Messages from the Missions

Messages from the Missions.

The Ministers Association of Laconia, New Hampshire, early in October, printed an open letter in the Laconia Democrat warning the community against "Mormon" workers "whose system of religious faith isfounded on the Book of Mormon and revelations." They regard the success of these missionaries as detrimental to the best interests of the community, and have no faith in their claims to "receive directions and policies supernaturally." They complain also that the "Mormon" insti- tution was long in rebellion against the United States, and warn those who have patriotic love for their country, and who hold dear the church and the home, as the ministers enjoy them in their enlightened section, to have no interest in, nor to extend nor increase the power and influence of, this religious system. "For," they say, "any success that may attend the efforts of these representatives in the 'Mormon' Church means so much a detriment to our dearest domestic and religious institu- tions," and they close with the wish that "the sooner they depart from our midst, the better it will be for all our people." This open letter was printed on the 15th of October, in the Democrat, and on the 29th of October, President Ben E. Rich wrote a reply which the Laconia Democrat cheerfully gave space to. President Rich asks whether the ministers drew their inspiration from that part of ancient history which refers to the fashionable high priests of Jerusalem, who he thinks, no doubt, passed similar resolutions against the Church of Jesus Christ of Former-day Saints. He calls attention to the fact that he is a descend- ant, both on the part of father and mother, of Revolutionary soldiers, and that a part of their work consisted in having one government upon the earth that would not be controlled by bigoted ministers, but would be a land of religious liberty; and then he says:

"If I want to believe that the gospel taught by Christ and his apos- tles was to be an everlasting gospel, that is none of your business. If you want to believe that it was an everlastingly changeable gospel, that is none of my business. If I want to believe the doctrine of 'one Lord, one faith, and one baptism,' as taught by Paul, that is none of your business; if you want to believe in a gospel made up of different kinds of faiths and different kinds of baptisms, that is none of my business. I

enclose you our Articles of Faith. If you do not like them, you do not have to accept them. If I do not like yours, I do not have to accept them. But how thankful all men should be that such men as you are not running the government of the United -States. We would have a return of the old-fashioned fireworks which surrounded the stakes in the days of witchery, when one man's life was in danger if he believed a little

.

284 IMPRO VEMENT ERA

different than some other man. God bless the United States of America and protect it from bigotry."

On the 3rd of November the News and Critic took up the discussion and suggested that before the "Mormons 1 ' are given full blast, there ought to be a commission chosen to look into their articles of faith and to decide if it is safe and sensible. The article closes in this fashion: "If these Mormons are going around telling the easily worked that they will have 'to take 'ours' or hell awaits, they might get a whole lot of people who could be just as well accommodated by the religious insti- tutions we have with us." In the reply to the News and Critic, which, by the by, the paper returned unprinted, President Rich wrote in part:

"I am afraid you are going to have a hard job in gathering together a suitable committee out of this babel of religious and irreligious con- fusion. Furthermore, Mr. Critic, how do you think the Methodists, Presbyterians, Catholics, Baptists, or others doing missionary work among the 'Mormons' would like to have their religion investigated before a 'Mormon' committee to see whether it would be suitable for the people or not? Don't you think it would be just as reasonable for the 'Mormons' to make this demand? This brings us back to your original recommendation, that a 'consolidation rather than an increase of churches, is really necessary. I will recommend that our united prayer

be for a return of primitive Christianity, with all its ancient gifts, bless- ings and promises. I am willing to appear before your committee with

such a gospel just as soon as your committee is ready to receive me. Please let me know when the just and impartial committee— unbiased, — and not tinctured with prejudice will be ready to receive me, and I will be on hand to present my claims that the gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored to the earth in fulfilment of prophecy, that its mission aims to consolidate all churches into primitive Christianity, bringing men to a knowledge of God and giving them a testimony for themselves that the work we represent is true. Yours very truly."

Elder T. L. Hatch writes from Cork, Ireland, November 27, 1909, making a correction which we cheerfully print: "In connection with the the article, 'The South of Ireland, 'in the Novem- ber number of the Era, you incorrectly gave me the honor of being president of the Irish conference.' At the time I wrote, Elder T. J. Bennett wi.s pre- siding over the work Ireland, (see names and explanations accom- in

panying pictures of 'Irish farm house,' also second picture of 'Blarney Castle, ' where I mention Elder Bennett as 'president of the Irish con- ference.' Elder Bennett has now been released, and is on his way home. Elder William W. Osborn is now presiding over the Irish conference. .1 have no desire to be given the honor which belongs to my esteemed brethren, Elders Bennett and Osborn. I beg to remain, yours faithfully, T. L. Hatch."