, misrepresentation, and slander flew, as on the wings of
the wind, in every direction; the house was frequently beset by
mobs and evil-designing persons; several times I was shot at, and
very narrowly escaped, and every device was made use of to get the
plates away from me; but the power and blessing of God attended
me, and several began to believe my testimony.

"On the 6th of April, 1830, the 'Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-Day Saints' was first organized in the town of Manchester,
Ontario county, state of New York. Some few were called and
ordained by the spirit of revelation and prophecy, and began to
preach as the Spirit gave them utterance; and though weak, yet
were they strengthened by the power of God, and many were brought
to repentance, were immersed in the water, and were filled with
the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands. They saw visions and
prophesied: devils were cast out, and the sick healed by the
laying on of hands. From that time, the work rolled forth with
astonishing rapidity, and churches were soon formed in the states
of New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri.
In the last-named state, a considerable settlement was formed in
Jackson county; numbers joined the church, and we were increasing
rapidly; we made large purchases of land, our farms teemed with
plenty, and peace and happiness were enjoyed in our domestic
circle and throughout our neighborhood; but we could not associate
with our neighbors, who were many of them of the basest of men."

After giving an account of their removal from Jackson to Clay, and from
Clay to Caldwell and Davies counties, Missouri, with a relation of their
persecutions and consequent distresses, the prophet proceeds:--

"We arrived in the state of Illinois in 1839, where we found a
hospitable people and a friendly home; a people who were willing
to be governed by the principles of law and humanity. We have
commenced to build a city, called 'Nauvoo,' in Hancock county. We
number from six to eight thousand here, besides vast numbers in
the county around, and in almost every county of the state. We
have a city charter granted us, and a charter for a legion, the
troops of which now number fifteen hundred. We have also a charter
for a university, for an agricultural and manufacturing society,
have our own laws a