Trial and Conviction of Hurlburt—Efforts in Behalf of the Redemption of Zion—Dissolution of the United Order of Zion and Kirtland,
The Whipping of Ira J. Willis.
Monday, March 31.—This day, Ira J. Willis, a young man who had been in the Church for some time, and who was driven from Jackson county into Clay county, returned thither to look for a stray cow, and while at the house of Esquire Manship, a justice of the peace (where he had called with Brother John Follet, to prove his title to the cow), was caught by that unhung land pirate and inhuman monster, Moses Wilson, and whipped in a most cruel and savage manner, while surrounded by some half dozen of the old mobbers. This was an unpardonable act; all that know Mr. Willis can bear testimony that he is a young man, honest, peaceable and unoffending, working righteousness, and molesting no one, May God reward Moses Wilson according to his works.
I went to Chardon today to attend the court in the case of "Doctor" Philastus Hurlburt.
The Trial of "Doctor" Hurlburt for Threatening the Prophet's Life.
April 1.—This day at Brother Rider's in Chardon. The court has not brought forward Hurlburt's trial yet, and we were engaged in issuing subpoenas for witnesses. My soul delighteth in the law of the Lord, for He forgiveth my sins, and will confound mine enemies. The Lord shall destroy him who has lifted his heel against me, even that wicked man Dr. Philastus Hurlburt; He will deliver him to the fowls of heaven, and his bones shall be cast to the blasts of the wind, for he lifted his arm against the Almighty, therefore the Lord shall destroy him.
Wednesday, April the 2nd, and Thursday, the 3rd, attended the court. Hurlburt was on trial for threatening my life. Friday morning I returned home, and in the evening attended Council, of which the following are the minutes:
Minutes of Council.
Kirtland, April 4, 1834.
This evening a Council of High Priests assembled at the house of President Joseph Smith, Jun., to reconsider the case of brother George F. James. President Joseph Smith, Jun., presiding.
Brother George said that he had often promised to take up his cross and magnify his calling, but had failed, and ought to have written to the President ere this time and given him the information that this pecuniary affairs called his attention at home, which prevented his fulfilling the promise he made to President Joseph Smith, in going out to proclaim the Gospel; and he sincerely asked pardon of the Lord, and of his brethren, and particularly of Brother Joseph. He also said he was willing to ask the forgiveness of this Church. He said relative to certain charges, which were, that he "had not attended meetings, and had treated lightly some of the weak," etc.; that he had attended meetings generally; and as far as speaking or treating lightly any brother because of his weakness, that was foreign from his mind, and was that which he had never done, nor could he ever and such principles in his bosom.
President Joseph Smith said he had no hardness; he only wished Brother George to consider this as a chastisement, and that the Council were bound to take notice of his conduct heretofore; but now, if Brother George was willing to walk according to the new covenant, he should have his hand of fellowship. The Council then expressed their satisfaction at Brother George's confession.
(Signed) Oliver Cowdery, Clerk.
April 5—I went to Chardon as a witness for Father Johnson, and returned in the evening. Mr. Russell, the state's attorney for Portage county, called on me. He approached me in a gentlemanly manner, and treated me with great respect.
Special Prayer.