OBITUARY.

Elder Wallace informs us that Oliver Cowdery died last February of consumption. Brother Cowdery is one of the THREE WITNESSES to the BOOK OF MORMON. For rebellious conduct he was expelled from the church some years since. Although he stood aloof from the Church for several years he, never in a single instance cast the least doubt on the truth of his former testimony. Sometime in 1847 or 1848 he sought to be admitted to the fellowship of the Saints. His return to the fold was hailed with great joy by the Saints, who still remembered him with a kindly recollection as one who had suffered much in the first rise of the Church. He has now gone the way of all the earth. May he rest in peace, to come forth in the morning of the first resurrection unto eternal life, is the earnest desire of all Saints.


Notes: (forthcoming)

ARRIVAL OF THE GREAT SALT LAKE VALLEY MAIL. -- We have just received despatches from "Utah Territory," containing news up to July 31st. The Saints there are prospering in a most wonderful manner; crops of every kind are very abundant; universal health prevails: many thousands of emigrants for the gold mines were passing through the valley, many of whom were being baptized with a desire of locating themselves in the territory. A newspaper entitled "Deseret News," is being published weekly. We have received No. 7, and hope to receive a complete file soon. We shall publish the general news from that quarter in our next.

---

The following question was asked by one of our correspondents, "WHEN DID SIDNEY RIGDON HAVE THE FIRST INTERVIEW WITH JOSEPH SMITH THE PROPHET?"

We answer that Sidney Rigdon never saw Joseph Smith until December, 1830, the visit being prolonged into January, 1831. These two persons had never been within two or three hundred miles of each other until that period. Elder P. P. Pratt, in speaking of this visit, represents it as taking place early in 1831. Some have have supposed this statement to be incorrect in point of time, but it is strictly true: the visit commenced in December and was prolonged into January.


Note: Apostle Pratt's exact words were: "Early in 1831, Mr. Rigdon having been ordained, under our hands, visited elder J. Smith, Jr., in the state of New-York, for the first time; and from that time forth, rumor began to circulate, that he (Rigdon) was the author of the Book of Mormon." Pratt does not disclose what interaction may have occurred between the Rev. Sidney Rigdon and Joseph Smith, jr., before the latter was made an Elder in the Church of Christ, in April of 1830.

GREAT  SALT  LAKE -- THE  MORMONS.

... Mormons had sent out two new colonies, one to Lower-end Basin, the other to Lower California. The General Assembly of the Church for the State of Deseret had transferred all their powers to the territorial government. Governor Young was awaiting the arrival of the Territorial officers to organize the government...

The Salt Lake crops were promising...


Notes: (forthcoming)

The report of the Judges of the Utah territory relative to the proceedings of the Mormons is full of disgusting details of the debauchery carried on by the leading members of that sect. It should be perused by the numerous persons who, even at the present time, are emigrating from Great Britain to join them. The following is an extract from the report: --

"We deem it our duty to state, in this official communication, that polygamy, or 'plurality of wives is openly avowed and practised in the territory, under the sanction and in obedience to the direct commands of the church.' So universal is this practice, that very few, if any leading men in that community can be found who have not more than one wife each, which creates a monopoly, and which was peculiarly hard upon the officers sent to reside there. The prominent men in the church, whose examples in all things it is the ambition of the more humble to imitate, have each many wives, some of them, we are credibly informed and believe, as many as 20 or 30, and Brigham Young, the governor, even a greater number. Only a few days before we left the territory, the Governor was seen riding through the streets, with a large company of his wives, more than two-thirds of whom had infants in their arms -- a sure sign that the evil is increasing. It is not uncommon to find two or more sisters married to the same man; and in one instance, at least, a mother and her two daughters are among the wives of a leading member of the church. The practice, regarded and punished as a high and revolting crime in all civilized countries, would, of course, never be made a statutory offence by a Mormon Legislature; and if a crime at common law, the Court would be powerless to correct the evil with Mormon juries. The City of the Great Salt Lake, is an important point in the overland route to Oregon and California for the emigrant to replenish his stores, or to winter if overtaken by the advance of the season; but the intimidation which is produced by the denunciations and conduct...
[remainder of text missing]


Notes: (forthcoming)

FATAL RESULT OF MORMON FANATICISM. -- During several successive days a number of men have been engaged in searching the Trent between Nottingham and Beeston for the purpose of finding the body of a young man named William Barnes, recently a resident of the last named place. Barnes having latterly distinguished himself as a zealous partisan among the Mormonites, who unhappily are becoming rather numerous in and around the county of Nottingham, had been elevated to the rank of a priest or prophet. In this capacity he was about to receive a couple of converts into the bosom of "the church" on Wednesday night at ten o'clock. The "priest," the candidates, and a number of "brethren" approached the left bank of the Trent at the time named, the spot selected being in a place known as the Rye-fields, near Beeston. The converts, both young women, hesitated about going into the water, being fearful of danger, but Barnes bravely led the way, assuring them that no harm could befal the faithful. He had scarcely uttered some expression to this effect, and was stepping into the stream, which was unusually high and the current very strong, when in a moment he was carried off his legs and sank directly. One of the "brethren" with him, who could swim will, plunged after the unfortunate man, but was unable to reach him, and his body has never been seen since. The enthusiasm of these wretched fanatics is astonishing. They are constantly engaged in making proselytes, and many families have already been induced by their agency to leave this neighborhood for the Mormon settlement in California.


Notes: (forthcoming)

The recent Mormon revelations [have] created considerable discussion in Congress. The New York Herald describes a scene which occurred in the House: --

"The curious political transactions and extraordinary financial operations of the Mormons, which have recently come to light, combined with the peculiar social notions which they are said to entertain, are beginning to create a great deal of surprise, amazement, and consternation among our pious members of Congress at Washington. During the debate in the House of Representatives on Thursday, on the question of the legality of the election of Mr. Bernheisel, the delegate from Utah, that gentlemen, in his defense, said the he received every vote cast in the territory, and that his election did not cost him one dollar. Mr. Briggs, of New York, here rose, and remarked that he had excellent authority for saying that Mr. Bernheisel had received his certificate of election through fraud and corruption and that he paid Brigham Young, the governor of the territory, and chief saint of the Mormons, the sum of $3,000 to secure his seat in Congress. This announcement created extraordinary excitement and confusion -- members rose upon their feet, and the Speaker had much difficulty in quelling the distirbance. One gentlemen wished to know whether polygamy was really countenanced and practised. Another was desirous of ascertaining whether the delegate himself was a polygamist? Several members averred that if Mr. Bernheisel was guilty of any such abominable conduct he would have to be kept out of the House, else they would leave it themselves; they could not, and would not, associate with any such men. After the noise had somewhat subsided, the subject was postponed till another day, when it is expected that developments of a most astounding character will be made."

The winter throughout the States was much more severe than had been experienced for many years...


Notes: (forthcoming)

The New York Herald has the following extraordinary statement: --

"We have just received from Charleston, South Carolina, a variety of papers and documents, containing copies of a very curious diplomatic correspondence... It is, in fact, a British recognition of the independence of South Carolina, and is a practical secession of the highest order. South Carolina, from this date, may be considered as having taken the first step outside the Union -- it has even got ahead of the Mormons; they only drove back their judges, without saying they would refuse another batch with more morality and less law -- but South Carolina has opened diplomatic communications with British functionaries, and set aside entirely the authority of the general Government..."


Notes: (forthcoming)

ARRIVAL  OF  THE  ELLEN  MARIA
AT  NEW  ORLEANS.
Extract of a Letter from Elder Moses Clawson.

                                                   New Orleans, March 7th 1853.
Beloved President S. W. Richards, -- I take the earliest opportunity of informing you of the safe arrival at this place of thee company of saints on board the Ellen Maria, on the 6th of March, making her passage from Liverpool in forty-seven days.

I was, nearly the whole of the voyage, confined with sickness, but the brethren in the priesthood have diligently co-operated with me in carrying into effect such measures as the Spirit of God dictated would be for the good of the Saints; and the Saints generally have appreciated and realized the necessity of obedience to every council given; so that all things have moved on harmoniously and almost without an hard feeling. I never experienced more pleasure in presiding over any people than I have over those who came out on this ship, for the manner in which the Saints have conducted themselves has exceeded my most sanguine expectations. The first eight days of the voyage were very rough, which caused the Saints to be sick.

We have had five births, two marriages, and five deaths on board as follows: --

Births. -- Sister Diggle from the Heywood Branch, Manchester Conference, was safely delivered of a daughter, January 20th. Sister Mary Barnes, aged thirty-two from the Hull Branch was delivered of a son, January 25th, during a raging storm. Sister Kendall, wife of George Kendall, late President of the Derbyshire Conference, was safely delivered of a son, January 30th. Sister Caroline Finn from the Worcester Branch, was safely delivered of a son, February 7th. Sister Matilda Rebbeck from the Queens Forest Branch, Southampton Conference, was safely delivered of son, February 19th.

Marriages. -- Brother William Bown, from the Hull Branch, to Sister Jane Ann Metcalf, from the York Branch. Brother Alfred Sparks from the Worcester Branch, to Sister Jane Fowler, from the Pershore Branch, Worcestershire Conference. These parties were married January 30, by Elder Moses Clawson.

Deaths. -- Sister Mary Barnes, and infant, the former January 25th, the latter, January 26th; they were both committed to the deep on the 26th. William Reed, aged six years, an orphan, under the care of Sister Elizabeth Smith from the Portsmouth Branch; he died of decline February 13th. Jacob Broadhurst, aged two years and four months, son of Samuel Broadhurst, from the Leigh Branch, Manchester Conference, March 2nd. Sister Matilda Rebbeck, March 2nd. The two last were consigned to a watery grave at the mouth of the Mississippi river.

Our passage across the ocean was rough and stormy at times. We have been in very straight places and unless the God of israel had stretched out His arm to our deliverance, our position would have been hopeless. But the Saints have been cheerful and happy in the midst of their greatest trials and the blessing of the Lord has attended this people during this portion of their journey -- they have been diligent in seeking the Lord, and He has heard their prayersand prayers and blessed them with the rich blessings of His Spirit. And I pray that He may still continue to bless them until they shall reach the mountain home of the Saints.

In conclusion I pray that the blessings of my Heavenly Father may rest upon you, that you may be a blessing to the British Saints. And may they be wise and obedient to all the commandments of God through His servants the Prophets of the last days.

I remain your brother in the bonds of the new covenant of peace,
                                                    MOSES CLAWSON.


Note 1: Elder James Farmer, one of the passengers aboard the Ellen Maria, records the following in his diary entries for the first week in March, 1853: "March 1. A beautiful morning   several ships in sight... at sun down we could see land at a place called the "Bar" at the mouth of the Mississippi. Had some conversation with Bro. Clawson. 2nd. Fair morning with many ships in sight and packets towing ships up the river.... About 1/2 past 5 this morning a little boy named Jacob Broadhurst died. He was 2 years old, son of Samuel Broadhurst from the Leigh Branch, Manchester Conf. He was interred at 1/2 past 11 by Elders Clauson and Kendall... This afternoon we made some progress as the wind changed at 12 and brought us near the Bar and they cast anchor."

Note 2: In 1999 the great-grand-nephew of Jacob Broadhurst composed these words in his behalf: "I am proud of my great great Grandfather, Samuel Broadhurst, presiding elder of the Leigh, Lancashire branch, who in 1853 brought his little flock out of Babylon and set sail for the Land Bountiful aboard the Ellen Maria. His baby boy died in sight of the Promised Land. There was no ram caught up in the thicket to stop that sacrificial seizure. But a few weeks later my great great Grandmother, Betty Boardman, gave birth to man-child in St. Louis, Missouri and the blood of that infant flows in my veins today."

ARRIVAL  OF  ELDER I. C. HAIGHT
AT  GREAT SALT LAKE VALLEY.

                                                Great Salt Lake City, Aug. 31st, 1853.
Elder S. W. Richards -- Dear Brother -- Having arrived safely at home, and being surrounded with the endearments of wife, children, and friends, I embrace the earliest opportunity to drop you a few lines to let you know of the welfare of the Saints that are on their way to the home of the Saints in the vallies of Ephraim.

I wrote you from the Missouri River, giving you all the information that I was in possession of relative to the camps. After seeing all the companies safely across the Elk Horn, I waited there some four days for Elder Levi Stewart to accompany me across the plains. We left the Horn on the 26th of July, and proceeded on our way to the Loup Fork. All the companies had to ferry both the Horn and the Loup Fork, which made a great addition to the expense. I came up with Elder John Brown's company (which was the last company that started) on the 27th, camped with them, and found them all well and in good spirits. I left them on the 28th and came up with Elder A. M. Harmon's company; left them on the 29th and overtook Elder J. W. Young's company, in the Sand Hills, between Loup Fork and Wood River, and travelled with them to Wood River, and staid over Sunday the 31st,with them. Sister Young's health is very delicate, also Elder Rostron's. After making some repairs, we held meeting in the evening. All seemed to feel first-rate, and rejoiced that they were thus far on their journey, enjoying good health, except the above cases. I left Wood River on the 1st of August; overtook Elder Gates and company on the 4th, on Skunk Creek, all well; passed Elder Forssgren and company at Cold Springs and Elder Wheelock and company the same day, all getting along first-rate, good health prevailing in all the three camps, and their cattle were doing well. There has been more feed on the banks of the Platte this year than ever has been, and far too much water -- all the dry creeks were full of water. I passed Elder Shurtleff on the 6th on the Sand Hills, quite well; left Elder Spencer and company on the 14th, twenty miles above Laramie, all well; Elder Clawson's company, on Deer Creek, on the 17th, Elder Crosby and company, on the 21st, at the three crossings of Sweet Water; left my horses and carriage with him, and got some fresh horses to come in with; Passed Elder Miller's company on the Sandies, and Elder Wilkie on Bear River; and arrived at home on the 29th in good health.

I will now say that I never saw the emigrants enjoying better health than this year. The Lord has blessed them exceedingly in all things. Their cattle have done well, feed being good except on the Sandies, or from Pacific Springs to Green River. The indians have been very peaceable on the way. We met a large posse going out to arrest Bridger and some of his gang that resisted the authorities of utah. They have stirred up the indians to commit depredations upon our people, and some of our people have been killed; among others brother Dixon that lived with Elder Taylor. What will be the result I do not know, but I fear that we shall have some little trouble with them. Every thing is going along first-rate here, prosperity has attended the Saints in all their settlements.

I must now draw this scrawl to a close, praying the Lord to continue to pour out His richest blessings upon you in all your labours.

With kind love to you, and all in [the] office, and all the faithful Saints, I remain your fellow servant.
                                                    I. C. HAIGHT.


Note: Elder James Farmer, one of the British emigrants then crossing the plains (with Elder Cyrus Wheelock's company of 400 Mormon pioneers), recorded that he reached the Great Salt Lake Valley on Oct. 6, 1853. See the LDS Journal History of the Church," Sept. 19, 1853, p. 4 for a list of the members of the Wheelock company. Elder William Bown, who traveled with Elder Kendall's group, wrote that the main portion of the Wheelock company passed him at Green River on Sept. 23, 1853. Bown and companions arrived in the Valley on Oct. 11th.

INCONSISTENCY  OF  ANTI-MORMONS.
BY ELDER B. SNOW.

Reader, did you ever see a locomotive upon a railway attached to a heavy train puffing and snorting, emitting volumes of steam and smoke its, wheels revolving with great rapidity, but withal making no headway, while every effort began and ended in noise? If so, you have seen a picture to my conception of the efforts of a man who has pledged his support to a bad cause...

I have been led into this train of thought by perusing several Anti-Mormon publications, most of which were, as usual anonymous, for the best of all reasons, the authors were ashamed to father such monstrosities. Among the number which I have lately read, there is, however one exception to this general rule; but had the author been half as bright as he evidently supposes himself to be, he would have withheld his name and saved his credit. I allude to a tract bearing the significant title, The Book of Mormon examined and its claims to be a Revelation from God, proved to be false, by John Haynes.

It is not my purpose to enter into a review of this work, for it would be spending time to a very poor purpose, inasmuch as I have no fears of any influence from it except such as shall tend to the advantage of truth whenever read by thinking people...

(view lengthier extract)

Notes: (forthcoming)

ASSASSINATION  OF  PRESIDENT P. P. PRATT.

(From the "Mormon.")

Our readers will doubtless be startled with the above announcement; our heart is deeply pained to say it, but we have no reason for doubting the sad intelligence that has reached us, though, as yet, only by the way of the public press. A few days ago we were advised of his apprehension near Fort Gibson; and, close upon the receipt of that information, we learned, by telegraphic despatch, that he had been assassinated near Van Buren, Arkansas, May 14. Many of our contemporaries are rejoicing over the bloody deed, justifying the murderer, and spitting out their vengeance with the fury of hell that nestles in their corrupt hearts.

As we have not the space this week that we require to enter into details, and may, before another issue, receive additional information on the subject, we shall only say, for the benefit of those who are interested, that the lady who returned to New Orleans from Utah, last fall, for her children -- a lengthy account of which was published in The Mormon, March 14th -- [had] been overtaken en route for her mountain home, by the demon in human form who had so flagrantly violated every vestige of claim to the title of husband. Herself and children are once more in his power. After failing to sustain the charge against President Pratt "of stealing the clothing on the children, in value eight or ten dollars," he followed him some eight miles from the place of trial, and, taking advantage of his lonely position, shot him, justifying his crime by a charge of seduction.

Though we deeply deplore the loss to the Church of such a great and upright man, and the bereavement to his family, yet we mourn not. His life has been one of honour and faithfulness; his days have been well spent in the service of his God; his name is revered by thousands and tens of thousands, and will be honored by millions yet unborn; when that of his cowardly assassins, and those who have cheered them on to this damning deed, and who now rejoice over their crime, will be loathsome, and a stink in the nostrils of God and good men.


Notes: (forthcoming)

ANTI-MORMON LIES CONTRADICTED BY ANTI-MORMONS. -- The good people of the United States and Great Britain. not long since, were deardfully excited by the reports of one Mr. Drummond, concerning the "Mormons" in Utah... [he] wickedly accuses the Mormons of Utah with sending men some seven hundred miles to murder COLONEL BABBITT. The editor of the Crescent City Oracle, and brother-in-law to Colonel Babbitt, most pointedly proves this accusation of the ex-judge to be maliciously false. The editor's statement of May 22nd is as follows: --

"We notice in the letter of resignation, of Hon. W. W. Drummond to Attorney-General Black, that he there, among other very grave charges, asserts that the Hon. A. W. Babbitt was murdered by white white men disguised as Indians, by order of the authorities of Utah. In justice to the parties thus maligned, we will state that we have taken much pains to gather all the information possible calculated to throw light upon the death of our relative, Mr. Babbitt, and the particulars connected with the same; and we have not a shadow of doubt but that indians of the Cheyenne nation murdered him for revenge and plunder, and for the satisfaction of his friends who have not heard the full particulars, we will recount them briefly.

"As Secretary of Utah, the late and lamented Col. Babbitt purchased the stationery and other necessaries for Legislative purposes, &c., and at a proper season started in from Florence across the plains with ox teams, under the charge of a Mr. Nichols. Late in August, with only one attendant and in an open carriage, Mr. B. left Florence for Utah. Upon arriving at Fort Kearney he there found some of his stock, his wagons, and a portion of the goods, and one man wounded from his train, being all that remained, four of the number having been killed, three on the spot and one (Mrs. Wilson) the next day after capture.

"Mr. Babbitt hastened to purchase more cattle, and, gathering up the remains of his freight, started the train again forward and wrote us two several letters, stating that he would start forward himself with two attendants the day following. These are, probably, the last he ever wrote.

"Mr. Babbitt left the fort as had been arranged and was never again seen by white men. All the emigration were ahead. He intended to reach Fort Leavenworth in three days and was making good his time. Some weeks later an indian came in to a French trader's station with a gold watch which bore the initials of Mr. B.'s name and soon another came with a massive ring which was also marked as a seal ring.

"The Indians then being charged with the murder acknowledged they had done it. News was sent to the Fort and Major Wharton immediately sent out a detachment in search, which found Mr. Babbitt's carriage, trunk and many valuable papers; but nothing of the unfortunate victim but a few bones. detachment "The indians then confessed that having been insulted and abused by the parties in charge of the mail, and then were killed by the soldiers, a company of twelve had fallen upon Mr. Babbitt's ox train as being the first they had met; to avenge the wrong. That they had seen Mr. Babbitt arrive at the Fort and knew him, (he having crossed the plains nearly twenty times,) and that he was a big man, and by killing him they might be likely to get plunder and revenge at the same time. They had gone on ahead and lay in wait; when he passed they followed him at a distance until he be had stopped, the second day in the afternoon. Then they rode down upon him yelling and screaming. Mr. B. shouted at them and motioned them to stop and pointed his pistol at them; but they passed on and he fired at them. "Frank Rowland, (a young man accompanying him) stood with his arms by his side until shot down; the other man ran away in some willows. The Colonel fought like a tiger, fired all his arms, then clubbed his rifle and fought the whole twelve savages, disputing every inch as he slowly backed up to his carriage for protection behind. He had seriously wounded several, when one more cowardly than the others, jumped up into the wagon and with the tomahawk killed a brave and noble man. detachment "Major Wharton still has possession of the ring which he be obtained of the Indians, and some other valuables and relics found on the spot of the murder. detachment "Mr. _____, a French trader, has a fine gold watch which belonged to Mr. B. which he purchased of the Indians, together with some articles of minor value. "All that is now known of the murder of the late Mr. Babbitt is obtained through the Indians themselves, who acknowledge they committed the murder. "It seems to be a very malicious charge the ex-judge is thus making agains the people of Utah, without anything to justify him in doing so. detachment "The widow of the late Mr. Babbitt is now on her return from Utah to this place. Upon her arrival, we shall, at the earliest moment announce the receipt of any thing further connected with his murder."


Note 1: Judge Drummond's allegations concerning Mormon involvement in the murder of Almon W. Babbitt was disputed in the press by various LDS elders, including Feramorz Little. Drummond replied to Elder Little's protests in a letter that the ex-judge wrote to the New York Times on May 4, 1857. On Aug. 5, 1857 the LDS Deseret News carried a passing reference to the Babbitt murder, spoken by Brigham Young, but without offering any special commentary: "William Smith has asserted that I was the cause of the death of his brother Samuel... What is now the news circulated throughout the United States? That Captain Gunnison was killed by Brigham Young, and that Babbitt was killed on the Plains by Brigham Young and his Danite band." The New York City LDS organ, The Mormon, reprinted the Crescent City Oracle report on June 20, 1857. See also the Council Bluffs Western Bugle of Sept. 9, 1856 and the Ohio Defiance Democrat of Nov. 22, 1856.

Note 2: Babbitt's widow came out from Utah to investigate the murder in person. She interviewed various relevant parties, obtained signed statements, etc. In late July, 1857 the New York Herald published her findings -- which were that Cheyenne Indians, who knew her husband, had killed him. In 1914 her son, Don Carlos Babbit, furnished a similar account for publication in the 1914 Babbitt Family History. The text was written by Elder Anthon H. Lund, who quoted the story's essentials from an earlier account written by Orson F. Whitney.

Note 3: It is altogether possible that Almon W. Babbitt was killed by Cheyenne Indians -- but, if so, they were assassins who knew that they had nothing to fear from Brigham Young after they had carried out the deathly deed. High ranking Mormons like Babbitt enjoyed the automatic friendship and protection of Indian leaders, all along the trail from Council Bluffs to Salt Lake City. It is highly unlikely that even a renegade, leaderless band of Cheyenne would have murdered Elder Babbitt, unless other, higher ranking Utahans had made it clear to them that such a man was an "apostate" and "fair game" for plunder. The modern reader can only wonder if a "Lamanite missionary" and "Danite" like Elder Jack Reddin were not standing by, watching from a distance, as the tragic events occurred.

A  DEFENCE  OF  THE  MORMONS __ THE OTHER SIDE
OF THE QUESTION.

(From the "San Francisco Chronicle.")

I have read with some attention what accounts we have received from Mormondom and what has been written upon the subject. I have not made it a question of my special study, feeling no interest in the subject itself; but what little attention I have given to it has not enabled me to concur with the opinions generally expressed in newspapers. Yet I do not find myself singular on this subject. On conversation with other gentlemen I find the majority of the well-educated in a similar predicament. I am not willing to see my country plunged into an unjust war, nor am I willing to see any injustice done, or to see the established principles of our government violated for any temporary advantage....

The late massacre of a train of emigrants is charged upon them. The charge may be true or it may be false. But I ought to throw this out of the question. It was not one of the causes of the present military movement. That had long before then been threatened, and was then under way. Neither was it nor any of the other individual crimes committed by them a cause of war. Individual violations of the law are not treason, and are not warrant for levying war upon a whole people. They are injuries to be remedied through the ordinary channels of administrative justice. These often prove temporarily insufficient; but I am not yet prepared to admit that such ends justify a departure from the principles of the Constitution. Time always affords a remedy; and it is better in my view to endure for a time such evils than by violating the principles of our Government, to confess before the whole world its insufficiency and weakness...

the violations of law charged upon the Mormons do not amount to treason, and are no cause of war... Consider, my dear sir, the thing we are contemplating -- a civil war -- and a religious one at that. Let us not plunge into it thoughtlessly, to be the derision of all the world as a people proclaiming liberty of conscience to all people, and thefirst in these modern days to attempt its suppression by force.   B.


Notes: (forthcoming)

A M E R I C A.
_______  

The New York Herald of the 15th says: --

"...The War Department has received despatches from General Johnston, dated Camp Scott, March 14. A large train of provisions was within two days; march of Camp Scott, as was also the eastern mail, being the first official mail since September. Mr. Jones, the contractor, deemed it advisable to cause a halt till he should be reinforced by General Johnston, to whom he had sent for assistance, as a large body of Mormons appeared in his rear. General Johnston immediately sent the necessary aid. It is reported that the Mormons appear very warlike. They can be seen at all hours in large numbers on the adjacent hills. It is believed here that general Johnston has had a brush with them before this."

A man, escaped from Salt Lake, had arrived at the camp of General Johnston in a sorry plight. He took intelligence that the Mormons were equipping companies to go out on the road this spring for the purpose of cutting off the trains and harrassing the troops. We learn also, from New Mexico, that a number of Utah Indians, who are known to be in complicity with the Mormons, are endeavouring to corrupt the savages in the New Mexican superintendency, in order to enlist them against the army, but their attempts are, so far, unsuccessful.


Notes: (forthcoming)

CORRESPONDENCE.

                                           AMERICA. -- DESERET.

Great Salt Lake City,      
May 3, 1859.    

Brother Asa Calkin.

An opportunity offering of safely sending to the States, I improve it to forward you a line or two. My letter to brothers Williams and Tullidge furnishes a picture, as far as it extends, of matters and things in this Territory.

There are a class of men here who are studying the hardest to create excitement in the hope of making it appear that nothing can be done with the "Mormons," except by military force, wholly independent of civil restraint, or in other words by a military dictatorship. Is it not a curious thing that Americans consider such an iron government desirable on American soil? Yet there are some respectable men in this Territory who think the dignity of the republic of the United States can be vindicated by nothing less than by martial law, and who earnestly hope that the people of this Territory will be goaded on to commit some overt act which may be coloured so as to make eastern folks believe there is no salvation for the country except by exterminating the "Mormons." I said the speculators here leaned towards military dictatorship and martial law -- I ought rather to have said, to those "co-ordinate functions," as Judge Sinclair would say, of anarchy, mobbery, and lynchery. In their patriotic zeal to punish the "Mormons," the federal Judges ruthlessly overstep the laws bothe of the Territory and of the United States; and their seconds or, in other words, the real instigators of the hullabaloo about the "Mormons," care less about the laws, their ambition being unalterably concentrated on the dollars and dimes, and to secure which all their efforts tend, like the various tributaries of a mighty river.

Judge Sinclair greatly desired to "pitch into" the "Mormons," and he tried it on in this city; but bhe concluded that without the military he could do nothing. Judge Cradlebaugh had the same desires, and he thought he would try what virtue there was in soldiers; but he found that he could do less with them than Sinclair did without them. But if the military or judiciary were only absolute, oh, Jerusalem! what great things would transpire in Utah Territory! Autocrats and despots of every name, age, country and colour would be out-Heroded. Oh, if I were but some great body! But, alas! I am only an imported federal judge in a remote and land-locked desert Territory! What boots it that in my judicial peregrinations I am enveloped in a forest of glittering steel -- that I am surrounded by a thousand grim iron demons which belch forth thunder-bolts and sulphurous flames when that arch-impostor Brigham sits in his palace and wields an influence so latent, ubiquitous, almighty and inscrutable, as to paralyze my devited efforts! Oh, my country! Alas, poor judge!

Can it be wondered at that the nations of the Old World sometimes point in derision to the weaknesses of republicanism and the occasionally-manifested majesty of the mob in the dominions of "the smartest nation in all creation"

From the time Judge Cradlebaugh commenced his court at Provo, there has been little lack of rumours tending to disturb and harass the community and to prevent the free development of that persevering industry for which the Mormons are famous and which are so essential to the temporal prosperity of any community. I give the following as a specimen of the rumors of a day.

It is rumoured that General Johnston has sent an express to Governor Cumming, stating that if he, Cumming, did not attend to the case of the "Mormons," he, Johnston, would have to take it into his own hands:

That two or three regiments, with one heavy battery, are coming from Camp Floyd to this city, in consequence of some disclosures extorted from men by hanging them up till they made statements desireable to their inquisitors:

That Judge Sinclair has declared that he will not leave Camp Floyd to hold a court in this city, unless be be accompanied by a large force of U.S. troops:

That General Johnston has told Mr. Box that bhe will march his Infantry to this city (40 miles) in six hours, to show the "Mormons" what he can do, before they are aware of it.

That 50 soldiers are going to springville to institute another search for "Mormon" officials.

That a company of volunteers from Arkansas and Missouri are on the way to Iron County to use up the folks there:

That five Deputy Marshals have started from Camp Floyd to take Bill Hickman, dead or alive; money being so scarce that several distinguished gamblers had jumped at the opportunity of serving as Deputy Marshals.

That 500 stands of arms, with 100 rounds of ammunition each have arrived from Camp Floyd, and are lodged in Miller and Russell;s store in this city, for the use of Gentiles and aprostates, in case of a muss:

That all the affidavits and testimony that could be scraped up concerning outrages said to have been committed by the "Mormons" have been sent by express to President Buchanan: that President Young's mansion is to come down, and civilization is to be introduced into this city:

That the cavalry expedition south with Judge Cradlebaugh is to arrest two Presidents, four Bishops, and sixteen other church officials; that he took with him 100 camp-loafers making over 300 in all, to help him, the loafers having the promise of being boarded through to California.

Some of the above rumours may be entirely false and some wholly or partially true. But true or false, as they mostly originate with Gentiles direct from Camp Floyd, they are evidently intended to disturb and annoy the people; and they have that effect to some extent, and it is certain that they indicate clearly which way their originators desire events to turn.

Just now rumours are not quite so plentiful as they were a few days ago. Every one is waiting with interest to hear of the result at Washington, of the reports concerning the military-judicial proceedings at Provo, to learn whether the government intends to heap further indignities upon us, or take a common sense view of matters, and thrust away from us those who wish to cut our throats, and and those who wish to hold our hands during the cutting operation, and those who instigate the cutters and holders, -- though the instigators, being the most guilty, generally retire voluntarily when their cats-paws are called away.

Do not think that I have spoken too harshly of the Judges. They have refused to punish any persons guilty of crimes, when those persons are not "Mormons," and have taken into military custody, and now keep there, men who have not been tried, but who happen to be "Mormons. Cradlebaugh is now scouring the country with military posses, hunting for "Mormon" officials, who he presumes are hard to find in this mountainous country. Gentile culprits he does not look for. A "Mormon" is worth hanging if he is caught; but hanging is too good for a Gentile. So Cradlebaugh's course indicates...

JOHN JAQUES.

Note: Oddly enough, the writer in Utah does not take the trouble to inform readers in England why it was that Arkansas citizens might have been angry at the Iron County militia (who participated in the Mountain Meadows massacre of a party of emigrants, mostly from Arkansas), or exactly why Judge Cradlebaugh was seeking the arrest of certain leaders in the territory (who were also known to have been implicated in that massacre).

CORRESPONDENCE.

                                           AMERICA. -- DESERET.

Great Salt Lake City,      
June 2, 1859.    

Elder Asa Calkin.

Enclosed I forward you a copy of the obituary of Leo Hawkins.

You have doubtless heard beard ere this will reach you, of the detour of the United States' Associate Judge, Hon. John Cradlebaugh, through the southern settlements of Utah, and of the accompanying developments of civilization. His Honour his was escorted by a military detachment of 100 dragoons and two companies of Infantry; and last, though not least, by 100 camp loafers, on whom the soldiers entailed the unkind sobriquet of "the shirt-tail militia."

The Judge's advance through the settlements was made terrible to the inhabitants by the unmerciful, bold and daring onslaught made upon chicken-coops, pigs pens, fat beeves, and everything else calculated to satisfy the appetites or fancy of his Honour's escort. Thus was a high-minded Judge and a portion of our oun gallant army triumphantly promenading the public domain, as though they were in an enemy's country forcibly levying black mail from the inhabitants.

The town of Parowan was an exception. It is very compactly built, surrounded by a wall. The citizens armed themselves with clubs and revolvers and kept watch during the nights that the Judge camped near that place. The inhabitants of Parowan, however, were indebted to the citizens of Beaver, who sent them timely notice of the thieving propensities of the reckless band, who were certainly a disgrace to the stars and stripes they bore.

The citizens who visited his Honour's camp were generally treated roughly and insulted. Messrs. Hiram Judd and Lucius Fuller, while peaceably in search of cattle, visited their camp at the Mountain Meadows and were fired upon by order of an officer.

About the time of his Honour's return to the Mountain Meadows, an express arrived in camp. What news it bore I know not; but it entirely changed the proceedings of the camp. After that, every citizen who visited the camp was treated with ordinary civility, and no attempts were made to disturb anybody on his Honour's further return.

Major Carleton and command were left at the Mountain Meadows. He was engaged in piling up, at the place of the attack upon the unfortunate emigrant party, a monument of cobble rock, about ten feet in diameter. Judge Cradlebaugh and escort returned north, with the exception of the "shirt tall" corps, who were left in camp at Jacobs Twist, with three days' rations and an old rifle and shot gun. They were in a very destitute and desponding condition, being left in Indian country with 400 miles of barren desert between them and the California settlements. A few of them had stolen some horses from a neighbouring settlement, had been pursued, and the horses were recovered. Captain Campbell refused to permit them to return with his company (the military portion of Cradlebaugh's escort). and they were afraid to return unaccompanied by the military, expecting that the citizens from whom they had stolen would justly wreak vengeance upon them. They assigned as a reason for stealing, that Captain Campbell refused to allow them the rations had been promised them before leaving Camp Floyd, and they were therefore compelled to steal or starve. Whether they will turn into bands of desperadoes and continue to infest our southern settlements, or pursue purtue their dreary way to California, is unknown. If they decide on the latter alternative, many of them, being without shoes, must inevitably die on the rough desert road.

These men stated they were employed by Government for a year, and were discharged without means to get away, although they had been promised, at Camp Floyd, transportation to California. In the course of the Judge's tour, the interpreters succeeded in bringing three Indians into the camp, and the officers asked the Indians to bring in their squaws. The interpreters said the Indians had been taught that they must be virtuous. The officers said they would be well paid.

The Judge told the people in the south that he should return with a greater number of troops. He told the Tithing Clerk at Beaver that the citizens might plough and plant, but they would not harvest.

President Young's health is very good. He has attended the Tabernacle the last two Sabbaths and preached. The saints were very much pleased to see and hear him.

President Kimball's health has been impaired by an attack of influenza, from which he has suffered considerably. He is, however, somewhat better.

President Wells and the Twelve Apostles are in tolerable good health, with the exception of brother Amasa Lyman, who has been afflicted with determination of blood to the head.

The season is very backward tbroughout the Territory, but the grass on the range is is unusually good. Slight frosts have done some injury recently.

Yours truly,            
            GEORGE A. SMITH.

Note: Apostle Smith neglected to inform his readers in England, of the purpose for Judge Cradlebaugh's visit to southern Utah. In an 1863 address to Congress Cradlebaugh explained his reason: "The scene of this horrible massacre at the Mountain Meadows is situate about three hundred and twenty miles west of south from Great Salt Lake City, on the road leading to Los Angeles, in California. I was the first federal Judge in that part of the Territory after the occurrence. My district extending from a short distance below Salt Lake City to the south end of the Territory. I determined to visit that part of my district, and, if possible, expose the persons engaged in the massacre, which I did in the early part of the year 1859. I accordingly embraced an opportunity of accompanying a small detachment of soldiers, who were being sent to that section by Gen. Johnson..."

Additional Testimony of Martin Harris....

Sept. 15th, 1853.    

Be it known to all whom this may concern that I, David B. Dille, of Ogden City, Weber County, Salt Lake, en route to Great Britain, having business with one Martin Harris, formerly of the Church of Latter-day Saints, and residing at Kirtland, Lake County, Ohio, did personally wait upon him at his residence, and found him sick in bed; and was informed by the said Martin Harris that he had not been able to take any nourishment for the space of three days. This, together with his advanced age, had completely prostrated him. After making my business known to Mr. Harris, and some little conversation with him, the said Martin Harris started up in bed, and, after particularly inquiring concerning the prosperity of the Church, made the following declaration: -- "I feel that a spirit has come across me -- the old spirit of Mormonism; and I begin to feel as I used to feel; and I will not say I won't go to the valley." Then addressing himself to his wife, he said -- "I don't know but that, if you will get me some breakfast, I will get up and eat it."

I then addressed Mr. Harris relative to his once high and exalted station in the Church, and his then fallen and afflicted condition. I afterward put the following questions to Mr. Harris, to which he severally replied with the greatest cheerfulness: -- "What do you think of the Book of Mormon? Is it a divine record?"

Mr. Harris replied and said -- "I was the right-hand man of Joseph Smith, and I know that he was a Prophet of God. I know the Book of Mormon is true." Then smiting his fist on the table, he said -- "And you know that I know that it is true. I know that the plates have been translated by the gift and power of God, for his voice declared it unto us; therefore I know of a surety that the work is true." "For," continued Mr. Harris, "did I not at one time hold the plates on my knee an hour-and-a-half, whilst in conversation with Joseph, when we went to bury them in the woods, that the enemy might not obtain them? Yes, I did. And as many of the plates as Joseph Smith translated I handled with my hands, plate after plate." Then describing their dimensions, he pointed with one of the fingers of his left hand to the back of his right hand and said, "I should think they were so long, or about eight inches, and about so thick, or about four inches; and each of the plates was thicker than the thickest tin."

I then asked Mr. Harris if he ever lost 3,000 dollars by the publishing of the Book of Mormon. Mr. Harris said -- "I never lost one cent. Mr. Smith," he said, "paid me all that I advanced, and more too." As much as to say he received a portion of the profits accruing from the sale of the book.

Mr. Harris further said -- "I took a transcript of the characters of the plates to Dr. Anthon, of New York. When I arrived at the house of Professor Anthon, I found him in his office and alone, and presented the transcript to him, and asked him to read it. He said if I would bring the plates, he would assist in the translation. I told him I could not, for they were sealed. Professor Anthon then gave me a certificate certifying that the characters were Arabic, Chaldaic, and Egyptian. I then left Dr. Anthon and was near the door, when he said, "How did the young man know the plates were there?" I said an angel had shown them to him. Professor Anthon then said, 'Let me see the certificate!' -- upon which I took it from my waistcoat pocket and unsuspectingly gave it to him. He then tore it up in anger, saying there was no such thing as angels now -- it was all a hoax. I then went to Dr. Mitchell with the transcript, and he confirmed what Professor Anthon had said."

Mr. Harris is about 58 years' old, and is on a valuable farm of 90 acres, beautifully situated at Kirtland, Lake County, Ohio.


Note: The above account was reprinted in the Salt Lake City Deseret News of Jan. 30, 1878, and again, on pp. 88-89 of George Reynolds' 1883 Myth of the Manuscript Found.

HISTORY  OF  BRIGHAM  YOUNG.

My Brother, Phinehas Howe, gives his history as follows: --

My earliest recollection of the scenes of life are relating to myself and my brother Joseph....

(see original article from Utah paper)

Notes: (forthcoming)

HISTORY  OF  BRIGHAM  YOUNG.

(Continued from page 328.)

In April, 1830, having received the Book of Mormon, as I was on my way home from the town of Lima, where I had been to preach...

(see original article from Utah paper)

(To be continued.)

Notes: (forthcoming)

HISTORY  OF  BRIGHAM  YOUNG.

(Continued from page 361.)

In August following, my brother Joseph Young came from Canada to see me. He had been there preaching, and having a desire to have me in this field of labor for a season, he came over to the States with the intention of getting me to go back with him

We accordingly left for Kingston, in Upper Canada, about the 20th of August [1830], and passing through the town of Lyons, we called on an old acquaintance by the name of Solomon Chamberlain....

I was baptized by Elder Ezra Landon and in my father by Elder Daniel Bowen. The next morning, being the 6th of April, 1832, my brother Joseph was baptized by the latter. April 7th, my father and I started for home, a distance of 120 miles, where we arrived in health and found our friends and families rejoicing in fulness of the Gospel...

(see full original article from Utah paper)

Note 1: It seems inexplicible that Phinehas Young, having embraced the essential message of Mormonism as early as April, 1830, (as conveyed to him by Samuel H. Smith, the brother of Joseph Smith, jr.), should have waited two years to become a baptized Mormon. Also, since Phinehas lived practically within walking distance of the old Smith home at Manchester and the newspaper office where the Book of Mormon was published, it seems equally inexplicible that Phinehas did not make an effort to go and meet members of the Smith family, Martin Harris, W. W. Phelps, etc., during those two years. In June of 1830, Elder Samuel H. Smith returned to Mendon and loaned a second copy of the Book of Mormon to Rhoda and John P. Greene. Phineas lent his copy to his father, then to his sister Fanny, who gave it to Brigham Young. John's copy also circulated among relatives and friends of the Young family, including Brigham Young.

Note 2: In 1831 Mormon Elder Alpheus Gifford and his missionary companions came through the Mendon area, further arousing the interest of the Youngs to the possibility of Mormon conversion. According to Vilate Kimball's Autobiography, "Five elders of the Church of Latter-day Saints came to the town of Victor, which was five miles from Mendon, and stopped at the house of Phineas Young, the brother of Brigham. Their names were Eleazer Miller, Elial Strong, Alpheus Gifford, Enos Curtis and Daniel Bowen. Hearing of these men, curiosity prompted Mr. Kimball to go and see them. Then for the first time he heard the fullness of the everlasting gospel and was convinced of its truth. Brigham Young was with him." Elder Alpheus Gifford and Elder Miller returned again to the Mendon area at the beginning of April 1832. They had some initial success among the Baptists, the ranks of whom Vilate Murray Kimball 1806-1867) and her husband Heber C. Kimball had joined the year before. According to one account, Brigham Young was baptized on Sunday, April 15th, 1832, by Eleazer Miller, and the Kimballs were baptized by Elder Alpheus Gifford the next day. However, Brigham's own private journal places the baptism on April 9, 1832 and that may the correct date. From the Millennial Star's account of Phinehas Young's history, the reader might guess that Phinehas was baptized among the Mormons of Bradford Co,, Pennsylvania, but other sources confirm that the baptism took place near his home in Mendon, New York.

Note 3: It is possible that both Phinehas Young and his brother-in-law, the Rev. John Portineus Greene (1793-1844), delayed their Mormon baptisms in order to retain their Methodist credentials, while attempting to spread the new doctrine among the Methodists of New York and Canada. It also seems more than likely that these two preachers met in unpublicized gatherings with Mormons of higher rank than Solomon Chamberlain, prior to their openly embracing the latter day faith in April, 1832. As for Chamberlain, he took the opportunity of meeting and visiting with Hyrum Smith and other early Mormon converts, at Manchester, before eventually traveling to Fayette to meet Joseph Smith, jr. himself. According to Chamberlain, he was baptized by that Mormon leader, in Seneca Lake, during the first part of April, 1830. Thus, if Phinehas Young was "passing through the town of Lyons," where Chamberlain lived, on "about the 20th of August" of 1830, Solomon Chamberlain would probably have already possessed sufficent "Church of Christ" credentials to have baptized Phinehas. However, had he done so at that time, no doubt Phinehas would have been thrown out of Methodist gatherings, just as Solomon Chamberlain was. At any rate, if Phinehas Young did try to surrepitiously inject Mormonism into Methodism, he ended up with little more to show for those efforts than his helping to raise up "the first [Mormon] branch in British America."

Vicinity of Mendon, New York in the 1830s
(view larger map image)   (view area to the west)

HISTORY  OF  BRIGHAM  YOUNG.

HISTORY OF THOMAS BALDWIN MARSH.
(Written by himself in Great Salt Lake City, November, 1857.)

I was born in the town of Acton, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, November 1, 1799.

My father, James Marsh was born in Douglas, Mass., March 27, 1751.

My mother, Mary, daughter of Titus Law, was born in Acton, Mass., March 18, 1759.

I spent my early life in farming at Westmoreland, New Hampshire, until I was fourteen years of age, when I ran away and went to Chester, Vermont, where I worked on a farm three months; then went to Albany, New York and engaged in a public house as a waiter, where I remained eighteen months, when I went to New York and engaged in the city hotel and remained two years; when I returned to my old situation in Albany, and after serving a year returned to New York City Hotel for two years; then removed to Long Island, New York, where I engaged as groom to Edward Griswald, in whose service I remained one and a half-years; during which I became acquainted with Elizabeth Godkin, and married her on the 1st November, 1820.

Immediately after marrying I commenced in the grocery business, in New York, in which business I remained one and a half years, but did not succeed. I then engaged in a type foundry in Boston, where I continued seven years.

While engaged in this business I joined the Methodist Church and tried for two years to be a genuine Methodist, but did not succeed any better in getting Methodist religion than I did in the grocery business. I compared Methodism with the Bible, but could not make it correspond.

I withdrew from all sects, and being about to leave Boston my old class leader wished me to take a good certificate, but I informed him I did not want it. I had a measure of the spirit of prophecy and told him that I expected a new church would arise, which would have the truth in its purity. He said to me, you no doubt mean to be a leader in that new sect. I told him I had no such intentions. He said, he prayed that the Lord would make me a firebrand in the midst of that new religious body, as reformation was necessary.

My wife unknown to me, however, got a certificate for herself and me on one paper. I informed her that I never would attend, but I would find a suitable class for her if she wanted to join.

I remained in Boston several years engaged in the type foundry. During this period I became acquainted with several friends whose opinions concerning religion were like my own. We kept aloof from sectarians, and were called by them Quietists, because we resembled so much a sect in France known by that name professing to be led by the Spirit.

(To be continued.)

Notes: (forthcoming)

HISTORY  OF  BRIGHAM  YOUNG.

(History of T. B. Marsh - Continued from page 360.)

I believed the Spirit of God dictated me to make a journey west. I started in company with one Benjamin Hall, who was also led by the Spirit. I went to Lima, Livingston County, New York, where I staid some three months [late 1829], and then left for home. I called on my return at Lyonstown, on a family, whose names I do not recollect. On leaving there next morning the lady enquired if I had heard of the Golden Book found by a youth named Joseph Smith. I informed her I never heard anything about it, and became very anxious to know concerning the matter. On enquiring, she told me I could learn more about it from Martin Harris, in Palmyra.

I returned back westward and found Martin Harris at the printing office, in Palmyra, where the first sixteen pages of the Book of Mormon had just been struck off, the proof sheet of which I obtained from the printer and took with me. As soon as Martin Harris found out my intentions he took me to the house of Joseph Smith, sen., where Joseph Smith, jun., resided, who could give me any information I might wish. Here I found Oliver Cowdery, who gave me all the information concerning the book I desired. After staying there two days I started for Charleston, Mass., highly pleased with the information I had obtained concerning the new found book.

After arriving home and finding my family all well, I showed my wife the sixteen pages of the Book of Mormon which I had obtained, with which she was well pleased, believing it to be the work of God. From this time for about one year I corresponded with Oliver Cowdery and Joseph Smith, Jun., and prepared myself to move west.

Learning by letter that the Church of Jesus Christ had been organized on the 6th day of April, 1830, I moved to Palmyra, Ontario County, in September following, and landed at the house of Joseph Smith, sen., with my whole family. During the month I was baptized by David Whitmer, in Cayuga Lake, and in a few days I was ordained an Elder by Oliver Cowdery with six Elders, at Father Whitmer's house.

Joseph received a revelation appointing me a physician to the Church.

After remaining in that State, during the fall and winter the Church moved to Ohio. In the spring of 1831 I journeyed with the main body to Kirtland.

In June, 1831, I was ordained a High Priest at a Conference held in Kirtland, where I received an appointment to go to Missouri with Ezra Thayer, and preach by the way. In consequence of Ezra Thayer delaying so long, I went to Joseph, who received the word of the Lord appointing Selah J. Griffin in Thayer's stead, with whom I journeyed to Missouri, preaching by the way; many believed our testimony, but we did not wait to baptize any. While near the end of our journey I was attacked by chills and fever and arrived very sick. I staid at the house of Brother Benjamin Slade till I got well.

Sometime in January, 1832, Bishop Partridge having furnished me with an Indian pony, I returned to Kirtland, accompanied by Cyrus Daniels. I labored, preaching through the country around Kirtland until the summer opened, when, in company with Ezra Thayer, I went on a mission through the State of New York and returned home early in the fall; and made preparations to go up to Zion in company with several other families from Kirtland. At that time an objection was raised to me being the leader owing to my inexperience, but there was division on this subject as some considered my office entitled me to the presidency. My opposers appealed to Joseph, who decided I should lead on account of my office; still, although we started with the understanding that I was to lead the company, my opposers never became reconciled to my presidency, until we got into difficulties at the Ohio River, where we could not proceed without better order. Here they yielded to my dictation through necessity; but when we had got down the Ohio River as far as Louisville a rebellious spirit was again manifested.

At this point I separated from the company; took my brother-in-law, Lewis Abbot and his wife, and proceeded by boat to St. Louis, where I arrived one day in advance of the company. On our arrival we found the cholera raging in St. Louis and vicinity. I went immediately to the outskirts of St. Louis, rented a house, and began my preparations to start overland to the west.

(To be continued.)

Notes: (forthcoming)

HISTORY  OF  BRIGHAM  YOUNG.

(History of T. B. Marsh - Continued from page 376.)

On the arrival of the other part of the company, I was sent for by them about midnight, to doctor them, but the messenger being unable to pilot me, I had to return to my house until morning, when I was sent for again, and soon found Brother Blackslee, but too late to do him any good. He died the next day.

I started for Jackson County, and arrived Nov. 10, having been two weeks on the journey. I located in Jackson County with the brethren who had come from Colesville, where I was invited by Brother Joseph Knight, who was very sick with the bloody flux. I attended him faithfully and my wife nursed him; he succeeded in overcoming the disease and soon got well.

I had my inheritance, about thirty acres, set off by Bishop Partridge, on the Big Blue River, Jackson County, where, before spring opened, I had a comfortable log house built, into which I moved early in the spring and commenced clearing land to raise a small crop that year. I succeeded in getting some corn and potatoes planted, which did very well. Before the year was out the mob combined together and drove us out of the county. Some of the Saints moved into Clay county; others with myself removed to Lafayette county, where we wintered, and during which time I kept a common school and taught the children of the brethren.

In the spring of 1834, having learned that Joseph and a company were coming to relieve the brethren, I moved over with many others into Clay county, where I was living when they arrived. Several of those who came up in Zion's Camp remained in Missouri. I cultivated a small piece of land this summer and succeeded in raising some corn. I was chosen one of the High Council.

In January, 1835, in company with Bishop Partridge and agreeable to revelation, I proceeded to Kirtland, where we arrived early in the spring, when I learned I had been chosen one of the Twelve Apostles.

May 4th, 1835, in company with the Twelve I left Kirtland and preached through the eastern states, holding conferences, regulating and organizing the churches, and returned September 25.

In the winter of 1835-36, I attended school, studied the first English grammar under Sidney Rigdon, and Hebrew under Professor Seixas (a Hebrew by birth), and in the spring returned to my place on Fishing River, in Clay County, Missouri, where I arrived in the month of April.

Soon after this, difficulties having occurred between the citizens of Clay county and the Saints, a meeting was held near Liberty, the county seat, for the purpose of amicably arranging matters. I was appointed a delegate from Fishing River. At that meeting a committee of twelve were appointed to draft resolutions, which were received by unanimous vote; when a committee of three, -- viz., Lyman Wight, myself and Samuel Bent were appointed to meet next day in Liberty for the presentation of these resolutions. I was appointed by said committee, spokesman, and was enabled to speak so feelingly in relation to our previous persecutions and expulsions, that General Atchison could not refrain from shedding tears. This meeting passed resolutions to help the Saints to seek out a new location, and appointed committees to collect means to aid the poor Saints to remove.

The Church, considering the citizens were thus exerting themselves to have us removed, appointed Elisha H. Groves and myself to visit the churches in Illinois, Kentucky and Tennessee, for the purpose of borrowing money to enter lands in the new settlement at the land office for the convenience of the Saints who were coming on. We started in July, and succeeded in borrowing upwards of $1400, principally from the brethren in Kentucky and Tennessee, at 10 percent interest.

September 19, 1836. -- We parted with Brother Woodruff and the Saints in Kentucky, Brother D. W. Patten and his wife accompanying us to Missouri. I proceeded immediately to the new city which had been laid out, and called Far West, in our absence. On our arrival we delivered the money to those who sent us and received $1 per day and travelling expenses, for our services while gone. We furnished our own horses. I procured a lot immediately, built a house and moved into it. During the winter I made improvements on my lot; got up my firewood; attended councils and preached to the Saints.

About the month of June, 1837, I started for Kirtland in company with D. W. Patten and Wm. Smith, to try and reconcile some of the Twelve and others of high standing who had come out in opposition to the Prophet. On my journey I met Brother P. P. Pratt about five miles west of Columbus, Ohio, moving to Far West; I prevailed on him to return with us to Kirtland. On our arrival I went to Brother Joseph's house, where I remained all the time I was in Kirtland.

About this time a special meeting was appointed at Joseph's house, by himself, to which several of the brethren who were disaffected were invited. I was chosen moderator, and called upon the aggrieved parties to speak first. A reconciliation was effected between all parties.

July 23rd, Joseph Smith, jun., received a revelation to me concerning the Twelve apostles; and on the 27th, I started with Joseph and Brother Rigdon for Canada. During this mission we visited the churches in Canada west, and returned about the last of August.

Sep. 3. -- I attended a conference held in Kirtland, in which Luke Johnson, Lyman E. Johnson and John F. Boynton were rejected. John F. Boynton plead, as an excuse for his course, the failure of the Kirtland bank.

President Brigham Young, in a plain and energetic manner, strongly protested against his course, and was not willing to receive him into fellowship until a hearty repentance and confession were manifested. I sustained Brother Brigham's remarks and acquiesced in his testimony.

Soon after, in company with Hyrum Smith, I proceeded to Missouri, where we arrived in October, and in a few weeks, Presidents Joseph and Sidney arrived, and we held a conference which sustained the authorities of the Church.

Some time in the winter, George M. Hinkle, John Murdock and some others came to my house, and suggested the importance of calling a meeting to take into consideration the manner that W. W. Phelps and David and John Whitmer had disposed of the money which I had borrowed in the Tennessee and Kentucky Branches in 1836. Accordingly, a meeting was called Feb. 5th, 1838, and the conduct of the Presidency in Zion investigated. The Church would not sustain said Presidency, but appointed myself and Brother D. W. Patten Presidents, pro tem., until Joseph Smith would arrive. We also re-organized the Church in Zion, placing every officer in his proper place. Joseph arrived in Far West, March 14th, and approved of the course we had pursued.

May 18. -- In company with Joseph, Sidney and others, I went north in Daviess county. We met with Oliver Cowdery, Lyman E. Johnson and others encamped, who were also exploring northward on Grand River. We soon returned to Far West.

(To be continued.)

Notes: (forthcoming)

HISTORY  OF  BRIGHAM  YOUNG.

(History of T. B. Marsh - Continued from page 392.)

In August the mob recommenced their depredations against the Saints.

About this time I got a beam in my eye and thought I could discover a mote in Joseph's eye, though it was nothing but a beam in my eye; I was so completely darkened that I did not think on the Savior's injunction: "Thou hypocrite, why beholdest thou the mote which is in thy brother's eye, when a beam is in thine own eye; first cast out the beam out of thine own eye, then thou shalt see clearly to get the mote out of thy brother's eye."

Had I seen this I should have discovered myself a hypocrite, but as I had often said while in the Church, if I ever apostatized I would go away quietly; I tried to do so, but the Saints kept inquiring of me if I was going to leave, and so did Joseph twice. I evaded him both times. The last time he almost got me into so tight a corner I could hardly evade. He put the question direct to me, whether I was going to leave? With an affected look of contempt I answered: "Joseph when you see me leave the Church, you will see a good fellow leave it."

After making preparations I started from Far West and moved three miles out of town, ostensibly for the purpose of settling, and soon moved off to Clay County, and from thence to Richmond, Ray County, where I saw David, John and Jacob Whitmer and Oliver Cowdery, who had all apostatized.

I enquired seriously of David if it was true that he had seen the angel, according to his testimony as one of the witnesses of the Book of Mormon. He replied as sure as there is a God in heaven, he saw the angel according to his testimony in that book. I asked him, if so, why he did not stand by Joseph? He answered, in the days when Joseph received the Book of Mormon, and brought it forth, he was a good man and filled with the Holy Ghost, but he considered he had now fallen. I interrogated Oliver Cowdery in the same manner, who answered similarly.

---

HISTORY OF DAVID W. PATTEN.
(Compiled principally from his own journal.)

In the early part of my life, I was often called upon to repent of my sins and the Spirit of the Lord did often reprove me. In the twenty first yearof my life the Lord visited me by his Holy Spirit and called upon me againto repent. I rejected the call at first, but, upon mature reflection considered it was reasonable the Lord should require obedience and I turned to the Lord and found his favor.

I lived in the enjoyment of his spiritfor three years during which time by dreams and visions many things were made known unto me which were to come and from the teachings I received of the Holy Spirit I was looking for the Church of Christ to arise in its purity according to the he promise of Christ and that I should live to see it.

From this happy state I fell away and lived, in a measure, in darkness, until the year 1830, when my mind became again aroused by the Spirit of God to a sense of my situation, and I began to pray mightily to God that he would pardon my sins and grant me his Holy Spirit.

About this time the sound of the Book of Mormon came to my ears, and I was greatly agitated in mind about it, and desired to see it. I saw the book that same summer, but had no opportunity of reading it further than the preface and testimony of the witnesses. A fear came upon me and I dare not say anything against it. From that time I began to cry to God for saving faith.

Nothing took place worthy of note until May, 1832, when on receiving a letter from my brother in Indiana, giving me information of the rise of the Church of Christ, the reception of the Holy Ghost and the gifts thereof by the Saints. My brother informed me that he had received the Holy Ghost by the laying on of the hands of the Elders of the Church. This caused my heart to leap for joy, and I resolved to go immediately and see for myself.

I soon became satisfied that the work was true, and was baptized on the 15th of June, 1832, in Greene Co., Indiana, by my brother, John Patten. I was ordained an Elder on the 17th, under the hands of Elisha H. Groves in said county, when I was appointed, in company with brother Wood, to preach in the Territory of Michigan. We travelled and preached together, and I recorded many remarkable cases of healing, which occurred under my administration: in many instances I went to the sick, who said they had faith and promised to obey the Gospel when they got better, and commanded them in the name of the Lord to arise and be made whole; and they were immediately restored. Sixteen persons were baptized near the Maumee river.

After preaching a short season, we returned home; and on the 16th, Oct., I started for Kirtland, preaching by the way, took steamer on the 18th from Detroit for Fairport; had much conversation on board, among others with a priest who tempted God and asked a sign, and pretended that he would believe if he could see a sign, and because he could not have a sign, he mocked and scoffed at all I said, not being able to maintain his position by argument. I was then attacked by sceptics, one of whom declared he was not under any obligation to believe anything that he could not see: I asked him if he considered himself bound by that rule; he answered in an air of triumph, yes! I asked him if he had got any back bone, he replied yes! when I asked him how he knew, if he had ever seen it? for according to his own words, he was not under any obligation to believe he ever had any back bone: at this the company shouted and laughed, and the sceptic sneaked off.

I arrived in Kirtland in October, and remained two or three weeks, helping the brethren to dig potatoes and harvest corn.

Nov. 9, 1832, I started on a mission to the east, travelling sometimes in company with brother John Murdock, and sometimes with brother Reynolds Cahoon; we baptized several on our journey.

Nov. 29. Held Council with brothers John F. Boynton and Zebedee Coltrin relative to our duty on our mission; we retired to a grove to enquire of the Lord, and agreed that brother Zebedee Coltrin should be the person through whom the Lord should make known his will unto us, and in mighty prayer we did call on him, and he heard our prayers and revealed unto us that we should pursue our journey eastward, not in haste nor by flight. Our hearts were filled with joy, and we praised the Lord, and pursued our journey, the Spirit of God leading us, and signs continually following.

When we arrived at the Springfield (Pa.) Branch we met with brothers Hyrum and William Smith. We held a meeting and had a joyful time together, brother Hyrum baptized six at the close of the meeting: next day two were baptized.

When we found any sick I preached to them faith in the ordinances of the Gospel, and where the truth found place in their hearts, I commanded them in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to arise from their beds of sickness and be made whole; in many instances the people came after me to lay hands on their sick, because of this gift which the Lord had bestowed upon me, and almost daily, the sick were healed under my hands: a woman who had an infirmity for nearly twenty years was instantly healed. I arrived home in Kirtland, Feb. 25, 1833.

March 25. The Elders were sent out from Kirtland to preach the Gospel, and counsel the Saints to gather to Kirtland. I started with brother Cahoon east, and on reaching Avon I preached at father Bosley's, where there was a man present who had disturbed several of our meetings, and would not be civil or quiet; he had defied any man to put him out of the house or make him be still. I felt stirred up in spirit, and told him to be quiet, or I certainly would put him out; he said I could not do it; I replied, "In the name of the Lord I will do it," whereupon I walked up to him, and seizing him by the neck with one hand and by the seat of the breeches with my other hand, I carried him to the door, and threw him about ten feet on to a pile of wood, which quieted him for the time being. From this circumstance the saying went out that David Patten had cast out one Devil, soul and body.

May 20, 1833, brother Brigham Young came to Theresa, Indian River Falls, where I had been bearing testimony to my relatives; and after preaching several discourses, he baptized my brothers Archibald and Ira Patten, Warren Parrish, Cheeseman and my mother and my sister, Polly.

I continued my labors in Jefferson Co., and by the blessing of God, raised a branch of eighteen members in the town of Orleans, through much persecution and affliction, and all manner of evil speaking; and when divers persons were hardened in that vicinity, I went to Henderson, where I found a noble people who received the word of the Lord; and when I had preached the first principles of the doctrine of Christ, there were eight persons who came forward and were baptized for the remission of their sins, and when hands were laid upon them the Holy Ghost fell on them, and they spake with tongues and prophesied.

(To be continued.)

Notes: (forthcoming)

HISTORY  OF  BRIGHAM  YOUNG.

(History of D. W. Patton - Continued from page 408.)

I labored continually through the months of May, June, July and August, during which time by the blessing of God, I raised some other branches, in all eighty members. Now the Lord did work with me wonderfully in signs and wonders following them that did believe in the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ; insomuch that the deaf were made to hear, the blind to see, and the lame were made whole; fevers, palsies, crooked limbs and withered limbs, and in fine all manner of diseases common to the country, were healed by the power of God that was manifested through his servants.

I returned to Kirtland, Ohio, in company with my brother, Ira, and found the brethren all well. They had begun to build the house of the Lord; I tarried and worked on the house one month, and then went to Michigan Territory to my former place of residence, on business; and concluded to remove my effects to Florence, Ohio, which I did, and where I remained about seven weeks, during which time I was sick about five weeks; when I commended myself into the hands of God, and went into the world to proclaim the Gospel again, and travelled about two weeks, when the Spirit of the Lord came upon me, and the Lord said unto me, "Depart from your field of labor and go unto Kirtland, for behold I will send thee up to the land of Zion, and thou shalt serve thy brethren there."

I obeyed the word of the Lord, and was sent in company with Wm. D. Pratt to bear despatches to the brethren in Missouri. I started December 28, 1833, and arrived in Clay co., March 4, 1834, having passed through much cold and fatigue; still I was blessed of the Lord, and much good was done in consequence of my mission. I tarried in Missouri until the camp of Zion came from Ohio; and when they arrived the people of Clay county besought us in the name of God not to go over into Jackson County, and they would use their utmost endeavors to give us our rights according to the laws of the land. Now, the laws were good, and gave every man a right to worship the Lord according to the dictates of his own conscience; but the magistrates, officers and people were wicked, and trampled the law under their feet, and persecuted and murdered the Saints with impunity.

A violent persecutor stepped up to me, and said, "You damned Mormon," drawing his bowie knife, "I will cut your damned throat." I looked him full in the face, at the same time putting my hand in my left breast pocket, and said to him, "My friend, do nothing rashly." "For God's sake, don't shoot," he replied, and put up his knife and left me, though I was unarmed.

Sept. 12, 1834, I started in company with brother Warren Parish to go into the world to preach the Gospel, travelled through Upper Missouri, preaching by the way. At La Grange I took steamboat for St. Louis, and from thence by steamboat to the mouth of the Ohio, where we landed October 2nd, and proceeded to Paris, in Tennessee; where we tarried about three months, preaching the Gospel in that vicinity and the region round about, we baptized twenty, during which time several instances of the healing power of God were made manifest, one of which I will mention, which was wrought upon the wife of Mr. Johnston F. Lane, who had been sick for eight years, and for the last year had been unable to walk, she hearing of us, and the faith we preached, prevailed on her husband to send for us: I went with him immediately and taught them the Gospel, showing what power was exercised by the Lord upon those who had faith; she believed with all her heart all the words which I spake unto her; and I laid my hands upon her and said, "In the name of Jesus Christ I rebuke this disorder, and command it to depart." I took her by the hand, and commanded her to arise in the name of Jesus Christ, and be made whole; and she arose, and was made whole every whit. I then commanded her to go to the water and be baptized; she walked down straightway the same hour, and was baptized.

After I had baptized and confirmed her I told her she should amend and gain strength, and in less than one year she should have a son (she had been married some twelve years, and had no children,) which came to pass according to my words, and the parents called the child David Patten; she afterwards bore several children.


The following portion of Elder Patten's labors in the ministry, I extract from Elder Wilford Woodruff's journal:--

"Brother Patten was a man of great faith, and performed many miracles in the name of Jesus Christ; he had many visions and dreams, and was very valiant in the testimony of Jesus and the word of God.

He returned from Tennessee to Kirtland in the spring of 1835, and received his blessings in the Temple in Kirtland. After his endowment he took his wife and started for Tennessee, where I met with him of the 15th of April, 1836. We travelled together and preached daily.

May 17th, Brother Patten and myself laid hands on Margaret Tittle, who lay at the point of death, and she was instantly healed through the power of God. Brother Patten had preached faith, repentance and baptism to her, and she covenanted to be baptized; but after she was healed refused to attend to that ordinance. Brother Patten told her she was acting a dangerous part, and the Lord would again afflict her if she did not repent.

We pursued our journey, and on our return found her very low with the same fever; she begged us to lay hands upon her and heal her, and she would obey the Gospel. We again laid hands upon her, and she was healed, and went down to the water and I baptized her.

Sunday, 22nd, Brother Patten preached three times at the house of father Fry in Benton County, Tennessee, many hardened their hearts and a Mr. Rose rejected his testimony and asked him to raise the dead. Brother Patten rebuked him for his wickedness, when he and others came with their arms and threatened to mob us. At the close of the meeting, brother Patten walked out into the door yard and told the mob to shoot him if they wished. He had nothing but a walking stick in his hand: the mob fled and left him. After meeting in the evening, Brother Patten and myself went to a stream of pure water and cleansed our hands and feet, and bore testimony against those wicked men who had opposed and reviled us.

May 27th, Elder Warren Parrish arrived from Kirtland, and joined Elder Patten and myself. We held a Conference on the 28th, in Benton County, at which six branches were represented, containing 116 members. We travelled together from town to town through Kentucky and Tennessee preaching the word of God, healing the sick, and the Spirit of God was with us and attended our ministrations.

June 9th, we preached at Damon's creek, Kentucky, and brother Patten rebuked strongly some wicked men who had gathered together as a mob. At the close of the meeting, he went to the water and baptized two; one was Father Henry Thomas the father of Daniel and Henry Thomas, some 80 years of age; he was a revolutionary soldier, and had served under General George Washington.

Elder Patten was filled with the power of God and several were healed under his hands. Elders Patten and Parrish returned to middle Tennessee while I remained in Kentucky, -- When brothers Patten and Parrish arrived at brother Seth Utley's in Benton co., Tennessee, they were taken by a mob under pretext of law.

(To be continued.)

Notes: (forthcoming)

HISTORY  OF  BRIGHAM  YOUNG.

(History of D. W. Patton - Continued from page 424.)

June 19th. About forty men armed with deadly weapons, led by Sheriff Robert C. Petty, and a Colonel and Major, with some other officers, and a Methodist priest with a gun on his shoulder; the Sheriff informed the brethren that he had a States' warrant for D. W. Patten, W. Parrish and W. Woodruff, issued on complaint of Mathew Williams the Methodist priest, who swore that those brethren had put forth the following false and pretended prophecy: 'That Christ would come the second time before this generation passed away,' and 'That four individuals should receive the Holy Ghost within twenty-four hours.' After examination brothers Patten and Parrish were bound over to appear on June 22nd under $2000 bonds.

Early on the 22nd Elders Patten and Parrish had their trial. The mob gathered to the number of 100 all fully armed, they took from brother Patten his walking stick and a penknife; they went through with a mock trial, but would not let the defendants produce any witnesses, and without suffering them to say a word in defence, the Judge pronounced them guilty of the charges preferred.

Brother Patten being filled with the Holy Ghost rose to his feet and by the power of God bound them fast to their seats until he addressed them. He rebuked them sharply for their wicked and unjust proceedings. Brother Parrish afterwards said, 'my hair stood up strait on my head for I expected to be killed.' When Patten closed, the judge addressed him saying, 'you must be armed with concealed weapons, or you would not treat an armed court as you have this.' Patten replied, 'I am armed with weapons you know not of, and my weapons are the Holy Priesthood and the power of God. God is my friend, and he permits you to exercise all the power you have, and he bestows on me all the power I have.'

The Court finally concluded to let the brethren go if they would pay the cost of court, and leave the country in ten days. The Sheriff informed the brethren to accept those propositions as it was the only means of escaping the violence of the mob. The Saints in that vicinity paid the cost. Elders Patten and Parrish left and went to brother Seth Utley's. They had not been gone long when the mob began to quarrel among themselves and were mad because they had let the prisoners go, and soon mounted their horses and started after them with all speed. The news of this movement reached the brethren and they immediately mounted their mules and went into the woods and by a circuitous route reached the house of brother Albert Petty and put up their mules and went to bed and slept. They had not been long asleep when some heavenly messenger came to brother Patten and told him to arise and leave that place for the mob were after them and would soon be at that house. Brother Patten awoke Parrish and told him to arise and dress himself, for the mob would soon be upon them. They arose, saddled their animals and started for Henry County, in the night; they had not been gone long before the house was surrounded by a mob, who demanded Patten and Parrish, -- Brother Petty informed them they were not there, but the mob searched the house, and remained till day break, when they found the tracks of the brethren's mules, which they followed to the line of the next county, when they gave up the chase. I accompanied Elder Patten into the woods and he went before the Lord in prayer and asked God to curse them, and destroy them off the face of the earth for their wickedness and abominations, to which I heartily responded, Amen.

Aug. 20th. -- Elder Patten preached at the house of Randolph Alexander, and after meeting baptized him and his wife. Brother T. B. Marsh arrived in Tennessee on his mission to collect means, and attend a Conference with the brethren laboring in Tennessee and Kentucky, which was held on Damon's Creek, Callaway County, Kentucky, Sept. 2nd 1836. T. B. Marsh presided. Seven Branches were represented containing 133 members. On the 4th Elder Patten preached from the words, 'Repent and be baptized,' at the close, five persons came forward and went to the water and he baptized them.

Sept. 19th. -- Elders T. B. Marsh, D. W. Patten, E. H. Groves and Sister Patten left the Saints in Kentucky and Tennessee and started for Far West, Missouri, where they arrived in peace and safety." Elder Patten remained in Missouri until the spring of 1837, when he performed a mission through the States preaching by the way until he arrived in Kirtland. He attended a Conference held in Kirtland Sept. 3rd 1837. It was a time of great apostacy in the Church, Warren Parrish, his brother-in-law and his fond associate apostatized, and labored deligently to draw away Elder Patten from the Church, these things troubled Elder Patten and caused him much sorrow. He soon after returned to Missouri.

Feb. 10th, 1838. Elders T. B. Marsh and D. W. Patten were appointed to take the Presidency in Far West until President Joseph Smith arrived. Brother Patten wrote an epistle and delivered his last testimony to the world and Church, which was published in the 3d No. of the Elder's Journal.

Brother Patten continued to labor in the Church in Missouri through the summer of 1838. When the persecution and mobbing commenced, he was foremost in defending the Saints.


[I extract the following from Charles C. Rich's history.]

"News came to Far West that the Rev. Samuel Bogart, with a mob of 75 men, were committing depredations on Log Creek, destroying property and taking prisoners. Whereupon Judge Higbee issued an order to raise a force to disperse the mob. A call to arms was sounded about 10 o'clock at night. Capt. D. W. Patten and myself with about forty others volunteered, which number he thought would be sufficient, but as I believed a battle was inevitable I proposed to go and raise some more men and meet Captain Patten about six miles from Far West: which was agreed to. I rode through the settlements on Goose and Log creeks, and rallied the brethren as I went along. When we met we numbered about seventy-five, and were divided into companies of ten, and then proceeded by the main road, four miles, to near Crooked river, where we left our horses tied to Randolph McDonald's fense, and placed a few men to guard them. Captain Patten divided the party into three companies, taking command of the first himself, I commanded the second company, and James Durfee the third. Apprehending that the mob were encamped at Field's house -- Captain Patten took his men and went round to the right of the field, Durfee through the field, and I round to the left. I arrived at the house about five minutes before the other companies, which gave me a little time to reconnoiter the premises, Captain Patten made a short speech, exhorted the brethren to trust on the Lord for victory, then ordered a march to the ford, along the road.

When near the top of the hill, the words, 'Who comes there,' were heard, and at the same instant the report of a gun; young P. O'Banion reeled out of the ranks and fell mortally wounded; whereupon Captain Patten ordered a charge, and rushed down the hill; when within about fifty yards of the clump, we formed a line. Captain Patten's company at the right, my company next, which brought me in the road, brother Patten's company was partly shielded by a club of trees, and brother Durfee's by a thicket of hazel brush.

The mob formed under the bank of the creek, below their tents, and fired upon us all their guns, brother James Hendricks fell wounded near me on my left, and brother Hodges fell wounded on my right. Captain Patten ordered the company to fire, which was obeyed immediately, after which a calm succeeded for a moment. I commenced calling our watch-word, 'God and liberty.' in which all the companies joined. Captain Patten ordered us to charge -- the enemy fired a few shots and fled, two lingered behind, Brother Patten pursued one, and I the other; the man that he pursued wheeled and shot him. Brother Patten wore a white blanket coat which made him a conspicuous mark.

The mob left all their animals and camp equipage and dispersed in nearly all directions, and were so completely routed that almost every one of them reported that Bogart's whole company were destroyed and he alone was left to tell the tale.

We took three of our brethren whom they had prisoners, one of whom was severely wounded by the mob; we gathered up Captain Patten and the others who were wounded and put them in a wagon, and left for Far West; the sun was not yet risen. After travelling a few miles, brother Patten's sufferings became so great he wished to be left; he and Brother Seeley were then placed upon litters and carried by the brethren. When we arrived near Log creek, we met President Joseph Smith, Hyrum Smith, H. C. Kimball and others. At this place Brother Patten became so ill, he was not able to be borne any further, we rested a short time."

(To be continued.)

Notes: (forthcoming)

HISTORY  OF  BRIGHAM  YOUNG.

(History of D. W. Patton - Continued from page 441.)

Elder Kimball's journal has the following: --

"Immediately on receiving the intelligence that Brother Patten was wounded, I hastened to see him. When I arrived he appeared to be in great pain; but still was glad to see us. He was conveyed about four miles, to the house of brother Stephen Winchester, during his removal his sufferings were so excruciating, that he frequently desired us to lay him down that he might die. But being desirous to get him out of the reach of the mob, and among friends, we prevailed upon him to let us convey him there. We carried him on a kind of a bier we fixed up with poles.

He lived about an hour after his arrival, and was perfectly sensible and collected until he breathed his last, at ten o'clock at night. Although he had medical assistance, yet his wound was such, that there was no hope entertained of his recovery; this he was perfectly aware of. In this situation, while the shades of time were lowering, and eternity with all its realities was opening to his view, he bore a strong testimony to the truth of the work of the Lord, and the religion he had espoused.

The principles of the Gospel which were so precious to him before, were honorably maintained in nature's final hour and afforded him that support and consolation at the time of his departure, which deprived death of its sting and horror. Speaking of those who had fallen from their steadfastness, he exclaimed, "O that they were in my situation! for I feel I have kept the faith, I have finished my course, henceforth there is laid up for me a crown which the Lord, the righteous Judge shall give to me."

Speaking to his beloved wife who was present and who attended him in his dying moments, he said, "whatever you do else, O, do not deny the faith!" He all the while expressed a great desire to depart. I spoke to him and said, "Brother David, when you get home I want you to remember me." He exclaimed, "I will." At this time his sight was gone. We felt so very much attached to our beloved brother, that we beseeched the Lord to spare his life and endeavored to exercise faith for his recovery. Of this he was perfectly aware, and expressed a desire, that we should let him go, as his desire was to be with Christ which was far better. A few minutes before he died he prayed as follows: -- 'Father, I ask thee, in the name of Jesus Christ, that thou wouldst release my spirit and receive it unto thyself:" and then said to those who surrounded his dying bed, "Brethren you have held me by your faith, but do give me up and let me go I beseech you." We committed him to God, and he soon breathed his last, and slept in Jesus without a groan.

This was the end of one who was an honor to the Church and a blessing to the Saints: and whose faith, virtues and diligence in the cause of truth will be long remembered by all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance, and his memory will be had in remembrance by the Church of Christ from generation to generation."


Notes: (forthcoming)

LAST  DAYS  OF  OLIVER COWDERY
______

(From the Deseret News April 13, 1859.

We publish the tho following testimony thinking it may prove interesting and useful to the Elders and Saints in this Mission: --

(see original article)

Notes: (forthcoming)

HISTORY  OF  BRIGHAM  YOUNG.

SKETCH OF THE AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF
GEORGE  ALBERT  SMITH.
_____

Sept. 10, 1832. I was baptized by Elder Joseph H. Wakefield, and confirmed by Elder Solomon Humphrey, in the presence of my father and mother, and many of our neighbors.

At the time of confirmation my mind was exceedingly calm and clear; but as I felt no powerful manifestation from the imposition of hands, I suffered the adversary to tempt me; it seemed as if a spirit came and said to me, "You have now committed the unpardonable sin, for you have been baptized without a change of heart." I was sorely tempted in this way for many hours but I soon overcame, and my mind was filled with light and peace.

After this, all my young companions commenced imposing upon me to ascertain, as they said, whether I had any religion; and unless I would submit to imposition without resenting it, they considered me a hypocrite. I went to school part of the winter of 1832-3; all the large boys combined to abuse me. I was large of my age; boys three or four years older than myself were of my size, and had always been able to handle me with ease. I endured their abuse until I could bear it no longer and soon convinced them by physical demonstration that my strength had very much increased, and that I was able to master the school; after which I was treated with respect.

On the evening of the 29th March, 1833, my father attempted to preach in the Yellow School-house in Potsdam village; there were present a large assembly including priests, magistrates and lawyers; but they got up such a riot that he was obliged obliged to desist; after which an old lady got up and reproved them sharply for their disgraceful conduct., The leaders in this disturbance were professors of religion.

My father sold his farm settled up his debts and paid several unjust claims rather than stay and defend law suits. He fitted up two wagons with a span of horses to each; in one of them he carried brother Moses Bailey and family, and in the other his own family, which consisted of my father and mother, my sister Caroline, who was born June 6, 1820; my brother, John Lyman, who was born November 17, 1828; my cousin Clarissa Lyman, and myself. We were accompanied by Norman D. Brown and his father and mother, members of the Church from Parishville. May 1, 1833, we started for Kirtland. On friday the 3rd we arrived at Burrs Mills, Watertown, Jefferson county, and stopped with Mr. William Huntington to wait for Elder Joseph H. Wakefield and family to accompany us; while there my father preached twice.

On the 6th we pursued our journey and camped in Ellisburgh. On the 7th camped near Oswego and pitched our tent for the first time. Our five covered wagons created much curiosity among the people and we were frequently asked if we were afraid of the British and were fleeing to the West: some told us we should die with the ague agne in the Michigan swamps.

On the 17th we arrived at Silver Creek, Chautauqua county, New York and found a branch of the Church, and stopped with Elder Alpheus Cutler, who was an old acquaintance of my mother; here I first met with Elder Amasa Lyman the son of Roswell Lyman, my mother's cousin, and Elder william F. Cahoon. We attended meetings with the brethren, and for the first time heard the gift of tongues. We travelled to Westfield, where there was a branch of the Church: my father preached in the evening. I was so sleepy I could not keep awake; I went to wagon but was so sleepy that I could get in to bed, although my bed was made there, but fell asleep by the wagon. While here, one of Brother Brown's horses died in in consequence of which he began to doubt the work of the Lord; for, said he, "If this was the work of the Lord he would not suffer our horses to die when we are on the way to Zion."

Friday, May 25th, we arrived at Kirtland, Ohio, having travelled 500 miles. We were heartily welcomed by cousin Joseph; this was the first time I had ever seen him; he conducted us to his father's.

I was engaged during the summer and fall quarrying and hauling rock for the Kirtland Temple, attending masons and performing other duties about its walls. The first two loads of rock taken to the Temple ground, were hauled from Stanard's quarry by Harvey Stanley and myself.

My father purchased a small farm of about 27 acres, two miles and a half from the Temple and finished clearing about 10 acres during the winter and spring of 1834, and planted it with corn, &c.

In consequence of the persecution which raged against Joseph and the constant threats to do him violence, it was found necessary to keep continual guard to prevent his being assasinated. During the fall and winter I took a part of this service, going two miles and a half to guard.

In Oct. 1833, my cousin, Jesse Johnson Smith, second son of my Uncle Asahel, [came] to Kirtland, accompanied by his brother-in-law, Amos B. Fuller. They remained during the winter and were baptized.

I was selected by President Joseph Smith to accompany him to Missouri. My father furnished me with a musket, generally known as a Queen's arm, a pair of pantaloons made of bed ticky, a pair of common cotton shirts, a straw hat, cloth coat and vest, a blanket, a pair of new boots and an extra shirt and pair of pantaloons, which my mother packed in a knapsack made mado of apron check.

On Sunday, May 4th, Joseph preached to the saints in Kirtland, under the shade of the new school house, which was partially enclosed. Many of those who were to form the "camp of Zion" being present, he impressed upon them the necessity necessity of being humble, exercising faith and patience and living in obedience to the commandments of the Almighty, and not murmur at the dispensations of Providence. He bore testimony of the truth of the work which God had revealed through him and promised the brethren that if they would live as they should before the Lord, keeping his commandments, and not like the children of Israel murmur against the Lord and his servants, they should all safely return and not one of them should fall upon the mission they were about to undertake; for if they were united and exercised faith, God would deliver them out the hands of their enemies, but should they, like the children of Israel, forget God and his promises and treat lightly his commandments, he be would visit them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.

May 5th, 1834, I started with my brethren in the company called "Zion's Camp." I was large of my age; my eyes which were always very weak were unusually sore. I performed the journey to Missouri and back to Kirtland, mostly on foot, in three months, about 2000 miles.

After my return to Kirtland I was attacked with the ague and fever, which made me an invalid until spring.

I was ordained into the first quorum of seventies in Kirtland, March 1st, 1835 by Joseph Smith, sen., Joseph Smith, jun., and Sidney Rigdon.

June 5, -- I started on a mission in company with Lyman Smith. We travelled about two thousand miles on foot, without purse or scrip, through the eastern part of Ohio, the western part of Pennsylvania and New York; held about eighty meetings, baptized eight and preached from house to house continually; returned on the 5th of October.

Went to school and studied grammar and history part of the winter under the direction of joseph. I was confined to my room by inflammatory rheumatism which rendered me nearly helpless for several weeks.

I received my endowment in the Kirtland Temple in the spring of 1836, and thereafter went on a mission to the counties Cuyahoga, Medina, Wayne, Richland and Knox, Ohio, travelling twelve hundred miles on foot. In july I suffered muchh from inflammatory rheumatism in my knees, brought on by an attempt to work in a harvest field. I could walk but little for six weeks.

In the fall I commenced going to school in the Temple and continued to do so about four months

In the spring of 1837 Joseph sent me on a mission to the south. I preached through Portage, Columbiana, Carrol and Jefferson co., Ohio, and about eight months in the counties of Tyler, Harrison and Monongahela in north western Virginia; met with much opposition and from exposure while travelling in the mountains, wading creeks, sleeping cold and incessant preaching, I suffered from inflammatory rheumatism, which again confined me for six weeks.

In the spring of 1838 1 returned to Kirtland, having travelled two thousand five hundred miles, one half on foot, the other half on horseback, and accompanied my father and family to Missouri. I drove a horse team one thousand miles, preached by the way every Sabbath and frequently week days; our little camp attracted large congregations. We settled in Adam-ondi-ahman, Daviess county.

I was ordained a high counselor by Josephs direction on the 28th of June, 1838.

I was brought before a mob court, falsely accused, and bound over for misdemeanor in $1000 bonds, without being allowed to introduce my witnesses; my life was threatened many times during the session of the court.

In the fall I was sent on a mission to Tennessee to and Kentucky, in company with Don Carlos Smith, and returned in the winter. We travelled fifteen hundred miles, one half by water and the rest on foot. On our way home, being pursued by the rmob, I came near perishing with cold, as we travelled two days and one night without stopping, facing a northwest wind and storm. Don Carlos prevented me from freezing to death by keeping me awake. After a night's sleep under the roof of a mobber, we travelled a day and night; we were lost on the prairie and Don Carlos came near perishing with cold. I found my father out of doors with frozen feet, the result of being driven with his family from Adam-ondi-ahman, by the State authorities of Missouri. I visited Joseph, Hyrum, and others in Liberty jail, in company with brothers Young and Kimball and we were locked looked up with them for one hour. I removed my father and family to Quincy, and thence to Green Plains, distance two hundred and fifty miles.

I went to Far West, and, on the morning of the 26th of April, 1839, was ordained one of the Twelve Apostles, in place of Thomas B. Marsh who had apostatized. I returned to Illinois, the journey being five hundred miles; moved my father to Nauvoo, assisted in taking care of the sick and laying hands on them until I was prostrated for several months. I accompanied the Quorum of the Twelve on a mission to England; started Sept. 21st; disease had impared my health until I could scarcely walk. I suffered much from sickness on the way. I sailed from New York on the 9th of March and arrived in England April 6th, 1840. I started from Nauvoo without money and landed in England with a sovereign. I travelled and preached in the counties of Lancaster, Chester, Stafford, Hereford, Worcester and Gloucester, and accompanied Elder Kimball and Woodruff in establishing the Church in London. My labors were crowned with success. Isailed from Liverpool on the 22nd of April 1841 and arrived in Nauvoo on the 5th of July, having travelled on this mission 13,000 miles.

On the 25th I married Bathsheba W. Bigler and moved to Zarahemla, Lee county, Iowa, near my father, where I built a log house. In the winter I moved to Nauvoo; Joseph gave me lot 4, in block 123. I built a frame house 16 by 20 and drained and improved the lot and made it one of the most pleasant in the city.

My son, George Albert, was born July 7, 1842.

In the fall of 1842 I went on a mission to the principle places in Illinois, preaching and allaying the prejudices that had been raised against President Joseph Smith by apostates and other enemies, travelling four hundred miles on foot, and returned to Nauvoo November 4. The winter was very severe and I was confined to the house most of the time with bleeding at the lungs.

In the summer and fall of 1843 I travelled and preached through the Eastern States attending conferences in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Massachusetts and returned to Nauvoo, having travelled six thousand miles.

In the spring of 1844 I travelled twelve hundred miles and preached and attended conferences through northern Illinois, Indiana and Michigan; returned to Nauvoo July 27th.

While in Nauvoo I was constantly attending councils and performing other duties at the call of President Joseph Smith. I was two years a member of the city Council of Nauvoo, and one year an alderman. A short time before his death Joseph wrapt me in his arms and said, "I love you as I do my life," and his affections were surely reciprocated. I have used my utmost endeavors to counsel the Saints and keep them from being led off the track up to the present hour.


Note: For supplementary information regarding George A. Smith's initial move to Kirtland, etc., see his Salt Lake City Tabernacle addresses of Jan. 10, 1858 and Nov. 15, 1864.

WHERE  ARE  THE  TEN  TRIBES  OF  ISRAEL?
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About seven hundred and twenty years before Christ the nine and one half tribes generally called the ten tribes were taken captive by the Assyrians and led away from their own lands into Assyria. The sacred historian records this event in the following language: -- "Then the king of Assyria came up throughout all the land and went up to Samaria. and beseiged it three years. In the ninth year of Hoshea, the king of Assyria took Samaria and carried Israel away into Assyria and placed them in Halah and in Habor by the river of Gozan and in the cities of the Medes." (II Kings 17: 5, 6.)

How long this numerous people remained in Assyria, is not exactly known. The prophet Esdras who wrote his books less than two centuries after the Assyrian captivity, records a wonderful event in the history of the ten tribes. A prophetic vision was unfolded to him in regard to the great events of the latter days the coming of the Son of God and the destruction of the wicked. In this vision he saw a great but peaceable multitude gathered to Mount Zion; and desiring to know who these peaceable people were, the Lord informs him as follows: -- "And whereas thou sawest that he gathered another peaceable multitude unto him; those are the ten tribes, which were carried away prisoners out of their own land in the time of Osea (Hoshea) the king, whom Salmanasar the king of Assyria led away captive, and he carried them over the waters, and so came they into another land. But they took this counsel among themselves, that they would leave the multitude of the heathen, and go forth into a further country, where never mankind dwelt, that they might there keep their statutes, which they never kept in their own land. And they entered into Euphrates by the narrow passages of the river. For the Most High then shewed signs for them, and held still the flood, till they were passed over. For through that country there was a great way to go, namely of a year and a half. Then dwelt they there until the latter time; and now when they shall begin to come, the Highest shall stay the springs of the stream again, that they may go through: therefore sawest thou the multitude with peace." (II Esdras 13: 39-47.)

During their captivity, the ten tribes dwelt in the region of the Euphrates, and when they departed, instead of returning westward to their own land, they crossed the great river Euphrates, from the west to the east bank, the river being miraculously divided for the purpose. They must have repented of their sins or this wonderful manifestation of the power of God would not have been exhibited in their behalf. After arriving upon the east side of this great river, in what direction were they led to the remote uninhabited land, said to have been, "a far country," at the great distance "of a year and a half's" journey? We are told by Jeremiah and other Jewish Prophets, that they will return from the north. (Jer. 16: 15; also 31: 8.) consequently they must have been led in a northerly direction, and very probably passed between the Black and Caspian Seas, and continued through Russia to the extreme northern shore of Europe, which would bring them about 2500 miles to the north: but this could not be considered "a year and a half's" journey; indeed it would not be an average of 5 miles a day. From many intimations of ancient prophecy, they evidently had a highway made for them in the midst of the Arctic ocean, and were led to a land in the neighborhood of the North Pole. This region would be about 4000 miles north of their Assyrian residence; and could be travelled in 18 months time at an average of a little less than 8 miles per day.

The expression, "then dwelt they there until the latter time," is an evidence that they were not only to preserve their existence, but their nationality and were to return with a full knowledge of their israelitish origin; and what is still more wonderful, they are not to be so amalgamated as to lose all distinction of tribes, but each family will know the particular tribe to which it belongs: and thus the whole nation will be able to classify themselves themselves into ten distinct divisions, and each division, according to the Prophet Ezekiel, will receive its inheritance within the boundaries described in his prophecy.

The ten tribes cannot be among any of the known nations; for there is no one who is able to identify them and there are no people who even profess or claim to be of such origin. Who among all the known nations would be able to point out the tribe of Dan -- the tribe of Naphtali, the tribe of Zebulon, &c., &c. If there is no nation yet discovered who are thus classified, then it is certain that the ten tribes, are not yet discovered. There is no possible chance of their being south of the Arctic circle; and the only remaining portion of the earth north of that circle with which we are unacquainted, is the polar region. This unknown region is upwards of 1000 miles in diameter, containing about 800,000 square miles of surface. This large area may be all land, or it may be of both land and water. Even if we suppose only one-half this surface to be land, namely 400,000 square miles, and still further suppose its capabilities sufficient to sustain a population of 25 to a square mile, we should have the very large number of 10,000,000, or over one third of the population of Great Britain. But without any exaggeration, there might be some 50,000,000 of polar inhabitants now hidden up by impenetrable zones of ice. Enough to make quite a powerful nation, should they all return.

Some may suppose that a polar continent would be incapable of supporting human life, on account of the intensity of the cold; but bold and intrepid navigators have left their ships, and with sledges, drawn by dogs, have passed over several hundred miles of ice, and were only stopped by encountering an open, unfrozen sea. This proves the astonishing fact, that the great greatest intensity of cold is from latitude 76 to 83 degrees north. The open sea north of this zone, indicates a higher degree of temperature; and for aught we know, this temperature may increase from the beginning of this unfrozen sea, until the pole is reached. If such should be the case, (and many substantial facts strongly indicate the unexpected phenomenon,) then a polar country might be comparatively pleasant, and the temperature during its long summer day be sufficiently high to bring to maturity grain and other vegetables.

There may be several causes, independently of the sun, to produce this higher temperature. It is generally admitted that the nearer we approach the centre of the earth, the higher is the temperature: this is ascertained by a vast number of experiments in deep pits and mines; a certain number of feet in depth raises the temperature one degree; and the increase is said to be in arithmetical proportion to the number of feet downwards. This is undoubtedly owing to the great internal fires, raging far beneath the earth's surface. The poles are over 13 miles nearer the earth's centre, than the equatorial regions, and therefore the poles may be several miles nearer these terrestrial fires; and thus by the native heat of the earth, those region regions may be maintained at a comparatively high degree of temperature. The water at the bottom of the open sea, in the extreme northern latitudes, becomes warmed and hence specifically lighter, and rises to the top, and floats off towards the south, while the under currents of the ocean circulate to the north, until they in turn receive a higher temperature, and rise following the track of those in advance. This will satisfactorily account for the observed strong surface currents constantly setting to the south. Thus both the sea and land, near the pole are undoubtedly maintained in a much higher temperature, than what would be produced by the action of the sun's rays alone. Also five or six months of uninterrupted solar heat, will produce a higher temperature near the pole, than the shorter days, interrupted by nights, in the region of the ice zone.

If the polar region is not warmer than that of the ice zone, why do birds of passage in the region of this icy belt fly to the northward to escape the severities of winter? All these observed facts bespeak a warmer climate around the pole. There is a great probability that in that apparently inhospitable solitude will be found the great nation of the ten tribes, not in a barbarous or semi-barbarous state, but in the enjoyment of the Christian religion. They have had their Prophets and inspired men, at different periods; they have their sacred books, in addition to the ones which they carried with them: and their Bible is just as sacred to them as our Bible is to us. And when they return we shall have another Bible in addition to the Jewish Bible and the Book of Mormon.

That the ten tribes will come from the polar regions, is placed beyond all controversy by new revelation. The word of the Lord reads thus: --

"And they who are in the north countries shall come in remembrance before the Lord, and their Prophets shall hear his voice. and shall no longer stay themselves, and they shall smite the rocks, and the ice shall flow down at their presence. And an highway shall be cast up in the midst of the great deep. Their enemies shall become a prey unto them, and in the barren deserts there shall come forth pools of living water; and the parched ground shall no longer be a thirsty land. And they shall bring forth their rich treasures unto the children of Ephraim my servants. And the boundaries of the everlasting hills shall tremble at their presence. And then they shall fall down and be crowned with glory, even in Zion, by the hands of the servants of the Lord. even the children of Ephraim; and they shall be filled with songs of everlasting joy. Behold, this is the blessing of the everlasting God upon the tribes of Israel, and the richer blessing upon the head of Ephraim and his fellows. And they also of the tribe of Judah after their pain, shall be sanctified in holiness before the Lord to dwell in his presence, day and night forever and ever." (Doctrine and Covenants, page 326.)

This highway through the waters, cast up to favor the return of Israel, is often made the subject of prophecy by the inspired writers. Zion, on the American continent, is to be favored with a visit of these ten tribes, before they are finally located in Palestine. The ante-diluvian Zion that was translated with Enoch will come with the Son of God; and the two Zions, with the ten tribes, will be filled with the glory of the Lord, upon the mountain of his holiness and rejoice in his presence for evermore.

These grand events were shown to Esdras, and he prophesied as follows: --

"Behold the days come when the Most High will begin to deliver them that are upon the earth. And he shall come to the astonishment of them that dwell upon the earth. And one shall undertake to fight against another, and one city against another, one place against another, one people against another, and one realm against another. And the time shall be when these things shall come to pass, and the signs shall happen which I shewed thee before, and then shall my Son be declared, whom thou sawest as a man ascending. And when all the people hear his voice, every man shall in their own land leave the battle they have one against another. And an innumerable multitude shall be gathered together, as thou sawest them, willing to come, and to overcome him by fighting. But he shall stand upon the top of the mount Sion. And Sion shall come and shall be shewed to all men, being prepared and builded like as thou sawest the hill graven without hands. And this my Son shall rebuke the wicked inventions of those nations, which for their wicked life are fallen into the tempest; and shall lay before them their evil thoughts, and the torments wherewith they shall begin to be tormented, which are like unto a flame: and he shall destroy them without labor by the law which is like unto fire. And whereas thou sawest that he gathered another peaceable multitude unto him; those these are the ten tribes," &c., &c. (Esdras 13th chap.) Having seen all these things, Esdras exclaimed, "Now understand I the things that are laid up in the latter days, which shall happen unto them." (verse 18.)

The Zion which is to come and be shown to all people, is not the one to be built with hands here on the earth, but it is the heavenly one, to which we have already referred. The place whereon it will stand will be a great mountain which will then be cast up for the express purpose; or as Esdras says, "But I beheld, and lo, he had graved himself a great mountain and flew up upon it. But I would have seen the region or place whereout the hill was graven, and I could not." (verses 6, 7.)

The days have come when these things must shortly be fulfilled; for this reason the Lord has shown to the great Prophet of this dispensation, the very place of Zion which the Lord would not permit Esdras to see. This Zion will be on the western borders of Missouri. It is on that favored spot where the Saints will build the city of Zion; and it is to that holy place where the heavenly Zion will descend. It is that region which will be lifted up and formed into a great mountain. The land now is comparatively level, or rather a gently undulating country; but a mountain will be formed, and the Son of God, with his people, will stand upon it; and the ten tribes with the remnants of Joseph, and other branches of Israel, will be round about; and twelve thousand out of each tribe will be sealed in their foreheads, and ordained unto to the holy Priesthood, and will sing the song of Moses and the Lamb forever and ever. These are they who shall minister with power and great glory among all the nations that are spared, and "bring as many as will come unto the Church of the First born." Much more might be said in relation to the ten tribes, and their future union with Judah, and the wonderful prosperity which awaits them, and all their future generations in Palestine, but we have already exceeded the limits of our editorial and must close.     O. P.


Note 1: The above article may represent the first published pronouncement by an LDS "general authorty," on the location of the missing ten tribes of Israel. Apostle Pratt is not very specific in his information -- he does not cite revelation nor divine inspiration, beyond his quotations from the Mormon book of Doctrine and Covenants. His quotations from II Esdras have never officially been credited as inspired scripture by the Latter Day Saints. The reader must assume that Pratt is merely giving his opinion -- an opinion to which the other leaders of his Church must have subscribed, for there is no record of his being challenged by Brigham Young or his fellow apostles on the information he provides. In Pratt's day enough of the Arctic remained unexplored, for him to say that an advanced civilization of Israelites lived there undetected by outsiders. In later years, as the unexplored area shrank almost to nothing, the LDS apologists for the "north countries" doctrine would be forced to resort to speculation that the ten tribes' nothern land was miraculously camouflaged, or detached and floating above the north pole as a satellite -- or even hidden inside the bowels of the earth. Although Pratt must have been aware of these extraterrestrial and intraterrestrial explanations, he does not mention them in his 1867 article. For some interesting speculation on the Israelites being hidden within the earth, see LDS Elder Frederick Culmer's 1886 booklet entitled, The Inner World.

Note 2: In the Oct. 1835 issue of the Kirtland, Ohio LDS Messenger and Advocate, Elder W. W. Phelps published his eleventh "Letter to Oliver Cowdery," in which he set the general tone for Orson Pratt's later development of LDS doctrine regarding the missing ten tribes. There Elder Phelps says: "The parts of the globe that are known probably contain 700 millions of inhabitants, and those parts which are unknown may be supposed to contain more than four times as many more, making an estimated total of about three thousand, five hundred and eighty millions of souls: Let no man marvel at his statement, because there may be a continent at the north pole, of more than 1300 square miles, containing thousands of millions of Israelites, who, after a high way is cast up in the great deep, may come to Zion, singing songs of everlasting joy." Probably Phelps felt compelled to pen this explanation, in light of the fact that the previous issue of the same paper had addressed "the gathering of Israel from his long dispersion in the last days" at length, but there the only reference to the location of the ten tribes is on oblique reference made in quoting Jeremiah: "For thus saith the Lord; sing with gladness for Jacob, and shout among the chief of the nations; publish ye, praise ye, say O Lord save thy people the remnant of Israel. Behold I will bring them from the north country and gather them from the coasts of the earth."

Note 3: Elder George Reynolds (never an apostle, but Brigham Young's secretary and a general authority) followed Orson Pratt's example, and wrote extensively on the wanderings and probable fate of the missing ten tribes. See his "Are We of Israel?" in several consecutive issues of the LDS Millennial Star, beginning on Aug. 19, 1878, as well as his "The Assyrian Captivity," in the 1883 Juvenile Instructor, (Vol. 18, pp. 26-29)

ARE  WE  OF  ISRAEL?

BY ELDER GEO. REYNOLDS.
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"Israel shall blossom and the bud fill the world with fruit," -- Isaiah.

CHAPTER I.

INTRODUCTORY -- THE PROMISES OF GOD TO ABRAHAM AND HIS POSTERITY --
THE SEED OF JOSEPH IN AMERICA -- THE JOURNEY OF THE TEN TRIBES
NORTHWARD -- EPHRAIM MIXED WITH ALL NATIONS --
THE TESTIMONY OF PREST. BRIGHAM YOUNG.

The belief that the Latter-day Saints hold, that the great majority of their number are of the house of Israel, and heirs to the promises made to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob, like many other portions of their falth, has received the ridicule of the shallow-minded and the contempt of the ungodly. However, it is not our present intention to answer such, but to seek to adduce evidence outside of the sure word of modern revelation, to prove that the Latter-day Saints have good reasons drawn from history and analogy, for believing the words of their Patriarchs who, in blessing them pronounce bounce them of the house of Abraham and of the promised seed of Jacob.

It is unnecessary to here quote all of the many gracious promises vouchsafed by the great Father of us all to his friend Abraham, and to that patriarch's immediate posterity, as they are cherished by the Saints as of more than earthly value, as pearls beyond all price, as sweet comforters in the day of trial, and as strong towers of defence in the hour of temptation; yet it may not be out of place to refresh our minds by the recital of a few of the most prominent, that we may better comprehend the ideas and statements that follow after.

It is recorded (Genesis xvii, 4-7,) that the Lord covenated with Abraham, saying:

"As for me, behold my covenant is with thee and thou shalt be a father of many nations; neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee; and I will make thee exceedingly fruitful, and I will make make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee, and I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in thelr generations, for an everlasting covenant to be a God unto thee and to thy seed after thee."

Again (Genesis xxii xvii, 16-18,) Jehovah declares:

"By myself have I sworn, saith the Lord, that in blessing I will bless thee and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed."

To Isaac and to Jacob were these glorious promises confirmed if possible in yet stronger wording (Genesis xxvi, 4-10; xxviii, 14). To the latter it was said:

"And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth and thou shalt spread abroad to the west and to the east, and to the north and to the south. And in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed."

The blessing of Jacob upon his son Joseph is doubtless so familiar to the majority of our readers, that we shall simply quote the latter portion:

"The blessings of thy father have prevailed above the blessings of my progenitors, unto the utmost bound of the everlasting hills. They shall be upon the head of Joseph, and on the crown of the head of him who was separate from his brethren."

We will take but one step further in this direction. Jacob in blessing the sons of Joseph, said (Gen. x, 8):

"Let my name be named on them, and the names of my fathers, Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth."

When Joseph reminded the aged Patriarch that his right hand was placed on the head of the younger boy, he declared:

"I know it, my son, I know it. He (Manasseh) also shall become a people. And he also shall be great. But truly his younger brother shall be greater than he; and his seed shall become a multitude of nations."

There are two points in these blessings that are very noteworthy. The first that the seed of these Patriarchs should become innumerable and grow to be a multitude of nations in the midst of the earth; the second, that in or through this seed all the nations and families of the earth should be blessed. With Abraham a covenant was made by the Most High, that he should become the father of many nations, and when we have laid aside the descendants of Ishmael -- the Arabians and their fellows, who have grown into mighty multitudes, and not even counted the posterity of the sons of Keturah and of Abraham's other wives, yet in the one son Isaac the promise is renewed, his seed also is to multiply as thestars "the stars of heaven." Once again we will divide the posterity, and leave unnoticed the dukes of Edom and the other descendant[s] of Isaac's favorite son. We will speak alone of Jacob; to him was repeated the divine promise: "Thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth;" and again, "A nation and a company of nations shall be of thee." Here let us pause for a moment and ask, Are they whom the world regard as the only representatives of Jacob to-day -- the dispersed of Judah -- all that that holy man of old has to show as the fulfillment of so great a promise as the one last quoted? We think not, but believe that future search will vindicate prophecy, and prove that the promises of the Eternal are not cut short in their complete fulfilment.

We are well aware, so great is the tendency of the races of the earth to mix and intermingle, that the Jews, as well as many Christians, point to their continued existence as a distinct people, as an unanswerable argument in favor of the divinity of their Scriptures and the inspiration of their Prophets. But their history, their exclusiveness, the dispersion, etc., do not fulfil a vast number of the prophecies uttered with regard to Israel. Yet when the history of all Israel is written, of Ephraim as well as of Judah, we are satisfied that no portion of God's holy word will be found to have returned to his mouth unfulfilled, and he will be as much glorified in the hiding up of the Ten Tribes and the mixing of Ephraim among the nations, as in the scattering of the sons and daughters of Judah.

Jacob had one son (and he not the ancestor of the Jews,) to whom these blessings were not only renewed, but extended. To Joseph it is said that this blessings have prevailed above the blessings of his progenitors unto the utmost bounds of the everlasting hills, whilst of Joseph's younger son it was declared, "his seed shall be a multitude of nations." Thus we observe that with each succeeding heir to these choice blessings the promises seem to have grown larger, extended and spread out. To Abraham it was promised that he should be the father of many nations; to Ephraim, his grandson's grandson, it was said of his seed, his seed alone, that it should become a multitude of nations. Where is that multitude of nations to-day? is a pertinent question, for God has promised it and they must exist.

The average student of history can not answer this question. He knows nothing of the posterity of Ephraim, they are hidden from his sight. But ae the believer in the Book of Mormon will point to its record and declare that in the aborigines of North and South America, and of many of the Pacific Isles, we find the seed of Joseph grown into a multitude of tribes, peoples, and nations. We thankfully admit this truth, we cannot contradict it did we wish to do so. God has so revealed it and the external confirmatory evidences are growing stronger and more convincing every year. Yet another pertinent question here presents itself. Ee understand from the Book of Mormon the Lamanites to be of the house of Manasseh. If so his greatness does not fulfil the promises to Ephraim, who was to be greater than he. Surely the Lord, having so abundantly fulfilled his promise to the one brother, has not forgotten his covenant with his "first born." But shall we be deemed inconsistent if we say that we do not think that the whole of that multitude of nations is found in the descendants of Lehi, of Mulok and their companions. Is it supposable that the Lord has confined the fulfillment of the promises to Joseph, whose blessings were to prevail above that of his progenitors, to tribes who are to-day, and, the majority of which have been for fifteen hundred years -- or one quarter of this world's existence since mortals dwelt hereon -- amongst the wildest, the most degraded of mankind? If so, the descendants of those to whom no promises were made have enjoyed the greater blessings.
 

(TO BE CONTINUED.)

Notes: (forthcoming)

ARE  WE  OF  ISRAEL?

BY ELDER GEO. REYNOLDS.
_____

"Israel shall blossom and the bud fill the world with fruit," -- Isaiah.

(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 515.)

We contend that where Israel is not under the ban of God's displeasure through its sins and follies, it leads the world. Its sons are princes among men and the ministers of God's law to all people, indeed that in it, according to the oft repeated promise, all the families of the earth will be blessed. Here we may be interrupted by our readers (for it is Latter-day Saints we are addressing) with the question if we have forgotten the ten tribes hidden by Divine Providence in the far off frozen regions of the north, and environed by a belt of snow and ice so unpenetrable that no man in modern days has reached them. Now, we have not forgotten them, and through them, we believe, as through Lehi and others, have the promises of God to Jacob and Joseph been partially fulfilled. But we ask further, is it altogether improbable that in that long journey of one and a half years, Esdras states it, from Media, the land of their captivity, to the frozen north, some of backsliding Israel rebelled, turned aside from the main body, forgot their God, by and by mingled with the Gentiles and became the leaven to leaven with the promised seed all the nations of the earth? The account given in the Book of Mormon of a single family of this same house, in its waywardness, its stiff-neckedness before God, its internal quarrels and family feuds are, we fear, an example on a small scale of what most probably happened in the vast bodies of Israelites who for so many months wended their tedious way northward. Laman and Lemuel had "no doubt" many counterparts in the journeying ten tribes. And who so likely to rebel as stubborn, impetuous, proud and warlike Ephraim. Rebellion and backsliding have been so characteristically the story of Ephraim's career that we can scarcely conceive that it could be otherwise and yet preserve the unities of that people's history. Can it be any wonder then that so much of the blood of Ephraim has been found hidden and unknown in the midst of the nations of northern Europe and other parts until the spirit of prophecy revealed its existence? But before proceeding further in our research, it may be well to insert the words of one having authority, to the effect that the Latter-day Saints are of Ephraim; to adduce ideas and reasons to substantiate this statement will be our pleasure as we proceed along.

President Young delivered a discourse in the Tabernacle, Salt Lake City, Oct. 8th, 1855, from which the following are extracts:

"The set time has come for God to gather Israel and for his work to commence upon the face of the whole earth, and the Elders who have arisen in this Church and Kingdom are actually of Israel. Take the Elders who are now in this house and you can scarcely find one out of a hundred but what is of the house of Israel. It has been remarked that that the Gentiles have been cut off, and I doubt whether another Gentile ever comes into this Church.

"Will we go to the Gentile nations to preach the Gospel? Yes, and gather out the Israelites whereever they are mixed among the nations of the earth. What part or portion of them? The same part or portion that redeemed the house of Jacob and saved them from perishing with famine in Egypt. * * * * Ephraim has become mixed with all the nations of the earth and it is Ephraim that is gathering together.

"It is Ephraim that I have been searching for all the days of my preaching, and that is the blood which ran in my veins when I embraced the Gospel. If there are any of the other tribes of Israel mixed with the Gentiles we are also searching for them. * * * It is the house of Israel we are after, and we care not whether they come from the east, the west, the north or the south; from China, Russia, England, California, North or South America, or some other locality; and it is the very lad (Ephraim) upon whom father Jacob laid his hands, that will save the house of Israel. The Book of Mormon came to Ephraim, for Joseph Smith was a pure Ephraimite, and the Book of Mormon was revealed to him, and while he lived he made it his business to search for those who believed the Gospel. * * * * You understand who we are, we are of the house of Israel, of the royal seed, of the royal blood." (Journal of Discourses, Vol. 2, pages 268-9.)

 

(TO BE CONTINUED.)

Notes: (forthcoming)

ARE  WE  OF  ISRAEL?

BY ELDER GEO. REYNOLDS.
_____

"Israel shall blossom and the bud fill the world with fruit," -- Isaiah.

(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 532.)

CHAPTER II.

ISRAEL A MARITIME NATION -- TYRE AND SIDON -- THE LACEDEMONIANS CLAIM
RELATIONSHIP WITH ISRAEL -- THE IONIANS, ETRURIANS, DANES, JUTES, ETC.
-- THE VARIOUS CAPTIVITIES OF ISRAEL AND JUDAH -- MEDIA.

The idea, though widely diffused, that many of the races inhabiting Europe are impregnated with the blood of Israel, is by no means a new one. Many writers in their researches into the early history of that continent have been forcibly struck with the similarity that existed between the laws, manners, customs, etc., of the ancient inhabitants of its northern and northwestern portions and those of ancient Israel. These writers have endeavored to account for this peculiarity in two ways. First, by the supposition that Israelitish colonies, for various causes, left the land of their inheritance and gradually worked themselves north and north-westward over Europe; and second by the argument that remnants or branches of the lost ten tribes had emigrated emigran from Media into Europe, and through the ignorancee of historians, disguised under other names, they had remained unknown until the present, their habits, customs, traditions, etc., having in the meanwhile become so greatly changed by time and circumstance as to render them unrecognizable at this late day.

We will take up the first of these ideas and present a few of the arguments advanced by those who support it. It is asserted by them that Israel early became a maritime nation, that its location on the Mediterranean Sea admirably adapted its people for such a pursuit by means of the Red Sea in its rear, it also had undisturbed access to Africa, India, and the isles beyond. As early as the day of the Judges (say B. C. 1,300) we find that Deborah and Barak in their song of triumph, complain that Dan came not up to the aid of Israel in the hour of need, but remained in his ships whilst his fellows were contending with Sisera and his hosts. Why did Dan remain...
(under construction)

 

(TO BE CONTINUED.)

Notes: (forthcoming)

ARE  WE  OF  ISRAEL?

BY ELDER GEO. REYNOLDS.
_____

"Israel shall blossom and the bud fill the world with fruit," -- Isaiah.

(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 547.)

It being thus admitted that the people of one Grecian state were of the family of Abraham, students of history have endeavored to trace Israel to other parts. The inhabitants of the Ionian Commonwealth, one of the most enterprising communities of Ancient Greece are claimed to have been of Israelitish...
(under construction)

 

(TO BE CONTINUED.)

Notes: (forthcoming)

ARE  WE  OF  ISRAEL?

BY ELDER GEO. REYNOLDS.
_____

"Israel shall blossom and the bud fill the world with fruit," -- Isaiah.

(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 564.)

CHAPTER III.

THE LAND OF THE NORTH -- JEREMIAH, ETHER AND ESDRAS' TESTIMONIES --
THE COURSE OF THE ISRAELITES NORTHWARD -- THE JORDAN, THE DON, THE
DANUBE, ETC. -- THE LAND OF MOESIA AND DACIA -- THE GETAE ZALMOXES.

Having traced the ten tribes to Media, the next question is, what has become of them for they are not to be found in that land to-day. Many attempts have at various times been made to discover the ten tribes of Israel as a distinct community, but all have failed. Josephus (Antiquities xi,) believed that in his day they dwelt in large multitudes somewhere beyond the Euphrates, in Asareth, but Asareth was an unknown land to him. Rabbinical traditions and fables, committed to writing in the middle ages, assert the same fact, with many wonderful amplifications. The imaginations of certain Christian writers have sought them in the neighborhood of their last recorded habitation. Jewish features have been traced in the Afghan tribes; rumors are heard occasionally of Jewish colonies in China, Thibet and Hindostan (the Beni-Israel,) whilst the black Jews of Malabar claim affinity with Israel. But none of these people would in any but the slightest degree, fill the place accorded in the prophecies to Ephraim and his fellows.

The fact that James the Apostle opens his epistle with the following words, has been adduced as an argument that the condition of the ten tribes was known to the early Christians: "James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ to the twelve tribes who are scattered abroad, greeting." But it would rather convey the idea to our mind that the epistle was addressed to those of the houses of Israel and Judah, who, for the various reasons before cited and which by that time had multiplied, had wandered into Egypt, Greece Rome, and other parts of the earth, and, not to those whom God had hidden to fulfil more completely his promises to the patriarchs.

We have before stated that the Latter-day Saints believe that the ten tribes still exist and that their home is in the far north. That they still exist is absolutely necessary to fulfil the unfailing promises of Jehovah to Israel, and to all mankind the presence of the remnants of Judah in every land to-day is an uncontrovertable testimony that the covenant made with Abraham has not been abrogated or annulled. The vitality of the Jewish race is proverbial, and can we reasonably expect that when one branch of a tree shows such native strength that the other branches will not be proportionately vital? It is not more consistent to believe that as the Jewish race under the curse of the Almighty and suffering centuries of persecution still survives, so is it with the rest of Jacob's seed, rather than that they ages ago were blotted out of national existence.

The belief that the Latter-day Saints hold, that these tribes are residents of the northern regions of the earth, is sustained by a cloud of scriptural witnesses of ancient and modern days, to whom we now appeal. Our first witness shall be the Prophet Jeremiah. In the third chapter of his prophecies we find the Lord rebuking both Israel and Judah for their treachery and backsliding, yet still proclaiming his long-suffering and mercy to his covenant people. He then gives gives command to the Prophet, saying:

"Go and proclaim these words towards the north, and say, return thou back sliding Israel, saith the Lord, and I will not cause mine anger to fall upon you; for I am merciful saith the Lord and I will not keep anger forever. * * * In those days (the latter days) the house of Judah shall walk with the house of Israel, and they shall come together out of the land of the north to this land that I have given for an inheritance to your fathers."

Again, in speaking of the mighty works accompanying the final glorious restoration of the house of Jacob, the same Prophet declares:

"Therefore, behold, the days come saith the Lord, that they shall no more say, the Lord liveth which brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt, but the Lord liveth which brought up and which led the seed of the house of Israel out of the north country, and from all countries whither I had driven them, and they shall dwell in their own land." (Jeremiah xxiii.) Again it is written, (Jeremiah xxxi.) "For thus saith the Lord, sing with gladness for Jacob, and shout among the chief of the nations; publish ye, praise ye and say, O, Lord save thy people, the remnant of Israel. Behold I will bring them from the north country and gather them from the coasts of the earth. * * * I am a father to Israel and Ephraim is my first born."

we will turn for a moment from the Asiatic to the American continent. There we find Ether the Jaredite, about 600 years B. C. prophecying of the latter days: "And then also cometh the Jerusalem of old; and the inhabitants thereof blessed are they, for they have been washed in the blood of the Lamb; and they are they who were scattered and gathered in from the four quarters of the earth, and from the north countries and are partakers of the fulfilling of the covenant which God made with their father Abraham."

But the most definite word on this subject given by any of the ancient writers of the Asiatic continent is contained in Esdras, a book of the Apocrypha (2 Esdras xiii.) Therein is given a dream and its interpretation, showing forth the work and power of the Son of God. It is to him and his gathering of the people together that the Prophet refers. The verses more particularly bearing on our subject read as follows:

39. And whereas thou sawest that he gathered another peaceable people unto him.

40. Those are the ten tribes which were carried away captives out of their own land in the time of Oseas the king, whom Shalmadeser, the king of the Assyrians, took captive, and crossed them beyond the river; so were they brought into another land.

41. But they took this counsel to themselves, that they would leave the multitude of the heathen and go forth unto a further country where never man dwelt.

42. That they might there keep their statutes which they never kept in their own land.

43. And they entered in at the narrow passages of the river Euphrates.

44. For the Most High then showed them signs, and stayed the springs of the flood till they were passed over.

45. For through the country there was great journey, even of a year and a half, and the same region is called Arsareth (or Ararath).

46. Then dwelt they there until the latter time, and when they come forth again.

47. The Most High shall hold still the springs of the river again, that they may go through; therefore sawest thou the multitude peaceable."

The statements of Esdras throw considerable light upon the reasons why the captives in Media preferred not to return to their ancient home in Canaan; supposing always that that privilege had been accorded to them as well as to the captives of the house of Judah. In their home of promise they had seldom kept the counsels and commandments of God and if they returned it was probable they would not do any better, especially as the Assyrians had filled their land with heathen colonists, whose influence would not assist them to carry out their new resolutions.
 

(TO BE CONTINUED.)

Notes: (forthcoming)

ARE  WE  OF  ISRAEL?

BY ELDER GEO. REYNOLDS.
_____

"Israel shall blossom and the bud fill the world with fruit," -- Isaiah.

(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 579.)

Hence they determined to go to a country "where never man dwelt," that they might be free from all contaminating influences. That country could only be found in the north. Southern Asia was already the seat of a comparatively ancient civilization. Egypt flourished in Northern Africa, and Southern Europe was rapidly filling with the future rulers of the world. They had, therefore, no choice but to turn their faces northward. The first portion of their journey was not however north; according to the account of Esdras, they appear to have at first moved in the direction of their old homes, and it is possible that they originally started with the intention of returning thereto, or probably in order to deceive the Assyrians they started as if to return to Canaan, and when they had crossed the Euphrates, and were out of danger from the hosts of the Medes and Persians, then they turned their journeying feet toward the polar star. Esdras states that they entered in at the narrow passage of the river Euphrates, the Lord staying the "springs of the flood" until they were passed over. The point on the River Euphrates at which they crossed would necessarily be in its upper portion, as lower down would be too far south for their purpose.

The upper course of the Euphrates lies among lofty mountains and near the village of Pastash, it plunges through a gorge formed by precipices more than a thousand feet in height and so narrow that it is bridged at the top; it shortly afterwards enters the plains of Mesopotamia. How accurately this portion of the river answers the description of Esdras of the "narrows," where the Israelites crossed.

From the Euphrates the wandering hosts could take but one course in their journey northward, and that was along the back or eastern shore of the Black Sea. All other roads were impassable to them, as the Caucasian range of mountains, with only two or three passes throughout its whole extent, ran as a lofty barrier from the Black to the Caspian Seas. To go east would take them back to Media, and a westward journey would carry them through Asia Minor to the coasts of the Mediterranean. Skirting along the Black Sea, they would pass the Caucasian range, cross the Kuban River; be prevented by the Sea of Azof from turning westward and would soon reach the present home of the Don Cossacks. It is asserted, on good authority, that along this route and for "an immense distance" northward, the country is full of tombs of great antiquity, the construction of which, the way in which the dead are buried therein, and the jewelry, curiosities, etc., found on opening them, prove that they were built by a people of similar habits to the Israelites. Dr. Clark, a well known traveler, states that he counted more than ninety such mounds at one view near the Kuban River.

We will here digress, and give some of the ideas of a writer on the Israelitish origin of the nations of modern Europe (Mr. J. Wilson) though in our own words. He endeavors to prove that Israel traveled north-westward from the neighborhood last spoken of, and claims that the names of all the principal rivers, in the regions round about, show that colonists from the Holy Land gave them. The Jordan was distinctively the River of Canaan as the Nile was of Egypt. The word Jordan is by some claimed to mean flowing, by others the River of Eden. There was also the Dedan or Dan (el Leddan) flowing into it; which would lead to the supposition that the word Dan had some connection with Israelitish rivers not now understood. Suffice it, the exiles doubtless carried with them many hallowed recollections of their ancient river, which it was but natural they should seek to perpetuate as they journeyed farther and farther from its waters and from their long-cherished home. As a result we find in south-eastern Europe the Don, the Daniz or Donitz, the Daneiper and Daniester (now contracted to Dneiper and Dnester) and the Danube. The conclusions of the writer already referred to are that Israel gradually drifted westward to the region known to secular history as Moesia and Dacia, the one north and the other south of the Danube, and called by modern English speaking people, Roumania and Bulgaria. To further strengthen his theory he claims that Moesia means the land of Moses, and Dacia the land of David (after Israel's shepherd king,) and that the people of the latter kingdom were called Davi. In this country dwelt also the Getae (a Latinized form of Gad) who some historians assert were the forefathers of the Goths, of whom we shall speak again hereafter. The historian Herodotus, in recounting the conquest of this people by Darius, states that the Getae "believed themselves to be immortal; and whenever one dies, they believe that he is removed to the presence of their god Zamoxis (Zalmoxis) * * * and they sincerely believe that there is no other deity." He also states that this god left them the institutions of their religion in books. Mr. Wilson directs attention to this idea of only one God, so different to the Pantheism of the surrounding peoples, and that of man's immortality as tending to prove the Israelitish origin of the Gatae, particularly as in analyzing the word Zalmoxis he finds it to be composed of Za, el, Moses. If his facts be correct, his conclusions are warranted, but of his facts we express no opinion.
 

(TO BE CONTINUED.)

Notes: (forthcoming)

ARE  WE  OF  ISRAEL?

BY ELDER GEO. REYNOLDS.
_____

"Israel shall blossom and the bud fill the world with fruit," -- Isaiah.

(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 596.)

CHAP. IV.

ISRAEL'S JOURNEY NORTHWARD -- ESDRAS AND MODERN REVELATION
COMPARED -- THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS TO THE NEPHITES --
EPHRAIM TO BE GATHERED FROM ALL COUNTRIES --
THE COASTS OF THE EARTH -- THE ANCESTORS
OF THE LATTER-DAY SAINTS.

Having considered the cause that led the outcasts of Israel to determine to seek a home in a new and uninhabited land, we may be excused if we endeavor to follow them in fancy in their journey northward. We have no way of accurately estimating their numbers, but if the posterity of all those who were carried into captivity started on this perilous journey, they must have formed a mighty host. Necessarily they moved slowly. They were encumbered with the aged and infirm, the young and the helpless, with flocks and herds, and weighed down with provisions and household utensils. Roads had to be made, bridges built, and the course marked out and decided by their leaders. (Jesus distinctly states to the Nephites, that these tribes were led "by the Father out of the land.") Inasmuch as they had turned to the Lord and were seeking a new home wherein they could the better serve nim, they were doubtless guided by inspired leaders, who, by Urim and Thummim, or through dreams and visions, pointed out the paths ahead. Perhaps, as in the days of the deliverance from Egypt, a pillar of cloud by day and of fire by night guided their footsteps; no matter the means, the end was accomplished, and slowly and gradually they neared the frozen regions of the Arctic zone. The distance in a direct line from the conjectured crossing of the Euphrates to the coasts of the Arctic Ocean, would be about 2,800 miles, or a seven months' journey, averaging 15 miles a day. But according to Esdras, one year and a half was consumed in the journey, which is an evidence that they were encumbered with families and cattle, who could only travel slowly and for whom many resting places had to be found where they could recuperate. It is highly probable that, like modern Israel in its journey westward to the valleys of Ephraim, they planted temporary colonies by the way, where the weary rested, and crops were raised for future use.

The length of the journey had its advantages as well as its drawbacks. The slow rate at which they traveled enabled them to become acclimatized to the rigors of the frigid zone. We must recollect that we are dealing with a people cradled in the burning sands of Egypt, and who, for many generations, had dwelt in one of the most balmy and genial climates on this globe. Their temporary sojourn in the bleaker regions near the Caspian Sea had partially prepared them for that which was to come, but it required time to give them the capability to endure the rigors of a northern clime, as they were, by ancestry and location, distinctively children of the sunny south.

No doubt, as the hosts of Israel advanced, the change in the climate, the difference in the length of the days and nights, the altered appearance of the face of the country, and the newness, to them, of many of its animal and vegetable productions, struck them with amazement, perhaps with terror, causing some of the weak-kneed to falter and tarry by the way. These defections probably increased as the changes became more apparent and the toils of the journey grew more severe. But what must have been their sensations when they came in view, of the limitless Arctic Ocean, if the climatic conditions were the same as those which exist to-day; of which, however, there is perhaps some reason to doubt. No matter whether they drew nigh unto it in winter or in summer, the prospect must have been appalling to the bravest heart not sustained by the strongest and most undeviating faith in the promises of Jehovah. Supposing they reached the northern confines of the European continent in summer, they were in a land where the snow is almost perpetual, and scarcely else but mosses grow. Before them was a troubled ocean of unknown width, every step they advanced took them further north into greater extremes of cold. Well might they question, if so little is here produced for the food of man and beast, how will it be yet further northward? Must we perish of hunger? If, on the other hand, they approached the frozen shores of this unexplored waste of waters in the gloom of the long night of an Arctic winter, with the intense cold freezing to their very blood, their feelings of dread must have been yet more intense. No wonder if some turned aside, declared they would go no further, and gradually wandered back through northern Europe to more congenial climes. Again it may be asked, how did this unnumbered host cross this frigid ocean to their present hiding place? On this point both history and revelation are silent. The Arctic Ocean was no narrow neck of the great waters like the Red Sea, with the mountains of the opposite shore full in view. No, it spread out before them eternally -- north, east and west, with no inviting shore in sight beyond. Yet despite all this, they did cross it; but how, we know not -- perhaps on the ice of winter, perhaps the Lord threw up a highway, or divided the waters as he did aforetime, that they passed through dry shod. But we must abide His time, when this and other secrets of their history shall be revealed.

Since penning the foregoing ideas, we have been informed that certain ancient Scandinavian legends entirely agree with our theory. We understand that these legends state that the ten Ttibes, in their journey northward, erected at various points, on prominent mountain heights and such like, monuments or heaps of stones, so that if they determined to return they might have some guides on the road back to the Euphrates. These same traditions state that colonies of the very young and infirm, as well as of the wayward and rebellious, were left by the wayside, and from these colonies the fathers of the Norsemen sprang. These legends, in time became crystallized, and make their appearance as verities in the traditional histories of the nations of northern Europe.

Esdras says that he was shown that they abode in this north country until the latter time, when they were to come forth again, a great multitude, to add to the glory of the Messiah's kingdom. This statement agrees with the word of modern revelation to which we now draw attention.

Nearly half a century ago the Lord, through Joseph Smith, in speaking of the lost ten tribes, says: (Doc. & Cov., Revelation called the Appendix.)

"They who are in the north countries shall come in remembrance before the Lord, and their prophets shall hear his voice, and shall no longer stay themselves, and they shall smite the rocks and the ice shall flow down at their presence. And an highway shall be cast up in the midst of the great deep. (Query -- The Arctic and North Atlantic Oceans.) Their enemies shall become a prey unto them, and in the barren deserts there shall come forth pools of living water: and the parched ground shall no longer be a thirsty land. And they shall bring forth their rich treasures unto the children of Ephraim my servants. And the boundaries of the everlasting hills shall tremble at their presence. And they shall fall down and be crowned with glory, even in Zion, by the hands of the servants of the Lord, even the children of Ephraim."

 

(TO BE CONTINUED.)

Note 1: It is in this, his 4th chapter of "Are We of Israel?" that Elder Reynolds finally catches up to the 1867 pronouncements of Apostle Orson Pratt, and firmly ensconces the lost tribes of Israel in the Arctic ice, somewhere near the North Pole. And yet, in order to get them to this unlikely destination, Reynolds must resort to artifice and "follow them in fancy in their journey northward." In other words, not even the mythical dreams of Esdras, nor the "revelations" of latter day prophets can provide Elder Reynolds with the connecting literary bridge, necessary to link the wandering tribes, with the Mormon belief in their residence at or near the North Pole. Besides that, the writer can find no physical bridge, by which to remove the missing tribes from the northern shores of Europe. Had they remained in the high latitudes of Scandinavia or Siberia, these Hebrew-speaking tribes would hardly be "missing" at all. By 1878 the larger islands in the Greenland and Barents seas had all been charted and more or less explored, so Reynolds could not leave his Israelites to thrive (?) on some such frigid hunk of rock. No -- they must be father north than that, and living on an undiscovered land mass very near the Pole itself. The best way Reynolds can imagine to remove the refugees from Europe, is to send them pole-ward over a magical highway or subway, which has since disappeared. Perhaps he should not be faulted too much in writing this poor excuse for a history -- after all, the Mormons yet believe that the ten tribes will soon return to the known world via just such a temporary, supernatural turnpike. Still, it is a striking omission in Mormon doctrine, that no satisfactory explanation for the transporting of these "missing" tribes to the far north has ever been offered up by the LDS leadership. Perhaps that is one of those accounts yet hidden from profane view, in the "sealed plates" of the Book of Mormon.

Note 2: LDS Elder Frederick Culmer was favorably impressed with George Reynolds' telling of the lost tribes story and quoted from it extensively when writing his own 1886 booklet, The Inner World. By that time Elder Reynolds' series of articles was available in pamphlet form, published by the Salt Lake City Deseret News (in which paper the items had originally appeared, between July 26 and Sept. 4, 1878), and Culmer took his several quotations from that sanctioned source. Perhaps Culmer viewed Reynolds' words as official Mormon doctrine, for he presents them under the heading of "Theological Evidences," after which the writer says: "having brought us to the confines of the present abode of the Ten Tribes of Israel, I will now proceed to give my own ideas on the matter." Culmer's argument is a simple one -- that God made a covenant with the missing tribes, and therefore must preserve them -- that Reynolds has shown how the reached the polar area -- and that Joseph Smith has said that they yet abide in that region. Having demonstrated (to his own satisfaction, at least) the the earth is hollow, with openings to the balmy "inner world" near the poles, Culmer then deduces that the missing Israelites must be inside the planet: "I maintain that there is no ship passage into the interior of the earth but that the openings are land, consequently the travel has been, and will be, on that element; and it will be the only one that will be used when the Lord's time shall come for the Ten Tribes of Israel to come forth again to the outside of the earth. I maintain that the interior of this globe has been inhabited by them for thousands of years, and that the word of the Lord through his prophets has been often directed to this people and recorded, but misinterpreted through the lack of His spirit and power." So much for Elder Culmer, his hollow world, and the hidden Israelites. For more on this matter, see the notes attached to a report transcribed from the July 9, 1831 issue of the Cherokee Phoenix.

ARE  WE  OF  ISRAEL?

BY ELDER GEO. REYNOLDS.
_____

"Israel shall blossom and the bud fill the world with fruit," -- Isaiah.

(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 611.)

It is very evident from the above quotation that Ephraim or at least a large portion of that tribe, had at some period of his history, separated from the rest of the tribes of Israel, and at the time of this restitution was to dwell in a land far from the north country in which the residue were hidden. These tribes are to have the frozen barriers of the north melted, so that they shall flow down, then a highway is to be cast up for them, in the midst of the great deep, next they cross barren deserts and a thirsty land and eventually arrive with their rich treasures at the home of Ephraim, the first born of God of the house of Israel, to be crowned with glory at his hands.

We must now draw the attention of our readers to certain extracts from the Book of Mormon, which show that at the time of our Savior's visit to this continent, Ephraim and the ten tribes dwelt neither on this land nor the land of Jerusalem. Jesus says: "Verily, verily, I say unto you, I have other sheep which are not of this land nor in the land of Jerusalem, neither in any parts of that land, round about whither I have been to minister. But they of whom I speak have not as yet heard my voice, neither have I at any time manifested myself unto them; but I have received a commandment of the Father that 1 should go unto them and they shall be numbered among my sheep, and there shall be one fold and one shepherd, therefore I go to show myself unto them. And I command you that ye shall write these sayings, after I am gone, that if it be so that my people at Jerusalem, they who have seen me, and been with me in my ministry, do not ask the Father in my name that they may receive a knowledge of you by the Holy Ghost, and also of the other tribes that they know not of, that these sayings which ye shall write shall be kept, and shall be manifested unto the Gentiles, that through the fullness of the Gentiles the remnant of their seed who shall be scattered forth upon the face of the earth, because of their unbelief, may be brought to a knowledge of me their Redeemer. And then will I gather them in from the four quarters of the earth; and then will I fulfill the covenant which the Father hath made unto all the people of the house of Israel (Book of Nephi, chap. vii.)

The statement of Jesus above cited, that the ten tribes did not dwell in the land of Jerusalem neither in any parts of that land round about, effectually disposes of the theory of Josephus a others, that they dwelt near the river Euphrates. The reason why the Jews had lost sight of their brethren of the house of Israel, is explained by Jesus, in the same chapters of the Book of Mormon as that from which the above quotation is taken. He states: "The other tribes hath the Father separated from them; (the Jews) and it is because of their iniquity that they knew not of them."

Some have imagined that it was unscriptural to look for Israel except in three places. The scattered Jews in all the world, the Lamanites on this continent, and the Ten Tribes in Azareth. But we claim that we have abundant reason from scripture to expect to find the seed of Joseph as well as that of Judah in every nation under heaven. The prophecies recorded in the Old Testament expressly state that Israel, especially Ephraim, was to be scattered amongst all people.

How completely they were to be scattered is shown by the following prophecies:

Hosea, (chapter xiii, verse 3) in rebuking Ephraim's idolatry in the name of the Lord, says:

"Therefore they shall be as the morning cloud and as the early dew that passeth away, as the chaff that is driven by the whirlwind out of the floor, and as the smoke out of the chimney."

Amos (chapter ix, verses 8 and 9) states:

"Behold the eyes of the Lord are upon the sinful kingdom, (of Israel) and I will destroy it from off the face of the earth; saving that I will not utterly destroy the house of Jacob, saith the Lord. For, lo, I will command, and I will sift the house of Israel among all nations, like as corn is sifted in a sieve, yet shall not the least grain fall upon the earth."

Could any scattering be more complete?

We are directly told that the Lord will bring His sons (Ephraim still being his first-born) from afar and his daughters from the ends of the earth. It is further said that He will gather his Israel -- not from the north alone -- but from the north and from the south, from the east and from the west, and bring them to Zion; and that He (the Lord) will gather them from all countries (not America nor the Polar regions alone, but all countries) in which he had scattered them; among other places from the coasts of the earth. How apt a description is this last sentence of the lands from which the great bulk of modern Israel have been gathered. From the coasts of the Atlantic Ocean, from the coasts of the North and Baltic Seas, they have come to Zion by tens of thousands.

President Brigham Young stated in the discourse, quoted in a previous chapter that ninety-nine out of every hundred of the Elders of the Church of Jesus Christ were of the blood of Israel. The people whom he was addressing were men of various nationalities, but by far the greater portion of them were descendents of those races that in the fourth and succeeding centuries of the Christian era, swarmed in myriads out of that mother of nations, Scandinavia, and filled central and western Europe with a new civilization, the people, in fact, who overthrew the great Roman Empire and laid the foundation of the majority of the nations of modern Europe. It was to the descendants of the Goths, the Danes the Jutes, the Angles, the Saxons, the Normans, the Franks, that he was talking, and in our next chapter we shall bring forward some of the historical arguments used by Gentile writers to prove the Israelitish descent of these races more particularly of that dominant one known to-day as the Anglo-Saxon. We do not this, because we think the word of God's servants requires proving by Gentile evidence, but because it is a satisfaction to many minds not only to know that a thing is so, but to be able to give a reason, or advance an argument to demonstrate why it is so.
 

(TO BE CONTINUED.)

Notes: (forthcoming)

ARE  WE  OF  ISRAEL?

BY ELDER GEO. REYNOLDS.
_____

"Israel shall blossom and the bud fill the world with fruit," -- Isaiah.

(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 628.)

CHAP. V.

THE ORIGIN OF THE ANGLO SAXONS -- DERIVATION OF THE WORD SAXON --
THE GOTHS AND VANDALS -- OVERTHROW OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE --
THE MYTHOLOGY OF THE ANCIENT SCANDINAVIANS -- BALDUR --
THEIR EARLY LITERATURE -- POLYGAMY.

As the question "hat became of the ten tribes?" still remains to the world an unanswered historical enigma so also is the question unanswered "whence originated origined the vast hosts of so called barbarians who, descending from the frigid regions of Scandinavia filled Europe with new races, new laws, new ideas, new languages, and new institutions!" Some have traced a connection between the loss of the one people and the advent of the other, and one author of repute -- Mr. Searon Turner -- extensively quoted in this connection, claims that the original home of the Anglo-Saxons was in the very country where Israel is historically lost, and further states that these people commenced their migration therefrom about the same time as the tribes of Jacob must have taken their journey northward.

Mr. Turner, in his valuable history of the Anglo-Saxons, whilst discussing the Teutonic descent of many of the nations of modern Europe, says:

"It is peculiarly interesting to us because from its branches, not only our own immediate ancestors but also those of the most celebrated nations of modern Europe have unquestionably descended. The Anglo-Saxons, Lowland Scotch, Normans, Danes, Norwegians, Swedes, Germans, Dutch, Belgians, Lombards and Franks have all sprung from that great fountain of the human race which we have distinguished by the terms Scythian, German or Gothic. The first appearance of the Scythian tribes [in] Europe may be placed according to Strabo and Homer about the eighth, or according to Herodotus, in the seventh century before the christian era... (under construction)
 

(TO BE CONTINUED.)

Notes: (forthcoming)

ARE  WE  OF  ISRAEL?

BY ELDER GEO. REYNOLDS.
_____

"Israel shall blossom and the bud fill the world with fruit," -- Isaiah.

(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 644.)

CHAP. VI.

THE NUMEROUS IDENTIFICATIONS CONSIDERED -- RELIGION AND LAWS OF THE
ANCIENT NORTHERN RACES -- FREE MASONRY -- LANGUAGE.

it would be almost impossible to enumerate the multitude of likenessesthat have been found by authors predisposed in that direction, between the habits, manners, customs, personal appearance, etc., of the israelites and Anglo-Saxons. To give even a cursory glance at these identifications would occupy more space than we feel would be desirable. We will simply mention a few that have been advanced by various writers and then proceed to a short consideration of their laws. It may be observed however that some of their identifications are very remarkable, whilst others in our opinion are puerile, and would be advanced by none but zealots. Great similarity has been claimed between the form of the Jewish and Saxon heads and the great beauty of both races has been advanced as a proof of common ancestry. The style of dress of the early northern European nations has also been claimed to be distinctively Israelitish. The care with which both people kept their records or chronicles has also been largely commented upon. One author claims connection between the two in the manner that they mustered their forces in battle and their love of distinctive or tribal banners... (under construction)
 

(TO BE CONTINUED.)

Notes: (forthcoming)

ARE  WE  OF  ISRAEL?

BY ELDER GEO. REYNOLDS.
_____

"Israel shall blossom and the bud fill the world with fruit," -- Isaiah.

(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 663.)

Among the Anglo-Saxons the theory of their constitution seems to have been that every ten men or heads of families, should chose one from among them to act for them in the council of their little community, consisting generally of ten such compartments or wards. Ten of these wards formed a tything or parish. And ten of these tythings formed a hundred, the elders of which thus chosen were supposed to meet for the management of matters belonging to the ten tythings in general; whilst each tything took charge of the affairs that especially belonged to itself. The country which was still more extensive corresponded to the tribe in Israel. The word, county, or compte, seems to be derived from the Hebrew word signifying, to rise up, to stand -- and refers to the rod or ensign. of the tribe to which they congregated themselves, in the larger assemblies of the people * * * The nation of Israel we have seen, were, at an earlier period of their history given proper rules for their association, such as were equally adapted for a small society or for a large one. The people were given to have a mutual oversight of each other in tens; each ten had one who represented and acted for them. See 1st chap. Deuteronomy... (under construction)
 

(TO BE CONTINUED.)

Notes: (forthcoming)

ARE  WE  OF  ISRAEL?

BY ELDER GEO. REYNOLDS.
_____

"Israel shall blossom and the bud fill the world with fruit," -- Isaiah.

(CONCLUDED FROM PAGE 687.)

CHAP. VII.

SALVATION A GIFT TO ALL -- GOD'S COVENANT WITH ABRAHAM --
PROSELYTES -- THE  DISPERSION -- CONCLUSION.

Before proceeding further we wish to remark, that we trust no one will imagine from reading these chapters, that we believe that the literal descendants of Abraham will be the only ones saved in the kingdom of God. To the contrary we are fully aware that God has made of one blood all the nations of the earth and realize that all men of every clime and age may be partakers of the priceless blessings resulting to fallen humanity from the glorious sacrifice on Calvary. We also firmly believe that within the scope of the Gospel covenant are provisions, and ways and means, by which the obedient of all races become the recognized children of Abraham, and heirs by adoption to all the God-given promises to that patriarch. John the Baptist told the degenerate Jews of his day who were boasting of their Abrahamic descent, that of the very stones in the roadway, if it so pleased him, God could raise up children unto Abraham. All we claim for Israel, no more no less, is is the fulfilment of God's covenant with the father of the faithful which covenant. modern revelation lays before us in the following language:

"My name is Jehovah, and I know the end from the beginning; therefore my hand shall be over thee (Abraham) and I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee above measure, and make thy name great among all nations, and thou shalt be a blessing unto thy seed after thee, that in their hands they shall bear this ministry and priesthood unto all nations and I will bless them through thy name for as many as receive this gospel shall be called after thy name and shall be accounted thy seed and shall rise up and bless thee as their father and I will bless them that bless thee and curse them that curse thee and in thee that is in thy priesthood and in thy seed (that is thy priesthood) for I give unto thee a promise that this right shall continue in thee and in thy seed after thee (that is to say, the literal seed, or the seed of the body) shall all the families of the earth be blessed, even with the blessings of the Gospel, which are the blessings of salvation, even of life eternal." (Book of Abraham.)

From this we learn that it has been covenanted by the Eternal One, that Abraham's seed shall hear the message and ministry of God's grace to all nations, and that through him and his seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed, with the blessings of the Gospel which, through obedience, brings salvation and eternal lives, also that as many as receive the Gospel shall be called after his (Abraham's) name, shall be accounted his seed and shall rise up and bless him as their father.

This last mentioned portion of the covenant was well understood by the Jews and acted upon by them, even though they had cringed from obedience to the fullness of the Gospel, and were living under a lesser law of bondage and carnal commandments. The manner in which the Israelites received and treated proselytes is certainly not one of the least interesting features of their polity and history, and may here be glanced at without wandering far from the question underconsideration.

There appears to have been two classes of proselytes recognized amongst the ancient Jews. The first, known as Proselytes of Righteousness, or Proselytes of the Covenant, became perfect Israelites and according to the Talmud were admitted to the household of Abraham by circumcision and baptism. The other class were termed Proselytes of the Gate ("the stranger that is within thy gate.") It is said converts of this class were not bound by circumcision and the other special laws of the Mosaic code. It was enough for such to observe the precepts against idolatry, blasphemy, bloodshed, uncleanness, and theft, and of obedience also to that precept against eating "flesh with the blood thereof." Of this latter class were converts who embraced Judaism for other than the purest motives; for instance for the sake of a lover, a husband, or a wife, to court favor and promotion, or in dread of some calamity or threatened judgment. Such converts were regarded by the Jews of old very much in the same manner as their counterparts are regarded among the Latter-day Saints. Again the Jews sometimes spread their faith with the same weapons as those with which they had defended it. The Idumeans, after aften their conquest by John Hyrcanus, had the alternative of death, exile, or circumcision offered to them. They chose the latter. The Iturians were converted (?) in the same way by Aristobolus. In the days of Jesus, when the light of truth shone but dimly in the Jewish creed, and the voices of the degenerate Jews had been grafted on those of the profligate heathen, the Savior cried "Woe unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land lard to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves. (Matt. xxiii. 13).

There is one factor that tended greatly to the diffusion of Israelitish blood, that we have scarcely noticed, as it relates far more largely to Judah than to Ephraim. We refer to those who remained settled in foreign countries after the return of the Jews from the Babylonian captivity, and during the period of the second temple. At the beginning of the Christian era the dispersed were divided into three great preat sections, the Babylonian the Syrian, and the Egyptian. From Babylon the Jews spread through Persia, Media and Parthia. The Greek conquests in Asia extended the limits of this dispersion. Large settlements of the children of Judah were established in Cyprus and on the western coast of Asia Minor. These latter, to a very unfortunate extent, adopted the Greek language and Greek ideas in Africa Alexander and Ptolemy I, established large colonies of Jews at Alexandria, not far from which place a temple was erected to Jehovah after the order of that at Jerusalem. From Alexandria the Jews spread out over the coasts of northern and eastern Africa. How greatly the Jews had become scattered in the time of Christ, may be judged from the devout men who came up to worship and keep the passover at Jerusalem, and who listened to the preaching of Peter on the day of Pentecost. They are stated to have been Parthians, Medes, Elamites, Persians, dwellers in Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, Asia, Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, Cyrene (Tripoli), Cretes, Arabians, Romans, Jews and proselytes.

There is also another view of the subject which we are not prepared to enlarge upon in this article, but which bears the weight of abundant proof. It is, that the Latter-day Saints have been, and are to-day, filling the work that it has been oft foretold Ephraim and his fellows should do. Then, if we are doing the work, and claim that we are they who should do it, and it being impossible to invalidate our assumption, is not our claim worthy of thoughtful consideration and average respect. God has declared that he will make of his latter-day Israel a nation of kings and priests. In former dispensations (except that lesser authority among the Jews given to the house of Aaron,) the priesthood was conferred upon the few, it was an honor of the highest kind but in the dispensation of the fullness of times, the whole people are to be a race of kings and priests, and not less honorable because of the multitude. To our mind this is a great proof that people will be of Ephraim. There is a cause for all God's promises -- there is one for this. In the order of the higher law, the priesthood belongs to the first-born. Ephraim is God's adopted first-born in all the races of mankind, therefore by right of that adoption, they are a nation of priests -- priests of God after the order of Melchisedek, under Jesus our Redeemer, the Savior of the world.

To conclude, we believe that there is scarcely a people or nation under heaven in which is not to be found some of the blood of Abraham, leavening with the promised seed all the families of the earth. And this chosen generation will, by right of kindred, administer to all people the word of God, and as saviors will they stand upon Mount Zion, drawing all men unto the great Savior of our race who will stand in their midst, on the right hand of the Father, crowned and exalted as King of kings and Lord of lords, the great Apostle and High Priest of our salvation. Truly the Lord is fulfilling his promises, Israel has blossomed and budded and filled the earth with fruit, but in the great future he will do it yet more abundantly and gloriously.

Notes: (forthcoming)