H'STORY OF JOSEPH SMITH AND THE CHURCH UNIQUE-ANTAGONISM TO BE EXPECTED-CLAIMS WORTHY OF INVESTIGATION -IN HARMONY WITH REFORMERS-COMING OF AN ELIASLUTHER IN THE SPIRIT OF ELIAS JOHN WESLEY ON THE LATTER-DAY GLORY, AND THE KING DOM-PROTESTANTS SHOULD PATIENTLY HEAR-HON JOSIAH QUINCY ON JOSEPH SMITHREV. MR. PRIOR ON JOSEPH SMITH-SMUCKER ON JOSEPH SMITH'S CHARACTER.

THE history of Joseph Smith and the work to the establishment of which he gave his life must ever be a strange and unique chapter in the history of his generation. The claims he made were not only new and strange, but in positive conflict with the traditions and' settled convictions of his time.

Unique feature.

Antagonism expected.

For a man to claim that he was intrusted with a divine appointment to restore to a Christian nation what they supposed they already possessed and richly enjoyed, would naturally create bitter antagonism, and we are not surprised that the conflict still continues; nor do we blame men for refusing to accept the claims of the Latter Day Saints until good reasons are shown for so doing, but Worthy of in- We are quite anxious that the world should patiently hear and investigate, assured that our claims will bear all the light that can be thrown upon them.

restigation.

The supposed extraordinary claims of Joseph Smith seem to harmonize with the spirit and feelings of some of the Reformers who preceded him. The claim that

Harmony with Re

formers.

one should come in the spirit and power of Elias,

as a "restorer," now seems strange and new; yet

Martin Luther said:

"I cannot tell what to say of myself. Perhaps I am

Coming of
Elias.

Philip's (Melancthon's) forerunner. I am preparing the way for him, like Elias, in spirit and in power."-D'Aubigné's History of the Reformation, vol. 2, p. 105. It is evident from these words that Luther felt that he was laboring in the spirit and power of Elias, as a restorer; and that he was the forerunner of one who was to do a greater work than he. He thought it might be Philip Melancthon, but did not know.

Luther in the
pi it of
Elias.

The claim of Joseph Smith that Elias did come to restore all things is but a testimony of the consummation of an event that Martin Luther felt would come, and for which he ardently hoped, zealously labored, and fervently prayed.

The famous John Wesley also believed in the ushering in of a latter-day dispensation and the establishing of God's kingdom on the earth. He says:

John Wesley

"The times which we have reason to believe are at hand, (if they are not already begun,) are what many pious men have termed, the time of 'the latter-day glory';on the Latter meaning, the time wherein God would gloriously display his power and love, in the fulfillment of his gracious promise that the knowledge of the Lord shall cover the earth, as the waters cover the sea.'

Day Glory.

Again, he says:

"What could God have done which he hath not done, to convince you that the day is coming, that the time is at hand, when he will fulfill his glorious promises; when he will arise to maintain his own cause, and to set up his kingdom over all the earth?"-Wesley's Sermons, vol. 2, sermon 71.

Are not the claims of Joseph Smith regarding the glorious display of God's power, the "latter-day glory," and the setting up of God's kingdom, if true, a remarkable fulfillment of what Wesley said would come?

Protestants should patiently hear.

You Protestant lovers of the Reformation, will you not then patiently hear us while we relate the thrilling experiences, the wonderful testimonies, and the remarkable work of this strange man, and invite your investigation of the work accomplished or begun by him? Already some of the most astute minds of the age have paid their tribute of respect to the man and his work. In a

Smucker on

ordinary persons of his time, a man of rude genius, who accomplished a much greater work than he Joseph Smith's knew; and whose name, whatever he may have been character. whilst living, will take its place among the notabilities of the world."-Smucker, p. 183.

Reader, do you not think it wiser to investigate the work of this remarkable character than to ignorantly hurl unsavory epithets at his memory? If you do, we ask the privilege of submitting historical facts for your consideration.