| 126 before the second coming of Christ, which from the signs of the times it is expected will be in this generation. They also preach baptism for the remission of sins, and the laying on of hands for the reception of the Holy Ghost, as practised [practiced] anciently. The doctrine certainly appears to be plausible, consistent and in accordance with that laid down in the Scriptures. I have been induced to make these remarks from a conviction that this people have been grossly slandered and defamed. If they are imposters [impostors], as has been so often represented, or if their doctrine be false, let the public know it before more of the unwary are imposed upon. Let some of our learned Divines come out against them and publicly discuss the subject; it is their duty to do so, that if there be error or falsehood, the public may be disabused. If they are wrong the world ought to know it; and if they are right, it is of vital importance that their doctrine should be widely disseminated
A Seeker after Truth.
From the Boston Bee.
Review of the Mormon Lectures.
Agreeable to previous appointment, on Thursday evening, Jan. 19th, Elder Adams made his appearance before an immensely crowded house to give a history of his visit to Nauvoo, the Holy City of the Saints. He commenced by quoting the words of Pilate to our Lord, viz: "what is truth?" and said he had taken a good text, and intended to give nothing but plain facts; said he was well aware of the deep rooted prejudice that existed in the minds of many against his people, but he felt extremely happy to have an opportunity of standing before such a crowd of the enlightened citizens of Boston, in defence [defense] of the truth. After various preliminary remarks, concerning his journey to Nauvoo and defeating Dr. West in discussion, he drew a line between Joseph Smith the Prophet, and John C. Bennett the apostate, proving the prophet to be one of the most noble hearted patriots and the earth, and John C. Bennett one of the most degraded, polluted, perjured scoundrels that now live. He then spoke of the great Temple at Nauvoo, that is (when finished) to become the glory of the western world, which will probably be accomplished in about two years. Then came a description of the twelve Oxen carved as large as life, to be overlaid with fine gold, on which rests the baptismal fount, that is used especially for baptising [baptizing] those afflicted with various diseases, and also to baptise [baptize] for the dead. He then gave a powerful, a soul stirring and an eloquent appeal, in behalf of the doctrine of baptism for the dead; his reasoning on that subject was unanswerable. He then turned to the Bible and proved the doctrine to be Scriptural and glorious; he did this with perfects ease. Talk of the Mormons believing the Bible! they believe all the truths in our Bible and nearly half a dozen others. Next came a description of the Nauvoo house, a splendid edifice now being erected for the accommodation of illustrious visitors that may call at the Holy City from time to time. He then spoke of the industry, temperance, virtue and integrity of the Saints in general, and related two or three witty anecdotes, illustrating the character of the Prophet, and settling him in a very favorable light before the public. He next touched upon the falsehoods, slanders and misrepresentations, under which this infant Church has been compelled to struggle for years; and closed by making a strong appeal on the subject of the persecutions, privations and almost uuparalleled [unparalleled] suffering his brethren, and especially the Prophet, had been forced to pass through in the establishing of the glorious dispensation of the fulness [fullness] of times, that was finally to usher in the great Sabbath of rest. The speaker carried every thing before him; and no man said why say you so-although full opportunity was given at the close. By the by Mr. Bee, I want to sting Elder Adams a little for his own good, for the comfort of his hearers, and, if Mormonism is true, for the benefit of coming ages: I mean in regard to his loud speaking; for the way he uses his lungs, is a caution to Yankee sinners, and unless he reforms, he wont last long, I hope a word to the wise will be sufficient.
P. S. In my next, I will give you a short sketch of his original sermon on the parable of the Prodigal Son.
Yours truly,
A Lover of Truth.
From the Cincinnati Daily Times.
Destructive Fire-Explosion and Loss of Many Valuable Lives!!!
On Saturday last, about 5 o'clock, P. M. the extensive pork packing establishment of Messrs.. Pugh & Alvord, corner of Walnut and Canal streets, was discovered to be on fire. The firemen repaired to the spot with their usual alacrity, and while engaged in combatting [combating] the destructive element, many on the room of a smaller building connected with the main one, a dreadful explosion took place, occasioned, it is conjectured, by the combustion of gas, generated by the fire inside the building, which was very close.
The roof of the small house was blown off, and the walls of the other thrown outward, burying many of the firemen and spectators under the ruins, while some of those on the roof sunk into the house, or were precipitated to the
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