| 416 here who will receive the truth; for the people here have not got so much religion but what there is room for more. Bro. Stickney, who has recently joined the church, has just come down from a place three miles above here, bringing intelligence that the Mayor and Judges of the place have offered their assistance to procure a house for preaching. We are getting up quite an excitement here."
"The Mormons. The steamer Marmion, arrived day before yesterday, and brought a large number of Mormons on their way to Nauvoo. We learn that this fanatic tribe are growing to an unparalleled extent, and that they are sending out missionaries and establishing Jo Smith Bible Societies. The credulity and gullibility of human nature are enough to turn the heart sick, and lead an intelligent man to inquire of himself whether it be possible that he really belongs to the same race of beings as these wretched creatures."
The above is from the St. Louis "Pennant and Native American," edited by G. G. Foster. The illiberal spirit manifest in it, and other articles which have lately graced his paper, respecting the Mormons, call for a passing remark.
The fact that our church is 'growing to an unparrralleled [unparalleled] extent' we cheerfully admit, and also that we are sending out missionaries, without purse and scrip, the same as the ancient followers of Christ did, but it is the first time that we heard of "Jo Smith's Bible Societies."
It is true, we are anxious to promulgate the Bible throughout the world, and not only so, but to impress upon all persons to read and believe the same, and walk by its precepts; and we do think that if the editor of the "Pennant and Native American" would study its sacred pages, and endeavour [endeavor] to practise [practice] its divine precepts, such scurrility would not be found in its columns.
With respect to the concluding remarks, we would say, that if mankind were of the same stamp as the editor of the "Pennant and Native American," we should not be proud of the relationship.
We believe that the same disgraceful spirit which characterized the proceedings of the upper Missourians, when they, contrary to all law and justice, rose up against a peaceful and unoffensive [inoffensive] people, because they worshiped [worshipped] God according to the dictates of their own consciences, pervades the mind of the Editor. With such master spirits we do not, neither do we want to hold any affinity. We are, however, glad to know that this is not the feeling of every 'Native American.' No! there are, thank God, thousands who are worthy the character of Americans, and are willing that the great principles of the Constitution, should be enjoyed by all, who are obedient to its laws.
In another part of this number, will be found the general orders for the Nauvoo Legion on the 3rd of July, proximo.
We hope, that those of our friends in this county, who have not yet enrolled their names in the Legion, will lose no time in doing so, and make every preparation to appear to advantage on the day of general muster.
It has been rumored by our enemies, that, the Legion was got up for sinister and illegal purposes. This we deny. It is not confined to us as a people, but all the citizens of the county have the privelege [privilege] of, and are respectfully invited to unite with the same.
It is true, we are desirous to excel all other military organizations in this state, or in the United State; but this ought not to be a cause of envy, or prejudice in any one, but rather of honorable emulation.
It is well known, that Gen. Bennett has for some time been striving to organize the militia of this state, on a plan which would make them more effective in the time of emergency. The example of his skill and ability, to effect that object, so necessary for the, public weal, is now fairly before the public; and as lovers of our country we hope that it will be satisfactory and be adopted by the citizens of this state.
In time of peace, it is necessary to prepare for war; the following remarks of Gen. Washington to both houses of Congress in 1793 are so appropriate, that we cheerfully give them a place.
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