ancients called "Urim and Thummim," which consisted of two transparent stones set in the rim on a bow fastened to a breastplate. Through the medium of the Urim and Thummim I translated the record, by the gift and power of God. affected the whole body. In a moment a | in the art of engraving. With the records personage stood before me surrounded was found a curious instrument which the with a glory yet greater than that with which I was already surrounded. This messenger proclaimed himself to be an angel of God, sent to bring the joyful tidings, that the covenant which God made with ancient Israel was at hand to be fulfilled; that the preparatory work for the second coming of the Messiah was speedily to commence; that the time was at hand for the gospel in all its fulness to be preached in power, unto all nations, that a people might be prepared for the millennial reign. I was informed that I was chosen to be an instrument in the hands of God to bring about some of his purposes in this glorious dispensation. I was informed also concerning the aboriginal inhabitants of this country, and shown who they were, and from whence they came; a brief sketch of their origin, progress, civilization, laws, governments, of their righteousness and iniquity, and the blessings of God being finally withdrawn from them as a people, was made known unto me. I was also told where there was deposited some plates, on which was engraven an abridgment of the records of the ancient prophets that had existed on this continent. The angel appeared to me three times the same night and unfolded the same things. After having received many visits from the angels of God, unfolding the majesty and glory of the events that should transpire in the last days, on the morning of the 22d of September, A. D. 1827, the angel of the Lord delivered the records into my hands. These records were engraven on plates which had the appearance of gold; each plate was six inches wide and eight inches long, and not quite so thick as common tin. They were filled with engravings in Egyptian characters, and bound together in a volume, as the leaves of a book, with three rings running through the whole. The volume was something near six inches in thickness, a part of which was sealed. The characters on the unsealed part were small and beautifully engraved. The whole book exhibited many marks of antiquity in its construction, and much skill In this important and interesting book the history of ancient America is unfolded, from its first settlement by a colony that came from the tower of Babel, at the confusion of languages, to the beginning of the fifth century of the Christian era. We are informed by these records, that America, in ancient times, has been inhabited by two distinct races of people. The first were called Jaredites, and came directly from the tower of Babel. The second race came directly from the city of Jerusalem, about six hundred years before Christ. They were principally Israelites, of the descendants of Joseph. The Jaredites were destroyed, about the time that the Israelites came from Jerusalem, who succeeded them in the inheritance of the country. The principal nation of the second race fell in battle towards the close of the fourth century. The remnant are the Indians who now inhabit this country. This book also tells us that our Saviour made his appearance upon this continent after his resurrection; that he planted the gospel here in all its fulness, and richness, and power, and blessing; that they had apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, and evangelists; the same order, the same priesthood, the same ordinances, gifts, powers, and blessing, as was enjoyed on the eastern continent; that the people were cut off in consequence of their transgressions; that the last of their prophets who existed among them was commanded to write an abridgment of their prophecies, history, &c., and to hide it up in the earth, and that it should come forth and be united with the Bible, for the accomplishment of the purposes of God, in the last days. For a more particular account, I would refer to the Book of Mormon, which can be purchased at Nauvoo, or from any of our travelling elders. As soon as the news of this discovery was made known, false reports, misrepresentation and slander flew, as on the wings of the wind, in every directton; my house was frequently beset by mobs, and evil designing persons; several times I was shot at, and very narrowly escaped, and every device was made use of to get the plates away from me; but the power and blessing of God attended me, and several began to believe my testimony. ing but the canopy of heaven, in that inclement season of the year. This proceeding was winked at by the government; and although we had warrantee deeds for our land, and had violated no law, we could obtain no redress, There were many sick who were thus inhumanly driven from their houses, and had to endure all this abuse, and to seek homes where they could be found. The result was, that a great many of them being deprived of the comforts of life, and the necessary attendance, died; many children were left orphans; wives, widows; and husbands, widowers. Our farms were taken possession of by the mob, many thousands of cattle, sheep, horses, and hogs were taken, and our household goods, store goods, and printing press and types were broken, taken, or otherwise destroyed. Many of our brethren removed to Clay county where they continued until 1836 (three years); there was no violence offered, but there were threatnings of violence. But in the summer of 1836 these threatenings began to assume a more serious aspect; from threats, public meetings were called, resolutions were passed, vengeance and destruction were threatened, and affairs again assumed a fearful On the 6th April, 1830, the "Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints," was first organized, in the town of Manchester, Ontario Co., State of New York. Some few were called and ordained by the Spririt of revelation and prophecy, and began to preach as the Spirit gave them utterance, and though weak, yet were they strengthened by the power of God; and many were brought to repentance, were immersed in the water, and were filled with the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands. They saw visions and prophesied, devils were cast out, and the sick healed by the laying on of hands. From that time the work rolled forth with astonishing rapidity, and churches were soon formed in the States of New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri in the last named state a considerable settlement was formed in Jack-attitude; Jackson county was a sufficient son county; numbers joined the church, and we were increasing rapidly; we made large purchases of land, our farms teemed with plenty, and peace and happiness were enjoyed in our domestic circle and throughout our neighborhood; but as we could not associate with our neighbors,-who were, many of them, of the basest of men, and had fled from the face of civilized society to the frontier country, to escape the hand of justice-in their midnight revels, their sabbath-breaking, horse-racing, and gambling, they commenced at first to ridicule, then to persecute, and finally an organized mob assembled and burned our houses, tarred and feathered and whipped many of our brethren, and finally drove them from their habitations; these, houseless and homeless, contrary to law, justice, and humanity, had to wander on the bleak prairies till the children left the tracks of their blood on the prairie. This took place in the month of November, and they had no other cover precedent, and as the authorities in that county did not interfere, they boasted that they would not in this; which on application to the authorities we found to be too true; and, after much violence, priva. tion, and loss of property, we were again driven from our homes. We next settled in Caldwell and Davies counties, where we made large and extensive settlements, thinking to free ourselves from the power of oppression by settling in new counties, with a very few inhabitants in them; but here we were not allowed to live in peace; and in 1838 were again attacked by mobs; an exterminating order was issued by Governor Boggs, and under the sanction of law, an organized banditti ravaged the country, robbing us of our cattle, sheep, horses, hogs, &c.; many of our people were murdered in cold blood, the chastity of our women was violated, and we were forced to sign away our property at the point of the sword; and after enduring every indignity that could be heaped upon us by an inhuman, | ganized into a body of independent miliungodly band of Marauders,-from twelve tary men, styled the "Nauvoo Legion," to fifteen thousand souls, men, women, whose highest officer holds the rank, and and children, were driven from their own is commissioned lieutenant-general. This tiresides, and from lands for which they legion, like other independent bodies of had warrantee deeds, to wander houseless, troops in this republican government, is at friendless, and homeless, (in the depth of the disposal of the Governor of this State, winter,) as exiles on the earth, or to seek an and President of the United States. There asylum in a more genial clime, and among is also an act of incorporation for an agria less barbdrous people. cultural and manufacturing association, as well as the Nauvoo House Associa tion. Many sickened and died in consequence of the cold and hardships they had to endure, many wives were left widows, and children orphans and destitute. The temple of God, now in the course of erection, being already raised one story, It would take more time than I am able and which is 120 feet by 80 feet, of stone, to devote to your service, at present, to with polished pilasters, of an entire new describe the injustice, the wrongs, the order of architecture, will be a splendid murders, the bloodshed, thefts, misery and house for the worship of God, as well as woe that have been committed upon our an unique wonder for the world, it being people by the barbarous, inhuman, and built by the direct revelation of Jesus lawless proceeding of the State of Mis-Christ for the salvation of the living and souri. And I would refer you, and the the dead. readers of your history who may be desirous of further information on this topic, to the evidence taken on my recent trial before the Municipal Court of Nauvoo, on Saturday, July 1st, 1843, on a writ of habeas corpus, which is published in pam-gospel of the Son of God, England, Irephlet form by Messrs. Taylor & Woodruff, of this city. After being thus inhumanly expelled by the government and people from Missouri, we found an asylum and friends in the State of Illinois. Here, in the fall of 1839, we commenced a city called Nauvoo, in Hancock county, which, in December, 1840, received an act of incorporation from the Legislature of Illinois, and is endowed with as liberal powers as any city in the United States. Nauvoo, in every respect, connected with increase and prosperity, has exceeded the most sanguine expectations of thousands. It now contains near 1500 houses, and more than 15,000 inhabitants. The charter contains, amongst its important powers, privileges, or immunities, a grant for the "University of Nauvoo," with the same liberal powers of the city. where all the arts and sciences will grow with the growth, and strengthen the strength of this beloved city of the "saints of the last days." Another very commendatory provision of the charter is, that that portion of the citizens subject to military duty are or Since the organization of this church. its progress has been rapid, and its gain in numbers regular. Besides these United States, where nearly every place of notoriety has heard the glad tidings of the land, and Scotland, have shared largely in the fulness of the everlasting gospel, and thousands have already gathered with their kindred saints, to this the corner-stone of Zion. Missionaries of this church have gone to the East Indies, to Australia, Germany, Constantinople, Egypt, Palestine, the Islands of the Pacific, and are now preparing to open the door in the extensive dominions of Russia. There are no correct data by which the exact number of members composing this now extensive, and still extending, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints can be known. Should it be supposed at 150,000, it might still be short of the truth. Believing the Bible to say what it means and mean what it says; and guided by revelation according to the ancient order of the fathers to whom came what little light we enjoy; and circumscribed only by the eternal limits of truth: this church must continue the even tenor of her way, and "spread undivided, and operate unspent." We believe in God the Eternal Father, and in his son Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost. We believe that men will be punished for their own sins and not for Adam's transgression. We believe that through the atonement of Christ all men may be saved by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel. We believe that these ordinances are: 1st, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; 2d, Repentance; 3d, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; 4th, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost. We believe that a man must be called of God by "prophecy, and by laying on of hands," by those who are in authority to preach the gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof. We believe in the same organization that existed in the primitive church, viz., apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, &c. We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, &c. We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God. We believe all that God has revealed, all that he does now reveal, and we believe that he will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the kingdom of God. We believe in the literal gathering of Israel, and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes. That Zion will be built upon this continent. That Christ will reign personally upon the earth, and that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisal glory. We claim the privilege of worshipping Almighty God according to the dictates of our conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may. We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates; in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law. We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul; "we believe all things: we hope all things:" we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is any thing virtuous, lovely, or of good report, or praiseworthy, we seek thereafter. NOTE. The Editor of the Pasa Ekklesia sent Joseph Smith a copy of his book in the spring of 1844. In a letter dated Nauvoo, Ill., June 5th, 1844, Smith acknowledges the receipt of the work, and concludes: "1 shall be pleased to furnish further information, at a proper time, and render you such service as the work, and vast extension of our church may demand, for the benefit of truth, virtue, and holiness. Your work will be suitably noticed in our paper for your benefit." Smith never redeemed his promises. He, and his brother Hyrum Smith, were killed in jail, at Carthage, Illinois, June 28, 1844, under the following circumstances: Sometime previous to the death of the Smiths, difficulties had arisen among the Mormans. A new paper was started in Nauvoo, entitled, Nauvoo Expositor, which very soon became obnoxious to the dominant party. The Common Council, of which Joseph Smith was president, ordered the Nauvoo Expositor to be destroyed, which was accordingly done. For this illegal procedure a warrant was issued by the proper authorities against Smith and others for a riot. From a former disregard to the authority of the state on the part of Smith, the people of the vicinity of Nauvoo became much excited and the question whether Smith, though esteemed a prophet by his own, should set the laws and authority of the state at defiance, became one of fearful import! The militia of the adjacent counties having been assembled, some two or three thousand in number, and some armed bands from Missouri and Iowa, having congregated in the vicinity of Nauvoo : tention to commit violence upon the Mormons, Governor Thomas Ford, apprised of their inand dreading its consequences, repaired in person to the scene of action. and promptly allayed the impending storm for a short time. On Monday, June 24th, 1844, Joseph Smith from Gov. Ford of protection, in company with and his brother Hyrum, receiving assurances some of his friends, left Nauvoo for Carthage, Hancock county, to surrender themselves as prisoners, upon a process which had been previously issued, and was then in the hands of miles from Carthage, they were met by Capthe public officer to be executed. About four tain Dunn and a company of cavalry, on their way to Nauvoo, with an order from Gov. Ford for the state arms in possession of the Nauvoo Legion. Lieut. General Joseph Smith having service, and given his directions for their deendorsed upon the order his admission of its livery, returned with Capt. Dunn to Nauvoo, for the arms thus ordered by Gov. Ford to be surrendered. The arms having been given up, both parties again started for Carthage, where they arrived at twelve o'clock at night. The Smiths were imprisoned in what is called the debtor's room of the jail. Gov. Ford permitted the friends of the Smiths to visit them. The prison was secured by a guard. On the morning of the 27th, Gov. Ford discharged a part of the troops under his command, and proceeded with a portion of the residue, a single company only, to Nauvoo; leaving the jail, the prisoners, and several of their friends, guarded by seven or eight men, and a company of about sixty militia, the Carthage Grays, a few yards distant in reserve. About 6 o'clock P. M., June 27th, the guard stationed at the prison was overpowered by an armed mob in disguise, the jail was broken and entered, Joseph and Hyrum Smith were wantonly killed. Soon after the death of the Smiths, Dr. Richards, a prominent follower, who had accompanied the accused to jail, transmitted to Nauvoo the following note, undersigned by Gov. Ford: don't rush to Carthage-stay at home, and be prepared for an attack from Missouri mobbers. The governor will render every assistance possible. He has sent out orders for troops. Joseph and Hyrum are dead-but not by the Carthage people. The guards were there, as I believe. We will prepare to remove the bodies as soon as possible. The people of the county are greatly excited; and fear the Mormons will come out and take vengeance. I have pledged my word that the Mormans will stay at home, (as soon as they can be informed,) and no violence will be done on their part. Say to my brethren in Nauvoo, "In the name of the Lord be still-be patient,"-only let such friends as choose, come here to see the bodies. Mr. Taylor's wounds are dressed, and not serious-I am sound. William Richards, John Taylor, Samuel H. Smith. Defend yourselves until protection can be furnished. June 27, 1844. THOMAS FORD, Gov. and Commander-in-Chief. June 28th, at 3 o'clock, P. M., several thousands assembled, and the bodies of the Smiths, followed by Samuel H. Smith, brother of the deceased; Dr. Richards, Mr. Hamilton of Carthage, and others, in a wagon, guarded by eight men, were escorted into the city, and taken out at the Nauvoo house. The bodies of the deceased were buried with military honors. This is the end of prophet Smith. The fate of his followers is reserved for the future historian.-I. D. R., Editor. |