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JOURNAL OF JARED CARTER - Direct LDS ancestor of mormonblog2
The commencement of the journal of Jared Carter, a servant of the Lord, and now I do not or cannot mention the date of the days that the things took place of which I do mention because I have not kept a journal day by day as they took place but I mention the year and perhaps the month in this the fore part of my journal. Commencing the year 1831 in January. For I do not make a journal of which took place before I heard of the Church of Christ. It was at this time that I heard of the Book of Mormon as I was going on business to be gone for several weeks. I had not got more than twelve miles from home before I, for the first time, heard of the Book of Mormon at the house of Mr. Peeks, who lived in the town of Lile?, which notwithstanding, he himself was opposed to the work. Caused much astonishment to fill my mind and after reading awhile in the Book of Mormon and praying earnestly to the Lord that he would show me the truth of the book, I became immediately convince that it was a revelation of God and it had such an influence on my mind that I had no mind to persue my business. Notwithstanding, I had just before a mind to go a considerable of a journey to be gone for some weeks. But I found I was completely unqualified for any business until I should go and assist? The Church of Christ. I therefore returned home.
I told my companion what I had heard and seen. I told her that (torn) that I should go and see the people (torn). My companion did not think as I did concerning the thing of which I had been relating to her but she told me that she thought it was a delusion and was unwilling that I should go to visit the people. But I concluded that I should go to see them as soon that my companion would be willing that I should go and it seemed to me “requeset” that she should be willing.
I continued praying earnestly that I might know the will of God to do my duty. I, at length, became convinced that it was my duty to go and see the Church of Christ. I told my companion my feelings. She answered me that she was entirely willing that I should go. Accordingly, I went from Chenonga, a town in Broom County, state of New York, where we lived, to the town of Coatsville. On the way to this place I made some inquiry of the people that I met with of this people who believed in the Book of Mormon, which they had. And I heard all manner of statements concerning them all most excepting there was no good said of them and I found that the most wicked and profane were the most ready to rail against them. On seeing this, I instead of being convinced that there was no truth in the work, as many have been on heaven? Many false stories I became more and more convinced in the belief of this work, that it was the work spoken of in the prophecies that should take place in the last days, even the great gathering of Israel the second time.
I observed that as I believed in the work that I received the manifestations of the spirit of God. My mind was joyfully entertained in view of the prophecies and of this most glorious work of the Lord. On visiting the Church of Christ, as Coateville and having an interview with them I felt it my duty to separate from Babalon and be baptized. Accordingly I was baptized by Hyrum Smith about the 30th of February, for the remission of sins. As I was baptized I felt the influence of the spirit of God, for as I stepped out of the water I was wraped ? In the spirit both soul and body, even so that the chill of the cold water was taken from me and I walked near a half of a mile and was no more cold than as though I had not been baptized. This I knew to be the marvelous power of God, for I knew that nothing but the power of God could accomplish this. And besides this it seemed to me _______ as though I had come into a new climate. In this joyful state I continued _______ much of the time.
I conversed with the brthern until the next day. Brother Hyrum Smith told me many things which would take place on the authority of the prophecies which I, after days, found to be even fulfilled.
I returned to Chenango, trusting that I cold convince many of friends and neighbors, but they most all of them, began to _______ me and wife, among the rest some of my best friends, as I had formerly supposed became now my worst enemies. Only a very few individuals were friendly to me and they used all their talents apparently to frighten my companion, telling her that I was going to distroy my mind, supposing me to be shockingly deluded. I, seeing her state of mind, was some considerably affected for her, but I went to my Heavenly Father with all of my afflictions and he helped me to bear them and the lord gave me to possess great faith. So that by the prayer of faith by my instrumentality there was some displays of the healing power in my own family. My children were sick. The babe which was about 3 months old had the “hoopen” cough and our neighbors considered it would “dye” but the Lord heard my prayer and healed my child, in a marvelous manner. For it was taken from the brink of the grave and placed in the possession of “exelent” health. This some of the neighbors took notice of and often spoke of the same.
About this time Hyrum Smith came to my house, on a short time before this, and he showed the propriety of this glorious work unto those who were “preasant” at my house. He, also, conversed with my wife. He asked her why she had felt to oppose this work. She answered she had heard so many stories about the people that she could not believe anything in them. He, also, asked her if I had not told her that there was no truth in them. She answered him that I had. He then asked her why she could not believe what I had told her when I had been among them and had had a chance to know more than all those who felt to oppose this work. She then began to see that she had not been wise and did in some measure acknowledge it from this time. She began to be more tender towards the work of the Lord. This gave me some encouragement to believe that she would finally believe the work. But the neighbors used all their influence to harrow up her mind with fear. This, I suppose, they did hoping that it would have an influence to make me continue my residence there. But I told them that I should go on to the west with the Church of Christ. There was also, some that used other exertions to get me to stay there, among the rest was one that offered to give me a piece of land if I would stay and live in the place. But I replied that not for 15 of the best farms in the place would I stay in Chenango one year. I, realizing that the glorious time had come, even the return of the captive daughters of Zion. I commenced immediately to sell my things and to make preparations to go on to the west, where it was to be made known of the building of Zion.
In April of 1831, commenced my journey to the west with the Church of Christ. We went to Ethica and took water to go to the Ohio and on this journey many of us had severe trials being many of us on one boat and some of the members that did not enjoy religion whose conduct constantly was to the commands which members were after ______ out of from the Church. We continued on the canal to Buffalo arrived here about the 15th of April. Here we found that there was no passage out of Buffalo by water to the west on the account of the ice which was then in the mouth of the lake. On seeing this, I prayed earnestly to the Lord and it appeared to me that if Newel Knight, who was an elder, and some others with myself would go to some place of retirement and call upon God earnestly that God would immediately remove the ice so that we could go on to the west. Often, very plainly having these views, I informed Newel Knight of the same, but he spoke so lightly of my feelings on views that I was some afflicted for his wordsake. Soon after this it was thought by the Church best to have about 12 or 13 of the brethren go on to Ohio by land or go on to Duncook? and take the steamboat. Accordingly they appointed me to take the charge of the brethren and sent us on. We had not gone far before I found that my place was going to be _______ for there was I found, two or three of our company of brethren that was very liable to get out of the way and did transgress the commands of God. This was very trying to me for I knew hardly what to do with them, but we passed along to Duncook with some difficulty and took the steamboat for the Ohio. We had not gone far before we met with a stiff head wind which made us in considerable dangerous sailing. So that the captain informed us of danger, but at length we reached to Einy ? where the boat tied by fonts wait for the wind to ______ away. But we waited for a number of hours, but apparently all in vain. This caused us some considerable afflictions of mind for we were there in the midst of a wicked rabble of profane and wicked men, several hundred of them. About 2 miles from land the boat tied to a peir that was made by a sandbar out in the lake and the wind increasing the boat rolling from the waves. Being in this situation, I was considerably afflected and began to converse with my brethern saying will not the Lord hear our prayers and open the way that the boat may go along. I for one believe that he is willing to help us from this place. This I mentioned to a number of the brethern and we all agreed to pray to our heavenly father that he would cause the winds to cease. We continued our prayer to God all day and we could not discover that our prayers prevailed for the wind blew as high as if not “hier” than when we first began to call upon the Lord. This being the case I was afflicted to my inmost soul, for it appeared to me that I had prayed in faith and my prayers were not answered for I had had so much of the spirit in praying that I had that day prophicied to my brethern that the wind would cease in this furnace of trials. I said in my heart what meaneth these things, O Lord, why is it thus with me. Is not thy promise true, which says whatsoever ye ask in faith it shall be done. Yes, Lord, thy promise is true and it will be done so “shure” as I had faith and after a moments reflection said, I know that I had faith and my prayers will be answered and I know that the wind will cease immediately. After having these considerations the scripture came to my mind relative to him who worketh in the hearts of his children of disobedience of his being the ______ of the power of the air and very soon as this scripture came to my mind there was an influence as a voice speaking within me. Go and command the winds in the name of Christ to cease. I immediately arose and went out of the hearing of the wicked crowd and said in the name of Jesus Christ, I command the winds to cease and the wind from that moment began to cease and in about fifteen minutes it was stopped and the boat then soon started and we, in a few hours, landed in Ohio, at Fairport. From here we went to Kirkland where we found Joseph, the sear. Here we found that preparations was made for the Church from which we were to settle in Thomson. We went from here to Thomson and there continued until the boddy of the Church arrived to Fairport and then we moved our things and families to Thomson. Here we had some severe trials. A number of the members of the Church and I, myself must acknowledge that here was one of the members of the Church and I, myself must acknowledge that here was one of the most tring scans that I ever experienced, for the grand adversary of all souls gained great power over some of my brethern and among the rest of my brethern, I was most shockingly tempted but yet not withstanding the many temptations I had I did not a toll doubt but that the work of God that I had engaged in was the work of God, but I greatly feared because of such manner of communications and became greatly confused because of what took place but more especially in consequence of Newel Knight’s addresses to me for his statement the ______ and commands to me was like puting new wine in old bottles for not withstanding I then possessed the principal as follows that not for the whole world would I have disobeyed God in one of the least of his commands yet he came to me in the following language.
The spirit you have is not the true spirit and the winds never obeyed, there never was any healed under your prayers, you never wrought any miracles unless it was by the power of the devil and now says he “I command you to repent in the name of Christ or you will be cast off.” As he spoke these sentences the words dropped in to my mind which words are found in the Book of Mormon-no man can do a miracle in the name of Christ except he be every whit cleansed from sin. He spoke some time after the above mentioned power affirming that he was filled with the spirit of the Lord. After hearing him sometime I said unto him, What shall I do? Have you seen anything in my daily walk and conversation that is contrary to the commands of God? He answered, “No I have not seen but that you and your wife were as examplary as any of the whole Church” After hearing this interview I had some of the most severe trials but I did not believe all Brother Knight said exactly so for if I had I should as soon believed that there was no God as anything else but among all my trials I had some things to encourage me for after we came to Thomson my wife, who had been from time that I had first embraced the work filled with great fears that it was delusion and she had some of the time opposed my taking a part with this Church of Christ. But she now became convinced that the work was of God and was baptized. About this time there was some displays of the power of God in miracalously in the Church in Thomson, by the instrumentality of Brother Joseph, the sear, one in my own family which took place as follows.
It was my youngest child that was distressingly sick, at which time Joseph came to my house and I told him that I had faith that the babe might be healed. He then spoke in the name of the Lord that it should be according to my faith. The child was healed immediately. The same day there was one of our sisters healed from blindness by his instrumentality. I, also, saw another display of healing, how on the 6th of June, in Kirkland, which took place by the instrumentality of my natural brother Simeon Carter. She ha the day before fallen from a wagon on the way to the meeting. She to every appearance was mortally bruised and she was not expected to live but a very short time. She was so badly bruised that she told me that she could not move even one of her toes and she was in great pain. I spoke to my brother Simeon Carter and told her that he was one that was endowed with power from on high and that she might be healed if she had faith. After this, Brother Simeon conversed with her and after he conversed with her awhile he took her by the hand and said: “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to rise up and walk” and she arose and walked from room to room on Friday.
Before this was that memorable day when God first gave the fullness of the high priesthood to the elders of the Church of Christ. As the interview, Brother Joseph, not withstanding he is not naturally talented for a speaker yet he was filled with the power of the Holy Ghost so that he spoke as I never heard man speak for God, by the power of the Holy Ghost spoke in him and marvelous was the display of the power of the spirit among the elders present.
Here at this interview, I met my Brother Simeon who I had not seem for eight years. He had left Benson, in Vermont, when I lived there and had lived in Ohio and at this place we met in the faith of the Church of Christ. This meeting surely was a meeting of meetings to me, not only one the account of the glorious display of the power of the spirit of God in meeting, but also to see a natural brother so filled with the spirit of God. One whom I had at former times dispaired of all most because of his backwardness in the cause of God, but not withstanding this he had now become a mighty instrument in the service of God, and an elder in the high priesthood filled with the Holy Ghost. I had much conversation with the brother and by his instrumentality was helped out of some of my trials that had been thrown into by Newel Knight and here by my brother's advise I concluded to remove my family to the town of Amherst whece my bvother lived.
While in Kirkland there was some conversation among some of the elders as thought I had ought to be ordained but I informed then, not withstanding, I felt as though it was my indispensable duty to preach the gospel that I was unwilling to be ordained unless it was by the consent of all the Elders and it should be made known by revelation for I had heard that Newel Knight had said that it was not expediant that I should be ordained but it did apear by revelation that God required that I should be ordained.
From here I returned to Thomson and made preparations and moved my family to Amherst by the assistance of a kin brother by the name of Welten. My residence was in Amherst while the elders was gone to Missouri and while I was here it seemed as though I was placed as in the front_________ of the armies of the pit for I had not been there long before I began to be tried with exercises and transactions that took place in the Church. One principle thing that became a trail to my mind was certain exercises that they called visions that individuals had. The first of them that I saw was at Mr. Barna's? house in Amherst. On seeing them I was doubtful concerning them and did not know what to do for I did not know as I could depend on my own views as well as I could on some others that we present that I supposed had more knowledge in the work than I. And I saw that they fellow-shipped the exercises. I then endeavored to lay hold of the throne of grace for to know more concerning the same, but could not obtain a union, with the falling spirit that was in the meeting. I, at length, come to the conclusion that I would "neel" down and pray_______ and it seemed to me that I could pray in faith that any false spirit should depart from the meeting. I thought_______ on these visions any persons as they called them had a wrong spirit that if I prayed in faith it would depart. Accordingly, I 91neeled" down and prayed and I thought I prayed in faith. Now when I had earnestly prayed to the Lord and had ceased to pray vocally I found there was some considerable difference in the meeting for when I began to pray there was two of them called avision but after I had prayed a few minutes they came suddenly out of them and was clothed in their right mind. I on seeing this felt considerable well convinced in my own mind that these exercises were not good. But after meeting I conversed with some of the elders and I found that they were full in the belief that these kind of visions were from a good spirit. I, then after seeing them and all the Church so confirmed that the exercises were of the Lord that I began to conclude that I had been mistaken and began to think that the reason their visions were broken off as above mentioned, while I was at pray, was because I was so far to my glorious privilege under this influence I was led to conclude that these exercises were of the spirit of the Lord, tho at times I was led to bery much concerning them till at length I proved by revelation that had been given to the Elders concerning spirits that these spirit visionary exercises as they were called were not of the Lord. I proved them in the following manner:
It was at a time when I, with Sylvester Smith, was attending to a meeting on what is called the middle ridge in Amherst, in Ohio. Here at a meeting, as we was about to attend to the administration of the communion, there was a young women taken with an exercise that brought her on the floor and because I doubted of such manner of influences in public congregations, I requested Brother Sylvester that we should try that spirit according to the revelation that God had given he immediately complied with my request. We then “neeled” down and asked our heavenly father in the name of Christ that if that sister possessed was of him that he would give it to us and we prayed in faith, but we did not receive that spirit. We then arose I sat upon my seat, silent for some minutes. But Brother Sylvester arose and laid hands upon the sister, but this was not as the commandments directs for the command reads thus: Wherefore it shall come to pass that if you behold a spirit manifest that ye cannot understand and ye receive not that spirit ye shall ask the Father in the name of Jesus and if he give you not that spirit then ye may know that it is not of God and it shall be given unto you power over that spirit and ye shall proclaim against that spirit with aloud voice that it is not of God, not withstanding accusation that ye be not overcome neither with "bosting" nor rejoicing lest ye be seized there with.
Now after Sylvester had made some communications, which was not proclaiming against the spirit, as I believed it had ought to have been, that is against the spirit that we had prayed concerning. I then arose and proclaimed against that spirit with a loud voice. But this was very trying to all the brethern present for they, about all of them, believed that it was fo God. Now I had some sore conflicts with Satan for he told me that I had lost all my influence in the Church and to be sure it apparently was very much so, but I after contemplating for a ________ realized that if I had the approbation of my heavenly father it was better than to have the good will of many decieved brethern having these views. I felt that grace was sufficient to beam? me above my trials but after making this sacrafice was immediately possessed with a greater gift of the word than I ever was before so that my influence instead of decreasing began to increase.
The next sabbath, after the sabbath that I proclaimed against the above mentioned spirit, we met on the north ridge for a meeting. Here, at this days meeting, I experienced a marvelous display of the spirit. Yet at the fore part of that part of the exercise that I experienced it, it seemed to me as though I was all most overwhelmed with an awful influence from the powers of darkness for I felt as a thick cloud of darkness upon my soul and mind. While in this state of mind, I cryed to God mightily for help and while in my earnestness in calling upon the Lord the clouds of thick darkness bursted from my soul and I was quickly filled with the blessed influence of the spirit and was endowed with power from on high in a marvelous manner as I never was before. I then was inclined, by the spirit, to ask the Lord for what purpose I was thus marvelously exercised and immediately as I felt to make this enquirey there was as _________ a voice spoke unto me. This is the fulfillment of my word to you and this power is given you is power over the spirit you proclaimed against. I then felt endowed with full power over that spirit that I had proclaimed against the sabbath before. From that time forward that spirit sever came in to the meeting when I was present. In this display of the power of God I had one of the most infalable proofs of the devine origin of the above mentioned revelatioh, this together with many other testimonies and the testimony of the living God has confirmed me beyond all doubt in the truth of this glorious work.
After this, I attended a meeting in Brownham where I saw a young woman posed with the devil, or an evil spirit had taken possession of her, for she was brought into awful positions of body so that her very looks was frightensom. In this situation she was dispossed of her right mind. The brethern came to me and requested me to cast the devil out of her. I then went where she was and laid my hands on her and commanded Satan, in the name of Jesus Christ, to depart. And instantly, as I spoke these words, she fell to the floor as though she realized an intruding immortal influence from God and immediately shouted aloud Glory to God.
There was, also, great displays of the healing power in this place, when I was present. Two of which took place at Luman Gibbs's. I was requested by him to come there, in company with an elder of the Church of Christ. Accordingly I went and found, according as Brother Gibbs had stated, his son serious sick, nigh unto death to natural appearance. He had been sick for some time and his nerves was so effected that he was deprived of being at rest in his body one minute. And there was a sister present that had been consumtive six years. We, after prayer, attended to laying on our hands, but their diseases did not as yet leave them. But at length, Brother Lyman Gibbs began to call on the Lord in a form of prayer. While he was praying the spirit suddenly constrained me to cry aloud that healing power might come upon them. Sister Stone, the one that had been sick for six years, was healed suddenly and continued well on to be free from her afflictions. I, after praying in the above mentioned manner, arose and took Angus? by the hand and commanded him, in the name, of Christ, to rise up and walk. He arose and walked and was made who;e from that time.
After this I was sent for to see Brother Stone. He was under the influence of a raging fever. I, after I had heard that he had sent for me, requested Brother Smith and Brother Baldin to go with me. And we came there in the evening and while we were at prayer, after laying hands upon him, he was liberated from his fever. The sound went out immedaitely from the Church, among the unbelievers and there came in some of them to see him and they disputed his being healed. And as I was informed he was ___________ to perplexity of mind and he was after? days taken down again with the fever. He then sent to have me come and see him, but I was gone when the word got to my house. But after I got home I went to visit him. When I came into the neighborhood where he was, the brethern told me that he was very sick and that he was so low that they considered him to feeble to hold the meeting at his house. As it had been appointed and consequently they had altered the meeting to hold it to Brother Piersonses. This was on Saturday evening. I then went to his house and found him confined to his bed with exceeding weakness of body and under excuertiateing pain. I neeled with him and prayed with him that the Lord would heal him. After prayer I bed him, in the name of the Lord, to rise up and walk and he arose up and walked and his fever left him.
The next day, I attended meeting, one mile from there, to the Brother Piersenes as above mentioned and Brother Stone, not withstanding the day before he was so low that he was considered too feeble to have the meeting at his house, he notwithstanding himself went to meeting and continued there through the day and went home at knight.
Not far from this time, I was present to a meeting, which was at Mr. Barney's barn. It was attended by Brother John Whitmore and Brother Harris. While Brother Whitmore was preaching there come up a shower of rain. Which when I, at first, saw it thought our meeting would be interrupted for I saw that the roof of the barn was only in part shingled, but after a few moments it appeared to me that the Lord was willing to part the rains that the congregation should not be interrupted. I then began to pray to the Lord that the rain might not interrupt us. The cloud come up and rained considerable all around the barn, but rained not on the barn to wet us. After the rain was over I took particular notice of the remaining appearance of the wet that it was that the rain had actually parted. I spoke of this immediately after meeting to Sylvester Smith and he told me he had the same exercise that I, myself, had.
After this took place I was sent for by Brother came there, I found him very sick with a fever. Soon after I come there, I bid him to arise, in the name of Jesus Christ and walk, and he walked in my company for three miles.
I now commence to give some short sketches of a mission that I performed from Ohio to Vermont. After I had been to Kirkland, where I received the authority of an apostle. Commenced a mission to the east on 22nd day of Sept. 1831, with Brother Ebensar Page. We traveled to Hyram, in the first place, where we attended meeting where Brother Joseph and Sidney lives. Brother Joseph, after I had come there, asked me if I was willing to preach to them. I told him that I was, accordingly endeavored to on Sunday, the 25th. In the afternoon, we had a meeting and Brother Joseph, the prophet and sear, before the meeting closed had the spirit of prophecy come on him while he was looking upon me and I saw that the form of his countanance was changed he while looking upon me sai4, Bless the Lord and after this prophecyed relative to the mission that I had commenced and expressed what should take place on conditions I was faithful and in this I found him of the truth and to predict the truth for the whole was fulfilled.
On the following Tuesday we traveled on to the east. On Thursday we came where Brother Read lives, where we held two meetings. Baptized one and ordained Brother Read to an elder and then went on our journey? a mission. On the Saturday following, we called to a house where there was a man that was distressed much with a pain in his teeth and while I heard him groan I felt a compassionate spirit for it brought to my mind the anguish that I, myself,.had realized before at times and I knew that the Lord had heard my paryer and relieved me. And it then appeared to me that God was willing to relieve him. I then told him that if he would believe that the laying on of my hands upon his face would stop his toothake that it would stop. I then arose and laided my hands upon his face and the pain all left him in one instant.
We then went about ten miles further where we held three meetings, where there was considerable conviction but the people were willing to continue in their sins. Consequently they were not fit to come into the work of the Lord. From this place we went to the town of Galin where we held several meetings and baptized five and there were also some healing manifestations there. We then went on east to Mont Zuma ? where Brother Page and I concluded to part and one of us go to the town of Chenango and the other go to Vermont.
The reason that I wished for one to go to Chenango was because I used to live there and I had received a letter, while I was in Ohio, from a man by the name of Collins, which leter showed that there was some of them that did believe and also a request that some of the Elders should come there. It seemed to me "requeset" that one of us should go there and accordingly Brother Page went there and as I was afterward informed built up a church there.
Now I traveled alone on to Benson, Vermont, where my connections lived. On the way to Vermont, from the time that I left Brother Page, I held but two different meetings in different places. For I felt it was my privilege to hasten my journey. I arrived in Benson about the 25 of October, where I commenced holding meetings and the Lord was with me. After explaining the work to them, I felt moved upon by the spirit to exort the people to pray earnestly to the Lord to know the truth of this work. There was about 25 or 26 that began to call earnestly upon the Lord to know the truth of this work. But the principle part of the people made light of the work and began to opose the work. But those that continued to call on the name of the Lord soon became convinced that the work was true and were baptized - 27 in number.
I continued my labors in the ministry with them until about the 15 of January (1832 ?) at which time I was directed to travel west. There was, while I continued my ministry in Benson, some displays of God's power, both in spirit and in miracles, a few of which I will now express. The first, that I will relate is what the Lord manifested to the Church at the last day I held meeting with them. In the commencement of the meeting, while in prayer, I was directed to pray most earnestly that God would grant unto us "cealing" grace. After this I felt directed, by the spirit, to declare unto the brethern that that day was a sealing time with them for I said to them that I had prayed in faith that that day might be a sealing time and I told them that it would be so. This manner of communication caused some of my brethern to greatly temble as a twine? for this was something that they had not before experienced, but I exorted them to call on the name of the Lord. We then began to pray but the spirit as I received in my mind that it should be given was not yet given. I then arose and exorted for some minutes and then requested the brethern and sisters to all of them call upon the Lord, with one acord, acording we then all of us lifted our voices to God, with one acord, and while we were praying the spirit rested down upon us. We then attended to the offering up the sacrament of the Lord's body and blood and it appeared to me that the Church of Christ, in that place, were sealed up to the Lord and it appeared vary plain to me that every one of us present would meet again in Zion. I then felt as tho I could leave them with out any fears for I had the testimony that God would keep them
I will now give a relation of some healing manifestations which took place with this church, by my instrumentality. Brother Jonas Putman was healed from a stomach complaint that he had been subject to more or less for 6 years. Also, his daughter was healed from exessive bleeding at the nose. She was taken with this bleeding and they could get nothing to serve as a means to stop it. I came to the house when she was so far gone that she looked as though she would dye soon. I asked her if she believed that God would heal her if I would pray for her. She said she did. I then prayed for her and her blood was stopped.
I was also called upon, while I was in this place, by Brother Henrie's people to lay hands upon a sick child of theirs. The child was sick with a fever, but through the instrumentality of prayer and the laying on of hands this child was healed immediately. Another manifestation of God's healing many took place to Brother Lock's, which was as follows. I was there to visit with them and one of their children was sick with fever and then under the care of the doctor. This time I was there was before that Brother Lock and his wife had joined the Church. The child was sick with a fever, but through the instrumentality of prayer and the laying on hands this child was healed immediately. Another manifestation of God’s healing many took place to Brother Lock’s, which was as follows. I was there to visit with them and one of their children was sick with fever and then under the care of the doctor. This time I was there before that Brother Lock and his wife had joined the Church. The child was laying upon a bed in a room. I went to the child when a lone and laid my hands upon the child and prayed that God would heal him and then I went away from there. I, after this, went there again and found the child to appear over nigh sick unto death. I on seeing that the was worse then when I laid hands upon him and prayed for him, as I thought in faith, was some considerably tried in my own mind, because the child was no better. But after hearing Sister Lock relate what took place after I went from there, after I prayed for the child, as I just above mentioned. For she said, soon after I laid hands on the child, after I was gone, that the child got up of its own accord and came into the kitchen saying, Ma, Uncle Jared has cured me, Uncle Jared has made me well. And she said after the child got up in the manner she looked out and saw that the doctor was near and had called to one of the neighbors to see one that was sick. She, on seeing this, went down to the mill, where her husband was to see him to have him stop the doctor from coming there for she thought it was unnecessary that he should go there for the child was apparently well. But her husband told her that he thought that they had better let the doctor go there for he wanted to have the child shure to be well. The Doctor accordingly went there and left some medison for the child to take, but as soon as they gave to the child any more medison the fever returned again. And then the child said, of his own accord, after the following manner. “That his Uncle Jared came there and made him well and the doctor came there and made him sick again." The child growed worse until I came there the second time, as above mentioned, at which time the child as they considered unless it was helped immediately must soon dye. But the next morning after prayer I administered the laying on of hands again and immediately after this the child got up of his own accord and went to his ma and said, "Ma, Uncle Jared has made me well again." And the child from this time continued well.
In this example, we see the impropriety of putting our trust in man. Yea, the impropriety of disobeying the commands of God as unto this Church wherein he has required of this Church that they should not employ "phisitons" of the world. There were some other displays of the power of God in this place which I do not mention.
After it appeared that my work was done in this place, for the present, I went on to the west to Sp--fford, a town in York state, Onondaga County, where I commenced laboring in the ministry. The Lord began immediately to bless my labors and there was 12? baptized into the Church of Christ, while I was there, and an number of others convinced of the truth of the work. There was some displays of the healing power of God, in this place, while I was here. There was many threatenings from the wicked but the Lord preserved me from th~ir wicked hands.
From this place I went to Galen, on to the west, where I found my brother-in-law, Abroes Ames. Now when I come here, I began to discover why the spirit "dyrected" me to come on to Galen, which was so much contrary to what had been my former calculation, for I met here with my Brother, for whom to see I had expected to go 50 miles out of the way of my journey to the west. Not only so, but it was of great importance that I came there just at that time for my Brother had got his mind very much "predgeadseed" against the work of the Book of Mormon and his influence was greater with the few brethern and sisters at Galen than any other person. And they were very weak in the faith being in the midst of great opposition and having all manner of false reports concerning the work and people. And there were some who were all together unbelieving would have been the means of sinking them beneath the faith of the work of God. But when I got there, I immediately commenced my labors to God in prayer and to them in exortation in order-if possible-to be instrumental of saving them from the general delusion of the world. After laboring with them some time and calling upon God most earnestly for them, their hearts began to be inclined toward the work. Yea, even their son, my Brother-in-law, began to acknowledge that he thought the work must be true. So that when I left there, I felt as though I should meet them all in Zion.
From here, I went on to the west to the town of Springfield, where I met Brother Smith and Brother Hyde, where I held two meetings and rejoiced much to see them and hear from the Saints in the western region. From here I returned to my family in Amherst, in Ohio, where I found Brother Gideon H. Carter, with his family, who had come from the east and embraced the work.
Since I left home and was ordained to preach the gospel and was preaching from place to place now, I thought that I had great reason to thank and praise the Lord for what he had done for me and my brothers and sisters of my father's family. For the whole family had now come into the glorious work of God, with their companions, except one sister. Mv three brothers were preachers in this glorious gospel. I reached Amherst the last day of February, having been gone on this mission five months and upwards. I can say that God has blessed me according to the prophecy of Brother Joseph, before I went from Ohio. He has blessed me with sheaves ? and with health and blessed be his name.
Soon after I returned I found the brothers and sisters under some trials but it seemed to me as though God would soon remove them. Brother Gideon Carter's family was under some afflections. His wife was afflicted with sickness and one of his boys subject to fits. I prayed for them and administered the laying on of hands and they was relieved in some measure, but not fully relieved from their complaints. Though, Sister Hyly, the wife of Brother Gideon, was relieved and healed afterwards for a few weeks, after I attended to the administration of laying on of hands to her. She was taken down with her general complaint of consumption and she appeared as though she was in the last stages of the consumption. She being thus afflicted Brother Gideon felt some what disappointed for he had been calculateing to go on a mission to the east, but he feared he should be disappointed on the account of the sickness of his family. He expressed that he desired that the Elders would come there to pray and administer. Accordingly we went to his house for prayer meetng to do according to the requisitions of the law. While in prayer, I felt an unusual power of faith upon me. I asked her if she had faith to be healed. She said that she did not think that she had, but not withstanding, it appeared to me that I was possessed with faith that she should be healed. I then arose and laid my hands upon her head and command the disease to depart from her. From that time thenseforth and forever and she was made well from that time.
Not far from this time Brother Simeon's wife was taken down with a fever, by means of which fever she was confined immediately to her bed. he sent for me to come and pray for her and I prayed for her and she was healed immediately and arose and went about her work.
While I was at this place, after my return from Vermont, I continued preaching about three discourses a week. I preached some in Brownham, some in Newloman, some in Florence, where I baptized a number and where there was some displays of the healing power. At Brother Moses Dayly's I was called upon to pray for his youngest child, which was sick. But I made answer to sister Dayly that I had not a desire that her child should be healed, unless she would humble herself for it appeared to me that she was not so humble as she had been. She, on hearing me express myself to her, as above mentioned, began to acknowledge the degree of her unfaithfulness and began to call on the Lord more earnestly and I after having the evidence that they were both humble, prayed for the child and it was healed. They, after this, another child dowr with a fever that was healed by the insrumentality of Brother Gideon and myself. There was also some other of the healing power of God, in this place, while I was present, though not so visiable as many.
I, also, labored in Amherst in preaching the word but I, at length, went to Hyrum to the sear to inquire the will of the Lord concerning my ministry the ensuing season. And the word of the Lord came forth that showed that it was his will that I should go forth to the Eastern country as in the power of the ordinance where with I had been ordained, which was to the high privilege of administering in the name of Jesus Christ even to seal on earth, to build up the Church of Christ and to work miracles in the name of Christ. Accordingly I came to Kirtland to know if there was a companion for me in the ministry there, but it appeared that there was none for to commence in the ministry. That is with me, except Brother Calvin Stoddard, that I felt dictated to go with as I did with Brother Calvin Stoddard. The Elders conference was unwilling that he should go out on a mission unless he went with me. After I made it a subject of prayer to God and it appeared to be my duty to take Brother Stoddard along with me to labor in the ministry.
While I was in Kirtland, before I started, we in that place were privileged to some blessed interviews together and three Elder conferences in which there was some brethren reclaimed from the error of their ways. And in one meeting of conversation on divine things and of prayer to God, I, after being rought upon by the spirit, introduced the subject of faith before the Elders and brethren and sisters present. In the statements that I made, I expressed as my opinion that it was ---- privilege to rize above all afflictions, as diseases, fevers and curses of this nature. After I had made this communication Brother Hyrum Smith arose and sanctioned and fellow-shipped the doctrine and advanced additional proof of the propriety of the possibility that the members of the Church might come to the privilege of standing clear of all diseases or fevers or pain of sickness whatever. After Brother Hyrum Smith had ceased to speak Brother Renals Cahoon arose and spoke to the advancement of the same doctrine of faith as Brother Smith and myself had. After this Brother F. G. Williams arose and spoke to fellowship the same doctrine and the propriety of it in view of the privileges of the Saints. Brother Thomas Marsh was present but did not them publicly assent to the doctrine advanced for he was then unwell with the ague and fever, but he after hours after entering in to an investigation in view of the propriety of the above mentioned doctrine seemed to consent to the propriety of it and the consequence of his joining to fellowship this doctrine in full, was that his ague and fever left him.
There was also to the meeting a number of individual brethren and sisters who rejoiced to receive ( the or ) in view of the above mentioned doctrine, beside those whose names I have mentioned, who were Elders of the high priesthood, all of them. Two of them, the bishop's ade and one of the the clar of the general conference and what was more interesting and as aperninant proof of the propriety of the above mentioned doctrine the spirit of power from God attended this meeting manifesting divine aprobation in the advancement of the doctrine of faith as above mentioned and not only this as proof but the Lord began to work in mighty power in Kirtland in healing the sick. For there was the next day after this meeting no less that six displays of the healing power vizible to all the brethren and sisters of that place round about. To this I ass, may God be praised for not only this but many other proofs, which I have had that the Saints might come to the privilege that the Savior expressed to the Jews when he was bodily on the earth. St. John chapter 8th verse 31-32.
Then said Jesus to those Jews which believe on him, “If ye continue in my word then are ye my disciples indeed and ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.”
The commencement of a mission by Jared Carter, a servant of the Lord, on Wednesday the 25th of April, 1832. This morning started from Kirtland, in Ohio, in company with Calvin Stoddard and Aaron Lyon, for the eastern countries, who were ordained teachers under my hand according to the spirit and also to the consent of the Church in Kirtland. Brother Aaron left us to take the stage. Brother Calvin and I continued to go on together, by land, on foot, to preach the everlasting gospel having the approbation of the Elders conference that was held in Kirtland, a short time before we left there.
On this the first day of our travels, we held no meeting, but called to some houses as we passed along. One house that we called at, after we crossed the grand river, where there was a man sick in the house. I asked him if he knew that I could cure him and he said no. I said I have been instrumental of helping many and I went to him and bade him in the name of Christ to be made easier and he said he was relieved.
The next place we called to was to a man's house, by the name of Colten. He said he had relation in the belief of the Book of Mormon and he raged at us and threatened to turn us out of door. He appeared to be drunk with madness and used us as though we were to mean to live on the earth.
On Friday, the 27th, we traveled on to Springfield to Brother Heart's home. Here we held a meeting apparently with some success this day. Before we arrived here we overtook a youth, by the name of Charles Cratern. He said he lived in Kingsville. I preceived that he was considerable deaf. I asked him if I might ride in the wagon, that was drawed by the oxen he was driving. He said yes sir. While I was siting in the wagon I felt as tho he might, through the mercy of God, be relieved from his deafness. Therefore I told him that I could cure him. He said how will you do it. I told him by faith. He asked what kind of medison that was. I showed him that it was done in the name of the son of God. I told him to stop his team and I would pray for him. He soon, after this, said that he could hear as well as any body.
We labored in Springfield, from Fryday until the 2nd day of May, among the neighbor hood north of Jospeh Heart's home, where Brother Rudd lives. Here the work broak out and not withstanding that great opposition and the falling away that had taken place (for it was the case that Brother Orson Hide and S. Smith had been preaching here some weeks before and had baptised 5 and ordained one to be an elder but the Elder had fell away with two other members). Yet the work of God moved again and there was, after we had preached a few times, eight that were baptized and two out of the three that had fallen away reclaimed. The there was some display of the healing power but not so visable as many cases. The names of those that were baptized in this place Randil Wheelan, Andrew M.C. Adams, Abagail Spencer, Experience Wheelen, Cornelia Cattles, Fanny Mariah Rudd, Phebe Thomson, Cloa Rudd.
On Thursday, the 3 of May, we held a meeting in Fairview, but our testamony was as idel words to the people and we were filled with desire to go out of this plase. Fryday and Saturday we traveled on east to Pamfret, where Bro. Seth Johnson lives. Here we unexpectedly met with Bro. Gideon and Bro. Sylvester Smith, two Elders of the Church of Christ and in meeting them we were not a little refreshed. Here the Lord had also began to cari on his work, they had baptised 10 when we got there. On Sunday we had an interesting time, previous to the commencement of the meeting we agreed that Brother Sylvester and Brother Gideon should speak in the fore part of the exercise. This was done that a perfect order might be observed for God does show untc that there be always an agreement with his servants. In the after part of the day the Lord helped me to address the people as biding them fairwell for Eternity or until I should meet them again. The 8pirit bid me to confine the congregation to a choise and I spoke as one having authority. I told them that there would be a desision wrought with them all that day. It was a very melting time the largest part of the congreagation resolved to serve the Lord and seek for truth.
The next morning as we were about to come away, David Johnson manifested a dessire to be re-baptized for he felt dissatisfied with his former baptism, he having been baptized by Edson Fuller, who, while baptiseing him was under the infulence of an evil spirit. It was a very short time before Edson was cut of from the Church of Christ and it also was the case that David Johnson had lived unworthy of the commuion of the Sacrament. Now this to us was a case as we had not before experienced but we, after praying to our heavenly father, concluded to leave it to him. He then said he would be baptized. Accordingly I baptised him and the heavens bore record for the spirit rested upon him in a powerful manner. We then went on our way to the East.
The next day after this, Br. Calvin Stoddard concluded that he would stop and go to work and get him some cloths. After consult with Br. Sylvester and Br. Gideon and earnestly calling upon the Lord we were convensed that it was requesit that he should have his request and also the authority of an Elder. Accordingly we parted and now I traveled in company with Br. Gideon and Sylvester on to the East. On Wednesday, the 9th, we stopped in Bufalow and made exertions for a meeting but prevailed not to obtain a place for meeting this day and we concluded that it was expedient for us to hasten our journey to get to Vermont where it appeared to us the greater part of our labors would be for this season.
We stopped in the town of Lyons and held a meeting in the north part without any success. The spirit was not given because of the unbelieve and hardness of the people. On Sunday, May 13, we held meeting in Galin, to Bro. Hawley's. The day's exercise was a means of strengthening the faith of the few Brothers and Sisters here. On Monday, the 14th, we continued our journey to the East, until we arrived to Senter port. Here we stopped to see a former acquaintance, by the name of Kurkbrook. They received us and requested us to pray with them. We, after laying the truth before them and ask the heavenly father to cause his blessing to come upon them trusting that they would sooner or later experience the blesed reality of this most glorious work. From here we continued our journey on to the east with great speed. Sometimes on bord of a boat, some times by land on foot, frequently having much conversation relative to the Church of Christ. We met with considerable opposition when we declared the truth of the work of God in many respects. We proclaimed the work when it was expedient in whatever place we went and at length arrived at Vermont, where we found our Benson brethren.
On Sunday, the 20th of May, held meeing in this place. We found our brethren in trials in some respects. Bro. Gideon and Bro. Sylvester Smith preached and we preached and read revelations to the congregation and it appeared that the spirit of God rested upon the congregation. In the evening held meeting but there appeared to be some lack in the meeting. I prayed to the Lord earnestly that I might, by the grace of God, help the people of God in this place for I found that they had falen into darkness in some degree, though they believed the work to be of God. I, at
length. arose in meeting and told the Church what was God’s will concerning them. First, that they must repent before God for their disobedience to the commands of God and next that they must pray earnestly to God for Wisdom. This, I told them, was the word of the Lord to them and they generally appeared to realize that it was even so.
On Monday, we visited the Brethern and Sisters and in the evening we met to pray with some of them that were sick and administer the laying on of hands, according to the command of the Lord concerning the sick. Brother Daniel Carter's child was disordered and now at this time in distressing pane. I arose and prayed over the child, but it appeared to be still in great distress. I then asked Bro. Daniel if he had faith that his child might be healed and he said that he did not think that he had. We then concluded to call upon the Lord with one accord, accordingly nealed all of us down and lifted our desires to the Lord vocally all to once and the child was relieved and fell into a sweet sleep. After this we united again in prayer and by agreement of the elders administered the laying on of hands unto our Sister Sophia Foster. She received the healing manifestations.
On Tuesday, the 22nd, Sister Sumanthy W------ manifested that she was convinced of the work of God and wished to be baptized, accordingly was and in the evening we held a confirmation meeting and the Lord was present by the power of his spirit. This sister was filled with the manifestations of the spirit and shouted aloud the praises of the Lord. Saying, 0 glory, glory. 0 how blesed it is to serve the Lord. O that I had obeyed him before this. We see that when the spirit of God fills a soul they not only view the excelencey of God but realize how unwise they have been in not serveing allways, but little do the thousand that are going heedlessly on to ruin realize this.
On Wednesday visited a former acquaintance of mine by the name of (Lyman or Byram) Here they received us and wished us to pray with them. Here I recollected that command which says leave a blessing upon those that receive you. In the evening we met for meeting but there was not all that blessing that we hoped for, which was in consequence of the lack of wisdom in the Church. I was directed by the spirit to close the meeting for I saw that the minds of the people were frustrated so that they did not worship the Lord with singleness of heart and mind. 0 how vain it is for us to undertake to worship the Lord unless our whole souls and minds are engaged in the work. I think that it is to be feared that those that do it are as in possession of lukewarm religion, who, if they do not have more than this will be found as foolish virgins at the coming of Christ.
On Thursday, we met in this place for a conference and ordained Bro. John S. Carter to the high priesthood and by the voice of the conference appointed him to travel with me until the conference to be held here in 10th of next August. This meeting was crowned with the influences of the spirit of God and was blessing to our souls.
On Saturday, the 26th, visited Brother Readfield, found Sister Readfield under some peculiar tryals of mind and in great darkness of mind and unbelief. So much so that she told me that she feared that she never should enjoy the presence of the Lord again. I told her that she would and that Satan in the name of the Lord should depart from her. I neeled down and prayed for her and while I was praying the spirit of power was with us, and I felt to and did say to Satan, in the name of Christ, depart and the afflictions of her soul began to leave her and in a few minutes she felt to praise the Lord and she nelt down and praised the Lord that she had now been brought to receive of his loving presance and she prayed the Lord to keep her from evil and to give her wisdom. The spirit also came upon me so that I said in my heart that an entertaining feast is this my soul has found in this glad hour while waiting upon the Lord.
I, also, here was to lay hands upon a sick child, named Jane, and the child manifested that she felt relief. After this, I did pray for some others that were sick and they were blessed of the Lord. There was also my natural sister Prudence, who was subject to a pane in her side, that did desire of me to administer the laying on of hands and she received the blessing of deliverance from her afflictions.
On Monday, the 28th of May, I went to Br. John S. Carter's to see him about starting on our mission. He then told me that it was the Lord's will that he should start not until the next Wednesday. I told him that I thought that it was my duty to be traveling and preaching and I told him that I would go on with Br. Putman to the East side of the Green Mountains to labor with his relations, accordingly the same day started. Traveled the same day 11 miles to a former acquaintance in Fair Haven. We proclaimed the truth of the Book of Mormon to them and the prophecies. The next morning we went to west Rutland. We made exertions to hold a meeting but without success. We met with the Priest of the Parish and asked him if he wished for any information concerning the Book of Mormon and he said that he did not know as he did. We then traveled to the town of Mount Hawley where we held a meeting and the Lord, by his spirit, was with us and here appears to be a prospect that there will be some sons and daughters of Zion raised up.
On Thursday, we came to Adover to Mister Ward's, on the east side of the Green Mountain which makes in the whole, that I have traveled since the 20 the April 600 and 50 mile. and the longest part of the way on foot, having preached or offered to preach every day since I have started excepting a few days in which I felt as though it was my privilidge to hasten my journey or to set under the dropings of the word by the mouth of my brother Elders. Here we held a meeting but not with apparent success all though we found by conversing after ward that Mr. Ward’s people were inclined to believe the truth of the Book of Mormon.
Fryday, the first of June, held a meeting to Mister Putman's in Windham. Saturday visited and found as we travel some of the saints of God. On Sunday held meeting in the meeting house in Wind ham. Here the Lord filled my soul with the power of the spirit and the hearts of the people were penetrated by the influences of the spirit and it seams as tho there would be many sons and dauters of Zion raised up here. At the close of the meeting gave out appointments for meeting here next Sabath.
On Monday attend a funeral and preached a discourse to a large congregation on the death of Mr. Ward who died suddenly with the __________. This was a trying sean to some of the relatives not only because of the departure of a kind father, but also because of the afflications that had been for a long time and are still upon the mother of the family and a ________ two incurable by phisitions. She having been, for a long time, so low that she could hardly make people understand by whispering for she could not speak loud. She, however, believes in this work, in the Book of Mormon and she requested to pray for her. I asked her if she had faith to be healed. I discovered by her mosions that she had not faith. She said she felt a load within. I prayed for her and arose and laid my hands upon her and blessed her in the name of the Lord and I told her that her sins was forgiven. She soon afterwards told me that the load of her sins was gone. She soon after this began to amen and I think that I can say in the Name of Christ that she shall recover for I feel my soul is moved with compasion,for this woman, has been on this bed of sickness 9 years last fall. 0 how could I endured it. 0 Lord, have mercy on her and answer my prayer acording to thine abundant mercy. I, after this, from time to time prayed for her and she received some strength though very little.
http://www.saintswithouthalos.com/b/carter_j.phtml
On February 20, 1831 Jared Carter was baptized by Hyrum Smith. On June 7, 1831 he was ordained a priest and within weeks he started eastward on a mission on 22 Sept 1831 with Brother Ebenezer Page.
Jared Carter is mentioned in the Doctrine and Covenants:
52:38
79:1
79:4
94:14
102:3
102:34
The Gift Of Healing
The Gift Of Healing
http://www.rootcellar.us/tanconvr.htm read about the amazing story of conversion and healing at the hands of missionary Jared Carter, my gr gr grandfather
This Ensign Article tells of the healing of John Tanner at the hands of mormon missionary Jared Carter
John Tanner was a Bible-reading Baptist who, hearing rumors of Mormons in the neighborhood, went to the meeting so he could protect his Baptist brethren. For some months, his leg had been afflicted with open sores, a condition apparently without remedy. Propping himself up in his cart, he drove to the meeting, listened to the preaching of two redoubtable elders, Simeon and Jared Carter, and brought a Book of Mormon home after warning his Baptist friends that “they had better not fight against [the truth].”
