RLDS Church History Search

Chapter Context

RLDS History Context Results


Source: Church History Vol. 1 Chapter 26 Page: 664 (~1836)

Read Previous Page / Next Page
664 advance the interests of the church, to gain redress for her wrongs, or to legally defend her against the encroachments of ungodly and unlawful men. He ever maintained the high character ascribed to him in the revelation of 1831, when he was designated for the office he held. He shared in the expulsion from the State in 1839, and was indefatigable in his efforts to ameliorate the condition of the suffering saints. In Illinois he served in his office diligently, leaving behind him an untarnished record for faithfulness and good works.

He died at Nauvoo, Illinois, May 27, 1840. The June number of the Times and Seasons, pays a high tribute of respect to his honor, faithfulness, and unselfishness. 3

NEWEL K. WHITNEY.

Newel K. Whitney, Bishop of Kirtland, was born in Marlborough, Windham County, Vermont, February 5, 1795.

3 [Communicated.]

DIED-In this place, on the 27th day of May, Bishop Edward Partridge, aged 46 years. In recording the death of this our brother, we record the death of one of our earliest, most faithful, and confidential members. His life was one continual exhibition of the sincerity of his religious belief, and a perpetual evidence of his confidence in a future state of rewards and punishments: in view of which he always acted. His strict regard through life to all the commandments of heaven and his undeviating obedience to them, are consoling evidences to his friends that if there are any such things as rewards in the future world for well-doing in this, he is certain of enjoying them

No man had the confidence of the church more than he. His station was highly responsible; large quantities of property ever intrusted [entrusted] to his care. Deeds and conveyances of lands, to a large amount, were put into his hands, for the benefit of the poor, and for church purposes; for all of which the directest account was rendered, to the fullest satisfaction of all concerned And after he had distributed a handsome property, of his own, for the benefit of the poor; and being driven from his home, found himself reduced to very limited circumstances, still, not one cent of public property would he use to indemnify himself or family; but distributed it all, for the benefit of the widow, the fatherless, and the afflicted; has deceased, leaving his family in very ordinary circumstances.

Had there been one covetous desire in his heart, no man had the opportunity better to gratify it; but he has left a testimony, to be had in everlasting remembrance, that he lived above its influence, and over him it had no control; but in all things, he had respect to the reward of the just.

A life of greater devotedness to the cause of truth, we presume, was never spent on this earth. His religion was his all, for this he spent his life, and for this he laid it down. He lost his life in consequence of the Missouri persecutions, and he is one of that number whose blood will be required at their hands. As a church we deplore our loss, but we rejoice in his gain. He rests where persecutors can assail him no more.

(page 664)

Read Previous Page / Next Page