JS, History, 1838–1856, vol. C-1, created 24 Feb. 1845–3 July 1845; handwriting of , , Jonathan Grimshaw, and ; 512 pages, plus 24 pages of addenda; CHL. This is the third volume of a six-volume manuscript history of the church. This third volume covers the period from 2 Nov. 1838 to 31 July 1842; the remaining five volumes, labeled A-1, B-1, D-1, E-1 and F-1, continue through 8 Aug. 1844.
Historical Introduction
This document, “History, 1838–1856, volume C-1 [2 November 1838–31 July 1842],” is the third of six volumes of the “Manuscript History of the Church” (in The Joseph Smith Papers the “Manuscript History” bears the editorial title “History, 1838–1856”). The completed six-volume collection covers the period from 23 December 1805 to 8 August 1844. The narrative in this volume commences on 2 November 1838 with JS and other church leaders being held prisoner by the “’s forces” at , Missouri, and concludes with the death of Bishop at , Illinois, on 31 July 1842. For a more complete discussion of the entire six-volume work, see the general introduction to this history.
Volume C-1 was created beginning on or just after 24 February 1845 and its narrative was completed by 3 May 1845, although some additional work continued on the volume through 3 July of that year (Richards, Journal, 24 and 28 Feb. 1845; Historian’s Office, Journal, 3 May 1845; 3 and 4 July 1845). It is in the handwriting of and contains 512 pages of primary text, plus 24 pages of addenda. Additional addenda for this volume were created at a later date as a supplementary document and appear in this collection as “History, 1838-1856, volume C-1 Addenda.” Compilers and Thomas Bullock drew heavily from JS’s letters, discourses, and diary entries; meeting minutes; church and other periodicals and journals; and reminiscences, recollections, and letters of church members and other contacts. At JS’s behest, Richards maintained the first-person, chronological-narrative format established in previous volumes, as if JS were the author. , , , and others reviewed and modified the manuscript prior to its eventual publication in the Salt Lake City newspaper Deseret News.
The historical narrative recorded in volume C-1 continued the account of JS’s life as prophet and president of the church. Critical events occurring within the forty-five-month period covered by this text include the Mormon War; subsequent legal trials of church leaders; expulsion of the Saints from Missouri; missionary efforts in by the and others; attempts by JS to obtain federal redress for the Missouri depredations; publication of the LDS Millennial Star in England; the migration of English converts to ; missionary efforts in other nations; the death of church patriarch ; the establishment of the city charter; the commencement of construction of the Nauvoo ; the expedition that facilitated temple construction; the introduction of the doctrine of proxy baptism for deceased persons; the dedicatory prayer by on the Mount of Olives in Palestine; publication of the “Book of Abraham” in the Nauvoo Times and Seasons; publication of the JS history often referred to as the “Wentworth letter;” the organization of the Female Relief Society of Nauvoo; and the inception of Nauvoo-era temple endowment ceremonies.
<May 16> laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works &c, but of the doctrines of baptism, laying on of hands, the resurrection and eternal judgment—” &c— That the doctrine of eternal judgment was perfectly understood by the Apostle, is evident from several passages of scripture. Peter preached Repentance and baptism for the remission of sins to the Jews, who had been led to acts of violence and blood, by their leaders, but to the Rulers he said, “I would that through ignorance ye did it, as did also those ye ruled”. “Repent, therefore, and be converted that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing (redemption) shall come from the presence of the Lord, for he shall send Jesus Christ, who before was preached unto you, &c.” The time of redemption here, had reference to the time, when Christ should come; then and not till then would their sins be blotted out. Why? Because they were murderrs, and no murderer hath eternal life. Even David, must wait for those times of refreshing, before he can come forth and his sins be blotted out: for Peter speaking of him says “David hath not yet ascended into Heaven, for his sepulcher is with us to this day:” his remains were then in the tomb. Now we read that many bodies of the Saints arose, at Christ’s resurrection, probably all the Saints, but it seems that David did not. Why? because he had been a Murderer. If the ministers of religion had a proper understanding of the doctrine of Eternal Judgement, they would not be found attending the man who had forfeited his life to the injured laws of his country by shedding innocent blood; for such characters cannot be forgiven, until they have paid the last farthing. The Prayers of all the Ministers in the world could never close the gates of hell against a Murderer. He then spoke on the subject of election, and read the 9th. chapter of Romans, from which it was evident that the election there spoken of, was pertaining to the flesh, and had reference to the seed of Abraham, according to the promise God made to Abraham, saying, “In thee, and in thy seed, all the families of the Earth shall be [HC 4:359] blessed.” To them belonged the adoption, and the Covenants &c. Paul said, when he saw their unbelief, I wish myself accursed— according to the flesh, not according to the Spirit— Why did God say to Pharoah, “for this cause have I raised up”? Because Pharoah was a fit instrument— a wicked man, and had committed acts of cruelty of the most atrocious nature— The election of the promised seed still continues, and in the last days they shall have the Priesthood restored unto them, and they shall be the “Saviors on mount Zion” the ministers of our God;” if it were not for the remnant which was left, then might we be as Sodom and Gomorah. The whole of the Chapter had reference to the Priesthood, and the house of Israel; and unconditional election of individuals to eternal life was not taught by the Apostles. God did elect or predestinate, that all those who would be saved, should be saved in Christ Jesus, and through obedience to the gospel; but he passes over no man’s sins, but visits them with correction, and if his children will not repent of their sins, he will discard them. This is an — — — — — — — — — — imperfect sketch of a very interesting discourse, which occupied more than two hours in delivery, and was listened to with marked attention by the vast assembly present. In the afternoon, the assembly were addressed by President .”
<Conference met in (see Addenda book page 7) [t]heir conduct.> [p. 1203]