The Autobiography of Parley Parker Pratt: One of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Embracing His Life, Ministry, and TravelsPratt, Parley P. (Parley Parker)
Religion
The Autobiography of Parley Parker Pratt: One of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Embracing His Life, Ministry, and Travels
Pratt, Parley P. (Parley Parker)
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints -- Apostles -- Biography; Pratt, Parley P. (Parley Parker), 1807-1857
There was a pause in the council, and some conversation in their
own tongue, after which the chief made the following reply: "We
feel truly thankful to our white friends who have come so far, and
been at such pains to tell us good news, and especially this new
news concerning the Book of our forefathers; it makes us glad in
here"--placing his hand on his heart.
"It is now winter, we are new settlers in this place; the snow
is deep, our cattle and horses are dying, our wigwams are poor; we
have much to do in the spring--to build houses, and fence and make
farms; but we will build a council house, and meet together, and
you shall read to us and teach us more concerning the Book of our
fathers and the will of the Great Spirit."
We again lodged at Mr. Pool's, told him of the Book, had a very
pleasant interview with him, and he became a believer and advocate
for the Book, and served as an interpreter.
We continued for several days to instruct the old chief and many
of his tribe. The interest became more and more intense on their
part, from day to day, until at length nearly the whole tribe began
to feel a spirit of inquiry and excitement on the subject.
We found several among them who could read, and to them we gave
copies of the Book, explaining to them that it was the Book of
their forefathers.
Some began to rejoice exceedingly, and took great pains to tell
the news to others, in their own language.
The excitement now reached the frontier settlements in Missouri,
and stirred up the jealousy and envy of the Indian agents and
sectarian missionaries to that degree that we were soon ordered out
of the Indian country as disturbers of the peace; and even
threatened with the military in case of non-compliance.
We accordingly departed from the Indian country, and came over
the line, and commenced laboring in Jackson County, Missouri, among
the whites. We were well received, and listened to by many; and
some were baptized and added to the Church.
Thus ended our first Indian Mission, in which we had preached
the gospel in its fullness, and distributed the record of their
forefathers among three tribes, viz: the Catteraugus Indians, near
Buffalo, N. Y., the Wyandots of Ohio, and the Delawares west of
Missouri.
We trust that at some future day, when the servants of God go
forth in power to the remnant of Joseph, some precious seed will be
found growing in their hearts, which was sown by us in that early
day.
It was now the 14th of February, 1831. The cold north wind which
had blown for several weeks, accompanied with very severe weather,
had begun to give place to a milder breeze from the south; and the
deep snows were fast settling down, with every prospect of
returning spring.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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