| 143 last days will be enjoyed by all the nations of the earth, for to this end was it sent into the world. The apostles and elders of this church have a special mission to fulfil [fulfill] to every nation, kindred, tongue and people under heaven, and this is the gospel of the kingdom which was to be preached for a testimony unto all nations, and then shall the son of man come. If the people oppose this great mission, it will only injure themselves; it will not hinder the rolling forth of the work of God, or the fulfilment [fulfillment] of this purposes, for he has set his had [hand] a second time to bring about the restoration of Israel, with the fulnes [fullness] of the Gentiles.
From the Boston (Mass.) Bee.
Mr. Editor, Sir-As you have (in justice) given the Mormons a chance to defend their principles from the attacts [attacks] of those who are ignorant of its true tendency, and some who from self interest, or what is worse, join in the cry of the hounds and huntsmen against the flying and defenceless [defenseless] stag-for no other reason under heaven than because they see others do it. I think if they reflect for an instant on the unmanly, despotic and unjust principle of persecuting the innocent, without knowing the 'why and wherefore'-I say if our calumniators reflect, they will say you have done what justice and honor requires of man-given us a weapon to defend (what is dearer to us than life) 'the immortal part of man,' our reputation.
I thought myself (three weeks ago) an unchangeable infidel, and lived with a family that some of its members were of the Mormon faith. I had an opportunity of witnessing their private meetings, and every thing connected with them. I have heard General Bennett's lectures, and left not a stone unturned to find its character. I have argued with their elders on the truth of the Bible, and ridiculed their belief with every argument of science, philosophy and convictions of common sense, and accounted for their revelations and miracles as common effect, from a common cause-the works of 'a mind diseased.' Yet I have always given them credit for honesty, from the very fact of their suffering for principle's sake. Show me a christian denomination in existence that are so liberal in their principles as the 'poor deluded Mormons.' They believe that every honest man, who acts up to the principle of reflection, and obeys those dictates of conscience that show him wrong from right, will be saved, no matter what his belief-whether Turk, Jew or Heathen. And surely if God is just, he will not condemn a man for his belief, when he thinks from his heart he acts right.
The Mormons do not want persons to believe all that they do, as is falsely affirmed-they do not want to ram Joe Smith or revelation down people's throats, without their knowing for themselves: all they want is to obey the words of Christ for the remission of sin. They want to terrify no man into belief. They do not say it is sinful to read Shakspeare [Shakespeare] or Byron or any book that you get an exalted idea from, as your judgment (if you have any) will point out the good from the bad. Let those who contend that the writings of these giants of genius have an immortal tendency, remember there never yet was a general good without a partial evil.
We are charged with advocating a plurality of wives, and common property. Now this is as false as the many other ridiculous charges which are brought against us. No sect have a greater reverence for the laws of matrimony, or the rights of private property, and we do what others do not, practice what we preach.
A conversation I had with a friend, soon after joining the Mormons, will strongly illustrate public opinion, and show in what light men ought to be held, who condemn without knowing for what, and have only the same reason to offer as Bardolph had for running away-'faith I ran when I saw others run.'
'Mr. R-, why did you join the Mormons?'
'Because I thought they were right.'
'Well, I never thought you were a fool until now.'
'And why do you think I am a fool now?'
'Because you joined the Mormons.'
'How does that prove me a fool?'
'Because none but fools would join them.''
'Why do you think so?'
'Because every one says so.'
'Do you know any of their principles?'
'No-but I know they cannot be good.'
'How do you know?'
'Because every one says so.'
'Do you think I am dishonest?'
'I know you are not.'
'Well, before I was a Mormon, I did not believe in God or devil; yet I was considered an upright man-and now as I believe as you do, in Christ and the remission of sins, you call me a fool; do you not think I can judge for myself?'
'I know you can.'
'Why then do you blame me for using my judgment.'
'Because every one says they are humbugs, and they are scouted out of every place.'
'Then your reason is this: because you see a dog running down the street, with an appendage
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