"If any man thinks he has influence among this people to lead away
a party, let him try it, and he will find out that there is power
with the Apostles which will carry them off victorious through all
the world and build up and defend the church and the Kingdom of
God."
There is in existence, with headquarters at Lamoni, Iowa, an
organization known as "The Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter
Day Saints." Joseph Smith, the eldest son of the Prophet Joseph Smith,
is the president of this organization (1909). One of the main reasons
for its existence lies in the belief of its adherents; that "young
Joseph" should have succeeded to the presidency of the church. They
claim:
I.--That it is his right by appointment of his father.
II.--That it is his by lineage; that is, that the office of president
of the church should descend from father to son.
III.--That he was properly ordained by those holding the authority.
In this little tract we can but briefly state the facts in the
premises, that the reader may draw a reasonable and intelligent
conclusion. We do not hope to silence those who have schooled
themselves "even though vanquished, to argue still," but for the
general information of the honest in heart.