| 509 And I feel sure there are many dear ones in the land of the far West who will rejoice to hear of a little band of Saints working in the cause of truth in this immediate neighborhood. The branch here was only organized on the 15th of November. last, and we do not number more than seven at present; but there are several hovering near to the waters, so we hope before long to have an increase. . . . There seems to be a good spirit of inquiry prevailing around, and everything seems to indicate a good future.
December 8 Elder Joseph Luff, missionary in Utah, thus presented the work of President Smith in Utah:
Our work is going to tell after a little. Many are thinking who never thought before. By Bro. Joseph's coming, the ears of many have been reached that were closed to every appeal before. I believe his mission has been a grand success, and I hope he will see his way clear to come out again after next spring conference. He is the best missionary we could have here, for the people will not throng to hear any other in such numbers, and none are better capable of informing them regarding the Reorganization. Truly, God has been with him in power and the demonstration of the Spirit.
A debate occurred about this time between Elder George H. Hilliard and Reverend Mannon, on the divinity of the Book of Mormon, and the prophetic character of Joseph Smith, at Parrish, Illinois. It was reported as an unusual victory for the truth.
In the Saints' Herald for December 19, Elder Joseph Clapp wrote of experiences among the "Doveites," one of whom claimed to be the successor of Joseph Morris. His experience with these gentlemen illustrates one of the phases of the numerous errors to be met by the elders. 2
2 While in Deer Lodge Valley I came in contact with two gentlemen (father and son), by the name of Dove. Mr. George S. Dove, the son of James Dove, claims to be a prophet, and the successor of Joseph Morris. I had quite a long talk with them, and I confess I was much astonished at their strange philosophy, and marveled at the "cheek" of this would be prophet. He was trying to carry Joseph Smith, the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, Joseph Morris, and George Dove; but we crowded him in argument so hard that he had to unload some part of his burden; so as you might suppose, he dropped everything but Joseph Morris and George S. Dove, and he there exhibited his true colors. . . .
They had succeeded in baptizing two persons before I got to Deer Lodge, but for some cause they did not baptize any after I got there. I attended one of their meetings and heard the old gentleman talk an hour and a half. I suppose he was trying to make a point in favor of his son's apostleship; but I hardly think any one knew just what he was trying to do, for it was so badly jumbled up. The young man took the stand and delivered himself of a harangue that sounded more like the ravings of a maniac than a gospel sermon. . . . From what I could learn, the Doves are communists. .
Reincarnation is one of their most essential doctrines.
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