Joe Geisner wrote:I would be interested to know where bcspace found the reference for the Palmyra Herald. It is clear that neither bcspace nor their source understand the intent of the author who wrote this article. With a little research and the correct tools neither person would be embarrassed by their major mistake.
The author, who wrote this originally for a Vermont publication, was writing parody much like Jonathan Swift or Al Franken would write. This author tells their readers that the only "genuine mineral rod" for finding real treasure is the "Plough" to dig the soil or "turn up the glittering dust in every furrow." The author also explains that "the best time for digging money, is early in the morning, while the dew is on." In other words, the New England work ethic is the only way to gain riches, any of the ways the Smith family sought riches was a joke, a major joke.
Mormon Apologist would do well to buy Rick Grunder's "Mormon Parallels." It might help them from making these major mistakes and/or corrupting sources like bcspace did with his/her response to this OP.
The Smith family were get-rich-quickers. It's so good that the Utah Mormons today are keeping up the Smith family tradition so well.