| 461 in the names of some ten or twelve subscribers, with the pay. The brethren here have subscribed liberally for the papers, in a general way.
I have seen many ups and downs in this world since I first heard the gospel by your mouth; but the circumstances which transpired in those days are still fresh in my mind and well do I remember the many times that I repaired to the silent grove and poured out my soul in mighty prayer to God, that I might receive authority as a minister of Jesus Christ, and little did I realize the importance of the calling. But I chose it, not because I was eloquent, not because I was learned, nor yet because I was desirous of obtaining vain glory; but because I could not bare [bear] the idea of God's people being gathered and not to have a hand in it; believing that God was able out of weakness to bring strength and with weak and foolish things to bring to naught the strong and wise in the things of this world.
May the Lord, in his mercy, direct me in all things that I may follow the spirit of truth and the council of the church of Latter-Day Saints.
Pray for me that the Lord may bless me and keep me in the right way. Write to me, if you please, and give me such instructions as I need, and you will confer a great favor on me.
I am your brother in the bonds of the new and everlasting covenant,
BENJAMIN L. CLAPP.
To the Editor of the Times and Seasons.
Nauvoo, Feb., 28th, 1844.
DEAR SIR:-Information came to me recently, through a letter written by brother Reid and Holt, Rutherford county, Tenn., giving an account of an imposition practiced upon them and others of the same branch, by an impostor who came into that branch about the 15th of November last, professing to be an elder of this church, calling his name Lorenzo Hodges. He preached a number of discourses in that vicinity; telling them that he was wounded in the Missouri difficulties, and was unable to travel on foot; and that he left Nauvoo with a good horse and saddle, but being solicited to stop at a campmeeting, had his horse stolen; he could not proceed further on his mission without assistance. The branch, ignorant of his designs, and wishing to advance the cause of righteousness, readily fitted him out with a horse, saddle, bridle and martingils [martingales], worth at least one hundred dollars, which he took to use until he should return to Nauvoo, there he was to deliver up said property to the Temple committee, to be applied on their tithing. He started to visit the different branches of the church, with a promise of returning; left several appointments to preach, but has not as yet been heard of by them; and from the best information that I can gather, has gone to Texas. He is known in this city by the name of Curtis L. Hodges.
The matter contained in this communication is at your option.
Yours, sincerely,
JOHN D. LEE.
AN ACROSTIC ON THE GREAT MORMON PROPHET.
Jehovah's voice let every nation hear! Hold fast ye saints, and keep your eyes on heav'n-
On mighty winds, his chariot wheels doth roll!! 'Ere long you'll hear the mighty trumpet sound!
Sing loud his praise, and let the heathen fea[fear] Woe to the men who are not then forgiv'n
Earth tremble-heaven inspire the holy soul Each cries for pardon, when it can't be found.
Proclaim his will as now to me tis' given See cloud on cloud in august grandeur roll!
Heaven's last direction in the way to heaven! To judgment come, to judgment every soul!!
The Spirit cries to my standard, come, Earths mighty mountains then shall disappear-
Haste all ye pilgrims,-fill our fertile plains Rivers and seas to mingled blood shall turn,
Enlarge our borders,-find us a home, Night's awful reign is now approaching near,
Gain peace and joy, where heavenly pleasure reigns! Each saint rejoices while the wicked mourn!
Reject the creeds, that long have kept you bound, 'Midst flaming worlds, thy servants God of Love,
Enter our sanctum Nauvoo's holy ground. Pass on unharmed, to glorious realms above!
Attend ye nations to his great command! In Christ believe and God who dwells on high;
The time is now when men must rise or fall, Repent and pray your sins may be forgiven;
Proclaim his will-the judgment's near at hand! Escape the death that's never doomed to die,
Regain your freedom and obey this call- On wings of faith your souls shall soar to heaven-
On Zion's shore doth hope and virtue dwell,
Peace to the righteous that no tongue can tell!
Hosanna to the Lord who guards our host-
Encamped with gospel armour purely bright,
'Tis with the sword of truth we conquer most,
Our foes shall perish, when they dare to fight.
Fierce bigots with their creeds dare not contend,
They fall beneath the truth and find their end.
(page 461) |
