The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1877-09-08
THE HEGTRA or PLYMOUTYL

Idrcamcd that when Bccchcr read ut the
breakfast table Of tho death of the prophet. he
chucklcd silently. hut with intense satisfaction
His perception OF the truly inward assured him
that the time had come
Idreamcd. moreover. that he cnmc down out
of the mountains and called q great meeting of
all who held the Plymouth faith. " MY beloved"
he said. the hour and the opportunity have
arrived. We must leave Brooklyn us our pio-
nccrs left Nauvoo Let IA gather together our
belongings and our brethren md our brcthrcn's
wives and press on to Dcscrct whore there is
need of a now prophet. and where in the great
tabernacle by the shore Of the tidclcss sea. W.
may Worship in pcaco and in harmony with
those who have gone before us"
II seemed to mo that tho famous preacher
was never SO eloquent M when he stood upon
the platform Of the old tabernacle and pointed
with outstretched arms toward the promised
land. His wouls and his attitude thrilled tho
vast congregation. With one accord they arose
and shouted. hailing him M prophet. and say
ing. Lead on, We will follow you to Dcscrct."
And Bcecher wcpt for Joy.
Then there assembled mighty multitude Of
those who follow where Bccchcr leads. And
there assembled still mighticr multitude to
watch their departure. curious. but not grlev
ing. When the procession moved with Bcecher
at the head. new light upon his countenanco
and pointing always to the west. n shout Of JOY
went up from those who departcd but II shout
ofevon greater JOY went w from those that re-
manned.
| dreamed that the young editor babe tho
band godspecd. and wat, he'd with wistful eyes
from the top OF the tall tower until the last ban
ner had disappeared behind the Bergen hills.
As thetrain passed across the continent people
many feet. and the singing Of pilgrims HYMNS
and the 1uitoring banners. Brcchcr himself
bore n broad banner. ON which were inscribed
these words: " / feel that | would be better
man. under the circumstances. thun Brigham
Young"
The column, thought. increased IT'S Il went;
for all of that persuasion along the route. all
who covered loose lives with mantle of false
religion. all who made cant the stalking horse
Of sensuality, swellcd It's numbers.
| dreamed that the saints Of Descrot. when
they heard this mighty throng singing in the
distance. and saw the advancing banners. went
forth from their city to ascertain what manner
Of men and women came to Join them. And the
two legions confronted each other u little way
from the city.
Then Beecher. holding aloft his banner and
extend ne his right hand In token II fellowship
Mdlh'u lNIlu alOif " meet tlt SAINTS. ana sad
in loud voice. Behold your brethren of the
Eistl Your belief is our belief We will no
longer dwell apart. Hcnccforth let us worship
together, ana VIII be your now prophet. and
preach To- both congregation s the Truths We hold
in common"
But the Mormon saints drcw back with dark
looks upon their faecs They consulted among
themselves. AMI mt mst one Of their number
came forward and said: Men and women of
BROOKLYN. we want naither you nor your ban
pers and possessions. nor the leader who has
so glibly greeted Us as brethren. Whatever we
may have believed and practscd we have pro-
claimed 10 all the world. We have discouraged
falsehood and punished hypocrisy. We have
no welcome for this hypocrte whose life has
been lie. nor can We welcome those who follow
him. The valley Of Dlscrct is not for such.
Therefore, bcgonc lest you dcbauch the morals
Of our community. We have heard OF you. and
know your WAYS. Depart, or We shall drive you
speedily from our borders"
Then dreamed that rs Bcechor turned away
the salt tears rolled down his checks and down
tho hilisidcs. and mingled with the waters Of
the saline sea.