Edward Stevenson
Born: 1 May 1820
Called to First Council of the Seventy (Presidency of the Seventy): 7 October 1894
Died: 27 January 1897
Called to First Council of the Seventy (Presidency of the Seventy): 7 October 1894
Died: 27 January 1897
Biographical Articles
Biographical Encyclopedia, Volume 1
Juvenile Instructor, 15 February 1894, In Early Days - Some Pioneer Recollections
Juvenile Instructor, 15 July 1894, In Early Days - The Home of My Boyhood
Juvenile Instructor, 15 August 1894, In Early Days - Incidents of My Early Days in the Church
Juvenile Instructor, 1 September 1894, In Early Days - Incidents of My Early Days in the Church
Juvenile Instructor, 15 September 1894, In Early Days - Incidents of My Early Days in the Church
Juvenile Instructor, 1 January 1895, In Early Days
Juvenile Instructor, 1 August 1896, A Prophecy
Juvenile Instructor, 15 August 1896, Missionary Correspondence
Juvenile Instructor, 15 February 1894, In Early Days - Some Pioneer Recollections
Juvenile Instructor, 15 July 1894, In Early Days - The Home of My Boyhood
Juvenile Instructor, 15 August 1894, In Early Days - Incidents of My Early Days in the Church
Juvenile Instructor, 1 September 1894, In Early Days - Incidents of My Early Days in the Church
Juvenile Instructor, 15 September 1894, In Early Days - Incidents of My Early Days in the Church
Juvenile Instructor, 1 January 1895, In Early Days
Juvenile Instructor, 1 August 1896, A Prophecy
Juvenile Instructor, 15 August 1896, Missionary Correspondence
Jenson, Andrew. "Stevenson, Edward." Biographical Encyclopedia. Volume 1. pg. 214-216.
STEVENSON, Edward, one of the First Seven Presidents of Seventies, was a son of Joseph Stevenson and Elizabeth Stevens, and was born May 1, 1820, at Gibraltar, Spain. In 1827 he came to America in company with his father's family, consisting of four sons and two daughters, Edward being the fourth son. When he was but eleven years of age his father died, and he went to live with a Dr. Richardson. In 1833, being then thirteen years old, he heard Elders Jared Carter and Joseph Woods preach the gospel and believed their testimonies. He was baptized by Japhet Fosdick Dec. 20, 1833. His mother and others of the family also joined the Church. This was in Michigan. They afterwards joined the body of the Church and endured the hardships and persecution incident to life among the Saints in those trying times. At Far West, Mo., Edward became quite intimately acquainted with the Prophet Joseph Smith, whom he first met in Michigan, and though so young, took an active part in the defense of that town. After passing through the persecutions of Missouri, he became a resident of Nauvoo, where he was ordained a Seventy May 1, 1845, under the hands of Joseph Young and others. Subsequently he became a president of the 30th quorum of Seventies, and was for many years its senior president. Bro. Stevenson came to Utah in 1847; in crossing the plains and mountains he was a captain of ten in Charles C. Rich's company. Subsequently, he crossed the plains eighteen times, and the Atlantic ocean nine times as a missionary for the Church. In 1857-5S he filled a mission to the United States, returning as leader of a large company of Saints. In 1869 he was called on another mission to the States from which he returned in 1870. In reporting his mission to Pres. Brigham Young, he spoke of Martin Harris, one of the Three Witnesses to the Book of Mormon, who was still living in Kirtland, Ohio, and who had expressed a desire to come to Utah. Consequently, Elder Stevenson was called on a special mission to bring Martin Harris to the headquarters of the Church. He responded willingly, and returned to Salt Lake City, accompanied by Martin Harris, Aug. 30, 1870. From 1865 to 1877, when not away on distant missions. Elder Stevenson traveled as a special home missionary among the Saints in the mountains, during which time he visited nearly all the settlements of the Saints in Utah. In 1872 he was sent on a mission to the United States and Canada; in 1877-7S he filled a mission to the Southern States, and in 1883-84 another mission to the United States and Canada. In February, 1886, he was set apart for another mission to the United States and Europe, In the course of his experience. Elder Stevenson made himself familiar with many scenes of early Church history, and in his public discourses and lectures imparted much information in relation thereto. Accompanied by Elders Andrew Jenson and Joseph S. Black, he visited nearly all the "waste places of Zion" in 1888, obtaining valuable historical information. Among those with whom he discussed events of vital importance were the witnesses to the Book of Mormon, and his record of what those witnesses testified to him was given wide publicity, so that all might know thereof and verify the accuracy of his declarations. He says of Oliver Cowdery: "I have often heard him bear a faithful testimony of the restoration of the gospel by the visitation of an angel, in whose presence he stood in company with the Prophet Joseph Smith and David Whitmer. He testified that he beheld the plates, the leaves being turned over by the angel, whose voice he heard, and that they were commanded as witnesses to bear a faithful testimony to the world of the vision that they were favored to behold, and that the translation from the plates of the Book of Mormon was accepted of the Lord, and that it would go forth to the world, and that no power on the earth should stop its progress." Elder Stevenson said of David Whitmer, in 1886, after recounting previous testimonies he had listened to from him: 'David Whitmer is now just past eighty-one years of age. In this his last testimony he said to me: 'As sure as the sun shines and I live, just so sure did the angel appear to me and Joseph Smith, and I heard his voice, and did see the angel standing before us, and on a table were the plates, the sword of Laban and the ball or compass.' " Concerning Martin Harris, Elder Stevenson wrote: "In the year 1869, I was appointed on a mission to the United States. Having visited several of the Eastern States, I called at Kirtland, Ohio, to see the first Temple that was built by our people in this generation. While there I met Martin Harris, soon after coming out of the Temple. He took from under his arm a copy of the Book of Mormon, the first edition, I believe, and bore a faithful testimony, just the same as I heard him bear thirty-six years previous. * * * Aug. 19, 1870, in company with Martin Harris, I left Kirtland for Utah, and on the 21st he was with me in Chicago, and at the American Hotel bore testimony to a large number of people of the visitation of an angel, etc." To fill a vacancy caused in the First Council of Seventies by the death of Elder John Morgan, Edward Stevenson was chosen and set apart as one of the First Seven Presidents of Seventies Oct. 9, 1894, by Apostle Brigham Young. From that time until his death he labored assiduously in preaching the gospel and attending to the duties of his calling. He filled a special mission to Mexico, and was engaged in missionary labors in the Northwest, when he was taken sick, Sept. 11, 1896, at Walla Walla, Washington. After his return home his health improved so much that he was enabled to resume his ministerial labors; but he received a backset in December, 1896, after which he was confined to his house till Jan. 27, 1897, when he passed away. Elder Stevenson was the husband of four wives and the father of 28 children, namely 20 boys and 8 girls. He married his first wife (Nancy A. Porter) in Nauvoo in 1845; and he also received his endowments in the Nauvoo Temple. He married his second wife, Elizabeth J. DuFresne, a native of the Jersey Islands, in 1855, in Salt Lake City. He also married Emily E. Williams in 1857, and Louisa Yates in 1872. Elder Stevenson was one of God's noblemen and one of the most faithful and energetic missionaries who ever preached the gospel in this dispensation. It is believed that he traveled and preached more on his own expense than any other Elder in the Church. He ranked high as a public speaker, and in private conversation he was untiring and entertaining. In his public and private life he was very exemplary; he was a strict observer of the Word of Wisdom, and partook of neither tea nor coffee during the last thirty years of his life. |
Stevenson, Edward. "In Early Days - Some Pioneer Recollections." Juvenile Instructor. 15 February 1894. pg. 131.
IN EARLY DAYS. Some Pioneer Recollections. The two accompanying cuts are fac similes of a deed of a sage brush lot— one of the first surveys made m Utah, which took place soon after the arrival in Salt Lake Valley of the Pioneers of July 24th, 1847. At that time the country was wild, forbidding, barren, except where patches of sage brush were found. Indeed it was a dry, parched land; there were seams and great cracks in the earth. It was Mexican territory at that time; our nearest neighbors were over one thousand miles away from us. Paper was very scarce in those times, consequently it was cut up into small bits, a little less than one inch by two inches in size, as is to be seen in the reproductions which are exact photographs of the original, only the latter was written on both sides, consequently it was necessary to produce two cuts to show the whole deed. These deeds of survey constituted a legal title to the property until a government title was procured, when larger deeds superseded them. Many who have examined this little souvenir deed, expressed a wish to have a copy of it, so for the curiosity of those interested in matters pertaining to pioneer days, I cheerfully present it to the public. It will be perceived that the one and a quarter acre lot for which it was given, cost only SI. 50. During the real estate boom that same property would have brought $100,000. I am the only one in the whole block. out of eight original owners, who has maintained continual possession since 1848, forty-six years. From this northeast corner running south, my next original neighbor was H. W. Church, next John Benbow, then William Carter; next on south-west corner, A. O. Smoot, (now County Courthouse lot). On the next, north of A. O. Smoot, was Samuel Turnbow; adjoining him was John Brown, and on the north-west corner was located James Ferguson. Many changes have taken place in regard to those lots and owners during the past forty-six years. To recount the many difficulties and privations of those early days, could not fully be done with simple pencil and paper. For a time roots boiled and mashed into pulp, mixed with wheat or corn ground in a coffee mill, without sifting, mixed half and half and baked into what was called bread, was our chief sustenance; and what was worse still only such a small ration was allowed, that to eat it was only sufficient to sharpen up the appetite, to await the next scanty meal. I have known of $\ having been offered for one pound of flour, in those times of scarcity of flour. Yet in all that was passed through there was no sadness, and very little complaining was to be heard. But hope, that great support in time of need, with a reliance upon God, have brought a cheerful people and their country to what we now behold. Edward Stevenson. |
Stevenson, Edward. "In Early Days - The Home of My Boyhood." Juvenile Instructor. 15 July 1894. pg. 443-445.
IN EARLY DAYS. The Home of My Boyhood. The accompanying picture is known as "The Old Mormon Schoolhouse. " Here is where Mormonism was first preached in Michigan, in the year 1833. Joseph Smith and the three witnesses to the Book of Mormon preached in the following year, and a branch of the Church was organized in the neighborhood. Sixty-two years ago the writer went to school on those very grounds; and connected with the schoolhouse are many interesting reminiscences of my youth. This building is situated in Pontiac, Oakland County, Michigan. Our family in those early times owned two hundred acres of land adjoining the schoolhouse. In November, 1894, I visited my old home and school grounds. Our home is divided up into prosperous farms, one of them adjoining a beautiful little lake, the sight of which brought back to my mind recollections of fishing, hunting, sailing, and playful times of the long, long ago. My father, although a cooper by trade, built a sail boat, and was experimenting on the little inland sea. All went on quite well until a gale suddenly and unexpectedly came up and overturned the little, frail craft, and came near costing him his life. While all was consternation among those who were safe on shore, my next to eldest brother, Joseph, hastened to his rescue with a tan trough, previously used by a frontier hunter to do some home-made tanning on the old farm, before my father brought him out. Providentially the rescue was successfully made; father, craft and all were safely landed. On my late visit I took a look over the old homestead, and went fishing one evening with spear and torchlight. As above stated, it was on those school grounds where two Mormon Elders introduced the restored Gospel in the year 1833; and in 1834 Joseph Smith the Prophet preached with such power as had not there ever before been witnessed in this nineteenth century. The brother of he Prophet. Hyrum, also the father of them, Joseph senior, were with him. Let me as a living witness speak of the moving, stirring sensation created in this town and surrounding country of the then Territory of Michigan. The Church was only in its infancy then, and much less evil spoken of; less opposition was met and fewer lies were in circulation respecting the Saints. Infidelity was scarcely thought or spoken of, and skepticism very rare in that period. Consequently there were more who were willing to listen, reflect upon and digest the new doctrines, and eventually to obey it. There have been alterations and improvements made regarding the schoolhouse, but these are the exact premises where people thronged in large numbers, more than could be able to find even standing space, in and around the house. Not the least disturbance or resistance was offered until Satan came also; but the good word had taken deep root, as seed sown on good ground, which could not be rooted out. I can very well remember many of the words of the boy Prophet as they were uttered in simplicity, but with a power which was irresistible to all present, although at that time I could not understand how 'it was that so few comparatively obeyed it. Three elder brothers of mine, as well as our neighbors, repeatedly in my hearing spoke highly of the new doctrines—that they were scriptural, so plainly set forth, and that, too, with such force as never before was experienced in this section of country. Here are some of the Prophet's words, as uttered in the schoolhouse. With uplifted hand he said: "I am a witness that there is a God, for I saw Him in open day, while praying in a silent grove, in the spring of 1820." He further testified that God, the Eternal Father, pointing to a separate personage, in the likeness of Himself, said: "This is my Beloved Son hear ye Him." O how these words thrilled my entire system, and filled me with joy unspeakable to behold one who, like Paul the apostle of olden time, could with boldness testify that he had been in the presence of Jesus Christ! The young Prophet further said that in 1823, three years after his first vision, while praying in his father's house (I have been so highly favored of the Lord as to have been in the very house where the servant of God said he was fervently praying), when suddenly the house was filled with light brighter than the noon-day sun, in the midst of which there stood an angel, who said he was sent from the presence of God, as a messenger to him. The angel instructed him regarding a marvelous work that God was about to bring to pass, and that he, Joseph, was the one who was selected to be God's servant and mouthpiece to bring about and establish the great and marvelous work. "Three times," said the young man, "did this angel continue his visits during the same night, each time repeating the same instructions, only extending some little, and quoting several passages of scripture relating to the great work which was to come forth." In closing the last visit the angel invited the boy to meet him on a neighboring hill, two miles away from his father's house, where he would give him still further instructions and permit him to see a book of gold plates containing a history of two nations who had previously inhabited this great land of America. So plainly was this made known that on the next day Joseph said he was able to find the exact place, and met the angel as requested. More than two hours were occupied during that evening meeting, and so absorbing and interesting was the discourse that no one seemed to be weary, or to realize so much time had been consumed. A succession of meetings were held, in which the Prophet was joined, and very interestingly, too, by the three witnesses to the Book of Mormon. During his visit to this branch the Prophet testified that he was instructed to organize a Church after the pattern of the Church which Jesus organized, with Twelve Apostles, Seventies, Elders, gifts and blessings, with signs following, as found recorded in the sixteenth chapter of Mark, which he read and explained; adding that God had fulfilled the words of John the Revelator, "And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting Gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue. and people. Saying with a loud voice. Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of His judgment is come." The angel had done his work; the true Church was set up with, first Apostles, secondarily Prophets, with gifts, etc; "And as a servant of God," said Joseph, "I promise you, inasmuch as you will repent and be baptized for the remission of your sins, you shall receive the Holy Ghost, and speak with tongues, and the signs shall follow you, and by this you may test me as a Prophet sent of God." Edward Stevenson. |
The Old Mormon Schoolhouse.
|
Stevenson, Edward. "In Early Days - Incidents of My Early Days in the Church." Juvenile Instructor. 15 August 1894. pg. 523-524.
In Early Days.
Incidents of My Early Days in the Church.
The promise made by Joseph Smith, the great Prophet of the last days, uttered with such great assurance and boldness, gave force and character to his words. It came in contact with the preachers of the different sects and forms of religion of this the nineteenth century.
I allude to the promise mentioned in my last communication, and as found on page 443 of the juvenile Instructor. Although it is over sixty years since I heard him utter those words, and I at that time was little over 13 years of age, the words are imprinted so strongly on my mind that they are as bright in my memory as they were at the very moment I heard them. These are the very words of the Prophet: "And as a servant of God I promise you, inasmuch as you will repent and be baptized for the remission of your sins, you shall receive the Holy Ghost, and speak with tongues, and the signs (of the Gospel) shall follow you, and by this you may test me as a Prophet sent of God."
Now, my young readers, who would dare to utter such words and great promises, and offer them as a test, unless he most assuredly knew what he was talking about? Well, he did know, for an angel from heaven had talked with him and given him promises which he neither doubted nor feared to declare.
Not long after a branch of the Church was organized in the Mormon schoolhouse, one of its members (and I believe the first one who received the gift of tongues) was a schoolmate of mine. Miss Mary Curtis, a very nice little girl of only twelve years of age. In one of our meetings Mary arose to testify of her good feelings and the goodness of God to her in bestowing upon her the Holy Ghost. While thus speaking, she quite unexpectedly to herself commenced speaking in tongues. Oh how this thrilled every one of those who were present! For my part I can say that the Holy Ghost filled that humble schoolhouse.
I will add that this young girl, with her father's family, moved to the State of Missouri, then our gathering place. This occurred soon after Zion's Camp went up to Missouri, in 1834. Quite a number of the Michigan Saints also gathered up there, and from there we were driven out, and settled in the state of Illinois. Mary Curtis was still with us, and was married in Nauvoo to a Brother Read. From thence I trace her steps to Utah, knowing her as a good, faithful and consistent Latter-day Saint. President M. W. Merrill, of the Logan Temple, makes it a point to occupy one hour every fast day as a testimony meeting in connection with that day's work. On one of these occasions the Temple was largely attended, and five of the members of the old Michigan branch of the Church were present, including Sister Mary Curtis Read. Some of those present joined in the exercise of faith that the Lord would bestow the gift of tongues to this same sister, who used to speak in tongues in the Pontiac Branch, Michigan. During the meeting, to the great joy of all who were present, she was moved upon by the Holy Spirit, and spoke in tongues, and Sister Sarah Kimball interpreted the remarks she uttered.
Sister Read had been working in the Logan Temple for about two years, officiating for her dead relatives, and, strange as it is, in the evening of that same day this favored sister passed peacefully away from this mortal sphere, to reap the reward of a well spent life.
There was another sister who received the gift of tongues in the same schoolhouse in Michigan. She was the daughter of Deacon Samuel Bent, formerly of the Presbyterian Church, but the first one who was baptized into the Mormon Church in that land, and subsequently President of the High Council in Nauvoo. There were others also who received the gifts of the Gospel in Michigan. I will mention Brother Elijah Fordham, as his case was one of a peculiar nature. I remember at one of our meetings, and it was a testimony meeting. Brother Fordham was speaking in tongues when two Frenchmen were coming up the turnpike road which passed close by the schoolhouse. By some means, perhaps by hearing their own language spoken, they were attracted to the window, where they asked a boy who was outside if he knew what that man said. Of course the boy did not know any more than did the speaker, for Brother Fordham did not understand any more about French than he did about Greek, for it was a spiritual gift he was then exercising. The Frenchmen testified that Brother Fordham was preaching the Gospel to them. I wish before closing to say that on one of my visits to my old home in Pontiac, that I met one Joseph Briggs, not in our Church, who said, "I well remember hearing Mary Curtis and others speak in tongues; and while she was speaking her face fairly shone, her countenance changed, and often tears ran down her cheeks."
Edward Stevenson.
In Early Days.
Incidents of My Early Days in the Church.
The promise made by Joseph Smith, the great Prophet of the last days, uttered with such great assurance and boldness, gave force and character to his words. It came in contact with the preachers of the different sects and forms of religion of this the nineteenth century.
I allude to the promise mentioned in my last communication, and as found on page 443 of the juvenile Instructor. Although it is over sixty years since I heard him utter those words, and I at that time was little over 13 years of age, the words are imprinted so strongly on my mind that they are as bright in my memory as they were at the very moment I heard them. These are the very words of the Prophet: "And as a servant of God I promise you, inasmuch as you will repent and be baptized for the remission of your sins, you shall receive the Holy Ghost, and speak with tongues, and the signs (of the Gospel) shall follow you, and by this you may test me as a Prophet sent of God."
Now, my young readers, who would dare to utter such words and great promises, and offer them as a test, unless he most assuredly knew what he was talking about? Well, he did know, for an angel from heaven had talked with him and given him promises which he neither doubted nor feared to declare.
Not long after a branch of the Church was organized in the Mormon schoolhouse, one of its members (and I believe the first one who received the gift of tongues) was a schoolmate of mine. Miss Mary Curtis, a very nice little girl of only twelve years of age. In one of our meetings Mary arose to testify of her good feelings and the goodness of God to her in bestowing upon her the Holy Ghost. While thus speaking, she quite unexpectedly to herself commenced speaking in tongues. Oh how this thrilled every one of those who were present! For my part I can say that the Holy Ghost filled that humble schoolhouse.
I will add that this young girl, with her father's family, moved to the State of Missouri, then our gathering place. This occurred soon after Zion's Camp went up to Missouri, in 1834. Quite a number of the Michigan Saints also gathered up there, and from there we were driven out, and settled in the state of Illinois. Mary Curtis was still with us, and was married in Nauvoo to a Brother Read. From thence I trace her steps to Utah, knowing her as a good, faithful and consistent Latter-day Saint. President M. W. Merrill, of the Logan Temple, makes it a point to occupy one hour every fast day as a testimony meeting in connection with that day's work. On one of these occasions the Temple was largely attended, and five of the members of the old Michigan branch of the Church were present, including Sister Mary Curtis Read. Some of those present joined in the exercise of faith that the Lord would bestow the gift of tongues to this same sister, who used to speak in tongues in the Pontiac Branch, Michigan. During the meeting, to the great joy of all who were present, she was moved upon by the Holy Spirit, and spoke in tongues, and Sister Sarah Kimball interpreted the remarks she uttered.
Sister Read had been working in the Logan Temple for about two years, officiating for her dead relatives, and, strange as it is, in the evening of that same day this favored sister passed peacefully away from this mortal sphere, to reap the reward of a well spent life.
There was another sister who received the gift of tongues in the same schoolhouse in Michigan. She was the daughter of Deacon Samuel Bent, formerly of the Presbyterian Church, but the first one who was baptized into the Mormon Church in that land, and subsequently President of the High Council in Nauvoo. There were others also who received the gifts of the Gospel in Michigan. I will mention Brother Elijah Fordham, as his case was one of a peculiar nature. I remember at one of our meetings, and it was a testimony meeting. Brother Fordham was speaking in tongues when two Frenchmen were coming up the turnpike road which passed close by the schoolhouse. By some means, perhaps by hearing their own language spoken, they were attracted to the window, where they asked a boy who was outside if he knew what that man said. Of course the boy did not know any more than did the speaker, for Brother Fordham did not understand any more about French than he did about Greek, for it was a spiritual gift he was then exercising. The Frenchmen testified that Brother Fordham was preaching the Gospel to them. I wish before closing to say that on one of my visits to my old home in Pontiac, that I met one Joseph Briggs, not in our Church, who said, "I well remember hearing Mary Curtis and others speak in tongues; and while she was speaking her face fairly shone, her countenance changed, and often tears ran down her cheeks."
Edward Stevenson.
Stevenson, Edward. "In Early Days - Incidents of My Early Days in the Church." Juvenile Instructor. 1 September 1894. pg. 551-552.
IN EARLY DAYS.
Incidents of My Early Days in the Church.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 524.
In previous communications it was mentioned that Joseph Smith, the father of the Prophet, visited Pontiac, Michigan, also Hyrum. the elder brother of the Prophet, and the three witnesses to the Book of Mormon. I have heard all of them testify to having seen and handled the gold plates. But just now I wish to speak of Joseph Smith, the Father of the Prophet, who was the first Patriarch in the Church. What led Father Smith to visit Pontiac was this: His wife, Lucy Mack Smith, had a brother, Stephen Mack, living in Pontiac. In early times Mr. Mack built the turnpike road from Detroit, twenty-six miles, to Pontiac. Detroit was only an Indian trading post in 1800, when Major Mack first settled there. In 1812, the year in which Hull surrendered Michigan Territory to the British Crown, Major Mack became so indignant over the event that he broke his sword over his knee and threw it into Lake Michigan, exclaiming that he would never submit to such a disgraceful compromise while the blood of an American ran through his veins. This drew the especial vengeance of the English upon his head, and his store and goods were burned.
I mention these incidents to show that there was good blood in the family from which the Prophet Joseph sprang.
Mother Smith visited Pontiac at different times, and was the chief cause of the Gospel reaching Pontiac in so early a day. Soon after the organization of the Church, while Mother Smith was visiting her brother, she came in contact with a Presbyterian minister, a Mr. Ruggles, who sneeringly and scoffingly asked, "Are you indeed the mother of that poor, foolish, silly boy, Joe Smith, who pretended to translate the Book of Mormon?"
Mother Smith looked him full in the eye, and replied, "I am, sir, the mother of Joseph Smith; but why do you apply to him such epithets as these?"
"Because," said his reverence, "he imagines he is going to break down all other churches with that simple Mormon Book."
"Did you ever read that book?"
"No, it is beneath my notice."
"But," rejoined Mother Smith, "the scriptures say, prove all things. Now, sir, I tell you that book contains the everlasting Gospel, and it was written for the salvation of your soul, by the gift and power of the Holy Ghost."
"Pooh," said the minister. "I am not afraid," said he, "of any member of my church being led astray by such stuff. They 'have too much intelligence. "
The spirit of prophecy rested upon Mother Smith, and she said, "Mr. Ruggles, mark my words: As true as God lives before three years we will have more than one-third of your church; and, sir, whether you believe it or not, we will take the very deacon, too. "
This prediction was fulfilled literally; the deacon was the first man baptized.
Soon after this. Mother Smith returned home, and told of her visit and the good impressions made on David Dort, his wife and others, and the Prophet Joseph sent Elders Jared Carter and Joseph Wood as missionaries to Michigan. Mother Smith may be counted as the first missionary to Michigan, followed by the two above-named. Subsequently Mother Smith, Father Smith, the Patriarch Hyrum, Joseph and others visited Pontiac. The power of his priesthood rested mightily upon Father Smith. It appeared as though the veil which separated us from the eternal world became so thin that heaven itself was right in our midst. It was at one of these meetings held during this time when I received my patriarchal blessing under the hands of Father Smith. Naturally Father Smith was not a man of many words, but soberminded, firm, mild and impressive. The exception, however, was at those blessing meetings; for truly the Holy Ghost gave utterance. Many of his words, although not written, recur to my mind as I pen these lines, for so impressive and strikingly were they sealed upon our heads.
Edward Stevenson.
(TO BE CONTINUED.)
IN EARLY DAYS.
Incidents of My Early Days in the Church.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 524.
In previous communications it was mentioned that Joseph Smith, the father of the Prophet, visited Pontiac, Michigan, also Hyrum. the elder brother of the Prophet, and the three witnesses to the Book of Mormon. I have heard all of them testify to having seen and handled the gold plates. But just now I wish to speak of Joseph Smith, the Father of the Prophet, who was the first Patriarch in the Church. What led Father Smith to visit Pontiac was this: His wife, Lucy Mack Smith, had a brother, Stephen Mack, living in Pontiac. In early times Mr. Mack built the turnpike road from Detroit, twenty-six miles, to Pontiac. Detroit was only an Indian trading post in 1800, when Major Mack first settled there. In 1812, the year in which Hull surrendered Michigan Territory to the British Crown, Major Mack became so indignant over the event that he broke his sword over his knee and threw it into Lake Michigan, exclaiming that he would never submit to such a disgraceful compromise while the blood of an American ran through his veins. This drew the especial vengeance of the English upon his head, and his store and goods were burned.
I mention these incidents to show that there was good blood in the family from which the Prophet Joseph sprang.
Mother Smith visited Pontiac at different times, and was the chief cause of the Gospel reaching Pontiac in so early a day. Soon after the organization of the Church, while Mother Smith was visiting her brother, she came in contact with a Presbyterian minister, a Mr. Ruggles, who sneeringly and scoffingly asked, "Are you indeed the mother of that poor, foolish, silly boy, Joe Smith, who pretended to translate the Book of Mormon?"
Mother Smith looked him full in the eye, and replied, "I am, sir, the mother of Joseph Smith; but why do you apply to him such epithets as these?"
"Because," said his reverence, "he imagines he is going to break down all other churches with that simple Mormon Book."
"Did you ever read that book?"
"No, it is beneath my notice."
"But," rejoined Mother Smith, "the scriptures say, prove all things. Now, sir, I tell you that book contains the everlasting Gospel, and it was written for the salvation of your soul, by the gift and power of the Holy Ghost."
"Pooh," said the minister. "I am not afraid," said he, "of any member of my church being led astray by such stuff. They 'have too much intelligence. "
The spirit of prophecy rested upon Mother Smith, and she said, "Mr. Ruggles, mark my words: As true as God lives before three years we will have more than one-third of your church; and, sir, whether you believe it or not, we will take the very deacon, too. "
This prediction was fulfilled literally; the deacon was the first man baptized.
Soon after this. Mother Smith returned home, and told of her visit and the good impressions made on David Dort, his wife and others, and the Prophet Joseph sent Elders Jared Carter and Joseph Wood as missionaries to Michigan. Mother Smith may be counted as the first missionary to Michigan, followed by the two above-named. Subsequently Mother Smith, Father Smith, the Patriarch Hyrum, Joseph and others visited Pontiac. The power of his priesthood rested mightily upon Father Smith. It appeared as though the veil which separated us from the eternal world became so thin that heaven itself was right in our midst. It was at one of these meetings held during this time when I received my patriarchal blessing under the hands of Father Smith. Naturally Father Smith was not a man of many words, but soberminded, firm, mild and impressive. The exception, however, was at those blessing meetings; for truly the Holy Ghost gave utterance. Many of his words, although not written, recur to my mind as I pen these lines, for so impressive and strikingly were they sealed upon our heads.
Edward Stevenson.
(TO BE CONTINUED.)
Stevenson, Edward. "In Early Days - Incidents of My Early Days in the Church." Juvenile Instructor. 15 September 1894. pg. 569-570.
IN EARLY DAYS. Incidents of My Early Life. While narrating events connected with my early experience in the Church, allow me to digress a little to mention an occurrence that happened in the old school house at Pontiac. during my school days. One day while I and several other boys were on our way to school we passed a little pool of water, formed by recent rains. In this pond we discovered a large bull-frog. It occurred to our mischievous minds that it would cause a great deal of fun to take this frog to school, and see if we could not teach him better sense than to croak all night and disturb people in their sleep; for when my father's family first came to Michigan, we were unable to sleep on account of the noise made by the frogs and the loons, not being accustomed to such noises during our city life. For this reason I had an old grudge against the frog family; and when it was proposed to take this big mouthed, long-legged and crooked backed fellow to school, I was quite' willing to take the lead in the mischief. A long string was tied to his leg, and when we took our seats in the school house he was allowed to hop about under the long desk set against the wall. As this was the frog's first day at school, he was very shy about showing himself, so he kept out of the teacher's sight, and for a time the teacher knew nothing about the new member of his school. The frog first attracted attention by jumping on the bare feet of some of the students, who naturally became frightened, and a general disturbance followed. Such a confusion I never witnessed in school before; and to restore order Mr. Frog was expelled from school. The fun was all over with me, for I was justly j punished for my ill-behavior. The lashing I received did not give me so much pain as did the lecture I received from the teacher. It wounded my heart; but it taught me a useful lesson which I have not yet forgotten. I afterwards learned to love and respect that teacher, for he won my better feelings. When the Gospel was introduced in that neighborhood he embraced it and afterwards became my theological teacher. In the history of the Prophet Joseph Smith there is a brief mention of his visit, with Hyrum and David Whitmer, to Pontiac. When those favored ones came to our home they always had something good to say, and had a most heavenly influence with them. I very well remember the Prophet on one occasion dining at our house, and recollect some of his conversation. He was looking over a copy of the Book of Martyrs, which was in the house. In doing so he remarked, "Many of those who suffered death at the fiery stake were honest, true Christians according to the light they possessed, and God will reward them according to their integrity, for it could not be required of them to live up to more light than that which they possessed." He requested to have the loan of the Book of Martyrs, which he said he would return to us in Zion. He did return it at Far West, Missouri, remarking as he did so, "I have seen those martyrs by aid of the Urim and Thummim; God has a salvation for them." His words of sympathy increased my love, which was already strong, for him. Opening the Bible to the Apocrypha, he said, "There are many precious truths in these books,—just as true as any of the Bible—but it requires much of the Spirit of God to divide the truths from the errors which have crept into them." He also spoke of a great work to be done in England, "for," said he, "there are many of the house of Ephraim in that land, who are waiting for the fullness of the Gospel." This was several years before any missionaries were sent to England, where afterwards the Elders met with such great success. While he was quietly relating his experience, visions, trials, and heavenly communion, we felt greatly blessed and favored, and felt honored in imparting to him of our hospitality in return for his rich and comforting words, knowing that we were entertaining one of the greatest prophets of God that ever graced His footstool. Although but a lad, I was pleased to see and hear him, and going into our garden I plucked some of our best apples for him. After dinner the Prophet walked about the premises and much admired our home, particularly the clear, mirror-like lake, with its surroundings, which was a part of our homestead. To me it was always desirable until I found something so much more fascinating—the Gospel; then I had a desire to gather with the Church. On my last visit to my old home I took a kodac picture of it, and have obtained a wood cut, showing a part of the lake. I cheerfully present the picture to the readers of this very valuable periodical. The view shows the spot where so many were baptized into the Church. I instructed my artist to make an addition in the picture of a group attending baptism. The Elder officiating is shown standing in the water, for the Prophet instructed us that he received command from heaven that baptism by immersion was the only acceptable mode. E. Stevenson. |
The Lake.
|
Stevenson, Edward. "In Early Days." Juvenile Instructor. 1 January 1895. pg. 29-31.
IN EARLY DAYS. Here is one more picture connected with the scenes of my early life, which I take pleasure in presenting to my young readers. The lake here represented is known as Silver Lake. It is but a small body of water, less than a mile across in its widest part. It is only a short distance from the old Mormon schoolhouse, a picture and description of which I presented to the readers of the Instructor in Volume 29. Its close proximity to the place where meetings were held in the early days of the Church in that part of the country— Pontiac, Michigan—made it a very convenient place for baptizing converts. In the tall of 1833 I was baptized in this lake, being then but thirteen years of age. Although so young, the Lord had witnessed to me the truth of the message borne by the Prophet Joseph Smith, and in meekness I obeyed its requirements. Sixty years subsequent to being baptized I visited my old home in Michigan and while standing on the banks of the beautiful Silver Lake, near where the group of persons is represented in the picture, I fixed my kodac and took a photographic view of it. Of course the group of people and the personages in the water attending to the ordinance of baptism were not a part of the scene presented at that time; but I got the artist to insert this part as a remembrance of my baptism, and also to add attraction to the picture. One more item I wish to mention in connection with this scene. It is mentioned in the history of the Church as a significant event. In fact it was one to be long remembered by the people of the whole country who witnessed it. Early one morning in September, 1833, while I stood on the banks of the lake, near the house and wind mill on the opposite side, O what a lovely yet fearful scene spread out before me! The whole heavens were alive with shooting stars, as if every fixed star above had left its station, shooting this way and that way. Some of them appeared to fall almost to the surface of the silvery lake before being extinguished. The reflection on the lake was simply grand; pen or tongue is inadequate to express the grandeur of the scene of the falling stars. At that time I was carrying the mail from Pontiac to Plymouth, Wayne County, Michigan, a distance of forty miles and return, which I covered once each week. All along the route the topic of the falling stars was spoken about. Many were fearful, others surprised, some believed the day of judgment had come, and all were filled with consternation. To me I accepted it as one of the signs of the last days spoken of in Matthew, 24th chapter. About that time also three black spots could be seen on the sun through a piece of smoked glass. At the time I saw this grand sign I was living in the house indicated on the opposite bank of Silver Lake, with a Doctor Richardson, who designed to make a doctor of me, but fate ordered it otherwise. Edward Stevenson. |
Silver Lake
|
Waters, P. A. "A Prophecy." Juvenile Instructor. 1 August 1896. pg. 464-465.
A PROPHECY.
Having read many of the testimonies of the Saints bespeaking the truth of the Gospel, I thought perhaps the following might also be read with interest:
About sixteen years since, while living in Springville, Utah County, with my parents. Elder Edward Stevenson paid a visit to that city, and while addressing the children in Sabbath school, he remarked that many of those before him would be called to preach the Gospel in foreign lands, and pointing to me he said, "And that boy will be one of them." Of course this rather frightened me, as the thought of leaving my mother was anything but a pleasant one to me at that time. I was twitted at times concerning this for a long time, and on one occasion I made the remark that if I ever received a call I would be missing, or would not go.
In the spring and summer of 1891, I was afflicted more or less with la grippe, and finally got so weak I could scarcely work. I also suffered from headache every day. I told my mother at last that I intended to fast and pray to God to restore me to health and thereby grant me a testimony of the truth of the Gospel. I received an answer to my prayers. My appetite, which had previously been very poor, returned to me, the headache ceased, and has troubled me but little since, and I was soon as strong and well as ever. I am thankful to God that I was blessed to receive this great testimony, which I trust may never be shaken, and which has since been strengthened by many others of a like nature.
Following the above, I received a call in September, 1894, to perform a mission to this land, thus fulfilling the prophecy uttered by Elder Stevenson some fourteen years previous. It is to me another evidence of the truth of the Gospel, and it is in response to that call that I am now laboring for the spread of truth in this land. Thus far I have been greatly blessed of God, and my labors are continually being crowned with success.
P. A. Waters.
Ngaruawahia, Waikato, N. Z.
A PROPHECY.
Having read many of the testimonies of the Saints bespeaking the truth of the Gospel, I thought perhaps the following might also be read with interest:
About sixteen years since, while living in Springville, Utah County, with my parents. Elder Edward Stevenson paid a visit to that city, and while addressing the children in Sabbath school, he remarked that many of those before him would be called to preach the Gospel in foreign lands, and pointing to me he said, "And that boy will be one of them." Of course this rather frightened me, as the thought of leaving my mother was anything but a pleasant one to me at that time. I was twitted at times concerning this for a long time, and on one occasion I made the remark that if I ever received a call I would be missing, or would not go.
In the spring and summer of 1891, I was afflicted more or less with la grippe, and finally got so weak I could scarcely work. I also suffered from headache every day. I told my mother at last that I intended to fast and pray to God to restore me to health and thereby grant me a testimony of the truth of the Gospel. I received an answer to my prayers. My appetite, which had previously been very poor, returned to me, the headache ceased, and has troubled me but little since, and I was soon as strong and well as ever. I am thankful to God that I was blessed to receive this great testimony, which I trust may never be shaken, and which has since been strengthened by many others of a like nature.
Following the above, I received a call in September, 1894, to perform a mission to this land, thus fulfilling the prophecy uttered by Elder Stevenson some fourteen years previous. It is to me another evidence of the truth of the Gospel, and it is in response to that call that I am now laboring for the spread of truth in this land. Thus far I have been greatly blessed of God, and my labors are continually being crowned with success.
P. A. Waters.
Ngaruawahia, Waikato, N. Z.
Stevenson, E. "Missionary Correspondence." Juvenile Instructor. 15 August 1896. pg. 492-493.
MISSIONARY CORRESPONDENCE.
Tuesday morning. July 14th, we landed in the little railroad town of Lima, nestling at the foot of snowcapped mountains, at the south end of Red Rock Valley, Beaver Head County, Montana. The livelihood of the town is maintained by the business of the Union Pacific Railroad. This point is the end of a Division, where the engineer from Pocatello runs his iron horse into the round house, where it is cleaned and oiled and prepared for the return trip in the night to Pocatello, while another driver hooks on and drives to Butte. Owing to the employment furnished by the railroad in Lima, a considerable number of Latter-day Saints have made this place their home. Some who came here many years ago as railroad men have changed their occupation and taken up ranches, thereby becoming more permanent residents of the place. Still others who ran freight wagons from Utah to Montana way back in the 70's became somewhat attached to the country and have made their homes in Red Rock Valley, in Dillon, the county seat of the above-named county, and in Butte, Anaconda, and other places farther north. Under these conditions some have raised families of children separated far from the privileges afforded by the Gospel to those who dwell in the stakes of Zion, where we have the primaries, the Sunday schools, the mutual improvement associations, and relief societies, and aside from these the quorums and councils of the Holy Priesthood, where the authority and power of God are directly enjoyed and exercised.
What a contrast between the religious status of those who remain with the body of the Church and that of those who scatter abroad. If the geographical distance between the two were the only separation, it would he of comparatively trivial importance: but the distance is of a spiritual, social and educational character, and is very great. True, where the blood of Israel predominates the voice of the true shepherd is readily discerned; but even then, owing to the lack of parental instruction, the young people in these places are hardly prepared to accept in solemnity the ordinances of the Gospel. On one occasion we found a poor woman, with seven children, whose husband had died in Montana. The two grown daughters had reached maturity since leaving their former home in Zion, and married unbelievers, with only a shadow of friendliness toward the religion of their Mormon wives. Four other children, old enough for baptism, one of them a young man of eighteen, scarcely know what is the object, necessity, or mode of baptism. This condition exists through neglect, and separation from the bod)- of the Church. Still there is a spark left. The heart of the mother goes back to her home among the Saints. Some of the children who were blessed at fast meeting when infants seem to have an inclination toward the truth, and the blessing of the Elders has its effect for good and bears witness of the power of the Holy Priesthood, and that the authority thereof is not exercised in vain. God has said to His prophets, "Whomsoever you bless, I will bless." This is a true saying, and we bear record thereof, because we see it verified in these children who were blessed in Zion. Take the most favorable and most charitable view of the situation of those who have "mixed themselves with the nations" (Gentiles"), and it is a serious matter to contemplate. For instance, a young woman naturally inclined to this work, whose heart and hopes are in favor of the Latter-day Saints, is married to an unbeliever, sometimes a gambler, with little aspiration aside from the accumulation of money. Her children (if she has any, for many people now do not believe in having any) are surrounded by temptations of every sort. If they go to Sunday school it must be to one whose teachers and preachers deny revelation, prophecy, and the necessity of a living priesthood. In short, they are "blind leaders of the blind," and we find her tied up for life under conditions which are appalling to any keen-spirited, faithful Latter-day Saint. These observations impress us very deeply with a desire co exhort the Latter-day Saints to abide the counsel of the Presidency and all the faithful Priesthood of the Church, and stay at home with the Saints of God, and teach the children virtue, prayer, and honor, faith repentance, baptism, and the laying .on of hands, obedience to parents and to God, before they are eight years old, that their sins may not fall upon the heads of the parents. We met a lady in one of these cities who is now a Methodist, but was born in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She says that when she was a little girl she cried all one Sunday to be baptized, but her parents neglected it. Afterwards they said she could suit herself when she came to maturity. Here she is in Babylon, a married woman with four children all outside the Church of Christ, and with the living testimony on her lips that her own father neglected to have her baptized when she desired it in h=r innocent childhood. Will her parents not have something to answer for before the bar of justice? This lady is kind to us, and God will bless her for it; but she is hampered now with influences and conditions which she may not surmount in this life, and thus the day of redemption is delayed to her. It may be said, and it is a subject of serious consideration, that the laborer in Zion finds no employment. There are no enterprises to employ the time and talent of the masses and to develop the resources which are so abundant in our blessed Utah, Idaho and other places. If this charge true as applied to certain localities, before a young man should go to wicked places entirely separated from all Gospel privileges he should seek for a location in surrounding stakes of Zion where there is still land to be had, new homes for the carpenter and mason to build, and avenues for business enterprise and talent to be engaged.
Snake River Valley, which contains two and part of three well conducted stakes of Zion, has thousands and thousands of acres of good land and a plentiful supply of water, which would support thousands of people where now only hundreds dwell. Again, it must be apparent to all thoughtful Latter-day Saints that if we had acted upon the counsel of the authorities of the Church and united our means and lived in all things by the spirit of the Gospel, there would have been in Utah today industrial enterprises of various kinds which would have developed the resources of the country and afforded employment for thousands of people. But we murmured, withdrew confidence, and followed each one in his own way and to his own sorrow. May the day hasten when the "Laborer in Zion shall labor for Zion," and all be employed temporally in places where the Zion of God is established and the Saints are provided with pastors of the Lord's appointing.
Your brethren,
E. Stevenson.
M. F. Cowley.
MISSIONARY CORRESPONDENCE.
Tuesday morning. July 14th, we landed in the little railroad town of Lima, nestling at the foot of snowcapped mountains, at the south end of Red Rock Valley, Beaver Head County, Montana. The livelihood of the town is maintained by the business of the Union Pacific Railroad. This point is the end of a Division, where the engineer from Pocatello runs his iron horse into the round house, where it is cleaned and oiled and prepared for the return trip in the night to Pocatello, while another driver hooks on and drives to Butte. Owing to the employment furnished by the railroad in Lima, a considerable number of Latter-day Saints have made this place their home. Some who came here many years ago as railroad men have changed their occupation and taken up ranches, thereby becoming more permanent residents of the place. Still others who ran freight wagons from Utah to Montana way back in the 70's became somewhat attached to the country and have made their homes in Red Rock Valley, in Dillon, the county seat of the above-named county, and in Butte, Anaconda, and other places farther north. Under these conditions some have raised families of children separated far from the privileges afforded by the Gospel to those who dwell in the stakes of Zion, where we have the primaries, the Sunday schools, the mutual improvement associations, and relief societies, and aside from these the quorums and councils of the Holy Priesthood, where the authority and power of God are directly enjoyed and exercised.
What a contrast between the religious status of those who remain with the body of the Church and that of those who scatter abroad. If the geographical distance between the two were the only separation, it would he of comparatively trivial importance: but the distance is of a spiritual, social and educational character, and is very great. True, where the blood of Israel predominates the voice of the true shepherd is readily discerned; but even then, owing to the lack of parental instruction, the young people in these places are hardly prepared to accept in solemnity the ordinances of the Gospel. On one occasion we found a poor woman, with seven children, whose husband had died in Montana. The two grown daughters had reached maturity since leaving their former home in Zion, and married unbelievers, with only a shadow of friendliness toward the religion of their Mormon wives. Four other children, old enough for baptism, one of them a young man of eighteen, scarcely know what is the object, necessity, or mode of baptism. This condition exists through neglect, and separation from the bod)- of the Church. Still there is a spark left. The heart of the mother goes back to her home among the Saints. Some of the children who were blessed at fast meeting when infants seem to have an inclination toward the truth, and the blessing of the Elders has its effect for good and bears witness of the power of the Holy Priesthood, and that the authority thereof is not exercised in vain. God has said to His prophets, "Whomsoever you bless, I will bless." This is a true saying, and we bear record thereof, because we see it verified in these children who were blessed in Zion. Take the most favorable and most charitable view of the situation of those who have "mixed themselves with the nations" (Gentiles"), and it is a serious matter to contemplate. For instance, a young woman naturally inclined to this work, whose heart and hopes are in favor of the Latter-day Saints, is married to an unbeliever, sometimes a gambler, with little aspiration aside from the accumulation of money. Her children (if she has any, for many people now do not believe in having any) are surrounded by temptations of every sort. If they go to Sunday school it must be to one whose teachers and preachers deny revelation, prophecy, and the necessity of a living priesthood. In short, they are "blind leaders of the blind," and we find her tied up for life under conditions which are appalling to any keen-spirited, faithful Latter-day Saint. These observations impress us very deeply with a desire co exhort the Latter-day Saints to abide the counsel of the Presidency and all the faithful Priesthood of the Church, and stay at home with the Saints of God, and teach the children virtue, prayer, and honor, faith repentance, baptism, and the laying .on of hands, obedience to parents and to God, before they are eight years old, that their sins may not fall upon the heads of the parents. We met a lady in one of these cities who is now a Methodist, but was born in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She says that when she was a little girl she cried all one Sunday to be baptized, but her parents neglected it. Afterwards they said she could suit herself when she came to maturity. Here she is in Babylon, a married woman with four children all outside the Church of Christ, and with the living testimony on her lips that her own father neglected to have her baptized when she desired it in h=r innocent childhood. Will her parents not have something to answer for before the bar of justice? This lady is kind to us, and God will bless her for it; but she is hampered now with influences and conditions which she may not surmount in this life, and thus the day of redemption is delayed to her. It may be said, and it is a subject of serious consideration, that the laborer in Zion finds no employment. There are no enterprises to employ the time and talent of the masses and to develop the resources which are so abundant in our blessed Utah, Idaho and other places. If this charge true as applied to certain localities, before a young man should go to wicked places entirely separated from all Gospel privileges he should seek for a location in surrounding stakes of Zion where there is still land to be had, new homes for the carpenter and mason to build, and avenues for business enterprise and talent to be engaged.
Snake River Valley, which contains two and part of three well conducted stakes of Zion, has thousands and thousands of acres of good land and a plentiful supply of water, which would support thousands of people where now only hundreds dwell. Again, it must be apparent to all thoughtful Latter-day Saints that if we had acted upon the counsel of the authorities of the Church and united our means and lived in all things by the spirit of the Gospel, there would have been in Utah today industrial enterprises of various kinds which would have developed the resources of the country and afforded employment for thousands of people. But we murmured, withdrew confidence, and followed each one in his own way and to his own sorrow. May the day hasten when the "Laborer in Zion shall labor for Zion," and all be employed temporally in places where the Zion of God is established and the Saints are provided with pastors of the Lord's appointing.
Your brethren,
E. Stevenson.
M. F. Cowley.