History, 1834–1836

  • Source Note
  • Historical Introduction
Page 130
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dismissed at a late hour.
16 November 1835 • Monday
Monday Nov. 16th. President Smith was at home this day and dictated a letter for the Messenger & Advocate. also one to . Elders, , Strong & others called to see him in the course of the day.
Here follows the Copy of a long letter from .
Dear Sir,
Having a few leisure moments, I have at last concluded to do what my judgement has long dictated would be right, but the allurements of many vices, have long retarded the hand, that would wield the pen, that would make intelligent the communication that I wish to send you. And even now, that ambition which is a prevailing and predominant principle among the great mass of natural men, forbids that plainness of sentiment with which I wish to write. For know assuredly, Sir, to you I wish to unbosom the secrets of my heart, as before the Omnicient Judge of all the earth.
Be not surprized when I declare unto you, as the Spirit will bear record, that my faith is firm and unshaken in the things of the Everlasting Gospel as it is proclaimed by the servants of the Latter-Day-Saints.
Dear brother Joseph (if I may be allowed the expression) when I consider the happy times, the peaceful moments, and pleasant seasons, I have enjoyed with you and this people; contrasted with my now degraded state, together with the high and exalted station, I have held before God: and the abyss into which I have fallen. is a subject that swells my heart too big for utterance, and language is overwhelmed with feelings, and looses its power of description. And as I desire to know the will of God concerning me I believe it is my duty to make known unto you my real situation. I shall, therefore, dispassionately, proceed to give a true and untarnished relation; I need not tell you that in former times I have preached the word, and endeavored to be instant in Season and out of season, to reprove rebuke exhort, and faithfully discharge that trust reposed in me. But, Oh! with what grief, and lamentable sorrow & anguish do I have to relate that I have fallen from that princely station whereunto our God has called me. Reasons why are unnecessary. May the fact suffice, and believe me when I tell you I have sunk myself (since my last separation from this Body) [p. 130]
dismissed at a late hour.
16 November 1835 • Monday
Monday Nov. 16th. President Smith was at home this day and dictated a letter for the Messenger & Advocate. also one to . Elders, , Strong & others called to see him in the course of the day.
Here follows the Copy of a long letter from .
Dear Sir,
Having a few leisure moments, I have at last concluded to do what my judgement has long dictated would be right, but the allurements of many vices, have long retarded the hand, that would wield the pen, that would make intelligent the communication that I wish to send you. And even now, that ambition which is a prevailing and predominant principle among the great mass of natural men, forbids that plainness of sentiment with which I wish to write. For know assuredly, Sir, to you I wish to unbosom the secrets of my heart, as before the Omnicient Judge of all the earth.
Be not surprized when I declare unto you, as the Spirit will bear record, that my faith is firm and unshaken in the things of the Everlasting Gospel as it is proclaimed by the servants of the Latter-Day-Saints.
Dear brother Joseph (if I may be allowed the expression) when I consider the happy times, the peaceful moments, and pleasant seasons, I have enjoyed with you and this people; contrasted with my now degraded state, together with the high and exalted station, I have held before God: and the abyss into which I have fallen. is a subject that swells my heart too big for utterance, and language is overwhelmed with feelings, and looses its power of description. And as I desire to know the will of God concerning me I believe it is my duty to make known unto you my real situation. I shall, therefore, dispassionately, proceed to give a true and untarnished relation; I need not tell you that in former times I have preached the word, and endeavored to be instant in Season and out of season, to reprove rebuke exhort, and faithfully discharge that trust reposed in me. But, Oh! with what grief, and lamentable sorrow & anguish do I have to relate that I have fallen from that princely station whereunto our God has called me. Reasons why are unnecessary. May the fact suffice, and believe me when I tell you I have sunk myself (since my last separation from this Body) [p. 130]
Page 130