PRESIDENT YOUNG'S VISIT, ETC. cellent; but not much will be done here in agriculture, as the design of the mission is to furnish lumber for building up the new locations in the cotton district. The citizens had not known of our coming till within a few hours before our arrival; but during that time they had erected a building with boards from the mill, under which we found two tables, nearly forty feet long, spread in the most tasteful manner with every desired luxury, at which ninety-seven persons sat down at once. This was something unlooked for by us, to see tables spread so bountifully, and with such good taste, in that new settlement in the " tops of the mountains," as it were. By sunrise on Tuesday morning we were under way and rolling over a tolerably smooth road, through a romantic country. Passing through Grass Valley we soon began to descent into kanyons or deep gorges, and at length came in sight of Pinto settlement, where the stars and stripes were floating in the gentle wooing winds. That glorious emblem of liberty, which had greeted us so often on our journey, once more fanned the fire of patriotism within us. There are about twelve houses in this settlement, and one school-house. The soil is unsurpassed. Everything here possessed an air of industry and prosperity. Its scenery was almost enchanting to look upon. The hills in every direction were covered with cedar. The Presidency were hospitably entertained at Elder Robinson's, while we were conducted to well-spread tables. Mr. Amos Thornton and lady are entitled to thanks for the excellent repast provided for a goodly number of the company. A meeting was held, at which Presidents Young and Kimball occupied a short time in instructing the Saints. I omitted to mention that a meeting was held in Pine Valley, when the people where spoken to by Presidents Young and Kimball, and Llders Orson Hyde and Geo. A. Smith. Refreshed and delighted with Pinto Valley, we passed rapidly on over the divide into Coal Creek Valley, and at 3 o'clock p.m., entered Cedar City again, making about forty miles' travel 453 that day. We came in once more covered with dust, which had been extremely liberal in its deposits. Here we found all the arrangements complete. Again, THAT bell rang; and, as it is rather a celebrated bell, and its character is bandied about considerably by critics, I thought to examine and inquire for myself. On its cuter surface I traced "D. I. C,. 1855." which, fully rendered, reads, Deseret Iron Company, cast 1855. I learned that such a company had expended a large amount of labor and means in this place, endeavoring to produce iron from the ore which exists here in great abundance; that they had toiled years to mature and bring this much-needed material into use; but in consequence of some properties being incorporated with the ore with which they were unacquainted, they finally became discouraged and abandoned the project for the time being, after, however, producing a few castings, among which was this bell. There seems to be a little flaw in it, which deadens the sound and prevents that clear ringing tone which it would otherwise produce; still I am told it has been heard three or four miles. Again it sounded, and I said, "Ring on; for it bears testimony that iron in great abundance will yet be produced here." The President's party were received into the Social Hall, where we were as much surprised as delighted at what was exhibited there. The hall was tastefully decorated with evergreens and pictorial ornaments. Lengthwise of the room were three long tables, standing parallel with each other, at the head of which crossed the fourth table, all of which were covered with tastefully-arranged dishes, containing rich varieties of food well cooked and seasoned. The Presidency and the Twelve, with their ladies, occupied the fourth table, while the remainder of the company were seated at the three parallel ones. One hundred and six persons were seated, when a most enchanting hymn was sung by a large company of singers who occupied the large platform at the back of the stand. By request of Bishop Lunt, President Young then asked a blessing on the food. This ceremony was in perfect order, and attended by a spirit which tranquilized and soothed every 554 HISTORY OF BRIGHAM YOUNG. feeling into the blessedness of peace. | abounds with a great abundance of grass-in fact, we have not passed through so good a range for stock on the entire route. An abundance of cheese and butter is made there. While we partook of that sumptuous banquet, the choir, from their place, performed several glees most skilfully, and, as their melodies thrilled the inspirited powers of sensibility, the heartfelt "God bless the Saints of Cedar City" was the mental response of every heart. A civil and well-ordered dance was inaugurated in the evening, which was attended by the most of our company, except the Presidency and the Twelve, who were too much fatigued to take part, and retired to rest. The Presidency were entertained at Bishop Lunt's residence, where every comfort was provided and every want anticipated by his kind and attentive family. I omitted, in the proper place, to state that in St. George we partook of green peas, lettuce, radishes, &c. Mr. Solon Foster has two swarms of bees doing first-rate, and I am informed other swarms were owned in this place. Success to the bees. Dr. Sprague reports the company in a state of convalescence. I wish to state at the close, that up to the present date of our travels I have not heard one murmur, nor even a petulant word uttered by any person composing the President's party. Every one has seemed to possess a spirit to make everything agreeable. One of the company got hurt by the upsetting of a wagon in Johnson's Twist, but he is well again. We expect to arrive home on next Tuesday, so I presume this communication will be my last, unless something particular shall transpire. (To be Continued.) Thus I give you Mr. Editor, an account of our return, by a new route, from St. George to Cedar City. The country along this route is truly picturesque and romantic. For the most of the distance, however, the road is rough and tedious, but nothing to obstruct loaded teams. The region of country from Pine Valley to Pinto Valley HISTORY OF BRIGHAM In the fall of 1833, many of the brethren had gathered to Kirtland, and not finding suitable employment, and having some difficulty in getting their pay after they had labored, several went off to Willoughby, Painsville and Cleaveland. I told them I had gathered to Kirtland because I was so directed by the Prophet of God, and I was not going away to Willoughby, Painesville. Cleaveland, nor any where else to build up the Gentiles, but I was going to stay here and seek the things that pertained to the kingdom of God by listening to the teachings of his servants, and I should work for my brethren and trust in God and them that I would be paid. I labored for brother Cahoon and finished his house, and although he did not know he could pay me when I commenced, before I finished he had me paid in full. I then went to work for father John Smith and others, who YOUNG. paid me, and sustained myself in Kirtland, and when the brethren who had gone out to work for the Gentiles returned, I had means, though some of them were scant. In February, 1834, I married Mary Ann Angel, who took charge of my children, kept my house, and labored faithfully for the interest of my family and the kingdom. While the Prophet Joseph was gathering up the Elders of Israel to go up to Missouri and assist the brethren that had been driven from Jackson county, I was preaching and laboring for the support of my family. My brother Joseph Young arrived, and I requested him to go with me to Missouri. He hesitated; but while walking together a few days afterwards we met the Prophet, who said to him, Brother Joseph, I want you to go with us up to Missouri.” I informed the Prophet that my brother was doubt HISTORY OF BRIGHAM YOUNG. ful as to his duty about going, to which | the Prophet replied, "Brother Brigham and brother Joseph, if you will go with me in the camp to Missouri and keep my counsel, I promise you, in the name of the Almighty, that I will lead you there and back again, and not a hair of your heads shall be harmed," at which my brother Joseph presented his hand to the Prophet, as well as myself, to confirm the covenant. The brethren continued to come in from various parts of the country to Kirtland, and on the 5th of May we started for New Portage, the place appointed for organization. May 7, brother Joseph Smith and the remainder of the brethren having arrived, we began to organize, and on the 8th, the organization being completed, we started on our journey. We arrived at brother Burgett's, Rush Creek, Clay county, Missouri, on the 23rd of June, and passed through the scenes of cholera and death, as related in the history of Joseph Smith. We remained one week attending to the sick and burying the dead. About seventy of the brethren were attacked with the cholera, and eighteen died. President Joseph Smith called the members of the camp of Zion together, and told them if they would humble themselves before the Lord, and covenant that they would from that time forth obey his counsel, that the plague should be stopped from that very hour, and there would not be another case in camp, whereupon the brethren with uplifted hands covenanted that they would from that very hour hearken to his counsel and obey his word, and the plague was stayed according to the words of the Lord through his servant. July 4th, my brother Joseph and myself, in company with several of the brethren, started for home, and walked all the way, arriving in Kirtland in August, having performed a journey of about 2000 miles on foot, in a little over three months, averaging forty miles per day while travelling. In the fall of 1834, Denis Lake instituted a lawsuit before Justices Dowen and Hanson, against brother Joseph Smith, charging him $30 a month for going up in Zion's camp to Missouri, alleging that Joseph had promised him a lot of land. I was called up by the attorney for the prosecution, 455 General Paine, and questioned. I was asked if I went up to Missouri with the said camp? I answered I did. I was asked what tools I took with me. I replied, a good gun and bayonet, plenty of ammunition, a dirk, an ax, a saw, a chisel, spade, hoe, and other necessary tools. I was asked what I meant to do with my gun and ammunition. I replied, I meant to defend my property, myself and my brethren from thieves and robbers. I was asked how much I understood a lot of land to mean. I told them, in the burying yard it generally meant six feet. Joseph's attorney, Mr. Bissell, hearing me answer these and similar questions so readily and definitely, punched the prosecuting attorney on the shoulder and asked him if he had any more questions to ask that witness. He said no. Mr. Collins being examined, testified that Joseph had promised all who would go up in camp should return, and that many had gone up, and when they returned some were dead and some were alive. Joseph's attorney, taking advantage of the witness' words, remarked that the witness had testified that they all returned, and that was all Mr. Collins said Joseph had promised. Thirty witnesses were summoned to attend this trial (three of whom were sectarian priests,) for the purpose of impeaching the testimony of Joseph Smith, at which they made a signal failure. a I mention such cases, wherein I took part, in my history, realizing that there are but few of the vexatious proceedings of the world and the apostates, against Joseph, noticed in his history. I tarried in Kirtland during the fall and winter, quarrying rock, working on the Temple and finishing off the printing-office and school-room. February 14th, 1835, brother Joseph Smith called a council of Elders, at which the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles were selected in the following order-viz., Lyman E. Johnson, Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Orson Hyde, Luke Johnson, David W. Patten, William E. McLellin, John F. Boyington, William Smith, Orson Pratt, Thomas B. Marsh and Parley P. Pratt. After the organization of the Twelve and the first Seventy, we held councils frequently, in which we received much instruction from the Prophet pertaining to the duties of our calling. May 2. While the Elders were assembled in council, the Prophet Joseph called upon me to go and preach the Gospel and open the door of salvation to the aborigines, or the seed of Joseph, upon this continent, and Elders Amos Orton and John P. Greene were appointed to accompany me. Brother Joseph said, "This will open the door to all the seed of Joseph." I started in company with the Twelve on the 4th of May, at 2 o'clock, a.m., and arrived at Fairport at 6 o'clock, where we went on board of a steamboat which was just starting out, and arrived at Dunkirk about 4 o'clock, p.m. I remained at Dunkirk preaching for a few days. I visited Julius Moreton (a relative of mine), and preached the Gospel to him; but he was not inclined to receive its principles. He was a man considerably advanced in yearshad never made a profession of reli gion, but was very much of a gentleman. To avoid calling on me to ask a blessing at table, he asked the blessing himself, probably for the first time in his life. We proceeded to Westfield, where, with our brethren of the Twelve, we attended a Conference, After the Conference was over, the Quorum of the Twelve proceeded eastward, two going together preaching the Gospel and meeting together to hold Conferences in the different Branches, according to previous appointment. At Lyonstown, N. Y., brothers 0. Hyde, William Smith and myself returned to Kirtland, as witnesses for President Joseph Smith in a case before the county court. As soon as we were liberated, we again started and joined the Twelve in holding Conferences, preaching and baptizing, regulating and organizing the Churches through the eastern country. We returned to Kirtland September 25th. In consequence of the attention of the Elders and Saints having been concentrated upon the subject of emigration for some time back, the doctrine of Tithing has not received that notice to which, as a practice instituted by the Lord, it is fully entitled. As the emigration season is closed for the present year, it is but right that the minds of all should be recalled to the contemplation and the practice of this important principle. This is the more necessary at the present time, as upon its observance we conceive the success in raising the necessary means to get away another year, to a very great extent, depends. There is a blessing connected with the payment of Tithing, to which those who have faithfully attended to it can abundantly testify. It is a fact, often noticed and commented upon by the Elders, that they who are the most punctual in the payment of Tithing and in the discharge of the other duties devolving upon them, are the most likely of any others to be able to accomplish their deliverance from Babylon. EDITORIAL. So much is this the case that every spring, since we have been in this Mission, we have heard the Elders express their wonder as to how they would be able to keep matters moving in their fields, as all their best Tithing and Mission Fund payers and subscribers for the STAR and JOURNAL were emigrating. This feeling did not find utterance so much on account of those who had in their possesion, or were in receipt of, the most means being the ones who were emigrating, as it did on account of their being the most faithful and wisely-liberal with what they did have. But no sooner has the emigration started than a new class has arisen in the Branches and Conferences, (partly composed of those who have always been diligent in these matters, and partly of new members and those who have never felt or realized the importance of attending to the payment of Tithing or anything else) who have manifested the same zeal as those did who had emigrated, and who in their turn are enabled to get away. The unbeliever may doubt, cavil or sneer at the idea of the payment of Tithing being attended with any blessing. The fact, nevertheless, remains unimpeached and unimpeachable that they who do pay their Tithing are prospered and blessed to an extent far beyond those who do not pay it. Two Branches or &c.; the people of Conferences of equal numbers and income may be selected: the people of the one pay a portion of their income regularly as Tithing, &c., the other, feeling themselves too poor, or for some other reason equally weighty in their minds, keep all their means and appropriate it in one way and another for their own personal benefit-and, at the end of a given period, all other things being equal, it will be demonstrated beyond dispute that the Branch or Conference which pays Tithing will be in a much better position, financially as well as spiritually, than the other which neglects this matter. Yet we would not condescend to use the pecuniary advantages resulting from such a course as an argument by itself in favor of the practice of paying Tithing; on the contrary, we venture to say that the man who should pay his Tithing, actuated solely by sordid motives and with the view to benefit his own pocket alone, would be more than likely to be disappointed. Of course, however, in enumerating the advantages which accrue from obedience to this principle this cannot be overlooked or ignored. Either the money itself goes further in the hands of a man who is doing his duty and is obeying the requirements of the Almighty, or he has greater wisdom given him in using it, or, what is without doubt nearer the truth, both these reasons combined cause him to be more blessed than the other who is derelict upon this point. Though we allude to the payment of Tithing thus pointedly, we do not wish to be understood as wishing its payment to be demanded of or enforced among the Saints under any pains and penalties whatever. We feel that there could be no blessing attend Tithing obtained by any other means than the spontaneous action of the person paying. The Saints should feel the importance of the principle themselves, and what they do, do willingly, of their own accord. The duty of the Elders is to teach the principle, to set before the Saints its advantages and to endeavor to develop within them a living, active faith in the promises of the Lord on this and kindred points. When this is done under the influence of the Spirit, the people will see the principle in its true light, and be as eager to attend to it as the Elders would expect them to be under their circumstances and with their knowledge. But we are fully convinced that there is a great neglect on the part of many of the Elders in teaching this principle. In their anxiety to attend to other matters they suffer this doctrine to be lost sight of and to fall |