RLDS Church History Search

Chapter Context

RLDS History Context Results


Source: Church History Vol. 1 Chapter 4 Page: 51 (~1829)

Read Previous Page / Next Page
51 We here insert a letter of D. B. Dille as published in the "Myth of the Manuscript Found," pages 88, 89, which takes it from the Millennial Star:-

"SEPTEMBER 15, 1853.

"Be it known to all whom this may concern that I, David B. Dille, of Ogden City, Weber County, Salt Lake, enroute to Great Britain, having business with one Martin Harris, formerly of the church of Latter Day Saints, and residing at Kirtland, Lake County, Ohio, did personally wait upon him at his residence, and found him sick in bed; and was informed by the said Martin Harris that he had not been able to take any nourishment for the space of three days. This, together with his advanced age, had completely prostrated him. After making my business known to Mr. Harris, and some little conversation with him, the said Martin Harris started up in bed, and, after particularly inquiring concerning the prosperity of the church, made the following declaration :-

"'I feel that a spirit has come across me-the old spirit of Mormonism; and I begin to feel as I used to feel; and I will not say-"I won't go to the valley." Then addressing himself to his wife, he said-"I don't know but that, if you will get me some breakfast, I will get up and eat it.' . . .

"I afterwards put the following questions to Mr. Harris, to which he severally replied with the greatest cheerfulness: 'What do you think of the Book of Mormon Is it a divine record?'

the plates: I do say that the angel did show to me the plates containing the Book of Mormon. Further, the translation that I carried to Prof. Anthon was copied from these same plates; also, that the Professor did testify to it being a correct translation.................

SMITHFIELD, Cache Co., U. T., January, 1871.

To H. Emerson; Dear Sir:-Your second letter, dated December, 1870, came duly to hand. I am truly glad to see a spirit of inquiry manifested therein. I reply by a borrowed hand, as my sight has failed me too much to write myself. Your questions: Question 1, "Did you go to England to lecture against 'Mormonism'?"

Answer. I answer emphatically, No, I did not;-no man ever heard me in any way deny the truth of the Book of Mormon, the administration of the angel that showed me the plates; nor the organization of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, under the administration of Joseph Smith, Jr., the prophet whom the Lord raised up for that purpose, in these the latter days, that he may show forth his power and glory....-Saints Herald, vol. 22, p.630.

(page 51)

Read Previous Page / Next Page