Defense of the Faith and the Saints

Fifteen years ago, in announcing what was then a list of prospective books, the writer declared his intention to publish a “Scrap Book,” promising that it should be a choice selection of his miscellaneous writings, and mentioned as among the probable articles, Corianton, a Book of Mormon story; Mariam, a story of Zarahemla; Spirit Promptings, etc., etc., all which are here recalled as foreshadowing the author’s intention at that time. About then, however, the writer’s energies began to be devoted more exclusively to doctrinal and historical themes, and one circumstance after another arose which called him to the defense of the Mormon faith and the Mormon people, so that the character of his literary efforts were turned away from the…