1864 Orson Hyde History

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Orson Hyde
(1805-1878)
"History of Orson Hyde"
LDS Millennial Star
Nov.-Dec. 1864
(Liverpool: Millennial Star Press)

Nov. 19, 1864

Nov. 26, 1864

Dec. 03, 1864

Dec. 10, 1864

Transcriber's Comments

See also: 1832 Orson Hyde Journal | 1858 Orson Hyde History

THE

THE LATTER-DAY SAINTS'

MILLENNIAL STAR.

"Behold, the day of the Lord cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate: and he shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it." -- ISAIAH.

No. 47, Vol. XXVI. Saturday, November 19, 1864. Price One Penny.

THE NEW HEAVEN AND THE NEW EARTH.

BY ELDER JOHN V. HOOD.

"And I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth
were passed away; and there was no more sea." -- Rev. xxi, I.

From the second century of the Christian era up to the present time, the Revelations of St. John have painfully exercised the ingenuity of men of all creeds and denominations, and could learning and zeal have guaranteed success, this book had long ago been thoroughly expounded. But the researches of studious men, and even the longing desires of good men, have been unavailing. They can tell with precision when moons shall wax and wane, or speak with certainty on the return of a comet, the re-appearance of a star, or the eclipse of a sun, but they have utterly failed in assigning its term to the grand scheme of Providence, or in declaring the period when the mighty angel with one foot upon the sea, and the other upon the shore, "shall lift up his hand to heaven, and swear by him that liveth for ever and ever, that there shall be time no longer." Conflicting statements and disjointed

theories have been propounded to give a plausible and specious air to the peculiar tenets they advance, and walking in a mist and haze, the ideas they have formed are thrown out from the retina of their imaginations, until, like the spectre of the Hartz mountains, they are projected colossally on the vapor that surrounds them, and so lend an appearance of tangibility to what, when viewed aright, is nothing but a film and a delusion.

Amongst the many theories advanced in regard to Spiritual principles and prophecies, that of spiritual interpretation holds the foremost place. In the second century, Origen, as we are informed by Mosheim, "having entertained a notion that it was extremely difficult, if not impossible, to defend everything contained in the Sacred Writings from the cavils of heretics and infidels, so long as they were explained literally according to the real import of the terms, had recourse to the fecundity

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HISTORY OF BRIGHAM YOUNG.

from bondage, and happy in the anticipations of the favor of the Lord. A scarcity of flesh-pots and savory onions were not their expectations -- they could triumph over the fall of Pharaoh and the Egyptians much easier than they could endorse hunger in the wilderness. They could laud Moses as a deliverer, but they persecuted him in the times of their necessity. The Saints who have anticipated the enjoyment of a celestial glory in the place of gathering, have been disappointed, a little preparation is necessary before they get there. There is an inward work to be done in our hearts, as well as an outward glory to enjoy. The happiness comes in when the selfishness is squeezed out. Our prejudice and hatreds must be ejected, to give the dove of peace a place to dwell in. Many miles must be travelled, many prayers said, many

good relations formed, before the sin will be subdued. The golden street, the playful fountains, the sweet faces of angels, the preaching of holy Prophets, would not make an envious man happy. It takes as long to get the sin out, as it does to prepare a gorgeous residence. Both conditions are necessary -- a new heart and a new glory. Not pearly gates, nor thrones of emeralds and jaspers, will give us knowledge -- time, faith and application will alone do that. Holy angels, of course, give the preference to their blissful home. where order and beauty abounds; yet, in humble obedience to the behest of high heaven's King, they can grace even this wicked world with their glorious presence, and with faithful diligence and sweet content, accomplish the will and purposes emanating from the bosom of God.

HISTORY OF BRIGHAM YOUNG.
(Continued from page 728.)

HISTORY OF ORSON HYDE.

"I, Orson Hyde, son of Nathan Hyde and Sally Thorp, was born in Oxford, New Haven County and state of Connecticut, January 8, 1805. At the age of seven years, my mother, a pious and godly woman, according to the light that then was, and member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, died soon after being delivered of a son, named Ami. Having given birth to eight sons and three daughters in the following order, according to my best recollection: Abijah, Harry, Laura, Nathan, Sally, Asahel, Horatio, Maria, Charles, Orson and Ami.

My father, a boot and shoemaker by trade, was a very talented man; quick, athletic, and naturally witty and cheerful. He was kind and affectionate, except when under the influence of strong drink (a habit to which he was somewhat addicted). After the death of my mother, my father enlisted into the army of the United States, and was in the campaign in Canada, under General Brown, -- was in most of the battles fought there,

several times slightly wounded, -- was on the frontier along the line, and &c., in the war with Britain in 1812 and 1813. Some four or five years after, in attempting to swim a river in Derby, Connecticut, he was taken with the cramp and drowned.

After the death of my mother, the family was scattered abroad, and took their chances in life under no special protector or guide, save that of a kind Providence who ever watches, with care, over the lonely orphan and hears the plaintive cry of the young sparrows, bereft of their parent mother.

At this early age, I was placed in the care of a gentleman by the name of Nathan Wheeler, or rather, fell into his hands, residing in Derby in the same county. This was a very good family, but quite penurious. With Mr. Wheeler I continued until I was eighteen years of age, and would have continued longer; but from the consideration that suitable encouragement was not offered to me for education, and &c., I concluded that my services from seven to eighteen years of age, would abundantly repay Mr. Wheeler for his

HISTORY OF BRIGHAM YOUNG.

743

care and expense in rearing me up to that time.

In the meantime Mr. Wheeler removed, and came to the Western Reserve in Ohio, having failed in business in Derby. He first visited the Western Reserve by himself, purchased a farm in Kirtland, and sent for me and his nephew, Nathan Wooster, to come out the next spring. Accordingly, Mr. Wooster and myself started early the next season (I then being fourteen years of age). This was a hard trip for a youngster to perform on foot, with knapsack upon the back, containing clothes, bread, cheese, and dried beef for the journey, and obliged to keep up with a strong man, travelling from 30 to 38 miles per day, until we had performed the entire distance of 600 miles.

Mr. W.[heeler] then sent to the east for the balance of his family, who came on the next season in the care of Captain Isaac Morley, a resident of Kirtland, where they arrived in safety. The farm being a new one, and heavily timbered, it was the hardest kind of labor to prepare it for cultivation. This being done, and Mr. Wheeler being again in easy circumstances, I concluded to strike out for myself, having had comparatively no chance for mental or literary improvement, and no very flattering prospects held out to me that I should be able to enjoy such opportunity at any future time, should I continue longer with Mr. W.[heeler], consequently, at the age of 18 years, in the face of the remonstrances of Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler, I made my first debut into the world with the following outfit: one suit of home-made woollen clothes (butternut colored,) two red flannel shirts, also home-made, two pairs of socks, one pair of coarse shoes on the feet, one old hat and six and a quarter cents in clean cash.

With this outfit and capital stock in trade, on the 8th day of January, 1823, I went forth from my old home to carve out my fortune and destiny under my own guidance, for ought I then knew. My first strike was to hire out for six months to Grandison Newel, at 6 dollars per month, to work in a small iron foundry. There I learned to mold clock bells, and

irons, sleigh shoes and various other articles. My wages for this term of service, were carefully saved, together with some perquisites, and compensation for extra labor, which in the aggregate, amounted to enough to buy me a good suit of clothes, boots, hat, &c. This being accomplished, I began to straighten up a little. I then hired for six months more to Mr. Orrin Holmes of Chagrin (now Willoughby) to card wool, and being a raw hand at the business, I could not get very high wages. The machines were in Kirtland.

I next went into the store of Gilbert and Whitney in Kirtland to serve as clerk, where I continued for a year or two, then hired two carding machines to run for one year, the same where I was engaged a year or two before. The proprietors being well acquainted with me took my own obligation for the rent without security. The carding season came on, and the machines (two in number under the same roof) being put in good running order, operations began. A new machine having been placed on the same stream, a few miles above, I feared that my business would be cut short. But unfortunately for the proprietors of the new mill, their dam broke way in a freshet, and they were unable to repair it during the carding season, which gave to me almost the entire carding of the country. During this season I paid my hired help, and also my rent, and cleared about 600 dollars in cash. This I thought was doing very well for a boy. When winter came on, I went into Gilbert and Whitney's store again, under moderate wages, and continued there until the spring. Then in 1827, business being rather slack in the store, I went to work for the same parties, making pot and pearl ashes. This season there was a Methodist camp meeting about six miles distant from Kirtland, which I attended, and became a convert to that faith. I enjoyed myself as well as the light and knowledge I then had would allow me. I believe that God had mercy and compassion upon me, and that if I had died at that time, I should have received all the happiness and glory that I could appreciate or

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HISTORY OF BRIGHAM YOUNG.

enjoy. The revival that began at that camp meeting spread much in Kirtland. A class was formed there, and I was appointed class-leader.

About this time some vague reports came in the newspapers that a "golden bible" had been dug out of a rock in the state of New York. It was treated, however, as a hoax. But on reading the report, I remarked as follows -- "Who knows but that this `golden bible' may break up all our religion, and change its whole features and bearing?" Nothing more was heard of it for a long time in that section.

Not long after this, the Campbellite doctrine began to be preached in Mentor and in Kirtland. Elder S. Rigdon was its chief advocate there.

Being forcibly struck with the doctrine of immersion or baptism for the remission of sins, and many other important items of doctrine which were advocated by this new sect, and which were passed over by the Methodists as not essential, I left the Methodists and became a convert to this new faith.

Feeling that one day I might be called to advocate it, and feeling my great deficiency in learning, I resolved to go to school. Accordingly, I took up my abode in Mentor, in the house of Elder Sidney Rigdon, and began the study of English grammar under his tuition. Elder Rigdon took unwearied pains and care to instruct me in this elementary science."

(To be continued.)

THE LATTER DAY SAINTS' MILLENNIAL STAR.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1864.

THE PROSPERITY OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD NOT
DEPENDANT ON PERSECUTION.

The world appears at the present time too much engaged and taken up with their own particular affairs, to either regard or pay much attention to the condition, prospects, progress, or anything else in particular, pertaining to the Latter-day Saints, either in Europe, America, or in any other part of the habitable globe on which we dwell and have our being. This is such a very unusual state of affairs, that we are led to ask, What is the reason -- has the Adversary indeed given up the chase, and concluded that it is useless to longer hunt after and persecute the Saints, or is he about to change his tactics, his "base of operation," and assail us in some other point or form, or has he concluded to try the other plan of "masterly inactivity," and by a "severely letting alone" policy, leave the ever-rolling, ever-changing tide of time to disclose the unbidden future, and develop what it will develop?

Some people might not feel altogether easy, and would writhe under the agony of not being more conspicuous than anybody else in the world, and actually decline and wither away while passing under the fiery ordeal of "not worthy of notice." Now, it is our opinion that the Latter-day Saints can

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HISTORY OF BRIGHAM YOUNG.

it not, in the end, have its effect on our actions and mode of life, and as soon as it does so it will begin to affect others, not only indirectly, but directly and effectually. And the workings of that one action may bring forth its train of results not only for a hundred years, but through all time, and as its power becomes more evident, leave its mark indelibly written upon the history of the human race. "As a little silvery, circular ripple set in motion by the falling pebble, expands from its inch of radius to the whole compass of the pool, so there is not a child, not an infant Moses, placed however lightly in his bulrush ark

upon the sea of time, whose existence does not stir a ripple gyrating outward and on until it shall have moved across and spanned the whole ocean of God's eternity." When temptation assails, when the Adversary whispers "'Tis but a little thing," Pause, consider the result! and determine that nothing, however minute, shall be added by you to the sum total of man's depravity, but that every action, every word, nay, every thought shall strengthen the right, increase the good, and yield its fruit to aid in the triumph of truth, the salvation of man and the glory of God.

HISTORY OF BRIGHAM YOUNG.
(Continued from page 744.)

"After spending several months in this way, studying day and night, I went two quarters to the Burton Academy and placed myself under the tuition of the preceptor, Reuben Hitchcock, Esq. (since judge of the court). Here I reviewed Grammar, Geography, Arithmetic and Rhetoric; then returned to Mentor and spent one season with a young man by the name of Matthew J. Clapp, at his father's house, where the public library was kept. Here I read history and various other works, scientific and literary; and in the fall of the year was ordained an Elder in this new church, and went on a mission with Elder Rigdon to Elyria, Loraine County, and also to Florence in Huron County. There we baptized a great number of people into the new faith, organized several branches of the church, and returned again to Mentor. This I think was in the fall of 1829.

Early in the spring of 1830, I returned to Elyria and Florence, and became the pastor of the churches raised up the fall previous. During the fall and winter of 1830, I also taught school in Florence. During this fall, Samuel H. Smith, Ziba[r] Peterson, F. G. Williams and Peter Whitmer came along through that section, preaching the 'golden bible' or

`Mormonism,' I encountered them; but perceiving that they were mostly illiterate men, and at the same time observing some examples of superior wisdom and truth in their teaching, I resolved to read the famed 'golden bible,' as it was called.

Accordingly, I procured the book and read a portion of it, but came to the conclusion that it was all a fiction. I preached several times against the `Mormon' doctrine or rather against the 'Mormon' bible. On one occasion, the people of Ridgeville, near Elyria, sent for me to preach against the `Mormon' bible. I complied with the request, and preached against it. The people congratulated me much, thinking that 'Mormonism' was completely floored; but I, for the first time, thought that the 'Mormon' bible might be the truth of heaven; and fully resolved before leaving the house, that I would never preach against it any more until I knew more about it, being pretty strongly convicted in my own mind that I was doing wrong. I closed up my school and my preaching in that section, and resolved to go to Kirtland on a visit to my old friends. Elder S. Rigdon, Gilbert and Whitney, and many others of my former friends had embraced the 'Mormon' faith. I ventured to tell a few of my confidential friends in Florence my real object

EDITORIAL.

761

in visiting Kirtland. The Prophet, Joseph Smith, jun., had removed to that place. My object was to get away from the prejudices of the people, and to place myself in a position where I could examine the subject without embarrassment.

Accordingly, in the summer of 1831, I went to Kirtland, and under cover of clerkship in the old store of Whitney and Gilbert, I examined 'Mormonism.' Read the 'Mormon' bible carefully through, attended meetings of the 'Mormons' and others, heard the arguments pro and con., but was careful to say nothing. I prayed much unto the Lord for light and knowledge, for wisdom and spirit to guide me in my examinations and investigations. Often heard the Prophet talk in public and in private upon the subject of the new religion; also heard what the opposition had to say. Listened also to many foolish tales about the Prophet -- too foolish to have a place in this narrative. I marked carefully the spirit that attended the opposition, and also the spirit that attended the 'Mormons' and their friends; and after about three months of careful and prayerful investigation, reflection and meditation, I came to the conclusion that the 'Mormons' had more light and a better spirit than their opponents. I concluded that I could not be the loser

by joining the 'Mormons,' and as an honest man, conscientiously bound to walk in the best and clearest light I saw, I resolved to be baptized into the new religion. Hence, I attended the Saints' meeting in Kirtland, Sunday, October 30, 1831, and offered myself a candidate for baptism, which was administered to me by the hands of Elder Sidney Rigdon; was confirmed and ordained an elder in the Church on the same day under the hands of Joseph Smith, the Prophet, and Sidney Rigdon. Not until about three days after did I receive any internal evidence of the special approbation of Heaven of the course I had taken. When one evening behind the counter, the Spirit of the Lord came upon me in so powerful a manner, that I felt like waiting upon no one, and withdrew in private to enjoy the feast alone. This, to me, was a precious season, long to be remembered. I felt that all my old friends (not of the 'Mormons') would believe me, and with a warm and affectionate heart, I soon went out among them, and began to talk and testify to them what the Lord had done for me; but the cold indifference with which they received me, and the pity they expressed for my delusion, soon convinced me that it was not wise to give that which is holy unto dogs, neither to cast pearls before swine."

(To be continued.)

THE LATTER DAY SAINTS' MILLENNIAL STAR.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1864.

THE SEMI-ANNUAL CONFERENCE.

(From the Deseret News.)

We take pleasure in presenting, in this week's number of the STAR, the proceedings of the Semi-Annual Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and all the Festival of Zion's Camp. which, we understand from the Daily Telegraph, is to meet again in 1865. Believing that the account

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HISTORY OF BRIGHAM YOUNG.

lo! to-morrow it is shown of its refulgence, and passes away as a dream from before our vision, leaving us to mourn its disappearance ere we have well had the opportunity of tendering it a due consideration and welcome. Reason and observation teach man not to expect a lasting state of things in time upon the earth, because as he himself is brought under the power of death by sin, so are all the productions of the earth subjected to decay and dissolution by his disobedience.

Notwithstanding the transitory nature of earthly things, man has a capacity for eternal appreciation and enjoyment; and viewing him on the principle of eternal progression and duration, we are, as responsible and intelligent beings, led to suppose that the earth will yet yield, when purified, such things as will harmonize with his future state of purity and perfection. It is gratifying in the extreme to consider that God, in his goodness and mercy, has revealed a plan by which all animated nature shall be redeemed and have cause to rejoice, and by whose power transitory enjoyments shall give way to those of a more fadeless and permanent character.

When men shall have learned and practiced the Gospel sufficiently to have overcome the influence of sin

and Satan, then shall the earth be redeemed and rendered a fit abode for him in his purified condition; then shall it resume its former Paradisiacal aspects, and, free from the curse of sin which bringeth death, yield immortal fruits and flowers, endless in their duration, exquisitely beautiful and lovely in the extreme. But were these the only boons to be inherited by the power of the Gospel, man's happiness would be imperfect and incomplete.

These things, however, only form part of the extensive and Divinely-arranged system of salvation. The Gospel power will resurrect the dead, reinstate man in all that death has rendered vacant, bind again together those tender ties which once constituted his fondest and greatest joy and hope, and lead him upward and onward to honor and exaltation, until he shall have knowledge and wisdom -- Godlike in their nature and power, and endless in their duration -- to lead and direct those who are committed to his surveillance and watch-care. This is what we are proud to term Latter-day Saint philosophy, and the contemplation thereof makes us frankly and gladly own God's providence.

JAMES CHRYSTAL.

HISTORY OF BRIGHAM YOUNG.
(Continued from page 761.)

HISTORY OF ORSON HYDE. "A few days after this, I attended a conference in the town of Orange, at which I was ordained a high priest under the hands of Joseph Smith, and appointed on a mission to Elyria and Florence in connection with Brother Hyrum Smith. In these places we were the means of converting and baptizing many of my old Campbellite friends, raised up and organized two or three branches of the Church, laid hands on several sick persons and healed them by prayer and faith. After confirming the Churches and bearing a faithful testimony to them and to all people, in the midst of much

opposition, we returned again to Kirtland. I found Brother Hyrum a pleasant and an agreeable companion, a wise counsellor, a father and a guide.

Soon after our return to Kirtland, I was sent on another mission, in company with Brother Samuel H. Smith, a younger brother of the Prophet, who was a man slow of speech and unlearned, yet a man of good faith and extreme integrity. We journeyed early in the spring of 1832, eastward together, without 'purse or scrip,' going from house to house, teaching and preaching in families, and also in the public congregations of the people. Wherever we were received and entertained,

HISTORY OF BRIGHAM YOUNG.

775

we left our blessing; and wherever we were rejected, we washed our feet in private against those who rejected us, and bore testimony of it unto our Father in heaven, and went on our way rejoicing, according to the commandment.

When in Westfield, New York, we preached to a crowded audience. I was speaker. After the discourse, a gentleman rose up and requested that a brief history of Joseph Smith be given to the people previous to his finding the plates. I remarked that I was not acquainted with the early history of Joseph Smith, and consequently was unable to comply with the request, but observed that his younger brother was present who might, if he felt disposed, favor them with an account of the early life of his brother.

Samuel arose and said, that as it was the early history of his own brother that they required, it might be thought that, in consequence of his near kin, his statements might not be free from partiality, and respectfully declined the task.

The gentleman who first made the request then stated that he had been acquainted with Joseph Smith from his boyhood. It was then observed that he was a suitable person to give his history. Accordingly he began to do so. He soon came to where he said Joseph did some mean act and ran away. Another gentleman in the congregation, knowing that the speaker had recently run away from his former place of abode for his mean acts and come there, here interrupted the speaker by asking him how long it was after Joseph ran away till he started? This question so discomfited the speaker that he sat down amid the hisses and uproar of the multitude. So, but little of the history of Joseph Smith was given at that meeting.

From this place we hastened on to Spafford where there was a small branch of the Church; and by our ministry added 14 members. We then hastened on to Boston, Massachusetts, preaching and teaching by the way and baptizing some. We raised up a branch in Boston of some 25 or 30 members. Preached also in Lynn and baptized a few, who were attached to the Boston

Branch. Also raised up a branch of some thirty in Bradford, Massachusetts.

Then proceeded on to Saco, in Maine, where we preached several times. From thence proceeded to Farmington where we raised up a branch of about 20 in number. Returned by way of Bradford and Lowel; called on my sister, Mrs. North. Although separated from her for 25 years she received me very coolly on account of my religion. I told her that the Lord had had particular respect for her -- had not sent her this message by a stranger -- a man whom she knew not, and consequently one in whom, she had no confidence; but has taken your own mother's son -- dandled upon the same knee, nursed at the same breast and like Joseph in Egypt, separated from his kinsfolk and compelled to make friends among strangers. This brother comes to you with this message in the name of the Lord. She replied: 'If the Lord had sent you I should think he would have prepared my heart to receive your message, which he has notdone.'

This answer filled my heart with sorrow for her unbelief. Indeed, I could hardly restrain my feelings on the occasion; still I did, and replied to my sister by the following interrogatives:

'Laura, do you think that God sent his Son with a message to the Jews?' 'Yes;' was the reply.

'Did he, or did he not, prepare their hearts to receive it?' She was silent; and with a heart ready to burst with grief, I turned away from my sister, being confident that her heart was fully set to reject my message, and bade her adieu, resolving to be slow to call upon any more of my relatives that I might be exempted from the duty of washing my feet against my own kindred in case of being rejected, leaving them to be warned and dealt with by strangers.

Mr. North, her husband, a very good man in the estimation of his acquaintances, loving popular religion and money also, gave me to understand that I was welcome at his house on account of relationship, but that he did not care to entertain my colleague, Brother Samuel H. Smith. Oh, thought I, that you were worthy

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before God to entertain him! I cared not for his invitation, as I thought more of Samuel than of anyone in his house, and stayed only long enough to discharge my duty, and never again voluntarily returned.

From Lowel we returned to Boston; and from thence we went to Providence, Rhode Island, and there baptized some ten or fifteen persons amid most violent opposition. We had to flee in the night, sleep under the fence and under an apple tree. Went back to Boston and then started for home, where we arrived late in December.

This was one of the most arduous and toilsome missions ever performed in the Church. To travel two thousand miles on foot, teaching from house to house, and from city to city, without purse or scrip, often sleeping in schoolhouses after preaching -- in barns, in sheds, by the wayside, under trees, and etc., was something of a task. When one would be teaching in private families, the other would frequently be nodding in his chair, weary

with toil, fatigue and want of sleep. We were often rejected in the afterpart of the day, compelling us to travel in the evening, and sometimes till people were gone to bed, leaving us to lodge where we could. We would sometimes travel until midnight or until nearly daylight before we could find a barn or shed in which we dare to lie down; must be away before discovered least suspicion rest upon us. Would often lie down under trees and sleep in daytime to make up loss.

In the spring of 1833, I, in company with Hyrum Smith, went on a mission to Elk Creek township, Erie County, Pennsylvania, where we labored several weeks, and baptized a number of persons into a branch of the Church, previously raised up there by the ministry of John F. Boynton and others. We also preached considerably in North East Township, Ohio, and in other places while passing to and fro, baptizing some few by the way. Returned to Kirtland in the summer."

(To be continued.)

THE LATTER DAY SAINTS' MILLENNIAL STAR.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1864.

FESTIVAL OF ZION'S CAMP.

We had proposed saying something in our last number of the STAR pertaining to the Festival of Zion's Camp, which was held at the Social Hall, in Great Salt Lake, on the 10th of October, 1864, but had to give place to other more interesting matter connected with the Conference, and detailed account of the Festival itself. The relics of the noble band, who thirty years ago gathered themselves from Ontario and Genesee and Manchester, and the regions around about the hill Cumorah, where the Book of Mormon was found, and from Albany, and Rochester, and from New England in the east, and the Canada shore, and from the south and the north, and the regions around about Kirtland, in Ohio, and from every place in the eastern countries wherever the great Work of the last days, then in its infancy, had spread, for the word had gone forth that there was trouble in the land of Zion, and that the Saints

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HISTORY OF BRIGHAM YOUNG.

not under the severe storms of adversity that endurance and courage and mind are trained into a state of the highest efficiency. It was in the forests of America, in the midst of no common suffering and difficulty, that liberty was fostered and religious tolerance was given birth to. So will we find that danger and difficulty will develop the rising generation of Saints into men and women of no common calibre. Our fathers have already manifested their willingness to labor, and their competency to grapple with adversity. They have labored boldly, fearlessly and nobly for the spread of truth and the overthrow of error, and an unprecedented success has waited on their efforts and rewarded their zeal. Shall the after program of the kingdom be less rapid in the future than it has been prosperous in the past? Not if we do our duty -- not if the Saints are diligent in the performance of duty and true to the covenants they have made.

Difficulty has ever barred the progress of truth. It has only been when ignorance could no longer contend, when crippled by the mass and weight of its own chains, that truth has burst

upon the world. Entrenchment after entrenchment has had to fall before the citadel of error could be assailed and won, and the standard of truth and of salvation and safety could be reared aloft to the breezes of heaven. And man has had to wait the culmination of circumstances -- the development of certain properties or purposes, before he could dare, with hope of success, to unfold his mission to the world.

This is what uninspired men have done; but He who rules the winds and the waves, whose voice is heard in the storm and in the whispering zephyrs, to whom a day is as a thousand years to us, has power to commission and send forth men to do his bidding. And do they finish? A Jonah faltered, but dared not disobey. A Daniel braved the fiery furnace and the lion's den, and came from both unscathed. And in our day such men have and are still living, and it is for us, if we wish for life eternal, everlasting and enrapturing, to listen to their teachings and give heed to their counsels

J. G. B.

HISTORY OF BRIGHAM YOUNG.
(Continued from page 776.)

HISTORY OF ORSON HYDE. "During this same summer I was appointed to go up to Jackson county, Missouri, in company with Elder John Gould, with special instructions to the Saints there from the Prophet Joseph in Kirtland. We started on foot with our valises on our backs, a distance of about one thousand miles. We travelled about forty miles per day through a sickly fever and ague country, swimming rivers, and pushing our clothes over on a log or raft before us. We arrived in Jackson County about the beginning of the Saints' troubles there. We delivered our letters and documents, and were sometimes surrounded by the mob, who threatened to wring our heads off from our shoulders. Several little skirmishes took place while there, and some few were killed and wounded.

Times began to be warm, and expulsion seemed inevitable. The Saints began to flee over the river to Clay County, and we, having done all we could, took a steamer for St. Louis on our return home. We arrived home in Kirtland in the month of November 1833.

In the winter and spring of 1834, I took another mission to Pennsylvania, Elk Creek, in company with Elder Orson Pratt, to preach the gospel and to call a company to go up that summer to Missouri. We went as far east as Genesee, New York.

In the month of May, the company started from Kirtland for Missouri. I went round by Florence to collect some money due me there, for the benefit of the camp. I obtained between one and two hundred dollars, met the camp near Dayton, and turned

HISTORY OF BRIGHAM YOUNG.

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in myself and my money to strengthen the camp.

On our way up on the north side of the Missouri River, when nearly opposite Jefferson City, the place of residence of Governor Daniel Dunklin, governor of the state, I, with Brother Parley P. Pratt, was deputed to go and see him, and ascertain if he could not do something towards reinstating our people upon their lands and take some steps to punish our persecutors. But he referred us to the courts of the respective counties in which our aggrievances originated, and said that he entertained no doubt but that these courts, that had full jurisdiction, would do us ample justice in the case. He knew better. He knew that both magistrates, constables, judges and sheriffs were engaged in the mob, and were sworn to destroy us. He well knew that to refer us to these courts for justice, was like referring us to a band of thieves to sue for the recovery of stolen property. The courts would do nothing -- the Governor would not if he could, and the President of the United States, at the head of all political power, could not correct one error in any branch below him, neither redress us in any way. Heaven blot out such a Government from the records and family of nations. We were compelled to return with the same knowledge and comfort that we had before -- God with us, and everybody else against us.

Returned from Missouri the same summer.

On the 4th day of September following, I was married, in Kirtland, to Miss Marinda N. Johnson, daughter of John and Elsa Johnson, by Elder Sidney Rigdon.

This winter the Twelve Apostles were chosen, and I, being one of that number, was appointed, with the entire quorum, to take a mission through the states, and hold conferences in all the churches. In the spring of 1835, the Twelve started, and went through to the states of Vermont and New Hampshire, preaching and baptizing, holding conferences and strengthening the churches, regulating and putting them in order. Returned to Kirtland in September of the same year.

In the spring of 1836, I took a mission to the state of New York, in company with several others of the Apostles. I labored in the vicinity of Rochester. Fell in with Joseph and Hyrum at Buffalo, on their way to Canada, and took dinner with them at a hotel. I next proceeded to Canada to join Elder Parley P. Pratt, who had previously gone there, and had called for help. Elder Pratt and myself labored in company for a season.

At one meeting a learned Presbyterian priest came in just at the close, and bade us a challenge for debate. We, at first, declined, saying that we had all the labor we could attend to without debate. But nothing would answer the priest but debate. We then said, debate it should be. Accordingly, time and place were agreed upon, and also the terms and conditions. Before the debate came off, Elder Pratt was called home as a witness in a case at law, and left me to meet the champion alone. The time arrived, and about one acre of people assembled in a grove, wagons arranged for pulpits opposite each other, and presently the priest came with some less than a mule-load of books, pamphlets and newspapers, containing all the slang of an unbelieving world. The meeting was duly opened by prayer. All things being ready, the battle began by a volley of grape and canister from my battery, which was returned with vigor and determined zeal. Alternate cannonading, half hour each, continued until dinner was announced. An armistice was proclaimed, and the parties enjoyed a good dinner with their respective friends.

After two hours, the forces were again drawn up in battle array. The enemy's fire soon became less and less spirited, until, at length, under a well directed and murderous fire from the long 'eighteens' with which Zion's fortress is ever mounted -- to wit: the Spirit of God -- the enemy raised his hand to heaven and exclaimed, with affected contempt, 'Abominable! I have heard enough of such stuff.' I immediately rejoined, 'Gentlemen and ladies, I should consider it highly dishonorable to continue to beat my

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EDITORIAL.

antagonist after he has cried enough,' so I waived the subject. The priest did not appear to think half so much of his scurrilous books, pamphlets and newspapers, when he was gathering them up to take away, as when he brought them upon the stand. Their virtue fled like chaff before the wind. About forty persons were baptized into the Church in that place (Scarborough) immediately after the debate. Jenkins was the name of the priest. It is highly probably that he has never since challenged a `Mormon' preacher for debate.

When Elder Pratt returned to Canada, my wife came with him, and joined me in that country. We continued to labor in Markham, Scarborough and Toronto during the season, and returned to Kirtland in the Fall, after raising up several Branches of the Church. Engaged this winter in reading Hebrew.

Spring of 1837, went on a mission to England, in company with Elders Heber C. Kimball, Willard Richards, John Goodson, Isaac Russel, John Snider and Joseph Fielding. Labored in Lancashire and Yorkshire, and baptized about fifteen hundred souls by our united labors, and returned again to Kirtland, May 21, 1838. This summer I removed with my family to Far West, in Missouri, where I was taken sick, soon after my arrival, with bilious fever, and did not fully recover until the spring of 1839.

Few men pass through life without leaving some traces which they would gladly obliterate. Happy is he whose life is free from stain and blemish.

In the month of October, 1838, with me it was a day of affliction and darkness. I sinned against God and my brethren; I acted foolishly. I will not allude to any causes for so doing save one, which was, that I did not possess the light of the Holy Ghost. I lost not my standing in the Church, however; yet, not because I was worthy to retain it, but because God and his servants were merciful. Everlasting thanks to God, and may his servants ever find mercy. Brothers Hyrum Smith and H. C. Kimball, men of noted kindness of heart, spake to me words of encouragement and comfort in the hour of my greatest sorrow. But Hyrum is gone! Peace to his ashes and blessings upon his posterity. Heber lives, and may he and his posterity live to tread upon the necks of the enemies of God. I seek pardon of all whom I have offended, and also of my God, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

I located with the Saints in Commerce, since Nauvoo. Here I took the ague, which lasted me for months, and which came well nigh killing me and also my family. At the April conference in 1840, reduced to a mere skeleton, I was appointed, in company with Elder John E. Page, to go on a mission to Jerusalem, and started -- gone nearly three years. Performed the mission, but Elder Page did not. Returned to Nauvoo latter part of December, 1842, the particulars of which, and my subsequent history, are contained in the general records of the Church."

(To be continued.)

THE LATTER DAY SAINTS' MILLENNIAL STAR.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1864.

INCIDENTS OF THE HISTORY OF ZION'S CAMP.

(We have subjoined, for the benefit of our readers, the following "Incidents of the history of Zion's Camp." which did not arrive in time for our previous issue, taken from the Deseret News of October 19, 1864.)

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J O U R N A L O F

O R S O N H Y D E

While Absent on a Mission in Company with
Samuel H. Smith, From February 1, 1832, to
December 22nd, 1832, arriving at Kirtland
Ohio, being absent about eleven months.

[ 1 ]

J O U R N A L O F O R S O N H Y D E

February 1, 1832: Left home, called on Brother Stebbins, obtained a walking staff, &c. Went on to P. Ville, tarried with Bro. Kingsbury over night, found him quite intelligent in the mysteries of the Kingdom, strong in the faith, &c.

February 2, 1832: Left Brother K's, and went on to pray, appointed a meeting &c. People came together in the evening, a large number, laid before them the evidence of the Book of Mormon together with some of its prophicies, &c. very much insulted by the congregation, though some anxious to hear; put to silence a Mr. Parmroly, a Campbellite Priest, &c. Called and labored with a number of families before meeting; tarried over night with a Mr. Call, who was favorable, and received us kindly, &c.

February 3rd, 1832: Left Mr. Call's, and went on five miles to Madison, labored diligently with two or three families, and called on three or four who would not receive us nor hear one word, and some time after dark we called at a house in Madison by the name of Hotchkiss, who received us and kept us over night.

February 4th, 1832: Left Mr. Hotchkiss and went on; called on an old gentleman a Universalian, told him "evil would be restored unto him instead of good except he repent, &c." Treated our message rather lightly; but we were like Nephi, we talked plainly. Went to Genoa Ashtabula Co., held a meeting in the evening, an attentive audience, requested to tarry and preach on the Lord's Day; tarried over night with a Mr. Malthie, found a Bro. Mitchell rather weak in faith; ---- Preached.

February 5th, 1832: Preached according to request and visited three families before and after meeting; some minds affected, but generally had but little effect; tarried over night with a Mr. Sexton.

February 6th, 1832: Left Mr. Sexton's and went on from house to house, received by some and rejected by others, as far as Saybrook (5 miles), and tarried with a

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Mr. Wheeler all night.

February 7th, 1832: Left Mr. Wheeler's and went on through the town of Saybrook, found the people very hard and stubborn, traveled about four miles and tarried all night with James Smith, quite sociable.

February 8th, 1832: Left Mr. Smith's -- came away and forgot my Bible. Went on to Ashtabula 4 miles and tried to obtain permission to preach, but could not, went a little out of the village and tarried all night with Mr. Holcomb -- quite friendly.

February 9th, 1832: Went back into the village and preached in the evening to a large congregation; warned them faithfully of the evils. Spent the night again with Mr. Holcomb.

February 10th, 1832: Left Mr. Holcomb's and went down to Kingsville 6 miles and held a meeting at Mr. Woodbury's -- small congregation but gave good attention. Something excited.

February 11th, 1832: Left Mr. W's house, went on to Salem, found some friendly and some enemies -- some I think will go to Zion.

February 12th, 1832: Sunday morning went on near Salem Village to a Christian congregation, attended meeting with them, heard them exhort, pray, &c. At the close of the meeting arose and told them our mission, &c. and desired permission to preach in the evening. And after a little conversation among them, the[y] unanimously agreed we should preach; attended a crowded and attentive audience. They requested we should tarry and preach again. Accordingly made an appointment for next evening. Tarried all night with a Mr. Sawtril; -- kindly entertained.

February 13th, 1832: Visited two or three families in the vicinty of Salem; held a meeting in the evening, a large and attentive congregation -- some appeared to be excited -- sold two Books of Mormon. Tarried all night with Col. Fifield.

February 14th, 1832: Visited one or two families, and in the evening held meeting on the Lake Shore, preached to an attentive congregation. And next day the

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15th of February, visited two families which were almost persuaded to be Christians, but wanted to consider a little longer upon the matter.

February 16th, 1832: Went on to Springfield, Pa., visited a number of families, held meeting in the evening -- prospects favorable; appointed a meeting for the next day at one o'clock.

February 17th, 1832: Tarried in Springfield; preached in the afternoon, and also in the evening; in the same place on the 18th, tarried over night with Mr. Reed.

February 19th, 1832: Sunday, preached at Mr. Reed's; an attentive congregation; labored in private, diligently after meeting with a Christian preacher.

February 20th, 1832: Preached at Mr. Hartshorne['s] in Springfield. Gave out an invitation for them to come forward for Baptism -- three came forward and one was the Christian preacher. I immersed them and we had a joyful season.

February 22nd, 1832: Preached at Mr. Hartshorne's in the afternoon, one came forward. In the evening preached two miles from that place at a school house -- attentive congregation.

February 23rd, 1832: Preached near Springfield four corners; -- Prospects unfavorable.

February 24th, 1832: Returned back to Mr. Hartshorne's and visited around a little among the neighbors.

February 25th, 1832: Spent the day in study and conversation. Preached in the evening at Mr. Hartshorne's -- attentive congregation.

February 26th, 1832: Held meeting at Mr. Barr's; favored with hearing Brother Jared Carter preach, who came into the place the evening before on his return from Vermont; not a little comforted; held meeting in the evening two miles off.

February 27th, 1832: Baptized two young men; ordained Brother Simons an Elder, instructed him in the knowledge of the Kingdom, &c. tarried over night at Mr. Barr's.

February 28th, 1832: Went on six miles, and tarried with him through the day; copied the Law & Covenants, [for] Brother Simons I mean, &c. &c.

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February 28th, 1832: Left Bro. Simons and went on to Fairview, preached in the village in the morning; prospects unfavorable; tarried at the Tavern last night, lost, left or was stolen one (1) Book of Mormon. March 1st, 1832: Went on from Fairview 6 or 7 miles. I took off the dust of my feet against almost all ---.

March 2nd, 1832: Went on to Mill Creek and found where Calvin sold a Book for $1.87 1/2 -- found the people very hard; seemingly no salvation for them; tarried over night with a German by the name of Long

March 3rd, 1832: Left Mr. Long's and went on two miles; blessed some and shook off the dust of our feet against pther; tarried all night with Mr. Dobbs, very friendly and believing until we began to preach repentance to him, he then became unbelieving.

March 4th, 1832: Preached in Mill Creek; prospects poor. Tarried all night with an old German by the name of Brown, very hospitable, treated us very kindly.

March 5th, 1832: Went on to Erie; labored in Erie with a number of families; prospects poor; went on about half a mile and tarried with a widow woman -- a Presbyterian by profession.

March 6th, 1832: Went on to Wesleyville from H. to H. 4 miles; tarried over night at the Tavern, gratutuously, people requested us to tarry, and preached the next day, evening, accordingly we did.

March 7th, 1832: Labored with two or three families in the Village through; went out south two or three miles from H. to H.; returned in the afternoon and preached in the Village without much spirit and without much effect.

March 8th, 1832: Went on to Harbor's Creek 5 miles, called a meeting and preached, and the people seemed to be something believing, requested us to tarry and preach the next day; we did so, but without much effect. Tarried over night with Mr. Orton.

5

March 10th, 1832: Went on five or six miles and found a man who desired us to return 3 miles, a little off the road; We did so, on the 11th had a large and attentive congregation, and quite anxious. Tarried in the place over night. Started next morning and went on a little and was overtaken by a man who was desirous that we should return. We accordingly did this on the 12th -- tarried over night with him -- almost persuaded to become a Christian.

March 13th, 1832: Held a meeting among the Presbyterians; lifted up our warning voice by the Spirit; had but little impression.

March 14th, 1832: Went on 2 or 3 miles to the village north east -- went in to a store, the Merchant was anxious to hear -- quite a number came into the store to hear. Spoke in the spirit without interruption about an hour; had good attention. Went into a Tavern and spoke about an hour longer to a room full; paid good attention, after we delivered, an old Presbyterian, one of our congregation from the store followed us; held meeting at evening at a private house, Mr. Gray, by name; tarried over night with him; quite friendly.

March 15th, 1832: Left Mr. Gary's and went on four miles from H. to H. Sealed many over to the day when the wrath of God shall be poured out. Tarried at the Sta[ll] Line Tavern, a room full was in and we preached to them until 9 o'clock, and then went to bed.

March 16th, 1832: Went on from house to house; Christians but very few; put up at Mr. Fisher's -- treated us kindly, but did not believe.

March 17th, 1832: Left Mr. Fisher's and went on about 1 1/2 miles through the Village of Quincy from house to house. Tarried all night with a sister of Shadrach Roundy's by the name of Baird.

March 18th, 1832: Went on through a Presbyterian neighborhood on Sunday. Shook off the dust of our feet against almost every house. Tarried all night with a young man who lived in Concord, in Ohio, last summer.

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March 19th, 1832: Went on three or four miles; sealed up many to the day of wrath; bound the tares in bundles; blessed some; preached in Westfield Village in the evening to a large congregation; had great liberty of speech. After meeting a young man arose and requested me to relate the character of Joseph to the congregation. I told him I was unacquainted with him before he translated the work and should be unable to relate it; but, said I, "If you have been acquainted with him you had better relate to the people yourself." Accordingly he commenced, but being a very large congregation present, his courage failed him, and through the prayer of faith he was utterly confounded, and the people began to question him and he began to plead off, and said he had no more to say, and he went off under the scoffs and sneers and sarcasms of the people.

March 20th, 1832: Went on from Westfield from house to house; tarried and took breakfast with a Mr. Lawrey, who at times was possessed with the Devil. He called us into a room by ourselves and took us by the hand and kissed our hand and said: "For the last ten or twelve years I have been a poor forsaken creature; the grace of God has been withdrawn from me, and I cannot get either faith or repentance." He was truly a distressed object -- much emaciated, nothing but skin and bone. We prayed for and laid our hands upon him, and he appeared to have a gleam of hope. We cam[e] away; tarried over night with some Universalists, reasoned them all ashore.

March 21st, 1832: Went on to Brother Haskins, an Elder in the Church of Christ, very much rejoiced to see him strong in the faith; took dinner with him and went on to Portland, tarried all night with a fine old gentleman bu the name of Cook, a Presbyterian, who entertained us kindly.

March 22nd, 1832: Left Mr. Cook's and went on to Mr. Brady's, a Presbyterian. Found the people quite hard. Went on about 3 1/2 miles.

March 23rd, 1832: Went on this morning; called on a Mr. d'Lee, a fine old Quaker who was friendly; found a stubborn free-will Priest by the name of Gillmore;

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Went on to a Mr. Aldriedges, a Quaker, who was very friendly, he and his wife very much believing; held a meeting in the place in the evening, but they could not believe strong enough to obey; tarried over night with them.

March 24th, 1832: Left Portland and went to Fredonia, from there to Lapona 9 miles to the Mother of Earl Johnson, where Thomas Brackenbury died; found something of a prospect there.

March 25th, 1832: Held a meeting at Mrs. Johnson's in the evening -- a number quite anxious, but found some bitter opposition. Mrs. Johnson and her son received the work previous; concluded to tarry and preach in the region round about a few days.

March 26th, 1832: Visited two families; held a meeting in the evening at Mr. Darby's, people quite attentive; Mr. D. was just gone with the Consumption, we prayed for and laid our hands upon him, and he seemed to be easier for a short time.

March 27th, 1832: Visited one family and returned to Mrs. Jognson's, and then went to Brothers Earl and Seth Johnson from Amherst. Were much rejoiced to hear from our Brethren from the west; they had the Vision read to us.

March 28th, 1832: Held a meeting four miles from Brother Johnson's in the afternoon among a society of Christians by profession, strongly opposed by them, Elder Bailey by name, gravely withstood our words, etc.

March 29th, 1832: Preached at Laona, a small village one mile from Brother Johnson's.

March 30th, 1832: Preached at Fredonia three miles from Brother Johnson's.

March 31st, 1832: Preached one mile east of Fredonia

APRIL 1st, 1832: Preached at Pomfret; a number almost constrained to go forward, but for fear of persecution, they held back.

April 2nd, 1832: Left Brother Johnson's little before noon; quite a prospect of some coming into the faith in that place. Went on five miles from house to house; tarried all night in Sheridan.

April 3rd, 1832: Went four miles; talked with two or three priests, one

Note: This file is still under contruction.
Pages 8-46 will be added at a later date.

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Schenectady 16 miles; Traveled all day -- got very wet; -- waited there until Six in the evening, and took the Stage from there to Utica -- 96 miles -- Fare $9.00.

Thursday evening December 13th, 1832: At 6:30 o'clock arrived at Utica.

Friday Morning December 14th, 1832: Left Utica for Canandaigua -- distance 112 miles -- took stage -- arrived at Canandaigua Saturday evening at 8:30 o'clock. Thirteen days from Boston --

December 22nd, 1832: Arrived at Kirtland, Ohio, after being absent on a Mission in company with Samuel H. Smith, -- about eleven Months.

(signed) Orson Hyde.

Delivered to the Bishop 13th March, 1833.
Journal No. 1.

"Faith is the rainbow's form
Hung on the brow of Heaven,
The glory of the passing storm;
The pledge of mercy given,
It is the bright triumphant arch
Through which the Saints to glory march.

Transcriber's Comments

(under construction)

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