Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1912-01-04
MORMON ELDER s. ANSWER.
Says Girls Are Not Enticcd to Ctnh
nor Fares Paid.

George G. Larsen, president OF the Yer
mont conference of the Mormon Church.
has the following To say in answer to an
article which was printed in last
weeks issue OF the Burlington Free Press.
under the headings. Begin Campaign
against Mormons," Mas. Meeting TO BE
Held January 49, Girls Enticed to
Itah," an article credited to a Nav York
paper This article contains nsstato-
inents. saws Mr.. Larsen, and for the hene-
/ TT Of those who are willing to hear the
/ facts OF the case will enleavor to ex-
plain the true condition OF the Mormon
people and the object OF the great mis-
sionary work that is now being carried
on by the church Of Jesus Christ OF lat
ter Day Saints
/ We believe that we are the people who
have been chosen to establish the church
and king ON of God on earth in the last
I days, as spoken Of in the Bible; Daniel .
ii-i5. that the gospel as taught by Jesus
and his apostle. was taken away from the
earth and the prophesy Of Isaiah recorded
, in chapter ., &c verses. has hee1 literally
fulfilled and became complete during what
| is known as The Dark Ages.
We believe that the Gospel has been re-
stored and are now fulfilling the part
Of the prophecy which says; The gospel
, is to be preached TO every nation, kindred.
| tongue and people" This is why our
missionaries are sent 10 all parts OF the
| world to proclaim the restored gospel of
Christ
We are teaching the same doctrine here
in Burlington n. We are teaching in Eng
| land. Scandinavia and other parts OF the
| world and We dery anyone to prove where
in we are teaching anything that is con
trary to the gospel, as Taught by Jesus
! and his ap stiles, either Ny example or
precept, or anything tnat is not for the
/ hetterment - mankind. both temporarily
and spiritually or anything that will not
make bette neighbors and bette" citizens.
/ II Is true hat our church is making
wonderful strides and that It is growing
| faster than other Christian denomina-
| tons; but he statement that we arc in
drcins yourG girls to come 10 Utah Is alb
solutely false.
! As I SAID before, we are doing the same
! kind of work here in Vermont as in other
/ parts OF the world: would ask the Ques-
ton; Have you heard OF any OF your
girls being enticed by our elders II leave
their homes and go to ttaho n those
| false accusers would go to Utah they
would ind any amount of old maids
+ I, is also stated that the church pays
the fares OF converts 10 Utah. this Is also
false statement: we are not preaching
| migration, and II converts want to go to
Titan they are Obliged 10 pay their own
way. However, We are not slow in telling
them Of the opportunities OF the people
: nj inl nd
A great many converts emigrate to the
! intcrmountan country every year, hut
they do 80 OF their own accord. expect
ing. OF course. ~ better their condition.
also that they can I've where they are
them n nc sospe!
In Ioglrd "a the polyRamous conditions
in Utah, viii say that the story that
polygarly X practiced is also basely
false, as ,he church issued II manifesto
AGAINST !; IN lSN: and since that time
there has Teen no plural marriages con-
/ traSted with the consent OF the church.
The laws az the state prohibit plural
marriages. and they have been framed
b, the Legislature composed almost on
tirely OF Mormous. |, is strictly against
the laws of the church, aud against tho
| laws Of the STATE. and the church IL no
going 10 shield any one who is guilty
! OF breaking both tho laws ~ God and
the laws Of tie land. we believe in be
I inE subject to xmas. presidents. rulers
and magistrates n nunoring. oheying
and sustsninc the Law. cur mission IS
one Of love peace aud good will toward,
all men. and pray God to hasten the
day tina; his viii mny he done on earth
! 9TH 4,