History, 1838–1856, volume C-1 [2 November 1838–31 July 1842]

  • Source Note
  • Historical Introduction
Page 937
image
<​May 10​> and who have taken up their residence in and about this place in large numbers. I have no hesitation in saying that this people have been most shamefully persecuted, and cruelly treated by the people of . [HC 3:349]
has resided in, and near this place for three or four months during which time his conduct has been that of a Gentleman, and a moral and worthy Citizen. Saml.Leech.”
13 May 1839 • Monday
<​13​> Monday 13. I was engaged in general business at home, and in transacting a variety of business with brother ; and gave him the following <​s introduction​> letter.
Illinois 13. May 1839. Joseph Smith Jr., , and ; Presiding Elders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints; do hereby certify and solemnly declare unto all the Saints scattered abroad, and send unto them greeting: That we have always found President to be a man of the most strict integrity, and moral virtue, and in fine to be a man of God. We have had long experience and acquaintance with , we have entrusted vast business concerns to him, which have been managed skillfully to the support of our Characters and interest, as well as that of the Church, and he is now authorised by a general Conference to go forth and engage in vast and important concerns as an Agent for the Church, that he may fill a station of usefulness in obedience to the commandments of God, which was given unto him July 8. 1838 which says “Let him (meaning ) contend earnestly for the redemption of the First Presidency of my Church, saith the Lord.” We earnestly solicit the Saints scattered abroad to strengthen his hands with all their might, and to put such means into his hands as shall enable him to accomplish his lawful designs and purposes, according to the commandments, and according to the instructions which he shall give unto them. And that they intrust him with monies, lands, chattels, and goods, to assist him in this work, and it shall redound greatly to the interest and welfare, peace, and satisfaction of my Saints, saith the Lord God. For this is an honorable agency which I have appointed unto him saith the Lord; and again, verily thus saith the Lord, I will lift up my servant , and beget for him a great name on the Earth, and among my people, because of the integrity of his soul; therefore let all my Saints abound unto him, with all liberality and long suffering, and it shall be a blessing on their heads. We would say unto the Saints abroad, Let our hearts abound with grateful acknowledgments unto God our Heavenly Father, who hath [HC 3:350] called us unto his holy calling, by the revelation of Jesus Christ in these last days, and has so mercifully stood by us, and delivered us out of the seventh trouble, which happened unto us in the State of — May God reward our enemies according to their works. We request the prayers of all the Saints. Subscribing ourselves, their humble brethren in tribulations in the bonds of the everlasting Gospel. Joseph Smith Jr. ,
“To the presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Greeting. [p. 937]
May 10 and who have taken up their residence in and about this place in large numbers. I have no hesitation in saying that this people have been most shamefully persecuted, and cruelly treated by the people of . [HC 3:349]
has resided in, and near this place for three or four months during which time his conduct has been that of a Gentleman, and a moral and worthy Citizen. Saml.Leech.”
13 May 1839 • Monday
13 Monday 13. I was engaged in general business at home, and in transacting a variety of business with brother ; and gave him the following s introduction letter.
Illinois 13. May 1839. Joseph Smith Jr., , and ; Presiding Elders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints; do hereby certify and solemnly declare unto all the Saints scattered abroad, and send unto them greeting: That we have always found President to be a man of the most strict integrity, and moral virtue, and in fine to be a man of God. We have had long experience and acquaintance with , we have entrusted vast business concerns to him, which have been managed skillfully to the support of our Characters and interest, as well as that of the Church, and he is now authorised by a general Conference to go forth and engage in vast and important concerns as an Agent for the Church, that he may fill a station of usefulness in obedience to the commandments of God, which was given unto him July 8. 1838 which says “Let him (meaning ) contend earnestly for the redemption of the First Presidency of my Church, saith the Lord.” We earnestly solicit the Saints scattered abroad to strengthen his hands with all their might, and to put such means into his hands as shall enable him to accomplish his lawful designs and purposes, according to the commandments, and according to the instructions which he shall give unto them. And that they intrust him with monies, lands, chattels, and goods, to assist him in this work, and it shall redound greatly to the interest and welfare, peace, and satisfaction of my Saints, saith the Lord God. For this is an honorable agency which I have appointed unto him saith the Lord; and again, verily thus saith the Lord, I will lift up my servant , and beget for him a great name on the Earth, and among my people, because of the integrity of his soul; therefore let all my Saints abound unto him, with all liberality and long suffering, and it shall be a blessing on their heads. We would say unto the Saints abroad, Let our hearts abound with grateful acknowledgments unto God our Heavenly Father, who hath [HC 3:350] called us unto his holy calling, by the revelation of Jesus Christ in these last days, and has so mercifully stood by us, and delivered us out of the seventh trouble, which happened unto us in the State of — May God reward our enemies according to their works. We request the prayers of all the Saints. Subscribing ourselves, their humble brethren in tribulations in the bonds of the everlasting Gospel. Joseph Smith Jr. ,
“To the presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Greeting. [p. 937]
Page 937