Letters Exhibiting the Most Prominent Doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day SaintsSpencer, Orson
Religion
Letters Exhibiting the Most Prominent Doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
Spencer, Orson
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints -- Doctrines; Latter Day Saint churches -- Doctrines
When I considered the weakness of the human mind, and its liability
to be deceived, I re-examined and held converse with the most able
opposers to Mormonism, in a meek and teachable spirit; but the ease
with which many, wearing a high profession of piety, turned aside
the force of palpable truth, or leaned on tradition or inextricable
difficulties, that they could not solve into harmony with their
professions, was very far from dissuading me from my new views. What
could I do? Truth had taken possession of my mind--plain, simple, Bible
truth. It might be asked if I could not expel it from my door; yes, I
_could_ do it; but how would that harmonize with a sincere profession
to preach and practice the truth, by way of example to others? It was
a crisis I never shall--I never can forget. I remember it as an exodus
from parents, kindred, denomination, and temporal support. Has any
one ever passed such a crisis, they will say, at least, be careful of
Brother Spencer's character and feelings.
Little as I supposed that I cared about popularity, competence, or
the fellowship of those who were sincerely in error, when I came to
be stretched upon the altar of sacrifice, and the unsheathed blade
that was to exscind from all these hung over me with perpendicular
exactness; then, then, brother, I cried unto the Lord to strengthen me
to pass through the scene with his approbation.
While I was inquiring to know what the Lord would have me to do, many
brethren of different denominations warned and exhorted me faithfully;
but their warnings consisted very much in a lively exhibition of evils
to be endured, if I persisted; or, in other words, they appealed to my
selfish nature. But I knew too well that truth should not be abandoned
through the force of such appeals, however eloquently urged. Some
with whom I conversed, gave glowing descriptions of the obnoxious
character of Joseph Smith, and of the contradictory and unscriptural
jargon of the Book of Mormon, but it was their misfortune usually to be
deplorably ignorant of the true character of either.
Of the truth of this statement many instances might be furnished, if
the limits of my sheet would allow. My own solicitude to know the
character of Mr. Smith, in order to judge of the doctrines propagated
by him, was not so great as that of some others. My aversion to the
worship of man, is both educational and religious; but I said boldly,
concerning Mr. Smith, that whoever had arranged and harmonized such
a system of irresistible truth, has borne good fruit. Some suggested
that it would be wisdom to make a personal acquaintance with Mr.
Smith, previous to embracing his doctrines; but to me the obligation
to receive the truths of heaven seemed absolute, whatever might be the
character of Mr. Smith.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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