150 HISTORY OF JOSEPH SMITH. HISTORY OF JOSEPH Wednesday, 31.-Elder Amasa Lyman arrived in Nauvoo. The following from the Governor appeared in the Neighbor: "TO THE PEOPLE OF WARSAW, IN HANCOCK COUNTY. I am continually informed of your preparations and threats to renew the war and exterminate the 'Mormons.' One would suppose that you ought to rest satisfied with what you have already done. The Mormon' leaders, if they ever resisted the law, have submitted to its authority. They have surrendered the public arms, and appeared to be ready to do anything required to make atonement for whatever wrong may have been done. Since the assassination of their two principal leaders, under circumstances well calculated to inflame their passions and drive them to excesses for the purposes of revenge, they have been entirely peaceful and submissive, and have patiently awaited the slow operation of the laws to redress the wrongs of which they complained. There has been no retaliation, no revenge, and, for anything I can ascertain, there will be none. Those of your people who are charged with being the most hostile to them have lived, if they knew it, in perfect security from illegal violence. I am anxious for a pacification of your difficulties. You cannot drive out or exterminate the Mormons.' Such an effort would be madness, and would not be permitted by the people of the State. You cannot be sustained in it either by force or law. You are binding yourselves to your weakness, and keeping up an agitation which must fail of the purpose intended and recoil with terrible energy upon your own heads. SMITH. any more than yourselves, wish to live in continual alarm. They hope for quietness, and will be peaceful and submissive in order to enjoy it. But you are continually driving them to desperation by an insane course of threatening and hostility, and depriving yourselves of peace by the same means used to disquiet them. If I have said anything severe in this address, I pray you attribute it to my deep conviction that your course is improper and unwarrantable. Such is the opinion of the people at large in the State and all over the country. From being right in the first instance you have put yourselves in the wrong, and there are none who sustain you. As men of sense you are bound to see, if you will open your eyes, that you cannot effect your purposes. Nevertheless, you are still training and drilling, and keeping together, and threatening a renewal of the war. I have said to you often that you cannot succeed; by this time you ought to see it yourselves. What can your small force do against two thousand armed men, entrenched in a city, and defending themselves, their wives and their children? I Besides, if you are the aggressors, I am determined that all the power of the State shall be used to prevent your success. can never agree that a set of infatuated and infuriated men shall barbarously attack a peaceful people who have submitted to all the demands of the law, and when they had full power to do so, refrained from inflicting vengeance upon their enemies. You may count on my most determined opposition-upon the opposition of the law, and upon that of every peaceful, law-abiding citizen of the country. This is not spoken in anger. God knows I would do no injury unless comI exhort you to reconsider your infatu-pelled to do so to sustain the laws. But ated resolutions. Try your Mormon' neighbors again, and if you cannot dwell together in amity, you may at least refrain from injuring each other. From the moderation of the 'Mormons,' under what they conceive to be the deepest injury, you might well hope that if they ever entertained designs inconsistent with your liberty and happiness, that those designs have been abandoned. They are also interested in preserving the peace. It is not natural to suppose that they, mob violence must be put down. It is threatening the whole country with anarchy and ruin. It is menacing our fair form of Government, and destroying the confidence of the patriot in the institutions of his country. I have been informed that the Mormons' about Lima and Macedonia have been warned to leave the settlements. They have a right to remain and enjoy their property. As long as they are good citizens they shall not be molested, and the sooner those misguided persons with HISTORY OF JOSEPH SMITH. draw their warning and retrace their steps, the better it will be for them. THOMAS FORD. July 25, 1844. Thursday, August 1.-The remains of the deceased Eider Samuel H. Smith were interred this morning at 10 a.m. We extract the following from his obituary : "Samuel Harrison Smith, the fourth son of Joseph and Lucy, was born in the town of Tunbridge, Orange Co., Vermont, on the 13th day of March, 1808. In his early life he assisted his father in farming. He possessed a religious turn of mind, and at an early age joined the Presbyterian church, to which sect he belonged until he visited his brother Joseph in May, 1829, when Joseph informed him that the Lord was about to commence his Latter-day Work. He also showed him that part of the Book of Mormon which he had translated, and labored to persuade him concerning the Gospel of Jesus Christ which was about to be revealed in its fulness. Samuel was not, however, very easily persuaded of these things; but after much inquiry and explanation he retired and prayed that he might obtain from the Lord wisdom to enable him to judge for himself; the result was that he obtained revelation for himself sufficient to convince him of the truth of the testimony of his brother Joseph. On the 15th day of May, 1829, having been commanded of the Lord, Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery were baptized, and as they were returning from the water to the house, they overheard Samuel engaged in secret prayer. Joseph said that he considered that a sufficient testimony of his being a fit subject for baptism; and as they had now received authority to baptize, they spoke to Samuel upon the subject, and he went straightway to the water with them, and was baptized by Oliver Cowdery, he being the third person baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ in the last dispensation. He was one of the eight witnesses of the Book of Mormon. He was present at the organization of the Church, April 6, 1830, and was one of the six who at that time constituted the members of the Church. He was ordained to the Priesthood on the 6th of April, 1830. On the 30th of June following the organization of the Church, he took some Books of Mormon and started out on his mission, to which he had been set apart by his brother Joseph, and on travelling 151 twenty-five miles, which was his first day's journey, he stopped at a number of places in order to sell his books, but was turned out of doors as soon as he declared his principles. When evening came on he was faint and almost discouraged; but coming to an inn, which was surrounded with every appearance of plenty, he called to see if the landlord would buy one of his books. On going in, Samuel inquired of him if he did not wish to purchase a history of the origin of the Indians. 'I do not know,' replied the host, 'how did you get hold of it?' 'It was translated,' rejoined Samuel, by my brother, from soine gold plates that he found buried in the earth.' 'You damned liar,' cried the landlord, 'get out of my house-you shan't stay one minute with your books.' Samuel was sick at heart, for this was the fifth time he had been turned out of doors that day. He left the house and travelled a short distance, and washed his feet in a small brook as a testimony against the man. He then proceeded five miles further on his journey, and seeing an apple tree a short distance from the road, he concluded to pass the night under it; and here he lay all night upon the cold, damp ground. She pre In the morning he arose from his comfortless bed, and observing a small cottage at no great distance, he drew near, hoping to get a little refreshment. The only inmate was a widow, who seemed very poor. He asked her for food, relating the story of his former treatment. pared him some victuals, and, after eating, he explained to her the history of the Book of Mormon. She listened attentively, and believed all that he told her; but, in consequence of her poverty, she was unable to purchase one of the books. He presented her with one, and proceeded to Bloomington, which was eight miles further. Here he stopped at the house of one John P. Greene, who was a Methodist preacher and was at that time about starting on a preaching mission. He, like the others, did not wish to make a purchase of what he considered at that time to be a nonsensical fable; however, he said that he would take a subscription. paper, and if he found any one on his route who was disposed to purchase, he would take his name, and in two weeks Samuel might call again, and he would let him know what the prospect was of selling. After making this arrangement, Samuel left one of his books with him and returned home. Ir is with great pleasure that we insert the letter from Elder Joseph W. Young, which our present number contains. His lengthy and extensive experience in all matters pertaining to the emigration of the Saints across the Plains, enables him to speak as an authority on the matters which he has mentioned in his letter. We perused it with delight, for we know that every suggestion he makes in it is true, and exceedingly appropriate to the Saints who emigrate from Europe. These suggestions deserve to be written in letters of gold and hung up in the habitation of every Saint who desires to emigrate. Our own experience in emigration has made us acquainted with the difficulties which the Elders who act as agents for the Church on the frontiers have to contend with in arranging for the transport of the Saints across the Plains. It may sound unpleasant to the ears of some, but many of the Saints who leave this country are really as inexperienced as children, while their age and experience in other matters interfere with their receiving counsel, from those who do understand, as children would receive it. Now, this is a point which cannot be dwelt upon too much with the Saints, namely, the necessity of their listening to the counsel of those who have experience in all matters connected with the emigration, and who have been appointed to stand as counsellors to the Saints. Those who strictly follow the instructions of the men who are appointed to counsel them in all these matters, save themselves a vast amount of trouble, anxiety and expense. It is frequently the case in emigration as it is in other matters, there is a penny-wise and pound-foolish policy adopted which is always attended with evil results. People are blinded by their selfishness, and, instead of taking a course that will promote their interests, they overreach themselves and are the losers in the end. How often must the Saints be told that a narrow, selfish policy is ever productive of evil results, especially when adopted by members of this Church? If the Saints would prosper, they must dismiss the spirit or feeling from their minds which would prompt them to labor and contrive with an eye single to their own glory instead of the glory of God. The men or women in this Church who EDITORIAL. 153 would take advantage of and abuse the kindness of their brethren and sisters in Zion, who furnish teams and provisions to carry the poor up to the Mountains from the Missouri River, by spending the money they may have to spare, over and above that which is necessary to take them to Florence, in the purchase of articles which they can dispense with and which are not absolutely essential to the ordinary care of the body, are unworthy to go to Zion; and, if they should reach there, and continue to cherish the feelings which lead them to do such things, they will, sooner or later, apostatize. Their wretchedly mean and accursed selfishness will lead them out of the Church. The men or the women in this Church in whose minds the care of self is the all-engrossing thoughtwho care naught for the welfare of their brethren and sisters and the great Work of God with which they are nominally connected, beyond the promptings of selfinterest-witness unto God, angels and to men, by their actions, that they have neither lot nor part in this Work. No person can retain the Spirit of God any length of time in whose bosom this degrading and contemptible selfishness is the predominant feeling. Disobedience to the counsels of the servants of God has produced wretchedness, misery and destruction in other days, and it will also in these days. Achan, the son of Carmi, of the tribe of Judah, proved this when he coveted and took from among the spoils of Jericho, after Joshua had forbidden the people to take any of the spoils to themselves, "a goodly Babylonish garment" and some silver and gold, and hid them in his tent; and Saul, also, the King of Israel, when he spared Agag, King of Amalek, and the best of the sheep and oxen and other animals, contrary to the positive counsel of the Lord given through Samuel, his servant. In the case of Achan, he and his sons and daughters, with his oxen, his asses and his sheep, were stoned by Israel with stones, and then they, with the property he had taken and secreted and his tent and all that he had, were all burned with fire, because by his disobedience he had troubled Israel and caused them to receive a serious repulse from their enemies, attended with loss of life. In the case of Saul, his disobedience was punished by the Lord rending the kingdom of Israel from him and giving it unto his neighbor: none of his seed ever occupied his throne. We feel it to be our duty to earnestly warn the Saints throughout these Missions upon all these points connected with emigration, for we know that they are of the utmost importance unto them. Were you to accumulate any imaginable quantity of fine clothing or other superfluous articles, and have them carried through for you to the Valley-if, in doing so, you should spend means that should be used in paying your way and in assisting in the gathering of Israelthey would not be a benefit to you, and in a short time, if you maintained your connection with the people of God, you would be no richer in worldly substance than if you had gone into the Valley possessed only of "strong hearts and willing hands." The wise man said," There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty." The principle is very applicable to the Latter-day Saints in their gathering. All that distinguishes this people from the rest of mankind, and that causeth their increase in worldly substance, is the blessing of the Lord. If we, as a people, forfeit our claim to this blessing through disobedience, how can we expect to prosper any more than the rest of mankind? We know it is difficult for people brought up in the midst of Babylon to divest themselves of the traditions of Babylon. In 154 ABSTRACT OF CORESPONDENCE. Babylon there are many things looked upon as essential to respectability which among the experienced Saints in Zion, are not thus viewed; though we must confess that, even among many of those who go to Zion, the old traditions still linger around them, and they are apt to be more or less influenced by them. But those Saints who have had many years experience in this Church, and have profited by that experience, do not place that value upon what is termed "respectability"—on a man or a woman's appearance as they do upon his or her moral worth. The leading citizens of Utah-men of experience and high worth, and many of whom would be termed wealthy in other communities--take pride in dressing themselves and their wives and families in the cloth which is manufactured in their own households. And this feeling is increasing, we are happy to say, among the people. They are taking more pride in adorning themselves with the labors of their own hands. The Saints who intend to emigrate, instead of expending their money upon fine articles, should seek, on the contrary, to have everything plain, substantial and comfortable. Warmth in clothing is what you mostly need. To buy broadcloth, silks, ribbons and finery that can be dispensed with is a foolish waste of money, and those who thus expend their means will see the day that they will regret their folly in so doing. As you near the mountains the nights are cold, and a pair of blankets then will do you more good than any number of silk dresses or suits of broadcloth, or any other finery stowed away in your boxes. A District NEWS FROM THE CONFERENCES. MANCHESTER CONFERENCE. meeting of the Manchester Conference was held on Sunday, Feb. 1st, at Stockport, at which were present, Presidents George Q. Cannon and John M. Kay, and Elder Miles P. Romney. Elders Kay and Romney and Elders J. Alexander, C. Morton, S. Connel, G. Wilmot and James Walsh, Branch Presidents, spoke and represented the condition of the various Branches. The reports, on the whole, were very favorable. President Cannon occupied the remainder of the forenoon addressing the Saints in relation to their duties. In the afternoon, the Authorities were presented by Elder Kay and unanimously sustained, after which Presi dent Cannon again addressed a large congregation which had assembled. A spirit of freedom prevailed, and the Elders and Saints rejoiced much in the principles of the Gospel which were advanced. A number of strangers were present at both meetings, who listened with much attention. Proceeding to Manchester, the Elders met with a large congregation of Saints and strangers at the Saints' meeting-hall, Union Chambers, Dickenson-street, when President Cannon preached. He enjoyed much liberty while speaking, and the congregation listened very attentively and appeared much interested in the principles advanced. ABSTRACT OF CORRESPONDENCE. DESERET.—In a very interesting communication received lately from Judge Phelps, dated at Great Salt Lake City, Jan. 17, he says, "I shall be 71 years old one month from to-day; and I can say, without the fear of contradiction, that the past year has been one of the happiest of my life, without pain or sickness ; and, according to the revelation of Joseph, I expect to live the next 70 years, |