Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1900-03-17
Resolutions Against the Truth.
Bridgeport, Ala, March 3, 1900

Bridgeport, Ala, March 3, 1900,
To the Editor
Having been called to join the armies
OF Israel aud WELD the sword Of the
Spirit In the defense Of truth, respond
ed, and on April /. 1899 gave the part
ing hand to friends at my home In
Thatcher, Arizona. and took my de-
parture for the Southern States.
Arriving at Chattanooga, ! was as
signed to labor In the Chattanooga con-
ference with David II. Elton as my
companion.
My first five months were spent In
Franklin county, Tennessee, during
which time many interesting incidents
occurred, characteristic Of missionary
life in which the influence OF satan as
we'll as the power Of the Lord were
made manifest
At one time Elder c. c. Toyn and
myself were ruthlessly attacked by a
mob Of cowardly miscreants who hurled
stones through the windows at US,
While We We're preaching.
No serious damage was done, how
ever except TO the windows, which
We're badly shattered and when they
had exhausted their supply OF ammuni-
tion they took 70 their heels-to use
an old expression. and We proceeded
with our meeting.
In September, / was transferred 70
Jackson county, Alabama, where
have labored ever since.
The first important event which
transplred after our entrance into jack
son county was an attempt on the part
Of the municipal authorities Of Bridge
80. s..N lie.
The attempt must have proved fruit
less, however, as we are still here, and
our chances for remaining are very IA
vorable at present
We are being bitterly opposed lately
by religious sect calling themselves
Christians" who are using every
available means TO excite public senti-
ment against US. The following resolu-
tons which were adopted al their con-
ference In October. 3d. and which were
printed with the minutes OF that con-
ference and widely distributed through
the country. will explain the situation
here, and give the readers OF the
News" especially those at home, an
idea Of the reception sometimes ac-
corded the humble Mormon Elders.
The argument contained In these reso-
AAAANlle ~ - AaAf FAllilf VI Allhl EEitN~
ally used throughout the country by our
enemies In their attempts TO overthrow
'Mormonism. Here are the resolutions:
Preamble and resolutions as read by
the moderator:
Whereas, Among the many evils and
heresies with which the Christian has
TO contend and overcome. modern Nor
monism Is by no means the least, and
| tAharaau Efnga "a. al 81
| II. Roberts. (who Is known to be liv-
| Ing with at least three wives), to the
| Congress Of the United States and
whose title 10 his seat is now being con-
| tested, they have augmented their
forces and redoubled efforts 10 infusa
| their baneful doctrines and poisonous
| practices into our quiet southern homes
| and mould public sentiment and influ-
ence legislation so as TO seat said Rob-
eris who halls from Utah, the hot-bed
OF Mormonism.
Therefore be II
Resolved, That we solemnly advise
the churches OF the Tennessee River
Association that we regard their So
called missionaries IN the light we do
other religious tramps. only thousand
times more dangerous. and by the de-
moralizing influence they exert. they for
felt all claim TO religious recognition
and TO Christian hospitality. and under
no circumstances should they be al
lowed the use Of our houses Of worship
In which to hold their services OF mock
worship.
Resolved, further, That we advise
the members Of the several churches
that they religiously guard against
their intrusion or right into the family
circle. thus giving them no opportu-
nifty 10 sow seeds Of their damnable
heresies and pernicious practices In
their sacred homes where their very
presence would be demorallzlng and
their influence baneful."
l VIII just say that this little outburst
OF malicious fury on the part OF our
enemies is really productive OF more
good than harm to the cause. The more
reasonable and sober. thinking class OF
people readily perceive that the spirit
manifested In the above is entirely for
eign 20 Christianity. and this has a ten
dency to create In them a desire 10 hear
our side Of the story.
on the 18th day Of February last |
accepted the Invitation OF an Advent
minister 10 a friendly discussion OF the
question, What shall We do 10 be
sayedy' before the public. The discus
sion lasted two evenings and resulted
very satisfactorily. The meetings were
well attended and | believe that much
good was done
The Elders In this part OF the vine
yard are enjoying good health and their
fruits indicate lively interest in their
work.
We feel that the armor OF the Lord Is
upon us and having the breastplate OF
righteousness. our feet shod with a pre-
paratlon OF the Gospel OF peace and our
loins girt about with truth we WELD
the sword OF the Spirit by which. and
taking the shield OF faith. we are
enabled TO quench all the fiery darts
OF the wicked
The News Is an ever-welcome WIS.,
itor, as through It's columns we are
made acquainted with the topics Of the
times. both religious and political
Your brother in Christ.
r. w. SMITH.
North Texas Conference.