Chapter 21

Chapter 21Choosing of the Twelve and Seventy—Dedication of the Kirtland Temple1834–1836Charges Against the ProphetAs already stated, there was some dissension in Zion’s Camp on the way to Missouri. One of the chief offenders on that trip was Sylvester Smith, and when he returned to Kirtland he repeated many of his grievances against the Prophet Joseph Smith. This resulted in a trial before the Bishop, Newel K. Whitney, and the high priests, and after a full investigation, the Prophet was vindicated and Sylvester Smith after much persuasion made confession of his wrongdoing, and repented of his sin.The Law of TithingUp to this time the Saints had donated of their means according to their disposition for the support of the Church. In Zion and Kirtland the law of consecration had been given; but it had not been generally practiced, and since the driving of the Saints from their homes, they were compelled to seek a living individually after the manner of the world. In the fall of 1834, Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery set an example for the Church by covenanting with the Lord that they would give one-tenth of all he should give them, to be bestowed upon the poor, as Jacob had covenanted centuries before. This was nearly four years before this law of tithing was given to the Church (Doc. and Cov. Sec. 119).Oliver Cowdery Assistant PresidentDecember 5, 1834, Oliver Cowdery was ordained by Joseph Smith by the command of the Lord, an Assistant President of the High Priesthood, to hold the keys of presidency with Joseph Smith in this ministry. This was in harmony with the ordinations he received under the hands of John the Baptist and other holy messengers in 1829.1Temporary PeaceNotwithstanding the Saints in Missouri were not permitted to return to their possessions, the spirit of opposition began to subside for a season, and the elders commenced going forth two by two, preaching the Gospel throughout the land, and many were added to the Church daily. The year 1834 came to a close with the Saints laboring diligently to build the house of the Lord in Kirtland, and in preparing for the School of the Elders which was to be held during the winter months. In January, 1835, the School of the Elders commenced. Lectures on theology were given and the study of the scriptures and other subjects were considered for the benefit of the members of the Church, in keeping with the revelations of the Lord.Twelve Apostles ChosenOn the 14th of February, 1835, Brigham Young and his brother Joseph came to the house of President Joseph Smith and sang for him. While they were visiting with the Prophet on this occasion he told them that he desired to call together all those who were members of Zion’s Camp, for he had a blessing for them. At this meeting he conversed with these two brethren on the scenes of their memorable journey and said: “Brethren, I have seen those men who died of the cholera in our camp; and the Lord knows, if I get a mansion as bright as theirs, I ask no more.” At this he wept and could not speak for some time. He then said the Lord had called Brigham Young to be one of the twelve special witnesses, and Joseph Young to be a president of the seventies.A meeting was called for the 14th of February, and on that day all the members of Zion’s Camp that could be called together assembled to receive such blessings as the Lord had promised them. President Joseph Smith then stated that the object of the meeting was to choose men for important positions in the ministry to go forth and prune the vineyard for the last time. He had been commanded by the Lord to prepare for the calling of Twelve Apostles, in fulfilment of the revelation given before the organization of the Church (Doc. and Cov. Sec. 18). These twelve men were to be chosen from among those who went up in Zion’s Camp, and the three special witnesses to the Book of Mormon were to select and ordain them. After the usual opening exercises and appropriate instructions a recess was taken for one hour. When the meeting was later called to order the three witnesses were blessed by the laying on of hands by the presidency; they then united in prayer and proceeded to make choice of the Twelve Apostles. Their names in the order in which they were chosen are as follows:2Lyman E. JohnsonBrigham YoungHeber C. KimballOrson HydeDavid W. PattenLuke S. JohnsonWilliam E. McLellinJohn F. BoyntonOrson PrattWilliam SmithThomas B. MarshParley P. PrattThe witnesses then proceeded to ordain these brethren, and the first three were ordained at that meeting. The following day all the others except Parley P. Pratt, who was absent, Thomas B. Marsh and Orson Pratt, who were on a mission, were ordained. Parley P. Pratt was ordained February 21; Thomas B. Marsh on April 25 and Orson Pratt the following day.A charge was given to these brethren by President Oliver Cowdery, and items of valuable instruction were imparted by President Joseph Smith. In this way another important step in the development of the Priesthood and the organization of the Church was accomplished.The SeventyOn the 28th of February, 1835, another meeting was called and selection was made from those who went to Missouri in Zion’s Camp to create the first quorum of seventy. Hazen Aldrich, Joseph Young, Levi W. Hancock, Leonard Rich, Zebedee Coltrin, Lyman Sherman and Sylvester Smith were called to the office of presidents of this quorum of seventy. These brethren and those appointed to form the quorum3were ordained under the hands of the First Presidency. This was another step toward the completion of the ministry and perfect development of the latter day work. Each step came in its turn, and in like manner the doctrines of the kingdom were unfolded, here a little and there a little, until the perfect organization was established on the earth.Blessings of Those Who Built the TempleAnother conference was called March 7, for the purpose of blessing those who had assisted, by labor or other means, in the building of the Kirtland Temple, which was nearing completion. This conference continued during the 8th, and all those who were available were blessed with special blessings who had assisted in this necessary work preparatory to the receiving of the promised endowment.The Great Revelation on PriesthoodThe Twelve Apostles met in council, March 12, 1835, and were appointed by the presidency to a mission through the Eastern States, visiting the branches and regulating the affairs of the Church therein. March 28, as they were about ready to depart, they sought the Prophet for a blessing by revelation from the Lord. “We have unitedly asked God our heavenly Father to grant unto us,” they said, “through his seer a revelation of his mind and will concerning our duty the coming season, even a great revelation, that will enlarge our hearts, comfort us in adversity, and brighten our hopes amidst the powers of darkness.” They were not disappointed, for the Lord gave unto them a great revelation on Priesthood (Doc. and Cov. Sec. 107) in which the various offices, and the powers pertaining thereto, were fully defined. It was explained that there are two Priesthoods in the Church, “namely, the Melchizedek and the Aaronic, including the Levitical Priesthood. Why the first is called the Melchizedek Priesthood, is because Melchizedek was such a great High Priest. Before his day it was calledThe Holy Priesthood after the Order of the Son of God;but out of respect or reverence to the name of the Supreme Being, to avoid the too frequent repetition of his name, they, the Church in ancient days, called that Priesthood after Melchizedek, or the Melchizedek Priesthood. All other authorities or offices in the Church are appendages to this Priesthood.”4Immediately following the giving of this revelation which sets forth the duties of the twelve, the apostles started on their first missionary journey as they had been appointed.The Book of AbrahamOn the 3rd of July, 1835, Michael H. Chandler, came to Kirtland exhibiting four mummies and some rolls of papyrus covered with hieroglyphic figures. Mr. Chandler had been directed to the Prophet Joseph Smith as one who could translate the characters for him. At his request Joseph Smith gave a translation of a few of them which Mr. Chandler stated agreed with the decipherings of learned men who had examined them. He gave the Prophet a certificate to this effect. Shortly after this interview some of the Saints in Kirtland purchased the mummies and the manuscripts, and, with Oliver Cowdery and Wm. W. Phelps as scribes, the Prophet commenced to translate these records. To their great joy they discovered that one of these rolls contained writings of Abraham, or instructions given to him in Egypt from the Lord. The other contained writings of Joseph, son of Jacob. During the summer the Prophet prepared for the complete translation of the Book of Abraham, as it is called, which now appears in the Pearl of Great Price,5one of the accepted standard works of the Church.The Doctrine and CovenantsA general assembly of the Church was held in Kirtland, August 17, 1835, to consider the labors, of a committee appointed by a general assembly of the Church, September 24, 1834, for the purpose of arranging the items of doctrine and the revelations for publication. This committee was composed of the following: Joseph Smith, Oliver Cowdery, Sidney Rigdon and Frederick G. Williams. The committee having finished their work they called a general assembly on the above date to consider their labors. It should be understood that the printing of the revelations according to the action of the conference of the Church, on a previous date in 1831, had miscarried, due to the destruction of the printing press in Independence in July, 1833, and the destruction of most of the forms which had been issued up to that time. At this general assembly Oliver Cowdery and Sidney Rigdon, of the presidency, were in charge; the Prophet and Frederick G. Williams were at the time on a visit in Michigan. All the quorums of the Priesthood were arranged in order; Thomas Burdick, Warren Parrish and Sylvester Smith were appointed clerks. The usual procedure at conferences of the Church was followed, and the morning session was devoted to ordinations and the transaction of other important business. In the afternoon Oliver Cowdery introduced the “Book of Doctrine and Covenants of the Church” in behalf of the committee. Sidney Rigdon followed with instructions pertaining to the manner of voting, by which they intended to obtain the voice of the assembly for or against the book. Each of the councils and quorums of the Priesthood then by separate vote acknowledged the revelations which had been selected for a place in the book, as from the Lord, and the doctrine and covenants of their faith. A written acknowledgment from the Twelve Apostles, which had evidently been prepared before their departure for their mission, was read. It is as follows:Testimony of the Twelve Apostles to the Truth of the Book of Doctrine and Covenants“The testimony of the Witnesses to the Book of the Lord’s Commandments, which commandments he gave to his Church through Joseph Smith, Jr., who was appointed, by the voice of the Church, for this purpose.“We therefore feel willing to bear testimony to all the world of mankind, to every creature upon the face of all the earth, that the Lord has borne record to our souls through the Holy Ghost shed forth upon us, that these commandments were given by inspiration of God, and are profitable for all men, and are verily true. We give this testimony unto the world, the Lord being our helper; and it is through the grace of God the Father, and His Son Jesus Christ, that we are permitted to have this privilege of bearing this testimony unto the world, in the which we rejoice exceedingly, praying the Lord always that the children of men may be profited thereby.Thomas B. Marsh,David W. Patten,Brigham Young,Heber C. Kimball,Orson Hyde,William E. McLellin,Parley P. Pratt,Luke S. Johnson,William Smith,Orson Pratt,John F. Boynton,Lyman E. Johnson.”To the revelations were added by vote of this assembly, the Lectures on Faith, which had been given in the School of the Elders (Prophets) earlier in the year, and an article on Government and Laws in General; also one on Marriage. These lectures and the two articles mentioned were not received, however, as doctrine and binding on the Church, as were the revelations. The minutes of this gathering were signed by Oliver Cowdery and Sidney Rigdon as Presidents, and by the three clerks. They were published in the book when printed, with a preface signed by the presidency, with date of February 17, 1835.Close of the Year 1835The close of the year 1835 found the Prophet busy working on the Book of Abraham, which, among other great truths, revealed principles pertaining to astronomy as taught to Abraham. Many council meetings were held, and the twelve were instructed that they were to take their families and move to Missouri the following summer with the presidency, after the endowment in the temple was received. The School of the Elders was continued, and the study of grammar and Hebrew, under a competent instructor, became an important part of their work. The elders were preparing for the solemn assembly which was soon to convene in the Kirtland Temple, now nearly completed. Peace and tranquility prevailed, which permitted the Prophet and the Saints to accomplish many things essential to the welfare of the Church. The one thing that marred the peace which was granted for a season was the rebellious spirit manifested by William Smith against the Prophet, which nearly cost William his standing in the Church. Charges were made against him before the high council, but on his show of repentance he was forgiven. Christian Whitmer, one of the eight witnesses to the Book of Mormon, died in Clay County, Missouri, November 27, 1835, firm in the faith. He was one of the members of the high council in Missouri.Anointing and Blessings in the TempleMuch time was spent in January and February, 1836, in council meetings and the filling of vacancies in the various organizations of the Priesthood. Professor Seixas, a thorough Hebrew scholar, was employed to teach the Hebrew language, in the stead of Dr. Piexotto, who had failed to live up to his contract. Thursday, January 21, the first of a number of meetings in the temple was held. These gatherings continued through several days, in which the faithful elders of the Church received blessings by the laying on of hands and anointing with oil.At this first meeting the presidency met, and Father Joseph Smith, the patriarch, was anointed and blessed. He then anointed and blessed each of the brethren of the presidency, beginning with the oldest, pronouncing such blessings upon them as the Spirit of the Lord revealed, and many prophecies were uttered by each of them.A VisionWhile thus engaged the heavens were opened and the Prophet received the following vision:“I beheld the celestial kingdom of God, and the glory thereof, whether in the body or out I cannot tell. I saw the transcendent beauty of the gate through which the heirs of that kingdom will enter, which was like unto circling flames of fire; also the blazing throne of God, whereon was seated the Father and the Son. I saw the beautiful streets of that kingdom, which had the appearance of being paved with gold. I saw Fathers Adam and Abraham, and my father and mother, my brother, Alvin, that has long since slept, and marveled how it was that he had obtained an inheritance in the kingdom, seeing that he had departed this life before the Lord had set his hand to gather Israel the second time and had not been baptized for the remission of sins.“Thus came the voice of the Lord to me, saying—“‘All who have died without a knowledge of this Gospel, who would have received it if they had been permitted to tarry, shall be heirs of the celestial kingdom of God; also all that shall die henceforth without a knowledge of it, who would have received it with all their hearts, shall be heirs of that kingdom; for I, the Lord, will judge all men according to their works; according to the desire of their hearts.’“And I also beheld that all children who die before they arrive at the years of accountability are saved in the celestial kingdom of heaven.”Many other wonderful manifestations they beheld, and angels ministered to them; the power of the Lord rested upon them and the house was filled with the glory of God. The Prophet’s scribe, Warren Parrish, saw the armies of heaven, and visions of the redemption of Zion.At this and succeeding meetings the various councils and presiding officers in the several quorums, each in turn, received blessings by the anointing of oil and laying on of hands, such as the patriarch and presidency had received, and the visions of heaven were opened to their view with wonderful manifestations of the glory and power of God, and they shouted, “Hosanna to God and the Lamb.”The Solemn AssemblyIn the city of Kirtland on Sunday, March 27, 1836, the members of the Church realized their hopes, long anticipated, when they gathered in the temple in solemn assembly. As early as 1832, the Lord had given commandment for the building of a house to his name, for such a place was not to be found on the earth; nor had there been for many centuries. The ground was broken for this building, June 5, 1833; the corner stones were laid on the 23rd of the following month—the same day the Saints in Jackson County were forced by mob violence from their homes. Now the house was finished; a monument to the faith and industry of the little band of Latterly Saints who had constructed it in their poverty, amidst the threatened violence of enemies. It is a building of no mean proportions; built of stone; eighty feet in length, sixty in width, fifty feet to the square, with a tower one hundred ten feet from the ground. The 27th of March, 1836, was a solemn and momentous occasion. Long before the appointed hour the building was thronged with eager and interested people, many were turned away for lack of room. At nine o’clock the session was called to order by President Sidney Rigdon, who, in the midst of breathless silence, read the 96th and the 24th psalms. The choir then sang: “Ere long the veil will rend in twain”—which declaration was to be fulfilled earlier than the congregation realized. After prayer and another song appropriate remarks were made, and then the various officers of the Church were sustained by separate vote, which procedure was interspersed with singing.The Prayer of DedicationThe prayer of dedication which had been given by revelation (Doc. and Cov. Sec. 109) was offered and the house was presented to the Lord.6Following the prayer, the congregation sang the hymn Hosanna7which had been written for this occasion, and then shouted “Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna, to God and the Lamb,” sealing it with “Amen, Amen, and Amen.” Angels were present and the Holy Spirit, like the sound of a mighty rushing wind, filled the house and rested upon the assembly. The people of the neighborhood came running together hearing a strange sound and seeing a bright light resting on the temple. The house had been accepted by the Lord.Endowments GivenAs soon as the Temple was dedicated, ordinance work for the elders was commenced. The ordinance of washing of feet—which the Prophet said was never intended but for the official members of the Church8—was attended to in behalf of the leading quorums, and other ordinances were performed. The Savior appeared to several of the brethren and angels ministered to others in these meetings. It was indeed a time of Pentecost to the Saints.The Coming of Moses, Elias and ElijahAfter the administering of the Sacrament in the temple at the meeting held Sunday, April 3, 1836, Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery retired to the pulpit, the veils9being dropped, and there bowed in silent prayer. After rising from their knees the Savior appeared to them standing on the breast-work of the pulpit and blessed them, accepting the building in his name. After this vision closed, the heavens were again opened, and Moses appeared committing to them the keys of the gathering of Israel; Elias, who lived in the days of Abraham, then appeared, and committed to them the keys of the dispensation of the Gospel of Abraham. Then another glorious vision burst upon them and Elijah appeared and committed to them the keys, in fulfilment of the prediction of Malachi, of the turning of the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to the fathers, which was to be done before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.10The Elders Prepared to TeachIn the revelation given on Fishing River (Doc. and Cov. Sec. 105) the Lord had said the elders must be endowed with power from on high before they would be fully prepared to go forth to build up the Church and “prune” his vineyard. This endowment having now been received, and the various keys of different dispensations having now been restored, the elders were prepared for their ministry among the nations of the earth. Following these blessings they began to go forth spreading abroad in all parts of the land, preaching the word in power as they had never experienced it before, and many received their testimony and were numbered among the people of the Lord.Notes1.The record which gives an account of this ordination has this to say: “The office of Assistant President is to assist in presiding over the whole Church, and to officiate in the absence of the President, according to his rank and appointment, viz.; President Cowdery, first; President Rigdon, second, and President Williams, third, as they were severally called. The office of this Priesthood is also to act as spokesman, taking Aaron for an example. The virtue of the above Priesthood is to hold, the keys of the kingdom of heaven or the Church militant” (MS. History of the ChurchBook A, Chapter 1).The account of Oliver’s ordination is given in the same record as follows: “After addressing the throne of mercy, President Smith laid hands upon High Counselor Cowdery, and ordained him to the Presidency of the High Priesthood in the Church, saying: ‘Brother, in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, who was crucified for the sins of the world, that we through the virtue of his blood might come to the Father, I lay my hands upon thy head, and ordain thee a President of the High and Holy Priesthood, to assist in presiding over the Church, and bearing the keys of this kingdom—which Priesthood is after the order of Melchizedek —which is after the order of the Son of God.’”2.Later they were arranged in order of precedence according to age as follows:Thomas B. MarshDavid W. PattenBrigham YoungHeber C. KimballOrson HydeWilliam E. McLellinParley P. PrattLuke S. JohnsonWilliam SmithOrson PrattJohn F. BoyntonLyman E. Johnson3.For the names of those who formed this quorum of seventy see theDocumentary History of the Church, vol. 2:203; and for the names of the members of Zion’s Camp see the same volume, pages 183 –5.4.This important revelation should receive careful study for few revelations have been given containing greater instruction for the Church.5.This Book of Abraham, like the Book of Moses, which also appears in the Pearl of Great Price, is another addition to our collection of lost scripture which the Lord, through his wisdom, has restored. These records contain many important revelations, and should be carefully read. The history of the discovery of these rolls of papyrus, and the guiding hand of the Lord which placed them in the hands of Joseph Smith is set forth in theDocumentary History of the Church, vol. 2:348 –51. See alsoMessenger and Advocate, Dec. 1835.6.These ceremonies were repeated for the benefit of those who could not gain admittance at the first session.7.“The Spirit of God like a fire is burning.”8.Documentary History of the Church, vol. 2:309.9.There were four veils in the temple arranged crosswise, so that they could be lowered and divide the assembly room into four parts.10.See Doc. and Cov. Sec. 110, for an account of these visions.

Choosing of the Twelve and Seventy—Dedication of the Kirtland Temple

1834–1836

As already stated, there was some dissension in Zion’s Camp on the way to Missouri. One of the chief offenders on that trip was Sylvester Smith, and when he returned to Kirtland he repeated many of his grievances against the Prophet Joseph Smith. This resulted in a trial before the Bishop, Newel K. Whitney, and the high priests, and after a full investigation, the Prophet was vindicated and Sylvester Smith after much persuasion made confession of his wrongdoing, and repented of his sin.

Up to this time the Saints had donated of their means according to their disposition for the support of the Church. In Zion and Kirtland the law of consecration had been given; but it had not been generally practiced, and since the driving of the Saints from their homes, they were compelled to seek a living individually after the manner of the world. In the fall of 1834, Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery set an example for the Church by covenanting with the Lord that they would give one-tenth of all he should give them, to be bestowed upon the poor, as Jacob had covenanted centuries before. This was nearly four years before this law of tithing was given to the Church (Doc. and Cov. Sec. 119).

December 5, 1834, Oliver Cowdery was ordained by Joseph Smith by the command of the Lord, an Assistant President of the High Priesthood, to hold the keys of presidency with Joseph Smith in this ministry. This was in harmony with the ordinations he received under the hands of John the Baptist and other holy messengers in 1829.1

Notwithstanding the Saints in Missouri were not permitted to return to their possessions, the spirit of opposition began to subside for a season, and the elders commenced going forth two by two, preaching the Gospel throughout the land, and many were added to the Church daily. The year 1834 came to a close with the Saints laboring diligently to build the house of the Lord in Kirtland, and in preparing for the School of the Elders which was to be held during the winter months. In January, 1835, the School of the Elders commenced. Lectures on theology were given and the study of the scriptures and other subjects were considered for the benefit of the members of the Church, in keeping with the revelations of the Lord.

On the 14th of February, 1835, Brigham Young and his brother Joseph came to the house of President Joseph Smith and sang for him. While they were visiting with the Prophet on this occasion he told them that he desired to call together all those who were members of Zion’s Camp, for he had a blessing for them. At this meeting he conversed with these two brethren on the scenes of their memorable journey and said: “Brethren, I have seen those men who died of the cholera in our camp; and the Lord knows, if I get a mansion as bright as theirs, I ask no more.” At this he wept and could not speak for some time. He then said the Lord had called Brigham Young to be one of the twelve special witnesses, and Joseph Young to be a president of the seventies.

A meeting was called for the 14th of February, and on that day all the members of Zion’s Camp that could be called together assembled to receive such blessings as the Lord had promised them. President Joseph Smith then stated that the object of the meeting was to choose men for important positions in the ministry to go forth and prune the vineyard for the last time. He had been commanded by the Lord to prepare for the calling of Twelve Apostles, in fulfilment of the revelation given before the organization of the Church (Doc. and Cov. Sec. 18). These twelve men were to be chosen from among those who went up in Zion’s Camp, and the three special witnesses to the Book of Mormon were to select and ordain them. After the usual opening exercises and appropriate instructions a recess was taken for one hour. When the meeting was later called to order the three witnesses were blessed by the laying on of hands by the presidency; they then united in prayer and proceeded to make choice of the Twelve Apostles. Their names in the order in which they were chosen are as follows:2

The witnesses then proceeded to ordain these brethren, and the first three were ordained at that meeting. The following day all the others except Parley P. Pratt, who was absent, Thomas B. Marsh and Orson Pratt, who were on a mission, were ordained. Parley P. Pratt was ordained February 21; Thomas B. Marsh on April 25 and Orson Pratt the following day.

A charge was given to these brethren by President Oliver Cowdery, and items of valuable instruction were imparted by President Joseph Smith. In this way another important step in the development of the Priesthood and the organization of the Church was accomplished.

On the 28th of February, 1835, another meeting was called and selection was made from those who went to Missouri in Zion’s Camp to create the first quorum of seventy. Hazen Aldrich, Joseph Young, Levi W. Hancock, Leonard Rich, Zebedee Coltrin, Lyman Sherman and Sylvester Smith were called to the office of presidents of this quorum of seventy. These brethren and those appointed to form the quorum3were ordained under the hands of the First Presidency. This was another step toward the completion of the ministry and perfect development of the latter day work. Each step came in its turn, and in like manner the doctrines of the kingdom were unfolded, here a little and there a little, until the perfect organization was established on the earth.

Another conference was called March 7, for the purpose of blessing those who had assisted, by labor or other means, in the building of the Kirtland Temple, which was nearing completion. This conference continued during the 8th, and all those who were available were blessed with special blessings who had assisted in this necessary work preparatory to the receiving of the promised endowment.

The Twelve Apostles met in council, March 12, 1835, and were appointed by the presidency to a mission through the Eastern States, visiting the branches and regulating the affairs of the Church therein. March 28, as they were about ready to depart, they sought the Prophet for a blessing by revelation from the Lord. “We have unitedly asked God our heavenly Father to grant unto us,” they said, “through his seer a revelation of his mind and will concerning our duty the coming season, even a great revelation, that will enlarge our hearts, comfort us in adversity, and brighten our hopes amidst the powers of darkness.” They were not disappointed, for the Lord gave unto them a great revelation on Priesthood (Doc. and Cov. Sec. 107) in which the various offices, and the powers pertaining thereto, were fully defined. It was explained that there are two Priesthoods in the Church, “namely, the Melchizedek and the Aaronic, including the Levitical Priesthood. Why the first is called the Melchizedek Priesthood, is because Melchizedek was such a great High Priest. Before his day it was calledThe Holy Priesthood after the Order of the Son of God;but out of respect or reverence to the name of the Supreme Being, to avoid the too frequent repetition of his name, they, the Church in ancient days, called that Priesthood after Melchizedek, or the Melchizedek Priesthood. All other authorities or offices in the Church are appendages to this Priesthood.”4Immediately following the giving of this revelation which sets forth the duties of the twelve, the apostles started on their first missionary journey as they had been appointed.

On the 3rd of July, 1835, Michael H. Chandler, came to Kirtland exhibiting four mummies and some rolls of papyrus covered with hieroglyphic figures. Mr. Chandler had been directed to the Prophet Joseph Smith as one who could translate the characters for him. At his request Joseph Smith gave a translation of a few of them which Mr. Chandler stated agreed with the decipherings of learned men who had examined them. He gave the Prophet a certificate to this effect. Shortly after this interview some of the Saints in Kirtland purchased the mummies and the manuscripts, and, with Oliver Cowdery and Wm. W. Phelps as scribes, the Prophet commenced to translate these records. To their great joy they discovered that one of these rolls contained writings of Abraham, or instructions given to him in Egypt from the Lord. The other contained writings of Joseph, son of Jacob. During the summer the Prophet prepared for the complete translation of the Book of Abraham, as it is called, which now appears in the Pearl of Great Price,5one of the accepted standard works of the Church.

A general assembly of the Church was held in Kirtland, August 17, 1835, to consider the labors, of a committee appointed by a general assembly of the Church, September 24, 1834, for the purpose of arranging the items of doctrine and the revelations for publication. This committee was composed of the following: Joseph Smith, Oliver Cowdery, Sidney Rigdon and Frederick G. Williams. The committee having finished their work they called a general assembly on the above date to consider their labors. It should be understood that the printing of the revelations according to the action of the conference of the Church, on a previous date in 1831, had miscarried, due to the destruction of the printing press in Independence in July, 1833, and the destruction of most of the forms which had been issued up to that time. At this general assembly Oliver Cowdery and Sidney Rigdon, of the presidency, were in charge; the Prophet and Frederick G. Williams were at the time on a visit in Michigan. All the quorums of the Priesthood were arranged in order; Thomas Burdick, Warren Parrish and Sylvester Smith were appointed clerks. The usual procedure at conferences of the Church was followed, and the morning session was devoted to ordinations and the transaction of other important business. In the afternoon Oliver Cowdery introduced the “Book of Doctrine and Covenants of the Church” in behalf of the committee. Sidney Rigdon followed with instructions pertaining to the manner of voting, by which they intended to obtain the voice of the assembly for or against the book. Each of the councils and quorums of the Priesthood then by separate vote acknowledged the revelations which had been selected for a place in the book, as from the Lord, and the doctrine and covenants of their faith. A written acknowledgment from the Twelve Apostles, which had evidently been prepared before their departure for their mission, was read. It is as follows:

“The testimony of the Witnesses to the Book of the Lord’s Commandments, which commandments he gave to his Church through Joseph Smith, Jr., who was appointed, by the voice of the Church, for this purpose.“We therefore feel willing to bear testimony to all the world of mankind, to every creature upon the face of all the earth, that the Lord has borne record to our souls through the Holy Ghost shed forth upon us, that these commandments were given by inspiration of God, and are profitable for all men, and are verily true. We give this testimony unto the world, the Lord being our helper; and it is through the grace of God the Father, and His Son Jesus Christ, that we are permitted to have this privilege of bearing this testimony unto the world, in the which we rejoice exceedingly, praying the Lord always that the children of men may be profited thereby.Thomas B. Marsh,David W. Patten,Brigham Young,Heber C. Kimball,Orson Hyde,William E. McLellin,Parley P. Pratt,Luke S. Johnson,William Smith,Orson Pratt,John F. Boynton,Lyman E. Johnson.”

“The testimony of the Witnesses to the Book of the Lord’s Commandments, which commandments he gave to his Church through Joseph Smith, Jr., who was appointed, by the voice of the Church, for this purpose.

“We therefore feel willing to bear testimony to all the world of mankind, to every creature upon the face of all the earth, that the Lord has borne record to our souls through the Holy Ghost shed forth upon us, that these commandments were given by inspiration of God, and are profitable for all men, and are verily true. We give this testimony unto the world, the Lord being our helper; and it is through the grace of God the Father, and His Son Jesus Christ, that we are permitted to have this privilege of bearing this testimony unto the world, in the which we rejoice exceedingly, praying the Lord always that the children of men may be profited thereby.

Thomas B. Marsh,David W. Patten,Brigham Young,Heber C. Kimball,Orson Hyde,William E. McLellin,Parley P. Pratt,Luke S. Johnson,William Smith,Orson Pratt,John F. Boynton,Lyman E. Johnson.”

To the revelations were added by vote of this assembly, the Lectures on Faith, which had been given in the School of the Elders (Prophets) earlier in the year, and an article on Government and Laws in General; also one on Marriage. These lectures and the two articles mentioned were not received, however, as doctrine and binding on the Church, as were the revelations. The minutes of this gathering were signed by Oliver Cowdery and Sidney Rigdon as Presidents, and by the three clerks. They were published in the book when printed, with a preface signed by the presidency, with date of February 17, 1835.

The close of the year 1835 found the Prophet busy working on the Book of Abraham, which, among other great truths, revealed principles pertaining to astronomy as taught to Abraham. Many council meetings were held, and the twelve were instructed that they were to take their families and move to Missouri the following summer with the presidency, after the endowment in the temple was received. The School of the Elders was continued, and the study of grammar and Hebrew, under a competent instructor, became an important part of their work. The elders were preparing for the solemn assembly which was soon to convene in the Kirtland Temple, now nearly completed. Peace and tranquility prevailed, which permitted the Prophet and the Saints to accomplish many things essential to the welfare of the Church. The one thing that marred the peace which was granted for a season was the rebellious spirit manifested by William Smith against the Prophet, which nearly cost William his standing in the Church. Charges were made against him before the high council, but on his show of repentance he was forgiven. Christian Whitmer, one of the eight witnesses to the Book of Mormon, died in Clay County, Missouri, November 27, 1835, firm in the faith. He was one of the members of the high council in Missouri.

Much time was spent in January and February, 1836, in council meetings and the filling of vacancies in the various organizations of the Priesthood. Professor Seixas, a thorough Hebrew scholar, was employed to teach the Hebrew language, in the stead of Dr. Piexotto, who had failed to live up to his contract. Thursday, January 21, the first of a number of meetings in the temple was held. These gatherings continued through several days, in which the faithful elders of the Church received blessings by the laying on of hands and anointing with oil.

At this first meeting the presidency met, and Father Joseph Smith, the patriarch, was anointed and blessed. He then anointed and blessed each of the brethren of the presidency, beginning with the oldest, pronouncing such blessings upon them as the Spirit of the Lord revealed, and many prophecies were uttered by each of them.

While thus engaged the heavens were opened and the Prophet received the following vision:

“I beheld the celestial kingdom of God, and the glory thereof, whether in the body or out I cannot tell. I saw the transcendent beauty of the gate through which the heirs of that kingdom will enter, which was like unto circling flames of fire; also the blazing throne of God, whereon was seated the Father and the Son. I saw the beautiful streets of that kingdom, which had the appearance of being paved with gold. I saw Fathers Adam and Abraham, and my father and mother, my brother, Alvin, that has long since slept, and marveled how it was that he had obtained an inheritance in the kingdom, seeing that he had departed this life before the Lord had set his hand to gather Israel the second time and had not been baptized for the remission of sins.“Thus came the voice of the Lord to me, saying—“‘All who have died without a knowledge of this Gospel, who would have received it if they had been permitted to tarry, shall be heirs of the celestial kingdom of God; also all that shall die henceforth without a knowledge of it, who would have received it with all their hearts, shall be heirs of that kingdom; for I, the Lord, will judge all men according to their works; according to the desire of their hearts.’“And I also beheld that all children who die before they arrive at the years of accountability are saved in the celestial kingdom of heaven.”

“I beheld the celestial kingdom of God, and the glory thereof, whether in the body or out I cannot tell. I saw the transcendent beauty of the gate through which the heirs of that kingdom will enter, which was like unto circling flames of fire; also the blazing throne of God, whereon was seated the Father and the Son. I saw the beautiful streets of that kingdom, which had the appearance of being paved with gold. I saw Fathers Adam and Abraham, and my father and mother, my brother, Alvin, that has long since slept, and marveled how it was that he had obtained an inheritance in the kingdom, seeing that he had departed this life before the Lord had set his hand to gather Israel the second time and had not been baptized for the remission of sins.

“Thus came the voice of the Lord to me, saying—

“‘All who have died without a knowledge of this Gospel, who would have received it if they had been permitted to tarry, shall be heirs of the celestial kingdom of God; also all that shall die henceforth without a knowledge of it, who would have received it with all their hearts, shall be heirs of that kingdom; for I, the Lord, will judge all men according to their works; according to the desire of their hearts.’

“And I also beheld that all children who die before they arrive at the years of accountability are saved in the celestial kingdom of heaven.”

Many other wonderful manifestations they beheld, and angels ministered to them; the power of the Lord rested upon them and the house was filled with the glory of God. The Prophet’s scribe, Warren Parrish, saw the armies of heaven, and visions of the redemption of Zion.

At this and succeeding meetings the various councils and presiding officers in the several quorums, each in turn, received blessings by the anointing of oil and laying on of hands, such as the patriarch and presidency had received, and the visions of heaven were opened to their view with wonderful manifestations of the glory and power of God, and they shouted, “Hosanna to God and the Lamb.”

In the city of Kirtland on Sunday, March 27, 1836, the members of the Church realized their hopes, long anticipated, when they gathered in the temple in solemn assembly. As early as 1832, the Lord had given commandment for the building of a house to his name, for such a place was not to be found on the earth; nor had there been for many centuries. The ground was broken for this building, June 5, 1833; the corner stones were laid on the 23rd of the following month—the same day the Saints in Jackson County were forced by mob violence from their homes. Now the house was finished; a monument to the faith and industry of the little band of Latterly Saints who had constructed it in their poverty, amidst the threatened violence of enemies. It is a building of no mean proportions; built of stone; eighty feet in length, sixty in width, fifty feet to the square, with a tower one hundred ten feet from the ground. The 27th of March, 1836, was a solemn and momentous occasion. Long before the appointed hour the building was thronged with eager and interested people, many were turned away for lack of room. At nine o’clock the session was called to order by President Sidney Rigdon, who, in the midst of breathless silence, read the 96th and the 24th psalms. The choir then sang: “Ere long the veil will rend in twain”—which declaration was to be fulfilled earlier than the congregation realized. After prayer and another song appropriate remarks were made, and then the various officers of the Church were sustained by separate vote, which procedure was interspersed with singing.

The prayer of dedication which had been given by revelation (Doc. and Cov. Sec. 109) was offered and the house was presented to the Lord.6Following the prayer, the congregation sang the hymn Hosanna7which had been written for this occasion, and then shouted “Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna, to God and the Lamb,” sealing it with “Amen, Amen, and Amen.” Angels were present and the Holy Spirit, like the sound of a mighty rushing wind, filled the house and rested upon the assembly. The people of the neighborhood came running together hearing a strange sound and seeing a bright light resting on the temple. The house had been accepted by the Lord.

As soon as the Temple was dedicated, ordinance work for the elders was commenced. The ordinance of washing of feet—which the Prophet said was never intended but for the official members of the Church8—was attended to in behalf of the leading quorums, and other ordinances were performed. The Savior appeared to several of the brethren and angels ministered to others in these meetings. It was indeed a time of Pentecost to the Saints.

After the administering of the Sacrament in the temple at the meeting held Sunday, April 3, 1836, Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery retired to the pulpit, the veils9being dropped, and there bowed in silent prayer. After rising from their knees the Savior appeared to them standing on the breast-work of the pulpit and blessed them, accepting the building in his name. After this vision closed, the heavens were again opened, and Moses appeared committing to them the keys of the gathering of Israel; Elias, who lived in the days of Abraham, then appeared, and committed to them the keys of the dispensation of the Gospel of Abraham. Then another glorious vision burst upon them and Elijah appeared and committed to them the keys, in fulfilment of the prediction of Malachi, of the turning of the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to the fathers, which was to be done before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.10

In the revelation given on Fishing River (Doc. and Cov. Sec. 105) the Lord had said the elders must be endowed with power from on high before they would be fully prepared to go forth to build up the Church and “prune” his vineyard. This endowment having now been received, and the various keys of different dispensations having now been restored, the elders were prepared for their ministry among the nations of the earth. Following these blessings they began to go forth spreading abroad in all parts of the land, preaching the word in power as they had never experienced it before, and many received their testimony and were numbered among the people of the Lord.

1.The record which gives an account of this ordination has this to say: “The office of Assistant President is to assist in presiding over the whole Church, and to officiate in the absence of the President, according to his rank and appointment, viz.; President Cowdery, first; President Rigdon, second, and President Williams, third, as they were severally called. The office of this Priesthood is also to act as spokesman, taking Aaron for an example. The virtue of the above Priesthood is to hold, the keys of the kingdom of heaven or the Church militant” (MS. History of the ChurchBook A, Chapter 1).The account of Oliver’s ordination is given in the same record as follows: “After addressing the throne of mercy, President Smith laid hands upon High Counselor Cowdery, and ordained him to the Presidency of the High Priesthood in the Church, saying: ‘Brother, in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, who was crucified for the sins of the world, that we through the virtue of his blood might come to the Father, I lay my hands upon thy head, and ordain thee a President of the High and Holy Priesthood, to assist in presiding over the Church, and bearing the keys of this kingdom—which Priesthood is after the order of Melchizedek —which is after the order of the Son of God.’”

1.The record which gives an account of this ordination has this to say: “The office of Assistant President is to assist in presiding over the whole Church, and to officiate in the absence of the President, according to his rank and appointment, viz.; President Cowdery, first; President Rigdon, second, and President Williams, third, as they were severally called. The office of this Priesthood is also to act as spokesman, taking Aaron for an example. The virtue of the above Priesthood is to hold, the keys of the kingdom of heaven or the Church militant” (MS. History of the ChurchBook A, Chapter 1).

The account of Oliver’s ordination is given in the same record as follows: “After addressing the throne of mercy, President Smith laid hands upon High Counselor Cowdery, and ordained him to the Presidency of the High Priesthood in the Church, saying: ‘Brother, in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, who was crucified for the sins of the world, that we through the virtue of his blood might come to the Father, I lay my hands upon thy head, and ordain thee a President of the High and Holy Priesthood, to assist in presiding over the Church, and bearing the keys of this kingdom—which Priesthood is after the order of Melchizedek —which is after the order of the Son of God.’”

2.Later they were arranged in order of precedence according to age as follows:Thomas B. MarshDavid W. PattenBrigham YoungHeber C. KimballOrson HydeWilliam E. McLellinParley P. PrattLuke S. JohnsonWilliam SmithOrson PrattJohn F. BoyntonLyman E. Johnson

2.Later they were arranged in order of precedence according to age as follows:

3.For the names of those who formed this quorum of seventy see theDocumentary History of the Church, vol. 2:203; and for the names of the members of Zion’s Camp see the same volume, pages 183 –5.

4.This important revelation should receive careful study for few revelations have been given containing greater instruction for the Church.

5.This Book of Abraham, like the Book of Moses, which also appears in the Pearl of Great Price, is another addition to our collection of lost scripture which the Lord, through his wisdom, has restored. These records contain many important revelations, and should be carefully read. The history of the discovery of these rolls of papyrus, and the guiding hand of the Lord which placed them in the hands of Joseph Smith is set forth in theDocumentary History of the Church, vol. 2:348 –51. See alsoMessenger and Advocate, Dec. 1835.

6.These ceremonies were repeated for the benefit of those who could not gain admittance at the first session.

7.“The Spirit of God like a fire is burning.”

8.Documentary History of the Church, vol. 2:309.

9.There were four veils in the temple arranged crosswise, so that they could be lowered and divide the assembly room into four parts.

10.See Doc. and Cov. Sec. 110, for an account of these visions.

Chapter 22Clay County Rejects the Saints—Apostasy and Sorrow1836–1837Dishonorable Action of Governor DunklinGovernor Daniel Dunklin, of Missouri, who showed some sense of honor and willingness to enforce the law at the beginning of the trouble in Jackson County, later manifested a spirit of fellowship with the stronger side, against right and justice—a trait common with many politicians. In a communication to William W. Phelps and others, bearing date of July 18, 1836, he cravenly insinuated that the mobbings and expulsion of the Latter-day Saints from Jackson County, was due to faults of their own; the people would not have united against them, without some reason, and while they had some friends at first even these had forsaken them. Whether his conclusion was right or wrong, he maintained it to be the duty of the Saints to convince their enemies of their innocence and worthiness. “If you cannot do this,” he wrote, “all I can say to you is that in this Republic the vox populi is the vox Dei.” Such was the contemptible answer of the governor of a sovereign state, to an innocent people, driven from their homes and smitten by their enemies, because of their faith in the Gospel of our Redeemer.Clay County Rejects the SaintsWhen the exiled Saints were driven from Jackson County, they found a place of refuge in Clay County, just over the Missouri River to the north. Here the people were hospitable and kindly disposed. The Saints had no intention of remaining in Clay County, for they fully expected to be restored to their former homes. After exhausting every source of redress, even to an appeal to the President of the United States, they prepared to make permanent settlement by purchasing lands. As time passed and the indication pointed to the gathering of the Latter-day Saints in that county, the citizens became alarmed. The people from Jackson were constantly menacing the Saints, even though they were peacefully minding their business in their new homes, but wrong begets wrong, and the deep-seated hatred of these mobbers had no end. Finally the citizens of Clay County decided to do the wrong thing, to their everlasting injury, and rid themselves, once and for all, from the danger which they felt confronted them by harboring the “Mormons” in their midst. That there was a danger of conflict there can be no question, with the menacing influence on the south, and growing hatred, because of association of the mobbers with many of the residents of the county to the north. However, these Clay County citizens preferred to expel the Saints in a gentle way if it could be done. A mass meeting was held June 29, 1836, for the purpose of presenting, with united front, a petition to the undesirable exiles, kindly requesting them to move to some part of the country where they could be entirely by themselves. The new country of Wisconsin was suggested as a suitable place. A report of conditions as they understood them and resolutions embodying their request, were unanimously approved. They did not fail to call attention to their great hospitality and kindness in 1833, when they received the exiles among them; and endeavored to impress upon the Saints the thought that they were devoid of “one spark of gratitude” if they refused to accept the suggestions offered to depart in peace to a more congenial locality. Yet they frankly admitted, “we do not contend that we have the least right to expel them by force,” but if they would not go they were sure it would lead to civil war, “bearing ruin, woe, and desolation, in its course.”Some of the reasons why the “Mormons” had become “objects of the deepest hatred and detestation” to many of the citizens were declared in the petition to be as follows:“They are eastern men, whose manners, habits, customs, and even dialect, are essentially different from our own. They are non-slave-holders, and opposed to slavery, which in this peculiar period, when Abolitionism has reared its deformed and haggard visage in our land, is well calculated to excite deep and abiding prejudices in any community where slavery is tolerated and protected.“In addition to all this, they are charged, as they have hitherto been, with keeping up a constant communication with our Indian tribes on our frontiers, with declaring, even from the pulpit, that the Indians are a part of God’s chosen people and are destined by heaven to inherit this land, in common with themselves. We do not vouch for the correctness of these statements; but whether they are true or false, their effect has been the same in exciting our community. In times of greater tranquility, such ridiculous remarks might well be regarded as the offspring of frenzied fanaticism; but at this time, our defenseless situation on the frontier, the bloody disasters of our fellow citizens in Florida, and other parts of the South, all tend to make a portion of our citizens regard such sentiments with horror if not alarm. These and many other causes have combined to raise a prejudice against them; and a feeling of hostility, that the first spark may, and we deeply fear will, ignite into all the horrors and desolations of a civil war, the worst evil that can befall any country.”For these real and fancied “wrongs” this people must move again, for their presence was obnoxious. These foolish citizens, acting as they thought in their own best interests, rejected the everlasting Gospel against themselves, as well as the people who proclaimed it.The Saints’ ReplyThree days later (July 1, 1836), the Saints met in council and formulated their reply. They accepted the requisitions of the citizens of Clay County, notwithstanding the added loss of property that would be entailed. They also thanked these citizens for their hospitality during the period of the sojourn among them, which covered a period of more than two and one half years. Let it be said that many of these citizens sympathized with the “Mormons” and proffered material help to aid them in the removal from the county; but in this drastic action they were acting, as they sincerely thought, in the best interests of their communities.When the First Presidency heard of this ultimatum they fully endorsed the action taken by the Missouri Saints, and in a communication to the Clay County committee notified them of the fact. They also took occasion to inform the committee of many other things, in humility, which should have appealed to their sense of justice and touched their hearts.1Caldwell County OrganizedIn pursuance of this action the Saints began to move from Clay County as soon as circumstances would permit, and located on Shoal Creek, in an uninhabited section in the north part of Ray County. The property of the few settlers in that part, they purchased, and commenced to build their homes. By December, 1836, a goodly number had taken up their residence there and a petition was sent to the governor asking for a county organization. This petition was granted about the middle of that month. This organization, and the prospect of a peaceful habitation, gave impetus to the growth of the “Mormon” colonies, and the County of Caldwell, as it was called, “grew like Jonah’s gourd.”2The Kirtland Safety SocietyAffairs in Kirtland had been progressing smoothly for some time, and many blessings were bestowed upon the people. Such a condition, however, was not to last. On the 2nd of November, 1836, articles of agreement were prepared for the organization of the “Kirtland Safety Society Bank.” The State of Ohio, through prejudice, refused to grant a charter, so the matter rested until January, 1837, when a society was organized within the provisions of the law. Stock was subscribed for and the business commenced. During this year (1837) speculation was at high ebb throughout the entire nation. The Latter-day Saints in Kirtland partook of that spirit; several business ventures had failed to come up to expectations, and many of the members of the Church were financially involved. The authorities of the Church, with others of the leading brethren who had subscribed for stock in the Kirtland Safety Society, pledged themselves to be responsible for the redemption of all the notes of the institution, in proportion to the amount of stock subscribed. Since they had no charter, other banking institutions refused their notes. The cashier of this society, at one time the Prophet’s clerk and a faithful elder in the Church, was found guilty of immoral conduct. He was forgiven on a show of repentance and confession, and retained his standing in the Church; but he never regained the spirit and shortly after became disaffected. He misappropriated the funds of the society to the extent of over twenty-five thousand dollars, which placed the institution in a precarious condition. Seeing how matters were being conducted, the Prophet gave a warning which was not heeded; therefore, early in the summer of 1837, he withdrew from the concern, resigned his office and disposed of all his interests therein, stating that he was satisfied after five months’ experience, “that no institution of the kind, established upon just and righteous principles for a blessing not only to the Church, but to the whole nation, would be suffered to continue its operations in such an age of darkness, speculation and wickedness.”The Financial Panic of 1837At this time the panic of 1837, swept over the United States. During the months of March and April, the failures in the City of New York amounted to over $100,000,000 and hundreds of institutions were driven to the wall. It was only natural that the Kirtland Safety Society, so improperly managed, should share in the general condition of failure.Other Causes of EmbarrassmentOther causes for the financial stress among the Saints, which also weighed heavily upon the heads of the Church, were the afflictions undergone at the hands of enemies, and the expenses attached to the erection of the Kirtland Temple. Moreover, the poor, destitute and needy, who had received the Gospel came to Kirtland seeking assistance and necessary homes. Large contracts for land were entered into for the benefit of these poor, that they might obtain homes to call their own; but those concerned were not always prompt in the payment of their dues— a common failure of mankind.Apostasy and SorrowAs the fruit of this condition, an apostasy followed rapidly, and it seemed, said the Prophet, “as though all the powers of earth and hell were combining their influence in an especial manner to overthrow the Church at once, and make a final end.” Enemies abroad, aided by apostates within, united in various schemes to overthrow the Prophet as if he had been the sole cause of all the evils, not only in the communities of the Church, but throughout the entire land. Most of this evil which befell the Church might have been avoided if the Prophet’s counsel had been accepted by the Saints. Apostasy developed within all the councils of the Church, and many of the leading brethren, who previously had been true and faithful, were involved.The Pure in Heart Able to WithstandIt is strange to think of this dire condition, when just one brief year before, the glorious manifestations in the temple had been given to many of these men, who now possessed such bitterness of spirit. They seemed to have forgotten their many blessings, and the wonderful visions, and the great promises made them by the Lord, if they would be true and faithful in their ministry. The spirit of speculation and desire for wealth, during the brief spell of peace and harmony, had beclouded the minds of many, and their souls were filled with deadly hatred against their former brethren. Joseph Smith was called a fallen prophet by those whom he had cherished and loved, and whose love for him had been pronounced. Some, in their bitterness and darkness of mind, sought his life. Those who sought his welfare and spoke in his defense, were ridiculed and treated with great contempt. It was a time when the souls of men were tested, and only those who kept themselves pure and unspotted from the sins of the world, were able to withstand the trial. Every influence was brought to bear upon the members of the Church to get them to renounce the Prophet. Many good men were dragged into the net; others barely escaped, and only through their deep humility and great repentance, were they spared the awful fate which carried so many to destruction. It was during this time at disaffection that Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Wilford Woodruff, and others, including John Taylor and Willard Richards, who had but recently joined the Church, stood nobly in defense of the Prophet Joseph, in the face of a murderous spirit of opposition.The Prophet’s Visit to MissouriIn September, 1837, Presidents Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon went to Missouri to assist the Saints in that land in establishing places of gathering. Other brethren from Kirtland accompanied them. They arrived about the first of November in Caldwell County and immediately went into council with the elders there, regarding locations for the Saints. Those who met in council were Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon, Hyrum Smith, Thomas B. Marsh, William E. McLellin, Lyman E. Johnson and William Smith from Ohio, and the high council of the Church in Far West, with William W. Phelps at their head. It was decided that there was room in that land to make it desirable to invite the Saints from other parts to locate there. The city Far West, which had been laid out and incorporated, was chosen as a central gathering place. It was decided to postpone the building of the Lord’s house in Far West, which had been decided on, until the Lord should reveal his will to have it commenced.Death of Jerusha SmithA sad event occurred while Hyrum Smith was engaged in Far West assisting the Saints to locate, in the death of his wife Jerusha Barden Smith, October 3, 1837. “Tell your father when he comes that the Lord has taken your mother home and left you for him to take care of,” was her dying statement to her five little children.Attempt to Depose the ProphetPresidents Smith and Rigdon returned to Kirtland from Missouri, on the 10th of December. They discovered that during their absence, Warren Parrish, John F. Boynton, Luke S. Johnson, Joseph Coe, Sylvester Smith, and other of the leading councils had united to overthrow the Church. Some of these men had earlier in the year shown a spirit of opposition, but on a show of repentance had been reinstated; but the evils were not fully eradicated from their minds. Warren Parrish was a seventy, who a few short months before shared the Prophet’s fullest confidence, as one of his closest and dearest friends. Now, through transgression, he became one of the Prophet’s bitterest enemies and the leader of a movement to depose him and install David Whitmer in his stead. Meetings had been held by this clique in the temple, which they claimed as their own, and they resorted to violence to maintain their contention. In this manner the Kirtland Temple, so recently accepted by the Lord, was desecrated and defiled so that it ceased to be a sacred edifice to his holy name.The British MissionDuring these sad days of trial and tribulation, the word of the Lord came to Joseph Smith stating that something must be done for the salvation of the Church. The solution was the carrying of the Gospel to Great Britain. On Sunday, the 4th day of June, the Prophet approached Elder Heber C. Kimball in the Kirtland Temple and whispered to him, saying: “Brother Heber, the Spirit of the Lord has whispered to me: ‘Let my servant Heber go to England and proclaim my Gospel, and open the door of salvation to that nation.’” Brother Kimball, feeling his weakness, asked if Elder Brigham Young could not go with him. The Prophet answered that the Lord had something else for Brigham Young to do. Following this conversation Elder Kimball was set apart for this great work in the British Isles, which was to be the first foreign mission of the Church. While the First Presidency were setting Elder Kimball apart, Orson Hyde, of the council of the twelve came in, and listening to the blessing being given to his fellow laborer asked that he also might have the privilege of assisting in that work. Elder Hyde had been among those disturbed because of speculation. His heart melted within him and he now acknowledged his faults, and sought a blessing. His offering was accepted and he was set apart for the British labor.The Work in CanadaThe movement to send elders to Great Britain was the outgrowth of the work in Canada. Several of the elders had taken trips to Canada and had preached the Gospel there. Elder Orson Pratt was the first to carry the message into Canada in the year 1833. In the fall of that same year the Prophet and Sidney Rigdon went on a brief mission to Upper Canada and made a number of converts. In 1836, Elder Parley P. Pratt went to the City of Toronto and surrounding country and preached with wonderful success. It was here at this time that Elder John Taylor, afterwards of the council of the twelve and later President of the Church, received the Gospel. It was also here, and due to the preaching of Elder Pratt, that Joseph Fielding and his two sisters, Mary—who a few months later became the wife of Hyrum Smith—and Mercy R., were baptized. Others who received the Gospel in Canada were John Goodson, John Snyder and Isaac Russell. All of these people were in correspondence with relatives and friends in Great Britain whom they informed of the rise and progress of the Church, thus preparing them for events to come.Departure for Great BritainElder Willard Richards, having requested the privilege of going to Great Britain, was set apart by Sidney Rigdon and Hyrum Smith, on the 12th of June, 1837. The following day Elders Heber C. Kimball, Orson Hyde, Willard Richards, and Joseph Fielding, a priest, who came from Honeydon, England, left Kirtland on their mission to the British Isles. They were accompanied on their journey as far as Fairport by Elder Brigham Young and others. This little band of missionaries was later augmented by the addition of Isaac Russell, John Goodson and John Snyder, and on the 23rd of June, 1837, they engaged passage on the merchant shipGarrick, for Liverpool. On the morning of the 20th of July, theGarrickanchored in the River Mersey. As soon as these brethren landed they went to Preston, about thirty miles from Liverpool. It was election day for members of Parliament, and Queen Victoria, who had recently come to the throne, was about to organize her cabinet. As the missionaries alighted from their coach, they saw in letters of gold on a banner above their heads an inscription, “Truth will prevail,” which they accepted as a favorable omen.Elder Joseph Fielding had a brother Rev. James Fielding, who resided in Preston, and the brethren went to hear him preach on Sunday, July 23, 1837. At the service Rev. Fielding unexpectedly announced that there were present some ministers from America and they would occupy his pulpit in the afternoon. The invitation was joyfully accepted and President Kimball gave a brief address followed by Elder Hyde. That evening Mr. Fielding again offered his pulpit to the brethren and Elder Goodson and Brother Fielding preached. This was the opening of the door for the Gospel in England.3The following Wednesday (July 26, 1837) another meeting was held in Rev. James Fielding’s chapel. Elders Hyde and Richards preached and much interest was manifested by the congregation, many were convinced and sought baptism. Fearing that he would lose his entire flock the Rev. Fielding closed the doors of his chapel against the elders and from that time opposed the work with all his power. However, the work was started, a foothold had been gained, and the brethren received many invitations to preach in private homes. The work spread rapidly throughout the nation, many branches were organized and many souls sought salvation through the remission of their sins.Revelation to the TwelveThe same day that the Gospel was first preached in England (July 23, 1837) the Lord gave a revelation through Joseph Smith to Thomas B. Marsh and the twelve. They were commanded to gird up their loins, take up their cross and follow the Savior and feed his sheep. “Exalt not yourselves,” said the Lord, “rebel not against my servant Joseph Smith, for verily I say unto you, I am with him, and my hand shall be over him; and the keys which I have given unto him, and also to youward, shall not be taken from him till I come.”This was a timely warning, for even then some of the members of that council were in secret collusion with enemies of the Church. Their actions later developed, and before the close of the year they were in open rebellion as previously indicated.Frederick G. Williams RemovedA conference of the elders held in Far West, November 7, 1837, refused to sustain Frederick G. Williams as a counselor to President Joseph Smith, and Hyrum Smith was appointed in his place. President Williams, Lyman E. Johnson, Parley P. Pratt and Warren Parrish had previously been cited to appear before a council of the Church, charges having been preferred against them, but the council being improperly organized, no action was taken at that time. President Williams became disaffected with many others, due to speculations and financial troubles in the fore part of the year 1837, and permitted himself to become estranged from the work.Flight of Brigham YoungThe feeling of opposition against the Prophet became so intense near the close of the year 1837, that it was with danger that anyone in Kirtland could speak in his defense. On the morning of December 22, 1837, Elder Brigham Young left Kirtland because of the fury of the enemies of the Church. Apostates had threatened to destroy him because he continued to proclaim publicly that Joseph Smith was a prophet of the Most High and had not transgressed and fallen, as the apostates declared.This was the condition of affairs in Kirtland at the close of the year 1837.Notes1.The minutes of these meetings and the communications involved in the question of the removal of the Saints are found in full in theDocumentary History of the Church, vol. 2:448–462.2.The Missourians were willing—feeling that the section chosen by the “Mormons” was of little value.3.The inspiration of the Prophet Joseph to send elders to Great Britain for the salvation of the Church, was fully attested, for members were baptized by the thousands in the course of a few months following. Many of them emigrated and became stalwarts in the Church, and branches of great magnitude were raised up in various parts of England.

Clay County Rejects the Saints—Apostasy and Sorrow

1836–1837

Governor Daniel Dunklin, of Missouri, who showed some sense of honor and willingness to enforce the law at the beginning of the trouble in Jackson County, later manifested a spirit of fellowship with the stronger side, against right and justice—a trait common with many politicians. In a communication to William W. Phelps and others, bearing date of July 18, 1836, he cravenly insinuated that the mobbings and expulsion of the Latter-day Saints from Jackson County, was due to faults of their own; the people would not have united against them, without some reason, and while they had some friends at first even these had forsaken them. Whether his conclusion was right or wrong, he maintained it to be the duty of the Saints to convince their enemies of their innocence and worthiness. “If you cannot do this,” he wrote, “all I can say to you is that in this Republic the vox populi is the vox Dei.” Such was the contemptible answer of the governor of a sovereign state, to an innocent people, driven from their homes and smitten by their enemies, because of their faith in the Gospel of our Redeemer.

When the exiled Saints were driven from Jackson County, they found a place of refuge in Clay County, just over the Missouri River to the north. Here the people were hospitable and kindly disposed. The Saints had no intention of remaining in Clay County, for they fully expected to be restored to their former homes. After exhausting every source of redress, even to an appeal to the President of the United States, they prepared to make permanent settlement by purchasing lands. As time passed and the indication pointed to the gathering of the Latter-day Saints in that county, the citizens became alarmed. The people from Jackson were constantly menacing the Saints, even though they were peacefully minding their business in their new homes, but wrong begets wrong, and the deep-seated hatred of these mobbers had no end. Finally the citizens of Clay County decided to do the wrong thing, to their everlasting injury, and rid themselves, once and for all, from the danger which they felt confronted them by harboring the “Mormons” in their midst. That there was a danger of conflict there can be no question, with the menacing influence on the south, and growing hatred, because of association of the mobbers with many of the residents of the county to the north. However, these Clay County citizens preferred to expel the Saints in a gentle way if it could be done. A mass meeting was held June 29, 1836, for the purpose of presenting, with united front, a petition to the undesirable exiles, kindly requesting them to move to some part of the country where they could be entirely by themselves. The new country of Wisconsin was suggested as a suitable place. A report of conditions as they understood them and resolutions embodying their request, were unanimously approved. They did not fail to call attention to their great hospitality and kindness in 1833, when they received the exiles among them; and endeavored to impress upon the Saints the thought that they were devoid of “one spark of gratitude” if they refused to accept the suggestions offered to depart in peace to a more congenial locality. Yet they frankly admitted, “we do not contend that we have the least right to expel them by force,” but if they would not go they were sure it would lead to civil war, “bearing ruin, woe, and desolation, in its course.”

Some of the reasons why the “Mormons” had become “objects of the deepest hatred and detestation” to many of the citizens were declared in the petition to be as follows:

“They are eastern men, whose manners, habits, customs, and even dialect, are essentially different from our own. They are non-slave-holders, and opposed to slavery, which in this peculiar period, when Abolitionism has reared its deformed and haggard visage in our land, is well calculated to excite deep and abiding prejudices in any community where slavery is tolerated and protected.“In addition to all this, they are charged, as they have hitherto been, with keeping up a constant communication with our Indian tribes on our frontiers, with declaring, even from the pulpit, that the Indians are a part of God’s chosen people and are destined by heaven to inherit this land, in common with themselves. We do not vouch for the correctness of these statements; but whether they are true or false, their effect has been the same in exciting our community. In times of greater tranquility, such ridiculous remarks might well be regarded as the offspring of frenzied fanaticism; but at this time, our defenseless situation on the frontier, the bloody disasters of our fellow citizens in Florida, and other parts of the South, all tend to make a portion of our citizens regard such sentiments with horror if not alarm. These and many other causes have combined to raise a prejudice against them; and a feeling of hostility, that the first spark may, and we deeply fear will, ignite into all the horrors and desolations of a civil war, the worst evil that can befall any country.”

“They are eastern men, whose manners, habits, customs, and even dialect, are essentially different from our own. They are non-slave-holders, and opposed to slavery, which in this peculiar period, when Abolitionism has reared its deformed and haggard visage in our land, is well calculated to excite deep and abiding prejudices in any community where slavery is tolerated and protected.

“In addition to all this, they are charged, as they have hitherto been, with keeping up a constant communication with our Indian tribes on our frontiers, with declaring, even from the pulpit, that the Indians are a part of God’s chosen people and are destined by heaven to inherit this land, in common with themselves. We do not vouch for the correctness of these statements; but whether they are true or false, their effect has been the same in exciting our community. In times of greater tranquility, such ridiculous remarks might well be regarded as the offspring of frenzied fanaticism; but at this time, our defenseless situation on the frontier, the bloody disasters of our fellow citizens in Florida, and other parts of the South, all tend to make a portion of our citizens regard such sentiments with horror if not alarm. These and many other causes have combined to raise a prejudice against them; and a feeling of hostility, that the first spark may, and we deeply fear will, ignite into all the horrors and desolations of a civil war, the worst evil that can befall any country.”

For these real and fancied “wrongs” this people must move again, for their presence was obnoxious. These foolish citizens, acting as they thought in their own best interests, rejected the everlasting Gospel against themselves, as well as the people who proclaimed it.

Three days later (July 1, 1836), the Saints met in council and formulated their reply. They accepted the requisitions of the citizens of Clay County, notwithstanding the added loss of property that would be entailed. They also thanked these citizens for their hospitality during the period of the sojourn among them, which covered a period of more than two and one half years. Let it be said that many of these citizens sympathized with the “Mormons” and proffered material help to aid them in the removal from the county; but in this drastic action they were acting, as they sincerely thought, in the best interests of their communities.

When the First Presidency heard of this ultimatum they fully endorsed the action taken by the Missouri Saints, and in a communication to the Clay County committee notified them of the fact. They also took occasion to inform the committee of many other things, in humility, which should have appealed to their sense of justice and touched their hearts.1

In pursuance of this action the Saints began to move from Clay County as soon as circumstances would permit, and located on Shoal Creek, in an uninhabited section in the north part of Ray County. The property of the few settlers in that part, they purchased, and commenced to build their homes. By December, 1836, a goodly number had taken up their residence there and a petition was sent to the governor asking for a county organization. This petition was granted about the middle of that month. This organization, and the prospect of a peaceful habitation, gave impetus to the growth of the “Mormon” colonies, and the County of Caldwell, as it was called, “grew like Jonah’s gourd.”2

Affairs in Kirtland had been progressing smoothly for some time, and many blessings were bestowed upon the people. Such a condition, however, was not to last. On the 2nd of November, 1836, articles of agreement were prepared for the organization of the “Kirtland Safety Society Bank.” The State of Ohio, through prejudice, refused to grant a charter, so the matter rested until January, 1837, when a society was organized within the provisions of the law. Stock was subscribed for and the business commenced. During this year (1837) speculation was at high ebb throughout the entire nation. The Latter-day Saints in Kirtland partook of that spirit; several business ventures had failed to come up to expectations, and many of the members of the Church were financially involved. The authorities of the Church, with others of the leading brethren who had subscribed for stock in the Kirtland Safety Society, pledged themselves to be responsible for the redemption of all the notes of the institution, in proportion to the amount of stock subscribed. Since they had no charter, other banking institutions refused their notes. The cashier of this society, at one time the Prophet’s clerk and a faithful elder in the Church, was found guilty of immoral conduct. He was forgiven on a show of repentance and confession, and retained his standing in the Church; but he never regained the spirit and shortly after became disaffected. He misappropriated the funds of the society to the extent of over twenty-five thousand dollars, which placed the institution in a precarious condition. Seeing how matters were being conducted, the Prophet gave a warning which was not heeded; therefore, early in the summer of 1837, he withdrew from the concern, resigned his office and disposed of all his interests therein, stating that he was satisfied after five months’ experience, “that no institution of the kind, established upon just and righteous principles for a blessing not only to the Church, but to the whole nation, would be suffered to continue its operations in such an age of darkness, speculation and wickedness.”

At this time the panic of 1837, swept over the United States. During the months of March and April, the failures in the City of New York amounted to over $100,000,000 and hundreds of institutions were driven to the wall. It was only natural that the Kirtland Safety Society, so improperly managed, should share in the general condition of failure.

Other causes for the financial stress among the Saints, which also weighed heavily upon the heads of the Church, were the afflictions undergone at the hands of enemies, and the expenses attached to the erection of the Kirtland Temple. Moreover, the poor, destitute and needy, who had received the Gospel came to Kirtland seeking assistance and necessary homes. Large contracts for land were entered into for the benefit of these poor, that they might obtain homes to call their own; but those concerned were not always prompt in the payment of their dues— a common failure of mankind.

As the fruit of this condition, an apostasy followed rapidly, and it seemed, said the Prophet, “as though all the powers of earth and hell were combining their influence in an especial manner to overthrow the Church at once, and make a final end.” Enemies abroad, aided by apostates within, united in various schemes to overthrow the Prophet as if he had been the sole cause of all the evils, not only in the communities of the Church, but throughout the entire land. Most of this evil which befell the Church might have been avoided if the Prophet’s counsel had been accepted by the Saints. Apostasy developed within all the councils of the Church, and many of the leading brethren, who previously had been true and faithful, were involved.

It is strange to think of this dire condition, when just one brief year before, the glorious manifestations in the temple had been given to many of these men, who now possessed such bitterness of spirit. They seemed to have forgotten their many blessings, and the wonderful visions, and the great promises made them by the Lord, if they would be true and faithful in their ministry. The spirit of speculation and desire for wealth, during the brief spell of peace and harmony, had beclouded the minds of many, and their souls were filled with deadly hatred against their former brethren. Joseph Smith was called a fallen prophet by those whom he had cherished and loved, and whose love for him had been pronounced. Some, in their bitterness and darkness of mind, sought his life. Those who sought his welfare and spoke in his defense, were ridiculed and treated with great contempt. It was a time when the souls of men were tested, and only those who kept themselves pure and unspotted from the sins of the world, were able to withstand the trial. Every influence was brought to bear upon the members of the Church to get them to renounce the Prophet. Many good men were dragged into the net; others barely escaped, and only through their deep humility and great repentance, were they spared the awful fate which carried so many to destruction. It was during this time at disaffection that Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Wilford Woodruff, and others, including John Taylor and Willard Richards, who had but recently joined the Church, stood nobly in defense of the Prophet Joseph, in the face of a murderous spirit of opposition.

In September, 1837, Presidents Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon went to Missouri to assist the Saints in that land in establishing places of gathering. Other brethren from Kirtland accompanied them. They arrived about the first of November in Caldwell County and immediately went into council with the elders there, regarding locations for the Saints. Those who met in council were Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon, Hyrum Smith, Thomas B. Marsh, William E. McLellin, Lyman E. Johnson and William Smith from Ohio, and the high council of the Church in Far West, with William W. Phelps at their head. It was decided that there was room in that land to make it desirable to invite the Saints from other parts to locate there. The city Far West, which had been laid out and incorporated, was chosen as a central gathering place. It was decided to postpone the building of the Lord’s house in Far West, which had been decided on, until the Lord should reveal his will to have it commenced.

A sad event occurred while Hyrum Smith was engaged in Far West assisting the Saints to locate, in the death of his wife Jerusha Barden Smith, October 3, 1837. “Tell your father when he comes that the Lord has taken your mother home and left you for him to take care of,” was her dying statement to her five little children.

Presidents Smith and Rigdon returned to Kirtland from Missouri, on the 10th of December. They discovered that during their absence, Warren Parrish, John F. Boynton, Luke S. Johnson, Joseph Coe, Sylvester Smith, and other of the leading councils had united to overthrow the Church. Some of these men had earlier in the year shown a spirit of opposition, but on a show of repentance had been reinstated; but the evils were not fully eradicated from their minds. Warren Parrish was a seventy, who a few short months before shared the Prophet’s fullest confidence, as one of his closest and dearest friends. Now, through transgression, he became one of the Prophet’s bitterest enemies and the leader of a movement to depose him and install David Whitmer in his stead. Meetings had been held by this clique in the temple, which they claimed as their own, and they resorted to violence to maintain their contention. In this manner the Kirtland Temple, so recently accepted by the Lord, was desecrated and defiled so that it ceased to be a sacred edifice to his holy name.

During these sad days of trial and tribulation, the word of the Lord came to Joseph Smith stating that something must be done for the salvation of the Church. The solution was the carrying of the Gospel to Great Britain. On Sunday, the 4th day of June, the Prophet approached Elder Heber C. Kimball in the Kirtland Temple and whispered to him, saying: “Brother Heber, the Spirit of the Lord has whispered to me: ‘Let my servant Heber go to England and proclaim my Gospel, and open the door of salvation to that nation.’” Brother Kimball, feeling his weakness, asked if Elder Brigham Young could not go with him. The Prophet answered that the Lord had something else for Brigham Young to do. Following this conversation Elder Kimball was set apart for this great work in the British Isles, which was to be the first foreign mission of the Church. While the First Presidency were setting Elder Kimball apart, Orson Hyde, of the council of the twelve came in, and listening to the blessing being given to his fellow laborer asked that he also might have the privilege of assisting in that work. Elder Hyde had been among those disturbed because of speculation. His heart melted within him and he now acknowledged his faults, and sought a blessing. His offering was accepted and he was set apart for the British labor.

The movement to send elders to Great Britain was the outgrowth of the work in Canada. Several of the elders had taken trips to Canada and had preached the Gospel there. Elder Orson Pratt was the first to carry the message into Canada in the year 1833. In the fall of that same year the Prophet and Sidney Rigdon went on a brief mission to Upper Canada and made a number of converts. In 1836, Elder Parley P. Pratt went to the City of Toronto and surrounding country and preached with wonderful success. It was here at this time that Elder John Taylor, afterwards of the council of the twelve and later President of the Church, received the Gospel. It was also here, and due to the preaching of Elder Pratt, that Joseph Fielding and his two sisters, Mary—who a few months later became the wife of Hyrum Smith—and Mercy R., were baptized. Others who received the Gospel in Canada were John Goodson, John Snyder and Isaac Russell. All of these people were in correspondence with relatives and friends in Great Britain whom they informed of the rise and progress of the Church, thus preparing them for events to come.

Elder Willard Richards, having requested the privilege of going to Great Britain, was set apart by Sidney Rigdon and Hyrum Smith, on the 12th of June, 1837. The following day Elders Heber C. Kimball, Orson Hyde, Willard Richards, and Joseph Fielding, a priest, who came from Honeydon, England, left Kirtland on their mission to the British Isles. They were accompanied on their journey as far as Fairport by Elder Brigham Young and others. This little band of missionaries was later augmented by the addition of Isaac Russell, John Goodson and John Snyder, and on the 23rd of June, 1837, they engaged passage on the merchant shipGarrick, for Liverpool. On the morning of the 20th of July, theGarrickanchored in the River Mersey. As soon as these brethren landed they went to Preston, about thirty miles from Liverpool. It was election day for members of Parliament, and Queen Victoria, who had recently come to the throne, was about to organize her cabinet. As the missionaries alighted from their coach, they saw in letters of gold on a banner above their heads an inscription, “Truth will prevail,” which they accepted as a favorable omen.

Elder Joseph Fielding had a brother Rev. James Fielding, who resided in Preston, and the brethren went to hear him preach on Sunday, July 23, 1837. At the service Rev. Fielding unexpectedly announced that there were present some ministers from America and they would occupy his pulpit in the afternoon. The invitation was joyfully accepted and President Kimball gave a brief address followed by Elder Hyde. That evening Mr. Fielding again offered his pulpit to the brethren and Elder Goodson and Brother Fielding preached. This was the opening of the door for the Gospel in England.3

The following Wednesday (July 26, 1837) another meeting was held in Rev. James Fielding’s chapel. Elders Hyde and Richards preached and much interest was manifested by the congregation, many were convinced and sought baptism. Fearing that he would lose his entire flock the Rev. Fielding closed the doors of his chapel against the elders and from that time opposed the work with all his power. However, the work was started, a foothold had been gained, and the brethren received many invitations to preach in private homes. The work spread rapidly throughout the nation, many branches were organized and many souls sought salvation through the remission of their sins.

The same day that the Gospel was first preached in England (July 23, 1837) the Lord gave a revelation through Joseph Smith to Thomas B. Marsh and the twelve. They were commanded to gird up their loins, take up their cross and follow the Savior and feed his sheep. “Exalt not yourselves,” said the Lord, “rebel not against my servant Joseph Smith, for verily I say unto you, I am with him, and my hand shall be over him; and the keys which I have given unto him, and also to youward, shall not be taken from him till I come.”

This was a timely warning, for even then some of the members of that council were in secret collusion with enemies of the Church. Their actions later developed, and before the close of the year they were in open rebellion as previously indicated.

A conference of the elders held in Far West, November 7, 1837, refused to sustain Frederick G. Williams as a counselor to President Joseph Smith, and Hyrum Smith was appointed in his place. President Williams, Lyman E. Johnson, Parley P. Pratt and Warren Parrish had previously been cited to appear before a council of the Church, charges having been preferred against them, but the council being improperly organized, no action was taken at that time. President Williams became disaffected with many others, due to speculations and financial troubles in the fore part of the year 1837, and permitted himself to become estranged from the work.

The feeling of opposition against the Prophet became so intense near the close of the year 1837, that it was with danger that anyone in Kirtland could speak in his defense. On the morning of December 22, 1837, Elder Brigham Young left Kirtland because of the fury of the enemies of the Church. Apostates had threatened to destroy him because he continued to proclaim publicly that Joseph Smith was a prophet of the Most High and had not transgressed and fallen, as the apostates declared.

This was the condition of affairs in Kirtland at the close of the year 1837.

1.The minutes of these meetings and the communications involved in the question of the removal of the Saints are found in full in theDocumentary History of the Church, vol. 2:448–462.

2.The Missourians were willing—feeling that the section chosen by the “Mormons” was of little value.

3.The inspiration of the Prophet Joseph to send elders to Great Britain for the salvation of the Church, was fully attested, for members were baptized by the thousands in the course of a few months following. Many of them emigrated and became stalwarts in the Church, and branches of great magnitude were raised up in various parts of England.

Back to IndexNext