Friday, 11.—A fire broke out in a shoemaker's shop, owned by Orson Johnson, but the flames were soon extinguished by the active exertions of the brethren. A pleasant morning. Spent the day in reading and instructing those who called for advice.
The Prophet Reproves a Young Lady.
Saturday, 12.—Spent the forenoon in reading. About twelve o'clock a number of young persons called to see the Egyptian records. My scribe exhibited them. One of the young ladies who had been examining them, was asked if they had the appearance of antiquity. She observed, with an air of contempt, that they had not. On hearing this, I was surprised at the ignorance she displayed, and I observed to her, that she was an anomaly in creation, for all the wise and learned that had examined them, without hesitation pronounced them ancient. I further remarked, that it was downright wickedness, ignorance, bigotry and superstition had caused her to make the remark; and that I would put it on record. And I have done so, because it is a fair sample of the prevailing spirit of the times, showing that the victims of priestcraft and superstition would not believe though one should rise from the dead.
Debate at William Smith's.
In the evening attended a debate at Brother William Smith's, on the following question—Was it necessary for God to reveal Himself to mankind in order for their happiness? I was on the affirmative, and the last to speak on that side of the question; but, while listening with interest to the ingenuity displayed on both sides, I was called away to visit Sister Angeline Works, who was supposed to be dangerously sick. Elder John Corrill and myself went and prayed for her and laid hands on her in the name of Jesus Christ; and leaving her apparently better, returned home.
Sunday, 13.—At the usual hour, ten a. m., attended meeting at the school house on the flats. Elder Jesse Hickcock preached a very feeling discourse.
Experiences of Elders Whitmer and Williams.
In the afternoon, Elder Peter Whitmer related his experience; after which, President Frederick G. Williams related his also. They both spoke of many things connected with the rise and progress of this Church, which were interesting. After this, the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper was administered under the superintendence of President David Whitmer, after which, I made some remarks respecting prayer meetings, and our meeting was closed by invoking the blessing of heaven. I returned home and ordered my horse, and myself and scribe rode to Mr. E. Jenning's, where I joined Ebenezer Robinson and Angeline Works in matrimony, according to previous engagements. Miss Works had so far recovered from her illness as to be able to sit in her easy chair while I pronounced the marriage ceremony.
Marriages in Kirtland.
We then rode to Mr. McWhithy's a distance of about three miles from town, where I had been solicited to attend another marriage. We found a large and respectable number of friends present. I had been requested to make some preliminary remarks on the subject of matrimony, touching the design of the Almighty in its institution, also the duties of husbands and wives towards each other. And after opening our interview with singing and prayer, I delivered a lecture of about forty minutes, in which all seemed interested, except one or two individuals, who manifested a spirit of groveling contempt, which I was constrained to reprove and rebuke sharply. After I had closed my remarks, I sealed the matrimonial engagement between Mr. E. Webb and Miss E. A. McWhithy, in the name of God, and pronouncing the blessings of heaven upon their heads, closed by returning thanks. A sumptuous feast was then spread, and the company invited to seat themselves at the table by pairs, male and female, commencing with the eldest. The festival was conducted with propriety and decorum, and cheerfulness prevailed. After spending the evening agreeable until nine o'clock, we pronounced a blessing upon the company and returned home. This day the board kiln took fire again.