Halsey’s was the first case of illness in the newly-formed sect that called itself already “The Church of Christ.”  Joseph Smith and Cowdery and a man named Whitmer, with whom the Smiths were now housed, having consulted upon it, decided that they must begin at once to carry out the commands of Scripture.  They came together, therefore, and anointed Halsey with oil, laying their hands upon him and praying fervently.  Halsey, believing himself to be healed, got up from his sick-bed, and his recovery progressed rapidly.

Full of excitement, fervour, superstition, and faith, the apostles of the new doctrine were fully persuaded that they might expect a literal fulfilment of the promise that signs and wonders should follow them that believe.  The fierce opposition and hatred which were roused by the reports of their doings are easily accounted for when we consider that their opinions had to encounter that curious distortion of reason which has caused religious warfare in all times and places to become the worst sort of warfare, and the fact which Smith himself had acknowledged when he first saw Susannah, that many evil reports about him had formerly been true; then also the new sect produced vehement psychical disturbance wherever it touched the surrounding population, and many things occurred which might, or might not, be termed miracles, according to the interpretation of the observer.  It was no longer possible for Joseph Smith to ride, as he had done on the day of Susannah’s marriage, with a minister of one of the older sects.  He became very notorious, and to every one except those who were interested enough in his doctrine to give him a fair hearing, his name became a synonym for all evil.

Halsey remained with Susannah at John Biery’s hotel.  Halsey was one of the few converts who could afford to live in comparative comfort and to pay something for the entertainment of destitute disciples.  For that reason the landlord, John Biery, held himself from the religious quarrel that was shaking the region.

Even before Halsey had regained his strength he drove Susannah to swell the congregation at the preachings which were daily taking place in different places within the township, for such converts as had already professed themselves were gathered now in the neighbourhood of Fayette.

Experiences came to Susannah in such quick succession that this was not a time of reflection.  Such part of her husband’s religion as she could appropriate she endeavoured very sincerely to embrace.  After the manner of the thought, of the time she supposed that the sect was either right or wrong—­if right, all right; if wrong, all wrong.  Sometimes the ghastly fear that her growing belief was false would arise with hideous menace.

CHAPTER XI.