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Show the perusal of the Saints ttThat our NARRATIVE MAY BE CORRECT, and particularly the INTRODUCTION, it is proper to inform our patrons, THAT OUR BROTHER J. SMITH JR. HAS OFFERED TO ASSIST US. Indeed, there are many items connected WITH THE FORE PART OF THIS SUBJECT THAT REN DER HIS LABOR INDISPENSABLE. ttWith HIS LABOR and with AUTHENTIC DOC UMENTS NOW IN OUR POSSESSION, we hope to render this a pleasing and agreeable narrative, well worth the examination and perusal of the Saints. To do justice to this subject will require time and space: we therefore ask the forbearance of our read ers, ASSURING THEM IT SHALL BE FOUNDED UPON FACTS." 3· Joseph Smith's letter to Oliver Cowdery in the Messenger and Advocate, Volume 1, Page 40, is proof that he knew of the publication of this history e from which we quote as follows: In the last and I Advocate to commence Messenger promised a more particular or MINUTE HISTORY OF THE RISE and progress. of the church of the Latter Day Saints; and publish, for the benefit of enquirers, and all who are disposed to learn 4 You will' recollect that I informed you, in my letter pub lished in the first No. of the Messenger and Ad vocate, that this history would NECESSARILY embrace the life and character of our esteemed friend and brother, J. Smith, Jr. one of the pres idents of this church, and for information on that part of the subject, I REFER YOU TO HIS COM MUNICATION OF THE SAME, PUBLISHED IN THIS PAPER. I shall, therefore, pass over that, till I come to the 15th YEAR OF HIS LIFE There was a great awakening, or excitement raised on the subject of religion, and much enquiry for the word of life. Large additions were made to the Methodist, Presbyterian, and Baptist churches. . e . . . •• .... . 6 In this general strife for followers, his mother, one sister, and two of his natural brothers, were per suaded to unite with the Presbyterians. This gave opportunity for further reflection; and as will be seen in the sequel, LAID A FOUNDATION, or was one means of Iaying a foundation for the attesta tion of the truths, or professions of truth contained in that record called the word of God. 5 You will recollect that I mentioned the time of a religious excitement, in Palmyra and vicinity to have been in THE 15th YEAR of our brother J. Smith Jr's. age--THAT WAS AN ERROR IN THE TYPE IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN IN THE 17th.-You will PLEASE REMEMBER THIS CORRECTION, as it will be necessary for THE FULL UNDER STANDING OF WHAT WILL FOLLOW IN TIME. THIS WOULD BRINGTHEDATEDOWNTOTHE YEAR 1823. I do not deem it to be necessary to write further on the subject of this excitement And it is only necessary for me to say, that while this excitement continued, he continued to call upon the Lord in secret for a full manifestation of divine approbation, and for, to him, THE ALL IMPOR TANT information, IF A SUPREME BEING DID EXIS T, to have an assurance that he was accepted of him On the evening of the 21st OF SEPTEM BER, 1823, previous to retiring to rest, ourbrother's mind was unusually wrought up ON THE SUB JECT WHICH HAD SO LONG AGITATED HIS MIND. While continuing in prayer for a man ifestation in some way that his sins were forgiven; ENDEAVORING TO EXERCISE FAITH IN THE SCRIPTURES, on a sudden a light like that of day, only of a purer and far more glorious ap pearance and brightness, burst into the room. and IN A MOMENT A PERSONAGE STOOD BEFORE HIM IT IS.NO EASY TASK TO DES••• ... .... . . . . ... . 7 . |
