210 LIFE IN THE FAR WEST. 



that physic was never used among them. The prophets visited 

 the beds of the sick, and laid hands upon them, and if, as of 

 course was almost invariably the case, the patient died, it was 

 attributed to his or her want of faith ; but if, on the contrary, the 

 patient recovered, there was universal glorification on the miracu- 

 lous cure. 



Joe Smith, was a tall, fine-looking man, of most plausible ad- 

 dress, and possessed the gift of the gab in great perfection. At 

 the time appointed for the performance of the walking- water 

 miracle, he duly attended on the river banks, and descended bare- 

 foot to the edge of the water. 



" My brethren I" he exclaimed in a loud voice, " this day is a 

 happy one to me, to us all, who venerate the great and only faith. 

 The truth of our great and blessed doctrine will now be proved 

 before the thousands I see around me. You have asked me to 

 prove by a miracle that the power of the prophets of old has been 

 given to me. I say unto you, not only to me, but to all who have 

 faith. I have faith, and can perform miracles — that faith em- 

 powers me to walk across the broad surface of that mighty river 

 without wetting the soles of my unworthy feet ; but if ye are to 

 see this miracle performed, it is necessary that ye have faith also, 

 not only in yourselves, but in me. Have ye this faith in your- 

 selves ?" 



" We have, we have !" roared the crowd. 



" Have ye the faith in me, that ye believe I can perform this 

 miracle ?" 



" We have, we have !" roared the crowd. 



" Then," said Joe Smith, coolly walking away, " with such 

 faith do ye know well that I could, but it boots not that I 

 should do it ; therefore, my brethren, doubt no more;" and Joe 

 put on his boots and disappeared. 



Being again compelled to emigrate, the Mormons proceeded 

 into the state of Illinois, where, in a beautiful situation, they 



