Pillar of Light

by Gerald N. Lund

  They exchanged curt nods. Joshua gave him a quick appraisal. He was the kind of man Joshua had met on many a trail or in the saloons of America, or slinking around the back alleys of America’s big cities. A big man, he wore a brace of pistols, had a bowie knife on one hip, and swaggered as if he were daring someone to invite him to use them. If this group had murder on their minds, this looked like the kind of man who would do it for them.

  Joshua looked at Foster. “Sure glad I came up from Warsaw for conference.”

  “The conference isn’t over yet. We’ll get him.” He took a breath. “Look, we wanted to talk with you about something.”

  “Foster,” Joshua cut in flatly, “I never was much for working with men who are all talk and no action.”

  Foster flushed and Jackson’s face instantly darkened. The big man took a step forward, one hand moving toward his pistol. “Hey, mister, you better watch your mouth.”

  “Foster, call your dog off or be prepared for the consequences.”

  There was a moment’s hesitation while Foster considered what those consequences might be; then he grabbed at Jackson’s arm. “It’s all right, Joe,” he said. “Evidently Steed has lost his nerve and doesn’t want in on the game.”

  “I never did want in on your game, Foster, and if I hear that you’re telling people I am in it with you, I’ll be coming to work it out between us. You understand me?”

  Jackson’s eyes were like pig eyes now—tiny, hard, glittering with hatred. One hand was hovering just above his pistol butt. “Get outta the way, Foster. This dandy needs a lesson or two in manners.”

  Joshua didn’t even glance at him but kept his eyes fixed hard on Foster. He lifted his right hand slowly up to his waist and hooked his thumb in his belt, pushing the coat back just a little. He wore no weapon, but he knew they couldn’t be sure about that, because his coat was long enough to conceal a pistol.

  Foster blanched a little. “You’re making a big mistake, Steed,” he yelped.

  “Maybe so,” he agreed, “but it’s my mistake, isn’t it? Now, I’d suggest you get, Foster. And I don’t want to be seeing you at my door again, understood?”

  “Come on, Jackson,” Foster blurted, yanking around. “He’s no good to us anymore.”

  Jackson’s hand fell away from his pistol, but his mouth was twisted and hard. “This ain’t between you and Foster anymore, Steed,” he warned. “You and me have a score to settle.”

  When the conference reconvened Saturday afternoon, Joseph again did not speak, and the time was turned over to President Rigdon to continue what he had started earlier that day. Joshua, who had returned to the grove, rolled his eyes and left immediately. Then about five o’clock, Brigham dismissed the assembly because rain was threatening. The Steeds barely reached home before the heavens opened and it began to pour. Had it not been for his promise to Caroline, Joshua would have packed them all in the wagon and headed back to Warsaw that very night. But he said nothing, and quietly determined he would push the sale of his business as quickly as he could so that he could leave Illinois once and for all.

  It was about an hour after their return home that afternoon that Emily burst into the kitchen. “Mama! Papa! Come see.”

  She didn’t wait to tell them what they were supposed to come see. She darted out again. Lydia smiled at Nathan and set aside the pan of potatoes she was peeling. Nathan was setting the table for her. He stopped and they both went out after her.

  When they stepped out on their front porch they saw instantly what it was that had got her so excited. The rain over Nauvoo had mostly stopped now, but to the east the sky was still black and dark. Out over the west the sky had cleared and rays of sunshine slanted in at a shallow angle, catching the last of the rain squall. The result was that there was a brilliant double rainbow directly over the temple, as though it had been placed there by some divine artistic hand.

  “See, Mama?” Emily cried. “Isn’t it beautiful?”

  “Oh, yes,” Lydia breathed.

  Up and down Steed Row others were coming out now as the word spread. Those on the west side of the street stood on their porches. Those on the east came out in the street so as to see it better. Mary Ann and Benjamin came over to join Lydia and Nathan.

  “That’s breathtaking,” Mary Ann said.

  “I don’t think I’ve ever seen one that bright before,” Nathan said.

  “Me neither,” said Benjamin. Then he nodded in satisfaction. “Well, there’s another year we don’t have to worry.”

  Nathan turned, puzzled. Both Lydia and Mary Ann gave him a quizzical look as well. “What’s that supposed to mean?” Mary Ann asked him.

  “That’s right,” he said, “I forgot to tell you.”

  “Tell us what?” Nathan asked.

  “It was just about a month ago now. Joseph was talking about the second coming of the Savior. And then he made a most unusual prophecy. He told us that one day he had been inquiring of the Lord concerning His second coming. Joseph said it was made known to him by the Spirit that the rainbow was a sign given to Noah as a promise that in any year in which the bow is seen, there will be prosperity, seedtime and harvest.”

  Mary Ann peered at him to see if he was teasing them, a habit not unknown to Benjamin. But he was not. He was quite serious.

  “Really?” Lydia said, totally fascinated by that concept.

  “Yes. He said that in any year the rainbow would be seen the Savior would not come. But in the year when the bow is withdrawn, or not seen, then will commence desolation, calamity, and distress among the nations, and there shall be no seedtime or harvest, but we can look for famine.”

  Nathan was listening as intently as his wife and mother now. “That’s amazing,” he said. “A simple thing like a rainbow can signify all of that?”

  “Yes,” Benjamin said. Then a slow grin stole across his face. “Since hearing that, as a matter of fact, I have become an avid rainbow watcher.”

  Sunday morning dawned bright and beautiful. The rain had cleared the sky and deepened the colors of spring. Joshua almost didn’t go to conference, volunteering to stay home and watch the children. But by unspoken agreement the family wouldn’t let him use that as an excuse. Still wondering if Foster was going to pull something off, he finally went up to the morning session.

  The crowds were huge, at least half again what there had been on Saturday. Joshua was amazed. Was it the weather? Was it the fact that it was the Sabbath and everyone had the day free? Was word about this silent contest going on between Joseph and his enemies bringing in the flock to see what was going to happen?

  But Joseph didn’t give a sermon at this session either. The only thing of interest at all was a brief announcement Joseph made right at the beginning. “Brethren and sisters”—he was almost shouting to make his voice carry across the vast throng—“I would remind you that we have a very large group here this morning. As mayor of the city, I ask you all to keep good order. You have probably noticed that we have policemen all around the outskirts of the congregation to help keep order and to assist you if you need help.”

  Joshua’s head came up. To keep order?

  Joseph’s voice rang out across the congregation with authority now. “And you brethren who are our policemen, I want you to exercise your authority. I know this is a Church meeting but it is also a meeting of our citizens. Don’t say that you can’t do anything for us, for the constitutional power calls on you to maintain good order. God Almighty calls upon you to maintain good order. And we command you to do it!”

  Joshua was shaking his head slowly, feeling a grudging admiration for the man. If Foster and his bunch were planning anything today, Joseph had just put them on notice that it would not go uncontested. There were forty policemen. That was sufficient to discourage about anyone.

  He didn’t even wait for the announcement that Sidney Rigdon would continue his speech outlining the history of the Church for yet a third conference session. He murmured something to Caroline and l
eft again.

  As he slipped through the crowd, Nathan leaned over to Lydia. “How come he always gets to leave just when Sidney starts talking?”

  “Nathan Steed!” she whispered sternly, but he could see the twinkle in her eye.

  Joshua surprised them all by returning for the afternoon session. They all knew why he had come. Though the likelihood was getting ever more remote, there was still a chance there would be some action. But despite his motives, they were still glad to have him there. Joseph had promised to speak, and maybe he would do so this session.

  Joshua settled in beside Caroline as he looked around. He noticed with some disappointment that Joseph was not up in the row of chairs on the stand. After the hymn and prayer, Hyrum stood and talked to the congregation about the women’s “penny fund,” encouraging them to continue to contribute so that they could purchase the glass and nails they would need for the house of the Lord.

  Just after three, a stir went through the crowd as Joseph and Emma finally arrived and Joseph took his seat up front. Hyrum ended immediately and had the choir sing another hymn. Then he turned the time over to Joseph.

  The Prophet stood and moved forward with a firm step and his chin up. He looked stronger and quite composed. If he was worried about someone challenging his position as prophet and leader of the Church, you could not tell it by looking at him.

  “My glorious brethren and sisters, what a wonderful sight it is to see so many of you here this afternoon. I feel to call the attention of this congregation while I address you on the subject of the dead. As you know, some weeks ago, a dear brother, a faithful elder in the Church, Brother King Follett, was crushed in a well by the falling of a tub of rock as he sought to repair it. I had planned to preach the funeral sermon of Brother Follett last Friday, but ill health would not allow it. I should like to do so now, if I may.”

  Six or seven rows forward of where the Steeds were and off to the left, Joshua saw movement. It was Robert Foster. He had turned his head and was looking right at Joshua. There was a quick, triumphant nod. “This is it,” Foster seemed to be saying. “He shall preach and then we shall have him.”

  His interest piqued again with that, Joshua leaned forward to listen more closely.

  “I have been requested to speak by Brother Follett’s friends and relatives, but inasmuch as there are a great many in this congregation who live in this city as well as elsewhere who have lost friends, I feel disposed to speak on the subject in general and to offer you my ideas, so far as I have ability, and so far as I shall be inspired by the Holy Spirit to dwell on this subject.

  “I ask for your prayers and faith that I may have the instruction of Almighty God and the gift of the Holy Ghost. I wish to set forth things that are true and which can be easily comprehended by you, and I pray that the testimony of the Spirit may carry conviction to your hearts and minds of the truth of what I shall say. Oh, my beloved Saints, pray that the Lord may strengthen my lungs and stay the winds and the weather. Let the prayers of the Saints to heaven appear, that they may enter into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth, for the effectual prayers of the righteous avail much. There is strength here, and I verily believe that your prayers will be heard.”

  Joshua was watching Joseph’s face. He was about fifty or sixty feet away, but Joshua could see that he was very determined. His body was erect, his shoulders back, his voice strong. This certainly wasn’t a man looking over his shoulder to see what enemy was lurking there.

  “I do not intend to please your ears with superfluity of words or oratory, or with much learning; but I intend to edify you with the simple truths from heaven. In the first place, I wish to go back to the beginning—to the morn of creation. There is the starting point for us to look to, in order to understand and be fully acquainted with the mind, purposes, and decrees of the Great Elohim, who sits in yonder heavens as he did at the creation of this world. It is necessary for us to have an understanding of God himself in the beginning. If we start right, it is easy to go right all the time; but if we start wrong, we may go wrong, and it will be a hard matter to get right.

  “There are but a very few beings in the world who understand rightly the character of God. The great majority of mankind do not comprehend anything, either that which is past, or that which is to come, as it respects their relationship to God. If men do not comprehend the character of God, they do not comprehend themselves. I want to go back to the beginning, and so lift your minds into a more lofty sphere and a more exalted understanding than what the human mind generally aspires to.”

  Joshua had to admit it. The contrast between Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon was dramatic. There was power in Joseph, and you could feel it energizing the hearts of his people. They were fixed on him now, every eye turned to him. The children had quieted, and only the fussing of a baby here and there could be heard.

  “I want to ask this congregation—every man, woman, and child—to answer this question in their own hearts: What kind of a being is God? Does any man or woman know? Have any of you seen him, heard him, or communed with him? Here is the question that will, peradventure, from this time henceforth occupy your attention. The scriptures inform us that ‘this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.’ There can be eternal life on no other principle.

  “It is my privilege to be the man who comprehends God and to explain those principles to your hearts, so that the Spirit seals them upon you.” His head came up now, his voice hardened in sudden challenge. “And if that be the case, then let every man and woman who does not know God henceforth sit in silence. Let them put their hands to their mouths, and never lift their hands or voices, or say anything against the man of God or the servants of God again. But if I fail to do as I plan, to teach you about the character of God, then it becomes my duty to renounce all further pretensions to revelations and inspirations. It means I am no longer a prophet and should be like the rest of the world—a false teacher.”

  As the faces all across the group registered shock at that, Joseph paused to take a drink from a glass of water that Hyrum handed to him. He finished and continued. “There are those who would say that my life should be forfeit because I am a false teacher—”

  Benjamin swung around and shot Joshua a quick glance, and to his own surprise, Joshua nodded. Joseph was taking them on. The gloves were off now. This was a bare-knuckled, head-on refuting of the men who were furtively trying to bring him down. Joshua couldn’t tell for sure, but it seemed that Joseph was looking directly at Foster now. The doctor seemed to sink down in his seat, aware that many people were staring at him as well.

  “There are men who have pretensions to godliness, but when their ignorance of the knowledge of God is made manifest, they will all be as badly off as I am. If any man is authorized to take away my life because he thinks and says I am a false teacher, then, upon that same principle, we should be justified in taking away the life of every false teacher. But if that were the case, where would be the end of blood? And who would not be the sufferer?

  “I will prove that the world is wrong, by showing what God is. I am going to inquire after God, for I want you all to know him and to be familiar with him. And if I bring you to a true knowledge of him, all persecutions against me ought to cease. If I teach you truly of God, you will then know that I am his servant, for I speak as one having authority.”

  Another pause, another quick drink. “I will go back to the beginning before the world was, to show what kind of being God is. What sort of a being was God in the beginning? Open your ears and hear, all ye ends of the earth, for I am going to prove it to you by the Bible and to tell you the designs of God in relation to the human race and why he interferes with the affairs of man. God himself was once as we are now, and is an exalted man, and sits enthroned in yonder heavens! That is the great secret. If the veil were rent today, and the great God who holds this world in its orbit, and who upholds all worlds and all things by his power, was to make
himself visible—I say, if you were to see him today, you would see him like a man in form—like yourselves in all the person, image, and very form as a man.

  “I am going to tell you how God came to be God. We have imagined and supposed that God was God from all eternity. I will refute that idea, and take away the veil, so that you may see. These are incomprehensible ideas to some, but they are simple. It is the first principle of the gospel to know for a certainty the character of God, and to know that we may converse with him as one man converses with another, and that he was once a man like us—yea, that God himself, the Father of us all, dwelt on an earth, the same as Jesus Christ himself did.”

  He stopped, once again letting his eyes move from face to face. “Do you wonder if I am right? Well, I shall show it to you from the Bible. I wish I were in a suitable place to tell it and that I had the trump of an archangel, so that I could tell the story in such a manner that persecution would cease forever. What did Jesus say? Mark it, Elder Rigdon! The scriptures inform us that Jesus said, ‘As the Father hath power in himself, even so hath the Son power.’ To do what? Why, to do what the Father did. The answer is obvious—in a manner to lay down his body and take it up again. Jesus, what are you going to do? To lay down my life as my Father did, and take it up again. Do we believe it? If you do not believe it, you do not believe the Bible. The scriptures say it, and I defy all the learning and wisdom and all the combined powers of earth and hell together to refute it.

  “Here, then, is eternal life—to know the only wise and true God; and you have got to learn how to be gods yourselves, how to be kings and priests to God, the same as all gods have done before you. And how do we do that? Namely, by going from one small degree to another, and from a small capacity to a great one, from grace to grace, from exaltation to exaltation, until you attain to the resurrection of the dead and are able to dwell in everlasting burnings. Then you shall sit in glory, as do those who sit enthroned in everlasting power.”

  Joshua turned to his family. Caroline was leaning forward, her lips slightly parted, her eyes totally focused on Joseph. He suspected that even if he spoke to her she would not hear him. And in that moment, Joshua Steed understood with perfect clarity that he had come to Nauvoo for naught. He looked around. Nathan and Lydia had the same expression. Matthew and Jenny, and Kathryn in her wheelchair, were almost mesmerized. Derek, Rebecca, Will, Olivia. Men, women, teenaged boys and girls, even the older children—they were all fixed on their prophet, and he was indisputably teaching them with great power. It didn’t matter that what he was saying didn’t make much sense to Joshua. Now he understood why there were the huge numbers of people here. Now he understood that a group like Foster’s fools chirping in the background would hardly be a distraction. Nothing they were doing would bring Joseph down. Nothing!