“No Weapon That Is Formed against You Shall Prosper”

The Mormons on the Fourth at Nauvoo Island—The Great Clam Bake—The Jeredies, Nephites, and a Fine Mormon Time, New-York Daily Times, Monday, July 6, 1857, p. 3.
Online source: https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1857/07/06/issue.html, accessed June 24, 2025

There are many ways we can share the joy of the gospel. On July 4, 1857, Saints invited reporters from the New York Daily News and the New York Times to their patriotic clambake celebration, including the trip by boat to the event. The celebration was held on Nauvoo Island, Connecticut (a small island in South Norwalk in the Long Island Sound, also known at the time as Smith Island, and now known as Shea Island). The Saints in the Westport and Norwalk Branch invited Saints from Boston, New York, New Haven "and their vicinities" to the grand event.

Similar to the situation described in the preface to Section 71, this was a time when general public opinion, and newspaper reporting, of the Church was largely negative, with growing opposition to activities in Utah. But the newspaper coverage of this event was glowing. The Times reported: "The sail down the Bay was much enjoyed; the hymns sung by the choir were to most hilarious tunes; the clouds parted, the joyous sun, a stranger to our skies for most previous days, made land and water laugh under its beams. And in the best possible state of mind and appetite, the Saints and our Gentile reporter reached Nauvoo Island, the first eager thoughts of all centered on the clam-bake."

As described by the Daily News reporter, "Oh, that clam-bake! Not that it differed from other claim-bakes, because it was a Mormon one, except that it was larger and better managed than most that we have shared in....If any picnic ever differed from the Mormon picnic, it was because it wasn't half so good." The picnic included prayers, singing, patriotic speeches, "delicious lemonade" toasts,and a reading of the Declaration of Independence.

At the end of the day, the Times reporter observed that he "received a courteous farewell from the leading brethren and prettiest sisters of the band, and retired, fully convinced that whatever the demerits of Mormonism may be, the Mormons are a jovial crowd for a picnic party." The Daily News reporter finished his reporting describing the Mormons as "a frank, good-hearted, merry, admirable company" and nudged for another invitation, stating "he will have no objection whatsoever to spend the next Fourth of July with them on the Nauvoo Island, with just such a clam-bake." What Church events might you invite your friends to join?

Discussion Questions

1. Jesus explains that Joseph and Sidney were given "that portion of Spirit and power" necessary to fulfil their callings (D&C 71:1). What unique power have you felt that has blessed you in a specific calling?

2. In what ways have you seen holiness in the little children in your life (D&C 74:7)?

3. In Section 75, the Holy Ghost is referred to as the Comforter, both to those hearing and those preaching (D&C 75:10, 27). How can both sides of these conversations be blessed by the Comforter?

For Children & Youth

Hi. In 1857, Church members in Connecticut invited newspaper reporters to their big 4th of July party. They sang hymns, read the Declaration of Independence, played games, and ate delicious food together. This week’s scriptures (D&C 71–75) remind us to share the gospel with love and confidence. Inviting friends to fun Church activities can be a great way to help them feel the joy of the gospel—just like those Saints did on Nauvoo Island. What could you invite someone to?

Discussion Questions

1. The Bishop has a responsibility to take care of the needs of the members of his ward (D&C 72). How has your Bishop (or Branch President) made you feel an important part of your ward (or branch) family? Write a note (or draw a picture) thanking him.

2. In giving them instruction, the Lord tells the Prophet Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon to "Gird up your loins" (D&C 73:6; see also 75:22). What do you think this means? In what situations have you felt prompted to "gird up your loins" and how has this given you courage?

3. Jesus explains to the early Saints that it is the duty of the church to help support the families of those serving missions (D&C 75;24). What can you do to support the families of the missionaries serving from your ward or branch?