These references are not given from vanity, but from the fact that almost every man's character is traduced and villified, the moment he embraces the _faith_ once delivered to the Saints. The present volume constitutes the third re-print, several thousand copies having been exhausted in a tract form, the present edition, in book form, was repeatedly inquired after. The edition has been got out in the midst of multiplied engagements. Truth in studied brevity has been aimed at, without seeking the least embellishment of diction. If there has, in part of the volume, been the appearance of severity towards the religions of modern Christianity, it has been prompted solely by the impulse of truth, in order to demolish error, before the Destroyer of the Gentiles should expose iniquity with irretrievable loss to its victims. Scripture references have been studiously omitted, believing that honest minds would readily find ample support from the scriptures for all that is contained in this little volume. It is, therefore, commended to the faith and cordial reception of all who desire the salvation of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, in sincerity and truth. ORSON SPENCER. _Liverpool, January_ 1, 1848. LETTER FROM THE REV. WILLIAM CROWELL, A. M. TO ORSON SPENCER, A. B. _Boston, October_ 21, 1842. MY DEAR SIR,--On the confidence of an old acquaintance and kindly intercourse, I have long wished to address a friendly line to you; for, I am sure, you have not forgotten the pleasant, though brief, interviews which we enjoyed at Middlefield. Since I saw you there, a great change has taken place, as I have been led to believe, in your religious views, and a corresponding one in your relations and circumstances; still, I trust, that you have not forgotten the claims of friendship and acquaintance. I need not tell you how much I became interested in your family--so young and so full of promise--nor of the strong confidence which I reposed in your piety and conscientious regard for the will of God. I would not allow myself to believe that you would profess what you did not sincerely believe, nor that you would believe without good reasons; still the change in your views excited in me no little surprise. I have, therefore, been desirous to receive from yourself an account of your views, and the reasons of your change. I am also desirous to obtain from one in whom I can confide--one who is acquainted with the facts--and one who is not prejudiced against it at the outset, some account of the faith which you have embraced; of the personal character, doctrines, claims, and influence of him who is called the leader--I mean Joseph Smith. Does he claim to be inspired? Is he a man of prayer? a man of pure life? a man of peace? Where is he now? Does he appear at the head of his troops as a military commander? What is the nature of the worship among you, and wherein does it differ from that of religious people with whom you have been acquainted elsewhere?