| 244 for us, we deemed it proper that if they asked to be permitted to examine work that we had faithfully, honestly, and conscientiously performed, they should do it under conditions that we might deem sufficient to protect ourselves from consequences that might possibly arise from a hostile conclusion.
Elder J. P. Smith informed us that Elder Pratt was still east and that he might call as he returned home, which he thought would be in early November. Complications must have changed this decision, for we notice that Elder Pratt was in attendance at the conference. Moreover, we requested Elder Smith to state to Elder Pratt that we invited him to stop and speak to the people here, informing him that if Elder Pratt would do so we would insure him a good audience and a hearing. Several citizens had expressed a desire to see and hear him, and, we also, as a society wished to hear him.
On their way east our people gave them the time of their prayer-meeting, and they occupied it. We want it comprehended by our polygamic opposers, that whether we have much or little to lose, or to gain, as they esteem us, we do not propose to lose, or to gain by duplicity, or cowardice.
The Saints' Advocate for September contained the following concise statement concerning the progress of the church:
The Reorganized Church, in April, 1860, did not number, probably, more than one hundred fifty members. It has continued to progress steadily until now. It has had to fight against "the world, the flesh, and the devil," and the accumulated evils of the great latter-day apostasy; and the last much worse than the first.
It planted itself squarely upon the doctrines taught in the three authorized standard works, the Bible, Book of Mormon, and Covenants, and wherever its ministry have proclaimed its doctrines, in the States and Territories of our nation, in England, Wales, Scotland, Switzerland, Denmark, Otaheite, Australia, the Canadas, Nova Scotia, and the "Islands of the Sea," God has "confirmed the work with signs following them who believe."
And at no time has the work been spreading so rapidly, and with such favor and power as in the present year. Never were the prospects so good before. Truly, the Lord is giving "grace and favor" to his people, and his work, as he promised, June 22, 1834.
On September 28 Dexter P. Hartwell, who had formerly been assigned a mission to the Southern States, and who failed to go on account of ill health, died at his home, Cartersville, Iowa.
The difference in the attitude of the Reorganization and that of the Utah church regarding David Whitmer as the custodian of the manuscript of the Book of Mormon is
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