| 218 of the Presbyterian order, who headed a mob in Carrol county, might be able; and if they should fail, we flatter ourselves that we could write a commentary, both for the worthy editor of the Arial and his excellent coadjutors, the priests.
RECOMMENDATORY.
To all whom it may concern!-
Be it known that Brother G. J. ADAMS, the bearer of these presents, has been designated by the Holy Spirit, appointed and set apart by the voice of the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, in Nauvoo, to accompany Elder Orson Hyde, who has just returned from Jerusalem, on a mission to Saint Petersburgh [Petersburg], in Russia; to be one of the messengers to introduce the fulness [fullness] of the glorious gospel of the Son of God, to the people of that vast empire.
Brother Adams, after several years of successful labors in the Eastern States, and also in England, has now returned to this place and rendered an account of his ministry and course of life, and is found worthy of the confidence of the saints and of being associated with Elder Hyde in the performance of this highly important mission to a foreign land. He is therefore authorized and required to raise all the funds he possibly can to defray the expenses of said mission, by donations from the saints and from all other persons who may be friendly disposed towards a good cause. Let not the people suffer the petitions of this man to reach their ears in vain, but let them remember that all they have belongeth to the Lord, and that it is the Lord's good pleasure to add to the stewardship of such as freely and liberally open their hearts, and their purses, at the call of his servants, to send forth the word of life to the nations of the earth. Will you suffer these men to go forth among strangers empty? Shall they blow the trumpet all the day long, encounter the obstacles and persecutions at home, the tribulations and hardships of foreign countries, with none to administer the oil of gladness, or aid with the unrighteous mammon?
In conclusion, I would say, if you regard the word of the Lord, through your friend and Brother, Joseph Smith, withhold not your substance from Brothers Hyde and Adams, but as you bestow upon them, so some hand shall bestow upon you.
I remain, as ever, your brother and servant, in the kingdom of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ: Amen.
JOSEPH SMITH,
Presiding Elder, of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, &c.
A DISCOURSE,
Delivered by Elder Amasa Lyman, at the Conference.
It is with a degree of satisfaction that I address you, after the variety that has graced the feast during the last few days, in which the beasts, spoken of by Daniel and John have been served up in good style, and rendered quite palatable.
On reflecting upon the subjects that have been agitated and discussed since the sitting of our conference, it has occurred to my mind that nothing has been said in direct reference to the Book of Mormon, a belief in the truth of which, constitutes one of the peculiar characteristics by which we as Latter Day Saints are distinguished from those who do not believe in any revelations but those contained in the Bible. My reasons for offering such reflections on this subject as shall be suggested to my mind, are, that they may chance to fall upon the ear of some one enquiring [inquiring] after the truth: being aware that I also address a number who are called with me to take a part in bearing the truth before the world, to rend asunder the veil of darkness that has obscured the light of truth, and let it shine in the face of men. In making my remarks I shall not dwell upon the scripture, but offer some plain reasons that may be deduced from certain plain statements in the scriptures, thus learning who, according to the Bible, reason and good logic, are deceived in believing, and impostors for teaching, as do the Latter Day Saints; and believing that God ever did and ever will give revelations for the salvation of mankind; and others for teaching as they do, and professing to believe that all revelations is contained in the Bible. To carry out the investigation proposed we shall be led to inquire after the facts upon which is predicated the necessity of revelation to any of the numerous progeny of Adam, in any portion of the habitable earth. To commence, then, we ask the question, had Jehovah an object in the creation of the human race? if so, the nature of that object? that we may be prepared to judge whether it could be accomplished without revelation or not. That we may learn that he had an object, and something of its nature, we will hear the words of the apostle Paul to the Hebrews, ii : 10, For it became him for whom are all ;things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. Here we have a statement by inspiration, in relation to the purpose of God, in the creation of man, which was to make them sons of God. That we my be satisfied whether there exists a possibility that he
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