6 HISTORY OF JOSEPH SMITH. far ahead, omit those duties that will fit them to occupy the positions they so long to obtain, that in the stretching out after events so far beyond them, they may imbibe a spirit that would persuade them they are above the seemingly little responsibilities of good members of society, as husbands, wives, children or friends, and thus "lose the substance in grasping at the shadow." HISTORY OF JOSEPH From the Sangamo Journal: "THE MORMON DIFFICULTIES. Notwithstanding all the rumours which are afloat, we are unable to state anything very definite in relation to affairs at Nauvoo, or in the region round about that city. It is certain that the Governor has called out some of the neighbouring militia; that bodies of armed men had collected without waiting a call from the Governor; that the Governor had accepted the services of militia at St. Louis under certain contingencies; that he had demanded of Smith the State arms at Nauvoo; that it had been reported that they were given up; that Smith and his council had given themselves up to be tried by our laws for alleged offences. Thus far our news seems to be certain. Rumour says further, that on Thursday of last week Joe Smith, Hyrum Smith and Dr. Richards were shot by a mob at Carthage. We are incredulous in regard to the truth of this rumour. We cannot think, under the circumstances of the case, the excitement against these men among the anti-Mormons, Governor Ford would have received them as prisoners, to be tried under our laws, had pledged himself for their protection, and then placed them in a situation where they would be murdered. The rumour is too preposterous for belief. We wait with much anxiety to hear the truth on this subject; and this feeling is general in this community." From the Mo. Republican : "The murders at Carthage.-A letter from the editor, one from G. T. M. Davis, Esq., and a proclamation from Governor Ford, give all the information which we have been able to collect from the seat of civil commotion and murder in Illinois. They were issued in an extra form, yesterday morning, and are transferred to our columns to-day for the benefit of our numerous readers abroad. All our information tends to fix upon the people concerned in the death of the SMITH. Smiths, the odium of perfidious, blackhearted, cowardly murder-so wanton as human and treacherous as to find no to be without any justification-so inparallel in savage life under any circum stances. Governor Ford declares his intention to seek out the murderers; and he owes it State, whose faith was most grossly violated, never to cease his exertions for this purpose. to his own honour and to that of the The Mormons, it will be seen, were quiet, and not disposed to commit any acts of aggression; their enemies, on the other hand, were evidently disposed to push them to extremities, and to force them from the State. This feeling may be checked by the orders were being executed, but it will be alacrity with which Governor Ford's some time before peace and order can be restored the disgrace of past acts cannot be wiped out." from a highly respectable gentleman to The following extract of a letter his friend in Nauvoo, we copy from the Nauvoo Neighbour: This is an "Fair Haven, (Ct.) July 10, 1844. I have, by the papers, within a day or two, been informed of the murder of Joseph and Hyrum Smith. event which will be deeply lamented by all Mormons, and will appear, probably, to those who are not Mormons, as the final overthrow of their religious tenets. I will, however, make the prediction that this diabolical butchery makes more Mormons than the friendship of half the inhabitants in Illinois could have done by their most devoted exertions. The blood of Saints is the seed of the Church. It will be considered by an extensive portion of the world that the Smiths have suffered martyrdom for their religion, and their profoundest sympa thies will be aroused in favour of those believing the same creed. The inflammatory appeals to the bloodthirsty passions of the anti-Mormon populace will be universally condemned by the reflecting and moral part of every HISTORY OF JOSEPH SMITH. community, and thousands will now examine your tenets, who never thought of such a thing before. Carthage and Warsaw will be denounced by the honourable, and the indelible disgrace with which they now stand covered, will cause them to be avoided by every person who has any regard to his personal safety. It is now known here that the lazy speculators of Warsaw, and the still lazier office-drones at Carthage, cared nothing for Joe Smith personally, or for his tenets either; but the prosperity of Nauvoo increasing as it did, beyond any former parallel, even in the western world, excited in their bosoms envy, hatred and all ungodliness. This is the true secret of all their barbarous movements against Mormonism; and they supposed by destroying the Smiths they should extinguish their religion, disperse the Mormons, depopulating and desolating Nauvoo. Their folly and wickedness will produce a result exactly the reverse; Mormons will increase an hundredfold; they will, if possible, be more devoutly attached to their religion; will concentrate more closely together, for self-preservation, and their united industry will produce such a city at Nauvoo as does not exist west of the mountains. From all accounts which have been published here, it does not appear that the slightest resistance was made to the execution of the law, and the inquiry is now made, what was all this clamour, excitement and military parade for? The editor of the Warsaw Signal can answer the question; and if he had his deserts, it is probable no more unprincipled and inflammatory addresses to an infuriated mob would ever emanate from his pen. Not that I would wish any violence to him, but he should be tried by the laws of the State, and see how far his course renders him accountable for the murders which have been committed. Nothing has ever given me greater gratification than the calm, dignified submission to the laws shown at Nauvoo . since the death of the Smiths. This for bearance on your part is beyond all praise: let it continue. Give not the shadow of a pretext for another appeal to popular fury. The demons are foiled, and let them gnash their teeth in silence over their disappointment. The increase of population at Nauvoo can no more be prevented than the Mississippi can be stopped in its course. Its triumph is inevitable, because the engine by which it is to be accomplished is irresistable. What earthly power has ever yet stood before the overpowering energies of a religious creed? But when religion is protected by law, as your religion ought to be, and will soon be, in Illinois, then such advances will be made by the Mormons as have never been dreamed of by the greatest enthusiast." The editor of the Neighbour adds: 66 "Upon this letter, let it be remembered that the writer is not a Mormon or a western man, but a citizen of Connecticut, loving law, liberty and life.” From the Tompkins (N.Y.) Democrat, we extract the following: "The report that a battle had been fought between the Mormons and antiMormons, in which some five hundred were slain, is all a hoax. Such vile statements only serve to give strength to the Prophet's views. Indeed, we do not know which has the worst effect on the community, the doctrines of Smith or the ten thousand false rumours constantly put in circulation against him. thing is certain, his name will survive when those who grossly misrepresent him have become blanks on the page of the future." One Thursday, 11.-Elder W. Richards called upon Elder P. P. Pratt, likewise brothers Samuel Russell, Hiram Kimball and Stephen Markham; also upon brother Elijah Fordham, to inquire about the lumber for the Temple. Elders B. Young and O. Pratt travelled to Peterboro', for the purpose of attending Conference. Elders Kimball, Wight and others went to Wilmington, and preached in the evening: several Saints from Chester county were present. Elder W. Woodruff preached in Boston this evening, and endeavoured to console the Saints who were mourning the loss of the martyred Prophet and Patriarch. sulted with William Clayton about Friday, 12.-President Marks concalling a meeting of the Presidents of various Quorums to appoint a Trusteein-Trust in behalf of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A Council was held at 3 p.m.; but as Dr. Richards and Bishop Whitney considered it premature, the Council was adjourned till Sunday evening, the 14th. Messrs. Bedell and Backenstos arri ved in Nauvoo, and reported that the Governor had demanded the public arms at Warsaw, and was refused. President B. Young spent the day with the brethren in Peterboro'. We learn from Elder Kimball's journal, that in company with Elder L. Wight and delegates to the Convention from Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland, he proceeded to Baltimore. He and brother Wight, hearing so many contradictory reports concerning the death of the Prophets, felt very anxious to obtain some correct information. They went into their closets and prayed to the Lord to open the way whereby they might know the truth concerning it. Immediately Elder Kimball went to the post-office, and got letters up to the 24th of June from his wife, informing him that Presidents Joseph and Hyrum Smith had delivered themselves up into the hands of their enemies to be tried, upon reading which they were immediately satisfied that the Prophets were massacred. Elder W. Woodruff wrote a letter of exhortation to the Saints, which was published in the Prophet. Elder John E. Page wrote a long letter on Mormonism, which appeared in the People's Organ, of Pittsburgh. Saturday, 13. — Dr. Richards proposed the organization of a fishing company to help to supply the city of Nauvoo with food. Elders Kimball and Wight returned to Wilmington, and from thence to Philadelphia, where they read letters giving a particular account of the martyrdom of their brethren. Sunday, 14.-Meeting at the stand: Elder P. P. Pratt preached. Dr. Richards proposed that the Church postpone electing a Trustee until the Twelve returned, and called a special Conference. 6 p.m. Several Councillors came to the Council Chamber to investigate the subject of choosing Trustees, but decided to wait until the Twelve arrived. (To be continued.) THE LATTER-DAY SAINTS' MILLENNIAL STAR. SATURDAY, JANUARY 3, 1863. ETERNAL VIGILANCE IS THE PRICE OF SAFETY. IN our recent Editorial articles we have had occasion to speak emphatically and plainly respecting the duties of both the Priesthood and the Saints. In doing so, we have had but one object in view, namely, the welfare of the Church of God, and, of course, with its welfare is completely identified the salvation of the people who are connected with it, and who, in fact, compose it. In articles of this kind, and, indeed, in all addresses, whether written or spoken, delivered as reproofs or counsel, there cannot be that distinction drawn that the feelings of many might expect. Such instructions and reproofs must be general in their character, and those who have the Spirit of the Lord and are influenced by it can readily discern that portion which is intended for themselves. The Elders and the Saints who are desirous of profiting by all the instructions and counsels which may be given through God's appointed channel, do not grow angry because these instructions and counsels may not come in a manner to exactly suit their feelings. The Prophet Nephi said, and he well understood the principle about which he was speaking, "Wo unto all those who tremble and are angry because of the truth of God. For, behold, he that is built upon the rock receiveth it with gladness; So far as and he that is built upon a sandy foundation trembleth lest he fall." we know, our instructions and reproofs have been received by the Elders and Saints in the same spirit by which they were prompted. We sincerely trust that they will endeavour to arouse themselves and put on the whole armour of righteousness in view of the events that are coming upon the earth. The Elders are placed as watchmen upon the walls of Zion. It is their duty to utter notes of warning to the people, over whom they are placed as sentinels, whenever they see the approach of danger. If they fall asleep on their posts, and suffer the Enemy of souls to steal in and commit injury to those under their watch-care, or, while they are sleeping, lay plans to ensnare themselves, the condemnation of the Lord, who has called them to be his servants, will rest upon them. This is no time for slothfulness. The monitions of the Spirit, the signs of the times, the progress of the Saints in Zion, and everything that we see around us testify loudly and unmistakably that every man who bears the Priesthood of the living God should be on the alert and vigilantly guarding the post that has been placed in his care. We feel that there is a day of trial approaching. In what shape the trial will come we are not prepared to say; but, even if it should not come in any different way and be of any different character to those with which the Saints have had to contend from the beginning, there exists a necessity for our being fully awake and on our guard. But when trials do come, they often come in a form in which they are least expected. We are assailed by them frequently at our most unguarded points, and the Saint who is not watching is apt to be overcome. We have now had a long season of peace—we say long, because it has been unusual with us, as Latter-day Saints, to have very long periods of quiet and freedom from persecution. There is a greater necessity now, in consequence of this long peace, for all being vigilant. Every man and woman who has received the truth should live in such a manner before the Lord as to have the light of the Holy Spirit constantly beaming upon their minds. They should be in close communion, through that Holy Spirit, with their God, so that if they had to stand alone in the midst of a gainsaying world they should be living witnesses to the truth of the Gospel and the power of God manifested in these days, and that if even the Priesthood from Zion were to be withdrawn from their midst, they could stand firm and unshaken, enjoying the light of revelation and having the consciousness that God was directing them in all their ways. We may rest assured that the Adversary is not going to discontinue hostilities. The warfare which he wages will be an undying one, so long as he has any influence among the children of men. As the nations grow harder in their hearts, persistently rejecting the message of mercy which God has sent unto them by his servants, Satan will have more power over them, because the Spirit of God will. not always strive with man; and he will endeavour to rouse them to more terrible acts of violence, and to the manifestation of more malignant and devilish hatred of the Work of God and those who are connected with it, than he has ever done before. The fires of persecution are now smouldering, and seem to the inexperienced as though they were all but extinguished, but a blast from the foul Fiend who has sought from the beginning to destroy the righteous, can enkindle them again, and they would burn as fiercely as ever. For this, as Latter-day Saints and as servants of God, we must be prepared. Our only safety lies in diligently keeping the commandments of Him who has hitherto been our protector, and in living such a life of holiness as will meet with His favour and approbation. If the Elders and Saints in these lands will diligently give heed to, and seek to put into practice, the counsels which God gives unto them, we can promise them, with an unwavering assurance, that they will be delivered from every evil which their enemies may seek to concoct against them. The Lord has said that his wisdom is greater than the cunning of the Devil, and through that wisdom being bestowed upon his servants, they will be able to circumvent the malicious designs and plots of those who seek the overthrow of God's kingdom. But, if the Saints should harden their hearts and pay little attention to the voice of warning which is raised in their midst, what assurance can they have that they will triumph over their foes? We are now entering upon the New Year. The year 1862, with its war, its disasters by sea and land, its famine, its terrible destitution and frightful misery. is gone never more to return. What this year will bring forth is difficult for us to say in detailed terms. But war still rages, famine still stalks forth, destitution exists, misery, such as language is too weak to depict, is almost everywhere present. There seems to be no prospect of a termination of these evils during this year upon which we have now entered. Where shall the poor and the meek among men look for safety and deliverance? We say poor and meek, because, whatever may be the future of the rich and haughty, it must be the lot of the former classes, at the present, to have to meet all these evils in their most appalling form. If they look to men-uninspired men-for deliverance, they see that they are as helpless and as impotent to extend anything but temporary salvation and benefit as they are themselves. To what quarter, then, shall they look? If men without the inspiration of the Almighty cannot save them, is there no voice from Heaven-are there no glad tidings of great joy to the oppressed and the down-trodden to be heard from the regions of happiness where dwells our kind and beneficent Creator? Must man wither and die without an Omnipotent arm being stretched forth to snatch him from the fate which devils would rejoice to see him subjected to ? This, is indeed the message of glad tidings of salvation and great joy which has been declared in the ears of living men to-day, that God has spoken, that the heavens have been opened and the channel of communication between God and man has once more been cleared from every obstruction. Our adorable Creator has looked down in pity and compassion upon his children on the earth, and has stretched forth his hand to save them from irretrievable ruin. Of this the Latter-day Saints have a testimony. What course then, under these circumstances, should they take? Ought they not each to ask themselves, Have I done everything, during the year that is past, that I should have done, to receive the full benefit of the kind interpositions of God my heavenly Father in my behalf? Have I waited with unstopped ear, and open and softened heart, for every word of counsel that He has had to give, and sought with unceasing diligence to avail myself of the wise instructions thus imparted to me? Have I been as holy and pure in thought, and upright in action, as my calling and profession require? These are questions which every one, whether Elder or member, may profitably ask himself; and when they are asked, with the aid of the Spirit to soften the heart and to prepare the mind to reply to them truthfully, there should be a firm resolve made, that by the help of our God we will go forth and endeavour to live more in accordance with his requirements, and to be better prepared to do his will this coming year than we have been during the past. If the Priesthood and Saints will take this course in all humility and meekness, then, if it be the will of the Lord that we should endure trials and afflictions, if the rain descend and the winds blow upon them, they will not be moved, for they will be |