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Far West, Missouri, August, 1838.
To the Public.
Whereas a certain letter has been published in the Zions Watchman (and perhaps in other prints) derogatory of the character of Presidents J. Smith, Jr. and S. Rigdon, purporting to come from me, I take this opportunity to correct the public mind concerning the matter.
Firstly, the letter as it stands in print is not a true copy of the one I wrote, but is altered, so as to convey a different idea from the original. But this much I acknowledge freely, that I did write a letter in great severity and harshness, censuring them both in regard to certain business transactions, but at the same time, expressing my entire confidence in the faith of the Church of Latter day Saints, the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants. This letter was written under feelings of excitement and during the most peculiar trials. I did not however believe at the time and never have believed at any time before or since, that these men were dishonest or had wrong motives or intentions in any of their undertakings, either temporal or spiritual. I have ever esteemed them from my first acquaintance as men of God, and as mighty instruments in His hands to bring forth, establish and roll on the kingdom of God. But I considered them like other man, and as the prophets and apostles of old, liable to error, and mistakes in things which were not inspired from heaven, but managed by their own judgment.
This letter was intended as a private admonition; it was never intended to be made public. But I have been long convinced and have freely acknowledged both to these men and the public, that it was not calculated to admonish them in the spirit of meekness, to do them good, but rather to injure them and wound their feelings, and that I much regretted having written it, I have asked their forgiveness and I hereby do it again. I no longer censure them for anything that is past, but I censure myself for rashness, excitement, imprudence, and many faults which I would to God, that I had avoided. But this much I can say, that the time past can only teach us to be more wise for the future. I close this communication by saying that from 1830 until now, I have had full confidence in the Book of Mormon, the revelations of God to Joseph Smith, Jr., and I still esteem both him and President Rigdon as men of the highest integrity, the most exalted principles of virtue and honor, and men who will yet be instruments in the Lord's hand to accomplish a work in which I shall esteem it the highest honor and the greatest blessing to bear some humble part.
(signed)Parley P. Pratt
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