Messenger and Advocate/1/1

Messenger and Advocate Volume 1, Number 1

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Source document in Mormon Publications: 19th and 20th Centuries online archive: Messenger and Advocate Vol. 1

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LATTER DAY SAINTS'
MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE
Volume I. No. 1.]	KIRTLAND, OHIO, OCTOBER, 1834.	[Whole No. 1.

ADDRESS

As this No. commences the Latter Day Saints' Messenger and Advocate, it is necessary for us to make a few remarks, and also inform our friends of the course which will be pursued in its Editorial department.

The closing Vol. of the Star, or the ten last numbers were published at this place; and for the matter which they contain, or at least, the Editorial, we are responsible. If the principles are pure, the man who embraces them may be guided in the way of righteousness; but if not, and we have not warned our fellow men of the things of the kingdom of God, or have cried peace and safety, when destruction was near, then, at the great day of retribution, before an impartial Judge, we must answer for the blood of souls! Of these things, no man is more sensible than ourselves. But the reflection is otherwise. To be sure, our opponants [opponents] have cried an alarm, and used every exertion to hinder the spread of truth; but truth has continued its steady course, and the work of the Lord has rolled on; and where darkness once held unbounded sway, and corruption prevailed undisturbed, the fruit of righteousness has sprung up and the children of men been made to rejoice with a joy unspeakable.

That this may continue to be the case we shall continue our exertions. We are aware that the work has just commenced: four years have been insufficient to warn all nations: this, in an ancient day was a work of many years. And though the word has been preached to thousands, and many obeyed, yet many millions are yet in ignorance; yes, many in darkness. The only marvel is, that God should have mercy on a corrupt generation, and condescend to bring light and truth to light for their salvation. It is no marvel that men should reject it: this was always the case, because their deeds were evil.

Men labor for different objects, with a view to accomplish different purposes—some ambition, some pride, some money, and some power—but the few to save men. Only the few then have we had cause to expect, would show themselves friendly to the truth: only the few labor for that reward which is to be brought at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and of course, from them only could we expect countenance in the arduous undertaking to instruct men in those things which are to concern them hereafter!

In matters of controversy, as we said in the first No. of the Star published in this place, we say now. The saints anciently were exhorted to contend earnestly for that faith once delivered to those before them; but nothing is there said of controversy. It may be doubted by some, whether controversy upon any principle is correct, or ever resulted in good: be this as it may; but above all things, if men must contend upon religious matters, the greatest decorum and propriety ought to be observed! A heated zeal without knowledge may hurl thousands into a vortex irretrievable, and lay a foundation for future generations, the end of which may bring destruction and death!

With these reflections, then, we cannot but deem it unsafe for men to enter the field of controversy against their opponants [opponents] in principle, except they are assured of the correctness of their own system: this would be dangerous; and to avoid the evil arising from such an order of things, we shall not attempt

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to correct others upon the principles of salvation, not knowing firstly that our foundation is sure.

That our principles may be fully known we here state them briefly:

We believe in God, and his Son Jesus Christ. We believe that God, from the beginning, revealed himself to man; and that whenever he has had a people on earth, he always has revealed himself to them by the Holy Ghost, the ministering of angels, or his own voice. We do not believe that he ever had a church on earth without revealing himself to that church: consequently, there were apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers, in the same.—We believe that God is the same in all ages; and that it requires the same holiness, purity, and religion, to save a man now, as it did anciently; and that as HE is no respecter of persons, always has, and always will reveal himself to men when they call upon him.

We believe that God has revealed himself to men in this age, and commenced to raise up a church preparatory to his second advent, when he will come in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

We believe that the popular religious theories of the day are incorrect; that they are without parallel in the revelations of God, as sanctioned by him; and that however faithfully they may be adhered to, or however zealously and warmly they may be defended, they will never stand the strict scrutiny of the word of life.

We believe that all men are born free and equal; that no man, combination of men, or government of men, have power or authority to compel or force others to embrace any system of religion, or religious creed, or to use force or violence to prevent others from enjoying their own opinions, or practicing the same, so long as they do not molest or disturb others in theirs, in a manner to deprive them of their privileges as free citizens—or of worshiping [worshipping] God as they choose, and that any attempt to the contrary is an assumption unwarrantable in the revelations of heaven, and strikes at the root of civil liberty, and is a subvertion [subversion] of all equitable principles between man and man.

We believe that God has set his hand the second time to recover the remnant of his people, Israel; and that the time is near when he will bring them from the four winds, with songs of everlasting joy, and reinstate them upon their own lands which he gave their fathers by covenant.

And further: We believe in embracing good wherever it may be found; of proving all things, and holding fast that which is righteous.

This, in short, is our belief, and we stand ready to defend it upon its own foundation when ever it is assailed by men of character and respectability.—And while we act upon these broad principles, we trust in God that we shall never be confounded!

Neither shall we wait for opposition; but with a firm reliance upon the justice of such a course, and the propriety of disseminating a knowledge of the same, we shall endeavor to persuade men to turn from error and vain speculation; investigate the plan which heaven has devised for our salvation; prepare for the year of recompense, and the day of vengeance which are near, and thereby be ready to meet the Bridegroom!

OLIVER COWDERY.

Kirtland, Ohio, October, 1834.

Spain.—It is said that Spain contains eleven millions of inhabitants—on an average, 27 to a square mile. And when it is recollected that a considerable part of the kingdom is rendered incapable of cultivation in consequence of its lofty mountains, it must be certain that the population is quite dense. It is also said that there are 28,249 houses appropriated to

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religious purposes; the number of clergy 159,322, and that of friars and nuns, 96,878. "The whole amount of ecclesiastical revenue is calculated to be fifty millions of dollars, and the portion of this sum actually received by them, is greater than the whole civil revenue of the kingdom, by about eight millions!"—if our information be correct.

If money and priests were sufficient to convert a people, one would suppose that the Spaniards lacked nothing to render their conversion certain, as 28,249 houses of ordinary size would be sufficient to entertain the whole kingdom at once; and 159,322 clergy, would give over five to a congregation. Taking this into consideration, with the religious tax annually paid, of fifty millions, one might ask, "What lack they yet?"

But Spain is still Spain—racked with disorder and boiling over with contention; the din of civil war stun[n]ing the ears of all, while blood flows in the same channel of the blood of brother, to gratify ambition and folly.—Neither does the matter of astonishment end here—with her 28,249 houses for public worship, and her 159,322 clergy, professors of the same faith, and members of the same "Catholic" church, are, with weapons of death striving for the same earthly kingdom.

We do not despise the principles of civil nor religious liberty, nor question the propriety of maintaining them, even by force—for these are dear to all; but we do question the righteousness and union of that people, who, by their creeds profess to be ONE; to be built upon the sure foundation, and to be guided by the "holy apostolic faith," delivered to the world by inspired men, and then array against each other in hostile armies!

Her trouble does not end here—The Destroyer—that great scourge sent forth to vex the nations, and lay waste kingdoms—has summoned thousands of her citizens to appear before another tribunal!

Query.—Is she not now drinking of that bitter cup which she has so liberally measured to so many of her citizens, in her great zeal to extinguish heresy!— Editor.

Pontiac, M. T. Oct. 20, 1834.

Left Kirtland on the 16th in company with our brethren J. Smith jr. D. Whitmer, H. Smith, F. G. Williams, R. and A. Orton. At 9 in the evening we took passage on board the Steam Boat Monroe, (Whitaker Master,) at Fairport.

While waiting for the arrival of a Boat from the east, the "Daniel Webster" came down from Detroit, and touched at the outer end of the Pier to land and receive passengers. This I suppose was sufficient to answer her advertisement—"To touch at the intermediate ports" between the former place and Buffalo. On enquiry, I was informed, that a previous misunderstanding between the citizens and crew of the Boat prevented her touching at the regular wharf. Whether this was correct or incorrect I am unable to say; but in the apparent hurry to leave the harbor she took a quantity of baggage and put out before giving time for the passengers to arrive. So much for the accommodation of men employed to manage Steam Boats upon our Lake—This was the "Daniel Webster!" After being hailed several times she put back and shipped her passengers, which seemed to amend, in a degree, the feeling which otherwise must evidently have arisen in the mind of every beholder.

Fairport is an excellent harbor, and affords a safe moorage for shipping.—Government has expended a considerable amount in extending its Piers several rods into the Lake, at the end of which a small Light House is now being finished to render the ingress of vessels more easy during the dark gales to which this Lake is subject. The main Light House is situated on a commanding eminence, and is some 60 or 70 feet from its base to its summit.

Richmond is situated up the river from Fairport about one and a half miles. These two towns are destined to become places of considerable business. Fairport probably takes the lead in forwarding, but Richmond is fast on the increase, and has several extensive stores which afford most kinds of merchandise consumed in the country, very cheap. Farmers generally find a certain market for their produce, and a large extent of country south receive their eastern merchandise at the two places.

Our progress from Grand River to Cleveland was slow, having a strong head wind, which blew, at times, almost a gale. At Cleveland we made a short stop, leaving several passengers, baggage, and merchandise.

Cleveland is a pleasantly situated town at the mouth of the Cuyahoga River, and is improving. The Canal from the south has increased its trade, and it now affords a market. The harbor is good, and was built at considerable expense.

There is an increase of population, and many foreigners of late, have taken residence in the town and vicinity—Swiss, and German. These, generally, are circumspect, peaceable, and industrious.

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We left the harbor in the night, and were compelled to face a heavy wind till we arrived at Huron, mouth of Huron River. This is a small place, and, if I am not mistaken the harbor is not the best. At half past one P. M. we left the harbor and passed more swiftly, the wind having changed.—With canvass we soon passed the mouth of Sandusky Bay, (3 o'clock,) and before the Sun had set we passed between those islands which have been so often mentioned in the history of our last War with England, which reverberated with the sound of Cannon on the memorable 10th of September, 1813, when Com. Perry captured the British fleet.

At an expense of 300 killed and wounded, Perry's name is rendered great on the pages of our history.—

However dishonorable in the minds of some it may be for men to array against their fellow—men in a hostile position, I cannot stop to remove, but one thing is certain, he was acting in obedience to the requirements of his country, as well as his antagonist, (Com. Barkly,) and a regard for each ought to have stimulated them to act with the most judgment possible. These shores have been saluted with the sound of the instruments of death, and those beautiful waters have been stained with the blood of men! When, it may be asked, will nations cease to learn war, & when will men cultivate those feelings of love which the gospel of our Lord requires?

While passing this evening toward Monroe, at the mouth of the river Raisin, we held a conversation with a man calling himself Ellmer, on the subject of religion. When any thing was mentioned of the doctrine or belief of the Latter Day Saints, we could not but remark the similarity of spirit, and the uniformity of sentiment apparent in the actions and arguments of this man, with others alike ignorant. He said that he was personally acquainted with Joe Smith; had heard him preach his lies, and now, since he was dead, he was glad! In fact, he seemingly expressed more joy in this belief than any thing else which he advanced during the conversation. He said that he had heard Joe Smith preach in Bainbridge Chenango co. N. Y. five years since; he knew it to be him; that he was a dark complexioned man, &c. I was as particular to enquire [inquire] his appearance, size, age, &c. as decency would admit, and found that the man was guilty of falsehood. This accounted for the warmth of his assertions when he pronounced the name "Joe Smith," and I conclude that he learned it from the popular priests of the day, who, thro' fear that their craft will be injured if their systems are compared with the truth, seek to ridicule those who teach it.

Now, that he lied, I have no hesitancy in saying, as our brother Joseph Smith Jr. had not commenced to preach five years since, neither has he ever preached in Bainbridge; and, as to the correctness of his description of his complexion I leave all who are acquainted with his person, to judge. But his bluster, (for he made no little noise,) excited the curiosity of many who crowded round, eager to ascertain the cause of this "war of words." After making several assertions, and many flourishes, he gave opportunity for an answer.—He said that the Savior had not been seen since his ascension, and that any man contradicting this was a deceiver.

After obtaining liberty to speak, we informed the gentleman that, to commence, we would correct one assertion just advanced, which was, that "Christ had not appeared to any man or men since his ascension into heaven, after his resurrection." The company listened intensely, and we proceeded:—

In John's testimony we read that after Peter and John, early in the morning, had left Mary at the sepulcher, she stood without, weeping, and after she had conversed with the angels, turned round and saw Jesus standing by; that when she knew that it was the Lord, she was forbidden to touch him: "For I am not yet ascended to my Father," were his words. See John, 20:17.

The same day at evening, the Lord appeared to certain of his disciples, the doors being shut, and showed them his hands and his side; but Thomas not being present, refused to believe.—Eight days after, when they were assembled, he appeared again, and called upon Thomas to put his finger into the prints of the nails, and his hand into his side. See John, 20:26 & 27.

From these two items it is evident that Jesus was seen after his ascension, because he could not be touched on the morning of his resurrection, and eight days after called upon one of his disci-

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ples to put his hand into his side.—And his word to Mary to say to his brethren, that he was about to ascend to his Father and their Father, his God and their God; and that he could not be touched until this was accomplished, the following account shows plainly that he had, eight days after, entered those mansions of glory where perfection dwells.

Upon this item, then, we rest the fact,—that he had ascended! because in the morning he could not be touched, (for this reason,) and eight days after, said to one, "Reach hither thy finger and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side"! and in another place it is said, that soon after his resurrection, as the disciples were assembled, Jesus stood in their midst, and they were "terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit;" but were assured that it was the Lord, having a privilege of seeing and feeling—and pass to certain items to show that it was no secret with the saints that he was seen after his ascension. See Luke, 24:39 & 40.

Luke also says, when writing the Acts of the apostles, that Christ showed himself alive by many infallible proofs, after his resurrection, "being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God." Peter, while preaching to the house of Cornelius, says that God did raise him "up the third day, and showed him openly; not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead." If this is not sufficient, remembering that he could not be touched till he ascended, we will notice a few sayings of Paul, and leave our friends to judge for themselves.

In the 15th chapter of his first epistle to the Corinthians, while speaking of the resurrection of the Lord, he says, "that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: after that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time."

Now we will recollect, that after his resurrection he was seen of the disciples "forty days;" and then was seen to ascend up into heaven, and also, the angels said that he had gone to that place. We will recollect also that after this ascension the whole number of the disciples was only one hundred and twenty, and that Paul says, that he appeared to above five hundred at once, and of course, it must have been after this ascension here spoken of by Luke. After that he was seen of James; then of ALL the apostles. Paul does not end his testimony here: Stephen was certainly stoned before his (Paul's) convertion [conversion], and his last words were, that he saw the Son of Man on the right hand of God, and Paul says afterward, that he (Christ) appeared unto him.

After ending these few remarks upon this item, we were prevented from making any further, as our friend Ellmer had grown quite uneasy, and also said that they were not to be found in the scriptures. He was informed, however, that if he would wait till I could go to my trunk he should have a privilege of seeing for himself, as those passages could be found in a few moments, to which I had referred. He said that he wanted nothing of my Mormon bible; that he did not believe in it, neither would he hear it.

He was informed that it was the English version of the bible, containing the Old and New Testaments, translated by order of James I, between the years 1607 and '10. As he refused to hear our bible, he was told if he would produce one on board the Boat, I would produce those items previously named—but he refused. A gentleman present (a methodist preacher by profession) said, that any man acquainted with his bible would be ready to admit the correctness of what had been quoted.—The poor man soon found that the company discovered his ignorance, and also his anger, as he soon turned from us with a loud boast and an important swell, as another methodist priest from England had done a short time previous, after being shown the weakness of his own argument by our brother H. Smith.

How far this conversation was, or will be productive of good, I am unable to say; but by that means numbers heard, and no doubt, felt an increased anxiety to learn something further relative to this "strange work." One in-

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dividual purchased a book of Mormon, notwithstanding Mr. Ellmer's bitter cry of "Joe Smith," and "false prophets;" and will thus have a privilege of hearing the truth, though he may be separated far from those who have authority to administer the ordinances of the everlasting gospel. May heaven inspire his heart to seek diligently until he obtains a certain knowledge of the kingdom of our God in these last days!

Contention was soon hushed to silence, some assembling in little groups and conversing upon the common occurrences of the day, and others were pacing silently up and down upon the deck, as we were propelled at a rapid rate by wind and steam, while the moon, with the same majesty and beauty with which it had been adorned near six thousand years, arose as from a watery bed, to light the path of the weary traveller.

The little town of Monroe is said to be three miles from the mouth of the Raisin; but the Boat touched at a pier or dock erected several rods from the main land, and the passengers were taken from this in small boats to the shore. Several Irish and German emigrants landed at this place, with considerable heavy baggage. Some few emigrants from the state of N. Y. also landed at this point; and from appearance one would judge this to be a convenient place for those wishing to settle in the south part of the Territory, to land.

We passed up the River in the night & arrived at Detroit at 4 o'clock on the morning of the 8th. It is due Capt. Whitaker that we should here remark, that with his present accommodations, & civil & agreeable hands, he cannot fail of giving that satisfaction to every passenger which will ensure their return to his Boat, if circumstances admit.—In fact, every civil man cannot but be pleased with the happy and agreeable difference between the regulations of Boats on these waters and our southern waters. In the South one will see gamblers employed from the deck to the cabin, and each group furnished with their bottle; but on board the Monroe, I have it in my power to say, was not the case. Is it that the morals of the North are so far in advance of the South? or is it that popular prejudice has stamped this vile practice with disapprobation? Be this as it may, I am certain, that the traveller [traveler] will pass his time far more agreeable where such is the regulation, than in the midst of the cards, bottles, dirks, and pistols of the South.

Detroit is a small town on the West bank of the River of the same name; is pleasantly situated, and is improving; and while the emigration continues to the middle part of the Territory, must continue. It is to be remembered that this little place has been a point of considerable military struggle, as it held the keys of protection for a large portion of our North—western frontier.—Our war with England to be sure, has passed over; but the conduct of Gov. Hull, in surrendering this post, on the 16th of August, 1812, has placed a stain upon his history, in the mind of every American, which will not be erased; and it is to be doubted, whether those who "bought him" will now justify his conduct!

After the battle of the 10th of Sept. 1813, it fell into the hands of our Government, and was re—taken by Gen. Harrison on the 29 of the same month.

It has been severely scourged this season with Cholera; and it is said that some hundreds have fallen victims to this disease. We were informed that it contains at the present, no more than 4000 inhabitants. This may be called a slow increase for two centuries; but when it is remembered that it is yet on our frontier, and that little, or no business was done here, till late, except a small traf[f]ic with the natives; & that its first inhabitants were French, it is not a matter of much astonishment. Boats and other craft generally touch at this place, on their passage to and from the upper Lakes.

A stage runs daily from Detroit to this place, though the mail but once a week. At 8 A. M. we took passage. The face of the country for several miles is low and wet, and the timber not the largest; and were one to judge as in other places, he would be led to conclude it an unhealthy part of our land.

As you pass farther, the ground is more elevated, though by no means high.

The timber on the up land is principally oak, while the low ground and

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marshes afford a few small Pine with a mixture of other timber. I am informed, that larger Pine is quite abundant a distance from this.

Judging from the size of the timber and the appearance of the soil, a stranger will not consider this part of the Territory to be superior, by no means, to many parts of New York and Ohio.—I am not disposed to judge the whole Territory from the small part that I have seen, because I am informed by credible men, that it affords far better; but were one to do this, he would be left to wonder why people leave the more fertile and mild parts of Ohio, for a situation here.

Yet this country is not without its peculiarities—It abounds with Lakes covering from one to 1000 acres, which are literally filled with excellent fish. The water in these Lakes is remarkably transparent. In addition to these, the rivers emptying into the large Lakes abound with White—fish of a superior quality, and many with Salmon—trout.

Considering the newness of the country, the improved land is estimated at a gr[e]ater value than would, at first, be supposed—farms of 100 acres being held at, from $800 to $1000.

Notwithstanding the diseases; (for withal it must be quite unhealthy to foreigners;) it is improving, and fast being settled; and the next session of our Congress will probably grant it a privilege of being recorded upon the annals of history, a "Free, Sovereign, and Independant [Independent] State." And with the fostering care of Divine Providence, a few years might drain many of its swamps, and convert its wilderness into fruitful fields, and these haunts of wild beasts and "red men" into the abodes of civilization and peace.

OLIVER COWDERY.