TROUBLE IN THE WEST.
Our readers are aware, no doubt, that the Baptists, Presbyterians, and others, have been troubled for a long time, because "the Beast," as they are pleased to call the Catholic church, has so much power in the Valley of the Mississippi. We not unfrequently [infrequently] see lengthy letters, said to have been written by persons resident in, or travelling in the Valley. These letters always urge the great necessity of sending more Missionaries to convert the inhabitants of that country, to establish Sabbath schools, Tract societies, &c.
Since some few of the elders of the church of the saints have been laboring in Illinois, these very pious people, seem to be greatly alarmed again, or anew. "The Pioneer," a small semi monthly paper, devoted to the Baptist cause, and printed at "Rock Spring," contains an article, from which, and a few remarks from the Editor, we learn that the cause of truth and the discemination [dissemination] of correct principles, causes a deep feeling of, not only religious animosity, but a disposition to tread in the foot steps of some others who have been forward in raising an alarm when ever the gospel was introduced in their vicinities.
It is said that the article was written "by a friend of truth," and we design occupying a few lines to show our friends the just claim the author has to this appellation.
He has, no doubt, made himself acquainted with Mr. Campbell's pamphlet of 1831, as his arguments are the same, in general, or similar; with a little addition in some respects.
The writer says: "The probability is that Smith, who had been a book peddler, and was frequently about printing establishments, had procured some old copper plates for engravings, which he showed for golden plates."
This is a new one. We have heard our worthy brother Joseph Smith jr. called almost every thing but a bookpeddler. Now, as it is, we can prove, by those who have been personally acquainted with brother Smith from his infancy that this is an absolute falsehood! Will the Editor of the Pioneer inform his "friend of truth" of the fact.
The Pioneer's "friend of truth" has certainly got ahead of Mr. Campbell: He says that the "true origin" of the writing composing the book of Mormon, is from the pen of an eccentric Spaulding, who carried the same to Pittsburgh, but died soon, and that since they have been altered a little, and now appear as the book of Mormon. Mr. Campbell says, that "Smith is its real author, and as ignorant and impudent a knave as ever wrote a book." Will these two gentlemen settle this dispute; for it truly looks pittiful [pitiful] to see this wide disagreement, since they both express so much anxiety.
This "friend of truth" says: "The book states that Christ was born in Jerusalem (p. 240), whereas every child that has read the testament, knows that Christ was born in Bethlehem."
Since this writer has been so kind as to note the page we will look at it: it says, "For behold, the kingdom of heaven is at hand, and the Son of God cometh upon the face of the earth.—And behold, he shall be born of Mary AT JERUSALEM, which is the land of our forefathers."
So much for this "friend of truth" on this subject: instead of its saying in Jerusalem, as this man would be glad to make his readers believe, it says "AT JERUSALEM, the LAND of their forefathers." And any man of common sense, cannot but see that this writer had a perfect understanding of the matter, for he says the land of, &c. which is sufficient to show that he meant to be understood, as he said, "at" or in the region of Jerusalem.—This is enough, however, to show the design of this "friend of truth."
Again, this writer says: "The name of Jesus Christ, was declared to Nephi, 545 years before it was announced to Mary, and she, in true Roman phraseology, is called 'the mother of God.'