Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1902-04-14
GETTING MORE LIBERAL

The March number Of The Camoran'
a monthly magazine, published at uu-
ca, New York, contained an article en-
titles "Mormonism unmasked,' by W.
r. Evans. II attracted some attention
in Utah, particularly among people OF
Welsh extraction. The attention Of the
editor Of the DeTret News was called to
it, and he wrote a reply which finds
a place in the April number OF The
Cambrlan. This is very gratifying to
the subscribers TO the magazine in these
parts. and reflects credit for fairness
upon Mr.. Thomas j. Gniiths. the pub
Usher
The attack made upon 'Mormonlsm
contained a number Of misstatements
az is usual IN such cases, and betrayed
not only disposition to stir up preiu-
dice against the Latter-day Saints, but
also a sad lack Of information on the
subject treated therein. The writer, Ike
many other persons who undertake 10
unmask 'Mormonlsm," evidently de-
rived his notions concerning that system
from publications. written by unscrupu-
lous persons. who purposely endeayor TO
deceive the religious public as to the
doctrines of our Church and the charac-
ter OF It's leaders and members by this
means they hope to build up a wall Of
prejudice between religiously inclined
people and the Elders Of our Church
who are laborlng as missionaries.
1t would seem that ordinary pru-
dence. II not common fairness. would
suggest 10 writer's and preachers on
religious topics, that they should obtain
some knowledge Of the subjects they
touch upon for themselves, before rush
ing into print with assertions made
upon the authority Of others, or pro-
claiming from the pulpit charges, the
truth or falsIty Of which they know
nothing except by heresay But II
seems that II Is the same In these
times as it was IN the days Of
the primitive Christian Church. the
most absurd rumors and most outra-
geous reports were given credence to
and repeated in the highest circles,
about that Church which was "a little
sect everywhere spoken against
Another thing to be regretted Is that
both preachers and editors continue to
repeat ISLANDERS that have been proved
many times to be without foundation
IN fact, and to give accounts Of the
origin Of "Mormonlsm which well-in-
formed people now know 10 be the
most baseless fabrications. The trou-
bic is that they will persist In seeking
Tor data in the most unreliable sources.
To learn what 'Mormonism" Is, they
20 TO It's btterest enemies. Treat
rhrist's ministry and Church as lie es-
lablished It in the same way,
and what would be the result?
Nothing that has been alleged against
he Latter-day Saints Is vller than
what was promulgated against the
former Saints. The character OF the
Prophet Joseph Smith has not been
blackened any worse than that Of the
sinless Savior, Jesus Christ was by
His detraotors.
The system called "Mormonism'
cannot be learned except from "Mor-
mon sources. This Church s. the
proper eNpounder Of its own tenets. Its
written standards may be relied upon
'or such applications The personal
views Of some of lis adherents ana the
distortions made by It's opponents
ihould not be relied upon in face Of
Is authorized expositions As to the
character Of the Mormon people; 'by
heir fruits Sc shall know them" What
they have accomplished In the face OF
he greatest difficulties, prosecutions
Misrepresentation and opposition OF
very kind, ought 60 DE q standing tcs.
imony to the world that the reports Of
heir malignant enemies are unworthy
IF intelligent belief.
We are gratIded in the knowledg,
hat the press Of this country, and o
other countries, is becoming more lib
raj than heretofore In It's reatmen
II our faith and our people The col
aims Of newspapers and magazine
lave been opened 90 communICa.
Ions from Mormon sources and On.
'esult cannot fan 10 be beneficial. "
AXE occasion TO thank the publisher %
rhe Cambrlan for inserting. On full
Iur brief reply 10 the attack upoi
Mormonlsm which appeared To-
previous number Of that interesting
magazine