History, 1838–1856, volume E-1 [1 July 1843–30 April 1844]

  • Source Note
  • Historical Introduction
Page 1871
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<​January 29.​> I have no power to do these things. The absurd and preposterous nature of these requests give some color to the charge that they are made for political effect only. I hope that this charge is untrue: for in all candor, it would be more credible <​creditable​> to those concerned to have their errors attributed to ignorance, than to a disposition to embroil the country in the horrors of war for the advancement of party ends. But if there should be any truth in the charge, (which God forbid) I affectionately entreat all the good citizens engaged in it, to lay aside their designs, and yield up their ears to the voice of justice, reason, and humanity. All that I can do at present, is to admonish both parties to beware of carrying matters to extremity. Let it come to this: let a state of war ensue, and I will be compelled to interfere with executive power. In that case also, I wish in a friendly, affectionate, and candid manner, to tell the citizens of , Mormons and all, that my interference will be against those who shall be the first transgressors. I am bound by the laws and the constitution to regard you all as citizens of the , possessed of equal rights and privileges; and to cherish the rights of one as dearly as the rights of another. I can know no distinction among you except that of assailant and assailed.
I hope Dear Sir, you will do me the favor to publish this letter in the papers of your , for the satisfaction of all persons concerned.
I am, with the highest respect, your obt. Servt.
.
30 January 1844 • Tuesday
<​January 30.​> Tuesday 30. At 11 A. M. I went to the with .
1 P. M. held Mayor’s court at my on the case “City vs Thomas Coates”. Fined the defendant $25 and costs, for beating .
A Millerite preached again in the Assembly room, and replied to him; there was a full house.
Prayer meeting at Elder ’s.
31 January 1844 • Wednesday
<​31​> Wednesday 31. 11 A.M. I called at the , and told to go to , and preach the first principles of the Gospel, get some Lexicons, and return home. [HC 6:190] Prayer meeting at Elder ’s in the evening. There seems to be quite a revival throughout , and an inquiry after the things of God, by all the quorums and <​the​> church in general.
published a lengthy appeal to the Legislature of the State of setting forth in pathetic style the grievances he had suffered through the persecution against the church, by the State of ; which concludes as follows:—
“In confidence of the purity and patriotism of the representatives of the people of his native , your memorialist comes to your honorable body, through this his winged messenger, to tell you that the altar which was erected by the blood of your ancestors, to civil and religious liberty from whence ascended up the holy incense of pure patriotism and universal good will to man, into the presence of Jehovah, a savor of life, is thrown down; and the worshippers thereat, have been driven away, or else they are laying slain at the place of the altar.— He comes to kill your honorable body, that the temple your fathers erected to freedom, whither their Sons assembled to hear her precepts and [p. 1871]
January 29. I have no power to do these things. The absurd and preposterous nature of these requests give some color to the charge that they are made for political effect only. I hope that this charge is untrue: for in all candor, it would be more creditable to those concerned to have their errors attributed to ignorance, than to a disposition to embroil the country in the horrors of war for the advancement of party ends. But if there should be any truth in the charge, (which God forbid) I affectionately entreat all the good citizens engaged in it, to lay aside their designs, and yield up their ears to the voice of justice, reason, and humanity. All that I can do at present, is to admonish both parties to beware of carrying matters to extremity. Let it come to this: let a state of war ensue, and I will be compelled to interfere with executive power. In that case also, I wish in a friendly, affectionate, and candid manner, to tell the citizens of , Mormons and all, that my interference will be against those who shall be the first transgressors. I am bound by the laws and the constitution to regard you all as citizens of the , possessed of equal rights and privileges; and to cherish the rights of one as dearly as the rights of another. I can know no distinction among you except that of assailant and assailed.
I hope Dear Sir, you will do me the favor to publish this letter in the papers of your , for the satisfaction of all persons concerned.
I am, with the highest respect, your obt. Servt.
.
30 January 1844 • Tuesday
January 30. Tuesday 30. At 11 A. M. I went to the with .
1 P. M. held Mayor’s court at my on the case “City vs Thomas Coates”. Fined the defendant $25 and costs, for beating .
A Millerite preached again in the Assembly room, and replied to him; there was a full house.
Prayer meeting at Elder ’s.
31 January 1844 • Wednesday
31 Wednesday 31. 11 A.M. I called at the , and told to go to , and preach the first principles of the Gospel, get some Lexicons, and return home. [HC 6:190] Prayer meeting at Elder ’s in the evening. There seems to be quite a revival throughout , and an inquiry after the things of God, by all the quorums and the church in general.
published a lengthy appeal to the Legislature of the State of setting forth in pathetic style the grievances he had suffered through the persecution against the church, by the State of ; which concludes as follows:—
“In confidence of the purity and patriotism of the representatives of the people of his native , your memorialist comes to your honorable body, through this his winged messenger, to tell you that the altar which was erected by the blood of your ancestors, to civil and religious liberty from whence ascended up the holy incense of pure patriotism and universal good will to man, into the presence of Jehovah, a savor of life, is thrown down; and the worshippers thereat, have been driven away, or else they are laying slain at the place of the altar.— He comes to kill your honorable body, that the temple your fathers erected to freedom, whither their Sons assembled to hear her precepts and [p. 1871]
Page 1871