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SVEND LARSEN - Extracts from his autobiography written for publication in the

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Av: Svend Larsen



SVEND LARSEN - Extracts from his autobiography written for publication in the "Stjerne"
SVEND LARSEN
(Extracts from my autobiography, circa 1882 / Larsen, Svend 1816-1886 / MS 2943 / Bound volume / Written for the “Stjerne”)

I was born on the 26th day of January l8l6, in the town of Øster (East) Risor in Norway, of the parents 'Trine Marie and Lars Svendsen, and am known by the name of Svend Larsen. (The humbler class in Norway, at that time, were not known by family names). As an only child I was cared for with great solicitation by my mother, as my father was a mariner and hence was seldom at home. Early I was but to school and learned as much as could be expected in that period of life.

In my eleventh year I went to sea with my father, who at that time ran a coastwise vessel, and sailed with him until I was thirteen; after which I, in accordance with my father's counsel and my own wish for better development as a sailor took a berth on a larger ship as cabin boy. With the brig Edward we sailed for London, England in February l829, with a gentle wind from NE. After about three days of sailing the wind turned westerly, (a head wind) with a storm so violent that we could scarce carry any sail and the ship lay listed continuously with its railing in the sea and almost every surge broke over the ship. Based on inexperience this seemed terrifying; which brought me to think of Jesus and the disciples when they (the disciples) appeared to be in distress at sea on the lake of Genesareth and Jesus feigned to be asleep, still at the importuning to the disciples he arose and rebuked the wind and the sea and it became quite still. This effected that I in all tranquillity and the complete confidence also prayed to Jesus that He would calm the wind and the sea and give us a gentle breeze. I had not learned to pray kneeling to the Father in the name of Jesus Christ, as the children of the Latter-day Saints are now taught, still my prayer was answered to my own astonishment even before I had ended it. I saw that the billows at once abated and the wind began to calm, and before evening the wind was easterly (a fair wind). The next day we set full sail and arrived in London on the eleventh day.

I relate this occurrence to honor the name of the Lord and to show that the Lord is merciful and answers the prayer of such as with confidence and faith pray to Him. I had also heard that unto God nothing is impossible, except to recall lost moments (man's misused time). For twenty-seven years I have plowed the billows and many a time have I seen hard days, but still oftener had great pleasure, for the life at sea is full of both.

There are hundreds of sights to be seen in the different cities of the world that are worthy of meditation; and also the many aspects of the sea. Still, I shall limit myself to a few remarks which cannot very well be omitted. Neither can one avoid seeing the iniquity that takes place in the great cities of the world and the consequences of sin, for it is a horror to see the results of debauchery. This brought me to think. “I wonder if there is a saintly people on earth?” If such were the case, how joyous would it not be to be associating in such company?

It was the custom amoung seamen to go to Communion at the latter part of the year, and I followed the custom. But, to my great astonishment I became aware that the priest was a liar. He said, “I extend unto all of you the merciful forgiveness for your sins in the name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Ghost.” I thought then, “How dare you arrogate unto your self to prevaricate in the name of the Lord; for here is perhaps not one who has thought of repenting, and has not at all prayed for forgiveness?" I regarded the priest from that time on with abhorrence, and came no more to church. I pondered over my own condition, and realized clearly that without true repentance it is impossible to please God.

I saw no society that I could embrace, but always met with the results of the same leaven. I decided to live a good moral life; in this I was hampered also, and could not do to my satisfaction on account of the many friends and the red punch and wine. I saw that it was impossible for me to tear myself loose from the world in the position I was in, and I was wild with myself as to what to do. I went to the Bible House to buy a Bible, but obtained a New Testament (the Bibles had been sold out) and began to read it in order, if possible, to find a guiding rule, but found it so uninteresting and disconnected that I soon ceased to read it. After some time I again began to read in the Revelation of Saint John, until I came to the eighth chapter where it is written about the plagues which shall be poured out upon the earth, and amoung other events that a third part of the ships were destroyed. At this, I began to think to myself, I wonder if I shall live to see this devastation? Whereupon, I was whispered unto by a quiet inner voice, these words; “Thou shall not live to see this destruction. Thou shalt not die upon the sea. Thou shalt preach repentance unto people.”

I regarded these words as a literal revelation from the Lord, and had absolute faith in the same. Concerning that I shall not die upon the sea, I had had many evidences; for a sigh unto the Lord for His help in time of need generally brought succor.

I shall relate an incident that took place near the Swedish coast. With a tearing storm from NW, such that I could not carry any sail, I was drifted into the waters off this coast, and before the end of an hour ship and crew would have been lost in the black darkness of night against those sharp cliffs, if the help of the Lord had not been near. I went down into the cabin and prayed unto the Lord for help and almost simultaneously my prayer was answered, two minutes had not passed before the wind swung about to NE, with a mild breeze. I now had a gentle wind and set my course on Skagen. (Westward, away from one of the rockiest of shores, the dangerous west coast of Sweden, Gothenburg District.)

Thus have I seen the Lord's ruling hand concerning me throughout my entire sojourn in life. The Lord had so directed matters that I had a sloop to ply with which I sailed the Baltic, and to England and Denmark. I felt it almost beneath my dignity to sail about Denmark with a sloop, for I was used to great ships.

Very often I came to Aalborg and became acquainted with a resident there, Master-Taylor Olsen from Frederikstad, Norway, whose wife was a Baptist. In 1851, in August, I came to Aalborg. Mr. Olsen came on board to greet me. He told me amoung other things that his wife had become a Mormon, and that she was baptized for the forgiveness of her sins. I remarked, “That accords with Scripture.” He also stated, “Here is a man from America that preaches a new doctrine; he is a Mormon.”

This seemed strange to me that a man should undertake so long a journey in order to bring a new doctrine to Denmark. I immediately had a desire to speak with that man, and Olsen offered to look him up and to let me know where he was staying.

In the afternoon two of Olsen's sons came aboard and told me that the man was to be found in Sundby at H.P. Jensen's, and offered to accompany me to the place. I thanked them for the offer and we set out. I found the gentleman according to directions and after having greeted the house people I stated that my desire was to hear the foreign gentleman's new doctrine. I was, however, very courteously asked to be seated, which I accepted, and on being questioned told who I was and to what place I belonged. Brother Snow sat down beside me, before a dining table, on the other side of which stood a sofa directly under the windows. He asked if I understood English, to which I answered yes; but I did not, however understood in English the language of the Gospel; whereupon he explained to me in the Danish language the first principles of the Gospel. At sundry occasions I stated that I believed what he said.

May I here remark that an inner voice whispered to me these words, “This is a man of God.” I was just as fully convinced at that time that Brother Snow was a man of God as I am today, and I believed every word he said to me, wherefore I remarked now and then, “I believe it.” Brother Snow arose and sat down upon the sofa, probably to be able to look into my eyes in order the better to judge if I were honest or not. He instructed me well, and amoung other things he related how Joseph Smith received the plates from which the Book of Mormon was translated, and showed me by the Pearl of Great Price characters similar to those engraved upon the plates.

The conversation lasted about two hours and in that time I obtained knowledge about things entirely new to me, and in which I believed as completely as if I had been an eye witness unto them all.

Brother Snow asked me if they had freedom to practice religion in Norway, whereunto I answered, “Yes, because the Dissenter Act gives unto all Christian sects the freedom to practice according to their faith, but excludes Jesuits and the monastic orders from access to the realm.”

Brother Snow asked if I would take a brother along to Norway to preach the Gospel, to which I agreed, provided the brother could get his things on board the same evening, and get his passport, because in accordance with the Skippers' Oath one may bring no person without a passport into the country under penalty of a fine.

There was nothing to detain me in Aalborg, wherefore I determined to depart the next morning with the whole of Mormonism to Norway. Brother Hans F. Petersen was designated to go with me. I had, with the help of one or two of the Saints obtained some Bible references and Articles of Faith; which I meant to make good use of in Østerrisor.

Although the wind was contrary, nevertheless I sailed the next morning—but, Brother Petersen did not get a passport. I decided to let this go as best it may; even though it should cost me 50 Specie-dalers (100 Rix-dollars), or (200 crowns, about $50), or should I be able to talk myself out of the fine.

Our homeward journey was long, the weather fine, and so I had a good opportunity to converse with Brother Petersen about the Gospel, which gave me continuously more understanding about the same, and I added knowledge to knowledge.

Upon my arrival home I preached the Gospel to rich and poor without regard to person, wherever I thought it would react to advantage. On the same day, after I had announced my arrival and had delivered my ship accounts, I went to Provsten (parson acting as rural dean), Vettergren, and asked for permission for Brother Petersen to hold meeting in one of the school-rooms. He inquired as to what religious creed the man confessed. Answer, “He is a Mormon.” The man was astounded, clasped his hands together and cried, “Are we to have these Mormons come into our peaceful Norway?”

I took the word and said, “This man does not come to cause revolt, but to establish more peace; because he preaches a Gospel of Peace, the same that was preached in the days of Christ and the Apostles.” With another sigh, he exclaimed, “I shall ask the Town Constable about it.”

“That inconvenience is not necessary to your Reverence,” I said, “as I have some business to transact with the Constable, and have an appointment with him soon at his office.” When I arrived there the dean was ahead of me. I had hardly time to greet, before the Town Constable said, “Hello, Larsen, do you bring a Mormon with you?”

I, “Yes, Mr. Constable.”

Const., “Has he a passport?”

“No.”

“Have you forgotten the Skippers' Oath?”

“No, the time was too short for the man to obtain a passport, but Mr. Tomesen was authorized to send it in the mail to Risor. I had expected to see it here ahead of me. Besides, I will shoulder all responsibility for the acts of this man.”

Constable turning to the dean said, “That is all that can be required.”

Larsen, “May he have permission to lecture in one of the school-rooms?”

“That depends upon the Dean; however, he must hold no public lecture.”

“May he then give private lectures, for example, in my own house?”

“Yes, that cannot be refused; but he must not undertake to perform any clerical act, such as baptism and the administering of the Sacrament, and you must take him back to Denmark when you leave.”

Naturally, I agreed to all these obligations, and now came home to Brother Petersen with these rules of life, and gave him my house for his home and a large store-room for a chapel.

It had been my determination to be baptized upon my arrival at home, but whereas I had been compelled to agree to the above obligations, I found it to be wise for me to keep my word, and so decided to postpone baptism until I should arrive back in Aalborg, as I was routed anyway to Lögstör in the Limfjord with a cargo of lumber.

I needed to have some blacksmith work done and at this occasion I had the opportunity to bear witness to the heavenly truth which I had embraced unto Master-Blacksmith, John Olsen, and his helpers and to others present in the smithy. Olsen and one of his helpers, Peter Adamsen, seemed to grasp the truth. Olsen especially seemed receptive unto the glad tidings. I handed out tracts and felt happy in the thought that probably I had caught a fish in the net of the Gospel. He did also become the first man to be baptized in Norway, and remained steadfast in faith on the principles of eternal life and unto his death. Peter Adamsen was the next to be baptized, but he apostatized after having arrived in Zion. I recommended Olsen and Adamsen for Brother Petersen to visit them in their homes when he felt like it. This could be done only on Sundays, because they were otherwise every week-day in the smithy.

Of all the others before whom I bore testimony there but few that wished to hear the glad tidings, which to me were so gladly received, and were so plain; over which I much wondered, for I did not understand at that time that without being actuated upon by the Spirit of the Lord, man is unable to grasp the divine truth, without being actuated upon by that power that gives a living testimony that it is God's work instead of human device.

I sailed again for Denmark and took Brother Petersen with me so that he should be able to get himself a passport and again go back to Norway, as his mission was hardly begun in this land. Although he had labored as best he could under the circumstances.

(Note: All this that had come to pass I had entered in the ship's journal most carefully, but that got left behind in Norway at my departure to Zion, wherefore the-dates are forgotten and left out.)

Upon my arrival in Aalborg I was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on September 23, l851, in Aalborg by Elder Ole Christian Nielsen. I sailed off to Lögstör, and after finished business, back to Aalborg. Was confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost by Hans Peter Jensen, November 1, 1851; and sailed away happy and joyful to my home in Risor, bringing with me the Brethren Petersen and Ahmanson, this time with the necessary passports. However, the dissatisfaction grew great amoung the ignorant class of people, inasmuch as I had brought back two Mormon priests, as they called them, instead of one; for priests, school-teachers and merchants had roused the mob against us. My house was again open to the missionaries as their home and to use for congregational purposes. Brother John A. Ahmanson was not contented, he wanted to get back to Denmark. I brought him back with me. I was seldom at home. Brother Petersen, must at this point, furnish his own narrative.

Upon my arrival home in December, 1851, from a business trip to the Eastland (parts east of Christianis, now Oslo, Fjord) of Norway (Risor lies about half way between SW part of Norway and the Christiania Fjord). I found Brother Petersen had left Osterrisor on account of a riot that had taken place during my absence, in which it was thought that his life, was in danger, he had also been sought after in my house; but was not found, because he had hidden himself in the chimney, wherein was an iron trap-door fitted as access to the chimney sweep. A room in the second story where Brother Petersen had his bed led directly to the place. I remained at home all winter and labored what I could for the furtherance of the Gospel.

Sunday meetings were held regularly. Our gatherings, to begin with, were only aimed at fasting regularly for each Sunday and praying with each other as well as to read the Bible and the Book of Mormon and to speak of the Lord's great mercy bestowed upon us in the gift of faith upon the principles of eternal life.

A ship-master, Henrik Evensen, became a believer, remaining a faithful brother until his death; and he was always very eager for the spreading of the Gospel truth.

We soon won over the hearts of our wives unto the work of salvation, and our gatherings became more and more frequented by strangers, and the Spirit of the Lord actuated upon us to bear witness unto the truth of the Gospel, whereby our gatherings became general assemblages for sermons. The Lord used us as implements in the furtherance of His work, and endowed us with a high degree of His Spirit, in such a manner that the testimony affected the hearts many; notwithstanding that we numbered but three members of the Church, and that none of us held the priesthood. Even Parson Holm and Schoolmaster Baun visited out meeting, though only to contradict the heavenly truth; they had with them a whole flock of their own sheep, who probably should rejoice with them in their victory over the-Mormons, as they called us. But, the Spirit of the Lord was richly poured out upon us. I read a little piece in the Book of Mormon, the word of the Lord unto the Gentiles in the l4th chapter of 1 Nephi; bore testimony to the truth contained in the book and referred to the Bible; testified of the necessity of true repentance, of baptism and the laying on of hands for the Holy Ghost, and proved the same by the doctrines of Jesus and the Apostles in the New Testament. All had listened attentively and the meeting was closed. The parson was now, upon being requested, given occasion to speak; he rose but as though struck dumb, sweat dripped from his face. Whereupon he said, “I have nothing against you people and have never had.” After which he sat down. The schoolmaster next came up to the table with some papers, probably notes to be used in refuting us, but his whole body trembled so that he shook the papers onto the floor several times, whereupon he sat down without saying a word. The audience looked with wonder upon what had taken place, still without uttering a word. (The audience looked with wonder upon what had taken place, still without uttering a word.) They quietly left.

I did my very best to circulate Skandinaviens Stjerne and tracts as well as the Book of Mormon, but met with little success. I made myself acquainted with the Dissenter Act, and saw by it that with six (6) members an ecclesiastical society can be established after these have first had their memberships withdrawn from the National Church. We, Evansen, Olsen and I, together with our wives, had our memberships withdrawn; so as to be prepared for the coming of the brethren with the divine authority (so much desired) to hold public meetings, to baptize, etc. We filed application as well with the diocese, Christiansands Stift, or the diocese of Christiansand, as also with the Church Department, about being organized in accordance with the laws of the land as an ecclesiastical society. Although I had the Town Constable, Finne's, counsel and guidance as to the manner of writing and as to the manner of conducting myself in order to secure to us the approval of the government, our petition was refused. Because, my name was, at that time, known all over Norway through the newspapers as being the one that had brought the Mormons to the country. Even the editor of the Risor News, who was a friend of mine, received articles against us, (and he himself had nothing against the Gospel) and when I remonstrated with him about it, the answer came, “I am obliged to follow the general public opinion if I am to retain my livelihood.”

In the spring of 1852 the Brethren Hans P. Jensen and Ahmanson landed in Brevig on their mission to Norway. Not until June did Brother Jensen arrive in Osterrisor where a few persons were brought into the Church, and a branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were organized.

I was ordained an Elder by High-Priest H. P. Jensen on June 19, 1852. Brother Jensen desired that I should purchase a vessel and sail with the missionaries from place to place in Norway, and between Norway and Denmark; with which I eagerly complied, for I felt it to be my duty to do my utmost for the furtherance of the Gospel; and so I went to Fredericsvärn (Brevig, Frederiksvärn lie in vicinity east of Risor), and there bought one of the large whale boats for 150 specie-dalers, ($150), and remodeled it into a pleasure-yacht, naming it the “Lion of Zion.” It was a good sailor, and floated a white ensign from the masthead whereon was painted a lion holding in the loop of a bent golden halberd a beaming eye, and under the same letter "Z" painted in blue. A symbol of strength and light, or Zion in divine power spreads its light over the nations. I spent the whole summer in sailing with the brethren from place to place in Norway and bearing testimony to the truthfulness of the Gospel.

I sailed over to Aalborg with Brother Jensen, from there on to Copenhaven with a whole cargo of brethren and sisters. (Aalborg to Copenhaven is SE-ward some 150 miles). On this journey there broke a raging storm from SW, such that even the great steamship from Aalborg that accompanied us out of Hals (Hals, the eastern "bottleneck" of the Limfjord) turned about and anchored in lee of the land in order not to suffer from the storm. The Lion rode like a sea-gull upon the-water; and I, a seasoned mariner, had no fear; inasmuch as I was absolutely confident in the promise of the Lord; and, I hoped to bring the Saints in time to the conference which was to be held in Copenhaven. But we did not arrive until after the conference was over, for it was not until on the fifth day that we landed at the Custom House dock in Copenhaven; because after the storm we had very calm weather with mild southerly breezes, while the stream (Baltic outflow through Oresund Strait) was hard against us so that headway could scarcely be made. Later I sailed off with Brother Forsgren and several brethren to Fredericia and other places in Denmark (SW coast), and back to Copenhaven; from where I again sailed away with missionaries to Norway, amoung whom was Christian Larsen who had been appointed to preside over the Norwegian Mission.

Our destination was Brevig, where on the morning September 12th we had arrived to about a quarter-mile from the city when we met up with the Brethren Ahmanson and Folkman, who, after having been under arrest for four days, were just taking a trip across the fjord in a barge to visit a friend of ours. They came aboard and we greeted each other with joy. When the brethren told us about the bitterness that prevailed against in Brevig, we set our course for the place where this friend lived and remained there over night. The weather was especially fine, with a soft breeze from the NW, and the Lion of Zion glided slowly along over the smooth billows, and all on board felt contented and happy and thankful to the God of Israel, who had so directed matters before us that we should not fall directly into the claws of the Brevig police.

We held council, however, as to what to do and how to comport ourselves; and it was unanimously resolved to land the missionaries at Frederikstad (city in the Eastland), where we arrived on the 14th of the month. After a short stay in Frederikstad I sailed for Osterrisor, bringing with me the Brethren C. Larsen and Ahmanson. I found my family well and prosperous, and had the opportunity of rejoicing with them and with the other Saints for a few days whereupon I again sailed away with the brethren to Brevis and to Frederikstad.

We arrived at Vaterland via Frederikstad on October 8th, and stayed at Brother Emil Larsen's. Meetings were held and the Saints out in the country were visited. The rejuvenating joy of the Gospel filled the hearts of all the Saints. And, everything went as well as could be expected until on the l4th of this month, when the Brethren Folkman, C. Larsen, Hansen and I while making a visit to the hamlet of Ingolsrud were apprehended by the "amtman,” or prefect, Birch Reichenwald. (The prefect is the federal marshal of the county.) As I was not acquainted with the man, I inquired about his authority for putting us under arrest, whereupon he in anger jerked his overcoat open in front and showed forth an official badge, and ordered us to follow him to Frederikstad to be arrested; to which we refused, bade him farewell, and continued our way to Ingolsrud; where shortly after our arrival again were apprehended by the son of Constable Ytter who was accompanied by a posse of farmers. He demanded to see our passports, which we did not have with us. I explained to him that I was a shipmaster and consequently had never been under the necessity of showing a passport. We were thereupon all ordered under arrest; whereupon I asked for permission first to go to Vaterland in order first to see to my vessel and to secure its moorings better before being placed in confinement; to which permission was granted under the stipulation that I should present myself to the office of the City Constable of Frederikstad on the following morning; which I promised.

C. Larsen and I promenaded thereupon to Vaterland. Folkman and Hansen were dragged along by the farmers to jail.

On the morning of October 15, 1852, C. Larsen and I were requested by Deputy Constable Fjeldsted and a policeman to follow them to the City Constable, with which we immediately complied. Upon our arrival there Christian Larsen was immediately ordered to follow the policeman to jail. I was thereupon requested by the City Constable to explain to him our principles of faith, which I did with the greatest of willingness. He was given a testimony about the principles of the everlasting Gospel; such that ought to secure every brother from being arrested; because he listened with attentiveness, and seemed to be a humble man. Although I had not performed any baptism nor administration of the Sacrament in Frederikstad nor, in its vicinity, nevertheless he said to me, “I am compelled to put you under arrest; you must now follow the officer.”

Whereupon I said, “Mr. Constable, were it not for the sake of the testimony of Jesus Christ that I am being arrested, you would suffer bodily harm to get me incarcerated.”

Afterward, I went quietly with the policeman to the jail; being compelled to do so; and remained there until March l6, 1853. We, the incarcerated, were the five Brethren: C. Larsen, F. Dorius, P. Beckstrom, Ahmanson and I, in the city jail of Frederikstad. Four were arrested by Sheriff Prins, namely: Olsen, Knudsen, Folkman and Hansen. Thus all the missionaries had been deprived their liberty.

However, the everlasting Gospel had now been established in Norway, and was spreading like a leaven over the country amoung the descendants of Joseph.

In the course of the winter we were several times called before the court and upon demand bore testimony about our faith and doctrine. At two of the first “meetings” (examinations) there were two priests of the State Church present, and, as well as I can recollect, they listened, without a word, to our testimonies. Besides that, we had a questionnaire of six queries, extracted from Skandinaviens Stjerne, volume I., to be answered in writing. It fell to my lot to be the scribe. We were often visited by strangers, who were all given a testimony according to the circumstances, about the restoration of the Gospel to the earth as well as to the divine authority of the priesthood. Our friend and brother, Captain J.A. Jensen, after a somewhat protracted opposition, was converted by the spirit of the Gospel, and he has ever rejoiced in the divine truths unto the end of his days.

Time in the prison did not seem to us to be tedious, it passed away with things to divert us and with cheerful song. Warden Fjeldsted regardless of his disbelief, gave us all the liberty that it stood in his power to give. Writing materials were taken from us to begin with, but after my request to the City Constable for permission to correspond with my family, they were restored to us. In the course of time I wrote three letters to the 'prefect' Birch Reichenwald, about being liberated from jail, setting forth in unmistakable terms that I was imprisoned without cause or accusation. Whereunto he at last gave an answer to the City Constable to turn me loose on the stipulation that I should not any more preach the Mormon doctrine. I was thereupon called to the City Constable's and liberated from jail, March l6, 1853, with the stipulations read to me. To these I answered, “I shall never cease to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ as long as I live.” The Constable made no objections.

I was now very happy and thanked God for my deliverance; because I had become weary at last of prison, and now felt that I really knew how to value liberty. I paid several visits to the Saints, and to the brethren who were confined at Elverhöi (River Heights) in the residence of Sheriff Prins. Our conversations were quite animated and everyone hoped now that liberation would soon come. I set out for Christiania with the purpose in view to bear testimony about the Gospel to my brother-in-law, Johan Herman Barlog, and to my sister-in-law, and arrived there on the 21st of the same month. I had with me a copy of the Book of Mormon, some tracts and several numbers of the Stjerne. Still, after all my diligence, I was not able to convince them of the truth of the Gospel.

In my travel I fell in with a young man, Journeyman-baker, Mathias Olsen from Christiania, who received faith in the Gospel. Likewise I bore testimony of the truth unto several on the journey, of whom one man, Johannes Nilsen of Stora in Okers Parish, was humble and received the truth without contradiction. I bore testimony before several families and individuals in Christiania; and was directed by my friend M. Olsen to Andreas Sorensen who lived in the hamlet of Näs, 1½ (6 Eng.) miles from Christiania, where we remained over night, and had the opportunity of bearing testimony before the family and the invited neighbors. I sold, and made presents of many tracts wherever I concluded that it might turn to use. For the above named family I had hopes that they would be brought into the Church. The man especially seemed to give credence to the Gospel. After having accomplished what I could during my stay in Christiania, I set out again on my journey afoot on the 26th.

My friend Mathias Olsen accompanied me in the neighborhood, two days on the way, where I often bore testimony and gave out tracts. On the 28th I arrived at Frederikstad, where I in company with Christian Larsen, who had also been let out of prison, visited the incarcerated brethren on Elverhöi; as well as the Saints in, and outside of the city. On the 9th of April, I sailed off with the Lion of Zion for Brevig and thence to Risor, bringing along four brethren of which three had been appointed for Brevig and one for Risor, where I arrived on the 12th late in the evening, and found my wife and children all enjoying good health, and joyous over my coming home, which all the Saints were also. I continued to work for the furtherance of the Gospel in Risor and vicinity.

On the 10th of May the Brethren, E. Haagen, Knud Pettersen and Carl Dorius, arrived at Risor in order to begin their mission in Norway, the first two from Zion and C. Dorius from Copenhaven. The Brethren, Haagen and Pettersen, labored in Risor and vicinity, and Dorius departed for the Eastland.

The devil, who for some time had labored in quietness amoung the Saints in Risor to the end of weakening their faith in the divine truths, now began an open warfare. He had rallied under his banner as well the police, the clergy, the merchants and the mob. These last named, who constituted his main corps, came in large flocks and often appeared to be on the verge of storming my house, where lived the brethren Haagen and Pettersen. I spoke to the Town Constable now and then about the outrages that we had to endure from the mob and demanded protection by the deputy police. He promised to maintain order, and sent for that purpose Deputy Constable Niels Juel to see that order was kept, but the latter hypocritically turned in with the mob to make the evil worse. The Town Constable declared to me that he could not maintain order by means of the police department. I had also been to Dean Vettergren and requested of him, as being the shepherd of human souls to admonish his audience from the pulpit, that they should not persecute us and harm us. We received for an answer that he would render his sermons as usual. I explained to him that I was no longer going to endure affronts by his flock. I stated, “If your sheep force their way into my house they will meet with a strong opposition, because they will run against a sharp axe; and in that case the blood of those sheep will be a stain upon your garments because you will not warn them."

Matters, thank God, did not come to this extremity, for the Lord averted the housebreaking. Still, I was always on guard; and when I opened the street door, they would scatter in fear. They understood that I was prepared for defense and no one dared to be the first one to make the break.

However, one evening there got to be a frightful uproar outside my house; so that there was no peace to be had. My wife upbraided me on the inside while the mob raged on the outside. I thereupon went out into the store-room and knelt before the Lord God of Israel, who had always delivered me in time of distress, and prayed for His help and deliverance from the violence of the mob. To the glory of the Lord, I must say, that before I had ended praying it became quite still outside, for the Lord sent a man whom no person knew; he drove the mob away at once. My neighbor, H. Hendriksen, stood in his doorway and was an eye-witness to the scene. He described the man as being under medium height.

The next day I went with Brother Knud Pettersen to the Town Constable and told him about the riot and explained to him how I supposed it would end up if the thing were not stopped; whereupon I demanded in a resolute and challenging tone that, “Since you are unable to abate these riots and to maintain order in the town, so that lawabiding citizens can be protected in their houses and upon the streets by the help of the police, you will be under the necessity of sending for military aid. I am telling you that whoever they are who try to storm or to forcibly enter my house will be victims of death from the axe that stands ready; and upon whom will the censure fall for this great evil, except you, Mr. Town Constable.” (This was said in the presence of Brother K. Pettersen and Deputy Huusland.)

Now the Town Constable woke up and swore that he was not going to send for military aid, but was surely going to keep order by means of the police. Whereupon a proclamation was written and the Deputy Constable and a military drummer brought in. The drum was now beaten through every street of the little town and the proclamation read out, of the content that the person or persons who shall hereafter affront, or assault, or commit violence against the Mormons, shall be fined so and so many ounces of silver and be confined for such and such time in accordance with the gravity of the crime, etc., etc. The Town Constable promised also to send a policeman to all of our assemblages, which word he kept like an honest man.

We enjoyed, from that time on, complete freedom and peace. Police officer Pedersen came continuously to our meetings and was thereby convinced of the truth and brought under the covenant, whereupon he lost his job.

Following this, Policeman Vold was sent by the Town Constable to look after order. This man was also, after a while, brought into the Church, whereupon he was deprived of his position. It looked as though none of our undertakings could be kept hidden from the Town Constable. Finally, it can be said of him, he was by nature a humane person.

He said to me, (when it seemed to him things were going too far so that even the Police Department became Mormons, as he called us), in a very cordial manner. “See here, Larsen, you must not baptize.” I answered, in a free and just as cordial manner, “I know that Mr. Constable, but we do it, anyway.” He appeared to be satisfied.

I now rigged up the Lion of Zion and bade farewell to Brother K. Pettersen and to all the Saints, embarked my family and the Brethren Christian Larsen, J. Folkman, F. Dorius and N. Hansen and sailed away from Osterrisor to Denmark on the 2nd of August 1853. We arrived at Hals on the 3rd, the next day. With this were ended my labors for the furtherance of the truth in Norway.

After a day's visit to the Saints in Aalborg, I returned to Hals and began to live with Brother Hans Jensen (bishop of Manti). My furnishings were hauled up with the help of Brother Kjär (who also lives in Manti).

I again took leave of my family 23/4 hours after my arrival at Hals and sailed off for Copenhaven on the 5th, with some brethren. Had a gentle wind from NW and arrived at Copenhaven on the 6th in the evening. Labored for some time amoung the Saints and amoung non-member strangers. Again sailed away, with Brother and sister H. P. Jersen to Hals, where we arrived September 25, and found my family well and happy at my arrival. Stayed for a few days and sailed on October 4th for Copenhaven with a cargo of Saints, where we arrived on the 7th; had storm and contrary wind.

I now rigged the Lion, after having offered it for sale at many places. Left it with Brother Van Cott to sell. I was called to take a mission tour in Jutland; preached in Randers and vicinity and unto my wife's nine relatives, who lived 2 ½ (10 Eng.) miles north of Randers. Baptized Mätte Marie Hjätting on Nov. 24, and later Fredrik Lynberg.

On the 27th I arrived at Hals and found my family in the best of condition. On December 1st we took farewell of the Saints in Hals and I set off to Aalborg with my family, whence we departed on the following day with the steamer Iris for Copenhaven and arrived on the 3rd; were lodged in a tenement hall where 172 Saints were now living. On the 22nd we were embarked, with a number of the Saints, on the steamship Slesvig for Kiel. Here our journey to Zion commenced, where we arrived the next day, and continued the journey to Glückstadt on the 24th. Were embarked on the steamship Queen of Scotland and sailed for Hull, England, on the 25th, where we arrived on the 27th, and continued the journey to Liverpool on the next day by railroad. Were shown to the Hotel Du Rhin, in Paradise Street. From there we were embarked aboard the sail ship "Jessie Munn,” Captain John Ducket.

Brother Christian Larsen was appointed president of the company of emigrants. I and Brent Nilsen, his counselors. We sailed from Liverpool on the 3rd of January 1854; and arrived in New Orleans on the 20th of February. Had about l4 persons die on the journey. We started out for the city of St. Louis with the steamboat “St. Louis,” on the 25th. Cholera had already made its appearance in the company. Several took sick and died. On March 5th, we arrived at St. Louis. On the 19th, my wife died; three of the children had died before her. Two children and the wife are buried at St. Louis. On April 13th, left St. Louis and came to Kansas City on the l8th of same month. We pitched our camp about two miles from the city; where we tarried about two months, and thereupon left with an ox-team train for Salt Lake City. Out of about 700 Danish, Norwegian and Swedish, there were more than 200 that died on the journey. Of my family, which consisted of seven members, we were three living who came to Zion on the 5th of October 1854.

S. Larsen.

I do not expect that all this will be published in the Stjerne.

On October 6th, in the morning, I hoisted from the wagon, on a tent pole, the white banner with the “coat-of-arms” Lion of Zion, which brought to me many visitors and I had to make explanation about the meaning of the symbol. I was kindly received by a resident Norwegian family and in their company I attended Conference for three happy days. At sight of God's Prophet and Apostles, my mind was penetrated by strange, glad feelings over that I had been favored by the Lord to live in a time a telegraph line has again opened between heaven and earth, by means of which the kingdom will forever remain. The “Lion” with the radiant eye, in its gilded halberd, waved during these days. Whereupon a brother, whose name I have forgotten, took a liking to the symbol and paid me one dollar for the same.

It was continuously in my mind to travel southward in order to seek work. Whereupon it fell to my lot to be offered work at the place of Brother Morris Phelps, in Alpine City, 30 miles south of Salt Lake City, and worked for him during the autumn and winter, in building a house, cutting saw-logs and sawing lumber.

In the spring of 1855, I fenced in ten acres of land and got it sowed in with wheat, corn and potatoes, (beginning thus, my life as a farmer). Everything grew thrivingly and gave signs of a good harvest; but suddenly came the crickets, the Lord's all-powerful host, which was very voracious and consumed all to the exception of 20 bushels of wheat and about 2 bushels of corn.

In the course of time I made some adobes and built me a little house as well as helped to build a wall around the place for protection against assault by the Indians.

In 1856, I again had my land sowed into wheat, corn and potatoes. All of it sprouted up luxuriantly, but as the crickets had laid their eggs there, everything was devoured in the course of the summer; and as the crickets again laid their eggs there, I went to Spanish Fork in order, if possible, to obtain land and work, in which I was successful, for I got both, as well as the opportunity of living at Brother N. Borrensen's, in his cellar and sleeping at his haystack; because about all the Scandinavians dug themselves down into the earth in cellars for winter. I followed the custom, dug a cellar with two rooms, stored in my winter supplies, and after 2½ years of widower's life, again got me a wife and a whole flock of children, at the same time. I was now appointed by Bishop Butler to preside over the Scandinavian Saints, of which there were about fifty families gathering.

It ought to be mentioned here that Bishop John Butler was so good a man as is rarely to be met with, and a true father unto the Saints; he had been taught by tribulations and trials, (which fate he partook of together with the Saints in Nauvoo, etc.), and how to appreciate blessings.

In the year 1856, I raised over 200 bushels of wheat, a little corn and potatoes, had a little house with two rooms built, as well got my little property in Alpine City disposed of, and again got a wife with a flock of children, and everything seemed now to be flourishing.

The Nauvoo Legion was organized and I appointed and mustered in as a captain over fifty. All the troops were brought under military training under the newest tactics of war as well as one devised by one of the Saints. These consisting of after each volley to fall flat on the ground, as well as all possible sorts of preparations of self-defense, contrived to oppose the enemy which was then on the march to Utah. However, all the Saints were requested by the Presidency to pray unto the Lord to be delivered from the shedding of the blood of the enemy. At the same time similar petitions were prayed unto the God of Israel by holy men in holy garments and in holy places, which accounts for the mystery that the army was hindered at Ham's Fork long enough not to be able to arrive in Salt Lake City, according to their destination for winter quarters, but in place of that they reached, under great difficulty, Fort Bridger, where they remained until the government had concluded peace with Utah. Herein we see the plainest evidence that the Lord is the helper of those that have made covenant to serve Him. If the Lord had not stopped the enemies of the Saints they could with ease have reached Salt Lake City, which would, according to all appearances, have brought tragic consequences. Thus arose the saying that the Mormons won a brilliant victory without bloodshed.

It was in the fall of this year that the Saints in Spanish Fork were chastened by Bishop Butler and their sins forgiven; but, with the exception of the sin against the Holy Ghost. I was appointed to chastise the Scandinavian Saints (because the Bishop could not make himself understandable to them) and was given authority to forgive them of their sins. All of us were thereupon baptized for the remission of our sins and embraced the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands, which was in truth given to the Saints in rich measure.

Satan was not remiss, either, in trying out the weak points of the Saints. I had in the course of the spring of 1858 fenced in two city lots and planted a number of fruit trees thereon, the same because we were told to continue to build and to cultivate as if there were no danger, although everything was to be burned at a signal from President Young, if necessity should demand. However, praised be the Lord, everything remained in the best of order, because two commissioners had arrived at Salt Lake City to negociate peace terms and had promised absolutely that no soldier should break ranks upon their march through the city, one could not be quite sure of their integrity.

In April, 1859, I left Spanish Fork because my soil had been ruined by saleratus, and moved with my family to Mount Pleasant, which was just then being settled. We arrived at the place on the 5th of May and have since lived here, as well as supported myself almost entirely by farming.

On April l6th, l865, I was requested to prepare myself for a mission to Scandinavia, with the preparation for which I eagerly complied. On the 26th of the same month Brother C.C.A. Christensen and I left Mount Pleasant, bringing with us two yoke of oxen and other necessities, and arrived in Salt Lake City on May 1st. On the following day the missionaries were called into President Young’s school hall in order to take measures of procedure for the journey over the plains. The same was appointed for the 22nd, because the heat wave that had just set in had melted the snow with uncommon speed and had suddenly swelled the many mountain streams one had to cross into flood proportions.

We now traded off our oxen for a span of mules, bought harness and wagon and prepared ourselves as well as possible for the journey. Received our blessings and settings apart for the mission under the hands of the Apostles George A. Smith, Wilford Woodruff and George Q. Cannon – Apostle Smith being mouth in my instance. We received also the richest and most pointed instructions from President Brigham Young, after which we returned home to Mount Pleasant.

On the l6th of the same month I called my family together, counseled them and gave them each their blessings; and left for Salt Lake City. On account of many impediments on the way we arrived only as far as the Burton Farm, three miles south of Salt Lake City, (24th south), by the evening of the 22nd. The next morning, early I went afoot into the city in order to ascertain how matters stood in regard to the departure, and found that the same had been appointed for the next day. In the meantime Brother Christensen had followed with the team, and as he was about to drive into the Tithing Yard he was hailed by a provost guard who took away my mule that I had traded for with Brother Van Cott for the oxen. I arrived at the same moment and asked for it back, but in vain, because it was branded U S; and which had got into plain view from about four days previously (through the spring shedding of hair). The provost happened to be a Norwegian; he told me that a Mormon had called his attention to the brand, wherefore he was compelled against his will to take charge of the animal.

I obtained permission from the Provost Marshal to ride up to Camp Douglas (army headquarters) in charge of an armed guard, in order to lay my case before the commanding officer, Colonel George. He showed himself to be very humane, and amoung other things said, “If you can show that it is condemned, that would be a sign that it has been sold by the Army in Camp Floyd, and if such is the case there will be found a “C” on it; if not, it is apparent that it belongs to the government, and is similar to other property that cannot be distributed.” And, no C was to be seen. I had to go without accomplishing my purpose.

Brother Van Cott at that time worked on his ranching property in Goshen. Consequently, I turned to some brethren in authority, told them of the incident and sought their assistance (being certain that Brother Van Cott would bring everything into order upon his arrival home), but all was in vain. Whereupon, I turned to Brigham Young and told him of the case. He directed me to Judge Titus to test out if he would do as much for us as he had done for the apostates in similar cases. I explained to him my circumstances very carefully, and was answered, “If you can prove that the animal is condemned, you can immediately present yourself to Colonel George and receive it back, but in the opposite case I can do nothing for you.”

I turned again to President Young and told him of the outcome of my communication with the judge. He said, “If I had an odd mule you should have it.”

At this remark I understood there was nothing more to be done, and so I appealed to Brother John W. Young, gave him a letter of attorney to act in my place and to remit to me the amount to New York of whatever there could be realized from the mule; which I felt certain of being returned upon Brother Van Cott's arrival at home; which also did happen. It was sold for $l45 and the amount remitted as per request. Bishop Preston, who was appointed to be our captain over the plains, suggested that Brother Richard Birdbedk should be united with us, which was agreed to. He provided a horse and we traded the wagon away for a carriage to Brother Isaac Brockbank.

On May 26th, we left Salt Lake City and caught up with the rest of the company in Echo Canyon on the 28th. From there on unitedly continued the journey across the plains.

The company comprised 45 missionaries of which 18 were for Scandinavia and Denmark. The journey over the plains proceeded as well as could be expected, nothing remarkable took place. I must, however, remark that upon passing Ham's Fork I was penetrated by a feeling of solemnity and gratitude unto the God of Israel, who hindered our enemies for a time just at this spot long enough until they could not accomplish their ungodly purposes. The place lies 143 miles from
Salt Lake City. Likewise, we passed the place on the Sandy where the teamsters of about fifty with provisions and clothes heavily laden army transport wagons were surprised at night by our intrepid and daring Brother Lot Smith and the wagons ordered into a massed position in order to be burned, which also was accomplished on Brother Smith's order. His little command consisted of 25 men as against 54 teamsters and 50 soldiers; and he can in all propriety be considered the Mormon Tordensköld.

We arrived at Omaha on July 1st, after having just previously sold our traveling outfit for 225 dollars, of which each one of us received his due share. On the 9th of the same month I together with some of the brethren set out from Omaha for New York with the steamboat Colorado, and continued the journey on the Grand Trunk line railroad. We arrived in New York on the l4th, and were directed to Union Hotel by Brother Christian Christiansen who had arrived a day previously; because I together with Brother Preston and others had stopped over night at Niagra City to view the wonderful Niagra waterfall, as well as the great masterpiece of work, the suspension bridge. An exact description of all this would be too extended; however, I will mention that the water comes from Lake Erie and falls vertically to a depth of about 150 feet into the Lake Ontario which has its outlet into the Atlantic Ocean through the St. Lawrence river.

The bridge is two stories high and hangs upon two great steel cables, anchored in, and resting upon four solid stone pillars. The upper story is used for the railroad and the lower one for horses, wagons, and pedestrians.

On the 15th we left New York with the steamship Louisiana, with Captain McNevin, and came to Liverpool on the 28th of the same month after a successful voyage over the Atlantic Ocean, where I enjoyed the blessed invigoration of that element. We were 27 brethren upon this ship, of which 15 were for Denmark and Scandinavian peninsula. We announced ourselves at the office in Liverpool and received our instructions from President Wells. On the 29th, departed from
Liverpool by way of Hull, on the steamship Excelsior, Captain Newton, to Hamburg; where we arrived on August 1st, and continued the journey via Lübeck and Korsöer to Copenhaven, where we arrived on the next day all happy and grateful to the God of Israel who had kept his protecting hand over us and preserved us upon the journey. During my stay in Copenhaven, I visited the sculptor, Sikker Malte, whose uncle I am, and was kindly received by his young wife, because he was away at the time and assisting at the unveiling of the bust of Frederik VII, which he had sculptured. I therefore merely had the occasion of making her acquainted with the glad message of good tidings from Cumorah and the restoration unto the earth of the divine priesthood, in which she did not take much interest. She was, nevertheless, very eager to learn the reason why polygamy should be prevalent amoung the Mormons. I gave her full explanation of the Lord's purpose with the same. Upon which she declared that it was founded upon reasonable and pure principles.

I had been appointed by President Widerborg as traveling elder in Norway, after which I left on the 9th of the same month with the steamship Princess Louise and arrived in Christiania on the 11th, and immediately announced myself at the office of the Saints in Munkedamveien to Elder George A. Brunn who presided over the Norwegian Mission.

During my stay in Christiania I often called on my brother-in-law, J. H. Barlag. Upon my first visit I was received with apparent cordiality and manifestations of friendship, which gradually cooled off on account that I sought to convince them of the truth in the principles of eternal life. Although Barlag conceded that our doctrine agrees full with the Scriptures, still they could not comprehend the testimony. I now felt that my garments were rid of their blood; and after my appointment by the president to labor as traveling elder in the Westland and to preside over that part of the Conference, I left Christiania on August 31st. In the meantime I had taken part in many gatherings and had had many pleasant visits with the Saints in Christiania, because these had their foundations laid on faith in divine truths.

I now visited all the Saints in all of the Westland and encouraged them to remain faithful along life's thorny pathways so that after the strife is ended and victory won, they might be the heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ. I found the Saints to be in a healthy condition spiritually, and at my departure from them I left them strengthened in faith upon the principles of truth. I had meanwhile held many meetings unitedly within the districts, appointed local priesthood and the traveling elders; and visited many old friends as well as all my relatives; and sowed the good seed over the field, hoping that in time it would take root, and bear fruit. This began to happen before my departure from Westland, because several were brought into the covenant. After that Elder C.C.A. Christensen had been appointed as president over the mission, I was called to the Eastland in order to labor as traveling elder and to preside over the districts. Made the acquaintanceship of the Saints and of many strangers; held many meetings unitedly with the appointed priesthood over branches and districts; and distributed out tracts as well as the Book of Mormon over all my field of labor wherever the opportunity was given. I saw scattered fruits of my labor, because a few were brought into the Church.

Took farewell of the Saints and several friends and departed for Christiania on June 7, l867; took farewell of the Saints and connections and left with the steamship Excellensen Toll on the 11th, arriving at Copenhaven on the next day. During the voyage I had the opportunity of bearing testimony before the passengers amoung whom were several sea-captains. The testimony was accompanied by so strong a divine power as I hardly before had experienced. The listeners were entirely quiet and seemed to be acted upon by the spirit of the Lord. Two Swedish gentlemen said, after the testimony was ended: “I have heard Mormonism explained in California, a few years ago, but this was, nevertheless, the clearest and most comprehensible that I have ever heard.”

On Thursday the 13th departed from Copenhaven with the steamship Valdemar together with some returning Elders and a company of Saints. The journey proceeded cheerfully over sea and land, and arrived at Salt Lake City on October 5th, 1867; attended Conference, and departed for my home in Mount Pleasant; where I found my family to be in the best of condition; and have since used my time as much as possible in helping to build up the kingdom of God.

S. Larsen