And when ages had passed, and nations slumbered in the dust--when cruelty and bloodshed had blotted almost every trace of priesthood and apostleship from the earth; when saints had been worn out and overcome times, laws and ordinances changed; the Bible itself robbed of its plainness; and all things darkened and corrupted; a pure and faithful record of his ministry to other nations is forthcoming from among the archives of the dead, to reveal the "_mystery of iniquity_;" to speak, as with a voice of thunder, in rebuking the evil and revealing the fullness of the gospel. Such was the Book of Mormon--much its effect upon the startling nations. CHAPTER VI. ------------------------ Interesting Meetings:--Second Interview with Hyrum Smith:--Visit to the Church in Seneca County:--Baptism, Confirmation and Ordination:--Ministry Among my Kindred:--Baptism of my Brother Orson:--Wonderful Sign in the Heavens:--Return to Western New York:--First Interview with Joseph Smith:--Description of his Person and Abilities. Having rested awhile and perused this sacred book by the roadside, I again walked on. In the evening I arrived in time to fill my appointment. I met a crowded house, and laid before them many interesting truths, which were listened to with deep interest. The next evening I had another appointment, and the people came out in great numbers, and were filled with the spirit of interest and inquiry. They urged me very much to continue my discourses among them; but I felt to minister no more till I had attended to some important duties for myself. I had now found men on earth commissioned to preach, baptize, ordain to the ministry, etc., and I determined to obey the fullness of the gospel without delay. I should have done so at the first interview with Elder Hyrum Smith; but these two appointments were already out, and thirty miles' travel required all the time I had. I now returned immediately to Hyrum Smith's residence, and demanded baptism at his hands. I tarried with him one night, and the next day we walked some twenty-five miles to the residence of Mr. Whitmer, in Seneca County. Here we arrived in the evening, and found a most welcome reception. This was the family, several of whose names were attached to the Book of Mormon as witnesses--Mr. Joseph Smith having translated much of the book in Whitmer's chamber. I found the little branch of the Church in this place full of joy, faith, humility and charity. We rested that night, and on the next day, being about the 1st of September, 1830, I was baptized by the hand of an Apostle of the Church of Jesus Christ, by the name of Oliver Cowdery. This took place in Seneca Lake, a beautiful and transparent sheet of water in Western New York.