|
ECCLESIASTICAL. [ORIGINAL.] A PROCLAMATION, TO THE SAINTS SCATTERED
ABROAD;
GREETING:
Beloved Brethren:--
The relationship which we sustain to the Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter Day Saints, renders it necessary that we should make known
from time to time, the circumstances, situation, and prospects of
the church, and give such instructions as may be necessary for the
well being of the Saints, and for the promotion of those objects,
calculated to further their present and everlasting happiness.
We have to congratulate the Saints on the progress of the great
work of the "last days" for not only has it spread through
the length and breadth of this vast continent; but on the continent
of Europe, and on the Islands of the sea, it is spreading in a manner
entirely unprecedented in the annals of time.
This appears the more pleasing when we consider, that but a short
time has elapsed, since we were unmercifully driven from the State
of Missouri, after suffering cruelties and persecutions in their
various, and horrid forms. Then our overthrow, to many, seemed inevitable,
while the enemies of truth triumphed over us, and by their cruel
reproaches endeavored to aggravate our sufferings. But "the
Lord of Hosts was with us, the God of Jacob was our refuge!"
and we were delivered from the hands of bloody and deceitful men;
and in the State of Illinois we found an asylum, and were kindly
welcomed by persons worthy the characters of FREEMEN. It would be
impossible to enumerate all those who in our time of deep distress,
nobly came forward to our relief, and like the good Samaritan poured
oil into our wounds, and contributed liberally to our necessities,
as the citizens of Quincy en masse and the people of Illinois, generally,
seemed to emulate each other in this labor of love. We would, however,
make honorable mention of Governor Carlin, Judge Young, General
Leech, Judge Ralston, Rev. Mr. Young, Col. Henry, N. Bushnell, John
Wood, I. N. Morris, S. M. Barlett, Samuel Holmes, and J. T. Holmes,
Esquires, who will long be remembered by a grateful community for
their philanthronen on the tablet of our hears, in golden letters
of love.
We would, likewise, make mention of the Legislature of this State,
who, without respect of parties, without reluctance, freely, openly,
boldly, and nobly, have come forth to our assistance, owned us as
citizens and friends, and took us by the hand, and extended to us
all the blessings of civil, political, and religious liberty, by
granting us, under date of Dec. 16, 1840, one of the most liberal
charters, with the most plenary powers, ever conferred by a legislative
assembly on free citizens, for the "City of Nauvoo," the
"Nauvoo Legion" and the "University of the City of
Nauvoo." The first of these charters, (that for the "City
of Nauvoo,") secures to us in all time to come, irrevocably,
all those great blessings of civil liberty, which of right apertain
to all the free citizens of a great civilized republic -- 'tis all
we ever claimed. What a contrast does the proceedings of the legislature
of this State present, when compared with those of Missouri, whose
bigotry, jealousy, and superstition, prevailed to such an extent,
as to deny us our liberty and our sacred rights -- Illinois has
set a glorious example, to the whole at large, and has nobly carried
out the principles of her constitution, and the constitution of
these United States, and while she requires of us implicit obedience
to the laws, (which we hope ever to see observed) she affords us
the protection of law -- the security of life, liberty, and the
peaceable pursuit of happiness.
The name of our city (Nauvoo,) is of Hebrew origin, and signifies
a beautiful situation, of place, carrying with it, also, the idea
of rest; and is truly descriptive of this most delightful situation.
It is situated on the eastern bank of the Mississippi river, at
the head of the Des Moines Rapids, in Hancock County; bounded on
the east by an extensive prairie of surpassing beauty, and on the
north west, and south, by the Mississippi. This place has been objected
to by some, on account of the sickness which has prevailed in the
summer months, but it is the opinion of Doctor Bennett, a physician
of great experience and medical knowledge, that Hancock Co., and
all the eastern and southern portions of the City of Nauvoo, are
as healthy as any other portions of the western country, (or the
world, to acclimated citizens.) whilst the northwestern portion
of the city has experienced much affliction from ague and fever,
which, however, he thinks can be easily remedied by draining the
sloughs on the adjacent islands in the Mississippi.
The population of our city is increasing with unparalleled rapidity,
numbering more than three thousand inhabitants. Every facility is
afforded in the city and adjacent country, in Hancock County, for
the successful prosecution of the mechanical arts, and the pleasing
pursuits of agriculture. The waters of the Mississippi can be successfully
used for manufacturing purposes, to an almost unlimited extent.
Having been instrumental in the hands of our heavenly Father in
laying a foundation for the gathering of Zion, we would say, let
all those who appreciate the blessings of the gospel, and realize
the importance of obeying the commandments of heaven who have been
blessed of heaven with the possession of this world's goods, first
prepare for the general gathering let them dispose of their effects
as fast as circumstances will possible admit, without making it
too great sacrifices, and remove to our city and county -- establish
and build up manufactories in the city, purchase and cultivate farms
in the county -- this will secure our permanent inheritance, and
prepare the way for the gathering of the poor. This is agreeable
to the order of heaven, and the only principal on which the gathering
can be effected -- let the rich, then, and all who can assist in
establishing, this place, make every preparation to come on without
delay, and strengthen our hands, and assist in promoting the happiness
of the Saints. This cannot be too forcibly impressed on the minds
of all, and the elders are hereby instructed to proclaim this word
in all places where the Saints reside, in their public administrations,
for this is according to the instructions we have received from
the Lord.
The Temple of the Lord is in progress of erection here, where the
Saints will come to worship the God of their fathers, according
to the order of his house, and the powers of the holy priesthood,
and will be so constructed as to enable all the functions of the
priesthood to be duly exercised, and where instructions from the
Most High will be received, and from this place go forth to distant
lands.
Let us then concentrate all our powers, under the provisions of
our magna charta granted by the Illinois Legislature, at the "City
of Nauvoo," and surrounding country, and strive to emulate
the actions of the ancient covenant fathers, and patriarchs, in
those things, which are of such vast importance to this and every
succeeding generation.
The "Nauvoo Legion," embraces all our military power and
will enable us to perform our military duty by ourselves, and thus
afford us the power, and privilege, of avoiding one of the most
fruitful sources of strife, oppression, and collision with the world.
It will enable us to show our attachment to the state and nation
as a people, whenever the public service requires our aid thus proving
ourselves obedient to the paramount laws of the land, and ready
at all times to sustain and execute them.
The "University of the City of Nauvoo," will enable us
to teach our children wisdom -- to instruct them in all knowledge,
and learning, in the Arts, Sciences and Learned Professions. We
hope to make this institution one of the great lights of the world,
and by and through it, to diffuse that kind of knowledge which will
be of practical utility, and for the public good, and also for private
and individual happiness. The Regents of the University will take
the general supervision of all matters appertaining to education
from common schools up to the highest branches of the most liberal
collegiate course. They will establish a regular system of education,
and hand over the pupil from teacher to professor, until the regular
gradation is consummated, and the education finished. This corporation
contains all the powers and prerogatives of any other college or
university in this state. The charters for the University and Legion
are addenda to the city charter, making the whole perfect and complete.
Not only has the Lord given us favor in the eyes of the community,
who are happy to see us in the enjoyment of all the rights and privileges
of freeman, but we are happy to state that several of the principal
men of Illinois, who have listened to the doctrines we promulgate,
have become obedient to the faith and are rejoicing in the same;
among whom is John C. Bennett, M. D., Quarter Master General of
Illinois. We mention this gentleman first, because, that during
our persecutions in Missouri, he became acquainted with the violence
we were suffering, while in the State, on account of our religion
his sympathies for us were aroused, and his indignation kindled
against our persecutors for the cruelties practiced upon us, and
their flagrant violation of both the law and the constitution. Amidst
their heated zeal to put down the truth, he addressed us a letter,
tendering to us his assistance in delivering us out of the hands
of our enemies, and restoring us again to our privileges, and only
required at our hands to point our the way, and he would be forthcoming,
with all the forces -- He has been one of the principal instruments,
in effecting our safety and deliverance from the unjust persecutions
and demands of the authorities of Missouri, and also in procuring
the city charter -- He is a man of enterprize, extensive acquirements,
and of independent mind, and is calculated to be a great blessing
to our community.
Dr. Isaac Galland, also, who is one of our benefactors, having under
his control, a large quantity of land in the immediate vicinity
of our city, and a considerable portion of the city plot opened
both his heart and his hands, and "when we were strangers --
took us in," and bade us welcome to share with him in his abundance;
leaving his swelling house, the most splendid edifice in the vicinity,
for our accommodation, and betook himself to a small, uncomfortable
dwelling -- He sold us his large estates, on very reasonable terms,
and on long credit, so that we might have an opportunity of paying
for them, without being distressed, and has since taken our lands
in Missouri in payment for the whole amount, and has given us a
clear and indisputable title for the same. And in addition to the
first purchase, we have exchanged lands with him in Missouri to
the amount of eighty thousand dollars. He is the honored instrument
the Lord used, to prepare a home for us, when we were driven from
our inheritances, having given him control of vast bodies of land,
and prepared his heart to make the use of it the Lord intended he
should. Being a man of extensive information, great talents, and
high literacy fame, he devoted all his powers and influence to give
us a character.
After having thus exerted himself for our salvation and comfort,
and formed an intimate acquaintance with many of our people, his
mind became wrought up to the greatest feelings, being convinced
that our persecutions, were like those of the ancient Saints, and
after investigating the doctrines we proclaimed, he became convinced
of the truth and of the necessity of obedience thereto, and to the
great joy and satisfaction of the church he yielded himself to the
waters of baptism, and became a partaker with us in our sufferings,
"choosing rather to suffer afflictions with the people of God
than enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season." In connection
with these, we would mention the names of Gen. James Adams, Judge
of Probate, of Sangamon County, Dr. Green, of Shelby County, R.
D. Foster, M. D., a gentleman of great energy of character, late
of Adams Co.,Sidney Knowlton, of Hancock County., Dr. Knight, of
Putman County, Indiana, with many others of respectability and high
standing in society, with nearly all the old settlers in our immediate
neighborhood. We make mention of this, that the Saints may be encouraged,
and also that they may see that the persecutions we suffered in
Missouri, were but the prelude to a far more glorious display of
the power of truth, and of the religion we have espoused.
From the kind, uniform, and consistent course pursued by the citizens
of Illinois, and the great success which has attended us while here,
the natural advantages of this place for every purpose we require,
and the necessity of the gathering of the Saints of the Most High,
we would say, let the brethren who love the prosperity of Zion,
who are anxious that her stakes should be strengthened, and her
cords lengthened, and who prefer her prosperity to their chief joy,
come, and cast in their lots with us, and cheerfully engage in a
work so glorious and sublime, and sublime, and say with Nehemiah,
"we his servants will arise and build."
It probably would hardly be neceecessity is obvious, and is a subject
of paramount importance; but as watchmen to the house of Israel,
as Shepherds over the flock which is now scattered over a vast extent
of country, and the anxiety we feel for their prosperity and everlasting
welfare, and for the carrying out the great and glorious purposes
of our God, to which we have been called, we feel to urge its necessity,
and say, let the Saints come here THIS IS THE WORD OF THE LORD,
and in accordance with the great work of the last days.
It is true the idea of a general gathering has heretofore been associated
with most cruel and oppressing scenes, owing to our unrelenting
persecutions at the hands of wicked and unjust men; but we hope
that those days of darkness and gloom have gone by, and from the
liberal policy of our State government, we may expect a scene of
peace and prosperity, we have never before witnessed since the rise
of our church, and the happiness and prosperity which now awaits
us, is, in all human probability incalculably great. By a concentration
of action, and a unity of effort, we can only accomplish the great
work of the last days, which we could not do in our remote and scattered
condition, while our interests both spiritual and temporal will
be greatly enhanced, and the blessings of heaven must flow unto
us in an uninterrupted stream; of this, we think there can be no
question. The great profusion of temporal and spiritual blessings,
which always flow from faithfulness and concerted effort, never
attend individual exertion or enterprize. The history of all past
ages abundantly attests this fact.
In addition to all temporal blessings, there is no other way for
the Saints to be saved in these last days, as the concurrent testimony
of all the holy prophets clearly proves, for it is written "They
shall come from the east and be gathered from the west; the north
shall give up, and the south shall keep not back" -- "the
sons of God shall be gathered from far, and his daughters from the
ends of the earth:" it is also the concurrent testimony of
all the prophets, that this gathering together of all the Saints,
must take place before the Lord comes to "take vengeance upon
the ungodly," and "to be glorified and admired by all
those who obey his gospel." The 50 Psalm from the first to
the fifth verses, inclusive, describes the glory and majesty of
that event. "The mighty God even the Lord hath spoken and called
the earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down -- thereof.
-- Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God hath shined.
Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence: a fire shall devour
before him and it shall be very tempestuous round about him.
He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth, (that
he may judge his people.)
Gather my Saints together unto me; those that have made a covenants
with me by sacrifice."
We might offer many other quotations from the scriptures, but believing
them to be familiar to the Saints we forbear.
We would wish the Saints to understand that, when they come here
they must not expect to find perfection, or that all will be harmony,
peace and love; if they indulge these ideas, they will undoubtedly
be deceived, for here there are persons, not only from different
States, but from different nations, who, although they feel a great
attachment to the cause of truth, have their prejudices of education,
and consequently it requires some time before these things can be
overcome: again, there are many that creep in unaware, and endeavor
to sow discord, strife and animosity, in our midst, and by so doing
bring evil upon the Saints; these things we have to bear with, and
these things will prevail either to a greater or lesser extent until
"the floor be thoroughly purged" and "the chaff be
burnt up." Therefore let those who come up to this place be
determined to keep the commandments of God, and not be discouraged
by these things we have enumerated, and then they will be prospered,
the intelligence of heaven will be communicated to them, and they
will eventually see eye to eye, and rejoice in the full fruition
of that glory, which is reserved for the righteous.
In order to erect the Temple of the Lord, great exertions will be
required on the part of the Saints, so that they may build a house
which shall be accepted of by the Almighty, and in which his power
and glory shall be manifested. Therefore let those who can, freely
make a sacrifice of their time, their talents, and their property,
for the love they have to the cause of truth, bid adieu to their
homes and pleasant places of abode, and unite with us in the great
work of the last days, and share in the tribulation, that they may
ultimately share in the glory and triumph.
We wish it, likewise, to be distinctly understood that we claim
no privilege but what we feel cheerfully disposed to share with
our fellow citizens of every denomination, and every sentiment of
religion; and therefore say, that, so far frt all those who desire
to locate themselves in this place, or the vicinity, come, and we
will hail them as citizens and friends, and shall feel it not only
a duty, but a privilege, to reciprocate the kindness we have received
from the benevolent and kind hearted citizens of the State of Illinois.
JOSEPH SMITH,
SIDNEY RIGDON,
HYRUM SMITH,
Presidents of the Church.
Nauvoo, January 15, 1841.
|
