Mr. Durant of Salt Lake City : "That Mormon"

Preface

When this publication first made its appearance at Salt Lake City, Utah, in February, 1893, the Author little dreamed that the information contained in the same would have such a wide circulation. Thousands of the books and hundreds of thousands of the tracts, entitled: “A Friendly Discussion,” taken from this little work, have been circulated throughout America, European countries, and the Islands of the Pacific. The tract has not only been printed in the English language, but in the German, Scandinavian and also in one or two lan¬ guages of the natives of the Isles of the Sea. During the year just closed — 1898 — over seven hundred thousand of these little pamphlets have been circulated in the United States alone. If this little book will give the reader a better conception of the Latter-day Saints and their religion, the object in publishing it will have been attained.

The Author.

Chattanooga, Tenn., January, 1899.

.

CHAPTER 1. The Old and the New

The Changes in the Sunny South, since the War. Hospitality of the Southerner. His Traits of Character. Politics and Religion. Purpose of the Description. .

CHAPTER II. A New Arrival in the Town

The Town of Westminster. Harmony Place, the Hotel of the Mar¬ shalls. Guests and their Social Methods. Mr. Charles Durant, the New Arrival from the West. Introduction to the Family and Visitors . . . . . . . . .

CHAPTER III. New Acquaintances and an Agreeable Discussion

An Evening on the Veranda. A Variety of Subjects Discussed. Poli¬ tics and Religion. Christian America. Do People Practice their Religious Professions? Priests Addicted to Money-getting rather than to Soul-getting. The Stranger Interested. Proposed Dis¬ cussion. Search after Truth. A Quotation from the Prayer Book. A Difference Concerning the Godhead. Erroneous Conception of God. Oneness of the Father and the Son. Three Separate Iden¬ tities, United as One in all Things. Character of Each. A God. with Body, Parts and Passions. Mysteries Explained. “Good Night.”,..

CHAPTER IV. Gaining and Losing Favor

Entirely at Home. Another Evening on the Veranda. The Reverend, the Stranger, and Churches. The Baptism of Christ. Baptism by Immersion. Necessity of this Ordinance. The Savior’s Example.

Who are True Christians? Laying on of Hands. The Reverend Retires from the Argument. Continued Discussion. The Gospel and its Necessity. Men must Answer for their own Sins. The Double Effect of the Atonement of Christ. Conditions of Salva¬ tion. A Definition of Faith. First Step Alone is not Sufficient for Salvation. Scripture Explained. Romans, Chapter X. The Stranger’s Errand . .T . . 20

CHAPTER V. Further Discussion of the First Principles

The Second Step that should be Taken by the Convert to Christian¬ ity. True Repentance, its End and Aim. Forgiveness of Sin, How Obtained. Mode, Meaning, and Significance of Baptism. Who are Fit Candidates for this Ordinance? Little Children Exempt. What Shall We Do to be Saved? The Answer of Paul. The Holy Ghost, How Conferred. The Signs Following. Conditions of Salvation named. “Show Me Where True Christians Live.” Who is Author¬ ized to Baptize? The Need of Authorized Officers. A Sign of the True Church. Teachers must be Called of God. “The Falling Away” Foretold. Christians Turned Heathen. The Gospel to be Restored. Prophecies Concerning this Event. The Restoration through Revelation to Man. Promises to the Believer. A Lecture Arranged for . . . . . 29

CHAPTER VI. Truth Again Defeats Falsehood

A Pleasant Conversation. Missionary Hymn. Perfect Happiness. True Enjoyment, How Obtained. The Medium Course. Sensible Christianity. The Reverend Once More. His Peculiar Surprise.

“Are You from Salt Lake City?” The Stranger is a Latter-day Saint, or Mormon. A Discomfited Minister. Some Falsehoods Exposed. The Articles of Faith _ _ _ _ 40

CHAPTER VII. A Triumph and an Escape

Durant’s Experience in Westminster. His Labors. Meeting in the Town Hall. Sincere Congratulations. Fears of a Mob.

CHAPTER VIII. The Prophet Joseph’s Statement

Once More on the Veranda. Answering Questions. Information from the Right Source. Complete Statement of the Early Rise and Progress of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, by the Prophet Joseph Smith. The Book of Mormon. The Testi¬ mony of Three Witnesses. And also the Testimony of Eight Wit¬ nesses. Concerning the Restoration of the Gospel. Striking Illustration. Departure from Westminster . . 51

CHAPTER IX. That Mormon Again

A New Member of the Marshall Family. Meeting an Esteemed Friend. A Delayed Breakfast. A Promised Return. Anxious to Meet the Missionary. Effect of the Elder’s Testimony. Danger of being Converted to Mormonism. An Informal Meeting Place.... 70

CHAPTER X. The Missionary’s Return

Once More with his Friends. Experience While Away. Account of a Terrible Mobbing. Peculiar Feelings Attending the Formation of New Friendships. Opportunity to Introduce a New Principle.

The Doctrine of Pre-Existence. A Beautiful Poem. Proofs from the Scriptures. The Truth is Reasonable. A Walk through the Village. “The World my Home.” . . . 73

CHAPTER XI. A Pleasant Interview

An Evening Gathering. Remarks on the Faith of the Latter-day Saints. What they Believe. A Literal Resurrection. The Teach¬ ings of Jesus and the Scriptures on this Subject. Illustrations.

Now Accepted Facts were Once Incomprehensible. Great Truths yet Unrevealed. The Story of the Silver Cup. Deathbed Repent¬ ance. The Repentant Malefactor did not go to Heaven with the Savior. The Subject Explained. Where and What is Paradise? Preaching to Departed Spirits. Baptism for the Dead. The Welding Link Between the Fathers and their Children. Testimony of a Prophecy Fulfilled. Organization of the Church of Christ. The Holy Priesthood. Officers of the Melchizedek and Aaronic Priest¬ hoods _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 81

CHAPTER XII. A Baptism and a Conversation on Marriage

Importance of Baptism. Necessity of Earnest Preparation. Form of the Ordinance Given. Quotations Showing the Gathering to be in Strict Harmony with the Bible. The Marriage Covenant is Eternal. The Union of Adam and Eve. What is meant by Marriage as Ordained of God? Necessity of Authority. . . 95

CHAPTER XIII. About the Mormons

A Trip to Utah. Consideration that Led the Mormons to Settle that Territory. The Death of the Prophet Joseph. How it Occurred.

Its Effect on the Saints. How Brigham Young Became Leader of the People. The Exodus from Nauvoo. Testimony of Historians. Goodbye. Off for the West. Arrival in Salt Lake City. A Happy Meeting. A Doctrinal Sermon _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 99

Chapter XIV

Mr. Brown’s Letter to the Marshalls.

The Great West. Along the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific. By the Denver & Rio Grande over the Rockies. Scenes Along the Line. Over the Wasatch into Utah. Delightful Views. Area, Pop¬ ulation and Resources of the State. In Salt Lake City. The Tabernacle and the Temple. Ecclesiastical Divisions. Natural Attractions. Education. A Living Faith. Fair Minded People. Greetings . . . . . . . . . 121

Conclusion

A Word Before We Separate. Important Questions. “What if the Message be True.” “Read, Listen, Investigate.” “Know this, that Every Soul is Free”... . . . . . . . . . . 127

CHAPTER I The Old and the New

There are few if any cities or towns of any consequence in the vast territory known to poesy as the Sunny South, that do not speak in every street corner, in almost every building, and even through the individuals themselves, of the wondrous changes wrought by the great civil war. Those who knew that Sunny South before the sanguinary struggle, and have since looked upon it, will most readily appreciate the force of this statement; while those who have not seen it, need only be told that where villages existed then, now thriving towns arise, or bustling municipalities; elegant mansions have supplanted log huts or other indifferent abodes of men; the railway has displaced the stage coach for all time; newspapers abound where before these were almost unknown, and — greatest boon of all — the auction block, whereon human merchandise was publicly vended, exists only as a memory which itself is rapidly vanishing before the pressure of modern progress and a better civilization. In one respect at least, however, there has been little, if any change, and that is in regard to the best feature of all among the many that are commendable in the true Southerner — the stranger or wayfarer is received with the same unaffected hospitality as of yore, and is at liberty, within reasonable limits, to avail himself of all the conveniences and enjoyments of whatever home he may find himself the guest.

Notwithstanding their hospitality, the people of the South are usually disposed to be suspicious of strangers until well ac¬ quainted with them, and they are overly watchful, jealous and even irritable when once a real or fancied cause for vigilance arises. Inheriting traditions and propensities which are in¬ separable from the climate and the race, they brook no inter¬ ference with their peculiar views, and anything savoring of intolerance or bigotry concerning a cherished Southernism is summarily suppressed if it can be; apart from this, it matters little what the visitor believes or practices in a general way. In politics they incline largely one way, possibly for the reason that to do otherwise would, as they look upon it, threaten them with the domination of the black race, and this of all things they will not have, no matter by what means it is pre¬ vented. In religion they are Protestant with heavy leaning to¬ wards the Baptist doctrines, not always free from narrowness, yet fairly tolerant — many evincing a willingness to listen, and demanding a right to believe or disbelieve, as their judgment may dictate.

Those who are unacquainted with the situation would be inclined to say at this point: “What a great field for missionary work.” And so it is; but the great mistake of supposing that the South is deficient in the matter of Christian endeavor or ecclesiastical institutions must not be made. Far from that! On the contrary, perhaps, religious feeling is more generally diffused, guarded, and defended as herein expressed, than in any other section of the civilized world; but it is not of the kind from which riots and persecutions grow for no other reason than that it is opposed.

There is much else south of the imaginary dividing line of North and South that might be spoken of to interest, but which will not be referred to except incidentally in the succeeding chapters. What we have said is for the purpose of giving only so much of a description of the country and people as is necessary to make our little narrative, the incidents of which are laid there, more easily understood. As this book deals principally with actual occurrences, and people in real life, such a foundation seems to be entirely proper.

CHAPTER II. A New Arrival in the Town

A town pleasantly situated in the southwestern part of Tennessee, the name of which for the present shall be West¬ minster, was at the time of which we write one of the most cosmopolitan places imaginable for its size, — that is, for a southern town. It contained probably two thousand regular inhabitants, but these were constantly augmented, it being at times a rallying point for tourists from every clime, and the temporary abode of men who, in the aggregate, during a season,

MR DURANT OF^SALT LAKE.

came well-nigh representing every shade of opinion, if not every phase of character.

A quiet little hotel, or perhaps it would be better to say a residence, with accommodations for a limited number of guests, was situated near the outskirts, and so pleasant in all respects were the location, surroundings and appointments, that its name, Harmony Place, did not seem at all inappropriate. In two important respects it was unlike any other hostelry in the town — there was no bar, and the guests all had an air of re¬ spectability in keeping with the house itself. It was kept by a planter, in ordinary financial circumstances, whose name was Marshall; he was assisted in his duties by a colored roustabout of uncertain ancestry, a circumscribed present, and a future wholly undefined. Mr. Marshall’s wife, and daughter Claire, did their part by generously entertaining the visitors. There were at the time of which we write three guests — a lawyer named Brown, who had established himself at Westminster; a doctor calling himself Slocum, who was giving the town a trial with a view to locating in it if the patronage warranted; and a tourist whose name was given as Reverend Fitzallen, and whose object seemed to be the pursuit of health, pleasure and information, and incidentally, the dissemination of the gospel according to his faith. Naturally, with so limited a circle of patrons, each having been there for some length of time, the associations all around were more like those in a family than such as exist between landlord and guests. An evening in the parlor with everybody but the Ethiopian present, the daughter singing to her own accompaniment on the piano, while the doctor turned the music for her, was often enjoyed, and there was rarely if ever a discordant circumstance to mar the serenity of these occasions.

It was early in September, 189 — , the most enjoyable part of the year in Westminster. A man, who was readily distin¬ guishable from the town-folk, not only by his strange face but by his attire, and by that indescribable air which appears the more plainly the more a stranger tries to discard or conceal it, made his way leisurely to the gate fronting Harmony Place, and continued his way up the walk leading to the door. He was met by Mrs. Marshall and informed, in response to his inquiry, that he could obtain lodgings there. The colored man took the guest’s valise and led the way to a room on the second

MR. DURANT OF SALT LAKE.

floor. After washing himself and brushing off the dust from his clothes, the stranger reappeared in the sitting room, and taking up a paper awaited the announcement that refreshments were ready, which was not long in coming.

He was somewhat above medium height, well proportioned, not unusually well dressed, but still appeared presentable in good society, and had a countenance which, while not decidedly handsome, was regular and of that caste which attracts attention; his voice was quite pleasant, his natural conver¬ sational faculty proved to be good, and he was so well fortified with current facts and all the pleasantries of the day, that before the meal was over he was quite in harmony with the hostess, who was not only happy to answer any question he asked, but took advantage of every opportunity to propound queries for herself. Within an hour from the time of arrival, the new guest seemed to be nearly as well acquainted as if he had been an inmate of the house for a month at least. This ability of rapidly forming acquaintance is very rare; and particularly in the case of travelers, the absence of which no amount of money or graces could recompense. Those who possess it do not need an extended reference to its usefulness to be made aware thereof, while those who are not in possession of it can never be made fully to understand its value by means of cold type and white paper.

The landlady has learned the name of the latest arrival before the reader has — it is Charles Durant, aged thirty, and he comes from the West — a rather indefinite abiding place to those of us who are residents of, or are familiar with, that division of our country. It is satisfactory, however, to a majority of our eastern and southern brethren who have never placed feet upon the shores of the Missouri, or crossed its waters, and who seem to entertain a vague idea that Westerners all come from one place, and are all alike in most respects.

Later in the day Durant took a stroll through the suburbs of the town, and returning was introduced to Mr. Marshall, to the guests, as they appeared one by one, with all of whom he was soon on the most cordial terms, and finally to the young lady, the sole representative on earth of her devoted parents, who, being twenty years of age, as pretty as a dream, well formed, and altogether attractive, was not likely to bear their

MR, DURANT OF SALT LAKE.

name much longer, albeit at this time reveling in “maiden meditation, fancy free.”

It was truly an interesting circle and the interest did not abate in the least by reason of the latest arrival.

CHAPTER III. New Acquaintances and an Agreeable Discussion

The evening of the first day that marked the stranger’s advent into Westminster saw the entire personnel of Harmony Place on the veranda; the new moon smiling benignly upon them, the evening was cool and the “ripe harvest of the newmown hay” gave to the air a “sweet and wholesome odor.” One subject after another was taken up, discussed and disposed of, or at least laid aside to give way to some other, and in each and all of them our hero (for such we may as well commence to recognize him) took a part, and exhibited a fund of information and an aptitude of presentation which gave him the preference without a contest whenever he chose to speak. This became more and more frequent as the night wore on, for there was no disguising the fact that he was, like the others, already one of the household. If any one of the party wondered what it was that he had come for, how he expected to get it, or how long he was to stay, the conjecture never found expression; for they all experienced so much of general satisfaction in hearing him, and took such genuine pleasure in his word-painting of western scenes and events, that they were all willing to have him stay indefinitely. He was literally chosen as one of their number without opposition, and the mere matters of detail regarding his purposes might be left to the future or be entirely undis¬ covered; he was now decidedly the architect of his own fortune so far as retaining the good will of that little group was con¬ cerned.

The conversation proceeded from point to point until the topics of the quiet gathering assumed more the aspect of an intellectual melange than anything else; the Sepoy rebellion made way for the Dakota blizzard, the signal failure of the first laying of the Atlantic cable was shelved to make place for Webster’s artistic destruction of Dr. Parkman, and Crom-

MR. DURANT OF SALT LAKE.

well’s career of conquests and crimes was followed by a brief discussion of the science and practice of silver mining. (Variety and scope enough, surely!) It must be noticeable that the two subjects which agitate us nationally and sometimes locally more than any others — politics and religion — had so far es¬ caped; they had not, however, been unthought of, and present¬ ly the latter was begun by the minister saying:

“Representing to some extent as I do, the church, I am com¬ pelled to admit that in the matters of organization, discipline and places of worship, America is thoroughly Christianized. Look at the profusion of church buildings wherever you go. To me such rivalry is gratifying in the extreme, representing as it does the highest type of good citizenship.”

“I partially concur with you,” said the lawyer, “and yet I belong to no church at all — do not, in fact, endorse Christianity as a department of civilized life.”

“Why, how is this?” said Fitzallen, “I thought nearly everybody in this country must be orthodox to some extent at least.”

“Not so with me, I assure you,” the other replied, “and the strangest part of it is that my ‘peculiar views,’ as you may call them, are not the result of neglect or indifference, but are rather caused by investigation and the peculiar explanations, or rather lack of explanations, of those who make the dis¬ semination of religious views their calling.”

“In other words, you are an unbeliever.”

“Exactly.”

“Not totally, I trust.”

“Oh, not necessarily. The creeds which base, or profess to base, their tenets upon the Bible do not, as it appears to me, live up to their professions, and the clergy — meaning no offense whatever — are more addicted to money-getting than to soul¬ getting. That there may be salvation and a Supreme Judge who provides it, is to me simply like the traditional Scotch verdict — not proved.”

The stranger from the West was listening to all this with the air of one deeply interested. It was as if an opportunity which he desired, but had not expressed himself concerning, had come, and he was not at all reluctant about replying when questioned as to his own views. It came when the churchman, after announcing his determination to “labor” with the infidel, turned to the new-comer and said:

“I do not know whether you would be for or against me in such a work, but coming from what we of the East are prone to regard as the land where restraints are not severe, I fear you might be disposed to assist him rather than me.”

“Well, gentlemen,” said Durant, “this topic interests me, and while I and my opinions are unknown to you all, still I will, if agreeable, endeavor to throw some light upon the sub¬ ject at present, and will seek to do more in that direction here¬ after if favored with an opportunity. I am a believer in religion, laying claim to a testimony from above, and still I often find myself opposed by ministers; they are generally the very per¬ sons who are foremost in opposing me on every side, strange to say.”

“I cannot imagine why this should be the case,” said Fitzallen, “if you are, as you state, a true believer in Christ and have a testimoay of Him.”

“It may seem strange to you, at which I do not wonder. But I am afraid I am delaying the, work you have planned for Mr. Brown’s welfare. If you will permit me to ask a few ques¬ tions during your conversation with him, I may be able to take a general part in it before it closes, provided, however, that should we differ upon any religious views, it will be a friendly and pleasant manner.”

“Oh, certainly,” said the churchman, “I am sure it will be a pleasure to me to have you join in our conversation as you see fit, and I do not doubt that Mr. Brown and the other gentlemen will look upon it in the same way.”

The entire party here expressed approval of the proposed discussion, and the lawyer said:

“I have not the slightest objection, and will be glad to have all the light possible thrown upon the different doctrinal points that I do not believe, and mainly because of which I am not at present a member of any Christian church.”

“Then, Mr. Brown,” said Fitzallen, “let us commence our voyage in search of eternal truth. What particular part of the Christian faith appears to you as being most difficult to under¬ stand?”

“I confess there are many. However, let us commence with one of the principles of your belief. I will refer to some of

MR. DURANT OF £ALT LAKE., the literature of the Church of England. The first article of religion contained in the prayer book of the Church of England: “There is but one living and true God, everlasting; without body, parts or passions; of infinite power, wisdom and goodness; the Maker and Preserver of all things, both visible and invisible; and in the unity of this Godhead there are three persons of one substance, power and eternity, — the Father, Son and the Holy Ghost.’ According to this, then, your belief is that the Father, Son and Holy Ghost are one person, without body, parts or passions.”

“You have certainly quoted correctly from the prayer book; I fail to see anything wrong with that. What fault have you to find with it?”

“None whatever if you really believe it, because there doeg not seem to me much Variance in our conclusion if you believe in such a God as this; I can not conceive o! a just God who has neither body, parts nor passions. So far as the Bible is concerned, I fail to see from what part of that book you obtain such a con¬ clusion.”

“Well, Mr. Brown, using your own language, ‘so far as the Bible is concerned,’ let us doyis Isaiah commands, go ‘to the law and to the testimony’ (Isaiah viii:20), and I will soon convince you that the Bible plainly sets forth the fact that the Father and the Son are one. In fact, Jesus Himself declares that He and His Father are one. (Johnx:30.) Is this not true?”

“Excuse me,” said Durant, “but is it not more reasonable for us to believe He meant that He and His Father were united in all things as one person? — not that they were actually one and the same identity?”

“Certainly not,” said the reverend, “our Savior meant just what He said when He declared that He and His Father were one.”

“I must certainly differ from you,” said the stranger, “for He also asked His Father to make His disciples one, even as He and the Father were one, as you will see by reference to John xvii:20 and 21, and by your argument it must have been His wish for those disciples to lose their separate and distinct identi¬ ties. I am afraid you are not making a very favorable impression on Mr. Brown’s mind.”

“Stranger,” said Mr. Brown, “your view of the case, I must confess, appears to be very reasonable. Looking at it from any

MR. DURANT OF SALT LAKE.

Other standpoint would not be in accord with sound reason.”

‘‘Let me ask,” said the preacher, ‘‘did not Jesus say, ‘He that hath seen Me, hath seen the Father?’ ” (John xiv:9.)

“Yes,” said the westerner, ‘‘for as Paul says, He was in the express image of His (Father’s) person (Heb. i:3), and this being the case Jesus might well give them to understand that when they had seen one they had seen the other. When Jesus went out to pray, He said, ‘0, my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless, not as I will but as Thou wilt.’ (Matt. xxvi:39.) Now then, to whom was our Savior praying? Was He asking a favor of Himself?”

‘‘Oh, no: He was then praying to the Holy Spirit.”

‘‘Oh, then by such admission you have separated one of the three from Jesus, for in the beginning you declared that the three were one; and now that we have one of the three separated from the others, let us see if we can separate the other two. In order to do this, I refer you to the account of the martyrdom of Stephen. While being stoned to death he looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and that Jesus was standing on the right hand of God. (Acts vii:55.) Would it not be rather dif¬ ficult for any person to stand on the right hand of himself? And in order to prove further that Jesus is a separate person from the Father, we will examine into the account of His baptism. On coming up out of the water, what was it that lighted upon Him in the form of a dove?” (Matt, iii :16. )

‘‘We are. told it was the Spirit of God.”

‘‘Exactly! And whose voice was it that spoke from the heavens, saying, ‘This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased?’ (Matt. iii:17;) Now, mind you, there was Jesus, who had just been raised from the water, being one person, the Holy Ghost which descended from above and rested upon Him in the form of a dove, making two personages; and does not the idea strike you very forcibly that the voice from heaven belonged to a third person? And then, again, I will draw your attention to — ”

The churchman was getting warmed up. Said he: ‘‘These are things which we are not expected to understand; and, my young friend, I would advise you to drop such foolish ideas, for — ”

‘‘Excuse me. Did you say ‘foolish ideas?’ Why, my dear sir, we are told in the Bible that, ‘This is life eternal, that they might know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom

MR. DURANT OF SALT LAKE.

Thou hast sent.’ (John xvii:3). Therefore, it should be our first duty to find out the character and being of God. You say we are not expected to understand these things, while the Bible says these are what we must understand if we desire eternal life. It also says we can understand the things of man by the spirit of man, but to understand the things of God we must have the Spirit of God; and as you profess to be one of His servants, you are supposed to be in possession of the necessary Spirit to understand the true and living God, also Jesus Christ whom He sent. You say God has no body; did our Savior have one? If so, then His Father had one, for I have just proved by the words of Paul that Christ was in the express image of His person. (Heb. 1:3.) Jesus appeared in the midst of His dis¬ ciples after His resurrection, with a body of flesh and bones, and called upon His disciples to satisfy themselves on this point by touching Him; for, says He, ‘a spirit hath not flesh and bones as ye see me have.’ (Luke xxiv:39.) Then He called for something to eat and He did eat (verses 42, 43,) and with this body of flesh and bone He ascended into heaven and stood, as Stephen says, on the right hand of God. (Acts vii:55.) Now, if He has no body, what became of the one He took away with Him?”

“This is nonsense! you know that God is a spirit, and I think we would better not delve too deeply into matters which we are not permitted to comprehend.”