| Thomas reports the
ouster of Presidents David and John Whitmer, and W. W. Phelps. People
support the move, want to live the law of consecration. Joseph Smith and
Sidney Rigdon are needed in Zion. Critics will stop when Joseph is present.
Signed statements attesting to the fact that Oliver Cowdery admitted Joseph
did not say he was guilty of the crime he is charged with. |
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BELOVED BROTHER JOSEPH:
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Elders'
Journal 1, no. 3 (July 1838): 45–46.
Minutes of January 26, 1838
Minutes of February 5–9, 1838 |
Far West straightened out
Members approve
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¶ |
You will see by the above
that quite a change has taken place among us of late, and we hope it is
for the better; and we rejoice that we have a prospect of having things
in a good degree straightened by the time you arrive here. We saw plainly
from the movement of things that the church was about to go to pieces, in
consequence of the wickedness of those men, we therefore have done what
we have, which thing has given the church general satisfaction. They also
appear to be well united and determined to cleave to the First Presidency,
that is, the three first. |
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| People
would have rebelled against presidents |
¶ |
Had we not taken the
above measures, we think that nothing could have prevented a rebellion against
the whole High council and bishop, so great was the disaffection against
the presidents, that the people began to be jealous, that the whole authorities
were inclined to uphold these men in wickedness, and in a little time the
church, undoubtedly, would have gone, every man to his own way, like sheep
without a shepherd. |
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| All
now united |
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The High council are
well united together, and with yourself. The bishop and his council are
united with us now, and all misunderstanding removed. We believe that brother
Corrill intends to be with you and us,
although he was not with us in the meetings. |
|
the
meetings: ¶ Minutes of February 5–9,
1838 |
| Presidents
planning appeal? |
¶ |
We hear that the above
men intend to call the Church together again for a rehearing; but as they
have no authority now, we think that their influence will not be sufficient
to bring the people together. We know that such an attempt would be to divide
and scatter the flock, and we intend to be faithful to warn the people of
this thing. |
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| People
want to live consecration |
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The people seem to
wish to have the whole law of God lived up to and we think that the church
will rejoice to come up to the law of consecration as soon as their leaders
shall say the word, or show them how to do it. In a word, we are persuaded
that the most part of the people wish to become sanctified by the law of
God. |
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| Your
presence necessary |
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Dear brother, may our
God speedily open the way for you and your father's family, with our beloved
brother S. Rigdon, to come among us. Your presence is absolutely necessary
for the salvation of this church. Do hasten therefore to our relief, our
enemies are bitter against us and will do all the injury they can to you,
to us, and to the church. |
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Dissenters
dare not speak when Joseph is there
Most loyal to Joseph |
¶ |
In the name of the church,
we say hold us by your faith until you get here. We flatter ourselves that
you will have the church in Kirtland, in a situation to leave them as soon
as the rivers open. Although these men speak against your proceedings, they
are mute when you are present, and the great body is determined to follow
you. |
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Description
of Oliver's February 8 statement about "the girl"
Add Hinkle's testimony |
¶ |
Agreeable to your request,
brother Harris and myself wrote, and sent to you our testimony, relative
to what Oliver Cowdery said about the girl and mailed it on the 4th inst.
but lest that letter should not reach you through the iniquity of men, I
here send you the same, with the addition of brother Hinkle's testimony.
They may not be the same words as the other, for we have not a copy of the
former letter, however, this is the same in substance, with some addition. |
|
the
girl: Fanny Alger |
| Oliver
said Joseph never admittued guilt |
¶ |
This may certify that
I heard O. Cowdery say to Joseph Smith, Jr., while at George W. Harris'
house in Far West, that he (Joseph) never confessed to him, (Oliver) that
he was guilty of the crime alleged to him. And O. Cowdery gave me to understand
that Joseph Smith, Jr. never acknowledged to him that he ever confessed
to anyone, that he was guilty of the above crime. |
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¶ |
THOMAS B. MARSH. |
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| Oliver
said Joseph never admittued guilt |
¶ |
This may certify that
I heard Oliver Cowdery say in my house, that Joseph Smith Jr. never confessed
to him that he was guilty of the crime alleged against him and Joseph asked
if he ever said to him (Oliver) that he confessed to anyone that he (Joseph)
was guilty of the above crime, and Oliver, after some hesitation, answered
no. |
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¶ |
GEORGE W. HARRIS.
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| Last
fall Joseph said the report was false |
¶ |
This may certify that
having heard the report about the crime above referred to, I asked Oliver
Cowdery last fall when Joseph Smith was in the Far West, if the report was
true, for said I, if it is, as he is to be presented before the church,
I wish to know of the truth of this matter beforehand. And he gave me to
understand, either in plain words or implications, that it was false. I
bear this testimony for the good of the honest hearted in the east and elsewhere,
and for the good of brother Joseph Smith Jr. Brother Marsh will please copy
this in the letter to the east and keep the original here. |
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GEORGE M. HINKLE. |
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Far West, Feb. 15, 1838.
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| Sorry
about Kirtland rumors |
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Dear Brother, we lament
that such foul and false reports should be circulated in Kirtland concerning
yourself. We are persuaded that none but those who wish your overthrow,
will believe them and we presume that the above testimonies will be sufficient
to stay the tongue of the slanderer. |
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Yours, in the bonds
of the new covenant, THOMAS B. MARSH. |
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Missouri 1838
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