Elders’ Journal, November 1837

  • Source Note
  • Historical Introduction
Page 28
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found the chnrch [church] of Latter Day Saints in that place in as prosperous a condition as we could have expected, and as we believe enjoying a goodly portion of the Spirit of God, to the joy and satisfaction of our hearts.
The High council was immediately called and many difficulties adjusted, and the object of our missioin was laid before them, after which the subject of the propriety of the Saints, gathering to the city of , was taken into considertion, after a lengthy discussion upon the subject, it was voted, that the work of the gathering to that place be continued, and that there is a plenty of provisions in the upper counties for the support of that place, and also the emigration of the Saints; also voted that other Stakes be appointed in the regions round about, therefore a committee was appointed to locate the same; consisting of , , , and ; who started on their mission before we left.
It was also voted that the Saints be directed to those men for instruction concerning those places; and it may be expected that all the information necessary will be had from them concerning the location of those places, roads &c. Now we would recommend to the Saints scattered abroad, that they make all possible exertions to gather themselves together unto those places; as peace, verily thus saith the Lord, peace shall soon be taken from the earth, and it has already began to be taken; for a lying spirit has gone out upon all the face of the earth and shall perplex the nations, and shall stur them up to anger against one another: for behold saith the Lord, very fierce and very terrible war is near at hand, even at your doors, therefore make haste saith the Lord O ye my people, and gather yourselves together and be at peace among yourselves, or there shall be no saf[e]ty for you.
We furthermore say to those who wish to stop short of the city of , to call on us and get information concerning those places of gathering: We would say to the Saints it is now a day of warning and not of many words; therefore, a word to the wise is sufficent. We exhort you to remember the words of the prophet Malichi which says, bring ye all the tithes into the store house that there may be meet in mine house, and prove me herewith saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it, and I will rebuke the devourer for your sake, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground, neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts, and all nations shall call you blessed for ye shall be a delightsome land satth [saith] the Lord of hosts. We would also say to the Saints, that we were much pleased with the location of the , and also the society of that place; and we purpose of locating our families in that place as soon as our circumstances will admit.
We shall be under the necessity of observing brevity in this our communication for want of room to publish it, and we shall close after naming a few questions which are daily and hourly asked by all classes of people whilst we are traveling, and will answer them in our next.
Firstly, Do you believe the bible?
2nd, Wherein do you differ from other denominations?
3rd, Will every body be damned but Mormons?
4th, How and where did you obtain the book of Mormon?
5th, Do you believe Jo Smith to be a prophet?
6th, Do the Mormons believe in having all things common?
7th, Do the Momons believe in having more wives than one?
8th, Can they riase the dead? [p. 28]
found the chnrch [church] of Latter Day Saints in that place in as prosperous a condition as we could have expected, and as we believe enjoying a goodly portion of the Spirit of God, to the joy and satisfaction of our hearts.
The High council was immediately called and many difficulties adjusted, and the object of our missioin was laid before them, after which the subject of the propriety of the Saints, gathering to the city of , was taken into considertion, after a lengthy discussion upon the subject, it was voted, that the work of the gathering to that place be continued, and that there is a plenty of provisions in the upper counties for the support of that place, and also the emigration of the Saints; also voted that other Stakes be appointed in the regions round about, therefore a committee was appointed to locate the same; consisting of , , , and ; who started on their mission before we left.
It was also voted that the Saints be directed to those men for instruction concerning those places; and it may be expected that all the information necessary will be had from them concerning the location of those places, roads &c. Now we would recommend to the Saints scattered abroad, that they make all possible exertions to gather themselves together unto those places; as peace, verily thus saith the Lord, peace shall soon be taken from the earth, and it has already began to be taken; for a lying spirit has gone out upon all the face of the earth and shall perplex the nations, and shall stur them up to anger against one another: for behold saith the Lord, very fierce and very terrible war is near at hand, even at your doors, therefore make haste saith the Lord O ye my people, and gather yourselves together and be at peace among yourselves, or there shall be no safety for you.
We furthermore say to those who wish to stop short of the city of , to call on us and get information concerning those places of gathering: We would say to the Saints it is now a day of warning and not of many words; therefore, a word to the wise is sufficent. We exhort you to remember the words of the prophet Malichi which says, bring ye all the tithes into the store house that there may be meet in mine house, and prove me herewith saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it, and I will rebuke the devourer for your sake, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground, neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts, and all nations shall call you blessed for ye shall be a delightsome land satth saith the Lord of hosts. We would also say to the Saints, that we were much pleased with the location of the , and also the society of that place; and we purpose of locating our families in that place as soon as our circumstances will admit.
We shall be under the necessity of observing brevity in this our communication for want of room to publish it, and we shall close after naming a few questions which are daily and hourly asked by all classes of people whilst we are traveling, and will answer them in our next.
Firstly, Do you believe the bible?
2nd, Wherein do you differ from other denominations?
3rd, Will every body be damned but Mormons?
4th, How and where did you obtain the book of Mormon?
5th, Do you believe Jo Smith to be a prophet?
6th, Do the Mormons believe in having all things common?
7th, Do the Momons believe in having more wives than one?
8th, Can they riase the dead? [p. 28]
Page 28