Chapter XXVII

Preparations of the Mob in Jackson County to Resort to Violence--Important Excerpts from the "Star."

[Sidenote: The Rise of Mob Force in Jackson County.]

July, which once dawned upon the virtue and independence of the United States, now dawned upon the savage barbarity and mobocracy of Missouri. Most of the clergy acting as missionaries to the Indians, or to the frontier inhabitants, were among the most prominent characters, that rose up and rushed on to destroy the rights of the Church, as well as the lives of her members. One Reverend Pixley [1], who had been sent by the Missionary Society to civilize and {373} Christianize the heathen of the west, was a black rod in the hands of Satan; as well as a poisoned shaft in the hands of our other foes. He wrote horrible falsehoods about the Saints which he sent to the religious papers in the East from time to time, in order to sour the public mind against them; and used his influence among both Indians and whites to overthrow the Church in Jackson county. On the first of July, he wrote a slanderous tract entitled, "Beware of False Prophets," which he carried from house to house, to incense the inhabitants against the Church, to mob them, and drive them away. The July number of _The Evening and Morning Star_, pursued a mild and pacific course; the first article therein, entitled, "Beware of False Prophets," was calculated to disabuse the honest public mind from Pixley's falsehoods; [2] and the caution against "Free People of Color," settling in Missouri, was sufficient to silence the fears of every sober mind, yet, it was all in vain; the hour of trial must come: notwithstanding the constitution of Missouri--as published in the same paper--says:

{374} Article 4th. That all men have a natural and indefeasible right
to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their own
consciences; and that no man can be compelled to erect, support,
or attend any place of worship, or to maintain any minister of the
Gospel, or teacher of religion; that no human authority can control
or interfere with the rights of conscience; that no person can ever
be hurt, molested, or restrained in his religious professions, or
sentiments, if he do not disturb others in their religious worship.

5th. That no person, on account of his religious opinions, can be
rendered ineligible to any office of trust or profit under this
state; that no preference can ever be given by law, to any sect or
mode of worship. [3]

[Sidenote: The Mob Ignores the Constitutional Guarantee of Religious Freedom.]

Yet, because the Saints in spiritual things believed and taught differently from their neighbors--although both the faith and the teachings of the Saints were according to the laws of heaven--the mob drew up and published the following manifesto:

The Manifesto of the Mob. [4]

We, the undersigned, citizens of Jackson county, believing that
an important crisis is at hand, as regards our civil society, in
consequence of a pretended religious sect of people, that have
settled, and are still settling in our county, styling themselves
Mormons; and intending, as we do, to rid our society, "peaceably
if we can, forcibly if we must," and believing as we do, that the
arm of the civil law does not afford us a guarantee, or at least
a sufficient one, against the evils which are now inflicted upon
us, and seem to be increasing, by the said religious sect, deem it
expedient, and of the highest importance, to form ourselves into a
company for the better and easier accomplishment of our purpose--a
purpose which we deem it almost superfluous to say, is justified as
well by the law of nature, as by the law of self-preservation.

{375} It is more than two years since the first of these fanatics,
or knaves, (for one or the other they undoubtedly are), made their
first appearance amongst us, and pretended as they did, and now do,
to hold personal communication and converse face to face with the
Most High God; to receive communications and revelations direct
from heaven; to heal the sick by laying on hands; and, in short,
to perform all the wonder-working miracles wrought by the inspired
Apostles and Prophets of old.

We believed them deluded fanatics, or weak and designing knaves,
and that they and their pretensions would soon pass away; but
in this we were deceived. The arts of a few designing leaders
amongst them, have thus far succeeded in holding them together as
a society; and since the arrival of the first of them, they have
been daily increasing in numbers; and if they had been respectable
citizens in society and thus deluded, they would have been entitled
to our pity rather than to our contempt and hatred; but from their
appearance, from their manners, and from their conduct since their
coming among us, we have every reason to fear that, with but very
few exceptions, they were of the very dregs of that society from
which they came, lazy, idle, and vicious. This we conceive is not
idle assertion, but a fact susceptible of proof, for with these
few exceptions above named, they brought into our country little
or no property with them and left less behind them, and we infer
that those only yoke themselves to the Mormon car who had nothing
earthly or heavenly to lose by the change; and we fear that if some
of the leaders amongst them, had paid the forfeit due to crime,
instead of being chosen ambassadors of the Most High, they would
have been inmates of solitary cells. But their conduct here stamps
their characters in their true colors. More than a year since, it
was ascertained that they had been tampering with our slaves, and
endeavoring to sow dissensions and raise seditions amongst them.
Of this their Mormon leaders were informed, and they said they
would deal with any of their members who should again in like case
offend. But how spacious are appearances. In a late number of the
_Star_, published in Independence by the leaders of the sect, there
is an article inviting free negroes and mulattoes from other states
to become Mormons, and remove and settle among us. This exhibits
them in still more odious colors. It manifests a desire on the part
of their society, to inflict on our society an injury that they
know would be to us entirely insupportable, and one of the surest
means of driving us from the country; for it would require none
of the supernatural gifts that they pretend to, to see that the
introduction of such a caste amongst us would corrupt our blacks,
and instigate them to bloodshed.

They openly blaspheme the Most High God, and cast contempt on
{376} His holy religion, by pretending to receive revelations
direct from heaven, by pretending to speak unknown tongues, by
direct inspiration, and by divers pretenses derogatory to God and
religion, and to the utter subversion of human reason.

They declare openly that their God hath given them this county of
land, and that sooner or later they must and will have possession
of our lands for an inheritance; and, in fine, they have conducted
themselves on many other occasions, in such a manner, that we
believe it a duty we owe to ourselves, our wives, and children, to
the cause of public morals, to remove them from among us, as we are
not prepared to give up our pleasant places and goodly possessions
to them or to receive into the bosom of our families, as fit
companions for our wives and daughters, the degraded and corrupted
free negroes and mulattoes that are now invited to settle among us.

Under such a state of things, even our beautiful county would
cease to be a desirable residence, and our situation intolerable.
We, therefore, agree that after timely warning, and receiving an
adequate compensation for what little property they cannot take
with them, they refuse to leave us in peace, as they found us--we
agree to use such means as may be sufficient to remove them, and to
that end we each pledge to each other our bodily powers, our lives,
fortunes and sacred honors.

We will meet at the court house, at the town of Independence, on
Saturday next, the 20th inst., [July], to consult on subsequent
movements.

Among the hundreds of names attached to the above document were:

Lewis Franklin, _jailor_; Samuel C. Owens, _county clerk_; Russel
Hicks, _deputy county clerk_; R. W. Cummins, _Indian agent_; James
H. Flournoy, _postmaster_; S. D. Lucas, _colonel and judge of the
court_; Henry Chiles, _attorney-at-law_; N. K. Olmstead, _M. D_.;
John Smith, _justice of the peace_; Samuel Weston, _justice of the
peace_; William Brown, _constable_; Abner F. Staples, _captain_;
Thomas Pitcher, _deputy constable_; Moses G. Wilson and Thomas
Wilson,_ merchants_. [5]

{377} Free People of Color. [6]

To prevent any misunderstanding among the churches abroad,
respecting free people of color, who may think of coming to the
western boundaries of Missouri, as members of the Church, we quote
the following clauses from the laws of Missouri:

"Section 4.--Be it further enacted, that hereafter no free negro
or mulatto, other than a citizen of someone of the United States,
shall come into or settle in this state under any pretext whatever;
and upon complaint made to any justice of the peace, that such
person is in his county, contrary to the provisions of this
section, if it shall appear that such person is a free negro or
mulatto, and that he hath come into this state after the passage of
this act, and such person shall not produce a certificate, attested
by the seal of some court of record in someone of the United
States, evidencing that he is a citizen of such state, the justice
shall command him forthwith to depart from this state; and in case
such negro or mulatto shall not depart from the state within thirty
days after being commanded so to do as aforesaid, any justice of
the peace, upon complaint thereof to him made may cause such person
to be {378} brought before him and may commit him to the common
goal of the county in which he may be found, until the next term
of the circuit court to be held in such county. And the said court
shall cause such person to be brought before them and examine into
the cause of commitment; and if it shall appear that such person
came into the state contrary to the provisions of this act, and
continued therein after being commanded to depart as aforesaid,
such court may sentence such person to receive ten lashes on his or
her bare back, and order him to depart the state; and if he or she
shall not depart, the same proceedings shall be had and punishment
inflicted, as often as may be necessary, until such person shall
depart the state.

"Sec. 5.--Be it further enacted, that if any person shall, after
the taking effect of this act, bring into this state any free
negro or mulatto, not having in his possession a certificate of
citizenship as required by this act, (he or she) shall forfeit any
pay, for every person so brought, the sum of five hundred dollars,
to be recovered by action of debt in the name of the state, to the
use of the university, in any court having competent jurisdiction;
in which action the defendant may be held to bail, of right and
without affidavit; and it shall be the duty of the attorney-general
or circuit attorney of the district in which any person so
offending may be found, immediately upon information given of such
offenses to commence and prosecute an action as aforesaid."

Slaves are real estate in this and other states, and wisdom would
dictate great care among the branches of the Church of Christ on
this subject. So long as we have no special rule in the Church, as
to people of color, let prudence guide, and while they, as well
as we, are in the hands of a merciful God, we say: Shun every
appearance of evil.

"The Evening and Morning Star" Extra. [7]

July 16, 1833.

Having learned with extreme regret, that an article entitled, "Free
{379} People of Color," in the last number of the _Star_, has been
misunderstood, we feel in duty bound to state, in this _Extra_,
that our intention was not only to stop free people of color from
emigrating to this state, but to prevent them from being admitted
as members of the Church.

On the second column of the one hundred and eleventh page of the
same paper, may be found this paragraph:--"Our brethren will find
an extract of the law of this state, relative to free people of
color, on another page of this paper. Great care should be taken on
this point. The Saints must shun every appearance of evil. As to
slaves, we have nothing to say; in connection with the wonderful
events of this age much is doing towards abolishing slavery, and
colonizing the blacks in Africa.

We often lament the situation of our sister states in the south,
and we fear, lest, as has been the case, the blacks should rise and
spill innocent blood, for they are ignorant, and a little may lead
them to disturb the peace of society. To be short, we are opposed
to having free people of color admitted into the state; and we say,
that none will be admitted into the Church; for we are determined
to obey the laws and constitutions of our country, that we may have
that protection which the sons of liberty inherit from the legacy
of Washington, through the favorable auspices of a Jefferson and
Jackson.

_The Elders Stationed in Zion, to the Churches Abroad, in Love
Greeting_: (From _The Evening and Morning Star_, July number.)

Dear Brethren:--One year having passed since we addressed the {380}
churches abroad, on the situation of Zion and the state of the
gathering, it seems to be our duty to again address the Saints on
the same subjects. Although you frequently learn through the medium
of the _Star_ our situation and progress, yet we indulge a hope,
that a circular from us, particularly setting these things forth at
this time, will be received by you in fellowship. We have abundant
reason to thank the Lord for His goodness and mercy manifested
unto us, since we were planted in this land. With the exception of
the winter season, the gathering has continued slowly. At present
we have not the exact number of the disciples; but suppose that
there are near seven hundred,--include with these their children
and those that belong to families, and the number will probably
amount to more than twelve hundred souls. Many have been planted
upon their inheritances, where blessed with a fruitful soil, and a
healthy climate, they are beginning to enjoy some of the comforts
of life.

This in connection with peace and satisfaction of pure and
undefiled religion; which is to visit the widow and fatherless in
their afflictions and to keep ourselves unspotted from the world,
brings down the blessings of peace and love from our Father, and
confirms our faith in the promise, that we shall see Him in the
flesh, when He comes to be glorified in His Saints, and to be
admired in all them that believe in that day.

Here let us remark, that our duty urges us to notice a few letters
which have been sent from this place, by persons seeking the loaves
and fishes, or by such as have lost their standing among men of
character in the world. In the letters alluded to, are some facts;
but most of the statements are false. It is said that women go out
to work; this is a fact, and not only women, but men, too; for in
the Church of Christ, all that are able have to work to fulfil the
commandments of the Lord; and the situation in which many have
come up here, has brought them under the necessity of seeking
employment from those who do not belong to the Church. Yet, we can
say as far as our knowledge extends, that they have been honorably
compensated. And we are willing to decree concerning mankind, Thou
shalt eat thy bread by the sweat of thy brow, should be fulfilled.
Members of the Church have, or will have, "deeds" [to their lands]
in their own name.

One Bates, from New London, Ohio--who subscribed fifty dollars
for the purpose of purchasing lands, and the necessaries for the
Saints--after his arrival here, sued (Bishop) Edward Partridge,
and obtained a judgment for the same. Bates shortly after denied
the faith, and ran away on Sunday, leaving debts unpaid. We do not
mention this to cast reflection, but to give a sample of his work
manifested since he came to this land. No man that has consecrated
property to the Lord, {381} for the benefit of the poor and the
needy, by a deed of gift according to the laws of the land, has
thought of suing for it, any more than the men of the world, who
give, or donate to build meeting houses, and colleges; or send
missionaries to India or the Cape of Good Hope. Every Saint that
has come to this land to escape the desolations which await the
wicked, and prepare for the coming of the Lord, is well satisfied
with the country, and the order of the kingdom of our God; and
we are happy to say that the inhabitants of Zion are growing in
grace and in the knowledge of those things which lead to peace and
eternal glory. And our hearts are filled with thanksgiving for
the privilege of bearing this testimony concerning our brethren
on this land. One object in writing this epistle is, to give some
instructions to those who come up to the land of Zion. Through a
mistaken idea many of the brethren abroad, that had property, have
given some away, and sacrificed some, they hardly know how. This
is not right nor according to the commandments. We would advise in
the first place, that every disciple, if in his power, pay his just
debts so as to owe no man, and then if he has any property left,
let him be careful of it; and he can help the poor, by consecrating
some for their inheritances; for as yet, there has not been enough
consecrated to plant the poor in inheritances, according to the
regulation of the Church and the desire of the faithful.

This might have been done, had such as had property been prudent.
It seems as though a notion was prevalent in Babylon, that the
Church of Christ was a common stock concern. This ought not so to
be, for it is not the case. When a disciple comes to Zion for an
inheritance, it is his duty, if he has anything to consecrate to
the Lord for the benefit of the poor and needy, or to purchase
lands, to consecrate it according to the law of the Lord, and also
according to the law of the land, and the Lord has said, that in
keeping his laws we have no need to break the laws of the land; and
we have abundant reason to be thankful, that we are permitted to
establish ourselves under the protection of a government that knows
no exceptions to sect or society, but gives all its citizens the
privilege of worshiping God according to their own desire. Again,
while in the world, it is not the duty of a disciple to exhaust all
his means in bringing the poor to Zion; and this because if all
should do so, there would be nothing to put in the storehouse in
Zion for the purpose which the Lord has commanded.

Do not think, brethren, by this, that we would advise or direct
that the poor be neglected in the least; this is not the desire of
our hearts; for we are mindful of the word of our Father, which
informs us that in His bosom it is decreed that the poor and the
meek of the earth shall possess it.

The welfare of the poor has always a place in our hearts; yet we
{382} are confident that our experience, even had we nothing else
to prompt us to advise on this point, and that wholly for the good
of the cause in which we labor, would be sufficient in the minds
of our brethren abroad, to excuse a plainness on this important
part of our subject. To see numbers of disciples come to this
land, destitute of means to procure an inheritance, and much less
the necessaries of life awakens, a sympathy in our bosoms of no
ordinary feeling; and we should do injustice to the Saints were we
to remain silent, when, perhaps, a few words, by way of advice, may
be the means of instructing them, that hereafter great difficulties
may be avoided. For the disciples to suppose that they can come
to this land without ought to eat, or to drink, or to wear, or
anything to purchase these necessaries with, is a vain thought.
For them to suppose that the Lord will open the windows of heaven,
and rain down angel's food for them by the way, when their whole
journey lies through a fertile country, stored with the blessings
of life from His own hand for them to subsist upon, is also vain.
For them to suppose that their clothes and shoes will not wear out
upon the journey, when the whole of it lies through a country where
there are thousands of sheep from which wool in abundance can be
procured to make them garments, and cattle upon a thousand hills,
to afford leather for shoes, is just as vain.

The circumstances of the Saints in gathering to the land of Zion in
these last days are very different from those of the children of
Israel, after they despised the promised rest of the Lord, after
they were brought out of the land of Egypt. Previous to that,
the Lord promised them, if they would obey His voice and keep
His commandments, that He would send the hornet before them, and
drive out those nations which then inhabited the promised land,
so that they might have peaceable possession of the same, without
the shedding of blood. But in consequence of their unbelief and
rebellion, they were compelled to obtain it by the sword, with the
sacrifice of many lives.

But to suppose we can come up here and take possession of this land
by the shedding of blood, would be setting at naught the law of
the glorious Gospel and also the word of our great Redeemer: and
to suppose we can take possession of this country without making
regular purchases of the same, according to the laws of our nation,
would be reproaching this great republic, in which the most of us
were born, and under whose auspices we all have protection.

We feel as though enough was said on this point, knowing that a
word to the wise is sufficient; and that all our brethren are
aware of the fact, that all the tithes cannot be gathered into the
storehouse of the Lord, that the windows of heaven may be opened,
and a blessing be poured out that there is not room enough to
contain it, if all the {383} means of the Saints are exhausted,
before they reach the place where they can have the privilege of so
doing. Do not conclude from these remarks, brethren, that we doubt
in the least, that the Lord will provide for His Saints in these
last days; or think that we would extend our hands to steady the
ark; for this is not the case. We know that the Saints have the
unchangeable word of God that they shall be provided for; yet we
know, if any are imprudent, or lavish, or negligent, or indolent,
in taking that proper care, and making that proper use of what the
Lord has made them stewards over, they are not counted wise; for
a strict account of every one's stewardship is required, not only
in time, but will be in eternity. Neither do we apprehend that we
shall be considered putting out our hands to steady the ark of God
by giving advice to our brethren upon important points relative
to their coming to Zion, when the experience of almost two years'
gathering, has taught us to revere that sacred word from heaven.
"Let not your flight be in haste, but let all things be prepared
before you."

Then, brethren, we would advise, that where there are many poor in
a church, that the Elders counsel together, and make preparations
to send a part at one time, and a part at another. And let the poor
rejoice in that they are exalted, but the rich in that they are
made low, for there is no respect of persons in the sight of the
Lord.

The disciples of Christ, blessed with immediate revelations from
Him, should be wise and not take the way of the world, nor build
air-castles, but consider that when they have been gathered to
Zion, means will be needed to purchase their inheritances, and
means will be needed to purchase food and raiment for at least one
year; or at any rate, food; and where disciples, or churches, are
blessed with means to do as much as this, they would be better off
in Zion than in the world, troubled as it is, and will shortly be,
with plagues, famines, pestilences, and utter destruction upon the
ungodly.

On the subject of false reports, which are put in circulation by
evil-minded men, to ridicule the idea of the gathering of Israel
in these last days, we would say to our brethren abroad, believe
them not; _The Evening and Morning Star_ was established expressly
to publish the truth, and the word of the Lord, that the Saints
might not be deceived, by such as make broad the borders of their
garments, and love the uppermost rooms at feasts; yea, by such as
bind heavy burdens which are grievous to be borne, and lay them
upon men's shoulders but will not move them with one of their
fingers. Yea, we give this caution that the disciples may not
give heed to the gainsaying of those who seek the honor of this
world and the glory of the same, rather than seek the honor of God
and His glory; nor those who have turned away from the Church of
Christ, and denied the faith delivered to His Saints in these last
days.

{384} Brethren, the Lord has begun to gather His children, even
Israel, that they may prepare to enter into and enjoy His rest
when He comes in His glory, and He will do it. No matter what your
ideas, or notions may be upon the subject; no matter what foolish
reports the wicked may circulate to gratify an evil disposition,
the Lord will continue to gather the righteous, and destroy the
wicked, till the sound goes forth--_it is finished_.

It ought to be known abroad that much improvement is needed in the
cattle, sheep, and hogs in this part of the country. As cows here
are worth from ten to fifteen dollars, our brethren would do well,
and we would advise them, to purchase before they arrive in this
region. In fact, if they journey according to the commandments of
the Lord, pitching their tents by the way, like Israel in days of
old, it would be no more than right to drive cows enough to supply
every family or company with milk on the way. They would then have
them when they arrived here, and if they selected of the best
breeds, they would lay a foundation for improvement. A thing of
which all our brethren who are acquainted with raising stock will
at once see the propriety.

The sheep of this state are large, but as their wool is coarse, the
breed would soon be improved if our brethren would drive with them
some merinos or saxons. As soon as wool and flax are had among the
brethren, sufficient for the purpose, they will manufacture cloth
for their own use in the Church. The swine in this country are not
good, being the old fashioned shack breed, and much inferior to
the large, white grass breed of the eastern states. If any could
introduce this breed, what little pork might be wanted in the
winter, would be much better, and easier raised.

It is a matter of much surprise to us, that our brethren should
come up to the land of Zion, as many do, without bringing garden
seeds, and even seeds of all kinds. The Jaredites and Nephites took
with them of all kinds; and the Jaredites, all kinds of animals.
And although the Lord has said that it was His business to provide
for His Saints, yet He has not said that He would do it, unless
they kept His commandments.

And notwithstanding the fullness of the earth is for the Saints,
they can never expect it unless they use the means put into their
hands to obtain the same in the manner provided by our Lord. When
you flee to Zion, we enjoin the word, prepare all things, that you
may be ready to labor for a living, for the Lord has promised to
take the curse off the land of Zion in His own due time, and the
willing and the obedient, not the idle, will eat the good of the
same; for they are to be had in remembrance before the Lord.

One very important requisition for the Saints that come up to the
{385} land of Zion is, that before they start, they procure a
certificate from three Elders of the Church, or from the Bishop
in Ohio, according to the commandments; and when they arrive, to
present it to the Bishop in Zion; otherwise they are not considered
wise stewards, and cannot be received into fellowship with the
Church, till they prove themselves by their own goodness.

Some of our brethren may think, at the first instant, perhaps,
that this is useless and formal, but a few reflections will
be sufficient for them to see the propriety of it, and more
especially, when they learn that it is a commandment given us of
the Lord.

On another page of this paper, our brethren will find an extract
of the law of this state relative to free people of color. Great
care should be taken on this point. The Saints must shun every
appearance of evil. As to slaves, we have nothing to say. In
connection with the wonderful events of this age, much is doing
towards abolishing slavery, and colonizing the blacks in Africa.

The foregoing remarks have been addressed to our brethren abroad,
considered as one general body, and have been designed as general
information to all. We cannot close this epistle, compatible
with our duty, without particularly addressing ourselves to our
brethren, the Elders, to whom is entrusted the preaching of the
everlasting Gospel,--the glad tidings of salvation to Israel, and
to all the Gentiles if they will listen to the invitation.

Brethren, we are aware of your many afflictions, or at least in
part, some of us having been eye witnesses to the things of God,
and having been called to bear testimony of the same from the
first, since this Gospel has been proclaimed in these last days.
The desire of our hearts for your prosperity we can truly say is
inexpressible; for when you are prospered, we are, and when you
are blessed, we are blessed also. The afflictions which you are
necessarily called to undergo in these days of tribulation and
vengeance upon the wicked, call forth from our hearts unceasing
prayers to our common parents in your behalf, that you may be
enabled to deliver His message in the demonstration of His Spirit,
and call together His elect from the ends of the earth, to the
place of the name of the Lord of hosts, even to Mount Zion.

By those few expressions, you will see brethren, how important we
view your calling. We do not consider that it is our duty to direct
you in your missions; but we will give you in few words what we
have reason to expect relative to the gathering of the Saints,
according to the revelations of the Lord.

By the authority of your calling and ordination, you, no doubt,
will admit that it will be expected that you know your duty, and at
all times and in all places, teach the disciples theirs; but we are
sorry to {386} say, that in some instances, some of our brethren
have failed to do so.

We will remind our brethren of a clause in the covenants, which
informs us that all who are ordained in this Church, are to be
ordained according to the gifts and callings of God unto them, by
the power of the Holy Ghost which is in the one who ordains them.
We would also remind them of one valuable caution recorded in
Paul's first letter to Timothy, which says, "Lay hands suddenly on
no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins."

Those cautions, however, are particularly addressed to our young
brethren in the ministry. We know that many of our brethren are
wise in these important parts of their labors, and have rid their
garments of the blood of this generation, and are approved before
the Lord.

We will proceed further, brethren, to notice some particular
items immediately connected with your duties, and what, as we
said before, we have reason to expect from you, according to the
revelations. In one given December 4th, 1831, we learn that it
is the duty of the Elders of the Church in the East to render an
account of their stewardship unto the Bishop appointed unto the
Church in that part of the Lord's vineyard.

The Lord says, "And now, verily I say unto you, that as every Elder
in this part of the vineyard, (the East) must give an account of
his stewardship unto the Bishop in this part of the vineyard, a
certificate from the judge or Bishop in this part of the vineyard,
unto the Bishop in Zion, rendereth every man acceptable, and
answereth all things for an inheritance, and to be received as a
wise steward, and as a faithful laborer; otherwise he shall not be
accepted of the Bishop in Zion.

"And now, verily I say unto you, let every Elder who shall give
an account unto the Bishop of the Church, in this part of the
vineyard, (the East) be recommended by the church or churches,
in which he labors, that he may render himself and his accounts
approved in all things."

We hope brethren, that you will be particular to teach the
disciples abroad prudence and economy in all things. Teach them
in plainness, that without regular recommends, they cannot be
received in fellowship with the Church in Zion, until after they
have proven themselves worthy by their godly walk. And those who
are recommended by you, we expect will be such as are personally
known to you to be disciples indeed, and worthy the confidence of
all Saints.

Viewing the quotation relative to your obtaining a certificate from
the Bishop in the East concerning your worthiness, you cannot blame
us, brethren, if we are strict on this point. It may be understood,
{387} therefore, by our brethren, the EIders, who come from the
East and do not bring a regular certificate showing that their
labors have been accepted there, that they cannot be accepted in
Zion. We do not set ourselves up as judges in this; we have only a
desire to see the order of our Redeemer's kingdom observed in all
things; for His commandments are precious with us; we have them in
our hands, and they are sacred to our hearts.

Our brethren who labor in the churches a distance to the west of
the residence of the Bishop in the East, who do not render their
accounts to him, should be particular to bring recommends from the
churches in which they do labor, and present them with the accounts
of their labors to the Bishop immediately after their arrival here.
And those Elders who labor continually in preaching the Gospel to
the world, should also be particular to render their account of the
same, that they may show themselves approved in all things, and be
known to be worthy of the high office in which they stand in the
Church of Christ.

Having said considerable concerning those particular points which
are necessary to be observed by our brethren who journey to this
land, and also a few words to the Elders, we deem it a privilege
before we conclude, to say something more to the Church at large.
In the previous remarks, however, we presume our brethren may make
many improvements; and, perhaps, discover some errors; if so, we
can say, that the best of motives has prompted us to write to our
brethren; and if some small errors are to be found, we are certain
that the general ideas are correct, and will be a means of doing
good, if those who are immediately interested in the same, give
heed to them.

Dear brethren in the New Covenant, accept this as a token for a
salutation in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, from your brethren
in Zion. While we are permitted to witness the great things which
are continually taking place in fulfilment of the prophecies
concerning the last days, as the children of God are gathered home
to prepare themselves for the supper of the Lamb, our language,
that is, the English tongue, fails to express our joy.

Extracts from the Elders' Letters to the Editor of the "Evening and
Morning Star," July Number.

Palmyra, Missouri, May 16th, 1833.

The Lord is opening the eyes of the blind, and blessing our labors.
We have baptized eighteen members in this settlement.

G. M. Hinkle,

Elisha H. Groves.

Six Miles from Quincy, Mo., June 3, 1833.

Every few days there are some honest souls born into the kingdom
{388} of God. Persecution rages to a considerable extent. It seems
as if every denomination, sect, party, and club, were prepared to
fight against the work of the Lord. A man has just told me that in
Palmyra, in forty-eight hours, the cholera had taken forty-seven to
their graves. The disease is in the country as well as the town,
and carries off all ages, colors and conditions, sparing none.

George M. Hinkle.

Chenango Point, N. Y., May 16, 1833.

_Dear Brother_:--It is about six weeks since I left Kirtland to
take a mission to the East; since which time I have visited twelve
churches, and passed three others in coming to this place; all of
which are nearly in the course from Kirtland to Chenango, N. Y.;
so grows, and so spreads the mighty work of the Lord. Some of said
churches are composed of nearly one hundred members; and in nearly
all of them, the work is still going on. O, may the Lord cause His
glorious voice to be heard, until error and superstition shall
give way to the everlasting Gospel of Jesus. I feel much weakness
as a man, but in the strength of Christ, I am resolved to blow the
trumpet of the Gospel until the people of God are delivered from
the merchants and traffickers of souls unto the glorious liberty
of the Gospel. I have baptized four since I left Kirtland. As for
myself, I intend, if possible, to attend the school at the _latter_
Jerusalem, to which, I am confident it is my privilege to go, as
often as the old Apostles went to the _former_ Jerusalem.

I have traveled about five hundred miles in about six weeks, and
held fifteen meetings, and I trust that I shall continue to receive
the grace of God to support me even to the end.

Sylvester Smith.

State of the World.

(From the July _Star_.)

The flood of waters, occasioned by the great rains in the eastern
and middle states, did immense damage: war between Turkey and
Russia continued to rage: and the epidemic disease of London
continued its frightful ravages; so terrible were its effects as to
close all the principal places of amusement and suspend the court
of reform for the metropolis.

[Sidenote: Council of Elders in Kirtland.]

_July 13_.--Elder Brigham Young having returned from his mission to Canada, accompanied by some twenty or thirty of the brethren, a council of Elders assembled in Kirtland. There were present at the council Gideon H. Carter, Jacob Wood, {389} Dennis Lake, Brigham Young, James Lake, Newel K. Whitney, John Smith, Luke S. Johnson and myself. Elder James Lake desired to know the will of the Lord, whether he should proceed on to Zion, or remain in Kirtland. It was decided that he should remain in Kirtland.

Footnotes

1. The Reverends Finis Ewing and Isaac McCoy were equally bitter and nearly as active. The former was the head and front of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, and is credited with publishing this statement: "The Mormons are the common enemies of mankind and ought to be destroyed."

Of this Reverend Pixley and the part taken by the clergy against the Saints generally in these Jackson county troubles, Elder Newel Knight, in his journal, published in _Scraps of Biography_, page 76, says: "The sectarian priests and missionaries around us were among the first to come out both secretly and openly against us. Among the more active of these was a Mr. Pixley, who did not content himself in slandering us to the people of Jackson county, but also wrote to eastern papers telling horrible lies about us, with the evident intention of rousing a spirit of hatred against us. His talk was of the bitterest kind, his speeches perfectly inflammatory; and he appeared to have an influence among the people to carry them with him in his hellish designs. Nor did he confine his actions to the white settlers, but tried to stir up the Indians against us, and use every means in his power to accomplish his purposes. His efforts were seconded by such men as Reverends McCoy, Fitzhugh, Bogard, Kavanaugh, Lovelady, Likens, Hunter, and others; and by their perseverance at last, the public mind became so excited that on the 20th of July a meeting was called and largely attended by not only the rabble of the county, but also the men holding official positions."

2. As stated in the Prophet's narrative, the article in the _Star_, "Beware of False Prophets," written as an answer to Reverend Pixley's tract, was of a mild and pacific character. It proceeds to place in contrast, merely, the course and character of true Prophets and false ones--fixing many of the marks of false prophets, however, on the sectarian ministers of the times who, while clinging to forms of godliness, were denying the power thereof. It makes no direct allusion to the tract of Rev. Pixley, nor does it say a personal word of the course he was pursuing: but indirectly it evidently refers to him and his nefarious work in the following passages: "When, therefore, any man, no matter who, or how high his standing may be, utters or publishes anything which afterwards proves to be untrue, he is a false prophet. And if he does it uncalled for, for the purpose of injuring his fellow-beings, or for the sake of gain, or to deceive any man by putting a false coloring upon a matter of religion, to lead astray or prejudice the minds of any to hinder them from receiving the truth, wo unto him, he is a false prophet! * * * * Here then we can say, where we find a person uttering or publishing what he does not know to be a truth, merely to make a noise, whereby the least saint on earth might be offended--beware of false prophets. * * * * Did you ever hear, or have you ever read of a true prophet that spake evil of any man, or that would lie to further the cause of God or anything else? If you have, brethren, then has the hypocrite an excuse for leaving his own fault unexposed, and publishing his neighbor's to the world. Then has the false prophet an opportunity to plead his right to send his lying words abroad, that he may obtain the praise and glory of this world, and deceive the simple."

3. The comment of the editor of the _Star_ on this clause of Missouri's constitution is--"It shows a liberality of opinion of the great men of the west, and will vie with that of any other state. It is good; it is just, and it is the citizen's right."

4. This document is sometimes referred to as "_The secret constitution_," and was doubtless regarded as a "constitution" by the mob, by which they were bound together to accomplish the objects set forth in the document itself. The Saints became aware of its existence and the fact of its being circulated among the old settlers about the middle of July; how long before that it had been circulated is not known, but it was doubtless drawn up early in that month.

5. Relative to the charges against the saints in the foregoing documents, Elder Parley P. Pratt has the following pertinent comment in his "History of the Persecution of the Saints", pages 26-29:

"I will briefly notice a few items of the foregoing bond of conspiracy, for I consider most of it as too barefaced to need any comment. In the first place I would inquire whether our belief as set forth in this declaration, as to gifts, miracles, revelations and tongues, is not the same that all the Apostles and disciples taught, believed and practiced, and the doctrine of the New Testament?

Secondly--I would inquire when the New Testament religion ceased, and a law revealed or instituted, which made blasphemy of the belief and practice of it? or what holy religion the Jackson mob were speaking of, which was thrown into contempt by the revival of the New Testament religion?

Thirdly--They complain of our society being very poor as to property; but have they never read in the New Testament that God had chosen the poor in this world, rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom of God? And when did poverty become a crime known to the law?

Fourthly--Concerning free negroes and mulattoes. Do not the laws of Missouri provide abundantly for the removal from the state of all free negroes and mulattoes (except certain privileged ones)? And also for the punishment of those who introduce or harbor them? The statement concerning our invitation to them to become "Mormons," and remove to this state, and settle among us, is a wicked fabrication, as no such thing was ever published in the _Star_, or anywhere else, by our people, or anything in the shadow of it; and we challenge the people of Jackson [county], or any other people, to produce such a publication from us. _In fact one dozen free negroes or mulattoes never belonged to our society in any part of the world, from its first organization to this day (1839)_.

Fifthly--As to crime or vice, we solemnly appeal to all the records of the courts of Jackson county, and challenge the county to produce the name of any individual of our society on the list of indictments, from the time of our first settlement in the county, to the time of our expulsion, a period of more than two years.

Sixthly--As it respects the ridiculous report of our threatening that we would have their lands for a possession, it is too simple to require a notice, as the laws of the country guarantee to every man his rights, and abundantly protect him in their full enjoyment. And we hereby declare, that we settled no lands, only such as our money purchased, and that no such thing ever entered our hearts, as possessing any inheritance in any other way.

Seventhly--We ask what public morals were in danger of being corrupted where officers of the peace could openly violate their several oaths in the most awful manner, and join with hundreds of others in murder, treason, robbery, house burning, stealing, etc.

6. This article, "Free People of Color," referred to in the Prophet's History, but not quoted _in extenso_ anywhere by him, is here given entire, and is followed with _The Evening and Morning Star_ extra, published on the 16th of July, 1833. The importance of these documents justifies their introduction in this manner. It will be observed that the mob in their manifesto charge that the Saints in the first article in question, "Invite free negroes and mulattoes from other states to become 'Mormons,' and remove and settle among us." On this false accusation the mob pretended to found the following apprehensions: "This exhibits them in still more odious colors. It manifests a desire on the part of their society, to inflict on our society an injury that they know would be to us entirely unsupportable, and one of the surest means of driving us from the country; for it would require none of the supernatural gifts that they pretend to, to see that the introduction of such a caste among us would corrupt our blacks, and instigate them to bloodshed."

The publication of the article, "Free People of Color" completely refutes the false accusation of the mob against the Saints.

7. This "Extra," as soon as the brethren learned what construction was being put upon the article "Free People of Color," was printed in the form of a handbill and circulated as promptly as possible. In it, however, the editor of the _Star_ goes too far when he says that no free people of color "will be admitted into the Church." Such was never the doctrine or policy of the Church. Indeed in the article "Free People of Color," the editor himself had said: "So long as we have no special rule in the Church as to free people of color, let prudence guide." And again, in the "Address of the Elders stationed in Zion to the Churches Abroad," published in the July number of the _Star_, and also found on page 379 of this volume, occurs the following: "Our brethren will find an extract of the law of this state relative to free people of color on another page of this paper. Great care should be taken on this point. The Saints must shun every appearance of evil. As to slaves we have nothing to say. In connection with the wonderful events of this age, much is doing towards abolishing slavery, and colonizing the blacks in Africa." This, with the passage from the article "Free People of Color," is quoted to show that the Church had formulated no doctrine or policy with reference to slaves or free people of color; and in forming his judgment of this matter the reader must remember that the statement about not admitting such people into the Church is merely the view at that time of the editor of the _Star_, and by no means represents the policy of the Church. As a matter of fact there were very few, if any, people of color in the Church at that time. The "fears" of the Missourians on that head were sheer fabrications of evil-disposed minds.

{390}