| 30 would be of more weight, if the idea prevailed that it was Christ's doctrine, the next step is to proclaim that it is a doctrine of Christ.
Listeners hearing the objectionable doctrine, and hearing it proclaimed the doctrine of Christ, they very naturally, if they object to it, object to the source of such a doctrine, and Christ through an unworthy or careless servant is misjudged.
A very careful study of Christ's words is requisite then, that the nature and spirit of his gospel, and its promises may be familiar to us; that we may be incapable of being deceived, and that we may be saved from a false conception of, and consequent rejection of Christ, the judgment whereof, obtains from our lack of making ourselves acquainted with the gospel of Christ through negligence.
In like manner in the course of events attendant upon the church since the establishment thereof, by Joseph and Hyrum Smith, as inspired by the higher wisdom, there have arisen in connection with it, many supporters, and adherents thereto, who were capable of promulgating doctrines of their own, and a careful perusal of the history of the church shows that they have done so frequently.
Hence to justly pronounce upon the doctrines of Joseph Smith, there should nothing be taken into consideration but those doctrines that emanated from him, and bear unmistakable evidence of having been promulgated by him.
To harshly judge him for every theory that tradition, rumor, and designing men, who desire the seal of his influence to make their doctrines acceptable to those who revere his memory, are pleased to foist upon him, is to stand greatly in the dark in regard to the true nature of his mission.
We believe the position of the Reorganized Church to be as follows: All authentic documents and doctrines, published in his day are received by them. These bear the mark of one mind, and their harmony in and of themselves, and their agreement with the written word are no less remarkable than the beautiful justice and morality displayed throughout.
But with the conflicting statements of those professing to teach the doctrines of Joseph Smith, the substance of which disagree so broadly with the printed teachings he left, they have nothing to do; and they refuse, justly, to receive them. Tradition, and rumor, and the statements of interested men, are sources too uncertain for light and truth, for the members of that church to risk either the reputation of Joseph Smith, or their own well-being and salvation upon them.-The Saints' Herald, vol. 20, pp. 610, 611.
This issue of the Herald contained some news items which we here insert:
Bro. T. W. Smith has baptized six at Jonesport; Bro. R. J. Anthony has baptized two in Utah, one of them is the brother reported by him at the fall conference as having been greatly blessed of God, by being
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