History, 1838–1856, volume B-1 [1 September 1834–2 November 1838]

  • Source Note
  • Historical Introduction
Page 676
image
previously mentioned. Two or three other small pieces of papyrus <​December 31. Egyptian Records.​> with astronomical calculations, epitaphs, &c. were found with others of the mummies. When discovered that ther[e] was something with the Mummies, he supposed, or hoped it might be some diamonds or valueable Metal, and was no little chagrined, when he saw his disappointment. He was immediately told, while yet in the Custom house, that there was no man in that city, who could translate his roll; but was referred by the same gentleman, (a stranger) to Mr Joseph Smith Junr— who, continued he, possesses some kind of power or gifts, by which he had previously translated similar characters.” I was then unknown to , neither did he know that such a book or work as the record of <​the​> Nephites had been brought before [HC 2:349] the public. From he took his collection on to , where he obtained the certificate of the learned, (see Mess. & Advocate p. 235,)— and from thence come on to as before related in July. Thus I have given a brief history of the manner in which the writings of the Fathers Abraham, [HC 2:350] and Joseph have been preserved, and how I came in possession of the same, a correct translation of which I shall give in its proper place.
<​Spirit of Public Journals.​> To show the Spirit of the public journals, such as the “ Saturday Courier;” “ Daily Advertiser;” “Sunday Morning News” and the press generally the past year; toward me and the cause of God which I have fearlessly espoused, I quote the following, as a specimen of the whole, from “M. M. Noah’s Evening Star” “Heathen Temple on <​Heathen Temple on Lake Erie​> Lake Erie. That bold faced imposter, Joe Smith, of Gold Bible and Mormon Memory, has caused his poor fanatic followers to erect on the shores of Lake Erie, near , Ohio, a Stone building 58 by 78 feet with dormer windows, denominating the same “the .” We should think this work of iniquity extorted out of the pockets of his dupes, as it reflects its shadows over the blue lake, would make the waters crimson with shame at the prostitution of its beautiful banks, to such unhallowed purposes.” Thus much from M. M. Noah, a Jew, who had used all the influence in his power to dupe his fellow Jews, and make them believe that the new Jerusalem for them, was to be built on Grand Island, whose banks are surrounded by the waters of the same Lake Erie.— The Lord reward him according to his deeds. [HC 2:351]
1836.
1 January 1836 • Friday
<​January 1.​> Friday morning January 1st, 1836; this being the beginning of a new year, my heart is filled with gratitude to God, that he has preserved my life, and the lives of my family while another year has roled away. We have been sustained and upheld in [p. 676]
previously mentioned. Two or three other small pieces of papyrus December 31. Egyptian Records. with astronomical calculations, epitaphs, &c. were found with others of the mummies. When discovered that there was something with the Mummies, he supposed, or hoped it might be some diamonds or valueable Metal, and was no little chagrined, when he saw his disappointment. He was immediately told, while yet in the Custom house, that there was no man in that city, who could translate his roll; but was referred by the same gentleman, (a stranger) to Mr Joseph Smith Junr— who, continued he, possesses some kind of power or gifts, by which he had previously translated similar characters.” I was then unknown to , neither did he know that such a book or work as the record of the Nephites had been brought before [HC 2:349] the public. From he took his collection on to , where he obtained the certificate of the learned, (see Mess. & Advocate p. 235,)— and from thence come on to as before related in July. Thus I have given a brief history of the manner in which the writings of the Fathers Abraham, [HC 2:350] and Joseph have been preserved, and how I came in possession of the same, a correct translation of which I shall give in its proper place.
Spirit of Public Journals. To show the Spirit of the public journals, such as the “ Saturday Courier;” “ Daily Advertiser;” “Sunday Morning News” and the press generally the past year; toward me and the cause of God which I have fearlessly espoused, I quote the following, as a specimen of the whole, from “M. M. Noah’s Evening Star” “Heathen Temple on Heathen Temple on Lake Erie Lake Erie. That bold faced imposter, Joe Smith, of Gold Bible and Mormon Memory, has caused his poor fanatic followers to erect on the shores of Lake Erie, near , Ohio, a Stone building 58 by 78 feet with dormer windows, denominating the same “the .” We should think this work of iniquity extorted out of the pockets of his dupes, as it reflects its shadows over the blue lake, would make the waters crimson with shame at the prostitution of its beautiful banks, to such unhallowed purposes.” Thus much from M. M. Noah, a Jew, who had used all the influence in his power to dupe his fellow Jews, and make them believe that the new Jerusalem for them, was to be built on Grand Island, whose banks are surrounded by the waters of the same Lake Erie.— The Lord reward him according to his deeds. [HC 2:351]
1836.
1 January 1836 • Friday
January 1. Friday morning January 1st, 1836; this being the beginning of a new year, my heart is filled with gratitude to God, that he has preserved my life, and the lives of my family while another year has roled away. We have been sustained and upheld in [p. 676]
Page 676