We ... ascended the mountain to the alleged mining property of the Majestic Gold Mining Company. ... After a thorough inspection of the workings and an examination of the geological structure on the surface, ... we held them in an informal meeting a little over two hours. I had each of them explain the means by which he was induced to enter into this work. They all claim that they were impressed by the story told by Holton, and bore impassioned testimony to its truth. This story is to the effect that in his desire to procure means which would enable him to devote his time to Temple work for the dead, Brother Holton fasted and prayed and received visitations of heavenly personages and manifestations of divers kind by which he learned that in this locality immense bodies of rich gold ore lay hidden; and that he is the man through whom it is to be brought forth to be used primarily in building temples and in vicarious labor for the dead.
... I expressed myself in hearty accord and then at the request of the brethren told them how I regarded this so-called manifestation of divine power. Speaking under the influence of the Spirit of the occasion I bore solemn testimony to them that their undertaking was inspired of evil and that disappointment and trouble would surely follow a continuation of this useless work. I explained to them the predictions of old relating to the deceiving spirit which would lead men astray in the latter days and reiterated my declaration that these manifestations to which the brethren testified were not of God. Then in answer to a direct question I told them that I bore this testimony in the name of the Lord, and it was to them the Word of the Lord[.] The brethren were variously affected; and I believe some of them will renounce this utterly misguided undertaking.
We then returned to Brigham City and called again at the home of Fred J. Holton. With him were present his wife, a Brother Vitch Rich, who had come down from the mine with us, and Sister Vitch Rich. By request we explained again the geological structure as we had done to the brethren at the "mine", and I testified to Holton and those with him that this was the work of evil powers and explained to him the responsibility he had assumed in seeking to sell stock to innocent members under false claim of divine direction. I feel that in so testifying I have discharged my duty.
[Source: James E. Talmage, Diary]
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