Mr. William Wolstenholme of Preston has addressed fourteen questions
to Elder O. Pratt, touching items of considerable interest in relation to
doctrine, future events, etc., requesting answers through the medium of the
Star. The following are the questions with Elder Pratt’s answers:
. . .
Question 7. How is it that the American war has terminated without all
or any of the nations being drawn into it? How is it that Great Britain has not
been called by the Southern States to assist them against the Northern States?
And how is it that the slaves have not arisen en masse in accordance with the revelation
and prophecy given to Joseph Smith? For there are no slaves in America now, the
Civil Rights Bill having been passed both houses of Congress.
Answer: First, there is nothing in the revelation alluded to which
either indicates or declares that all nations, or even one foreign nation, should
be drawn into the American war. Second, the Southern States did, by their
representatives to England expressly for the purpose, call most earnestly upon
Great Britain to assist them against the North; but Great Britain did not yield
to their entreaties. Third, there is no revelation that the slaves should arise
“en masse,” but it reads: “And it shall come to pass, after many days, slaves
shall rise up against their masters, who shall be marshalled and disciplined
for war.” Before the termination of the American war, the North brought into
the field on Southern soil about one hundred thousand of marshalled and
disciplined slaves to fight against their masters. But the greatest terrors of
the American Republic are yet to come. And the black race who one-third of a
century ago were called slaves in the prophecy, in contradistinction to their masters
the white race, will “after many days” inaugurate a scene of general massacre
far more horrible than anything that has yet occurred. Moreover, the Lord gave
us a sign that we might know the beginnings of a war which would eventually
become universal, Or, as the revelation expressed it: “The days will come that war
will be poured out upon all nations, beginning at that place,” meaning South
Carolina mentioned in the previous sentence. England is mentioned by name as
being one of the participators in the general calamity. The days will come when
ever jot and tittle of this great modern revelation will be fulfilled; when
Zion, in America, will be the only people upon all the face of the earth
dwelling in peace. (Orson Pratt, “Questions
and Answers,” The Latter-day Saints’ Millennial Star 28, no. 33
[August 18, 1866]: 516, 518)
Further
Reading:
