Fragments of Experience: Sixth Book of the Faith-Promoting Series. Designed for the Instruction and Encouragement of Young Latter-day SaintsVarious
Religion
Fragments of Experience: Sixth Book of the Faith-Promoting Series. Designed for the Instruction and Encouragement of Young Latter-day Saints
Various
Latter Day Saints -- History; Young, Lorenzo Dow, 1807-1895
So much faith had the daughter of Mr. Gibson in the teachings of her
father, that she related, apparently in good faith, the circumstance of
a hen flying upon the boothe, and immediately falling down dead.
Notwithstanding the protest of Miss Gibson, that it was very dangerous
to do so, we went inside of the brush structure, and examined the rock
and came out unharmed.
We were further informed that Mr. Gibson had succeeded in surrounding
his own person and residence with such a halo of sacredness in the
minds of the natives, that they always entered his house on their hands
and knees.
This was repeated on other occasions. It was the old customary way,
in which the natives had been in the habit of paying respect to their
kings, and the custom had been revived by Mr. Gibson, in order to
increase his personal prestige.
We had previously learned that the Saints would assemble in conference
on the 6th of April. At ten o'clock, a. m., they had assembled in the
meeting house. We all started to go in, when Mr. Gibson made some
excuse for returning to his house. We went and took our seats on the
stand. The house was well filled. In a few minutes Mr. Gibson made his
appearance. As soon as he entered the door, the entire congregation
instantly arose to their feet, and remained standing until he was
seated on the stand. The execution of this act of reverence evinced
long and careful training.
Mr. Gibson had, doubtless, delayed his entrance, to make a fitting
opportunity for this exhibition. He entirely ignored the presence of
the Apostles, and, after the people were seated, arose and gave out the
opening hymn. This act gave evidence, at once, that he had no proper
idea of the organization and authority of the Priesthood. Seeing this,
President Benson called on me to pray.
Without giving any time for consultation, as soon as the second hymn
was sung, Mr. Gibson arose to his feet and commenced to address the
congregation, in substance as follows: "My dear red-skinned brethren,
sisters and friends, I presume you are all wondering, and anxious to
know why these strangers have come so suddenly among us, without giving
us any notice of their coming. I will assure you of one thing, my
red-skinned friends, when I find out, I will be sure to let you know,
for I am your father, and will protect you in your rights.
"These strangers may say they are your friends, but let me remind
you how, when they lived here, years ago, they lived upon your very
scanty substance. Did they make any such improvements as you see I have
made? Did I not come here and find you without a father, poor, and
discouraged? Did I not gather you together here, and make all these
improvements that you to-day enjoy?
"Now, you, my red-skinned friends, must decide who your friend and
father is; whether it is these strangers, or I, who have done so much
for you."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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