"Sword of Laban" Leaflets, No. 1.

R. B.  NEAL,  GRAYSON,  KY.

TITLE  PAGE  AND  PREFACE  TO  THE
ORIGINAL  BOOK  OF  MORMON.

TITLE-PAGE.

As Mormon editors and publishers have seen fit, by "revelation," perhaps, to omit the "title-page" and the "preface" of the Palmyra edition, the original edition, from all subsequent editions, there comes a call from polemics for a sworn copy of both to paste in front of their "Books of Mormon" for use in debates. Even the Palmyra reprint, by the Whitmerites, leaves out, for evident reasons, both "title-page" and "preface." With these supplied, a polemic has, for a nominal price, practically the now rare and costly copy of the original Book of Mormon. We have both the original and the reprint before us, and know whereof we affirm.

THE  BOOK  OF  MORMON:

AN ACCOUNT WRITTEN BY THE HAND
OF MORMON, UPON PLATES TAKEN FROM THE
PLATES OF NEPHI.

Wherefore it is an abridgment of the Record of the People of Nephi; and also of the Lamanites; written to the Lamanites, which are a remnant of the House of Israel and also to Jew and Gentile; written by way of commandment, and also by the spirit of Prophecy and of Revelation. Written and sealed up, and hid up unto the Lord, that they might not be destroyed; to come forth by the gift and power of God, unto the interpretation thereof; sealed by the hand of Moroni, and hid up unto the Lord, to come forth in due time by the way of Gentile; the interpretation thereof by the gift of God; an abridgment taken from the Book of Ether.

Also, which is a Record of the People of Jared, which were scattered at the time the Lord confounded the language of the people when they were building a tower to get to Heaven; which is to show unto the remnant of the House of Israel how great things the Lord hath done for their fathers and that they may know the covenants of the Lord, that they are not cast off forever, and also to the convincing of the Jew and Gentile that Jesus is the CHRIST, the ETERNAL GOD, manifesting Himself unto all nations And now if there be fault, it be the mistake of men; wherefore condemn not-the things of GOD, that ye may be found spotless at the judgment seat of CHRIST.

______

BY JOSEPH SMITH, JUNIOR,
Author And Proprietor.
PALMYRA:
PRINTED BY E. B. GRANDIN, FOR THE AUTHOR.
1830.
______


P R E F A C E.

To THE READER:--

As many false reports have been circulated respecting the following work, and also many unlawful measures taken

[p. 2]
by evil, designing persons to destroy me, and also the work, I would inform you that I translated, by the gift and power of God, and caused to be written, one hundred and sixteen pages, the which I took from the Book of Lehi, which was an account abridged from the plates of Lehi, by the hand of Mormon; which said account, some person or persons have stolen and kept from me, notwithstanding my utmost exertions to recover it again -- and being commanded of the Lord that I should not translate the same over again, for Satan had put it into their hearts to tempt the Lord their God, by altering the words, that they did read contrary from that which I translated and caused to be written: and if I should bring forth these same words again. or, in other words, if I should translate the same over again, they would publish that which they had stolen, and Satan would stir up the hearts of this generation, that they might not receive this work, but behold, the Lord said unto me, I will not suffer that Satan shall accomplish his evil design in this thing; therefore thou shalt translate from the plates of Nephi, until ye come to that which ye have translated, which ye have retained, and behold ye shall publish it as the record of Nephi, and thus I will confound those who have altered my. words. I will not suffer that they shall destroy my work; yea, I will show unto them that my wisdom is greater than the cunning of the Devil. Wherefore, to be obedient unto the commandments of God, I have, through his grace and mercy, accomplished that which he hath commanded me respecting this thing. I would also inform you that the plates of which hath been spoken, were found in the township of Manchester, Ontario County, New York.
                                       THE AUTHOR.

A F F I D A V I T.

The affiants, R. B. Neal, G. W. Castle, J. W. Lusby, J. G. Ault and Rev. P. H. Hensley, Jr., after being duly sworn, state that they have examined the "front page" and "preface" of the original or Palmyra edition of the Book of Mormon, by "Joseph Smith, Jr., Author and Proprietor," and the copies hereto attached are exact copies of same.
J. W. LUSBY,
R. B. NEAL,
J. G. AULT
P. H. HENSLEY, JR.,
GEO. W. CASTLE.
State of Kentucky,} Sct.
County of Carter,}

Subscribed and sworn to by the above parties, before me this 4th day of May, 1905.
{Seal.}       WINFIELD SCOTT,
Notary Public for Carter County.

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The American Anti-Mormon Association will prepare, in quick succession one hundred pertinent and telling leaflets for the use of anti-Mormon workers. As they will be but a nominal price, they should be, and no doubt will be, scattered by the tens of thousands all over the nation.

---

Membership fee in our Association is one dollar per year. We ought to rally ten thousand members during 1906. Every intelligent reader of this paper ought to be interested enough in blotting out the foul stain of Mormonism from our flag. It mars "Old Glory" Send fee to J. W. Lusby, Treasurer, Grayson, Ky., and it and name will be reported in this department.

_______

"LAMB'S  GOLDEN  BIBLE."

This work is from the hand of a master mind with a trenchant pen.

It is indispensable to a student of Mormonism, and especially to an anti-Mormon polemic. He tears the Book of Mormon into doll-rags and mercilessly exposes the shallowness of a book Mark Twain calls "chloroform in print."

Send me a new subscriber to THE CHRISTIAN WEEKLY and one dollar in cash, and I will send you a copy of the book postpaid, and the subscriber THE WEEKLY for one year.

_______

"TWO  THOUSAND  CHANGES"

Is the title of a most valuable pamphlet, now out of print, by an ex-Mormon of Utah.

He compares the Palmyra edition (the first) with later editions, and finds "over two thousand changes" in this, according to Joseph Smith, Jr., the prophet, absolutely correct and divinely translated book.

We have command of a few copies. As long as we can get them we will give a copy free for every new subscriber sent in to THE CHRISTIAN WEEKLY for one year. It is a labor-saving machine to those who have a copy of the Palmyra edition, or reprint of it.

"Sword of Laban" Leaflets, No. 2.

R. B.  NEAL,  GRAYSON,  KY.


HOT  SHOTS  FROM  DAVID  WHITMER  FOR  THE
 "BRIGHAMITES"  AND  "JOSEPHITES."

The front page of a pamphlet from which I quote reads:

AN ADDRESS
TO
ALL BELIEVERS IN CHRIST
BY
A WITNESS TO THE DIVINE
AUTHENTICITY OF
THE BOOK OF MORMON

DAVID WHITMER,
RICHMOND, MISSOURI
1887

The pamphlet is scarce. It is very valuable in this battle with Mormonism. A Mormon elder writes:

"Mormonism is now a moral, a philosophical and a national element which imprints itself upon the face of society everywhere, and men can not pass it by if they will. It is despised only by men who know next to nothing about it, or men of a past age. The generations coming have to look it in the face. It will meet them at all times and at all places.

"With its two or three hundred thousand believers; its prominence in several national communities; its numerous and successful missions in all parts of the world, and its divine intelligence, what shall prevent its filling the whole earth? Who shall stop its progress, till it realizes in its history the wildest vagaries in the dreams of the instruments in its founding?"

We are out to stop its progress; it is our business. All along we have led the fight along the Irishman's plan of duel. Two men challenged him to a duel. He accepted, chose pistols as the weapons and conditioned that he fight both at the same time. They agreed. He drew a triangle and then stood on one point of it, while he had the two men stand on the other points, with pistol in hand. He then said, "you fire at each other and I'll blaze away at both of yez." It has been a pleasure for me to be able to expose the iniquity of Mormonism simply by printing from Mormon writers. Mormons refute Mormonism. No one does it more thoroughly than David Whitmer. Neither "Brighamite" nor "Josephite" dare deny his statements along any line.

HOT  SHOTS.

"If you believe my testimony to the Book of Mormon; if you believe that God spake to us three witnesses by his own voice and told me to separate myself from among the Latter-day Saints, for as they sought to do unto me, so should it be done unto them.'" (p. 27).

Mr. "Brighamite," you are between "the devil and the deep blue sea." Reject the last and you reject the first. Believing the first, as you do, you must believe the last revelation. He hands it out to the "Josephites," also:

"Many of the Reorganized Church have wondered why I have stood apart from them. Brethren, I here will tell you why. God commanded me by his own voice to stand apart from you." (p. 28)

[p. 2]
If the "Josephite" says David lied, away goes the limb between him and the divinity of the Book of Mormon. It David spoke the truth, the whole shooting-match would better "stand apart" from the Reorganized Church

"THE  BIBLE  TRUE."

"Of course, I do not mean to place one book ahead of the other. I am also called to bear witness that the Bible is true. The angel who declared unto us that the Book of Mormon was true also declared unto us that the Bible was true" (p. 29).

Wonder why David and Oliver and Martin did not incorporate that statement in the testimony they give in the Book of Mormon? The Mormons say, "It is true as far as it is translated correctly." Joseph Smith has given us a corrected (?) Bible, rejected by the "Brighamites," accepted by the "Josephites."

If the "Josephites" accept Whitmer's testimony that the Book of Mormon was true are they not bound to accept his statement that King James' Version of the Bible is true? THE .

"THE  BOOK  OF  DOCTRINE  AND
COVENANTS  EXCLUDED.

"When Christ came into the world, the doctrine of a one-man leader to the church was not taught by him, and we are positively under Christ and his teachings in the written Word. The Book of Mormon tells us plainly that the words of Christ are to be made known in the sealed records of the Nephites, and in the record of the Jews (the Bible) and this excludes the Book of Doctrine and Covenants" --1. Nephi iii. 43 (p. 39).

This hits the "seership" a solar plexus blow, as well as excluding the Book of D. and C. from fellowship as divine.

_______

"LAMB'S  GOLDEN  BIBLE."

We now have a few copies of this book on our shelves. It is indispensable to a student of Mormonism, and especially to an anti-Mormon polemic. For two subscribers to THE WEEKLY and $2 cash, we will send a copy of this book free to the sender. It tears the "Book of Mormon" into doll-rags, and exposes the shallowness of the book that Mark Twain calls "Chloroform in Print." Send for a copy.

_______

"MORMONISM  UNVEILED."

This is the title of E. D. Howe's book, the first work published against Mormonism. It is out of print and costly. We have before us a letter, saying: "I have a copy of Howe's book, original edition, in complete order, with fly-leaf date, etc. I have been offered $50 to $65 for same, by various people."

We have a copy in book and a copy in manuscript taken from a borrowed copy of a daughter of Howe.

WHY  NOT  REPRINT  IT?

There is a demand for it. It would play a big part in settling Mormon problems just now.

We have now in tract form about one fifth of the book, under the title of

"BOOTH'S  BOMBS."

It is a neat tract of 62 pages. The price is fifteen cents. We had 5,000 copies printed. We make a cut price, and will put them at ten cents each, and when we sell 600 copies at that, will arrange to print another section of the book, on the

"CHARACTER  OF  SMITH,"

and sworn proof that Spalding's manuscript was the basis of the Book of Mormon.

This tract we will sell for fifteen cents. For only twenty-five cents you can get nearly one-halt of a rare old book. Cheap at $65 to those who need to battle Mormonism and want to understand it.

Roll in your orders for "Booth's Bombs" and when we reach 600 copies sold at only ten cents each, we will put the copy in the hands of the printer for the next tract Don't delay.

_______

W A N T E D.

Ten thousand members in our American Anti-Mormon Association. Dues only one dollar a year,

---

AlDS  IN  EVANGELISTIC  WORK.

"The Standard Revival Songs," a compilation of seventy-three of the great evangelistic gems of music, and sixty-four evangelistic responsive Bible readings, prepared by R. M. Hopkins. There is nothing better for evangelistic services. Only $8 per hundred, not prepaid. Sent by the Standard Publishing Co., Cincinnati, O.

"Campaigning for Christ," a working manual for church members, prepared by J. V. Coombs, the great evangelist, is a little book that has been a godsend to tens of thousands who burned to do effective work, but lacked proper instruction. It kindles enthusiasm, and skillfully directs the energies. Limp cloth. 40 cents prepaid.

"My Work in Our Revival." is the latest contribution to the effective aids in evangelism. A little booklet, to be given to each active member, with brief instructions that convert a listless membership into a hive of workers. An unfailing source of power wherever employed. Per 100 prepaid $3.

Tracts of every size and variety, at the lowest possible prices, shipped on shortest notice.

Catalogue free. The Standard Publishing Co., Cincinnati, O.


Notes: (forthcoming)

"Sword of Laban" Leaflets, No. 3.

R. B.  NEAL,  GRAYSON,  KY.


MORE  HOT  SHOTS  FROM  DAVID  WHITMER.


JOSEPH  SMITH,  JR.  TAUGHT  AND
PRACTICED  POLYGAMY.

"The fact can not be denied that the world (with very few exceptions outside of the Reorganized Church) believes firmly that Brother Joseph received that revelation, or that he taught and practiced polygamy near the close of his life in Nauvoo. Now, on account of honest enquiries as to the truth of the Book of Mormon, it is necessary that I speak upon this matter. I am constantly receiving letters of inquiry as to my belief and knowledge concerning the question of polygamy. I have also another important reason for speaking on this subject: There are false doctrines of importance in the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, and I desire to prove them false doctrines, and get you to lay them aside and believe only what Christ taught and meant for us to believe. This was Christ's mission into the world. It is the mission of all the servants of God; to root out all false doctrine and error. So do not think that I mean to persecute you, or that I am striving for the mastery.

"If Brother Joseph received the revelation on polygamy and gave it to the church, the Book of Doctrine and Covenants must be laid down, because the commandment is, 'His word ye shall receive as if from mine (God's) mouth.' Then you must receive the revelation on polygamy, or else you must lay aside the Doctrine and Covenants:

"For his word (all of his words) ye shall receive as if from God's own mouth.

"I now have as much evidence to believe that Brother Joseph received the revelation on polygamy and gave it to the church, as I have to believe that such a man as George Washington ever lived. I never saw General Washington, but from reliable testimony I believe that he did live." (p. 38).

Read this to a "Josephite" and note how it will spike all his vaporings about Brigham Young being the author of that vile document on polygamy.

CHANGE  THE  REVELATIONS.

This is a most serious charge, and one that we know to be true, for we have a copy of the Book of Commandments. Whitmer says:

"You have changed the revelations from the way they were first given and as they are to-day in the Book of Commandments, to support the error of Brother Joseph in taking upon himself the office of seer to the church. You have changed the revelations to support the error of high priests. You have changed the revelations to support the error of a President of the high priesthood, high counselors, etc. You have altered the revelations to support you in going beyond the plain teaching of Christ in the new covenant part of the Book of Mormon. You have changed and altered the revelations to support the error of publishing those revelations in a book; the errors you are in, revelations have been changed to support and uphold them. You who are now living did not change them, but you who strive to defend these things, are as guilty in the sight of God as those who did change them." (p. 49).

Very few copies of the original Book of Commandments are in existence. The price of one is two hundred dollars. We have a


[p. 2]
verbatim reprint, a few copies, that we sell for one dollar per copy. With it and a modern Book of Doctrine and Covenants, a polemic can make his Mormon opponent "look like thirty cents" in short order. David's charges above can be sustained easily.

DAVID  MADE  PROPHET,  SEER  AND
REVELATOR.

This is the "most unkindest cut of all" on Joseph F. Smith; Joseph III., of Lamoni, Ia., J. J. Strang and others. Makes all of them usurpers:

"To show you that Brother Joseph and myself still love each other as brethren after this, I will tell you that he had so much confidence in me that in July, 1834 he ordained me as his successor as 'Prophet, Seer and Revelator' to the church. He did this of his own free will and not at any solicitation whatever on my part. I did not know what he was going to do until he laid his hands upon me and ordained me.

"Now, bear in mind, brethren, that I am not claiming this office; as I have told you I do not believe in any such office in the church. I was then in error in believing that there was such an office in the Church of Christ. I suppose this is news to many of you -- that Brother Joseph ordained me his successor -- but it is in your records, and there are men now living who were present in that council of elders when he did it, in the camp of Zion, on Fishing River, Missouri, July, 1834" (p. 55).

The above will show the value of Whitmer's book to those who have to battle Mormonism. I have about one hundred copies. Will present a copy free to each one who sends one dollar to me for THE CHRISTIAN WEEKLY, at Grayson, KY. This done as long as the copies last. First come, first served.

_______

A  FOREWORD.

Did you think I wrote forward? Look again. That is about the size of it. This "union movement" of The Helper and THE WEEKLY gives me a larger pen public, frees me from "office duties" and "financial cares" about "paying the printer," and unties my hands for more and better field work.

It was impossible for me to "lead the van" and "rally the rear" at the same time in this anti-Mormon work. If there is a man, or woman, who thinks that he could, I'll turn over to him the job with thanksgiving.

In making THE WEEKLY the official organ of the American Anti-Mormon Association, we state distinctly that we wish space in all papers, without regard to creed, to push on this work. All are invited to clip freely from our department in this paper.

The combination gives me a better opportunity to press mountain missions upon the people. It will help The Helper a make THE WEEKLY stronger.

The publisher kindly agrees to pay all my Helper debts and to give me all the "back dues." So if you owe me, and about 1,000 of you do, "fork over." If I owe you, present your bill to the publisher and he will foot it.

In this combination I give you a larger and better paper. By manifesting a proper interest, our space will be increased. So roll in the "subs."

Forward! Down with Mormonism, Saloonism and Sectarianism.   R. B. NEAL.
GRAYSON, KY.

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Dr. Josiah Strong, president of the American Institute of Social Service, New York City, writes: "Our institute had the honor of preventing the 'three-ply Mormon," Roberts, from taking his seat in Congress a few years ago, at which time we issued a set of anti-Mormon leaflets. We are not, however, engaged in any anti-Mormon fight at the present time.

"I am glad that a society has been formed to fight this pernicious religion which is Christian only in name, and in character essential heathenism. Wishing you all success in your endeavor to enlighten the people."

These are strong words, but none too strong to state the exact facts.

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He that can not think is a fool.
He that will not is a bigot.
He that dare not is a slave!
-- Motto in A. Carnegie's Library.

When you're weary of the fight,
  And are heartsore,
You will find the foe less strong,
And the way less long,
  If you pray more.

Send for Neal's Anti-Mormon Tracts.

---

There are no more delightful Bible studies in the English language than are afforded in "Evenings with the Bible." No home should be without them. Three large volumes, $3. The Standard Publishing Co., Cincinnati, O.

The immense demand for "Standard Revival Songs," edited by R. M. Hopkins, tells the story of its usefulness. All the popular favorites in song, and sixty-four fine evangelistic selections from the Scriptures, render it the very thing. Only $8 per hundred, bound in leatherette. The Standard Publishing Co., Cincinnati, O.


Notes: (forthcoming)

"Sword of Laban" Leaflets, No. 4.

R. B.  NEAL,  GRAYSON,  KY.


THE  MORMON  A  TRAITOR  TO  OUR  COUNTRY,
A  FOE  TO  OUR  FLAG

Just now, while the Smoot case is pending before Congress, we should hit swift and hard. Every religious and county weekly should cry out against seating him, on the ground that he is a traitor to our country and a foe to our flag.

The Mormon oath proves this. Here is a copy of it as required in "the forties." There is no room for thinking that it has been changed or materially modified since then.

"THE  MORMON  OATH.

"In the name of Jesus Christ, the son of God, I now promise and swear, truly, faithfully, and without reserve, that I will serve the Lord with a perfect heart and a willing mind, dedicating myself, wholly and unreservedly, in my person and effects, to the upbuilding of his kingdom on earth, according to his revealed will. I furthermore promise and swear that I will regard the first president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as the supreme head of the church on earth, and OBEY HIM THE SAME AS THE SUPREME GOD, in all written revelations, given under the solemnities of a 'Thus saith the Lord,' and that I will always UPHOLD THE PRESIDENCY, RIGHT OR WRONG. I furthermore promise and swear that I will never touch a daughter of Adam UNLESS SHE IS GIVEN ME OF THE LORD. I furthermore promise and swear that no Gentile shall ever be admitted to the secrets of this holy institution, or participate in its blessings. I furthermore promise and swear that I will assist the Daughter of Zion in the utter destruction of apostates, and that I will assist in setting up the Kingdom of Daniel in these last days, by the power of the Highest and the sword of his might. I furthermore promise and swear that I will never communicate the secrets of this degree to any person in the known world, except it be to a true and lawful brother, binding myself under no less a penalty than that of having melted lead poured into my ear. So help me God, and keep me faithful."

Read the above slowly, ponder it carefully, note the points emphasized. This is the oath that Smoot had to take, and no doubt did take, to get into the "priesthood" of the Mormon church.

________

CONFIRMATORY.

We have given "the Mormon oath" that an elder must take to enter the priesthood. The following from "an eye and ear witness" confirms the horridness in every detail.

John Hyde, Jr., at one time prominent for talents and position in the Mormon Church, a man whose honesty no one can doubt, wrote a book in 1857 exposing the blasphemous pretensions of Mormonism. He gives a graphic account of the initiation into the mysteries of the Endowment House and tells in plainest English of the treasonable oath required. They were sworn:

"To have the 'church' the first thing in your mind and filling the only place in your affections; to be ready to sacrifice to its dictum, or its interests, the warmest friend,


[p. 2]
the nearest relation, the dearest wife or even life itself; to hold no trust as sacred, no duty obligatory, no promise or oath binding, that militates or infringes the interests of the church."

The penalty for violating this oath had all sorts of disgusting and horrifying details. Elder Hyde then describes on page 97, the events of the second degree in another room.

"An altar was in the center; on it the Bible, Book of Mormon and a Book of Smith's Revelations. Man and woman we were arranged around the place, Kimball in the same and Brigham in the next room looking on; Parley Pratt officiating, and the fourth oath was administered... We were, therefore, sworn to cherish constant enmity toward the United States Government for not avenging the death of Smith, or righting the persecutions of the saints; to do all that we could toward destroying, tearing down, or overturning that Government to baffle its designs and frustrate its intentions; to renounce all allegiance and refuse all submission. If unable to do anything ourselves toward the accomplishment of these objects, to teach it to our children from the nursery; impress it upon them from the deathbed; entail it upon them as a legacy. To make it the one leading idea and sacred duty of their lives, so that 'the kingdom of God and his Christ' (the Mormon Church and its priesthood) might subdue all other kingdoms and fill the whole earth.

"Curses the most frightful, penalties the most barbarous, were threatened and combined in the obligation either on failing to abide or in daring to reveal these covenants. A new sign, a new keyword, a new grip, and the second degree of Melchisedec was administered."

Such facts as these ought to be placed before the eyes of the whole world. "Mormonism" is built on a bastard Masonry and an A1 business system. They are sworn traitors, and sworn to bring up a brood of traitors.

________

FROM  OUR  FRIEND,  THE  ENEMY.

Every now and then we get a complimentary notice of our tracts from a Mormon elder.

Here is one from Joseph King, an elder who lives at Allegan, Mich.

He seems to have a Mt. Pelee throe upon him, and he throws four pages of the following hot stuff at our head. I give a paragraph verbatim. He is evidently spellbound:

"MR. R. B. NEAL, Grayson, Ky.

"Dear Sir: -- I have been reading some of your anti-Mormon tracts. I wish to tell you that any one sending out such Literature to the public is an enemy to God and his people. All people in this land of America has the wright to worship according their own dictates; they have no wright to brake the law of the Land."

We had an idea when the tracts were written that Mormon elders would not relish them. The letter proves that we were "wright."

We send him the tracts he hasn't seen and hope to 'wright" him without his having to "brake" anything.

________

Subscribe for THE CHRISTIAN WEEKLY, Official organ of the Anti-Mormon Association. Only $1 per year. Send to R. B. Neal. Grayson, Ky.

________

We have a few copies of that rich, rare, and racy old book, "The Christian Preacher's Companion." In it infidelity is refuted by infidels. With it and the Bible any man of ordinary attainments is prepared to route infidelity anywhere. It is a cloth-bound book. Send us one dollar for a copy and we will throw in THE CHRISTIAN WEEKLY for one year.

________

In 1831 the Mormons placed "high priests" as officials in their church. A Mormon writer says, and truly:

"This office was not in either the church on this continent among the Nephites, or the church established on the eastern continent. Nowhere do we find this office the church under the new covenant gospel recorded in the New Testament, or the New Testament part of the Nephite record."

It is up to the "Brighamite" and "Josephite" to show his "authority" for this office. Will some elder of either or both churches make the attempt?

________

"Cowdery's Defence" is the very next thing that ought to go out to the public by the multiplied tens of thousands. Quite a number have agreed to take ten copies for one dollar. We need as many as sixty persons to make this pledge to enable us to pay the printer. Speak now! Think of the value of the book. Polemics would freely give ten dollars for a copy to get hold of one of the very few extant.

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One dollar will get THE CHRISTIAN WEEKLY one year and a copy of the "Book of Commandments." Price of book alone one dollar.

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One dollar will Pay your annual dues and get THE CHRISTIAN WEEKLY, our official organ, for one year. Price of WEEKLY alone is one dollar.


Notes: (forthcoming)

"Sword of Laban" Leaflets, No. 5.

R. B.  NEAL,  GRAYSON,  KY.


THE  URIM  AND  THUMMIN

Play an important part in the history of the Book of Mormon.

The "Life of the Prophet," by Mother Lucy is a very important work. The fact that Brigham Young tried to destroy every copy of it is proof of its value. I have a perfect copy.

In it "Mother Lucy" describes the "Urim and Thummin." [sic] When Joseph came in with the "gold plates," he noted that she was disturbed and he said cheerfully:

"Do not be uneasy, mother, all is right. See here, I have got a key."

Mother Lucy says on page 107:

"I knew not what he meant, but took the article of which he spoke into my hands, and upon examination, found that it consisted of two smooth three-cornered diamonds set in glass, and the glasses were set in silver bows, which were connected with each other in much the same way as old-fashioned spectacles."

Note that she actually handled "the Urim and Thummin," for she says on page 113:

"That of which I spoke, which Joseph termed 'a key,' was indeed, nothing more nor less than the Urim and Thummin, and it was by this that the angel showed him many things which he saw in vision; by which he could also ascertain, at any time, the approach of danger either to himself or the Record, and on account of which he always kept the Urim and Thummin about his person."

Yet it didn't say a word, didn't hand out even a whisper of warning about danger to the "Record" when the first installment was handed to poor old Martin Harris to be lost forever.

Mormonism says the "Urim and Thummin" were two "three-cornered diamonds." "set in glasses" and the "glasses were set in silver bows." Like a huge pair of spectacles. Smith put these on his nose and over his eyes, and "said things."

This is the very same set as Aaron had -- never heard of but one set -- if Mormonism be true.

Note: Aaron did not look through them when he had them.

"And thou shalt put in the breastplate of judgment, the Urim and Thummin, [sic] and they shall be upon Aaron's heart when he goeth in before the Lord; and Aaron shall bear the judgment of the children of Israel, upon his heart before the Lord continually" (Ex. xxviii, 30).

They were to be "upon his heart."

Another point. Mormonism claims that Moroni buried the "Urim and Thummin" with the "gold plates," that Smith might have them to translate the plates with.

After all that trouble on the part of the Lord, and care on the part of his servants, that the so-called Israelites might get them, he didn't use them perhaps half of the time to translate the "gold plates." He swapped them for a "peep-stone" -- it was more convenient, you know -- found while digging a well by one Willard Chase. In fact, the testimony is clear that he stole the stone from Chase.

An elder will find it a very difficult work to "harmonize these variations."

________

Subscribe for THE CHRISTIAN WEEKLY, $1.00 per year. Half price to preachers, Official organ of the A. A.-M. A.
 

[p. 2]

PLAGIARISM  IN  MORMONISM.
CLARK  BRADEN.

The Book of Mormon is "The Manuscript Found" of Solomon Spalding, revamped by Sydney Rigdon. The argument based on appeal to the Bible, in the "Voice of Warning," a Mormon classic, was plagiarized from "The Israelites in America," of Ethan Smith, or a synopsis of that work, published in "The Wonders of Nature and Providence," by Josiah Priest. Several of the leading prophecies in the "Book of Doctrine and Covenants" are imitations of the apocryphal work, "The Prophecy of Enoch." The only original Mormon book of prophecy is that hodge-podge of asinine balderdash, "The Book of Abraham," said to have been fabricated chiefly by W. W. Phelps. Mormonism is a plagiarism of stolen materials, and a hodge-podge of several systems.

---

R. B. Neal is a heavy hitter of whom the Mormons must stand in fear. The painstaking manner in which he searches out proof of the falsity of the Mormon "ism," and the earnestness with which he places it before the public, shows that his heart is in his work. He is a mighty power against the Mormon evil. -- Watch Tower, Washington, D. C.

He wants to be a much mightier power than he is and can be if friends of the cause he pleads will back him more liberally.

________

RAINFALL  IN  PALESTINE.

The following from Brother Al Foster, Owasso, I. T., presents clearly an argument that Mormon elders use, in some places, in mon [sic]. It was to cure a physical drouth of Palestine as well as a spiritual drouth of the whole earth. He says:

"They (the elders) claimed, among other things, that simultaneously with the coming of the Book of Mormon the Jews began to gather back to Palestine, and that the Lord restored the rains to Palestine that had been denied it for nearly nineteen hundred years, and that land barren so long for the want of rain, or moisture, was now restored to its former fruitfulness," etc.

I promptly forwarded this statement to Prof. J. W. McGarvey, of Lexington, Ky. There is no higher authority on the earth than he is on matters that pertain to Palestine. He sent back the following answer:

"DEAR BRO. NEAL:-- Overwork connected with closing our session has delayed this answer to yours of the 2d inst.

"There is not a word of truth in the statement about the rainfall in Palestine.

"It has remained about the same ever since the fall of Jerusalem as it was before.

"The only change is that the great reservoirs constructed by the ancient Jews have been allowed to go to ruin, that is, very many of. them, so that the water is not saved and utilized as it once was. No increase of rain is recorded in the history the country.     Yours ever,
                                   "J. W. MCGARVEY,
"LEXINGTON, KY., June 15, 1905."

It will be difficult to find an elder, even a seer, who will join issue With Professor McGarvey on this point, or any other about the land of Palestine. Anti-Mormon polemics can paste this in their hats.

Send for reprint of Palmyra Book Mormon.

---

NOTES  ON  GOOD  BOOKS.

"On the Rock" is still in demand, after third of a century. A new edition lately from the press. Cloth, $1.

"Deuteronomy," by J. W. McGarvey, is the best book extant on the Mosaic authorship of Deuteronomy. Cloth, $1.50.

For crusade work there is nothing better than M. M. Davis' "First Principles." It is a home missionary of the first water. Every church ought to keep a few copies going among neighbors. There is no more forcible presentation of our plea extant. Price, $1.

"Religious Delusions," by J. V. Coombs, meets the vagaries of modern thought (?) with same weapon with which the Saviour met Satan -- "It is written." Eddyism, Dowieism, Spiritualism -- all the isms are met with the Scriptures. A grand and popular book. Cloth, $1.

"Savonarola" is a great book, too little known. It is a series of public orations by one without a superior in the ministry of this country -- Bro. E. L. Powell, of Louisville. These lectures are in his best vein. They are an inspiration. Bound in cloth, $1.

And still "A Subtle Adversary" remains the greatest temperance story of the age. There is not its equal in the temperance literature the day. It still goes on its mission kindling zeal in the hearts of the Prohibition hosts. Cloth, $1.25.

A perennial book is the "Life of John (Racoon) Smith," by Jno. Aug. Williams, one of the great biographies of the world. The new edition, from new plates, at $1, is the popular edition now. Fifteen hundred copies of this recent edition were sold in ninety days, thirty years after the original edition. It is one of great books that inspire.

Our catalogue of the standard works of [the] brotherhood sent free on application. Address the Standard Publishing Co., Cincinnati, O.

Subscribe for the Christian Weekly, $1.00 [per] year. Half price to preachers. Official organ of the A. A.-M. A.


Notes: (forthcoming)

"Sword of Laban" Leaflets, No. 6.

R. B.  NEAL,  GRAYSON,  KY.
 

OLIVER  COWDERY'S  REVELATION.

David Whitmer, who was "baptized, confirmed and ordained an elder" in the Mormon Church, by Joseph Smith, the prophet, and who was one of the "three witnesses" and "was the third person baptized into the church," says, and there is no higher authority in Mormondom, that "Oliver Cowdery 'revelated' occasionally.

Cowdery was ambitious and something of a scholar, and Joseph, Jr., had to be careful how "he sat down on him."

There was a commotion in Mormon Israel. The leaders were jealous of each other. There was blood on the theological moon.

The Lord (?) had to take a hand to settle the matter. Here is what he said:

"But behold, verily verily I say unto thee (Oliver), no one shall be appointed to receive commandments and revelations in this church, excepting my servant Joseph Smith, Jr., for he receiveth them even as Moses....

"And now behold, I say unto you (Oliver), that you shall go unto the Lamanites (Indians) and preach my gospel unto them: and inasmuch as they receive thy teachings, thou shalt cause my church to be established among them; and thou shalt have revelations, but write them not by way of commandments." -- Doctrine and Covenants, sec, 28.

One of the cardinal points of Mormonism is that the Lamanites (Indians) would be converted and crowd into the Mormon Church. Note the two predictions:

1. Cowdery should go unto the Indians and preach unto them.

2. He would cause the Mormon Church to be established among the Indians.

Neither of these things "came to pass." Cowdery started but never got there. So far as the record goes, he never made a convert among the Indians, and there never has been and is not now even a congregation of Mormon Indians.

Note again the usual confusion:

1. No one but Joseph, Jr. should receive revelations.

2. Oliver, "thou shalt have revelations," but don't you "write them." .

Oliver had "revelations," even as Joseph had them, and Oliver did write some Of them "in black and white," and had them preserved and multiplied in "printer's ink."

Here is one in his "Defence" that "is dynamite" on Joseph the seer, and his whole church:

"THE  REVELATION.

"I had a message from the Most High, as from the midst of eternity; for the vail was parted, and the Redeemer himself, clothed in glory, stood before me. And he said: After reproving the Latter-day Saints for their corruption and blindness in permitting their President, Joseph Smith, Jr., to lead them forth into errors, where I led him not nor commanded him, and saying unto them, Thus saith the Lord, when I said it not unto him, thou shalt withdraw thyself from among them. And I testify that Jesus, whose words I have been rehearsing, hath even so commanded me in an open vision."

Here the Lord:

[1]. Says Joseph, Jr., was a liar.

2. He commanded Oliver to withdraw from the Latter-day Saints.

Neither a "Josephite" nor a "Brighamite"
 

[ page 2 ]
dare deny this revelation. To do so is to brand Oliver's testimony to the Book of Mormon. They would "saw off the limb between them and the trunk of the tree."

"Whitmer's Address" and "Cowdery's Defence," from which we quote, are two pamphlets that ought to be in every preacher's library. Send for them.

________

A KNOT-HOLE NEEDED.

Dr. D. B. Turney is on "the firing-line," and is one of the finest sharpshooters in the nation. He always "hits the black." He writes:

"Smith's pretendedly inspired translation has actually omitted our Lord's declaration, 'God is a Spirit.' Will the Latter-day Saints deny that Smith sinned against God in striking out that statement, found in every manuscript, in every version, and in every transcript of the conversation of Jesus with the woman of Samaria? I usually ask the self-styled 'saint,' 'Do you believe that God is a Spirit?' He generally answers, 'Of course I do. We believe that.' Then I say, 'What made Smith strike out that statement?' Mr. Saint seeks to charter a knot-hole, speaking metaphorically."

________

"MORE IN MORMONISM THAN POLYGAMY."

The following from Mr. Charles J. Strang, Lansing, Mich., is well worth reading and pondering just now. It will have its bearing on the Smoot scrap. He says:

"There is more in Mormonism than polygamy and the family relation. I consider that the Mormon stands shoulder to shoulder with the Roman Catholic in placing the church above the state. And in every-day practice I believe the aim of every Mormon is to subordinate every other consideration or condition to the authority of the church. That was the condition in the brief career of my father, though the 'Book of the Law,' which he presumed to translate from the 'Plates of Laban,' provided for every earthly comfort and uniform peace with all men. But the 'King' ( J. J. Strang, his father -- R. B. N.) and his counselors were supreme and diffused their authority through a long train of apostles, elders, deacons, teachers, etc., to every possible station in life. As written, the 'Book of the Law' provides for nothing but peace, happiness and a glorious eternity; but, as practiced -- well, that is another story."

We have a fac-simile of the "Plates of Laban" -- are having them engraved that we may hand out a print of them to our readers. We also have a translation of some of the plates by "King J. J. Strang," who claims, and backs it up with stronger proofs than Brigham Young or Joseph Smith III ever had, to be the successor of Joseph Smith, Jr., as prophet, seer, revelator of the Church of the Latter-day Saints

Mr. Charles Strang is lending us a hand that helps indeed in our quest for the facts of early Mormonism.

The history of his father, his claims and career, are not so widely known as that of Joseph Smith, Jr. but are every whit as strange and startling.

The "Plates of Laban" were printed in THE CHRISTIAN WEEKLY. Every anti-Mormon ought to subscribe for the paper.

---

You certainly need a copy of Alexander Campbell's great work, "The Christian Preacher's Companion." With it you can knock the socks off any infidel, no matter what he weighs. We have a few cloth-bound copies left. Price, fifty cents per copy.

"Origin of the Book of Mormon." This is a question that engages the attention of the best thinkers of our land. We are preparing an exhaustive tract on this topic. Meanwhile, we wish to call attention to a live tract on this subject sent out by "The Gentile Bureau of Information of Salt Lake City, Utah." Price, ten cents. It is worth the reading and ten times the money. Send fifteen cents in stamps for "Booth's Bombs," and we will send you a copy gratis. Don't fail to ask for it.

---

The best compilation of hymns for revival services is "Standard Revival Songs." All the best hymns, and sixty-four evangelistic responsive Bible readings. Bound in leatherette; $8 per hundred, express not prepaid. The Standard Publishing Co., Cincinnati, O.

---

"Savonarola" is the title of a volume of addresses by that prince of pulpit orators, E. L. Powell, of Louisville. It is full of the best thought on the great problems of life and government. It will give inspiration to the preacher; $1. The Standard Publishing Co., Cincinnati, O.

---

Preachers who use a pocket register and record will find the Standard the most complete in existence. Alphabetical register. All the best features of all the best books; $1 Standard Publishing Co., Cincinnati, O.

---

The up-to-date Sunday-school series is the "Universal." Full of good things, and boiling over with them. Specimens free on application. Address Box 764, Cincinnati, O.


Notes: (forthcoming)

"Sword of Laban" Leaflets, No. 7.

R. B.  NEAL,  GRAYSON,  KY.


A  TOGO  BLOW

We hand out another sample of "Oliver Cowdery's Defence."

If the Mormon elders had a book, or pamphlet, that would hurt the cause of their opponents as this pen product of Oliver will their cause, ten weeks would not pass by before at least ten thousand dollars would be raised for the printer and postman to publish and scatter it all round the world.

We again earnestly apeal for $1 contributions to get out an edition immediately of this valuable work.

I have been able to locate but one copy of this rare pamphlet in all the earth. I hardly dare tell where that is, for fear "the Danites" would get it by fair or foul means and destroy it.

Do not send money; simply send pledges. Each donor will receive twice the value of his donation in copies of the tract. This presents a fine opportunity of doing good and making money.

Why not make this a part of your work of the "Four Years' Crusade"? No issue more vital, no work more needed.

But to Cowdery's copy. He continues:

"As the angel was John the Baptist, which I doubt not and deny not.

"When I afterward first heard Elder Rigdon, whose voice is so strikingly similar, I felt that this 'dear' brother was to us in some sense, to me unknown, the herald of this church as the great Baptist was of Christ.

"I never dreamed, however, that he would influence the prophet, seer and revelator to the 'Church of the Latter-day Saints' Into the formation of a secret band at Far West committed to depredations upon Gentiles and the actual assassination of apostates from the church, which was in June last, and was only one of many wrong steps.

"These are facts which I am rehearsing, and if they shall be called into question, I am able to establish them by evidence which I can bring forward in abundance.

"Still, although favored of God as a chosen witness to bear testimony to the divine authenticity of the Book of Mormon, and honored of the Lord in being permitted, without money and without price, to serve as scribe, during the translation, of the Book of Mormon, I have sometimes had seasons of skepticism, in which I did seriously wonder whether the prophet and I were men in our sober senses, when I would be translating from the plates through the 'Urim and Thummin' and the plates not in sight at all.

"But I believe both in the Seer and in the Seer Stone, and what the First Elder announced as revelation from God, I accepted as such, and committed to paper with a glad mind and happy heart and swift pen, for I believed him to be the seul of honor and truth, a young man who would die before he would lie.

"Man may deceive his fellow-men, deception may follow deception, and the children of the wicked one may seduce the unstable, untaught in the ways of righteousness and peace; for I felt a solemn awe about me, being deep in the faith that the 'First Elder' was a 'Seer and Prophet' of God, giving the truth unsullied through 'Urim and Thummin,' dictated by the will
 

[ page 2 ]
of the Lord, and that he was persecuted for the sake of the truth, which he loved. Could I have been deceived in him?

"I could rehearse a number of things to show either that I was then deceived, or that he has since fallen from the lofty place in which fond affection had deemed him secure.

"I remember his experience as he had related it to me, and, lacking wisdom, I went to God in prayer. I said: 'O Lord, haw [sic] dark everything is. Let thy glory lighten it and make bright the path for me. Show me my duty. Let me be led

"ShaII I relate what transpired? I had a message from the Most High, as from the midst of eternity, for the vail was parted and the Redeemer himself, clothed in glory, stood before me. And he said, after reproving the Latter-day Saints for their corruption and blindness in permitting their President, Joseph Smith, Jr., to lead them forth into errors, where I led him not, nor commanded him, and saying unto them: 'Thus saith thc Lord, when I said it not unto him, thou shalt withdraw thyself from among them.'

"And I testiry that Jesus, whose words I have been rehearsing, hath even so commanded me in open vision."


Reader, if you are interested in beating back error and advancing truth, you certainly are willing to help print and circulate a tract of this kind, from the pen of the ''Second Elder" and the first man baptized into the Church of the Latter-day Saints, who wrote the Book of Mormon as Smith dictated, and who was one, and the main one, of the "three witnesses" to the "gold plates."

Will you not pledge me at least one dollar to aid in publishing and scattering this tract by the hundreds of thousands around the globe? Pledge promptly.

_______

"A  BOOK  OF  COMMANDMENTS"

Is the title of a reprinted volume that is rare and of great value to those who need to be fully equipped to fight the deadly curse of Mormonism in our land. This is the first book issued by the Mormons after the publication of the Book of Mormon. It was intended for the government ot their church. While the book was being printed at Independence, Mo., a mob came, destroyed the printing plant and tried to destroy the book also. But a few copies were saved. R. B. Neal, of Grayson, Ky., succeeded, after long and patient endeavor, in securing a copy of the book long enough to copy it. Only 500 copies of this verbatim reprint were published, and they are rapidly being sold at one dollar each. E:very one who comes in contact with this stifling heresy and flagrant sin, Mormonism, should have a copy of this book, which both the "Josephites" and the "Brighamites" have endeavored to destroy, because it is in the way of later and contradictory "revelations " R. B Neal's anti-Mormon literature, tracts, booklets, etc., are the most effective and decisive implements of warfare being employed against Mormonisn -- Christian Companion, Louisville, Ky.

_______

"TWO  THOUSAND  CHANGES"

ls the title of a taking pamphlet, out of print, by an ex-Mormon of Utah. He compares the Palmyra edition with later editions, and shows over two thousand changes in this absolutely correct and divinely translated book. We have hunted up a few copies, and for fifty cents will send copy to any one, as long as they last.

It is a labor-saving machine to those who have the Palmyra reprint. Turn to Chapter XI. of I. Nephi, and read verses 18, 20 and 32, and compare with later editions of the book. It will be an eye-opener to the value of both the Palmyra reprint and "Two Thousand Changes."

_______

No more important book for the student of Mormonism than a copy of the Book of Commandments. A reprint of the original book, for the original is so scarce that "two hundred dollars" seems to be the standing price for a copy. This reprint is verbatim. It cost us nearly ten dollars to get a manuscript copy of the.book. We have on hand a few more copies of the reprint that we offer for one dollar per copy.

_______

Subscribe for THE CHRISTIAN WEEKLY. Only one dollar per year. To ministers of any church, only 50 cents per year. Official organ of the A. A.-M. A. Send subscription to R. B. Neal.

---

THE  MODEL  CHURCH  HYMNAL.

The unbounded satisfaction given by the Christian Church Hymnal entitles it to a trial by every church needing a good book. It Is, as far as known to us, the only hymnal guaranteed to give satisfactlon -- the only hymnal which the publishers will send subject to return if it does not suit. They could not afford this if it were not a rare good book.

Of the first ten thousand sold on these terms only one small order was returned. That tells the story. The secret of this excellence is that it is the result of ten years' careful preparation and embodies all that the most thoughtful care could anticipate. Our guarantee is absolute money refunded if the church, on trial, finds that the book does not suit.

For all particulars, address the Standard Publishing Co., Cincinnati, O.


Note 1: Probably the Rev. Robert B. Neal's title word, "Togo," should read "Tojo". On May 27-29, 1905, the Japanese Admiral Tojo (Togo Heihachiro), defeated the Russian Navy at with a "powerful blow" in the Battle of the Tsushima Straits. Neal's article dates to the summer of that same year, shortly after the news of Tojo's unexpected, astounding and devastating military victory reached America.

Note 2: Neal's supposed excerpt from the so-called "Cowdery Defence" (as provided in the above leaflet), should be read in sequence after his similar excerpt in "Sword of Laban Leaflet" no. 11. Probably the excerpts featured in Leaflets 6, 7 and 11 were initially printed in Neal's Christian Weekly during the second half of 1906. From that original source the purported excerpts were scattered promiscuously through Neal's 1906-7 leaflets as he published those occasional offprints, resulting in the Leaflet 11 text being published out of proper sequence. Neal published the entire "Defence" as his Anti-Mormon Tracts No. 9, near the end of 1906. For a contemporary review of this dubious "reprint," see the Mar. 20, 1907 issue of the RLDS Saints' Herald.

"Sword of Laban" Leaflets, No. 8.

R. B.  NEAL,  GRAYSON,  KY.
 

SAVING  A  SOUL  AND  CONVICTING  A  LIAR

The following courteous letter from a Mormon elder secured a private reply which must have been wholly satisfactory, as we have heard nothing further from him: "R. B. NEAL, Grayson, Ky.

"Dear Sir: -- 'Mormonism Refuted by Mormons,' Tract No. 4, you quote from Joseph Smith: 'I have got the damned fools fixed and will carry out the fun.'

"'The world owes me a good living, and if I can not get it without, I'll steal it; and catch me at it if you can.'

"I have been investigating Mormonism for some time, and if you will refer me to the work of Joseph Smith where the above language may be found, you will confer a great favor on a brother minister, and may save his soul.

"Of course, being a minister yourself, you must know that the language referred to is genuine or you would not use it.

                                 "Very respectfully,
                                 "C. E. BUTTERWORTH.

The following from Bro. T. B. McDonald, Broken Bow, Neb., is self-explaining and very easily understood. He writes:

"A bright Mormon, a 'Josephite,' saw your tract No. 4, Part 2, where you quote Joseph Smith, Jr., as saying, 'I have got the damned fools fixed, and will carry out the fun.'

"He promptly said that you were a LIAR; that he had read all of Smith's writings and no such thing was ever uttered by him."

We love this kind of a fight. It brings matters to a focus. Concludes things. He certainly was not a "bright" Mormon, or he would not have made that kind of a bluff and a rush on an old polemic.

THE  STATEMENT.

"Now," said Jo, "I have got the damned fools fixed, and will carry out the fun."

PROOF.

The proof is at hand and is clear and convincing that Joseph Smith, Jr., uttered the very words we have put in his mouth on the front page of Tract No. 4.

THE  WITNESS.

"PALMYRA, Dec. 13, 1833.    

"I certify that I have been personally acquainted with Peter Ingersoll for a number of years, and believe him to be a man of strict integrity, truth and veracity.
                                  "DURFEY CHASE.

"PALMYRA, Dec. 4, 1833.    

"We, the undersigned, are personally acquainted with William Stafford, William Chase and Peter Ingersoll, and believe them to be men of truth and veracity.
                                  "GEORGE BECKWITH.
                                  "NATHANIEL BECKWITH,
                                  "THOMAS ROGERS II.,
                                  "MARTIN W. WILCOX.

The witness has the right kind of reputation. How about his opportunity of knowing what he testifies?

He knew the Smith family from 1822 to 1830. Lived neighbor to them. Was in their confidence. In 1827 he was hired by Joseph Smith, Jr., to move his household goods from Pennsylvania to Manchester, where his wife then was. Smith had married Emma Hale against the wishes of her father. Smith was with Ingersoll on this
 

[ 2 ]

trip after the household goods of his wife. We let Mr. Ingersoll tell the rest in his own words:

"His father-in-law (Mr. Hale) addressed Joseph in a flood of tears: 'You have stolen my daughter and married her. I had much rather have followed her to her grave. You spend your time in digging for money -- pretend to see in a stone and thus try to deceive the people.'...

"Mr. Hale told Joseph if he would move to Pennsylvania and work for a living, he would assist him in getting into business. Joseph acceded to this proposition....

"In this dilemma he made me his confidant, and told me what daily transpired in the family of Smiths. One day he came and greeted me with a joyful countenance. Upon asking him the cause of his unusual happiness, he replied in the following language:

"'As I was passing, yesterday, across the woods, after a heavy shower of rain, I found in a hollow some beautiful white sand, that had been washed up by the water. I took off my frock and tied up several quarts of it, and then went home. On entering the house I found the family at the table eating dinner. They were all anxious to know the contents of my frock. At that moment I happened to think of what I had heard about a history found in Canada called the Golden Bible, so I very gravely told them IT WAS THE GOLDEN BIBLE. To my surprise, they were credulous enough to believe what I said. Accordingly I told them that I had received a commandment to let no one see it. For, says I, no one can see it with the naked eye and live. However, I offered to take out the Book and show it to them, but they refused to see it and left the room.

"'Now,' said Jo, 'I HAVE GOT THE DAMNED FOOLS FIXED, AND WILL CARRY OUT THE FUN.'"

There it is verbatim. Moreover, it was sworn to by Mr. Ingersoll.

"STATE OF NEW YORK, Wayne Co., ss.    

"I certify that on this 9th day of December, 1833, personally appeared before me the above named Peter Ingersoll, to me known, and made oath, according to law, to the above statement.
                                 TH. P. BALDWIN.
         "Judge Wayne County Court."

The above is found on pages 235 and 236 of "History of Mormonism," by E. D. Howe.

So we are bound to conclude that the "bright" Mormon is "the liar" in this issue.

---

We are aiming to make our office at Grayson, Ky., not only a depot, but headquarters for all Mormon and anti-Mormon books, tracts and pamphlets. We want to open up correspondence with authors everywhere in regard to this matter.

OFFICE  OF  "PATRIARCH."

It was Davy Crockett who said: "I can raise a company if you will let me make every man an officer."

The "Josephite" Mormons have the "office of Patriarch" in their congregations. Its main business seems to be to "pronounce blessings on the heads of people" at so much. a bless." It seems to be quite a source of income. The first Patriarch was Joseph Smith, Sr., father of the Seer. The "Smiths" seem to hold on to the "offices" in both great wings very nicely.

The "Hedrickites" are very earnest and rather pugilistic. They try to make the "Josephite" elder, who is ready to battle everybody but a "Hedrickite" or a "Whitmerite," front some very large interrogation points. We propose to second their efforts in hopes of getting a response.

1. Does the Bible and the Book of Mormon contain the fullness of the gospel?

2. Is the "office of Patriarch" part of the plan of salvation?

3. Who was the first "church Patriarch" in the Bible?

4. Who the first church Patriarch in the Book of Mormon?

5. If there was no such office in those days, and people were saved, why is it essential now ?

There's more to follow.

__________

ORIGINAL  BOOK  OF  MORMON.

J. H. Painter, Missouri, from whom we got an original copy of the Palmyra edition of the Book of Mormon, wrote, when sending it: "Hope you will get it all right, and also that you may conduct yourself in this life that you will not be compelled to read it in eternity. That would be hell enough for any sensible man."

By this I make known, not simply the opinion of Bro. Painter, but the fact that I have a copy of the original Book of Mormon, Palmyra, N. Y., by Joseph Smith, Jr., author and proprietor. Polemics or editors can refer to me to verify quotations. Copies of this edition are rare and very costly.

The "Whitmerites" have gotten out a "reprint" of the original Book of Mormon. and it now also is out of print. I have a few copies of the reprint I'll sell very cheap.

__________

The so-called "Saints" of Mormondom had a song that confirms the statement that Oliver Cowdery apostatized. Here is a verse of it:

"Shall we deny that Christ was Lord
  Because that Peter cursed and swore?
Or Book of Mormon not his word
  Because denied by Oliver?"
Note: (forthcoming)

"Sword of Laban" Leaflets, No. 9.

R. B.  NEAL,  GRAYSON,  KY.


"MOTHER  "LUCY'S"  BOOK

We knew of it early in our anti-Mormon fight. Tried, in vain, for years, to get hold of a copy. At last success crowned our efforts. By paying "a good big price," we secured a copy. Here is a copy of the title page:

BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES
of
JOSEPH  SMITH
the
PROPHET
and his
PROGENITORS FOR MANY GENERATIONS
By
LUCY  SMITH.
Mother of the Prophet,
Plano, Illinois,
Published by the Reorganized Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
1880.

Here is a very important fact, I quote from the Preface, page 4:

"Soon after its publication, and after a large number was sold, Brigham Young, under the plea that it was a false history and would do mischief, ordered its suppression; the Saints were counseled to give them up, either freely, or in exchange for other works of the church, that they might be destroyed. Under this order large numbers were destroyed, few being preserved, some of which fell into the hands of those now with the Reorganization."

The opposition of Brigham Young had the effect, of course, of strengthening the "Josephites" in their determination to preserve and publish the book. By some means a man has to pay from five to ten times the worth, or price, of the book now to get a copy from them. Why is this thus? Why don't they list and advertise the book now with their other publications? They are practically doing what Brigham Young wanted done. They are not convenient.

In view of the following commendations of the book by the very highest of old time Mormon authorities, both "Brighamites" and "Josephites," ought to be willing "to sell their shirts," if necessary, to get a fund to scatter it gratuitously over the land.

The Millennial Star, Vol. XV, page 682, 1855, says of the book:

"We do not imagine that any unprejudiced person can take up this work, and bestow upon it a careful perusal, without becoming deeply sensible of the divine mission of Joseph Smith. Being written by Lucy Smith, the mother of the Prophet, and mostly under his inspection, will be ample guarantee of the authenticity of the narrative."

Orson Pratt commended the use of the book as a "Reader" in the schools of the (then) Territory of Utah. He said: "It would give the young and rising generation some knowledge of the facts and incidents connected with the opening of the grand dispensation of the last days" (Mill. Star, Vol. XVII., p. 396).

Orson Pratt wrote the preface to the English edition. He ranks high as Mormon authority. He said:

"The following pages, embracing biographical sketches and the genealogy of Joseph Smith the Prophet and his progenitors, were mostly written previous to the death of the Prophet and UNDER HIS PERSONAL INSPECTION."
 

[ 2 ]
This settles it as to the authority of the book. When we quote from it, Mormons must open their ears and close their mouths.

Elder Pratt says in the same preface:

"No events that have happened since the first advent of our Saviour are of more thrilling interest than those connected with the history of the Prophet, Joseph Smith."

The preface declares that "most of the historical items and occurrences related have never before been published."

Reader, this ought to whet your appetite for extracts from this book. In fact the book ought to be reprinted in cheap form and scattered in Mormon camps as well as among Gentiles with a free hand.

Next to "Cowdery's Defence," it would knock Mormonism sky-high. "Brigham" knew what he was doing for Mormonism when he tried to buy and burn every copy of it.

The "Josephites" are not consistent. Though they republished it, they have no copies advertised for sale, and their leaders demand from five to ten times the cost or published price of the book for a copy when one can be located. We have never been able to locate but two copies. We now have one of those.

We will quote freely from this book in THE CHRISTIAN WEEKLY from time to time.

_______

 WE  MUST  ORGANIZE.

We have demonstrated from the highest Mormon authority the following facts:

1. Mormonism is organized for aggressive work in EVERY STATE IN THE UNION.

2. That Mormonism is GROWING STRONGER DAILY.

Our Association must meet them along this line of battle by organizing in every State for both defensive and aggressive work. Where they plant tracts, we must scatter the antidote. Where they send elders, we must send men to meet them in discussion. This, to us, is evident.

To begin this work of organizing by States, and States by counties, we call for volunteer helpers. Who will act as State presidents -- who as county chairmen -- for tract and speaker work? Respond promptly. The work of the president is to organize the State and of the chairmen to organize the county.

The county chairmen will look to having articles put in the county papers that bear on this subject, as well as to scattering tracts and placing speakers as needed. The State president will supply these articles and keep our National Board posted as to affairs in his State.

FROM  GRAVE  TO  ALTAR.

Parley B. Pratt plays a prominent part in the early history of Mormonism. He was very prominent as a speaker, and his book "The Voice of Warning," is to-day the "Uncle Tom's Cabin" of all the book of Mormondom.

Recently in reading a copy of the Latter-day Saints' Messenger and Advocate, Kirtland, O., for April, 1837, we found the following:

"DIED. -- In this town, on the 24th ultimo of puerperal convulsions, Sister T., consort of Eld. Parley P. Pratt, aged forty years."

The writer commented upon Mr. Pratt's great grief. In the issue of the paper for May, 1837, we find the following:

"MARRIED. -- In this town, on Sunday evening, the 14th inst., by F. G. Williams, Esq., Parley P. Pratt to Mrs. Mary Ann Stearns."

March 14 -- May 14. Rather a quick trip from the grave to the altar. The incident illustrates. Hence we give it.

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Send for a reprint of the Palmyra Edition of the Book of Mormon and note the changes made in later editions. It makes an elder sick to call his attention to it.

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THE  BUSINESS  END  OF  THE  SUNDAY-SCHOOL.

The New Grading System. -- You want to know all about it. Send for plan, etc., to Box 76, Cincinnati, O.

The Home Department. -- In this is the large field of the Sunday-school. The outfit costs little, the returns are large. Glad to give information. Address us as above.

The Cradle Roll is a lineal descendant of the Home Department. We keep a full line of supplies of the latest model. You will find [us] prompt.

The What, Why and How of the Sunday-school Work. -- Multum in parvo. There is nothing better in book form, for putting the Sunday-school man in touch with his work. It is clear, methodical, practical. Well bound in cloth; [only] 60 cents.

A Good Sunday-school Register and Record. -- a necessity to a well-kept school. There [is] none better than the Standard, nor so modern. In price. Only 50 cents.

A Good, Up-to-Date Music-book is "Crowned Beauty," by Leonard Daugherty. Try it. If it don't suit, you can return it, and money [will] be refunded. Send order to the Standard Publishing Co., Cincinnati, O.

Collection Envelopes, only $1.25 per 1,000, post-paid. We sell them by the million.

You will find us the headquarters for Sunday school supplies of all kinds -- papers, quarterly blank-books, maps, etc. Address the Standard Publishing Co., Cincinnati, O.

The Christian Church Hymnal fills the bill. It is coming into universal use. The publisher guarantees satisfaction. Address the Standard Publishing Co., Cincinnati, O.


Note: (forthcoming)

"Sword of Laban" Leaflets, No. 10.

R. B.  NEAL,  GRAYSON,  KY.


THAT  CANADA  REVELATION.

Oliver Cowdery, in his "Defence," speaking of the blasphemy of Joseph Smith, Jr., in predicting that he (Smith) would "tarry on the earth till Christ shall come in glory, and that neither the rage of devils nor the malice of men should cause him to fall by the hands of his enemies until he had seen Christ in the flesh at his final coming," says:

"It may be classed with that revelation you will remember which sent Bro. Page and me so unwisely to Toronto with a prediction from the Lord by Urim and Thummin that we would there find a man anxious to buy the First Elder's copyright. I well remember we did not find him, and had to return surprised and disappointed. But so great was my faith that, in going to Toronto, nothing but calmness pervaded my soul, every doubt was banished, and I as much expected that Bro. Page and I would fulfill the revelation as that we should live. And you may believe, without asking me to relate the particulars, that it would be no easy task to describe our desolation and grief."

It is readily seen that Oliver, the "Second Elder," and one of the "three witnesses" to the "Book of Mormon," is classing the Mormon Prophet with the "Tribe of Ananias," and giving him a chief place.

The "Canada revelation" was written down on paper but never published. So says David Whitmer, who also was one of the "three witnesses" to the "Book of Mormon," and claims that he was "the third man baptized into the Mormon Church," and that "Joseph" laid hands on him and "ordained him as his successor."

In his (Whitmer's) "Address" he tells all about that "Canada Revelation." We give his own words:

"When the Book of Mormon was in the hands of the printer, more money was needed to finish the printing of it. We were waiting on Martin Harris, who was doing his best to sell a part of his farm, in order to raise the necessary funds. After a time Hyrum Smith and others began to get impatient, thinking that Martin Harris was too slow and under transgression for not selling his land at once, even if at a great sacrifice. Brother Hyrum thought they should not wait any longer on Martin Harris, and that the money should be raised in some other way. Brother Hyrum was vexed with Brother Martin and thought they should get the money by some means outside of him, and not let him have anything to do with the publication of the book, or receiving any of the profits thereof if any profits should accrue. He was wrong in thus judging Bro. Martin, because he was doing all he could toward selling his land. Brother Hyrum said it had been suggested to him that some of the brethren might go to Toronto, Can., and sell the copyright of the Book of Mormon for considerable money, and he persuaded Joseph to inquire of the Lord about it. Joseph concluded to do so. He had not yet given up the stone. Joseph looked into the hat in which he placed the stone, and received a revelation that some of the brethren should go to Toronto, Can., and that they
 

[pg. 2]
would sell the copyright of the Book of Mormon. Hiram Page and Oliver Cowdery went to Toronto on this mission, but they failed entirely to sell the copyright, returning without any money. Joseph was at my father's house when they returned. I was there also, and am an eye-witness to these facts. Jacob Whitmer and John Whitmer were also present when Hiram Page and Oliver Cowdery returned from Canada. Well, we were all in great trouble; we asked Joseph how it was that he had received a revelation from the Lord for some brethren to go to Toronto and sell the copyright, and the brethren had utterly failed in their undertaking. Joseph did not know how it was, so he inquired of the Lord about it, and behold the following revelation came through the stone: 'Some revelations are of God: some revelations are of man: and some revelations are of the devil.'"

These "Gold Bible" speculators were in "a bushel of trouble." Poor old Martin Harris, another one of the "three witnesses," was doing his level best to "foot the bill," and his splendid farm was ample security. The Lord (?) had said to him, "Pay the printer," and that Martin would. Martin calculated on "reaping large profits," so his wife said. The Lord had said that he would "pay the printer," but somehow Joseph and Hyrum didn't believe he would. Oliver says above that Joe made this Canada revelation by "Urim and Thummin," and David says it was by the "stone in the hat." It is hard to get these Mormons to agree. However, they both, two of the "three witnesses," bear witness that Joseph's revelation was a fraud. It hasn't as savory a reputation as an American banker in Canada. Exit Joseph as a prophet.

_________

A  FRATERNAL  HAND.

Mrs. Mary C. Reynolds, corresponding secretary of the "Woman's American Baptist Home Mission Society," Boston, Mass., writes a friendly message. She says: "I think in this great fight against Mormonism there is no 'thee and thine,' but all is for all. Anything that one person has that will influence a community against Mormonism, he should be willing to loan. It was the first issue of Echoes that aroused the women of the Presbyterian Church, which resulted in the woman's organization which has been fighting Mormonism at Washington."

_________

CHURCH  AND  STATE.

In view of the investigation now being made by Congress, the following is a very pertinent item. It is taken from the first and only copy of the Nauvoo Expositor, published June 7, 1844. The paper was edited and published by leading Mormons:

"Resolved, 3rd, That we disapprobate and discountenance every attempt to unite church and state; and that we further believe the effort now being made by Joseph Smith for political power and influence, is not commendable in the sight of God."

Mormonism was born with the spirit of rule or ruin in its outreach for political power and influence. When Congress is made to realize the true interest and purpose of Mormonism, it will "scotch the snake" as it ought to be.

_________

The elders of the Church of Christ (Whitmerites) met at Richmond, Mo., the home of David Whitmer, on Saturday, Apr. 6, 1889. The following resolution was passed unanimously:

"Resolved, That all the elders of the Church of Christ are equal in authority and are authorized to build up the church wherever their lot may be east."

While the aim is a solar plexus blow at the "Brighamite" and "Josephite" organizations, the resolution has a queer look or squint. Did these elders "authorize" each other or each "authorize" himself?

_________

D. B. Turney, Effingham, III,, one of the vice-presidents of our A. A.-M. A., and the most distinguished polemic of the M. P. Church, writes:

"R. B. Neal, of Grayson, Ky., has been rendering a valuable service to truth and righteousness by his useful series of anti-Mormon tracts. His exposures of the imposture are authentic and trenchant. In fighting the delusion he furnishes a full quiver of arrows barbed with the evidence to produce clear conviction as to the true inwardness of the basest fraud that ever hocus-pocussed any portion of humanity.

"The most effective method for meeting Mormon misrepresentations has certainly been taken by Bro. Neal, and a community properly vaccinated with his little anti-Mormon wasps will be positively immune from the delusion of Mormonism."

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Subscribe for THE CHRISTIAN WEEKLY. It is not only the official organ of the A. A.-M. A., but R. B. Neal has two illustrated pages each week of work in the mountains. Subscription only one dollar per year. Send to R. B. Neal.

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A good Treasurer's Record to keep account of weekly contributions is needed in every church. There is none equal to the Standard Church Treasurer's Record: alphabetical; two sizes --300 names, $1; 600 names, $1.50. The Standard Publishing Co., Cincinnati, O.

There are books that should be in every household. One of these is "On the Rock." a story of a conscientious search for Bible truth; $1. The Standard Publishing Co., Cincinnati, O.


Note: (forthcoming)

"Sword of Laban" Leaflets, No. 11.

R. B.  NEAL,  GRAYSON,  KY.


OLIVER  COWDERY'S  DEFENSE.

No more important document has been unearthed since I have been engaged in this warfare than the following from Oliver Cowdery. He was the first man baptized into the Mormon Church. Joseph Smith, Jr. baptized him and he then baptized Joseph. He was the second elder in the church, Joseph, of course, being the first. His pen and testimony have done much more than Joseph Smith's to make the claims of Mormonism hold good. He was one of the "three witnesses" to the golden plates, "visions," and other things. It is my desire to "dress up" this this "Defence" with all I can gather about Cowdery, both good, bad and indifferent, and scatter it world-wide. I know of nothing that will counteract the baneful delusions of the "ism" like this production of the pen of Oliver. Donations are in order for this work. At least fifty dollars is needed to pay for first edition and plates. After that it is simply a question of paper, presswork and postage. DEFENCE IN  A REHEARSAL  OF  MY  GROUNDS FOR SEPARATING  MYSELF FROM  THE LATTER  DAY  SAINTS, BY  OLIVER  COWDERY, Second Elder in the Church of Christ. _______ This "Defence" is not protected by a copyright, as I wish no man to be confined alone to my permission in printing what is meant for the eyes and knowledge of the nations of the earth.

"God doth not walk in crooked paths; neither doth he turn to the right hand, nor to the left; neither doth he vary from that which he hath said." _______ PRESSLER'S JOB OFFICE, NORTON, O. 1839. This is a most rare and most valuable pamphlet, Strange to say, ye modern Mormon elder and editor does not quote from it, though it is by the "second elder" of their church. The reason will be evident to those who read it. COWDERY'S INTRODUCTION. DEAR PEOPLE OF GOD: -- I offer you a "Defence" which I am grieved to make, but my opposers have put me to the necessity, and so far as my memory serves, I pledge my veracity for the correctness of the account. I deny that I have ever conspired with any, or ever exerted any influence, to destroy the reputation of the "First Elder," although evidence which is to be credited, assures me that he has done everything he could to injure my standing, and his influence has been considerably exerted to destroy my reputation, and, I fear, my life. You will remember, in the meantime, that those who seek to villify my character have been constantly encouraged by him. There was a time when I thought myself able to prove, to the satisfaction of every man, that the translator of the "Book of Mormon" was worthy of the appellation of a "Seer" and a "prophet of the Lord," and in which he held over me a

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  [ 2 ]

mysterious power which, even now, I fail to fathom, but I fear I may have been deceived, and especially so fear since knowing that Satan has led his mind astray When the Church of Christ was set up by revelation, he was called to be the "First Elder," and I was called to be the "Second Elder," and whatever he had of priesthood (about which I am beginning to doubt), also had I. But I certainly followed him too far when accepting and reiterating that none had authority from God to administer the ordinances of the gospel, as I had then forgotten that John, the beloved disciple, was tarrying on the earth and exempt from death. I am well aware that a rehearsal of these things, at this day, will be unpleasant reading to the "First Elder." Yet so it is, and it is wisdom that it should be so. Without rehearsing too many things that have caused me to lose my faith in Bro. Joseph's SEERSHIP, I regard his frequent predictions that he himself shall tarry on the earth till Christ shall come in glory, and that neither the rage of devils nor the malice of men shall ever cause him to fall by the hand of his enemies until he has seen Christ, in the flesh at his final coming, as little short of a piece of blasphemy; and it may be classed with that revelation that some among you will remember which sent Bro. Page and me so unwisely to Toronto with a prediction from the Lord, by "Urim and Thummim," that we would there find a man anxious to buy the "First Elder's" copyright. I well remember we did not find him, and had to return surprised and disappointed. But so great was my faith, that, in going to Toronto, nothing but calmness pervaded my soul. Every doubt was banished, and it was as much expected that Bro. Page and I would fulfill the revelation as that we should live. And you may believe, without asking me to relate the particulars, that it would be no easy task to describe our desolation and grief. Bro. Page and I did not think that God would have deceived us through "Urim and Thummim," exactly as came the "Book of Mormon;" and I well remember how hard I strove to drive away the foreboding which seized me, that the "First Elder" had made tools of us, where we thought, in the simplicity of our hearts, that we were divinely commanded. And what served to render the reflection past expression in its bitterness to me, was, that from his hand I received baptism, by the direction of the angel of God, whose voice, as it has since struck me, did most mysteriously resemble the voice of Elder Sidney Rigdon, who, I am sure, had no part in the transactions of that day.

THE BOOK OF MORMON This book has been published in about every language spoken on earth. We understand that it has been translated into Modern Hebrew and into Hindustanee, the manuscripts to be published. Every reader ought to own a copy of this book. Very few copies of the first (or Palmyra) edition are to be found. Next best is "The Nephite Records." This is the most elegant Book of Mormon as to print and finish that we have seen. It is a beautiful reprint; "Printed from the Palmyra edition, which edition was printed from the original manuscript." It was published by a denomination of Mormons who call themselves "The Church of Christ," with headquarters at Davis City, Ia. The Independence branch is called "Hedrickites." The Davis City branch is called "Whitmerites." One George Adams of Lamoni, Ia., died and willed his wealth to "the Church of Christ, commonly called the Whitmerite Church... to be used for the benefit of the church as my executors may deem best calculated to spread the gospel and advance the cause of Christ in the earth." This money was used to get out this reprint of the Palmyra edition of the Book of Mormon, copies of David Whitmer's "Address to All Believers," and two pamphlets by John J. Snyder. In a letter before us, John, who by the way, is a cousin by marriage, says, "one of my pamphlets is especially to the Lamanites." By that he means the Indians of our country. He made a mistake by not writing them both especially to the Indians. It appears that this denomination (Whitmerites) has about "gone to pieces." They seem to be the frankest and fairest? of them all, judging by those with whom we have in contact in this work. This reprint, "The Nephite Records," is very scarce. It is as valuable as scarce. While it reproduces the Palmyra edition, pimples and all, it has the references of the Utah publication. This makes it more valuable. With its correctness attested or verified as it has been, we wouldn't give our copy for an original copy of the Palmyra edition, valued at $300, without we could duplicate the copy. The value to a Mormon fighter is this: Modern copies of a professed infallibly translated book have over two thousand changes from the book taken direct from the "gold plates." We have a few copies of this rare and valuable Book of Mormon. Will send a copy postpaid as long as they last, to those three new subscribers to The Christian Weekly. Send to R. B. Neal, Grayson, Ky.

Note 1: The Rev. Robert B. Neal's supposed excerpt from the so-called "Cowdery Defence" (as provided in the above leaflet), should be read in sequence after his similar excerpt in "Sword of Laban Leaflet" no. 11. Probably the excerpts featured in Leaflets 6, 7 and 11 were initially printed in Neal's Christian Weekly during the second half of 1906. From that original source the purported excerpts were scattered promiscuously through Neal's 1906 leaflets as he published those occasional offprints, resulting in the Leaflet 11 text being published out of proper sequence. Neal published the entire "Defence" as his Anti-Mormon Tracts No. 9, near the end of 1906.
Note 2: Rev. Neal's purported reproduction of the first half of a previously unknown 1839 Oliver Cowdery pamphlet was initially published by him in a late 1906 issue of the Christian Weekly. Then, just prior to the appearance of this Sword of Laban Leaflet No. 11, Rev. Neal published the full text of the alleged 1839 pamphlet as his Anti-Mormon Tracts, No. 9. This is the same late 1906 tract Neal mentions on the backside of his Leaflet No. 6, where he says that it "ought to be in every preacher's library." When photocopies were later made of pages from this tract "No. 9" (leaving out or obscuring Neal's 1906 publication notice) the impression was conveyed to some unwary readers that they were viewing photocopies of actual pages from an 1839 brochure. Some of these incomplete copies ended up in library collections and were listed as being from 1839 in the library catalogs. In fact, no original of this purported 1839 brochure has ever been found and no pre-1906 mention of such an old original has ever been located, in published form or otherwise. There is every reason to assume that the publication had its genesis in Neal's own Grayson, Kentucky office. Whether he was the author of the forgery or was simply duped by some unnamed counterfeiter of old publications, remains debatable.

Note 3: The RLDS Historian and Apostle, Heman C. Smith, reproduced and negatively reviewed the "Tract No. 9" version of this text, in the Mar. 20, 1907 issue of the Saints'Herald. Smith was uncertain whether he should credit the text as originating with Oliver Cowdery or not. In 1914 the former RLDS author, Charles A. Shook, reproduced "Tract No. 9" on pages 50-54 of his The True Origin of the Book of Mormon. Shook accepted the text as having come from Cowdery.

Note 4: Rev. R. B. Neal devoted an inordinate amount of space in his anti-Mormon tracts to the purpose of attempting to show that Oliver Cowdery renounced his early Mormon beliefs and admitted that the Book of Mormon was not an ancient Nephite record. Clearly Rev. Neal had some special purpose in mind throughout this journalistic campaign. A hint a what Neal's primary objective in all of this may have been may be found in the fact that his fellow Disciples of Christ minister, the Rev. Davis H. Bays, said in 1897 that Oliver Cowdery was the probable author of the Book of Mormon. As Bays put it: "The entire theory connecting Sidney Rigdon and the Spaulding romance with Joseph Smith in originating the Book of Mormon must be abandoned. We have something better. All Mormon history and biography agree in connecting Oliver Cowdery... directly with Joseph Smith in every stage of the development of Mormonism. It was Oliver Cowdery -- not Sidney Rigdon -- who... was in the woods with Smith when the angel -- John the Baptist -- is said to have laid his hands upon their heads and ordained them..." In taking this particular stand, Rev. Bays abandoned the old Spalding-Rigdon explanation for Book of Mormon origins. He was joined in this departure from traditional anti-Mormon views by the Rev. John T. Bridwell and a few other "Campbellite" preachers. The Rev. Clark Braden, Charles A. Shook, and the Rev. R. B. Neal were left to champion the traditional Campbellite viewpoint, crediting Rigdon with revamping a Solomon Spalding text to produce the Mormon book. It is unclear whether or nor Rev. Bays ever conceded the possibility of a pre-1830 Rigdon-Cowdery connection, but it appears that R. B. Neal would have been very happy to see Bays make that concession. Notice where Neal chooses to break of quoting the purported Cowdery confession in this leaflet -- just at the point that Oliver Cowdery supposedly admits that Sidney Rigdon had acted as "the angel of God" at the time of his baptism!

Note 5: Elder Bays' c. 1895 defection from the RLDS ranks was cheered by the Disciples, but his retention of the RLDS notion that the Spalding "theory" had been disproved was unsettling to some of his new co-religionists (like C. A. Shook and R. B. Neal). Bays' profession and actions in this respect foreshadowed the 1946 defection of biographer Fawn M. Brodie from the Utah Mormon ranks. Like Bays before her, Brodie carried the anti-Spalding indoctrination of her earlier Latter Day Saint days with her when she crossed over into the domain of anti-Mormonism.

"Sword of Laban" Leaflets, No. 12.

R. B.  NEAL,  GRAYSON,  KY.
 

OLIVER  COWDERY'S  RENUNCIATION  OF  MORMONISM.

The facts concerning Cowdery's relation to early Mormonism have been presented in preceding leaflets. These facts will season the following too highly to be palatable to Mormon elders.

RENUNCIATION.                                            
STATE OF OHIO s. s.                         
County of Seneca.              

Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Notary Public within and for said county, G. J. Keen, a resident of said county, to me well known and being sworn according to law, makes oath and says:

"I was well acquainted with Oliver Cowdery, who formerly resided in this city; that sometime in the year 1840 Henry Cronise, Samuel Waggoner and myself, with other Democrats of this county, determined to establish a Democratic newspaper in this city to aid in the election of Martin Van Buren to the Presidency, and we authorized Henry Cronise, Esq., to go East to purchase a suitable press for that purpose. Mr. Cronise went East, purchased a press and engaged Oliver Cowdery to edit the paper. Mr. Cowdery arrived Tiffin (O.) some time before the press arrived. Some time after Mr. Cowdery's arrival in Tiffin, we became acquainted with his (Cowdery's) connection with Mormonism.

"We immediately called a meeting of our Democratic friends, and having the Book of Mormon with us, it was unanimously agreed that Mr. Cowdery could not be permitted to edit said paper.

"Mr. Cowdery opened a law office in Tiffin, and soon effected a partnership with Joel W. Wilson.

"In a few years Mr. Cowdery expressed a desire to associate himself with a Methodist Protestant church of this city.

"Rev. John Souder and myself were appointed a committee to wait on Mr. Cowdery and confer with him respecting his connection with Mormonism and the Book of Mormon.

"We accordingly waited on Mr. Cowdery at his residence in Tiffin, and there learned his connection, from him, with that order, and his FULL and FINAL renunciation thereof.

"We then inquired of him if he had any objection to making a public recantation. He replied that he had objections; that, in the first place, it could do no good; that he had known several to do so and they always regretted it. And, in the second place, it would have a tendency to draw public attention, invite criticism, and bring HIM INTO CONTEMPT.

"'But,' said he, 'nevertheless, if the church require it, I will submit to it, but I authorize and desire you and the church to publish and make known my recantation.'

"We did not demand it, but submitted his name to the church, and he was unanimously admitted a member thereof.

"At that time he arose and addressed the audience present, admitted his error and implored forgiveness, and said he was sorry and ashamed of his connection with Mormonism.
 

[pg. 2]

"He continued his membership while he resided in Tiffin, and became superintendent of the Sabbath-school, and led an exemplary life while he resided with us.

"I have lived in this city upwards of fifty-three years, was auditor of this county, was elected to that office in 1840.

"I am now in my eighty-third year, and well remember the facts above related."     (Signed,)     G. J. KEEN.


Sworn to before me and subscribed in my presence, this 14th day of April, A. D. 1885.     FRANK L. EMICH,
                    Notary Public in Seneca, O.

G. J. Keen, Esq., is one of our oldest citizens, is a respectable man, and is very highly esteemed.
      (Signed,)     C. T. LOCK.
                           Postmaster.


We have confirmatory evidence to hand out in a successive "leaflet." Next to Cowdery's "Defence," no document is more hurtful to Mormonism than this. Circulate it.

MORMON CHANGES OF ITS REVELATIONS
AND LITERATURE.

CLARK BRADEN.

More than 1,500 changes of words and sentences, in the Palmyra edition of "The Book of Mormon," were made in the second edition. The "Book of Commandments" was so changed that unless the Mormon god made the changes himself, he would not recognoze his own revelations in the "Book of Doctrine and Covenants," In reprinting the Evening and Morning Star, it was changed so as to agree with the "Book of Doctrine and Covenants," and in many other particulars. In reprinting the first six volumes of The Saints' Herald, it was changed, and all confessions of Smith's polygamy suppressed. Persons have taken the first volume of the Herald to the office in Lamoni, to have them bound, and found on examination, that all confession of Smith's polygamy had been suppressed. From Spalding to the present hour, the system has been a lying fraud.

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NEAL'S ANTI-MORMON TRACTS,
WHAT THE PEOPLE SAY.

"The tracts are O. K. I wish they could be circulated broadcast everywhere." -- S. G. Griffith, Portsmouth, Ohio.

"Your tracts are strong, well written and go to the kernel of the whole thing." -- Chas. F. Richardson, D. D., Ogden, Utah.

"You sent me your two tracts, as requested, on Mormonism. I consider them masters on the subject discussed." -- I. H. Askew, Marietta, Ind. Ter.

"Your tracts are much better than the "Ten Reasons" tracts. For your arguments Mormons cannot dispute. You deal in facts." -- J. R. Shutt, Greenleaf, Kan.

"The Mormons 'bob up' here sometimes, and we need just such sledge-hammers as you are manufacturing to hammer them with." -- W. A. Christian, Athens, Ga.

"Tracts 1 and 2 are the best I have ever seen on the subject. Send for a supply of both kinds and do some mission work with them." -- Claude F. Witty, Mine La Motte, Mo.

"I receives nos. 1 and 2. No word but excellent expresses my view of their value, unless you can find a stronger term. I subscribe for the whole series." -- L. B. Wilkes, Stockton, Cal.

"Your method of attack is without parallel. No Mormon elder can stand before an audience and dispute your authority, for the simple reason that it is authority." -- E. R. Coburn, Mt. Pleasant, Mich.

"I have seen some of your tracts against Mormonism and think that they are ananswerable. I have used your arguments on several occasions when coming in contact with these deluded and deluding people." -- L. M. Chisholm, Silo, Ind. Ter.

"Have received Nos. 1 and 2. I must say that you not only "hit the nail on the head," but you drive it entirely through and so firmly clinch it that all the little hatchets ever invented by Joseph Smith, or any of his deluded followers can never draw a single nail. Your arguments are unanswerable, your statements brief and plain and every line seems to be permeated by honesty of purpose on the part of the author. These tracts are just what I have long needed. I anxiously await the publication of the remaining numbers." -- H. H. Adamson, Elliettsville, Ind.

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One dollar is the annual membership fee in our American Anti-Mormon Association. Send the fee and if you are not a subscriber, we will send you The Christian Weekly for one year. If you are, will send you a copy of the "Book of Commandments."

---

We have a reprint of the "Book of Commandments." It is "hot shot" for the elders. Send for a copy.

---

For evangelistic meetings there is nothing quite equal to "Standard Revival Songs." Specimen copy, 10 cents. Standard Publishing Co., Cincinnati, O.

"Memoirs of Isaac Errett," in two volumes. A most interesting and instructive biography, $2.50. The Standard Publishing Co., Cincinnati, O.

Moninger's system of grading the Sunday school is the best. "Plan" sent free on application. Standard Publishing Co., Cincinnati, O.



Note 1: the 1885 affidavit of G. J. Keen was reprinted by Charles A. Shook, on pages 58-59 of his 1914 book, The True Origin of the Book of Mormon. Although theere is no documentary evidence of Oliver's having ever been baptized a Methodist or attending the Methodist congregation in Tiffin as a full-fledged member, his adopted daughter Adeline M. Bernard was apparently a member in good standing.

Note 2: "Mormon" writers have generally avoided citing the statements and allegations published by R. B. Neal in regard to Oliver Cowdery. See, for example, LDS apologist Matthew Roper's dependance upon Shook's 1914 reprints of Neal's materials, in his comments on the "Book of Mormon Witnesses," rather than quoting directly from Neal's tracts or from original documents.

"Sword of Laban" Leaflets, No. 13.

R. B.  NEAL,  GRAYSON,  KY.


COWDERY'S  RECANTATION  CONFIRMED.

Judge W. Lang of Tiffin, O., was a law partner of Oliver Cowdery, and claims to have gotten close to Cowdery. His letters may have amarket value in solving some of the Mormon problems. 

TIFFIN, O., Nov. 5, 1881,    

DEAR SIR: -- Your note of the 1st inst. I found upon my desk when I returned home this evening and I hasten to answer. Once for all, I desire to be strictly understood when I say to you that I cannot violate any confidence of a friend, though he be dead.

This I will say, that Mr. Cowdery never spoke of his connection with the Mormons to anybody except to me. We were intimate friends.

The plates were never translated and could not be, were never intended to be. What is claimed to be a translation is the "Manuscript Found" worked over by Cowdery. He was the best scholar amongst them. Rigdon got the original at the job printing office in Pittsburg, as I have stated. I often expressed my objection to the frequent repetition of "And it came to pass" to Mr. Cowdery, and said that a true scholar ought to have avoided that, which only provoked a smile from Cowdery. Without going into detail or disclosing a confided word, I say to you that I do know, as well as can now be known, that Cowdery revised the "manuscript," and Smith and Rigdon approved of it before it became the "Book of Mormon."

I have no knowledge of what became of the original. Never heard Cowdery say as to that.

Smith was killed while Cowdery lived here. I well remember the effect upon his countenance when he read the news in my presence. He immediately took the paper over home to read to his wife. On his return to the office we had a long conversation on the subject, and I was surprised to hear him speak with so much kindness of a man that had so wronged him as Smith did. It elevated him greatly in my already high esteem, and proved to me more than ever the nobility of his nature. Cowdery never gave me a full history of the troubles of the Mormons in Missouri and Illimois, but I am sure that the doctrine of polygamy was advocated by Smith and opposed by Cowdery.

Then when they became rivals for the leadership, Smith made use of this opposition by Cowdery, to destroy his popularity and influence, which finally culminated in the mob that demolished Cowdery's house the night when he fled.

This Whitmer you speak of must be the brother-in-law of Cowdery, whose wife was a Whitmer. It may be true that Whitmer has the original MS.

Now as to whether Cowdery ever "openly denounced Mormonism," let me say this to you: No man ever knew better than he how to keep one's own counsel. He would never allow any man to drag him into a conversation on the subject. Cowdery was a Democrat and a most powerful advocate of the principles of the party on the stump. For this he became the target of the Whig stumpers and press, who denounced him as a Mormon and made free use of Cowdery's certificate * at the end of the Mormon Bible to crush his influence. He suffered
 

[p. 2]
great abuse for this, while he lived here on that account.

In the second year of his residence here, he and his family attached themselves to the Methodist Protestant Church, where they held fellowship to the time they left for Elkhorn.

I have now said about all that I feet at liberty to say on these points, and hope it may aid you some in your researches. If Mrs. Cowdery is still living, I would be glad to learn her post-office address, so as to enable me to write to her.

You have now the substance of all I remember on the subject and if it proves of any benefit to your enterprise (to which I wish you success), you are certainly welcome. I could only answer your questions in the manner I did, because some of them were not susceptible of a direct answer by me.     Resptfully yours,
                                            W. LANG.

__________
* In the Palmyra edition, the original or first edition, Cowdery's certificate as to plates, etc. is at the "end" or close of the work. We have a letter from the Utah seer, stating that the article on marriage in the "Josephite" Book of Doctrine and Covenants was "not a revelation," and the statement was "put in to please Oliver Cowdery."

Judge Lang confirms what we have published about Cowdery joining the M. P. Church of Tiffin, and his renunciation of Mormonism. That act was a renunciation of it. We have other letters by Judge Lang that will interest the public, even greatly Mormon elders.

NOTE: -- Judge Lang confirms the almost general belief that Spalding's old "Manuscript Found," revised, no matter whether by Rigdon alone, or by both Rigdon and Cowdery, was the basis of the "Book of Mormon." This we believe, and are preparing a tract to prove it beyond "the shade of a shadow" of a doubt.

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NEAL'S ANTI-MORMON TRACTS,
WHAT  THE  PEOPLE  SAY.

"Nos. 1 and 2 are simply bomb-shells and cannot fail to do effective work in the Mormon camp. Thousands of these tracts should be scattered wherever Mormons are at work. I consider Bro. Neal a great benefactor and he should be supported in his fight with 'Smithianity.'" -- H. M. Evans, Rooney, Ontario.

The following from an ex-Mormon ought to be appreciated: "The two tracts sent me are the grandest little series I ever read on the subject. They ought to be in every home and read by all the people. It will do all good who read them. They are the best I ever read. They are regular Mormon killers," -- Simeon J. Thompson, Sunbright, Tenn.

"Your tracts 'fill s long-felt want.' I sdmire your manner of attack. We ought not to parley with them over such questions as 'the design of baptism, etc.' We need to strike at the tap-root of the system. The next set of Mormins that put in an appearance here shall find some unexpected work on their hands." -- R. L. Hart, New Providence, Ky.

"There are two organizations of the 'Latter Day Saints' here representing the old and the new gospel of lust and cunning craftiness. I am pleased to note your zeal and ability in exposing this monster that has appeared in the guise of religion and revolting to every sense of decency and reverent regard for divine authority." -- J. C. McReynolds, San Bernardino, Cal.

"I am well pleased with your efforts to crush Mormonism. I don't blame the 'saints' for hating you. You have introduced all their living witnesses and raised all their dead ones and made them testify against them. It is but natural for people to hate any one who does them great harm. You HAVE DONE IT. Don't blush nor deny." -- J. W. Farris, Russet, Ind. Ter.

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WHAT  THE  PAPERS  SAY.

"While we do not give notices of books, etc., in our magazine now, we appreciate the good work you are doing and trust you will continue to be successful in fighting the Mormon foe. The tracts will be read for our own profit." -- The Religious Review of Reviews, Philadelphia, R. I.

R. B. Neal's work along this line (of opposing Mormonism, tract with tract) has only been limited by time and means, and he has evidently accomplished a vast amount of good, especially among the mountains of Kentucky. -- Central Methodist, Louisville, Ky.

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A copy of E. D. HOWE'S work on Mormonism is difficult to get at any price. It is very rare and very valuable. A copy would cost several hundred dollars. We have a copy and desire to reprint it. We have printed a large portion of it in our tract No. 6. The most important part of the book are the affidavits of the friends and neighbors of the Smiths as to their character and about the Book of Mormon. How many will pledge us, in advance, one dollar for four copies of this tract? If one hundred persons will pledge each one dollar, we will put the copy in the hands of the printer without delay.

---

One dollar will pay your annual fee in our A. A.-M. A. and get you a copy of the "Book of Commandments," or the Christian Weekly for one year, if you are not now a subscriber.


Note 1: The above reproduced latter of Judge William Lang was apparently written to him, during his lifetime, to Thomas Gregg of Illinois. Gregg did not include the letter in his 1890 book, The Prophet of Palmyra, but his heirs or family passed this and other documents from Mr. Gregg's papers to the "American Anti-Mormon Association" some time after Gregg's death in 1892. The original of Lang's Nov. 5, 1881 letter has been lost and there is now no way to check that document against R. B. Neal's purported typescript to confirm the accuracy of the published text. Some modern researchers have expressed their suspicion that paragraphs 3 and 4 or this text were not contained in Lang's holograph and were inserted prior to R. B. Neal's 1907 publication of the contents.

Note 2: Judge Lang's 1881 letter was again published by R. B. Neal, late in 1906 or early in 1907, as a part of his Anti-Mormon Tracts, No. 9. The text was also reproduced by Charles A. Shook, in a slightly different format, on pages 55-57 of his 1914 book, The True Origin of the Book of Mormon, where Shook mentions that it had originally been "addressed to Thomas Gregg, of Hamilton, Illinois," and that "The letters of Lang, Gibson and Mrs. Bernard have been turned over to the American Anti-Mormon Association by the family of Th. Gregg, to whom they are addressed. I have made these copies directly from the originals." If Shook's assertion in this regard can be trusted, he saw Judge Lang's 1881 holograph and took his typescript from the original -- but it is also possible that R. B. Neal gave Shook only photocopies of the Lang letter to work from and that one of those photocopies was a "doctored" image.

Note 3: Neal must have received some skeptical inquiries concerning his publication of Judge Lang's 1881 letter, for he takes up the matter again in issue 7 of his second volume of "Sword of Laban" leaflets. There he prints his recently received (May, 18, 1907) letter from Judge Lang's son, who confirms that Neal had published his father's letter "correctly" and that the handwriting in the original was his father's. Although this reply appears to clinch the authenticity controversy in Neal's favor, it is still possible that he or one of his associates managed to insert a few sentences into the letter at the time of its initial publication. Judge Lang's purported 1881 reference to Solomon Spalding's "Manuscript Found" should be viewed with a modicum of scholarly distrust.

"Sword of Laban" Leaflets, No. 14.

R. B.  NEAL,  GRAYSON,  KY.


"GATHERING  UP  ISRAEL."

"Sword of Laban" Leaflets, No. 15.

R. B.  NEAL,  GRAYSON,  KY.


THE  PICTURE  AND  TWO  OPINIONS  OF
THE  MORMON  PROPHET.


JOSEPH  SMITH,  JR.

"Sword of Laban" Leaflets, No. 16.

R. B.  NEAL,  GRAYSON,  KY.


FROM  THE  MAN  WHO  SET  THE  TYPE  ON  THE  FIRST
BOOK  OF  MORMON.

Mr. J. H. Gilbert, Palmyra, N. Y., was the printer who "set up the type" for the original "Book of Mormon." He also handled the copy, took the proofs, "corrected the galleys," made up the forms and no doubt helped pull the press.

We have several letters written by him. These letters are of great value. We also have letters from Mr. Lorenzo Saunders who says emphatically that he met Sidney Rigdon more than once at Joseph Smith's home; that he ate dinner with him. These letters will have a bearing to put "Apostle Kelley" in the true light before the public. Note what he gave about the word "travail." It is about the only thing Smith ever knocked "I" out of.

Note that Gilbert holds to his impression that the book was a fix-up of a Spalding manuscript.

The reason for having "sworn testimony" as to genuiness of this letter is born of past experience with the elders, whose policy is simply to deny.

                                Palmyra, N. Y., June 19, 1881.
Mr. Gregg:
  Dear Sir -- I am in receipt of the Saints' Herald you sent me, also your letter. I had received a Herald several days before I received the one you sent, probably from Kelley, who signs the article. His report of the conversation had with me is full of misrepresentations. In the first paragraph, Hyrum said, "It was translated from plates by the power of God," etc., is utterly false. I never had any conversation with Hyrum in regard to the translation. In regard to the change of spelling two words, he words my answer entirely different from what I said to him. I told him distinctly that I changed the spelling of one word, which occurred twice in one form -- no believing about it. The word changed was "travail," spelled "travel" in both instances, showing that the copyist did not know the difference. I did not tell him I set all the type, as he reports me saying. In regard to Smith claiming to be author, etc., I told him I understood in later editions he only claimed to be translator, etc.; the balance of the story in regard to this authorship, is all his own coining and answering. I told Kelley I thought the Spalding MS. was the foundation of the M. B., and gave him my reasons for thinking so. The long paragraph in relation to Mr. Cobb and Lorenzo Saunders is a mixed mess of truth and falsehood. When I asked Mr. S. if he knew whether Rigdon was hanging around Smith previous to the publication of the M. B., he said, "Yes, at least eighteen months before." There was no hesitancy about it; and this is what I told Kelley. You can see how he reported the matter. I did not tell Kelley that I had known a copy or copies of the M. B. to sell for $500, or more than that; that is one of his misrepresentations. What he charges me with saying about the Smiths and Tucker's book, is all his own coining.

Mr. Jackaway tells me he did not tell Kelley that Joe and his father got drunk on cider, but on whiskey.

I do know that Kelley has misrepresented me in his report of my answers and statements, and I have no doubt he has misrepresented others also. What his object was I can not divine. He may think it will strengthen the faith of Mormons a little. Well, if people are fools enough to believe in it, let them; it is no worse than some other humbugs.

If I can not get $500 for my copy of the M. B., I can keep it, nut I think it will bring that some time hence -- perhaps not in my day. Mrs. Dickinson's article in Scribner's Magazine
 

[p. 2]
of last August is full of errors, as I think, and Weed's letter is also erroneous in some of its statements.

l am anxious to see Cobb's expose of Mormonism. I supposed it would be out last fall. I have not heard from him in six months. I still adhere to the belief that the Spalding MS. is the foundation of the M. B. How they got hold of it to make a copy, is the mystery. If the original could be produced, it would solve the question.

If you have any Mormon friends in your vicinity, who have read Kelley's report in the Saints' Herald, you can say to them that he is a great falsifier, and I consider him the champion liar of America.      Yours truly,
                                 J. H. GILBERT.


"M. B." in above means "Book of Mormon." Later we will hand out what "Apostle Kelley" said that Mr. Gilbert said, and caused him ( G. ) to dub Kelley the C. L. of A.

After being duly sworn, Hardin Gilbert, J. G. Morris and George W. Castle say that the above is a true copy of a manuscript dated June 19, 1881, at Palmyra, N. Y., and signed J. H. Gilbert.

HARDIN GILBERT,
J. G. MORRIS,
GEO. W. CASTLE. Sworn to before me by Hardin Gilbert, J. G. Morris and Geo. W. Castle, this 15th day of May, 1905.     WINFIELD SCOTT,
Notary Public for Carter County, Ky.

---

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---

Notes  on  Good  Books.

"On the Rock" is still in demand, after a third of a century. A new edition lately from the press. Cloth, $1.

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A perennial book is the "Life of John (Raccoon) Smith," by Jno. Aug. Wllliams, one the great biographies of the world. The new edition, from new plates, at $1, is the popular edition now. Fifteen hundred copies of this recent edition were sold in ninety days, thirty years after the original edition. It is one of the great books that inspire.

Our catalogue of the standard works of the brotherhood sent free on application. Address the Standard Publishing Co., Cincinnati, O.

---

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The Model Hymnal has a model NAME: CHRISTIAN CHURCH HYMNAL -- could not be improved upon.

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Send your order for the Christian Church Hymnal. By express, not prepaid, only $4.80 per dozen; $40 per 100. The Standard Publishing Co., Cincinnati, O.


Note: Charles A. Shook reprinted most of Gilbert's June 19, 1881 letter on pages 37-38 of his 1910 book, The True Origin of Mormon Polygamy.

Note: It appears likely that very few of the Rev. R. B. Neal's second series of "Sword of Laban Leaflets" were distributed as leaflet off-prints, prior to leaflet #10. Probably in Neal's second series, leaflets #1-9 were simply composed of pages taken from his "tract" sections of the first nine issues of The Sword of Laban monthly magazine

That he was is vigorously denied by the "Josephite" branch of the Mormon church. The "Brighamites" steadfastly maintained that he was. Joseph Smith, Seer of the "Reorganized Church of Latter Day Saints" and son of the founder of Mormonism, warmly contends that his father never had but one wife. But here's proof that proves.

Read he affidavit of Lucy Walker Smith on [the] other side of this Leaflet.

CONFIRMATORY

The testimony of Eld. William Clayton confirms the above. He was "Temple recorder and private clerk of Joseph Smith, Jr., the Mormon Prophet. He had the care of the records, nooks, papers, etc. He was the confidential, right-hand man of the Mormon seer.

He says: "On the 27th of April, 1843, the Prophet Joseph Smith married me to Margaret Moon for time and eternity at the residence of Eld. Heber C. Kimball.

"ON THE FIRST DAY OF MAY, 1843, I OFFlCIATED lN THE OFFICE OF AN ELDER BY MARRYING LUCY WALKER TO THE PROPHET, JOSEPH, AT HIS OWN RESIDENCE.

"During this period the Prophet Joseph took several other wives, and amongst the number I well remember Emily Partridge, Sarah Ann Whitney, Helen Kimbal and Flora Woodworth. These all, he acknowledged to me, were his lawful wedded wives according to the Celestial order. "
                                    -- MORMON PORTRAITS. Page 96.

Let the Josephite Elders howl and their editors rage. Here is a SWORN STATEMENT by the "BRIDE," and the testimony of the "PREACHER" who performed the ceremony. Neither one of them could have been mistaken about that to which they testify. That they would deliberately and wilfully perjure themselves is not even to be, cannot be entertained a moment as a thought.

If any proposition on earth can be established, that Joseph Smith, Jr., had a plurality of wives is the one. The testimony of minister and bride cannot be denied.

SWORN  TESTIMONY

"I hereby certify that Hyrum Smith did, (in his office) read to me a certain written document, which he said was a revelation from God, he said that he was with Joseph when it was received. He afterwards gave me the document to read, and I took it to my house, and read it, and showed it to my wife, and returned it the next day. The revelation (so called) authorized certain men to have more wives than one at a time, in this world and in the world to come. It said this was the LAW and commanded Joseph to enter into the LAW -- And also that he should administer to others. Several other items were in the revelation, supporting the above doctrines."      Wm. Law.

"STATE OF ILLINOIS} ss
Hancock County     }
I, Robert D. Foster, certify that the above certificate was sworn to before me, as true in substance, this fourth day of May, A. D., 1844.
                ROBERT D. FOSTER, J. P."

Our second witness is a married woman and testifies to tho same facts as her husband, Wm. Law.

"I certify that I read the revelation referred to in the above affidavit of my husband. It sustained in strong terms the doctrine of more wives than one at a time in this world, and in the next, it authorized some to have to the number of TEN, and set forth that those women who would not allow their husbands to have more wives than one should be under condemnation before God."
                               Jane Law.

Sworn and subscribed before me this fourth day of May, A. D. 1844.
                ROBERT D. FOSTER, J. P."

SWORN  TESTIMONY

"We, Ebenezer Robinson and Angeline Robinson, husband and wife, hereby certify that in the fall of 1843 Hyrum Smith, brother of Joseph Smith, came to our house at Nauvoo, Illinois, and taught us the doctrine of Polygamy. And I, the said Ebenezer Robinson, hereby further state that he gave me special instruction how I could manage the matter so as not to have it known to the public. He also told us that while he had heretofore opposed the doctrine, he was wrong and his brother Joseph was right, referring to his teaching it.
                               Ebenezer Robinson,
                               Angeline E. Robinson.
"Sworn to and subscribed before me this 29th day of December, 1873. J. M. Sallee,
{L. S.}                          Notary Public.

Twelve years later Mr. Robinson testified again more elaborately, but still under oath.

"To whom it may concern:
  This is to certity that in the latter part of November or in December, 1843, Hyrum, Smith (brother of Joseph Smith. President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) came to my house, in Nauvoo Illinois, and taught me the doctrine of spirritual wives or Polygamy

"He said he heard the voice of the Lord give the revelation on Spiritual Wifery (polygamy) to his brother Joseph, and that while he had heretofore opposed the doctrine, he was wrong, and his brother Joseph was right all the time.

"He told me to make a selection of some young woman and he would send her to me, and take her to my home, and if she should have an heir, to give out word that she had a husband who had gone on a mission to a foreign country. He seemed disappointed when I declined to do so." Ibid 370. 371.
                               Ebenezer Robinson,
Ot. 23, 1885.            Davis City, Iowa.

Subscribed and sworn to before me, a Notary Public in and for Decatur County, Iowa, this 24th day of October, A. D. 1885.
{L. S.}                          Z. H. Gurley
                                       Notary Public."

We know where the ORIGINALS of these two last statements are.

___________________________
SUBSCRIBE FOR
THE SWORD OF LABAN

A monthly sanctified wholly to the suppression of Mormonism. The only paper In the world devoted to battling the ism.
$1.00 per year.
Address R. B. NEAL, Editor,
Pikeville, Ky. 
[p. 2]
We aim to get out 100 kinds of leaflets and not less than 10,000 of each, making one million leaflets on first round of the new series.

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OATH  OF  LUCY  WALKER  SMITH,

WIFE  OF  JOSEPH  SMITH,  JR.

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, :
                 State of Utah               :
            County of Salt Lake.         :

          LUCY WALKER SMITH, being first duly sworn, says:

I was a plural wife of the Prophet Joseph Smith, and was married to him at Nauvoo in the State of Illinois, on the first day of May, 1843, by Elder William Clayton. The Prophet was then living with his first wife, Emma Smith, and I know that she gave her consent to the marriage of at least four women to her husband as plural wives, and that she was well aware that he associated and cohabited with them as wives. The names of these women were, Eliza and Emily Partridge, and Maria and Sarah Lawrence, all of whom knew that I too was his wife.

When the Prophet Joseph Smith first mentioned the principle of plural marriage to me I felt indignant and so expressed myself to him, because my feelings and education were averse to anything of that nature. But he assured me that this doctrine had been revealed to him of the Lord, and that I was entitled to receive a testimony of its divine origin for myself. He counselled me to pray to the Lord, which I did, and thereupon received from Him a powerful and irresistible testimony of the truthfulness and divinity of plural marriage, which testimony had abided with me ever since.

                                                      Lucy Walker Smith

Subscribed and sworn to before me this 24 day of October, 1902.

                                    Lucy James Jack
                                              Notary Public.
                                              My Commission Expires, Aug. 20, 19[12].
Copyright Dec. 19th, 1906
By M. Browning
Phoenix, Ore.

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Send 10 cents for 16 two page leaflets and a copy of Cowdery's Defence, a tract that retails for one dime.       Address R. B. Neal, Pikeville, Ky.



Note: This particular leaflet #10 may actually be a part of Rev. Neal's third series. If this conclusion is confirmed its text will be moved to another place on this web-page.

The Book of Mormon is our only source of information about these apostles. Here again, as I will make evident, "Smithianity," or "Mormonism," receives a solar plexus blow.

Soon after the resurrection of Jesus from the dead he appeared in America, right here at Grayson, for aught we know, preached, taught, worked miracles after the manner he did in Palestine, only more fully. He selected twelve apostles for the church in America. Here are their names: "Nephi, Timothy, Jonas, Muthoni, Muthoniah, Kumen, Kumenonhi, Jeremiah; Shemnon, Jonas, Zedekiah, Isaiah." (B of M., page 520.)

These rank in Mormon minds with "Peter, James and John," etc., as apostles of Jesus. After selecting this band of twelve, the Savior made long addresses to them.

And it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these words unto Nephi; and to those who had been called, now the number of them who had been called and received power and authority to baptize, were twelve, and behold he stretched forth his hand unto the multitude, and cried unto them, saying: Blessed are ye if ye shall give heed unto the words of these twelve whom I have chosen... And unto them (the twelve) l (Jesus) have given power that they may baptize you with water. (B. of M., p. 504.)

This fact is settled, that this twelve had what Mormons could call "the keys of the Aaronic priesthood on earth," viz.: the right to preach the gospel of repentance and to baptize with, or in water. Stick a pin here.

We are told that just before his ascension to heaven he gave this twelve the power to 'impart the Holy Ghost," or, as Mormondom would phrase it, "the keys of the Melchizedek priesthood."

But the disciples (the twelve) bear record that he (Jesus) gave them power to give the Holy Ghost. And I will show you hereafter that this record is true. (3 Neph., xviii. 37.)

Nephi proposes to prove that the twelve had given to them the power 'to give the Holy Ghost."

He proves it by Moroni. Good proof to Mormons.

The words of Christ which he spake unto his disciples, the twelve, whom he had chosen, as he laid his hands upon them.

And he called them by name, saying, Ye shall call on the Father in my name, in mighty prayer, and after ye have done this ye shall have power that on him whom ye shall lay your hands ye shall give the Holy Ghost, and in my name shall ye give it, for thus do mine apostles. (Book of Mormon, p. 609.)

No doubt can hover over the statements that the twelve Nephite apostles had the right to "baptize and to impart the Holy Ghost."

They held the keys of both Aaronic and Melchizedek priesthoods. Stick a pin here.

That John the beloved had the keys to both priesthoods even a Mormon cannot deny. For "thus do mine apostles," and John was an apostle.

Jesus just before ascending to the Father said to the twelve Nephite apostles:

"What is it that ye desire of me after that I am gone to the Father?"

All except three desired the usual length of days, a happy death and a glorious eternity.

The Savior then said to nine of them: "Each should live to be seventy and two years old," and then "ye shall come unto me in my kingdom, and with me ye shall find rest."

Here were nine men that knew they could not die before they reached threescore ten and two years; knew that they could not live a minute after that time. This is a legitimate inference.

The Savior then turned to the three silent ones and asked:

"What will ye that I shall do unto you when I am gone unto the Father?"

The three dared not speak unto him the thing they desired.

He said: "Behold, I know your thoughts and ye have desired the thing which John, my beloved, who was with me in my ministry before I was lifted up by the Jews, desired of me; therefore, more blessed are ye, for ye (the three) shall never taste of death, but ye shall live to behold all the doings of the Father unto the children of men, even until all things shall be fulfilled, according to the will of my Father, when I shall come in my glory with the powers of heaven," etc.

"Ye (the three) shall not have pain, while ye shall dwell in the flesh, neither sorrow, save it be for the sins of the world."

Mormon says: 'Behold, I was about to write the names of those (the three) who were never to taste of death, but the Lord forbade, therefore, I write them not, for they are hid from the world." That is, their names were hid. True, Mormon and all of that generation knew their names, of course. Why hide "names" and reveal the "men" is an enigma that Mormons must solve.

We are told further that when the Savior went to heaven he took the three who were to tarry on earth with him. He sent them back, of course. Mormon tells us why he took them: the three had to have 'a change wrought upon their bodies that they might not suffer pain nor sorrow save it were for the sins of the world."

He assures us "this change was not equal to that which should take place at the last day, but there was a change wrought on them, insomuch that Satan could have no power over
 

[p. 2]
them, that he could not tempt them, and they were sanctified in the flesh, that they were holy, and that the powers of the earth could not hold them; and in this state they were to remain until the judgment day of Christ." (B. of M., p. 542.)

That certainly was a "change.'' A new and a good "state" for one in the flesh to be in. The Savior himself was tempted. Here were three men who were to live in the flesh on earth from the time of Christ till the knell of time without the pain of hunger or thirst; could eat what they pleased, and never an ache of any kind. No temptation to appetite or ambition made any impression upon them. Satan was no more feared by them than a tree toad is by an African warrior. Disease could never touch them with a pain or an ache. The fears of injury or death never got hold of them. Jails could not hold them. Wild beasts could not rend them. The powers of earth combined could not "hold them" in durance vile. They could laugh in the mouth of a cannon and play with Mauser bullets as with snowflakes. They "were sanctified in the flesh." This is the reason given. Modern "sanctificationists" would do well to make a note here of how far short they are from a real "Book of Mormon" sanctification.

From the above we have the following array of facts, if we admit the testimony. A Mormon must admit it.

1. That there are four apostles now on earth, viz.: John the beloved and three nameless Nephites.

2. That they have been on earth ever since before Christ ascended on high.

3. That they will be on earth till the death of time and the dawn of eternity.

4. That they have "the keys of both the Aaronic and Melchizedek priesthoods,' or the right to baptize and the power to impart, by impact of hands, the Holy Ghost.

5. Their mission was, and is, and ever will be, to preach, teach, baptize and give the Holy Spirit to heirs of salvation on earth.

oooooo

Reader, note how the "Book of Mormon" crushes the claims of 'Mormonism" as built upon the "Book of Doctrine and Covenant" and other writings and claims of Joseph Smith, Jr. Smith said:

1. That no one on earth understood or could translate the "Characters" on the "Gold Plates." "The Book of Mormon" says there were THREE Nephite disciples on earth then, are now, and will be until time shall cease.

2. "Mormonism" claims that none on earth had right to baptize or power to impart the Holy Ghost until Smith and Cowdery got the power by the "laying on of the hands" of Peter, James and John to do the last and to do the first by the laying on of the hands of John the Baptist.

No wonder Cowdery said:

But I certainly followed him too far when accepting and reiterating that none had authority from God to administer the ordinances of the Gospel, as I had then forgotten that John, the beloved disciple, was tarrying on earth and exempt from death. (Cowdery's Defence, p. 2.)

Cowdery seems to have forgotten the "Three Nephites" also. They had [the] same power John had, Book of Mormon being true.

The keys of the Melchizedek and Aaronic Priesthoods will be presented in other "Leaflets."

D I L E M M A.

The "Elders" can impale themselves upon either "horn" they please. They must choose one or the other, or deny both.

1. If the "Book of Mormon" tells the truth about these "Three Nephites" and John, the Evangelist, then Joseph Smith is a liar, in the Book of Doctrine and Covenants.

2. If the Book of D. and C. tells the truth then also "Book of Mormon" lies.

It is

"The Book of Mormon"
           Versus
      Joseph Smith, Jr. When a messenger can cross the chasm between Dives and Lazarus, and not before. Mormons can bridge this contradiction.

oooooo

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oooooo

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Notes: (forthcoming)

The Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints makes the assertion that in no sermon, lecture or newspaper article, published during the lifetime of Joseph Smith, can a single statement of his be found in which he endorses the doctrine of a plurality of wives.

Having read the works of the church for over a quarter of a century, I confidently affirm that there is not a single word, in a single sermon, lecture, statement, newspaper or church publication printed during the lifetime of the prophet Joseph Smith wherever he, by word, has endorsed the doctrine of a plurality of wives; not a single statement; and there is no Salt Lake Mormon breathing who can produce one and prove its authenticity. Elder R. C. Evans in "Blood Atonement and the Origin of Plural Marriage," p. 38.

As not one line in all the writings of Joseph Smith can he found advocating the doctrine of polygamy, is it fair to judge of him by what his enemies say of him? Elder W. J. Smith in "Joseph Smith; Who Was He?", p. 122.

In throwing out this bluff, the Josephites are practically safe for, so far as we have been able to learn, but one statement of Smith's which seems to favor polygamy was PUBLISHED before his death, though a number of other statements made by him and entered in his "Journal" have come down to us and have been published since. But, by this same argument, it can be proved that Young, Kimball and the Pratts did not advocate polygamy before his assassination or, for that matter, before 1852, as they too denied the doctrine and not a published statement of theirs made before the latter date can be found advocating it. Yet, from the charges of Smith's enemies and from the admissions of the Josephites themselves, we know that this practice was in existence at Nauvoo before 1844. The fact is that before Smith's death this doctrine was confined to the inner circle and was cautiously guarded that it might not come to the ears of the Gentiles.

But Joseph Smith did commit himself on the subject of plural marriage and did father the celebrated "Revelation on Celestial Marriage," said to have been received July l2, 1843. As proof of this, I submit the following facts and evidences.

On June 7, 1844, the first and only issue of the "Nauvoo Expositor" was published by Sylvester Emmans, backed by the Laws, Fosters and other recusant Mormons. This paper contained the charge that the Smiths taught and practiced Spiritual-wifery and the affidavits (made May 4th preceding) of William and Jane Law and Austin Cowles were published to prove it. On June 8, Mayor Joseph Smith convened the city council and advised the same to take steps to abate the "Expositor" as a nuisance. This was accomplished on the 10th and the Laws fled to Burlington, Iowa. This rash, impolitic, un-American and anarchistic act roused the Gentiles throughout the vicinity of Nauvoo and things began to look like war. To defend themselves in the eyes of the public, the Mormons published the proceedings of the council meeting referred to in an "Extra" of the "Nauvoo Neighbor," the secular Mormon paper of Nauvoo, for June 17, 1844. From this paper, I extract the following statements of Hyrum and Joseph Smith relative to the existence of a "Revelation on Celestial Marriage":

Councilor H. Smith * * * referred to the revelation read to the High Council of the Church which has caused so much talk about a multiplicity of wives; that said revelation was in answer to a question concerning things which transpired in former days, and had no reference to the present time.

Councilor C. H. Smith proceeded to show the falsehood of Austin Cowles, in the EXPOSITOR, in relation to the revelation referred to, that it was in reference to former days, and not the present time, as related by Cowles. Mayor (Joseph) said he had never preached the revelation in private, as he had in public; had not taught it to the anointed in the Church in private, which statement many present confirmed, that on inquiring concerning the passage in the resurrection concerning "they neither marry nor are given in marriage," etc. he received for answer, "men in this life must marry in view of eternity otherwise they must remain as angels" or be single in heaven, which was the amount of the revelation referred to;" and the Mayor spoke at considerable length in explanation of this principle.

The reader will notice that in these statements it is admitted that some sort of a revelation on plural or celestial wifery existed at Nauvoo and that this revelation was the cause of so much talk about a plurality of wives. He will also notice that Hyrum and Joseph contradict each other in stating its character, one saying that it referred to ancient times, the other to the resurrection. While he will still further notice that the sentiments as expressed by Joseph Smith are strictly in accord with those of the celebrated "Revelation on Celestial Marriage" as published by the Brighamite Church.

As the Josephites may try to evade the force of these extracts by saying that they are not the LITERAL language of Joseph Smith, but the GIST of the same and that, too, written down by Willard Richards who afterwards figured conspicuously as one of Brigham Young's counselors, I call the attention of the reader to the following facts:

(1) -- These purported statements were published in a paper that was particularly friendly to the Smith regime.

(2) -- They were published ten days before be was shot and several days before he left Nauvoo, so he had ample opportunity to correct any misstatement, which it would have been to his advantage to do if such had been made.
 

[p. 2]

(3) -- They come from the bona-fide report of the council meeting which Smith attended, which report was signed by George W. Harris, president pro tem., and was accompanied with a certificate of genuineness signed by Willard Richards, clerk.

(4) -- Elder Willard Richards, the clerk, was a particular and warm friend of the prophet, risked his life to be with him in Carthage jail when he was shot and had been for years his private secretary and a member of the "Quorum" of Twelve Apostles.

(5) -- These proceedings were accompanied, in the same paper, with a proclamation, written by Smith and setting forth the Mormon side of the trouble.

These facts put these extracts above question as being the very sentiments of Joseph and Hyrum Smith, expressed at the meeting of the city council of Nauvoo, June 8 and 109, 1844.

In his "Autobiography," or "Journal," as published in the "Millennial Star," we also find a number of entries which go to prove that Joseph Smith advocated the doctrine of celestial marriage. They are as follows:

Except a man and his wife enter into an everlasting covenant and be married for eternity, while in this probation, by the power and authority of the holy Priesthood, they will cease to increase when they die; that is they will not have any children after the resurrection. But those who are married by the power and authority of the Priesthood in this life, and continue without committing the sin against the Holy Ghost, will continue to increase and have children in the celestial glory. "Millennial Star," Vol. 21, p. 108.

Gave instructions to try those persons who were preaching, teaching or practicing the doctrine of plurality of wives; for according to the law, I hold the keys of this power in the last days; for there is never but one on earth at a time on whom this power and its keys are conferred; and I have constantly said no man shall have but one wife at a time unless the Lord directs otherwise.   Entry in Smith's "Autobiography" for October 5, 1843.

But here is the clincher:

Wednesday, 12th (July, 1843, C. A. S.), I received the following revelation in the presence of my brother Hyrum and Elder William Clayton: -- => Here follows the celebrated Revelation on Celestial Marriage.) Hyrum took the Revelation and read it to Emma. "Millennial Star." Vol. 21, pp. 715 and 731.

To evade the force of these damaging entries, the Josephites have invented the objection that this document was carried to Utah by the Brighamites and that it may have been changed to favor their doctrinal positions. But this objection is only made when the Brighamites, Gentiles or apostates bring up some damaging entry. Ordinarily, they quote from it without question. For proof of this, I cite the reader to their "Church History," Vols I and II, in which between 200 and 500 pages are quoted verbatim and are credited to Joseph Smith with such expressions as "Joseph says," "Joseph writes," "We quote from Joseph Smith as follows," etc., etc. If this "Autobiography" is of UNQUESTIONABLE authority in other things, why it is not of UNQUESTIONABLE authority where it comes to prove that Joseph Smith advocated polygamy?

For a full discussion of this question, read Shook's "The True Origin of Mormon Polygamy," price 50 cents, for sale at the headquarters of the American Anti-Mormon Association, Grayson, Kentucky.

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What C. A. Shook hands out in the above is supported by the very highest Mormon authority. viz.: David Whitmer, one of the "Three Witnesses" to the Book of Mormon.

He says:

The fact cannot be denied that the world (with very few exceptions outside of the Reorganized Church) believes firmly that Brother Joseph received the revelation, or that he taught and practiced polygamy near the close of his life in Nauvoo.

Listen. He was close to Joseph, was one of the charter members of the church, had opportunities of knowing things that no one since had, has or can have.

He says:

I now have as much evidence to believe that Brother Joseph received the revelation on polygamy and gave it to the church as I have to believe that such a man as George Washington ever lived. I never saw General Washington, but from reliable testimony I believe that he did live. (p. 38.)

Read this to a "Josephite" and note how it will spike all his vaporings about Brigham Young being the author of that vile document on polygamy.

"Whitmer's Address," from which we quote, has the above and much more of great value to a seeker of truth. It is out of print. We command a few copies and will, as long as the stock lasts, send a copy as a premium to every new subscriber to the S. of L.

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The Mountain Meadow Massacre.

Send ten cents to this office and get a copy of the only official, authentic reliable report of this damnable deed.

---

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Notes: (forthcoming)

Joseph Bates Noble was an elder in the original Mormon Church at Nauvoo. He was a good Mormon and "took up his cross and lived his religion." He was also one of the first to perform the plural marriage ceremony for his prophet, Joseph Smith. In the following affidavit, he tells when and where this was done and gives the names of the woman:

TERRITORY OF UTAH, }
County of Salt Lake,    }

Be it remembered that on the 26th day of June, A. D. 1869, personally appeared before me, James Jack, a notary public in and for said county, Joseph Bates Noble, who was by me sworn in due form of law, and upon his oath saith, that on the fifth day of April, A. D. 1841, at the city of Nauvoo, County of Hancock, State of Illinois, he married or sealed Louisa Beeman to Joseph Smith, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, according to the order of celestial marriage revealed to the said Joseph Smith.
                                JOSEPH B. NOBLE.
Subscribed and sworn to by the said Joseph Bates Noble, the day and year first above written.
        {SEAL}         JAMES JACK, Notary Public.


The Josephites make the following objections to this affidavit:

The claim is made by the Brighamites that Miss Louisa Beeman was sealed in marriage to Joseph Smith on the 5th day of April, 1841, J. B. Noble performing the ceremony. -- Historical Record, p. 221. If, therefore, this statement can be proven to be true it will only settle the matter with regard to Joseph having been a polygamist, and further investigation will be unnecessary. We therefore proceed; and in the history of Joseph Smith taken from his Diary, and published in the Millennial Star, Vol. 21, p. 75, which was published by the Utah Mormon Church, we find Joseph made the following entry for the 11th day of May, 1843 -- two years, one month and six days AFTER it is said Miss Beeman became Joseph's plural wife:

"11th May, 6 a. m. Baptized Louisa Beeman, Sarah Alley and others."

(Quotation from MS correct.)

Now isn't that sweet? Married to Joseph Smith as a polygamous wife two years, one month and six days before she had been converted to the faith or baptized into the church! * * * Mr. Joseph B. Noble swears he did "on April 5th, 1841, seal to Joseph Smith the prophet, Miss Louisa Beeman, according to the revelation on plural marriage." -- Historical Record, p. 221. This, at first reading, seems to establish Miss Beeman's statement; but just HOW Mr. Noble could on the 5th of April, 1841, seal Miss Beeman to Joseph Smith ACCORDING TO THE REVELATION ON PLURAL MARRIAGE, when, according to the statement of Brigham Young himself, that so-called "revelation on plural marriage" was not given to Joseph Smith until the 12th day of July, 1843, -- TWO YEARS, THREE MONTHS AND SEVEN DAYS AFTER Mr. Noble swears he sealed Miss Beeman to Joseph Smith -- is a little puzzling to say the least. JOSEPH SMITH, WHO WAS HE, pp. 73-75.

At first glance, these objections may appear reasonable and sound but as investigation is prosecuted their erroneousness soon becomes apparent.

(1) -- It has never been claimed that the Revelation on Celestial Marriage, said to have been received July 12, 1843, was the only revelation on plural marriage that was given to the prophet, Joseph Smith. The claim is made that as early as 1831 the principle was revealed to him. That there was a revelation on the subject as early as the summer of 1842, is proved by the following statement made by Brigham Young to Miss Martha Brotherton at that time.

"Well, but," said he, "brother Joseph has a revelation from God that it is lawful and right for a man to have two wives."

This appears in the affidavit of Miss Brotherton as published in the "Sangamo Journal" of Springfield, Ill., of July 22, 1842, nearly one year before the celebrated "Revelation on Celestial Marriage" of July 12, 1843, made its appearance. It shows that for some time before this latter date, a purported revelation on polygamy existed.

This is further substantiated by the testimony of Jason W. Briggs, one of the founders of the Reorganized Church, made in the celebrated Temple Suit of 1892:

I heard something about a revelation on polygamy, or plural marriage, when I was in Nauvoo, in 1842. I heard there was one; there was talk going on about it at that time, and continued to be; but it was not called plural marriage; it was called sealing. RECORD, p. 349.

By the foregoing it will be seen that the Mormons claimed revelations on celestial or plural marriage even before July 12, 1843, as Noble is, therefore, not in opposition to the truth when he declares that before that date he married Smith and Miss Beeman according to such a principle.

(2) -- Again, the baptism of Louisa Beeman on the 11th of May, 1843, is nowhere said to be her INITIAL baptism, by which she became a member of the Church. This is all read into the entry in Smith's "Diary" by the Josephites themselves. At this time, the Mormons practiced both rebaptism and baptism for the dead as the following will show:

Tuesday, 28th (Dec., 1841,) I baptized Sidney Rigdon in the font, for and in behalf of his parents; also baptized Reynolds Cahoon. MILL. STAR, Vol. 19, p. 7.

These are instances of baptism for the dead. Both Rigdon and Cahoon had come into the Mormon Church ten years before.

As an instance of rebaptism, we have the following:

My dear Emma was worse. Many fears were entertained that she would not recover. She was baptised twice in the river, which evidently did her much good. MILL. STAR, Vol. 20, p. 87.

As both baptism for the dead and rebaptism were practiced at Nauvoo, how can the Josephites
 

[p. 2]
with certainty say that the baptism of Louisa Beeman on May 11, 1843, was her INITIAL baptism, by which she became a member of the Mormon Church?

(3) -- We have confirmatory evidence of Noble's affidavit in a book that was printed several months before May 11, 1843, that before that date Louisa Beeman had become the plural wife of Joseph Smith. In the "Expose" of Dr. John C. Bennett, which was published in the fall of 1842, I find the following:

In concluding this subject, however, I will semi-state two or more cases, among the vast number, where Joseph Smith was privately married to his spiritual wives -- in the case of Mrs. A**** S****, by Apostle Brigham Young; and in that of Miss L***** B*****, by Elder Joseph Bates Noble. EXPOSE, p. 256.

Who was Miss L***** B*****, married to Smith by Elder Joseph Bates Noble, but Miss Louisa Beeman? As Bennett's book was published some months before Miss Beaman's baptism of May 11, 1843, it substantiates the claim of Noble that she was the plural wife of the prophet before that date.

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The Mountain Meadow Massacre.

Send ten cents to this office and get a copy of the only official, authentic reliable report of this damnable deed.

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"To the Task."

In 1831 the Mormons placed "high priests" as officials in their church. A Mormon writer says, and truly:

This office was not in either the church or on this continent among the Nephites, or the church established on the eastern continent. Nowhere do we find this office in the church under the new covenant or the New Testament part of the Nephite record.

It is up to the "Brighamite" and "Josephite" to show his "authority" for this office. Will some elder of either or both churches make the attempt?

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Membership fee in our Association is one dollar per year. We ought to rally ten thousand members during 1912-13. Every intelligent reader of this leaflet out to be interested enough in blotting out the foul strain of Mormonism from our flag. It mars "Old Glory." Send fee to R. B. Neal, Grayson, Ky., and the Sword of Laban will be sent to you regularly for one year.

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"Office of "Patriarch."

It was Davy Crockett who said: "I can raise a company if you will let me make every man an officer."

The "Josephite" Mormons have the "office of Patriarch" in their congregations. Its main business seems to be to "pronounce blessings on the heads of people at so much a bless." It seems to be quite a source of income. The first Patriarch was Joseph Smith, Sr., father of the Seer. The "Smiths" seem to hold on to the "office" in both great wings very nicely.

The "Hedrickites" are very earnest and rather pugilistic. They try to make the "Josephite" elder, who is ready to battle everybody but a "Hedrickite" or a "Whitmerite," front some very large interrogation points. We propose to second their efforts in hopes of getting a response.

1. Does the Bible and the Book of Mormon contain the fullness of the gospel?

2. Is the "office of Patriarch" part of the plan of salvation?

3. Who was the first "church Patriarch" in the Bible?

4. Who was the first church Patriarch in the Book of Mormon?

5. If there was no such office in those days and people were saved, why is it essential now?

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The American Anti-Mormon Association will prepare, in quick succession, one hundred pertinent and telling leaflets for the use of anti-Mormon workers. As they will be but a nominal price, they should be, and no doubt will be, scattered by the tens of thousands all over the nation. As we will issue not less than 10,000 of each leaflet, the aggregate will make one million of bright, busy little workers scattered over the world battling a deadly menace to both Church and State. Remembered Meroz.

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"A Dilemma."

If Brother Joseph received the revelation on polygamy and gave it to the church, the Book of Doctrine and Covenants must be laid down, because the commandment is: "His word ye shall receive as if from mine (God's) mouth." Then you must receive the revelation on polygamy or else you must lay aside the Doctrine and Covenants.

David Whitmer in his "Address to Believers" fronts the "Josephites" before this dilemma. Either horn of it pierces the heart of their claims.

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The Mormons are, on this issue, like they are on every other, inconsistent. They have both affirmed and denied it.

In an editorial in "Times and Seasons," February 15, 1844, advocating the claims of Joseph Smith, the Prophet, for the President's chair of the United States, the editor says.

"One great reason that we have for pursuing our present course is, that at every election we have been made a political target for the[ir] filthy demagogues in the country to shoot their loathsome arrows at, and every story has been put into requisition to blast our fame, from the old fabrication of "WALK ON THE WATER" down to "the murder[er] of ex-Governor Boggs...."

"Whatever therefore be the opinions of other men, our course is marked out, and our motto from henceforth will be "Gen. Joseph Smith."

It appears, from the above, that early in 1845 [sic] the charge that Joseph "walked on the water" was an "OLD" one.

The editor wraps it up in the word "fabrication." This is a polite way of labeling it as a "lie."

If it is a "fabrication," who was the fabricator? Why was it fabricated? It will appear from the following "sworn proof" the Mormon Elders were largely responsible for starting as a TRUTH the so-called fabrication.

In Dr. Wyl's great work, "Mormon Portraits" on page 49, there is this quotation from the "Times and Seasons," the Mormon Organ:

"Gentlemen, we are not going either to murder ex-Governor Boggs, nor a Mormon in this State for not giving us his money, nor are we going to 'walk on the water;' nor 'drown a woman;' nor 'defraud the poor of their property' ... nor 'marry spiritual wives'," etc.

Dr. Wyl says: "I have proved that the attempted assassination of Governor Boggs and the drowning of the old woman; the truth of the remaining charges admits of no doubt in the light of proofs furnished on all sides for similar and worse offenses."

Dr. Wyl adds in a foot-note, p. 49, that: "Mr. Deming of Painesville, O., is prepared to prove that old story of Joseph Smith having "Walked on Water" in Kirtland to imitate one of the best known miracles of the Saviour."

I submit the Deming proof. It is conclusive.

AFFIDAVIT OF J. HARVEY AND S. ROGERS.

"We, the undersigned, Joseph Harvey and Samuel Rogers attended a Mormon meeting in what was District No. 5 and heard the preacher say in his sermon that prophet Joseph Smith does perform miracles. He saw him WALK ON THE WATER in Kirtland, and many others heard read, distinctly, in the air, a chapter from Isaiah.

Mr. Huntoon, who lived near the school house said it was not done, that no man could walk on the water. The preacher said: "I claim to be a man of truth. I saw him walk on water with my own eyes before many people.
            {Signed}
JOSEPH HARVEY,
SAMUEL ROGERS. Witnessed by
        A. B. DEMING.
Sworn to and subscribed before me, the undersigned, by Samuel Rogers and Joseph Harvey, this the 6th day of May, A. D. 1885.
        D. CLINTON HALL,
Justice of the Peace for Painesville, Lake County, Ohio.
 

[p. 2]
This certainly establishes the statement that in the "early days" of "Latter Day Saintism" some of the "Elders" were inclined to make capital out of the "fabrication" that "Joseph Smith walked on the water."

Had the claim been established it would have been extra good proof of his miraculous power, establishing the claim that he was a "Prophet of God."

The claim being denied and the Elders not being able then, nor now, to defend it, they deny bitterly that he made the attempt and brand the whole thing as a "fabrication" -- a lie. Such testimony as the following reveals the cause of the vigorous denial.

AFFIDAVIT OF J. M. GRANGER.

"I was born in Tioga County, N. Y., Jan. 16, 1820, and came to Chester, in Ohio, 1829. I well remember going to Kirtland one evening with a two horse wagon load of men and boys to see the Mormon prophet, Jo Smith, walk on the water.

There was a large crowd on both banks of the river below the bridge east of the Flats. Jo addressed the crowd on Faith for some time. He said all that was needed to perform miracles was faith. He put on a white robe and began his walk and talked of FAITH bearing him up. He suddenly went down and the Gentiles shouted and said [the] "plank" had failed. The Mormons said his faith had failed. He was helped out of the water. I was seventy five to a hundred feet from him.
{Signed}
                                J. M. GRANGER.
Witness[ed] by
          C. L. POWELL.
Willoughby, Ohio, March 30, 1885.

Sworn to and subscribed before me, this [10th] day of April, 1885, at Willoughby, Lake Co., O.
          A. P. BARBER,
          Justice of the Peace.

This establishes the fact that Joseph made an attempt :"to walk on water." That he apparently walked "part of the way" and got a "dunking" before he got out "as sure as Daniel Boone's shooting."

The real issue was presented then and there by both "Gentiles" and "Mormons." Was it a "plank" or "faith" that failed him?


The following statement has a direct bearing on the issue:

"I resided in Kirtland after the Mormons had mostly left. Leonard Rich, a Mormon Elder, told me he saw Jo Smith walk on the water. He said planks had been fixed in the water and one had been removed so Jo went down. When he got out of the water. Jo said he could have walked if the brothers' and sisters' faith had not failed."
{Signed}
          WILLIAM ROCKAFELLOW.
Witnessed by:
     CORA PARSONS, Russel, Geauga Co., Ohio, March 19, 1885.


According to Joseph, it was not the "plank" nor his "faith" but the lack of faith, on the part, not of the Gentiles, but of his "brothers and sisters" that caused his failure. This was pleading the "baby act" with a vengeance.

Affidavit of F. J. GOLDSMITH.

"My father was an architect and builder. He was the first and only architect in Cleveland for some years. Most of the older residences on the North side of Euclid Avenue he designed and built, also many of the best houses in Painesville. He built Grandison Newell's residence about two miles north-east of Kirtland Flats, now occupied by Mr. Beals, my brother-in-law. C. W. Hurd learned the business with my father and was his successor in Cleveland. He was the architect of the Case Block Opera House, City Hall and many other prominent buildings. When riding with my father to Cleveland, I made some inquiries about the Mormon Temple at Kirtland. He said, 'My son, I verily believe the plans for the Temple originated in my own brain.' The Mormon leaders came to me and obtained all in information they could, as to what I thought would be advisable for such a building. Soon after, they went on and built it, they claimed, by revelation. If they were inspired, it must have been by the Devil for I never was paid for it.'

"John A. Eddy learned the carpenter trade with my father, and married my sister. He told me that Jo Smith announced in a Mormon meeting; at such a time he would walk on the water.

"That Grandison Newell and my father paid him [sic] one dollar a night to watch and see what the Mormons did.

"The night before the walking was to be,
 

[p. 3]
Jo Smith, Brigham Young, Sidney Rigdon, and William Aldrich worked half the night and drove forked stakes in the river in the form of a horse-shoe, the ends being on one bank and in deep water. They placed green sycamore slabs, which would sink in the water, on the crotched stakes which were eight or more inches under water, altogether between two and three hundred feet long. After they left I removed one of the slabs near the center.

According to appointment, Prophet Jo Smith came with several hundred Mormons and Jo addressed them. He said they could walk on the water if they only had faith.

Jo arrayed in a long white robe, walked some distance turned and walked backward, and where the slab had been removed, went in all over. He got to shore by the aid of the limb of a tree.

Jo said at once to the audience: 'Oh ye of little faith, if you had faith as large as a grain of mustard seed, I could remove mountains.'"
                                   F. J. GOLDSMITH.
Witnessed by
Carrie A. Goldsmith (daughter)
Abigail J. Goldsmith (daughter.) Sworn to and subscribed before me, the undersigned, Justice of Peace, by F. J. Goldsmith, this 8th day of May, A. D. 1885.
              D. CLINTON HILL,
Justice of the Peace for Painesville, Lake County, Ohio.


While the above is clear and conclusive I wish to clinch the nails of truth by some additional evidence. Joel Miller who attended many Mormon meetings in Mayfield and Kirtland when Rigdon, Smith and others preached, bears testimony in his affidavit to some other interesting facts, but we have not time to present them. He with others had been to see a dead child raised to life at Isaac Morley's. Will tell about his resurrection stunt in another paper. It is equally as interesting as his walk on the water "act" and more condemning of him as a faker and a fraud of the first water.

Miller makes this statement:

"Soon after our Mormon neighbors informed us that Jo Smith, on Sunday night, was going to walk on the water and urged our family to go. My brother and I went with Enos and Joel Smith whose parents were Mormons.

After attending a meeting in the school house at the Flats in Kirtland, at which Jo and I think Rigdon spoke, we all went to the river east and below the bridge. Jo Smith again spoke to the crowd and put on a white robe and began to walk. He said something about faith and talked as he walked in a curve. He was out of water except his feet and was successful for a time. He walked slowly and finally went down. The Gentiles shouted loudly, laughed and jeered in many ways.

The Mormons said Jo's faith had failed. I saw several men step into the water and reach for Jo to help him out. I soon after learned planks had been fixed in the water for him to walk on and one had been removed.
                JOEL MILLER.
Witnessed by A. B. Deming.

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 29th day of March 1885.
                A. P. BARBER,
Justice of Peace in and for Willoughby, Lake County, Ohio.


Reader, you now have the whole story of the wonderful attempt of Joseph Smith, Jr. the FALSE prophet of the XIX century to walk on water.

You will conclude with a conclusion that can not be shaken that it was the "plank" that failed him.

My favorite proposition to discuss in a Mormon neighborhood is this:

"Mormonism was conceived in sin, born of iniquity, and is perpetuated by fraud and deceit."

I have facts enough and to spare, without the "water-walking fake" to prove it, but it alone would sustain it.

This article should be put "on the wings of the wind" and sent to the four quarters of the earth.

Mormon "Elders" would soon have to "walk a plank" with their blasphemous claim that:

"Joseph Smith, the prophet and Seer of the Lord has done more (Save Jesus only) for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever lived in it."

Book of Doctrine and Covenants page 335, sec. 3, Lamoni, 1880.

The same declaration is made in the "Brighamite" Book of D. and C. The wonder is that they put in the "parenthesis" for as to doctrine they now hear Smith rather than Jesus. Smith is later as a Prophet.

Reader, rivet this scene on your mind. It is backed by sworn testimony.

"Something must be done," I fancy, I
 

[p. 4]
hear Brigham say, "to increase faith in the miraculous power of the Prophet."

"True" said Rigdon, "why not have him walk on water?"

The suggestion took, subtle brains devised use of sycamore slabs and stout stakes, and a night scene for the stunt.

See the gang working like Beavers in the water the night before. Fancy you hear the coarse jokes as they talk of a white robe for Joseph and that Rigdon, or some one, must use his powers, as a ventriloquist, and chant from Isaiah while Joseph is slowly solemnly walking.

The big horse shoe form of the "slabs" was no doubt "for luck." After the slab path in the water had been tested by Joseph the squad of would be deceivers go to their beds in slumber.

After they have gone, John A. Eddy, who has been spying on their movements, quietly swims to the centre of the horse shoe and removes a slab -- starts it down the stream. Rah! for John.

Think of Sunday services by that gang of men. The night meeting -- then the going to the water's edge. Smith putting on a robe of white. He would better have "put on wings." The stars were twinkling and the moon, no doubt, smiled when Smith, just before he startled failed to tell them it was "slabs" rather than "faith," one needed to "walk on water" in his day.

As he started gliding over the waves, hear the voice, seemingly in the air chanting: "When thou passest through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee," Is. 43:2.

Elated by his success -- he turned to make a "walk backward stunt" near the center of the horse shoe, when he came to where the slab had been removed, in he went "over head and ears."

With the aid of a limb of a tree in outstretched hands of help he was rescued from a watery grave.

Note his "brazen impudence" with water dripping from his robe, he charges his mishap to "lack of faith" on the part of his deluded followers, who knew nothing of the "slab" arrangement.

The world owes John A. Eddy a vote of thanks. He foiled a scheme that noised around the world would have clothed Smith with wonder working power, and strengthened his hands for deceit of the people.

In view of the above facts, undeniable, yes, unquestionable, even a Mormon, who reads them must echo a wish from his heart that it had resulted in more than a mere "ducking" of Smith.


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Note 1: Rev. R. B. Neal's printing of the May 6, 1885 text from Harvey and Rogers is not otherwise known. Neal apparently copied it from some uncited trove of Arthur B. Deming documents. While similar accounts appear in Deming's 1888 newspaper, the Harvey and Rogers statement was not published by him there.

Note 2: Compare R. B. Neal's composite of "walk on the water" stories with the somewhat similar tale told of Jemima Wilkinson's plan to walk across Seneca Lake, as mentioned by Thomas Hamilton on pages 305-6 of his 1833 book, Men and Manners in America. Fawn Brodie retells the "apocryphal story" of Wilkinson, along with the Smith story, on pages 83-4 of her 1945 book. As early as 1834, the Mormon press was refuting stories of Smith's alleged attempt to perform a miracle upon the water -- see the April 1834 issue of the Evening and Morning Star, as well as the Dec. 1835 issue of the Messenger and Advocate. Elder George A. Smith dismissed the fanciful claims once again in 1858, but they have popped up repeatedly through subsequent years -- as late as the Jan. 1900 account of Harvey Baker, published in the Oneonta Herald.

Transcriber's Comments

Rev. Robert B. Neal's Leaflets




Rev. Robert Burns Neal
(1847-1925)


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