Parley Parker PrattParley Parker Pratt

Sidney RigdonSidney Rigdon

Chapter 7, The Infant Church Chapter 7, The Infant Church ExpandsExpands

William W. Phelps said, William W. Phelps said,

““I should do injustice to the subject, were I to omit a I should do injustice to the subject, were I to omit a notice of the Indians that inhabit the territory, of which I notice of the Indians that inhabit the territory, of which I am writing. When I was at the garrison, I saw a noble am writing. When I was at the garrison, I saw a noble looking, portly Indian, dressed and in fine style for looking, portly Indian, dressed and in fine style for hunting, and for the life of me, I could not help hunting, and for the life of me, I could not help composing the hymn.composing the hymn.

After the 2After the 2ndnd General Conference of the Church, the General Conference of the Church, the brethren left on their mission on the 18brethren left on their mission on the 18thth of October of October which covered 1,500 miles.which covered 1,500 miles.

The hymn was called: The hymn was called:

““O Stop and Tell Me Red ManO Stop and Tell Me Red Man””(The Messenger and Advocate vol. 1:33- 34, December (The Messenger and Advocate vol. 1:33- 34, December

18341834))

Author: Author: William Wine PhelpsWilliam Wine Phelps

These lyrics may have been acceptable in These lyrics may have been acceptable in 1835, but they would be considered 1835, but they would be considered highly offensive by many people today. highly offensive by many people today.

1.1. O stop and tell me, Red Man,O stop and tell me, Red Man, 4. “Before your nation knew us, 4. “Before your nation knew us,Who are ye?Who are ye? Why you roam?Why you roam? “Some thousand moon ago, “Some thousand moon ago, And how you get your living? “Our fathers fell in darkness,And how you get your living? “Our fathers fell in darkness,Have you no God; no home? “And wandered to and fro.Have you no God; no home? “And wandered to and fro.

2. With stature straight and portly, 5. “And long they’ve lived by 2. With stature straight and portly, 5. “And long they’ve lived by hunting hunting

And decked in native pride, “Instead of work and artsAnd decked in native pride, “Instead of work and artsWith feathers, paints and broaches, “And so our race has dwindledWith feathers, paints and broaches, “And so our race has dwindledHe willingly replied: “To idle Indian hearts.He willingly replied: “To idle Indian hearts.

3.3. “I once was pleasant Ephraim, 6. “Yet hope within us lingers,“I once was pleasant Ephraim, 6. “Yet hope within us lingers,““When Jacob for me prayed; As If the Spirit spoke:When Jacob for me prayed; As If the Spirit spoke:““But oh! How blessings vanish, ‘He’ll come for your But oh! How blessings vanish, ‘He’ll come for your

redemption redemption““When man from God has strayed! ‘And break you Gentile yoke:When man from God has strayed! ‘And break you Gentile yoke:

7. ‘And all your captive brothers7. ‘And all your captive brothers

“ “From every clime shall come,From every clime shall come,

‘ ‘And quit their savage customs,And quit their savage customs,

“ “To live with God at home.To live with God at home.

8. “Then joy will fill our bosoms,8. “Then joy will fill our bosoms,

“ “And blessings crown our days,And blessings crown our days,

“ “To live in pure religion,To live in pure religion,

“ “And sing our Maker’s praise.”And sing our Maker’s praise.”

(Sing to hymn 284, If you could Hie to Kolob)(Sing to hymn 284, If you could Hie to Kolob)

Since 1830, the members of the Since 1830, the members of the Church had accepted the concept of Church had accepted the concept of the American Indians as being a the American Indians as being a remnant of the House of Israel and remnant of the House of Israel and to whom there were tremendous to whom there were tremendous promises extended (Alma 9:17).promises extended (Alma 9:17).

D&C 28:8 & D&C 80:3D&C 28:8 & D&C 80:3

This was a revelation in which Oliver This was a revelation in which Oliver Cowdery was called to preach the Cowdery was called to preach the gospel to the Lamanites. gospel to the Lamanites.

Why ParleyWhy Parley? ?

He came from that area and had studied He came from that area and had studied under a man named Sidney Rigdon. under a man named Sidney Rigdon.

Sidney was a prominent minister who Sidney was a prominent minister who presided over a group of people known as presided over a group of people known as “the seekers” – a group dedicated to locating “the seekers” – a group dedicated to locating New Testament Christianity. New Testament Christianity.

Sidney had also been a part of “The Disciples Sidney had also been a part of “The Disciples of Christ,” called the “Cambellites.” of Christ,” called the “Cambellites.”

Sidney broke off from the Reformed Baptist Sidney broke off from the Reformed Baptist Society.Society.

Sidney allowed Parley and others to preach to his Sidney allowed Parley and others to preach to his congregation.congregation.

Sidney was not enthusiastic, but because of his Sidney was not enthusiastic, but because of his friendship for Parley he committed to read the friendship for Parley he committed to read the Book of Mormon. Book of Mormon.

Sidney concluded his sermon by quoting Sidney concluded his sermon by quoting First First Thessalonians 5:21Thessalonians 5:21 which says, “ which says, “prove all things prove all things and hold fast to that which is goodand hold fast to that which is good.”.”

The people thronged the missionaries night and The people thronged the missionaries night and day, insomuch that they had no time for rest and day, insomuch that they had no time for rest and retirement.retirement.

Within three weeks of their arrival, the Within three weeks of their arrival, the missionaries had made a lasting impact missionaries had made a lasting impact by more than doubling the Church by more than doubling the Church membership.membership.

When Sidney was informed that Joseph When Sidney was informed that Joseph Smith was a young man with “hardly a Smith was a young man with “hardly a common school education,” Sydney common school education,” Sydney replied, “If that is all the education he replied, “If that is all the education he has got, he never wrote this book” (John has got, he never wrote this book” (John W. Rigdon, W. Rigdon, Lecture on the Early History Lecture on the Early History of the Mormon Churchof the Mormon Church, LDS Archives)., LDS Archives).

President A.W. Cowles of Elmira College President A.W. Cowles of Elmira College interviewed Sidney Rigdon in interviewed Sidney Rigdon in 1868 and and recorded that Sidney’s beliefs on this point recorded that Sidney’s beliefs on this point had not changed: “Rigdon expressed the had not changed: “Rigdon expressed the utmost amazement that such a man utmost amazement that such a man should write a book which seemed to shed should write a book which seemed to shed a flood of light on all the old scriptures, a flood of light on all the old scriptures, open all their profoundest mysteries, and open all their profoundest mysteries, and give them perfect consistency and give them perfect consistency and complete system. In his fresh enthusiasm complete system. In his fresh enthusiasm he exclaimed that if God ever gave a he exclaimed that if God ever gave a revelation, surely this must be divine” revelation, surely this must be divine” (A.W. Cowles, (A.W. Cowles, Moore’s Rural New Yorker, Moore’s Rural New Yorker, 23 January 23, 1843, 61).23 January 23, 1843, 61).

Phebe Rigdon’s (Sidney’s wife) desire to do Phebe Rigdon’s (Sidney’s wife) desire to do the will of God is impressive!the will of God is impressive!

Realizing that baptism, with the subsequent loss of Realizing that baptism, with the subsequent loss of employment and of the home and property provided by employment and of the home and property provided by his congregation, would greatly affect his family, Sidney his congregation, would greatly affect his family, Sidney asked his wife, Phebe, “My dear, you have once followed asked his wife, Phebe, “My dear, you have once followed me into poverty, are you again willing to do the same?” me into poverty, are you again willing to do the same?” Phebe’s devotion to the Lord and to her husband were Phebe’s devotion to the Lord and to her husband were clear in her answer: “clear in her answer: “I have weighed the matter, I have contemplated on the circumstances in which we may be placed; I have counted the cost, and I am perfectly satisfied to follow you; it is my desire to do the will of God, come life or come death” (” (History of Joseph SmithHistory of Joseph Smith, , Times and Seasons 4 September 1, 1843: 304).Times and Seasons 4 September 1, 1843: 304).

They baptized 127 people into the Church, They baptized 127 people into the Church, including such notables as including such notables as Sidney RigdonSidney Rigdon, , Isaac Isaac MorleyMorley, , Levi HancockLevi Hancock, , Lyman WightLyman Wight, , Philo Philo DibbleDibble, , John MurdockJohn Murdock and and Frederick G. WilliamsFrederick G. Williams..

Many of these men played a powerful role in Many of these men played a powerful role in future operations of the Church.future operations of the Church.

The converts in Ohio more than doubled the The converts in Ohio more than doubled the entire membership of the Church in those three entire membership of the Church in those three weeksweeks..

In 1830, Joseph began working on the inspired In 1830, Joseph began working on the inspired translation of the Book of Genesis.translation of the Book of Genesis.

John MurdockJohn Murdock::

John Murdock was baptized in the Chagrin River on November 5, John Murdock was baptized in the Chagrin River on November 5, 1830 by Parley P. Pratt.1830 by Parley P. Pratt.

He wrote of his conversion and baptism:He wrote of his conversion and baptism:

I …was soon introduced to those four men from New York, and I …was soon introduced to those four men from New York, and presented with The Book of Mormon….I read till it was late…The Spirit presented with The Book of Mormon….I read till it was late…The Spirit of the Lord rested on me, witnessing to me of the Truth of the of the Lord rested on me, witnessing to me of the Truth of the work….I told the servants of the Lord that I was ready to walk with work….I told the servants of the Lord that I was ready to walk with them into the waters of baptism. Accordingly, Elder Pratt baptized them into the waters of baptism. Accordingly, Elder Pratt baptized me and the Spirit of the Lord sensibly attended the ministration, and I me and the Spirit of the Lord sensibly attended the ministration, and I came out of the water rejoicing and singing praises to God, and the came out of the water rejoicing and singing praises to God, and the Lamb! An impression sensibly rested on my mind that cannot, by Lamb! An impression sensibly rested on my mind that cannot, by me, be forgotten….This was the third time that I had been immersed, me, be forgotten….This was the third time that I had been immersed, but I never before felt the authority of the Ordinance, but I felt it this but I never before felt the authority of the Ordinance, but I felt it this time and felt as though my sins were forgiven! (John Murdock, “time and felt as though my sins were forgiven! (John Murdock, “A A Brief Synopsis of the Life of John MurdockBrief Synopsis of the Life of John Murdock, Taken from an Abridged , Taken from an Abridged Record of his Journal,” Church Archives).Record of his Journal,” Church Archives).

Philo DibblePhilo Dibble::

When I came out of the water, I knew that I had When I came out of the water, I knew that I had been born of water and of the spirit, for my mind been born of water and of the spirit, for my mind was illuminated with the Holy Ghost. I spent that was illuminated with the Holy Ghost. I spent that evening at F.G. Williams.’ While in bed that night evening at F.G. Williams.’ While in bed that night I felt what appeared to be a hand upon my left I felt what appeared to be a hand upon my left shoulder and a sensation like fibers of fire shoulder and a sensation like fibers of fire immediately enveloped my body….I was immediately enveloped my body….I was enveloped in a heavenly influence, and could not enveloped in a heavenly influence, and could not sleep for joy. The next morning I started home a sleep for joy. The next morning I started home a happy man (Philo Dibble’s Narrative, in happy man (Philo Dibble’s Narrative, in Early Scenes in Church History, Salt Lake City, 1882, , Salt Lake City, 1882, 75).75).

Edward PartridgeEdward Partridge::

His wife Lydia, wrote concerning the missionaries’ His wife Lydia, wrote concerning the missionaries’ visit, “Edward told them he did not believe what visit, “Edward told them he did not believe what they said, but believed them to be imposters.they said, but believed them to be imposters.

This trusted businessman (owned a hatter’s shop This trusted businessman (owned a hatter’s shop in Painesville) was subsequently baptized during in Painesville) was subsequently baptized during a visit to Palmyra where he had gone to a visit to Palmyra where he had gone to investigate the Prophet Joseph Smith. This investigate the Prophet Joseph Smith. This trusted business man represented himself and trusted business man represented himself and others who esteemed him as “a man who would others who esteemed him as “a man who would not lie for his right arm! He later became the first not lie for his right arm! He later became the first Bishop of the Church (Bishop of the Church (Philo Dibble’s NarrativePhilo Dibble’s Narrative, , 77).77).

Sidney RigdonSidney Rigdon

Sidney is mentioned in 27 sections of the D&C. Sidney is mentioned in 27 sections of the D&C.

He was born in Pennsylvania and died in New He was born in Pennsylvania and died in New York.York.

He read the Book of Mormon, believed it was He read the Book of Mormon, believed it was true, and was baptized on Nov. 14true, and was baptized on Nov. 14thth, 1830. , 1830.

He was a scribe to Joseph for much of the He was a scribe to Joseph for much of the translation of the Bible.translation of the Bible.

Referring to the Book of Mormon, Referring to the Book of Mormon, Sidney said that if God ever gave a Sidney said that if God ever gave a revelation, surely this must be revelation, surely this must be divinedivine (A.W. Cowles, (A.W. Cowles, Moore’s Rural Moore’s Rural New Yorker New Yorker 23 (January 23, 1843): 23 (January 23, 1843): 61).61).

After prayer and much meditation, After prayer and much meditation, Sidney decided to be baptized. This Sidney decided to be baptized. This decision imposed a dilemma upon decision imposed a dilemma upon him.him.

Joseph described in his history:Joseph described in his history:

The honors and applause of the world were The honors and applause of the world were showered down upon him, his wants were showered down upon him, his wants were abundantly supplied, and were anticipated. He abundantly supplied, and were anticipated. He was respected by the entire community, and his was respected by the entire community, and his name was a tower of strength. His (counsel) was name was a tower of strength. His (counsel) was sought for, respected and esteemed. ---But if he sought for, respected and esteemed. ---But if he should unite with the Church of Christ, his should unite with the Church of Christ, his prospects of wealth and affluence would vanish; prospects of wealth and affluence would vanish; his family dependent upon him for support, must his family dependent upon him for support, must necessarily share his humiliation and poverty. He necessarily share his humiliation and poverty. He was aware that his character and his reputation was aware that his character and his reputation must suffer in the estimation of the community must suffer in the estimation of the community (“History of Joseph Smith,” (“History of Joseph Smith,” Times and Seasons Times and Seasons 4 4 (September 1, 1843): 304)(September 1, 1843): 304)

Sidney was a spokesman for Joseph and was Sidney was a spokesman for Joseph and was a a powerful speakerpowerful speaker. He was known as a . He was known as a ““defender of the truthdefender of the truth.”.”

In March of 1832 he was tarred and In March of 1832 he was tarred and feathered on the same night that Joseph feathered on the same night that Joseph Smith was in Hiram, Ohio near the John Smith was in Hiram, Ohio near the John Johnson home. Johnson home.

When Joseph went to see him and inquire as When Joseph went to see him and inquire as to how he was doing, Sidney called to his to how he was doing, Sidney called to his wife to bring him a razor. She asked him wife to bring him a razor. She asked him what he was going to do with it and he what he was going to do with it and he replied, “I’m going to kill Joseph Smith.” replied, “I’m going to kill Joseph Smith.”

He was delirious for many days after the tar He was delirious for many days after the tar and feathering.and feathering.

In March of 1833 he became a member of In March of 1833 he became a member of the First Presidency.the First Presidency.

When Sidney was taken a prisoner to When Sidney was taken a prisoner to Richmond, Parley saw Rigdon taking Richmond, Parley saw Rigdon taking leave of his wife and daughters, the mob leave of his wife and daughters, the mob witnessed slight shock of apoplectic fits, witnessed slight shock of apoplectic fits, which excited great laughter and much which excited great laughter and much ridicule in the guard and mob militia. ridicule in the guard and mob militia.

The conditions of imprisonment led to The conditions of imprisonment led to depression and to his claim that “depression and to his claim that “the the sufferings of Jesus Christ were a fool sufferings of Jesus Christ were a fool to histo his.” .”

At a court hearing he defended himself while At a court hearing he defended himself while lying on a cot placed in the courtroom because lying on a cot placed in the courtroom because he was too weak to sit in a chair. he was too weak to sit in a chair.

Alexander Doniphan recorded, “Such a burst of Alexander Doniphan recorded, “Such a burst of eloquence it was never my fortune to listen to, eloquence it was never my fortune to listen to, at its close there was not a dry eye in the room, at its close there was not a dry eye in the room, all were moved to tears.” all were moved to tears.” One of the listeners One of the listeners stated, “We came here determined to do injury stated, “We came here determined to do injury to this manto this man. . He is innocent of crimeHe is innocent of crime… … and now and now gentlemen, out with your money and help this gentlemen, out with your money and help this man to return to his destitute familyman to return to his destitute family.” .” The The audience raised one hundred dollarsaudience raised one hundred dollars..

By 1842 a personal conflict developed between By 1842 a personal conflict developed between Sidney and Joseph after the Prophet asked Sidney and Joseph after the Prophet asked Sidney’s daughter Nancy to enter into plural Sidney’s daughter Nancy to enter into plural marriage with him.marriage with him.

In 1843 Sidney was cut off from the Church for plotting In 1843 Sidney was cut off from the Church for plotting with apostates. He was later reinstated. with apostates. He was later reinstated.

In 1843, Joseph attempted to have Sidney released as In 1843, Joseph attempted to have Sidney released as his counselor. Church members rallied behind Sidney his counselor. Church members rallied behind Sidney and voted that he be retained. and voted that he be retained.

Joseph angrily declared, “I have thrown him off my Joseph angrily declared, “I have thrown him off my shoulders, and you have again put him on meshoulders, and you have again put him on me. . You You may carry him, but I will notmay carry him, but I will not.”.”

The day before the martyrdom Joseph said, “Poor The day before the martyrdom Joseph said, “Poor Rigdon, I am glad he is gone to Pittsburg out of the Rigdon, I am glad he is gone to Pittsburg out of the way. way. Were he to preside he would lead this Church to Were he to preside he would lead this Church to destruction in less than five yearsdestruction in less than five years..

After the martyrdom Sidney returned to Nauvoo After the martyrdom Sidney returned to Nauvoo offering himself as a “offering himself as a “guardian of the Churchguardian of the Church.”.”

In September 1844 a Church court was held and In September 1844 a Church court was held and fellowship was withdrawn from Sidney. He was fellowship was withdrawn from Sidney. He was “delivered over to the buffetings of Satan until he “delivered over to the buffetings of Satan until he repented.”repented.”

Rigdon returned to Pittsburg and organized the Rigdon returned to Pittsburg and organized the Church of Christ on the 6Church of Christ on the 6thth of April, 1845 of April, 1845. His . His following failed to grow. following failed to grow.

At age sixty Sidney was forced to live on the At age sixty Sidney was forced to live on the charity of his family. charity of his family.

During the last years of his life he resided in During the last years of his life he resided in Friendship, New York. Friendship, New York.

He died in 1876.He died in 1876.

It was fifty miles from Kirtland that Parley It was fifty miles from Kirtland that Parley P. Pratt had his run-in with “P. Pratt had his run-in with “Stu-BoyStu-Boy.”.”

Mr. Peabody was the owner of “Stu-Boy.” Mr. Peabody was the owner of “Stu-Boy.” He later joined the church.He later joined the church.

Government agents in the territory Government agents in the territory became jealous of the efforts of the became jealous of the efforts of the missionaries and since the missionaries missionaries and since the missionaries had not received proper authorization to had not received proper authorization to preach in the Indian Territory, they were preach in the Indian Territory, they were told to desist until permission was granted told to desist until permission was granted (Oliver should have gotten a permit).(Oliver should have gotten a permit).

Even though the Lamanite Mission was not very Even though the Lamanite Mission was not very successful in terms of opening the doors of the gospel successful in terms of opening the doors of the gospel to the Indian nations, it did have a significant impact to the Indian nations, it did have a significant impact upon the History of the Church.upon the History of the Church.

The Saints were instructed to head to the “Ohio” (D&C The Saints were instructed to head to the “Ohio” (D&C 38:32) 38:32)

Why? Why? No OhioNo Ohio --- --- No LawNo Law!!

The Lord is nice! By traveling west they were The Lord is nice! By traveling west they were saved them from the Civil Warsaved them from the Civil War. .

It was likely they would have lost their property and It was likely they would have lost their property and homes in the war anyway.homes in the war anyway.

Thomas B. Marsh Thomas B. Marsh (D&C 31:9, 12)(D&C 31:9, 12)

“Govern Your House”“Govern Your House”

Strippings were the part of the milk richest in Strippings were the part of the milk richest in cream. The wife of Thomas B. Marsh (President of cream. The wife of Thomas B. Marsh (President of the Twelve Apostles), and Sister Harris who’s the Twelve Apostles), and Sister Harris who’s husband was on the High Council, concluded that husband was on the High Council, concluded that they would exchange milk, in order to make a little they would exchange milk, in order to make a little larger cheese than they otherwise could. To be sure larger cheese than they otherwise could. To be sure to have justice done, it was agreed that they should to have justice done, it was agreed that they should not save the strippings, but that the milk and not save the strippings, but that the milk and strippings should all go together… Mrs. Harris, it strippings should all go together… Mrs. Harris, it appeared, was faithful to the agreement and carried appeared, was faithful to the agreement and carried to Mrs. Marsh the milk and strippings, but Mrs. to Mrs. Marsh the milk and strippings, but Mrs. Marsh, wishing to make some extra good cheese, Marsh, wishing to make some extra good cheese, saved a pint of strippings from each cow and sent saved a pint of strippings from each cow and sent Mrs. Harris the milk without the strippings. Mrs. Harris the milk without the strippings.

Finally it Finally it leakedleaked out that Mrs. out that Mrs. Marsh had saved the strippings… Marsh had saved the strippings… “An appeal was taken from the “An appeal was taken from the Teachers to the Bishop, and a Teachers to the Bishop, and a regular Church trial was held. regular Church trial was held. President Marsh did not consider President Marsh did not consider that the Bishop had done him and that the Bishop had done him and his lady justice, for they (the his lady justice, for they (the bishop’s court) decided that the bishop’s court) decided that the strippings were wrongfully saved, strippings were wrongfully saved, and that the woman had violated and that the woman had violated her covenant.her covenant.

Marsh immediately took an appeal to the High Council…, Marsh immediately took an appeal to the High Council…, but the High Council confirmed the Bishops decision. but the High Council confirmed the Bishops decision. “Marsh, not being satisfied, took an appeal to the First “Marsh, not being satisfied, took an appeal to the First Presidency of the Church, and Joseph and his Counselors Presidency of the Church, and Joseph and his Counselors sat upon the case. They approved the decision of the sat upon the case. They approved the decision of the High Council. High Council.

““This little affair, you will observe, kicked up a This little affair, you will observe, kicked up a considerable breeze, and Thomas B. Marsh then declared considerable breeze, and Thomas B. Marsh then declared that he would sustain the character of his wife, even if he that he would sustain the character of his wife, even if he had to go to hell for it (had to go to hell for it (to which Heber C. Kimball wished to which Heber C. Kimball wished him well on his wayhim well on his way). ).

““Then - the President of the Twelve Apostles, the man Then - the President of the Twelve Apostles, the man who should have been the first to do justice and cause who should have been the first to do justice and cause reparation to be made for wrong, committed by any reparation to be made for wrong, committed by any member of his family, took the position” (George Albert member of his family, took the position” (George Albert Smith, Smith, JDJD, 3:283-84)., 3:283-84).

President Gordon B. Hinckley repeated the story in President Gordon B. Hinckley repeated the story in General Conference and then commentedGeneral Conference and then commented: :

““The man who should have settled this little quarrel, The man who should have settled this little quarrel, but who, rather, pursued it,…but who, rather, pursued it,…literally went through hell literally went through hell for itfor it. He lost his testimony of the gospel. For nineteen . He lost his testimony of the gospel. For nineteen years he walked in poverty and darkness and years he walked in poverty and darkness and bitterness, experiencing illness, and loneliness. He bitterness, experiencing illness, and loneliness. He grew old before his time, Finally, like the prodigal son grew old before his time, Finally, like the prodigal son in the parable of the Savior (Luke 15:11-32), he in the parable of the Savior (Luke 15:11-32), he recognized his foolishness and painfully made his way recognized his foolishness and painfully made his way to this valley (Salt Lake), and asked Brigham Young to to this valley (Salt Lake), and asked Brigham Young to forgive him and permit his re-baptism into the Church. forgive him and permit his re-baptism into the Church. He had been the first President of the Twelve, loved, He had been the first President of the Twelve, loved, respected, and honored in the days of Kirtland, and the respected, and honored in the days of Kirtland, and the early days of Far West. early days of Far West. Now he asked only that he Now he asked only that he might be ordained a deacon and become a doorkeeper might be ordained a deacon and become a doorkeeper in the house of the Lordin the house of the Lord” (C.R., April, 1984, 111). ” (C.R., April, 1984, 111).

Path to ApostasyPath to Apostasy

You that don’t know him, have heard of You that don’t know him, have heard of Thomas B. Marsh, who was formerly the Thomas B. Marsh, who was formerly the President of the Twelve Apostles, but who President of the Twelve Apostles, but who apostatized some years ago, in Missouri. apostatized some years ago, in Missouri. He is on his way here, a poor, decrepit, He is on his way here, a poor, decrepit, broken down, old man. He has had a broken down, old man. He has had a paralytic stroke --- one of his arms hangs paralytic stroke --- one of his arms hangs down. He is coming out here as an object down. He is coming out here as an object of charity, destitute, without wife, child, or of charity, destitute, without wife, child, or anything else. He has been an apostate anything else. He has been an apostate some eighteen years. Most of you know some eighteen years. Most of you know his history…his history…

In meeting with some of the apostates, In meeting with some of the apostates, Thomas said to them, “You don’t know Thomas said to them, “You don’t know what you are about; if you want to see what you are about; if you want to see the fruits of apostasy, look on me….”the fruits of apostasy, look on me….”

Many have said to me, “How is it that a Many have said to me, “How is it that a man like you, who understood so much of man like you, who understood so much of the revelations of God as recorded in the the revelations of God as recorded in the Book of the Doctrine and Covenants, Book of the Doctrine and Covenants, should fall away?” should fall away?” I told them not to feel I told them not to feel too secure, but to take heed lest they too secure, but to take heed lest they also should fall; for I had no scruples in also should fall; for I had no scruples in my mind as to the possibility of men my mind as to the possibility of men falling awayfalling away. .

I can say, in reference to the Quorum of the I can say, in reference to the Quorum of the Twelve, to which I belonged, that I did not Twelve, to which I belonged, that I did not consider myself a whit behind any of them, and consider myself a whit behind any of them, and I suppose that others had the same opinion; but, I suppose that others had the same opinion; but, let no one feel too secure; for, before you think let no one feel too secure; for, before you think of it, your steps will slideof it, your steps will slide. You will not then . You will not then think nor feel for a moment as you did before think nor feel for a moment as you did before you lost the Spirit of Christ; for when men you lost the Spirit of Christ; for when men apostatize, they are left to grovel in the dark.apostatize, they are left to grovel in the dark.

I have sought diligently to know the Spirit of I have sought diligently to know the Spirit of Christ since I turned my face Zion-ward, and I Christ since I turned my face Zion-ward, and I believe I have obtained it. I have frequently believe I have obtained it. I have frequently wanted to know how my apostasy began, and I wanted to know how my apostasy began, and I have come to the conclusion that I must have have come to the conclusion that I must have lost the Spirit of the Lord out of my heart.lost the Spirit of the Lord out of my heart.

The question is, “The question is, “How and when did I How and when did I lose lose the Spiritthe Spirit?” ?”

The answer is that I became jealous of the The answer is that I became jealous of the ProphetProphet, and then I was double, and overlooked , and then I was double, and overlooked everything that was right, and spent all of my time everything that was right, and spent all of my time in looking for the evil; and then, when the Devil in looking for the evil; and then, when the Devil began to lead me, it was easy for the carnal mind began to lead me, it was easy for the carnal mind to rise up, which is anger, jealousy, and wrath. I to rise up, which is anger, jealousy, and wrath. I could feel it within me; I felt angry and wrathful; could feel it within me; I felt angry and wrathful; and the Spirit of the Lord being gone, as the and the Spirit of the Lord being gone, as the Scriptures say, I was blinded, and I thought it was Scriptures say, I was blinded, and I thought it was a beam in brother Joseph’s eye, but it was nothing a beam in brother Joseph’s eye, but it was nothing but a mote, and my own eye was filled with the but a mote, and my own eye was filled with the beam….(Thomas B. Marsh, beam….(Thomas B. Marsh, JDJD).).

The Kirtland Visionaries The Kirtland Visionaries January – June 1831January – June 1831

Kirtland, Ohio, had been settled for about twenty years Kirtland, Ohio, had been settled for about twenty years when Joseph and Emma arrived in February 1831.when Joseph and Emma arrived in February 1831.

By 1835 when the town’s population stood about 2,000, By 1835 when the town’s population stood about 2,000, some 900 Mormons lived in Kirtland with another 200 some 900 Mormons lived in Kirtland with another 200 nearby. Two years later, the Mormons were a majority nearby. Two years later, the Mormons were a majority (Once more Joseph and Emma moved into an area (Once more Joseph and Emma moved into an area stimulated by canal traffic).stimulated by canal traffic).

Eber D. Howe in 1834 published the book called Eber D. Howe in 1834 published the book called Mormonism UnveiledMormonism Unveiled. Despite it’s negative tone, it was . Despite it’s negative tone, it was filled with good reporting.filled with good reporting.

Joseph entered a new world when he arrived in Kirtland. Joseph entered a new world when he arrived in Kirtland. In Palmyra he was derided and persecuted; in Kirtland In Palmyra he was derided and persecuted; in Kirtland admirers and believers surrounded him. Within five admirers and believers surrounded him. Within five years, a temple was built and thousands of followers years, a temple was built and thousands of followers gathered. gathered.

Joseph and Emma lived with Isaac Morley, a well-off Joseph and Emma lived with Isaac Morley, a well-off convert who had worked a farm on Kirtland’s northern convert who had worked a farm on Kirtland’s northern boundary since 1812.boundary since 1812.

During this time outburst of religious enthusiasm point During this time outburst of religious enthusiasm point to the existence of a widespread visionary population to the existence of a widespread visionary population hungering for more of God than standard church hungering for more of God than standard church worship provided. Enthusiasts wanted “a more worship provided. Enthusiasts wanted “a more interactive faith in which the believer and God actively interactive faith in which the believer and God actively work together to meet life’s daily challenges and in work together to meet life’s daily challenges and in which God communicates directly with the believer or which God communicates directly with the believer or community of believers.”community of believers.”

Many early converts to Mormonism came out of Many early converts to Mormonism came out of this culture.this culture.

Isaac Morley shared property with eleven Isaac Morley shared property with eleven families called “families called “the familythe family.” This spawned a .” This spawned a smaller branch of five families under Lyman smaller branch of five families under Lyman Wight in nearby Mayfield. Virtually all members Wight in nearby Mayfield. Virtually all members of the Family were baptized in the first wave of of the Family were baptized in the first wave of Mormon conversions. Mormon conversions.

Rigdon was baptized within ten days after the Rigdon was baptized within ten days after the four New York missionaries arrived in Mentor on four New York missionaries arrived in Mentor on October 28, 1830, and though the majority of October 28, 1830, and though the majority of his congregation withdrew its support, a few his congregation withdrew its support, a few families in Kirtland followed his lead. families in Kirtland followed his lead.

Joseph’s revelation did not bring visionary Joseph’s revelation did not bring visionary outbursts to a halt, but he had laid down outbursts to a halt, but he had laid down a line between Mormonism and the a line between Mormonism and the visionary culture of its first converts. visionary culture of its first converts.

In a democratic time, the Mormons In a democratic time, the Mormons emerged as the most democratic of emerged as the most democratic of churches, rivaled only by the Quakers. churches, rivaled only by the Quakers. The Church’s ministry was both The Church’s ministry was both democratic and authoritarian (Church democratic and authoritarian (Church leaders controlled ordinations). leaders controlled ordinations).

Occasionally missionaries lack of tack led to Occasionally missionaries lack of tack led to trouble. When Leman Copley, a former Shaker trouble. When Leman Copley, a former Shaker turned Mormon took other missionaries to read turned Mormon took other missionaries to read Doctrine & Covenants 49 to the Shakers. The Doctrine & Covenants 49 to the Shakers. The Shakers were irked, especially Kitchel their Shakers were irked, especially Kitchel their leader. When he dismissed the Mormon leader. When he dismissed the Mormon delegation, delegation, the irrepressible Pratt shook his the irrepressible Pratt shook his coattails, saying, in good New Testament coattails, saying, in good New Testament fashion, that he shook the dust from his fashion, that he shook the dust from his garments as a testimony against themgarments as a testimony against them. At this . At this Kitchel blew up, called Pratt a “Kitchel blew up, called Pratt a “Filthy beastFilthy beast,” ,” and told him never to return, while Pratt sat in and told him never to return, while Pratt sat in his seat with his hands covering his face. Pratt his seat with his hands covering his face. Pratt simply reported that “this strange people… simply reported that “this strange people… utterly refused to hear or obey the gospel.”utterly refused to hear or obey the gospel.”

Membership grew to about six hundred within three Membership grew to about six hundred within three months of Joseph’s arrival in Kirtland. months of Joseph’s arrival in Kirtland.

An Endowment of PowerAn Endowment of Power

Three months after their arrival, Emma gave birth to Three months after their arrival, Emma gave birth to twins named Thaddeus and Louisa. Both died at birth. twins named Thaddeus and Louisa. Both died at birth.

After four years of marriage, Emma had borne three After four years of marriage, Emma had borne three children and lost them allchildren and lost them all. .

The day after Emma lost the twins, Julia Clapp Murdock, The day after Emma lost the twins, Julia Clapp Murdock, wife of John Murdock, died six hours after giving birth to wife of John Murdock, died six hours after giving birth to twins in nearby Orange. Burdened with five children twins in nearby Orange. Burdened with five children and no wife, Murdock offered the twins to the Smithsand no wife, Murdock offered the twins to the Smiths. . Within ten days, Emma had Julia and Joseph Murdock to Within ten days, Emma had Julia and Joseph Murdock to care forcare for. .

According to Hancock, Joseph promised Lyman Wight According to Hancock, Joseph promised Lyman Wight he would see Christ that day. Wight soon turned stiff he would see Christ that day. Wight soon turned stiff and white, exclaiming that he had indeed viewed the and white, exclaiming that he had indeed viewed the Savior. According to Hancock, Joseph himself said, “I Savior. According to Hancock, Joseph himself said, “I now see God, and Jesus Christ at his right handnow see God, and Jesus Christ at his right hand.”.”

After the episode where Satan showed up at the After the episode where Satan showed up at the general conference, Joseph ordained five men to the general conference, Joseph ordained five men to the high priesthood, and Lyman Wight ordained eighteen high priesthood, and Lyman Wight ordained eighteen others. Until that time, the word “priesthood,” others. Until that time, the word “priesthood,” although it appeared in the Book of Mormon, had not although it appeared in the Book of Mormon, had not been used in Mormon sermonizing or modern been used in Mormon sermonizing or modern revelationsrevelations. .

The evil spirit was in and out of people all day and The evil spirit was in and out of people all day and the greater part of the nightthe greater part of the night. .

The four missionaries (Parley The four missionaries (Parley P. Pratt, Oliver Cowdery, P. Pratt, Oliver Cowdery, Ziba Peterson, and Peter Ziba Peterson, and Peter Whitmer) baptized about one Whitmer) baptized about one hundred people in less than hundred people in less than two months. The message two months. The message of the restored gospel was of the restored gospel was received and took root in received and took root in Ohio.Ohio.

ZionZion

July – December 1831July – December 1831

An agent of the American Home Missionary Society said that even An agent of the American Home Missionary Society said that even the Christian ministers were “a sad lot of churchmen, untrained, the Christian ministers were “a sad lot of churchmen, untrained, uncouth, given to imbibling spirituous liquors.” They were not the uncouth, given to imbibling spirituous liquors.” They were not the worst, as “many suspicious characters… headquarter here… When worst, as “many suspicious characters… headquarter here… When intelligence arrives that a federal Marshall is approaching his intelligence arrives that a federal Marshall is approaching his county, there is a hurried scurrying of many of this element into county, there is a hurried scurrying of many of this element into Indian country.”Indian country.”

Four years earlier, the town had been laid out in 143 lots. One of Four years earlier, the town had been laid out in 143 lots. One of them, an un-purchased, thickly wooded lot near the courthouse, them, an un-purchased, thickly wooded lot near the courthouse, was declared to be the spot for the temple. They were to buy land was declared to be the spot for the temple. They were to buy land – all the land – from there to the state’s western boundary twenty – all the land – from there to the state’s western boundary twenty miles to the west. Then the consecration of properties would miles to the west. Then the consecration of properties would begin. Bishop Edward Partridge was to grant inheritances to each begin. Bishop Edward Partridge was to grant inheritances to each family.family.

ObjectionsObjectionsNot everyone was happy with the Zion mission. Ezra Booth, a Not everyone was happy with the Zion mission. Ezra Booth, a convert of the preceding May, came back from Missouri convert of the preceding May, came back from Missouri disillusioned. He complained about Joseph’s behavior on the trip. In disillusioned. He complained about Joseph’s behavior on the trip. In nine impassioned letters to the Ohio Star published from October nine impassioned letters to the Ohio Star published from October through December 1831, Booth explained his reasons for through December 1831, Booth explained his reasons for considering Joseph unworthy. Booth was the first of a half dozen considering Joseph unworthy. Booth was the first of a half dozen outspoken apostates who broke with Joseph and mounted outspoken apostates who broke with Joseph and mounted campaigns to bring him down. campaigns to bring him down.

Because of doctrine, honest men remained with the Mormons even Because of doctrine, honest men remained with the Mormons even after they saw Joseph Smith’s failingsafter they saw Joseph Smith’s failings. .

In Booth’s eyes, Joseph Smith’s demeanor fell short of a prophet’s In Booth’s eyes, Joseph Smith’s demeanor fell short of a prophet’s proper character. Joseph lacked “society, prudence and stability,” proper character. Joseph lacked “society, prudence and stability,” frequently showing “a spirit of lightness and levity, a temper easily frequently showing “a spirit of lightness and levity, a temper easily irritated, and an habitual proneness to jesting and joking.”irritated, and an habitual proneness to jesting and joking.”

More than one-fifth of priesthood-holding converts in Joseph More than one-fifth of priesthood-holding converts in Joseph Smith’s lifetime were cut off from the Church or turned Smith’s lifetime were cut off from the Church or turned against itagainst it. Many others drifted away. . Many others drifted away.

Joseph took these defections in stride; he dismissed Joseph took these defections in stride; he dismissed individual apostates as blind gnatsindividual apostates as blind gnats. But he was not . But he was not indifferent. The loss of members troubled him, especially indifferent. The loss of members troubled him, especially experienced preachers like Booth. Every soldier was needed experienced preachers like Booth. Every soldier was needed to build Zion. to build Zion.

As the years went by, and one stalwart after another As the years went by, and one stalwart after another deserted him, Joseph came to value loyalty above every deserted him, Joseph came to value loyalty above every other virtueother virtue..

For six months, the Smiths lived with John Johnson and his For six months, the Smiths lived with John Johnson and his wife, Elsa, who had joined the Mormons after the healing wife, Elsa, who had joined the Mormons after the healing that had converted Booth. The Johnson’s were one of the few that had converted Booth. The Johnson’s were one of the few convert families with substantial property, they offered the convert families with substantial property, they offered the Smith’s free room and board. Smith’s free room and board.

The small house purchased from Isaac Hale was the only The small house purchased from Isaac Hale was the only place they had ever ownedplace they had ever owned; most of the time since their ; most of the time since their marriage they had lived with friends or their parents. marriage they had lived with friends or their parents.

Joseph lived more like a poor Methodist itinerant than a Joseph lived more like a poor Methodist itinerant than a prophet and seer leading a church. prophet and seer leading a church.

Sidney had been the bookish child that Joseph never was, Sidney had been the bookish child that Joseph never was, reading by the light of burning hickory bark when his reading by the light of burning hickory bark when his father denied him candles, and remembering everything father denied him candles, and remembering everything he read. he read.

Sidney was the superior preacher of the two, but the Sidney was the superior preacher of the two, but the unlearned Joseph’s revelations, rather than Sidney’s unlearned Joseph’s revelations, rather than Sidney’s eloquent speeches, formed the foundation of Mormon eloquent speeches, formed the foundation of Mormon belief. Joseph by his nature took the lead – the seer over belief. Joseph by his nature took the lead – the seer over the scribe. the scribe.

Nancy Towle, a thirty-five year old itinerant, was one of a Nancy Towle, a thirty-five year old itinerant, was one of a corps of female evangelists who helped to satisfy the corps of female evangelists who helped to satisfy the nation’s hunger for preaching in the 1830’s. She went to nation’s hunger for preaching in the 1830’s. She went to Kirtland in the fall of 1831. Kirtland in the fall of 1831.

She saw nothing “indecorous” in Mormon worship, and yet She saw nothing “indecorous” in Mormon worship, and yet concluded “that it was one of the most deep-concerted-plots concluded “that it was one of the most deep-concerted-plots of Hell, to deceive the hearts of the simple that had ever of Hell, to deceive the hearts of the simple that had ever come, within the limits of my acquaintance. come, within the limits of my acquaintance.

Once Rigdon sensed hostility, he attacked, saying that Towle Once Rigdon sensed hostility, he attacked, saying that Towle was in the “gall of bitterness, and the bond of iniquity.” was in the “gall of bitterness, and the bond of iniquity.” Furthermore “all, that you have ever done in the world, was Furthermore “all, that you have ever done in the world, was mischief.” mischief.”

According to Towle’s account, Joseph said nothing until she According to Towle’s account, Joseph said nothing until she turned to him and demanded that he swear he had seen an turned to him and demanded that he swear he had seen an angel. He replied that he never swore at all. “Are you not angel. He replied that he never swore at all. “Are you not ashamed, of such pretensions?”ashamed, of such pretensions?”

She insisted, “You, who are no more, than an She insisted, “You, who are no more, than an ignorant, plough-boy of our land!” ignorant, plough-boy of our land!” Joseph calmly Joseph calmly noted that “the gift, has returned back again, as noted that “the gift, has returned back again, as in former times, to illiterate fishermenin former times, to illiterate fishermen.”.”

Within a few years, various Church elders, Within a few years, various Church elders, beginning with Oliver Cowdery, attempted to beginning with Oliver Cowdery, attempted to summarize Church doctrines; summarize Church doctrines; later Joseph later Joseph borrowed from a formulation by Orson Pratt to borrowed from a formulation by Orson Pratt to prepare thirteen “Articles of Faithprepare thirteen “Articles of Faith.”.”

No other visionary sect of the nineteenth No other visionary sect of the nineteenth century was so dependent on immediate century was so dependent on immediate revelation to carry on businessrevelation to carry on business. .

Joseph believed in the revelations more Joseph believed in the revelations more than any-one. From the beginning, he than any-one. From the beginning, he was his own best follower. He believed in was his own best follower. He believed in himself and the cause to the point of himself and the cause to the point of arrogance, as more than one critic arrogance, as more than one critic pointed out. Indeed, the Church was built pointed out. Indeed, the Church was built on his confidenceon his confidence. .

While all were believers in the Prophet, a While all were believers in the Prophet, a few wondered about the capacity of an few wondered about the capacity of an uneducated young man to do justice to uneducated young man to do justice to his own revelations. his own revelations.