| 1123 a cross about mid-way up its lofty column, staring the world in letters of blood, "The kingdom of heaven is at hand," and finished with a plain top towering up in the midst of the celestial world, around which is written by the finger of Jehovah, "Eternal life is the greatest gift of God."
Although we may fail to shew [show] all men the truth of the fulness [fullness] of the gospel, yet we hope to be able to convince some, that we are neither deluded, nor fanatics; but, like other men have a claim on the world for land and for a living, as good and as great as our venerable fathers had for independence and liberty; that though the world has been made to believe, by false reports and vague stories, that the Saints, called Mormons, were meaner than the savages, still God has been our help in time of trouble, and has provided for us in due season; and to use the language of Pope, he has let the work "spread undivided" and "operate unspent."
For the honor of our beloved country, and the continuation of its free government, we appeal for peace; for an example of forbearance, and the diffusion of the everlasting gospel, we appeal to the humanity of all nations; and for the glory of God, before whom we must all answer for the deeds done in life, and for the hope of holiness hereafter, we mean to remain faithful to the end, continuing to pray to the Lord to spare us, and the people, from whatever is evil, and not calculated to humble us, and prepare us for his presence and glory; at the same time beseeching him in the name of Jesus to extend his blessing to whom he will, and his mercy to all, till by righteousness, the kingdoms of this world become fair as the sun, and clear as the moon. Missouri, U S. July 1834.
Signed W. W. PHELPS,
EDWARD PARTRIDGE,
PARLEY P. PRATT,
THOMAS B. MARSH,
DAVID WHITMER,
JOHN CORRILL,
LYMAN WIGHT,
SIMEON CARTER,
JOHN WHITMER,
ISAAC MORLEY,
NEWEL KNIGHT,
CALVIN BEEBE.
On the 8th, I went to the eastern part of Clay county and held a meeting in the evening: and on the 9th, I started for Kirtland in company with my brother Hyrum, Frederick G. Williams, Wm. E. McLellin and others in a waggon [wagon].
July 10th: Elder Corrill wrote as follows;
"Samuel C. Owens, Esq.:
SIR-The last time I saw you in Liberty you said that an answer to our proposals, you thought would be forwarded soon, but it has not been done. We are anxiously waiting to have a compromise effected if possible. Respecting our wheat in Jackson county, can it be secured so that we can receive the avails of it or not, seeing we are at present prohibited the privilege?
JOHN CORRILL.
P. S. Please hand the following to Colonel Pitcher.
Liberty, July 10th, 1834.
Col. Thomas Pitcher:
Sir-The following is a true copy of an order from the Governor for our arms. Have the goodness to return an answer as soon as possible, that we may know whether we can have the arms upon said order or not, also when. Send where we can receive them and we will appoint an agent to receive and receipt the same. Be assured we do not wish to obtain them from any hostile intentions, but merely because the right of property is ours. If I remember right there is one gun and a sword more than the order calls for.
JOHN CORRILL."
[Here followed a copy of the Governor's order, similar to that of the Governor to Colonel Lucas of the 2nd of May.]
On the 12th, the high council of Zion assembled in Clay county, and appointed Edward Partridge, Orson Pratt, Isaac Morley and Zebidee Coltrin to visit the scattered and afflicted brethren in that region, and teach them the ways of truth and holiness, and set them in order according as the Lord should direct: but, that it was not wisdom for the elders generally to hold public meetings in that region. It was decided that Amasa Lyman assist Lyman Wight in his mission, of gathering the strength of the Lord's house, as I had appointed him.
July 31st; The High Council of Zion assembled, and heard the report of Edward Partridge, Orson Pratt, Zebidee Coltrin, and Isaac Morley, concerning the mission appointed them at the previous council. President David Whitmer gave the council some good instructions; that it was their duty to transact all business in order, and when any case is brought forward for investigation, every member should be attentive and patient to what is passing, in all cases, and avoid confusion and contention, which is offensive in the sight of the Lord.-He also addressed the elders, and said it was not pleasing in the sight of the Lord for any man to go forth to preach the gospel of peace, unless he is qualified to set forth its principles in plainness to those he endeavors to instruct; and also the rules and regulations of the church
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