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Times and Seasons/6/11
< Times and Seasons | 6
Times and Seasons: Volume 6, Number 11
Summary:Source document in Mormon Publications: 19th and 20th Centuries online archive: Times and Seasons Vol. 6
| Number 10 | Number 12 |
Times and Seasons: Volume 6, Number 11
Jump to details:
- HISTORY OF JOSEPH SMITH.
- CONFERENCE MINUTES.
- AFTERNOON SERVICE.
- MYSTERY.
- COMMUNICATIONS.
- NOTICE.
- REMARKS.
| TIMES AND SEASONS | ||
| "TRUTH WILL PREVAIL" | ||
| Volume VI. No. 11.] | CITY OF NAUVOO, ILL., JUNE 15, 1845 | [Whole No. 119. |
HISTORY OF JOSEPH SMITH.
CONTINUED.
Kirtland Mills, Ohio, Dec. 10th, 1833.
Beloved Brethren:
E. Partridge, W. W. Phelps, J. Whitmer, A. S. Gilbert, J. Corrill, I. Morley, and all the saints whom it may concern:
This morning's mail brought Bishop Partridge's, and Elders Corrill's and Phelps letters, all mailed at Liberty, Nov. 19th, which gave us the melancholy intelligence of your flight from the land of your inheritance, having been driven before the face of your enemies in that place.
From previous letters we learned that a number of our brethren had been slain, but we could not learn from those referred to above, as there had been but one, and that was Brother Barber, and Brother Dibble was wounded in the bowels. We were thankful to learn that no more had been slain, and our daily prayers are, that the Lord will not suffer his saints, who have gone up to his land to keep his commandments, to stain his holy mountain with their blood.
I cannot learn from any communication by the spirit to me, that Zion has forfeited her claim to a celestial crown, notwithstanding the Lord has caused her to be thus afflicted, except it may be some individuals, who have walked in disobedience and forsaken the new covenant; all such will be made manifest by their works in due time. I have always expected that Zion would suffer some affliction, from what I could learn from the commandments which have been given. But I would remind you of a certain clause in one which says, that after much tribulation cometh the blessing. By this, and also others, and also one received of late, I know that Zion, in the own due time of the Lord, will be redeemed; but how many will be the days of her purification, tribulation, and affliction, the Lord has kept hid from my eyes; and when I enquire [inquire] concerning this subject, the voice of the Lord is, be still, and know that I am God! all those who suffer for my name shall reign with me, and he that layeth down his life for my sake shall find it again.-Now there are two things of which I am ignorant, and the Lord will not shew [show] them unto me perhaps for a wise purpose in himself; I mean in some respects: and they are these, why God has suffered so great a calamity to come upon Zion; and what the great moving cause of this great affliction is: and again, by what means he will return her back to her inheritance, with songs of everlasting joy upon her head. These two things, brethren, are in part kept back that they are not plainly manifest, in consequence of those who have incurred the displeasure of the Almighty.
When I contemplate upon all things that have been manifested, I am sensible that I ought not to murmur and do not murmur only in this, that those who are innocent are compelled to suffer for the iniquities of the guilty; and I cannot account for this, only on this wise, that the saying of the Savior has not been strictly observed: "If thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out and cast it from thee; or if thy right arm offend thee, cut it off and cast if from thee." Now the fact is, if any of the members of our body are disordered, the rest of our body will be effected with them, and then all is brought into bondage together, and yet, notwithstanding all this, it is with difficulty that I can restrain my feelings, when I know that you, my brethren, with whom I have had so many happy hours, sitting, as it were, in heavenly places in Christ Jesus; and also, having the witness which I feel, and ever have felt of the purity of your motives, are cast out, and are as strangers and pilgrims on the earth, exposed to hunger, cold, nakedness, peril, sword, &c.; I say when I contemplate this, it is with difficulty that I can keep from complaining and murmuring against this dispensation; but I am sensible that this is not right, and may God grant, that notwithstanding your great afflictions and sufferings, there may not anything separate us from the love of Christ.
Brethren, when we learn your suffering it awakens every sympathy of our hearts, it weighs us down; we cannot refrain from tears, yet, we are not able to realize, only in part, your sufferings: and I often hear the brethren saying, they wish they were with you, that they might bear a part of your sufferings: and I myself should have been with you, had not God prevented it in the order of his providence; that the yoke of affliction might be less grievous upon you; God having forewarned me, concerning these things, for your sakes; and also, Elder Cowdery could not have lightened your afflictions by tarrying longer with you, for his presence would have so much the more enraged your enemies; therefore, God hath dealt mercifully with us.
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O brethren, let us be thankful that it is as well with us as it is, and we are yet alive, that peradventure, God hath laid up in store, great good for us in this generation, and grant that we may yet glorify his name.
I feel thankful that there have no more denied the faith: I pray God in the name of Jesus that you all may be kept in the faith, unto the end: let your suffering be what they may, it is better in the eyes of God, that you should die, than that you should give up the land of Zion, the inheritances which you have purchased with your monies; for every man that giveth not up his inheritance, though he should die, yet, when the Lord shall come, he shall stand upon it, and with Job in his flesh he shall see God. Therefore, this is my counsel, that you retain your lands, even unto the uttermost, and seek every lawful means to seek redress of your enemies, &c. &c.; and pray to God, day and night, to return you in peace and in safety to the lands of your inheritance: and when the judge fails you, appeal unto the executive; and when the executive fails you, appeal unto the president; and when the president fails you, and all laws fail you, and the humanity of the people fails you, and all things else fail you but God alone, and you continue to weary him with your importunings, as the poor woman did the unjust judge, he will not fail to execute judgment upon your enemies, and to avenge his own elect that cry unto him day and night.
Behold he will not fail you! He will come with ten thousand of his saints, and all his adversaries shall be destroyed with the breath of his lips! all those who keep their inheritances, notwithstanding they should be beaten and driven, shall be likened unto the wise virgins who took oil in their lamps. But all those who are unbelieving and fearful, will be likened unto the foolish virgins, who took no oil in their lamps: and when they shall return and say unto the saints give us of your lands, behold there will be no room found for them. As respects giving deeds: I would advise you to give deeds as far as the brethren have legal and just claims for them, and then let every man answer to God for the disposal of them.
I would suggest some ideas to Elder Phelps, not knowing as they will be of any real benefit, but suggest them for consideration. I would be glad that he were here, but dare not advise, were it possible for him to come, not knowing what shall befal [befall] us, as we are under very heavy and serious threatenings from a great many people in this place.
But perhaps, the people in Liberty may feel willing, God having power to soften the hearts of all men, to have a press established there; and if not, in some other place; any place where it can be the most convenient, and it is possible to get to it; God will be willing to have it in any place where it can be established in safety. We must be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. Again, I desire that Elder Phelps would collect all the information, and give us a true history of the beginning and rise of Zion, her calamities, &c.
Now hear the prayer of your unworthy brother in the new and everlasting covenant: O my God! thou who hast called and chosen a few, through thy weak instrument, by commandment, and sent them to Missouri, a place which thou didst call Zion, and commanded thy servants to consecrate it unto thyself for a place of refuge and safety for the gathering of thy saints, to be built up a holy city unto thyself; and as thou hast said that no other place should be appointed like unto this; therefore, I ask thee, in the name of Jesus Christ, to return thy people unto their houses, and their inheritances, to enjoy the fruit of their labors; that all the waste places may be built up; that all the enemies of thy people, who will not repent and turn unto thee, be destroyed from off the face of the land; and let a house be built and established unto thy name; and let all the losses that thy people have sustained, be rewarded unto them, even more than four fold: that the borders of Zion be enlarged forever, and let her be established no more to be thrown down; and let all thy saints when they are scattered like sheep and are persecuted, flee unto Zion, and be established in the midst of her, and let her be organized according to thy law, and let this prayer ever be recorded before thy face; give thy Holy Spirit unto my brethren, unto whom I write; send thy angels to guard them, and deliver them from all evil; and when they turn their faces towards Zion, and bow down before thee and pray, may their sins never come up before thy face, neither have place in the book of thy remembrance, and may they depart from all their iniquities; provide food for them as thou doest for the ravens; provide clothing to cover their nakedness, and houses that they may dwell therein; give unto them friends in abundance, and let their names be recorded in the Lamb's book of life, eternally before thy face; Amen. Finally, brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all until his coming and kingdom; Amen.
JOSEPH SMITH, jr.
December 12th. An express arrived at Liberty, from Van Buren county, with information, that those families, which had fled from Jackson county, and located there, are about to be
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driven from that county, after building their houses, and carting their winter's store of provision, grain, &c., forty or fifty miles. Several families are already fleeing from thence. The contaminating influence of the Jackson county mob, is predominant in this new county of Van Buren, the whole population of which is estimated at about thirty or forty families. The destruction of crops, household furniture and clothing is very great, and much of their stock is lost. The main body of the church, is now in Clay county, where the people are as kind and accommodating as could reasonably be expected. The continued threats of death to individuals of the church, if they make their appearance in Jackson county, prevents the most of them, even at this day, from returning to that county, to secure personal property, which they were obliged to leave in their flight.
CONFERENCE MINUTES.
From the Millennial Star (England.)
GENERAL CONFERENCE.
SUNDAY MORNING.
This annual and most interesting meeting was held on the 6th of April, in the Hall of Science, Manchester. The day being favorable, a very large assembly congregated from the neighboring branches, who, together with the numerous delegates from different parts of the country, filled the commodious hall, and presented a very pleasing appearance.
The meeting being called to order at half past ten o'clock by Elder Milton Holmes, it was carried unanimously that Elder Wilford Woodruff preside, and that Elder William Walker, and Elder J. B. Meynell act as clerks of the conference.
The sixteenth hymn being sung, Elder Woodruff offered up prayer, when the first hymn was sung, after which the number of officers present was called for, when it appeared, of the presidency, Elder W. Woodruff, one of the Quorum of the Twelve, Counsellors [Counselors] Reuben Hedlock and Thomas Ward-high priests, eight-of the Quorum of the Seventies, five-elders, seventy-seven-priests, sixty-six-teachers, thirty-seven-deacons, seven.
Elder Woodruff having made some remarks to the delegates as to the order of representation, the delegates were called upon to make their respective statements.
Two hundred and forty-four branches, containing about ten thousand Saints, were represented: among whom were ten high priests, three hundred and ninety elders, six hundred and fifteen priests, three hundred and eleven teachers, and one hundred and sixty-four deacons: one thousand nine hundred and ten had been baptized since the October conference.
The meeting being closed by singing and prayer, adjourned until the afternoon.
AFTERNOON SERVICE.
Meeting opened by singing the 142nd hymn, after which Elder Ward engaged in prayer.-The sacrament was then administered by Elder J. D. Ross.
Elder Ward made a few remarks upon the necessity of attending upon the ordinance of the Lord's supper
Elder Hedlock then spoke on the purpose of a general conference, and the necessity of unity of feeling and action, and of order in the conferences, remarking that branches raised up since last conference cannot form themselves into conferences without the decision of a general conference, and persons seeking to render themselves independent of those who were appointed by the last general conference are out of order, and violating the laws of the kingdom of God. He remarked that the presiding elders of branches should be associated with the officers of those branches in doing all things in righteousness for rolling onward the kingdom of God; and also, that the presidents of conferences should be united with the presiding officers of branches in the same great cause. Thus should all be united in the great purpose in which they were engaged, viz., the salvation of the human family. The occasional offences [offenses] that arise from individuals whose minds are too contracted to grasp the sublimity of the subject of salvation, we should learn to endure, and exercise forgiveness rather than raise an obstacle against the progress of the work. He exhorted the audience to exert themselves to live as saints to day, and if such was their continued purpose, they would not err very far from the path of rectitude.
The president then called for the delegates to represent the condition and standing of the conferences.
Elder Milton Holmes stated the Manchester conference to be in a very good condition; the prospects, indeed, were very cheering, perhaps more so than at any other period, and every thing seemed to foretell the reaping of a rich harvest. He exhorted the saints to listen to the counsel given, and bore a strong testimony to the truth of the work.
Elder Leonard Hardy stated that he had not long been connected with the Preston conference, but the prospects to the best of his knowledge were much improved. The officers in council were united, and there was a probability
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of some being baptized. He also bore testimony to the truth, and prayed for the success of the work.
Elder Elisha H. Davis rose to state the condition of the London conference, which he said was very satisfactory at the present time. They had witnessed the gradual increase of the church, and of very respectable people of the congregations that were seeking after the truth. The officers were but few, but they were doing good, and though the saints themselves were generally speaking but poor, yet they were determined to press forward and be united in the work of the Lord. The spirit of the gathering was very powerful among them, many had already left for Zion, and many more were anxious to go. The meetings were well attended, and some were baptized weekly. He requested an interest in the prayers of the saints, that he might be endued with wisdom and prudence; the enemies were on the alert to detect, if possible, any thing that might be thought a false step, and without the prayers and faith of the saints, he felt quite incompetent for the task devolving upon him.
Elder Galley stated that the Macclesfield conference, from the past year's experience, was much improved, and never had the spirit of God given stronger testimony of the truth than these last three months. The officers were united in desiring the glory of God. He further stated that the conference was extensive as regarded the distances of places, and that his circumstances in business did not allow him to pay that attention to it which it required, that other laborers were much wanted, and he requested that some travelling [traveling] elder or high priest might be sent amongst them.
Elder Robert Crook rose to report the condition of the Birmingham conference, and we rejoiced much to see our aged brother manifesting almost the agility of youth. He stated that he rejoiced much to see the saints by whom he was surrounded, and he rejoiced also at the condition in which he had left his conference, their councils were in peace-unity and love prevailed amongst them. He also rejoiced much in the late visit of Elder J. B. Meynell, and thanked God for his visit, and he was very sorry that he was leaving England, for he knew they were of one heart and one mind. He exhorted his brethren to be loyal subjects of the realm, stating that he prayed for Her Majesty the Queen three times a day, until the magistrates themselves declared him to be a most loyal subject. He also stated that the Derbyshire conference was in good condition at present, but much in need of some active laborer.
Elder George Simpson stated that there was not that union in the Staffordshire conference which was necessary for the well-being of the church, he hoped they would take his conference into consideration, and that measures might be taken for their assistance.
Elder John Banks stated that he had not had much time to become acquainted with the Edinburgh conference, having only been there about three weeks. Edinburgh was a splendid city, the seat of much wisdom and learning, and it would require much wisdom and prudence to be exercised; but considering all circumstances, he trusted that the coming year would yield them a rich harvest.
Elder Richard Blakey stated that the Garway conference had many difficulties to contend with, but still it was in a better condition than he had known it before. He should wish to call the attention to this conference, as he was at present under the necessity of retiring from his labors in the vineyard, in order to assist an aged father, whose growing infirmities called for his help.
Elder James Houston stated that the branches in the Glasgow conference were in a very prosperous condition, full of union and love in their counsels; Lanerk, where he had been laboring, numbered sixty-four in about six months; he was sorry that he was not better able to represent the whole conference, as its general condition was most satisfactory and encouraging.
Elder James Ure briefly stated that the Sheffield conference was in a very cheering condition.
Elder E. F. Sheets remarked that the Bradford conference at his first visit rather alarmed him, but he thought he could now state that it was in very good order, and he knew not of a dissenting voice in the whole of the three branches of Bradford, Idle, and Leeds; more laborers were wanted, and he anticipated much good would be the result.
Elder Thomas Smith said in reference to the Worcestershire conference, that in its present condition, love and union were prevailing through the whole, with the exception of one case of difficulty, which would come before the meeting. Brother Meynell had been visiting them and they had an excellent time.-The conference spread over an extensive country, and it was their intention to labor indefatigably in the coming season.
The meeting then adjourned until evening.
EVENING SERVICE.
The service opened by singing. Prayer by Elder Hedlock, when the representation of the condition of the conferences was resumed.
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Elder Stratton stated that generally speaking the branches were in a prosperous condition, that four new branches had been organized these last few months. The Isle of Man branches were in a much better state, united, and the prospects were good.
Elder Speakman stated that the Clitheroe conference was in good standing, peace and unity, and every good grace was to be found amongst them, none could be more inclined to adhere to counsel. They were a people that were full of humility, which had caused him much to rejoice; they were also ever ready to assist in rolling forward the kingdom of God, and they only need to be told their duty in order to do it.
Elder John Johnson said he had not been in the habit of speaking before so large and respectable a congregation, but rather in the regions of darkness, and amongst the blacks of the coalpit. He was, however, glad to say that though Cheltenham had, as it were, been torn up by the roots by persons who had never been sent there, yet he rejoiced to say that now the people were willing to listen to counsel, and the spirit of love and union was in their midst, indeed their condition was better than it had been for three years, and there was a great work to do.
Elder Robert Martin said that the members in the Bedforshire conference, with very few exceptions, were saints indeed, many of them were of long standing. A good foundation had been laid, and the difficulties that had for a considerable time troubled the churches were removed, and the principles are now much inquired after, and he felt assured that with wisdom and prudence much might be done, especially if more laborers were employed.
Elder Thomas Margetts stated that the Leicestershire conference was not in so good a condition as he could wish to see it. The experience of the last six months had been very trying, but after all profitable. When an aspiring spirit arises, it is calculated to do much mischief; it had been so there, but the results he had no doubt would be beneficial; but notwithstanding all things, the prospects were still better than ever, and their congregations were crowded to excess. He earnestly requested a visit from some of the presidency as early as possible.
Elder Thomas Smith stated that the Bath conference was in good standing, union and love prevailed in their midst, the gifts and blessings of the spirit of God were abundant, the councils were conducted in peace and love, and the prospects were very encouraging.
Elder William Walker remarked in reference to Hull, that when he was sent there, he could not in his address say brethren and sisters, for there was but one sister there. He continued his labors by preaching at the dock side to hundreds of people, but apparently in vain. He was at times almost in despair, but nevertheless he received encouragement from the word of God, and continued his labors.-He remarked also that the books of the church had been a great instrumentality in propagating the work in that neighborhood.-The prospects were now encouraging, and the minds of the people were in some measure turned to the contemplation of the principles of truth.
Elder Dan Jones, from Wales, rose, under an attack of the fever and ague, and remarked that he believed it was the intention of the evil one to prevent him speaking that evening, but he was determined to bear his testimony in spite of every opposing power. He said that he came not in the character of a delegate: he represented no conference; for if he had but baptized one, he should be able to represent three. But he would speak of a nation renowned in history, one of the most ancient nations of the earth, who had never been subdued, and to whom he hoped to be instrumental in bearing the tidings of the work of God, in the last days. He enlarged on the characteristics of his people in a manner, and with an eloquence, that told how ardently he loved his native tribe and his father-land. He remarked that, for many years, as a mariner, he had been in search of the principles of truth-he had sought it in almost every clime-among the red of the woods, or the civilized denizens of the city, but he had found it not until he came in contact with the followers of the prophet of the Lord, the notorious Joseph Smith; but of that despised individual he would bear at home among a tribe of Indians, or on the deck of a ship, than upon that platform and before such an audience, yet he would not flinch from bearing a faithful testimony to the character of the servant of the Lord. He had been with him in the domestic circle, he had been with him in peril and in prison, and only left him about an hour before the murderous deed of his assassination was perpetrated; and he had now come in obedience to the counsel of the martyred prophet, as a messenger to his native land, to bear testimony of the work for which his brother had died, and which he had sealed with his blood. [We would here remark that we are utterly incapable of doing anything like justice to the address of Captain Jones, for though delivered while struggling with disease,
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such was its effect upon ourselves, and we also believe upon others, that we ceased to write, in order to give way to the effect produced upon our feelings.]
Elder William Henshaw stated that Merthyr Tydvill conference was in a prosperous condition. Two years ago he first went and met with much opposition; but some became obedient to the gospel, and the signs followed the believers; gifts, blessings, and visions were in their midst, and the saints were rejoicing in the fulness [fullness] of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Elder Wilford Woodruff then rose to represent his conference, to which he had pledged himself at an early part of the day. He said that he represented about twenty-eight states of the American Union, above one hundred thousand saints, a quorum of twelve apostles, the various quorums in the stakes of Zion, fifteen quorums of the seventies, a conference with two temples of the Lord, one long ago completed, and one fast hastening to its completion. After enumerating many other things, which, from the rapidity of his utterance, we failed to note, he remarked that the condition of the churches in America was more encouraging than at any former period in the history of the church. The saints were more universally of one heart and one mind, and the spirit of Elijah's God was in their midst. He then addressed himself to the elders and officers by whom he was surrounded, exhorting them in all cases to abide by the laws of the land, and, that no man, by keeping the laws of the kingdom of God, need violate the laws of the realm: that no one who infringed upon those laws in any manner would be sustained by the authorities of the church. We had nothing to do with the laws but to keep them. He further remarked that elders, generally, raised up churches like unto themselves, and therefore it behoved [behooved] them to be an example to their flocks in all things that were holy and righteous. The kingdom of God was a kingdom of order, and a spirit or order ought to characterise [characterize] every branch of the church. He rejoiced much in assembling with them that day, and in meeting such a vast concourse of brethren and sisters as greeted his eyes that day: he rejoiced also to find things throughout the land in so good a condition as they were. He further exhorted the saints not to be discouraged by their trials, but to contemplate the course of the Savior, from the manger to the cross; he sought not for peace and popularity, but for the salvation of men. It was no sign, because men were poor that they could not be useful and successful in propagating the principles of truth: let us but remember from whence our power comes, and forget not, what Elder Ward often endeavors to teach us, that union is strength, that the grand secret of our success lies in being of one heart and of one mind; but, that on the contrary, division stops all blessings, and closes the heavens against us. Yes, he would say, the heavens were full of blessing for the saints, but union and peace amongst us could alone call them down upon us. He would, therefore, call upon them, for God's sake, to be united in all things pertaining to the rolling onward of the kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The meeting was then closed with singing and prayer, and adjourned until the next morning, to assemble in the large room in Bridge-street, at ten o'clock.
MONDAY MORNING.
The meeting being opened by singing and prayer, Elder Woodruff proceeded to speak on the great principles that should actuate the servants of the Lord, exhorting them to lay aside all principles of selfishness, and act according to counsel. To labor for the good of all, acting as one man before the Lord, in order to do the best for the welfare of the kingdom of God.
Elder Hedlock spoke on the condition of the church in Nauvoo, how they had suffered from time to time from unrighteous men getting into their society, who had lost sight of the great principles of the kingdom of God,-and who sought only to aggrandize themselves at the expense of the entire community. Individuals had been amongst them at an early period, who had made extensive purchases of land, which had been enhanced in value by the gathering of the saints, and thus they had taken an advantage of the people by disposing of their purchases at an exorbitant rate of profit. They had also had to suffer from various repeated law suits that had impoverished their resources, that otherwise might have been employed in providing labor for the poor. He had looked at their situation, and he felt anxious for the adoption of some plan that might mutually benefit all. He was desirous of preventing the spirit of monopoly from entering into their midst, and while he now contemplated as it were the energies of the people being thrown away amongst their enemies, he wished to adopt such means as should preserve amongst themselves the combined industry of the saints for the good of all. He then stated his views of the object to be accomplished, and the benefit arising from the proposed scheme of a joint stock company, that should unite the efforts of the saints on both sides of the water for the good of all. He stated that the shareholders
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would be benefited by the adoption of such a plan, inasmuch as the capital so employed, by judicious management, would in a few years double its capital. He further remarked that there must be a channel of communication between the saints on both sides the Atlantic for the mutual benefit of all. He further remarked that there was a variety of means by which these ends might be accomplished, by procuring freight for ships, by procuring provisions for emigration from our brethren in the west, which, placed in bond in this country, would be a great advantage in the supply of sea stores to those that emigrated. He wanted also agents in all parts of the country to assist in the business of emigration, by posting our bills when we had ships in hand, and by procuring passengers, which would afford a fair remuneration for labor on business-like principles. All that we wanted was men of business to enter into this work, which must ultimately work for the good of all.
Elder Ward then remarked that the great point before the meeting was, whether the scheme announced in the last MILLENNIAL STAR to the conferences was to be adopted or not.
It was then unanimously voted that such a plan or association as that proposed should be adopted.
It was then unanimously voted that Brothers Wilson, Caruthers, McEwan, Brown, Clark, Milnes, Mason, Banks, Johnson, and Flint, resolve themselves into a committee to draw up resolutions, to be examined and discussed by the conference, and that they retire into the adjoining room for that purpose.
The brethren of the committee having retired, Elder Woodruff called the attention of the conference to the various business lying before them in relation to the churches.
Elder Woodruff first called for those brethren who were so situated as to give themselves up to the ministry, when there arose Elders J. D. Ross, James Ure, Glaud Roger, E. H. Webb, James Houston, Robert Crook, George Slater, Thos. Margetts, E. H. Davis, John Allen, J. A. Stratton, E. F. Sheets, William Walker, C. Miller, Milton Holmes, Leonard Hardy, Geo. Eyre, William Speakman, Thos. Day, Henry Cuerden, G. P. Waugh, Dan Jones, William Henshaw, William Allen, Thomas Smith, (of Worcester,) Thomas Smith, (of Bath,) Philip Westwood, Charles Phelps, Hiram Clark, John Banks, John Johnson. The three last named were added, though the brethren had retired on committee.
The case then arose, before alluded to, in reference to the Worcestershire conference, which led to a variety of excellent teaching in reference to elders or others interfering in the settlement of difficulties where they were not sent. The adjustment of difficulties and the right of sitting in judgment belonging in an especial manner to the high priesthood, unless elders received a special commission for that purpose.
It was then carried that the church in Coventry continue under the control of the Worcestershire conference.
The meeting being closed by prayer, adjourned until two P. M.
AFTERNOON SERVICE.
The service being opened as usual, Elder Ward rose to make some remarks on the responsibility of all connected with the kingdom of God. As individual members of the church we were by no means exempt from this, inasmuch as it was every man and woman's duty to warn their neighbor. And as we received any portion of the authority of the holy priesthood, that responsibility increased, and he would assure the meeting that the presidency in this land justly estimated the importance of the position they occupied, and were well aware that they were answerable to God for whatever measures they adopted in connexion [connection] with their superintendence of this portion of his vineyard; and as they had no individual or party feelings, the saints might rest assured that all measures which they might seek to carry, would be with a single eye to the glory of God.
Elder Hedlock then followed on the same principles.
The condition of the Macclesfield conference was then laid before the meeting, when it was carried unanimously that Elder William Walker (late of Hull) go and labor there, under the presidency of Elder James Galley.
Elder Robert Crook having stated the necessity of some young active laborer being sent into the Derbyshire conference, it was carried that Elder George Slater, late of Nauvoo, take the presidency there, recommending him to avail himself, as need might be, of the council of Elder Crook.
Staffordshire conference being next considered, it was carried that Elder Hiram Clark take the presidency for the time being.
Garway conference wanting a president, by the retirement of Elder Richard Blakey, Elder William Allen was unanimously voted to take the presidency thereof.
The condition of the Mars Hill conference being brought forward, it was carried that Elder E. F. Sheets (late of Bradford,) preside over the same.
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It was then carried by the meeting that Elder Glaud Roger preside over the Bradford conference, in the room of Brother Sheets.
It was next unanimously voted that Elder John Allen take the presidency over the Carlisle conference.
It was also voted that Elder Robert Martin preside over the Bedfordshire [Bedforshire] conference, where he has been lately laboring.
It was then unanimously carried, that Hull be organized into a conference, and that Elder Henry Cuerden preside over the same.
It was then, with considerable good humor, unanimously voted that Elder Dan Jones, form and preside over Wrexham conference, consisting at present only of himself and wife.-Some present wished to make Elder Jones a present of some branches in the neighborhood to begin with, but the feeling of the meeting was that he should build upon no other foundation than that which he had already got.-Elder Jones made some interesting remarks on his position, and of his anxiety to preach the gospel to his countrymen in their native tongue, requesting an interest in the faith and prayers of the saints for his success,-when Elder Ward arose, and called upon the meeting, if they felt disposed to uphold Brother Jones in his position, to signify it by a hearty Amen! which was most heartily responded to.
It was then voted that Elder G. P. Waugh labor under the direction of Elder John Banks, in the Edinburgh conference.
It was then voted that the branches of Louth, Taleby, and Wapload, be annexed to the Hull conference, under the presidency of Elder Henry Cuerden.
Voted also that Paul Harrison be ordained an elder and go to labor in Ireland.
Voted that Doncaster be appended to the Sheffield conference.
Voted the Newhall branch be annexed to the Sheffield conference.
Voted the Kidderminster be annexed to the Worcestershire conference.
It was then unanimously carried that Elder James Houston's appointment to labor in Lanark receive the sanction of the conference.
The meeting which continued to a late hour, without interruption, then adjourned until Tuesday morning.
TUESDAY.
The meeting being opened by singing and prayer.
Elder Webb was then called upon by the president to state the conditions of the branches in his field of labor, viz: Chalford, Hill, Avening, Tetbury, Kingswood, Cam, and Nimphsfield.
It was then carried unanimously, that the before mentioned branches be organized into a conference, and that Elder E. H. Webb preside over the same.
It was then voted that Bath be organized into a conference, to be called the Somersetshire conference.
It was then voted that Elder George Robins go to labor in the Hull conference, under the presidency of Elder Henry Cuerden.
Elder John Johnson, president of the Cheltenham conference, being absent on the committee, Elder Phelps was called upon to lay the circumstances of the conference before the meeting, in relation to a lawsuit now pending. It appeared that the saints had been subject to intterruption [interruption] in their meetings of the most outrageous and disgraceful character, notwithstanding they met in a place regularly certified; that being obliged to have recourse to law in their own defence [defense], they had been, and expected to be still more, involved in expenses, which without assistance they were not able to meet, Elder Woodruff remarked, that circumstances like those in the Cheltenham conference might be the lot of any other, and that it behooved us to sympathise [sympathize] with our brethren, and render them what assistance we could.
It was then unanimously resolved, that the presidents of conferences lay the case before the churches, and that the saints be exhorted to render what assistance they can, forwarding the same to Liverpool as early as possible, to be remitted to Elder Johnson.
Elder Ward made some remarks on conformity to the laws of the land, exhorting the brethren never to resort to physical force when oppressed by their enemies, inasmuch as there was abundant protection in the laws, when justly administered. He requested the brethren, that when they had acted according to principles of righteousness, and the laws of the land, in all things, and yet could not get protection or redress from the magistrates, that they would send him the addresses of such persons, and he would adopt measures to teach them their duty. He had been under the necessity of writing to two magistrates, and it behoved [behooved] all the servants of the Lord to become, as much as possible, acquainted with the laws of the land.
The Committee of the Joint Stock Company then making their entrance, it was carried unanimously, that the articles which had been drawn up by the Committee be read before the meeting, consecutively, and afterwards item by item, to be discussed by the conference.
After the reading of the articles,
Elder Ward rose, in the fist place, to move a
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vote of thanks to the brethren of the committee for their very arduous labor, in the production of the articles which had now been read, and which had occupied the committee some sixteen hours. This vote was most heartily and unanimously carried.
Elder Thomas Wilson, president of the committee, then returned thanks.
Elder Hedlock rose to express his gratification at the result of the committee, so far, and as he had been the first to suggest the plan, he felt much to rejoice at the prospect of its ultimate success.
It was then voted that Brother Brown read the articles one by one for the consideration of the conference.
AFTERNOON SERVICE.
The service being opened as usual, the following articles were for the time being agreed upon. We shall not here present the remarks made upon each as it passed, but merely quote each article as it was decided upon.
1. That this Joint Stock Company be called "The Mutual Benefit Association."
2. That it shall have for its objects the establishing of those branches of manufacture in America, which will be most beneficial, and return to the stockholders the greatest amount of profit, requiring at the same time the least amount of capital in erecting and carrying on its operations.
3. That this association shall bring over food and provision from America, that the members may have abundance of those things both cheap and good, at a price considerably beneath that at which such provision are usually supplied, that thus a saving far exceeding the weekly payment for one share shall be effected.
4. That its capital shall consist of not less than thirty thousand pounds, divided into sixty thousand shares of ten shillings each: that a deposit of one shilling per share shall be paid within two months from the date hereof, or within one month from the date of the application for shares at any future period; the remainder to be paid in equal parts, weekly or monthly, during the following eighteen months.
5. That each shareholder, shall have one vote, and one only, in all matters connected with the business of the Mutual Benefit Association.
6. That a committee of fifteen directors shall be chosen to manage the affairs of this association; that every male shareholder, aged twenty-five years, shall be eligible to become a director. That this committee have full power to manage the affairs of this society. That they be appointed for twelve months; that four retire annually by ballot, and another be chosen in the same manner to fill up the vacancy.
7. That each district shall have a committee of management consisting of a President, Secretary, Treasurer, and four members, who shall have the power to organize every branch in a similar manner by the general voice of the said district.
8. That the annual meeting shall be the time for transacting the business of this association, viz: on or after the 6th of April in each year, and that the expenses of each delegate be paid out of the general fund.
9. That the collections of shares shall be made weekly or monthly as may be convenient for each district, and that these instalments [installments] shall be paid to the treasurer thereof, he giving a printed receipt to each member: that these check-books shall be sent to the general committee on or before each annual meeting, and that a minute-book be properly kept and signed by the officers of every said district, which shall be returned at the same time, and that for the sake of uniformity, these books be provided by the directors out of the funds.
10. That the cash paid by members, on account of their shares, shall be remitted by the treasurer of each district to the treasurer of the Committee of Directors, on the first Wednesday of every month, in Post-office orders or Bank of England seven days' post-bills according to the amount.
11. That the treasurer of each district see that he receive a printed receipt for each monthly payment, signed by the three chief directors or managers at Liverpool, viz: the president and the two trustees or cash-keepers hereinafter mentioned.
12. That the said cash orders shall be paid and remitted in the names of these three chief officers, whose names must be endorsed by them on the same, before they can be cashed.
13. That all the monies belonging to this society shall be kept in some bank, chosen by the directors in Liverpool, in the name of the said three principal directors or trustees for this association, whose united signatures shall be attached to every document for deposits, or drafts, or receipts: and that the petty cash be kept in a safe, in the said company's office, under two keys, one kept by each of the said trustees hereinafter named.
14. That every member shall have the liberty of selling his or her share to other members; that any shareholder may increase his or her share at any time by paying the amount paid up, and any bonus that may have been declared or added on the same; and that should the amount of shares demanded exceed sixty thousand,
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at the next annual conference sixty thousand more may be granted.
15. That all machinery requisite for factories and other implements, shall be procured among the members if possible, and that payment for these shall be taken in shares where practicable, and that the wants of the shareholders shall first be supplied out of any stores belonging to the society, at a small remunerating profit, others buying, to pay the market price.
16. That no money shall be returned to the shareholders, until the end of five years, and if at the annual meeting, then to be held, a majority of the members or their delegates shall see proper, and resolve that the business of this association can be carried on solely with the accumulated profit, then they may order that the amount of shares paid up, shall be repaid to the stockholders, or if otherwise that the business shall be carried on for other five years, with the original capital and profit thereon, paying a dividend to the shareholders, at the rate of not less than ten per cent, per annum.
17. That this association be legally constituted, viz: by Deed of Partnership, Enrolment [Enrollment] in Chancery, or Act of Parliament in Great Britain, and by Congress Act, or Registration in America, as the Committee of Directors shall see proper.
18. That the directors shall be empowered to find offices, clerks, &c., at the expense of the association.
19. That five per cent, and no more, on all business done be reserved to cover these and other office expenses.
20. That two directors, viz: Thomas Ward, President, and Thomas Wilson, Secretary, sue and be sued in their own names on behalf of this association, and be supported and indemnified therein from the funds of the same.
21. That the business of this association be allowed to have commenced on the 7th of April, 1845.
22. That the sale and transfer of shares be recognized by the directors, who shall determine the form thereof.
23. That if any shareholders neglect to pay their monthly instalments [installments] due, one penny per month of fine shall be imposed, and if they neglect to pay the instalments [installments] for six months, the amount paid shall be forfeited, and added to the stock, but that they be warned in writing, at least fourteen days before the expiration of the said six months, under the hand of the secretary of the district.
24. That the names, places of abode, and number of shares of each proprietor be entered in the shareholders' register.
25. That these shares be considered personal property, and as such may be devised and disposed of.
26. That two-thirds of the fifteen directors may remit forfeitures, and have a discretionary power to act in all matters not herein provided for, as they shall deem best for the welfare of the association; distinctly recording these and all their other acts in minutes to be laid before the annual meeting of proprietors or delegates.
27. That the directors books be balanced every six months, and a balance sheet containing all the particulars of business be at the said annual meeting submitted, audited, and passed if approved of by the shareholders or their delegates, an abstract of which may be published if ordered at the said annual meeting.
28. That the directors appoint their own chairman and deputy chairman from time to time as need may be, and upon the disease of any director, they vote another into his place until the next annual meeting.
29. That the directors if necessary may appoint committees, delegates, and agents, to assist in promoting the welfare of the association.
30. That these directors may purchase and sell shares, and be the general brokers of this society, and in any of all cases of dispute, be empowered to refer matters to arbitration, one arbiter being appointed by each aggrieved party, and the two so named to appoint a third, before entering on the reference,-their award in writing to be final.
31. That letters of attorney, and other legal documents not herein named, be executed in the names of the directors aforesaid, appointed to sue and be sued in all legal matters connected herewith.
32. That directors may resign, and others be appointed, as in case of death aforesaid.
33. That two-thirds of the directors have power to remove any directors for conduct prejudicial to this company, their places being supplied within ten days as aforesaid, until the general annual meeting of shareholders or delegates.
34. That notices of general meetings be sent through the post fourteen days before these be held; that the weekly and monthly meetings be convened, as the committee and directors shall see fit.
35. That the obligations of shareholders on transfer or forfeiture of their shares shall cease, and that the person in whose name they shall be registered be considered the real owner; all transfers to be duly registered, and the husband of any female proprietor must become a proprietor by sale or transfer as aforesaid, and by the approbation of two thirds of the directors or
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committee, and that all matters of dispute in districts which cannot be settled there, be submitted in writing, signed by the three principal members of these committees to the directors, whose decision shall be binding on the said district until the next annual meeting, where all matters may be regulated and set in order.
36. That all securities or investments be in the name of the president and the two trustees hereinafter named, subject to the control of the majority of directors, and the voice of the delegates at their general or annual meeting.
37. That the company may be dissolved or business stopped and disposed of, on the fourth of the paid up capital being lost, by the vote of two-thirds of the directors and a majority of the shareholders or delegates present at and voting in two successive meetings.
38. That the language of these articles be understood in the plain and common acceptation [acceptance] of the terms thereof, and that if any doubt or dispute arise as to the meaning of any sentence, article or rule, the same be explained and decided by two thirds of the directors and delegates; and that these articles may be altered and amended at the annual meetings of the shareholders, by the voice and votes of two thirds of the whole of the said shareholders or delegates.
39. That the freight of goods from Liverpool sold to any of the shareholders in Britain, be paid out of the general fund.
40. That bond or bonds be given by the cash-keepers as security for stock.
41. That the said two key-holders, trustees, or cash-keepers give approved bond, jointly or severally, for three hundred pounds: and that this be increased annually, according to the increase of stock, and as the stockholders or their delegates may require.
42. That the following fifteen shareholders act as directors of this association, viz: Reuben Hedlock, Thomas Ward, Thomas Dunlop Brown, Peter McCue, Matthew Caruthers, Thomas Wilson, Hiram Clark, James Flint, Dan Jones, Henry McEwan, Henry Crump, John Druce, Isaac Brockbank, Robert Wiley, and John James.
43. That seven of these form the ordinary directors resident in Liverpool who shall be empowered to act with a trading capital of three hundred pounds of the stock, as they shall see best for the welfare of the association, but that no investment beyond this, at any time, shall be made without the consent and vote of two-thirds of all the directors, either in writing or by vote given in person.
44. That these seven form the quorum of ordinary directors, viz: Reuben Hedlock, Thomas Ward, Thomas Dunlop Brown, Thomas Wilson, Isaac Brockbank, Robert Wiley, and John James.
45. That Thomas Ward act as president and corresponding secretary of the said directors-That Thomas Wilson act as secretary and bookkeeper of this association. That Reuben Hedlock and Thomas Dunlop Brown act as trustees and cash keepers for the same, the said trustees giving bond as aforesaid.
TIMES AND SEASONS.
CITY OF NAUVOO,
JUNE 15, 1845.
TO THE SAINTS.
'To do good and communicate,' was an injunction of one of the old apostles, not to be forgotten: we, therefore, feel free to say to the saints in Nauvoo, and elsewhere, to do likewise: our prospects were never, since God, the father of our Lord Jesus Christ, called Joseph Smith to be a prophet, seer, and revelator, and to establish a church for the salvation, redemption, and gathering of Israel in the last days, and to "prune his vineyard for the last time, with a mighty pruning," more flattering. The work of the temple is progressing as fast as it can; heaven smiles propitiously upon the earth, and plenty, the most direct index to industry, looks a united people in the face with an assurance as certain as if the Lord spoke himself in an audible voice: I bless my people when they hearken unto my counsel and keep my commandments.
The wicked having fled when no man pursued them, we have peace. While fire after fire is devouring the wealth of the world, and calamity and ungodly men, are wasting life with a continual stroke, we have prosperity and health, and with a gratitude, unspeakable, we thank our Father in heaven who hath given us the kingdom and victory, through the worthy name of Jesus Christ.
Brethren! be of one heart, be of one mind, be cheerful, be faithful, be one, and he who clothes the forest with leaves, and paints the flowers of the field, with indescribable beauty, will not withhold any good thing from his people.
MYSTERY.
BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.-As there is such a vast difference of opinion concerning
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all the prevailing religions of the day, we have thought that a few ideas of our own, and a few extracts of what some of the sects think of themselves, might throw some light upon the dark subject. Our caption is a description of what one of the seven angels showed to John the Revelator, and in all reason and wisdom, is about as near the truth, as to the name of all the religions, which have agitated and devastated the earth since Nimrod commenced the system of climbing up to heaven some other way, as any that can be found, except the pure.
There are many very peculiar sayings about Babel, Babylon, the beast, mother of harlots, and abominations upon the earth, which, when rightly understood by the Saints, according to revelation, means the church, or kingdom of the devil: for revelation saith there are but two: the church of God and the church of Satan. How shall we discern between the two?-"By their fruits ye shall know them, Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?"
To commence the matter fairly, then, we will let John tell the story. He says,
"And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, come hither; I will show unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters;
With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication.
So he carried me away in the spirit into the wiiderness [wilderness]: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet-colored beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.
And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet color, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication.
And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.
And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration.
And the angel said unto me, wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carrieth her, which hath the seven heads and ten horns.
The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, (whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world,) when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is."
It will readily be perceived in the foregoing extract, that John had no more reference to the Roman Catholic, and Protestant churches, who had a form of godliness, denying the power, than he had to all Babylon from Nimrod down. The old woman, Satan's wife, was "drunken with the blood of the Saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus" and the account actually includes all, whose "names were not written in the book of life, from the foundation of the world."
They, then, that killed the Saints in Egypt; they that tormented Israel; cast them into the fire of the furnace; into lion's dens, and boiled them in pans, are included in what John saw. Besides the plainness of this scripture, other prophets have said many things of Babylon: Isaiah holds this remarkable language:
"That thou shalt take up this proverb against the king of Babylon, and say, How hath the oppressor ceased! the golden city ceased!
The Lord hath broken the staff of the wicked, and the sceptre [scepter] of the rulers.
He who smote the people in wrath with a continual stroke, he that ruled the nations in anger, is persecuted, and none hindereth.
For I will rise up against them, saith the Lord of hosts, and cut off from Babylon the name, and remnant, and son, and nephew, saith the Lord.
I will also make it a possession for the bittern, and pools of water: and I will sweep it with the besom of destruction, saith the Lord of hosts."
Again we read in Jeremiah that, "Babylon hath been a golden cup in the Lord's hand, that made all the earth drunken: the nations have drunken of her wine; therefore the nations are mad."
Babylon, literally understood, is the gay world; spiritual wickedness, the golden city, and the glory of the world, The priests of Egypt, who received a portion gratis from Pharaoh; the priests of Baal, and the Pharisees, and Sadducees, with their "long robes," among the Jews, are equally included in their mother's family, with the Roman Catholics, Protestants, and all that have not had the keys of the kingdom and power thereof, according to the ordinances of God.
In all these things there is, according to what John saw, "mystery." Among the various denominations, that have endeavored to guide the destinies of souls on earth, many, very many, gracious men, with seeming goodness have filled the pulpit with solemn awe;
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but alas! were they prophets and apostles?-They lacked the all important "thus saith the Lord."
To bring this matter right before the people, let us quote the following from a foreign journal.
THE NEW RELIGIOUS MOVEMENTS IN GERMANY.
A new religious movement has started in Germany, which, taken in consideration with the philosophical and philanthropic movements of the age, and arising in the midst of these movements, may lead to important results.
Last August in the cathedral of Treves, the tunic of Christ was shown, and its sight and touch, it was declared, would heal the sick and perform various miracles. Tens of thousands flocked to see, and once more in the middle of the nineteenth century, amidst populations enlightened by the positive sciences, a childish scene of the middle ages was enacted over again, but enacted unfortunately not by children, but by beings full of the perversity of perverted, fanatical and superstitious manhood. This scene excited the indignation of many honest and devoted hearts, and at length a Catholic priest by the name of Ronge protested openly and powerfully against this act of the Church of Rome, and called upon his countrymen, who rejected these acts and scenes of a by-gone age, to unite with him in the condemnation, and to form a German Catholic Church. This proposition met a deep and wide response, and this movement, undertaken by an obscure individual in the Catholic hierarchy, has in a few months awakened among the Germans a new series of religious discussions, and a new spirit. Political questions have been put aside by the press, and the most important political events give way to the interest excited by this new religious movement.
A strange fact is to be remarked in this new movement. While the enlightened Catholics of Germany sustain and encourage this religious reform, it is attacked with violence by the Pietists, who are the strictly orthodox Protestants, and who correspond to the Presbyterians and Methodists, &c. of this country. The reason of this is that while Ronge has protested against what he conceived abuses in the Roman Catholic Church, he has also protested against the whole policy of these religionists, who would make of religion a means of government, of personal interest, of the maintenance of what now exists, with all that is false and anti-christian in it, for the benefit of those who are now in place and power. Protestantism is far more closely connected with government in Germany than in this country, and hence the selfishly conservative spirit reigns in it as it does in its opponent, the Church of Rome.
The truth is, that the new religious movement of Ronge is political and social in its nature, as well as religious, borrowing a part of its ideas from Fourier and Owen. The idea of a better practical state of things on this earth, to be produced by Christian charity and philanthropy, by those grand doctrines of fraternity, justice, equality, and brotherhood, given to the world by Christ, could not have failed to enter into a movement of this kind, because that idea is now living every where in society, and has obtained a positive existence in the world. Ronge, with his idea of a Universal Church, which shall unite all classes of society, connecting the rich and the poor in the name of Christian charity, and establishing a brotherhood in the place of the war of castes and clans, of the privileged and the oppressed, is a political and social, as well as a religious reformer; and this has aroused against him those who would maintain privilege, usurpation and injustice in the world, whether Protestant or Catholic.
In his last manifesto, addressed to the secondary clergy, Ronge says:-
"The mission of the Universal Catholic Church was to realize the brotherhood of the whole human race, to harmonize the most heterogeneous elements, to fill up and bridge over all glaring social inequalities. She has failed in this sublime object, by her hypocrisy, her Jesuitism, and her selfishness. She has even corrupted the divine source from which she emanated. She it is who has caused the civil wars of the past and present times; and in testimony, look at the present state of Switzerland. She it is who disunites society, and divides it into classes, of the rich and poor, the wise and ignorant, the privileged and the subjugated. Her hour has come. It is time to enter into the divine domain of light, of truth, of love, which is the only and true 'kingdom of Christ.'"
This view of Ronge, attributing to Catholicism, the disunion of society and an up-building of privilege, is one-sided, and to a considerable extent erroneous; like other elements of the social compact-the political, &c-it has done its part in establishing, in past ages of anarchy, ignorance and brutality, a false and oppressive order-perhaps the only one possible, but its error is still to uphold this order, in ages when humanity, by its progressive development, refinement and intelligence, is capable of something better.
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But Ronge is declaring war against social injustice, inequality, oppression and privilege, no matter whether he mistakes the source from which they emanate, has struck a chord that will vibrate deeply in the conscience of humanity, and bring up the grand question of the elevation of the race-a question as much political and social as it is religious-and to which will be given that enthusiasm and impetus which comes from a deep religious sentiment, the love of God and the love of neighbor.
This subject suggests new views upon the means and measures which religious bodies, in these modern ages, are taking to spread Christianity, and the political and social results which it carries with it, and the spirit which animates Christian propagation in general.-We will reserve them for another article.
At the end of his manifesto, Ronge invites the secondary clergy, who compose the lower order of the clergy, who are poor and much oppressed, in all nations, to make common cause with him, and to aid in the pacification, and in securing the moral and material happiness of all mankind. The last article of faith, adopted by the new German Catholic Church, is thus expressed: it is remarkable.
"These articles of faith can in no manner bind the generations which are to come. The fundamental principles of your religion are, the love and the progress of humanity. Every Christian sentiment must have its source in love, personified by our Savior Jesus Christ."
This declaration of love and the progress of humanity, which will make Christianity operate directly upon the practical affairs of the world, is a step taken in advance of that Protestantism which has become petrified in theological controversies, and the discussion and propagation of mere speculative dogmas, which are separated from the divine warmth and efficiency of love. For this reason many Protestants are uniting with Ronge. We watch with great interest this new social and religious movement in Germany. A. B. C.
The foregoing shows how easily the people can be deceived without revelation, and that Babylon, when not "literally understood," means confusion.
While in the way of quoting from foreign journals, we will give the following:-
ASPECT OF PROPERTY IN ENGLAND.-In England, Romanism wears its most courtly dress, and speaks in most gentle accents. All that can ensnare a fastidious taste, or charm a generous disposition, is brought forward; tales of ancient faith and holy martyrdom are told in winning words, and every thing that is graceful in antiquity claimed as an integral element in the constitution of the Romish Church. Charity is the phrase that is ever on her lips, and she would fain persuade men that it is with a breaking heart she seeks them, that the erring children may be restored to a suffering mother; but to him who, in the first impulse of a confiding nature, has listened to her voice and believed her testimony, how sad and startling is the conviction which a closer acquaintance with the reality must ever bring? Ancient faith and holy martyrdom were in the days when Romanism was unknown; persecution and cruelty have marked her sway since she came into existence, and the martyrs who have fallen have suffered at her hands; she has been no sharer of her Lord's sorrow, but a despiser of his grief, and a smiter of his children. She has seized upon the intellectual faculties and genius of every age through which she has passed, as appliances of her regal state and the tribute to her worldly dignity: she has enriched herself with the merchandise of souls, which she has sold into darkness, that she might revel in wealth and earthly grandeur. Let any man who would put faith in her professions of charity and maternal love, cast his eye over the record of the Inquisition: let him remember the years of persecution to which she has shed: let him reckon up the anathemas of the Council of Trent: let him steadily consider every indication which the present century has afforded of the unchangeable nature of her spirit, and let him judge, how far she who speaks of charity can feel it-how far she, with the word of love in her mouth, and the blow of cruelty in her hand, can ever have humanity at heart. Men may talk as they will of schism and heresy. Where can more be found than those which Rome has harbored? Men may mourn with maudlin sentiment over the evils of the Reformation, and cast their small censures upon the mighty spirits who, under God, brought it to pass. What would Christendom have been without the Reformation, but a corrupting mass of spiritual wickedness and abomination? And it ill bocomes [becomes] those who breathe the atmosphere of Christian liberty, and intellectual freedom, to despise the men who purchased the privilege which they enjoy with their own life's blood and labor. If men will know what Romanism is, let them not learn it from the holiday phrases and scholastic sophisms of Oscott theses, or of Oxford tracts; but let them look at it in the face of Rome: let them mark it in the full exercise of its degrading influence in Belgium: let them gather it from the trash which the Jesuits sell, and the debasing doctrines which too many of the ecclesiastical
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dignitaries of France sanction.-Church of England Quarterly Review.
We feel confident, that when our readers have followed us thus far, upon the subject, they will begin to see the words of the apostles made plain, relative to the "son of perdition."
"Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he, as God, sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.
Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?
And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.
For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way:
And then shall that wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:
Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan, with all power, and signs, and lying wonders."
Taking the divisions of the churches of the United States into the general account, with what we have above shown, the "mystery" of iniquity doth already work, aud [and] they that have eyes to see, can visibly discover the woman, which John saw figuratively, to be the "great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth."
We might carry this great subject to any extent: for, on looking back through ages that have filled up almost six thousand years, we can discover, that the majority of men, through the cunning of Satan, have been deceived; and that the scheme by which he has cozened them into a belief of the eternal hereafter, has been, is yet, and to them unless redeemed, will forever be a mystery. Truly said the Savior to his disciples "To you it is given to know the mysteries," not to those without.
Well may we rejoice: well did our forefathers rejoice, and gloriously will all of us again rejoice, when we find, that by faith, diligence, and perseverence [perseverance] in the commandments of God, we have come up through much tribulation, when the mystery is revealed, having escaped under the continual strokes of the great hammer of the whole earth.
COMMUNICATIONS.
EXTRACT OF A LETTER, DATED, 36
Chapel St., Liverpool, 18th April 1845.
Beloved Brother Elias Smith, Esq.:-
Having an opportunity of sending by private conveyance as far as Boston, I thought I would drop a few lines to you. On my return from the General Conference, I found in the office a letter from Brother Brigham Young, one from Brother Parley P. Pratt, Elijah Fordham and S. Brannan, New York, also one from Father Curtis, of Maine, and several Times and Seasons, Neighbors, and New York Prophets; all bearing good and cheering news from Nauvoo, New York, and other portions of the country, which was truly acceptable. With regard to affairs in this country, I would inform you that we held our General Conference in Manchester on the 6th of April; it lasted three days and a half, where [there?] were represented 10,000 saints, save 90. More business was transacted at it than has been at any Conference ever held in the British Dominions. With the rest of the business transacted, we, having caught the same spirit in England which seems to be actuating you in America, have established a Joint Stock Company entitled "The Mutual Business Association," and expect by and by to have over means to assist you in your enterprises. It is to consist of 60,000 shares of ten shillings each; the whole amounting to 30,000 pounds, or $150,000. Some individuals have taken as many as 100 shares each, and according to the rate at which shares are being taken up, I expect they will soon be all disposed of. One object the company have in view is to establish an iron foundry in Nauvoo, as well as cotton and woolen manufactories, and such others as they may deem necessary. We shall forward to our friends in Nauvoo, a copy of 'The Star,' containing the minutes of the Conference, and the particulars connected with the Association. The work is progressing in this country; only we stand in need of the help of more good, faithful men. Brother Young stated we would have some sent this spring. I hope it will be so.
With regard to emigration, we shall forward what we can this summer by way of New York. When the present volume of The Star is completed we intend publishing it semi-monthly. We have in press 3,000 copies of the Doctrine and Covenants, which we expect out shortly and for which there will be great demand. All our American brethren here are well. I have had a tour through Scotland, during which I was much interested by visiting the castle at Sterling, so much famed for the exploits of Wallace and Bruce, the great Scotish [Scottish] heroes. Also the Palace of Mary Queen of Scots, in Edinburgh, and Edinburgh Castle. Edinburgh is one of the finest cities I have visited in a foreign country. Many of its buildings are twelve stories high. Tell Brother Orson Pratt that I
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visited Prince Arthur's Seat, the place of his meditation while building up the church in Edinburgh. I also visited Glasgow; it has a conference of upwards of a thousand members, and it is in a very prosperous state. The 'signs of the times' in this country indicate war. The stand which Sir Robert Peel has taken is decided. On the subject of the Oregon question, he is determined to maintain it at the expense of war. I do not expect President Polk will detract much from the position he has taken, and taking all things into consideration there is a great probability of a war being commenced; indeed it would not surprise me much should it be the case. I saw, on my return from business to day, hand bills headed, 'War, War with America.' England has been and is still very industrious in the increase and strengthening their Army and Navy, while on the other hand, America has been dilatory on this point and is consequently but ill-prepared to cope with the powers of Europe; moreover, there has been some private intercourse between the Emperor of Russia, King of France and Queen of England; and it is expected by many that France and Russia will back up England; though there is a variety of opinion on this point. For my own part, I am willing that the Lord's will should be done in this, if it will only find something elese [else] for the Americans to do besides killing prophets, persecuting the saints and taking away charters. Fifteen thousand of the British troops have been ordered to embark for Canada.
Yours with respect,
W. WOODRUFF.
NOTICE.
At a regular meeting of the High Priest's Quorum at the city of Nauvoo. April 20, 1845, William M. Parker was cut off from the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, for teaching false doctrine, and for improper conduct.
GEORGE MILLER, Pres.
L. R. Foster, Clerk.
REMARKS.
The editor of the Millennial Star makes the following remarks, upon the proceedings of the English Conference, the minutes of which appear in this number of our paper:
"We have been under the necessity this month of adding a supplement, but we trust that the importance of the matter which fills our pages will be an apology for that, as well as the late period of getting it out of press.
We trust that the hearts of the saints generally will be encouraged by the contemplation of the great principle of progression in the kingdom of God,-a principle that should never be absent from their minds, and we think that the contents of our present number will make it manifest, that this principle is not extinct in the hearts of the people of the Lord.
We would earnestly direct the attention of all to the important business that has been brought before the General Conference, and to the measures there decided upon. It has been a source of grief to many, to witness the energies of the saints completely thrown away, and frequently to support those who are our oppressors, but we anticipate that such a union as that contemplated and carried into effect by faithful men, under the blessing of the Lord, will be a source from which many advantages will be derived-Let but the people of God be united, and the Lord will pour out his blessings upon them; let them learn the grand secret of oneness in the cause of truth, and they will stand amazed at the success that will crown all their efforts.
Let the watchword of the church be onward, there is no retreat; they that adhere to the principles of truth must advance, there can be no retrogade [retrograde] movement amongst the saints but to fall away from the kingdom of God.
Let the hearts of the saints then be enlarged, let their minds expand, and let them be prepared for the great things that await them in the future.
The Times and Seasons, Is Printed and Published about the first and fifteenth of every month, on the corner of Main and Kimball Streets, Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, by JOHN TAYLOR, EDITOR AND PROPRIETOR.
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