LIFE IN THE FAB WEST 251 



persuasions, with "unanimity of belief and perfect 

 brotherhood." 



After a certain probation, Joe was led in body and 

 spirit to the mountain, by the angel who first appeared 

 to him ; was pointed out the position of the wonderful 

 book, which was covered by a flat stone, on which 

 would be found two round pebbles, called Urim and 

 Thummim, and through the agency of which the 

 mystic characters inscribed on the pages of the book 

 were to be deciphered and translated. Joe found the 

 spot indicated without any difficulty, cleared away the 

 earth, and discovered a hollow place formed by four 

 flat stones; on removing the topmost one of which 

 sundry plates of brass presented themselves, covered 

 with quaint and antique carving ; on the top lay 

 Urim and Thummim, (commonly known to the Mor- 

 mons as Mummum and Thummum, the pebbles of 

 wonderful virtue,) through which the miracle of read- 

 ing the plates of brass was to be performed. 



Joe Smith, on whom the mantle of Moses had so 

 suddenly fallen, carefully removed the plates and hid 

 them, burying himself in woods and mountains whilst 

 engaged in the work of translation. However, he made 

 no secret of the important task imposed upon him, nor 

 of the great work to which he had been called. Num- 

 bers at once believed him, but not a few were deaf to 

 belief, and openly derided him. Being persecuted, (as 

 the sect declares, at the instigation of the authorities,) 

 and many attempts being made to steal his precious 

 treasure, Joe, one fine night, packed his plates in a 



