777 at Carthage. There is no honor or shame in this generation; or, after they had murdered an affectionate husband, and left his wife and a large family of small children to mourn his loss, and struggle against the woes of life, they would give the family a chance to drink once without the wormwood and gall!
The fact is the story must have been put in circulation to injure the Latter-day Saints; and as Mrs. Smith was one of them to destroy, or murder her reputation, and create division in the church; but let us say once for all-Mormonism exists by unity; and as to its "exposure-Ten thousands elders are constantly exposing it to the understanding of the world, in America, Europe, Asia, the Islands of the sea, and peradventure to the spirits in prison, while Jehovah, as he hath ever done, gives line upon line, precept upon precept; here a little and there a little: and Wood may try to prevail; correspondents such as that black-hearted villian [villain], Davis of Alton, may write to the St. Louis Republican, and the Globe, with al the rancid race, that now preys upon the morality of the community and government; may spread such falsehoods like the pestilence that walks in darkness-and Mormonism will go from heart to heart; from place to place; from state to state; from nation to nation; from land to land; from continent to continent, till Israel is saved, and Babylon shall have sunk, like a millstone cast into the sea. Praise God.
If Mormonism copes with thousands in his youth; what may be expected in manhood?-The glory of God covered the heavens, and the earth was full of his praise, saith the prophet. Then, about then, mean men and liars, will receive their reward, and the saints theirs: for God will reward every man according to his works.
The glory of America has departed;-the virtue of freemen has been corrupted; ands the good name of liberty has been filched from the "asylum of the oppressed" by wicked men in high places. How has the gold become dim!-Where has truth hid? and why are twenty millions of people at ease, while the Lord of the Philistines are gambling for the ark of the covenant? Remember Egypt; remember the days of old; remember dagon must fall; and remember when you slander the saints, there is a God in Israel, who will come forth out of his hiding place like a thief, and then wo to the world because of iniquity.
MORMONISM IN LONDON,
During the last week placards were distributed extensively throughout the metropolis, announcing that Elder G. H. Davis, from America, a particular friend of the notorious Joe Smith, the Mormon prophet, who are readers will remember was killed in the progress of the late riots in America, would preach a funeral service on the prophet's death, at the Assembly-rooms, Theobald's road, on the last evening (Sunday,) at half-past six o'clock. At the appointed time, however, strange as the fact may appear, the room was crowded in every part, principally by respectably attired persons, the majority being females. The person announced to be elder was seated on a platform at the end of the room, with a small table before him; on it being some books, pewter plates &c. He remained for some time with his face covered by his hands, and at intervals appeared as if engaged in devotion. Much curiosity appeared to be excited regarding the companion of the departed prophet. The individual, who is apparently about 40 years of age, was attired in deep black. The proceedings were opened by a person coming forward and calling on the meeting to repeat some hymns, which were taken from a book marked as the Latter day Saints' Book, and which contained a great variety of such description of prayer. This part of the service was somewhat of a warlike nature, relating particularly to revenge for Him whose blood had been shed. The singing having concluded, the assembly joined in prayer; after which, Elder Davis, who had hitherto remained silent, rose, and having, however, stood in a very solemn manner for a few moments, as if inspired, commenced his discourse. He began by expressing a wish to God that he might be enabled to do justice to the subject. He said that his text, on which rested the principles of true religion, was "The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy."
The address occupied a considerable time, and the apparent correctness with which it was delivered was lot less astonishing than the large faith of those who listened.
Elder Davis announced that he had been the intimate friend of that great and good man Joseph Smith, who had been martyred for the sake of God and the religion he had inculcated. He contended that religion could not exist without prophecy, and cited several texts of Scripture, which he considered formed a phalanx of truth impenetrable in support of his opinions. The subject of the present existence of prophecy having terminated, a history, both spiritual and temporal, was given of Joe Smith, or rather, as Elder Davis denominated him, Brother Smith. He was 39 years of age, when killed, stood six feet in height and weighed 212 lbs. Was the son of a farmer, and followed for some
(page 777) |