H. Daniel Zacharias on the Use of Psalm 69 and 109 in the New Testament

  

Psalms 69 and 109

 

Psalms 69 and 109 are nowhere connected specifically to Ahithophel and his treachery in early Jewish readings, but both psalms are attributed to David and belong in the classification of "betrayal psalms." The most forthright use of Pss 69 and 109 come from Luke in Acts 1:20, which cites these psalms as predictions for the death of Judas. The eternal condemnation from Ps 69:28, applied to Judas, is not unlike other Rabbinic traditions which similarly condemn Ahithophel. Numerous allusions to Ps 109 are noted by Van de Water in Matthew as well: the refusal of Judas' plea (Matt 27:4/Ps 109:7, 12); Judas' remorse and suicide (Matt 27.5) is connected with Ps 109:7 by Jerome; the curse of the betrayer by Jesus (Matt 26.24) echoes the curses in Ps 109:6-19; and the allusion to Ps 109:25 in Matt 27:39 when passersby shake their heads at Jesus. These connections show that the betrayal psalms were drawn upon by Matthew in his Gospel. (H. Daniel Zacharias, Matthew’s Presentation of the Son of David [T&T Clark Biblical Studies; London: T&T Clark, 2017], 155)

 

Norman Powell Williams (1927) on Amrbosiaster Accepting a Doctrine of Original Sin but not Original Guilt

  

(5) 'Ambrosiaster.' This writer clearly indicates by his comments on Rom. v. vi. vii. that he accepts the idea of ' Original Sin'; but he has only one sentence which (apparently) implies the idea of ' Original Guilt.' The sentence to which we refer is, nevertheless, of the most crucial importance in the development of the 'twice-born' Fall-theory, because Ambrosiaster thereby provided, perhaps unwittingly, the doctrine of 'Original Guilt' with what it had hitherto lacked, namely, a Scriptural proof-text to be its formal basis: the ignorance of Greek now prevalent in the West, and the consequent inability of many Latin theologians to read the actual words of the New Testament, effectually screened the fact that the supposed proof-text rested upon a blunder in translation. Its relevant portions run as follows:

 

In whom, that is, in Adam, all sinned. The Apostle said ' in whom ' in the masculine gender (in quo) although he is speaking about the woman, for this reason, that his reference is to the whole race of man, not to the particular sex <which as a matter of fact sinned first>. So then it is plain that all have sinned in Adam as in a lump (quasi in massa); for all the children whom Adam begat, having been himself corrupted by the woman (ipsa) through sin, have been born under sin. From him therefore all are sinners, because from him are we all; for Adam lost the gift of God when he transgressed, having become unworthy to eat of the tree of life, so that he died

 

The cardinal error in this sentence lies in the mis- translation of St. Paul's phrase έφ' φ πάντες ήμαρτον, 'for that all sinned ' (R.V.), as though it were έν ώ πάντες ήμαρτον, 'in whom, sc. the " one man " just mentioned, all sinned.' Ambrosiaster is, of course, relying on a Latin version which renders έφ' φ as in quo, a translation which has been perpetuated in the Vulgate. This rendering is inexact and ambiguous enough in all conscience, but it does not compel us to assume that quo is masculine; a reader who possessed only the Latin version, without any knowledge of the original Greek, and read it without any preconceived ideas as to 'Original Guilt,' would probably understand in quo as equivalent to quod or quantum, 'in so far as all sinned.' In any case the words unum hominem are too far distant from the relative quo to be its grammatical antecedent. Ambrosiaster has therefore bequeathed to Western Christendom as the supposed Scriptural foundation of its characteristic doctrine of 'Original Guilt ' a gratuitous misunderstanding of a faulty rendering of what St. Paul actually wrote.

 

The fatal legacy was received only too gladly: Augustine quotes this passage, mistranslation and all, as from the writings of 'sanctus Hilarius,' who is undoubtedly 'Ambrosiaster.' Nor has its malign influence even yet come to an end : I have in my possession a Roman Catholic pamphlet in which the words of Rom. v. 12 are quoted in defence of the idea of ' Original Guilt,' in the form ' ... in whom all have sinned,' without the slightest apparent consciousness that St. Paul wrote nothing of the kind.

 

It is, indeed, doubtful whether Ambrosiaster himself really intended to place on this clause (in quo omnes peccaverunt) the sense which Augustine took him to intend, and which has been adopted without question, on Augustine's authority, by so many later writers in Western Christendom. For, in commenting on v. 14 of the same fifth chapter of the Epistle to the Romans, he lays down a principle which logically seems to exclude ' Original Guilt ' altogether. His text of this verse runs 'sed regnavit mors ab Adam usque ad Moysen, in eos qui peccaverunt in similitudinem praevaricationis Adam'; which, it will be noticed, like Origen's text, presupposes a Greek original not containing the word μή before αμαρτήσαντας. This reading, right or wrong, clearly connects the incidence of death with the commission of actual sin; and Ambrosiaster expounds it to mean that only actual sin deserves the 'second death,' or Gehenna.

 

Moreover, like most Latin writers after Tertullian, he repudiates 'traducianism.' It is, therefore, possible that by the assertion that all men 'sinned in Adam, as in a lump ' he may merely mean that they ' became sinners ' or 'acquired a sinful tendency'; in other words, he may intend to affirm merely 'Original Sin,' and not 'Original Guilt.' But the idea of 'Original Guilt ' had by this time become so popular, and the apparent discovery of a Scriptural basis for it was so welcome, amongst thinkers who knew no Greek, that critical considerations of this kind do not seem to have occurred to any of Ambrosiaster's readers; and his mistranslation of έφ' ώ πάντες ήμαρτον took its place in the armoury of controversial arguments for the ' twice-born' version of the Fall-doctrine. This momentous error, and the emergence of the conception of fallen humanity as a sinful massa, or 'lump,' bring us up to the very threshold of Augustinianism; where it will be appropriate to pause, and survey the ground which has been covered in this lecture. (Norman Powell Williams, The Ideas of the Fall and of Original Sin: A Historical and Critical Study [London: Longmans, Green and Co. Ltd., 1927], 307-10)

 

John Wesley on Adam Being Created in Pefect Holiness and the Need for His Being Tried

  

“But if Adam was originally perfect in Holiness,” (say, perfectly Holy, made in the Moral Image of God) “what Occasion was there for any farther Trial?” That there might be Room for farther Holiness and Happiness: Entire Holiness does not exclude Growth: Nor did the right State of all his Faculties intitle him to that full Reward, which would have followed the Right Use of them.

 

“Upon the whole, Regeneration, or gaining Habits of Holiness, takes in no Part of the Doctrine of Original Sin.” But Regeneration is not “gaining Habits of Holiness:” It is quite a different Thing. It is not a Natural, but a Supernatural Change; and is just as different from the gradual “gaining Habits,” as a Child’s being born into the World is, from his growing up into a Man. The New Birth is not (as you suppose) the Progress, or the Whole of Sanctification, but the Beginning of it: As the natural Birth, is not the Whole of Life, but only the Entrance upon it. He that is born of a Woman, then begins to live a natural Life: He that is born of God, then begins to live a spiritual. And if every Man born of a Woman had spiritual Life already, he would not need to be born of God. (John Wesley, The Doctrine of Original Sin: According to Scripture, Reason, and Experience [Bristol: E. Farley, 1756], 223-24)

 

Examples of Jewish Commentaries on 2 Chronicles 29:25 and 35:4

  

2 Chron 29:25:

 

Malbim on II Chronicles 29:35:1

וגם. טעם ג', שהכהנים היו עסוקים בהעלאת האיברים והקרבתם שהיו רבים, א] שהעולות שכולם כליל, ולכל עולה צריך כמה כהנים, היו רבים ב] שהיו צריכים להעלות חלבי השלמים ונסכי העולות שזה א"א בלוים:

 

 

Metzudat David on II Chronicles 29:35:1

וגם עולה לרוב. ר״ל לזה היו צריכים הלוים לסייע את הכהנים כי המלאכה היתה מרובה כי הקריבו גם עולות מרובות עם חלבי השלמים ועם הנסכים לעולה ולא יכלו הכהנים להקריב כל אלה ולהפשיט: 

 

 

Metzudat David on II Chronicles 29:35:2

ותכון. כי הלוים סייעו בעבודת ההפשט:

 

 

Metzudat Zion on II Chronicles 29:35:1

בחלבי. עם חלבי כמו הרק אך במשה (במדבר י״ב:ב׳) ומשפטו עם משה: 

 

 

Metzudat Zion on II Chronicles 29:35:2

ותכין. מל׳ הכנה:

 

 

Minchat Shai on II Chronicles 29:35:1

וגם עלה. בכל ספרים המדוייקים חסר וא"ו כי לא נמנה במסורה גדולה עם ט' מלאים בספרא:

 

 

Ralbag on II Chronicles 29:35:1

וגם עולה לרב וגו'. ועוד שהרי היתה שם עולה לרב שהיה מחויב שיעלוה הכהנים והיו צריכים בזה כהנים רבים והיו גם כן צריכים להעלות שם חלבי השלמים שהיו רבים והנסכים לעולה שהיו גם כן רבים ואפשר שקרא עולה חלבי השלמים והנסכים לפי שהיו עולים על המזבח: (source)

 

 

Malbim on II Chronicles 29:35:1
“And also” — a third reason: the priests were occupied with lifting up and offering the parts, and there were many of them:
a) because the burnt offerings were wholly consumed, and each burnt offering required several priests;
b) because they had to offer up the fat of the peace offerings and the drink offerings of the burnt offerings, and this was impossible for the Levites to do.

 

Metzudat David on II Chronicles 29:35:1
“And also a great number of burnt offerings” — כלומר, for this reason the Levites needed to assist the priests, because the work was very great, for they also offered many burnt offerings, together with the fat of the peace offerings and the drink offerings for the burnt offerings, and the priests could not offer all of these and skin them.

 

Metzudat David on II Chronicles 29:35:2
“And it was established” — because the Levites assisted in the work of skinning.

 

Metzudat Zion on II Chronicles 29:35:1
“With the fat” — meaning “with the fat,” like “but Moses” in Numbers 12:2, where it should be understood as “with Moses.”

 

Metzudat Zion on II Chronicles 29:35:2
“And they prepared” — from the root of “preparation” or “making ready.”

 

Minchat Shai on II Chronicles 29:35:1
“And also a burnt offering” — in all the accurate manuscripts, the waw is lacking, because it is not counted in the Great Masorah among the nine full spellings in Scripture.

 

Ralbag on II Chronicles 29:35:1
“And also a great number of burnt offerings,” etc. — Moreover, there was a great number of burnt offerings there, which the priests were required to offer up, and many priests were needed for this. They also had to offer up there the fat of the peace offerings, which were many, and the drink offerings for the burnt offerings, which were also many. It is possible that he called the fat of the peace offerings and the drink offerings “burnt offerings,” because they ascended on the altar.

 

 

2 Chron 35:4:

 

Metzudat David on II Chronicles 35:4:1

והכינו. את עצמכם הכינו כל א׳ לבית אבתיו כפי אשר נחלקתם כאמור בכתב דוד ושלמה

 

Minchat Shai on II Chronicles 35:4:1

והכונו. והכינו קרי:

 

 

Ralbag on II Chronicles 35:4:1

והכינו לבית אבותיכם כמחלקותיכם. ר"ל שתטרחו ליחס הלוים לבית אבותיכם איש על המחלוקת שלו: (source)

 

 

Metzudat David on II Chronicles 35:4:1
“And prepare” — prepare yourselves, each one for his father’s house, according to how you were divided, as stated in the writing of David and Solomon.

 

Minchat Shai on II Chronicles 35:4:1
“And be prepared” — the Qere reads, “and prepare.”

 

Ralbag on II Chronicles 35:4:1
“And prepare yourselves according to the houses of your fathers, by your divisions” — כלומר, you should take care to assign the Levites to the houses of your fathers, each man according to his division.

 

Oliver Granger bond to Michael Rank (May 21, 1841)

 The following is a transcription of Oliver Granger bond to Michael Rank (CHL call no.: MS 21600)

 

Know all men by these presents that I, Oliver Granger of Kirtland, Lake county, Ohio, am held and firmly bound unto Michael Rank of West Milton, Miami county, Ohio, in the sum of five hundred and forty dollars lawful money of the United States, for the payment of the which sum well and truly to be made I bind myself my heirs and assigns firmly by these presents.

Dated May 21, 1841.

 

The condition of the above obligation is such that if the above bounden Oliver Granger shall make to order unto Michael Rank or his heirs assigns, on or before the first of December next, a good and sufficient deed of such lands or lots as the said Michael Rank may select sufficient to satisfy the said sum of five hundred and forty dollars either in the city of Nauvoo or adjacent lands in the State of Illinois; or in the city of Zarahemla, or lands in the Territory of Iowa, or shall cause any other persons to make a good and sufficient deed to lands in any of the aforementioned places to cover the aforesaid amount by the time specified. Then this obligation to be null and void, otherwise to remain in full force and virtue.

 

The said Rank is to elect said land and give notice in time to make and forward said deed.

 

Signed and sealed

In presence of

Wm. Whells

H. Frank

Oliver Granger

 

Horace Kingsbury letter of recommendation to Oliver Granger (October 26, 1838)

The following is a transcription of Horace Kingsbury letter of recommendation to Oliver Granger (CHL call no.: MS 21600)

 

To All people that are or may be interested

 

I Horace Kingsbury of Painesville Township, Geauga County & State of Ohio - feeling the importance of recommending to remembrance every worthy citizen who has by his conduct commended themselves to personal acquaintances by their course of strict integrity and desire for truth and common justice feel it my duty to state that Oliver Granger’s management in the arrangement of the unfinished business of people that have moved to the Far West in relinquishing their pledges, and thereby restoring their integrity, has been truly generous worthy, and has entitled him to my high esteem and ever grateful recollection

 

P. Ville Oct 26th 1838

 

Horace Kingsbury

 

Don Carlos Smith's Letters (July 11, 1841 and February 14, 1841) to Oliver Granger

The following are transcriptions of Don Carlos Smith letters, Nauvoo, Illinois, to Oliver Granger, Kirtland, Ohio, 1841 (CHL call no.: MS 7043)

 

 

Letter 1:

 

Nauvoo city July 11th 1841

 

Mr O. Granger

 

Sir I sit down to improve a few moments this morning, having an opportunity to send by Elder Babbit, in addressing an old friend. I am in tolerable health, but the health of my wife is very poor, Joseph is in good health, but his wife has been very sick, Mother has been sick ever since Father died but I think she is improving; Hiram [illegible] is in the east his family are well. There is some sickness here now but not many deaths. Persecution is kindling up again against the saints. The devil cant let us alone, he seems to be our perpetual enemy. I learn by Elder Babbit that you are getting your health again, this I am glad to hear. I hope you will get sufficient health to visit Nauvoo again, I should be pleased to see you.

 

I understand that you are the owner of the house and lot that was to be mine. I am glad the property is [illegible]. I hope that you will consider it my circumstances and let me have the property by paying you back the money that I have paid. The claim I have on that property is all my dependence. They say I have that property by paying you the amount you had. Will you write me and let me know? Will you give my wife the deed and take my notes, payable in six months and one year? Or, will you take land here if I will procure it for you? Will you write me in respect of this and let me know all about the matter.

 

I am with respect

your friend

Don G. Smith

 

Letter 2:

 

Nauvoo, Feb 14th 1841

 

To Brother Granger:-

 

Dear Sir,

 

Having an opportunity to send you a line by the hand of Hyrum who leaves here tomorrow for your place, I gladly improve the opportunity. I am in tolerable health, my wife has poor health at present; father’s family are all well except my mother her health is poor. Samuel has lost his wife which was very unexpected she left a small babe about a week old. This place is growing very rapidly, a general account of which Hyrum will give you. Some time since I received a letter from Bro. Brundick by which I learned that you had bid off my house at $12.00. I was glad to learn that it had been saved from our enemies and that you had got it in your possession. Now Dear Brother & friend, you know my circumstances, & that I am struggling in poverty to sustain the hopes &c. & if an arrangement can be made with Hyrum so as to secure that house to me it would be a matter of satisfaction I feel anxious to have the house finished off & if you could make an arrangement to finish it off as my dame of your business arrangements I will be responsible to you and then I would like to have it rented so that it might be preserved and not go to destruction for the want of repair. I intend if the Lord will, to occupy it myself one these days. I know not Brother Granger there are some demands against me in Kirtland which if you could purchase in some of your trade I would see that you had your pay. There is also one more which never was due $400 I think is the principal; it was given to Bankhock & King of Painesville. I think these could all be purchased under price. Can you, or will you see to it if I will satisfy you for it? I send you the same 2 seasons regularly. I am, as usual,

Don G. Smith

 

Boyd K. Packer’s October 2004 General Conference Talk and the Fulfillment of D&C 117:12

  

There is a message for Latter-day Saints in a seldom quoted revelation given to the Prophet Joseph Smith in 1838. “I remember my servant Oliver Granger; behold, verily I say unto him that his name shall be had in sacred remembrance from generation to generation, forever and ever, saith the Lord” (D&C 117:12).

 

Oliver Granger was a very ordinary man. He was mostly blind, having “lost his sight by cold and exposure” (History of the Church, 4:408). The First Presidency described him as “a man of the most strict integrity and moral virtue; and in fine, to be a man of God” (History of the Church, 3:350).

 

When the Saints were driven from Kirtland, Ohio, in a scene that would be repeated in Independence, in Far West, and in Nauvoo, Oliver was left behind to sell their properties for what little he could. There was not much chance that he could succeed. And, really, he did not succeed!

 

But the Lord said, “Let him contend earnestly for the redemption of the First Presidency of my Church, saith the Lord; and when he falls he shall rise again, for his sacrifice shall be more sacred unto me than his increase, saith the Lord” (D&C 117:13).

 

What did Oliver Granger do that his name should be held in sacred remembrance? Nothing much, really. It was not so much what he did as what he was.

 

When we honor Oliver, much, perhaps even most, of the honor should go to Lydia Dibble Granger, his wife.

 

Oliver and Lydia finally left Kirtland to join the Saints in Far West, Missouri. They had gone but a few miles from Kirtland when they were turned back by a mob. Only later did they join the Saints at Nauvoo.

 

Oliver died at age 47, leaving Lydia to look after their children.

 

The Lord did not expect Oliver to be perfect, perhaps not even to succeed. “When he falls he shall rise again, for his sacrifice shall be more sacred unto me than his increase, saith the Lord” (D&C 117:13).

 

. . .

 

The few in Kirtland are now millions of ordinary Latter-day Saints across the world. They speak a multitude of languages but unite in faith and understanding through the language of the Spirit.

 

These faithful members make and keep their covenants and strive to be worthy to enter the temple. They believe the prophecies and sustain their ward and branch leaders.

 

Like Oliver, they sustain the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and accept what the Lord said: “If my people will hearken unto my voice, and unto the voice of [these men] whom I have appointed to lead my people, behold, verily I say unto you, they shall not be moved out of their place” (D&C 124:45).

 

. . .

 

Today we fulfill the prophecy “that [Oliver Granger’s] name shall be had in sacred remembrance from generation to generation, forever and ever” (D&C 117:12). He was not a great man in terms of the world. Nevertheless, the Lord said, “Let no man despise my servant Oliver Granger, but let the blessings … be on him forever and ever” (D&C 117:15). (Boyd K. Packer, “The Least of These,” General Conference, October 2004)

 

Further Reading:

 

Resources on Joseph Smith’s Prophecies

Chomat Anakh, Metzudat David, and Radak (David Kimhi) on Jeremiah 36:32

  

Chomat Anakh on Jeremiah 36:32:1

ועוד נוסף עליהם דברים רבים כהמה. אפשר דהוסיף אני הגבר בשלש א"ב לרמוז נגד מה שעשה המלך שזלזל בדבר ה' ולא פחד ועוד שנית שקרעה ועוד בה שלישיה ששרפה. ונכתבה המגילה בא"ב כי פגמו בכ"ב אותיות התורה וכמש"ה על עזבם את תורתי. ושלשה פעמים כ"ב הם בגימטריא אדני עם הכולל כי פגמו כ"י בשכינה והיא צריכה להיות בגלות בעבורם:

 

Metzudat David on Jeremiah 36:32:1

ועוד נוסף עליהם. מפי ירמיה היה עוד נוסף עליהם מדעתו דברים רבים כשעור שהיה בראשונה כי מתחלה אמר שלשה אלפ״א בית״א איכה ישבה בדד איכה יעיב באפו איכה יועם זהב והוסיף עוד אני הגבר ראה עני שהוא מתלתא תלתא:

 

Radak on Jeremiah 36:32:1

ועוד נוסף עליהם דברים רבים כהמה. בדברי רז"ל רבי חמא ב"ר חנינא ורב חד אמר ועוד נוסף עליהם זה איכה יעיב דברים זה איכה יועם רבים זכור ה' כהמה זה אני הגבר שהוא מן תלתא תלתא וחד אמר ועוד נוסף עליהם זה אני הגבר שהוא מן תלתא תלתא מלמד שהיה כתוב על המגלה הראשונה איכה ישבה ואיכה יעיב ואיכה יועם הדא הוא דכתיב ונוסף עליהם דברים כהמה זה אני הגבר שהוא מן תלתא תלתא רבים זה זכור השם: (source)

 

 

Chomat Anakh on Jeremiah 36:32:1
“And besides, many words like these were added to them. It is possible that ‘I am the man’ was added in three alphabetic sections, to hint at what the king did: he disparaged the word of the Lord and did not fear; and a second time he tore it, and a third time he burned it. And the scroll was written in alphabetic order because they had damaged the twenty-two letters of the Torah, as Scripture says, ‘for they have forsaken My Torah.’ And three times twenty-two equals, by gematria, Adonai including the total, because, as it were, they damaged the Shekhinah, and she had to go into exile because of them.”

 

Metzudat David on Jeremiah 36:32:1
“And besides, many words were added to them. From Jeremiah’s own mouth there were also added to them, on his own initiative, many words to the same extent as in the beginning, for at first he said three alphabetic stanzas: ‘How she sits alone,’ ‘How the Lord has covered His anger,’ ‘How gold has dimmed,’ and he added further, ‘I am the man who has seen affliction,’ which is in a threefold arrangement.”

 

Radak on Jeremiah 36:32:1
“And besides, many words like these were added to them. In the words of our Rabbis, Rabbi Ḥama b. Ḥanina and Rav said: one says that ‘and besides, many words were added to them’ refers to ‘How the Lord has covered’—‘things’ refers to ‘How gold has dimmed’; ‘many’ refers to ‘Remember, O Lord,’ like them; ‘like these’ refers to ‘I am the man,’ which is arranged in threes. And one says that ‘and besides, many words were added to them’ refers to ‘I am the man,’ which is arranged in threes. This teaches that on the first scroll there were written ‘How she sits,’ ‘How the Lord has covered,’ and ‘How gold has dimmed’; and that is what is written: ‘and besides, many words like these were added to them’—‘these’ refers to ‘I am the man,’ which is arranged in threes; ‘many’ refers to ‘Remember, O Lord.’”

 

The One Verse That Changes the Book of Mormon Geography Debate

 

The One Verse That Changes the Book of Mormon Geography Debate

Use of “New and Everlasting Covenant” in Ezra T. Benson, Letter to Wandle Mace, March 4, 1852

  

Kanesville

March 4, 1852

 

Brother Mace:

 

I came to this place last November directly from the Valley. The Saints are prospering, peace attends them and all are satisfied that want to serve God and keep his commandments. I presume you have read the epistle and general instructions to the Saints in this region of the country. The call is for all to gather out this season and none to be left, no, not one, that wishes to go.

 

Pottawattamie County and the country round about is organized into companies. The branches have agreed to take their own poor with them and I am satisfied from present prospects that the most of the Saints will leave here for the Valley in mass. President Young has sent for you to gather up your family, tools, as many as you can bring, and put in your mechanical talent with the rest of the good brethren to assist in building up and beautifying Zion with Temples and other fine buildings.

 

I should have written before but have waited thinking I should receive some means before this time in the emigrating fund that I might render you some assistance if you needed it. But as it now stands I could not do it. I hope it will be so you can come; the time suffice that you have wrought the will of the Gentiles. It is the wish of Brother Young that you should come this reason without fail. Brother Gallaher and family are well and wish to be remembered to you and your good lady. I should like to hear from you upon receipt of this.

 

Respectfully, your brother and friend
in the N & E lasting Covenant,

E. T. Benson (Ezra T. Benson, Letter to Wandle Mace, March 4, 1852, repr. Biography of Wandle Mace as told to Rebecca E. H. Mace, his 2nd Wife, c. 1890, p. 26, spelling in original retained)

 

 

George W. Robinson, Letter to Thomas B. Marsh, January 10, 1838

The following is a transcription of George W. Robinson, Letter to Thomas B. Marsh, January 10, 1838:

 

Kirtland Jan 10th 1838

 

To Thomas B Marsh &c to the Saints in the City of Far West. The Saints in Kirtland Sendeth Greeting

 

Dear Sir It becomes my duty according to the calling & office conferred upon me, to give you the minutes of the proceedings of the Church in Kirtland. And thus addressed to you, because part of this immediately concerns the quorum of which you are a member, and also have the honour to preside over, At a general assembly of the Saints in this place Dec 17th 1837, Pres. S. H. Rigdon Presided Meeting opened by prayer. After which the minutes the minutes of the proceedings of the Church in the City of Far West, Dated 7th & 10th of Nov 1837 and then called upon the congregation to take a part of the proceedings of that conference, relative to laying off stakes on cities for gathering, And that the Bishop & his counsellors of Zion being the men to apprise such call, Which passed by a unanimous vote, The subject relative to the stand- ing of F. G. Williams in the quorum of the first presidency, was then taken into consideration, the question was then asked shall Dae. Williams hold his office or will the Church agree with the Church in the City of Far West, or will the Saints re- consider the vote last given upon the head of F. G. Williams in Kirtland, The subject was immediately taken up and discussed at full length, by Bro. John Smith Samuel H. Smith Gideon H. Carter and others who spoke in favour of reconsidering the vote, Hyrum Parrish, Luke Johnson John Gould Cyrus Smalling & Hyrum Smith

 

 

Brigham Young, Letter to Parley P. Pratt, July 17, 1842

The following is a transcription of Brigham Young, Letter to Parley P. Pratt, July 17, 1842 (note: some of the pages are damaged, so text will be missing):

 

Page 1:

 

City of Nauvoo July 17th, 1842

 

Beloved Brother Pratt, I set down to write a few words to you, and to give you some things that have transpired in the last days, and especially in Nauvoo, as a general thing all goes first rate. The Temple goes on finely and will be a splendid edifice when completed. The Brethren are very spirited about it. John Cook Bennett is turned out of the Church and reports say [illegible] to Mo[?] to raise a mob to come to drive us from our homes. I guess General [illegible] has got a hard time on his hands

 

Robert P[illegible]ton sends for his wife who lives in Manchester, Suffolk, top of Hope Street; her name is Elizabeth [illegible] Ditton — direct to some [illegible] Richardson St. at the top of Hope st.

 

The Brethren are flocking here from all parts of the land, the case [?] almost each, I suppose there are a thousand in habitation in this city. Lyman Johnson is here at Sister Hyde’s [illegible]. We have not heard from J. B. Marsh so as to know anything certain. John Boyington is in this country as a dentist. Br. Orson Pratt is in [illegible].

 

Page 2

 

in consequence of his wife, his feelings are so wrought up that he does not know whether his wife is wrong, or whether Joseph’s testimony and theirs are wrong and due by and he decline[s] for 12 years, is not? he is all but crazy about matters. You may ask the matter is concerning sister P. It is enough, and does J. C. Bennett could tell all about [illegible] himself & him. Enough of that. We will not let Br. Orson go away from us; he is too good a man to have a woman destroy him. Sister Hyde and children are well. I expect to Br. Hyde about as soon as you get this letter. I shall be glad when he gets home for his sake and not especially for the [illegible] around his arrows at the insolent [illegible]. Br. J. E. Page is in Pittsburgh preaching. Br. Wm. Richards has gone to Mass for his wife. The most of the 12 are well. Br. L. Wile is in the south mingling with his broad sword. There is so many of our brethren coming that has not the gift for preaching that all of our American elders are for going into the vineyard. Br. Wm. Pratt lives here. They are well with regard to the Temple again. Many of the Elders have thought it would be finished by next spring, but it is not much likely it will be finished under 2 or 3 years from this time as to our temporal concerns.

 

Page 3

 

we are doing as well as we could expect. This place is going very fast. There is many good houses going up this season. Br. Sidney Rigdon is still sick and afflicted, and his family with him. He has been quite offish with regard to obeying revelations given to him. So has Br. [J.] Robinson, but I think all will be right with them yet, as my own feelings can say.

 

I never felt better in my life than I have since I came home last summer. I never enjoyed my family better; the society of my family and friends are indeed to me. It is now getting somewhat sickly here; there has been 4 funerals attended to day; but Wm. Hunting told me that he had not had a grave to dig before for a week (he is the sexton). As sickly as this place is it is the healthiest place in this country, say on the river. There was more deaths in Springfield last winter in about five months than there has been in Nauvoo since we came here 3 years ago. In Springfield there is about 8,000 inhabitants; here there is about 12,000 inhabitants. It has been very healthy for 6 or 8 months past.

 

I must come to close. My wife is sick and groaning and I must [illegible] for a little.
You must forgive me mistakes excepting love yourself and family. Please tender my love to all my old friends and relations if there be any that inquire after me.
I am as ever your friend & Brother in Christ

 

To P. P. Pratt

and family, 36 Chapel st. school Brigham Young

 

Page 4

 

we are doing as well as we could expect. This place is going very fast. There is many good houses going up this season. Br. Sidney Rigdon is still sick and afflicted, and his family with him. He has been quite offish with regard to obeying revelations given to him. So has Br. J. Robinson, but I think all will be right with them yet.

 

As my own feelings can say, I never felt better in my life than I have since I came home last summer. I never enjoyed my family better; the society of my family and friends are indeed to me. It is now getting somewhat sickly here; there has been 4 funerals attended to day; but Wm. Hunting told me that he had not had a grave to dig before for a week (he is the sexton). As sickly as this place is it is the healthiest place in this country, say on the river. There was more deaths in Springfield last winter in about five months than there has been in Nauvoo since we came here 3 years ago. In Springfield there is about 8,000 inhabitants; here there is about 12,000 inhabitants. It has been very healthy for 6 or 8 months past.

 

I must come to close. My wife is sick and groaning and I must [illegible] for a little.
You must forgive me mistakes excepting love yourself and family. Please tender my love to all my old friends and relations if there be any that inquire after me.
I am as ever your friend & Brother in Christ

 

To P. P. Pratt

and family, 36 Chapel st. school Brigham Young

 

Wandle Mace's (Late) Reminiscence from 1890 Concering Joseph Smith's Rocky Mountain Prophecy

  

Joseph knew his enemies and appreciated his friends. Upon one of my calls at his house on business, I found him walking the floor seemingly vexed. He was talking to someone in the next room and he was very earnest. He stopped in his walk and turning to me said, "Brother Mace, this gospel gathers up some of the meanest of all God's creation." After a short pause he added, "Yes, end some of the finest fellows that ever lived." While certain rascals constantly sought his life, his friends were constant and true and he knew it. Many, like myself, worked on the Temple all day and stood guard through the night, traveling from place to place to warn him of danger and protecting him from his enemies. As general, speaking to the Nauvoo Legion, he said to us, "You have faithfully performed your duty in preserving the lives of the people as well as mine. You shall be called the First Elders of this Church. Your mission will be to the nations of the earth to preach the gospel and you will gather many people to the fastnesses of the Rocky Mountains." (Biography of Wandle Mace as toldto Rebecca E. H. Mace, his 2nd Wife, c. 1890, p. 18)

 

 

Further Reading:

 

Resources on Joseph Smith’s Prophecies

 

H. Daniel Zacharias on the Marital Status of Mary in Matthew 1

  

This fact has been under-appreciated by Matthew commentators: Mary was already legally Joseph's wife and so, in being legally bound to the line of David, her offspring would also be in that family. This is confirmed by the ending of the genealogy: Ίακώβ δε εγέννησεν τόν Ίωσήφ τόν άνδρα Μαρίας, έξ ής εγεννήθη Ίησοϋς (Matt 1:16). While this is well recognized as an odd ending to a genealogy (which Matthew will go on to explain), it does indicate that Mary was in the family line by betrothal already and Matthew has already given examples of Davidide-by-marriage women in his genealogy. At conception Jesus is already in the family of David, but it will be up to Joseph whether or not the baby and his mother remain part of the family.

 

. . .

 

The "taking" (παραλαμβάνω) of Mary describes step two in Jewish marriages of this period, when the wife would move into the husband's home. Numerous English translations and commentators make the mistake of adding "as" to the translation, "to take Mary as your wife." Mary is already legally his wife according to Matthew. It is in Joseph's purview to divorce Mary, but the command is to continue in the marital relationship, with the taking of Mary into his home being stage two in their marriage. After the dream and the editorial insertion of the formula quotation, Joseph does "take his wife" (1:24). With this act, Mary and her son are solidly in the family line of David through the completion of their marriage: "Joseph's taking his wife-i.e., taking her home in wedlock-echoes v 20 and assures Jesus' place in the Davidic line." (H. Daniel Zacharias, Matthew’s Presentation of the Son of David [T&T Clark Biblical Studies; London: T&T Clark, 2017], 54-55, 57)

 

Thomas B. Marsh, Letter to Heber C. Kimball, (May 5, 1857)

 The following is a transcription of Thomas B. Marsh, Letter to Heber C. Kimball, (May 5, 1857):

 

Florence, Douglas Co, Nebraska Ter’y

may 5. 57

 

Heber C Kimball

 

Dear Sir; you see by the [illegible] to this, when I am. I left winter Having lost my wife some three years since I began to awake to a sense of my situation; you will, perhaps, say why you left a long time or was a long time in waiting and would say truly for so it is for I have, at least, been groping in darkness for 18 years I left Quincy Co, Missouri in the begining of January A.D. 51, set my face Zionward and thereabout, with only on foot having a determination that I would go to Salt Lake, God being my helper, & there throw myself at the feet of the apostles and implore their forgivness and ask for admittance into the House of the Lord; into the church of latter day saints & that I would say to them I know that I have since against Heaven and in thy sight and have rendered myself unworthy of your confidence; or of a place in the family of Heaven nevertheless make me thy servant let I perish for I know that in my Fathers house there is bread enough and to spare while here I perish with hunger.

 

I came on with very good courage until after I had been here for some time; the longer I remain here & the more I do examine into your feelings since I left you the stronger I become in my confidence & the stronger I become in faith & the lighter things appear to me, the more clearly do I discover that I desire no place among you in the church even as the lowest member; but I cannot live long so without a reconciliation with the 12 and the Church whom I have injured O Brethren once Brethren!! How can I leave this world without your forgiveness? Can I have it Can I have it? something seems to say within me? O then hasten and signify it by writing the words yes to me then O joy I shall be content, I have met with G. M. Hinkle and a reconciliation has taken place with us, and where that was accomplished I was so overjoyed that I was constrained to say in my heart truly this is an evidence that the Lord loves me after all my rebellions & my sins. I know what I have done a mission was laid upon me & I have never placed it aside nor [illegible] it is too late but it is placed by another, I see, the Lord could get along very well without me and he has lost nothing by my falling out of the ranks; But O what have I lost?! Riches Great riches then all his works a many friends like his could afford but O brethren! can you speak one word of comfort to me Can I be saved at all in the kingdom of God Can I have peace among you? If I can but enjoy your smiles and the smiles of the Church & of Jesus I shall be content to depart in secure so great peace     The Lord has been mindful of me even altho I was very stubborn He has followed me up He has visited me with scourgings & with visions & dreams, Therefore O that I were worthy to call you brethren! but that I call your you seem very near to me I love you better than I do any set of mortals on this earth, you have been diligent in accomplishing the work given you while I, miserable me! have pursued my way among habit chamels every seeking for nourishment to my soul where there was no bread of life & I hate you & hate myself. I wait here, at Florence anxiously for a letter addressed to your Ola & now truly sincerely & truly sincere friend

 

Thomas B. Marsh,

 

Heber C. Kimball

 

Salt Lake City

 

P.S. My love to all the saints & may the richest blessings of the fulness of the everlasting Gospel be with you next spring your and a few more c[m?]nes

 

D. T. B. M.

 

Andrew Cunningham, letter to Brigham Young (April 19, 1857)

 The following is a transcription of Andrew Cunningham, letter to Brigham Young (April 19, 1857). Note the report that Thomas B. Marsh wished to be reinstated:

 

President Young Dear Brother yours of the 3d of oct last just came to hand on the last day of nov. it which I now will at tempt to answer in relation to the settlements west of this I started on the 6th of nov. last with a small company to see where we could find a place to make a settlement in consequence of the feelings of the people from what Br Franklin Richards wrote me from [illegible] I thought best to locate on the land that had been purchased of the Indians & we made our claims on the other river it being the extreme west line of the purchase I have preached the need activity and the importance of making the settlements & made arrangements with Br Robert Stackleton to build a steammill there if he got business settled & Started from here the day he was changing to sell may having some business to settlement and I went to St Louis in [illegible] and made the arrangements for the steammill we paid it and I expect it here by the first of this week I expect to start on the 22d with some 4 or 5 men with horses and seeds and tools to commence to settlement and there is others that start with us as soon as gives as could be expected considering the timber that I have had to work with there is some good saints and some sunshine I have taken a course that I have them confiden and will indeavor to do them good by the help of the Lord Thomas B Marsh is here and wishes to join the Church I told him that he knew that had him placed in important place in the Church and how some he had forfeited his unite to salvation I was not able to say but I would not Baptise him in to the Church untill order from the prophet see he wished me to write you on this Case I told him that some of the twelve would be here this season and then we would talk the matter over he asked the liberty to make a Confession before the Church I told him that he could have the Liberty some time when was here but I did not want him to talk in the Church in publick untell I was reassured further Case has bin here some two weeks he is well Br Henry miller has gone to Illinois for having I am sick of this wicked world down here and I long to see the time when the nerst in heart may be gathered out from this wicked world I’m joy good health to write and give me your council in relation to the move of things that you want me to attend to my the Lord bless all that ble[s]s you

 

A Cunningham of the Lord. and inasmuch as ye attend faithfully and diligently to these things iniquity shall be rooted out of the Church, and thine enemies shall cease out of the land and ye shall prosper and flourish and spread abroad and shall be the head and not the foot; but if ye do not these things which I have commanded none of these blessings shall be enjoyed by you but ye shall cease to be a people! Now therefore see ye to it! that ye shew not this spirit to any untill ye return with thy brother then ye shall read all of this to the assembled multitude and let all the Church say Amen

 

PS I have just received a letter from Br Snow dated the first of april he says that there will be from 50 to 60 men from there to make settlement west of this he says that Br [unclear] Smith will be up with them which I shall be very glad for I feel as tho I need the council and help of my Brethren to accomplish this great work

 

A C

 

Rec 23 may. 57

 

Thomas B. Marsh's Letter and Purported Revelation to Brigham Young Requesting to be Reinstated

Thomas B. Marsh letter (purporting to be a revelation from Marsh to Brigham Young, commanding Marsh’s reinstatement):

 

Behold I say unto thee Brigham young! There is the servant of the Lord, Thomas Marsh, Chief of the 12 to whom the Lord gave the keys of the kingdom? from whom they have not been taken; Who was driven out from among you because of the iniquity of his brethren who hunted for his blood but did not obtain it because he his life was hid with Christ in God, because he had made the Lord, who was the God of David, his habitation! because he abode in the secret place of the Most High, under the shadow of the Almighty! Nevertheless his blood hath been required at the hands of those who sought it for know ye not that the word of the Lord faileth not? now if ye would prosper in the land which the Lord thy God hath given thee ye shall speedily take with thee two wise & faithful servants of the Lord and go to the land of Missouri and enquire in the County of Howard for his son Edward Marsh, who will, if ye are prudent direct you to his father; but if ye act not discreetly, he will fear lest ye seek the life of his father, and withhold from thee the desired information. Behold ye shall take with you means for his conveyance and an outfit to this place and ye shall be both wise and harmless and when ye have found the servant of the Lord, ye shall confer with him in a kind and friendly manner and he shall rejoice and be glad to see you for I will prepare his mind for the meeting and ye shall shew unto him this writing and when all things are in readiness he will accompany you and ye shall bring him to this land even to your chief City. And ye shall call together the Congregations of the faithful and when they are assembled ye shall take this your brother and shall stand forth with him in the sight of them all and thus shall ye present him unto them, saying Let us rejoice and be glad for this our brother was dead and is alive! was lost and is found; then behold thou Brigham then with two others, faithful servant Shall lay thy hands upon his head with prayer and Consecrate him to the office of High Priest of the Most High God to Minister to the Spiritual wants of the Church And this thy Brother and thou Brigham and one more whom the Lord Shall appoint Shall be and constitute a Council which Shall be called the Supreme Counsel on earth to counsel together on all important matters relating to the welfare of Israel And thou shalt attend to the Government of Utah and govern according to the constitution of the United States which ye shall study to know and understand, And be ye Patriotic and use the strict observance of the laws and Constitution of their United states for the Lord whom ye worship instituted these things, Gave to the people this land of freedom and put His blessing upon it. And this thy brother shall labor in the Church to put out iniquity and ignorance and the Brigham shall use all your energies to enable him to do so by your influence; by your example! by your voice! and by the Love of God! And inasmuch as the Supreme Council shall walk humbly and Righteously before the Lord they shall obtain the word of the Lord through the mouth of Thomas for he is accepted Page 3 of the Lord. and inasmuch as ye attend faithfully and diligently to these things iniquity shall be rooted out of the Church, and thine enemies shall cease out of the land and ye shall prosper and flourish and spread abroad and shall be the head and not the foot; but if ye do not these things which I have commanded none of these blessings shall be enjoyed by you but ye shall cease to be a people! Now therefore see ye to it! that ye show not this spirit to any untill ye return with thy brother then ye shall read all of this to the assembled multitude and let all the Church say Amen

 

The back of the letter reads:

 

Letter

 

Revelation in favor of reinstating Thomas B. Marsh

 

--Nonsense—

  

Transcription of Ann Abbot letter draft, June 6, 1842

Ann Abbot letter draft, June 6, 1842 (Note: the pages are damaged, so much text is missing):

 

Page 1:

 

Dear brother, many years has past away since I have wrote to
you or you to me. I had seldom write to any of you. I am about out
of the way of writing, when I sit down to write to my brother
I am at a stand where to write, because they do not profess
the same religion, therefore I cannot write that, that
would be so interesting, altho there is but one true Religion
there is a wide difference in our minds. I am [illegible] you may
know the difference if you will take the trouble to go to these
the Mormon Preachers, I consider it one of the greatest
blessings that the Lord ever bestowed upon me that I had
the privilege of embracing the true and everlasting gospel [illegible]
the [illegible] doctrine, which is Eleven years last May
since my [illegible] self were baptised into the Mormon
Church, the same year & month we left my school set?
came to Kirtland? Ohio stopt with Brother Thomas
until Sept the 1 then started for Missouri stopt there
one year, was there driven by a Ruthless mob to Clay
County from there to Caldwell County from there to
Illinois so we have been driven and driven and blood spilt
all this done unto us because of our faith in our Saviour
and still our faith is not lessend. Neither do we see
that we have passed through all yet, we have got to be
tried and proved in all things so that we may stand or fall
many have fell out by the way side all ready Brother
Thomas for one, and his family they live in Missouri
but where I cannot tell you, I have [illegible] but
cannot get an answer. I understand that [illegible]
branch of the Church in [illegible] of the [illegible] of
Mormons, if so you can [illegible] yourself [illegible]
brother Monson that [illegible] go? to
of Nauvoo, Illinois, or [illegible] a [illegible]
a moment and then [illegible] it is [illegible]
that I should not know [illegible]
I do not giving meeting [text missing due to damage]

 

Page 2:

 

a Mormon brother, a particular friend of ours by the name
of Eri Willems called at one of your neighbors last fale
saw one of your Sons, this is the way I found out where to write
I have had a letter from Jemes B Emerson last April
they thought something of coming to this County this spring
I think they will not come for they are full of Millenarian
they are preparing to see world come to an end 1853, poor
Children will find themselves mistaken.
they will have to live many years yes many years. [illegible]
[illegible] by Brother Thomas as long ago as when he was at
House you had buried your wife, and I have never heard
of your mourning again. I want to hear from you & your
[illegible] and your Children has [damage]
I have three Children buried too [text missing due to damage]
Abigail Thomas Joseph, the two I buried was
Ammon Eliza[?]m.

 

Page 3:

 

my Childhood as it were and see how I was
taught of men, and how my eyes were
brought to wonder although I know it was
[illegible] of the Lord that I ever had the privilige
of the oportunity, even present foster I thought
the Gospel but I know now he knew nothing about
it all. you may say how do you know? I know because
[illegible] Spiritualised the Scriptures like
other sects and denominations. Mr Foster would tell
you the same if he could come and tell you, he would tell
you he never knew what the true Gospel was when
I saw him. I will leave this subject because I know you can
have the privilige of hearing for yourself and to your satisfaction
before I will commence in inquiring after your welfare
and your Children which I gratefully desire to hear how where
you are and how you are situated and whether you are all
a living. I have thought it was not hardly possible for them
would to be a living I want to hear from your parents on both
sides and brother and sister and many other acquaintances tell
me where is she that was Sarah G Priest Sophia Nane?
Maid Sarah’s Mother and &c &c.

 

Page 4:

 

Dear friends after a long absence from
I take my pen to write to once belowe
you I have not forgotten them no i
my memory and often wish I could see them all e[?]
that brought me up, from my Childhood. I have
changes [sic] since that time especially sence I left Massch[?]
but not for the w[?]se but all for the better. I can tell you my
that I have passed through which has been for my best good
have been most we have been driven [illegible] from State to
State, we have been very sick from time to time, burned two [illegible]
with many other afflictions which I cannot name[?] all ha[ve]
been for our good, never have I seen a moment that I wish
myself back to my native land, no. but be assured my
friends I wish you was here where you could enjoy the light of the
gospel as well as I, and enjoy each other siety. I never have
heard of a Mormon going to Littleton to tell you the glad tidings
but they have been pretty much around you in the neighbouring
towns no doubt you have taken the pains to go to here them
preach or will have the privileg of hearing them in your
own towns sooner or later, and I hope you will not reject them
for your own sole salvation. They preach the gospel of Jesus
Christ no one else.

[lower portion of page 4 is written upside down on the verso; much of it is damaged]

[illegible] Mormon brother a particular friend of ours by the name
of Eri Willis called at one of your neighbors last fale
saw one of your Sons, this is the way I found out where to write
I have had a letter from Jemes B Emerson last April
they thought something of coming to this Country this spring
I think they will not come for they are full of Millenarian
they are preparing to see world come to an end 1853, poor
Children will find themselves mistaken.
they will have to live many years yes many years. [illegible]
I wanted by Brother Thomas as long ago as when he was at
House you had buried your wife, and I have never heard
of your mourning again. I want to hear from you & your
[illegible] and your Children has [damage]
I have three Children buried too [text missing due to damage]
Abigail Thomas Joseph, the two I buried was
Ammon Eliza[?]m.

Phinehas H. Young (December 14, 1842) and the Expectation that the Saints Would Move to the Rocky Mountains

  

Seneca Co. Tiffin, Ohio Dec. 14th 1842

 

Dear Brethren

 

After an absence of five months, from those I sincerely love in the truth, I find myself in this place in Company with Brother O. Cowley, whom the most of you know, and with whom we have had a most friendly acquaintance; the sight of such a man brings fresh to my memory those Scenes which transpired in the days of our espousals to Christ, scenes never to be forgotten by those of us who love the truth, when all the world was arrayed against the truth and against the Lords anointed I long to see the day when I Can again visit my brethren and see the Lords prophet and hear the words of life sweetly distilling from his lips; but let me be where I may I am determined to keep the Commandments of God, and preach the gospel to all that will hear; Brother Oliver is well and doing well as far as this time is concerned, and his heart is still with his old friends, and I believe he would be with them in person and that soon if Brother Joseph only knew the true state of affairs; at the time brother Oliver was driven from [unclear], we are all unaware of the fact that many were trying to break him down that they might rise thereby Gi say George M. Hinkle George W. Robinson, Thomas Marsh and others who Brother Joseph thought to be his friends, and they told many things prejudicial to brother Oliver which he had no Chance whatever to Contradict, Such for instance as that if he (Oliver) left the Church it would all go down, and all this sort of thing, which he never said, neither Came it into his heart.

 

There is one thing I wish to mention which he Seemed to express Considerable Concern about that is some notes he held in his hands against Brother Brigham and others he Said he had let Oliver Cowdery have all the notes he had in possession as soon as he learned he was authorized to receive them, and he has Since learned that Oliver Cowdery instead of giving them to the brethren as he ought to have done Sold some and gave others to his son Gilbert for Collection; there are many such like things he expresses great anxiety about, I wish if there are any of those notes presented for Collection the brethren would write to Oliver and let the fraud be made manifest in a lawful way and that would put a stop to the whole affair.

 

There is a serious affair now before the Church to wit, the Case of Brother John Snyder who the Weekly New Era Morning Post, says, was arrested on the 14th Nov, on board the ship Henry by Capt. Taylor the Bounding officer at the Balize with two other persons ringleader of a mutiny and lodged in the Balihouse at New Orleans; now if the High Council think proper to authorise me to raise funds to defray expences; Brother Oliver will start for New Orleans and do all for the Brethren that Can be done, he will wait for an answer from you, therefore if you feel disposed to write direct to this place, and if I shall be where Oliver Can hear from me immediately, as I expect to preach in this region for a time, Brother Brooks and myself Calculate to give this part a loud warning this winter, he is the presiding Elder at Kirtland, and a very good man, and I believe we shall do much good if we are humble enough.

 

I would further state that Brother Oliver I am satisfied has no sinister motives in the above proposition as he is burdened with his business Continually, this is the third time I have visited him Since I Came from the west, and as far as I am able to judge he has as much business as any other man of his profession, and perhaps double the amount of any other in the District bar in both of Common pleas an in the United States Court. he starts next monday for Columbus to attend the United States Court where he has five or six Suits of importance. I feel an interest in Brother Snyders Case and wish it might please you to get Brother Oliver to go and with your permission I will accompany him, as it will be necessary for some one to go with him now Dear Brethren dont feel to write send me a line to Kirtland at the time you write to Brother Oliver, give my love to Brother Joseph when you see him tell him I would Come to the Rocky mountains to see him, and fight my way through an army of wild Cats on Missouri mules and live on Skunks the whole journey if necessary God bless you all Farewell from your unworthy brother in Christ. (Phineas H. Young Letter, December 14, 1842, CHL call no.: CR 1234 1, emphasis in bold added)

 

Further Reading:

Resources on Joseph Smith's Prophecies

TORN Interfaith Dialogue (May 23, 2026)

 Yesterday I was invited by some LDS friends to participate in an interfaith dialogue. The theme was on how one determines a true vs. false prophet. Next week, it will focus on Joseph Smith (I hope the presenter will be prepared, as this is a topic I have done a lot of work on):

TORN Interfaith Dialogue (May 23, 2026)

Conference in Boston (February 1843) Reporting on the Growth of the Chruch in Salem and Other Areas in Massachusetts (cf. D&C 111)

 

In her article on D&C 111, “More Treasures than One,” Elizabeth Kuehn wrote that:

 

At a conference in Boston in February 1843, the Salem branch had 110 members. Erastus Snow had also been instrumental in organizing smaller branches in other areas of Massachusetts, including the Georgetown branch, which had 32 members at the 1843 conference.

 

The reference given is Journal History, February 9, 1843, p. 3. Here is the image from the Journal History:

Here is a transcription thereof:

 

Conference met pursuant to adjournment, and was opened with singing and prayer, by E. P. Maginn. The President then called upon the presiding Elders to represent the different branches composing this Conference, which was done as follows:—

 

Boston branch represented by T Nickerson, 114 members, 3 Elders, 4 lesser officers.

Peterboro, N.H., represented by E. P. Maginn, 115 members, 3 Elders, 4 lesser officers.

 

Gilsum branch represented by "" "" "" 30 members, 1 Elder, 1 lesser officer.

 

Lowell, Mass., represented by "" "" "" 60 members, 1 Elder, 3 lesser officers.

 

New Salem, Mass. "" "" "" "" 45 members, 4 Elders, 4 lesser officers.

 

Wendell, Mass. represented by "" "" "" 50 members, 5 Elders, 4 lesser officers.

 

Northbridge, Mass. represented by E. P. Maginn 35 members, 2 Elders, 3 lesser officers.

 

Leverett, Mass. represented "" "" "" 35 members, 2 Elders, 3 lesser officers.

 

Salem, Mass. represented by Erastus Snow, 110 members, 4 Elders, 4 lesser officers.

 

Georgetown Mass. represented by "" 32 members, 4 Elders, 3 lesser officers.

 

New Bedford, Mass. represented by Hutchings, 96 members, 3 Elders, 8 lesser officers.

 

Millbury Mass. represented by Benson, 11 members.

 

Cape Cod, Barnstable Co. Mass. represented by T Nickerson, 35 members, 1 Elder,
2 lesser officers.

 

Not organized 25. Total members 793, 33 Elders, 43 lesser officers.

 

 

Further Reading:

 

Resources on Joseph Smith’s Prophecies

 

 

Excerpts from Erastus Snow, journal, 1841-1847 (cf. D&C 111)

The following is a transcription of Erastus Snow, journal, 1841-1847, p. 4, 10, 12, 16-17, 21, 27, 29-30, 35-37, 44. These are the page numbers referenced in Elizabeth Kuehn’s article, “More Treasures Than One.”

 

 

Our due time. and they thought the due time of the Lord had come. Though I felt anxious to go home in the fall and thought it would involve but little property I had in the west in a difficulty yet to stay I felt willing to do the will of the Lord. I prayed earnestly to know his will and his Spirit continually whispered to go to Salem I also thought of the Apostles who cast lots to see which should take the place of Judas I therefore after writing on one ballot Nauvoo and on the other Salem prayed earnes- ty that God would show by the ballot which way I should go. and I drewed the ballot that had Salem on it twice in succession and I then resolved as soon as I had filled the appointment, I should I would go to Salem.

 

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Landed at Stonington Conn. at 2¼ A.M. we proceeded thence to Providence. 110 miles from N.Y. where we arrived at 5½ A.M. and that day the 19th went to Woonsocket— In that place and about a vast number are infidels among which was my Brother. They were nevertheless liberal minded and I tarried and preached several times. had good order and large and respectable assemblies and many were ast- onished at the doctrine and sold several books of different kinds and my Bro. seemed to take an interest in the work. The Lord grant that he may embrace it. During my stay there I went to Northbridge Mgs. 1½ miles and visited a small branch built up By Joseph Boll last Summer and I preached to them twice on Sunday 22ᵈ Aug. Tuesday August 31st. I left My wife and child

 

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We arrived, Strangers and alone but trusted in God to direct our course. We took boarding at a respectable boarding house, for $3½ per week each, being cheapest we found. We ranged the city over hunted the hills, up and applied for several me Prayed that night earnestly that God would open the hearts of the people that we might obtain a hearing. Next mor- ning we succeeded to the Masonic Hall. We hired it by the month and advertised in the papers and held our first meeting on Sunday the 6. I went to Boston and preached twice but return- ed on the evening train of cars and preached in Salem where Bro Winchester did in the day-time. He had respectable congregations through the day

 

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in private dwellings through the week in various parts of the city.— Mr Hatherway of Marblehead also opened his house and I preached twice, some opposed and others seemed to believe,— In Salem I found a bitter enemy to the truth in the person of the Rev. Mr A.G. Cornings editor of the “Genius of Christianity,” who called himself a Christian Baptist. He published many evil things in his paper about the cause and refused to insert my answers and it finally resulted in an Oral discussion in Mechanic Hall before an audience of 400, 500 people. The discussion lasted 6 evenings and the excitement increased as the debate advanced and the public feeling continued to turn against my opponent for his arguments were chiefly epithets and insults. The chief good which resulted from such that discussion was it caused many to investigate the doctrines who otherwise would have thought it un- worthy of notice. My meetings afterwards were much better attended than before.— The people in Salem were generally rigid sectarians and the majority of those that attended my meetings at first were those that stood aloof from all societies. On the 8ᵗʰ of Nov. I reaped the first fruits of my labours. Baptised five.— On the 9ᵗʰ myself and wife went to Broffol about 20 miles north There were a few saints in that place. I preached thrice and returned leaving my wife - On the 14 Elder E.P. Magin came to Salem & assisted me

 

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Feby 26 I baptised eight and took the cars that evening (Saturday) for Boston where I preached that evening and twice the next day and returned and preached sunday evening in Salem. We preached every evening that week in Masonic hall and on Saturday March 5th held a conference and organized the branch, and ordained an elder and a Priest. Those of Lynn and Marblehead were included with the Salem branch which made it number 53. On Sunday afternoon Elder W. started again for Philadelphia. Monday the 7th I baptised 5 more and on Tuesday I started for Northbridge. called and preached in Boston and Chelsea

 

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May 24th at which time a conference of elders (previously called) was held in Salem. We had a very interesting meeting, and many elders, Priests, Teachers & Deacons were ordained belonging in Salem and the Boston, N. Bedford, Lowell, Peterboro, and Georgetown branches. & much good was done in the name of the Lord. On Monday the 30th Conference adjourned to meet again the following 9th Sept. The Salem Branch then was represented as consisting of 79 members. I baptised more after conference, and in the course of the Month of June it increased to about 90 but several began to move away to Nauvoo & elsewhere one died and one was expelled from the church. About this time there were many sick that were healed of various diseases.

 

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Sunday the 17th July I preached 3 times in Boylston Hall in Boston and confirmed some previously baptised, and Monday while we were in the North end of the city on Boston line being 2½ miles distant at the Southern sent for Bro. Nicherson and Myself to come and lay hands on him and about 5 Oclock P.M. we went and found him rocked with pain on a fever raging upon him. He told us he had heard the word and believed but had refused obedience until the hand of God had been laid heavily upon him and now He wished us to administer to him that he might be raised up and be able to obey the Gospel. The Spirit rested on us and I told him any time he would set to obey the ordinance he should be healed. He said he would go that evening. We laid our hands on him and anointed him with oil and rebuked his fever and he arose and put on his clo's and I took him by the hand and led him to a neighboring brother and his pains departed his fever left him and he returned home got his horse and wagon and clothes and himself & wife went 2½ miles to Northend and were baptised and confirmed and the Lord gave them the comfort and they went home rejoicing. I returned and preached in Chumpseut, Marblehead and Salem till Sat. 31st July I went to Lowell and preached Sunday and Tuesday the 2d August, and then went to Westford 9 miles from Lowell and preached Thursday evening and was attacked by a preacher and we after some talk agreed to discup the doctrine of "baptism for remission of Sins" the following evening, he opposing. We met accordingly and discuped it much to the satisfaction of the hearers and to his disappointment.

 

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going to Nauvoo with my family about this time but the Presidency counsiling me to stay I concluded to do so - and the saints provided a house and other things needfull and we went to keep my house by ourselves in Salem. about this time J. Proctor elder of the Salem branch denied the faith and 2 or 3 others were added to the church and a few families started for Nauvoo - On the 18 Oct. 08 I was in Boston Bro. Hains came over from Chelsea after Bro. Nickerson & myself to go over and lay hands upon a Mrs. Spooner whom he had by the workings of the holy Spirit been led to visit & He told us that She was a saint was baptised somewhere in the country 7 years ago but was unknown to the saints here and her wicked husband and family had kept her ignorant of the existence of any saint in this part of the country. When we went to see her to my surprise I found She was baptised at my fathers in St Johnsbury Vermont in July 1835. She had been since by her husband been deprived of all privile= =ges with the saints and moved away from them and She had now been sick with the dropsy on the chest and heart so that for 7 months her heart had rolled in water with= out apparently heating and a council of physicians had pronounced her incurable and for 3 weeks before Bro. Hains visited her She had been unable to speak above her breath. She had great faith, had prayed much that God in would send by his spirit some elders to pray for and lay hands upon her though She knew of none in this country and She obtained a witness of the Spirit that her prayers were heard and that She should be healed and She told it to her husband and physi= =cians. And so it was me anointed her with holy oil laid our hands upon her and prayed and rebuked the disease & it departed. This being in the evening The arose next morning dressed herself washed the house and next day was out of doors, much to the surprise of her physicians and to the Joy of her family. I also married a couple in Boston after which I returned to Salem and continued preach= ing as usual. I continued my labours in Salem and Marblehead occasionally visiting & preaching in Boston

 

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to Albany thence on the “Erie canal” to Rochester N.Y. and Stopped and visited about ten days with my wifes Brothers, sisters, and friends where She was born and spent her young days in Mendon, Avon & Livonia from 15 to 20 miles south of Rochester. According to previous arrangements I Joined at Rochester a company of saints numbering about 75 souls who left Boston and the eastern churches the first of Oct. and with them I Journeyed to Nauvoo via Buffalo, across Lake Erie to Cleveland O. by canal to Beaver on the Ohio river and per Steamers on the Ohio + Mississippi rivers to Nauvoo. We were detained 2 days in Buff. =alo, during which time myself and several others of the company went in a steam Boat to Chippeway and thence to Niagara falls.

 

Further Reading:

Resources on Joseph Smith's Prophecies