| 631 Elder J. A. Currie, Jr., wrote July 18 from Stockdale, Texas, that he had just entered upon an eight-day discussion. His opponent in this debate was Mr. Z. Brooks, who was formerly connected with the church, and published an edition of the Book of Mormon to which he wrote an introduction. At this time he was representing the Disciple Church. August 1 Elder Currie wrote: "Hundreds attended the discussion. I am safe in saying those who do not belong to either church represented by the disputants give us the victory by a large majority, and some of the Campbellites say now, he was not the man to represent them. Their representatives are too old or too young most all the time."
About this time President Joseph Smith was in Utah, where he visited several places in company with Elder R. J. Anthony, presenting the claims of the Reorganization in comparison with the teachings of the Utah church. On July 22 Elder Anthony wrote from Ogden, Utah, as follows:
We have held three meetings in the pavilion here. Bro. Joseph spoke to a good audience Saturday night. Yesterday afternoon at two o'clock I preached the gospel to the people, and last night Bro. Joseph preached to a sea of people. His theme was plural marriage and why he rejected it. When he quoted from the second chapter of Jacob, in Book of Mormon, some young man called out for him to read the balance of the chapter. Joseph did so to the astonishment of the young man, and with a few comments completely upset the Brighamite pet theory built on "If I will raise up seed unto me, I will command my people otherwise." Joseph gave them the correct rendering, and then showed the scourges and judgments which should be visited upon those who practiced such abomination. The reading and comments created quite a little breeze, and applause. The people saw the point. Joseph showed that the Reorganized Church kept the laws of God and the Nation and were entitled to the promised blessings.
Before he had fairly resumed his argument on the main question, a man called to him to read the fourth chapter of Isaiah. Joseph said he would read it if the people wished and comment on it. Several called out, "Read it!" It was then read, also a portion of the third chapter to show the kind of women that would "take hold of one man" predicted in 4:1. And before Joseph got through with the reading and his comments, there was "music in the air." A perfect storm of applause followed.
Joseph was in fair health, although for several days he had been suffering
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