The heavens were opened unto Elder Sylvester Smith, and he, leaping up, exclaimed: "The horsemen of Israel and the chariots thereof."
Brother Don C. Smith was also anointed and blessed to preside over the High Priests' quorum.
Blessing of the Lord's Anointed.
President Rigdon arose to conclude the services of the evening by invoking the blessing of heaven upon the Lord's anointed, which he did in an eloquent manner; the congregation shouted a long hosanna: the gift of tongues fell upon us in mighty power, angels mingled their voices with ours, while their presence was in our midst, and unceasing praises swelled our bosoms for the space of half-an-hour.
I then observed to the brethren, that it was time to retire. We accordingly closed our interview and returned home at about two o'clock in the morning, and the Spirit and visions of God attended me through the night.
To the petitions which we sent up to Missouri, Governor Dunklin replied as follows:[[2]]
City of Jefferson, Jan. 22nd, 1836.
To Messrs. W. W. Phelps and Others,
Gentlemen:—Your numerous petitions, post-marked "Kirtland," came safe to hand. It is unnecessary for me to repeat to you my feelings on the subject of your grievances. What they were you have been already apprised, and, they have undergone no change. Your case was presented by me to the last General Assembly of the state. They did not legislate upon the subject. I am, however, persuaded, that it was for want of a constitutional power to pass any law that could afford you a proper remedy, prevented their acting upon the subject. Your feelings are very natural, when such causes exist to produce them; but you misconceive your case, and, consequently, do not advert to the proper remedy. You cannot make a case of invasion or insurrection of the outrages committed upon your persons or property in Jackson County. And, unless one of those could be made out, it would be idle to address the President of the United States. If such a case had been made out, as Executive of this state, I should have immediately ordered out a military force to repel or suppress it. The mob in New York, to which you cite me, is not in point. The military force was there resorted to, for the purpose of quieting the mob. You wish this kind of a force used to restore justice. However palpable and grievous the outrages have been upon you, your only remedy for injuries done must be in and through the courts of justice. On a former occasion I informed you I was then in correspondence with the General Government, for a depot of arms, on the Missouri river, near our western boundary line. For reasons unknown to me, the Secretary of War has taken no steps during the last year towards the fulfillment of the subject. I have renewed the subject through our delegation in Congress, this winter. When this object shall be attained, it may furnish you a place of resort, for protection, in case of emergency, should you think proper to risk yourselves on your lands, in Jackson County, again.
Respectfully,
[Signed] Danl. Dunklin.
Doubts of Alva Beaman.
Saturday, 23.—Attended at the school room, as usual, and we came together filled with the Spirit, as on the past evening, and did not feel like studying, but commenced conversing upon heavenly things, and we spent the day agreeably and profitably. Elder Alva Beaman had been tempted to doubt the things which we received the evenings before, and he made an humble confession, and asked forgiveness of the school, which was joyfully accorded him, and he said he would try to resist Satan in the future.
Continuation of Spiritual Meetings.