 |
| (4) Miracles expected
at June conference. Joseph promised some would see the Savior. Joseph
ordains Lyman Wight and others to the High Priesthood, then Lyman declares
he sees the Lord, and Joseph delegates him to ordain the others. The "man
of sin" is made manifest and Joseph casts him out. (5)
None leave the church because of the unusual events of June [3/4],
because they were diverted by the prospects of a visit to Missouri, the
promised land. Joseph, Sidney, and Martin travel in comfort, by boat,
and the rest overland on foot. They are disappointed by Independence—
little civilization, unfulfilled promises of miracles and spiritual gifts
§. Joseph tells the Saints they must purchase the
land §, which they believed would be given to
them. His vision of a large congregation to help Ezra proves false. (6)
Independence was selected because of its proximity to the Indians, who
are to be converted. But they are not interested. Laying of the temple
cornerstone is a disappointment. An expensive trip of little value. Joseph
announces there is a great work to do in Kirtland, so gathering to Missouri
is no longer a high priority. |
|
|
Letter 4 |
|
Written Oct. 31, 1831. Mormonism unvailed, 187–192 // Ohio Star Nov. 3, 1831 Source
"Soon after our arrival a conference was held in which the elders expected
to receive additional powers to go forth and preach the gospel; and of
a truth they did receive more strength and were encouraged through the
promises given to them by the prophet. That God would begin from that very
hour to bless them if faithful, with glory, wisdom, dominion and power.
"
William Smith, 19. |
| Imminent expectations |
¶ |
From the time that Mormonism
first made its appearance upon the stage, until the grand tour of the Missouri,
an expectation universally pervaded the church, that the time was not far
distant, when the deaf, the dumb, the maimed, the blind, &c. would become
the subjects of the miraculous power of God, so that every defect in their
systems would be entirely removed. |
|
| Joseph's
revelations |
¶ |
This expectation originated
from, and was grounded upon [188] a variety of premises, included in a number
of commandments, or verbal revelations from Smith, or, as he is styled "the
head of the church." |
|
| Miracles expected |
|
As
the 4th of June last was appointed for the sessions of the conference, it
was ascertained, that that was the time specified, when the great and mighty
work was to be commenced, and such was the confidence of some, that knowledge
superceded their faith, and they did not hesitate to declare themselves
perfectly assured that the work of miracles would commence at the ensuing
conference. |
|
Minutes
of June [3–6], 1831; J. Whitmer, 69; and "Mormonism
on the Wing," PT, June 14, 1831, begin conference
June 3.
Levi's journal, 88 and J. Whitmer, 41
begin the conference June 4.
For a comparison of multiple sources for these events, see Lyman
Wight's Vision and the Man of Sin.
|
| Joseph:
some will see Savior |
|
With such strong assurances,
and with the most elevated expectations, the conference assembled at the
time appointed. To give, if possible, energy to expectation, Smith, the
day before the conference, professing to be filled with the spirit of prophecy,
declared, that "not three days should pass away, before some should
see their Savior, face to face." |
|
Joseph excites crowd
|
|
Soon after the session commenced,
Smith arose to harangue the conference. He reminded those present of the
prophecy, which he said "was given by the spirit yesterday." He
wished them not to be overcome with surprise, when that event ushered in.
He continued, until by long speaking, himself and some others became much
excited. |
|
|
| Lyman
Wight ordination |
|
He then laid his hands on the head
of Elder Wight (h) (swh),
who had participated largely in the warm feeling of his leader, and ordained
him to the High Priesthood. |
|
|
Lyman set apart for Lamanite service
Lyman's gifts
Lyman takes the floor |
|
He was set apart for the service of the Indians,
and was ordained to the gift of tongues, healing the sick, casting out
devils, and discerning spirits; and in like manner he ordained several
others; and then called upon Wight to take the floor. |
|
Only source for
Lamanite assignment.
|
Fearful
appearance
"Look at me" |
|
Wight arose, and presented a pale
countenance, a fierce look, with his arms extended, and his hands cramped
back, the whole system agitated, and a very unpleasant object to look upon.
He exhibited himself as an instance of the great power of God, and called
upon those around him "if you want to see a sign, look at me."
|
|
|
| Lyman's
vision |
|
He then [189] stepped upon a bench,
and declared with a loud voice, he saw the Savior: and thereby, for the
time being, rescued Smith's prophecy from merited contempt.—It, however,
procured Wight the authority to ordain the rest. So said the spirit, and
so said Smith. |
|
¶
Lyman's Vision and the Man of
Sin |
| Joseph
selects candidates, Lyman ordains |
|
The spirit
in Smith selected those to be ordained, and the spirit in Wight ordained
them. But the spirit in Wight proved an erring dictator; so much so, that
some of the candidates felt the weight of hands thrice, before the work
was rightly done. |
|
|
| [Harvey
Whitlock] takes the floor |
|
Another Elder, who had been ordained
to the same office as Wight, at the bidding of Smith, stepped upon the floor.
Then ensued a scene, of which you can form no adequate conception; and which,
I would forbear relating, did not the truth require it. |
|
|
| Frightful
appearance |
|
The Elder moved
upon the floor, his legs inclining to a bend; one shoulder elevated above
the other, upon which the head seemed disposed to recline, his arms partly
extended; his hands partly clenched; his mouth partly open, and contracted
in the shape of an italic O; his eyes assumed a wild ferocious cast, and
his whole appearance presented a frightful object to the view of the beholder.— |
|
¶
Lyman's Vision and the Man of
Sin |
| Joseph:
speak, unable |
|
"Speak, Brother Harvey"
said Smith. But Harvey intimated by signs, that his power of articulation
was in a state of suspense, and that he was unable to speak. |
|
|
Possessed?
Joseph: maybe not |
|
Some conjectured that
Harvey was possessed of the devil, but Smith said, "the Lord binds
in order to set at liberty." |
|
¶
Lyman's Vision and the Man of Sin |
| Joseph
exorcises Satan |
|
After different opinions had been
given, and there had been much confusion, Smith learnt by the spirit, that
Harvey was under a diabolical influence, and that Satan had bound him; and
he commanded the unclean spirit to come out of him. |
|
|
| Man
of sin revealed |
¶ |
It now became
clearly manifest, that "the man of sin was revealed," for the
express purpose that the elders should become acquainted with the devices
of Satan; and after that they would possess knowledge sufficient to manage
him. This, Smith declared to be a miracle, and his success in [190] this
case, encouraged him to work other and different miracles.
|
|
¶
Lyman's Vision and the Man of Sin |
| John Murdock's hand |
|
Taking the hand of one of the Elders
in his own, a hand which by accident had been rendered defective, he said,
"Brother Murdock, I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to straighten
your hand; in the mean while endeavoring to accomplish the work by using
his own hand to open the hand of the other. The effort proved unsuccessful;
but he again articulated the same commandment, in a more authoritative and
louder tone of voice; and while uttering with his tongue, his hands were
at work; but after all the exertion of his power, both natural and supernatural,
the deficient hand returned to its former position, where it still remains. |
|
|
| Crippled
man walks |
|
But ill success in this case, did not discourage him from
undertaking another. One of the Elders who was decriped in one of his legs,
was set upon the floor, and commanded, in the name of Jesus Christ to walk.
He walked a step or two, his faith failed, and he was again compelled to
have recourse to his former assistant, and he has had occasion to use it
ever since. |
|
|
| Dead
body fails to rise |
¶ |
A dead body, which had been
retained above ground two or three days, under the expectation that the
dead would be raised, was insensible to the voice of those who commanded
it to awake into life, and is destined to sleep in the grave till the
last trump shall sound, and the power of God easily accomplishes the work,
which frustrated the attempts, and bid defiance to the puny efforts of
the Mormonite.* |
|
Raising
the Dead |
| |
|
* That an attempt was made to raise the child,
is denied, of course, as every other attempt has been, after its entire
failure was obvious to all. The parents of the deceased child, however,
state, that they were prevented from procuring medical aid for the child,
by the representations of the elders, that it was in no danger—that
it would certainly be restored. The father had no other idea but that the
child was to be raised; neither did his faith fail him till preparations
were made for its interment. He then awoke from his dream of delusion,
and dissolved his connexion with the imposters. |
|
Footnote added in Mormonism unvailed, 190. (Not
in Booth's letter.) |
|
People disappointed |
¶ |
[191] Under these discouraging circumstances,
the horizon of Mormonism gathered darkness, and a storm seemed to hang impending
over the church. The gloom of disappointed expectation, overspread the countenances
of many, while they labored to investigate the cause of this failure. |
|
|
Sidney
sends congregation home
Others feel spirit to preach |
|
To add, if possible, to their mortification, a larger assembly
collected on the Sabbath, in order to hear preaching. In the midst of the
meeting the congregation was dismissed by Rigdon, and the people sent to
their homes. He was directed to do this, he said, by the spirit. But it
was generally believed, that he was directed solely by fear; and that he
had mistaken the spirit of cowardice, for the spirit of the Lord. Several
of the Elders said they "felt the spirit to preach" to the congregation:
and Rigdon felt the spirit to send the people home: such was the unity which
then prevailed among them. |
|
|
| Members
look for cause |
¶ |
You will doubtless say, can it be possible that
the minds of men, and men who possess the appearance of honesty, can be
so strangely infatuated, as still to adhere to a system, after it had occasioned
so much agitation, and so much disappointment. One reason which can be assigned
for this, is, the adherents are generally inclined to consider the system
so perfect, as to admit of no suspicion; and the confusion and disappointment,
are attributed to some other cause. |
|
|
| Delusion
produces delirium |
|
Another, and principal reason is, delusion always effects
the mind with a species of delirium, and this delirium arises in a degree
proportionate to the magnitude of the delusion. These men, upon other
subjects, will converse like other men; but when their favorite system
is brought into view, its inconsistencies and contradictions are resolved
into inexplicable mystery; and this will not only apply to the delusions
now under consideration, but in my view, to every delusion, from the highest
to the lowest; and it matters [192] not whether it carries the stamp of
popularity or its opposite. Yours affectionately, EZRA BOOTH. |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Letter 5 |
|
Written Nov. 7, 1831. Mormonism unvailed, 192–196 // Ohio Star Nov.
10, 1831 Source |
| None
left church |
¶ |
In my last letter I gave you a faint
representation of the events which transpired and the circumstances which
attended the meeting of the Mormonite Conference. Though many stumbled,
yet none irrecoverably fell. |
|
irrecoverably fell:
Two elders were silenced and a priest voluntarily
surrendered his license at the the first Kirtland conference after this
conference. Minutes of September 1, 1831 |
| Attention
diverted to Missouri |
|
Another grand object was presented, and the attention
was somewhat diverted from these scenes of disappointment, through which
we had recently passed. The tour to the Missouri, revived the sinking expectations,
and gave new energy to faith and hope. In that distant region, anticipation
was to be realized in full, and the objects of faith and hope, were to become
the objects of knowledge and fruition. |
|
|
Revelation
to visit
Leaders travel comfortably, in style
Others walk with backpacks |
|
A commandment was received, and Elders
were directed to take their journey for the "promised land." They
were commanded to go two by two, with the exception of Rigdon, Smith, Harris,
and Partridge; and it was designed that these should find an easier method
of transporting themselves, than to travel that distance on foot. They were
careful to make suitable provision for themselves, both in money and other
articles, that while on their journey, they might carry the appearance of
gentlemen filling some important station in life; while many, who were destined
to travel on foot, with packs on their backs, were so fixed with the ardor
of enthusiasm, that they supposed they could travel to Missouri with but
little or no money. These carried the appearance, and were justly entitled
to the character of beggars, for when the little money they took with them
was expended, they subsisted by begging, until they arrived at their journey's
end. |
|
Eber D. Howe was
similarly struck by the disparity in travel arrangements. ¶ Mormonism
on the Wing, PT, June 14, 1831. |
Ezra
walks
Depart June 15
Preaches 7 times |
¶ |
Being myself one of the number selected
to perform the journey by land, and not being much accustomed to travel
[193] on foot, I hesitated for a while; but believing it to be the will
of God, I resolved on an unreserved surrender of myself to the work, and
on the 15th of June, in company with the one appointed to travel with me,
took up my line of march for Missouri. I do not design to trouble you with
a relation of the particulars, but will observe, that after I left the north
part of the State of Ohio, I made a speedy and prosperous journey to Missouri.
I preached twice in Ohio, thrice in Indiana, once in Illinois, and once
in Missouri. |
|
Joseph on Ezra: "About
this time Ezra Booth came out as an apostate. He came into the church
upon seeing a person healed of an infirmity of many years standing.
He had been a Methodist priest for some time previous to his embracing
the fulness of the gospel, as developed in the Book of Mormon, and upon
his admission into the church, he was ordained an elder; as will be
seen by the foregoing revelations. He went up to Missouri as a companion
of Elder Morley; but when he actually learned that faith, humility,
patience, and tribulation, were before blessing; and that God brought
low before he exalted; that instead of "the Savior's
granting him power to smite men, and make them believe" (as he said
he wanted God to do him;) he found he must become all things to all men,
that he might peradventure save some, and that too, by all diligence,
by perils, by sea and land; as was the case in the days of Jesus, which
appears in the 6th chapter of St. John's gospel, he said; "verily,
verily I say unto you, ye seek me not because ye saw the miracles, but
because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled." So it was with
Booth, and when he was disappointed by his own evil heart, he turned away,
and as said before, became an apostate, and wrote a series of letters
which by their coloring, falsity, and vain calculations to overthrow the
work of the Lord exposed his weakness wickedness and folly, and left him
a monument of his own shame, for the world to wonder at." TS 4, no. 7 (Apr. 1, 1844): 481.
Cp. Reynolds Cahoon's excitement when he arrives at Independence. ¶
Reynolds Cahoon |
| Tentative
speaking |
|
We were commanded to preach by
the spirit, and my impressions were, that farther to the westward, I should
enjoy more of the spirit's influence; and though I travelled one thousand
miles to the west, my anticipations in this respect, were never realized.
I seldom proclaimed Mormonism with that liberty which I enjoyed in my public
exercises, while a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. I supposed
that at some future time, the spirit would endow me to preach with an unusual
degree of liberty. That period has never arrived, and I am persuaded it
never will, and I now sincerely desire the spirit of truth to direct my
pen, while I endeavor to expose the errors and absurdities of the system
I then advocated. |
|
| Mortified at destination |
¶ |
When we arrived at the place
to which our mission destined us, we perceived to our mortification, that
disappointment, instead of being confined to the State of Ohio, had journeyed
thither before us. We would gladly have avoided here an interview with
this, our old companion; but this was impossible, she met us, and stared
us in the face which way so ever we turned, nor was it possible to look
her out of countenance, or put the blush upon her pallid features, or
expel her from our society. Some were for making the best of her they
could; but for myself, I resolved that she should be expelled, or at any
rate, that her visits should be less frequent, or I would abandon the
habituation entirely. |
|
Expectations
of an "effectual door"
Disappointment |
¶ |
When we commenced
our journey for Missouri, we expected an "effectual door" would
be opened, to proclaim the new system of faith, in that region; and that
those who were ordained to the gift of tongues, would have an opportunity
to display their supernatural talent, in communicating to the Indians, in
their own dialect. Some who were ordained to this office, absolutely knew
that through this medium, they should gain access to the natives; and I
will venture to say, I know, that their success will be similar to that
of their predecessor, Oliver Cowdery, who stated that he was endowed with
the same fore knowledge. But the event has proved his presumption false. |
|
The
Painesville Telegraph of June 14, 1831 emphasized the difference
in the mode of travel and the expectation of the party to witness and perform
miracles on their way. ¶ 1831 Chronology, |
Remains
2 weeks
Elders don't want to preach |
|
For more than two weeks, while I remained there,
the disposition of the Elders appeared to be averse to preaching, either
to the white or the red people, and indeed adverse circumstances prevented
it. |
|
|
| Leaves
before conference |
¶ |
We expected to assemble together
in conference according to the commandment, and the Lord would signally
display his power, for the confirmation of our faith; but we commenced our
journey home before most of the Elders arrived. |
|
|
| Conference
unimportant |
|
It is true, a conference was held,
but it was considered so unimportant, that myself and another man were permitted
to be absent, for the purpose of procuring the means of conveyance down
the river. |
|
|
Joseph's
vision of large church
4 females |
|
We expected
to find a large church, which Smith said, was revealed to him in a vision,
Oliver had raised up there. This large church was found to consist of four
females. |
|
|
| No
miracles |
¶ |
We expected to witness the exercise
if those miraculous gifts, to which some were ordained while in the State
of Ohio. But the same difficulty, the same want of faith among the people,
which counteracted them here, prevailed there; consequently no miracles
could be wrought.
|
|
According
to Ezra, Sidney admitted the vision was "a bad thing." ¶
Ezra Booth Letters. Edward also knew of the vision and its failure.
¶ Ezra Booth Letters |
Sidney
consecrates land
|
|
We expected to
see the foundation of the City and temple laid; and this we were permitted
to see, and it was in fact a curiosity, [195] but not worth going to Missouri
to see. |
|
|
| |
|
The honor of consecrating the land, &c. was
conferred on Rigdon.—The commandment reads thus: |
|
|
| Commandment:
subscribe to buy lands |
|
"let my servant Sidney
consecrate and dedicate the land, and the spot for the Temple"—again,
"Behold I give unto my servant Sidney
a commandment, that he shall write a description of the land of Zion, and
a statement of the will of God, as it shall be made known to
him by the spirit unto him, and an
epistle and subscription to be presented unto
all the Churches, to obtain money to purchase
lands, for the an
inheritance of for
the children of God, of himself or the agent, as
seemeth him good, or as he shall direct.; for behold,
verily I say unto you the Lord willeth that his Disciples, and the
children of men, should open their hearts, even
to purchase the this
whole region of country as soon as time will permit.
Behold here is wisdom; let them do this,
lest they receive none inheritance, save it be by the shedding of blood."
|
|
D&C
58:57, 50–53.
BC 59:70, 63–64.
Red: not in 1833 BC
Blue: not in letter but in BC
Apparently Ezra had a copy of the revelation before it was edited for
the Book of Commandments.
|
Lord
grants region
P
eople must purchase |
|
The childish exultation of the Mormonite leaders,
while they echoed and reechoed, the Lord has given us this whole region
of country; "this whole region of country is ours;" when it was
manifest, agreeable to the commandment, that the gift was only obtained,
by purchasing it at a dear rate with money, and that, in order to save themselves
the trouble of "the shedding of blood," would, under other circumstances,
have been truly diverting. But when viewing it as an instance of a deep
laid scheme, and the cunning artifice of crafty impostors, designed to allure
the credulous and the unsuspecting, into a state of unqualified vassalage,
it presents a melancholy picture of the depravity of the human heart, while
destitute of those virtues, inculcated in the Gospel by the blessed Redeemer. |
|
|
| Residents
fear Mormon take-over |
¶ |
It was conjectured by the inhabitants
of Jackson county, that the Mormonites, as a body are wealthy, and many
of them entertain fears, that next December, when the list of land is exposed
for sale, they will out-bid others, and establish themselves as the most
powerful body in the county.—
|
|
|
Mormons
poor
Joseph and Sidney lack courage |
|
But they may dismiss their fears in this respect;
for the [196] Mormonites as a body, are comparatively poor, and destined
so to remain, until they pursue a different course as it relates to economy
and industry, from what they have hitherto pursued. There were ten families,
which came by water, landed there the day on which I arrived; and all the
land which the Bishop said they had means to purchase, was less than thirty
acres to the family; and thirty acres in that country, is little enough
for wood and timber land; as fifteen acres upon an average here, are worth
thirty there. Neither need they fear that the Mormonites, were they so disposed,
will obtain the possession of their lands "by shedding of blood,"
until the spirit selects more courageous leaders than Smith or Rigdon.
Yours affectionately, |
|
|
| |
|
EZRA BOOTH. |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Letter 6 |
|
Written Nov. 14, 1831. Mormonism unvailed,
196–200. Link
to Ohio Star Nov. 17, 1831 transcript at UDR. |
| Convert, subjugate Indians |
¶ |
It is well know[n] that the ostensible
design of the Mormonites in settling in the western part of Missouri, is
to convert the Indians to the faith of Mormonism. In this, the leaders appear
to have in view, as a mode, the Jesuits of the 16th century, who established
themselves in South America, by gaining an entire ascendancy over the hearts
and consciences of the natives, and thereby became their masters. |
|
|
| Independence
|
¶ |
As Independence is the place of general
rendezvous and head quarters of the Mormonites, it may not be amiss to notice
it. It is a new town, containing a court house built of brick, two or three
merchant's stores, and 15 or 20 dwelling houses, built mostly of logs hewed
on both sides; and is situated on a handsome rise of ground, about three
miles south of [the] Missouri river, and about 12 miles east of the dividing
line between the United States and the Indian Reserve, and is the county
seat of Jackson county. |
|
D&C
57, July 20, 1831. |
| Mormon
press, storehouse |
|
In this place
it is designed to establish the Lord's printing press, of which Wm.
W. Phelps and O. Cowdery are to have the management; [197] and also, the Lord's store-house,
committed in charge to S. Gilbert. By the means of these two grand engines,
they expect to make the wicked feel the weight of their tremendous power.
|
|
|
| Indian
Territory across border |
|
West of the line lies the territory, selected by the government
of the United States, for the future residence of the Indians; to which
place, a number of tribes have recently moved. |
|
|
| No
Indian converts |
|
The question is frequently asked, do the Indians seem disposed
to receive Mormonism; or have any of them yet embraced it? To which question
I have heard some of the leaders reply, "O yes," when the truth
is, not an individual had embraced it when I left that place. Nor is there
any prospect they will embrace it. |
|
|
| Indians
feign interest |
|
It is true, that some of the Indians appear to
listen with a degree of attention, while the Mormonite teacher pretends
to disclose to them the secrets of their origins, the history of their ancestors,
and that the great Spirit designs, in this generation, to restore them to
the possession of their lands, now occupied by the whites; and the Indians
shall go forth among the white people, "as a lion among the beasts
of the forests, and as a young lion among the flocks of sheep, who, if he
goeth through, both treadeth down and teareth to pieces, and no man can
deliver. Thy hand shall be lifted up against thy adversaries, (the whites)
and all their enemies (the whites) shall be cut off." |
|
|
Book
of Mormon approach
Use Indians to shed blood? |
|
Here you have a fair specimen of the method adopted in the
Book of Mormon, and preached by the Mormonite teachers, for the purpose
of enlisting the feelings, and ingratiating themselves with the Indians;
and should success attend their endeavors, and the minds of the Indians
become inflamed with the enthusiastic spirit which Mormonism inspires, they
may be inclined to try the experiment, whether "by shedding of blood,"
they can expel the white inhabitants, or reduce them to a state of servitude;
and by this means, regain the possession of the lands occupied by their
forefathers. |
|
|
Laying
city foundation
Sidney's consecration
Oath of allegiance
Be grateful |
¶ |
[198] The laying of the
foundation of Zion was attended with considerable parade and an ostentatious
display of talents, both by Rigdon and Cowdery. The place being designated
as the site where the city was to commence, on the day appointed we repaired
to the spot, not only as spectators, but each one to act the part assigned
him in the great work of laying the foundation of the "glorious city
of New Jerusalem." Rigdon consecrated the ground, by an address, in
the first place to the God whom the Mormons profess to worship; and then
making some remarks respecting the extraordinary purpose for which we were
assembled, prepared the way for administering the oath of allegiance to
those who were to receive their "everlasting inheritance" in that
city. He laid them under the most solemn obligations to constantly obey
all the commandments of Smith. He enjoined it upon them to express a great
degree of gratitude for the free donation, and then, as the Lord's Vicegerent,
he gratuitously bestowed upon them, that for which they had paid an exorbitant
price in money. |
|
|
| Twelve
move shrub oak to site |
|
These preliminaries being ended,
a shrub oak, about ten inches in diameter at the butt, the best that could
be obtained near at hand, was prostrated, trimmed, and cut off at a suitable
length; and twelve men, answering to the twelve apostles, by means of handspikes,
conveyed it to the place. |
|
|
| Oliver
lays cornerstone |
|
Cowdery craved the privilege of laying the corner-stone.
He selected a small rough stone, the best he could find, carried it in one
hand to the spot, removed the surface of the earth to prepare a place for
its reception, and then displayed his oratorical power, in delivering an
address, suited to the important occasion. |
|
|
| Shrub
oak and stone symbols |
|
The stone being placed, one end of the shrub
oak stick was laid upon it; and there was laid down the first stone and
stick, which are to form an essential part of the splendid city of Zion. |
|
|
Temple site
Half mile from town
Cornerstone |
|
The next day the ground for the
temple was consecrated, [199] and Smith claimed the honour of laying the
corner-stone himself. Should the inhabitants of Independence feel a desire
to visit this place, destined at some future time to become celebrated,
they will have only to walk one half of a mile out of the town, to a rise
of ground, a short distance south of the road. They will be able to ascertain
the spot by the means of a sapling, distinguished from the others by the
bark being broken off on the north and on the east side. On the south side
of the sapling will be found the letter T, which stands for temple; and
on the east side ZOM! for Zomas; which Smith says is the original word for
Zion. Near the foot of the sapling they will find a small stone covered
over with bushes, which were cut for that purpose. |
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traveled to attend, cost $1000 |
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This is the corner-stone for the temple. They
can there have the privilege of beholding the mighty work, accomplished
by about thirty men, who left their homes, traveled one thousand miles,
most of them on foot, and expended more than $1000 in cash. |
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Anxious to return
Disappointing |
¶ |
Having completed the work, or rather
finding but little business for us to accomplish in Missouri, most of us
became anxious to return home. And none appeared to be more so than Rigdon
and Smith, whose plans for future subsistence were considerably frustrated.
They expected to find a country abounding with the necessaries and comforts
of life. But the prospect appeared somewhat gloomy, and will probably remain
so for some years to come. |
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"The meeting
of our brethren, who had long waited our arrival, was a glorious <one>
and moistened with many tears. It seemed good and pleasant for brethren
to meet to gether in unity. But our reflections were great: coming
as we had from a highly cultivated state of society in the east, and
sta<n>ding now upon the confines or western limits of the United
States, and looking into the vast wilderness of those that sat in darkness,
how natural it was to observe the degradation, leaness of intellect,
ferocity and jealousy of a people that were nearly a century behind
the time; and to feel for those who roamed about without the benefit
of civilization, refinement or religion! yea, and exclaim in the language
of the prophets: when will the wilderness blossom as a rose; when will
Zion be built up in her glory, and where will thy temple stand unto
which all nations shall come in the last days? Our anxiety was soon
relieved by receiving [D&C
57]." MS history 1:1:127.
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Expected
to winter in Missouri
Change to Lord's work in Ohio |
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That they were disappointed, is evident from
the change which appeared in their calculations. Before they went to Missouri,
their language was "we shall winter in Ohio but one winter more;"
and when in Missouri, "it will be many years before we come here, for
the Lord has a great work for us to do in Ohio," and the great work
is, to make a thorough alteration of the Bible, and invent new revelations,
and these are to be sent to Missouri, in order to be printed. |
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[Foolish
expedition]
Joseph's cash
Not to labor |
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[200] This coming to save the expense of postage,
is parallel with their other calculations. But no matter for that, it will
save them the difficulties and hardships incident to the settling of a new
country; and also the dangers to which they would be exposed, in case the
Indians should commence hostilities upon the whites; and moreover, they
have an easy method to supply themselves with cash at any time when occasion
requires. The authority of a commandment will easily untie the purse strings
of those whose consciences are under their control; and they find it much
easier, and better suited to their dispositions, to write commandments,
than to gain a livelihood by the sweat of the brow: and indeed, Smith has
commanded himself not to labor, and by his mandate, has enjoined it upon
the church to support him. The Bishop, when we were in Missouri, intimated
that he and others were too much inclined to indolence.—He replied,
"I am commanded not to labor."
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Yours affectionately, EZRA BOOTH.
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Ezra Booth
Ezra Booth Letters
Ezra Booth Letters (1–3)
Ezra Booth Letters (7)
Ezra Booth Letters (8–9)
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