Chapter XVIII

General Conference at Nauvoo--Epistle of the Twelve to the Saints in England--Difference between Baptists and Latter-Day Saints.

_Minutes of the General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter-day Saints held in Nauvoo, Illinois, on the 7th day of
April, one thousand eight hundred and forty-one_.

The names of the presidents of the several quorums were called,
and they took their seats on the stand, with their counselors in
front. The meeting was called to order. Choir sang a hymn; prayer
by William Law.

The clerk then read the report of the First Presidency, as follows--

Report of the First Presidency.

The Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,
feel great pleasure in assembling with the Saints at another
general conference, under circumstances so auspicious and cheering;
and with greatful hearts to Almighty God for His providential
regard, they cordially unite with the Saints, on this occasion, in
ascribing honor, glory, and blessing to His Holy name.

It is with unfeigned pleasure that they have to make known the
steady and rapid increase of the Church in this state, the United
States, and Europe. The anxiety to become acquainted with the
principles of the Gospel, on every hand is intense, and the cry of
"come over and help us," is reaching the Elders on the wings of
every wind; while thousands who have heard the Gospel have become
obedient thereto, and are rejoicing in its gifts and blessings.
Prejudice, with its attendant train of evil, is giving way before
the force of truth, whose benign rays are penetrating the nations
afar off.

The reports from the Twelve Apostles in Europe are very
satisfactory, and state that the work continues to progress with
unparalleled rapidity, and that the harvest is truly great. In the
Eastern States the faithful laborers are successful, and many are
flocking to the standard of truth {337} Nor is the South keeping
back. Churches have been raised up in the Southern and Western
States, and a very pressing invitation has been received from New
Orleans, for some of the Elders to visit that city; which has
been complied with. In our own state and immediate neighborhood,
many are avowing their attachment to the principles of our holy
religion, and have become obedient to the faith.

Peace and prosperity attend us; and we have favor in the sight
of God and virtuous men. The time was, when we were looked upon
as deceivers, and that "Mormonism" would soon pass away, come to
nought, and be forgotten. But the time has gone by when it is
looked upon as a transient matter, or a bubble on the wave, and
it is now taking a deep hold in the hearts and affections of all
those who are noble-minded enough to lay aside the prejudice of
education, and investigate the subject with candor and honesty. The
truth, like the sturdy oak, has stood unhurt amid the contending
elements, which have beat upon it with tremendous force. The
floods have rolled, wave after wave, in quick succession, and have
not swallowed it up. "They have lifted up their voice, O Lord;
the floods have lifted up their voice; but the Lord of Hosts is
mightier than the mighty waves of the sea;" nor have the flames of
persecution, with all the influence of mobs, been able to destroy
it; but like Moses' bush, it has stood unconsumed, and now at this
moment presents an important spectacle both to men and angels.
Where can we turn our eyes to behold such another? We contemplate a
people who have embraced a system of religion, unpopular, and the
adherence to which has brought upon them repeated persecutions.
A people who, for their love to God, and attachment to His
cause, have suffered hunger, nakedness, perils, and almost every
privation. A people who, for the sake of their religion, have
had to mourn the premature death of parents, husbands, wives,
and children. A people, who have preferred death to slavery and
hypocrisy, and have honorably maintained their characters, and
stood firm and immovable, in times that have tried men's souls.
Stand fast, ye Saints of God, hold on a little while longer, and
the storm of life will be past, and you will be rewarded by that
God whose servants you are, and who will duly appreciate all
your toils and afflictions for Christ's sake and the Gospel's.
Your names will be handed down to posterity as Saints of God and
virtuous men.

But we hope that those scenes of blood will never more occur, but
that many, very many, such scenes as the present will be witnessed
by the Saints, and that in the Temple, the foundation of which has
been so happily laid, will the Saints of the Most High continue to
congregate from year to year in peace and safety.

From the kind and generous feelings, manifested by the citizens of
{338} this state, since our sojourn among them, we may continue
to expect the enjoyment of all the blessings of civil and
religious liberty, guaranteed by the Constitution. The citizens
of Illinois have done themselves honor, in throwing the mantle of
the Constitution over a persecuted and afflicted people: and have
given evident proof that they are not only in the enjoyment of the
privileges of freemen themselves, but also that they willingly and
cheerfully extend that invaluable blessing to others, and that they
freely award to faithfulness and virtue their due.

The proceedings of the legislature, in regard to the citizens of
this place, have been marked with philanthropy and benevolence; and
they have laid us under great and lasting obligations, in granting
us the several liberal charters we now enjoy, and by which we hope
to prosper until our city becomes the most splendid, our University
the most learned, and our Legion the most effective of any in the
Union. In the language of one of our own poets, we would say--

In Illinois we've found a safe retreat,
A home, a shelter from oppression dire;
Where we can worship God as we think right,
And mobbers come not to disturb our peace;
Where we can live and hope for better days,
Enjoy again our liberty, our rights:
That social intercourse which freedom grants,
And charity requires of man to man.
And long may charity pervade each breast,
And long may Illinois remain the scene
Of rich prosperity, by _peace secured_.

In consequence of the impoverished condition of the Saints, the
buildings which are in course of erection do not progress as fast
as could be desired; but from the interest which is generally
manifested by the Saints at large, we hope to accomplish much by a
combination of effort, and a concentration of action, and erect the
Temple and other public buildings, which we so much need for our
mutual instruction and the education of our children.

From the reports which have been received, we may expect a large
emigration this season. The proclamation which was sent, some time
ago, to the churches abroad, has been responded to, and great
numbers are making preparations to come and locate themselves in
this city and vicinity.

From what we now witness, we are led to look forward with pleasing
anticipation to the future, and soon expect to see the thousands
of Israel flocking to this region in obedience to the heavenly
command; numerous inhabitants--Saints--thickly studding the flowery
and {339} wide-spread prairies of Illinois; temples for the worship
of our God erecting in various parts, and great peace resting upon
Israel.

We would call the attention of the Saints more particularly to the
building of the Temple, for on its speedy erection great blessings
depend. The zeal which is manifested by the Saints in this city is,
indeed, praiseworthy, and, we hope will be imitated by the Saints
in the various stakes and branches of the Church, and that those
who cannot contribute labor will bring their gold and their silver,
their brass and their iron, with the pine tree, and box tree, to
beautify the same.

We are glad to hear of the organization of the different quorums in
this city, and hope that their organization will be attended to in
every stake and branch of the Church, for the Almighty is a lover
of order and good government.

From the faith and enterprise of the Saints generally, we feel
greatly encouraged and cheerfully attend to the important duties
devolving upon us, knowing that we not only have the approval of
heaven, but also that our efforts for the establishment of Zion and
the spread of truth, are cheerfully seconded by the thousands of
Israel.

In conclusion we would say, brethren, be faithful, let your love
and moderation be known unto all men; be patient, be mindful to
observe all the commandments of your Heavenly Father, and the God
of all grace shall bless you. Even so, Amen.

Joseph Smith, President,

Robert B. Thompson, Clerk.

On motion, Resolved that the report be printed in the _Times and
Seasons_.

President Rigdon arose and stated that, in consequence of weakness
from his labors of yesterday, he would call upon General John C.
Bennett to officiate in his place.

General Bennett then read the revelations from "The Book of the
Law of the Lord," which had been received since the last general
conference, in relation to writing a proclamation to the kings of
the earth, building a temple in Nauvoo, the organization of the
Church, &c. [1]

President Joseph Smith rose, and made some observations in
explanation of the same; and likewise of the necessity which
existed of building the Temple, that the Saints might have a
suitable place for worshiping the Almighty; and also the building
of the Nauvoo Boarding House, that suitable accommodations may be
afforded for the strangers who visit this city.

The choir sung a hymn, and the meeting adjourned for one hour.

{340} Conference met pursuant to adjournment, and was called to
order by William Law.

Choir sung a hymn, and President William Marks addressed the throne
of grace.

General Bennett read the charters granted by the legislature of
this state, for incorporating "the City of Nauvoo," "the Nauvoo
Legion," "the University of the City of Nauvoo," "the Agricultural
and Manufacturing Association," and "the Nauvoo House Association."

On motion, Resolved that the charters now read be received by the
Church.

President Don Carlos Smith arose, and gave an exhortation to the
assembly.

General John C. Bennett then spoke at some length on the present
situation, prospects, and condition of the Church, and remarked
that the hand of God must indeed be visible, in accomplishing the
great blessings and prosperity of the Church, and called upon the
Saints to be faithful and obedient in all things, and likewise
forcibly and eloquently urged the necessity of being united in all
their movements; and before he sat down, he wished to know how many
of the Saints who were present felt disposed to continue to act
in concert and follow the instructions of the First Presidency;
and called upon all those who did so, to arise on their feet--when
immediately the Saints, almost without exception, arose.

The choir sung a hymn, and the meeting, after prayer, adjourned
until tomorrow morning.

_Thursday, 8th_.

Thursday morning, April 8. At an early hour this morning the
different quorums, who had previously been organized, came to the
ground and took their seats as follows: The First Presidency, with
the presidents of the quorums on the stand, the High Council on the
front of the stand, the High Priests on the front to the right of
the stand, the Seventies immediately behind the High Priests, the
Elders in the front to the left, the Lesser Priesthood on the right.

On motion, Resolved, that this conference continue until Sunday
evening.

President Joseph Smith declared the rule of voting to be, a
majority in each quorum; exhorted them to deliberation, faith,
and prayer; and that they should be strict and impartial in
their examinations. He then told them that the presidents of
the different quorums would be presented before them for their
acceptance or rejection.

Bishop Whitney then presented the First Presidency to the Lesser
{341} Priesthood. President John A. Hicks presented them to the
Elders' quorum. President Joseph Young presented them to the
quorums of the Seventies. President Don Carlos Smith presented
them to the High Priests' quorum. Counselor Elias Higbee presented
them to the High Council; and the clerk then presented them to
the presidents of all the quorums on the stand, and they were
unanimously accepted. John C. Bennett was presented, with the First
Presidency, as Assistant President until President Rigdon's health
should be restored.

The presidents and counselors belonging to the several quorums
were then presented to each quorum separately, for approval or
rejection, when the following persons were objected to, viz., John
A. Hicks, president of the Elders' quorum; Alanson Ripley, Bishop;
Elder John E. Page, one of the Twelve Apostles; and Noah Packard,
High Priest. Bishop Newel K. Whitney moved their cases be laid
over, to be tried before the several quorums.

President Joseph Smith presented the building committee of the
"House of the Lord," viz., Alpheus Cutler, Reynolds Cahoon, and
Elias Higbee, to the several quorums collectively, and they were
unanimously received.

President Smith observed that it was necessary that someone should
be appointed to fill the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, in the
room of the late Elder David W. Patten; whereupon President Rigdon
nominated Elder Lyman Wight to that office; and he was unanimously
accepted. Elder Wight stated that it was an office of great honor
and responsibility, and he felt inadequate to the task; but,
inasmuch as it was the wish of the authorities of the Church that
he should take that office, he would endeavor to magnify it.

_Resolved_: That James Allred be appointed to the office of High
Councilor, in the place of Charles C. Rich, who had been chosen a
counselor to the president of this stake, and that Leonard Soby
be appointed one of the High Council, in the room of David Dort,
deceased.

The choir sung a hymn, and after prayer by President Rigdon, the
meeting adjourned for two hours.

Conference met pursuant to adjournment. A hymn was sung by the
choir.

President Rigdon delivered an interesting discourse on the subject
of "Baptism for the dead."

President Joseph Smith followed on the same subject; and threw
considerable light on the doctrine which had been presented.

The choir then sung a hymn; and after prayer by Elder William
Smith, conference adjourned until tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock.

Friday morning, the 9th, conference met pursuant to adjournment.

The quorums reported that they had investigated the conduct of the
{342} persons who had been objected to, and that they had rejected
Alanson Ripley and James Foster. Leave was given to James Foster to
make a few remarks respecting the charges preferred against him:
after which it was resolved that Elder James Foster continue his
standing in the Church. _Resolved_: That, as Alanson Ripley has
not appeared to answer the charges preferred against him, that his
Bishopric be taken from him.

President Joseph Smith made some observations respecting the duty
of the several quorums, in sending their members into the vineyard,
and also stated that labor on the Temple would be as acceptable to
the Lord, as preaching in the world, and that it was necessary that
some agents should be appointed to collect funds for building the
Temple.

_Resolved_: That John Murdock, Lyman Wight, William Smith, Henry
William Miller, Amasa Lyman, Leonard Soby, Gehiel Savage, and Zenos
H. Gurley be appointed to travel and collect funds for the same.

A hymn was then sung by the choir. Prayer by President Don Carlos
Smith.

President Joseph Smith then stated that he should resign the
meeting to the presidency of the stake, and the president of the
High Priests' quorum.

The building committee were called upon to address the assembly.
Elder Cahoon spoke at length on the importance of building the
Temple, and called upon the Saints to assist them in their great
undertaking. Elder Alpheus Cutler made some very appropriate
remarks.

Conference adjourned one hour.

Conference met pursuant to adjournment.

Elias Higbee spoke on the same subject [_i. e_. importance of
building the Temple]. Elder Lyman Wight then came forward and
addressed the meeting at considerable length.

The clerk read a letter from Elder John Taylor in England, to
President Joseph Smith, which gave an account of the prosperity of
the work of the Lord in that land.

On motion, adjourned until tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock.

Saturday, 10th. The weather was unfavorable, consequently no
business was transacted.

Sunday, 11th. The conference again met.

Elder Zenos H. Gurley preached on the literal fulfillment of
prophecy.

President Rigdon made some observations on baptism for the
remission of sins.

Conference adjourned for one hour.

Conference met, and was addressed by the Bishops of the stake,
who stated the situation of the poor who had to be supported, and
called upon the Saints to assist in relieving the necessities of
the widows and fatherless.

{343} Elder Lyman Wight made some observations on the subject.

President Joseph Smith then addressed the assembly, and stated that
in consequence of the severity of the weather the Saints had not
received as much instruction as he desired, and that some things
would have to be laid over until the next conference. As there were
many who wished to be baptized, they would now go to the water, and
give them opportunity.

The procession was then organized, and proceeded to the Mississippi.

After the baptisms were over, the conference adjourned to the first
of October next.

Joseph Smith, President.

R. B. Thompson, Clerk.

On the 7th of April, 1841, the Twelve Apostles were in England and were busy in council, visiting the Saints in Manchester, and in the evening supped at "Mother Miller's." On the 9th, they visited the Zoological Gardens, Manchester, England. Elder W. J. Barratt writes from Australia, "he had arrived safe at Adelaide after a rough passage, but had not baptized any persons. Obstacles to the introduction of the work of the Lord are very great."

_Letter of George A. Smith to the Star--Report of Labors_.

Bolton, April 11, 1841.

_Elder P. P. Pratt_:

I thought good to give your readers (through the medium of the
_Star_) a short account of my labors in England. I landed in
Liverpool on the 6th of April, 1840; and, after attending the
Preston conference, I went to the Staffordshire Potteries, where
there were about 100 Saints; I remained there three months. The
work continued to prosper, and 80 were added to the church in that
time. I then left the church there to the care of Elder Alfred
Cordon, and, in company with Elders Kimball and Woodruff, visited
the churches in Herefordshire and vicinity. Hundreds received our
testimony, and were baptized. From thence we proceeded to London,
where we met with much difficulty in introducing the fullness of
the Gospel; the hearts of the people were barred against the truth,
but the Lord blessed our labors, and we succeeded in establishing a
branch of the Church there. My health being poor, I was counseled
by my brethren of the Twelve Apostles to return to the field of
my former labors in Staffordshire; which I did, leaving in London
{344} but eleven members. Since that time, my labors have been
chiefly confined to the limits of the Staffordshire conference,
which has, until lately, included Birmingham and Macclesfield,
containing eighteen branches of the Church, 580 members having
been added since the time I commenced laboring there. Many have
been called to the ministry, who are faithful men, and willing to
receive counsel. Although I have suffered much bodily affliction
during the past year, the Lord has blessed my labors abundantly,
and I can say I never enjoyed myself better in the discharge of my
duty, than I have on this mission. Among the greatest blessings
I have enjoyed, has been the privilege of attending four general
conferences, and meeting in council with the Twelve Apostles. I
can assure you that a meeting with those in whose company I have
suffered so much tribulation for the Gospel's sake, both at home
and abroad, by land and sea, is to me a privilege indeed. I am
now preparing to return home with my brethren, according to the
instructions of the First Presidency of the Church; and, as I take
my leave of the Saints in this land, my prayer to God is that He
will preserve His people from the hand of Satan, and prepare them
for the coming Redeemer, who is near at hand.

I remain your servant for the Gospel's sake,

George A. Smith.

_Tuesday, 13_.--Elder Heber C. Kimball left Manchester for Preston.

_Thursday 15_.

_Conference in New York City_.

A conference of the Church was held in New York City. Elder George
W. Harris, of Nauvoo, chairman. Lucien R. Foster was elected
president of the branch, and Addison Everett and George Holmes,
his counselors. John M. Bernhisel was elected Bishop, and Richard
Burge and William Acker his counselors. These six, having been
chosen, were ordained and set apart to the several offices under
the direction of Elder Harris, he having been specially appointed
and authorized by President Hyrum Smith, at the Philadelphia
conference, to organize more perfectly the branch in New York.

Lucien R. Foster, Secretary.

_An Epistle of the Twelve Apostles to the Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter-day Saints in England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, and the
Isle of Man, Greeting_:

Beloved Brethren:--Inasmuch as we have been laboring for some time
in this country, and most of us are about to depart for the land
of {345} our nativity; and, feeling anxious for your welfare and
happiness in time and in eternity, we cheerfully offer you our
counsel in the closing number of the first volume of the _Star_,
hoping you will peruse it when we are far away, and profit by the
same.

First of all, we would express our joy and thanksgiving to Him who
rules, and knows the hearts of men, for the heed and diligence
with which the Saints in this county have hearkened to the counsel
of those whom God has seen fit to send among them, and who hold
the keys of this ministry. By this means a spirit of union, and,
consequently, of power, has been generally cultivated among you.
And now let the Saints remember that which we have ever taught
them, both by precept and example, viz., to beware of an aspiring
spirit, which would lift you up one above another, to seek to be
the greatest in the kingdom of God. This is that spirit which
hurled down the angels. It is that spirit which actuates all
the churches of the sectarian world, and most of the civil and
military movements of the men of the world. It is that spirit
which introduces rebellion, confusion, misrule, and disunion, and
would, if suffered to exist among us, destroy our union, and,
consequently, our power, which flows from the Spirit, through the
Priesthood; which Spirit, and power, and Priesthood, can only exist
with the humble and meek of the earth. Therefore, beware, O ye
Priests of the Most High! lest ye are overcome by that spirit which
would exalt you above your fellow-laborers, and thus hurl you down
to perdition, or do much injury to the cause of God.

Be careful to respect, not the eloquence, not the smooth speeches,
not the multitude of words, not the talents of men, but the offices
which God has placed in the Church. Let the members hearken to
their officers, let the Priests, Teachers, and Deacons hearken to
the Elders, and let the Elders hearken to the presiding officers of
each church or conference, and let all the churches and conferences
hearken to the counsel of those who are still left in this country
to superintend the affairs of the Church; and, by so doing, a
spirit of union will be preserved, and peace and prosperity will
attend the people of God.

We have seen fit to appoint our beloved brethren and
fellow-laborers, Levi Richards and Lorenzo Snow to travel from
conference to conference, and to assist Brother Pratt in the
general superintendency of the Church in this country. These are
men of experience and soundness of principle, in whose counsel the
Church may place entire confidence, as long as they uphold them by
the prayer of faith.

The spirit of emigration has actuated the children of men, from
the time our first parents were expelled from the garden until
now. It was this spirit that first peopled the plains of Shinar,
and all other places; yes, it was emigration that first broke upon
the death-like silence and {346} loneliness of an empty earth,
and caused the desolate land to teem with life, and the desert to
smile with joy. It was emigration that first peopled England, once
a desolate island, on which the foot of man had never trod, but
now abounding in towns and cities. It was emigration that turned
the wilds of America into a fruitful field, and besprinkled the
wilderness with flourishing towns and cities, where a few years
since the war hoop of the savage, or the howl of the wild beasts
was heard in the distance. In short, it is emigration that is
the only effectual remedy for the evils which now afflict the
over-peopled countries of Europe. With this view of the subject,
the Saints, as well as thousands of others, seem to be actuated
with the spirit of enterprise and emigration, and as some of them
are calculating to emigrate to America, and settle in the colonies
of our brethren, we would here impart a few words of counsel on the
subject of emigration.

It will be necessary, in the first place, for men of capital to
go on first and make large purchases of land, and erect mills,
machinery, manufactories, &c., so that the poor who go from this
country can find employment. Therefore, it is not wisdom for the
poor to flock to that place extensively, until the necessary
preparations are made. Neither is it wisdom for those who feel a
spirit of benevolence to expend all their means in helping others
to emigrate, and thus all arrive in a new country empty-handed. In
all settlements there must be capital and labor united, in order to
flourish. The brethren will recollect that they are not going to
enter upon cities already built up, but are going to "build cities
and inhabit them." Building cities cannot be done without means
and labor. On this subject we would call the particular attention
of the Saints to the Epistle, and also to the proclamation signed
by the First Presidency of the Church, published in the eleventh
number of this work (the _Star_), and would earnestly exhort them
to observe the order and instructions there given.

We would also exhort the Saints not to go in haste, nor by flight,
but to prepare all things in a proper manner before they emigrate;
and especially in regard to their dealings with the world, let them
be careful to settle everything honestly, as becometh Saints, as
far as lies in their power, and not go away in debt, so far as they
have the means to pay. And if any go away in debt, because they
have not the means to pay, let it be with the design of paying as
industry shall put it in their power, so that the cause of truth be
not evil spoken of.

We have found that there are so many "pick-pockets," and so many
that will take every possible advantage of strangers in Liverpool,
that we have appointed Elder Amos Fielding as the agent of the
Church to superintend the fitting out of the Saints from Liverpool
to America.

Whatever information the Saints may want about the preparation
for {347} a voyage, they are advised to call on Elder Fielding
at Liverpool, as their first movement when they arrive there
as emigrants. There are some brethren who have felt themselves
competent to do their own business in these matters and, rather
despising the counsel of their friends, have been robbed and
cheated out of nearly all they had. A word of caution to the wise
is sufficient. It is also a great saving to go in companies,
instead of going individually.

First, a company can charter a vessel, so as to make the passage
much cheaper than otherwise.

Secondly, provisions can be purchased at wholesale, for a company,
much cheaper than otherwise.

Thirdly, this will avoid bad company on the passage.

Fourthly, when a company arrives at New Orleans they can charter a
steamboat, so as to reduce the passage near one-half. This measure
will save some hundreds of pounds on each ship load.

Fifthly, a man of experience can go as leader of each company, who
will know how to avoid rogues and knaves.

Sovereigns are more profitable than silver or any other money, in
emigrating to America; and the brethren are also cautioned against
the American money, when they arrive in that country. Let them not
venture to take paper money of that country, until they become well
informed in regard to the different banks, for very few of them
will pass current very far from the place where they are issued,
and banks are breaking almost daily.

It is much cheaper going by New Orleans than by New York; but it
will never do for emigrants to go by New Orleans in the summer, on
account of the heat and sickness of the climate. It is, therefore,
advisable for the Saints to emigrate in autumn, winter, or spring.

Let the Saints be careful also to obtain a letter of
recommendation, from the Elders where they are acquainted, to the
brethren where they are going, certifying their membership; and
let the Elders be careful not to recommend any who do not conduct
themselves as Saints; and especially those who would go with a
design to defraud their creditors.

In regard to ordaining and licensing officers, each conference is
now organized under the care of their respective presidents, who,
with the voice of the Church, may ordain, according to the gifts
and callings of God, by the Holy Spirit, and under the general
superintendence of Elders Pratt, Richards, and Snow. Licenses
should be signed by the presiding officers.

There are many other items of importance, which we would gladly
mention, had we time and space sufficient; but this must suffice
for the present; and may the God of our fathers bless you all with
wisdom and {348} grace to act each your part in the great work
which lies before you, that the world may be warned, and thousands
brought to the knowledge of the truth; and may He bless and
preserve you blameless until the day of His coming. Brethren and
sisters, pray for us.

We remain, your brethren in the new and everlasting covenant,

Brigham Young,

Heber C. Kimball,

Orson Hyde,

Parley P. Pratt,

Orson Pratt,

Willard Richards,

Wilford Woodruff,

John Taylor,

Geo. A. Smith.

Manchester, April 15, 1841.

Elders Brigham Young, Orson Pratt, Wilford Woodruff, George A. Smith, and Levi Richards went from Manchester to Liverpool to attend a tea-party at the Music Hall.

Difference Between the Baptist and Latter-Day Saints, from the
"North Staffordshire Mercury."

Sir:--In a late publication, you reported the case of some
persons who were taken before T. B. Ross, Esq., for disturbing a
congregation of Latter-day Saints, or believers in the "Book of
Mormon." A teacher of that sect, on being asked by the magistrate
wherein they differed from the Baptists, replied, "In the laying
on of hands;" but declined making an honest confession of those
peculiarities which separate them as widely from the Baptists, as
from every other denomination of the Christian church. This was
certainly prudent; but as the Baptists feel themselves dishonored
by such an alliance, they would be unjust to themselves were they
to leave unanswered such a libel upon their denomination. The
following very prominent marks of difference will enable your
readers to judge for themselves.

1. The Saints admit all persons indiscriminately to baptism,
encouraging them to pass through that rite, with the promise that
great spiritual improvement will follow. They baptize for remission
of sins, without waiting for creditable evidence of repentance
for sin. But the Baptists admit none to that ordinance who do not
exhibit this qualification in the most satisfactory manner; and if
they found a candidate looking to the water of baptism as having
virtue to cleanse him from sin, he would be put back until better
instructed.

{349} 2. After baptism the Saints kneel down, and their Priest,
laying on his hands, professes to give them the Holy Ghost. If
effects similar to those produced by the laying on of the Apostles'
hands were seen to follow, skepticism must yield to the force of
such evidence; but in their case no such effects are produced; the
baptized sinner is a sinner still, though flattered and deluded
with the epithet "Latter-day Saint." The Baptists regard such
mummery with as much disgust as all Christians do.

3. Having, as they suppose, the extraordinary gifts of the Spirit,
the Saints consistently pretend to have the power of working
wonders, and process to heal the sick with holy oil; also to the
power of prophecy. As most moral evils bring with them their
own remedy, these lofty pretensions will ruin them in due time,
by opening the eyes of the most deluded, as in the case of the
countless sects of impostors who have appeared upon the stage
before them. It need not be added, that the Baptists stand far
removed from such conceits, and have no part in them.

4. Not satisfied with the Bible as a complete revelation from God,
the "Latter-day Saints" have adopted a romance, written in America,
as a fresh revelation, and have added a trashy volume of 600 pages
to that book, which we are forbidden to add to, or take from,
under the most awful penalties! But even this is not enough for
their impious resumption. They have published a monthly magazine,
in which "new revelations" are served up fresh, as they arrive,
for the use of all who can swallow them. The disgust with which
the Baptists regard such a melancholy exhibition of human folly
and wickedness, separates them to an impassable distance from such
people.

5. In order to carry on this order of things, the Latter-day Saints
have appointed two Priesthoods. "The Lesser, or Aaronic Priesthood,
is to hold the keys of the ministering of angels, and to administer
in outward ordinances. The power and authority of the higher, or
Melchisedek Priesthood, is to hold the keys of all the spiritual
blessings of the Church--to have the privilege of receiving the
mysteries of the Kingdom of heaven--to have the heavens opened
to them--to commune with the general assembly and Church of the
First-born; and to enjoy the communion and presence of God the
Father, and of Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant," (see page
13). So that, in this wonderful Priesthood, they have provided for
an ample supply of new things, in endless variety, and without
end, from the hands of wretched men, who blasphemously aspire to a
dignity which belongs alone to Him who is the only "Priest forever
after the order of Melchisedek."

The fear of trespassing upon your valuable columns, Mr. Editor,
prevents my enlarging upon these and very many other points of
{350} difference; but enough has been done to show your readers,
that no two sects can differ more widely from each other, than the
Baptists and the Latter-day Saints; and that to confound them in
any way together is not only unjust to the former, but involves
them in the disgrace of being partakers in a bold imposition, or
a pitiable delusion, which they regard with equal abhorrence and
disgust.

A Baptist.

Hanley, Feb. 16, 1841.

The foregoing article attempts to show the difference between the Baptists and Latter-day Saints. We will now attempt to show the difference between the Baptists and Former-day Saints.

The Difference Between the Baptists and the Former-Day Saints.

1st. The Former-day Saints baptized _for remission of sins, _Acts
ii: 38. The Baptists baptize those only who are supposed to have
their sins forgiven before they are baptized.

2nd. The Former-day Saints admitted all persons indiscriminately
to baptism, as soon as they professed faith and repentance,
encouraging them to pass through that rite, with the promise that
great spiritual improvement would follow, Acts ii: 38-41 inclusive.
But if the Baptists found the penitent believer looking for
remission of sins through that rite, they would be put back to "get
religion" where they could find it.

3rd. After baptism, the Former-day Saints prayed for, and laid
hands on the disciples in the name of Jesus, and professed to
give them the Holy Ghost, Acts viii: 17, also Acts xix: 6. The
Baptists say, "They regard such mummery with as much disgust as all
Christians do."

4th. Having, as they supposed, the extraordinary gifts of the
Spirit, the Former-day Saints consistently pretended to have the
power of working wonders, and professed to heal the sick with
holy oil; James v: 14, 15. Also to the power of prophecy; First
Corinthians from 12th to 14th chapter. It need not be added that
the Baptists stand far removed from "such conceits," and have no
part in them; nor in anything pertaining to the gifts and power
of God: or, to use the Apostle's own words, "they have a form of
godliness, denying the power."

5th. Not satisfied with the Bible as a complete revelation from
God, the Former-day Saints have added a volume of several hundred
pages (the New Testament), to that book, which (according to
Baptist logic) {351} Moses forbid them to add to, or take from; but
new revelations were served up almost daily, fresh as they arrived,
for all those who could swallow them. "The disgust with which the
Baptists regard such things, considering them but a melancholy
exhibition of human folly and wickedness," separates them to an
impassable distance from the Former-day Saints; and how, with all
these differences, the Baptists should ever have been thought,
by themselves, or anybody else, to be the Church of Christ, is
difficult to imagine!

6th. In order to carry on their strange work, or order of things,
the Former-day Saints had two Priesthoods. The Aaronic Priesthood
administered in outward ordinances, as in the case of John the
Baptist. The power and authority of the higher, or Melchisedek
Priesthood, was to hold the keys of all the spiritual blessing
of the Church, as Jesus said, "I give unto thee the keys of the
kingdom of heaven--whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be
bound in heaven," &c. They were to have the privilege of knowing
the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven. "To you it is given to know
the mysteries of the kingdom"--to have the heavens opened unto
them--to commune with the general assembly and Church of the First
born; and to enjoy the communion and presence of God the Father,
and of Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant: Heb. xii: 22, 23,
24. So that in this wonderful Priesthood, they have provided for
an ample supply of new things, in endless variety, and without
end, from those who are and were counted the off-scouring of all
things; and who, as the Baptists would insinuate, "did aspire to
a dignity," which they say, "Belongs alone to Him who is the only
Priest forever after the order of Melchisedek."

The fear of trespassing upon the time and patience of our readers,
prevents our enlarging upon these and many other points of
difference; but enough has been said to show, that no two sects can
possibly differ more widely from each other than do the Baptists
and Former-day Saints, and to amalgamate the two systems in any way
is not only an act of injustice--but would involve the Baptists,
who by the way are an honorable body, in the disgrace of that sect
which was "everywhere spoken against." See Acts 28:23.

Footnotes:

1. This is the revelation of 19th January, 1841, now section cxxi, Doctrine and Covenants.

{352}