| 290 addressed the meeting. At the conclusion, elder Rigdon arose and stated to the congregation that the information they had that evening received, as of an extraordinary character, and certainly demanded their most serious consideration: and as the apostle advised his brethren "to prove all things, and hold fast that which is good," so he would exhort his brethren to do likewise, and give the matter a careful investigation; and not turn against it, without being fully convinced of its being an imposition, lest they should, possibly resist the truth.
This was, indeed, generous on the part of elder Rigdon, and gave evidence of his entire freedom from any sectarian bias; but allowing his mind full scope to range, untrammeled, through the scriptures, embracing every principle of truth, and rejecting error, under whatever guise it should appear. He was perfectly willing to allow his members the same privilege. Having received great light on the scriptures, he felt desirous to receive more, from whatever quarter it should come. This was his prevailing characteristic; and if any sentiment was advanced by any one, that was new, or tended to throw light on the scriptures, or the dealings of God with the children of men, it was always gladly received, and treasured up in his mind. After the meeting broke up, the brethren returned home with elder Rigdon, and conversed upon the important things which they had proclaimed. He informed them that he should read the Book of Mormon, give it a full investigation, and then would frankly tell them his mind and feelings on the subject-told them they were welcome to abide at his house until he had opportunity of reading it.
About two miles from elder Rigdon's, at the town of Kirtland, were a number of the members of his church, who lived together, and had all things common-from which circumstance has arisen the idea that this was the case with the Church of Jesus Christ-to which place they immediately repaired, and proclaimed the gospel to them, with some considerable success; for their testimony was received by many of the people, and seventeen came forward in obedience to the gospel.
While thus engaged, they visited elder Rigdon occasionally, and found him very earnestly engaged in reading the "Book of Mormon,"-praying to the Lord for direction, and meditating on the things he heard and read; and after a fortnight from the time the book was put in his hands, he was fully convinced of the truth of the work, by a revelation from Jesus Christ, which was made known to him in a remarkable manner, so that he could exclaim "flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto me, by my father which is in heaven."
Being now fully satisfied in his own mind of the truth of the work, and the necessity of obedience thereto, he informed his wife of the same, and was happy to find that she was not only diligently investigating the subject, but was believing with all her heart, and was desirous of obeying the truth, which, undoubtedly, was great satisfaction to his mind.
(Continued.)
From the Philadelphia Chronicle, Aug. 7.
TREMENDOUS STORM-LOSS OF LIFE-WHIRLWIND-GREAT FLOOD-IMMENSE DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY, &c.
Our city was visited on Saturday with one of the most terrific storms that ever occurred for many years. It commenced raining early in the morning, with a fresh gale from the e. n. e., and continued with occasional intermission, through the day. Towards the afternoon the wind hauled to the e. s. e., and the sky was obscured by dense masses of clouds, which so darkened the atmosphere that we were obliged at four o'clock to light the gas burners in our office to continue our dally avocations. A few minutes before six o'clock, the clouds apparently began to thin in the west, and we were congratulating ourselves upon the prospect of a speedy termination of the rain when the delusion quickly vanished. The rain began to pour. The flood gates of heaven appeared to have been suddenly opened, and an immense torrent of water came rushing down, which continued incessantly for the space of two hours. It was a perfect deluge. Sharp flashes of lightning occasionally gleamed through the atmosphere, and tremendous peals of thunder mingled with the roar of the wind and the rushing of the waters. Many of our streets were inundated; great destruction of property, with the loss of life, and mush personal distress has been the consequence. The quantity of water which fell, and the extent of damage done, throughout the city and vicinity, has far exceeded the great thunder, lightning, and rain storm of the night of the 1st of July, 1842. The north-east and north-west section of the city and suburbs, have suffered to an immense extent; houses have been unroofed, and blown down; board yards and coal wharves swept away; shipping disabled and dismasted; cellars inundated, and a vast amount of property partially ruined or totally destroyed. Philadelphia has not suffered such a calamity within our memory.
[Here the incidents which occurred and the losses which have been sustained, are enumerated,
(page 290) |
