LETTERS
EXHIBITING THE MOST
PROMINENT DOCTRINES
OF THE
CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS.
BY ORSON SPENCER, A.B.,
_President of the Church of Jesus Christ of L.D.S., in Europe_.
IN REPLY
TO THE REV. WILLIAM CROWELL, A.M.,
_Boston, Massachusetts_, U.S.A.
"THE WISE SHALL UNDERSTAND."--Daniel.
LIVERPOOL: PUBLISHED BY ORSON SPENCER,
39, TORBOCK STREET.
1848.
LIVERPOOL: PRINTED BY R. JAMES, SOUTH CASTLE STREET.
CONTENTS
THE AUTHOR'S PREFACE
LETTER FROM THE REV. W. CROWEL A. M.
LETTER I.
GENERAL INTRODUCTORY REMARKS
LETTER II.
IMMEDIATE REVELATION
LETTER III.
ON FAITH
LETTER IV.
ON WATER BAPTISM
LETTER V.
THE GIFT OF THE HOLY GHOST
LETTER VI.
APOSTACY FROM THE PRIMITIVE CHURCH
LETTER VII.
THE RE-ESTABLISHMENT OF AN APOSTOLIC CHURCH
LETTER VIII.
THE TRUE AND LIVING GOD
LETTER IX.
THE PRIESTHOOD
LETTER X.
ON GATHERING
LETTER XI.
THE LATTER-DAY JUDGMENTS
LETTER XII.
ON THE RESTITUTION OF ALL THINGS
LETTER XIII.
MISCELLANEOUS REMARKS ON RESTITUTION
LETTER XIV.
SUMMARY AND FINAL APPEAL
FAREWELL ADDRESS
NIGHT OF MARTYRDOM
DEATH OF THE AUTHOR'S WIFE
LINES, ON READING THE AUTHOR'S FIRST LETTER IN THE SERIES, BY MISS E.
R. SNOW
PREFACE.
The Author has, for some time, felt desirous to see the most prominent
subjects of the faith of Latter-day Saints brought before the public in
continuous order, in one volume.
This series of Letters was called forth by the letter of inquiry
prefixed, from the pen of the Rev. William Crowel. This gentleman was
at the time, and still is (for ought I know) Editor of "_The Christian
Watchman_," Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A.--a leading paper of the
Baptist denomination in the United States.
The Editor was also a clergyman of high repute for learning and piety
in that denomination of people, and missionary elect to a foreign
land. From the elevated standing of this gentleman, and the nature of
his inquiries being such as have come from many other distinguished
acquaintance, relative to the author's change of views, it seemed
wisdom, after consultation with the Prophet and Patriarch (since
martyred), to publish a brief reply to his minute and interesting
inquiries.
The author was extensively known in the New England and Middle States,
as a Preacher of the Baptist denomination. Reference for his character
is given to his Excellency George N. Briggs, Governor of the State of
Massachusetts, by whom he was once invited to take the pastoral charge
of the church where his Excellency resided, and of which he was a
member; also to G. Read, Esq., Connecticut, and Eliphalet Nott, D.D.,
L.L.D., President of Union College, New York, under whose Presidency he
graduated in 1824; and also to N. Kendrick D.D., President of Hamilton
Literary and Theological College, from whence the author graduated in
1829. The records of both these institutions will show that the author
held the FIRST grade of honourable distinction at the time he left them.
These references are not given from vanity, but from the fact that
almost every man's character is traduced and villified, the moment he
embraces the _faith_ once delivered to the Saints.
The present volume constitutes the third re-print, several thousand
copies having been exhausted in a tract form, the present edition, in
book form, was repeatedly inquired after.
The edition has been got out in the midst of multiplied engagements.
Truth in studied brevity has been aimed at, without seeking the least
embellishment of diction.
If there has, in part of the volume, been the appearance of severity
towards the religions of modern Christianity, it has been prompted
solely by the impulse of truth, in order to demolish error, before the
Destroyer of the Gentiles should expose iniquity with irretrievable
loss to its victims.
Scripture references have been studiously omitted, believing that
honest minds would readily find ample support from the scriptures
for all that is contained in this little volume. It is, therefore,
commended to the faith and cordial reception of all who desire the
salvation of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, in sincerity and truth.
ORSON SPENCER.
_Liverpool, January_ 1, 1848.
LETTER FROM THE REV. WILLIAM CROWELL, A. M. TO ORSON SPENCER, A. B.
_Boston, October_ 21, 1842.
MY DEAR SIR,--On the confidence of an old acquaintance and kindly
intercourse, I have long wished to address a friendly line to you;
for, I am sure, you have not forgotten the pleasant, though brief,
interviews which we enjoyed at Middlefield. Since I saw you there,
a great change has taken place, as I have been led to believe, in
your religious views, and a corresponding one in your relations and
circumstances; still, I trust, that you have not forgotten the claims
of friendship and acquaintance.
I need not tell you how much I became interested in your family--so
young and so full of promise--nor of the strong confidence which I
reposed in your piety and conscientious regard for the will of God. I
would not allow myself to believe that you would profess what you did
not sincerely believe, nor that you would believe without good reasons;
still the change in your views excited in me no little surprise. I
have, therefore, been desirous to receive from yourself an account
of your views, and the reasons of your change. I am also desirous to
obtain from one in whom I can confide--one who is acquainted with
the facts--and one who is not prejudiced against it at the outset,
some account of the faith which you have embraced; of the personal
character, doctrines, claims, and influence of him who is called the
leader--I mean Joseph Smith.
Does he claim to be inspired? Is he a man of prayer? a man of pure
life? a man of peace? Where is he now? Does he appear at the head of
his troops as a military commander? What is the nature of the worship
among you, and wherein does it differ from that of religious people
with whom you have been acquainted elsewhere?
How many inhabitants has the city of Nauvoo? What is their condition,
occupations, and general character? What are the dimensions of
the Temple, now in course of erection? Do the Mormons suffer much
persecution? if so, from whom? Are the children instructed in learning
and religion? It would give me great pleasure to learn, also, how you
are employed? whether your family are with you? and also your present
views of truth and duty, and in what respects they differ from the
views which you formerly entertained.
Excuse the number and minuteness of these inquiries. I take an interest
in all that affects the welfare of my fellow-men, and especially in
what is so important as their religious views and hopes. I am aware
that the people, and the views which you have adopted as your own,
are peculiarly liable to misrepresentation; but from you I may expect
something more impartial. Now, if you do not find the task too great
a tax upon your time, I should be much gratified in receiving as full
and as speedy an answer to the queries above proposed, with any other
information in your possession, as may be convenient to yourself.
It may be gratifying to you, to learn that a powerful revival of
religion has been enjoyed in Middlefield, within a few weeks past,--an
account of which, Mr. Bestor, the present pastor, has sent to me for
publication in _The Christian Watchman,_ a copy of which I send you. I
visited the town in the summer, and found your old friends well. I also
attended a minister's meeting at Brother Bestor's, and enjoyed a very
pleasant interview. Several of the brethren spoke of you in terms of
kindness.
My best wishes attend you. Present my regards to Mrs. Spencer, and
Believe me,
Very truly yours,
WILLIAM CROWELL.
P. S.--You will understand that I ask for information for my private
benefit and satisfaction. I do not ask for anything to be published,
unless you see fit to give it for that purpose. I wish you to write as
an old friend.
W. C.
LETTERS IN REPLY BY ORSON SPENCER, A. B.
LETTER I.
GENERAL INTRODUCTORY REMARKS.
_Nauvoo November_ 17, 1842.
My Dear Sir,--I received yours of the 21st ult. about a week since, but
many engagements have prevented a more early reply.
Your inquiries were interesting and important, and I only regret that
I have not more time and room to answer them as their importance and
minuteness demand.
I am not at all surprised that my old friends should wonder at my
change of views; even to this day it is marvellous in my own eyes,
how I should be separated from my brethren to this (Mormon) faith. I
greatly desire to see my Baptist brethren face to face, that I may tell
them all things pertaining to my views and this work; but, at present,
the care of my wife and six children, with the labours of a civil
office, forbids this privilege.
A sheet of paper is a poor conductor of a marvellous and controverted
system of theology; but receive this sheet as containing only some
broken hints upon which I hope to amplify in some better manner
hereafter. You have expressed confidence in my former conscientious
regard for the will of God. I thank you for this, because the virtues
of many good men have been disallowed upon some supposed forfeiture of
public esteem. I thank God that you, and many of the churches where I
once laboured, are more liberal.
You, more than common men, know that it is in accordance with all past
history, that men's true characters suffer imprisonment, scourging,
and death, as soon as they become innovators or seceders from
long-established and venerated systems. Many have suffered martyrdom
for literary and also religious improvements, to whom after ages have
done better justice. "Which of the prophets have not your fathers
persecuted, and slain them which told before of the coming of the Just
One?"
It was the misfortune of many of the former prophets, that they were
raised up at a period of the world when apostacy and corruption
rendered their efforts indispensable, although such efforts proved
unacceptable to those who were in fault. Ancient prophets, you know,
did not merely reiterate what their predecessors had taught, but
spoke hidden wisdom, even things that had been kept secret for many
generations; because the spirit by which they were moved had knowledge
of all truth, and could disclose and reveal as it seemed wisdom in God.
The spirits that were disobedient, while once the long-suffering of God
waited in the days of Noah, doubtless despised the prophet that taught
a universal deluge. But Noah had a special revelation of a deluge,
although the religious people of his day counted him an enthusiast. The
revelation given to Moses to _gather_ an opprest people to a particular
place, was equally one side of, and out of the usual course of former
revelations. John came to the literal followers of Abraham and Moses;
but he escaped not persecution and death, because he breathed an
uncharitable and exclusive spirit towards the existing sects of the
day. Still he was a revelator and seer approved of God.
And is it a thing incredible with you, brother, that before the great
sabbatic era, world's rest, or millennium, God should raise up a
prophet to prepare the people for that event, and the second coming of
Jesus Christ? Would it be disagreeable to those who love the unity
of Saints, or improbable or unscriptural to expect such a prophet to
be possessed with the key of knowledge, or endowed, like Peter, with
the _stone_ of revelation? If the many hundred religious sects of this
age should hereafter harmonize into one faith and brotherhood, without
the aid of special revelations, it would constitute an unparalleled
phenomenon. Should they become a bride fit to receive Jesus Christ
at his coming, it could not be according to Paul's gospel. For six
thousand years, apostles and prophets have constituted an essential
part of the spiritual edifice in which God dwells. Paul says it is by
them the church is perfected and brought to unity of faith.
I know that you and I have been taught from our childhood, that the
church can be perfected without prophets; but where, I ask, is the
first scripture to support this view?
As you kindly say, I have always been accustomed to offer a reason for
my faith; but be assured I was confounded and made dumb, when asked
why I taught another gospel than what Paul did--why I taught that
revelation was ended, when Paul did not--or why I taught that prophets
were not needed, when no inspired teacher ever taught such a doctrine.
Error may become venerable by age, and respectable from the number of
its votaries, but neither age nor popularity can ever make it truth.
You give me credit for a conscientious regard for the will of God.
It was _this_ that gave me the victory where many others, I fear,
are vanquished. The spirit of God wrought mightily in me, commending
the ancient gospel to my conscience. I contemplated it with peaceful
serenity and joy in believing. Visions and dreams began to illuminate,
occasionally, my slumbering moments; but when I allowed my selfish
propensities to speak, I cursed Mormonism in my heart, and regretted
being in possession of as much light and knowledge as had flowed into
my mind from that source. When I preached or conversed according to
my best convictions, peace reigned in my heart, and truth enlarged
my understanding. Conviction and reverence for the truth, at such
times seemed to reign in the hearts of those that heard me; at times,
however, some were ready to gnash their teeth, for the truth that they
would not receive and could not resist.
I counted the cost, to myself and family, of embracing such views,
until I could read it like the child his alphabet, either upward or
downward. The expense I viewed through unavoidable tears, both in
public and private, by night and by day; I said, however, the Lord He
is God, I _can_, I _will_ embrace the truth.
When I considered the weakness of the human mind, and its liability
to be deceived, I re-examined and held converse with the most able
opposers to Mormonism, in a meek and teachable spirit; but the ease
with which many, wearing a high profession of piety, turned aside
the force of palpable truth, or leaned on tradition or inextricable
difficulties, that they could not solve into harmony with their
professions, was very far from dissuading me from my new views. What
could I do? Truth had taken possession of my mind--plain, simple, Bible
truth. It might be asked if I could not expel it from my door; yes, I
_could_ do it; but how would that harmonize with a sincere profession
to preach and practice the truth, by way of example to others? It was
a crisis I never shall--I never can forget. I remember it as an exodus
from parents, kindred, denomination, and temporal support. Has any
one ever passed such a crisis, they will say, at least, be careful of
Brother Spencer's character and feelings.
Little as I supposed that I cared about popularity, competence, or
the fellowship of those who were sincerely in error, when I came to
be stretched upon the altar of sacrifice, and the unsheathed blade
that was to exscind from all these hung over me with perpendicular
exactness; then, then, brother, I cried unto the Lord to strengthen me
to pass through the scene with his approbation.
While I was inquiring to know what the Lord would have me to do, many
brethren of different denominations warned and exhorted me faithfully;
but their warnings consisted very much in a lively exhibition of evils
to be endured, if I persisted; or, in other words, they appealed to my
selfish nature. But I knew too well that truth should not be abandoned
through the force of such appeals, however eloquently urged. Some
with whom I conversed, gave glowing descriptions of the obnoxious
character of Joseph Smith, and of the contradictory and unscriptural
jargon of the Book of Mormon, but it was their misfortune usually to be
deplorably ignorant of the true character of either.
Of the truth of this statement many instances might be furnished, if
the limits of my sheet would allow. My own solicitude to know the
character of Mr. Smith, in order to judge of the doctrines propagated
by him, was not so great as that of some others. My aversion to the
worship of man, is both educational and religious; but I said boldly,
concerning Mr. Smith, that whoever had arranged and harmonized such
a system of irresistible truth, has borne good fruit. Some suggested
that it would be wisdom to make a personal acquaintance with Mr.
Smith, previous to embracing his doctrines; but to me the obligation
to receive the truths of heaven seemed absolute, whatever might be the
character of Mr. Smith.
I read diligently the Book of Mormon from beginning to end, in close
connexion with the comments of Origen Bachelor, Laroy Sunderland,
and Dr. Hulburt, together with newspapers and some private letters
obtained from the surviving friends of Mr. Spaulding, the supposed
author of that book. I arose from its perusal with a strong conviction
on my mind, that its pages were graced with the pen of inspiration. I
was surprised that so little fault could be found with a book of such
magnitude, treating, as it did, of such diversified subjects, through
a period of so many generations. It appeared to me, that no enemy to
truth or godliness would ever take the least interest in publishing the
contents of such a book; such appeared to me to be its godly bearing,
sound morality, and harmony with ancient scriptures, that the enemy of
all righteousness might as well proclaim the dissolution of his own
kingdom, as to spread the contents of such a volume among men; and
from that time to this, every effort made by its enemies to demolish,
has only shown how invincible a fortress defends it. If no greater
breach can be made upon it, than has hitherto been made by those
who have attacked it with the greatest animosity and diligence, its
overthrow may be considered a forlorn hope. On this subject I only ask
the friends of pure religion to read the Book of Mormon with the same
unprejudiced, prayerful, and teachable spirit that they would recommend
unbelievers in the ancient scriptures to read those sacred records. I
have not spoken of the external evidence of the truth of the Book of
Mormon, which is now worthy of much consideration; but the internal
evidence, I think, will satisfy every honest mind. As you enquire after
the reasons that operated to change my mind to the present faith, I
only remark that "Steven's Travels" had some influence, as an external
evidence of the truth of the Book of Mormon.
My present view, after which you also enquire, is, that the evidence,
both internal and external, have been multiplied. It may have caused
surprise and wonder to many of my respected and distinguished friends
in New England, how I could ever renounce a respectable standing in the
churches and in the ministry, to adhere to a people so odious in every
one's mouth, and so revolting to every one's natural liking; the answer
in part is this:--As soon as I discovered an identity in the doctrines
of the Latter-day Saints and the Ancient Saints, I enquired whether
the treatment bestowed upon each was also similar. I immediately
began to dig deep to find the foundation and corner-stone of the
true church; I looked at the demeanour and character of those who
surrounded the Ancient Saints. The result of my observation seemed to
be, that even Jesus Christ had many objectionable points of character
to those who observed him. Those who were reputedly most conversant
with Abraham, Moses, and other prophets of the Lord, pronounced him
unfit for the respect and confidence of a pious community; and why
did such men find so many objectionable points in the character and
conduct of Jesus Christ? for substantially the same reasons that men
of high intelligence and devotion find fault with Joseph Smith and his
doctrines. Those who bore down with heavy opposition to Jesus Christ
were honourable men, whose genealogy took in the worthiest ancestry;
they were the orthodox expositors of revealed truth. Those who now
oppose Joseph Smith (a person ordained and sent forth by Jesus Christ),
occupy the same high and respectable standing, and manifest a similar
bearing towards the reputed impostor of the present day. The ancient
worthies were the repositories of learning, and so are the modern
worthies. The ancients taught many things according to truth and
godliness, and verily believed they were substantially right in faith
and practice; this is also true of modern religious teachers.
But, in reply to my own question, why the ancient religionists opposed
Jesus Christ? I answer; in the first place, they mistook his true
character and conduct; in the second place, they were palpably ignorant
of the wisdom and godliness of many things in the character and conduct
of Jesus Christ; they considered that there was absolutely a wide
difference in the views and conduct of Jesus Christ and themselves.
The same is true of many distinguished opposers to Joseph Smith; they
consider that there is an irreconcilable difference between themselves
and Mr. Smith; and Mr. Smith, of course, is in the wrong, and they are
in the right.
Now let us consider, first, wherein the ancients mistook the character
of Jesus Christ, and modern opposers to Mr. Smith do the same of him.
The true character of Jesus Christ was very imperfectly known to those
who opposed him in his own time. Many impostors that had preceded, had
guarded the public mind against a repetition of further abuse. He was
eyed with dark suspicion wherever he went. It may well be supposed,
that sage precaution against him was vehemently urged, lest through his
great subtlety he might mislead even some that were respectable. And
what could he do to disabuse the public mind? Prejudice and calumny
outrun and prepared a thorny reception for him in all places; and so
thick and dark was the fog and cloud of misapprehension and falsehood
that followed him, that dark suspicions and foul inferences would
obtrude upon the minds even of the honest, to weaken their convictions
in his behalf, and shake their conclusions. The tale of calumny never
lost in sharpness and effect by time or distance.
Those who had not the privilege of a personal acquaintance with Jesus,
might be supposed to have no interest in favouring a personage whose
pretensions, if countenanced, would disturb their quietude, and impugn
their motives, and threaten the prosperity of a system that they
supposed as old as the days of Abraham, and teachings as orthodox as
the sayings of Moses. But whatever was said or done by Jesus that
could possibly be construed by prejudiced minds to his disadvantage,
these things were heeded with readiness, and published in the social
circle, and riveted by the butt of ridicule upon every mind; and those
who loved to laugh at the expense of the innocent, could furnish stock
for the purpose, by retailing tales about the supposed impostor, that
had their origin in misapprehension and falsehood; but they were well
received and cheered by those who affected grave reverence for the
Supreme Deity, while they could trample with scorn (unconsciously) upon
the _brightness of His glory in the person of His Son_.
Now let me ask if the character and conduct of Mr. Smith is not equally
misunderstood by modern religionists. Mr. Smith only claims to be a
prophet, raised up to usher in the last dispensation, while Jesus
Christ was more obnoxious in proportion to the superior magnitude of
his claims as the Son of God. How difficult it is for persons, in the
present age, to form a correct estimate of the true character and views
of Mr. Smith. The public mind is always forestalled concerning him. It
is taken to be sound orthodoxy that there is no more need of prophets
or revelations; the canon of scripture is full; consequently the man
that will claim to be a prophet, or revelator, and seer, must be a base
impostor and knave. With this educational prejudice, sanctioned by the
best men for a thousand years past, and riveted by solemn vows to abide
in orthodoxy, they see as though they saw not, and hear as though they
heard not.
If excellent things are taught by Mr. Smith, it is considered by
prejudiced minds as a good bait employed to cover a well-barbed hook;
by many he is considered _more_ detestable and dangerous, because, say
they, if he did not mix so much good with his system, he would not be
so dangerous and so likely to deceive.
Again, can the people of this country obtain a correct knowledge of
the prophet through the religious prints? I apprehend they never will.
Those who control the religious prints, conceive they know in the
premises, that God has not raised up such a prophet, therefore they
will not tarnish the columns of their periodicals by publishing any
thing favourable to him. While they feel bound to withhold whatever
might commend the prophet to the favourable regards of impartial men,
they feel solemnly constrained to advertise the public of all rising
heresies. Thus while our supposed heresies are published from very
questionable data, our real virtues are buried in oblivion. We do not
murmur; if Jesus, the master, could not be known in his true character,
but said with mingled pity and forgiveness, they know not what they do,
we cannot expect better treatment from those who know but little of us,
while they say much to our disadvantage.
Paul did the Ancient Saints much harm, and wasted them greatly,
being ignorant of their true character, and unbelieving as to their
doctrines. It is certain that Latter-day Saints have received much
harm from those who are ignorant of their character, and unbelieving
as to their doctrines. Religious editors, generally, know very little
of us, except what they have learned from our enemies. Jesus Christ
was entirely stript of his reputation by his enemies, and was put to
death by learned, yet ignorant, zealots, who were too self-wise to be
taught by one whom they knew to be an impostor in the start; but those
men were mistaken in the character of our Lord; and so are our enemies
mistaken in the character and views of the modern prophet.
My own personal observation teaches that it is a very difficult matter
to instil into the minds of sectarian churches, a true knowledge of the
faith and practice of Latter-day Saints. Though one should go among
them that was once highly esteemed by them, they are alarmed at his
approach, and his virtues are conceived to render him more deserving
of a repulse. His influence, say they, may be formidable; we must not
bid him God speed, consequently he is not asked to pray in the family
or public meeting. If he can, by great effort, get an opportunity to
preach, it is not thought advisable for any body to go and hear him,
lest they should be led away by his errors.
Thus you see, brother, how difficult in former and latter days to bring
the true faith to the knowledge of men, through prejudice. They have
prejudged a matter of which they are almost wholly ignorant. This same
notion of treating new matters has veiled the sun in darkness, and
hung the Prince of Life in agonies. How long shall this treatment of
the Saints be persisted in? How long shall prophets be persecuted and
slain, without being fully known, and the servants of God be excluded
from an impartial hearing, when they seek to publish good tidings--even
salvation to the inhabitants of the earth?
Now let me ask my former friends in the eastern churches, with whom
I once held sweet intercourse, how it is possible for the Latter-day
Saints to introduce their views among the sectarian churches and the
world, with any more favourable reception than the Ancient Saints
had in introducing theirs? Prejudice and persecution faced them down
always, and so it is in these days. It is certainly a mistaken idea
to suppose that people are much better now than they were anciently,
when the true gospel was misunderstood, and its promoters sincerely
accounted disturbers, and heretics worthy of exemplary punishment.
But, say the wise and great men among the sectarian churches, "we
do understand the true gospel, and have already embraced it, and it
is only error and heresy we oppose; and the weight of our contempt
and ridicule is hurled at impostors and knaves, who palm off gross
deceptions upon the public, and lead captive ignorant zealots by
pretended revelations and spurious miracles." But do they not know that
substantially the same charge was brought against Jesus Christ and the
primitive disciples. Let it be proved that we are what our enemies
call us; let us file our respective pleas and come to a speedy and
impartial trial. To this our opposers will not consent; they intend to
employ all the advantage of education and prejudice to exclude us from
a hearing--so did the opposers of the Ancient Saints: but I solemnly
ask whether it has ever been necessary, in any moral enterprise, for
those who have the truth on their side, especially gospel truth, to
defend that truth by foreclosing discussion, and shunning public
investigation, and then carry on their depredations by the use of such
small arms as ridicule and preconceived objections, that need only be
brought to light to be dissipated like fog in the meridian sun?
Do temperance lecturers, bible and education agents, and other
moral reformers find it necessary to carry on their enterprises by
such means? Do they seek to avoid an open and frank discussion with
the intemperate portions of the community? Do they avoid a manly
investigation because the intemperate portions of the community
combine, in their life and conduct, beastly sottishness, unprovoked
abuse to wives and children, a prodigal waste of competence and ample
fortunes, and the overthrow of intellect, and the dissolution of all
moral ties? No, by no means! They seek the broad day light of public
discussion, because they know the truth and power of that side of the
cause which they have espoused. They know that intemperance cannot
survive the impartial observation of good men. All we ask is that the
word of God may have free course. We wish that it may come distinctly
to the knowledge of men, that they may sit in impartial judgment upon
it.
By the _word_ of God, we mean not only what was revealed for the
ancients especially, but also what is _now_ revealed for this
generation. Oh! says the objector, he wants the word of Joseph Smith to
have a free circulation, and this we oppose, because it is blasphemous
and preposterous. Yes, we want the word of God by Joseph Smith, to be
known and read of all men, because it is written not with ink, but by
the spirit of the living God. What were Peter, Elijah, or Moses, but
earthen vessels, by whom God communicated his own knowledge, power,
and glory? Does not the word by Joseph commend itself to every man's
conscience where it is heard with due candour? I have never seen that
person who had read the Book of Mormon, and the Book of Doctrine and
Covenants entirely through, with an earnest desire to know whether it
was of God or not, who could raise any worthy objection against them.
A few isolated portions of these books are often selected out and made
to speak some other besides their true meaning, and thereby a dislike
for these books is created; consequently, some refuse to read them at
all, while some others read only to confirm their prepossessions and
prejudices; and superficial inquirers hear with credulity that such a
minister, editor, or professor of some College, has published an exposè
or refutation of Mormonism, that will inflict a fatal wound upon
this glaring and blasphemous heresy.
Now it is well known that the novelties of this age are so many and
so various, that no man has time to examine into them all; and many
consider that a hint from a pious editor, or distinguished reviewer
against Mormonism, is sufficient apology for them not to examine
it. Now under these considerations, it is easy to divine that the
doctrines of the Latter-day Saints must travel through obstacles and
difficulties of the greatest magnitude; and I am ready, dear brother,
to mourn over the prospect, because many bad men, and some good men,
will fight against the faith, not knowing what they do. My bosom heaves
with the deeper concern, because I know this to be the true gospel,
and that it will prevail, even though the foe should be so great and
powerful as the Lord's enemies were in the days of Noah. Pardon my
assurance when I say that those beautiful systems, called benevolent
operations, must come to nought; not because they are not honestly
designed for some good effect, but because they are a mixture of human
device with the wisdom of God, or the gospel perverted. I know, too,
that these beautiful systems, together with the various orders of
sectarianism, cannot well be vanquished without a desperate struggle
ensue. Sectarianism is old and venerable, and having undergone many
costly repairs, without much substantial improvement, it never can be
demolished without violent resistance. There is an air of sacredness
around it that will stimulate its votaries insensibly; and when they
are assailed by the strong hand of Bible truth, rather than see their
fortress taken by the illiterate followers of the despised prophet,
will summon to their aid the worst passions, and push matters to the
greatest extremities. These remarks are amply supported by the history
of the past, both in respect to Former and Latter-day Saints.
See the ancient Jew of our Lord's day--his piety was scrupulously
exact--he knew the worth of his religion by the pains and expense it
had cost him. Every thing had with great trouble been fashioned into
a system of sacredness. They had been striving hard for a beautiful
system of perfection that would commend them to God, and mourned that
any of Abraham's children should teach that there was no resurrection,
&c., and not harmonize with them in bearing heavy burdens in order
to save men's souls. And when an obscure personage sprung up, and
broke over their rules of piety, and mingled with the profane without
ceremonious washing, and was seen to drink wine, probably, and eat with
the boisterous and odious classes, without pretending to wash away
the contagion that accrued, and to travel on the Sabbath day, and to
pluck ears of corn without any signs of confession, and to heap harsh
sounding and heavy anathemas upon the most intelligent and devoted men
of the age, and claim to be a prophet, while he ignorantly conversed
with an adulterous woman. All this, the scrupulous Jew could not,
and would not, bear; and his anger was heightened to madness when he
found that many adhered to the new teacher, and occasionally a person
of wealth and standing was won over to the impostor by his artifice
and jugglery. And as the influence of this odious personage spread,
especially among the common people, who had not sufficient sagacity to
detect his fraudulent tricks; and as the orthodoxy and piety of the
children of Abraham and Moses began to be suspected, and suspicion
even preached in synagogues that were too holy for such pollution, the
devoted children of Abraham became exasperated. If we let him alone,
say they, all men will believe on him. Fearful to use the rod and
power, by reason of the Romans, to the utmost rigour, they, at first,
sought to render him obnoxious to Caesar; but as measures successively
failed, they thirsted for his blood until their pious malice was
glutted in his expiring agonies. Then thought they, every body may know
that his miracles are all a humbug, because he could not save himself.
Now, brother, I ask you to stop and make a full pause by way of
reflection. How do devoted sectarians entertain the Latter-day Saints?
Not surely by a candid exposure of our errors, coupled with a patient
effort to reclaim us. "By no means," said a highly respectable
deaconess, "Brother Spencer, I would rather have heard that you were
dead." She knew in the general that I had embraced Mormonism; but of
the true character of Mormonism she was grossly ignorant; and she was
actually driven into fits when she found I defended the doctrines of
Latter-day Saints. Look at the conduct of devoted sectarians towards
the Latter-day Saints, and mark the resemblance to that of ancient Jews
to former Saints. The same proscriptive spirit reigns now as then,--
the same spirit that dictated expulsion from the synagogue then, now
closes the doors of meetinghouses against us,--the same spirit that
closed men's ears against the burning eloquence of Stephen then,
counsels men not to hear or go nigh Mormon preachers now.
You ask "If the Latter-day Saints are persecuted; if so, by whom are
they persecuted?" The answer is a painful one, because it inculpates
those who were bound to us by many tender ties. As a people we have
been truly persecuted from the beginning.
From the moment we embrace this doctrine, in most cases we are
virtually banished from friends, and rank, and station, and business.
Says the venerated father, "if you have embraced that doctrine, my son,
I never want to see your face any more." Says the partner in trade, "if
you are a Mormon, we must dissolve partnership forthwith." If such an
one occupying an important office of profit and honour does not give
up his Mormonism, we will sue him at the law, and calumniate him, and
embarrass him until he is ousted and broken up, and obliged to leave
our village. We are separated from men's company, while the licentious,
and profane, and intemperate are suffered to dwell in peace; while our
opposers cherish to their bosom the rankest infidels, they repulse _us_
with disdain; though none can point out ought wherein we differ from
the ancient apostles and prophets. Almost daily my eyes behold those
who have suffered too much to mention; but I would rather refer you to
printed documents, than to attempt a description of the sufferings of
our people in Missouri. From forty to sixty of our brethren suffered
death, by violent hands, in Missouri, and as many more, in consequence
of the abuse and privations to which they were exposed by an infuriated
and bloodthirsty mob; and the disappointment, privation, and homeless
condition of survivors was very great. Many widows and orphans knew not
what to do, having just begun to live in a comfortable and thriving
manner. They had almost forgotten their first sorrow of parting from
early friends and possessions, when lo! the hideous mob came upon them;
at one blow their homes were made desolate; in some instances father
and son were no more; their sufferings in planting themselves anew in
this State, without means or friends, though I have often heard them
told, I will not attempt to rehearse.
Perhaps some will say, we understand the Mormons were in fault in
that matter, and brought merited sufferings upon themselves by their
misconduct. The same has always been understood to be true of all
persecuted Saints. The greater part of people probably thought Stephen
deserved the punishment that terminated his life. The same might be
said of John the Baptist, who meddled with the matrimonial concerns
of those who did not acknowledge his ecclesiastical jurisdiction. The
prophet Elijah was designated to death because he troubled Israel.
Daniel refused lawful obedience to the established governor of the
realm. In short, persecutors in every age, have always had a plausible
pretext for their doings, in the popular estimation of their own day
and age.
You ask, "By whom we are persecuted?" In reply I could mention as
instigators of mobs, the names of a Baptist missionary, a Methodist
and Presbyterian minister. You may also be apprised that ex-Governor
Boggs, of Missouri, made affidavit that Joseph Smith was accessory to
an attempt to murder him; and that Governor Carlin, of Illinois, in
the face of superabundant testimony and law, gave a warrant to arrest
him (Joseph Smith) on that affidavit. A heavy reward has been offered
for his apprehension, and bold menaces are occasionally hung over our
heads, that we, as a people, shall be driven from the State. These
things have a tendency to check our prosperity. In one instance some
of our brethren were kidnapped by Missourians from this State, and put
to shame and scourging. The malignant and vexatious lawsuits to which
our people have been subject, are exceedingly numerous; and owing to
our impoverished condition, rendered sometimes distressing. But none
of these things move us, because we know that if they have hated the
master, they will also hate the disciples. Such as are born of the bond
woman, will persecute them that are born of the free woman. But it
seems like a discouraging effort, to attempt to convince our opposers
that we are persecuted, because editors and other philanthropic men are
reluctant to tell to the public our side of the matter. They themselves
would thereby become suspected of espousing our cause. Men are so
sensitive on the subject of our religion, that whoever speaks peaceably
of it, perils his influence and reputation; but hireling editors and
priests will speak and publish against us.
You ask me to give an account of the faith which I have embraced. I
believe that Jesus Christ is God, co-eternal with God the Father; and
that such as have the knowledge of the gospel and believe upon him,
will be saved; and such as believe not, will be damned. I believe the
Old and New Testaments to be the word of God. I believe that every
person should be born, not only of the spirit, but also of the water,
in order to enter into the kingdom of God. There are three that bear
witness on earth, as there are three that bear record in heaven--the
spirit, the water, and the blood, bear concurrent testimony to our
obedience on earth; for the want of any one, or all of these witnesses
on earth, in our favour, there will be no registry of our perfect
acceptance in heaven. Hence the baptism for the dead. The righteous
dead have a merciful provision made for them in the testimony of the
three witnesses on earth, which secures a record of their perfect
acceptance in heaven, without which they cannot attain to the highest
glory. I believe in the resurrection of the dead, the righteous to life
eternal, and the wicked to shame and everlasting contempt. I believe
that repentance towards God, and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, are
among the elementary and cardinal truths of the gospel.
In some, and, indeed, many respects do we differ from sectarian
denominations. We believe that God is a being that has both body and
parts, and also passions; also in the existence of the gifts in the
true church spoken of in St. Paul's letter to the Corinthians.
I believe that every church, in gospel order, has a priesthood,
consisting of prophets, apostles, elders, &c., and that the knowledge
and power of a priesthood, ordained of God, as the ancient priesthood
was, is indispensably necessary to the prosperity of the church. I do
not believe that the canon of sacred scripture was closed with the
revelation of John, but believe that wherever God has a true church,
there he makes frequent revelations of his will: and as God takes
cognizance of all things, both temporal and spiritual, his revelations
will pertain to all things whereby his glory may be promoted, and
the temporal and spiritual well-being of his people advanced. Any
people that are destitute of the teachings of prophets and apostles,
which come by immediate revelation, will soon fall into divisions and
strifes, and depart from the truth as it is in Jesus.
You wish to know, "What is the personal character and influence,
doctrines and claims of him who is called the leader, Joseph Smith?"
Joseph Smith, when the great designs of heaven were first made known
to him, was not far from the age of seventeen; from that time to this
he has had much said about him, both of a favourable and unfavourable
nature. I shall only speak of his character as I believe it to be from
an intimate acquaintance of more than one year, and from an intimate
acquaintance with those who have been with him many years. No man is
more narrowly watched by friends and enemies than Mr. Joseph Smith;
consequently, if he were as good a man as any prophet that has preceded
him, he would have as violent enemies as others have had. But I hasten
to give my own opinion.
I firmly avow, in the presence of God, that I believe Mr. Joseph Smith
to be an upright man, that seeks the glory of God in such a manner
as is well pleasing to the Most High God. Naturally he is kind and
obliging; pitiful and courteous; as far from dissimulation as any man;
frank and loquacious to all men, friends or foes. He seems to employ
no studied effort to guard himself against misrepresentation, but
often leaves himself exposed to misconstructions by those who watch
for faults. He is remarkably cheerful for one who has seen well-tried
friends martyred around him, and felt the inflictions of calumny--the
vexation of lawsuits--the treachery of intimates--and multiplied
violent attempts upon his person and life, together with the cares
of much business. His influence, after which you inquire, is very
great. His friends are as ardently attached to him as his enemies are
violently opposed. Free toleration is given to all opposing religions,
but wherever he is accredited as a prophet of the living God, there
you will perceive his influence must be great. That lurking fear and
suspicion that he may become a dictator or despot, gradually gives
place to confidence and fondness, as believers become acquainted with
him.
In doctrine, Mr. Smith is eminently scriptural. I have never known him
to deny or depreciate a single truth of the Old and New Testaments,
but I have always known him to explain and defend them in a masterly
manner. Being anointed of God, for the purpose of teaching and
perfecting the church, it is needful that he should know how to set
in order the things that are wanting, and to bring forth things new
and old, as a scribe well instructed. This office and apostleship he
appears to magnify; at his touch the ancient prophets spring into life,
and the beauty and power of their revelations are made to commend
themselves with thrilling interest to all that hear.
You inquire, "Does he claim to be inspired?" Certainly he does claim to
be inspired. He often speaks in the name of the Lord, which would be
rank hypocrisy and mockery, if he were not inspired to do it. It seems
very difficult for those who stand at the distance of many generations
from the true prophets, to realize what prophets are, and what ought
to be expected from them. I do not chide them for their ignorance
and folly, however, because I have nothing to boast of, previous
to embracing the faith of the Latter-day Saints. I understand that
prophets may speak as they are moved by the Holy Ghost at one time,
while they may be very far from being moved by the Holy Ghost as they
speak at another. They may be endowed with power to perform miracles
and mighty deeds at one time, while they have no authority, and there
is no suitableness in doing the same at another time.
You ask, "Is he a man of prayer, of a pure life, of peace? Does he
appear at the head of his troops as a military commander?" These
questions I answer, according to the best knowledge I have, in the
affirmative. As a people, we perform military duty as the laws of the
State of Illinois enjoin and require. The legion answers the purpose
to keep the lawless and mobocratic at a respectful distance; and the
more "earthquake and storm" our enemies raise about the Nauvoo Legion,
and a military chieftain like the ancient Mahomet, the greater fear and
dread of us will be conveyed to the minds of the lawless, who watch for
prey, and spoil, and booty. I can assure you, that neither Mr. Smith,
nor any other intelligent Latter-day Saint, ever intends to make one
convert by the sword; neither are we such tee-total peacemakers, that
any savage banditti of lawless depredators could waste our property,
violate virtue, and shed innocent blood, without experiencing from us a
firm defence of law, of right, and innocence. We are to this day very
sensitive to a repetition of past wrongs that we still smart under. The
Lord our God, who was once called (by a man after his own heart) "a
man of war," we trust will be our defence and strong tower in the day
of battle, if our country should ever call us to scenes of carnage and
blood.