TO HEZEKIAH PECK AND OTHERS
1835 AUGUST 31

FC. Joseph Smith and others, Kirtland, Ohio, to brethren in Missouri, with Joseph Smith postscript to Hezekiah Peck and others, 31 August 1835, in John Whitmer, "The Book of John Whitmer," MS, chapter 16, RLDS Church Archives. Two other copies of this letter, with slight changes in the text, are extant. One is a draft with the Joseph Smith postscript excised in the Jameson Family Collection, LDS Church Archives; the other is a transcript dated 1 September 1835, deposited in the Church Historian's Office in Salt Lake City by Joseph Holbrook on 22 January 1863, located at the end of the "History of the Church," MS, volume B-1, LDS Church Archives.

John Whitmer (a witness to the Book of Mormon) was called by revelation, in March 1831 at the age of 29, to be the Church historian and began writing the history he designated "The Book of John Whitmer." Later that year, he was sent to Jackson County, Missouri, with Oliver Cowdery to carry Church revelations for publication. Early in 1835, having in the meantime been appointed an assistant president of the Church in Missouri, Whitmer returned to Kirtland, Ohio, where he worked on the temple, participated in its dedication, and edited the Messenger and Advocate. Continuing to add to his history while in Kirtland, he wrote that letters were received by the presidency concerning difficulties among officers of the Church in Zion. When Joseph Smith responded to the situation on 31 August 1835, Whitmer copied the letter in his history.523 As noted therein, Joseph had dictated the original and addressed it to Hezekiah Peck, one of the Church leaders in Missouri.

Kirtland Aug. 31, 1835.

The Presiding of Kirtland and Zion say that the Lord has manifested by revelation of his spirit: that the high priest[s], Teachers, Priests and deacons, or in other words all the officers in the land of Clay Co. Mo. belonging to the church are more or less in transgresion, because they have not enjoyed the spirit of God sufficiently to be able to comprehend their duties respecting themselves, and the welfare of Zion. Thereby having been left to act, in a manner that is detrimental to the interest, and also a hindrance, to the redemption of Zion.

Now if they will be wise, they will humble themselves in a peculiar manner that God may open the eyes of their understanding, It will be clearly manifest that the design and purposes of the Almighty; are with regard to them and the children of Zion; that they should let the high counsel which is appointed of God, and ordained for that purpose, <make and> regulate all the affairs of Zion: and that it is the will of God, that her children should stand still, and see the salvation of her redemption; and the officers of the church should go forth, inasmuch as they can have their families in comfortable circumstances; and gather up the saints, even the strength of the Lords house. And those who cannot go forth consis[t]ently with the will of God their circumstances preventing them; remain in deep humility: and in as much, they do any thing [p. 77] confine themselves to teaching the first principles of the Gospel: not endeavoring to institute regulations or laws for Zion, without having been appointed of God.

Now we say there is no need of ordaining in Zion, or appointing any more officers: but let all those that are ordained magnify themselves before the Lord; by going into the vineyard and cleansing their garments from the blood of this generation. It is one thing to be ordained to preach the gospel, and to push the people together to Zion, and it is another thing to be annointed to lay the foundation and build up the City of Zion, and execute her laws. Therefore it is certain that many of the Elders have come under great condemnation, in endeavoring to steady the ark of God, in a place where they have not been sent.

The high counsel and bishops court have been established to do the business of Zion, and her children are not bound, to accknowledge any of those who feel disposed to run to Zion and set themselves to be their rulers. Let not her children be duped in this way, but let them prove those who say they are apostles, and are not. The Elders have no right to regulate Zion, but they have a right to preach the gospel. They will all do well to repent and humble themselves, and all the church, and also we, ourselves receive the admonition and do now endeavor and pray to this end [p. 78] When the children of Zion are stranger[s] in a strange land their harps must be hung upon the willows: and they cannot sing the songs of Zion: but should mourn and not dance. Therefore brethren, it remains for all such to be exercised with prayer, and continual suplication, until Zion is redeemed. We realize the situation that all the brethren and sisters must be in, being deprived of their spiritual privileges, which are enjoyed by those who set in heavenly places in Christ Jesus; where there are no mobs to rise up and bind their consciences. Nevertheless, it is wisdom that the church should make but little or no stir in that region, and cause as little excitement as posible and endure their afflictions patiently until the time appointed and the Governor of Mo. [Daniel Dunklin] fulfils his promise in setting the church over upon their own lands. We would suggest an idea that it would be wisdom for all the members of the church on the return of the Bishop, to make known to him their names places of residince &c. that it may be known where they all are when the Governor shall give directions for you to be set over on your lands

Again it is the will of the Lord, that the church should attend to their communion on the sabbath day, and let them remember the commandment which says "talk not of Judgment" we are commanded not to give the childrens bread unto the dogs; neither cast our pearl before [p. 79] swine, least they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you. Therefore let us be wise in all things, and keep all the commandments of God, that our salvation may be sure; having our armour ready and prepared against the time appointed; and having on the whole armour of righteousness, we may be able to stand in that trying day. We say also that if there are any doors open for the Elders to preach the first principles of the gospel: let them not keep silence: rail not against the sects, neither talk against their tenets. But preach Christ and him crucified, love to God, and love to man, observing always to make mention of our republican principles, thereby if posible, we may allay the prejudice of the people, be meek and lowly of heart, and the Lord God of our fathers shall be with you for evermore Amen. Sanctioned and signed by the Presidents

Joseph Smith Jr.
Oliver Cowdery
Sidney Rigdon
F. G. Williams
W. W. Phelps
John Whitmer

P. S. Br Hesakiah Peck

We remember your family, with all the fi[r]st families of the church, who first embraced the truth, we remember your losses and sorrows our first ties are not broken, we [p. 80] participate with you in the evil as well as the good, in the sorrows as well as the joys, our union we trust is stronger than death, and shall never be severed. Remember us unto all who believe in the fulness of the gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. We hereby authorize you Hezekiah Peck, our beloved brother to read this epistle and communicate it unto all the brotherhood in all that region of Country. Dictated by me your unworthy brother, and fellow laborer in the testimony of the book of Mormon. Signed by my own hand in the token of the everlasting covenant.

Joseph Smith Jr.