Mormon History
Move to Nauvoo and Secure Your Eternal Inheritance - 1841
Western World – January 20, 1841
A
proclamation has been recently
issued by the Presidents of the Church of Latter day Saints (Mormons) calling
upon all who are converts to the new faith to take up their residence as soon as
practicable at or in the vicinity of Nauvoo. This City having recently received
a charter of the most liberal character, the Mormons have determined to make it
the gathering place of the Saints throughout the earth
Whatever may be thought of the tenets of this sect, it is certainly an imposing
spectacle to witness the moral power which in so short a period they have
exerted. -- Already, in obedience to this call, have hundreds left their homes
in Europe, and thousands are now preparing to leave and take up their residence
in a far distant land. And in our own country, from the east, and from the
north, and from the south, converts are continually flocking to this new city.
What may be the ultimate result it is impossible to divine. But a few years ago
the Mormons were regarded as a set of fanatics, deserving only the pity or
contempt of mankind; but now that their numbers are concentrating they begin to
assume, at least in this state, a political and moral importance possessed by no
other denomination.
Believing it to be a subject of interest to our readers we subjoin the following
extract from the Proclamation:
Having been instrumental, in the hands of our heavenly Father, in laying a
foundation for the gathering of Zion, we would say, let all those who appreciate
the blessings of the gospel, and realize the importance of obeying the
commandments of heaven, who have been blessed of heaven with the possession of
this world's goods, first prepare for the general gathering; let them dispose of
their effects as fast as circumstances will possibly admit, without making too
great sacrifices, and remove to our city and county -- establish and build up
manufactories in the city, purchase and cultivate farms in the county -- this
will secure our permanent inheritance, and prepare the way for the gathering of
the poor. This is agreeable to the order of heaven, and the only principle on
which the gathering can be effected -- let the rich, then, and all who can
assist in establishing this place, make every preparation to come on without
delay, and strengthen our hands, and assist in promoting the happiness of the
Saints. This cannot be too forcibly impressed on the minds of all, and the
elders are hereby instructed to proclaim this word in all places, where the
saints reside in their public administrations, for this is according to the
instruction we have received from the Lord.
The Temple of the Lord is in process of erection here where the Saints will come
to worship the God of their fathers, according to the order of his house and the
power of the holy priesthood, and will be so constructed as to enable all the
functions of the priesthood to be duly exercised, and where instructions from
the Most High will be received, and from this place go forth to distant lands.
Let us then concentrate all our powers, under the provisions of our magna
charta granted by the Illinois Legislature, at the "City of Nauvoo" and
surrounding country, and strive to emulate the action of the ancient covenant
fathers, and patriarchs, in those things which are of such vast importance to
this and every succeeding generation.
The "Nauvoo Legion," embraces all our military power, and will enable us to
perform our military duty by ourselves and thus afford the power, and privilege
of avoiding one of the most fruitful sources of strife, oppression, and
collision with the world. It will enable us to show our attachment to the state
and nation as a people, whenever the public service requires our aid -- thus
proving ourselves obedient to the paramount laws of the land, and ready at all
times to sustain and execute them.
The "University of the City of Nauvoo," will enable us to teach our children
wisdom -- to instruct them in all knowledge, and learning, in the Arts, Sciences
and Learned Professions. We hope to make this institution one of the great
lights of the world, and by and through it, to diffuse that kind of knowledge
which will be of practical utility, and for the public good, and also for
private and individual happiness. The Regents of the University will take the
general supervision of all matters appertaining to education from common schools
up to the highest branches of a most liberal collegiate course. They will
establish a regular system of education, and hand over the pupil from teacher to
professor, until the regular graduation is consummated, and the education
finished. This corporation contains all the powers and prerogatives of any other
college or university in this state. The charters for the University and Legion
are addenda to the city charter, making the whole perfect and complete.