Joseph Smith, a Prophet of the Lord: A Poem

Joseph Smith, a Prophet of the Lord

BY SAMUEL DITTY, OF THE IRISH CONFERENCE

Why is the world not all agreed, That Joseph Smith of "Mormon" creed, Was raised to gather Israel's seed, And by the Lord appointed; And that the records which he found, So near the surface of the ground, And like a sacred volume bound, Were hid by God's anointed? And if the Gospel be restored, Why is the statement so ignored, And ridicule upon him poured, And false insinuation? For if a man assert a claim, And proves it true, then, they're to blame, Who do injustice to his name Without investigation.

He may have been a prophet, too. For all they know, or ever knew, And if he was, then it is true That he had revelation. If that be so, then tell me why Men should abuse him and deny That God has spoken from on high To every tongue and nation? He like a prophet was abused, His doctrines were by men refused, And oft before the bar • accused, But each time was acquitted; And like the Christ whom men denied. Though righteous yet was crucified, So also he was slain, he died, Yet this the world permitted. Now did the Christian world not know That Jesus said it would be so, His prophets all must undergo The vilest persecution? This being what the world has willed, Herein the Scriptures were fulfilled, When wicked men God's Prophet killed, By cowardly execution.

What folly, then, to think by crime To end God's purpose and design, For he has said in latter time He will his judgments pour, 'Till murderers of the prophets all, Trembling shall answer to his call, And all who serve the "Beast" shall fall. And fall to rise no more! Millennial Star.