History, 1838–1856, volume D-1 [1 August 1842–1 July 1843]

  • Source Note
  • Historical Introduction
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<​December 20​> days He had been long connected with the Church, and had been distinguished both in his native land and in Great Britain for his piety and virtue, and general amiability of character, that endeared him much to all who knew him <​he was one of the most active and efficient Elders, and one whose labors were most extensive, and was eminently successful in his ministry​> and while we lament his loss, yet we mourn not for him as without hope, knowing that shortly he shall come forth in the resurrection of the just, and stand in his lot at the last day.
21 December 1842 • Wednesday
<​21​> Wednesday 21 At home transacting a variety of business, gave instructions about a letter to General
I appointed Dr. my private Secretary and Historian, and he immediately entered on the duties of his calling— Elder had previously been appointed Temple Recorder, and continued to be Clerk in my temporal business as he had been since went East in the Summer. He is a faithful man, and called on me with the Temple Committee for some advice, concerning their laying by provisions— stone cutting &c after listening to their business, I wrote the following
Decr. 21. 1842 To the hands in the Stone Shop— Whereas an appeal has been made to me, as Sole Trustee in Trust for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints for a decision in relation to sundry matters in regulating the stone cutting &c &c by the Temple Committee I have duly considered their complaints, and heard all their arguments in relation to the matter, and am satisfied that a proper deference, has not been paid to their high standing by some or many of the hands in the Stone Shop. And further, that their policy in relation to the Pork, and Beef, and Provisions, is for the furtherance of the building of the , in the ultimatum thereof. These are therefore to advise you, to submit patiently to their economy, and instructions; and that we, with one accord, with—— united feelings, submit patiently to the yoke that is laid upon us, and thereby secure the best interests, to the of the Most High God, that our limited circumstances can possibly admit of: and then having done all on our part, that <​the​> great Eloheem, who has commanded us to build a house shall abundantly bless us, and reward us for all our pains. I am Sirs, your sincere friend and brother and fellow sufferer in the bonds of the great work. Joseph Smith, Sole Trustee in Trust for the Church”
22 December 1842 • Thursday
<​22​> Thursday 22d I was about home; Read correspondence between , and General , and read German with Elder . Brother [Daniel] Shearer enquired the meaning of the “little leaven which a woman hid in three measures of Meal” I replied “It alluded expressly to the last days, when there should be but little faith on the earth, and it should leaven the whole world; also there shall be safety in Zion, and , and in the remnants whom the Lord our God shall call. The 3 Measures refer directly to the Priesthood; truth springing up on a fixed principle, to the three in the Grand Presidency, confining the oracles to a certain head on the principle of Three.[”]
23 December 1842 • Friday
<​23.​> Friday 23. Wrote Esqre.. , that I would accept the proposals of John C. Walsh and give him $2500 for the North West Quarter of Section 8. 6 North. 8 West. said land lying between my and the .
24 December 1842 • Saturday
<​24​> Saturday 24. At home. Afternoon Read and revised my history with , and walked with him to see who was sick, her babe died a few minutes before our arrival. From there we went to [HC 5:207] brother Sabine’s to complete expence money for our journey to having just borrowed $100 for that purpose— while there asked if I wanted a wicked man to pray for me? I replied, yes, if the fervent affectionate prayer of a righteous man availeth much, a wicked man may avail a little when praying for a righteous man. There [p. 1429]
December 20 days He had been long connected with the Church, and had been distinguished both in his native land and in Great Britain for his piety and virtue, and general amiability of character, that endeared him much to all who knew him he was one of the most active and efficient Elders, and one whose labors were most extensive, and was eminently successful in his ministry and while we lament his loss, yet we mourn not for him as without hope, knowing that shortly he shall come forth in the resurrection of the just, and stand in his lot at the last day.
21 December 1842 • Wednesday
21 Wednesday 21 At home transacting a variety of business, gave instructions about a letter to General
I appointed Dr. my private Secretary and Historian, and he immediately entered on the duties of his calling— Elder had previously been appointed Temple Recorder, and continued to be Clerk in my temporal business as he had been since went East in the Summer. He is a faithful man, and called on me with the Temple Committee for some advice, concerning their laying by provisions— stone cutting &c after listening to their business, I wrote the following
Decr. 21. 1842 To the hands in the Stone Shop— Whereas an appeal has been made to me, as Sole Trustee in Trust for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints for a decision in relation to sundry matters in regulating the stone cutting &c &c by the Temple Committee I have duly considered their complaints, and heard all their arguments in relation to the matter, and am satisfied that a proper deference, has not been paid to their high standing by some or many of the hands in the Stone Shop. And further, that their policy in relation to the Pork, and Beef, and Provisions, is for the furtherance of the building of the , in the ultimatum thereof. These are therefore to advise you, to submit patiently to their economy, and instructions; and that we, with one accord, with—— united feelings, submit patiently to the yoke that is laid upon us, and thereby secure the best interests, to the of the Most High God, that our limited circumstances can possibly admit of: and then having done all on our part, that the great Eloheem, who has commanded us to build a house shall abundantly bless us, and reward us for all our pains. I am Sirs, your sincere friend and brother and fellow sufferer in the bonds of the great work. Joseph Smith, Sole Trustee in Trust for the Church”
22 December 1842 • Thursday
22 Thursday 22d I was about home; Read correspondence between , and General , and read German with Elder . Brother [Daniel] Shearer enquired the meaning of the “little leaven which a woman hid in three measures of Meal” I replied “It alluded expressly to the last days, when there should be but little faith on the earth, and it should leaven the whole world; also there shall be safety in Zion, and , and in the remnants whom the Lord our God shall call. The 3 Measures refer directly to the Priesthood; truth springing up on a fixed principle, to the three in the Grand Presidency, confining the oracles to a certain head on the principle of Three.”
23 December 1842 • Friday
23. Friday 23. Wrote Esqre.. , that I would accept the proposals of John C. Walsh and give him $2500 for the North West Quarter of Section 8. 6 North. 8 West. said land lying between my and the .
24 December 1842 • Saturday
24 Saturday 24. At home. Afternoon Read and revised my history with , and walked with him to see who was sick, her babe died a few minutes before our arrival. From there we went to [HC 5:207] brother Sabine’s to complete expence money for our journey to having just borrowed $100 for that purpose— while there asked if I wanted a wicked man to pray for me? I replied, yes, if the fervent affectionate prayer of a righteous man availeth much, a wicked man may avail a little when praying for a righteous man. There [p. 1429]
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