Latter Day Saints' Messenger and Advocate/Volume 2/Number 10/Editorials

Kirtland, Ohio, July, 1836.

We give in this month's paper, an extract from the writings of Elder Orson Hyde, on the prophecies. We consider it truly an admirable article, well arranged, evincive of close biblical reading, and deserving of a wider circulation than our brother's modesty, or the perversity of this generation would be likely to obtain for it. We obtained it through the kindness of a friend, and in justice to the author, we have to say it was a real mental treat to us. We trust it will do the saints good, and if perchance, it shall be read by those "who have a form of godliness but deny the power thereof," we hope, if it do not persuade them to give up their unjust prejudices & prepossession and obey the commandments of God, it will leave them without excuse. No one, unless he look through a jaundiced eye, can but say, that, our brother has done himself honor, as a biblical commentator, and the subject justice, as far as he has gone. We have understood that he designs pursuing it more extensively; and eventually publishing a volume on the subject. We earnestly hope he will, and that the specimen given, will be only a prelude to what is more lucid and convincing.

Although strictly speaking, we have to acknowledge ourselves trespassers, still we hope, that considering the importance of the truths selected, concentrated and made to bear upon the minds of all who read them, and how deeply interesting they are to all, we have ventured to violate, if not the law, the modern rules of etiquette, to give them publicity.

One more reason and we have done. We consider the subject one that never becomes irksome and palls upon the senses, therefore, what we have given will only make the saints the more anxious to obtain a volume when it shall be announced that it is forthcoming.—May that spirit which leads into all truth guide the pen of our brother, and assist him to become more useful to the church of which he is a member, and more useful in dispelling the mists of ignorance and moral darkness that have long brooded over the human mind.