Sully Richardson stories

Sullivan Richardson stories

MORMON INDIAN RELATIONS

by Sullivan Calvin Richardson

11 EVIDENCES OF THE ORIGIN OF THE INDIANS

The origin of the Indians was made plain more than a century ago in the coming forth of the Book of Mormon. But while thoughtful people such as the Lady Indian Agent, Clara D. True, wonder and study, the world is but just beginning to realize and accept it.

The history of the two civilizations on this continent was given by the prophet Joseph Smith. He proclaimed that the coming of Adam and those before the flood happened on our continent. He also said that Adam lived in Jackson County, Missouri and that the City of Enoch was taken from where the Gulf of Mexico now raves or lies in quiet calm. Half a century later, the Frenchman, Augustus Le Plongeon spent more than seven years among the Mayas. He was sure he had evidence to prove that man went from there to Egypt and other Eastern countries of ancient civilization and that remnants of the pure Adamic language were still among that people.

From the first, the world has shown its unwillingness to accept new ideas and teachings. What bitterness and ridicule were raised against ideas such as, the earth being round, making iron ships float on water, or Fulton making his steamboat go UP the Hudson River. Today, when some great mind gives out a new discovery, SOME are beginning to give him the smiling benefit of a doubt and wait for it to be proven. But Le Plongeon went so far in ideas he felt he had proven beyond a doubt, that it was far from generally accepted. Nor still does it seem worthy of thought, when INDIAN legends tell of a city being taken up from where the Gulf of Mexico now is, even though the Navajos add that it was placed somewhere in the Pacific Ocean, just showing it did not come from later teachings.

In "Indian Legends" by President James W. Lesueur, (p. 69) is the account of the Maricopa Indian Legend of �The city That Was Taken Into the Sky� and events connected with it, as given by one of the Papagos. He tells that long, long ago, when my people lived way south of here, some started on a hunting trip and went a long way till they reached the great waters. (ocean) After going on and on, they started to return home following their tracks. Something strange had happened while they were away. The tracks led right into a large body of water, and they could not understand it how there was water now where before was land, but looking upward they saw the land high in the sky and still going farther and farther until it finally went out of sight. All the people had relatives and friends living on the land that was taken away and they mourned because they were gone.

An interesting feature connected with the findings of Le Plongeon is his quotation: "Bishop Landa asserts that the ancient buildings of the Mayas, at the arrival of the Spaniards in Yucatan, were already heaps of ruins, objects of awe and veneration to their aborigines."

Then Le Plongeon makes plain that much of the writing, and many of the characters were as great a mystery to the common minds among the Mayas as they are to the world today, and to all except "many of the nobility," and "perhaps to a few archaeologists who were sworn to secrecy."

People who understand the 'Book of Mormon' and that the Nephites came to America 600 B. C. may get a thrill from such as this from POPULAR SCIENCE MONTHLY for May, 1932, under: "MYSTERY OF America's LOST EMPIRE SOLVED AT LAST!" It tells us, among other interesting discoveries, that the Mayas laid the foundation of their great civilization as long ago as 600 B. C. "and that it reached its height between 300 A. D. and 600 A.D., It states that, "The Mayas were the Greeks of the West. As sculptors, craftsmen, and jewelers, they surpassed the ancient Egyptians." It says that investigation has pieced together much of the thrilling story of the Mayas. "But the first act is still missing. Whence did they come? Where and how did they live before August 6, 613 B. C. when they carved their oldest known date. A date more than 500 years or 510 A. D. shows they were in great power at that time."

Then interest centers in the question, WHAT reliable records can give facts upon which to base Le Plongeon's 'Adamic language' ? The solution to this problem is in one place, the book of Ether, in that same Book of Mormon translated from gold plates. There one finds that really from the Tower of Babel, a company under the 'Brother of Jared' DID seek the Lord that their language might not be confounded. And that speaking the pure Adamic language, they were brought to America, and became a mighty people with a wonderful civilization, and spread over the choice parts of our land. (See Book of Ether chs. 1-9)

Then, they were not content with their great blessings, and in their pride they began to practice evils that will ever lead to destruction, wickedness increased until the prophet Ether pronounced their utter destruction unless speedy repentance followed. And though Coriantumr was told he should live to see his people all destroyed, and another people receive the land for an inheritance, like the nations that face prophetic decree of destruction today for pride and wickedness, he was too hardened to repent.

When all was fulfilled, and on that terrible battlefield he knew not one was left alive, he wandered away through what was once scenes of joy and pleasure, but now only of sorrow and loneliness and retribution. Each scene and hour increased the dread torture of what might have been IF, and spurred him on to get away from himself. He had no hopes for the future here or hereafter, and he felt the awful condemnation of dire torment that makes the real hell, here or in eternity. At last he came upon that 'other people' who had been brought 'to receive the land.' They had the brass plates, and in the 'nine moons' he lived among them, he could teach the few of them in the pure, perfect language of Adam, in which it was so much easier to make thoughts known. So, naturally, that 'language' was known to 'many of the nobility' , as Le Plongeon found it.

But the great explorer knew nothing of these truths, he found a 'striking' similarity of 'their manners and customs, their traditions, their architecture,' with those of the ancient civilized nations of Asia, Africa, and Europe 'of which we have knowledge' which, as he says, 'are not merely the effect of hazard, but the result of intimate communications.'

Nephi told us the writing on the plates was the Reformed Egyptian. Le Plongeon had no knowledge of that. However, to prove that the Mayan and the Egyptian languages are the same, Le Plongeon says he has translated verbatim, a legend written with Hieratic Maya characters that are likewise Egyptian. He says that anyone who can read hieratic Egyptian inscriptions will have no difficulty in translating the legend by the aid of a Maya dictionary.

In his book 'Queen Moo' (p. 37) he gives some very interesting cases in regard to the 'Adamic' part that he found. In spite of all commentaries about the words written by a spirit's hand on the wall of the banquet hall at the impious Feast of Belshazzar, King of Babylon, the words are of the same meaning in American Maya language as then given by Daniel. He, with others, claims it was the pure Adamic, and not a language of the Near East. It was no wonder the wise men could not translate it. He then gives the meaning of the root of each word.*

Le Plongeon (p. 38) makes just as striking the translation of the last words of the Master on the cross, according to Matthew 27:46; and Mark 25:34; "Eli, Eli, lamah sabachthani."

He says it is no wonder those who stood near him could not understand what he said. To this day the translators of the Gospels do not know the meaning of these words, and make Him, who they pretend is the God of the Universe, play before mankind a sorry and pitiful role, I will not say for a god, but for a man even.

"He spoke PURE MAYA. He did not complain that God had forsaken him, to the charitable individual who tried to allay the pangs of intolerable thirst he suffered in consequence of the hardships he had endured, and the torture of the chastisement inflicted on him.

"Hele, Hele, Lamah Zabac Ta Ni. " is 'Now, Now, I am fainting; darkness covers my face.' or, in John's words: 'It is finished.' (He says POSCA, that they put to his lips was a very cooling drink made of vinegar and water sweetened with honey. And gives his authority for it.)

Let us consider the question, "Did Jesus visit the Indians ?" 3rd Nephi, in the Book of Mormon, gives a most wonderful portrayal of the work Jesus did on this continent after his resurrection, in fulfillment of his words to the Jews, "Other sheep I have, that ye know not of."

Prophets had foretold the signs of his birth that should be given on this continent among this people. They prophesied so near the date of his birth that those who fought against such ideas at last said the time had passed and set a time to 'wipe out' all who would believe and teach such ideas and 'folly'. But the words to Nephi "This night come I into the world" brought the signs of 'no darkness' etc. and saved a faithful people.

Then many labored with all the power and zeal possible, to turn the people from wickedness, but pride and evil had such a hold on the hearts of men, that at the crucifixion, the prophecies of awful judgments and destruction were fulfilled. Terrible tempests and lightning and thunder occurred, and for three days there was such thick darkness that there could be no fire. Communities were wiped out, cities were burned or buried deep in the earth. Mountains fell on some. The sea covered others. Wives and sons and daughters were no more.

Then, HIS VOICE came and stopped the wailing and mourning, and the worthy souls listened to His teachings, to words as grand and inspiring as any recorded in the Gospels. He taught them while showing marks of His love, and great promises were made to those who lived lives of service and righteousness. They saw and felt the wounds in his hands and side, and knew what he had gone through for all of God's children, and fell at his feet and worshiped him.

His church was organized and named. Another twelve Disciples were chosen, and all things were held in common. For 200 years no wickedness marred their joy and peace. Civilization grew beyond belief, and plenty crowned their labors. Then, as with the Jaredites, pride and unholy desires came and grew among them, and prepared them for the same judgments. Before the end of another 200 years, the two great peoples gathered at the same great battlefield of the Jaredites, and at the end of another war of extermination, only the fierce tribes we call Indians remained of the once mighty civilization.

Patriarch James A. Little asked, "When they were leaving their southern homes and gathering their armies for that great destruction, would ALL go? Certainly not. And what class would stay with the old homes? the war like, blood thirsty element, or the peace loving, most highly civilized?" There is no need for an answer. But just note that this most reasonable condition was exactly what was found when the white man came.

"In the Peruvians, the Mayas, and the Aztecs," says historian Bancroft, "the Spaniards destroyed a greater civilization than they gave those peoples. " Whilst in the country around that battlefield Cumorah, were the fierce, war like, undependable tribes that massacred the whites and often resorted to wars to settle their problems. Certainly, many who had been told by their faiths of the fine country they had left at their old southern homes, would want to go back to it. And the Navajos, Apaches, etc. would probably be of those who started back, but a country filled with buffalo and game, would hold them.

According to Bancroft, the city now called the City of Mexico was the dwelling place of the cultured "Toltecas," whose name means "Artisan. " They were an enlightened people, but a war like tribe from north of the lake came, conquered them and became their rulers. They soon became one people with Montezuma as king. Thus they were found and conquered by Cortez.

Since no ruins of cities are found in or near the region from which they are said to have come, it would suggest the "war like tribe" coming from the far north. This, too, was given by Patriarch Little.

There appear to be marks of the teachings of the Christ on every side of us. The Yaquis, still really unconquered, still have their twelve reverenced leaders who govern the tribe. They forbid any encroachment upon their mountain fastnesses, while in many ways they show great relics of Christ's teachings.

The interesting writer, Keoppler, did extensive research for authentic Indian lore and traditions to use in his work "Council Fires". Though he knew nothing of Book of Mormon history, he found that among the greater number of Indian tribes, there are striking evidences of great teachings, and also of a time when all was held in common, when wondrous centuries of peace and plenty reigned.

He feels that to cure the evils of today, all religions and peoples should join in one great "Council Fire," where the Indians should also take part, and that the good should be taken from theirs, and from all beliefs and teachings. By doing that, great practices and truths would be found that would be a cure for all the strife and ills of man on earth.

For evidences of other happenings, as at the time of the crucifixion, when cities were buried, the article from the paper "El Universal" of August 13, 1931 "CITY FOUND IN A CAVERN."

"Petrified bodies strewn about marble floors of mile deep pre historic Mexican town." The account was given by Senator Miguel F. Ortega, who, with half dozen others had just come from the caves. He says, "The largest of the caves was found by explorers about a mile under ground. The floor of this cave also was covered with white marble. In this cave the explorers, aided by electric torches, discovered the remains of an entire family which apparently had been overtaken by death while eating." And Senator Ortega said "All but the actual food and life of this group, buried for unknown centuries in this black retreat in mid earth, was exposed to our gaze." (Just a few lines from the clipping from "El Universal" sent by my sons from Los Angeles in May, 1932.) S. C. Richardson.

*Footnote: A most interesting picture of that scene, was impressed upon my mind by my mother when I was ten years of age. Perhaps it has been added to, in giving it to our young folks in the years since.

But when Belshazzar saw the writing and a finger imprinting it on the wall, he would ask, "What is it?" "What does it mean?" None of his wise men could tell him, and he was about to punish them when his wife said, "There is a little Hebrew who can. " Daniel was sent for, and the King was so "wrought up" over it, Daniel might choose his own reward for his translation. But his answer was: "Thy reward perish with thee, but I will tell you what the Lord is making known to you."

The Bible account closes with, "That night Belshazzar the king was slain. " But another historian added, "Even now the Medes and Persians are at the door to carry thy body away. " And yet time was given to clothe Daniel in fine apparel.

When Cyrus entered and saw the writing, he too, would ask what it was. And when he was told of its appearance and that a little Hebrew had made known their coming, he, too, had him sent for. His question would be: How did you know of our coming? He knew nothing of a God nor did he have any faith in one.

Then Daniel explained that the Father God of the Hebrews that can make known all things, had told him, "And more, you were named 75 years before you were born, and that you would have the Jews return to their own land, and have their temple re built. " Of course, Cyrus, an infidel, would ask, "What are you trying to put over?"

Then Daniel fearlessly looked him in the eye and said, "Send over into Mesopotamia, and in the records there, you will find some that were put there in later times. And in the Jewish archives, in such a place, you will find the same."

At last it soaked through his mentality, until he sent, and found it was really true. His edict is said to be still in being. But he had written "The God of the Hebrews has commanded me to have the Jews return and build his temple in Jerusalem) etc.

Through all the years of the Jewish captivity, the people of Samaria had the use of the farms and homes of. the Jews, and now as a just recompense, they were commanded to help build the temple.

A sequel to this story was no less striking, it occurred after the death of Cyrus, when his son Darius became king. The Samarians sent a delegation to him, setting forth how unjust it was for them to be compelled to help in such a building when they did not believe in it, nor had any least use, nor interest in it.

To king Darius also, it seemed an injustice, and he asked WHY his father had done it. When none could tell, he had the records brought out and read to see why the decree had been given and the reason that a strange, people were told to help in such a work. The result was that he, too, was convinced, and the delegation was sent back with orders to add still more in their part of the work.