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Show INTERESTING MISSIONARY LETTER. EDITOR LEADER - In our labor here we meet sometimes with persons professing to be posted in regard to our belief, who are grossly ignorant. As an example, I will instance a preacher, who being chairman of the committee of a church, the use of which we desired to get, was approached by us on the subject. Being told, "No sir," the question was asked him if any other ministers preached there besides the Methodist. He said, "Those that were considered orthodox," and in explanation of orthodox, he said, "Those that believe in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ - His divine mission, mercy and grace." Now this was a ???, as though we had not been taught to believe this all our lives, as though our parents had not deserted their own home land and friends for this reason. Indeed, quite a new ???. After having traveled a great distance to preach the gospel as given by our Savior Jesus Christ, and being representatives of a Church bearing His name and organized by revelation from Him. Yet this man claimed to be acquainted with our teachings, having heard an elder preach a number of years ago. A lesson might be given here on the concentration of the mind in learning, but I forbear. When he was told that was exactly what we believed, he would not explain himself any further. He could not and therefore did not try to prove that we did not believe in Jesus. Who gave him authority to decide that we did not believe in Jesus or His divine mission? How is it that a church which claims and promises all the blessings given formerly and accepts and teaches all the ordinances of the gospel of Christ is not orthodox? And one that rejects a great many of those things and substitutes others by man's wisdom, such as excitement, mourner benches, etc., is orthodox? The only reason I have heard of is some "men have darkness rather than light." I feel this true from the fact that books published against us are found in a great many places, and find ready circulation. Said books contain things that thinkers know are false without further investigation. Those things combined with tradition hinder the progress of truth. Since the conference in this state, several baptisms have taken place, in fact six persons have been added to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Upwards of sixty souls left Old Virginia for Utah and Colorado on the morning of the 9th inst. [instant]. Cache will get her share of the emigrants. With her growing industries she needs those who can assist. If not careful it shall diverge by the great development waiting? her. This state has just passed over another election excitement. Some people are rejoicing over the victory obtained for their party while others are filled with chagrin and disappointment. I meet men occasionally who deeply deplore the present political condition and hope the time will come when it will be improved. Elder Wm. [William] Asper of Salt Lake city, is now my fellow laborer in the cause of truth. We are making new friends from time to time, removing prejudices, and where we can get opportunities to preach, we gladly embrace them. Desiring the faith and prayers of the Saints in the future, as in the past, I subscribe myself. J. I. C. Jeffersonville, Va., Nov. 19, 1881. |