Defense of the Faith and the Saints (Volume 2 of 2)Roberts, B. H. (Brigham Henry)
Religion
Defense of the Faith and the Saints (Volume 2 of 2)
Roberts, B. H. (Brigham Henry)
Latter Day Saint churches
Spaulding that if he would make out a title page and preface, he
would publish it, and it might be a source of profit. This Mr.
Spaulding refused to do. Sidney Rigdon, who has figured so largely
in the history of the Mormons, was at that time connected with the
printing office of Mr. Patterson, as is well known in that region,
and as Rigdon himself has frequently stated, became acquainted
with Mr. Spaulding's manuscript, and copied it. It was a matter
of notoriety and interest to all connected with the printing
establishment. At length the manuscript was returned to its author,
and soon after we removed to Amity, Washington county, etc., where
Mr. Spaulding deceased in 1816. The manuscript then fell into my
hands, and was carefully preserved. It has frequently been examined
by my daughter, Mrs. M'Kinstry, of Monson, Mass., with whom I now
reside, and by other friends.
"After the Book of Mormon came out, a copy of it was taken to
New Salem, the place of Mr. Spaulding's former residence, and
the very place where the manuscript found was written. A woman
preacher appointed a meeting there; and in the meeting read and
repeated copious extracts from the Book of Mormon. The historical
part was immediately recognized by all the older inhabitants, as
the identical work of Mr. Spaulding, in which they had all been
so deeply interested years before. Mr. John Spaulding was present
and recognized perfectly the work of his brother. He was amazed
and afflicted that it should have been perverted to so wicked a
purpose. His grief found vent in a flood of tears, and he arose
on the spot, and expressed to the meeting his sorrow and regret
that the writings of his deceased brother should be used for a
purpose so vile and shocking. The excitement in New Salem became
so great, that the inhabitants had a meeting, and deputed Dr.
Philastus Hurlburt, one of their numbers, to repair to this place
and to obtain from me the original manuscript of Mr. Spaulding,
for the purpose of comparing it with the Mormon Bible, to satisfy
their own minds, and to prevent their friends from embracing an
error so delusive. This was in the year 1834. Dr. Hurlburt brought
with him an introduction and request for the manuscript, which was
signed by Messrs. Henry Lake, Aaron Wright, and others, with all
of whom I was acquainted, as they were my neighbors when I resided
at New Salem. I am sure that nothing would grieve my husband more,
were he living, than the use which has been made of his work.
The air of antiquity which was thrown about the composition,
doubtless suggested the idea of converting it to the purpose of
delusion. Thus an historical romance, with the addition of a few
pious expressions, and extracts from the sacred Scriptures, has
been construed into a new Bible, and palmed off upon a company of
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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