Parley P Pratt Autobiography
Selections from the Autobiography of Parley P. Pratt that concern his time in New York City:
Chapter 20
TWO ITEMS OF PROPHECY--DEATH OF MY WIFE--AN OPEN VISION FOREWARNING HER OF HER DEATH--BURIAL--DESCRIPTION OF HER PERSON AND CHARACTER- -REFLECTIONS--RETURN TO CANADA--SELECTION FOR AN ENGLISH MISSION- -JARRINGS IN THE CHURCH--APOSTASY--TEMPTATION--DELIVERANCE--MISSION TO NEW YORK CITY--THE VOICE OF WARNING--ITS SUCCESS--ENGLISH MISSION--REMARKABLE PROPHECY--SEVERAL INSTANCES OF HEALING --SPREAD OF THE WORK IN THE CITY AND COUNTRY.
Late in July I arrived in the City of New York, on a mission, took lodgings, and commenced to preach and write. My first production in that city was a book of upwards of two hundred pages, entitled the "Voice of Warning." The first edition of this work consisted of four thousand copies; it has since been published and re-published in America and Europe, till some forty or fifty thousand copies have not been sufficient to supply the demand. Thousands date their conversion to the fullness of the gospel to the reading of that book.
While I was thus engaged, the English mission, under brothers Kimball and Hyde, began to prosper exceedingly. It first commenced in Preston, where some of the friends of the Canada Elders had already had some information of it by letters from Canada. From this beginning it spread, till now, 1854, it shows for itself whether brother Kimball's prophecy was fulfilled, which said to me the year before, that a great work should be done in Canada under my hand, and that from thence it should spread into England, and a great work should be done there.
Thus is completed, all but one item, a chain of prophecy, which may, perhaps, be set down as one among the most extraordinary in the annals of history. It is extraordinary, whether we look at the varied scenery, the wide and complicated field of action, the clearness and precision of its numerous items and specifications, the lack of natural probability of its fulfillment, or the precision and exactness with which it was progressively fulfilled in every item. Having thus proved the merits of brother Kimball as a prophet, I look for the time when I shall possess great riches, and even handle money till the counting thereof will be a burthen. I look for this with all the certainty with which any person can anticipate anything in the future.
But to return to my own narrative. Of all the places in which the English language is spoken, I found the City of New York to be the most difficult as to access to the minds or attention of the people. From July to January we preached, advertised, printed, published, testified, visited, talked, prayed, and wept in vain. To all appearance there was no interest or impression on the minds of the people in regard to the fullness of the gospel. There was one member of the Church of the Saints living there, whose name was Elijah Fordham; he was an Elder, and assisted me. We had baptized about six members, and organized a little branch, who were accustomed to meet in a small upper room in Goerck street; sometimes two or three others met with us. We had hired chapels and advertised, but the people would not hear, and the few who came went away without being interested. So we had been forced to give them tip, after spending our money and strength in vain.
We had retired to our private room up stairs with the few members we had, to hold a last prayer meeting, as I was about taking leave for New Orleans. We had prayed all round in turn, when, on a sudden, the room was filled with the Holy Spirit, and so was each one present. We began to speak in tongues and prophesy. Many marvelous things were manifested which I cannot write; hut the principal burthen of the prophesyings was concerning New York City, and our mission there.
The Lord said that He had heard our prayers, beheld our labors, diligence, and long suffering towards that city; and that He had seen our tears. Our prayers were heard, and our labors and sacrifices were accepted. We should tarry in the city, and go not thence as yet; for the Lord had many people in that city, and He had now come by the power of His Holy Spirit to gather them into His fold. His angels should go before us and cooperate with us. His Holy Spirit should give the people visions and dreams concerning us and the work of the Lord; and He would make bare his arm to heal the sick and confirm the Word by signs following; and from that very day forward we should have plenty of friends, money to pay our debts with the publishers; means to live, and crowds to hear us. And there should be more doors open for preaching than we could fill; crowds, who could not get in, should stand in the streets and about the entrance to try to hear us; and we should know that the Almighty could open a door and no man could shut it.
As these things were manifested in power and the demonstration of the Spirit, we could not doubt them. So we gave up going to New Orleans, and concluded to stay; but we were almost ready to say in our hearts, like one of old: "If the Lord should make windows in Heaven could these things be?"
Now there was in this little meeting a man named David Rogers, whose heart was touched. He, being a chairmaker, fitted up a large room, and seated it with the chairs of his ware house, and invited us to preach in the same. This room was crowded. He then joined with one of our members, who was a joiner, and rented a small place, and seated it for a regular place of meeting; this was generally crowded. In the meantime, a Methodist clergyman came to hear me, whose name was Cox. He invited me to his house to preach, near East River; he and household were obedient to the faith, with many of the members of his society. While preaching, a lady solicited me to preach in her house in Willett street; for, said she, "I had a dream of you and of the new Church the other night." Another lady wished me to preach in her house, in Grant street.
In the meantime I was invited by the Free Thinkers to preach, or give a course of lectures, in Tammany Hall. In short, it was not three weeks from the delivery of the prophecies in the upper room till we had fifteen preaching places in the city, all of which were filled to overflowing. We preached about eleven times a week, besides visiting from house to house. We soon commenced baptizing, and continued doing so almost daily during the winter and spring. One lady, who had been four years under the doctor's care with a crippled leg, arose and walked, with her leg instantly restored whole, even as the other. Her physician was immediately dismissed, and was very angry, because we had spoiled his patronage. He even threatened to sue us. Another lady, who had lain in her bed four years with the dumb palsy, arose and walked. She had not, previous to our laying hands on her, been able to stir a finger, or a toe, on her right side for about four years; so said the family, and so she herself testified. In this case her physician, and also some religious ministers, who called to see her, glorified God, acknowledged His hand, and exhorted her to persevere in the faith.
A child of Mr. Wandle Mace, of No. 13 Bedford street, was healed of brain fever in the last stage, when the doctors had given it over, and the kindred and neighbors had gathered in to see it die. I laid my hands on it, in the presence of them all, and it was healed, and in a few hours took nourishment, and commenced to play and run about the floor. In the same house, in an upper chamber, lay a woman, by the name of Dexter, sick, who had not left her room, nor scarcely her bed, for some six months; she was at the point of death, and her babe also, who had taken the disease from her. Her mother, who had the care of her, was present when the child was healed, and she ran up stairs and told the woman that there were men below who healed the sick, as in days of old, by the laying on of hands in the name of Jesus. The woman exclaimed: "Thank God, then I can be healed." She sent for us, and was from that hour restored to health, and the child also. She walked about two miles to the East River and was baptized, and then walked home again--it being a very wet day with snow and rain, and the sidewalks about shoe deep in snow and mud. After these three miracles of healing had been witnessed in that house in Bedford street, six persons who witnessed them were baptized, viz: Wandle Mace and wife, Theodore Curtis and wife, and the sick woman and her mother, before named.
During our stay in New York I made frequent visits to the country, and to other towns. Branches of the Church were formed at Sing, and in Jersey, and also in Brooklyn and various other parts of Long Island. Some members were also baptized in Holiston, Mass.
Chapter 21
REMOVE TO MISSOURI--NATIONAL ANNIVERSARY AT FAR WEST--CORNERSTONE OF A TEMPLE--INSURRECTIONS--DEFENSE--ATTACK ON DEWITT,CARROLL COUNTY--MOB CHAPLAIN--SURRENDER AND FLIGHT OF THE CITIZENS OF DEWITT--ACTION OF THE GOVERNOR--GENERAL DEFENSE--BATTLE OF CROOKED RIVER--DEATH OF COLONEL PATTEN--DEFENSE CONSTRUED INTO MURDER AND TREASON--MUSTER OF STATE FORCES AGAINST THE "MORMONS," WITH ORDERS FOR EXTERMINATION--GENERAL LUCAS, WITH FOUR THOUSAND MEN, MENACES FAR WEST.
In April, 1838, I took leave of New York, and, with a small colony, emigrated once more to Missouri.
Chapter 36
CONGRATULATIONS--REMOVE TO NAUVOO--MEET WITH PRESIDENT SMITH AND OTHER FELLOW SUFFERERS--PRESIDENT SMITH'S REPROOF FOR THE ELDERS--TOILS--START FOR ENGLAND--ARRIVAL IN DETROIT--VISIT MY BROTHER ANSON AND PARENTS--ARRIVE IN NEW YORK--VISIT PHILADELPHIA AND WASHINGTON--MEET PRESIDENT SMITH--GREAT MEETING--PREACHING BY S. RIGDON AND PRESIDENT SMITH--SUCCESS IN NEW YORK--FAREWELL SONG--SAIL FOR ENGLAND--REFLECTIONS.
Previous to our departure from Detroit brothers O. Pratt and Clark took leave of us, and passed down the lake into Ohio; intending to meet us again at New York.
After landing safe in Buffalo, we took the Erie Canal and railroad to Albany--distance three hundred and fifty miles; thence to New York by steamer down the Hudson River--distance one hundred and fifty miles. Here we arrived in safety after a journey of about one thousand four hundred miles. We were received by the Saints in New York almost as one of the old saints risen from the dead. I had been absent nearly two years during which time I had lain eight months in prison. Brother Adison Everett, a High Priest of the Church in that city and one of the first members I had baptized there, related to me that the Church in that city were assembled in prayer for me on the evening of the 4th of July previous, that I might be delivered from prison and from my enemies in Missouri. When, on a sudden, the spirit of prophecy fell on him, and he arose and declared to the Church that they might cease their prayers on that subject; "For, "said he, "on this moment brother Parley goes at liberty."
We found the Church in New York strong in the faith, and rejoicing in the truth. They had become numerous in the city and in several parts of the country around.
In this city I resided with my family some six months, during which I preached most of the time in the city, and also superintended the printing and publishing of several of our books. I also performed occasional missions in the country; I visited Long Island, New Jersey, Philadelphia and the City of Washington. In the latter place I published an address in a printed circular to each member of Congress, and to the President of the United States and his Cabinet, setting forth our principles in plainness, and bearing testimony of the truth; while, at the same time, our petitions for redress were pending before them--President Joseph Smith and others having visited them in person, with an earnest appeal for investigation and redress of our grievances in Missouri. In Philadelphia I had the happiness of once more meeting with President Smith, and of spending several days with him and others, and with the Saints in that city and vicinity.
During these interviews he taught me many great and glorious principles concerning God and the heavenly order of eternity. It was at this time that I received from him the first idea of eternal family organization, and the eternal union of the sexes in those expressibly endearing relationships which none but the highly intellectual, the refined and pure in heart, know how to prize, and which are at the very foundation of everything worthy to be called happiness.
Till then I had learned to esteem kindred affections and sympathies as pertaining solely to this transitory state, as something from which the heart must be entirely weaned, in order to be fitted for its heavenly state.
It was Joseph Smith who taught me how to prize the endearing relationships of father and mother, husband and wife; of brother and sister, son and daughter.
It was from him that I learned that the wife of my bosom might be secured to me for time and all eternity; and that the refined sympathies and affections which endeared us to each other emanated from the fountain of divine eternal love. It was from him that I learned that we might cultivate these affections, and grow and increase in the same to all eternity; while the result of our endless union would be an offspring as numerous as the stars of heaven, or the sands of the sea shore.
It was from him that I learned the true dignity and destiny of a son of God, clothed with an eternal priesthood, as the patriarch and sovereign of his countless offspring. It was from him that I learned that the highest dignity of womanhood was, to stand as a queen and priestess to her husband, and to reign for ever and ever as the queen mother of her numerous and still increasing offspring.
I had loved before, but I knew not why. But now I loved--with a pureness--an intensity of elevated, exalted feeling, which would lift my soul from the transitory things of this grovelling sphere and expand it as the ocean. I felt that God was my Heavenly Father indeed; that Jesus was my brother, and that the wife of my bosom was an immortal, eternal companion; a kind ministering angel, given to me as a comfort, and a crown of glory for ever and ever. In short, I could now love with the spirit and with the understanding also.
Yet, at that time, my dearly beloved brother, Joseph Smith, had barely touched a single key; had merely lifted a corner of the veil and given me a single glance into eternity.
While visiting with brother Joseph in Philadelphia, a very large church was opened for him to preach in, and about three thousand people assembled to hear him. Brother Rigdon spoke first, and dwelt on the Gospel, illustrating his doctrine by the Bible. When he was through, brother Joseph arose like a lion about to roar; and being full of the Holy Ghost, spoke in great power, bearing testimony of the visions he had seen, the ministering of angels which he had enjoyed; and how he had found the plates of the Book of Mormon, and translated them by the gift and power of God. He commenced by saying: "If nobody else had the courage to testify of so glorious a message from Heaven, and of the finding of so glorious a record, he felt to do it in justice to the people, and leave the event with God."
The entire congregation was astounded; electrified, as it were, and overwhelmed with the sense of the truth and power by which he spoke, and the wonders which he related. A lasting impression was made; many souls were gathered into the fold. And I bear witness, that he, by his faithful and powerful testimony, cleared his garments of their blood. Multitudes were baptized in Philadelphia and in the regions around; while, at the same time, branches were springing up in Pennsylvania, in Jersey, and in various directions.
Among the Elders who were instrumental in doing a good work in those regions, I would make honorable mention of Benjamin Winchester, of Philadelphia, since fallen from the faith; and Lorenzo Barnes, who labored and did a great work in Chester County, Penn., and afterwards laid down his life while on a mission in England.
Soon after my arrival in New York City, Elders O. Pratt and Clark who left us at Detroit, arrived, having performed a mission through some of Ohio and New York. Elders Turley, John Taylor, and Wilford Woodruff, had also arrived from the West on their way to England. Brother Clark and two Elders soon sailed for Liverpool. Brothers Taylor, Woodruff, and Turley, sailed a few weeks afterwards. Brother O. Pratt labored in the country around New York with good success.
Elders Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, George A. Smith, and R. Hedlock, also arrived in New York City late in the winter, after performing a long and important journey and mission through the States of Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and New York.
Finding ourselves together once more, after all our trials and sufferings, we rejoiced exceedingly and praised God for all His mercies to us. During the few days that we were together in New York we held many precious meetings in which the Saints were filled with joy, and the people more and more convinced of the truth of our message. Near forty persons were baptized and added to the Church in that city during the few days of our brethren's stay there.
We held a general Conference, in the "Columbian Hall," previous to our departure, in which the following song, composed by myself, was written expressly for that occasion and sung by those present: When shall we all meet again? When shall we our rest obtain? When our pilgrimage be o'er- Parting sighs be known no more; When Mount Zion we regain, There may we all meet again,
We to foreign climes repair; Truth, the message which we bear; Truth, which angels oft have borne; Truth to comfort those who Truth eternal will remain, On its rock we'll meet again.
Now the bright and morning star Spreads its glorious light afar, Kindles up the rising dawn Of that bright Millennial morn; When the Saints shall rise and reign, Then may we all meet again. When the sons of Israel come, When they build Jerusalem; When the house of God is reared, And Messiah's way prepared; When from Heaven he comes to reign, In the clouds we'll meet again.
When the earth is cleansed by fire; When the wicked's hopes expire; When in cold oblivion's shade, Proud oppressors all are laid; Long will Zion's Mount remain, There we all may meet again.
On the 9th of March, 1840, we embarked on board the ship "Paterick Henry," for Liverpool, England. We were accompanied to the water by my family, and by scores of the congregation, of both sexes. We bade them farewell amid many tears, and taking a little boat were soon on board ship--which lay at anchor a short distance from the shore.
From there we could still see the crowd of our friends on the shore, while a wave of their hats and handkerchiefs in the air bid us a last adieu. At twelve o'clock we were under way, being towed by a steamer for some distance until the sails were all unfurled before a fair breeze. The steamer now bade us farewell with three cheers, and we found ourselves fairly under way on the broad expanse of ocean. The sun was soon setting behind a distant promontory, which looked like a dark cloud on the bosom of the ocean: while to the north the distant shores of Long Island were still in view.
Chapter 38
GENERAL CONFERENCE AT MANCHESTER--ORDINATIONS AND APPOINTMENTS--RETURN TO NEW YORK--MEET WITH MY FAMILY--VISIT TO THE STATE OF MAINE--A DREAM AND ITS FULFILLMENT--EMBARK AGAIN FOR ENGLAND--CONSEQUENCE OF LOOKING BACK--SAFE ARRIVAL IN ENGLAND--RESUME THE EDITORIAL DUTIES--REFLECTIONS.
During this conference I received a letter from my family in New York, informing me that they were dangerously ill of scarlet fever. I, therefore, by advice of the other members of the quorum, concluded to cross the ocean once more and bring them to England, where I was likely to remain for several years rather in a stationary position as an editor and publisher. I accordingly repaired immediately to Liverpool and embarked for New York. I was thirty-seven days confined on this dreary passage, without any friends or associates who cared for me or the cause of truth. I then landed in New York, found my wife and children recovered from their sickness, for which I felt truly thankful. They were agreeably surprised at seeing me so soon and so unexpectedly, and so were the Saints in that city and vicinity. After several joyful meetings among them, I went to the State of Maine on a visit with my wife and children to her parents and kindred. They lived in Bethel, Oxford County, about sixty miles from Portland, the seaport where we landed. The day before our arrival my wife's sister, a Mrs. Bean, prophesied to her husband that Brother Pratt and family would arrive there the next evening, and she actually changed the bedding and prepared the best room for our reception, as if she had received notice of our coming. At this her husband and friends laughed in derision; "for," said they, "our brother-in-law is in England and his family in New York; how, then, will he be here to- night?" But she still persisted, and made ready the room and all things for our reception, assuring them that I would arrive that night with my family.
Night came, the deep shades of evening gathered around, a dark and gloomy night set in, and still no signs of us. They still laughed her to scorn for her superstition, and she still persisted in her anticipations of our momentary arrival. At length, as they were about to retire to rest, we knocked at the door and were joyfully received--it being the first time that any of my wife's kindred there had seen my face.
Mrs. Bean had a dream a few days previous to our arrival, in which she dreamed that I came to her and gave her a key to the Bible. As she related the dream to me, I presented her with my "Voice of Warning." It seemed to her and her husband as they read it as if it was indeed a key to the doctrine and prophecies of the Holy Scriptures. They rejoiced with exceeding joy, and promised to be baptized, and to gather to Nauvoo if God would only open their way to sell their farm.
My father-in-law, Aaron Frost, and household, and all our kindred and many others in that region, received me with joy and hospitality, and I preached several times in their churches.
I finally took leave of them and returned to New York, accompanied by my wife's sister, Olive Frost, a young lady of some twenty years of age, who accompanied us to England to help us in the family.
We soon embarked, and after a long and tedious passage we arrived again in England in October, 1840. My family then consisted of my wife and wife's sister, and my wife's daughter, Mary Ann Stearns, and my sons, Parley and Nathan.
Chapter 43
EASTERN MISSION--RETURN--MOBOCRACY--LABOR IN THE TEMPLE--EXPULSION FROM NAUVOO--CROSS THE MISSISSIPPI--GARDEN GROVE--MOUNT PISGAH--COUNCIL BLUFFS--MORMON BATTALION--WINTER QUARTERS--MISSION TO ENGLAND WITH ELDERS ORSON HYDE AND JOHN TAYLOR--CONFERENCE AT MANCHESTER--TOUR THROUGH THE KINGDOM.
December 21.
Having been appointed by the President and others of the Twelve to go East, and take charge of churches in the Atlantic States, I this day bade farewell to home, family and the City of Saints and started on this journey. I rode to Quincy; stayed over night at Brother Haywood's, and next morning took boat and soon arrived in St. Louis. I was accompanied by Elders E. T. Benson and P. Brown, who were sent to assist me in this eastern mission. Nothing worthy of note transpired on the passage. We arrived in New York towards the close of the year. I appointed brother Benson to take charge of Boston and vicinity, and Brother Brown to the charge of Philadelphia and vicinity.
January 1st, 1845.--I sent forth a proclamation in a New York paper, called the Prophet, edited and published by Samuel Brannan, and professedly devoted to the interests of the Church of the Saints.
As we gradually became acquainted with circumstances pertaining to the Church in these parts, we found that Elders William Smith, G. J. Adams, S. Brannan and others, had been corrupting the Saints by introducing among them all manner of false doctrine and immoral practices, by which many of them had stumbled and been seduced from virtue and truth. While many others, seeing their inquiry, had turned away from the Church and joined various dissenting parties. We, therefore, in accordance with the instructions of the Holy Spirit in President Young before he left home, directed William Smith and G. J. Adams to return to Nauvoo, where, in process of time, they were cut off from the Church.
We also warned Brother Brannan and others to repent speedily of all such evil practices or we would withdraw fellowship from them. They promised faithfully to repent and lead a new life, and therefore we bore with them. We also taught the Church to beware of all impure and wicked doctrines and practices, and not to receive any elder or minister who sought to seduce them by any false teachings. With these exertions and the continual labors of Elders Benson, Brown, Grant and many others, with myself, we succeeded in setting in order the churches and reestablishing pure gospel principles. There were, however, many who would not believe us, nor hearken to our advice, but continued in their abominations and dissensions. Elder Brannan was at length disfellowshipped at Nauvoo, as appeared in the official organ of the Church there. On seeing this notice I called his attention to it, and urged him to repair immediately to the authorities there; acknowledge and frankly repent of his faults, and seek restoration to his standing. He did this, and returned in full fellowship. But, as it finally proved, this was only to disgrace himself and the cause still more in a wider and more responsible career in California, where he, under our instruction, soon after repaired with a colony of Saints in the ship "Brooklyn." He was a corrupt and wicked man, and had the Church and myself been less long suffering and merciful, it would have saved the Church much loss, and, perhaps, saved some souls which were corrupted in California, and led astray and plundered by him. I have always regretted having taken any measures to have him restored to fellowship after he was published in Nauvoo as cut off from the Church. However, if I erred, it was on the side of mercy.
I devoted the winter in the presidency of the eastern churches, to writing for the Prophet and in visiting the churches in Boston, Lowell, Philadelphia, Long Island and various other places, and preaching the gospel among them.
The following pieces from my pen are found in the above periodical, under their appropriate dates and titles: "Materiality;" "New Proverbs."
I continued writing for this periodical in New York, which had, however, changed its name, and was now published as the New York Messenger. From my numerous editorials and communications in that paper, I select the following as worthy of record: "Heaven."
July 20th, 1845, I published an address to those under my charge.
Soon after the publication of the foregoing, I took leave of the Saints and friends in the Eastern States, and returned to Nauvoo by way of the Erie Canal and the lakes, journeying from Chicago to Nauvoo by land, by private conveyance, accompanied by a few of the Saints from the East. We arrived in Nauvoo sometime in August. I found my family mostly in health, and was rejoiced to meet them.
-- snip -- -- snip --
Accordingly, I took leave of Elders Hyde and Taylor and the brethren of the battalion, and started on horseback for the camp of the Saints. I rode with all speed, and in less than three days reached home--distance one hundred and seventy miles. Unexpected as this visit was, a member of my family had been warned in a dream, and had predicted my arrival and the day, and my family were actually looking for me all that day.
I delivered the money to President Young and Council, with the list of subscribers, and of the persons for whom it was sent, and again prepared for my departure. Obtaining a light buggy, I harnessed my horse before it, and started for Chicago, Illinois, by land--distance five hundred and fifty miles. I performed this journey in safety in eleven days, averaging fifty miles per day. Arriving in Chicago towards evening, I immediately sold my horse and buggy, and then took steamer the same evening across Lake Michigan, thence by railroad to Boston; thence to New York, where I arrived a day or two sooner than the day agreed upon. I was hindered a little, being at a loss for funds to pay my passage; but one Elder Badlam kindly assisted me, and I soon embarked in the cabin of a splendid ship, and set sail for Liverpool. On this same ship was Franklin D. and Samuel Richards, and M. Martin, on a mission to the same country.
We had a long passage, and arrived in Liverpool October 14, in good health and spirits.
Chapter 53
JOURNAL OF EASTERN MISSION
November 18.--We landed in St. Louis after a long and toilsome journey of over two months. Here I remained, attending public meetings with the Saints; visiting, instructing, writing history, and writing for The Mormon, then published by Elder John Taylor in New York; visiting and preaching at several places in Missouri and Illinois, until the 16th of December, when I left St. Louis for New York--travelling by railroad. I stopped at Cincinnati, where I arrived at 4 A.M. on the 17th. Here I found some Saints, who took me and my baggage, and extended to me the hospitality of their homes. I remained in Cincinnati, preaching, conversing with the Saints and others, writing correspondence for The Mormon, history, etc., until the 22d, when I took leave of the Saints and started by railway for Philadelphia, where I arrived on the 24th--meeting there President John Taylor and other brethren, who kindly greeted me. Here I remained preaching, visiting, conversing, writing history, corresponding with The Mormons, etc., until the 31st, when I took the 10 A.M. train for New York, where I safely landed the same day--thus closing another year of my changeful, varied and eventful life. It leaves me among strangers, and yet in my own native state--a pilgrim and almost a stranger in the very city where, twenty years ago, I labored, toiled, prayed, preached, wrote and published the message of eternal truth.
Oh, how darkness prevails! How ignorant, blind and impenetrable are the minds of men! My Father in Heaven, Thy will be done. As a blank of another year of my life is about to commence to be filled up, I will close the volume of the book I have been writing, commending myself to God and the guardianship of his angels; asking, in the name of Jesus Christ, that my sins and follies, up to this date, may be blotted out, and that my labors and records may be accepted; then I will retire to rest with a conscience void of offense, and with a calm and resigned con- fidence in my Heavenly Father. If I am privileged to awake in the morning of a new year, I will commence a new book or volume of my life.
January 1st, 1857. Thank God for a new year and for the reservation of my life and health. Spent the day in visiting with President Taylor and others, and at 5 P.M. repaired to the Latter-day Saints' Hall, where I met with some four hundred persons, mostly members of the Church, in a public party.
Judge Appleby called the meeting to order; I opened by prayer. President Taylor made a few remarks, after which there were songs, recitations, speeches, and amusements of various kinds, refreshments, etc., which lasted till eleven o'clock, after which I addressed them, bearing testimony of the restoration of the priesthood and gospel by Joseph Smith; was followed by Presidents Smith and Taylor. While in this party we received news of the safe landing of two hundred and twenty Saints from Europe on the "Columbia." My time was occupied in visiting the Saints, meeting in council with the brethren, writing, etc., until the 5th, when I met in the evening with Brothers Taylor, Smith, Snow and Appleby in council at Brother Taylor's residence. After opening by prayer I was chosen to preside, and Brother Appleby acted as clerk. Brother Snow made a statement in relation to the financial condition of the emigration under his agency. We agreed to make this a matter of prayer, and to solicit and influence means into that channel as far as possible. At 7 P.M. Brother Taylor having furnished an upper room in his residence, the before-named persons, five in number, met in a room for prayer, in which we humbled ourselves and called on the Lord for remission of our sins and the light of the Spirit of God to guide us in our several duties. We also asked for means, and for our way to be opened up to enable us in all things to magnify our callings; dedicating ourselves renewedly to the service of God. After this we continued in council until a late hour.
January 6th. I visited Mr. George W. Pratt, No. 89 Gold Street, on the subject of genealogy he being the son of Zadoc Pratt, ex-member of Congress, and descended from the same parentage as myself, our progenitors being among the early settlers of the New England Colonies. I conversed with him very agreeably for half an hour, and learned that he was in correspondence with Brother Orson, in Liverpool, on the subject of our ancestry in England.
January 7th--I was in council all day at Brother Taylor's residence with the brethren of the Twelve. We resolved to concentrate our energies this year in forming settlements on or near the Platte River, on the route of our emigration, according to the instructions of President Young. We voted that The Mormon be continued, and that it is not expedient for Brother Snow to resuscitate the Luminary at present. Next day bid farewell to the brethren, and took the train for Trenton, N. J. Here I was kindly received by Brother Hurdley and family, where I remained for two days, the weather being very cold.
Saturday, 10th.--Joseph Asay came with a carriage and conveyed me about four miles into the country to his house. This day I completed a communication far The Mormon on spiritual communication in modern times.
Sunday, 11th.--Preached to a small congregation in a school house, and returned with Brother Asay and spent the evening in instruction--several of the Saints from Trenton being there. Spent the time writing, visiting and conversation with the friends here until the 14th, when I took leave of my kind friends in Trenton; taking the cars far Tacony, where I arrived at noon, went to Sister Conrad's, where I was received with every conceivable kindness. After dinner preached to them and read the revelation on marriage. God blessed me to open their understandings, teaching things of the kingdom. Here I wrote a communication for The Mormon called the "Looking-glass;" conversed with and instructed the family on many things.
Saturday, 17th.-Returned to Philadelphia and stayed at Brother Harmer's; received this evening letters from home, dated November 4th, at which time several of my family were sick. I invoked the blessing of God upon them that they might be healed and comforted.
Sunday 18th.--Though the wind was very high and extremely cold, attended with a severe snow storm, I repaired to meeting and preached to a few in the morning, and at night attended meeting again in our own hall, the Spirit of God being among the Saints in the meeting.
Monday, 19th.--Still being very snowy, cold and windy, remained at the house of Brother Harmer and wrote to my family.
Sunday, 20th.--Railroad travel being obstructed by drifts of snow, I visited at Peter Rensimer's; stayed all night and talked to him, his wife and others, till a late hour.
On the next day wrote a poem on "My Fiftieth Year," which was responded to by John Taylor, both of which were published in The Mormon at New York. Returned to Tacony in the evening and repaired to the house of Sister Conrad; the family came together and I taught them the gospel. Next day visited with the family, taught them and some of their friends who came in, the principles of the gospel.
Thursday, 24th. Bade farewell to my kind friends in Tacony, took the train for Philadelphia, where I arrived at half past nine. Attended the Saints' meetings at Washington Hall three times this day; addressed the people morning and evening; communed with them; heard their testimony in the afternoon. We were blessed through the day with the Spirit of God and had much joy.
February 1st. Attended meetings three times in Washington Hall, Philadelphia. Preached in the morning repentance to the Saints and preparation for the great restoration. In the evening preached on the Resurrecrion to a crowded house, and bid the Saints farewell.
Tuesday, 3d. Wrote, visited sister Fenron, and there spent the evening in an agreeable company of some fifteen of the Saints. We sang and prayed, feasted and rejoiced, and taught them as we were led by the Spirit. Elder Angus M. Cannon being with me in this and nearly all my visitings and meetings in this city. A happier companion is seldom found.
Wednesday, 4th. Spent the evening at a tea party; at ten o'clock we sang, "When shall we all meet again?" etc. Knelt down and prayed. This was my farewell of Philadelphia and the Eastern States. I then took a final leave of the Saints, and, accompanied by Elder Cannon, started for the railway. Here I met with Brother and Sister Beers, and some others who had come to see me off. I took the train for Pittsburn, where I safely arrived February 5, at 2:30 P.M. Took the train at three for Mansfield, Ohio, where I landed safely at 1:30 next morning. Stayed at a hotel, and on the 6th took train at 12 P.M. and arrived at Hannover, Huron County, Ohio, at 4 P.M. Here a neighbor volunteered to carry me half a mile to my brother, Nelson Pratt's. We were overjoyed to see each other after twenty-one years' absence. He had a wife and three children living, viz: a son, Edwin Delano Pratt, aged twenty years; and two daughters, Helen Orista, aged fourteen, Aurelia Fenetto, aged twelve years. Remained and visited with my brother and family; talked, read, reasoned, etc., until the 11th, when I had a call from a young school teacher named Pratt, perhaps a distant relative, who had a spirit of inquiry and was teachable. We conversed much, and I lent him some books. As he and others were soliciting a meeting, I finally consented to appoint one for Thursday evening at the school house near my brother's. In fulfilment of this appointment I preached to a large congregation in a capacious school house.
Chapter 54
FAMILY LETTERS--"MY FIFTIETH YEAR"--RESPONSE BY JOHN TAYLOR NEW YORK, January 3d, 1857.
MY DEAR SON PARLEY: I am well; how are you? Please write and let me know. I long to see and hear from you.
I am getting along very comfortably. You will see by the enclosed how "Mormonism" keeps printers and editors busy. Give my best love to all the family, and especially to the children. Remember me to Olivia and Moroni. Do the best you can for me and my family, and try to get a good education; and try by prayer and doing right to cultivate an acquaintance with the Spirit of the Lord.
Read the enclosed letter to the family, and then have it carefully laid away as a part of my history.
Now, my son, farewell. God bless you. Amen. Your affectionate father, P.P. PRATT.
NEW YORK, January 3d, 1857.
MY DEAR FAMILY:
A happy New Year to each of you. I am well. I spent Christmas in Philadelphia in a public party of the Saints--say 300 persons--assembled in a large hall neatly furnished and lighted. There were prayers, hymns, songs, recitations, comic, tragic, sublime and ridiculous. There was some music and dancing, merry making, eating and drinking till midnight. I did not dance, but I preached and bore testimony.
On the following Sunday I preached twice in the same hall, some 500 persons being present.
On Wednesday, December 31st, I arrived in this city and put up with President John Taylor. This closed the year 1856.
January 1st, 1857. I attended a public party of the Saints here from 5 P.M. till midnight. It was like the one in Philadelphia--only there was no dancing. About 400 persons were present. During this party the news arrived of the landing of 220 Saints at Castle Garden direct from Europe, all in good health and spirits. These we visited next day in company with Presidents Taylor, G. A. Smith, and E. Snow, who are here now, and we shall hold a council. The Saints here are mostly emigrants from Europe and very poor. I am now well clothed, and God has opened my way to obtain sufficient funds for traveling expenses.
A letter from my Brother Nelson announces that all is well there, and they are overjoyed to hear that I am to visit them. He is trying to sell and go to the valley.
Brother Orson writes to me that all is well with him.
I have gone as far East as I intend to go. I hope soon to commence to return westward, visiting my brother Nelson as I go. The darkness which broods over this country can be felt--it is no place for me. I feel like going to the frontiers and fitting out as soon as grass grows.
The whole country is being overwhelmed with the most abominable lying, mockery, and hatred of the Saints, and with all manner of corruption. The legions of spirits are let loose and are working wonders. All things are ripening for a universal overthrow of all human power in this land.
I am almost an intruder wherever I go. I am a stranger and the world knows me not. There are a few of the Saints and others who will hear us, and not exactly demand a vote of thanks, although some of them would think it a great condescension for which we ought to thank them.
O, God, let me retire from such a generation into dens, caves, deserts, mountains--anywhere. But I will say no more about them. I feel for my family and pray for them continually. I hope they with me may have grace to endure to the end, and be saved in the kingdom of God.
My history is mostly completed. It will probably not be published in my day. Should anything happen to me, and the record be preserved, I wish it carefully compiled, copied, and taken care of.
My feelings, and the affections of my heart, I will not attempt to describe, but will express them in person when I return. Should I never return, be assured they are as warm and as tender as ever, and I think a little more so.
I hope you will not be cast down or borrow any trouble about me because I admit an if, as to my safe return. I have no doubt but that I shall return in safety and live to a good old age. But still I must acknowledge that I do anticipate with a great deal of pleasure the change of worlds. And, every day that I work on my history, I naturally think that the word finis will soon be added to the end.
Write when you can via California and Panama. Now God bless and preserve you all, even to little Mathoni. Amen. Yours ever, P. P. PRATT
To my wife HANNAHETTE and others.
MY FIFTIETH YEAR
I am fifty years old! I have lived to see Seven times seven and a Jubilee. That period famed in the days of yore As a grand release for the humble poor; When the pledg'd estate was again restor'd, And the bondman free'd from his tyrant lord. When man his fellow was bound to forgive, And begin anew to think and to live. The nations have hail'd the year of my birth As a Jubilee to the groaning earth. The triumphs of steam over land and sea Have stamp'd the age of my Jubilee. I have mark'd its progress at ev'ry stride, From the day it was launch'd on the Hudson's tide Till it conquer'd the ocean--grasp'd the land, And join'd the world in a common band. I have liv'd to behold the lightnings yield To the mandate of man, and take the field, As a servant-runner to bear the news In an instant, where its lord might choose. And, scarce less strange, I have liv'd to behold A Mortaon Sage, with his wand of gold, Overturn the world, and toss it up As a teller of Fortunes would his cup. All these are facts; but of little worth, Compared with a Prophet restored to earth. I have seen his day and have heard his voice Which enraged a world, while the meek rejoice. I have read the fate of all earthly things: The end of thrones, and the end of kings. I have learned that truth alone shall stand, And the Kingdom of God fill every land. I have seen that Kingdom rolling along, And taking its seat 'mid the mountains strong; While the nations wondered, but could not tell To what these wondrous things would swell. I have wandered far, over land and sea, To proclaim to the world its destiny-- To cry to the nations, repent and live, And be ready the bridegroom to receive.
I have wandered far--I have wandered wide, From Maine to the wild Missouri's tide; And over the Atlantic's sea-girt isles Full many a weary thousand miles. I have trampled the desert's hurning sands And the snow-clad mountains of unknown lands. `Mid the crystal waters of Deseret I have pulled the oar and cast the net. I have climbed the steeps 'mid the golden ore, And roamed o'er the lone Pacific shore. I have ploughed its bosom many a day To visit the nations far away. I have stood on Chili's distant shore, Where the Polar Star is seen no more. I have gazed on the Andes' heights of snow, And roamed 'mid the flowery plains below.
I have toiled with the great in freedom's cause, And assisted to give to a State its laws. I have lain in a dungeon, bound in chains, And been honored in Courts where Justice reigns. In a thousand joys, and a thousand fears I have struggled on through my fifty years. And now, by the law of God, I am free; I will seek to enjoy my Jubilee. I will hie me home, to my mountain dell, And will say to the "Christian" world--farewell! I have served ye long--; `twas a thankless task; To retire in peace is all I ask.
Another fifty years will fully prove Our message trite, and all our motives love. Then shall an humble world in reverence bow, And hail the Prophets so rejected now. Kings shall revere, and nations incense bring To Zion's temple and to Zion's King. I shall be there and celebrate the day 'Till twice ten fifties shall have passed away.
A RESPONSE TO P. P. PRATT'S "FIFTIETH YEAR" BY JOHN TAYLOR
Thou art"fifty years old"--I am glad to see That thou now canst hope for a Jubilee. Go rest thee, my friend, for weary and long Thou hast faithfully striven with a wayward throng; With a world environed with error's chain Thou hast wrestled and struggled, but not in vain. On thy native shore and on foreign land Thou hast battled for truth with a master hand, And their cities, and towns, and hamlets have rung With the sound of truth, with the voice of song, And thousands in Zion do now rejoice, Who've read thy works or heard thy voice, And millions have seen thy bossom swell With celestial truths thou lov'st so well.
Let drivelling sycophants bow the knee To that chameleon shrine, popularity, And with honey'd lips, bound with mammon's spell And with wheedling, whining, canting tongue, Daub o'er the deeds of a hellish throng. 'Twas thine the mask from their loathsome face To rend, and exhibit their foul disgrace.
Thou hast grappled with sages in error rife, Thou hast taught to the erring the way of life; With flaming words and a burning pen Thou hast bearded gaunt priestcraft in his den, And said Baal's grizzly priests, avaunt! I dare you in your dark, ghastly haunt. And the canting, craving minions fled At the truths thou penned and the words thou said. With Elijah's faith and Elijah's rod, Thou despised their power and defied their god, And made the canting hirelings cower Beneath the truth's keen withering power. Thou show'd them their systems were doom'd to fall That "Upharsin" was written on Babel's wall. Thou hast spent 'midst their hordes a busy life; Thou art leaving the den of their Bable strife. Let others know now 'mid the nations roam, And hie thee away to thy mountain home.
If, sleeping at night, the weary may Forget the cares and toils of day; And if by God to man is given A day of rest in every seven; If the pledged possession could be restored, On the grand release by Jehovah's word; If the debtor's bonds could then be broke, And the slave be freed from a master's yoke, And the very land a partaker be Of the general jubilant Jubilee; If all bonds were broken on that day, And chains and manacles thrown away; If throughout the land, by every tongue, All joined in the joyous Jubilee song; If debtors and slaves and earth were free, Thou oughtest to have a Jubilee.
If a wish from a sincere friendly heart Can to thee any comfort or joy impart; If a fervent prayer to the God of grace Could smooth thy path in thy onward race, That prayer would be, may grace be given To went thy onward course to Heaven. May'st thou abound in corn and wine, And the blessings of plenty now be thine; May thy family all be free from care, And a husband's and father's plenty share; May thy sun go down with glory rife, And dying may'st thou burst into life; And, when sleeping among the silent dead, Have the blessings of millions on thy head; And living with God, may'st thou be free, And partake of an endless Jubilee.
