| 689 to the office of priest, to preach the word and watch over the flock there. . . .
"Bro. H. C. Brunson has succeeded in stirring up considerable interest and some excitement in the neighborhood of the Union schoolhouse, not far from Victoria, Knox County, Illinois. Rev. C. W. Smith, who has, we believe, heretofore discussed with Bro. Isaac Sheen, proposes to stop the progress of the work there by opposing it. What success he may achieve in hindering it there remains to be seen. If he honestly thinks that we are deluded and are worshiping [worshipping] erroneously, he is not to be blamed if he presents a strong opposition to our doctrines; but he ought to be honorable in his opposition, using honorable means to disabuse the minds of the people. He will do well to avoid the usual tactics of those who attempt to defeat the elders. Our people must also remember that retaliation, vituperation, and abuse are not arguments proper to be used in defending the faith. . . .
"Letters from Bro. James G. Scott indicate an excellent opening in southern Indiana."-The Saints' Herald, vol. 19, pp. 176, 177.
The Herald for April 1, 1872, contains a very significant communication from the pen of President Joseph Smith on "Affairs in Utah." We ask for it a careful reading. It will be seen that in this article is foreshadowed the very position which the Utah Church was obliged to occupy about twenty years later, and they are herein forewarned of how the Reorganization will hold such action. He writes as follows:-
"Brigham Young has achieved notoriety; and, outside of the church over which he presides, an unenviable reputation; but what there can be in the present situation of either Mr. Young or any of his long time adherents to offer such tomes of self-gratulation upon as it appears are being written by those inimical to him concerning it, we are unable to see. There is something solemnizing and pity-inspiring in the contemplation of what such a life as Mr. Young's has been reveals; and, although we have no extraordinary reasons to like him, but rather to the contrary, we cannot join in the cry that is being raised against him.
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