plenty, blooming with health, and smiling with innocence
and joy. Retired from the throng of busy, boisterous life, and
strangers to most of its woes, ills and corruptions, the stranger
who happened there was welcome; the hungry were fed, the naked were
clothed, and, above all, the kindred found a hearty reception. In
short, it was a spot, in all respects, adapted to retirement and
contemplation, where the poet and the novelist would find a
thousand things to please the imagination, and to swell their
favorite volumes.
In this visit to my native place, there was one family greatly
missed by me. I felt keenly the disappointment at not seeing
them--that of my old employer, Wm. S. Herrick. He had moved to the
West, and his house was occupied by strangers.
I now commenced my labors in good earnest. I addressed crowded
audiences almost every day, and the people, who had known me from a
child, seemed astonished--knowing that I had had but little
opportunity of acquiring knowledge by study; and while many were
interested in the truth, some began to be filled with envy, and
with a lying, persecuting spirit. My father, mother, aunt Van Cott,
and many others, believed the truth in part; but my brother Orson,
a youth of nineteen years, received it with all his heart, and was
baptized at that time, and has ever since spent his days in the
ministry.
It was during my labors in these parts, in the autumn of 1830,
that a very singular and extraordinary sign was shown in the
heavens, which I will here describe.
I had been on a visit to a singular people called Shakers, at
New Lebanon, about seven miles from my aunt Van Cott's, and was
returning that distance, on foot, on a beautiful evening of
September. The sky was without a cloud; the stars shone out
beautifully, and all nature seemed reposing in quiet, as I pursued
my solitary way, wrapt in deep meditations on the predictions of
the holy prophets; the signs of the times; the approaching advent
of the Messiah, to reign on the earth, and the important
revelations of the Book of Mormon; my heart filled with gratitude
to God that He had opened the eyes of my understanding to receive
the truth, and with sorrow for the blindness of those who lightly
rejected the same, when my attention was aroused by a sudden
appearance of a brilliant light which shone around me, above the
brightness of the sun. I cast my eyes upward to inquire from whence
the light came, when I perceived a long chain of light extended in
the heavens, very bright, and a deep fiery red. It at first stood
stationary in a horizontal position; at length bending in the
center, the two ends approached each other with a rapid movement,
so as to form an exact square. In this position it again remained
stationary for some tame, perhaps a minute, and then again the ends
approached each other with the same rapidity, and again ceased to
move, remaining stationary, for perhaps a minute, in the form of a
compass; it then commenced a third movement in the same manner, and
closed like the closing of a compass, the whole forming a straight
line like a chain doubled. It again retained stationary for a
minute, and then faded away.
I fell upon my knees in the street, and thanked the Lord for so
marvelous a sign of the coming of the Son of Man.
Some persons may smile at this, and say that all these exact
movements were by chance; but, for my part, I could as soon believe
that the letters of the alphabet would be formed by chance, and be
placed so as to spell my name, as to believe that these signs
(known only to the wise) could be formed and shown forth by chance.
Renewed in spirit and filled with joy I now pursued my way, and
arrived at my aunt Van Cott's, not weary, but refreshed with a long
walk, and deep communion with myself and God.
Having lifted a warning voice to multitudes in all this region
of country, I now took leave, and repaired again to the western
part of New York, and to the body of the Church.
On our arrival, we found that brother Joseph Smith, the
translator of the Book of Mormon, had returned from Pennsylvania to
his father's residence in Manchester, near Palmyra, and there I had
the pleasure of seeing him for the first time.
He received me with a hearty welcome, and with that frank and
kind manner so universal with him in after years.
On Sunday we held meeting at his house; the two large rooms were
filled with attentive listeners, and he invited me to preach. I did
so, and afterwards listened with interest to a discourse from his
own mouth, filled with intelligence and wisdom. We repaired from
the meeting to the water's edge, and, at his request, I baptized
several persons.
President Joseph Smith was in person tall and well built, strong
and active, of a light complexion, light hair, blue eyes, very
little beard, and of an expression peculiar to himself, on which
the eye naturally rested with interest, and was never weary of
beholding. His countenance was ever mild, affable, beaming with
intelligence and benevolence; mingled with a look of interest and
an unconscious smile, or cheerfulness, and entirely free from all
restraint or affectation of gravity; and there was something
connected with the serene and steady penetrating glance of his eye,
as if he would penetrate the deepest abyss of the human heart, gaze
into eternity, penetrate the heavens, and comprehend all worlds.
He possessed a noble boldness and independence of character; his
manner was easy and familiar; his rebuke terrible as the lion; his
benevolence unbounded as the ocean; his intelligence universal, and
his language abounding in original eloquence peculiar to
himself--not polished--not studied--not smoothed and softened by
education and refined by art; but flowing forth in its own native
simplicity, and profusely abounding in variety of subject and
manner. He interested and edified, while, at the same time, he
amused and entertained his audience; and none listened to him that
were ever weary with his discourse. I have even known him to retain
a congregation of willing and anxious listeners for many hours
together, in the midst of cold or sunshine, rain or wind, while
they were laughing at one moment and weeping the next. Even his
most bitter enemies were generally overcome, if he could once get
their ears.
I have known him when chained and surrounded with armed
murderers and assassins who were heaping upon him every possible
insult and abuse, rise up in the majesty of a son of God and rebuke
them, in the name of Jesus Christ, till they quailed before him,
dropped their weapons, and, on their knees, begged his pardon, and
ceased their abuse.
In short, in him the characters of a Daniel and a Cyrus were
wonderfully blended. The gifts, wisdom and devotion of a Daniel
were united with the boldness, courage, temperance, perseverance
and generosity of a Cyrus. And had he been spared a martyr's fate
till mature manhood and age, he was certainly endued with powers
and ability to have revolutionized the world in many respects, and
to have transmitted to posterity a name associated with more
brilliant and glorious acts than has yet fallen to the lot of
mortal. As it is, his works will live to endless ages, and
unnumbered millions yet unborn will mention his name with honor, as
a noble instrument in the hands of God, who, during his short and
youthful career, laid the foundation of that kingdom spoken of by
Daniel, the prophet, which should break in pieces all other
kingdoms and stand forever.
But I will not forestall the reader. I have yet to speak of him
in my history, under many and varying circumstances, in which I
have necessarily been associated with him, up to the latest year of
his life.
CHAPTER VII.
------------------------
Mission to the Western States:--Visit to the
Indians:--Wonderful Success in Kirtland, Ohio:--Journey
Westward:--Great Excitement and Anxiety to Hear the
Fulness of the Gospel:--Imprisonment:--Mock Trial:--
Escape:--Preaching:--Success:--Visit the Wyandots:--
Journey Resumed:--Great Hardships:--Arrival on the Frontiers
of Missouri.
It was now October, 1830. A revelation had been given through
the mouth of this Prophet, Seer and Translator, in which Elders
Oliver Cowdery, Peter Whitmer, Ziba Peterson and myself were
appointed to go into the wilderness, through the western States,
and to the Indian territory. Making arrangements for my wife in the
family of the Whitmers, we took leave of our friends and the church
late in October, and started on foot.
After travelling for some days we called on an Indian nation at
or near Buffalo; and spent part of a day with them, instructing
them in the knowledge of the record of their forefathers. We were
kindly received, and much interest was manifested by them on
hearing this news. We made a present of two copies of the Book of
Mormon to certain of them who could read, and repaired to Buffalo.
Thence we continued our journey, for about two hundred miles, and
at length called on Mr. Rigdon, my former friend and instructor, in
the Reformed Baptists Society. He received us cordially and
entertained us with hospitality.
We soon presented him with a Book of Mormon, and related to him
the history of the same. He was much interested, and promised a
thorough perusal of the book.
We tarried in this region for some time, and devoted our time to
the ministry, and visiting from house to house.
At length Mr. Rigdon and many others became convinced that they
had no authority to minister in the ordinances of God; and that
they had not been legally baptized and ordained. They, therefore,
came forward and were baptized by us, and received the gift of the
Holy Ghost by laying on of hands, and prayer in the name of Jesus
Christ.
The news of our coming was soon noised abroad, and the news of
the discovery of the Book of Mormon and the marvelous events
connected with it. The interest and excitement now became general
in Kirtland, and in all the region round about. The people thronged
us night and day, insomuch that we had no time for rest and
retirement. Meetings were convened in different neighborhoods, and
multitudes came together soliciting our attendance; while thousands
flocked about us daily; some to be taught, some for curiosity, some
to obey the gospel, and some to dispute or resist it.
In two or three weeks from arrival in the neighborhood with the
news, we had baptized one hundred and twenty-seven souls, and this
number soon increased to one thousand. The disciples were filled
with joy and gladness; while rage and lying was abundantly
manifested by gainsayers; faith was strong, joy was great, and
persecution heavy.
We proceeded to ordain Sidney Rigdon, Isaac Morley, John
Murdock, Lyman Wight, Edward Partridge and many others to the
ministry; and, leaving them to take care of the churches and to
minister the gospel, we took leave of the saints and continued our
journey.
Fifty miles west of Kirtland, we had occasion to pass through
the neighborhood where I first settled in the wilderness, after my
marriage. We found the people all excited with the news of the
great work we had been the humble instruments of doing in Kirtland
and vicinity. Some wished to learn and obey the fullness of the
gospel--were ready to entertain us and hear us preach. Others were
filled with envy, rage and lying.
We had stopped for the night at the house of Simeon Carter, by
whom we were kindly received, and were in the act of reading to him
and explaining the Book of Mormon, when there came a knock at the
door, and an officer entered with a warrant from a magistrate by
the name of Byington, to arrest me on a very frivolous charge. I
dropped the Book of Mormon in Carter's house, and went with him
some two miles, in a dark, muddy road; one of the brethren
accompanied me. We arrived at the place of trial late in the
evening; found false witnesses in attendance, and a Judge who
boasted of his intention to thrust us into prison, for the purpose
of testing the powers of our apostleship, as he called it; although
I was only an Elder in the Church. The Judge boasting thus, and the
witnesses being entirely false in their testimony, concluded to
make no defense, but to treat the whole matter with contempt.
I was soon ordered to prison, or to pay a sum of money which I
had not in the world. It was now a late hour, and I was still
retained in court, tantalized, abused and urged to settle the
matter, to all of which I made no reply for some time. This greatly
exhausted their patience. It was near midnight. I now called on
brother Petersen to sing a hymn in the court. We sung, "O how happy
are they." This exasperated them still more, and they pressed us
greatly to settle the business, by paying the money.
I then observed as follows: "May it please the court, I have one
proposal to make for a final settlement of the things that seem to
trouble you. It is this: if the witnesses who have given testimony
in the case will repent of their false swearing, and the magistrate
of his unjust and wicked judgment and of his persecution,
blackguardism and abuse, and all kneel down together, we will pray
for you, that God might forgive you in these matters."
"My big bull dog pray for me," says that Judge.
"The devil help us," exclaimed another.
They now urged me for some time to pay the money; but got no
further answer.
The court adjourned, and I was conducted to a public house over
the way, and locked in till morning; the prison being some miles
distant.
In the morning the officer appeared and took me to breakfast;
this over, we sat waiting in the inn for all things to be ready to
conduct me to prison. In the meantime my fellow travellers came
past on their journey, and called to see me. I told them in an
undertone to pursue their journey and leave me to manage my own
affairs, promising to overtake them soon. They did so. After
sitting awhile by the fire in charge of the officer, I requested to
step out. I walked out into the public square accompanied by him.
Said I, "Mr. Peabody, are you good at a race?" "No," said he, "but
my big bull dog is, and he has been trained to assist me in my
office these several years; he will take any man down at my
bidding. Well, Mr. Peabody, you compelled me to go a mile, I have
gone with you two miles. You have given me an opportunity to
preach, sing, and have also entertained me with lodging and
breakfast. I must now go on my journey; if you are good at a race
you can accompany me. I thank you for all your kindness--good day,
sir."
I then started on my journey, while he stood amazed and not able
to step one foot before the other. Seeing this, I halted, turned to
him and again invited him to a race. He still stood amazed. I then
renewed my exertions, and soon increased my speed to something like
that of a deer. He did not awake from his astonishment sufficiently
to start in pursuit till I had gained, perhaps, two hundred yards.
I had already leaped a fence, and was making my way through a field
to the forest on the right of the road. He now came hallowing after
me, and shouting to his dog to seize me. The dog, being one of the
largest I ever saw, came close on my footsteps with all his fury;
the officer behind still in pursuit, clapping his hands and
hallooing, "stu-boy, stu-boy--take him--watch--lay hold of him, I
say--down with him," and pointing his finger in the direction I was
running. The dog was fast overtaking me, and in the act of leaping
upon me, when, quick as lightning, the thought struck me, to assist
the officer, in sending the dog with all fury to the forest a
little distance before me. I pointed my finger in that direction,
clapped my hands, and shouted in imitation of the officer. The dog
hastened past me with redoubled speed towards the forest; being
urged by the officer and myself, and both of us running in the same
direction.
Gaining the forest, I soon lost sight of the officer and dog,
and have not seen them since. I took a back course, crossed the
road, took round into the wilderness, on the left, and made the
road again in time to cross a bridge over Vermilion River, where I
was hailed by half a dozen men, who had been anxiously waiting our
arrival to that part of the country, and who urged me very
earnestly to stop and preach. I told them that I could not then do
it, for an officer was on my track. I passed on six miles further,
through mud and rain, and overtook the brethren, and preached the
same evening to a crowded audience, among whom we were well
entertained.
The Book of Mormon, which I dropped at the house of Simeon
Carter, when taken by the officer, was by these circumstances left
with him. He read it with attention. It wrought deeply upon his
mind, and he went fifty miles to the church we had left in
Kirtland, and was there baptized and ordained an Elder. He then
returned to his home and commenced to preach and baptize. A church
of about sixty members was soon organized in the place where I had
played such a trick of deception on the dog.
We now pursued our journey for some days, and at length arrived
in Sandusky, in the western part of Ohio. Here resided a tribe, or
nation of Indians, called Wyandots, on whom we called, and with
whom we spent several days. We were well received, and had an
opportunity of laying before them the record of their forefathers,
which we did. They rejoiced in the tidings, bid us God speed, and
desired us to write to them in relation to our success among the
tribes further west, who had already removed to the Indian
territory, where these expected soon to go.
Taking an affectionate leave of this people, we continued our
journey to Cincinnati. In this city we spent several days, and
preached to many of the people, but without much success. About the
20th of December we took passage on a steamer for St. Louis. In a
few days we arrived at the mouth of the Ohio, and finding the river
blocked with ice, the boat did not proceed further. We therefore
landed and pursued our journey on foot for two hundred miles, to
the neighborhood of St. Louis.
We halted for a few days in Illinois, about twenty miles from
St. Louis, on account of a dreadful storm of rain and snow, which
lasted for a week or more, during which the snow fell in some
places near three feet deep. Although in the midst of strangers, we
were kindly entertained, found many friends, and preached to large
congregations in several neighborhoods.
In the beginning of 1831 we renewed our journey; and, passing
through St. Louis and St. Charles, we travelled on foot for three
hundred miles through vast prairies and through trackless wilds of
snow--no beaten road; houses few and far between; and the bleak
northwest wind always blowing in our faces with a keenness which
would almost take the skin off the face. We travelled for whole
days, from morning till night, without a house or fire, wading in
snow to the knees at every step, and the cold so intense that the
snow did not melt on the south side of the houses, even in the
mid-day sun, for nearly six weeks. We carried on our backs our
changes of clothing, several books, and corn bread and raw pork. We
often ate our frozen bread and pork by the way, when the bread
would be so frozen that we could not bite or penetrate any part of
it but the outside crust.
After much fatigue and some suffering we all arrived in
Independence, in the county of Jackson, on the extreme western
frontiers of Missouri, and of the United States.
This was about fifteen hundred miles from where we started, and
we had performed most of the journey on foot, through a wilderness
country, in the worst season of the year, occupying about four
months, during which we had preached the gospel to tens of
thousands of Gentiles and two nations of Indians; baptizing,
confirming and organizing many hundreds of people into churches of
Latter-day Saints.
This was the first mission performed by the Elders of the Church
in any of the States west of New York, and we were the first
members of the same which were ever on this frontier.
Chapter VIII.
------------------------
Visit the Delawares of Kansas:--Interview
with the Chief and Council:--Speech and Reply:--Great
Excitement:--Opposition from Missionaries:--Compelled to
Leave the Indian Country:--Ministry in Jackson County:--Council
in Independence:--Return Eastward:--Disguise:--Hospitality
of a Family of the Saints:--Dialogue:--Sickness:--Reunion
with President Joseph Smith:--Mission to the Shakers:--Ministry
Among the Churches:--False Spirits:--Inquire of the Lord:--Mode
of Receiving Revelations.
Two of our number now commenced work as tailors in the village
of Independence, while the others crossed the frontier line and
commenced a mission among the Lamanites, or Indians.
Passing through the tribe of Shawnees we tarried one night with
them, and the next day crossed the Kansas river and entered among
the Delawares. We immediately inquired for the residence of the
principal Chief, and were soon introduced to an aged and venerable
looking man, who had long stood at the head of the Delawares, and
been looked up to as the Great Grandfather, or Sachem of ten
nations or tribes.
He was seated on a sofa of furs, skins and blankets, before a
fire in the centre of his lodge; which was a comfortable cabin,
consisting of two large rooms.
His wives were neatly dressed, partly in calicoes and partly in
skins; and wore a vast amount of silver ornaments. As we entered
his cabin he took us by the hand with a hearty welcome, and then
motioned us to be seated on a pleasant seat of blankets, or robes.
His wives, at his bidding, set before us a tin pan full of beans
and corn boiled tip together, which proved to be good eating;
although three of us made use alternately of the same wooden spoon.
There was an interpreter present and through him we commenced to
make known our errand, and to tell him of the Book of Mormon. We
asked him to call the council his nation together and give us a
hearing in full. He promised to consider on it till next day, in
the meantime recommending us to a certain Mr. Pool for entertainment;
this was their blacksmith, employed by government.
The man entertained us kindly and comfortably. Next morning we
again called on Mr. Anderson, the old chief, and explained to him
something of the Book. He was at first unwilling to call his
council; made several excuses, and finally refused; as he had ever
been opposed to the introduction of missionaries among his tribe.
We continued the conversation a little longer, till he at last
began to understand the nature of the Book. He then changed his
mind; became suddenly interested, and requested us to proceed no
further with our conversation till he could call a council. He
despatched a messenger, and in about an hour had some forty men
collected around us in his lodge, who, after shaking us by the
hand, were seated in silence; and in a grave and dignified manner
awaited the announcement of what we had to offer. The chief then
requested us to proceed; or rather, begin where we began before,
and to complete our communication. Elder Cowdery then commenced as
follows:
"Aged Chief and Venerable Council of the Delaware nation; we are
glad of this opportunity to address you as our red brethren and
friends. We have travelled a long distance from towards the rising
sun to bring you glad news; we have travelled the wilderness,
crossed the deep and wide rivers, and waded in the deep snows, and
in the face of the storms of winter, to communicate to you great
knowledge which has lately come to our ears and hearts; and which
will do the red man good as well as the pale face.
"Once the red men were many; they occupied the country from sea
to sea--from the rising to the setting sun; the whole land was
theirs; the Great Spirit gave it to them, and no pale faces dwelt
among them. But now they are few in numbers; their possessions are
small, and the pale faces are many.
"Thousands of moons ago, when the red men's forefathers dwelt in
peace and possessed this whole land, the Great Spirit talked with
them, and revealed His law and His will, and much knowledge to
their wise men and prophets. This they wrote in a Book; together
with their history, and the things which should befall their
children in the latter days.
"This Book was written on plates of gold, and handed down from
father to son for many ages and generations. It was then that the
people prospered, and were strong and mighty; they cultivated the
earth; built buildings and cities, and abounded in all good things,
as the pale faces now do.
"But they became wicked; they killed one another and shed much
blood; they killed their prophets and wise men, and sought to
destroy the Book. The Great Spirit became angry, and would speak to
them no more; they had no more good and wise dreams; no more
visions; no more angels sent among them by the Great Spirit; and
the Lord commanded Mormon and Moroni, their last wise men and
prophets, to hide the Book in the earth, that it might be preserved
in safety, and be found and made known in the latter day to the
pale faces who should possess the land; that they might again make
it known to the red man; in order to restore them to the knowledge
of the will of the Great Spirit and to His favor. And if the red
man would then receive this Book and learn the things written in
it, and do according thereunto, they should cease to fight and kill
one another; should become one people; cultivate the earth in
peace, in common with the pale faces, who were willing to believe
and obey the same Book, and be good men and live in peace.
"Then should the red men become great, and have plenty to eat
and good clothes to wear, and should be in favor with the Great
Spirit and be his children, while he would be their Great Father,
and talk with them, and raise up prophets and wise and good men
amongst them again, who should teach them many things.
"This Book, which contained these things, was hid in the earth
by Moroni, in a hill called by him, Cumorah, which hill is now in
the State of New York, near the village of Palmyra, in Ontario
County.
"In that neighborhood there lived a young man named Joseph
Smith, who prayed to the Great Spirit much, in order that he might
know the truth; and the Great Spirit sent an angel to him, and told
him where this Book was hid by Moroni; and commanded him to go and
get it. He accordingly went to the place, and dug in the earth, and
found the Book written on golden plates.
"But it was written in the language of the forefathers of the
red man; therefore this young man, being a pale face, could not
understand it; but the angel told him and showed him, and gave him
knowledge of the language, and how to interpret the Book. So he
interpreted it into the language of the pale faces, and wrote it on
paper, and caused it to be printed, and published thousands of
copies of among them; and then sent us to the red men to bring some
copies of it to them, and to tell them this news. So we have now
come from him, and here is a copy of the Book, which we now present
to our red friend, the chief of the Delawares, and which we hope he
will cause to be read and known among his tribe; it will do them
good."
We then presented him with a Book of Mormon.
There was a pause in the council, and some conversation in their
own tongue, after which the chief made the following reply: "We
feel truly thankful to our white friends who have come so far, and
been at such pains to tell us good news, and especially this new
news concerning the Book of our forefathers; it makes us glad in
here"--placing his hand on his heart.
"It is now winter, we are new settlers in this place; the snow
is deep, our cattle and horses are dying, our wigwams are poor; we
have much to do in the spring--to build houses, and fence and make
farms; but we will build a council house, and meet together, and
you shall read to us and teach us more concerning the Book of our
fathers and the will of the Great Spirit."
We again lodged at Mr. Pool's, told him of the Book, had a very
pleasant interview with him, and he became a believer and advocate
for the Book, and served as an interpreter.
We continued for several days to instruct the old chief and many
of his tribe. The interest became more and more intense on their
part, from day to day, until at length nearly the whole tribe began
to feel a spirit of inquiry and excitement on the subject.
We found several among them who could read, and to them we gave
copies of the Book, explaining to them that it was the Book of
their forefathers.
Some began to rejoice exceedingly, and took great pains to tell
the news to others, in their own language.
The excitement now reached the frontier settlements in Missouri,
and stirred up the jealousy and envy of the Indian agents and
sectarian missionaries to that degree that we were soon ordered out
of the Indian country as disturbers of the peace; and even
threatened with the military in case of non-compliance.
We accordingly departed from the Indian country, and came over
the line, and commenced laboring in Jackson County, Missouri, among
the whites. We were well received, and listened to by many; and
some were baptized and added to the Church.
Thus ended our first Indian Mission, in which we had preached
the gospel in its fullness, and distributed the record of their
forefathers among three tribes, viz: the Catteraugus Indians, near
Buffalo, N. Y., the Wyandots of Ohio, and the Delawares west of
Missouri.
We trust that at some future day, when the servants of God go
forth in power to the remnant of Joseph, some precious seed will be
found growing in their hearts, which was sown by us in that early
day.
It was now the 14th of February, 1831. The cold north wind which
had blown for several weeks, accompanied with very severe weather,
had begun to give place to a milder breeze from the south; and the
deep snows were fast settling down, with every prospect of
returning spring.
Elders Cowdery, Whitmer, Peterson, myself, and F. G. Williams,
who accompanied us from Kirtland, now assembled in Independence,
Jackson County, Missouri, and came to the conclusion that one of
our number had better return to the church in Ohio, and perhaps to
headquarters in New York, in order to communicate with the
Presidency, report ourselves, pay a visit to the numerous churches
we had organized on our outward journey, and also to procure more
books.
For this laborious enterprise I was selected by the voice of my
four brethren. I accordingly took leave of them, and of our friends
in that country, and started on foot.
In nine days I arrived at St. Louis, distance three hundred
miles. It was now the latter part of February; the snow had
disappeared, the rivers were breaking up, and the whole country
inundated as it were with mud and water. I spent a few days with a
friend in the country, at the same place we had tarried on the way
out; and then took a steamer in St. Louis bound for Cincinnati,
where I landed in safety after a passage of one week. From
Cincinnati I travelled on foot to Strongville, Ohio, forty miles
from Kirtland.
This last walk consisted of some two hundred and fifty miles,
over very bad, muddy road; and for some days I had found myself
much fatigued, and quite out of health. Hearing of some brethren in
Strongville, I determined to inquire them out, and try their
hospitality to a sick and weary stranger without making myself
known.
I accordingly approached the house of an old gentleman by the
name of Coltrin, about sundown, and inquired if they could
entertain a weary stranger who had no money. The old gentleman cast
his eyes upon me, and beheld a weary, weather-beaten traveller;
soiled with the toil of a long journey; besmeared with mud, eyes
inflamed with pain, long heard, and a visage lengthened by sickness
and extreme fatigue. After a moment's hesitation he bade me
welcome, and invited me into his house. Several ladies were at tea.
I addressed them as a stranger who had come to partake of their
hospitality for the night.
They received me with a smile of welcome, and immediately
insisted on my sitting down to tea, during which something like the
following conversation took place:
"Stranger, where are you from? You certainly look weary; you
must have travelled a long distance!"
"Yes; I am from beyond the frontiers of Missouri; a distance of
twelve hundred miles." "Ah, indeed! Did you hear anything of the
four great prophets out that way?"
"Prophets! What prophets?"
"Why, four men--strange men--who came through this country and
preached, and baptized hundreds of people; and, after ordaining
Elders and organizing churches, they continued on westward, as we
suppose, to the frontiers on a mission to the Indians; and we have
never heard from them since. But the great work commenced by them
still rolls on. It commenced last fall in Kirtland, and has spread
for a hundred miles around; thousands have embraced it, and among
others ourselves and many in this neighborhood."
"But what did they preach? And why do you call them prophets?"
"Why they opened the Scriptures in a wonderful manner; showed
the people plainly of many things to come; opened the doctrine of
Christ, as we never understood it before; and, among other things,
they introduced a very extraordinary Book, which, they said, was an
ancient record of the forefathers of the Indian tribes."
"How were they dressed, and in what style did they travel?"
"They were dressed plainly and comely, very neat in their
persons, and each one wore a hat of a drab color, low round crown
and broad brim, after the manner of the Shakers, so it is said; for
we had not the privilege of seeing them ourselves.
"However, these fashioned hats were not a peculiarity of this
people; but were given to each of them by the Shakers, at the time
they passed through this country; so they wore them. As to their
style of travelling, they sometimes go on foot, sometimes in a
carriage, and sometimes, perhaps, by water; but they provide
themselves with neither purse nor scrip for their journey, neither
shoes nor two coats apiece."
"Well, from your description of these four men I think I have
seen them on the frontiers of Missouri. They had commenced a
mission in the Indian territory; but were compelled by the United
States agents, influenced, no doubt, by missionaries, to depart
from the Indian country, although well received by the Indians
themselves."
"You saw them, then?"
"I did."
"Were they well?"
"I believe they were all in good health and spirits."
"Will they return soon? O, who would not give the world to see
them!"
"Well, I am one of them, and the others you may, perhaps, see."
"You one of them! God bless you. What is your name?"
"My name is Parley P. Pratt, one of the four men you have
described, but not much of a prophet; and as to a sight of me in my
present plight, I think it would not be worth half a world."
The rest of the conversation I cannot write, for all spoke, all
laughed, and all rejoiced at once.
The next morning I found myself unable to rise from my bed,
being severely attacked with the measles.
I came near dying, and was confined for one or two weeks among
them, being scarcely able to raise my head. I was watched over
night and day, and had all the care that a man could have in his
father's house.
As I recovered in part, being still very weak, I was provided
with a horse, on which I arrived at Kirtland.
Hundreds of the saints now crowded around to welcome me, and to
inquire after my brethren whom I had left in Missouri.
Here also I again met President Joseph Smith, who had, during
our absence, come up from the State of New York.
I found the churches in Ohio had increased to more than a
thousand members, and those in New York to several hundred.
I also heard from my wife, from whom I had been absent about six
months. The news was that the whole Church in the State of New
York, including herself (for she had joined during my absence), was
about to remove to Ohio in the opening spring. I, therefore, was
advised to proceed no farther eastward, but to await their arrival.
After visiting the saints a few days, I commenced to labor with my
hands; but the Lord would not suffer me to continue long in this
occupation.
Some time in March, I was commanded of the Lord, in connection
with S. Rigdon and L. Copley, to visit a people called the
Shakers;* and preach the gospel unto them.
[Footnote] *See Book of Doctrine and Covenants, section 65.
We fulfilled this mission, as we were commanded, in a settlement
of this strange people, near Cleveland, Ohio; but they utterly
refused to hear or obey the gospel. After this I paid a visit to
the churches round about Kirtland.
As I went forth among the different branches, some very strange
spiritual operations were manifested, which were disgusting,
rather than edifying. Some persons would seem to swoon away,
and make unseemly gestures, and be drawn or disfigured in their
countenances. Others would fall into ecstacies, and be drawn into
contortions, cramp, fits, etc. Others would seem to have visions
and revelations, which were not edifying, and which were not
congenial to the doctrine and spirit of the gospel. In short, a
false and lying spirit seemed to be creeping into the Church.
All these things were new and strange to me, and had originated
in the Church during our absence, and previous to the arrival of
President Joseph Smith from New York.
Feeling our weakness and inexperience, and lest we should err in
judgment concerning these spiritual phenomena, myself, John
Murdock, and several other Elders, went to Joseph Smith, and asked
him to inquire of the Lord concerning these spirits or manifestations.
After we had joined in prayer in his translating room, he
dictated in our presence the following revelation:--(Each sentence
was uttered slowly and very distinctly, and with a pause between
each, sufficiently long for it to be recorded, by an ordinary
writer, in long hand.
This was the manner in which all his written revelations were
dictated and written. There was never any hesitation, reviewing, or
reading back, in order to keep the run of the subject; neither did
any of these communications undergo revisions, interlinings, or
corrections. As he dictated them so they stood, so far as I have
witnessed; and I was present to witness the dictation of several
communications of several pages each.
This inquiry was made and the answer given in May, 1831.)
CHAPTER IX.
------------------------
Revelation on False Spirits:--Ministry Among the
Churches:--Remarkable Miracle of Healing:--Arrival of
Emigrant Saints from New York:--Severe Disappointment.
"Hearken, O ye Elders of my Church, and give ear, to the voice
of the living God; attend to the words of wisdom which shall be
given unto you, according as ye have asked and are agreed, as
touching the Church, and the spirits which have gone abroad in the
earth. Behold, verily I say unto you, that there are many spirits
which are false spirits, which have gone forth in the earth,
deceiving the world; and also Satan hath sought to deceive you,
that he might overthrow you.
"Behold, I, the Lord, have looked upon you, and have seen
abominations in the Church that possess my name; but blessed are
they who are faithful and endure, whether in life or in death; for
they shall inherit eternal life. But woe unto them that are
deceivers and hypocrites, for, thus saith the Lord, I will bring
them to judgment.
"Behold, I say unto you, there are hypocrites among you, who
have deceived some, which has given the adversary power; but,
behold, such shall be reclaimed; but the hypocrites shall be
detected and cut off, either in life or in death, even as I will;
and woe unto them who are cut off from my Church, for the same are
overcome of the world; wherefore, let every man beware, lest he do
that which is not in truth and righteousness before me.
"And now come, saith the Lord, by the Spirit, unto the Elders of
His Church, and let us reason together, that ye may understand: Let
us reason--even as a man reasoneth--one with another, face to face;
now, when a man reasoneth, he is understood of man, because he
reasoneth as a man; even so will I, the Lord, reason with you, that
you may understand: wherefore, I, the Lord, asketh you this
question, unto what were ye ordained? To preach my gospel by the
Spirit, even the Comforter which was sent forth to teach the truth;
and then received ye spirits which ye could not understand, and
received them to be of God, and in this are ye justified? Behold,
ye shall answer this question yourselves; nevertheless, I will be
merciful unto you; he that is weak among you, hereafter, shall be
made strong.
"Verily, I say unto you, he that is ordained of me and sent
forth to preach the word of truth by the Comforter, in the spirit
of truth, doth he preach it by the spirit of truth, or some other
way? And if it be by some other way, it be not of God. And, again,
he that receiveth the word of truth, doth he receive it by the
spirit of truth, or some other way? If it be some other way, it be
not of God; therefore, why is it that ye cannot understand, and
know that he that receiveth the word by the spirit of truth,
receiveth it as it is preached by the spirit of truth?
"Wherefore, he that preacheth and he that receiveth,
understandeth one another, and both are edified and rejoice
together; and that which doth not edify, is not of God, and is
darkness; that which is of God is light, and he that receiveth
light and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light
groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day. And, again,
verily I say unto you, and I say it that you may know the truth,
that you may chase darkness from among you; for he that is ordained
of God and sent forth, the same is appointed to be the greatest,
notwithstanding he is least, and the servant of all; wherefore, he
is possessor of all things, for all things are subject unto him,
both in Heaven and on the earth; the life and the light, the spirit
and the power sent forth by the will of the Father through Jesus
Christ, His Son; but no man is possessor of all things, except he
be purified and cleansed from all sin; and if ye are purified and
cleansed from all sin, ye shall ask whatsoever you will in the name
of Jesus, and it shall be done; but, know this, it shall be given
you what you shall ask, and as ye are appointed to the head, the
spirits shall be subject unto you.
"Wherefore, it shall come to pass, that if you behold a spirit
manifested that you cannot understand, and you receive not that
spirit, ye shall ask of the Father in the name of Jesus, and if he
give not unto you that spirit, that you may know that it is not of
God; and it shall be given unto you power over that spirit, and you
shall proclaim against that spirit with a loud voice, that it is
not of God; not with railing accusation, that ye be not overcome;
neither with boasting, nor rejoicing, lest you be seized therewith;
he that receiveth of God, let him account it of God, and let him
rejoice that he is accounted of God worthy to receive, and by
giving heed and doing these things which ye have received, and
which ye shall hereafter receive, and the kingdom is given you of
the Father, and power to overcome all things which is not ordained
of Him; and, behold, verily I say unto you, blessed are you who are
now hearing these words of mine from the mouth of my servant, for
your sins are forgiven you.
"Let my servant, Joseph Wakefield, in whom I am pleased, and my
servant, Parley P. Pratt, go forth among the churches and
strengthen them by the word of exhortation; and also my servant,
John Corrill, or as many of my servants as are ordained unto this
office, and let them labor in the vineyard; and let no man hinder
them of doing that which I have appointed unto them; wherefore, in
this thing, my servant, Edward Partridge, is not justified;
nevertheless, let him repent and he shall be forgiven. Behold, ye
are little children, and ye cannot bear all things now; ye must
grow in grace and in the knowledge of the truth. Fear not, little
children, for you are mine, and I have overcome the world, and you
are of them that my Father hath given me; and none of them that my
Father hath given me shall be lost; and the Father and I are one. I
am in the Father and the Father in me; and, inasmuch as ye have
received me, ye are in me and I in you; wherefore, I am in your
midst, and I am the good Shepherd (and the stone of Israel; he that
buildeth upon this rock shall never fall), and the day cometh that
you shall hear my voice and see me, and know that I am. Watch,
therefore, that ye may be ready; even so. Amen."
In obedience to the foregoing, Joseph Wakefield and myself
visited the several branches of the Church, rebuking the wrong
spirits which had crept in among them, setting in order things that
were wanting; ordaining Elders and other officers; baptizing such
as believed and repented of their sins; administering the gift of
the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands, in the name of Jesus
Christ; laying hands on little children and blessing them; praying
for the sick, and comforting the afflicted, etc. On some occasions
we assembled fifty or sixty little children in one circle, in the
midst of the assembly of the saints, and laid our hands upon them
all, and prayed for them, and blessed them in the name of Jesus.
Thus my time passed sweetly and swiftly away for some weeks. I
was sometimes in the society of President Smith, in Kirtland, and
of the saints in that place, and sometimes in the branches abroad.
About this time a young lady, by the name of Chloe Smith, being
a member of the Church, was lying very low with a lingering fever,
with a family who occupied one of the houses on the farm of Isaac
Morley, in Kirtland. Many of the Church had visited and prayed with
her, but all to no effect; she seemed at the point of death, but
would not consent to have a physician. This greatly enraged her
relatives, who had cast her out because she belonged to the Church,
and who, together with many of the people of the neighborhood, were
greatly stirred up to anger, saying, "these wicked deceivers will
let her lie and die without a physician, because of their
superstitions; and if they do, we will prosecute them for so
doing." Now these were daily watching for her last breath, with
many threats.
Under these circumstances, President Smith and myself, with
several other Elders called to see her. She was so low that no one
had been allowed for some days previous to speak above a whisper,
and even the door of the log dwelling was muffled with cloths to
prevent a noise.
We kneeled down and prayed vocally all around, each in turn;
after which President Smith arose, went to the bedside, took her by
the hand, and said unto her with a loud voice, "in the name of
Jesus Christ arise and walk!" She immediately arose, was dressed by
a woman in attendance, when she walked to a chair before the fire,
and was seated and joined in singing a hymn. The house was thronged
with people in a few moments, and the young lady arose and shook
hands with each as they came in; and from that minute she was
perfectly restored to health.
Some time in May, 1831, the Church arrived with their families
from the State of New York, to settle in Kirtland; but, to my
inexpressible disappointment, my wife had not come with them, but
had gone to spend the summer in the East with her friends. It was
now too late to go to her, as the time was near when I was in duty
bound to return to my fellow laborers in Missouri. To be so long
absent from her, and then undertake a second journey without seeing
her, was a severe trial, but God gave me grace to overcome my
feelings, for his sake and the gospel's.
CHAPTER X.
------------------------
Conference at Kirtland:--Revelation of the High
Priesthood:--Ordinations to the Same:--Appointment of
Missions through the Western States:--Return Westward,
Accompanied by my Brother Orson:--Our Success by the
Way:--Arrival at the Frontiers:--Sickness:--Remarkable
Conversion of Newel Knight:--A Dream.
On the sixth of June, 1831, a general conference was convened at
Kirtland, consisting of all the Elders, far and near, who could be
got together. In this conference much instruction was given by
President Smith, who spake in great power, as he was moved by the
Holy Ghost; and the spirit of power and of testimony rested down
upon the Elders in a marvelous manner. Here also were some strange
manifestations of false spirits, which were immediately rebuked.
Several were then selected by revelation, through President
Smith, and ordained to the High Priesthood after the order of the
Son of God, which is after the order of Melchizedek. This was the
first occasion in which this priesthood had been revealed and
conferred upon the Elders in this dispensation, although the office
of an Elder is the same in a certain degree, but not in the
fullness. On this occasion I was ordained to this holy ordinance
and calling by President Smith.
After these things, and the business of the conference was over,
myself and Orson Pratt were appointed by revelation to perform a
mission together, through the Western States, and to meet the
brethren I had left in Jackson County, Missouri; and many others
also who were sent in a similar manner, two and two through the
Western States, and who were all appointed to meet in Jackson
County, Missouri, and hold the next conference.*
[Footnote] *See revelation, Book of Doctrine and Covenants,
Section 66.
Soon after the conference my brother and myself commenced our
journey without any means to bear our expenses. We travelled
through the States of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Missouri, in the
midst of the heat of summer on foot, and faithfully preached the
gospel in many parts of all these States. We suffered the hardships
incident to a new and, in many places, unsettled country, such as
hunger, thirst, fatigue, etc. We arrived in upper Missouri in
September, having baptized many people and organized branches of
the Church in several parts of Ohio, Illinois and Indiana. On our
arrival we found a considerable settlement of the brethren from
Ohio, who had immigrated during the summer and taken up their
residence in Jackson County. President Smith, and many of the
Elders, had been there and held a conference, and, having organized
a Stake of Zion, pointed out and consecrated certain grounds for a
city and temple, they had again returned to the East. With them,
the brethren whom I had left there the previous winter, had also
returned.
I felt somewhat disappointed in not meeting with the brethren;
but was consoled with the reflection that I had been diligent in
preaching the gospel on my journey, while others had hurried
through the country, perhaps, without tarrying to do much good.
I was now taken sick with the fever and ague, owing to the
exposures of the climate through which we had travelled. I suffered
extremely for several months; being brought very low with fever,
and with other afflictions.
I tarried mostly with a branch of the Church commonly called the
Colesville branch. They had removed from Colesville, in the State
of New York, and settled on the borders of a fertile prairie, about
twelve miles west of the village of Independence, and near the
boundaries which divide the State of Missouri from the Indian
Territory. They consisted of about sixty souls, and were under the
presidency of a faithful and zealous Elder by the name of Newel
Knight--an account of whose miraculous conversion we here record,
as extracted from the life of Joseph Smith, published in the
_Millennial Star_, Vol. 4, p. 116:
"During this month of April, I (Joseph Smith) went on a visit to
the residence of Mr. Joseph Knight, of Colesville, Broom County,
N.Y., with whom and his family I had been previously acquainted,
and whose name I have above mentioned as having been so kind and
thoughtful towards us while translating the Book of Mormon. Mr.
Knight and his family were Universalists; but were willing to
reason with me upon my religious views, and were, as usual,
friendly and hospitable. We held several meetings in the
neighborhood; we had many friends and some enemies. Our meetings
were well attended, and many began to pray fervently to Almighty
God that He would give them wisdom to understand the truth. Among
those who attended our meetings regularly was Newel Knight, son of
Joseph Knight. He and I had many serious conversations on the
important subject of man's eternal salvation. We were in the habit
of praying much at our meetings, and Newel had said that he would
try and take up his cross and pray vocally during meeting; but when
we again met together he rather excused himself. I tried to prevail
upon him, making use of the figure, supposing that he should get
into a mud hole would he not try to help himself out? And that we
were willing now to help him out of the mud hole. He replied, 'that
provided he had got into a mud hole through carelessness, he would
rather wait and get out himself than have others to help him, and
so he would wait until he should get into the woods by himself and
there he would pray.' Accordingly he deferred praying until next
morning, when he retired into the woods, where, according to his
own account afterwards, he made several attempts to pray, but could
scarcely do so--feeling that he had not done his duty, but that he
should have prayed in the presence of others. He began to feel
uneasy, and continued to feel worse both in mind and body until,
upon reaching his own house, his appearance was such as to alarm
his wife very much. He requested her to go and bring me to him. I
went and found him suffering very much in his mind, and his body
acted upon in a very strange manner. His visage and limbs distorted
and twisted in every shape and appearance possible to imagine; and
finally, he was caught up off the floor of the apartment and tossed
about most fearfully. His situation was soon made known to his
neighbors and relatives, and in a short time as many as eight or
nine grown persons had got together to witness the scene. After he
had thus suffered for a time, I succeeded in getting hold of him by
the hand, when almost immediately he spoke to me, and with very
great earnestness requested of me that I should cast the devil out
of him; saying, 'that he knew that he was in him, and that he also
knew that I could cast him out.' I replied, 'if you know that I can
it shall be done,' and then, almost unconsciously, I rebuked the
devil, and commanded him in the name of Jesus Christ to depart from
him' when immediately Newel spoke out and said, 'that he saw the
devil leave him and vanish from his sight.'*
[Footnote] *This was the first miracle which was done in this
Church, or by any member of it, and it was not done by man nor the
power of man, but it was done by God, and by the power of
godliness; therefore, let the honor and the praise, the dominion
and the glory, be ascribed to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, for
ever and ever. Amen.
"The scene was now entirely changed; for as soon as the devil
had departed from our friend his countenance became natural; his
distortions of body ceased; and almost immediately the Spirit of
the Lord descended upon him, and the visions of eternity were
opened to his view. He afterwards related his experience as
follows:
"'I now began to feel a most pleasing sensation resting upon me,
and immediately the visions of Heaven were opened to my view. I
felt myself attracted upward, and remained for some time enrapt in
contemplation, insomuch that I knew not what was going on in the
room. By-and-by I felt some weight pressing upon my shoulder and
the side of my head, which served to recall me to a sense of my
situation, and I found that the Spirit of the Lord had actually
caught me up off the floor, and that my shoulder and head were
pressing against the beams.'
"All this was witnessed by many, to their great astonishment and
satisfaction, when they saw the devil thus cast out and the power
of God and His Holy Spirit thus made manifest. So soon as
consciousness returned, his bodily weakness was such that we were
obliged to lay him upon his bed and wait upon him for some time. As
may be expected, such a scene as this contributed much to make
believers of those who witnessed it; and, finally, the greater part
of them became members of the Church."
This Colesville branch was among the first organized by Joseph
Smith, and constituted the first settlers of the members of the
Church in Missouri. They had arrived late in the summer, and cut
some hay for their cattle, sowed a little grain, and prepared some
ground for cultivation, and were engaged during the fall and winter
in building log cabins, etc. The winter was cold, and for some time
about ten families lived in one log cabin, which was open and
unfinished, while the frozen ground served for a floor. Our food
consisted of beef and a little bread made of corn, which had been
grated into coarse meal by rubbing the ears on a tin grater. This
was rather an inconvenient way of living for a sick person; but it
was for the gospel's sake, and all were very cheerful and happy.
We enjoyed many happy seasons in our prayer and other meetings,
and the Spirit of the Lord was poured out upon us, and even on the
little children, insomuch that many of eight, ten or twelve years
of age spake, and prayed, and prophesied in our meetings and in our
family worship. There was a spirit of peace and union, and love and
good will manifested in this little Church in the wilderness, the
memory of which will be ever dear to my heart.
It was during my long illness in this dreary winter that I had
the following dream or vision: I thought I saw myself dressed in a
clean and beautiful linen robe, white as snow, and extending from
the neck downward in beautiful folds. On either breast were lines
of golden writing, in large Roman letters, about a third of an inch
in length, and the lines extending from the center of the breast on
each side six or eight inches long. The upper line on each side
appeared larger and more beautiful or conspicuous than the others;
one of these lines was: "HOLY PROPHET," and the other was: "NEW
JERUSALEM."
On awaking from this dream I immediately called to mind the
words of the Saviour to John the Revelator: "_He that overcometh
will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no
more out; and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the
name of the City of my God, which is New Jerusalem_."
This dream certainly encouraged me, and enabled me to bear my
sickness, privation and long absence from my wife and former
friends more patiently.
CHAPTER XI.
------------------------
Attend Conference:--Instantaneous Healing:--
Return Eastward:--Description of the Inhabitants on the
South Side of the Missouri River:--Strange Manifestation:--
Arrive at St. Louis:--Preaching and Entertainment:--Arrive
at Vandalia:--Reception:--Exposure in Crossing an Over--
flowed Bottom:--Dialogue:--Hospitality of a Preacher:--
Deaf Landlord:--Meet my Wife.
Some time in February, 1832, a Conference was held by Bishop
Partridge and the Elders remaining in this part of the country. To
this Conference I was determined to go, though very feeble and
almost unable to sit up. I was assisted on to a horse, and rode
twelve miles. I kept my bed during the Conference; but at the
close, several Elders being about to take their journey to Ohio, I
determined to go with them. I requested the Elders, therefore, to
lay their hands on me and pray. They did so. I was instantly
healed, and the next morning started in company with Elder Levi
Hancock, a journey of twelve hundred miles on foot.
I gained strength at every step, and the second evening, after
wading through the snow about six inches deep for some ten miles, I
was enabled to address a congregation for the first time in several
months.
I now parted with Levi Hancock, and had John Murdock for a
fellow traveller. We passed down the south side of the Missouri
river, among a thin settlement of people--mostly very ignorant but
extremely hospitable. Some families were entirely dressed in skins,
without any other clothing; including ladies young and old.
Buildings were generally without glass windows, and the door open
in winter for a light. We preached, and warned the people, and
taught them as well as we could.
While ministering in these settlements, and exposed to a heavy
snow storm, brother John Murdock was taken sick with a heavy fever;
this caused us to stop early in the day among strangers, in a small
log cabin consisting of one room; we held a meeting in the evening,
and then had a bed made down on the floor, before the fire. Before
morning brother Murdock was much better, but I was seized with a
most dreadful chill, followed by a heavy turn of fever; morning
found me unable to rise or speak. As the bed was in the way, they
lifted it by the four corners, with me on it, and placed it in the
back part of the room, on another bed. Here I lay, entirely
helpless with a burning fever, during which I distinctly heard a
dialogue between John Murdock and the lady of the house; she
upbraiding us as impostors thrown upon them at this inclement
season, while they were out of milling and of wood, and but illy
prepared for such a burden; that one was sick the night before, and
now the other was taken down; that it was six miles to the next
house, deep snow and no road broke, and we would probably be on
their hands for weeks.
To these inhospitable remarks brother Murdock mildly replied,
trying to soothe the woman; reasoning with her, and telling her
that brother Parley would soon be better, and then we would go our
way.
This dialogue gave me such a sense of unwelcome, and I pitied
brother Murdock to that degree for having to stay with such spirits
on my account, that I felt I could endure it no longer. With the
utmost effort I roused myself sufficiently to call brother Murdock
to my bed, whispering to him to lay hands on me unobserved, so as
not to be seen or overheard. He did so; I then asked him to give me
a drink of water. The effort had been too much, I swooned away
while he was gone for the water; he could hardly arouse me
sufficiently to drink of it; it was like waking from the dead. I
drank of it, bounded on my feet, dressed myself, put on my shoes
and hat, and told him I was ready to start. The family all
marvelled; one exclaimed, "what a strange disease; it could not be
fever, and then be cured in an instant." We gave no explanations,
but started on our journey up a steep hill, in the deep snow, in
the midst of their urgings to stay to breakfast, or at least have a
cup of coffee. I said nothing, but thought to myself: ye
hypocrites, to murmur as you have, and then ask me to stay and eat.
We travelled on for some miles nearly in silence--I waiting all
the while for brother Murdock to make some remarks referring to our
inhospitable treatment, and the dialogue with the mistress of the
house. At last I broke silence. Said I, "Brother Murdock, how did
you feel to be talked to by that woman? I thought you bore it with
great patience, and I pitied you from my heart, or I never should
have had faith and courage to be thus healed and start my journey."
He replied that no such conversation had occurred between him
and the lady, nor had she uttered one word indicative of any such
inhospitable feeling.
"Well," said I, "I heard it articulated in plain English by some
two persons perfectly imitating her voice and yours; it was no
imagination, or raging delirium of a fever. I can swear I heard a
conversation to that effect for a length of time.
"If it was not the lady and yourself, then it was something from
an invisible world, which clearly revealed to me the spirit of our
hostess."
We reached the next house; I was a well man; found good
quarters, and we were kindly and hospitably entertained for some
days.
Pursuing our journey, we arrived at St. Louis, were kindly
received by some citizens of that place, and held meeting with
them. They conveyed us over the Mississippi free of charge, and we
continued our journey, preaching by the way. We arrived at length
at Vandalia, the then capital of Illinois. Here we were invited to
a hotel, where we sojourned free of charge, and preached to a good
audience in the Presbyterian meeting house. Next morning resuming
our journey, we crossed the Okah river on a bridge, but the bottoms
for two or three miles were overflowed to various depths, from six
inches to three or four feet, and frozen over, except in the main
channels, with a coat of ice, which we had to break by lifting our
feet to the surface at every step. This occupied some hours and
called into requisition our utmost strength, and sometimes we were
entirely covered with water. At length we got through in safety and
came to a house where we warmed and dried our clothes and took some
whiskey. Our legs and feet had lost all feeling, became benumbed,
and were dreadfully bruised and cut with the ice.
On the next day we had to cross a plain fifteen miles in length,
without a house, a tree, or any kind of shelter; a cold northwest
wind was blowing, and the ground covered with snow and ice. We had
made two or three miles into the plain when I was attacked with a
severe return of my old complaint, which had confined me so many
months in Jackson County, and from which I had recovered by a
miracle at the outset of this journey--I mean the fever and ague.
I travelled and shook, and shook and travelled, till I could
stand it no longer; I vomited severely several times, and finally
fell down on the snow, overwhelmed with fever, and became helpless
and nearly insensible. This was about seven or eight miles from the
nearest house.
Brother John Murdock laid his hands on me and prayed in the name
of Jesus; and, taking me by the hand, he commanded me with a loud
voice, saying: "In the name of Jesus of Nazareth arise and walk!" I
attempted to arise, I staggered a few paces, and was about falling
again when I found my fever suddenly depart and my strength come. I
walked at the rate of about four miles per hour, arrived at a
house, and was sick no more.
We continued our journey, preaching by the way, and crossing the
Wabash at Vincennes, we stopped in that vicinity for several days,
drawing crowded houses. Here we met with Elders Dustin and Bebee,
who left Jackson County, Missouri, when we did, and for the same
purpose. "Well, brethren, how do you do?" said we to them.
"Tolerably well; only we have spent ten dollars each which was
given us by the Bishop when we started, and we have sold books and
spent the avails of them; and besides this we have been compelled
to borrow money in a certain branch of the Church, and have spent
that also; and we think it hard to travel for the public good and
this at our own charges."
"Ah!" said I, "and how is this? we have not yet spent the first
cent since we left the Church in Jackson County; nor shall we have
any occasion for any spending money for weeks to come. Where did
you stay last night?"
"In the large village of Washington."
"Did you preach to the people?"
"Yes; in the Court House."
"Did they charge you for your keeping?"
"Yes. A dollar and a quarter."
"Well, we are going there tonight, and, although entire
strangers, we shall be well entertained free of charge, preach or
no preach."
"How do you do it?" said they.
"O, we hold up our heads like honest men; go to the best houses,
call for the best they have, make known our calling, pray with, or
preach to them, ask for their bill on taking leave, but they will
take nothing from us; but always invite us to call again."
"Well, they will not treat you so in Washington tonight; you will have
to pay a good round sum."
"Well, we shall see."
We took leave of them and of the good people where we had been
preaching, having first sent an appointment by the mail carrier,
that if the inhabitants of Washington would get together we would
address them that evening.
We entered the town at dark, stopped at a hotel, called for
lodging and supper and a room for ourselves; and asked the landlord
if a meeting had been got up for us. He said the mail carrier
brought the news of our appointment, but he believed it had been
neglected to be given out; was very sorry, made many apologies, and
still offered to have the bell rung and the people assembled if we
wished. We told him we were glad of an opportunity to rest, and did
not wish a meeting at so late an hour.
We retired to our room and made no further acquaintance. Next
morning on taking leave, we asked what was to pay. He answered,
"not anything," said we were welcome to his hospitality at any
time, and bid us call again.
Leaving Washington, we were next entertained by a very
hospitable preacher of the Christian order, whose name I have
forgotten. We tarried at his house a week or two, and preached to
crowded congregations in all the region; he frequently going with
us to introduce us and open the way. While here, having a little
leisure between appointments, I went alone and on foot to the town
of Madison, about nine miles from his house. My design was to get
out an appointment and preach, which came to pass the same evening
in the following Manner: I stepped into a hotel, they were all at
dinner, I placed the Book of Mormon on a public table and sat down
to read a newspaper; soon the boarders came out, and one by one
looked at the Book, and inquired whose it was; soon the landlord
came out, who I learned was so very deaf that one could only be
heard by placing mouth to ear and shouting at the very top of the
voice. He caught up the Book and inquired, "Whose is this?" I
arose, placed my arm round his neck, and my mouth close to his ear,
and shouted, "IT IS MINE, AND I HAVE COME TO PREACH!!" This was so
loud that it almost alarmed the town. He welcomed me to
entertainment free of charge, had the Court House opened, the town
notified, and evening found me in the judge's seat, a reporter in
the clerk's desk, and a crowded audience. I had good liberty and
all seemed much interested.
After a few days we resumed our journey, and in May arrived in
Kirtland, where I again met my wife after an absence of one year
and seven months.
Chapter XII.
------------------------
Mission in Ohio:--Start to Western Missouri:--
Incidents by the Way:--Discourse on Board a Steamer on
the Fourth of July:--Its Effect:--Arrival on the Frontiers:--
Farming:--Extortion:--Mission in Missouri and Illinois:--
Treatment by Infidels:--Great Success in Illinois:--Opposition
from Baptist Ministers:--Outlines of Mr. Peck's Speech and
my Reply:--Result:--Return Home:--A Voice from the Dead.
I shall not attempt to describe our feelings or our joy; these
things are known by experience, not by language. I found her health
much impaired, and she had long suffered from complaints of the
nature of consumption; but she was now reduced still further by her
anxious solicitude about my long absence.
When she found herself once more in the quiet enjoyment of my
society, she gradually resumed her wonted cheerfulness, and began
to enjoy better health; but still she was far from being well.
After spending a few weeks at home, I performed a short mission
in the southeastern part of Ohio, and again returned, having
travelled on foot in the heat of summer about three hundred miles.
In this mission I met with no success in the ministry, owing to the
prejudice, ignorance and bigotry of the people, who either would
not hear at all, or else heard in a careless manner, and went away
with the same indifference as they came.
I now determined to take my wife and our little effects and
remove to Western Missouri. To bear the expenses of this long
journey my wife had some sixty dollars, which she brought with her
from the East, and certain men also put into my hands sums of money
to be expended in lands and improvements in that country. With
brother Joseph's counsel and blessing I bade farewell to Kirtland.
We took a stage coach for the Ohio River, thence by steamer to
St. Louis, and again by steamer up the Missouri. I took a steerage
passage among the poorer class, and was dressed more like a laborer
than a public minister. However, the throng of passengers on the
boat learned by some means that I was a preacher, and on the 4th of
July they pressed me very hard to address them in the cabin in
honor of our national anniversary. I refused for awhile; but at
length complied, on conditions that steerage passengers, boat
hands, firemen, and all classes, black or white, should have the
privilege of assembling in the cabin to hear the discourse.
This was readily complied with, and very soon a large assembly
was convened and in waiting, consisting of ladies and gentlemen,
lawyers, merchants, farmers, servants, waiters and colored
gentlemen.
I presented myself before this motley assembly in a plain coat
of gray satinet, and bowed respectfully. All tried to be grave, but
a smile, a sneer, a look of contempt would now and then escape from
some of the more genteel portion of the assembly, as if they would
say, "_Can any good thing come out of Nazareth_," or, in
other words, can so plain a man be possessed of knowledge
sufficient to entertain such an assembly on so important an
occasion as the 4th of July, and this, too, without preparing a
discourse beforehand?
I read a chapter; all was serious attention. I offered up a
prayer; all was deep interest. I commenced a discourse, and nearly
all were in tears. I introduced the Book of Mormon as a record of
ancient America; I dwelt upon its history and prophetic
declarations, now being verified by the erection of free
institutions in this great country, and their growing influence. I
spoke of the general prosperity and resources of the country,
acknowledging the hand of Providence in the same; warned them
against national pride, ambition, and injustice; exhorted them, in
common with all citizens, to use the utmost diligence to preserve
the general peace and the pure influence of our national
institutions; and to improve in light, intelligence and love,
without which we, too, might be brought down to destruction like
the Israelites and Nephites of old; and our bones and ruined cities
and monuments alone be left to other people, as theirs were left to
us, as a testimony of our greatness which would have passed away. I
also showed them from the Book of Mormon that we were destined to
remain forever as a blessed and free people on this land, on
conditions of keeping the commandments of Jesus Christ, and that
our settlements and commerce would soon extend to the vast shores
of the Pacific ocean, and our ensign stand out to the nations as a
standard inviting them to a banquet of freedom, peace and plenty.
After meeting I was pressed upon to come into the cabin for the
rest of the passage. And even when we changed boats at Louisville,
such was the influence of my fellow passengers, that the
gentlemen's and also the ladies' cabin and board was free to me
without money or price. One gentleman offered as high as ten
dollars for a copy of the Book of Mormon; but, unluckily, I had
none with me.
Arriving at the Colesville branch, on the western boundaries of
the State (where I had spent the previous winter in sickness and
poverty), about the 1st of August, 1832, we commenced cutting hay,
building, purchasing and planting land, and making every
preparation to receive those who had sent funds for this purpose.
During the months of August and September I had, with a little
help, secured about fifteen tons of hay, and put into the ground
fifteen acres of wheat, besides building a log house and doing
something at fencing, etc. These exertions in the heat of the
season brought on a severe illness, in which I was nigh unto death;
but I was again restored in a few days by the laying on of hands
and prayer in the name of Jesus.
About this time Lewis Abbott arrived with his family from
Kirtland, and having sent some money by me, partly to aid in my
expenses, and partly for the purpose of making improvements, he
became dissatisfied and demanded the utmost farthing. This took
everything I had done;--my wheat on the ground, my hay, my cows all
but one, and left me entirely destitute, after all my laborious
exertions. At this brother Abbott seemed satisfied, and thought he
had got quite rich, and turned his money to good advantage; but the
curse of God rested upon all his property as was soon manifest.
The next winter I took a mission in company with Elder William
E. McLellin down through the State of Missouri and into Illinois,
crossing the Mississippi at Clarksville.
As we approached Clarksville, we were told by several of the
inhabitants near, not to attempt a meeting or any religious
instruction there, for they were a hardened and irreclaimable set
of blasphemers and infidels, given to gambling, drinking and
cursing, etc.; and that many different orders of the clergy had
attempted in vain to reclaim them, or even to get a hearing. Before
entering the town we ascended a mountain and cried mightily unto
the Lord that He would open our way, and move upon the hearts of
the people to receive us and hear the Word.
We then entered the town and called at a hotel. We told the
landlord that we had come in the name of Jesus Christ to preach the
gospel to the people, being sent by him without purse or scrip.
"Well," said he, "you are welcome to my house and such fare as we
have; and we will meet together and hear your religion, and if it
proves to be better than ours we will embrace it; for we confess
that our religion is to fiddle and dance, and eat and drink, and be
merry, and gamble and swear a little; and we believe this is better
than priestcraft."
We replied that we would try them anyhow. So a meeting was
convened; we preached, had good attention, and much of a candid
spirit of inquiry was manifest, and we were treated with
hospitality and friendship, and even ferried over the river free;
and this was more than those religious sectaries would do, who had
warned us against them.
Passing over the river, the next day we came to Green County,
Illinois; and as the day drew to a close we began to circulate an
appointment as we travelled along a thick settlement of thrifty
farmers, for preaching in a school house in the neighborhood that
evening.
As we sat by the highway side to rest ourselves, an old farmer
rode past on horseback, and halted to ask if we were travellers. We
replied that we were travelling to preach the gospel, and had an
appointment that evening at the school house just ahead, and
invited him to come and hear. "No," said he, "I have not attended a
religious meeting this five years; I have long been disgusted and
tired of priestcraft and religious ignorance and division, and have
concluded to stand aloof from it all."
"Well, we are as much opposed to these things as you can be,
and, therefore, have come to preach the gospel, and show the
knowledge of God in its ancient purity, being instructed and sent
of Him without purse or scrip. So come and hear us."
"O! indeed, if that is the case, I will."
So he came; the house was crowded with Baptists, Methodists,
Universalists, Non-professors, Infidels, etc.
We preached. After meeting, a Baptist minister by the name of
John Russell, a very learned and influential man, invited us to
tarry in the neighborhood and continue to preach; he said his house
should be our home, and he called a vote of the people whether they
wished us to preach more. The vote was unanimous in the
affirmative.
We tarried in the neighborhood some two months, and preached
daily in all that region to vast multitudes, both in town and
country, in the grove, and in school houses, barns and dwellings.
All parties were our hearers and friends, and contributed liberally
to our wants; and the old farmer, whose name was Calvin, who had
not been to meeting before for five years, became a constant
hearer, and opened his house for our home. He was very wealthy, and
bade us welcome to shoes, clothing, or anything we needed; many
Infidels, Universalists, etc., did the same.
In this neighborhood there lived a Baptist minister by the name
of Dotson, who opposed us with much zeal, from time to time, both
in public and in private, and from house to house.
He said the Book of Mormon was a fable; a silly, foolish mixture
of matter, possessing no interest, and that he could write a better
book himself. However, his principal objection was, that God could
give no _new_ revelation--the New Testament contained all
the knowledge that God had in store for man, and there was nothing
remaining unrevealed.
We asked him to open the New Testament and read to us the
history and destiny of the American continent and its inhabitants,
and the origin and lineage of the same; also, the history of the
ten tribes of Israel, and where they now were. We also asked him to
read to us from that book his own commission, and that of other
ministers of this age to preach the gospel. But he could do none of
these things; but still insisted that there was no subject worthy
of new revelation, and that no revelation could be given.
Said I, "Mr. Dotson, relate to me your experience and call to
the ministry."
"Well," he replied, "I will do so, seeing that it is you, friend
Pratt; for you are able to bear it, and to comprehend something
about it; but I have never told it to my own members; and I dare
not, for they would not believe me."
"Well, Mr. Dotson, be particular on the manner and means by
which you were called to the ministry."
"Why, sir," said he, "_I was called by a vocal voice from
Heaven_."
"Well, Mr. Dotson, _there_ is one exception to your
general rule. We come to you with a new revelation, and you reject
it, because there can be no new revelation; and yet you profess to
have a new revelation, God having spoken from the heavens and
called _you_, and commissioned _you_ to preach eighteen hundred
years after the New Testament was written, and all revelation
finished! How is this?
"The New Testament no where calls you by name; neither makes
mention of you as a minister of the gospel; but new revelation
does, if we are to believe you. And yet you would teach your
hearers and us, and all the world, to disbelieve all modern
revelation merely because it is new. Consequently, we are all bound
by your own rule to reject your call to the ministry, and to
believe it is a lie."
He could say no more.
At another time he was at Mr. Russell's with us, and, in
presence of Mr. R. and others, was opposing the Book of Mormon with
all his power.
We asked him to listen while we read a chapter in it. He did so,
and was melted into tears, and so affected and confounded that he
could not utter a word for some time. He then, on recovering, asked
us to his house, and opened the door for us to preach in his
neighborhood. We did so, and were kindly entertained by him.
But after this, he again hardened his heart, and finding his
opposition all in vain, he wrote a letter to the Rev. Mr. Peck, of
Rock Spring, some sixty miles distant, informing him that the
"Mormons" were about to take Green County, and requesting his
immediate attendance.
This Mr. Peck was a man of note, as one of the early settlers of
Illinois, and one of its first missionaries. He had labored for
many years in that new country and in Missouri, and was now Editor
of a paper devoted to Baptist principles.
This gentleman, was soon forthcoming, and commenced his public
addresses among the people, to try to convince them of the great
errors we had taught.
He said there were no antiquities in America; no ruined cities,
buildings, monuments, inscriptions, mounds, or fortifications, to
show the existence of such a people as the Book of Mormon
described.
He also said, that there were no domestic animals such as the
cow the ox, or the horse, found here when Europeans first
discovered the country. He then inquired how these animals became
extinct since the destruction of the Nephites.
He said further, that the fortifications and mounds of this
country were nothing more than the works of Nature.
He then warned the people against the study of the prophetic
parts of the Old and New Testaments, observing that these
mysterious prophecies were directly calculated to lead them into
delusion and bewilderment; that the best way to read and understand
prophecy was, to read it backwards--that is to say, after it is
fulfilled; that it was never designed to be understood before it
came to pass.
He also taught that the Millennium was already commenced, and
that Jesus Christ would not come, in person, till the great and
last judgment; and that the Millennium must first continue a year
for each day of the thousand years, spoken of by John the
Revelator, etc.
A meeting was held for the purpose of replying to him; the
people came out in great numbers.
I then replied in substance as follows:
"My hearers:--The Rev. Mr. Peck is a great man. He is a man of
age and varied experience and learning. I am but a youth, inferior
to him in all these respects. I reverence his gray hairs; I respect
his learning; I admire his talents and ingenuity; and I feel a
delicacy in replying to him; and nothing but a love for the truth
and a hatred of error and falsehood, could induce me to come in
contact with him before the public; but where truth and salvation
are at stake I cannot shrink from duty, in consideration of age or
talent; I cannot spare the man, even if he were my father.
"To do away the Book of Mormon, we are called upon to believe
that the temples, statues, pyramids, sculptures, monuments,
engravings, mounds and fortifications, now in ruins on the American
continent, are all the works of Nature in her playful moments; that
the bones of slumbering nations were never clothed upon with flesh,
and that their sleeping dust was never animated with life.
"This is too monstrous; it is too marvelous, too miraculous for
out credulity; we can never believe that these things are the works
of Nature, unaided by human art; we are not so fond of the
marvelous.
"Again, we are told that no cows or oxen were here when
Europeans first came to the country. I would ask what the wild
buffalo are, if they are not the cattle of the ancient inhabitants?
I would ask how horse tracks came to be imbedded in the petrified
rock of Kentucky, without a horse to make them? And if no race of
animals could become extinct, which once existed here, I would ask
Mr. Peck either to produce a living mammoth, or annihilate his
bones. But, perhaps, the reverend gentleman would say that those
bones, too, were the works of Nature, and that the huge animal they
seem to represent never existed.
"Again, my hearers, we are warned against the study of prophecy.
We are told that a careful perusal of the prophecies, which the
reverend gentleman is pleased to call '_mysterious_' is a
principal cause of our delusion and blindness; and that the
prophecies were only designed to be read and understood after they
were fulfilled.
"We will apply this rule, and learn its workings by practical
experience.
"The people at the time of the flood adopted this rule, all save
eight souls. Mr. Peck's theology was then almost catholic. The
universal world (save eight) were disposed to remain in ignorance
as to the meaning of prophecy till after its fulfillment. The
result was that they knew not until the flood came and swept them
all away; then they could understand.
"The people of Sodom were all of Mr. Peck's faith--all save Lot
and his family; they also perished unawares.
"The Jews also were of this same school--I mean those who
perished in the siege of Jerusalem, in fulfillment of the prophecy
of Jesus Christ, recorded in the 21st chapter of Luke.
"And permit me here to remind my hearers that this ancient
system of theology, will certainly prevail to an almost universal
extent at the time of the coming of the Son of Man. For Jesus
himself testified that, as it was in the days of Noah and in the
days of Lot, so should it be in the days of the coming of the Son
of Man. I would here pause and congratulate my reverend friend on
the glorious and popular prospects before him. Certain it is that
most of the world will, at some future day, be of his faith in this
respect; they will let the prophecies of the Holy Scriptures alone,
and not attempt to understand them until after their fulfilment.
"But we are of another school.
"We believe in Jesus, who said '_search the Scriptures_;'
we believe with Peter, that we have a more sure word of prophecy,
unto which we _do well_ to take heed, as unto a light shining in
a dark place; until the day dawn, and the day star arise in our
hearts.
"We believe the Apostle when he says that, 'whatsoever was
written aforetime was written for our profit and learning; that, we
through patience and comfort of the Scriptures, might have hope.'
We wish to be children of the light and not of darkness; that that
day come not upon us unawares. In short we wish, like Timothy of
old, to understand the Scriptures from our very childhood;
considering that they are able to make us wise unto salvation,
through faith in Christ Jesus.
"Again, we are told that the world is in the enjoyment of the
Millennium, or thousand years of rest, spoken of by John, the
Revelator.
"Of course then Satan is bound, and does not tempt any man. The
martyrs of Jesus, and those who kept His commandments are raised
from the dead, and are now present on the earth reigning with Jesus
Christ. The nations learn war no more, none are in ignorance, none
in darkness, the knowledge of God covers the earth as the waters do
the seas. The cow and the leopard, the kid and the bear, the wolf
and the lamb, the lion, the serpent and the little child, all dwell
together in peace. For such events the prophets have described in
connection with the Millennium.
"But the great announcement of all--the most important
communication made to us by Mr. Peck is concerning the time of the
second coming of Jesus Christ. It was now ascertained by him to be
postponed till the great and last day; and that we are to have a
Millennium of _three hundred and sixty-five thousand years_
first, before Christ comes. Only think! '_three hundred and
sixty-five thousand_!' Why, according to this calculation the
world is yet in its infancy; we are early in the morning of
creation. The great day of the existence of the world has only
dawned; a long and glorious race is yet before the generations of
man. What is the age of Adam or Methuselah! What the few fleet
years of the earth's existence, compared to the time yet to come
before its end!
"O, ye holy prophets and saints of old, had you been in
possession of the knowledge of the astounding facts now announced
by this reverend gentleman, you would never have warned mankind so
repeatedly to be ready for the great day of the Lord, for it was
soon at hand.
"And had Jesus Christ known this fact, he would never have
warned the world of the danger of that day coming on them unawares.
He and His Apostles would have said: it is yet far--very far off.
The Millennium must first dawn, and then continue three hundred and
sixty-five thousand years; and then, behold, I will come to judge
the world.
"But, my hearers, please read the prophet Zechariah on this
subject, chapter 14.
"We were there informed that 'Jesus Christ will come, and all
the saints with him,'--that he will 'set his feet on the Mount of
Olives;' that he will 'deliver the Jews and Jerusalem from their
enemies;' that he will 'destroy those who are in the siege against
that city;' and that he will 'reign as a king over all the earth,
from that time forth; and there shall be one Lord and his name
one.'
"Now, if he comes and all the saints with him, it cannot be his
first coming. If he comes to fight for the Jews and overthrow their
enemies, it cannot be his first coming. If the Mount of Olives
rends in twain at the same time, and opens so as to form a great
valley in the place thereof, it has no connection with his first
coming.
"Again, if he comes to reign as a '_King over all the earth
_,' it can have no allusion to the last judgment,--the end of
the earth. Consequently, if Zechariah has told the truth, we are to
expect the coming of Jesus Christ distinct from his first coming;
unconnected with the last judgment at the very commencement of his
reign of a thousand years, which we call the Millennium; but which,
Mr. Peck says, has commenced, entirely independent of any such
event. But what can we expect of a man when he comments upon the
prophecies, while at the same time he contends that none can
understand them until after their fulfillment.
"Of course, my hearers, he himself acts upon the principle which
he lays down to others; and if he does, he never studies, never
searches the prophecies, acknowledges himself in darkness on all
subjects connected with unfulfilled prophecy; expects to remain so,
and expects his hearers to do the same.
"O, my beloved friends, have the people of this western country
been led in darkness for so many years by learned and reverend
gentlemen? are they willing to remain in darkness now, when the
veil is withdrawn, and his folly made manifest before all the
people, and this too by his own words, uttered in presence of you
all?
"If so, follow him, and cleave to him as your teacher. But if
not, we exhort you to hold fast the truth as we have delivered it
to you; come forward this day, and obey the ordinances of God; seek
for the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth, and continue to
search the Scriptures for more light, and God will bless you
forever. Amen."
After this meeting some of the Baptists and others came forward
and were baptized, and joined the Church of the Saints; and the
people in general remained steadfast in the faith, and were unmoved
by the exertions of Messrs. Peck and Dotson.
This filled them with envy, and they soon began to manifest a
lying and abusive spirit to such a degree that all the people could
see and distinguish plainly between the spirits of truth and error.
Mr. Peck soon took leave and retired home, and we continued our
mission.
Hundreds of the people were convinced of the truth, but the
hearts of many were too much set on the world to obey the gospel;
we, therefore, baptized only a few of the people, and organized a
small Society, and about the first of June took leave and returned
home.
Having rested myself a few days, I now commenced again to
cultivate the earth. I plowed about six acres of ground for wheat,
and was busy from day to day in the woods, preparing timber to
fence the same, when the following dream, or night vision, was
given me:
A man came to me and called me with a loud voice: "Parley,
Parley." I answered, "Here am I." Said he, "Cease splitting rails,
for the Lord has prepared you for a greater work." I answered,
"Whereby shall I know that this message is from the Lord?" He
replied, "Follow me, and I will show you."
I followed him for some distance along a long path, and at last
came to a place of ancient sepulchres, where many of the Nephites
of old had been buried. One of these opened--the flesh of the man
withered away; he became like a skeleton, and passed down into the
grave. I understood and knew by the spirit, that this signified
that it was the voice of one from the dead which had spoken to me.
I therefore exclaimed, "It is enough; I know the message is of the
Lord; return unto me, that we may converse together." He then came
forth out of the grave, was again clothed upon with a body like a
man, and he talked with me, and told me many things.
I awoke the next morning, and thought of my dream, but I was
necessitated, as I thought, to finish my fence and sow my crop
before I ceased to labor with my hands. I, therefore, continued to
make and haul rails from the woods. I perfected my fence and sowed
my crop, but I never reaped; I never saw the wheat after it was
more than three inches high.
CHAPTER XIII.
------------------------
Prosperity of the Church:--School in Zion:--
Revelation:--Mob:--Destruction of Printing Office:--Defence:--
Prisoners:--Journey to Lexington:--A Dream:--Its Fulfilment:--
Battle:--Defeat of the Robbers:--A Miracle:--Defence Construed
into Murder:--Gov. Boggs and Militia Join the Mob:--Church
Driven from the County:--Plunderings and Burnings:--Insurrections:--
Signs in the Heavens:--Action of the Governor:--Attorney-General
Driven from Court:--Refugees Settle in the North:--A Bandit Chief
made Governor.
It was now the summer of 1833. Immigration had poured into the
County of Jackson in great numbers; and the Church in that county
now numbered upwards of one thousand souls. These had all purchased
lands and paid for them, and most of them were improving in
buildings and in cultivation. Peace and plenty had crowned their
labors, and the wilderness became a fruitful field, and the
solitary place began to bud and blossom as the rose.
They lived in peace and quiet; no lawsuits with each other or
with the world; few or no debts were contracted; few promises
broken; there were no thieves, robbers, or murderers; few or no
idlers; all seemed to worship God with a ready heart. On Sundays
the people assembled to preach, pray, sing, and receive the
ordinances of God. Other days all seemed busy in the various
pursuits of industry. In short, there has seldom, if ever, been a
happier people upon the earth than the Church of the Saints now
were.
In the latter part of summer and in the autumn, I devoted almost
my entire time in ministering among the churches; holding meetings;
visiting the sick; comforting the afflicted, and giving counsel. A
school of Elders was also organized, over which I was called to
preside. This class, to the number of about sixty, met for
instruction once a week. The place of meeting was in the open air,
under some tall trees, in a retired place in the wilderness, where
we prayed, preached and prophesied, and exercised ourselves in the
gifts of the Holy Spirit. Here great blessings were poured out, and
many great and marvelous things were manifested and taught. The
Lord gave me great wisdom, and enabled me to teach and edify the
Elders, and comfort and encourage them in their preparations for
the great work which lay before us. I was also much edified and
strengthened. To attend this school I had to travel on foot, and
sometimes with bare feet at that, about six miles. This I did once
a week, besides visiting and preaching in five or six branches a
week.
While thus engaged, and in answer to our correspondence with the
Prophet, Joseph Smith, at Kirtland, Ohio, the following revelation
was sent to us by him, dated August, 1833:
"Verily I say unto you, my friends, I speak unto you with my
voice, even the voice of my Spirit; that I may show unto you my
will concerning your brethren in the land of Zion; many of whom are
truly humble, and are seeking diligently to learn wisdom and to
find truth; verily, verily I say unto you, blessed are such for
they shall obtain; for I, the Lord, showeth mercy unto all the
meek, and upon all whomsoever I will, that I may be justified when
I shall bring them into judgment.
"Behold, I say unto you, concerning the school in Zion, I the
Lord am well pleased that there should be a school in Zion; and
also with my servant, Parley P. Pratt, for he abideth in me; and
inasmuch as he continueth to abide in me, he shall continue to
preside over the school in the land of Zion until I shall give unto
him other commandments; and I will bless him with a multiplicity of
blessings in expounding all Scriptures and mysteries to the
edification of the school and of the Church in Zion, and to the
residue of the school I, the Lord, am willing to show mercy;
nevertheless, there are those that must needs be chastened, and
their works shall be made known. The axe is laid at the root of the
trees, and every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit, shall be
hewn down and cast into the fire; I, the Lord have spoken it.
Verily I say unto you, all among them who know their hearts are
honest, and are broken, and their spirits contrite, and are willing
to observe their covenants by sacrifice; yea, every sacrifice which
I, the Lord, shall command, they are all accepted of me, for I, the
Lord will cause them to bring forth as a very fruitful tree which
is planted in a goodly land, by a pure stream that yieldeth much
precious fruit.
"Verily I say unto you, that it is my will that an house should
be built unto me in the land of Zion, like unto the pattern which I
have given you; yea, let it be built speedily by the tithing of my
people; behold, this is the tithing and the sacrifice which I, the
Lord, require at their hands; that there may be an house built unto
me for the salvation of Zion, for a place of thanksgiving for all
saints, and for a place of instruction for all those who are called
to the work of the ministry in all their several callings and
offices, that they may be perfected in the understanding of their
ministry in theory, in principle, and in doctrine in all things
pertaining to the kingdom of God on the earth, the keys of which
kingdom have been conferred upon you.
"And inasmuch as my people build an house unto me in the name of
the Lord, and do nor suffer any unclean thing to come into it that
it be not defiled, My glory shall rest upon it; yea, and my
presence shall be there; for I will come into it, and all the pure
in heart that shall come into it shall see God; but if it be
defiled I will not come into it, and my glory shall not be there
for I will not come into unholy temples.
"And now behold, if Zion do these things she shall prosper and
spread herself and become very glorious, very great, and very
terrible; and the nations of the earth shall honor her and shall
say, surely Zion is the city of our God; and surely Zion cannot
fall, neither be moved out of her place; for God is there, and the
hand of the Lord is there, and He hath sworn by the power of His
might to be her salvation and her high tower; therefore, verily
thus saith the Lord, let Zion rejoice, for this is Zion, THE PURE
IN HEART; therefore let Zion rejoice while all the wicked shall
mourn; for behold, and lo! vengeance cometh speedily upon the
ungodly as the whirlwind, and who shall escape it? The Lord's
scourge shall pass over by night and by day, and the report thereof
shall vex all people; yet it shall not be stayed until the Lord
come; for the indignation of the Lord is kindled against their
abominations and all their wicked works; nevertheless, Zion shall
escape if she observe to do all things whatsoever I have commanded
her; but if she observes not to do whatsoever I have commanded her,
I will visit her, according to all her works, with sore affliction;
with pestilence; with plague; with sword; with vengeance; with
devouring fire; nevertheless, let it be read this once in their
ears, that I, the Lord, have accepted of their offering; and if she
sin no more none of these things shall come upon her, and I will
bless her with blessings, and multiply a multiplicity of blessings
upon her and upon her generations forever and ever, saith the Lord
your God. Amen."
This revelation was not complied with by the leaders and Church
in Missouri, as a whole; notwithstanding many were humble and
faithful. Therefore, the threatened judgment was poured out to the
uttermost, as the history of the five following years will show.
That portion of the inhabitants of Jackson County which did not
belong to the Church, became jealous of our growing influence and
numbers. Political demagogues were afraid we should rule the
county; and religious priests and bigots felt that we were powerful
rivals, and about to excel all other societies in the State in
numbers, and in power and influence.
These feelings, and the false statements and influences growing
out of them, gave rise to the organization of a company of outlaws,
whose avowed object was to drive the Church of the Saints from the
county.
These were composed of lawyers, magistrates, county officers,
civil and military; religious ministers, and great numbers of the
ignorant and uninformed portion of the population, whose prejudices
were easily aroused.
They commenced operations by assembling in great numbers,
destroying a printing office and its materials; demolishing
dwellings and stores, and plundering the contents and strewing them
in the street; cutting open feather beds, breaking furniture,
destroying fences and crops, whipping, threatening and variously
abusing men, women and children, etc.
The saints submitted to these outrages for a time in all
patience, without defence or resistance of any kind, supposing that
the public authorities would of course put a stop to them, as in
duty bound.
But they were soon convinced to the contrary, and were compelled
to take up arms for defence; and also to make the most vigorous
exertions to prosecute according to law. We assembled in small
bodies in different neighborhoods, and stood on guard during the
nights, being ready to march in a moment to any place of attack.
I had the command of about sixty men who were thus assembled in
the Colesville branch; and rendezvoused in some log buildings
during a very rainy time.
It was evening. I was out in the act of posting guards a short
distance from the dwellings, when two men assailed us, armed with
guns and pistols; and supposing it against our principles to make
any defence, they attacked the guards. I was without arms, but
stepped forward to interfere between them, when one of them drew
his gun backwards, and, with both hands, struck the barrel of it
across the top of my head. I staggered back, but did not fall; the
blood came streaming down my face, and I was for an instant stunned
by the blow; but, recovering myself, I called help from the house
and disarmed them, and put them under guard till morning. Their
arms were then restored, and they let go in peace.
The taking of these two men proved a Preventive against an
attack that night. They were the advance of a party of men who were
about to come upon the settlement, but were disconcerted by this
means.
On the next day, about sunset, myself and a Mr. Marsh set out on
horseback to visit the Circuit Judge at Lexington, a distance of
some forty miles. We were under the necessity of travelling the
most private paths across the country, in order to avoid our
enemies; but we had a most faithful pilot, an old resident of the
country, who knew every crook and turn of the different paths.
We had ridden but a few miles when it became so excessively dark
that we could not see each other, or distinguish any object. Our
pilot dismounted several times and tried to feel his way. We were
at last compelled to halt for some time, until it cleared and
became a little lighter; but the rain began to fall in torrents,
and continued all the latter part of the night. We soon became
drenched, and every thread about us perfectly wet; but still we
dare not stop for any refreshment or shelter, until day dawned,
when we found ourselves forty miles from home and at the door of a
friend, where we breakfasted and refreshed ourselves.
We then repaired to Lexington, and made oath before Judge Ryland
of the outrages committed upon us, but were refused a warrant. The
Judge advised us to fight and kill the outlaws whenever they came
upon us. We then returned to the place where we breakfasted, and,
night coming on, we retired to bed. Having been without sleep for
the three previous nights, and much of the time drenched with rain,
this, together with the severe wound I had received, caused me to
feel much exhausted. No sooner had sleep enfolded me in her kind
embrace than a vision opened before me.
I was in Jackson County; heard the sound of firearms and saw the
killed and wounded lying in their blood. At this I awoke from
slumber, and awaking Mr. Marsh and the family with whom we lodged,
I told them that I had seen and heard in my dream, and that I was
sure a battle had just occurred.
Next morning we pursued our journey homeward with feelings of
anxiety indescribable. Every officer of the peace had abandoned us
to our fate; and it seemed as if there was no alternative but for
men, women and children to be exterminated. As we rode on,
ruminating upon these things, a man met us from Independence, who
told us there was a battle raging when he left; and how it had
terminated he knew not.
This only heightened out feelings of anxiety and suspense. We
were every instant drawing nearer to the spot where we might find
our friends alive and victorious, or dead, or perhaps in bondage,
in the hands of a worse than savage enemy.
On coming within four miles of Independence, we ventured to
inquire the distance at a certain house; this we did in order to
pass as strangers, and also, in hopes to learn some news; the man
seemed frightened, and inquired where we were from. We replied,
from Lexington. Said he, "Have you heard what has happened?" We
replied, "That we had heard there was some difficulty, but of all
the participants we had not been informed." "Why," said he, "the
Mormons have _riz_, and have killed six men."
We then passed on, and as soon as we were out of sight we left
the road and took into the woods.
Taking a circuitous route, through thickets of hazel interwoven
with grape vine, we came in sight of Independence, after some
difficulty and entanglement, and advanced towards it; but seeing
parties of armed men advancing towards us, we wheeled about, and
retreating a distance, turned again into the woods, and galloping
about a half mile, reached the tents of our friends.
But what was our astonishment when we found our brethren without
arms, having surrendered them to the enemy!
The truth was this: The same evening that I dreamed of the
battle, a large body of the outlaws had marched to a certain
settlement, where they had before committed many outrages, and
commenced to unroof dwellings, destroy property, and threaten and
abuse women and children. While some sixty men were thus engaged,
and their horses quietly regaling themselves in the cornfields of
the brethren, about thirty of our men marched upon them, and drove
them from the field. Several were severely if not mortally wounded
on both sides; and one young man of the Church died of his wounds
the next day--his name was Barber.
In the battle brother Philo Dibble, of Ohio, was shot in the
body through his waistband; the ball remained in him. He bled much
inwardly, and, in a day or two his bowels were so filled with blood
and so inflamed that he was about to die, or, rather, he had been
slowly dying from the time he was wounded. The smell of himself had
become intolerable to him and those about him. At length Elder
Newel Knight administered to him, by the laying on of hands, in the
name of Jesus; his hands had scarcely touched his head when he felt
an operation penetrating his whole system as if it had been a
purifying fire. He immediately discharged several quarts of blood
and corruption, among which was the ball with which he had been
wounded. He was instantly healed, and went to work chopping wood.
He remained an able bodied man, a hard worker, and even did
military duty for many years after. He is still living in Davis
County, Utah.
The next morning, Nov. 5, armed men were assembled in
Independence from every part of the county. These joined the
outlaws, and called themselves militia, and placed themselves under
the command of Lieutenant-Governor Boggs and a colonel by the name
of Pitcher. Thus organized, manned and officered, they were a
formidable band of outlaws; capable of murder, or any other
violence or outrage which would accomplish their purpose; which was
to drive the people of the Church from the county, and plunder
their property and possess their lands.
Very early the same morning, several volunteers united their
forces from different branches of the Church and marched towards
Independence, in order to defend their brethren and friends. When
within a short distance from the town they halted, and were soon
informed that the militia were called out for their protection; but
in this they did not place confidence; for they saw that the armed
body congregated had joined with the mobbers and outlaws, and were
one with them to carry out their murderous purposes. On
communicating with the leaders, Boggs and Pitcher, it was found
that there was no alternative but for the Church to leave the
county forthwith, and deliver up their arms, and certain men to be
tried for murder, said to have been committed in the battle the
previous evening.
Rather than have submitted to these outrageous requirements the
saints would willingly have shed their blood; but they knew that if
they resisted this mob, the lies of the designing and the prejudice
of the ignorant would construe their resistance into a violation of
law, and thus bring certain destruction upon them; therefore, they
surrendered their arms and agreed to leave the county forthwith.
The men who were demanded as prisoners were also surrendered and
imprisoned, but were dismissed in a day or two without trial.
A few hours after the surrender we arrived at the camp of our
brethren on our return from Lexington.
The struggle was now over, our liberties were gone, our homes to
be deserted and possessed by a lawless banditti; and all this in
the United States of America.
The sun was then setting, and twelve miles separated me from my
family; but I determined to reach home that night. My horse being
weary I started on foot, and walked through the wilderness in
darkness; avoiding the road lest I should fall into the hands of
the enemy.
I arrived home about the middle of the night, and furnishing my
wife with a horse, we made our escape in safety.
When night again overtook us we were on the bank of the Missouri
River, which divided between Jackson and Clay Counties. Here we
camped for the night, as we could not cross the ferry till morning.
Next morning we crossed the river, and formed an encampment amid
the cottonwoods on its bank.
While we thus made our escape companies of ruffians were ranging
the county in every direction; bursting into houses without fear,
knowing that the people were disarmed; frightening women and
children, and threatening to kill them if they did not flee
immediately. At the head of one of these parties appeared the Rev.
Isaac McCoy (a noted Baptist missionary to the Indians), with gun
in hand, ordering the people to leave their homes immediately and
surrender everything in the shape of arms.
Other pretended preachers of the gospel took part in the
persecution--speaking of the Church as the common enemies of
mankind, and exulting in their afflictions. On Tuesday and
Wednesday nights, the 5th and 6th of November, women and children
fled in every direction. One party of about one hundred and fifty
fled to the prairie, where they wandered for several days, mostly
without food; and nothing but the open firmament for their shelter.
Other parties fled towards the Missouri River. During the
dispersion of women and children, parties were hunting the men,
firing upon some, tying up and whipping others, and some they
pursued several miles.
Thursday, November 7. The shore began to be lined on both sides
of the ferry with men, women and children; goods, wagons, boxes,
provisions, etc., while the ferry was constantly employed; and when
night again closed upon us the cottonwood bottom had much the
appearance of a camp meeting. Hundreds of people were seen in every
direction, some in tents and some in the open air around their
fires, while the rain descended in torrents. Husbands were
inquiring for their wives, wives for their husbands; parents for
children, and children for parents. Some had the good fortune to
escape with their families, household goods, and some provisions;
while others knew not the fate of their friends, and had lost all
their goods. The scene was indescribable, and, I am sure, would
have melted the hearts of any people on the earth, except our blind
oppressors, and a blind and ignorant community.
Next day our company still increased, and we were principally
engaged in felling cottonwood trees and erecting them into small
cabins. The next night being clear, we began to enjoy some degree
of comfort.
About two o'clock the next morning we were called up by the cry
of signs in the heavens. We arose, and to our great astonishment
all the firmament seemed enveloped in splendid fireworks, as if
every star in the broad expanse had been hurled from its course,
and sent lawless through the wilds of ether. Thousands of bright
meteors were shooting through space in every direction, with long
trains of light following in their course. This lasted for several
hours, and was only closed by the dawn of the rising sun. Every
heart was filled with joy at this majestic display of signs and
wonders, showing the near approach of the coming of the Son of God.
All our goods, were left behind; but I obtained some of them
afterwards at the risk of my life. But all my provisions for the
winter were destroyed or stolen, and my grain left growing on the
ground for my enemies to harvest. My house was afterwards burned,
and my fruit trees and improvements destroyed or plundered. In
short, every member of the society was driven from the county, and
fields of corn were ravaged and destroyed; stacks of wheat burned,
household goods plundered, and improvements and every kind of
property destroyed. One of this banditti afterwards boasted to one
of the brethren that, according to their own account of the matter,
the number of houses burned was two hundred and three.
The Saints who fled took refuge in the adjoining counties,
mostly in Clay County, which received them with some degree of
kindness. Those who fled to the county of Van Buren were again
driven and compelled to flee; and those who fled to Lafayette
County were soon expelled, or the most part of them, and had to
move to wherever they could find protection.
When the news of these outrages reached the Governor of the
State, courts of inquiry, both civil and military, were ordered by
him, but nothing effectual was ever done to restore our rights, or
to protect us in the least. It is true the Attorney-General, and a
military escort under Colonel, afterwards General Doniphan, and our
witnesses went to Jackson County and demanded indictments; but the
court refused to do anything in the case, and the military,
Attorney-General and witnesses were mobbed out of the county; and
thus that matter ended.
The Governor also ordered them to restore the arms of which they
robbed us, but they never were restored. Even our lands were robbed
of their timber, and either occupied by our enemies for years or
left desolate. Soon after Jackson County had rebelled against the
laws and constitution of the General and State governments, several
of the adjacent counties followed the example, by justifying her
proceedings, and by opposing the Saints in settling among them. The
counties of Clay, Ray, Clinton and various others, held public
meetings, the tenor of which was to deprive the members of our
society of the rights of citizenship, drive them from among them,
and to compel them to settle only in such places as these outlaws
should dictate; and even at that time some of their proceedings
went so far as to publicly threaten to drive the whole society from
the State. The excuses they offered for these outrages were:
First: The society were guilty principally of being eastern or
northern people.
Secondly: They were guilty of some slight variations in manners
and language from the other citizens of the State, who were mostly
from the South.
Thirdly: Their religious principles differed in some important
particulars from most other societies.
Fourthly: They were guilty of immigrating rapidly from the
different States, and of purchasing large quantities of land, and
of being more enterprising and industrious than their neighbors.
Fifthly: Some of them were guilty of poverty--especially those
who had been driven, from time to time, and robbed of their all.
And,
Lastly: They were said to be guilty of believing in the present
Government administration of Indian affairs, viz: that the land
west of the Mississippi, which Government had deeded in fee simple
to the immigrating tribes, was destined by Providence for their
permanent homes.
All these crimes were charged upon our society, in the public
proceedings of the several counties, and were deemed sufficient to
justify their unlawful proceedings against us. The reader may smile
at this statement, but the public journals of Upper Missouri in
1835, actually printed charges and declarations against us, of the
tenor of the foregoing.
By these wicked proceedings our people were once more compelled
to remove, at a great sacrifice of property, and were at last
permitted to settle in the north of Ray County, where, by the next
legislature, they were organized into the counties of Caldwell and
Daviess. Here again they exercised the utmost industry and
enterprise, and these wild regions soon presented a more
flourishing aspect than the oldest counties of the State.
In the meantime, the majority of the State so far countenanced
these outrages that they actually elected Lilburn W. Boggs (one of
the oldest actors in the scenes of Jackson County, who had assisted
in murder and plunder, and the expulsion of twelve hundred
citizens, in 1833) for Governor of the State, and placed him in the
executive chair, instead of suspending him by the neck, between the
heavens and the earth, as his crimes justly merited. This movement
may be said to have put an end to liberty, law and government in
that State. About this time, Colonel Lucas, a leader of the
banditti, was elected Major-General, instead of being hung for
treason and murder. And Moses Wilson, another leader of the mob,
was elected Brigadier-General and others were advanced accordingly.
These all very readily received their commissions from their
accomplice, Governor Boggs, and thus corruption, rebellion and
conspiracy had spread on every side, being fostered and encouraged
by a large majority of the State; and thus the treason became
general.
In the meantime, our society had greatly increased by a rapid
immigration, and having long felt the withering hand of oppression
from so corrupt an administration, they had endeavored to organize
themselves, both civil and military, in the counties where they
composed the majority, by electing such officers as they thought
would stand for equal rights, and for the laws and Constitution of
the country. In this way they hoped to withstand the storm which
had so long beaten upon them, and whose black clouds now seemed
lowering in awful gloom, preparing to burst with overwhelming fury
upon all who dared to stand for liberty and law.
CHAPTER XIV.
------------------------
Labors in Clay County:--Conference:--Appointment
to a Tedious Journey:--A Case of Healing:--Arrive at
Kirtland:--Revelation:--Travel Eastward, in Company with
President Joseph Smith:--Conference in Geneseo:--Pleasing
Reminiscence:--President Smith and Others Return Home:--Visit
Sackett's Harbor:--Crowded Meeting:--Requested to Visit the
Sick:--A Little Boy Healed:--Baptisms, etc.:--Miraculous
Gifts:--Lying Priests and Rabble:--Visit my Parents in Canaan,
N. Y.:--Return to Kirtland.
As the history of this horrible persecution of the Church was
interwoven with my own, I have traced it for a few years in
connection; in which I have of necessity digressed from the main
thread of my own personal narrative, to which I mast return.
After making our escape into the county of Clay--being reduced
to the lowest poverty--I made a living by day labor, jobbing,
building, or wood cutting, till some time in the winter of 1834,
when a general Conference was held at my house, in which it was
decided that two of the Elders should be sent to Ohio, in order to
counsel with President Smith and the Church at Kirtland, and rake
some measures for the relief or restoration of the people thus
plundered and driven from their homes. The question was put to the
Conference: "Who would volunteer to perform so great a journey?"
The poverty of all, and the inclement season of the year made
all hesitate. At length Lyman Wight and myself offered our
services, which were readily accepted. I was at this time entirely
destitute of proper clothing for the journey; and I had neither
horse, saddle, bridle, money nor provisions to take with me; or to
leave with my wife, who lay sick and helpless most of the time.
Under these circumstances I knew not what to do. Nearly all had
been robbed and plundered, and all were poor. As we had to start
without delay, I almost trembled at the undertaking; it seemed to
be all but an impossibility; but "to him that believeth all things
are possible." I started out of my house to do something towards
making preparation; I hardly knew which way to go, but I found
myself in the house of brother John Lowry, and was intending to ask
him for money; but as I entered his miserable cottage in the swamp,
amid the low, timbered bottoms of the Missouri river, I found him
sick in bed with a heavy fever, and two or three others of his
family down with the same complaint, on different beds in the same
room. He was vomiting severely, and was hardly sensible of my
presence. I thought to myself, "well, this is a poor place to come
for money, and yet I must have it; I know of no one else that has
got it; what shall I do?" I sat a little while confounded and
amazed. At length another Elder happened in; at that instant faith
sprung up in my heart; the Spirit whispered to me, "is there
anything too hard for the Lord?" I said to the Elder that came in:
"Brother, I am glad you have come; these people must be healed, for
I want some money of them, and must have it."
We laid hands on them and rebuked the disease; brother Lowry
rose up well; I did my errand, and readily obtained all I asked.
This provided in part for my family's sustenance while I should
leave them. I went a little further into the woods of the Missouri
bottoms, and came to a camp of some brethren, by the name of
Higbee, who owned some horses; they saw me coming, and, moved by
the Spirit, one of them said to the other, "there comes brother
Parley; he's in want of a horse for his journey--I must let him
have old Dick;" this being the name of the best horse he had.
"Yes," said I, "brother, you have guessed right; but what will I do
for a saddle?" "Well," says the other, "I believe I'll have to let
you have mine." I blessed them and went on my way rejoicing.
I next called on Sidney A. Gilbert, a merchant, then sojourning
in the village of Liberty--his store in Jackson County having been
broken up, and his goods plundered and destroyed by the mob.
"Well," says he, "brother Parley, you certainly look too shabby to
start a journey; you must have a new suit; I have got some remnants
left that will make you a coat," etc. A neighboring tailoress and
two or three other sisters happened to be present on a visit, and
hearing the conversation, exclaimed, "Yes, brother Gilbert, you
find the stuff and we'll make it up for him." This arranged, I now
lacked only a cloak; this was also furnished by brother Gilbert.
Brother Wight was also prospered in a similar manner in his
preparations. Thus faith and the blessings of God had cleared up
our way to accomplish what seemed impossible. We were soon ready,
and on the first of February we mounted our horses, and started in
good cheer to ride one thousand or fifteen hundred miles through a
wilderness country. We had not one cent of money in out pockets on
starting.
We travelled every day, whether through storm or sunshine, mud,
rain or snow; except when our public duties called us to tarry. We
arrived in Kirtland early in the spring, all safe and sound; we had
lacked for nothing on the road, and now had plenty of funds in
hand. President Joseph Smith and the Church in Kirtland received us
with a hospitality and joy unknown except among the Saints; and
much interest was felt there, as well as elsewhere, on the subject
of our persecution.
The President inquired of the Lord concerning rite matter, and a
further mission was appointed us.* In fulfillment of which we
continued our journey eastward, in connection with President Joseph
Smith, S. Rigdon, Hyrum Smith, Frederick G. Williams, Orson Hyde
and Orson Pratt.
[Footnote] *See Revelation, Book of Doctrine and Covenants,
Section 101.
We journeyed two and two in different routes visiting the
churches and instructing the people as we travelled. President
Joseph Smith and myself journeyed together. We had a pleasant and
prosperous mission among the churches, and some very interesting
times in preaching to the public. We visited Freedom, Catteraugus
County, N. Y.; tarried over Sunday, and preached several
discourses, to which rite people listened with great interest; we
were kindly and hospitably entertained among them. We baptized a
young man named Heman Hyde; his parents were Presbyterians, and his
mother, on account of the strength of her traditions, thought that
we were wrong, and told me afterwards that she would much rather
have followed him to an earthly grave than to have seen him
baptized.
Soon afterwards, however, herself, her husband, and the rest of
the family, with some thirty or forty others, were all baptized and
organized into a branch of the Church--called the Freedom branch
--from which nucleus the light spread and souls were gathered into
the fold in all the regions round. Thus mightily grew the word of
God, or the seed sown by that extraordinary personage, the Prophet
and Seer of the nineteenth century.
As we journeyed day after day, and generally lodged together, we
had much sweet communion concerning the things of God and the
mysteries of His kingdom, and I received many admonitions and
instructions which I shall never forget.
Arriving in Geneseo, we met with the other Elders who had
started from Kirtland on the same mission, and with others who were
local, and held a general Conference. Among those whose hospitality
we shared in that vicinity was old father Beeman and his amiable
and interesting family. He was a good singer and so were his three
daughters; we were much edified and comforted in their society, and
were deeply interested in hearing the old gentleman and brother
Joseph converse on their early acquaintance and history. He had
been
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