The farmer was, of course, “pretty considerably,” astonished at the quality and powers of the persons who addressed him, and, rather incredulously asked if they were quite sure that they could perform all which they professed.

“O certainly! not a doubt of it.  The Lord has commissioned us expressly to work miracles, in order to prove the truth of the prophet Joseph Smith, and the inspiration of the books and doctrines revealed to him.  Send for all your neighbours, that, in the presence of a multitude, we may bring the dead man to life, and that the Lord and his church may be glorified to all men.”

The farmer, after a little consideration, agreed to let the miracle-workers proceed, and, as they desired, sent his children to his neighbours, who, attracted by the expectation of a miracle, flocked to the house in considerable numbers.

The Mormon elders commenced their task by kneeling and praying before the body with uplifted hands and eyes, and with most stentorian lungs.  Before they had proceeded far with their prayer, a sudden idea struck the farmer, who quietly quitted the house for a few minutes, and then returned, and waited patiently by the bedside, until the prayer was finished, and the elders ready to perform their miracle.  Before they began, he respectfully said to them, that, with their permission, he wished to ask them a few questions upon the subject of this miracle.  They replied that they had no objection.  The farmer then asked,—­

“You are quite certain that you can bring this man to life again?”

“We are.”

“How do you know that you can?”

“We have just received a revelation from the Lord, informing us that we can.”

“Are you quite sure that the revelation was from the Lord?”

“Yes; we cannot be mistaken about it.”

“Does your power to raise this man to life again depend upon the particular nature of his disease? or could you now bring any dead man to life?”

“It makes no difference to us; we could bring any corpse to life.”

“Well, if this man had been killed, and one of his arms cut off, could you bring him to life, and also restore to him his arm?”

“Certainly! there is no limit to the power given us by the Lord.  It would make no difference, even if both his arms and legs were cut off.”

“Could you restore him, if his head had been cut off?”

“Certainly we could!”

“Well,” said the farmer, with a quiet smile upon his features “I do not doubt the truth of what such holy men assert; but I am desirous that my neighbours here should be fully converted, by having the miracle performed in the completest manner possible.  So, by your leave, if it makes no difference whatever, I will proceed to cut off the head of this corpse.”

Accordingly, he produced a huge and well-sharpened broad axe from beneath his coat, which he swung above his head, and was, apparently, about to bring it down upon the neck of the corpse, when, lo and behold! to the amazement of all present, the dead man started up in great agitation, and swore that, “by hell and jingo,” he would not have his head cut off, in any consideration whatever!