Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1906-12-22


trary he was given TO understand In
a remarkable vision. that there was
long, fearful struggle with the forces
OF the adversary before him, and that
he must resist temptations to ac-
cumulate wealth for the glory OF the
world. lie was asked TO come TO the
hin once "A year on given date. He
did so. and met each time the same
messenger who instructed him In his
duties. At last, on the 22nd day OF
September, 1927 he received the re-
cords, that had been deposited since
about ago years after Christ, with the
understanding that he was RESPONSE
bic for their safety. II they were
lost through his neglect, he was to be
cut off. but II he used all diligence in
preserving them. they would be pro-
tected against all enemies.
II the question be asked. Why these
formaltles? the answer is that the
youthful Seer was passing through
period OF probation. Tho Lord often
tests the fidelity OF His servants, and
Joseph's test at this time was the duty
imposed upon him to appear once
year, on a given date, upon the sacred
hill. II this seems to be small mat
ter, 1t should be remembered that the
seycrest tests often are those that
seem small and indifferent. The pre-
clson and fidelity With which appar-
entity small matters are attended TO fur
nlsh the real test OF character. Jo-
seph also needed the yearly instruc-
tons Of the divine messenger he need
ed development Of mind and body, and
therefore the day was postponed, until
he was In every way qualified for the
great work before him.
The young Prophet now found him
self IN possession Of an ancient sacred
literary treasure. which he was under
obligation Of presenting to the world In
the English language. A boy without
linguistic attainments, without innuen-
tial friends, and without financial re-
sources, recently married and under
the necessity OF providing for his wife
as wen as for HIMSELF Was ever
servant ~ tho Lord I'm more trying
position? Let anyone place himself In
Joseph's shoes, II he can do so by re-
sort to imagination, Just to see what
be would do under tho circumstances.
But the Lord never gives a command
without providing means for obedience,
If there is willingness to obey.
Joseph started out copying some
characters and translating, thereby
proving his faith In God, and the Lord.
consequently, provided friends who
made It possible for him to accomplish
the marvellous work, He met Martin
Harris IN 1928. and oliver Cowdery In
1929. His brothers Samuel and Hy-
rum, became convinced of the divinity
Of Joseph's mission. through revelations
granted to them, in answer TO prayer
IN 1929, Joseph and oliver were Or
dained to the Aaronlc Priesthood by a
heavenly messenger, John the Baptist
after which they were baptized for the
remission Of sins j. knight was
moved upon by the Spirit to bring as
sistance to the Prophet, and shortly
afterwards the Whltmers Joined the
little group of earnest inquIrers and
workers IN the Lords vineyard, and
| thus the stupendous work was made
possible by the Lord raising up friends
| and assistants from time TO time. But
| II was indeed time OF trial Finally.
all was ready for the organization Of
the Church. The Melchsedec PRIEST
hood had been conferred upon Joseph
and Oliver by Peter. James, and John,
and revelation had been given con-
corning the restoration OF the APOSTLE
ship according to the Scripture pattern.
on the 9Th day OF April, 1880, the
Church was organized. The Prophet
says THE Holy Ghost was poured
out upon us to a very great degree
some prophesied, whilst we all praised
the Lord. and rejolced exceedingly"
Years Of trial, probation, and struggle
ended In indescribable Joy,
As soon as the Church had been or
ganized and the Priesthood restored,
the work OF evangelzation commenced
AS the Pentecostal influence radiated
from Jerusalem in all directions, so the
Spirit that was poured out upon the
restored Church, organized at Fayette.
Seneca Co., N. Y. was felt In ever Wild
ening circles. Public meetings were
held, where the Gospel was proclaimed
In power Miracles were performed.
Evil spirits we're cast out, These mighty
deeds were witnessed by many. and
some believed. The Holy Spirit was
poured out upon the assemblies of the
Saints. Especially was this the case at
the first conference held June 1, 1880, on
which occasion the spiritual manifesto
tons were similar to those of the day OF
Pentecost. The Book OF Mormon was
circulated and caused "A great stir in the
world. Many accepted it; others hard
ened their hearts, and became persecut-
| ors. Attempts were made TO convict the
| Prophet OF dishonest business transact
lions, and when these efforts failed. re-
| course was had TO violence. But the
Lord held His protecting hand over the
young Church. Missionaries were sent
| to the Lamanites, and the irst COM
mandment to gather In Ohio was given.
In January, 1891, the Prophet started
| for Kirkland, where he was cordially re-
celved by Newell X. Whitney But the
and soon tho Elders were By divine d.
rection sent further west. Revelation
pointed to Jackson county as the GEN.
trail gathering place and Independence
as the place OF the rearing OF Won
derful Temple.
we cannot follow In detail the story