The Story of the Mormons, from the Date of Their Origin to the Year 1901Linn, William Alexander
History
The Story of the Mormons, from the Date of Their Origin to the Year 1901
Linn, William Alexander
Latter Day Saints -- History; Utah -- History
Smith's autobiography relates part of one story of an effort of his to
secure money at this trying time, the complete details of which have
been since supplied. He simply says that on July 25, 1836, in company
with his brother Hyrum, Sidney Rigdon, and Oliver Cowdery, he started
on a trip which brought them to Salem, Massachusetts, where "we hired a
house and occupied the same during the month, teaching the people from
house to house."* The Mormon of to-day, in reading his "Doctrine and
Covenants," finds Section 111 very perplexing. No place of its reception
is given, but it goes on to say:--
* Millennial Star, Vol. XV, p. 281.
"I, the Lord your God, am not displeased with your coming this journey,
notwithstanding your follies; I have much treasure in this city for you,
for the benefit of Zion;... and it shall come to pass in due time, that I
will give this city into your hands, that you shall have power over it,
insomuch that they shall not discover your secret parts; and its wealth
pertaining to gold and silver shall be yours. Concern not yourself
about your debts, for I will give you power to pay them.... And inquire
diligently concerning the more ancient inhabitants and founders of this
city; for there are more treasures than one for you in this city."
"This city" was Salem, Massachusetts, and the "revelation" was put forth
to brace up the spirits of Smith's fellow-travellers. A Mormon named
Burgess had gone to Kirtland with a story about a large amount of money
that was buried in the cellar of a house in Salem which had belonged to
a widow, and the location of which he alone knew. Smith credited this
report, and looked to the treasure to assist him in his financial
difficulties, and he took the persons named with him on the trip. But
when they got there Burgess said that time had so changed the appearance
of the houses that he could not be sure which was the widow's, and he
cleared out. Smith then hired a house which he thought might be the
right one,--it proved not to be,--and it was when his associates
were--becoming discouraged that the ex-money-digger uttered the words
quoted, to strengthen their courage. "We speak of these things with
regret," says Ebenezer Robinson, who believed in the prophet's divine
calling to the last.*
* The Return, July, 1889.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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