Battle of Nauvoo
When
the Saints first left Nauvoo many of the poor were left behind. With time the
residents surrounding Nauvoo became tired of the fact that there were Saints
still in the “City of Joseph.” A mob was formed to the number of 2000 and what
is termed as the “Battle of Nauvoo” commenced. There were few men so the
women were asked to help defend the city. What was the woman’s role in the
battle?
A)
Since they were so good at leading the house, they led the
forces
B)
Gathered and carried the hot cannon balls of the enemy so that
the Saints could shoot them back
C)
Bore rifles like the men
D)
Nurse the injured
Yesterday’s answer:
A)
Money
I
preached to the people, and was kindly entertained till Monday morning, when I
took leave and entered Hamilton, a flourishing town at the head of Lake
Ontario; but my place of destination was Toronto, around on the north side of
the lake. If I went by land I would have a circuitous route, muddy and tedious
to go on foot. The lake had just opened, and steamers had commence plying
between the two places; two dollars would convey me to Toronto in a few hours,
and save some days of laborious walking; but I was an entire stranger in
Hamilton, and also in the province; and money I had none. Under these circumstances
I pondered what I should do. I had many times received answers to prayer in
such matter’s but now it seemed hard to exercise faith, because I was among
strangers and entirely unknown. The Spirit seemed to whisper to me to try the
Lord, and see if anything was too hard for him, that I might know and trust Him
under all circumstances. I retired to a secret place in a forest and prayed to
the Lord for money to enable me to cross the lake. I then entered Hamilton and
commenced to chat with some of the people. I had not tarried many minutes
before I was accosted by a stranger, who inquired my name and where I was
going. He also asked me if I did not want some money. I said yes. He then gave
me ten dollars and a letter of introduction to John Taylor, of Toronto, where I
arrived the same evening.
Mrs. Taylor received me kindly, and went for her
husband, who was busy in his mechanic shop. To them I made known my errand to
the city, but received little direct encouragement. I took tea with them, and
then sought lodgings at a public house.
In the morning I commenced a regular visit
to each of the clergy of the place, introducing myself and my errand. I was
absolutely refused hospitality, and denied the opportunity of preaching in any
of their houses or congregations. Rather an unpromising beginning, thought I,
considering the prophecies on my head concerning Toronto. However, nothing
daunted, I applied to the Sheriff for the use of the Court house, and then to
the authorities for a public room in the market place; but with no better
success. What could I do more? I had exhausted my influence and power without
effect. I now repaired to a pine grove just out of the town, and, kneeling
down, called on the Lord, bearing testimony of my unsuccessful exertions; my inability
to open the way; at the same time asking Him in the name of Jesus to open an
effectual door for His servant to fulfill his mission in that place.
I then arose and again entered the town, and
going to the house of John Taylor [future prophet of the Church], had placed my
hand on my baggage to depart from a place where I could do no good, when a few
inquires on the part of Mr. Taylor, inspired by a degree of curiosity or of
anxiety, caused a few moments’ delay, during which a lady by the name of Walton
entered the house, and, being an
acquaintance of Mr. Taylor’s, was soon engaged in conversation with her in an
adjoining room. I overheard the following:
“Mrs. Walton, I am glad to see you; there is
a gentleman here from the United States who says the Lord sent him to this city
to preach the gospel. He has applied in vain to the clergy and to the various
authorities for opportunity to fulfill his mission, and is now about to leave
the place. He may be a man of God; I am sorry to have him depart.”
“Indeed!” said the lady; “well, I now understand the feelings and spirit
which brought me to your house at this time. I have been busy over the wash tub
and too weary to take a walk; but I felt impressed to walk out. I then thought
I would make a call on my sister, the other side of town; but
passing your door, the Spirit bade me go in; but I said to myself, I will go in
when I return; but the Spirit said; go in now. I accordingly came in, and I am
thankful that I did so. Tell the stranger he is welcome to my house. I am a
widow; but I have a spare room and bed, and food in plenty He shall have a home
at my house, and two large rooms to preach in just when he pleases. Tell him I
will send my son John over to pilot him to my house, while I go and gather my
relatives and friends to come in this very evening and hear him talk; for I
feel by the spirit that he is a man sent by the Lord with a message which will
do us good.”
Autobiography of Parley P. Pratt,
pg. 171-174.
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