Elder's Journal/1/2 - Revision history

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 skies;
 See the resplendant glory round thee spread,
 Fill all thy courts and rest upon thy head!
 See Gentiles from the distant nations too,
 Come to thy light, and in thy temple bow;
 See numerous kings and princes from afar.
 Cast down their crowns, and in thy glories share!
 Behold thy sons shall come in flooks as clouds
 Around thine alters bow, in shining crowds.
 Rejoice in God that he doth now unfold;
 His hidden treasures, as in days of old.
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			A call was then made for those whose circumstances were such as to permit, to go out to preach, to present themselves. There were twenty three who arose.
			Sylvester H. Earl. Henry Jackson, Harrison Sagers and John W. Clark, were ordained elders, and William J. Levans was ordained a priest.
			Pres't. Rigdon then closed meeting by prayer.
			T. B. MARSH,
			Moderator.
			Attest.
			Oliver Cowdery,
			Clerk.
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			Conference.
			The two branches of the church of Latter Day Saints in Madison, Geauga Co. O. met agreeably to appoitment [appointment] on the 12th Inst. and after being called to order by President Z. Coultrin, Allen Wait was appointed Clerk. The conference proceeded & organized the two branches into one. Br. Lester Brooks was then ordained presiding Elder over said church. Br. Asahael M. Hodge was ordained a Priest, Morgan Phelps and Albert Peas Teachers, brother Allen Wait Deacon and Clerk, all by unanimous vote of the church
			Z. COULTRIN Pres't.
			Allen Wait Clerk.
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			Conference.
			At a fast meeting held in Rochester, Columbiana Co. Ohio, on the 28th of Oct. 1837, the official members present organized themselves into a conference for the purpose of ordaining some present to the ministry; accordingly Elder Samuel James was called to the chair, and Elder Francis G Bishop was chosen Secretary. Mr. James Sloan and Mr. John Cooper were then presented and were ordained to the office of Elders. The business being concluded conference adjourned, sine die.
			S. JAMES Ch'n.
			F. G. Bishop Clerk.
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			NOTICE.
			A Conference will be held at the center of of Milton, Trumbull Co. Ohio, at the house of Mr. Milton Rogers, commencing on Friday the 5th of January: Public preaching will be expected on Saturday and Sunday.
			Our beloved brother Sylvester B. — Stoddard, residing near that place, gives the elders the following invitation: "We should like very well to have a visit from some of our Kirtland brethren if convenient — if those brethren who were calculating to travel in a Southeast direction, have not all left Kirtland, this will be in their track and we should like to have them give us a call.”
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			NOTICE.
			The subscribers for the Messenger and Advocate, are propably [probably] aware, that much of their subscription is yet in the rear; the office being changed into the hands of others, and the debts of the same pressing hard upon the former proprietors: it therefore becomes necessary to urge mildly the patrons of this office, to send up their subscriptions as soon as possible, and this will relieve those debts, and help forward the Journal in its season. It is also necessary that those who wish to continue on with the Journal, for them to forward their money, in order that their names may be entered on the Journal book. The books of the Evening and Morning Star, and Messenger and Advocate are in the hands of Wm. Marks and G. W. Robinson, consequently those indebted for the same, (Star and Messenger,) will please send their subscription to them. All letters subscribed Marks and Robinson, and Post paid. — Ed.
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			A Paraphrase.
			For the Journal. — Isaiah chapt. LX.
			Arise O Zion fair and lift thine eyes. Exalt thy lofty towers towards the
			skies;
			See the resplendant glory round thee spread,
			Fill all thy courts and rest upon thy head!
			See Gentiles from the distant nations too,
			Come to thy light, and in thy temple bow;
			See numerous kings and princes from afar.
			Cast down their crowns, and in thy glories share!
			Behold thy sons shall come in flooks as clouds
			Around thine alters bow, in shining crowds.
			Rejoice in God that he doth now unfold;
			His hidden treasures, as in days of old.

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			9th, What signs does Jo Smith give to establish his divine mission?

			10th, Was not Jo Smith a money digger?

			11th, Did he not Steal his wife?

			12th, Do the people have to give up their money when they join his church?

			13th, Are the Mormons Abolitionists?

			14th, Do they not stur [stir] up the Indians to war and to commit depredations?

			15th, Do the Mormons baptize in the name of Jo Smith?

			16th, If the Mormon doctrine is true, what have become of all that have died since the days of the apostles?

			17th Does not Jo Smith pretend to be Jesus Christ?

			18th, Is there any thing in the bible that liscences [licensesw you to believe in revelation now days?
			19th, Is not the canon of the scriptures full?

			20th, What are the fundamental principles of your religion?

			The above questions are as many as we probably shall have room to answer in our next article, though many more may hereafter be asked and answered as circumstances will permit.

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			In consequence of the delay of this No. which was occasioned by the preasure [pressure] of times operating against us, so that paper was not to be obtained in season for its isue [issue], we are enabled to lay before our readers a few items of the proceedings of our brethren in the Far West during our visit to that place; which we trust will satisfy for the delay.
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			Far West, Mo. Nov. 7, 1837.
			At a general assembly of the church of Latter Day Saints, assembled at Far West, to take into consideration and transact the business of said church, Elder Thomas B. Marsh was chosen Moderator, and Oliver Cowdery appointed Clerk.

			After singing, the Moderator addressed the throne of grace in prayer: after which pres't. Sidney Rigdon explained the object of the meeting, giving a relation of the recent reorganization of the church in Kirtland — the minutes of said meeting were read by the Moderator, who also nominated Joseph Smith jr. the first pres't. of the whole church, to preside over the same All were requested (males and females to vote — who was unanimously chosen. He then made a few remarks, accepting the appointment, requesting the prayers of the church in his behalf.

			President Smith then nominated pres't. Sidney Rigdon to be one of his Counselors — who was unanimously chosen.

			Ho then nominated pres't. Frederick G. Williams to be his next Counselor, who was objected to by Elder Lyman Wight, in a few remarks, refering [referring] to a certain letter, written to this place by the said F. G. Williams: also Elder Marsh objected to pres't. Williams. Elder James Emmet also object [objected] to pres't Williams.

			Bishop Edward Partrage [Partridge] said he seconded pres't. Williams' nomination, and should vote for him; and as to said letter, be had heard it, and saw nothing so criminal in it.

			President David Whitmer also made a few remarks in pres't. Williams' favor. Elder Marsh made further remarks. Elder Thomas Grover also objected to pres't. Williams.

			President S. Rigdon then nominated pres't. Hyram Smith to take pres’t. Williams' place. He then called for a vote in favor of pres't. Williams, who was rejected. He then called for a vote in favor of pres't. Hyram Smith, which was carried unanimous.

			Some few remarks were made by pres'ts. David Whitmer and S. Rigdon.

			David Whitmer was nominated as the President of this branch of the church, and was objected to by Elder Marsh. Bishop Partrage [Partridge] said he should vote for pres't. Whitmer. Elder Wm. E. McLellin made a few remarks. Eider George M. Hinkel made remarks in favor of pres't. Whitmer — also Elder King Follet.

			Elder Caleb Baldwin spake against pres't. Whitmer — also Elder Seymore Brunson.

			Eider Elisha H Groves spake in favor of pres't. Whitmer. Further remarks from Eider McLellin by request of pres't. Whitmer who made satisfaction for him. Remarks from pres't. Joseph Smith jr. who called for an expression which was carried by almost a unanimous vote in favor of pres't. Whitmer.

			President Joseph Smith jr. then nominated John Whitmer for an assistant president, who was objected, and Elder Marsh spake in opposition to him

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			found the church of Latter Day Saints in that place in as prosperous a condition as we could have expected, and as we believe enjoying a goodly portion of the Spirit of God, to the joy and satisfaction of our hearts.

			The High council was immediately called and many difficulties adjusted, and the object of our mission was laid before them, after which the subject of the propriety of the Saints, gathering to the city Far West, was taken into considertion [consideration], after a lengthy discussion upon the subject, it was voted, that the work of the gathering to that place be continued, and that there is a plenty of provisions in the upper counties for the support of that place, and also the emigration of the Saints; also voted that other Stakes be appointed in the regions round about, therefore a committee was appointed to locate the same; consisting of Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, John Corril, and Lyman Wight; who started on their mission before we left.

			It was also voted that the Saints be directed to those men for instruction concerning those places; and it may be expected that all the information necessary will be had from them concerning the location of those places, roads &c. Now we would recommend to the Saints scattered abroad, that they make all possible exertions to gather themselves together unto those places; as peace, verily thus saith the Lord, peace shall soon be taken from the earth, and it has already began to be taken; for a lying spirit has gone out upon all the face of the earth and shall perplex the nations, and shall stur [stir] them up to anger against one another: for behold saith the Lord, very fierce and very terrible war is near at hand, even at your doors, therefore make haste saith the Lord O ye my people, and gather yourselves together and be at peace among yourselves, or there shall be no saftv for you.

			We furthermore say to those who wish to stop short of the city of Far West, to call on us and get information concerning those places of gathering: We would say to the Saints it is now a day of warning and not of many words; therefore, a word to the wise is sufficient. We exhort you to remember the words of the prophet Malichi [Malachi] which says, bring ye all the tithes into the store house that there may be meet in mine house, and prove me herewith saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it, and I will rebuke the devourer for your sake, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground, neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts, and all nations shall call you blessed for ye shall be a delightsome land saith the Lord of hosts. We would also say to the Saints, that we were much pleased with the location of the Far West, and also the society of that place; and we purpose of locating our families in that place as soon as our circumstances will admit.
			We shall be under the necessity of observing brevity in this our communication for want of room to publsh [publish] it, and we shall close after naming a few questions which are daily and hourly asked by all classes of people whilst we are traveling, and will answer them in our next.

			Firstly, Do you believe the bible?

			2nd, Wherein do you differ from other denominations?

			3rd, Will every body be damned but Mormons?

			4th, How and where did you obtain the book of Mormon?

			5th, Do you believe Jo Smith to be a prophet?

			6th, Do the Mormons believe in having all things common?

			7th, Do the Mormons believe in having more wives than one?

			9th, Can they raise the dead?

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			wickedness, so has he withdrawn his Spirit from professing christians, and left them without prophets and spiritual gifts, because of transgression. But as he had mercy upon the Jews and sent them a prophet to announce the near approach of the kingdom of heaven and call on them to repent and flee from the wrath to come, so I trust God will not come out of his hiding place in judgement against an apostate church without first setting before her the way of life and causing the voice, "Come out of her my people that you be not partakers of her sins and receive not of her plagues," to be heard in every part of Babylon and amongst her daughters.
			P. S. If you should think proper to publish the foregoing or any part of it, you will probably find it necessary to make some corrections in my synthesis as I am unaccustomed to writing for the press and a part of the above is the first writing and not a transcript.
			STEPHEN BURNET.
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			JOSEPH SMITH Jr. Editor.
			KIRTLAND, OHIO NOVEMBER, 1827.
			We would say to the patrons of the Journal, that we calculate to pursue a different course from that of our predecessor in the editorial department. — We will endeavor not to scandalize our own citizens, especially when there is no foundation in truth for so doing; we consider that when a man scandalizes his neighbor, it follows of course that he designs to cover his own iniquity: we consider him who puts his foot upon the neck of his benefactor, an object of pitty [pity] rather than revenge, for in so doing he not only shows the contraction of his own mind but the wickedness of his heart also.
			And as there are shaving shops in the world, we would caution the subscribers of the Star and Messenger and Advocate to send their subscriptions agreeable to the notice given in this number, and furthermore those who ???? deal with the office or bindery, those who have books or other articles at this office will please hand or send the money to the persons named in the above alluded notice, also all applications for books or back Nos. of the Star and Messenger and Advocate, and for books to be rebound &c. &c. &c. to be made to the same persons, who will wait upon them with pleasure. The reason of this notice is, that our subscribers as well as ourselves may not suffer loss. O confidence where hast thou fled! Whither art thou gone? Art thou in search of lucre, is it he which has destroyed thee?
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			Be it known unto the Saints scattered abroad greeting;
			That myself together with my beloved brother Sidney Rigdon, having been appointed by a general conference of elders held in Kirtland in the house of the Lord on the 18th of Sept. for the purpose of establishing places of gathering for the Saints &c. we therefore would inform our readers that we started from Kirtland in company with V. Knight and Wm. Smith on the 27th of Sept. last, for the purpose of visiting the Far West, and also to discover situations suitable for the location of the Saints who are gathering for a refuge and safety, in the day of the wrath of God which is soon to burst upon the head of this generation, according to the testimony of the prophets; who speak expressly concerning the last days: We had a prosperous and a speedy journey; we held one meeting in Norton township Ohio, and three in Doublin, la. one between Doublin and Tore Haute, Ia. two in Tere Haute, one in Palmyra, Mo. 2 in Huntsville, one in Carlton; all of which were tended with good success and generally allayed the prejudice and feeling of the people, as we judge from the treatment we received, being kindly and hospitably entertained. On our arrival at the city of Far West, we ??? ??? spake in opposition to ???

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			and we are not historically informed that dissentions ever entirely ceased in the christian church, but there were men who arose speaking perverse things to draw away disciples after them.
			But that we may come to correct conclusions, it is necessary we should understand what Paul meant by the perfection of the church. Any thing is perfect when it will admit of no improvement, hence "God's work is perfect." Deut 32:4. "The law of" the Lord is perfect." Psalms. 19:7, and a man is a perfect christian when he obeys all the law of Christ, "Mark the perfect man and behold the upright," Psa. 37:37, "How beit [Howbeit] we speak wisdom among them that are perfect," — Cor. 2:6,
			But when the adjective perfect is applied to the saints in another state, it represents them as being raised from the dead, clothed with immortality, and enjoying all the fullness of Christ. — That the term was thus used by Paul in the thirteenth chapter of his first letter to the Corinthians when applied to the church is evident from the fact, that he represents himself as being imperfect in the twelvth [twelfth] verse, where he says "Now I know in part, but then shall I know as also I am known. — Again he says "If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead, not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect. Phil. 3:12 Thus as he was imperfect, so was the church, and as he would not be perfect until he attained to the resurrection from the dead, so the church would not be perfect until it was clothed with immortality. He says God gave gifts to men "till we all come in the unity of the faith" or until the end of time when there were no more to believe on Christ or embrace the gospel. Now as Paul had not attained that perfection which the whole church must attain before they could know as they are known, and see face to face, until which time, it was their privilege to enjoy spiritual gifts, we are led to conclude that perfection is not attainable in this world, hence gifts may yet be enjoyed by the church of Christ. They disappeared by reason of the departure from the faith, it therefore remains for us to return to God and he will return to us. But we are told by Mr. Hayden that it cannot be proven that the apostacy was the cause of the disappearance of miracles, for they were confered [conferred] by the laying on of the apostles hands without regard to the holiness of the individuals who received them, and names the divsions [divisions] amongst the Corinthians as proof. Here I think Mr. H. and the apostles came in contact, for no man can receive a spiritual gift without first obtaining the Holy Ghost, and there is no promise of the holy Spirit without obedience to the gospel. "Repent and be baptized" said Peter "and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." — Paul says "If any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his." — Rom. 8:9, Paul says further, all spiritual gifts come by that one Spirit, and there is abundant proof to this point, so that it is clear that a wicked man cannot possess the holy Spirit, and a man who has not the Spirit cannot enjoy a spiritual gift. Although there were wicked contentious persons in the Corinthian church, yet it has not been proven that one of them possessed a gift by the Spirit. As the church began to depart from the faith, gifts began to disappear, until the church became corrupted and the mistery [mystery] of iniquity became so great, that the holy Spirit was measurably withdrawn from the earth and spiritual gifts, were no more to be seen.
			This, like many other things under the new institution, had its type. I mean the Urim and Thummim and Breastplate of the Jewish High priests. Those shone with great splendor as long as he who wore them was righteous. Josephus says "the one in the shape of a button on the high priest right shoulder shined out when God was present at their sacrifices so as to be seen by those most remote, which splendor, was not before natural to the stone." The breastplate likewise shone when Israel was to be victorious in battle. "This has appeared a wonderful thing to such as have not so far indulged themselves in philosophy as to dispise [despise] divine revelation." But this breatplate [breastplate] and this sardonyx, left off shining about one hundred and fifty years before Christ, or from the days of the last good high priest of the family of the Macabus John Hyrcanus. Thus we see God refused to speak to the Jewish church through the oracle which he appointed by reason of their

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			Jesus Christ, as every member of the body or church of christ, is a priest of the most high God. Peter. 2:5. He also says they were for the edifying of the body of Christ, as to the manner in which this was done, I perfectly agree with Mr. Burnet, when the church came together, one by the spirit prophecied, and all were instructed, another by the same spirit spake in tongues, and another interpreted etc. thus all were edified of all, or as Paul said a manifestation, in this manner the saints became perfect in a knowledge of the gospel, perfect in obedience to its requirements. And perfect men and women in Christ Jesus.
			Being come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, they had no more need of spiritual gifts. But Mr. Burnet argues the church has never been perfect, because its members have not yet seen God face to face, which he infers from 1 Cor. 13:12, will be the case at that time.
			Paul did not say that would be the case, but we shall see face to face, which is evidently figurative of the union which prevailed in the church, when its members come to a full understanding of all the gospel facts and christian privileges. It is admitted, that spiritual gifts have ceased, I therefore insist the church was perfect at the time, altho' miracles did not all cease at once, or exactly at the death of John the last apostle. Yet they became extinct within at most, half a century after that event. Those who had received spiritual gifts under the administration of the apostles, continued to enjoy them during their lives, although they outlived the apostles by years, but since those individuals who were cotemporary with the apostles, have left the stage, no miracles or spiritual gifts, have appeared in our world, neither will, to the end of time. It cannot be proven that the apostacy was the cause of the disappearance of miracles, for they were confered [conferred] by the laying on of the apostles hands, without regard to the holiness of the individuals who received them. The Corinthians were as much divided and as corrupt as any protestant church has ever been, being carnal, brother going to law with brother, guilty of all manner of laciviousness [lasciviousness], even incest not excepted, yet Paul says they came behind in no gift. But the object for which these gifts were given having been long since accomplished, there now remains no more need of them and I cannot conceive of what they could be, were they now in the church. We do not need the gift of tongues, or of interpretation, for we can communicate our ideas in our mother tongue; neither the gift of knowledge, as we are in possession of that knowledge which was written in the commencement of the christian church, and spiritual gifts could we possess them would now be wholly superabundant. The gospel has been confirmed by evidence which cannot be successfully contradicted; it has survived the fall of empires and wreck of nations, pure and unadulterated, and if we heartily embrace its precepts and follow out its mandates in our lives, by being merciful and kind, relieving the wants of the needy and in fine, keep the golden rule, do by others as we would wish them to do by us, we will be accepted of God and receive a crown of life though we never possess a spiritual gift.
			Stephen Burnet. — Mr. Hayden argues the church has been perfect from the well known fact that spiritual gifts have ceased, which were to remain until that time. Does not Mr. H. know all the promises of God to men are on conditions of their obedience, because God says to the righteous he shall surely live; it does not inevitably follow he cannot turn from his righteousness and surely die, neither because he says to the wicked he shall surely die does it follow he cannot turn from his wickedness and live. See Ezekiel 34:13,14. But Mr. H. has given up the question in debate. He argues to prove the church was perfect at the close of the apostles lives, and now says it was within fifty years after that time; but even allowing him this lenity, he comes far short of proving his point. He has not shown wherein the church was more perfect when spiritual gifts disappeared, than it was when Paul wrote his first epistle to the Corinthians, and if the church was not then perfect, but in some things aside from the doctrine of Christ, the same was applicable to the seven churches of Asia in the year ninety five, as appears from the second and third chapters of Rev.

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			prefer an oral debate to a written controversy, that others may be profited thereby, as the subject is one of general interest. If this were your only objection I could obviate the difficulty by procuring an insertion in a public periodical, but as you have other reasons, I shall not refuse to investigate the subject as you proposed, provided we agree upon the time, place and manner of discussion.
			It will of course devolve upon you to decide the time, as you first made the proposition.
			Having now attended to all the items of importance in your letter, 1 submit this to your critisism [criticism], hoping I shall hear from you again in due time, I think the ground I have taken is tenable, although I have not as strongly fortified it as might have been done.
			Be pleased to accept
			the assurance of my respect,
			STHEPHEN [STEPHEN] BURNET.
			Wm. Hayden.
			Several letters followed the above, but as they only relate to the arrangements for the debate, would not be of much interest to the public. The preliminaries were finally settled and the debate commenced at Bently's mills in Solon on the 3 day of Jan. 1837.
			There was only one proposition agreed upon to be discussed and that was proposed by Mr. Hayden. viz.
			Was the christian church perfect at the close of the apostles lives.
			This seemed to cover the whole ground of difference between us, we both agreed spiritual gifts were to cease when the church became perfect. Mr. Hayden affirms the above proposition and I denyed [denied] it, as Mr. Hayden had the affirmation it became his duty to lead the way, in prosecuting the subject, and mine to respond. I shall therefore give all his arguments, first, and mine follow, although on the stage each spake twenty minutes alternatively.
			Hayden, My first arguments is from 1 Cor. 13; 9, 10, Charity never faileth but whether there be prophecies they shall fail, whether there be tongues they shall cease, whether there be knowledge it shall vanish away, for we know in part and we prophecy in part, but when that which is perfect is come then that which is in part shall be done away.
			Now we both agree when the church become perfect, spiritual gifts were to cease, and Paul says they were to continue until that time Eph. 4; 13, It is now a notorious fact that miracles and spiritual gifts have ceased, consequently the church must have been perfect at the time they became extinct, although she has since apostatised and is a great distance from that perfection, yet there is no necessity of miracles being restored as the gospel facts, have been fully demonstrated and to prove them again would be wholly superfluous.
			The design of miracles was the confirmation of the gospel as evidently appears from the language of Mark, 16, 20, "and they went forth and preached every where, the Lord working with them and confirming the word with signs following.
			God never sent a messenger to mankind without accompanying his testimony with visible displays of his power, as the message perports [purports] to be from heaven, so the evidence must be supernatural or miraculous.
			The gospel never could have been promulgated in the world, nor mankind condemned for rejecting it without its having been thus confirmed; hence, the necessity of miracles in the days of the apostle. But when the gospel was preached and established, the testimony of the apostles recorded, and the churches put in possession of all the necessary information concerning those facts, miracles were no longer necessary.
			Spiritual gifts were to assist the church in its infancy, or minority. — The manners & usages of the christian institution, are alike now, to both Jews and Pagans, and the apostles could not be always in every church to teach them their duty, wherefore God gave them spiritual gifts for their mutual instruction, until there were those born and educated in the christian church, who were able to teach others also.
			Thus the whole church became instructed in righteousness and thoroughly furnished unto every good work, speaking the truth in love, they grew up into him in all things, who is the head even Christ making increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. Paul says these gifts were "for the work of the ministry" that is to instruct the disciples how to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God by

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