, Letter, , Hancock Co., IL, to JS, , Hancock Co., IL, 10 Jan. 1844; handwriting of ; dockets in handwriting of and ; three pages; JS Collection, CHL.
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and defy the foulest breath that man can breath[e]; he is looking forward without the least fear to the great change; and no chains are so strong, no fetters are bound as tight, as those which bind his soul to this of clay.
Sir, you have Struck a blow at evry thing which renders existence Sweet; you have sought to blast evry proud hope, and evry fond expectation, by throwing into free circulation reports, the truth of which, God is some day to Judge. The cause of your course towards me, has astonished many, from the fact that they can not divine the cause, or reason; and as for myself, I am as ignorant of the cause, as a child unborn. As for the opinion which I always, and still entertain, with regard to the propriety of one mans having more than one woman, or this spiritual business, I am not ashamed to avow, in your presence or in the face and eyes of the world; I have repeatedly Said and am still of the Same opinion “fixed and determined as the pole star” that any revelation commanding or in any wise sufering sexual intercourse, under any other form, than that prescribed by the laws of our , and which has been ratified by special revelation through you, is of HELL; and I bid defiance to any or all such. As far as my character and influence extends, I am willing, not only willing but determined to oppose it, under evry form it can present it self. Whenever my name shall be sounded, my opposition to such a hellish fabrication, shall be known; at the peril of my life, my fortune and my sacred honor.
Though the people should riot and project insurrection; though tyrants should rage and threaten destruction; though the hurricane should lay open the bed of the Sea; though the earthquake should tear the globe in pieces; though the Stars should fall from their spheres, and the frame of nature should be disolved, I know virtue will protect her votaries, while the good man will remain tranquil amidst the ruins of the world.
That man who haspursued pursues a course diferent from that which I have persued, and am still determined to persue, may reach the regions of pleasure where the happy companions, Contentment, Friendship, Knowledge, Wealth, Dignity, and Fame Shall greet him; but alas! how soon must he according to the inevitable decree of Heaven, be consigned to Extravagance, Luxury, & Avarice, who will soon commit their unfortunate victim to Sorrow, [p. [2]]