JS, History, 1838–1856, vol. E-1, created 20 Aug. 1855–5 Apr. 1856; handwriting of Robert L. Campbell, , and Jonathan Grimshaw; 392 pages, plus 11 pages of addenda; CHL. This is the fifth volume of a six-volume manuscript history of the church. This fifth volume covers the period from 1 July 1843 to 30 Apr. 1844; the remaining five volumes, labeled A-1, B-1, C-1, D-1, and F-1, continue through 8 Aug. 1844.
Historical Introduction
History, 1838–1856, volume E-1, constitutes the fifth of six volumes documenting the life of Joseph Smith and the early years of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The series is also known as the Manuscript History of the Church and was originally published serially from 1842 to 1846 and 1851 to 1858 as the “History of Joseph Smith” in the Times and Seasons and Deseret News. This volume contains JS’s history from 1 July 1843 to 30 April 1844, and it was compiled in Utah Territory in the mid-1850s.
The material recorded in volume E-1 was initially compiled under the direction of church historian , who was JS’s cousin. Smith collaborated with in collecting material for the history and creating a set of draft notes that Smith dictated to Bullock and other clerks.
Robert L. Campbell, a recently returned missionary and member of the Historian’s Office staff, transcribed ’s notes into the volume along with the text of designated documents (such as letters and meeting minutes). The Church Historian’s Office journal entry for 2 May 1855 pinpoints the beginning of his work: “R. L. C. on Book D forenoon, afternoon began book E.” Campbell’s work on the volume apparently concluded on 5 April 1856; entries in the Historian’s Office journal indicate that he then moved on to other assignments while another clerk, Jonathan Grimshaw, began work on volume F-1, the last manuscript in the series. (Historian’s Office, Journal, 2 May 1855; 5 and 9 Apr. 1856.)
Volume E-1 contains 391 pages of primary text and 11 pages of addenda. The initial entry on page 1637 is a continuation of the 1 July 1843 entry that closed volume D-1. The final entry in volume E-1 is for 30 April 1844.
The 391 pages of volume E-1 document a crucial period of JS’s life and the history of the church. Important events recorded here include
• An account of JS’s 2 July 1843 meeting with several Pottawatamie chiefs.
• JS’s 4 July 1843 address regarding his recent arrest, the Legion, and Mormon voting practices.
• JS’s 12 July 1843 dictation of a revelation regarding eternal marriage, including the plurality of wives, in the presence of and .
• The 13 August 1843 disfellowshipment of and revocation of his priesthood license.
• Dispatch of the first missionaries to the Pacific Islands on 20 September 1843, led by .
• JS’s 1 October 1843 announcement of ’s appointment to a mission to Russia.
• Minutes of a 6–9 October 1843 general conference inserted under the date of 9 October at which pled his case in regard to his 13 August 1843 disfellowshipment and was permitted to continue as counselor in the First Presidency.
• Text of JS’s appeal to the Green Mountain Boys of , inserted under the date of 29 November 1843.
• A 20 January 1844 entry that includes a poem by commemorating the presentation of two copies of the Book of Mormon to Queen Victoria and Prince Albert by .
• JS’s nomination on 29 January 1844 as an independent candidate for the presidency of the .
<September 9> Some of the Elders want to appear very big, and to be called great preachers; but whenever I have seen them trying to preach something large and mysterious to get a name, I have concluded they have yet much to learn. I have been 11 years a member of this church, and was a believer two years before I entered it; and during that time I have seen many Elders who like to preach large and mysterious sermons. As many are desirous of hearing mysteries, I will rehearse a short sermon of mysteries for their edification. has had a long standing in the church; he has preached much, done much good, brought many Souls into the kingdom, had great influence, and is considered the most successful minister among us. Elder and myself went into Pine County, Illinois, to preach where the Elders had preached all the mysteries about beasts, heads and horns; they wanted us to preach mysteries; we told them we were not qualified to preach mysteries, but if they would send for he could preach them. So they sent about forty miles [HC 6:18] for and brought him down, they were so anxious to hear the mysteries. When he came he had a large congregation assembled, he arose and remarked that he understood they had sent for him to come and preach the mysteries to them. “I am well qualified, and fully competent to do it, and am happy to have the privilege: I want the attention of all”. When every mind was stretched and eager to learn these great mysteries, he said: “The first mystery I shall present before you is this: <look at> Elder <he> needs a pair of Pantaloons! <and a new hat; but it appears you do not see it, consequently I want to open your eyes, and reveal to you> Is it not a great mystery that <for> an Elder in this church should want for <has need of a hat and> a pair of breeches!! <as well as yourselves,> and especially when the Saints know he was <is> so much in need of them? He preached a few more mysteries of the same nature; and the result of this sermon was, that got a pair of pants <and a new hat> and and myself each a barrel of flour for our families.”
Elder arose and said:
“I will make an apology for my remarks in the former part of the day; some may think I spoke very plain, but the object I had in view was to teach you your duty, as I am aware the people are not made to feel; and the apology I have to make is this: I will turn Thompsonian Doctor, and give the composition without cream and sugar; it matters not whether I get friends or foes. If this work does not live, I do not want to live; for it is my life, my joy, my all; and if it sinks, God knows I do not want to swim.
I wish you to understand this; that he that gathereth not with us scattereth, and they have not the Spirit of God. We live in anticipation of the day when Mobs cannot harm us, and they who have tasted the bitter cup feel to realize this hope. Wake up, ye Elders of Israel who have sought to build yourselves up and not the kingdom of God, and put on your sword:— wake up, ye that have daubed with untempered mortar, hearken and hear me; for I say unto you in the name of Jesus Christ, that if you do not help us to build the , and the , you shall not inherit the land of Zion. If you do not help to build up Zion, and the cause of God, and help me and my brethren on our way when we want to go on the Lord’s business, [p. 1723]