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

  • Source Note
  • Historical Introduction
Page 1143
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8 January 1841 • Friday
<​January 8​> Friday 8. Elder wrote President from England
“In the first place we have had one snow this winter of some three inches deep. The weather is now so cold that it is in danger of freezing potatoes in the chamber: it is the coldest we have had. It is somewhat sickly with scarlet and other fevers. One family of Saints buried three children at a time. Peace is declared between the allied powers and Egypt. Palestine is in the hands of Turkey. The Jews have as much liberty there as the Government guarantees to its citizens. As to the progress of the work of God in this Country it is increasing at every step. It is now prospering in Ireland, and in Wales, as well as in Scotland and England. It is spreading into various new places in England. We have several hundred faithful preachers; and the Spirit of enquiry seems to be more generally awakened. The Clergy of the Church of England, the Methodist priests, the Baptist Ministers, Unitarians &c are all in arms, as it were against the Saints. The Country is flooded with pamphlets, tracts, papers &c published against us. Some of them have bear and wolf stories in them, some of them have snake stories, and others gander stories. I must say that “Jonathan” is far behind “John Bull,” in ingenuity in regard to inventing lies; all the foolishness ever published in the against the truth, would be considered sober earnest, compared to the follies which are being made manifest here, but I will forbear with a promise to send you a few specimens when our next emigrants sail for your place— I must now inform you of the [HC 4:266] fact that we have reaped the first fruits of Campbellism in England, at a place called Nottingham.”
15 January 1841 • Friday
<​15​> “A Proclamation to the Saints scattered abroad, Greeting:— Beloved brethren:— The relationship which we sustain to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, renders it necessary that we should make known from time to time, the circumstances situation and prospects of the Church, and give such instructions as may be necessary for the well being of the Saints, and for the promotion of those objects, calculated to further their present and everlasting happiness. We have to congratulate the Saints on the progress of the great work of the “last days”; for not only has it spread through the length and breadth of this vast continent; but on the Continent of Europe, and on the Islands of the Sea, it is spreading in a manner entirely unprecedented in the annals of time. This appears the more pleasing when we consider, that but a short time has elapsed, since we were unmercifully driven from the State of , after suffering cruelties and persecutions in their various, and horrid forms— Then our overthrow, to many, seemed inevitable, while the enemies of truth triumphed over us, and by their cruel reproaches endeavored to aggravate our sufferings. But “the Lord of Hosts was with us, the God of Jacob was our refuge!” and we were delivered from the hands of bloody and deceitful men; and in the State of we found an asylum, and were kindly welcomed by persons worthy the character of Freemen. It would be impossible to emunerate all those who in our time of deep distress, nobly came forward to our relief, and like the good Samaritan poured oil into our wounds, and contributed [p. 1143]
8 January 1841 • Friday
January 8 Friday 8. Elder wrote President from England
“In the first place we have had one snow this winter of some three inches deep. The weather is now so cold that it is in danger of freezing potatoes in the chamber: it is the coldest we have had. It is somewhat sickly with scarlet and other fevers. One family of Saints buried three children at a time. Peace is declared between the allied powers and Egypt. Palestine is in the hands of Turkey. The Jews have as much liberty there as the Government guarantees to its citizens. As to the progress of the work of God in this Country it is increasing at every step. It is now prospering in Ireland, and in Wales, as well as in Scotland and England. It is spreading into various new places in England. We have several hundred faithful preachers; and the Spirit of enquiry seems to be more generally awakened. The Clergy of the Church of England, the Methodist priests, the Baptist Ministers, Unitarians &c are all in arms, as it were against the Saints. The Country is flooded with pamphlets, tracts, papers &c published against us. Some of them have bear and wolf stories in them, some of them have snake stories, and others gander stories. I must say that “Jonathan” is far behind “John Bull,” in ingenuity in regard to inventing lies; all the foolishness ever published in the against the truth, would be considered sober earnest, compared to the follies which are being made manifest here, but I will forbear with a promise to send you a few specimens when our next emigrants sail for your place— I must now inform you of the [HC 4:266] fact that we have reaped the first fruits of Campbellism in England, at a place called Nottingham.”
15 January 1841 • Friday
15 “A Proclamation to the Saints scattered abroad, Greeting:— Beloved brethren:— The relationship which we sustain to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, renders it necessary that we should make known from time to time, the circumstances situation and prospects of the Church, and give such instructions as may be necessary for the well being of the Saints, and for the promotion of those objects, calculated to further their present and everlasting happiness. We have to congratulate the Saints on the progress of the great work of the “last days”; for not only has it spread through the length and breadth of this vast continent; but on the Continent of Europe, and on the Islands of the Sea, it is spreading in a manner entirely unprecedented in the annals of time. This appears the more pleasing when we consider, that but a short time has elapsed, since we were unmercifully driven from the State of , after suffering cruelties and persecutions in their various, and horrid forms— Then our overthrow, to many, seemed inevitable, while the enemies of truth triumphed over us, and by their cruel reproaches endeavored to aggravate our sufferings. But “the Lord of Hosts was with us, the God of Jacob was our refuge!” and we were delivered from the hands of bloody and deceitful men; and in the State of we found an asylum, and were kindly welcomed by persons worthy the character of Freemen. It would be impossible to emunerate all those who in our time of deep distress, nobly came forward to our relief, and like the good Samaritan poured oil into our wounds, and contributed [p. 1143]
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