Letter to James Arlington Bennet, 8 September 1842

  • Source Note
  • Historical Introduction
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Sepr. 8th. 1842
Dear Sir—
I have just received your very consoling letter dated August 16th. 1842; which, I think, is the first letter you ever addressed to me. In which you speak of the arrival of Dr , and of his person, very respectfully. In this, I rejoice for I am as warm a friend to , as he possibly can be to me. And in relation to his almost making a Mormon of yourself, it puts me in mind of the saying of Paul in his reply to Agrippa Acts chapter 26 verse 29 “I would to God that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.” And I will here remark, my Dear Sir; that Mormonism, is the pure doctrine of Jesus Christ, of which I myself am not ashamed. You speak also, of , president of the in , in high terms; and of of . These men I am acquainted, with, by information, and it warms my heart to know that you speak well of them; and as you say could be willing to associate with them forever, if you never join [illegible] their church, or acknowledged their faith. This, is a good principle for when we see virtuous qualities in men, we should always acknowledge them, let their understanding be what it may, in relation to creeds and doctrine; for all men are, or ought to be, free; possessing inalienable rights, and the high and noble qualifications of the laws [p. 1]
Sepr. 8th. 1842
Dear Sir—
I have just received your very consoling letter dated August 16th. 1842; which, I think, is the first letter you ever addressed to me. In which you speak of the arrival of Dr , and of his person, very respectfully. In this, I rejoice for I am as warm a friend to , as he possibly can be to me. And in relation to his almost making a Mormon of yourself, it puts me in mind of the saying of Paul in his reply to Agrippa Acts chapter 26 verse 29 “I would to God that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.” And I will here remark, my Dear Sir; that Mormonism, is the pure doctrine of Jesus Christ, of which I myself am not ashamed. You speak also, of , president of the in , in high terms; and of of . These men I am acquainted, with, by information, and it warms my heart to know that you speak well of them; and as you say could be willing to associate with them forever, if you never join their church, or acknowledged their faith. This, is a good principle for when we see virtuous qualities in men, we should always acknowledge them, let their understanding be what it may, in relation to creeds and doctrine; for all men are, or ought to be, free; possessing inalienable rights, and the high and noble qualifications of the laws [p. 1]
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