Ezra Booth Letters (4–6)
(4) High expectations for June 3 or 4, 1831 conference. Joseph promised some would see the Savior. Joseph ordains Lyman Wight and others to the High Priesthood, then Lyman declares he has seen the Lord and Joseph delegates him to ordain the others. The "man of sin" is made manifest and Joseph casts him out. (5) None leave the church because of the unusual events of June 3–4, probably because, according to Ezra, they were diverted by the prospects of a visit to Missouri, the promised land. Joseph, Sidney, and Martin travel in comfort, by boat, and the rest overland on foot. They are disappointed by Independence— little civilization, unfulfilled promises of miracles and spiritual gifts. Joseph tells the Saints they must purchase the land, which they believed would be given to them. His vision of a large congregation to help Ezra on his way proves faulty. (6) Independence was selected because of its proximity to the Indians, who are to be converted. But they are not interested. Laying of the temple cornerstone is a disappointment. An expensive trip of little value. Joseph announces there is a great work to do in Kirtland, so gathering to Missouri is no longer a high priority.
Letter 4		Letter to Rev. Ira Eddy	No date. Published in Ohio Star, Ravenna, Ohio, November 3, 1831 qtd. in Mormonism Unvailed, 187–192.
Until Missouri, imminent expectations	¶	From the time that Mormonism first made its appearance upon the stage, until the grand tour of the Missouri, an expectation universally pervaded the church, that the time was not far distant, when the deaf, the dumb, the maimed, the blind, &c. would become the subjects of the miraculous power of God, so that every defect in their systems would be entirely removed.
Joseph's revelations	¶	This expectation originated from, and was grounded upon [188] a variety of premises, included in a number of commandments, or verbal revelations from Smith, or, as he is styled "the head of the church."
Miracles expected		As the 4th of June last was appointed for the sessions of the conference, it was ascertained, that that was the time specified, when the great and mighty work was to be commenced, and such was the confidence of some, that knowledge superceded their faith, and they did not hesitate to declare themselves perfectly assured that the work of miracles would commence at the ensuing conference.	Minutes of the Conference of June 3, 1831 and John Whitmer's history have June 3. Levi Hancock's journal and this letter have June 4. Milton Backman's Heavens, 240, refers to a conference from June 4 to 6. The Far West Record reports that Joseph ordained several men on June 6. ¶ Conferences
Joseph: some will see Savior		With such strong assurances, and with the most elevated expectations, the conference assembled at the time appointed. To give, if possible, energy to expectation, Smith, the day before the conference, professing to be filled with the spirit of prophecy, declared, that "not three days should pass away, before some should see their Savior, face to face."
Conference: Joseph's harrangue excites crowd		Soon after the session commenced, Smith arose to harangue the conference. He reminded those present of the prophecy, which he said "was given by the spirit yesterday." He wished them not to be overcome with surprise, when that event ushered in. He continued, until by long speaking, himself and some others became much excited.
Lyman Wight ordination		He then laid his hands on the head of Elder Wight, who had participated largely in the warm feeling of his leader, and ordained him to the High Priesthood. He was set apart for the service of the Indians, and was ordained to the gift of tongues, healing the sick, casting out devils, and discerning spirits; and in like manner he ordained several others; and then called upon Wight to take the floor.	¶ Conference of June 3, 1831
Fearful appearance "Look at me"		Wight arose, and presented a pale countenance, a fierce look, with his arms extended, and his hands cramped back, the whole system agitated, and a very unpleasant object to look upon. He exhibited himself as an instance of the great power of God, and called upon those around him "if you want to see a sign, look at me."
Lyman's vision		He then [189] stepped upon a bench, and declared with a loud voice, he saw the Savior: and thereby, for the time being, rescued Smith's prophecy from merited contempt.—It, however, procured Wight the authority to ordain the rest. So said the spirit, and so said Smith.	¶ Conference of June 3, 1831
Joseph selects candidates, Lyman ordains		The spirit in Smith selected those to be ordained, and the spirit in Wight ordained them. But the spirit in Wight proved an erring dictator; so much so, that some of the candidates felt the weight of hands thrice, before the work was rightly done.
[Harvey Whitlock] takes the floor		Another Elder, who had been ordained to the same office as Wight, at the bidding of Smith, stepped upon the floor. Then ensued a scene, of which you can form no adequate conception; and which, I would forbear relating, did not the truth require it.
Frightful appearance		The Elder moved upon the floor, his legs inclining to a bend; one shoulder elevated above the other, upon which the head seemed disposed to recline, his arms partly extended; his hands partly clenched; his mouth partly open, and contracted in the shape of an italic O; his eyes assumed a wild ferocious cast, and his whole appearance presented a frightful object to the view of the beholder.—	¶ Conference of June 3, 1831
Joseph: speak, unable		"Speak, Brother Harvey" said Smith. But Harvey intimated by signs, that his power of articulation was in a state of suspense, and that he was unable to speak.
Possessed? Joseph: maybe not		Some conjectured that Harvey was possessed of the devil, but Smith said, "the Lord binds in order to set at liberty."	¶ Conference of June 3, 1831
Joseph exorcises Satan		After different opinions had been given, and there had been much confusion, Smith learnt by the spirit, that Harvey was under a diabolical influence, and that Satan had bound him; and he commanded the unclean spirit to come out of him.
Man of sin revealed	¶	It now became clearly manifest, that "the man of sin was revealed," for the express purpose that the elders should become acquainted with the devices of Satan; and after that they would possess knowledge sufficient to manage him. This, Smith declared to be a miracle, and his success in [190] this case, encouraged him to work other and different miracles.	¶ Conference of June 3, 1831
Joseph straightens [John] Murdock's hand		Taking the hand of one of the Elders in his own, a hand which by accident had been rendered defective, he said, "Brother Murdock, I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to straighten your hand; in the mean while endeavoring to accomplish the work by using his own hand to open the hand of the other. The effort proved unsuccessful; but he again articulated the same commandment, in a more authoritative and louder tone of voice; and while uttering with his tongue, his hands were at work; but after all the exertion of his power, both natural and supernatural, the deficient hand returned to its former position, where it still remains.
Crippled man walks		But ill success in this case, did not discourage him from undertaking another. One of the Elders who was decriped in one of his legs, was set upon the floor, and commanded, in the name of Jesus Christ to walk. He walked a step or two, his faith failed, and he was again compelled to have recourse to his former assistant, and he has had occasion to use it ever since.
Dead body fails to rise	¶	A dead body, which had been retained above ground two or three days, under the expectation that the dead would be raised, was insensible to the voice of those who commanded it to awake into life, and is destined to sleep in the grave till the last trump shall sound, and the power of God easily accomplishes the work, which frustrated the attempts, and bid defiance to the puny efforts of the Mormonite.	Footnote in Howe: "That an attempt was made to raise the child, is denied, of course, as every other attempt has been, after the entire failure was obvious to all. The parents of the deceased child, however, state, that they were prevented from procuring medical aid for the child, by the representations of the elders, that there was no danger—that it would certainly be restored. The father had no other idea but that the child was to be raised; neither did his faith fail him till preparations were made for its interment. He then awoke from his dream of delusion, and dissolved his connection with the impostors.
People disappointed	¶	[191] Under these discouraging circumstances, the horizon of Mormonism gathered darkness, and a storm seemed to hang impending over the church. The gloom of disappointed expectation, overspread the countenances of many, while they labored to investigate the cause of this failure.
Sidney sends Sunday congregation home Others feel spirit to preach		To add, if possible, to their mortification, a larger assembly collected on the Sabbath, in order to hear preaching. In the midst of the meeting the congregation was dismissed by Rigdon, and the people sent to their homes. He was directed to do this, he said, by the spirit. But it was generally believed, that he was directed solely by fear; and that he had mistaken the spirit of cowardice, for the spirit of the Lord. Several of the Elders said they "felt the spirit to preach" to the congregation: and Rigdon felt the spirit to send the people home: such was the unity which then prevailed among them.
Members look for cause	¶	You will doubtless say, can it be possible that the minds of men, and men who possess the appearance of honesty, can be so strangely infatuated, as still to adhere to a system, after it had occasioned so much agitation, and so much disappointment. One reason which can be assigned for this, is, the adherents are generally inclined to consider the system so perfect, as to admit of no suspicion; and the confusion and disappointment, are attributed to some other cause.
Delusion produces delirium		Another, and principal reason is, delusion always effects the mind with a species of delirium, and this delirium arises in a degree proportionate to the magnitude of the delusion. These men, upon other subjects, will converse like other men; but when their favorite system is brought into view, its inconsistencies and contradictions are resolved into inexplicable mystery; and this will not only apply to the delusions now under consideration, but in my view, to every delusion, from the highest to the lowest; and it matters [92] not whether it carries the stamp of popularity or its opposite. Yours affectionately, EZRA BOOTH.
Letter 5		Letter to Rev. Ira Eddy	No date. Published in Ohio Star, Ravenna, Ohio, November 10, 1831 qtd. in Mormonism Unvailed, 192–196.
None left church because of June conference	¶	In my last letter I gave you a faint representation of the events which transpired and the circumstances which attended the meeting of the Mormonite Conference. Though many stumbled, yet none irrecoverably fell.
Attention diverted to Missouri		Another grand object was presented, and the attention was somewhat diverted from these scenes of disappointment, through which we had recently passed. The tour to the Missouri, revived the sinking expectations, and gave new energy to faith and hope. In that distant region, anticipation was to be realized in full, and the objects of faith and hope, were to become the objects of knowledge and fruition.
Relevelation to visit Leaders travel comfortably, in style Others walk with backpacks		A commandment was received, and Elders were directed to take their journey for the "promised land." They were commanded to go two by two, with the exception of Rigdon, Smith, Harris, and Partridge; and it was designed that these should find an easier method of transporting themselves, than to travel that distance on foot. They were careful to make suitable provision for themselves, both in money and other articles, that while on their journey, they might carry the appearance of gentlemen filling some important station in life; while many, who were destined to travel on foot, with packs on their backs, were so fixed with the ardor of enthusiasm, that they supposed they could travel to Missouri with but little or no money. These carried the appearance, and were justly entitled to the character of beggars, for when the little money they took with them was expended, they subsisted by begging, until they arrived at their journey's end.
Ezra walks Depart June 15 Preaches 7 times	¶	Being myself one of the number selected to perform the journey by land, and not being much accustomed to travel [193] on foot, I hesitated for a while; but believing it to be the will of God, I resolved on an unreserved surrender of myself to the work, and on the 15th of June, in company with the one appointed to travel with me, took up my line of march for Missouri. I do not design to trouble you with a relation of the particulars, but will observe, that after I left the north part of the State of Ohio, I made a speedy and prosperous journey to Missouri. I preached twice in Ohio, thrice in Indiana, once in Illinois, and once in Missouri.
Tentative speaking		We were commanded to preach by the spirit, and my impressions were, that farther to the westward, I should enjoy more of the spirit's influence; and though I travelled one thousand miles to the west, my anticipations in this respect, were never realized. I seldom proclaimed Mormonism with that liberty which I enjoyed in my public exercises, while a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. I supposed that at some future time, the spirit would endow me to preach with an unusual degree of liberty. That period has never arrived, and I am persuaded it never will, and I now sincerely desire the spirit of truth to direct my pen, while I endeavor to expose the errors and absurdities of the system I then advocated.
Mortified at destinaton	¶	When we arrived at the place to which our mission destined us, we perceived to our mortification, that disappointment, instead of being confined to the State of Ohio, had journeyed thither before us. We would gladly have avoided here an interview with this, our old companion; but this was impossible, she met us, and stared us in the face which way soever we turned, nor was it possible to look her out of countenance, or put the blush upon her pallid features, or expel her from our society. Some were for making the best of her they could; but for myself, I resolved that she should be expelled, or at any rate, that her visits should be less frequent, or I would abandon the habituation entirely.
Expectations of an "effectual door" Those ordained to gift of tongues disappointed	¶	When we commenced our journey for Missouri, we expected an "effectual door" would be opened, to proclaim the new system of faith, in that region; and that those who were ordained to the gift of tongues, would have an opportunity to display their supernatural talent, in communicating to the Indians, in their own dialect. Some who were ordained to this office, absolutely knew that through this medium, they should gain access to the natives; and I will venture to say, I know, that their success will be similar to that of their predecessor, Oliver Cowdery, who stated that he was endowed with the same fore knowledge. But the event has proved his presumption false.
Remains 2 weeks Elders don't want to preach		For more than two weeks, while I remained there, the disposition of the Elders appeared to be averse to preaching, either to the white or the red people, and indeed adverse circumstances prevented it.
Leaves before conference	¶	We expected to assemble together in conference according to the commandment, and the Lord would signally display his power, for the confirmation of our faith; but we commenced our journey home before most of the Elders arrived.
Joseph's vision of large church down the river 4 females		It is true, a conference was held, but it was considered so unimportant, that myself and another man were permitted to be absent, for the purpose of procuring the means of conveyance down the river. We expected to find a large church, which Smith said, was revealed to him in a vision, Oliver had raised up there. This large church was found to consist of four females.	Sidney acknowledged that the vision was "a bad thing." ¶ Ezra Booth Letters (1–3)
No miracles	¶	We expected to witness the exercise if those miraculous gifts, to which some were ordained while in the State of Ohio. But the same difficulty, the same want of faith among the people, which counteracted them here, prevailed there; consequently no miracles could be wrought.
Sidney consecrates land		We expected to see the foundation of the City and temple laid; and this we were permitted to see, and it was in fact a curiosity, [195] but not worth going to Missouri to see. The honor of consecrating the land, &c. was conferred on Rigdon.—
Commandment: subscribe to buy lands		The commandment reads thus: "let my servant Sidney consecrate and dedicate the land, and the spot for the Temple"—again, "Behold I give unto my servant Sidney a commandment, that he shall write a description of the land of Zion, and a statement of the will of God, as it shall be made known to him by the spirit [unto him], and a[n epistle and] subscription to be presented [un]to [all] the Churches, to obtain money to purchase lands, for the [an] inheritance of [for] the children of God[, of himself or the agent, as seemeth him good, or as he shall direct.]; for behold[, verily I say unto you] the Lord willeth that his Disciples, and the children of men, should open their hearts, [even] to purchase the [this] whole region of country [as soon as time will permit. Behold here is wisdom; let them do this], lest they receive none inheritance, save it be by the shedding of blood."	¶ D&C 58 Red text: editorial additions. Blue text: omissions (from Book of Commandments, 1833). Either 1) between August 1 (revelation date) and September 12, 1831 (letter date), Ezra obtained a copy of the revelation—one that is astonishingly close to the text used in the 1833 Book of Commandments (BC); or, 2) E. B. Howe edited Ezra's letter to include this (edited) quote from the BC.
Lord gives "whole region"but have to purchase (people tricked)		The childish exultation of the Mormonite leaders, while they echoed and reechoed, the Lord has given us this whole region of country; "this whole region of country is ours;" when it was manifest, agreeable to the commandment, that the gift was only obtained, by purchasing it at a dear rate with money, and that, in order to save themselves the trouble of "the shedding of blood," would, under other circumstances, have been truly diverting. But when viewing it as an instance of a deep laid scheme, and the cunning artifice of crafty impostors, designed to allure the credulous and the unsuspecting, into a state of unqualified vassalage, it presents a melancholy picture of the depravity of the human heart, while destitute of those virtues, inculcated in the Gospel by the blessed Redeemer.
Residents fear Mormons will buy out others	¶	It was conjectured by the inhabitants of Jackson county, that the Mormonites, as a body are wealthy, and many of them entertain fears, that next December, when the list of land is exposed for sale, they will out-bid others, and establish themselves as the most powerful body in the county.—
Mormons poor Joseph and Sidney don't have courage to shed blood for land		But they may dismiss their fears in this respect; for the [196] Mormonites as a body, are comparatively poor, and destined so to remain, until they pursue a different course as it relates to economy and industry, from what they have hitherto pursued. There were ten families, which came by water, landed there the day on which I arrived; and all the land which the Bishop said they had means to purchase, was less than thirty acres to the family; and thirty acres in that country, is little enough for wood and timber land; as fifteen acres upon an average here, are worth thirty there. Neither need they fear that the Mormonites, were they so disposed, will obtain the possession of their lands "by shedding of blood," until the spirit selects more courageous leaders than Smith or Rigdon. Yours affectionately,
		EZRA BOOTH.
Letter 6		Letter to Rev. Ira Eddy	No date. Published in Ohio Star, Ravenna, Ohio, November 17, 1831 qtd. in Mormonism Unvailed, 196–200.
Missouri: to convert, subjugate Indians	¶	It is well know[n] that the ostensible design of the Mormonites in settling in the western part of Missouri, is to convert the Indians to the faith of Mormonism. In this, the leaders appear to have in view, as a mode, the Jesuits of the 16th century, who established themselves in South America, by gaining an entire ascendancy over the hearts and consciences of the natives, and thereby became their masters.
Independence	¶	As Independence is the place of general rendezvous and head quarters of the Mormonites, it may not be amiss to notice it. It is a new town, containing a court house built of brick, two or three merchant's stores, and 15 or 20 dwelling houses, built mostly of logs hewed on both sides; and is situated on a handsome rise of ground, about three miles south of [the] Missouri river, and about 12 miles east of the dividing line between the United States and the Indian Reserve, and is the county seat of Jackson county.
Mormon press, storehouse		In this place it is designed to establish the Lord's printing press, of which Wm. W. Phelps and O. Cowdery are to have the management; [197] and also, the Lord's store-house, committed in charge to S. Gilbert. By the means of these two grand engines, they expect to make the wicked feel the weight of their tremendous power.	¶ D&C 57 (July 20, 1831)
Indian Territory across border		West of the line lies the territory, selected by the government of the United States, for the future residence of the Indians; to which place, a number of tribes have recently moved.
No Indian converts		The question is frequently asked, do the Indians seem disposed to receive Mormonism; or have any of them yet embraced it? To which question I have heard some of the leaders reply, "O yes," when the truth is, not an individual had embraced it when I left that place. Nor is there any prospect they will embrace it.
Indians feign interest		It is true, that some of the Indians appear to listen with a degree of attention, while the Mormonite teacher pretends to disclose to them the secrets of their origins, the history of their ancestors, and that the great Spirit designs, in this generation, to restore them to the possession of their lands, now occupied by the whites; and the Indians shall go forth among the white people, "as a lion among the beasts of the forests, and as a young lion among the flocks of sheep, who, if he goeth through, both treadeth down and teareth to pieces, and no man can deliver. Thy hand shall be lifted up against thy adversaries, (the whites) and all their enemies (the whites) shall be cut off."
Book of Mormon approach Use Indians to shed blood?		Here you have a fair specimen of the method adopted in the Book of Mormon, and preached by the Mormonite teachers, for the purpose of enlisting the feelings, and ingratiating themselves with the Indians; and should success attend their endeavors, and the minds of the Indians become inflamed with the enthusiastic spirit which Mormonism inspires, they may be inclined to try the experiment, whether "by shedding of blood," they can expel the white inhabitants, or reduce them to a state of servitude; and by this means, regain the possession of the lands occupied by their forefathers.
Laying city foundation Sidney's consecration Oath of allegiance Be grateful	¶	[198] The laying of the foundation of Zion was attended with considerable parade and an ostentatious display of talents, both by Rigdon and Cowdery. The place being designated as the site where the city was to commence, on the day appointed we repaired to the spot, not only as spectators, but each one to act the part assigned him in the great work of laying the foundation of the "glorious city of New Jerusalem." Rigdon consecrated the ground, by an address, in the first place to the God whom the Mormons profess to worship; and then making some remarks respecting the extraordinary purpose for which we were assembled, prepared the way for administering the oath of allegiance to those who were to receive their "everlasting inheritance" in that city. He laid them under the most solemn obligations to constantly obey all the commandments of Smith. He enjoined it upon them to express a great degree of gratitude for the free donation, and then, as the Lord's Vicegerent [sic], he gratuitously bestowed upon them, that for which they had paid an exorbitant price in money.
Twelve move shrub oak to site		These preliminaries being ended, a shrub oak, about ten inches in diameter at the butt, the best that could be obtained near at hand, was prostrated, trimmed, and cut off at a suitable length; and twelve men, answering to the twelve apostles, by means of handspikes, conveyed it to the place.
Oliver lays cornerstone		Cowdery craved the privilege of laying the corner-stone. He selected a small rough stone, the best he could find, carried it in one hand to the spot, removed the surface of the earth to prepare a place for its reception, and then displayed his oratorical power, in delivering an address, suited to the important occasion.
Shrub oak and stone symbols		The stone being placed, one end of the shrub oak stick was laid upon it; and there was laid down the first stone and stick, which are to form an essential part of the splendid city of Zion.
Joseph dedicates temple site Half mile from town Cornerstone: sapling with "T"on south, "ZOM!,"on east; stone		The next day the ground for the temple was consecrated, [199] and Smith claimed the honour of laying the corner-stone himself. Should the inhabitants of Independence feel a desire to visit this place, destined at some future time to become celebrated, they will have only to walk one half of a mile out of the town, to a rise of ground, a short distance south of the road. They will be able to ascertain the spot by the means of a sapling, distinguished from the others by the bark being broken off on the north and on the east side. On the south side of the sapling will be found the letter T, which stands for temple; and on the east side ZOM! for Zomas; which Smith says is the original word for Zion. Near the foot of the sapling they will find a small stone covered over with bushes, which were cut for that purpose.
30 traveled to attend, cost $1000		This is the corner-stone for the temple. They can there have the privilege of beholding the mighty work, accomplished by about thirty men, who left their homes, traveled one thousand miles, most of them on foot, and expended more than $1000 in cash.
Most anxious to return Joseph and Sidney disappointed by prospects	¶	Having completed the work, or rather finding but little business for us to accomplish in Missouri, most of us became anxious to return home. And none appeared to be more so than Rigdon and Smith, whose plans for future subsistence were considerably frustrated. They expected to find a country abounding with the necessaries and comforts of life. But the prospect appeared somewhat gloomy, and will probably remain so for some years to come.
Expected to winter in Missouri Change to Lord's work in Ohio		That they were disappointed, is evident from the change which appeared in their calculations. Before they went to Missouri, their language was "we shall winter in Ohio but one winter more;" and when in Missouri, "it will be many years before we come here, for the Lord has a great work for us to do in Ohio," and the great work is, to make a thorough alteration of the Bible, and invent new revelations, and these are to be sent to Missouri, in order to be printed.
[Foolish expedition] Joseph's commands supply cash Joseph commanded not to labor		[200] This coming to save the expense of postage, is parallel with their other calculations. But no matter for that, it will save them the difficulties and hardships incident to the settling of a new country; and also the dangers to which they would be exposed, in case the Indians should commence hostilities upon the whites; and moreover, they have an easy method to supply themselves with cash at any time when occasion requires. The authority of a commandment will easily untie the purse strings of those whose consciences are under their control; and they find it much easier, and better suited to their dispositions, to write commandments, than to gain a livelihood by the sweat of the brow: and indeed, Smith has commanded himself not to labor, and by his mandate, has enjoined it upon the church to support him. The Bishop, when we were in Missouri, intimated that he and others were too much inclined to indolence.—He replied, "I am commanded not to labor."
		Yours affectionately, EZRA BOOTH.
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