James Allan Smith's Spiritual Conversion and Reformation

“When the “Mormon” Elders first came to this country I heard such bad tales about them that I wanted to go and drive them out. I told some of my friends that I had driven many a negro out of the country, when I was connected with the Ku-Klux, and now I meant to do the same by the Mormons.” While I was making up a mob to go with me to carry out my purpose, one man said to me: “ Jim, go and see first if these things are true. If they are, I will go with you; if they are not true, I will not have anything to do with the matter.” I post- poned the mobbing and sent for the Elders (John M. Easton and Angus McKay). They came to my house and stopped with me two days and two nights. When they left, I had a different opinion of the Mormons.” They left some tracts and the “Voice of Warning.” I read them all twice over, and was convinced that “Mormonism” had been revealed by a higher Power than man. Six weeks afterwards I was baptized by Elder John M. Easton and confirmed by Elder Angus McKay. Before that time I drank whisky, tea and coffee, and smoked and chewed tobacco. 1 have paid strict attention to the teachings of the Gospel for the last five years. I have quit drinking whisky, coffee and tea, and have neither smoked nor chewed for two years. I had previously used tobacco for twenty-five years. My hardest task of all was to give up the practice of using it. I have been reading Mac’s “ Health Hints,” and believing them to be good, I have quit using bacon and lard, and of late have learned to eat without drinking water or milk at the table. If those mobs would take the same course that I have taken, it would be better for them. They should let the “Mormons” tell what they do teach. I know that by yielding obedience to what the Elders have taught I have become a better man in every respect, and I hope the time will soon come when I can learn something more concerning the exhaltation of the human family. Your brother, JAMES ALLAN SMITH”