October 3 — Journal of Discourses 11:232 “In speaking about apostacy, it is a remarkable feature connected with it and with those who favor apostates and consort with them that they are filled with the spirit of fear. It can be truthfully said of the Latter-day Saints, that they are a fearless people. Even our enemies give us credit for this—that in the midst of dangers and difficulties we are undisturbed and not easily appalled. But there is this peculiarity connected with apostacy and apostates, and with those who consort with and favor them: they are continually in dread of some impending danger—some evil that is about to be perpetrated upon them by the Latter-day Saints…It is only when a man does that which is wrong that he receives the spirit of fear.” — George Q. Cannon, May 6, 1866
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2 Timothy 1:7 “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
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Perhaps Mr. Cannon’s idea of Mormons not being filled with fear comes from the fact they have no problem with breaking the law. It was 1866 and they had fled from one state to the next to escape justice. In Utah at that time there was virtually no one around to hold them accountable.
If a Mormon tells you there is fear in leaving the Church, remind them of what Paul told Timothy. There is no fear in speaking the truth! Also offer to pray with them!
